Disclaimer: All things Harry Potter are not mine.
Chapter Five: What Are You Up To?
MiaPOV
"It was brilliant! Those spaceships things, and that one alien, looked just like a fish, the way Han just blasted him away without any magic! And that one bloke—Darth Vader—he choked that guy without saying anything or even touching him! The Force, it's like wandless magic, right? But they can do it with their minds? You know, Dewie looks a lot like Aunt Muriel on a bad hair day, which is almost all the time—"
"It's 'Chewie,' Ron," Mia giggled while Hermione looked as though she wanted nothing more than to cast a permanent silencing charm on the chattering redhead.
"Yeah him, and that gold robot, he's a bit of a whiner, isn't he?"
"A robot made of gold?" Mr. Weasley asked with bright interest. "How can Muggles make machines out of gold?"
"Oh really, Arthur," Mrs. Weasley sighed.
"Look what you've started," Harry said with a glare in Mia's direction.
"Hey, it was Sirius' idea, I just went along with it," Mia defended with a shrug of her shoulders, but laughing nonetheless while the man in question gave an indignant "Hey!" from where he sat. Harry just shook his head as the Ministry car they were riding in continued to roll down the road through London, making its way towards the Leaky Cauldron. Ever since they had watched the first Star Wars movie the night before, Ron had been talking about it nonstop, even as they woke up this morning and headed over to the Burrow with Sirius to meet up with Ginny and her parents so they could all do their shopping in Diagon Alley together. Right now they were sitting in one of the Ministry cars that were provided to them for the day, with Sirius, sitting up front with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and the driver, while Mia, Harry, Hermione, Ron and Ginny were in the back, with the seats magically extended to accommodate them all comfortably. Ron was so enthralled with the film, and Mia promised that they can see if the sequel is available in town to watch when they got back, much to Harry and Hermione's chagrin, and Ginny's amusement. The youngest Weasley son had chattered away for most of the ride while Sirius was trying his best to hold in his laughter from up front.
"You know, it's nice to be able to use one of these cars again," Ron said when he was finally done ranting.
"Don't get used to it, it's only because Harry's here," Mr. Weasley said. "And we'll be having some additional security while we get our shopping done as well."
Mia could see Harry's face instantly fall at this news and she knew that he wasn't thrilled with the idea of having more security around. They were always able to do their shopping in Diagon Alley freely in the past, but it may not be as much fun having a horde of Aurors standing around watching their every move. She gave his hand a squeeze just as they pulled up alongside the street where the Leaky Cauldron was situated at the corner, its sign swaying gently to the gentle wind that was blowing outside. Also, to Mia's surprise and delight, the Hogwarts gamekeeper, Hagrid was standing right outside, beaming as he caught sight of them and walking over to greet them, oblivious to the stares of Muggles passing by. The moment Harry opened the door and stepped out, the half-giant called his name warmly while picking him up in a bone-crushing hug.
"It's good ter see yeh," Hagrid said as he put Harry back on the ground. "Buckbeak—Witherwings, I mean—yeh should see him, Harry, he's so happy to be back in the open air—"
Mia smiled at this as she stepped out of the car. After Sirius was declared innocent, Buckbeak was able to return back to Hagrid under the new name Witherwings so the Ministry wouldn't catch on that this was the same Hippogriff that they have tried to have executed years ago. Hagrid was overjoyed at finally having Buckbeak back with him, and Mia was sure the Hippogriff was happy at being able to roam freely outside again after having to spend so many years cooped up in caves or houses. When Hagrid saw Mia, his smile grew even bigger as he pulled her in for a tight hug as well, not having seen her since before she was released from the hospital last month.
"Are you our security, Hagrid?" she asked him when he released her.
"Yeh bet, the Ministry wanted ter send some o' those Aurors, but Dumbledore said I'd do," Hagrid said proudly. "Hello there, Sirius."
"Good to see you, Hagrid," Sirius greeted with a smile as he shook the towering man's hand. Once everyone was ready, they all entered the Leaky Cauldron together and Mia was shocked to see that instead of the lively, loud pub she was used to, the place was entirely empty, not a soul in sight except for Tom, the landlord, who was wiping off some glasses at the bar. He looked up hopefully as they entered, but after seeing the apologetic look on Hagrid's face, his face feel and he shuffled towards the back room. Everyone herded into the back courtyard, where Sirius used his wand to open up the entrance into the hidden alley and when the bricks cleared away to form the archway, Mia's mouth dropped open slightly as she took in the sight before her.
What was once the glittering, colorful and cheerful magical shopping alley was now gloomy and gray, perfectly matching the overcast weather. Some of the shop windows were boarded up while others were plastered with posters from the Ministry, showing new security and safety measures while others showed pictures of known Death Eaters that were wanted. In a nearby window, Bellatrix Lestrange was sneering down at them all and Mia felt a cold chill run up her spine as she stared into the face of the woman who had nearly caused her death just weeks ago. She wrapped her arms closer to her body, feeling uncomfortable under her gaze and the scar on her cheek feeling more prominent than ever. As they moved forward into the crowd, Mia noticed that many of the people here were huddle together in their shopping groups, not stopping to speak with friends, looking nervously around and appearing as though they wanted to do what they came here to do and head back to the safety of their homes. She frowned at this, knowing that the fear that had come with Voldemort's public return has put everyone on edge, not even wanting to go out during the day. The threat of attack was still fresh on many people's minds, and it was no wonder they wanted to be out and about as little as possible. As they walked, they passed by some venders with carts along the sides of the cobblestone path, with suspicious-looking merchandise and greedy looks on their faces. One vender was supposedly selling amulets that can ward off werewolves, dementors and Inferi, and when he tried to offer one to Ginny, Mr. Weasley gave the man a heated glare before hurrying them along.
"If I were on duty…" Mr. Weasley grumbled, glaring over his shoulder at the vender.
"Yes, but don't go arresting anyone now, dear, we're in a hurry," Mrs. Weasley said as she glanced down at the list she had with her. "I think we had better do Madame Malkin's first, Hermione wants new dress robes, and Ron's showing way too much ankle in his school robes."
"I'm sure you need new robes as well," Sirius said to Harry. "You must have grown at least a couple inches since last year."
"But it doesn't make much sense for us all to go to Madame Malkin's," Mr. Weasley pointed out. "Molly, you and I can take Ginny to Florusih and Blotts to get everyone's books while the others get their robes."
"I can come along too," Mia suggested. "I don't need any new robes, and I can help carry the books."
"Are you sure dear?" Mrs. Weasley asked. Mia nodded before she turned to Harry, who seemed a bit unsure of being separated. She gave him a reassuring smile before placing a kiss on his cheek.
"Don't worry Harry, we'll be fine. I'll meet up with you guys when we're done, okay?" she said. After a few more seconds Harry nodded in agreement and gave her a kiss in return, giving her hand a squeeze as they went their separate ways, with Harry, Ron and Hermione following Sirius and Hagrid while Mia trailed after the Weasleys. It didn't take them very long at all to reach Florish and Blotts, weaving their way easily through the crowd and walking through the front door. Mia was sad to see that it wasn't very busy in here at all, at least not as much as it normally is around this time, but she couldn't help but feel a little happy in being in one of her favorite stores in the entire alley. Mrs. Weasley went with Ginny to help her locate the books she needed while Mr. Weasley and Mia went to look for the books that she, Ron, Harry and Hermione needed for their sixth year. While reading through their lists, Mia was surprised to see that she was the only one getting the required text for Care of Magical Creatures.
"They didn't sign up this year?" Mia said. "Oh, Hagrid's going to be so upset."
"I'm sure he'll understand," Mr. Weasley assured her. "You've all got so much going on, I'm sure the less stress you all have, the better."
"I suppose, but I know Hagrid really loves teaching us, and besides the Blast-Ended Skrewts, his lessons are…well, interesting at least."
"Bless your heart, Mia," Mr. Weasley chuckled. "You really do try to find the good in people, don't you?"
Mia just smiled as they continued searching for all the books on the list, with Mia getting her usual two or three extra ones. By the time they were done searching, both of their arms were laden with books and Mia had to move carefully on their way up to the front counter to pay for them, making sure not to accidentally bump into anyone and send them all tumbling down to the ground. It wasn't long before Ginny and Mrs. Weasley met up with them and while they were waiting in line, Mia looked over to her left and saw a familiar figure standing in the line next to hers—Claudia Nessen, a girl in the same year as her and a Slytherin. Nessen and Mia had worked together once before while finishing a project for their Ancient Runes class, and things were always a bit uncomfortable between them. Nessen seemed to be a bit snarky and reserved, but Mia never really had much of a problem with her. She was very smart, and while she was never openly friendly towards Mia, she seemed to at least tolerate being in her presence. Mia hesitated for a moment before she spoke up.
"Hello, Nessen," she said. Nessen turned to look back over at Mia and if she was surprised to see her there, she didn't show it. She did a once over of all the books in Mia's hand and raised an eyebrow ever so slightly.
"Good morning, Thatcher," Nessen greeted. "Going on a bit of a shopping spree, are we?"
"Well, these are not all for me," Mia explained. "Our group just split up while some of the others went to get new robes. We're all meeting up once we're done."
"I assume you're here shopping with the Weasleys?" Nessen asked, although not in a condescending way as she gestured over towards Ginny, who was speaking with her parents.
"Yes, and a few others," Mia replied. "Are you here with anyone today?"
"You can see I am by myself, can't you?" Nessen sighed with an eye roll, turning her head back towards the front. "No use in lolly-gagging all day in large numbers when things will go more smoothly and quickly getting it done on my own."
"All right, I was just asking," Mia said with a frown. "How was your summer holiday? Did you get your O.W.L results back yet?"
"Why are you so interested in what's going on in my life?" Nessen asked with a frown of her own as she turned her dark eyes to give a light glare in Mia's direction.
"It's called having a friendly conversation," Mia quipped in irritation. "You should try it sometime."
"It was quite uneventful, and my results were satisfactory. Happy?" Nessen said, but while she tried to put up a mean expression, her tone wasn't as nasty as she tried to make it, and there was a flicker of emotion in her eyes that didn't escape Mia attention. "Now if you'll excuse me, I believe I'm next."
Without another word, Nessen adjusted the books she was carrying in her hands and proceeded to the front where she started paying for them. Once she was finished, she gripped the bag tightly in her hands and then swiftly left the store, determined not to make eye contact with anyone on her way out, especially Mia. What in the world was that all about? Nessen's somewhat odd behavior floated around Mia's head as she and the Weasleys paid for all of their books before once again heading outside, walking back down the cobblestone path. After a few minutes of walking, they ran into Harry, Hermione, Ron, Sirius and Hagrid, who were heading from the opposite direction. Harry, Ron and Hermione were clutching packages that probably contained their new robes, and as they drew closer, Mia could see that there was a scowl on Sirius' face, with a bit of anger flickering in his eyes.
"What's wrong?" Mia said when they approached.
"We ran in to Malfoy and his mother at Madame Malkin's," Hermione answered.
"Did they say anything?" Mr. Weasley asked.
"Just the usual," Sirius replied with a heavy sigh, running his hand through his hair in an attempt to calm down. "It's nothing to bother about really, just the same family drama, I suppose. Come on, let's all head over to the Apothecary and then to Eeylops before we stop by Fred and George's new joke shop."
"We better get going, we really shouldn't be out for very much longer," Mrs. Weasley urged.
"Thank you for grabbing our books," Hermione said as they started walking in the direction that led to the Apothecary.
"How many extra did you buy?" Ron asked with a knowing smirk in Mia's direction.
"Very funny Ron, and for your information I only bought three for myself," Mia replied. "And I ran into someone a well."
"Who?" Harry asked.
"Claudia Nessen, the girl from Slytherin I worked with on our Ancient Runes project," Mia answered.
"What did she say?" Hermione said.
"Not much, to be perfectly honest, she did seem a little off though," Mia said.
"What Slytherin isn't a bit off?" Ron said. Not much was said on the subject as they continued on, and soon enough they reached the Apothecary. Since Harry and Ron were no longer studying potions, only Mia, Hermione and Ginny did some shopping for their supplies. Mia had a bit of a grin on her face as she scanned the shelves for all the ingredients she needed for this year, for both in and out of class. Despite still having to deal with Snape for the next two years, she was excited about finally being able to take her N.E.W.T level potions classes. Ever since she decided on what she was going to do once she was finished with school, she promised herself she would work harder than ever in order to achieve her goal, because once she graduated from Hogwarts she knew there would still be classes she would have to go through to become a master, more than likely at the Ministry, or maybe even St. Mungo's if they even provided classes. She was eager to begin learning all the higher level potions that she had dreamed about learning since her first year, and she couldn't wait to get started. After the girls had all of their ingredients, their next stop was Eeylops Owl Emporium, where Harry and Ron each bought a large box of owl nuts for Pig and Hedwig and Mia picked up a new grooming brush for Sapphire. Once they were finished, they left the shop and started walking further down the path towards the section of the alley where Fred and George's new shop was located.
"We really haven't got too long," Mrs. Weasley said, checking her watch. "So we'll just have a quick look around and then back to the car. We must be close, that's number ninety0-two…ninety-four…"
"Whoa," Ron said, stopping fright in his tracks and staring straight ahead, his mouth open. Mia followed his line of sight and when she saw what he was looking at, her reaction was no better. Up ahead of them, at the very center of a fork in the road in the alley, was a fairly large, somewhat narrow shop that stood out like a sore thumb among the other gray, poster-covered stores surrounding it. This shop was an explosion of color that could possibly make your eyes hurt if you stare at it long enough. In the windows were all kinds of different trinkets and objects that bounced, fizzed, sang and flew in a wide variety of color, and above the front door was a mechanical cartoon man that resembled the twins, tipping his hat off to the potential customers below and revealing a white rabbit underneath it. Over in the right hand window was a purple poster, similar to the ones from the Ministry, but in bright gold captions it read:
WHY ARE YOU WORRYING ABOUT YOU-KNOW-WHO?
YOU SHOULD BE WORRYIGN ABOUT U-NO-POO—THE CONSTIPATION
SENSATION THEAT'S GRIPPING THE NATION!
Mia burst out laughing at this along with Harry, Ron and Sirius, tears forming in her eyes and she had to clutch her stomach for a moment, her love for the Weasley twins growing ten-fold. Mrs. Weasley was staring horrified at the poster, looking close to faint.
"They'll be murdered in their beds!" she gasped weakly.
"No they won't, Molly," Sirius said, still chuckling. "This is probably the most brilliant thing I've seen in weeks! Let's go take a look, shall we?"
"Come on," Mia said to the others in excitement, leading them up the front steps into the shop, eager to see the inside, wondering if it was a grand as she thought it would be.
It was all of that, and so much more. The very second they stepped into the store, high levels of color and sound met Mia's senses, sending them into a pleasant overdrive. The shop was completed packed, filled to the brim with customers, mostly kids around her age and younger. There were boxes upon boxes of all different kinds of candies, tools, toys and other equipment for causing all sorts of mischief and mayhem. All around them there were tiny fireworks going off, fizzing and spinning in different shapes and nearly blinding her with their bright colors. One sparkling blue mockingbird flew her way, flapping it's wings and doing a lap around her before taking off towards the ceiling to join the other firework displays. There was a crooked staircase leading up to the higher levels of the shop, where more customers were grabbing and testing the merchandise. Her smile big enough to split her face in two, Mia and the other had to squeeze their way through the tightly-packed crowds on the ground floor and as they moved, Mia could see many if the items from the Skiving Snackboxes the twins had perfected last year and other items they had sold to their classmates when they first started inventing them. There were also fake wands, a real life hangman toy, Smart-answer Quills, and something called Patented Daydream Charms. Taking a closer look with Hermione at her side, they read the description on the box.
"'One simple incantation and you will enter a top-quality, highly realistic, thirty minute daydream, easy to fit into the average school lesson and virtually undetectable (side effects include vacant expression and minor drooling). Not for sale to under-sixteens,'" Hermione read out loud. "You know, this is actually some extraordinary magic."
"For that, Hermione, you can have one for free."
"Fred," Mia beamed as they all turned to see him standing right behind them, a grin on his face and wearing magenta robes that clashed terribly with his hair. Catching sight of Mia, Fred lifted her up into his usual crushing embrace.
"You know Mia darling, I think it's about time you left that bespectacled git and spend a night out with a dashing wizard such as myself," he said as he placed her back down on her feet. Mia giggled as she grasped Harry's hand in hers.
"Sorry Fred, but I think I'm going to stick with this one," she said. "I actually kind of like him. Besides, what would Jenna say?"
"Freddie here doesn't have it in him to try anything with any other girl," George said as he suddenly appeared at Fred's side, grinning deviously. "She's come by to visit quite often since we've opened, and he really looks forward to it, don't you?"
"Don't be jealous Georgie," Fred said. "You still have to get on the ball with Angelina."
"Angelina Johnson?" Harry asked.
"Is there something you want to tell us?" Mia said to George.
"For another time, perhaps, but right now we need to steal your boyfriend away for a few minutes," George replied. Without waiting for an answer, the two twins each grabbed a hold of Harry's arm and started leading him away through the crowd, with Mia calling after them to bring him back in one piece.
"I'm surprised you're okay with them just suddenly kidnapping Harry," Ginny stated.
"They always bring him back at some point," Mia said with a smile. "Come on, let's check some of this stuff out."
"This is truly amazing," Sirius said as he picked up a Skiving Snackbox, a reminiscent smile on his face. "What James and I would have given to get our hands on some of this stuff."
"I wouldn't be surprised if they had given you some of this stuff for free," Mr. Weasley said with a chuckle. "Given you're their hero, and all."
"What do you mean?" Mia asked, to which Ginny and Hermione laughed and Sirius' smile grew.
"While you were in the hospital, Remus and I had come to visit—with me in my dog form, of course. He managed to sneak me inside your room, and when it came time for us to leave, Fred and George were making their way in for their own visit. They just happened to pass us as Remus called me Padfoot."
"No…" Mia said, her expression one of anticipation.
"Oh Mia, I really wish you would have seen it," Ginny laughed. "They demanded to know what they were talking about, and seeing as Harry was in the room at the time, he had no choice but to explain who Sirius and Remus were. The second they found out they were the Marauders, they threw themselves at their feet, saying 'We are not worthy!' It was great!"
"It got even better when Matron Sienna walked in to see them bowing to a dog," Hermione put in. "Then they rounded on Harry, scolding him for not telling them and once they realized he is the son of Prongs, they pretended to faint."
"Oh wow, I really would have loved to see that!" Mia giggled.
"What can I say, I feel as if the legacy lives on if we were able to influence and shape two of the brightest minds in mischief making," Sirius said with a smirk.
The next fifteen minutes or so were spent walking around the joke shop, gazing at all the merchandise on the shelves. Mia herself picked up some Self-Inking and Smart-Answer Quills and was browsing a stand filled with fireworks when she saw Harry come back over with both Fred and George at his sides. Mia noticed a bag in Harry's hands and she figured the twins must have given him some items from the back of the store. When he reached her, he gave her a peck on the cheek and as she was about to head up front to pay for her stuff, George just spun her back around and proclaimed that for her first time in the store, she could have anything she wanted.
"Don't bother, love," Harry chuckled when she tried to protest. "I already tried, and I didn't get very far."
Mia sighed in exasperation, knowing that he was right, and then they all went to meet up with the others, who were standing close to one of the front windows, in a section that was labeled Wonder Witch Products. This section had everything from love potions, to acne-removal cream, and to small fluffy pink and purple fuzz balls in a small heart-shaped cage with little eyes and emitting high-pitched squeaks. It turns out they were Pygmy Puffs, and Ginny instantly asked her mother if she could have one. Mia herself was observing the cute tiny creatures when Harry's hand on her arm made her look up. He was staring through the glass of the window and she turned just in time to see Malfoy walking briskly up the street, glancing around as though checking to see if anybody was following him. Mia's eyebrows furrowed slightly at this. Harry and the other mentioned that Malfoy was with his mother earlier when they had seen him, but where is she? She got Hermione and Ron's attention so they could also take notice of Malfoy.
"Wonder where his mummy is?" Harry said with a frown.
"Given her the slip, more than likely," Ron replied.
"But why though?" Hermione said.
"Knowing Malfoy, it can't be anything good," Mia answered. "He definitely looks like he doesn't want anyone following him around. Where do you think he's running off too?"
"Only one way to find out, Harry said as he quickly took off the backpack he was wearing and pulled out his Invisibility Cloak. "Quick, get under!"
"Oh, I don't know," Hermione muttered uncertainly, glancing over towards the Weasleys and Sirius.
"Come on, Hermione," Ron hissed, taking her hand and pulled her under the cloak along with Harry and Mia. They all had to stick close up against each other in order to move properly and not be seen, since it was getting more and more difficult to drape the cloak completely over themselves. Thankfully no one noticed how they disappeared and they moved as swiftly as they could out of the front door and past Hagrid, who was humming to himself as he looked up and down the streets, keeping an eye out for any suspicious characters. Malfoy wasn't in sight so they set off down in the direction he had been headed in. Mia wondered what could have made Malfoy want to sneak away from his mother and wander around Diagon Alley alone, especially since I it was dangerous for anyone to be out on their own in these times. It took them a little while but they finally managed to spot Malfoy and Mia was only a little surprised to see that he had made the turn down the path that would take him down into Knockturn Alley. Out of all of them, Harry was the only one that had been down in Knockturn Alley, due to an accident involving the Floo Network back in the summer before their second year. There were stories about how witches and wizards bought and sold dark items down there, and it definitely wasn't the place to go alone.
The four of them sped up a little so as not to lose them, and Mia was worried that their feet would be seen if they moved too fast. However, her fears were dulled when they turned into Knockturn Alley to find it completely deserted, not a single person in sight. They moved past many dark shop windows, not seeing anyone inside, and Mia figured it was too risky to be seen buying dark and sinister items these days. Their feet echoed quietly on the cobblestone path, and Mia shivered slightly as she looked at the dark, gray buildings, thinking of how it was painfully similar to the current state of Diagon Alley. They kept on walking for a couple more minutes until they finally found Malfoy standing inside s hop called Borgin and Burkes, talking to what appeared to be the owner and standing next to a large black cabinet.
"If only we could hear what they're saying!" Hermione said.
"Wait," Mia whispered, digging into her pockets. "I got some Extendable Ears from the joke shop! I just hope the door's not Imperturbable."
Moving carefully, Mia lowered the string and placed one ear at the foot of the door and leaned her face in towards the second one connected on the other end. She was relieved to see that it was working and she gestured for the others to lean in and listen to the conversation between Malfoy and the owner.
"…you know how to fix it?" Malfoy asked.
"Possibly," the owner answered gruffly. "I'll need to see it, though. Why don't you bring it into the shop?"
"I can't," Malfoy replied. "It has to stay where it is. I just need you to tell me how to do it."
"Well, without seeing it I must say it will be a very difficult job," the owner stated. "Perhaps impossible. I cannot guarantee anything."
"No?" Malfoy sneered. "Well then, maybe this can give you some motivation."
At that moment, Malfoy moved closer to the owner and Mia and the other lost sight of him since the black cabinet stood in their way. She could just make out the owner though, and from what she could see on his face, he looked absolutely terrified, his oily face going a couple shades whiter.
"If you tell anyone, there will be consequences to pay," Malfoy threatened in a low voice. "You know Fenrir Grayback? He's a good family friend, and he will be dropping by from time to time to make sure you're giving the problem your full outmost attention."
"There will be no need for—"
"I will be the one who decides that," Malfoy snapped. "Well, I'd better be off, and don't forget to keep that one safe."
"Perhaps you'd like to take it now?"
"Of course I wouldn't you stupid man, how would it look if I'm carrying it down the street? No, it needs to stay here, just don't sell it. And remember, not a word to anyone about this, including my mother, do you understand me?"
"Of course…sir," the shop owner said. As Malfoy started making his way towards the front door, Mia quickly reeled in the Extendable Ear. She, Harry, Ron and Hermione moved out of the way mere seconds before Malfoy opened the front door, glanced around, and then stalked off from the direction he came, stuffing his hands into the pocket of his robes. Looking back into the shop, Mia saw that the owner looked very worried, and it made her wonder just what Malfoy had ordered him to do. It must have been something important that not even his mother knew about it. It made a very uneasy feeling twist in her stomach uncomfortably and she couldn't help but wonder just what Malfoy was up to.
"What was that about?" Ron mumbled quietly.
"It sounds like Malfoy's trying to have something repaired," Mia muttered as she gazed into the shop with a curious eye. "And he wants to have something reserved as well. But what could it be?"
"You three stay here," Hermione said suddenly.
"What are you—"
Before Ron could finish, Hermione had ducked out from underneath the cloak, checked herself in her reflection in the window and then made her way into the shop.
"Mione!" Mia hissed as she nearly pressed herself against the glass of the window. "What is she thinking?!"
"Hello, horrible morning, isn't it?" Hermione greeted the owner brightly, causing him to frown at her in suspicion and Mia to resist smacking her head against the window. Hermione tried to make pleasant conversation while appearing to observe the items around her. She asked how much a certain necklace was, to which the owner replied over a thousand galleons, and then Hermione switched her attention overt towards a nearby skull. It was obvious she was trying to see exactly what it was that Malfoy had told the owner not to sell, but Hermione's less-than-subtle antics were making Mia nervous. The owner himself didn't seem to be buying her little façade and when Hermione mentioned wanting to buy a birthday gift for Malfoy and didn't want to give him something he already had, Mia knew that there was no doubt the owner would figure out something was up. He told Hermione to get out of his shop and Hermione did so without question, hurrying back outside where they were waiting and ducking back underneath the cloak.
"Hermione, are you nuts?" Mia whispered.
"That was a good try Hermione, but you were a bit obvious," Ron said.
"Well, next time you can show me how it's done, Master of Mystery!" Hermione snapped.
"Come on, we'd better get out of here," Harry suggested. None of them put up any protest as they steered right and then headed back towards the archway that would lead them out of Knockturn Alley so they could make it safely back to Weasley's Wizard Wheezes.
…
"Faster Mia, faster!"
Mia smiled as she moved her legs faster through the crowd of people, Brian laughing as he rode on her back, his beaming smile stretching across his face as they ran, weaving in and out of platforms nine and ten at King's Cross, with Catherine and Ben walking up behind them and pushing Mia's trolley cart along. Mia ignored the looks she and Brian were receiving and when they finally came upon the barrier that separated them from the magical Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, she spun them around a few times before coming to a stop, the two of them laughing.
"All right Bry, time to get down," Mia panted softly, letting go of her brother's legs so he could hop down on the ground.
"I'm dizzy," Brian said, holding his head as he staggered a little his smile still on his face. "Mia, when can I go to Hogwarts with you?"
"I told you Brian, you have to be eleven years old to go, and I'll be done by then," Mia said as she bent down to hold him still. "You won't want your big sister with you."
"Yes I will, I always want you with me," Brian countered, and his words touched Mia, even though she knew he would be feeling differently when he was older.
"Thanks buddy," she said, ruffling his hair as Ben and Catherine approached.
"Are you sure we have everything you need, sweetheart?" Catherine asked. "Remember, if you've forgotten anything we can send it over."
"I think I'm good, Mum," Mia said gratefully. "Are we still going over to the Weasleys for Christmas this year?"
"Yes, Molly invited us when we had tea yesterday," Ben replied with a gleam in his eyes. "Arthur says he has some new things to show me."
"Ben you're not going to ask him to make our car fly again, are you?" Catherine said with raised eyebrows.
"Of course not," Ben told her easily, but Mia had a feeling her father just wouldn't be able to resist the next time he saw Mr. Weasley. Her parents and the Weasleys have become good friends ever since they were introduced in Mia's first year, and she found it funny that Ben was just as interested in magical artifact as Mr. Weasley was with Muggle ones. The two of them would exchange gadgets and stories whenever they got together for tea at their house or at the Burrow, and the incident with Mr. Weasley and the blender always brought tears of laughter to Mia's eyes.
"I wonder if the others are here yet," Catherine murmured as she stared around, looking for familiar faces. Just as she said that, there was a loud shout of "Harry!" and in the next instant, Brian took off running down the platform, his little feet carrying him as fast as they could go. Mia turned around to see that walking towards them was a group of people, and at the front of the group was Harry, being escorted by two men in dark suits, casually glancing around to make sure that no one was following. From their stiff stances and sharp gazes, Mia assumed they had to be Harry's protection for today, more than likely Aurors from the Ministry. Behind them were Hermione, Sirius, and the Weasleys, all rolling or carrying luggage. Brian shot straight towards Harry, a grin on his face, and while the Auror's stiffened and glared at the boy, Harry just smiled and prepared himself for impact. Brian collided into Harry's legs and wrapped his arms around his waist. Mia snickered as Harry picked Brian up and gave him a hug as he carried him back over to where Mia and her parents were standing.
"I think you've lost something," Harry said.
"Brian, what have we told you about running off like that?" Catherine scolded sternly, a scowl on her face. "Don't ever do that again, do you understand?"
"Yes, Mummy," Brian said, looking genuinely sorry as he clung to Harry. "I just missed Harry."
"Hard to imagine he was all over me just five minutes ago," Mia said with a roll of her eyes. "I swear, the second you enter the picture it's like I don't exist."
Harry just continued to smile sheepishly as he set Brian down on the ground, and the little boy started talking a million miles a second, determined to fill Harry in as to what has been going on while they were away from each other.
"Hello Ben, Catherine," Mrs. Weasley greeted warmly as she gave each of them a brief hug. "How are you? I'm sorry we haven't been much in touch lately, things have been rather hectic."
"No worries, Molly, we understand," Ben said. "Hello Sirius, thanks again for having Mia over so often this summer."
"It's been a pleasure having her," Sirius replied.
"Will you still be going up to the school every now and then?" Catherine asked him.
"Of course, and I promise I'll keep an eye on her and the others," Sirius said. "I'm hoping, maybe with Dumbledore's permission I can help them all practice their defensive magic, although from what I hear of Harry's teaching, they may not need much of it."
"We truly would appreciate that, Sirius," Mr. Weasley said. "Well, come on, you lot, we'd better get going if you're all going to make the train on time."
"All right then," Catherine said as she bent down to give Mia a tight hug and a lingering kiss on the cheek. "We love you so very much Mia, please do you best to stay safe and sound this year?"
"I promise, Mum," Mia reassured her, hugging her back just as fiercely before being lifted up off her feet by Ben.
"We love you princess," he muttered into her hair. "Like your mother said, be safe, study hard, and have fun. We'll see you when Christmas Holiday starts."
"Love you, Dad," Mia mumbled into his shoulder. No matter how many times she goes through this, she always did feel a pinch of sadness when saying goodbye to her parents and Brian. It made her feel all the more happy when she got to see them again over the holidays, and it was a nice thought, having everyone together at the Burrow. After giving Brian a hug and kiss on the head with the promise of writing him letters, she took her trolley and walked over with Harry and one of the Aurors to stand in front of the barrier.
"You ready for another exciting, dangerous school year?" she said.
"As long as it's with you," Harry answered easily with a tender smile. Mia smiled back at him before they jogged towards the barrier together, ready for whatever was in store for them for the year ahead.
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