35 ch 35 I dodged a bullet but....

August 5, 1989 Saturday 1:40pm Gringotts Wizarding Bank

"I would like to make a withdrawal from my family vault. Name's Arthur Weasley."

When I heard Arthur said that line, I knew I traveled back in time. I just watch as he is escorted to the big door. Then I saw Bill came forward and said,

"Good day, Sir. I'm William Arthur Weasley. I'm here to apply for the position of Curse-Breaker that you posted."

Then after half a minute he was led to a different door at the back.

I waited for a bit pondering how to proceed. Percy suddenly said, "Do we all need to be here? Can I go to the second hand bookstore down the street? It's not like I'll be buying anything new today anyway."

"Percy!" Molly exclaimed showing that she's hurt by such words.

Charlie hit Percy's shoulder and stare at him as if saying, 'Apologize or I'll punch your ungrateful face when we get back home!'

Percy grimance and said, "Sorry, Mom."

The younger Weasleys just shrugged it of as if its a common occurrence. Though embarrassing, it was painfully true.

The twins have a look of guilt on thier faces. I could only guess that Arthur saved up a bit that's why they're just doing their shopping now. If I'm not mistaken, the twins birthday was on April.

They decided to wait for Arthur. There is a long and awkward silence in the group. Molly looked at me as if saying, 'Sorry you had to see that'.

I just reassured her with a nod. I though, 'It might be embarrassing, but I know far worst thing could have happened.'

I'm now planning on saying something about the bracelet to the couple. Josh gave me an option to go back to when I first met the Lovegoods and Weasleys. But I declined.

Too far back and Nana would notice something is up if I made changes to the fix she gave about Pandora's death.

And as the family that is always by the MC's side, having a added protection couldn't be a bad thing. She just need to keep it away from prying eyes.

While I'm brainstorming, the door to the vault opened and Arthur came out. He had a smile on his face and found us with Bill missing.

He said with a smile, "Oh, Bill's gone in for the job interview already? Well... I reckon he'll be there for a while. We coul--?"

He finally noticed the awkward silence and asked, "What's the matter? Why the awkward silence?" He try to look at everyone to find answers but no one's saying anything.

His eyes finally landed on me. I sigh and lied, "It's just the ambiance of the hall, uncle Arthur..... and the stares.." I tried to look around the goblin who stared daggers back at me.

He noticed that most of the goblins were indeed giving a cold look at our group. He immediately said,*cough*"Well.. let's go outside. Bill's interview will take time. Come now.."

He led us back to the entrance. Molly gave me thankful look. Charlie put an arm around my shoulder and silently whisper,'Thanks.' Then let go off me and followed his father. The younger ones just kept quiet and moved along.

I'm lagging behind the group when Percy walked by my side. He was about to say something when I nonchalantly said, "You're parents might not had mentioned to you guys. I lost my parents when I'm still a baby. It's just me and my Nana now."

Percy was caught off guard by what I said and asked, "Why are you telling me?"

I'm still walking but turned my head so our eyes meet. I just shugged my shoulders and casually said, "I don't know either. I just thought you need a wakeup call to see what you have rather than keep looking for things you have not."

I picked up the pace not caring what face the guy is making.

When we're all out of the bank an on the stairs, Arthur turned to look at me and said, "I forgot to tell you, Marshall. There's a muggle currency exchange station there. You might find something you would like to buy. Almost all shops here don't accept muggle currency."

"Oh, is that so? I'll be right back then." I was about to run back but Arthur called out,"Do you want me to come with you?"

I just turned back and asked, "No thanks, it's just a simple transaction. What shop would you guys be going first?" I looked at Molly for an answer.

"Ollivander's, Dear. Its just down that street." Molly said while pointing further down Diagon Alley.

I nodded and replied, "Ok, I'll be quick! I'll just meet you there." I didn't wait for a reply. The streets looks safe enough.

I entered the marbled hall again and took the £3000 out of my bag. I asked the teller at the exchange counter, "How much is the exchange rate for pounds to galleon?"

The goblin teller got an annoyed look at my rushed question but still answered, "£5 a galleon."

I placed the £3000 in front of him and said, "Here's £3000."

While waiting, new people came inside the hall. It wasa pair of father and son. When I turned my head to take look, I already knew who they were, Cedric Diggory with his father, Amos.

The teller called my attention, "Heres 600 galleon, would you need a bag?"

Right at that instance, Amos saw me and the pile of galleons in front of me. He halted and approached me and tap my shoulder and asked,"Kid, that's a lot of money. Where is your parent?"

"Huh?, Oh, I'm with someone. I just made a stop here to exchange cash to galleons. They're waiting for me at Ollivander's." I replied while putting the galleons in my backpack a handful at a time.

I just separated 25 galleons in my pocket like last time. I gave a courtesy nod to the Diggorys and walked briskly to the exit.

I hear Amos yelled out, "Be careful with strangers kid!"

"Thanks, I will." While I waved back as I exited the silver entance. I quickly exited the bank and check the surroundings and proceeded to go to Ollivander's.

I'm find the Menagerie was just at the banks side but I still looked for the Weasley Couple first before going off somewhere else.

When I arrived in front of Ollivander's, I only see Ron and Ginny by the door. I asked, "Are kids not allowed in the store?"

Ron aswered,"No, mate. It's just too crowded. It's only mom and dad in there with the twins. Charlie is looking at Quidditch supplies and Percy went to the second hand bookstore." He had a bit of a sad face. I figured, since those two were able to go there, Arthur probably gave them pocket money.

I asked, "After here, where to next?"

Ginny was just looking around the nearby stores but she turned to me and asked, "Why, are you looking to buy something?" Even Ron got curious.

"I really want to go to the Menagerie." I answered.

Ron questioned, "But you already have that huge owl!"

I explained, "Yeah, but I like to have more kinds of magical creatures. Uncle Nick has a book written by a Newt Scamander that just interests me. I'm not looking for big ones. I'm just staring with small creatures that are allowed to be kept as pets."

The two just nodded in understanding. As friends of Luna, they're familiar with creature fanatics. Even Charlie is a fan of dragons.

Not long after, the door to the shop opens and Molly, Arthur and the twins came out. The twins were sporting their new wands with big bright smiles.

Ginny came over to have a look. Ron had a look of dread. I just nudge him and whispered, "Congratulate them, Dude. That might make them practice on you a bit less."

I didn't see his face but he immediately came to the twin's side give his congratulations. I can see the dumbfounded look of the rest of his family.

To not the awkwardness linger, I asked for permission, "Aunt Molly, can I go separately to the Menagerie?"

Molly pondered for a bit but it was Arthur who said, "I'll go with you Marshall. We'll bring Ron and Ginny as well."

Arthur quickly led the three of us away from Molly and the twins and whispered, "She's going to look for robes next. It will probably take a very very long while." The three of us just laugh when we realized what he meant.

When we're near the Menagerie, we met the Diggorys coming out from the shop. The two families greeted each other.

Amos and Cedric noticed me at the side and remembered who I was. Amos loudly greeted, "Oh! Rich Lad! Hahaha! So you're with Arthur?"

'M*ther*****cker! Why am I always the cause of a commotion.' I just greeted them politely and introduced myself, "Hello, I'm Marshall Witcherly."

Amos reacted when he heard my name, "Witcherly!? You're the one that has that magic owl!"

I sigh, 'F*ck!'

~end chapter ~