𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊
Harry had sent an owl to invite the Weasley siblings to his home again this summer but as there were only a few days left until the school reopen, Mrs. Weasley had politely declined. They had to prepare for school but suggested to meet at Diagon Alley on the same day.
Ron had already stayed at the Potter house for a few days when Harry invited his family, the Grangers and the Scamanders to his small birthday party.
Apart from all this, Crystal's intuition proved to be true and she was having a blast with Harry and his family. She had never known this much fun in her whole life as she had never played such games with the kids her age before but this summer was different.
It was a hot summer and Lily and James had taken a few days off their work to spend the last few days with their children. From Quidditch in the morning on day one to water fight in the backyard the next day and refreshing snacks and drinks after that, everyday was fun.
They played pillow castle at the night. At first, Crystal thought it was a bit of childish game to protect the castle made of pillows but as the game proceeded she was having fun and that's all mattered.
They paired as James and Harry in one team and Lily and Crystal in other which then became a girls versus boys games with girls winning.
One night, the game eventually turned into a pillow fight when Harry refused to accept defeat and attacked Crystal with his pillow as a challenge which she gladly accepted with a counter-smack of her pillow.
James and Lily joined in to support, as they fought against each other but their fight was something more than that. They were laughing their life out trying to get each other, lost in their own world.
Harry and Crystal stopped fighting as they found the adults fight more interesting when Lily had somehow managed to pin down the laughing James by his veiny arms with all her strength.
Crystal and Harry looked at each other with a mischievous smile and with an unsaid understanding, they started to attack James with the pillow taking the opportunity.
"Soldier! Attack Dad!" Harry shouted raising his pillow like a sword.
"Roger! Commander!" Crystal replied as they jumped on James attacking him with their pillows.
"Hey! Woah woah -- when did you guys become a team?" James said shielding himself with his hands. Lily moved out of the way laughing at her husband who was curled up taking the hits.
"Ever since you betrayed me and joined hands with mum! Destroy the enemy's castle, Crys!"
Crystal went to kick away the pillows arranged by James and Harry but she was suddenly seized up in the air by a pair of strong arms. Crystal squealed being surprised.
"Uncle James, put me down!"
"Ha Hah! Now, I've got your ally in my clutches, son!" James laughed haughtily, holding Crystal up in his arms. She gave him a bored look for his lousy acting as a villian.
"Let go of her, dad!" Harry criticized, "You aren't playing fairly! We didn't agree on taking hostages!"
"Everything is fair in love and war! You changed the team in the middle too!"
"That's a very unfair and rubbish saying! It was you and mum who teamed up first! You weren't even putting a slightest effort to attack her!"
"Can my feet touch the ground yet, Uncle James?" said Crystal but her voice drowned down father-son's fight.
"Of course, I can't ever think of hurting my lovely wife!"
"Awww, love... "
"My sweetheart-- "
"Ugh, you guys! Then you can't hurt my Crys too!"
"Your Crys? Since when?"
"My Crystal! Since we're team!"
Crystal was sitting in James arms with a bored expression on her face.
"Alright! Let's end this game! Lily darling, destroy their castle, right now!"
"Mum! You wouldn't do that to us, right?" said Harry with a puppy face. "I know you're the best!"
"Don't listen to him, Lily-flower, your son is being unfair -- "
"I'm your product too!" said Harry and turned to his with innocent smile, "You wouldn't do that, right, mum?"
Pressured in dilemma, Lily looked between her husband and son then at Crystal, who just shrugged her shoulders.
"You know what?" Lily paused and destroyed both of the pillow castles, "No one won! Everything's destroyed!"
"What the f-- "
"Mum-- !"
Lily and Crystal looked at each and burst out laughing leaving the two baffled. James put Crystal down. He and Harry joined in the laugh too at the unexpected draw.
They fell back on the bed very tired but there was only wide grins on their faces.
"All that fight for nothing!" said Harry, grumbled.
"But it was soooo fun!" said Crystal turning on her stomach and propping on her elbows.
"Playing with kids is hard... " said James panting.
"Especially at your age, right, dad?" said Harry, as he shook his head in pity.
"Right -- Hey! What d'you mean at my age! I'm still young -- "
"and delusional -- "
"Hah! You're laughing at me now! I'll see if you're able to play with your kids when you're my age one day!" said James, extending his fist towards Harry, "Then I'll come and laugh at you, pointing my walking stick at your face! Make a bet!"
"Hey! No betting!" said Lily.
"You'd be most welcome to see me play with my kids," said Harry bumping his fist, "Be ready with a hundred Galleons by then!"
"Do you even have hundred Galleons?"
"I'll earn it by then!"
"I told you both no betting!" Lily repeated and sighed, "Merlin, they aren't even listening... "
Crystal wrapped her arms around her neck as she hugged her from behind and put her chin on her shoulder, Lily leaned her head with Crystal's as they watched the father-son duo playful banter.
"Deal, son! Get a girlfriend first, I doubt you will find one at all!"
"With my looks? I will get one even before you did, dad! Deal!"
Crystal and Lily shook their heads at the childish bet.
✰✰✰✰✰✰
One sunny morning, about three days after she had arrived at the Potter's House, Crystal heard from Hogwarts.
"Letters from school, my dears," said Lily, passing Harry and Crystal identical envelopes of yellowish parchment, addressed in green ink.
"Dumbledore already knows you're here, Crysie -- doesn't miss a trick, that old man." said James cutting the fruits.
There was also a list of the new books they'd need for the coming year.
***********
SECOND-YEAR STUDENTS WILL REQUIRE:
The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 2 by Miranda Goshawk
Break with a Banshee by Gilderoy Lockhart
Gadding with Ghouls by Gilderoy Lockhart
Holidays with Hags by Gilderoy Lockhart
Travels with Trolls by Gilderoy Lockhart
Voyages with Vampires by Gilderoy Lockhart
Wanderings with Werewolves by Gilderoy Lockhart
Year with the Yeti by Gilderoy Lockhart
***********
"The new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher must be a fan of this guy -- bet it's a witch." said James. "I've seen this guy before -- he has the most sickening smile ever. I don't know what all the ladies see in him. Looks like a big git to me."
"He's really a weird one too... Once I saw him at the St. Mungos distributing his autograph to patients. He was there for check-up a few weeks back but was getting in all the healers way." said Lily and sipped her tea.
"Thank Merlin... My wife doesn't fancy him... " James muttered, releasing a breath of relief.
"But really -- what's with this Gilderoy Lockhart? He sounds like a trouble magnet. Why did have so many unfortunate encounters with Banshee, Ghouls, Hags, Trolls, Vampires, Werewolves, Yeti, all in one life." said Crystal putting the letter back in the envelope. "How can a person be this lucky and survive 'em all. One of 'em is bound ta kill ya, man!"
The Potters laughed at her failed trial of the American accent from the T.V. show Lily was watching last night.
"I know right? This much luck in one life?" said Harry passing Crystal the newspaper which she read with breakfast, "I don't get so much lucky!"
"Why d'ya wanna be lucky?" said Crystal still trying the accent.
"Being lucky is good? Well, especially in our case." said Harry.
"Hmmm." Crystal hummed, now busy reading the front page of the newspaper and Cash flew in. Crystal tossed him a coin without looking up.
"Oh, it's Hermione's letter. Crys, you forgot to send her one, didn't you?" said Harry and ripped open Hermione's letter and read it out loud:
'Dear Harry and Crystal if you're there,
"'I heard from Ron that you guys planned to recuse Crystal. I hope everything went all right and Crystal is okay. I hope you and Ron didn't do anything illegal to get her out. That would get Crystal into trouble, too.
I've been really worried and if Crystal is all right, will you please let me know at once and don't send Cash next time, he's too moody and refuses to take letters, I think he's not being paid, so pay him well Crystal.
I'm very busy with schoolwork, of course and we're going to London next Wednesday to buy my new books. Why don't we meet in Diagon Alley? Ron will be there too.
Let me know what's happening as soon as you can.
Love from Hermione.'"
"This owl only just exist to rob me off... " Crystal muttered and got pecked on hand. "Oww, I'm sure he was a crow in previous life." she said soothing her hand.
"But Wednesday I've got to go work after a whole week off," said James putting his toast back on the plate.
"Me too. I don't know if I can take more leaves, the substitute healer was asking to come back, there are lot of patients to check on regularly," said Lily worried.
"Don't worry, mum, dad," said Harry, "Crys and I can go buy things by ourselves,"
"But how can you -- "
"We'll use the floo to go there, buy our things, meet Ron and Hermione then come back, simple!"
"Yeah! I'll keep an eye on him if that ease up your mind, Aunt Lily," said Crystal. "Beside that, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley will also be there with us, so no issues."
"Oi! I don't need you babysitting me -- "
"Fine, if Crysie's incharge then I can leave to work at peace," said Lily, "What d'you say, James?"
"Sure, just take care of each other."
"Alright!" said Harry cheerfully.
✰✰✰✰✰✰
The following Wednesday, Crystal being a morning person quickly did all her morning routine, took a shower, dressed up in outdoor clothes and got ready for the day.
The adults in the house were also busy getting ready for their respective works.
"'Morning Crysie, oh, good, you're ready!" said Lily, as she fried some eggs, "can you wake up Harry, sweetie? He's still sleeping."
"Sure," said Crystal and went back upstairs stopping in front Harry's door.
KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK!
Crystal waited but no answer. She knocked again.
"What Crys? Come in... " Harry's sleepy voice came from inside.
Crystal opened the door and saw him sleeping with his cheeks squished against a pillow, his leg over a it, hugging the pillow.
"Wake up, Harry! We're going to Diagon Alley today!" said Crystal pulling the curtains of the window open to let the sunlight in.
"I know... Just five minutes more... " Harry turned away from the light, hugging a different pillow on the other side. Crystal shook her head and turned off the AC. Harry kicked off his covers still asleep. Crystal rolled her eyes and switched off the fan this time.
Finally, Harry groaned and sat up.
"You won't let me be, will you?" said Harry irritated.
"Nooope," said Crystal with a sweet smile, "Good morning!"
Harry sighed, raking his fingers through his messy hair. He couldn't win Crystal, especially when she rarely smiled so brightly like that, it brought a smile to his face too.
"Fine, you win." Harry said, "I know mum put you to it,"
"Yep! Mission Accomplished!" said Crystal, happily, "but how did you you know it was me on the door?"
"Well, only you knocked and waited, mum usually knocks twice and walk in and dad just doesn't bother, he just barges in,"
"Oh, that's a good observation,"
"Nothing special," said Harry as he stood up stretching his body and lazily walked towards the bathroom, "I'll see you at breakfast," he said yawning.
Crystal nodded and went out closing the door behind her.
✰✰✰✰✰✰
After Lily and James had gone to work, Harry and Crystal were preparing to leave too, more like Crystal as she did her hair in front of the mirror and Harry laid on her bed, flat on his stomach, bored and complaining looking at her in the mirror.
"Why did you even cut your hair!" Harry complained, "It was so beautiful when it was long!"
"D'you have to say that everytime you see my hair? It's not even that short! It's just below my shoulders!"
"That's more than half of it!"
"I think I still look good in short hair! Don't be fussy! Damn, I didn't have to do my hair again if someone didn't mess it up... "
"Of course, you look cute but you looked best in long hair... "
"I don't understand your definition of cute or best." Crystal sighed, checking out her last time and turned around, "but it's my hair so none of your business!"
"Fine!" Harry huffed and got up and seized the strap of Crystal's blue and white sling bag swinging it in his hand like a motor, "Let's hurry up! This is quite heavy for a small bag. You've put the money dad got out from your vault, right?"
"Yeah! Hey! Wait -- Harry!" Crystal shouted as she hurried to put on her shoes.
Harry had already left for the living room and Crystal rushed after him. "Stop swinging it! If you break the strap you'll regret it!"
"Ooohhh, I'm so scared!" said Harry flatly.
"You took your money bag?"
"Yup! It's here -- " Harry stuffed his hand in his pocket, "hang on, I kept it in my pocket! I can't find it!"
"Because you didn't even pick it up from dinner table," Crystal pointed the table were a red pouch was kept.
"Oh, yeah, thanks... But I was sure I kept it... "
"If you'd nag me less about my hair then you'd remember things better?" said Crystal snatching her bag. "Anyways, did check the front door and back door lock?"
"Yep! All locked!"
"Okay, I closed all the balconies and windows." said Crystal, "so, now... tell me how does this floo network work?"
"Oh, right -- wait -- what?" Harry looked at confused, "you don't know?"
"Then why would I be asking, sherlock," Crystal said flatly stating the obvious.
"Then why did agree with me -- "
"Because your parents were busy and I trusted you that you must have some good plan,"
"Woah -- Who are you and what have you done to the real Crystal Calisto?" said Harry in disbelief, "The Crystal I know, would never blindly believe on anyone or anything until she verifies it herself but you trust me?"
"Well, you have proved yourself enough but shall we go? The Weasleys must be already there! We're late!"
Harry led her to the fireplace, Crystal looked at it confused. Harry unlidded a dish kept on top of the fireplace. Crystal curiously peered inside only to find glittering powder.
"Now, you take a little of this, throw into the fire then step into it and say where you want to go." Harry explained, "Simple, right? This is how the floo works."
"Are you crazy? I'm -- I'm afraid of f-fire. Well, everyone is! It'll burn us!"
"Look at me, Crys, I've used it many times and I'm fine. Everyone here use it."
"But -- "
"You'll be fine, Crysie. Just trust me on this too, please?"
Crystal groaned and unwilling nodded.
"Just say it very clearly, keep your elbows tucked in and don't fidget, okay?" said Harry, "And be sure to get out at the right grate."
"Uhh... Um... Okay... " Crystal was really nervous that she was having second thoughts. "What is the right grate?"
"You'll know it yourself, just go."
Crystal gulped, took a little of Floo powder, stepped up to the fire, and threw the powder into the flames.
With a roar, the fire turned emerald green and rose higher than them, Harry encouraged her to move, she stepped right into it, closed her eyes tightly and --
"Diagonalley," she said it too fast acting out of nerves.
"Uh-oh, that didn't go well... " Harry muttered and immediately took a pinch of powder and repeated exactly as Crystal said.
"Diagonalley,"
✰✰✰✰✰✰
Crystal fell, face first, onto cold stone. Dizzy and a little bruised, covered in soot. She gingerly got to her feet when Harry came crashing into her and she fell on her knees again, scratching it. Crystal thought it broke but luckily there was not much pain.
"Harry!" She hissed. "Get off my leg! You're damn heavy!"
"Sorry sorry, Thank Merlin, I found you." Harry sprang up and helped Crystal up. She dusted her painful knees over the jeans and then looked around, it was a large, dimly lit wizard's shop.
"Thank Merlin?" she said in a hushed whisper, looking at him as though he was a weirdo, "I don't think we're at right place to be thanking Merlin, but I'm sorry, you said to speak clearly and I -- "
"I know right -- I'll never forget this -- " Harry mimicked Crystal's nervous small voice, "D-Diagonally!"
"Hey! I didn't stutter like that! You know what, first, let's get out of here... This place is too weird,"
She pointed at the glass case nearby held a withered hand on a cushion, a bloodstained pack of cards, and a staring glass eye. Evil-looking masks stared down from the walls, an assortment of human bones lay upon the counter, and rusty, spiked instruments hung from the ceiling. Even worse, the dark, narrow street Crystal could see through the dusty shop window was definitely not Diagon Alley.
"Yep. We're definitely in trouble," said Harry.
"Come, let's see how to make an escape," said Crystal and held Harry's wrist and walked forward stealthily.
But before they'd got halfway toward the street, two people appeared on the other side of the glass -- and one of them was the very last person Harry wanted to meet when he was lost, covered in soot, and wearing broken glasses: Draco Malfoy.
Harry looked quickly around and spotted a large black cabinet to his left; he shot inside it pulling Crystal with him and closed the doors, leaving a small crack to peer through.
Crystal stood near the door and Harry behind her. He placed his hands on her of shoulders to balance himself for better visibility to peek outside. Seconds later, a bell clanged, and Malfoy stepped into the shop with a man who could only be his father.
"Touch nothing, Draco." Mr. Malfoy warned him who had reached for the glass eye.
"I thought you were going to buy me a present." Malfoy said.
"I said I would buy you a racing broom," said his father, drumming his fingers on the counter.
"What's the good of that if I'm not on the House team?" said Malfoy, looking sulky and bad-tempered. "Harry Potter got a Nimbus Two Thousand last year. Special permission from Dumbledore so he could play for Gryffindor. He's not even that good, it's just because he's famous . . . famous for having a stupid scar on his forehead. . . "
Malfoy bent down to examine a shelf full of skulls.
". . . everyone thinks he's so smart, wonderful Potter with his scar, good grades and his fancy broomstick -- and he has Crystal Calisto totally wrapped around his little fingers! She's foolish to make friends with Potter!"
"You have told me this at least a dozen times already," said Mr. Malfoy, with a quelling look at his son. "And I would remind you that it is not -- prudent -- to appear less than fond of Harry Potter and Crystal Calisto, not when most of our kind regard them as the heroes who made the Dark Lord disappear. You should've been nice to the Calisto girl from the beginning and even more so now that she had claimed to be the heiress of the Calistos, so rather than making a fool of yourself to seek her attention -- ah, Mr. Borgin."
A stooping man had appeared behind the counter, smoothing his greasy hair back from his face.
"Mr. Malfoy, what a pleasure to see you again," said Mr. Borgin in a voice as oily as his hair. "Delighted -- and young Master Malfoy, too -- charmed. How may I be of assistance? I must show you, just in today, and very reasonably priced --"
"I'm not buying today, Mr. Borgin, but selling," said Mr. Malfoy.
"Selling?" The smile faded slightly from Mr. Borgin's face.
"You have heard, of course, that the Ministry is conducting more raids," said Mr. Malfoy, taking a roll of parchment from his inside pocket and unraveling it for Mr. Borgin to read. "I have a few -- ah -- items at home that might embarrass me, if the Ministry were to call. . ."
Mr. Borgin fixed a pair of pince-nez to his nose and looked down the list. Crystal clicked her tongue as she wasn't able to see the list in any way possible.
"The Ministry wouldn't presume to trouble you, sir, surely?"
Mr. Malfoy's lip curled.
"I have not been visited yet. The name Malfoy still commands a certain respect, yet the Ministry grows ever more meddlesome. There are rumours about a new Muggle Protection Act -- no doubt that flea-bitten, Muggle-loving fool Arthur Weasley is behind it --"
Harry felt a hot surge of anger. Crystal too was irked.
"-- and as you see, certain of these poisons might make it appear --"
"I understand, sir, of course," said Mr. Borgin. "Let me see. . ."
"Can I have that?" interrupted Draco, pointing at the withered hand on its cushion.
"Ah, the Hand of Glory!" said Mr. Borgin, abandoning Mr. Malfoy's list and scurrying over to Draco. "Insert a candle and it gives light only to the holder! Best friend of thieves and plunderers! Your son has fine taste, sir."
"I hope my son will amount to more than a thief or a plunderer, Borgin," said Mr. Malfoy coldly, and Mr. Borgin said quickly, "No offense, sir, no offense meant -- "
"Though if his grades don't pick up," said Mr. Malfoy, more coldly still, "that may indeed be all he is fit for -- "
"It's not my fault," retorted Draco. "The teachers all have favorites, that Hermione Granger -- "
"I would have thought you'd be ashamed that a girl of no wizard family beat you in every exam," snapped Mr. Malfoy.
"Ha!" said Harry under his breath, pleased to see Draco looking both abashed and angry. Crystal was pleased too.
"It's the same all over," said Mr. Borgin, in his oily voice. "Wizard blood is counting for less everywhere -- "
"Not with me," said Mr. Malfoy, his long nostrils flaring.
"No, sir, nor with me, sir," said Mr. Borgin, with a deep bow. "I meant even the names as great as the noble Calistos have mixed up their bloods with even Muggles!"
"It's such a shame for a family of such high prestige and what heiress they've got now. . . from a no-name Muggle father no less. . . Of course an illegitimate." said Mr. Malfoy. "But she is still a Calisto by blood, even if impure. There is no future for the Calistos left now that the Lennox rules it,"
"Still no one dares to point a finger at a Calisto till date, their previous glory was so overpowering to be dimmed by such trivial matters of legitimacy as people say it now," Mr. Borgin added with disgust.
Harry's anger doubled up but Crystal had a uninterested look on her face. She was too bored of same kind of comments everywhere. Why couldn't people just mind their own business or come up with new things, she thought.
"Perhaps we can return to my list now," said Mr. Malfoy shortly. "I am in something of a hurry, Borgin, I have important business elsewhere today -- "
They started to haggle. Harry and Crystal watched nervously as Draco drew nearer and nearer to their hiding place, examining the objects for sale.
Draco turned away and saw the cabinet right in front of him. He walked forward -- he stretched out his hand for the handle --
"Done," said Mr. Malfoy at the counter. "Come, Draco --"
Crystal let out a breath of relief and Harry wiped his forehead on his sleeve as Draco turned away.
"Good day to you, Mr. Borgin. I'll expect you at the manor tomorrow to pick up the goods."
The moment the door had closed, Mr. Borgin dropped his oily manner. "Good day yourself, Mister Malfoy, and if the stories are true, you haven't sold me half of what's hidden in your manor. . ."
Muttering darkly, Mr. Borgin disappeared into a back room.
Crystal waited for a minute in case he came back, then, quietly as she could, she beckoned Harry to follow her and slipped out of the cabinet, past the glass cases, and out of the shop door.
"Phew, that was close," said Harry.
"But still, where are we? How do we go back?"
"Don't worry, Crys, these types of incidents had happened with floo but they were all found in the end," He tried to convince her, more like himself.
"Do I look tensed to you? Rather you seem to be scared." Crystal patted his shoulder, "Don't worry, Harry, let's think calmly. . . this place has a very dark vibe and Malfoys were here so maybe we're not far from-- " Crystal said and looked around, "Why does it looks like we're in some Dark Arts area, don't you think so too?"
"Right! This is Dark Arts!" then it clicked to Harry, "Then we're definitely in the Knockturn Alley! It's somewhere near Diagon Alley. . . mum and dad always said to keep away. . . Now I know why. . ."
Two shabby-looking wizard and witch were watching them from the shadow of a doorway, muttering to each other. Feeling jumpy, Harry grabbed Crystal's hand and muttered to stay close.
"Not lost are you, my dears?" said a voice in Harry's ear, making him jump.
An aged witch stood in front of them, holding a tray of what looked horribly like whole human fingernails. She leered at him, showing mossy teeth. Crystal made a disgusted face when she averted her eyes from the tray and looked at the witch.
"Listen lady, we are not lost so let us pass by quietly and be on your way or it won't end up good for you. . . " Crystal said coolly, her eyes even colder. She gripped her wand hidden behind her back.
"Crys?!" Harry panicked at her tone, the witch definitely did not look happy. He clapped his hand over to her mouth as soon as Crystal opened her mouth to speak again.
Where does she get the courage to talk like that in the situations like this? He had thought of this since past few months.
Harry backed away slowly pulling Crystal to stay beside him. He muttered her to be quiet and turned to witch.
"She was just-- er, We're fine, thanks," he said. "We're just --"
"HARRY! CRYSTAL! What d'yeh think yer doin' down there?"
"Hello, Hagrid!" said Crystal, removing Harry's hand with a smile as though everything was normal.
"Hagrid!" Harry croaked in relief. "We were lost -- Floo powder --"
"Well, follow me." Hagrid motioned them to come and they ran towards him knocking the tray right out of witch's hands. Her shrieks followed them all the way along the twisting alleyway out into bright sunlight.
Harry and Crystal saw a familiar, snow-white marble building in the distance -- Gringotts Bank. Hagrid had steered them right into Diagon Alley.
"Yer both a mess!" said Hagrid gruffly, brushing soot off Harry so forcefully he nearly knocked him into a barrel of dragon dung outside an apothecary.
"Skulkin' around Knockturn Alley, I dunno -- dodgy place, Harry -- Crystal -- don' want no one ter see yeh both down there --"
"We realized that," said Crystal. "So as Harry told you, we were lost -- but what were you doing down there?"
"I was lookin' fer a Flesh-Eatin' Slug Repellent," growled Hagrid. "They're ruinin' the school cabbages. Yeh both are not on yer own?"
"We actually are. Crystal's staying with me and my parents couldn't go shopping with us today -- they'd something urgent at work, so we used floo and got lost. I believe mum did sent a letter to Mrs. Weasley though -- to keep an eye on us," Harry explained. "We've just got to find them. . . "
And they set off together down the street.
"How come yeh never wrote back ter me, Crystal? I still got Harry's news from James, but yeh." said Hagrid as Harry and Crystal jogged alongside him (they had to take three steps to every stride of Hagrid's enormous boots). Crystal explained all about Dobby and the Hudsons.
"Lousy Muggles," growled Hagrid. "If I'd've known --"
"Crysie! Harry! Over here!"
Crystal and Harry looked up, Hermione Granger standing at the top of Gringotts' white steps. She ran down to meet them and flung her arms around Crystal's neck taking her by surprise.
"Do you know how worried I was! No owl! No letters! No news! Nothing!" Hermione rounded on her, people around started to give her weird looks.
"Calm down, Hermione, I'm sorry, I'll tell you everything, alright?"
Hermione gave a nod and turned to hug Harry.
"What happened to your glasses? Hello, Hagrid -- Oh, it's wonderful to see you all again -- Are you coming into Gringotts, Harry? Crysie?"
"No, but we can accompany you since mum and dad already got some money out for us. We just have to find the Weasleys," said Harry.
"Yeh won't have long ter wait," Hagrid said with a grin.
Harry, Crystal and Hermione looked around: Sprinting up the crowded street were Ron, Fred, George, Percy, and Mr. Weasley.
"Harry, Crystal," Mr. Weasley panted. "We were waiting for you before time but you never came, we got worried. . . " He mopped his glistening bald patch. "Molly's frantic -- she's coming now --"
"Did you both got lost in floo?" asked Percy.
"Yeah," Crystal replied nodding.
"Where did you come out?" Ron asked.
"Knockturn Alley," said Hagrid grimly.
"Excellent!" said Fred and George together.
"We've never been allowed in," said Ron enviously.
"I should ruddy well think not," growled Hagrid.
Mrs. Weasley now came galloping into view, her handbag swinging wildly in one hand, Ginny just clinging onto the other.
"Oh, Crystal, Harry -- oh, my dears -- did you get lost -- you could have been anywhere -- I was so worried, Lily so nicely asked me to take care of you both -- " Gasping for breath, she pulled a large clothes brush out of her bag and began sweeping off the soot from Crystal and Harry.
Mr. Weasley took Harry's glasses, gave them a tap of his wand, and returned them, good as new.
"Well, gotta be off," said Hagrid, who was having his hand wrung by Mrs. Weasley ("Knockturn Alley! If you hadn't found them, Hagrid!").
"See yer at Hogwarts!" And he strode away, head and shoulders taller than anyone else in the packed street.
"Guess who we saw in Borgin and Burkes?" Harry asked Ron and Hermione as they climbed the Gringotts steps. "Malfoy and his father."
"Did Lucius Malfoy buy anything?" said Mr. Weasley sharply behind them.
"No, he was selling --"
"So he's worried," said Mr. Weasley with grim satisfaction. "Oh, I'd love to get Lucius Malfoy for something. . . "
"You be careful, Arthur," said Mrs. Weasley sharply as they were bowed into the bank by a goblin at the door. "That family's trouble. Don't go biting off more than you can chew --"
"So you don't think I'm a match for Lucius Malfoy?" said Mr. Weasley indignantly, but he was distracted almost at once by the sight of Hermione's parents, who were standing nervously at the counter that ran all along the great marble hall, waiting for Hermione to introduce them.
"But you're Muggles!" said Mr. Weasley delightedly. "We must have a drink! What's that you've got there? Oh, you're changing Muggle money. Molly, look!" He pointed excitedly at the ten-pound notes in Mr. Granger's hand.
"Meet you back here," Ron said to Hermione, Crystal and Harry as the Weasleys were led off to their underground vaults by another Gringotts goblin.
Back outside on the marble steps of the bank, they all separated. Percy muttered vaguely about needing a new quill. Fred and George had spotted their friend from Hogwarts, Lee Jordan.
Mrs. Weasley and Ginny were going to a secondhand robe shop. Mr. Weasley was insisting on taking the Grangers off to the Leaky Cauldron for a drink.
"We'll all meet at Flourish and Blotts in an hour to buy your schoolbooks," said Mrs. Weasley, setting off with Ginny. "And not one step down Knockturn Alley!" she shouted at the twins' retreating backs.
"You guys go ahead." said Crystal, "I'll meet you in an hour at Flourish and Blotts."
"Where are you going, Crysie?" said Hermione.
"I just have some business here. . . "
"Then, I'll come with you --" said Harry.
"No, I'd have no choice but to take you if you were alone but since Ron and Hermione are here they can keep you company," Crystal stated. "Please, Harry, I'll be back in an hour. Don't worry."
Harry frowned but nodded reluctantly.
Crystal separated from Harry, Ron and Hermione. It was a perfect chance to do the market study of all the business Calistos had in that area. She wanted to observe how they're running under the Lennox family who have fraudulently taken over the Calistos in the lack of a heir.
✰✰✰✰✰✰
There was a large crowd jostling outside the doors of Flourish and Blotts, trying to get in. The reason for this was proclaimed by a large banner stretched across the upper windows:
******
GILDEROY LOCKHART
will be signing copies of his autobiography
MAGICAL ME
today 12:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M.
******
"We can actually meet him!" Hermione squealed. "I mean, he's written almost the whole booklist!"
The crowd seemed to be made up mostly of witches around Mrs. Weasley's age. A harassed-looking wizard stood at the door, saying, "Calmly, please, ladies. . . Don't push, there . . . mind the books, now. . ."
Harry looked around searching for Crystal. He started to get worried when he was unable to spot her in all the crowd.
"Where is she?" Harry mumbled, "Just where did she go?"
"Don't worry, Harry," said Ron, "It's Crysie we're talking about, she'd be fine."
"And on the way!" Hermione exclaimed, waving her hand, "Crysie! Crystal! Over here!"
Harry turned around and saw Crystal waving back at Hermione and gestured to meet inside. There was a lot of crowd and it was difficult to pass through them and reach each other.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione nodded and squeezed inside. A long line wound right to the back of the shop, where Gilderoy Lockhart was signing his books.
They each grabbed a copy of The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 2 and sneaked up the line to where the rest of the Weasleys were standing with Mr. and Mrs. Granger.
Finally, Crystal was able to reach them and Harry made some space for her to stand in front of him the line. This made some ladies enrage.
"Oh, there you are, good," said Mrs. Weasley. She sounded breathless and kept patting her hair. "We'll be able to see him in a minute. . ."
"Hey, kid! Don't break-in between!"
"Yeah, get in the back!"
"She is family!" said Mrs. Weasley and pointed at Harry, "She is this boy's younger sister!"
"Oh, good boy. Fulfilling the duties of older brother." said one of the witches.
"You don't look like siblings though. You've got a beautiful sister, boy!" said another witch.
Harry felt a little weird to be called as Crystal's older brother. She was his best friend but he could never see her as a sibling. The reality was too real as she was indeed too beautiful to be called his sister. Harry forced an awkward smile and caught Crystal's eyes, who was looking at him.
"What happened? D'you feel uneasy in the crowd?" she asked.
"No, I'm fine. I should be the one asking you that question." He said smiling. "You used to avoid crowded places."
"Oh, it's okay. Just bearable but what's this queue for?"
"Book signing."
"Ah -- I don't need it -- goodbye,"
"Stay, Crys," Harry grabbed her hand, "Please, for me? I'll be bored alone,"
"I wonder what you'll do without me," Crystal shook her head.
"I'll just go to Ron or Hermione then, simple."
Crystal gave him an unimpressed look.
"Well, actually, I'll be bored to death, so you need to stay with me right now," Harry said quickly.
Crystal shrugged and stayed in the line as they talked passing time.
Gilderoy Lockhart came slowly into view, seated at a table surrounded by large pictures of his own face, all winking and flashing dazzlingly white teeth at the crowd.
The real Lockhart was wearing robes of forget-me-not blue that exactly matched his eyes; his pointed wizard's hat was set at a jaunty angle on his wavy hair.
A short, irritable-looking man was dancing around taking photographs with a large black camera that emitted puffs of purple smoke with every blinding flash.
"Out of the way, there," he snarled at Ron, moving back to get a better shot. "This is for the Daily Prophet --"
"Big deal," said Ron, rubbing his foot where the photographer had stepped on it.
Gilderoy Lockhart heard him. He looked up. He saw Ron -- and then he saw Harry. He stared. Then he leapt to his feet and positively shouted, "It can't be Harry Potter?"
The crowd parted, whispering excitedly; Lockhart dived forward, seized Harry's arm, and pulled him to the front. The crowd burst into applause. Harry's face burnt as Lockhart shook his hand for the photographer, who was clicking away madly, wafting thick smoke over the Weasleys.
"Hide me, Ron," Crystal whispered to Ron as he chuckled. She hid behind him, dreading if anybody had seen her face earlier and recognised her too. But she had made sure no photographs were taken last time.
"Nice big smile, Harry," said Lockhart, through his own gleaming teeth. "Together, you and I are worth the front page."
When he finally let go of Harry's hand, Harry could hardly feel his fingers. He tried to sidle back over to the Weasleys and Crystal, but Lockhart threw an arm around his shoulders and clamped him tightly to his side.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he said loudly, waving for quiet. "What an extraordinary moment this is! The perfect moment for me to make a little announcement I've been sitting on for some time!
"When young Harry here stepped into Flourish and Blotts today, he only wanted to buy my autobiography -- which I shall be happy to present him now, free of charge --" The crowd applauded again. "He had no idea," Lockhart continued, giving Harry a little shake that made his glasses slip to the end of his nose, "that he would shortly be getting much, much more than my book, Magical Me. He and his schoolmates will, in fact, be getting the real magical me. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I have great pleasure and pride in announcing that this September, I will be taking up the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!"
The crowd cheered and clapped and Harry found himself being presented with the entire works of Gilderoy Lockhart.
Staggering slightly under their weight, he managed to make his way out of the limelight to the edge of the room, where Ginny was standing next to her new cauldron.
"You have these," Harry mumbled to her, tipping the books into the cauldron. "I'll buy my own --"
"Bet you loved that, didn't you, Potter?" said a voice Harry had no trouble recognising. He straightened up and found himself face-to-face with Draco Malfoy, who was wearing his usual sneer.
"Famous Harry Potter," said Malfoy. "Can't even go into a bookshop without making the front page."
"Leave him alone, he didn't want all that!" said Ginny. It was the first time she had spoken in front of Harry. She was glaring at Malfoy.
"Potter, you've got yourself a girlfriend!" drawled Malfoy. Ginny went scarlet, Ron, Crystal and Hermione fought their way over, clutching stacks of Lockhart's books.
"That's good, now be out of Calisto's way, she needs to see there are many fishes in the sea," Malfoy said as he continued to stare in Crystal's direction. Harry blocked his view as he shifted to stand in between.
"Oh, it's you," said Ron, looking at Malfoy as if he were something unpleasant on the sole of his shoe. "Bet you're surprised to see Harry here, eh?"
"Not as surprised as I am to see you in a shop, Weasley," retorted.Malfoy. "I suppose your parents will go hungry for a month to pay for all those."
Ron went as red as Ginny. He dropped his books into the cauldron, too, and started toward Malfoy, but Harry and Hermione grabbed the back of his jacket.
"And what did your family sell to be here?" Crystal said with a sweet small smile.
"What do you mean, Crystal Calisto-- ?" Malfoy said his voice faltered a little.
"Oh, I do wonder what it could meant I'm not smart enough,"
She stuffed her hands in her jeans pocket and casually took a look around before taking just one step ahead close to him.
"So yes, since you remember who I'm." she whispered, "You should also know that nothing is hidden from my eyes. That includes what goes inside and outside your house too. You see, I'm a Calisto after all, even though an illegitimate with impure blood. Tell your daddy not to trust anyone and blabber his mouth,"
"What -- "
With a last winning smile, Crystal turned around and went outside without bothered to listen to him.
Ron had given up the struggle to break free from Harry and Hermione, who were confused with Crystal's and Malfoy's hushed interaction but it looked like Crystal had badly threatened him by the look on his face.
Crystal waited for Harry, Ron and Hermione a few meters outside the Flourish and Blouts bookstore, it was too crowded for her to bear anymore and there was Malfoy too but she missed the chaos happening inside at that time.
When they finally showed up on the street outside the bookstore, the Grangers shaking with fright, Mr. Weasley had a cut lip and Mrs. Weasley beside herself with fury.
"A fine example to set for your children . . . brawling in public . . . what Gilderoy Lockhart must've thought --"
"He was pleased," said Fred. "Didn't you hear him as we were leaving? He was asking that bloke from the Daily Prophet if he'd be able to work the fight into his report -- said it was all publicity --"
Crystal sensed something big happened, ran to Harry but he instantly took her hand pulling her in opposite direction. They bade their goodbyes to the Weasleys and Grangers and went off separately.
"What happened?" Crystal said finally, "How did Mr. Weasley got injured?"
Harry stopped in front of Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour then pulled Crystal along inside the shop with him.
"I'll tell you everything," he said, "let me cool off first." they stopped in front of the menu board, "I'll order, so chocolate as usual for you?"
"Hmm. . . Let me think. . ." Crystal said going over the hundred of variety.
Harry waited for a minute. . . then it turned into several minutes. . . and Crystal was still looking up and down the menu.
Harry remembered the incident with the trolley lady the first time they met on the train to Hogwarts. He realised that Crystal was really indecisive when it came to choose any food items and more so when everything on the menu tempted her.
He panicked for a brief moment that she would order the whole shop, if we were talking about Crystal, she was capable of doing that.
"Crys, wait, I'll recommend you the one I really like! You don't need to buy everything -- "
"I've decided! This one Mango flavor with cherries and choco chips!" Crystal exclaimed, "Oh-- were you saying something?"
"Oh, no no no, nothing," he said shaking his head quickly and muttered relieved, "Thank Merlin. . . "
"What're you hiding, eh, tell me," Crystal poked his side, "I heard you were saying something,"
"I told you it's nothing," said Harry chuckling, "Grab us a table outside, I'll tell you what happened in the bookstore. Oh! And be a dear and take my books too, I'll bring our order," he smiled cheekily and handed her his bag of books before she could say anything.
"Urgh, heavy." Crystal muttered both of her hands were full of heavy books. She put the bags beside a table and waited for Harry, cracking her knuckles and fingers which were sore and red.
Harry and Crystal enjoyed their sundaes as he told her all the things happened in the bookstore after Crystal left.
"Did they really fight? As in real fight-- in action?" Crystal was shocked, her hand stopped in the middle of eating as the melted icecream from the spoon dripped in the dish.
Harry directed her hand towards her mouth and nodded. Crystal took the bite, made a disgusted face at the melted taste. She started to eat much faster.
"Well, Malfoy Sr. the senior git, did deserve it. I just hope it doesn't create any trouble for Mr. Weasley," he said, Harry snuck some of her icecream from the bowl.
"Hey! Eat yours!"
"Yours is good but not better than mine," said Harry, "Want to have a bite? It's chocolate."
Crystal had a spoonful of bite out of his dish.
"I like mine better, the sweet taste of mangoes and cherries is more delicious." said Crystal, shrugging, "I think I'm bored of chocolate now,"
"Hey, Crys. . . Listen, don't tell mum and dad where we got lost today, okay? Promise?"
"Of course, I'll keep it a secret. You don't need to ask -- "
Harry smiled mischievously taking a spoonful of her mango sundae, only to be hit on the arm.
"-- Hey! only if you don't steal from me! Back off!" Crystal added quickly protecting her sundae out of his reach.
Harry had now found that it was very fun to tease Crystal if he messed with her desserts.
They finished their dessert with of their playful back and forth and went back to Potters cottage with floo. It definitely wasn't Crystal's favorite way to travel.
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A/N:
Hello lovely people, I hope you liked this chapter. I had fun writing this one.
Let me know what you think and show your support with your votes, comments and follow if you like the book so far. Don't hesitate to spam me, I love reading the comments.
By the way, does your taste in flavors changes according to your mood? Well, mine does....
See you!
-: ✧ :-