The following morning, Hermione rose just before daybreak, wanting to see if Draco actually turned up. Richard had risen already and was in the barn with the lantern, preparing the equipment he would need. Hermione performed her ablutions, lit the potbelly stove with a wandless spell and set the kettle on the hob. She watched through the window, yawning, as the sky began to lighten. She heard a sound behind her and turned to see her mother descending the steps leading to the loft.