er, as I live and breathe, Slughorn said warmly, taking Harrys hand in both of his.

Very good of you indeed to ask us to come. You know Im always interested in new developments in the international magical community. Harry led the group to a gate in the stone wall. It opened onto a neat flagstone path that meandered toward the lake. Dont thank me, either of you. I only brought the both of you along so that you could ask all the smart questions and make sense of what they show us. Slughorn laughed indulgently, but Neville only smiled. James figured that his dad was probably telling at least part of the truth, and only Neville knew it. The group approached a large canvas tent that was pitched on a low rise overlooking the water. An American flag hung limp on one of the tents poles, over a flag emblazoned with the Alma Aleron crest. A pair of American students stood talking nearby. One of the students saw the group and acknowledged them with a slight nod. He called toward the tent. Professor Franklyn? After a moment, Franklyn emerged from the side of the tent, wiping his hands on a large cloth. Ah! Greetings, visitors, he said graciously. Thank you so much for coming. Harry shook Franklyns outstretched hand. It