Chapter 4: Diagon Alley

1K 36 0
                                    

The bustling streets of Diagon Alley buzzed with excitement as the Malfoy family made their way through the magical thoroughfare, their steps echoing against the cobblestones. Narcissa led the way, her elegant posture betraying none of the tension that simmered beneath the surface. Draco walked beside her, his eyes alight with anticipation, while Lyanna trailed behind, her gaze darting eagerly from shop window to shop window.

Their first stop was Flourish and Blotts, where they stocked up on textbooks and parchment for the upcoming school year. As they browsed the shelves, Narcissa couldn't help but notice the presence of another family nearby—a family with flaming red hair and freckled faces.

The Weasleys.

Lucius's lip curled imperceptibly as he caught sight of them, his disdain for the family evident even in the crowded bookstore. He exchanged curt nods with Mr. Weasley, his expression icy and aloof. Narcissa, ever the picture of grace, offered a polite smile, though her eyes betrayed a hint of discomfort.

"Good day, Mr. Weasley," she said, her tone polite but distant. "Lovely weather we're having, isn't it?"

Mr. Weasley returned her greeting with a genial smile, though there was a weariness in his eyes that spoke volumes. "Yes, indeed," he replied, his voice tinged with resignation. "Busy times at the Ministry, as always."

Lucius's nostrils flared imperceptibly at the mention of the Ministry of Magic, his disdain for Mr. Weasley's lowly position apparent. "I'm sure," he said curtly, his tone dismissive. "Well, we must be on our way. Come along, Draco."

Draco nodded obediently, shooting a wary glance at the Weasley children before following his father out of the shop. Lyanna lingered for a moment, her gaze lingering on the Weasley family with a mixture of curiosity and empathy.

As they exited Flourish and Blotts, Lyanna found herself trailing behind the rest of her family, lost in thought. She couldn't shake the image of the Weasleys from her mind—their warm smiles, their easy laughter, their humble demeanor. They were so different from the Malfoys in every way, and yet...

"Excuse me," a voice interrupted her reverie, and Lyanna turned to see Mrs. Weasley standing beside her, her eyes kind and understanding. "I hope your family has a lovely day," she said sincerely, a genuine warmth in her tone.

Lyanna felt a pang of guilt as she looked into Mrs. Weasley's eyes. She knew that her family's treatment of the Weasleys had been less than kind, fueled by prejudice and pride. And yet, here was Mrs. Weasley, offering kindness and compassion without hesitation.

"I'm sorry," Lyanna blurted out, her words tumbling out in a rush. "I'm sorry for my father's behavior. He... he can be a bit..."

Mrs. Weasley placed a gentle hand on Lyanna's shoulder, her smile understanding. "It's alright, dear," she said softly. "We understand. Families can be complicated sometimes."

Lyanna nodded, her heart heavy with guilt. "Thank you," she murmured, a lump forming in her throat.

With one last smile, Mrs. Weasley turned and rejoined her family, leaving Lyanna standing alone in the bustling street. As she watched the Weasleys disappear into the crowd, Lyanna made a silent vow to herself—to be better, to be kinder, to be the person she knew she could be. And with that resolution in her heart, she hurried to catch up with her own family, ready to face whatever lay ahead with a newfound sense of determination.

~~~

The soft bell above the door of Ollivanders chimed as Lyanna stepped into the wand shop. Her platinum hair flowed gracefully over her shoulders. She glanced around the dimly lit shop, taking in the rows upon rows of wand boxes stacked to the ceiling. The air was filled with the scent of polished wood and ancient magic.

"Welcome to Ollivanders, Miss Malfoy," greeted Mr. Ollivander, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. "I've been expecting you. It's always a pleasure to match a wand with a witch or wizard of such esteemed lineage."

Lyanna smiled politely. "Thank you, Mr. Ollivander. I hope my wand is here. We've been to Gregorivitch and Baguettes Magiques de Cosme Acajor but no wand has chosen me."

"Oh, I'm certain we'll find the perfect match," he said, already moving towards the shelves. He returned with a slender box. "Let's start with this one. Ebony and phoenix feather, ten inches, quite flexible."

Lyanna took the wand, feeling its smooth surface against her palm. She gave it a gentle flick, but nothing happened. Mr. Ollivander quickly took it back, muttering to himself as he scanned the shelves for another.

"Perhaps this one. Rosewood and unicorn hair, eleven inches, reasonably supple."

She tried again, but the wand remained unresponsive. Several more wands followed, each with a different wood, core, and length. Ash and dragon heartstring, willow and veela hair, even a rare wand made of acacia and thunderbird tail feather. 

None of them responded to her touch.

Lyanna began to feel a twinge of frustration. "Maybe there isn't a wand for me," she murmured.

"Nonsense, my dear," Ollivander reassured her, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "The wand chooses the wizard, remember? And we've yet to try them all."

He disappeared into the back of the shop and returned with a box covered in a fine layer of dust. "This one is rather special. Bloodwood and dragon heartstring, twelve and a half inches, slightly rigid."

Lyanna took the wand, and the moment her fingers closed around it, she felt a surge of warmth. The wand vibrated slightly in her hand, and a stream of red and gold sparks erupted from its tip, filling the room with a warm, fiery glow.

Ollivander's eyes widened with delight. "Ah, yes! I should have known. A wand befitting a Malfoy. Bloodwood and dragon heartstring for the strength and power I sense within you."

Lyanna smiled, a sense of completeness washing over her. "It feels... right. Like it was made for me."

"Indeed, it was. Your father's wand, too, is dragon heartstring," Ollivander said softly. "Treat it well, Miss Malfoy, and it will serve you faithfully."

With her new wand in hand, Lyanna felt a newfound confidence.

Lyanna approached the counter with her newly chosen wand in hand, feeling its comforting weight as she placed it on the polished wood of the counter. Mr. Ollivander gave her a warm smile as he prepared the parchment for the transaction.

"Just a moment," he said, carefully wrapping the wand in a rich, dark velvet cloth. "The price for this particular wand is fifty galleons."

Lyanna nodded, reaching into the folds of her robe to retrieve a small pouch of gold coins. She counted out the amount and placed it on the counter with a graceful hand. Mr. Ollivander's eyes lingered on her, a mixture of admiration and respect in his gaze.

"Thank you, Mr. Ollivander," she said, her voice calm and assured.

"You're most welcome, Miss Malfoy," he replied, carefully placing the pouch of coins into a drawer. "I'm glad we found the right wand for you. It was a pleasure to assist someone of your lineage."

Lyanna offered a polite smile, accepting the wrapped wand with a nod. She turned towards the door, the soft chime of the bell marking her departure. As she stepped out into the bustling Diagon Alley, the cool autumn air felt refreshing against her skin. The streets were alive with activity, the chatter of witches and wizards filling the air.

She glanced down at the velvet-wrapped wand in her hand, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation for the journey ahead. With a final, contented smile, she walked confidently down the cobblestone street, the golden warmth of her new wand echoing her fiery spirit.

Forsaken Bloodlines {HP x GOT}Where stories live. Discover now