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Over a week and a half had passed and Hermione and Harry were no closer in determining the language of document zero so they contacted Arthur Weasley for help. After filling him in on all the details of how Hermione discovered the document and what they thought it meant. He agreed to help and was shown the pictures of the document. He was unable to identify the writing but recognized one of the signatures as being that of the Merpeople.
Now with Arthur help and a lead on the identity of one of the signatures; they got back to work researching the language with renewed vigor.
However, Arthur couldn't keep his mind on the work and constantly gave into distractions by asking off topic questions.
In frustration, Hermione, Harry, and Arthur decided to take a break by getting something to eat and to discuss other matters that were better discussed away from the wizarding world. So, now they were in a private booth in a muggle restaurant. Once served they cast the necessary privacy spells before getting down to business.
"Mr. Weasley, there's been something Harry and I decided to keep from you till now. It's about Mr. Giles and the organization he works for."
"What about him?"
"The day Harry came to meet Giles for the first time there was a bit of an altercation."
"Altercation? Do tell."
"It would seem that they already knew about magic and knew about it for some time. Although, we soon realized it wasn't our kind of magic."
"Yeah, we found out alright, the hard way." Harry added sourly.
"So, he wasn't a muggle? He was a wizard right?"
"No, Mr. Weasley he was a muggle and it turns out that muggels have there own kind of magic. In some ways, it might even be stronger than ours."
"Muggles doing magic? It's unheard of! How did you find out about this?"
"Harry mistook a witch to be a wizarding witch and was about to arrest her for willingly showing muggels magic."
"We soon found out that her magic was vastly different from our own ways of magic." Harry added.
"She doesn't need to use a wand nor did she have a magical core."
"No wand? That's not possible!" Mr. Weasley argued loudly.
"In essence, she is the wand that harnesses the surrounding magic of earth and nature. She is able to manifest it when needed." Hermione explained.
"Merlin's beard! What you're saying sounds like a fairytale, but what of this Mr. Giles? How dose he fit in? What kind of Organization is he a part of?"
"From what we understand, Mr. Giles is capable of the same kind of magic. He may have taught Willow (that's the witch's name) some of the magic she knows. As for the organization they run; it's a group called the Guardian Council which I found out was formerly known as the Watchers Council." Harry said waiting to see if Arthur showed any sighs of recognition.
"And what does this Guardian Council do?" Arthur questioned.
"Their main job is to help the slayer." Hermione said still waiting to see if Mr. Weasley showed any sighs of recognition. "
"And what is the function of a slayer?"
"The legends state that one girl in the world is magically chosen to become an empowered warrior to fight vampires and demons." Hermione summarized the passages she memorized.
Arthur snorted. "That isn't an overly busy job is it? I mean how often do you even see a vampire really? It's not like there are very many of them. But I must say, these Muggles have odd notions if they truly believe in demons."
Harry and Hermione gave each other a significant look. They may have to educate Arthur about what goes bump in the night. But they figured it would be prudent to take it slow with him so as not to shock him. Besides, they didn't know why there was an unspeakable looking like he wanted to hex Harry after that Abaddon incident.
"Actually, there seem to be many more vampires running around the muggle world than the magical world. Aren't they a type of demon?"
Arthur looked stone faced for a moment before he said. "Do you know if your friends use electro shavers to rid themselves of facial hair?"
Harry and Hermione were stunned by his off topic response.
"Arthur, are you feeling alright?" Hermione asked
"I'm fine. Never better. Why do you ask?" He replied.
"I don't know. Your mind seems to be all over the place today."
"Perhaps, we should take him to St. Mungo's." Harry suggested.
"Harry he just got off, what I sure must have been, a tiring work schedule. He has been working over twelve hour shifts for the past month and a half. I think he just needs a vacation. And here we are asking him to work some more." Hermione announced.
"I am right here you know." Arthur announced not liking being talked about as if he were invisible. "Why do you think there is something wrong with me?"
"Because, you have been distracted all day Mr. Weasley. We tell you about demons and you talk about muggle grooming products."
"Well, it's not like there are any real demons. They're just a muggle myth to scare the children so they don't wonder off."
Harry opened his mouth to rebut however; Hermione put a hand on his arm to stop him.
"Perhaps we'll come back to that later. As we were saying, the guardian Council job is to make ready the vampire slayer. The thing is in the process of us finding out about them they in turn found out about us."
"So you did Obliviate them, yes?"
"Actually, we didn't."
"What! That has to be the most irresponsible thing I've ever heard the two of you do. What could have possibly possessed you to leave their memories intact? This is a very serious! You place me in an awkward position, if I say nothing I'm an accomplice." Arthur said worriedly.
"First of all, we couldn't use a memory charm on them. Their job is too important and they gave us the information about the cleansing, and are still researching it to find the safe zone." Hermione explained.
"Not only that, but we are about to put you in an even more awkward position." Harry announced
"We would like your thoughts on inviting Willow into the wizarding world." Hermione blurted out.
"Have both of you lost your senses? Aren't you in enough trouble? What would possess both of you to do such a thing?"
"We wish to build a better friendship with her and the rest of the Council. They are helping us and we are helping them. In the end, it may come down to the only people left we have are each other. Besides, she does a form a magic so technically she is a witch. As a matter of fact, she may be more powerful than most wizards. She may have been able to defeat Voldemort back in the day." Hermione explained further.
"Surely, she couldn't be that powerful! You did say she was a muggle didn't you?"
"Well, from what we learned, she was part of the reason that Sunnydale collapsed." Harry said.
"She did it to save the world from a vampire army." Hermione continued.
Arthur spit and sputtered until he was finally able to form words. "Good lord."
"So, with her magic, do you think it would be alright to bring her to Diagon Alley?"
"You want to bring someone with that much power into Diagon Alley?"
"Power has nothing to do with it. She's not evil. Her profession should show you that." Harry said.
"And you both think it's safe to bring her without any prior knowledge of our world."
"The Parents of a muggle born are allowed into the alley to pick up school supplies for their child. There shouldn't be anything said if Hermione or I escorted her."
"You understand it will be your heads that will roll if you're caught."
"I think everything will work out alright Mr. Weasley. All I have to do is go home and contact her. I think I figured out the Guardian Council's e-mail program that came with the computer."
"Computer? Those are the muggle machines with all the buttons. What exactly do they do?"
"I suppose the best way to put it is that they're a Muggle calculating machine with the ability to research, teach, and communicate."
"Muggles are so fascinating." Arthur said in awe.
/Scene break/
Hermione got home and dug the laptop out of her beaded bag. She was using the computer several times a week to better understand its functions and the Guardian Council as well. She found links on the subject of demons and was fascinated to find out that there were so many different types. She could spend another seven years schooling herself on the subject. It was odd that in the past several weeks her knowledge of computers grew at an unbelievable rate compared to all the time she spent trying to figure it out in the library before she ever met Mr. Giles and Willow.
She opened the E-mail program that she was studying for the past few days. She found the e-mail address to Willows account. She then hit the button that would create a new e-mail document. She started to type making sure the content was vague enough so that anyone who might read it wouldn't get the full picture of what she was saying.
Dear Willow,
I would like to invite you to go shopping at some of the specialty shops in London that are only known to the few who are into what you and I are. Since tomorrow is the weekend; I can pick you up around nine thirty if you so desire to accompany me. I'll be watching for your e-mail.
Hope you're willing,
Hermione Granger
Hermione moved the curser to the send all button and pushed it, the letter was sent off. In the next few minutes, she discovered her inbox flooded with mail. Hermione was surprised at all the responses. She began opening them one by one.
Hello Hermione,
Specialty shops huh?
Sounds kinky. Hope you two have fun.
Good tidings,
Amanda
Who was Amanda and how did she get the letter she sent to Willow she thought. She opened the next one.
Hey Hermione,
If its specialty shops you guys are looking for, there is suppose to be a real lovely one on Bullion street with all kinds of fun toys to get your jollies
Wishing you the best of luck,
Jill
They think I'm taking Willow to a sex shop. This is so embarrassing. But how did they get Willows mail? She thought as she opened another letter.
Dear Hermione Granger.
I write this under the assumption that you are new to the world of computers as many of the slayers from third world countries were at one time. There is no need to feel embarrassed as many of them made the same mistakes in the beginning. Your mistake was that you should have hit the 'send' button instead you hit the 'send all' button which sent your letter to everyone in the Council address book. The girls will undoubtedly give you a bit of tease for it but they do it in good fun. Please don't let this turn you away from the wonderful world of computers.
Your friend,
Watcher second class
Bill Grind
Oh no. This is awkward. She thought.
For the next half an hour, she read some of the replies and snickered at some of the girl's responses. She now had more addresses of the surrounding adult stores than she cared to know about.
These Girls are supposed to be teenagers. Why do they know where all the sex shops in London are? She wondered. Then, she finally came across an e-mail from Willow.
Hermione,
I'm sure everyone has told you about the 'send all' thing. It happens. Don't worry about it. As for going out to the aforementioned shops, I'd love to go and as I don't have anything planed for tomorrow it sounds like a great way to spend the day. See you at G.C. England at Nine thirty.
Your friend,
Willow Rosenberg.
"Well that's a good start to building a friendship with Willow and the Guardian Council." She thought
/Scene break/
The next morning Hermione appeared in the teleport receiving room of the Guardian Council in England. She walked up to the desk of the guard on duty.
"I'm Hermione Granger here to see Willow Rosenberg."
"Miss Willow will be right down; won't you have a seat while I give her a call?"
The guard didn't get a chance to pick up the phone when suddenly, Willow came through the door.
"Hermione, you're here already. Great, I can't wait to see the shops. I can't imagine where in London you found any witch supply shops that would have anything useful. I usually have to go out to the countryside were the coven have a farm to find magical items I need."
"Willow, I'm not just taking you to some new age shops. I'm taking you into the magical community where I work and live."
"Really? Wait, I thought you worked at the Great Library of England."
"I do, but I have a part time job as an Auror."
"That a magical policeman, like Harry right?" Willow asked.
"A dark wizard catcher, yes. And Harry works full time"
"Okay, let's go." Willow said happily
"First, I think we need to do something about your look."
"My look?'
"Yes, unfortunately at this time of year, there aren't any muggel parents shopping for their children. You'll have to wear one of my robes. I just happened to have some with me."
"Umm… okay, I guess we'll have to go up to guest accommodations to change."
"Guest accommodations?"
"I don't actually have a room here since I live in Cleveland; so I use the guest room, this place used to be a hospital so there's no shortage of rooms."
Later, as they came down the stairs and back to the teleport room Willow and Hermione were stopped by Dawn who said.
"Hi Hermione. Why do you both look like you're headed for a Renaissance fair?"
"That's what I said." Willow replied.
"I'm taking Willow to the wizarding shops in Diagon Alley. She needs to blend in since, the wizarding world is steeped in tradition hence the robes."
"Well, as much as I love shopping you would never get me to wear that, have fun." Dawn said smiling.
Eventually, they reached the teleport room. Hermione remembered one other thing. She reached into her hand bag and removed a long leather pocket with straps and a stick in it.
"Here put this on your wrist. Wear it under your sleeve."
"What is it?" Willow asked.
"It's a wand holster. You may be wandless but you need to look the part."
"I feel like I'm going under cover. Do I have a name and cover story too?"
"Yes, your Willow Rosenberg a witch formally from California in America newly relocated to Cleveland." Hermione whispered.
Willow smiled. "Do you think I can remember all that? I hope I can stay in character."
Hermione smiled, "The only difference is you'll need to make believe you're a wand witch but you shouldn't need to pull it out. Also, you'll need to keep your emotions in check. If you looked surprised you may give yourself away."
"Right." Willow said seriously. "So, umm… are we ready?"
"I think we covered everything. Just remember, I'll be paying for everything. You can pay me back when we get back."
"Umm… okay, but why?"
"Oh sorry; I didn't mention that the wizarding world has its own currency and goblins are very perceptive creatures - They will know something is wrong."
"Okay, that's a jump! How did goblins enter the picture?"
"Oh, sorry again; they actually run the wizarding bank called Gringotts."
"Makes sense, all references to the goblin say they're ruthless when it comes to anything gold."
"Alright, are you ready?" Hermione asked.
"I sure am."
"Then hold on to my arm. We will be taking Air Hermione today." She said remembering Willow saying the same thing in reference to traveling by her power.
In a blink of an eye, they disappeared with a crack. Willow struggled to catch her breath from the magical ride.
"Does it always feel like your getting shoved through a tiny tube?"
"If you do it enough, you get use to it. I wouldn't blame you if you want to do the driving on the way home."
"Thanks but if I can get use to it; then maybe, it'll be better next time. At least I have an idea of what to expect."
Willow looked around and said. "Hey I think I've been on this street before. Someone once told me I could get top quality aconite from an apothecary here but I never found any sign of one."
"Interesting." Hermione said wondering who would give out such information. "Tell me Willow, what do you see across the street?"
"Umm… a record store."
"And what do you see to the left of the record store?"
"A bar called the Leaky Caldron. Wait a moment is that like a witch's caldron? Does it also double as an apothecary?"
"Hermione was surprised. You mean, you can see a pub."
"Well, yes; it's just sitting right there. Is it supposed to fly or something?"
"No, but people who aren't of the wizarding world should be unable to see it."
"Oh! Umm… well, I can see it just fine."
"Come on, let's get something to drink." Hermione said pulling Willow's arm across the street.
They entered the pub. Willow was a bit surprised to see that the people did in fact wear robes on a regular basis. She tried to look unsurprised.
"Hello Tom, two butter beers for my friend and me, please."
"Coming right up Hermione." Tom replied.
"Isn't it a bit early to be drinking?" Willow whispered to Hermione.
"Relax. I simply wanted you to have a well rounded experience while you're here. Butter beer is a wizarding beverage-it's quite lovely and nonalcoholic."
"Oh. Okay."
"Tom brought the drinks. Willow took her first sip, a smile widened upon her face."
"This is fantastic!" She whispered to Hermione excitedly.
"It's also common place. So act as if this weren't your first time trying the beverage."
"Sorry." Willow said sheepishly. "But this stuff is good. I don't see how it couldn't bring a smile to anyone's face."
"Yes, I admit it's been my favorite ever since I entered the magical world at eleven. This is the reason that I wanted to introduce it to you."
They finished there drinks. Hermione asked if she was ready for some shopping. Willow nodded affirmatively. They made their way to the back of the pub and exited out the back door. Willow became confused as to why they were in a dead end court yard. That's when Hermione pulled out her wand and tapped the bricks. The bricks began to move, they formed into an arch. If that wasn't amazing enough than what she saw nearly made her squeal in delight. She was proud of herself for not showing excitement that Hermione might scald her for. That was until she felt Hermione's hand under her chin to close her mouth.
"Welcome to Diagon Alley Willow." Hermione said.
Willow smiled as they walked through the arch. Willow was in awe as she saw the caldron shop, Madam Malkin's Robes, Eeylops Owl Emporium, and Magical Menagerie pet store among others.
"Wow, it's just like you said, you guys actually use owls. She whispered to Hermione. Can we go in the pet store?"
"Sure," She replied as they headed for the door.
Inside Willow was enamored by all the beautiful birds and other animals. Among the owls, she saw a couple of falcons and a toucan. There were also cats, rats and bats. One particular Siamese cat caught her eye. That is to say, their eyes locked and the cat seemed to be looking into Willow's soul. Willow was startled. She heard a voice in her mind say. "My name is Pyewacket."
"Umm… Hi, my name's Willow Rosenberg. It's nice to meet you Pyewacket." She said.
Hermione looked at her strangely. The proprietor walked over to speak with Willow.
"Pardon me, but did you just name that cat?"
"Umm… No. That's what the cat said its name was, Pyewacket."
"Well, I can't sell a bonded familiar and she seems to have bonded to you. Will you need a cage, or a collar and leash?"
"What?" Both women said.
"What do you mean bonded familiar?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah, what she said." Willow replied.
"A normal familiar is an animal that over time can become like a friend to you. A bonded familiar is like a best friend from the first time you lay eyes on it. It's almost a spirit bond if you believe in some of them muggle Wicca claims. That cat will never be close to any other person that would try to become its owner. The first chance it gets it will run away and probably become a stray as well as feral if the person that is bonded to it refuses to take it."
"Umm… just what can you tell me about muggle Wicca?" Hermione asked the Proprietor.
"What's to tell? They're Muggels. Not like they can do any real magic. If you'll follow me you can pick out a nice collar and tags for your new friend." The Proprietor said as he walked away.
"Umm… thank you." Hermione said turning to Willow.
"Please, don't get offended by what he says Willow. He doesn't know about what a true Wicca can do."
"I'm not offended. These days, I enjoy being underestimated."
"I just don't understand how … what did you say her name was?"
"Pyewacket."
"I just don't understand how Pyewacket bonded to you like that. No offense but your not even a wizarding witch. Something, I would think you needed to be for it to happen. My cat crookshanks hasn't bonded to me like that. Have you heard of any familiars bonding to a Wicca before?"
"Other than Xander being possessed by a hyena spirit that one time, no."
Hermione looked at her in bewilderment. "You and your friend lead strange lives."
"Pot calling kettle." Willow replied with a smile as they caught up with the shop keeper.
"Excuse me sir, but what else can I expect from my new pet. Will it always talk to me?" Willow asked.
"Probably not. They usually just tell you there name the one time and that's it. But, I've heard that some send their owner's pictures relevant to what they want or to warn them of some kind of trouble. If not pictures some may send you feelings or emotions. Then others may simply act as a pet. A bonded familiar is a fascinating creature none the less."
They picked a collar, harness and leash. This was the only money they spent as the proprietor wouldn't take cash for a cat that couldn't be sold to anyone else. Willow decided to forgo a cage, she didn't want to carry such an item through the alley for the rest of their shopping trip. Besides, Pyewacket seemed to like sitting across Willows shoulders with her new rhinestone collar and harness. As long as Willow held the leash; she knew her pet would be safe.
"So, where to next?" Willow asked.
"Well, you did say something about an apothecary didn't you?"
With that, they headed down the street to the apothecary. Willow was amazed at the shear size of the place saying that she had seen smaller home remodeling centers. It had everything a witch could want and some things she couldn't identify. Willow came out of the shop with a large bag of ingredients all of which were extremely difficult to find in the muggle world. Willow decided to stock up. Then they came upon Knockturn Alley. Willow asked. "What's down there?"
"That's a place no respectable witch or wizard would want anyone to see them enter. Many of the darker wizards head down there for illegally cursed items."
"Well, you're a witch police officer and I've dealt with dark things. So maybe we can see what kind of things are there."
"Why would you want to do that?"
"Well, like I said, I dealt with dark things. Sometime dark things can only be defeated with dark artifacts."
Hermione thought about it. Eventually she agreed to go. It was at none other than Borgin and Burkes that Willow was able to spot two crystal spheres. Without telling Hermione she entered the store. She started to look through more items that interested her. The spheres were the only things that captured her focus before the shop keeper made his appearance.
"May I help you?" He said looking nervous when he saw Hermione.
"Yes, these spheres, are they anything special?"
The shopkeeper looked to Hermione before saying that they were just brick-a-brack to highlight some of the other Items. They weren't even real crystal, just forms of glass.
"I might be interested in brick-a-brack. How much do you want for them?"
The shop keep looked at them for a moment. "A sickles each should be enough."
"She saw Hermione nod that it would be acceptable."
"Very well, would you by chance happen to have any more?" She asked.
"As a mater of fact I believe they came as part of a larger set." He said walking behind the counter he pulled out a wooden box. He opened it to show that it held four additional spheres with empty places for the two that now lay on the counter.
Willow sighed as if uninterested. "What kind of a deal can you give me for the set?"
The shop keep wondered how interested she might be but realized she couldn't be that interested since she was examining a monkey's paw.
"Five sickles and seven knuts?" He asked wondering if that was a reasonable price for the useless items.
Willow looked up at him then down at the box of spheres and pouted. "Very well, I suppose I can find some place for the rest of them." Willow said.
They paid the shop keeper and left the building. They head back to Diagon Alley. On there way there Hermione asked what was so special about these glass spheres. Willow replied that she would tell her when they were out of the wizarding world. Hermione now knew there must be something really special about them.
Their next stop was Flourish & Blotts. Hermione knew that if Willow was anything like her; she would be spending the rest of the money. Sure enough, two hours latter they emerged with Hermione announcing that the only thing she would now spring for was an ice-cream beause that's all she could afford.
As they sat at the outdoor tables of Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor, Pyewacket sat on a chair also enjoying a small scoop of frozen cream. Willow thanked Hermione for the best shopping day she ever had that wasn't clothes or shoe related. Hermione laughed and told her she was welcome.
"I'm just sorry that you didn't get a chance to see my friends joke shop. I didn't realize he was going on vacation this week."
"That's ok. I've had fun just the same." Willow assured her. "And just so you know; I plan on paying you back as soon as we get back to the G.C. How much do you think I owe you?"
"In American dollars, it comes out to about three hundred and fifty bucks."
Willow looked shocked.
"Oh!" Hermione exclaimed. "Did we spend too much? Are we going to need to take some things back?"
"Are you kidding!" Willow exclaimed. "I thought I would be paying double that at the least. This place is cooler than I thought."
Hermione was relieved. Just then a wide eyed blond haired woman walked up to them.
"Hello, Hermione."
Hermione looked up too see her old friend.
"Luna!" Hermione jumped up to greet her in a hug. "It's so good to see you." She then turned back to Willow. "Willow, I'd like you to meet a good friend of mine Luna Lovegood. Luna, this is my new friend Willow Rosenberg."
"It's nice to meet you." They said in unison shaking hands and laughing afterwards.
"It's an honor to meet a new witch."
"I've actually been a witch for a while." Willow joked.
"No. I mean a new witch as in family witch."
Willow looked to Hermione. Hermione was knitting her brow before she asked. "Luna, what exactly do you mean by family witch?"
"I mean I can see that Willow used to be a muggel before becoming the first witch of a new house." She paused looking at the two stunned shoppers before adding. "It usually happens after one performs a rather powerful piece of magic. It's really nice to see a new family just starting out. They're so rare these days."
Both Hermione and Willow still looked confused; Luna pushed on.
"But the reason I stopped was because I was hoping you take me with you when the world ends."
Now, the two other women were not only further shocked but also panicked because Luna had this aloud in public.
"Luna, would you please not say things like that out loud." Hermione whispered, making others look her way.
"I find that no one besides you and Harry usually pays attention to what I have to say, but whispering always draws a crowd."
"How do you know about that?" Willow asked.
"I'm not sure how I know things. I just seem to search my thoughts and there they are." She said in her dreamy voice.
"Are you a seer?" Willow asked.
"I don't think so. I've met several seers and I don't think that I have that particular gift."
"She may not be a seer but she is very perceptive." Hermione said before turning to Luna. "But how did you know I knew anything?"
"It's like I said; I don't know how I know things but I think that if you know then Harry must know as well."
"Yes, and Arthur Weasley and Professor McGonagall for now. But no one else in the magical world knows yet. We don't want to start a panic."
"It's probably for the best." Luna replied leaving a long awkward pause between them while Luna looked on expectantly.
Hermione finally picked up on what Luna was expecting. "Luna of course you're welcome to come with us. As a matter of fact, we'd welcome your help, any help you could give us actually. You would have been at the top of our list… if we actually had one."
"You didn't start yours yet?" Willow asked. "We started ours a few weeks ago. You should stop by the next meeting. We covered a lot of important topics that I didn't even consider before the meeting. I can send you and e-mail when we have the next one."
"That might be interesting, thanks."
"Hermione," Luna said looking very sad and ashamed.
"What is it Luna? What's wrong?"
"It's gotten lonely at the Rookery since my father died last year. I tried to make a go of it, living by myself, but it gets ever so scary at night especially after nightmares involving the war. If it weren't for keeping the Quibbler running, I think I'd be talking to myself by now. I don't like living by myself anymore. I know you live by yourself. You must have nightmares worse than most, since you helped Harry through the worst of the war. You and Harry were the only ones that were nicest to me. I was wondering; if you have the room and if you wouldn't mind; I'm just so ashamed to ask if…if you can see fit to allow me to stay with you for a while. Maybe just until the world ends. You said, I can be a help. But, I don't wish to be an imposition."
Hermione was shocked. She didn't know what to say. "First of all, I'm sure you wouldn't be an imposition. But Luna my apartment is tiny. No, that's not true, it is large but I've filled the rooms with books. I just don't have the space."
Hermione sat there ashamed that she couldn't do anything to help her friend. Luna accepted it without resentment, this made Hermione feel worse.
"Umm… excuse me," Willow interrupted. "Hermione may not have any room but luckily she met a new friend who has a few extra rooms."
"Who?" asked Luna.
"Me. Well, The Guardian Council has plenty of rooms. You would never be alone there; plus, the girls know what its like to have terrible nightmares. They have some of the worst. I'm sure you'll make all kinds of new friends there."
"Oh, thank you Willow. Thank you, Hermione. I'm going to get home and pack things. I'll have to put this week's copy of the quibbler to bed.
When you're ready, we'll meet you at the leaky caldron to take you to the Guardian Council.
"I'll be back around six tonight then. And Willow don't leave Diagon alley till you see Mr. Ollivander. He has answers to your questions."
With that, Luna rushed off before Willow could ask who Ollivander was.
"Darn, I never got to ask her what she meant about that family witch thing." She sighed.
"I wouldn't take Luna too seriously. She can be really… well, she could be…what I mean is she she's really…out there."
"Oh! How out there?"
"In school she would go on and on about animals that didn't exist. I always felt it was because she witnessed her mother die in a potion accident."
"Oh, the poor dear! Well, is that guy Ollivander imaginary?"
"No, he's England's foremost wand maker. He makes only the best."
"I'd like to see that. What's in these wands anyway?" Willow asked pulling out the one Hermione gave her.
"A peace of a magical creature; I believe that one has Demiguise Hair. I took it off of a death-eater. Mine has dragon heartstring. According to Mr. Ollivander, no two are the same and the wand chooses the witch or wizard."
"Well, can we go meet him? He sounds fascinating."
"Sure, he's just down the alley."
They finished the ice-cream floats, gathered there packages and Pyewacket and moved on down the alley. Willow found the simplicity if his understated window display endearing to his craft. They entered his shop. Willow saw many long thin boxes holding wands. It wasn't long before Mr. Ollivander hobbled to the front of the shop.
"May I help you Ladies? Oh, Hello Miss Granger; to what do I owe the honor of this visit?"
"Hello Mr. Ollivander this is my friend from America Willow Rosenberg. I was just showing her the stores of Diagon Alley."
"And you brought her to a boring old wand shop like this when there are plenty of other fine shops in the Alley."
"This happens to be where I purchased my first wand the same wand that got Harry, Ron, and me through the war. I still carry this wand and use it daily. Your wand, Mr. Ollivander." Hermione argued.
"Yes, I remember many of my wands were used in the war on both sides."
"It was your wand that defeated the death stick." She shot back.
"We don't speak of that Miss Granger. Besides, that had to do with wand lore more than any wand I crafted."
"Excuse me, but I wanted to come and see how you make a wand. I know it must take a while but I just wanted to see what tools you use. I might have some questions about the process."
"Ah, so you want to become a wand maker Apprentices maybe."
"Umm… more like an interview."
"Ah, a journalist."
"Umm… more like a student writing a paper."
"Ah, that's better. I don't like journalists."
"It was Luna's Idea for us to come here really." Hermione injected.
"Miss Lovegood thought to send you here?"
"Well, yes, she said something about a first witch or family witch, this intrigued us." Willow replied.
"Ah, well, I don't think we'll see any in our lifetime."
"But what exactly are they?"
"A family witch, also sometimes called a starter witch, is in essence the start of a whole new family house. It happens when a muggle Wicca or Voodoo Witch does a spell so powerful that they change their bodies which normally are conduits for earth magic, they grow a magical core of their own. It would be different from the cores of most witches or wizards because they are still able to use there bodies as a wand just as before the big spell. Although, I wouldn't advise it, that kind of magic is rather addictive. This can lead one to dark places. This is why wands were invented in the first place."
Both Willow and Hermione's minds were spinning with this new information. Both had the same thought Willow could be a wizarding witch. She could have a magical core. She could be a family witch.
"What do you mean that's why wands were invented?" Willow asked.
"Well, when you use a wand you don't feel any addiction do you? A wand is a tool. One of its abilities is that it takes the small amount of your magic and amplifies it to do your bidding."
"So when you use a wand you don't feel the rush that you would doing wandless magic." Willow added.
"Exactly!" He said.
"You said that the witches or wizards core are different. So will a family witch or wizard be a true wizarding witch or wizard?" Hermione inquired.
"As I said a witch will be able to do both kinds of magic; their offspring however, will be true wizarding witches and wizards. For the record, only the women can become a family witches. There can never be a family wizard. It's a matter of pluming you see. The core grows by using the womb."
While talking, Ollivander had been watching their body language. Being the man he was; he started to put things together and didn't beat around the bush. He felt he was too old for that.
"Miss Rosenberg you wouldn't per chance be a muggle witch would you?"
Both Willow and Hermione looked like a deer caught in the headlights.
"I see." Ollivander said. "And you believe yourself to be a first witch?"
"Actually, this is the first we heard of it so…" Hermione left her sentence hang because she was at a loss for words.
"May I see some wand less magic?" Ollivander asked fascinated to see a possible first witch, a powerful muggel witch that could do wand less magic.
Being a little nervous Willow said "Umm alright I guess." she put out her hand, her lips moved a bit. She whispered a small spell which made a light appear, it was about as bright as a forty watt light bulb without the bulb.
"Fascinating!" Ollivander said with a smile of glee.
"Here," she said handing him the light.
He slowly took it. It didn't have normal mass nor did he feel anything solid. What he did expereance was an almost intangible magical energy that felt almost gelatinous.
"When I was a boy on my great grandfather's knee he told me he had the honor of knowing a first witch when he was a lad my age. Each generation of wizards has the potential to live between one hundred and fifty to two hundred years old. That's quite a long time. He told me I'd be lucky to meet one as the Wicca teachings were dying off. "
"May I?" asked Hermione wishing to hold the light. Mr. Ollivander passed it along to her.
"It will only last another minute." Willow announced.
As Hermione examined it she said, "This is really incredible Willow."
"It's just a variation of the spell I used at the night life bar."
"So what was the big spell you used that you believe has made you into a family witch?" Ollivander asked.
"Umm… well there was this situation with this being that wanted to take his army and kill everyone on the face of the earth, I had to of activate the safeguards across the world to prevent that from happening."
"Across the whole world? Yes, well that would do it. At least, it wasn't dark magic."
This startled Willow. Hermione hadn't seen it as she was watching the magic light fade. But Ollivander had noticed and Willow knew he noticed.
"I suppose you would like to find a wand for yourself?" He asked.
"I hadn't thought of it but yes; I suppose I would."
"Excellent! Miss Granger would you be so kind as to buy us three bottles of butterbeer from Tom at the Cauldron please. It is lunch time you know and this may take awhile." He asked handing her a few knuts.
"Sure Mr. Ollivander, I'll be right back Willow." She said exitinf the shop.
"Now, why don't you tell me about the other spell you used, the dark one?"
Willow fidgeted before finally saying. "That was a dark time for me. A murderer took the life of …." Willow stopped as she wasn't sure of the wizarding world's views on being gay so she adjusted her story. "Took the life of my soul mate. I couldn't let him get away with it. I was so depressed and so deep in mourning that I tried to destroy the world."
"Good lord! Well seeing we're still here; I'd say the spell failed or there was an intervention."
"It was an intervention. My best friend was able to get through to me. Made me realize it wasn't the way and that it wouldn't bring my… umm, soul mate back."
"I see. Well, this changes things a bit."
"Changes things?" Willow asked worriedly.
"For the better, you've narrowed down the type of wand we're looking for."
"I have?"
"Oh my yes! Since you're flexible, you'll need a wand made of ridged wood such as oak, ash, or mahogany maybe even ironwood. Being a first witch, we can narrow it down since there are only so many cores a first witch can use."
"We don't even know if I am a first witch yet." Willow said as Hermione came back with the bottles of butterbeer.
"With the spells you have done there's very little doubt; but I do have a device that measures ones' core."
With that, Mr. Ollivander opened a box and took out a wand with what seem to be a large wooden round growth on one end. It was the size of a baseball. He looked at Willow then back to the device. He seemed to come to a decision when he pulled the device out of the box and gave it two short jerks while whispering a spell. He then handed it to Willow and the wooden growth glowed as bright as Willows spell did earlier. Ollivander was stunned; but not for the reason the other two thought.
"I see, very well. I think this should narrow it down and proves you do have a magical core." He said taking the wand back.
"May I try?" Hermione asked.
"Surely," He replied jerking the wand once more while saying a different spell. Then he handed the device to Hermione. The device lit the same as it did for Willow but only not as bright.
"What does it mean when it's not as bright?"
"It means Miss Rosenberg has a more powerful core. But that's to be expected, most family witches are known to have strong cores."
"I see." Hermione said not feeling any jealousy at all. Some witches and wizards were stronger than her magically but she knew that power wasn't everything. She handed it to Willow to give back to Mr. Ollivander who moved between them. Upon giving it to Willow Ollivander shouted "No." But it was two late, the light from the globe at the end of the wand was near blinding. Willow threw it to the counter and the devise stopped emitting a blinding brilliance.
"What happened?" Hermione asked blinking from the spots in her eyes.
Thinking quickly, Ollivander said. "When you handed the device to Miss. Rosenberg the combination of both your power flooded the devise for just a second to give a higher than normal reading." In truth when Ollivander gave Willow the device the first time he thought that Willow might be a very powerful wand waver by the stories of her Wicca spells. So he set the device to a setting that would emit lower levels of light when in Willows hands. However, when he handed it to Hermione it was at its normal setting. When she gave it to Willow the thing nearly burned out with Willow's power. He felt that he would hide this fact so no one would try to use her.
"Oh, I see." Hermione said.
"Now let's see about finding a wand for you." He said.
"Oh no, I just thought of something. We're out of money." Willow realized.
"No problem. I can always go across the street to the bank and get more, if you'll be paying me back of course."
"Of course, I will."
"As I remember, new family witches get there own family vault and some galleon to start their new family. Why don't you both go and I'll pull some boxes of wands for you to try when you get back."
The women were stunned to hear this.
"I must say, I'm kind of insulted. They should do that for the Muggle born witches and wizards as well." Hermione stated.
"Ah, but there is no proof that a muggle born doesn't have a squib in their family line, at least, not without a lineage test."
"What! Why is this, the first I'm hearing of this lineage test? Do you mean they could find out if I'm related to an existing magical family?"
"Or a long dead one, yes. If so, you may already have access to a family vault. They can perform the test right there at Gringotts. But Hermione, you should think on this. You might not like what Family you find yourself in. If a family is found they will be notified if they still exist."
Hermione pondered this for a moment before nodding. She then looked to Willow. "Willow, let's go to the bank and see about this family witch vault while I have a few words with bank management."
"Perhaps your cat would like to stay here with me while you have words with the goblins. After all, Gringotts is no place for a pet." Mr. Ollivander suggested.
"Perhaps he's right Willow; I don't think cats like goblins. I know crookshanks dislikes them."
Without any indication, Pyewacket jumped from Willows shoulders and onto the counter
"Not to worry, I'm sure she's in good hands." Hermione said ushering Willow out of the shop.
"Hmm. This could turn out to be quite an argument. If it comes to blows Miss Granger might not survive the goblins. That is unless Miss Rosenberg stands by her then this could be the end of the goblins." Ollivander thought chuckling to himself.
Two and a half hours later, Willow and Hermione reentered Ollivander's wand shop.
"Wow! I never had so much fun going to the bank before, they have an indoor rollercoaster. It was so cool."
"I had to force her to keep her hands on the safety rail because she kept raising her hands in the air." Hermione told Mr. Ollivander.
"You've got to raise your hands on rollercoaster's." Willow announced as if it were common knowledge.
"Actually, it's more of a mine car than a rollercoaster ride. I never thought you would be one for such things."
"After riding in a car with Buffy at the wheel you realize rollercoaster's are safer."
"Hermione raised an eyebrow at that statement. She took a mental note not to get into a car with Buffy Summers at the wheel."
"Those goblins were so adorable in their business suits."
"Only you could make a statement like that." Hermione said with a smirk.
"Well given the creatures I deal with I guess I see things differently." She then turned to Mr. Ollivander. "I got five hundred galleons just for being a family witch, and another five just having Hermione sign as a witness. Thank you so much for telling me about that incentive"
Mr. Ollivander chuckled before saying. "I'm very happy for you. Well let's get started shall we? After gathering all the information from you; I'm quite positive that we'll find that your wand will be in one of these thirty boxes. Three different types of wood of different lengths using cores that would coincide with the types of magic you used in the past. Let's begin, shall we."
He pulled out the first wand. It was about twelve inches of Mahogany. Willow took it from the box and looked it over.
"Just wave it a bit." Ollivander said.
She did just that and bubbles shot out of the tip only they weren't made of soap. When they hit the wall, they broke into glass shards.
"My grandfather told me that finding a wand for a family witch would be a new and fun experience."
"Sorry about that," Willow said.
"Not to worry, things usually explode."
Willow looked like she was hit in the face with something heavy at his announcement. She carefully took the next one. She was now a little cautious as she gave it a wave. This time a stream of white goo started to paint the wall in front of her.
"Nope, not that one." Ollivander announced as he handed her the next one.
All at once she was bathed in light that wrapped around her entire body. She knew this was the one for her.
"Wonderful, got it in three. That's a new record for me, breaking my old one of five." Ollivander announced.
"What kind of materials is it made of?" Hermione asked.
"It's a very special wand indeed its nine inches of oak with a duel core."
"Duel core?" She asked. "What would merit a duel core?"
"It would seem that Miss Rosenberg has used both light and dark magic in the past."
"Well, she did say that some of the dark things she has dealt with in the past took a dark spell or artifact to be destroyed. What are the cores?"
"Unicorn hair and thestral heart string."
That someone would have any part of a thestral within their wand was disturbing but not knowing enough about wand making she just let it pass.
"You'll teach me how to use it right?" Willow asked Hermione.
"Of course, I'm sure Luna won't mind helping since she will be living at the G.C."
"Right, I'd almost forgotten. Looks like I'll be coming to England more often." She then turned to Mr. Ollivander. "How much do I owe you?"
"All wands are seven galleons."
Willow dug into her purse and pulled out the amount specified.
"So where to next?" Willow asked Hermione.
Hermione got a wicked look in her eye which Willow didn't notice and said. "I have one more place we could check out on the way home."
"Okay then, we'll see you later Mr. Ollivander. Thank you for your time and your help, come on Pyewacket lets go and see your new home."
They left the building and headed back to the Leaky cauldron. Willow got the same feeling she got when she left an amusement park. It was a fun and exciting day but regrettably it was time to go home. She got Toms attention and asked for a case of butter-beer to take home. Once she paid for them they made their way out to the street when Hermione turned to Willow.
"There's another mode of travel we can use to get home which I can teach you to use right now. The only thing you'll have to do is stand at the curb and hold out your wand. I'll take Pyewacket and follow."
"That's it, I don't have to think of a destination?"
"Nope, just hold out your wand at the curb."
Pyewacket leaped into Hermione's arms. Willow turned to the curb. She thought it was strange that this magic had to be done at the curb but she did as she was told. The moment she held out her wand a purple triple-decker bus appeared with a bang, which made Willow jump back so fast she fell over and landed on her butt.
"What the hell! I made a bus!" Willow said in awe.
Hermione laughed. "You didn't make a bus. Sticking your wand out at the curb is like sticking a thumb out to hitchhike. This is the Knights bus. It's another form of wizarding transportation. I thought you should know about this for emergencies."
"Oh, okay that's nice. I guess it'll be a more comfortable ride than apparition." Willow said getting on the bus not noticing Hermione's wicked grin. She only hoped the thrill ride her and Willow were going to experience was worth the prank of not telling Willow about it as the bus took off fading into nothingness.
A.N. / Anyone know where I pulled Pyewacket from?
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