Chapter 11 - 11: Just a Dog

This time, the transition wasn't as dramatic or intense as it had been fifteen days ago when Edward travelled to the Harry Potter world. He merely felt a blur before his eyes, and the next moment, he was back in the room where he had left. The greyish-white void swiftly regained its colours, and time resumed its flow. A golden retriever, Susie, was staring at him. "Is she…still alive?" Her back arched as she assumed a pouncing stance, her eyes filled with seriousness. "When you used extraordinary abilities earlier, you always had to wave that stick. But just now, I confirmed that the stick wasn't on you. I don't want to hurt you, so tell me—where is Audrey?" Edward silently pulled out his wand—the very one he had deliberately hidden in his sleeve before travelling, just in case. Susie: (;Д｀) She instinctively took a step back, sticking out her tongue and putting on a foolishly innocent expression. "Would you believe me if I said I'm just a dog?" Edward couldn't help but laugh. "Actually, I'm Audrey's friend. This was all just a misunderstanding." "You're absolutely right!" "Seriously." "I believe you." Edward rubbed his forehead. "Is there still anyone watching outside?" "The Beyonders have all left. You're safe for now." Edward waved his wand, casting a Muggle-Repelling Charm over the room. Then, he jumped off the bed and placed the Extension Pouch on the ground. Susie remained in the corner, watching him warily from the shadows. Her muscles were tense, showing she hadn't fully let her guard down. "Are we…really back?!" The moment Audrey climbed out of the pouch and saw the familiar surroundings, she let out a long breath. Only now did she truly feel relieved. But then, she frowned slightly. "Backlund's air really needs some regulation." "The air in the rich districts is already pretty good. You should visit the slums sometime." "I will!" Susie happily ran over. "That's great, Audrey! You're safe! So this person really is your friend?" "That's right." Audrey smiled as she petted the golden fur around Susie's neck. "Long time no see, Susie. Your Loenese has improved a lot~" Susie: "Eh?" It's only been half an hour, though… Also, Audrey felt…a little different. But her scent was the same. "Are there any beyonders nearby?" Susie wagged her tail, her energy returning. "None in the villa, but as for farther away, I'm not sure. Do you want me to check?" "Go ahead." With practised ease, she opened the door and dashed out at full speed. Edward walked to the Extension Pouch, placing one foot on the staircase inside. He turned to Audrey and said, "I'll leave the rest to you." Audrey glanced inside the pouch, tilting her head. "So this is what it looks like from the outside, huh? Don't worry, this secret will stay between the two of us. Hmm…at most, Susie can be included." The pouch snapped shut, and darkness enveloped the space inside. Edward collapsed onto the couch and looked around. "Hm…feels a bit cramped. I should expand the space further…or maybe just ask Old Dumbles to buy a suitcase from that Newt guy?" Suddenly, he scratched his head in confusion. "Wait…did I forget something?" ——— [Inside the Luxurious Hall Family Villa] Audrey had been waiting in her room for quite a while, yet no one came to check on her. Under normal circumstances, even if they wanted her to rest, they wouldn't completely ignore her like this. She decided to take the initiative. "Father." In the living room, Earl Hall wore a stern expression as he spoke to her older brother, Hibbert Hall. Several maids stood at a distance, their heads lowered, silent as though afraid to make a sound. Hearing her voice, Earl Hall turned and asked, "Audrey, why are you out here?" Earl Hall immediately walked over and helped Audrey sit down. "How are you feeling now?" "I…I'm fine." "Don't worry, Audrey! We will catch that damned criminal!" Hibbert declared furiously. "Ah, this…" Audrey felt helpless. If she told her father, 'That criminal is actually my friend,' he would probably lose his mind. "Father, I'd like to visit the church and pray for the Goddess's blessing. May I?" "No!" Earl Hall rejected her request without hesitation. "What you need to do now is rest and wait for that scoundrel to be caught!" "But I…I still feel a little scared." Earl Hall's face softened with distress. "Then I'll invite Archbishop Saint Anthony to come over. He can bless you on behalf of the Goddess." "T-That won't be necessary, Father. Waiting a few days and going to church later will be the same." She lifted her skirt slightly and curtsied. "I'll return to my room to rest now." "You, escort Audrey back." Two maids accompanied Audrey back the way she had come. When they neared her room, one of them suddenly spoke up. "Miss, how about switching to another room? A lot of people entered this one earlier—it needs to be cleaned." She turned to the other maid. "Go clean it up." "I don't think now is the time for cleaning." "Why not? When do you think it should be done, then?" "Well, just…not now. Don't you agree?" "Hmm…you have a point." Their strange conversation made Audrey pause, but then she suddenly recalled—before entering the Extension Pouch, Edward had cast a Muggle-Repelling Charm on the room. The maids were clearly affected by the magic. Ohhh, no wonder I waited so long inside, and no one came in… But…she didn't know how to lift the spell. "That's fine. You two can go back now—I'll head in myself." The two maids left without hesitation. As soon as Audrey pushed open the door and stepped into her room, Susie returned as well. Her fur was covered in bits of grass as if she had really gone out to play. "Audrey, I spotted several extraordinary individuals." "Thank you for your hard work, Susie." Susie happily wagged her tail, then glanced around. "Is that person gone?" Audrey patted the Extension Pouch she took from her coat. "He's right here." "…He's really your friend? Why have I never seen him before?" "Well, it's a secret between the two of us. I'll tell you when I get the chance." She tilted her head in confusion. "A secret? Alright then." Audrey opened the pouch and called inside, "Edward, you forgot to lift the Muggle-Repelling Charm on my room. Now the maids can't even get close." Edward smacked his forehead. "So that's what I forgot." "My father won't let me leave the house for now, and there are still Beyonders watching outside the villa," Audrey said apologetically. "I'm sorry, but you might have to stay inside for a few days. I'll bring you meals every day, though! My family's chefs are just as good as house-elves." "Alright, no problem." Edward had no objections. "Actually, I was just thinking—Susie could start roaming around the area more over the next couple of days. Gradually expand her range until those Beyonders get used to seeing her. Once they drop their guard, she can take the pouch somewhere far from your house and let me out." Audrey clapped her hands lightly. "Great idea! Susie, what do you think?" Susie wagged her tail joyfully, her mouth curling into a grin. "No problem at all! No one would ever suspect me. After all…I'm just a dog."