Chapter 33: The Rep
She was surprised to see Tom leading her into a rather homey inn in the alleyway. Well, if Harry was to be honest, it would definitely not be "homey" by any normal standard, but it felt that way to her. The inn was nestled between two other shops in the alley. One of the shops had a broken window, while the other was dark, with a white "Closed" sign hanging on the door. The inn in contrast, had small lantern giving off a warm light that casted a yellowish glow into the alley. The wooden door was shut, but cheerful noises could be heard from the inside, and firelight flickered from the slit underneath the doorway.
Without preamble, Tom gave three sharp knocks on the door. Immediately, all sounds from within ceased. Heavy footsteps could be heard from the other side of the door, increasing Harry's anxiety as the footsteps neared. Finally, the footsteps opened, and the door opened a crack. Revealing a tall brusque man with a face peppered with hair. He could perhaps be likened to Hagrid, except the man in front of them kept his beards shortly trimmed. There was a scar across his nose and a scowl on his face.
Giving them a once over, the man's scowl deepened.
"What are young lasses like you doing here?" He spoke with a rather thick Scottish accent.
Tom smiled charmingly at the man. "Ah, a bodyguard perhaps? I received news that a Durmstrang representative was in England, and I believed a warm welcome was in order, seeing as our current headmaster had refused you." Tom replied smoothly.
The man blinked, confused. "What are you talking –"
"Let him in." A voice behind him commanded. The burly man immediately opened the door at the order, revealing a mildly crowded room with a small fireplace.
"Two first years? How interesting. And might I ask how you came upon such information?" A hooded figure which sat at the head of the table inquired.
His face could not be seen clearly under the hood, and Tom frowned at the disadvantage. Harry however, ducked behind Tom as she felt cold magic radiating off the stranger.
"Well," Tom began, "You could say I have my sources."
A/N: Dodges knives, forks, whatever else is being thrown* Okay, admittedly I have been a little (scratch that) very, lazy. But I do have my reasons. Summer school and living abroad in a region with internet censorship does that. I'm currently in China visiting family. I love my people and my city, but the internet is crappy and the country... (well, that's another political debate). So yeah, finally had a chance to write. Enjoy! R&R