Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling, only the Archard family and other OCs belong to me. The French words/phrases will be italicized, as well as the spells. Reviews are appreciated!

Chapter 4: A Shopping We Will Go

Esme POV

It had been a week since the dinner party with the Weasleys and Potter, which had more or less not been as painful as I was expecting. Other than Weasley voicing his bias against Slytherins and reminding me of the bitter end of last term, I enjoyed myself. Fred and George provided decent conversation, and I enjoyed the fact Maman seated George and Blaire right next to each other; she clearly had figured out there was something between them.

Ginny was oddly subdued and shy, whereas before she had been energetically talkative and determined when our families played Quidditch together. From the glances she sent towards Potter, it likely had something to do with him - perhaps the little sister had a crush on her brother's friend. Percy was an odd one - well, odd for a Gryffindor - he would fit right in amongst certain members of Slytherin. I did wonder what made the sorting hat put him in Gryffindor. From what I'd seen, he would thrive in Slytherin and Ravenclaw, yet he was a Gryffindor. Still, it was just a passing thought lacking any real curiosity. Besides, I had a better thing to focus on - our Hogwarts letters had arrived this morning.

Papa handed them out to us to read once again. It was the same thick and heavy yellow parchment envelope with emerald-green ink elegantly scrawled across it:

Ms. E. Archard

Heaven's Garden

Ottery St. Catchpole

Devon

Breaking open the purple waxed Hogwarts seal, I found however, that the letter inside was slightly different from what I remembered before. It read:

HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore

(Order of Merlin: First Class, Grand Sorcerer, Chief Warlock, Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards)

Dear Ms. Archard,

We are pleased to inform you that you have met the requirements to move forward to the next year of learning at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all the necessary books and equipment.

The Hogwarts Express will depart from King's Cross Station at 11 o'clock on 1 September to transport you to the school. Please arrive before the designated time. Term begins on 1 September.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress

I set aside the letter for the other piece of parchment behind it. I was surprised to see that the requirement list only contained new course books.

SECOND YEAR STUDENTS WILL REQUIRE:

The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 2 by Miranda Goshawk

Break with a Banshee by Gilderoy Lockhart

Gadding with Ghouls by Gilderoy Lockhart

Holidays with Hags by Gilderoy Lockhart

Travels with Trolls by Gilderoy Lockhart

Voyages with Vampires by Gilderoy Lockhart

Wanderings with Werewolves by Gilderoy Lockhart

Year with the Yeti by Gilderoy Lockhart

I assumed all these Gilderoy Lockhart books were for Defense Against the Dark Arts course, however, I had never heard of this Lockhart, which was strange since he had so many published works. Yet I found it odd that the new professor would require all these books to be purchased, as they were likely not cheap and some Hogwarts students weren't as well off as others.

"Seriously?" exclaimed Dustin, disgust clear in his voice. "They're requiring us to buy all of that imbécile prétentieux's books."

"Please explain, darling. What is the matter?" asked Maman from her usual place at the table, too far away to read the lists over our shoulders.

"Whoever is the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor is requiring us to purchase seven of Gilderoy Lockhart's over-priced and poorly written books."

I blinked in surprise when Maman's usually kind face scrunched up in clear disdain before she sighed. "Well, it cannot be helped. Your professor has set them as required books, though I worry for your quality of education if they are using his books as a reference."

"Actually," Blaire raised her hand slightly to draw attention to herself. "Alaric and I are also required to get seven of Lockhart's books."

I also spoke up, "Same with me, Maman."

A deep scowl overcame Papa's face. "They are likely the same books, which is even more concerning. The different years should never have the same course books at the same time. Ma amour, perhaps it would be best for the children to remain here and be privately tutored. It seems there is little possibility of them receiving a quality education from this new professor."

"Non!" exclaimed Blaire, who blushed scarlet when all our eyes focused on her in shock. She actually raised her voice at Papa…

Maman quickly stepped in. "I think what ma petite Blaire meant was the children still wish to attend Hogwarts. And I agree. The other courses will still be up to standard and their friends are all there."

Papa didn't look convinced.

"How about this; you can test the children when they return for the summer. If you find their Defense Against the Dark Arts knowledge lacking, then we can supplement their education next summer. Then you may also express your displeasure for the hiring choice and ensure this professor never returns to Hogwarts to teach the children again."

A small smirk appeared on Papa's face and I instantly relaxed, not having noticed how tensed up I was. I'd been scared I wouldn't be able to spend Second-Year with my friends, but was relieved when Papa agreed to Maman's proposal.

"In other news," Blaire began with a proud smile on her face as she held up her hand with a red and silver badge resting on her palm. "I was named as one of the prefects for Gryffindor for this coming year."

"Oh my, that is wonderful! Congratulations!" exclaimed Maman.

"Well done, Blaire. You are well deserving of such a position," said Papa in a pleased but serious voice. "I know you will take your new duties seriously and won't let them interfere with your studies."

I was happy for Blaire and proud her excellence was being recognized. Percy Weasley would likely be the other prefect since he held the position last year. From what I remembered, Percy took his position as a school prefect seriously, so at least Blaire didn't have to worry about being stuck with someone incompetent or someone who would dump all the work on her shoulders.

Both of the Slytherin prefects graduated last term, so Slytherin would be receiving two new ones. Hopefully whoever they were, they wouldn't be like Farley. My opinion of her never rose from our first interaction and I was pleased I would never have to deal with her again; if only I was so lucky where Parkinson was concerned.

I was brought out of my thoughts when I realized they were discussing when we would go to Diagon Alley to get our school things and get our robes adjusted. Carlisle and Dustin may even need all new robes altogether - I swear those two shot up a full foot these last few months.

"I will not be able to take the children shopping until next Friday at the earliest, not when I have already confirmed my attendance to several social invitations I have received," said Maman. "However, I feel uneasy going shopping less than a week before the children depart."

There was silence as we waited for whatever decision Papa was about to announce. "I will take the children to Diagon Alley Wednesday then. I need to purchase a few things myself and will not be at the Ministry that day." he explained in a firm voice, setting the plan in place. "This would mean the younger ones would require supervision," he added, a sharp gaze landing on Fain and Gérard in particular - those two (and Isabelle when she was in a sour mood) would require a sitter rather than a house-elf.

Maman smiled and clapped her hands together once. "Perfect! I will message Tonks to see if she is available to watch the younger children."

I smiled down at my hands resting in my lap, happy I would have the chance to spend time with Papa. Honestly, other than Litha, we hadn't seen much of Papa this summer outside of family dinners. Besides Maman, Alaric was the only one who got to really spend time with Papa because of his heirship lessons. Papa's job at the Ministry and position in the Wizengamot kept him very busy.

With plans made, we all separated for whatever activities we each had set for the day.

Days passed and it was finally Wednesday, the day of our shopping trip. After breakfast, Papa had those of us of Hogwarts age gather in front of the main fireplace. One by one we each took the Floo Network and arrived at the Leaky Cauldron. As with the other times we had gone shopping, we each arrived with no trouble, and waited quietly and patiently for everyone else to arrive. Papa appeared last, and with a flick of his wand, the fireplace soot and ash on our robes vanished.

Papa led the way to the alley entrance, using his wand to tap the specific bricks which would reveal the archway. Blaire kept close to me as we stepped through, with Carlisle and Dustin behind us and Alaric walking up front with Papa as we hurried through Diagon Alley towards the first destination of any shopping trip - Gringotts Bank.

No matter how many times I was in Gringotts, I still marveled at the sight of the many Goblins diligently working, handling precious gems and piles of gold as if they were not anything special or out of the ordinary. As always, my siblings and I went to wait on one of the many benches; however, before we got too far, we were stopped.

"Alaric," called out Papa. We all turned despite only Alaric being called to. "You shall accompany me, the rest of you may wait for us on the bench." Alaric quickly hurried to follow Papa and the Goblin called to take them to the Archard family vault.

"Why do you think Papa only took Alaric with him?" I asked Blaire.

She made a humming noise before answering. "Perhaps it's an heir thing they need to sort out."

"Do you think Father is finally giving Alaric his own Crest item?" asked Carlisle in an excited voice.

"What's that?" I asked.

Dustin answered me. "All Noble Houses have certain wearable accessories which signify their official standing in the families; namely Head, Consort, and Heir. It can be anything from a pin to a bracelet, however, no matter what form it takes it has the Noble Houses' family crest engraved clearly on it."

Blaire continued where Dustin left off. "Father has his ring which signifies his official title as Head of the Family, while Mother has her bracelet which signifies her as the Lady of the House Archard. Alaric could be receiving a piece which would announce for everyone to see that he is Father's officially named heir."

I made a sound of understanding, as it made sense that Alaric would finally receive something like that. Before too long Papa and Alaric walked through the same corridor they left through. However, Papa sent Alaric on ahead while he turned and went to another chamber with the Goblin they were with.

Alaric joined us on the bench. "So?" asked Carlisle, excitement twinkling in his blue eyes. "Is it official?"

"Yes." Alaric smiled wide as he lifted his left hand, showing the bulky ring on his index finger. I leaned in close to get a better look. The ring was silver, and the flat surface was our family crest and etched below it was our family words, Debout Fort. "Father has officially declared me as his heir. He said he's just finishing up the paperwork, and then he'll take us shopping."

"Congratulations, Alaric." I sincerely was happy for him, and knew he both earned this and would do Papa proud.

Finally, Papa returned from his meeting with the Goblin. We got to our feet and left Gringotts behind. Papa took us straight to Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions for our school robes. Thankfully she was just finishing up the final sale for a mousy looking boy, most likely an incoming First-Year due to his small size, and his mother. As soon as mother and son were out the door, the cheerful magical seamstress got to work on all of us.

After measuring both Carlisle and Dustin, she determined they needed all new robes since they both did indeed have a massive growth over the summer. For Alaric, he only needed small adjustments as he grew only slightly, but did get a little bulkier - he certainly preened being told he gained some muscle. Blaire also only needed small adjustments to her robes. Like my brothers, Madame Malkin decided I needed all new robes. I was very happy to hear I grew, I had hoped so, but confirmation was nice.

With all our robes fitted and neatly packaged up for us, Papa shrunk them down for us to carry. Blaire and I put our packages in our purses attached to our hips while the twins put one of their many robe pockets to use. Alaric had brought a messenger bag for himself to use.

With our packages stored away, we left Madame Malkin's shop and made our way to Scribbulus Writing Implements to stock up on parchment, quills, and ink. We stopped along the way at a few shops to pick up things Alaric, Blaire, Carlisle, and Dustin needed for their various elective classes.

I did convince Papa to stop at Magical Menagerie so I could buy Flèche the owl treats he prefers. It worked out well, as my siblings also wanted to buy their familiars and pets some things as well. Papa continued to shrink everything he bought for us down for ease of carrying.

Finally we got to Scribbulus, but getting our stationary items took a bit longer than it should've because we had to wait for a blonde-haired witch in a bright violet dress to finish kicking up a fuss that they didn't have any peacock tail writing quills in stock. Papa kept himself between us and this witch; whoever she was, he did not seem to want us interacting with her.

It was only when the witch realized she wasn't alone with the wizard at the counter did she leave and we could finally purchase our supplies. We were just stepping out of the shop onto the cobblestone street when someone got our attention.

"Blaire!"

Turning towards the shout, I saw Fred and George Weasley walking over with their friend Lee Jordan.

"Hey, Blaire. Wasn't expecting to see you here," said one of the twins as they met up with us (most likely George), before he quickly shifted his attention to Papa. "Good afternoon, Lord Archard."

"Afternoon, boys. Shopping for school supplies?"

"Yes, sir," replied Jordan.

"We're also just enjoying the Alley," added Fred. He then tilted his head towards Blaire, an impish smile on his face. "Wanna come hang out with us, Blaire?"

I smirked to myself when I saw Blaire perk up at the offer, before she shifted to face Papa and unleashed her own version of puppy eyes. "Please Papa, may I go with my friends?"

I resisted the urge to snicker - she hadn't called Papa that in years. Yet, he remained as still as stone. I watched as his eyes gazed at Blaire for a long second before slowly switching to the Weasley twins and Jordan. Papa's entire demeanor shifted, a sharp frown and hard eyes replacing his neutral expression.

"You may spend the rest of our time here with you friends," he finally said. Blaire began to move over to her friends when Papa added, "Alaric will accompany you."

More like chaperone her, I thought to myself as I saw Dustin snicker into his arm before being elbowed by Carlisle. Both Blaire and George blushed - they definitely knew what Papa was implying. So did Fred by the looks of it, who was poorly hiding a smirk behind his hand as he reached to brush some hair out of his face.

"Sounds good, sir," nodded Fred, a smile still stretching wide across his face.

Papa gave both Alaric and Blaire a small pouch of galleons for any further purchases they wished to make before the five of them headed off on their own to explore Diagon Alley. At the very least Blaire could enjoy some time with her friends, but I did hope that perhaps Blaire and George inched closer to admitting their shared feelings - even though Alaric would no doubt be hovering protectively over his sister. Carlisle broke the small silence which had descended over us as the four of us returned to our own shopping. I internally hoped to drag out our time in Diagon Alley to give Blaire all the time she needed with George because I was such a good sister that way.

Imbécile prétentieux's = preening idiot's

Ma amour = my love (female)

Non = no

Ma petite = my little (female)

Debout Fort = We Stand Strong

Madame = Mrs.

Petite papillon = little butterfly

Grands frères = big brothers

J'aime tous mes grands frères = I love all my big brothers

Extra POVs

Ashton POV

I sent Alaric to go wait with his younger siblings while I finished up the rest of the paperwork needed to officially declare my firstborn as my heir. I'd already filed the necessary document with the Ministry, so where they were concerned Alaric was already my officially declared heir. These documents were for the Goblins and, despite what the Ministry may think, were the more important papers.

No matter how some Magicals deluded themselves over the Goblins being lesser than them, Goblins were still beings blessed by Mother Magic with powerful magic of their own. Goblin magic was quite different from that which Magicals wielded, but still powerful in its own right. Nothing short of death could break a magically binding contract or deal of Goblin make.

Hence why legal documents crafted by Goblins remained absolute in the Magical World, and why so many Magicals, despite thinking less of Goblins, still sought their expertise when crafting legal documents. It was standard practice for all Noble Houses to use Goblin-crafted documents and contracts for matters of inheritance and passage of headship and heirship.

Even when a Head of the Family didn't have an officially declared heir at the time of their death, the Goblins were able to ascertain a worthy heir, using the family's own standards established through the centuries, this action bequeathed to them through the ancient agreements made between the Goblins and the old families.

A part of those agreements included that if no heir could be found and the family line was declared dead, then the Goblins received whatever was resting in the family's vaults. Any other items outside of the vault or vaults were left to be either split amongst distant relations who couldn't inherit or the local Ministry of Magic. This meant if for some reason the Archard line were to suddenly end, our properties here in England would belong to the British Ministry of Magic, while our properties in France would belong to the French Ministry, and so on for the few other properties scattered across the world.

The documents to declare Alaric my heir were simple enough, though I paused as I felt a wave of nostalgia float through me. I remembered when my mother officially declared me her heir. I was younger than Alaric was, but still, I felt ready for the responsibility. At the time I hadn't known of the plans Carolynn had for my future marriage, plans she made without my knowledge or consent. I would be forever grateful to my father for ensuring those plans never became official and no marriage contract was legally arranged. Some still had not reacted well, but since they had no legal standing, in the end they were nothing more than aggressors who murdered innocents to soothe their own egos.

I was just finishing up the paperwork when Odbert, the Goblin overseeing the process, spoke, "Lord Archard, your account manager has alerted me of another matter in need of your attention today."

"Very well, I will speak with him," I replied, knowing I should be able to settle whatever this was quickly to get back to the children. I knew they would be safe inside Gringotts. The Goblins, no matter their suspicions and distant hatred for Magicals, would ensure there was no violence in their domain. "I am finished with these."

Odbert took the documents from me and left without a word, his rudeness not bothering me in the slightest - I was well used to Goblins at my age. In a matter of moments, Ragnok shuffled into the small chamber, a stack of parchments clutched in his hands.

Lifting himself onto the nearby stool, Ragnok laid out the documents neatly in front of him before speaking. "As I am sure Lord Archard is aware, recently the Philosopher's Stone was destroyed and thus Nicholas Flamel has died without the Elixir of Life to sustain him."

I remained silent and waited for Ragnok to get to the point.

"His wife, Perenelle Flamel nee Archard, was among those of the Flamel family to also die from the lack of elixir. In her last will and testament she bequeathed several items to the remaining members of the Ancient and Royal House of Archard."

I had heard of Perenelle's passing, but I honestly hadn't thought she would've left anything for her old family. I'd only met her twice in my life: once quite on accident at the French Ministry of Magic, and other at the trial of those who murdered the rest of my family.

"The items are as follows: one cedar chest containing Perenelle's Archard wedding crown and veil, Perenelle's empty hope chest, a sapphire and pearl imbued in silver jewelry set, a Goblin-made silver dagger imbued with emeralds and moonstones, and a silk and lace shawl embroidered with the Archard family crest."

The hope chest, jewelry, and dagger had probably all originally belonged to the Archard family - items she took or were gifted to her when she married into the Flamel family. It was generous for Perenelle to return them to the Archard family instead of leaving them for her own descendants; although with the amount of wealth the Flamel's had amassed, I doubt her descendants didn't also receive plenty of heirlooms themselves.

"Have all the items stored in the main vault. Keep them together and catalog them among the Archard family heirlooms," I ordered to Ragnok, trusting him to ensure the vault remained in its meticulously organized state. Too many things were stored in the Archard Vault for things to be left stacked at random amongst the rocks, and I'd rather not spend hours shifting through everything to find something I was looking for. The Summoning Charm was not reliable when you had multiples of the same type of item to shift through, and didn't always work when it came to the vaults anyways.

"It shall be done, Lord Archard," acknowledged Ragnok as he shuffled up the papers he had brought with him.

"Anything else?"

"That will be all." With those final words, Ragnok left without a backwards glance.

I internally sighed before heaving myself off the uncomfortable wooden chair and returned to the main hall to collect my children. I had a long day of shopping ahead of me to mentally prepare myself for.

Harry POV

I slid out of the fireplace on my back, coughing when I realized the sheer amount of soot I felt everywhere. I carefully opened my eyes and blinked through the grime coating my face, only to squint when I realized my left glasses lens was cracked - probably from when I smacked into something while spinning around through the Floo Network.

I gingerly got to my feet and took in my surroundings as best I could through my broken glasses and the dizzy feeling that hadn't left me. I realized I was quite alone, but I didn't recognize anything. It was definitely some sort of dimly lit wizard's shop, but nothing looked like it'd ever be on a Hogwarts school list. Everything in this shop was creepy, evil-looking, or looked like it walked right out of a horror film.

Even worse than the shop was the dark, narrow street I could see through the shop's dusty windows - it was definitely not Diagon Alley out there. I hesitated, but knew I needed to get out of here (and the sooner the better) so I swiftly made my way towards the door. Before I got halfway there, two people appeared on the other side of the glass - and one of them was the very last person I wanted to see right now: Draco Malfoy.

I quickly looked around and spotted a large black cabinet to my left. I climbed got inside and shut the doors, carefully leaving a small crack I could see through. Seconds later I heard a bell clanged, and Malfoy came into view from the crack. The man who was with him could only be Draco's father - he had the same blonde hair and grey eyes as his son.

Mr. Malfoy lazily looked at the items on display before he rang a bell on the counter. He glanced down at his son. "Touching nothing, Draco."

Malfoy stopped reaching for the glass eye he was about to touch. "I thought you were going to buy me a present."

"I said I would buy you a racing broom," said his father, drumming his fingers on the counter.

"What's the good of that if I'm not on the House team?" asked Malfoy, looking sulky. "Harry Potter got a Nimbus Two Thousand last year. Special permission from Dumbledore so he could play for Gryffindor. All because he's famous, famous for having a stupid scar on his forehead…" Malfoy bent down to examine a bottom shelf, his tone turning mocking, "Everyone thinks he's so smart, wonderful Potter-"

"I've heard enough of this already from you, Draco," chided Mr. Malfoy. "And I would remind you that it is not prudent to appear less than fond of Heir Apparent Potter-"

Heir Apparent? What does that mean?

"-He may be the last Potter, but many regard him as the hero who made the Dark Lord disappear," finished Mr. Malfoy, a sneer spreading across his face. As if a switch was flipped, his face smoothed out into a more polished haughty look that Malfoy always sports about. "Ah, Mr. Borgin."

I shifted to get a better look and saw a stooping man had appeared behind the counter, smoothing his greasy hair back from his face. "Lord Malfoy, what a pleasure to see you again. And Heir Malfoy too, charmed," Mr. Borgin replied in a voice as oily as his hair looked.

Lord? Like Esme's father? And he called Draco an heir…was that just some Pureblood thing, but he also called me some sort of heir too…

"How may I be of assistance?" Mr. Borgin continued. "I must show you, just in today, and very reasonably priced-"

"I'm not buying today, Mr. Borgin," interrupted Lord Malfoy, "but selling."

"Selling?" asked Mr. Borgin as the smile faded from his face slightly.

"You have heard, of course, that the Ministry is conducting more raids," said Mr. Malfoy, taking a medium sized box from inside his robe. He handed it to Mr. Borgin. "I have a few…items at home that might embarrass me if the Ministry were to call."

Mr. Borgin fixed a pair of small glasses before opening the box and looked over the items inside. "The Ministry wouldn't presume to trouble you, sir, surely not a Lord of an Ancient and Noble House?"

I saw Lord Malfoy's form tense up. "I have not been visited, yet the Ministry grows ever more meddlesome. There are rumors about a new Muggle Protection Act. No doubt the Progressives being influenced by that flea-bitten, Muggle-loving fool Arthur Weasley."

I felt a hot surge of anger when he insulted Mr. Weasley.

"I understand, sir," said Mr. Borgin. "Let me see…I should be able-"

"Can I have that?" interrupted Draco, pointing at something I couldn't see on a nearby shelf.

"Ah, your son has exquisite taste!" said Mr. Borgin, abandoning Lord Malfoy and scurrying over to Malfoy. "That's a genuine Green Birdwing butterfly wing under a magnified glass cabochon set in an antique silver setting with opals. The perfect gift for any Noble Lady."

"Your mother doesn't need another necklace, Draco," said Lord Malfoy in a cold voice.

"It's not for Mother," retorted Draco, still looking at it. "It's for Esme, she likes butterflies."

"Oh?" Mr. Borgin said loudly.

"What?" I gasped at the same time as him. I quickly covered my mouth with my hands, anxiously waiting and hoping they hadn't heard me.

I sighed under my breath in relief when none of them looked my way. Mr. Borgin continued talking. "Such a lucky witch, from what family does she…"

Lord Malfoy waved off Mr. Borgin as he faced his son. "I supposed with your excellent grades you earned it." He then turned back to Mr. Borgin. "I will purchase the necklace from the worth of the items I brought to you today. I am in something of a hurry, Borgin, I have important business elsewhere today…"

The two adults started to haggle. I didn't like that Malfoy was having his father buy something for Esme. However, I quickly grew nervous as Malfoy drew nearer and nearer to my hiding place, examining the various objects for sale with a smarmy smirk on his face. I heard my heartbeat in my ears as he walked forward towards the cabinet, his hand stretching out for the handle.

Clang.

I flinched at the same time as Draco when his father slammed his cane against the cabinet. "What did I say?"

"Touch nothing," replied Draco in a sullen voice. "Sorry, Father."

If my heart wasn't currently lodged in my throat, I'd probably be happier at seeing Draco be scolded.

"Come on then, we're going," Lord Malfoy said as he finally removed his cane from the cabinet. "Good day to you, Mr. Borgin."

I wiped my forehead with my sleeve as Malfoy turned away from the cabinet and Lord Malfoy collected the wrapped necklace and a few galleons from the counter. The moment I heard the shop door closing, Mr. Borgin dropped his oily manner. Muttering darkly, he disappeared into a back room.

I waited for a minute in case he came back, then, as quietly as I could, slipped out of the cabinet and hurried out of the shop. One good thing from all that was that the Malfoys gave me hope that Diagon Alley wasn't far from here - I just had to find it, and find it fast before the Weasleys got too worried over my absence.

Special thanks to my Beta-Readers: Anonymous and TheSparkler!