Chapter 7
After another thrilling and nauseating trip through the fireplace-transporter-thingy. Sirius led us quickly through the narrow cobblestone street.
"I don't know about you, but I'm getting tired of follow the leader. When do we get to kick some evil wizard butt?" Faith muttered.
Buffy nodded as she spotted a number of shops that I knew she wanted to stop off in and take a look at things.
"Oh, cool! Ice cream!" Xander exclaimed.
I grabbed his hand. "Come on. Sirius says we don't have much time."
Near the end of the street I spotted a store sign hanging out front; Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions.
Sirius stopped in front of the door and ushered us in. "Pick anything you want. Tell them you are Hogwarts staff, they'll give you a discount." He turned to go.
Buffy took his arm. "Where are you going?"
"Gringott's. I'm going to make a withdraw to pay for your robes."
Buffy let go and looked back at us. "Free clothes?"
I laughed. "Forgive him, for he knows not what he does."
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(Author's Note: A plot request granted if you can guess who says what.)
"Cool, this one has a cape."
"Do you have anything in leather?"
"I want one of these pointy hats"
"It'll match your pointy head."
"Hey!"
"Eeeek! Shoes!"
"Oh, no ... not shoes."
"You don't have any long sword scabbards, do ya."
"Do you think this green one makes my butt look big?"
"Great Merlin's ghost!"
The last, was from Sirius when he entered the shop.
Xander was leaning on the doorway. "Hey, you're the one that said free clothes. Never ever say free clothes to California girls."
We left the shop with Sirius' pockets considerably lighter. I brushed up against him on the way out. "Don't worry. I'll make sure Buffy pays you back before we leave."
He smiled warmly down at me. I hadn't realized how tall he was until I was standing right next to him. He took my hand and placed it on his arm while we walked.
"If you can help us against Voldemort then it is a small price to pay," he said at he patted my hand.
I looked down at the street and thought about his kiss last night. At this point I don't think it was an accident. How was I gonna tell him about me switching teams? Don't drag it out, Willow; just say you're gay and get it over with. But ... but it's nice to be .... what? Nice to be treated like a lady?
I looked back up at him. "Sirius, there something you ought to know about me."
"Sirius Black!" Yelled a voice from the shop just to the left.
Sirius jumped in front of me to protect me with his body and saw who it was. He visibly relaxed. "Fred?"
The tall flame haired guy neared with his hand outstretched. "No, I'm George. Fred's inside checking out the competition's prices." They shook hands vigorously. "Mum said you'd come back from the dead. I thought she was off her rocker."
Another red haired guy game out of the shop and I was guessing it was Fred. They were identical twins. George thumbed at Sirius. "Hey, Fred, Mum isn't daft after all."
Fred came up and pumped Sirius' hand. "Good to see you, mate. Nice thing that you're not worm food and all. Who's your friend?"
Sirius turned. "Fred and George Wesley I want you to meet Willow. She's the reason I am standing before you today."
I looked up at Sirius. "Um ... that's not entirely true."
He scoffed at me. "Rubbish, pure rubbish. Don't believe a word she says boys; kind of a trouble maker, if you get my meaning."
"Pleased to meet you miss," Fred said. "Any friend of trouble is a friend of ours."
George nodded, "Stop by our shop in Hogsmeade when you're by."
I had no idea what they were talking about. "Uh, sure."
Sirius looked at his watch. "We've got to run. Got to catch Harry at Kings Cross." He looked around. "Now where did everyone get off to?"
I laughed. "If I know the gang, they're at the Ice Cream shop."
