Hannah Potter
Chapter Two: Madam Malkins, Flourish and Blotts and a Gift
"It's only nine-thirty so we have a couple of hours before lunch." She said as she glanced at her watch. "I think we should finish up our shopping at Diagon Alley before we head to the Muggle shops for clothes. Is that all right with you, Hannah?" Professor McGonagall asked kindly.
"It's alright, Professor McGonagall." Hannah said cheerfully. She wouldn't mind seeing more Wizarding shops, they certainly sounded more interesting than a muggle clothes shop (though she was excited to get some new clothes-girl clothes, for once).
"Very well then," She nodded before she asked, "do you have your list?" At Hannah's confused look, she sighed and explained, "It was with the letter I gave you a while ago."
Hannah took out the letter and saw a second piece of parchment she hadn't noticed before. She smiled sheepishly as she unfolded it.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
UNIFORM
First-year students will require:
Three sets of plain work robes (black) One plain pointed hat (black) for day wearOne pair of protective glovers (dragon hide or similar)One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupils' clothes should carry nametags.
COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1)
By Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A Beginners' Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi
By Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
By Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection
By Quentin Trimble
OTHER EQUIPMENT
1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales
Students may also bring an owl OR a cat OR a toad
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS
"Since Madam Malkin's is near here, we should get your school robes first." Professor McGonagall pointed to a nearby shop that had the sign 'Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions'.
'Madam Malkin' turned out to be a squat, smiling witch dressed in all mauve.
"Oh, Professor McGonagall! What brings you so far away from Hogwarts?" The small witch exclaimed in surprise and Hannah got the feeling Professor McGonagall didn't go out of Hogwarts very often.
"Just helping out a new muggleborn student," She replied casually and Hannah did not miss how she pointedly failed to mention her name. She would have to ask about that later.
"Ah," Madam Malkin nodded knowingly, "I see Headmaster Dumbledore is treating his Deputy less like a second-in-command and more like a personal assistant again." She said disapprovingly.
Professor McGonagall sighed, "I told you it's not like that Silvia!"
Madam Malkin shook her head sadly before saying, "I tell you, Minerva, doing chores for him will not make him want to marry you!"
"Silvia!" She hissed, "I told you I do not like Albus Dumbledore in that matter! He is just a very good friend of mine!" Madam Malkin only shook her head again and muttered what sounded to Hannah like 'still in denial'. Hannah wondered who this 'Albus Dumbledore' person was but decided that Professor McGonagall probably wouldn't appreciate her asking.
"And anyway," Professor McGonagall continued, "I want to take a more proactive role in the student's lives by helping them."
"Whatever you say, Minerva," she said placatingly, clearly not convinced, "Now, come on dear, I'll get you fitted." She said to Hannah.
The three of them went to the back of the shop where a pale boy with blonde hair was standing on a footstool while a second witch pinned up his long black robes. Madam Malkin stood Hannah on a stool next to the boy, slipped a long black robe over her head, and began to pin it to the right length.
Up close, Hannah could see the boy was rather pretty, in a delicate sort of way. He had beautiful hair and for a moment Hannah was rather jealous of it, thinking annoyedly at her own messy black locks.
"Hello," the boy said to her, "Hogwarts, too?"
"Yes." Hannah answered, snapping out of her daze. Out of the corner of her eye, Hannah could see Professor McGonagall staring neutrally at the boy. Hannah wondered what that was all about and resolved to ask later.
"My father's next door buying my books and mother's up the street looking at wands," the boy continued. Hannah noticed he had a bored, drawling voice that contrasted with his delicate features. "Then I'm going to drag them off to look at racing brooms. I don't see why first years can't have their own."
The boy was surreptitiously glancing (unsuccessfully; as Hannah could easily see this) at Professor McGonagall and Hannah realized he was gauging her reaction, and more importantly whether or not he could say something potentially implicating in front of her. Hannah also realized the boy probably didn't know that she was not only a Professor at Hogwarts (Hannah ought to ask later what subject she taught) but also the Deputy Headmistress there.
"First years are not allowed to have their own brooms because the majority of them do not know how to fly yet, because a majority of them have only recently been introduced to the Wizarding world." Professor McGonagall spoke up imperiously.
Malfoy looked like he wanted to say something but was wisely staying silent, probably sensing she wasn't someone to cross with. Instead, he turned to face Hannah and continued in his drawling voice, "So, what House do you think you'll be in at Hogwarts?"
"Uh, I don't know." Hannah replied, really not knowing what the boy was talking about.
"Well, no one really knows until they get there, but I know I'll be in Slytherin, all our family have been, after all."
Hannah could swear she saw Professor McGonagall's narrow the tiniest fraction at the boy's words and promised to ask her about that later as well.
The boy didn't talk anymore after that, though Hannah suspected that was less because he had nothing to say and more because Professor McGonagall was listening in on their conversation.
Any further conversation was cut off as Madam Malkin said, "That's you done, dear." Hannah was not at all sad about leaving the boy and the slightly awkward silence.
"Well, I'll see you at Hogwarts, I suppose," the boy said as they left the shop.
The sun was shining quite brightly when they made it out the store. Professor managed to forestall any more comments from Madam Malkin by saying she was very busy (which wasn't really a lie; they were quite busy, Hannah supposed) and hurriedly pushing Hannah out of the store. Hannah was actually rather amused by the whole ordeal (discounting the odd and rather arrogant seeming boy) but was wisely not commenting about at as she sensed Professor McGonagall didn't find it quite as amusing as she did.
"'Flourish and Blotts' is right around the corner, so we should go there next. You'll be able to buy your school books there, and any other reading materials you might like. Though since there's an able-sized library at Hogwarts you probably won't need to buy anything else," was Professor McGonagall's reply when Hannah asked where they were going next.
Hannah got the impression Professor McGonagall was the kind of woman who liked reading very much (she was a teacher, after all), and though Hannah wasn't exactly averse to reading, she certainly had no sort of inborn passion for it. Still, she had no doubt that Wizarding books would be infinitely more interesting than Muggle ones, so she was still rather excited.
Hannah was right when she assumed Wizarding books to be more interesting than Muggle ones. There were plenty of books at 'Flourish and Blotts', and all of them were interesting. The shelves at the store were stacked to the ceiling with books of various sizes; some were as thick as several dictionaries stacked together, while others were simply book covers with nothing inside them. There were books written in French, and Spanish and Chinese and various other languages, and even ones written in nothing but odd symbols. Hannah was still browsing through the stacks of books when Professor McGonagall informed her it was time to leave.
"As much as I approve of reading, I'm afraid we simply haven't got the time today." Professor McGonagall said apologetically.
Seeing the disappointment on Hannah's face, she added with a small kind smile, "I don't, however, see the problem, in bringing you back here in a few days time."
This brightened up Hannah greatly, though she did immediately ask, stammering slightly, "Are you sure that's alright? I mean, I know you're busy and all…" Hannah trailed off. "I wouldn't want to bother you." She said .
"You're not bothering me at all," the professor assured her, "it is my job, after all, to make you feel welcome at Hogwarts." She added with a small wink.
Hannah thought it looked slightly comical on the normally stern woman and managed a little giggle and smile in response. She knew that Professor McGonagall wasn't being entirely honest about her job description. However different the Magical world might be, she was pretty sure the job of a Deputy Headmistress was probably the same. And she knew that tasks like taking a student to a bookstore on what was no doubt a day off was not part of work.
Though the professor was stern and even a bit scary, she was really quite nice and even sweet.
"Perhaps you can buy a few extra books for your stay at Hogwarts. Though the Hogwarts library is quite well stocked, your own copy would be convenient, after all."
Hannah immediately broke into a grin and began to browse the stack of books with a brand new fervor.
In the end, Hannah had bought a total of seven extra books, in addition to her required school books.
They were Hogwarts, A History, Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century (she did not fail to notice the odd look Professor McGonagall gave the book as she put it on the counter), Important Modern Magical Discoveries, Muggles Who Notice, Why Transfigure? (It came heavily recommended by Professor McGonagall), and Practical Applications of Magic (household spells, battle spells, and more).
Hannah had initially wanted to buy Curses and Counter-Curses (Bewitch your Friends and Befuddle your Enemies with the Latest Revenges: Hair Loss, Jelly-Legs, Tongue-Tying and much, much more) but Professor McGonagall had looked on rather disapprovingly (it didn't help that Hannah had a slightly evil look of glee on her face as she flipped through the book). When Hannah had told her that Dudley was her intended victim, Professor McGonagall replied that 'while he may be deserving of it, it is still wrong, and you shouldn't stoop to his level'. She also added that it was against the law to use magic against muggles because it apparently violated the Statute of Secrecy that stated Magic was to be kept secret from muggles. Though considering Dudley already knew of magic, it seemed like a moot point. She had told Professor McGonagall this, and the older witch replied, with a hint of disapproval and annoyance, "the people who make the law, I'm afraid, do not consider such things."
Hannah thought it was a bit stupid of them then, but did not voice such thoughts aloud. Though she was pretty sure Professor McGonagall would agree with her, considering her slightly disapproving tone.
Instead she asked, "Who makes the laws? The Wizarding Government?" She hazarded.
"Yes, you are correct," she answered with approval, "the Wizarding government of Great Britain, known as the Ministry of Magic, is the one who makes the laws. Though they all have to pass the Wizengamot, which is the Wizarding equivalent of high court and parliament. The Ministry's main purpose is to maintain the 'Statute of Secrecy', which is the international law that Magic must be kept secret from the Muggle world. Only the current Muggle President, Prime Minister, etc. is exempt form the law and is informed of Magic, and the Magical world by the current Minister for Magic, who is somewhat analogous to the President or Prime Minister. Though some nations are more lenient than others on the law, by and large, the Wizarding and Muggle worlds are largely separate."
"Why would they do that?" Hannah asked more out of curiosity than anything.
The question made the professor pause and for the first time since Hannah had met her, seemed to be at a loss for words. For a brief moment, Hannah wondered if she had said something wrong. But then, all she had asked was why. What was so bad about that? She asked herself.
The silence that followed made Hannah squirm. It felt oppressive, especially in the cramped bookstore. She wondered if she ought to say something, if only to break the silence.
But every time she opened her mouth to speak, nothing came out. She didn't know what to say. In the end, she decided to just wait for the professor to break the silence. In any case, she seemed to be deep in thought. Breaking the silence herself would've only made it more awkward, and probably break her train of thought too.
It was a long moment before Professor McGonagall spoke again, and when she did her words seemed a bit strained.
"I had hoped you wouldn't ask me that, Hannah," she managed a small laugh, "but I suppose you're just like your mother. Always so curious, so full of questions."
Whatever Hannah had been expecting her to say, it wasn't that.
The comparison to her mother made Hannah feel a bit odd. It wasn't often that people compared her to her parents, because the only people that had really known them were the Dursleys. And the Dursleys never had anything good to say about them.
So it was a bit odd to Hannah to finally meet someone who knew her parents, who liked her parents-even if only at a teacher-student level. She wasn't quite sure what to feel about being compared to someone she she had never met. How was she supposed to feel?
Before the mess of conflicting emotions could get a hold of her, Hannah told herself to focus on the matter at hand.
"That wasn't exactly answering my question." She said a bit more accusingly than she intended.
"No, it wasn't," Professor McGonagall conceded with a small sigh, "I suppose I was just stalling."
"The reason magic is kept secret from the Muggles is complicated. It's not something one can explain to an eleven year old easily."
"So you'll tell me when i'm older?" Hannah joked.
"...Yes, Hannah," the professor answered back seriously. "I suppose I will have to."
"For now, I will simply tell you the reason stated by the Ministry. 'Magic is kept secret from the Muggles because if it weren't, they'd be forever wanting to use magic to solve their problems instead of trying to solve them themselves.'"
Professor McGonagall's voice seemed to be a bit sarcastic as she quoted the Ministry, and Hannah got the feeling she was very experienced with mocking them.
She thought it would probably be best if she didn't place too much trust in the Ministry and their words, because certainly, the professor didn't seem to. And while it might've been a bit preemptive of her to think this (since she hadn't actually met anyone from the Ministry yet), she felt that Professor McGonagall was probably right in doing so.
Mostly putting the matter out of her mind, she told herself she would simply ask the professor again when she older, or perhaps ask someone a bit less caring of her age. Either way, questions of 'why' fled from her head.
"Anyway, would you like to buy anymore books?" Professor McGonagall asked with a bit too much relief in her voice.
Immediately, Hannah went back to browsing the shelves.
In the end, Hannah had bought Self-Defensive Spellwork, filled with mostly defensive spells, in place of Curses and Counter-Curses, which had been filled mostly with offensive (though mostly harmless) ones.
All of Hannah's books (schoolbooks and extra books alike) were quite thick and rather heavy as well, so Professor McGonagall cast a featherweight charm on them with her wand. Hannah had watched intrigued and amazed. It was quite one thing to hear about casting spells, and quite another to actually see a person casting spells.
Professor McGonagall explained to her the mechanics of spell casting (a sort of sneak-peek on what you'll be learning at Hogwarts). How the wave of the wand and the pronunciation of the spell all came together to achieve the goal of the spell. How the focus, the intent and the amount of magical energy a witch or wizard could affect the outcome of the spell, and much more.
"Spell casting, as well as all other forms of Magic, will take much practice before you are able to do anything." Professor McGonagall explained with a stern sort of look.
Hannah quickly realized that it would be quite a long time before she would be able to cast any spells properly.
"But do not worry. In time, you will be able to all these spells, and more." The professor added, this time more kindly. "For now, you will simply have to practice."
Their next stop was a more general shop where they bought most of the more miscellaneous things on the list of things to buy, such as the cauldron, phials, weighing scales and brass telescope. And while it was mostly filled with things like those, they did have a more interesting section filled with objects that whizzed and whirled, and certainly weren't found in any muggle shops in Britain.
Unfortunately, the professor had not allowed Hannah to buy anything else that was not on the list on the reason that it was simply not needed-she was after all, only a first year student. Hannah figured out that Professor McGonagall was not the type of person to engage in excessive extravagance (her exception was perhaps books, considering the amount she had spent at Flourish and Blotts), and was quite practical when it came to money ('just because you are rich, Hannah, does not mean you may spend money so carelessly').
The Apothecary was next, and it was certainly one of the more interesting shops. Though it smelled horrible and made Hannah's skin crawl ten different ways, all the same Hannah's curiosity was piqued the whole time. Barrels of slimy stuff were on the floor, jars of herbs, dried roots and bright powder lined the walls, and bundles of feathers, strings of fangs and snarled claws hung from the ceiling. Hannah kept herself busy staring at everything in the store while Professor McGonagall bought the needed supplies. Unlike the shops before, Hannah was not particularly tempted to buy any of the things in the Apothecary, and was simply content to look at them.
When they left the Apothecary, Hannah found Professor McGonagall was staring at her with a curious sort of look.
"Hannah," Professor McGonagall said suddenly, "would you like a familiar? They're sort of like pets, but are more intelligent than muggle animals."
Hannah didn't really need to think about it, she replied eagerly, "Sure!"
She never really had a pet—er, familiar-for various reasons (the Dursleys certainly wouldn't buy one for her, and they wouldn't let her keep anything she found on the streets either). The spiders in her closet didn't exactly count.
Professor McGonagall nodded, she had probably expected that answer.
"You're allowed a toad, cat or owl." She continued. "Which one would you prefer?"
This time, Hannah did need to think about it.
She didn't really fancy the idea of a toad; nothing bad about them, they just weren't her type. But a cat or an owl was good. Hannah was silent for a while, contemplating which to choose.
Now, Hannah didn't really have anything against cats, but the more Hannah thought about it, the more ordinary they seemed-well, compared to an owl, anyway.
"Could I get an owl?" Hannah asked with a grin.
Professor McGonagall smiled and nodded, though Hannah thought she could detect the barest hint of disappointment (perhaps she had wanted her to pick a cat or toad?).
They went to 'Eeylops Owl Emporium', which was dark and full of rustling wings and flickering jewel-bright eyes. After about twenty minutes of search and consideration, Hannah chose a beautiful snowy owl as her new familiar.
When they got to the counter and Hannah moved to pay, however, Professor McGonagall stopped her. Smiling slightly, she said, "Think of this as your birthday present, Hannah."
Hannah stammered for a moment, a blush creeping onto her face, "I-It's a-alright… You don't have to-"
"Nonsense," Professor McGonagall cut her off, "It's only polite, after all." She added by way of explanation.
And with that, she placed some gold on the counter, ignoring Hannah's increasing blush.
This was the first time someone had given her a present for her birthday (the Dursleys' so called 'gifts' didn't really count) and Hannah thought it was a wonderful feeling that blossomed in her heart at the moment.
"Thank you." Hannah whispered softly but earnestly as they left the owl shop. The professor's only response was a kind smile and a slight nod.
"What are you going to call her?"
Hannah thought for a moment. "How about Hedwig?"
Professor McGonagall nodded, "A beautiful name. Though I'm curious how you know it."
She raised an eyebrow questioningly and Hannah gave a sheepish smile, "I saw it in 'A History of Magic' as I was looking through it. I thought it was really nice."
"It is," the professor agreed, "though I should add that the original owner of the name is not quite as nice. I suggest you read the book, because though it is indeed a nice name and I am not against it, it is always best to know any negative connotations that might be attached to a certain name." She added with some emphasis.
Hannah nodded earnestly. The book sounded interesting, and maybe she'd find another name there.
"Now," Professor McGonagall glanced at her watch, "Perhaps we should have a bit of lunch."
Hannah nodded, suddenly realizing how empty her stomach was. She'd only taken a bite or two of breakfast when the professor had suddenly shown up.
"After lunch, we'll go to Ollivander's for your wand." The professor explained as she walked. "Then we'll move on to muggle London and buy you some new clothes."
With a bit of hurried step, she followed Professor McGonagall. "I know a nice place not too far from here."
