All He Needed Was A Friend

Chapter 2: The Leaky Cauldron

***POV Beatrix***

        I laid down on the floor of my room flipping through the magic book looking for some interesting spells for Tom and I to practice. Between the two of us, we had already learned the basics of the book, but the second half was a lot more difficult than the first. During our little study sessions, we usually only got through one spell so I tried to pick a more interesting spell rather than the boring ones. I heard a knock on my door and got up to open it.

        "Hi Tom," I responded upon opening the door.

        "Hi Beatrix," Tom answered with a nod. I smiled and walked back into my room with Tom following behind. "Find anything interesting?" Tom asked.

        "Not yet," I began, "I think we've done all the interesting ones... Maybe we should try to get another book?"

        "But from where?" Tom asked. "We got the this one by chance, and we have no clue where to get another one."

        "I could sneak out and look around maybe I'll run into more magical people," I suggested. Tom shook his head.

        "I highly doubt you'll find another magic book like this one," Tom replied.

        "Well at the very least maybe I could get a job somewhere nearby," I mused. "After all, I found one before and that way maybe if I did find a magical bookshop I could buy some books."

        "How do you plan to do that?" Tom pointed out. "They will notice you're gone."

        "Couldn't you cover for me?" I begged. "Please, Tom, don't you want to get more books to learn from?" Tom sighed.

        "Fine, but you better not get me in trouble," He mumbled. I squealed in delight.

        "Thank you, Tom," I gushed. "I promise that you won't regret this." I reached under my bed and pulled out the copy of yesterday's newspaper that I had found discarded in the trash bin earlier that day. "From what I've read," I began. "There are some job openings around here... How about that one. It's like a pub/inn. It's called the Leaky Cauldron."

        "Do you really think they'll let a kid work there?" Tom asked staring me down.

        "You never know til you try," I answered. "I'll crawl through my window and leave a book there to make sure the window doesn't shut on me. Just come and make sure I got back in, ok?"

        "Yea, no problem," Tom answered shaking his head.

        "Bye Tom!" I called climbing out the window and running off.

***POV Tom***

        I don't know what goes through that girl's head sometimes. She has been here a month and I still couldn't understand her. I had a pretty good idea of what every kid around here was like except her. She could be so unpredictable and so cunning at the same time. I sat down on her bedroom floor and flipped through the book determined to find something to learn. Ever since she got here I'd been feeling a little less lonely... I don't know why, but she seems nice and at times she seemed to be rather a bit... what in the world is wrong with me? Maybe I need to stay away from Beatrix for a little while...

***POV Beatrix***

         I ran towards the Leaky Cauldron and came to its address after about 20 minutes of running. It was a smaller shop almost built into the wall and hidden from unaware eyes. I walked up to the door and cautiously opened it. Inside was a large amount of bustling people. Some were drinking and chatting with one another while others ate. The entire place was congested with chatter, friendship, and an odd welcoming air. I walked around the tables heading towards the bar since I figured the bartender would know who the owner is. On the way over I heard snippets of conversations involving Muggles and Mudbloods and some... spells! This place... no way! This place was full of wizards and witches! Approaching the bar, I pulled myself up on the stool and waved the bartender over.

        "Excuse me sir," I asked, "do you perhaps know where I could find the owner to this fine establishment." I was laying it on thick hoping to seem polite enough to be considered a possible future employee.

        "Why that would be me there little lass," the bartender laughed. "What can I do for you?"

        "Well you see sir," I began, "I was wondering if I could get a job here since I wanted to buy some spell books, but don't have the money at the moment."

        "I see your problem," The bartender said scratched his stubble. "Well perhaps I could offer you a small job... How about you help clean the rooms with Mrs. Danny, the day maid, and I'll give you 2 galleons a day."

        "Great," I agreed. "I can start today if you'd like."

        "How about tomorrow say around 3 pm to 6 pm, dinner included," the bartender said.

        "Alright then see you tomorrow at 3 pm sharp," I said as I headed for the exit.

        "Goodbye then lass," the bartender called back before serving someone else.

        "Yes!" I exclaimed as I left the Leaky Cauldron and headed back towards the orphanage. I just hope Tom didn't get into to trouble while I was gone...

***POV Tom***

        It had been almost an hour since Beatrix left. Mrs. Cole hadn't come to check on us or anyone else for that matter though I hoped Beatrix got back before 5:00 when we ate dinner. Sometimes Mrs.Cole did attendance checks then to make sure everyone was still present. I heard some rustling from the outside the window and glanced out. It was Beatrix! She's back! Beatrix climbed through the window with a grin that could beat the chester's cat's.

        "What happened?" I asked feigning little interest.

        "I got a job!" She half exclaimed, half whispered. "And not just any old job either. The Leaky Cauldron is a wizard inn, Tom! You should have seen it. It was full of wizards and witches all visiting in a community and I get to work there for wizard money! Something called galleons or at least something to that effect, but I bet they even know a magic bookstore I could go to and I could get us a new book!" Beatrix was beyond excited, she was ecstatic. I was pretty sure that at any moment she would take off like a rocket and shoot straight through the ceiling.

        "That's great, Beatrix," I replied with a slight smile.

        "That's it?" She said. I tilted my head at her wondering what she meant. "You don't think it's anything else? It's just great?" She practically yelled.

        "It's cool I guess," I muttered. "I mean what do you want me to say?"

        "That it's the best news this century," Beatrix began. "Tom how can you just remain so calm about this I mean this is like historic!" I shrugged, but inwardly I was smiling my head off.

***POV Beatrix***

        How could Tom not be excited? Sure he preferred to pretend that he wasn't interested in anything, but of course I saw through that. I bet he's totally jumping up and down on the inside. I just wish he would show a little more emotion on the outside I mean what's wrong with showing your feelings to your friends. I can understand his exterior with the other kids, but I mean we're friends, we're the same... Oh well, I can't wait for tomorrow. I don't even know how I can possibly go to sleep tonight.