The Mystic Celery Stalk

Chapter 3

Olivias POV
Father and I just arrived in Blackpool. He said that since we were now on the same land as London, we could now apparate. "Grab my hand Olivia, and apologies in advance" he said while smirking at me. I didn't have time to think what he meant, because as soon as I took his arm, I felt like I was being sucked through a tube, twisted and turned in all different directions, before landing flat on my bum in the middle of a busy street. My cheeks burned with embarrassment and my father laughed at how red I had gone. He helped me up and I almost through up all the contents in my stomach, but I managed to contain myself.

My father took me to many different shops. Firstly was a shop called Flourish and Botts. That was where we got my school books and quills, because apparently pens weren't regularly used here for whatever reason. He told me that he had some business to take care of, and sent me to a shop called Madam Malkin's to get my school uniform. I was terrified to go anywhere alone. I needed to calm my nerves, so I took out some celery I had kept stashed in my small bag I brought with me. I started munching it, very fast I might add, and it was calming me instantly. I felt confident enough to walk into the shop alone now.
Once I walked in, I was greeted my a lovely kind woman, with crazy, curled, blonde hair with all sorts of stuff sticking out of it. She ushered me over to a small stand where she propped me up and began to take my measurements. Beside me was another stand, and on it stood a boy with striking platinum blonde hair. He avoided my gaze at first, but I couldn't bring myself to look away. Once his eyes met mine, I was in awe. His eyes were a striking grey/blue and I immediately felt mesmerised. I was broken from my gaze with a quick tug on my jumper. Madam Malkin was telling me to try on my robes. I heard the boy beside me laugh quietly. My cheeks began to burn once again. How stupid I must've looked, staring at this boy who I had never met before. I was beyond embarrassed, and avoided looking in his direction for the rest of my fitting. I could feel his stare on the side of my face, but I wasn't going to look. I got my uniform, and made my way up to the desk to pay. Once I did, I left the sop in quite a hurry.

I found my dad, and he had a beautiful brown owl in his hand and was smiling at me like he just saw all his celery stalks blooming. He ran up to me as fast as he could. "I know you're birthday was in April, but I figured this would be a better present than some new celery themed notebooks". I was over the moon and couldn't contain my joy. I jumped up and threw my arms around my father, while saying thank you a thousand times into his ear. He took me to a small pub off the side of the road for a little break before we got back to getting the rest of my supplies. "So Olivia, any names in mind?" he asked me, whilst staring at the stunning owl. I thought about it, and decided against any celery themed names, as I didn't want to think about eating my owl. "Flora" I said proudly. He gave me a small smile and ordered himself some tomato soup and a glass of water. The waiter asked me what I want, but I kindly refused and went on with eating some more celery, occasionally feeding Flora little pieces. She seemed to love it. It was a great day, so far.