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The nights were getting long, and the twins and I were out visiting shops that were open late. It was past time to get them new clothes, and that meant an exhaustive search of pawn shops, because we lacked the money for actually new clothes, and none of us were skilled enough to make them. I had just realized that we were well into the advent and was asking the twins what they wanted to do for a Christmas celebration when I heard a voice I had not heard for ages drawl behind me.
“Well Alexander Shaw- where have you been hiding yourself?”
I turned in surprise.
“Cedric?” I asked, agape. “What are- why...?”
“And where did you find such charming companions?” His smile scared me. “Come now; you must at least tell me where you've been hiding them”
The twins had hidden themselves behind me, and I could feel their trembles where they pressed up against my sides.
Cedric terrified them.
“Who them...? they're my cousins. From my mother's side.” I said, quickly forming a lie. “Their parents just recently died, and I'm the only one left to take care of them.”
“That's so sad.” Cedric was smiling. “It must be hard for a man of your limited means.”
“We manage.”
“Perhaps I can help. My housekeeper mentioned that she could use some pages.”
“No... that's alright.”
“Are you sure? It's so surprising to see a man of your age, so attached to children. That aren't even his.”
I tried a smile- I hoped it didn't look as fake as it felt. “Completely sure. They're family after all. I'll take care of them.”
“You are a wonderful magician, Alexander Shaw- but you have always been a lousy liar.”
And it came to me, a sudden realization , bursting like from a pipe that had been blocked-

Cedric had never given up magic.

And somehow, he was connected to the twins. I inhaled to say something, and a blow hit my diaphragm. No one was near me but the twins, still pressed against my back- nothing could have actually hit me. I doubled over coughing.
“Oh, I forgot, you're sick. This must be such a terrible burden for you. Especially after the recent loss of your lover.”
I looked up, desperately trying to get my breath, wild eyed and confused. Cedric smiled.
“Give me the twins.” he ordered. I coughed again. The twins stayed with me, supporting me, finally, I stood up, wiping my mouth. Cedric folded his hands over his walking stick, a faint smile on his face, as if he was enjoying watching me suffer. I inhaled, shallowly, sure that a deeper breath would send me off coughing again.
“No.”
His eyes narrowed.
“I don't know what hold you think you have on them; but it's no good now. They aren't going with you.”
“You don't want to push me, Shaw.”
“You don't want to do this here.” I shot back.
“I” he said, with near glee. “Have all the time in the world.”
And he turned and walked away from us.