Splinters

Chapter 3

Penelope Ollivander awoke to the blaring of her alarm. It was 8 o'clock on September 1st. She didn't need to be awake at this time but she planned to go for a quick run. 

     The young Ollivander slid on her workout clothing before eating an apple in the kitchen. She slipped on her running shoes and disappeared down the stairs. "Almost there," whispered Penelope. 

     She unlocked the shop door but locked it once more behind her. "Time for some fun," muttered the young witch. 

     Penelope's shoes made odd noises on the cobblestones. It was like a hand slapping water but it hadn't rained last night or this morning. Her mind slid into what some would call nothing but to Penelope it was the perfect dream. 

     "Penny!" A voice called to her. She thought she thought when she was hearing things so she kept running. 

     "Penny!" Garrick Ollivander tried to keep up with his granddaughter as she ran. 

     "Grandpa!" Penelope exclaimed. She stopped as Garrick breathed heavily. "Are you alright?"

     Garrick couldn't reply as he tried to steady his breathing. "Let's go back inside. I'll get breakfast going and then I'll shower. Come on," she linked arms with her grandfather; slowly they made their way to Ollivander's Wand Shop. 

     "You run so fast," Garrick breathed. Penelope laughed as she locked the door behind them. 

     "I run a lot. Will I be able to run at Hogwarts? Because that's something I really wish to do," Penelope rushed her words as the sudden realization came to her. 

     The thought had never occurred to Garrick. "There's no harm in asking Albus Dumbledore. He will most likely know you. Call him Professor Dumbledore, he is your headmaster," Garrick reminded Penelope. 

     "I remember. Then there's Professor McGonagall who teaches Transfiguration. Professor Slughorn teaches Potions, Professor Sprout teaches Herbology, Professor Flitwick teaches Charms, a new teacher is teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts, Professor Binns teaches History of Magic, and Astronomy is taught by Professor Witcher," Penelope recited what she had heard from her grandfather and from students who visited Ollivanders. 

     Garrick nodded and held Penelope still as he looked down at her. "Be safe," Penelope laughed. 

     "Would you like hot rolls with hot chocolate or those blueberry muffins with the crunchy tops?" Penelope asked Garrick. 

     "The blueberry muffins," Garrick stopped Penelope, "but I'm serious. After your mother . . . and then your father basically disappeared . . ."

     "Grandpa, I promise I'll be careful. I already know some magic because of you which I'll use if needed," Penelope stood on her tips toes and kissed Garrick's forehead. "Go take a shower. I'll get the muffins going and then I'll shower after you."

     Garrick disappeared up the stairs to the flat. The young girl followed Garrick upstairs but went into the kitchen. She threw together a batch of blueberry muffins. Just as she was putting the muffins in the oven, Garrick finished his shower and traded places with Penelope.

     "Don't burn them! Listen to the timer," Penelope reminded her grandfather. 

     "It was not me that burned them if I remember correctly," Garrick grumbled. 

     Penelope giggled to herself before locking the bathroom door. "I should check on my supply of dogwood," Garrick muttered. He went down to the store and began taking count of his supplies.