Dueling for Salem

Jared, Myra, and JP didn't sleep much that night, suffering from a combination of worry and the time change. Filius had conjured three cots for them and insisted that they try to sleep. He had formulated a plan for the following day. When he woke them in the morning, they had only achieved several hours of sleep. Breakfast had been delivered and was waiting for them on the table, as were a pile of robes. "You shouldn't wear your Salem uniforms," he told the girls. "Here are some Hogwarts robes." To Jared, he handed a set of teacher's robes, then he instructed all of them to change. "We're going to London," he announced. No one asked questions, since they had come to him for help.

In the front entrance, Filius spoke quickly to Professor McGonagall, who whispered, "I've spoken with the ministry. They will be expecting you this afternoon."

"Thank you, Minerva."

"Thank you, Professor," Jared said. McGonagall nodded in response. As they descended the stone steps, he asked Filius, "Why are we going to London?"

"We need to see the wandmaker."

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After a long walk down Diagon Alley, Filius led them into Ollivander's wand shop. "Hello," he called into the dusty store.

A young man with thick glasses approached them, eying Jared, Myra, and JP suspiciously. When he saw Filius, his expression changed. "Professor Flitwick!" he exclaimed. "How may I help you? I hope your wand is still working for you. Seven inches, willow, if I remember correctly."

"You do, thank you. And my wand is working beautifully. I need wands for my nieces, and I would like to purchase several hundred stock wands."

"Several hundred? Why? Do you know what that costs?"

"You have heard the stories, I'm sure, of the situation in the United States. We must rearm as many witches and wizards as possible. And about the cost, I am willing to cover most of it, but I was also hoping for a good deal." Filius smiled at the wandmaker, who laughed nervously.

"I think we can arrange that. You can find some wands while I fit your nieces for their wands. Come with me, ladies."

Jared and Filius located as many inexpensive and spare wands as they could, while JP and Myra followed Mr. Ollivander to the back of the shop. "Which is your wand arm?" he asked JP.

"My left."

"What is your best subject?"

"Charms, I guess. And Muggle Studies."

"Charms. I see. I took you for a dueler. Do you compete?"

"No."

"I think you just remind me of someone, but I may have the wand for you." Ollivander sorted through several dusty boxes, finally locating one and handing JP the wand. He was correct that it would be the right wand; it started sending out golden sparks immediately. "Just as I suspected. Willow, unicorn hair, specially crafted handle. Perfect for charms and dueling. The same as your uncle, and as his finest student."

JP strutted around the store, waving her wand, then joined Filius and Jared at pulling wand boxes off the shelves, while Mr. Ollivander turned to Myra. "Wand hand?"

"Right."

"What are you good at?"

"I don't know. I like Runes."

"Runes?" Mr. Ollivander considered for a moment, before beginning to hand Myra wands. He held out model after model "dragon, unicorn, willow, yew, ash..." None of them responded. "What did you have before?"

"Cedar."

"That's not as common in the UK."

Myra looked down. This same thing had happened when she had bought her first wand, and the one she chose had barely reacted. "Think about something you're passionate about. Try casting a few spells if that works."

Myra started to become embarrassed. "It's alright," Ollivander said, sensing her discomfort. "Try to focus."

Thinking of anything specific became difficult. Myra thought of her family, her first ever real adventure in England, and her school. Eventually, a wand sparked. "There you go," Ollivander said, apparently relieved. It would be embarrassing for him if he couldn't find a wand for every witch and wizard. "Professor Flitwick," he called. "Have you found all of the wands you require?"

"Yes, thank you. Would you mind providing us with two bags? My niece and nephew need to bring them home."

As they left Ollivander's, Filius stopped Myra and Jared and handed each a bag of wands. "I need one of you to find your parents and one of you to return to the school. Bring wands to each place, and wait for my signal. I fear this may not end without a fight. You may decide who travels where."

Jared and Myra looked at each other as each took a worn brown bag from Filius. For the first time the entire trip, Myra felt sure about something. "I'll go to Salem," she said definitely. Jared looked at her for a moment, but didn't argue the point. Instead, he simply nodded, and the group walked back toward the Leaky Cauldron and the fireplaces out of Diagon Alley.

Jared stepped out of the magical alley on the other side of the Leaky Cauldron to use JP's cell phone. His father answered on the first ring. "Dad, are you alright? Where are you?"

"We're in Cambridge still. We're about to leave for Troy's nightclub."

"Is Troy with you?"

"Yes. He's been very helpful, actually."

"I'll meet you at the club, Dad."

Filius and JP were comparing wands when he got back inside, and Myra was looking nervous. Jared handed JP her phone, and Filius insisted that they eat lunch before Flooing back to the U.S. "Be prepared to become invisible, to fight, anything. Apparate immediately if possible. Just be careful."

"Are you sure you don't want Joan to come with one of us?" Jared asked.

"Yes, I'd rather she came with me."

"Where are you going?"

"To the Ministry of Magic. We're seeking help in case of a battle."

Jared and Myra nodded. They didn't have much to say as they finished eating and prepared to leave. "Thank you, Filius," Myra whispered as her uncle hugged her and wished her good luck. "Be brave, Myra," he said. "I know you have the passion you need."

JP was practically jumping up and down as Filius handed her the pot of Floo Powder. She was ready for the continuation of her big England adventure, and wasn't jealous at all of her siblings who were returning to the U.S. amid Aurors and mounting political tension. "Ministry of Magic," she shouted, and she and Filius were gone in a flash of green.

"Good luck, Myra," Jared called, one fireplace next to her. "Take care of the school for me."

Myra couldn't reply, but shouted, "Salem, Massachusetts," at the same time Jared said, "Cambridge, Massachusetts."