Darkness on the Horizon

Ch. 3

We landed in the middle of Diagon Alley. I held Danielle's arm making sure she wasn't going to fall. After she had gotten over the initial nausea she looked at her surroundings. I watched as her green eyes filled with wonder and a smile tugged at her lips. It was comical to observe her as her eyes drifted around the bright stores. I decided in this moment I would go slow and let her guide the time frame of shopping. I had also decided to take her to get some ice cream at some point. I wanted this to be an experience for her even if I needed to pay out of pocket for some of those extra things. This is something most other children would get and she deserved the same.

"Whoa," she said as she saw some of the magical elves assisting their owners with shopping.

"Those are house elves. There are some at Hogwarts but basically they are assistants for wizards and witches rich enough to have them," I told her as she looked at me. "Now. What do you want to do first, books or your wand?" I asked with a smirk.

"Wand!" She cheered causing me to laugh.

"I figured. Let's go," I told her leading her to Ollivander's. While he had helped Harry he was the best wand maker around so Tom let him off with a warning. "Now this might take awhile but don't worry you'll find a wand. If anything breaks while we are in the store don't worry I can fix it with my magic okay."

"Okay," she said before I led her into the shop.

"Ah Miss Malfoy," Ollivander greeted causing me to flash him a smile.

"Hello sir. I'm here to get a wand for Miss Danielle here," I said motioning to the girl who was currently hiding behind me.

"Which is her wand arm?" He asked me seeing the child was nervous.

"Danielle. Which hand do you write with?" I asked turning to face her. She pointed to her right hand as I nodded. I didn't have to tell Ollivander as he had seen which. I saw the concern on her face as he magically measured her arm. I gave her a reassuring smile trying to calm her fear.

"Okay try this," Ollivander said placing a box in front of her. She picked up the wand hesitantly. I nodded as she gave the wand a wave which sent several boxes flying off the shelf. She jumped dropping the wand instantly. She glanced at me as I used my wand putting all of the boxes back.

"See, no harm done," I said softly. She looked relieved to see everything cleaned up instantly before she focused on Ollivander again. He placed several boxes down putting back two other boxes he had been thinking. He pushed a box towards her and again the wand didn't fit her. The front window shattered causing Danielle to flinch. I put my arm around her shoulders. "It's okay. Watch," I told her waving my own wand. "Reparo!" The window looked brand new within seconds.

"Definitely not but don't worry. I haven't found a witch I couldn't pair with a wand," Ollivander said handing her another wand. I smirked as a warm glow filled the room.

"Perfect," I told her as she grinned up at me. "What type of wand is it?"

"The core is Phoenix tail father and the wood is blackthorn," he said as I nodded.

"Is that good?" She asked causing me to smirk.

"It's great," I said handing over the money for the wand. "Thank you Mr. Ollivander."

"My pleasure Miss Malfoy and Miss Danielle. I expect great things from you Miss Danielle," he said as her smile grew.

"Now, let's get your books for the year," I told her leading her from the store. She was smiling as we made our way slowly to the bookstore. I wanted to make sure I wasn't rushing her. I gave her the list following her as she hunted for the books. I used my magic to carry the books for her. Once we finished finding all the books I led her to an ice cream shop. "Now you get something special." I said winking at her as her green eyes glowed.

"You are getting me ice cream?!" She gasped as I nodded.

"Take your pick," I said smiling as she raced up to the counter. She stared at the flavors before selecting chocolate. I got myself a scoop of butterbeer flavored ice cream. We sat at the table eating our ice cream. It was then I decided to see if I could get her to open up. "So Danielle," I started. She focused on me intently. "How are you doing at the orphanage? Do you like it?"

"It's okay. It's better than other places I've been," she said simply. I nodded in understanding.

"So you get along well with the head of the orphanage?" I questioned as she shifted her gaze from me. "Is there something you want to share?"

"I get along with her sometimes but other times not so much. At least she cares about us," she said after a moment. I took her hand gently. I felt terrible that she was going back to the orphanage.

"Well I promise you are going to love Hogwarts!" I said firmly. I wanted to give her something to look forward to. "You only have a week and then you'll be at Hogwarts."

"Is it nice?" She asked as I smiled.

"Yeah it is now. The headmaster is very strict and serious but underneath it all he cares deeply about his students. Don't let him scare you, he's a big softie," I told her. "When you get sorted you will see how close you get with your house mates."

"What house will I get?" She asked as I looked at her.

"I can only guess but I'd say Hufflepuff. The sorting hat decides which house you get," I said simply. "Now is there anything else you wanted to see before I take you back to the orphanage?" I said as she frowned. I could tell she didn't want to head back.

"Um, no," she said truthfully. There wasn't anything that she wanted to see. I gave her a sad look as I got up.

"I'll see you in a week okay?" I told her. She looked at me teary eyed but took my hand so I could apperate us back. Once there I carried Danielle's stuff to her room before I left to speak with the head of the orphanage. I explained to her how Danielle would get to Hogwarts before I left. After I left I made the decision to go to the Ministry. I needed to talk to Tom.