Her impression of its being some sort of fantasy manual solidifies. On page four, the book claims to offer the secret of immortal life; page seven is summoning the devil for a favour; twelve to sixteen is a variety of "potions.’ Obviously arrant nonsense – Hermione is nothing if not practical – but her insatiable thirst for knowledge is urging her onwards. The book looks old, maybe even Regency era or earlier: the paper is curling and yellow. Whatever is inside will undoubtedly prove an invaluable insight into the little beliefs and superstitions of a bygone age.