Diagon Alley
The twins had not wanted to leave with their father at first. They didn’t know him. But their mother’s worry and insistence that they would be safer with them finally convinced them.
It was a week of settling into the estate before Syldor told them that they’d be going to London to get their school supplies. Again they did the teleportation that they now knew was called apparition. This street, Diagon Alley, was even stranger than Syngorn. The buildings were oddly crooked and there were even more wizards and witches milling about doing their shopping.
“Woah…” Vax’s eyes fixed on the massive marble building at the far end.
"This is insane.... I don't even know what to say." The twins had only been to London once and it had been a very short trip. And this certainly hadn’t been something they’d seen.
“First we need to withdraw some gold.” Syldor said looking at his watch and then making their way through the crowds to the marble building Gringots Wizarding Bank was written on the archway. At the door was even more writing.
‘Enter, stranger, but take heed Of what awaits the sin of greed, For those who take, but do not earn, Must pay most dearly in their turn,So if you seek beneath our floors a treasure that was never yours, Thief, you have been warned, beware Of finding more than treasure there.’
Vex heard her brother swallow hard as he read the grim poem. Vex had a similar reaction. It was strange and overwhelming. Like being warned not to take things from this place made it even more tempting. Vax jumped back at the strange creature at the door. It barely came up to their hips, with large bat like ears, long fingers and feet and sharp teeth.
“A goblin.” Syldor told them a bit of distain in his voice. “The guardians of our gold.”
"Oh. They seem ok... a little strange but ok.“ Vex said trying to give the goblin a friendly smile as they walked past him. The goblin looked at the twins before waving them into the bank. There were even more goblins inside at desks. On brass scales they weighed gold and various gems.
“Pay close attention now.” Syldor told them. “And stand up straight.” He pushed them both in the smalls of their backs. Vex was struggling with everything. She tended to slouch when she got nervous.
They watched as Syldor handed a little gold key to one on the goblins. “Three down to the Vessar Vault.” It said in a squeaking voice. “Right this way.” The little creature lead them into what looked like a cavern. On a train-like track was a cart. “Strap in.” The goblin instructed.
Vex looked at her bother confused but did what was asked. "Vessar Vault? How important is he in this world?”
“He said it’s an old family.” Vax shrugged. There was a buzz and the cart began to move. It reminded them both of the one time their mother had taken them to an amusement park and they’d ridden a rollercoaster for the first time.
"This is so rough... but still a whole vault. That seems insane. How much money is in this family?" Vex tried to keep speaking to her brother even during the ride.
“Probably a lot. Based on the house.” Vax shrugged.
After a stretch of time that probably meant they were very far under ground the cart came to a stop. The goblin hopped off and onto a platform in front of a large bolted vault door. Syldor beckoned the twins forward. Vex nodded and they got out of the cart onto the platform Vax by her side.
They watched as the goblin used the vault key to open the door and were nearly blinded. Stacks upon stacks of gold coins glimmered brightly in the torch light.
“Bloody hell.” Vax breathed.
"I can't even.... I this is all yours?" Vex asked Syldor.
“It is.” He nodded taking out a leather pouch and started to carefully fill it with gold coins. He showed them the three different types of coins and told them how many were equaled the others. Vax had to repress a groan. Even their money was strange it seemed.
They got back on the cart and soon they were blinking in the bright sun light outside the bank.
“Do you both have your supplies lists?” Syldor asked them expectantly.
Vex nodded, "we do. Aren't they the same though?“
“Yes. But it’s import to keep up with yours Incase you’re separated. You must always be prepared.” He told them sternly. The twins just nodded not wanting to argue. They didn’t know how Syldor would react to that. Syldor nodded. “We will get your books first and move on to the other supplies. While you’re getting fitted for school robes I have other business to attend to.”
"Fitted? For a robe?“ Vex asked in confusion.
“Yes. Your school uniforms.”
"I don't know how a robe can be fitted.” Vax said a little confused.
“One can’t fit you right if you don’t have measurements taken.” Syldor was clearly loosing patience.
"Oh. I get it. Thay makes sense." Vex nodded. She was just being a kid. Kids asked a lot of questions.
Syldor stared at her a moment longer before leading them into a book shop called Flourish and Blot’s.
They looked around as they walked in. Vex immediately went to grab a book that she was interested in. It was an advance book on magical beasts.
“Only pick out ones that are on your list for now.” Syldor said. “If you two behave I may give you some pocket money to pick out something for yourselves.”
"Have we not been behaving?“ Vex asked feeling nervous at once.
“Continue how you’ve been so far. But do stand up a little straighter.” Syldor told her flatly. Vex nodded. She still hadn't put the book down. She was incredibly interested by that. “Set it down for now.” Syldor said. “There’s a book on beasts on your list.” He reminded her.
"Ok..." Vex reluctantly set the book down.
Syldor nodded and they started to grab their books. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was nearly as thick as the book Vex had wanted. There was another girl their age in the shop. She had flaming red hair and freckles. Vex smiled softly. She didn't say anything to the girl but definitely noticed her. She waved at them and beamed. Vax waved back at her.
"She's very cheerful.“ Vex rolled her eyes playfully.
“Guess she’s starting school too.” Vax pointed out that she had all the same books that they did in her arms.
”Guess so.” Vex shrugged.
“We should say hi.” Their mother had told them to try and make friends with these kids.
Vax was the one to step forward. The girl beamed at them. “Hi! I’m Keylith! Hogwarts too?” She asked the twins. The hand she held out was a little dirty with what looked like potting soil. Noticing this she hastily wiped it on her pants.
Vex smiled," we are." She shook her hand.
“I’m Vax. This is my sister Vex.”he shook her hand as we.
“Awesome! My dad is taking me to Madam Malcin’s to get my robes. We should go together!” Keylith said this very quickly still smiling.
"I think we are heading that way.” Vex nodded. She already liked this girl. She seemed nothing like Syldor’s idea of what a witch or wizard should be.
“Yeah.” Vax nodded glancing to where Syldor was talking to the store clerk.
Vex nodded," yea. So Keylith are you from London?“
“No. We live in a small town called Zephra down in Kent.” She smiled.
"Ah. Who's We?“ Vex asked her looking around for anyone who might look like this girl’s parent.
“Me my dad and my mum.” Keylith explained.
“That’s nice.” Vax smiled.
“Yeah. They’re right over there.” She smiled. The man was in wizards robes and the woman was dressed like a muggle. She didn’t have a wand. At least no visible one.
Vex smiled," So both of your parents have magic?" She didn't want to assume.
“Nope. I’m a half blood. My mum is a muggle.” Keylith said brightly. Vex and Vax exchanged looks.
"Oh..... and your mum lives here with you and your dad?“ Vex asked.
“Of course she dose. Where else would she live?”
Vax winced. Syldor had made it seem like that was impossible.
Vex was suddenly very confused and pretty upset.
"You always have both of them? It's safe to be together?“ Vex pressed. Now Keylith looked confused.
“Well… with… you-know-who around she has to stay close to dad so he can protect her.” Keylith said some of her light seeming to dim. “The bad wizards really don’t like muggles… they like wizards who marry them even less. They call us blood traitors…”
"Oh, but he does protect her? He doesn't tell her she can't be here? Vax asked. His heart seemed to have dropped into his stomach.
“Of course he protects her. Both of us.” Keylith smiled again.
"That's nice.." Vex fell quiet again. Why didn't Syldor want her mother here? If it was safe... then why were they here and not with her.
“What do you mean they hate them?” Vax asked.
“Well… they want to kill them… the muggles who have kids with wizards and witches especially.” She paused. “Are you two muggle born? I’d be happy to show you everything and teach you how it works.”
"Someone wants my mother dead...?“ Vex said in a tiny voice and instantly Vax’s hand was holding hers.
Keylith’s eyes widened. “Oh…”
"I don't understand.... she didn't do anything wrong....“
“Is everything okay over here?” It was Keylith’s father. Vax instantly pulled vex closer to him.
"I think so," Keylith nodded. Vex leaned against her brother.
“Are you two alright?” He asked the twins. “Do you want help finding your parents?”
"We are fine. Our father is over there." Vex spoke up. She didn't sound very convinced.
Korrin looked the twins over. “If you’re sure. I’ll talk to him. If that’s okay.”
"I can't stop you.." Vex spoke.
That made him look even more concerned. “Wait here.”
The twins didn't have any problem staying where they were. Vex looked visibly upset even as she tried to hide it.
“I’m sorry…” Keylith said in a small voice.
"For what?” Vex asked her.
“I said something that made you upset…” Keylith was looking down at her shoes.
"Not your fault. You didn't know“ Vax told her.
Korrin walked up to Syldor. Seeing as how they were both ministry employees they had a working relationship. “I didn’t know you and Devana already had two children.” He said. “My daughter seems to have already made friends with them.”
“Devana isn’t their mother.” Syldor said not looking up from perusing the books.
“She isn’t?” Devana had been away on business but she knew about the twins and that Syldor had brought them to live in their home.
“They have a different mother, yes.” Syldor nodded curtly.
“I see. Well I wish you the best then. But maybe you should spend some of your resources to protect their mother. Whoever she is. In these times we all need protection.” Korrin said thinking of his own wife. Married or not whoever this woman was she was still the mother of his children.
"I assure you she is taken care of." It was intentionally worded like so much of Syldor's sentences were.
“Well. Then why don’t you leave them with me for a bit and I help them get the rest of their school things? You seem busy.” Korrin said seeing the disinterest in the man’s eyes as he continued to look at the shelves for the school books.
”If you insist.” Syldor said finally looking away from the shelves.
Korrin nodded and walked back to the kids. Syldor had given him the bag of gold to pay for their school things. “Hey. Why don’t we pay for all those books? After we get your uniforms and other supplies we can stop for ice cream.”
Vex didn't seem to want to move at all... she didn't know what to make of all of this. Why would Syldor not want to be with their mother if it was allowed? Vax stayed where he was holding her. Korrin got down to their level.“Hey. It’s alright. I promise you’re safe here.”
Vex took a shaky breath. She wanted to go home to her mother. Where things felt normal.
“Kiki. Get Tiberius I believe he’s needed.”
Tiberius was Keylith’s very fluffy dark ginger kitten. A gift she’d gotten after her letter came.
Keylith quickly got the kitten.
"I have him."
Vex’s mind was racing as she gripped her brother. Thoughts and images of her mother being dead or seriously injured wouldn't leave her alone. She couldn't get a full breath. In recent weeks, she had started to feel very anxious but this was the first time this had ever happened.
Korrin took the kitten gently and turned to Vax. “Vax. I think this will help. Just be very gentle with both of them, ok?” He held the kitten out. Tiberius mewed softly. Vax nodded and took the kitten gently setting him in Vex's lap.
Tiberius seemed to help quite a bit over the next 5 or so minutes. Vex started to come back to herself. He purred softly needing his little paws against her shirt.
“Stubby? Are you okay?” Vax tried not to sound as scared as he felt.
Vex nodded," I'm ok... sorry... I don't know what that was."
“A panic attack.” Keylith said. “I get them sometimes too.”
"I felt like I couldn't breathe...” Vex shivered.
“That’s how they feel sometimes.” Korrin told her. “Have you ever felt like that before?”
"Not like that." Vex didn't have the words to describe what she felt.
“That’s okay. We can sit until you feel better.” Korrin told the kids gently.
"You are so much nicer than him. I think I'm ok." Vex was still shaking a little.
“Take a breather first. Just a few more minutes.” Korrin smiled at her kindly. Though there was no hiding the instant concern in his eyes at that comment.
Vex nodded turning her attention to the kitten. That immediately helped more than anything else had.
“His name is Tiberius.” Keylith smiled. “He likes you.”
"I'm glad. He's very cute." Vex scratched the little kitten behind the ears.
“Once we’re at school together you can barrow him to cuddle any time.” Keylith promised.
"Thank you." Vex started to stand. She didn't want to hold them up anymore.
“Of course.” Keylith smiled and vax just hugged his sister. He’d never seen her like that and it had terrified him.
Vex hugged him back. "I'm sorry," she spoke quietly to him.
“I just want you to be ok…” Vax said just as quietly.
"I'm ok. I just miss mum...” Vex whispered.
”I know…”
Vex wiped at her eyes and turned back to Keylith and her father. The kitten was still in her arms.
“How are you feeling?” Korrin asked her.
"I'm ok." Vex spoke. That's pretty much the best she'd been feeling this whole time.
“Okay. Let’s get the rest of what you need. We’ll go slowly.” Korrin promised.
"Ok. Thank you.” Vex’s voice was still very quiet.
“Of course. Deep breaths.”
“And you can’t Hold Tiberius as long as you want right now.” Keylith added.
The next shop they entered was Madam Malcin’s Robes for all Occasions. The twins looked around the shop in awe all over again. The robes on the shelves were all for adults. Long and flowy witch’s dress robes. Protective robes made of some odd scaly material.
“Hogwarts too dears?” A woman dressed in magenta robes asked. This must have been madam Malcin.
“Indeed.” Korrin smiled.
“I’ve got the lot here. Another girl and boy being fitted now as a matter- hey put the pincushion down.” She looked harassed.
The boy had to be the largest kid any of them had ever seen. The girl was tiny even for an 11 year old.
“Woah.” Vax’s jaw dropped.
“Oh that’s just Pike and Grog.” Keylith smiled. “They’re loads of fun.”
“What are they feeding that kid?” Vax gaped.
“Oh… we’re pretty sure Grog has giant blood. But we don’t know.” Keylith explained.
"Giant... this place is so interesting.” Vex smiled for the first time again.
“I’ll say. What else exists that we haven’t been told about?” Vax asked.
“Oh so much. I’ll show you.” Keylith smiled.
The twins thanked her, glad they had someone who actually wanted to explain things to them, and the three of them got measured for their uniforms.
“Once you’re sorted into your houses the colors will change.” Madam Malcin told them folding and wrapping the new robes into separate parcels.
"Oh.. that's interesting.” Vex took the packages to carry them.
“Sorted?” Vax asked nervously.
“Into houses.” Keylith explained. “Hogwarts has four houses that you can be sorted into.”
"Oh that's interesting.” Vex exchanged a nervous look with her brother.
“Yeah they have separate dorms and everything.” Keylith explained as they left the robe shop. Vax looked terrified at the idea. What if they got put in separate houses?
"What if we don't end up together? Vex asked for them both.
“It usually goes in families.” Keylith said. “My dad was in Hufflepuff.”
“What are the houses?” Vax asked.
“There’s Griffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.” Keylith explained.
"Ok... and what does that mean exactly?” Vex asked confused all over again.
“It’s about your personality. Griffindors are brave, Hufflepuffs are loyal, Ravenclaw’s are smart, and Sytherins are ambitious.” Keylith said using the more simple explanation.
"That makes sense I guess..” Vex nodded still very nervous.
“But we might get separated…” Vax said quietly. "That can't happen.”
“I’m sure it won’t. I heard there’s another set of twins there and last year they got sorted into the same house.” Keylith assured them.
"I hope you are right.” Vex said quietly squeezing her brother’s hand.
“I’m sure you’ll be in the same house.” Korrin told them.
“Thank you.” The twins said together.
“Of course. Now I believe I promised you kids some ice cream.”
”you did.” Keylith beamed.
He lead them down the street. The place was called Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour and Korrin let the kids pick out whatever they wanted.
”thank you!” Vex and Vax said again.
“Of course. I know change is hard.” Korrin said as they sat down to eat.
”it is…” Vex agreed.
“Anything that can make it easier. Feel free to write to us if you need anything.” He told them and Keylith nodded in agreement.
"That's very kind.” Vex was grateful to know not everyone with magic was like their father.
“It’s no trouble.” Korrin assured her.
The twins just enjoyed their ice cream. Treats like this had been rare even with their mother because money had always been tight. They had only ever gotten to go out to places like this a few times. So she was content to just shut up and eat. Vax did as well. Trying not to get anything on his clothes. Syldor had told them what to wear while they were out. Clothes that made them look more like wizarding children. He’d stressed how important it was to keep them clean.
“Are you enjoying it?” Korrin smiled. What kind of life had these kids had before? Were they okay now?
"Yes. Thank you." Vex had never blamed their mother for not being able to take them to things like this. But it had been a little upsetting to hear about everyone else getting to do them.
“It’s so good.” Vax agreed “thank you, sir.”
Korrin smiled. “Of course. I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”
"You didn't have to do this.” Vex said quietly.
“I wanted to. You looked like you could both use a pick-me-up,” Korrin said. “I’ve known your father from work for several years now. Emotions aren’t exactly his strong suit.”
"Oh... they definitely aren’t.” Vex looked down at the table.
“You could say that again.” Vax muttered.
When the ice cream was gone all the kids looked contented and happy. Vax felt relaxed for the first time in weeks. Vex smiled and sat back. She truly felt safe with these people. She had no idea why. Tiberius was frisking around on the table playing with the crumpled up napkins.
Vex smiled playing some the Kitten.
"He's adorable.”
“He’s so playful.” Keylith smiled. “He’s the best reading buddy I’ve ever had too.”
"I imagine he is.”
“He’s really weird.” Vax said. Looking at the cat’s squashed in face and oddly tufted tail.
“Oh. That’s because he’s half kneazel.” Keylith smiled. “It makes him super smart.”
“What’s a kneazel?” Vax asked.
Keylith pulled out her copy of fantastic beasts and showed them.
“Wow!” Vex’s eyes widened. “So he’s a magic cat?”
”sort of.” Keylith smiled. “He can also tell if people aren’t trustworthy.”
Vex looked awed and was now looking at Tiberius in utter fascination.
“When we’re at school you can barrow him for a cuddle any time.” Keylith promised again seeing the look on Vex’s face.
”I’d like that.”
They got the rest of their school supplies after that. Cauldrons, basic potion ingredients kits, set of crystal phials, telescopes, and brass scales. The last thing they needed now were their wands. The room of the shop was full of shelves stacked with long thin boxes.
“Ah~” the owner was a an older man with silver hair and wide silver eyes. “Let’s see. Which is your wand arm?” He asked the twins.
"Um.... I don't know." Vex spoke.
“Um… We’re right handed.” Vax said.
“That’s right. Hold them out.” Mr. Olivander said.
Vex did as asked though she felt very weird about it. Two tape measures magically started to move on their own taking the twin’s measurements. In some very odd places as Mr. Olivander started taking random boxes off the shelves. When they stopped he gave Vex the first wand to try. “Ebony and dragon heartstring, 13 inches nice and supple. Give it a try.”
Vex picked it up and looked at the man. “Give it a try how?” She didn't know what to do.
”Give it a wave.” The man encouraged.
Vex nodded and did so, The wand shot right out of her hand and embedded itself in the sealing like a spike.
“Oh dear, well I’ll get It down later.” He turned to vax. “Oak, Phoenix feather, rather bendy.”
Vax tried this wand but it did absolutely nothing and it was snatched out of his hand.
"Sorry......." vex spoke softly.
They tried many wands until he handed Vex another. “Hazel and unicorn hair, nice and springy.” He handed it to her and suddenly Vex’s hand felt warm. Puffs of mist issued from the tip of the wand. Vex looked at the wand. It felt nice, she still didn't know exactly what to do with it though.
“Wonderful.” Olivander smiled before turning back to the boxes. “I wonder.” He placed a new wand in Vax’s hands. “Pine, and unicorn hair, 12 inches, rather ridged.”
Red sparks flew out of the end of the wand and Vax got the same smile on his face as Vex. They’d found their matches. That was clear enough.
It seemed to take just as long to find Keylith a match once it was her turn. A Rowan wand with a Phoenix feather core.
They followed Korrin down the street talking to Keylith happily even as it started to set it that they were about to go back to their father.
They stepped into the pub Syldor said he would be waiting in. A wall of bricked magically closed behind them obscuring Diagon Alley from their view. Vax sighed. Well at least they’d made a friend they could se at school.
“Guess the day is over…” Vax sighed seeing that Syldor was waiting for them at the door.
“You should write to me.” Keylith grinned. “Any owl will be able to find my house.” She grinned.
"I would love too.” Vex smiled. It made her feel a little better about leaving.
“Yeah.” Vax nodded and smiled.
“Great!” Keylith beamed. “And we can share a compartment on the train too!”
“Yeah!” The twins nodded.
“I’ll see you then. It’s only two weeks to go.” Keylith beamed at them.
“Vex’ahlia, Vax’ildan. We’re going home.” Syldor called to them from the door.
They said goodbye to Keyleth and her father. Vex looked at her brother and reluctantly went to the door. Vax followed her and they fell into step with their father. Stepping out into the muggle world felt odd now. Like they no longer belonged to the world they’d grown up in.