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❝ Did you really dip your aunt like a teabag? ❞
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𝕮RYSTAL, 𝕳ARRY AND 𝖅ACHARY stayed the night at the Leaky Cauldron. The next morning, after getting ready for the day, Crystal went downstairs to read the morning newspaper until Harry and Zachary woke up.
Rather than reading the newspaper, she was more interested in watching the other guests around her: funny little witches from the country, up for a day’s shopping; venerable-looking wizards arguing over the latest article in Transfiguration Today; wild-looking warlocks; raucous dwarfs; and once, what looked suspiciously like a hag, who ordered a plate of raw liver from behind a thick woollen balaclava, which made Crystal grimace in disgust and focused her attention back on the newspaper.
She was thankful that she didn't allow the press to take her pictures or she wouldn't be sitting there comfortably.
Zachary sauntered down a few minutes later and sat across her ordering the breakfast for all of them as Harry hurried down, staring at Zachary and then Crystal before taking a seat beside her.
Zachary had a feeling that Harry was very sceptical of his presence around Crystal and somewhat had a doubt why as a boy's instinct. But Harry talked to him nicely whenever they had a conversation.
After breakfast they went to the backyard, Crystal took out her wand, covered her nose before tapping the third brick from the left above the trash bin, and stood back as the archway into Diagon Alley opened in the wall.
Harry's parents would come at night after work, so they would buy their books and be free to do whatever they want until then.
"Crystal, I'll go to Gringotts real quick ---" said Zachary.
"Umm, let's do this," Crystal gave him a spare money bag, filled with gold Galleons, silver Sickles, and bronze Knuts. "This is your bonus over the salary for starting school and thank you for your efforts,"
"Woahh! Really?" Zachary beamed as peeked inside the money bag, "This is more than enough! I've got the best boss ever!"
"No need to butter me up, let's go get the books first," Crystal brushed him off, "Harry, do you have got the list?"
"Yes," said Harry and Zachary at the same time.
Harry looked at him for a moment before taking the folded letter out of his pocket which was almost crumbled, "Crys and I are talking same subjects, maybe you've something different,"
"Ah, yes, I'm not talking Divinations," said Zachary, checking his list.
As they walked around for a bit, Harry had to exercise a lot of self-control not to spend the whole lot at once, as his mum had always warned him and his dad.
He had to stop himself from buying a handsome set of solid gold Gobstones. He was sorely tempted, too, by the perfect, moving model of the galaxy in a large glass ball, which Crystal would have definitely loved to have but he also knew it had no use for her.
But the thing that tested Harry’s resolution most appeared in his favourite shop, Quality Quidditch Supplies.
"Why's there so much crowd?" said Zachary as the three of them curious to know what the crowd in the shop was staring at, edged their way inside and squeezed in among the excited witches and wizards.
Harry and Zachary gasped as they glimpsed a newly erected podium, on which was mounted the most magnificent broom they had ever seen.
"This is brilliant! I only saw it in the newspaper but seeing it in person is truly brilliant!" said Harry, his eyes shined as he looked at it in awe. Zachary was also looking at it mesmerized.
“Just come out — prototype —” a square-jawed wizard was telling his companion.
“It’s the fastest broom in the world, isn’t it, Dad?” squeaked a boy younger than Harry, who was swinging off his father’s arm.
“Irish International Side’s just put in an order for seven of these beauties!” the proprietor of the shop told the crowd. “And they’re favourites for the World Cup!”
"It looks good indeed," said Crystal as she read the sign next to the broom. "The Firebolt, what's the price?"
"It must be crazy expensive!" said Harry shocked, "You don't even play Quidditch, why do you want to buy it?"
"You like it, right? I didn't send a good enough present for your birthday,"
"You —Are you crazy? Don't even dare to think about buying this! What's the point of emptying the money your mum left for you on a broom! I've my Nimbus which is brilliant!"
"Umm — yeah, but the money I spend is my own earned. . . I stopped using mother's vault last year. . ."
"What. . .?" said Harry even more shocked, "Since last year? You only just got the position in your family! How—"
Crystal was silent, it was the moment she knew that she messed up. The muggle business was supposed to be a secret from the world of magic.
"Ah—yeah, my money, not your business,"
"You're sooo rude," said Harry, rolling his eyes.
"Oh, she is. Anyways, Potter, I'm glad you came to the Mansion or my chance to go Hogwarts would've to be put on hold this year too!" said Zachary, shaking his hands with both of his, "Thank you for taking us away from the work."
"Er, you're welcome?" said Harry confused. Crystal rolled her eyes looking at the drama.
They went ahead on the way, Zachary went to buy his wand while Crystal and Harry went to Apothecary to replenish their store of potions ingredients.
The trio united back in Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions and bought new school robes because Harry and Crystal grew taller and Zachary need a pair. At last, they went to buy the schoolbooks for the year, which would include those for the two new subjects, Care of Magical Creatures and Divination.
Crystal got a surprise as she looked in at the bookshop window. Instead of the usual display of gold-embossed spellbooks the size of paving slabs, there was a large iron cage behind the glass that held about a hundred copies of The Monster Book of Monsters. Torn pages were flying everywhere as the books grappled with each other, locked together in furious wrestling matches and snapping aggressively.
Harry took the booklist out of his pocket and they both consulted it for the first time. The Monster Book of Monsters was listed as the required book for Care of Magical Creatures. Now Crystal understood why Hagrid had said it would come in useful.
She felt relieved; she thought Hagrid pranked her. But her relief was short-lived, it frightened Crystal more wondering, how would she ever be able to touch that book again without trembling with fear.
"Can I bail out now?" Crystal said slowly.
"Too late," said Harry. "Let's go,"
As Harry, Crystal and Zachary entered Flourish and Blotts, the manager came hurrying toward them.
“Hogwarts?” he said abruptly. “Come to get your new books?”
“Yes,” said Harry, “we need —”
“Get out of the way,” said the manager impatiently, brushing Harry aside.
He drew on a pair of very thick gloves, picked up a large, knobbly walking stick, and proceeded toward the door of the Monster Books’ cage.
“Hang on,” said Harry quickly, “I’ve already got one of those.”
"Me too," said Crystal.
“Have you?” A look of enormous relief spread over the manager’s face as closed the cage shut. “Thank heavens for that. I’ve been bitten five times already this morning —”
"But I want one," Zachary voiced.
"Should've said that earlier, boy!" the manager looked so aghast as though Zachary didn't ask for the book but his kidney.
A loud ripping noise rented the air; two of the Monster Books had seized a third and were pulling it apart.
“Stop it! Stop it!” cried the manager, poking the walking stick through the bars and knocking the books apart then grabbed one of them carefully and instantly tied the book with a spellotape before handing it to Zachary. “I’m never stocking them again, never! It’s been bedlam! I thought we’d seen the worst when we bought two hundred copies of the Invisible Book of Invisibility — cost a fortune, and we never found them. . . Well. . . is there anything else I can help you with?”
“Yes,” said Harry, looking down his booklist, “we need Unfogging the Future by Cassandra Vablatsky, two copies.”
“Ah, starting Divination, are you?” said the manager, stripping off his gloves and leading Harry, Crystal and Zachary into the back of the shop, where there was a corner devoted to fortune-telling.
A small table was stacked with volumes such as Predicting the Unpredictable: Insulate Yourself Against Shocks and Broken Balls: When Fortunes Turn Foul.
“Here you are,” said the manager, who had climbed a set of steps to take down a thick, black-bound book. “Unfogging the Future. A very good guide to all your basic fortune-telling methods — palmistry, crystal balls, bird entrails —”
But Crystal wasn't listening and Harry was busy looking at what had captured her attention. Her eyes had fallen on another book, which was among a display on a small table: Death Omens: What to Do When You Know the Worst Is Coming.
“Oh, I wouldn’t read that if I were you, children,” said the manager lightly, looking to see what they were staring at. “You’ll start seeing death omens everywhere. It’s enough to frighten anyone to death.”
But Crystal and Harry continued to stare at the front cover of the book; it showed a black dog large as a bear, with gleaming eyes. It looked oddly familiar. . . to both of them.
"Can I buy one?" Crystal said shocking the manager. Harry rolled his eyes.
"No, you can't," Harry said firmly. "You don't even have time to read it!"
"Ah, yes, I don't have much time," she said sadly looking at the book.
"Kids, are you both okay?" The manager was genuinely concerned and extremely confused. "I just said—"
"Yes, we're totally normal," Harry said with a toothy smile.
The manager, a little sceptical, just pressed Unfogging the Future into Harry and Crystal's hands.
“Anything else?” he asked.
“Yes,” said Crystal, tearing her eyes away from the dog’s and dazedly consulting Harry's booklist. “Er — we need three copies of Intermediate Transfiguration and The Standard Book of Spells, Grade Three.”
Harry, Crystal and Zachary emerged from Flourish and Blotts ten minutes later with their new books in a bag each.
"Okay we're done, right? When are Hermione and Ron coming?" said Crystal.
"Maybe they're a bit late," said Harry looking around.
"I'm hungry, let's have lunch," said Crystal shielding her eyes from the sun, "What do you guys say?"
"Me too!" Zachary chimed in.
"Let's leave these baggages in our rooms first," said Harry and they went back to their rooms, dropped their bags and went back to the Diagon Alley wondering where they’d have lunch when someone called Harry and Crystal's name and they turned.
“CRYSTAL! HARRY!”
They were there, both of them, sitting outside Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor — Ron looking incredibly freckly, Hermione very brown, both waving frantically at them.
Hermione and Crystal hugged each other tightly before letting go. Ron gave Harry a thump on the back and a side hug to Crystal as Harry and Hermione hugged each other.
“Finally!” said Ron, grinning at Crystal and Harry as they sat down. “We went to the Leaky Cauldron, but they said you’d left, and we went to Flourish and Blotts, and Madam Malkin’s, and oh — who's that?”
Zachary was standing awkwardly behind Crystal.
"Zachary Craig, nice to meet you both," said Zachary and dragged a chair to sit between Harry and Crystal, "Miss Crystal's butler-in-training —"
"Zach — just say that you're a friend," said Crystal.
"Zach?" Harry scoffed under his breath but was loud enough to hear but tried to cover up, "Er, uh — can you go and bring some icecream — "
"Please do pardon me for asking this, Mr. Harry Potter," said Zach in a very posh accent, propping his elbows on the table and raising an eyebrow, "But who are you to order me?"
"What? But Crystal orders you around all the time!" said Harry surprised.
"When did I order anyone around?" said Crystal even more surprised.
"That's right, Crystal doesn't 'order' me around, it's my job to follow her as a right-hand man and outside the Mansion I'm free until I'm called, I must follow my boss's wishes,"
"Zach, Harry, stop it. Can you guys not fight?" said Crystal, "I'll get the ice cream, which flavour do you both want?"
"Leave it, I was just messing with him," said Zachary.
"Whatever, same," said Harry insolently. "I don't want it,"
Ron and Hermione looked between the three of them and then turned to each other with a smirk.
"Well, nice to meet you too, Zach!" said Hermione and smiled. "I'm Hermione Granger!"
"Hello, Miss Granger, you're as amazing as I've heard from Miss Crystal," said Zachary in his usual charming smile and Hermione blushed. Crystal rolled her eyes.
"'Mione, beware, he's a devil in gentleman's clothing, don't slip for his buttery words," said Crystal.
"And yeah, and there she goes, ruining my chances," Zachary sighed poetically and glanced at Hermione, "But she knows whom to believe,"
"Sounding like a poet doesn't make you one,"
"I'm poetic by heart," Zachary winked at Hermione.
"Charming, right?" said Hermione chuckling. Ron and Crystal cringed at both of them and Harry rolled his eyes.
"Thank you," said Zachary and bent in an elegant bow, tipping an imaginary hat.
“Alright alright, sit down you, so we got all our school stuff,” Harry asked diverting attention from the boy. “What about you guys?”
“All done,” said Ron simply.
“Crysie,” said Hermione in a very serious voice. "Did you really dip your aunt like a teabag?"
“I just — lost control,” said Crystal while Harry, Ron and Zach roared with laughter. “but I don't regret it a bit and I mean it,”
Hermione looked at her dumbfounded at the last sentence as Ron stood up shaking all over with laughter and stood up to thump Crystal's back in appreciation.
“It’s not funny, Ron, sit down,” said Hermione sharply. “Honestly, I’m amazed Crystal wasn’t expelled.”
“So am I,” admitted Crystal simply. "But do I care?"
"No." said Harry, Hermione, Ron and Zach together in a monotone.
“I just don't understand one thing, why did Fudge let me off, both your dad doesn’t know, do they?”
"My dad said Fudge may try to maintain good rapport with you, maybe that's why?" said Harry shrugging.
“Or probably ’cause it’s you, isn’t it?” shrugged Ron, still chuckling. “Famous Crystal Calisto and all that and now you've become the big deal of the whole magic world. I’d hate to see what the Ministry’d do to me if I blew up an aunt. Mind you, they’d have to dig me up first, because Mum would’ve killed me."
Crystal remembered the Howler they got in the second year. And she pushed the thought out instantly.
"Anyway, you can ask Dad yourself this evening. We’re staying at the Leaky Cauldron tonight too, you know because of the car event last year, they're keeping an eye. . . Anyways, so you can come to King’s Cross with us tomorrow! Hermione’s there as well!”
Hermione nodded, beaming.
“Mum and Dad dropped me off this morning with all my Hogwarts things. I was really worried at first when Crysie said she couldn't come to Hogwarts but Harry assured us that he'll definitely bring you so I couldn't even sleep properly last night, I'm so happy to see you guys again,”
"Yeah, he did come to kidna—" Harry covered her mouth quickly with an awkward laugh that didn't reach his eyes. "She means I came to pick her up,"
Hermione eyed them suspiciously before Ron grabbed their attention and Harry let go of her, gesturing her to be silent with his finger on his lips. Crystal gave him a mysterious smile which was enough to keep him on his toes.
“And ta-da, Look at this,” said Ron, pulling a long thin box out of a bag and opening it. “Brand-new wand. Fourteen inches, willow, containing one unicorn tail- hair. And we’ve got all our books —” He pointed at a large bag under his chair. “What about those Monster Books, eh? The assistant nearly cried when we said we wanted two.”
“What’s all that, Hermione?” Harry asked, pointing at not one but three bulging bags in the chair next to her.
“Well, I’m taking more new subjects than you, aren’t I?” said Hermione. “Those are my books for Arithmancy, Care of Magical Creatures, Divination, Study of Ancient Runes, Muggle Studies —”
“What are you doing Muggle Studies for?” said Ron, rolling his eyes at Harry and Crystal. “You’re Muggle-born! Your mum and dad are Muggles! You already know all about Muggles!”
“But it’ll be fascinating to study them from the wizarding point of view,” said Hermione earnestly.
“Are you planning to eat or sleep at all this year, Hermione?” asked Harry, while Crystal and Ron sniggered. Hermione ignored them.
"What're you laughing for? You're one of the worst kinds of workaholic out there," Zachary scoffed at Crystal earning a slap on his arm.
“I’ve still got ten Galleons,” she said, checking her purse. “It’s my birthday in September, and Mum and Dad gave me some money to get myself an early birthday present.”
“How about a nice book?” said Ron.
“No, I don’t think so,” said Hermione composedly. “I really want an owl. I mean, Harry’s got Hedwig, Crystal's got Cash and you’ve got Errol —”
“I haven’t,” said Ron. “Errol’s a family owl. All I’ve got is Scabbers.” He pulled his pet rat out of his pocket. “And I want to get him checked over, he added, placing Scabbers on the table in front of them. “I don’t think Egypt agreed with him.
Scabbers was looking thinner than usual, and there was a definite droop to his whiskers.
"Urgh, then why didn't you just chuck that good-for-nothing thing inside the pyramid," Crystal grimaced and stood up.
"Scabbers is not a good-for-nothing thing!" said Ron offensively.
"Really? Tell me, what has it done till now other than consuming the limited oxygen we have on Earth? I'd rather have Zachary take his share of Oxygen. This thing is alive over time—" Crystal snapped, "Wait a minute — he should've died long ago, how can an average life span of a rat be that much."
"Wow, Crystal! You want me to have a rat's breathing air?" Zachary clapped in fake amusement, "I knew you could be mean if you don't like anything, but I didn't know you were this mean!"
"I think you don't want the Christmas bonus— " said Crystal.
"You know what. Rats are lame as a pet, they don't do anything," said Zachary continued in a flow as though he'd been supporting her from beginning of the back and forth.
"Exactly! It's not doing anything to anyone!" Ron yelled. "That was insensitive of you to say, Calisto!"
"I still don't like it!" Crystal huffed.
“Guys, please, let's get going. There’s a magical creature shop just over there,” said Harry stopping the argument, who knew Diagon Alley very well, “You could see if they’ve got anything for Scabbers, and Hermione can get her owl.”
"Zach, if you want a pet—"
"Nah, I do like cats and dogs, but I'm not good at taking care of pets, so I'm not getting anything," said Zachary casually leaning back in his chair. "And I've my hands full taking care of someone—"
"Then, we'll wait around outside you guys go ahead," said Crystal ignoring him.
Harry looked between the two contemplating whether to leave them alone or not but Ron dragged him to the pet shop with him.
◆◇◆◇◆
Crystal and Zachary were looking around the Diagon Alley and saw Ron and Harry running towards them. Ron suddenly bend down, looking under a wastepaper bin outside Quality Quidditch Supplies.
"What is he doing?" asked Crystal as she stood behind them. Harry explained everything.
Ron stuffed the trembling rat back into his pocket and straightened up, massaging his head.
“What was that?” he said.
“It was either a very big cat or quite a small tiger,” said Harry.
“Tiger?” Crystal said perplexed, "Where's Hermione?"
“Probably getting her owl—”
"And you both left her for this rat?" Crystal said pointing her index at the pocket, not even attempting to hide her disgust for the rat inside Ron's pocket. "Let's get her and go back,"
"I'm telling you Harry—this girl—if you don't do anything to—"
"Yeah, yeah, leave it all to me, why don't you?"
They made their way back up the crowded street to the Magical Menagerie. As they reached it, Hermione came out, but she wasn’t carrying an owl. Her arms were clamped tightly around the enormous ginger cat.
“You bought that monster?” said Ron, his mouth hanging open.
"What's that thing?" Crystal asked raising a brow.
“He’s gorgeous, isn’t he?” said Hermione, glowing.
That was a matter of opinion, thought Harry moving his eyes from Ron to Crystal.
The cat’s ginger fur was thick and fluffy, but it was definitely a bit bowlegged and its face looked grumpy and oddly squashed, as though it had run headlong into a brick wall. Now that Scabbers was out of sight, however, the cat was purring contentedly in Hermione’s arms.
“Hermione, that thing nearly scalped me!” said Ron.
“He didn’t mean to, did you, Crookshanks?” said Hermione.
“And what about Scabbers?” said Ron, pointing at the lump in his chest pocket. “He needs rest and relaxation! How’s he going to get it with that thing around?”
“That reminds me, you forgot your rat tonic,” said Hermione, slapping the small red bottle into Ron’s hand. “And stop worrying, Crookshanks will be sleeping in my dormitory and Scabbers in yours, what’s the problem?"
"No no no! No way!" said Crystal, aghast with the idea of a cat in their dorm.
"Yes way!" Hermione retorted, "Don't forget you took Care of Magical Creatures! It's just a small cat, live with it!"
Zachary snickered at the speechless Crystal, gaping at the cat. She pinched him in the side making him jump. He was sure that it was only this group of people that are capable of making the invincible Crystal Calisto, who drove the Lennoxs away, who got all of Rubeila's annoying tantrums under control, unable to have anything to retort back.
"Poor Crookshanks, that witch said he’d been in there for ages; no one wanted him.” said Hermione cooing.
“I wonder why,” said Ron sarcastically as they set off toward the Leaky Cauldron.
Crystal didn't speak a word the rest of the way as she kept throwing a side-eye glance at the ginger cat. She was regretting her lifetime decision to take the subject involving creatures but the problem was she couldn't quit. People would definitely dig the reason behind her dropping the subject and it wouldn't reflect well on her image. She was taught that a King cannot have any weakness that could be used against him and Crystal was the queen of her family assets and worldwide establishment of the business empire of Calisto. Not only that, she had many faults, even life-threatening ones. Many hungry hyenas are lurking in the shadows to tear her apart and have the prey for themselves.
They found Mr. Weasley sitting in the bar, reading the Daily Prophet.
“Crystal! Harry!” he said, smiling as he looked up. “How are you both?”
"Brilliant, thanks!" said Harry.
“Good to see you, Mr. Weasley,” Crystal finally spoke as she, Harry, Zachary, Ron, and Hermione joined Mr. Weasley with all their shopping.
Mr. Weasley put down his paper, and Crystal saw the now-familiar picture of Sirius Black staring up at her.
“They still haven’t caught him, then?” she asked. Harry shifted uncomfortably in his seat. A few weeks back when he woke up in the middle of the night, he had overheard his parents fighting with each other over something related to this person.
“No,” said Mr. Weasley, looking extremely grave. “They’ve pulled us all off our regular jobs at the Ministry to try and find him, but no luck so far.”
“Would we get a reward if we caught him?” asked Ron. “It’d be good to get some more money—”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Ron,” said Mr. Weasley, who on closer inspection looked very strained. “Black’s not going to be caught by a thirteen-year-old wizard. It’s the Azkaban guards who’ll get him back, you mark my words.”
At that moment Mrs. Weasley entered the bar, laden with shopping bags and followed by the twins, Fred and George, who were about to start their fifth year at Hogwarts; the newly elected Head Boy, Percy; and the Weasleys’ youngest child and only girl, Ginny.
Ginny, who had always been very taken with Harry and Crystal, seemed even more heartily embarrassed than usual when she saw them, perhaps because they had saved her life during their previous year at Hogwarts. She went very red and muttered “hello” without looking at Harry.
"Crysie!" However, Ginny threw herself on Crystal as they hugged each other. Crystal smiled and patted her back.
Percy, however, held out his hand solemnly as though he and Harry had never met and said, “Harry. How nice to see you.”
“Hello, Percy,” said Harry, trying not to laugh.
Percy then held his hand out for Crystal in the same manner and said, "Congratulations, Crystal. Best wishes for future endeavours,"
"Er, thank you. . .?" said Crystal confused about why was he saying that.
“I hope you’re well? With your new position and responsibilities?” said Percy pompously, shaking hands. It was rather like being introduced to the mayor. Crystal understood now, what he was talking about.
“Yeah, Very well, thanks, Congrats to you too—”
“Harry! Crystal!” said Fred, elbowing Percy out of the way and bowing deeply. “Simply splendid to see you, old boy and my girl—”
“Marvelous,” said George, pushing Fred aside and seizing Crystal’s hand in turn. “Absolutely spiffing.”
Percy scowled.
“That’s enough, now,” said Mrs. Weasley.
“Mum!” said Fred as though he’d only just spotted her and seized her hand too. “How really corking to see you —”
Crystal chuckled at the lively duo. They can naturally make just anyone smile.
“I said, that’s enough,” said Mrs. Weasley, depositing her shopping in an empty chair. “Hello, Harry, Crystal, my dears. I suppose you’ve heard our exciting news?” She pointed to the brand-new silver badge on Percy’s chest. “Second Head Boy in the family!” she said, swelling with pride.
“And last,” Fred muttered under his breath.
“I don’t doubt that,” said Mrs. Weasley, frowning suddenly. “I notice they haven’t made you two prefects.”
“What do we want to be prefects for?” said George, looking revolted at the very idea. “It’d take all the fun out of life.”
"Agreed." said Crystal raising her hand and slowly pulling down when Mrs. Weasley turned to look at her.
Ginny giggled.
“You want to set a better example for your sister!” snapped Mrs. Weasley.
“Ginny’s got other brothers to set her an example, Mother,” said Percy loftily. “I’m going up to change for dinner...”
He disappeared and George heaved a sigh.
“We tried to shut him in a pyramid,” he told Harry. “But Mum spotted us.”
"Goodness," said Zachary laughing.
"Um, who are you?" Ginny asked as Fred and George looked at him with curiosity.
"Zachary Craig," Zachary introduced himself with an elegant bow and tipping his imaginary hat, "You can say I'm Miss Crystal's right-hand man, starting the third year at Hogwarts,"
"Not again, Zach," said Crystal, shaking her head.
"But it seems they're close to you, Crystal, so it's only right to introduce myself the right way," said Zachary.
"Very well, you're not wrong,"
"My man here is a lady charmer! I can see that already!" said Fred as both the twins swung their arms on Zachary's shoulder and took him away, "Come, I've got a feeling we'll get along,"
Zachary had an amused grin as they went away.
◆◇◆◇◆
After dinner, everyone felt very full and sleepy. One by one they made their way upstairs to their rooms to check their things for the next day. James and Lily arrived after dinner. While James retired for the day, Lily went to check on the kids.
Ron and Percy were next door to Harry, who was checking his stuff and Crystal and his mum were talking in a hushed tone. Harry had just closed and locked his trunk when they heard angry voices through the wall.
"Are they fighting?" Lily wondered.
"I'll go check," Harry left the room.
The door of number twelve was ajar and Percy was shouting.
“It was here, on the bedside table, I took it off for polishing —”
“I haven’t touched it, all right?” Ron roared back.
“What’s going on?” said Crystal from behind Harry.
“My Head Boy badge is gone,” said Percy, rounding on Crystal and Harry.
“So’s Scabbers’s rat tonic,” said Ron, throwing things out of his trunk to look. “I think I might’ve left it in the bar —”
“You’re not going anywhere till you’ve found my badge!” yelled Percy.
“I’ll get Scabbers’s stuff, I’m packed,” Harry said to Ron and pulled Crystal's hand downstairs with him.
"Jeez, thanks," Crystal took her hand back. "I should go back. Your mum must be back from checking up on your dad,"
"Oh, trust me, it's going to take long for them to—anyways, what were you guys talking about in the corner?"
"Just some girls' stuff," Crystal mumbled awkwardly clutching the side of her stomach.
"Uh, okay,"
There was silence for a few moments before Crystal spoke again.
"You know what, Harry, I envy you sometimes,"
"Envy me? Why? You're the one who everyone envies. Intelligent, beautiful, rich, famous, Head of Calisto,"
"Oh, please, it doesn't matter if I don't have— " Crystal stopped mid-sentence knowing that it's rather futile to say this.
"Don't have?"
"Um, I don't have the satisfaction—I'm not content,"
"Not content?"
"Yeah, something is missing and it's amusing because now I know what's missing but I'm glad you cherish it,"
"I don't understand. What do I have? I don't even get enough pocket money to keep a girlfriend on my side?"
"Nothing! You want to keep a girlfriend with your pocket money?" she laughed at the confused expression on his face and carried on walking down ahead.
"Well, It'd cost to take her out on dates and gifts and stuff—hey! Are you even listening?" Harry retorted as he followed her.
Crystal just chuckled and didn't say anything further as they climbed down more stairs, Harry huffed but the meaning of Crystal's words suddenly popped into his mind.
It dawned upon him that even if Crystal is head of Calisto, there was no Calisto of her blood left in this world. No one to call her own. Crystal was the sole person left to be called Calisto, her Aunt couldn't be considered as a family even though they share blood. Crystal was alone in this world.
Harry didn't say anything seeing the light manner she talked about it but he wanted her to know that he was there for her, always.
"Hey,"
Crystal stopped on the last stair and turned around when she felt a gentle hand squeezing hers as though saying the unsaid words of comfort. Harry smiled softly as he looked down at her, the dim light raining on them from the lamp was the only source to helping them to hold each other's gaze.
The silence was so meaningful that it spoke more than just words but then some angry voices from the parlour, snatched their attention and they let go of each other's hands as though electrocuted.
Harry cleared his throat awkwardly and whispered, "Let's see?" Crystal shook her head to not go but reluctantly followed him.
"Don't put your nose where it doesn't belong," Crystal whispered to Harry, who was leaning his ear towards the door.
"Shhhh!" he shushed her keeping a finger on his lips as though teaching manners to a child.
"You're eavesdropping—" Harry silenced her placing the same finger on her lips now, with his wide eyes telling her to be quiet.
Crystal rolled her eyes as he removed his hand but without any attempt to eavesdrop, she recognized the voices inside, it was Mr. and Mrs. Weasleys’. Harry and Crystal looked at each other and hesitated, not wanting them to know they’d heard them arguing, but when they heard their name, they moved closer to the parlour door.
The topic of conversation was of Harry's interest, at the same time he wanted to take Crystal away but, too late, she was more invested in the gossip than he'd ever imagined her to be. Her ear was practically glued to the door hearing about Sirius Black.
"Don't put your nose where it doesn't belong," Harry whispered to Crystal.
"Shhhh!" She shushed him keeping a finger on her lips, mirroring his expression earlier.
Apparently, in Crystal's understanding, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were arguing about Sirius Black. Mrs. Weasley didn't agree with Harry and her going back to school when Black, the prisoner of deadly Azkaban, escaped to especially kill her and Harry. She was also disappointed with Harry's parents allowing him to go back to Hogwarts given the circumstances and... Mr Weasley's thoughts were just as opposed to hers as they could be.
Crystal wondered did any of the Potters knew about this but of course, they would know. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley pointed out a valid point in their argument.
Harry heard chairs move and tapped Crystal's shoulder who was deep in thought processing the 'friendly talk among adults' that the adults told kids with their fake smiles.
As quietly and fast as they could, they hurried down the passage to the bar, out of sight. The parlour door opened, and a few seconds later footsteps told them that Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were climbing the stairs.
"Harry, I'm going back," said Crystal, sounding absentminded.
"Look, Crys, listen to me —"
"Can I—no, I'll talk to you tomorrow morning. Good night, I'm going to bed,"
"Hey! Crystal — don't think of doing anything rash!" Harry whisper-shouted running up after her as she ran upstairs. He knew that face, he knew she was up to something.
Crystal stopped before Zachary's door and knocked. A few seconds later with a few more knocks, Zachary opened the door, half asleep, yawning, and scratching his stomach under his silk pyjamas but his sleep immediately flew out of the very door when he saw Crystal standing in front of him with a dead serious expression.
He instantly understood after having closely worked with her that she was devising something and that too very seriously.
"Crystal? Come in, is there an emergency?"
Crystal sat on an armchair, quiet for a moment then looked at Zachary across her and finally spoke, "Can we use shadows?"
"Shadows. Why shadows?"
"I want someone's background. . . and want them to be watched,"
"Sirius Black?"
"Hmm, I want every little detail of Sirius Black and his three generations of families, his friends, his girlfriends, spouse, his relatives, school, whatever,"
"Why are you suddenly interested in him?"
Crystal explained to him everything that she had heard, "So, can you contact them?"
"Not possible, first we have to gather the squad back—it'll take a lot of time, I think two of them passed away in a mission three years back, and we need recruits which is not easy cause the talent to lurk in the dark is cannot be trained easily and we need people who don't have any familial relationships—is it because Black was Voldemort's follower?"
Zachary was one of a few people who freely said Voldemort's name. His parents died at the hands of Voldemort's followers (after Voldemort's disappearance and the unfortunate death of Aviana Calisto) while defending the Calisto Mansion and keeping the power from falling into wrong hands.
"How much time will it take?"
"I'm not so sure myself, most of them quit with the demise of the previous Head and recruiting someone with that kind of natural skills is next to impossible—so more than half a year or whole year,"
"Just do one thing, it's time we assemble shadows back, so work on that," said Crystal as she stood up to leave. "We are going to need them in future,"
"Sure," Zachary muttered and sighed.
"Zach. . . We'll get back at them all one day," said Crystal patting his shoulder, "Sorry to bother you at this time, have rest,"
"Yeah," Zachary nodded finally looking up at her. "We'll get them all,"
◆◇◆◇◆
The next morning, Crystal woke up a little later than usual, that is, the general time for most people to wake up.
After a nice shower, she dressed casually and was doing her hair when Ron barged in dragging Harry, who was hurriedly buttoning up his black shirt with struggle from the grip on his arm, oh, and a yelling Zachary was following behind them.
"Sorry, Crystal, I tried to stop them," said Zachary to her then shouted at the boys, "Ever heard of knocking before entering a girl's room? That person is no joke but the Head of the Calisto! Many people in this inn know she is staying here so how can you guys just barge in like this? And Harry, at least get dressed properly before entering Crystal's room, she's not just your friend now! I cannot let any rumours or scandals pop around, it's too much work clear the mess with the media! Get out! Out!"
"My God, calm down, Zach, let it slide this once, nobody actually knows my face to me catch for a newspaper gossip, so relax," said Crystal calmly.
"But still, they know you're staying in this room—"
"Oh, just shut up, my head will blow up with all the shouting since last night!" said, Ron rubbing his temple.
"He's not wrong, Ron," said Harry and looked at Crystal through the mirror who was clutching half of her hair up brushing the rest, "Sorry, Crystal, we'll knock next time,"
Crystal just nodded continuing to brush to neatly place each strand in place.
“The sooner we get on the train, the better,” Ron said. “At least I can get away from Percy at Hogwarts. Now he’s accusing me of dripping tea on his photo of Penelope Clearwater. You know,” Ron grimaced, “his girlfriend. She’s hidden her face under the frame because her nose has gone all blotchy. . .”
"The same girl who got petrified?" Crystal asked through the mirror, tucking a few loose hairs away.
"Yeah, that girl!"
They were interrupted by Fred and George, who had looked in to congratulate Ron on infuriating Percy again.
They headed down to breakfast, where Mr. Weasley was reading the front page of the Daily Prophet to James with a furrowed brow and Mrs. Weasley was telling Lily, Hermione and Ginny about a love potion she’d made as a young girl. All three of them were rather giggly and Lily chuckled, shaking her head.
Harry smiled when his mum kissed Crystal's forehead, his dad now rushed to try and ruffle her hair and his mum tried to protect the girl's neatly done hair from him.
Harry wanted to tease Crystal but Percy stormed in and started a conversation.
And then in the chaos of leaving; they got busy heaving all their trunks down the Leaky Cauldron’s narrow staircase and piling them up near the door, with Hedwig and Hermes, Percy’s screech owl, perched on top in their cages but Cash's cage was empty. A small wickerwork basket stood beside the heap of trunks, spitting loudly.
“It’s all right, Crookshanks,” Hermione cooed through the wickerwork. “I’ll let you out on the train.”
“You won’t,” snapped Ron and Crystal together.
“What about poor Scabbers, eh?” Ron continued as he pointed at his chest, where a large lump indicated that Scabbers was curled up in his pocket, making Crystal groan and roll her eyes.
"What about poor Crystal, eh?" Crystal repeated.
"You took Care of Magi—"
"Oh, please!"
Just then, Mr. Weasley, who had been outside waiting for the Ministry cars, stuck his head inside.
“They’re here,” he said.
“Harry, Crystal, come on,” said James, swinging his arm around both of their shoulders as they went out. Lily followed after them for a small journey to Hogwarts express.
࿔₊° ࿔₊° ࿔₊°
A/N : Extremely sorry for not updating last week, I'm so busy with my studies that I barely have 3-4 hours of sleep a day and I'm writing this half-asleep. Well, life is also not treating me well but I don't really care at this point. Heh—
Anyways, vote, comment and recommend this book to your friends if you find it interesting. I'm gonna sleep like dead now.
Bye, signing off,
~Cia xoxo