𝙄𝙙𝙞𝙤𝙩 || 𝙃𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙮 & 𝘿𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙤 𝙈𝙖𝙡𝙛𝙤𝙮

CH #1

Holly's POV:

Diagonal Alley was truly beautiful. The snow sparkled like crushed diamonds under dim streetlights, and the chatter of the shoppers mixed with the crisp whistle of the cold winds adding to the magic of the season.

I buried my hands in the soft fabric of my coat pockets, feeling around until my fingers brushed against a crumpled up piece of parchment. Unfolding it, I murmured through the carefully written list of names and their corresponding gift ideas. "Alice, Amelia, Anna, Abigail..." with each name I glanced up towards the different shops windows, hoping for a strike of inspiration.

As I began walking through the snow, listening to the satisfying crunch beneath my boots and glancing through the shop windows, my eyes caught the faint sight of the broom shop in the distance. Alice had been yearning for a new broom for quite some time-her old broom had met an unfortunate fate thanks to a certain boy. I won't name names, as just thinking of him made my stomach churn with irritation. The memory of his smug face ignited a flash of heat in my cheeks, but I forced myself to take a deep breath and focus. Shaking the frustration away, I straightened my posture, stepping forward, and opened the shop door, where I was immediately greeted by a wave of comforting warmth and the scent of polished wood and enchantments.

The broom shop was an inviting as ever, with rows upon rows of brooms hanging neatly along the walls, each gleaming. A young witch with a kind smile approached me, her wand flicking behind her to tidy up a display as she walked. "Looking for anything in particular?" She asked cheerfully.

"Yes," I replied. "I need a broom-something sturdy but fast. It's for a friend." I left out the part about the boy who smashed Alice's last broom. The less I thought about him, the better.

"Well, you've come to the right place." She said with a soft laugh, gesturing to the row brooms, each labeled with the name and characteristics. "There are perfect for everyday use, but still have that speed if she's into quidditch."

I smiled, stepping closer to inspect them. The handles were smooth to the touch, and the bristles looked as though they had been hand-trimmed for precision. As I continued to admire the craftsmanship, one broom in particular caught my eye-a sleek model with a polished ebony handle and silver inlays. It was simple, elegant and undoubtedly durable.

"This one," I said, pointing towards it. "She'll love it."

"Ah, the Silverbolt." The witch nodded approvingly and plucked it from the wall, "Lovely choice. I'll have it wrapped up for you."

As I waited, I glanced around the shop, watching other customers marvel at the brooms or haggle over the prices. The atmosphere was warm and lively, a stark contrast to the chilly outside. When the witch returned with the broom wrapped neatly in enchanted paper, I paid and carefully tucked the package under my arm.

Stepping back into the cold, I took a moment to breathe in the sharp, wintry air. The snow was falling more heavily now, blanketing the cobblestone in a layer of white. As I made my way further down the alley, my eyes scanned the shop signs, searching for the next destination. Amelia's name was next on the list. She had mentioned wanting a set of enchanted paints that could bring her artwork to life. I spotted a small, cozy art shop tucked between two larger buildings. This would be my next shop.

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Note:

I'm so sorry if you cringe through this, it's meant to be a joke... but this is just bad.