Disclaimer: I do not own any of J.K Rowling's original characters from the original HP series only my OC's and my own ideas. Any parts in the story you recognise as work from the books is also J.K Rowling's and will be in bold, italics. Any of the shops in Diagon Alley are hers. Also any of the wand woods and cores are hers too.
Today is the day we go to Diagon Alley!
Yesterday morning mum and Mrs Branning sent the owls to Hogwarts saying that we will be starting there on the 1st of September. All day Rosie and I talked about what will get at Diagon Alley and about Hogwarts until Ricky said if we didn't shut up he would destroy Rosie's favourite books and tickle me too death. As Rosie would literally faint if he even touched her favourite books and I was very ticklish we immediately stopped.
Instead we practised our elements. Ever since my 11th birthday I could do even more things with water and could control it perfectly. Rosie it starting to master fire so well even if her 11th birthday was only a few weeks ago. This is something of an achievement as fire was known to be the hardest element to master because of the destruction that came with it. But Rosie seems to think that fire is rather than destruction, it is light, warmth and life and by the way she uses it you can't argue with her.
Although years ago she nearly burnt down some trees and if it wasn't for me putting it out with water who knows what will have happened. We decided to keep it a secret though.
There is a knock on the door. It must be the rest of the Brannings. Sure enough it is. Rafael first comes through, then the Ricky, followed by Leo and lastly came Mr and Mrs Branning. Rosie of course was already here as she had slept over as she often does.
"Dani today we are getting our books, out cauldron, new robes, a new owl and a wand" Rosie exclaims.
We both start squealing and start chatting like there's no tomorrow.
"Dani, Rosie if you're done now we going to Diagon Alley now. We decided that we are using floo powder" shouts Ricky at us. I sigh. I can't stand Floo powder. I'm travelling by fire while I'm someone who controls water. It took heaps of attempts but I finally got the hang of it. I shudder at those thoughts of my mess-ups. However Rosie looks even more excited. She loves floo powder as she controls fire. Sometimes I don't know how we are best friends. Well they do say opposite's attracts.
"Come on Dani we've got to go now" says my mother as she ushers us to the fireplace. She hates floo powder nearly as much as I do too though. So does my brother. The Brannings however like Rosie love it, while Mr Branning doesn't care what we use.
"Rafael you first" says Mr Branning.
"Well we do need a responsible adult on the other side" says Rafael.
Typical Rafael. So pompous. Ricky and Charlie as though they're going to burst out of laughter at any second. Leo looks like he's about to say something but thinks better of it.
Rafael throws them a dirty look before saying "Diagon Alley" and disappearing in the Flames.
Mr Branning goes next. Followed by Ricky, then Charlie, Rosie and finally me.
I grab a handful of Floo powder and say rather nervously "Diagon Alley." Before I disappear and find myself amongst the Brannings and my brother. My mum then appears next and then finally Mrs Branning.
It looks just like I remember it when the Brannings came every summer to get their new school supplies. I remember as I enviously saw Rosie's brothers get there wands, but now it's my turn.
"First of all l think we need to get our money from Gringgotts" says my mother.
We all murmur in agreement in set off to the wizard's bank. Once there, the goblin Lankut greets us and asks for our vault number. The Gilbert family vault is number 272 while the Branning's Vault is 838. My mother, Mrs Branning, Rosie and I take the trip to the vaults while the rest of the Brannings and Charlie stay behind. Both our families are quite rich because of our ancestry and heritage. We collect our money and meet the others once more.
"Well Carlos I suppose you take Ricky's and Rafael to get their stuff with Charlie and Leo, while Lisa and I take Rosie and Dani to get their stuff. We all meet here once we got everything so we can get the girls wands. We should eat lunch first though" says my mum
Again we all murmur in agreement. I look back on my list of things I need for school. It says that:
HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY
Uniform First year students require:
Three sets of plain work robes(black)
One plain pointed hat(black for day wear
One pair of protective gloves(dragon hide or similar)
One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings.
Please note that all pupils' clothes should carry name tags
Set books
All students should have a copy of each of the following
The Standard Book Spells of (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 Beast and Where to Find them by Newt Scamander
Other Equipment
1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size2
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.
Even though it's disappointing to not be able to get a broom I'm still excited to get all my stuff.
"Let's get all your equipment, then your uniform, then your owls and finally we will meet up with the others to eat lunch and then get your wands" says my mum. Rosie and I nod our heads in agreement.
"What did you reckon will be the type of wand you will get" asked Rosie while we walked around Diagon Alley
"To be honest I have no Idea" I reply "What about you, do you know"
Rosie said to her. "Same I have no idea. But I can't wait to get our books. I just so excited to read all those books" replies Rosie back.
I sigh. Typical Rosie, always read books and acting as a smartical Particle. She's got the brains and is way smart. Still don't know how she and Ricky are related.
"I more excited about getting a new owl and a wand than getting our school books" I say
We continue chatting and until we have bought all our equipment when finally it's time to be fitted for our Robes. Before we arrive at Madam's Malkin's Robes for All Occasions to be fitted for our robes a certain half giant meets up with us. Rudalla Hagrid daughter of Rubeus Hagrid and Olympe Hagrid (before Maxime). Both of her parents were half giants as their mothers were giants and fathers normal wizards. She is twice the size of a normal person with long, black, curly, untameable hair and large, dark brown eyes. She is the Hogwarts' grounds keeper and was recently appointed care of magical creatures' teacher after her father retired..
She is a great friend of my parents and the Brannings and she often visits us during the holidays.
"Dani, Rosie good to see yer, starting Hogwarts this year I except, knew you guys would get in. Hoping to see Ricky in my class this year" says Rudalla.
"Yes, were getting our stuff right now, Ricky is with my dad getting his stuff right now. He said he's going to be in your class this year. "Replies Rosie.
"Jolly good, do you mind if I joins you guys. I want to see you two get your wands and all but I can't right now so give me a message so I can come with you guys" says Rudalla.
"That would be wonderful Rudalla. Can you meet us up for lunch in half an hour at Resses" says my mum.
"Yes that would be perfect. Guess I will be seeing yous." Rudalla says.
And with that Rudalla waved to us goodbye walking off in another direction.
"Alright we ought to get fitted for robes now." Mum says.
Ugh. I dreaded this part. Wizard robes could get really uncomfortable for me sometimes. The only time however we were required to wear was during classes and breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Great Hall.
The walk Madam Malkins is short. We then enter Madam Malkins to find the women already fitting another girl for Hogwarts who looks about my age. She has long, sleek, white blonde hair with eyes the colour of a green serpent. My mother and Mrs Branning are waiting outside for us.
"Hogwarts too. So many have already been here today "says Madam Malkin .She sits us down while she fits the girl.
"The name's Clarisse Tareen. I'm starting Hogwarts this year too." says the girl. "What's yours"?
"I'm Danielle Gilbert but you can call me Dani and this is Rosie Branning" I reluctantly reply.
"Danielle Gilbert, Rosie Branning huh, well good to meet you." Clarisse said in tone that implied it made no difference if we were here or not.
"You too." stammers Rosie. No I knew Rosie and I could tell she was lying.
"Anyway do guys know what house you will be sorted in? I'm probably going into Slytherin. My whole family has. Imagine if I get into Hufflepuff I go back on the train. Embarrassment they are too wizards" Clarisse says.
"I don't know" I say while thinking that I don't really like this girl. Slytherin had a bad reputation as many wizards come out to be bad ones. Not to say every single one is like that but they're definitely not my favourite wizards. Some of them hate muggles and muggle-borns and think that only purebloods are the only type of wizard worth being as the others are far less superior than they are. Hufflepuff were known to be duffers but they are most certainly better than Slytherin. Ravenclaw the third house out of four is known as the smart house where those who are the cleverest go in. Lastly there is Gryffindor the house Rosie and I want to be in. Our whole families have been in there. They are the boldest and bravest of all. I know Rosie is scared of going into Ravenclaw because of her intelligence when she really wants to be in Gryffindor.
"Me either" says Rosie interrupting my thoughts.
"I guess you can't really know until you're sorted" she says. "By the way are both your parents wizards" she asks. "
"Both our parents are wizards and we don't care about if a wizard marries a muggle or about muggle-borns." I say now knowing I really don't like Clarisse and what the true meanings of those words were.
"Suit yourselves" she says. "Got to go now. I guess I'll see you two at Hogwarts"
"Bye then" says Rosie
"I don't really like her and I think we should stay away from her." I say once she had left.
"Agreed" says Rosie
We're then both fitted for our robes. We then go and meet our parents outside.
"Guys ready to go to lunch" says my mum.
"Yep" Rosie and I reply.
When then get our Owls. I agreed on a snowy white owl in which I named Tressa and Rosie got a barn owl in which she called Salice.
We then walk towards the area we agreed lunch on to find the boys and Rudalla already there having lunch.
They are ordering food upon arriving there. We soon all order our food.
"So Rosie how excited were you to get some new books to add to your enormous book collection" teases Leo. She gives him a scowl and which he just laughs about.
Just then the beeper for my food signifies it's ready. I was going to the counter I notice what seems like to family sitting together eating. I'm looking at them and not watching were I am walking when Clash!
I bump into something or more like someone and fall straight to the ground. I look over to the someone to find it's a blonde boy about my age. He's already mutter apologises when it definitely my fault.
"No it was completely my fault. You don't need to apologise." I say to him. He looks over to me for a second and a look of surprise is on his face. Before he can say anything else. Two boys from the table I was looking at beforehand, which might I say is closer than I thought, make their way over to us.
The shorter of the two says to me "Really Will are you that clumsy? You're always bumping into people and tripping them over by accident. That's just you, Will and your stupidity. "
The boy will as the other boy called says "Really Riley do you always have to be a jerk or is that just you."
"Your right actually, Riley isn't a jerk that's just him" the taller of the three of them states.
Riley rolls his eyes at both of them before turning to and saying "I personally on behalf of Will apologise for his clumsiness as he doesn't seem to have the decency to do it himself.
Now it's my turn to roll my eyes at all three of them before saying "No worries he's already apologised when it was my fault. I wasn't looking were I was going."
"Well let's just say it's both our faults then" Will says before continuing "I'm Will Parker by the way. The other blonde one is my older brother Riley who you now know is a jerk and the brown-haired one is Logan Walker the jerk's best friend." He introduces.
"Nice to meet all of you, I am Danielle or Dani as I prefer people to call me, Gilbert." I tell them before shaking each one of their hands.
I take a good look at all three of them. Logan like Will introduced is brown haired. He has spectacularly bright, emerald green eyes. He's quite tall , almost a head taller than me and has olive skin. He must be year or so older than me.
Riley is blonde like Will. I'm startled to see how much they look alike. Riley has short, wavy, blonde hair. He has grey eyes that are very, very light and look sort of white but not in an unhealthy way. He has pale skin and is a few centimetres shorter than Logan. He like Logan must be about a year older than me.
Lastly of course there's will. Like I said before he and Riley look very similar. He too has short blonde hair but however is straighter then it is wavy. He also has greys eyes but unlike Riley's his are sort of silver. He has pale skin and is about the same age as me.
"What's going on here" a familiar voice from behind says.
"Nothing Rosie, I just met a few people when I accidently bumped into one of them." I reply.
"Really Dani you have to work on watching were you are going." Rosie lectures me in a tone which she's specifically uses when she lecturing sometimes usually Ricky.
"We've already gone over whose fault it is Rosie so let's not start over again with that" I say.
"Well I am Rosie Branning nice to meet you." She introduces. All three of them introduce themselves and shake her hand like they did with me.
"Wait are you two the other elementals." Rosie points to Logan and Riley with a genuine look of shock. Then I notice a glimpse of their chains around their neck with their chain piece probably hidden by their shirts.
They too look surprised at Rosie when she says it.
"Well I guess you two are the other elementals too." Logan concludes.
"Took you two long enough to realise she's an elemental" Will mutters but I am pretty sure I'm the only one who heard him. It dawns on me this is why he look surprised beforehand but why didn't he mention it earlier?
"Yes I am the fire elemental and Dani's the water elemental." Rosie answers for both of us while showing her sun amulet to them.
"Well that's cool I guess. I'm the air elemental and Logan's the earth elemental." Riley tells us.
Will just looks bored at the whole elemental thing I wonder why.
"Girls what's wrong here. You've been gone an awful lot of time to get you food Dani." mum says behind me. I jump not realising she was behind me.
"Nothing mum just meeting new friends." I tell her.
"Alexandria Gilbert. Been a long time since I last saw you." A man says as he walks towards us from the table I was staring at beforehand. Because of his blonde hair and his obvious physical similarities to Willa and Riley I take that he's their dad.
"Joshua it has been a long time hasn't it. Are the blonde ones your boys, they look an awful lot like you." Mum says.
"Yes indeed they're mine and Georgia's. Riley is the older and taller one. Will is the slightly shorter and younger one. Logan is Cecelia Walker's kid." he tells her.
"Well nice to meet all of you. I'm Alex, Dani's mum." She says. They all murmur hellos.
Soon everyone from all of our families make their way over.
"Alex what is going on here?" Mr Branning says. "Joshua is that the Brannings and Gilberts a women's says?" "Mum who are they?" Charlie asks mum. "Logan what's going on?" A little girl around the same age as Charlie asks Logan. A bunch of other voices ask questions too.
"Everyone can you all be quiet and I shall introduce everyone." My mum's parental authoritative voice rings through the air silencing everyone.
"Now then that everyone's quiet. Kids these are the Parkers and the Walker old friends of ours." She introduces.
"This is Joshua Parker." She points to who I now know is the Parker's father "This Georgia Parker." She points to the woman who earlier asked if we were the Brannings and the Gilberts and who also must be Will and Riley's mother. "This is Riley Parker and that is Will Parker." She says pointing one at a time to them. "Now I don't know your name but your definitely Georgia's daughter." My mum points to a little girl who most definitely looks like Mrs Parker with the same light brown hair and hazel eyes that contrasted to the Mr Parker's, Will's and Riley's blonde hair. Her eyes however where similar to Mr Parker's hazel eyes. She looks about a year or so younger than me.
"Oh this is Emma. And you're right she is my daughter." Georgia introduces. Emma just looks shyly at us.
"Well then that's Emma and that's Cecelia Walker." Mum says and points to a woman with golden brown hair and sea-green eyes who of course is Logan's mother. "That is Logan Parker her son." Mum points to Logan. "And I don't know who this little cutie pie is." She says pointing to the girl asking Logan who we were and looked around Charlie's age.
"I'm Jade Walker." The girl says not waiting for her mother to introduce her. She had golden brown hair and as her name sake says Jade eyes. You could she was very independent and not shy.
"Well then I'll introduce to our lot. That's, Leo, Lisa, Carlos, Ricky, Rafael and Rosie Branning." She says pointing to each one of the. "That's Charlie and that's Dani Gilbert." She says then pointing to us and I'm the mother Alexandria but remember to call me Alex. Oh and of course that's Rudalla Hagrid and old friend of ours." She says pointing to herself then Rudalla who had joined us for lunch earlier on. "Now then let's all eat together shall we." Mum says after finally finishing our introductions.
"Oh yes Mrs Gilbert Ricky and I both know Logan and Riley. They're both in Gryffindor with us except they're in their second year.
"Yeah we just forgot to mention our sister and her best friend are the other elementals." Ricky says quite awkwardly.
This started up a whole conversation and introductions for each if us elementals and what element we controlled. Of course leave it to Ricky to say something that will stir up a giant discussion.
But it didn't matter we all became fast friends. We learnt that things about all of them and have to say they were interesting people.
"It's been lovely catching up but we all have to get home now and you girls need to get you wands." Mr Parker suddenly announces. The kids all groan as we had all been getting on rather well.
"I know where mean cause we are making you leave but we all have to go now." Mrs Walker says.
"Wait aren't you getting your wand?" I ask Will who I learnt was also starting to go to Hogwarts on the first of September.
"Already got it. 10 ½ inches, Rowan, dragon heartstring and reasonably springy. "Will says proudly.
We all then say goodbyes and promises to see each other at Platform 9 ¾ at Kings Cross. The Walkers and Parkers leave. The rest of us make our way to Ollivanders.
We enter the shop to find very old man who is Mr Ollivander the wandmaker who has been there for who knows how long.
"Well hello to all of you. Big group I see. Hello Mr Riccardo it's only been two years. If I remember correctly 11 inches, Larch wood, Unicorn hair for the core Slightly Supple.
Ricky looks at hi surprised and slightly crept out by him.
"Mr Ollivander how do you remember his wand?" I ask.
"Oh Ms Gilbert I remember every single wand I have ever sold." He answers. He then goes on saying "For instance your mother 13 inches, Acacia wood, Dragon heartstring core and it is quite Bendy. Your father's however 12 1/4 inches, ash wood, Unicorn hair core and slightly Yielding. "I look at him at further surprise and sadness at the mention of my father.
"Mr Ollivander we are here for my daughter's and Dani's purchase of wands not to hear about other people's wands." Mrs Branning sternly said.
"Ah yes of course which one of you shall go first." I look at Rosie for second before pushing her in front of me towards Ollivander.
"Come on now don't be shy. Ms Branning. Everything will be quite alright. Here try this 12 1/4 inches, Beech wood, Unicorn hair and Unbending." He said while passing to her a wand. "Don't be shy give it a wave."
Rosie "gave it a wave" but nothing happened.
"No, no not right at all. Give me that wrong. Not to worry I got the perfect wand right here for you." Ollivander said rather quickly.
Rosie gave me what's going on look before turning back to Ollivander who now had a new wand.
"Now try this 8 3/4 inches, Alder wood, unicorn feather core. Surprisingly Swishy."
As soon as Ollivander handed Rosie the wand wonderful things happened much like what happened at Ricky's, Rafael's and Leo's own wand purchasing. Brilliant red and orange lights shot out of the wand and other spectacular things happened.
"See not a difficult customer at all." Ollivander said proudly.
Rosie gratefully took the wand before Mrs Branning handed the money to Ollivander.
"Now Ms Gilbert it is your turn now." Ollivander said as he led me away to the wands.
"Try this 7 ¾ inches, chestnut, dragon heartstring yielding." He said as he passed me a wand.
I gave it a quick wave before he hastily took it away before muttering "Not right at all."
I must of look really unhappy because everyone was giving me looks of sympathy and remembering their own wand purchasing excluding Charlie who had to wait around four years for his wand.
"9 inches, elm wood, unicorn hair core, supple." Mr Ollivander says as give me another wand.
Not a second after I got a proper hold of it, it is snatched away from hand.
"How about this now 8 ¾ inches, Cherry, Phoenix feather, stretchy."
It isn't right for me. I know that the second I get hold of it and so does Ollivander. This time I hand it to him and he takes it gratefully as if he is worry something bad will happen.
Then a giant smile crosses adorns his face.
"I've got it" he explains " 9 ½ inches, Cypress wood, Pliant and phoenix feather core. Oh peculiar this wand is of cypress wood the noblest wood of all. Those who acquire this wood are generously very brave, bold and often self-sacrificing. What is even more peculiar is its sister wand. You see both wands hold a feather from the same phoenix. That other wand did many terrible and great but still terrible things. Where did you get those star-shaped scars from Ms Gilbert?" Ollivanders says.
"They're birthmarks. Why do you want to know? And excuse me sir you talk as through wands have feelings. Why." I ask him.
"The wand chooses the wizard Ms Gilbert. They are alive in the own way know. Now no dilly dallying try the wand out." He answering only one of my questions
I carefully take the wand and immediate warmth spreads through my hand. This is the right one I know it. Again spectacular things happen. Blue and silver lights come out of my wand. Everything seems to come alive.
"This was the right one, I knew it." Ollivander exclaims rather proudly. I purchase my wand grateful that I won't have to have to keep searching for another.
"Cherish it with you own life Ms Gilbert," Ollivander says to me just as were about to leave.
"Well this has been both an interesting and tiring day. Let's all go home now." Mr Branning tells us.
And we do. We leave Diagon Alley for another year.
A/N: Another chapter finished. This is the longest chapter I have ever written. As you can see. Quite a bit changes in this chapter than from my original story. Cypress wood actually is for the noble, brave and self-sacrificing as written on pottermore. For now I can update very regularly because I'm on holidays at the moment but once school starts again I may only update every 4-7 days. I will try my best to update a least once a week. Nothing really is happening at the moment but drama will ensure I assure you.
