Naturally, Allen had no interest in casually strolling around with the very Auror determined to arrest him. Who knew if the guy might slip some kind of tracking spell on him? That would be a real headache.
When Allen turned down a different path without a word, the Auror didn't push the issue. Instead, he chose his own route. He was confident he'd catch this slippery little brat eventually. After all, Allen's wilderness survival skills were practically nonexistent. As for what happened earlier? That was just a fluke! Yep, just a fluke!
Setting the Auror aside for now, Allen wandered through the camp and discovered that the werewolf tribe's residents were surprisingly friendly. Everyone greeted him with warmth, and almost every greeting came with some food, ready or not. Clearly, his youthful appearance had activated a sort of "charm buff" that boosted everyone's friendliness toward him. Still, Allen politely declined all offerings. Until he could confirm his own safety, there was no way he was touching any food that might be laced with... something.
However, even the most enthusiastic villagers clammed up when Allen asked why they were keeping him here. Either they brushed the question off with vague responses or quickly changed the subject. This only made Allen more curious. But he held his tongue. Digging too deep into someone else's secrets while sitting in the middle of their territory? That was a surefire way to get yourself killed.
Come dinnertime, Allen was invited into a small tent. Sitting across from him, unsurprisingly, was the Auror, already settled in and waiting.
They exchanged a cold glare, gave each other a disdainful snort, that counted as a greeting, apparently, and shortly after, the tent was filled with the aroma of a fully laid-out feast.
Truth be told, the food was quite good. Even if the dishes were served in crude containers, the variety and presentation made them look extremely appetizing. Unfortunately, both Allen and the Auror stared at each other with classic "you first" expressions, each waiting to see who would take a bite.
After a long, tense silence, the Auror finally cracked.
"Come on. We'll talk about everything else later. A growing kid like you needs to eat plenty."
With that, he graciously served Allen a large chunk of roast chicken.
Allen didn't miss a beat.
"Ah, I'm burdened by the guilt of breaking the law. I just can't eat, Officer. I need to reflect deeply on why I chose to walk the streets without carrying proper ID."
He returned the gesture by serving the Auror a slice of sweet pastry, with a smile that practically screamed sarcasm.
Ha! As if I'd believe you. Let's see who flinches first!
Clearly, even the Auror was annoyed by Allen's ridiculously fake response.
"You brat... what, scared?" he muttered through gritted teeth.
"Only fools rush in. You go ahead, if you dare!" Allen shot back without backing down.
Both of them silently drew their wands at the same time. A moment later, magic flew across the table, not for combat, but to enchant the food so it looked like two hungry men were feasting heartily.
But it was the Auror who ended up feeling most frustrated.
After their "performance," Allen pulled out a large piece of cake from his pocket and started munching with glee. It was originally meant to be a gift for someone back home, but... this moment felt right.
Grinning, Allen glanced over at the Auror with a face that said: Serves you right! I came prepared!
This man had chased him halfway across the countryside, set traps that failed, and now had to watch him snack in peace. Allen felt his bitterness ease significantly.
It was obvious the Auror was hungry, too. He tried to look away and ignore the temptation, but the loud grumble of his stomach betrayed him.
Allen glanced over, then casually pulled out another slice of cake. The Auror's eyes lit up as if he'd just seen an angel descending from the heavens.
Allen smiled sweetly and extended a hand.
"Five?" the Auror blinked, momentarily confused, then got it.
"You little bloodsucker! Five Galleons?! Why don't you just rob me?!" But in the end, his stomach won the argument. With a groan, he dug into his pocket and handed over five Galleons.
Allen accepted the payment, kept smiling... and shook his head.
Still holding out his hand, he gave it another little shake.
"Damn it! Fifty Galleons?! That cake's not even worth five Sickles! By Merlin's beard, why not just rob Gringotts at this point?!"
Then he heard Allen mutter under his breath:
"Sir, robbing Gringotts doesn't pay as well as cake sales, and this is perfectly legal. Now please hurry, I'm still kind of hungry. Who knows, this cake might disappear any second now."
Torn between his wallet and his appetite, the Auror hesitated for a long time. In the end, hunger won. While he wept silently for his shrinking coin pouch, he bit into the most outrageously expensive cake he'd ever eaten.
Just as he was savoring it, Allen pulled out a few slices of lime tart.
Sweet's great, but a little sour to balance it out? Even better.
••┈┈┈┈┈༓┈┈┈┈┈•••
By the time the cleanup crew came in, the two of them were slumped over the table, fast asleep. A few werewolves quietly entered and carried them to separate beds.
Then, two gentle flashes of light struck both of them, Stupefy.
After checking their conditions and confirming everything was in order, the werewolves silently exited the tent.
But the moment the coast was clear, both "asleep" individuals opened their eyes and glanced at each other.
Without exchanging a word, they simultaneously cast Bubble-Head Charms on themselves.
Better safe than sorry.
Sure enough, a few minutes later, a faint trail of translucent, barely visible smoke drifted into the tent.
Allen had no idea what it was, but judging by the Auror's relaxed expression, it was probably a mild sleeping vapor. If they'd intended to use poison, that would've meant they were ready to openly defy the Ministry, and that would've sparked a serious war.
Still, what's with all the secrecy? Not even letting anyone watch?
The more they hid, the more Allen's curiosity burned.
The Auror glanced at Allen with something close to admiration, though his words were less complimentary:
"Heh, kid, I'm going to sneak over and see what's going on. I know you're dying to find out, but... too bad. I didn't bring anything that works for two."
As he spoke, he pulled a garment from his pocket. It shimmered like liquid silver, Allen recognized it immediately.
"Invisibility cloak?" Allen whispered.
"Good eye, kid. But too bad for you, it only fits one person. Guess you'll have to wait here until I get back and tell you what happened. Thanks for the cake, by the way. I feel fully recharged now."
With that, he slipped on the cloak and passed right through the wall of the tent using magic.
"Wait for my story, kid. Or... maybe eat another pastry while you wait?"
Allen said nothing. He just sat there silently, watching the Auror show off.
==========
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