Behind The Mask

Chapter Four: Diagon Alley

The Standard Book Of Spells (Grade 6): By Miranda Goshawk 

Advanced Potion Making: By Libatius  Borage 

Confronting the Faceless: D.A.D.A

A Guide to Advanced Transfiguration: By Emeric Switch 

Aceia reread the book list over and over, not finding any of these reads familiar. She crept down the stairs and faced Diagon Alley, which was even more crowded then earlier today. She gazed around, watching innocent witches and wizards bustle in and out of stores carrying loads of foreign supplies. She made her way down the brick road, eyeing the large signs, wondering which store would be the book store. 

"Excuse me" Aceia tapped a scrawny witch with wrinkles so deep, you could mistake her for a giant over sized raisin. The lady spun around, her silver puffy hair flowing behind her. "Yes dear?" she asked with a kind, lady like voice. 

"Er -- do you know where there is a book store anywhere...?" Aceia felt her cheeks blister into a faded pinkish color. There was nothing more she hated than her blush. But this time, Aceia couldn't help herself. She had no idea how to get around or what to do really. The lady chuckled sweetly under her breath and pointed to a store on the north side of Diagon Alley. "Well Flourish and Blotts of course!" the lady exclaimed in a cheery voice. Aceia spotted the sign, thanked the lady for her navigation and ran over to the store. 

A long line awaited at the foot of the store. Books of all colors, shapes and sizes filled the shelves. Books who moved, books with eyes, books with wings even books with legs pranced around. Aceia's eyes glittered happily, like a little kid in a candy shop. She has never seen anything like it. Usually she would sneak Draco's text books and scan through them... But this was a totally different experience. Aceia waited on line, amused by the little flying books that fluttered over head. 

The line trailed around the store, but soon enough, Aceia was next. She nervously pointed out the books she needed and in an instant the books flew out of previous shelves and into her grasp. She wished she had gotten a book with wings, but that wasn't on the list. She'd make sure one day, she'll buy one. By the time she managed to carry out all the books, the sun was slowly sinking down. Aceia dropped her books down to check whats next. 

An animal of your choice: Owl, Cat or Toad. (I prefer an Owl would do best -Bella) 

So that's exactly was Aceia did. She quickly found a nearby pet shop, her eyes exactly picking a black and white owl with pearly mismatched blue and gray eyes. She was expensive, but to Aceia, completely worth it. 

"Your name is going to be Casee" Aceia said proudly, holding up the owl cage head to head. Casee hooted two times, her mismatched eyes sparkling with glee. Aceia smiled the first real smile she had in days. Casee already felt like the perfect pet. 

Aceia stocked on cauldrons, gloves, and brass scales. Eventually, she had everything in stock. She even stuck to Bellatrix's order in buying a pack of Fizzy Wizzbees. Aceia gathered up all her things and swiftly bolted up the stairs that led to Knockturn Alley. Aceia spotted Bellatrix sitting with her husband, arguing loudly about something unknown. 

"Oh, shut up Rodolphus, you grimy little git" Bellatrix said bitterly, spitting out his name angrily. 

"Why get so snappy?" Rodolphus asked defensively, throwing his hands up in the air. He opened his mouth to speak, but quiets down when Aceia comes into view. "Ey, she's back." Bellatrix snapped her head to where Aceia struggled into carrying her new items. This whole idea of going to school was finally sinking in. Aceia reminded herself she had to thank her Lord for giving her a helpful opportunity to improve on her magic and social skills. "Yep, I'm back" Aceia happily said, dropping down her things except for Casee.

"Ah, got an owl" Bellatrix chimed in, wiggling her eyebrows at the bird. 

"Her names Casee... Oh yeah..." Aceia reached into her pocket and pulled the pack of candy out for Bellatrix. She grinned with gratitude and took the bag. "...There's no money left by the way" Aceia added in with a nod. 

"Good, good" Bellatrix said in between bites of her candy. She sharply whipped out her wand, flicked it and made the supplies disappear. "Come on, home we go... Rodolphus come and follow." With a loud cracking sound, Bellatrix disappeared, only leaving smoke behind. Rodolphus shrugged and followed Bellatrix, along with Aceia. 

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"Your going to school?" Avior croaked in surprise. He laid in his bed, blankets and pillows surrounding him. Aceia nodded solemnly and gave a little shrug. "Supposedly Voldemort is having a meeting tonight about it... He wants me to keep an eye on Potter... y'know, report if anything weird happens, I guess" 

Avior knitted his brows together, hiding the doubts he had and flashing a fake smile. "Doesn't he have the blond git to do that?" he asked jokingly. Aceia grinned and laughed aloud. "I guess one isn't enough. Besides, Draco isn't that good at what he does." 

"He's scum" Avior growled, more viciously then he expected. 

"Your not so perfect yourself" an ominous voice sneered through the doorway. Aceia turned around, knowing exactly who it was. Draco stood darkly beside the doorway, his gray eyes fiercely gleaming with a bit of hatred. Avior and Draco weren't the bestest of friends, as you could obviously figure out. In fact, Draco rathered a mudblood to come live in his home than Avior. 

"And what is this about school your talking about?" Draco added on curiously, stepping into the spacious bedroom, his hands deeply shoved in his slack pockets. Avior glared darkly, curling his lip to keep quiet. He felt he had enough harassment for one day. 

"Keep your nose out of things you don't need to know" Aceia sighed, feeling a wave of exhaustiveness washed over her. 

"Who said I didn't need to know?" Draco raised his eyebrows questionably as he leaned against one of the four posters on Aviors bed. 

"Me" Aceia snapped, bouncing off her brothers bed and onto her feet. "You'll find out soon enough if you really need to know... There's a meeting tonight." 

"Like I haven't been reminded enough" Draco retorted flatly, rolling his eyes. "If it was that important, he would of announced it much sooner." 

"No one ever said it was important" said Avior, pitching into the conversation. "So do us a favor and stay out of it." 

"Watch your mouth, Black. I'll have you easily removed from my house" Malfoy threatened from in between his teeth. "It's not like anyone wants you here to begin with." With that, Draco switches his gaze from Avior to Aceia, shooting scowls and glares as he goes. He then turned on his heel and departed from the two. "Whats his problem?" Aceia muttered, watching him scurry down the stairs. "I don't know nor care" Avior grumbled under his breath, sinking back into his pillows. 

"Why are you two so..." Aceia made a sickening face, not sure of how to put what she has to say in words. 

Avior simply shrugged, let out a heavy sigh, clutched a pillow and smacked it over his face. 

"G'night"