SABAISM | H. POTTER

FOUR. | DIAGON ALLEY

Gemini knew that the trio, as they trudged side by side down the bustling thoroughfare of Diagon Alley, could be likened to a bizarre spectacle—an oddity in its own right. Here was the Boy Who Lived, whose very existence had defied the cruel grasp of the Dark Arts; next to him loomed a half-giant, all warmth and kindness, and beside him stood the daughter of a notorious prisoner, a girl who bore the weight of her family's dark legacy with a fierce determination. The mental image of their peculiar assemblage reminded her of the opening line of a questionable joke. She typically had no qualms about the attention they attracted; after all, she had grown accustomed to it over the years, yet the black soot streaking her face ignited an irritation deep within her soul. If gazes had the power to cut, she would have been a thousand pieces.

As she held her ground, locked in a silent war with a witch adorned in a ludicrous bonnet, Gemini felt the mask of indifference she usually wore in public about to splinter under the weight of judgment. Yet this absurd confrontation was abruptly sidelined by the cheerful shouts that pierced the air like familiar bells, "Harry! Gemini!"

Quelling her rising annoyance, she turned to see Hermione Granger, her friend standing at the steps of Gringotts, her bushy hair dancing in the wind, an emblem of eagerness and warmth. A grin bloomed across Gemini's face like a flower yearning for sunlight; Hermione always had that effect on her, infusing her with a sense of ease that was hard to come by.

As Hermione approached, breathing heavily from her hurried descent, she greeted Hagrid with a warm smile. "Oh, it's wonderful to see you three again!" Her inquisitive eyes darted over their soiled appearances, confusion flickering in her gaze. Without missing a beat, Gemini joked lightly, "Don't ask!" She lifted her chin defiantly, prompting Harry to nod vigorously, both grateful for the unspoken agreement to steer clear of their earlier escapades.

Hermione, respecting their unspoken request, simply replied, "C'mon! Everyone's been so worried." With that, she led them toward the grand entrance of Gringotts, where Hermione's nervous-looking parents stood alongside the Weasleys, their chatter drifting over like the sweet sound of a familiar melody.

"So you're dentists? Fascinating! I understand other Muggles quite fear you? Why is that?" Mr. Weasley, ever inquisitive, instigated a lighthearted conversation, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.

Gemini seized the opportunity to interject, "It's because they prod about your mouth, and they try to prevent you from eating sweets! They tried to do it on me." Her tone was playful as she greeted the Grangers, their faces glinting with amused surprise.

"Harry! Gemini! Thank goodness. We hoped you'd only gone one grate too far," Mrs. Granger chimed in, her relief palpable.

"Come now. We're off to Flourish and Blotts," she informed them, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.

As they navigated the cobblestone path, Hermione bubbled with excitement, "Isn't it thrilling? Gilderoy Lockhart's going to be there! We can actually meet him! I mean, he's written almost the whole booklist!"

Gemini couldn't help but roll her eyes. "Lockhart is a right prick," she muttered under her breath, glancing sideways at Harry, who shared in her sentiment with a frown etched on his brow.

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When they reached Flourish and Blotts, Gemini was flooded with vibrant memories of her childhood; Remus had taken her here many times, and each visit had been a new adventure, full of wonder and exploration among the towers of books. She inhaled deeply, relishing the distinct fragrances of ancient pages mingling with the crisp scent of fresh parchment—a sanctuary for the mind.

But today, the shop felt unusually congested, almost as if it were teeming with an electric energy. As they wove through the throng of eager shoppers, Gemini noted how a group of middle-aged women seemed to pulse with an almost desperate longing, their heads craning toward the back of the store in anticipation.