I would never recommend my novel as a parenting guide. But we happen to live at a very hectic and hurried time, and I believe that many parents are too wrapped up in themselves.

Hermione was screaming again: the sound went through Harry like physical pain.

I will defend the importance of bedtime stories to my last gasp.

There was a point where I really felt I had 'penniless divorcee lone parent' tattooed on my head.

Merlin’s beard, what is Xenophilius Lovegood wearing? He looks like an omelet.

Silence fell between the four of them as they looked up at the sky. There was no sign of movement, the stars stared back, unblinking, indifferent, unobscured by flying friends. Where was Ron? Where were Fred and Mr Weasley? Where were Bill, Fleur, Tonks, Mad Eye, Mundungus?

Professor,” Harry gasped. “Your bird — I couldn’t do anything — he just caught fire —