𝗖𝗢𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗔 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗧

ACT ONE, CHAPTER TWO
weasley's wizard wheezes.

IT WAS KIND of outrageous how the complete and utter bliss Venus was feeling at the Burrow wasn't shared with the rest of the Wizarding World. Stories of disappearances, odd accidents, and deaths plagued the Prophet and letters from her parents.

Most days, Venus could be spotted playing three-a-side Quidditch in the Weasleys' orchard (her, Harry, and Hermione against Ron, Ginny, and Penelope), sharing a kiss or two with Harry when no one was looking, and being pressured to eat more of Mrs. Weasley's food by the cook herself. However, no matter how peaceful or happy their days were, Bill and Mr. Weasley always managed to dim it by bringing home horrible news before it even reached the Prophet.

Harry's sixteenth birthday — much to Venus and Mrs. Weasley's dismay — was also filled with gloomy news brought by Remus Lupin. He looked very gaunt and grim, his brown hair was streaked with quite a lot of gray, and his clothes were ragged and patched severely.

"There have been another couple of Dementor attacks," Lupin announced as Mrs. Weasley passed him a large slice of birthday cake, Venus frowning at the news. "And they've found Igor Karkaroff's body in a shack upnorth. The Dark Mark had been set over it — well, frankly, I'm surprised he stayed alive for even a year after deserting the Death Eaters; Sirius's brother, Regulus, only managed a few days as far as I can remember."

Mrs. Weasley also frowned. "Yes, well, perhaps we should talk about something diff—"

"Did you hear about Florean Fortescue, Remus?" Bill asked as Fleur poured him some wine. "The man who ran—"

"—the ice-cream place in Diagon Alley?" Harry interrupted, looking like he was about to be sick. "He used to give me free ice creams. What's happened to him?"

"Dragged off, by the look of his place."

"Why?" Ron questioned while Mrs. Weasley gave a pointed glare to Bill.

"Who knows?" Bill answered. "He must've upset them somehow. He was a goodman, Florean."

"Talking of Diagon Alley, looks like Ollivander's gone too," Mr. Weasley admitted, Venus blinking in confusion — she had no idea who that was.

"The wandmaker?" Ginny inquired with a startled expression.

"That's the one. Shop's empty. No sign of a struggle. No one knows whether he left voluntarily or was kidnapped."

"But wands — what'll people do for wands?"

"They'll make do with other makers," Lupin replied. "But Ollivander was the best, and if the other side have got him it's not so good for us."

The very next day after that rather gloomy birthday celebration, their letters and booklists arrived from Hogwarts. Harry's included a surprise: he had been made Gryffindor Quidditch Captain.

Venus placed a hand on Harry's shoulders, rose up onto her toes, and pressed a kiss to his cheek before giving him a radiant smile. "Congrats, love."

"That gives you equal status with Prefects!" Hermione happily cried. "You can use our special bathroom now and everything!"

Ron examined the badge with glee. "Wow, I remember when Charlie wore one of these, Harry, this is so cool, you're my Captain — if you let me back on the team, I suppose, ha ha . . ."

Mrs. Weasley sighed and looked down at Ron's booklist after Penelope made a comment of Ron needing more confidence. "Well, I don't suppose we can put off a trip to Diagon Alley much longer now you've got these. We'll go on Saturday as long as your father doesn't have to go into work again. I'm not going there without him."

Ron laughed slightly at that. "Mum, d'you honestly think You-Know-Who's going to be hiding behind a bookshelf in Flourish and Blotts?"

Mrs. Weasley fired up at once. "Fortescue and Ollivander went on holiday, did they? If you think security's a laughing matter you can stay behind and I'll get your things myself—"

"No, I wanna come, I want to see Fred and George's shop!"

"Then you just buck up your ideas, young man, before I decide you're too immature to come with us!" Mrs. Weasley angrily snatched up her clock that had all nine members of the Weasley family on hands pointing to mortal peril and balanced it on top of a pile of just-laundered towels. "And that goes for returning to Hogwarts as well!"

Ron turned to stare incredulously at Harry as Mrs. Weasley hoisted the laundry basket and the teetering clock into her arms and stormed out of the room. "Blimey . . . you can't even make a joke round here anymore . . ."

Over the next few days, Ron then decided to be careful to not be flippant about Voldemort. Saturday then approached with no more outbursts from Mrs. Weasley, although she looked quite tense at breakfast. Bill, who would be staying home with Fleur (much to Hermione and Ginny's pleasure, which Venus found totally ridiculous), passed a full money bag across the table to Harry.

"Where's mine?" Ron demanded at once with wide eyes.

"That's already Harry's, idiot," Bill responded. "I got it out of your vault for you, Harry, because it's taking about five hours for the public to get to their gold at the moment, the Goblins have tightened security so much. Two days ago Arkie Philpott had a Probity Probe stuck up his . . . well, trust me, this way's easier."

Venus nodded. Before she had left for the Burrow, her parents had gotten her gold out of their vault. It ended up being a four-and-a-half-hour process for Atlas and Mary Black.

"Thanks, Bill," Harry stated, pocketing his gold.

"'E is always so thoughtful," Fleur said adoringly, stroking Bill's nose affectionately.

Ginny then mimed vomiting into her cereal behind Fleur. Venus rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to her own cereal.

It was a very overcast and murky day. One of the special Ministry of Magic cars, much like the one they had ridden in last Christmas to go to St. Mungo's, was waiting for them in the front yard when they emerged from the house while pulling on their cloaks.

"It's good Dad can get us these again," Ron admitted appreciatively, stretching out luxuriously in the wide backseat with an arm around Penelope as the car moved smoothly away from the Burrow, Bill and Fleur waving from the kitchen window.

"Don't get used to it, it's only because of Harry," Mr. Weasley explained from over his shoulder, sitting up front with Mrs. Weasley and the Ministry driver. "He's been given top-grade security status. And we'll be joining up with additional security atthe Leaky Cauldron too."

Venus nudged Harry, a joking smile on her face. "Okay, Mr. Famous."

Harry rolled his eyes playfully and grabbed her hand, lacing their fingers together. "Shut up, Star."

"Here you are then," the Ministry driver told them just a short while later, speaking for the first time as he slowed down to stop in front of the Leaky Cauldron. "I'm to wait for you, any idea how long you'll be?"

"A couple of hours, I expect," Mr. Weasley responded. "Ah, good, he's here!"

Venus peered through the window and immediately grinned. Standing outside the inn weren't Aurors, but instead the gigantic, black-bearded form of Hagrid, wearing a long beaverskin coat.

"Harry!" Hagrid exclaimed, bringing Harry into a bone-crushing hug the moment he stepped out of the car, forcing Venus' hand to let go. She didn't mind — she just watched the interaction with a happy heart. "Buckbeak — Witherwings, I mean — yeh should see him, Harry, he's so happy ter be back in the open air—"

"Glad he's pleased," Harry replied, grinning as he massaged his ribs for a second and then grabbed onto Venus' hand again. "We didn't know security meant you!"

"I know, jus' like old times, innit? See, the Ministry wanted ter send a bunch o' Aurors, but Dumbledore said I'd do." Hagrid threw out his chest and tucked his thumbs into his pockets in pride. "Let's get goin' then — after yeh, Molly, Arthur—"

The Leaky Cauldron was empty. Venus remembered how it wasn't that day she came to Diagon Alley for the first time last year to get her school supplies after moving to England. Only one person remained, whom Venus guessed was the owner of the bar. He looked up hopefully as they entered.

"Jus' passin' through today, Tom, sure yeh understand, Hogwarts business, yeh know," Hagrid was quick to state as Tom went to speak.

Tom nodded gloomily and returned to wiping glasses. Venus, Harry, Hermione, Hagrid, Penelope, and the Weasleys walked through the bar and out into the chilly little courtyard at the back where the garbage can was. Hagrid raised a pink umbrella and tapped at a certain brick in the wall. The wall opened at once and formed an archway that led onto a winding cobbled street. They all stepped through and paused to look around.

When Venus had gone to Diagon Alley last year, it had been so full of life. But now, it had changed. The colorful, glittering window displays of spellbooks, potion ingredients, and cauldrons were now hidden behind large Ministry of Magic posters. Most of the purple posters had blown-up versions of the security advice on the Ministry pamphlets that had been sent over the summer. Others showed moving black-and-white photographs of Death Eaters who were known to be on the loose. A few windows were boarded up, including Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. Lining the streets were shabby-looking carts. The one closest to them, sitting outside Flourish and Blotts, under a striped, staining awning, had a cardboard sign pinned to its front.

AMULETS
Effective Against Werewolves, Dementors, and Inferi

A seedy-looking wizard leered at Ginny as they passed, rattling armfuls of silver symbols on chains. "One for your little girl, madam? Protect her pretty neck?"

Mr. Weasley glared at the amulet seller. "If I were on duty . . ."

"Yes, but don't go arresting anyone now, dear, we're in a hurry," Mrs. Weasley said, nervously consulting a list. "I think we'd better do Madam Malkin's first, Hermione wants new dress robes, Penelope wants a new tie, I think Venus wants another pin, and Ron's showing much too much ankle in his school robes, and you must need new ones too, Harry, you've grown so much — come on, everyone—"

"Molly, it doesn't make sense for all of us to go to Madam Malkin's," Mr. Weasley admitted to her. "Why don't those five go with Hagrid, and we can go to Flourish and Blotts and get everyone's school-books?"

Mrs. Weasley looked anxious, clearly torn between wanting to finish the shopping quickly or sticking together in a pack. "I don't know. Hagrid, do you think—?"

Hagrid waved her off in reassurance. "Don' fret, they'll be fine with me, Molly."

Mrs. Weasley didn't look entirely convinced, but she allowed them to part. While she went to Flourish and Blotts with her husband and Ginny, Venus, Harry, Ron, Penelope, Hermione, and Hagrid set off for Madam Malkin's. Venus couldn't help but notice that many of the people they passed had the same anxious look as Mrs. Weasley. Nobody was stopping to talk to each other anymore and stayed together in their own tightly knit groups. There was absolutely no one shopping alone.

Hagrid paused to stop outside of Madam Malkin's and bent down to peer through the window. "Migh' be a bit of a squeeze in there with all of us. I'll stand guard outside, all right?"

The group of five entered the shop. It appeared to be empty at first glance, but once the door swung shut behind them, they all heard a familiar voice coming from behind a rack of dress robes.

". . . not a child, in case you haven't noticed, Mother," the voice argued. "I am perfectly capable of doing my shopping alone."

Madam Malkin, the owner, then clucked her tongue against the roof of her mouth in disapproval. "Now, dear, your mother's quite right, none of us is supposed to go wandering around on our own anymore, it's nothing to do with being a child—"

"Watch where you're sticking that pin, will you!"

The familiar figure of Draco Malfoy then appeared from being the rack, wearing a handsome set of green robes that glittered with pins around the hem and the edges of the sleeves. He walked to the mirror and examined himself, and that was when he saw their group. His light gray eyes narrowed.

"If you're wondering what the smell is, Mother, a Mudblood just walked in," Malfoy explained.

Penelope then immediately scolded him, and soon rounded on their group to scold them as well. Venus' eyes widened, but she soon noticed what was wrong. Harry and Ron were reaching for their wands.

Madam Malkin came scurrying out from behind the clothes rack, holding a tape measure and a wand. "I don't think there's any need for language like that! And I don't want wands drawn in my shop either!"

"No, don't, honestly, it's not worth it . . ." Hermione whispered.

Venus placed her hand on Harry's wrist. "She's right, Harry."

"But — he said—" Harry stammered.

"I know what he said. But right now, he's just trying to get a reaction out of you. Don't give him what he wants."

Malfoy sneered at the two boys. "Yeah, like you'd dare do magic out of school. Who blacked your eye, Granger? I want to send them flowers."

Penelope, Malfoy, and Malfoy's mother, who had emerged from behind the racks later, then began to have an argument about whether Bellatrix Lestrange was staying with the Malfoys or not. To be honest, Venus kind of zoned out — she felt like she was intruding on a very private conversation between family, which, well, she sort of was.

Madam Malkin then bent towards Malfoy to keep measuring the robes, snapping Venus back into reality. "I think this left sleeve could come up a little bit more, dear, let me just—"

"Ouch!" Malfoy yelled, slapping her hand away. "Watch where you're putting your pins, woman! Mother — I don't think I want these anymore—"

He pulled the robes over his head and threw them onto the floor at Madam Malkin's feet.

"You're right, Draco, now I know the kind of scum that shops here . . ." Mrs. Malfoy agreed, glaring at Hermione. "We'll do better at Twilfitt and Tatting's."

And with that, the two of them strode out of the shop. Malfoy took extra care to bang as hard as he could into Ron on the way out.

Madam Malkin snatched up the fallen robes and moved the tip of her wand over them to remove the dust. "Well, really!"

She was so distracted through the fitting of Ron and Harry's new robes, tried to sell Hermione wizard's dress robes instead of witch's, pretty much poked Venus with a new lion pin multiple times, and almost gave Penelope a Gryffindor tie instead of a Slytherin one. Madam Malkin seemed glad when they finally left.

"Got ev'rything?" Hagrid asked brightly when they got outside.

"Just about," Harry answered. "Did you see the Malfoys?"

"Yeah. Bu' they wouldn' dare make trouble in the middle o' Diagon Alley, Harry. Don' worry abou 'them."

The five who went inside the shop all exchanged looks, but before they could tell Hagrid about what had happened, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and Ginny appeared, all clutching heavy packages of school-books.

"Everyone all right?" Mrs. Weasley questioned. "Got your robes? Right then, we can pop in at the Apothecary and Eeylops on the way to Fred and George's — stick close, now . . ."

Venus, since had gotten an Outstanding on her Potions O.W.L., was advancing into N.E.W.T. Potions, so she got more ingredients at the Apothecary. She also got a large box of owl nuts for Aria at Eeylops Owl Emporium. And finally, with Mrs. Weasley checking her watch every minute or so, they headed further along the street in search of Fred and George's joke shop, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes.

"We really haven't got too long," Mrs. Weasley reminded them. "So we'll just have a quick look around and then back to the car. We must be close, that's number ninety-two . . . ninety-four . . ."

"Woah," Ron breathed out, stopping in his tracks.

Set against the dull and poster-muffled shop fronts around them, Fred and George's windows were blasted with color. Casual passerby glanced back over their shoulders at the window, and a few rather stunned people had actually come to an entranced halt. The left window was dazzingly full of an assortment of products that revolved, popped, flashed, bounced, and shrieked. On the right window was a purple poster that looked like a Ministry one, but it was emblazoned with flashing yellow letters.

WHY ARE YOU WORRYING ABOUT
YOU-KNOW-WHO?
YOU SHOULD BE WORRYING ABOUT
U-NO-POO — THE CONSTIPATION SENSATION
THAT'S GRIPPING THE NATION!

Venus laughed at the poster. Even in such dark times, the Weasley twins were always there to bring the light.

Mrs. Weasley was clearly not amused by this. "They'll be murdered in their beds!"

"No they won't!" Ron replied, laughing as well. "This is brilliant!"

Him and Harry led the way into the shop, dragging Penelope and Venus along with them. It was packed with so many customers that they weren't able to get near the shelves. Venus looked around the shop in amazement. Boxes were piled to the ceiling including Skiving Snackboxes (the Nosebleed Nougat was the most popular), bins full of trick wands scattered the store (the cheapest only turning into rubber chickens or pairs of briefs when waved, the most expensive beating the user around the head and neck), and boxes of quills that came in Self-Inking, Spell-Checking, and Smart-Answer varieties. A space cleared in the crowd, and Harry and Venus pushed their way through the counter to see a group of delighted ten-year-olds watching a tiny little wooden man slowly ascend to a real set of gallows, both perched on a box that read: REUSABLE HANGMAN — SPELL IT OR HE'LL SWING!

Hermione then squeezed her way to a large display near the counter and started to read information on the back of a box that showed a highly colored picture of a handsome man and a swooning girl standing on the deck of a pirate ship. "Patented Daydream Charms . . . One simple incantation and you will enter a top-quality, highly realistic, thirty-minute daydream, easy to fit into the average school lesson and virtually undetectable (side effects include vacant expression and minor drooling). Not for sale to under-sixteens." Hermione looked up. "You know, that really is extraordinary magic!"

"For that, Hermione, you can have one for free," a familiar voice then said behind them. Venus turned to look with a smile to see a beaming Fred Weasley standing before them, wearing a set of magenta robes that clashed magnificently with his flaming red hair. "How are you, Harry?" They shook hands. Fred then quickly greeted Penelope before turning to Hermione. "And what's happened to your eye, Hermione?"

"Your punching telescope," Hermione answered.

"Oh blimey, I forgot about those. Here—" He pulled a tub out of his pocket and handed it to her. She gingerly unscrewed it to reveal a thick yellow paste. "Just dab it on, that bruise'll be gone within the hour. We had to find a decent bruise remover. We're testing most of our products on ourselves."

Hermione looked nervous. "It is safe, isn't it?"

"'Course it is," Fred responded. "Come on, Harry, I'll give you a tour." He then glanced over at Venus, his eyes glittering. "Mind if I steal your boyfriend for a couple of minutes, Miss America?"

"No problem at all, Fred," Venus voiced.

Harry kissed her forehead quickly. "Be right back, darling."

Penelope then linked her arm through Venus'. "Let's go back to those Patented Daydream Charms, yeah? I'm sure Ginny is still over there."

The two of them then journeyed back to the display, where Ginny was still looking at the boxes. Hermione joined them just a minute later after putting the paste on her eye. All four of the girls began to talk excitedly about the Charms — Venus and Penelope wouldn't use them because they had boyfriends, but it was still really cool magic.

Fred then came back with Harry, who gravitated back to Venus' side and placed an arm around her waist. "Haven't you girls found our special WonderWitch products yet? Follow me, ladies . . ."

Near the window was an array of violently pink products around which was a cluster of excited girls were giggling enthusiastically. Venus, Hermione, Ginny, and Penelope all hung back, all of them looking a little wary.

"There you go," Fred announced proudly. "Best range of love potions you'll find anywhere."

Ginny raised an skeptical eyebrow at her brother. "Do they work?"

"Certainly they work, for up to twenty-four hours at a time depending on the weight of the boy in question—"

"—and the attractiveness of the girl," George added, suddenly appearing at their side. He then became stern. "But we're not selling them to our sister, not when she's already got about five boys on the go from what we've—"

"Whatever you've heard from Ron is a big fat lie," Ginny told them calmly, leaning forwards and taking a small pink pot off the shelf. "What's this?"

"Guaranteed ten-second pimple vanisher," Fred answered. "Excellent on everything from boils to blackheads, but don't change the subject. Are you or are you not currently going out with a boy called Dean Thomas?"

Venus momentarily frowned. Elijah was going to be upset over that.

"Yes, I am," Ginny responded. "And last time I looked, he was definitely one boy, not five. What are those?"

She was pointing to a group of round balls of fluff in shades of pink and purple, all rolling around the bottom of a cage while emitting high-pitched squeaks.

"Pygmy Puffs," George revealed. "Miniature Puffskeins, we can't breed them fast enough. So what about Michael Corner?"

Ginny put her finger through the bars of the cage and watched the Pygmy Puffs crowd around it. "I dumped him, he was a bad loser. They're really cute!"

"They're fairly cuddly, yes," Fred agreed. "But you're moving through boyfriends a bit fast, aren't you?"

Ginny turned to look at him, her hands on her hips and a Mrs. Weasley-ish glare on her face. "It's none of your business. And I'll thank you—" she added to Ron angrily, who had just showed up at George's side with armfuls of merchandise "—not to tell tales about me to these two!"

Fred examined the boxes in Ron's arms. "That's three Galleons, nine Sickles, and a Knut. Cough up."

"I'm your brother!" Ron insisted.

"And that's our stuff you're nicking. Three Galleons, nine Sickles. I'll knock off the Knut."

"But I haven't got three Galleons, nine Sickles!"

"You'd better put it back then, and mind you put it on the right shelves."

Ron dropped several boxes, swore, and gave Fred a rude hand gesture. It was unfortunately spotted by Mrs. Weasley, who had chosen that exact moment to appear.

"If I see you do that again I'll jinx your fingers together," Mrs. Weasley scolded.

"Mum, can I have a Pygmy Puff?" Ginny inquired at once.

"A what?"

"Look, they're so sweet . . ."

Mrs. Weasley moved aside to look at the Pygmy Puffs, so now, Venus, Harry, Ron, Penelope, and Hermione had a view out the window. Draco Malfoy was hurrying up the streets alone. As he passed Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, he glanced over his shoulder. Seconds later, Malfoy moved beyond the window and they lost sight of him. Venus tilted her head in confusion at it.

"Wonder where his mummy is?" Harry asked with a frown.

"Given her the slip by the looks of it," Ron replied.

"Why, though?" Hermione questioned.

Venus nodded slightly in agreement. She was sure Mrs. Malfoy wouldn't have let him out of her sight that easily.

Harry then pulled a familiar silvery cloak out of his bag. "Get under here, quick."

"What?" Venus inquired, immediately becoming concerned. "You know Mrs. Weasley's gonna kill us if she notices we're gone?"

"Come on!" Ron urged.

Venus let out a sigh before ducking under the cloak. It was a tight squeeze with the five of them there. Nobody seemed to notice them vanish since they were extremely interested in the twins' products. Venus, Harry, Ron, Penelope, and Hermione all squeezed their way out of the door as quickly as they could. However, just by the time they got on the street, Malfoy disappeared.

"He was going in that direction," Harry muttered so that the humming Hagrid would not hear them. "C'mon."

They scurried along, peering left and right through shop windows and doors.

"That's him, isn't it?" Hermione whispered, pointing ahead. "Turning left?"

"Big surprise," Ron responded.

For Malfoy had glanced around and then slid into a dark alley.

Harry sped up. "Quick, or we'll lose him."

"Our feet'll be seen!" Hermione argued since the cloak was flapping a little around all of their ankles.

"It doesn't matter. Just hurry!"

This dark alley, which had a sign that said Knockturn Alley, looked completely deserted. They peered into windows as they passed, but none of the shops seemed to have any customers at all. Penelope then announced that Malfoy was in the shop ahead, which Venus read was called Borgin and Burkes. Standing in the midst of cases filled with sinister objects was Malfoy, his back just visible behind a large black cabinet. Judging by the movements of Malfoy's hands, he was talking animatedly. Venus guessed that he was talking to the owner of the shop, Mr. Borgin, who had a curious expression of a mixture of resentment and fear.

"If only we could hear what they're saying!" Hermione voiced.

"We can!" Ron excitedly admitted. "Hang on — damn—" He dropped a couple more of the boxes he was still clutching as he fumbled with the largest. "Extendable Ears, look!"

"Fantastic!" Hermione exclaimed as Ron unraveled the long, flesh-colored strings and began to feed them towards the door. "Oh, I hope the door isn't Imperturbable—"

"No! Listen!"

They all put their heads together and started to listen intently to the ends of the strings.

". . . you know how to fix it?" Malfoy asked, his voice coming in loud and clear as though a radio had been turned on.

"Possibly," Borgin replied, sounding like he didn't want to do whatever Malfoy was asking of him. "I'll need to see it, though. Why don't you bring it into the shop?"

"I can't. It's got to stay put. I just need you to tell me how to do it."

"Well, without seeing it, I must say it will be a very difficult job, perhaps impossible. I couldn't guarantee anything."

"No?" Malfoy countered, the tone of his voice implying that he was sneering. "Perhaps this will make you more confident."

He moved towards Borgin and was blocked from their view by the cabinet. Their group shuffled sideways to keep Malfoy and sight, but all they saw was Borgin, looking very frightened.

"Tell anyone and there will be retribution. You know Fenrir Greyback? He's a family friend. He'll be dropping in from time to time to make sure you're giving the problem your full attention."

"There will be no need for—" Borgin began.

"I'll decide that," Malfoy interjected. "Well, I'd better be off. And don't forget to keep that one safe, I'll need it."

"Perhaps you'd like to take it now?"

"No, of course I wouldn't, you stupid little man, how would I look carrying that down the street? Just don't sell it."

"Of course not . . . sir," Borgin stated, bowing deep at Malfoy.

"Not a word to anyone, Borgin, and that includes my mother, understand?" Malfoy demanded.

"Naturally, naturally."

Borgin bowed again. The next moment, the bell over the door rang loudly as Malfoy walked out the shop, looking very pleased with himself. He passed so close to their group that the cloak fluttered around their knees. Inside the shop, Borgin remained frozen in place, now looking worried.

"What was that about?" Ron questioned quietly, reeling back in the Extendable Ears.

"Dunno," Harry answered. "He wants something mended . . . and he wants to reserve something in there . . . could you see what he pointed at when he said that one?"

"No, he was behind that cabinet—"

Penelope then told them to stay put. She ducked underneath the cloak and ignored the sharp protests from them. Before going inside the shop, she fluffed up her hair and lifted her chin up high. Venus watched as she entered the shop and began to interact with Borgin. Her eyes slightly widened. It was like she had flipped a switch. This version of Penelope was stone cold and acted like royalty. Finally, after a short conversation, she left the store confidently and walked down the alley until she wasn't visible by Borgin anymore, who had closed his store. Venus, Harry, Ron, and Hermione all followed her as she waited for them and then pulled off the cloak.

They finally reached Weasley's Wizard Wheezes Again. The group dodged an anxious Mrs. Wrasley and Hagrid, who had obviously noticed their absence. They then confronted Mrs. Weasley, shutting down all of her accusations and saying they had been in the back room the entire time.

Harry took Venus' hand back in his, lacing their fingers together. Her heart beat against her chest and she gave him a small smile, but she couldn't get that Malfoy interaction out of her head. What was he doing?

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sort of consistent updates? who is she