"It's a protection star," Frankie explained. He knew it didn't make anything feel better. That was why it was nice not to think about it for a while, to concentrate instead on preventing it spreading. He indicated the seven pots lined up in front of him. "Each of these at equal points around the house, with plants and stones arranged to keep out curses and malicious intent, and things. I did a sort of version of it for my OWLs, but that one was more for curses, this one has elder and tarrunwort and things, for protection against natural magic and disasters. Like earthquakes." He looked up at her. "I know it's not foolproof and hardly anything can stop whatever this village wants to do when it's messing with us, but I have to do something. If Mum turns into a toddler tomorrow I might just have an apoplexy."