Chapter 67
As we approached the bookstore, I, like everyone else, realized that heading straight for textbooks wasn’t the best idea. Although the main crowd of fans of the young talented writer in front of Flourish & Blotts had dispersed, even from afar, through the huge windows, I could see that the inside of the bookstore now resembled a crowded minibus at rush hour. So we exchanged silent glances and, without saying a word, turned toward the “Chests for All Occasions” store. I think the Weasley family will understand.
“By the way, Justin, you’re supposed to be in Australia, aren’t you?” Hermione turned to the young aristocrat as we walked along the cobbled street. “You were bragging about your tickets to the Sydney Opera House.”
“We arrived last night, on Concorde. Did you watch the news?” The guy grimaced. “Because of those rowdy Latinos, our vacation went down the drain, just like our theater tickets. Dad went straight from the airport to the treasury and only returned this morning.”
“I sympathize.” I nodded understandingly at Finch-Fletchley. “My mother was also summoned to the general’s office yesterday, and returned just as early as this morning.”
“Exactly! Father is furious. Her Majesty has ordered financial aid to be allocated to these freedom fighters, and urgently.” Justin looked at a delighted Colin, who was smiling and turning his head from side to side, and sighed heavily. “Father and I have been discussing this all morning. For the next couple of weeks, I’ll be helping recalculate the budget for next year. I’m the heir…”
“Yes, cut the subsidies for the development of colonies in India and Africa,” I tried to help my friend. “Is this the first time?”
– Была такая идея, только, – наследник Финч-Флетчи воровато оглянулся, – там уже нечего урезать. Сама знаешь, что Канада и Австралия финансируются почти как метрополия, а вот на нигеров и индусов Короне плевать, их много – их не жалко.
“Sometimes I listen to you and am glad I was born into an ordinary family,” Hermione looked at us with a sly smile. “Without any of your aristocratic obsessions.”
“Shut up already, ordinary girl from an ordinary family.” The boy’s voice was thick with sarcasm. “You’ll do this again later at Hogwarts or on the training grounds.”
“Did someone say the firing range?” Victoria hugged Hermione and me from behind, leaning brazenly on us. “How about we go shooting today? The mistress is going to headquarters after shopping anyway, so we have the whole evening to ourselves!”
“What’s it made of?” Mia nearly fell under the vampire’s weight, but judging by the fire of holy jihad dancing in her eyes, she didn’t care. “Do you have a new toy?”
“Almost there! The first heavy infantry fighting vehicles with the experimental turret arrived yesterday,” Seras smiled contentedly. “Our technicians replaced the main gun with a Soviet YakB, or, as they call it, a metal-cutter!” (Author’s note: The YakB is a four-barreled 12.7mm Gatling-type aircraft machine gun; ours is 14.5mm.) Can you imagine, five thousand rounds a minute! And all thanks to magic, they now have a hundred thousand rounds of ammunition and the barrels don’t overheat!
“I’ll ask Dad for permission…” My friend’s chocolate-colored eyes clouded over, and a dreamy smile appeared on her face. “Maybe even a sleepover…”
– Eh… – Justin wanted to say something else, but we had already approached the right shop.
The trunk shop was nearly empty, so Colin quickly picked out a brown shoulder bag, with a space-expansion charm, of course, and we went shopping for other school supplies.
We leisurely but quickly bought everything we needed, including school uniforms—there were practically no lines, and indeed no customers at all, thanks to Lockhart. Bored shop assistants, seeing a large and wealthy group surrounded by menacing security, immediately rushed to meet us, offering us the best and most expensive goods from their selection. When all we had left to buy were textbooks and a wand for the future first-year, we finally went to the bookstore, because only the Maker knows how long Ollivander will spend choosing a tool for Colin. Throughout our short journey, Dan chatted enthusiastically with Jake, Mom discussed something with Ethan Finch-Fletchley, and I kept catching the glances of the youngest Creevey brother. Something definitely needs to be done about this underage fanatic.
By the time we arrived, Flourish & Blotts had emptied considerably, allowing us to enter without fear of being crushed by a crowd of cheering housewives. As I realized, this was our future teacher’s main audience, a true Rhinestone Brutile of the Wizarding World. As I approached, I could better discern the festive decorations of the two-story bookstore. It was definitely not a book signing, but a concert of some sort.
The entire building was hung with enormous, life-size portraits of Lockhart, and the shelves of enormous display cases were literally bursting with his books and lifelike photographs in gold frames. Each canvas and photograph depicted a mighty warrior or monster hunter, clad in black leather armor and a black cloak billowing behind him. However, the brutality was spoiled by the “hero’s” slick face. Gilderoy menacingly wielded a longsword or a fighting staff, striking pompous poses, yet he grinned and winked so moronicly that I began to doubt his sanity and began to wonder about the intimate relationships of his ancestors. Perhaps he’d taken a lot of blows to the head during his travels?
Lockhart himself didn’t look like he did in the movies, but more like the prince from Shrek—tall, blond, handsome, with blue eyes and perfect teeth. In short, he wasn’t a great wizard or a stern fighter of the dark forces, but a face straight out of a toothpaste commercial. Oh well, let’s not judge by appearances, especially since we’d already approached the entrance to the store, where two of our acquaintances were deep in “friendly” conversation.
In the “left corner of the ring” stood Lucius Malfoy, dressed in white briefs—pardon me, an expensive snow-white robe that perfectly matched his light, almost silver mane. In the “right corner of the ring” stood Arthur Weasley, a red-haired man in a respectable brown pantsuit. The heads of the two families were so engrossed that they didn’t even notice us, continuing their witty contest.
– …Arthur, I’m so glad, you took advantage of my gift for the birth of the eighth, didn’t you? – Malfoy drawled affectedly, leaning on his cane. – Sorry, the seventh daughter, it’s just that there are so many Weasleys now that I’ve lost count, and I’m very good at counting.
“Thank you, Lucius, we really appreciated the contraceptive potion you sent us, and we especially loved the receipt you carefully tucked into the box.” Mr. Weasley smiled slyly and began to peer through the large window into the shop. “And I see my gift wasn’t put to good use… I must admit, your son managed to surprise not only me, but half of Wizarding Britain.”
“Romulus is a true wizard, and all these dirty rumors are just the machinations of ill-wishers.” Lucius straightened his shoulders proudly. “However, I am grateful for your concern. I even glanced at the list of Muggle secondary schools you sent me; I didn’t realize there were so many of them.”
“I selected the very best, and I wanted to include a list of orphanages.” Mr. Weasley sighed dramatically. “But I think you already know them. Ancient families have such strict rules; I don’t need to tell you how noble wizards treat Squibs. If a beloved son is born without magic, then he’s no longer a son, and he must be disposed of immediately.”
“Our family has never seen such barbarity.” Lucius gripped his cane until his knuckles turned white. “The Malfoy family has always produced only powerful wizards! Unlike some…”
“Of course, of course! By the way, Lucius, is it true that Malfoys always marry with a prenuptial agreement?” Arthur smiled slyly. “It’s just that rumors have been swirling around the Ministry lately, because for over five hundred years, only one child was born in your family; there was even talk of a family curse. And then suddenly your wife, such a beautiful and striking woman, gives birth to a second…”
“Success and prosperity always breed envy and gossip, but your family is safe from that.” Malfoy interrupted Weasley, his smile widening. “By the way, what are you doing near such a respectable shop? I didn’t know the owners of Flourish and Blotts sell books on credit. Your favorite junk shop is at the end of the street.”
“I’m able to provide for my family.” Arthur also smiled tensely. “Unlike some, I work honestly.”
“Fudge told me you got a whopping 100 Galleon bonus this month. Throw in another 900 and it’ll be enough for my cufflinks.” Lucius adjusted the sleeves of his expensive shirt. “But you got that money for sending an innocent wizard to Azkaban, upsetting many of his friends. You call that honest work?”
“They found a lot of dark and forbidden things at Dalton Manor!” Weasley clenched his fists angrily. “Including that poor, tortured girl who disappeared from Hogsmeade almost six months ago. If the judges weren’t so corrupt, they’d sentence him to the Dementor’s Kiss!”
“Are you accusing members of the Wizengamot of bribery?” Lord Malfoy raised an eyebrow. “I will certainly convey your words to the Minister, and perhaps we will begin the investigation with the Chief Warlock, for, as the Muggles say, a fish rots from the head.”
“A Death Eater and a blood purist knows Muggle proverbs?” Arthur looked surprised. “You’ve been listening to this while you were torturing and killing Muggle-borns?”
“I was under the Imperio Curse, and the court confirmed it.” A malicious smile appeared on Malfoy’s face. “And here’s what your eldest son was under when…”
“Don’t you dare talk about Bill!” Arthur’s jaw muscles tightened angrily, and a wand appeared in his hand. “You think I don’t know…”
– Ahem-ahem. – My mother decided to intervene, because the conversation was clearly turning towards a fight.
The heads of the feuding families simultaneously glanced at the platinum blonde and smiled, genuinely! Judging by their expressions, the local Montagues and Capulets were glad to see us. I’ll try interrogating Ron and Diana at school; I just don’t understand why these families hate each other so much.
“Incomparable Lady Integra, how glad I am to see you!” Lucius was the first to get his bearings and, approaching, kissed the air above his mother’s hand. “As always, you are simply irresistible and charming. We’ve been waiting for you for a long time; Arthur kindly informed me that you’ve gone to Gringotts. I’m also very glad to see your daughter and your friends.”
While everyone was bowing and greeting the thoroughbred wizard, and introducing him to the Krivi family, Arthur quickly approached us.
“Integra, you’re taking a long time.” Mr. Weasley’s face clearly showed concern, and Malfoy feigned nervousness as well. “Is the line really that long?”
“Everything is fine, gentlemen,” Mom smiled predatorily. “The bank employees staged a dirty trick, which resulted in the goblin population decreasing slightly, and Gringotts now requires some cosmetic repairs.”
“These creatures can.” Arthur clenched his fists. “You always have to keep your eyes open with goblins.”
“As strange as it may sound, I completely agree with Weasley on this matter.” Lucius paused, tapping his cane on the cobblestones. “I remember last year, when my friend Macnair came to renew the lease on the safe, those impudent little men added a clause to the contract—in fine print, of course—that stipulated that the granddaughter of this noble wizard would be obliged to conceive and bear a goblin offspring. Enraged, Walden killed the brazen creature and held the line until his friends arrived. And that’s not even mentioning the blood tests for Muggle-borns…”
“What kind of tests?” Mom looked at the blond wizard with interest, and the others pricked up their ears.
“Nothing worth your attention. The goblins simply prey on greed and stupidity,” Lord Malfoy grimaced in disgust. “Muggle-born wizards, when they come to exchange pounds for galleons, are told that they may be the heirs of extinct ancient families, ugh!” The noble wizard spat unaristocratically onto the cobblestones. “What kind of person would entrust their blood to cannibals?! A child voluntarily stains parchment containing a hidden slave contract with his blood, a foolish brat dreams of becoming a Gryffindor or a Slytherin…”
“…and becomes food or an incubator.” Weasley interrupted the blond and looked us over carefully. “Therefore, always read magical contracts very carefully and check them for hidden text.”
“Or you could use my law firm.” Lucius smiled openly. “I always give my friends discounts and the lowest prices…”
“Almost like the goblins, only more expensive.” Arthur couldn’t keep silent.
“Arthur, Integra, Victoria!” The budding squabble was interrupted by Mrs. Weasley emerging from the shop, clutching several books to her ample chest with a blissful smile. “Dear Gilderoy signed everything! Now I have a complete collection! Just look at how sweet he is, his smile and that handwriting! I didn’t punch that boorish Linda in the face for nothing!”
Molly, with a silly, dreamy smile, grabbed her husband by the sleeve and practically shoved his nose into the spread of one of the books. Following the red-haired and currently somewhat sane woman, the rest of the Weasley family emerged from the shop. Each child held a hefty stack of printed matter, tied with string, and eyed their mother suspiciously.
“Children, have you bought everything?” Arthur managed to escape his wife’s clutches, or rather, she allowed him to, as she turned her attention to my mother and the vampire.
“Yes, even the recommended waste paper…” Ron grumbled and shook the stack of books in his hand. “Twenty-five Galleons apiece! Thieves!” The boy shook his fist at the bookstore sign.
– Come on, brother, – Fred nudged his brother in the shoulder.
“Have we worked all year for nothing?” George continued.
– But look at Ginny!
– Our little sister’s smile is priceless!
“I still need to buy a new robe,” Percy joined the twins and handed them a small bag. “I was helping my classmates study for the OWLs, that should be enough.”
“You are the best brothers in the world…” The little girl sniffled and climbed in for a hug.
“What a sickeningly sweet scene… While their parents are busy doing who knows what, their children are forced to work to earn their daily bread.” While Molly was showing Mom and Victoria Lockhart’s books and telling them something excitedly, and Arthur was taking the purchases from his sons and putting them in his suitcase, Lucius approached us.
“You shouldn’t say that, Mr. Malfoy.” Hermione’s father looked at the wizard disapprovingly. “The Weasleys are a strong and close-knit family.”
“Friendship alone won’t buy you anything. Mr. Granger, Mr. Creevey, you agree, don’t you, that a parent is obliged to do everything to ensure their child lives without want?” Dan, as well as Jake, nodded in response. “But the Weasleys preferred to breed poverty instead of hard work and increasing the family fortune. If you knew the situation their eldest son is in…”
“Lucius, you were wrong!” A striking woman in a snow-white robe emerged from the bookshop, accompanied by an equally beautiful girl and a puny boy, naturally, all of them sparkling with the family blond. “This upstart’s textbooks are quite good,” Mrs. Malfoy shook the book in her hand and smiled sparingly, “and our children deserve to learn from them.”
Fuck! Will I even find out what happened to Bill?! Why is it that whenever the conversation turns to the eldest Weasley son, someone always has to chime in?! It’s so annoying!
“Oh, my dear, I didn’t say they were bad,” Lucius’s face paled a little and he took a step back. “I just said the textbooks we used were much better. Did you get that scribbler’s autograph?”
“Of course, Dad, Mr. Lockhart signed everything.” Diana smiled contentedly and showed her father a stack of books. “I just don’t understand why their price will skyrocket in a year?”
“Because a dead writer’s autograph is valued far more than a living one.” Lucius nodded contentedly.
“Are they going to kill him soon?” The younger Malfoy turned to his father, his eyes wide.
“Anything is possible. Mr. Lockhart took a job as a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts this year,” Lucius sighed dramatically. “Alas, but this damned position spares no one. How many noble wizards have perished, and how many more will meet their end in Dumbledore’s domain…”
“I see… Poor Lockhart, I’ll definitely keep his books.” Romulus nodded gravely to his father, and the Weasley brothers, having listened attentively to Malfoy’s speech, exchanged glances and rushed back to the shop.
– Dobby! – The blond wizard looked after the red-haired brothers with a sly smile and barked into the void.
With a pop, a small, lop-eared monster in an orange pillowcase appeared between our groups, twisted its disproportionately large head, and stubbornly looked at its summoner with huge black eyes.
“My name is Dolbodjon!” the something squeaked and immediately received a kick in the face from the illustrious Lord Malfoy.
“Your name is Dobby, you stupid parasite.” Lucius was moving very quickly and confidently now. “Crucio!”
The little creature squealed and thrashed in agony for at least a minute, and we watched in shock until the master stopped torturing his slave. Coming closer, Malfoy kicked the house-elf again, and he rose on shaky legs.
– What’s your name? – Lucius slapped the unfortunate creature.
“Dobby, master,” the small creature answered in a trembling voice. “I obey your orders.”
“You can whenever you want.” Malfoy grimaced in disdain. “Right now, you take things from the hands of my wife and children, and then you put them on the carpet in the small living room near the fireplace. Do not stack them on top of each other, do not press them with magic, just put them on the carpet and that’s it, understand?”
“Yes, the boss!” The Monster popped over to the other Malfoys, took the stacks of books from their hands, and then popped out.
“My apologies, ladies and gentlemen,” Lucius smiled apologetically. “Our house-elf, Faye, who served the Malfoy family for almost 400 years, died a week ago, and I took this . Alas, house-elfs are too stupid and primitive; they require long and rigorous training. Otherwise, they pose a threat to the entire family.”
The Grangers and Creeveys looked in shock from Malfoy to the spot where, moments before, he’d been beating and torturing the incomprehensible creature, but the others remained unperturbed. Well, they were torturing a small parasite, so they couldn’t understand it any other way. Oh, no, Molly looked worriedly at the blond wizard.
“Lucius, he’s so headstrong and violent, maybe it would be easier to kill him? We could find someone smarter and more docile.” Molly handed the books to Victoria and turned to Malfoy’s wife. “Cissy, why do you tolerate such a creature in your home? And anyway, come with us!”
Then came another round of introductions, introducing Creevey to the rest of the Malfoy family. I like Britain, I love this country and consider it my own, but, fuck, these etiquette hassles just drive me crazy sometimes! When it was all over and Molly had finally come to her senses, we were able to go into the bookstore. We—that’s me, Mia, Colin, Mom, Victoria, and the brave lieutenants; the rest decided to wait for us outside.
Lori entered first, ringing the bell above the door, and we followed. The shop inside looked as if the Huns, the Mongol cavalry, and every Roman legion had recently marched through it. Books lay scattered everywhere, a couple of shelves were leaning and threatened to collapse, and a woman in a gray robe with a black eye lay unconscious in the corner. The makeshift stage in the center of the small room was still under siege; I spotted redheads among the attackers, but we formed a “pig formation,” sending Victoria forward and the lieutenants on the flanks, and headed for the checkout.
“The beautiful Lady Hellsing! Just look at this! This morning, Harry Potter himself shook my hand, and now I find out that the head of the Order of Protestant Knights is a fan of mine!” Lockhart noticed our group and jumped up from his throne. “We simply must capture this moment on film! I promise, I’ll give copies of the photos to your incomparable daughter! Please!”
The writer turned to my mother with a pleading expression, and then, accompanied by the photographer, walked proudly toward us. We exchanged glances and decided to take a few photos as a souvenir—after all, we needed to raise Hellsing’s profile in the Wizarding World.
When the nimble photographer finished his work, Gilderoy began taking stacks of books from the shelf and signing them in a quick, sweeping hand, not forgetting to learn the names of their future owners. Even Victoria and Denis were awarded a personalized gift edition, for which the sad-faced shopkeeper didn’t charge a knut, since they were gifts from the writer.
“Lady Hellsing, you have no idea how glad I am to meet you!” Lockhart handed Mom the last stack of books. “We’re in the same business—fighting the forces of darkness! If your Order needs help, just let me know—I’ll be there!”
“Thank you, I’ll refrain.” Judging by the way Mom taps her pocket with her cigarette case, this clown infuriates her. Just like he does me.
“Oh, I understand. I heard about the incident in May of this year,” the “hero” proudly straightened his shoulders. “Don’t worry! As long as I’m at Hogwarts, your daughter will be completely safe!”
“Mr. Lockhart, why did you decide to become a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher?” Mia, seeing my mother’s and my state, decided to distract this peacock.
“It’s simple, my defenseless child,” Hermione chuckled softly. “I worked in the Department of Mysteries for ten years, then traveled for the same amount of time, gained experience and knowledge, and so I decided to do a favor for all of Wizarding Britain and lift the curse on this position, and at the same time pass on my knowledge to future generations! I spent five years working on new textbooks, in between fighting evil, of course.”
During this pompous speech, the clown mask fell for a split second, and I saw a powerful and dangerous wizard; I had to be extremely careful around him at school. I don’t like him; even Quirrell was less scary! It seemed that here, unlike in the movies, all his exploits were real. I mentally took the gun from my hand and smiled sweetly at the two-faced creature. My empathy around him was simply driving me crazy; there was such an emotional background there that it made me feel uneasy.
“Thank you very much, Mr. Lockhart, but we have friends waiting for us.” Mom nodded politely to the writer, and we headed for the exit. “See you later.”
“And all the best to you, incomparable Lady Hellsing!” Gilderoy broke into a stupid smile. “Know that I answer all my admirers! And I’ll keep your letters in a separate box!”
We didn’t hear what he said next; the bookstore door closed, cutting off all sound from inside. Finally, some fresh air; the smell of sweat and perfume had been making my head spin. While I was inhaling deeply, Mom lit a cigarette convulsively.
Out on the street, we were met with a startling sight: men were animatedly discussing something on one side, while women giggled stupidly and leafed through this scribbler’s books. Molly and Narcissa were chatting like old friends, and Jake was scribbling something in a notebook for Lucius, while Arthur and Dan stood nearby, enthusiastically commenting on his actions. Shaking my head, I walked forward, as did my mother, and this huge crowd, noticing us, broke off and moved in the direction of Ollivander’s. Wands awaited the future first-years.
The old eccentric’s shop hadn’t changed in a year—the same run-down, shabby building, with a slanted, peeling sign, even the windows just as dirty. Ginny was the first to reach for her wand, while Colin and Romulus proved themselves gentlemen.
The red-haired girl finished the job quite quickly and within ten minutes she was showing us a long and beautiful glossy black magic wand.
“Yew and dragon heartstring!” The youngest Weasley let out a shower of red sparks while Malfoy and Creevey, along with their parents, entertained Old Man Ollivander.
“Congratulations, Ginny, you’re a real witch now!” Mrs. Weasley brushed away a tear and hugged her daughter.
– Eh… And I still have to wait a whole year… – Denis muttered quietly, this boy spoke for the first time in a long time and now he looked so upset that I felt sorry for him.
“Denis, come over here.” I waved at the younger Krivi, who blushed and quickly approached us. “Do you want to learn magic too?”
– Y-yes, I really want to. – The boy blushed even more and lowered his head.
“We’ll help you,” I smiled playfully and winked at him.
– How? – Hope appeared in the child’s eyes.
“I’ll send you my old notes and the ‘child’s wand’ I used to learn magic.” I ruffled the boy’s hair. “It’ll be perfect for a start, and you won’t tear the house down.”
“Just remember,” Mia took the boy by the shoulder. “You will only perform magic at home or where no one will see you! Taking a magical instrument to school or anywhere else is strictly prohibited! Always remember the Statute!”
“Hermione’s absolutely right,” I put my hand on the boy’s other shoulder. “Break the rules and you’ll seriously put our families at risk! Denis, I’m serious, wizards have the harshest penalties for breaking the Statute. Can I count on you?”
“Of course! I’ll treat your wand like the most precious thing in the world!” The younger Creevey stared at me with a devoted, fanatical gaze. “I won’t let you down, I swear…”
Wham! I slapped the little chatterbox on the back of the head. One of them had already sworn in her heart; out of the corner of my eye, I noticed approval on Mia’s face and looked sternly at the boy.
“Denis, remember, for wizards, words are material, so never, I repeat, never swear in vain.” I looked into his brown eyes, and he began to blush again. “Do you understand me?”
“Yeah…” The younger Creevey froze, and Justin shook his shoulder with a sly smile to “reset” him. “I understand everything, I promise, I’ll only use the wand at home or in the shed, or in the vacant lot behind the house, no one will see there for sure.”
– Well, that’s agreed. – I nodded contentedly. – This evening, Hermione and I will sort through our old notes and send you a package.
– Is it really possible to send THIS by mail? – Denis even lowered his voice to a whisper.
“Yes, if the mail is magical,” my friend giggled cheerfully. “When a big, brazen black raven flies to you, don’t be scared, but feed it some meat and take the bag off its leg, and your parcel will be inside.”
– Cool… – the boy admired.
“I’ll have another word with Jake.” Integra approached us from behind, accompanied by Mr. Granger and Victoria. “Daughter, learning magic without a mentor is very dangerous, so if anything happens to Mr. Creevey, it will be entirely your fault. Learn to accept responsibility.”
“I understand.” I nodded to my mother and glanced sideways at the boy, who was very shy in her presence. “First, Denis will carefully study the theory and only then will he begin practicing the simplest and most harmless spells.”
– Agreed. – Mom smiled at the corner of her lips and looked at her watch.
– Integra, are you in a hurry? – Molly finished congratulating her daughter and came up to us.
“Unfortunately, yes,” Lady Hellsing sighed heavily. “A new war has begun in the Great World, and it affects the interests of the Empire. Ethan and I barely managed to get away from here to take the kids shopping.”
“Oh, these Muggles, they can’t sit still,” grumbled the matriarch of the red-haired family. “They’re either fighting, or launching rockets into space, or they’re thinking up something else… They should just sit quietly at home and raise children, right, Dan?”
“I completely agree with you, Molly,” Hermione’s father nodded cheerfully.
BOOM!!! A powerful explosion rocked Ollivander’s shop, showering the street with shards of glass and splinters from what had once been a window frame.
“Looks like they’re almost done.” Mr. Weasley, standing closest to the building, smiled and cleared his suit with a wave of his wand, then deftly dodged a bolt of lightning that flew out of a broken window.
Sure enough, a couple of minutes later, the doors of the wandmaker’s shop creaked open, revealing the soot-smeared but utterly satisfied future first-years. Freed, Narcissa breathed a sigh of relief and quickly got both boys cleaned up.
Everyone immediately rushed to congratulate the children on the purchase of their first wand, as for wizards, it’s a major event, almost like a second birthday. Colin and Romulus showed everyone their wands, even the Weasleys patted the boys on the shoulders in a friendly manner, nodding approvingly, no matter that one of them was a Malfoy.
“Lady Integra, here’s your change.” Mr. Creevey left his son surrounded by the boys and quickly approached us. “The price range in this shop is strange. Lady Malfoy paid almost three hundred, and I only paid 25 Galleons.”
“Nothing surprising, Mr. Creevey, I’ll let you in on a big secret.” Lord Malfoy tore himself away from admiring his own son and looked slyly at the man. “The Board of Governors reimburses most of the cost of wands for Muggle-borns, half-bloods, and children from low-income families, like the Weasleys, just so you know. So, people like me and Lady Hellsing pay 200 Galleons or more, while those red-headed parasites only pay 20. Take note.”
Lucius spoke very quietly, so only Jake Creevey and Hermione and I, standing nearby, heard him. We nodded silently and continued watching Ginny show off her wand to her family, while Colin and Romulus laughed merrily, releasing colorful sparks. Now I understand where the extra money for a family name comes from.
Once everyone had calmed down, we began to say our goodbyes. It was time for us to go home, and the Weasleys and Malfoys still had a ton of school supplies to buy. Lucius had invited everyone to the café for some magical ice cream, but Mum and Lord Finch-Flatley were in a hurry, so we had to decline.
This lack of time is so annoying. I want to relax and unwind, but there’s still a ton of things to do. Although, screw it all, I’ll check out the metal cutting machine tonight, let off some steam. Look, Mia was also burning with anticipation next to me. We won’t be able to relax anytime soon anyway – the whole of August is tightly scheduled. But that’s all for tomorrow, and today – shooting and driving a heavy armored vehicle!
