Ailsa, true to form, noticed precisely no change in her new friend’s demeanour but even she took a moment to consider the implications of his questions. Had he been educated abroad where the subject was called something else? It seemed unlikely give his cut glass accent which left only one option really: he was a muggle. Ailsa’s eyes widened in delight.

“If you’re eldest is learning I’m sure you’ll find out in the next holidays,” she said wryly. “Technically magic isn’t permitted outside of school until you’re of age, but, well, the young are prone to finding loopholes and potions usually don’t require spellcasting, just ingredients, so they’re a favourite when it comes to bending the rules.”

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