'K, here's chappie three. Sorry it's so short!
Chapter Three - Diagon Alley
Blinking in the bright sunlight, the Vaughan's began to explore Diagon Alley. Charlotte took out her supplies list and decided on the best plan of action.
"Since I need lots of books, maybe we should get them first," she told her parents, who nodded. Soon they were outside Flourish and Blotts, their moneybags lighter and packs heavier.
Next was a cauldron, a set of phials, scales, uniform and a telescope. But finally, they were standing outside Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC.
"Here we go," Charlotte murmured as they walked inside.
The shop seemed tiny, but it was crammed full of shelves holding box after box. These were like those that kept chopsticks, or good pens.
A sudden noise brought Charlotte to her senses. She looked up, startled, and saw a little old man on a moving ladder, like those in a library with very tall shelves.
"Ah," he murmured, stepping down from his ladder. "Muggle-born, are you? How do you do? I'm Mr. Ollivander,"
Tentatively she shook his worn, wrinkled hand. "Ch-Charlotte Vaughan," she squeaked.
"Pauline Vaughan, Charlotte's mother. Pleased to meet you."
"George Vaughan,"
After the introductions were complete, Mr. Ollivander focussed his attention on Charlotte.
"Well now, Miss Vaughan, which is your wand hand?" As he spoke, he took out a long tape measure with silver markings.
"I'm, er, left-handed, if that's what you mean," she whispered. Her shyness was taking over again, just like it always did when she was nervous.
"Hold out you left arm – that's it. Let me try to find something that might suit you…"
The tape measure leapt out of his hands and began measuring her. Elbow to wrist, wrist to fingertip, shoulder to fingertip. Then, it began measuring other places. It was just measuring her right ear when Mr. Ollivander, who had been sorting through a stack of what she presumed where wand-boxes, seemed to find the one he was looking for and told the tape to cease. It crumpled to the floor.
"Now, there are many magical substances suitable for use in wands, but in Ollivander wands you'll only find one of three: dragon heartstring, unicorn tail-hair or a phoenix tail-feather. No two wands are ever the same, just as the animals are never quite the same.
"Now. When I give you a wand to try, simply wave it. When you find the one you like, let me know."
"How will I know?"
"You'll know. Because, really, the wand chooses the wizard. Or witch, in this case. Here, try this. Ebony, thirteen inches, phoenix feather, rather bendy,"
He took the said wand out of its box and handed it to her. Feeling rather stupid, Charlotte wiggled the wand a bit.
Mr. Ollivander snatched it out of her hand almost immediately. "No, no … try this. Oak, dragon heartstring, ten inches. No flexibility."
Charlotte waved it. And she waved another. And another. Mr. Ollivander seemed quite happy that she'd tried almost every wand in his shop.
"Fantastic, you're a tricky customer. Here, try this. Beech, unicorn hair, twelve inches. Nice and supple."
As she touched it, Charlotte felt a sudden warmth at her fingers. As she waved the wand, a shower of blue and purple sparks showered from it like a fireworks display.
"Excellent! Oh, what a match! That'll be nine galleons, please."
Charlotte paid her money, grinning from ear to ear. She had a magic wand! Oh, it was so exciting!
Mrs. Vaughan thanked Mr. Ollivander warmly and steered her daughter out of the shop. Her husband followed.
"Are you ready to go home now, sweetheart?" she asked, hugging her daughter. Charlotte smiled.
"Only if I have to,"
Her mother looked at her father. "We can stay," she said. "Is that, er, cool?"
"Don't try to be cool, Mum. It doesn't work!"
Emma: She will go to Hogwarts VERY VERY SOON! I swear! Thanks!
Stephanie: I know you don't like HP much but I'm happy that you read my fic anyway! Thanks!
Michelleywelley: You've touched on a subject that was the base for this story. Well done! Thanks!