Daddy, you’re going the wrong way.
I’m aware. I say while lifting a box up and placing it in the cart
Why? Where are we going? Is it another secret mission? Am I too old for these anymore? Does your job require more dangerous tasks as I grow older?
No. The cart takes stuff to the other side of the station. So we’re going there. Get in, we need to hurry.
What’s in the box? Are we smuggling something? Did you steal it? Is it a prize? Is it something for me? Daddy, tell me what’s in the box.
Before I can reply, I walk over to a large door. There is no sign of life anywhere nearby. I place my hand on a strange looking lock and turn it, causing the door to open. I then walk through the door and down a long hallway. After that, we are in a large, but less crowded part of the station. There are still some stores, but most of them have closed for the night. To our left is a cart like this one, but not as crowded, and to our right is a cart heading in the opposite direction. The cart I am picking up boxes from seems to be full.
Daddy, where are we? What are we doing here? Why are we sneaking around at night? Why do you need to bring me along? Can’t you take care of it by yourself? Daddy, talk to me!
I look at Rose. Before I can reply, an automated voice speaks to us.
Rose looks up, startled by the automated voice What was that? Daddy, what’s going on? Is this some sort of trap? Why can’t we go back to living a normal life? Why must we keep running away and hiding? Daddy, please… I just want things to go back to how they used to be...
The automated voice goes silent, as it continues its scan of the area, seeing if we have replied. It has brought attention to us though, as a couple Aurors quickly head towards us.
Daddy, we’re in trouble again, aren’t we? These are Aurors! We need to run! Rose starts looking around for an escape route
I cast a spell that puts us both into hiding, on top of the cart that is heading in the opposite direction of us. It has a bed in it, which fits us both.
Daddy, did you cast a spell? How can you do that? Wasn’t that a complex spell only the most powerful wizards can perform? Do you mean to tell me that you can protect us from the Aurors?
As the cart begins moving on its own, carrying us away from danger, I turn to her. Well, love. I may be your loving husband, but I am also the chamerppion of Britain.
Daddy, why did you keep that from me? How long have you been doing this? Is there anything else you haven’t told me? Are you hiding other secrets from me too? Why didn’t you tell me you were the champion of Britain? Why did you keep it a secret from me? Do you not trust me? Am I not good enough for you?
I sigh. You shouldn’t know this, but since the whole castle saw the metero shower I guess that’s out the window now. Your mother was the brightest witch of our age, and her mother before her. And as for me, I am related to Garrick and Pomfrey. I don’t think that will make you feel better, but there it is.
Daddy, I can handle the truth. I want to know everything. Don’t keep things from me anymore. Rose’s eyes plead with him, wanting to be included
I chuckle. You deserve to know, love. But as a parent, I should also consider the safety of my children as well. The secrecy protects you all.
Daddy, I understand the need for secrecy, but sometimes I wish I could be more involved. I want to help you. I want to be like her, Hermione. I want to contribute to the greater good. But I feel like you’re keeping everything from me. Why won’t you let me help you? Can’t I be like her too? Why can’t I be a part of it?
The cart suddenly jolts, waking a young boy up who had fallen asleep on the end of the cart we were hiding on. Oh, sorry. A short little man says, who I realize is the cart operator. I’ll get the Bed Knight, it doesn’t happen often, but when it does, we usually just wake up anyone currently on the cart. Sorry again.
Wait. A Bed Knight? Is that what these carts are called? Rose starts to investigate the cart and the controls
I watch her as she does. Love, next time, maybe tell the cart driver to stop after picking up passengers. Or find somewhere more secluded. I know you’re not a child, but it’s still dangerous. I don’t want to lose you or Albus.
Daddy, I understand the dangers, but I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself. Please, let me help you. I want to be part of the greater good too. Rose looks at him with determination, wanting to prove she’s capable
The cart continues moving for a few minutes before stopping, but the cart driver suddenly lets out a scream. Looking over the edge of the cart, we see that someone has been caught on the rail as the cart moved, and their arms are flailing in desperation.
Daddy, what can we do? Someone’s about to get hurt! Rose grabs his arm, urging him to do something about the situation
I raise my wand and fire off two spells at once. The first, reduccio, dims the light so the person cant see what we are doing. The second, Leg Bind, casts a magic rope around them, pulling them inside of the cart.
Daddy, you just saved that person! Thank you. That was amazing. I’ve never seen someone cast two spells at once before. Are you the best wizard alive?
I smile. I wouldn’t say alive, more-almost dead. You sure you weren’t dropped on your head as an infant?
Rose huffs, feeling slightly offended Daddy, I wasn’t dropped on my head. I was absolutely perfect when I was born. Mother said so herself. And I’m not that bad, am I? Daddy, you still love me, right?
Of course, sweetheart. I love you and Albus both just as much as I love Ginny, and you’re definitely smarter than she is. Though that’s saying nothing because she’s probably the least intelligent person ever.
Dad, don’t say that about mum! She’s really smart; she just isn’t the best at showing it. Besides, she’s your wife and you love her, don’t you?
Of course I do. At least when she doesn’t act like a dogged old mare sometimes. Anyway, Rose, what are you going to do?
Daddy, I think we should free this person and see what they were doing. Maybe they were trying to stop us. Maybe they were just being nosy.
The person suddenly wakes up, thinking he’s in free fall because he can’t feel the floor. What the-?! Who the hell just pulled me onto this cart?!
Rose raises her wand, ready to defend herself if necessary Sir, we saved you from falling onto the tracks. Now tell us, why were you following us?
The man pauses, seemingly surprised. Looks like a good save. You people are some type of magical law enforcement, correct?
Not exactly. We were just passing through and noticed you were about to fall onto the tracks. We wanted to make sure you were safe.