Different Perspectives

Apply again?

After taking her seat, a flicker of interest passed through Amelia's brown eyes, but she quickly suppressed it. That was not why she had come here.

"You misunderstand, Mr. Grevis—"

Amelia rose and handed Mr. Grevis, across the desk from her, the receipt she had obtained from the Wand Licensing Office.

"I came because, following the Department of Security's instructions, the Immigration Office has confiscated the wands of Amosta Breen, who entered the country this evening. I delivered Mr. Breen's wands to the Wand Licensing Office for safekeeping. This is the receipt of acceptance issued by Chargo Limon, who is on duty tonight. According to procedure, I need to submit this receipt to the Department of Security for filing."

According to procedure, Amelia should have handed the receipt to Ross outside, not to him—but Grevis did not point out the young witch's mistake. Instead, he accepted the document.

He looked over the information registered on the receipt concerning Amosta's two confiscated wands. After a while, he asked with interest,

"How did he seem emotionally?"

Emotionally?

Amelia felt that the question was rather malicious, but after a brief turn of thought, she answered truthfully. "Mr. Breen appeared very calm. He did not raise any objections."

"Is that so?"

Grevis spoke with surprise, but Amelia could see little genuine surprise in his eyes.

"An impressive fellow."

After a moment of silence, Grevis's gaze settled on Amelia again. This time, his tone was far more serious.

"Then what does Breen think of the Department of Security's decision that Congress must assign personnel to accompany him throughout his stay in the country?"

Amelia fell silent for a moment. "Mr. Breen likewise expressed his acceptance."

"Is that so?"

Grevis voiced the same remark again, but this time, Amelia detected clear hesitation in the