14.
Sam, Dean, and Dana were sitting on a softly upholstered couch in an adjacent lounge area of the bank. The ritual had taken its toll. Dana had pulled her knees up and was leaning against Sam, her head resting on his arm. Her eyes were heavy with fatigue, and her breathing was calm.
Dean was sitting on the other side of the couch, his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands. He glanced sideways at Dana, his gaze a mix of concern, confusion, and a hint of pride. "Sammy," he said softly, "I don't even know where to begin. This... this is just too much."
Sam smiled slightly as he placed his free hand on Dana's shoulder. "I know, Dean. But look at her. She finally has people who care about her. She has a dad and a very cool uncle. She's safe. And that's what matters."
Dean sighed and rubbed his face. "Safe. Right. Safe, when we just discovered that she's... what was it? A vault full of secrets, a scar that no one understands, and now she's some kind of magical heiress?"
"Well, technically she is," Rowena's voice came from the doorway. She leaned casually against the doorframe, a grin on her face. "But that's what I'm here to help. So relax a little, Dean. You look like you're about to explode."
Dana lifted her head briefly at the sound of Rowena's voice but quickly sank back against Sam. "I'm tired," she mumbled, her voice small. Sam smiled at her and stroked her hair reassuringly. "It's okay, Dana. Just close your eyes for a moment. We're here."
Dean looked at his brother and sighed again, his gaze softer. "You've always been better at this stuff, Sammy. Kids and... feelings."
"Maybe," Sam replied with a smile, "but you're the one who wanted to protect her right away. It's natural to you, Dean. Whether you want to admit it or not."
Dean grunted something unintelligible, but his gaze at Dana spoke volumes.
A few moments later, Axan entered the lounge, his heavy footsteps and imposing figure immediately drawing attention. He carried a small briefcase and a stack of papers, and his expression was as serious as it was professional.
"Folks," he began in his low, raspy voice, "as I indicated earlier, the Potter family vaults are considerable. They contain assets both in the United Kingdom and here in the United States. At the request of Mrs. Rowena, I have arranged for some of the contents to be transferred to our Kansas City branch."
Dean raised an eyebrow. "What exactly do you mean by 'assets'?"
"I mean," Axan explained patiently, "gold, silver, magical artifacts, properties, and contracts that give you access to a considerable amount of wealth. The exact value is impressive, even by the standards of the magical world."
Sam looked up curiously. "Can you give a figure? How much exactly does Dana have?"
Axan leaned forward and opened the briefcase. He pulled out a magical document, which remained suspended in the air as he spoke. "The Potter family fortune currently stands at just over 2.3 million galleons, with a fluctuation depending on the currency market between the magical and non-magical worlds."
Dean frowned. "Galleons? How much is that in real money? Dollars, I mean."
Axan grinned briefly. "A galleon is equivalent to about five US dollars. That means Dana has a fortune of over eleven million dollars, not including the value of real estate and unique magical items."
Dean let out a low whistle, while Sam leaned back slightly, clearly impressed. "That's... a lot," Sam said slowly.
"Certainly," Axan replied. "But let me also explain to you how the magical currency works. In our world, we use three types of coins: galleons, sickles, and knots. One galleon is equal to seventeen sickles, and one sickle is equal to twenty-nine knots. Think of galleons as the equivalent of your dollars, while sickles and knots are comparable to quarters and pennies."
Dana, who was now wide awake, looked at the floating coins that Axan produced with a quick wave of his hand. "They're beautiful," she whispered, her eyes wide as she examined the shiny gold, silver, and bronze coins.
"They're also a bit unpractical, as they can get quite heavy. That is why we have a card system," Axan said with an approving nod. He turned to the brothers and handed each of them a leather folder. "These passes give you access to Dana's vaults. You are her caregivers, and as such you have access. With them, you can make transactions for you and her, as long as she is not yet an adult witch herself. Think of them as credit cards. Treat them with care."
Dean picked up his own and looked at it as if it were about to explode. "So we can just... pay legally from now on? No more credit card scams?"
Axan let out a raspy laugh. "I suspect you'll have to get used to the fairness of this arrangement for a while. But yes, that's true." He turned to Dana and produced a small pouch. "And this, young lady, is for you. You can say into the pouch how much money you want to withdraw and the pouch will then contain it. Use it wisely.”
Dana took the card with trembling fingers, her eyes wide and awed. "I... I don't know what to say."
Rowena stepped forward and knelt beside her. "Say nothing, my dear. This is your right. You've earned it."
Dana still looked at the pouch as if it were a magical artifact, which it was. As Axan closed his briefcase, he looked at the brothers and Rowena. "The vaults will be replenished with a selection of the contents from Britain during the week. However, magical artifacts and documents of historical importance will remain in their original vaults."
Sam nodded thoughtfully. "And that's safe? No one can just get to those vaults?"
"Correct," Axan confirmed. "The security at Gringotts is second to none. And let me make one thing clear: under no circumstances will you draw a weapon in the bank. Either here or in Britain. Goblins take that personally, and the consequences will be... unpleasant."
Dean held up his hands defensively. "No weapons. Understood."
"Good," Rowena said, looking at Dean with a broad smile. "Congratulations, Dean. You are now officially a father. And it's a girl."
Dean sighed deeply, but a small smile crossed his face. "Thank you, Rowena. Really. That makes this all a lot less stressful."
Sam nudged him, laughing. "Oh, you're doing great, Dad."
After making arrangements to come back to the bank when most of the contents had been moved, they left the bank.
****
The sun cast a warm glow on the gold-adorned facade of Gringotts as Dana nervously watched Dean, her pouch in hand. Her small fingers fiddled with it, as if it might disappear at any moment.
"Dean?" she asked softly, her voice hesitant but determined.
Dean turned to look at her, kneeling so he was at eye level with her. "What's wrong, little one?"
Dana held up the pouch. "I... I don't want to lose this. It's so small, and... it's important, right? Maybe you can keep it for me?"
Dean smiled encouragingly. "Of course, if you prefer. But it's your pouch, Dana. You decide what happens to it."
She nodded slowly, her eyes wide and thoughtful. "Maybe... maybe I could get pocket money? Then I wouldn't have to carry this around with me all the time. Don't other kids get pocket money too?"
Dean raised his eyebrows and glanced at Sam, who nodded approvingly. "Pocket money, huh?" Dean said. "How much do you think you need?"
Dana thought deeply, her face serious. "Maybe... fifteen galleons?"
Dean whistled softly and grinned. "That's a lot for a girl your age. But you know what, let's start with five galleons a week. Does that sound fair?" Dana looked disappointed for a moment but nodded quickly. "Okay.”
Sam smiled and leaned forward slightly. "And maybe we can agree that you can always ask if you need anything. You never have to worry about not being able to get something, Dana. We'll take care of you."
Dana's face lit up, and she nodded enthusiastically. "Thank you, Sam. And Dean. Thank you!"
Dean patted her gently on the shoulder. "You don't have to thank us every time, little one. But it's nice to hear."
The group had found a cozy, magical restaurant down the alley, where the smell of fresh herbs and baking bread hung in the air. The sign above the door glittered in gold letters: The Silver Spoon. Inside, it was warm and cozy, with wooden tables, soft candlelight, and floating bowls of steaming food moving from table to table.
They were greeted by a friendly witch in a flower-stained apron. "Welcome! Are you looking for a table for four?" "Yes, please," Rowena said with an elegant nod, placing a hand on Dana's shoulder and gently guiding her toward a table.
They sat down at a cozy table in the corner, overlooking a small fountain-like structure that flickered with colored lights. Dana looked around, wide-eyed. Her fingers fiddled with the edge of the tablecloth as she remained silent.
Rowena slid a menu toward her. "Whatever you want, darling. Take your pick."
Dana picked up the menu hesitantly, her eyes gliding over the moving images of steaming dishes. "I... I don't know what to choose."
Dean frowned and leaned toward her. "You've never eaten in a restaurant before, Dana?"
She shook her head, a little embarrassed. "No... Uncle Vernon always said it was a waste of money on freaks like me.
Dean immediately froze. His hand clenched into a fist on the table, his jaw muscles visibly tensing as he tried to control his anger. His eyes flashed with a menacing intensity. "Freaks? That's what the guy said to you?" His voice was low, sharp, and charged with pent-up anger.
Dana flinched slightly and looked down at her hands. "He said it a lot," she muttered. Her voice was small, and she avoided Dean's gaze. She was still quite taken aback by his sometimes fierce reactions.
Sam, who was sitting next to Dana, leaned in cautiously. His gaze was softer, a sharp contrast to Dean's intense anger. "Dana," he began quietly, "you're not a freak. That never was and never will be. He had no right to say that to you."
Rowena's eyes narrowed as they shared Dean's anger, but her response was more controlled. She leaned slightly toward Dana, her voice calm but unwavering. "Honey, you're anything but a freak. People like you—with your talents—are special. And if that Vernon couldn't see that, then that's his shortcoming, not yours."
Dana's gaze flicked to Rowena, uncertain but also surprised by her reassurance. Dean's anger had not yet subsided. "If I ever get that guy..." He bit his lip, his anger almost palpable.
"Dean," Sam said warningly, placing a hand on his brother's arm. "Not right now."
Rowena shook her head slightly and turned her attention back to Dana. "Let me make one thing clear, honey," she said softly but with a certain determination. "The only freaks here are the ones who treat others badly, like your uncle. You are so much more than he could ever understand."
Dana looked down at her hands, her voice almost inaudible. "But I'm different."
"That's a good thing," Sam said immediately. He smiled warmly. "Being different is what makes you special. And believe me, being different is a good thing here."
Dean's face softened a little when he heard Sam speak, and he sighed deeply as if trying to get rid of his anger for a moment. "Look, Dana," he began, his voice a little softer. "All you have to remember is that you're not alone. No matter what that jerk said to you... He was wrong. Do you understand that?"
Dana nodded hesitantly, still not entirely convinced.
Dean, in a lighter tone, leaned back in his chair and let his gaze drift to Rowena. "And let's face it, if anyone's a freak around here, it's Rowena."
Rowena's eyebrow shot up, but a grin broke across her face. "Ah, Dean, call me whatever you want, but at least I'm a charming freak."
Dana looked up briefly and smiled softly. The feeling of tension seemed to ebb away a little, as the atmosphere at the table lightened up a bit. Rowena turned to the waiter, who arrived at that moment. "Well, let's order, shall we? Our young lady here deserves a royal feast."
After a sumptuous and special meal, Rowena suggested that they explore the magical district further. The sun had risen higher in the sky by now, and the streets were filled with vibrant colors, magical lights, and all sorts of wonderful shops.
The first stop was a clothing store that seemed to specialize in both everyday and magical clothing. The window displayed dresses that changed colors and cloaks that seemed to change to fit the wearer. Dana looked at the garments with wide eyes, clearly impressed.
"Come, darling," Rowena said as she gently led Dana into the store. "Time to expand your wardrobe a wee bit further."
Inside, they were greeted by a friendly witch, who immediately began showing off dresses, skirts, and even a few cool pantsuits. Dana chose carefully, with a mix of simple, comfortable clothing and a few more playful pieces. A dress with small stars on it, which sparkled in the light, was her favorite.
"What do you think of this?" Rowena asked, holding a warmly lined cloak. "Perfect for the colder months."
Dana nodded enthusiastically. "It's very soft." Rowena also pressured Sam and Dean to get new jackets with spells imbedded in them, to repel dirt and keep them either cool or warm.
After paying, they continued walking through the district. Their next stop was a shop filled with magical items and weapons. Dean's eyes immediately lit up at the large selection of daggers.
"Well, look at this," he said, picking up a knife that seemed to glow with a faint blue light. "This is handy."
The shopkeeper, a thin wizard with sharp features, approached them. "An excellent choice. This dagger is reinforced with a spell that protects against demonic influence."
Dean turned the knife in his hand and looked at Sam. "What do you think? Handy to have with us?" Sam nodded. "Sure. But let's get two." Dana watched curiously as the brothers inspected the daggers. She stepped closer to the counter and pointed to a small, shiny tool set. "What's that?"
The shopkeeper smiled. "A magical lock pick set. Perfect for opening doors or chests that are secured with a simple spell." Dean grinned broadly. "Yeah, that sounds like it might be right up our alley."
"Or you could hold the door open for once," Sam commented dryly, but he smiled as he handed the set to the shopkeeper.
Once everyone was satisfied with their purchases, they walked on. Dana looked around with a mixture of curiosity and wonder. Rowena walked beside her, answering her questions about everything they saw.
“That was a productive morning,” Dean said, glancing at the bags they carried. He looked at Dana and smiled brightly. “You made some good choices today, kiddo.”
As the group continued to walk through the bustling magical district, Rowena’s gaze fell on a storefront with a bright blue sign above it: “Oculus Optica – For all your magical vision needs.” Behind the window were beautiful glasses in all shapes and colors, some with small moving ornaments, others with modest frames that glistened elegantly in the light.
Rowena stopped abruptly and tapped Dean on the shoulder. “Look over there. An eyeglass store! This could improve Dana’s life considerably.”
Dean frowned. “What’s wrong with her glasses? They work just fine, don’t they?”
“Really, Dean,” Rowena said with a dramatic sigh, “a girl like her deserves more than just an old pair of glasses. Besides—” She leaned closer to him and whispered, “—these stores often offer magical solutions. No more glasses needed.”
Dana stared at the store with wide eyes. “No more glasses?” she asked softly, almost as if she couldn’t believe it.
Sam nodded encouragingly. "Let's try it. If it can help, why not?"
They stepped inside and were greeted by a friendly-looking woman with hair that seemed to glisten like glass. "Welcome! How can I help you today?" Rowena spoke up. "This girl," she said, placing a hand on Dana's shoulder, "is having some trouble with her vision. We're hoping you can do something."
The woman smiled at Dana. "Of course. Come here, sweetheart, we'll take a look."
Dana looked uncertainly at Dean, who gave her a reassuring nod. She walked carefully to the counter, where the woman pulled out a small bottle of blue liquid.
"This is a magical elixir," the woman explained. "It completely restores vision and is safe for children. All you have to do is put a few drops in each eye."
Dana swallowed nervously and looked back at Dean. “It doesn’t hurt, does it?”
Dean knelt and looked her straight in the eye. “If it does hurt, I’m here. I won’t let anyone hurt you, okay?” That gave Dana the courage she needed. She let the woman carefully put the drops in her eyes. She blinked rapidly for a moment, then remained silent as her eyes slowly adjusted.
“How does it feel?” Sam asked.
Dana looked around, her mouth falling open. “I… I can see everything! Without my glasses!” Her voice sounded surprised and excited at the same time.
Rowena smiled triumphantly. “See, Dean? I’m always right.” Dean rolled his eyes, but a small smile crept onto his face when he saw Dana’s happy reaction. “Okay, okay, this was a good idea.”
Dana walked back to Rowena and took her hand. “Thank you,” she said softly, a little shyly but sincerely.
Dana and Rowena walked ahead, their voices a soft melody of conversation as they window-shopped. Sam and Dean followed a few paces behind, still frowning slightly at everything they saw. Dean was staring at a store where a living statue beckoned customers in when he suddenly felt a shadow slide over him.
“What the...” Dean looked up and stopped short. Sam nearly bumped into him. “Dean, what are you doing?” Sam asked, following his gaze to the sky.
“Are those... owls?” Dean asked slowly, his eyes following a group of large birds flying with precision over their heads. They carried small packages and letters in their talons.
“Owls,” Sam confirmed, with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. “And they... deliver mail?”
Rowena turned, a knowing smile on her face. “Of course. How do you think witches and wizards get in touch with each other? Cell phones don’t work in the magical world.” Dana looked up, her eyes wide. “They deliver… mail? Really?” Her voice was incredulous, a mixture of wonder and curiosity.
Rowena nodded patiently. “Yes, dear. Owls are the oldest and most reliable mail carriers in the magical world. Every wizard relies on them.”
Dean was still staring at the sky, where an owl flew just above his head. “Reliable? And what if that thing has a bad day and drops your letter in a river?” Rowena raised an eyebrow at him. “Owls have a better work ethic than some people I know, Dean.”
Dana giggled softly and turned to Rowena. “Do all wizards have their own owl?”
“Not everyone,” Rowena explained. “Some people have a community owl service, like you have a post office. But many do keep their own, especially in remote areas.”
Sam smiled at Dana. “Imagine, your own owl delivering your mail. That’s pretty special, isn’t it?”
Dana nodded quietly, her gaze still cast upward, as a large, majestic owl landed on a nearby lamppost. The creature looked around solemnly before dropping a small package into the hands of a magical passerby.
Dean shook his head and grunted something unintelligible. Sam chuckled and gave him a nudge. “Come on, Dean. Maybe we should consider getting one of our own.” Dean rolled his eyes. “One magical creature at a time, Sammy.”
Dana laughed softly, and together they walked on, the owl post a reminder of how strange and fascinating this new world was for all of them. They went back to the car and Rowena said goodbye. “Call me if you need help boys.” She waved at Dana and walked away.