Designated Harbinger by Lia
Disclaimer in part one: I don't own anything except the characters: Jessica, David, Marie, Olivia, Peter (Jessica's brother), Walter, Christy Mason & Mrs. Mason, Uncle Thomas, and a bunch of other characters I haven't introduced yet. I guess I also own this plot and my interpretation of Psychics in this story. Any characters, places, and things you recognize are probably not mine. The Harry Potter Universe belongs to J.K. Rowling. Other references to other fandoms or genres don't belong to me either. I'm not making any money, so don't bother.
So, on to the fic!
'Dinner at The Cast 'N' Keg a couple of times a year just isn't good enough,' Marie thought to herself excitedly. For the last week she'd been preparing for this shopping trip. Yes, a long time ago she took the kids there, but this time it was different. Only when they were little did we really explore Graiae Market. Before the kids could really talk well I had taken them with me. After all, if the kids had talked about the strange things they have seen to any Muggle, they would of considered it to be childish prattle. When Jessica was nine, she had accompanied me once since then -right after I told her about my being a witch. She'd stayed beside me through a quick foray into the market. This time however instead of just a brief jaunt, I'll be showing her an extensive part of the Wizarding World.
Dad stopped our silver car at the corner of King St. and Fairfax St. in Old Town Alexandria. "Have fun shopping," he told us. "We will," Mom replied giving a stern look at a grumpy Jessica. "Can we go now?," Peter asked from the backseat impatiently. "Yep, off to the Smithsonian," he called back and put the car back into drive. While we are off shopping, they are going to the National Museum of Natural History in D.C. for the day.
We waved as they drove off. Mom grabbed hold of my hand and led me down the cobblestone road. "Over there is the William Ramsay House, Jess. There's the Carlyle House and Gadsby's Tavern Museum," she said point at each of the famous buildings. All of them looked like old colonials. The Tavern was made of two buildings both with brownish bricks. "This place was the major center of activity before D.C. was built. Did you know that they actually built the capital on top of a swamp? They wanted to discourage people from moving there who just wanted to gain power. A lot of good that did." I nodded as we crossed the street not sure what to make of Mom's excitement . I mean we've been here before, but she didn't talk this much. "This place, however, was settled earlier and was a busy port. I suppose that's the reason why the store we're heading for is here," she added as we turned right heading down Lee Street. Another right turn down Wales Alley and there we were.
People who passed by didn't even notice the tavern. Not much to look at, really. Shabby, built of old brick with only two small windows. A sign above the doorway revealed its name and picture: The Cast 'N' Keg, with a carving of a small barrel with lines following behind it as if it was flying through the air. A couple walked by, eyes going from the used bookstore next door then sliding over to the card shop on the other side. It was as if they couldn't see the tavern. Mom looked at me knowingly before heading for the entrance.
The inside looked different from other restaurants. Old tables and chairs stood around the room. The floors were wood, the walls paneled in darker wood, and an ancient looking bar stood to one side. There were no signs of any electricity being used at all. Just old oil lamps providing dim lighting. "Your father could see it too, Jess. Just Muggles can't. There are charms and spells cast on this place. Some are very advanced."
We sat down at a table in the corner. Two menus appeared before us. I jumped a bit surprised. "Expect the unexpected here. I know last time I just whipped us through here. I'm sorry, but I thought it for the best. This place-Look Jessica, in this world it is easier to live either completely in or out of it. It's hard being in both or on the fringes. Live isn't very pleasant to live that way." "Is that why I don't remember it clearly?," I asked. Mom nodded, "I cast a small spell so you wouldn't dwell on it. Not forget it, but not become obsessed either. It's best if you're a witch in here." I made a small sound of agreement though I was saddened she had felt this way. She brightened then said, "I'll order us a snack, dear. Then on to shopping!" Glad not having to order after looking at the menu's contents, I laid it down and watched as she waved to a man at the bar.
The man was youngish-looking, in his late twenties with reddish-brown hair and glasses. He didn't dress too oddly, just outdated with a robe thrown over his clothes. "Marie, it's nice to see you again. You don't come in here enough. Doing some shopping? And who's this with you?," he said approaching us. "Sam, I'd like to introduce you to my daughter, Jessica. She just got her letter for school. Jessica this is Sam the owner of this fine tavern," Mom said waving her hand to indicate each of us. Surprised, the young man shook my hand warmly, "Why didn't I see it before? You look just as lovely as your mother. So, school, huh? What an exciting time. Would you like anything to eat, or you just here to spread the news, Marie?" I smiled; this man was nice. Didn't know what Mom had seemed so worried about. "You're such a card, Sam. And, yes- two cold butterbeers and an order of cauldron cakes, please. He smiled, "Coming right up. Someone'll bring them shortly. Happy shopping, ladies."
"He seems nice," I said looking at Mom. 'What are butterbeers and cauldron cakes? Is she giving me alcohol?' "Sam's one of the good sort. Now, this place is where the entrance to the Graiae Market can be found. We'll be getting your books now and some clothes, but will wait until London to get the rest of your supplies. They'll know just what you need at Hogwarts in Diagon Alley. Also, I want to get your wand at Ollivander's. It's tradition to go there in my family." 'Alright I can understand that. Wonder what kind of wand I'll get. Will I really have to wear a skirt?' "Will I be meeting any of them there?" I asked knowing that they all live in England. Mom froze slightly, and sighed, "You might. I think I have a cousin teaching at Hogwarts. Didn't like him very much. A Slytherin five years younger than me, I believe. Other than that, I don't know. The Montgomery's are a very close minded bunch of Wizards. They didn't like the fact that I chose your father, decided to move here, and have you guys. Things were a lot more tense back then. It's possible, but I don't think so." I sat there sadly, not understanding how someone could not support family. Maybe things were a lot different back then. Or maybe, I wouldn't want to know them.
We chatted while we ate, with me asking questions occasionally. The cakes tasted like sweet bread with honey. The drinks were almost like root beer, foamy, sweet, with a touch of cinnamon. Good, but unusual. I soon found out that the Wizarding Market was like that also. Mom and I got up and left after a while. She left some strange looking coins on the table. When asked, she just shrugged and said, "I show you at the bank." She led me to the back door which opened to a small back yard surrounded by a high stone fence.
I looked up at her confused, but she calmly pulled a wand out of its holder from her purse. "My wand: nine and three quarter inches, chestnut, with Chimaera hair. Many types of woods, lengths, and magical creature parts are used to make wands. Each wand chooses its owner," she said showing me her reddish wand. "Alright, to enter: Three from the corner, five down, to two down and three over to the left. Really, it's easier than it sounds," she explained then tapped three certain bricks with her wand.
The center of the brick wall began to act oddly. A stone popped out, turned, then popped back in width wise. More followed suit, turning and compacting until a rectangular doorway appeared fully formed and the movement stopped. Mom led me through and said, "Welcome to Graiae Market."
'It's like another world! Oh, duh. It's the Wizarding World.' This time though we walked slowly catching the sights. "It's smaller than Diagon Alley, but then that is London. Boston, New Orleans, and San Francisco have fairly large markets as well. This place serves as the Wizarding market for four states. See, there is the Floo station," Mom told me then pointed out the medium sized building with a sign of green fire over its doorway.
The market was oddly shaped almost pear-shaped. We are standing in a wide open area with a fountain in the middle. Behind us are stores as well as the wall/entry we had passed through. In front, the buildings narrow, closing off the 'square' until it ends in a winding darkened alleyway in the distance. Mom followed my glaze sweeping over the fountain, the shops, and the alley. "We won't be going there, Hon. Wizards of the dark sort haunt Erebus Way," she shuddered then quickly led me towards this Romanish building. We passed quite a few stores. One had cauldrons, another books, and one had clothes.
Mom stopped to the side of the tall, columned, white stoned building. "Gringotts, Wizard's Bank. We need to withdraw some Wizard money from our vault." She clasped my hand as we walked up the steps passing a strange creature wearing a red and gold uniform who opened the shiny bronze doors. It, he had a swarthy, clever face, and long fingers and feet. Not pretty by our standards. He bowed and we walked inside. "That's a goblin, dear. They run the banks. Very good with money. A bit stodgy, but good. People would be mad to try and rob it. See, there's the warning. They have their own magic, and people say that there are dragons guarding the vaults though I've never seen one here," she said quietly. On the second pair of doors it was written:
Enter, stranger, but take heed
Of what awaits the sin of greed,
For those who take, but do not earn,
Must pay most dearly in their turn.
So if you seek beneath our floors
A treasure that was never yours,
Thief, you have been warned, beware
Of finding more than treasure there.
I shivered and had to wonder about what was really underneath my feet. Mom approached a goblin behind the counter who sent another one to guide us. Through another set of doors was some kind of track and cart. It was like the sort at a Muggle's amusement park. The mini-roller coaster ride through the caves and tunnels was cool. 'I want to go again. Of course then I'd be throwing my hands in the air and screaming.' Then the goblin unlocked the vault numbered 231. Inside there were three moderate piles of coinage. Mom muttered something about needing to convert more Muggle money into Wizard money, before telling me about the system of cash.
The bronze ones were Knuts, twenty-nine of them equal a Sickle (the silver ones), and seventeen of them equal a Galleon, which are the gold coins. Very strange if you ask me. Not to mention heavy. Mom put a good amount into a blue bag and placed it in her purse. I told Mom about liking the roller coaster ride, but she just replied that I was spending way too much time with Dad. A few minutes and another ride later, I was blinking, back in the sun. 'At least I didn't shock the goblin to death by screaming.'
The first store we entered was a candy shop called Krista's Sweet Shop. Inside there were rows of shelves and counters full of interesting edibles. Some were normal like nougat chunks, toffee, and chocolate. Shaking my head I read off some strange names of candies: Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, Fizzing Whizbees, Droobles Best Blowing Gum, Toothflossing Stringmints, Pepper Imps, Ice Mice, Cockroach Clusters, sugar quills, Acid Pops, Jelly Slugs, Licorice Wands, Peppermint Toads, exploding bon-bons, blood-flavored lollipops, Chocolate Frogs, and Fudge Flies. "Uh, Mom? Are you sure about this?," I ask. Mom had a wicked grin on her face as she ordered a little of each. "Yep, we'll have a girls movie night this week and try them out then. This really takes me to my childhood," she then paid and thanked the man and left.
Mostly, the rest of that day was a blur. I remember browsing thru Berkeley and Brent's Bookstore. It was filled floor to ceiling with books, weird ones. Some were just full of symbols, others blank; some stepping stone sided, others tiny enough to fit into any pocket. The pictures moved too! "Of course they do, Jess. Everything's about magic here," Mom replied at that. She bought me my school books and some extras. I picked out Hogwarts: A History which for some reason made her grimace. 'Well, I am going to that school. Anyway it'll make a great door stop being thick and heavy and all.'
The important ones we got were the textbooks. 'Kinda odd sounding they are if you think about it I mean look at the names of them. The Standard Book of Spells (grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk, A Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore, A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot, Magical Theory by Alalbert Waffling, Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander, The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble. They must of changed their names to match their profession.' I shook my head and sighed dramatically, 'I foresee a lot of studying even before school starts.' Made a mental note to get more flashcards as well.
Rita's Raiments was boring. Their clothes are soo weird. For some reason I had to be measured. Mom arranged for some of those to be delivered leaving us with a big bag for each. 'At least I managed to get pants and skorts instead of skirts. Yuck! I can't believe their style. So last century. Seems like women all like to wear skirts and dresses.' I really can't understand it. Anyway, I got two jumpers (which almost made me want to jump- off a cliff, that is), a couple of blouses, some skorts and pants, one skirt (I am soo going to sew some shorts in for that.), and a variety of different colored robes. Mom disappointed me by adding that most of my shoes looked very Muggle. 'You mean I can't wear my sneakers!' A compromise was made: I'd let her buy me some dressy footwear, if I could get a couple of pairs of boots. Otherwise sneakers-r-me. Both of us must have had a harsh time in there since Mom was rubbing her forehead as we left. I was sporting a slight headache myself. What can I say, I just don't like clothes shopping. 'Must drive her crazy.'
Next shop was a store filled with brooms, colorful moving posters, and brightly colored robes. "This is Quality Quidditch Supplies, part of the American Branch. It's the sport of our world. Like soccer only different and more difficult. I have a broom you can practice on some, but I think you should learn at school. Then we won't have to worry about Muggles seeing. Oh, and I got you the books Quidditch Through The Ages and The Noble Sport of Warlocks to read up on the topic," she said this quickly paced with excitement. She must love this sport.
"Well, well-what do we have here? If it isn't Marie Montgomery and her little half-breed," sneered a voice from behind. We both jumped and spun around. I moved closer to Mom who had taken out her wand. "That's Mrs. Bradley, to you mister," I piped up not liking him at all. Before me dressed all in black was a tall, slightly good looking man (if you discount the sneer, attitude, and his aura). A head of black hair with a blue tint and light blue eyes turned towards me. He made me shiver and not in a good way. "Little half-breed muggle spawn. Marie, you should have trained this one better. She speaks when her trap should be shut," he said ignoring me and looking at my Mom with disgust. 'What is his problem besides the stick up his butt?' His aura was lime green, amber, salmon pink, scarlet red, claret, lemon yellow, and mustard. Not a good combination. Mentally, I shuddered not wanting to show weakness. This guy is strong, a liar, enjoys what he does, has a big ego, is determined, and focused. Really, not of the good.
Mom had an expression I'd never seen before-fury. She pushed me behind her. "Jason Rolland, what a pleasant surprise! What? Finally decide not to hide behind your parents now? Did they finally kick you out of England? Good, maybe you'll finally develop into a man someday!" If it was possible, his smirk grew. "Oh, Marie. As always, charming. No wonder you're where you are today. Are you and yours hidden away, yet? You know the days are growing darker again. You may want to return under your rock. It's where you belong, anyway," he said turning away quickly. 'Must be running away, but getting one last word in.' Mom looked spitting mad then took a few deep breaths. "And that, Jess, is an example of the wrong sort of wizards." I tossed her a questioning look that she ignored. 'Maybe she'll tell me later.' Mom just shook her head a bit then continued examining brooms. A few minutes later, they acted as if nothing had happened.
That night when we got home I collapsed in my room. Between shopping, seeing so many new things, and listening to Peter ramble on about the dinosaurs, lizards, and bugs, I was exhausted. 'Man. Maybe I'm not cut out for this witch business. Maybe it's only the shopping that's hard.' I groaned not sure either way. At least I have my birthday to look forward to on Saturday. Till then I'll be reading books on magic and psychics all the time. I groaned again closing my eyes. 'Is it possible to get migraines at my age?'
Disclaimer in part one: I don't own anything except the characters: Jessica, David, Marie, Olivia, Peter (Jessica's brother), Walter, Christy Mason & Mrs. Mason, Uncle Thomas, and a bunch of other characters I haven't introduced yet. I guess I also own this plot and my interpretation of Psychics in this story. Any characters, places, and things you recognize are probably not mine. The Harry Potter Universe belongs to J.K. Rowling. Other references to other fandoms or genres don't belong to me either. I'm not making any money, so don't bother.
So, on to the fic!
'Dinner at The Cast 'N' Keg a couple of times a year just isn't good enough,' Marie thought to herself excitedly. For the last week she'd been preparing for this shopping trip. Yes, a long time ago she took the kids there, but this time it was different. Only when they were little did we really explore Graiae Market. Before the kids could really talk well I had taken them with me. After all, if the kids had talked about the strange things they have seen to any Muggle, they would of considered it to be childish prattle. When Jessica was nine, she had accompanied me once since then -right after I told her about my being a witch. She'd stayed beside me through a quick foray into the market. This time however instead of just a brief jaunt, I'll be showing her an extensive part of the Wizarding World.
Dad stopped our silver car at the corner of King St. and Fairfax St. in Old Town Alexandria. "Have fun shopping," he told us. "We will," Mom replied giving a stern look at a grumpy Jessica. "Can we go now?," Peter asked from the backseat impatiently. "Yep, off to the Smithsonian," he called back and put the car back into drive. While we are off shopping, they are going to the National Museum of Natural History in D.C. for the day.
We waved as they drove off. Mom grabbed hold of my hand and led me down the cobblestone road. "Over there is the William Ramsay House, Jess. There's the Carlyle House and Gadsby's Tavern Museum," she said point at each of the famous buildings. All of them looked like old colonials. The Tavern was made of two buildings both with brownish bricks. "This place was the major center of activity before D.C. was built. Did you know that they actually built the capital on top of a swamp? They wanted to discourage people from moving there who just wanted to gain power. A lot of good that did." I nodded as we crossed the street not sure what to make of Mom's excitement . I mean we've been here before, but she didn't talk this much. "This place, however, was settled earlier and was a busy port. I suppose that's the reason why the store we're heading for is here," she added as we turned right heading down Lee Street. Another right turn down Wales Alley and there we were.
People who passed by didn't even notice the tavern. Not much to look at, really. Shabby, built of old brick with only two small windows. A sign above the doorway revealed its name and picture: The Cast 'N' Keg, with a carving of a small barrel with lines following behind it as if it was flying through the air. A couple walked by, eyes going from the used bookstore next door then sliding over to the card shop on the other side. It was as if they couldn't see the tavern. Mom looked at me knowingly before heading for the entrance.
The inside looked different from other restaurants. Old tables and chairs stood around the room. The floors were wood, the walls paneled in darker wood, and an ancient looking bar stood to one side. There were no signs of any electricity being used at all. Just old oil lamps providing dim lighting. "Your father could see it too, Jess. Just Muggles can't. There are charms and spells cast on this place. Some are very advanced."
We sat down at a table in the corner. Two menus appeared before us. I jumped a bit surprised. "Expect the unexpected here. I know last time I just whipped us through here. I'm sorry, but I thought it for the best. This place-Look Jessica, in this world it is easier to live either completely in or out of it. It's hard being in both or on the fringes. Live isn't very pleasant to live that way." "Is that why I don't remember it clearly?," I asked. Mom nodded, "I cast a small spell so you wouldn't dwell on it. Not forget it, but not become obsessed either. It's best if you're a witch in here." I made a small sound of agreement though I was saddened she had felt this way. She brightened then said, "I'll order us a snack, dear. Then on to shopping!" Glad not having to order after looking at the menu's contents, I laid it down and watched as she waved to a man at the bar.
The man was youngish-looking, in his late twenties with reddish-brown hair and glasses. He didn't dress too oddly, just outdated with a robe thrown over his clothes. "Marie, it's nice to see you again. You don't come in here enough. Doing some shopping? And who's this with you?," he said approaching us. "Sam, I'd like to introduce you to my daughter, Jessica. She just got her letter for school. Jessica this is Sam the owner of this fine tavern," Mom said waving her hand to indicate each of us. Surprised, the young man shook my hand warmly, "Why didn't I see it before? You look just as lovely as your mother. So, school, huh? What an exciting time. Would you like anything to eat, or you just here to spread the news, Marie?" I smiled; this man was nice. Didn't know what Mom had seemed so worried about. "You're such a card, Sam. And, yes- two cold butterbeers and an order of cauldron cakes, please. He smiled, "Coming right up. Someone'll bring them shortly. Happy shopping, ladies."
"He seems nice," I said looking at Mom. 'What are butterbeers and cauldron cakes? Is she giving me alcohol?' "Sam's one of the good sort. Now, this place is where the entrance to the Graiae Market can be found. We'll be getting your books now and some clothes, but will wait until London to get the rest of your supplies. They'll know just what you need at Hogwarts in Diagon Alley. Also, I want to get your wand at Ollivander's. It's tradition to go there in my family." 'Alright I can understand that. Wonder what kind of wand I'll get. Will I really have to wear a skirt?' "Will I be meeting any of them there?" I asked knowing that they all live in England. Mom froze slightly, and sighed, "You might. I think I have a cousin teaching at Hogwarts. Didn't like him very much. A Slytherin five years younger than me, I believe. Other than that, I don't know. The Montgomery's are a very close minded bunch of Wizards. They didn't like the fact that I chose your father, decided to move here, and have you guys. Things were a lot more tense back then. It's possible, but I don't think so." I sat there sadly, not understanding how someone could not support family. Maybe things were a lot different back then. Or maybe, I wouldn't want to know them.
We chatted while we ate, with me asking questions occasionally. The cakes tasted like sweet bread with honey. The drinks were almost like root beer, foamy, sweet, with a touch of cinnamon. Good, but unusual. I soon found out that the Wizarding Market was like that also. Mom and I got up and left after a while. She left some strange looking coins on the table. When asked, she just shrugged and said, "I show you at the bank." She led me to the back door which opened to a small back yard surrounded by a high stone fence.
I looked up at her confused, but she calmly pulled a wand out of its holder from her purse. "My wand: nine and three quarter inches, chestnut, with Chimaera hair. Many types of woods, lengths, and magical creature parts are used to make wands. Each wand chooses its owner," she said showing me her reddish wand. "Alright, to enter: Three from the corner, five down, to two down and three over to the left. Really, it's easier than it sounds," she explained then tapped three certain bricks with her wand.
The center of the brick wall began to act oddly. A stone popped out, turned, then popped back in width wise. More followed suit, turning and compacting until a rectangular doorway appeared fully formed and the movement stopped. Mom led me through and said, "Welcome to Graiae Market."
'It's like another world! Oh, duh. It's the Wizarding World.' This time though we walked slowly catching the sights. "It's smaller than Diagon Alley, but then that is London. Boston, New Orleans, and San Francisco have fairly large markets as well. This place serves as the Wizarding market for four states. See, there is the Floo station," Mom told me then pointed out the medium sized building with a sign of green fire over its doorway.
The market was oddly shaped almost pear-shaped. We are standing in a wide open area with a fountain in the middle. Behind us are stores as well as the wall/entry we had passed through. In front, the buildings narrow, closing off the 'square' until it ends in a winding darkened alleyway in the distance. Mom followed my glaze sweeping over the fountain, the shops, and the alley. "We won't be going there, Hon. Wizards of the dark sort haunt Erebus Way," she shuddered then quickly led me towards this Romanish building. We passed quite a few stores. One had cauldrons, another books, and one had clothes.
Mom stopped to the side of the tall, columned, white stoned building. "Gringotts, Wizard's Bank. We need to withdraw some Wizard money from our vault." She clasped my hand as we walked up the steps passing a strange creature wearing a red and gold uniform who opened the shiny bronze doors. It, he had a swarthy, clever face, and long fingers and feet. Not pretty by our standards. He bowed and we walked inside. "That's a goblin, dear. They run the banks. Very good with money. A bit stodgy, but good. People would be mad to try and rob it. See, there's the warning. They have their own magic, and people say that there are dragons guarding the vaults though I've never seen one here," she said quietly. On the second pair of doors it was written:
Enter, stranger, but take heed
Of what awaits the sin of greed,
For those who take, but do not earn,
Must pay most dearly in their turn.
So if you seek beneath our floors
A treasure that was never yours,
Thief, you have been warned, beware
Of finding more than treasure there.
I shivered and had to wonder about what was really underneath my feet. Mom approached a goblin behind the counter who sent another one to guide us. Through another set of doors was some kind of track and cart. It was like the sort at a Muggle's amusement park. The mini-roller coaster ride through the caves and tunnels was cool. 'I want to go again. Of course then I'd be throwing my hands in the air and screaming.' Then the goblin unlocked the vault numbered 231. Inside there were three moderate piles of coinage. Mom muttered something about needing to convert more Muggle money into Wizard money, before telling me about the system of cash.
The bronze ones were Knuts, twenty-nine of them equal a Sickle (the silver ones), and seventeen of them equal a Galleon, which are the gold coins. Very strange if you ask me. Not to mention heavy. Mom put a good amount into a blue bag and placed it in her purse. I told Mom about liking the roller coaster ride, but she just replied that I was spending way too much time with Dad. A few minutes and another ride later, I was blinking, back in the sun. 'At least I didn't shock the goblin to death by screaming.'
The first store we entered was a candy shop called Krista's Sweet Shop. Inside there were rows of shelves and counters full of interesting edibles. Some were normal like nougat chunks, toffee, and chocolate. Shaking my head I read off some strange names of candies: Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, Fizzing Whizbees, Droobles Best Blowing Gum, Toothflossing Stringmints, Pepper Imps, Ice Mice, Cockroach Clusters, sugar quills, Acid Pops, Jelly Slugs, Licorice Wands, Peppermint Toads, exploding bon-bons, blood-flavored lollipops, Chocolate Frogs, and Fudge Flies. "Uh, Mom? Are you sure about this?," I ask. Mom had a wicked grin on her face as she ordered a little of each. "Yep, we'll have a girls movie night this week and try them out then. This really takes me to my childhood," she then paid and thanked the man and left.
Mostly, the rest of that day was a blur. I remember browsing thru Berkeley and Brent's Bookstore. It was filled floor to ceiling with books, weird ones. Some were just full of symbols, others blank; some stepping stone sided, others tiny enough to fit into any pocket. The pictures moved too! "Of course they do, Jess. Everything's about magic here," Mom replied at that. She bought me my school books and some extras. I picked out Hogwarts: A History which for some reason made her grimace. 'Well, I am going to that school. Anyway it'll make a great door stop being thick and heavy and all.'
The important ones we got were the textbooks. 'Kinda odd sounding they are if you think about it I mean look at the names of them. The Standard Book of Spells (grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk, A Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore, A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot, Magical Theory by Alalbert Waffling, Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander, The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble. They must of changed their names to match their profession.' I shook my head and sighed dramatically, 'I foresee a lot of studying even before school starts.' Made a mental note to get more flashcards as well.
Rita's Raiments was boring. Their clothes are soo weird. For some reason I had to be measured. Mom arranged for some of those to be delivered leaving us with a big bag for each. 'At least I managed to get pants and skorts instead of skirts. Yuck! I can't believe their style. So last century. Seems like women all like to wear skirts and dresses.' I really can't understand it. Anyway, I got two jumpers (which almost made me want to jump- off a cliff, that is), a couple of blouses, some skorts and pants, one skirt (I am soo going to sew some shorts in for that.), and a variety of different colored robes. Mom disappointed me by adding that most of my shoes looked very Muggle. 'You mean I can't wear my sneakers!' A compromise was made: I'd let her buy me some dressy footwear, if I could get a couple of pairs of boots. Otherwise sneakers-r-me. Both of us must have had a harsh time in there since Mom was rubbing her forehead as we left. I was sporting a slight headache myself. What can I say, I just don't like clothes shopping. 'Must drive her crazy.'
Next shop was a store filled with brooms, colorful moving posters, and brightly colored robes. "This is Quality Quidditch Supplies, part of the American Branch. It's the sport of our world. Like soccer only different and more difficult. I have a broom you can practice on some, but I think you should learn at school. Then we won't have to worry about Muggles seeing. Oh, and I got you the books Quidditch Through The Ages and The Noble Sport of Warlocks to read up on the topic," she said this quickly paced with excitement. She must love this sport.
"Well, well-what do we have here? If it isn't Marie Montgomery and her little half-breed," sneered a voice from behind. We both jumped and spun around. I moved closer to Mom who had taken out her wand. "That's Mrs. Bradley, to you mister," I piped up not liking him at all. Before me dressed all in black was a tall, slightly good looking man (if you discount the sneer, attitude, and his aura). A head of black hair with a blue tint and light blue eyes turned towards me. He made me shiver and not in a good way. "Little half-breed muggle spawn. Marie, you should have trained this one better. She speaks when her trap should be shut," he said ignoring me and looking at my Mom with disgust. 'What is his problem besides the stick up his butt?' His aura was lime green, amber, salmon pink, scarlet red, claret, lemon yellow, and mustard. Not a good combination. Mentally, I shuddered not wanting to show weakness. This guy is strong, a liar, enjoys what he does, has a big ego, is determined, and focused. Really, not of the good.
Mom had an expression I'd never seen before-fury. She pushed me behind her. "Jason Rolland, what a pleasant surprise! What? Finally decide not to hide behind your parents now? Did they finally kick you out of England? Good, maybe you'll finally develop into a man someday!" If it was possible, his smirk grew. "Oh, Marie. As always, charming. No wonder you're where you are today. Are you and yours hidden away, yet? You know the days are growing darker again. You may want to return under your rock. It's where you belong, anyway," he said turning away quickly. 'Must be running away, but getting one last word in.' Mom looked spitting mad then took a few deep breaths. "And that, Jess, is an example of the wrong sort of wizards." I tossed her a questioning look that she ignored. 'Maybe she'll tell me later.' Mom just shook her head a bit then continued examining brooms. A few minutes later, they acted as if nothing had happened.
That night when we got home I collapsed in my room. Between shopping, seeing so many new things, and listening to Peter ramble on about the dinosaurs, lizards, and bugs, I was exhausted. 'Man. Maybe I'm not cut out for this witch business. Maybe it's only the shopping that's hard.' I groaned not sure either way. At least I have my birthday to look forward to on Saturday. Till then I'll be reading books on magic and psychics all the time. I groaned again closing my eyes. 'Is it possible to get migraines at my age?'