Yippee more characters
Admittedly, I was too shocked to even speak the first five minutes. Diagon Alley looked like something straight out a fantasy book, not that I’d ever read one to completion. I did rather enjoy the maps on the first few pages though.
There were stereotypical wizards and witches everywhere. It was an entirely different world than the one just outside the pub. There were a bunch of weirdly named shops with weird stuff inside, I even saw a broom shop, like to fly, that’s absolutely insane. Well, it’d be cooler if I could actually use it. That cause me to full on stop. If I was in the past… did that mean I could go into the sky without worry of being stroked down? I stared at the brooms, imagining how much I’d be able to brag, especially to the Stoll twins.
I was pulled out of my thoughts by Severus, who began pulling me along.
“We have things to do, keep up.”
I rolled my eyes, not at risk of being seen, before muttering a small “okay”
“I’ll simply be leading you to the shops, it will be up to you to find and buy your supplies, you have to learn to be at least a bit independent as a muggleborn.” He said, weaving through the crowd smoothly as I struggled to keep up. “Curse this stupid child’s body,” I muttered under my breath. We arrived at a shop Amanuensis Quills
I suddenly frowned. I didn’t have any money, like at all, how was I supposed to pay? I stopped him, gripping his sleeve tightly.
“I don’t have money,” He shot me a confused look, before he let out a sigh.
“That’s on me, I forgot to mention that because of your status as muggleborn, for your first Hogwarts year all expenses will be covered by the school, apologies,” And with that, he walked into the shop. Huh, am I going crazy or was that the nicest he’s been all day? Oh well.
Inside the shop was, to put it simply, old fashioned. Actually, as we were walking through diagon alley, I noticed that everything was extremely old fashioned, even for the 90’s.
“You need quills, parchment paper, and ink. No other methods of writing are accepted, and on papers hand writing is taken into account for the grade.” He said, though he was clearly mildly annoyed at the first statement. I frowned too.
“Why not just use pens? And while we’re on it why is everything here so old fashioned?” I asked, poking his arm. He shot me an annoyed glare.
“You’re ridiculously judgmental, most kids are too awed to be that observant,” He snarked. I grinned
“Most kids throw up the first time apparating,” I shot back. He looked slightly shocked for no more than half a second, before his face returned back to that smooth, blank facade.
“You’d do well to remember that you’re in an unfamiliar world. Don’t be arrogant.” He said plainly, before beginning to explain, “Technology goes haywire whenever it’s near magic, and magic gets awefully attracted to technology when it’s near. At Hogwarts, the closest piece of electrical technology is at Hogsmeade, you’ll know more of that later,” I sighed. That still didn’t explain why everything was so old fashioned though…
Severus glanced at me, before also letting out a loud sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose.
“Wizards are just like that, any sort of advancement is discouraged, don’t ask, I despise it as well. Now hurry up, we have a list to get through,” I decided to drop the topic, instead looking over the rows and rows of bottled ink, quills and on the other end of the store, parchment. I grimaced. Why were there so many? I looked at the prices and- okay yeah the currency was totally different what the hell. I shot the man a glare, and he simply stood there with his arms crossed. With a huff, I walked up to the front desk.
“What’s the cheapest inks, quills, and parchments that you sell?” I asked. The clerk gave me an amused glance, glanced over at Severus, then back at me.
“American? Shopping for Hogwarts supplies? If so, I recommend these,” he pulled a set from below the desk, opening it and pushing it towards me. I decided to ignore his ‘American’ comment. “It’s not the cheapest, but it’s not too expensive either so you don’t have to worry about your father getting mad at you.” She said kindly, gesturing at- Severus? I gaped, he was looking over the inks with a scowl, as if they had personally offended him. I turned back to her and grinned.
“Oh yes of course. My dad says I need to be more independent and almost made me go shopping all by myself. I’m truly lucky he decided to at least accompany me,” I said loudly, catching his attention. The look on his face when he realized I was talking about him was priceless, and absolutely worth whatever consequences came afterwards.
The clerk gave me a sympathetic nod.
“I understand sweetie, of course if that’s the case, I can absolutely discount the set to only 25 knuts instead of a sickle.” I shot her my best totally-thankful-innocent look, before turning to a fuming Severus.
“Dad, could you please pay for it, just this once?” I resisted the urge to burst out laughing as he payed the clerk. He gripped my wrist, dragging me out the store.
“Don’t ever do that again you insolent child,” he snarled, sending me a scathing glare. I bit my lip.
“Hey, I got us a discount, that’s gotta count for something?” I said, biting down a smile. He pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering something that sounded suspiciously like “I hate children” before turning back to me.
“All expenses are covered by the school you rat,”
“But Severus-“
“It’s professor Snape to you,”
I let out a huff. “Professor Snape, I have no idea how wizard currency works, you have to tell me,” I smoothly changed the subject. As much I enjoyed messing with people, I should probably tone it down if this guys was gonna be my future teacher…
Professor Snape sent me one last glare, before launching into a short explanation on how wizard currency works. Since I’m not a liar, (atleast not to myself) I’ll admit that he completely lost me when he began talking of British pounds.
“Yeah okay, I got it,” A total lie, “where are we going next?” I asked, desperate to stop the math talk.
“Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions is right next door, we’ll head there next.” I glanced down at my list, face going pale. I had to wear one of those ridiculous wizard hats?
Hecate you better not make me wear this
I prayed. I glared at the robes store warily. If it was anything like the robes of those bustling around, this might not be too bad. I still was not going to wear a wizard hat though. We walked in, but it seemed something else outside caught his eye.
He dropped a small sack of coins into my hands.
“Do Not lose this, I’ll be right back,” He said, walking out the door of the shop. Great, just what I needed. My tour guide gone, I glanced around, catching the attention of a kind looking lady.
“Hello dear, are you a Hogwarts student as well? Come on over here, I have another one waiting right over there,” she said, voice incredibly sweet. I found myself getting mildly attached already.
“Thank you miss, where should I wait?” I asked as politely as I could, despite how awkward I sounded and felt. My eyes narrowed in suspicion, though. Why was she looking at me like that?
“Oh dear! Are you American by any chance?” She asked. Dam, well that explained it. And why did people keep calling me out on it?
“Was it that obvious?” I asked with a wince. She gave me another sweet smile before responding. “Don’t you worry about it dear. Go stand over here, next to that young man, I’ll be with you shortly.” I walked over to where she gestured. Another boy was standing on the stool next to mine. He had slicked back blonde hair and pale skin, from what I could see.
“You’re supposed to stand on it,” he said in a ridiculously posh British accent.
“I’ll stand when she gets back,” I said turning to look at him when- whoa. I gaped. He looked exactly like a younger, gender-bent version of Annabeth.
“Cat’s caught your tongue? Why are you staring at me like that?” Fancy British boy asked stiffly. Being the totally super (not) eloquent person that I am, I totally did not (did) make a fool out of myself.
“You have very grey eyes,” I blurted, immediately feeling heat rush to my face. Blonde boy looked incredulous for exactly two seconds before he burst out into startled laughter.
“Okay? And you have green eyes?” Blondie managed out between fits of laughter. I felt heat rush to my face. This was ridiculously embarrassing, where was Severus anyway?
“Hah, are you also going to Hogwarts?” The boy finally asked, giving me and amused look. I nod, not entirely trusting myself to not say something embarrassing.
“My father’s next door buying books and my mother’s up the street looking at wands,” Blondie drawled, faking boredom. “Then i'm going to drag them off to look at the racing brooms. I don’t see why first years can’t have their own, I think I’ll bully father into getting me one and smuggle it in, have you got your own broom?”
I blinked, having barely caught what he’d said. “You speak very fast, I think I’m going to go buy my books after I get my robes. And no, I don’t have my own broom.” I said slowly. This kid seemed like one of those entitled rich people who think the world belongs to them. Oh well, if we’re going to the same school then maybe…
“Haven’t you got your parents to go get your things for you?” The boy asked, seeming genuinely curious but hiding it behind his bored facade.
“Hey, at least tell me your name first,” I say with a small laugh, avoiding the topic. He doesn’t get to respond, because madam Malkin comes back with another boy. I do a double take at the sight. He was unruly black hair and emerald green eyes. I would’ve though we were related were in not for the different features between the two.
“Sit here dear, I’ll be right with you,” she said, before going off to do who knows what. I sighed, silently cursing Snape for leaving me here. This was too much social interaction for one day.
.
.
.
.
I silently cursed Hagrid for leaving me here. There were two boys already getting their robes fitted, and worse, they seemed to already know each other. Were they friends? I hated the feeling of self consciousness that creeped into my skin and settled as if it were its home. Madam Malkin came back a few seconds later, another one in hand. She began pinning it to the right length.
“I’m assuming you’re also going to Hogwarts?” The black haired boy said. I noticed he had an accent, though I couldn’t quite place where it was from.
“Yes,” I replied. I mentally cringed at the boring response. The boy just nodded. The other boy, pale with blonde hair, looks some up and down.
“Do you have a racing broom? Or play quidditch?” He asked in a drawling, bored tone. Next to me the black haired boy sighed .
“You’re quite obsessed with racing brooms aren’t you? Don’t mind him, I don’t even know his name yet,” He said, voice teasing. The blonde boy rolled his eyes.
“Draco Malfoy, what about you two?” He said despite the attitude.
“Percy Jackson,” the other responded.
“Uh- Harry Potter,” I said. The reactions between the two varied drastically. Jackson simply nodded, lifting his arms so that Madam Malkin could adjust the robes. Malfoy, on the other hand, looked incredibly shocked.
“You’re Harry Potter!?” He exclaimed, eyes searching his forehead. “Does that mean you have the scar from- you know who?” He hopped off his stool, having his robes already finished, but he didn’t leave. I stared at him blankly. I did not know who. Jackson also wore a look of confusion. He turned to stare at me, before realization filled his face.
“Oh! You’re that guy! Cool,” he said simply as madam Malkin finished up his robes. Malfoy gaped at him.
“He defeated the dark lord and all you have to say is cool!?” He hissed, eyes still wide. Jackson shrugged. “He’s still a kid. No need to treat him like a celebrity.” He turned to look at me with startlingly understanding eyes. “It makes you uncomfortable doesn’t it?” I nodded, way too embarrassed to talk much. Malfoy shifted, a sliver of guilt poking through before it was gone as soon as it came.
“Oh I’m sorry..” he said, voice strained as if he weren’t used to apologizing. I gave him a small smile.
“Uh, it’s fine. Just I don’t really know what everyone is talking about. I don’t who this person I supposedly defeated is.” They both looked at me curiously.
“Huh, that’s odd. Even I know and I just found out about this world today,” Jackson murmured.
“Huh, I just found out yesterday,” I responded. Malfoy was quiet for a second.
“You guys are mud- muggleborns?” He asked hesitantly. Great. Another term I didn’t know. Jackson knew of course.
“Huh, yeah I am.” He glanced at me, “muggleborn means that both your parents don’t have magic,” I gave him a great full look.
“I actually just found out recently that both my parents were wizards, I never knew them though…” I trailed off. Was I over sharing? By now all of us had our robes and had payed, yet we still lingered. Jackson patted my shoulder sympathetically. Malfoy simply nodded.
“Right, they passed during the first war right?” He said. I frowned. I didn’t know that. Jackson shot me an unbearably gentle look.
“Hey, we can talk about something else. Let’s go find our guardians yeah?” He said kindly. It was weird, to have that sort of caring look pointed at me. I nodded regardless. I peaked out the window. Hagrid was back yet… I noticed Jackson do the same, and I saw him frown slightly. Malfoy seemed to pick up on both of us looking out.
“There’s a food shop right across the street, my parents told me to meet them there, you guys can wait with us…” he drifted off, looking paler than usual.
“Are you okay? You seem… pale…” I asked, placing a hand on his shoulder. People did that to comfort their friends right? Could we be considered friends? I mean we were about to meet his parents, so…
He snorted. “Pretty sure that’s just my complexion,” he said, shaking his head, “so? Yes or no?” Me and Jackson shared a look.
“Yeah sure, got nothing better to do,” Jackson said with a casual shrug. I nodded along. I’d much rather wait with possible friends than alone. Malfoy let out a small sigh, before leading us out. I couldn’t help but smile slightly as Malfoy and Jackson started bantering lightheartedly. It was nice. If this was what friends were like then maybe, Hogwarts wouldn’t be too bad, even if he ended up a bit behind.