At Flourish and Botts
And before they knew it the first of august had arrived.
,, 'Tia, my dear, the post is here!" sung Perenelle, smiling happily as she entered the library, her husband and Celestia standing side by side, their heads bowed over the table as they murmured something between themselves, two Bluetooth sets infused with Magic placed in front of them.....
,, They're in their own little world, Perenelle, you'll have to try entering that peculiar atmosphere before attempting to hold basic conversations with them." spoke the voice of no other than Gellert Grindelwald, the Dark Wizard calmly sitting in an armchair not too far from the fireplace, Chrome by his side.
How is it possible that he is at Pendragon castle you may wonder?
Well.......
,, Pardon ?" asked Gellert, looking at Celestia as if she had just told him that the sky was a blinding neon green and that there were unicorns dancing across the horizon.
Bring down Albus Dumbledore? Had he just heard her right or was his old age finally catching up to him?
,, He has been sitting on his golden throne for far too long, don't you think ?" She asked, a smile never leaving her face. ,, I may not hold much power currently, but by the time my final year at Hogwarts has come, I want him gone. Not just from his position as Headmaster, but from the surface of this earth."
,, ... And how do you want to achieve such a feat ?" He asked her, the calculating look in her eyes being something he had often seen in Theseus.
The young witch only continued smiling, taking a small box out of her pocket.......
She let it levitate over towards him, at which he raised an eyebrow but opened the lid slightly, only to put it right back on upon spotting the familiar crimson liquid inside a vial held together by human bones, now staring at Celestia.
,, How did you get this ?" He asked, highly suspicious as to how his Great-Great-Granddaughter had managed to find such a dangerous item.......
She let a smirk tug at the corner's of her mouth. ,, Let's say the Goblins and I have come to form a rather well-paid off friendship after I gifted them with a fair share of successful investments..."
Her smirk fell, once more replaced by a smile that could have fooled most people into believing that it was truthful. ,, Using it will let you create an identical copy of yourself, a human Marionette if you will. I want you to perform the ritual and leave Nurmengard with us."
,, And if I refuse ?" He challenged, wanting to see what she would do if he disagreed....
,, Then I will take my present for you back, let the Wards surrounding your cell drop, and let you enjoy the rest of your days in a filthy, dusty cell, with nothing but the rats to keep you company."She answered simply, meaning every word.
She had long ago abandoned the thought of trying to suger coat the consequences for those who opposed her goals or those who dared to stand in her way.
Sure some could call her a Dark Lady, a Sadist, or even a Monster, but if one wanted to survive a war and bring one's House back to its former glory torture was the least troublesome act that could be comitted.
Gellert looked into her eyes, seeing nothing but utter honesty in them.......
, Good........' He thought, opening the box again, this time taking out the small vial, which held a slight glow to it.
And then he drank the entire thing.
Before he could blink, Xavier took his wand, pointed it at him and transfigurated the Dark Wizard into a snow white cat.
,, *Huff* Those two......!..." Perenelle walked over to them, a glare on her face as she stopped right behind the two.
,, Now to carefully.....-!" Nicolas got stopped in his movements when a book was swatted at the back of his head, making him drop one of the two Headsets.
Celestia opened her eyes wide, quickly letting it leviate in the air so it wouldn't get destroyed.
,, Perenelle! What in Merlin's beard was that for ?!" asked Nicolas, turning to his wife, thankfully not having noticed the fact that their Project had almost gone to waste....
,, If you two weren't in such a bubble you would have noticed that I've called to let you know that the Owls just brought the mail." The woman answered, the couple glaring playfully at one another, while Celestia simply breathed out a sigh of relief at the fact that nothing got damaged.
,, Thank you, Perenelle...." said the half-Veela, accepting the small stack of letters from her as she and Nicolas continued their usual banter.
Those two had the habit to argue over the smallest of things only to reconcile minutes later with displays of affection....
, I guess one has to find ways to find excitment in one's relationship after over five hundred years of marriage....' mused the girl.
To get some peace she sat down on the opposite of Gellert, and started looking through the stack.
, Let's see.................. Aiden and Hunter wrote...... Same going to Regulus and the twins..........' Her eyebrow then rose as she looked at the final letter.
It was her Hogwarts Letter.
,, Oh! It's already that time of year, huh." said Perenelle, stoping her bantering with Nicolas as soon as they saw the Hogwarts seal on the back of the piece of parchment.
,, Go on, though I think that the List probably won't be very long...." Nicolas said, watching as Celestia opened the letter.
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
43 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
Celestia frowned as she read the list......
,, Your grace ?" Perenelle asked, worried about what might have left the young witch with such a sour expression.
,, Tom, who is Gilderoy Lockhart ?" asked the half-Veela instead.
,, Gilderoy Lockhart... ?.... Ah yes, I remember him... An attention-seeking Wizard with a habit of overexaggerating his so-called adventures. Though I must applaud him since he managed to trick almost all of Wizarding Britain into believing that what he has written down in those books of his were his own accomplishments." answered the male, usually having not much to do these days besides informing Celestia about certain things.
They were busy, as their plans were beginning to set in motion this year, which meant constant work.
,, Sounds wonderful." Gellert sarcastically answered, reading over the list as well after Celestia handed it to him.
Gellert and Celestia had a very... complicated relationship.... one might say...
Unlike Xavier who was like an actual grandfather to the young witch, Gellert Grindelwald and her were nothing but business partners who shared blood with one another.
Both had already accepted the fact and both were happy with the agreement, so there was no need to worry.
,, Indeed.... Hiring a fraud.... What is that old fool thinking now." Nicolas asked, shaking his head in disapproval.
,, Something that makes my inner alarm bells ring........ and that in a very bad way." Perenelle voiced, very worried about the girl she saw as somewhat of her own grandchild.
---------------
A few hours later Celestia stepped out of the Floo Network, Fenris at her side as she looked around the dark Alley.
Knockturn was after all such a lovely place to land oneself in.
,, Let's go... The longer we stay the more we are at risk to meet someone we wouldn't want to." She said, placing her hood over her head to hide her silver-white hair.
,, Yes, Mistress." replied Fenris, dutifully following after her and keeping an eye out for anyone who was acting suspicious.
After having gotten the letter, Xavier had agreed to let her go on her own so she could meet up with the Blacks and the Malfoys, all of them visiting Diagon Alley as well.
Though first, they had to make a stop at Knockturn.
They soon arrived in front of a small shop, four cloaked figures already standing there waiting.
Celestia, of course, knew the shop, Tom having told her about his time working at it for a short while after he graduated from Hogwarts.
Borgin and Botts, a place no Light-aligned Wizard would ever dare to step foot in, for it held all kinds of Dark Artefacts and even worse kind of products.
The four figures noticed her arrival and turned to her.
,, Good meet, Celestia." Arcturus greeted, the old Wizard immediatley noticing the new creature that stood beside the young witch, though her Niffler was as usual sitting in the pocket of her cloak.
,, Good meet." Celestia greeted, smiling politely as she nodded at him, though her eyes then went towards Lucius. ,, Good meet to you as well, uncle Lucius."
The blond Wizard smiled the tiniest bit, nodding. ,, You as well, Celestia."
,, You've got a Wolf ?" Draco asked, eying Fenris with a look in his eyes that screamed panic.
Celestia smiled, placing a hand on Fenris's head. ,, Yes... This is Fenris."
Lucius and Arcturus watched the Wolf, as the creature's tail thumped happily behind him. , He acts more like a dog than a dangerous Beast.....'
,, Let us go in, we don't want to spend more time than needed here." Lucius said, opening the door for them.
And while the three of them entered, Celestia's hand was tugged towards a certain black-haired boy.
,, Do I not get a greeting ?" Regulus asked, one eyebrow raised as his eyes filled with slight amusement.
It was the first time in quite a few weeks that they had seen each other.......
Celestia noted that he had grown taller, so much in fact that she had to slightly crane her neck up to take a good look at him.
,, How have you grown so bloody tall? Both you and Theo can be categorized as trees by the time we leave Hogwarts." She said, very much disappointed that she had only grown a few inches over the summer.
Regulus smirked slightly. ,, That or you'll forever remain as small as an Elf."
Celestia puffed her cheeks out, holding his hand as they followed the others inside the shop. ,, How very rude you have gotten...."
As they entered they noted several very unusual items scattered around. A glass case nearby held a withered hand on a cushion, a bloodstained pack of cards, and a staring glass eye. Evil-looking masks stared down from the walls, an assortment of human bones lay upon the counter, and rusty, spiked instruments hung from the ceiling.
All items that can be found in a common Voodoo or Dark Wizarding Household, though those did not interest Celestia as much as the books lined up on the other side of the shop.
,, Go ahead and take a look around with Regulus, it won't take long." Lucius said, addressing her as he rang the bell on the counter. ,, Touch nothing, Draco."
Draco who was just about to reach for the glass eye quickly retrieved his hand, looking embarrassed as Arcturus gave him a look of disapproval.
,, Here...." Regulus led her towards the shelves filled with books, both of their eyes skimming through them for something of interest.
"I thought you were going to buy me a present," Draco said, continuing to look around the curious items, even with the warning of his father.
"I said I would buy you a racing broom," said Lucius, drumming his fingers on the counter.
"What's the good of that if I'm not on the House team?" Was Draco's reply, looking sulky and bad-tempered. "Harry Potter got a Nimbus Two Thousand last year. Special permission from Dumbledore so he could play for Gryffindor. He's not even that good, it's just because he's famous... famous for having a stupid scar on his forehead..."
Draco bent down to examine a shelf full of skulls.
"...everyone thinks he's so smart, wonderful Potter with his scar and his broomstick--"
"You have told me this at least a dozen times already," said Lucius, with a quelling look at his son. Not to mention Arcturus who looked like he was about to Crucio Draco as a punishment for his behavior. "And I would remind you that it is not - prudent - to appear less than fond of Harry Potter, not when most of our kind regard him as the hero who made the Dark Lord disappear - ah, Mr. Borgin."
A stooping man had appeared behind the counter, smoothing his greasy hair back from his face.
"Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Black what a pleasure to see you again," said Mr. Borgin in a voice as oily as his hair. "Delighted - and young Master Malfoy and Black, too, as well as a lovely young Lady - charmed. How may I be of assistance? I must show you, just in today, and very reasonably priced--"
"I'm not buying today, Mr. Borgin, but selling," said Lucius.
"Selling?" The smile faded slightly from Mr. Borgin's face.
"You have heard, of course, that the Ministry is conducting more raids," said Lucius, taking a roll of parchment from his inside pocket and unraveling it for Mr. Borgin to read. "I have a few - ah - items at home that might embarrass me if the Ministry were to call..."
Mr. Borgin fixed a pair of pince-nez to his nose and looked down the list.
"The Ministry wouldn't presume to trouble you, sir, surely?"
Lucius's lip curled.
"I have not been visited yet. The name Malfoy still commands a certain respect, yet the Ministry grows ever more meddlesome. There are rumors about a new Muggle Protection Act - no doubt that flea-bitten, Muggle-loving fool Arthur Weasley is behind it, and as you see, certain of these poisons might make it appear--"
"I understand, sir, of course," said Mr. Borgin. "Let me see..."
"Can I have that?" interrupted Draco, pointing at the withered hand on its cushion.
"Ah, the Hand of Glory!" said Mr. Borgin, abandoning Lucius's list and scurrying over to Draco. "Insert a candle and it gives light only to the holder! Best friend of thieves and plunderers! Your son has fine taste, sir."
,, I hope my son will amount to more than a thief or a plunderer, Borgin," said Lucius coldly, and Mr. Borgin said quickly, "No offense, sir, no offense meant--"
"Though if his grades don't pick up," said Lucius, more coldly still, "that may indeed be all he is fit for--"
"It's not my fault," retorted Draco. "The teachers all have favorites, that Hermione Granger--"
"I would have thought you'd be ashamed that a girl of no wizard family beat you in every exam," snapped Lucius. ,, Especially with your cousins and their friend group all having achieved top marks."
Celestia and Regulus said nothing, simply continuing to look at the spines of the books before them in comfortable silence.
"It's the same all over," said Mr. Borgin, in his oily voice. "Wizard blood is counting for less everywhere--"
Celestia, whose father was a No-Maj, inwardly rolled her eyes.
"Not with me," said Lucius, his long nostrils flaring.
"No, sir, nor with me, sir," said Mr. Borgin, with a deep bow.
"In that case, perhaps we can return to my list," said Lucius shortly. "I am in something of a hurry, Borgin, I have important business elsewhere today--"
Draco paused to examine a long coil of hangman's rope and to read, smirking, the card propped on a magnificent necklace of opals, Caution: Do Not Touch. Cursed - Has Claimed the Lives of Nineteen Muggle Owners to Date.
,, I wouldn't touch it if I were you cousin, that Curse placed on the necklace, will kill you if you do." Regulus warned, not even having to look to know what Draco was about to do.
Draco turned away and saw the cabinet right in front of him. He walked forward - he stretched out his hand for the handle.
Right then Celestia noticed a certain row of books which made her interest peak up, something Borgin saw.
,, You seem to have found something of interest, my dear..." He said, Lucius was about ready to strangle the Wizard as he went to Celestia and Regulus's side.
,, These books....." He followed her gaze and immediately frowned.
,, Ah... Yes, those. They're written in Parseltongue, nobody can read them which is the main reason they've been in my shop for so long." He said, seeing the intrigued look in her eyes.
,, Don't tell me......." His eyes widened, and as he noticed the Ladyship Ring of the Gaunt family on her finger he gulped, bowing. ,, Dear Merlin! My deepest apologies, Lady Grindelwald-Lestrange, I was not aware you'd be visiting me!"
,, It is fine.... please rise your head." She said, taking one of the books and opening the front........
The construction of the Chamber of Secrets - Salazar Slytherin
,, How much for these three ?" She asked, letting her thumb glide over the signature to check if it was truly his, before quickly closing it again once she found no indication of it being false.
,, For you, fifteen Galleons." He said, lifting his head.
,, Make it twelve." She said, at which he grinned, nodding.
With that, she took the three books and paid Borgin, before placing them into her bag.
,, What exactly are they about ?" Regulus asked as Borgin returned to his business with Lucius, Draco now strolling around somewhere else.
,, The construction of the Chamber of Secrets." She whispered, pretending to continue to look. ,, I've checked the inside cover, they were written by Salazar himself."
,, The thing you've written about in your Letter at the beginning of summer ?" He asked, at which she nodded.
,, If we're lucky we can hopefully find out what it is before something worse than last year happens." She said, the only reason they had even found out about the Sorcerer's Stone being her visions.
,, Let us hope that we won't have to investigate further than needed this time around." He said, glancing at her from the corner of his eyes.
The last thing he wanted to see was Celestia in a dangerous situation caused by Dumbledore. Again.
"Good day to you, Mr. Borgin. I'll expect you at the manor tomorrow to pick up the goods." Lucius finally said, snapping the two of them out of their conversation.
,, Regulus, Celestia, come." Arcturus ordered, at which they left the shop.
--------------
,, I sometimes really can't understand you, Lucius." said Arcturus, eyes set on their three charges of today as they each got Ice-cream, Draco having insisted on doing so after Celestia had admitted that she never had it.
,, What do you mean, Arcturus ?" The blond asked, raising an eyebrow at the older Wizard.
,, You're treating Draco too leniently, letting him talk in such a tone with you.... not to mention a Mudblood surpassing him in his studies." Arcturus said, shaking his head. ,, I told you that it would have been better if you had let Cassiopeia train him with Regulus when they were younger."
Lucius clenched his hand into a fist, his expression otherwise calm. ,, Draco has turned out fine."
,, , Fine ' don't be ridiculous Lucius, the boy is starting to turn arrogant and cocky. Don't think I haven't asked Regulus about the situation at Hogwarts over his stay... Your son was lucky that the Longbottom and Potter Heirs are as naive as their parents are, or else a blood feud would have been on your shoulders." Arcturus said, glancing at the Malfoy.
,, Nott, Lady Zabini, and Xavier agree with me as well....... Be sure to teach your son how to behave accordingly, or the future will look very dark for your House, my friend."
Lucius sighed, well aware that he had to change his son's behavior soon................
Especially once he had turned thirteen...
At that age most families began forming alliances between one another, by pairing their children together for a future mariagge.
,, Have you already thought about a match for Regulus ?" asked Lucius, wanting to know if the head of the House of Black was already having someone in mind to match to form a betrothal contract with for his youngest nephew.
,, I was thinking of one of the Greengrass Heiresses before they entered Hogwarts, since Regulus and their oldest seemed to get along just fine...... but I decided against the idea." He said, surprising Lucius.
,, Really ?" He asked. ,, And who would you ask then ?"
The Greengrass family was a rather good choice, both having daughters of close age to their own Charges, with Daphne even having been a playmate of Regulus and Draco from a young age on.
He himself had thought about them, though he would keep the Parkinsons in mind for now.
Arcturus said nothing but kept his eyes on Celestia, who was currently smiling at Regulus, the pair talking about something they could not hear as Draco ate his share of Ice cream.
Lucius blinked, before suddenly realizing what he was thinking about. ,, Arcturus...... You aren't seriously considering....."
,, I am indeed Lucius." The older Black replied, keeping an eye on the children. ,, Xavier and I have talked about it quite a bit... and we both agreed that we wouldn't be opposed to Regulus and Celestia getting betrothed in the future..... They get along better than we would have ever thought possible. Though unlike with other families, we can only set up the contract if Celestia agrees, her status and Blood Magic making it impossible for anyone but herself to choose her future spouse."
,, And you think she'll agree ?" Lucius asked, slightly nervous.
If Regulus and Celestia actually married in the future, he could imagine the chaos that would ensue.
It would mean that the Wizarding World would once more be under the control of a Monarchy, meaning that the World they knew and grew up in would be thrown upside-down and formed under the beliefs of the new King and Queen.
Arcturus smirked slightly. ,, Believe me when I say that I haven't been as sure of something since the time Violet and Regulus were promised to each other."
And with that thought in the back of their minds, they made their way to Flourish and Blotts.
----------------
An hour after they entered Diagon Alley, they headed for Flourish and Blotts. They were by no means the only ones making their way to the bookshop. As they approached it, they saw to their surprise a large crowd jostling outside the doors, trying to get in. The reason for this was proclaimed by a large banner stretched across the upper windows:
GILDEROY LOCKHART
will be signing copies of his autobiography
MAGICAL ME
today 12:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M.
,, You can't be serious.........." Draco groaned, looking at the crowd of people.
,, Now of all times......" Lucius said, annoyance swimming in both his and Arcturus's eyes.
Regulus Tch'ed, glancing at Celestia who, to his utter relieve, was looking at the banner with disgust.
The crowd seemed to be made up mostly of witches around Narcissa's age. A harassed-looking wizard stood at the door, saying, "Calmly, please, ladies... Don't push, there... mind the books, now..."
Celestia was disgusted by what she was made to witness.
It was.... not exactly pleasing to watch others of the same sex fawn over someone who was so obviously a fraud.
They all managed to squeeze inside, Regulus and Celestia never letting go of the other's hand as most of the people inside made room for them after they saw Fenris.
All three grabbed a copy of The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 2, hoping to leave as soon as possible.....
Unfortunately, Draco had spotted the Potters and Weasleys, which made him run off.
,, When I get my hands on him..." said Regulus through gritted teeth, eyes turning slightly red in annoyance.
,, It's fine....... Let's just find him quickly and head out." Celestia said, nodding at Fenris who stayed close to her, Chrome having climbed back on her shoulder after they left Knockturn.
Unfortunately for them, luck was not on their side.
Gilderoy Lockhart came slowly into view, seated at a table surrounded by large pictures of his own face, all winking and flashing dazzlingly white teeth at the crowd. The real Lockhart was wearing robes of forget-me-not blue that exactly matched his eyes; his pointed wizard's hat was set at a jaunty angle on his wavy hair.
A short, irritable-looking man was dancing around taking photographs with a large black camera that emitted puffs of purple smoke with every blinding flash.
"Big deal," they suddenly heard Ronald say, as he rubbed his foot where the photographer had stepped on it.
Gilderoy Lockhart heard him. He looked up. He saw Ronald - and then he saw Harry, with his parents. He stared. Then he leaped to his feet and positively shouted, "It can't be Harry Potter?"
The crowd parted, whispering excitedly; Lockhart dived forward, seized Harry's arm, and pulled him to the front. The crowd burst into applause.
But then he noticed someone else. ,, Merlin's beard, the Heiress of the Grindelwald and Lestrange family!"
He tried to grab Celestia, but before he could even so much as touch her, Regulus had already pulled her to him by the waist, Fenris jumping in front of them while releasing a warning growl.
,, Watch it..!...'' The Wolf threatened, though it only came out as a loud, warning growl to those around them.
,, Mr. Lockhart............ It is incredibly rude and concerning if a grown Wizard such as yourself tries to grab a young witch somewhere without her consent, don't you agree ?" Regulus asked, stone cold, grey eyes set on the older Wizard, who flinched back in fear.
For someone who faced a Werewolf, he sure seemed scared when faced with a second-year and a normal-sized Wolf.
,, A-Ahhaha... Yes...." Lockhart muttered, looking at Celestia for a final time, before hastily going back to the Stage.
,, ...Perverted fraud..." Regulus muttered under his breath, turning his head to Celestia.
,, Under no circumstances will you walk around Hogwarts without Fenris or one of us by your side this year." He told her, being his usual blunt self.
He did not want that man anywhere near Celestia.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he said loudly, waving for quiet. "What an extraordinary moment this is! The perfect moment for me to make a little announcement I've been sitting on for some time!
"When young Harry here stepped into Flourish and Blotts today, he only wanted to buy my autobiography - which I shall be happy to present him now, free of charge -" The crowd applauded again. "He had no idea," Lockhart continued, giving Harry a little shake that made his glasses slip to the end of his nose, "that he would shortly be getting much, much more than my book, Magical Me. He and his schoolmates will, in fact, be getting the real magical me. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I have great pleasure and pride in announcing that this September, I will be taking up the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!"
The crowd cheered and clapped and Harry found himself being presented with the entire works of Gilderoy Lockhart.
A few locks of Black hair turned red as Regulus heard it.
That guy? Teacher for Defense Against the Dark Arts?
,, Reggie, calm down.. " Celestia whispered, gently squeezing the hand that was still placed around her waist. ,, Your hair will become entirely red."
"Bet you loved that, didn't you, Potter?"
Celestia sighed, she had forgotten about Draco....
"Famous Harry Potter," said Draco. "Can't even go into a bookshop without making the front page."
"Leave him alone, he didn't want all that!" said a tiny little girl with a mop of ginger hair..
From what the twins had told them this must be their youngest sibling, Ginerva.
"Potter, you've got yourself a girlfriend!" drawled Draco, as Regulus and Celestia walked up to them.
"Oh, it's you," said Ronald, looking at Draco as if he were something unpleasant on the sole of his shoe. "Bet you're surprised to see Harry here, eh?"
"Not as surprised as I am to see you in a shop, Weasley," retorted Draco. "I suppose your parents will go hungry for a month to pay for all those."
Ronald went as red as his sister. He dropped his books into a cauldron and started towards Draco, but Harry and Hermione Granger grabbed the back of his jacket.
"Ron!" said Mr. Weasley, struggling over with Fred and George. "What are you doing? It's too crowded in here, let's go outside."
"Well, well, well - Arthur Weasley."
And here came Lucius and Arcturus. They stood behind them with his hand on Draco's and Regulus' shoulders respectively, both wearing emotionless masks.
"Lucius," said Mr. Weasley, nodding coldly.
"Busy time at the Ministry, I hear," said Lucius. "All those raids... I hope they're paying you overtime?"
He reached into Ginerva's cauldron and extracted, from amid the glossy Lockhart books, a very old, very battered copy of A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration.
"Obviously not," said Lucius. "Dear me, what's the use of being a disgrace to the name of wizard if they don't even pay you well for it?"
Mr. Weasley flushed darker than either Ronald or Ginerva.
"We have a very different idea of what disgraces the name of wizard, Malfoy," he said.
"Clearly," said Arcturus, his pale eyes straying to Mr. and Mrs. Granger, who was watching apprehensively. "The company you keep, Weasley... and I thought your family could sink no lower."
There was a thud of metal as Ginervas cauldron went flying; Mr. Weasley had thrown himself at Lucius and Arcturus, knocking them backward into a bookshelf. Dozens of heavy spellbooks came thundering down on all their heads; there was a yell of, "Dad, get off of them!" from Fred or George, who went scarlet red in embarrassment as they spotted Celestia and Regulus; Mrs. Weasley was shrieking, "No, Arthur, no!"; the crowd stampeded backward, knocking more shelves over; "Gentlemen, please - please!" cried the assistant, and then, louder than all--
"Break it up, there, gents, break it up--"
Having enough Arcturus used his Wand to separate all of them. ,, Enough!" He ordered, making all of them go quiet.
He inspected the damage done. Mr. Weasley had a cut lip and Lucius had been hit in the eye by an Encyclopedia of Toadstools, he himself had blood running down his nose thanks to getting pushed head-first into a bookshelf.
,, Grandfather.." Regulus said, both Celestia and him quickly making their way toward him.
,, I am all right, Regulus......" Arcturus assured, thanking Celestia as she gave him her Handkerchief to get the blood off of his face.
,, Lord Black-"
,, Lord Malfoy-"
,, We apologize for this..." Fred and George said, looking like they wanted the ground to swallow them up whole.
Their Father had just attacked the grandfather and uncle of two of their friends......
It was utterly humiliating for them.
Arcturus looked at them, before turning to Arthur, a cold look in his eyes. ,, At least someone in this family seems to know how to behave themselves......"
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley blushed crimson, knowing fully well that Fred and George were usually the least behaved of their children.....
,, This would cause a lot of problems in your office if we'd press charges." At that, the Weasleys went pale. ,, You are in luck that your sons are great friends to Regulus and Celestia... I will not do so, for I don't want the poor boys to suffer because of their fool of a father."
Fred and George's eyes widened, and they quickly looked at Celestia and Regulus who discreetly instructed them to bow in response.
,, Thank you, Lord Black-"
,, We're honored to receive such high praise." They chimed, bowing, which earned them a nod of approval from the Head of the House of Black.
,, We'll be taking our leave now.." And with those words Celestia and Regulus followed Arcturus out of the shop, Fenris staying behind for a short moment to growl at Mr. Weasley, before catching up with Celestia.
"Here, girl - take your book - it's the best your father can give you -" Lucius said, a look of malice in his eyes as he returned Ginerva's Transfiguration book to her before he and Draco left as well.