The Flight Of The Vulture

Chapter 29: Redemption

September 10th, 1984

"It's not much of course." Ollivander said as he walked through the little dilapidated storefront. It was empty but Belle could see the potential. "I was using it for storage, but the war made it very difficult to afford more than one building."

"It depends on the reasonability of price really." Belle said as she looked at the basic wooden counter. It would need a bit of polishing, but the rest of the storefront seemed pliable.

"I'm sure we can work something out of course." Ollivander said with a nod, "Anything to help your transition home. Minerva told me of your situation and I couldn't help but wonder if I might be able to help."

Belle could see it coming together in her mind. She could support her family here and truly express her art. Being in the center of Diagon Alley was perfectly ideal of course. "That's very kind of you."

"Minerva says you have children." Ollivander said as he unlocked a few cabinets.

"Yes." Belle nodded turning back to him, "Two."

"How old are they?" Ollivander asked before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a paper.

"Jack is five and Samantha is four." Belle said as she looked behind a curtain at the back of the shop.

Ollivander took out a quill and began writing something on the paper. "How about, I'll knock off ten percent if in six and seven years they come and get their wands from me?"

Belle chuckled, "Wouldn't go anywhere else anyway."

"How is the thirteen inch ash with dragon's heartstring?" Ollivander asked looking her over.

"Holding strong of course." Belle smiled before pulling it out.

"Of course, they can be temperamental dragon heartstrings. However they have the most magic ability, especially for the most flamboyant of spells." Ollivander pursed his lips as he looked it over, "Seeing your career I can see it has truly served you well."

"I suppose it has." Belle agreed as she put the wand back into her pocket.

He handed her a paper which had all the particulars, it was lower than Belle expected.

"Consider it first, but I'd be honored Mrs. Fyre." Mr. Ollivander said with a slight nod of his head. Belle hadn't heard anyone from home ever call her by her married name, so it was quite an extraordinary moment for her.

"I'll be in contact tomorrow if that's alright?" Belle asked, already having made up her mind.

Ollivander smiled as he led her out, "Of course. I look forward to your owl."

Belle left into the Alley which had changed slightly since her last visit, well over a decade before when she'd visited alongside her mother for school books. Her mother hated London, but she loved shopping and more importantly, making others feel insignificant. She'd parade Belle up and down in ridiculously feminine garb and brag of her excellence to anyone who would listen.

Belle was to meet Minerva and Mr. Urquart for coffee at the Leaky Cauldron, a place Belle had only ever passed through. Her mother didn't like the company, too many muggle supporters. Her mother also hated coffee.

"Kyle Brenna to serve life in Askaban for Prewett deaths!" A boy selling Daily Prophet papers on the corner called out. "His wife and eight children neglect to comment."

Belle tried not to think about it. She hated to admit that she had wished he had been given the kiss. She hadn't been allowed to testify of course. She wished she had.