Zack tossed and turned and finally gave up. Nervous excitement surged through him. Tomorrow I go to Diagon Alley! Of course, he usually avoided alleys – even bowling alleys - but it must be overflowing with all things magical and that in and of itself must make it interesting. He guessed it was probably in some small town somewhere to avoid Muggle interference. He scratched his hand, which itched to hold his own wand. Accio this and Engorgio that, he'd be one kick ass wizard…if he really was a wizard. He wasn't completely convinced; maybe he was only a wizard for that one moment. Granted he'd never forget saving Elizabeth's life – even if he couldn't remember exactly how he did it. Stop second-guessing! Normally he'd turn on some late night TV to empty his mind, but without electricity he was out of luck. He'd read but he didn't even know how to light a candle in this place without help. Maybe the ghoul wants to rap about… What the hell am I saying? Frustrated and punchy, he made an effort to try and relax but Hermione's visage face came into his mind. No, none of that! Zack got out of bed and decided to do some Judo stretching exercises. As he went through the routine, he started "reading" Hogwarts: A History in his mind. Soon his eyes drooped and he finally nodded off. First order of business tomorrow, learn to cast a candle lighting spell…or find a magical TV.
"Zack! Time to get up, we want to get an early start," Molly announced, happily opening his door, and then his blinds.
I hate morning people. "All right, all right," Zack grumbled and rolled onto his back. He closed eyes for a moment.
"Mrrooowww!" Russell announced her presence before jumping on his stomach.
"So you're in on this too…my own cat." Zack stretched his arms and looked at the rainbow colored cat on his chest. "Russell?" Each paw was a different color as was her muzzle. In fact, her whiskers were every shade of the rainbow. "What have you done?"
Zack got out of bed with the cat in his arms and yelled down the stairs. "Molly!"
"Yes, dear," she answered.
"Why does Russell look like a rainbow?"
"What was that, dear?"
Zack went down the stairs with cat in tow.
Molly took one look at the cat and couldn't help but laugh. Arthur came down the stairs behind Zack. "What's this all about? Oh my goodness…is that your cat? I have to get a picture of this. Accio camera."
"Good idea Arthur! These will be too precious!" Molly exclaimed.
Before Zack knew it, he and his rainbow colored cat had been photographed from three different angles. Thanks Russell. "Can you do anything for her?" The Weasleys laughed and when Zack joined in, Russell squirmed out of Zack's arms, sprinted over to an open window, and jumped out.
"I think she must have upset the coloring fairy." Coloring fairy? "Don't worry, she'll be fine." Molly stared at Zack for a moment. "Well… Are you going to get ready now or are we staying home today?"
Zack knew that look; his own mother used it on many occasions. "I'll go and shower up."
Before long he and Molly were ready to go. "What's the Portkey this time?"
"There's no need for a Portkey; we'll be going by Floo Powder."
"Flew powder? You mean we'll fly there?" Cool.
"No dear, Floo as in the fireplace. It's easier to show you than explain." She strode over to a flowerpot on a table across from the fireplace and grabbed a handful of ash. "First you grab a handful of Floo Powder and then step into the fireplace, like this. Clearly say the destination and throw down the powder at your feet….DIAGON ALLEY!" Whoooshhh. And just like that Molly disappeared in green flames.
"Molly…?" Zack prodded the ashes with a nearby poker.
"So that's how it's done," Molly said out of the blue from behind him.
"SHIT!" Zack spun around and sat down hard on an old wooden chair sitting next to the fireplace.
"I'm sorry dear. Are you okay?"
"I think so…I'm just waiting for my heart to restart… ahh there it goes." He clutched his right hand to his chest and breathed heavily for a moment.
"Maybe we should wait a minute?"
"No, I'll be fine. I better do this before I start to think about it." He pushed himself out of the chair and walked hesitantly over to the dingy bowl and grabbed a handful of ash. "Is this enough?"
"That's fine, now go into the fireplace."
Zack took a tentative step towards the fireplace a shooting pain in his right hand. He abashedly relaxed his death grip on the ash, ducked under the mantle and turned around to face Molly. "Now what?"
"When you are ready clearly say Diagon Alley and throw the powder at your feet. It's easy."
Famous last words. He took a deep breath let it out slowly. "Diagon Alley!" Zack shouted and threw the powder at his feet. No sooner had the ash hit his jogging shoes, his stomach lurched and he "fell" or more exactly he "slid" through a vast array of images that looked like other fireplaces. Scant seconds later, Zack, covered in ash, shot out of fireplace, on his back onto a wooded floor. Stopping with a crash, he found himself staring at a precipitous pile of books about to fall on his head. Zack squeezed his eyes shut and covered his face with his arms to soften the blow – but strangely no books fell. He peeked again and the books appeared to be in the same position as before. Sir Isaac would love this, but then again maybe he was a wizard too. Carefully avoiding the stack of books, he rose unsteadily to his feet and dusted himself off. The store burst at the seams with similar gravity-defying stacks of books as well as thousands of others, kept more conventionally, on bookshelves. The clientele consisted mainly of adults and small children clad in robes of many different hues and sometimes funky matching hats.
"Not so bad was it," Molly said beside him.
"It was pretty cool actually."
'The first order of business is to go to Gringotts wizard bank, so you can exchange some money."
"Exchange money? They don't take pounds or credit cards here?"
"No dear, we have our own money and everything is done on a cash basis, although most merchants are good about extending credit if they know you." She looked down and smoothed out her skirt. "You do have money with you?"
"Of course, here's my wallet." I hope this bank can take money off of my bank card. They evaded the throng entering the store and strode down a twisty cobblestone street lined with a fascinating group of shops: a writing store, a menagerie, potions ingredients, an apothecary – I wonder if Brother Cadfael is in there - a sweet shop, a joke store, robes, clothes, a Quidditch shop, etc… But with no money, and Molly trekking double-time through the crowd, he didn't linger at any of the windows. A minute or so later, his gaze fell on the gold lettering – Gringotts – on a three-story white building.
"I take it that's it?"
She turned, nodded and weaved her way to the bank. At the door, Molly took Zack to the side. "Zack, I want to warn you, Gringotts is run by goblins, and they are not the friendly sort. One more thing, try not to stare."
"Thanks mom," he whispered back and Molly blushed. The bank had striking surroundings including beautiful marble floors and spectacular chandeliers. Small creatures with pointed ears – none taller than Zack's waist – warily eyed his approach to the Exchange cage. Unfriendly…nahhh.
Molly carefully approached the first open cashiers window and asked to see a manager. The goblin scowled at them and directed them to a lofty dais to their left. She looked at the dais and motioned for Zack to follow her. On approaching the lofty perch, the older goblin looked down on them over his reading glasses.
"Opening an account today?" the creature asked condescendingly.
Goose bumps ran up Zack's back. "Just a minute please." He turned to Mrs. Weasley and whispered in her ear. "I wasn't planning on opening an account, just exchanging some money. Do you think I should? These – goblins – make me nervous."
"Don't worry; they're unfriendly, but there's no safer place for your money."
He turned back to the goblin who seemed quite put out by Zack's secrecy. "I'm sorry about that, I'm new here and I needed to ask my friend's opinion on something." Zack tried to smile but the goblin just bristled. "Yes, I will open an account."
At this declaration the goblin became more accommodating. "Excellent, sir." He motioned over to another employee who came over to stand next to Zack. "How much will you be depositing today?"
"I'm not sure…I have only Muggle money and I don't know what the exchange rate is. How about £50,000?" The goblins eyes widened and he leapt from his seat and ran around the other clerks to stand beside Zack.
"I have been so rude, sir. We have much more comfortable environs for a man of your prominence." Tugging Zack by his left arm, the manager led him towards an ornate door that a moment before was a wall. Zack would have protested but didn't know how they would react; besides, Molly looked excited at the prospect of seeing this other room. They weren't disappointed either. Plush and extravagant seemed inadequate. Molly eyed the surroundings with her mouth agape. The manager led them to two over-stuffed chairs resting in front of an obsidian desk. They were instructed to wait while the director of bank was notified. On his way out Zack noticed the manager give direction to another goblin, who walked quickly over to them.
"May I offer some refreshment while you wait?"
Zack saw no need to pass this up. "Yes, we are quite parched aren't we Molly?" Molly just nodded; he could see she was having fun. "Do you have any Perrier-Jouët chilling?"
"Yes, sir."
But, of course. "Then the lady and I will have two glasses of champagne and some strawberries – fresh picked."
"Of course sir, right away sir…madam." The goblin walked quickly away.
"Is this normal for you?" Molly asked amazed at Zack's seeming nonchalance.
"Not in the least, but I thought why not? You know what they say, when in Rome…"
"We're not in Rome, we're in London."
London? "It's a figure of speech. It means act like you belong."
"This is so much fun; I feel like a teenager again," Molly said, putting her hands in her lap and shrugging her shoulders.
"And you look like a teenager again too."
"Stop it." Molly giggled and covered her mouth with her hand.
Two waiters appeared, one with an ice bucket and the other with a laden tray. The tell-tale flowers on the green bottle in the ice bucket and a bowl of deep red strawberries on a tray came into view. A third goblin set up a small table in between Molly and Zack, and then placed beautiful embroidered golden napkins, first on Molly's lap and then one on Zack's. Two small plates (Wedgwood) and a small knife and fork (both silver), appeared on the table. The waiter that took their order next set down two glasses and proceeded to open the bottle, which made a most satisfactory "pop." He poured a small amount for Zack to taste. Excellent as always. He nodded and the waiter filled their glasses as Molly watched in delight.
"If you would like anything else, do not hesitate to ask." He bowed and left.
"Cheers, Molly." Zack raised his glass to her and indicated for her to do the same.
She picked up her glass gingerly and looked back at Zack expectantly.
Zack leaned his glass ever so slightly towards Molly's, she reciprocated, and he lightly touched the glasses together making a clear "ping" sound. Of course, this is real crystal.
"Isn't that a pretty sound?" Molly said sniffing the contents of the glass a little. "I have to admit I've never had real champagne before."
"Not even at your wedding?"
"We eloped and didn't have a fancy wedding," Molly explained.
"Well I'd say it's about time, wouldn't you? Now just follow my lead…and trust me you'll love it." Zack took a drink and Molly followed suit.
"The bubbles are pretty." She took a drink and rubbed her nose with her left hand. "It tickles my nose."
"Now try it with a strawberry." Zack took a strawberry in his hand and dipped it into his glass, and he took a bit of it. "Damn, that is good! Pardon my language."
"It's okay, dear." She copied Zack and her eyes closed involuntarily as she bit into the sweet red berry. "I have got to tell Arthur about this…it's wonderful!"
The strawberries and champagne disappeared in short order. Just as they were finishing, a very distinguished looking goblin came over to them.
"I trust you have enjoyed our service so far. We strive to give our customers the very best." He smiled at them and sat behind his desk. Slicky boy, er, goblin.
Business matters soon took precedence as Zack handed over his bank card for the transfer. If they thought £50,000 was a lot of money, he'd better not let on he had a great deal more than that. When the transfer was finalized the director of the bank – as he had told them his title - presented him with a key and explained the bank policies. Zack did inquire about the nature of wizard currency as it related to Muggle currency and the director of bank was more than happy to tell him more than he ever wanted to know. Not sure how much currency to take, he asked Molly, who seemed a little uncomfortable. Zack realized that this opulence stood in stark contrast to the Weasley house. He withdrew 75 galleons, 25 silver sickles, and 50 bronze knuts. I can always come back for more.
"We at Gringotts appreciate your patronage. Is there anything else we can do for you today? Perhaps madam would like a facial or a massage?"
Molly turned beet red.
"Thank you but not today, madam and I need to go shopping," Zack said. He stood, offered his arm to Molly, and they faced the director.
"Have a pleasant day and come back anytime." The director looked towards one of the waiters and he sprang towards them and escorted Zack and Molly out of the office.
"I thought you said they were unfriendly. If they were any friendlier, I'd have to file charges."
Molly smiled at him and giggled. "I've never heard of such treatment at Gringotts before…that was wonderful."
Zack noticed Molly looking quizzical. "What is it Molly?"
"What's a facial?"
"My mother told me they feel so good they should be illegal…so to speak."
Molly put her hands to her burning red cheeks and looked back at the bank. Zack smiled. "If you like I'm sure we can go back in."
"I couldn't…besides we have too much to do." She looked at her watch. "My goodness is that the time…we're late." Late for what? Molly dashed back up the alley of shops, weaving through the crowded street. Zack hurried along navigating the crowd with some difficulty as it had increased during their time in the bank, if she hadn't had that red hair he'd likely have lost her. He recognized the bookstore they came out of – it was called Flourish & Blotts – and Molly walked right in. No sooner had he walked in he heard a familiar young lady's voice…
"Zack!" Elizabeth pushed her way past a couple of other kids and gave Zack a hug but stopped almost immediately.
"Forgot yourself, did you. We can't have people think you actually like me."
"Don't be silly…I meant to do that." She brushed off his assertion like so much lint off of her sleeve.
"Yeah right." Zack changed the subject. "This is the strangest bookstore I've ever been in. What do you think of it?"
"It's really cool…they have all of my favorite books." Pulling his arm, she marched him around the bookstore. He waved to his aunt and uncle who were talking with Molly as he was yanked past them. "They have The Giant Princess, The Goblin Queen and The Warlock series, they even have Gilderoy Lockhart's complete collection…he obliviated himself." Obliviated? "And there's, The Trouble with Trolls, The…"
"Whoa…slow down. We have all day, and besides my arm feels like it's coming out of its socket." Zack removed his hand from hers and stretched his arm by doing a circular motion.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "You're so old sometimes…how will you ever keep up with me at Hogwarts?"
"Thanks, you sure know how to hurt a guy. Besides, once we get there I don't think you'll want to be hanging around with an old guy like me." Zack hunched over and "hobbled" towards a stack of books.
"Stop that…it's embarrassing," she said, looking around.
Zack straightened up. "Have you got your school books yet?"
"No…what fun are those?"
"That's the reason we're here, you know."
"Zack, there you are," Molly said coming up behind Zack. "If you give me your list I'll help you get your books."
"I didn't bring my list. I already read it so I left it at the house."
"Well that was irresponsible. How will we know if you are missing anything? I suppose we can borrow one," she said.
"It'll be all right, I told you I read the list." Molly didn't look impressed. "Elizabeth do you have your list with you?" Zack asked, extending his hand.
"Yeah, here it is." She pulled a crumpled bit of parchment from her pocket and gave it to him.
Zack looked at the shameful document and frowned at Elizabeth.
"What?" Elizabeth asked.
Zack smoothed out the paper and gave it to Molly without reading it. "Now, I will recite the entire list word for word. Please follow along and let me know if I miss anything." He recited the list and the more he recited the more amazed Molly became. In fact, a small crowd gathered to listen to him. When he finished, they applauded, and Zack gave them a little bow.
"Don't tell him, but I wish I could do that" Elizabeth said to Molly and hurried off towards a back room.
"How did you do that? You can't do any magic yet…you don't even have a wand - speaking of which you should go to Ollivanders next and get your wand. The process can sometimes be quite lengthy. Where was I? Oh yes, how did you manage that? Did you stay up all night memorizing it?" Molly asked in a rush.
"No, I've always been able to read something once and remember it word for word."
"How long do you remember it for?"
Zack thought about it for a moment. "Well let me put it this way, I'm almost certain I've never forgotten a single word I've ever read." Unless I'm drunk, but she doesn't need to know that.
"Does anyone else know about this?"
"My parents, some friends, relatives…"
"No, I mean in our world."
"My aunt and uncle, Elizabeth, Dumbledore…and now you."
She looked at him strangely for moment. "I wouldn't let just anybody know about this."
Bemused, Zack didn't feel like arguing, so he agreed easily. They picked up the books he needed, although hauled might be more accurate given how heavy they were. He laughed at the picture of Severus Snape on An Idiot's Guide to Potion Making. Snape seemed to be trying to set a record for greatest number of different scowls on a jacket cover. How are we possibly going to carry all these books the rest of the afternoon? He needn't have worried; after he purchased them Molly fit them all into a carpetbag she had brought along. Zack offered to carry the bag but Molly insisted it wasn't heavy. Zack shook his head in disbelief.
Before he left the store, he went to find Elizabeth to give her back her list. He found her tormenting two boys, who were fighting each other to do her bidding. God help the poor soul that falls in love with her. He didn't want to spoil her fun so he gave the list to his aunt on his way out. They agreed to meet up for lunch at around noon at a place called The Leaky Cauldron.
Zack cajoled Molly into going to the knitting store next so he could buy her replacement needles. She led him to a small store entitled Stella's Stitches. Molly immediately went to a corner of the store labeled – Sale Items. She picked up a set of needles that were labeled Sweaters and Socks knitting needles, 5 knuts each.
"What does that mean?" Zack asked pointing at the label.
"Nothing dear…these will do just fine." Molly eyed the exit and smiled uncomfortably.
Before she could stop him, Zack went over to a young woman behind the counter. "Pardon me, what does it mean by "sweaters and socks knitting needles?"
"It means needles that will only knit sweaters and socks. In fact, the needles your mother has will only knit one pattern of sweater and socks," she said disdainfully. Zack decided to let the "mother" assumption go. Not much money to be made in these I guess.
"Do you have better needles in the store?"
"Of course! Those are the cheapest we sell."
Zack turned to look at Molly, who seemed very embarrassed. "You deserve better than these, Molly."
He turned back to the clerk, who had started to turn each fingernail a different color with her wand. "Excuse me again." The clerk looked up with droopy eye-lids. "What are the best knitting needles you have in the store?" That woke her up.
She roused herself and came out from behind the counter walking towards the front of the store without waiting to see if she was followed.
"Zack this is not necessary," Molly said, tugging at his sleeve, looking slightly flushed.
"That's the best part. What good is a gift if it's necessary?" He walked to the front of the store to find the sales clerk. "Now what do you have?" The clerk happily showed him several sets of needles, explaining all about them. Zack politely listened and nodded but not being a knitter, he tuned out. Thankfully, Molly asked a couple of tentative questions and before he knew it, he'd been pushed aside and the two women animatedly talked about all things knitting for a good 20 minutes. Molly was definitely in her element. And when it came down to negotiating the price the poor clerk didn't stand a chance. If Zack hadn't stepped in, he was afraid the girl would have handed over the keys to the store.
He paid for the knitting needles and several spools of high quality yarn, which Molly somehow fit into the seemingly bottom-less carpetbag. They went outside the store and Molly looked around a little and gave Zack a hug.
"Why Molly, what would Arthur say?" Zack teased.
"Oh poo," she said and wiped away a stray tear. "Thanks so much for this. I've wanted an authentic set of Chanel needles since I was a little girl."
"Chanel…as in the designer? She can't have been a wizard…could she?"
"Witch dear, women are witches and men are wizards. And yes she was in the Muggle world, but she was a witch. Now, enough of this. Go to Ollivanders and get your wand. I'll go and pick up your other supplies."
"Where is Ollivanders?"
"Keep walking like you are going back in the direction of the book store. It will be several shops past it and on the right." Zack handed her some money and headed off.
Cool, now I'll be able to kick some ass…maybe.
He passed by the Quidditch shop and stopped in for bit to see what it was all about. Who know, maybe I'll give it a try? The shop had uniforms for each of the houses at Hogwarts as well as uniforms for other teams – he recognized the Chudley Cannons from Ron's room. Broomsticks of all kinds filled barrels all over the store, but none of them looked much good for sweeping. Among others he took note of the Cleansweep 9, Nimbus 2000 (20% off), a Firebolt and the newest broom a Firebolt Magnum, which had an endorsement poster of Harry Potter (so that's what he does) – "It's the best broom I've ever flown!" Flown? Quidditch is played on flying broomsticks? That's absurd. He saw that it was also played with three balls - a quaffle, a bludger, and a golden snitch. I think I'll pass. Zack left the store to the ogling (and likely fearless) teenagers.
Hands in his pockets, he ambled down the alley until - Ollivanders Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC- met his eye. He peered through the glass but the shop looked unattended. He tried the door and it opened with the sound of tinkling bells. Thousands of oblong boxes were stacked in every crevice of the store. A few wands sitting on the counter tempted him, but just as he reached for one…
"Do you need a replacement wand?" A male voice said softly from the stacks to Zack's right. A man with wispy white hair and glasses resting halfway down his nose, approached, looking appraisingly at Zack.
"No, this would be my first wand." Zack felt very nervous under the gaze of this old man.
"Curious, most curious. You are from America, correct?"
"Was from America," Zack corrected. "I've been in England for the past 9 years."
"Why is this your first wand? Certainly, the American wizarding community could not have been so foolish as to miss your talent."
"Well I only became a wizard recently. You see I had an accident and…"
"Ah yes, you must be Mr. Flood. I've been hearing quite a lot about you recently. I've been looking forward to your visit. This may present quite a challenge."
"Why a challenge? Certainly any of these would do." Zack indicated the wands on the counter.
"Oh no, the wand chooses the wizard Mr. Flood. Although, no one is quite sure why."
"What do you mean that the wand chooses…it's a stick."
Ollivander spluttered. "A STICK! "How dare you call my wands sticks! I'll have you know that my wands are hand-crafted from the finest wood in the world and each magical element selected for highest potency."
"I apologize for my careless remark, sir; I didn't mean anything by it. They look like wood to me, so I thought…it doesn't matter what I thought. I am putting myself in your capable hands." That seemed to mollify him a little, but his mouth was still twitching. "Do you think we can get started? I've been waiting for this moment since Dumbledore told me about wizard's powers and the need for a wand." Ollivander stood looking down at the floor scratching his chin with his hand. "Excuse me, sir? Are you all right?"
"What? Yes, I am fine. That name Flood, did your father or grandfather attend Hogwarts perhaps?"
"I'm positive that neither attended Hogwarts. Why?"
"I remember every wand I've ever sold Mr. Flood, and while I do not believe I sold a wand to anyone named Flood the name seems eerily familiar." Zack watched Ollivander patiently as he tried to remember. "Oh well, let us begin. Do you know anything about wand making?" Zack shook his head in the negative and Ollivander proceeded to tell him all about it as he sorted through the piles of boxes. Phoenix feathers, unicorn hairs, and dragons…oh my. Ollivander pulled out a tape measure and stepped around the counter
"Uh, excuse me, what are you doing?"
"Measuring you, of course…how else can I determine what wand would best suit you?"
Zack let him measure his arm length, hand size, the size of his head, etc… A few moments later Ollivander stopped, looking thoughtful. Saying nothing he went into the shelves, selected a box, and removed an oak hued wand.
"Oak 12 inches, Unicorn hair - from its mane - most difficult to obtain." He handed the wand to Zack who took it tentatively in his right hand and…nothing happened.
Zack was crestfallen. "I knew it. This is some big joke. Barney, Mick come on out the jig is up. You got me." Zack looked around but the store remained quiet.
"What in Merlin's beard are you talking about?" Ollivander snapped.
Zack turned to face him. "Nothing happened; I must not be a wizard."
"Of course you are wizard. Don't be a fool. I told you that the wand chooses the wizard; that was obviously not your wand."
I am such an idiot. Zack handed the wand back to Ollivander who quickly put it back into its box and handed Zack another wand.
"Yew, 10 and one-half inches, dragon scale – very whippy." Once again nothing happened. "Did you feel anything?" Ollivander asked.
"No, I'm sorry. Was I supposed to?" Zack was getting concerned again. What can I do without a wand? I wonder if anyone has ever not "been chosen?"
"Pay attention, Mr. Flood. Try this one – Maple 11 inches, Unicorn hair, very flexible."
"Nope." Zack wasn't sure but he could swear that Ollivander was actually enjoying himself. Well, if he's not concerned then I'm not hopeless. Wand after wand made its way into Zack's right hand over the next couple of hours, but still nothing. Ollivander was clearly astonished that no wand had chosen Zack yet. At one point his uncle came in to check on him and he stayed for 15 minutes watching Zack trying out some wands. He told Zack he would go back to the Leaky Cauldron and inform them of his…progress.
"Is that all of them? Maybe there's another store I can go to?" Zack asked hoping against hope.
'This is most curious," Ollivander mused aloud and sat down. He must be exhausted. "What am I forgetting?" he mumbled aloud, rubbing his hand together. He jerked his head up and stared hard at Zack. "FLOOD…that's it!" He scurried towards the back of the store and lifted open a grate on the floor, which groaned in protest. Ollivander disappeared but a few moments later reappeared with a box. As he approached, Zack could see that the box was thoroughly covered in dust and cobwebs. It looked to be very old.
"This wand was made by my grandfather over 300 years ago. I have some wands made by my father and grandfather downstairs, but I haven't sold one since I was still an apprentice for my father. It's the name Flood you see, I knew I'd seen it somewhere. I haven't looked at my sire's wands in going on 50 years. This is quite remarkable."
What the hell have I gotten myself in for? "So you are saying this is…rare?" Zack was still trying to get a handle on the situation.
"Not rare. This has never happened. I remember every wand I've ever sold, and I can tell you unequivocally that this has never happened. It's most exciting."
"I'm glad you think so. To be honest, I'm a little apprehensive."
Ollivander gently brushed away the dust with a rag and showed Zack the side of the box. In gold lettering, it had F-L-U-D-D in some kind of fancy script. "You see, I told you – Fludd."
"But the spelling is not the same; my name is spelled F-l-o-o-d."
"Are you sure?" Ollivander asked and Zack nodded. "Let's give it a try anyway." Ollivander opened the box and examined the contents carefully before removing it. "It is rosewood, 12 inches, surprisingly flexible given when it was made, and phoenix feather - a most excellent wand," he pronounced. "My grandfather was quite an artist, you see here along the handle," he pointed to the dark wood handle, "he engraved symbols of power. That was before we improved the process to eliminate the need for them, still quite beautiful."
"Do you think I could…try it out?" Zack extended his hand.
"Of course you may." Ollivander passed over the wand. As soon as his hand approached the wand, Zack knew this was different…very different. Ollivander must have felt it too because he had a look of expectation on his face. Zack's hand grasped the wand and raw power surged through his body. A roar filled his ears and a gust of wind swept through the store. As suddenly as the power rushed into him, it subsided and the world righted itself.
"Most remarkable!"
"I think the wand chose me. What do you think?"
"How droll, Mr. Flood. 12 gold galleons please."
Still staring at his new wand he scarcely realized he was being spoken to. "Pardon me?"
"12 gold galleons. I recommend my premium wand cleaning kit as well, for 7 silver sickles." Zack paid for them and asked if he could have the box it came in as well. Ollivander grudgingly agreed and Zack walked out of the store wand in hand and the box cradled under the opposite arm.
He asked a passer by for the time and was amazed it was past 1 pm. I'm sure glad Molly got the rest of my stuff. He spied an ice cream store - Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor – and decided to stop in for directions to the Leaky Cauldron and a treat before lunch. Life's uncertain - eat dessert first. The ice cream was excellent and as he ate he couldn't wait to get back to the burrow and try the wand out.
~~~00~~~
"He has the wand, Master," a rather ordinary looking man declared to a hooded figure sitting at a desk.
The hooded man turned. "I felt it happen. But he is still young and ignorant of his powers; he is no match for me."
"Of course not Master, but the wand has powers of its own. It's best not to be too sure of yourself."
"YOU DARE LECTURE ME…IN MY HOUSE!" The hooded figure stood, took a wand out of his robes and pointed it at the other man.
The other man prostrated himself and reached out with his hand. "Please Master I forgot myself…"
The hooded man just laughed. "Crucio." A green fire engulfed the prostrated man whose face contorted in pain, and screams issued unbidden from his mouth. The hooded man laughed at the agony of the other man until the prostrated man passed out.
"Lesson over."
~~~00~~~
After returning to the burrow, Zack spent the next three days helping Molly prepare for the family reunion, practicing his spells, and cleaning up the eventual messes he made while practicing his spells. Molly showed remarkable patience as Zack had destroyed or set fire to many objects in the house. Even Russell was giving him a wide berth… so much for loyalty. Still he couldn't blame her after singeing her tail a bit. Thursday arrived and Zack put his wand aside to give himself –and the furnishings - a rest. Molly asked Zack to clean up the garden, as the party would be outside.
"Arthur will show you how to do it before he leaves for work." Molly wiped her brow and sat down to write a list.
"Oh, that's all right, I helped my mom in the garden plenty of times. I just need to know where the tools are."
Molly smiled. "I don't think there are any tools for garden Gnomes, dear. And by the way I'm leaving to go shopping in a few minutes and should be back in a few hours. Feel free to eat what you like."
Gnomes? Zack turned to see a chipper-looking Arthur coming in from outside.
"So Zack, are you ready to learn how to de-Gnome a garden?"
"I guess so." Zack didn't feel too sure. Sure I've got a wand but…well, maybe I can poke them with it as a last resort.
Arthur strode outside and indicated several holes in the garden where the Gnomes had burrowed in. He explained that Gnomes were common garden pests resembling a potato with legs.
"There are poisons to kill them, but I don't feel right about that. So to get rid of them, you grasp the Gnome by the ankles, swing it around a few times to disorient it, and then throw them over this fence."
"You have got to be joking."
"No, I am quite serious. You see they are very dim and can't find their way back…for several days, anyway." Arthur bent over and looked into one of the holes. "We need to scare one out so I can demonstrate for you. Oh good, there's Russell, I bet she can help us – Zack if you would do the honors."
"I'll give it a try…she's not a dog you know. Russell, come here girl." He motioned to the cat that sat staring at him from under the shade of a tree. "You're a big help." Russell ignored him and licked her right side…anytime is good for a bath I guess.
Looking around he picked up a fairly long stick on the ground. "I'll just poke around down there, one should come up eventually." Arthur nodded and backed up a couple of steps. Wonderful. Zack leaned over and poked the stick as far down as it would go. If the Blob climbs up this stick I'll be quite irritated. Unexpectedly he heard a squeal and a strange, small creature came sprinting out of a hole a couple of feet away. Russell was off like a shot, chasing the stubby-legged "thing" around the lawn, eventually pinning it on the ground.
"Good girl, Russell!" Zack shouted and walked quickly over the now vanquished Gnome.
"Excellent Zack, you have quite a cat there." Arthur bent over towards the Gnome. "Now what you do is grab it around the ankles…like this…and spin it around – which makes it dizzy you see – and throw it over the fence." Arthur threw the squealing Gnome over the fence, and fell down unceremoniously in the process. "Ouch!" he exclaimed. "I guess I'm not as young as I used to be."
Zack helped him to his feet. "Nonsense, that was an impressive heave…I think it's still going." Zack shaded his eyes with his right hand and looked in the direction of the throw.
"Kind of you to say, Zack. Now, you've seen how it's done, so I'll be going to work. Good luck…Oh, one other thing once you start in earnest, they will all come rushing up out of their holes to see what's going on, making them easier to catch."
"That's good, because I doubt Russell will stay interested for very long." He glanced sidelong toward the feline, who was busy washing a front paw. "How many do think there are anyway?"
He gave Zack a sheepish grin. "We haven't de-Gnomed in several months so there are probably a couple dozen. Good luck." Arthur took a few steps away, mumbled something and Disapparated.
"It looks like we've a long day ahead of us, girl." He limbered up a bit and used the stick to flush out another one; this time Zack caught it and spun it over his head and threw it over the fence. Arthur was right; all the Gnomes did come out to check out the disturbance. Russell chased first one, then another, all over the grounds. After the fourth Gnome sailed over the fence, he peeled off his shirt and wiped his brow with it.
"I need to work on my tan anyway." He looked at his stomach and was glad to see that it was still flat and fairly well-muscled. Russell meowed and Zack saw she had caught another one. Zack reached the struggling Gnome and "gave it wings". The afternoon disappeared and so did the legion of Gnomes populating the garden.
"Damn, this is hot work!" Zack straightened up, cracked his back, and wiped his brow with his back of his right arm. Russell chased what Zack hoped was the last Gnome out of a hole.
"Come here you little bugger." Zack dove for the Gnome, catching it by its little arm before it could jump in another hole. "You better be the last one," he said, getting to his feet, holding the struggling little creature. He spun it over his head for a couple of seconds and threw it over the fence. "Back, back, back, back…and it's gone!" Zack exclaimed in his best baseball announcer voice.
"It's gone indeed," a silky female voice said from behind Zack.
Zack turned and saw an attractive red-haired woman looking him up and down. Nice. She was attired stylishly in a v-neck short sleeve blouse and a short multi-colored skirt that seemed to get shorter as Zack looked at it. Wait a minute…it really was getting shorter! "Are you Ginny?" he asked.
"Yes I am, and you must be Zack." She saw him looking at her skirt. "Do you like it?" She twirled around giving him a nice look. "It's one of my own creations. I call it the mini-as-you-like-it skirt."
"Yes…it's very interesting."
"Just interesting?"
"How about provocative?"
"Much better." Ginny tossed her longish hair back over her shoulder.
"What do you mean one of your creations?"
"You are looking at the creator, fashion editor, and sometimes model of Wizarding Vogue magazine. It's currently enjoying its third successful year," she said proudly.
"I hope you won't be disappointed that I've never had the pleasure."
"Of course not, mum sent all the kids an owl telling us all about you. Well not all," she said, looking him up and down again. "Fascinating story in the Prophet about you, too. How you fought off a vicious motorcycle gang, cured a dozen injured bystanders, and reattached the head of your niece…very impressive."
Zack became acutely aware that he was wearing nothing but a pair of tennis shorts and tennis shoes. "I'm glad to see tabloid journalism isn't just a Muggle phenomenon."
"You mean it's not true?"
"I do have a niece, but other than that I'd say it's almost a complete exaggeration." He looked around for his shirt.
"No need to be modest on my account."
Definitely not shy. When he started, he had seen a full rain barrel and decided it was time to cool off.
"I hope you don't mind, but de-Gnoming is hot work." He sauntered over a few steps to the rain barrel and dunked his head in the cool water. He threw his head back and shook it, water spraying everywhere. "Damn! That's much better." Zack walked back over towards Ginny squeezing excess water out his hair, which dripped onto his sun-soaked chest and back.
"Be still my heart." She raised an eyebrow and then laughed a pleasant kind of laugh. That wasn't exactly what I was expecting. "I think it might be time to tone down the flirting a bit? What do you think?"
Zack smiled and wiped his face. "But it was so much fun," he mockingly protested.
She smiled. "Oh, but you are going to be a fun one, aren't you. I think Bill and you will get along famously. In the meantime, Mum will be home soon and I wouldn't want us to get caught."
Caught? I guess the flirting isn't completely over. "You're probably right. The last thing I want to do is upset your parents after they've been so nice to me."
Sure enough, Molly returned home within the hour, loaded down with two large carpetbags.
"I assume you two have introduced yourselves," Molly said curtly, frowning at Ginny and the skirt she was wearing.
"Nice to see you too, mum," Ginny said, giving her a kiss on the cheek.
Molly didn't respond, but she did smile a little. Zack grabbed one of the carpetbags but had a hard time moving it.
Ginny just smiled at Zack's struggles and took out her wand, "Locomotor bags." The bags floated off the ground and Ginny directed them to circle around Zack before she directed them inside.
"No showing off, dear," Molly chided, walking in behind the bags.
Zack and Ginny helped her put away the staggering amount of food and "stuff". He couldn't help but notice that Molly kept looking disapprovingly at Ginny's ensemble.
"If you two don't mind, I need a shower before dinner, so I take my leave of you." Zack bowed with a flourish and left the room to the giggling of the two red-haired women.
He first went to his room and drank several large glasses of water, filled up Russell's water bowl, and striped off his sweaty clothes. Boy, I did get some serious sun. He wrapped himself in a towel and made his way to the bathroom, looking forward to a nice cool shower. He just stood in the spray letting the cool water run over his hot skin. He started to lather up and when he started on his genitals, his cock started to respond. After only a moment of hesitation, he began massaging his cock and balls in earnest. It had been a while since he'd masturbated and with the recent encounter with Hermione and the flirtation with Ginny, he needed some release.
The shower curtain slid open. "Would you like a hand with that?" Ginny offered.
"What the fuck?!" Startled, Zack covered up, embarrassed.
"Shy are we, I wouldn't have thought so," Ginny said huskily looking Zack up and down.
"What the hell are you doing…your mom is right downstairs?!"
"Oh no she's not; she forgot a few things and won't be back for an hour or two. Now where were we?" She removed her clothes and Zack's protests vanished. She had pale skin almost pink, and her breasts, while small, were perfectly proportioned for her size. Her nipples were puffy and hardening as he watched them. Her pubic hair was as red as her hair, not that he would have thought otherwise.
"I believe you offered to help me…wash my back, was it?" He motioned for her to join him and as he did he removed his hands from his genitals and Ginny looked in appreciation at his still erect cock.
"I had something else in mind, but if you like, I can wash your back as well." She stepped into the shower, which was adequately sized for two people. "Damn, that water's cold! Warm," she directed and the water temperature obeyed. "That's better; now let's get you nice and clean."
Zack handed her the soap and turned around with a smile on his face. Ginny lathered up her hands and gently kneaded Zack's neck and shoulders. The accumulated grime rinsed off and went down the drain.
"You certainly are dirty."
"I think you knew that already," Zack said with a wink.
"You are a bad boy and I know just what do with bad boys." She worked her way down his back till she reached his buttocks. She soaped up his behind with her right hand and reached around with her left to massage his balls.
"Mmmm, that feels good," Zack murmured.
Ginny seized his erection and proceeded to stroke it slowly. Zack stretched his back and moved his hips around enjoying the sensation. Pulling herself against him, Ginny rubbed her breasts against his slick, soapy back. Zack reached behind, pulled her body closer to his, and gyrated in tune with her stroking. Zack slowly broke contact and turned around. He looked into her deep brown eyes and they kissed each other hungrily while Zack massaged her back and her soft and shapely behind. Zack's cock pressed between them and he was afraid he might lose control too soon.
"Your turn," he announced and turned her around. She put her hands against the wall, her arms outstretched.
"You have the right to remain silent…although I doubt you will," Zack said while lathering his hands. She glanced sideways at him, but turned back to the wall once he began massaging and caressing her body. Ginny ground her ass into Zack's penis, as he massaged her breasts. They both moaned when Zack nibbled on her neck and pinched her erect nipples. Her moans came faster and more wanton as Zack slid his hand down her stomach. He reached his right hand between her legs and felt her hot slickness. He opened her labia lips with his thumb and middle-finger and let the spray from the shower splash on the slick skin. Ginny writhed in sweet torment as Zack began to use his index finger to massage her clitoris.
"Oh Zack…that's good," she said breathily.
Encouraged, Zack increased his rhythm. Ginny squirmed and leaned back into him thrusting her hips forward. After a few seconds, Ginny shuddered and shrieked and Zack felt the convulsions of her body signaling her climax.
"I think you may have done this before," Ginny said thickly and turned to meet Zack's gaze. She softly kissed and tongued Zack's chest slowly moving downward. "I don't like to get on my knees."
Zack was confused as Ginny stepped out of the shower for a moment. She returned with her wand. She smiled lasciviously and swished and flicked the wand. "Wingardium Leviosa." Zack rose two feet off of the ground almost hitting the ceiling with his head.
"What the..." he spluttered.
"Don't worry…I know what I'm doing." She grabbed his slightly-softening penis, which was now level with her mouth, with her hand and stroked until it was hard again. Zack stared down at her and watched her lick his shaft. She's no novice either. She took him in her mouth and simultaneously massaged his balls. Her tongue twirled around the head as she stroked his shaft with her right hand. Zack had his hands pressed against the ceiling to help him maintain some sense of balance. His body shuddered as she slowly sucked and massaged his genitals. The combination of fear and pleasure intensified and it didn't take long for Zack to reach orgasm. This is unbelievable! His testicles tightened and he warned Ginny of his impending eruption. She took him out of her mouth and jerked his throbbing cock as he shot his semen all the way across the shower, hitting the opposite wall. She kept jerking it until the intensity of it made Zack ask her to stop.
"I'd say you needed that," Ginny said, lowering Zack back down. She steadied him as his legs gave out on him.
"What was your first clue? And I believe you didn't find it entirely distasteful, either." Zack raised an eyebrow. They both laughed and got out of the shower after one final rinse, freezing at the sound of the front door closing.
"Damn, I thought she'd be at least another hour. I was hoping to adjourn to my bedroom for some more…fun," Ginny said wrapping herself in a towel. She peeked out the door. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Zack."
"The pleasure was all mine, Ginny."
"Believe me, it was not all yours." She winked and quickly left the bathroom.
Soon after, Zack heard a male voice asking if anyone was at home, but the voice was too deep to be Arthur's. Zack dried off and poked his head out of the bathroom in time to see a youngish, very tall, red-haired man come around the corner.
"Hello, I'm Ron Weasley. I'm guessing you must be Zack," he said, walking up and extending his hand.
Zack took his hand, holding up the towel with his other. "I guess the lack of red hair gave me away, huh."
Ron chuckled. "Mum was right - you are funny. Have you seen Ginny?"
Zack felt his face start to burn and hoped the sunburn would hide his embarrassment. "Uh, yeah I met her earlier…outside…I was de-Gnoming the garden." Relax, you idiot.
"I thought the garden looked better than it did the last time I was here. Wasn't it fun?"
"I guess I did enjoy it in a perverse sort of way. I know my cat sure did."
"So that was your grey cat outside. I don't much like cats myself…bad experience when I was younger. Anyway, it's nice to meet you, I'll let you get dressed and we can talk more in a bit."
"Sounds good, I'll be down in a few." Zack closed the door sighing in relief. That was too close. He looked in the mirror and imagined what manner of punishment an angry wizard protecting his sister's virtue would mete out. I don't think I want to find out.
Later that evening or maybe it was very early morning; Ginny snuck into his room and guided him back to hers. Zack silently protested all the way to her room, but as soon as the door shut she turned to him and spoke in her normal voice.
"It's okay, I've soundproofed my room – Fred and George showed me how years ago."
"Why would they show you that?"
"Because I blackmailed them, of course." She grinned at Zack's bemused look and continued on. "Fred and George are quite the pranksters you see and growing up here was a constant battle between them and our mum. They devised all sorts of hiding places and cloaking spells to protect their inventions. Well, to make a long story short, I caught them once hiding a batch of Trouser Snake chocolates and in return for not tattling on them they taught me this spell."
"Trouser Snake chocolates?" Zack asked concerned.
"Yes they were quite proud of those. Harmless to women but if a man ate one their – wanker – turned into a snake for about 30 seconds." She blushed and chuckled.
Zack laughed heartily and subconsciously put his hand over his crotch. Damn good thing I didn't put my hand in that crevice I found in their room. Ginny looked adorable in a matching nightshirt and panties and Zack decided to ask a question or two.
"I may regret this but – why are we doing this? I mean, I'm far from complaining but I would like to know where we are headed…if you know what I mean?" How could she know; I don't even know what the hell I just said.
Ginny raised her eyebrows at his question, looked away for a moment, and then looked him straight in the eyes. "You are certainly different than the other men I've slept with. Most are so happy to get bonked they don't look for reasons." Zack responded with a shy smile, and she reciprocated. "When I first saw you I thought you were kind of dishy and from what I've heard from mum and dad I knew you were a decent sort as well."
"Well for what it's worth you're kind of dishy too." Ginny blushed pink in response. "But the last thing I want to do is lead you on or anything."
She laughed at him. "You're so bloody noble - how can I not be attracted to you? But don't worry. I won't expect any proposal for at least a month. We have to get to know each other better, you see. What do you think about a December wedding?"
Zack felt the pit of his stomach disappear like he just went down the big hill of a roller coaster. What do I do now? He looked at Ginny who had her hand over her mouth. Was that a smile?
"You're winding me up, aren't you?" Zack asked hopefully.
Ginny laughed at him. "Well of course I am, you mug. I'm only 23 and marriage is not on my agenda anytime soon. But at your age…"
"Careful now," he teased.
"Seriously, I just ended a very unsatisfying relationship and I wanted to break out a bit."
"So this is your idea of fun?"
"Why…isn't it yours?"
"Excellent point. But most women aren't so open about sex. I'm curious; did women's lib ever find its way into the wizarding world?"
"We never needed it; there have been witches and wizards as long as anyone can remember. So we've always been on more or less equal footing."
"Interesting…so you want us to be…for lack of better term fuck-buddies?" Zack asked.
"I've never heard the term, but crass as that sounds, seems accurate."
"I am curious about something."
"What would that be?" Ginny asked watching Zack.
"If you're ticklish!" Zack picked her up and carried her giggling to the bed where passion quickly replaced the laughter. The sex was otherworldly and more than three hours later Zack, having orgasmed twice more – that made three times in one day, he realized with surprise – was completely spent. Ginny gave Zack a peck on the cheek and feel asleep almost immediately. It was almost 4 AM when he snuck out to go back to his own room. His legs wobbled as he carefully made his way to his room, praying he didn't run into Ron. He fell asleep almost immediately and his last thought was relief that the party was not tomorrow.
~~~00~~~
My gratitude to Juliane and Lillith for editing my story
Please review! Thank you.