Moving Out...

The Hogwarts' Poltergeist problem has gotten out of hand, so they have had to move out. At least for a while, until they get things sorted. (You might have noticed the different floorboards and wallpaper in my last post. They have temporarily rented a tiny cottage in the woods.)

I really do hope they find a solution. While the triplets have been rather unperturbed by leaving, Hester has been all the more upset. Autumn is the busiest time of year for her and she would really prefer to not have to spend her time packing things into boxes and moving around furniture.

Today, Hester and Hamish have come back to the house to pick up the last piece of funiture. It is Hester's beloved red armchair.

"Oh dear," says Hester as they pick up the antique chair, "I wish it wasn't so heavy."

Suddenly Hamish drops his side of the armchair and takes a few steps back. 
"What is it?" asks Hester.

"Have a look at this little rascal!" says Ham as he points to a large grey rat on the floor. 

"The poltergeist doesn't seem to worry HIM! And now we know what happened to our cheese. He's having dinner this one. A proper feast!"

As they continue to heave the chair out of the room, Ham can see Hester's demeanour change. "Hester, what are you brooding on now?" 

"Hamish... the rat... shall we really leave it here?"

"With the cheese you mean? Well, he might have a belly ache in the morning. Serves 'im right for stealing the entire loaf!"

  
"I'm not referring to the cheese, silly! I mean the you-know-what. Can we leave the rat alone in this house when there is a you-know-what mucking about?" 
Ham thinks about his wife's words and starts to grumble to himself as he sweeps the floor. 

"Are you thinking about taking on another "family pet", Hester Hogwart? When we've just gotten rid of barmy little Wiggle the frog??"
"Oh you!" groans Hester, "Don't pretend to be so cold! You like our pets more than you tend to admit and we didn't "get rid" of Wiggle, we sent him to Gertie and Magica as a gift, and because he was driven by wanderlust!"

"Same thing if you ask me... Alright, alright!" grunts Hamish, as they finish up cleaning and he carries the dust pan outside. 
Hester is happy because she has just found a lonely carving board she had forgotten in a dark corner of her lab, on which to place the rat and its dinner. 

"Come here little fellow. You'll be safe with us," says Hester reassuringly.
"I 'spose he will, Hester," teases her husband, "But who is going to protect our CHEESE?!"

"Now, let's see... What should we call you? How about Hector? Or Rupert? Or Percival? We'll think about it..."

The Hogwarts have closed the door behind them as the oven door slams open on its own accord. "BOOOM!!!" can be heard throughout the kitchen, lab and living room, but there is no one there to hear it...

Or is there???

I would like to end this post with two questions for you to chew on.

Question nr 1: Is the house really empty?

Question nr 2: What should they name the rat?? Any suggestions?

:)

*This delightful rat and its cheese was made by georgiamarfels.