Chapter Two

Hesperia was excited, she was going off to the Leaky Cauldron in order to reach Diagon Alley through a secret passage. She was ready to learn more about the shopping district where she would get all her school supplies for Hogwarts and to see what a magical shopping district was like in general.

She had made sure to put on one of her favorite dresses–a sage green dress with quarter length sleeves and a skirt that fell a few inches above her knees. She had her hair tied in a ponytail on the top of her head, she had practiced with her magic and was able to do a ponytail without having to touch it. She knew she still had a lot of time to practice how to do her hairstyle, but Mother Morgana had come to her and explained how hair was sacred in the wixen world. She was to have her hair tied up when she was out in public and the only people who could see her with her hair down were her family members. Anyone else could not see her with her hair down.

Uncle Vernon grunted when she came out of the cupboard with a large smile on her face, an aura around her which demanded to be seen. He almost looked sick to his stomach at the thought of enabling her witchcraft, but he knew it would be for the best. Dudley had just now stopped having his night terrors and the last thing they needed was to wake up in the middle of the night to him screaming his head off. At least he didn't remember what he was having a nightmare about.

"Come on, girl. The sooner I drop you off, the sooner I can go off to work."

Hesperia went after him, upstairs she could hear Dudley snoring, it was still pretty early in the morning.

Since it was still summer holiday, they didn't have to worry about Dudley having to go off to school.

He could sleep as long as he wanted, and for once neither his mum nor dad cared about waking him up. He was always in a better mood after he would be able to sleep in as long as he wanted, there was also the fact that he never suffered from insomnia and was dead to the world when he slept. His snoring would sometimes make her unable to sleep but then again, he couldn't care less about anyone else not getting sleep as long as he did in the end.

Uncle Vernon didn't say anything during the drive to the bar inn.

There was music that was playing in the background but not that loud. He'd honk his horn when someone wasn't moving fast enough for his liking, and he'd shoot glares at anyone who looked at him too long. It wouldn't be surprising if he ended up dying from a stroke or a heart attack by the time Dudley would even finish his schooling, with how angry he was at the world around him.

Reaching the street where The Leaky Cauldron was, Hesperia hopped out of the car and was told what time she should be at the sidewalk for him to come and pick her up. He had work and she would not have to rush through everything in order to get what she needed before he would come and pick her up. She was able to look around to her heart's content while he would be at work, trying not to think about what his niece was and what she was currently doing.

Heading up to the bar inn, Hesperia glanced around and noted that there weren't many people who were looking at the bar inn. The only ones that seemed to notice the place happened to be those that were witches and wizards or had family members that were witches and wizards. Everyone else moved ahead as if they were just passing by an empty storefront that needed to be demolished already. It made things feel even more intimate for Hesperia, for her to be able to see the magical things around her and only those who were magical like her could see them too.

Entering the establishment, Hesperia's eyes widened at the intimidating bar inn.

There were three stories to the place, with an open floor plan and balconies that were more like lofts for patrons to look down at the customers and mere passer-byers that were heading towards the entrance to Diagon Alley. The place was made of stone and wood, it was sturdy and built in a way that no one could have an easy time trying to destroy anything inside the establishment. Multiple tables were spread throughout the middle of the ground floor with handmade chairs, the woodwork was in excellent condition. A bar with exquisite woodwork was to the right side of the room with a display of alcohol behind it–some of it being Muggle alcohol while there were more alcohol brands that must have been exclusively made by witches and wizards.

Behind the bar was the bar keep, Tom.

He was average in everything when it came to appearance.

Just another face that one couldn't pick out from the crowd due to uniqueness.

He was warm and welcoming though, as she came up to him. She could sense the aura Mother Morgana had made for her had made him at ease. She often felt as if she was similar to an angel that had come down from the heavens and was merely visiting those around her. Even if her aunt would have wanted her to have an exorcism, she didn't care when it came to religion as long as it didn't hurt anyone around her. She spread her wings out for shelter and people often flocked to her in order for them to be underneath the shelter.

"Ah, good morning, Miss. I know that look, it's your first time in my inn. You've come to collect your school supplies for Hogwarts. First year?" Tom probed, earning a nod from her.

He smiled warmer at her, before throwing the rag that was on his shoulder onto the counter behind him. He plucked something that was behind the counter, and as he came around, she could see he had an actual wand in his hand. He most likely was going to show her how to get to Diagon Alley, since the only thing she knew was the entrance was connected to the inn.

Going through an archway that led towards the loos, Tom stopped in front of the brick wall that immediately greeted them as soon as they entered through the doorway. "To get to Diagon Alley you have to tap your wand at the center of the brick wall three times. Three up from the center and two across. Then the bricks will move out of the way, and you'll be in Diagon Alley."

Hesperia patiently waited as he did what he explained, before the bricks danced to the sides, creating an open doorway for her to see the magical shopping district in front of her. She went to go through the doorway when Tom cleared his throat. She turned her attention to him, not surprised when he asked her what her name was.

"My name is Hesperia, Hesperia Potter. It was nice to meet you."

Tom's eyes widened and he was only able to open his mouth to say something when the bricks closed up again. It was a good thing that he hadn't learnt what her name was until now, since Mother Morgana did not want her chosen child to be clustered all because of the dark lord. She wanted Hesperia's day to go by swimmingly, she didn't want her to be overwhelmed.

Hesperia looked down at the list of suggested stores for her to go to for her supplies and came to the conclusion the first place she needed was to go to Gringotts. She needed to get her money before she could shop or else, she wouldn't be able to get anything. She was nervous but she was sure that she wouldn't be shunned off just because she was a kid.

As she reached the large and imposing building that was impressively carved, Hesperia took a deep breath. Her heart almost jumped in her chest when she saw a woman standing near the front of the bank with an intense look on her face.

She looked as if she were in her sixties and her face was beginning to wrinkle around the edges. She had almost dark eyes, a long and precise nose that was perfect to look down from with reading glasses sitting on the bridge of her nose. She had on a deep auburn robe dress on, with a black pointed hat over her dark-haired bun that had highlights of gray throughout it. She had her hands clasped together though she paused for a moment, her body loosening up when she saw Hesperia coming forward.

"Hesperia? Hesperia Potter?"

Hesperia nodded her head, before the witch brought her hands up and covered her mouth.

She peered down at the young witch as if she was learning she had cured an incurable disease. She crouched down in front of Hesperia and gave a watery smile, the tears rising in her eyes, as she peered warmly at the little girl in front of her. She could sense the presence of Mother Morgana; it was obvious that Hesperia Potter had the mark of Mother Morgana on her even if you couldn't see it. You could feel it when you were near her.

"I'm Professor Minevera McGonagall, I am the deputy headmistress of Hogwarts, but you may call me Professor McGonagall. I am the Transfiguration Professor and had the honor of teaching your parents the subject. Your mother was an excellent student though she was very good at charms and potions. Your father on the other hand was very good at Transfiguration and Defense Against the Dark Arts…but I'm not just here to tell you about them. I've decided to show you around Diagon Alley so you can get your proper school items," Professor McGonagall informed Hesperia, earning a small, curved smile at the mention of her parents attending Hogwarts.

"Oh, thank you, ma'am. I was wondering how I was going to be able to get into my account. A child stepping forward without an adult would make a questionable sight when it comes to making a withdrawal at a bank," Hesperia responded, earning a twinkle in the woman's eyes behind her round reading glasses that were sitting on her long nose.

Entering the bank together, Hesperia felt her eyes widen when she saw how detailed and richly stoned the inside of the building was.

There was a dome ceiling with open carved windows that let in the sunlight from high above them. There was a round front desk that was in the center of the front lobby of the bank, where there were Goblins that were behind the desk with golden monocles nestled in front of one of their eyes while they studied the paperwork in front of them. They were exactly what Hesperia imagined they looked like, with their sharp features that were wrinkled and sharp pointed teeth that were behind their thin lips. They had on the best suits and their fingernails were long nails, the tufts of hair on their heads were barely there and were gray.

Professor McGonagall swiftly moved in front of Hesperia, and she followed after her, still wide eyed at everything around her. She barely noticed the woman talking to the goblin that was in front of him, revealing the Potter Vault Key that the headmaster (Professor Dumbledore) had given to her. The goblin nodded his head when he checked to see the authenticity of the key, glad that there was no faux attempt of opening the Potter Vault.

"Griphook, take Heiress Potter and Professor McGonagall down to the Potter Vault."

Griphook hopped down from his perch from the desk and opened the counter gate near him to leave it behind him. He motioned for the two witches to follow him, not even phased by having the Hogwarts Deputy Headmistress and the Girl-Who-Lived coming to collect the money from the girl's family vault. He must have had multiple families and business associates that were quite weird or unexpected come to collect money from the bank.

They reached what looked like a mine with a mine cart prepared for them to enter.

It reminded Hesperia of the amusement park roller coasters that were often commercialized during Holiday, and Dudley often went to them with her aunt and uncle for fun. If they didn't take him, he would end up throwing a tantrum, and it was to no surprise he would get an all season pass for the amusement park only to not go to it for the rest of the season.

Hesperia decided she did not like the mine cart as it swooped and rose and dipped to its own content. She couldn't help but snuggle up against Professor McGonagall, finding comfort in her.

The woman smiled softly at her, almost grandmotherly, as if knowing that this would be overwhelming for the girl. After all, she was new to the wixen world despite being born into it. She secretly loathes Professor Dumbledore for the way that he had reacted to the deaths of Lily and James Potter along with the arrest of Sirius Black.

Finally arriving at the Potter Vault, Griphook put the key into its slot and pressed his ear against the door to make sure that it would unlock easily. Hesperia wished she could go up to it and press her ear against it to hear the clicking and the final one which would let them know the vault would open in the end. She had always been curious, and the tingling familiar presence of Mother Morgana allowed her to know the deity found amusement in the curiosity of Hesperia Potter.

The moment the vault door opened her breath was taken away from her as she saw all the golden and silver coins in front of her. There were also what looked like magical artifacts that were waiting to be used or were meant to be put away for safekeeping. She entered without even having to be told, barely listening to Griphook as he explained the system of money in their world: 17 silver sickles to a Galleon and 29 knuts to a Sickle.

Collecting a good amount of money into a red velveteen pouch that allowed the owner to pull out the right amount of money every time (and paying the extra cost to immediately have her velveteen pouch refilled whenever it would become low), Hesperia left the vault behind her. She brushed her fingers against the vault door, imagining her parents with her. She fought the urge to have tears fall down her face, taking a deep breath.

The first place they went to in Diagon Alley for actual school shopping was Ollivander's.

It was where she would receive her wand.

She could see in the corner of her eye Professor McGonagall was excited, herself, to see what wand her future student would have. It had always been one of her favorite things for First Years, them receiving their wands and learning to use them at Hogwarts.

There was nothing like receiving your wand.

Ollivander was an old man with multiple wrinkles on his face but a youthfulness that was still there despite his age.

He obviously did what he loved, and he was like that quote that said if you did what you loved you never worked a day in your life. He clapped his hands merrily together when he saw Hesperia entering his establishment, proclaiming she looked just like her mother before rattling off what kind of wands both her mother and father had.

"Ah, I'm excited to be the one who helps you through your journey on finding your wand. I always say that the wand picks the witch or wizard or wixen if you prefer that term. Do not be surprised and be patient if you have to search a little more for your wand. It will be worth it in the end, Miss Potter," Ollivander stated, giving wise advice to the young girl.

So began the long, and tedious process of Hesperia going through wands.

Each wand that she tried to swoosh was like a wild horse that denied being broken in.

Some of them flew out of her hands as if proclaiming it didn't see how Ollivander had the audacity of handing them over to the witch. A couple boxes behind the counter on shelves would go flying also, though thankfully there were charms placed on the boxes for the wands to not fall out due to the hectic workplace around them.

Hesperia lost count of how many wands she went through, frowning when he began to mutter under his breath about the curiosity and challenge. He motioned for her to stay where she was, almost expecting her to decide she was done with the whole process. He appeared once more with a box, giving her a quite serious look.

"This wand is quite temperamental; it was quite a challenge to create it. The core of the wand is of a phoenix feather, and its brother happens to belong to the very wizard that gave you that scar. I mean not to scare you, little one but I have decided to be upfront to you. Please, try it. I will not be surprised if the wand ends up choosing you."

My heart almost stopped at the proclamation that came from him, my stomach tightening at the very thought of touching the wand. I did appreciate him being honest to me, and I did feel drawn towards the wand. I took it from him and swiped it in the air, sending a cloud of golden sparks in the air around me. It felt natural, an extension to me and not wrong at all.

"Ah! I knew I made it for someone special. Other than the phoenix core, it is made of holly and is eleven inches. It's nice and supple and meant to fight against the dark arts. I ask for only seven gold galleons," Ollivander proclaimed and I handed him the right amount before I left the shop with Professor McGonagall next to me.

"I cannot believe the old man had the audacity to tell you about You-Know-Who. I wouldn't be surprised if he said that the monster had done great things, terrible things but great things. He's always been off his knocker. Please, don't pay any mind to him. Instead let's go to Madam Malkin's Robes for all Occasions. You will quite like Madam Malkins."

Unlike Ollivander's shop, which almost blended into the majority of the shops around it, Madam Malkin had made sure to leave a mark with her store.

The store was painted purple and there were school robes that were on display in the front window of the shop. It was quite colorful and demanded attention, as if warning everyone that Madam Malkin was a unique character herself.

Entering the establishment, Hesperia noted that there was a boy that was standing on one of the fitting platforms, complaining to the woman that was doing his fitting. He reminded Hesperia of those old English paintings of the noble heirs with the pinched features and blond hair that was gelled down to an uncomfortable manner. His eyes were silver, like moonstones.

"Lady Malfoy, I almost expected to see you in Twilfitt and Tattings. It is catered to the more refined families," Professor McGonagall stated, her voice sour but still formal. The woman, who looked very similar to her son, had her blonde hair piled on on her head, wore elbow high gloves and a robed dress that could cost more than all the houses on Privet Drive combined.

"Ah, I did not expect to see you here either, Professor McGonagall. I see that you are the guide for one of your students. A First Year, I presume?"

The boy on the platform perked up when he heard this, his silver eyes landing on Hesperia.

He narrowed his eyes at her, studying her, before he sensed the magic of Mother Morgana, her blessing and almost seemed to shrink back at having judged her. Hesperia did not show any type of meekness at having been judged, because of her background.

"I'm showing Miss Potter around."

Lady Malfoy's eyebrows shot up, almost disappearing into her hairline at what she was hearing.

She hummed as if allowing them to know she was digesting this information and found it intriguing. Before she could say anything, the squat woman who was dressed in mauve clothing told Lady Malfoy's son that she was done with his fitting. He handed the right amount of money to her and hopped off the platform, while his mother gave a cordial goodbye.

Stepping up onto the platform, Hesperia had her robes fitted for her, learning that the robes would magically change the crest on her cloak to the House she would be Sorted into. She could see the wistfulness that appeared on the professor's face, most likely thinking about the Sorting Ceremony and the Welcoming Feast.

She went to Flourish and Blotts next, receiving her school supplies and a couple extra leisure books to pass the time since she enjoyed reading. She even asked for books about the Olde Ways, though Professor McGonagall had pinched features at the thought of handing the books off to her, proclaiming that Hesperia didn't need to worry about that. She instead handed her a book about witch etiquette since she wanted to appease the girl somewhat, glad when Hesperia had dropped the whole subject of the Olde Ways though she knew it wouldn't be the last time she would be curious about it.

The Apothecary shop was both interesting but kind of disgusting at the same time.

The shop smelled horrible and the only good thing about it was Professor McGonagall had noticed how uncomfortable the witch was so she went in and bought all the supplies the girl needed including her cauldron and the phials she would need for Potions. She knew if the Potion Professor would ever make the precious girl cry she would make sure her former student rue the day.

Finally, they reached the last stop of the day, a surprise stop for Hesperia.

Eeylops Owl Emporium, the place where Hesperia would get her Familiar and be able to write to her if she wanted to or to write to her friends she would form during the first year. She, herself, had owned her owl from her own school years for the longest time until it passed away sadly. She had a painting done of the owl and it was hanging in her office.

Hesperia had always enjoyed passing by the pet stores whenever she would be taken downtown.

She would see the adorable puppies that were rolling around and trying to impress anyone who passed by the front window. She would both want the puppies but not, knowing that it would be better off for them if they weren't being raised in Number 4 Privet Drive with the Dursleys.

The shop was filled to the brim with many people that were coming to buy their children Familiars or to stock up on supplies. She noticed how they all moved out of the way when they saw the Transfiguration Professor, some of them bowing their heads to show proper respect. She was so accustomed to this she didn't even bat an eyelash at it, though she did bow her head back to them to let them know she was pleased they had good manners.

Even though she wasn't being rushed to find her Familiar, Hesperia still looked a little quicker than the professor expected her to and she felt guilty about it. She wanted the girl to enjoy her time in the pet store and at Diagon Alley in general. She would never feel the same thing she had felt here, today, ever again. Unless she married or had children whether married or not, she would feel as if she was experiencing it all over again when her children would get their own supplies for Hogwarts for the first time.

It was no surprise when Hesperia chose a white barn owl for her Familiar, naming it after her Chosen Mother, Morgana.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: HARRY POTTER DOESN'T BELONG TO ME

-IT'SEMMYNOTEMMA