James, Harry Potter said delightedly, pulling the boy into a rough hug and ruffling his hair.

My boy. Im so glad to see you, son. Hows school? James shrugged, smiling happily but feeling suddenly shy. There were several other people present he didnt recognize, all of them looking at him as he stood with his father. You all know my boy, James, Harry said, squeezing James shoulder. James, these are some representatives from the Ministry whove come along with me. You remember Titus Hardcastle, dont you? And this is Mr. Recreant and Miss Sacarhina. They both work for the Department of Ambassadorial Relations. James shook hands dutifully. He did remember Titus Hardcastle when he looked at him, although he hadnt seen him for a long time. Hardcastle, one of his dads head Aurors, was squat and thick, with a square head and very tough, weathered features. Mr. Recreant was tall and thin, dressed rather fussily in pinstriped robes and a black derby. His handshake was quick and loose, rather like holding a dead starfish. Miss Sacarhina, however, didnt shake hands. She smiled hugely at James and squatted down to his level, examining him up and down. I see so much of your parents in you, young man, she said, tilting her head and affecting a conspiratorial manner. Such promise and potential. I do