Alone In The Shadows ► || Harry Potter ||

| Chapter Two ~ Year One |

After swiftly making our way down the cobbled street, I stuck closely by Remus, following his every step. It was just as we went to turn the corner at the end of the road, my feet stopped in their tracks. My mind was suddenly clouded by thoughts of how I should go back. That all this was just my imagination playing twisted tricks on me. That this new life, with Remus, was just a pipe dream. But just the mere thought of going back to that house, with that woman, made me feel sick to the stomach. There was no way I could or would ever want to set foot in that house again, even if you paid me. So instead, I followed my heart. I mustered all the strength I could and quickly followed after Remus, who had gone marching on. While I followed him down each dingy cobbled pathway in the old lanes of the town, I allowed numerous questions to flood my mind about everything that had gone on,

"Remus? What was that thing you threatened my Aunt with earlier?"

"That thing was a wand. All witches and wizards have one as its the most common way we produce spells and incantations," Remus explained,

"Will I get to have one?"

"You will, but until I find us a quick way to London, I'm afraid we'll have to put that notion on hold," Remus sighed, "You see, we need to get to London and fast. We only have two days to purchase all your school things. We can't take the train as it will be far too slow and I'm afraid I cannot drive those silly little muggle cars. So the only option is for us to Apparate," he spoke, holding out his hand which I presumed I had to hold,

"Apparate? What's tha-" Suddenly, I felt all the air sucked out my lungs and my feet swept off the ground. It felt as if I was being pulled through a small tube. I hated every second of it. After what felt like hours, I finally felt my feet land harshly on solid ground, but I keeled over onto my knees, trying to regain my breath, "Bloody hell! That was horrible",

"Well, I must say for your first time Apparating, you handled it very well. Most people are sick the first time that Apparate," Remus chuckled, holding out his hand for me to take,

"Well fantastic," I hushed, allowing him to pull me up, "Where are we anyway?"

"London, of course!" We're not far from our destination," Remus smiled as he took my case and headed off, leaving me to summon all my energy and carry on after him. At the end of the lane, we entered a busy market place that was full to the brim of traders selling their different items. Having never been to London before in my life, I found everything rather amazing. I watched a Remus bounded over towards a blacked outbuilding and opening its door, waiting for me to follow after, "Let's not wait for the grass to grow, eh Odessa?"

"Sorry. I've never been to London before. This is all a bit strange for me," I chuckled,

"How about once the school year is over, I'll take you to all the best places I know in London. Something to look forward to, eh"

"I'd like that very much! Thank you!" I beamed, as I followed him into the building. Inside, it was a complete contrast to the outside world. It was dimly lit by a few old looking candles and packed to the brim with what I presumed were many witches and wizards, all smoking their pipes and drinking their beer. I instantly gripped onto Remus' hand, as I was a little frightened of this new surrounding,

"My, my, my Remus it's good to see you," The voice of the bartender called out, shaking me from my thoughts,

"Tom, it's good to see you. It has got to be ten years since I last stepped foot in this place," Remus smiled as they shook hands,

"What's brought you here then?" Tom asked, cleaning a beer glass,

"I'm here on official Hogwarts business. See, I've brought Miss Black here to buy her school supplies," he smiled, resting his hands on my shoulders,