Edinburgh


Many miles away from the burning trees[1] in the wood around Hogsmeade, a gangly looking eleven year old boy appeared out of the blue in a bedroom just off the Royal Mile in Scotland's capital. Layton didn't move at first - he remained collapsed on the plush navy carpeting, breathing hard, staring at the blank ceiling.

He sat up, shedding his coat, and looked down the stretch of his legs, at the foot that had gone boneless. It was hard to tell, encased in running shoes, but it didn't look right either. The angle was impossible.

His heart was still racing. He snorted and then laughed, shaking his head. The Polyjuice would be wearing off soon and he wanted to find some skele-gro before that happened. But he kept on laughing, alone in the suite at the top floor of the small hotel. It was relief, yes, and also joy.

How long since he confronted a truly challenging duel? Murdering and skinning the Dunnigan brothers had been difficult but nothing unplanned had occurred - smooth sailing. Today, however, oh today was... something like fun. Layton planned for interference but not necessarily by Storm. Certainly a part of him wished it had been an easier opponent.

The loss of the twine was a sting; neither did he relish giving up the game of his disguise by throwing out the spells he did. It felt necessary at the time. And he couldn't resist. That chaos, she would have loved it.

Would have even loved that he borrowed her son's face. Would, would, would, if she weren't dead.

Layton sighed lightly - the thought was a familiar one - and glanced around the large room. There was a lavish bath tub by the window, and a table of muggle lotion bottles secretly filled with his stock of various potions. The bed, at the other end, looked much more welcoming.

Rest could wait. He began to drag himself over to the tub.

1.	17th March - And Miles to Go Before I Sleep