April 5th, 1895 — The Slums, Hogsmeade

The chipped cobblestones of Hogsmeade's alleyways near the slums would whisper secrets under Noémie's shoes. The dim moonlight would paint the scene in a ghostly grey. The air would become thick with the smell of something indefinably; it would cling to her like a second skin.

Noémie would feel her heart pounding against her ribs. The alleyway's shadows seemed to close in on her. Whatever it was, Noèmie did her best to remain calm.

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