The next couple of days went by smoothly. Later the day of the "Rabbit Incident", as the other kids were calling it around the orphanage, things seemed to mellow down. Mrs. Cole kept an eye on of the four youngsters that had graced her office early that morning. But, she was slightly put out by how everything played out in her head. It was as if something wasn't right. As if something was different. Or wrong. Shrugging it off, placing the blame on the end of the winter frost and the rambunctiousness of the children she went on with her day, not even bothering to give it a second thought. Perhaps if she did, she'd have noticed that the children weren't at all acting as contrite as they should've. Perhaps, she may have even noticed that they were conniving a hell of a lot more than they were previously. Of course, kids will be kids, and there's bound to be infighting in an orphanage - especially in the dead of winter - but, something just didn't sit right with her and she couldn't quite place her finger on the reason why.
As was woolgathering, one could call it, on the main floor of the orphanage the majority of the group of youngsters from that morning were congregating in one of the rooms on the 3rd floor. Unbeknownst to them, though, they weren't being as secretive as they initially felt that they were. Because, at that very same time, young Tom Riddle was conversing with a tiny garden snake that had found its way into the orphanage to hide away from the freezing cold of the snowy London outdoors…..
*What issssss troubling you, Hatchling?* a small green and black garden snake hissed from a crack in the wall near the furnace vents. She was hiding there in the hopes of keeping warm but, soon deciding that perhaps burrowing into the hatchlings blankets might be the better option at the present time. Her tongue swept out of her mouth, she was tasting Tom's scent. Trying to discern what would put her hatchling in such a mood.
*Thissss! The orphanage, the other children! It'ssss sssso aggravating, dealing with their hyssstericsssss and drama.* Tom hissed back with a hint of frustration coating the sibilant words. Tom glanced down on the floor of his room watching the snake come further out of the crack in the wall and slither along the cold wooden flooring. He knew that she didn't like the cold, so he picked her up before climbing on top of his bed and leaned back to get a better look at her. Meanwhile, she slithered off of his hands and onto a cozy spot in the center of the pristinely kept bed covers.
*Hatchling, they don't understand you like I do. These other human hatchlingssss don't understand us. They think themselvesssss better. I'll show them! Nobody getsssss my human feeling thisssss way without revenge* She hissed, raising her head and therefore he upper body into a more upright position. A couple rays hit her shimmering scales of sunlight from the small window above the desk, captivating Tom. She was his best friend, the one that truly understands him and cares. Tom knows that he has no family and that the people that come into the Orphanage sure as hell don't want an 11-year-old boy. However, he tries to keep his thoughts away from that. Because, he knows that contemplating on the fact that he is still awaiting adoption at the Orphanage shows that it's not because he's not a baby. You see, he's grown up here his entire life. He was even born in the foyer of this "great" place.
He shook away such morbid thoughts about his genetic parents. With the slight upturn of his lips and the crinkling around the eyes, Tom smirked at his reptilian familiar. *Don't worry. I'll get them sssssoon -* Tom began to hiss but was interrupted by a snake-like cough. *My apologiesssss, we'll get them sssssoon enough. We just need to bid our time after lasssst nightsssss fesssstivitiesssss.* A low hissing noise was coming from both Tom and the snakeling, it sounded oddly like…..laughing?...
*Hatchling, They are the way that they are. Although I'm ssssstill a hatchling myssself, I've learned from otherssss much older and learned that sssssometimes one needsssss to bid their time and come up with a plan. Sssstriking too ssssoon will just blow your cover. You don't want that do you?* she hissed at her human hatchling. He nodded in response to her words, knowing that she was right. No words needed to be passed between the two after that. They just drank each other in and reveled in knowing that nobody else around could truly understand them like they could each other….
*Sssaroya?* Tom ask about an hour or so later.
*Yesssss, hatchling?* Saroya responded, sounding a bit groggy.
*Ha-...Have you ever met another human that could speak?* Tom asked uncertainly. He wasn't sure if he truly wanted to know the answer to this question. When he mentioned to that Professor…..Dumbledore, was it? - Yes, Dumbledore - that he could speak to snakes and that they speak back to him, he seemed unsure, as if it were a bad trait to have.
*Hatchling, I'm very young. I haven't been much further away from this building then you have over the yearssssss. But, I have heard stories that their are boyssss and girlsss, that wield sssspecial powers that can sssspeak our tongue. But, you're the firsssst I've yet to meet.* Saroya responded. At this, she completely uncoiled herself and slithered her way up Tom's body. She wanted to be nearer to her hatchling. Tom got the right idea and scooped her up when she was halfway up his thigh and sat her on his shoulder. Saroya stuck her tongue out and licked Tom right under his left ear, earning herself a chuckle from her favorite human. *That doesssn't matter, though, Hatchling. I'll be with you for asssss long asssss you'll have me.* Saroya finished and curled up on Tom's shoulder.
*I'll never be rid of you, Ssssaroya. You're my bessssst friend.* Tom said as he stroked down Saroya's spine, thinking about his first encounter with The Professor. 'I'm something special. No matter what others think. At first I thought that being able to talk to snakes meant that I was special. Then I learned about being a wizard. That made me feel even better - it sure explained why I can make certain things happen when I wish. But, being a wizard AND being able to talk to snakes….' At this Tom shook his head. He needed to think critically and not have his head up in the clouds. 'I believe….Yes, it's definitely time for a visit to this Diagon Alley that the Professor mentioned.' A true smile, not even a smirk, lit up Tom's face as he thought about all of this whilst stroking his long nimble finger down Saroya's spine.
A few weeks later Tom approached Mrs. Cole " Ma'am? May I speak with you in private?" Tom requested.
"Of course, Tom. Why don't we have this chat in my office, hmm?" Mrs. Cole responded. She was definitely intrigued as to why the boy had sought her out today. It's been weeks since the meeting with Amy, Billy and Dennis and the orphanage has been quiet. Well, as quiet as an Orphanage can realistically get anyways. So, she turned and headed down the hallway from the main foyer with Tom just a couple of steps behind her. Upon reaching her office she let them both in and went around to sit in the chair behind her desk while Tom stood next to the wooden seat in front of the desk, she gave him a nod of the head to indicate she was waiting for him to proceed.
"Well, Ma'am, I've been thinking a lot about the new school I'm to attend in autumn. The Professor mentioned that there's a shopping area in the area of Kings Cross. I was hoping that I'd be able to check in on the required readings and other school things that I'll need for the upcoming school year. Since it's a new school, and I won't be attending the local comprehensive secondary school, perhaps it'd be wise to see if the shopping center has any books that speak about my new school - what the classes with be like, or the other types of children that may attend." Tom started off slowly but, showed more and more enthusiasm as he went on. He was still an 11-year-old boy after all.
"I commend your enthusiasm, young man, but I can't let an eleven-year-old wander around London by himself," she said firmly, noticing that Tom's shoulders had drooped just the slightest bit and he was looking sullen and downcast. "There's a day trip to London for the older students, which you are now qualified to attend. We don't have too many people to spare to be running around, though."
Tom took a breath and wiped his hands on back of his shirt, then kept them back there. " I understand your concerns ma'am. But, we don't wade into that part of town very often. When and how am I to obtain my school supplies if I'm not able to visit the particular shops that I need to visit? Please, Ma'am. I Promise, I'll be quick about it. The Professor told me that it's not more than a five-minute walk away from Harrods' and the other stores that I've heard the older kids - and now myself - are taken to during the year…...Like I said, I'll be very quick about it, promise, and i will not lollygag around London while we're out. I really would love to learn more about my new school." The last sentence was added with as much enthusiasm as Tom could muster. Of course, it wasn't 100% authentic, nor was it completely fake. But, Tom had to be assured that Mrs. Cole will allow him to attend and go to Diagon Alley without a Chaperone. At this, he looked directly at for a moment before glancing back down towards the floor. Tom learned long ago not to look adults square in the eyes if you knew what was good for you.
"Okay, Tom. Don't make me regret this. We are scheduled to go into London in two days time. Be ready directly after breakfast. Dismissed," Mrs. Cole said. She then stood, and waved her hand at the office door to indicate that it was time for Tom to leave, which he did, smirking along the way back to his room.
Friday, April 1st, 1938 saw Tom up with the Sun in order to get ready for his first foray into London proper, not to mention Diagon Alley. Today was the day that the 20 older students, aged 11 and up were allowed to make there way into the city whilst the younger children had to stay at the orphanage with the housekeeping staff and the caretaker. To anybody else there was no discernable difference in Tom's countenance. However, on the inside Tom was bubbling with….anticipation?...excitement?...he couldn't quite describe what it was that he was feeling. All he knew was that it was something new. Something foreign. Therefore, he was at the foot of the steps before any of the other older kids even made their way from their dormitories to the top of the staircase.
After a frantic and whirlwind breakfast called all of the kids going on the trip to the foyer to line up so that she can check them off the list - can't go about losing one of them in the middle of London, now could she? Thought . "Alright, you lot, listen up!" Bellowed Mrs. Cole to the assembled teens. "For some of you, this is your first trip outside of the orphanage and into London proper. I don't want any funny business from any of you, or you'll be dealing with myself once we return, you can believe that." Mrs. Cole said with a hard look on her face, begging any of the assorted teens to disobey or disrespect her or their home and it's reputation.
"Now, you four," states as she pointed out Amy, Dennis, Billy and Tom "This is your first time allowed on this excursion. Do not make me regret this. I'm telling you this now. If anything happens untowards today, you won't want to see what I can do to make the remainder of your break a living hell." With that, Mrs. Cole turned on her heel and marched down the large steps that lead to the drive in the front of the Orphanage with the pre-teens and teens lined up in two rows following deftly behind her.
"Is she always like this when you guys leave to go into London?" Amy whispered Sarah, a girl just a couple of years older than herself.
"For the most part, yes," Sarah said with a shrug. "But, once we get to the shopping district it's not so bad. You learn that it's something to just suck up and deal with if it means you get to spend the day away from here and out in the open like a normal kid." With that, Sarah just smiled at the younger girl and kept on walking down the street in line with the others, closer and closer to Charing Cross Road.
*Ssssso, this is what the city is like, young speaker,* hissed Saroya from just inside Tom's shirt pocket *I've never seen so many humans at one time. It's so loud out here* she continued as a delivery truck passed right by them and turned onto the grounds of the orphanage for the daily delivery of goods.
*I believe so, Saroya. However, this is the first time I've truly been out in London. This is as new to me as it is to yourself,* Tom hissed softly to Saroya, who was starting to attempt to peek her head out of Tom's shirt pocket for a proper look at her surroundings.
It seemed that in no time at all they had made it to Charing Cross Road and Mrs. Cole was giving directions to the kids as to where they were allowed to go and the designated meet places and times. She gave them all a stern glare to prove that she wasn't fooling around with her speech before they left for the trip this morning. As the others start to disperse at breakneck speeds Tom approached Mrs. Cole. "Ma'am, may I inquire if it's alright for myself to head to the shopping district for my school supplies?" He knew that he had to prove that he wasn't scared and that he could do this, so he looked her in the eyes and pushed himself to look only a tiny bit eager. It wouldn't do to have her questioning his motives this early on, now would it?
"Oh, Hello there Tom. Yes, that should be fine. Are you sure that you don't require the help of one of us and that this…..Professor….Dumbledore?...Yes, Dumbledore has everything set up for you at these shops?" Mrs. Cole inquired. For one quick second, had some misgivings about sending Tom off on his own on his very first trip into London. However, as soon as those feelings appeared they left. Mrs. Cole just shook it off and informed Tom of the time that he needed to be back to the square they're standing in by 1 pm. Tom looked at the large clock that stood in the center of the square, noticing that it was just after 10 am. That should be perfect, right?
"That is correct, Mrs. Cole. I should be perfectly fine, it's only a couple minute walk until i get to the shops that have the accounts all set up. Thank You. I will see you at lunch, Mrs. Cole. Goodbye." With that, Tom turned and started his walk down Charing Cross Road towards the Leaky Cauldron.
It was a fairly interesting walk away from the noisy, rambunctious yells of the younger kids from the orphanage. Tom just kept quiet taking everything in and contemplating how things were just starting to change for the better for him. Finally, he thought. He was a bit lost in his thoughts that he didn't notice that an older woman, not as old as Mrs. Cole, mind you, had stopped next to him. She was saying something but, Tom didn't quite catch it. Shaking his head, he turned to look the woman in the face noticing that she didn't seem at all malicious in her stopping him. She seemed…..sincere and just concerned.
"I'm sorry about that ma'am, what did you just ask?" Replied Tom with a cute little upturn of his lips towards the woman.
"I just asked if you were alright, dearie. It's just that usually ones as young as yourself aren't seen roaming the streets of London by themselves. Are you at all lost, dear boy?" The woman replied with a small smile gracing her face.
"Oh, yes ma'am. Everything is fine. I was just making my way back to my family-" at this Tom turned and noticed a family walking towards the Leaky Cauldron and points them out "Mother just needed me to run a quick errand for her before we left to go home. Thank you for the concern." Tom responded with a bow of his head.
"Well, I'll just let you be, young man. It's troubled times, just wanted to make sure that everything was alright. Off you go back to your family." The woman replied while making a shooing motion with her gloved hands. Tom decided not to push his luck, he thanked the woman for her concern and strode after the family that had just entered into the Leaky Cauldron with a small smirk.
*Tom, your emotionssssss have changed sssssslightly. What isssss it?* Saroya hissed softly to Tom.
*Oh, it is nothing, Sssssaroya. Just noticcccing how eassssy it isssss to pull the wool over onessss eyessss…" Tom chuckled.
"You humanssss are sssstrange creaturessss,* Saroya responded and burrowed herself deeper into his pocket for warmth.
Tom strode after the family that just disappeared behind the now closing door into the Leaky Cauldron. Once Tom stepped into the Pub he noticed that it wasn't like anything he had ever imagined. To his left there was a long bar with numerous patrons ordering the oddest sounding drinks coupled with the bartender whom Dumbledore had said shared his name. Tom made a *snorting* sound under his breath when he got a good look at this Tom. Yes, they had the same name but that is just about where the similarities stopped. Tom had dirty blonde, almost brown hair and dark brown eyes. There wasn't a single hint of sophistication to this man. Glancing around he noticed that the family was making their way through the bar, weaving around other patrons and the occasional barmaid to a wooden door that appeared to open up to a sort of patio.
Weaving through the somewhat dense crowd of the oddest assortment of patrons Tom had ever set his eyes on, Tom opened the door just as the father of his pseudo-family was tapping the bricks in a specific pattern. Moments later Tom was slightly astounded that as the father tapped the last brick in the sequence they started to simply dance away from each other forming a splendid archway that led into the most quaint and beguiling shopping district he'd ever laid his eyes on. It was as if it were taken straight out of the pages of one of his books that he was constantly taking back and forth from the library. Noticing that he had yet to move and that the family had since disappeared up the walk, Tom squared his shoulders and started his walk down the Alley.
Realizing that he couldn't do anything with funds started looking left and right for the bank. Now, what was the name of that bank again? It started with a 'G'... Tom was thinking as he was slowly brought out of his reverie when he noticed that at the end of the cobbled pathway was a large white marbled building accompanied by a clock face adorning the name 'Gringotts Bank'. Ah, there it is. Wait a second, what is that just inside the doors…..Is that….is that a Goblin?! They're real?...Snap out of it Tom. Of course they're real, If Witches and Wizards are real why can't Goblins be as well? And with that Tom squared his shoulders once more and continued his trek up the grand staircase that led into Gringotts Bank.
Walking all the way into the bank Tom noticed that there were elevated podiums lined maybe 15 meters in front of him, each maned - wait, maybe maned isn't the appropriate term here - each hosting a Goblin writing furiously inside of a large ledger. Taking a breath, Tom walked up to the closest free podium and looked up to the Goblin assigned there. Suddenly the Goblin placed his pen - wait, is that a quill? - next to his stack of papers. "Key please." The Goblin stated in a guttural voice whilst sticking his hand out waiting to be given Tom's vault key.
"I don't have a key, sir," Tom replied to the Goblin. At that the Goblin shot his Head up from his parchment looked Tom over. "My name is Tom Riddle, I was sent here by Professor Dumbledore, courtesy of Hogwarts. He informed me that there was an account I could draw funds from to be able to purchase my supplies for the upcoming term." The Goblin retracted his hand and waved his hand over one of the sheets of paper that was scattered across his podium before looking back up and handing over a small leather satchel. "There we go, 50 Galleons. That is the amount of funds each student lacking parents or a vault is given to procure their necessary school supplies. It has enough to get a couple sets of robes, your school books, trunk, wand and a few other necessary items. If that is all, then off you go." The Goblin dropped the bag into Tom's awaiting hands and turned to go back to his paperwork.
"Thank you, Sir." Tom states as he bows his head and turns to exit the bank, never seeing the gobsmacked look upon the Goblins face as he jumped down from his podium and made a beeline towards Rognuk, the Leader of the Goblin Nations' office. Knowing that there is just something about this new young man that walked out of the bank. He needs to be watched, something within him tells him that Young will set the Magical world on their heads one day…
Tom stepped down the stairs from Gringotts heading towards the closest store he needed to shop at, Madam Malkin's. Inwardly Tom was please. This way he could get some robes and actually fit in with everybody else walking up and down the alley. Opening the door set off a small bell that was attached to a colorful piece of string that hung just over the doorway alerting Madam Malkin to a new customer for the day. As he shut the door, he turned to get a better look around the shop. To the far right, he noticed the check out, a magical version of a till he was sure, sitting upon a very large desk that had many different styles and colors of fabrics tossed here and there. He glanced to the center of the shop and saw racks and racks of robes in many different colors, fabrics and styles then to the left he saw elevated podiums with mirrors all around them where he assumed she altered them specifically for each individual customer.
"May I help you, dear?" Madam Malkin inquired the young man that just stepped into her shop.
"Yes, Ma'am. You see, this is my first foray into the wizarding world and I'd noticed that I'm lacking in the appropriate attire. I need to get my Hogwarts robes for the upcoming term as well as at least one pair of casual robes for when I'm in public, it that's at all possible, of course. I'm using the school stipend for this." Tom said kindly, following it up with a gentle smile to the proprietor of this establishment.
"Yes, I can understand that, young man," said Madam Malkin as she ushered Tom further into the shop towards the alteration station. "First thing first. Let's grab the standard Hogwarts robe to get your measurements before we do anything else. Is that alright dearie?"
"Yes, thank you, madam," Tom said sincerely with a nod of his head as he followed Madam Malkin through the rows of robes as they cut through the left side of the shop.
Some time later Tom's measurements were taken, and Madam Malkin was grabbing different robes in various shades of Blues and Greens coupled with the traditional black for his Hogwarts robes. She informed Tom that it would only be 5G for all of the robes and that he should return in an hour, and they'll all be sized to perfection. "Thank you for all your help, Madam Malkin." Tom said as he kissed the back of her hand and turned to complete the next item on his list planning to return by 12:30 pm so he could make it back to the square in time for lunch.
Since Tom had to come back to this end of the Alley to get his completed robes in an hour he decided that it'd be best to just make it to the other end of the Alley and work his way back up so that he'll finish off his day with putting his new robes into his trunk before he had to leave for London proper. Looking down at the list he was given four months prior he decided to head down to the potion store, Slugs & Jiggers, to get his class supplies next.
As Tom walked along Diagon Alley, he was a lot calmer than he was 1 hour previously. Now he at least had money, a way to get the things that he needed and he has already started his shopping he felt more secure in his being in the Wizarding World. It got him realizing, These people are just like me. They're not Freaks by any sense of the world. I belong here. These thoughts brought a spark to a flame inside of Tom. Although he always denied and fought back when the other kids called him a freak, there was a part of him that somewhat agreed with them. He knew that what he could do wasn't considered normal by any sense of the word. But, here, in this world, in this Alley, he was the same as the others. There was nothing for them to look down on him for because they had similar powers to what he had, and he was going to be going to a school full of other kids just like him to learn more about magic. MAGIC! What a thing to have!
Suddenly Tom realized that he was at the window of an old storefront. It had different sizes and of boxes and jars filled with anything and everything under the sun. It looked dark, gloomy, something just up his alley. Tom opened the door to the establishment and could instantly feel the change in the atmosphere and the air of the shop. It smelt of sandalwood and herbs. It was humid; the air was hot and heavy. This is what Tom imagined stores in the wizarding world to be like. This shop was similar to the potion shops that he had read about in the thousands of stories he's gotten from the public library over the years.
A voice pulled Tom out of his internal reverie "Young man, can I help you?" Mr. Jiggers asked coming around the table handing a basket to Tom.
"Why, yes sir." Replied Tom "I have received my Hogwarts letter and was wondering if you had everything that I needed for next school years potion supply kit?" Tom asked as he glanced around at the wonderfully exotic array of boxes and jars spread throughout the store.
"I understand that it isn't for another few months until most students come to purchase their school supplies. However, I don't know when the next time I'll be able to make it to London in order to acquire them. Hence, why I'd like One First Year Potions Kit, with maybe a little bit extra so that I have it incase I run out. If you'd please." Tom finished with a winning smile at Mr. Jiggers.
"I quite understand what you're getting at young man," Mr. Jiggers chuckled after that seemly display of wit that Tom just tossed his way. "If you would follow me, I could show you the standard 1st Year Potions Kit and point out any other ingredients that you might find helpful to have extra stock of."
Tom followed Mr. Jiggers to a section of the wall that was right up front. Tom took a few seconds while following Mr. Jiggers to the appropriate section to take the layout of the store in. When one looks at the shop from the outside you see a store-front window that showed the Potions equipment needed - like Cauldrons, in pewter, silver, bronze and gold; Scales, some large enough to hold an goats head and others small enough that only a few pinches of herb would take up a majority of the space. Ladles and Stirring rods in numerous sizes and materials. It was simply….amazing. Tom thought.
Coming back to the present Tom realized that Mr. Jiggers was picking up a wooden box, approximately 8x13x5. Mr. Jigger turned to Tom and lifted the lid to said box, inside Tom saw roughly 30 different vials full of random ingredients that can be seen available around the store and a few empty places, which Tom assumed could be used to extra ingredients. Carefully, he lifted one of the small bottles out of the box and read the label: "Horned Slugs", and gave an interested nod of the head. Carefully placing it back in the box he chose another vial at random, this time it was "Shrivelfigs'". Thinking that's enough of that he closed the box and turned to look up at Mr. Jiggers.
"Sir, are there any specific ingredients that you find students ordering again throughout the school year, or that you yourself feel would be wise for a first time, or anytime really, potion student to procure before the term began?" Tom asked easing every bit of modesty and reverence into his voice.
"Of course, Mr….?" Mr. Jiggers replied
"Riddle, Sir. ." Tom answered.
"Of course, Mr. Riddle. Give me a few moments and I'll grab those ingredients and add it to your purchase." At that, Mr. Jiggers took the First Year kit from Tom and turned to go to grab a few extra ingredients in labeled vials to bring to the register.
About 5 minutes later Tom approached Mr. Jiggers at the register as he had just finished tallying up the amount for the ingredients. Placing the final vial into the last open space in the kit Mr. Jiggers closed the box and noticed Tom standing there. "Everything is encased in your kit, young Mr. Riddle. I've added the extra ingredients you inquired about bringing your final total to 1 Galleon 5 Sickle." Noticing the young man was on his own and hadn't yet gotten his trunk or wand he tapped the latch on the kit and it shrunk to a more manageable size. "Just tap the lock with your wand when you get back home and it'll resize itself. I noticed you didn't have your trunk yet, so this should be easier to carry around for now." He finished with a slight upturn of his lips towards Tom.
"Thank you, Sir." Tom replied while handing over 2 Galleons and pocketing the Potions Kit. After pocketing his change he nodded farewell to Mr. Jigger, turned and left the store heading to his next destination.
After walking out of the Apothecary, Tom turned right and crossed the cobblestoned road to his next stop. "Ollivanders, master at fine handcrafted wands!" Tom read out loud to himself. Inside he was a jumble of nerves but, outside he held his cool, calm and collected mask that has gotten him through the trickiest of situations during his time growing up at the orphanage. Stealing himself a final time, squaring his shoulders and holding his head up high he approached the door to the shop and walked right in.
It was extremely dark inside. There was an air of….energy?...it was something that gave pause to Tom that he tried to hide as he walked further into the eery little shop. Suddenly a man, appearing to be in his 50's, glided into view on a large ladder placing boxes here and there. Once he was done doing that he climbed down the ladder and turned to face Tom. "Ah, young Mr. Riddle. Here for your wand I see." At this Mr. Ollivander came around the large desk that the register and multiple boxes were sat on and approached Tom.
As Mr. Ollivander said Tom's name, he cocked his head slightly to the left and raised his right eyebrow a millimeter. This is intriguing. How does he know me? Thought Tom. Coming out of his reverie he noticed that Mr. Ollivander had fished a tape measure out of his front pocket. "Now, which hand is your wand hand, Mr. Riddle?" Tom realized he meant which hand was his dominate hand. Therefore, he raised his left arm out and away from his body so that the tape measure could do it's job. It was an odd sight to see a tape measure move of it's own accord, that was for sure. Tom thought it was one of the more blatant acts of magic he's seen thus far today. Probably because it's happening so close to himself, he thought. As the measuring tape took his specifics down a sheet of parchment - because no paper can be that thick - and a quill were writing them down.
That sorted Mr. Ollivander went to the counter and grabbed a wand from a box, handing it out to Tom. "Give it a nice good wave, Mr. Riddle." Tom grasped the wand from Mr. Ollivander and gave it a quick wave. The flower that was resting in a jar next to the register flew into the air with such speed that shocked Tom. "Nope. That's not it. Not it at all." Mr. Ollivander said as he swiped the wand out of Tom's hand. before he knew it, another wand was placed into his hand but the second it touched him he felt something akin to a shock travel up his arm and instantly released it. "Hm...interesting Mr. Riddle. Not unicorn hair, then. Let's see what else we've got here for you."
Tom just stood there contemplating his day so far and how it felt to be handed a few wands for the first time in history. As he was left to his own thoughts, Mr. Ollivander was contemplating which wand to try next. The Dragon Heartstring reacted ok but, it had a bit too much power behind it. Whereas, the unicorn hair just wouldn't do at all. "I wonder…" Though Mr. Ollivander as he walked over to a pair of boxes that contained the first wands he'd ever crafted on his own during his apprenticeship. Barely giving it a second chance he grabs the box on the left and goes back to Tom.
"Here we go, Mr. Riddle. Let's give this a nice good wave." Tom said with a smile as he placed the Yew and Phoenix core wand in Tom's hand. Instantly Tom felt a warmth that radiated from the palm of his left hand to his fingertips and also all the way up his arm. It spoke of power and awe. Giving it a wave silver sparks shot out of the wand. "Oh, simply wonderful, Mr. Riddle! That's the one for you! Let me box this up for you." And with that, Mr. Ollivander took the wand back and the warmth was gone, snapping Tom out of his amazed reverie.
Seeing Mr. Ollivander waving him over to the counter after he tied a piece of leather around the box to keep it closed snuggly he tallied up the total. "That will be 4 Galleons, Mr. Riddle." Mr. Ollivander said with a smirk as Tom approached the counter. Tom Pulled out the required coins to pay for his wand. HIS WAND. Thought Tom. "Thank you, Sir." Tom said as Mr. Ollivander handed him his boxed wand and turned to leave the eery little shop that had just changed so much in so little time. To Tom, actually owning his very own wand. One that was made to match his magic perfectly finalized the fact that he was indeed A Wizard.
Checking the giant clock that was on top of Gringotts told Tom that it was now, noon. Realizing he only had Thirty minutes until his robes were done he moved a bit more quickly towards the bookshop a couple of doors down. Reaching the shop, he looked inside and saw a crowded, yet decently sized two-story book shop. There was a huge staircase on the far left wall that led up to another level of stacks that Tom couldn't wait to explore. Noticing that it wasn't too busy, but that he was on a schedule Tom approached the counter where there was a man reading leaning against the table reading a fairly thick tome. "Excuse me, Sir." Tom said when he had been standing at the counter for a moment without any notice of the man.
Tom's words brought the salesman out of his book induced reverie, "Yes, young man, What can I do for you?" The salesman inquired of Tom.
"I understand that it may be a bit early, since it is only April, to purchase my school books for next term. However, where would i find some spare reading material - hopefully some on animals, politics and genealogy?" Tom asked.
"You are, of course, right, young man. We will not be getting next terms book list from Hogwarts until the middle of July, at the earliest. Although, the other books you inquired about we can have a look around the store and see which would best suit your needs. Yes, let's head upstairs and see if any of the books on politics and genealogy pique your interest, young man." Said the salesman with a nod of his head as he swept out from behind the counter and led Tom up the stairs to the second floor of the bookshop.
Walking up the stairs Tom was able to look down and out the large window in the front of the store and see the numerous people milling about in the Alley. Since it was now the lunch hour, Tom noticed that the crowd had almost doubled from the original size when he first stepped into the Alley a couple hours prior. Upon reaching the second floor landing, the salesman directed Tom to two different aisles that consisted of numerous tomes on wizarding politics and genealogy. "Ah, Here we are…" the salesman said as he reached for a large tome titled 'Nature's Nobility: Wizarding Genealogy' "This tome here includes everything there is to know about English Wizarding Genealogy until the present time. It will be self-updating for a couple more years until a new edition may or may not be published." He held the large tome out for Tom to take and look through. It was far larger than Tom had ever expected it to be. Perhaps the book on magical animals will have to wait until he came back in July, thought Tom.
"Can you manage on your own, young man?" The Salesman asked Tom after a couple of minutes.
"Yes, Sir. I'll be down momentarily. Thank you." Tom replied.
At those words, the salesman turned and headed down the stairwell to help some other guests that he had heard come through while he was upstairs with Tom. Tom realized that he was on a time limit, so he walked over to the aisle that had books on Politics. He didn't want to get over his head but, felt that he should have an idea of how this new world of magic worked. Therefore, he found a medium sized tome that spoke about interesting things like The Ministry of Magic, Aurors - a kind of Wizarding Police, The Wizengamot and the most up-to-date laws and leaders. Thinking that this was the perfect find on introducing him to the wizarding world for now, he added it to his other book to purchase them.
On the first floor, Tom was walking past the animal section when he noticed a small tome that had a sort of curly, swooping writing to it on the front. Picking it up, he saw that it said *Parsletongue: The language of the snake. Written by Salazar Slytherin*. He remembered that this was the tongue that Saroya mentioned. Realizing that she'd been asleep the past two hours whilst he was running his errands, he decided to see if she was awake yet and get her opinion.
*Ssssaroya, are you awake?* Tom hissed quietly.
*Young Ssssspeaker, are you finissssshed with your ssssstick waving journey yet?* Saroya hissed
*Jussst about, Ssssaroya. But, I thought you'd like to see this!* Tom hissed as he pointed to the Parseltongue book.
*Written word about our tongue?* Saroya hissed in wonder. *You musssst get it young sssspeaker. Who knowsssss what it containssss.* she continued excitedly.
With that, Tom picked up the book and added it to the other 2 that he had picked up and headed to the checkout. The salesman was just bagging up another purchase for a regal looking man with Dark wavy hair and crystal blue eyes and his son, whom was him in miniature. "Come along, Orion." The man said to the young boy, as he put his hand on his shoulder and steered him out of the shop. Tom stepped to the side to let the pair past then proceeded to the counter to purchase his books.
Holding up the first book to key in the price the salesman looked at the text and then to Tom. "Can you read this, young man?" He asked in a voice that almost sounded as if it were in awe. "The book has been here for as long as I can remember and I've yet to see anybody purchase it. We all just figured that it was in some obscure old, dead language."
As he continued to tally up Tom's total he said "Yes, I do understand that language. It is quite rare to come by, so when I saw this I just had to get it." However, Tom remembered how off putting Professor Dumbledore seemed back in December about the prospect of anybody speaking Parseltongue, so he decided to just skip the details over what the language was specifically. The salesman was in his own little world that he didn't even realize, which pleased Tom greatly.
"That will be 2 Galleon, 7 Sickle and 9 Knut, please." That salesman replied once he had totalled and bagged up Tom's 3 books. Handing over 3 Galleon took the bag off the counter and waited for the salesman to hand him his change. "Thank you for visiting Flourish and Blotts this afternoon, young man. Have a good day!" Replied the salesman as Tom pocketed his change and turned to leave the shop.
Tom couldn't believe all that he had gotten accomplished today. And, it was only 12:15! Noticing the time reminded him that he didn't have much more time to spend wandering the Alley. Good thing I'll have to inform that I'll need to return before the end of summer for my books. Thought Tom as a smirk found it's way across his face. Walking further down the alley and closer to Madam Malkins, Tom found the trunk shop, The Traveling Trunk. Perfect. Thought Tom. From the outside, there was nothing remarkable about the shop. However, due to all the different sights that had accosted Tom on this trip, he knew not to take things at first sight for granted. Deciding to just get on with it, Tom approached the door to the shop and waltzed right in.
Ding. A bell rang right as Tom opened the door to the establishment, alerting the proprietor to a potential customer. "Why, Good day, young man. How may I help you?" a rather tall and decently built middle-aged gentleman asked Tom as he turned his attention from the trunk he was working on to the new addition to his shop.
"Good afternoon, Sir." replied Tom, flashing an award winning smile. "I will be attending Hogwarts in the fall and would like to get my trunk now, rather than later. If you don't mind." This said as he was glancing around the shop looking at the numerous precariously stacked towers of trunks. All of which ranging in color, design and material.
"Why, yes, of course. First and foremost, none of this Sir, business. That's my father. The name's Mordred Rawley. Will you just be needing a standard student trunk, or would you perhaps be looking into one that could hold a bit more? Perhaps one with different functions as well?" said Mordred, pointing out how the somewhat looking haphazard mess of trunks did in fact actually have a system!
"It all depends on how much the trunks cost, Si- Mr. Rawley. I've only got so much left to spend before i purchase my books for the coming term." drawled Tom "However, i would like, if at all able to, a trunk that can hold all of my belongings seeing as i won't be able to leave things at my current place throughout the term."
"Tricky business, that." stated Mordred. "Perhaps i could find you a 3 compartment trunk. That way, it'll have more than enough room to hold anything that takes your fancy. Does it matter the price? The trunks that we have go from the Standard single-compartment trunk that most students use for 7 Galleons, whereas some of the cheaper 3 compartment trunks start out at 12 Galleons."
Tom stood there contemplating for a moment, and he knew that he had roughly 38 Galleons left over from the student funds, and after purchasing his trunk he will only need to get his school books. Surely, 26 Galleons would be more than sufficient to get all of them. The three books, two of which that were quite large tomes, hadn't even cost his 3 Galleons. Making up his mind, he turned to Mr. Rawley.
"Thank you, Mr. Rawley. Could you show me the 3 compartment trunks that you just mentioned? What are the specifics about them?" Tom drawled, his voice laced with intrigue. Seriously, how often does somebody come across a 2x5x3 trunk that has dimensions more closer to 6x5x3?!
"Right this way, young man. You seem to know what you want." Mordred said as he directed Tom to the right hand side of his shop where the multi-compartment trunks were kept. "These right here start what I have already made using leather, and European Larch - which are found in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania and Poland - for example. They are the trunks that are 12 Galleons, the further we go down this section the higher the price, of course. This means that the wood would hold out extremely well, and deal with the high mountain pressure that one usually deals with in Scotland. While, looking quite dapper, here in London." Mordred wanted to inform the young lad the specific basics of the trunk, without overwhelming him with the unnecessary details. "Seeing as this trunk here has three compartments I'll give you a show on how to access them and what they each look like."
After taking one of the European Larch trunks down, Mordred pointed out that the locking mechanism on the trunk was slightly different than what normal muggle trunks had. This one, in lieu of having the standard closing hatch that generally needs a tap of your wand to open. This one is a bit different. "See here, young man. Where the latch is generally set aside, notice how there are designs etched into the wood." Mordred pointed at 3 different markings - markings that appeared to be written in some sort of ancient script. "Each of these markings tell you what each compartment is made to hold the best." Noticing that Tom was following along, Mordred continued. "This first rune is set so that when you or anybody first opens your trunk the most standard compartment is seen first, the one for your robes and such." Seeing Toms' understanding nod, Mordred went on. "This second rune is set so that when you open the compartment, after taping it with your wand; of course, opens up to something similar to a traveling library. It's where you could place all of your books, parchment, quills and ink wells." After closing the lid to the trunk, Tom watches Mordred tap the third and final rune. "This here is the final compartment. It's where everything else can go. You potions kit, telescope - and when you get to the upper years, your rune carving kit for Ancient Runes. Not to mention all the other knick-knacks you collect over the years." Tom was impressed. This was some ingenuitive magic at work here. It definitely sparked his interest in these so-called electives: Ancient Runes and Arithmancy. Tom had noticed the books on such studies whilst in Flourish and Blotts earlier in the day.
Mordred then showed him a few other multi-compartment trunks, ones that included special charms to them. Ones that included actual apartments within them - complete with a kitchen and bathroom. But, Tom knew that those were beyond him at this present time, no matter how much he dreamed and wished that it were feasible. So, he decided on the Black European Larch trunk. To him, it was exquisite. It was Black, with silver threading. Not to mention, it would also include a monogram of his name on the top and sides. Plus, a family or house crest that could be added at a later date for an additional charge. Something that Tom will definitely keep in mind.
"I believe I will get the Black European Larch Trunk, Mr. Rawley." Tom said after having been shown all the different kinds of multi-compartment trunks.
"Splendid, young man!" Exclaimed Mordred. "I just need your initials, so that I can add the monogram. Then i'll ring your right up."
"Of course, Mr. Rawley." Drawled Tom. "My initials are T.M.R. Obviously, I don't know which house I'll be in but, perhaps next summer I can come back and that can be added."
"Of course, of course, young man!" Mordred said with a wave of his wand making the trunk float in front of him as he led Tom over to the large counter to complete his purchase. "Just give me a moment and I'll have that monogram added to the wood and you'll be on your way." A few moments later, Tom got a look at his completed trunk and was absolutely ecstatic. "That will be 12 Galleons, young man."
Tom took the required amount of coins out of his pouch and handed them over to complete the sale. "This looks marvelous, Mr. Rawley. Thank you, for all your help this afternoon." replied Tom as he got ready to head to pick up his new robes.
"Not at all, young man." Replied Mordred. "I hope to see you back here next summer so that we can complete the look with your house or family crest. Have a good day."
Looking at the clock above Gringotts informed Tom that it was now 12:35. Perfect, everything should be ready to be picked up, and I can head back to Charing Cross Road, thought Tom. Strolling down the walk, Tom came up to Madam Malkins in minutes and strode right in.
Hearing the bell above the door, Madam Malkin turned from her work bench. "Oh, There you are, young man. Everything is ready for you." Gushed Madam Malkin. "And, it looks like you got a trunk as well. Marvelous, we can just put your new robes in your trunk, and you can be on your way, dearie."
"Thank you, ma'am." Replied Tom with a smile. Tom then bent down and opened the first compartment of his trunk, just like Mordred had shown him. With a swish of Madam Malkin's wand, the robes Tom had purchased were folded and laying themselves within the compartment. Magic is amazing. Tom thought as he stood back and watched.
"Not at all, dearie. I suspect I'll see you again next summer at the very least." said a smiling Madam Malkin.
With one more nod of thanks, Tom turned and left the shop content to be finished with everything on his list. Noticing his had roughly 15 minutes to make it back to the rest of his group, Tom slightly picked up his pace. The trek back to Charing Cross Road didn't take nearly as long as it did to get to Diagon Alley, and Tom had five minutes to spare. Walking up behind Mrs. Cole, Tom saw that the other kids from the orphanage were starting to come back together.
"Good Afternoon, ." Tom said as he approached the growing group.
"Oh, Tom! There you are, I was hoping you'd be back before we started to line up." Stated Mrs. Cole. Glancing at Tom, noticing his black trunk. "Did you get everything that you need for school?" With a glance that instantly stated the answer better be good.
"Yes, Ma'am." Drawled Tom. "The only thing I am missing are my specific school books. The bookstore said that they will not be available for purchase until July, at the earliest."
"Very well." Mrs. Cole responded Crisply. "We will arrange a date mid-summer to accommodate that." waving Tom to get in line with the others, Mrs. Cole turned to the rest of the assorted teens. "The caretakers and I have arranged for our lunches to be cooked early this morning, and we brought them with us this afternoon. We have a Sandwich, soup and drink for all of you if we are to move to the tables." Mrs. Cole was saying as she pointed to the tables that the other caretakers had started to set up the midday meal. "Once the meal is finished we shall be heading back to the orphanage. I don't want any funny business. You young men and women are showing the rest of London what fine people you can become, even if you grow up as you have. Behave accordingly." With that, she turned and found a spot at the table indicating that everybody else should do the same, as the meal began.
Later that night, Tom lay awake on his bed back in the orphanage. His new trunk is now next to his tatty old wardrobe while his regular trunk that all children at the orphanage are given sits at the foot of his bed. He just lay there, sinking in the quiet and contemplating all that had happened throughout the day. It was…..simply put, the most amazing day of his life. A quiet sigh left Toms' slightly parted lips as he closed his eyes.
Suddenly, he felt Saroya slither up his body and curl up in the center of his chest.
*You sssseem content, young sssspeaker.* hissed Saroya
*I am, Ssssaroya.* Tom hissed back *Today wassss amazzzing. I felt asss if i truly belonged for the firsssst time ever.*
*I am glad, young ssssspeaker* Saroya hissed as she flicked her tongue out to taste the emotions rolling of her human speaker. *When can we go back?* she inquired.
*Not for another 3 monthssss yet.* hissed Tom *Either way, I can't wait. Being in the Alley…..sssseeeing magic ussssed for the most numerous things. Learning of everything that ssssshould've been taught to me growing up if only my mother didn't die….* his hisses drifting off as he drifted into contemplation.
*I could tasssste how you felt throughout the day.* Saroya softly hissed as she curled up into a tighter ball in the indention of Tom's chest plate. *One day, ssssoon, we'll be free of here. Where we belong.* At that, Saroya noticed that Tom's breathing had evened out. He had fallen asleep. Thinking that wasn't such a bad idea, Saroya slowly started to close her eyes and drift off into sweet morpheus as well…