32. Careful

"Careful," Susan warned, impulsively reaching out a hand to Justin, feet away, who had lost his balance.

The Muggle-born let out a soft chuckle, obviously strained, but unwilling to let Susan on to his fear. "Oh, this is nothing, Susie." It had to have been over a year since she had heard him call her that. His eyebrows shot up to his hairline as he looked down over the ledge he was inching along. Below, the occasional flash of a spell could be seen.

Susan looked away, tearing at her hair and squeezing her eyes shut. "If only Hannah didn't...!"

"Well," Justin had reached the end of the ledge, standing solidly on the opposite set of stairs. "If I'm right in thinking, that might have been the Death Eater who killed her mother." As Susan's mouth dropped, Justin held out his hand. "Now, if you'll come along, I'm sure Ernie and Hannah would appreciate our help." As she stepped up to the skinny ledge, all remaining of the landing, Justin grimaced. "Just be careful..."

xx

I apologize for the wait!

-Reels