ʻAre you sure that this is wise, Serena?ʼ asked Letitia with apparent scepticism, her arms around Colinʼs and Dennisʼ shoulder who were both wearing light travelling cloaks.
ʻSure it is. Itʼs my idea after all.ʼ
ʻThatʼs whatʼs worrying us,ʼ murmured Oliver darkly.
ʻDonʼt be silly,ʼ laughed Serena. ʻWe must spread our version of the story before the boysʼ hearing next week. So Iʼll show my dear nephews off while we do our shopping in Diagon Alley for Hogwarts. Thatʼs a perfect plan. Perfect, absolutely perfect.ʼ
She put an extremely pointed black hat on her locks, prodding it around on her head as she watched her reflection in the mirror next to the fireplace, everybody elseʼs eyes following her movements nervously until she finished to admire herself by fastening her wand to the ribbon that adorned the hatʼs brim.
ʻExcellent,ʼ she hummed, gave her sister a peck on the cheek and Oliver one on the mouth, snatched the flowerpot standing between the two pictures of Quidditch teams, and threw some powder from it into the fire. The flames turned emerald green instantly, and Serena hopped into them.
ʻSee you in a second,ʼ she chanted to Colin and Dennis before she said loud and clearly, ʻDiagon Alley!ʼ
ʻColin, you first,ʼ said Letitia, prodding him forwards. She took down the flowerpot from the mantleshelf again and offered it. ʻYou know travelling by Floo powder?ʼ
ʻYes,ʼ said Colin with a nod as he had used it last term after Christmas to return to Hogwarts from the Leaky Cauldron.
He took some of the powder and threw it in the fire like Serena had done before. Then he stepped in. The flames danced wildly around where he stood, but he looked upwards to avoid the ashes and shouted, ʻDiagon Alley!ʼ
Immediately he was sucked into the chimney. He put his arms tightly around himself and closed his eyes so that he wouldnʼt become dizzy as other peopleʼs fireplaces flew past him. When the twirling slowed down, Colin opened his eyes and, arms outstretched, managed to stumble out of the fireplace into the Leaky Cauldron. Before he could fall on the floor, Serena had caught him and started shaking of the soot violently. She only let go of him to catch Dennis who received a similar rough treatment.
ʻSee you, Tom,ʼ she shouted to the barkeeper as she led the boys out of the pub, waving wildly. She didnʼt seem to mind the altogether depressed atmosphere in the almost empty pub, but Colin got a clear view of the old manʼs worn expression. Before the wall outside the pub she snatched her wand from her hat and tapped it three times against a brick. Immediately, an archway formed in the wall and let them enter the narrow wizarding street.
Already last year the sight had been depressive to look at, but Colin was positively shocked when he realised that the posters - formerly containing security advice from the Ministry of Magic or pictures from Death Eaters on the loose - now all showed the face of Harry Potter, glaring mischievously at them.
ʻLovely,ʼ said Serena happily. ʻGringotts first, dears, we need to visit my vault.ʼ
She took them both by the hand and, though he felt slightly awkward, basically considering himself to be far too old for this, he was glad for he felt horribly exposed and expected a Death Eater to step forwards any second, pointing his wand at them. To Colinʼs relief nothing happened, and they advanced quickly towards the marble building.
Two men with long, thin golden rods stood before the steps that led to the great bronze doors.
ʻWhereʼre the goblins?ʼ asked Serena curiously as one of the men motioned them to stop and moved his rod up and down her body.
ʻAdditional security matter, miss, itʼs-ʼ
ʻMiss?ʼ interrupted Serena. ʻHere I stand with two boys who could well be my sons and you call me miss?ʼ
The man turned red and Colin slightly pitied him. Serena was about as tall as Dennis, and he was quite amazed that the man had realised who the eldest of their group was. ʻOh... em... beg you pardon, madam, youʼre-ʼ
ʻItʼs all right,ʼ said Serena grinning. ʻTheyʼre my sisterʼs, Iʼll take it as a compliment.ʼ
She blew the man a kiss and bounced up the stairs, drawing Colin and Dennis after her. Before the silver doors leading into the bankʼs marble hall still stood two goblins who bowed them into the main hall that looked as Colin remembered it. The goblins sitting on high stools appeared all to be busy, but just as they entered a man with a long, twisted face left from one of the counters, and the old goblin who had served him waved them nearer. Colin noticed that he seemed relieved, an expression he had never seen before on a goblinʼs face.
ʻGood morning, how may I help you?ʼ he asked, his rough voice sounding rather subdued for one of his kind.
ʻHi,ʼ said Serena, beaming. She let go of Colinʼs hand and started to grope in the pockets of her cloak. ʻIʼd like to visit my vault.ʼ
ʻAnd you are...?ʼ
ʻSerena Dennyston. Hereʼs my key.ʼ She waved a small golden key before him.
ʻThank you, madam. Please wait a moment until I have finished the security check.ʼ
The goblin took the key, climbed off his stool, and slowly hobbled away.
Serena leaned against the counter and drummed a melody on the wood with her fingers, looking around with absolute calm. Colin preferred to stare on the ground, afraid of attracting attention. Though it seemed unlikely that he would have any success with this as long as his new aunt was around.
He was already wondering if the goblin had found that Serena wasnʼt allowed to enter her vault, when he returned at last. With difficulty he heaved himself on his stool again.
ʻMay I ask you, madam, who is accompanying you?ʼ
ʻJust my nephews,ʼ said Serena merrily. ʻMy sis has given up her Gringotts vault, so here I am instead. Itʼs unfortunate, but then Iʼve just got problems with my back because of-ʼ
ʻI will have someone take you down to your vault, madam,ʼ said the goblin hastily. ʻGoblok!ʼ
A much younger goblin who had been sorting diamonds on a little table behind the counter turned and hastened towards them. The old goblin gave him the key, and the younger motioned them to follow.
Colin went after the goblin with Serena and Dennis as he led them through one of the many doors in the hall. It opened to a narrow stone passageway with railway tracks on the floor. Despite his anxiety, Colin looked around curiously. He had never been to this part of Gringotts, only to the hall where his parents had changed their Muggle money.
The goblin whistled and a small cart halted before them. Serena sprang lightly into it, helping Colin and Dennis in after her. As soon as the goblin had sat down too, the cart set in motion. Colin looked around with fascination while they hurtled down through many passages. The cart gathered so much speed that Colinʼs eyes started to water. He closed them, as he also started to feel dizzy again because of the wild twists the cart made.
Finally they slowed down, and the cart stopped before a small door to which they all proceeded. The goblin opened it with the key Serena had provided earlier whereupon green smoke billowed out and hindered Colinʼs sight for a moment. When he could get a glimpse into the vault's interior, he saw several piles of Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts.
Serena stepped forward, a little bag in her hand. ʻHmmm,ʼ she said good-humouredly. ʻYou could need new robes. And of course the books... probably visit the apothecary... and a little bit for additional expenses...ʼ
When she had finally finished collecting coins, she closed her bag and put it back into her robes.
ʻPerfect! Letʼs get to the surface again,ʼ she sang, dancing back to the cart where she had to wait for Colin, Dennis, and the goblin to take their places too. Their journey upwards was as fast and confusing as before, but in the end at, they all stood in the marble hall of Gringotts again.
ʻBye, bye,ʼ said Serena, waving at the goblin, who honoured her with a particularly grim look, before she took Colinʼs and Dennisʼs hand to leave the bank.
ʻNew robes, new robes, for school and to be presentable,ʼ she parroted as they hastened past the posters offering a fortune for information about Harry Potter.
The shop of Madam Malkin with its window plastered with anti-Potter propaganda was only recognizable due to the fact that they knew where it stood. The interior was far more somber than Colin remembered, and he could see only Madam Malkin, busying herself with fitting robes to a girl who looked like a first-year; no assistant was visible.
ʻHogwarts, dears?ʼ she called as they entered. ʻJust a moment, please.ʼ
When the girl had her robes and went away with her mother who looked just as stressed as Madam Malkin, Colin was pushed forwards by Serena.
ʻHello dear, on the stool please,ʼ said Madam Malkin tiredly while Serena hummed a tune.
Just as the robe she was fitting on Colin was full of needles, she suddenly stopped dead and stared in his face.
ʻSomething wrong?ʼ asked Serena, stopping her whistling.
ʻI...ʼ said Madam Malkin weakly. ʻI just thought that you and your brother... that your parents...ʼ
ʻMy sis has never been here with them, Iʼm sure of that,ʼ said Serena lazily.
ʻYour sister...ʼ repeated Madam Malkin.
ʻYeah, but I had time, and Letty never liked shopping, so they had to go with their auntie. Having a bad time?ʼ
Dennis laughed nervously as she suddenly addressed him, and Madam Malkin shook her head with a slightly maniacal expression. She didnʼt say anything until Serena asked for the bill and looked relieved to have the shop to herself again when they finally stepped out.
ʻFlourish and Blotts, Flourish and Blotts,ʼ was Serenaʼs next incantation she muttered while they walked down the street to the bookshop.
The bookshop owner was in a similar mood as Madam Malkin, a trait later also shared both by the apothecary and the woman in the quill shop. None of this seemed to disturb Serena who kept on capering around from shop to shop until they reached Quality Quidditch Supplies.
ʻClosed?ʼ she shrieked, loud enough to make several passers-by look around. ʻHow can they close my Quidditch shop? How am I to survive this? This is horrid, ghastly, shocking-ʼ
ʻWhatʼs the matter?ʼ
Colin swung around at the cold male voice. It was the man with the twisted face who seemed to have terrified the old goblin so much back at Gringotts.
ʻMy Quidditch shop is closed,ʼ said Serena, almost sobbing. ʻHow am I to survive this?ʼ
ʻThe man leading the shop was scum,ʼ said the man coldly. ʻHe had to be removed. The shop will reopen when there has been found a proper wizard.ʼ
ʻBut the shop owner,ʼ said Serena slowly, raising her hand to her forehead as if in trance, ʻwasnʼt that Ricky Craig, the former Beater... the former Beater of the Tornados?ʼ
ʻScum,ʼ repeated the man, staring at the skulls tattooed on Serenaʼs fingers. ʻGo away, girl, before we start to question your lineage and the one of your brats.ʼ
Serena swelled and opened her mouth. In desperation to get away, Colin tramped on her foot with all his might. Serena jumped and looked down, then over to Colin who did all he could do gaze at her half imploringly, half with a warning. With relief, he saw Serena sigh and turn.
ʻLetʼs go,ʼ she muttered, taking their hands and hastening away from the man whose eyes followed them for a while, full of suspicion.
ʻArenʼt we going home?ʼ asked Colin when they were out of the his earshot.
ʻNo, no,ʼ muttered Serena, far more grumpily than she had ever spoken before. ʻWeʼre going to visit some friends of Ols first.ʼ
Only when they halted before a shop that stood out from all other buildings, Colin realised who these friends were. The Weasley twins still dared to present everything loud and colourful in their windows, but Colin noticed that the advertisement for U-No-Poo had gone. Even the Weasleys seemed to have become cautious, even though they didnʼt have a Harry Potter poster.
With a bit too much force, Serena banged open the door, making a face as she waved Colin and Dennis inside.
There were less people in the shop than Colin remembered from his visit last year, still, the atmosphere was far more lively than anywhere else. Near the door hovered several witches and wizards with worried expressions, clearly waiting for their children to finish their purchases. These had less problem to enjoy themselves, causing enough havoc to fill the whole shop with life.
Serenaʼs expression brightened up a bit as she wound her way past excited students. Colin tightened his grip on her hand, being tossed about while her gait turned increasingly light in the progression. When they reached the back of the shop where there had been the Muggle magic tricks (all the shelves were empty now) she turned on the spot, and they all looked back at the chaos they had just passed.
ʻHello Dennyston, ditching the training?ʼ said a familiar voice next to them. One of the Weasley twins had appeared out of the tumult at their side.
ʻHow dare you!ʼ exclaimed Serena, grinning broadly. ʻPoor little meʼs got her back badly hurt - fell from my broom - and the Healers ordered me not to fly for a fortnight. You canʼt imagine how I long to get back on my broom. But meanwhile Iʼm of use. You see me here, shopping with my nephews.ʼ
She slapped both boys lightly on the back, and the Weasley twin took notice of them for the first time as they stood on both sides of Serena. Colin could see his mouth fall open and quickly close again, hiding his astonishment before it had really shown itself.
ʻHi, werenʼt you in the DA?ʼ he asked. ʻColin? Dennis? From Gryffindor?ʼ
ʻYep,ʼ chanted Serena as the boys nodded. ʻMy poor sisʼs curse, my nephews, Colin and Dennis. Iʼm a great aunt, am I not?ʼ
ʻThe greatest,ʼ said Dennis, not able to hide a broad grin.
The Weasley twin looked around cautiously before he turned to Serena again with the obvious intention to ask something.
ʻBludger in my face!ʼ shrieked Serena, all three seeing the black hole at the same time. ʻWhatʼve you done with your ear?ʼ
ʻCursed off,ʼ said the twin with a dismissive gesture of the hand. ʻThat was a feast, when my family realised they were now able to tell Fred and me apart. Quite depressing in fact, you turn up badly injured and everybody has only tears of joy.ʼ
ʻO my-ʼ moaned Serena while Colin registered that they had to be talking to George. ʻI already knocked out several teeth, had my jaw maimed, and my skull badly fractured, not to talk of all the times I broke an arm or a leg - and then thereʼs my back thatʼs been completely unhinged - but an ear cursed off?ʼ
ʻWe run a risky business,ʼ said George shrugging. ʻWe have to live with such accidents. But tell me-ʼ He lowered his voice and leaned forward. ʻ-since when are you related to Colin and Dennis?ʼ
ʻMy sis did leave us some awkward business there,ʼ said Serena with a grimace. ʻBut I donʼt want to blame her too much, she was so young. Now they even have to go to some hearing, thatʼs annoying, Iʼm telling you. As if we had anything to do with such filth.ʼ
She wrinkled her nose, winking at George simultaneously. He gave her a little nod, looking more serious than Colin had ever seen him before.
ʻThese changes are quite radical,ʼ he said, then waved at the empty shelves behind them. ʻWe had some charming visits to point out to us what we are allowed to sell. The Ministry has turned really concerned about wizarding welfare. Well, as long as we can risk it, weʼll be at our shop. Can I offer you anything to ease your life at Hogwarts. For there will be quite some changes if the rumours are true. And thatʼs why weʼre still here, to arm the students of Hogwarts.ʼ
ʻCheers, thatʼs exactly why we came,ʼ said Serena. ʻJust give us the basic troublemaker supply, Iʼm not up to date anymore, concerning chaos at school.ʼ
ʻSome Skiving Snackboxes I suggest?ʼ said George with a businesslike expression. ʻWeʼve got a wide range of alternative wrappings so no one will notice what you bring into school. And before I forget it, you can always secretly owl if you need more fuel. What do you like best, Colin, Fainting Fancies, Fever Fudge-ʼ
ʻEr... Nosebleed Nougat,ʼ said Colin hastily.
ʻLike most,ʼ sighed George. ʻThese students are so predictable. Save your familyʼs reputation Dennis.ʼ
ʻWe havenʼt mentioned Puking Pastilles yet,ʼ said Dennis seriously.
ʻYou save my day!ʼ exclaimed George. ʻWait a minute here, Iʼll prepare you both excellent kits to drive any teacher crazy. But donʼt waste it on McGonagall, Flitwick, and the like.ʼ
ʻPromise,ʼ Colin and Dennis said in unison. George gave them the thumbs up and disappeared in the crowd.
ʻGetting sick... we didnʼt have that when we went to school,ʼ muttered Serena. ʻAll we could do was throwing Dungbombs and burn off Filibuster fireworks.ʼ
ʻThey made a firework at school once,ʼ said Dennis eagerly.
ʻExactly, about one and a half years ago,ʼ added Colin, the memory making him grin. ʻThese Catherine wheels and dragons were all over the school during the whole day. It was magnificent. That awful Umbridge toad had a harsh start as sham Headmistress.ʼ
ʻI heard that they flew from school,ʼ said Serena. ʻUsing the broom always gets my sympathy. In two days I can start training again, you can come to the next match.ʼ
ʻReally?ʼ squeaked Dennis.
Meanwhile, Colin looked around and noticed a curtain next to the empty shelves. He looked quickly around, but Dennis and Serena were now talking about the next adversary of Puddlemere United, not paying him any attention. He drew back the curtain a bit to look behind.
The sight was, directly put, underwhelming. There was a dark, small room behind the curtain, but the shelves were half-empty or filled with boxes that didnʼt look like they were for sale.
ʻAs I said, we have charming visitors,ʼ said a voice behind him. Colin jumped and looked around. George was back, carrying two packages in plain brown paper. ʻWe had stuff here that were mostly defensive devices. Even the Ministry ordered, but now they are of the opinion that no one needs protection.ʼ
ʻLovely,ʼ said Serena, stepping over and also glancing behind the curtain.
ʻAbsolutely,ʼ said George. ʻThey came about five in the morning and took almost everything with them. And they demand that we keep producing, but solely for them. So we are proud to work for the Ministry, searching for ways to thwart their plans.ʼ
ʻDo you know what they plan for Hogwarts?ʼ whispered Colin.
George shook his head. ʻNo, it seems Hogwarts is a priority for... the Chief DE. But they canʼt replace too many of the teachers, so some bits of Hogwarts will certainly be preserved. But even my optimism tells me that the changes at Hogwarts will not be for the better.ʼ
ʻAre you fighting?ʼ whispered Colin even lower.
ʻThere is still one ear left to lose. Iʼm not afraid,ʼ said George, handing over the packages he carried to Serena. ʻThe cherry candies are the Nosebleed Nougats and the pills against headache are Puking Pastilles. Thereʼs a note inside youʼve got to ask politely to show itself. It explains exactly whatʼs hidden where and how.ʼ
ʻWonderful,ʼ said Serena, somehow managing to store the two packages into the pockets of her cloak before she looked around carefully and lowered her voice. ʻBefore I forget, do you know what became of Ricky Craig?ʼ
ʻAzkaban,ʼ whispered George darkly, adding over-cheerfully, ʻThat makes twelve Galleons.ʼ He quickly lowered his voice again. ʻEight Galleons for their promise to sabotage as much as they can.ʼ
ʻTwelve Galleons is fine, you must feed on something,ʼ said Serena resolutely, taking her bag and counting out the Galleons. ʻEspecially with your ear thatʼs so...ʼ She shuddered.
ʻGood you donʼt know my brothers. One has burns all over from dragons, another his face slashed by a werewolf, and the third lies in bed with spattergroit.ʼ
While Serena shuddered, causing many leaves to cascade over her face, Colin wondered why Georgeʼs voice had risen, talking about the last brother.
He wanted to ask if Ron Weasley was among the injured, but Serena had already taken their hands.
ʻWe should be going then. Bye, bye,ʼ she chirped.
Colin resisted her tugging and turned once more to George. ʻWe will keep fighting,ʼ he whispered.
ʻTo the last ear,ʼ said George.
ʻOne Quaffle throw doesnʼt decide the game,ʼ said Serena. ʻBut come on now.ʼ
She dived into the tumult of the shop, gripping the brothers so tightly that Colin and Dennis had to follow after her as she weaved her way through the crowd until they all emerged on the road, that looked even more depressive after all the colours in Weasleysʼ Wizard Wheezes.
ʻBack to the Leaky Cauldron,ʼ she chanted, dancing down the street, thereby forcing Colin and Dennis to run after her. The few passers-by looked at them curiously.
ʻHello again, Tom,ʼ she sang as she forced the back door of the Leaky Cauldron open with her foot. ʻThe Floo network is free? Oh, would any of you like a cup of tea?ʼ
Colin, seconded by his brother, hastily shook his head, dreading to stay any longer near Diagon Alley.
ʻWell, but Iʼd like one. Come on.ʼ
She motioned them to the nearest table, before she walked up to the barman. Colin looked furtively around. The pub was empty apart from three wizards, sitting in one corner muttering.
It was only then that Colin noticed that none of their purchases was anywhere to be seen. He wanted to point this out to Serena as she sat down next to Dennis, opposite himself, with her cup. But before he could say anything, she had withdrawn Dennisʼs The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 4 and flicked through the pages. Colin stared at her cloak which showed no sign of containing anything larger than a handkerchief.
ʻSummoning Charms,ʼ she muttered. ʻAs if youʼd ever need a Summoning Charm later on. Schoolʼs such rubbish.ʼ
ʻHello, Serena,ʼ said a gruff voice behind Colin, making him flinch.
ʻOh, hi, if this isnʼt little Miles,ʼ said Serena with a smile, inviting the man to sit down. ʻHow are you?ʼ
ʻFine,ʼ he grumped, not sitting down. Colin eyed him suspiciously from the corner of his eye, vaguely remembering him as a former member of the Slytherin Quidditch team.
ʻNo Quidditch career for you?ʼ said Serena, her smile changing to a broad grin, showing all her teeth.
ʻThereʼre better careers than Quidditch.ʼ
ʻIn which universe?ʼ
Colin stared straight ahead at Serena. He somehow had the impression that her grin was a bit forced.
ʻThere are more important things than Quidditch,ʼ said Miles, almost aggressively. ʻI have better things to do.ʼ
ʻI wouldnʼt have taken you on the team anyway if Auntie hadnʼt been terrorized by your mom to terrorize me,ʼ said Serena with seeming indifference. ʻAnd the rest were all crap too in the try-outs. Howʼs your family?ʼ
ʻFatherʼs got a cold.ʼ
ʻIn summer?ʼ Serena let out a peal of laughter. ʻWhat an achievement.ʼ
ʻHis office is raining.ʼ
Serena laughed harder, slopping a bit of tea on Dennisʼs new book. The leaves on her face fluttered around nervously. ʻThat catches the Snitch,ʼ she yelped. ʻYour uncles were about the most ruthless Beaters in English history and their little sister goes on to marry someone who gets a cold in his office.ʼ
ʻBeware to insult us,ʼ snarled Miles. ʻThis is no time to be impolite to the wrong people. Especially when youʼre sitting around with such little Mudbloods.ʼ
ʻWho are you talking about?ʼ hissed Serena, jumping to her feet. Dennis just managed to get hold of her cup before it smashed on the floor.
ʻWho am I talking about?ʼ repeated Miles threateningly before he pointed at Colin, who did all he could not to move a muscle. ʻThat piece of dirt was the one who took the pictures from that slug-vomiting boy. The one who got petrified - because heʼs a Mudblood.ʼ
Colin felt how all his blood drained from his face. Full of fear he glanced up at Serena who looked furious.
ʻIf you insult my nephews once-ʼ she spat, suddenly looking more like a cat than a frog, ʻ-once again, Iʼll have you Blatchered in a second.ʼ
Miles didnʼt say anything for an (as it appeared to Colin) unusually long second. ʻYour nephews?ʼ he then asked.
ʻYou want to debate this with Letty?ʼ Serena asked, her fury changing to a smug expression.
Miles waited with his next comment again for a to Colin painfully long time. ʻIsnʼt your sister living in Italy?ʼ
ʻWhere else?ʼ said Serena, sinking back beside Dennis. She took her cup from him and made a face, seeing that the whole content was splattered on the table before her.
ʻI donʼt understand,ʼ said Miles.
ʻNot a novelty,ʼ muttered Serena, siphoning the tea from the table, Dennisʼs book, and Dennis with her wand. Colin looked worriedly at Serena, not sure whether she had chosen the best of strategies concerning Miles.
ʻProbably I made a mistake,ʼ Miles murmured to Colinʼs immense and unexpected relief. ʻSee you around, Serena.ʼ
ʻBye,ʼ she said with a sad look at her cup. ʻWeʼre going home too. Letʼs go, dears.ʼ
She slapped Dennis on the back and had sprung to her feet again in no time, looking completely cheerful again.
Colin sighed and wondered when he would have some calm moments in his life again.