We awoke the next morning, a week into our stay at the Goldstein's early. Today Mr. and Mrs. Goldstein were going to take me, Harry, and Anthony to Diagon Alley to get new robes, books, school supplies, and so on.
So, at around Ten, we all gathered around the fire place. Mrs. Goldstein went first, then me, Harry, Anthony, and finally Mr. Goldstein as the five of us floo'd to the Leaky Cauldron. Mr. Goldstein then gave us all a firm look.
"Now remember. Stay in the alley, don't wander off, try and stay within sight of each other. We're not going to hold your hand, we know you all probably want to browse the shops a little."
"If you need either of us, we'll be around." Mrs. Goldstein added, clearly a nervous look on her face.
We all nodded.
"Don't worry mum, nothing is going to happen." Anthony tried to assure her.
She bit her bottom lip, then nodded as Mr. Goldstein spoke up one final time.
"We all meet back here at five. Now go have fun."
And with Mr. Goldstein's permission the three of us made our way into the Alley. The first stop of course was Gringotts to get money to spend. On our way down to our vaults I had asked the goblin leading us down, once again Griphook like during our first time here, why I hadn't been able to withdraw anything from mine and Harry's shared accounts.
"Why is that?" I asked frowning as we rode the cart down.
"We only allow one person to accesses our vaults at anytime without permission, a chief account holder as it were. This is simply based on the eldest member of the family still living. Your brother is the oldest of the Potter family, so you'd need his permission." Griphook replied matter a factly.
I frowned, but also wasn't as upset as I could have been. At least it was based on age and not anything else like my gender.
"Next time you wish to make a withdraw, simply have your brother sign the form we sent you." Griphook continued. Harry and Anthony both had awkward and sympathetic looks on there faces as I gave Griphook an annoyed look, then sighed.
"I'll keep that in mind." I replied.
Anthony got some galleons out of his families using said form his dad had signed, so the goblin's would let him in. From what we saw the vault was what could be expected, filled to the brim. Me and Harry then got to ours, and with Harry present me and him were able to get more than enough money to get all the school supplies we'd need.
As we walked back into the Alley I couldn't help and glance at the wanted posters plastered against so many of the walls. Of course Quirrell was still there, but Sirius Black's wanted poster was much more prevalent and numerous. Clearly what Stan had told us was true, the man was clearly deeply feared and the Ministry was doing all in it's power to catch him.
In any case, now that the three of us had money to spend, we began to browse. The first thing that caught our attention was a large crowd that had gathered around the front window of Quality Quidditch Supplies. Curious the three of us walked over and squeezed our way through the crowd. And inside, sitting upon a podium, was the most beautiful, regal, and expensive broom I'd ever laid eyes on.
"Just come out — prototype —" We heard a wizard someone mutter in amazement to his friend.
"It's the fastest broom in the world, isn't it, Dad?" A young boy clearly not old enough to even be in Hogwarts asked his father, whom was holding him.
"Irish International Side's just put in an order for seven of these beauties!" The owner of the shop told us and the rest of the assembled shop. "And they're favorites for the World Cup!"
Finally a witch in front of us moved, so the three of us were finally able to read a sign next to the broom.
THE FIREBOLT
This state-of-the-art racing broom sports a stream-lined, superfine handle of ash, treated with a diamond-hard polish and hand-numbered with its own registration number. Each individually selected birch twig in the broomtail has been honed to aerodynamic perfection, giving the Firebolt unsurpassable balance and pinpoint precision. The Firebolt has an acceleration of 150 kilometers an hour in ten seconds and incorporates an unbreakable Braking Charm. Price on request.
"Price on request." I murmured. "Must be really expensive."
"Yeah." Harry added in amazement, he clearly was battling the urge to ask the price and get one, but also knew that his Nimbus Two Thousand was plenty good enough. The same for me with my Nimbus Two Thousand and One. Would it be cool to own this Firebolt? No doubt but, we had other things to buy. "What about you Anthony? I'm sure your parents could afford one for you?" Harry asked, turning to him.
"I mean, they could yeah but...I don't need it. I have no plan to join the Quidditch teams and to be honest flying has never really been my favorite hobby...I always get sick." He admitted.
"Really?" Harry asked tilting his head.
"I'm sorry to hear that." I added.
Anthony simply nodded, and after a long moment of me and Harry gazing longingly at the broom, the three of us reluctantly pulled away and began shopping for our third year at Hogwarts.
We found the Apothecary and bought all the potions ingredients we'd need for the coming school year. Then we headed to Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. All of us were growing and so all of us had to be fitted with new school robes.
After this it was time to head to my favorite store in the Alley, Flourish and Blotts, and get all the books we'd need for the new school year. However when we arrived and saw the window looking into the shop, it was different. In the window, instead the usual fancy looking spell books displayed, was a cage filled to the brim with the The Monster Book of Monsters, the same book Hagrid had already sent me and Harry for our birthday. All of us shared a look as we saw the books going at it in the cage, as if they were caged dogs.
"Oh my." Anthony said.
"Well, at least it makes sense now why Hagrid got us though for our birthday." I commented.
Harry nodded. "Yeah."
The three of us pulled out our respective book lists for the coming school year. My list was by far the longest, as I'd elected to take every single elective available. Anthony was taking three, while Harry was taking only two. The three of us stepped into the book shop and the manager, whom I could see bite marks on his hands, and a stressed look on his face.
"Hogwarts?" The manger asked the three of us quickly. "Come to get your new books?"
"Yes," Harry replied as he stepped forward to go first, "I need —"
"Get out of the way," The manager pushed past us, a scowl on his face, as he went over and put on a pair of thick gloves, and grabbed what looked like rather long walking stick. And walked towards the cage with the Monster Books
"Hang on," Harry interjected quickly, "I've already got one of those."
"So do I." I added.
"Have you?" The manager said, a look of massive relief said on his face. "Thank heavens for that. I've been bitten five times already this morning —"
"Uh." Anthony interjected awkwardly, and the Manager frowned. "I need one."
The manager took a deep breath. "And just when I thought I was out of the woods." He muttered, turning back to the cage at the same time as two of the books were ganging up on a third, trying to tear it to pieces, making a loud ripping noise.
"Stop it! Stop it!" The manager cried, poking the long stick through the bars to force the books apart, then quickly opening the cage, grabbing the first book he could for Anthony, then closing the cage as quickly as he could. "I'm never stocking them again, never! It's been bedlam! I thought we'd seen the worst when we bought two hundred copies of the Invisible Book of Invisibility — cost a fortune, and we never found them. … Well … is there anything else I can help you three with?" The manager said as he handed Anthony his copy of the Monster Book of Monsters.
"Yes," Harry replied as he looked down at his booklist, "I need Unfogging the Future by Cassandra Vablatsky."
"We all do." I added, as Anthony nodded in confirmation. The manager nodded.
"Ah, starting Divination, are you?" He asked us as he pulled off the gloves, then led us to the back corner of the shop where there was a small section of the shop dedicated to the subject.
I looked at the numerous books in amazement. Predicting the Unpredictable, Insulate Yourself Against Shocks and Broken Balls, and When Fortunes Turn Foul. I couldn't help myself from smiling in amazement.
"Here you three are," the manager said, taking down a trio of thick black tomes, and handed one to each of us. "Unfogging the Future. Very good guide to all your basic fortune-telling methods — palmistry, crystal balls, bird entrails —that sort of thing."
"Thank you sir." I said.
"Yes, thank you." Anthony added.
The manager nodded, but then the three of us noticed Harry's attention was focused elsewhere. He was looking at at a book alone on a table. On the cover was a rather large black dog with gleaming eyes...and for a second I couldn't help but think of that dog's we'd saw the other day when Harry had accidently summoned the Knight Bus.
And that's when I read the title, and could tell instantly why Harry eye had been caught by it.
The book was titled, Death Omens: What to Do When You Know the Worst Is Coming.
"Oh, I wouldn't read that if I were you," the manager said with a amused look. "You'll start seeing death omens everywhere. It's enough to frighten anyone to death."
I turned my attention to Anthony who simply shrugged, as the manager shoved Harry's copy of Unfogging the Future into Harry's chest.
"Anything else?" The manager asked the three of us.
"Yes," Harry replied, finally tearing his gaze away from that death omens book. "Er — we need Intermediate Transfiguration and The Standard Book of Spells, Grade Three."
So for the next few minutes the Manager got Harry, me, and Anthony all the basic books every student would need. Then me and Anthony both got a copy of Magical Hieroglyphs and Logograms for Ancient Runes.
However when I kept going, asking for both Numerology and Grammatica, For Arithmancy, and Home Life and Social Habits of British Muggles for Muggle Studies. The Manager gave me a raised eyebrow.
"Trying for all twelve O.W.L's are you?" The Manager asked.
"Well...I guess. I just couldn't choose what not to take." I admitted.
The manager chuckled, then went around and got the two books. "I bet you drop at least two classes by the end of this year dear. No offense but, only three student's have made it through there fifth year and passed twelve Hogwarts courses."
I frowned, grabbing the books from the Manager. "Well I intend to be the fourth." I say firmly.
He chuckles. "We'll see. If you do ever pass twelve, come back here and I'll give you a free book."
"I will." I said, more than eager to accept this challenge. Both Harry and Anthony shared a look as the three of us left the shop. Me carrying a large stack of books, while Harry and Anthony both had large stacks of there own.
"So you're still going to take all five electives." Anthony chuckled.
"Yes." I said firmly. "I'm going to do it. If three other student's have done it since that man has started working at Flourish and Blotts, why can't I?"
"I don't think anyone's saying you can't just...it's just going to be a lot of work." Harry said.
"Oh I know, but I'll do it. I know I can." I replied.
Anthony chuckled. Harry just shook his head.
The summer day was slowly coming to a end, and it was nearing five, so the three of us began our walk back up to the Leaky Cauldron. As we walked, Harry subtly tapped on my shoulder. I turned and saw a troubled expression on his face.
"It can't have been a death omen?" Harry asked me uncertainly in a whisper so Anthony didn't hear, clearly he was trying to convince himself. "We were panicking when we saw that thing in Magnolia Crescent. … It was probably just a stray dog. …right?"
I bit my lip, thinking. "Harry we don't know anything about omens or the like. All you saw was a book cover. Calm down." I told him.
"You're right." He said nodding. "You're right." He repeated more firmly. "Just me getting nervous like when thinking I was going to have to go on the run."
I chuckled. "Don't remind me." I said lightly. Anthony finally noticed us talking and raised a eyebrow.
"What you two on about?" Anthony asked.
So, I gave Harry a playful smirk and filled Anthony in on Harry's daring plan to live life on the run. Harry looked sheepish and at the end of my retelling all Anthony could do was shake his head.
"You're such a Gryffindor Harry." Anthony said simply, a amused look on his face.
The three of us finally made our way into the Leaky Cauldron, and sure enough Mr. and Mrs. Goldstein were waiting for us.
"Oh my dear." Mrs. Goldstein said when she saw how many books I was carrying. "You're taking everything?" She asked warmly, using a spell to pile all mine, Harry's and Anthony's books into separate floating bags.
"Yes. I am." I replied.
The Goldstein's shared a look. "Well that's great. A Ravenclaw should always look to learn as much as possible." Mr. Goldstein said.
"Just, don't overwork yourself dear." Mrs. Goldstein added. "We had several of our classmates try and get all twelve O.W.L's. None made it out of fourth year without dropping something."
I bit my bottom lip. From what I was gathering taking all twelve O.W.L's at Hogwarts would be really difficult. Given only three students in the last how ever many years had done it. Still, I had to try. At least for me Muggle Studies would be a cake walk given my upbringing.
"I understand it will be hard, but I have to try." I finally replied.
The Goldstein's both looked worried but also understanding. "Of course Sarah." Mr. Goldstein said. "And I'm sure Professor Flitwick will make sure you have all the support you could ever have."
"Now come." Mrs. Goldstein said as she motioned for the three of us to Floo back to Goldstein Manor. "Jacob will handle your books and get them to your things back at the Manor."
With that Harry, then myself, and finally Anthony floo'd back to Goldstein Manor. As the two had said in my guestroom among all my things were the new books.
I instantly got to reading them to prepare myself for all my classes, both new and the core classes I would be continuing. I told myself to read all of them through at least once before school even started, I would do this. I knew I could.
"I will complete all twelve O.W.L's. I'll be the fourth student." I promised myself in a determined voice. I will."
And with that the rest of the evening I sat on the bed in my guest room reading.
The next few weeks passed at Goldstein manor and I kept true to my word. It was a lot, it was tiring, but I managed to read all my new textbooks at least once.
The second to last day of term arrived and the excitement around the manor was building for me, Anthony, and especially Harry. He was clearly ready to see Ron and Hermione again. While me and Anthony were both excited to see Lisa again.
"She probably is going to be ranting about her time in New York." Anthony commented. And I couldn't help but agree.
"From her letter on my birthday she didn't seem particularly pleased." I said.
Anthony shook his head. "That's putting it lightly."
Around noon Mr. and Mrs. Goldstein called us into the main hall.
"We just made a decision. Tomorrow morning all of us will be heading to the Leaky Cauldron for your last day of summer. We will be staying overnight there, then leaving from there to Kings Cross to drop you all off at Platform Nine and Three Quarters." Mr. Goldstein said.
Me, Harry, and Anthony shared a look.
"Why?" Anthony as the first to ask, and the Goldstein's shared a look. Clearly they were keeping something from us, as finally Mrs. Goldstein spoke.
"Because dear, your...other friends are going to be there tomorrow." Mrs. Goldstein explained, and at this we all perked up.
"Really?!" Harry asked excitedly.
"Yes. The Weasley's are going to be back from Egypt tomorrow and I've talked to Arthur and he and his family plan to do the same as us, staying overnight at the Leaky Cauldron." Mr. Goldstein explained.
"And I've reached out to your other friends, Lisa and Hermione's, parents and they both agreed to drop off Hermione and Lisa tomorrow as well. So us and the Weasley's and so on all agreed...wouldn't a day with your friends in Diagon Alley be fun?" Mrs. Goldstein asked.
It did I had to admit, getting to see the Weasley's, Lisa, and Hermione in Diagon Alley seemed really fun. And from the look on Harry's face he seemed really pleased to finally get out of the manor and hang out with his friends. Still, I could tell the couple were hiding something, and the only thing I could assume was that it had something to do with Sirius Black.
Still, I wasn't going to pry or complain, at least right now.
"Sounds wonderful." I replied. The Goldstein's nodded, then as we left the room the three of us shared a excited, but also curious look.
And I personally couldn't help but wonder why the Goldstein's were doing this.
The next day around noon, the Goldstein's, me, and Harry floo'd to the Leaky Cauldron. Mr. Goldstein assured me, Harry, and Anthony he'd get our stuff into our rooms, and to go find our friends and enjoy the last day in Diagon Alley.
So me, Harry, and Anthony made our way out into the busy streets of Diagon Alley. We searched the Alley until a voice called to us...
"HARRY! SARAH! ANTHONY!" Hermione was calling and waving, as was Ron, both of them sitting outside Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. The three of us made our way over.
"Finally!" Ron said excitedly with a massive grin on his face. "We went to the Leaky Cauldron, but they said you three hadn't arrived yet, so we went to Flourish and Blotts, and Madam Malkin's, and then we sat down here, we've been waiting for you three all morning."
"You three got everything you need?" Hermione asked us.
"We got all our school stuff a while back," Replied Harry. "I'm guessing your dad already explained the entire situation to you two?"
Ron nodded. "Yeah, we're both staying here overnight with you guys."
"My dad said he'd spoken to your parents." Anthony said to Ron. "And my mum to yours." He added motioning to Hermione.
Hermione nodded, then turned to Harry, a very serious look her face.
"Did you really blow up your aunt, Harry?" Hermione asked in a very stern voice.
"I didn't mean to," Harry replied as Ron began to laugh uncontrollably, while me and Anthony shared a nervous look. "I just — lost control."
"It's not funny, Ron," Hermione said sternly. "Honestly, I'm amazed Harry wasn't expelled."
"So am I," Harry admitted. "Forget expelled, I thought I was going to be arrested." Harry turned to Ron. "Your dad doesn't know why Fudge let me off, does he?"
"Probably 'cause it's you, isn't it?" Ron shrugged, still laughing. "Famous Harry Potter and all that. I'd hate to see what the Ministry'd do to me if I blew up an aunt. Mind you, they'd have to dig me up first, because Mum would've killed me. Anyway, you can ask Dad yourself this evening. As I'm sure Anthony's dad told you guys, we're staying at the Leaky Cauldron tonight too! So you can come to King's Cross with us tomorrow! Hermione's staying with us as well!"
Hermione nodded, a massive smile on her face "Mum and Dad dropped me off this morning with all my Hogwarts things.
"Excellent!" Harry said happily.
"Speaking of which." I couldn't help but interject. "Why is that?"
Everyone turned to me. "Why is what?" Ron asked.
"Why are all of us staying overnight at the cauldron? I'm sure the Goldstein's could have easily gotten me, Harry, and Anthony to the Hogwarts Express tomorrow. And from how Mr. and Mrs. Goldstein were talking it seems like all this isn't just about us seeing our friends." I said.
Anthony nodded. "That's what I was thinking. Something else is going on here."
All five of us shared a look.
"But what?" Hermione asked.
"I think it has to do with that Sirius Black." I admitted softly, Ron paled slightly, Anthony grit his teeth, and Hermione nodded.
"I saw his wanted posters and was asking Ron about him, supposedly he is a massive you-know-who supporter. Second in command or something like that."
"That's what we heard. And if Black is out there I'm sure the Ministry is worried for Harry's and my safety, though I can't be certain..." I replied, but before I could interject I felt someone place a hand on my shoulder and turned. "Lisa!" I said happily.
"There you guys are." She said in relief as she sat down.
"It's good to see you Lisa. How have you been?" Anthony asked.
"Dreadful. New York was as horrid and boring as I feared, and after that phone call with you Uncle..." Lisa said looking at me and Harry. "...my mum overheard it and grounded me for talking that way to a adult...awful...truly awful. Now enough about me, how were all your summers?"
So we caught up Lisa on our summers, given she was off in muggle New York she wasn't nearly in the loop as Ron and Hermione had been, and when she heard Harry had accidently inflated Aunt Marge all she could do was laugh like Ron.
"God that's amazing, women had it coming, should have done the whole family." Lisa said after a long chuckle.
Hermione frowned. "Harry could have been expelled. It isn't funny."
Lisa raised an eyebrow. "Do you really think the Ministry would ever expel the Boy-Who-Lived over a bout of accidental magic Hermione?"
"They could have." Hermione replied firmly. "From last year with Dobby, and Hagrid the Ministry doesn't seem that forgiving."
Lisa shrugged. "Difference between Dobby making it look like they were purposefully doing magic and what Harry did, which was accidental magic. As for Hagrid he, unfortunately, had a criminal record. Not that it was true, but still."
Hermione sighed. "It's still not funny." She replied.
"It was very funny..." Lisa began.
"Okay, enough debate after whether Harry inflating Aunt Marge was funny or not." I interjected, knowing how Lisa could be if she got into it with someone.
Lisa gave me her usual look, as Harry spoke.
"So, have you got all your new books and stuff?" Harry asked, thankfully changing the subject.
Everyone around us nodded, as Ron was the first to speak.
"Look at this," He said, getting a long box out of his bag and opening it. "Brand-new wand. Fourteen inches, willow, containing one unicorn tail-hair. And me and Hermione got all our books —" Ron motioned to a large bag under his seat. "What about those Monster Books, eh? The assistant nearly cried when we said we wanted two."
"Oh I hear you." Lisa nodded, showing us her bag. "I got one of those just a few moments ago. Poor guy looked ready to tear his hair out."
"What's all that, Hermione?" Harry asked Hermione, noticing that unlike Ron and Lisa whom only had one bag, she had three.
"Well, I'm taking more new subjects than you, aren't I? "Hermione told Ron. "Those are my books for Arithmancy, Care of Magical Creatures, Divination, Study of Ancient Runes, Muggle Studies —"
"What are you doing Muggle Studies for?" Ron asked, rolling his eyes. "You're Muggle-born! Your mum and dad are Muggles! You already know all about Muggles!"
"But it'll be fascinating to study them from the wizarding point of view," Hermione replied eagerly.
"Are you planning to eat or sleep at all this year, Hermione?" Harry asked Hermione, Ron sniggered, while Hermione ignored them.
"She isn't the only one, I'm taking all those classes too." I interjected. Ron eyes widened, while Hermione looked excited.
"Really? That's great! We'll have so many classes together!" Hermione said eagerly, while Ron groaned.
"You too? Again I have to ask, you grew up with Muggles, why are you taking Muggle Studies?"
I shrugged. "I want to get all twelve O.W.L's, and I couldn't just choose two or three classes. Besides, lets be honest, muggle studies is going to be really easy if you just pay attention." I reply.
"Merlin." Ron mumbles. "Well at least with you it makes sense, you're in Ravenclaw." Ron turned back to Hermione. "Unlike you."
"God Ron." Lisa interjected with amused expression. "Our house isn't just about being smart you know?"
"Could've fooled me." Ron muttered. Hermione's clearly of her throat then caught all of our attention.
"I've still got ten Galleons," Hermione said as she checked her purse. "It's my birthday in September, and Mum and Dad gave me some money to get myself an early birthday present."
"How about a nice book?" Ron said, pretending it was a innocent expression.
"You say that like it's a problem." Anthony said raising an eyebrow.
Ron just made a face, while Hermione totally ignored Ron's prodding.
"No, I don't think so," Hermione replied calmly. "I really want an owl. I mean, Harry's got Hedwig, Sarah's got Uric, and you've got Errol —"
"I haven't," Ron interjected. "Errol's a family owl. All I've got is Scabbers." Ron pulled the rat out of his pocket, which made Lisa make a grossed out face. "And I want to get him checked over, Ron said, placing Scabbers on the table in front of us. "I don't think Egypt agreed with him."
Indeed poor Scabbers wasn't looking that good. He was thin, and he looked almost sickly.
"You didn't have to put him on the table with our ice cream." Lisa muttered, which made Anthony chuckle.
"Not a fan of rats?" Anthony asked with a amused expression.
"No, there were a lot of them in New York and...well look...no offense Ron but that thing look's to be on deaths door." Lisa said.
"Scabbers is a good rat." Ron replied firmly. "And I'm worried sick about him."
"I'm sure a shop in the alley could help." I tried to assure him.
"There's a magical creature shop just over there," Harry said, pointing across the street. "You could see if they've got anything for Scabbers, and Hermione can get her owl."
Hermione and Ron both looked pleased at Harry's suggestion. So they got up and went to pay for there ice cream. Me, Lisa, and Anthony then shared a look.
"You two wanna check it out?" I suggested.
"Why not." Lisa shrugged. "I need to vent to you two more about New York anyways."
Anthony looked at Lisa in amusement. "You'll have to give us all the details."
Lisa smirked as the three of us stood, paid for our ice cream, then follow Harry, Ron, and Hermione to the store across the street, The Magical Menagerie.
The six of us entered the shop. It was small, and everywhere you turned was lined with cages, all of them filled with different creatures from the Wizarding World. All these creatures made the shop smell, and all the creatures made constant noises. Anthony for his part looked interested, while Lisa bit her bottom lip, clearly not enjoying the smell or noise. Given the shop keeper was already serving someone, a wizard going on about something called double-ended newts. So for now all we can do was wait and look around the shop.
There was a pair of massive purple toads, a enormous turtle with jewels somehow lodged deep in it's skull, two clearly poisonous orange snails slowly making there way up the side of there glass container, and a white rabbit that somehow kept transforming into a top hat, and back again over and over with a loud pop each time.
There were also dozens of cats in all variety of colors, a flock of noisy ravens in a cage, some kind of custard colored furry creatures that were making a sort of humming noise. And finally on the counter was a cage full of black rats, all of which looked much more healthy and impressive than poor old Scabbers. They even were somehow playing a skipping game with there tails.
Finally the wizard whom had been asking about the double-ended newts was finished, and Ron was able to step towards the counter. Me, Anthony, and Lisa just kept looking around the shop. Anthony interested in all the different creatures, while Lisa looked ready to vomit.
"It's my rat," Ron told the shop keep. "He been a bit off-color ever since I brought him back from Egypt."
"Bang him on the counter," the witch replied, as she pulled a pair of spectacles out of her pocket.
Ron placed Scabbers on the counter, which compared to the other rats in the cage just made Scabbers seem even more pathetic in comparison. All of said rats stopped skipping and scurried to the edge of there cage, looking at Scabbers.
"Hm," the shop keep replied, as she picked up Scabbers and began to look him over. "How old is this rat?"
"Dunno," Ron replied. "Quite old. He used to belong to my brother."
"What powers does he have?" the witch asked, as she kept looking Scabbers over.
"Er —" Ron replied, and from I remember Scabbers had never once showed any powers at all.
"What kind of powers do rats have?" Lisa leaned over and asked me in a whisper, while Anthony was obsessing over the furry creatures.
I shrugged. "No idea." I replied, taking a quick glance at Scabbers. His left toe missing, and the rip in his left ear. "Maybe Scabbers is just more...durable?"
Lisa looked at Scabbers. "Or maybe it's just more disgusting than usual." She smirked.
"Be nice." I scolded playfully. Which only made Lisa snicker.
"He's been through the mill, this one," the shop keeper told Ron as she finished looking him over.
"He was like that when Percy gave him to me," Ron replied in a defensive tone.
"An ordinary common or garden rat like this can't be expected to live longer than three years or so," the shop keep told Ron. "Now, if you were looking for something a bit more hard-wearing, you might like one of these —"
The shop keep motioned to the cage of the healthy, and clearly talented, black rats, whom all began to skip again.
"Show-offs." Ron muttered.
"Well, if you don't want a replacement, you can try this rat tonic," The shop keeper said, as she reached under her counter and pulled out a small, red bottle.
"Okay," Ron replied. "How much — OUCH!"
Anthony looked up from his browsing, while me and Lisa gasped, as a large orange cat came flying from the top of the cages, landing on Ron's head, then jumped onto the desk and started after Scabbers.
"NO, CROOKSHANKS, NO!" The shop keep shouted at the cat. Yet despite the witch's best efforts, Scabbers got out from her grip, jumped off the desk, onto the floor, and started towards the door.
"Scabbers!" Ron shouted in horror as he chased after Scabbers, Harry not far behind.
Hermione was still at the shop keeps desk, looking this Crookshanks in awe, while me, Anthony, and Lisa shared a look. Looking out the shops window as Ron and Harry chased after Crookshanks.
"I...I'm going to help them." I said after a moment to take in the situation.
"I'll help to." Anthony added.
"Yeah, lets...save a old, dying rat." Lisa said as she followed me and Lisa out of the shop, clearly not that enthusiastic.
So me, Anthony, and Lisa joined Harry, and Ron in the chase of Scabbers. The rat was fast, and slippery, and it took a good ten minutes until Ron was able to corner him under a wastepaper bin outside Quality Quidditch Supplies,
Ron grabbed Scabbers, and put him back in his pocket, then tried calming him down by massaging his head.
"What was that?" Ron asked as soon as Scabbers seemed to calm down a little, referring to the orange cat.
"It was either a very big cat or quite a small tiger," Harry replied.
"Where's Hermione?" Harry asked, looking around.
"Probably getting her owl —" Ron replied.
So the five of us began our way back up to the street with the Magical Menagerie.
"Well that was just lovely." Lisa told me and Anthony. "Running around the alley trying to corner a dying, old, rat. The things I do for my friends."
"I'll make sure to tell everyone how much of a saint you are Lisa." Anthony replied sarcastically.
Lisa playfully smirked. "Don't forget smart, beautiful, talanted..."
"Don't forget an amazing dancer." I added.
"Thank you, I am an amazing dancer." Lisa snickered as the three of us, along with Harry and Ron made it back to Magical Menagerie. We saw Hermione coming out, and Ron froze is horror, Harry eye's widened, me and Anthony shared a look, and Lisa just looked amused.
Because Hermione had bought Crookshanks and was carrying him out of the shop under her arm.
"You bought that monster?" Ron asked horrified.
"He's gorgeous, isn't he?" Hermione replied in a adoring tone.
With Hermione's statement about Crookshanks I couldn't help but take a closer look at the cat. It had a ginger fur color, and said fur was thick and fluffy. It's knees seemed to be slightly deformed in the sense that they stuck slightly outwards, and its face made it look permanently grumpy and annoyed.
"Well, at least when it doesn't see a rat its calm." I said, noticing how it was now purring and content in Hermione's arms.
"Hermione, that thing nearly scalped me!" Ron finally said after getting over the shock of Hermione having bought it.
"He didn't mean to, did you, Crookshanks?" Hermione replied, looking down and giving the cat a loving look.
"And what about Scabbers?" Ron replied, motioning to the rat in his pocket. . "He needs rest and relaxation! How's he going to get it with that thing around?"
"Like rest and relaxation is going to save that thing from death." Lisa leaned over and whispered so only me and Anthony could hear.
I had to hold back a laugh, while Anthony bit his bottom lip and simply nodded in agreement.
"That reminds me, you forgot your rat tonic," Hermione replied, giving Ron the red bottle. "And stop worrying, Crookshanks will be sleeping in my dormitory and Scabbers in yours, what's the problem? Poor Crookshanks, that witch said he'd been in there for ages; no one wanted him."
"I wonder why," Ron replied sarcastically.
"Aw, I think's it's sweet." I told Hermione, whom beamed.
"Thank you Sarah." Hermione said happily as she began to prance up to the Leaky Cauldron, the rest of us following behind.
"I think." Lisa added, again whispering so only me and Anthony could hear. "It's going to be hilarious."
"Of course you would." Anthony simply sighed, which seemed to only tempt Lisa further.
We entered the Leaky Cauldron and saw Mr. Weasley at the bar, a copy of the Daily Prophet in hand, next to him sat Mr and Mrs. Goldstein, the three of them had been chatting quietly when they noticed the six of us walk in.
"Harry! Sarah! "Mr. Weasley said warmly. "How are you two?"
"Fine, thanks," Harry replied.
"As well as I could be." I added smiling.
The six of us sat down with the three adults. As Mr. Weasley motioned to the Goldstein's.
"I was just thanking Jacob and Gracelyn here for watching you two over the summer." Mr. Weasley said.
"It was no problem Arthur. We were happy to look after them." Mr. Goldstein nodded.
"They're both little angels." Gracelyn said warmly. "So well behaved, I see why yours and our boys took a liking to them"
Mr. Weasley laughed and sat down his copy of the Prophet at the bar. On the front page the face of Sirius Black was still prominent.
"They still haven't caught him, then?" Harry asked.
The three adults shared a look and shook there heads, all looking worried about Black.
"No," Mr. Weasley replied. "They've pulled us all off our regular jobs at the Ministry to try and find him, but no luck so far."
"Even us Unspeakables are being pulled off our usual...routines." Mr. Goldstein added. "Let me tell you, some of my co workers are not happy about that." Mr. Goldstein sighed.
"Would we get a reward if we caught him?" Ron asked his father. "It'd be good to get some more money —"
"Don't be ridiculous, Ron," Mr. Weasley interjected, and it was clear the Black matter had him stressed out. "Black's not going to be caught by a thirteen-year-old wizard. It's the Azkaban guards who'll get him back, you mark my words."
Mrs. Goldstein shivered. "Dreadful things." She muttered.
But before any of us could ask Mrs. Goldstein what was so dreadful about the Azkaban guards, the door to the pub burst open and Mrs. Weasley. Following close behind, all of them with bags full of school supplies, were Fred, George, Percy, and Ginny.
As soon as Ginny saw us, especially Harry, she turned red and muttered a quiet "Hello."
"Cleary's she's still flustered about him, even more so now that he saved her life last year." I told Lisa and Anthony as Percy came over to me and Harry.
"Harry. How nice to see you." Percy said as he shook Harry's hand in a professional manner, then turned to me. "You too Sarah, Anthony, and Lisa." He said.
"Hello, Percy," Harry replied, clearly trying not to laugh at Percy being...well Percy.
"It's good to see you Percy, congrats on being named Head Boy." I smiled, trying to be kind even if Percy was being as haughty as ever.
Percy seemed to like being praised for being head boy. "Thank you Sarah, hard work pays off I know. I hope you're all well?" He asked the group, as if he was running for Prime Minister and not a fellow student.
"Very well, thanks —" Harry began, but was cut off when Fred suddenly elbowed Percy out of the way.
"Harry! And Sarah too!" Fred said. "Simply splendid to see you two, old friends —"
"Marvelous," George now interjected, pushing Fred aside to shake Harry, the my hand. "Absolutely spiffing."
Percy scowled, and finally Mrs. Weasley got involved.
"That's enough, now," Mrs. Weasley told Fred and George.
"Mum!" Fred said, as if he had just noticed her. "How really corking to see you —"
"I said, that's enough," Mrs. Weasley repeated firmly, then placed her bag in a empty chair and turned to me and Harry. "Hello, Harry, dear. And good to see you too Sarah. I suppose you've heard our exciting news?" Mrs. Weasley pointed to the silver, head boys badge on Percy's chest. "Second Head Boy in the family!" Mrs. Weasley said, clearly very proud.
"And last," Fred muttered in annoyance under his breath.
"I don't doubt that," Mrs. Weasley replied, and we all noticed a disappointed frown on her face. "I notice they haven't made you two prefects."
"What do we want to be prefects for?" George asked, as if being a Prefect was a horrible thing. "It'd take all the fun out of life."
Ginny giggled, and I noticed Lisa having to hold back a amused snort of her own.
"You want to set a better example for your sister!" Mrs. Weasley snapped at the twins.
"Ginny's got other brothers to set her an example, Mother," Percy said, still giving Fred and George dirty looks. "I'm going up to change for dinner. …"
Percy disappeared, and George sighed, rolling his eyes.
"We tried to shut him in a pyramid," George told me and Harry. "But Mum spotted us."
After that the group began to disperse throughout the Leaky Cauldron, Anthony's parents called him over and his mother started fussing over his hair. Mr. Weasley and Mr. Goldstein continued to quietly talk about there respective jobs at the Ministry, Fred and George went off to definitely not bother Percy more, Harry, Ron, and Hermione found a corner to catch up, and Mrs. Weasley began to fuss over Ginny and was making sure none of her books were cursed this year...much to the girls embarrassment. This left just me and Lisa, whom found our own corner.
"Who's this Black?" Lisa asked, and I remembered that she hadn't been told.
"Well he's..." And I told her everything me and Harry had found out over the summer. I also added my own personal thoughts, about that Black could be seen as a threat to Harry and by extension me.
"You think that's why where all here...together? To keep you and Harry safe?" Lisa asked me in a whisper, looking around to make sure no one else was listening.
"I...I think so." I admitted. "Usually I'm not one for conspiracy theories. But given how close a eye the Goldstein's, and now the Weasley's are keeping a eye on us."
Lisa nodded. "Well, if anyone comes after you, I'll make sure to give them hell before they got to you."
"Aw Lisa...that...thanks. Lets hope it never comes to that and Sirius Black is caught soon." I said.
Lisa nodded. "I hope so too."
Soon enough it was time for dinner. Tom the innkeeper pushed four tables together for all of us could eat together. The total of Seven Weasley's, three Goldstein's, me, Harry, Hermione, and Lisa made for a wonderful experience.
Fred and George kept trying to trick Mr. Goldstein into revealing into what Unspeakables did, of course Mr. Goldstein was as taught lipped as ever. Percy had discreetly asked me and Anthony (he didn't trust Lisa, for good reason, I may add) to deliver letters to Penelope for him during the year, which he assured us he'd pay. I said I thought it was sweet, and I'd do it for free, and Anthony just went along with what I said.
Finally, after five servings, and as we were all digging into dessert, Fred spoke up.
"How're we getting to King's Cross tomorrow, Dad?" Fred asked as he was digging into some chocolate pudding.
"The Ministry's providing a couple of cars," Mr. Weasley replied. And everyone except Mr. Goldstein looked surprised and turned to Mr. Weasley.
"Why?" Percy asked curiously.
"It's because of you, Perce," George interjected in a serious tone. "And there'll be little flags on the hoods, with HB on them —"
"— for Humongous Bighead," Fred finished.
At that most of the table couldn't help but snort into there pudding. I noticed the Mr. and Mrs. Goldstein both hold back, even through they clearly found the joke amusing, while Percy and Mrs. Weasley both didn't laugh. Finally after everyone composed themselves Percy continued...
"Why are the Ministry providing cars, Father?" Percy repeated, trying to sound dignified.
"Well, as we haven't got one anymore," Mr. Weasley replied, "— and as me and Jacob here—," Mr. Weasley patted Mr. Goldstein on the shoulder, "— work there, they're doing us a favor —"
We all noticed Mr. Weasleys ears had turned red, clearly not liking being under a microscope like this.
"Indeed." Mr. Goldstein added, clearly trying to cover for Mr. Weasley. "Should be plenty of room for everyone to get to Kings Cross tomorrow."
"Good thing, too," Mrs. Weasley added. "Do you realize how much luggage you've all got between you? A nice sight you'd be on the Muggle Underground. … You are all packed, aren't you?"
Most of us nodded, when Percy spoke up.
"Ron hasn't put all his new things in his trunk yet," Percy said, clearly taking his built up frustration out on Ron. "He's dumped them on my bed."
"You'd better go and pack properly, Ron, because we won't have much time in the morning," Mrs. Weasley called down the table. Ron scowled at Percy.
With that everyone began to herd upstairs. Most were paired up, for Example Harry was with Anthony, I was with Lisa, Ron was with Percy, and so on. Me and Lisa found our room and made sure we were packed for the morning, then spent the next several minutes making talking and catching up before Lisa yawned.
"Got up in New York this morning, and now I'm here." Lisa yawned, now sounding exhausted.
"Well don't let me keep you up." I said understandingly.
"Thanks." Lisa said as she crawled into bed and before I knew it she was out like a light.
I was about to turn in for the night as well, when I heard yelling. Lisa slept right through it, and worried, I decided to check it out. I walked into the hall, and saw Harry doing the same thing.
"You hear the yelling to?" I asked softly.
"Yeah." Harry nodded.
The two of us saw room number twelve was cracked open, and inside Ron and Percy could be heard yelling at each other.
"It was here, on the bedside table, I took it off for polishing —"
"I haven't touched it, all right?" Ron yelled back.
Me and Harry glanced at each other, then entered the room to see what was wrong.
"What's going on in here?" I asked the pair.
"Yeah What's up?" Harry added.
"My Head Boy badge is gone," Percy replied, walking over to us, clearly very upset.
"So's Scabbers's rat tonic," Ron added, looking through his trunk. "I think I might've left it in the bar —"
"You're not going anywhere till you've found my badge!" Percy roared at Ron.
Me and Harry shared another quick glance.
"I'll get Scabbers's stuff, I'm packed," Harry told Ron.
"Me too." I added, wanting to get out of Percy and Ron's room as quickly as possible.
So me and Harry quietly left the room and started down towards the now almost pitch black before either of us could make it all the way down we heard the raised voices of Mr. and Mrs. Weasley from the parlor. We both decided it was best not to eavesdrop on whatever they were talking about, when both of us stopped dead in our tracks at the sound of our names.
"… makes no sense not to tell them," Mr. Weasley was saying loudly. "Harry and Sarah both got a right to know. I've tried to tell Fudge, but he insists on treating them like a children. They're both thirteen years old and —"
"Arthur, the truth would terrify them!" Mrs. Weasley replied firmly. "Do you really want to send Harry and Sarah back to school with that hanging over them? For heaven's sake, they're happy not knowing!"
"I don't want to make them miserable, I want to put them on there guard!" Mr. Weasley replied, in a equally firm tone "You know what Harry and Ron are like, wandering off by themselves — they've even ended up in the Forbidden Forest! But Harry mustn't do that this year! When I think what could have happened to them that night they ran away from home! If the Knight Bus hadn't picked them up, I'm prepared to bet they would have been dead before the Ministry found him. And Sarah, even if she isn't as rash as Harry, need to know too. She's in danger too."
"But they're not dead, they're fine, so what's the point —"
"Molly, they say Sirius Black's mad, and maybe he is, but he was clever enough to escape from Azkaban, and that's supposed to be impossible. It's been a month, and no one's seen hide nor hair of him, and I don't care what Fudge keeps telling the Daily Prophet, we're no nearer catching Black than inventing self-spelling wands. The only thing we know for sure is what Black's after —"
"But Harry and Sarah will be perfectly safe at Hogwarts." Mrs. Weasley interjected.
"We thought Azkaban was perfectly safe. If Black can break out of Azkaban, he can break into Hogwarts." Mr. Weasley replied surely.
"But no one's really sure that Black's after Sarah, and Harry —"
There was a thud, and I thought it sounded like Mr. Weasley had slammed his fist on the table.
"Molly, how many times do I have to tell you? They didn't report it in the press because Fudge wanted it kept quiet, but Fudge went out to Azkaban the night Black escaped. The guards told Fudge that Black's been talking in his sleep for a while now. Always the same words: 'He's at Hogwarts … he's at Hogwarts.' Black is deranged, Molly, and he wants Harry dead. If you ask me, he thinks murdering Harry will bring You-Know-Who back to power. Black lost everything the night Harry stopped You-Know-Who, and he's had twelve years alone in Azkaban to brood on that. And if he can use Sarah to get to Harry he will, so she's in vast danger as well. Heck he might try and take her alive as to lure Harry …"
I tensed. Oh god, take me alive? Would a quick death be worse than whatever horrid things he'd do to me while waiting for Harry to arrive...I paled.
There was a tense silence...then...
"What do you two think?" Mrs. Weasley asked after taking a deep breath.
"I think." A new voice spoke up, that of Mr. Goldstein, clearly he and Mrs. Goldstein were also sitting in the Parlor. "That the pair should know something. Not the whole story mind you, but at least parts of it. To keep there guards up. We all know Black is, well, you know. He's mad and manipulative and...he had us all fooled didn't he." Mr. Goldstein said.
"He's one the most dangerous types of people." Mrs. Goldstein spoke up now. "The type that you thought you could trust, and he...I don't even want to talk about it. In any case I don't want to scare the poor dears but, they should at least know some of it. I'll leave what to you Arthur."
There was another silence, then Mr. Weasley spoke up again.
"See Molly. Jacob and Gracelyn agree with me." Mr. Weasley said, clearly trying to convince her, and Mrs. Weasley let out a long sigh.
"Well, Arthur, you must do what you think is right. But you're forgetting Albus Dumbledore. I don't think anything could hurt Harry or Sarah at Hogwarts while Dumbledore's headmaster. I suppose he knows about all this?"
"Of course he knows. We had to ask him if he minds the Azkaban guards stationing themselves around the entrances to the school grounds. He wasn't happy about it, but he agreed." Mr. Weasley replied.
"Not happy? Why shouldn't he be happy, if they're there to catch Black?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"Dumbledore isn't fond of the Azkaban guards," Mr. Weasley said tiredly. "Nor am I, if it comes to that … but when you're dealing with a wizard like Black, you sometimes have to join forces with those you'd rather avoid."
"Those...things...I hate having them near are children." Mrs. Goldstein interjected softly. "I know we have to but..." You could hear Mrs. Goldstein seem to shiver.
"The guards...such horrid...hopefully they do there job quickly and catch Black and everything can go back to normal." Mr. Goldstein added softly.
"If they save Sarah or Harry —"
"— then I will never say another word against them," Mr. Weasley said with a sigh. "It's late, Molly, we'd better go up. …"
"Us too." Mr. Goldstein added. "Going to be a busy morning..."
Me and Harry heard chair moves so we quietly bolted down the dark passage to the bar as the door to the Parlor opened and Weasley's and Goldstein's footsteps could be heard walking by and up the stairs. Under the table we'd all eaten dinner at, the red bottle of Rat Tonic could be seen. We waited until the doors for the Weasley's and Goldstein's rooms closed, then Harry rushed over and got the tonic, and we both quietly headed back upstairs.
On the way up we ran into Fred and George on the landing, both were laughing at the sound of Percy tearing up his and Ron's room in search of his Head Boy badge.
"We've got it," Fred told us both in a whisper. "We've been improving it."
George held up the badge which now read, Bighead Boy.
Harry forced a laugh, I gave as much a smile as I could muster. Then Harry went to give Ron the rat tonic, then the two of us split into our respective rooms.
It all made sense now. Was the Minister himself had met us at the Leaky Cauldron, why we'd been shipped off to Goldstein Manor and told not to set foot off the property, the wards Mr. Goldstein had set up, and now the Ministry was giving all of us a personal ride to Kings Cross tomorrow to protect us.
Of course I'd suspected something of the sort, but now to have it all confirmed made me it feel much more real and terrifying.
I laid down next to the still sleeping form of Lisa, in the background I could still hear Ron and Percy going at it...but none of that mattered. I couldn't help but be terrified. After all Sirius Black had killed thirteen people with one spell. He had been You-Know-Who's second in command. And he was after Harry, and by extension me.
I tried to tell myself to think rationally. After all, like Mrs. Weasley had said, Dumbledore was at Hogwarts. You-Know-Who himself was scared of Dumbledore, and not to mention these horrid Azkaban guards everyone seemed nervous about. And though I couldn't help but wonder what they were, so long as they were protecting the school from Black, I wouldn't complain.
It also made sense why the Minister hadn't even entertained signing our Hogsmeade Forms, not that any of that mattered now. I'd just have Anthony or Lisa do the shopping I needed. Hogsmeade could wait, at least until Black was caught.
I tried to push the fear down. Yes, Hogwarts would be safe right? I mean, it's not like...Quirrell had Voldemort on the back of his head and was still at large himself, or Lockhart had been under the Imperious last year, or the fact a monster had lived in the Chamber of Secrets last year and who knew what else lurked that Black could use.
"Stop thinking like that." I whispered to myself to not wake Lisa up. "I...I'm sure the guards of Azkaban will find Black quickly and everything will be normal this year." I told myself.
I had to have a normal, non dangerous, year at school at some point.
Right?