"How about this one?"
"Definitely not- are you trying to be funny?"
"What do you mean? I just want to look good for my first visit to the magic world!"
"You've been at Hogwarts for a year!"
"But this is Diagon Alley!"
Lily and I were at her house, trying to pack for the summer. My mother had decided that this year, Lily could come with us on our annual stay at Diagon Alley. She was very excited, but refused to believe me that she could just wear her black robes every day. Instead, she went through her wardrobe, selecting different T-shirts and jeans to wear under her robes. I thought she was making too big a deal on what to wear, but then again, I wasn't one who concerned myself with fashion.
I put up with Lily's worrying for about ten more minutes, then dragged her back to my house. Petunia waved, calling out, "If I'm accepted into Hogwarts over the summer, I'll send you an owl!" She giggled. Apparently, she was convinced that she would become a witch, "just like Lily". She had spent the whole year talking about Hogwarts, and waited eagerly for each of Lily's letters. Even now, she had wanted to come with us to Diagon Alley, but was afraid the owl wouldn't be able to find her.
We waved back, and I took out some Floo Powder. I explained to Lily how to use it, and a moment later, we were in Diagon Alley.
Even though she had been there once before, Lily was still impressed by the town. She looked around, taking in everything. I patiently led her to the Leaky Cauldron, where Tom, the innkeeper, told us where my mom was staying and where we would be staying. We raced up the steps, and I saw my mother waiting for us.
"Hi, girls. How was the trip?"
"Weird," Lily admitted. "I can't deny that I was slightly afraid of walking into a fire!"
"Maybe if someone hadn't taken so long to pack," I said pointedly, "we could have gone with you, Mum." My mother just smiled and nodded toward our rooms. I quickly went into mine, and took a long nap.
When I woke up, Lil and my mother were gone. I left the Leaky Cauldron and headed through Diagon Alley. I checked Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor, but they weren't there. After searching Flourish and Blotts and Madam Malkin's for them, I gave up and headed back to my room, when-
"Magda! We're over here!"
I turned around, and saw Mum, Lily, and...?
It was small, furry, and looked remarkably like a kitten! But that was impossible. My mother didn't like animals, and had refused to get me a pet no matter how many times I had begged her for one. But now, could it be?
"Happy Birthday!" My mother looked happy with an animal for once. "You forgot your own birthday!"
I was flabbergasted. "It's already August 11? I totally forgot!"
"At least now maybe you'll leave Sienna alone," Lily smirked. She handed me the soft little kitten, which could still fit in my hands. "The clerk said his name is Bumblebee- BB for short."
I held him close. "Thank you soo much."
My mother had to go to work then, and Lily wanted to look through the bookstore. I took a walk around Diagon Alley, BB in my hands, when I froze. I was right by the twisting alleyway that led to Knockturn Alley. I thought about it. My mother hadn't expressly forbidden me from going in, and it probably wasn't so dangerous. I mean, I had a wand and all...
Before I could reconsider, I started down the alleyway. When I came out, I saw that I was in Knockturn Alley. It was dark and quiet, and definitely more interesting than Diagon Alley. I walked into the first store I saw. It was dank and full of strange contraptions. I examined a few, when a familiar voice asked, "May I help you?"
I turned... and saw Severus Snape. He blinked, looking just as surprised to see me. "Mardec? But- you're in Gryffindor! What are you doing in here?"
I felt a surge of annoyance. "Just because I'm in Gryffindor doesn't mean I want to be there. And anyway, why wouldn't a Gryffindor be in here? James and Sirius would probably kill to be in here."
He shook his head. "Potter hates the Dark Arts. And anyway, what are you doing in here? Gryffindor or not, I've never seen you around these parts. And what's with the cat?"
"The kitten was given to me just before I got here. I was in the mood to explore Knockturn Alley, and I wasn't explicitly forbidden to come here, so..."
Severus laughed. "You should be in Slytherin."
"Is that a compliment?" I teased. He grinned.
"Now, I work here. Want me to show you around? Nobody's here, and neither is my boss, so I can basically do whatever I want."
Severus showed me all sorts of strange objects that I was fascinated by. He loved BB and spent a long time holding him. As he pet him, I saw a host of emotions pass over Severus- peace, pain, yearning...
At four o'clock, I had to leave, and casting one last longing look around, I walked out.
"Come back, Magda!" Severus called out.
And of course, I did. Almost every day, I'd sneak up Knockturn Alley. Severus would help me look like I belonged there, and on his days off, he would take me around the whole town. He didn't introduce me to anyone, though. In fact, he would always glance around furtively, making sure that no one I knew was around. "Not every Slytherin is as kindly disposed toward lone Gryffindors as I am," he warned me. "Stay out of sight."
I knew that he was right, and didn't understand why Severus himself could allow himself to become friends with me. Maybe it was BB. After the first few times, I stopped bringing him, but Severus always asked about him.
My mother and Lily teased me about the secret place where I always went, but I left subtle hints that I was spending all my time in Quality Quidditch Supplies. It was a plausible idea, as I had always loved to fly. In fact, I was planning to try out for the Quidditch team in school. I knew that I'd have competition- I had heard James Potter and Sirius Black excitedly discussing Quidditch too many times. I was confident in my abilities, and was sure that I could at least make Chaser, especially since James and Sirius wanted to be Beaters together. More than half the team left last year, so two Beaters, one Chaser, and the Seeker's jobs were all open. I spent most of my time discussing this all with Lily, until she finally covered her ears and begged me to stop.
Of course, who was listening to us talking but James and Sirius, sitting at the table in the Leaky Cauldron next to us. "How about a game?" James challenged.
"You've got yourself a deal!" I told him, and got up to find a team. Lily consented to being a Beater, and we spoke to Mr. Clemens, who ran Quality Quidditch Supplies. He agreed to sponsor the game by supplying balls and brooms, and scheduled it for the second-to-last day of the term. With all the publicity, we expected there to be tons of kids on our team. Instead, only Andromeda Black and a witch named Celestina Warbeck volunteered to be on our team as Seeker. I soon found out why. Everyone wanted to be on the Marauders' team. Finally, Narcissa and Bellatrix Black joined us as beaters, and a Ravenclaw fourth-year named Elo Tiare finished up the team. We practiced once or twice, but Bella and Cissa kept protesting me as captain, and Lily and Meda kept insisting that I had to be captain. After all, James was captain of his team.
The day of the match came, and I knew that we'd lose almost immediately. James's team was excellent, and James outshone them all. He flew so well, I knew that there was no way he wouldn't get on the real team. He had opted to be a Seeker, and I noticed that Sirius was nowhere to be seen. James gave his team just enough time to score fifty points, and then easily caught the Snitch. He had a Silver Arrow, the best broom around, and Celestina's Shooting Star was no match for it. The other team won with two hundred points to our twenty.
I left with my head bowed in disgrace. I had only scored two goals during the game, and we had lost so badly, I felt as though I had betrayed my teammates. I knew that it was irrational, but then, I tended to be irrational when I was upset.
James caught up with me. "Magda!"
I stiffened. "Go ahead, gloat. You won by a landslide. I know, I suck."
He looked embarrassed. "Look, I'm sorry. You did a good job, but I had a bigger selection of teammates. The twenty points you scored proved your prowess."
"Just get on with it," I snapped. "I don't need your coddling."
"Sorry," James said apologetically. "But have you seen Sirius?"
"No, I was wondering where he was." Now my curiosity was aroused. "What happened? Why wasn't he on the team?"
James blushed a deep red. "We held tryouts, and, well...he didn't make it. He was furious that I didn't keep him on anyway, but what could I do?"
"You could have realized that winning isn't everything," I said indignantly. "This was supposed to be a friendly game, not a major competition!"
"Fine," James said stiffly. "But all I wanted to know was where Sirius was; I didn't ask for a scolding." He stormed off.
"Nice one," Sirius said from behind me, sounding amused. "You actually told the bighead off!"
I rolled my eyes at him. "In a day, you and "Bighead" will be best friends again and hating me. You probably won't be talking to me, so why don't you start now?" I stomped off, barely noticing Sirius's smile turn into a worried frown.
"Definitely not- are you trying to be funny?"
"What do you mean? I just want to look good for my first visit to the magic world!"
"You've been at Hogwarts for a year!"
"But this is Diagon Alley!"
Lily and I were at her house, trying to pack for the summer. My mother had decided that this year, Lily could come with us on our annual stay at Diagon Alley. She was very excited, but refused to believe me that she could just wear her black robes every day. Instead, she went through her wardrobe, selecting different T-shirts and jeans to wear under her robes. I thought she was making too big a deal on what to wear, but then again, I wasn't one who concerned myself with fashion.
I put up with Lily's worrying for about ten more minutes, then dragged her back to my house. Petunia waved, calling out, "If I'm accepted into Hogwarts over the summer, I'll send you an owl!" She giggled. Apparently, she was convinced that she would become a witch, "just like Lily". She had spent the whole year talking about Hogwarts, and waited eagerly for each of Lily's letters. Even now, she had wanted to come with us to Diagon Alley, but was afraid the owl wouldn't be able to find her.
We waved back, and I took out some Floo Powder. I explained to Lily how to use it, and a moment later, we were in Diagon Alley.
Even though she had been there once before, Lily was still impressed by the town. She looked around, taking in everything. I patiently led her to the Leaky Cauldron, where Tom, the innkeeper, told us where my mom was staying and where we would be staying. We raced up the steps, and I saw my mother waiting for us.
"Hi, girls. How was the trip?"
"Weird," Lily admitted. "I can't deny that I was slightly afraid of walking into a fire!"
"Maybe if someone hadn't taken so long to pack," I said pointedly, "we could have gone with you, Mum." My mother just smiled and nodded toward our rooms. I quickly went into mine, and took a long nap.
When I woke up, Lil and my mother were gone. I left the Leaky Cauldron and headed through Diagon Alley. I checked Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor, but they weren't there. After searching Flourish and Blotts and Madam Malkin's for them, I gave up and headed back to my room, when-
"Magda! We're over here!"
I turned around, and saw Mum, Lily, and...?
It was small, furry, and looked remarkably like a kitten! But that was impossible. My mother didn't like animals, and had refused to get me a pet no matter how many times I had begged her for one. But now, could it be?
"Happy Birthday!" My mother looked happy with an animal for once. "You forgot your own birthday!"
I was flabbergasted. "It's already August 11? I totally forgot!"
"At least now maybe you'll leave Sienna alone," Lily smirked. She handed me the soft little kitten, which could still fit in my hands. "The clerk said his name is Bumblebee- BB for short."
I held him close. "Thank you soo much."
My mother had to go to work then, and Lily wanted to look through the bookstore. I took a walk around Diagon Alley, BB in my hands, when I froze. I was right by the twisting alleyway that led to Knockturn Alley. I thought about it. My mother hadn't expressly forbidden me from going in, and it probably wasn't so dangerous. I mean, I had a wand and all...
Before I could reconsider, I started down the alleyway. When I came out, I saw that I was in Knockturn Alley. It was dark and quiet, and definitely more interesting than Diagon Alley. I walked into the first store I saw. It was dank and full of strange contraptions. I examined a few, when a familiar voice asked, "May I help you?"
I turned... and saw Severus Snape. He blinked, looking just as surprised to see me. "Mardec? But- you're in Gryffindor! What are you doing in here?"
I felt a surge of annoyance. "Just because I'm in Gryffindor doesn't mean I want to be there. And anyway, why wouldn't a Gryffindor be in here? James and Sirius would probably kill to be in here."
He shook his head. "Potter hates the Dark Arts. And anyway, what are you doing in here? Gryffindor or not, I've never seen you around these parts. And what's with the cat?"
"The kitten was given to me just before I got here. I was in the mood to explore Knockturn Alley, and I wasn't explicitly forbidden to come here, so..."
Severus laughed. "You should be in Slytherin."
"Is that a compliment?" I teased. He grinned.
"Now, I work here. Want me to show you around? Nobody's here, and neither is my boss, so I can basically do whatever I want."
Severus showed me all sorts of strange objects that I was fascinated by. He loved BB and spent a long time holding him. As he pet him, I saw a host of emotions pass over Severus- peace, pain, yearning...
At four o'clock, I had to leave, and casting one last longing look around, I walked out.
"Come back, Magda!" Severus called out.
And of course, I did. Almost every day, I'd sneak up Knockturn Alley. Severus would help me look like I belonged there, and on his days off, he would take me around the whole town. He didn't introduce me to anyone, though. In fact, he would always glance around furtively, making sure that no one I knew was around. "Not every Slytherin is as kindly disposed toward lone Gryffindors as I am," he warned me. "Stay out of sight."
I knew that he was right, and didn't understand why Severus himself could allow himself to become friends with me. Maybe it was BB. After the first few times, I stopped bringing him, but Severus always asked about him.
My mother and Lily teased me about the secret place where I always went, but I left subtle hints that I was spending all my time in Quality Quidditch Supplies. It was a plausible idea, as I had always loved to fly. In fact, I was planning to try out for the Quidditch team in school. I knew that I'd have competition- I had heard James Potter and Sirius Black excitedly discussing Quidditch too many times. I was confident in my abilities, and was sure that I could at least make Chaser, especially since James and Sirius wanted to be Beaters together. More than half the team left last year, so two Beaters, one Chaser, and the Seeker's jobs were all open. I spent most of my time discussing this all with Lily, until she finally covered her ears and begged me to stop.
Of course, who was listening to us talking but James and Sirius, sitting at the table in the Leaky Cauldron next to us. "How about a game?" James challenged.
"You've got yourself a deal!" I told him, and got up to find a team. Lily consented to being a Beater, and we spoke to Mr. Clemens, who ran Quality Quidditch Supplies. He agreed to sponsor the game by supplying balls and brooms, and scheduled it for the second-to-last day of the term. With all the publicity, we expected there to be tons of kids on our team. Instead, only Andromeda Black and a witch named Celestina Warbeck volunteered to be on our team as Seeker. I soon found out why. Everyone wanted to be on the Marauders' team. Finally, Narcissa and Bellatrix Black joined us as beaters, and a Ravenclaw fourth-year named Elo Tiare finished up the team. We practiced once or twice, but Bella and Cissa kept protesting me as captain, and Lily and Meda kept insisting that I had to be captain. After all, James was captain of his team.
The day of the match came, and I knew that we'd lose almost immediately. James's team was excellent, and James outshone them all. He flew so well, I knew that there was no way he wouldn't get on the real team. He had opted to be a Seeker, and I noticed that Sirius was nowhere to be seen. James gave his team just enough time to score fifty points, and then easily caught the Snitch. He had a Silver Arrow, the best broom around, and Celestina's Shooting Star was no match for it. The other team won with two hundred points to our twenty.
I left with my head bowed in disgrace. I had only scored two goals during the game, and we had lost so badly, I felt as though I had betrayed my teammates. I knew that it was irrational, but then, I tended to be irrational when I was upset.
James caught up with me. "Magda!"
I stiffened. "Go ahead, gloat. You won by a landslide. I know, I suck."
He looked embarrassed. "Look, I'm sorry. You did a good job, but I had a bigger selection of teammates. The twenty points you scored proved your prowess."
"Just get on with it," I snapped. "I don't need your coddling."
"Sorry," James said apologetically. "But have you seen Sirius?"
"No, I was wondering where he was." Now my curiosity was aroused. "What happened? Why wasn't he on the team?"
James blushed a deep red. "We held tryouts, and, well...he didn't make it. He was furious that I didn't keep him on anyway, but what could I do?"
"You could have realized that winning isn't everything," I said indignantly. "This was supposed to be a friendly game, not a major competition!"
"Fine," James said stiffly. "But all I wanted to know was where Sirius was; I didn't ask for a scolding." He stormed off.
"Nice one," Sirius said from behind me, sounding amused. "You actually told the bighead off!"
I rolled my eyes at him. "In a day, you and "Bighead" will be best friends again and hating me. You probably won't be talking to me, so why don't you start now?" I stomped off, barely noticing Sirius's smile turn into a worried frown.
