Whispers Of Hogwarts

𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐆𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐘

We exited the Leaky Cauldron, and I finally had a look at the real-life Diagon Alley. There were lots of people jostling around. Hustle and bustle everywhere. Mum told me about my rejection from the Quill, which Hagrid had told her. She also mentioned it being weird since it had never happened before.

Just like Harry, I wished I had eight more eyes to have a good 360-degree view. I never thought I'd get to see Diagon Alley in real life. As a reader, I felt even more enthusiastic.

I glanced around the street to see various shops, each filled with crowds of people, selling all types of items. Starting with Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. It was a magnificent image in front of my eyes. I was in total awe.

"Come on now." Mum urged.
"Where are we going first?" I queried.
"Gringotts."

Holy shoot. Did Mum have a bank account at the Gringotts Wizarding Bank? I can't help but wonder how much money she has in there.

We approached a white building and went up the stone steps, pushed past the bronze doors.

Have you ever seen a goblin? Like a real goblin and not on TV or someone cosplaying. No right? Me too, and that was until I entered Gringotts.

The shock that I was the daughter of a witch still hadn't left my body. And now goblins working so normally in front of me... I felt like I was going to faint from the shock.

They were all wearing a uniform of scarlet and gold. Some goblins were writing on large ledgers, weighing coins and glowing rubies the size of coals on brass scales, examining stones wearing eyeglasses. Just like in the first book. Wow.

After exchanging muggle money for galleons, Mum took me to Madam Malkin's Robes for my uniform. While getting myself measured, she went on about the Hogwarts houses, and and their founders. Soon enough, I learned she was in Hufflepuff. She did possess some of its traits. So there was a good chance of me being a Hufflepuff as well.

After the Robes, I begged Mum to go to Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C. to purchase my wand before going to Flourish and Blotts. I couldn't be more ecstatic.

The bells rang as we entered the shop but unfortunately, it was empty. Garrick Ollivander was nowhere to be seen. I huffed.

"Fret not, dear." Mum cooed. "I'm sure he'll be back soon."
After waiting for 5 or 10 minutes, a man with an afro of grey hair approached the counter of the shop.
"My apologies, did I keep you waiting for too long?"
"Oh not at all, Mr. Ollivander. We just arrived a few minutes ago." Mum said.

"Beatrice, is that you?" Ollivander seemed slightly surprised.
"I'm so glad you remembered!"
"I remember every wand I've ever sold. Yours was Applewood wand, unicorn hair core, 10 inches."
"Yes, absolutely, Mr. Ollivander. Anyway, we're here to buy a wand for my daughter, Charlize. She's going to attend Hogwarts!"

Ollivander's attention shifted from Mum to me.

"Charlize?" Ollivander looked at me. "You must be the girl whose name was re-written by the Quill. Such an odd case... Hagrid came here with the Headmaster himself, yesterday. Even Professor Dumbledore is confused. Anyway, without delay, let's get straight into the process."

Ollivander proceeded to give me a wand. I pointed it out in the air but I was greeted by a strong gust of wind (rather dust) and everything went topsy-turvy. This process went on for some time, with me trying out some 10 or 12 different wands but with the same result in the end. Mum felt my disappointment, so she comforted me.

"Don't worry, this is nothing abnormal. This has happened with every wizard or witch since it is the wand who chooses its owner."

"Try this." With that, Ollivander opened a box. "A spruce wood wand, dragon heartstring core, 11¾ inches. Swishingly flexible."