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'Thought'
"Speech"
§ Parsletongue §
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing of Harry Potter, only my OC(s) and some plot twists...
"Eleven and a half inches, Hornbeam and Unicorn hair… surprisingly rigid" Ollivander softly stated, twirling Colin's wand in his wizened hands as he examined it, heck it looked like he was practically x-raying it.
'Old man Ollivander certainly likes his theatrics' I mused trying (and failing) to suppress the unsettling feeling I was getting, from the moment I'd stepped into his shop.
Confused? Well, let me back up a bit. I'll start off from when Riley apprated us to the Alley.
Naturally, our first stop of the day, after I let my stomach settle post-apparation - Luna didn't seem all that affected, which though I was glad for, had me quite jealous as well - was Gringotts. As I'm sure you've already presumed, to claim my inheritance.
We spent a few minutes waiting by the table of one of the Tellers, who then ushered us through one of the many doors leading out of the Main Hall. He then led us into another room wherein sat (on what was undoubtedly a high-throne) a much older looking Goblin, who shockingly didn't seem like the cheery type.
There was no dilly-dallying on his part, introducing himself as 'Account Manager Gnarlfang' he went right to business, after the Teller - having inspected my ring briefly - had given him a pointed nod.
He then informed me that there were certain pre-requisites I had to meet before I could claim my status as Heir. He further stated that they were all listed in the will left behind by the previous Lord, the contents of which he stressed were for my eyes and ears alone.
Luna, noting his not so subtle hint, squeezed my hand lightly before turning towards the Teller that had brought us in.
"I would like to use this opportunity to visit my own family vault…" she primly stated, in a manner that was quite unlike her. The other Goblin (I think I'll call him Grumpy) nodded and, after giving Gnarlfang a bow, escorted her back to the hall.
Gnarlfang waited a moment after the door had closed shut behind them before he promptly began reading out the will's contents, which took a good few minutes of time...
I was basically a simmering pot of anger, at the end of it.
The 'prerequisites' as the Goblin had put it - if not my given situation - would have otherwise been quite difficult to meet. Heck, if not for the current time and age even I would find it undoubtedly impossible.
Let me give you a rundown real quick...
The entire episode with the potion? Yeah, that was a bastardized blood ritual (which I'd sorta figured out) one that I learned was unfortunately still incomplete. The previous Lord had even left behind a message for his 'Heir Presumptive' at the end of the will, especially in regards to this clause.
To my Heir-to-be, I bequeath you a choice… pledge yourself, harden your heart and forego all ties with those by your name and blood, for that is the sacrifice you must pay if you wish to enter mine House.
Let this serve as my first and last lesson to you… a gift once given, cannot be retracted and will always come at a price. Now choose... lest be cursed to watch, as the very blood you coveted, withers you into nothingness.
Definitely a ball of sunshine, pretty sure he got it on with the ladies as well... I'm fucked aren't I?
Under normal circumstances, someone of my body's current age would be reduced to a crying/blubbering mess. My usual reaction would be along the lines of letting loose a few choice words or better yet... ducking my head in the waters of the Great Lake, and testing to see if I could possibly win a screaming match against its resident merpeople.
Yes, I'm aware that the latter case is highly improbable... but you get my point.
However, due to the time I spent working on my Occlumency, I managed to suppress my emotions... to a point at least. The only reaction I outwardly showed, was the gradual raising of my brows.
It was still a lot to take in, after all.
"Am I to understand, that you have some queries…?" he asked, giving me a polite - vicious and nasty, with the promise of intense pain if I nagged or bothered him too much - smile.
"A few," I replied, giving him the best deadpan look I could manage, no way was I letting him get the better of me "and they're more like clarifications..." I added starting with the most pressing one "A vow on my magic should suffice for the first clause right?" I asked.
The will looked old, so much so that some of its words could easily be deciphered differently at this point. A fact that I planned - or hoped - to capitalize on.
"Yes, that would hold sufficient grounds for me to give my witness" his tone almost seemed reluctant, while I unconsciously let out a relieved breath.
I then tried asking Granlfang to give me any extra details Gringotts had on the ritual or anything similar to it. He simply stated that the ceremony was completely unique, the exact knowledge of which had (unfortunately) left the world along with the last Heir.
The grouch refused to elaborate in any regard, when I tried to fish for additional info and all but clammed up once I broached the subject of the previous Heir.
So I reluctantly dropped the subject, and moved on with my other queries 'Note to self, look up blood rituals…' I then amended my thought to look up on anything and everything - even remotely - related to rituals in general.
Another revelation I'd been informed of was regarding the ring. I'd been unable to remove the damn thing - though I do admit that I hadn't bothered to try all that hard - from the time it'd resized itself.
When asked, Granlfang was only too happy to explain that it served to provide extra incentive in the hopes that I would make the 'right' choice.
So I basically had a year from now after which, if I hadn't come to a decision by then, I'd be inflicted by a curse similar to the one Professor Sinistra had suffered through. Only in my case, it would be much worse, since it'd be akin to setting all of my blood on fire... so I'd essentially be burned up, from the inside.
'Not much of a choice in the matter then…' I ran a hand through my hair in frustration, but if I was being honest - and I know that the majority of you might not exactly agree with me - I felt, regardless of the many conditions and contingencies imposed upon me, that the most inevitable outcome would only be for the best.
By all rights, Colin Creevey should have fallen in the Battle of Hogwarts, a little before his seventeenth birthday, succeeded by his father and younger brother Dennis.
My being here would no doubt change that but simply put, deceiving them in such a manner felt wrong and like I mentioned previously, I don't think I'd have been able to keep up the façade, in any case.
The Colin they knew was gone, and though I had access to his memories I. Wasn't. Him.
"I accept…" I tried to say confidentiality, only for my wavering voice to betray me 'And I was playing the bastard act so well!' I took in a few deep breaths and waited a few minutes before continuing "But, I want a few things done first..."
"Very well, Gringotts will try to accommodate them, provided they are reasonable" he grinned, which wasn't a pretty sight in my opinion "...for a price, of course" he finished.
I nodded, giving him an outline of how and what I wanted them to do... a favour of sorts or a final tribute, if you will, to the name of Colin Creevey.
It was well over an hour before I met up with Luna again, and by unspoken agreement, we headed straight for Fortescue's and shared a chocolate truffle (it was really nice and did wonders for my spirit) as she'd suggested. We then wandered in and around the Alley for a while, Luna had insisted on giving me a proper tour, before I began checking things off on my list in earnest. Of course, we made it a point to say well away from Knockturn.
Our first (actual) stop thereafter, was an apparel store. It was located slightly away from the main alleyway and was run by, or at least had employees that were of, those of No-Maj descent. I bought a new set of school robes, which Riley helpfully took back, that were made to better fit my now - albeit only slightly - taller frame. I'd also purposefully had the sleeves made longer as well... you'll understand why later on.
I also bought a decent amount of muggle clothes as well though, unlike the robes whose length could be altered to an extent, I made sure that these were a size or two larger than the ones I currently owned. Luna - given that she'd only ever needed them for 'blending in' during her visits to St Catchpole - also decided to get a few, stating that she would need to get used to them. I heartily encouraged her, and wisely chose not to press the issue when she refused to let me cover her tab.
Fellas! We have a keeper here!
As far as paying went though, I'd taken a draft book (the equivalent of a chequebook) from the bank. Gnarlfang had offered to have me taken to my new vault but I'd politely declined, seeing as a significant amount of time had passed since my arrival. The Goblin simply nodded, before proceeding to warn me that my vault was quite a ways by cart and that I'd better plan my day accordingly for it. This made me wonder whereabouts it exactly was since I was pretty sure the tunnels covered almost all of Britain, but I acknowledged his words nonetheless.
Anyway... I was just about to hand in a draft, when my gaze fell on one of the few Muggle winter coats that were on display, in the women's section of the shop. Size-wise it was a little too big for Luna at the moment but damn! Did it suit her!
A nice shade of blue, long-sleeved with an asymmetric collar and fastenings, finished with a tasteful belt at the waist.
"Its a part of our new range, and comes in a large array of colours..." one of the shop attendants said to me in a low voice, her face breaking out into a knowing grin "The threads are enchanted, a basic one mind you. So it'll keep the wearer proper warm, no matter how cold the weather gets" she finished and, after quoting the current selling price, tried to sweeten the deal by offering me a discount.
'What the he–' I looked like a twelve-year-old at best! Shouldn't she be all 'You're too young for all that shit' or something like that?! Like, dude!
On the outside though, I chose to keep my mouth shut and chose not to look at the gift horse in its mouth "The colour's perfect but I want one a size smaller, have it wrapped and sent to me by owl order" I whispered back, noting that Luna was currently at the other end of the shop. I quickly added the quoted price to the final amount on the draft, which I then sighed (the contents were no longer modifiable after my signing it) before handing it to her. She gave me a discreet nod and assured me that it would be done within the next few days.
Luna came up just then, having already paid for all of her purchases, and the two of us were out of the shop shortly thereafter.
I gave myself a pat on the back for a job well done as we stopped by the next alleyway - so we could have Riley send our stuff back to the castle - when the petite blonde casually added one of the wrapped packages from her pile, to my own.
"I think it'll go well with the coat," she started, at my puzzled look, "so I thought I might get it for you..." she finished, giving me a more-than-smug grin as our packages seemingly disappeared.
I could only nod dumbly in thanks 'No fair!' a large part of me wanted to grumble. She let out a light giggle, slipped her hand into mine, and began leading me towards what looked like, a pet shop.
From the outside, it looked barely half the size of Eeylops but I knew - better than anyone - that looks could be deceiving. So I entered the shop, with no pre-conceived notions or reservations. The first thing I noticed was that the animals here, though not as much in number, were all of the more exotic (nothing illegal of course) breeds. The Owner seemed to be well acquainted with Luna as well, immediately declaring that any pet I bought today would be sold at half the price.
I'd readily told him that I wanted an owl, but he suggested that I see everything his shop had to offer first, before making my choice. We passed by several cages, each housing a full-blooded Kneazle, their eyes following my every move as he led me on a tour around the shop (I later learned that Luna and her father had helped him quite a bit in the past) until we finally came to the part that housed the avians.
'Guess I know where Malfoy got his eagle owl from…' I looked at several variants, before finally spotting a cage a little away from the rest, with its resident seemingly asleep.
"That 'ns a bit touchy..." the owner said "Makes a right riot if he's kept too close to the others, quite stubborn too, but a beautiful creature and right clever" he hastily added, and despite his conflicting words, I could tell that he honestly cared - and was worried - for the creature.
I leaned in to get a better look at the owl, and my eyes widened when I recognized its, or rather his species "a Hoot Owl…" but unlike his normal counterparts, this guy was completely black, there was a sudden ruffle of feathers just then and I found myself staring into a pair of deep-amber eyes.
We regarded each other for a moment before I reached out and - ignoring the owner's warning - stroked the creature through the cage.
The little guy kept my gaze for a few more minutes, before letting out a soft 'hoot' and began nipping at my fingers playfully "This one…" I declared, grinning at the owner's bewildered expression.
A few minutes later, found myself walking back to the Alley heading towards our last stop for the day: Ollivanders.
Luna had already gone back to the castle stating that she, and I quote "Had something important to do" she then gave me this completely serious - totally un-Luna-like, expression - as she continued by saying that "The Wrackspurts were beginning to gather around me now… they've never done that before" which had me downright worried, so I promptly asked Riley to take her back immediately.
The ever-helpful elf had also collected the new cage and perch I bought for Shade (he seemed to like the name) who I'd let out - after naming him as my familiar - to stretch his wings. I had no doubts that he would turn up tomorrow morning at breakfast, carrying my copy of the Prophet and Quibbler, seeing as I'd gotten subscriptions for them both.
While leads me to now, trying to keep myself from visibly fidgeting, as Old man Ollivander did his thing...
"I take it, there were difficulties while spellcasting? Or that your wand as of late, hasn't been performing adequately?" His pale blue eyes gazed into my own and I instinctively put up my Occlumency shields, despite how crude they were.
"That's right… I wanted to–"
"It would seem, that this wand no longer finds you suitable and barely two months after the start of your term, I might add... how very, peculiar" he now gazed at me in a similar fashion, and I tried to stop myself from shuddering as a shiver ran down my spine. Like I'd mentioned before... ever since I'd entered Ollivanders I was on edge, even my meeting previously at Gringotts (Gnarlfang had a very unhealthy penchant for sharp things) didn't leave me as unsettled, or jittery as Ollivander managed to do with just a glance.
However, I refused to look away and silently waited as his eyes roamed the length of my face, seemingly in search of something "There must have been a significant change… or emotional strain" he started as the tape measure sitting on his table suddenly sprang to life and randomly began taking measurements "You still feel some form of connection, yes?" he asked, handing the wand back to me.
"Yes… it still feels warm, but not like the first time" I admitted, wondering where he was going with this, a glance at my new watch showed that Lunchtime at the castle had already passed and I for one had planned to be back by then.
"So the core still finds you a good match" and he moved out of view behind one of the many shelves houses in the shop "This situation calls for a more... specific approach" I could hear the sign on the door flip to 'CLOSED'
'Looks like I'll be here for a while…' I shrugged, a wand was the most important tool for any Witch or Wizard, it was the medium through which they channeled their magic. So I swatted away the offending tape measure and resolved myself to wait it out.
Ollivander came back carrying a rectangular box, which he enlarged to the size of a normal trunk. He removed several slabs of what looked to be different kinds of wand-woods, spacing and arranging them neatly on the table, and stopped only when almost the entirety of its surface was covered.
Eager to start, I didn't wait for his explanation and began running my hand over the slabs. Aside from their colour, they were practically identical in size and shape.
But I began worrying after each passing row until only a few on the last one remained 'Please tell me I don't have to wait ev–' a comfortable warmth spread through my palm just then, and I instinctively grabbed hold of the slab. Colour-wise, it was a light reddish-brown but I couldn't tell what type of wood it exactly was.
"I am one of the few, that continue to keep stock of this particular variant…" Ollivander said as he took the slab from my hands, "I suggest you head for a spot of lunch, and come to collect your wand in say, an hour and a half…" he stated "Though I have known it to sometimes take longer, I am confident that I will have it done by then, or thereabouts"
He then placed an empty vial on the table and a knife that looked similar to the one I'd seen Gnarlfang had "I will have to remake the core and in such cases, have found that blood acts as the best catalyst… a few drops will suffice" he explained.
Now Ollivander might be odd, or downright creepy according to some, but given his prowess in the ways of Wandlore - or anything related to the subject of wands in general - I decided not to question him (I mean, even Voldy went through the trouble of kidnapping him and kept him alive) and simply did as he asked.
"Alright, I'll be back by two then…" but he ignored me, muttering something incoherent as he replaced everything else back into the chest, not wanting to distract him I walked out and made my way to the Leaky Cauldron (Luna had shown me how to get in and out of the alley) I resolved to see what the Cauldron has to offer, by way of food 'Hope they have something to drink, other than pumpkin juice' I mused.
Spoiler alert: they did... though I wasn't allowed to have anything other than Butterbeer, unfortunately.
That's a wrap!
As always, reviews and/or suggestions are welcome and appreciated, as is constructive criticism, though any and all flames will be ignored.
Until next time...
BerserkSpectre out
