When the time was right, Gemini's group leisurely headed toward Ice and Fire Restaurant. Tony knew the location. No need to worry. Just weren't sure how Banner would get there—wait at The Leaky Cauldron?
Gemini stood hesitating at the entrance. Spotted Hagrid in the distance. Saying something to the person beside him. Walking this way. The person with him—Banner.
"Ha! Gemini! Long time no see!" Hagrid, with his height advantage, spotted her first. Waved. Called out loudly.
Gemini waved back. "Hagrid, you brought Banner? Thanks! Come on, eat with us. We're heading back to America tonight."
Hagrid hesitated slightly. Agreed. "Don't mention it. Why the rush?"
Gemini smiled. "Just came to have fun. Handle some business. Come on, I'll introduce you to a little brother. He'll need your care in the future."
Hagrid was delighted. Followed them inside.
Ice and Fire Restaurant wasn't large. Ordinary food enhanced with magic. Looked special. Since they were all Diagon Alley merchants, George got a large private room from the owner. Fit everyone.
Every staff member and customer knew Hagrid. Greeted him. When Hagrid entered the room, staff brought utensils and a chair suited to his size. Amazed the Americans.
"Nothing strange. Anyone who went to Hogwarts knows Hagrid. The British magical world's small—who hasn't been to Hogwarts?" Gemini explained. Formally introduced Hagrid to Peter.
Told Hagrid about Peter's situation. Hagrid laughed. Patted Peter's shoulder. Patted him down into his chair. Quickly apologized. Everyone burst out laughing.
Learning about Peter's family, Hagrid thumped his chest. Promised he'd look after Peter at school. Course, prerequisite—Peter wasn't like the twins. He wasn't young anymore. Didn't want to spend half his life chasing people out of the Forbidden Forest.
Everyone looked at the twins. They loved pranks. But nowhere near what Hagrid described.
Seeing everyone's curiosity, Hagrid ignored the twins' attempts to stop him. Sold out their dark history. Tony laughed without restraint.
The meal was thoroughly enjoyable. Hagrid said goodbye—going to Knockturn Alley for insecticide. Gemini was tempted to go. But looking at the large group behind her, abandoned the idea.
After discussion, everyone decided to go back. Rest. Pack up. Head home. Originally planned international fireplace travel. But seeing the Muggles, Harry abandoned that.
When Harry returned from the Ministry, he carried a worn car tire.
Gemini looked at it with disgust. "Can't the Ministry change things up? This junk gets recycled in the Muggle world now."
Harry ruffled her hair helplessly. "Alright, just for a moment. Don't be picky. I applied for an international Portkey. Address set to your shop—much more convenient."
Gemini stopped complaining. Everyone hastily ate. Packed luggage. When Harry saw the time was right, the group went to the yard.
Everyone looked at each other. At the worn tire. No wonder Gemini complained. From porcelain vase to broken tire. No transition. Quite a difference.
"Hurry up, it's almost time. Don't want to be left behind? Put a finger on it." Harry urged.
Gemini pushed Steve to hold the tire. Everyone else carefully extended one finger.
With Harry's countdown, the familiar hook sensation. Everyone fell into dizziness.
When the void became solid ground, everyone tumbled into a pile. Took great effort to separate. Left the sitting room a mess. Gemini was too lazy to clean. Announced everyone return to rooms—Coby would organize luggage with Bogg and Libis.
Looking at the sky outside, time difference—still daylight in America. Gemini was exhausted. Downed a bottle of energy potion. Forced herself to organize new clothes and accessories. Matched by style. Placed in wardrobe. Didn't know about others. But she had to adjust to the time difference.
The following days—peaceful. Heard Tony was forced to study. Only released every few days to be a superhero. Get some air. Made New York security much better. Word was Iron Man had been in a bad mood. Appeared unpredictably. Those wanting trouble quietly held back. What if they ran into his line of fire? Better not tempt fate.
Everyone lived routine lives. Steve's problem—completely resolved. Took leave to visit Carter. After hearing their story, Gemini sponsored a youth potion. Could briefly return someone to their most cherished moment. Addictive. Required precious materials. Gemini only had this one bottle.
Having resolved his burden, Steve returned to the All-Purpose Shop. Contentedly worked as security. Fairly useless. Biggest contribution—Brooklyn's security now almost matched Manhattan's.
Gemini ignored outside affairs. Immersed in review. Hermione had George bring her old notes—nearly two boxes. As Hermione put it: "Good God! Less than ten weeks until exams!"
Gemini said grades didn't matter. But for someone who'd dropped out, doing too poorly was embarrassing. Speaking of which, this trip back, Gemini formally acknowledged Harry as godfather. Sirius witnessed. Made Harry's guardianship more proper.
Not much business in the shop. But couldn't leave it unattended. May set up a stall outside. Sold small accessories from China. From flyers she'd received watching competitions. Flyers showed addresses and phones. After May got the idea, called to inquire. Very accommodating. Arranged magical shipping even though her order wasn't large.
When Gemini found out, opened a space in the display window. Let May sell inside without rent. After all, she'd left the first floor to the couple. The All-Purpose Shop gained another function.
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