The trip to London did not begin easily for Lily. First off, Petunia
absolutely refused to go—to even leave the flat, for that matter. Despite
Dad's coaxing, in the end Mum had to agree to stay and watch over her.
Then, though they carefully followed the instructions to the pub that Abler Goodwin had given them, they couldn't spot a sign that said "The Leaky Cauldron" anywhere.
Dad paused for a moment on the curbside, next to a run down set of buildings. "This is utterly ridiculous. This pub is nowhere to be found."
As he surveyed the scene, Lily noticed a pair of strangely dressed women walking hurriedly towards the door of one of the boarded up stores. To her surprise, they walked in, without pausing to glance at the 'condemned' sign. She squinted for a moment, and stared more closely at the windows on the side of the building.
She suddenly realized why she recognized this place—it was the same building she'd seen before, with the strange old woman in the window!
As recognition dawned on her, the condemned sign suddenly disappeared, and the look of wear and time faded a bit on the building's dull sides. What's more, the sign above the doorway suddenly brightened into comprehendible words—The Leaky Cauldron.
"Dad!" Lily grabbed his hand, and pulled him towards the pub. He didn't seem to see what she saw, but he followed her anyways, until they were inside the warm, smoke filled atmosphere of a downtown London pub.
Everywhere, there were strangely dressed people, who looked a bit like Abler described. Lily paused at the door, surveying the scene, absolutely bewildered. It was her first look at the wizarding world—at wizards in general.
She loved it.
The people gave her a cursory glance, then went about their business. At the bar, the slightly wizened barkeep smiled at her. "Hogwarts?" At her nod, he pointed to the back. "You'll find the wall out there."
Dad followed her through, his eyes wide, but with a marveling smiled on his face.
The back of the pub faced a large brick wall. Dad pulled out the instructions Abler had given him, then picked up a nearby stick and began to tap the bricks one at a time. After seven taps, the walls suddenly shifted back, casting aside layers of brick dust and mud, until there was an opening big enough for a human (and perhaps larger) to squeeze through.
Lily stepped onto the cobblestone of Diagon Alley, one foot forward before she glanced up. What she saw made her gape. Spread out before her, as far as she could see, were small, ancient shops, displaying everything from broomsticks to owls to marvelous, moldy books. The alleyway led downwards towards a great white building, which overshadowed the whole of the scene with its immense, beautiful columns and its somewhat stark appearance. It was the most wonderful place imaginable.
"Gringotts Bank," said Dad, pointing to the white building. "That's where we need to go."
They started down the alleyway, making a path through the hundreds of patrons that were shopping through the variety of stores. Lily caught a glimpse of Madam Malkin's dress shop, where she would get her robes, and Flourish and Blotts, the bookstore. Further down the line was Arbols, the botany garden, and Quality Quidditch supplies, which looked like a cleaning company.
As they neared Gringotts, Dad pulled her aside of a small crowd that was slowly forming. There was a man in the center, and he was passing out pamphlets. Lily stared past the group, trying to get a better glimpse, when he suddenly spotted her and her father.
He stared at them rather coldly, said something low to the group, then deliberately marched towards them. Lily backed away from his dark eyes and pale face, Dad placing his hands protectively around her shoulders.
The man said nothing—he simply shoved a pamphlet towards them, then moved away.
It read:
ATTENTION!!
The world of wizarding as we know it is being destroyed! Recently actions have begun to further include the muggle world in the affairs of wizards. A Department is being proposed in the Ministry of Magic itself to coordinate with the Muggle world on certain affairs. It is already disgraceful that the Muggle leaders of the world understand about our cause. Do not let the taint of muggle blood spill over into the proud lineage of the true, pure-blood wizard!
STOP THIS POLLUTION NOW! VOTE AGAINST THE MUGGLE PROTECTION ACT!
There was no signature.
She watched the retreating wizard in confusion. If she didn't know better, she would believe that the wizard had been addressing the pamphlet to her and her father directly.
"Its probably better if you get rid of that. There's nothing good in it and it's not worth wasting your time to read."
They turned. Behind them was a rather tall, stately looking wizard, with dark hair and rounded spectacles. A pretty, intelligent looking woman was on his arm, also dressed in distinctive robes.
He extended his hand. "Samuel Potter. This is my wife, Miranda. Are you new?"
Her father returned the handshake. "Paul Evans. This is my daughter, Lily. We are relatively new. How could you tell?"
Samuel smiled. "There is a very commonplace look to new 'initiates.' You seemed lost."
"No, we're just on our way to Gringotts."
"Well, don't let them take advantage of you. And if you run into any others trying to harass you with that pure-blood stuff, just ignore them. It won't make your life any easier, and it's not worth worrying about."
Dad shook Samuel's hand once more, and Miranda's as well. "Thank you, sir. It was a pleasure."
"Likewise," said the wizard, "now if you'll excuse me, I have to find my own. A son." He and Miranda smiled, then moved off into the crowd.
"Well, come along, Lily. Let's set you up at Gringotts, and get your school supplies." Dad placed a comforting arm around her. With one last look at the small crowd still gathered around the 'pure-blood' wizard, Lily turned and walked away.
James made his way through the crowded street that was the main thoroughfare of Diagon Alley, clutching a heavy pewter cauldron laden with books. He paused on the sidewalk outside the most famous of the shops lining the cobblestone street—Ollivander's, the wand shop.
James had had toy wands, of course, when he was little, to help him practice wand waving. But he'd never been allowed to use a real magic wand—not his very own, at least. But admission into Hogwarts required a real, honest to goodness magic wand—his own personal wand, to use for as long as he was able to draw breath.
He and Sirius had agreed to visit Ollivander's last, so they could savor the experience of buying their first (and hopefully only) wands. Sirius arrived just a few minutes later, panting, a bundle of books tossed haphazardly into his own pewter cauldron. A small cage was tucked under his arm.
"What's that?"
Sirius grinned sheepishly. "Mum said I could get a pet. I decided to get an owl. I've always been good with birds."
James smiled back, looking through the thin bars at the small gray owl that peered back at him with amber eyes. "What's its name?"
"He's called Snuffles."
"Snuffles?" James smirked a bit.
Sirius narrowed his eyebrows. "What's wrong with Snuffles?"
"Nothing," said James, who knew better than to poke fun at Sirius over what his friend would call 'serious' issues. "Let's go into the shop before it gets to late." He reached for the door handle.
Almost in response, the door swung open forcefully, nearly banging James in the head. He stepped back to let the visitor pass, then frowned as a dark shadow moved towards him, into the sunlight.
A boy just his age, with dark eyes glinting nastily in his sallow, thin face, came out of the shop, a brand new black oak wand swishing neatly in his hand. He wore robes of black, almost as dark as his hair, which hung in greasy strands alongside his small, hooked nose.
The boy's eyes narrowed as he took in James and Sirius, standing with their arms wrapped around their cauldrons and waiting for him to pass.
James disliked him immediately. He appeared to be clutching a few school books, the top one of which read "Further Advances in the Dark Arts." He sneered coldly, and pushed past them.
Sirius's eyes narrowed. "That's who should have been born into my family. You can smell the Dark Arts all over him. My mother would have been so proud."
James sighed. "Just forget it, mate. You can't change your family, any more than you can change your enemies." He held the door open and walked into the dimly lit space that was Ollivander's.
The shop smelled of age; of old books and dust, tinged with time and wear. There was no one near the wood topped counter, which had boxes upon boxes of wands spilled out over its smooth surface.
"Hello?" James called, peering over the boxes into the shelves behind.
"Hello! I will be with you in just a moment!" called a voice from beyond the mess. After a few moments, a small, thin man emerged, his eyes focused on the pair.
"Ah, more Hogwarts students!" he piped, coming around the counter to peer at them more closely. James edged behind Sirius for a moment, away from the man's strange gaze; his eyes shone a bit in the dim sunlight, giving their silvery color an unnatural, although non-threatening, gleam.
"Yes, sir," Sirius began, "we're first years, and we need..."
"Let me see, let me see. You're a sprightly chap..." the shopkeeper buzzed around behind the counter, tapping a few different boxes lightly with his long fingers.
"Ah, here. This one." He slid a red box from underneath the others, removing the box top to produce a black wand, polished to a sheen. "Dragon Heartstring and ash, 13 inches. A very powerful wand." He held it outwards, towards Sirius, who took it carefully. He held it for a moment, his eyes widening slightly, then nodded.
"Th-thank you."
Mr. Ollivander smiled. "And now..." he focused on James once more. "You."
James gulped.
"Let's see, let's see." He perused James up and down for a moment, his strange eyes taking in every part of him, from his wild dark hair to his brown shoe tops. "Hmm. Potential for change...yes...just a moment." Mr. Ollivander moved back towards the rear of the shop, pulling down a purple box.
"Here."
James grasped the smooth handle of the wand, a light colored wood with a fairly light feel. He held the wand for a moment.
"Nothing?" asked Mr. Ollivander.
"Nothing," replied James.
Mr. Ollivander looked puzzled, then quickly snatched the wand back from James and handed him another, this time with a slightly ashy finish.
James held it silently.
"Well?" the shopkeeper wondered impatiently.
James shook his head.
Mr. Ollivander sighed, then took back the second wand. His eyes perused the shop, falling for a moment on a black box near the end of the room on a small, dark shelf. He pursed his lips, looked James over once more, then shook his head and instead climbed a ladder to the topmost shelf in the front, pulling from it another red box. But this time, it contained a thirteen inch wand, glossy brown, with a pointed tip. James took it reluctantly.
Instantly his entire body felt warm. The wand itself seemed to hum, and he felt a small breeze blow past him.
Mr. Ollivander clapped excitedly. "Thirteen inches, rather bendy it is, then? Excellent for Transfiguration. An excellent wand."
James turned to Sirius, who shrugged.
"That will be seven galleons a piece, boys."
They paid for their wands and grabbed their cauldrons, preparing to leave, when the door swung open, nearly hitting James in the face.
"Sorry!" cried a female voice. James glanced quickly at the girl, who had an apologetic look on her face and the most startling green eyes he'd ever seen.
"That's—alright..." he said quietly, still staring at her eyes. She smiled and moved aside, allowing him to pass. From behind him, Sirius laughed and pushed at his back, shoving him out of the door.
"Very polite, Mr. Potter," he said as James turned to watch the door close behind the girl's back. James felt himself go red, and fidgeted with his already messy hair.. "Come on–my parents will be waiting for us."Sirius smirked, but followed behind him, swinging Snuffles cage lightly in his hand.
Lily turned and watched the two boys disappear down the street. She'd been so excited about buying her items for Hogwarts that she hadn't been watching where she was going, and had nearly run into them. The boy with the glasses turned back towards the wand shop, his soft hazel eyes scanning the door behind gold rimmed glasses. He'd seemed a bit confused, as did his friend, although both appeared cheeky.
The shop was less well-lit than most of the stores she'd been in so far, and a bit creepier. The shopkeeper had his back turned, a green box in his hand.
"Excuse me?"
He turned to face her, then smiled. He had a kindly face, but strange, silvery eyes, which watched her keenly. "Hello there, miss. Another Hogwarts student?"
"Yes sir."
"Alright then. Hmm. Seems to be good at..." he bustled around back, then pulled forward two cases, one yellow, one green. "Here."
She reached for the wand that he handed her, a sandy color, with a dull tip.
He regarded her critically. "Do you feel anything?"
She shook her head. "Was I supposed to?"
He smiled for a moment, then glanced around the shop. His gaze fell upon a shelf in the far corner of the shop, where a few boxes stood piled together, one of them a glossy black that caught her eye as well. Mr. Ollivander frowned, gazed back at her for a moment, then smiled.
"Well, now, how about this one?" He handed her the green case.
She picked the wand from the box, closing around the redwood handle. She felt a soft hum run through her, highlighting the room with a slight yellow glow. Mr. Ollivander's smile broadened. "Of course. Eleven and a half inches. Willow. Very good for Charms work." His eyes softened as they fell on her. "A perfect fit."
She swished the wand for a second. "It feels very light."
"Unicorn hair core. Very effective."
"Thank you." She smiled at him once more, then headed to The Leaky Cauldron, where her father was waiting with her new books.
Then, though they carefully followed the instructions to the pub that Abler Goodwin had given them, they couldn't spot a sign that said "The Leaky Cauldron" anywhere.
Dad paused for a moment on the curbside, next to a run down set of buildings. "This is utterly ridiculous. This pub is nowhere to be found."
As he surveyed the scene, Lily noticed a pair of strangely dressed women walking hurriedly towards the door of one of the boarded up stores. To her surprise, they walked in, without pausing to glance at the 'condemned' sign. She squinted for a moment, and stared more closely at the windows on the side of the building.
She suddenly realized why she recognized this place—it was the same building she'd seen before, with the strange old woman in the window!
As recognition dawned on her, the condemned sign suddenly disappeared, and the look of wear and time faded a bit on the building's dull sides. What's more, the sign above the doorway suddenly brightened into comprehendible words—The Leaky Cauldron.
"Dad!" Lily grabbed his hand, and pulled him towards the pub. He didn't seem to see what she saw, but he followed her anyways, until they were inside the warm, smoke filled atmosphere of a downtown London pub.
Everywhere, there were strangely dressed people, who looked a bit like Abler described. Lily paused at the door, surveying the scene, absolutely bewildered. It was her first look at the wizarding world—at wizards in general.
She loved it.
The people gave her a cursory glance, then went about their business. At the bar, the slightly wizened barkeep smiled at her. "Hogwarts?" At her nod, he pointed to the back. "You'll find the wall out there."
Dad followed her through, his eyes wide, but with a marveling smiled on his face.
The back of the pub faced a large brick wall. Dad pulled out the instructions Abler had given him, then picked up a nearby stick and began to tap the bricks one at a time. After seven taps, the walls suddenly shifted back, casting aside layers of brick dust and mud, until there was an opening big enough for a human (and perhaps larger) to squeeze through.
Lily stepped onto the cobblestone of Diagon Alley, one foot forward before she glanced up. What she saw made her gape. Spread out before her, as far as she could see, were small, ancient shops, displaying everything from broomsticks to owls to marvelous, moldy books. The alleyway led downwards towards a great white building, which overshadowed the whole of the scene with its immense, beautiful columns and its somewhat stark appearance. It was the most wonderful place imaginable.
"Gringotts Bank," said Dad, pointing to the white building. "That's where we need to go."
They started down the alleyway, making a path through the hundreds of patrons that were shopping through the variety of stores. Lily caught a glimpse of Madam Malkin's dress shop, where she would get her robes, and Flourish and Blotts, the bookstore. Further down the line was Arbols, the botany garden, and Quality Quidditch supplies, which looked like a cleaning company.
As they neared Gringotts, Dad pulled her aside of a small crowd that was slowly forming. There was a man in the center, and he was passing out pamphlets. Lily stared past the group, trying to get a better glimpse, when he suddenly spotted her and her father.
He stared at them rather coldly, said something low to the group, then deliberately marched towards them. Lily backed away from his dark eyes and pale face, Dad placing his hands protectively around her shoulders.
The man said nothing—he simply shoved a pamphlet towards them, then moved away.
It read:
ATTENTION!!
The world of wizarding as we know it is being destroyed! Recently actions have begun to further include the muggle world in the affairs of wizards. A Department is being proposed in the Ministry of Magic itself to coordinate with the Muggle world on certain affairs. It is already disgraceful that the Muggle leaders of the world understand about our cause. Do not let the taint of muggle blood spill over into the proud lineage of the true, pure-blood wizard!
STOP THIS POLLUTION NOW! VOTE AGAINST THE MUGGLE PROTECTION ACT!
There was no signature.
She watched the retreating wizard in confusion. If she didn't know better, she would believe that the wizard had been addressing the pamphlet to her and her father directly.
"Its probably better if you get rid of that. There's nothing good in it and it's not worth wasting your time to read."
They turned. Behind them was a rather tall, stately looking wizard, with dark hair and rounded spectacles. A pretty, intelligent looking woman was on his arm, also dressed in distinctive robes.
He extended his hand. "Samuel Potter. This is my wife, Miranda. Are you new?"
Her father returned the handshake. "Paul Evans. This is my daughter, Lily. We are relatively new. How could you tell?"
Samuel smiled. "There is a very commonplace look to new 'initiates.' You seemed lost."
"No, we're just on our way to Gringotts."
"Well, don't let them take advantage of you. And if you run into any others trying to harass you with that pure-blood stuff, just ignore them. It won't make your life any easier, and it's not worth worrying about."
Dad shook Samuel's hand once more, and Miranda's as well. "Thank you, sir. It was a pleasure."
"Likewise," said the wizard, "now if you'll excuse me, I have to find my own. A son." He and Miranda smiled, then moved off into the crowd.
"Well, come along, Lily. Let's set you up at Gringotts, and get your school supplies." Dad placed a comforting arm around her. With one last look at the small crowd still gathered around the 'pure-blood' wizard, Lily turned and walked away.
James made his way through the crowded street that was the main thoroughfare of Diagon Alley, clutching a heavy pewter cauldron laden with books. He paused on the sidewalk outside the most famous of the shops lining the cobblestone street—Ollivander's, the wand shop.
James had had toy wands, of course, when he was little, to help him practice wand waving. But he'd never been allowed to use a real magic wand—not his very own, at least. But admission into Hogwarts required a real, honest to goodness magic wand—his own personal wand, to use for as long as he was able to draw breath.
He and Sirius had agreed to visit Ollivander's last, so they could savor the experience of buying their first (and hopefully only) wands. Sirius arrived just a few minutes later, panting, a bundle of books tossed haphazardly into his own pewter cauldron. A small cage was tucked under his arm.
"What's that?"
Sirius grinned sheepishly. "Mum said I could get a pet. I decided to get an owl. I've always been good with birds."
James smiled back, looking through the thin bars at the small gray owl that peered back at him with amber eyes. "What's its name?"
"He's called Snuffles."
"Snuffles?" James smirked a bit.
Sirius narrowed his eyebrows. "What's wrong with Snuffles?"
"Nothing," said James, who knew better than to poke fun at Sirius over what his friend would call 'serious' issues. "Let's go into the shop before it gets to late." He reached for the door handle.
Almost in response, the door swung open forcefully, nearly banging James in the head. He stepped back to let the visitor pass, then frowned as a dark shadow moved towards him, into the sunlight.
A boy just his age, with dark eyes glinting nastily in his sallow, thin face, came out of the shop, a brand new black oak wand swishing neatly in his hand. He wore robes of black, almost as dark as his hair, which hung in greasy strands alongside his small, hooked nose.
The boy's eyes narrowed as he took in James and Sirius, standing with their arms wrapped around their cauldrons and waiting for him to pass.
James disliked him immediately. He appeared to be clutching a few school books, the top one of which read "Further Advances in the Dark Arts." He sneered coldly, and pushed past them.
Sirius's eyes narrowed. "That's who should have been born into my family. You can smell the Dark Arts all over him. My mother would have been so proud."
James sighed. "Just forget it, mate. You can't change your family, any more than you can change your enemies." He held the door open and walked into the dimly lit space that was Ollivander's.
The shop smelled of age; of old books and dust, tinged with time and wear. There was no one near the wood topped counter, which had boxes upon boxes of wands spilled out over its smooth surface.
"Hello?" James called, peering over the boxes into the shelves behind.
"Hello! I will be with you in just a moment!" called a voice from beyond the mess. After a few moments, a small, thin man emerged, his eyes focused on the pair.
"Ah, more Hogwarts students!" he piped, coming around the counter to peer at them more closely. James edged behind Sirius for a moment, away from the man's strange gaze; his eyes shone a bit in the dim sunlight, giving their silvery color an unnatural, although non-threatening, gleam.
"Yes, sir," Sirius began, "we're first years, and we need..."
"Let me see, let me see. You're a sprightly chap..." the shopkeeper buzzed around behind the counter, tapping a few different boxes lightly with his long fingers.
"Ah, here. This one." He slid a red box from underneath the others, removing the box top to produce a black wand, polished to a sheen. "Dragon Heartstring and ash, 13 inches. A very powerful wand." He held it outwards, towards Sirius, who took it carefully. He held it for a moment, his eyes widening slightly, then nodded.
"Th-thank you."
Mr. Ollivander smiled. "And now..." he focused on James once more. "You."
James gulped.
"Let's see, let's see." He perused James up and down for a moment, his strange eyes taking in every part of him, from his wild dark hair to his brown shoe tops. "Hmm. Potential for change...yes...just a moment." Mr. Ollivander moved back towards the rear of the shop, pulling down a purple box.
"Here."
James grasped the smooth handle of the wand, a light colored wood with a fairly light feel. He held the wand for a moment.
"Nothing?" asked Mr. Ollivander.
"Nothing," replied James.
Mr. Ollivander looked puzzled, then quickly snatched the wand back from James and handed him another, this time with a slightly ashy finish.
James held it silently.
"Well?" the shopkeeper wondered impatiently.
James shook his head.
Mr. Ollivander sighed, then took back the second wand. His eyes perused the shop, falling for a moment on a black box near the end of the room on a small, dark shelf. He pursed his lips, looked James over once more, then shook his head and instead climbed a ladder to the topmost shelf in the front, pulling from it another red box. But this time, it contained a thirteen inch wand, glossy brown, with a pointed tip. James took it reluctantly.
Instantly his entire body felt warm. The wand itself seemed to hum, and he felt a small breeze blow past him.
Mr. Ollivander clapped excitedly. "Thirteen inches, rather bendy it is, then? Excellent for Transfiguration. An excellent wand."
James turned to Sirius, who shrugged.
"That will be seven galleons a piece, boys."
They paid for their wands and grabbed their cauldrons, preparing to leave, when the door swung open, nearly hitting James in the face.
"Sorry!" cried a female voice. James glanced quickly at the girl, who had an apologetic look on her face and the most startling green eyes he'd ever seen.
"That's—alright..." he said quietly, still staring at her eyes. She smiled and moved aside, allowing him to pass. From behind him, Sirius laughed and pushed at his back, shoving him out of the door.
"Very polite, Mr. Potter," he said as James turned to watch the door close behind the girl's back. James felt himself go red, and fidgeted with his already messy hair.. "Come on–my parents will be waiting for us."Sirius smirked, but followed behind him, swinging Snuffles cage lightly in his hand.
Lily turned and watched the two boys disappear down the street. She'd been so excited about buying her items for Hogwarts that she hadn't been watching where she was going, and had nearly run into them. The boy with the glasses turned back towards the wand shop, his soft hazel eyes scanning the door behind gold rimmed glasses. He'd seemed a bit confused, as did his friend, although both appeared cheeky.
The shop was less well-lit than most of the stores she'd been in so far, and a bit creepier. The shopkeeper had his back turned, a green box in his hand.
"Excuse me?"
He turned to face her, then smiled. He had a kindly face, but strange, silvery eyes, which watched her keenly. "Hello there, miss. Another Hogwarts student?"
"Yes sir."
"Alright then. Hmm. Seems to be good at..." he bustled around back, then pulled forward two cases, one yellow, one green. "Here."
She reached for the wand that he handed her, a sandy color, with a dull tip.
He regarded her critically. "Do you feel anything?"
She shook her head. "Was I supposed to?"
He smiled for a moment, then glanced around the shop. His gaze fell upon a shelf in the far corner of the shop, where a few boxes stood piled together, one of them a glossy black that caught her eye as well. Mr. Ollivander frowned, gazed back at her for a moment, then smiled.
"Well, now, how about this one?" He handed her the green case.
She picked the wand from the box, closing around the redwood handle. She felt a soft hum run through her, highlighting the room with a slight yellow glow. Mr. Ollivander's smile broadened. "Of course. Eleven and a half inches. Willow. Very good for Charms work." His eyes softened as they fell on her. "A perfect fit."
She swished the wand for a second. "It feels very light."
"Unicorn hair core. Very effective."
"Thank you." She smiled at him once more, then headed to The Leaky Cauldron, where her father was waiting with her new books.