Angus took Khaat's boys up for their naps.
"Get your potion," Kate told him. "I'll get my coat." He got up and headed for his room. She accio'd her coat. She looked at the others. "I'm going to make him do some early holiday shopping. I'm going to make him have fun if it kills him."
"Well done," Edward laughed. "He's too young to get stodgy."
"I don't think he's stodgy," Kate said. "I honestly think that he's..."
"I know," Edward cut her off. "He's hurting. In his own way. He doesn't honestly believe anymore that the curse he carries can be undone."
"How did you know?"
"I can feel it. And I can see it in him. And I'm thinking part of that hopelessness must be part of the curse. The Robert I know would fight."
"He is," Kate said. "He spends his time doing nonstop research. You have no idea how many books he's read since this happened. How many he's bought or re-read or borrowed. How many notebooks he's filled with research. How many potions he's tinkered with.'
"I do know, Kate," Edward said, "But, yes, you do need to get him out. Go and have a good time."
Robert came downstairs, dressed as Michael, wearing Michael's clothes and wool pea coat.
"Did you bring more potion?" Kate asked. Robert showed her the bottle and then tucked it back in his pocket. Kate put on her coat. "You lot are sure you've got this?" Kate asked.
"Go," Edward said. Kate nodded. She went to reach for Robert's arm to apparated with him, and he pulled away. She stopped, sighing, frustrated. Instead, he offered her the opposite end of a winter scarf to hold them together. "Of all the...oh, fine," Kate sighed, taking the scarf. "You drop me, and I swear, Robert,...." she was still grumbling when he apparated them out.
"Well, that won't be fun," Edward laughed, "Dangling off a wool scarf like that. No witch in her right mind does that. Let's hope the yarn holds up."