[alansplace]

“Oh bugger!” Albus cried again, grabbing Rose and yanking her aside.

The Jiskra screeched, this time exhaling a directed spray of mist from one head. The other head spat a streak of white sparks, like a stone striking a flint. The sparks ignited the mist, which exploded into blue-orange flame.

James boggled as the flames filled the space where, only a moment before, Albus and Rose had been standing. Fire bloomed against the wall, lighting an enormous tapestry. A hand suddenly seized James’ wrist. He glanced up to see Nastasia, her wand lowered, her face wide-eyed and impatient, dragging him toward the fireplace.

“Come on, Cornelius!” she declared. “You want to become a permanent resident?”

The Collector strode forward, his wand raised. For the moment, however, he was distracted by the burning tapestry. A jet of water erupted from his wand, hissing against the flames.

“Al!” James cried, “Rose!”

Nastasia grabbed a small pot from the mantel over the fireplace: Floo Powder, of course. She heaved it into the fire, where it shattered.
“Jump!” she commanded, pulling James along with her.

Green flames swirled around him as he half-leapt, half-fell into the hearth. Behind him, Rose screamed; Albus cursed; the Collector roared. An instant later, the noise fell away, engulfed in spinning green flames.

Wherever James and Nastasia were headed, he could only hope that his cousin and brother had both the good sense and great fortune to follow.