"If you all insist," Christine says, though it's really meant as a joke. No one has to twist her arm to get her to drink wine. She takes the bottle from Hermione and wiggles the cork back and forth until it gives with a satisfying pop. Once all those partaking have their glasses, she moves around the blankets, filling each until they say when. Then she settles back and swirls the drink under her nose.

"I do want to thank you all again for coming here today. You already have made my birthday very special."