Hedwig stirred her wings gently.
Only the ticking of the pendulum clock remained in the room.
Harry draped the trench coat over his shoulders.
The instant the fabric settled against his body.
The insides of the cuffs drew in slightly.
They were not tightening.
They were measuring.
Harry realized it immediately.
He raised his left hand.
The silver threads on the cuff revealed two fine lines.
One was very bright.
The other was still dark.
He lowered his head to look.
The fine lines retreated again.
"Stop that."
Harry tugged at his cuff.
"You have to let me learn how to use you first."
The collar clasp suddenly fastened itself.
Harry froze.
The next second.
A small patch of fabric on his back grew slightly warm.
It was not a dangerous heat.
It was a reminder.
He turned toward the window.
It had not been shut all the way.
The night wind was pouring through the gap.
The trench coat's collar immediately rose half an inch.
It shielded his throat.
Harry said quietly.
"You're assessing the environment."
The collar stayed still for a moment.
Then the cuff lit up again.
Faster this time.
Steadier.
Harry's breathing slowed.
It was not his first time wearing it.
But it was the first time he had felt.
That this thing had been waiting all along.
Not for him to grow taller.
Not for him to learn a few more spells.
It had been waiting for something to match and awaken.
The air by the door suddenly twisted.
A House-elf wearing a little waistcoat dropped into view.
He carried a brass case in his hand.
Fine runes were inlaid into its corners.
A rotating needle was embedded in its lid.
Once Dobby had steadied himself, he bowed first.
"Mr. Harry Potter."
"Good evening."
Harry