It was the start of Christmas break, and Poppy had gone from the school to the train station. She was pleasantly surprised to see that the oh-so-prompt train from the station to Kings Cross was unusually late. They were predicted to have at least a two hour delay before departing, and it was already a very dark and overcast afternoon. Poppy had heard a couple of the professors worrying about an impending snowstorm and their desire to get the students back to their families before the snow started.
Poppy wasn't worried, though. She liked snow on Christmas, and she was hoping to see a little bit more than the slight dusting they had. She felt for the galleons in her pocket, and was relieved to know they were still there. Her father had been diligent in sending her an allowance, which Poppy hadn't spent. It seemed like the perfect time to go Christmas shopping.
She headed down the village street, looking in the windows of the shops. She had a sharply limited budget, but she still wanted to buy her siblings and her parents something. This year, instead of feeling like an only child, she had siblings to consider. Since meeting her biological father's family, she had met her 3 half brothers and her half sister. She also had a half brother by her mother. And, this year, she had grandparents--her father's parents. She was excited about Christmas for once.
She heard a noise. Something that caused fear to race up her spine. It was a low growl. Poppy knew the sound much too well. And then she smelled something that reminded her of a wet, filthy dog. She turned and saw the glimpse of a face she knew much too well--someone worth being frightened of. She quickened her step and, opening the closest door she could find, she stepped inside.
The smell of warm chocolate and sugar filled her senses. Honeydukes. She was grateful to see the shop was crowded with people, and the sight of endless sugary delights helped her to feel safe. Surely, surely the figure she'd seen in the alleyway would not dare to follow her in here.
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