"It's all in the wrist, see?" A swift flick of his wand, and Rodolphus had successfully performed the silencing charm on a trembling, hiccupping second-year nearby.

Charmed, Bella laughed at the sight. "Okay, it's time for you to go," she prompted and shoved the boy. "Go, I said. You're mute, not hard of hearing."

The boy ran quickly without looking back.

"That was childish," Rodolphus observed, pocketing his wand after.

Bella, not liking his tone, jabbed her finger into his chest. He winced and grabbed her wrist briefly before remembering himself.

He exhaled deeply and reminded Bella to behave herself.

▼ t w e l v e ▲ : all in good fun.