Gaunt ~ Book 2

Six~Gaunt

a/n: This is the same reminder as usual, part of this chapter (and story) is using J.K. Rowling's writing and the rest of it is using mine. I hope you enjoy!

"'I'm really busy with schoolwork, of course' – How can she be?" said Ron in horror. "We're on vacation! – 'and we're going to London next Wednesday to buy my new books. Why don't we meet in Diagon Alley?

"'Let me know what's happening as soon as you can. Love from Hermione.'"

"Well that fits nicely, we can go and get all your things then, too," said Mrs. Weasley, starting to clear the table. "What're you all up to today?"

Marvolo, Harry, Ron, Fred, and George were planning to go up the hill to a small paddock the Weasleys owned. It was surrounded by trees that blocked it from view of the village below, meaning they could practice Quidditch there, as long as they didn't fly too high. They couldn't use real Quidditch balls, which would have been hard to explain if they had escaped and flown away over the village; instead they threw apples for each other to catch. They took turns riding Marvolo and Harry's Nimbus Two Thousands, which were easily the best brooms; Ron's old Shooting Star was often outstripped by passing butterflies.

Five minutes later they were marching up the hill, broomsticks over their shoulders. They had asked Percy if he wanted to join them, but he said he was too busy. Harry had only seen Percy at mealtimes so far; he had stayed shut in his room the rest of the time.

"Wish I knew what he was up to," said Fred, frowning. "He's not himself. His exam results came the day before Harry did; twelve O.W.L.s and he hardly gloated at all."

"Ordinary Wizarding Levels." George said to Harry. "Bill got twelve, too. If we're not careful, we'll have another head boy in the family. I don't think I can stand the shame."

Bill was the oldest Weasley brother. He and the next brother, Charlie, had already left Hogwarts. Marvolo had never met either of them, but knew Charlie worked in Romania studying dragons and Bill in Egypt working for the wizards' bank, Gringotts.

"Dunno how Mum and Dad are going to afford all our school stuff this year," said George after a while. "Five sets of Lockhart books! And Ginny needs robes and a wand and everything. . . ."

Marvolo said nothing. Neither did Harry. Marvolo knew Harry was thinking about his vault deep down in Gringotts. At least he had one. Marvolo pushed the thought out of his mind.

Mrs. Weasley woke them all early the following Wednesday. After a quick half a dozen bacon sandwiches each, they pulled on their coats and Mrs. Weasley took a flowerpot off the mantelpiece and peered inside.

"We're running low, Arthur," she sighed. "We'll have to buy some more today. . . . Ah well, guests first! After you, Harry dear!"

And she offered him the flowerpot.

Harry stared at them all watching him.

"W-what am I supposed to do?" he stammered.

"He's never traveled by floo powder," said Ron suddenly "Sorry, Harry, I forgot."

"Never?" said Mr. Weasley. "But how did you get to Diagon Alley to buy your school things last year?"

"I went to the Underground –"

"Really?" said Mr. Weasley eagerly. "Were there escapators? How exactly –"

"Not now, Arthur," said Mrs. Weasley and turned to Marvolo. "Do you know how to travel by floo powder, Marvolo?"

Marvolo nodded.

"I can show Harry," he said.

Mrs. Weasley nodded and held out the flowerpot. Marvolo took a pinch of a glittering powder out of the flowerpot, stepped up to the fire, and threw the powder into the flames.