SHIVER ━ A George Weasley Story

chapter 1, the departure

[c h a p t e r o n e, t h e d e p a r t u r e]

[Diagon Alley, 1989]

Having never been in the same room with more than one Wizard in her short lifespan, it was evident to see the apprehension and nerves bouncing off Rosie. Her senses were in overdrive from the sights in front of her. She was not sure what she expected but seeing Diagon Alley, it was beyond her wildest imagination. The streets lined with cobblestones, buildings watching down on the passersby; it was like something out of one of Rosie's pop-up storybooks. She instinctively reached for her father's hand, who stood tall next to her, trying his best to keep his mouth from dropping in fascination.

"This is incredible" Rosie whispered, beaming brightly.

They weaved their way through the busy crowds, Daniels eyes glued to the supply list in his hands.

"Alright, it says here we'd be best to visit Ollivander's for your wand... Now, do you see it closeby?"

"Well if you didn't have your eyes stuck on that paper you would see it's right in front of you" Rosie replied, in fond amusement.

Stepping inside, Rosie was suddenly aware of how quiet it was, in stark contrast to the hustle of the outside world. Rosie glanced up, taking in her surroundings. The store itself was akin to a bookshop she had once visited with her father in Notting Hill.

As she was about to remind him of this a man peered down from the upstairs landing. He was an elderly gentleman, hair unkempt like he had stuck his finger in an electrical socket, but eyes kind and full of hidden meaning. "Ah! Welcome, do come in" the man greeted "Mr Ollivander, at your service, young lady".

Rosie smiled at the man and replied: "Nice to meet you. I'm Rosalie...I'm here to find a wand".

Ollivander smiled at the girl's confidence "I had assumed as much. Well, let's see what we have here". Mr Ollivander approached Rosie and narrowed his eyes, muttering and inspecting her "Ah yes, interesting. I'll be right back".

When he handed her the first wand, she felt a movement, like a tugging as she clasped it in her hands tentatively, as if it were a bomb about to explode. She had never held a magical object before, and her father had told her that her wand was to be her most treasured possession, giving her the capability to practice her magic.

"Give it a wave for me, would you dear?" Mr Ollivander had suggested, but not before standing back from her, and signalling for her father next to her to do the same. Her father's eyes widened but didn't ask any questions as he stood back from Rosie.

She gave it a simple wave, not quite sure what she expected to happen, but was shocked to find that it had conjured a stack of boxes to fall off their shelf in quite a chaotic manner. She jumped out of fright.

"Oh no..." Ollivander began, Rosie was now anxious about the mess she had caused.

"Mr Ollivander! I'm so sorr-"

"That won't do at all...pearwood isn't your match... Another wand then!" and he was off down the back before Rosie could blink.

A few failed attempts later, and Rosie sheepishly tried every wand Mr Ollivander was thrusting into her hands. He had finally settled on one, after much deliberation out the back of his shop.

"This one is... interesting. But tickles my curiosity. Try it for me, would you?".

This wand was light, lighter than the first few, but hummed as she held it in her hands. The deep woodwork was fine, patterns coiled at the handle like a vine, that fit like a jig-saw piece around her small grasp. This wand had an entirely different feeling; like two notes sliding on opposite ends of the piano scale meeting in the centre to create a wondrous chord. She couldn't contain the small gasp of air that left her as she held it.