When we arrived at Diagon Alley, I couldn't stop staring. Everything was so like those little kid books about a wizard town, it was like the authors were here! Flying broomsticks, the robe shop, the bestiary, Flourish and Blotts (the bookstore), the apothecary and-I gasped as we drew to a halt in front of it-the wand shop. Inside, it was dark and somewhat gloomy. I didn't even notice Mr. Ollivander, the owner, until he spoke.

"Hello Ms. Bell, Mrs. Bell". Since I was still ogling the contents of the shop, my mum answered.

"Hello Mr. Ollivander. How are you?"

"I am well, thank you". His eyes alighted upon the wand that Mum held in her hand. "Ah, let's see… 12 and 3/4 inches, yew, unicorn hair core, correct?"

"As always, Mr. Ollivander. I'm here-"

"For a wand for your daughter, yes? I have just the one". He pulled a wand box off of the shelf. "10 inches, made from a cherry tree, dragon heartstring core. Now just swish it". I did exactly as he said, but nothing happened. "Ah, perhaps not. Try this one. 11 and 1/4 inches, Elmwood, phoenix feather core. Again, just swish". This time, purple sparks erupted from the end, like a sparkler and Mr. Ollivander beamed at me.

"I believe you have found your wand". After leaving the wand shop, we went to Flourish and Blotts to get my schoolbooks. Dumbledore had given me the list before he left earlier today. The bookshop wasn't nearly as exciting. Before leaving, something near the cash register caught my eye, a book called Quidditch Through the Ages.

"Mum, what's Quidditch?" She looked surprised.

"Didn't the professor tell you?" I shook my head. "Alright, well I'm pretty sure the book explains it, so why don't you add it to the pile". By that time I was absolutely starving, so we left the bookshop, we headed to the Leaky Cauldron for some lunch, which was actually really good for such a dodgy-looking place. After devouring it, Mum took me to the Bestiary.

"Yesterday was your birthday, wasn't it?" I nodded. "Since I haven't gotten you a present, why don't you choose one and meet me at Madam Malkin's afterwards? None of these animals should cost more than 20 galleons, so here's 25 so you can get some food for it too". She handed me the money and left. I began strolling around the shop, gazing in awe at all of the animals, but not really finding a connection with any, until I reached her. She was a beautiful tawny owl with large amber eyes that stared unblinkingly at me. I knew immediately that I wanted her. Luckily, she was only 15 galleons and, according to the worker, an absolute steal. Within minutes I had purchased her and was headed to Madam Malkin's, with Soñador, as I had decided to name her, in a large cage. I had taken Spanish at my Muggle school, and had learned that soñador meant dreamer, and that's exactly what I was. My mum gasped in appreciation upon seeing Soñador.

"She's beautiful!" I grinned with pleasure upon hearing Mum's approval of my new owl. Mum held the cage while Madam Malkin measured me for robes. As she was measuring me, I looked out of the expansive front window, still trying to take everything in. Everything about the wizarding world blew my mind. I just couldn't get used to the idea of magic! Unfortunately, by the time Madam Malkin had finished with my robes and we had purchased all of my other supplies, we had to go home. We decided to Appirate home (and what an experience that was). Mum didn't have time to explain what Appiration actually was, but frankly, at that point, I didn't care. I was absolutely exhausted!

When we got home, school supplies in tow, dinner was ready. Somehow, Dad had found out what that my favorite food was fish and chips, and he had picked some up. It was amazing! Somehow, the fish and chips were still warm, and the vinegar stuck to my fingers until I licked it off. I was in heaven. After dinner, Katie decided that I needed to learn how to fly. I saw my parents exchange a conspiratorial look.

"Am I missing something here?", I asked, utterly confused. Dad raised his wand and said "Accio broomstick". Almost before I knew what was happening, a broom flew through the air and into my father's outstretched hand. I gasped as he handed it to me. According to the handle, it was a Comet 260. My dad grinned. "Like it?"

"I love it!" I gave him a huge hug, which he obviously wasn't expecting, but he hugged me back seeming satisfied with my response and letting out a sigh, though I'm not sure whether it was of relief or contentedness.

Mum happened to look at the clock, which read 7:30, so she sent Katie up to get ready for bed. At 10 minutes till 8, Katie came back down, in her little ducky footsie pajamas, her light brown hair reaching past her shoulders.

"Riley? Will you read me a story?" she asked, her brown eyes wide and pleading. I leaned down and ruffled her hair.

"Course I will. D'you know which one you want to read?" She nodded. She sprinted up the stairs, grabbed the book, shot under the covers and thrust it into my hand, staring at me intently until I started reading. We read until 8:00, at which point our parents came upstairs and tucked Katie in. Right before I was about to leave her room after switching off the light, I heard her say "Riley?"

"Yeah Katie?"

"I-I'm really glad we found you".

"Me too Katie, me too."