Next chapter, we will be heading to Hogwarts!
A lot of the book will be in these chapters, as it was in TKC. Also, one of the dialogue that Ron says will be in the story as well. I want to make sure moments and words shared between the two of them that I came up with are mirrored in each story.
Starting to feel like this is gonna be harder to write than TKC. Definitely will be much longer.
On with the fic!
Chapter 4: Shopping in Diagon Alley
Back on the cobblestone streets of Diagon Alley, my excitement only grew. Scarlett led us from Gringotts, guiding us toward the shops we needed to visit, but my eyes darted everywhere. Every window display seemed more fascinating than the last—colorful potions bubbling in glass bottles, brooms suspended in midair, enchanted maps that shimmered like water.
Our first stop was Flourish and Blotts, the bookshop I'd been itching to visit since I first saw it. The moment we stepped inside, I inhaled deeply, the familiar scent of paper and ink mingling with something distinctly magical. Shelves stretched from floor to ceiling, crammed with books of every size and color. Some were bound in rich leather, others in strange materials that shimmered or glowed.
"Let's find your school books first," Mama said, steering me gently toward the shelves.
Scarlett handed me the list of required books, and I scanned it eagerly. Titles like The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) and Magical Theory jumped out at me. I darted down the aisles, collecting each one and piling them in my arms.
But as I reached the counter, another book caught my eye: The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts. Its black cover was embossed with silver lettering, and just holding it gave me a shiver of curiosity.
"Mama, Papa, can I get this one too?" I asked, holding it up.
Papa raised an eyebrow. "Is that on the list?"
"Well, no," I admitted, "but it looks fascinating! It's about magical history—important events, famous wizards, and the things we should learn from the past. It could be useful."
"Let's stick to the list for now," he said firmly. "You've already got a lot to carry."
Mama placed a hand on his arm, her expression soft. "Let her get one or two extras, Michael. It's not every day she gets to shop in a place like this."
Papa sighed, but his lips twitched into a faint smile. "Fine. But just a couple."
Grinning, I added The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts to the pile, along with Hogwarts: A History. I'd never been so thrilled about a shopping trip in my life.
Next, we visited Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. The shop was cozy, with soft golden light streaming in through its high windows. Mannequins twirled in elegant robes, some sparkling with faint enchantments, while bolts of fabric in rich hues were draped across the counters.
"Come along, dear," Madam Malkin said briskly, ushering me toward a small raised platform near the back of the shop. Her wand flicked to a measuring tape, which zipped around me in a flurry, noting my measurements with precision.
"First year at Hogwarts, I see," she said, her tone friendly but efficient.
"Yes, ma'am," I replied, trying to keep still as the tape circled my arm.
"Exciting times," she said, stepping back to inspect me. With a wave of her wand, fabric floated toward me, wrapping itself neatly into the shape of a robe.
The material felt soft and warm as it settled over my shoulders, fitting perfectly after a few adjustments. I ran my hands over the smooth fabric, marveling at how lightweight it was.
"They're much more comfortable than I expected," I said with a small smile.
"They'll keep you warm in that drafty old castle," Madam Malkin said with a wink.
Mama cooed from where she sat near the fitting area, her eyes bright with pride. "You look so smart, Jeanie."
Papa nodded approvingly, though he leaned over to Scarlett to ask, "She doesn't need, I don't know, winter boots or extra layers or something, does she?"
Scarlett smiled. "The robes are enchanted for comfort, Mr. Granger. She'll be fine."
As Madam Malkin finished her work, the bell above the shop door jingled, and I glanced over to see two identical girls enter, accompanied by an older woman who looked to be their mother. The girls had glossy dark hair tied neatly into plaits, and their almond-shaped eyes sparkled with curiosity as they took in the shop.
"First years?" Madam Malkin called out.
"Yes, both of them," the woman replied, guiding the girls forward.
The twins exchanged excited glances before stepping onto the platforms beside mine. One of them caught my eye and gave me a small smile, which I returned shyly.
"Hi," one of them said, her voice warm and friendly.
"Hi," I replied, feeling a small thrill of nervousness. "Are you starting at Hogwarts this year too?"
"Yes," the other twin said, grinning. "We've been waiting for this forever."
"Me too," I admitted. "I'm Hermione Granger."
They both introduced themselves, but in the bustle of the shop and my nervousness, their names slipped from my memory almost immediately. Still, I found myself hoping I'd see them again. There was something about their bright smiles and easy laughter that made me think they'd be wonderful friends.
"Do you know what house you'll be in?" one of them asked.
"I'm not sure yet," I said honestly. "And I really don't know much about them to be honest. I guess it will be a surprise to me."
A surprise?" said the 1st twin. "Ohhh. You must be Muggleborn. So you don't know anything about houses and sorting, do you?"
I shook my head. I couldn't help but feel as if it was a bit of a judgment. I could have been wrong. Maybe I felt it because that was what I was used to when talking to children my age.
"Mama says we'll probably be sorted together. We are twins after all," the other twin said, glancing at her sister.
"Together would be nice," I said.
The twins nodded enthusiastically, and I felt a small flicker of hope. It was strange to think that I might be making friends already, something that had never come easily to me before.
By the time our fittings were done, we'd exchanged a few more words—small pleasantries about Hogwarts, the excitement of starting classes, and how much there was to explore in Diagon Alley. As I stepped down from the platform, I gave the twins a little wave, and they waved back.
"They seem nice," I said to Mama as we stepped toward the counter to pay.
"They do," she agreed, smiling down at me. "Maybe you'll see them again."
I nodded, already imagining what it might be like to sit together in the Great Hall or study together in the library. For the first time, the idea of making friends at Hogwarts felt less daunting and more... possible.
After picking up quills, ink, and parchment from a small, cluttered shop next door, Scarlett led us to gather the remaining items on my list: a sturdy pewter cauldron, minor potion ingredients, glass phials, and a telescope. Each shop seemed more fascinating than the last, filled with oddities and marvels that left me in awe.
Finally, Scarlett stopped in front of a narrow, weathered shop with a peeling sign that read "Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C."
"This is it," she said with a smile. "The most important stop of the day."
I stared at the shop, my heart racing with anticipation. My own wand. It felt like the final step into the wizarding world, the moment that would make it all real.
"Go on, Jeanie," Mama said softly, resting a hand on my shoulder.
I took a deep breath and stepped forward, pushing the door open. A faint chime rang out as we entered, and I couldn't help but wonder—what kind of wand would choose me?
When we stepped inside, the air felt different—still and heavy, yet charged with something I couldn't quite describe. The shop was narrow, with shelves that stretched up to the ceiling, all crammed with long, thin boxes. Dust motes danced in the soft light filtering through a single window, giving the space a slightly mysterious feel.
Standing near the counter was a tall, kindly-looking old man with silvery hair and sharp, twinkling eyes. He turned to us with a wide smile, his gaze settling on me.
"Ah! Welcome to my shop," he said warmly, spreading his arms. "I am Mr. Ollivander. And unless I miss my guess, this is your first time in Diagon Alley."
I nodded, feeling a little breathless under his piercing gaze. "Yes, sir," I managed to say.
"Wonderful, wonderful," he said, his smile widening. "There is nothing quite like a first wand. Come now, let's see what we can do for you, Miss..."
"Granger. Hermione Granger," I said quickly.
"Ah, Miss Granger," Ollivander said, his voice softening as he spoke my name. "A name to remember, I think." He turned, running his long fingers along the rows of wand boxes. "Let's get started, shall we? Finding the perfect wand is always an adventure."
He plucked a box from one of the shelves and carefully lifted the lid, revealing a slender wand. "Try this one—oak, twelve inches, unicorn hair core. Very reliable."
I took the wand tentatively, feeling its weight in my hand. It was smooth and cool, but... nothing happened. It felt inert, like a stick plucked off the ground.
"Give it a wave," Ollivander encouraged.
I did as he said, and a lamp on the counter rattled ominously before toppling over.
"No, no, definitely not," Ollivander said with a chuckle, quickly taking the wand back. "Not to worry. That one clearly wasn't meant for you."
He moved deeper into the shop, mumbling to himself as he scanned the shelves. "Perhaps something shorter... or something with more flexibility..."
The next wand he handed me was mahogany, nine and a half inches, with a phoenix feather core. I tried to wave it, but this time, a small stack of boxes tumbled to the floor.
"Ah, no," Ollivander said, shaking his head. "Not quite right. Let's see, let's see..."
It took several tries, each resulting in some small mishap or nothing at all. My frustration began to grow, though Ollivander seemed unfazed.
"Patience, Miss Granger," he said kindly. "The wand chooses the wizard—or witch, in this case. And when it does, you'll know."
He disappeared into the rows of shelves again, his eyes scanning the boxes with a thoughtful expression. Finally, he pulled down a slender, cream-colored box and opened it with a flourish.
"Ah, yes," he murmured, almost to himself. "I have a feeling about this one. Vine wood, ten and three-quarter inches, dragon heartstring core. Give it a try."
I reached out, my fingers brushing the wand's surface. The moment I took it in my hand, a jolt of warmth shot through me, racing up my arm and spreading through my chest. It was like a switch had been flipped inside me—a sudden, brilliant awakening.
"Oh," I whispered, staring at the ivory-colored wand. Its surface was etched with delicate vines, and it felt as though it was humming softly in my hand.
Ollivander's smile widened. "Yes. Give it a wave."
I raised the wand and flicked it gently, and a burst of shimmering sparks erupted from the tip, cascading like a miniature firework display. The air seemed to hum with energy, and I felt my heart swell with something I could only describe as rightness.
"This is it," I said softly, my voice trembling with awe. "This is the one."
"Indeed it is," Ollivander said, nodding sagely. "A wand of vine wood, known for its affinity with those who seek purpose and value personal growth. And a dragon heartstring core—a powerful combination. This wand will help you achieve great things, Miss Granger."
I looked down at the wand again, marveling at how perfectly it seemed to fit in my hand. It was as though it had been waiting for me all along.
Mama smiled, her eyes glistening. "It's beautiful, Jeanie."
Papa, who had been quiet through most of the process, nodded slowly. "It suits you," he said, his voice low but warm.
"Thank you," I said to Ollivander, clutching the wand tightly.
"Take good care of it," Ollivander said. "And remember—while the wand chooses the wizard, it is your choices that truly define your destiny."
As we stepped out of Ollivanders, the warm afternoon sunlight hit me, but it felt different now. The ivory-colored wand in my hand seemed to hum faintly, a comforting weight that felt like it belonged there. I clutched it carefully, marveling at how something so small could hold so much power.
Mama glanced down at me, her hazel eyes soft. "Well, Jeanie? How does it feel?"
"Perfect," I said, unable to keep the awe from my voice. "It's like... it's like the magic is part of me now. I can feel it."
Mama smiled, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "That's wonderful, darling. It suits you."
Papa, standing on my other side, still looked a bit uneasy. His brow was furrowed, and his hands were shoved deep into his pockets. "It's all very... remarkable," he said carefully. "But it's still a lot to take in."
"It is," Scarlett agreed, her tone light but understanding. "The wizarding world can be overwhelming at first, but I think you'll find that Hermione fits right in."
I glanced at Papa, hoping for some reassurance. He caught my eye and sighed, his expression softening. "You're happy, Mimi?"
I nodded eagerly. "Very."
"Then that's what matters," he said gruffly, giving me a small smile.
Scarlett clapped her hands together lightly. "That's everything on the list. Shall we head back?"
My heart sank a little at the thought of leaving. There was so much more to see, so many more questions I wanted to ask. But I knew we'd done everything we needed to for the day.
As we made our way back down the cobblestone street, I took in the sights one last time. The shops were still bustling, filled with witches and wizards of all ages. A boy about my age dashed past us, clutching a broomstick and laughing as his mother called after him. I smiled, wondering what it would be like to fly.
"Do you think we'll come back here again?" I asked Mama.
"Of course," she said warmly. "This is just the beginning, Jeanie."
We paused briefly at the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron, where Scarlett turned to us with a smile. "It was a pleasure guiding you today. You've got everything you need now, and you'll be more than ready for Hogwarts. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to reach out."
"Thank you so much," Mama said, shaking her hand.
"Yes, thank you," Papa added, though his tone was still cautious.
Scarlett smiled at me. "And you, Hermione—don't be afraid to embrace the adventure. Hogwarts will be an experience unlike any other."
"I will," I promised, clutching my wand a little tighter.
With that, Scarlett stepped back into the busy street, disappearing into the crowd.
We walked through the Leaky Cauldron and out into the bustling Muggle streets of London, the contrast almost jarring. The sights and sounds of the ordinary world seemed so much duller now, lacking the vibrancy and magic of Diagon Alley.
"Jeanie," Mama said as we climbed into the car, "how do you feel about everything now?"
I took a deep breath, thinking about the books, the robes, the wand—the possibilities that lay ahead. "I feel... ready," I said finally. "A little nervous, but mostly ready."
Mama smiled, and even Papa looked a bit more relaxed.
The rest of the week flew by in a blur of preparation and excitement. Each day brought a new task: labeling my new school supplies, practicing how to use my quill and ink without blotting the page, and carefully packing everything into my trunk. Mama made sure my robes were neatly pressed, while Papa triple-checked the packing list Scarlett had given us, muttering about not wanting to leave anything behind.
"I think I've got it all, Papa," I said on Thursday, watching him inspect my cauldron for the third time.
"You can never be too sure, Mimi," he said, giving me a mock-serious look.
We'd spent one evening in the garden as I flipped through Hogwarts: A History, reading out passages to them about the castle's enchanted ceilings and moving staircases. Mama listened with wide-eyed fascination, asking me to read more about the Great Hall, while Papa tried to hide his skepticism behind a smile.
Friday afternoon, Mama insisted we go out for sugar free ice cream as a final treat before my departure. I noticed how she lingered in conversation with me, asking me about my favorite parts of Diagon Alley, what classes I was looking forward to, and whether I thought I'd make friends right away.
"Of course she'll make friends," Papa said gruffly. "You're clever and kind, Mimi. Just don't let them borrow your wand."
By Saturday, my trunk was packed and ready, sitting neatly at the foot of my bed. The room looked strange without all my usual things—my favorite books and toys were tucked away, replaced by stacks of parchment, bottles of ink, and my wand, which rested carefully in its box on my bedside table. Along with my copy of Hogwarts, A History. Which I had become very fond of, by the way. I had read it cover to cover at least three times since I had gotten it.
I prided myself on being a fast reader.
That night, after dinner, I sat on my bed, staring at the trunk. My heart was a mixture of nerves and excitement, the two battling for dominance as the hours ticked by. Mama knocked softly on my door before stepping inside, her curls loose around her face.
"Mind if I sit with you, Jeanie?" she asked.
"Of course," I said, scooting over to make room.
She perched on the edge of the bed, her hazel eyes warm as she studied me. "How are you feeling, darling? Tomorrow's a big day."
I took a deep breath. "Excited. Nervous. Both, I think."
"That's perfectly normal," she said, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "This is a big step, but it's also the start of something wonderful. I have no doubt you're going to do amazing things at Hogwarts."
I smiled, leaning into her shoulder. "I hope so. There's so much I want to learn, and... I hope I make friends too."
"You will," she said confidently. "You're brilliant, Jeanie, and anyone would be lucky to know you."
The door creaked slightly, and Papa appeared, leaning against the frame. "All right, what are we whispering about?"
"Just tomorrow," Mama said, smiling up at him.
He stepped into the room and sat down on my other side. "Well, you know my rule, Mimi: if anyone gives you trouble, you come straight to us, owl or no owl."
I laughed softly. "I'll be fine, Papa. I promise. I'll...Ill miss you."
He nodded, though his expression softened into something more tender. "I know you will. But it's okay to miss home. We'll miss you, too."
The three of us sat there for a while, quiet but comfortable. The weight of the day ahead hung in the air, but so did the excitement of everything to come.
Finally, Mama kissed my forehead and stood. "Get some rest, Jeanie. You've got a big adventure ahead of you."
Papa ruffled my hair affectionately. "Goodnight, Mimi."
"Goodnight," I said softly, watching as they closed the door behind them.
I turned to look at my wand, resting in its box. Reaching out, I held it gently, feeling the familiar warmth hum through my fingers. Tomorrow, everything would change. I would step onto the Hogwarts Express, and my world would open up in ways I couldn't yet imagine.
As I placed the wand back on the table and lay down, a smile crept across my face. I pulled the covers up to my chin, letting my thoughts drift to the castle, the classes, and the endless possibilities waiting for me.
"I'm ready," I whispered into the quiet night, and with that, I closed my eyes, letting the anticipation carry me into sleep.