CHRIS BOHJALIAN

Chris Bohjalian, who lives in Vermont, is the author of 11 books. His most recent novel is "The Double Bind."

Hermione motioned toward the portkey, a cupcake the size of a quaffle, and murmured quietly, "It's time to go."

Harry thought about this, and wondered why almost everything he and Ron and Hermione had ever said was modified by an adverb. Was this a spell left upon Hogwarts by an ancient Slytherin professor?