I had trouble falling asleep, having a life changing conversation made it difficult for me. However eventually I was able to get some sleep.
"Killing such a bright girl as you? I think not, I'll let you live, it will show the world that those who submit can be spared. Though your brother..."
That familiar nightmare, no, memory woke me with a startle. I was breathing heavily, and I saw that the sun was now out. I heard what sounded like tapping on glass.
"All right," Harry mumbled next to me, "I'm getting up."
As he sat up, Hagrid's coat fell off us. I also slowly got up, and looked around. The storm from last night had ended and the sky was clear, Hagrid was sleeping soundly on the couch, and an owl was scratching the window with a newspaper in it's beak.
Harry quickly got up and let the owl in, while I watched in awe. The owl flew over to the still sleeping Hagrid and dropped the newspaper onto him. The owl then fluttered over and began going after something in Hagrid's coat.
"Don't do that." Harry told the Owl as he tried to shoo it away. It snapped at him and continued looking through the coat.
"Maybe it want's some of those dormice." I commented. Harry chuckled softly, then turned to Hagrid.
"Hagrid!" Harry called loudly. "There's an owl —"
"Pay him," Hagrid answered.
"What?" Harry asked in amazement.
"Pay an owl?" I added, my eyes widening as I looked back and forth between Hagrid and the owl.
"Of course, he wants payin' fer deliverin' the paper. Look in the pockets." Hagrid answered us both.
We both began digging through the endless pockets of Hagrid's coat. We found an assortment of keys, slug pellets, balls of string, peppermint humbugs, teabags, and many other strange items until we finally found what I assumed was wizard money.
"Give him five Knuts," said Hagrid sleepily as Harry held the coins.
"Knuts?" Harry asked.
"The little bronze ones." Hagrid answered.
"Ah." I replied in awe, while Harry counted out five Knuts and placed them in the Owl's pouch, which in turn flew out the window.
Hagrid yawned, got up, and stretched, before turning to us.
"Best be off, lots ter do today, gotta get up ter London an' buy both yeh all yer stuff fer school." Hagrid told us. Harry's happy look faded away. As we glanced at each other.
"Um — Hagrid?" Harry said.
"Sir." I said at the same time, fidgeting slightly.
"Mm?" said Hagrid as he pulled on his massive boots.
"We haven't got any money — and you heard Uncle Vernon last night… he won't pay for us to go and learn magic." Harry told Hagrid.
"Don't worry about that," Hagrid told us as he stood up and scratched his head."D'yeh think yer parents didn't leave yeh anything?"
"But if their house was destr—"
"You don't keep your life saving's in your house Harry." I said. Hagrid nodded.
"She's right, that why the first stop fer us is Gringotts. Wizards' bank. Have a sausage, they're not bad cold — an' I wouldn' say no teh a bit o' yer's birthday cake, neither."
"Wizards have banks?" Harry asked in amazement.
"Just the one. Gringotts. Run by goblins." Hagrid answered, and this caused me to freeze in shock, while Harry dropped the sausage he was eating.
"Goblins?" Harry asked in amazement.
"Yeah — so yeh'd be mad ter try an' rob it, I'll tell yeh that. Never mess with goblins, neither of yeh. Gringotts is the safest place in the world fer anything yeh want ter keep safe — 'cept maybe Hogwarts. As a matter o' fact, I gotta visit Gringotts anyway. Fer Dumbledore. Hogwarts business." Hagrid drew himself up proudly. "He usually gets me ter do important stuff fer him. Fetchin' you two — gettin' things from Gringotts — knows he can trust me, see."
"His trust is well placed Hagrid." I said, he gave me a smile.
"Thank yeh for the kind words...just like yer mother. Now, Got everythin'? Come on then."
I beamed with pride being compared to my mother. I knew I looked like her, but to be complemented by someone who knew her, it really was something.
We both followed Hagrid out onto the rock. The sky was now clear and the sun shone. While the boat that Uncle Vernon had rented was still there, though there was now some water inside.
"How did you get here?" Harry asked, looking around for another boat.
"Flew," said Hagrid.
"Flew?" We both asked at the same time.
"Yeah — but we'll go back in this. Not s'pposed ter use magic now I've got yeh."
We all settled in the boat.
"Seems a shame ter row, though," Hagrid told us, giving me and Harry another of his sideways looks. "If I was ter — er — speed things up a bit, would yeh mind not mentionin' it at Hogwarts?"
"Of course not" Harry replied.
"I Promise." I added. Hagrid looked satisfied then pulled out his pink umbrella, tapped it twice on the side of the boat, and we sped off toward land.
"Why would you be mad to try and rob Gringotts?" Harry asked.
"Spells — enchantments," Hagrid replied, unfolding his newspaper as he spoke. "They say there's dragons guardin' the high security vaults. And then yeh gotta find yer way — Gringotts is hundreds of miles under London, see. Deep under the Underground. Yeh'd die of hunger tryin' ter get out, even if yeh did manage ter get yer hands on summat."
Both of us sat in silence as Hagrid read, we had both learned from Uncle Vernon not to interrupt someone when they're reading the paper. I sat and watched the clouds as we passed. I could tell Harry really wanted to keep asking more questions, I did as well. But I figured all the books I would purchase today would answer any question I could possibly have.
"Ministry o' Magic messin' things up as usual," I heard Hagrid mutter as he turned the page.
"There's a Ministry of Magic?" Harry asked quickly. I turned back to Hagrid, listening in curiously.
"'Course," said Hagrid. "They wanted Dumbledore fer Minister, o' course, but he'd never leave Hogwarts, so old Cornelius Fudge got the job. Bungler if ever there was one. So he pelts Dumbledore with owls every morning, askin' fer advice."
"But what does a Ministry of Magic do?" Harry asked.
"Well, their main job is to keep it from the Muggles that there's still witches an' wizards up an' down the country." Hagrid answered.
"Why?" Harry continued his question spree.
"Why? Blimey, Harry, everyone'd be wantin' magic solutions to their problems. Nah, we're best left alone." Hagrid replied.
The boat made it to shore as we all stepped out and made our way onto the street.
People stared at Hagrid as we walked through a small town to the train station. Being that he was easily twice as tall as anyone else, and he kept pointing at normal objects like parking meters and saying loudly. "See that, Sarah, Harry? Things these Muggles dream up, eh?"
"Hagrid, we've lived in the muggle world our whole life." I replied holding in a laugh.
"Ah, yer right. I guess ther not a big deal for yer." He replied.
Harry and me both would have to sometimes run to keep up with Hagrid, whose massive steps were hard to keep up with. Harry had just sprinted back up and was panting when he spoke...
"Hagrid, did you say there are dragons at Gringotts?" Harry asked.
"Well, so they say," replied Hagrid. "Crikey, I'd like a dragon."
"You'd like one?" Harry asked bewildered.
"That sound very dangerous sir." I added. Imagining all the dragons I'd glanced in the movies Dudley liked to watch.
"Wanted one ever since I was a kid — here we go." Hagrid replied, clearly not worried about the potential dangers. I just shook my head as we made our way inside the train station. Hagrid didn't know how "muggle money" worked so he handed it to me and Harry to buy the tickets.
More people stared at Hagrid, who took up two seats and had started to knit what looked like a a canary-yellow circus tent.
"Still got yer letters?" he asked as us as counted stitches.
We both got our lists out of our pockets.
"Good," Hagrid replied. "There's a list there of everything yeh need."
I unfolded the piece of paper as did Harry. And I began to read through the list with great interest.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
UNIFORM
First-year students will require:
1. Three sets of plain work robes (black)
2. One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
4. One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)
COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1)by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A Beginners' Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble
OTHER EQUIPMENT
1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set of glass or crystal phials
1 telescope set
1 brass scales
Students may also bring an owl OR a cat OR a toad
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS
My eyes wandered to the book section. So many books to read, I was beaming with excitement. Not only the books though, everything on the list made my excitement level rise. New clothes, items to conduct experiments...a wand.
"Can we buy all this in London?" Harry asked breaking the silence.
"If yeh know where to go," Hagrid replied.
Neither I or Harry had ever been to London, and though Hagrid knew where he was going, it was clear this was not his usual route. He got stuck at a ticket barrier on his way to the underground, and complained that seats on the train were far to small.
"I don't know how the Muggles manage without magic," Hagrid told us as we made our way up a broken escalator to the street above.
The street was crowded but Hagrid easily cleared the way with his size. I looked around and took in the sights of downtown London. There were restaurants, movie theaters, bowling ally's, but no where did I see a magical book store.
"This is it," said Hagrid, as he came to a halt, "the Leaky Cauldron. It's a famous place."
Hagrid pointed to a tiny looking pub, the way the Muggles raced past it seemed to indicate they couldn't see it. Hagrid ushered us inside. It was dark and shabby, and I was surprised it was supposedly famous. Some old ladies where sitting in the corner, one was smoking a long pipe. A little man in a top hat was talking to the bald bartender. As we walked in, the small amount of talking stopped.
"The usual, Hagrid?" The bartender asked as he saw Hagrid.
"Can't, Tom, I'm on Hogwarts business," said Hagrid, clapping his great hand on Harry and mine shoulders, making our knees buckle.
"Good Lord," said the bartender while peering at us, "is this — can this be —?"
The whole room was completely silent.
"Bless my soul," whispered the old bartender, "The Potters… what an honor."
He hurried out from behind the bar, rushed toward Harry and seized his hand, tears in his eyes.
"Welcome back, Mr. Potter, welcome back." He then turned to me. "And you as well Miss Potter, welcome back."
Both me and Harry were stunned silent. Everyone was looking at us, no one had ever payed us much mind at privet drive. Unless we were being punished.
The silence was broken by the squeaking of chairs as every one in the Leaky Caldron raced to shake our hands, though Harry was obviously the more...desired twin.
"Doris Crockford, Mr. Potter, can't believe I'm meeting you at last. An honor as well Miss Potter."
"So proud, Mr. Potter, I'm just so proud. You as well Miss Potter. "
"Always wanted to shake your hand — I'm all of a flutter. Wanted to meet you as well Miss Potter."
"Delighted, Mr. Potter, just can't tell you, Diggle's the name, Dedalus Diggle. An honor as well Miss Potter."
"I've seen you before!" said Harry, as Dedalus Diggle's top hat fell off in his excitement. "You bowed to me once in a shop."
I remembered that instance Diggle had bowed to Harry, which caused Aunt Petunia to ask if he knew the man, then drag us out of the store without buying anything.
"He remembers!" cried Dedalus Diggle, looking around at everyone. "Did you hear that? He remembers me!" Harry shook hands again and again — Doris Crockford kept coming back for more. I noticed that people were way more interested in Harry than I...which I was somewhat thankful for, after all Harry seemed to be getting overwhelmed.
A pale young man made his way towards us, his eye was twitching and he looked nervous.
"Professor Quirrell!" said Hagrid. "Harry, Sarah, Professor Quirrell will be one of your teachers at Hogwarts." Hagrid told us.
"P-P-Potters," stammered Professor Quirrell, grasping Harry's hand and shaking it, then doing the same thing to me, "c-can't t-tell you how p-pleased I am to meet you."
"A pleasure sir." I replied respectfully.
"What sort of magic do you teach, Professor Quirrell?" Harry asked.
"D-Defense Against the D-D-Dark Arts," He muttered seeming scared of his own subject. "N-not that you n-need it, eh, P-P-Potter?" He laughed nervously. "You'll be g-getting all your equipment, I suppose? I've g-got to p-pick up a new b-book on vampires, m-myself." The man looked terrified.
However Professor Quirrell couldn't keep Harry to himself as everyone wanted a look. For ten minutes people crowded around my brother, while occasionally looking to me. Hagrid eventually intervened.
"Must get on — lots ter buy. Come on, Harry, Sarah." He called over the noise.
Dennis Crockford gave Harry's hand one last shake, before Hagrid led us out the back and into a small, walled courtyard. Hagrid was grinning at both of us.
"Told yeh, didn't I? Told yeh, yer two was famous. Even Professor Quirrell was tremblin' ter meet yeh — mind you, he's usually tremblin'."
"Is he always that nervous?" Harry asked.
"Oh, yeah. Poor bloke. Brilliant mind. He was fine while he was studyin' outta books but then he took a year off ter get some firsthand experience… They say he met vampires in the Black Forest, and there was a nasty bit o' trouble with a hag — never been the same since. Scared of the students, scared of his own subject — now, where's me umbrella?"
"Poor man." I said sympathetically, as Hagrid got out his umbrella.
Part of the reason I felt for Professor Quirrell was, truth be told, I could see myself in the man, I was smart, I was really good with theories, book smarts, and the sort. But in the field, practically? I wasn't the best.
Hagrid meanwhile had started counting bricks above the trash can with his umbrella.
"Three up… two across…" he muttered. "Right, stand back." He told us. Then tapped the wall three times.
I watched in amazement as the brick he had touched quivered and wriggled, then in the middle, a small hole appeared — it grew wider and wider — a second later we were facing an archway large enough even for Hagrid to go through, an archway onto a cobbled street that twisted and turned out of sight.
"Welcome, to Diagon Alley." Hagrid told us. Harry was grinning while I was frozen in awe.
We stepped through the archway which closed behind us. The nearest shop was for cauldrons, which contained a wide assortment of types. From Copper to Silver, Brass to Pewter.
"Yeah, you'll both be needin' one," said Hagrid, "but we gotta get yer money first." Hagrid told us.
Both me and Harry glanced in every direction. Every shop was filled with strange items, strange vendors, and strange customers. If I hadn't been aware of where we were, I would assume this to be a circus of some kind, but this was no circus, this was our first experience in the magical world. The world of our parents.
"Dragon liver, sixteen Sickles an ounce, they're mad…" A women said as we passed an Apothecary shop.
As we continued I heard the sound of owls and passed the shop, Eeylops Owl Emporium, which housed Tawny, Screech, Barn, Brown, and Snowy owls. We continued and passed a group of boys our age, all huddled against a window with a broomstick in it.
"Look, the new Nimbus Two Thousand — fastest ever —" One of the boys was telling his friends. There was a shop for robes, telescopes, books...
My eyes froze as I finally found what I was looking for. The book store, Flourish and Blotts Bookseller, I froze and stared in amazement at all the books I saw through the windows. They were to the ceiling and I was required to buy at least a few.
"Sarah." Harry said in annoyance, he grabbed my arm and led me back to Hagrid.
"Sorry." I said sheepishly.
Harry just sighed in amusement and shook his head. While Hagrid led us up to as massive white building that dwarfed all else.
"Gringotts," said Hagrid. "This be where yeh can get the money to pay for all em books." He told me with a cheeky grin.
"I am excited about the books." I replied unabashedly.
Off to the side of the steps was a figure dressed in scarlet and gold. It caught both Harry and mine's eyes. And Hagrid confirmed what we were both thinking.
"Yeah, that's a goblin," Hagrid confirmed as we walked up the steps to the bank. It was shorter than both me and Harry, looked very clever, had a beard, and very long fingers and toes. He bowed as we walked inside and were met with another set of doors. Which had words engraved on them.
Enter, stranger, but take heed
Of what awaits the sin of greed,
For those who take, but do not earn,
Must pay most dearly in their turn.
So if you seek beneath our floors
A treasure that was never yours,
Thief, you have been warned, beware
Of finding more than treasure there.
"Like I said, Yeh'd be mad ter try an' rob it," Hagrid affirmed as two more goblins bowed and let us through into a massive marble hall. Around a hundred goblins sat on high stools behind tall counters, writing in ledgers, weighing coins, and examining precious stones. All around the hall were doors which goblins led people in and out of. The three of us made our way to the counter.
"Morning," Hagrid said to a free goblin. "We've come ter take some money outta Mr. Harry Potter and Miss Sarah Potter's safe."
"You have there key, sir?"
"Got it here somewhere," Hagrid replied and began going through his many pockets. After searching around a dozen of his pockets, and one moldy dog biscuit, Hagrid finally found it.
"Got it," Hagrid said as he held up a tiny golden key. The goblin studied the key for a moment.
"That seems to be in order." The goblin replied.
"An' I've also got a letter here from Professor Dumbledore," Hagrid continued, throwing out his chest in a important looking way. "It's about the You-Know-What in vault seven hundred and thirteen."
Both me and Harry looked at each other confused as the goblin read the letter.
"Very well," the goblin responded handing the letter back to Hagrid. "I will have someone take you down to both vaults. Griphook!"
Another goblin appeared and Hagrid began putting all of the dog biscuits away. Then me, Harry, and Hagrid begin to follow Griphook towards one of the doors leading out of the chamber.
"What's the You-Know-What in vault seven hundred and thirteen?" Harry asked suddenly. I looked at Hagrid curiously as well.
"Can't tell yeh that," Hagrid replied. "Very secret. Hogwarts business. Dumbledore's trusted me. More'n my job's worth ter tell yeh that."
Harry looked disappointed, while I just shrugged. There would be more than enough to learn soon enough.
Griphook opened the doors for us and we entered a narrow, stone passageway lit by torches. It seeped downwards to what looked like a rail track. Griphook whistled and a cart appeared. We all climbed into said cart, and were off in a burst.
There was no possible way to memorize where we were going and I didn't even try. I noticed Hagrid beginning to look sick, and also noticed the cart was moving itself. Both me and Harry thought we saw fire down a passage, but we were moving to quickly to tell for sure. We kept going deeper underground, arriving at a underground lake with massive stalactites and stalagmites.
"I never know," Harry asked Hagrid, "what's the difference between a stalagmite and a stalactite?"
"Stalagmite's got an 'm' in it," Hagrid replied. "An' don' ask me questions just now, I think I'm gonna be sick."
I looked at him in concern, while Harry was still looking around at all the sights.
"I'm sorry sir." I told Hagrid. He tried to give me a smile, but only looked more green. Finally the cart came to a stop. Hagrid got out and leaned against the wall as his knees trembled. While Griphook got out and unlocked the door. Green smoke poured out, and when it dispersed a mass amount of gold, silver, and bronze was revealed. Me and Harry looked at each other in amazement...mum and dad had left us all this. And the Dursleys knew nothing about it.
"All yours," Hagrid told us smiling.
Me and Harry began to pile coins into bags while Hagrid helped and explained.
"The gold ones are Galleons," he began. "Seventeen silver Sickles to a Galleon and twentynine Knuts to a Sickle, it's easy enough. Right, that should be enough fer the both of yeh fer a couple o' terms, we'll keep the rest safe for yeh." He turned to Griphook. "Vault seven hundred and thirteen now, please, and can we go more slowly?"
"One speed only," Griphook replied, a evil looking smirk coming onto his face.
We continued deeper into the labyrinth of caves. The air was getting cooler, and all you could see below was darkness. We reached Vault Seven Hundred and Thirteen, and I noticed that there was no key whole.
"Stand back," Ordered Griphook. He then stroked the vault door, which faded away.
"Amazing." I commented.
"If anyone but a Gringotts goblin tried that, they'd be sucked through the door and trapped in there," Griphook told us.
"How often do you check to see if anyone's inside?" Harry asked.
"About once every ten years," said Griphook with a rather nasty grin.
I looked at the goblin horrified, while Harry looked eager to see what was in such a high security vault. However what we saw wasn't very impressive. The room looked empty, until I saw the floor, and a small package in brown paper. Hagrid stuffed it into his pocket, then turned to us.
"Come on, back in this infernal cart, and don't talk to me on the way back, it's best if I keep me mouth shut," Hagrid told us.
After one final cart ride we arrived back at the surface, While Harry looked around Diagon Alley not sure where to go first, I knew at once where I was headed.
"Well, I've waited long enough." I said excitedly, as I began to make my way over to Flourish and Blotts, the book store I had seen earlier.
"Where are yer off to in such a rush?" Hagrid asked, clearly still a little woozy.
"The book store, we need books." I replied eagerly. Harry gave a small laugh, while Hagrid just gave me a amused and fond look.
"Yeh do indeed. I guess yeh could get yer books first. Maybe you could get Harry's too. Make things quicker. Unless yeh be wantin to go to the book store as well?" Hagrid asked Harry.
"I'll leave the books to her, I'm sure I'll be reading more than enough at Hogwarts." Harry replied.
"That you will. Then yer might as well get yer uniform, "Hagrid continued, nodding toward Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. "Listen, Sarah, Harry, would yeh mind if I slipped off fer a pick-me-up in the Leaky Cauldron? I hate them Gringotts carts."
We both nodded as Hagrid headed off. Harry looked a little nervous as he entered Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, while I finally made my way to Flourish and Blotts.
The store was certainly less noisy than the rest of the street. Books lined the walls which made me smile. I took out my list and began to go through what I needed. From The Standard Book of Spells Grade 1, to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them. I had collected every pair of every book me and Harry would need. Except for one, The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection.
As I found the book in question. I was relieved when I saw two copies left. I reached for a copy, but to my annoyance another hand reached for the other copy. I looked up and a blonde boy around my age looked at me, and he smiled at me.
"Just enough for the both of us." He said, I shrugged.
"Indeed. "I replied. The boy looked at all of the books I had and laughed.
"We seem to both understand the joys of a good book." He said, he turned and showed me his bag which had also amassed quite a collection. At that my slight annoyance at the boy turned to into respect.
"Impressive, if only I had this many." I replied, and took out two copies of the same book. "I'm also shopping for my brother." I explained. At the revelation he frowned slightly.
"My apologies." He said, and held the book out for me. I shook my head.
"You got to it first, besides, I'm sure they have more in the back." I replied.
We both began making our way to the front desk.
"Anthony Goldstein." The boy introduced himself, holding out his hand for me to shake as we approached the front desk.
"Sarah Potter." I replied, and Anthony looked at me in awe and amazement.
"Sarah Potter, the Sarah Potter?" Anthony asked in surprise.
"The one and only." I replied. He shook my hand.
"A true honor, I mean I'd done the math. Everyone assumed you and your brother would..." Anthony's voice trailed off, then he looked back at me in excitement "...I'm a year mate of the Potters." Anthony said to himself in amazement.
"Please, I've had enough...people gushing over me and my brother." I said as I held up my hand. Anthony took a deep breath, and collected himself.
"Sorry, I shouldn't have done that." He replied sheepishly.
"It's fine." I assured him.
"It's just...I've read about you and your brother. I've never met people who've changed the world so much." He said, I shrugged.
"I didn't change the world. Harry did." I replied. Anthony took another deep breath and calmed himself. "By the way what books?" I asked.
"Modern Magical History, Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century, and...The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts. All fascinating." Anthony finished. I nodded to the employee as we finally reached the counter.
"Do you have another copy of The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection?" I asked, the man nodded and headed for a back room. I then turned to Anthony.
"Could you hold my spot? I want to get these books me and my brother are in." I asked. Anthony nodded.
"Of course."
I quickly found all the books Anthony had mentioned, and sure enough it mentioned the famed "Boy Who Lived" Harry Potter. I noticed I was only mentioned in passing, though I understood why. I went back up to the counter and added the books to my total. The shop keep arrived with the other copy of, The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection.
I payed for all my books, and moved to let Anthony pay for his. I began checking to make sure I had everything, and began looking through each book curiously.
"You'll be in Ravenclaw for sure." I looked up and Anthony was placing the last's of his books away. I looked at him confused.
"Ravenclaw?" I asked.
"One of the four houses of Hogwarts, here. This book will help." Anthony handed me a copy of Hogwarts a History. I took the book but looked at him confused. "I can tell by the way your looking at all those books that this is all new to you." Anthony told me.
"I figured out yesterday that I was magical, and supposedly me, and especially Harry, were famous." I replied as the both of us began walking to the door.
"Don't worry, you'll catch on." Anthony told me confidently.
"I hope so. Anyways, it's been a pleasure Anthony." I smiled at him. He nodded.
"Meet me on the train." Anthony said. Before I could ask what train he was talking about, he walked out of the store and disappeared into the crowd.
I found Hagrid and Harry sitting on a bench eating Ice cream. Harry was quiet, while Hagrid had a slightly guilty look on his face.
"I got yer some to...it was meltin...so I." Hagrid shrugged.
"It's fine Hagrid, in fact I'm in the best mood of my life." I said as I placed the books down next to them.
"You got you both all yer books?" Hagrid asked me.
"Yes, and a few other's that will help us understand this world." I replied. Hagrid nodded while Harry looked even more put off. Me and Hagrid exchanged glances.
"What's up?" asked Hagrid as he stood up.
"You okay?" I added, looking at Harry in concern.
"It's nothing." Harry replied. We made our way to a shop for Quills and Parchment. Harry seemed to cheer up when we found some ink that changed colors as you wrote. As we left the shop Harry finally spoke.
"Hagrid, what's Quidditch?" Harry asked suddenly.
"Blimey, I keep forgettin' how little yeh two know — not knowin' about Quidditch!" Hagrid replied.
"Don't make me feel worse," Replied Harry, then he went on about some pale faced boy he'd met in Madam Malkans.
As Harry explained what happened to him, I grew more and more glad that I managed to avoid the situation. Even if he had been a little to enthusiastic, Anthony still seemed miles better a first class mate to meet than this supposed pale boy.
"— and he said people from Muggle families shouldn't even be allowed in —" Harry continued.
"Yer not from a Muggle family. If he'd known who yeh were — he's grown up knowin' yer name if his parents are wizardin' folk. You saw what everyone in the Leaky Cauldron was like when they saw yeh. Anyway, what does he know about it, some o' the best I ever saw were the only ones with magic in 'em in a long line o' Muggles — look at yer mum! Look what she had fer a sister!" Hagrid reassured Harry.
"So what is Quidditch?" Harry again asked. I looked at Hagrid, curious as well.
"It's our sport. Wizard sport. It's like — like football in the Muggle world — everyone follows Quidditch — played up in the air on broomsticks and there's four balls — sorta hard ter explain the rules." Hagrid explained.
"And what are Slytherin and Hufflepuff?" Harry continued his barrage of questions.
"School houses. There's four. Everyone says Hufflepuff are a lot o' duffers, but —"
"I bet I'm in Hufflepuff," Harry replied gloomily.
"Better Hufflepuff than Slytherin," said Hagrid darkly. "There's not a single witch or wizard who went bad who wasn't in Slytherin. You-Know-Who was one."
"Vol-, sorry —You-Know-Who was at Hogwarts?" Harry asked stunned.
"Years an' years ago," replied Hagrid.
The dark mood of Voldemort going to Hogwarts hung in the air for a moment.
"Is Ravenclaw a house as well?" I asked curiously, trying to change the subject away from the monster who had killed our parents.
"Yes, how'd yeh figure out about that?" Hagrid asked me curiously.
"Someone in the book store said I'd be one." I replied shrugging. Hagrid laughed.
"Actually, from what I've seen, yer would make an great Ravenclaw. Now we've got plenty more shoppin to do."
We continued shopping for the next several hours. I did what Harry had done earlier and got my robes fitted, while Hagrid and Harry got our cauldrons, set of scales, and collapsible brass telescopes. We all met back up and headed for the Apothecary, which despite it's horrid smell, was still full of enough magical charm to appeal to us. Hagrid got us each a set of potion supplies, while we looked at different exotic ingredients.
Once we exited the Apothecary, Hagrid checked our list's.
"Just yer wands left — A yeah, an' I still haven't got yer birthday presents." Hagrid told us.
Harry began to go red, while I looked at the man in appreciation.
"You don't have to —" Harry said embarrassed.
"I know I don't have to. Tell yeh what, I'll get yer two animals. Not a toad, toads went outta fashion years ago, yeh'd both be laughed at — an' I don' like cats, they make me sneeze. I'll get yer two owls. All the kids want owls, they're dead useful, carry yer mail an' everythin'."
"Thank you Hagrid." I said as we began walking over to the Eeylops Owl Emporium.
"Don' mention it."
Twenty minutes later, both me and Harry had Owl's. Harry had gotten a large Snow Owl, which was sleeping in it's cage. While I had gotten a simallar sized Brown Owl. Who was quietly looking around curiously. Harry kept stuttering out thank you's, which reminded me of Professor Quirrell.
"Like I said, don' mention it," Hagrid said Gruffly. "Don' expect you've had a lotta presents from them Dursleys. Just Ollivanders left now — only place fer wands, Ollivanders, and yer two gotta have the best wands." Hagrid told us.
Both me and Harry looked at each other eagerly. From the little we knew, wands were the most important instrument for witches and wizards, so naturally me and Harry were both eager to get one. We made our way down the alley to a narrow and shabby looking shop. On the front door, in peeling gold letters were the words. "Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C" A dusty looking wand lay on a purple cushion in the window.
We entered the shop and a bell rang. Hagrid sat in a small chair in the corner of the room, which happened to be the only furniture in the shop. The shop featured thousands of narrow boxes all the way to the ceiling. I assumed said boxes held the wands.
"Good afternoon," A voice sounded. Both me and Harry jumped at the sudden noise. Hagrid did to as he quickly got to his feet.
An old man now stood in front of us. His wide pales eyes seemed to shine through the otherwise gloomy shop.
"Hello," said Harry awkwardly.
"Good afternoon." I added respectfully.
"Ah yes," he began. "Yes, yes. I thought I'd be seeing you two soon. Sarah Potter." He looked at me. "You look so much like your mother. It seems only yesterday she was in here herself, buying her first wand. Ten and a quarter inches long, swishy, made of willow. Nice wand for charm work."
Mr Ollivander moved slightly closer to us, then turned to Harry.
"And Harry Potter, you are almost the spitting image of your father. He favored a mahogany wand. Eleven inches. Pliable. A little more power and excellent for transfiguration. Well, I say your father favored it — it's really the wand that chooses the wizard, of course."
Mr. Ollivander was now so close that he and Harry were almost nose to nose. I looked at Hagrid who shrugged. This seemed to be normal practice for Ollivanders customers.
"And that's where…"
I gave a startled gasp as the man touched Harry's scar.
"I'm sorry to say I sold the wand that did it," he said softly. "Thirteen-and-a-half inches. Yew. Powerful wand, very powerful, and in the wrong hands… well, if I'd known what that wand was going out into the world to do…"
Mr Ollivander shook his head, then to both mine and Harry's relief, he spotted Hagrid.
"Rubeus! Rubeus Hagrid! How nice to see you again… Oak, sixteen inches, rather bendy, wasn't it?" Mr Ollivander asked Hagrid.
"It was, sir, yes," replied Hagrid.
"Good wand, that one. But I suppose they snapped it in half when you got expelled?" Mr. Ollivander said in a suddenly stern tone.
"Er — yes, they did, yes," said Hagrid, as he shuffled his feet. "I've still got the pieces, though," he added brightly.
"But you don't use them?" said Mr. Ollivander sharply.
"Oh, no, sir," said Hagrid quickly. Both me and Harry noticed Hagrid's grip on his pink Umbrella tighten.
"Hmmm," said Mr. Ollivander, giving Hagrid a piercing look. "Well, now — Mr. Potter. Miss Potter. Let me see." He pulled a long tape measure with silver markings out of his pocket. And looked between us.
"Ladies first." Harry offered. I nodded as Ollivander turned his full attention to me.
"Which is your wand arm?" Ollivander asked me.
"I guess my right." I replied, a little unsure.
"Hold out your arm." Ollivander told me. I did so. "That's it."
Ollivander began measuring me from shoulder to finger, then wrist to elbow, shoulder to floor, knee to armpit and round the head. All the while still talking.
"Every Ollivander wand has a core of a powerful magical substance, Miss Potter. We use unicorn hairs, phoenix tail feathers, and the heartstrings of dragons. No two Ollivander wands are the same, just as no two unicorns, dragons, or phoenixes are quite the same. And of course, you will never get such good results with another wizard's wand."
As Mr Ollivander was explaining wands, I noticed that he was no longer measuring me. The tape measuring continued by itself. He began to get down box after box from the shelves.
"Enough." He said, and the measuring ceased. Ollivander then approached me with a wand.
"Miss Potter. Give this one a try. Cedar and Unicorn Hair. Ten inches. Somewhat flexible. Just give it a whirl."
It seemed as soon as I took it, Ollivander had already swiped it away. Then handed me another English Oak, Dragon Heart String, Eleven Inches, and Springy. Though that also was taken quickly. Finally after my third try Ollivander pulled out another wand...
"Black Walnut and Dragon Heart String, Nine Inches. Solid." He handed it to me. It felt...right. I lifted it up and a couple sparks came out the end of it. Ollivander looked pleased.
"There it is. Indeed, like I said the wand chooses."
"Thank you sir." I said looking at my wand in amazement. I then handed it back to Ollivander who placed it back inside it's box and set it aside. I went and stood by Hagrid who gave me a thumbs up. Ollivander then turned his full attention to Harry, who still looked very nervous.
Harry began going through the same process I had just gone through. The tape measure, and Ollivander getting multiple wands ready for him.
"That will do," Ollivander eventually said to the instrument. And, much like with me, it stopped instantly.
"Right then, Mr. Potter. Try this one. Beechwood and dragon heartstring. Nine inches. Nice and flexible. just take it and give it a wave."
Harry took the wand, and tried to wave it. But Ollivander snatched it instantly.
"Maple and phoenix feather. Seven inches. Quite whippy. Try —"
Again it was taken.
"No, no — here, ebony and unicorn hair, eight and a half inches, springy. Go on, go on, try it out."
Harry tried, and tried, then tried again. But the wands kept piling up. Harry looked discouraged, while Mr. Ollivander seemed to be...happy?
"Tricky customer, eh? Not to worry, we'll find the perfect match here somewhere — I wonder, now — yes, why not — unusual combination — holly and phoenix feather, eleven inches, nice and supple."
Harry took the wand, and this time Ollivander didn't instantly snatch it from him. Harry raised the wand and red and gold sparks came flying out. Ollivander looked overjoyed, while Harry looked relieved.
"Oh, bravo! Yes, indeed, oh, very good. Well, well, well… how curious… how very curious…"
As he placed the wand back into it's box, Ollivander was still muttering.
"Curious…curious…"
"Sorry," began Harry, "but what's curious?"
"I remember every wand I've ever sold, Mr. Potter. Every single wand. It so happens that the phoenix whose tail feather is in your wand, gave another feather — just one other. It is very curious indeed that you should be destined for this wand when its brother — why, its brother gave you that scar."
I looked at Harry's wand's box with a mix of fascination and terror. What did that mean? I took a deep breath, while Harry swallowed.
"Yes, thirteen-and-a-half inches. Yew. Curious indeed how these things happen. The wand chooses the wizard, remember… I think we must expect great things from you, Mr. Potter… After all, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named did great things — terrible, yes, but great."
Harry shivered. I looked to Hagrid, but he seemed to be more concerned with keeping our Owl's comfortable, than listening to all this. We each payed seven Gallons, Mr Ollivander bowed, and we departed. All the way through Diagon Alley, through the wall, the now Empty Leakey Cauldron, through the staring streets of London, and finally to Paddington station. All the way me and Hagrid talked about minor magical topics, while Harry was silent all the way to the station.
"Got time fer a bite to eat before yer train leaves," Hagrid told us.
As we ate Harry remained silent, but kept looking around. Me and Hagrid exchanged glances.
"You all right, Harry? Yer very quiet," asked Hagrid.
"We only have to be at the Dursley's for another month." I added, trying to cheer him up the best I could.
"It's not that." Harry said, trying to find the right words. "Everyone thinks I'm special," he said at last. "All those people in the Leaky Cauldron, Professor Quirrell, Mr. Ollivander… but I don't know anything about magic at all. How can they expect great things? I'm famous and I can't even remember what I'm famous for. I don't know what happened when Vol-, sorry — I mean, the night our parents died."
Hagrid leaned across the table towards Harry, his kind eyes shining behind his beard and eyebrows.
"Don' you worry, Harry. You'll learn fast enough. Everyone starts at the beginning at Hogwarts, you'll be just fine. Just be yerself. I know it's hard. Yeh've been singled out, an' that's always hard. But yeh'll have a great time at Hogwarts — I did — still do, 'smatter of fact."
"And don't forget. You're not alone. Where in this together." I added reassuringly.
Harry gave us both a small smile. Hagrid then helped us onto our train that would return us to the Dursley's. Then handed us both an envelope.
"Yer tickets fer Hogwarts, " he said. "First o' September — King's Cross — it's all on yer ticket. Any problems with the Dursleys, send me a letter with one of yer owls, they'll know where to find me… . See yeh both soon."
The train began to pull out, both of us tried to watch Hagrid until we left. But by the time we were looking, he was gone.