Hello Sinners, I hope you enjoyed the party last chapter and such cause now we start the Chamber of Secrets Arc. Also, I want to thank all of you for following this story as it's close to 600 follows and Favorites. The poll had to be redone I deleted it by accident. But this time you can vote on two. So that will be left alone for a few chapters. Anyway, let's start with some Q&As.
Plzlookit: So you don't like the choices? Or Prefer canon?
Sm0keyPanda: Godammit indeed. The house-elf caused a food fight. Though I did laugh when writing that part.
.3950: Good question indeed.
Jebest4781: Vaggie won't show up for a very long time, but it will all make sense soon.
Anyway, Let's dive into Hell once more.
Chapter 15: Burrow, Knockturn, and Lockhart
The drive to the Burrow was a long one as it did take them a few hours to get to Devon and for Mister Weasley to park the car a few feet outside the house. "Here were are, home sweet home," Mr. Weasley said as he got out of the car, walking pasted a lopsided sign that read 'THE BURROW'.
Both Harry and Charlie stepped out of the vehicle and got a better look at the Weasley's house. At first, it looked like a small cottage when it was first built. But had parts of the roof removed to make it look like an unstable tower with four or five chimneys in place. Both of the Morningstar children knew the Weasley's were poor, but they had no idea the living situation was like this. Compared to their own massive house, this was a shed that tried its best to resemble a castle tower and was likely only still standing in its crooked way because of magic supporting it. "Well, this looks cozy," Charlie said with a smile as she looked at the house.
"It looks nice," Harry said as he did have to admit that it looked better than the living situations back in Pentagram City with the apartments normally having the smell of blood, sex, or bleach. Then again, he was raised in Hell so that's not too surprising.
As they were done looking at the outside, they helped Mr. Weasley with baggage and headed inside. The inside looked crowded but comfortable at the same time. Charlie watched as a brush was scrubbing a pan in the sink and a pair of knitting needles animated to start crafting something from the nearby yarn. Harry looked around and saw a colorful grandfather clock. Instead of a minute hand and an hour hand, it had the faces of all the Weasley's shown. And instead of numbers, it labeled Home, Dentist, Lost, Quidditch, School, Garden, Work, Forest, Prison, Bed, Holidays, Tailor, Hospital, and Mortal Peril.
"It may not be much like your house probably is, but it's something we still call home," Mr. Weasley said to both Harry and Charlie.
"I think it's brilliant," Harry told the older wizard as Charlie agreed with him.
"Well, come now. Take a seat. We'll be having breakfast soon and I have to tell Molly that we arrived," Mr. Weasley gestured them both to the kitchen table.
But before he could call out to his wife, he could hear her up the stairs. "What is this mess!? I told you to clean all of this up by morning! This is the first time your friends come over and you want them to see a mess!? Seriously, Ron, you should listen to your mother more often."
"But Mum-"
"Don't you 'but Mum' me young man. You clean all this up before breakfast. Your father should be arriving any minute now."
"Molly," Arthur called from the stairs.
Hearing her husband, Mrs. Weasley came down the stairs as fast as she could and hugged her husband. "How was the trip, dear? What were your thoughts on the Magnes?"
"They were very understanding. Never meet a wizarding family who was rich and humble," he said.
Looking over her husband's shoulder, Molly Weasley saw both Harry and Charlie sitting at the table and released her husband as she approached the dark-haired boy first. "Harry, it's so good to see you again, dear," she said while hugging the Prince of Hell.
"It's good to see you too, Mrs. Weasley," Harry said as he hugged her back.
"And I didn't forget about you, Charlotte," said as she let go of Harry and ran into his sister's arms.
"It's so good for you to have us here," Charlie smiled as she embraced the short red-haired witch. "So how are Ron, Percy, and the twins?"
"Waking up and doing chores like they are supposed to," Mrs. Weasley told the Princess of Hell. "But I'm sure you must be famished. How about you two eat first, then talk," she said as she started to cook. On the plates in front of the Morningstars were bacon, sausage, and eggs.
Remembering that there were chickens around outside, the royal siblings knew that the eggs were likely fresh and started to dig into the homecooked meal. It was very different from the meals that the servants at home provided for the Morningstars, but in a good way that they didn't mind at all. "Mmm! These are really good," Charlie said continuing to dig in more.
"Oh, why thank you," Molly said as she cooked some more as she was making for the entire family. Speaking of, Percy was the first Weasley to arrive downstairs, followed soon after by Ron.
"Okay, Mum. I finished cleaning my room. Now can I have some breakfast," he asked as took him a few seconds to see who was sitting at the table already. "Harry! Charlie! You're here," Ron exclaimed, rushing to see the new guests.
"Hey, Ron. Your mom just served us breakfast, got to say, she is a really good cook," Harry said as he took a bite of bacon before getting up and shaking his best friend's hand. "So, how have you been?"
"Pretty much the same. Been helping out with Fred and George's joke products and helping around the house," Ron exclaimed with a shrug. "What about you? Things going alright at home?"
"Our parents are going to be busy for a while. Some security issues they're looking into," Charlie explained. "That's why Harry's here until it's time for Hogwarts. I'm sticking around until you're all going to King's Cross together. Different topic, have you ever thought of making a quiche with these eggs, Molly?"
"I'm sorry, dear. A what?"
Charlie mentally slapped herself as she remembered she was speaking with a countryside family in England. "It's a small French tart made of eggs, cheese, and stuff like meats and vegetables. We usually have them back at home. Maybe there's a cookbook in Daigon Alley when we go."
"Oh. Well, I will do my best to look for one. And when I make a quiche, I will let you be the first one to taste it, Charlotte," Molly told the young woman.
"That would be nice, and just call me Charlie," the Princess of Hell told the witch.
"Probably not since we have a brother by the same name," George said as he and his twin joined the family at the table.
"He has a point," Harry voiced before he remembered something important. "Wait, how are we going to get everyone to London? That car's much too small for everyone."
"You've got a lot to learn about the wizarding world, Harry," Arthur chuckled. "We'll show you what there is later. For now, enjoy yourself around our home. You'll be like one of the family."
"Which includes helping with chores," Fred stated, to which his mother gave him a stern glare. "What? They can help out whenever."
Soon, another set of footsteps was heard coming down the stairs. It was the youngest Weasley and the only daughter of Arthur and Molly, Ginny Weasley. "Mummy, have you seen my jumper?"
"Last time I saw it, it was on the couch," Molly told her.
The young red-haired girl's eyes widen as she saw who was sitting right at the table. Harry noticed her staring at him and thought he should say something. "Hello," he said as the youngest Weasley rush back upstairs. Fred and George were holding in their laughter while Ron just continues to eat. Harry turned back to his best friend and gave him a questionable look. "Was it something I said?"
"No. When we got back home from Hogwarts, she was asking all about you all summer and what you like. Got annoying after a while," Ron said in between bites.
"Sounds like you got another lady friend," Charlie teased to which the raven-haired boy gave a glare.
"Another? Harry, I didn't know you were a ladies' man," George said.
"What's your secret?"
"I have none."
"Can you at least tell us their names," Fred asked as his twin shared the same expression of surprise.
Seeing Harry wasn't feeling comfortable answering, Arthur stepped in. "Now boys, what did I tell you about sticking your nose into other people's lives? Never dig unless they want to share," he told both of the twins before they apologized. "Now then, Harry, Charlotte, both of your parents are wizards but choose the Muggle life correct?"
"Oh yeah, they enjoy it very well, in fact," Harry told him as he shared some breakfast with Sam.
"Tell me, what exactly is the function of a rubber duck," Mr. Weasly asked.
The dark-haired wizard was taken by surprise at this question. He expected something more complex like how an airplane keeps itself in the air or how telephones work. Before he could give his answer, Charlie beat him to the punch.
"A rubber duck is a bath toy used to sharpen a toddler's senses as they squeak. It also helps soothe their fear of water," Charlie explained. "We had one for Harry when he was about 4-years old," she playfully smirked as Harry rolled his eyes at his sister.
"Very fascinating," Arthur said as he took a bite out of his eggs.
Charlie continued about the rubber duck after sipping some water. "There's also this thing with people that work on tricky math problems and stuff where they try and explain it to a rubber duck or some other toy. Talking about everything that's happening in their work, they can realize what they forgot to do."
"Interesting," Arthur commented. Before their conversation could continue. Everybody at the table heard a screech coming from outside. Soaring through the sky was a Great Grey Owl that was coming in for a landing as it was carrying a letter. As it came down, it hit the glass side of the open window and slid right down. Everyone at the table winced as they saw the bird hit the glass.
"Errol is always doing that. Bloody feather duster," Ron muttered.
"What's wrong with him," Harry asked his best friend.
"Nothing really. He's just clumsy and forgetful," Ron told him as he finished up breakfast.
"Fetch the letter for us, Percy," Molly told her oldest son at the table as he called for Errol who landed on the correct side of the window.
The older Weasley sibling took the letter and opened it as it actually contained six letters. "It's our Hogwarts letters. Harry's is in here too," Percy said as he handed the letters to all of his siblings and another one to his mom.
"Dumbledore must know we are here," Charlie said as she was looking at the letter, Harry was holding. It turns out it was mostly a list of all the books they needed for the year.
"This lot won't come cheap, Mum. Most of these spellbooks are very expensive," George said as he looked over the list.
"If you are worried about the cost, we can lend you some galleons as a thank you for taking Harry to Hogwarts," Charlie offered to the Weasley family.
"That is very nice of you, dearie, but we will manage. We always have," Molly told the blonde-haired girl. "Once we're finished eating, we'll get dressed and head to Diagon Ally."
After finishing up breakfast and all of the Weasleys were dressed, everyone stood in front of the fireplace. Harry and Charlie saw that it was all dusty and looked like it hasn't been cleaned for months. On the right side of the hearth sat a small jar that looked like glittering green powder. Both of the Morningstars believed that it was vital as they saw Mrs. Weasley take the jar of powder and stood right in front of Harry. "You can go first, Harry."
"I don't think Harry and Charlie know how to travel by Floo Powder, Mum," Ron voiced to his mother.
"Floo Powder," Charlie questioned while Sam rested on Harry's shoulders like a scarf.
"Special magic material. With it, you can travel through the Floo Network," Arthur explained. "Very useful for getting to certain places that are connected. Your home must not have a connection to it if you don't know what it is."
"Well then, Ron. You go first and show both Harry and Charlie how to use it," Molly told her youngest son as she gestured for him to step into the fireplace.
Taking a handful of the ash-like Floo Powder, Ron coughed a few times to clear his throat. "Diagon Alley," he stated before he threw the powder at his feet. In a matter of seconds, the young Weasley was engulfed in green flames before disappearing as if he went up the chimney like Santa Claus after leaving presents. As Ron vanished, soot and ash from the filthy fireplace scattered everywhere.
Coughing as the ash and smoke filled the immediate area in front of the fireplace, Charlie was surprised. "Wow, that's cool."
"Sorry about all the ash and soot. We haven't been able to clean it in a while," Molly apologized. Turning to Harry, she offered the jar to him. "Go ahead. Just make sure to speak clearly about where you want to go and toss the powder down."
Harry stepped into the fireplace and coughed as he swallowed a lot of hot ash that still lingered in the air. "Dig- dai- k-on…" Harry kept coughing before he threw the Floo Powder down, becoming engulfed by the emerald flames and disappearing.
After the dark-haired wizard disappeared, the Weasley Family and Charlie looked at one another in an awkward silence that was soon broken by Mrs. Weasley. "What did he say, dear?"
"I couldn't tell. He was coughing too much," Arthur said.
"I have a bad feeling he's not with Ron," Charlie said as she stepped into the fireplace and grabbed a handful of Floo Powder. "Diagon Alley," she shouted and disappeared into the green flames.
Harry slid out of a fireplace and landed on his stomach, making his face hit the leg of a table and his glasses fell off. Hearing a crack, he knew for certain that they got broken again. Searching for them, he could feel them right by his left hand and quickly picked them up. Putting them back on his face, Harry could only look through the right end of his glasses. "Oh, great," Harry complained with a roll of his eyes. Getting back up on his feet, he looked around and realized that he was alone in a shop he had never seen before. "I don't think we're in Daigon Alley, Sam," he said as he noticed the condition of the place. Everything looked dusty and gray, giving it a creepy feeling that didn't bother Harry much due to his time in Hell.
Looking around, he saw a glass case with a withered hand on a cushion, a bloodstained pack of cards on a staring glass eye, evil-looking masks leering down from the walls, and an assortment of human-looking bones lying down on the counter with rusted instruments lying next to them. There were also numerous skulls and shrunken heads in quite a few cabinets. "Did we end up in Hell again," Samael asked.
Suddenly, he started to hear some music as well as something vibrating on him. He realized that it was his Hellphone and picked it up quickly. "Hello?"
"Harry, are you okay!? I used the Floo Powder right after you," Charlie said as she sounded worried. "Where are you?"
"I'm not sure myself. All I know is I'm in some shop that is very gray and depressing. Kinda looks like some creep's attic back in Hell, really," Harry told his sister while looking around the shop. "Maybe if I go out of the store I'll get a better understanding."
"Keep a low profile while the Weasleys and I will be looking for you. You don't know who you'll run into."
"I will. I'll see you then," he said as he hung up his phone and started to step outside to see where he was. As he pushed his glasses close to his face, he could see that he was in some alleyway that was devoted to the dark arts. Looking around the place, he barely saw a sign hanging from the distance that read Knockturn Ally. If Harry had to take a guess, this street was part of the black market of the wizarding world.
"Not lost are we, my dear," an aged witch asked the dark-haired boy in front of him as he saw she was holding a basket of whole human fingernails.
"I'm fine. Just heading up," Harry told the witch as he held a cold tone under him, keeping his composure as his family taught him just in case of unknown situations. "If you'll excuse me, I'll be on my way." Harry attempted to step past, but the witch was not moving. Others started to gather around him. He didn't like these odds, he could take on the witch alone or a small gang, but this was at least ten people gathered around him. Luckily, Samael hissed menacingly at the crowd and made them back down as they saw his fangs. With his loyal pet helping, Harry was ready to use a spell to clear a path. However, a loud and familiar voice rang out from the alley.
"Harry? Is that you," the voice said as the witches and wizards scattered as the owner of that voice was none other than Rebeus Hagrid. The Prince of Hell was glad to see a familiar face in this place as he tucked his wand back into his sleeves. "What are you doing down there? Come on now," the half giant told the 12-year-old as he ran up to his friend. As they left, Samael continued to glare at anybody that looked at Harry and hissed. "Yer a mess, Harry," Hagrid stated, taking note of all the ash and soot on the boy's clothes. "Skulkin' around Knockturn Alley? I don't know. Dodgy place, Harry," the half-giant told him, confirming Harry's thoughts on the store he ended up in not being 100% legal. "Don' want no one ter see yeh down there. People'll think yer up teh no good."
"Honest mistake, Hagrid," Harry said as they left Knockturn Alley and entered Diagon Alley proper. "First time using Floo Powder and the Weasleys fireplace was covered in more soot and ash than a forest after a dragon sneezed. I got lost." After answering, Harry saw Hagrid nod in understanding before he realized something. "Hold on, what were you doing down there?"
"I was looking for flesh-eating slug repellent," Hagrid answered. "They're eating all the school's cabbages." Hearing that explanation, Harry could only chuckle as he remembered a running gag from a show he and Charlie loved to watch when he was younger. "What's so funny?"
"Just a muggle show I remember having a joke about a cabbage merchant with bad luck," he explained to the half giant who just nodding. Suddenly, Harry was tackled into the air as Charlie was embracing her brother. "Ribs," Harry choked out while he was squeezed.
"Harry, you're okay," Charlie exclaimed as she embraced him with a bone-crunching hug that could make his spine pop.
"Too tight, Sis. You're crushing me," Harry croaked out while he struggled to get out of his sister's embrace, feeling the air leave his lungs.
A second later, Charlie let go to take a good look at him. "Where were you? You're covered in soot and ash. And what happened to your glasses?"
"I ended up in Knockturn Alley. Luckily, Hagrid was there just in the nick of time," Harry told her as the Princess of Hell as she just noticed the half-giant.
"Hagrid! It's so good to see you!"
"Hello there Charlie," Hagrid said cheerfully.
"How's Norbert? Is he getting any bigger," the Princess of Hell asked.
"He's growing, alright. But he's still just like a puppy, licking his scales and all. Some Ministry fella tried ter take him from me, but that little badge you gave me came in real handy," the half-giant told her before turning to Harry. "Well, I think you'll be alright now, Harry. I still have to get some slug repellent," he told both royals before heading off.
Both of the Morningstars said their goodbyes to the half-giant. As Hagrid was out of sight, Charlie brushed soot off Harry's clothing and licked the tips of her pointer finger, and rubbed his cheeks and forehead. "Charlie, stop! People are watching," Harry muttered in embarrassment as his sister continued to clean him off.
"Got to make you look presentable," Charlie said, continuing to clean him off. "Besides, you would be sneezing up to Heaven with all this soot and ash on you," she said, giving him some finishing touches. "There. That should do it. Now, let's go meet up with the Weasleys. After I called you, I said I would bring you to Gringotts in… 15 minutes," she told him as she checked a pocket watch she had with her, then they both left to the white building in the distance. As they approached closer to the wizarding bank, they met up with not just the Weasleys, but Hermione as well.
"Harry! You're okay," Hermione said as she and Ron came rushing up to their friend.
"Yeah, sorry for the scare," Harry told both of his Hogwart friends as he adjusted his still broken glasses.
"Hold on, Harry. I'll have them fixed in no time," Arthur Weasley said as he pulled out his wand. "Oculus Reparo," he said as he tapped his wand on Harry's glasses, mending them in no time.
"Thank you," Harry told Mr. Weasley as they started to head inside. "I've really got to remember that one."
"Try it later," Charlie said. "For now, we need cash for a bigger shopping spree than last year's."
"You're not gonna buy anything else, are you," Harry asked, suspicious of his sister since the last time they went shopping in Daigon Alley with both of their parents around.
"I meant for the Weasleys, brother of mine," Charlie corrected him as they approached the goblin at the head, standing on the stool, looking down on them. "We'd like to take out some money for both the Magne and Weasley families. As well as the Granger family."
"And do you have your keys," the goblin asked as he peered down at them. Arthur Weasley and Charlie both pulled out their vault keys and showed them to the goblin. However, Hermione didn't have a key with her but had some British Pounds to exchange for Galleons. "That will do," he said. "Exchanges can be done up here. Those with the keys may head down to the vaults," the goblin said before showing Hermione where to get the proper currency.
While riding a set of carts to the safes, the group arrived at the Weasley Family's vault first as they got a look inside as the Weasleys saw a whole pile of Sickles and only one Galleon in the entire vault. Both Harry and Charlie felt guilty as they saw Mrs. Weasley nearly take all of their currency with her. "This should do for everything," Molly said.
"Okay, no," Charlie stated as she crossed her arms. "You've been nice enough to look after me and my brother, so you don't need to take everything out," the princess said with a royal tone. "Let me help with this money problem you have."
Harry eyed his sister and immediately realized precisely what she meant while the Weasleys were all confused. "Really, Charlie," Harry whispered.
"Yes," the Princess of Hell stated as they eventually made their way to Harry's personal vault, which was remade into the Morningstar Family's vault last year. When the door was unlocked, the Weasleys all had to cover their eyes when they saw the brilliant glittering shine of all the polished coins scattered around the vault like a dragon's horde. This surprised Harry as well because it looked like there was double or even triple the amount that was originally inside when he and his family first found his inheritance from James and Lily Potter. "Mom and Dad made sure to exchange quite a bit of money to make sure we had enough for emergencies. Sure, they gave me a withdrawal limit, but I think that only about half of it should do for what you need," Charlie said as she grabbed a nearby bag and filled it to the brim with Galleons. "Here you go," she said cheerfully while handing the bag to Ron, who ended up falling from the unexpected weight while he was distracted.
"Oof!"
Fred, George, and Percy helped out their brother while Ginny kept gasping like a dying fish at the sight of the money. Even Molly and Arthur were shocked at how much Charlie was giving them. "Ch-Charlotte, you don't need to do this," Molly Weasley finally managed to say.
"Yes, I do. This is only a small chunk in our fortune, anyway," the blonde stated. "Harry wouldn't mind giving it either."
"Y-yeah," Harry muttered. "It's fine with me. Just don't tell anybody at school about it," he said.
Fred and George looked at each other before realizing if Harry and Charlie were willing, they could open up their joke shop with just this amount alone. "Hey, can we borrow some more," George asked as he was hit with Molly's purse. "Sorry, sorry. I was joking."
"We aren't your new bank," Harry dryly retorted. "Unless you're willing to trade your souls for unlimited access to all of this," he added as a joke.
"Harry, don't try acting like dad," Charlie warned.
"Sorry, that was a joke. But seriously, this is all your getting," Harry told the twins.
"It was worth a shot," Fred said as he and the entire family took the bag, dividing up what they could before taking the rest back to their own vault for deposit. Surprisingly, the goblin helping them allowed this when Charlie whispered into his ear about everything. However, the Weasleys swore they saw the goblin react in a fearful way when he did.
'Something tells me that Harry's adopted family has some sort of power in the wizarding world if it makes a goblin go pale,' Arthur thought to himself as they all got to the cart and started to leave the bank.
After receiving money from Gringotts, Harry and Charlie met up with the Weasleys and the Grangers to do their shopping. After getting most of what they needed, they all went into Flourish and Blotts to get what textbooks they needed from the bookstore. To the group's surprise, a large crowd was gathered in the shop.
"What the bloody hell is going on here," Ron asked as he saw the line was extending out the door.
"I think your answer is over there," Charlie pointed out. The Princess of Hell was pointing to a banner that was over straight across the windows that read Gilderoy Lockhart will be signing copies of his autobiography 'Magical Me' today from 12:30 to 4:30 PM.
"We get to actually meet him," Hermione squealed. "I mean, he's actually written up the whole book list we are supposed to bring to school." Everyone was looking at the list and saw that the books he have written were mostly his.
Both of the Morningstar children looked at the list and wondered why they didn't hear of this guy up until now. Was Lockhart some great author in the wizarding world? Whoever he was, most of his fans seem to be older witches around Molly Weasley's age. A harassed-looking wizard standing by the door trying to establish order. "Calmly please, ladies. Don't push there. Mind the books now!"
The entire group squeezed into the book store where they saw Gilderoy Lockhart in the back of the bookstore signing books. The man was about 28 years old with golden-blonde curled locks and bright shiny teeth that seemed to glow every time he smiled. He wore flamboyantly extravagant blue robes that looked like he tried to make himself the most eye-catching person in the room. Both Harry and Charlie could tell that this man was a man that craved attention.
"Excuse me, Miss. This is for the Daily Prophet," a short man scooted in front of Charlie as he was taking pictures from every angle with a large black camera that looked very outdated and flashed with purple smoke.
Lockhart was posing with the man as if he was on the red carpet of some movie premiere, smiling brightly as all eyes were on him. Suddenly, his smile was slowly brought down as he was staring into the crowd and uttered the words very loudly. "It can't be… Harry Potter?" The crowd was looking where Lockhart was staring and all eyes were on Harry. The short-looking man grabbed Harry by the sleeves of his shirt and threw him into Lockhart where he pulled Harry close to him while the short-looking photographer was clicking away with his camera. "Nice big smile, Harry. Together, you and I will rate the front page," he said as he posed for the camera while Harry could only look in complete shock as to what just happened.
"What is happening," Harry muttered as he was yanked in front of the crowd so fast that Samael slipped off his shoulders. The snake ended up flying right back into Charlie, making the two stare at each other before they focused on Harry's situation again.
After a few photographs, the blond wizard made an announcement. "Ladies and Gentlemen, what an extraordinary moment this is. When young Harry stepped into Flourish and Blotts this morning to purchase my autobiography: Magical Me. Which, incidentally, is on its 27th week at the top of the Daily Prophet bestseller list. But what he didn't expect was for him to receive my entire collected works, free of charge," he said as he smiled. Another photo of Harry was taken as Lockhart handed him the many books he needed for class. Applause followed afterward as the author posed for more photos, but Harry simply left with all the books he was carrying. Soon, Mrs. Weasley took the books from him and she put them in his cauldron to make it easier for him to carry.
Ron, Hermione, and everyone else bought their school books like everyone else which Harry did feel slightly guilty about as he received his for free from that Lockhart fellow. But he shouldn't feel too guilty as he and Charlie did give them some Galleons to help. Harry, Charlie, Ron, Hermoine, and the rest of the Weasley children were getting ready to leave the bookstore until a familiar blonde figure stood in the way. "I bet you love that, don't you, Magne? Or should I be calling you Potter since that's your real last name," Draco Malfoy voiced as he looked over at the raven-haired boy. "The great Harry Potter can't go into a simple bookstore without making the front page of the Daily Prophet."
"Malfoy, it's so good to see your arrogant face," Harry told him sarcastically as he glared at the Slytherin. "Had a bad summer after losing the House Cup to Gryffindor? Or did you decide to walk your greasy-haired self here just to be a spiteful little bitch boy?" Hearing what Harry said, the Weasley children were biting their bottom lips to prevent themselves from laughing. Hermione also chuckled at the comeback Harry made while Charlie looked at the blond Slytherin sternly, as if daring him to try to make an insult.
Before Malfoy could utter another word, someone behind him had the cane, a head that resembles a serpent head with its mouth open, dug itself into the boy's shoulder. "Now, Draco. Remember to play nice," a man with long silver-blond hair asked as he slightly brushed him to the side in order to be in front of the Prince of Hell.
"Who are you," Charlie asked as she stepped next to her brother.
"Apologies, I am Lucius Malfoy, Draco's father," he said as his eyes were focused on Harry. "Young Mr. Magne, I presume," he asked Harry, stretching his hand out so Harry could shake it. Harry took his hand to shake it, as the older Malfoy pulled him in and lifted his bangs to see the lightning bolt scar on his forehead. "Your scar is legend. As is the wizard who gave it to you."
"Voldemort killed my birth parents. He was nothing more than a fucking murder," Harry stated, glaring daggers at Lucius.
"Very bold to speak his name out loud," Lucius frowned as he looked coldly at the boy and saw a flame of hatred in his eyes.
"It's nothing more than a name," Charlie stated.
"And must be his big sister," the older Malfoy said, looking at the Princess of Hell. "I heard from Draco that you defended him from many dangers. You both must be very brave or very foolish."
"Don't talk to Harry or his sister that way," exclaimed Hermione.
"And you must be Miss Granger if I'm correct," the older Malfoy said as he looked to his son who nodded in approval. "Draco told me all about you. Smartest witch in the entire school with Mr. Magne. Correct me if I'm wrong, but your parents are Muggles, correct," he asked glancing at her parents who were having a conversation with Arthur before moving on to the next person, or group of people altogether. "Let's see… Red hair, vacant expressions, tattered second-hand books," he said picking up a book from Ginny's cauldron. "You must be the Weasleys," Lucius noted while looking more at them rather than at the book. "Interesting. Brand new. Did your father get a raise or something?"
Arthur Weasley soon managed to come back from his talk with Hermione's parents and spoke to the kids. "Come on, kids, let's leave. Things are getting mad in there," Arthur voiced before he saw Draco's father. "Lucius," he said coldly, glaring at the blond-haired man.
"Arthur," the older Malfoy said as he shared a similar look with the red-haired wizard. "I heard you're doing overtime at work with all these raids going on. Seems like they're paying you extra for all that exhausting work. I'm surprised you were able to get new books. Well, one new book, at least," the snake-like man said.
"That's none of your concern, Malfoy," Arthur said as he got right up to the man's face, showing he wasn't going to be intimidated. "If you'll excuse me, we have other shops to go to. If you will be so kind as to give back my daughter's book."
Lucius flared his nostrils like a bull before placing the book back in Ginny's cauldron, but both Harry and Charlie noted that a second book was added. "You and your family are a disgrace to the name 'wizard'. Associating with Muggles."
"Yeah, fuck you, too," Charlie spat out, glaring at Lucius and barely able to hide her transforming eyes.
Lucius looked at the princess and for the first time in a long time, he looked shaken up. Whatever reason, she felt like somebody to fear and he couldn't tell why. Not wanting to show any signs of weakness, he strengthened himself and muttered to the older Weasley. "See you at work," he told Arthur before leaving the bookstore.
Seeing his father leaving, Draco turned to Harry and the others. "See you at school," he said as a way to act polite.
"What a snobby asshole. No wonder that Malfoy kid is so rude," Charlie commented staring at the two walking off.
"At least they tried to be polite in public. Kinda remind you of a certain family back home, sis," Harry said as he was thinking about the Von Eldrichs.
"Unfortunately," Charlie said while crossing her arms.
"Let's forget them and go use your generosity to get ice cream," Ginny voiced.
"After that, I think I need three scoops," Charlie told the red-haired girl as ice cream sounded like a great idea.
"Then after our shopping trip, we head home," Mr. Weasley told the kids as they all left the bookstore to get whatever was left on the list and large scoops of ice cream. As they made their way through Diagon Alley, the books in Ginny's cauldron moved around and a light breeze blew between the pages.
And done! I want to Thank WaterDragonMavrick for editing and beta reading. Don't have much else to say be R&R and be good people. Next time, "Trouble After Trouble".