As soon as Jas caught me, we were out of breath and laughing hysterically. Dad had managed to catch the whip cream, but Luna snatched it at the wrong end and caused the whole thing to spray over Mum and Dad, who looked rather annoyed before everyone broke into hysterical laughter.
They soon broke into a chase, trying to catch Luna to mess up her perfect hair and carefully chosen outfit with whip cream. Somehow, someway, we ended up in a group hug, laughing. It was interrupted when Dad's phone began to ring, causing Jas to groan as he licked a bit of whip cream off his finger. I made a face at him, disgusted.
Mum looked disturbed on how Dad had managed to ruin the family moment in a matter of minutes. He seemed deep in conversation with whoever he was on the phone with and barely registered how all of our eyes were trained on his back facing us. I quietly slipped on my cloak that was lounging on the couch a few feet away.
"Yes, Marigold. I'll be there in a few minutes. Alright, bye."
"Who's Marigold?" Mum immediately pounced at the same time I said, "What about Diagon Alley?"
"Hermione, not now," He said, throwing on his coat. "Cherry, I'm sure you can go on your own."
Mum looked flabbergasted. I actually tried gripping this. Alone? In Diagon Alley? On second thought, it seemed sane. But knowing Mum, she'll burst.
It was quiet as Mum glared at Dad, who looked back with a confused expression. He finally sighed, "Fine. I'm sure no one will mind if I get there late."
The sarcasm in his voice, it was so obvious. Mum, either happy or pleased at the moment, simply looked away and continued packing Luna's things, which were partly covered in frosting. Whenever these moments happened, one would think that their student life rivalry was popping back up immaturely, especially now that they were married. I simply rolled my eyes and hugged Jas as Luna mockingly blew me a kiss, in which I made a face. I followed Dad out, and as soon as we were out of earshot, he said, "Do you mind shopping by yourself?"
Taken by surprise, I responded, "I don't think so."
"How long do you think you'll take?"
"I'm not sure. But most probably about 2 hours."
"That's enough time. I'm going to drop you off Gringotts so you can go ahead and take out some money from the family bank before heading to shop. I'm in a hurry – there's a problem down at the Ministry."
"What about the supply list? I suppose you have it, right?"
He threw me a look before taking a roll of parchment from his cloak, handing it over. Smirking, I took it and stuffed it in my butt pocket. He simply shook his head as I gripped his arm, waiting in anticipation to be Apparated out of here.
"Gringotts first." Mum smiled at me. I rolled my eyes casually only to have dad notice.
"Albus Severus Potter," He began, giving me a look. "Watch it."
"Fine." I grumbled. "When is Fred coming? Surely he doesn't take so long to get here."
"Ron told me that he had a problem with Lavender and George." Dad says as we walk towards the bank, which appears over-crowded. Great, I really wasn't hoping to spend my whole Sunday in line to take out some money. "They said they'll meet up with us here in an hour."
Mum pushed back her long locks of ginger hair, exposing her freckled shoulders as she wrapped an arm around me and pushed me encouragingly towards the line, Dad hugs her from the waist and stealing an opportunity to ruffle my hair. I huffed, annoyed, as Mum and Dad laughed.
Dad abruptly stopped when we were only a few feet away from the line, a petite blond girl speaking with her older duplicate – I'm guessing her father.
"Draco?" Dad spoke, sounding more confused than ever. Mum looked at the blond man who turned to look at them.
"Oh, Harry, Ginny. Nice to see you both." He responded, a smile tugging his lips. It was pretty obvious the man was stoic. His daughter turned and looked at me for a second before turning to her dad, "Well?"
Draco, the man, turned to his daughter to respond, "You know what to do, right?" He sounded like he didn't trust her much – can't blame him, but she looks pretty hot.
"Of course, dad." She said, crossing her arms. "And about this – if you want me to keep quiet and not tell Mum, I'll need money."
Her dad looked horrified. "Are you trying to bribe me?"
"You honestly thought you were going to get away with this with a clean slate?" She smirked. "Please, Dad, you know me better than that."
"We'll talk later." He grumbled. "Here's the vault key."
"Might as well smuggle it while I'm there…" I managed to catch the petite girl mutter, which caused her father to glare at her. "Kidding. Loosen up, old man." She said, patting his back.
"2 hours." He reminded her before walking away. As soon as he was out of sight, she turned and smiled.
"Cheryl Malfoy." She said, a smirk tugging her lips. "Ginny and Harry Potter?"
"Yes, and this is our son, Albus." Mum said, smiling at her. Cheryl looked at me, a look of distaste in her eyes. It disappeared as she looked back at my parents. Bad vibe, very bad one.
"Does he have any siblings?"
"James," Dad spoke, apparently happy to have someone to talk with. "As soon as the semester starts, it'll be his second year. And Lily, who starts next year."
"Really?" Her eyes brightened. "I have 2 older siblings, both of them third years. Maybe they have met him? I'll have to ask." I'm pretty sure she's referring James.
Merlin. Her eyes were a deep silver, like her father's, and long blond locks tied in a messy bun, a few locks slipping out. She had a light tint of brown here and there in the sunlight, but it was pretty much a white blond. Her face looked soft, no sharp features like her father. She was petite, about a few centimeters shorter than me, but her frame was soft and slim – which was pretty obvious, as her baggy gray pants practically fell a bit under her hipbone, giving any man a peep at her slim looks.
Attention back up.
She had raised an eyebrow at me as she had noticed my eyes slipping down. I looked away to spare the embarrassment as Dad talked his head off about how her mom was and stuff. Cheryl spoke with clear accuracy and a certain grace and subtleness in her tone and actions. Dad had once told me that the Malfoys were a graceful pureblood line, so if I had ever were to meet one, to not be astounded by their neat and pretty-ness. Go figure.
I can't help but wonder how her sister would like. Probably much more developed and more graceful. Perfectly my type. Not that nothing was wrong with Cheryl, though. She passes inspection.
I feel a push on my back. Dad wants me to talk. "Albus." I managed to get out, looking at Cheryl.
"Cheryl." She said in the same tone that was tainted with disgust. Oh come on, I'm far from ugly. I'll be a bomb in Gryffindor for the rest of my Hogwarts days – she didn't seem to agree. Maybe she wasn't agreeing with the eyes – I know I'm not.
"Albus!"
Cheryl simply diverted her eyes to my side as Fred ran up, looking excited. When his eyes fell on Cheryl, he went, "Why hello there."
Rolling her eyes, she turned around, her cloak hiding her petite body from our view.
"Rude." Fred mumbled. "Anyways, I'm done shopping. I'm going to be helping Dad with the store, since there's so many students. Come by, if you can!"
I gave him a smirk and nod as he ran off again, and turned around to face Cheryl's back once again. Is that coconut and lavender that I smell?
The line was getting shorter, thank Merlin. When it finally got to me, a goblin (smaller than me, no shocker there) asked for me to show him the key for the desired vault (Malfoy Family vault) in which he looked slightly bothered, but led me to the vault.
The Malfoys are pure bloods, but that ended when Dad married Mum, causing the pure blood line to diminish. It's still there, in my blood, so it's not too bad being a half-blood. I watch the vaults disappear as we head deeper underground towards the ancient family vault, the mining cart frightfully small.
When we arrive, I'm clutching the side of the cart, shamelessly scared and with my eyes squeezed tight. I swear, I'll sock that goblin if he makes one sound.
"We are here, Ma'am." He says, hopping off. With the vault key in hand, he walked towards the door. I am momentarily stunned by the amount of chains and locks on the door, but when the goblin unlocks the far left lock, it appears to unlock every single one.
"How much has your father asked to take out?"
Bugger. "Medium-sized pouch; variety."
"Variety?" He asked. "Not completely galleons?"
This bothers me, but he has a point. "Variety, but more galleons."
He stalks off and comes back with a medium-sized pouch, handing it to me before locking the vault again. I'm far too used to the currency in the family bank – Jas has a duplicate copy of the vault and comes here often to get money to pay off the gambling he does back in Hogwarts. I'll probably end up borrowing it if worst comes to worst.
Back on the cart, we head back up and when I feel the ground, I notice Albus and his parents walk by, but not without eye-contact. Albus seems more hostile, so I return the glare.
Walking out, I stuff the pouch carefully in an inside pocket of my cloak before taking out my supply list.
Three sets of plain work robes (black)
One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)
Clothes should carry name tags.
Clothes first. I walk down towards the crowded street, looking around for the clothing store Luna had once mentioned to me – apparently called something like 'Madam Malkins' and a bunch of other words I didn't bother to memorize. As soon as I see a group of gossiping elder witches in front of it, I know that's the store and walk in with as much subtleness I can muster.
"Welcome, welcome!" A woman with gray white hair tied in a fancy bun smiles at me. "The rest of the students are checking the robes at the moment, so I'm free. Do you need your measurements taken?"
"Please," I smile as she leads me to the back room. I take off my cloak as she takes my measurements and jots them down. "What are you looking for, darling?"
I repeat the list of clothings that I need. Good thing I still have a few days 'till I'm expected to be at Hogwarts. She ensures me that the clothing will arrive about 2 days before I have to leave, so she jots down my name and I scurry out.
Practically an hour wasted already, and I still need to buy things. Terrible, terrible indeed.
Books are next, according to the list. I look down at the parchment and read;
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A Beginners Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self Protection by Quentin Trimble
I can assure you that even in a years time I'll only be able to read about 3 of these books. Mum mentioned something about 'Flourish and Blotts', which isn't very far. When I walk in, though, the place is filled. I'm horrified by the amount of people – as if not obvious.
"You again."
I turn around to face Albus, our faces barely inches away. I back up and glare at him.
"Can't seem to get away from me, huh?"
"Ha ha. You're hilarious." He states bluntly. I'm intrigued by his looks – I have to admit, he's pretty cute. I reprimand myself the next second before he stalks away, apparently my beautiful self being too much to take in. I mark my sarcasm there, by the way.
I stalk off the other direction, finding 'The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self Protection by Quentin Trimble.' I pick it just in time a red head on the other side touches it.
"Oh, sorry!" She says. "You can take it."
I'm shocked by her naiveness. This could most possibly be the last book there is – from what I can tell – and she's just going to give it away. Spare the punishments, I'll let her take it.
"No, you should." I say. "I see another one here." I lie blatantly.
"I don't." She responds, apparently slightly offended. "Please, take it. I can borrow Hugo's."
"Hugo?"
"My brother." She smiles. I shrug and take the book, feeling rather awkward as I pick up the rest of the books. When I make my way to the line to pay, I bump into someone in the midst of chaos. The person I bumped with laughed, helping me up with the books.
"What a coincidence." The same red head I met earlier smiled. "I'm Rose Weasley."
"Cheryl." I sigh. "Cheryl Malfoy."
Her smile diminishes – and I'm quick to notice it. She mumbles something before going back into the line, leaving me confused. I pout slightly until it's my turn to pay.
Next stop is to get a wand, and I know exactly where. I make way towards 'Ollivander's' where I know for a fact there's a wand waiting for me to pick it up. Thankfully, when I enter, I don't see anyone, so I settle my books down on the bench and take off my cloak.
"Ah, another Malfoy." I hear a voice come from not far. I turn to see an old man with pale eyes looking at me, looking more nervous than anything. "Name?"
"Cheryl Malfoy." I repeat for what feels like the tenth time. He nods.
"I must take your measurements, Miss Malfoy. Please, this way." He measures most of my body parts before wandering towards the back of the store. I sit down on the bench, taking one of my books and lazily looking at the pages.
The bells at the door rings, and I barely look up to see Albus and Rose walking in, laughing. I try to remain as unseen as possible, but Mr. Ollivander ruins it when he brings a narrow box towards my way.
"Miss Malfoy," He says, handing me the box. I set the book aside and look at the wand. A pale white wand sits there, patiently waiting to be held. I raise an eyebrow.
"It contains a hair of a unicorn and a few bits of lavender." He informs me. "Similar to your sister's, Miss Luna Malfoy."
I'm ready to lash out at him, but I take the wand and hold it cautiously. Seeing a board not far, I aim and a shot of white comes out from the tip, but I'm not pleased.
"No," I respond. He looks shocked. "Erm, it doesn't feel comfortable."
"Hm," He inquires as I place the wand back in the box. "Maybe if you tell me a bit about yourself, it can help."
"Youngest Malfoy," I begin. "Starting Hogwarts this year, currently 11 years old. I despise sexism and I believe that we all have equal rights for everyone, creatures included."
I'm pleased with myself, just like he smiles at me. "Your sister is different, albeit proud, though."
"Tell me about it." I mumble as he chuckles lowly and walks back into his piles and shelves. I suddenly realize how cliché I sounded. Darn it. I watch Albus walk towards the back of the store to find Mr. Ollivander, Rose following along.
Mr. Ollivander appears a few minutes later, Albus and Rose on his tail. "Now, students, give me a second, I am attending this young lady."
A smirk creeps up and I have to bury my face in my book to keep it from showing. "Miss Malfoy?"
"Wha-oh!" I fake as I place my book back. The wand is a silk light mahogany, but it still looks like a branch either way. I pick it up as Mr. Ollivander continues, "It contains a hair of a naïve and stubborn Veela, a drop of blood from an eagle and petal made into dust from a rose. Symbolizes your independence and beauty."
I can't help to think how creepy that is, but I smile and aim the wand, the same white streak appearing. This wand is far more comfortable, so I smile and nod. Pleased with himself, he takes the wand back and places it in its narrow box. I pay for it quickly and leave, only to bump into someone, once again.
"Cheryl-"
"Thank Merlin!" I sigh as I stuff my books in his arms. "Gosh, I was wondering what was taking you so long!"
"Why so few things?" Dad asks, looking at me.
"Well." I begin. "The line back in Gringotts and the bookstore was far too long, so don't blame me. Hurry and help me find a cauldron."
We finish buying the materials in half an hour before Dad Apparates us back to the Manor, where Mum is waiting. Dad and Mum talk about Jas and Luna, who have apparently already gone on their way to Hogwarts. They help me place my cauldron and things in my luggage (which we had to use a spell for, seeing how it definitely wouldn't fit). We settle down for ice cream before I finally ask, "Dad, Mum, do you know who Rose and Hugo Weasley are?"
Mum nods, Dad just looks irritated. "Both are pure blood children of Ron Weasley and Lavender Brown. Why do you ask?"
"Don't know," I begin, stuffing my spoon into the ice cream. "But Rose seems to hate me."
"How come?" Dad asks, apparently amused. I'm ready to throw my spoon, but I continue.
"We were at that bookstore-" Which the name I don't bother to remember, "- and I was getting a book. She reached out just in time when she told me to take it, but I told her I had seen another one around, but she insisted, so I took it. When I was paying, I bumped into her and she introduced herself. Rose Weasley, alright. When I introduced myself, she suddenly turned bitc-"
Mum glares at me. "I mean, she suddenly turns cold and walks away. Just like that. And that Albus Potter kid, too. Really weird, if you ask me."
"Whatever it is," Dad says, "Don't linger on it too long. Jealousy has always been-"
He doesn't get to finish since Mum pokes him, throwing a glare.
"Don't let that get you down so early. You're going to start soon, aren't you anxious?"
My laptop is lagging D:
ANYWAYS. I hope you guys liked this chapter, and please review ! I have most of the plot written down, so expect chapters to be coming in quicker. Enjoy~
KatTheGreat/Kat