Having Harry around for the remainder of summer was like a dream come true. It was one thing to spend time with him during the schoolyear, where they had classes together and the overall atmosphere seemed to be much more professional—and it was another thing to have spent leisurely time with him, where they had no set schedules or anything specific to do. It had gotten to the point where having him around felt natural. It was almost as though he were living with the Weasleys. Aralynn wished, more than anything, that he were. The longer he was with them, the more she considered asking Molly if he could live with them. She was sure that the Dursleys would be more than happy to be rid of him. While she would still have to ask Harry for his thoughts, she felt confident that he would be thrilled to agree. The only true roadblock would come from Albus Dumbledore. While Harry didn't exactly need his permission to move, she assumed that he would still feel the need to ask the headmaster's opinion. With the reasons he had, whether legitimate or not, she had the gnawing feeling that he would deny Harry's request. Why? She didn't know. She had been trying not to question his motives so much, as Harry was extremely insistent that he would have had a very good and viable explanation for placing him with their aunt and uncle. Admittedly, she still had her doubts, but she decided that keeping them to herself would be for the best.
Since it was late August, they were preparing for their trip to Diagon Alley. The frenzy to find forgotten or lost money started again. At this point, it had become an annual occurrence. They may as well have considered it to be a tradition. Aralynn sure did.
The Weasleys thundered frantically around the house. They tore apart everything in their path. The house was full of mess and noise. Harry made sure to keep himself out of the way, looking entirely bewildered by the process. Every so often, he halfheartedly looked through random objects. It was obvious that he wanted to be helpful, but he had no idea how. Sometimes, he simply stood back and watched astonishedly. Aralynn took a moment away from searching underneath the furniture to pat her brother's shoulder. "Welcome to the nuthouse," she said with a small laugh. "It's always chaotic around here. You'll get used to it."
"I want to help," he said, picking up a jar and turning it upside down. Nothing, however, fell out. "Only, I don't really know where to look with you guys. I feel stupid just standing here."
"We're an odd bunch, Harry. I wouldn't be surprised if you never caught onto our madness. Until you learn the lost money system, it's probably best you stay out of the way. The Weasleys managed to make this into a competitive sport of sorts. Don't ask me how."
"Are you saying I could get torn down in the path of a determined Weasley?"
Aralynn looked very serious. "Yes. I am."
He blinked at her and then nodded, taking a seat on one of the couches. "Okay. I'll just sit here."
"When one of us comes along and starts ripping off cushions—"
"—Move," he finished. "Got it."
Aralynn patted the top of his head playfully. "Smart boy."
Arthur Weasley came sprinting into the room, eyes bulging, and looking feral. "What's the count?"
Molly was following behind him. "We're just seven sickles shy of being able to buy all of the kids' books secondhand."
"SEVEN SICKLES SHORT!" Arthur shouted as loudly as he could, as everyone was scattered randomly throughout the house.
Harry tilted his head. "Ara, we have money."
Aralynn looked at Harry and furrowed her eyebrows. "What do you mean?"
"Mum and Dad left us money in a vault at Gringotts. A lot of it. So, if it helps, you could always get books with that. You guys won't have to run around looking for seven more sickles anymore."
She chewed on her lip thoughtfully. It certainly would have eased her family's financial burden, but she wasn't sure they would accept it. It was something she would have to discuss with Molly first. "Maybe," she answered. "I'll have to ask Mum first, though. I don't want to make them uncomfortable."
"Of course," Harry nodded. "Ask them and just let me know, yeah?"
"I'll ask right now," Aralynn said with a smile. She then went to find Molly. When she finally did find her, she just watched her for a moment. For some reason, she felt guilty about asking. The woman had scraped by for years to care for them all, when she could have had one less person to worry about financially. She felt that Dumbledore should have given her access to the Gringotts vault—the family could have fared better with some sort of compensation. Though, she supposed there wasn't anything she could do about that now. She walked up to the woman shyly. "Hey, Mum?"
"What is it, love?"
"Apparently my mu—Lily and James left Harry and I money in Gringotts, and Harry said I could use it to buy my own books. It'll make it easier for you guys."
"That's your decision, Ara."
"It is?"
"Of course," Molly chuckled. "It's yours as much as it is Harry's. What you decide to do with it is your choice. Lily and James were your parents, as well. You don't have to feel ashamed to call them 'Mum and Dad' around Arthur and I."
Aralynn grinned sheepishly at Molly. "Of course. I just… I didn't know how you'd feel about it."
Molly kissed her forehead. "Dear, we had full knowledge of your lineage when you came to us. You don't need to feel guilty for it. Lily and I are both your mothers. Just as James and Arthur are both your fathers."
The girl smiled at her. "Thanks, Mum. I think I will buy my books. Now you guys don't have to scrounge up seven more sickles."
"Very well," said Molly with a nod. She then scurried off, likely to tell her husband that the search was off.
Aralynn went back into the living room and sat beside Harry. "I'll take you up on that offer."
"It's not really an offer," he pointed out. "It's your money, too. You don't have to ask or anything."
"Feels weird not to."
"Well, get used to it," he said jokingly. He was at least glad he could get her to crack a smile.
"Don't tell me how to live my life," she replied, laughing. "Are you ready for Diagon Alley? We'll be going later."
"Ecstatic," Harry answered. "I love Diagon Alley. There's something magical about it."
"Could be because it's literally full of magic," she teased.
Harry glared playfully at her. "You know what I mean."
"Of course, I do. I feel the same way. I'm sure we all do. It's just a special place… whimsical."
"Will Hermione be there?"
"She will," Aralynn answered, watching Harry curiously when he seemed to be extremely pleased by that information. "You miss her?"
"Oh, yeah," Harry nodded, trying to play it cool. "She's a good friend."
Aralynn, of course, wasn't buying the act, but she decided she wouldn't say anything about it. "One of the best. I'm trying to give her a run for her money this year."
"Competing over your marks?" he laughed.
"Absolutely!" said Aralynn confidently. "I was off my game last year, but not this time. It's going to be a very tough competition."
"Ron and I are in for it," he said with a shake of his head.
"In for what?" asked Ron as he came into the living room and plopped down between them.
"Aralynn and Hermione are going to be elbowing each other for the top of our class," he said. "It's going to be brutal."
"Oh, bloody hell," Ron groaned, covering his face with his hands. "That's going to be complete madness. Ara, can't you just let her win?"
"No way!"
"You're both so competitive with school! We're going to go gray!"
"That's not my problem," said Aralynn with a smile. "Deal with it!"
Ron was shaking his head. "Blimey."
"You better be on my team," she said warningly to Ron. "It's only right."
Harry looked between them. "What about me?"
"I'll leave that up to you."
"Well… I'll be on Hermione's team, then. Seems it should be even, right?"
"Right," she agreed, but she was eyeing him suspiciously.
"I'm going to die this year," said Ron. "I'm going to die, and it's going to be your fault."
Aralynn rolled her eyes. "Don't be dramatic, Ronald."
"You do realize that you're insanely competitive, don't you, Ara? You're going to be an absolute nutter!"
"It's all in good fun, Ronald."
"Speak for yourself, tosser."
Aralynn waved a dismissive hand at Ron and turned to Harry when he began to talk.
"I can't wait to go back to Hogwarts," said Harry wistfully. The way he perked up when he talked about school made it obvious how giddy he was. "It's been so long. I don't think I've ever been this excited to be at school. Primary school was a decent escape from Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia, but Dudley and I went together, and he always had his friends gang up on me. At least nobody at Hogwarts is trying to beat on me."
"No," came Ron sarcastically. "Just a loon with a seriously evil dark wizard living on the back of his head trying to kill you! Much better."
Harry looked thoughtful. "Somehow it is."
Ron looked between Harry and Aralynn with a horrified expression. "You're completely mad—both of you! It's no wonder you're related!"
Aralynn feigned offense. "I didn't do anything! Why am I mad?"
Ron looked her dead in the eyes with the plainest expression possible. "Ara, I've lived with you for eleven years. I don't need to explain to you how or why you're a total nutter."
She leaned over Harry and punched Ron directly in the arm. He cried out in pain and clutched the spot. He pulled the sleeve of his shirt up, eyeing the spot on his skin that had begun to welt. "Look what you did! You're barking!"
"You're just a baby," Aralynn retorted.
"Children!" called Arthur. They all stood and gathered around him. "Shortly, we will be traveling to Diagon Alley. Go upstairs, get dressed, and then we'll be well on our way!"
The seven children went to their rooms to change. Aralynn swapped her clothes quickly, as she had planned out an outfit the night prior. Once she was ready, she went downstairs and sat on the couch, waiting for Harry and Ron. Ginny came skipping down the stairs and right up to her. "Ara!" she exclaimed. "Guess what?"
Aralynn smiled at her. "What's up, Gin?"
"I get to go to Diagon Alley this year! I'm so excited!"
"I know! It's very exciting. You're going to love it. Are you looking forward to school?"
"More than anything," said Ginny dreamily. "I've been waiting for the day I could go to Hogwarts with the rest of you. I'm thrilled!"
"It'll be amazing," Aralynn said. "It's a great place, and there's so much to learn. You're going to be one tough witch someday!"
"One of the toughest!"
"Heck yeah!"
Ron and Harry came downstairs. When Ginny saw Harry, she reddened and forced herself to walk away calmly. Ron grabbed Aralynn's wrist and dragged her in front of the fireplace with him. The rest of the family was also gathered around. Harry looked significantly confused. "What's this?" he asked Aralynn quietly.
"You'll see," replied Aralynn with a small smile on her face.
Molly picked up the flowerpot sitting atop the fireplace's mantle. She looked inside of the pot and clicked her tongue thoughtfully. "We'll be needing more, Arthur."
"Already on the list!" said Arthur. "Right, now, let's go!"
"Dear, perhaps we should have the kids show Harry how this works."
"Right you are!" the man nodded with a point towards his wife. "Now, Harry, this is a form of transportation in the wizarding world called the Floo Network."
"You take this powder," said Molly, tilting the pot to show him its silvery contents. "Step into the fireplace, state very clearly where you're looking to go, and then throw the powder down. Here, we'll have Percy and Ron show you."
Percy took the powder within his hands, stepped into the fireplace, and turned to face the family. He straightened his back and held his head high. Aralynn could see his Prefect badge glinting after being freshly polished. "Diagon Alley!" he enunciated loudly. He threw the powder down and great, brilliant green flames rose and swallowed Percy whole. When they died down, and he was nowhere to be seen, Harry's jaw dropped with wonder.
Molly smiled at the amazement on his face. "Go on, Ron!"
Ron took a scoop of the powder into his hand, stepped into the fireplace, and grinned goofily at Harry. "Diagon Alley!"
Harry stared with wide eyes as Ron was also consumed by the fire. He stared at the empty spot for a long time and shook his head, bewildered. "That's incredible," he said to his sister. "Magic continues to amaze me."
"Well, why don't you experience it firsthand?"
Harry went white. "What?"
Molly put her hand on his shoulder. "It's your turn, dear. Don't worry. It won't hurt you."
Harry took a scoop of the powder into his hand and stepped into the fireplace. Aralynn could see him sweating. He looked anxious. His hand was shaking, and powder was slipping between his fingers. "D-Digonelly!" he said as he threw the Floo powder down. The green flames shot up, but also spurted and spit out a few reddish-orange flames as Harry was swept off to… well, who knew where?
Molly stepped forward, blinking, and looked concernedly at her husband. "What did he say?"
"Digonelly," said Arthur, looking pensive. "Not quite the right place, but close enough to land somewhere nearby. Come on, let's go and see if we can find him."
The rest of the Weasleys traveled to Diagon Alley. Aralynn stepped onto the cobbled roads and looked around nervously. She was worried about Harry and where he could have possibly ended up. She grabbed Ron and pulled him aside. "We need to go looking for him," she told him. "Mum, can we split off and look for Harry?"
Molly was frowning. "Very well. Meet us at Flourish and Blotts when you find him, understand?"
Aralynn nodded. "Absolutely, Mum. Understood. Hopefully we won't be too long."
Ron and Aralynn took off walking around Diagon Alley to try and find Harry. The girl was so frantic about her brother that she couldn't even take the time to enjoy the beauty around her. She always loved to study the shopfronts, the new products, and anything else that she may have potentially seen thousands of times before but continued to love. They were passing by Obscurus Books when Aralynn bumped into someone while she wasn't paying attention. "Oh, I'm so—"
"Ara!" shrilled Hermione Granger excitedly. She lurched forward to hug her friend tightly. "It's wonderful to see you!"
"It's great to see you, too, Hermione," said Aralynn with a smile. "Have you been here long?"
"Not very. We're just getting started," she said and grinned between them both. "Hello, Ron."
"Hey, Hermione," he said, continuing to look through the crowd.
"Where's Harry?" she asked, looking curiously behind them to see if she could spot him.
"We don't know," said Aralynn with a frown. "We came through the Floo Network, and we're not sure where he ended up because he did not pronounce 'Diagon Alley' right."
Hermione frowned. "Well, let's go. We can't shuffle about and expect to find him."
Ron, Aralynn, and Hermione set off to check every single nook and cranny of Diagon Alley. They checked Amanuensis Quills, Gambol and Japes Wizarding Joke Shop, Quality Quidditch Supplies, and any other shop thinkable. Yet, Harry was nowhere to be found. Aralynn's worry grew into fear. What if he ended up in a completely different country? Her heart began to race and pound in her chest. Sweat began beading on her forehead. Before long, it was dripping. She felt her chest tightening, continually restricting until she felt she could no longer breathe—and before long, she was hyperventilating. Her limbs were shaking, starting as a gentle tremble before rapidly evolving into full-on quaking. She stumbled off to the side, reaching her hand out to press into the side of one of the shops to keep herself upright. Her vision had begun to blur and was becoming shrouded by white spots. She felt a hand on her back.
"Ara," came Ron's voice in her ear. "Ara, are you okay?"
Hermione came to the other side of her. "Aralynn, calm down."
Aralynn closed her eyes tightly. "I c-can't… breathe."
"Hermione, what's going on?" asked Ron, sounding panicked.
"She's having a panic attack."
"What?!"
"Move back, Ronald! Don't crowd her!"
Aralynn pressed her hand to her chest. Her heart felt as though it was going to burst from her skin. "Help me," she managed hoarsely.
Hermione leaned closer to her. "Okay, Ara, listen to me. Listen very closely to my voice." She took Aralynn's hand, put it against her chest, and began to breathe deeply. "Follow my breathing. Breathe with me."
"I-I… I c-can't…"
"Yes, you can. Just focus." She exaggerated her deep breaths so her chest would protrude and fall drastically. "In and out… in and out."
Aralynn did her best to focus on Hermione's breathing pattern. She attempted to emulate it but found it difficult to combat her hyperventilation. However, the more she persisted, the easier it became. Before long, she had synchronized her breathing with Hermione's. She was lightheaded, but undoubtedly feeling much better. She opened her eyes and smiled weakly at her friend. "Thank you, 'Mione. I thought I was going to die. That was scary."
"I've had my fair share of panic attacks," said Hermione, patting her hand affectionately. "You're more than welcome, Ara. I'm glad I could help."
"I'm so worried about Harry. Where could he be?"
"I don't know," Hermione answered honestly. "The most we can do is keep looking. I'm sure we'll find him eventually. Come on."
They continued with their hunt. As they were approaching Knockturn Alley, they caught sight of Hagrid emerging from the crevice. Someone much smaller was following him. They stopped and spoke briefly before Hagrid spotted them. He pointed. As they jogged closer, the three of them became very excited. It was Harry! He was okay! Dirty, but okay!
Aralynn ran forward. "Harry! We were so worried!"
Harry smiled at them. "Hey! Yeah, I don't know what happened. I ended up in this creepy store, Borgin and Burkes. Malfoy was there with his father, talking all about Ministry raids, and needing to sell things they wouldn't want found… It wasn't any less scary outside of it, either. Hagrid said that it's Knockturn Alley?"
"Not a great place to be," Ron said with a nod.
"Couldn' agree more," Hagrid said gruffly.
"Malfoy was there?" Ron recalled. "Ministry raids… Might have to tell Dad about that one."
"There are some seriously dark witches and wizards that skulk around Knockturn Alley," said Hermione. "I'm not surprised the Malfoys were there. It's lucky that you ran into Hagrid. There's no telling what might have happened, given someone recognized you."
"I shudder to think about it," said Harry with a shake of his head.
"Got ter be more careful with the Floo," Hagrid said, giving a playful nudge that nearly knocked Harry to the ground. He then straightened. "Well, best be off. Got things ter do. Happy ter see you four again." He smiled brightly at them. "Make sure an' visit when schools starts, ye hear? Lots to catch up on." With a salute, Hagrid swept away.
"Bye, Hagrid!" they called after him with enthusiastic waves.
Harry turned towards them. "Can we get out of here now? Where's the family?"
"Flourish and Blotts," answered Aralynn. "We were supposed to meet them there as soon as we found you. We should probably hurry over there."
"Not before we fix Harry's glasses," added Hermione. "Seems he's broken them again." She pointed her wand at his face, waving it precisely. "Oculus Reparo."
Harry blinked his eyes a few times and then grinned at Hermione. "I really need to learn that one. I can't believe how often I break my glasses."
"It's not very difficult," said Hermione, glancing at him. "I could teach you."
"That would be great."
Ron made a noise of disgust. "Let's get out of here before this love fest gets even mushier. C'mon, Ara. Let's go where people are sane."
Aralynn laughed and began to follow him. "Come on!"
Harry and Hermione snapped back into reality and quickly followed. "How was your summer?" asked Hermione. "None of us heard from you. We were worried."
While they made their way to Flourish and Blotts, Harry recounted his tale of Dobby the House Elf appearing in his bedroom, trying to convince him to stay as far away from Hogwarts as possible. He also continued to explain how the creature got him imprisoned in his own bedroom. Ron and Aralynn chimed in with their lovely adventure to Little Whinging in their father's enchanted car. Hermione seemed completely enthralled with the story, but still didn't hesitate to scold Ron and Aralynn for being reckless. "I wonder why Dobby would try to keep you from Hogwarts," said Hermione thoughtfully. "That's very peculiar. He even went as far as to expropriate your mail."
"He said there's danger," Harry told her with a shrug. "He wouldn't say what it was. Just that it's terrible, but wouldn't it affect Aralynn, too? Why didn't he go to her?"
"I don't know," she said with a frown. "Well, there's no sense in fretting over that now. You're with Ara, and the Weasleys, and you're well on your way to returning to school. There isn't much Dobby can do."
"I hope not," Harry sighed. "I would hate to think about the lengths he would go to, to keep me away. The cake thing was over-the-top."
"You needn't worry about it," Hermione said again. "That's in the past."
Harry shrugged as they entered Flourish and Blotts. "I suppose."
The four of them weren't exactly paying attention, causing them to plow into the backs of random strangers. "Bloody hell!" exclaimed Ron. He looked around, confused. "I've never seen this many people in here at once."
"Neither have I," agreed Aralynn. "This is mad."
Molly Weasley came ambling over. "There you are! Ah, I see you've found Harry! Where did the Floo sweep him off to?"
"Knockturn Alley," said Aralynn.
"Oh, dear. How terribly unpleasant. Well, come along!"
The four of them followed the Weasley matriarch. Ron shook his head. "What is going on in here?"
"I think that's the cause of the commotion," said Hermione, pointing to the back of the shop. Standing behind a table, covered with various displayed books, was Gilderoy Lockhart. Several Daily Prophet reporters were clustered around him, rapidly snapping his photograph.
Aralynn's face twisted. "Oh, great. We have to deal with him now? Sounds like a lovely time."
Hermione was smiling girlishly at Lockhart. "He is rather fetching, though, don't you think?"
Aralynn stared at her, grimacing. "No! No, I do not think!"
Hermione waved a dismissive hand at her, moving further into the crowd to fawn over Lockhart amongst the large group of middle-aged women.
Harry was eyeing Hermione with a subtle frown. "Who is that, exactly?"
"Gilderoy Lockhart," explained Aralynn. "He's famous for his travels and encounters with various creatures. He's written a bunch of different books about his experiences. They've all been bestsellers. He's received a bunch of rewards, too. I suppose you could say he's a talented man and prominent wizard, but his self-absorption is nauseating."
"Everyone is swooning over him."
"Women fall privy to his charm," she said. "Why? I don't know. I want to kick him in the head."
Harry burst out laughing. "Ara!"
Aralynn laughed with him. "I'm sorry! I don't find flippy-floppy hair and arrogance attractive!"
"Fair enough." He looked back at Lockhart, who was talking happily to the crowd and cameras, but stopped when he caught sight of the boy.
"Well, well!" exclaimed the man. "It seems I'm not the only celebrity here today. We've been graced with the presence of none other than Harry Potter himself! The Boy Who Lived! Why don't you come and have a photograph taken with me, Harry?"
Harry glanced around awkwardly. "Well, I—I mean, I'd rather—"
"Come along!" said a Daily Prophet photography. He grasped onto Harry's shirt and pulled him closer.
"Wait!" Harry ushered, glancing around for some sort of help. "It's not just me here! My sister is, too! Aralynn! The Girl Who Lived?"
Gilderoy Lockhart's jaw dropped. "I'll be! The Twins Who Lived—together? Now, that is a gift indeed. Where is she?"
The crowd began looking through the various faces. Aralynn knew they would find her sooner or later, so she decided to step out for herself. As she did, she made sure to glare at Harry. He was apologizing to her with his eyes. "Right here," she said.
The Prophet photographer went to grab her, too, but she smacked his hands. She willingly walked to Lockhart's left side while Harry stood at his right. The man wrapped his arms around them and pulled them close. "Smile! I'm sure we'll make the front page!"
Harry looked at the camera with complete bewilderment. Aralynn death stared the lens. The photograph was snapped, and they were subsequently released by Lockhart. He grinned at everyone. "From the generosity of my heart, I present to both Potters, and their friends, my entire collected works… free of charge!"
The crowd erupted with cheers and claps. Molly came forward, waving her hands, and gasping. "Come, now. Give me those books. I'll have them signed!"
Aralynn and Harry rejoined Ron and Hermione among the crowd. Aralynn continued to stare hatefully at Harry. He looked at her, seeming to shrink for a moment. "What?"
"Really?" she said. The hateful stare was fake and playful. She was vaguely annoyed, but she understood why he did it. "Ya had to out me like that?"
"I didn't know what else to do. I felt cornered!"
"Oh, don't worry. I'll pay you back for that."
He grinned sheepishly at her. "I give you my full permission to do that."
Aralynn looked at him pointedly. "I would do it without your permission."
Harry rubbed the back of his neck. "I deserve that."
"No kidding," said Aralynn.
They moved off to the side of the shop as another wave of people came inside, likely to gawk over the celebrity. Hermione kept peeking into the crowd to check on her parents. She picked at her cuticles nervously as they spoke with Molly Weasley.
Aralynn followed her gaze. "How're they doing?"
"Great," answered Hermione with a grin. "They were very overwhelmed with Diagon Alley last year, but they've adjusted quite well. Now they just want to further interact with other parents. Is it okay that they're talking to Molly?"
"Of course!" Aralynn said with a smile. "There's no reason it wouldn't be. Wait until my dad meets them. He loves Muggles. I'm sure he'll completely bombard them with questions."
"I have no doubt they will do the same," laughed Hermione. "I can only answer so many things about magic."
Harry moved to stand by the girls. "Apparently, we're guaranteed a front-page spot. Isn't that nice, Ara?"
"It would be nicer if you could've had that prime photograph by yourself instead of dragging me into it, but hey, what can you do?"
"I said I was sorry."
"Keep sayin' it, pal."
"I bet you just loved that," came a sneering voice. They turned to see Draco Malfoy coming down from the second level of the shop. "Can't go anywhere without getting your photo taken, eh, Potter? Everyone always has to fall at your feet." He paused when he saw Aralynn. "I suppose that counts for you, too, now. Two famous Potters in the same place. What a nightmare. At least you're no longer a grungy Weasley, eh?"
Aralynn glared at him. "I would watch your mouth, Malfoy. I may not be a biological Weasley, but I still have the spit of one."
Draco rolled his eyes. "Yeah? What are you going to do about it?"
"Punch you," said Aralynn plainly. "I've done it before. I'll do it again. I will hit you."
"Enough, Malfoy," intervened Harry. "Do you even have time for this? Considering being a jerk takes up your daily schedule."
"What did you just say to me, Potter?" Malfoy stepped closer to Harry. "I'm not afraid to curse you into oblivion. Maybe I'll do what Voldemort couldn't."
"Leave him alone!" demanded Ginny.
"Who's this coming to your defense? You have a new girlfriend, Potter?"
A tall blond man with a pointed face that was identical to Draco's approached from behind his son. Aralynn recognized him from her trip to Diagon Alley the year prior as his father, Lucius. "Now, now, Draco," he tutted insincerely. "Why don't we play nicely?"
Draco went silent after his father spoke. He stepped back but continued to glare hatefully at them.
"Hello again, Mr. Malfoy," said Aralynn, staring at him.
Lucius looked at her with narrowed eyes. "And who are you?"
"We met last year at Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. Don't you remember?"
"Ah, yes. The Weasley girl."
"Potter, actually. But you knew that."
Lucius raised a threatening eyebrow. "Excuse me?"
"You know that now. You knew that then. At the time, I knew the way you spoke to me was odd. I didn't know why, but thinking of it now, that is exactly why. You knew I was a Potter. You made a point of telling me without really telling me."
Lucius Malfoy smirked at her. "I can't say I know what you mean. Of course, I know now. Who doesn't? However, I did not know that then. How could I have? Your existence was a secret."
"Liar," said Aralynn.
Lucius was about to step up to her when Arthur Weasley approached. "Find what you were looking for, kids?" He blinked with feigned surprise at Lucius, as he was pretending that he hadn't seen him. "Ah, Lucius. Fancy seeing you here."
"Arthur," said the Malfoy patriarch with obvious disgust in his voice. "Courting around children who aren't even yours, I see. How can you ever afford it?"
Arthur's eyes darkened. "Pardon?"
"Well, you have five of your own children. Plus, you're raising the Potter girl. How can you afford such things? I've seen your salary at the Ministry." He reached into Ginny's cauldron, turning over one of the books in his hand. "Yes, now I see. With tatty secondhand books. Tell me, Arthur, what's the point of being a shame to the name of wizards, if you aren't even paid well enough for it?"
"We have a very different idea of what shames the name of wizards, Malfoy."
Lucius snarled and jutted his walking staff out towards Arthur as if he were going to hit him with it. He, however, pulled a wand from the hollowed-out core and pointed it at the redhaired man.
"I would recommend you put that wand away, Malfoy. Things might get ugly."
"Uglier than the disgrace of your family?"
At that point, Arthur had had enough. He completely disregarded the wand in Lucius's hand and went straight to tackling him, rushing them both into a bookshelf that rattled and spewed books and pages over them. Draco jumped back from the ensuing scuffle, looking warily at Aralynn. The girl narrowed her eyes at him, letting him know that if he tried anything, he would be next. It wasn't long before the entirety of Flourish and Blotts had noticed the scuffle. People came running to pull them apart. Hermione's parents looked appalled by the scene. After all, what else could be expected? Aralynn was sure it wasn't often that they were privy to a bookshop brawl.
Once they were separated, Lucius brushed the long blond hair from his face and glowered at Arthur. He threw Ginny's books, which had still been in his hand, back into the cauldron. "This isn't the end," he stated, ominous and foreboding. He then grabbed Draco's shoulder and pulled him out of the bookstore.
Ron was smiling wildly. "Wicked!" he exclaimed. "Dad punched Lucius Malfoy!"
"Don't get too excited," said Percy, who had appeared behind them. "He could get sacked for this. I'm sure Lucius will insist upon it."
"They won't, will they?" asked Ginny with a frown. "No one loves Muggles or Muggle items as much as dad does."
"I couldn't say for certain," Percy told her with a shrug. "It's a real possibility."
Molly came bustling over. She pointed a stern finger at Arthur, then gathered the children into a flock. "Let's get out of here before your father decides to assault someone else!"
"He deserved it, Mum," said Ron.
"You'll deserve it if you don't silence yourself right now, Ronald Weasley."
Ron immediately went quiet.
Molly led them through the rest of their shopping at Diagon Alley in complete silence. Anytime someone tried to say something, she shushed them. That included Arthur, who seemed to be on her blacklist for the moment. Once they had finished their errands, and everyone had what they needed, they stopped by the Leaky Cauldron in London for a bite to eat. Dinner was significantly awkward, as it continued to be complete silence. No one wanted to face the wrath of Molly Weasley. She was even more frightening than Lucius Malfoy—even more frightening than Lord Voldemort himself.
Once they returned home, Molly immediately sent everyone to bed… including Arthur. Aralynn had decided to bypass sleeping in her own room again. Instead, she curled up in bed with Harry, as she had been for the past several weeks. If he was going to be at The Burrow, she was going to make sure she was with him.
"Ara?"
"Yes, Harry?"
"Did Draco's father really talk to you like that at Madam Malkin's?"
She huffed. "Yeah, he did. I remember thinking that it seemed like he knew something I didn't. I had forgotten all about it until I saw him again. It made me realize that he intended for it to sound that way. It was the truth without the truth. He knew who I was."
"How? Nobody really knew you were alive."
"I don't know, Harry. He did, though. Somehow."
"D'you think he was one of Voldemort's followers?"
"That's what the rumors say," she explained. "After Voldemort disappeared; some of his cronies switched sides. They, of course, claimed they were unwilling participants—under the influence of a curse. The Malfoys were among those with such claims. I don't believe it, not for a second. They unsettle me. Besides, they're notorious pure-blood radicals. Exactly what Voldemort was looking for in his disciples."
Harry was quiet for a moment. "Do you think Dobby was right when he said there's something dangerous happening at Hogwarts?"
"I don't know. I hope not."
"Me too. Can't be any worse than last year, right?"
Aralynn nodded. "Right."
