The bustle and clamor of the gathering, like fireworks under a Nonverbal Spell, settled into a blurred patch of warmth in his memories.
He stayed an extra night in Dorset County, talking with Leo and his family until late, then had breakfast the following morning.
Only that afternoon did he return to his home in London.
"Welcome home, sir."
With a soft pop, the House-elf Dobby appeared in the middle of the living room.
He wore a well-tailored black tailcoat, with a bright red bow tie at his collar.
He looked like a gentleman about to attend a dinner party, only much smaller.
He held a silver tray bearing a glass of lemonade that gave off wisps of cold vapor.
"Dobby thought sir might need this."
Dobby bowed as he offered the tray, just the right amount of concern shining in his tennis-ball-sized eyes.
"Long journeys can sometimes leave one's throat dry."
"Thank you, Dobby."
Douglas took the glass and drained it.
The icy liquid slid down his throat, dispelling the summer heat.
"Your lunch is ready, sir."
Dobby delivered his report at a steady pace.
"Also, today's Daily Prophet has been placed on the dining table."
"Dobby, you're gweat!"
Douglas nodded, took off his trench coat, and casually draped it over the back of the sofa.
"Let's go to the dining room."
Sunlight streamed through the clean glass windows, casting bright patches of light over the long dining table.
The latest Daily Prophet lay there quietly, its front-page headline almost laughably large.
"'Weird Sisters' new drummer has goblin ancestry? Pure-blood fans voice fierce protests!'"
Douglas picked up the newspaper.
"The wizarding world really is too boring."
"Perhaps Mr. Cornelius Fudge believes a boring wizarding world is the most stable kind."
Dobby stood to one side and spoke in his