The Hated Hero

Return of the Pythoness

Delphi realized with a jolt that Goldstein wouldn't be able to take her shopping for her school supplies. Not this year, or the next, or ever again. She'd taken the issue to Draco and Astoria immediately at breakfast.

"I've got it," Astoria said cheerfully. "Mind if I see if we can get some of this at Diagon Alley?"

Delphi handed her the letter.

"What's a pencil?" Astoria asked immediately.

"Muggle thing," Delphi answered. "You can erase the letters and has a better grip than an ink quill."

"Would you look at that?" Astoria said in a tone of wonder as she handed Delphi back the list of supplies. "We'll go to Sky City, then. But could we get your dress robes at Malkin's? Please?"

"Um, sure," Delphi said as she scanned over the list. "Why on earth are we getting dress robes?"

"Check the extra notice," Draco advised.

Delphi did, and was surprised.

This year we have been invited to the first U.S. Triwizard Tournament and will be hosting it! We request that all students buy dress robes that appeal to the dress code. These will be very important. Also think about your potential champions. On the first day, you will be voting for a champion for each house. More information will be revealed on the first day of school.

"A U.S. Triwizard?" Delphi asked aloud. "Didn't someone die the last time a Triwizard was held?"

Astoria and Draco exchanged a meaningful look.

"Yes."

"Wonderful," Delphi muttered as she set down the list. She had a pretty good idea of whom Thunderbird House was going to vote for as their champion. "I suppose we could get some at Madam Malkin's."

"Excellent!" Astoria grinned. "Scorpius could use some new play-clothes. We'll go this afternoon, sound good?"

"Yes, thank you, Astoria," Delphi said.

...

Diagon Alley felt restraining and tight, with everything tugging at her eyes and attention, all in one crowded space. The roar of passerby noises felt deafening to Delphi. She yearned for the more open metropolis of Sky City, where she wasn't always neck in neck with strangers waiting to get into some shop.

It wasn't the first time she wished she could still go with Goldstein.

Astoria steered her into the small mauve shop where three assistants were scurrying about, fitting Hogwarts students. Delphi found herself lost in the racks of robes in a rainbow of colors, following Astoria's silky green robes desperately.

She marched up to the cash register.

"I'd like to start a dressing room for my daughter," she said firmly, but sweetly. There was a little happiness blooming in Delphi's heart at Astoria calling her her daughter.

"Right away, ma'am," the young witch said. "What name do I write on the door?"

"Delphi," the girl said quietly.

"Pretty name," the salesgirl remarked as she led Delphi to a stool to stand on. Delphi stood upon it awkwardly as the salesgirl clapped. Measuring tapes sprung to life and began measuring Delphi.

"I haven't seen you around before," the girl said. "You're a Hogwarts student, right?"

"No, Ilvermorny," Delphi said, taking a small amount of pride at the shocked look on the salesgirl's face.

"What are you here for?" the salesgirl asked as she led Delphi to a dressing room.

"Dress robes," Astoria interjected. "Is there any colors you'd like, Delphi?"