“I’m fine, but thank you all the same,” came the good-natured reply as the muggle moved to take the proffered seat. While Atticus had, in past, dealt with the local constabulary, this sort of formalized interview was altogether a new experience for him. He would have been lying to say he was not at least a little bit nervous about it.

From a place of logic, Atticus had done nothing wrong and so had nothing at all to fear. They were hardly going to lock him in a cupboard with another fire crab! Still, there was the young lady to…not protect, but not to land in the thick of it, and his constantly avoided but constantly present shred of unease around unfamiliar magic folk. Nervously, he fingered the brim of the hat resting in his lap.