Chapter Thirty-One

To Hogsmeade, With Love

When Jeremy arrived back at the castle on Sunday, he found Quintin settled by the fireplace, working on his homework. It took only one look to get Quintin to gather his things and head to his room for a conference.

"So did I read that correctly? The Dashing Doppler came to your house?" Quintin asked, pulling out an extra chair so that Jeremy could sit on the other side of his desk.

"Yeah, he brought some pizzas and said it was a trade of sorts. But I knew my folks were watching, so I asked him to meet me at Quickbrooms for drinks instead," Jeremy explained. "And when we did, he began to ask all sorts of questions about your family... especially about its Christmas traditions."

"Christmas traditions?" Quintin repeated unsurely.

"Like for starters, he wanted to make sure you celebrated it, and what kinds of things your family does, and then asked what sorts of foods you generally have. He even asked what Jay and Rus might like for Christmas," Jeremy said.

"What did you tell him?" Quintin asked with a frown.

"I didn't see anything wrong with answering him generally speaking, but I didn't give him any details. Just that your family tends to get together a lot for parties and things. That ought to scare anyone off," Jeremy said.

"Still, we ought to mention it. Come on," Quintin said, taking the door and stepping through into his sister's nursery, which was empty at the moment. That's when he noticed the other door was open. It was led into his mother's sitting room, so he knocked on the open door.

"Oh, come in, Quintin, what is it?" Jennifer asked.

She was sitting at the table, and from the way she turned the papers over in front of her, she was probably working on exams.

"Jeremy had another encounter with the Dashing Doppler. In Pittsburgh," Quintin explained.

"What, really?" Jennifer said with surprise.

"He was asking all sorts of questions about your family's Christmas traditions, Professor Craw, and about what sorts of presents and food everyone liked, especially Jay and Rus," Jeremy reported dutifully. Both of them were surprised when Jennifer smiled with apparent amusement.

"To think that he traveled all the way to Pittsburgh to ask you that! I suppose he must have decided that it would be too risky to try to meet you at Hogwarts again," Jennifer said. "Either way, I don't think you have anything to worry about. I think he was asking you questions because Alexandria promised to take him on a shopping trip. He was probably attempting to get some information beforehand."

"That would explain why he asked specifically about Jay and Rus, wouldn't it?" Jeremy agreed.

"I don't get it! They're rivals," Quintin protested. "He's a super spy and she's the head of the department attempting to catch him. How does it make any sense that she would be taking him Christmas shopping?"

"I don't get it either, but when he asked, he seemed genuinely curious, not hostile. In fact, I got the impression that he was trying hard to get me to like him," Jeremy said.

"That's probably just a trick so that you'll give him more information," Quintin told him.

"Alright, those are all valid points, but let's withhold judgment since you really have no way of knowing and an assumption at this point might be dangerous," Jennifer told them. "I admit that I know a bit more about this that I can say, and I think the best course right now is if I let Alexandria know that it happened. Jeremy, if he tries to contact you again while you're at the school, please come straight to me, or go to Janus or Severus if I'm not available."

"I will," Jeremy promised.

"Thank you for bringing it to me right away," Jennifer told them sincerely. "But perhaps you'd best make sure all of your reading and work is done for tomorrow. Reviews will be here before you know it."

"Yes, Mum," Quintin said.

Still both confused and curious as to why the Minister of Mysteries would take a criminal shopping, Jeremy reluctantly followed Quintin out. Jennifer chuckled softly to herself.


Even after saving up money and going on the last Hogsmeade trip to shop the deals, Rus wasn't quite sure how he was going to manage to get everyone left on his list. He waited his turn and stepped off the bus, stopping to stare at the list. Fetch growled slightly when he didn't move right away.

"Oh, sorry, Fetch," Rus said, then made room for Sissy and her dog.

"So where to first? Honeydukes?" Sissy asked.

"Yeah, I guess, but I really don't know how I'm going to make this work," Rus admitted.

"Just shop sales like you did last time. I doubt anyone's going to complain if what you get them doesn't match what they suggested," Sissy said.

"It's not that... I mean, technically I do have enough coin left to cover everyone on the school list. But if I do, I won't have enough left over to buy anything for my own family," Rus explained.

"I know. Why don't you make your family presents this year?" Sissy suggested. "You could make cakes or biscuits or something and tie them with ribbon. Nobody turns down Christmas cookies, and it wouldn't cost a lot of money to do that."

"You know, that's not a bad idea," Rus admitted. "Do you want to come over to the house before the holidays and help me make up some parcels?"

"Sure, if I can make some up as well," Sissy said. "Besides, it'll probably be the last time we'll be able to spend time together before you head off to Whitebridge."

"Oh yeah, I didn't think of that," Rus admitted.

"It's going to be strange not having you around at school," Sissy said glumly.

"Oh hey, you'll be alright. You've lots of friends now between the order, the Quidditch team, and Pete," Rus pointed out.

"Yes, Pete. He's just curious natured," Sissy said with a laugh. "But I'm still going to miss you."

"We'll plan something over the summer. We could meet every weekend at Aviation or something," Rus suggested.

"Didn't your Grandmother say you had to get a job this summer?" Sissy reminded him.

"Oh yeah. Well, I'm sure we can work around it," Rus reasoned, then stopped short when Sissy wasn't expecting it. "Oh, hey! My cousin Hadrian has his store open! And boy, is it packed!"

"Really?" Sissy said curiously. "On this side, then, next to the music store? What sort of shop is it?"

"I'll read the sign. It says, "The Eight Brothers Toys and Games," Rus said, looking in the window. "There are some great building sets in the windows. On one side of the door, there's an elaborate castle set with knights and courtiers, while the other side of the door there's an ancient Rome set with a fort surrounded by a large wall and lots of toy horses and things. Shall we go in? It is a bit crowded in there."

"It sounds like everyone got distracted by it coming off the bus. We should take advantage and head to Honeydukes while we can. Besides, you don't want to be tempted to spend your money before you have that list done, do you?" Sissy pointed out knowingly, then began crossing the street.

"Yeah, I guess you're right," Rus said. He craned his neck around to see what else was in there until he tripped, falling painfully onto the pavement.

"Are you alright?" Sissy asked.

"Ow... yeah. I wasn't looking where I was going and tripped on the curb," Rus moaned, rubbing his elbow before getting to his feet.

"Would you like to borrow Fetch for the rest of the day?" Sissy teased as straight faced as she could get.

"Very funny, Sissy," Rus said. She laughed at him, stepping onto the curb and walking over to Honeydukes, listening intently at the door with a smile.

"Great, it's not busy yet! The other students did get distracted," Sissy said triumphantly, stepping inside.

"I'm not surprised they got distracted," Pamina said, carrying a crate over to the candy bins to stock them.

"We looked around the toy shop before the bus got here, and it was absolutely fantastic," Pippa added. "What a great addition to the high street, too, we really needed a regular toy shop in town!"

"Yes indeed, it's been very good for business," their mother said at the counter as she rang up another student's order. "Ever since it opened last week, I've had to order twenty percent more stock than usual. I expect it'll go up rather than down as Christmas nears."

"A bit quiet in here right now, though," Rus admitted.

"I very much expected that, since the students have never seen it before," Fiona Dimple said. "And I also expect the money that students spend in here goes down, since there's another shop to tempt them away. But to be honest, before my father retired, I often felt that our business was a bit too dependent on school trips and Christmas to make ends meet during the rest of the year. It became more evident any time there were any disruptions that kept the students away from Hogsmeade. But on balance, every store opening has led to more business, like the tea room, the bakery, the music store, and the Maxen's off-license. Now we've got this new toy shop with prices much more reasonable than the ones in London, and that brings more people in. Even the library and its little used book store has helped some, and while the Daily Prophet didn't add to a lot of foot traffic in town, it did add to a lot of overworked employees who run in for a quick pick me up during their breaks." Rus and Sissy laughed at that. "Overall, our margins are much healthier on the day to day. A little lost revenue from small coin purses is nothing in comparison, and I bet that after lunch when the students are worn and looking for a snack, we'll be as packed as usual, even if it's the sickle candies they're after."

"I bet you're right," Rus agreed with a grin. "Do you have anything on sale, Mrs. Dimple? I'm still working on my Christmas list for my order mates."

"We have boxes of Christmasy-flavored Bertibotts on sale, as well as candy canes made in house that change flavors as you lick them, three flavors on each one," she said, reaching under the counter to stack up the paper bags.

"Those candy canes sound very interesting, Rus," Sissy suggested.

"I think I want to see what flavors are included in the boxes first," Rus decided.

"A sale?" said a haughty voice.

Rus looked over to see Moira and Bonnibel stepping inside the shop.

"Most businesses have them, Moira," Sissy said, not liking her tone at all.

"I suppose they need a sale, considering how dead it is in here. Everyone's over at the toy shop," Moira said. "So much for being the most popular shop on Hogsmeade days."

"There's room enough in town for everyone, and only the holiday candy is on sale, and last season's chocolate frogs, of course," Fiona replied quite unconcernedly.

"I prefer fresh chocolate," Bonnibel said, going over to the newer selection.

"Chocolate has enough sugar in it that it's preserved for a very long time, Bonnibel," Sissy pointed out.

"All the same, if you're planning to get our sister any candy on that list you're working on, I'm sure Cadha prefer the chocolate frogs that are not on sale," Moira said.

"Thanks, Moira, I will get them," Rus immediately agreed.

"I'm alright with last season's cards, Rus. I'm still missing a few," Sissy offered, despite being more interested in the candy canes.

"You? Collect frog cards? What would be the point of it?" Moira asked.

"The point is that I like them, which is why anyone buys anything," Sissy said.

"But you can't see them," Moira said bluntly.

"I read the backs with my earpiece and some of the cards describe themselves. Besides, I rather like the feel of the paper and the smell of the chocolate, and I like getting the whole set because they're really easy to sell."

"I suppose that's true. After all, you have two familiars to feed, unlike the rest of us," Moira said.

"I'm done, Sissy," Rus said quickly.

"Good, I'm ready," Sissy said, grabbing one of the surprise bags of mixed candy just so she wouldn't need to wait and stood in line behind Rus.

Fortunately there was only one other person in front of them, so they were soon outside again. Sissy exhaled before getting a handle on Fetch again.

"Those two are real pains in the arse, aren't they? Such snobs, too," Rus complained.

"Yes, they certainly are," Sissy agreed. "Just why did you give in to their demand to get Cadha the new line of chocolate frogs, anyway?"

"Because Cadha requested a scrying crystal for Divination class. The frogs cost half the price as the crystal, and if she asks me why I got her frogs, I can honestly tell her that her sister suggested it," Rus explained.

"Brilliant!" Sissy said with a grin.

"I thought you'd like that," Rus said. "Zonko's next?"

"Yes, if the toy shop is still busy," Sissy said.

"They might be playing Sardines," Rus observed.

"Ugh, then let's go to Zonkos and Pitch Plus and leave it until after lunch. If it's still busy after that, we probably ought to brave it," Sissy said.

"Right," Rus said, then slowed a second. "Hey, there's my Mum... walking with some guy towards the tea room. Think she'll give me more money?"

"My money is on no more money," Sissy warned him.

"I need to hurry, she's near the door," Rus said and ran ahead, calling out for her.

Alex paused at the door with a frown, but looked a bit worried. Her thoughts were cut off from him, so Rus slowed, wondering if the handsome man next to her had something to do with it.

"What is it, Rus? I'm in the middle of something right now," Alexandria explained.

"Ah, this must be young Icarus, your younger son!" the man said cheerfully. "Your boys are both so handsome, Alexandria, but I have a feeling that this one fairs his father more."

"I do, thank you," Rus said. "Mum, can I have some more coins? All of my money is going to purchase gifts for an Owl Goal and it'd be nice to be able to afford lunch later."

"And what is an Owl Goal?" the stranger wanted to know.

"It's a sort of challenge at school to help us work on self improvement, really," Rus explained. "I'll work it off during the holiday, Mum."

"Well, now, I'm sure your Mum wouldn't let a poor lad go hungry. She's a good mother, and wouldn't let her children starve," the man said with such certainty that Alex reached in her pocket and grabbed some coins, holding them out to her surprised son.

"Here! If you don't work it off, I'll deduct it from your Whitebridge money, so I suggest you make good on it," Alex said.

"Thanks, Mum," Rus said unsurely. The strange man gazed at her proudly.

"Okay, well, you and Sissy go back to whatever it is you're doing. As you can see, I have a business lunch to deal with," Alex said, opening the door.

"Sure," Rus said.

"Shouldn't I be the one opening the door?" the man inquired.

"If I'm paying, I'm opening the door," Alex snapped. "After you."

The handsome man went inside and Alex followed behind, leaving Rus quite confused as he watched them through the window as they sat down.

"So she ended up giving you money after all?" Sissy asked as she stepped up to him.

"Yeah... she didn't even count it, and there are a few galleons in the mix. Weird," Rus said with a frown. "I wonder who that guy she's having the business lunch with is?"

"I think it's the Dashing Doppler," Sissy said. Rus stared at her.

"What?" he said flatly.

"It's just a hunch, based on how he was gushing over you like he did that one night, and the fact that your mother was in a real hurry to get rid of you. Not only is it not like her to do something like that, but she went out of her way not to introduce you. Besides, he smelled of roses," Sissy added almost as an afterthought.

"You're not going to be an agent when you graduate, are you?" Rus teased.

"Probably not much of a challenge," Sissy decided. "Speaking of jobs, can we go to the music shop as well?"

"Sure, why not? After Zonko's," Rus said, and the two of them walked over to the joke shop and went inside.

Stepping between the buildings, Mr. Jack peered down the street to make sure the two of them had gone all the way inside. Then he curiously stepped to the window to get a closer look, studying the two of them for a moment or two before going into the bakery to find something to buy.

The Magician watched with open interest as a tea tray came out with a variety of sandwiches.

"There we are! Nice and light! Nothing heavier than egg salad... I recommend the cucumber sandwiches or the cream and berry, especially with the tea," Nevera said.

"Thank you very much," the Magician said in French, producing a rose for her and completely missing the irritated look across Alexandria's face. Nevera thanked him for the rose and complemented him on his accent before going to check on other customers. "Isn't this wonderful!" the Magician declared when he turned back around. "Which one should we try first?"

"Pick whatever you like, you're the picky one," Alexandria said, and he went straight for the berry, while she helped herself to the egg salad.

"I have always wanted to visit a tea room! This is so authentic," the Magician said emphatically, while Alex looked at him with a rather unimpressed expression. "Thank you for suggesting it. Is this where you normally like to eat in town?"

"Sometimes. I guess it depends what kind of mood I'm in, and where the boys want to go. Most of the time I get stuck at the deli," she admitted.

"Oh, I have not been there, but it sounds like you don't like it much," the Magician said.

"It's just that it's small and gets full quick, so normally we end up eating outside when we go there," Alexandria explained. "They do have a vegetarian sandwich that you'd probably like, but it's better to do takeaway, really. When the weather's warmer, the students typically take their sandwiches to Keki's Grove and eat there."

"What is that?" he asked curiously.

"It's a special place in the forest near here where a Unicorn Horn is buried, and where the Lia Fál is located," Alexandria explained.

"Aah... not your Unicorn's Horn, is it?" he asked with fascination.

"No, I... wait, how do you know I have a Unicorn Horn?" Alex suddenly snapped. "Have you been in my Goblin Vault?"

"No," he assured her. "It is just that I know that you have siblings who are close to you, one of them in particular has been referred to as a Rider. I also know that your mother is famous for riding a Unicorn to fight Dementors. It only makes sense that you and the siblings close to the Rider's age had encounters with them as well."

"Oh, sorry," Alex said, grimacing slight at her own overreaction. "It's my mother's Unicorn's horn that's buried there. Its magic protects the area and makes it so that nothing unsavory gets in there. Mine is put away in my vault. I've never really done anything with it, mostly because... well, I feel a bit guilty when I look at it, honestly. I lost my connection with Esta earlier than any of my siblings, even Andrew, for the... well, usual reason," she explained, the Magician nodding thoughtfully at that. "Anyway, I always felt as if my bond with Esta probably wasn't as strong as the others. They often spoke as if it nagged them at times, and Rel was practically a slave to it. But when the call came, I hurried into the Dark Forest to be with her, but by the time I reached her, it was too late," she admitted, a pained expression coming to her face. "The centaurs were with her, and her Unicorn family. The centaurs gave me the horn."

"It sounds as if she wasn't alone at least, and I'm sure she sensed you from the moment you entered the Dark Forest boundary," the Magician said quietly. "It is a sad thing, but I do not believe your bond was any less strong than the others. If it seemed that way, it is only because Esta loved you so, and wanted your free spirit to remain free. In turn, I'm certain you were just as determined to see her live her life freely as well. But that doesn't mean your bond wasn't strong, Alexandria. On the contrary, you understood each other's needs and willingly made the decision to do what was best to insure the other's happiness, even if it meant staying apart from one another."

Alexandria stared at him in stunned realization, and suddenly the tears began to fall. She felt conscientious of where she was and did what she could to hide it but couldn't stop them, taking the offered handkerchief as her other hand was pulled under the table so that he could hold it comfortingly for a moment.

"I'm sorry," Alexandria finally got out, managing to clean off her face, at least temporarily.

"What for? Those tears were a long time in coming," the Magician pointed out.

"It isn't just Esta. Part of it is," Alexandria admitted to herself, feeling the deep hole in her chest for the first time. "It's because of how often I've had to let go of things for the sake of someone else's happiness... it's overwhelming sometimes... I just... never noticed it had started a long time ago... giving things up for others like that."

"Considering that your Unicorn did the same thing for you, I would say it is just in your nature," the Magician decided. "If there is a problem to understand, is it that you don't know just when to stop giving. Giving too much of yourself has bred within you a deep bitterness and resentment that more than likely has caused you to lash out a time or two because of it."

"Unfortunately that is quite true," Alexandria replied.

"I also suspect that lashing out causes you to feel even more regret with every instance," he suggested.

"Also true," Alexandria admitted. "Actually, for a while there, it was more than just lashing out. It was a lot more like a rebellion that didn't do anything but cause a lot of hurt feelings between me and everyone I cared about. The worst part of it is that really didn't solve much in the long run. If anything, it just added to my problems." She looked up in a daze, suddenly realizing who she was talking to. "I can't believe I just told all of that to the Dashing Doppler," she said flatly.

"Considering that you just grieved for the loss of your Unicorn, I would suggest that this is something that you have been trying to work out for decades. I just happened to be the chap at the table when the pieces fell into place," the Magician replied. "Besides, I'm as attentive a listener as you are a talker. I'm sure it feels quite natural to talk to me."

"Too natural," Alexandria said, then squinted at her tea. "Did you put something in my tea?"

"That is not my way," the Magician said and shook his head, pointedly sipping her tea to prove it was safe before putting it back.

"Thank you. You know, in certain cultures, drinking my tea like that might be taken as a come on," she warned.

"Would you like me to come on to you?" the Magician asked with interest.

"No! Hell, no... try a cucumber sandwich... drink your tea... did you want to finish this deal and go shopping or not?" Alexandria said firmly.

The Magician humored her by getting a sandwich, his expression changing the moment he bit into it.

"You're right. These are fabulous! Amazing! Stupendous! I must have the recipe," he said excitedly, gobbling the rest of it up and reaching for another one.

"I just... don't know how to react when you get like this," Alex admitted. "It's just a regular cucumber sandwich. They're not that hard to make."

"You can make these?" the Magician asked with interest. "You must be a really good cook!" Alex stared at him blankly. "Perhaps you can make them if you invite me to dinner at your house sometime."

"No! No no no!" Alex said, and found herself wagging her finger at him like a misbehaving puppy. "That is never, ever going to happen, so you may as well stop while you're ahead. I know better than to ask someone as forward as you to my house for dinner."

"Oh? Why not?" the Magician asked curiously.

"I... don't know how to answer that question without getting myself into trouble. This is a business arrangement and nothing more. It would be inappropriate for you to enter my personal space," Alexandria informed him.

"Like it was for me to drink your tea," he said.

"Exactly," she agreed.

"But you wouldn't have drank your tea if I hadn't drank your tea first," he pointed out.

"Only because I thought you drugged me," she snapped.

"So in other words, all I would have to do if I want to go to dinner at your house is to make you feel like I have done something sneaky and you didn't feel safe going there until I went first and proved to you that I didn't," the Magician decided.

"Did you or did you not want to stay out of Azkaban?" Alexandria snapped.

"Azkaban wouldn't hold me. I've seen the plans," the Magician informed her.

Alex opened her mouth but nothing came out. She grabbed another sandwich to cover for her hesitation.

"Fine, then we'll simply have to change the plans now that they're out of your reach," Alex said at last.

"But the Solidarity Party refuses to give in to any more prison funding without more transparency," the Magician reminded her. "Just how are you going to pay for any changes? Besides, I thought you were interested in containing Public Enemy #1. Maybe it'd be better to keep that as your goal, because attempting to build a prison to keep me in would be a lost cause... at least with your current budget restraints," he decided, helping himself to a tea cake. "Are you about done? I can't wait for our fun shopping trip. You are paying for fun too, right? That was the deal."

"Far be it from me to expect me to pay for your own shopping," Alex said dryly, getting a cake for herself as well.


In a comfortable flat above the Eight Brothers Toy Shop, Jennifer sat on a sofa with a parcel of Mitch's pastries, munching out them as she peeked out the front window. She heard footsteps on the wooden stairs and could tell without looking around that it was Severus. He went over to the box and frowned at how few pastries there were.

"Do you realize just how many of these you've eaten?" Severus asked, picking through what was left.

"I'm sure I'll work it off later. I don't suppose you could get me more coffee while you're up? I don't want to miss anything," Jennifer said.

"Do you know if they are even in the village yet?" Severus asked.

"Yes, Alex's arrow is on Hogsmeade, and she wouldn't have come without him. She told me that she was taking them to the tea room first, and I have a very good view of it from here," Jennifer said.

Severus set her coffee on the table and then stepped up next to the sofa and gently slid the curtain to the side thoughtfully. Jennifer had no more taken a sip when she saw movement and Alex stepped out, dramatically opening the door with a flourish as if she was trying to make a point.

"There they are," Jennifer said, setting down the coffee.

The Magician stepped out as well, saying something to Alex, who said something back as she shut the door. Alex even seemed to glance up slightly at the window and then gestured down the street, and the Magician nodded. Alex stayed on the far side of the street to give her mother a better look.

"Handsome enough. I wonder who he stole that face from," Severus mused. He decided almost at once that they seemed to have some sort of chemistry that was obvious even from a distance, despite the fact that Alexandria was obviously frustrated with him for some reason.

"What do you think, Jennifer?" he asked as he glanced over at Jennifer. He was somewhat surprised to see the glowing smile on his wife's face, gazing at the window with open eagerness and delight. "You must have picked something up. Do you know who it is, then?" he asked, seeing her reaction.

"Yes, I know exactly who it is. It's her Cosmic Match!" Jennifer replied excitedly, watching them walk down the street. "I'm so happy for her! What a strong couple they'll make!"

"I'll admit they look well together as he appears now, Jennifer, but Alexandria doesn't look even remotely happy at the moment," Severus observed.

"That's because she hasn't realized it yet. She doesn't know who she's dealing with," Jennifer explained, still gazing at them with open joy and fascination. "But notice how he looks at her, Severus. He knows she's the one he's been looking for!"

"I'll grant you that he seems taken with her, but do you mind letting me in on whatever it is you're seeing right now? Who exactly is he?" Severus asked.

"I think it's very important that Alexandria discovers to the answer to that question for herself," Jennifer decided.

"In other words, you're saying that there's some reason you can't tell me," Severus concluded bluntly.

"The reason is complicated, Severus," Jennifer said, watching them until they stepped into Honeydukes. Then her expression became more thoughtful. "I think it's very important for things to keep going the way they are... and for Alexandria to keep exploring the conflicting emotions she's been dealing with so that she can move forward in life. She needs to come to terms with who she is as a person in the here and now if she ever wants to achieve that lasting happiness she yearns for. In fact, I don't think I should even report to her. Perhaps it's better if she doesn't even know I've seen him," she said seriously.

"And exactly how do you propose to cover that up?" Severus asked. "She knew you were planning to stay in this flat and watch... in fact, it was your plan."

"Perhaps I was called away... perhaps I needed to head to Whitebridge for some reason," Jennifer suggested. "Hadrian and Uncle Augustus have been too busy in the shop to have even noticed me other than getting the key, and I could have been called away just after that."

"Very well, Jennifer, I'll cover for you. But you had best go straight away if you're going to Whitebridge so that your watch hand is pointing in the right... oh, it already is," Severus realized, rolling his eyes before handing her the Time Turner. "We've been here for about an hour, by the way..."

"Thank you, Severus," Jennifer said sincerely, taking the Time Turner and putting on her cloak before Disapparating. Severus immediately began cleaning up, deciding that eating the rest of the pastries was the best way to get rid of the evidence.


Being the first students off the bus that day, Jay and Ella had gone straight into the toy shop, eager to look around. Shelves with toys lined the main floor section and different themed sections, and there was a "Tiny Tots" play corner. Near the registers was a long shelf filled with inexpensive toys, which was the one most of the students were inspecting. A spiral staircase led to a half-level filled with plushies and dolls, while directly below was an impressive selection of board games taking up two of the back walls. On the third wall was a shelf filled with trains, miniatures, and other scenery supplies.

As Ella and Jay made their way towards the back, they noticed Andrew and Laura combing the shelves. Laura gasped, pointing towards the top shelf of games.

"There it is, Andrew! Up there!" she pointed.

"I'll get it," Andrew told her, reaching up and pulling the Wizard Tiddlywinks set off the shelf and handing it to her. Hugging it against her as if it were a cuddly toy, Laura beamed happily and made her way to the queue. That's when Andrew noticed Jay and Ella enter the section. "Hey, Jay. They have quite a selection of trains over there. Let me know if you think any of them would be a good donation for the museum," Andrew said.

"Very well," Jay said. "Let's go over there first, Ella."

"Alright," Ella said, and the two of them stepped over to the wall while Andrew went to join his wife. "I take it you know a lot about trains, considering your uncle wants your advice," she ventured.

"My father and I collected them when I was growing up," Jay explained evenly. "Uncle Andrew had a large miniature set with a track where I could run my trains around. Dad used to take me to different train shops all of the time to try and finish my collection, but when he died, I lost all desire to collect them any longer. I donated them to the WHAT Museum and took up the violin instead. I can't be anywhere around trains any longer without thinking of him."

"Does it bother you?" Ella wondered after watching Jay go through the boxes.

"I don't know that bother is the right word, but I don't know a better one. It's complicated, really," Jay admitted. "I don't think I'd ever want to own another train myself, I'd find no joy in it anymore. At the same time, I don't mind volunteering at the museum and putting my knowledge to use in the children's department so that others can get joy out of it. Hey look, there's a Great Western 4073 over here... Castle class," he explained, taking it down to look at it.

"Oh? Is that good?" Ella asked.

"They ran from the 1920's through the 50's, quite popular and fast for the time," he explained.

"Looks like a big cylinder on wheels to me," Ella shrugged.

"Yes, I guess it does a bit," Jay admitted with a grin. "Here hold this, and I'll get its corresponding cars so we can take it to Uncle Andrew."

Fortunately they managed to get to Andrew and Laura before they got to the end of the queue. With that done, Ella suggested going to Honeydukes next, the two of them pleasantly surprised to find that while it was quite busy, it was no where near as stifling as it usually was, and they had a chance to look a bit first.

"Are you going to get Rus and Quintin something here?" Ella asked after getting a basket and putting in several boxes of Christmas chocolates.

"No, I'd rather get them something more substantial than that, especially Rus."

"It must be nice to have a sibling. All I have are cousins," Ella commented.

"I have plenty enough of those," Jay replied.

"I know. We share some of the same cousins, if indirectly," Ella said, pointedly putting in some chocolate frogs for Jack, Joey, and Jillian.

"Are you getting anything for Sam?" Jay asked.

"Oh right, the baby. Maybe one of those new candy canes," Ella decided, picking one out.

The two of them heard someone clear his throat and Jay looked up to see Douglas standing there.

"Well?" Jay asked.

"The errands are done. Will there be anything else?" Douglas asked.

"That was fast," Ella commented.

"My sisters and cousins helped me get it done faster so we could try to get a table at the Three Broomsticks. It's hard to get a table considering how many of us there are," Douglas explained.

"Fine, you're excused. If I think of anything else, I'll send someone with a message."

"Okay," Douglas said. "By the way, did you know that your mother was here?"

"My mother?" Jay repeated in confusion. "Why would she be here today?"

"I don't know. Saw her walking into the tea room with some wizard I've never seen before, having a late breakfast or early lunch or something," Douglas commented with an unknowing shrug.

"A date, perhaps?" Ella inquired.

"Impossible, my mother doesn't date. More than likely, it's someone from the Ministry or for an investigation of some kind. She certainly wouldn't be here because of the school being here," Jay told her. "As long as she's not going toe to toe with Bagman, I really don't care. In fact, let's avoid her so we're not pulled into whatever bull she's into this time."

"Okay by me... but if we see my Dad, I'm stopping for coins," Ella warned as they stepped into the music shop.