Strings of Fate

Strings of Fate

Cam 19- Bills and backup

In the end, it takes another twenty minutes until I’m completely closed up and ready to head home. The place is already clean since I was avoiding Harry so awkwardly earlier, but it takes a few minutes to finish counting the till, put the money in my safe which I keep locked physically and with a magic lock, much like my potion storage shelf. I’m the only one who can open it. I spoke to my co–owner about it when setting it up and he agreed that the additional safety of a magical lock was worth giving up his own access. I don’t think he even lives in town so he has no reason to be here in the first place. Lastly, I finish locking up the building.

“You left the lights on.” Harry observes. Moments later, they all –

eyebrow. I grin back.

off and he raises an

“I had a slow night so I rigged a spell. Once this door gets locked for the night the lights will turn off as long as there is no one left inside the building. It’s not perfect, but it means I don’t have to worry about forgetting a light and driving up the electric bill.” I explain.

“You can do that?” Harry asks dubiously.

“Sure, there are a lot of things you can do with magic. But a lot of them aren’t available to the public because they would be too expensive. Like the spell I did on the power. It wasn’t that difficult, but it took hours. Can you imagine what it would cost you to get HOURS of a Witches time? They charge an arm and a leg for potions that they can make in bulk which

take only an hour to make. Unless they charge thousands of dollars an hour which realistically noone is actually going to pay, a spell like that just isn’t going to make them any money. So it isn’t advertised. People don’t think to buy something they don’t know is possible or don’t imagine they can afford. You should visit a coven house sometime. I swear those places are so jam packed with spells that if you took the magic out they would all come tumbling down.” I joke as we walk, Harry seems cheerful, swinging his arms as he walks.

“That’s surprising. Witches make all magic seem so difficult and out of reach.” He comments.

1 roll my eyes.

figure out the exact way to make something work, why do you think Witches are so protective of their grimoires? It’s much easier to learn how to do something if you

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19- Bills and backup

what to do, using magic is as easy as breathing. The hard part is knowing what the end result of a spell will be. It’s why I prefer potions. I can measure them out and plan them carefully. Spells are a little more unpredictable. I like to stick to tried and tested spells.” I explain.

experiment. How many untested potions have you fed me so far?” He asks with

that I didn’t try myself first. I might not react the same way you do since I don’t have the same system as you, but I can at least be sure that nothing I give is harmful. I’m not

You don’t do that on your own do you? Like you at least make sure there’s someone around to call for help if something goes

demands.

this argument with my family many times. They used to insist it was too risky and that I should just pay someone desperate to try the

if you wouldn’t even test one on me. But surely you don’t test them alone… right?” Harry actually sounds really concerned. I never used to test them alone. My mother didn’t agree with my choices, but she was still there in the end to bail me

on my own. Not that I

there are various healing potions around that have been thoroughly tested.” I answer. Damn it, I sound like I’m making excuses. I sort of am, I know it isn’t safe to test potions alone. Harry walks beside me in silence for a

case, I’m saying not anymore to YOUR not anymore. Next time you decide

ask, strangely nervous

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19- Bills and

me.or

judging me, or maybe I’m judging

firmly and I can’t help but smile. That was the answer I wanted to

because the walk didn’t feel as long as it usually does, particularly after a night as

good night Harry.” I