Tapio nodded absent-mindedly to the headmaster and all the staff as he took his place. He looked glum this evening, very uncharacteristic of him. Even the promise of elf-baked cookies failed to cheer him up.
Tapio was worried about his youngest son again. Apparently he had taken up with a new friend, a boy this time, and was talking of leaving school yet again to wander who knew where. Tapio didn't care much who he fell in love with, boy or girl, as long as he found someone who wouldn't get him into trouble. But his son was unfortunately easily influenced by those he loved and seemed to have a habit of falling for the wrong person. And the lad was getting too old to be getting into scrapes now.
Most of all, Tapio was worried about his beloved Isla, who was beside herself with worry (and also in a bit of a temper by the time Tapio left for Hogwarts--perhaps returning to the safety of the castle might not be so bad after all). |