Chapter 1: Diagon Alley

Rachel

Rachel was kneeling on the ground behind the counter of Olivander's wand shop, her long brown hair hiding her face. She had taken this job as a sixth year student, hoping to make some extra money before the start of the term. A few moments ago, she had discovered that her old best friend was finally coming home. She had dropped a whole handful of wands on the ground in shock. Olivander was doing his best to get the donkey ears off the startled man from the Ministry of Magic.

Rachel pulled a picture out of the pocket of her work robes. She was about thirteen in the picture, wearing a brand new set of Gryffindor robes, her short brown hair blowing in the breeze. At her side stood a boy of about the same age with silver hair and lavender eyes. He was laughing at the camera, pointing to the castle behind them. The picture had been taken a little over four years ago.

"Rachel, the wands aren't going to pick themselves up," said Olivander. Rachel put the picture away and stood, clutching the wands to her chest.

"What are you so happy about? Get back to work!" Olivander demanded.

This time, Olivander's jabs didn't bother her. It didn't matter. Zero Kiryu was coming back.

Zero

Zero wasn't really sure why the Minister of Magic had demanded he go back to Hogwarts, or why the Headmaster and Yuki had to come along with him, but here he was standing outside of the pub that would take him to Diagon Ally. He didn't want to be here, his old friends probably hated him. What was worse, he had absolutely no money from the wizarding world to speak of, so he had to get a job somewhere before the term started. Like that would be possible.

Understandably, Yuki had almost had a heart attack when some strange man in robes had suddenly appeared in the Headmaster's office. Then she proceeded to get angry with Zero because he never told her the truth. Not that there had been any reason too. At least, not until now.

He showed Yuki and the Headmaster how to get inside without being noticed. When they were in he went straight to the back of the pub, where the entrance to Diagon Ally was. He was hoping the barman, Tom, wouldn't notice him. They had had some dealings in the past. No such luck.

"Zero is that you?" the voice didn't come from Tom; however, it came from a blonde haired girl. Her long hair seemed to be floating around her face and she was wearing the most ridiculous pair of glasses he had ever seen. Yuki stumbled backwards, in shock when she saw her face.

"Long time, no see Luna," Zero replied, "What's with the glasses?"

Luna took them off, her pretty face hiding her strange nature. "Your friend there, she's surrounded by wrackspurts."

"Wracka-wha?" Yuki said.

"They don't exist Yuki, don't worry about it," Zero said.

Luna pouted, "Maybe to you they don't,"

Zero ignored her, "Where are the others Luna?"

"Harry, Hermione, and Ron are at Fred and George's new joke shop, I suppose. I was just about to go join them," Luna got up and drifted towards the entrance to Diagon Ally. Zero followed, Yuki and the Headmaster close behind him.

"What about Rachel?" he asked.

"You know how it is, she was born to a family of Muggles like you were. She got a job at Ollivander's wand shop so she'd have something to spend at Hogsmeade this year. Last year she spent all of her money on school supplies. Hermione and I had to share what we bought with her." Luna pulled out her wand and tapped the bricks.

"Is she still mad at me for not telling her where I went?" he asked, as the entrance opened. They stepped onto the street.

"I don't think so. She's more concerned with just getting through school. At least, that's my guess."

"So you don't really know," Zero said.

"No, I don't. She doesn't really talk much anymore," said Luna. The entrance closed, and Diagon Alley unfolded before them.

It was just as he remembered it, full of bustling people. Hogwarts students were running here and there, looking at broomsticks and buying school supplies while their parents chatted among themselves.

"So, where exactly are you going?" Luna asked.

"No idea," Zero said.

"Then I would go to Ollivander's first and work your way up the street till you get to Fred and George's joke shop. I'll meet you there if you want."

"Sure, thanks Luna."

"Don't mention it," she said before disappearing into the crowd.

"She's a strange girl," commented the Headmaster.

"You get used to it," Zero said as he led them to Ollivander's wand shop.