My hair done in the usual braid, I chose jeans and my favorite t-shirt of the moment: a pale blue one with a design of a multicolored ice cream sprinkled with many colored sugar sprinkles. A beautiful catchy phrase tops it of course: "Just a girl who loves...".
Yeah, I like this one.
Living on the west coast of Ireland, we had to make the journey across the whole of England to Diagon Alley. Luckily, I'm a half-blood and traveling the Muggle way – which is longer, more expensive and tiring – isn't a requirement. Dad couldn't come with us because of his status but it's okay, he's going to spend time with Paul.
Mom always has a stock of floo powder in a little urn by the fireplace. Of course, absolute prohibition to touch it except her. "It's not a toy" as she says, "you don't play with the car, you don't touch the urn."
Yes, until today, I have always traveled the muggle way: car, train and twice I took the plane. Both times were enjoyable: can you imagine? flying ?
Oh, and mom of course explained portkeys to me but I still haven't had a chance to try it.

So this morning after a good healthy breakfast – a bowl of porridge with apple chunks and a big orange juice – I get dressed and Mom calls me into the living room.

- Hailey, Darling, it's time, are you ready ?
- I'm here Mom, coming ! I shouted as I walked down the stairs, checking my small shoulder bag flapping against my right hip. Yes look! Right on time !
Mom looked at the large clock above the front door and sighed.
- On time and 3 minutes. Come on, come right next to me. We have a lot to do.
Smiling but a little nervous, I approched her and listened carefully as she explained me how Floo Powder works.

Two minutes later, here we are. On Diagon Alley and while mom dusts my shoulders as well as hers, I just can't take my eyes off the surroundings.
What an amazing way to travel!! It's so... wow!
- Are you okay ? Let's see this list you received, she said extending her hand, silently asking for the list I have in my bag.
- Yes, yes, let me see, I say in an important tone even though a smile blooms on my mouth.

I take the list and as our heads come together, we read it again. I'm so happy to be here - if a little nervous - and so excited to start this new adventure that I've read this list half a dozen times already.
- You said you already had galleons? I ask remembering this information. Could we start with the bookstore?
- Yes. But after this step, I think we will have to go to Gringotts because the books will not be cheap. But it's okay, she said before I said anything. I just don't have enough for the day in my pocket. Let's go to Flourish and Blotts, she said, starting to walk.
I nod with a smile and follow her, already thinking of the idea of ​​entering this gigantic and famous bank. Mom explained to me that this place is ruled by goblins. They are very caring and involved in their work. This bank is not only famous for that escape a few years ago with a dragon, but especially because of the safety of its walls, the operation of goblins and everything that could be stored in the depths of its basements.


Here we are. The facade of the bookstore is just perfect, I think. A large showcase divided into I-don't-know-how-many-small panes - giving an old-fashioned style - protects a display of various books. It's not her first time here on Diagon Alley but Mom remembers it's mine so she gives me a few seconds to stare out the window, with a small smirk.
- Come on, those books aren't going to magically jump into your bag, she smiles as she pulls me from the facade and leads me inside.

Paul would love that. I can't help but spin around, looking at this wonderful display of books all around us. It's so much better than Dubray Books! Even from the doorstep, I can see books all over the walls and filling space on shelves. And there's even a floor above that you can see through a wooden balustrade! Just. Wow.

We get along with Mom and we divide the list of books so as not to waste time. It's not like the supply list is limited to this shop! As I - literally - wander the aisles looking for the Book of Spells by Miranda Goshawk, I wonder how the manager managed to put all those books away. Apparently, you have to be endowed with a special intelligence to understand how it works.

@Elijah Ace let's start

It was already approaching noon by the time Elijah made it to Flourish and Blotts. So far he'd gotten side tracked significantly by just about every new shop that had crossed his path. The alley was bustling with activity at this time of the day, but also particularly at this time of the year. He'd begun noticing at some point just how many children about his age were about, wide eyed and trembling with emotions ranging from trepidation to excitement. It had gotten warm in the alley, partly due to the high sun and also because of the number of bodies he'd had to push throughttps://hogwarts.io/posting.php?mode=edit&p=761134h to navigate the lane. Why wizards insisted on wearing sweeping dark cloaks in this heat was beyond him, but perhaps there was a common cooling spell or something that he wasn't aware of. That was the other thing this trip had been educational about; the sheer number of ways magic could be utilised.

The door chimed merrily as he entered, immediately cooled by the dark interior of the store. Mahogany woods and maroon spines with gold detailing surrounded him on all sides, the loud chatter outside magically cutting off as the door shut behind him. It was quieter inside, hushed with the same kind of respect you find at libraries. It was cold too; AC or magic he was still unsure about but appreciated none the less. He mumbled a quiet apology as he brushed by what he assumed was a mother and her son arguing in hushed whispers over some sort of book. Vaguely he wondered whether Paul was alright waiting outside in the muggle pub but the thought disappeared quickly.

When he reached the section that seemed to have textbooks, he pulled out the list from where it was crumpled in his pocket and flattened it out as best he could, squinting at the words under the faint yellow light. Matching the titles to the books was kind of fun, like a very low stakes scavenger hunt. He could see people levitating books casually as they walked along but he had yet to learn how to do that so he settled on carrying them in the crook of his elbow as best he could.

He lit up as he spotted yet another familiar title - Book of Spells - and reached for it, only to find another set of fingers grasping the spine too. He blinked, turning a little to see green eyes, blonde hair, and a pastel shirt that stood out quite well amongst the dark shades of the bookstore. Most likely another first year student then, if she was reaching for that book. The book that he also had his hand around.

His brain finally kicked in as he processed the situation, stepping back and letting his arm fall to his side.

"Sorry," he whispered, gesturing vaguely to the book, "you first".

@Hailey Cochran

Finally, here it is. The Book of Spells. It will certainly be very useful to me in the future. I can easily imagine myself leaning on it near a window in the dorm, or in the library - Mom told me I would surely be amazed by this incredible place - or on a bench somewhere. Muttering between my lips an incantation...
As I grab its spine, mind elsewhere, I jump as another pair of fingers grab it as well. Letting go of my grip like I've been burned, I quickly turn my face to the owner of this hand. Meeting a pair of green - or gray ? I can't decide - eyes who stare at me with the same amazement that I must have. The brown-haired boy politely steps back.

- No, no... I'm arguing, I'm sorry too, I didn't mean... well, I didn't think... I... I hadn't seen you...
My voice stutters as I feel, for some reason, a little shy and uncomfortable.

As I realize this, I shake my head and grab a copy of the manual, handing it to him. Then I grab a copy for myself and hold it against my chest. Watching him carefully.
- I guess you're also a future first year ? I begin, determined to break the silence and my embarrassment.

This question might seem a bit strange, since this book is obviously on the supply list for the first year, but maybe it's the same book for at least the second year? And maybe this boy has lost his copy or damaged it for some reason and needs a replacement?
Anyway, in a way, I think I'd rather he is a freshman like me. He's the first future student I meet here on Diagon Alley.

@Elijah Ace

Elijah took the book handed to him gratefully, attempting to balance it precariously on the growing pile in his arms before giving up and turning around to place them on a nearby table. With his hands now clear, he turned back to the newly confirmed first year.

"Your guess is correct, I'm Elijah" he introduced, instinctively bringing up a hand to shake before realising that the other girl's hands were full. He eyed the singular book in her hand and glanced at his own stack, mind made as he turned away with a quick "Stay here for a sec".

Elijah retraced his steps, walking through the aisles with single-minded focus as he scanned the dark shelves for the familiar titles. He went through a mental checklist, trying to recall the locations from memory as he picked the books from the shelves one by one until his arms were once again full. When he couldn't remember any more, he turned back, walking to the aisle he had last left her.

He was relieved to find her still standing there as he walked over and placed the stack of book next to his own pile. Dusting his hands and wiping his forehead, he turned back to the girl.

"Those are all the first year textbooks," he said gesturing to the table, "There might be one or two still missing though..." he trailed off frowning as he brought out the list again and tried to mentally check off all the titles. He'd never been the greatest at retaining information, though, and found himself wishing for a pencil to physically mark off the check boxes so he had a visual record of what he still had left to find.

"Do you have a pen or pencil I could borrow?" he asked off-handedly, still trying to read through the list.

@Hailey Crochan

When I gave him the book, I didn't think about the pile in the crook of his arm and as soon as I noticed the embarrassed look on his face, I felt a little more uncomfortable.
Damn, where is he going? I wondered as he turned and walked away.
At a table. He walks over to a nearby table. Ah.
After laying his burden there, he returns with a relieved expression on his face. I smile, curious and a tad amused. This pile must have been quite heavy if he had to put it down.

Finally, he reaches out a hand to shake mine, making it clear that I was right. My smile widens and as I go to put the manual under my arm to shake his hand, he stops me there.
Apparently he had something in mind because he's asking me to stay here.

The words "Nice to meet you Elijah, I'm Hailey" evaporate on my lips as my eyebrows frown in my incomprehension. His mind is quite hyperactive, I find then he leaves.

Shaking my head, speechless, I just look at the Book of Spells and then at where Elijah was a moment ago.
At the same time, I'm wondering if I should stay here, as he sort of asked me, or try to follow him or give up and continue my research - I still had 2 or 3 books to find and it's not by staying here that this quest will advance.

Eventually, I just shrug my shoulders and though I occasionally glance furtively in the direction he's headed, I decide to combine my first and last options. If there's no other book on my list and it doesn't come back in the next few seconds, I'll go. Period.

So, the other book that I can maybe find here is... Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling.
Okey-dokey.
With my gaze, I carefully inspect the shelves and after a minute or two, I find it. As I reach my find, I hear footsteps coming my way and I glance over to...see Elijah's face atop another stack of books he was carefully holding. .
What is he...??

The manual in my hand, I frown again, looking at him questioningly.
- Isn't this pile enough for you ? I finally asked, speaking of his first stack. Do you really need another pair of textbooks?

Dusting his hands and wiping his forehead, he turns to me, explaining that it's a stack of first-grade textbooks. Yes, thank you, I understand but why?

I look at him, a little puzzled.

Then he asks me for a pen and taken aback, I look at him with a hint of regret.
- Sorry, no, I don't have one but my mother has a quill... But... although...
I put the two books I'm holding to my chest on the table and open my little bag, muttering : "I may have my pencil... Have I ?"
Two seconds later and, delighted, I raise a small pencil.
- Ha ! Happy to serve, I said, holding out my hand. You're right, better check the list to know what you still need. I'm with my mother, I explain, pointing in a vague direction, we have divided the list and each of us is looking for a part. I had to find the Book of Spell, Magical Theory too, I say showing my two books on the table, and I still have to find the potions one and maybe the one on defense - unless my mom found it before me, I shrug. Are you here all alone ? I ask, intrigued.

After all, we're only 11, and I don't know many people our age who shop alone.
- Oh, and I didn't have time to introduce myself earlier - referring to how quickly he left - but my name is Hailey, I say, smiling at him.

@Elijah Ace

Elijah blinked at the other's puzzled look, taking the pencil thankfully before realising where the lapse in communication had occurred. It's not that he didn't think, he did. Quite a lot actually, but it was remembering to externalise it all where he often messed up. He winced, remembering report cards ("spacey and impulsive"), and shook his head apologetically.

"Sorry, no, I got these for you. Assumed we had the same reading list. Though if yer mum's getting the rest I can go put these back." Elijah's mouth quirked up at the warm greeting, and held his hand out to finally get that handshake. "Sorry about earlier, it's nice to meet you Hailey."

He turned back to the duplicate stack of books, setting the list down on the table and checking off all the ones he already had while he talked. "Paul's a muggle so he's waiting outside in a pub. He don't mind magic but doesn't want to seem dumb - apparently wizards tend to look down on non magic folk and he doesn't like feeling clueless. Can't blame 'im. Sides, I've been here before. Well, when I was younger. My mam took me, she's back in Wales right now." he quietly rambled absent mindedly, pausing only after checking one last box and straightening with a satisfied hum.

"Only got 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' left. Sounds less dull than all the others at least. Oh, speaking of -," he turned to Hailey, "You said you're still missing the potions and defence book right?"

He shifted through the second pile to find the aforementioned books, letting out a small victorious noise as he emerged with The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection and Magical Drafts and Potions. He made a face at the latter, recalling how he'd flicked through it before to find diagrams that looked suspiciously like chemistry. Not his favourite science. He held them out to Hailey now, remembering to ask this time.

"Here, do you want them?", he nodded over to the table again, "All the others are there too - cept for fantastic beasts- if you're still missing any."

@Hailey Cochran

Elijah also seems a bit embarrassed, surely realizing the misunderstanding.
He accepts my handshake and our eyes meet as we do this like adults.
As he apologizes for his quick U-turn a moment ago, I shrug my shoulders because, in the end, it's nothing.

While I'm talking about Mom who is present somewhere in the store, he seems to realize his incomprehension and looks at me apologetically talking about putting the books back on the shelves.

My question of whether he is alone for supply shopping finds its answer: he is not.
Wait ! No he is. He's talking about a guy named Paul who's a Muggle - a non-magical person like Dad - waiting for him outside Diagon Alley.

- Oh I see - although I'm not really sure - but... who is Paul? Your brother ? or a cousin, a friend?
Of course, he can't be his father: who calls his father by his first name?

- It must be a bit lonely doing these errands alone, I think out loud with empathy.

A part of me thinks of proposing to him to continue together but another part thinks about his possible refusal. I don't want to make him uncomfortable... So I decide to change the subject:
- So you have everything on your list?

He hasn't and explains that he still needs to find the creatures book. I nod and look around mechanically. I don't think we'll find him here, in this alley. However, this book is on Mom's part of the list, we should ask her...
Before I can even offer him to ask my mother, he offers me the two missing books on my own list.
Making a face at the potions one - he doesn't seem to really feel attracted by this discipline - he hands the two books to me.
- Oh thank you Elijah! I said happily. Well, with those, my part of the list is now complete. Mom must have hers too, actually. You know what ? We should go find her and ask her where she found the creature book. Does it suit you ?

I smile at him, I hope he won't refuse. I put the two books he gave me on top of the others I found and lift them up. Yes, it's a little heavy but not as much as I thought. Fortunately, Mom has the other part of the list.

- Okay, so... do you need help putting the others back? I ask Elijah about the second stack of books.
If that's the case, I gladly help him - putting aside my books for a moment - before taking him to see Mom.

@Elijah Ace