Silver remained within the confines of the Deerwood's garden over the next few weeks. He spent most of his days playing two-a-side Sky Chase in the O'Hedges orchard (he and Coral against Razor and Blaze. Coral was dreadful and Blaze good, so they were reasonably well matched) and his evenings eating triple helpings of everything Mari-An put in front of him. It would have been a happy, peaceful holiday had it not been for the stories of disappearances, odd accidents, even of deaths now appearing almost daily in the Prophet. Sometimes Ash and Rob brought home news before it even reached the paper. To Mari-An's displeasure, Silver's sixteenth birthday celebrations were marred by grisly tidings brought to the party by Knuckles, who was looking tired and grim "There have been another couple of Prelate attacks" he announced, as Mari-An passed him a large slice of birthday cake. That wasn't the end of it "And they've found Benedict's body in a shack up north. The Dark Mark had been set over it. Well, frankly, I'm surprised he stayed alive for even a year after deserting the Nocturnus. Elias' brother, Maw, only managed a few days as far as I can remember" "Yes, well, perhaps we should talk about something different" Mari-An said. Ash however had his own news "Mr Green was dragged off by the looks of it" "The Ice Cream shop owner?" Silver asked. He remembered Mr Green giving him free sundaes when he was studying. Ash nodded "Afraid so. He was a good man" "What about Merlin? Have they heard anything?" Blaze asked. Every single person in the room beside Mina had bought their Talismans at Merlin's and were eager to hear any news "Afraid not. If he's alive they'll be forcing him to make more Talismans for them. We're keeping an eye out but still nothing".
The day after this rather gloomy birthday tea, their letters and booklists arrived from Soleanna. Silver's included a surprise "I've been made Sky Chase Captain" "Really, for Shinobi?" Coral asked. Razor stared at her "No, Raiju" he rolled his eyes. Coral was too excited to acknowledge his sarcasm "That gives you equal status with prefects! You can use our special bathroom now and everything" she cried happily. Razor also looked please "Wow, I remember when Rotor wore one of these. Silver, this is so cool, you're my Captain, if you let me back on the team, I suppose" he laughed nervously. Mari-An looked down at their booklists "Well, I don't suppose we can put off a trip to Avalon much longer now you've got these. We'll go on Saturday as long as your father doesn't have to go into work again. I'm not going there without him" "Mum, d'you honestly think You-Know-Who's going to be hiding behind a bookshelf in Gerald and Pickles?" Razor joked. Mari-An gave him a piercing look "Mr Green and Merlin went on holiday, did they? If you think security's a laughing matter you can stay behind and I'll get your things myself" "No, I wanna come, I want to see Mighty and Ray's shop!" "Then you just buck up your ideas, young man, before I decide you're too immature to come with us! And that goes for returning to Soleanna as well!".
Razor turned to look at Silver while Mari-An hoisted the laundry basket into her arms and stormed out of the room "Blimey, you can't even make a joke round here anymore". But Razor was careful not to be flippant about Finitevus over the next few days. Saturday dawned without any more outbursts from Mari-An, though she seemed very tense at breakfast. Ash, who would be staying at home with Mina (much to Coral and Blaze's pleasure), passed a full money bag across the table to Silver. "Where's mine?" demanded Razor at once, his eyes wide. Ash shrugged "That's already Silver's, idiot. I got it out of your vault for you, Silver, because it's taking about five hours for the public to get to their gold at the moment, the goblins have tightened security so much. Two days ago Arkie Philpott had a Probe stuck up his…Well, trust me, this way's easier" "Thanks, Ash" Silver said pocketing the bag of money. Mina hugged Ash adoringly "'E is always so thoughtful". Blaze mimed vomiting into her cereal behind Mina. Silver choked over his cornflakes, and Razor thumped him on the back.
It was an overcast, murky day. One of the special Ministry of Magic cars, in which Silver had ridden once before, was awaiting them in the front yard when they emerged from the house, pulling on their cloaks. "It's good Dad can get us these again" said Razor appreciatively, stretching luxuriously as the car moved smoothly away from Deerwood, Ash and Mina waving from the kitchen window. He, Silver, Coral and Blaze were all sitting in roomy comfort in the wide backseat "Don't get used to it, it's only because of Silver" said Rob over his shoulder. He and Ash were in front with the Ministry driver; the front passenger seat had obligingly stretched into what resembled a two-seater couch "He's been given top-grade security status. And we'll be joining up with additional security at the Groovy Train too". Silver said nothing; he did not much fancy doing his shopping while surrounded by a battalion of Diamond Cutters. He had stowed his Chaos Emerald in his backpack and felt that, if that was good enough for Locke, it ought to be good enough for the Ministry, though now he came to think of it, he was not sure the Ministry knew about his Emerald "Here you are, then" said the driver, a surprisingly short while later, speaking for the first time as he slowed down. He stopped outside the Leaky Cauldron "I'm to wait for you, any idea how long you'll be?" "A couple of hours, I expect. Ah, good, he's here!". Silver looked out the window. There were no Diamond Cutters, instead a familiar giant cat was waiting for them. Silver smiled and got out of the car. Big laughed and pulled him into a bone crushing hug "Ah, is' good ta see ya!".
Passing Muggles stared astonished at Big's size. He finally put Silver down "I still need ta thank ya about Volt- Witherwings, I mean. Yeh should see him, Silver, he's so happy ter be back in the open air". Silver laughed through the pain in his ribs "Glad he's happy. We didn't know 'security' meant you!" "I know, jus' like old times, innit? See, the Ministry wanted ter send a bunch o' Diamon' Cutters, but Locke said I'd do". He proudly threw out his chest "Let's get goin' then. After yeh, Marie, Rob". The Leaky Cauldron was, for the first time in Silver's memory, completely empty. Only Sammy the Panda landlord remained of the old crowd. He looked up hopefully as they entered, but before he could speak, Big said importantly "Jus' passin' through today, Sam, sure yeh understand, Soleanna business, yeh know". Sam gloomily went back to cleaning glasses as everyone went through the back to the brick wall entrance to Avalon. Big tapped his fishing rod against specific bricks making the wall open. They stepped through the entrance and paused, looking around. Avalon had changed. The colourful, glittering window displays of spell books, potion ingredients, and cauldrons were lost to view, hidden behind the large Ministry of Magic posters that had been pasted over them. Most of these sombre purple posters carried blown-up versions of the security advice on the Ministry pamphlets that had been sent out over the summer, but others bore moving black-and-white photographs of Nocturnus known to be on the loose. Fiona Fox was sneering from the front of the nearest apothecary. A few windows were boarded up, including those of The Ice Cream Parlor. On the other hand, a number of shabby-looking stalls had sprung up along the street. The nearest one, under a striped, stained awning, had a cardboard sign pinned to its front:
AMULETS
Effective Against Zillas, Prelates, and EXEs
A seedy-looking little snake wizard was rattling armfuls of silver symbols on chains at passersby "One for your little girl, madam?" he called at Mari-An as they passed, leering at Blaze "Protect her pretty neck?". Rob glared angrily at the man "If I were on duty…" "Yes, but don't go arresting anyone now, dear, we're in a hurry" Mari-An said. She nervously consulted a list "I think we'd better do Sophia's first, Coral wants new dress robes, and Razor will need new winter clothes, and you must need new ones too, Silver, you've grown so much" "Mari, it doesn't make sense for all of us to go to Sophia's. Why don't the kids go with Big, and we can go to Gerald and Pickle's and get everyone's schoolbooks?". Mari-An looked torn, splitting up would make them leave quicker but she also didn't like the idea of them being separate "I don't know. Big, would you be able to handle the four of them" "We're not five" Razor said indignantly. Big nodded "Don' fret, they'll be fine with me, Mari". Mari-An did not look entirely convinced, but allowed the separation, scurrying off toward Gerald and Pickles with her husband. As the four teens headed for Sophia's Silver noticed that many of the people who passed them had the same harried, anxious look as Mari-An, and that nobody was stopping to talk anymore; the shoppers stayed together in their own tightly knit groups, moving intently about their business. Nobody seemed to be shopping alone. Big stopped at the door for Sophia's which was too small for him "Migh' be a bit of a squeeze in there with all of us. I'll stand guard outside, all right?". The four nodded and went inside. At first, they thought they were the only customers but then they heard a familiar voice "I'm not a child, in case you haven't noticed, Mother. I am perfectly capable of doing my shopping alone".
Silver sighed, it was Rutan. He then heard Sophia's voice "Now, dear, your mother's quite right, none of us is supposed to go wandering around on our own anymore, it's nothing to do with being a child". Rutan ignored the woman and revealed himself from behind a set of clothes racks. He went over to a mirror to check his new blue vest. It was identical to the old one except larger as he had grown over the Summer. Silver noticed Rutan kept clenching his right hand like it hurt. Rutan examined his reflection for a moment before finally noticing the group "If you're wondering what the smell is, Mother, a Mudblood just walked in" "I don't think there's any need for language like that!" said Sophia, scurrying out from behind the clothes rack holding a tape measurer. She then noticed that Silver, Razor and Blaze had raised their Talismans at Rutan "And I don't want threats in my shop either!". Coral, who was standing slightly behind them whispered "No, don't, honestly, it's not worth it". Rutan sneered "Yeah, like you'd do magic out of school, anyway. And who gave you that black eye, Coral, I was to send them flowers". Lien-Da then walked out and saw the situation "Put your hands down at once. If you attack my son again, I shall ensure that it is the last thing you ever do". Silver stepped closer to her, he was the same height as her now "How? Gonna send few Nocturnus pals on us". Sophia gasped "Really! That's a dangerous thing to say. Shouldn't go accusing people of stuff like that". Lien-Da surprisingly smiled "I see being Locke's favourite has given you a false sense of security, Hedgehog. But Locke won't always be there to protect you". Silver mockingly looked around the shop and then shrugged "He's not here now, so why don't try something. They might have a cell on Prison Island next to your Loser of a Husband". Rutan looked like he was ready to punch Silver "Don't you dare talk to my mother that way, Hedgehog!". Silver noticed Rutan was clenching his right hand again. Lien-Da put her arm up to stop Rutan doing anything rash "It's quite alright, Rutan. I expect him to be reunited with dear Elias before I'm reunited with Clutch".
Silver raised his hand once again and looked like he was about to speak before Coral grabbed his arm "No, don't!". Lien-Da gave Coral a contemptuous look "I've already paid for these, Rutan. We should leave. The stench in here is overwhelming". Rutan agreed and the two echidnas left the shop, Rutan made sure to bang into Razor on the way. Sophia was so distracted by the events all through the fitting for Silver and Razor's winter gear, tried to sell Coral a suit instead of a dress, and when she finally bowed them out of the shop it was with an air of being glad to see the back of them. "Get everthin'?" Big asked. Silver shrugged "Yeah. Did you see Rutan?" "Yeah, bu' they wouldn' dare make trouble in the middle o' Avalon, Silver. Don' worry abou' them". The group met Mari-An and Rob halfway to Gerald and Pickles and they set off further down Avalon. Coral bought knew potions equipment at the Apothecary shop, Silver and Razor couldn't since neither of them got a good enough mark for continue potions. Then they finally made it to the Mean Bean Machine "Wow" Razor said. Compared to the gloomy, fearful atmosphere of the rest of Avalon, Mighty and Ray's shop stood out. It was bright, colourful and above the door was a large statute of Ray wearing a magician's hat. He put his hand down and then removed it again revealing a Pocky. Mari-An was staring at the shop apparently shocked by how much attention it was drawing "Oh, they'll be murdered in their beds" she said anxiously. Silver, Razor, Coral and Blaze however were all laughing. Silver was right, Mighty and Ray were the perfect people to give his money at a time like this. The four of them ran into the shop. It was packed with customers; Silver could not get near the shelves. He stared around, looking up at the boxes piled to the ceiling. Here were the Skiving Snackboxes that the twins had perfected during their last, unfinished year at Soleanna. Silver noticed that the Nosebleed Nougat was most popular, with only one battered box left on the shelf. There were bins full of trick Talismans, the cheapest merely turning into rubber chickens or pairs of briefs when waved, the most expensive beating the unwary user around the head and neck, and boxes of quills, which came in Self-Inking, Spell-Checking, and Smart-Answer varieties.
A space cleared in the crowd, and Silver pushed his way toward the counter, where a gaggle of delighted ten-year-olds was watching a tiny little wooden man slowly ascending the steps to a real set of gallows, both perched on a box that read "Reusable Hangman, spell it or he'll swing!". Coral had managed to squeeze through to a large display near the counter and was reading the information on the back of a box bearing a highly coloured picture of a handsome youth and a swooning girl who were standing on the deck of a pirate ship "'Patented Daydream Charms. One simple incantation and you will enter a top-quality, highly realistic, thirty-minute daydream, easy to fit into the average school lesson and virtually undetectable (side effects include vacant expression and minor drooling). Not for sale to under-sixteens'". Coral looked up to Silver impressed "You know, that really is extraordinary magic!" "For that, Coral, you can have one for free". Mighty had just appeared behind them beaming. He happily shook Silver's hand but then looked angry when Coral turned around "Who did that to your eye!?" "No one. It was your punching telescope" "Oh, I forgot about those. Here". He walked over to one of the shelves and retrieved a small bottle of black liquid "Wet a towel with this and dab it on. Bruise should be gone in the hour" "Is it safe" "Has to be. We've been testing all this stuff on ourselves. Come on, Silver, I'll give you a tour". Silver left Coral as Mighty led him further into the shop. He passed a rack of card tricks and rope "Muggle magic tricks. You know, for freaks like Dad, you know, who love Muggle stuff. It's not a big earner, but we do fairly steady business, they're great novelties" "Silver!". Ray appeared and enthusiastically shook Silver's hand "Give him the tour, yet. Come through the back, Silver, that's where we're making the real money". Ray then spotted a small badger child with his hand in box "Hey, pocket anything, you, and you'll pay in more than Rings!". The boy hastily whipped his hand out of the tub labelled edible dark marks. Mighty pulled a curtain revealing another room. The signs for the products in this room were a lot more subdued "This stuff is a bit more serious". Silver looked around, all these products were proper defensive magic "What got you guys into making these?".
Ray laughed "Funny story. We developed this thing called a Shield Hat that carried a portable shield charm in it. It was supposed to be a joke, you know, challenge your mate to jinx you while wearing it and watch his face when the jinx just bounces off. But the Ministry bought five hundred for all its support staff! And we're still getting massive orders!". Mighty nodded "You'd be surprised how many Ministry Members don't know how to produce a Shield Charm. Course, they didn't have you teaching them, Silver" "But anyway, once we found out there was a market, we expanded the line. Sheild cloaks, gloves, bracelets. They don't stop Unforgivable Curses, obviously but they'll stop normal jinxes and hexes. Then from there we started developing other stuff as well. Look at this". He took an object out of one of the boxes. It was a capsule with a black cloud inside "Instant Darkness. Break the capsule and the area around you will be plunged into complete darkness for a quick escape". Mighty then took a small black stone "A Shadow stone. Drop it on the ground and it'll form a shadowy Mobian that'll draw away any enemies" "Nice" Silver said. A small Rabbit girl in a yellow dress poked her head through the curtain "Mr Mighty, Mr Ray, a customer is asking customer out here looking for a joke cauldron. That product needs to be signed off". Silver found it strange to hear Mighty and Ray be called Mr but they took in in stride "Right you are, Cream. We'll be right out. Silver, help yourself to anything you want. No charge" Mighty added when he saw Silver taking out his money bag. Silver shook his head "What? I can't do that" "Mate, you're the reason this shop exists. As far as we're concerned, we owe you. Just make sure to tell people where you got the products" the two then ran out with Cream.
Silver collected a few of the Shadow Stones and a few Instant Darkness capsules before leaving the room back into the main shop. By the time he did Mighty and Ray had finished with the Joke Cauldron deal and were now moving over to Coral and Blaze who were still examining the Daydream Charms "Haven't you girls found our special Wonder Witch products yet? Follow us!". Near the window was an array of violently pink products around which a cluster of excited girls was giggling enthusiastically. Coral and Blaze both hung back, looking wary "Are you selling Love Potions?" the former said sounding worried "I hope those are at the legal strength". Mighty looked offended "Absolutely. These ones are incredibly weak. Most they'll do is get you some compliments from your chosen boy. Maybe an invite to a party depending on the attractivness of the girl". Ray saw glanced at Blaze "We're not selling you any. Especially since you don't need it". Blaze raised and eyebrow "And what's that supposed to mean?" "Are you not currently dating Marcos?" "Yes…And?" Blaze put her hands on her hips. She resembled Mari-An when she got angry, Silver was surprised Mighty and Ray didn't recoil in fear. Mighty crossed his arms "And what happened to Shard?" "I dumped him. He's a sore loser" Blaze then elbowed Razor "And I'd thank you not to tell tales on me to these two". Ray shrugged "We're just saying, you're going through boyfriends pretty fast" "That's none of your business" Blaze said looking rather dangerous now. Silver moved next to her smiling "Guys, you didn't see her at the Ministry. For your own safety, don't". Mighty and Ray glanced at one another, they didn't show any sign of fear but they quickly moved on to presenting a different product. Blaze and Silver both laughed. Mighty and Ray gestured to a large cage nearby "Special Green Wisps!" "I didn't know you got green ones" Coral said. Ray took one out, it was round and instead of tentacles it had three spheres on it's underside "We made a new breed. Very soft and friendly". Razor looked down at all the merchandise he was carrying "How much for all this?" "That's three Gold Rings, nine silver ones, and one bronze one" "How much for me?". Mighty raised an eyebrow "Three Gold rings, nine silver ones and one bronze one" "I'm your brother" "And that's our stuff. Tell you what, we'll knock off the Bronze Ring" "But I haven't got that much" "Then put that stuff back where you found it". Silver then had to painfully watch Razor put all the stuff back and was then amused to see him give his brothers the finger.
Unfortunately, Mari-An saw him "If I see you do that again I'll jinx your fingers together" "Mum, can I have a Green Wisp?" Blaze asked. As Mari-An went over to see the Green Wisps Silver noticed Rutan out on the street through the window. Lien-Da wasn't with him. This made Silver suspicious, Lien-Da would not have let her precious son out of her sight willingly. Rutan must have made a real effort to free himself from her clutches. Silver, knowing and loathing Rutan, was sure the reason could not be innocent. He glanced around. Mari-An and Blaze were bending over Green Wisps. Rob was delightedly examining a pack of Muggle marked playing cards. Mighty and Ray were both helping customers. On the other side of the glass, Big was standing with his back to them, looking up and down the street "Come on" Silver said to Razor and Coral. He took out his Chaos Emerald. They both looked confused but put their hands on his shoulder. They turned invisible, a few people in the shop saw it but being in a joke shop didn't consider it much a talking point. They sneaked out of the shop "Silver, where are we going?" Coral whispered, "Rutan's up to something". They followed Rutan down the street "Silver, I don't know about this" Coral said looking back at the shop. Razor tapped her with his free hand "Look". She turned back forward, and they saw Rutan going right down Adder's Lair. Silver sped up forcing the other two to do as well. Adder's Lair looked completely deserted. They peered into windows as they passed, but none of the shops seemed to have any customers at all. Silver supposed it was a bit of a giveaway in these dangerous and suspicious times to buy Dark artifacts or at least, to be seen buying them. Rutan entered the one shop Silver knew about in Adder's Lair, Totem and Prank. Silver kept walking but Coral pulled him back "Silver, we can't go in there". Razor checked his bag "We don't have to. I've got one those Spybots" "Good job" Silver said.
They crouched down behind the window, so they weren't seen. Razor released the Spybot, and they held the listening stones to their ears "You know how to fix it?" "Possibly" said Totem, in a tone that suggested he was unwilling to commit himself "I'll need to see it, though. Why don't you bring it into the shop?". Rutan sounded angry "I can't. It's got to stay put. I just need you to tell me how to do it". Silver saw Totem lick his lips nervously "Well, without seeing it, I must say it will be a very difficult job, perhaps impossible. I couldn't guarantee anything" "No? Perhaps this will make you more confident". They heard Totem make a frightened sob and then Rutan said "Tell anyone, and there will be retribution. You know Eclipse? He's a family friend. He'll be dropping in from time to time to make sure you're giving the problem your full attention" "There will be no need for-" "I'll decide that. Well, I'd better be off. And don't forget to keep that one safe, I'll need it". Totem's voice trembled "Perhaps you'd like to take it now?" "No, of course I wouldn't, you stupid little man, how would I look carrying that down the street? Just don't sell it" "Of course not, si-Sir". Totem made a bow as deep as the one Silver had once seen him give Clutch. Next moment, the bell over the door tinkled loudly as Rutan stalked out of the shop looking very pleased with himself. He passed so close to Silver, Razor, and Coral that they felt a small breeze. Inside the shop, Totem remained frozen; his unctuous smile had vanished; he looked worried. Razor caught the Spybot when it returned to them "What was that about?" "Dunno. He wants something mended and he wants to reserve something in there. Could you see what he pointed at when he said 'that one'?" "No". Coral then suddenly let go of Silver and became visible "You two stay here" "What are you…?".
But Coral had already ducked out from under the cloak. She checked her hair in the reflection in the glass, then marched into the shop, setting the bell tinkling again. Razor quickly released the Spybot again so they could listen. "Hello, horrible morning, isn't it?" Coral said brightly to Totem, who did not answer, but cast her a suspicious look. Humming cheerily, Coral strolled through the jumble of objects on display "Is this Sceptre for sale?" "If you've got one and a half thousand Gold Rings" said Totem coldly. Coral nervously laughed "Oh, uh…No, I haven't got quite that much. And, what about this lovely…Skull?" "Sixteen Gold Rings" "So it's for sale, then? It isn't being kept for anyone?". Totem squinted at her. Silver had the nasty feeling he knew exactly what Coral was up to. Apparently, Coral felt she had been rumbled too because she suddenly threw caution to the winds "The thing is, that-Uh-Boy who was in here just now, Rutan, well, he's a friend of mine, and I want to get him a birthday present, but if he's already reserved anything, I obviously don't want to get him the same thing, so…". It was a pretty lame story in Silver's opinion, and apparently Totem thought so too "Out! Get out!". Coral did not wait to be asked twice but hurried to the door with Totem at her heels. As the bell tinkled again, Totem slammed the door behind her and put up the closed sign. Coral quickly grabbed Silver's shoulder again and disappeared. They headed back to Avalon. Razor laughed "That was the best you had" "Well, next time we'll see you try, Mr Master of Mystery!". Once they made it back to Mean Bean Machine, they had to carefully sneak past and anxious Mari-An and Big who were looking around outside. Once in the shop, Silver uttered Chaos Light rendering them visible. They hid it in his bag and joined in with the other two when they insisted, in answer to Mari-An's accusations, that they had been in the back room all along, and that she could not have looked properly.