Letters, Wands, and Quiet Turning Points
Keith received Hermione's letter early in the week.
She explained that Susan, Helena, Daphne, Cassandra, Penelope, Katie, and Angelina were planning to meet in Diagon Alley that Saturday—and that Astoria had also received permission from Hogwarts to join them.
Keith read it once.
Then nodded.
A reply went out the same evening.
Rias would come with him.
Diagon Alley — Saturday
Two days later, Keith stepped into Diagon Alley beside Rias.
The crowd shifted almost instinctively.
Waiting for them were—
Susan Bones
Helena Prince
Daphne Greengrass
Cassandra Vole
Penelope Clearwater
Katie Bell
Angelina Johnson
Astoria Greengrass
Keith smiled faintly and greeted them.
The tension that had followed the girls for weeks eased immediately.
Ollivanders — A Familiar Curiosity
Ollivander's pale eyes lit up the moment he saw Keith.
"Ah," he murmured. "You."
Keith produced his wand.
A marble-white core, sapphire-blue markings spiraling along its length.
Ollivander inhaled sharply.
"I still remember," he said quietly. "Two wands… becoming one."
He examined it carefully, reverently, then returned it.
"Extraordinary," he whispered.
Then his attention shifted.
"Miss Greengrass."
Astoria bounced on her heels, barely containing herself.
Wand after wand passed—
Until—
A pulse of magic filled the shop.
Astoria gasped.
Her wand had chosen her.
She beamed.
Without thinking, Keith patted her head.
She froze—then blushed furiously.
He paid without comment.
"Consider it a gift," he said.
Astoria hugged him tightly.
Keith brushed her hair back gently before stepping away.
Books and Glances
They moved through Flourish and Blotts.
That was when Keith noticed the Weasleys.
Molly, Ginny, the twins, and Ron.
He greeted them politely.
Ginny flushed immediately.
Keith's eyes flicked to the book in Ron's hands.
"What's that?" he asked the twins.
Fred grinned.
George laughed.
"His biography," they chorused. "About how he defeated You-Know-Who."
Keith stared.
Then quietly asked, "Rias… pinch me."
She did.
"It's not a dream," she confirmed.
The girls and twins nodded in agreement.
Keith exhaled once—and decided to keep his distance.
Chaos, As Expected
Near Lockhart's signing table, voices rose.
Arthur Weasley and Lucius Malfoy.
Then—
Arthur punched him.
Lucius stumbled.
Keith saw it all.
Including the diary slipping into Ron's cauldron.
He did nothing.
Some threads needed to run their course.
After Lucius stormed out, Keith approached Arthur.
Gave him a thumbs-up.
"Well done."
Arthur laughed.
Mentioned the latest raid on Malfoy Manor.
Keith praised his work.
Arthur returned the praise—this time for Keith's alchemy.
Decisions Made
Outside the shop, the group lingered.
Then Daphne spoke.
"Our father wants to meet you."
Astoria nodded quickly.
Keith inclined his head.
"I understand."
He turned to Rias.
"Go back to the mansion. I'll return later."
Rias smiled knowingly.
And with that—
Keith left Diagon Alley with Daphne and Astoria Greengrass.
Toward a mansion where pressure would finally meet resolve.