New House, New Rules (Ryan's POV)
Ryan was still adjusting to a lot of things after moving into James’ flat. First, she had her own bedroom and washroom. Second, it was a lot quieter than the orphanage. And third, he collected books- lots and lots of books. Nearly the entire living room was covered with bookshelves except for the TV. He had gotten her a secondhand armchair her third day there and Ryan spent the majority of her time curled up there, either reading or watching movies with her godfather.
“Morning, sleepyhead.” He tapped lightly on her bedroom door. “Your letter came today.”
She blinked a couple times, yawning, and headed to the kitchen, where her new Hogwarts letter waited. She opened it and unfolded the parchment.
SECOND-YEAR STUDENTS WILL REQUIRE:
The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 2 by Miranda Goshawk
Break with a Banshee by Gilderoy Lockhart
Gadding with Ghouls by Gilderoy Lockhart
Holidays with Hags by Gilderoy Lockhart
Travels with Trolls by Gilderoy Lockhart
Voyages with Vampires by Gilderoy Lockhart
Wanderings with Werewolves by Gilderoy Lockhart
Year with the Yeti by Gilderoy Lockhart
“Blimey.” James read over her shoulder. “New DADA teacher must be a witch.” He stopped. “Bloody hell. I completely forgot that he’s your uncle.”
“Really?” Ryan glanced up at him. “Did you go to school with him, too?”
“He was a couple years below us, but I do remember Elora having to get him out of trouble a couple times.” James ran a hand through his untidy hair, a habit that Ryan noticed Harry had too. “Well, I’m off work this weekend. Want to go to Diagon Alley then?”
“Sure.” She folded her letter back up. “James, can I get a puppy?”
His face paled for a second. “A puppy? Probably not; I’m allergic to dogs. But, um, we can see what the menagerie has when we go.”
“Okay, great!” She smiled.
“Great.” He echoed, finishing his coffee. “I’m off to work. I’ll be home for lunch. Stay inside, okay?”
She nodded. “I’ve got a few letters to write anyways.”
“Perfect. We can mail them when we get to Diagon Alley.”
When he left, she sat back down at the table, parchment and a quill in hand and started writing.
Harry,
How’s everything going at the Dursleys’? I haven’t heard from you yet. Be safe and don’t do anything stupid.
Ryan
She folded that one up, writing his name on the front of it before starting her second letter.
Sirius,
Hi. Thank you for the vault key. It will help out when I have to go buy my things for classes. I don’t know if you knew I was in an orphanage for most of my life, but my godfather (James Potter) found me and now, I’m living with him. He’s very nice.
I got sorted into Slytherin last year. Most of the people in my house are really nice to me. My head of house isn’t though. His name’s Snape. He’s kind of a jerk. But I think he’ll warm up to me. I really like Potions. I tried to get James to let me have a puppy, but he’s allergic. I miss you. And wish I could meet you.
Ryan
After finishing both letters, she made herself some toast for breakfast and turned the TV on to watch the funny cartoon about the cat always chasing the mouse.
The weekend arrived quickly and by then, Ryan and James had settled into a comfortable routine. She still hadn’t received a letter from Harry, but had gotten one from Ron and Oscar, and two from Hermione. Daphne also hadn’t wrote her yet, but as she was on vacation in Greece, Ryan wasn’t expecting an owl from her until mid-July. “Alright, kiddo, got your vault key?” James asked, tying his trainers.
She held it up. “And my letters.”
“Great. We’ll drop those off first.”
She watched as he used the hallway mirror to transfigure his messy hair into a neat blonde look, giving himself freckles, and changing his glasses. “I want to do that.” She said in awe.
“Give yourself some time to learn. You’re only twelve.” He smiled. “Come on, let’s go.”
As soon as they walked into the post office, the witch behind the counter smiled. “James, you’re back!”
“Good morning, Caroline.” He returned her smile. “My goddaughter’s got a couple letters to send.” Ryan handed them over to the peppy blonde. “How much?” He asked.
“On the house, Mr. Evans.” She smiled again. “See you later?”
“Until I get an owl, you will.”
“I think she likes you.” Ryan said, giggling, as soon as they left.
“She’s just friendly.” James dismissed her. “Come on, let’s get to Gringotts.”
Ryan stuck close to James as they walked in, goblin eyes following their every move. She gulped, moving closer. “Good morning.” James greeted the goblin at the main desk. “I-er, Ryan needs to access vault 711.”
The goblin leaned over, leering at her. “And does Ms. Black possess the key for her vault?” With shaking hands, she handed the key over. “Gornuk will take you.”
“Thank you.” James said politely. “Come on, Ryan, lets go get your money.”
They climbed into the small cart and as soon as Gornuk sat down, the cart shot down the tracks. Twisting and turning, Ryan had no idea how far below Gringotts they were. “Vault 711!” The goblin announced before the cart halted. Ryan and James clambered out, and her family vault was opened.
Ryan’s mouth dropped. Stacks of Galleons, Knuts, and Sickles stood before her. “This is all mine?” She squeaked.
“Well, technically, yours and your dad’s, but it doesn’t seem like he’s using it much.” James commented. “Here, we’ll take this.” He shoved some into an empty money bag from one of his pockets.
Once they were back in the bank lobby, James walked back to the main desk. “I also need to make a deposit for vault 687, please.” He handed over an envelope stuffed to the brim with Muggle money.
“Very well.” The goblin took the envelope and started exchanging it as they walked away.
“Whose vault is 687?” Ryan asked.
“Mine. Now, books first?”
“Please! And can I get my own copy of Hogwarts, A History?”
James chuckled. “Yes, Ryan, you can.”
He held the door to Flourish and Blott’s open, letting her go in first, and he took the book list out of his cloak pocket. “James, apparently Mr. Lockhart will be here in mid-August for a book-signing.” Ryan pointed at the sign.
“Well, then, I’m glad we decided to come today instead.” James remarked dryly. “Let’s get your books.” Ryan then starting loading him up with her required texts, bringing Hogwarts, A History, Quidditch Through the Ages, and Curses and Counter-curses. “Whoa, whoa. Why do you need a curse book?”
“Um, it looks interesting?”
“Nice try. Put it back. And the Quidditch book too. I’ve got a copy at the flat you can borrow if you want.”
Ryan rolled her eyes but listened, putting the two books back.