"P-President... L-Lester, what... what brings you here?"
Lester carefully wiped the dust off the Remembrall. His refined features, faintly upturned lips, and gentle eyes did nothing to ease the fear gripping the Fat Lady's heart.
"P-President, I... I can ex... explain!"
A smile as mild as a spring breeze graced Lester's lips. His voice was so gentle that one could almost imagine listening to a priest reading scripture in church. "Royland, don't be nervous. You haven't done anything wrong. Where Pus Pimple Bugs build their nests is hardly something people can control!"
"President, I... I know I was wrong. P-Please... spare me this once!"
"Oh, Royland, what have you done wrong? The young lady knocked over your goods, and you pursued her with the 'evidence.' What's wrong with that?"
"Oh, right. How much is this hair clip?"
"If the young lady refuses to pay compensation, I will arrange a meeting with the Hogwarts administration in my capacity as president of the Hogsmeade United Guild!"
"P-President, don't. Please, don't do that!"
Lester gracefully stepped forward, his smile growing warmer and broader. "Royland, don't be afraid. You joined the guild over a decade ago and have paid your dues on time every month of every year. The guild has both an obligation and a responsibility to protect your property."
"P-President, the... the hair clip isn't worth much. Why don't we... just let this matter drop?"
The muscles in the Fat Lady's face trembled with fear, yet she still cautiously pleaded with him. As a mere stallholder, she could not bear the consequences of letting this incident escalate.
"Oh, Royland, anything within the guild's jurisdiction matters, no matter how large or small. Now tell me, how much is this hair clip worth?"
Judging by the Fat Lady's timidity, like a quail facing an