Chapter 3
Diagon Alley
The Evans family made the long drive into the centre of London the following Wednesday, with Petunia complaining all the way. Lily spotted the dingy pub out of the car window and her excitement grew as she called out "There it is, there it is!" The doubt that had crept in following Professor McGonagall's visit vanished instantly. Her father found a car park with great difficulty and they walked back towards the pub, Lily in the lead pulling on her parent's hands and Petunia scuffing her feet as she came along behind them.
"Lil' Bear, are you sure it is here? I can't see it," her Father frowned as he surveyed the shops searching for some sign that the pub truly existed.
"It's not there," Petunia stuck out her bottom lip and pouted.
"It's right there, next to the record store, can't you see it? Between the bookstore and the record store! " Lily was astonished the sign while old and worn was clearly visible.
"No!" Petunia yelled petulantly.
As they passed the record store on one side of the Leaky Cauldron Lily tugged her parents towards the pub, it wasn't until they were on the step in front of the door that they suddenly exclaimed, "It just sort of jumps right out at you doesn't it? Almost like it was hiding!"
"Maybe it was hidden Mum, so it can't be found by any old Muggle!" Lily chortled.
"So why can we see it now Cheeky Chops?" her Father reached down and messed up her hair.
"Mmm maybe because the Professor told you it was there, or maybe because I can see it and I showed it to you?"
"Well let's go in and find Professor McGonagall. What time were we meeting her?"
"Half past Mum. Come on, it's time now!"
Lily was beside herself with excitement as she dragged her family through the doorway and into the dark recess of the establishment. Professor McGonagall was seated with a family at a table in the middle of the room; she looked up as they entered.
"Ah Mr and Mrs Evans, it is good to see you again. Good morning, Petunia, Lily."
Mr and Mrs Evans shook the Professors hand as she explained that they were waiting for another family, as she liked to take "new families", as she called Muggleborns, round in small groups.
"This is Mr and Mrs McDonald and their daughter Mary," the family who were already seated was introduced.
The Evans' joined them at the table, as they waited the two girls looked at each other and smiled both too shy to strike up a conversation. Perhaps five minutes later the door opened again and a tall man was pulled into the room by his son, spotting the Professor the pair moved towards the table and were introduced as Mr Perks and his son David.
"The first thing to know is that Witches and Wizards don't use the same currency as Muggles, so we will need to head down to Gringotts, to make an exchange and set up vaults," McGonagall stated as she stood and began to lead the group through the pub to the courtyard at the rear. Mr and Mrs Evans exchanged a look of worry, concerned that their funds would not stretch to opening an account. Professor McGonagall stepped up to the head of the group, raised her wand and tapped a brick in the wall three times. The brick she touched quivered- it wriggled – in the a middle small hole appeared – it grew wider – a second later they were facing a large archway on to a cobbled street which twisted and turned out of sight.
"Welcome to Diagon Alley, we will buy all your school supplies here. I presume you all have your lists," she sternly glanced around at the group as if daring any of them to have forgotten, pockets were delved into as the lists were retrieved.
Lily looked down at hers and read:
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 wear
One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupil's clothes should carry name tags.
Set Books
All students should have a copy of the each 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.
The group stared in wonder at the street in front of them. Their thoughts were interrupted by Professor McGonagall,
"Well we best be off."
They proceeded down the winding street, gawping at everything from the shoppers in their outlandish clothes, to the products on display in the shops.
"Look!" Mr Evans exclaimed as he pointed at a shop window. "They actually sell broomsticks….. for flying!"
A small boy who has his nose pressed to the window overheard and turned to look at the group.
With a cheeky grin he said "Well what did you think they were for? Sweeping!" laughing he moved away to where his mother was waiting.
"Don't be rude James," they heard her scold him as they continued up the street.
As they approached the tall white building at the end of the street, Professor McGonagall turned to address the group.
"This is Gringotts, it is the Wizarding worlds banking establishment. Don't be alarmed by the folk that you see inside they are Goblins and a valuable asset to our world. Our coinage consists of Galleons, which are gold, sickles which are silver and knuts which are bronze. There are 29 knuts to a sickle and 17 sickles to a Galleon." She turned and led the group through the two sets of doors granting entry. Lily noticed words engraved on the second set of doors:
Enter, stranger, but take heed
Of what awaits the sin of greed
For those who take, but do not earn,
Must pay dearly in their turn,
So if you seek beneath our floors
A treasure that was never yours,
Thief, you have been warned, beware
Of finding more than treasure there.
"Seems they take theft very seriously," commented Mr Perks.
Once inside the building each family was directed to a bench where a Goblin waited.
"Vault or Exchange?"
Mr Evans turned to the Professor running a hand over his neck in embarrassment, "Um how much would we need for books and everything? And will she need any money at school?"
"Well 30 Galleons should cover everything new, though robes and books can be purchased second hand." She smiled encouragingly noting their look of worry and then added in a quieter tone "And the school has a fund for those who haven't enough money for their supplies and will provide as necessary. Once at school she won't need any money though she might like to buy refreshments on the train on the way to and from school."
Mr Evans nodded his thanks and turned back to the Goblin to enquire "How much muggle money equals 30 Galleons?"
"At the current rate that would be One Hundred and fifty pounds."
"How much is required to open a vault?"
"Minimum deposit is five galleons or twenty five pounds."
Somewhat relieved Mr Evans opened his wallet taking out the two hundred pounds they had put aside and handed it to the teller.
"Could we please open an account.." He shook his head "Sorry a vault for our daughter with five galleons and have the rest as a mix of coins?"
Details were taken by the gruff little man and they were told that on the next visit Lily would have to present and register her wand. The Goblin left briefly to obtain a key. While they waited for him to return Mr Evans turned and bent down to talk to Lily looking her in the eye.
"We know it isn't much but we wanted to put a little something away for you, you can take on the paper run in the summer and use that to add to it as you can."
"Thanks Dad, you didn't have to."
"I know sweetheart, but one day you'll get a job in this world and then you will need an account, so it's best if we set it up now." With a smile he added "We won't have to feed you for the next nine months or so, so we will save a little there."
Conversation ceased as the Goblin returned. In the end they were given a small bronze key to vault 2094 and a rather heavy black velvet bag. They left Gringotts and waited on the side of the street with Professor McGonagall for the McDonalds and the Perks.
"Right, robes next. The shop we are heading to is Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, it is on the left hand side of the street."
Lily, Mary and David's excitement grew as each new item was purchased; there was one item above all others that they each desired to have: a wand. Finally, it was time!
"Lastly we shall head to Ollivander's, to purchase your wands."
Professor McGonagall's statement was meet with excited cheers from the children as they hurried towards the narrow shabby shop. Barely noticing the single wand set on a cushion in the window they stepped inside and a tinkling bell rang in the depths of the shop to announce their arrival. When their eyes had adjusted to the gloom they noticed the cheeky boy that had been looking at broomsticks was waving a wand vigorously at the counter.
"No, I don't think so," the old man in front of him said, before snatching the wand away and passing another over the counter.
Lily looked around at the tiny shop; every wall was covered in shelves each of which was packed until bursting with thin narrow boxes. She ran her fingers lightly over the end of one to remove the dust, the writing on it was like a spiders webs- Apple wood and unicorn tail, 8 ½ inches. Her gaze was drawn to another in a red box- Maple wood and phoenix feather, 9 ¾ inches, then further down the row in a black box- onyx and dragon heart string, 10 ¼ inches. Her attention was distracted by a shout from the boy, his face now glowed in delight as sparks flew out of the tip of the wand he was holding.
"Yes! That is the one, mahogany and dragon heartstring eleven inches particularly good for transfiguration," declared the shop owner.
A wide smile still adorned the boy's face as the wand was purchased and he departed the shop with his mother. Lily continued to peruse the shelves as first Mary and then David were measured and Mr Ollivander searched for their wands until at last it was her turn. She had been drawing near to a blue velvet box which seemed to almost hum her name, on impulse as Mr Ollivander said:
"And who might you be?" she grabbed it and stepped up to the counter.
"Lily Evans, and I…I…I think this might be my wand," she replied stuttered shyly concerned she might be overstepping some boundary.
Mr Ollivander's pale eyes shone like moons through the gloom of the shop a smile twisting at his lips.
"Hmm, it's been calling you has it, well take it out and give it a wave," he nodded knowingly.
Gingerly Lily opened the box and took out the wand she felt a sudden warmth through her fingers and when she flicked the wand a stream of red and gold sparks shot from the end.
"Yes indeed, the wand chooses the witch Miss Evans," he seemed delighted. "This is the first time I can recall of the witch actually listening to the wand, it seems we can expect great things from you, maybe a career in wandlaw! Hmmm. Ten and three quarter inches, willow and unicorn hair fabulous for charm work!"
Lily paid 6 Galleons and 7 knuts for her wand and it took some persuading by her mother for her to allow it to be wrapped back in tissue paper and put away in its box, somehow holding it in her hand made the whole experience much more real.
As they were passing Eeylops Owl Emporium on their way back to the Leaky Cauldron Mr Perks stopped and asked if they could have a look inside. Lily looked longingly at the beautiful snowy owl in a cage just inside the door. She stuck her finger into the cage and the owl bent to allow her to gently stroke the top of its head.
"She is a real beauty that one ain't she?" said the old lady who ran the shop "Only 5 Galleons."
"I.. I would love her but we can't…" Lily replied blushing.
"Oh that's alright love, save up, you never know she might wait for you," she turned away to attend to her other customers.
Lily looked back at the owl and again ran her fingers over the soft downy feathers on the owls head.
"Would you wait for me?" The owl hooted softly in reply.
"She is beautiful Lily, let's see how much we have left," Mrs Evans opened the bag, there was 5 Gold and 2 bronze coins at the bottom. "Well we could do it love, but there would be no money for a cage, or food, or food for us before we head home, and nothing for you on the train either."
"I don't need anything for the train, I could take a packed lunch," Lily said thoughtfully.
A voice cut through the air "We are NOT taking that thing home!"
Up until now Petunia had been forgotten, wandering behind the group in and out of all the shops, she was tired, her feet were sore and she was hungry.
"It is bad enough I have to live with someone like Lily in the house, but we are not having that bird. It is…unhygienic!" She stomped out of the shop with a huff.
Mrs Evans sighed and regretfully turned back to her youngest "Lily…." She didn't wish to give in to Petunia but knew that the only way to keep the peace between the two girls at least, for the journey, home was for Petunia to be allowed to win this round, Lily had after all had a great many things purchased for her that day and had been the centre of attention.
"It's ok Mummy," Lily replied with a small disappointed smile. "We couldn't really afford all the other bits we would need anyway. Maybe if we go to the ice-cream parlour we saw near the Leaky Cauldron it would make Tuney feel better?"
"You're such a good girl Lily, Thank you for understanding," Mrs Evans wrapped her arm around Lily as they left the store.
After Mr Perks had purchased a magnificent tawny owl for David and the McDonalds had purchased a beautiful brown owl for Mary, the group headed back towards the Leaky Cauldron. Petunia turned down the offered ice-cream so in an effort to maintain the harmony, the Evans' thanked Professor McGonagall and they headed home.
