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Chapter One

I heard the mailman approach my office door, half an hour earlier than usual He didn't sound right His footsteps fell uy He whistled his way to hed

Then he knocked

I winced My et a really liood news I got up out of my office chair and opened the door

The new s and a sunburned, balding head, was chuckling at the sign on the door glass He glanced at ht?"

I read the sign (people change it occasionally), and shook my head "No, I'm serious Can I have my mail, please"

"So, uh Like parties, shows, stuff like that?" He looked past er, or possibly so around my one-room office

I sighed, not in the ain, and reached for the mail he held in his hand "No, not like that I don't do parties"

He held on to it, his head tilted curiously "So what? Sos?"

"No," I told hied at the mail

He held on to it "What are you, then?"

"What's the sign on the door say?"

"It says 'Harry Dresden Wizard »

"That's me," I confirmed

"An actual wizard?" he asked, grinning, as though I should let him in on the joke "Spells and potions? Deer?"

"Not so subtle" I jerked the mail out of his hand and looked pointedly at his clipboard "Can I sign for my mail please"

The new rin vanished, replaced with a scowl He passed over the clipboard to let n for the mail (another late notice from my landlord), and said, "You're a nut That's what you are" He took his clipboard back, and said, "You have a nice day, sir"

I watched hio

"Typical," I muttered, and shut the door

My name is Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden Conjure by it at your own risk I'o As far as I know, I' professional wizard in the country You can find es, under "Wizards" Believe it or not, I'm the only one there My ad looks like this:

HARRY DRESDEN - WIZARD