p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The market square was a lively hub of activity, with colourful stalls lining the cobbled streets. The air was filled with the tantalising aromas of freshly baked bread, roasted meats, and sugary confectionery. Stalls brimmed with arrays of wares, from hand carved wooden trinkets to woven tapestries. The cries of traders hawking their wares competed with the laughter of children and the chatter of townsfolk./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"It was a perfect day for Salazar to con some unsuspecting muggles out of their pennies./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He set himself up in the most crowded part of the square, lowering a blanket onto the ground with a woven basket laid atop. He opened the lid and whispered inside./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Just a few more minutes in there, Rollo. Let me gather a crowd, and then I can buy you all the mice you can eat."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He heard the hiss of agreement, and smiled fondly as he closed the lid gently./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Come one, come all!" Salazar Slytherin called out, his voice carrying over the bustling market square. His eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief as he waved his hands, drawing attention to himself and his mysterious woven basket. "Ladies and gentlemen, gather 'round, for today you are in for a treat like no other!"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The curious townsfolk began to form a circle around Salazar, their interest piqued by his charismatic presence. Children stood on tiptoe, trying to catch a glimpse of what lay inside the basket./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Behold, a marvel of nature!" Salazar exclaimed, his voice resonating with theatrical flair. "I present to you, Rollo the Wise!" With a dramatic flourish, he lifted the lid of the basket, revealing the adder coiled within./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Gasps and whispers rippled through the crowd as they caught sight of the snake, its scales glistening in the sunlight. Salazar's eyes never left Rollo as he continued his mesmerising speech./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Rollo is no ordinary serpent, my friends. He possesses knowledge and wisdom beyond our wildest dreams. He has journeyed through the ancient secrets of the forest and learned the language of the creatures that dwell there."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Salazar gently extended his hand toward Rollo, who slithered up his arm and rested on his shoulder, its tongue flickering inquisitively. The crowd was captivated, their eyes fixed on the enchanting spectacle./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Now, who among you wishes to witness this extraordinary creature's talents?" Salazar asked, his eyes scanning the crowd. "Rollo can communicate with the very creatures of the wild, and today, he shall share their secrets with us."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"As the crowd leaned in, their anticipation palpable, Salazar continued to weave his enchanting tale, promising the snake to have mind reading abilities like no other and the ability to predict the future./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""You, fair lady!" He gestured towards a nervous looking frail woman with round eyes, "Why, you look like the kind of lady with a question for the all knowing Rollo the Wise. Now, clearly as you can, ask away! Anything your heart desires to know, Rollo here has seen the future and can tell you the answer!"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The woman shifted on her feet, eying the snake wearily./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Salazar Slytherin continued, his voice dripping with theatricality. "Rollo, the all-knowing and wise serpent, awaits your inquiry."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Rollo, perched on Salazar's shoulder, seemed to fix his gaze on the nervous woman. his tongue flicked in and out, and his eyes gleamed with an otherworldly wisdom that sent shivers down the man's spine./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Ask your question," Salazar urged, his eyes locked on the woman. "Rollo will reveal the truth that the future holds for you."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The woman cleared her throat and finally managed to stammer out her question, "Will... will I ever find true love?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"A hush fell over the crowd as they awaited Rollo's response. Salazar leaned in closer to the snake, as if to receive a whispered revelation. As he did so, he whispered for the snake to nod his head./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"After a dramatic pause that seemed to stretch on, the snake turned to the woman, before clearly nodding her head./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The crowd erupted into applause and excited chatter. The woman, despite her initial skepticism, couldn't help but smile with newfound hope./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Alas! Rollo has seen the threads of fate, and he says, "Yes, true love shall find its way to your heart, guided by the stars themselves!"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"As the crowd's attention remained fixed on Rollo and his seemingly mystical predictions, Salazar worked his true magic, deftly relieving some of the muggles of their valuables through levitation while they focused on the snake./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The marker square has become a stage for both wonder and deception, and Salazar Slythein played his role to perfection, leaving the unsuspecting townsfolk both enchanted and lighter in their pockets./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"By the end of the day, when Rollo was bored and Salazar's bag was significantly heavier than it was when he had arrived, he began to pack up his belongings happily and let Rollo wind himself around his arm under his woollen jacket./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"It was a crisp Autumn day, and Salazar bought himself a warm venison pie from one of the market stalls, which he devoured in minutes. He also made good on his promise to Rollo and bought him a fat rat to chew on, which he kept in his bag./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He walked slowly back to his small one room dwelling on the outskirts of Wales, dreading getting back to the cold and damp room. He could not afford much else, and knew that once the runners of the market caught on to his snake fortune selling show, he would be barred from the market as he always was. Then, he would need to come up with a new way to con muggles, which he had done plenty a time before./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He was only 13, but had begun his tricks and trades through necessity at a young age, when he had found himself homeless, penniless, and an orphan./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"At 8 years old, he had been lying under a bridge one night in the depths of winter, blowing hot air into his hands as he struggled to fight off the chill spreading down to his bones. Salazar had felt hopeless, and had resigned himself to freeze there, not to be found until the morning when someone would find him and dump his body into the river to clear space./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"As he had begun to lose consciousness, he had felt a heat radiate through him, and looked up to find a fire had sprung to life in front of him. There was no wood, no kindling, simply a blazing orange fire suspended in the air in front of him, and the warmth had saved his life./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Since then, he had found he could manipulate things the way he saw fit, and if he failed the first time, he would try and try again until he was sweating with effort, and wouldn't give up until he had accomplished it./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"For example, he had noticed a wealthier house in the town sometimes left piles of coins on their windowsill, but there was a heavy pane of glass which couldn't be broken without alerting the neighbours. So, Salazar had spent a full week watching the window from a nearby tree at night time, trying to force it open with his mind. He had been dripping in sweat, lightheaded and about to pass out with strain, when he had finally managed to nudge the window up a couple of inches from the garden./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Then, he focused all his effort on levitating the coins out of the window. Again, it took a while, but in the end the coins had mostly made it to him, and he had eaten well for the first time in months./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Salazar noticed that once he had achieved these feats for the first time, they got easier and easier until eventually they were like second nature. Now, he could slip the leather wallet or coin pouch from the pocket of any unsuspecting man and have it land in his hand without a thought./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He honed his abilities in secret, practising in hidden corners in the village, until he had saved up rough to buy his small one room home./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"As he now made his way back, he walked past the road which veered off into farm lands. He turned his head away deliberately, frowning as he tried not to think of unwanted memories. It wouldn't do to dwell on the past, he had to get home and get to sleep, there was money to be made and muggles to poach in the morning./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"It was a perfect day for Salazar to con some unsuspecting muggles out of their pennies./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He set himself up in the most crowded part of the square, lowering a blanket onto the ground with a woven basket laid atop. He opened the lid and whispered inside./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Just a few more minutes in there, Rollo. Let me gather a crowd, and then I can buy you all the mice you can eat."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He heard the hiss of agreement, and smiled fondly as he closed the lid gently./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Come one, come all!" Salazar Slytherin called out, his voice carrying over the bustling market square. His eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief as he waved his hands, drawing attention to himself and his mysterious woven basket. "Ladies and gentlemen, gather 'round, for today you are in for a treat like no other!"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The curious townsfolk began to form a circle around Salazar, their interest piqued by his charismatic presence. Children stood on tiptoe, trying to catch a glimpse of what lay inside the basket./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Behold, a marvel of nature!" Salazar exclaimed, his voice resonating with theatrical flair. "I present to you, Rollo the Wise!" With a dramatic flourish, he lifted the lid of the basket, revealing the adder coiled within./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Gasps and whispers rippled through the crowd as they caught sight of the snake, its scales glistening in the sunlight. Salazar's eyes never left Rollo as he continued his mesmerising speech./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Rollo is no ordinary serpent, my friends. He possesses knowledge and wisdom beyond our wildest dreams. He has journeyed through the ancient secrets of the forest and learned the language of the creatures that dwell there."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Salazar gently extended his hand toward Rollo, who slithered up his arm and rested on his shoulder, its tongue flickering inquisitively. The crowd was captivated, their eyes fixed on the enchanting spectacle./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Now, who among you wishes to witness this extraordinary creature's talents?" Salazar asked, his eyes scanning the crowd. "Rollo can communicate with the very creatures of the wild, and today, he shall share their secrets with us."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"As the crowd leaned in, their anticipation palpable, Salazar continued to weave his enchanting tale, promising the snake to have mind reading abilities like no other and the ability to predict the future./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""You, fair lady!" He gestured towards a nervous looking frail woman with round eyes, "Why, you look like the kind of lady with a question for the all knowing Rollo the Wise. Now, clearly as you can, ask away! Anything your heart desires to know, Rollo here has seen the future and can tell you the answer!"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The woman shifted on her feet, eying the snake wearily./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Salazar Slytherin continued, his voice dripping with theatricality. "Rollo, the all-knowing and wise serpent, awaits your inquiry."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Rollo, perched on Salazar's shoulder, seemed to fix his gaze on the nervous woman. his tongue flicked in and out, and his eyes gleamed with an otherworldly wisdom that sent shivers down the man's spine./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Ask your question," Salazar urged, his eyes locked on the woman. "Rollo will reveal the truth that the future holds for you."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The woman cleared her throat and finally managed to stammer out her question, "Will... will I ever find true love?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"A hush fell over the crowd as they awaited Rollo's response. Salazar leaned in closer to the snake, as if to receive a whispered revelation. As he did so, he whispered for the snake to nod his head./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"After a dramatic pause that seemed to stretch on, the snake turned to the woman, before clearly nodding her head./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The crowd erupted into applause and excited chatter. The woman, despite her initial skepticism, couldn't help but smile with newfound hope./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Alas! Rollo has seen the threads of fate, and he says, "Yes, true love shall find its way to your heart, guided by the stars themselves!"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"As the crowd's attention remained fixed on Rollo and his seemingly mystical predictions, Salazar worked his true magic, deftly relieving some of the muggles of their valuables through levitation while they focused on the snake./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The marker square has become a stage for both wonder and deception, and Salazar Slythein played his role to perfection, leaving the unsuspecting townsfolk both enchanted and lighter in their pockets./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"By the end of the day, when Rollo was bored and Salazar's bag was significantly heavier than it was when he had arrived, he began to pack up his belongings happily and let Rollo wind himself around his arm under his woollen jacket./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"It was a crisp Autumn day, and Salazar bought himself a warm venison pie from one of the market stalls, which he devoured in minutes. He also made good on his promise to Rollo and bought him a fat rat to chew on, which he kept in his bag./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He walked slowly back to his small one room dwelling on the outskirts of Wales, dreading getting back to the cold and damp room. He could not afford much else, and knew that once the runners of the market caught on to his snake fortune selling show, he would be barred from the market as he always was. Then, he would need to come up with a new way to con muggles, which he had done plenty a time before./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He was only 13, but had begun his tricks and trades through necessity at a young age, when he had found himself homeless, penniless, and an orphan./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"At 8 years old, he had been lying under a bridge one night in the depths of winter, blowing hot air into his hands as he struggled to fight off the chill spreading down to his bones. Salazar had felt hopeless, and had resigned himself to freeze there, not to be found until the morning when someone would find him and dump his body into the river to clear space./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"As he had begun to lose consciousness, he had felt a heat radiate through him, and looked up to find a fire had sprung to life in front of him. There was no wood, no kindling, simply a blazing orange fire suspended in the air in front of him, and the warmth had saved his life./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Since then, he had found he could manipulate things the way he saw fit, and if he failed the first time, he would try and try again until he was sweating with effort, and wouldn't give up until he had accomplished it./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"For example, he had noticed a wealthier house in the town sometimes left piles of coins on their windowsill, but there was a heavy pane of glass which couldn't be broken without alerting the neighbours. So, Salazar had spent a full week watching the window from a nearby tree at night time, trying to force it open with his mind. He had been dripping in sweat, lightheaded and about to pass out with strain, when he had finally managed to nudge the window up a couple of inches from the garden./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Then, he focused all his effort on levitating the coins out of the window. Again, it took a while, but in the end the coins had mostly made it to him, and he had eaten well for the first time in months./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Salazar noticed that once he had achieved these feats for the first time, they got easier and easier until eventually they were like second nature. Now, he could slip the leather wallet or coin pouch from the pocket of any unsuspecting man and have it land in his hand without a thought./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He honed his abilities in secret, practising in hidden corners in the village, until he had saved up rough to buy his small one room home./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"As he now made his way back, he walked past the road which veered off into farm lands. He turned his head away deliberately, frowning as he tried not to think of unwanted memories. It wouldn't do to dwell on the past, he had to get home and get to sleep, there was money to be made and muggles to poach in the morning./p