“So why in the name of Merlin’s saggy left —”“Don’t talk to your mother like that.”

“And what in the name of Merlin’s most baggy Y Fronts was that about?”

“Merlin’s beard, what is Xenophilius Lovegood wearing? He looks like an omelet.”

“Merlin’s beard.”

“I uprooted my daughter and left my job and moved house for you, and you treat me like a hooker you don’t have to pay.”

“It was so good to be held. If only their relationship could be distilled into simple, wordless gestures of comfort. Why had humans ever learned to talk?”

“But I don’t think I’ve ever known such a natural at Potions!” said Slughorn. “Instinctive, you know — like his mother! I’ve only ever taught a few with this kind of ability, I can tell you that, Sybill — why even Severus —”And to Harry’s horror, Slughorn threw out an arm and seemed to scoop Snape out of thin air toward them.”