walking at night

"I'll make you a deal. You help out around here--its just me and my daughter here right now. She's your age. You help us out with things we need done around the place, and you can leave your tent packed for awhile. You can use one of the guest rooms. What do you say? You'd have to be willing to do a few chores, and put up with my needing to take care of people. But you could stay. I can promise you a warm bed, plenty of fresh homecooked food, any pretty much anything else you need. What do you say?"

"You can put your tent up in my garden anytime," Khaat laughed. "At least there are protections around the property to keep you safe that way. I'm glad you're staying. I'll introduce you to my daughter as soon as I can. When was the last time you had a good meal? I'll conjure up anything you like. I'm not sure what kinds of magic you can do, but it does appear that you do have some significant skills for a young man your age. It is impressive. Tell us about yourself. And ask me any questions you have about me. You can ask Miseria about herself when you meet her."

"You can tell me anything," Khaat smiled confidently. "I've seen an awful lot. I cannot imagine anything you could say that would make me like you less. You are among friends here. Just say it."

Khaat smiled. She glanced over at Mo and Max, who had taken to hiding under the sofa. She laughed, "Come on out, guys. It's alright. I am not worried about your being an animagus, Gar. You should know--I am the niece of Remus Lupin. My uncle was a werewolf. We Lupins are very flexible people. Being an animagus will not bother me, unless you turn into a werewolf, and then my necklace will ward you off from me." She gestured to her magical necklace. "Short of that, we're fine. There are two guestrooms upstairs. One done in blue and one done in green. You can take either one. Now, back to my other question. Have you had dinner?" His being an animagus was the least of her concerns. She took it completely in stride and moved on to wanting to care for whatever his needs were.

As she was speaking she saw someone shine a brilliant and beautiful patronus outside. She rose quickly. "A patronus!" she said. She went to the door. She opened it and saw a young man outside. "Come in. Quickly!" She motioned to him. Anyone with a patronus like that was a friend, not an enemy.