Harry Potter and the Wrath of the Fallen

Chapter 14: A Testing Situation

The new Weasley's Wizard Wheezes shop was a bright spot amongst an otherwise gloomy group of small buildings in the little magical community of Hogsmeade. In the front windows of the shop all manner of brightly coloured boxes were displayed, and Harry could easily make out the name 'Skiving Snackbox' printed on one stack of boxes, along with the infamous 'U-NO-POO' emblazoned on the boxes in the other front window.

Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione made their way into the shop to find it was doing a brisk trade. Harry found this surprising as it was only the older students who were allowed to visit Hogsmeade this weekend.

As Harry looked around he saw Verity waving to him from behind the counter. She smiled as she pointed towards the stairs at the back of the shop. Harry took this to mean George was upstairs, so he made his way passed the shelves full of joke products and love potions. Harry briefly considered advising George that perhaps selling love potions next to a school was just inviting trouble, but that was probably George's plan all along.

The four friends made their way up the steps and came to a wooden door with a large brass knocker that Harry didn't quite trust. Instead of using the knocker, Harry rapped on the door with his knuckles. The door opened within seconds to reveal George, long red hair surrounding his smiling face.

"Come in you lot, I've just finished having lunch with my other guest," said George, as he waved them through the door and into his small but comfortable flat. Harry looked around and thought he could see the influence of Verity in the decor, as a few flowers and house plants were dotted around the place.

Sitting at the table in the kitchen, Harry found George's other guest. He tried to hide his surprise as he greeted the man.

"Hello, Mr. Ollivander," said Harry, extending his hand and greeting the old wand maker.

"Harry Potter," said Ollivander, standing from the kitchen table.

Harry took a seat on the far side of the table as the other's greeted Mr Ollivander and sat down.

"How are you, Mr Ollivander?" asked Harry.

"Fully recovered, Mr Potter, thanks to you and your friends."

"I'm glad to hear it," said Harry.

"So, Mr Ollivander, what brings you to my brother's joke shop?" asked Ron, curiosity etched on his face.

"Oh... well, George and I have just been discussing some wand lore," replied Ollivander.

The curiosity disappeared from Ron's face instantly, but Harry was intrigued.

"What sort of wand lore?" he asked.

"Nothing to be concerned about, Mr Potter. George and I were working on an interesting project which I'm sure he can tell you all about, but I'm afraid my presence is required elsewhere," said Ollivander, rather mysteriously thought Harry.

Harry watched as George and Ollivander shook hands. The old wizard turned and waved at the group seated around the kitchen table, before disappearing through the door and down the stairs into the shop.

"George," said Hermione, "what's going on?"

George shrugged his shoulders and Harry thought he saw a moment's sadness cross George's face. "Nothing really, Ollivander and I have been discussing the wands Fred and I both have... or had... and the relationship between a wand and the twin of the wand owner," said George, shaking his head. "Now, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" said George, brightening up immediately.

Ron grinned at George. "What new stock have you got?"

"Ah, straight to business then, little brother. Follow me."