The trek was largely uneventful, but the first sight of the lake was so disorienting that Thaddeus felt his stomach knot in dread. "Poison, yes. I wonder if Irvingly residents have been affected by the water at all, or of this is a new development," he said thoughtfully.

But the crack of a branch drew (almost) everyone's attention to it: Miss Trelawney and Mr Townsend headed for the lake, and although Thaddeus was also interested in the water he chose to stay put - far be it from him to question the advice of an Auror. He hardly minded Miss Connolly's commandeering of the group, instead thinking that as an experienced Auror and (if the rumors were to be believed) practical sort, it made sense that she should lead. Thaddeus kept one eye on Maeve and the other on the expanse of forest where the sound came from, hand on his wand as he waited.