Things Not Seen

Chapter 9

I was suddenly hit with a million different scents. "Dad! Dad! What does it look like!? It must be amazing!" Jacob smiled down at his daughter. "There are a bunch of shops lining both sides and there are so many people here, Vale a lot of kids your age it seems too." I jumped up and down excitedly. "Let's go! Let's go!" "Well it looks like first on our list is to get a uniform." "Yay!" "The list suggests 'Madame Malkin's Robes For All Occasions'." I giggled. "Sounds fancy." We wandered around Diagon Alley until we came upon the robes shop. Jacob had kept his hand firmly on my shoulder while we were wandering through the crowds. When we reached the shop he let go of my shoulder and opened the door for me. I giggled when I heard a little bell go off. "Welcome, welcome what may I do for you today?" A woman's voice sang out. "I need a school uniform." I said.

"Oh I see." The woman said, suddenly sounding much closer. "Now you, go wait in one of those chairs while we get her fitted." I assumed the woman was talking to Jacob. "Have fun, Vale." Jacob said teasingly before I was pulled along by the woman.

We finally came to a stop. "What's your name?" The woman let out a dainty laugh. "Marie." I smiled. "That's a pretty name." "And what's yours?" "Vale." "Oh well you have quite a lovely name, Vale." "Now I'm just going to take some measurements please hold still."

"Ok." I felt Marie snake something around my waist, my shoulders, and a few other places. A few minutes later I could hear her shoes that I assumed were heels clack away. Then she came back. "Now, Vale, which one of these do you like better?"

"Um...Ms.Marie...I'm blind." Marie was silent for a moment. "Oh well, that's quite alright, I'm sorry I didn't notice before, Vale." I smiled in Marie's direction, grateful that she was taking it so well. "Now I think these will do, arms up." I felt Marie slip on something soft and long.

"Now let's go show your dad." I grinned. "Ok." We walked a little ways and then came to a stop. "What do you think Dad? Do I look like a witch?" I heard Jacob laugh. "Well I'm not sure how much you look like a witch, but the robes do look nice on you honey." "Thanks Dad." I heard the little bell ring and the sounds of people entering the shop. I could feel them staring at me and I shifted uncomfortably. "C-can I take them off now, Ms. Marie?" She must of sensed my discomfort as she quickly led me back to the dressing room and allowed me to change into my clothes.

She guided me back out to Jacob, and we quickly bought the robes and left the shop. I could hear the people whispering as we walked out. "Dad?" "Yes Vale?" "Why do people treat me differently because I'm blind?" I heard Jacob sigh heavily. "I don't know honey, I just don't know."