The sign stopped Rey Doe in her tracks, nearly causing a collision with a passing witch carrying an armful of cauldrons. There it was, in the same old peeling black letters: "Solo & Cal's Magical Delivery Services." with the subtitle "For All Your Magical Needs" underneath, it had a grand opening a month ago and seemed to be making good business with the locals.
She'd walked down this street hundreds of times in the past seven years, focused on her Ministry work, purposefully avoiding this particular corner of Diagon Alley. But today, needing to send Finn a particularly tricky package of defensive artifacts for his Defense Against the Dark Arts classes at Hogwarts, she'd let her feet carry her here without thinking.
The window display was exactly as chaotic as she remembered – self-propelling trunks doing loops, enchanted compasses spinning wildly, and what looked suspiciously like one of Lando's old capes trying to escape its mannequin.
Her heart caught in her throat. Seven years. Seven years of processing the truth, of understanding the weight of secrets and sacrifice. Seven years of wondering about the boy who'd taught her to fly, who'd become the man who saved them all, only to disappear into shadow.
The bell above the door hadn't changed either – still that same cheerful tinkle that had greeted her every summer morning of her third year. Rey took a deep breath and pushed the door open, not sure what – or who – she hoped to find inside.
"Welcome to Solo & Cal's. How can I help you?"
Rey froze. The voice was familiar, but fuller somehow, more at ease. Behind the counter stood a tall man with dark hair streaked with the faintest touch of silver at the temples. He was healthy, strong – nothing like the hollow figure she'd last seen in that courtroom. But the scar that crossed his face, her mark upon him, was unmistakable.
End Notes
Hi guys welcome, I'm testing the waters out on an AU-Hogwarts story setting.
The story itself is finished and is in dire need of some editing before posting, so fear not of it being abandoned.
This would be my first Hogwarts universe centered fic, so apologies in advance for mistakes.
I'm putting in this small peak as a starter for the story, hope it interests you all and enjoy the ride.
Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!