Rana caught the quaffle and threw it through the hoop, laughing cheerfully! "Score again, Daddy!"
"Princess! You are too fast for your dear old Daddy!" Rana giggled and flew over to her dad, kissing him on the nose before her eyes landed on the snitch. She grinned and chased after it, her dad quickly catching up to her. Rana laughed, reaching out her hand, moving towards the end of her broom, her dad right alongside her. Rana grinned as her fingers closed around the snitch.
"I win Daddy!"
Sahan laughed. "Foiled again!" he teased, pulling Rana onto his broom Aditi clapped from below, smiling.
"Ok, you two Quidditch nuts! Inside, now, for lunch. Hurry along so we can get to Diago Alley."
"Diagon Alley!" Rana squealed, jumping back onto her broom. Sahan and Rana slowly landed, putting their brooms and the Quidditch balls away before following Aditi back into the house.
Aditi smiled. "Shaina!" she called.
A little house elf, wearing a cute dress rushed into the kitchen. "Yes Mrs. Rai. What can Shaina do for Mrs. Rai?" The Rais had found the poor house elf lost out in the streets and quickly took her into service. She was well taken care of and not really seen as a servant. They treated Shaina with love and respect. Shaina reminded Rana a lot about Mohan. Shaina had clothes and though that meant she was free she refused to leave. Shaina had grown to love the Rais and slept in Rana's bedroom, even though she had a bedroom of her own. In many ways Shaina was like Rana's nanny.
"Please, Shaina. Lunch. We need to be leaving for Diagoon Alley soon so that my little Princess Rani can get her school things."
"Of course, Mistress." Shaina nodded and hurriedly set the table as Sahan, Aditi, and Rana sat at the table. Rana licked her lips.
"Yummy!" she giggled. It was her favorite- freshly cooked corn in a spicy tomato curry, homemade yogurt, and hot-off-the-stove chapattis with rice and dhal on the side. Rana slowly gulped down a glass of water and dutifully wiped her mouth. Aditi smiled at Rana.
"Ok, princess. Go get cleaned up and we'll go." She looked to Shaina. "Shaina, if you would please clear the table. We should be home in a few hours."
Shaina nodded. "Yes Mrs. Rai. Right away Mistress." Aditi and Sahan smiled, pushing themselves away from the table, and sitting near the fireplace. A few moments later, Rana skipped into the room, her dark black, waist- length hair, flowing behind her. Aditi smiled.
"Come here, Rani. Let me tie your hair." Rana skipped over and sat in front of her mum. "Accio Brush," Aditi muttered. A brush came flying into her hand. If anything was Rana's best feature, it was her hair-her hair and her eyes. Aditi gently brushed Rana's straight, soft hair lovingly and slowly tied it in a plait. Rana always loved when someone else cared for it, especially her mum. It was just so…relaxing. Rana grinned when her mum let go of her hair and stood up.
"Alrighty, let's go." Sahan grinned.
"How are we getting there, Mummy?"
"Floo powder, honey." She lifted Rana up in her arms. It would be Rana's first time in Diagon Alley and she did not want her to land somewhere unfamiliar or worse, Knockturn Alley , because she mispronounced the destination. Aditi stepped into the Fireplace, adjusting Rana n her arms, and took some powder from the jar.
"What about Daddy?"
Aditi laughed. "He'll follow right after us." Aditi dropped the powder. "Diagon Alley." The flames turned green and the two of them landed at the edge of Diagon Alley, just on the other side of the Leaky Cauldron. Aditi put Rana down onto the ground, took her hand and stepped away. Sahan appeared not a moment later. Rana giggled, looking around in wonder. It was similar to a wizarding town in Calcutta, but it excited her all the same. Her eyes landed on Quality Quidditch Supplies. She giggled.
"Can we go to the Quidditch Store? Can we? Can we? Huh? Huh? Huh?"
Sahan laughed. "Rani, you just got a new broom and Quidditch Set not two months ago!"
Rana laughed. 'I just wanna look!"
Aditi shook her head, smiling. "Let's get your school supplies first and then we'll go, alright?" Rana nodded happily.
Sahan smiled. "Good- first stop is Gringotts." Rana skipped along her parents till they approached a snowy white building with bronze doors. They walked up the steps. Rana held tightly to her dad's arm, seeing the scary looking goblin. Sahan chuckled at his suddenly quiet daughter. Soon, upon walking inside, they were facing a pair of silver doors. Rana tilted her head, letting go of her dad's hand as she read the engraving.
Enter stranger, but take heed
Of what awaits the sin of greed,
For those who take, but do not earn,
Must pay most dearly in their turn.
So if you seek beneath our floors
A treasure that was never yours,
Thief, you have been warned, beware
Of finding more than treasure there
Aditi smiled at Rana. She always read everything. "Come, honey." She took her hand and they made their way to the counters. The floors were marble and the counters were long. Severaly goblins sat behind the counter. Rana clutched onto her mum's hand, seeing all of the goblins.
"May I help you?"
"Yes, Mr. Sahan Rai would like to make a withdrawal."
"And does Mr. Rai have his key?"
"Right here." Sahan gave the goblin the key to his vault. The goblin nodded and called another goblin. "Very well, Bezino will take you down to your vault."
A stocky goblin walked up to the Rais. "Right this way; Follow me."
They waked through a set of doors and were soon in a stone passageway lit with torches. Benzino called a cart and all 4 of them climbed into the cart. The cart rattled up the tracks, through several passageways, when it suddenly stopped in front of a small door.
"Vault 439." The goblin muttered. He got out of the cart and walked up to the door. "Key, please." Sahan handed the goblin the key and they all stepped back as the door opened. Rana's eyes widened at the amount of galleons that resided inside. She'd never realized they were so rich. After all, they lived rather simply, which was just the way she liked it. Aditi chuckled at the expression on her daughter's face as Sahan took enough galleons for Rana's school supplies and a bit extra. Moments later, the vault shut and they were bouncing in the cart again, heading down to the entrance of Hogsmeade. Aditi helped a rather dizzy Rana out of the cart, and lifted her up in her arms as they walked out of Gringotts and sat down a bench till Rana got over her dizziness. Sahan smiled and hurried into a nearby shop, coming back with a glass of pumpkin juice. "Here, princess." Rana smiled and slowly sipped her pumpkin juice. Color slowly began to return to her cheeks. She licked her lips and grinned, suddenly feeling better. Sahan took the glass, returning it to the shop, before walking back to Rana and Aditi.
"All set?" Rana giggled and nodded.
"Do you have your list, princess?" Sahan asked. Rana grinned, dug into her pocket, and pulled out a list, smoothing it out gently. She slowly read it.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
UNIFORM
First-year students will require:
Three sets of plain work clothes (black)
One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
One pair of protective gloves 9dragon hide or similar)
One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupils' clothes should carry name tags.
COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herb 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
OTHER EQUIPMENT
1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales
Students may also bring an owl OR a cat OR a toad.
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS
Rana pouted. "No broom?" Sahan laughed. "It will be here when you come home and you can take your broom when you start second year. Till then, you can use the school brooms."
"Oh." She frowned, but perked up, realizing she was going to be starting at Hogwarts. Aditi shook her head. Rana was obsessed with Quidditch and how that came to be, she would never know.
"Let's get you to Madame Malkin's first. Then your dad and I will pick up your books and other supplies while you are getting measured. We'll get your wand last." Rana nodded and skipped along Diagon Alley, waving happily to everyone. The streets were filled with students and their families, preparing for the school year. Aditi pushed open the door and Rana skipped in, followed by Sahan. There was a by with messy black hair and glasses on a footstool a little ways off. Standing at the entrance was a man with black hair and a lovely woman with hazel eyes and brown hair.
"Why, Richard! Cheyenne! What a pleasant surprise!" Sahan grinned. Mr. and Mrs Potter both were Aurors and worked closely with Sahan..
They smiled. "Well, hello, Sahan, Aditi." Rana tilted her head in curiosity. Cheyenne smiled at Rana. "And this must be little Rana. She's adorable, Aditi." Rana giggled when Mrs. Potter lifted her up. "Starting Hogwarts?" Rana nodded, grinning.
Aditi smiled. "Rana this is Richard and Cheyenne Potter. They work with your father."
Rana smiled. "Nice to meet you," she said quietly. Mrs. Potter smiled, kissing Rana's head, before putting her back on the ground.
Sahan smiled. "I see James is getting fitted?"
"That he is. An experience getting him here. He wanted to go to the Quidditch Shop. That or Zonkoes." She laughed.
"Same here. Rana wanted to hang out at the Quidditch shop." Aditi shook her head. It was clear to her that James and Rana could become good friends.
"Richard and I were just going to grab his books. Care to join us?"
"Sure. We were planning the same. Let me just talk to Madame Malkin." Madame Malkin walked back in from the backroom.
"Madame Malkin. It is a pleasure to see you again."
"You too, Aditi. I see you have adjusted well to England." She smiled.
"That we have. But Rana here needs to get her uniform."
Madame Malkin smiled at the young girl, who seemed to be fidgety as she was hopping from one foot to another. "Alright, right this way. Step up onto this stool next to Mr. Potter, here." Rana dutifully stepped up to the stool.
"We'll be back to get you sweetie." Aditi kissed Rana's cheek and left with Sahan, Richard, and Cheyenne. James looked at the girl next to him. He thought she was rather pretty and coming from an eleven-year old, that was saying something. Still, even at 11, James held a rather arrogant attitude about him. He knew he was good-looking. Rana tilted her head, feeling James eyes on her. She looked at him questioningly.
"James Potter." He stated.
"Rana Rai," she said quietly, smiling brightly.
James smiled charmingly. Normally girls would fall at his feet at that smile, but not Rana. Of course part of that might have been because she was still healing from losing Rishi and leaving everything she had known. Add to that, boys had never been something she paid attention to. Besides, she was only 11.
"I've heard your name before."
Rana nodded. "Ouch!" she grumbled when the worker accidentally pricked her.
"Sorry, Miss." Rana scowled and turned back to James. "Dad works with your parents. Maybe that's where you've heard it." She shrugged.
"Hmmm. Maybe. So, what's your blood anyways? Not that it matters…" James had been raised to be a gentleman and that blood really didn't matter.
"Oh. I'm a Pureblood."
James smiled. "Same. So, You've been around magic awhile."
"Yes. Though, we've learned the muggle life as well."
"Grew up here?"
Rana shook her head. "I grew up in India. I've only been here a few months…" she trailed off.
"Ah- Then you don't know the Malfoys. Though, I'm sure your dad does. Trust me-stay away from them. I know Lucius will be starting at Hogwarts this year. They carry a bit of pureblood pride."
Rana smiled. "I'll remember that."
"Ok. Ms. Rai, Mr. Potter. All done." Madame Malkin smiled at the two youngsters. Rana skipped off the footstool.
"Finally!" Rana remarked.
James laughed. "You know, you're not bad-for a girl."
Rana rolled her eyes. "And what's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing" he smirked.
The door opened slowly as Cheyenne, Sahan, Richard, and Aditi walked in. Their arms were empty, as they had shrunk the school supplies.
"Mummy! Daddy!" Rana squealed, bouncing over.
"Hi, Princess!" Sahan lifted his bouncy and giggly daughter up. Aditi laughed while Cheyenne held a smiled. James raised an eyebrow. Ok- so she was a pretty and hyper girl. He had to admit, Rana was a bit cute. Aditi smiled ans she and Vheyenne purchased the uniforms.
"I see you've met James, Rana?"
Rana nodded ferevently as she squirmed in her dad's arms. Sahan laughed and put her down. "Quidditch!" Rana was bouncing up and down.
Aditi laughed. "Honey, we still have to get your wand."
"Oh." She grinned. Rana tilted her head to the side before turning to James. "Do you like Quidditch?"
James quirked an eyebrow. "Course I do!" Rana grinned. Aditi and Cheyenne whispered to each other. Aditi nodded. "Bring him over tomorrow then."
"Will do, Aditi." Cheyenne was already beginning to love Rana as her own daughter.
"Ok, come Rana. Time to get your wand."
Rana giggled and waved to James, bouncing out after her parents.
"She's cute," James commented to his parents as they left the store. Cheyenne raised an eyebrow at this comment. It was clear the two would become good friends. Richard shook his head as they left Diagon Alley.
Rana was giggling when Aditi opened the door to Ollivanders and Rana bounded in.
"Ah, Ms. Rai. I was wondering when I would be seeing you."
Rana looked at Mr. Ollivander confused before shrugging and hopping up to the counter when Aditi pushed her forward.
"Well, what's your wand arm?"
"Right." Rana said softly.
"Well then give me your arm." Rana stuck out her arm and he took out a tape measure and began measuring her arm.
"Hmmmm. Let me see." Mr. Ollivander brought out a box. "Mahogany, 11 inch, Core of Dragon. Excellent for Transfiguration." Rana gave it a wave and windows shattered. "No No.. That won't do." Mr. Ollivander closed the box and came out with another. "12 inch, Holly, Phoenix feather." When Rana waved it, glasses broke. "Definitely not." Mr. Ollivander muttered. "What about…" He brought out a wand. "11-inch, Willow, Unicorn Hair. Excellent for Charms." Rana waved the wand again and boxes fell off their shelves. "Nope…..I do wonder. This would be rare indeed-to have two cores, but let us give this a try …11 inch- Olive Wood with unicorn hair and Phoenix Ash. Excellent for healing. Unicorn hair as I am sure you know represents purity and innocence." Rana gave it a wave and the shop lit up as light surrounded her. Rana's eyes widened. 'I think, Ms. Rai, that your wand as chosen you. We can expect wonderful things from you."
Rana grinned when Mr. Ollivander packed her wand and Sahan paid him. She waved happily as they left the shop.
"Ok Rana. We have one more stop to make."
"Quidditch?" She giggled
Aditi smiled. "Nope. Eyelops Owl Emporium."
"Ooooh." Soon, they were facing case of owls.
"Well Rani. Pick one." Rana looked around. There were barn owls, grey owls, Eagle owls, tawny brown owls, and snowy owls.
Any?"
"Any, princess."
Rana tilted her head before her eyes landed on a snowy owl that was watching Rana carefully.
"That one!" She grinned.
The shopkeeper smiled. "Would you like to see it?" Rana nodded as the shopkeeper placed some heavy material on Rana's arm and opened the cage. Rana held her arm out. Te owl hooted, flew out of the cage, and landed on Rana's arm. Raa giggled. The shopkeeper smiled. "Special owl, she is. She has a very good sense of character. She's very affectionate, yet very protective of her owner. She may not be so kind to anyone who may bring harm to the human she belongs her. Rana petterd the owl and the owl nuzzled her. Rana giggled.
"I like her!"
"Is that the one you want, Rani?"
Rana nodded. She tilted her head. "I think I will call you Shashi."
Aditi smiled. "That is a very nice name for her, Rani."
The shopkeeper whistled and Sashi flew into a traveling cage. She handed the cage to Rana. Aditi paid her and the three f them slowly left the shop.
"Quidditch?"
Sahan laughed. "Al;right, just for a few moments." Rana grinned and skipped into Quality Quidditch Supplies. She walked through the store, waving to the owner and she observed each item, her eyes lighting up.
"Rana, we have to go now." Shana called 20 minutes later.
Rana pouted. "Coming, Daddy." She skipped out. Sahan smiled. "How are we getting back?"
"Apparating, dear."
They slowly walked to an apparation point and soon landed with a pop outside their home. Rana skipped inside and put all her supplies away before skipping back downstairs.
Aditi smiled. "Come, honey. Dinner time. James will be over tomorrow and you leave for Hogwarts the next."
Rana nodded before bounding into the kitchen, plopping into a seat next to her parents.
"Yummy!" Rana muttered a while later. Aditi smiled and took Rana to get her cleaned up. Hours later, Adti was sitting on the edge of the bed, reading to Rana. Rana's eyes slowly closed and she was fast asleep.