Diagon Alley
I woke up to the sound of rain and the ocean crashing on the beach, my cat snuggled beside me, under the warmth of my white covers, my blonde hair splayed across my fluffy pillows. I could hear the faint sound of pots and pans clanging downstairs, signifying that my dad was up and making breakfast. I stretched my arms over my head as I rolled out of bed, my shoulders giving a satisfying pop as I stood. I pulled a cream sweater on over my pajamas and put a pair of wooly socks on my cold feet, and made my desert down the stairs. I could hear the fire crackling in the hearth as I passed through the living room, upon entering the kitchen I saw my dad standing at the stovetop, removing the bacon from the skillet, and placing it onto a spare plate, it was only as he turned around did he realize I was there, jumping slightly.
"Jeez hon, make a noise or something next time! You're like a mouse." He says bringing his hand up to his chest as if he was checking his heart rate after his "scare" I released a giggle and playfully rolled my eyes.
"You're very dramatic you know," I state, leaving no room for argument. He scoffs as he pours me a cup of tea, placing it in front of me.
"Maybe I am, but seriously, one of these days you're going to give me a heart attack. Maybe we should pick you up a bell while we're at Diagon Alley." He debates as he takes a sip of coffee, his gray eyes peeking over the rim of his mug.
"Very funny."
"I know. Perhaps I should quit my job, become a comedian." He jests.
I scoff at the thought "oh yeah, dear old grandmother would LOVE that."
"Well she's the one who sold my soul to the devil, so I think she owes me at this point." He states lightly as he rubs the left forearm, suddenly lost in thought. I look down into my cup of tea sighing.
"Sorry, dad... I didn't mean to bring it up."
He looks back at me his eyes soft, as he smiles lightly at me, walking around the island coming to a stop next to the stool I'm resting on, he wraps an arm around my shoulder giving me a light squeeze as he kisses the top of my head.
"I know you didn't love." He says quietly, "it's just something I have to live with now. I was pardoned by the Minister of Magic, it doesn't have any major impact on our lives, now that He's gone. And now we only have to talk to Walburga on the holidays if we feel like it..."
I look up at him "Do you miss Uncle Sirius?" I question quietly
"All the time." He states looking at me, "I don't think he deserves to be in Azkaban. I don't know who betrayed the Potter's, but Sirius never would have done it, he viewed them as his family, more so than our own." He states quietly, we sit in silence for a few moments, my head resting against his chest as we stand hugging, he sighs softly and pulls away from me smiling, "why don't you eat your breakfast then we'll get ready to go get your supplies."
"Okay!" I exclaim suddenly excited for the day.
I woke with a gasp, the air around me cold, I could hear the rain pattering against my window, but other than that there was no other sound to be heard. If I didn't know any better I would have thought I was alone in the manor. I sat up and ran my hand through my hair, thinking about the dream I just had. I cling tightly to what I had imagined my father's embrace to feel like, the warmth a stark contrast to the permanently chilly air that surrounds me.
I stood from bed stretching my arms over my head as I walk towards my bathroom to get ready for the day. As I begin brushing my hair I think back to what my dream father said about my uncle Sirius, was he truly guilty for the death of the Potter's? Or was he exactly as the Daily Prophet painted him to be? Was he a killer, who worked for the Dark Lord, or was he framed for a crime he didn't commit? I finish in the bathroom, before exiting and walking into my walk-in closet, pulling on a pair of sheer black tights and a knee-length emerald green dress, sliding on a pair of ballet flats as I exit my room. I begin my descent down the stairs and toward the dining room, bracing myself for the lecture, or snide remarks that would no doubt be thrown my way by the head of the household.
As I enter the dining room I find my aunt and cousin already sitting at the table, I join them in waiting for the remaining family member, we sit in silence until we heard the echo of fast-paced footsteps coming towards the dining room. The three of us rise and wait for his entrance. As he comes into the room, we all watch quietly as he crosses to his seat at the head of the table.
We all sat in silence as the house-elves brought our breakfast to the table. We began eating quietly when my uncle clears his thought.
"Asteria?" He drawls.
"Yes?" I ask softly
"You better be on your best behavior today. Don't go socializing with any blood-traitors or mudbloods in Diagon Alley today. Do you understand me? We don't need the Blacks bringing any more shame upon our family." He states in a menacing tone, his eyes narrowed into slits as he stares at me.
"Yes, uncle," I respond as I go back to my breakfast.
"Narcissa?" He turns his attention to my aunt next.
"Yes, my love?"
"Don't buy her anything but what's on her list. Do you understand me? I don't want to waste any more of our money on her than necessary." He instructs, eyes flickering between my aunt and myself.
"What about the creature? An owl or cat?" She questions.
He rolls his eyes in disdain, "She may use the school owls."
"And what of a cat?"
My eyes go back and forth watching the conversation like a quidditch match, wondering who was going to come out victorious, my cousin doing the same.
"No." He spits, "I will not have another creature in this house. She is enough." He states firmly.
Did he just call me a creature? I question myself, eyebrows furrowing, and the corner of my lips turning down. I look across the table, seeing my cousin staring at me, a look of sadness in his eyes. I flash him a quick smile and return to my breakfast.
The rest of the meal was eaten in silence, until my uncle rose from his chair, and motioned Draco to follow him. We heard the quiet sound of flames transporting them to the ministry, and rose to head for Diagon Alley.
"Are you ready my dear?" My aunt questions, walking toward the living room where our floor network was located. I nod and we step into the hearth throwing down a handful of powder and arriving in the Leaky Cauldron. We step out of the large fireplace and into the hustle and bustle of the restaurant around us. My aunt hooks her arm with my own and leads me toward the brick wall, where she taps a pattern with her wand, allowing the bricks to part and create an entrance to the magical alleyway, filled to the brim with witches and wizards all bustling in and out of various shops. Various families with children around my age were walking around carrying several packages wrapped in brown paper, school supplies I would assume, for my future peers.
"Well, shall we split up? Divide and concur?" My aunt questioned me softly
"Sure," I state looking around nervously.
"Why don't you go get your wand, and I'll be next door collecting your books." She suggests softly, nudging me in the direction of Ollivander's Wand Shop. As I approach the small shop, I take in my surroundings, watching various witches and wizards, all dressed in colorful robes, some wearing hats, others wearing glasses, all on their own paths. I passed another child about my age with her father and mother, she was holding a kitten, newly bought, and smiling up at her parents. I couldn't help but think about if that would be my father and me if he were still alive. Would he be buying me a pet and wrapping an arm around my shoulder as we struggled to carry all of my school supplies, laughing together? My thoughts were interrupted when I ran into something.
Only it wasn't something.
It was someone.
Multiple someones actually.
I looked up to see who had grabbed my shoulders to steady me, only to be greeted by brown eyes and fiery red hair.
"Sorry..." I trail off, "I wasn't watching where I was going." I state softly, my finger picking at the skin on the corner of my thumb.
He smiles widely, his eyes twinkling, " Clearly." He states, "but that's okay. I wasn't expecting anyone to fall for me until I arrived at Hogwarts. However, I think I can get over the fact it's starting early." He looks over at the person standing next to him "Don't feel too bad Georgie, I'm sure someone will fall for you soon." I feel my cheeks flush at his comment.
"Hilarious." His...twin? States looking at him with teasing eyes. Before looking back to me, "ignore my brother. We all do." He says smiling at me, his wide grin matching his brother's.
I nod softly, unable to form words, simply staring at the two of them, shocked they're being so friendly to me, a complete stranger.
"Aw, look Georgie, cats got her tongue." He teases lightly, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
I smile softly at the two boys in front of me "are you guys getting your school supplies?" I ask the first thing that came to mind.
The boy's nod
"Yup." Said the nameless twin
"We're first years this year." Stated Georgie proudly.
"Gonna join our brothers in Gryffindor."
"What house do you think you'll be in?"
Watching them bounce back and forth, completing each other's sentences gave me a headache, trying to keep up.
"Um... I'm not sure. My entire family has been in Slytherin, with the exception of my uncle and older cousin. So I would assume Slytherin." I stated quietly looking down at my shoes briefly, before looking back up to the two, who, despite us being the same age, towered over me by quite a few inches.
"Hm... well maybe you'll be the next exception." The nameless twin hums in thought. "You don't seem like you'd be a fit for Slytherin, even if you dress like one." He states, a matter of factly. "What's your name by the way?" He asks curiously.
"Asteria." I state, "Asteria Black."
He grins at me, staring at me for a few moments before stating,
"Hello, Asteria Black. My name is Fred. Fred Weasley."
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