Diagon Alley
Snapping her torso to be in an upright position, Y/N woke up in a cold sweat and frantically felt all around her, making sure to identify every specific detail of each thing she felt to ensure she wasn’t in another dream sequence. Starting with her face, Y/N roughly felt around her eyebrows, then her eyelids, her nose and to her mouth, and lastly felt her cheeks. Moving onto feeling around her, Y/N felt her soft, plush pillows, squishing them for good measure. Next, she felt the wool comforter that lay atop her legs, peeling it away from her sweaty body, Y/N swung her legs to the edge of her bed, sliding her slippers on and standing up groggily still astonished at whatever she witnessed in her dream, she stretched and peeked through her curtains, seeing the sun starting to rise above the horizon.
At this point, everything felt like a fever dream to Y/N. From finding out that magic was real and that she was a witch, to that weird dream that felt like a memory, Y/N was ready to assume this was a dream too—despite her subconscious telling her it definitely wasn’t. Sighing, Y/N slipped on her robe. Wiping sweat off of her forehead, Y/N slipped out of her room quietly and walked down the hall. Taking a small gander into her mother’s room, “Asleep, good” Y/N sighs in relief to herself as she watches her mother’s snoring form. Creeping away from the door and slowly closing it to make sure it doesn’t creak, Y/N tip-toes down the stairs, paying attention to where she steps to ensure she doesn’t fall.
Once she reaches the bottom of the stairs, Y/N quietly walks to the kitchen and fixes herself a glass of milk. Walking to the patio door while taking a sip of her milk, Y/N slides the door open and shivers at the light breeze that grazes her exposed skin. Taking a deep breath and exhaling, Y/N sees the fog that her breath creates in the cold morning air. Shivering yet again, Y/N decides that she should wash her now empty glass and get ready for the day. Once again walking on the stairs, this time going up, Y/N rushes to her room to prepare for a shower after finally remembering that she had to go to Diagon Alley today.
After her shower, Y/N slid on a green and hot pink horizontal striped oversized sweater and denim overalls with white socks and a blossom bucket hat. Brushing her teeth, Y/N thought back to what happened in her dream and decided to break down in her mind exactly what had happened the previous day that might have caused such unusual, memory-like dreams. After creating a step by step in her mind, Y/N realised that nothing with the day’s events and the dreams correlated. Frustrated at the revelation, Y/N aggressively hit the marble counter of her bathroom with her hand and quickly spat her toothpaste out. She took a few deep breaths and composed herself after remembering she could wake her mother if she allowed her frustrations to get the best of her. Sighing, Y/N washed her mouth out with water and mouthwash and moved onto her hair. Teasing it in the front and slightly on the sides, Y/N parted her hair and twisted each respective part up into messy space buns, leaving out the curled, teased fringe to create a feminine look. Y/N walked to her room and started to pack her trunk in advance for the trip to Hogwarts, making sure to check every item was where it was supposed to be and how many of each item was there, making a mental checklist and putting a red line through each item she counted.
Later that morning, at around nine o’clock, Y/N and her mother heard a knock at the door. Lorely gave Y/N a look that said ‘That’s her, it's McGonagall, prepare yourself.’ Opening the door and politely greeting McGonagall, Lorely led her to where they had discussed things the previous day.
“Good Morning,” McGonagall said, looking from one of the girls to the other, “Are you both ready?” Y/N looked at her mother before nodding at McGonagall.
Verbalising what Y/N was signalling, Lorely said, “Yes, we are.” After making sure her wallet was in her pocket with her ID and money.
“Very well, let’s get going, grab my hand, both of you. We have no time to waste!” McGonagall replied, swiftly nodding her head at them and reaching her hands in each of their directions. As soon as McGonagall got ahold of Y/N and Lorely’s hands she apparated to the Leaky Cauldron. Y/N and Lorely felt nauseous from whatever McGonagall had done, but something felt strange to Y/N, she recognized the feeling, as it had felt like the exact same feeling she had gotten at the end of her ‘dream’ last night. The feeling was so familiar, though she had never felt it before last night’s dream, which was confusing to Y/N, seeing as she had never experienced magic before—at least to her knowledge.
Clearing her throat, Y/N spoke to McGonagall “Uh—McGonagall? Are we supposed to feel like we were just torn apart and put back together? ‘Cause, if I’m going to be one-hundred percent honest, that was the worst, most god–awful experience I have ever—well—experienced!”
McGonagall chuckled and shook her head in amusement with a small smirk and answering Y/N's question “It normally feels like that the first time you apparate—which is what that’s called—and most people say their first experience apparating was horrid.” McGonagall continued to chuckled for a few more seconds before composing herself and clearing her throat, “Back to business, follow me into the Leaky Cauldron.” She said with a sudden stern voice and expression—which, to be honest, looked more like a constipated face to Y/N.
Confused, Lorely looked to Y/N for reassurance that she wasn’t crazy, but that is was McGonagall that had gone mad, but Y/N looked astonished at what she was seeing, which in itself astonished Lorely; how could one be so infatuated with an abandoned building? It was so utterly puzzling to Lorely. “McGonagall, where is the Leaky Cauldron? All I see is an abandoned building?” She asked, so baffled at the thought of this abandoned building being the hub for wizards from all around the London area.
Turning to Lorely, McGonagall looked as if she had a sudden realisation, as if she had forgotten to mention something to Lorely and Y/N—more-so that she forgot to mention something to Lorely, as she didn’t seem too concerned with Y/N and explaining things to her. “Ah, right, I forgot to mention a crucial detail to you, Ms. HalleWell, I sincerely apologise. You see, the Leaky Cauldron looks like a run–down, creaky, abandoned, old building to Muggles, but to us witches and wizards it looks like, well, the Leaky Cauldron. Once we step inside you’ll see what I mean, come on now, no better time than now!” McGonagall explained to Lorely with a sympathetic expression that turned to a look of elation—looking as if she was ecstatic at the thought of being the first person to introduce a Muggle to the place every witch and wizard starts their learning journey.
Understanding McGonagall and telling her it was completely fine that she missed such a Lilliputian detail, Lorely complied with McGonagall’s request and followed her into the building, suddenly feeling as if she was going through a barrier of magic, Lorely’s eyes suddenly felt clearer and her mind seemed as if it was finally unfogged; she could finally see what McGonagall meant when speaking of the Leaky Cauldron. The interior of the Leaky Cauldron was of a mediaeval tavern, being creaky on the inside and almost purely made of wood, but it felt comforting and welcoming, as if she was being hugged by the sweet smell of hot cocoa mixing with the smell of a sugary substance that looked like root–beer. The fireplace crackled with fresh wood and the light chatter of the occupants scattered around. The bartender seemed to notice McGonagall and her company, he smiled tenderly and greeted McGonagall with a nod instead of a wave, as he seemed to be drying a beer cup. “Minerva! It’s so good to see you, how have you been?” The bartender said, “We haven’t talked in a hot minute!”
Giving a small smile to the bartender, McGonagall gingerly said “I would love to chat, Daniel, I really would, but I’m on strict Hogwarts business as of right now, maybe next time?” Being careful with her words as to not upset Daniel the bartender or use the wrong tone and sound rude, McGonagall smiled once again and gave a small nod in the direction of Lorely and Y/N, prompting them to wave to Daniel.
Grateful that McGonagall hadn’t dismissed him as many others had; Daniel gave a big grin along with a ‘good–luck!’ and a warm laugh, this time waving to the three girls as they passed by him. Ushering them down the hall, McGonagall opened a door for Y/N and Lorely, but they seemed puzzled when all they saw was a raggedy brick wall.
Once again, McGonagall explained things of the wizarding world to Y/N and Lorely, more–so directing the explanation to Y/N , as this was her main world now. “To get into Diagon Alley you must tap these three bricks in this order,” she said as she tapped three bricks in a way that formed the top of a 2D diamond, “then, you wait for the wall to part for you.”
Y/N got extremely excited and antsy as she waited to see Diagon Alley for the first time—everything felt so magical—Y/N felt as if her heart was going to explode with how fast it was racing, from anxiety or excitement? She didn’t know. Finally being able to see the alley full of many wizards and witches alike, all bumbling around to get the supplies they need or rushing to find their children’s hands as they could get lost in the tight, packed space. The magic that Y/N had caught just a small glimpse of caused her heartbeat to speed up, each pound in her chest caused it constrict more, the feeling in her chest—that she now knew was most definitely excitement—made it seem like it was about to burst open, she was internally squealing with delight at the thought of this new world—away from her previous boring Muggle life. Once Diagon Alley was in full view Y/N finally fully experienced magic, she now knew what it felt like to feel so impossibly warm in the heart, body, and mind—everything felt like it wasn’t real, but she knew better than to doubt everything that she saw, now. Stepping into the alley felt like she had just walked through a magical doorway that relieved her of all her problems, a weight felt like it had lifted off of her shoulder. Diagon alley was full of chatter, after glancing around Y/N just knew she was going to love being a witch, so much so it made her eyes sparkle. She gasped at the sight of an owl, “McGonagall! It’s an owl! I thought they were nocturnal creatures?”
Chuckling McGonagall responds, “In nature they are, but here in the wizarding world they are owned as pets or used to mail post.” She said, answering Y/N’s question diligently. “First stop on our list is Gringotts Wizarding Bank, I’ll have you know that it is the safest place to store money in the whole world” McGonagall said with a delighted smirk.
“But—McGonagall, I have no money.” Y/N said and she slumped down where she was standing, bummed she might not be able to do as much as she hoped she would.
McGonagall tutted at her, “Worry not, child. I’m sure we could figure something out.” She said, lighting a spark of hope in Y/N as she fixed her posture from the slumped position and looked at McGonagall expectantly.
Y/N’s mother interrupted McGonagall as she was about to speak and said, “Actually, I brought my wallet with me, would that be of any help, McGonagall?” she looked at McGonagall with hopeful eyes.
“Actually, yes, it would.” Said McGonagall as she proceeded to explain the money exchanging system to Y/N and her mother, and moving on to telling them that goblins worked in Gringotts and that they were strict with their policies.
Y/N looked around the entrance of the bank and noticed a sign that appeared to be a poem to advise thieves against—well—theft. The sign said, “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.” This sign—though she wouldn’t have even thought of stealing—definitely deterred any fragment of a thought she possibly could’ve had of stealing. Following McGonagall’s lead, Y/N along with her mother and the professor entered the bank, and, upon entry, Y/N noticed that McGonagall was in fact telling the truth; there were only goblins working in Gringotts—as far as she could see, at least. Y/N looked around and paid the most attention to the fancy chandeliers and the goblin at the front desk. The goblin looked extremely unfriendly, as did every other goblin she saw, and it seemed as if he would glare at anyone who even dared to enter the bank.
“Uh, McGonagall, how do I get money from a bank I have no account in?” Y/N awkwardly asked McGonagall as they reached the front desk.
Looking down at Y/N, McGonagall said “Don’t worry me and your mother will handle it, we’re going to open an account in your name and get you some money to start your school supply shopping.”
Y/N nodded and zoned out until the interaction in the bank was over and it was time to get started with shopping, thinking only of how much her feet hurt from standing and how hungry she was. To her, the interaction was over in the blink of an eye, but, in reality, it took around an hour to exchange a good amount of muggle money for coins and set up an account at Gringotts in Y/N’s name.
“Y/N,” Lorely whispered to Y/N, beckoning her to leave with McGonagall to the first store while she stopped at a store to buy a birthday present for Y/N—a little extra present with a wizarding twist. Y/N nodded and left with McGonagall, the walk to the first shop silent.
When they reached the store, Y/N looked up and read the sign, ‘Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions’, ‘huh’ she thought as she processed the information in her head. It dawned on her as McGonagall lightly pushed her into the shop and spoke with the clerk, Hogwarts had a uniform and she needed to get fitted for one. An old lady pushed Y/N into the fitting room and started to measure her. To Y/N, this was annoying and ticklish ’what point is there in measuring for specialised robes? The only special thing about them is that they cost more! This is awfully boring, I wonder how long this will take’ Y/N continued to think to herself, zoning out once again and imagining all the sweets she would eat once she got home, but this time she was interrupted by an annoyingly loud and grating voice saying “Don’t you know that all sweets are a death wish? One spoonful of sugar could end it all!”
Immediately being snapped out of her thoughts, Y/N jerked her head around to look for whoever had said such a senseless thing. “Stop moving, whatever or whoever you’re looking for isn’t around!” The old lady who was measuring her said.
Her eyes widening in shock once she realised no one around had said that; that whatever she had heard was all in her head, causing her to believe she was starting to go mental, that is, until she connected that grating voice to the one that belonged to Riddle’s Mother in last night’s dream. Y/N shook her head and told herself that she would investigate it later, and she apologised to the old woman, “Sorry, ma’am. I thought I heard you say something.”
“Never mind that, you’re all done, off you pop!” The old lady said with a hasty voice as she ushered Y/N out the door with her newly tailored robes and the rest of the articles of clothing on the list. Y/N quickly walked out of the robe shop and saw McGonagall waiting outside the shop, and with a wave of her wand, Y/N’s clothes poofed out of existence, or maybe they just teleported away, who knows?
“Well, your mother and I already have everything else that you need, now you just need to get your wand and you can be on your way home!” McGonagall said as she led Y/N to Ollivanders. Y/N opened the door to the shop and the floorboards creaked under her as she walked to where the desk was, taking in the sight around her. Tons of shelves had boxes that looked as if a quill belonged in them and were stocked from bottom to top, with few spaces left empty.
“Ah, Y/N HalleWell, I have been waiting for the day you came in.” An extremely old looking man with white crazy hair said, his glass like grey eyes staring into what seemed to be Y/N’s soul.
“How did you—“Y/N tried to speak, stuttering with wide eyes, but was interrupted
“I know every wizard that has come through this store and every wizard that will come through. I have been increasingly interested in your arrival.” The old man said as he rummaged through his drawer and pulled a measuring tape out.
“Why were you—you interested in my arrival? I’m just—well— I’m just a muggle–born, there’s nothing special about me...” Y/N sputtered out, surprised anyone—that wasn’t her mother—would anticipate her arrival anywhere.
“You have a special aura,” He chuckled as he waved his wand and the measuring tape came alive, “What is your wand arm?” the old man asked.
“I don’t know,” Y/N said dumbfounded, “I’m _____ handed, though.” She timidly said following her previous confusion. The measuring tape measured her wand arm and it snapped back to the old man once it was done. “Sir—“Y/N tried to speak, but once again found herself being interrupted.
“Call me Ollivander, Ms. HalleWell. Here, try this, it is an Alder wood, 7 ½ inch, slightly springy wand with a unicorn hair core.” Ollivander said as he handed her a stick, “Go on, give it a wave.”
Y/N listened, and waved the wand, only for chaos to ensue. A flower pot broke and the water splashed everywhere. Widening her eyes, Y/N quickly put the wand in Ollivanders desk and quickly returned her hands in front of her torso and connected her hands together. Shrugging it off and waving his own wand, repairing the vase and returning everything to how it was a few seconds ago, he tutted and pulled a different box off the shelf behind him and said, “Try this one instead, it has a unicorn hair core, is made of Hawthorn wood, 13 inches and it is of supple flexibility.” Y/N waved the wand Ollivander had just handed her, and this time tons of wand boxes went flying off the shelves, and she ducked out of the way of some, as did Ollivander. “Perhaps not.” Ollivander said under his breath as she went into the back and searched for a different wand after Y/N returned the Hawthorn one.
After trying multiples of wands ranging from whippy in flexibility, to unbending, from Rosewood to Apple wood, and ranged in length from 6 inches to 15, nothing fit Y/N; no wand picked her. “Strange.” Ollivander signed out, and on a last ditch effort, grabbed a red box with gold decorations off of a shelf way in the back of his shop and came back to Y/N. Presenting it to her, Ollivander carefully handed the wand to her. With a flick, gold light shone upon Y/N as glitter sparked and flew from the wand and it created pictures of blossoms falling from a cherry tree. Ollivander grinned, “Now I understand, your peculiar aura seems to attract peculiar things. That wand has rejected every holder I have tried to present it to. Cherry wood with a dragon heartstring core, very powerful and creates peculiar magic indeed. This wand seems to believe you have a brilliant strength of mind, and I no doubt agree. It is 12 ¾ inches and is fairly bendy.” Ollivander said.
Y/N nodded as she inspected the gorgeous wand, she turned it in her hand once or twice before returning it to the box cautiously and making sure to hold the box with care. Paying Ollivander the 7 Galleons, Y/N waved goodbye and thanked him as she exited the shop. Jumping in surprise as her mother was right there, Y/N almost dropped the box, and her heart rate jumped as she caught it just before it got rattled too much. Glaring up at her mother, Y/N was about to reprimand her before noticing the black cat in her mother’s hand. Y/N’s gaze softened at the sight of the adorable kitty and her heart melted as it mewed. “Awww, it’s so cute!” Y/N exclaimed as she made goo–goo eyes at the loveable feline.
Laughing at Y/N’s reaction, Lorely handed the kitten to Y/N and put the wand box safely in her tote bag. “Come on, I’m tired and hungry, let’s stay the night at the Leaky Cauldron and we can go home tomorrow, sound good?” Lorely said as she yawned and looked up at the sky that had started to turn a gorgeous creamsicle orange mixed with the white clouds. Y/N yawned in response and they headed back to the inn.
After eating dinner and paying for a room, Y/N and her mother walked to their respective beds in their room and crashed, the kitten Y/N’s mother had gotten her—which she named Kit—cuddled up to her as she dozed off and licked itself as she dreamed; tonight she was dreaming of what Hogwarts would be like, thoughts of last night’s nightmare pushed to the far back of her subconscious.