Hogwarts: a school of Witchcraft and Love (Tom Marvolo Riddle x F!reader)

Chapter 1-09

If anyone asked you what the best thing about Diagon Alley was, you'd tell you that no matter what day it was, you could always find a bargain here—there was an opportunity for finding that specific thing you needed 365 days in the year, if you knew where to look. From markets that sold souvenirs down to the everywizard's trinkets, books-by-the-pound, there was always something unique to be found for the small budget.

Snow was falling heavily that December afternoon, the blanket of white lending a festive aura to the streets of Diagon Alley. Covered in your thick coat, hood pulled low over your face, but not over your nose. No, you wanted to smell the scent of roasted chestnuts. It truly was the most beautiful time of the year.

You wandered around while taking in the magical atmosphere. The streets were lined with twinkling lights and decorations, and many witches and wizards alike bustled about carrying bags full of presents. As you made your way down the cobblestone road, taking care to avoid slipping on patches of ice, you stopped for a moment to watch an owl swoop down from one rooftop to another, before quickly reminding yourself of today's visit: finding a gift for Tom. Two gifts, if you were lucky. One to apologize and the other to give on his birthday, which was on December 31st.

With this goal in mind you browsed through the shops, halting at various stands to admire their offerings. After some searching, you came across a small shop hidden away on a side street. Upon entering you were immediately captured by the warmth and coziness of the interior. Soon you spotted a display of writing supplies, and your eyes targetted an elegant feather quill set.

You took a closer look, but sadly, the quill set was too expensive for your limited budget, and so you were forced to retreat empty-handed.

Your feet moved you forwards once again. There was one shop Tom had mentioned once—however only to warn you that you shouldn't go there because the folks creeping around there were shady and not to be trusted. But, after a solid hour of finding nothing you became desperate, and desperation steered you away from the bustling crowds and into the dark alleyway known as Knockturn Alley.

When you finally arrived at the dark storefront, adorned with twisted metal ornaments that looked like they could come alive at any moment, it took all of your courage not to turn back straight away. But then again it probably was what Tom liked about the place—its eerie charm.

Upon entering, it felt like stepping into an entirely different world. Shelves upon shelves were filled with peculiar objects, ranging from cursed necklaces that whispered secrets to their wearers to enchanted mirrors that showed glimpses into alternate realities beyond your own plane.

Interrupting your thoughts, a gruff voice asked, "Can I help ye?"

An eldery man, hunched behind the counter with a suspicious gaze, looked up at you. Terrified, you rushed to explain why you were there. "I'm looking for something special for my friend."

The old man raised his bushy eyebrows that were flecked with gray hairs here and there, but didn't ask further questions. Instead boots scraped against the wood of the floor as he glided around the counter, walking the few steps to trot over towards some antique-looking boxes stacked up against one wall. There layed a small ornate box made out silver filigree encrusted with sapphires. It looked expensive enough without even knowing what might be hidden within it.

He pointed towards it. "This here is quite popular among young wizards. It contains various magical trinkets useful in everyday life such as self-refilling inkwells or quills that never run dry."

"That sounds perfect!" You reached forward eagerly only stopping yourself just short since you didn't want to appear too eager.

"Ah, but it's not cheap," he warned you with a wry smile. "But then again quality always comes at a price."