So, we've arrived in Washington (state) and the journey here was freaking long! I've never driven this far before. It was an adventure for sure. If you don't want to read my babbles, then skip down to the chapter. In the interest of my own personal therapy, I'm going to type out some of our voyage! Hehe. Like I said...read it or don't!
Moving day was July first. It was hectic, to say the least. We woke up at 4am without wanting to. Movers were supposed to arrive between 8 and 9am. They got there at about 830am. It was supposed to take 3-4 hours to get our house into the moving truck...based on their estimate about three weeks prior to the move. It took 7.5 hours! We were not pleased. We were further dismayed that not everything would fit in the truck. Based on the estimate, the guy had said no problem. Side note...after the estimate, we had one of those huge dumpsters parked out front and we FILLED it with things we didn't want or need, so there should have been PLENTY of space for everything in the house...based on THEIR estimate! So, we packed up our two small-ish cars...saving space for our three large dogs...and then stared at the rather large amount of things that "wouldn't fit" in the truck! He was not happy! And I was super upset about having to leave behind all my outdoor plants! We decided to use my shed and leave stuff in it...and lock it up. The renters (that we don't have yet) will not have access to this shed! Obviously my plants can't go in there, so a friend of a friend has come up and taken what she can and the property manager has been watering what's left. I am still sooo sad.
So, that was Saturday the first...we got on the road at about 5pm. It was strange driving out of town...permanently! It took about 6 hours to drive to our airbnb in Sacramento, CA, where we promptly fell into bed and slept until about 6am. Then were on the road again by 7am...Sunday's drive was to Salem, OR...and took about 10 hours with stops for the doggies and food. It was a freaking LONG day, but easier than the day before. Monday was move in day. We got up at 530am again and started out again just before 630am. The drive was about 3.5 hours. Arrived just before 10am. Truck arrived shortly afterward and it was time to unload. Unloading was faster than loading, but the movers mostly just dumped stuff off—and I've been unpacking ever since. Every night I've been crawling into bed EXHAUSTED. He started work on the 10th, so he had a week off to recover and now he's attempting to build his business back up. I'm not working, so the unpacking is what I've been doing. And running errands to buy things we need...like groceries and all the shit we had to leave behind. And trying to figure out where everything is! Like...EVERYTHING is 20 minutes away! 3 miles is 20 mins...6 miles is 20 mins...9 miles is 20 mins! How the fuck is that possible?! Hahahahah!
On my birthday (July 13th), I had an appointment at the DOL (we called it the DMV in California) to get my Washington driver's license...and they wouldn't let me get their EDL (enhanced DL...that we called Real ID in California), because I didn't have enough identification. I needed two forms of picture ID (I used my CA DL and my passport) AND two forms of ID with my address on it. I only had a bank statement because I JUST MOVED HERE. I had changed my address two weeks before otherwise I wouldn't even have that! I also had my auto insurance card (new address on it), but they wouldn't take that! They said once I get my car registered I could come back and use that paperwork to upgrade. So it was $84 for the regular DL that I didn't want and it would be more later to get the EDL later. More $$$! But hey, the appointment meant it was fast...no line...yay! My DL should arrive in 2-3 weeks!
Next trip was to the other DOL to register my car, turn in my CA title (to get a WA title), and get WA license plates. Apparently the people at the licensing office can't do this, so you have to go to another licensing office! What a joke! The line here wasn't long, but there were only two gals working, so it took a long time and I didn't even know what I needed to have to get it all done. I waited about 45 mins and was sure I would be getting anything for it. I thought I might be waiting for nothing...or information only. Luckily, I got everything I needed. Car is registered. CA title was turned in (new WA title will come in 4-6 weeks). And I now my pretty WA plates on my car...all for $294! SIGH
Okay, I'm going to shut up now and let you read actual chapter. Thanks for letting me get all that out (even if you bypassed it completely)!
Chapter Forty-eight
Permission Granted
Their morning began early. Edmund awoke at approximately six o'clock, dressed, and went to the kitchen to prepare tea and then poked around, looking for something to eat. He settled on a biscuit—because it went well with tea—then sat down at the table to enjoy his drink.
His thoughts, however, were on his parents. He expected them to arrive shortly, because they'd said they would—it was Monday morning after all and time for a new work week to begin!
The night before he'd discussed the problem with Buffy and Tom. The three of them suspected that it might be difficult convincing Edmund's parents to allow him to spend the day with them instead of going into work, but Buffy had said that he shouldn't worry, she planned on 'attacking The Parental Units full force, if need be.' It had made Edmund smile a bit the night before—to hear her call his parents that—but now he was feeling a touch nervous.
Tom, just above the kitchen and hearing—or sensing—that someone else was awake, got out of bed, washed up and dressed, then joined the other boy in the kitchen about thirty minutes later. Sitting down across from Edmund, he thanked him for the tea, then picked up a biscuit as well.
Though it was definitely less painful to be in the other's presence, they didn't speak much—both wishing that Buffy would wake up and join them. They were getting used to one other—and that was a good thing—but without her there as a buffer, there was little to talk about. What did a wizard say to a Muggle—and vice versa? Mostly, they sat in somewhat awkward silence, quietly sipping their tea and nibbling on biscuits.
Then, when both their cups were empty, Edmund got up to make more tea and Tom excused himself, saying that he'd wake Buffy. Edmund had frowned. He was just about to say that they should let her sleep, but Tom had already dashed out of the room and was gone.
~oOo~
Downstairs, at Buffy's bedroom door, Tom hesitated for a moment, then put his hand on the doorknob and turned it. He found her still asleep, but not breathing deeply—she was coming awake.
"Buffy," he whispered, hoping to rouse her without scaring her—not that she was capable of fright.
She groaned, then rolled over. "Is it morning already?" she grumbled.
Tom chuckled. "It's early, but yes."
"What time is it?" she asked.
"Nearly seven."
She groaned again, then opened her eyes slightly and looked at her friend. "You're dressed."
"Yes," he drawled. "Once I am no longer in bed, it's the next step in my day."
Buffy rolled her eyes, then closed them again and burrowed herself into her covers, grumbling, "What sort of teenager are you?!"
"Edmund believes his parents will arrive soon," Tom said, hoping to distract her from his state of dress.
Into her pillows, Buffy harrumphed. "So much for them not being able to just show up."
"Apparently, they were given permission to collect their son...as long as they did so quickly and didn't pester you in any way," he said.
Buffy opened her eyes and peered up at him. "And how do you know that."
"Edmund told me, of course."
"Of course." Closing her eyes again, Buffy sighed. "All right. I'll get up," she said without moving.
He chuckled again. "So you say, but..."
She huffed—then raised her arm in his direction. "Help me?"
Still standing in the doorway, Tom stared at her, wondering if she was having him on. It wasn't like Buffy Summers needed help for anything. But when she didn't move to get up on her own, he approached her bed. When he reached the side of the bed, he reached out and took her hand—only to find himself being pulled onto her bed.
"Buffy!" he growled, feeling uncomfortable and worrying about what others would think. Vin and Sophie would probably laugh, but he knew he'd be given a lecture by Edmund and his parents if they were to become aware. "This is... highly inappropriate."
"Don't care," she said as she rolled into him and snuggled closer, using her strength to prevent him from getting up. He fought her for a moment, then gave up—and she smiled at her victory. Her head now on his chest, she sighed. "I just want to be comfy. Besides, it's not the first time you've been in my bed and...no one even cares, so...relax for a minute and let me wake up!"
Tom sighed as well, first with annoyance and then contentedly as he attempted to push his discomfort away and do as she'd requested—relax.
"Edmund is upstairs in the kitchen. He's getting a pot of tea ready," he said to her—just to have something to say.
"Oh goodie, more tea," she snarked.
Tom chuckled. "You don't have to drink it if you hate it so much," he said.
Against his chest, Buffy snorted. "I don't hate it. I'm just...tired of it. Besides, what is there to drink if I don't drink the tea? Water?" She grimaced. Was the water even sanitary in this time? "What I'd really like to have is a nice big Coke in a glass full of ice, but..."
"At Hogwarts there will be pumpkin juice," he said—and Buffy hmm'd.
"But right now we should join Edmund in the kitchen," he said—hating himself for feeling the need to remove himself from Buffy's bed. "And discuss our plans for the day."
Buffy sighed. "Okaayyy," she said, pushing up enough to look down at him, then quickly giving him a chaste kiss—then getting up, grumbling, "You are sooo not fun."
Still lying on his back in her bed, Tom watched as Buffy climbed out of it and went into the bathroom.
"I'll be right up," she said as she closed the door.
Sitting up, Tom removed himself from Buffy's bed, frowning down at the creases that had been created in his shirt after only minutes of lying beside his friend. He pushed at them for a moment, then gave up and went back upstairs.
"Buffy says she'll join us soon," he told the other boy as he entered the kitchen.
Edmund nodded, but thought the idea was laughable. He expected it would take Buffy a while to join them—at least half an hour, if not longer—and was therefore surprised when she appeared in less than ten minutes.
"Hey," she said as she walked into the room.
She was still in her pajamas and still looked sleepy—which made both boys smile—but she'd clearly run a bush through her hair.
"How did you sleep, Buffy?" Edmund asked, pouring tea into her cup as she plopped herself down at the kitchen table.
First, she glared at the cup of tea sitting in front of her, and then she glanced up at her friend, flashed him a winning smile—and then shrugged. "Not bad," she said. "But...why does night go by so fast?"
Both boys chuckled.
"Just wait until you begin at Hogwarts," said Tom.
Edmund nodded. "Too right," he said. "There never is enough time for studying."
Buffy sighed. She was afraid of that. She hoped there would be social time. Time to spend with friends—not that she'd have many of those. Goodness, she missed Willow and Xander! And The Bronze! Would there be music and dancing at Hogwarts?!
And, oh my, she only had six weeks left! It was definitely worrisome. The thought of being so far behind everyone else was terrifying. Never mind everything else she always had to face. What were the chances she wouldn't have to do a little slaying while at Hogwarts? Was there a cemetery nearby? Or...would there be vampires skulking about the castle...on top of all the newness of magic! She had so much on her plate!
And, what if she had last month's hair! she thought—then almost giggled. The thing was, she was going to have hair that was fifty-five years too early.
Then she frowned. "Hey! I've been studying!" she argued. "A lot, even! I'll have you both know I've totally been study girl!"
Tom shook his head. "Without any essays due or tests to be taken."
Edmund nodded. "And without the teachers hovering and classmates talking to you."
Buffy huffed. "If you think I've had no deadlines, then phooey on you! I mean, come on, I have just six more weeks to go through three years of studies! Talk about deadlines!" she said. "And I've had tests...assessments, at least. And Dumbles...he said I was doing good."
Tom nodded. "You are doing quite well, Buffy," he said. "I don't mean to make you think otherwise."
Buffy sighed. "Oh good. Because I thought you were saying that I suck and that there's no hope for me."
"I'm definitely not saying that," said Tom.
Buffy narrowed her eyes at Tom, then shrugged. "So, what's on the agenda for today?" she asked, changing the subject—then continuing before anyone could respond. "I was thinking that we should head over to the Leaky and see if we can use that Floo thing." She picked up her teacup and took a sip, then waited to see what they'd say.
Edmund sat up a little straighter and lean forward a bit. "The Leaky?" he queried. He was extremely interested in the prospect of getting a glimpse into this wizarding world they kept talking about.
"Oh! You don't know. It's a cute little wizarding pub, not far from here," Buffy told him. "Totally just sitting smack dab in the middle of London without any of the Muggles being the wiser."
Tom frowned. "An establishment that we are not supposed to tell you about," he said—then looked at Buffy sternly. "We really shouldn't take him."
This caused Edmund to frown. "But...I would like to help if I can," he said, feeling dejected.
Tom ignored him. "Our wands could be snapped for involving a Muggle, Buffy."
Now Buffy was frowning. "But...what happens when a witch or wizard has Muggles for family? Or, in my case, what if a girl's guardians are...Muggle type people?"
"Well, their family are usually brought into the fold," Tom said.
Buffy nodded. "Well then, through Vin and Sophie, Edmund is family. Like...a cousin, or something, right?"
Tom shrugged. "That's stretching it, but...possibly."
"Well, I'm not leaving Edmund behind if he wants to be a part of this," Buffy said.
At this, Edmund sat up straighter, thankful that Buffy was fighting for him—that she wanted him to join them.
Tom nodded. He understood Buffy's desire to include the other boy, he just didn't like it much. He liked having his time alone with Buffy and knew their alone time would be seriously shortened when they were both at Hogwarts—unless they could find a way to continue it.
~oOo~
It wasn't long after their conversation in the kitchen that Edmund's parents arrived. All three teens expected an argument about their plans, especially from Edna. There was some debate, but—surprisingly—it was Rupert who was more concerned and Edna who did the convincing for them.
It was still clear that she didn't like it. The idea of her son venturing out into the wizarding world with a witch and a wizard—and with no adult supervision—clearly terrified her! However, the fact that the witch was also a slayer relieved some of her obvious anxiety. And it pleased her to see that her son was finding enjoyment in something other than the Council.
After the Giles agreed to allow Edmund to go, there was some further discussion about specifics—and then the two of them finally left the trio with strict instructions to be careful, but to enjoy their day.
It was still quite unbelievable to the three teenagers when they set out onto D'Arblay Street without any Watchers tagging along.
"That was far easier than I thought it would be," Edmund remarked as they walked down the street.
Tom nodded. He'd also expected it to be more difficult.
Walking between them, Buffy smiled. "I think your mother could see our resolve," she said to Edmund—then glanced up at Tom. "We should go over to Wools and make sure no one has noticed your absence."
"Mrs Cole likely believes that I'm ill, since I didn't show up at breakfast this morning," Tom said—thinking about how he would sneak inside and retrieve his wand.
"What if she's checked up on you and already knows you're missing?" asked Edmund.
Tom shook his head. "That's unlikely. She doesn't care if I attend meals or not. She's only imposed this curfew to be difficult."
"And mean!" Buffy added.
Tom snorted. "And she wouldn't dare go into my room," he said.
Buffy's brows raised. "On account of you being a nasty little boy?"
"I've told you they don't like me," was all he said.
Buffy hmm'd. "Well, I have an idea. Edmund and I will go in and ask to see you...and you'll sneak behind us and up to your room and wait for someone to come for you."
Tom shrugged. He hadn't come up with anything better, so he agreed to her plan. It might work. And if he was caught going up, he would just tell them he'd gone down to the kitchen to get something to eat, because he'd overslept. Mrs Cole would scold him for missing breakfast—even though she didn't care one way or the other—then tell him he had visitors.
"All right," he said, frowning a bit. "Although there might be chores I need to do before I can leave."
Buffy shrugged. "We'll help you...if she'll let us."
Tom smirked. "She won't. But she's also likely to be annoyed that you're there...and that you've brought a friend with you. She might just order us all to leave."
Buffy grinned. "Perfect!"
~oOo~
Buffy's plan worked perfectly! The three of them quietly sneaked in, pushing the front gate open as quickly as possible—so as not to cause any noise—then hurrying up the steps to the door.
At the door, she put her finger to her mouth, and spoke. "I'll go first. Keep the door open like...this much," she said, holding her hands about two feet apart. "When I get to the counter, Edmund, you should follow me." Then she looked at Tom. "You slip in and close the door and, when he gets to the counter, find a way to sneak by behind us."
Both boys nodded.
"Just...be quick about it," Buffy ordered. "This only works if no one sees you."
Tom rolled his eyes. As if he didn't know that already. "And if no one is in the entrance when we enter," he added.
Buffy frowned. "Right. Hmm. Well, if someone is in there, then...I'll just close the door and try to distract them," she said with a nod and a flip of her hair.
Edmund chuckled. "You're devious."
Buffy grinned. "And don't you forget it! Ready?"
Both boys nodded again.
It all went off without a hitch causing Buffy to puff up with pride and grin when Tom came back down the stairs—with Mrs Cole following closely behind him. She looked even more disgruntled than ever, but she pasted on a pleasant look and looked between Tom and Buffy, then settled her eyes on Edmund.
"And who might you be?" she asked.
"Oh. I'm a relative of Buffy's," he said.
Buffy nodded. "My... cousin," she added quickly. "He wanted to meet Tom. The three of us are just going to hang out...at my house."
Mrs Cole narrowed her eyes, then slowly started to nod. "All right. I suppose there's no harm in that."
Buffy grinned. "Oh, thank you, Mrs Cole. It's been so hard being here with no friends and...I'm super grateful to be able to spend time with Tom and Edmund."
Mrs Cole hmm'd. "Well, run along then," she said, clearly wanting to be done with them.
Not needing to be told twice, Buffy nodded at the woman, then turned and hurried toward the door—with Tom and Edmund on her heels.
~oOo~
"That was...easy," Edmund said for a second time that morning.
They'd walked through Lambeth to the Tube—mostly in silence—and were waiting for the train.
Tom nodded. "Too easy."
Buffy shrugged. "Who cares. We're free!" she said—then pointed. "Ooo. Train! Now let's get over to the Leaky and see if there's anyone who will help us. And maybe eat something. I'm starving! In fact, let's eat something first and then start asking around."
Tom smirked and opened his mouth to comment, but was stopped short by one of Buffy's not so gentle slaps—which caused Edmund to laugh.
Instead, the dark-haired boy cleared his throat and said, "We might want to hurry our meal, so as to avoid being delayed by unwanted visitors."
Buffy frowned, considering that nearly every time she went to either the Leaky Cauldron or Diagon Alley, she ran into Abraxas Malfoy. And the day before he'd followed her home!
"You have a point, but I was just thinking that, if we bought some food, the proprietor might be more inclined to assist us," she said.
Edmund nodded. "Buffy has a point."
Tom sighed, then nodded. If Malfoy were to show up, he'd just make sure he didn't stay. The last thing Tom wanted was a classmate knowing about his situation.
It took some time to cross town, but eventually they entered the wizarding establishment and managed to order something to eat, then found a table in a dark corner—in hopes of not being noticed by anyone. They were mostly ignored by the pub's patrons and were not approached by any of Tom's classmates.
After eating, the trio slowly approached the bar, in hopes of getting the help they needed.
"Um. Sir," Buffy said as she leaned on the bar and smiled at the man, hoping to get his attention. As she recalled, he shared a name with her friend.
He looked her up and down, then at Tom and Edmund. "How can I help you, Miss?" he asked as he set his bar towel down.
"Oh. My friends and I were wondering...if you would know if there's a Floo connection somewhere in Little Hangleton and, if there is, could we use yours to go there."
The man eyed her. "I remember you," he said. "You came in with Professor Dumbledore a couple weeks ago. Brought those two lovely ladies with you."
Buffy nodded. "Yep! That was us!" she chirped. "I'll tell my aunts you remember them."
The man blushed crimson. "Oh...y-you don't n-need to do t-that," he stuttered.
Buffy shrugged. "Okay."
The man looked between Tom and Edmund. "And who might you two be."
Buffy didn't give them a chance to respond. Instead, she spoke for them. "Oh. This is my friend Tom and my cousin Edmund," she said.
The man nodded a greeting at each of the boys, then looked at Buffy again. "You say you'd like to use our Floo?"
Buffy nodded. "If it wouldn't be any trouble. Little Hangleton is a bit too far away to get there by any other means...and return the same day."
The man nodded, knowing it was true. "What's your business in Little Hangleton?" he asked.
Tom was about to snap that it was none of his business what they planned—but held his tongue when he felt Buffy's silencing pinch to his side.
"Oh! We have a classmate who lives there and we thought we'd pay her a visit," Buffy lied. "Do you know if there's a public Floo there?"
The man nodded. "There is, actually," he confirmed. "There's a pub called The Hermit that sits on the outskirts." He frowned. "My father knows the owner. He's not fond of visitors."
Instead of snorting and commenting that of course a place called The Hermit wouldn't want company, Buffy pouted. "We wouldn't stay long," she said. "Just long enough to see our friend and then come home."
The man shrugged. "I don't see why not. These days the wife runs the place, so...she won't be too disgruntled. I wouldn't call her friendly, but...she won't throw you out."
Buffy grinned. "That's great! You're a life-saver. Thank you!"
The man blushed again—and then nodded toward the fireplace at the other end of the room. "There's Floo Powder in a jar on the mantel piece," he said.
Still smiling, Buffy looked at Tom and Edmund. "Well, let's get on with this, shall we?" she said, then turned and headed toward the fireplace—still having no clue how the Floo worked.
~oOo~
Thanks for reading...and for your patience with me and my SLOW posting! I appreciate each and every one of you and hope that you'll take the time to review/comment on the chapter or my babbles...or both!