Chapter 41 – Summer Break (1)
Arriving back home, I did it alone. Quincy would only come and visit in July, but then she would remain with us until the start of the next term. I expected Father to question me at once, but nothing like that happened. He acted as if I came home from a completely normal year of school, ignoring the fact of what had occurred at the end of it. We talked about how my studies went, which teacher I liked the most, how exciting the castle could be... but nothing about the death of Umbridge.
"Father..." I approached him a few days later when he was heading into his study.
"Everything is under control, son." He said with a wave of his hand. "I will deal with anything that crops up, don't worry."
"But-"
"I am too close to the fire." He replied to my unasked questions with a warm smile, patting me on the shoulder. "I don't need to know everything, especially because I trust you. Don't worry about my side; I can handle it... just grow strong. That is all!"
"I'll be more careful next time," I answered, not really knowing what to say.
"Even better." He chuckled and then entered his study, closing the door behind him.
"Too close to the fire..." I whispered, leaving and heading out into the back garden to enjoy the warm night and the stars above us. "Maybe he is afraid of someone reading his mind?" I asked myself, thinking I would also not want to know about certain things if that was a possibility. It is the best way to protect information... to protect... me.
"Is something the matter, Master?" Squeaky appeared, bringing a pot and cup to pour cold, iced tea for me when I stopped and sat down on a bench.
"No, nothing." I took a sip, rubbing her head, "Thanks, this tastes nice!"
"Squeaky is happy to serve, Master. When will young Mistress come?"