Stay at Leaky Cauldron
Mrs Weasley was as good as her word. She allowed the six of them to stay at Leaky Cauldron, giving instructions that they do not and should not wander, whether intentionally or accidentally, into Knockturn Alley; during their last week of holidays. Before they left, they received a letter telling them what to buy for their fifth year.
"There's nothing much we need to buy. Most of our fourth year books are a two year series," Hermione reasoned. She was right. The only book they need to buy is 'IStandard Book of Spells, Grade 5/I'. They were also reminded to bring their dress robes. Ron showed Harry his new dress robe, which is a dark blue colour. It was also of the same design as Harry.
"Thanks Harry. If I were to wear that violet dress again I think I'll rather die!" Harry simply smiled. He was glad that his friend was happy with his new dress robe.
"But why do we need them this year?" Harry wondered.
"Perhaps there's a ball?" Hermione suggested, folding her own pale blue dress robe into the trunk. Ginny was in their room, feeding Pig.
"Perhaps." Harry trailed off, suddenly thinking of Cho Chang, the Ravenclaw Seeker. Harry got a crush on her since third year, but he had the nagging feeling that Cho had a crush on the late Cedric Diggory, the Hufflepuff Seeker. Cedric died in Voldermort's hands a year ago, during the Triwizard Tournament held at Hogwarts. Harry could not forget how Cho cried during their last feast at Hogwarts, which was when all of them mourned for Cedric.
"Harry!" Harry jumped and turned to Hermione. "Is something wrong? You looked dazed."
Harry shook his head. "I'm fine."
"All right! Let's go!" Ron shouted, excitedly.
The six of them arrived at Leaky Cauldron by Floo Powder, which caused a bit of shock to the customers. Nonetheless, Harry Potter received many handshakes and admiring glances at his lightning bolt scar. As there were only two rooms available, Hermione, Ginny, Ron and Harry shared a large room, while the twins shared a smaller room. Harry was ecstatic seeing the spacious room with two beds and two tables. He opened the window and saw the busy shops at Diagon Alley filled with people.
"Let's go to Gringotts first. I need to refill my money bag," Harry suggested. After telling Fred and George, who suspiciously stayed in their room, they marched off to the snowy, yet crooked building. Ginny and Ron gaped at the mountains of Galleons Harry possessed, but Harry hurriedly closed the vault door. After all four of them had their money, they headed off to Flourish and Blotts to get their new books. The shop was relatively busy as there was only one person manning the shop. They saw some of their friends, Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan. Harry helped Ginny picked out some of her books and offered to carry them for her. Ginny flushed so furiously that her face matches her flaming red hair. As they queued up for their payment, a girl approached the cashier.
"Excuse me, but where can I get this book?"
The cashier looked troubled. She was halfway in calculating Ginny's purchases.
"It's ok, I'll help her get it," Harry offered. He handed his money and book to Ron to pay. The girl smiled gratefully at Harry. Harry noticed that she had green eyes like himself. Or at least, that's what he thought. The yellow lighting in the shop was making his skin look yellow.
"Standard Book of Spells, Grade 5. Are you studying at Hogwarts?" Harry asked. The girl smiled and a small dimple danced on her right cheek.
"Yes, I'm starting this year." Her voice was sharp and clear, but was tinted with an Asian accent.
"Are you the new student?" Harry asked, excited. The girl nodded.
"I'm Alexandra Chang, but call me Alex."
"Harry Potter."
Alex widened her eyes slightly, but didn't say any further. "Pleased to meet you."
"Harry!" Ron called. "We're leaving without you!"
"Where are you staying?" Alex asked.
"Leaky Cauldron, room 21."
"I'll see you sometime then," Alex smiled again. Harry replied with a grin and jogged towards his friends.
"Who was that girl?" Hermione asked, passing Harry's book to him.
"The new student. Her name's Alexandra."
Ron and Hermione were surprised at the news. "Cool! Is she staying in Leaky Cauldron?"
Harry shrugged. "I dunno. She never said."
Ron and Hermione continued their fantasies about the new girl, but Harry could not take his mind off her sparkling eyes. They had somewhat embedded themselves into Harry's brain.
'Alexandra.'
* * *
The next morning, Harry awoke much earlier than he had intended to. Weak sunrays were seeping through the cracks around the window. Hedwig, Pig and Crookshanks, Hermione's cat, were sleeping on the two desks. Harry quietly stepped off the bed he and Ron shared and pulled on his blue sweater. Wincing slightly at the creak the door made, he made his way down the stairs. Even though the inn owner, Tom, had not awoken, there was a vending machine selling rolls of bread and drinks. Some of the people staying in the inn were yawning away while reading the wizard newspaper, Daily Prophet. Harry, stifling a yawn as he inserted a Galleon into the machine and chose a Butterbeer and a bread roll. He sat down heavily on one of the empty tables and unwrapped his bread roll.
"Harry?" A soft voice called out. Harry almost choked on his bread roll upon hearing the voice.
"Alex?" Indeed, Alex was sitting across him, dressed in a light yellow sweater and her long raven hair placed loosely on her shoulders. Harry picked up his drink and joined her. Harry then got a better look at her features under the white lightning of the inn. Her eyes were a sharp emerald green, and her complexion was unlike he imagined. It was a healthy brown, perfectly highlighted by her sweater. Her hair was so silky and shiny, Harry could have sworn he saw his reflection in her hair.
"I didn't know you were staying here," Harry wondered.
Alex smiled. "I told you I'll be seeing you soon." Harry nodded.
"Where are you from?" Harry asked.
"China. I'm a Chinese-European. My father is a European, my mother is a Chinese. They died two years ago."
"Oh. Is that why you migrated to Europe?"
Alex nodded. "My relatives resented me because I was a witch. They refused to take me in. When I heard from Professor Dumbledore that my father have had small fortune here, he asked for me to migrate here."
Harry's heart went out to Alex. He knew exactly how it feels to be resented by Muggles. "Boy, did that sound familiar."
An awkward silence hung over the air. Harry stirred the subject to Hogwarts. He asked Alex about her old school, and told her about Hogwarts. By the time the sun was completely up, Harry had learned that Alex was a fantastic Chaser, Keeper and Seeker. (She was asked for the national team); that she owned a Firebolt as well; that her old house was called Green Dragon; her best subjects were Potions, Astronomy, Transfigurations and Charms; her worst subjects were Divination and Defence against the Dark Arts. Harry was ecstatic when he learned about Alex's talent at Quidditch.
"But not many people are great at Potions. Our professor made sure of it."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Harry snorted. "Yeah. Professor Snape would grill you since you are a new student. Be careful, when he hates someone, he wouldn't hide it."
"Harry!" Ron's voice called out. Harry turned and waved. Ron practically jumped down four steps to join them.
"Hi! I'm Ron Weasley!"
Alex shook Ron's hand. "Alexandra Chang, but call me Alex."
Ron sat down next to Harry, asking all the questions Harry had done. Harry was surprised at Alex's patience, and also, her lack of questions of Voldemort and himself. As Ron started asking her about Quidditch, Harry had a great feeling that this year at Hogwarts would be unlike any other.
* * *
At late morning, Harry introduced Alex to Hermione and Ginny. Hermione was especially keen to hear about wizardry in China.
"What are the other houses in your school?"
Alex replied and pulled out a piece of paper. A large emblem was on it. It looked a lot like Hogwarts, except that the four symbols were replaced by a green dragon, a red phoenix, a white tiger, and a weird looking animal that looked like a cross species between a turtle and a snake. Alex told them that this weird looking animal is called the Xuan Wu, or snake-tortoise. And instead of a H in the middle, there was a silver coloured Chinese word that Alex pronounced as 'Hua', which means 'Chinese'. Below the crest, was a long ribbon with a series of Chinese words as well. Alex told them that these were the Chinese names of the four creatures.
"In China, our people believed that there are four guardians each guarding the four corners, namely north, south, east and west. According to legend, the four guardians had abilities beyond the imagination of man. The east is guarded by the green dragon, the west by the white tiger, the north by the snake-tortoise, and the south by the red phoenix."
"Wow. so, who founded your school?" Ginny asked.
"How our school is found is not exactly clear. There were rumours that these four creatures actually existed, and they formed our school. Others say that the four creatures changed themselves into human forms, and set up the school. These two are the more famous ones. In our library, we actually had a book on the legends of our school."
"Cool!" Ron exclaimed. "So, which one did you believe?"
"I did not believe any of the rumours," Alex replied. "Last year, our Astrology teacher gave us an assignment to discover the fact behind a legend. My friends chose to do on our school."
"And?" Harry prompted.
Alex took a swig of her Butterbeer. "We found out that a few decades before our school is supposed to be found, an emperor was overthrown by his ambitious brothers. No one dared to defy the emperor's brothers, despite how much they loved and respected the emperor. In a moment of despair, the emperor hid in a forest, which was exactly where the Great Wall of China was build on years later. In the many years he was in the forest, he practiced martial arts, honed his speed, and learned medicine. The emperor himself was also born with extraordinary wits, and a kind-heart. What he didn't know was that he had attained four of the best qualities that these guardians are famous for. When he reached the age of forty, he set out on a journey around China. He met a lady, and fell in love. They had a son a year later, and for some reason, this son was born with extraordinary powers, which is magic. When this son was grown up, he married again, and passed on his gift to his descendents. This son then built up a school for people with the power of magic. We believed that this son was the founder of our school."
"There's one thing I don't understand. If the emperor had the four qualities of the guardians, why is his son born with magic. Erm. do you understand my question?" Harry asked.
"In China, an emperor is believed to be bestowed with the power of a dragon. The more people loved and respect him, the stronger the power would be. So, we believed that this power and the four qualities he had created the first wizard of China."
The four of them breathed. Hermione spoke. "Wow, that was cool."
Alex smiled. She fumbled around in her pocket and drew out a rubber band. In a quick movement, she swept up her hair and tied it up neatly.
"So, did your school acknowledged your theory?" Ron asked.
Alex smiled sadly. "We were supposed to hand it in this year, but I transferred, so I didn't know. My friends promised to tell me about the results."
"Oh."
Harry looked at his watch. It read half past one. "Lunch anyone?"
A chorus of 'yes' answered. Alex spoke up. "Erm. do you know where I can get a wand?"
"Ollivanders. But, don't you have one?"
Alex nodded. "But it. er. it broke."
"Let's meet here in ten minutes." Hermione pulled Ginny to their room, trying to beat Ron to get their things. Harry was about to leave when he remembered something.
"Alex, can I ask you something?"
"Go ahead."
"I couldn't help noticing. erm."
Alex smiled. "Why I didn't gawk at you when I know who you are?"
Harry was surprised. He nodded.
"Because I believe that you are not an ornament. And also I believed that not many people would like to be known to the world only by something they owned, but not themselves."
Harry nodded at her reply, and grinned. Alex grinned back.
"Which room do you stay in?" Harry asked as they climbed up the steps. Alex giggled.
"Believe it or not, room 20."
Harry widened his eyes. "Oh!"
Ten minutes later, all five of them, excluding Fred and George, who sounded like they were still sleeping, dressed in their robes. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny had on their Hogwarts robe with their house emblem on their left chest. Alex had on her old school robe, which was a dark green with no emblem.
"We had four different robes. Once we were decided into our houses, our teachers changed the colour."
"Cool." Ron breathed. They headed to Sam Scorch's Superb Steaks. Hermione and Ron fed Alex with bits and pieces about Hogwarts, and sometimes, even about Harry, who blushed when Ron told Alex that he 'is the best seeker in the universe!' Harry who caught Alex's eyes and smiled in embarrassment as Ron, Ginny and Hermione began describing every Quidditch game Harry had played in. He blushed even further when Ron and Hermione told Alex about the Triwizard Tournament. Despite the bad memories it held, especially Cedric's death, Harry couldn't help feeling self-conscious when Ron, Hermione, and even Ginny described his encounter with a Horntail. The small company left the café with Harry looking like a fire engine. Ron, Hermione and Ginny wanted to stop by the Quality Quidditch Supplies for some window- shopping. Harry and Alex headed to Ollivanders, Maker of Fine Wands. Mr Ollivanders who was sorting out a bunch of white hairs clutched in his fist. Harry called out to him. Alex told him the details of her last wand, which was beech, with a tiger's hair.
"Alright, let's try this. Ten inches, pine, a unicorn's hair." Mr Ollivanders handed a light coloured wand to Alex, who waved it uncertainly. A sharp beam shot out and shattered Mr Ollivanders' lamp. Mr Ollivanders shook his head and pulled out another wand.
"Eleven inches, holly, a baby unicorn's hair," Mr Ollivanders said as he handed a wand that looked very much like Harry's own, only that the shade of the wand was lighter. Alex held it in her hand, and a pale yellow aura surrounded the wand.
"Well, Ms Chang. Looks like this little baby liked you."
"Mr Ollivanders? How did you get baby unicorn hairs?" Harry asked, while Alex pulled out seven Galleons to pay for her wand.
"Hagrid gave me some. He said he was looking after a herd of particularly fine ones, and he plucked one off each unicorn and gave them to me to see if they would make fine wands. This particular wand is exceptionally good for Transfiguration and Charms."
"Thanks," Alex fondled her wand gently. Harry noticed that her eyes were blinking, or rather, fluttering slightly. He thanked Mr Ollivanders and walked out of the shop with Alex. They met Ron and the rest and they chatted excitedly about the new products at the Quality Quidditch Supplies. However, Harry could not help but notice how quiet Alex was during their walk back to the Leaky Cauldron. Before Harry entered his room with Ron, he called out to Alex, and asked if she's fine. Alex gave a faint smile, and nodded, before entering her room and locking the door.
Mrs Weasley was as good as her word. She allowed the six of them to stay at Leaky Cauldron, giving instructions that they do not and should not wander, whether intentionally or accidentally, into Knockturn Alley; during their last week of holidays. Before they left, they received a letter telling them what to buy for their fifth year.
"There's nothing much we need to buy. Most of our fourth year books are a two year series," Hermione reasoned. She was right. The only book they need to buy is 'IStandard Book of Spells, Grade 5/I'. They were also reminded to bring their dress robes. Ron showed Harry his new dress robe, which is a dark blue colour. It was also of the same design as Harry.
"Thanks Harry. If I were to wear that violet dress again I think I'll rather die!" Harry simply smiled. He was glad that his friend was happy with his new dress robe.
"But why do we need them this year?" Harry wondered.
"Perhaps there's a ball?" Hermione suggested, folding her own pale blue dress robe into the trunk. Ginny was in their room, feeding Pig.
"Perhaps." Harry trailed off, suddenly thinking of Cho Chang, the Ravenclaw Seeker. Harry got a crush on her since third year, but he had the nagging feeling that Cho had a crush on the late Cedric Diggory, the Hufflepuff Seeker. Cedric died in Voldermort's hands a year ago, during the Triwizard Tournament held at Hogwarts. Harry could not forget how Cho cried during their last feast at Hogwarts, which was when all of them mourned for Cedric.
"Harry!" Harry jumped and turned to Hermione. "Is something wrong? You looked dazed."
Harry shook his head. "I'm fine."
"All right! Let's go!" Ron shouted, excitedly.
The six of them arrived at Leaky Cauldron by Floo Powder, which caused a bit of shock to the customers. Nonetheless, Harry Potter received many handshakes and admiring glances at his lightning bolt scar. As there were only two rooms available, Hermione, Ginny, Ron and Harry shared a large room, while the twins shared a smaller room. Harry was ecstatic seeing the spacious room with two beds and two tables. He opened the window and saw the busy shops at Diagon Alley filled with people.
"Let's go to Gringotts first. I need to refill my money bag," Harry suggested. After telling Fred and George, who suspiciously stayed in their room, they marched off to the snowy, yet crooked building. Ginny and Ron gaped at the mountains of Galleons Harry possessed, but Harry hurriedly closed the vault door. After all four of them had their money, they headed off to Flourish and Blotts to get their new books. The shop was relatively busy as there was only one person manning the shop. They saw some of their friends, Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan. Harry helped Ginny picked out some of her books and offered to carry them for her. Ginny flushed so furiously that her face matches her flaming red hair. As they queued up for their payment, a girl approached the cashier.
"Excuse me, but where can I get this book?"
The cashier looked troubled. She was halfway in calculating Ginny's purchases.
"It's ok, I'll help her get it," Harry offered. He handed his money and book to Ron to pay. The girl smiled gratefully at Harry. Harry noticed that she had green eyes like himself. Or at least, that's what he thought. The yellow lighting in the shop was making his skin look yellow.
"Standard Book of Spells, Grade 5. Are you studying at Hogwarts?" Harry asked. The girl smiled and a small dimple danced on her right cheek.
"Yes, I'm starting this year." Her voice was sharp and clear, but was tinted with an Asian accent.
"Are you the new student?" Harry asked, excited. The girl nodded.
"I'm Alexandra Chang, but call me Alex."
"Harry Potter."
Alex widened her eyes slightly, but didn't say any further. "Pleased to meet you."
"Harry!" Ron called. "We're leaving without you!"
"Where are you staying?" Alex asked.
"Leaky Cauldron, room 21."
"I'll see you sometime then," Alex smiled again. Harry replied with a grin and jogged towards his friends.
"Who was that girl?" Hermione asked, passing Harry's book to him.
"The new student. Her name's Alexandra."
Ron and Hermione were surprised at the news. "Cool! Is she staying in Leaky Cauldron?"
Harry shrugged. "I dunno. She never said."
Ron and Hermione continued their fantasies about the new girl, but Harry could not take his mind off her sparkling eyes. They had somewhat embedded themselves into Harry's brain.
'Alexandra.'
* * *
The next morning, Harry awoke much earlier than he had intended to. Weak sunrays were seeping through the cracks around the window. Hedwig, Pig and Crookshanks, Hermione's cat, were sleeping on the two desks. Harry quietly stepped off the bed he and Ron shared and pulled on his blue sweater. Wincing slightly at the creak the door made, he made his way down the stairs. Even though the inn owner, Tom, had not awoken, there was a vending machine selling rolls of bread and drinks. Some of the people staying in the inn were yawning away while reading the wizard newspaper, Daily Prophet. Harry, stifling a yawn as he inserted a Galleon into the machine and chose a Butterbeer and a bread roll. He sat down heavily on one of the empty tables and unwrapped his bread roll.
"Harry?" A soft voice called out. Harry almost choked on his bread roll upon hearing the voice.
"Alex?" Indeed, Alex was sitting across him, dressed in a light yellow sweater and her long raven hair placed loosely on her shoulders. Harry picked up his drink and joined her. Harry then got a better look at her features under the white lightning of the inn. Her eyes were a sharp emerald green, and her complexion was unlike he imagined. It was a healthy brown, perfectly highlighted by her sweater. Her hair was so silky and shiny, Harry could have sworn he saw his reflection in her hair.
"I didn't know you were staying here," Harry wondered.
Alex smiled. "I told you I'll be seeing you soon." Harry nodded.
"Where are you from?" Harry asked.
"China. I'm a Chinese-European. My father is a European, my mother is a Chinese. They died two years ago."
"Oh. Is that why you migrated to Europe?"
Alex nodded. "My relatives resented me because I was a witch. They refused to take me in. When I heard from Professor Dumbledore that my father have had small fortune here, he asked for me to migrate here."
Harry's heart went out to Alex. He knew exactly how it feels to be resented by Muggles. "Boy, did that sound familiar."
An awkward silence hung over the air. Harry stirred the subject to Hogwarts. He asked Alex about her old school, and told her about Hogwarts. By the time the sun was completely up, Harry had learned that Alex was a fantastic Chaser, Keeper and Seeker. (She was asked for the national team); that she owned a Firebolt as well; that her old house was called Green Dragon; her best subjects were Potions, Astronomy, Transfigurations and Charms; her worst subjects were Divination and Defence against the Dark Arts. Harry was ecstatic when he learned about Alex's talent at Quidditch.
"But not many people are great at Potions. Our professor made sure of it."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Harry snorted. "Yeah. Professor Snape would grill you since you are a new student. Be careful, when he hates someone, he wouldn't hide it."
"Harry!" Ron's voice called out. Harry turned and waved. Ron practically jumped down four steps to join them.
"Hi! I'm Ron Weasley!"
Alex shook Ron's hand. "Alexandra Chang, but call me Alex."
Ron sat down next to Harry, asking all the questions Harry had done. Harry was surprised at Alex's patience, and also, her lack of questions of Voldemort and himself. As Ron started asking her about Quidditch, Harry had a great feeling that this year at Hogwarts would be unlike any other.
* * *
At late morning, Harry introduced Alex to Hermione and Ginny. Hermione was especially keen to hear about wizardry in China.
"What are the other houses in your school?"
Alex replied and pulled out a piece of paper. A large emblem was on it. It looked a lot like Hogwarts, except that the four symbols were replaced by a green dragon, a red phoenix, a white tiger, and a weird looking animal that looked like a cross species between a turtle and a snake. Alex told them that this weird looking animal is called the Xuan Wu, or snake-tortoise. And instead of a H in the middle, there was a silver coloured Chinese word that Alex pronounced as 'Hua', which means 'Chinese'. Below the crest, was a long ribbon with a series of Chinese words as well. Alex told them that these were the Chinese names of the four creatures.
"In China, our people believed that there are four guardians each guarding the four corners, namely north, south, east and west. According to legend, the four guardians had abilities beyond the imagination of man. The east is guarded by the green dragon, the west by the white tiger, the north by the snake-tortoise, and the south by the red phoenix."
"Wow. so, who founded your school?" Ginny asked.
"How our school is found is not exactly clear. There were rumours that these four creatures actually existed, and they formed our school. Others say that the four creatures changed themselves into human forms, and set up the school. These two are the more famous ones. In our library, we actually had a book on the legends of our school."
"Cool!" Ron exclaimed. "So, which one did you believe?"
"I did not believe any of the rumours," Alex replied. "Last year, our Astrology teacher gave us an assignment to discover the fact behind a legend. My friends chose to do on our school."
"And?" Harry prompted.
Alex took a swig of her Butterbeer. "We found out that a few decades before our school is supposed to be found, an emperor was overthrown by his ambitious brothers. No one dared to defy the emperor's brothers, despite how much they loved and respected the emperor. In a moment of despair, the emperor hid in a forest, which was exactly where the Great Wall of China was build on years later. In the many years he was in the forest, he practiced martial arts, honed his speed, and learned medicine. The emperor himself was also born with extraordinary wits, and a kind-heart. What he didn't know was that he had attained four of the best qualities that these guardians are famous for. When he reached the age of forty, he set out on a journey around China. He met a lady, and fell in love. They had a son a year later, and for some reason, this son was born with extraordinary powers, which is magic. When this son was grown up, he married again, and passed on his gift to his descendents. This son then built up a school for people with the power of magic. We believed that this son was the founder of our school."
"There's one thing I don't understand. If the emperor had the four qualities of the guardians, why is his son born with magic. Erm. do you understand my question?" Harry asked.
"In China, an emperor is believed to be bestowed with the power of a dragon. The more people loved and respect him, the stronger the power would be. So, we believed that this power and the four qualities he had created the first wizard of China."
The four of them breathed. Hermione spoke. "Wow, that was cool."
Alex smiled. She fumbled around in her pocket and drew out a rubber band. In a quick movement, she swept up her hair and tied it up neatly.
"So, did your school acknowledged your theory?" Ron asked.
Alex smiled sadly. "We were supposed to hand it in this year, but I transferred, so I didn't know. My friends promised to tell me about the results."
"Oh."
Harry looked at his watch. It read half past one. "Lunch anyone?"
A chorus of 'yes' answered. Alex spoke up. "Erm. do you know where I can get a wand?"
"Ollivanders. But, don't you have one?"
Alex nodded. "But it. er. it broke."
"Let's meet here in ten minutes." Hermione pulled Ginny to their room, trying to beat Ron to get their things. Harry was about to leave when he remembered something.
"Alex, can I ask you something?"
"Go ahead."
"I couldn't help noticing. erm."
Alex smiled. "Why I didn't gawk at you when I know who you are?"
Harry was surprised. He nodded.
"Because I believe that you are not an ornament. And also I believed that not many people would like to be known to the world only by something they owned, but not themselves."
Harry nodded at her reply, and grinned. Alex grinned back.
"Which room do you stay in?" Harry asked as they climbed up the steps. Alex giggled.
"Believe it or not, room 20."
Harry widened his eyes. "Oh!"
Ten minutes later, all five of them, excluding Fred and George, who sounded like they were still sleeping, dressed in their robes. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny had on their Hogwarts robe with their house emblem on their left chest. Alex had on her old school robe, which was a dark green with no emblem.
"We had four different robes. Once we were decided into our houses, our teachers changed the colour."
"Cool." Ron breathed. They headed to Sam Scorch's Superb Steaks. Hermione and Ron fed Alex with bits and pieces about Hogwarts, and sometimes, even about Harry, who blushed when Ron told Alex that he 'is the best seeker in the universe!' Harry who caught Alex's eyes and smiled in embarrassment as Ron, Ginny and Hermione began describing every Quidditch game Harry had played in. He blushed even further when Ron and Hermione told Alex about the Triwizard Tournament. Despite the bad memories it held, especially Cedric's death, Harry couldn't help feeling self-conscious when Ron, Hermione, and even Ginny described his encounter with a Horntail. The small company left the café with Harry looking like a fire engine. Ron, Hermione and Ginny wanted to stop by the Quality Quidditch Supplies for some window- shopping. Harry and Alex headed to Ollivanders, Maker of Fine Wands. Mr Ollivanders who was sorting out a bunch of white hairs clutched in his fist. Harry called out to him. Alex told him the details of her last wand, which was beech, with a tiger's hair.
"Alright, let's try this. Ten inches, pine, a unicorn's hair." Mr Ollivanders handed a light coloured wand to Alex, who waved it uncertainly. A sharp beam shot out and shattered Mr Ollivanders' lamp. Mr Ollivanders shook his head and pulled out another wand.
"Eleven inches, holly, a baby unicorn's hair," Mr Ollivanders said as he handed a wand that looked very much like Harry's own, only that the shade of the wand was lighter. Alex held it in her hand, and a pale yellow aura surrounded the wand.
"Well, Ms Chang. Looks like this little baby liked you."
"Mr Ollivanders? How did you get baby unicorn hairs?" Harry asked, while Alex pulled out seven Galleons to pay for her wand.
"Hagrid gave me some. He said he was looking after a herd of particularly fine ones, and he plucked one off each unicorn and gave them to me to see if they would make fine wands. This particular wand is exceptionally good for Transfiguration and Charms."
"Thanks," Alex fondled her wand gently. Harry noticed that her eyes were blinking, or rather, fluttering slightly. He thanked Mr Ollivanders and walked out of the shop with Alex. They met Ron and the rest and they chatted excitedly about the new products at the Quality Quidditch Supplies. However, Harry could not help but notice how quiet Alex was during their walk back to the Leaky Cauldron. Before Harry entered his room with Ron, he called out to Alex, and asked if she's fine. Alex gave a faint smile, and nodded, before entering her room and locking the door.