na Aco

rors near the back wall. I adjusted the collar of Greyson's new silver-grey academy robes. I ignored the enchanted measuring tapes that zipped through the air like silver snakes, focusing entirely on my brother. I pulled the

His expensive dragon-leather boots stomped aggressively against the polished floorboards. He pointed a shaking, accusing finger directly at us. Beside him stood a taller, broader student.

m forward. His high-pitched voice echoed unpleasantly across the boutique. "That is the slum trash I told you about! I was just looking at a wand, and she attack

er's obvious lie without a single second of thought. He stepped sideways and intentionally blocked the only exit.

le brother right now," the older student demande

y knocked into display racks. Wooden hangers clattered loudly to the floor. A wi

"If you refuse, I will make sure your pathetic Null brother does not survive his first wee

silky fabric. I pulled it tight. I adjusted the knot perfectly against his stiff collar. I didn'

aid. My tone remained completely flat and bored. I didn't raise my voice. "You can report me

, overgrown child. I simply let my hands drop to my sides and locked my cold, dead gaze onto the older broth

ipped with a loud, satisfying tearing sound. The bottom hem curled upward rapidly. The dark, intimidating fabric lost its color instantly. It bleached white before rapidly turning a bright, glaring, neon pink. It

together. He tried to take a step forward to curse me. He immediately lost his balance. He tipped backward and fell onto the floor with a heavy, embarrassing thud.

ble laughter. People covered their mouths. They pointed openly at the proud fourth-year duelist rolling around helplessly in pink lace. A witch near the counter pulled out a

t his own legs. He shouted every counter-curse he had ever learned in his dueling classes. Sparks shot from the tip of his wand. The sparks hit the pink lace. The ench

rsing duelist. I stopped for a brief second. I looked down at him as he tried to rip the magica

d," I said. My voice cut cleanly through the roaring laughter in the shop. "It i

bustling street, leaving the two arrogant purebloods to