18 Impatience

Zach waited impatiently outside Gringott's for his friend to emerge. His lack of robes often made him the target of pointed remarks and stares, but he didn't notice this time, too caught up in his thoughts.

What if Hettie was already waiting at The Leaky Cup? Would she get bored and end up leaving? Should he try and contact her on his phone? They hadn't actually tried this form of communication since they exchanged contact information last month.

All these thoughts tangled up in his mind, until he saw a flash of dark blue at the entrance of the bank. Finally!

Alfred hopped down the uneven steps and skipped towards Zach. "All done!" he beamed. Zach nodded, then grabbed the young wizard's arm to hustle him away.

"What's the rush?" he muttered, hurrying to keep up with the long strides of his squib friend. It wasn't like the shop would run out of butterbeer or treacle pudding.

The Leaky Cup was located on the north side of Diagon Alley, in the space where Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour used to be. The previous owner had died during the Second Wizarding War, but the location had barely changed since it switched owners.

The pair sat at one of the metal tables outside. Alfred noticed his friend scanning the passersby.

"Oy, are we supposed to meet someone here?" he asked.

Zach gave a tiny shrug, struggling to appear nonchalant. "Who knows? Maybe we will see someone we recognize."

~~~

"I don't understand why I have to wear such boring robes!" whined the young girl at Madam Malkin's as she plucked at the black fabric covering her. She tried to brush away the floating wand that was patiently marking the front pleats. The fun of standing in the robe had long worn off.

Hettie sighed. "Tilly, you have to wear a uniform at school. Everyone does. Even I had to. Be happy I didn't give you my old robes, since they were made for Hogwarts, too."

"Ewwww." Her sister's normally cute face screwed up in disgust. "No way am I wearing old stuff! Momma said I could have all new things for school!" She stomped her foot, narrowly missing the seamstress' wand measuring the hem for alterations.

The seamstress sniffed, but politely said, "Please keep still until we have noted the changes, young miss." That earned her a petulant glare. She just carried on chalking the edge of the fabric, well used to childish behaviour in her store.

"Matilda Lydia Adelgrief, behave." Hettie spoke sternly. "The sooner the measurements are complete, the sooner we can finish shopping."

The mulish face cleared. "I want ice cream! We have to go to The Leaky Cup for some ice cream!" At her big sister's nod, the girl jumped around. Hettie and the seamstress sighed simultaneously; Hettie gave an apologetic glance to the worker.

She could only hope that a season or two at Hogwarts will steady her bratty sister.

She also hoped that she didn't miss Zachary at the sweet shop. She had already arranged the school supplies and the new wand to be delivered to their house, so there was nothing else to check off the list before going to The Leaky Cup.

And hopefully meeting up with friends. Or, at least, someone that may become a friend.