The world is my oyster. I can do whatever I like.

However my parents - both of whom came from impoverished backgrounds and neither of whom had been to college, took the view that my overactive imagination was an amusing quirk that would never pay a mortgage or secure a pension.

Percy wouldn't notice a joke if it danced naked in front of him wearing one of Dobby's hats.

Snape was looking as though the first person to ask him for a Love Potion would be force-fed poison.

Krystal flung herself violently off the chair, away from her mother. She was surprised to feel warm liquid flowing down her cheeks, and thought confusedly of blood, but it was tears, only tears, clear and shining on her fingertips when she wiped them away.

I love inventing names, but I also collect unusual names, so that I can look through my notebook and choose one that suits a new character.

Montague's just been found in a toilet, Sir.