Disclaimer: If I owned Diagon Alley and Hogwarts, there would be a lot more
interesting shops and bars in Diagon Alley, and Draco Malfoy would be so
much more important, get all the best lines, and he and badgirl! Ginny
would already be together. But I don't, J.K does.
Rating: PG13 for bad language, death threats, alcohol and Slytherinness.
Summary: Quick tempered Italian boys, redheads, shopping, family history and family mysteries.
Chapter Three: Little Red.
The girls slept late the next morning, finally waking at about ten o'clock. They got up, bathed in the luxurious green bathroom, and ate a leisurely breakfast brought up to them on a tray by the host, whose name, they discovered, was Monsieur Vidame- a French name which had, so far as they could discover, nothing to do with his nationality. He was an unobtrusive little man, who said nothing until he thought you would let him. When he was sure of this, however, he chattered non-stop, as if to make up for his earlier restraint. He had clearly adored the girls mother, and greatly "compassioned" them for having lived with "them frogs".
After breakfast, having discovered that the green bag given them last night was actually a purse full of wizarding money, they set out to visit Diagon Alley. Their most pressing need being for clothes and toiletries, they planned the trip accordingly. First they visited Perdita's Potions, Diagon Alley, where Morgaine was ecstatic to discover a hundred and one cosmetic and beauty potions, along with toiletries that adapted themselves magically to her hair and skin type. It was the first time she'd used toiletries bought especially with her in mind- at the Sabourin's, it was soap and water.
Next, the girls went, on Vidame's recommendation, to Gladrags, where a seamstress gave Morgaine her immediate attention, discussing fashions and colours with her. She was delighted when Morgaine ordered her and her sisters clothes, made to measure, all in one of the shops most expensive materials, a dark red for her, and white for Blanche.
Next to her in the fitting room, was a tall, dark boy, with broad shoulders and narrow hips, being fitted for dress robes in a dark green. After shooting a few curious glances out of the corners of his eyes, he spoke.
"So, Little Red, what's with the colour scheme?" He drawled. "And how come I don't recognise you? You're not from Hogwarts, and you're not an English Pureblood. I know ALL the pure-blooded families in England."
Morgaine tilted her chin, and smiled slightly, as if amused by his ignorance. "Well, you don't know this pure blood. You should know my name though: De La Fee-Penrose. I like red, and so did my mother." She said, assuming a slight French accent. His eyes flashed, and he laughed, showing white teeth in a tanned face. "Whoa there, Little Red. Don't bite me. Now I know why you're not at Hogwarts. By all counts, you couldn't be old enough, if your parents are who I think they are. "
"No, well done, I'm not old enough, and my parents were the ones you heard of. Your intellect is impressive- no, really. I'm surprised to find you so well informed of Wizarding history. Who are you, anyway?"
The boy stared at her, astounded. "Zabini, of course. Blaise Zabini. Everyone knows me." "Oh, a firebrand, then. Any relation to the Zabinis of Florence?" That was nothing more than a shrewd guess, based on a niggling half memory at the back of her mind. Something Mama once said about Florence. "I'm Morgaine, by the way, and this is my sister, Blanche." The boy grinned. "They're my cousins. I see I'm not the only one who knows all about wizarding heraldry. That explains the white, but you should be wearing sea green, not red." Morgaine frowned. "Why sea green? Like I said, red is my mothers colour."
The boy looked glad to know more than her, at last. "Morgaine, or Morganna originally, is Celtic. It means Woman from the Sea. So, you should wear the colour of the sea. That colour would really suit you, anyway. Green's also good because both your parents were Slytherin, same as me. When will you start there- I suppose you aim for our house, too?"
This was a lot of astonishing information to take in all at once, but Morgaine was damned if she'd let him see her surprise. What in hell or on earth was Slytherin, had her parents really been there, and what were the houses? Come to that, how did she know if he was telling the truth, or just testing her? And why, oh saints above, a Celtic name, for the sea?
She laughed to cover her confusion, and said: "Tell me something I don't know, Firebrand. As for my age, you ought to know it, with your Oh-so- vaunted-knowledge of pure blood families. Why should I help you out?"
Zabini was obviously irritated- Morgaine noticed that he was as quick to anger as amusement, and bad at hiding it. She reflected that she would need friends at Hogwarts, and a Zabini could be an important ally.
He scowled. "Because I can make Hogwarts very uncomfortable for those I don't like, and because you'll need an older person to stand for you, in Slytherin. Not that I care, anyway." She laughed, replying mockingly: "Oh no, I'm sooo scared, Firebrand. Plenty of people will speak for me- my bloods better than yours."
Blaise just gaped. No one had ever been this insolent to him. Everyone respected Zabini's influence, hardly anyone could claim better blood than his, and no one, no one, had ever given him a nickname.
While they had been talking, the seamstresses had been moving round them, and now both were finished. Morgaine skipped to the counter to pay for the two new sets of robes with an evil little grin on her face, slipping ahead of him.
"I'm hungry, so I have to go and eat now. Nice meeting you, Firebrand. Oh, and you might want to shut your mouth and pay for that robe- the girl's waiting."
Zabini jumped, and paid for the robes, thoughtfully. That girl was definitely different- and he couldn't have her being that insolent to him at school, she was younger than him, and he had a reputation to keep up. Better get on her good side. Besides, he was curious. Why could she afford such confidence? It couldn't be due to blood alone.
He left the shop, and, just catching sight of her disappearing down the street, hurried after her. *** A confusing number of twists, turns and sinister side streets later, Blaise found himself in Scarlet Soirée Square, which was not exactly known for white magic, watching the girls disappear into the Red Goblet. He hesitated, unsure. Not that he was afraid of most Death Eater hide-outs, or dark magic dens, but even a Zabini thought twice before entering the highest class Vampire hotel in London. He was curious, though, and damn if those little girls could go where he dared not. He squared his shoulders, and went in.
There were no customers in the dimly lit place, except Morgaine and Blanche, sitting at a table near the back. Blaise slid into the seat opposite them.
"Hello again, fancy meeting you here," he joked. "Can I get you a drink?" Morgaine gave an admirably realistic start of surprise. "A Firebrand indeed, then, but isn't it a bit rash even by your standards, coming here? Don't you value your blood?"
"Ah, not as much as I value your company, sweetheart. Besides, is it just me, or is this place even more dangerous for little you?"
"I think you'll find that no vampire or daemon will touch us, Firebrand. In fact, you're only still here now because I recognised you. As to why, that's another mystery that even I only know the answer to in part, and I won't tell you what I do know- I'd really rather not."
Just then Vidame appeared at Morgaine's side. "What'll it be, madam? And should I dispose of the young man? Who is he, anyway? Someone said I was to watch who you talked to, and there's some customers as smelt him already."
"Really, Vidame, you'll do nothing of the sort. He's. an acquaintance, and his family knew mine. I hope your protection, and common civility, at least, extends to my friends?"
Vidame, rebuked, nodded silently, and slipped a deprecating look towards Blaise. That young man, recovering from his shock, took control. "An orange juice for the little girl, a Bloody Mary for mademoiselle, and I'll have a pastice. Jump to it, man."
The bar man left, and Blaise raised an inquiring eyebrow at Morgaine. "That was certainly impressive, Sea-spume, and I'm honoured to hear that I now rank as a friend."
"Well, I wasn't sure if they'd exempt you from custom for being my stalker, and I don't want a death laid at my door- so tiresome."
He grinned. "Touché, well done. So I owe you my life. Well, if such a humiliating contingency had to happen, at least the girl I owe it to is beautiful. Let me try to repay my debt- come and stay with my family for a week or so, before term starts. Even our house is more suitable for a well- bred young girl than the most notorious vampire den in London."
* * *
Morgaine gave no definite answer, saying she'd think about it. She wanted to find out more about his family, and about what he had told her earlier. She also intended to ask Vidame's advice, and, through him, Garnet's. Blaise left after his drink, arranging to meet them for an answer at Florean Fortesque's the day after next.
That afternoon, after a good lunch, Morgaine set out with Vidame's instructions to find Flourish and Blots, where she intended to buy a book about Hogwarts, one about Slytherin, and another that could tell her about the Wizarding Families of Europe.
***
It was while she was craning her head up to see the top shelves that, rounding a corner suddenly, she walked straight into another girl. They both squealed, and landed on the floor in a tangle of long legs, arms and hair, books on top of them.
Morgaine stared for a moment at the stranger sprawled on top of her, and burst out laughing. The other girl joined in, and they both lay there, giggling hysterically, until an irate shop assistant picked them up, and rated them soundly for the disturbance.
"So sorry." They started to say, both at once, and broke off, laughing again. "Hi, I'm Morgaine Penrose, who are you?" Morgaine said, bending to help the girl pick up her books.
"Ginny, Ginny Weasley. Sorry about that. What house are you in?
" I'm not yet- I start at Hogwarts this term." Morgaine smiled, shyly.
Ginny looked surprised. "Really? I thought you were older than that, you're very tall for a first year." "Yes, but then so are you, aren't you." Morgaine grinned. She liked this girl, with her shy smile and loud laugh, her long legs, and the fiery hair that cascaded down her back. "I was just looking for 'Hogwarts, a History'- I want to know something about the place before I go there."
"Oh, its just over here", Ginny replied. "My older brother, Bill, said he'd buy me a new book, 'cos I get so bored at home, sometimes. I'm the only girl, with loads of older brothers."
Morgaine looked sympathetic. "You poor thing. I always wanted a brother, but not too many. Thanks." She took the book down from the shelf, and Ginny turned to go.
"I have to go now, Bill's waiting. Nice meeting you, Morgaine. See you at school."
Morgaine paid for her books- "Hogwarts, a History", "Wizarding Families of the West", and "Signs of a Slytherin"- and went back to the Goblet, to talk with Vidame.
Rating: PG13 for bad language, death threats, alcohol and Slytherinness.
Summary: Quick tempered Italian boys, redheads, shopping, family history and family mysteries.
Chapter Three: Little Red.
The girls slept late the next morning, finally waking at about ten o'clock. They got up, bathed in the luxurious green bathroom, and ate a leisurely breakfast brought up to them on a tray by the host, whose name, they discovered, was Monsieur Vidame- a French name which had, so far as they could discover, nothing to do with his nationality. He was an unobtrusive little man, who said nothing until he thought you would let him. When he was sure of this, however, he chattered non-stop, as if to make up for his earlier restraint. He had clearly adored the girls mother, and greatly "compassioned" them for having lived with "them frogs".
After breakfast, having discovered that the green bag given them last night was actually a purse full of wizarding money, they set out to visit Diagon Alley. Their most pressing need being for clothes and toiletries, they planned the trip accordingly. First they visited Perdita's Potions, Diagon Alley, where Morgaine was ecstatic to discover a hundred and one cosmetic and beauty potions, along with toiletries that adapted themselves magically to her hair and skin type. It was the first time she'd used toiletries bought especially with her in mind- at the Sabourin's, it was soap and water.
Next, the girls went, on Vidame's recommendation, to Gladrags, where a seamstress gave Morgaine her immediate attention, discussing fashions and colours with her. She was delighted when Morgaine ordered her and her sisters clothes, made to measure, all in one of the shops most expensive materials, a dark red for her, and white for Blanche.
Next to her in the fitting room, was a tall, dark boy, with broad shoulders and narrow hips, being fitted for dress robes in a dark green. After shooting a few curious glances out of the corners of his eyes, he spoke.
"So, Little Red, what's with the colour scheme?" He drawled. "And how come I don't recognise you? You're not from Hogwarts, and you're not an English Pureblood. I know ALL the pure-blooded families in England."
Morgaine tilted her chin, and smiled slightly, as if amused by his ignorance. "Well, you don't know this pure blood. You should know my name though: De La Fee-Penrose. I like red, and so did my mother." She said, assuming a slight French accent. His eyes flashed, and he laughed, showing white teeth in a tanned face. "Whoa there, Little Red. Don't bite me. Now I know why you're not at Hogwarts. By all counts, you couldn't be old enough, if your parents are who I think they are. "
"No, well done, I'm not old enough, and my parents were the ones you heard of. Your intellect is impressive- no, really. I'm surprised to find you so well informed of Wizarding history. Who are you, anyway?"
The boy stared at her, astounded. "Zabini, of course. Blaise Zabini. Everyone knows me." "Oh, a firebrand, then. Any relation to the Zabinis of Florence?" That was nothing more than a shrewd guess, based on a niggling half memory at the back of her mind. Something Mama once said about Florence. "I'm Morgaine, by the way, and this is my sister, Blanche." The boy grinned. "They're my cousins. I see I'm not the only one who knows all about wizarding heraldry. That explains the white, but you should be wearing sea green, not red." Morgaine frowned. "Why sea green? Like I said, red is my mothers colour."
The boy looked glad to know more than her, at last. "Morgaine, or Morganna originally, is Celtic. It means Woman from the Sea. So, you should wear the colour of the sea. That colour would really suit you, anyway. Green's also good because both your parents were Slytherin, same as me. When will you start there- I suppose you aim for our house, too?"
This was a lot of astonishing information to take in all at once, but Morgaine was damned if she'd let him see her surprise. What in hell or on earth was Slytherin, had her parents really been there, and what were the houses? Come to that, how did she know if he was telling the truth, or just testing her? And why, oh saints above, a Celtic name, for the sea?
She laughed to cover her confusion, and said: "Tell me something I don't know, Firebrand. As for my age, you ought to know it, with your Oh-so- vaunted-knowledge of pure blood families. Why should I help you out?"
Zabini was obviously irritated- Morgaine noticed that he was as quick to anger as amusement, and bad at hiding it. She reflected that she would need friends at Hogwarts, and a Zabini could be an important ally.
He scowled. "Because I can make Hogwarts very uncomfortable for those I don't like, and because you'll need an older person to stand for you, in Slytherin. Not that I care, anyway." She laughed, replying mockingly: "Oh no, I'm sooo scared, Firebrand. Plenty of people will speak for me- my bloods better than yours."
Blaise just gaped. No one had ever been this insolent to him. Everyone respected Zabini's influence, hardly anyone could claim better blood than his, and no one, no one, had ever given him a nickname.
While they had been talking, the seamstresses had been moving round them, and now both were finished. Morgaine skipped to the counter to pay for the two new sets of robes with an evil little grin on her face, slipping ahead of him.
"I'm hungry, so I have to go and eat now. Nice meeting you, Firebrand. Oh, and you might want to shut your mouth and pay for that robe- the girl's waiting."
Zabini jumped, and paid for the robes, thoughtfully. That girl was definitely different- and he couldn't have her being that insolent to him at school, she was younger than him, and he had a reputation to keep up. Better get on her good side. Besides, he was curious. Why could she afford such confidence? It couldn't be due to blood alone.
He left the shop, and, just catching sight of her disappearing down the street, hurried after her. *** A confusing number of twists, turns and sinister side streets later, Blaise found himself in Scarlet Soirée Square, which was not exactly known for white magic, watching the girls disappear into the Red Goblet. He hesitated, unsure. Not that he was afraid of most Death Eater hide-outs, or dark magic dens, but even a Zabini thought twice before entering the highest class Vampire hotel in London. He was curious, though, and damn if those little girls could go where he dared not. He squared his shoulders, and went in.
There were no customers in the dimly lit place, except Morgaine and Blanche, sitting at a table near the back. Blaise slid into the seat opposite them.
"Hello again, fancy meeting you here," he joked. "Can I get you a drink?" Morgaine gave an admirably realistic start of surprise. "A Firebrand indeed, then, but isn't it a bit rash even by your standards, coming here? Don't you value your blood?"
"Ah, not as much as I value your company, sweetheart. Besides, is it just me, or is this place even more dangerous for little you?"
"I think you'll find that no vampire or daemon will touch us, Firebrand. In fact, you're only still here now because I recognised you. As to why, that's another mystery that even I only know the answer to in part, and I won't tell you what I do know- I'd really rather not."
Just then Vidame appeared at Morgaine's side. "What'll it be, madam? And should I dispose of the young man? Who is he, anyway? Someone said I was to watch who you talked to, and there's some customers as smelt him already."
"Really, Vidame, you'll do nothing of the sort. He's. an acquaintance, and his family knew mine. I hope your protection, and common civility, at least, extends to my friends?"
Vidame, rebuked, nodded silently, and slipped a deprecating look towards Blaise. That young man, recovering from his shock, took control. "An orange juice for the little girl, a Bloody Mary for mademoiselle, and I'll have a pastice. Jump to it, man."
The bar man left, and Blaise raised an inquiring eyebrow at Morgaine. "That was certainly impressive, Sea-spume, and I'm honoured to hear that I now rank as a friend."
"Well, I wasn't sure if they'd exempt you from custom for being my stalker, and I don't want a death laid at my door- so tiresome."
He grinned. "Touché, well done. So I owe you my life. Well, if such a humiliating contingency had to happen, at least the girl I owe it to is beautiful. Let me try to repay my debt- come and stay with my family for a week or so, before term starts. Even our house is more suitable for a well- bred young girl than the most notorious vampire den in London."
* * *
Morgaine gave no definite answer, saying she'd think about it. She wanted to find out more about his family, and about what he had told her earlier. She also intended to ask Vidame's advice, and, through him, Garnet's. Blaise left after his drink, arranging to meet them for an answer at Florean Fortesque's the day after next.
That afternoon, after a good lunch, Morgaine set out with Vidame's instructions to find Flourish and Blots, where she intended to buy a book about Hogwarts, one about Slytherin, and another that could tell her about the Wizarding Families of Europe.
***
It was while she was craning her head up to see the top shelves that, rounding a corner suddenly, she walked straight into another girl. They both squealed, and landed on the floor in a tangle of long legs, arms and hair, books on top of them.
Morgaine stared for a moment at the stranger sprawled on top of her, and burst out laughing. The other girl joined in, and they both lay there, giggling hysterically, until an irate shop assistant picked them up, and rated them soundly for the disturbance.
"So sorry." They started to say, both at once, and broke off, laughing again. "Hi, I'm Morgaine Penrose, who are you?" Morgaine said, bending to help the girl pick up her books.
"Ginny, Ginny Weasley. Sorry about that. What house are you in?
" I'm not yet- I start at Hogwarts this term." Morgaine smiled, shyly.
Ginny looked surprised. "Really? I thought you were older than that, you're very tall for a first year." "Yes, but then so are you, aren't you." Morgaine grinned. She liked this girl, with her shy smile and loud laugh, her long legs, and the fiery hair that cascaded down her back. "I was just looking for 'Hogwarts, a History'- I want to know something about the place before I go there."
"Oh, its just over here", Ginny replied. "My older brother, Bill, said he'd buy me a new book, 'cos I get so bored at home, sometimes. I'm the only girl, with loads of older brothers."
Morgaine looked sympathetic. "You poor thing. I always wanted a brother, but not too many. Thanks." She took the book down from the shelf, and Ginny turned to go.
"I have to go now, Bill's waiting. Nice meeting you, Morgaine. See you at school."
Morgaine paid for her books- "Hogwarts, a History", "Wizarding Families of the West", and "Signs of a Slytherin"- and went back to the Goblet, to talk with Vidame.