"Excellent. But in the meantime, help yourself to any drink you like. I'm sorry I could not get more ladies to attend, but sadly all the ones I know are married or far too young." Galadriel's presence was a welcome surprise, but ever since Phoebe's departure, the only other female wizards in the castle were somewhere around the age of twelve.

"Assuming either is a deterrent, that is," he added teasingly.