A Dash of Chaos pv Kai Taylor

In Kai’s previous first ever visit to Diagon Alley, he tried to take in all the sights and shops that he could. It was marvelous getting his first real experience of a wizarding shopping district. Unfortunately, Kai’s parents had them on a pretty strict schedule and he only got to really see shops that were necessary for fulfilling his school supply list for his first year.

Kai, however, had made note of some of the intriguing shops that he didn’t get a chance to visit in his first trip. So when Kai’s parents were both working, he made a solo trip to Diagon Alley, determined to take in the sights he couldn’t on his first visit.

That was how Kai found himself standing in front of Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, he honestly had no idea what this shop really was. But he knew no other shop seemed as busy, loud and extravagant as this one. While loud noises and large crowds were not something that usually attracted Kai, his curiosity could not resist wondering what all the buzz was about.

Making his way through the store and crowd, Kai saw all sorts of products. If Kai had thought anything else he had seen was strange in Diagon Alley, he had thought wrong, nothing compared to this store. From prank supplies, sweets, pets, security equipment, did this store just have everything.

Kai wondered if all these products actually did what they promised, he supposed they must if the store was this popular still. Kai blinked as came across a shelf full of love potions, and as with many products he’d seen so far, he thought to himself does this actually work, also is this even legal, it seemed a bit morally questionable. But then again after everything Kai had seen so far in the wizarding world maybe he should not be surprised.

Continuing to explore the shop, Kai made his way to a section that seemed a bit less crowded. Kai relieved to have a bit of break from the crowds and noise made his way to the display seeing just one other person there. A girl with dark brown hair who seemed around his age and height at least.

Kai picked up one of the boxes on the display the girl was at and examined it, reading the description. Canary cream said to turn the eater into a canary it read. Kai was suddenly wondering if he’d have to be paranoid about what he ate at Hogwarts for fear of vomiting, passing out or apparently being turned into a canary based on some of the products he had seen at this shop. Without meaning to, Kai voiced his thoughts out loud “Does this really work, do people just get turned into canaries at Hogwarts”

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@Diana Roberts

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Quote: Reducio Curiosity always leads somewhere.

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The unexpected question drew Diana's attention away from the display. She glanced toward the boy standing beside her, noticing he looked to be about her age. Judging by the curiosity in his voice, he was probably visiting the shop for the first time. Which was exactly like her! She looked back down at the box in his hands, the picture of a bright yellow canary staring cheerfully back at her.

"I... think they do," she admitted with a small laugh. "At least, that's what it says." She paused for a moment before adding, "I've never actually seen anyone eat one, though." However, the young raven also wasn't entirely sure if she'd want to see someone eat a canary cream. She studied the packaging again, trying to imagine someone willingly transforming into a bird, even if only for a few moments. The idea was amusing, but it also sounded rather inconvenient. She recalled there being a spell to summon canary birds, but she wasn't sure if that spell turned people into birds as well. "I don't think you have to worry too much about people slipping them into your food," she said reassuringly. "At least... nothing like that happened while I was at Hogwarts last year."

There had certainly been pranks, mostly harmless ones, but nothing quite as dramatic as half the things lining the shelves around them. Plus, Diana mainly kept to herself, so she avoided all the pranks if there were any.

Her gaze wandered across the display, where colorful boxes promised everything from temporary tongue-tying to portable swamps. It was difficult to tell where ordinary magic ended and complete absurdity began. These Weasley's sure were brilliant inventors, but Diana wasn't going to buy anything for herself.

"This shop seems to specialize in making impossible things seem normal." A faint smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "I'm Diana, by the way." At least she didn't forget to introduce herself. She shifted the small basket she was carrying into her other hand before continuing. "I'm going into my second year this September." She hesitated briefly, not wanting to assume anything, because for all she knew, this boy could be older than he looked. It was safer to ask than to assume, that was what her grandmother and parents taught her. "Are you starting your first year?"

If he was, it would certainly explain the questions. Looking back, Diana remembered just how overwhelming her own first visit to Diagon Alley had felt. Every shop had introduced something new that she'd never imagined could exist. Compared to everything else she'd learned over the past year, a sweet that temporarily turned someone into a canary almost seemed... ordinary. Well, perhaps not ordinary. Just... less surprising than it would have been a year ago. And though she's a wizard-born, Diana enjoys learning new things about magic. She enjoys learning period.

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Kai hadn’t even realized or processed that he spoke his question out loud until he heard the girl speak, responding to his question. “That’s good to hear” Kai answered in return. He was glad it wasn’t a common occurrence for students to start turning into canaries or puking after eating breakfast at Hogwarts. Although maybe these kinds of pranks only happened in more private settings which is why the girl hadn’t seen any. Kai realized there was already far too much to think and worry about for his first year for him to be contemplating if his food or drinks would turn him into a canary.

Putting the canary cream back on the display, Kai looked at some of the other things on display. He didn’t even want to imagine what a portable swamp was or what it could do. There were so many interesting things that even if Kai wanted to buy something he had no idea what he would buy. He’d probably just save his money for now until he could see all the shops and decide what he thought was important.

He had to agree with the girl,“I thought I had seen impossible magic related things that are considered normal, and then I saw this shop” Kai looked at a package of Peruvian Instant Darkness Power which seemed like a practical item for this shop before continuing. “I’m sure I’ll see even more things I thought impossible in the future though.”

Even though both Kai’s parents were magical and he had seen and heard about magic, it had not prepared him for all this. Magic wasn’t exactly a huge part of his early life until recent years while growing up.

After the girl introduced herself, Kai nodded. “I am starting my first year, I’m Kai, nice to meet you.” Kai then hesitated he hadn’t had many opportunities to interact with older students before he started Hogwarts, it could be a good chance to learn some information especially from a student who would have just finished their first year. He did have a thousand questions after all. For some reason however he could not think of any of them in that moment, maybe he should have prepared a list titled 1000 questions I have about Hogwarts for older students to avoid this situation.

Not being able to think of anything useful to ask, and not wanting to stand there looking dumb much longer, Kai went for something simple, “Uh what house are you in?”

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@Diana Roberts

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Quote: Reducio Curiosity always leads somewhere.

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Diana smiled as Kai introduced himself. "It's nice to meet you too, Kai." Her assumption had been right. Kai was going to be starting his first year at Hogwarts in the fall. When he asked about her House, she glanced thoughtfully toward one of the shelves before looking back at him. "I'm a Ravenclaw." There was a quiet pride in her voice, though nothing boastful. It wasn't really a surprise, looking back now, of her being sorted into Ravenclaw. She's a seer after all, and if she remembered correctly, most seers were sorted into Ravenclaw (do not quote me on this). But also, being sorted into Ravenclaw had felt right from the moment the Sorting Hat announced it. She'd always enjoyed asking questions, reading, and learning whatever she could, and Hogwarts had only given her more opportunities to do exactly that.

"I've really liked it there," she admitted. "The common room is at the top of one of the towers, so the view over the grounds is beautiful. It feels peaceful, especially when everyone else is asleep." She paused before adding, "But the amount of stairs you need to climb to get to Ravenclaw Tower is a lot." Why was Ravenclaw Tower so high up in the castle? That Diana didn't know, but assumed Rowena Ravenclaw wanted it that way.

For a moment, she found herself remembering evenings spent by the windows after finishing her homework, watching the castle grounds settle into silence beneath the stars. "But honestly," she continued, "I think every House has something special about it." Diana didn't want Kai to worry too much about where he'd end up. She remembered wondering the very same thing before her own first year, even though it was quite obvious she'd be placed in Ravenclaw.

"Have you thought about where you might be sorted?" It was a normal question to ask a first year, and her curious expression softened into an encouraging smile. "I remember spending half the summer trying to guess where I'd end up." She gave a small laugh. "I wasn't completely sure until the Sorting Hat actually told me." Diana had thought she'd be placed in Hufflepuff or perhaps even Slytherin. "Your first year can feel overwhelming at first," she said. "There are a lot of moving staircases, new classes, and people to meet." A faint smile returned to her face. "But after a little while, Hogwarts starts to feel like home."

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Kai had thought a bit about the houses and where he might end up. He sort of thought the whole idea of sorting people based on traits seemed a bit questionable. Although he did think the idea of houses themselves were good. In his muggle primary school, they had something similar in teams, except they were just randomly assigned, but it was a good way to meet and make friends within your team; and have competitions or rivalries with other teams.

It was nice to find out that Diana was a Ravenclaw and to hear her talk about it, he thought that might be one of the more likely houses he’d be in. Kai looked at Diana, “My parents were in Ravenclaw and Slytherin so maybe one of those two.” That along with what Kai had read about the houses did make it seem like he would most likely end up in one of those two houses. Although Kai was not sure how much he trusted the stereotypical description of the houses. His mother had not talked much about it seemingly content to let him find his own path at Hogwarts, as long as he did well at whatever that path was. His father had once said as long as you’re not a Hufflepuff, Kai still was not sure if that was a joke or not.

Hearing about moving staircases had Kai concerned he already didn't like normal muggle staircases, he swore some of those staircases he'd seen were not secure. He wondered if the moving staircases were like a muggle elevator that stopped and moved when you asked it. “Do moving staircases just randomly keep moving, do people get lost or fall off or slip?” He said hesitantly.

Kai was feeling a bit more relaxed around Diana as she smiled. So he did what any normal person would do and started bombarding her with questions he had. “What are classes like, are they hard? Is there actually a giant squid in the lake that abducts people? Do professors turn you into a frog if you’re late?”

He ended with the most important question. “Do students ever like accidentally blow themselves up when messing up a complicated spell?” Kai was about to stop before remembering one more question “How much homework is there?”

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@Diana Roberts

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Quote: Reducio Curiosity always leads somewhere.

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As Kai listed one question after another, Diana was reminded of herself before she began her first year. She'd had plenty of questions but some she didn't ask. "That's a lot of questions," she said with an amused smile. "I'll try to answer all of them." In other words, Diana would try her best to answer the questions as full as she could, to give him as much information, so he'd be somewhat ready before he goes to Hogwarts.

The first question was about the moving staircases. "They don't move all the time," she explained. "Usually they stay where they are for a while before changing. Sometimes they lead somewhere different than you expected, so yes, people do get lost." She paused. "I've never actually seen anyone fall off one, though. They have railings, and after a few weeks you start learning your way around." Diana had gotten lost a few times when the stairs decided to move as she was making her way to a class, and then she ended up on the other side of where she needed to be. That was always the annoying part of the stairs, and so she added "It's especially annoying if your making your way to a class and then the stairs move. Often times you end up on the other side of where your class is."

The next question was about classes, in general. "The classes can be challenging," Diana admitted. "Some came more naturally to me than others. You'll have to pay attention and practice, especially in subjects like Charms and Transfiguration." Her expression brightened slightly. "But they're interesting. You're learning magic you've only read about before, so it makes the work feel worth it." Of course, the kids from magical families, specifically pure-bloods, are already used to magic. But for the others, it may be something new that they learn. "I think that all classes are both easy and challenging in there own ways." Diana added before moving onto the next question.

This time, it was about the giant squid, which caused a smile from her. "There is a giant squid in the lake. I've seen it from the castle windows before, but as far as I know, it doesn't abduct students." She tilted her head thoughtfully. "If it did, I think we'd hear about it a lot more often." Still, it was quite concerning that Kai had asked if the squid abducted people. From the times she's seen the squid, it seemed friendly to her. "When you arrive at Hogwarts you'll be sailing across the Black Lake, and no one got abducted when I had sailed across." Diana paused before adding "I think the squid seems more friendly than it may look."

Diana then addressed the question about teacher's turning students into frogs. She hoped they didn't. But from what she knew, none of the teachers had turned any of the students into frogs. "As for professors turning students into frogs..." Diana shook her head, a hint of laughter in her voice. "No. They might take house points or give you detention if you're late often, but they don't turn people into frogs."

The second to last question was about students accidentally blowing themselves up when messing up a complicated spell. From all her classes where spells were involved, no one had blown themselves up. "People don't usually blow themselves up," she said. "Not from ordinary spells, anyway. Sometimes a spell goes wrong and something unexpected happens, but that's why the professors supervise us while we're learning." She thought back to a few mishaps she'd witnessed in class, singed eyebrows and backwards spells that had earned embarrassed laughter afterward. "Most mistakes are more embarrassing than dangerous." Diana then added "Perhaps when older students learn harder spells, then maybe. But I think it's highly unlikely for someone to blow themselves up while failing to cast a spell."

Finally, Diana approached the last question, which was about how much homework students received. Diana could only speak from her own experience, but she was pretty sure older students receive more homework than first year students do. "There is quite a bit of homework," she admitted. "Some weeks it's only a little, and other weeks it feels like every professor has decided to assign an essay at the same time." She smiled sympathetically. "If you keep up with it instead of leaving everything until the last minute, it's much easier." Diana has never left any of her assignments for last minute. She'd always done them as soon as she'd gotten them, and powered through them without becoming exhausted or overwhelmed. "I think the higher year you are, the more homework you'd get." Diana added.

She looked at Kai for a moment before adding gently, "It sounds like a lot when you list everything together, but you don't have to learn it all on your first day. Everyone starts somewhere, and the older students and professors expect first-years to have questions." Her smile returned, warm and encouraging. "You'll settle in faster than you think." Diana wasn't going to admit it yet, but she'd be there for Kai, especially if he ended up in Ravenclaw. Of course, Diana was giving him advice now, but if they ended up in the same house, she could possibly give him more advice, of course if he'd want it.

Diana hadn't had a mentor during her first year at Hogwarts. She had to learn the ropes herself with the occasional advice she'd receive from her parents and grandmother. But, the owls from her grandmother were mainly advice since Diana is a seer. If anything, Diana appreciated all the advice she'd received from her parents and grandmother, no matter what it was about.

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Kai listened attentively, he had not actually expected Diana to answer all his questions, and in such detail as well. He felt bad for just dumping all his questions on her, but her responses were extremely helpful. It seemed that perhaps Hogwarts was not as crazy and dangerous as he was thinking, although he was still suspicious.

It sounded like the moving staircases could be a hassle if they randomly moved getting you late or lost. Possibly a problem for Kai for morning classes given his tendency to sleep in. He’d have to keep that in mind for the future.

“It’s good to hear the squid is friendly, and that professors don’t turn students into frogs” Kai replied as Diana explained, although Kai felt like no matter how friendly a giant squid could be he’d still want to stay away from it.

As Diana explained how most magical accidents were usually more embarrassing than dangerous, Kai became relieved. Although he wasn’t exactly fond of embarrassing himself either, being a bit self conscious Kai would have to make sure he did each new spell carefully to avoid such a situation.

Kai hoped that the homework at Hogwarts was at least interesting, he definitely had a problem when it came to procrastinating homework that he did not find interesting. Hearing Diana’s explanation on homework Kai smiled replying amused, ‘Even in my schooling before Hogwarts, I swear the professors plot together to all assign essays and homework at the same time, I see Hogwarts is no different.”

Once Diana finished all her answers Kai smiled “Hopefully I’m in Ravenclaw, it would be nice to already know someone there.” Kai then heard some noise and chatter as a group of older students made their way towards their area. Kai supposed given how chaotic this shop was it was impressive this area was so quiet and calm for this long.

Curious about this shop which seemed so different from others Kai asked Diana “Have you been here much, it’s my first time, only second time in Diagon Alley actually.” Kai took in some more of the products around them. “Are many of these products used around Hogwarts?” Kai wondered just how common some of these prank or even practical items were seen around Hogwarts.

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@Diana Roberts

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Quote: Reducio Curiosity always leads somewhere.

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When Kai joked about professors assigning homework all at once, Diana smiled. "I suppose some things are the same no matter what kind of school you attend," she replied with a quiet laugh. "There were definitely weeks where it felt like every professor had chosen the exact same day to give us an essay." Of course, Diana had gotten through them all since she'd done one essay a day, or something like that.

However, his next comment caught her attention. The thought of Kai being in Ravenclaw brought a gentle smile to her face. She too hoped Kai would be in Ravenclaw. "I'd like that too," she admitted. "Ravenclaw has been a wonderful place to spend my first year. Everyone's different, but people are usually happy to help if you're stuck on something." She paused thoughtfully before adding, "Of course, every House has friendly people. The Sorting Hat usually knows where you'll fit best."

Diana glanced briefly toward the direction where the sound of older students were heard before looking back at Kai. "I've been to Diagon Alley a few times," she answered. "Mostly with my parents before school started and once or twice during holidays." She looked around the crowded shelves, her eyes lingering on several colorful displays. "I don't come here very often, though. It's always busy this close to September." If he was talking about this shop, well it was her first time inside it.

Following Kai's gaze, she looked over the assortment of products surrounding them. Boxes of joke sweets, enchanted gadgets, and brightly colored packages filled nearly every shelf. His next question was about if students brought these to Hogwarts. "Some students bring things like these to Hogwarts," she said, nodding toward a display of prank items. "Especially older students. There are rules against using them to bother people, though." A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "That doesn't always stop everyone." Before continuing she thought for a moment. "This is my first time being in this shop. I thought it'd be nice to check out and see if I could possibly buy something for my owl, Khione."

At the mention of Khione, her expression softened. Now that she realized it, Weasley Wizard Wheezes isn't a good place to buy things for any sort of pet. Well, you can buy a pet at the shop. Diana looked over at the purple and pink pygmy puffs and couldn't help but think they're cute.

"I've never really been interested in prank products," she admitted. "I prefer things that are useful." Curiosity returned to her expression after a brief pause. "What about you?" she asked. "Besides your school supplies, is there anything you've been hoping to find while you're here? Or are you mostly looking around to see what Diagon Alley has to offer?"

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Kai listened as Diana talked about her own past visits to Diagon Alley. “Yea it was crazy seeing how many people were not just in Diagon Alley, but in this shop specifically, that's why I wanted to check it out.” Kai supposed the shop had sort of lived up to the buzz, even if he was not getting anything yet, he understood why it was so popular, the shop had basically everything it seemed like.

It made sense Kai thought that older students had a lot of the prank products here at Hogwarts even if there were some rules against them. Most of the students he seemed to see in the shop around them did seem older. He would maybe have to be aware in his time at Hogwarts of some of these items.

Kai also looked over at the pygmy puffs on display, they were kind of cute, he hadn’t expected to find pets in this shop. Although from his own experience earlier at the Magical Menagerie, what wizards considered pets was quite interesting.

“What sort of things do you usually get for Khione? This place does seem to have everything, maybe there is something here for her.” Kai said as Diana talked about her owl. Kai continued “I’ve been looking around at some of the other shops to see if there was anything interesting.” Kai thought briefly about his time at Quality Quidditch Supplies, all those expensive fancy brooms people were crowding around to look at.

“I’ve been wanting to get a pet myself, maybe once I have some more galleons, likely an owl as well, there’s so many to choose from.” Kai remember the sheer choice of owls, yet alone pets overall there were when he visited the Magical Menagerie. “Are there actually people at Hogwarts with lizards, rats, spiders and uh snakes as pets.” Kai supposed even in the muggle world there were people who enjoyed collecting and having those animals as pets, but it wasn’t exactly normal he’d say. Then again Kai wanted an owl and that wasn’t normal in the muggle world as well, so who was he to judge. Kai however couldn't forget the amount of spiders he'd seen in his basement at home though, he was not a fan.

“Is it a lot of work to have and take care of a pet? I’ve never really had one. Kai had thought about it as a child but his parents did not seem like big fans of him getting a pet, maybe they didn't trust him with the responsibility, he had also had some bad experience with dogs in the past. I did have a flower I had to take home from school when I was 5 and I think I immediately killed it by overwatering it. So my track record might not be the greatest here.” Kai added. It was so long ago and yet Kai still remembered that moment for some reason.

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