For a fleeting moment, the uncertainty and inconvienience of the situation were replaced by a spark of novelty—Persy had never before had cause to stay at an inn. It was a freedom she had simply never been afforded—so long as this ordeal did not last forever, perhaps it would not be all bad.

But would staying at The Three Broomsticks under the care, such that it was, of the Ministry be truly a freedom, or simply a purgatory of sorts? It would be foolish to turn down such an offer, and yet when Persy responded, the words that left her were, "that is very good of you Mr. Applegate, although... I think I might at least make an effort to stay with a friend."

  

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do you know what happened that night?

— mj makes glorious sets! —

"Oh, of course," Ezra replied with a curt nod. He was not much bothered where the young ladies slept, given that he had never considered the problem until twenty seconds earlier. "I'll send all your names, and then the Broomsticks can let the Ministry know which ones were used and what the charge is. If you need the room, it will be there for you," he assured them. "And if you're able to stay with a friend, I'm sure you'll be more comfortable. I'll do my best to have this handled swiftly, either way."

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