The Spark of Fate

Chapter 9

As they continued their playful banter, Sophie and Jackson strolled through Hogsmeade together and everything they had been worrying about was far from their minds. Their infectious laughter caught the attention of those they passed, people couldn't help but be captivated by their care free cheerfulness. They made their way over to J.Pippins Potions to pick up Sophies supplies for potions class, next they headed over to the Magic Neep for her seeds for Herbology class, as they left the shop Sophie smiled and said, "I officially have all of my supplies" Jackson replied, "Perfect. We best go and find Sebastian before he thinks we've forgotten about him". As they rejoined Sebastian in the town circle he said, "There you are, did you manage to find everything you needed?" Sophie nodded and smiled, "Yes thankyou" Jackson asked, "Did you get the Shrivelfig you were after for Anne?" Sebastian tapped his pocket, "Yes I have it right here" Jackson said, "Well on that note, how 'bout we grab a butterbeer before we head back to the Castle?" Sebastian smiled, "Now THAT is a splendid idea!".

On their way over to the Three Broomsticks Jackson abruptly stopped in his tracks and spun his head, he'd noticed a man wearing a rather familiar looking eccentric top hat walking down some stairs into a secluded alleyway. Sebastian and Sophie stopped with him, they turned to see what had caught his sudden attention. As they watched the tip of the top hat disappear down the stairs Sebastian and Jackson looked at eachother, their curiosity couldn't be contained, as they ran to hide themselves behind the wall at the top of the stairs Sophie quickly followed. They peaked their heads out and saw the famous top hat wearing dark wizard Victor Rookwood, but he wasn't alone, he was stood with his right hand man and well known thug Theophilus Harlow aswell as the corrupt goblin rebellion leader Ranrok. As soon as they saw the unholy alliance between the evil wizard and the evil goblin their mouths opened wide, their eyes even wider, they couldn't believe it. They overheard Ranrok saying to Victor, "You told me you would bring me the child once they were in Hogsmeade" Victor replied, "And I will. Where is this distraction of yours?" Ranrok went to answer him but noticed the three students gazing at them from the top of the stairs, Victor went to look behind him, in a panic Jackson turned to Sebastian as Sophie said, "Quick. Let's go".

As they ran away from the alleyway Sebastian called out, "Did they see us!?" Jackson slowed down and answered, "I don't think so" Sophie looking confused and concerned said, "Ranrok is working with Rookwood?" being the first time Sebastian had seen Ranrok in person he said, "The goblin from the daily prophet! I knew I'd seen him somewhere". They all stood in a moment of silence trying to comprehend what they had just witnessed, suddenly, a huge troll burst its way through one of the buildings behind them, roaring and swinging a large club as it stumbled its way out into the town circle. They spun around and saw a group of people trying to battle the troll, they quickly ran to join them. As they got closer Sophie and Jackson noticed it was wearing a familiar looking silver armour, surrounded by the same dark glow as Ranrok, the dragon and the guard in Gringotts Bank. Sebastian known for being one of the best duellists in Hogwarts wasted no time in taking on the troll, as he cast the fire charm confringo he yelled, "Take that, you lumbering lout!" Sophie and Jackson joined him throwing cast after cast but nothing they did seemed to have any affect, Sophie shouted, "Are we weakening him atall!?" Sebastian yelled back, "Keep at it, we'll wear him down eventually!". The towns officer Ruth Singer, cast the exploding charm bombarda from behind the troll, as it stumbled towards them Sebastian's face filled with fear, inches away from being squashed. All of a sudden, Sophie and Jackson noticed their wands beginning to glow. With no hesitation they both instinctively cupped the tip of their wands and a bright swirl of ancient magic began to fill the palm of their hands. As they clenched their fists a spark of light flashed from the tip and they both forcefully swung their wands towards the troll, as the ancient magic hit, the troll instantly erupted into a cloud of black smoke leaving nothing but ash floating through the air. Feeling pretty superior by what they had just done, Sophie and Jackson looked at eachother and exchanged a smug smirk. Sebastian came running over to them, he ecstatically called out, "What was that!?" officer Ruth Singer also ran over to them, "Did you two just take down a fully grown troll, by yourselves?" Jackson answered, "I suppose so! It's all abit of a blur to be honest" she replied, "Merlins beard! Are you alright?" Sophie answered, "We are, and we were glad to help" Singer chuckled, "I'd say 'help' is abit of an understatement. Well done!". As she walked away Sebastian slightly out of breath said, "I think that deserves a butterbeer or two don't you?" Sophie let out a sigh of relief, "I'd say I agree with you".

They entered the Three Broomsticks and took a seat at the counter. The owner, Sirona Ryan greeted them with pleasant smile, "Hello, what can I get for you today?" she saw Sophie smiling back and said, "Ah there's a face I haven't seen before" Sophie replied, "It's my first time here" Sirona flicked her wand behind her and three jugs of butterbeer floated over towards them, she smiled, "Welcome, these are on me" Jackson lifted the jug of beer and said, "Thanks for this" he held it out infront of him and they all knocked their drinks together, Sebastian cheerfully said, "Bottoms up!". As they downed their well-earned drinks Sirona said, "I heard about the troll attack, nice to you three escaped injury" Sebastian with a mouth full of beer quickly swallowed and raised his jug, "Thanks to these two, you should have seen it..." he was bluntly interrupted as the doors to the pub swung open, in walked Victor Rookwood and Theophilus Harlow. Sophie looked behind her and saw the two brutes scanning the room, she quickly turned back and saw Jackson and Sebastian lowering their heads hoping not to be recognised. Sirona emerged from the counter and sarcastically asked, "What can I help you with Victor?" he replied, "Was that Lodgok I saw leaving..." he stopped talking as he saw Sophie sitting infront of him, he pointed at her and started walking towards her. Jackson instantly got out of his seat and grabbed Sophie's hand moving her away from Victor, Sebastian got up and stood next to Sirona. Sirona said, "My friend is enjoying a well-earned butterbeer" Victor shooed her out of his way, "Just a quick word", Sirona stepped infront of him and raised her voice, "I said. My friend. Is busy". As the tension filled the Three Broomsticks Harlow went to reach for his wand but before he could take it out of his back pocket the locals in the pub got out of their seats and readied their wands, Sirona said, "I wouldn't do that if I was you Harlow". Victor glanced over at Sophie and noticed her and Jackson glaring at him, their faces full of rage. Realising he was outnumbered Victor started backing away and raised his hands, "Come now, no need for theatrics" as he turned to leave he called out, "Come Theophilus!" Harlow grunted and quickly followed him out the door. Sirona, looking rather worried turned to Sophie, "I don't know what you've done to make such an unfortunate enemy but watch your back. Rookwood and Harlow are dangerous" as she walked away Sebastian said, "Trolls, Ranrok and Rookwood!? What are you not telling me?" Jackson replied, "I promise to tell you everything" Sophie noticed a few of the locals were listening in to their conversation, she leaned in and whispered, "Do that later, we need to get back to the Castle".