Laurel pulled her cloak tightly around her body, shielding herself from the chill of the morning air. It was early; the sun hadn’t yet risen from its sleep, but the light of the moon was dimming as the indigo sky transitioned to a pale lavender. Retrieving her wand, the girl began to murmur the counter spells that would allow her entry into the small building, and the words fell from her mouth like recited lines – easy but controlled. As the lock on the door finally clicked to signify that is was open, she pushed forward and entered the shop.
Immediately, she knew that something was off. The place was already immaculate, meaning Smeech had either gotten here uncharacteristically early and tidied the place himself or she had developed a case of amnesia directly after entering. Both of these scenarios were highly unlikely. She didn’t hear any voices and so far the store front appeared to be void of other individuals. But she couldn’t shake the feeling that there was someone else here – someone alien. She clutched her wand, going over all the curses she knew that would stop motion without causing too much harm.
As if on cue, the creaking of the old floorboards touched her ears, and she could hear footsteps nearing. As they grew closer, Laurel’s gaze darted ahead and upon locking eyes with another person, she immediately lunged forward, pressing the tip of her wand against his side. “Locomotor mortis.” She spoke rapidly, almost fumbling over the words as she tried to freeze whoever had managed to get in before opening hours. The pace of her heartbeat quickened as adrenaline took over. She had barely looked at the person before reacting, mind racing at a mile a minute as she tried to determine the best way to subdue him.
Now that he was slowed, she took the opportunity to survey him. Hazel eyes narrowed, as there was something painfully familiar about this man, but she refused to take any chances. Polyjuice potion had nulled any comfort brought on by familiarity. If she hesitated for even a millisecond, this intruder could turn on her. “You’ve got five seconds to explain why you’re here,” she warned, jabbing her wand further into his side, “so start talking.”
