Shawn's refined appearance today, his gentle, polished manner, and his soothing words left Kingsley and Tonks somewhat stunned.
Was this really the commanding Black who had radiated a leader's authority in the meeting hall?
Tonks had been taught aristocratic etiquette by her mother, and Shawn's manner made her feel a little awkward.
Feeling that her current flippant appearance was inappropriate, she quickly withdrew her pig snout and restored her face, then spat her bubble gum into the wastebasket.
Kingsley took another look, confirming that the phoenix being bullied really was Fawkes.
Relieved, he bowed slightly to Shawn and greeted him calmly.
"Hello, Mr. Black. You've already treated Tonks and me very generously. We have no complaints; we'd just like to know when we can leave."
Shawn smiled warmly without answering right away, first setting two wands on the coffee table.
Then he summoned a tall chair with a gesture, took a White Jade Crescent 13-String Harp from his ring, and cradled it in his arm. Resting one foot on the footrest, he settled slowly into the chair before speaking to Kingsley.
"Listen to me play a piece, and you can leave."
This baffling move left Kingsley and Tonks completely bewildered.
Shawn paid them no mind.
He simply began to play, his expression focused as the slender fingers of his right hand swept across the harp.
"Plink, plonk... plink, plonk."
A gentle, pleasing melody filled the room, bringing Kingsley and Tonks out of their bewilderment.
Their restless emotions were soon soothed by the music, like the murmur of a stream in the dead of night.
"Plink, plonk... plink, plonk."
The simple, beautiful melody echoed like raindrops falling into a silent well, carrying something indefinable within its stillness.
Amid its drifting, subdued notes, it seemed to plead for something.
Was it the