Archer’s little cabin at the north-eastern border of London, hidden among the trees of Epping Forest, was a secret he’d kept for many years. No one knew of it. No one but his family who knew to hide there if they were in danger. At first it was just that. A safe house and a way for Archer to get out of the city and feel like he could breath freely again.
In time he started building a greenhouse behind the cabin, adding more and more plants to his collection with every weekend visit. Rare, some times dangerous plants, that couldn’t be anywhere near his potions at the back of the shop, it was too much of a risk.
He was thankful for it. It gave him a reason to leave the safety of his loft every weekend, be out there in the world again, even if it was between animals and creature of the forest instead of wizards and witches.
This weekend was no different. He’d packed up a few things, picked up Grinch, his little grumpy cat and apparated to the cabin on Saturday morning, a little ‘Closed’ sign hanging from his shop’s door.
Setting Grinch down, who had started whining and tossing in his arms, along with his bag, he made his way to the greenhouse, breathing in some fresh air as he started checking on his plants.
That was where he spent the rest of the day, only realizing how long he’d been in there when the greenhouse grew darker. The sun would be setting soon.
Archer cleaned his hands and left the rest of his work for tomorrow, walking slowly back to his cabin. That was when he heard it. It could be an animal but the footsteps were louder than foxes or rabbits would be.
Archer reached for his wand, holding it out as he quietly looked around. Could it be that he’d been found and followed?
