Diagon Alley
Rowanne woke up. It had been two days, and each day, true to her word she had been awoken at six by her mother. Ready to suffer another hour of torture in the sky.
"I'll see you on the pitch," Minerva whispered into the darkness.
Rowanne got up, she walked into the bathroom where she had left some clothes the day before. The light pierced through her retinas, forcing her to shut them tightly before she could open them again. Shielding herself from the light with one hand she pulled on a set of sports robes, tied her hair back, brushed, washed and grabbed the broom that was propped up next to the door.
She slipped out of the room, it looked like her mother had already headed off. Rowanne thought about the day. It was finally happening, she was going to Diagon Alley to get her things for school!
Opening the large double doors to the grounds Rowanne felt a chill of cold air rush over her. She shivered as she walked towards the pitch to join her mother.
"Do I have to do this?"
"You've asked me that question every morning, and every morning you still mount that broom and you make some attempt at flying to those posts" Minerva placed her hand on Rowanne's back, using the other one to trace a line in the sky as if Rowanne was up there flying. A sarcastic grin plastered over her face. These mornings were the only time during the day that her mother seemed genuinely at ease, happier than Rowanne had seen all summer. Though she was in an even more good mood this morning.
"Your hilarious" Rowanne rolled her eyes,
"Come on, I'll race you" McGonagall grinned, jumping onto her broom and shooting into the the sky,
"EVERYDAY YOU SAY THAT AND EVERY DAY" Rowanne's voice trailed out as her mum sped further and further away from her, "you end up finishing before I've even begun"
Rowanne clambered onto the broom clumsily, and wobbled over to her at the far goals.
"Alright there Humpty Dumpty" McGonagall smirked,
"Don't tempt me into jumping off"
"I wouldn't dare" She flew closer to Rowanne's broom, making the girl wobble, "we have a shopping trip to complete today"
"Exactly, can't we be done with this now?"
"We've been up here for two minutes. You just need to get comfortable"
"As I've said every day this week, my feet are perfectly comfortable. When. On. Solid. Ground"
"Okay okay, fine. How about this? I will buy you any book from Flourish and Blotts provided you can fly around the pitch twice, without stopping"
Rowanne thought for a moment, "any book?"
"Any book" McGonagall smiled,
"Okay" Rowanne nodded,
"Ready"
"Gimme a minute!" Rowanne aimed her broom, leaning down, trying to remember every bit of advice she had been given over the past few days. Head low, bottom out, keep an eye on where you're going, both hands on the broom, feet back. She listed them in her mind, check, "I'm ready"
"You got this"
And she was off, unsteady as they went Rowanne felt herself speed up, nope didn't want that. How do you slow down? Her breathing quickened and arms began to shake. Who on earth decided it was a good idea to stick people on tiny pieces of wood that give you wedgies and thrust you hundreds of feet into the air to move around at rapid speeds? She felt uneasy. Oh crap there was a bend coming up, she leant inwards, feeling the whole broomstick tilt with her weight. She looked down. Bad idea, the ground seemed eons away, if she fell all that would await was cold icy death. No, no, stop thinking about that. You're not going to die. Well you are but not right at this moment. Death, pain. Stop it, keep leaning, there's another bend coming up. She leant some more, but that was too much, she was slipping, down, down. Heart racing, arms shaking, legs kicking. 'Help' but no sound came to her aid. Down, down, don't fall. Not again, not from this height. But it was too late, the sweat on her hands had built up, she couldn't hold on any longer, and her legs instinctively kicked about, trying to find something, anything to hold onto. She fell, fear building, the broom plummeting beside her, pointing the way.
McGonagall watched proudly but nervously as her daughter set off. Rowanne may have pretended to be confident but flying was built on confidence. Know you were going to be okay and you would. Trust your broom, trust yourself and everything would be fine. But Rowanne certainly didn't trust herself let alone her broom. She shook as she went, jutting about in all directions. What on earth was she doing, eyes ahead, not down, never down. McGonagall shot after her, fearing the worst. She stayed a few meters away. Let her have her independence, she could still come back from this. McGonagall watched her daughter struggling in horror, but she had to. This was something Rowanne had to discover for herself, no amount of teaching could make someone trust.
Suddenly McGonagall watched as she slipped from the stick, sending it and her hurtling towards the ground. Minerva pushed forward, determined to catch her. It didn't take long and soon Rowanne had stopped falling.
"Nice of you to drop by" McGonagall clutched onto the girl's arm, gripping tightly. She pulled her up onto the broom. Rownne wrapped her arms around her mother's waist, holding on like her life depended on it. Rigid as stone.
They landed on the floor and McGonagall turned, immediately holding onto her, "I am so sorry. Here we go" She wiped the tears from her eyes and checked her once over for injury. She seemed okay, "we can go inside. I promise you never have to get on a broom again"
Rowanne, still pressed safely against her mother's shoulder, shook her head. "No?" McGonagall questioned. That wasn't the reaction she was expecting.
Rowanne pulled back, wiping the new tears from her eyes, "I wanna go again" despite the terror she looked determined,
"You want to do what?"
"Go again. My hands were slipping. Maybe if I had some chalk they-" before she was finished she was embraced tightly once more by McGonagall, "mum, you're going to suffocate me!"
Minerva walked over to where the broom had fallen. Giving it the once over, it seemed alright, "Okay, you can try again. But this time we fly together. Deal?"
"Deal" Rowanne took a deep breath, thank goodness she wasn't going to be alone up there.
They walked back, holding their brooms and laughing. When they passed the Great Hall Rowanne was hit with a ginormous force that almost knocked her sideways. “Where the hell have you been”
“Robin” McGonagall said sternly,
“Sorry, where were you, breakfast’s almost over” Robin began to tug at Rowanne’s robes, pulling her into the Hall,
“Rob, I need to change”
“What about breakfast?”
“We’ll go and get something from the kitchen when you’ve showered” McGonagall decided
“But we’re going to Diagon Alley, that’ll make us late”
“It’s okay Robin there’ll be plenty of time”
“So when I miss breakfast, that’s it. But when Row misses it she gets a full on feast in the kitchen, how is that fair?”
“Rowanne was with me practicing quidditch, you were just being a lazy sack of skin”
“Quidditch! Why wasn’t I invited!”
“Rob, it wasn’t supposed to be fun. Besides we left at six, if I woke you up I’d be in the hospital wing. Not flying around on a broom”
“I thought you did rather well” McGonagall smiled sweetly,
“I fell off at least five times”
“I counted seven”
“Can we go now please” Robin bobbed excitedly,
“Fine, yes, I’ll pop up and shower” Rowanne and McGonagall left the girl pacing, unable to stand still.
They went upstairs, Rowanne showered and put on a set of robes the Robin seemed to have left out for her, typical. Before leaving however she remembered something, rushing over to her desk. She had only just finished the assignment Professor Gonelinne had set for her the previous night. But it had to be handed in before tomorrow so there was no time to check it again.
She went into the living room, “Mum, I’ve got something to give Professor Gonelinnne, can I meet you in the hall?”
“Yep, We’ll see you there. Hurry though, your sister might explode if your late”
Rowanne rushed out of the room, down the stairs, along a corridor and up another set, keeping on going till the third floor. She turned the corner, running through a small archway as a shortcut to another corridor. Her shoes padded loudly on the stone floor, she turned another corner and down the stairs before slowing down. Breathing heavily she stood outside the classroom, and raised her hand, knocking on the cracked wood.
“Come in” A horse voice sounded from inside,
“Good morning professor, I have the notes you asked for”
“Good” Professor Gonelinne didn’t look up. He held out his hand and took them from her. Finishing his sentence before putting down the quill. He read them carefully, Rowanne moved about, she wanted to go. “Do you have somewhere more important to be Miss McGonagall”
“No Sir” Rowanne tried to stop moving,
He finally looked up, staring her dead in the eyes, “Ah, it’s Diagon Alley today”
“Yes Sir”
“You may go, I’ll give these back to you tonight”
“Thank you” Rowanne hurried out of the room, a smile plastered on her face. She went in the opposite direction she had come from, turning the corner and hurrying down the south stairs. To meet McGonagall and Robin.
“Finally!” Robin yelled, “can we go now?”
“Yes yes we can go” Mcgonagall marched them to her office, and each one grabbed a handful of floo powder yelling ‘Diagon Alley’ before shooting out the other side at the Leaky Caldron.
“Everybody here, okay?” McGonagall looked around, she was last out of the fireplace, dusting herself off. Looking at the two girls in front of her she noticed Robin had soot above her eyebrow. She licked her thumb and reached out, wiping it from her face.
Robin stepped back in horror, her cheeks glowing red, “Mum, eww get off of me”
McGonagall and Rowanne laughed as they walked over to a table, “Butterbeer for you Robin, pumpkin juice Row?”
“Yes please” The twins said in unison.
“Rowanne, what do you want for breakfast?”
“Ummm, just toast is fine”
“She’s lying. She’ll have the pancakes” Robin decided,
McGonagall looked between them, “She can have what she wants Robin” and walked away.
Robin turned to her sister, “Please get the pancakes”
“Mum’s already gone to order, it’s too late”
“No it’s not, just go and tell her”
“I can’t do that”
“Oh my god” Robin looked up, “Mum” She called over the bustle of the pub. McGonagall turned around, “She will have the pancakes” Minerva looked at her other daughter for confirmation. Rownne nodded, looking down, flushed, McGonagall smiled reassuringly.
She returned momentarily with a butterbeer, pumpkin juice and two shots of espresso, setting them down on the table, “They’ll be out in a minute” Rowanne nodded, taking a swig of the juice, she was thirsty
“So do you both have your lists?” McGonagall looked pointedly at them, as if she already knew the answer.
Oh crap, Rowanne knew she’d forgotten something.
Robin was first to speak. She checked her pockets as if it might magically appear, “Errr no”
“Well that was a bit silly wasn’t it. How on earth are you supposed to know what you need for school, if neither of you brought your lists with you” McGonagall shook her head
“Sorry mum” They said,
McGonagall sighed, before brandishing the two envelopes with the letters the girls had received two months prior, their acceptance letter and equipment list enclosed. She handed one to each girl.
“You could have told us you had them” Robin sighed, taking it from her
“Or reminded us”
“I won’t be around to do that when you're attending school, you’re going to have to start thinking for yourselves. And Robin that does not mean making your sister think for you”
“I wasn’t going to!”
“Or enlisting some other clueless first year to do it either”
“Hey, I’m not clueless” Rowanne said indignantly as a plate of pancakes appeared as if by magic.
“When it comes to keeping boundaries, you definitely are. Now what does it say you need?”
Robin picked up the fork on Rowanne’s plate and took a mouthful of the first pancake as Rowanne read through the list,
“Ummm, Three sets of work robes and a pointed hat. We have them”
“Yours are getting a bit too small and most of Robin’s have holes in them or stains so you’ll need new ones”
“Ugh but that’s boring” Robin spat with a mouth full,
“Robin, eat with your mouth closed. In fact, don’t eat at all, that’s not supposed to be yours” McGonagall sighed,
“A pair of protective gloves”
“You don’t need to keep borrowing Pomona’s anymore, you can have your own. Next”
“A History of Magic, Standard Book of Spells Grade 1, First years Defence against the Dark Arts…”
“Yes, right all the textbooks. We can get them” McGonagall looked over at Robin who had eaten another one of Rownne’s pancakes. “Robin, stop that and pay attention. You can read the next part. Rowanne eat your breakfast before your sister devours it”
“Right ummm, where were we?” Robin started to open her letter, but impatiently Rowanne handed her her own and pointed to the next section, “Ah right, here we go. A wand, ooo that sounds like fun. Caldron. Crystals, shiny” McGonagall lay her head in her hands, as she listened to her daughter, “ A telescope. Set of brass scales, boring. And, oh. My. God. Mum. Please. Please. Please. Can I have a toad?”
“A what?” Rowanne looked up, it was easy to see she was holding back laughter,
“A toad! How cool would that be? Can’t you imagine, Sir I can’t give you my homework, my toad pissed on it!”
“Robin!” McGonagall said in disbelief
“I’m tryna eat here Rob”
“Oh come on. He could sit on my shoulder during lessons and fetch me cakes from the kitchen. Please mum”
“Perhaps”
“That means yes!” Robin yelled. Rownne couldn’t stop herself. She burst out laughing at her sister, causing McGonagall to break composure as well and Robin to just look around confused. After a few moments she sighed, “Can’t we just go and get our wands?”
Whipping tears from her eyes, McGonagall composed herself. “I don’t think getting the wands first is a good idea. We’ll start at Madam Malkins and get your robes, then the caldron, crystals and stuff. Textbooks. Then your wands and back to Flourish and Blotts”
“Why do we have to go in twice?” Robin asked,
“Because there’s something I owe your sister”
“What do you mean? I didn’t make it around the pitch?” Rowanne asked, confused.
“No but you got up and tried again, every time you fell down. That in my opinion is a win, you deserve the book” McGonagall smiled reassuringly,
“Wait. She’s getting a book? How is that fair?”
“Well I was going to take you to Quality Quidditch Supplies to get a new quidditch set. As the one you’ve been using all summer isn’t only battered but it’s mine and I’d quite like it back” Robin’s face lit up.
The trio made their way out of the shop, leaving their bill on the table.
They made their way onto the bustling street, hundreds of students were there gathering their school supplies. Many of whom recognised their transfiguration professor immediately. Robin kept her head down, her cheeks became pink and she tried to walk as if she didn’t know the woman she was with.
“Robin, come on, move along” McGonagall shot at the girl trailing behind her, “Hello, yes, nice to see you” She addressed a group of students that had spotted her.
“Mum, please, this is really embarrassing”
“I don’t care. Going shopping with your mother shouldn’t be embarrassing. Now if you want to be embarrassed then I can make you embarrassed. If not, move along, we haven’t got all day” She hit Robin on the head with the list and ushered Rowanne into Madam Malkin's.
They had been in there for 10 minutes. Rowanne had been measured and now it was Robin’s turn. In true Robin fashion, she couldn’t for the life of her, stay still to be measured.
“Robin, for goodness sake. Stop moving so the lady can measure you”
Robin stopped for a moment, but it wasn’t long before she became restless.
“Robin what did I just say? I’m warning you, stop it or I’ll make you stop”
“Sorry, I’m really bored” Robin said but still didn’t stop.
“Fine, sorry, but not sorry dear. The lady needs to take your measurements” McGonagall raised her wand to Robin and flicked it. Robin stood rigid, unable to move.
They finished and came out of the shop carrying bags of robes. They then made their way down the highstreet gathering all other supplies needed. Rowanne was looking forward to going into Flourish and Blottes, and when it was finally time she sprinted across the street, colliding with a woman and her son.
“I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you there” Rowanne apologized profusely, her mother and Robin appearing behind her. McGonagall put a hand on Rowanne’s shoulder, pulling her backwards towards the safety of her body.
“You better look where you're going” The woman hissed, she had strict back hair and a pointed nose. Her eyes shot straight into the heart of Rowanne, making her happy to be in the arms of her mother. “Children like you shouldn’t be allowed to roam the streets freely. Horrible vermin”
The boy beside her looked down embarrassed, not meeting anyone in the eye as if he couldn’t bear the shame. Rowanne studied him. His posture, face, stance. Everything. She could see marks under his collar and the way his heels dug into the ground. His face looked deathly pale and the look of pure terror made Rowanne fear what the witch might do.
“It was just an accident” Robin shot to defend her sister.
“I sincerely doubt that, your vindictive, merciless little creatures. Look at my Sirius. He would never dare to speak out of line like that”
McGonagall placed her other hand on Robin’s shoulder, as if she was placing a protective shield around her family. She seemed to recognise the woman instantly. She looked at the boy, a pang of sympathy hit her, “Walburga, please. It was a mistake Rowanne, didn’t mean to, she was just excited”
“Emotions are for the weak and frail. They make you a victim of self hatred and one false move you could lose everything. I’d get that in check if I were you. Sort it out when your young and it’s gone for good”
McGonagall was taken aback. She was shocked, but at the same time, the reaction didn’t surprise her “They are incredibly sorry, aren’t you”
“Y, yes” Rowanne could barely look up, like she was being forced to look down by some sort of spell.
“I’m not” Robin had a look in her eyes Rowanne had rarely seen before. McGonagall gave her a warning look but Rowanne knew it wouldn’t matter, “What, she’s making a big thing out of a tiny mistake. That’s not nice. For goodness sake, grow up and be a bigger person. Your supposed to be the adult here”
McGonagall felt a wave of pride rush over her. But it wasn’t worth it. Before they could say another word the woman had her wand raised. “You take that back, or I might just make you”
“Walburga. Pulling your wand out on unarmed children who haven’t even started school is new low, even for you” Rowane felt the hand that had been protecting her let go. She shuddered, suddenly feeling very alone. She reached behind her, Minerva was still there. Rowanne could feel the satan robes. She clutched them. It wasn’t the first time today she had seen her life flash before her eyes.
“What are you saying Minerva?”
“That Rowanne didn’t mean to run into you. She has apologized and so will Robin. "Right Robin?” Her voice was sharp, aimed directly at her eldest daughter. Again this was a side of her mother Rowanne rarely saw, “You can get that ruddy toad if you just do it” McGonagall rasped under her breath.
“Okay” Robin looked terrified, she turned to Walburga, “Sorry”
“That’s more like it. Respect is given to those of wisdom child. You better learn that soon or you’ll find yourself on the wrong side of the right people. As for you Minerva, I always find some time alone teaches children some respect”
Rowanne saw the boy next to Walburga shudder, returning rigid and tense. McGonagall seemed to have clocked it as well, as she retorted, “Thank you for the parenting advice Walburga. I’ll keep that in mind the next time I have to sentence a criminal”
The woman scoffed and grabbed the boy by the scruff of his collar, marching out of sight towards a side alley Rowanne only knew as someplace bad.
“Sorry” The boy looked back, mouthing the word at the two girls behind him. But the tall woman placed her whole hand over the top of his head and violently angled it to face the front.
A large crowd had formed around them. It seemed to disperse as the action died down. But the family hadn’t even realized. McGonagall pulled the two girls close to her, rubbing the backs of their heads for comfort. After a moment, Robin pulled herself out of the embrace.
“So I can definitely get a toad then?”
“You can have a toad. But we can get that after we’ve finished everything else. Ready to get the rest of your things?” McGonagall aimed the question at the child still buried inside her robes. Rowanne nodded, moving away from McGonagall but taking her hand, the terror still evident inside her.
They walked around the shop. McGonagall seemed to know exactly where everything was, as if she’d been there to collect the books a million times before. That didn’t matter to Rowanne who, for the first time in her life, just wanted to get away from the book shop. They joined the back of the long queue of students waiting to buy their books.
McGonagall decided they would have to get lunch and do the more fun stuff afterwards. Perhaps putting some food into the girls would be good for them.
They walked back up to the Leaky Caldron, McGonagall muttering that she wished there was another place to eat as it would be packed. She was indeed right. The place was bustling with people, but when a group of students saw their professor walk in just as they were finishing, they called her over to give them a table.
“Professor” Rowanne recognised the boy to be Frank Longbottom, a boy in Gryffindor house. He had always been nice and seemed trustworthy, “You can have this table, we were just leaving”
“Thank you Mr Longbottom. Much appreciated” Her mother said, composed as always.
“Just remember it when it comes to my OWLS Professor” He grinned cheekily,
“You will do as well as you will, you know that”
“Always” He chuckled, “And Robin” Rowanne was shocked that he knew their names, “Nice one” He grabbed her shoulder. Rowanne tensed, squeezing her mother’s hand that she still hadn’t let go of. She relaxed again as he let go, winking at Rowanne and running out of the pub to join his friends “See ya later” He called over his shoulder.
They sat down at the table. It hadn’t been cleared yet but almost the moment they sat down a house elf came over, clearing the table. Rowanne sat next to her mother, still too afraid to leave her side. But she had let go of her hand. They ordered, McGonagall changing Rowanne’s order of a side of chips to include fish. Robin chose a large steak, typical and McGonagall asked for an ordinary roast.
It wasn't until the food had arrived that Rowanne finally spoke, “Mum?”
“Yes dear”
“Who was that”
“Yeah, and why was she so, such a” Robin saw the look on McGonagall’s face, “Well you know”
“That was Walburga Black”
“Sounds like a name for a cow. Rather fitting don’t you think?” Robin smirked. Her sister’s confidence made Rowanne feel slightly more at ease.
“Robin, did you learn nothing from that encounter?”
“Nope, just that some adults can be right arseholes”
“Robin, where are you learning these words!”
“Who is Walburga Black” Rowanne spoke up, she had questions and the brewing confrontation wasn’t going to get in the way of her finding out the answers
McGonagall sighed, how to explain this to them, “Think of the only two other Blacks you know. Take the crazy ruthlessness of Bellatrix Black and the composure of Narcissa Black put them into one body and ramp the scale up by 100. You don’t even get close to the level of that woman”
“Who was the boy?” Rowanne asked curiously,
“Sirius. Her eldest son, he’ll be in your year”
“Great, so we’ve already made an enemy” Robin rolled her eyes, flopping back in the chair,
“I wouldn’t be so sure about that” Rowanne was intrigued by the boy. He didn’t seem like his mother, but what he was thinking, Rowanne couldn't decipher.
They finished their lunch and went over to Ollivanders. The shop was lined with wands, hundreds and thousands. Rowanne looked around in awe, she wanted to open everyone and examine its content, but she was quickly brought back to reality by a man who zoomed over on a ladder.
“Ah hello, hello. Gosh it really is a busy time of year isn’t it. I'm assuming it's almost September, am I correct?”
The girls nodded and he smiled at them warmly. However his gaze was soon averted by the woman at the back.
“Well I never, this is a surprise. Minerva McGonagall, back in my shop. I thought the day would never come. Made quite a name for yourself haven’t you my dear”
“Afternoon Olivander, you haven’t changed in the slightest”
“Not here to recruit me are you?” he looked gravely at her,
“No, I'm not Albus’s errand boy anyway”
“There she is. Now your wand” He smiled wide-eyed, “I told you it had an aptitude for transfiguration, didn’t have to take me quite as literally as that”
“I’m nothing except a good listener” McGonagall smiled,
“Well what can I do for my favorite Professor today?”
“We’re here to get the girls their wands”
“Oh my, is it that year already? I remember when you were just wee babies. My how time flies” He grinned, “And twins! I love matching twins, especially identical ones”
He pulled out a tape measure and walked around the desk,
“Oh no not again” Robin sighed,
“She’s not very good at staying still” McGonagall explained
He shot up like a meerkat. almost bashing Robin in the head.
“You alright?” Rowanne asked,
“Yeah good”
He observed the pair intensely before running off, into one of the isles. The twins looked at each other in confusion. Though he popped up rather quickly, making them both jump. He had two boxes in his hand. Giving the first to Rowanne,
“Sycamore, 9 inches, dragon heart string, firm” Then he turned to Robin, “Also sycamore, dragon heart string, 11 inches, flexible”
They took the wand out of the box. Rowanne’s jutted about in all directions, as if it was trying to leave the shop. Robin’s began to shoot water out in short bursts. McGonagall caught her daughter, taking the wand from her and quickly placing it on the desk. Robin did the same. Ollivander stood there staring at each girl.
“Hmmm, interesting” He left, only coming back with one box this time, looking Rowanne dead in the eyes, “Rowan wand, 10 inches, dragon heart string, some give” The wand started vibrating sending sparks flying everywhere. “No no no no” He took the wand from her, still watching her every move.
“What about me?” Robin asked, but Mr Ollivander hushed her into silence with a wave of his hand.
“I wonder” He took a glance at Professor McGonagall who had her hand pressed reassuringly on Rowan’s back, “Like your mother are we?” He walked around the side of the desk and pulled a box off a shelf at the bottom, “Fir, dragon heart string, 11 inches, some give.” He handed the wand to her. Rowanne turned the wand lingering on Robin for a moment. The next thing they knew Rowanne had a snout instead of a nose. Rowanne laughed, and McGonagall couldn’t help herself, though Robin didn’t find it very funny. Mr Ollivander took the wand back, and McGonagall restored Robin’s nose with a flick of her own wand.
Ollivander turned his attention back to Robin. “Intriguing” He looked at the two girls, so very alike, but completely different. Different parts of Minerva playing in each. “What if I have you all very wrong. Yes, that might make sense” He rushed to the opposite shelf he had gone to previously, a ladder shooting out of one of the isles to join him. He clambered up, pulling out a much larger, singular box. He walked back over to the desk, opened it up and took out two, separate boxes. Handing one to each girl. The room lit up, all lights illuminating the surroundings.
“Robin, 91/2 inches, stiff, like your mother’s. Sycamore for an adventurous soul, and a phoenix feather, from a very special flock. I only take a few feathers from a phoenix, they could scar if you do. This pheonix only gave two feathers. Can you guess where the other one went?” Robin pointed at her sister, Ollivander nodded, turning to the other girl, “Rowanne, phoenix feather, 11 inches, keep an eye on it, but listen to what it has to say. Reasonably flexible, but fir wood. Similar, yet so different from the others” He stood up, addressing the lot of them, “You are an odd family. I would have expected you to have been connected by a common trait”
“Dragon, heart string” McGonagall observed,
Ollivander nodded, “But alas, each one of you is connected to the others in an important way, but never the same. Quite unusual. Though I suppose that is fitting”
The family excited the shop, McGonagall stopped them.
“Rowanne, I was going to let you go off to Flourish and Blotts on your own to pick out a book, while Robin and I look for a Quidditch set, but in light of recent events I think it would be best if we all stuck together”
“It’s okay mum”
“sorry?”
“I’ll be alright. They were coming out of Flourish and Blotts. Besides, I'll keep an eye on where I’m going. I don’t plan on running over any other blacks any time soon”
"Are you sure?"
"Of course. I can't go around being afraid of Flourish and Blotts for the rest of my life can I?"
"I suppose not. Okay, you may go. But the minute we have got what we need we're coming to find you alright?"
"Thanks mum" Rowanne skipped off to the book shop. Hesitating slightly before going inside.
Robin and McGonagall walked to the shop next door. Quality Quidditch Supplies. McGonagall watched Rowanne enter the shop opposite before following Robin in to find a Quidditch set.
Robin shot around the shop, picking up everything she could see. McGonagall had to keep putting it down every time Robin picked up a beater's bat, swinging it around the shop.
"Stop. No. Don't even think about it" she looked sternly at Robin, "You'll put someone in St Mungos if your not careful"
Robin sighed, putting down the bat.
"So you played Quidditch?" She asked
"I did indeed. Was house captain and everything" McGonagall smiled proudly, remembering her school days
"Sick. What position did you play"
"I'm sure I've told you all this before"
"Probably, I normally tune out to what's being said" Robin smirked
"So I've noticed" McGonagall rolled her eyes, smiling still, "I was a chaser"
"See I thought about being a chaser, but at the same time if you're a sneaker then, well it's much more heroic"
"Robin, Quidditch is a team effort. It's not down to one person. Plus I think you'd struggle to be a sneaker. It takes concentration, which my dear isn't your strong suit"
"I guess it isn't. Well then, it's dedicated. I'll be a chaser" Robin declared proudly
"Robin you know you've still got to wait a year before you can try out"
"Yeah yeah I know. It's really unfair though. Why can't I join straight away" Robin complained
"It's too dangerous. Just be glad I'll let you play in the first place"
"Why wouldn't you"
"Because Quidditch is a dangerous sport, even when playing with the most sensible people" they moved through the isles, looking at different bats and balls
"It's not that bad"
"Trust me Robin, you could get seriously hurt"
"Mum, it's fine. That's what the beaters are there to do. Keep the team safe"
"And if they miss?" McGonagall didn't want to see her daughter go out onto a pitch like she had. Clueless of the dangers.
"I hadn't thought about that"
"No, I don't suppose you have. But it hurts, trust me on that"
"You've been hit with a bludger?"
"Yeah, foul ball. I was knocked out for multiple days. Multiple broken ribs. You get the idea" she hated talking about it. Not that affected it her, but the idea of showing one of her daughters she was anything but a strong protector terrified her.
"Oh my god. Are you okay?"
"What? Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"
"Well I don't know"
They fell into silence for a moment, before Robin finally spoke again. "That one" McGonagall nodded, picking up the Quidditch set and moving to pay.
They walked out of the shop again. McGonagall had asked them to send it straight to Hogwarts via floo. So it would be waiting for them when they got back.
On their way out of the shop they were stopped by what seemed to be some of Minerva's friends. Robin had never expected her mum to have friends or even a life outside of Hogwarts. It didn't make sense.
"Minerva, what a surprise. It's wonderful to see you" a woman came over embracing McGonagall who looked taken aback. Robin smirked, she'd never let her mother forget that.
"Effie, Fleamont, what a pleasure" McGonagall pulled herself from the woman and shook the man's hand.
"We saw what happened earlier. Are you quite alright? I thought about stepping in but" The man began,
"I can handle my own affairs, thank you Fleamont. Was just in town buying the girls some bits for school. They're starting this year" she gestured to Robin,
"Ah that's wonderful. Our James starts this year as well. I forgot the twins were that age. Oh how brilliant" Effie gushed.
"We brought James along to get the bits and pieces we discovered he didn't have while packing. He's off somewhere with a friend Peter" Fleamont explained, "He's already torn one pair of robes, so we've doubled the supply. Your going to have your hands full with our lad"
"I can't wait" McGonagall sighed sarcastically,
"Oh we should introduce them. Where's Rowanne?" Effie asked
"Just popped into the book shop. I told her she could treat herself while we got this one a new quidditch set"
"Ah James is supposed to be in there now getting a new copy of his charms book. Burnt a hole in the last one" Fleamont chuckled, "couldn't get him to read a book even if it meant getting tickets for the Quidditch world cup"
"He's going to have a good year isn't he" the sarcastic smile still evident on McGonagall's face.
"We'll come with you and pick up the boys. At least then they'll all know each other before tomorrow"
"Sounds good"
The quartet of people headed towards Flourish and Blotts to collect their respective children.
Meanwhile inside the shop Rowanne had been casing the shelves. Each one lined with books. She wished she could buy all of them but so far none had jumped out at her. She was either not interested or had seen them in the library at Hogwarts. Finally on the last floor something seemed to sparkle, like it just wanted to be picked up. 'Muggle Magic'. Rowanne picked up the book and read the blurb:
'Imagine you're a child, small and helpless. But you get angry, like we all do. But suddenly something happens. We're all familiar with this. A crack appearing on a wall or a chair breaking without an explanation. That's not normal to us. But imagine if it wasn't. Imagine you thought you had a normal baby. But along comes a wave of happiness and suddenly the small toy they are clutching doubles in size. That's the reality for muggles. And then their eyes are opened, just a crack, to a whole world that only their child can fully see. So why do we hate them? What began this cry for muggles to be shot from our society, even if their children are a part of us? Well the answer lies deep, so come along with me to find out and maybe even change your mind in the process'
"I was looking at that. Doesn't it look interesting?" A voice from behind made Rowanne jump.
Rowanne turned around to see a girl, about her age smiling at her. She had red hair and bright emerald green eyes.
"Yeah, it does" Rowanne
“My name’s Lily Evans. I’m starting Hogwarts this year” Lily held out her hand,
“Rowanne, I’m starting as well. So is my sister”
“You have a sister at Hogwarts. That’s awesome. My sister didn’t get in”
“Really, I’m sorry”
“It’s okay. Are you and your sister close?”
“Yeah, well you become close when she’s the only other kid around your age” Rowanne decided she needed to change the subject. It wasn’t that she didn’t want people to find out she grew up in Hogwarts, or who her mother was. They would find that out in time. She just didn’t want people treating her differently because of it. Would Lily stay friends with her if she knew her mother was also the transfiguration professor. Or would she be her friend just for that reason, thinking McGonagall would go easy on her because she was friends with her daughter “So you like reading?”
“Oh yeah, my parents said I could buy as many books as I wanted with the leftover money” She reached into her pockets and pulled out five gallons, “I’ve already got mine. Are you getting that one? If you're done, can we pay together?”
“Sounds great,” Rowanne took the book off the shelf and they got into the queue.
When they reached the front of the queue Lily handed her two books over the counter. The man took them, and the five gallions she placed with them. He had chocolate brown skin and black hair with a pointy mustache that draped down into a beard. His mouth bore a cheerful and upbeat smile with gleaming teeth. He tapped a sheet of paper that was beside the desk and two book names seemed to disappear.
He turned to Rowanne, still bearing the same smile. She handed him the book, but when he saw it his face seemed to change. He grew stiff and rigid like he was afraid of something. Rowanne handed him three gallions and the two left the shop rather quickly.
"Okay, it's not just me. You saw that right?" Rowanne asked her new companion,
"Yeah definitely. It was so odd"
"Something's happening. I just can't put my finger on it" Rowanne pondered. First there was the Daily Prophet, then Hagrid's talk of the war; this Dark Lord and the The Order. The giant hole and dangerous tree. Her mother's reaction, the weird woman today and finally this man. Something was very wrong indeed.
"What's wrong?" McGonagall's voice echoed from behind them as she and Robin approached the two girls.
"Nothing mum," Rowanne said quickly.
"You made a new friend! Without me" Robin looked indignantly at her sister,
"Sorry Rob. Would you settle for being a third wheel?" Rowanne taunted
“You didn’t tell me your mother was Miss McGonagall” Lilly cried,
“Professor dear. In the wizarding world we use Professor”
“Oh, I’m sorry professor”
“That’s okay. It’s Evens, correct” Lily nodded McGonagall explained to Ellie and Fleamont, “Miss Evans here is a muggle born. I met her at the start of the summer. She’ll be in first year with James”
“Ah I see, it’s a pleasure to meet you” Fleamot held out his hand,
“Likewise” Lily shook it,
“I say, where are your parents?” Effie asked, the concern evident on her face,
“I asked them if I could come alone. I’ll call the house when I need picking up”
“Minerva, I’m not sure I-” Effie began,
“I’m right with you” McGonagall reassured her, “Evans, it’s not safe for you to be out here on your own”
“What do you mean?” Lily asked politely
“Is it to do with the muggle tension?” Rowanne pushed, this was her chance to get more answers.
“We shouldn’t be out in the open with this. Even if there’s nothing concrete” Fleamot urged, “And anyway there are some. Order. things I need to get to Dumbledore that you could take for me. They require a more, delicate hand”
“Do I look like his personal owl?” McGonagall looked pointedly at him,
Fleamont seemed to descend into a quivering school boy at the sight of the glare McGonagall gave him. It had to be one of Rowanne's favorite pastimes to watch full grown adults melt under the gaze of her mother.
"Sorry professor" he muttered,
"Fleamont, I'm pulling your leg. How about we get the kids some ice cream and discuss what it is that's got you all riled up"
"Excellent. Now if we can just locate the, ah, there they are. Oi James, Peter. What are you doing over there" Fleamont called. Two boys the same age as the girls came toddling over.
One was taller than the other, with scruffy jet black hair and hazel eyes that were obscured by circular glasses. He looked like the definition of chaos, yet ordered and collected.
"Alright dad. No need to burst the eardrums" He had a giant smile plastered over his face.
"James, you've been gone for an hour. Tell me you got your textbook?" Effie looked at him firmly,
"Course I did mum, what do you take me for?" He held up the book. Grinning from ear to ear.
The boy next to him was much smaller than his counterpart. He had mousy brown hair and dark eyes. And looked around as if he was going to be pounced on at any given moment. Clinging onto his companion as if, if he let go, the world would end.
"James, Peter, this is Professor McGonagall. She'll be your transfiguration teacher. And her twins Robin and Rowanne will be in your year" Fleamont exclaimed proudly to the boys, "Oh and of course Lily. She's in your year as well"
James took a lavershing bow while Peter nodded at the girls. Minerva looked down at him disappointingly, this was going to be a long seven years.
"We were off to get some ice cream. Would you like to join us? Perhaps you children can get to know each other?" McGonagall pressed.
"Sounds great!" Jame's smile doubled in size. How that was possible no one knew but it did.
"But mum, what about my toad?" Robin asked, rather annoyed.
"Robin, we're not in any hurry are we?" McGonagall looked pointedly at her. Peter's heart sank, he was glad he wasn't the victim of that glare and never planned to be.
"You want to get a toad?" Lily chuckled at the girl as the five walked ahead towards Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour.
"Yeah, what's so bad about that?"
"It's hilarious. As if it's going to be like Kermit and fetch her things" Rowanne mocked her sister but none of the others understood what she meant except Lily, who laughed.
"Well actually Kermit's a frog" she pointed out
"What's the difference between a frog and a toad?" James asked,
"That's simple. Frogs are slimy and hop about. Toads have warts and crawl around" Lily explained matter-of-factly to the group
"Neither sounds very appetizing Rob"
"Well I'm not french" Robin sighed,
"The french eat Frogs, not toads" Lily rolled her eyes,
"See!" Robin exclaimed,
The group laughed as they sat down at a table next to the adults. Rowanne made sure to sit closest to them so she could hear what was being said. Robin sat next to her, Peter at the end. Lily and James sat opposite them. He showed off what he knew with his wand, making a leftover glass grow twice its normal size.
They ordered their ice cream and ate, chatting away. However Rowanne wasn't listening. While James was trying to impress the girls with stories of quidditch near-misses and the time he met the Chudley Cannons. She instead focused on what the adults beside her were saying.
"Look, we acted on your intel. I sent Alister to the mountains and he couldn't find any of them. They're gone Minerva. Whole packs of giants don't just disappear from mountain ranges. This is more serious than the ministry is telling people. If they only knew what he was capable of-"
"Fleamont, I'm terribly sorry. I'm going to have to interrupt you there" McGonagall held a hand up to him, turning to face Rowanne who had been stealthily trying to listen, "this conversation isn't for prying ears" McGonagall looked intently at her daughter, eyes narrowing at her. Rowanne looked away quickly, she got a glimpse of Peter's face, he looked somehow even more terrified than before. Really McGonagall wasn't that scary, Rowanne thought.
They finished their ice cream and the Potters and Peter left saying they'd see them the next day on the train.
"Well…" Robin smirked, staring at the three others expectantly
"Well what?"
"Is it finally toad time?" Her mischievous grin spreading to the other two girls
“I can’t believe I’m saying this but yes, Robin, it’s toad time”
They walked across the road to The Magical Menagerie where Robin spent well over an hour deciding which toad to get. Lily picked up a cute and reliable tawny owl.
Rowanne lingered in the back. She wasn't anticipating getting a pet, having to clean and look after it was just another thing that could distract her.
"You okay back there? Awfully quiet" McGonagall noticed her youngest's reluctance.
"I'm fine"
"You know you can get someone. Maybe something more useful than a toad, but fun all the same"
"It's okay mum, really"
"Are you sure? Because there's a tabby over there that's been trying to catch your eye"
"I know. I'm ignoring it"
"And why's that? They don't do well with rejection"
"And how would you know that? You make it sound like it's specifically targeting me"
"I know more than you think"
"Right, sorry"
"And Rowanne, I don't think he does that to everyone"
"Really?"
"Go over" McGonagall nudged her forward,
Rowanne walked over to the cage. The cat came up to her, rubbing the side of its face against hers, purring happily.
"Well well well, look what we have here" A man appeared behind her, "Fred seems to have taken a liking to you. He doesn't do too many" Rowanne smiled, saying nothing. Keeping her focus tied on the soft thing in her hand, "you seem to have a gift for that"
"We'll take him," McGonagall appeared behind her, arm placed comfortably on Rowanne's back, "and whatever one the toad girl is playing with now. Don't even let her see another one, else we'll be here all day. I have an appointment with a bottle of firewhisky I don't plan on missing"
They gathered up their things, paid for the creatures and headed out of the store to take Lily home.
"Well what's his name?" Rowanne asked, the toad sat proudly on Robin's shoulder just as she'd hoped.
"Crank. But I think I'm going to change it to Delores"
McGonagall listened to the three girls. The differences in her children astounded her, even at the best of times. They exited the Leaky Caldron onto a busy London street. Instinctively, McGonagall grabbed a hold of both girls' arms and dragged them away from the crowd. Lily ran over to a phone box and it didn't take long before she re-appeared next to them.
"Mum said they'd leave now. Should be 10 minutes" she explained,
"Good, when your with them, we'll go back"
"Thanks Professor, you didn't have to wait"
"Don't be silly"
"So what's your family like?" Rowanne asked,
"I have an older sister. We used to be close but I think she's a bit jealous. She's not a witch"
"That's a shame," Rowanne sympathized. She couldn't imagine if Robin wasn't a witch. Though it was less likely seeing as they were both born of at least one witch.
"Yeah, sucks to be her," Robin rolled her eyes. It didn't seem important in her mind,
"Robin! That's rude" Rowanne snapped, glaring at her sister the way her mother would.
"What? Sorry"
"It's okay. I guess she is missing out on a lot. I just wish she could be happy for me" Lily began to explain her problems "My parents are over the moon of course. Who wouldn't be with all of this happening right under their noses their whole lives. They wanted to come, but I said it would be best if I came alone. I don't know, just felt like something I should do for myself"
"We were always going to do it together. I mean, how can't you. Though I didn't want mum to come"
"I'm standing right here you know"
"You said you weren't coming"
"And you broke the rules. If I can't trust you to follow simple directions how I supposed to trust you to get everything you need"
"So Lily, I'm sure you've heard some things, what house do you think you'll be in?" Rowanne tried desperately to change the subject. A good say didn't need to be spoiled by the arguing of the two other females.
"I'm not sure if I'm honest, I can see myself in all of them"
"I don't think Slytherin will suit you" Robin said, as if to reassure her, though she went back to her argument with McGonagall almost immediately.
"What about you?" Lily asked,
Rowanne now wished she hadn't asked the question. She lowered her voice, hoping Minerva couldn't hear her, but she was too engrossed in her conversation with Robin to even notice. "Mum's the head of Gryffindor. So I guess I don't have a choice. I'm not sure. I want to be there, I fear mum'll throw a fit if I'm not. But just, well, I don't know really"
"I guess the only positive of being a muggle born is that it doesn't matter where I go. Nothing to live up to"
"Your lucky"
A car pulled up and an older version of Lily opened the back passenger door, "Oi Lily. Come on, I'm hungry" it yelled, shooting a glare at the three McGonagalls.
"That's my sister. I guess I better go. Thanks for staying with me"
"Any time dear. See you tomorrow"
"Bye, I'll catch you on the train!" Lily called as she clambered into the car. It sped off into the night. They waved after it until it went out of sight, before making their way back inside the pub.
They walked over to the fireplace and took a handful of floo powder. In a flash of green light, they were gone.
Walking down the corridor to their quarters, they bumped into Professor Dumbledore. He looked grave, and indicated to Minerva.
“Girls, off you go I need to talk to Professor Dumbledore”
“But-” Robin began, clearly on a high from the day.
“Bed. Now please” McGonagall said firmly “You have a big day tomorrow”
“Mum, I need to talk to Professor Gonelinne” Rowanne remembered her conversation earlier in the day,
“I’ll tell him you’ve gone to bed don’t worry”
“Please, it’s important”
“Okay, fine. Quickly, and straight to bed after please" McGonagall turned back to Professor Dumbledore, a plan formulating in her mind.
"Thank you" Rowanne yelled over her shoulder.
"How come you're going there?" Robin pressed as they walked towards the astronomy tower.
"I told him I'd come and see him when we got back"
"That grumpy git? Why?"
"Because I said I'd do some homework for him" Robin looked disgusted. Who on earth would volunteer to do homework? "I don't wanna climb all these stairs, that's effort"
"Then go back Robin. I'll be there in a minute don't worry"
"Ugh fine. Weirdo" Robin ran back to their quarters.
Rowanne climbed the rest of the stairs in silence. Fred patting at her feet. He hadn't left her alone since she brought him. Rowanne guessed he felt a bit lost, and he seemed rather tired. She picked him up, hoping it would provide her and him some comfort. However when she made it to the top she put him down again, unsure of Professor Gonelline's reaction.
"Rowanne. I was just about to give up on you"
"Nope right here"
"I have some comments on your notes" he looked behind her at the other entity that had entered the room, "You brought yourself a cat I see. Cats never seem to like me"
"Mum must have said something" Rowanne smirked,
"You have her wit" He looked harshly at her, "be careful with that. It get you into trouble, just as it did with your mother"
"I forgot you taught mum. What was she like?"
"There's not much to say" He seemed to want to change the subject.
"Oh come on, there's got to be some teasing material in there somewhere"
"Rowanne I'm not divulging that information to you. She was a perfectly well behaved young lady. Much like yourself. The two of you are very alike you know" Rowanne looked to the floor, "I'm sure you take after her in many ways"
"You said you had some notes?" She asked quickly.
"Yes, you'll want to scrap this part it's irrelevant. And add detail here, here, here and here"
"Sir, that's all of it"
"Well then, you better get started. I'll retrieve it on our first lesson. Off you go, it's late"
Rowanne descended the stairs, slightly disheartened. But it didn't matter, she would get it right if it was the last thing she did. She opened the door to their quarters. Expecting her mother to be there, ready to yell at her for being so late, but the room was empty. Relieved, Rowanne walked into her quarters. Fred immediately jumped up onto her bed, recognising it as his own instantly. He curled up and fell asleep, pleased to be away from his cage in Diagon Alley.
Rowanne pondered the day, and the next. It was finally happening. But why wasn't she excited? Why did her stomach feel clenched and awkward? Brushing the thoughts to the side, she got into bed.
"Row, u awake?" Robin whispered into the darkness, "I can't sleep"
"Just close your eyes"
There was silence for a moment.
"You thinking about tomorrow?" Robin began,
"Trying not to Rob"
"But it's going to be so big. Doesn't feel real does it"
"Thats deep for you. Everything alright?"
"I don't know. Just excited I guess. You?"
"Terrified"
"Why, you're ready for this. I swear you've read every book up to NEWT level"
"I guess" The content wasn't what worried Rowanne, "what house do you think you'll be in?"
"What kind of a question is that?"
"I don't know, just can't stop thinking about it"
"You'll be in Gryffindor, with me"
Rowanne didn't respond. The room descended into an awkward science. As the girls drifted off to sleep.
Outside McGonagall sat with Pomona and Poppy in the greenhouses.
"See I knew you wouldn't let me down" McGonagall beamed as Professor Sprout brandished a bottle of firewhisky.
"Never Minerva, what do you take me for" Pomona popped the cork, pouring a reasonable amount into a shot glass.
McGonagall took out a wooden box, pulled out a cigarette, handing one to each of the teachers, “Well that’s the last of this years stock”
“Oh I wouldn’t worry Minerva, you know how much we confiscate on the first night”
"Well, we're dying to know. What happened?” Madam Pomfrey pressed impatiently, "the dinner table was buzzing in anticipation"
“Well Robin got a toad" McGonagall stated, taking another shot, "She's going to name it Delores. I'm pretty sure its of the male gender, but anyway"
"It better not come near my gillyweed" Sprout warned,
"I had to made her take the one in her hands eventually. One can only hear the words 'mum listen to the sound of his croak' so many times" They laughed, “Word to the wise Pomona, if she said, my toad pissed on my homework, she probably just didn’t do it”
“I’ve used that one enough. She’ll have to come up with something much more creative than that to get passed me”
“Give Robin a week. I bet she’ll do it”
“Much like you Minerva”
“I was a perfectly upstanding citizen, even in my youth thank you very much”
“To all who didn’t know you sure”
“Poppy!”
“Well I remember you confiscating many things only to use them yourself”
“Okay, enough of this slander”
“Oh come on, we’re only teasing” Pomfrey smiled,
“It's not like the girls are around to hear it” Pomona taunted,
“And don’t either of you tell it. They never got over that one story you told them about me pranking the slytherin quidditch team”
“Oh that was absolute gold” Sprout beamed at the memory
“I’m sorry, you did what?”
“Who do you think turned their quidditch team’s robes pink?”
“That was you!”
“Oh yeah it was! Dumbledore turned a blind eye but where do ya think that idea came from!” Pomona yelled excitedly,
“Keep your voice down. And not a word to the twins”
“We know,” The other two said in unison, rolling their eyes,
“Now come on, pour us another bloody shot before we all go sober”
They drunk for a bit before Professor Sprout piped up,
"Are we going to keep putting this off, or are you going to tell us what happened at Flourish and Blotts? Fillius said he’d overheard Dumbledore talking to someone who said you were attacked!"
"We ran into Walburga black. That was a confrontation and a half"
"You're kidding!"
"Robin ended up telling her to grow up and act like an adult. If I wasn't so sure Walburga might kill Robin, I'd have been more proud" McGonagall sighed,
"Nah, I'm saying way to go. That woman is evil"
"Oh well the real menace of the new year is going to be the Potter boy" Minerva changed the subject, "He's ruined all his robes and destroyed most of his textbooks already"
They talked well into the night, chatting like school children, and gossiping about the following year.