The struggle that ensued was quick but not painless; Billy gasped as a knee connected with his his hip, and then hissed as something in his elbow popped when Greengrass slid under him in a way that through him off balance. Greengrass wasn't stronger than him, but he was impressively good at keeping his wand out of reach as Billy continued to reach for it with the hand he wasn't holding his wand with. It was only when an elbow connected to his nose that he recoiled backwards, giving Greengrass enough time to slip out underneath him and flee deeper into the rows of plants.

"I don't want to hurt you," he called out, his voice cracking on the last syllable. Panic had invaded his tone, and it wasn't clear whether it was an honest statement or an insinuated threat. He couldn't see Greengrass anymore, but he could hear him; the observatory was quiet but the floors were hard and smooth, causing each click of his shoes to echo as he fled. He began to follow, trying to keep his own steps quiet. He knew that there was a chance that, in following Greengrass, he could get lost and give the other man time to figure out what charm he'd placed on the door.

"I don't," he repeated, a bit more sincerity in his voice this time. "You wouldn't understand why, but I can't let you go yet. But I will, I promise. I won't hurt you. Just - Just stop."

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