"So you came after all."
"You were waiting for me?"
"The whole time."
"And if I hadn't shown up?"
"We'd have kept waiting."
"You two have a lot of patience."
"If you want your property back, you need a little patience."
One on either side, the two of them blocked Gavin's path.
Gavin had no choice but to stop.
"Looks like I'll have to leave something behind today."
"It's time you returned what you owe us."
"And if I don't?"
"Then we'll follow you everywhere. You won't shake us."
A hand stretched out in front of him, palm up.
Gavin studied it for a moment.
"What made you so sure I'd come?"
George's expression turned solemn.
"You have to eat sometime."
Beside him, Fred folded his arms and nodded just as solemnly.
"Hufflepuffs always show up right on time for meals."
It was September third. The breakfast bell had long since fallen silent, and students who had finished eating were filing through the Entrance Hall.
Fred stayed leaning against the wall with his arms folded, deliberately giving Gavin a moment to answer.
George, though, had already prepared his next line.
If Gavin claimed he had forgotten the map in his dormitory, George would use the pitch he and Fred had worked out over the summer: two points of interest for each day.
Seventy-eight Galleons, eleven Sickles, and two Knuts.
George had rehearsed the figure several times in his head. He had to make the odd change especially clear.
If Gavin complained it was too much, George would grudgingly waive the change and make them look generous.
If that failed, they would settle for seventy-five Galleons.
He and Fred had confirmed that floor again last night.
When he got to that part, he would shake his head and sigh, as though