A/N This Chapter covers Amy's preparations for one of my favorite times of the Year (The actual event is next chapter kind of a time of joy to lead into some darkness.) I'm sure a few people were wondering why I had a Weasley Invasion in the last chapter of this fanfic. Well it proves useful in these next couple chapters. One concept that I'm utilizing in this chapter for next chapter is the idea of a Gift exchange where members of a group draw a name of another group member and then buy a gift for that member. It had several variations but this is one variation. Where you see this symbol £ it's the symbol for the British Pound.
Chapter 9 The Holidays Approach
Amy was sitting in her dorm room atop her bed on a cold Friday Afternoon. Because of the cold Herbology class had been canceled and she didn't feel like going to visit Hagrid or that matter trying to wade through the snow to go into Hogsmeade to visit her mom. Instead she was looking at a piece of parchment on which was listed several names and some ideas for presents.
Amy's Christmas Gift List
Erica Fleming (Fizzing Whizbees)
Emily Johnson
Hillary Lewis
Tonya Mains (Chocolate Frogs)
Julie Watkins (Book on American Charms and Enchantments)
Hannah Williams
Carleen Wood (Pumpkin Pasties)
Sarah Demenkus
Geoff
Mom
Dad (Hair Brush and Mirror)
Aunt Angelina (unofficial).
"So what are you working on?" Hillary asked as she walked in.
"Ah nothing Hillary," Amy said.
"I'm surprised you aren't at either Hagrid's or your parents," Hillary said.
"I have to go home sometimes in the next three weeks before break starts but not this weekend. I really should go talk to my dad except It would have to be a private conversation without Hannah around and wouldn't you know it just about every ghost except Peeves is in Belfast this weekend at a huge Deathday Party. When I'm within the Castle Either Hannah, Myrtle, or Ritala has to be with me and Myrtle and Ritala are in Belfast."
"I'll be right back," Hillary said.
Soon as Hillary left Amy took her wand out and tapped it against her parchment.
"Concealo." Amy said. The parchment then went clean.
A couple minutes later Melanie walked in.
"Whoa talk about a major downer the House Heroine looking like she lost her best friend," Melanie joked.
"Just trying to figure out how to have a private conversation without my bodyguard around conversation with my dad as it deals with Christmas when the only other options are in Belfast as far as protection goes. Hillary Lewis has something up her sleeves but I don't know what," Amy said.
"What is your problem exactly?" Melanie wondered.
"How I'm going to buy her present if she has to accompany me anytime I'm outside the castle grounds. Normally it's not a problem even when I go home but Christmas shopping is a different story all together," Amy said.
"Amy, if we were in the Muggle World I'd simply use the internet to do my shopping. It generally takes me a week every summer to wade through ten months worth of e-mail since I can't check my e-mail while at Hogwarts. What if you were to order her gift from a catalog maybe then you would be able to solve your problem," Melanie said.
"I'd have to charge it to my parents vault at Gringotts and I can't very well do that even if I wanted to which I don't," Amy said. "Where did you come from anyway?"
"My room," Melanie said. "You know I really should go to the library and check for a couple things. What say we go together."
"Well It's an idea but what if it doesn't work," Amy said. "After all Hannah might follow us."
"Leave that to me," Melanie said.
The common room was fairly crowded and Hannah looked to be busy playing exploding snap with a few older students so Amy and Melanie simply slipped on out. The route to the library happened to take them right past the Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom. Amy slipped inside and over to her dad's office.
"Talk about excellent timing. I was about to send Dobby to get you," Harry said.
"Dad, sometime between now and Christmas Holidays you think you could give Hannah a day off from guarding me. I have a few things planned that I really need to be alone for," Amy said.
"Trying to figure out how to buy her present without her being with you huh," Harry said.
"Yeah I am actually," Amy said.
"That can be a problem. Come on We have to be at our destination by 6," Harry said.
"Dad, I'm still in my school robes and I have no idea what you are talking about," Amy said.
"Draco sent me an owl inviting the two of us over to his place for dinner. It was last minute that's why I was about to send Dobby for you. Your School Robes will do fine," Harry said.
"I was going to help Melanie with something in the library," Amy said.
"Amy, you silly dilly, I used that as an excuse to get you out of Gryffindor and provide a cover story in case Hannah tried to follow us," Melanie said. "I do have some stuff to do in the Library but it can wait until tomorrow."
"Just make sure you get that paper done Miss Holmes," Harry said.
Amy while Harry was finishing commenting on the fifth years homework checked her watch and saw that it said 3:45.
"Dad, I'm going to go back to Gryffindor and grab a few things then I will be back. I know for a fact that I have time," Amy said.
"OK but two things A don't take all afternoon and maybe use this to travel there," Harry said taking a silvery colored cloak from his desk. Amy draped it over herself and was amazed when she looked in a nearby mirror that her reflection was missing. Melanie was quickly briefed on what was up and she carefully lead Amy back to the tower where Amy slipped upstairs and while invisible packed a couple changes of clothing and several sacks of Sickles in her backpack she also had placed her normal cloak in the backpack. Hillary had come up to take a small nap and her eyes had almost bugged out at the stuff almost floating into the back pack and the pack then floating along. Melanie was waiting by the Portrait hole and she opened the hole and stepped through right before Amy. Amy then walked back to her dad's office. She did look back periodically to make sure that Hannah wasn't on her tail. The only person she saw was Frank Connolly but he was busy with Peeves. She soon arrived back in his office.
"You really think you need your backpack?" Harry wondered.
"Given my recent track record when I show up at Malfoys yes," Amy said. "Besides if things end up the way I suspect I can always do some of my shopping in Diagon Alley."
By this time it was 4:30. They then headed right for the Gates and walked to the Potter house on Merlin Ave. Ginny was working away at the table as they passed through.
"Amy, Lynda sent her head earlier looking for you. She must have figured you would be coming home this weekend. I told her that I rarely had warning of when you would be showing up here," Ginny said.
"OK I'll see what she wants in a few minutes," Amy said as she took a small amount of Floo Powder from the storage vessel. "Malfoy Manor."
Harry then followed her through.
"Oh good Amy you arrived. I tried to get ahold of you earlier at your house but you weren't home," Lynda said.
"Mom told me you had sent your head. Before stopping by my dad's office I had figured on spending my weekend at school," Amy said.
"Where is Hannah?"
"Probably wondering where I am. I kind of gave her the slip," Amy said.
"Oh boy I can just picture the Daily Prophet tomorrow. Amy Potter discovered Missing from Hogwarts," Lynda said.
"Of course it might be morning before they discover me missing. Besides one of the prefects knows I was coming here so they probably won't get suspicious before morning. Why did you try to get ahold of me?" Amy asked.
"You look to be prepared for the reason I tried to contact you," Lynda said.
"That's only because whenever we've gotten together since I started at Hogwarts I always seemed to end up spending the night. I had figured on being prepared," Amy said. "Besides I might do some shopping tomorrow."
"Great we'll go early and maybe have breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron," Lynda said.
"Hey come on Mistress Lynda," Rinty said as he came walking over.
"Rinty, you are a superb cook it's just this way Amy and I can make a day of it," Lynda said.
Still ticked off as he was Rinty managed to cook something borderline on a feast. After Dinner it was getting dark but Amy and Lynda went out back into the Malfoy's Quidditch Pitch which was charmed in such a way that Muggles couldn't see into it. There they did some stunt flying using a couple brooms the Malfoy's had in abundance. About nine thirty they headed in by this time Harry had already left and they went upstairs to the suite of rooms where Lynda tended to hide out.
"That was fun. Too bad I can't use stunts like that during a Quidditch game," Amy said.
"You're good enough as it is without the stunt flying anyways. By the time you are a fourth year and me a second year we will be an unstoppable force together fighting for the honor of Godric Gryffindor," Lynda said.
"How do you know you won't end up in Slytherin like the rest of your family?" Amy wondered since Lynda was descended as far back as they knew from a long line of Slytherins.
"If that moldy old hat even tries to put me in Slytherin I will rip it to shreds," Lynda said. "Any ideas yet on how you will handle getting Abigale and Joshua to Hogwarts next year for school?"
"Not yet. Right now I just want to get my shopping done somehow," Amy said.
"Makes sense. You bring any money?" Lynda asked.
"Let See I brought about six weeks worth of allowance bags which always seem to find their way onto my bed during lunch on Fridays which hopefully will be enough," Amy said. "You know any good stores we can raid?"
"Wizard or Muggle," Lynda asked. "A couple times I had dad's Ministry Driver take me to Muggle stores."
"I was thinking Wizard but we might time dependant raid a muggle store," Amy said.
"Your family doing that silly Christmas Draw this year?" Lynda asked.
"Yeah I drew my person's name after the victory party that followed the Gryffindor Slytherin Quidditch Game. I don't know why but I think Grandma and Grandpa rigged it somehow," Amy said.
"Why do you think that?" Lynda wondered.
"I drew Angelina. Until the slip of paper came out of the bag with her name on it I didn't think she and Emily were being included in it but well when you think about it it makes sense they are family," Amy said.
"Who did Emily end up with?" Lynda wondered.
"Beats me I didn't ask her. I didn't figure it was any of my business. I didn't even let on that I had picked her mom," Amy said.
"Because of the tight schedule your cousin and I had I didn't have a chance to get your opinion on the game that day," Lynda said.
"It wasn't bad. I was a little worried about how it would go with Snape Refereeing. As it is it all came down to who could catch the Snitch since Slytherin would have beaten us if Nastia Boldegard's cousin had caught the Snitch instead of our seeker. Instead we trashed Slytherin from Hogwarts all the way to Durmstrang," Amy said.
"I don't see how you can handle playing Keeper the way you do. I find I get clobbered enough playing reserve Beater," Lynda said.
"Our captain is a fifth year right now so who knows by the time your eligible to play for Hogwarts you might end up taking his place. Assuming you end up in Gryffindor of course," Amy said.
The girls went to bed soon after that. The next morning they got up and got ready fairly early. When Amy went into her back pack to get all the sacks of Sickles she saw how there was a good size sack in her pack but couldn't find any of the smaller ones containing her weekly allowance. She glanced into the sack and found the smaller bags along with a pile of Galleons.
"Looks like the phantom struck again," Amy said.
"I don't get it," Lynda said.
"I brought six bags of Sickles with me last night and yet I have about seventy Gold Galleons with me as well which I didn't pack," Amy said.
They then crept downstairs past a sleeping Rinty to the front drive where the ministry car was waiting.
"Where to Mistress Lynda?" the driver asked.
"Drop us off somewhere on Piccadily Street," Lynda said.
"In front of the Leaky Cauldron perhaps?" The driver asked.
"No," Lynda said.
Meanwhile back at Hogwarts Hannah was just waking up and her first move was to walk over to Amy's four poster and rip the curtains open.
"Come on Amy, you can't sleep all weekend," Hannah said before noticing the bed was empty with the sheets neatly arranged on the bed like they were every day after the house elves came through and made the beds.
"OK everyone wake up we have an emergency," Hannah said a little loud.
"What is it Hannah?" Carleen wondered.
"Amy's bed does not appear to have been slept in last night," Hannah said.
"Come to think of it the last time I recall seeing her was in Charms yesterday," Tonya said.
"Hannah, aren't you supposed to be with her at all times?" Julie wondered.
"Outside the Castle yes but Moaning Myrtle and Ritala assist me when she is in the castle," Hannah said.
"I know Amy was still around after lunch because I saw her in here after lunch working on something. I had commented how I was surprised she wasn't either at Hagrid's or in Hogsmeade at her parents. She mentioned how Most of the ghosts were in Belfast at a huge Deathday party. The only ghost not at the party was Peeves. I wonder if Peeves might have been in here yesterday afternoon around four. Because I saw several things floating in the area of her bed," Hillary said.
"Someone should go wake Debbie up," Hannah said.
"Why Debbie why not one of the prefects?" Emily wondered. "Melanie for instance. She tends to hang out in here as it is."
"Because Emily, Debbie being Head Girl might know where we can find Professor Potter's bedroom," Hannah said clearly having taken charge.
"I'll go," Emily said.
The 1st years were in the top of the tower so she headed down finding three flights up from the Common Room a door marked seventh years. She then banged on the door. A very sleeping Carla eventually opened it up.
"What is going on. It's Saturday a day to sleep in," Carla complained.
"Sorry Carla but I'm looking for Debbie," Emily said.
Emily's statement quickly brought the Head girls Black haired head out of her bed.
"What's wrong Miss Johnson?" Debbie asked.
"My cousin looks to be missing," Emily said. "She was seen yesterday afternoon in her room but it was early on."
"What did Gina or Melanie think when you told them about this?" Debbie asked.
"I was told to wake you up," Emily said. "Or rather I volunteered to wake you up. If it had been me making the decision I would have woken Melanie up because she tends to hang with us as it is if one of us in upstairs hanging in our room."
"Well let's go," Debbie said.
On the way upstairs Debbie woke Melanie and Gina up.
"Melanie, when was the last time you saw Amy yesterday if at all?" Debbie asked after they were in the 1st years room.
"She was in her dad's office He had sent for her and Hannah was tied up so I walked her there," Melanie said.
"Did you pick up any tidbits of conversation?"
"She said that someone named Rico or something like that had invited them to dinner," Melanie said leaving out the part about Amy using an invisibility cloak to retrieve some stuff.
"Melanie, that name you heard could it have been Draco?" Hannah asked a theory starting to form in her mind.
"That sounds about right," Melanie said. "Why do you ask Hannah?"
"Because Draco has a daughter Lynda who Amy is good friends with. In fact when We went to London in September Amy and I spent the last two nights of the trip at Malfoy Manor. Also when Amy and I went to that Birthday Party in October Lynda was also invited so we went together spending the night before at Lynda's," Hannah said. "Hillary, you said that several things were floating in the area of Amy's bed yesterday afternoon around four right."
"Yeah so?" Hillary asked.
"What if it wasn't Peeves up to his usual mischief but Amy sneaking around somehow," Hannah said.
"Several students did say they had seen a backpack floating around the Common Room around that time," Gina said. "I figured someone was simply practicing Wingardium Leviosa and didn't think too much about it."
"How would Amy if it was Amy turn herself invisible?"
"There are several ways. Cloaks among them. In fact that's the easiest way but Invisibility Cloaks aren't easy to come by. They are quite rare and also quite valuable. Where would Amy have gotten ahold of one though," Gina said.
"Good question," Hannah said. "Debbie, where is Professor Potter's bedroom?"
"Hannah, how do you know he doesn't spend his weekends in Hogsmeade since he has a house there after all?" Emily asked.
"He does in fact from what Professor Finch-Fletchley said while Prof. Potter has quarters here at Hogwarts he spends most nights at home in Hogsmeade," Debbie said.
Meanwhile back in London Amy and Lynda had just finished Breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron and were headed into Diagon Alley.
"So where are we going first?" Lynda asked.
"Where else," Amy said heading for Weasley's Wizard Wheezies Where George was just unlocking the door.
"Morning Uncle Forge," Amy said. "Where's Gred?"
"He hasn't arrived yet. When you picked your name at the victory party who did you pick?" George wondered.
"That is for me to know and you to find out," Amy said figuring not even George needed to know who she has picked.
"Just so you know I think My parents had included Angelina and Emily in the festivities especially since I thought I saw my mom passing the derby to Emily at the party," George said as Fred walked in.
"Well Well Well look who decided to grace our fine store with her radiant glow this fine day," Fred joked.
"Well I happened to find myself in the neighborhood of the Leaky Cauldron so I took the time to come here and see what was up," Amy said.
"Then how is it that Lynda Malfoy is with you or is it coincidence and where is your shadow?" Fred wondered referring to Hannah.
"Let's see where did we lose her Wasn't it somewhere around Stratford or something?" Amy wondered.
"No I think it was somewhere more like Hogsmeade," Lynda said.
"You two are something else," Fred said. "Lynda, you start Hogwarts when next year?"
"Year after Mr. Weasley. If the sorting hat puts me in Slytherin it's seconds will be numbered," Lynda said.
"Trust me Lynda that stupid relic doesn't always grant your wish. I wanted to be placed in Ravenclaw because my best friend pre Hogwarts is in that house and yet I ended up upholding the family tradition," Amy said.
"What did the hat say to you?" George wondered.
"HE said that he sensed extreme bravery in that head of mine yes extreme bravery even if it was clouded and there was only one place for me and that is Gryffindor. Of course it called out Gryffindor real loud," Amy said. "What do you think it meant by my having extreme bravery even if it is clouded?"
"Amy, Fred and I have been trying to figure that silly hat out since we were first years. I don't think even Dumbledore knows everything about that hat," George said. "So what's on your plan today?"
"Shopping, our next stop is Flourish and Blotts. My roommate Julie has a real heavy fascination with Wizards and Wizardry of America along with their forms of magic where she has family. In fact she thinks she might have been born there and brought to Britain as a baby possibly shortly after her birth. I want to see if they have any books on the subject," Amy said.
"Fred, remember that time fourth year when The family was at Flourish and Blotts with Harry along with Hermione and her parents when Gilderoy Lockhart was holding his book signing," George said.
"Yeah Harry didn't know what to expect when Lockhart pulled him to the front of the line so he could put out a simple press release," Fred responded.
"What Press Release was that?"
"That Lockhart was doing to be our Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor at Hogwarts. Lockhart even gave him a complete set of books which he gave to Ginny preferring to buy his own," George responded.
"How good a professor was he?"
"We've had better. Like Lupin or even the person we thought was Mad Eye Moody," Fred responded. "We were kind of glad he only lasted the one year."
"How long does a typical professor last at that school?" Lynda wondered.
"Most of them have been there it seems like Forever. Like Hagrid, he is truly an old Family friend. After all Hagrid was at Hogwarts at the same time as You Know Who," Amy said. "Of course You Know Who was kissed by a Dementor when I was a baby. Defense Against the Dark Arts has a very high turnover rate. My dad never had a professor for that class longer then one year."
"Yet he accepted the position knowing how high a turnover rate it had," Lynda said amazed.
"Well I think he accepted it because of the sweetening of the offer with the roles of head of Gryffindor and Deputy Headmaster," Amy said.
"Where are you going after Flourish and Blotts?" George wondered.
"Not sure," Amy said.
"If you are still in the area at around noon stop by here and we will do lunch in the back where we have a small kitchen," George said.
They then headed for Flourish and Blotts after Amy accepted the invitation. Amy's first stop was The section on American magic. She saw this one book 500 Truly American Charms and Enchantments by Pricilla Charmend. This would do perfect. In fact my mom could use it in her research but I already know what I'm buying her. Amy then picked up the book which cost 2 Galleons 3 sickles. She was passing by the History section when she saw a book marked The Goblins Wars a Historical Significance by Bathilda Bagshot. Perfect for Sarah even at 3 galleons. Lynda walked over.
"Amy, I was browsing around and I found books on Chocolate Frog Collecting. This one is a real nice one about all the various cards and their rarity. Mr. Flourish said this edition just came out last week and is up to date," Lynda said. Amy glanced at the price 15 sickles. Lynda had a couple copies with her and accepted one of them.
"Perfect gift for Hannah," Amy said.
They then headed out and were walking around when they came to Quality Quidditch Supplies. Amy ducked in and walked around. She found a UQL set of balls for 12 Galleons. She struggled to lift the box. The Owner helped her lift it.
"Setting up a Quidditch Pitch are you?" the owner asked.
"Actually it's a Christmas Present for my Aunt. Could you wrap it and arrange delivery to The Burrow for Christmas?" Amy requested.
"Sure, what should the card say?" He asked.
"To Angelina from Amy. My aunt plays for the Puddlemere United and she has a set but it's getting really warn out so I figured I would buy her a new one for Christmas," Amy said.
"You are Amy Potter I take it," The owner said. "In that case I'm going to take 33 percent off and sell it to you for only nine Galleons."
"OK you have any books on the various teams? One of my friends is a big fan of the Holyhead Harpies," Amy said.
"Oh yes we have an entire book section over here. Will you be requesting Gift wrapping for it. The book costs 3 Galleons 10 sickles," the owner said.
"How much is gift wrapping?" Amy wondered.
"It depends on size. For the book probably 15 knuts. The Quidditch set would cost a couple Galleons but I'm not going to charge you for Gift wrapping or shipping," The owner said. "I understand you are quite the Quidditch Player yourself. What are you using for a broom?"
"Right now a Nimbus 2002 that belongs to the school. I'm only a first year so I'm not authorized my own broom. Even with my dad being Deputy Headmaster," Amy said.
"What position do you play?" the owner wondered.
"Keeper for Gryffindor," Amy said.
"I'm surprised you weren't looking at the brooms. It seems like your father always had the newest model when ever he had to buy a new broom. Not that he ever bought a broom. The school bought his first one and I had an order for a Firebolt a couple years later that was charged to Sirius Black's vault. Will this be charged to your parents vault?"
"No I'm going to pay for it," Amy said. "On the card for the book put to Hillary from Amy. It goes to Hillary Lewis Gryffindor House at Hogwarts and deliver it right before Christmas."
Amy then headed out after completing her costly transaction.
"You made out like a bandit in there. Let's hope it was worth it," Lynda said. Where too next?"
"I think we have time to transact some business at the local Confectionery I have some business to transact there," Amy said. "By that time we should be just about done and can hang out at my uncles shop for a while before we raid Muggle London."
They then headed for the Confectionery.
"Hello Miss Potter, what brings you by here?"
"Christmas Shopping. I'm buying gifts for my roommates at Hogwarts. Let's see three packages of Fizzing Whizbees card to read to Erica from Amy. Recipients Address Erica Fleming Gryffindor House, a medium sized tin of Treacle Fudge card to read To Emily from Amy. Recipients Address Emily Johnson care/of the Weasley's The Burrow, the largest box of Chocolate Frogs you have card to read to Tonya from Amy, Recipients address Tonya Mains Gryffindor House, and finally a small case of Pumpkin Pasties card to read to Carleen from Amy, Recipients Address Carleen Wood Gryffindor House. IF you can arrange delivery properly gift wrapped to Hogwarts right before Christmas," Amy said.
"OK That will be 1 Galleon 6 sickles. That includes wrapping and shipping," the owner said having taken careful notes.
"Amy, you haven't bought anything for your parents?" Lynda said.
"I know, We are going to do that in Muggle London after I exchange some money," Amy said.
They then headed for the joke shop once again. George was at the counter.
"You two can head right on back. Didn't buy much," George said.
"I arranged for some of the stuff to be shipped. To carry it with me would be too obvious either that or freshness would be a factor. I only have three people left to buy for My parents and my boyfriend. I know what I want to buy my dad. I also have a clue what I want to buy my mom. Only problem is I have to convert some money to Muggle Money," Amy said before they headed back where a familiar Dark Skinned woman was working in the kitchen.
"Angelina, what brings you into London?"
"Break from the team until January. I couldn't resist sneaking here. Don't worry Amy Neville gave me a room at the Leaky Cauldron where I actually sleep," Angelina said. "Fred and George said you were being pretty tight lipped about who you had chosen in the draw."
"I didn't figure anyone had to know who I picked," Amy said.
"You mean you aren't even going to tell me. Emily told me who she picked," Angelina said.
"No I'm not even going to tell you," Amy said.
"Spoilsport," Angelina said.
Angelina ended up whipping up a pretty fabulous lunch. Shortly after lunch Amy and Lynda headed for Gringotts.
"Why did you have the stuff for Emily and Angelina sent to the Burrow?" Lynda asked as they neared the Huge White Marble building that housed Gringotts Bank.
"Because the Weasleys always have a huge Christmas. All my uncles bring their kids and of course what few Potters are left show up as well which is basically My mom and dad and me," Amy said. By this time they were heading for a Goblin to transact their business.
"How may I help you today?" the Goblin asked.
"I'm wondering if I can convert some Galleons into Muggle Money?"
"Certainly. You get £5.12 to the Galleon. How many would you like to change
"What would 25 Galleons give me?" Amy wondered.
"25 galleons would give you £127.94," the Goblin said.
"Sounds good," Amy said as she counted 25 coins from her money bag.
"OK if you could just fill out the register so we know who is changing how much," The Goblin said.
Amy then placed the information in the proper spaces on the registry. She then handed the registry back.
"Would you like to deposit the rest of your money?" The Goblin asked.
"I don't think so not today at least," Amy said working to keep the confusion out of her voice. The Goblin the handed her the money she had requested.
"This is great. I should be able to make out like a bandit once we hit the street," Amy said as they headed back toward the Leaky Cauldron.
"Still hanging around huh Girls," Neville commented as they headed for the Street. "Returning to Malfoy Manor now are we?"
"Not yet Mr. Longbottom, Still have more shopping to do. I'm going to do some of it in the Muggle World," Amy said.
"Good luck," Neville said.
They then passed through into the Muggle World.
"This is a pretty Strange Place," Lynda said. "I've never gone shopping in this world."
"OK first we need to find a good perfume shop, My mom loves Muggle Perfume," Amy said.
They walked along the street eventually coming across a large store.
"Who knows we might find something here," Lynda said.
"That we might," Amy said. Once inside they wondered around for a while. A store employee came up at one point.
"May I assist you two ladies with anything?" the employee wondered.
"Yes we are looking for your Perfume department," Amy said.
"Follow me ladies," the employee said. Eventually they were in the proper department.
"What kind of Perfume are you looking for?" a different employee wondered.
"Something fairly fragrant not too flowery but not too fruity either," Amy said.
"This might do the trick," the employee said. She then sprayed a bit on a small card. Amy glanced at the price tag of £3.
"Do you have anything more expensive?" Amy wondered.
The employee's face took on a very suspicious look.
"Well I have this which costs £50," The Employee said. "That expensive enough for you?"
"The Fragrance isn't quite right," Amy said.
"Well I doubt you can afford this but I have this at £75," The Employee taking a ½ liter bottle of a very fine perfume. After Amy smelled it she took the time to really take it in.
"Perfect," Amy said. "I'll take it."
The salesperson took the time to ring it up and Amy paid for it.
"I have a feeling she was trying to take advantage of our young age," Amy said.
"Yeah she probably didn't expect you had that much money on you," Lynda said. "How much do you have left?"
"Close to £52," Amy said. "Let's head for a different store."
They left and eventually came across a store which in America would be called a Pharmacy.(A/N I know from reading Agatha Christie that they call the places where they pick up prescriptions Chemists but never having been in Britain I don't know if Chemists sell other things like American Pharmacies do.)
Amy headed inside the Pharmacy.
"Why are we going in here?" Lynda wondered.
"I figured we could find my dad's present here," Amy said heading for the hair care aisle. She then picked up a Men's brush and a comb and took the time to look around. She eventually came across a small thing of a pretty nice cologne for £15. She added that to her selection. She eventually found a small 40cm square mirror for £25. She took her selection to the register.
"That will be £46," the cashier said. Amy handed her the money.
"Amy, any idea how you will wrap it or even smuggle that stuff into Gryffindor tomorrow?" Lynda wondered as they were reentering The Leaky Cauldron.
"I'll figure that out tonight at your place," Amy said as she glanced around and saw Hannah sitting at the bar talking to Neville. "At least I was going to."
"How did I know you would show up here eventually?" Hannah wondered having turned around at the sound of Amy's voice.
"No idea what so ever," Amy said. "How long have you been here?"
"Half an hour. What have you been up to?" Hannah wondered as she tried to peak in the Flourish and Blotts bag.
"No Peaking Hannah. I wanted to be able to Christmas Shop alone so I took
advantage of Mr. Malfoy inviting my dad and I to dinner last night to do my shopping here
in London," Amy said.
"London as in Diagon Alley or London as in Muggle London?" Hannah wondered.
"Both actually," Amy said. "How long did it take to find out where I was?"
"Well I sort of panicked when I found your bed hadn't been slept in last night. I had Emily wake up the Head girl who apparently woke up the two Prefects on our side of the tower. Melanie explained about the dinner invitation and how I was busy so She walked you to your dad's office when he sent for you," Hannah said. "How did you retrieve your stuff from the tower?"
"My dad loaned me his heirloom Invisibility Cloak," Amy said.
"Why is it an heirloom?" Hannah wondered.
"It used to belong to my grandfather on his side," Amy said. "How concerned were my parents when you contacted them."
"Actually based on Melanie's telling us about the invitation we didn't even tell McGonagall. I figured if you were at Malfoys you would eventually turn up here. Of course I did have Neville let me into Diagon Alley so I could check your uncles' shop."
"We were there only briefly," Amy said.
"You should have waited for me I know the best places to go in the Muggle portions of London," Hannah said.
"I didn't figure you would end up catching up to me," Amy said. "My uncles did ask where you were this morning. I told them we had left you somewhere around Stratford. Then Lynda said it was more like Hogsmeade."
"Which it was since you left me at Hogwarts," Hannah said. "How did your dad send for you?"
"Actually he didn't. I was talking to Melanie about my Christmas Shopping and she invited me to accompany her to the Library only we really went to My dad's office. At that point he was about to send Dobby to get me. You were playing Exploding Snap with that bunch of fifth and sixth years," Amy said.
"Just so you know I made a quick phone call when I got here and I have to go into Epsom tonight and I was asked to bring my friends along," Hannah said.
"Why do you have to go to Epsom?" Lynda wondered.
"My family is there," Hannah said.
"Oh," Lynda said. "Wish I could join you."
"I already cleared it with your dad," Hannah said.
Mr. Williams sent a limo to pick the girls up. Amy was amazed by the size house that Hannah lived in.
"This looks like a miniature version of Malfoy Manor," Amy said.
"Yeah with a little work," Lynda said.
"Hi, you must be Hannah's friends," a Tall Reddish Blond haired woman who looked a tad overweight said.
"Yes I'm Amy Potter and this is Lynda Malfoy," Amy said. "Thanks for inviting us."
"Hannah has told me a lot about you and your family Amy in her letters. In fact Cyrus and I were hoping you could accompany her home here for Christmas," Mrs. Williams said.
"The offer is nice Mrs. Williams except my family is having a huge celebration at my grandparents," Amy said.
"Oh," Mrs. Williams said. "Is your family real well off in your world?"
"Fairly well off. My dad's parents left him a huge vault full of the money we use. Which is probably good because my mom has a huge family and it was a struggle for them when she was growing up. She has six older brothers," Amy said.
"WE consider ourselves lucky that we can easily raise out kids. One thing that helps is Hannah being at the special school for her kind. Although I do hope to have another child like her," Mrs. Williams said.
"Should only be what two months mom," Hannah said.
"At the most Hannah," Mrs. Williams said.
"My mom is in the seventh month of pregnancy with twins," Hannah said.
"Interesting," Amy said as an eight year old girl walked in.
"Hannah, what brings you home?" she wondered.
"I was in the area so I called mom and she suggested I sneak home for dinner and to bring my friends Amy and Lynda," Hannah said. "the Blond bomber is my sister Heidi."
"She doesn't look like a bomber," Lynda said.
"Give it some time Lynda," Hannah said.
Fairly soon her little brother Gerald walked in as well. He seemed to take a quick liking to Lynda. Enough that Lynda disappeared with him. By the time they were sitting down to Dinner Hannah's father had graced the rest of the group with his presence.
"So Amy, how do people in your world travel?" Cyrus wondered.
"There are various ways. Broomsticks, Floo Powder, and Apparating are the major ones. I use Floo Powder quite a lot to get between my parents house and other places like Diagon Alley or Lynda's house. I've used a broomstick occasionally mainly for athletic pursuits. Apparating is a mode of transportation that requires a license kind of like Driving in your world. Some Witches and Wizard's enchant normal things like cars and motorcycles to fly and of course there is the Knight Bus which can take a person just about anywhere, The Hogwarts Express which is the school train between London and Hogsmeade where I live outside of school. Also some people like to use Portkeys which are just normal items which are enchanted so they can take a group of witches or wizards somewhere," Amy explained.
"I see. I'd expect you all to use flying carpets or something?"
"In some countries they do but flying carpets are illegal in Britain," Amy said.
"What kind of magic do you learn?" Heidi wondered.
"Various types, Charms, Transfiguration, Potions, Herbology, WE also take a required class on Defense Against the Dark Arts which my dad teaches," Amy said.
"How many different types of charms are there?" Cyrus wondered.
"A lot and we've only started to learn them. Of course the caretaker is a real nice guy and he taught me a few cleaning charms and My dad has taught Hannah some interesting spells," Amy said as Hannah started to zone out a little.
"Something wrong Hannah?" Gerald wondered.
"I was picking up something. Amy's dad taught me a detection spell so I can tell if someone with magical abilities is nearby. You see one of my activities at Hogwarts is protecting Amy from possible Dark Wizards. My special training hasn't gotten to the point I can tell a Dark Wizard from a Wizard of the light but I can tell if someone is in the area with magical abilities and if so who. OF course I turn it down when around a lot of users so it isn't overwhelming," Hannah said.
"Whoa neato," Gerald said. "Are you using it now?"
"As a matter of fact I am and I well what I'm picking up doesn't match what I see so there is a presence I can't identify," Hannah said.
"Why how many users of magic are you picking up?" Lynda wondered.
"I'm picking up what seems like four presences yet there are no wizards in the room and only three witches," Hannah said.
"So maybe one of your unborn babies is like Hannah," Cyrus said.
"That seems like the most logical explanation since all four presences are in this room," Hannah said.
Shortly after dinner Two Owls showed up in the window of the parlor Screech and Hedwig. Amy untied the message from Hedwig first.
Amy
if possible be back at school by two o'clock tomorrow.
Dad
Amy quickly replied to the message and sent Hedwig off.
"Hannah, we have to return to Hogwarts by two tomorrow," Amy said. She then untied the message with Screech She saw it was addressed to Lynda.
Lynda,
find out where Amy is staying tonight whether she is staying with us or with Hannah's family
Draco.
"I was going to invite you girls to spend the night," Mrs. Williams said.
"Sounds good. I doubt my dad will mind," Amy said.
"I'll let my dad know and see if I can spend the night. I'll also have him send Amy's backpack and some stuff for me," Lynda said.
Screech was soon off. Hannah was giving a tour of the Williams house when the Williams's butler walked up to them.
"Miss Hannah, an owl just delivered this for one of your guests," the butler said acting as if Owl Mail was below a family of the Williams status
"Thanks Edgar," Hannah said. She then looked at the addressing.
"It's for Lynda," Hannah said.
"Don't stay up to late. The car should be there by ten o'clock with the stuff," the message said.
"I've never gotten used to seeing those silly birds showing up here at strange intervals," the butler said.
"Well Owl Post is common in my world Richard so you probably should get used to it," Hannah said.
"Rather reluctantly probably Miss Hannah, when the car arrives where should I put the stuff?" Richard wondered.
"In the Guest Suite would be the best place I think Richard," Hannah said.
"Of course Miss Hannah," Richard said.
The stuff arrived about nine thirty. Amy saw how there were several wrapped packages in her shopping bags which she had Floo Powdered to Malfoy Manor so she wouldn't have to carry them to Epsom. She also saw how they were discretely marked as to the contents and that several blank tags had been included. She also saw a note from Draco.
"Amy, at your father's request I pulled a few strings and had a fireplace at the Williams House connected to the Floo Network. I think it was the one in Hannah's room which was connected," the note said.
The next morning the Williams cook prepared a nice meal before the girls headed upstairs to Hannah's room. Amy took a small pouch of Floo Powder out.
"Gryffindor House," Amy said after gathering up her stuff. Soon she managed to arrive in the Gryffindor Common Room.
"Hey Amy," Geoff said as he glanced up. "Where were you the whole time?"
"London and I spent last night at Hannah's house," Amy said as Hannah came through.
"Glad they did it right," Hannah said. "I was worried I would end up in some strange place. Since we can Floo Powder straight to Gryffindor we can bypass your house next time we decide to raid Diagon Alley or visit Lynda. She was going to have her dad send a car. Apparently she doesn't care for Floo Powder preferring Ministry Cars or Portkeys," Hannah said.
Amy and Hannah then headed for Harry's Office where they found him working away.
"Amy did you get much done before Hannah caught up with you?" Harry wondered.
"AS a matter of fact Lynda and I had just returned to the Leaky Cauldron and were getting ready to head via the Floo Network back to her place after completing everything when we noticed Hannah talking to Mr. Longbottom. The clowns are doing good I stopped into see them," Amy reported.
"How surprised was your mom to see you this morning?" Harry wondered.
"Actually we Floo Powdered directly here from Hannah's," Amy said. "Geoff noticed my return from the trenches."
"How long will it take to wrap all the stuff you bought?" Harry wondered.
"I think Rinty did it for me," Amy said.
That evening Amy was working on some homework in her dorm when Melanie walked in.
"Well how much did you accomplish?" Melanie wondered.
"I managed to get it all done before I ran into Hannah. I should have expected her to pull that off. Her family seems real nice," Amy said. "We had dinner last night with her family and spent the night there."
A/N This chapter basically sets up a couple things that will take place over the next couple chapters. Take into consideration the Darkness is coming. Be prepared next Chapter to meet a lot of Weasleys and remember to beware of the Darkness.
