People crowded into the shop to watch the commotion.
Shawn's gaze sharpened slightly. He released his magical energy, discreetly pushed a few people aside, and made his way to the front.
In the middle stood a portly, middle-aged man in luxurious clothes, draped in gold beads and agate, viciously kicking a shabbily dressed witch.
The witch lay curled on the ground without resisting, but she clutched the bag of potions in her arms and tearfully begged for mercy.
"Please, I can't give them to you. I really can't.
I need these to save my daughter's life. This is the only place where they're cheap enough for me to afford."
The middle-aged man was furious. Disgusted that the witch's filthy clothes had dirtied his clean boots, he reached for his wand to punish her further.
The potion shop's assistant issued a stern warning from beside them.
"Sir, please stop this disgraceful behavior. This lady queued all night to get these limited-stock, high-end potions. If you want to buy some, come early tomorrow morning!"
The portly middle-aged man turned and tilted his chin at the shop assistant.
"The goods have already left your counter, so this is none of your business. This is between me and this lowly witch now.
Besides, I'm not stealing them. Haven't I offered her money? This witch just doesn't know what's good for her.
If you ask me, England's Ministry of Magic is doing a poor job of managing things. A place as clean as Hogsmeade shouldn't let filthy, lowborn people wander in."
His words provoked considerable hostility. Many nearby Muggle-born wizards and half-bloods glared at him.
The shop assistant had already discreetly pressed the alarm. He continued, his argument clear and sound.
"Sir, please don't bring your backward, ignorant ways to England.
Under the leadership of