The heavens opened, pouring what felt like a week's worth of early Spring rain onto Hogsmeade. For many, a hitherto delightful Saturday afternoon was ruined. Children playing in Padmore Park ran squealing for cover, ladies bee-lined for the shops with parasols erect, and a café owner who'd optimistically placed seating outside grumbled as he levitated his chairs back indoors.

But Arven was stuck out in the rain. His trademark long green coat was fair protection, but his long golden hair was already slick with rainwater. He was getting impatient now as he once more leaned on the stone wall by a grassy ridge near the park and barked; "Virgil! Come on lad, where are you?" Arven's pet ferret, Virgil, had vanished into a rabbit hole fifteen minutes ago and still hadn't emerged.

Maybe he'd found a darn ferret kingdom in there.

Robin Ashdown