Her hand in his—how exhilarating that felt!—the wizard disapparated with the tell-tale pop!, reappearing in an instant in his very own study, his very own home. It had been the first place to come to mind, a sanctuary that Aldous yearned to share with her, for she alone could truly appreciate it, could appreciate him.

He moved to steady her, remembering that side-along apparition was not always a comfortable experience. It was important, he thought, that she be comfortable, content, as elated as he—for if not, she might recognize his unworthiness, leave him for another man.