Henry, Brianna, and Coralis left the house well before the sun had crested the horizon. And given the gloomy forecast, they knew they might not see the sun at all that day. They were heading for the train station several hours away in Pittsburgh. It wasn’t the closest station to the house, but it was where Mrs. Verrity began her journey and was one less train connection on the first leg of their trip.

Of all the strange things Henry had witnessed recently, seeing the old Wand Master behind the steering wheel ranked perhaps higher than it should. There were some odd sounds from the engine and more than a few exclamations of “Bahtzen bizzle!” But eventually they were on their way.

Brianna slept on the backseat, curled comfortably in one of her favorite sweatshirts. Henry continued to read Mrs. Verrity’s diary with the aid of a battery-operated book lamp. He didn’t think Coralis needed to know it was an official Harry Potter book light.

“Henry,” Coralis said softly. “Why don’t you put that foolish light away.”

Henry snapped it off too quickly. He fumbled to catch it as it slipped from his grasp. “Sorry, but how will I read in the dark?”

Coralis smiled but never took his eyes off the road. “I believe it’s time I became a responsible adult again.” The glow of light from the dashboard cast his face in shadow. Crow’s-feet crinkled the corner of his eyes. It was the first time Henry saw him as more of a friend than a craggy old Wand Master. “It’s time we accelerated your training.”

Henry’s heart skipped a joyful beat. “But . . but … do you really think I’m ready?”

Coralis chuckled. “No one is ever ready for the odd and unusual turns of life, but preparation for the unexpected is helpful. Now take out your wand.”

Henry put the book light away and did as instructed. The wand felt more comfortable with each touch. It was now more a part of him than any of the treasures he had collected in his loft.

“You feel it, don’t you? The wand is you and you are the wand. It is an extension of your inner self. By concentrating through it, you can enhance your natural strength and talent.”

Strength? He’s never seen me swing a baseball bat, thought Henry.

“Strength of the mind and spirit can overcome most physical challenges, but only if you have the confidence in yourself.”

Henry thought back to the ball field. He knew he would strike out every time he came to the plate. What would have happened if he’d projected the confidence of hitting the ball as he glared at the opposing pitcher? Would it have helped? He almost smiled. It certainly wouldn’t have hurt.