Strings of Fate

Strings of Fate

Cam 11- Pranks and potions

I am surprised to find that Harrison is actually not a bad assistant. He listens well enough that I never have to repeat my directions more than once. He seems to be aware enough to not stand in my way when I move around and he even tidies up any spills I make along the

way without being asked. I don’t even mind his stream of questions at each stage of the process. For once he remains totally serious, not trying to flirt or make any kind of innuendo the entire time we work. It actually seems like he might be genuinely interested in what I’m doing. I try to imagine my grandmother’s reaction if she knew I was making a potion in front of a non–coven member. Somehow it makes the entire experience more entertaining and Harrison’s impressed exclamations every time I imbue the potion with magic and it changes colour or some ingredient dissolves away into it is far more satisfying than I would be willing

to admit out loud. We work quickly, but by the time we finish I’m surprised to find that it’s been over two hours. Oops, I didn’t mean to leave Cora working alone for so long. Hopefully it hasn’t been too busy for her. I step out to check on her.

“Are you alright out here Cora? I didn’t mean to be gone so long.” I tell her apologetically.

“Oh don’t mind me. It’s been pretty quiet out here. If I had a guy like that trailing after me I’d be taking extra long breaks too.” She winks at me.

“Cora! It’s not like that. He was just helping me with a potion.” I insist. Cora raises an

eyebrow.

“You’ve never asked me to do that.” She points out.

“Or left me alone in your work room for that matter.”

“What? I didn’t-” Oh shoot. I have left him there alone. I didn’t even think about it. How

strange, yesterday I hesitated to even let him in and now I’ve left him unsupervised. I’m suddenly struck with a bolt of fear and without another word I dash back to my work room. I expect to find that he’s gotten himself into trouble somehow or (please no) managed to ruin the potion which we just finished. But no, he’s… cleaning. I stop in the doorway, a little

stunned.

“You… put my things away.” I state the obvious, but I’m a little confused. Harrison whirls on

spot to face

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11- Pranks and potions

respond. No one has ever helped me clean up AFTER making a potion before. Even in my coven after we finished making a potion I would end up doing most of the clean up by myself. It’s why I developed such an obsession for keeping my supplies in order. My mother

told him quietly. Harrison

did most of the work. What kind of assistant would I be if I couldn’t at least help tidy. up? Is it alright?” He asks. I glance at the shelf. I swap over two herbs that he mixed up. An easy enough mistake to make, they do look fairly similar if you

did well.” I compliment him and he

do well.” He says suggestively, taking a step towards me. I

your face.” I tell him primly. I expect him to be offended but

sit

I’m a fantastic singer.” He winks at me and

course you were.” I

spell myself. I want to explain its use properly and I sort of want to see

But it’s just getting late and the bar is picking up. I really ought to work, not to mention I am expecting a delivery any time now and I don’t want to leave Cora to deal with

it seemed like a good idea. But now

I find I’m a little anxious. It was a lot of work and I don’t want to have

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Pranks and

so I can start all over again.

just take it tomorrow.” I start to put the

I was going to ruin it I would have already done it by now.” I sigh. He’s

as I reluctantly hand him. the little bottle. It immediately

it then grins mischievously.

that on purpose!” I accuse him. He gasps in fake offence and presses a hand to his chest dramatically.

you see.” He says in a mocking tone. I narrow my eyes. Well in that case. Before he can react, I grab his right