"Of course! Their stench is so distinctive, how could I not recognize it?" Shalltear responded with disdain. "Werewolves and vampires are natural enemies, you know. Those uncivilized brutes even dare to call themselves intelligent creatures. But why on earth would you keep one around?"
"Excuse me? You blood-sucking brat! Who are you calling a stupid beast?" Fang growled angrily, baring his teeth in annoyance.
Alex rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. "Both of you, stop it. Shalltear, you're staying here as a guest, so behave yourself. Fang, she's under my protection now. Don't provoke her."
After a short, uncomfortable silence, Shalltear sighed and muttered, "Fine," though she continued casting hateful glances at Fang.
Ignoring their childish quarrel, Alex turned to Wimzy, who had quietly approached from the doorway. "Wimzy, we'll have a new guest staying with us. Could you arrange a room on the third floor for Shalltear?"
"Yes, Master Alex," Wimzy responded respectfully, giving Shalltear a polite nod. "Please follow Wimzy upstairs, Miss Shalltear."
Shalltear reluctantly followed the house-elf up the stairs, throwing Fang a victorious look over her shoulder as she left. Fang snorted irritably but didn't continue arguing, instead turning his attention back to Alex. "So," Fang began carefully, still irritated, "what are you planning to do next about those Silver wand people?"
Alex's expression grew serious. "We can't let our guard down. I'm going to find a way to use Azalea to track down Thunderbird. She must be connected to them somehow. If we keep an eye on her, they'll eventually come looking for her."
Fang nodded thoughtfully, then asked curiously, "Will you confront her directly?"
"Not immediately," Alex answered with a slight smile. "I'll be patient for now. Once I know more, I'll take action. You and Wimzy just stay alert and keep the shop secure in the meantime."
After finishing the conversation, Alex took a glance around the shop. The shelves were almost empty due to the recent battle and the damaged enchantments. He knew he needed time to rest and reorganize.
With a tired sigh, Alex turned towards the fireplace. "I have to visit Newt again soon. I need his advice about Thunderbird. Until then, make sure Shalltear stays out of trouble."
"I'll keep an eye on her," Fang promised, although his tone wasn't enthusiastic.
Satisfied, Alex threw a handful of Floo powder into the fireplace, stepping in and disappearing into the green flames moments later.
Fang watched him leave before slumping back down on the counter, grumbling quietly about his luck. First, he had to put up with the snarky house-elf, and now there was an arrogant little vampire girl moving in. 'Great,' he thought bitterly, 'there goes my peaceful life.'
Upstairs, Shalltear examined her new room and complained loudly about the décor. Meanwhile, Wimzy patiently helped her settle in, mentally preparing herself for yet another troublesome guest in the household.
***
Azalea returned home exhausted that evening, feeling utterly drained from the events of the past day. She had been working nonstop since yesterday, dealing first with the smuggling incident on the coast, then accompanying Director Barnabas to transport the magical creatures safely to Scamander's home, and finally returning to the Ministry of Magic for additional paperwork. All this activity left her completely worn out, physically and mentally.
Yet despite her tiredness, Azalea's mind kept racing, plagued by worry and uncertainty. With "Thunderbird" suddenly disappearing after the failed operation, she had no idea how she should proceed with her undercover role at the Ministry. Thunderbird had always been secretive, but now his silence left her completely lost. Should she continue her mission as planned, wait for new orders, or flee back to headquarters?
She sighed deeply as she stepped out of her fireplace, stretching her stiff muscles in the dimly lit room. But before she even turned on the lights, her instincts kicked in sharply, someone else was already inside her house, right in the same spot where Thunderbird had stood during his last visit.
At first, Azalea felt relief, assuming Thunderbird had finally returned to give her new instructions. Despite her frustrations with him, his presence meant she hadn't been abandoned completely. She turned quickly toward the shadowy figure and asked irritably, "You're finally here! Do you know how worried I've been? You disappeared without a word, leaving me clueless. Now tell me, what happened? Who attacked you?"
She deliberately kept the lights off, not wanting anyone outside to notice a visitor. But as Azalea moved closer, she suddenly sensed that something wasn't right.
This person didn't carry Thunderbird's familiar presence. Her heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively stepped back as the figure calmly stepped forward, revealing himself clearly in the faint moonlight streaming through the window.
"Good evening, Azalea. Sorry to bother you so late," said Alex calmly, emerging from the shadows with a polite yet unsettling smile.
"Alex?" Azalea gasped, panic rising in her chest. She staggered backward, nearly losing her balance. Why was Alex here? Her thoughts raced. Did he suspect her already?
"You look surprised," Alex said casually, watching her reaction closely. "Well, considering your behavior, you probably weren't expecting me, right?"
Azalea tried to steady herself, taking a shaky breath before speaking. "This is my private home, Mr. Wilson. I don't know how you managed to enter, but I suggest you leave immediately."
She tried to sound firm, but her voice trembled slightly, betraying her fear. Alex didn't move; instead, he observed her silently for a moment before speaking again.
"Azalea, pretending won't help you now. We both know exactly why I'm here." Alex shook his head slowly, disappointment clear in his voice. "Although, judging by your reaction, it seems you genuinely don't know where Thunderbird has gone, which is quite unfortunate."
Azalea's heart pounded faster. She stared at Alex, eyes wide in shock, still desperately trying to maintain her facade. "Thunderbird? Mr. Wilson, I don't understand what you're talking about. If you're referring to the Thunderbird we rescued, the Ministry of Magic has already handled it."
Alex sighed and stepped closer, speaking softly yet coldly. "Still playing dumb? Azalea, you don't have to pretend anymore. Should we start with the fact that you're working undercover at the Ministry for the Silver wand, or perhaps that you've been sneaking into my shop at night to steal from me?"
Azalea's eyes widened in shock. Her heart thudded painfully in her chest. Alex knew everything! But how? She glanced around nervously, quickly confirming no one else was there. If Alex had come alone, perhaps she could deal with him swiftly and silence him permanently. Her mind rapidly calculated the possibilities, her fear slowly turning to desperation and anger.
Alex noticed the subtle shift in her eyes and smiled slightly, his face illuminated clearly by the faint moonlight filtering through the window. "It's useless to think about attacking me. I'm sure you know that better than anyone."