The explanation both unnerved and intrigued Holly. Moreover, why would Seneca wish to use it on her? Did she think herself mindlessly loyal? Or naive? "You speak of demons as if they're real," she said calmly, unconcernedly. "Papa always said it was the way muggles explained magic—dark magic, specifically." Holly had never thought Seneca would so easily persuaded by muggle myths... unless she'd been into one of those conspiracy-type books.

"And 'defame an enemy'... Do you mean by making them act ridiculous? It seems like a more ancient form of the imperius curse, if I'm honest," she continued, her brows furrowed in mixed concern and amusement.

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