12.
Morning dawned in the bunker with a quiet stillness, broken only by the faint clatter of the coffee pot in the kitchen. Sam and Dean were sitting at the kitchen table, where Rowena, wearing a perfectly applied coat of makeup and an elegant dress, looked at them as if she were addressing a group of troublesome schoolboys.
"Listen up, boys," she began, tapping her perfect nails on the table. "If we're going to Gringotts, it's essential that you behave. Be polite, no arguments, no snappy comebacks, and most of all, no weapons The goblins have a... complex relationship with the rest of the magical world."
Dean leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed over his chest. "So you're telling us to behave as if we're on a bloody picnic?" Rowena shot him a sharp look. "What I'm saying, Dean Winchester, is that if you even think about pulling out one of those cute pistols of yours, you'll cause an incident of epic proportions. Goblins are brilliant, but they're also more dangerous than most demons you've ever encountered."
Sam nodded slowly. "And you're doing the talking?" Rowena smiled broadly. "Of course. I speak their language—literally and figuratively."
Dean rolled his eyes but otherwise kept his mouth shut. He knew Rowena was right, but it irritated him that she had to explain it to him in such a patronizing tone.
The sound of footsteps in the hallway interrupted their conversation. Dana stepped cautiously into the kitchen, her hair still messy from sleep and her eyes half-closed. She clearly needed some time to fully wake up.
"Good morning, sweetheart," Rowena said, her tone suddenly softer and warmer. "Ready for a special day?" Dana looked at her questioningly as she walked over to the table and pulled out a chair. "What are we going to do?" Dean smiled weakly. "We're going grocery shopping... sort of."
Sam pushed her a plate of eggs and toast. "Eat something first. Then we'll explain it to you." Dana nodded sleepily and began to eat slowly. As she ate, the adults continued to discuss the plan.
"So we're driving to Kansas City," Sam said, lifting his mug of coffee. "There's supposed to be a magical district there?" Rowena nodded. "Like in London with Diagon Alley. But it's invisible to normal people. Luckily, I can help you see through the barriers. It's easy."
"Why can Dana see it?" Dean asked, picking up his own plate. Rowena gave him a look that conveyed that his questions was utterly ridiculous. "Because she's part of that world, Dean. The magic is in her blood. But you? You need a... push."
Dana looked up from her breakfast. "Can I see something that's normally hidden?" Rowena smiled and nodded. "Absolutely, honey. You'll love it."
****
The Impala drove slowly down a busy street in Kansas City, the sun high in the sky. Dana sat quietly in the backseat, her eyes wide with curiosity. Next to her sat Rowena, calmly rummaging through a bag with runes on the side. She took out several stones. Dean parked the car on a quiet side street at Rowena’s direction and looked over at Sam. "So, how does this work?"
“Take these stones, hold them in your hand and wait a moment boys.” Rowena opened the door and got out, then raised her arms to the sky and muttered a few words in Latin. The air seemed to vibrate for a moment, as if it were a mirror being thrown into a stone. When the air stabilized, something had changed.
Where there had once been a plain wall, there was now a narrow passageway, with colorful storefronts and strange figures hurrying down the street. It was like stepping into a whole new world.
"Welcome, gentlemen," Rowena said, grinning widely. "To the magical district of Kansas City."
Dean stepped out of the car and stared wide-eyed at the transformation. It was as if someone had brought a painting to life. The streets were paved with smooth stones that glistened in the sun, while the storefronts were painted bright colors and had strange, ornate architecture. There were floating signs with moving letters, signs that spoke, and the air was filled with a mix of herbs, flowers, and what looked like burning wood.
Dana stood next to Rowena, her mouth open in amazement. She instinctively grabbed Sam’s hand, who was standing next to her on her other side, and looked at a store where a vibrant dragon of purple smoke was writhing through the air. “That’s really…” She searched for words. “Magical.”
Dean turned to Rowena, his eyebrows raised. “So, what exactly is this? A secret street full of wand-wielding people?”
Rowena smiled as if he had asked a stupid question. "Not just wand-wielding people, Dean. This is a community completely separate from your world. Here, wizards, witches, goblins, and other magical creatures come together to trade, learn, and live their lives without you knowing about it."
Sam nodded thoughtfully, looking around. "I can see why it has to be kept secret. This is… impressive."
"And dangerous too," Rowena added. "The magical district has rules. Break them, and you'll soon know." She gave Dean a knowing look. Dana tugged gently on Sam's hand. "Can I look in that shop?" She pointed to a small bookstore with a sign that appeared to show a cat washing itself, the animal making occasional purring movements.
"Later, little one," Rowena said softly. "First to the bank. Business before pleasure, as I always say."
She led them through the crowd. Magical families walked by, children in robes ran around with toy broomsticks, and a group of witches stood together in discussion with floating cups of tea. Dana stared, her curiosity barely under control.
"There it is," Rowena said suddenly, pointing to a building that looked as if it were made of gleaming copper. The building towered above the rest of the street, with heavy doors guarded by a small goblin. He wore a shiny suit and glared sternly at everyone who entered.
Dana looked at the building with wide eyes. "That's the bank?"
"Gringotts, my dear," Rowena said softly. "And believe me, you'll never forget it."
Dean looked at Sam, who shrugged slightly. "Well, let's do this then," Dean said with a sigh. "And remember, Rowena – if anything goes wrong, it's your fault." Rowena grinned broadly and led the group to the entrance.