Lycanthropes appear later. We'll clarify what waas going on with the skull next time, and the cockatryce a little later. I could have ened the chapter with a long plot exposition but that's J.K. Rowling's signature, not mine.


I somehow thought you would.

In Europe we have an old tradition of gypsies - "Egyptians" - a nomadic travelling race who were viewed with suspicion as they wandered. They often earned their living as tinkers, entertainers, fortuen-tellers. Moranna's family come from that tradition.


Richard has a development arc to survive.