"Wicked!"
The boys laughed when they had realised they had spoken simultaneously.
Mia glowered. "Are you two even listening to me?"
"Sirius! Come!" Walburga screamed once more, stomping her foot.
"Woman treats me like a bloody dog," Sirius growled.
Mia stifled a laugh as he began to move. "We'll see you on the train?"
"Save me a seat," he said, smiling as he turned to catch up with his family. He
dodged to the side as Walburga tried to smack him, laughing when she missed her target.
"Well," Dorea said as the children caught up with her. "Interesting friend you've
made."
Mia sighed, her heart clenching as she suddenly realised just how much she had
missed Sirius's smile and laughter. "He was nice. A boy shoved me down, and Sirius helped
me," she explained, gesturing to her skinned knee.
"A son of Walburga Black helped a Potter?" Dorea laughed softly as she knelt down
to examine Mia's injury. She waved her wand gently over the scrape, cleaning what was left.
"Salazar Slytherin must be rolling in his grave."
Both James and Mia laughed.
"All right, we're a little behind thanks to that nonsense. I would have just walked
away had it been anyone else," Dorea explained. "But there's something incredibly
satisfying about ruffling that vulture's feathers."
The Potter family made their way to a narrow, shabby-looking shop ahead of them.
Peeling gold letters over the door read Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C.
Mia smiled brightly up at the sign, and James bounced on his toes as they entered
the shop.
"Good afternoon." Mr Ollivander smiled as they approached the counter, glancing
with anticipation at the children.
Mia regarded the man who, only months ago, had been devastatingly unhealthy the
last time she had seen him at Shell Cottage. The man before her now looked bright and
healthy despite his age, obviously eager to help two new customers.