Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Sherlock.
A/N: Hey guys! I am working on editing and re-writing all the chapters that I have up for this story. Life got in the way and it's been a long time since I've posted anything on here. Anyways, I am still beta-less sadly. So the chapters will have mistakes. I'll try my best to catch them as I re-read and continue to edit.
Enjoy :)
Chapter 1: Thirteen Years later
Location: Baker Street, London, England
September 10, 2011
221b Baker Street was the address written on a piece of parchment. The woman, in a navy blue overcoat, clutched onto it and in her other hand was a small map of London. Looking at the map, to the parchment, and to the plaque on the door, she guessed she was at the right address. She tucked both papers in the satchel that was across her body.
Hollie glanced around with a neutral expression. From the outside, the buildings seemed to be decent looking, clean and well maintained. There was a shop, Speedy's Sandwich Bar and Cafe, that bordered 221B, and continuing down the street, the buildings were all aligned, almost overlapping each other. It was much like the area of Grimmauld Place. The witch had searched low and high muggle and wizarding London for a good one bedroom flat. She had found one near Diagon Alley, but her neighbors consisted of an overly curious muggle family and an annoying witch who wouldn't keep her mouth shut.
Then to rub more salt in her wounds, some flats were falling apart and others were too bleeding expensive. She was nowhere near as rich as the Malfoys, Potters, or at this point the Weasleys. So she had to settle for something less extravagant or luxurious in other cases. Hollie sighed and took another look around the street.
As long as she had a roof over her head, the witch was happy. Owning a small bookstore slash coffee shop in Diagon Alley didn't pay much, but kept her on her feet. Along with some stray jobs that Harry, from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, gave her.
She was fine. Perfectly fine.
Knocking on the door twice, she stepped back and waited for someone to answer. A few moments later, an elderly woman in her mid-sixties or so.
"Ah, are you looking for Sherlock? I'm afraid he isn't here at the moment." The lady gave her a small smile.
By the looks of the lady's attire, she was dressed in casual clothing that wouldn't be considered clothing to go out in. The woman bit her lip subconsciously, a bad habit she was trying to break.
"No, actually I came for that add in the paper about a one bedroom basement flat," the girl responded. "Is it still available?"
A look of understanding crossed the lady's features.
"Oh of course. You could've called in advance. I'm Mrs. Hudson, the landlady, please do come in," Mrs. Hudson stepped aside and let the young girl in.
Hollie stepped aside as Mrs. Hudson shut the door behind them.
"Hollie Moore, a pleasure to meet your acquaintance," Hollie smiled pleasantly. "Sorry I didn't call. I've been having a bit of trouble with my mobile. Not sure how to work it."
Mrs. Hudson gave an understanding laugh.
"Ah yes, this new technology nowadays is confusing. Anyways, I'll be right back. I need to fetch the keys," With that Mrs. Hudson disappeared around the corner.
This left Hollie to observe her surroundings. Hollie walked around a bit at the bottom of the stairs. There were coats left on the hooks to her left and the stairs looked sturdy. The wallpaper looked fairly old, but durable, the place was clean and didn't look as if it was falling apart. It felt homey. Hollie smiled lightly.
"At least it's a better choice than Grimmauld Place," Hollie thought shuddering slightly. "Harry and Ginny were nice enough to let me stay there with them. But I'd rather not live with screeching portraits and a stupid racist house-elf. Even if they did get rid of them. The memory is still there."
Hollie was broken out of her silent reverie as Mrs. Hudson made her way back to where she was standing and motioned for the to walk down the stairs.
"Here we go dearie," the woman said. "I had almost forgotten where I put the keys. Since nobody really is interested in renting out flats here. It's only me and the boys. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson. But don't mind them. Sweet boys they are, aren't harmless at all. Though Sherlock is a piece of work I tell you. They live upstairs in a three bedroom flat, 221B. Oh and about your mobile you could ask the boys upstairs about it."
Hollie smiled at her pleasantly and nodded at Mrs. Hudson. She didn't mind living with or around muggles, she actually enjoyed observing them. Her family was all wizards and witches, she never really got to observe and be around muggles. Much like Arthur Weasley's fascination for all thing muggles, Hollie guessed that's where she picked it up from. The lady opened the door with the 221C plaque and door knob.
Hollie followed Mrs. Hudson in her eyes taking in every inch of the place.
"Alright well, as you can see the wallpaper isn't in good shape. But I trust you'd want to change it. Which is fine by me. I put some money aside, John insisted, for this flat so please feel free to use it. It's been empty for some time now, so I haven't put much time in renovating and such. The electricity and plumbing are in good condition. And the fireplace still works perfectly fine," Mrs. Hudson said and motioned around the flat's living room. "You can inspect it if you like."
The wallpaper was pretty much falling apart, as Mrs. Hudson said. Hollie's gaze traveled around at the walls, looked like some water damage had done in the outdated wallpaper. She stopped her pace by the fireplace and sniffed the air, discreetly. There was a stinging sensation as she did so and Hollie's nose scrunched up at the ghastly smell that mold brought. She walked through the flat slowly, looking over every inch of the place with a sharp eye. After she walked through the flat she concluded that the wood didn't look rotten. It desperately needed a new paint job and renovations. The wall that aligned with the stairs held space for portraits, which she intended to put up.
The living room and sitting room were fairly spacious and had also enough room for a dining table. The brick fireplace was at the center of the wall that faced the entrance of the flat. Hollie would have to remind herself to register her fireplace and ask Arthur Weasley to set up a Floo Network. Hollie walked through the kitchen once more, and concluded again it was in need of a lot of care, nearly all the tiles were cracked.
Even with the cracks, Hollie quite liked that it was big enough for a small three person table, and even some extending charms. The flat also had six windows, this is what surprised Hollie the most. For a basement flat, there was so much natural light. This is where Hollie started to get very suspicious. Muggle flats barely had enough light in them, muggle basement flats had about maybe two or three windows if lucky.
"The bedroom is through that door," Mrs. Hudson said pointing to a door at the end of the hallway outside of the kitchen. "And the bathroom is the door in the middle."
On the right once entering the flat, past the miniature foyer, there were massive bay windows that sat proudly, there was one in the kitchen overlooking the back part of the building, a very small one in the bathroom, and a slider window in the bedroom.
Hollie gave her a small smile and moved on to fully inspect the bathroom. It was in better shape than most of the flat, a few tiles cracked here and there, but decent. She'd have to call the Weasley boys and Harry to help fix the flat. The bathtub was one of those old claw-foot type bathtubs, with a matching sink and in the corner, there was a spacious enough shower box.
Entering the bedroom again she didn't notice anything out of the ordinary and concluded that it was livable. The bedroom was spacious and the window was letting in copious amounts of light. She didn't have to worry about a closet since there was a small walk–in-closet. Though for her clothes, she'd have to use an expansion charm in the closet. Hollie rather liked those charms, they did come in handy.
Hollie walked out of the room and smiled at Mrs. Hudson.
"The place is good," Hollie decided with a smile. "I'll take it."
It's not like she'd find any other place as decent as this, Hollie cast a look at the bay windows in the living room. This time she walked closer to them to see what the view was from them. Hollie knew that the cafe Speedy's took up half of the building of 221.
The windows looked out at street level, right where Speedy's entrance was supposed to be. Hollie's mouth dropped open, and she spun around on her heel, her curls whipping wildly.
"I can see the street," said Hollie, pointing to the windows and waved her hand
Mrs. Hudson gave her a calm look and joined Hollie at the window.
"Well…" said Mrs. Hudson. "I do say you are the first to ever take notice."
Hollie raised an eyebrow at Mrs. Hudson. Well, it was now or never. Hollie thought as her words slipped out of her mouth.
"I have a feeling that you're not a muggle."
"Oh dearie," said Mrs. Hudson as she opened one of the windows. "I believe myself to be every bit muggle."
Hollie's mouth fell open again, she couldn't believe her luck.
"Witch?" Hollie asked, her tone taking a very curious intonation.
"I'm afraid not dearie," Mrs. Hudson said shaking her head. "I'm what you lot call a Squib."
"Well, that's quite fascinating," Hollie grinned at Mrs. Hudson. "I am really glad to meet you, Mrs. Hudson. I had no clue how to live around muggles. I was actually looking for somewhere with a combination of muggles and non-muggles, in a sense. But I felt like this place called to me."
"The boys upstairs have never caught on," Mrs. Hudson replied knowingly. "I have a feeling they accept my eccentricities. And don't you worry, I will help you settle right in."
"Now, we do have to get together for a cuppa and you have to tell me all about yourself."
Hollie was happy that she could be one hundred percent herself with her landlady.
"Oh wonderful, I would be delighted to!" Mrs. Hudson exclaimed joyously. "Now that we crossed that bridge, let's head upstairs so we can sign papers and the like. I trust the price is good."
Hollie nodded. "Yes, though with the renovations you won't charge me extra right?"
Mrs. Hudson chuckled.
"No, no don't you worry about that. Maybe the price will go higher for the next," she responded lightly, a glimmer of mischievousness in her eyes.
Hollie just nodded silently and followed Mrs. Hudson upstairs, ecstatic that she finally found a worthy flat to live in.
A week later
Sunday, September 17, 2011
"Blimey Hollie," Ronald Weasley exclaimed when he saw Hollie's new flat building. "You're gonna live with 'em muggles for sure. It's kind of bland though."
Ron, Harry, and the Weasley twins had arrived with the new magical car Mr. Weasley had bought. Inside was a lot of renovation stuff and paint they had all bought.
Hollie laughed and gave him a look.
"What's your point?" she asked pointedly. "I quite like it. I prefer it here, better the Grimmauld Place. Plus my landlady is a Squib, she's letting me do whatever to the flat, and I signed a contract with no worries."
"Well, honestly Hollie, anywhere is better than Grimmauld Place," Harry said with a slight shudder. "Even though Sirius did leave it to me with good intentions, and after renovating it, it still gives me the chills."
He was currently opening the trunk of the flying car.
"I fully agree," Hollie replied, as a shiver crawled down her spine.
"Aye Hollie my girl don't mind 'ol Ronnikins," George attacked the blonde in a headlock giving her a noogie.
"Yeah, he's still mad at 'em muggles for that last case he had," Fred responded and ruffled her hair.
Hollie struggled to get out of George's headlock and sighed exasperatedly.
"Oi you dunderheads, get off me. We need to start with the renovations," Hollie exclaimed slightly and pushed George off her person.
The twins exchanged glances as Hollie fixed herself.
"Buzz-kill," they said in unison, with a mocking tone.
She scoffed and gave both of them a look.
"Don't care," she replied in the same mocking tone they used.
The five of them made their way to the door, which she opened and then to the 221C door. Hollie turned to the four boys who were carrying around two boxes each. She could bet that all the boxes had feather light charm.
"Just go down to the basement and you can start. Don't wait up," she said motioning to the door.
The twins, Ron, and Harry nodded and followed her instructions. As they made their way downstairs Hollie walked a bit towards the stairs to see if Mrs. Hudson was there.
"Mrs. Hudson? Are you home?" Hollie asked peering around the stairs. "It's Hollie, I do hope you don't mind the noise." Her lips formed a thin line as she got no response. Then she noticed someone coming downstairs. "Oh good morning," she said kindly.
"Mornin'," the man said in a low tone. "You must be the new tenant Mrs. Hudson told me about," he reached the last of the steps and stuck out his hand. "John Watson, nice to meet you. I live upstairs with Sherlock Holmes, we're flatmates."
"Ah, Hollie Moore. Charmed I'm sure," Hollie shook his hand with a smile. "Well I was looking for Mrs. Hudson, but she doesn't seem to be home," she sighed and bit her lip. "I have to ask her if it's okay for me to be lugging all this renovation crap. Don't want to be scolded by the landlady."
John gave her a good-humored laugh.
"Don't worry about that. She won't mind. Especially after all the junk Sherlock has brought into the flat. Nothing's bound to scare or bother her anymore," the corner of John's mouth turned up in a smile. "Special case that Sherlock. Bring in whatever you want. Just don't set anything harmful off and you're good to go."
Hollie chuckled and smirked. "Well okay, I won't do anything dangerous. I hope." A loud sound of something dropping and crashing came from the basement, this earned a scowl from Hollie. She turned to John and gave him a nervous chuckle. "Please do excuse me for a moment."
With that she turned around and trudged downstairs, leaving the poor doctor confused.
"Fred and George Weasley! How many times do I have to tell you guys to be careful with this stuff! I expect this to be clean when I get back!" Hollie's yelling could be heard all the way from the bottom of the stairs.
Seconds later Hollie appeared at the top of her stairs.
"Sorry 'bout that. Those two mates of mine always find a way to ruin all my things," Hollie ran a few fingers through her curls and sighed exasperatedly as her frizz didn't budge. "They're a handful."
John gave her a grin.
"I do know how that is. Sherlock is pretty much a handful as well," John said with mirth in his tone. "By any chance do you need help? I was just running to the store for some milk. Cause we never have milk." The last part was a whisper, that Hollie wasn't sure if she was supposed to hear it.
"Oh no, I think we can handle everything. My friends are quite adequate in renovating and moving things," she explained, then asked. "It won't bother Mr. Holmes, will it? I don't want an angry neighbor."
"No.. He's preoccupied with the telly. He won't be able to hear much anyhow," Watson gave a tired sigh and then smiled. "So I'll be off then and see you around."
"Ah. Very well, Mr. Watson, it was nice meeting you," Hollie gave him a wave as he made his way out the door.
"You as well. Welcome to Baker Street, Ms. Moore," John tipped his imaginary hat and walked down the street.
X
Tuesday, October 3, 2011
Two weeks later and a few days is when everything was completed. The Weasley twins, Ron, and Harry did an excellent job in remodeling the flat and renovating the bathroom and such. They had moved in all her furniture after painting the walls, instead of using wallpaper.
She had a small dining table, a medium-sized grand piano, loads of books strewn all over the place, a love seat in the sitting room, along with a flat-screen telly and muggle technology which Arthur had shown her how to setup and use, and a plush couch in front of the fireplace. In the corners and such where bookshelves filled to the brim with books. Of course, not everything would fit perfectly, so she had used a mild expansion charm where they would. It wasn't even noticeable. Well not that any muggle would notice. Hollie's number one insistence of living outside, semi-outside, the wizarding community was to feel comfortable and welcome in her own home.
It was a quiet Saturday morning when the doorbell upstairs rang. Hollie frowned, she wasn't expecting anyone, since the other two tenants weren't home and Mrs. Hudson didn't really expect anyone. Looking to her window, there was no owl. She closed her Magic Science magazine and put it on her coffee table. Hollie got up and went upstairs to see who was ringing the doorbell.
"Excuse me but I'm looking for Hollie Moore. Is she home?" A familiar voice asked.
"Oh yes she's home," Mrs. Hudson replied and then noticed the blonde. "Hollie, these people are asking for you."
"Thank you, Mrs. Hudson," she thanked her landlady and stepped into view. She instantly recognized them. "Hermione! Good heavens, I wasn't expecting you, or Draco, and kids," Hollie smiled at the family. "Please do come in."
The Malfoys stepped in and she led them to her flat downstairs.
"Should I put the kettle on?" asked Hollie, walking into her kitchen, then added. "Oh and do please make yourselves at home."
Hermione smiled at Hollie and sat on the gray couch.
"Yes, please! You do know me fancy raspberry jasmine tea," Hermione said picking Bethany up and placing her on her lap.
Draco sat next to his wife and Scorpius joined them, just as poised as his father.
Hollie came back into the living room five minutes later with a tray of two teapots and five tea cups. Ever since the end of the War and being with Draco, Hermione looked as though she had a weight released from her shoulders. Hollie smiled at her best friend, she was no longer plagued with the War, and the War's wounds had been closing steadily over the years.
While Hollie was making tea, Hermione had started tickling Bethany who let out happy bellowing laughs.
"Honestly 'Mione, you act more like a kid than our kids," Draco frowned at her and accepted the teacup with green tea. Though the frown light and there was a hint of a smirk on his lips.
"And there is nothing wrong with that," Hermione gave Draco a pointed look and continued to tickle her daughter.
Hollie served tea for herself and sat on a chair that was beside the couch.
"So what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" Hollie asked raising an eyebrow at Draco and Hermione.
Draco looked slightly uncomfortable now while his wife placed a giggling Bethany on Draco's lap and picked up the tea cup.
"Well Draco and I need to go on a small business trip to France and we needed a place for our kids to stay," Hermione explained.
"So I wanted them to stay at the Malfoy Manor, but she objected," Draco scowled slightly.
Hermione shrugged, sipping her tea again. "It is still going through renovations from all the artifacts that were there," Hermione frowned at Draco. "I thought Hollie was the perfect person for Scorpius and Bethany to stay with."
Draco ruffled his daughter's hair a bit as she complained. He looked over to Hermione and Hollie who were giving him a pointed stare. He sighed, the women in his life were taking over. He had not been at the helm of it for a while. Draco didn't care one bit. He sipped his tea and realized that they wanted a reply.
"Yes, yes Aunt Hollie is a great person to leave my kids with," Draco said, as Bethany poked his cheeks.
Hollie laughed as she watched the three-year-old poke and prod at Draco. It was a comical, to say the least.
"Mummy objected to dangers, Draco dear," Hermione said, smirking at Draco.
He nearly frowned again. His smirking had really rubbed off on Hermione.
"And when mum objects you'd better listen!" A young Scorpius said in a warning tone.
"Or trouble," Bethany giggled.
"Smart kids you got there," Hollie said and placed her teacup down. "But it's fine, Aunt Hollie will be taking care of you guys for–" At this Hollie looked at Draco and Hermione. "For how long exactly?"
"Two weeks," Hermione smiled.
"Well then, where are their things. I'm sure you two would like to be off soon."
Draco took out his wand and a small package from his pocket. He placed it on the floor and muttered a spell. It enlarged and two, very fancy, suitcases, appeared.
"You do know how to take care of kids, right?" Hermione asked teasingly as they stood at the front door.
Hollie gave her an annoyed look. Like she was one to talk. She was their godmother.
"Yes, of course, I do plan to have kids one day," she responded in an annoyed tone, but it held no malice.
The couple bid farewell to their kids with hugs and kisses and walked down the block.
Hollie shut the door and turned to Scorpius and Bethany.
"Now let's head back to my flat, I think the Daily Prophet has arrived," Hollie ushered the mini Malfoys back down to her flat and shut the door behind herself.
The two kids went and sat in front of her telly and waited for Hollie to instruct them what to do. Hollie frowned but brushed it off, they seemed calmer than the last time she had babysat her godkids. She was also right about the Daily Prophet arriving. An owl from the Prophet sat next to her owl, Specks, on the bird's perch.
She retrieved a knut from her pocket and gave it and a treat to the owl. It flew away out her window without another glance.
HOGWARTS CONSTRUCTION HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY COMPLETED!
Professor Minerva McGonagall: Confirmed New Hogwarts Headmistress.
There were two photos on the cover that were eye catching. McGonagall posed as the new Headmistress in front of the newly reconstructed Hogwarts. Her sharp look ever present, but her worry lines were less, and the look of sadness did not grace her eyes.
"Aunt Hollie, will you be reading to us before bed like Mummy and Dad?" Scorpius asked pulling at the girl's cardigan.
While she had been reading the Daily Prophet, the two kids had figured how to turn on the telly and Scorpius had maneuvered over to her.
"Hold that thought Scorpius dear," said Hollie as she gave him a smile and ruffled his hair. She walked over to their luggage.
Just as she thought Hermione had left a letter. Hollie placed the Prophet on the coffee table and picked up the letter.
Hollie,
Knowing me, I'm sure you expected a letter. In the envelope, I've included parchments with simple five-year-old stuff. Pretty basic and I hope you'll be able to work with him while we're out of town. Beth has recently started to pick up a lot more academic words from Scorpius, Draco, and I, she will be eager to read the book on her own.
We read muggle children stories to the children nearly every night. Such as Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and stories such as those. But they love the fairy tales called Grimm's Fairy Tales and the Tales of the Beetle and the Bard. Oh and don't tell Draco about them though, he doesn't really fancy the Tales. For good measure I'm sure. I do remember you have a copy of both.
Their bedtime is at 8:00 pm.
Sweets only once in awhile, please try not to spoil them rotten.
And I do hope they won't cause you trouble.
Have fun and good luck.
Much Love,
Hermione Malfoy XO
Hollie grinned at Hermione's letter and folded it. She looked at Scorpius who was the spitting image of his father, save for his warm brown eyes that matched his mother's eyes so perfectly. Scorpius was an adorable child, he held the innocence that his father did not have as a child. Hollie laughed and picked the small boy up and spun around with him twice. He scowled but laughed as soon as his sister started cackling at his misery.
"Oh Scorpius," Hollie kissed his cheek and set him down next to Beth. She addressed both of them by crouching in front of the couch. "Auntie Hollie will read to both of you at night, and if both of you are good today we can stop by at Fortescue's and Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes."
"Are we going to your bookshop?" Scorpius raised a delicate blond eyebrow at her.
Hollie gasped dramatically and clutched her chest and Beth giggled. "How in the world did you know Scorpius?"
Scorpius wiggled his nose, a very cute look of distaste crossed his features. It was far from a look of true disgust but resembled a look as if he had just eaten something that he deemed bad.
"Auntie Hollie, you always bribe us with sweets and the Weasley's shop when we go with you." said a smug looking Scorpius.
Hollie laughed and sat back on her rug.
"I want ice cream!" Beth exclaimed and leaped onto Hollie's lap.
"Yikes, your parents are going to kill me," Hollie said, hugging the smaller Malfoy to her chest.
Scorpius looked sly and grinned. "Not if we don't tell, right B?" he addressed his sister, who was playing with Hollie's wild curls.
"I won tell," said Beth nodded seriously.
Hollie looked at Scorpius and Beth with an unbelieving look. These Malfoys she thought with a chuckle. "Oh my," she bopped Beth's nose and stood up, bringing the small Malfoy with her. Hollie shifted the girl to rest on her hip and looked down at Scorpius. "If I didn't know you two, I would have never guessed that you two are three and five years old."
"Mummy says I'm a smart girl," Beth said, still pulling lightly at Hollie's curls. "Just like her."
"Mummy says I'm smart too," Scorpius remarked, poking Beth's side gently. Which caused her to giggle and Beth to laugh and swat her brother's hand away.
A smile graced Hollie's features as she watched the siblings bicker. "Come on you two, let's go help Aunt Hollie pick out clothes for today."
"Maybe you have some fancy wizard robes," Scorpius stuck out his tongue at her and ran toward her room.
"Scorpius don't leave me," Beth said wiggling from Hollie's grasp. Hollie set her down and followed the kids to her room.
X
John Watson watched silently as Sherlock paced back and forth in the living room. His mind seemed to be going miles and miles per hour. This something was solved as he then placed himself on the sofa and went to typing at a rapid pace on his cell phone. His fingers seemed rather glued to the phone.
This was normal for Sherlock.
They had just finished a case and it seemed as if Sherlock was itching for a new one. Watson had heard the doorbell ring downstairs and the noise that came with people. He assumed that Mrs. Hudson had answered the door and it wasn't for them.
"Have you met the new tenant in 221C?" John asked, nonchalantly. He had a new copy of The Times in his lap and was currently attempting to read it.
"No, but I have seen her. Always late and has a bad habit of biting her lip," Sherlock replied offhandedly. "Doesn't own a car or travel by any motor vehicle it seems."
John frowned but didn't question Sherlock any further, he continued to read the newspaper.
One particular headline caught John's attention.
TWO BODIES FOUND IN ALLEYWAY.
Last night two bodies were found in an alleyway in Soho. They were mutilated beyond recognition and couldn't be identified. There seems to be a speculation that these two victims seem to be part of a recent serial killing around London. Scotland Yard is now investigating these murders in full detail. Authorities have warned citizens to be on the lookout for any suspicious activities and report if anything. Names and identities will be kept under wraps.
The doctor then sighed and closed the paper. Five, four, three, two, one. John mentally thought. Sherlock was almost going to combust with no case to solve.
"Ah, good two people dead. Let's get going to Scotland Yard," Sherlock stood up and proceeded to put on his overcoat and a scarf.
John rolled his eyes and dialed a taxi cab. There was no waiting with Sherlock. Sometimes he was predictable at best.
X
"Alright you two let's head out," Hollie smiled as she slipped on her black overcoat.
It was raining again and Autumn had settled itself over London, the air was frosty and Hollie smiled to herself. She loved the fall and vaguely thought back to her school days. Hogwarts would soon be getting ready for Halloween. She helped Scorpius and Beth into their coats and grabbed her big umbrella.
"Are we going to Apparate?" Beth asked as the three of them walked up the stairs.
"Yes, I have permission from your parents for side-along," said Hollie. She knew these kids loved apparating.
After the War, Side-Along Apparition was allowed for those had could precisely Apparate without a single problem. During the War, Hollie had to improve her skills greatly. She then decided to get licensed in being allowed to Side-Along without immediate danger present. It was her favorite way to travel, the Floo Network always made her sneeze. Though she glanced at the children who were walking up the stairs, she just hoped that they wouldn't throw up with her.
Scorpius and his sister exchanged excited looks. Hollie worked on locking her door with a quick spell and climbed the stairs after the children.
"Who are you?" Beth asked looking up the other stairs.
Hollie stood next to Scorpius and Beth, she noticed a tall man coming downstairs. Behind him was John.
"Good morning to you John," the woman smiled placing her hands on the kid's shoulders, then she nodded at the other guy. "And you must be Mr. Sherlock Holmes."
He eyed Hollie as the two guys made their way down the last set of stairs.
"Yes... and you are Hollie Moore," Sherlock said in a slow tone, he gave her a cautious look. He then averted his gaze to the two children with her. "Babysitting, since those kids are not yours. Doing a favor for a friend, a close friend it seems."
"How'd you know?" Hollie nodded.
John decided to step in here.
"Ah, Sherlock here is a Consulting Detective on his terms. It's his...um... gift to detect things," the doctor explained.
"Thank you for that John," Sherlock dragged out with a sarcastic tone. He then turned to Hollie. "I'd love to sit down and have a chat sometime. Tonight at 8, my flat?"
Hollie raised an eyebrow at him but shrugged. John eyed Sherlock suspiciously. Sherlock was already miles ahead.
"Sure then I'll see you there," she smiled tightly.
Sherlock nodded at her and pulled his trench coat tighter around himself and left. Leaving the four of them standing in the stairway.
"Well good day then," John again tipped his nonexistent hat and smiled at them before he left, following after Sherlock. Not sure why he was dipping his head in that manner.
"You too..." Hollie replied to thin air. She then shook off the weird encounter and turned to the Malfoy kids. "Well on we go."
Beth and Scorpius nodded in unison and the three of them made their way out and walked down the street toward the Apparition point.
X
"Good morning Hollie!" A cheerful voice rang out and Hollie and the kids entered into the bookstore.
"Morning Jen!" Hollie replied taking off her coat as she entered. She ushered the kids more inside the store. "I have the Malfoys' kids for two weeks. How's your sister?"
Hollie waved the kids to her office where she knew they would play with all the toys she kept there for all the kids in her life.
"She's good, already made Chaser," Jen replied coming into view. Her long hair swished as she levitated a few stacks of books. "Cassidy sent us a long detailed letter about how she made it and about her year so far. You would think that since it's October she would already be tired of school."
Jen sighed and shook her head. The woman who was Jennifer Cromwell, an old friend of Hollie's ran the bookshop with Hollie. The two had been in Ravenclaw together and were old roommates. Jennifer's sister had also just started her 4th year.
Hollie reached the register and started placing more knuts, sickles, and galleons in the register.
Jen grinned. "How much you want to bet that she'll get caught out of bed soon?"
"Then a howler is is!" Hollie exclaimed with glee.
Jen floated the rest of the books she had been organizing to the top shelves and sat behind a counter on a stool, looking through a special edition of the Quibbler.
"Luna say anything interesting?" Hollie asked stopping in front at the counter.
Jen looked up and shook her head.
"Not really, but she may have come up with a new theory about Nargles," she chuckled.
The curly haired girl laughed and shook her head. They could always count on Luna for this sort of thing. Hollie leaned back on the counter. The bookshop was opened a few years after the war ended. It was her and Jen all the way. The books called to Hollie as she decided what in the world she was going to do with her life as she helped the magical community pick up the broken pieces that the War left.
Hollie smiled absentmindedly and twirled her wand, sending the wind chimes that hung from the sign of the bookstore swinging. The chimes played a soothing melody, which Hollie knew attracted curious customers. She had bought the chimes from a muggle Flea market on a trip to Italy two summers ago, they reminded her of her parents. Her parents loved music and anything mystical. Her heart ached, but Hollie squashed the feeling very far down. She heard Scorpius call to her and went to attend to her godkids.