Summary: On Ginny Weasley's 15th birthday she is given news that drives her to the edge, causing with her running away. Follow her through a life changing adventure where she meets Henry Peters. A mysterious boy who introduces her to a different magical world.
In this universe Harry Potter defeated Voldemort and got the scar on his forehead. Voldemort is gone forever. she does not know him either.
Disclaimer: I only own the plot. JK ROwling owns the characters
Chapter 9: School shopping
It turns out cooking with Sophie is the last thing from relaxing, but it did the trick. For the next few weeks I spent a lot of time helping out Sophie or with Henry. It was pretty fun. Sophie was slowly slipping into an older sister that I always wanted. Almost every night we ate together and talked about everything and nothing. I was planning on telling her about my situation, but I could never seem to get it out. This fine Thurday morning I was carrying a pile of towels down the hall when my mirror started to vibrate. Of course this would happen. If it's Henry I am going to hurt him.
"Hey there Ginny. You need a hand?" One of the guests asked as i tried to find a way to answer the mirror.
"Oh no. I am fine, but thank you Mr. Peffer." I smiled trying not to focus on my mirror. I cannot wait until the day i can use magic!
"I insist" Mr. Peffer said attempting to take out his wand. Honestly the pile of towels and linens were way too large for my small body, but I've gone through worse. I mean I was on the Quidditch team with Katie Bell as captain. So I have gone through so much worse. Apparently the other staff felt that I could handle 40 pounds of sheets and towels.
"Ginny…is that you?" Henry called out from in front of the huge pile. Thank goodness it wasn't Sophie. We are not supposed to let guests handle any of our chores. "I was trying to call you, but you weren't answering." He kept talking.
"I am a little busy at the moment." I mumbled. "No Mr. Peffer, Henry hear can help. Now you and your wife should go out and see the sights." I told him kindly. Mr. Peffer is too kind for his own good. He smiled brightly at me and Henry and then nodded. Henry of course kept going on about me not answering his call, while I felt as if I was going to fall over.
"Oh shut it!" I complained throwing the pile of Linens into his arms. He has some fast reflexes! He caught them easily. "Thanks" I stretched my sore arms.
"Oh sorry. You know you could have just asked for some help" He shrugged earning a glare. For that comment i should make him carry the pile all by himself.
"So what are you doing here anyway?" I asked taking half of the linen from him. I was too worried the staff would notice. I swear they have it in for me.
"Well I wanted to take you to do some shopping" he said walking towards the linen closet.
"Haven't we done enough shopping?" I asked. It's true we have. After Hermione and Luna left 2 weeks ago everyone seemed to make it their jobs to make me smile. This meant taking me shopping, to more tourist spots, such as the Empire state building, to Rockefellor Center, and even to a visit to the "village". The rest of my days I spent helping out Sophie and getting to know all the residents and staff at the Hotel.
"Why am I the one who wants to go shopping? I thought you were the girl?"
"I thought you were the guy" I retorted back with a smile before dropping the pile onto the shelf.
"Thank god! I can't wait til' we are legal!" Henry said in between breaths.
"Why? You already use magic half the time." I teased.
"I take Sirius' wand once and suddenly i'm a law breaker?" Henry asked with a completely fake innocent voice. I couldn't help but laugh.
"Yes!" I say pushing him, "Now come on. You got a shopping trip to take me on."
"Uh oh hide the credit cards" He yelled before dodging a smack, "Meet you out front"
"idiot" I laughed. I went into the lift and took it to the 6th floor where it turns out most of the staff who stays overnight usually resides.
As soon as I got to her familiar "White door" I knocked loudly. I swear I should just get a key. I'm always in her room, which is actually pretty big. She probably had the nicest room on the floor. Then again she seemed to be the one in charge of running the hotel.
"Hey Ginny. I'm guessing Henry is here. He always does seem to steal you from me" Sophie said exaggerating a sigh.
"Says the one who leaves me for Mr. Non-date" I retorted back. She turned a bit red.
"He has a name you know Ginny" Sophie replied sarcastically.
"Well when I meet him I'll try my best to remember that" I laughed at her expression, "I will be meeting him won't I?"
"Yes. Now hurry up. Can't keep Henry waiting now" She said shoving me out of the door, "Oh wait." She said taking out a few bills
"No I can't take this" I said backing away.
"Nonsense. This is for all the work you've done here. We both know you won't survive off the money you came here with, no matter how much stronger the pound is. This is just a normal crappy teenager salary." Sophie said putting the money in my hand, "You'll find that you might actually need it today"
"Thank you" I said. Truthfully I had been a bit worried about that. I have almost no money to spend.
"How about every week I give you some money for the work you've been doing. You don't have to do any extra work." She said, "I know the staff's been a bit hard on you so you've been trying to work extra hard. Let me do this for you" Sophie said genuinely. Her eyes even had that cute little sparkle.
"Okay."
"Perfect! Now go off" Sophie said happily. Who knew that I could make her so happy just by accepting money from her. I knew one thing for sure. I really needed to tell her everything. She was slowly becoming a huge part of my life. Lately I've also been thinking about talking to Henry and Sirius about my problem. I just needed another perspective. I couldn't talk to Hermione because she would scold me and Luna already gave me her opinion about Henry. I really wanted to talk to Sophie about this. Her opinion these last 2 weeks has meant more than my own mum's. I love my mum and I do miss my family, but over the last few years mum's opinions on parts of my life have been too biased. i mean the horrible wardrobe of mine should've been enough of a hint. Now I realize it was because of the marriage. She didn't want me to attract too much attention.
"Where are we?" I asked. We've never been around here before.
"I realized that I have never taken you to too many Wizarding parts of New York. Yes we like to blend in, but that doesn't mean we don't have our own stores."
"Is this where you took Hermione and Luna?"
"Not exactly. I took them to the smaller one on 34th street because of the limited amount of time. Plus those girls love to shop. I would've been here for days!"
"Good point. Okay so exactly where are we?"
"Queens Center Mall. It has every store you can imagine"
"It's in a mall?" i asked
"Well yeah."
"Back home we have little villages and hidden areas like Diagon Alley"
"Well in the city we can't really place too many villages so most of our stores are hidden in malls. If you go to places like New Jersey or farther out of NY then you will find some. We have the South street Seaport, which has a small selection of Wizarding stores." He said thoughtfully,
"A seaport?" I asked excitedly
"Yeah. I'll take you there one of these days" He laughed at my expression. I couldn't help it I love the coast.
"Well here we are" He said after we got off the train. This mall was huge!
"Where exactly are the Wizarding shops." I asked as we entered the large mall. There were tons of shops.
"Patience. We are almost there" Henry said guiding me through different escalators. When we were on the top floor near a store called Macy's, Henry walked towards the elevators. Instead of stopping he kept walking down the hall and turned. There was an abandoned elevator with a flickering light over it. With a quick look around he touched the area above the down button. Instantly a button appeared. He clicked it and the elevator doors opened.
"After you" he said. Why do I not like the look on his face? I walked into the elevator hesitantly with Henry following. The elevator looked very different from the normal ones we passed earlier. It was a darker blue and had mirrors everywhere. Henry clicked on a button that was labeled QWM. I should be worried. I mean I have no idea where Henry was taking me, but one look into his emerald orbs and I felt all fear and doubt subside. His eyes just contained so much emotion. For the moment all I could see was how excited he was to show me around the Wizarding World. The doors opened onto a world I hadn't seen in so long. My eyes went wide as I took in the sight before me. Since i had been here i hadn't seen many witches and wizards. it was nice to children and parents shopping together. The only wizards and witches i had seen were the ones I had gotten to know in the hotel and of course they were all foreign.
"Welcome back to the Wizarding World" Henry smiled grabbing my hand, "Come on we don't have all day. There's so much to show you" There were hundred of shops. I didn't recognize any of the names, but I recognized most of the product. There were joke shops, potion shops, book shops, and much more.
"Please tell me you brought your supplies list for EIS." Henry pleaded. He is so lucky that I just happen to carry it around in my purse. I rolled my eyes and opened my purse. It took a little while, but I finally managed to find the papers.
"I swear women and their purses! It's almost like you can fit everything in those little things!" He exclaimed. I shrugged and unfolded the papers. I must say it was pretty short.
Supplies List
Pen/pencils
Notebooks/ paper
Cauldrons- Potions
1 set of glass or crystal phials-potions
Telescope- Astronomy
wand
textbooks are provided by the school along with most supplies.
For those Dorming
Clothing (Refer to Uniform Policy below)
toiletries (towels, soap, gel, etc)
Laptop (for essays. There are computers available in the library)
"There is a school uniform." i asked
"Yeah. It's pretty simple and is barely a uniform. You can wear any pants you want as long as your shirt or sweater contains the logo of the school on it, preferably collared. Most people wear jeans."
"No skirts?" I asked
"I mean if you wear a skirt it has to be below the knees…there have been some interesting problems. So to stop all these problems they think it better if they allow the girls to just wear pants."
"Oh ok. That is so much more modern than Hogwarts." I laughed. It will be weird not having to wear a cloak.
"Yeah I saw your uniform. They aren't half that bad except for the cloak that hides them. That was just bad planning." He laughed earning a smack.
I looked back at the list.
School uniform policy.
Student must adhere to this policy unless it is the weekend when there are no classes. If a student is out of uniform certain punishments may apply, please be warned.
Students must wear a shirt containing the school logo in the upper right side of the shirt (collared is preferred). Students may wear any colored pants/jeans. Please no leggings/tights unless skirts are being worn. Remember you are attending school, not a party. Please note if a female student is to wear a skirt then it must be 2 inches below the knee. At least 4 Uniform shirts are recommended.
"This is the shortest list of supplies I have ever seen" I exclaimed.
"Really? It seemed longer this year"
"Well in Hogwarts we have to pay for our own textbooks, so the supply list goes on forever. Also there are more supplies for classes in Hogwarts."
"Haven't they heard of saving money? The school provides most items" That is very true. "Okay so first things first. I am guessing you have a wand." I wonder if my wand will be affected by the change. It is bad enough we could never really afford to buy me a new one. I should talk to Sophie about this.
"So where to first?" I asked
"Well we should get your uniform out of the way." He shrugged, "Most places here already know to make EIS uniforms. Here I'll take you to the one I go to." We walked around past many shops until we stopped in front of a small shop. On the display there were some nice shirts for pretty good prices.
"Is this a secondhand shop?" I asked. I didn't want to sound shallow or anything, I just wanted to know why the prices were less expensive.
"Nope. It's all new clothes. Most students are all about the name brand. It's just a bit cheaper than most shops" He shrugged stepping inside. I could definitely see most of Henry's styled clothing here. The clothes were actually kind of nice.
"Just pick out the shirts you like. I would suggest mostly collared. EIS doesn't mind if you slip one day and wear a regular shirt, but not all the time. Since you are new you might want to make a good impression"
"What's the point of this uniform?" I asked picking out some different colored polos.
"It's supposed to make life easier in the morning. They figured if everyone dresses the same then it will create less problems with the girls. Also it does make our school look a bit more organized"
"Okay that makes sense. Does it work?"
"Girls still find ways to make a big deal out of clothes and the school still is not organized...so no"
"Ah hello Henry. I was wondering when you would be back. Oh you brought a friend" The old man smiled, "Hello miss I am Roger."
"Hi I'm Ginny" I greeted.
"Oh British?" Roger smiled at Henry. "So I take it you are not just enjoying a lovely shopping trip with young Henry here"
"Not exactly. I just transferred to EIS from England. "
"So you attended Hogwarts? I would love to hear all about Hogwarts! Well here let me get all your clothing situated. Henry will it be the usual?"
"Yep."
"Perfect" he said taking the clothing out of my hands. "Feel free to look around. I'll just get started with these. It'll only be a moment." When he was gone I took his advice and looked around more. For an old shopkeeper, he had good taste. True to his word he was back within minutes and I had managed to find a few more outfits. Normally I would not be able to afford all of this, but with the money provided by Sophie and the fact that everything seemed to be cheaper here I should be fine. It was quite nice being able to afford new clothing. After a good half hour I was placing all my clothing in my purse, while Henry watched shaking his head.
"I swear you witches give a new meaning to placing everything in your purse."
"What? It's less heavy if I place it in the purse. Plus it is too much of a pain carrying all of this" I argued, "So now that we got one of the most important things out the way let's go shop!" For hours we walked around and entered almost every store we saw. We managed to find everything i needed except the laptop. From what Henry explained it seemed like this laptop would be expensive. I can't miss what i never had right?
"Okay one last store" Henry said with a sparkle in his eyes. He looked so carefree that it amazed me. After all the pictures we just took with my mirror, I am not sure he would be smiling if he saw them. "I know you might not like this. I promise I will be quick. I just wanted to head into Quality Quidditch Supplies" At this my heart skipped. I had been dying to see the newest Quidditch supplies since I last went to DIagon Alley.
"Sure! Let's go" I said excitedly earning an odd look from Henry. The store was huge. It was like 3 times bigger than the one in Diagon Alley. The first thing I noticed was the display of the "firebolt". I guess it was really the fastest broom internationally too.
"I'll just be a minute" He said.
"Take all the time you need" I replied happily. I waved my hand at him and left to walk around the store. They had everything I could ever need. The prices were definitely cheaper than Diagon Alley. Those chasers gloves looked too good to not buy. What I would do to have all new equipement for Quidditch! My gloves were so torn I didn't even bring them. Not that it mattered anyway. It's not like I would be playing Quidditch. I walked over to the different brooms on display. Next to the firebolt were the Nimbus 2001 and the newest upcoming comet 3000.
"There you are" Henry said interrupting my beautiful daydreams about owning an amazing broom. Not like I would need one anyway. "Do you like Quidditch?" He asked. He can't be serious?
"Of course"
"Really? Whats your favorite team"
"The Holyhead Harpies of course" I answered without hesitation.
"They suck! I'm more for NY"
"The yanks? They never win!" I exclaimed.
"There's always a chance"
"Not for them" My phone/mirror started to vibrate. A picture of Sophie showed.
"What's up Sophie?" I asked.
"Not much just wanted to let you know I won't be home for dinner. Make something or eat out"
"Okay."
Great another date with Mr. perfect. At least it gives me time to myself.
"Sophie?" Henry asked
"Yep she has yet another date."
"Oh. I would invite you to dinner, but Sirius and I have plans tonight." Henry said looking at anything but me. I wonder what he's hiding. We were already walking to the trains so I didn't want to ask especially in a place so open.
"Oh no worries. I have eaten plenty of times by myself. I think Russ has the shift for a bit tonight. I might just ask him to join me" I shrugged. Honestly I had no plans to ask Russell, but it made me feel less like a loser. I don't know what it was about the look he gave me, but it made me wish I never said anything.
"Okay then. Let's go" He said quietly. For most of the train ride Henry seemed occupied by his thoughts. This did not help me. In a few days the Hogwarts express would be leaving to Hogwarts and for the first time in 4 years I would not be on it. Henry just kept staring straight ahead out the window. My stop, 42nd street was almost coming up and I didn't want to leave him on that train looking depressed.
"Are you okay" I asked
"Never better" He replied sarcastically.
"What's wrong? You just seem miles away."
"I'm fine." He snapped, "Just drop it"
"Fine" I snapped back. I swear this boy had mood swings worse than a pregnant woman. Thankfully 42nd street came quickly. Before the trains stopped I looked at him and all my anger faded. No matter how depressing he can be, it didn't change the fact that I hated seeing him like that. Any mean comment I had to say left my head. "Feel better" I said touching his arm. The doors opened and I was off the train. This was actually the first time I was on the train alone. Henry usually walks me home. Seeing as how he didn't offer, I didn't want to seem scared to go home alone. Okay so I need to take the 1 train. I did what any other person did. I followed the signs. People are so rude. Whenever I walk through the train, Henry is usually guiding me so I don't usually pay attention to everything. I never noticed how unorganized everything was. For instance no one stands to the right on the escalators. Instead they'd rather just be scattered around not allowing those in a hurry to pass through the left. I remember Hermione complaining about this, but like usual I had paid it no mind. Also people were like Quidditch players. With Henry I was a bit more protected, but at this moment people kept bumping into me with their bags or shoulders. I must say many of these people were not exactly skinny.
"Finally" I mumbled when I managed to find the 1 train going uptown. The train ride was longer than usual. I got off at my stop 103rd street and decided to walk to my favorite pizza store before heading home. I hadn't been there for like the longest time, but I'm pretty sure I remember where it is. To think the last time I was here was with Hermione and Luna. I wonder what they are doing right about now. Knowing Hermione she was probably catching up with all her schoolwork. I could barely taste the pizza with all these sad thoughts in my head. What did they call this? Oh yes "homesickness". Was this what I was? I love being here in NYC, but at this moment I was extremely frustrated. I threw away the small piece of pizza that I couldn't bear to finish and walked home. I smiled politely at all the staff and guests before heading to my room to go to sleep. Sure it was barely 6pm, but i'm sure if I slept this off that I would feel better. Actually I had a better idea, but I would have to wait until late.
Back in England...
Ron sat in his bed staring at his orange colored ceiling. Somehow the bright colors in his room could not bring him out of his depressed state. He knew he should be sleeping, but he just couldn't get himself to go to bed. He hadn't spoken more than a whole sentence to the family since Ginny left. Yes she was his annoying little sister, but she was also the one who helped introduce him to Hermione. Ginny gave him a reason to be around Hermione even if it did mean having to put up with the jokes and girl talk. Plus she was his sister. How could he not care for her? The burrow had not been the same since she left. His parents were always fighting or just not talking at all. The twins and Ron had to constantly walk around eggshells around them. One minute Mrs. Weasley would be cheerful and smiling, then the next she would yell or start crying. How could Ginny do this to the family? Ron kept constantly asking himself. To make matters worse, ever since Ginny ran away, Hermione has not been over to visit. He had been slowly hoping to find ways to get her to notice him other than listening to his horrible jokes that she always seemed to find funny. Now he had other plans. He needed to fix his family first then he would focus on his love life.
"She must know something." he kept telling himself. Suddenly a noise so quiet interrupted Ron's thoughts. Normally this noise would not have been heard by Ron, but the house has been way too quiet these days. He left the confines of his room and walked down the stairs. The noise grew louder as he walked down the stairs. Finally he stopped in front of the door where the noise was the loudest. The door read "Ginny's Room". The door was open just slightly, giving Ron enough room to look into the room. It sounded like a person sobbing. He expected it be his mum going through her daily crying sessions, but instead was shocked to see his dad. Mr. Weasley was sitting on Ginny's bed clutching a doll that he had once bought Ginny. Out of everyone Mr. Weasley had been the quietest. He never really showed his emotions like he used to. This was it. I need to do something! Ron told himself. I think its time I talk to Hermione. I'll talk to her on the train. He promised himself. Enough was enough.
Author's Note: Thanks for reading! I hope it was worth it. I hope to update by next week. I already have the chapter in mind. Just think by chapter 11 she will be on her way to EIS! So please stay tuned. I wonder what's up with Henry? Please review if you have any ideas or thoughts. I love hearing from you.
