One - Preparation.
London, 1862.
it had been raining. Jasper could tell it had, because the cobblestones were shining, and the open window filled his room with the smell of damp lingering from outside. He had been staring at the cobblestones for an hour or two, the excitement was crippling.
Today was the day. He was going to Diagon Alley to get his supplies for the first day of school. Hogwarts. He had received his acceptance letter in May, and now it was late August, much of the summer had been spent waiting for this day, and now that it was finally here, the idea of sleeping was laughable. Mother would be awake soon, and the shops would be opening shortly after. Jasper wanted to get there before anyone else; not out of selfishness or for being inpatient, but because he simply could not wait any longer.
He had decided to agree to his mother's terms, she would get his robes, as he is exactly the same size that his brother Robert was when he was a first year. That, and because she knew he wouldn't stay still long enough for Mr. Bentwick to take his measurements at the Tailor's shop. Firstly he would go to Eeylop's Owl emporium, a relatively new shop. He had been saving his pocket money all summer to get an owl, and then it would be to Ollivander's for his wand.
He wondered what his wand would look like, feel like. He wondered if he'd have to try a dozen before the right one found him like Robert did, or whether Mr. Ollivander would know exactly what he needed right away. There were so many thoughts and concerns swimming through his head that he hadn't noticed his mother had been shouting him for breakfast.
The sausages smelled delightful. The tomatoes were soft and juicy and the tea would wash it all down with a sweet and refreshing note. But all of that went to waste because Jasper had no appetite. "There's no time Mother, I can see the shop owners opening doors already! We've got to go." He said, excitedly. His mother smiled "Not on an empty stomach, Mr. Ledger cooked this meal for us, and we are going to finish it gratefully."
Leonidas Ledger was the landlord at the Leaky Cauldron. They had stayed there for two nights, as Jasper had insisted that they be there when the shops open. He was a short, bald and plump man with a red face. Jasper thought he somewhat resembled a cranberry with legs, but he was a kind man, and an incredible cook.
"You ready then, pipsqueak?" Said a voice coming down the stairs. "Shut up Robert, don't call me that" Jasper replied. Robert was a lanky boy of fourteen. He had a head of dirty blonde hair, side parted and combed neatly, and a big grin on his zit covered face. "Alright, alright. I know you're excited for school, but don't go embarrassing me in front of my friends" Robert said with a wink. Jasper looked at him and smiled "With a face like that you don't need my help in embarrassing yourself" and they shared a laugh, whilst piling down their delicious breakfast as quickly as they could.
With stomachs full of tea and sausages, the boys changed out of their pyjamas and in to their clothes. Their mother insisted they dress smartly whilst out, so Jasper had selected his best shirt, best waistcoat, and checked his pocket for the pocket watch his father had given him before he went off to America. They were in the middle of a civil war in the states, a lot of the men over there had gone to fight, magical and muggle. Jasper's father had gone over in hope's of some work, after losing his job in the Ministry's magical artefacts department.
Before long, both boys were downstairs and ready to go. Their mother was waiting for them, sipping another cup of sweet tea, and reading a copy of the daily prophet. Jasper hated the daily prophet, and all other boring newspapers, but he had forced himself to read as many as he could, so he could learn everything that was going on in the magical world around him in preparation for Hogwarts. And now he was ready. His mother stood up and took both their hands, Robert quickly pulled his away. "I'm fourteen now mother, you don't need to hold my hand!" He said fiercely. Jasper smiled and gripped his mother's hand tightly. "Well then" she said "shall we?"