Despite the urbanisation of the Scandinavian witches and wizards there are a few doing the opposite. Amongst them are the Mann family. Bashevis Mann has studied care of magical creatures for many years, and apprenticed with several of the most prominent scholars in the field. He met his wife, Anja, while both studied at the Durmstrang institute. Anja focused on herbology. They lived for many years in Denmark but a few years grew weary of living in a transfigured house in the middle of a busy city. So they moved to Dalecarlia and settled close to the border of Norway. “We like it so much better here, they air is much cleaner and the our children can run around without fear of being run over by some muggle vehicle,” says Anja. There are three children in the family. The two oldest is currently attending the Durmstrang institute, while the youngest, Albert, is still at home.

Albert is a shy boy and is reading a book that probably weighs more than he does. He is, like his, father, interested in magical creatures. “The giants are funny, even though they are a bit daft and can be dangerous. There are some living in the mountains close by and I go visit them sometimes. They don’t like adult wizards, but they think I’m ok.” The giants tolerate Albert to such an extent that they present him with gift, adding to his huge collection of knick-knacks. “I keep most of my collection in one of the outhouses. Once I was given a sock by a Lyktgubbe (a creature that walked around with a lantern scaring muggles) that had some magical lice on it, it took us a week to clean the house. Since then mother won’t allow me to have them in the house.”

His father Bashevis offered refuge to a family of Tomtar (muggles have in modern times visualised them as “Santa” that for some strange reason provide children with presents) after their home in an old barn was torn down. The family lives on an old farm so there is plenty of room for everybody. I tried to talk to the Tomtar but they are very shy but very protective of their hosts. Anja is grateful for their presence. “I know it was a long time ago, but when I heard about the break-in at the Kittelsons I have been scared. My husband won’t set up any protective wards as they might scare away any magical creatures. But I feel safe with the Tomtar and I knit them new hats every year. They only visit us once a year when we share a bowl of porridge together.”