An active, character-driven Hogwarts experience set in the early 2000s. Unique items, plots, and features. Non-canon; this isn't Harry Potter's story, it's ours.
Not bothered by the cold, as his sweater was more than enough to keep him comfortable, Marcus led the way to the boundary of the Ashworth property. He gave Kody a reassuring smile, hoping his son wasn't too nervous about having an outing with him right after the shocking news and emotional ordeal they'd left behind in the house for now.
'I have to be very careful; no drawing attention, okay?' Marcus faced his son, fixing the beanie to cover most of his hair. 'Keep his on. You can call me Dad, but don't tell anyone your name. Make something up, if you must. My anti-recognition charm does most of the work, and I do think our resemblance will work in that favor too.'
He reached for Kody's hand -- not because he was still a small child, but out of protective instinct. Ashworths should not simply wander around foolishly.
'Stick to my side, and do as I say,' Marcus said in his firmest Dad Tone. 'If you feel yourself getting distracted or overwhelmed, hold my hand. That way you can enjoy things as you wish, but we won't be separated. I'll keep you safe.'
He sighed bracingly, then led them cross the threshold -- through the heavy wards, and onto the street. Marcus tossed a treat to the ginger cat sitting on a wall nearby, along with giving it a wink. He then headed further along the street, but passed by any apparition points.
'We'll be doing this the Muggle way, I'm afraid. A part of my being careful,'he explained. 'Have you ever been on a Muggle bus before? It is rather more boring, and there's a of waiting around.'
They walked for a while, warily avoiding Muggle cars going by. Kody had never ventured this far before -- having only gone to a few neighbouring doorsteps to help appeal for dire food supplies. His puppy eyes were their secret weapon. But he'd never seen the end of the street, let alone turning a corner and keep going.
It was quite noisier and busy than he'd expected, given how quiet their street was. There was a playground not far away, with kids running around happily while their parents watched and chatted. Then they passed by a few Muggle shops he didn't really understand -- and finally arrived at a Muggle bus stop.
There was no raised wand, just sitting on the bench and waiting. Muggle buses only showed up at certain times, apparently.
'Keep your wand hidden,' Marcus added, giving the area a careful glance. 'Only use it if a matter of life or death. We're in a Muggle area, so the Ministry will be alerted if you use it; and I dread to think if that'll reveal me or how that works. But it would be foolish not to have it with you.'
He hoped Kody listened to him. Marcus was becoming more nervous about this trip, but was determined to see it through. If he wanted his son to trust him, perhaps he needed to give a little too.
'What I asked, before...' He glanced at Kody, who hadn't answered him this at the time. 'Who was the last to hear from your mother? Do you know if they still have the letter? I'd like to see it, when we get home. Knowing her as I do, I imagine there are some clues there.'
The bus finally arrived, slow and indeed quite dull compared to the thrilling Knight Bus. Marcus nudged Kody on first, then handed over some Muggle money. He yanked Kody by his collar to keep him going further, so they could sit right by the doors instead.
The driver pressed something and the door creaked shut on its own. And yet, not magic.
Post by Kody Ashworth on Nov 9, 2023 19:53:23 GMT 10
"Okay!" Kody grinned, excited to be going somewhere with his dad even if it was just to buy food. It was new and different! Even the cold, that made his nose and cheeks turn rosy, didn't bother Kody right now.
He happily took his dad's hand and followed him closely. So he couldn't say his real name if someone asked? Kody hoped there wouldn't be a situation where he had to lie. He could do it if he had to, he just wouldn't be happy about it.
But if it meant keeping his dad and siblings safe, then he'd just have to.
"I know you will." Kody answered when his dad said about keeping him safe. And it seemed, despite the separation of many years, his dad knew him all too well. Yes, Kody was easily distracted and overwhelmed by things.
At school, it didn't matter so much as he had free time to run around and let his thoughts go wild, chasing any whim he pleased but at home? This was why Kody clung to his garden and his creatures. They helped to keep him grounded and in the moment.
They also helped when their mum didn't want him around.
"The cat...!" Kody reached out with his free hand and gave it a little pat on the head, "I'm glad to see he's safe~ He's one of my creatures!"
Hopefully his dad would understand how important the cat was to Kody even if he wasn't an official pet or anything. Kody didn't have a name for him but he had thought about it several times.
"Erm... No?" Kody squinted as he tried to remember but the Knight Bus seemed like the only time he had ridden something like that. His dad said the Muggle way was boring but this was all fun and excitement to Kody who had never gone this far down their street before.
His heart raced as he took more steps amazed to see how busy it was. There were some shops nearby but despite reading their signs, Kody was completely mystified by their purpose. He wanted to ask his dad all about them but that would ruin their cover as Totally Normal Muggle Father And Son.
He grinned, however and made a mental note to ask later (he'd forget, most likely).
Kody nodded as his dad warned about his wand, which was safely tucked away into a pocket and out of sight. Kody didn't want to use it and draw attention to them or get the Ministry involved.
They only just got their dad back and Kody didn't want to ruin that for everyone.
"I have a letter she sent... I think she replied to me on Hallowe'en? But I wrote after and heard nothing then. I don't think she replied to the others either." Kody admitted. Had it really been that long ago...? He tilted his head as he thought about it but yes, it really had.
"It's in my trunk with my card collection, I'll show it to you later." Kody smiled once more, squeezing his dad's hand and following him onto the bus that arrived.
He peered at the money and was ready to bound to the back of the bus when his dad's hand stopped him. He gave a sheepish smile and sat on a fold down seat next to the door.
Kody tried to school his expression into someone who had definitely ridden a bus before but it was hard. He stared at the driver as he made things happen without a wand and they started moving! Amazing! Kody turned in his seat so he could stare out the window, his nose pressed up against the glass.
Marcus wasn't sure how to feel about Aubrey's last letter to the children had been for Kody, but he supposed it made sense. And there was more meaning behind it, so he certainly wanted to read it once they got home. He glanced at his son, whose face was pressed against the glass to see everything, and tried to allow himself a smile.
But his heart ached far worse than any medical condition could be capable of. Kody delighted in their trip together, but should he be worried how quickly he's just accepted this huge change? He went with Marcus without question -- was it because he knew this was his dad, and felt safe in that certainty, or was he far too trusting?
He was safe, of course, but Marcus didn't know yet if this was normal behaviour for him or if he was that lucky.
'Here.' Marcus reached for Kody's hand, the one least likely to hold his own whenever they walked. He removed a loose thread, then the mitten. 'So you don't forget to show me the letter when we get home.'
He tied the yarn thread around Kody's pinkie, then put the mitten back on. He wanted to ruffle his hair, but the beanie got in the way. And that had to stay on. Marcus tried to smile, but it didn't reach his eyes -- instead, he looked out the window as the snowy Muggle streets drifted by. It became whiter as they got closer to London, though it wasn't a short journey.
It allowed him far too much time to think.
'Kody.' He nudged him. 'Tell me about your card collection. And your creatures. Which one were you looking for, back at the house?'
Asking if he took Care of Magical Creatures felt a bit redundant, but also wasn't the kind of topic they could mention freely in a Muggle space despite very few other passengers. Marcus gave Kody a cautious look, hoping he understood to censor himself if needed. They were Totally Normal Muggles today.
It was the perfect way to fill in the quiet space, not allowing his mind to get sucked into the sadder thoughts. Looking at Kody, it was difficult. Marcus wasn't entirely sure why, but somehow this was harder than when the others yelled at him or lost their trust in him.
Was it because this reminded him too much of how things used to be? Like the time he took Reena and Jaxen for a walk through a Muggle park -- them laughing and chatting together. They held his hand on either side, full of trust and free to be kids. He was sure his lingering gaze would be noticed, as Kody had spent years noticing the way Aubrey looked at him with sad eyes.
But unlike Aubrey, Marcus did not look away to hide his pain or avoid it -- rather, he wanted to memorise every detail of Kody's face. Every quirk of his smile, the way his ears wriggled when he got overexcited, or the constant fidgeting. His eyes were sad, but he smiled. His son was precious.
The bus came to a stop, and Marcus led them off. He reached for Kody's hand, then gave the area a careful look. This part of London was a bit more familiar to Kody, being near the station. It was his first experience being this among Muggles, though. They were noisy and moved fast, often carrying strange things or using words he didn't have any hope of understanding.
In case he was nervous or overwhelmed, Marcus gave Kody's hand a reassuring squeeze to help ground him. And remind him he wasn't alone; Dad was here.
'What sort of food do your siblings like?' he wondered, keeping his son talking. 'Anything I should avoid? Though, I suppose you've only had whatever you could get growing up. In that case, shall we get some desserts too? Something absolutely not essential, but yummy?'
Post by Kody Ashworth on Nov 9, 2023 21:47:51 GMT 10
Kody looked at the little thread on his finger before the mitten was placed back on and grinned at his dad. What a cool way to remember something! When he'd take his mittens off at home, he'd see the string and remember why it was there!
"Thanks!" Kody shifted in his seat so he was able to see outside and face his dad at the same time.
"Okay so don't tell Reena, but I think she already knows, there's a mouse that comes into our bedroom. He's been doing it for a little while now and I feed him. I call him House Mouse! And then there's the cat." Kody tilted his head.
"I don't know where he came from but he started showing up. Mum seems okay with him sometimes and wary other times? But I like him! I always tell him how handsome and clever he is and feed him snacks when I can." He kicked his feet as he talked, excited to tell his dad all about these things.
Hopefully he wouldn't get into trouble for it.
"Um, the owl is new! I think mum got her last summer maybe? She's very sweet so I call her Sweetie." It was just a silly nickname for the owl. None of the creatures had proper names and Kody knew a part of that (buried deep so he didn't think about it too hard) was because he was scared to get attached.
In case his mum changed her mind and they were gone.
"For my cards, I don't really have a lot of them but I like collecting them. Sometimes for my birthday or for Christmas, I get another..." Kody hesitated and then ventured with, "Chocolate -- and if I have duplicates, I take my binder to school and trade them with my classmates."
There! Perfectly normal and Muggle!
He could have been talking about any card collection a teen boy like him would have (Gosh, he hoped Muggles collected cards too).
Kody continued chatting, careful to avoid certain words and phrases that would give them away as he talked about his favourite cards and which ones he really wanted (he almost had a full set of Apple Arrows players!).
The bus came to a stop and a rush of people sought to get off at the same stop as them. Kody panicked for a second until he felt his dad's hand again and he stuck close to him. Everyone seemed to rush around them with purpose and Kody was part amazed and part scared about it all.
It wasn't unlike Diagon Alley but it was different enough. The noise from the traffic, coupled with the constant hum of people, made his head spin a little.
His dad asked something and Kody took a little longer than normal to focus up and answer. Something about food for his siblings... What did they like? Oh, dear.
"Um, Reena likes healthy stuff?" At least from what he had seen at school the few times they ate together. It had stuck in his head because it was crunchy looking stuff with fruit and yoghurt.
And there were perfectly good sausages and bacon right there! Kody gasped, "And she doesn't really eat meat! I think she hates fish too?"
Hopefully he remembered that right! Kody thought about his other siblings too, "Let's see..."
He offered what little he had noticed about his siblings eating habits. It was hard since most of them sat together for breakfast and he was off at the Gryffindor table. So all his information came from the rare times they had gathered.
It wasn't much and he felt a bit down about that, "Stuff at home was just normal things when we were able to have them. Sandwiches, biscuits, fruits from the garden."
But he perked up when his dad said they could get something yummy, "Yeah! Let's get dessert!"
Who wouldn't love something sugary and sweet to eat later?
Healthy stuff? That was... not particularly helpful, but at least one of his kids were eating well despite the situation. After what he'd begun to realise about their living situation, he was especially glad they had Hogwarts to keep them fed most of the year. He dreaded to think how bad it might have been before that.
'Your mother hates fish too,' he said, nudging Kody into a Muggle grocery store.
To make Kody easier to find and track, he had him push the trolley. Marcus led the way, grabbing things from his list, but also pausing to peer quizzically at various Muggle foods that made no sense to him. A lot of strange packets, too.
He made sure not to get too much meat, and went easy on the produce since they had a lot of that growing at home. Marcus pointed out things for Kody to get, such as which glass bottle of milk was best for them. Then the breads, and flours, and of course eggs.
'Maybe we should get a chicken?' Marcus mused aloud as they shopped. 'No, two chickens. So they're not lonely. I'm not sure your mother would like that, though. And who to feed them?'
A charmed feed bin might work? Some self-cleaning charms. And perhaps... no, chickens were too much. And their yard was not a safe place for any creatures to roam about. He'd just have to keep a close eye on the food stocks. It was strange enough that they had a Muggle fridge. An enchanted one, of course, but still.
'Kody.' He beckoned his son over by the freezers, opening one of the door to let the cold out. 'These people are clever, right? You'd think we just stepped outside.'
Marcus smiled, not getting tired of these discoveries.
'But we've an important decision to make in the next isle.' He shut the freezer, and crouched to Kody's level. 'Desserts. Shall we get a whole chocolate cake or a box of custard tarts? Think carefully. What's the correct answer?'
Post by Kody Ashworth on Nov 10, 2023 9:50:51 GMT 10
"She does?" Kody smiled, clearly amused by this nugget of information. He wondered about telling Reena later but didn't know if she'd be pleased with finding out. He knew she had a complicated relationship with their mum (they all did) and wouldn't find it as interesting as he did.
Kody was happy to push the trolley, marvelling at the contraption what his dad was putting different things in. Kody tried to read all the packaging but there were so many things! Why did Muggles need so many different options for something as simple as bread?
Or cereal! Or milk!
Thank Merlin their dad was able to point out which milk for him to grab as there was simply too much choice. He added two bottles to their trolley and then whispered to his dad, "They have banana milk! I didn't know you could make banana from milk... Mug--- It's weird."
He made sure no one else could hear him and picked up the loaf of bread his dad wanted them to get and scooted the trolley along. It glided nicely over the supermarket flooring and Kody leaned on it, gliding along with it with glee.
Kody giggled as he kept doing this and then stopped by the eggs, "Chickens would be fun! If they made eggs and eat bugs from the garden, to protect the plants, maybe she would be okay with it?"
As for who would look after them, easy! He could do it when he wasn't at school and then at school... Oh. That was the problem. Maybe their dad could then? Kody puzzled over it as they rounded a corner into the freezer aisle.
It was like winter but indoors! Kody gasped as he was blasted with the chilled air, sticking his entire head into the freezer and giggling, "Amazing ! It's weird the things they have to do without, you know."
He managed to stop himself from saying the 'M' word at least. "Do they all have one of those things in their houses too? It's so, so cold! Maybe they use it to keep their houses cold in summer?"
Kody shivered and rubbed his mittened hands together with a smile, this was a lot of fun! He couldn't wait to tell his siblings all about it when they got home. He helped to pick out a few more things they needed and then looked at his dad.
A big decision? And Kody got to help make it? He all but vibrated with anticipation of what it would be.
"Oh!" Kody grinned, "The only right answer is both!"
What else would a teen boy, who wasn't allowed desserts at school except on special occasions and rarely got to enjoy a Chocolate Frog, say? Of course, he felt they had to have both!
Besides, he couldn't decide if his siblings would prefer one or the other and this way they could pick what they wanted.
Kody grinned from ear to ear and hoped his dad would agree with his choice. Even if it was cheating a bit.
'Hmm, I think banana milk is probably the same sort of thing as chocolate milk,' Marcus said, taking a closer look at some of the options.
He was not convinced that Aubrey would appreciate coming home to find they had chickens, nor would he without her permission but -- yeah, it was a fun idea. And one that probably won't happen, ever. No pets, no animals; only a poor owl they rescued and simply had to keep.
But Kody was having fun, and that's all that mattered. Marcus remained alert, keeping an eye on anyone who passed by them or cast the pair a glance. Kody's excitement was apparently a bit unusual, but most just smiled at him or went about their business.
Marcus watched his son carefully as the big question was posed, and Kody's response was met with an immediate grin and... well, no, he couldn't ruffle his hair.
'Exactly! Of course we get both.' He nodded in approval for his son's correct answer. 'I always knew you'd grow up smart.'
They finished their shopping, topped off with a whole chocolate cake and a box of custard tarts, then headed to the checkout. Marcus was quieter then, aside from letting Kody play with some Muggle coins -- rather apprehensive about all the Muggle machines and things that made noises or lit up. He couldn't help squinting at it, still unsure how it all worked without magic. What powered it, he wondered?
Maybe the stuff that zapped him when he'd fiddled with some light bulb things last year.
Having Kody carry some of the paper bags they'd specifically requested, Marcus led the way out of the grocery store. He subtly indicated for them to head into a bit of an alley, ducking into the shadows. He had Kody keep an eye out from where they were, and also to help block the view as Marcus discreetly cast some magic and stored their groceries away in his enchanted bag.
Arms unburdened, they father and son pair headed back into the busy London foot traffic. Marcus glanced towards the neartest bus stop, and sighed. He contemplated, looking around, then turned to face Kody.
'Actually, there's a few things I'd like to get from Diagon Alley. I think they'll help us,' he said, a bit hesitant. 'But Kody, this is riskier. I should cast some disguise charms, but it's not my best area of magic. We'll need to be quick and stay focused, can you do that? You've a bright smile and enthusiasm; I'm sure people recognise you by it.'
His tone was affectionate; these were not things about Kody that were bad or a problem -- but the unspoken question was if Kody could go completely undercover. Keep his head down, not express himself too much, and otherwise go as unnoticed as possible. Especially in a place as amazing as Diagon Alley, which he rarely got to see.
'It's asking a lot, I know.' Marcus nodded. 'But it is crucial not to draw attention to ourselves. It's only the Christmas holidays, so we should be okay if we're careful. Can you do this?'
Post by Kody Ashworth on Nov 10, 2023 20:34:10 GMT 10
Okay when his dad explained it like that, it made sense! Of course Muggles didn't just milk bananas. Haha, how silly of him! Kody marvelled about why they'd want banana flavoured milk in the first place as he followed his dad to get a chocolate cake and the custard tarts.
Kody liked stacking everything in their trolley and making sure the eggs or bread was safe on the top while the milk was okay bumping against other things. It was like a fun puzzle which said a lot, coming from Kody.
Soon they approached the tills and Kody helped his dad to move the groceries but... Wow, these machines were amazing. How did they know what they were buying! Everything popped up with a price and Kody took some coins from his dad to study.
Why did Muggles need so many? It was confusing! Three coins was a nice and simple system but they had coins for something as small as 'one pence' or 'one pound'. He did like the fifty pence coin as it was a fun shape, "Can I keep this one?"
He hoped it would be okay. Fifty sounded like a lot of money to have.
Soon everything was packed into paper bags and Kody helped to carry them outside, following his dad without question as they slipped into a side alleyway. Kody leaned casually against a wall, keeping an eye on people that went by while his dad put the food somewhere.
A magic bag! Woah! Kody almost asked about it when his dad started to explain something to him.
"Yeah dad, I can do that. You can trust me." Kody tugged his beanie down a little to cover his brows and ducked his head down into his scarf more. Hopefully it was enough for a school friend or someone else not to notice him.
At least he hadn't come to Diagon Alley during the summer so many some of the shopkeepers wouldn't recognise him -- had he changed a lot during that summer between third and fourth year? He hadn't thought so but then his mum's reaction to him growing up had always been on the sad side.
He thought it was normal but maybe he really was looking more and more like his dad.
Kody glanced at his dad and he could see it -- it was what had helped to break the spell back home. Kody could see the same features reflected at him, just a bit older.
"I'm ready." He said, exhaling a big breath and then nodding. His hand was offered to his dad and he stared down at the ground as he would follow his dad to the entrance to Diagon Alley and beyond.
It wouldn't be easy but Kody was determined to do a good job. He didn't want to let his dad down or put his siblings in danger. His stomach knotted with the worry about succeeding but he had to believe in himself!
Marcus was happy to let Kody keep the Muggle coin. He had more than enough to spare, and could easily convert more if needed. Ashworths had no concerning shortage of money, and even his "death" hadn't given him too much trouble with Gringotts as his over-preparation for the worst had paid off.
He smiled as Kody promised he could be trusted, and Marcus surely hoped so. He had no doubt that his son would do his best, but he was still just a child. One who was evidentially far too used to being cooped up at home where it was safe. The children lacked some real world experiences away from home or Hogwarts, and Marcus was rather nervous to suddenly be teaching some of that now.
They headed to the Leaky Cauldron, and Marcus kept Kody close in the dim yet noisy little pub. The barkeep gave him a casual wave, but didn't seem to interested in them. Or the addition of a child this time, though Marcus had said he was a father just in case he ever needed to not draw attention in this exact way.
He nudged Kody out the back, and tapped the bricks with his wand. Diagon Alley was revealed to them, as awe-inspiring as ever with its magical reveal. Spotting Quality Quidditch Supplies, he steered Kody to the other side of him just in case.
Temptations were everywhere.
'Let's stop by the Apocathary first,' Marcus said, pausing briefly to give a friendly wave to the owl perched outside the Magical Menagerie. 'Remember: no drawing attention to ourselves. But you don't need to be silent, if you have a question or there's something you need.'
He led the way to the store, which was more of a place that Reena or Ezra would enjoy. Especially with many creature-based ingredients sitting grossly in jars or even grabbed with bare hands. Marcus pulled a face at some sort of sea-monster-fish-looking head in a jar. Whatever that was.
'Ah, Antoninus,' said a man in an apron behind a counter. He was on the older side, and a little hunched, but had a spring in his step as he left from his stool to properly greet them. 'What ingredients take your fancy today? Oh... not alone today, I see?'
He eyed Kody curiously, and glanced at Marcus as if awaiting to be introduced.
'Yes, Christmas holidays and all that,' Marcus said, keeping the conversation loose by pretending focus on various ingredients on a nearby shelf. 'Keeping it in the family, you understand. Has my order come in, by chance?'
With his back turned, he was able to hide a gesture for Kody to put some distances between himself the the storekeeper -- to wander off into the store a little; still in earshot and range of Marcus, but just far enough away he could appear to be a bit of an anti-social teenager more interested in the store than joining in conversation.
'Not yet, I'm afraid. Some tricky ones you had there,' the storekeeper sighed. 'Anything you're after today?'
Marcus nodded, heading to the counter. The storekeeper offered some parchment, and watched as several ingredients were marked down. A few easy ones, and some he had to send an assistant into the back to see if they had any in stock or reserved.
Post by Kody Ashworth on Nov 20, 2023 1:59:29 GMT 10
Kody was really scared about mucking this up. His dad was relying on him to do a good job and Kody didn't want to disappoint him (or get them both into trouble). So he kept his head down and managed to avoid any temptations as they walked towards their first destination.
And it was hard. There were so many things to gawk at in Diagon Alley and Kody had missed out on the Summer visit too! He balled his hands into fists and shoved them into his pockets. No, he could be good!
Even so, the Apocathary wasn't really a shop that interested Kody all that much.
He much preferred his creatures in one piece and alive -- the same with his plants. He tried his best not to be too grossed at by something pickled that was floating in its container and stared at the floor. His trainers were way more interesting than bits and pieces of poor creatures.
His dad had said it was okay to ask questions if need be but Kody didn't want to accidentally say the wrong thing and give them away so he continued to look down. Hopefully the person running the shop didn't find his demeanour too weird or off-putting.
There was a barrel nearby of some shiny beetle shells and Kody shuffled closer to his dad, almost confused by the use of the name 'Antoninus' until he remembered -- and shut his mouth again.
Kody noticed the gesture from his dad and switched sides, moving a bit further away from the counter and over to stare at some skulls.
Not the worst thing in the shop but slightly more interesting than that barrel. Kody tilted his head as he looked, trying to decipher the shopkeeper's handwriting or identify the skull through his own merit. He made sure not to pick a spot too far from his dad.
As if on cue, he sighed and folded his arms together and looked at the next skull over that was a bit larger. Hopefully the shopkeeper would just think he wasn't interested in being here with his dad (when really, the complete opposite was the truth!).
Kody didn't know if he was doing a good job or not but it seemed to be okay so far.
He didn't want his dad to get caught...
Hopefully he wouldn't have to stare at the dead creature parts for much longer.
Gosh, Ezra would have loved sticking his hands in that barrel of shells.
Last Edit: Dec 6, 2023 7:54:58 GMT 10 by Kody Ashworth
They took some time in the Apocathary, with Marcus collecting a few things he needed -- and some Kody didn't get a good view of but seemed to be a special order or some sort. Once they were done, Marcus gave his son an approving smile and steered him out of the store -- to cut off further need for conversation from the storekeeper.
'Good job. Keep it up.' Marcus raised his hand, then sighed as he placed it on Kody's beanie. Ruffling his hair was a hard habit to break, but the beanie was necessary for now.
They made a few more stops, which became a bit rinse and repeat. Some books from Flourish and Botts, which were in a back section Kody hadn't even known existed -- then some mittens from Madam Malkin's; five pairs, all teal.
Then Marcus stared intently at the entrance to Knockturn Alley. He hesitated, giving Kody a glance as he contemplated, then sighed and shook his head. No, not today. Not with his son in tow, and so soon into gaining his trust. What if Kody changed his mind and ran off? What if people asked too many questions?
'Another time. Come on, one last stop then we can head home.' Marcus led Kody towards Gringotts, and they once again headed out of the cold. 'How are holding up, buddy? Not too cold? We're almost done, I promise.'
He fussed with Kody's collar, and tugged the beanie down a bit more. Even his expression had a fatherly feel to it. Ten years without it, yet despite his young age when Marcus "died"... the look was somehow familiar. It reminded him a little of Jaxen, but more intense and confident. His blue gaze, matching Kody's own... it showed sadness, but also love.
'This one is trickier,' Marcus said quietly as they headed further into Gringotts. 'Keep your head down when possible, but try to make it seem natural. I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that Goblins are not one of the friendlier beasts -- especially these days. Stay close.'
Marcus stood confidently in front of the head desk, not even reacting as the Goblin slowly scrutinised him with those intimidating black eyes.
'I wish to speak with Griphook,' Marcus said, his voice gaining an edge to it Kody wasn't used to. That wasn't his father's voice, but someone with authority and power. Someone who commanded respect. 'A matter of a private yet authorised arrangement.'
'Very well.' The Goblin nodded, though wasn't too pleased about it. 'Wait here.'
The Goblin climbed down the steps from its high desk, and headed off to speak with a supervisor. Marcus eyed them for a moment, then reached for Kody's hand to hold it protectively. A few other Goblins eyed them curiously or suspiciously; it was impossible to tell which.
'Avoid it if you can,' Marcus whispered to Kody, without breaking eye contact from them. 'But be honest in your identity, if asked. We can't afford to lie to a Goblin, and Griphook is somewhat aware of my situation. That doesn't mean we trust them, understood?'
Post by Kody Ashworth on Dec 6, 2023 9:58:59 GMT 10
When his dad praised him for doing a good job, Kody broke into a big smile -- he couldn't help it! It felt nice to be told he was doing something right, and he nodded, determined to keep it up.
They went to a few other shops and Kody was mostly quiet and kept to himself. He didn't ask any questions, but mostly looked at things while his dad did whatever business he needed to do. He did notice some off things, however.
The back area of the bookshop, for one, and the pause near Knockturn Alley as well. Kody had never ventured down there and didn't see a need to.
He wondered why his dad would have business there, since he had heard rumours about the kinds of people who used the shops there. But this was dad, so it couldn't be all bad? There had to be an explanation, but he didn't ask for it just now.
It was something he could ask about later... If he remembered...
"Thanks..." Kody continued to smile as his dad fussed with his collar and hat. He didn't feel too cold thanks to wrapping up warm but there was still that nip in the air. It made his cheeks and nose rosy and he knew if he touched them, they'd be icy to the touch.
Which just made him look forward to going home and warming himself by the fire!
Kody held his dad's gaze for a moment and marvelled how alike Jaxen he seemed at that moment. He had got that look from his older brother quite a few times over the years.
And then he was steered into Gringott's!
It would be hard for Kody to contain his excitement about being around the Goblins but he nodded at his dad's warning. He wasn't completely clueless and knew that relations between Goblins and Wizardkind wasn't the best at times.
He followed alongside his dad and squeezed his hand for comfort but mostly stared at the floor. He wanted to looked around and take in all the details of the Bank along with the workers. Kody fought the urge so hard he was chewing on his bottom lip and had his free hand balled into a fist in his pocket.
When his dad spoke, Kody glanced at him quickly at the unfamiliar tone and then caught himself. His gaze was dropped just as quickly and he took a renewed interest in the pattern on the tiled floor.
Kody listened as his dad whispered and he nodded, "I understand."
It wasn't in his nature to lie and it rarely came natural to Kody so he was glad he could be honest about who he was here. He had the feeling someone was watching him and when he chanced a quick look around, Kody noticed the Goblins that were staring in their direction.
He offered them a friendly smile but didn't linger long, looking away and down once more.
Hopefully this wouldn't be too tricky for him to endure and they would be heading home soon...
Kody couldn't remember ever having visited Gringotts before, though a few things were somewhat familiar so he must have at least once. Probably when he was much younger. As far as he knew, neither he nor any of his siblings had a vault. Unless he'd forgotten someone mentioning it? While that was possible, Kody definitely wouldn't have forgotten if he had his own.
So much of this place was mostly new to him, even if he couldn't really take it all in as per Marcus' instructions to keep his head bowed and not draw attention to himself. That continued as a Goblin, who was a bit smaller even by Goblin standards, approached them and gestured for them to follow him.
'How have you been, Griphook?' Marcus asked, keeping hold of Kody's hand yet appeared casual.
'Fine,' answered the Goblin, who then shot a glance over his shoulder. 'Bold of you to bring him this time.'
Marcus didn't comment, and they soon reached one of the carts. It was quite impressive, with lots of gold designs, and though Kody couldn't be sure he had a feeling this wasn't the standard cart used by visitors to Gringotts. He knew a little bit about the bank -- how could he not, with his keen interest in creatures that included coming across rumours of dragons deep within the lower floors of Gringotts?
'Get in,' Griphook said.
'Have you gotten sick from these carts before?' Marcus asked Kody, keeping hold of his hand as he got in first -- as if afraid the cart would leave if either one of them got in first while the other waited. 'This is a bit of a journey; much further than your vault.'
Post by Kody Ashworth on Dec 16, 2023 20:30:58 GMT 10
Kody started when the Goblin seemed to address him -- did this Griphook know who he was? Kody glanced at his dad for any kind of reassurance, but he didn't say anything himself.
Part of him struggled with this, since it seemed impolite not to introduce himself, but he focused on getting into the cart instead. It was rather ornate as well and seemed far more impressive than the regular ones he knew about.
There wasn't any trouble on his part with getting seated, and Kody smiled at his dad, "No, I don't mind them. I used to pretend I was flying when I rode them before."
Though, he had missed out on visiting the vault during the summer -- if they had done that.
Kody made sure he was as comfortable as he could be and kicked his feet a little, excited about the big whoosh of the cart taking off. His dad mentioned they would be travelling further than normal, and he was interested to see how deep they would go.
Would they pass a dragon on the way?
He hoped so! Kody would give anything for another chance to see one in person.
Marcus smiled at Kody's answer, and nodded as if of course that made complete sense. He wondered if Kody got there on his own, or if his imagining of flying was from a long-lost memory of Marcus "flying" him around with his hands as they played together. He'd never forget that innocent squeal of laughter each time he'd done that.
But the boy beside him was no longer that toddler, but a teenager. Marcus sighed, peering at the walls and caverns whizzing by. He was quiet for the rest of the journey, immersed in his memories yet without getting lost in them as Aubrey was so prone to doing.
The deeper into the Gringotts they sped, the more Kody was convinced he'd heard roars somewhere just out of reach. Then sounds and vaults became sparse, and they finally came to a stop outside an area that was clearly quite old. Well maintained, but still there were hints in the the rocks, and the isolation.
'Vault 27,' Griphook announced, leaving the cart with a lantern. 'You know the rules.'
Marcus nodded, gesturing for Kody to hurry to his side and keep close. He approached the vault, and handed off a key to Griphook when requested. The goblin opened the door, waited for them to enter, then slammed it shut.
Wincing at the action, Marcus got out his wand. 'Lumos,' he whispered.
The Wand-Lighting charm was necessary, given how the vault was near-complete darkness otherwise. It started as a bit of a room, then a short tunnel, and into a... well, the surroundings were far too dark to make out its size.
'I've only done this once, with Reena. Usually it's just me,' Marcus said, looking around as if awaiting something.
Putting his wand between his teeth to allow use of both hands, Marcus rolled up his left sleeve to expose his forearm. In doing so, his veins became visible as if his blood had turned black. He grimaced at the sight, and raised his arm out as if offering it to the room. The floor beneath them rippled with magic under the solid surface.
'Copy me,' he told Kody. 'This part won't hurt you, but have your wand ready.'
Something about the room felt ominous though, from the moment Marcus exposed his forearm to it. A shift in the air felt thick, yet as if the floor was ice -- as the cold temperature drifted up from it. Kody's skin prickled with goosebumps. Of all the words available, the one that seemed to best fit was a deep sense that they were unwelcome.
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