Draco gazed at the mobile phone in his hand in mesmerized confusion as he absently followed Harry from the electronics retailer into the neighboring Starbucks.
"So, I can talk to anyone anywhere with this device?" he asked as they sat.
"If they have a phone, yes. You can even video chat with others, if you have an app."
"Video chat? What's an app?" Draco asked. He sipped his espresso. "Ugh! What sort of vile potion is this?"
Harry rolled his eyes and explained the features of the smart phone, demonstrating them to Draco.
"…and the Sepio Fluctus charm protects it as well," Harry said.
"So, this video chat-thing is like a floo call?" Draco asked.
"Essentially, but of course, you can't use it to travel, or to pass objects to the other person. If you want to be able to keep up with Scorpius, it's invaluable. And, these apps connect to your online accounts like your email, and even certain files on your computer. It's very convenient. I can even use Bluetooth to connect to my car, so I don't have to take my eyes off the road to send and receive messages and calls."
"Oh, yes! A car, that's next on the list. Now, how do I go about obtaining one of those?"
"Shouldn't you learn to drive first?" Harry asked.
"Well, I'd think it would be necessary to own an automobile in order to learn, yes?" Draco discarded his cup. "After all, won't Scorpius be in need of one for his driving class?"
"Ah, no. That's not exactly how it works," Harry replied. He tossed back the last dregs of his latte, and tossed his cup. "To be perfectly honest, I'd have to look into the American requirements for a license, as they differ a bit from the UK." He lowered his voice as they exited the coffee bar. "I conjured my documentation with a little help from Muggle Liaison and MACUSA Wizarding Relations." He unlocked the SUV.
As Draco pulled open the door of the vehicle to climb in, he heard a loud rumble and looked back just in time to see a figure sitting astride a two-wheeled contraption as it roared down the boulevard past the shopping center.
"Draco?"
"What was that?" Draco asked, his voice filled with wonder.
"A motorbike."
"He rode it like a broom!"
"Well, yeah. I suppose you could say that," Harry replied. "Sirius had one."
"Oh, that's the thing Mother spoke of!" Draco exclaimed, finally tearing his attention away from the motorcyclist, who'd since disappeared around the bend. "She'd said that of all the muggle ideas he'd embraced, Aunt Walburga was most distressed by the horrid, noisy contraption he began riding instead of a broom."
"Yeah. I guess she would be." Harry nodded. He started the engine of the Land Rover, and thought back to the Triumph motorcycle which had first delivered him to, then finally spirited him away from Number 4 Privet Drive, and was currently stored in a shrunken state on a bookshelf in his study at Grimmauld Place.
"Well, I think she is," said Albus.
"Just because she knows mandrake root when she sees it?" Scorpius levitated a tray of screechsnap seedlings onto the long table in the center of the hidden greenhouse at Pomona Nursery. "By the way, thanks a lot for getting us stuck with Herbology assignments…on a Saturday."
"Oh, quit whining. As soon as our dads get back we can go swimming. And for the record, I think immediately recognizing mandrake root is a pretty good indicator that someone is a witch," Albus replied. He carefully scooped dragon dung over his own tray of seedlings, and the small plants purred with pleasure.
"Well, if she is a witch—and I'm not saying that she is—I wonder why she isn't attending Ilvermorny." Scorpius cast a water-making spell, and a light stream of water flowed from the tip of his wand as he moved it over his plants.
"She said her mum thinks it's bad. My guess is that she must be a muggle."
They carefully placed their seedlings on a table with a tray of mature screechsnap, and cleaned up their work area before heading back into the main greenhouse.
"I honestly can't imagine why anyone would want to marry a muggle," Scorpius mused.
"Scorpius!"
"Well, I only mean, why be with someone that you have to hide from? It seems such a waste."
"I suppose I could see your point." Albus shrugged. "Still, you can't help who you love. It's like Teddy's parents—or his grandparents."
"My parents," said Scorpius.
"Or mine," Albus muttered. They sat on a bench in the garden and watched the waterlilies dancing on the surface of the giant cauldron. He sighed. Scorpius put his arm around him.
"Your parents love each other, Albus. All of the stories talk of how your mother leapt into your father's arms when he returned to the castle during the war."
"Yeah, I know all that. People never stop talking about it, but it doesn't change the fact that Mum cheated on Dad. She isn't here with us. She'd rather stay in England. She didn't even apologize for what she did!"
"How do you know that? You're not privy to all of your parents' conversations."
"Then why did she get angry when Dad told her that he knew? She didn't apologize; she yelled at him and said it was his fault. If you can figure out a way to explain how that's love, then I'm all ears."
Scorpius gave Albus a squeeze, and kissed the side of his head. Albus rested his head on his shoulder.
"I wish I had an answer for that, love, but maybe things will work out." Scorpius stroked Albus' messy dark hair, and Albus wrapped his arms about his waist. He inhaled the scent of orange, lime and clove with a hint of bay.
"You smell nice." He lightly brushed his nose along the side of the other wizard's neck.
"Erm, thanks, I…" Scorpius shuddered. He turned his head slightly, exposing the length of his neck. "I b-blended the s-scent my—ahh—my-myself," he stammered breathlessly. "I-I c-can make you som-some..."
"I'd like that," Albus whispered as he kissed beneath his ear.
"Ohhh, Merlinnnn!" Scorpius moaned. He turned to Albus, cupping his face in hand and began to kiss him deeply. The two young wizards became lost in one another, oblivious to the faint tinkling of the shop's bell.
"Hello? Is anyone—oh, hello!"
The body of the bike was matte black; with ghostly, smoke grey Indian Head tank badges and gleaming gloss finish details. The overall aesthetic was sinister, and reminded Draco of the racing brooms he'd flown as part of Slytherin's Quidditch team. He circled the motorcycle slowly, as the salesman happily itemized the machine's specifications.
"This baby is loaded with all of the features you want: ABS, Cruise Control, and Keyless Ignition. Plus, this model has a heated two-up seat with individual controls, so you and a passenger can ride in comfort, no matter the weather."
"Too bad it doesn't fly," Harry murmured.
"Oh, she flies alright," the salesman replied.
"What?" Draco tore his attention away from the handstitched leather saddle, and stared at the man.
"You kidding? This one has our award-winning 111 V-twin engine. It puts out 119 foot pounds of raw torque, which means you have serious passing power, no matter what gear you're in."
"Well, I guess that would make it the closest thing you'd get to flying without ever leaving the ground," Harry retorted, giving Draco a pointed look. Draco responded with an expression that let him know he understood the machine didn't actually fly.
"So, you wanna take her out for a spin?" he asked.
"Shit!"
"Lilac!" Albus and Scorpius leapt apart, eyeing her apprehensively. Scorpius' hand went immediately into his pocket, but Albus grabbed his wrist to stop him drawing his wand.
"I wondered if there was something between the two of you," she grinned, sauntering along the path and dropping onto the bench they'd just vacated. "So, how long have you been together?"
"Lilac, you can't tell anyone!" Albus pleaded. "Our parents don't know, and—"
"Relax, Al!" She waved dismissively. "Your secret's safe with me. Like I told, Scorp when we first met, the closet's my comfort zone too."
"Huh?" Scorpius gaped at her.
"I think she means nobody knows she's a lesbian," said Albus.
"Oh, right. Right." Scorpius chuckled nervously.
"Didn't mean to startle you. I did call out when I walked in. You shouldn't leave the shop unattended like that. People do steal in Greyswood, you know."
"It's not completely unprotected. My dad has a rather sophisticated security plan, actually," Albus replied.
"I can tell. Your boy went for his pocket so fast, I thought he was about to shoot," She laughed. "What is that anyway, a knife?"
"No!" Albus exclaimed.
"Wait—" Scorpius cried, but she was too fast for him. Her fingers closed around the hilt, and she pulled. Scorpius grabbed the shaft. Lilac gasped and released the wand, taking a step back. "Lilac—"
"You're a wizard?"
"I—"
"Wait—how do you—" Albus and Scorpius stared at her anew.
"You are a witch!" Scorpius exclaimed. "You said Bella didn't—"
"Bella's a stupid No-Maj, who doesn't know shit!" Lilac retorted. The two wizards warily drew back. "Sorry. It's just…I wish my dad would let me carry my wand." Her shoulders slumped and she gazed wistfully at the rowan wand still clutched in Scorpius' hand.
"Then it wasn't you who made her fall over the other day?" Albus asked. He looked at Scorpius.
"Oh, that was me. Fucking cow!" Albus and Sirius laughed.
The three teens retreated from the heat and into the main shop where they found snacks in the break room.
"Mama's a No-Maj, and Daddy's afraid to tell her about us. She's totally conservative. Thinks everything's a sin. No jewelry, no piercings, no popular music, no sex, no movies—"
"No movies?" Albus stared incredulously.
"If she knew I was drinking a pop right now, I'd be grounded. She nearly had a coronary when I dyed my hair. She's not too keen on my wearing shorts or rowing crew, but Dad said he wasn't raising a Puritan."
"No fizzy drinks?" Scorpius' eyes grew large.
"Is that what you call them in England?" she chuckled.
"Ah, no. Typically we call them soft drinks, or by brand name. Fizzy drinks can also refer to drinks with alcohol. Some of the adults call it pop. Scorpius is a pure-blood. He doesn't really know much about the muggle world."
"Muggle? Oh, No-Maj! Really? So, you're like a separatist?"
"What's that?" they asked.
"There's not very many separatist communities any more. Those are witches and wizards who choose not to consort with No-Majs. It's mostly older people, who grew up under Rappaport's Law."
"It's kind of like that," said Albus. "Things have changed a bit since the end of the war though."
"The war?" Lilac looked at him curiously. Albus and Scorpius looked at one another.
"That's why she doesn't know who you are!" Scorpius pointed out.
"Are you famous?"
"Well, it's a long story and—"
"Al! Scorpius! We're back!" Harry called out. "Did you finish your—oh, hello, Lilac." Harry smiled.
"Hi, Mr. Potter. Maestro."
"Did you buy me a mobile phone?" Scorpius asked, noting the bag in Draco's hand. He leapt to his feet, but stopped short, taking in the motorcycle leathers his father wore and the helmet in his hand. "Father, what on earth are you wearing?"
"Your father has purchased a motorbike, Scorpius," said Harry, a hint of derision in his voice.
"Really? Is it like yours, Dad?" Albus' eyes lit up.
"You have a motorbike?" Draco gave Harry a sideways glance. Harry shrugged with a slight grin.
"I might have inherited Sirius' bike," he said.
The bell sounded, and Harry hurried out into the shop. Melissa Parris was accompanied by a handsome Black woman, who was gazing about the shop with curiosity.
"Melissa! Hi! I have the arrangements all ready for you," he said. "Back in a tick." He went to the storage coolers and returned with a large vented box. "Here we are!" He opened the top flaps and held the back for her to examine the flower arrangement. Melissa let out a gasp.
"Oh, it's gorgeous! Theresa, look!" she waved the other woman over. "Harry, this is Theresa Belton. She and her husband joined Second Salem, what? About a year ago now?"
"Yes. Oh, that is lovely!" Theresa declared. "You did this?"
"I did."
"You know what? We should have Harry do the flower arrangements for the Homecoming Ball."
"Oh, well, I-I'm flattered—"
"You keep this up, and you'll put Nature's First right out of business!" Melissa gushed. "Theresa is the head of the planning committee this year."
"I see." Harry nodded, staring at her in bemused amusement.
"Oh, I'm just going on and on!" she exclaimed. "I'm sure you're ready to close for the day, and Theresa has barely gotten a word in edgewise. I hope to see y'all Sunday!" Melissa carefully took the box and exited the shop. Harry and the other woman watched her go.
"She's something, huh?" Theresa smiled.
"I'll say. So, what can I help you with?"
"I am hoping that you have fresh Chinese Chomping Cabbage," she said, leaning upon the counter with a smile.
"I-I'm sorry, what?" Harry looked at her in confusion.
"It's a plant," she stated matter-of-factly.
"I'm afraid I've never heard of it," he shrugged helplessly.
"Shame that." The woman touched the corner of her eye before lightly tugging her earlobe. "Well, maybe you have knotgrass?" She raised a brow.
Harry touched the wand in his pocket, securing the entrances and casting a privacy spell. He tugged his earlobe and touched the corner of his eye.
"How did you know I was here?" he asked.
"The whole world knows who you are, Potter." Theresa placed a triangular card on the countertop, and it opened into a rectangular business card with her credentials.
Teresa K. Belton, Deputy U.S. Auror
Kansas District
"Dammit! I told them it would be too obvious," Harry swore.
"Actually, no." A newspaper appeared in her hand. She passed it to him.
"So, I've taken a sabbatical in contemplation of retirement. Makes sense, I suppose."
"Dad!" Albus burst into the showroom. "When are we going? You promised we could go swim—oh. I'm, sorry. I didn't know there was—"
"If you and your friends will go water the plants in the garden, we can go as soon as I am finished here."
"Yes, sir." Albus disappeared the way he came.
"Sorry." Harry smiled.
"No problem. I have two boys of my own. I think they know your son. He plays soccer right?"
"Yeah. First time. I'm right chuffed about it." Harry's smile grew wider.
"Jacob, my youngest is on the team. Marcus, he's older. He rows crew. He's also in the orchestra." She raised a brow.
"I hadn't the faintest idea that they were coming. Has he given himself away?" Harry asked, his voice low.
"Actually no, but the family is on our watch list. To be honest, it's the father who is of greater concern."
"Well, as I understand it, he and the old man aren't exactly on good terms. I doubt there will be any multi-generational family reunions any time soon."
"From what I've read, I wouldn't have thought the two of you to be friends," she said.
"We weren't but the boys have been close ever since they started school. You know how those things go, and as fate would have it, he purchased the house next door to mine. I've given him a little information about the situation. It seemed a wise choice in the interest of safety. I'm doing my best to keep an eye on things and help him to adapt. He's never had contact with muggles before." Harry waved his wand and a watering can began to move about the displays of live flowers. "So, why aren't your boys at Ilvermorny? If you don't mind me asking."
"Ilvermorny's a good school. I went there, but there's a growing trend among American wizards towards No-Maj integration. We provide our kids' magical education through homeschooling, and send them to regular schools for the basics. Also, the kids just didn't want to go. They've grown up in this community, and didn't want to be so far away from home, so we let them stay." She shrugged. The side door opened, and Draco stepped through. "So, you have my card, and here's our color and décor scheme. Give me a call, and we can talk about cost and ideas." She retrieved a folder from her handbag and placed it on the counter. "By the way," Theresa lowered her voice. "My mom is so excited to have found a local supplier of fresh dittany." She winked.
"I'll give you a call early next week with an estimate," Harry smiled.
"You appear to be making your mark," Draco commented, approaching the counter.
"Looks that way." Harry nodded.
"Now, about that motorbike…"
The present members of the Second Salem Church looked on curiously, as the four visitors each genuflected upon entering the worship center's sanctuary, and light murmurs went up around.
"Are they catholic?" someone whispered.
"Well, they're English. Don't the Anglicans do that too?" murmured someone else.
"Oh, hi!" Melissa Parris sailed up the center aisle with her arms outstretched. "We're so glad you all decided to join us! Let me introduce you around!"
"Oh, kill me now," Albus muttered, as they followed their fathers into the throng of parishioners.
"What—oh, Merlin!" Scorpius concurred, following his gaze, to see Bella and her parents headed in their direction.
"Yo, Scorp! Al!" They turned and saw Marcus and Jacob waving to them from the balcony.
"Erm, Father?"
"Yes, son?" Draco looked over his shoulder.
"May we sit with our friends?"
"Please, Dad?" Albus tapped Harry on the shoulder.
As they settled in with the Belton Brothers, Albus saw Lilac enter a pew below with her parents. He waved to her, and Scorpius motioned for her to join them. She shook her head apologetically and pointed to her mother before sitting down between her parents.
The service commenced with a call to worship, consisting of sentences selected from the Scriptures. They then stood for the prayer of confession, followed by a metrical psalm of praise. Thom Parris stepped up to the pulpit and opened his bible.
"Read with me. Leviticus nineteen, verses thirty through thirty-seven. And it reads: 'Ye shall keep my Sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord. Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God. Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the Lord. And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure. Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I am the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt. Therefore shall ye observe all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: I am the Lord.'" He closed the book with a snap and stepped down.
The congregation joined in a hymn and the minister led a prayer of intercession.
"Amen." The assembly joined at the close of the prayer.
"The Old Testament prophet Daniel was put in charge of the Magi of Babylon. That's when there was a noticeable shift in how the Magi of Babylon worked. They operated more like a priestly order, became monotheistic. That means that they worshiped one God, and even sacrificed animals for their sin. Daniel no doubt turned them to depend upon God for their powers. The three wise men bowed before Jesus, and Daniel was clear that he could interpret dreams by God's power, not his." Frank Mathers preached.
Albus slouched on the hard wooden bench. Why had his father roused him from a perfectly good Sunday lie in for this?
"Deuteronomy 18:10 teaches us thus: 'There must not be found among you anyone who is doing detestable things.' Magic is a deception! It is a lie! A falsehood which brings glory to the magician, not God! There is no deception which can be wrapped in dressings and made to be beautiful. Magic makes the magician seem powerful while at the same time allowing him to glorify himself in the eyes of others. No one deserves glory but the Creator and His Son! It is why I stand before you today and urge you not to allow any magic to be a corruption in our communities!"
Draco squared his shoulders and lifted his chin, a well-practiced scowl forming on his face, as his eyes shifted to the man seated beside him. Harry barely nudged Draco's knee with his own.
"Are you kidding me?" Scorpius whispered, crossing his arms.
The sermon went on for what seemed an eternity, and Albus and Scorpius found themselves amazed at their peers' ability to sit quietly on the uncomfortable pews. They were disconcerted by the condemnation of their very nature and being.
"They seek to exercise power over other people, to influence them to do something they wouldn't do otherwise, or to get knowledge that isn't humanly available. It is our responsibility to expose these—these—wizards! These witches! We must protect our children from their nefarious influences, for they are among the fruits of the flesh which are outlined in the book of Galatians- sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness and orgies!" he shouted.
Harry rolled his eyes. He could not believe that these people were real.
"Modern Christians will attempt to debate the matter of sorcery. They will tell you that it is legend, that the original accusers of Salem were only out to settle personal vendettas, that magic is not real. I stand before you and say that it is indeed real! I have seen it with my own eyes! It is an evil! A sin! And those who practice such things without repenting will absolutely be evermore separated from the Lord and cast into the lake of fire with no hope of repentance and forgiveness ever again! God condemns such things because they are a gateway to the wicked spirits of darkness and those who participate in and practice such things, as Paul wrote, 'will not inherit the kingdom of God.'"
He paused and took a sip of water from a glass below the podium before he spoke again.
"Let us stand." There was a shuffling of bodies as the congregants got to their feet. Albus resisted the urge to yawn and stretch. "Heed ye the word," said the minister.
"Then blind eyes will open, deaf ears will hear," the congregation chorused, and the service concluded with a final hymn.
"You think that's what she meant about her mom?" Albus quietly mused as he and Scorpius waved goodbye to their parents and made their way towards the community pavilion which sat a few yards from the shoreline.
"She did look rather severe," said Scorpius. "Kind of reminded me of Headmistress McGonagall with that tight bun and high collar."
"Yeah. Shh! There she is! Hiya, Lilac!" Albus called out to her with a smile.
"Hey, guys. Wow, your dad has a motorcycle too? That's so badass!" she remarked. They turned and watched the two riding towards the park's exit.
"Yeah. He almost never rides it," said Albus. "In fact, this is the first time he's ever let me ride with him."
"I didn't expect to see you guys in church this morning," she said as they turned and headed towards the crowd gathered along the shoreline.
"Apparently, Dad was invited by Mr. Parris," Albus frowned.
"And Father decided that it had been far too long since we'd attended mass—although I've never been to a service such as that before. Do you not celebrate the Eucharist?"
"Yeah, but not like Catholics—are you catholic? Anyway, we don't take communion every week."
"Oh. Anyway, I'm sorry about this morning. My mama insists that the family always sits together for worship. I did tell you how she can be."
"Does your minister always preach like that?" Albus asked, lowering his voice. "How does he know that magic is real?"
"I don't know. He talks a lot about magic, but never like that. It kind of freaked me out!" she admitted. "I know that the NSPS has been meeting a lot lately."
"What's the NSPS?" asked Scorpius.
"The New Salem Philanthropic Society," she said, a worried look on her face. "That's the parent body of Second Salem. Only those who have been admitted to the church may become members. They hand out pamphlets and go door-to-door to witness to people and try to get them to join."
"Looks like a success," Albus remarked. "There must have been at least seven or eight hundred people there."
"Yeah, but that's why my dad won't let me—"
"Yo, wassup, peeps?" Marcus and Jacob joined them. "Everybody's watching the races, and y'all standin' over here like you finna get up to no good."
"Just talking about Pastor Frank's sermon," said Lilac.
"Dude went in, didn't he?" Jacob commented.
"Into what?" asked Scorpius. Marcus laughed.
"You crack me up, my dude!"
"The women's straight four will commence in five minutes. All boats to the pier at this time." An announcement rang out over a loudspeaker. A dark-skinned girl approached the group. She wore a white halter top and matching shorts with sandals, her long braids pulled back into a ponytail.
"Y'all know Michaela?" Marcus pulled her close, one hand about her waist.
"Yeah," said Lilac.
"Hello," said Albus.
"Pleasure to meet you." Scorpius gave her a bow.
"Aw! You're so cute!" she cooed.
"We ready?" Marcus asked. She nodded and pointed towards the trees. "Cool. Aight, c'mon, y'all." He started in the direction that Michaela had pointed.
"Where are we going?" asked Albus. He hesitated.
"To get up to no good." Marcus smiled mischievously.
Harry brought his motorcycle to a stop beside the sidecar he'd left parked in the garage, and killed the engine. He removed his helmet and dismounted the bike. In the motor court, Draco did the same, shaking out his platinum hair. Harry licked his lips.
"I think I thoroughly enjoyed that!" Draco exclaimed. "It isn't quite flying, but the sensation is quite close."
"I haven't attempted to fly mine since it was repaired," said Harry. He closed the garage door and made his way to the porch. They entered the house through a side door.
"I thought motorcycles don't fly." Draco followed him into the kitchen, accepting a beer, and perching on a stool at the island counter with a look of confusion.
"They don't. Sirius charmed his to fly."
"Really? How thrilling!" he declared. Harry chuckled.
"It's not so thrilling when you're being chased by a squad of death eaters." Harry sipped his beer.
"No, I suppose not," Draco replied, thoughtfully. He sipped his own lager. "You know, I've never been any real distance from Scorpius in his entire life, except when he was away at school."
"Somehow, that doesn't surprise me," Harry replied.
"It feels a bit unsettling."
"Well, before you know it, he'll be seventeen and looking to strike out on his own," said Harry. "To be perfectly honest, I was more than a little apprehensive about James beginning his seventh year. It seems like yesterday that the midwife placed him in my arms. He was mewling like a freshly plucked mandrake!" he laughed. Draco chuckled.
"The whole pregnancy—even the delivery—was so risky, I feared I would lose them both in the process. Astoria was so weak that it fell to me to care for him in those first critical days. I don't know how I managed it. I was afraid even to sleep!"
"You must be nearly addicted to Wideye Potion."
"I must say, it took some effort to wean myself of its effects without resorting to Draught of Peace."
Harry's phone buzzed on the counter. He glanced at it and saw Ron's name pop up, but turned the phone face down without answering it.
"I can go, if you need to attend to that."
"It's just Ron, I can call him later."
"That, erm…that sermon—"
"It was definitely…unsettling, to say the least," said Harry.
"Indeed!" Draco agreed. "I don't know whether to be insulted or frightened. Is this the movement of which you spoke the other night?"
"It appears to be that way. Draco, I would warn you to be very careful. It appeared that some very influential members of the community here were present in that church this morning."
"I did notice that. Should we warn the boys?"
"I don't think they need to know the details. I could tell that they were affected by Mather's rhetoric, and they already know to respect the Statute of Secrecy."
"Well, Albus does," Draco scoffed.
"Oh, come on, now. I think Scorpius has learned his lesson."
Albus and Scorpius trailed behind Marcus and the others, following them down a worn path that led into the trees. A few yards in, they reached a clearing.
"What's going on?" Lilac asked.
"Don't worry," Marcus assured them, handing each a bottle of water. "We're just here to invite you to a very special gathering."
"Shit!" Albus swore when the bottle in his hand began to vibrate.
"No!" Scorpius cried.
Seconds later, cries of Arresto Momentum rang out through the space, and the teens landed on the rickety planked floor of a derelict boathouse. Slivers of sunlight shone through gaps in the walls and ceiling, piercing the space like blades.
"Come out, come out wherever you are!" Marcus sang. Out of the shadows emerged another girl who appeared to be close to their age. Albus and Scorpius gripped their wands tightly.
"What the hell?" Lilac shrieked.
"It's cool, girl!" Jacob insisted.
"You're wizards?" Albus asked in astonishment.
"Guess nothing gets past him, huh?" the new girl remarked.
"Everybody, this is Sofia Calderon. She goes to GHS," said Marcus. He flicked his wand and lanterns hanging from the rafters sprang to life, illuminating the dark boathouse.
"You look just like your dad," she said.
"What the hell is going on?" Lilac demanded.
"Kevin Tanberg is missing," said Michaela.
"Who's Kevin Tanberg?" asked Scorpius.
"How do you know?" asked Lilac.
"How did you know we were wizards?" Albus asked.
"Who's Kevin Tanberg?" Scorpius asked again.
"Oh, my god!" Sofia exclaimed. "Marcus! What did you do—just snatch them off the street?" She conjured a steamer chair and stretched out. "Don't you even know who his dad is?"
"Your mom's gonna kill you guys," said Michaela. She conjured a table and chairs, and gestured for them to sit. Sofia remained in her chaise longue.
"Okay, I'm sorry for freaking you guys out. I thought Maestro was very familiar, so I looked him up in a book my parents had about the War in Britain. I wondered if something was up. And then when we saw your dad, we knew for sure."
"I'm lost," said Albus.
"Me too," added Scorpius. "You knew all along that we were wizards? What about Lilac?"
"I can see it in her aura," said Jacob. "She radiates repressed magical energy. If you're not careful, you will become an obscurus."
"We were wondering if your dad is here because of the disappearances," said Sofia.
"What disappearances?" asked Albus.
"I think he means this Tanberg bloke they were talking about," said Scorpius.
"Not just Tanberg," said Marcus. "Two whole families went missing in Wichita, and so did a girl in Elk Valley."
"I-I don't know why my dad is here. He didn't say what type of job he had. He-he's running a nursery."
"Are you sure it's not just a front?" Michaela gave them a hard look.
"What exactly are you saying?" Scorpius asked defensively, returning her hard stare.
"Scorpius—"
"You think someone's hunting witches and wizards," Lilac blurted. "And Second Salem is encouraging it."