“Stupefy!” the wizard cast in measured tone, only the hastiness of his wand betraying his nerves as he took slow steps backwards. The first stunner missed it’s mark, prompting Herbert to cast again—and a third time for good measure, though the second had done the trick.

Momentarily sure of their safety, he turned to Holliday, bending so that he might be on eye level, his calm from before all but evaporated.

“We must be away, quickly! Grab hold of me!”