Angel and Liam - Chapter 38a - To London Town We Go.
Story Title : Angel and Liam; Beginnings
Chapter Title Chapter 38a -To London Town We Go.
Chapter Summary: Liam and Sirius visit London.
Main Characters Liam, Sirius, interesting Londoners
Rating PG
And when I do you better hide all the girls… cause I’m gonna break their hearts all round the world
**I’ll Cry Instead - The Beatles**
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Perched behind Sirius as they sped far above the great expanse of countryside connecting Grimmauld and London, Liam reveled in the excitement of this absolutely awesome way to travel. Nothing could be better than doing exactly what he was at this very moment. Here they were; two men streaking across the sky on a flying motorbike. And they were gonna see the coolest places in all of London. Even better, he could go anywhere and do just he wanted. Sirius wouldn’t mind. After all didn’t Sirius just tell him he didn’t want him to change? Sirius was the only one in the universe who loved him exactly as he was. Gods he couldn’t wait to get there. Though he had to admit, just being here with Sirius above everything didn’t blow either.
“You alright back there luv?”
“F-f-f-fine.” Liam replied through chattering teeth. He laid his cheek against Sirius’ back, thankful for the warmth.
“Well just hang on a bit. Not too long now.” The motorbike rumbled louder as Sirius coaxed it faster.
Icy wind whipped Liam’s hair, tangling it beyond repair. A few minutes ago he thought he could never get any colder, but he was wrong. It seemed the faster they traveled, the more the temperature dropped. Now it was downright frigid. Snuggling even closer, he breathed in the familiar aroma of leather laced with Sirius. Damn, his ‘uncle’ was so like his Angel.
Liam thought of the first thing he’d do when they finally arrived in London…. unknot this hair. It would take the teensiest bit of a spell, not even enough to notice. He wouldn’t be breaking his word to Remus. It wouldn’t be doing magic outside of Grimmauld. Surely it wouldn’t count as magic. And anyway, there was no way he was gonna walk around London like this….. But maybe he wouldn’t even need the spell. Just maybe he and Sirius would be permanently frozen together by then.
“Ready luv? Hang on.”
A split second later they were plunging downward at neck breaking speed.
“Yeaaaaahhhhhh!” Liam screamed and clutched Sirius tightly; immediately followed by the loud screeching of tires on pavement. Gods how he loved this. All the magic in the world couldn’t top that kind of landing. All that wonderful traveling stuff he knew was boring in comparison. Hell his whole life was one big bore! Yet that was gonna change as of today.
Looking around, he knew this place was definitely not boring. Ah this was London; well, Sirius’ London. Gone was the place he and Angel had visited when they played hooky from school. Gone were the grey and brown tweed suits. Gone were the book sellers. Gone were the people with zombie eyes, walking right by without a ‘hello’. This place was excellent! Liam quickly dismounted and bounded forward, pausing only long enough to give Sirius a quick peck. Soon he was surrounded in a world of colour…spiked hair, tartan hoodies, red trainers with high tops, flip flops, and tees sporting bands he hadn’t even heard of. Cool!
And….
“Hey, hold up,” Sirius yelled after him in a slightly deflated tone. His wonderful landing had gone unnoticed. “Am I just transportation?”
Liam skipped ahead, “I’m driving on the way home.” He couldn’t wait to dive into this city. And what a city it was. Directly in front of him stood a beautiful shop clad in purple and green. Above the front door hung a wooden swinging sign with the words “Kite Menagerie.” Never in his entire life had Liam seen a store just for kites. And never before had he seen a kite as wonderful as the Chinese dragon adorning the front window. His forehead and palms now flat against the glass; Liam literally breathed in the bright oranges, pinks, greens and yellows; imagining the beast whipping in the wind, far above the mundane world.
“Liam?” Sirius’ voice came from behind him; yet Liam was so wrapped in his kite world, he didn’t hear.
“Liam luv,” Sirius placed his hand on Liam’s shoulder, “What say we look around a bit.”
“Huh?” Liam shook his head slightly, released from the dragon’s spell.
“Dragon’s great, isn’t it?” Sirius’ smile reflected in the window glass. “Listen, we can come back for it on the way out. Whatcha say?”
“Um…maybe.” As he stepped away, Liam grimace at the second reflection now staring back at him from the window; an image standing right next to Sirius; the image of a dweeb in a white poet shirt, black jeans and trainers. How could he have allowed himself to go to London dressed this way? And why did he ever allow himself to own anything such as these? Could he ever have liked this stuff? As it sunk in just how pathetic he was, a shudder traveled down his spine.
“Sirius, where’s the clothes shops?”
“All in good time. Got a few other things planned first.”
“But…”
“Not to worry. You look just fine… lovely in fact.”
“Gods, please don’t say that.”
“You don’t want to look lovely?” Sirius teased.
“No I don’t want to look lovely. Now where’s the store?”
“Not far. Come on.” Sirius put his arm around him. Liam rolled his shoulders and walked quickly ahead, outpacing Sirius. Knowing his ‘uncle’ would find his reaction very funny, Liam could almost see the corners of Sirius’ mouth turning up as he tried hard not to laugh. Yet this was anything but funny. He didn’t appreciate looking like this in public and he sure didn’t want to hear that Sirius understood. Sirius didn’t understand. How could he, being a Black and all?
“We can go clothes shopping first if that’s what you want.”
“Humph!”
“That’s not what you want?”
“Lovely…,” he mumbled.
“Luv what is it you DO want?”.
Liam shrugged. What he really wanted to do was stamp his foot and scream, but he held back.
“Come on then, whatcha say we just walk? If you see something we’ll stop.”
Confused by the anger that bubbled just below the surface, Liam came close to telling Sirius where he could go. Yet Sirius walked ahead, peering into windows as if everything was normal. “Coming luv?”
Relieved that Sirius hadn’t noticed his ‘almost tantrum’, Liam sighed and put a smile on his face, scurrying to meet him.
“OMG Sirius, did you look at these?” He had never seen such a shop; the entire window filled with items jumbled together; a fisherman knit sweater, a pirate’s hat complete with scull and crossbones, silk collars and some with studs, dogtags, jeweled ankle bracelets. “Is this a…?”
“Yup.”
“Muggles sure are strange.”
“That they are.”
“Do people really buy this stuff for their dogs?”
“Yup, Pet Mates is a very popular store. Wanna go inside and watch the pooches trying on stuff?
“Um… just a moment. I have an idea,” Liam glanced at Sirius and then back at a beautiful tartan in the window. “See the kilt here?”
“Yes…and?” Sirius suspiciously replied.
“The sign says that in order to go inside you must bring your pet.”
Sirius squinted. He knew exactly what Liam meant to do. Yet he seemed surprised to be playing straight man to Liam’s antics. “Uh-huh….and?”
“Well, wouldn’t it be a riot if you bring S’more? I could try on the kilt and….”
Sirius guffawed. “I love it. But listen, this trip is supposed to be totally mugglish, no magic at all.”
“S’more isn’t magic.” Liam said with definite agitation.
“I know he isn’t, luv.”
“Your flying motorbike; now that is magic. But S’more isn’t.”
“Really luv, I know…”
“No you don’t…” Liam interrupted.
“You don’t have to tell me a thing. I know,” Sirius reassured him. “He is part of you… right?”
“Right! So there is no magic at all… no foul.”
“I don’t think London is ready for such a handsome animal.”
“Yeah… yeah…” Liam rolled his eyes and mumbled.
“So luv, where should we go next?”
“How ‘bout a muggle pet shop? We could scare a cat or two.”
“That’s an idea. But maybe you would prefer a place a little more…” He paused, trying hard to hold back a laugh, “…educational.”
“You better not be talking about anything with books.”
“And what’s so bad about that?” Sirius teased with his best innocent look, though the evil sparkle in his eyes betrayed him, “There’s one just up here that sells...”
“I SAID NO! You even try and I’m going off alone.”
“Kidding….. kidding,” Sirius gave him a bear hug. “Listen, you know I’d never take you to one of those places, right?”
Liam pushed away. “Quit hugging me. Someone might see.”
“Right?”
“Just don’t let it happen again.” Liam’s balled fist lashed out, squarely meeting Sirius’ shoulder.
“Oh a battle is it?” Sirius returned the blow, yet his fist just found air as Liam ducked.
“Missed!!!”
“Not for long.” This time Sirius met his target. “Can’t you do any better?”
Liam’s answer went wide as Sirius deflected it.
The ensuing contest was filled with punches and laughter.
“Liam luv, think we should get back to the task at hand?”
“Liam shrugged, taking full advantage of Sirius’ guard being down.
“Feeling better?” Sirius grabbed Liam’s wrist.
“Copasetic.”
“Good. Listen, I know I’m a tease, but you’ll just have to get used to it. You know old Remus? He has to put up with quite a bit of it; and do you know what he does? Rolls his eyes and tells me to quit acting the arse.”
“Really?”
“Yup, but I know he likes it. Remus is funny that way. He just can’t resist the Black charm.”
Liam smiled. Sirius was rather cute… and funny.
“Now that’s the smile I’ve come to know and love. If you’re ready, follow me. Just up the street there is a shop I’m sure you’ll like.”
His interest peaked, Liam walked along side Sirius, fighting the urge to stop off at other shops on the way. There was so much to see on this street alone, he didn’t think he could see it all in a week.
Yet, despite great effort, one particular establishment couldn’t be denied. From behind the glass, the balding shopkeeper arranged a most interesting window display… muggle timepiece artwork; watch faces stuck here and there to the surface of drawings. The little man seemed to be having a hard time getting it to look just right, as he shifted the pictures around; finally moving the antique car with its wheels made of gold watches to the center.
“Hey Sirius, I’m getting something for Mr. Weasley. Which one do you think?”
“You know these don’t really work, right?”
“They don’t?”
“Nope, they’re just artwork. But Arthur would love one. Probably have it ticking in no time.”
As Liam crouched to get a closer look, the shopkeeper finally noticed his potential customers and rushed outside. “I see you have your eye on a very lovely piece, my best in fact; 18 carat gold timepieces make up the wheels. And the artwork is by Madame Giselle… all the way from Paris. You won’t find any better than this one. And….”
Liam watched the little man’s lips move in synch with the pleasant sound of his voice. It might have been the rhythm that awoke something within or the timber telling him everything was fine; yet Liam broke out in a wide smile; the first real one in weeks.
“… unique, one of a kind.” The shopkeeper’s eyes twinkled, thinking he definitely had a sale. “Stay right here.” He dashed into the shop, returning with his arms full of merchandise wrapped in cloths. “Let’s look through a few of these treasures, shall we? Now,” he uncovered the first, wiping it as he talked, “I have the very thing for your friend here. He looks like a man who appreciates two wheeled transportation with a bit of speed. Am I correct?”
Liam nodded. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that one out. Sirius was decked out in leather jacket and boots.
“So he might like this.” He held up a picture of a motorbike, the watch faces used for wheels. “Painted by Jerry; a yank from across the pond. He knows his bikes; accurate to the last detail.”
Liam and Sirius giggled together. “I don’t think so; but Mr. Weasley would like it too.”
“And this Mr. Weasley, he likes cars and motorbikes?”
“Uh-huh, but especially muggl...” He stopped himself. Muggles never knew what a muggle was. “Mr. Weasley likes gadgets, like plugs and he tinkers with cars.”
“Ah, a man of exceptional taste. I have the perfect item; drawn by a local artist. As he stood in the fields, easel up and brush in his hand, painting the colours of sunrise, he was fortunate to witness a most extraordinary vehicle.”
As the cloth fell from around the object, Liam’s mouth dropped. Impressed into the surface was a gleaming gold timepiece. It wasn’t the timepiece or the fact that it was used as the face of Big Ben that surprised Liam; it was the flying car circling the tower. That had to be the one the Weasley’s owned. Had this man seen Ron and Harry?
Seeing Liam’s reaction, the shopkeeper beamed, “I must admit the artist is my youngest brother, Calvin. Such an imagination that boy has; he swears he actually saw it, yet the boy traipses off to the countryside in the wee hours of the morning, so I figure it was a passing shadow or perhaps faerie dust. He did enjoy Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as a child.”
Liam could have sworn the man gave him a quick wink before he continued his pitch. “But who am I to contradict a great artist. And this is definitely a Ford Anglia, not a model-T. Did you notice the motorcar has no wheels? Calvin took artistic license there; said there was no reason for wheels on a flying motorcar. And, as he had seen the car flying in the countryside, far from anywhere; he added Big Ben. And do you know why?”
Liam shook his head.
“Neither do I. So, should I wrap it for you? Your Mr. Weasley would love this bit of whimsy.”
Liam was sure he would, yet Mrs.Weasley might not appreciate being reminded of her sons’ early morning Harry Potter rescue.
Unwilling to give Liam a minute to reconsider, the merchant continued, “Didn’t Calvin choose a lovely timepiece? Come closer.”
Gong! Gong! The chiming escaped from the tower and the hands of the great timepiece swooshed anticlockwise as the drawing came alive; yet just for a second. The next moment, everything was quiet again. Reaching for Sirius’ hand Liam shook his head slightly, trying to shake the sleep away. For surely he had just nodded off for a bit. “Sirius, let’s get out of here.”
As soon as they were out of earshot, Sirius squeezed Liam’s hand. “I was hoping you’d pass that stuff up; artwork for the tourists. And Arthur would love almost anything you brought him. Loads of great shops here.”
“Clothes next!” Yet Liam’s stomach growled in protest. Nearly two hours had past without nourishment.
“Liam luv, diversion may be in order. There’s food just around the corner.”
Yet, just as Sirius opened his mouth, his words were drowned out by music flowing from a nearby shop. Spinning around to get a look at the melody’s source, Liam quickly wiped his face, hoping Sirius’ attention was on food and not his tears. Why in the hell was he crying? Jeeez, what a berk he was. He needed to straighten up….and grow up. Guys didn’t cry like this. This was supposed to be a day out with his uncle. He was making a total mess of things.
“Um Sirius,” Liam was taken aback, his jaw dropped.
“Hmmmm?”
“Are you sure we’re in London?”
“Yup, why?”
Why indeed. The shop was little more than a grand tent pitched in an empty lot, laid atop rubble from what had once been a proper building. This place could easily have blended into the wizarding world. All manner of musical instruments were strung across the canvas. Horns and pipes covered two long wooden tables.
Just outside the tables the proprietor sat cross-legged on the ground. Clad in an African print robe, the young man looked downwards in concentration, effectively hiding his face from passersby; displaying his blonde pate. Liam was sure this man was a wizard. No muggle would have dared to dig a pit in the pavement. And who but a wizard would have strung tones across that pit… and struck those tones with sticks?
As wood met tone, sound resonated from them; sometimes in melody and at other times harmony. Then unexpectedly, everything went quiet, leaving Liam’s ears aching for more. Why had he stopped?
The wizard’s chest rose as he took a slow deep breath before beginning again. This time the tune was familiar; one Liam remembered from his time inside his trunk; one his father played on a wooden flute. Liam didn’t care for this at all. Who was this wizard?
Yet before he could ponder that mystery, the wizard looked directly at him. Taken off guard by that familiar music, Liam had let his guard down and was now laid bare before this man as icy dark eyes bore deeply into him. What had he seen? Did he know about Angel? Shhhhhhhhh! He needed to quiet his mind before he gave everything away.
Liam squeezed his eye shut, hoping against hope
That small action did the trick. When his eyes reopened, the wizard's intensity had lessened. In fact the man cracked a smile.
A peaceful feeling swept over Liam, telling him everything would be all right. He and Angel would get through this thing. Angel.... that boy hadn't been left alone at Grimmauld. Liam carried him wherever he went. The wizard had somehow reminded his of that, yet Liam didn't really care for him. There was something.....
“Liam luv,” Sirius voice came from nowhere, “I’m off to get coffee. Just stay here. I’ll bring you a cup.”
“Nope,” Liam grasped his hand, “I’m going too.”
“You ok?”
“Fine.” Now convinced he had just imagined all that junk, Liam knew he would be ok once he was far from that shop.
“Listen, that music thingy will fit on my bike.”
“No thanks,” Liam quickly answered. Not feeling like explaining, he quickly added, “We’ll need all the room for my new clothes.”
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Next Chapter - Liam and Sirius
1. Meet girls
2. Get coffee
3. Get their hair styled
4. Go to the movies
5. Go to the park
6. And finally shop for clothes.
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Links to all Chapters
Or Click on the "Angel and Liam" tag to display all chapters.
Chapter Listing
Chapter Title Chapter 38a -To London Town We Go.
Chapter Summary: Liam and Sirius visit London.
Main Characters Liam, Sirius, interesting Londoners
Rating PG
And when I do you better hide all the girls… cause I’m gonna break their hearts all round the world
**I’ll Cry Instead - The Beatles**
@@@
Perched behind Sirius as they sped far above the great expanse of countryside connecting Grimmauld and London, Liam reveled in the excitement of this absolutely awesome way to travel. Nothing could be better than doing exactly what he was at this very moment. Here they were; two men streaking across the sky on a flying motorbike. And they were gonna see the coolest places in all of London. Even better, he could go anywhere and do just he wanted. Sirius wouldn’t mind. After all didn’t Sirius just tell him he didn’t want him to change? Sirius was the only one in the universe who loved him exactly as he was. Gods he couldn’t wait to get there. Though he had to admit, just being here with Sirius above everything didn’t blow either.
“You alright back there luv?”
“F-f-f-fine.” Liam replied through chattering teeth. He laid his cheek against Sirius’ back, thankful for the warmth.
“Well just hang on a bit. Not too long now.” The motorbike rumbled louder as Sirius coaxed it faster.
Icy wind whipped Liam’s hair, tangling it beyond repair. A few minutes ago he thought he could never get any colder, but he was wrong. It seemed the faster they traveled, the more the temperature dropped. Now it was downright frigid. Snuggling even closer, he breathed in the familiar aroma of leather laced with Sirius. Damn, his ‘uncle’ was so like his Angel.
Liam thought of the first thing he’d do when they finally arrived in London…. unknot this hair. It would take the teensiest bit of a spell, not even enough to notice. He wouldn’t be breaking his word to Remus. It wouldn’t be doing magic outside of Grimmauld. Surely it wouldn’t count as magic. And anyway, there was no way he was gonna walk around London like this….. But maybe he wouldn’t even need the spell. Just maybe he and Sirius would be permanently frozen together by then.
“Ready luv? Hang on.”
A split second later they were plunging downward at neck breaking speed.
“Yeaaaaahhhhhh!” Liam screamed and clutched Sirius tightly; immediately followed by the loud screeching of tires on pavement. Gods how he loved this. All the magic in the world couldn’t top that kind of landing. All that wonderful traveling stuff he knew was boring in comparison. Hell his whole life was one big bore! Yet that was gonna change as of today.
Looking around, he knew this place was definitely not boring. Ah this was London; well, Sirius’ London. Gone was the place he and Angel had visited when they played hooky from school. Gone were the grey and brown tweed suits. Gone were the book sellers. Gone were the people with zombie eyes, walking right by without a ‘hello’. This place was excellent! Liam quickly dismounted and bounded forward, pausing only long enough to give Sirius a quick peck. Soon he was surrounded in a world of colour…spiked hair, tartan hoodies, red trainers with high tops, flip flops, and tees sporting bands he hadn’t even heard of. Cool!
And….
“Hey, hold up,” Sirius yelled after him in a slightly deflated tone. His wonderful landing had gone unnoticed. “Am I just transportation?”
Liam skipped ahead, “I’m driving on the way home.” He couldn’t wait to dive into this city. And what a city it was. Directly in front of him stood a beautiful shop clad in purple and green. Above the front door hung a wooden swinging sign with the words “Kite Menagerie.” Never in his entire life had Liam seen a store just for kites. And never before had he seen a kite as wonderful as the Chinese dragon adorning the front window. His forehead and palms now flat against the glass; Liam literally breathed in the bright oranges, pinks, greens and yellows; imagining the beast whipping in the wind, far above the mundane world.
“Liam?” Sirius’ voice came from behind him; yet Liam was so wrapped in his kite world, he didn’t hear.
“Liam luv,” Sirius placed his hand on Liam’s shoulder, “What say we look around a bit.”
“Huh?” Liam shook his head slightly, released from the dragon’s spell.
“Dragon’s great, isn’t it?” Sirius’ smile reflected in the window glass. “Listen, we can come back for it on the way out. Whatcha say?”
“Um…maybe.” As he stepped away, Liam grimace at the second reflection now staring back at him from the window; an image standing right next to Sirius; the image of a dweeb in a white poet shirt, black jeans and trainers. How could he have allowed himself to go to London dressed this way? And why did he ever allow himself to own anything such as these? Could he ever have liked this stuff? As it sunk in just how pathetic he was, a shudder traveled down his spine.
“Sirius, where’s the clothes shops?”
“All in good time. Got a few other things planned first.”
“But…”
“Not to worry. You look just fine… lovely in fact.”
“Gods, please don’t say that.”
“You don’t want to look lovely?” Sirius teased.
“No I don’t want to look lovely. Now where’s the store?”
“Not far. Come on.” Sirius put his arm around him. Liam rolled his shoulders and walked quickly ahead, outpacing Sirius. Knowing his ‘uncle’ would find his reaction very funny, Liam could almost see the corners of Sirius’ mouth turning up as he tried hard not to laugh. Yet this was anything but funny. He didn’t appreciate looking like this in public and he sure didn’t want to hear that Sirius understood. Sirius didn’t understand. How could he, being a Black and all?
“We can go clothes shopping first if that’s what you want.”
“Humph!”
“That’s not what you want?”
“Lovely…,” he mumbled.
“Luv what is it you DO want?”.
Liam shrugged. What he really wanted to do was stamp his foot and scream, but he held back.
“Come on then, whatcha say we just walk? If you see something we’ll stop.”
Confused by the anger that bubbled just below the surface, Liam came close to telling Sirius where he could go. Yet Sirius walked ahead, peering into windows as if everything was normal. “Coming luv?”
Relieved that Sirius hadn’t noticed his ‘almost tantrum’, Liam sighed and put a smile on his face, scurrying to meet him.
“OMG Sirius, did you look at these?” He had never seen such a shop; the entire window filled with items jumbled together; a fisherman knit sweater, a pirate’s hat complete with scull and crossbones, silk collars and some with studs, dogtags, jeweled ankle bracelets. “Is this a…?”
“Yup.”
“Muggles sure are strange.”
“That they are.”
“Do people really buy this stuff for their dogs?”
“Yup, Pet Mates is a very popular store. Wanna go inside and watch the pooches trying on stuff?
“Um… just a moment. I have an idea,” Liam glanced at Sirius and then back at a beautiful tartan in the window. “See the kilt here?”
“Yes…and?” Sirius suspiciously replied.
“The sign says that in order to go inside you must bring your pet.”
Sirius squinted. He knew exactly what Liam meant to do. Yet he seemed surprised to be playing straight man to Liam’s antics. “Uh-huh….and?”
“Well, wouldn’t it be a riot if you bring S’more? I could try on the kilt and….”
Sirius guffawed. “I love it. But listen, this trip is supposed to be totally mugglish, no magic at all.”
“S’more isn’t magic.” Liam said with definite agitation.
“I know he isn’t, luv.”
“Your flying motorbike; now that is magic. But S’more isn’t.”
“Really luv, I know…”
“No you don’t…” Liam interrupted.
“You don’t have to tell me a thing. I know,” Sirius reassured him. “He is part of you… right?”
“Right! So there is no magic at all… no foul.”
“I don’t think London is ready for such a handsome animal.”
“Yeah… yeah…” Liam rolled his eyes and mumbled.
“So luv, where should we go next?”
“How ‘bout a muggle pet shop? We could scare a cat or two.”
“That’s an idea. But maybe you would prefer a place a little more…” He paused, trying hard to hold back a laugh, “…educational.”
“You better not be talking about anything with books.”
“And what’s so bad about that?” Sirius teased with his best innocent look, though the evil sparkle in his eyes betrayed him, “There’s one just up here that sells...”
“I SAID NO! You even try and I’m going off alone.”
“Kidding….. kidding,” Sirius gave him a bear hug. “Listen, you know I’d never take you to one of those places, right?”
Liam pushed away. “Quit hugging me. Someone might see.”
“Right?”
“Just don’t let it happen again.” Liam’s balled fist lashed out, squarely meeting Sirius’ shoulder.
“Oh a battle is it?” Sirius returned the blow, yet his fist just found air as Liam ducked.
“Missed!!!”
“Not for long.” This time Sirius met his target. “Can’t you do any better?”
Liam’s answer went wide as Sirius deflected it.
The ensuing contest was filled with punches and laughter.
“Liam luv, think we should get back to the task at hand?”
“Liam shrugged, taking full advantage of Sirius’ guard being down.
“Feeling better?” Sirius grabbed Liam’s wrist.
“Copasetic.”
“Good. Listen, I know I’m a tease, but you’ll just have to get used to it. You know old Remus? He has to put up with quite a bit of it; and do you know what he does? Rolls his eyes and tells me to quit acting the arse.”
“Really?”
“Yup, but I know he likes it. Remus is funny that way. He just can’t resist the Black charm.”
Liam smiled. Sirius was rather cute… and funny.
“Now that’s the smile I’ve come to know and love. If you’re ready, follow me. Just up the street there is a shop I’m sure you’ll like.”
His interest peaked, Liam walked along side Sirius, fighting the urge to stop off at other shops on the way. There was so much to see on this street alone, he didn’t think he could see it all in a week.
Yet, despite great effort, one particular establishment couldn’t be denied. From behind the glass, the balding shopkeeper arranged a most interesting window display… muggle timepiece artwork; watch faces stuck here and there to the surface of drawings. The little man seemed to be having a hard time getting it to look just right, as he shifted the pictures around; finally moving the antique car with its wheels made of gold watches to the center.
“Hey Sirius, I’m getting something for Mr. Weasley. Which one do you think?”
“You know these don’t really work, right?”
“They don’t?”
“Nope, they’re just artwork. But Arthur would love one. Probably have it ticking in no time.”
As Liam crouched to get a closer look, the shopkeeper finally noticed his potential customers and rushed outside. “I see you have your eye on a very lovely piece, my best in fact; 18 carat gold timepieces make up the wheels. And the artwork is by Madame Giselle… all the way from Paris. You won’t find any better than this one. And….”
Liam watched the little man’s lips move in synch with the pleasant sound of his voice. It might have been the rhythm that awoke something within or the timber telling him everything was fine; yet Liam broke out in a wide smile; the first real one in weeks.
“… unique, one of a kind.” The shopkeeper’s eyes twinkled, thinking he definitely had a sale. “Stay right here.” He dashed into the shop, returning with his arms full of merchandise wrapped in cloths. “Let’s look through a few of these treasures, shall we? Now,” he uncovered the first, wiping it as he talked, “I have the very thing for your friend here. He looks like a man who appreciates two wheeled transportation with a bit of speed. Am I correct?”
Liam nodded. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that one out. Sirius was decked out in leather jacket and boots.
“So he might like this.” He held up a picture of a motorbike, the watch faces used for wheels. “Painted by Jerry; a yank from across the pond. He knows his bikes; accurate to the last detail.”
Liam and Sirius giggled together. “I don’t think so; but Mr. Weasley would like it too.”
“And this Mr. Weasley, he likes cars and motorbikes?”
“Uh-huh, but especially muggl...” He stopped himself. Muggles never knew what a muggle was. “Mr. Weasley likes gadgets, like plugs and he tinkers with cars.”
“Ah, a man of exceptional taste. I have the perfect item; drawn by a local artist. As he stood in the fields, easel up and brush in his hand, painting the colours of sunrise, he was fortunate to witness a most extraordinary vehicle.”
As the cloth fell from around the object, Liam’s mouth dropped. Impressed into the surface was a gleaming gold timepiece. It wasn’t the timepiece or the fact that it was used as the face of Big Ben that surprised Liam; it was the flying car circling the tower. That had to be the one the Weasley’s owned. Had this man seen Ron and Harry?
Seeing Liam’s reaction, the shopkeeper beamed, “I must admit the artist is my youngest brother, Calvin. Such an imagination that boy has; he swears he actually saw it, yet the boy traipses off to the countryside in the wee hours of the morning, so I figure it was a passing shadow or perhaps faerie dust. He did enjoy Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as a child.”
Liam could have sworn the man gave him a quick wink before he continued his pitch. “But who am I to contradict a great artist. And this is definitely a Ford Anglia, not a model-T. Did you notice the motorcar has no wheels? Calvin took artistic license there; said there was no reason for wheels on a flying motorcar. And, as he had seen the car flying in the countryside, far from anywhere; he added Big Ben. And do you know why?”
Liam shook his head.
“Neither do I. So, should I wrap it for you? Your Mr. Weasley would love this bit of whimsy.”
Liam was sure he would, yet Mrs.Weasley might not appreciate being reminded of her sons’ early morning Harry Potter rescue.
Unwilling to give Liam a minute to reconsider, the merchant continued, “Didn’t Calvin choose a lovely timepiece? Come closer.”
Gong! Gong! The chiming escaped from the tower and the hands of the great timepiece swooshed anticlockwise as the drawing came alive; yet just for a second. The next moment, everything was quiet again. Reaching for Sirius’ hand Liam shook his head slightly, trying to shake the sleep away. For surely he had just nodded off for a bit. “Sirius, let’s get out of here.”
As soon as they were out of earshot, Sirius squeezed Liam’s hand. “I was hoping you’d pass that stuff up; artwork for the tourists. And Arthur would love almost anything you brought him. Loads of great shops here.”
“Clothes next!” Yet Liam’s stomach growled in protest. Nearly two hours had past without nourishment.
“Liam luv, diversion may be in order. There’s food just around the corner.”
Yet, just as Sirius opened his mouth, his words were drowned out by music flowing from a nearby shop. Spinning around to get a look at the melody’s source, Liam quickly wiped his face, hoping Sirius’ attention was on food and not his tears. Why in the hell was he crying? Jeeez, what a berk he was. He needed to straighten up….and grow up. Guys didn’t cry like this. This was supposed to be a day out with his uncle. He was making a total mess of things.
“Um Sirius,” Liam was taken aback, his jaw dropped.
“Hmmmm?”
“Are you sure we’re in London?”
“Yup, why?”
Why indeed. The shop was little more than a grand tent pitched in an empty lot, laid atop rubble from what had once been a proper building. This place could easily have blended into the wizarding world. All manner of musical instruments were strung across the canvas. Horns and pipes covered two long wooden tables.
Just outside the tables the proprietor sat cross-legged on the ground. Clad in an African print robe, the young man looked downwards in concentration, effectively hiding his face from passersby; displaying his blonde pate. Liam was sure this man was a wizard. No muggle would have dared to dig a pit in the pavement. And who but a wizard would have strung tones across that pit… and struck those tones with sticks?
As wood met tone, sound resonated from them; sometimes in melody and at other times harmony. Then unexpectedly, everything went quiet, leaving Liam’s ears aching for more. Why had he stopped?
The wizard’s chest rose as he took a slow deep breath before beginning again. This time the tune was familiar; one Liam remembered from his time inside his trunk; one his father played on a wooden flute. Liam didn’t care for this at all. Who was this wizard?
Yet before he could ponder that mystery, the wizard looked directly at him. Taken off guard by that familiar music, Liam had let his guard down and was now laid bare before this man as icy dark eyes bore deeply into him. What had he seen? Did he know about Angel? Shhhhhhhhh! He needed to quiet his mind before he gave everything away.
Liam squeezed his eye shut, hoping against hope
That small action did the trick. When his eyes reopened, the wizard's intensity had lessened. In fact the man cracked a smile.
A peaceful feeling swept over Liam, telling him everything would be all right. He and Angel would get through this thing. Angel.... that boy hadn't been left alone at Grimmauld. Liam carried him wherever he went. The wizard had somehow reminded his of that, yet Liam didn't really care for him. There was something.....
“Liam luv,” Sirius voice came from nowhere, “I’m off to get coffee. Just stay here. I’ll bring you a cup.”
“Nope,” Liam grasped his hand, “I’m going too.”
“You ok?”
“Fine.” Now convinced he had just imagined all that junk, Liam knew he would be ok once he was far from that shop.
“Listen, that music thingy will fit on my bike.”
“No thanks,” Liam quickly answered. Not feeling like explaining, he quickly added, “We’ll need all the room for my new clothes.”
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Next Chapter - Liam and Sirius
1. Meet girls
2. Get coffee
3. Get their hair styled
4. Go to the movies
5. Go to the park
6. And finally shop for clothes.
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