Riptides (Fred Weasley Fan Fiction)

Chapter 4

Gorillaz - Feel Good Inc.

The Diagon Alley was the most magical place Lyssie has ever seen. Even after his dad showed her some more spells, it was way more than that. The street was full of interestingly dressed people – most of them were wearing long dresses or robes and had pointy hats on their heads. Lyssie couldn't stop looking at them as they walked through the streets. Their looks made her feel kind of out of place, however, since she was wearing the most regular jeans with a plain T-shirt. At school, she wore a uniform, so she never stood out, and now, she felt as if everyone were looking at her.

She felt better when she saw a little girl, dressed in a similar fashion. She was as mesmerized with the street, as Lyssie. She was running in the opposite direction, probably trying to find her parents.

Nonetheless, what was even more interesting than the people, were the shops. They didn't look like any of the stores she's been to before. Obviously, they all had big windows and colorful displays, but the items they sold were rather unusual. She saw shops selling broomsticks, crazy potion ingredients and clothes similar to those she saw in the streets. Ever since her dad knocked on the brick wall with his wand to let them in to the peculiar street, Lyssie hasn't said anything. She was too busy catching all the details of this place.

"Do you have the list, Lyssie?" asked her dad to catch her attention. He, on the other hand, acted as if he's visited Diagon Alley multiple times before and knew exactly where to go and what to buy, which was probably true.

Lyssie didn't answer because she saw the most amazing store so far. It sold pets of all kinds – from cats and toads to owls and rats. The animals were looking at her as if they wanted to tell her something. She was looking at a big white cat when she tripped and almost fell. Luckily, her dad caught her.

"Be careful," he warned her. "We will be here for a while. You'll have the time to see everything."

She nodded, fixed her T-shirt and took the list out of the bag she had on her shoulder.

"We need books, a wand, a cauldron..." she started listing. "And a pet!"

"Pets later, all right?" dad answered. "Let's get you a wand first."

Lyssie gave him a big smile and they walked towards a small shop with an almost nonexistent display. If her dad didn't guide her here, she would have definitely missed it among other, more spectacular shops. They opened the door with a loud creak and went inside. The store was tiny but had a very tall ceiling. What made it look even smaller was the huge number of small boxes place on one another along the walls. Also, it was completely empty, so when they went in, Anthony had to use the reception bell placed on the counter. A small, old man appeared out of nowhere when he did and smiled at them.

"Welcome to Ollivander's," he said. "Mr. Abbot! It's a pleasure to see you. Acacia with a basilisk horn core, am I right?"

"Yes, that's right, Mr. Ollivander," he agreed. "But today, we're looking for a wand for this lady."

Ollivander looked at Lyssie and the smile disappeared from his face.

"Lysandra Black?" he asked. "I'm pleased to meet you finally. I expected you here. Going to Hogwarts this year?"

Lyssie shook her head.

"No, sir," she replied. "My dad is going to teach me this year. How do you know my name? I don't recall meeting you before."

"Because we haven't," Ollivander said. "Everyone here knows your name, little one."

Lyssie first gave him a puzzled look and then stared at her father waiting for explanation. He didn't say anything, however.