Blood of Enemies, Blood of Friends
Chapter 6 - Back to School Shopping
The day after Harry's arrival, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny received their annual letters from Hogwarts. Ginny was ecstatic to find that she had been made one of the fifth year prefects. Ron and Hermione were very happy for Ginny, but Harry could not help but feel a little bitter. He had not been made a prefect the previous year, because Dumbledore felt that Harry had enough to worry about with Voldemort's rise. Harry understood the reasoning, but he still felt left out when his friends attended to their prefect duties. Last year, he at least had Ginny to sit with on the train. Now he wouldn't even have that, though maybe it would be a good opportunity to get to know Shannon, Dawn, and Andrew better.
Ginny ran downstairs to tell her mother that she had been made a prefect. She was hoping to get a broom, like Ron did the previous year. After Ginny left, Hermione began reading her letter aloud, even though Harry and Ron were reading theirs at the same time silently.
Dear Miss Granger,
Recent events have changed the course of history. The world no longer has a single Slayer to protect it. All the girls in the world with the potential to become the Slayer were recently activated. There are now nearly 200 active Slayers.
The newly activated Slayers will now be training at Hogwarts. New courses have been added to the Hogwarts curriculum as part of the Slayer training. These courses are open to sixth and seventh year students, who are interested. These courses include Research Skills, Fighting Techniques, and History of the Slayer.
If you are interested in enrolling in any of these courses, please owl me. If you have any questions, regarding these courses and your chosen career, please owl your head of house for guidance.
Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster.
Ron was the first to speak. "Well, obviously since I want to become a Watcher, I am taking all three of these classes. Mr. Giles also assured me that he would get me assigned to a weekly patrol of the castle and grounds."
"I guess all three classes would be helpful with future auror training," commented Harry.
Hermione was excited about the possibility of new classes. "Well, I love the idea of a class in Research Skills, and with everything going on in the wizarding world, Fighting Techniques seems very practical. I wish I could take the History of the Slayer class, but my schedule is pretty tight." Harry and Ron rolled their eyes. Hermione was taking almost twice as many classes as they were. Tight was an understatement.
The three students sat down to write their replies to Dumbledore, just as Dawn, Shannon, and Andrew burst into the room.
"Great news, guys," said Andrew.
"Giles got Ron's parents and Dumbledore to agree to let you three stay with us at the Leaky Cauldron next week," Shannon explained.
"Why are you staying there? Why not just stay here until it is time to leave for Hogwarts?" asked Hermione.
"All of the Slayers are staying at the Leaky Cauldron for the night before we leave for Hogwarts. Don't forget, they come from all over the world and most, if not all, don't know a think about magic. Giles and Wesley are going to have to help them all to purchase their supplies," Dawn explained.
****************
On the morning of their departure from Order headquarters, everyone who was going to the Leaky Cauldron was up early. Molly Weasley had prepared them a large breakfast. Everyone spoke animatedly at the breakfast table.
"So," said Dawn, "we are totally psyched about shopping at that wizard place today."
"Yeah," said Andrew, "I totally can't wait to buy some robes and a wand. That is just so cool."
Buffy shuddered, "Um, Giles, does Andrew actually get a wand?"
Giles shook his head, "Sorry, Andrew, no wand for you. You won't be doing magic, just recording the Slayer training."
Andrew looked disappointed for a moment, but then his face brightened. "I still get robes though, right?"
Wesley replied, "Of course you get robes."
"Well that is still cool then."
Dawn and Shannon smiled at him. They knew that the adults only barely tolerated Andrew, but at least they were much nicer to him now than a few months before.
Buffy looked at Willow. "Is Kennedy going to be meeting us at the Leaky Cauldron?" Buffy asked.
"I guess so," replied Willow. "I haven't heard from her all summer."
"I'm sorry to hear that," said Buffy. She was not really sorry. Buffy had never liked Kennedy. The girl was just too pushy. She hoped that Willow would find someone else, someone nice and sweet like Tara had been.
"Honestly, I am not sure if I am upset or not," commented Willow. "I guess I will just have to wait and see what happens." Buffy thought that Willow's lack of distress had a lot to do with all the time she had spent during the past few weeks with a certain pink-haired auror.
"How are we all getting to the Leaky Cauldron?" asked Harry.
"The Ministry was kind enough to volunteer a few cars," Giles explained. "They will also provide transportation from the Leaky Cauldron to Kings Cross Station for us."
****************
The Ministry cars left everyone off in front of a nondescript building. Giles explained to everyone that in order to see the "Leaky Cauldron" sign, they had to look directly at the tavern.
"This is weird," noted Faith. "We have passed here on patrol a bunch of times, but I never noticed this place."
"That is the point," responded Wesley. "No one would ever notice the Leaky Cauldron if they are not specifically looking for it. Otherwise, muggles would regularly wander in here, and that could expose the wizarding world."
"Makes sense, I guess," said Buffy.
The group entered the Leaky Cauldron. Giles spoke for a few minutes with Tom, who then disappeared for a few more minutes. Tom reappeared carrying several keys, which he promptly handed to Giles.
"With all the Slayers who are arriving today, we are going to have to double up," Giles explained before passing out the keys. "Wesley and I will share a room. Faith and Robin are obviously together." Everyone laughed. Faith and Robin had become absolutely inseparable during the previous months. "The other groups will be Buffy and Willow, Xander and Andrew, Dawn and Shannon, Ginny and Hermione, and Harry and Ron. Now everyone you may take your things to your rooms. We will meet back down here in one hour and then head over to Gringotts to retrieve some funds. I need to round up all the other Slayers, who have been here since last night."
One hour later, the Scoobies, the Gryffindors, and all the newly activated Slayers followed Giles to a brick wall in the back of the tavern. Giles pulled out a wand, and lightly tapped several of the bricks. The wall separated, opening up onto a street full of shops and crowded with strangely attired people.
"Wow," said Xander. The others echoed his astonishment.
At first glance, Diagon Alley seemed like any other shopping district. However, when the group looked more closely, they saw stores that sold everything from owls to wands. The people were also unusual. They were all dressed in brightly colored robes and many were wearing pointed hats, much like the one they had seen Dumbledore wear.
Willow was the only one not openly gaping at the scene before them. She and Kennedy were speaking for the first time in months.
Giles and Wesley lead the group to Gringotts Bank. Before entering, Giles explained to everyone what to expect. "We need to withdrawal some funds for your supplies. The wizarding world uses a different form of currency than muggles use. Now before we enter, I must warn you that Gringotts here is run by goblins. I say this, because I do not want any slaying to occur."
Faith voiced what they were all thinking, "But, Giles, aren't goblins evil?"
"Not evil, per se, just very shrewd, thus making them good bankers."
The group entered the bank. Everyone other than Giles and Wesley was amazed at the sight. Small creatures with bad skin, pointed beards, and very large hands and feet were milling around the bank.
Giles and Wesley disappeared with on of the goblins, while the group waited. When the two Watchers returned, they were carrying large bags of coins. Wesley divided the coins into small purses and handed them to each person in the group while Giles explained the currency. "The currency here includes galleons which are gold, sickles which are silver, and knuts which are bronze. As long as you stay on this street, everything you need should be clearly marked with the price."
Wesley finished passing out the purses and addressed the group, "You have all been given enough money to purchase your requisite supplies, most of which can be purchased at Flourish and Blotts. You may purchase your wands at Ollivander and your robes at Madam Malkins. There is also some extra money for each of you to purchase an owl or other pet if you choose, as well as some personal items. Those of you who will be teaching at Hogwarts have also been given extra money for supplies you may need for your classes. Make sure you keep the receipts for those and give them to me."
Giles made one last announcement, "I know that there is a lot to see, but please remember that we have to leave for the station bright and early tomorrow morning. Try to make this an early night."
With Giles final announcement, the group dispersed to begin their shopping.
****************
Giles and Wesley accompanied Buffy, Willow, Kennedy, Faith, and Wood to Ollivanders wand shop. (Xander had left to check out Weasley Wizard Wheezes. He had been looking forward to it for weeks.) Mr. Ollivander was a very thin, older man. When he saw the group, he knew instantly who they were.
"Well," he said, "you must be the new Hogwarts faculty members that I have heard so much about."
The group was a little taken aback. They didn't expect word to have traveled so fast about their new positions at Hogwarts.
"Now then who among you will be needing wands?"
Buffy, Willow, Kennedy, and Faith raised their hands. Giles and Wesley still had the wands they had used back in their days as students at Hogwarts, and Xander and Wood had no need for a wand as neither possessed magic.
Mr. Ollivander started running around the shop, pulling many long narrow boxes from the shelves. He handed a wand to Willow first. She took it and looked at it, not entirely sure what to do with it. Mr. Ollivander indicated that she should wave it around a bit. When Willow waved the wand, there was a small explosion causing quite a bit of smoke. Mr. Ollivander coughed out, "No, that is definitely not the one. Let me see, I know which would be best for you."
He handed her another wand. This time when she waved it around, a beautiful display of fluorescent lights danced around the room. She giggled. Mr. Ollivander confirmed that she had indeed found the proper wand, "11 ½ inches, willow wood, containing hair of a werewolf."
"Hair of a werewolf?" Willow asked.
"Yes, my dear," said Mr. Ollivander. "Werewolves are by nature magical creatures. Of course, it is very dangerous to approach one in wolf form. These hairs were generously donated by a werewolf from a monastery in Sri Lanka."
Willow's eyes got wide. "Buffy, Xander, do you think it could be from Oz."
Buffy smiled, "Could be, Will. That would explain why it suits you so."
The Slayers then each took turns following the same procedure of waving around various wands. Buffy got a wand that was 10 inches, California redwood, containing the blood of a thestrel. Giles explained to her about thestrels, causing Buffy to mumble that death was still her gift. Faith got a wand that was 12 inches, Boston pine, containing the feather of a phoenix. Kennedy got a wand that was 11 ½ inches, ebony wood, containing dragon blood.
As they were exiting the shop, Faith was showing Wood her wand. Then to the amazement of the rest of the group, she leaned in and gave him a quick but meaningful kiss. It was sweet, which was very out of character for Faith.
As the walked along, Buffy stepped up along side Faith, while Wood was speaking with Giles. "So, Faith, I never thought of you as the one-guy kind of girl," said Buffy.
Faith didn't even trade barbs with Buffy. She just smiled. "Me neither, B., but this time is different. I can't imagine ever wanting anyone else."
"Oh, so then he's good in bed."
"Oh yeah. But he also knows all about me, and still likes me. I've never been with a guy before who actually wanted to know about me."
Buffy smiled, "You know what, Faith, you deserve that kind of a relationship."
"For the first time in my life, B., I think you're right."
****************
While the adults were at Ollivanders, Dawn, Shannon, Andrew, Ginny, Harry, Ron, and Hermione went to Flourish and Blotts to buy their schoolbooks. The seven teens quickly picked out their textbooks, paid for them, and exited the shop.
"So, what other things do you have to buy," Hermione asked Dawn, Shannon, and Andrew.
Dawn replied, "Shannon and I still need wands, and all three of us need school and dress robes."
Shannon chimed in, "Oh and don't forget that Giles said he gave us enough to buy an owl."
"We all need new robes too," said Ginny. "Why don't we go with you to the wand shop, and then we can all go to Madam Malkins and get our robes together."
"Sounds great," Dawn replied.
The group entered Ollivanders. Mr. Ollivander immediately recognized Harry, though he was now five years older than when he had last been in the shop. "Mr. Potter, how may I help you and your friends."
"Hi, Mr. Ollivander, Dawn and Shannon here need wands."
"Ah yes, you must both be new Slayers."
Dawn corrected him, "Shannon is. I am here to train to become a Watcher."
"I see," he said as he began pulling out wands for the girls to try. Dawn found a wand on the first try. It was 11 ½ inches, California redwood, containing blood of a twice-risen Slayer. She knew the blood was Buffy's and that it was just like hers. She realized that she must have magic. She also wondered how the wand maker came to possess her sister's blood. She did not know that Buffy had donated her blood, a few weeks earlier, after a suggestion by Giles. Shannon also found her wand on the first try. It was 10 inches, cherry wood, containing the hair of a unicorn.
The group left Ollivanders and headed to Madam Malkins. They each took turns standing on a stool, while an enchanted tape measure took their measurements. They were given their sizes, and then each bought two black school robes and one dress robe. The girls spent almost an hour trying on robes of various colors. They finally decided on what they wanted. Dawn's dress robe was a deep emerald green, Shannon's was a bright purple with gold trim, Ginny's was a sparkling gold with ruby trim, and Hermione's was a light silver.
After deciding on their own robes, the girls helped the boys pick theirs. Harry's happily chose a dress robe that was a darker purple than Shannon's but with similar gold trim. In the back of his mind, he was thinking that he would look good standing next to Shannon at a school dance, if he ever had the nerve to ask her. Ron settled for a dress robe that was midnight blue with silver trim. After much prodding by Dawn and Shannon, Andrew agreed on a dress robe was a deep red with gold trim.
As they left the robe shop, Hermione reminded Dawn that she had wanted to get an owl. "We can go over to Eeylops Owl Emporium."
The six teens walked to Eeylops. Dawn, Shannon, and Andrew decided that it would be best to share an owl and save the rest of their money. Harry and Ron helped Dawn and Shannon pick out a dark brown owl that the girls named Cocoa. Andrew, Ginny, and Hermione stood together quietly and waited while the others made their purchase.
The teens realized that it was getting late. They decided to return to the Leaky Cauldron to have dinner, and then to retire early for the night. They all needed to pack their supplies in their trunks, and Harry informed Dawn, Shannon, and Andrew that tomorrow would be a very long day.
Chapter 6 - Back to School Shopping
The day after Harry's arrival, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny received their annual letters from Hogwarts. Ginny was ecstatic to find that she had been made one of the fifth year prefects. Ron and Hermione were very happy for Ginny, but Harry could not help but feel a little bitter. He had not been made a prefect the previous year, because Dumbledore felt that Harry had enough to worry about with Voldemort's rise. Harry understood the reasoning, but he still felt left out when his friends attended to their prefect duties. Last year, he at least had Ginny to sit with on the train. Now he wouldn't even have that, though maybe it would be a good opportunity to get to know Shannon, Dawn, and Andrew better.
Ginny ran downstairs to tell her mother that she had been made a prefect. She was hoping to get a broom, like Ron did the previous year. After Ginny left, Hermione began reading her letter aloud, even though Harry and Ron were reading theirs at the same time silently.
Dear Miss Granger,
Recent events have changed the course of history. The world no longer has a single Slayer to protect it. All the girls in the world with the potential to become the Slayer were recently activated. There are now nearly 200 active Slayers.
The newly activated Slayers will now be training at Hogwarts. New courses have been added to the Hogwarts curriculum as part of the Slayer training. These courses are open to sixth and seventh year students, who are interested. These courses include Research Skills, Fighting Techniques, and History of the Slayer.
If you are interested in enrolling in any of these courses, please owl me. If you have any questions, regarding these courses and your chosen career, please owl your head of house for guidance.
Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster.
Ron was the first to speak. "Well, obviously since I want to become a Watcher, I am taking all three of these classes. Mr. Giles also assured me that he would get me assigned to a weekly patrol of the castle and grounds."
"I guess all three classes would be helpful with future auror training," commented Harry.
Hermione was excited about the possibility of new classes. "Well, I love the idea of a class in Research Skills, and with everything going on in the wizarding world, Fighting Techniques seems very practical. I wish I could take the History of the Slayer class, but my schedule is pretty tight." Harry and Ron rolled their eyes. Hermione was taking almost twice as many classes as they were. Tight was an understatement.
The three students sat down to write their replies to Dumbledore, just as Dawn, Shannon, and Andrew burst into the room.
"Great news, guys," said Andrew.
"Giles got Ron's parents and Dumbledore to agree to let you three stay with us at the Leaky Cauldron next week," Shannon explained.
"Why are you staying there? Why not just stay here until it is time to leave for Hogwarts?" asked Hermione.
"All of the Slayers are staying at the Leaky Cauldron for the night before we leave for Hogwarts. Don't forget, they come from all over the world and most, if not all, don't know a think about magic. Giles and Wesley are going to have to help them all to purchase their supplies," Dawn explained.
****************
On the morning of their departure from Order headquarters, everyone who was going to the Leaky Cauldron was up early. Molly Weasley had prepared them a large breakfast. Everyone spoke animatedly at the breakfast table.
"So," said Dawn, "we are totally psyched about shopping at that wizard place today."
"Yeah," said Andrew, "I totally can't wait to buy some robes and a wand. That is just so cool."
Buffy shuddered, "Um, Giles, does Andrew actually get a wand?"
Giles shook his head, "Sorry, Andrew, no wand for you. You won't be doing magic, just recording the Slayer training."
Andrew looked disappointed for a moment, but then his face brightened. "I still get robes though, right?"
Wesley replied, "Of course you get robes."
"Well that is still cool then."
Dawn and Shannon smiled at him. They knew that the adults only barely tolerated Andrew, but at least they were much nicer to him now than a few months before.
Buffy looked at Willow. "Is Kennedy going to be meeting us at the Leaky Cauldron?" Buffy asked.
"I guess so," replied Willow. "I haven't heard from her all summer."
"I'm sorry to hear that," said Buffy. She was not really sorry. Buffy had never liked Kennedy. The girl was just too pushy. She hoped that Willow would find someone else, someone nice and sweet like Tara had been.
"Honestly, I am not sure if I am upset or not," commented Willow. "I guess I will just have to wait and see what happens." Buffy thought that Willow's lack of distress had a lot to do with all the time she had spent during the past few weeks with a certain pink-haired auror.
"How are we all getting to the Leaky Cauldron?" asked Harry.
"The Ministry was kind enough to volunteer a few cars," Giles explained. "They will also provide transportation from the Leaky Cauldron to Kings Cross Station for us."
****************
The Ministry cars left everyone off in front of a nondescript building. Giles explained to everyone that in order to see the "Leaky Cauldron" sign, they had to look directly at the tavern.
"This is weird," noted Faith. "We have passed here on patrol a bunch of times, but I never noticed this place."
"That is the point," responded Wesley. "No one would ever notice the Leaky Cauldron if they are not specifically looking for it. Otherwise, muggles would regularly wander in here, and that could expose the wizarding world."
"Makes sense, I guess," said Buffy.
The group entered the Leaky Cauldron. Giles spoke for a few minutes with Tom, who then disappeared for a few more minutes. Tom reappeared carrying several keys, which he promptly handed to Giles.
"With all the Slayers who are arriving today, we are going to have to double up," Giles explained before passing out the keys. "Wesley and I will share a room. Faith and Robin are obviously together." Everyone laughed. Faith and Robin had become absolutely inseparable during the previous months. "The other groups will be Buffy and Willow, Xander and Andrew, Dawn and Shannon, Ginny and Hermione, and Harry and Ron. Now everyone you may take your things to your rooms. We will meet back down here in one hour and then head over to Gringotts to retrieve some funds. I need to round up all the other Slayers, who have been here since last night."
One hour later, the Scoobies, the Gryffindors, and all the newly activated Slayers followed Giles to a brick wall in the back of the tavern. Giles pulled out a wand, and lightly tapped several of the bricks. The wall separated, opening up onto a street full of shops and crowded with strangely attired people.
"Wow," said Xander. The others echoed his astonishment.
At first glance, Diagon Alley seemed like any other shopping district. However, when the group looked more closely, they saw stores that sold everything from owls to wands. The people were also unusual. They were all dressed in brightly colored robes and many were wearing pointed hats, much like the one they had seen Dumbledore wear.
Willow was the only one not openly gaping at the scene before them. She and Kennedy were speaking for the first time in months.
Giles and Wesley lead the group to Gringotts Bank. Before entering, Giles explained to everyone what to expect. "We need to withdrawal some funds for your supplies. The wizarding world uses a different form of currency than muggles use. Now before we enter, I must warn you that Gringotts here is run by goblins. I say this, because I do not want any slaying to occur."
Faith voiced what they were all thinking, "But, Giles, aren't goblins evil?"
"Not evil, per se, just very shrewd, thus making them good bankers."
The group entered the bank. Everyone other than Giles and Wesley was amazed at the sight. Small creatures with bad skin, pointed beards, and very large hands and feet were milling around the bank.
Giles and Wesley disappeared with on of the goblins, while the group waited. When the two Watchers returned, they were carrying large bags of coins. Wesley divided the coins into small purses and handed them to each person in the group while Giles explained the currency. "The currency here includes galleons which are gold, sickles which are silver, and knuts which are bronze. As long as you stay on this street, everything you need should be clearly marked with the price."
Wesley finished passing out the purses and addressed the group, "You have all been given enough money to purchase your requisite supplies, most of which can be purchased at Flourish and Blotts. You may purchase your wands at Ollivander and your robes at Madam Malkins. There is also some extra money for each of you to purchase an owl or other pet if you choose, as well as some personal items. Those of you who will be teaching at Hogwarts have also been given extra money for supplies you may need for your classes. Make sure you keep the receipts for those and give them to me."
Giles made one last announcement, "I know that there is a lot to see, but please remember that we have to leave for the station bright and early tomorrow morning. Try to make this an early night."
With Giles final announcement, the group dispersed to begin their shopping.
****************
Giles and Wesley accompanied Buffy, Willow, Kennedy, Faith, and Wood to Ollivanders wand shop. (Xander had left to check out Weasley Wizard Wheezes. He had been looking forward to it for weeks.) Mr. Ollivander was a very thin, older man. When he saw the group, he knew instantly who they were.
"Well," he said, "you must be the new Hogwarts faculty members that I have heard so much about."
The group was a little taken aback. They didn't expect word to have traveled so fast about their new positions at Hogwarts.
"Now then who among you will be needing wands?"
Buffy, Willow, Kennedy, and Faith raised their hands. Giles and Wesley still had the wands they had used back in their days as students at Hogwarts, and Xander and Wood had no need for a wand as neither possessed magic.
Mr. Ollivander started running around the shop, pulling many long narrow boxes from the shelves. He handed a wand to Willow first. She took it and looked at it, not entirely sure what to do with it. Mr. Ollivander indicated that she should wave it around a bit. When Willow waved the wand, there was a small explosion causing quite a bit of smoke. Mr. Ollivander coughed out, "No, that is definitely not the one. Let me see, I know which would be best for you."
He handed her another wand. This time when she waved it around, a beautiful display of fluorescent lights danced around the room. She giggled. Mr. Ollivander confirmed that she had indeed found the proper wand, "11 ½ inches, willow wood, containing hair of a werewolf."
"Hair of a werewolf?" Willow asked.
"Yes, my dear," said Mr. Ollivander. "Werewolves are by nature magical creatures. Of course, it is very dangerous to approach one in wolf form. These hairs were generously donated by a werewolf from a monastery in Sri Lanka."
Willow's eyes got wide. "Buffy, Xander, do you think it could be from Oz."
Buffy smiled, "Could be, Will. That would explain why it suits you so."
The Slayers then each took turns following the same procedure of waving around various wands. Buffy got a wand that was 10 inches, California redwood, containing the blood of a thestrel. Giles explained to her about thestrels, causing Buffy to mumble that death was still her gift. Faith got a wand that was 12 inches, Boston pine, containing the feather of a phoenix. Kennedy got a wand that was 11 ½ inches, ebony wood, containing dragon blood.
As they were exiting the shop, Faith was showing Wood her wand. Then to the amazement of the rest of the group, she leaned in and gave him a quick but meaningful kiss. It was sweet, which was very out of character for Faith.
As the walked along, Buffy stepped up along side Faith, while Wood was speaking with Giles. "So, Faith, I never thought of you as the one-guy kind of girl," said Buffy.
Faith didn't even trade barbs with Buffy. She just smiled. "Me neither, B., but this time is different. I can't imagine ever wanting anyone else."
"Oh, so then he's good in bed."
"Oh yeah. But he also knows all about me, and still likes me. I've never been with a guy before who actually wanted to know about me."
Buffy smiled, "You know what, Faith, you deserve that kind of a relationship."
"For the first time in my life, B., I think you're right."
****************
While the adults were at Ollivanders, Dawn, Shannon, Andrew, Ginny, Harry, Ron, and Hermione went to Flourish and Blotts to buy their schoolbooks. The seven teens quickly picked out their textbooks, paid for them, and exited the shop.
"So, what other things do you have to buy," Hermione asked Dawn, Shannon, and Andrew.
Dawn replied, "Shannon and I still need wands, and all three of us need school and dress robes."
Shannon chimed in, "Oh and don't forget that Giles said he gave us enough to buy an owl."
"We all need new robes too," said Ginny. "Why don't we go with you to the wand shop, and then we can all go to Madam Malkins and get our robes together."
"Sounds great," Dawn replied.
The group entered Ollivanders. Mr. Ollivander immediately recognized Harry, though he was now five years older than when he had last been in the shop. "Mr. Potter, how may I help you and your friends."
"Hi, Mr. Ollivander, Dawn and Shannon here need wands."
"Ah yes, you must both be new Slayers."
Dawn corrected him, "Shannon is. I am here to train to become a Watcher."
"I see," he said as he began pulling out wands for the girls to try. Dawn found a wand on the first try. It was 11 ½ inches, California redwood, containing blood of a twice-risen Slayer. She knew the blood was Buffy's and that it was just like hers. She realized that she must have magic. She also wondered how the wand maker came to possess her sister's blood. She did not know that Buffy had donated her blood, a few weeks earlier, after a suggestion by Giles. Shannon also found her wand on the first try. It was 10 inches, cherry wood, containing the hair of a unicorn.
The group left Ollivanders and headed to Madam Malkins. They each took turns standing on a stool, while an enchanted tape measure took their measurements. They were given their sizes, and then each bought two black school robes and one dress robe. The girls spent almost an hour trying on robes of various colors. They finally decided on what they wanted. Dawn's dress robe was a deep emerald green, Shannon's was a bright purple with gold trim, Ginny's was a sparkling gold with ruby trim, and Hermione's was a light silver.
After deciding on their own robes, the girls helped the boys pick theirs. Harry's happily chose a dress robe that was a darker purple than Shannon's but with similar gold trim. In the back of his mind, he was thinking that he would look good standing next to Shannon at a school dance, if he ever had the nerve to ask her. Ron settled for a dress robe that was midnight blue with silver trim. After much prodding by Dawn and Shannon, Andrew agreed on a dress robe was a deep red with gold trim.
As they left the robe shop, Hermione reminded Dawn that she had wanted to get an owl. "We can go over to Eeylops Owl Emporium."
The six teens walked to Eeylops. Dawn, Shannon, and Andrew decided that it would be best to share an owl and save the rest of their money. Harry and Ron helped Dawn and Shannon pick out a dark brown owl that the girls named Cocoa. Andrew, Ginny, and Hermione stood together quietly and waited while the others made their purchase.
The teens realized that it was getting late. They decided to return to the Leaky Cauldron to have dinner, and then to retire early for the night. They all needed to pack their supplies in their trunks, and Harry informed Dawn, Shannon, and Andrew that tomorrow would be a very long day.