Down the ladder is a basement filled with stuff. Ikea shelving creaks under books, bowls full of dried herbs, and, next to what looks to be the severed testicles of some large mammal, an intricately carved human skull. It seems to flicker with light as Buttercup descends, but on a second glance it's gone.

There's also a table with several items strewn across it. Harry picks up a carved walking stick made of dark brown wood. "This is my staff! It is a good friend of mine. I don't much like leaving it at home, but it kind of attracts attention. At least the blasting rod fits in the coat."