 Which came first, the phoenix or the flame?
Of course, it was better to look at a messed-up cartoon bird than at a lifeless puppet version of a family member. But in Brandon's current state, the bird still seemed like nightmare fuel, like an evil bowling pin with talons and soulless eyes. When he realized that the boggart couldn't grab him, he headed swiftly and shakily towards the mini quidditch pitch, looking more like someone fleeing in terror than like someone who had actually advanced past an obstacle.
When he reached the final area, he decided to stand in the middle and catch his breath- as best he could, anyways. He had a good guess about what the final creature was, and he was relieved that it would be harmless and small. But the creature he expected was quite fast, and Brandon didn't want to be fast and chase things. Instead, he stood there shaking like a leaf and wanting to cry like a statue, waiting for the creature to reveal itself.
Maybe he could use magic to complete this challenge. Or maybe he could befriend the creature and it would decide to take pity on him so that they could both just get this over with... |