Leona's short choppy hair waved in the wind as they walked through the streets of London. Her big brown doe eyes took in the sights of the city. They had been walking for some time now and Leona was beginning to wonder when they would make it to this Diagon Alley. As they walked she would quickly look into the windows of the shops lining the street. They held so many different things. She was excited to see Diagon Alley wherever it was. Maybe she would meet some people her age and make friends before going to school. It would be great to go to Hogwarts knowing someone. Looking over at Professor Sprout she asked, "How much further Professor?"
Professor Sprout looked over at Leona before looking ahead. "It's right here," She said pointing to a building that looked as if it had been burned down and rebuilt with the ashes. Looking at the sign she read 'The Leaky Cauldron'. She was confused as to why no one else questioned the odd appearance of the building. If she were to be a person passing by Leona was sure she would freak out at the creepy looking building. As they walked into the building Leona noticed many different men and women in the building. Most wore robes, some even had pointed hats. She looked at Professor Sprout confused but, got no explanation of the place they were in.
Walking through the tavern she felt many eyes boring into her. Looking back at the people in the place she saw most looking at her. It made her feel self conscious of her appearance. You'd think they've never seen someone like me before. Shaking her head she followed after Professor Sprout quietly not knowing what was going on. They entered a room in the back and came face to face with a brick wall. Confused still she watched the Professor tap the wall three times with her wand before pointing it at the wall. The wall wiggled and a hole appeared and got wider and wider until and archway appeared.
Behind the wall was a vast area full of shops and people running around. Stepping through the archway she took in the sights. It was magical, the way everything looked to the happiness she saw in everyone's faces. Leona couldn't help but spin around still taking in everything. "Now, now dear we have to get to Gringotts to exchange this muggle money for wizard money. Come along." The professor spoke shooing Leona along the street toward a large white building.
Entering the building leona marveled at the sheer size of the insides. A vast marble hall with some little people running around with papers while other sat at desks counting gold coins. Looking up at Professor Sprout she pointed at the little people with pointed ears asking, "What are those? I've never seen anything like them."
"Those are goblins. Be careful of them there not the nicest bunch." SHe explained walking over to one of the counters. "I'd like to exchange this for wizarding money," her voice raised slightly to get the goblin's attention. He looked over his desk at Professor Sprout, sneering slightly before grabbing the money and starting to exchange it for wizarding money. Leona was surprised at the goblins behavior. It was odd to see them up close. This goblin, in particular, had crazy curly black hair and red beady eyes. His skin was a pale gray and scaly.
"Here," He spoke in a deep gravelly voice as he pushed coins towards Professor Sprout. She took the coins from the desk, putting them into a bag. Walking away Leona couldn't help but look back at the beady-eyed goblin in slight fear. He looked so mean.
"Alright let's see. We have 29 galleons and 52 sickles. That should be enough for everything and for some extra stuff if you so choose to get." The professor explained looking over at Leona.
"What are galleons and sickles?" She questioned the professor.
"Galleons and sickles are a wizards currency. There are also knuts. Galleons are the gold ones, sickles are silver, and knuts are bronze. They each have their own value as you will come to learn." Professor Sprout explained walking down the street with Leona in tow. "Now where should we start?" She asked the young girl.
"How about a wand? I'm quite excited to see one!" Leona exclaimed jumps up and down slightly. The professor chuckled slightly taking Leona's hand and pulling her gently along the street. They walked for a few minutes till they arrived at an old store with boxes in the window. The rickety sign said 'Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C'. As they walked in a bell hanging from the door rang and two people turned to look at them. Both were male but, one was about her age while the other was an older gentleman with white hair. He was holding what looked to be a wand. Smiling she waved walking up to the boy and older man who she guessed was Ollivander.
"Pomona Sprout! It's wonderful to see you again. What do I owe the visit? Wait let me guess you're here to escort this young woman around to get her stuff." He spoke in a soft voice. "What's your name miss?"
"Leona James," she spoke shyly. Her eyes moved to the boy around her age. He must be here to get a wand as well. If that's true then he has to be her age. Smiling at him she waved, receiving a wave back as Ollivander began talking again. "I'll be with you just a moment Mrs. James."
Leona sat in a rickety old chair watching the boy, whose name she still did not know, buy his wand with a pale face. Something must have spooked him for him to have that reaction to getting a wand. As he began to leave Leona stopped him by saying, "What's your name? I'm Leona but, you already know that."
"My names Harry. It's nice to meet you." His voice came out smooth and slightly low.
"It's nice to meet you too Harry. Maybe I'll see you on the train to Hogwarts?" She questioned slightly her voice cracky as she was nervous to be talking to other people her age.
"Yea! I'll see you on the train," His voice was enthusiastic as he left the store leaving Leona with the two adults.
Walking over to Ollivander he asked, "Which is your wand hand?"
Confused she said, "I'm right handed." Humming to himself he walked into the back, disappearing behind the shelves, before reappearing with a stack of boxes in his arms. "Now there is somethings for you to know. Wands are made of different types of wood and has different cores to them. There's dragonheart strings, unicorn hair, and phoenix feathers. Also, remember the wand chooses the wizard not the other way around."
"But how will I know if the wand chooses me?" Leona questioned more confused now than before.
A small smile came to the old man's face as he said, "You'll know when it happens, every wizard experiences something different." Moving to open one of the boxes he said, "Now let's try this one willow, dragonheart strings, 10 inches, slightly bendy." Taking the wand she gave it a slight wave but nothing happened. The wand was snached out of her hand as another was put in it. "I have a feeling about this one. Oak, dragonheart strings, 9 inches, rigid."
A warm feeling spread through her as she started feeling many different emotions coming from everyone in the room. Then blue light shot out of the tip as she waved the wand lighting the dimly lit room. Fear coursed through her as she felt emotions that didn't belong to her. She could feel the joy coming from Ollivander and the amazement coming from Professor Sprout. Leona didn't understand what was going on. Looking at the other two people in the room she dropped her wand and grabbed her head as more emotions filled her.
Worry, fear, surprise, she didn't know who was feeling them and wanted it to stop. "Help me!" She shouted falling to her knees as the emotions became stronger.
Ollivander and Pomona ran to Leona's side worried and fearful. They had no idea what was going on and could only watch her as she withered in pain. As the pain intensified Leona's vision started to fade as dark spots clouded her vision before finally everything went dark.
