First Errand
Date: August 1st
Diagon Alley, Gringotts Bank
“Isn’t this prank going a bit too far?”
Those were Nico’s thoughts as they were wandering London’s streets with their parents. Sure, they appreciated the lengths their parents went to to make their birthday interesting but come on. I mean, they hoped the whole wizard thing was real, but their natural scepticism made them unsure of the whole ordeal. At the same time though, Nico knew that their parents, Rachel and Phillip, liked to joke around, but they also knew when to stop - and this time they seemed weirdly serious.
They were still half-expecting them to turn around and start laughing, and with that feeling they followed them through a pub that looked as if it should’ve closed a few decades ago, through its courtyard, until they found themselves on the strangest street they have ever been on. The colourful storefronts with things that Nico has never seen (or at least didn’t expect to see in this particular setting) were mesmerising. Nico would’ve stopped in awe, but they were quickly bumped forward by the mass of people all hurrying to their different destinations. Their mom quickly grabbed their hand and dragged them with her. “Come on dear” she said, “I’ve been told we need to visit the bank first.”
Despite not having a clear image of what a wizard bank might look like, the outside somehow looked about how Nico expected. Well, they imagined the white walls and columns, but not how crooked it was. They once again didn’t have time to dwell on it, being dragged in by their very stressed mother.
Inside was impressive - Nico rarely had the occasion to visit such fancy places, so they immediately started inspecting the marble surfaces and glorious chandeliers. It felt very different to what they were used to - besides their school and their aunt’s place they didn’t get out much. Their parents didn’t bother taking them for official business knowing that being around many adults wouldn’t be the most thrilling experience for them. They also never had any affairs strictly focused on them - most of the things they enjoyed could be done in the comfort of their own room. Despite that, if given the chance, Nico quite liked the fancier things; the bank’s polished floors reminded them of a theater they once went to. This place however didn’t have the same pleasant atmosphere. Quite the opposite, everyone was stressed or in a rush. A man a few counters further seemed to have been arguing with the staff member… Right, what’s up with the staff- THUD!
They were quickly pulled out of their train of thought by someone bumping into them. They turned around and flinched when faced with the pointiest nose they had ever seen right in front of them. A strange man even shorter than Nico was glaring at them with utmost annoyance. “You’re in the way, I’m trying to work,” he groaned and scurried by the child, who realised they’d been spacing out in the middle of the hall.
They wiggled in place unsure of what to do but thankfully their father came to the rescue and pulled them aside with a smile. “We got your new pocket money!” he said joyfully, holding a small pouch. “We? You mean I got it because someone started stumbling over his words when he saw the banker.” Nico’s mom rolled her eyes and took the bag from her husband. She pulled out a couple of differently sized coins. “Dear, this is the money you’ll be using from now on. The gold ones are Galleons, the silver ones are Sickles, and the small ones are Knuts,” she explained as she was giving them to Nico respectively. Nico was amazed at the shiny, golden surface of a Galleon. Not many kids their age had the opportunity to hold real gold, so they carefully inspected the delicate engravings. The light from lamps and windows reflected on it so clearly it almost didn’t look real. On the other hand, the silver glimmer of the Sickle made it seem like a mirror. Nico could’ve stared at it forever, but they knew they had many places to visit today and they had a question that slightly bothered them. They turned to their mother who appeared to be arguing with her husband about their reactions to the strange people running this place, which was fitting enough. “Mom? Who… or what are those employees?”
She quickly turned to them and her face softened. “Good question,” interjected Phillip and she glared back at him. “Those are goblins. Were you not listening to the lady who led us here?” Rachel rolled her eyes to the sky. “Well I was initially… but her hat was so pointy. I got distracted.” He smiled back at her. “Are you five? Come on now.” She seemed to be done with him a long time ago.
Nico listened to them unbothered, they’d gotten used to their bickering by now. They had more pressing matters on their mind.
“Uh… do you think any will be my teachers? They look a bit mean,” they said, glancing at a worker closest to them and instantly turning away when they realised he’d been staring daggers at them. Their parent’s quarrel was making a bit of a scene, and the goblins seemed to be getting annoyed.
“I’m not sure honey. We know as much as you do. But I’m sure that if they are, they’ll be much nicer. It will all work out.” Rachel smiled at Nico and stroked their head. “For now, we should get going. We have a long day ahead of us!”
They got out of the bank back to Diagon Alley. It was only their first stop and Nico already felt a bit overwhelmed. Just a bit though, because the excitement managed to come out on top. They smiled and pulled out their supply list to decide where to go next.
. ‧͙⁺ . *･༓☾ . ܁₊ ⊹ . ܁ ܁ . ⊹ ₊ ܁. ☽༓･* . ⁺‧͙ .
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ability: charmer
sta 3 eva 9 str 3 wis 6 arc 6 acc 8