m&mwp.


"What do you think?"

Charlie looks around the newly opened store. It has a vibrancy that Diagon Alley hasn't seen in months, and the people are loving it. Kids are bounding from aisle to aisle, adults are looking around each corner in absolute wonder, and the products are literally flying off the shelves.

"It's brilliant," Charlie says honestly. "Can't believe you two actually pulled it off."

Fred immediately breaks into a wide grin. "Thanks mate."

His approval puts an extra pep in Fred's step, and his younger brother immediately begins to draw his attention to some emerging bestsellers. And while Charlie is very impressed—and he is impressed, truly—he can't help his mind from drifting away from the Headless Hats that Fred is enthusiastically demonstrating. Instead, he finds his eyes falling on the pretty young witch at the counter who is charming the customer in front of her with a bright smile and twinkling laugh.

"Charlie."

"Yeah? Uh, the hat—it's good. Very clever magic."

Fred removes the hat with a flourish, revealing a sly smile. "Her name is Verity."

"What?"

"Her name is Verity," Fred repeats. He claps the older Weasley on the shoulder, tossing the magical hat back on the shelf. Then, with a wink, "I'm gonna go find George. I'm sure you can keep yourself occupied."

Charlie doesn't have time to protest. Instead, he takes the Headless Hat into his hands and makes his way through the crowd towards the counter.

"Hello! Verity, is it?" he says, handing over the hat and some galleons. "I'm Charlie."

And when her eyes finally meet his, he knows that this is far from the last unnecessary purchase he will be making from Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes.