Little White Lies | Book 4

Chapter 4: Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes

Ever since that night, Draco and I have been closer than ever. We slept in his room every night, and spent every day together. Unfortunately, the end of summer is near, and it's almost time to head back to Diagon Alley. It was obvious that Draco was nervous about his arm. He needed new school robes, and in order to get those, he needed to be fitted. I was worried about him too. If someone found out, they'd be sure to tell Dumbledore, and he'd probably kick him out of Hogwarts. 

Speaking of Dumbledore, I could've sworn I heard his voice downstairs as I was reading a book in my bedroom; Draco was in the shower. Quickly, I ran over to my vent, which went straight into the living room, and listened. 

"Narcissa, I am not here to raid your home, but simply to collect a student of mine, Riley." An elderly voice said. "I don't trust you! Get off my property, Dumbledore, or I will make sure you regret it!" Narcissa shrieked in reply. "I could simply wait out here, while you ask Miss Winters to pack her things, and come down here." He told her calmly. There was a slight pause, before the door slammed, and two feet came storming up the stairs. My door swung open, making me jump up, and look over at Draco's angered mother. She ignored this, and glared at me. "You're leaving today. Take all of your things with you." I nodded, already wishing I could say goodbye to Draco first. 

Just as I turned towards my closet to get my clothes, she scoffed, and waved her wand. All of my possessions were packed neatly into my trunk, and it closed with a click! "Thanks for letting me stay." I mumbled, walking past her. She didn't reply, but only stare coldly at me as I walked past her, dragging my trunk behind me. I stopped for a second at the bathroom door, listening to the hissing of the shower. "Goodbye, Draco." I whispered. With that, I headed down to the front door.

As soon as I opened it, I saw Professor Dumbledore standing there, looking at me over his half moon spectacles. "Miss Winters, it's very nice to see you! I do hope your summer went well, yes?" He greeted me, shaking my hand. "Yeah, it was fine." I replied, stepping outside. "We shall be leaving now, Narcissa. Until we meet again!" Were the final words he called into the house, before closing the door, and leading me towards the exit gates. "Mrs. Malfoy didn't seem very pleased about my appearance, did she?" He then asked me. "Well...no offence, Professor, but, if I were to be a Death Eater, I wouldn't have been either." I said, sheepishly. He only nodded calmly. "Ah yes. Well, as they say: 'You will please others, but you cannot please everybody.' Do you believe that statement is true?"

"Of course I do. Anyway, where exactly are you taking me?" I asked, as we walked out of the gates. "Tonks will meet us in Diagon Alley, and take you shopping for your school supplies. I'll just send your luggage to the Burrow, as that will be where you're going next. Does that sound agreeable?" I nodded, feeling a bit anxious about seeing Harry again. "Have you ever Apparated before, Riley?" He questioned. "N-No, I haven't." I answered, frowning as he held out his arm. "This may feel a bit uncomfortable, then. Please take hold of my arm." I did as I was told, inhaling deeply. Who knew what could happen next?

Then, everything went black. I felt my eyes and ear drums being pushed further and further into my skull, as my rib cage was pressed inwards. It was almost as though I was being forced through a rubber tube. Finally, it all stopped. I opened my eyes, which I had squeezed shut, and found myself looking at a few of the familiar shops in Diagon Alley. But, instead of it's usual cheery appearance, it looked as though something dangerous was there. A lot of shops were dark on the inside, and closed. Posters for the Ministry were pasted all over their windows, and to light posts as well. Instead of everyone walking independently, or maybe with a few friends, they seemed to be walking in large groups, where everyone walked so close together, it was as if they were sardines. 

My eyes were torn away from all of that when I saw Tonks. The poor girl looked worse than ever. Her usual bubblegum pink hair, was now a mousy brown. Her face was rather pale, and her cheeks were hollow. Dark rings shadowed her eyes. "Very nice to see you again, Tonks." Dumbledore said kindly to her. "Good to see you as well, Albus. Ready to do some shopping, Riley?" She responded, forcing a smile onto her pale lips. "Yeah, I'm ready." I told her, smiling back. "Well, I'll leave you to it then. I'll see you at Hogwarts, Riley." With that, Dumbledore had Disapparated, and was gone. "I've got your money, and your supply list just in my pocket. First, I think we should stop by Madame Malkins', and get you some new robes."

"Tonks, are you alright? You don't look well." I said, ignoring her previous statement. She frowned at me. "Of course I'm alright, Riley. Why?" I sighed, as we began walking towards the shops. "It's about Sirius, isn't it?" She was quite for a moment, before letting out a huff. "Nothing gets past you, does it? Well, if you must know, yes, it's been bothering me nonstop. I feel like it's all my fault. I was supposed to be fighting Bellatrix when she killed him." 

"Don't beat yourself up over this, Tonks. It's not you're fault. The only person to blame for Sirius' death is Bellatrix, and that's it. If you could've done something about it, I know you would've. I know how it feels to think someone's death is your fault. If I never trusted my dad, he wouldn't have been able to kill my mother and sisters. But, as cold and heartless as it may sound, you just have to learn to accept it. There's absolutely nothing we can do about it. What we need to focus on now, is making this a better place for us, and getting rid of Voldemort all together." She sighed, and nodded. "You're absolutely right. I guess we both lost our family that night, eh?" I grinned a little, and looked up at her. "If I had the option, I'd make you my Godmother." She looked back at me, and smiled. "Who said you didn't?"

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After all my school shopping was finally finished, we headed to Fred and George's joke shop, which was called Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. It was by far the brightest, and most exciting looking place in all of Diagon Alley. There seemed to be more people in there than anywhere else. As soon as I stepped in, I noticed a brightly blinking sign on a window.

Why are you worried about You-Know-Who? You should be worried about U-No-Poo—The constipation sensation that's gripping the nation! 

Tonks and I both laughed at that, and continued looking around. Puking Pastilles, Nosebleed Noughts, Ton-Tongue Toffees, and so many other candies were there. I was completely amazed. Suddenly, one of the twins rushed up to me, and flashed a smile. "It's about time you got here, Riley. George and I couldn't wait for you to see it! What do you think?" I smiled brightly at him. "What do I think? Fred, this is absolutely amazing! This is by far the best joke shop I've ever set foot in!" He grinned, and high-fived me. Then, he pulled something out of his pocket, and tossed it to me. It appeared to be a small black rock. "Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder. It's perfect for when you need to make a quick getaway. For being such an amazing customer, it's yours for free!" I smiled at him, tossing the powder in my hand. "I don't want to take your stuff without paying—" He cut me off there. "Nope, it's yours. Now, it looks like there's a customer I need to help. See you around!" 

I watched as he left, looking down at the product in my hand. "Should I take it?" I asked Tonks, who was looking at some love potions. "He wanted you to have it, so I think you should." She replied, smiling a bit. I nodded, and stuck it in my pocket. I looked up, and saw someone rushing towards me. But, before I could figure out who it was, they engulfed me in a death hug. "Riley, thank Godric you're okay! I was so worried about you!" It was Harry. "Didn't you get my letters?" I asked, hugging him back. "I haven't heard from you once all summer. I take it you didn't get any of mine, then?" 

"No, I didn't. You scared me to death. I thought you were hurt, or mad at me!" He pulled back, giving me a long, passionate kiss. "I could never be mad at you. Did the Malfoys treat you well? They didn't hurt you did they?" Actually, they sort of did the complete opposite of that. "No, they were alright. They didn't talk to me much." I lied, plastering a smile on my face. "Good, I don't want them bothering you." Before either of us could say anything else, Mrs. Weasley bustled over us, and began scolding for Harry for 'suddenly disappearing' the way he did. After that, I said goodbye to Tonks, and headed to the Burrow with the others.