Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or places mentioned in this chapter, they belong to J.K. Rowling.
Chapter 4 – Diagon Alley
Five achingly long days later and Friday finally arrived. If it was possible, Rose was even more excited than Sunday. Maybe. Today was one of the most important steps to attending Hogwarts; Diagon Alley.
Rose, Hugo and their parents were currently waiting in the Leaky Cauldron for the family that was meant to accompany them. Harry Potter, his wife Ginny and their children were joining them because they also needed Hogwarts supplies. The two families were supposed to meet there at eleven but as usual, the Potters were late.
Before Rose could ask for the umpteenth time what was keeping her relatives so long, she heard familiar voices.
"James stop! I'm not going to be in Slytherin so I don't need to get Slytherin robes! Just shut it!" they heard Albus yell at his older brother, James.
"Well it seems like they arrived in typical Potter fashion, don't you think?" Ron chuckled
"Albus, Lily, James, it's nice to see you again. Harry, Ginny, you as well," Hermione greeted her family and friends. "Shall we start our journey?"
The group headed to the small walled-in courtyard behind the Leaky Cauldron; the hidden entrance. Harry tapped his wand on the proper brick and the wall started to disappear. They were greeted by the colourful, busy bustling of Diagon Alley. Like always, the cobble streets were crowded. Rose sighed, content. Even though she had been here before, this trip seemed more exciting and memorable.
Albus and Rose walked together through the entrance with James hovering between them and the younger two, Lily and Hugo. James was always the third wheel when the Golden Trio and family reunited but he never minded. James was also shopping for new supplies because he was starting his third year at Hogwarts.
"Come on Rose, let's go get all one-hundred of the books we need this year," Albus said pulling Rose towards Flourish and Blotts. Rose was excited to get the books she needed – hoping to read them a bit before school – but her cousin's idea seemed impractical.
"Albus do you want to be stuck carrying around, as you said, one-hundred books?" He shook his head, thinking about how sore his arms would be.
"Well then, let's start with purchasing our cauldrons. That way, we can put a few books in them," Albus nodded and together they entered Potage's Cauldron Shop, across from Flourish and Blotts.
The shop had not changed much since their parents were shopping for cauldrons, back in the day. Cauldrons of different sizes, types and make were stacked high all-over the store. Leaning towers of cauldrons. They hunted for some time, looking for two, pewter standard size 2 cauldrons; for Rose and Albus.
They were hidden near the dark corner of the store near the top of a tower. Each cauldron was 15 galleons. After paying respectfully, they left the store. Then after fighting through the crowds of Diagon Alley, they made their way back to Flourish and Blotts.
Rose checked off each book once she found it and placed it in her cauldron. Flourish and Blotts was a bright store that shelved thousands of books. The store had a musty smell that Rose loved; books, old and new. After buying all the books they needed, plus two extra for Rose, the families tried to decide where to head next.
Lily and Hugo were bored and tired of looking at things that didn't apply to them yet. James hated school shopping and Albus and Rose wanted to get to some of the more interesting most anticipated parts of the day. Hermione asked the lot of them where they wanted to go and she received an array of answers.
"Quality Quidditch Supplies!"
"Eeylops Owl Emporium!"
"Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlor!"
"Ollivanders!"
Luckily, Hermione and Ginny were there because they were able to quickly create a plan that would – to a degree – complete the shopping and everyone would be satisfied.
"Okay, we are going to finish these lists," Hermione started, waving Rose's list that was currently in her hand. "That will include making trips to Scribulus Writing Instruments, Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment, Madam Malkins and Ollivanders."
Ginny picked up where Hermione left off, "We will all go to Scribulus and Wiseacre's before splitting into two groups. Hermione and I will take James, Albus and Rose to Madam Malkins for robes," James let out a soft groan, not wanting new robes. "Yes, you too James, yours are much too small. Harry, Ron you will keep Lily and James preoccupied and James will join you after." She finished, out of breath.
Everyone took a minute to digest, exactly what the plan was. Once they understood it to some degree, they nodded in agreement, knowing the plan wasn't changing. With everyone in agreeance, they headed to Scribulus and Wiseacre's. Those trips were fast and went rather smoothly. Everyone bought some new quills and ink wells, as well as a few rolls of parchment at Scribulus. At Wiseacre's they were able to purchase scales, dragon-hide gloves, phials and a telescope – if needed.
From leaving Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment, they split into their two respectful groups and carried on with the tasks at hand. Harry and Ron entertained Lily and Hugo at Broomstix while the girls accompanied the other three children to Madam Malkins.
"Mum, I don't need new robes or uniforms, mine still fit." James tried to plead, despising robe shopping. Ginny continued – literally – dragging her son towards Madam Malkins.
"Shut it James, that's enough. I said you need new robes and that is final," She hissed at her oldest son.
As soon as they entered through the door, they were greeted by a cheerful Madam Malkin and her assistants. They were please to help them find exactly what they wanted. The assistants were told to help James and Albus while she decided to help Rose. However, before they drifted to different parts of the store, Madam Malkins wanted to make one thing clear.
"Hogwarts robes, my dears?" she asked. They all nodded, simultaneously.
She directed Rose to a pedestal which stood in front a large mirror, gesturing towards it. Rose stepped up on to the pedestal, awkwardly.
"So dear, what kind of Hogwarts uniform are you hoping to get?" Rose wasn't sure. She knew that Hogwarts had become a bit more modern after the Second War and the students actually wore uniforms with the traditional robes overtop but she did not know what she wanted.
She had seen her cousins' uniforms; dresses, pants, skirts. Did she want only one option or two? All three? She was lost. Hermione could tell her daughter wasn't quite sure what to get so she assisted her. "What are you comfortable in? Would that be good for all school seasons? Etcetera." After pondering over what her mother said, Rose came to a decision.
"Have you made up your mind, dear?" Madam Malkin asked, not wanting to seem impatient. Rose nodded and told her everything she needed; looking at her mother to make sure she didn't forget anything.
"3 pairs of pants, a skirt," Rose started, doing a mental checklist as she listed the items she would need for Hogwarts. After the Second Wizarding War, Hogwarts had strayed from traditional robes into more comfortable and muggle style. The students now war your traditional private school clothing along with the robe over top. Rose was thankful for the change in uniforms; she wouldn't be comfortable in just a robe.
After an hour of decisions and alterations, the group was finally ready to leave and find the rest of their families.
"Thank you again, Madam Malkin, ladies." Hermione said to the owner and her employees before exiting the shop. They were searching the crowded streets for any familiar heads, particularly a head of red or a mop of black.
The groups were now to be further divided, James were to join his father and Uncle Ron with the other kids. This meant that Rose and Albus were quickly approaching the part they have been longing for – Ollivanders.
As they continued searching Rose noticed Albus whisper something to her Aunt Ginny. She was unable to hear a single word due to the volume of Diagon Alley. However, whatever Albus said made a sudden flash of sadness cross his mother's face, before disappearing as quickly as it had come. Aunt Ginny nodded at her son and whispered something back.
Rose was curious to know what was being discussed between her cousin and Aunt but did not ask any questions – it seemed private.
They finally found Harry, Ron, Lily and Hugo at the ice-cream parlor. Despite still having things to buy, everyone decided to take a break and have some ice-cream before continuing. Rose ordered her favourite, chocolate with nuts. They sat inside the parlor – filling two tables – talking to each and just catching up.
Ice-creams finished and feet rested, they stood up and left the parlor. Ginny and Ron took Lily, Hugo and James to the Quidditch supply store because they all enjoyed Quidditch related things and James said he needed more products for his broom. James was on the Gryffindor team last year as a Keeper, he was hoping to make the team again.
Harry and Hermione took Albus and Rose to the famous wand shop, Ollivanders. This is the part of the day that Rose had been waiting for. How could one attend Hogwarts without a wand? They couldn't. It was the most essential piece of equipment a witch – or wizard – could purchase.
As they entered, the little bell above the door rang, signalling to Mr. Ollivander that he had customers. Ollivanders was a small shop with only one chair, a desk, a few cabinets and thousands of wand boxes.
"Good afternoon, Albus Potter, finally here to buy your wand?" Mr. Ollivander asked Albus.
"Yes, sir," Albus answered, his voice shaking a little.
"Well then let's not waste time," Ollivander said, starting to measure all ordinary – and rather odd – measurements for Albus while rambling on about wands and how no two are alike.
"One last thing before we try the first one Albus, the wand chooses the wizard." Ollivander said, grabbing a thin box from the shelf. It took three failed attempts before Albus had discovered his wand.
"That is a beautiful wand, Mr. Potter, a beautiful one indeed," Mr. Ollivander marvelled at one of his many creations. "Full of emotions and able to sense hidden water resources. One who matches this wand and understands it will be exceptional in defensive and protective spells. I trust you will use it well." He finished, handing Albus his wand.
Albus nodded, "I will sir," before turning back to his family and exchanging spots with Rose in the chair; his turn to wait.
"Ah yes, Miss Weasley. Shopping for your wand as well, are we?" Mr. Ollivander asked the young girl.
"Yes sir, I've been waiting all day for this moment." Rose replied, excitement radiating from her.
Mr. Ollivander followed the same procedure with her as he had Albus. From measuring the length of her right arm to the size of her head were all important for finding the perfect wand.
Rose tried a few wands but none seemed to be the one. Rose was never any overly patient person and she began to worry about why this was taking so long; Albus wasn't this long. No matter what, she wouldn't give up, Rose was the daughter of Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley and she was a very stubborn and persistent person.
Mr. Ollivander handed her what felt like the hundredth wand. It was simply beautiful. The wood had small carvings along the handle but it wasn't extravagant, it was simple. As soon as Rose grabbed the wand she immediately felt warmth radiating from it; a connection. She had finally found her wand.
"There you go Miss Weasley," Ollivander started, confirming that this was her wand. "This wand is very stubborn and some might consider it picky. It likes adventure and to be learning constantly. She is also very independent; a strong wand. She is very loyal and will probably never stray from her original owner. Is she yours?"
Rose nodded still marvelling over her wand. She paid Mr. Ollivander seven Galleons before walking out of the small shop with Albus, new wands in hand.
"We finally have our wands Albus!" Ross exclaimed as soon as they left the shop, running towards Albus and hugging him.
"I know Rose!" he cried back, pulling away from the hug.
"What is yours, I couldn't hear him?" Rose asked, indicating to his wand.
"10 ½ inches, Hazel wood with a dragon heartstring. Ollivander said it was quite bendy, what is yours?" Al said admiring his wand.
"Mine is 9 inches, Sycamore wood with a phoenix tail feather core and it is unyielding." She said, copying Albus' actions. "They're beautiful though."
A few minutes later and the quartet figured it was time to go and look for the others. Albus and Rose were walking ahead of Hermione and Harry, talking about Hogwarts and how real it seems now when they heard Harry calling to them.
"Oi! Al, Rose, come on!" they turned around to find Harry and Hermione standing outside of Eeylops Owl Emporium. "Don't you need – want – a companion for school?"
"Really?" They both shouted, rushing back towards their family.
"Of course, you are allowed to bring a pet to Hogwarts and we would like to stay in contact with you." Hermione explained. They all quickly, entered the shop.
The shop was very loud; the air was filled with owl screeches of a variety of pitches coming from various owls. Everywhere they looked, there were cages; so many to choose from. Albus and Rose looked around for their future pet and companion while Harry and Hermione just browsed. They stopped in front of a cage that contained a snowy owl. Rose instantly saw the look of sadness on her Uncle Harry's face.
"Hermione, she looks like Hedwig." Harry whispered softly, talking about his childhood pet. Rose's eyes broke away from her Mum and Uncle by her cousin's voice, calling to her.
"This one is quite handsome, Rose, what do you think?" Albus asked his cousin, pointing to a brown screech owl with big blue eyes. "I'm going to call him Edgar."
Rose stared at the owl before smiling and saying "He is very distinguished Albus. And, it seems like you're already good friends." Rose joked, pointing out how the owl - Edgar – was nudging Albus' hand to stroke his wings.
Albus grabbed the cage and walked over to his father to tell him, he found his pet. He went to purchase Edgar, along with other owl necessities. Rose continued to look. She was very indecisive and quite particular but that wouldn't stop Rose from finding her companion.
Her mother joined her after a few minutes of searching "Any that you like Rose? If not, you can get a different animal – if you like. I just figured you would like an owl because they are a bit more practical." She finished, just as Rose found the one.
"That one Mum! They're beautiful." Rose said, pointing to a cage on a shelf, out of their reach. The owl was slightly hidden from view but Rose knew that that was her owl. Hermione grabbed the owl, using her wand to levitate the cage to the ground.
Once in her full view, Rose knew that this was her owl. The owl wasn't large like Edgar nor was it tiny like some kinds of owls. They were a beautiful grey owl with large brown eyes. They're perfect.
"What are young going to name them Rose?" Hermione asked, making Rose think.
"Mum, is it a boy or a girl?" Hermione could not give her daughter an answer. They decided to ask the shop owner.
"Well young lady, that fine owl you have there is a lady owl." The man walked back to the counter, waiting for them to join him.
"Does that help you at all Rose?"
"I am going to call her Ivory, Mum." She stated, stroking Ivory's feathers. Hermione nodded, approving the classic name. Mother and daughter went to the counter and purchased her new companion and some treats.
"I hope she gets along with Templeton." Rose said, indicating to her parents' owl.
"Oh, I'm sure they will be well acquainted." Her mother answered as they left the store to join Harry and Albus on the cobble street. They finally headed out to search for the rest of their family, finding them at the Leaky Cauldron.
"There you are," Ron greeted his wife with a kiss on the cheek. "That is a beautiful owl you have there Rosie. What's his name?"
"Her name is Ivory." Rose explained to her father before showing him her wand.
Hugo was sitting at one of the tables with Lily, his arms crossed against his chest; he was in a foul mood.
"What's wrong Hugo?" Lily asked, looking at her cousin with concern.
"I've always wanted my own owl," he replied grumpily. "And now Rose has one. And she has a wand." Hugo knew he was acting childish and his Mother would not be pleased with his behaviour but he couldn't help it. Rose was going to Hogwarts and he still had to attend Muggle School. His sister also got to actually own important things from the Wizarding World like a wand and an owl.
"Well James and Albus both have owls now and I don't. I'm sure we'll both get one – or another animal of our choice – when it is our turn." Lily tried to reassure her cousin.
"Yeah, but that's two years away Lily!" he replied, desperate.
"Well for the next two years you can use Templeton, he is a lovely owl. Besides Hugo, you and I both know that you're being ridiculously jealous that Rose is getting all of the supplies needed for Hogwarts and you have to continue attending Muggle School."
Hugo looked up, amazed that Lily knew him so well and that Lily was such a level-headed person even at nine years old. Despite her being right, Hugo was just as stubborn as the rest of his family and refused to back down.
"Maybe but Lily you don't know what Muggle School is like. You're lucky you were never forced to go." Hugo started. "The people – most of them – are nice but it is just so different than anything we've grown up with. Nothing is magic related; there is always some scientific explanation."
Lily just laughed. "Oh, Hugo, you'll be fine. You're smart and can make it through the next two years. Besides when you get home each night, you can owl me. Now you can even owl your sister! You still have magic in your life." She reasoned with him, trying to get him to see the bright side of his conflicted situation.
They all stayed at the Leaky Cauldron for dinner and just talked as a family. They were probably some of the closest cousins, mainly because their parents were best friends in school but they all get on really well. At six, they decided it was time to head their separate ways. They all grabbed various bags, trunks and cages before Flooing out of the Leaky Cauldron.
Once they arrived home, Rose wanted to show her father and brother exactly what she purchased. She tried on her uniform and robes to make sure they fit perfectly and everything else she bought. She spent the next couple of days packing and organizing all of her items. She would always find a better, more efficient way and would redo her whole trunk. Rose could not wait until September 1st and prayed the rest of the summer went by quickly before she was consumed by anticipation.
To keep her busy for the rest of the summer, Rose tried many different activities. Each were successful for a short while but would remind her of something from Hogwarts. She hung out a lot with Albus and the Potters and her female cousins Dominique, Roxanne and Lucy. She visited her Muggle grandparents and showed them her supplies then reorganizing it yet again. She played Quidditch, listened to her father talk about Hogwarts and read – textbooks and fiction. Needless to say, September 1st could not come fast enough for Rose Weasley.
A/N: Thank you for reading, this was my longest chapter and I hope you enjoyed it. I really enjoyed writing Rose and Albus' experience with Diagon Alley and purchasing their supplies. I have decided to use the movie uniforms and the typical robes (1st movie). Please review this chapter, I love getting comments of praise or writing pointers.
Comments: Thank you to the anonymous reviewer who told me to not overkill with the italics, I hope I did just that. I may do another little scene with Rose and Albus and discussing Hogwarts. And yes, Ron has told many stories to his children about Hogwarts, they aren't going in blind.
Next Chapter: Hogwarts Train (and maybe the Sorting, have to see how long it will be, reviews may influence it as well).
