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The door to Penn shackles one shop creaked loudly.

Tamara smiled to herself as she pulled it open, her hand lingering on the metal door handle.

She peered into the darkness within. Outside the world was bright. The sun sat tall and dazzling in its

nest of blue. It was like a beacon calling everyone to come out and enjoy its wonderful warmth.

The cobbled streets, fast with people milling around, busying themselves with shopping.

Families walked with their children, bags draped over their shoulders and clutched in their hands.

Every bag was brimming with large leather-bound books, one and potion bottles. The air outside

crackled with excitement. Inside the shop, it was quiet and peaceful.

Stepping over the threshold, Tamara found herself in a small room dimly lit by a single

bowl hanging from the ceiling. A thin stream of sunlight filtered in through a circular window in the door.

She waited until her eyes adjusted to the dark room before she let go of the door and allowed it to

swing shut. There were two other people already in the store, a tall woman and a little boy about

Tamara's age. The woman wore a big purple hat whose enormous brim hid almost all of her face.

A large white feather poked out of it and Tamara pushed down the edge to touch it.

The boy beside her already had a wand in his hand. He stared at it in awe and stroked its handle

gently. They didn't seem to notice Tamara's presence yet and she stayed quiet in the doorway.

For a moment, Tamara closed her eyes and inhaled the scent of wood and mothballs which reminded her of

her grandmother's attic. The shop smelled old and dusty with a hint of cedar and resin.

...