Pranks Abound
Disclaimer: Nope, I still don't own anything.
At the Leaky Cauldron, I was sitting at an intricately carved table of maple. It had a prophecy of some sort on it, depicting the fall of the wizarding world. I remember wondering why the Leaky Cauldron had such an item; it must scare away customers, depicting the fall of the wizarding world. I, for one, was really scared, for it ended with a symbol. It was a skull with a snake protruding from its mouth.
Then, Mr. Potter mumbled that it was three o'clock and that we had better get to bed. I had a good sleep on the knight bus, so I was filled with energy. James, however, needed more than a few paltry hours of sleep, and he passed out on the grim table. Snorting awake, James surfaced with his glasses askew and the prophecy's imprint on his forehead.
Laughing, I put his glasses straight, leaned in and whispered, "We're getting a room,"
"Really?" He yawned, rubbed the sleep from his eyes, and rested his head on his arm.
"Really. So, get up. Otherwise, you won't be able to sleep!"
"Lil, that doesn't make any sense!" James cried, exasperated.
"Alright, you two. Let's head upstairs." Picking us both up and slinging us over either shoulder, Mr. Potter trudged upstairs, set me down in my own room, and gave me a goodnight kiss on my forehead. I will always remember that one…
I awoke a couple of hours later, dressed, and plodded downstairs. Waving good morning to the bartender, I maneuvered over to the Potter's, who were waving at me from behind a mountain of food. Staring spellbound at the both of them; I plopped down and frowned.
"Whassamatter, Lil?" James said through a mouthful of pancake.
"How do you two expect to finish all this?"
"Oh no dear, the food is for you and James. I already had my black coffee. It'll tide me over till lunch. Now, eat up!"
"But Mr. Potter—" I was cut short by James piling food onto my plate. Pretty soon, I couldn't see either of them, for the mountain before my face was steadily growing. Making a considerable dent in my food, I asked Mr. Potter how much he thought little girls ate.
"Twice as much as little boys?" He ventured, smiling at me uncertainly.
"Dad's had a lot of experience with little girls' eating habits. I have two aunts bigger around than Big Ben." James said, matter-of-factly.
"You lie!" I cried, amused.
"Ask him about them, go on, I dare you." Looking from James to his father, the latter gave a knowing smile and told me that his sisters were twice as big as their significant others, and as a child he always went hungry at dinner. Laughing, we continued to eat until I felt like I was going to burst. Throwing my napkin on the table, I leaned back, just to see that the both of them were getting up. I bellowed my protest, unable to believe that anyone after such a big meal could move around.
"We have to go shopping, dear. Otherwise it'll be wall-to-wall wizards and witches."
"But, I can't move!"
Pointing his wand at me, a jet of moonbeam aimed itself at my stomach, automatically making me feel lighter.
"What was that? Can you do more magic?" I asked, intrigued.
"Later dear. Now, we must get you ready for Hogwarts. After all the shopping is done, you will be staying with the Bones'. They shall pick you up at Flourish and Blotts at the end of the day, is that all right my dear?"
"Oh no Mr. Potter. I want to say with the two of you for the rest of my hols. Can't I? Please?"
"Dad, it won't do much harm if she stays with us for a couple more weeks, right?"
"But dear, you might not feel comfortable, you being the only girl and all. Don't jump to conclusions Bones' either! You might like their daughter Elizabeth. She's going to Hogwarts as well, her last year."
"But Dad, won't Lily feel more comfortable with somebody her own age?"
"Can we talk about this later, James? Lily? Is that alright with the two of you?"
"Yes sir."
"Yes Dad."
Tapping a brick on the wall before us, a doorway was opened leading to Diagon Alley. Milling around me were wizards and witches of all shapes and sizes. I was astounded by the astonishing noise that filled my ears. Clicks and clacks and calls and guffaws of all kinds flew around me like so many birds. At first I thought that wizards spoke a different language, so I backed away. Listening closer though, it was just the noises made by the different products being sold in the alley. My eyes were glued however to the pet store which held the most fantastical of creatures. Back then, it was customary for wizards to own mythical pets. Dragons and unicorns were the most popular in those times. Alongside toads and rats and cats, they were by far, the most intriguing animals I have ever seen. However, I was enthralled with an owl. He was sitting all alone on a perch in the back of the store, and I constantly resisted James' efforts to pull me away from him.
"Its boring! And besides, you can't pay for it. You've only got muggle money."
"Correction, I haven't got any!" I said smugly. Then it dawned upon me that I forgot to ask my parents for pocket money and school supplies. "I haven't got any money!"
"Calm down Lily dear. Your parents wrote me a check. You're to get your own account at Gringotts before anything else." (A/n: people were much more trusting of their fellow man back then.)
Setting off for Gringotts, I stared up at the ivory pillars and was reminded of Frank Lloyd Wright. Walking down the aisle which led to the head goblin, I craned my head around, and James was scared that it might fall off. Exchanging all my muggle money, I acquired a vault and took the exhilarating ride there. Dipping and climbing at an unimaginable speed, I had never had more fun. The stupid muggle carnivals cannot compare! Not in the very least! So, after about five minutes of pure speed, I set foot on a stone platform and it dipped like a pier after a long journey. Emptying the sack of galleons on the floor, the goblin, Fibbleswick was his name, escorted us out and twiddled around with the security lock.
Walking out of Gringotts into the sun, I saw Diagon Alley from a different angle. It no longer was a mess of stalls and wizards and witches milling around. I saw its grid, its structure, its design, if you please. Checking my list I saw that cauldrons were the first item I should get. Garish gold ones glinted in the sunlight, while silver ones sat like suet pudding, for nobody was buying the extremes. Pewters, however, were selling like wildfire. Just goes to show how practical we were in those days. Nowadays, many a gold cauldron do I spy in the potions dungeon.
Next was my owl, my beloved owl. Deuteronomy is still with me. He caught my eye with his elegance and aloofness, and I could not have wish for a more loyal pet. He has graduated from being my pet to being a friend who cannot speak.
Next up was my wand. Mr. Ollivanders was very pleased to see me, saying that I would do great things, very great things indeed.
"Ah Jeremy! Nice to see you again, very nice. What was it again? Holly and unicorn tail, twelve inches long. Supple, am I correct?"
"As always, Mr. Ollivanders. I'm here to buy wands for my son and his new friend Lily. Do you think you can help them out?"
"Of course, of course. Now, dear. You first." He pointed to me, and stumbled off his chair and disappeared down a long hallway. Returning he looked at me with his silvery eyes and said,
"How's this? Unicorn tail hairs and maple wood, springy." He asked me, in a voice as old as the earth. Taking the wand gingerly from his finger, I stared at him blankly, not knowing what to do next.
"Well, point it at something, so we can see what happens!" Pointing it at the floor, Mr. Ollivanders shot three feet into the air and grabbed hold of one of his many ladders that littered the walls.
"Nope, don't think so." Grabbing the wand nearest to his head he passed it down to me.
"How's this? Dragoon heartstrings and oak, very stern, very inflexible." Backing away from the Potters and Mr. Ollivanders, I swished the wand around and nothing happened, or so I thought. The foundations of the store were shivering, causing the wand boxes to fall. Putting the wand down very carefully, I looked up at Mr. Potter and he gave me a reassuring smile.
"It happens to all of us. I remember when I was given a wand that didn't want me, I expelled fire from its end and singed Mr. Ollivanders eyebrows."
Taking one look at Mr. Ollivanders' magnificent curling silver eyebrows, I found it to be quite funny and a giggle escaped my lips.
"Thanks to you my dear, I have found the perfect wand for you. When the preliminary choices are rejected a little help is in order. With your little giggle, part of your soul was seen. I have your wand." Mr. Ollivanders smiled, tapped my nose, and presented me with my wand. It was made of willow, rather swishy. Ten and a half inches made with Phoenix tail feathers. I tentatively placed my finger on its shaft, waiting for something horrendous to happen. Then, totally unexpected, this warm feeling coursed through my veins, reaching my heart. It made me smile in pleasure, as if I had found part of me that I didn't even know was missing, but now that I found it, I felt perfectly complete.
James was up next, perking up and bringing a box over to Mr. Ollivanders, he said in his shrill voice, "I believe I have found my wand. It fell out of its box when Lily caused the building to shake. When I went to fetch it back to its box, I felt this strange warm feeling and, look what it does!" Swishing it around, James expelled a fountain of green and gold sparks.
"Alright then. That'll be fourteen galleons and three knuts please."
Pooling money together, we paid and walked out of the store, enlightened. I felt so happy; I did a little two-step with James and tugged him along after me.
"Come on then James. Let's go get measured!" Madame Malkin's Robes for all Occasions was just down the cobblestone road. "I've never had long winter robes before, I was sent to school in Bristol. I can't wait to swirl around the Hogwarts Grounds in my winter cloaks and things! Ooh, who's that?"
I pulled up short and pressed my face to the window. Staring back at me with a pathetic look on his face was a tall boy with black hair and twinkling blue eyes. I could see the mischief in him even though he was throwing cow looks at me. Madame Malkin had petrified his legs, so he couldn't move from the waist down. But his torso was looking very uncomfortable indeed. Turning around, I wanted to ask James something, but I only saw Mr. Potter's waist. Feeling sheepish, I turned around double- quick and ran inside the shop. I was greeted by a friendly,
"Hogwarts dear? Got the lot here – two men being fitted up just now, in fact. Pull up a stool."
Clambering onto a wooden three-legged stool I glared at James. How dare that little monkey leave me behind? He knew very well that I didn't know how to get around and he deliberately left me to see this, this person whom I don't know.
"Why are you looking at me like that for?" James whined.
"If you don't know then I won't tell you." I scowled.
"That doesn't make any sense." Said the boy next to James.
"You stay out of this. If James doesn't know what he did wrong then I won't tell him."
"Shouldn't you help him out?"
"No. I don't like the whole male solidarity thing. Its two against one, I need reinforcements." I folded my arms across my chest and scowled deeply. Staring at me for a few moments, the boy laughed a mirthful laugh and punched James lightly on the shoulder. "She's funny."
"I know, she's been keeping me in stitches since we picked her up from her house."
Piping up from my personal exile, I took in the boy from head to toe. Slightly built and tall, his eyes spoke volumes. Marvelously blue and insightful, his eyes were depthless. He caught me staring and extended a hand.
"Sirius Black. I believe you are already acquainted with James. And you are?"
"Lily. Lily evens. I'm supposed to guided around by this dolt, but he's doing a horrible job."
"Why do you need a guide?"
"Muggle parentage." James said.
"I see. Now, when Madam Malkin finishes us all up, will the two of you be so kind as to accompany me to Flourish and Blotts for our books? Or have you gotten your books already?"
"No we haven't. I'm sure my dad would let us come with you. Where are your parents?" James asked, with all the innocence of an eleven-year-old.
"Oh my father is in Bulgaria, playing Quidditch. And my mum is at work today. She's in the ministry, you know."
"So if your father is off playing Quidditch, then that must mean that—"
"Yup. I am in Diggory Black's immediate family." Sirius beamed.
"Then that makes you a bloody legend! The only one in the family, who doesn't like playing Quidditch, but likes watching… Why?"
"Well, I got tired of zooming around on a broomstick by the time I was five."
"Quidditch? What's Quidditch?" I asked, truly interested. Flying was always a dream of mine.
They both looked at me like I lived under a rock for the first eleven years of my life. Then, recognition dawned upon them.
"Muggle." They said in unison, looking at each other then at me.
"Well, quidditch is really quite simple. All in all there are four balls, seven players, and one way to finish the game," Sirius began, because he was obviously the authority on the subject.
"Which is? And why are there so many balls? Do you have four hoops or something in which you put them through?"
"Listen, listen. All right, the first ball is called the Quaffle. It's a smallish red ball that is tossed around. The three people who toss it around are called Chasers. The chasers use the Quaffle to score in implements of ten points. Are you with me?"
"Yes. You didn't answer me about the hoops."
"I'm not there yet, that's why. Okay, there are three hoops, which are defended by the keeper. The Quaffle is shot towards the hoops, and scores by passing through them. That's four players and one ball down, three players and three balls to go.
"Next, we have the bludgers. They are enchanted so they are rather unpleasant. Nothing to do with smells or looks, mind you. Just irritating because they go for your head. But we have two players who take care of that. They are called beaters and they have these little bats with which they hit the bludgers to keep them from putting the other players off course."
"It looks like that thing you were brandishing last night!" James piped up, glad to help.
"My baseball bat? Well, that's comforting, I think."
"James, don't interrupt." Sirius scolded, unable to keep from waggling his finger. Giving James a glance, they both burst out laughing.
Setting out for Flourish and Blotts, we soon came upon a packed store, full to bursting with witches and wizards, all clamoring to get their books.
"Now, does anybody have our booklist?" Sirius asked seriously, looking at each of us intently.
"Uh, it says right here that we must get
The standard book of spells by Miranda Goshawk
A history of magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A beginners guide to transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and where to find them by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A guide to self-protection by Quentin Trimble, and Hogwarts: A History, by Godric Gryffindor."
"That one would be an interesting read." Said Sirius. "I do hope I'm with the both of you, I haven't really clicked with any of the other people I've met."
"Haven't you got any friends in the wizarding world?" I asked curiously.
"Not really. We move around a lot you see, and my father is afraid for my safety. Speaking of fathers, where's yours?"
Disclaimer: Nope, I still don't own anything.
At the Leaky Cauldron, I was sitting at an intricately carved table of maple. It had a prophecy of some sort on it, depicting the fall of the wizarding world. I remember wondering why the Leaky Cauldron had such an item; it must scare away customers, depicting the fall of the wizarding world. I, for one, was really scared, for it ended with a symbol. It was a skull with a snake protruding from its mouth.
Then, Mr. Potter mumbled that it was three o'clock and that we had better get to bed. I had a good sleep on the knight bus, so I was filled with energy. James, however, needed more than a few paltry hours of sleep, and he passed out on the grim table. Snorting awake, James surfaced with his glasses askew and the prophecy's imprint on his forehead.
Laughing, I put his glasses straight, leaned in and whispered, "We're getting a room,"
"Really?" He yawned, rubbed the sleep from his eyes, and rested his head on his arm.
"Really. So, get up. Otherwise, you won't be able to sleep!"
"Lil, that doesn't make any sense!" James cried, exasperated.
"Alright, you two. Let's head upstairs." Picking us both up and slinging us over either shoulder, Mr. Potter trudged upstairs, set me down in my own room, and gave me a goodnight kiss on my forehead. I will always remember that one…
I awoke a couple of hours later, dressed, and plodded downstairs. Waving good morning to the bartender, I maneuvered over to the Potter's, who were waving at me from behind a mountain of food. Staring spellbound at the both of them; I plopped down and frowned.
"Whassamatter, Lil?" James said through a mouthful of pancake.
"How do you two expect to finish all this?"
"Oh no dear, the food is for you and James. I already had my black coffee. It'll tide me over till lunch. Now, eat up!"
"But Mr. Potter—" I was cut short by James piling food onto my plate. Pretty soon, I couldn't see either of them, for the mountain before my face was steadily growing. Making a considerable dent in my food, I asked Mr. Potter how much he thought little girls ate.
"Twice as much as little boys?" He ventured, smiling at me uncertainly.
"Dad's had a lot of experience with little girls' eating habits. I have two aunts bigger around than Big Ben." James said, matter-of-factly.
"You lie!" I cried, amused.
"Ask him about them, go on, I dare you." Looking from James to his father, the latter gave a knowing smile and told me that his sisters were twice as big as their significant others, and as a child he always went hungry at dinner. Laughing, we continued to eat until I felt like I was going to burst. Throwing my napkin on the table, I leaned back, just to see that the both of them were getting up. I bellowed my protest, unable to believe that anyone after such a big meal could move around.
"We have to go shopping, dear. Otherwise it'll be wall-to-wall wizards and witches."
"But, I can't move!"
Pointing his wand at me, a jet of moonbeam aimed itself at my stomach, automatically making me feel lighter.
"What was that? Can you do more magic?" I asked, intrigued.
"Later dear. Now, we must get you ready for Hogwarts. After all the shopping is done, you will be staying with the Bones'. They shall pick you up at Flourish and Blotts at the end of the day, is that all right my dear?"
"Oh no Mr. Potter. I want to say with the two of you for the rest of my hols. Can't I? Please?"
"Dad, it won't do much harm if she stays with us for a couple more weeks, right?"
"But dear, you might not feel comfortable, you being the only girl and all. Don't jump to conclusions Bones' either! You might like their daughter Elizabeth. She's going to Hogwarts as well, her last year."
"But Dad, won't Lily feel more comfortable with somebody her own age?"
"Can we talk about this later, James? Lily? Is that alright with the two of you?"
"Yes sir."
"Yes Dad."
Tapping a brick on the wall before us, a doorway was opened leading to Diagon Alley. Milling around me were wizards and witches of all shapes and sizes. I was astounded by the astonishing noise that filled my ears. Clicks and clacks and calls and guffaws of all kinds flew around me like so many birds. At first I thought that wizards spoke a different language, so I backed away. Listening closer though, it was just the noises made by the different products being sold in the alley. My eyes were glued however to the pet store which held the most fantastical of creatures. Back then, it was customary for wizards to own mythical pets. Dragons and unicorns were the most popular in those times. Alongside toads and rats and cats, they were by far, the most intriguing animals I have ever seen. However, I was enthralled with an owl. He was sitting all alone on a perch in the back of the store, and I constantly resisted James' efforts to pull me away from him.
"Its boring! And besides, you can't pay for it. You've only got muggle money."
"Correction, I haven't got any!" I said smugly. Then it dawned upon me that I forgot to ask my parents for pocket money and school supplies. "I haven't got any money!"
"Calm down Lily dear. Your parents wrote me a check. You're to get your own account at Gringotts before anything else." (A/n: people were much more trusting of their fellow man back then.)
Setting off for Gringotts, I stared up at the ivory pillars and was reminded of Frank Lloyd Wright. Walking down the aisle which led to the head goblin, I craned my head around, and James was scared that it might fall off. Exchanging all my muggle money, I acquired a vault and took the exhilarating ride there. Dipping and climbing at an unimaginable speed, I had never had more fun. The stupid muggle carnivals cannot compare! Not in the very least! So, after about five minutes of pure speed, I set foot on a stone platform and it dipped like a pier after a long journey. Emptying the sack of galleons on the floor, the goblin, Fibbleswick was his name, escorted us out and twiddled around with the security lock.
Walking out of Gringotts into the sun, I saw Diagon Alley from a different angle. It no longer was a mess of stalls and wizards and witches milling around. I saw its grid, its structure, its design, if you please. Checking my list I saw that cauldrons were the first item I should get. Garish gold ones glinted in the sunlight, while silver ones sat like suet pudding, for nobody was buying the extremes. Pewters, however, were selling like wildfire. Just goes to show how practical we were in those days. Nowadays, many a gold cauldron do I spy in the potions dungeon.
Next was my owl, my beloved owl. Deuteronomy is still with me. He caught my eye with his elegance and aloofness, and I could not have wish for a more loyal pet. He has graduated from being my pet to being a friend who cannot speak.
Next up was my wand. Mr. Ollivanders was very pleased to see me, saying that I would do great things, very great things indeed.
"Ah Jeremy! Nice to see you again, very nice. What was it again? Holly and unicorn tail, twelve inches long. Supple, am I correct?"
"As always, Mr. Ollivanders. I'm here to buy wands for my son and his new friend Lily. Do you think you can help them out?"
"Of course, of course. Now, dear. You first." He pointed to me, and stumbled off his chair and disappeared down a long hallway. Returning he looked at me with his silvery eyes and said,
"How's this? Unicorn tail hairs and maple wood, springy." He asked me, in a voice as old as the earth. Taking the wand gingerly from his finger, I stared at him blankly, not knowing what to do next.
"Well, point it at something, so we can see what happens!" Pointing it at the floor, Mr. Ollivanders shot three feet into the air and grabbed hold of one of his many ladders that littered the walls.
"Nope, don't think so." Grabbing the wand nearest to his head he passed it down to me.
"How's this? Dragoon heartstrings and oak, very stern, very inflexible." Backing away from the Potters and Mr. Ollivanders, I swished the wand around and nothing happened, or so I thought. The foundations of the store were shivering, causing the wand boxes to fall. Putting the wand down very carefully, I looked up at Mr. Potter and he gave me a reassuring smile.
"It happens to all of us. I remember when I was given a wand that didn't want me, I expelled fire from its end and singed Mr. Ollivanders eyebrows."
Taking one look at Mr. Ollivanders' magnificent curling silver eyebrows, I found it to be quite funny and a giggle escaped my lips.
"Thanks to you my dear, I have found the perfect wand for you. When the preliminary choices are rejected a little help is in order. With your little giggle, part of your soul was seen. I have your wand." Mr. Ollivanders smiled, tapped my nose, and presented me with my wand. It was made of willow, rather swishy. Ten and a half inches made with Phoenix tail feathers. I tentatively placed my finger on its shaft, waiting for something horrendous to happen. Then, totally unexpected, this warm feeling coursed through my veins, reaching my heart. It made me smile in pleasure, as if I had found part of me that I didn't even know was missing, but now that I found it, I felt perfectly complete.
James was up next, perking up and bringing a box over to Mr. Ollivanders, he said in his shrill voice, "I believe I have found my wand. It fell out of its box when Lily caused the building to shake. When I went to fetch it back to its box, I felt this strange warm feeling and, look what it does!" Swishing it around, James expelled a fountain of green and gold sparks.
"Alright then. That'll be fourteen galleons and three knuts please."
Pooling money together, we paid and walked out of the store, enlightened. I felt so happy; I did a little two-step with James and tugged him along after me.
"Come on then James. Let's go get measured!" Madame Malkin's Robes for all Occasions was just down the cobblestone road. "I've never had long winter robes before, I was sent to school in Bristol. I can't wait to swirl around the Hogwarts Grounds in my winter cloaks and things! Ooh, who's that?"
I pulled up short and pressed my face to the window. Staring back at me with a pathetic look on his face was a tall boy with black hair and twinkling blue eyes. I could see the mischief in him even though he was throwing cow looks at me. Madame Malkin had petrified his legs, so he couldn't move from the waist down. But his torso was looking very uncomfortable indeed. Turning around, I wanted to ask James something, but I only saw Mr. Potter's waist. Feeling sheepish, I turned around double- quick and ran inside the shop. I was greeted by a friendly,
"Hogwarts dear? Got the lot here – two men being fitted up just now, in fact. Pull up a stool."
Clambering onto a wooden three-legged stool I glared at James. How dare that little monkey leave me behind? He knew very well that I didn't know how to get around and he deliberately left me to see this, this person whom I don't know.
"Why are you looking at me like that for?" James whined.
"If you don't know then I won't tell you." I scowled.
"That doesn't make any sense." Said the boy next to James.
"You stay out of this. If James doesn't know what he did wrong then I won't tell him."
"Shouldn't you help him out?"
"No. I don't like the whole male solidarity thing. Its two against one, I need reinforcements." I folded my arms across my chest and scowled deeply. Staring at me for a few moments, the boy laughed a mirthful laugh and punched James lightly on the shoulder. "She's funny."
"I know, she's been keeping me in stitches since we picked her up from her house."
Piping up from my personal exile, I took in the boy from head to toe. Slightly built and tall, his eyes spoke volumes. Marvelously blue and insightful, his eyes were depthless. He caught me staring and extended a hand.
"Sirius Black. I believe you are already acquainted with James. And you are?"
"Lily. Lily evens. I'm supposed to guided around by this dolt, but he's doing a horrible job."
"Why do you need a guide?"
"Muggle parentage." James said.
"I see. Now, when Madam Malkin finishes us all up, will the two of you be so kind as to accompany me to Flourish and Blotts for our books? Or have you gotten your books already?"
"No we haven't. I'm sure my dad would let us come with you. Where are your parents?" James asked, with all the innocence of an eleven-year-old.
"Oh my father is in Bulgaria, playing Quidditch. And my mum is at work today. She's in the ministry, you know."
"So if your father is off playing Quidditch, then that must mean that—"
"Yup. I am in Diggory Black's immediate family." Sirius beamed.
"Then that makes you a bloody legend! The only one in the family, who doesn't like playing Quidditch, but likes watching… Why?"
"Well, I got tired of zooming around on a broomstick by the time I was five."
"Quidditch? What's Quidditch?" I asked, truly interested. Flying was always a dream of mine.
They both looked at me like I lived under a rock for the first eleven years of my life. Then, recognition dawned upon them.
"Muggle." They said in unison, looking at each other then at me.
"Well, quidditch is really quite simple. All in all there are four balls, seven players, and one way to finish the game," Sirius began, because he was obviously the authority on the subject.
"Which is? And why are there so many balls? Do you have four hoops or something in which you put them through?"
"Listen, listen. All right, the first ball is called the Quaffle. It's a smallish red ball that is tossed around. The three people who toss it around are called Chasers. The chasers use the Quaffle to score in implements of ten points. Are you with me?"
"Yes. You didn't answer me about the hoops."
"I'm not there yet, that's why. Okay, there are three hoops, which are defended by the keeper. The Quaffle is shot towards the hoops, and scores by passing through them. That's four players and one ball down, three players and three balls to go.
"Next, we have the bludgers. They are enchanted so they are rather unpleasant. Nothing to do with smells or looks, mind you. Just irritating because they go for your head. But we have two players who take care of that. They are called beaters and they have these little bats with which they hit the bludgers to keep them from putting the other players off course."
"It looks like that thing you were brandishing last night!" James piped up, glad to help.
"My baseball bat? Well, that's comforting, I think."
"James, don't interrupt." Sirius scolded, unable to keep from waggling his finger. Giving James a glance, they both burst out laughing.
Setting out for Flourish and Blotts, we soon came upon a packed store, full to bursting with witches and wizards, all clamoring to get their books.
"Now, does anybody have our booklist?" Sirius asked seriously, looking at each of us intently.
"Uh, it says right here that we must get
The standard book of spells by Miranda Goshawk
A history of magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A beginners guide to transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and where to find them by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A guide to self-protection by Quentin Trimble, and Hogwarts: A History, by Godric Gryffindor."
"That one would be an interesting read." Said Sirius. "I do hope I'm with the both of you, I haven't really clicked with any of the other people I've met."
"Haven't you got any friends in the wizarding world?" I asked curiously.
"Not really. We move around a lot you see, and my father is afraid for my safety. Speaking of fathers, where's yours?"