the crowd took a few steps back . bond looked out into the darkness . the other boys had made it clear he didnt belong . the animal stopped , returned his stare , still as a statue , and then blinked . an image of how he could keep the pretty little witch entertained seared through his mind before he managed to slam shut the door on the treacherous temptation . not surprising , considering the current discussion . he stepped back into the small opening made by the bookshelf . 