The funeral was the first time I met Tom's extended family. His niece Sylvie was the first to approach me and introduce herself. "Hannah, Uncle Tom told us so much about you each time we saw him. He was truly impressed by you. I understand you've worked at the Leaky Cauldron for three years now? I hope you're keeping it pristine for us even now that Uncle Tom isn't there; I'm sure my brother Rupert will make it worth your while."
I knew that this confrontation was coming, and I remembered to keep my temper in check. "Actually, Rupert doesn't owe me anything, and neither do you," I informed her casually.
"Have you quit?" she asked, alarmed. "Oh, I don't know how we'll manage to run the tavern without an experienced hand like yourself."
I took a deep breath before answering her. "I haven't quit, and I can promise you the Leaky Cauldron will be perfectly fine."
"It's quite a disgusting name, don't you think?" Sylvie rambled. "I was thinking we might have to change it, since I can't bear to own a place that implies filth. Perhaps we could call it the Enchanted Garden?"
"The name will not be changing," I said flatly.
She looked as if she had been slapped. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me," I told her quietly.
"Miss Abbott, if you don't stop your nonsense this minute, you will be fired from the tavern," she threatened.
"What a shame that you don't have that authority," I retorted.
"Rupert does."
"Ah. Where did he get it?"
"He inherited it. Everything Uncle Tom owned was passed down to his family. As we agreed last night, Rupert will run the tavern and split the profits between the eight cousins," Sylvie bragged.
"I'm sorry, Sylvie, but Tom no longer owned the tavern when he died."
"What did he do with it, then?" she challenged.
I winced. "The day before he died, he signed it over to me."
Last chapter, I asked you how the family would react to the news. Ready for the answer? Starting in chapter eight there will be blackmail, threats, vandalism, and other methods of under-the-table coercion.
This chapter's question: I'm having an awful time naming a few people (witches and wizards). Want to suggest a name or two? If at any point I use your suggestion (now or in the future), I'll give you a preview of the next chapter to be posted at that time. Thanks!