Victor the Werewolf

Full and satisfied, the group left the Three Broomsticks.

Ron remembered Honeydukes Sweetshop, which he had been longing to visit, and its wonderfully delicious Fizzing Whizbees.

The others indulged him, and they emerged from Honeydukes laden with bags.

Ron hugged a mountain of sweets, practically drooling.

On the path back to Hogwarts, two dark figures suddenly darted out at incredible speed and blocked their way.

The group stopped at once, staring curiously at the two hooded strangers.

Their attire hardly inspired trust, and everyone grew wary.

Eli had been watching them from the start. He already had his wand in hand.

A faint sound came from behind. If the thick snow had not made everything so quiet, Eli might never have heard it.

Harry and the others noticed another figure behind them and immediately drew their wands.

Anyone who appeared on a secluded path like this, in such a fashion, was unlikely to mean well.

"Perhaps you'd care to tell us what you want?" Eli's voice was cold. They had surrounded his group; he saw no reason to be polite.

Harry and the others were nervous. Eli's tone told them these people were trouble, and none of them had ever fought anyone before.

The strangers made no move. After a few seconds of silence, one of them pulled back his hood.

His hair was cropped close, his features sharp and clean-cut. He was like a sheathed sword, steady and composed, with a hidden edge.

Eli frowned the moment he saw him. The man did not quite look human.

It was not that he was ugly. His face simply brought one animal to mind—a wolf!

"I'm sorry, Mr. Hall. Please forgive me for arriving unannounced." His voice seemed at odds with his appearance, sounding unexpectedly gentle.

Eli sensed the power coming