Wide Eyed in Wonder
Author: Coco Nutt
Date: 11-24-02 22:19

Wal had gone into such shock at learning his granddaughter was invited to attend a school for witches and wizards, Coco figured it was a blooming good thing he had a month to recover before taking her to London. The day the school sent the information on where to shop for supplies and how to find the place, Coco danced a jig with Pea but said nothing to Wal in case he went into deep shock again. On 30 August, Wal had loaded one of his steamer trunks full of Coco's and Pea's things into the boot of the car, went to fill up on petrol while Coco told the Bolts goodbye, came back for Coco and Pea, then the three had set off for London.

The first thing the Nutts did upon arrival in the city was to rent a room for the night. After that, they spent the rest of the afternoon sight seeing at several of their favorite spots to visit when in London. They ate a hearty supper of cottage pie with Wal drinking stout and Coco enjoying a Coca Cola, something she isn't allowed to have very often. When no one was looking, Coco would slip nibbles to Pea. Wal, long used to Coco's refusal to go anywhere without her beloved Pea, no longer even notices when she does such things in places she shouldn't.

After dinner, Wal suggested catching a film at the cinema down the street from the hotel but knowing it would be at least Christmas before she sees her Papa Wal again, Coco prefered spending the rest of the evening with her grandfather, playing draughts and eating the candy floss she'd been carrying around in a bag much of the day.

The next morning after they strolled out of the hotel, munching on piping hot, buttered crumpets. It didn't take them very long to locate the street where they were to find a place named, The Leaky Cauldron. Coco, excited at spotting the pub, waited impatiently for the lollipop man to wave them across the zebra crossing. By the time the Nutts reach The Leaky Cauldron, Coco is prancing in glee.

The three, for Pea is along of course, enter what looks like an ordinary type pub only to find that inside, the people are not the average looking crowd the Nutts would expect to see. A barmaid smiles their way and approaches. "It's a wee bit crowded today but if you're wanting a table, I think I can find something for you."

Wal, seeing several interesting looking drinks at various tables, twitches his mouth. "Oi'd be lovin' a sit down, lass, but me poppet 'ere was told this be war tuh comb fer buyin' 'er supplies fer 'Ogwarts."

Coco, watching as Wal runs a hand over his chin while wetting his lips, grins knowing he'd love nothing more than to sample a few of the unusual looking concoctions The Leaky Cauldron serves. "Iffin you be needin' a cuppa, Papa Wal, Oi kin wait. Or, iffin you need awhile tuh rest after tha long walk over, Oi kin find me own way."

The waitress beams at the two, not seeing Pea who is sleeping in one of Coco's pockets. "Well, that's settled then. Follow me, please."

They follow the woman to the bar where Wal plops down on an empty barstool. A weathered looking man smiles at them from behind the bar. "Tom, this gentleman would like a sample of some of your finest while this young lady visits Diagon Alley."

Tom gives a friendly nod at Wal. "From the lost look on your face, I'm guessing you're a Muggle. Non-wizarding folk. I think I have something here you'll take to right off. Butterbeer."

Wal, rubbing his hands together in anticipation, smiles at Tom to indicate he's ready for whatever Tom wants to send his way. In the meantime, the barmaid who's introduced herself as Fanny, leads Coco back to a small, closed in courtyard. Coco intently studies each little movement Fanny makes, then her eyes wide with awe as the arch to Diagon Alley opens, Coco thanks Fanny for her help and walks through the opening though once through, she finds a place to stand out of the way while the shock of actually seeing magic performed and being in a magical place wears off.

Coco knows the instructions Hogwarts sent by heart but nonetheless reads once more from the parchment that the first thing to do is go to Gringotts Bank. She easily locates the unusual looking building and bounds up the steps. Goggle eyed, Coco tries not to stare at the creature holding the door open for her. Once inside the bank, Coco stands stock still for several seconds taking it all in.

In a hushed, awe struck whisper, Coco addresses Pea once more. "Cor, butcher's hook, Pea! None of me chums back 'ome would aver Adam & Eve this. 'Bout now, seein' these here odd lookin' ducks, Mitzi'd be in a roight 2 & 8 she would."

One of the unusual looking beings approaches. "Are you in need of assistance, miss?"

Her eyes wider than ever, Coco nods and not knowing if there is a certain protocol to be followed, drops a quick curtsy while very politely replying. "Yes, sir. Oi 'ave uh bag full o' crispies an' wos tole this be tha place ta exchange it. Though, wot fer Oi need ta change perfectly good quid is beyond the loikes of me."

Recognizing at once from her words, her body language and her look of wonder, that this is someone new to the Wizarding World, the Goblin takes an extra moment to explain a little about Wizaring money before sending Coco to one of the teller queues.

"Wizarding World currency consists of Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts. Galleons are gold. Sickles are silver and there are seventeen to a Galleon. Knuts are copper and there are twenty-nine to a Sickle. In order for you to buy your school supplies, which is why I presume you are visiting Diagon Alley today, you will need to exchange your Muggle money, that is, your non-Wizarding money, for useable currency. One of the many services we Goblins here at Gringotts provide is Muggle currency exchange."

He points to several lines of people. "Pick any of those lines and when your turn comes, give the teller your Muggle money and he will calculate the proper amount of Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts you are due."

Coco, her excellent memory storing away every word the Goblin says, nods and thanks him profusely. As she stands in one queue, Coco takes Pea from her pocket and lavishes him with much favored scratches under the chin while she continues committing every little detail in the bank to memory. Later tonight, Coco will sit down with her journal and fill page after page with everything she saw and did today.

A very short time later, Coco and Pea emerge from the bank, both blinking as their eyes adjust to the almost overwhelming brightness of the sunny, summer day. Deciding she would prefer to buy the heaviest of the supplies last, Coco walks down the street getting an idea of where the various shops are located. She realizes she should have done this on her way to the bank but in her initial awe and excitement, Coco had thought only of finding the bank.

Pea's yapping to answer natures call, has Coco in search of a good spot for him. When the diminutive dog has done his business, Coco's bladder starts protesting for her to do likewise. She looks around but doesn't see a bathroom in any of the shops nor signs indicating public ones. As the need becomes more urgent, Coco stops a friendly looking, but extremely old, woman. "Pardon me, ma'am but Oi be needin' ta spend a penny an' bein' new 'ere Oi don' know war tuh go."

The woman's extremely wrinkled face wrinkles even more in puzzlement. "I'm sorry, dearie. Spend a penny? I don't follow."

Coco grins sheepishly even as she crosses her legs and tries hard not to dance. "Oi shoulda known wot with knuts and not coppers, you wouldn't know wot uh penny is. Oi be needin' the loo. Tha wah'er closet."

The old witch lets out a laugh that reminds Coco of a cackle. "You poor dear, Mr. Ollivander will let you use his and while you are there you can pick up your wand. The shop is just across the way, right there."

Thinking once more that a curtsy is the polite, correct protocol, Coco quickly bobs up and down, thanks the lady, and dashes across the street to the wand shop. Less than two minutes later, a much relieved Coco is standing with Pea peering from her pocket as she waves in her left hand an eight inch teak wand with both a heartstring from a Chinese Fireball dragon and the hair of a Demiguise. Mr. Ollivander walks Coco to the door as he explains her wand is, at present, a one of a kind.

Coco, grinning ear to ear, leaves Ollivanders in such a happy mood she skips all the way to Madam Malkin's.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

boot = trunk
petrol = gas
cottage pie = shepherd's pie
draughts = checkers
candy floss = cotton candy
lollipop man = crossing guard
zebra crossing = cross walk
cuppa = cup of tea
cor = jeeze, wow, gee, etc.
butcher's hook = look
Adam & Eve = believe
2 & 8 = state
crispies = money
quid = one pound sterling (£1)
spend a penny = go to the toilet
copper = penny
loo = toilet
water closet = toilet

---

The Tour
Author: Ian Weasley
Date: 11-24-02 22:33

Ian introduced Aerith to his Ginny and Prescott and then ditched them to give Aerith a tour of Diagon Alley...

"This is the best place for ice cream! The owner, Fortescue is a really nice wizard! He gives freebies and refills!"

This is Ollivander's. Mr. Ollivander is strange but nice too."

They walked and pointed until they came to the entrance of a dark corridor...

Ian gulped and said, "Oh Gainsbie! That's Knockturn Alley! Adark arts version of Diagon Alley!

We aren't allowed in there and I can't say I want to go in!" Gainsey looked and shrugged and then pointed to a new store with a sign named Weasley's Wizard Wheezes!

Ian smiled and said, "My twin cousin's new store! C'mon Gainsley, I'll buy you a box of Canary Creams! My treat!"

Ian put his arm around Aerith and they skipped towards the new store.

---

I Spy
Author: Adrian Lestrange
Date: 11-24-02 23:19

Adrian was staying in the inn in the Creaky Cauldron in Knockturn Alley where his uncle had dropped him off to begin his year at Hogwarts. Adrian was an orphan thanks to the Aurors, the Longbottoms, whom his parents tortured, and their association with he who must not be named got them imprisoned in Azkaban.

Adrian was born in the prison and sent to his uncle who is his present guardian.

Adrian wanted revenge on the Longbottoms, but they were already half dead so he is going after their son, Neville, who attends Hogwarts!

Adrian made way to the entrance of Knockturn Alley where he stayed hidden watching Wizarding folk come and go...then he saw a witch with an ostrich hat and a big pocketbook and slowly behind...Neville Longbottom with his Gryffindor cloak on and toad in hand!

Adrian twisted the nob on his Ambinoculers and zoomed in and muttered to himself while watching Neville hungrily. "Soon, Longbottom, soon! We shall meet! We have a destiny! Both parentless, raised by relatives, and we shall both duel! If I choose to let you live! Avada Kedavra will be the last sweet words you hear! Hahahahaha! Yes! Idid some...advanced study, Longbottom! Nor am I 11! Yes, an aging potion and a charm that even Dumbledore missed! Soon! Soon you won't have Harry Potter to protect you from the inevitable!

Adrian put the Ambinoculars away and went back to his room at the Inn.

---

Surprise
Author: Remadi Ye
Date: 11-25-02 00:34

Remadi is reaching for her last book when all of the books on the shelf in front of her suddenly go flying off. She catches one before it flies right into her grandmother's face and looks around, wondering what caused it. She sees a girl a couple of years older than her looking a little guilty a few feet away. Before she can react to anything else, Neko gives a loud, annoyed meow, right in her ear.

"Oh, Neko, you're not hurt. You were in my bag the whole time," Remadi says as she strokes him. She then turns her attention to her grandmother who is wide-eyed and saying things in Cantonese, shocked at the unexpected experience. Remadi whispers a couple things to her before spotting the dropped wand. She picks it up and walks up to the girl who is now accompanied by the shopkeeper and another older girl.

"Excuse me," Remadi says politely. "I think you dropped this." She holds the wand out towards Sykra.

---

Last Minute Shopping
Author: Golbez Rushdie
Date: 11-25-02 11:11

Like last year, I find myself scrambling around like a house elf trying to do last minute shopping with Fynn, my best friend. The two of us scramble around getting our books and supplies and discussing what the new year might have in store.

---

A new year of school is soon to be underway. Books, quills, pens. The whole lot. Milicent and I shop around for supplies, discussing not only our courses but how we can try to regain our favour with the other Slytherins after what that mudblood Granger did.

---

Shopping
Author: Eileen
Date: 11-25-02 13:24

I shop around for supplies with Australia, acquiring all the necessary equipment.

It seems so strange that this will be my last year getting school supplies, then I'll be out in the working world. Where has the time gone?

---

Orei had left the house, she had started feeling restless. She moved through the Leaky Cauldron to the brick wall that lead to Diagon Alley. She wondered through the street and window shopped.

She wondered in to Flourish & Blotts, and purchased a few pieces of different colored parchment and a nice quill for writing back and forth to her mom and dad while she is at Hogwarts.

She wondered out of the store and headed to the ice cream parlor where she ordered a milkshake and a sundae. She moved to a table outside and sat down, and simply people watched as she ate her sundae and drank her milkshake.

True she would probably have a sugar high for the rest of the day, but it would make it pass faster. She was anxious to board the train to Hogwarts. She wanted to meet other first years, and others who had already attended the school for a year or more.

She finished her sundae and milkshake and left the ice cream parlor, she wondered towards Magical Menagerie. She moved around the store picking up a few items here and there, and brought them to the counter and paid for them.

She then sighed and figured that it was time she headed home. Mom said she was making something special for dinner, because it would be her last night at home until any break in the term that she had the chance to come home.

---

Isolde stepped out of the Apothecary and shielded her eyes from the bright sunlight. Her left hand gripped the handle of a paper bag, in which she had various potions ingredients and some fine, glass vials. The blonde Slytherin moved away from the door and swished her robes around in order to rid herself of the stench of bad eggs and rotten cabbage.

Really, she thought to herself. Someone ought to think to cast an air-freshening charm in there.

As she aired herself out, she spotted Alexis wandering around on her own. "Alexis!" she called out, and crossed the street, weaving in and out of other shoppers as she went to meet her friend.

The other girl turned and smiled half-heartedly. "I didn't expect to see you here," she admitted. "I figured you three were already finished with your back-to-school shopping."

Isolde shook her head. "Nope. Azaelia and Pyrrhus aren't here yet, but they should arrive any minute." She smiled and added, "I have something for you. When we went to Japan, I picked up a little souvenir...actually, a pair of souvenirs! They're packed in my Hogwarts trunk, so you'll have to wait until tomorrow night."

"Don't keep me in suspense, Isolde. What did you get me?" Alexis grinned.

Isolde shook her head, smiling. "No way. I want to surprise you." She giggled and thought about the cute pair of Japanese sandals. She hoped Alexis would like them.

The pair chatted a little more and then were joined by Azaelia. The three girls decided to get out of the street and wandered over to Quality Quidditch Supplies. While there, they admired the new uniforms and racing brooms.

Isolde pulled the girls to the side and said in a low voice as to not be overheard, "You know, Alexis, with Simon at Durmstrang we're missing a beater. Maybe you should try out?"

It appeared as if Alexis was ready to reply, but a male voice exclaimed, "I thought I'd find you three here!"

The girls turned and saw Pyrrhus approaching. He gave each girl a hug and then turned to his precious Isolde, giving her a warm embrace and a passionate kiss. When they broke apart, she asked, "How did you know we'd be here of all places?"

"I know you, Isolde, miss future professional Quidditch player." He grinned, but his smile quickly faded. He jerked his head towards the door, and the four Slytherins stepped out and followed him to a grassy strip of land between two stores.

When certain that they were out of earshot of the other people passing by, he stated quietly, "This is the first time the four of us have been together since school let out three months ago. Loads have happened since then..."

Isolde's eyes narrowed. "Potter's great escape! How many accolades do you think Dumbledore will lavish on him during the start-of-term feast?" She put her palms together and exclaimed sarcastically, "Oh, Mr. Potter! You've shown great courage time and time again, like a true Gryffindor!"

She rolled her eyes. "Please. It's about time a Slytherin student gets recognized for doing something great. We've got to accomplish something this year. We can't let Gryffinbore take the cup again, and we certainly can't let those Huffledorks beat us at Quidditch. That's beyond embarrassing."

Azaelia nodded. "We'll show them. We've got what it takes. Hell, we probably would have taken the house cup, had Parkinson and Bulstrode not opened their traps about Py's involvement in Granger's little cheating mishap."

"Do you think those two pathetic excuses for Slytherins will do something this year to right their wrongs?" Pyrrhus asked.

Isolde shook her head. "Highly doubtful."

Pyrrhus sighed deeply. "I didn't think so. Oh well. We'll just have to put our heads together and come up with something that will surely get us ahead of the game." He shrugged and switched the subject. "Well, ladies. How about we go buy some textbooks?"

---

Looking for My Friends
Author: Aradia Forest
Date: 11-25-02 19:14

I saunter down Diagon Alley, wondering where Sykra and Cho could be. Heading into the bookstore, I see books floating everywhere and a general disaster zone, which can mean only one of two things:

a) Some Cornish Pixies had a wild, drunken party with a poltergeist

or (more plausibly)

b) Sykra is/was here.

Waving my wand around, clearing (and cleaning) books as I go, I hear the familiar giggle of Cho.

"Yup. Option B. " I say to myself, as I finally clamber across to where my friends are cleaning up yet more scattered books, as an assistant lectures about paying attention etc etc.

"Skyra..."I laugh, clearing away more books with my wand "Don't you EVER learn? I do think you're hopeless, at least in the coordination department."

---

Packing Amid Disgust
Author: Gabriel Garisson
Date: 11-25-02 19:34

Gabriel held his wand before returning it to the velvet lined case he bought it in and packing it in his suitcase amid his other belongings. Stardancer rested peacefully in her cage, head tucked under her wing while Rosé jumped up trying to get her tail feathers. A slamming door awoke Stardancer, who hooted loudly and angrily. Gabriel jumped over his bed to his door to see what the commotion was. Dashing to the balcony of his family's two story home, overlooking the entryway, he saw his grandmother Jeanie.

"Grandma!" Felicia ran to her grandmother as Lilly and Zan walked out of the living room. Rose' crawled next to Gabriel and looked over the balcony and mewed loudly.

"Gabriel, get down here!" Lilly said. "Say hello to your grandma."

"Yeah, mom," Gabriel said and climbed down the stairs.

"Come in, Mom." Lilly said, "Care for some tea?"

"Yes, dear." Jeanie said walking into the kitchen, Felicia and Zan next to her.

Gabriel felt the locket around his neck before walking into the kitchen. Already a teapot of water was on the stove with Lilly, Zan, Felicia and Jeanie sitting around the table. Gabriel hugged Jeanie right before she kissed him on the cheek.

"What was that for?" Gabriel asked wiping off her kiss.

"I felt like it." Jeanie smiled.

"I'm going to finish packing, mom." Gabriel said.

"Alright, honey." Lilly said.

"Packing to where?" Jean asked.

"Hogwarts." Felicia said, "He's been chosen to attend a school of witchcraft and wizardry."

Jean's jaw dropped as Gabriel began running up the stairs. "Gabriel!"

"Now calm down mother," Lilly began but Jean interrupted her.

"No grandson of mine is going to any such school. It's all a bunch of rubbish. Magic doesn't exist in the world."

"Jean." Zan said.

"Now don't start with me Zander Laran. Lillywen was nothing more than a demonic worshiper and she died crying out for her friends. She's banished for all time in Hell, to be eternally tormented by the foul denizens there, and I for one will not let Gabriel fall into that same trap." Jean yelled.

"Grandma, please calm down." Felicia pleaded.

"You encouraged this, didn't you." Jean said, "Filling his head with all your pagan nonsense. I have half a mind to send you off right now to an all-girls catholic school, where you can get the right ideas of religion into your head."

"You mean your religion." Felicia yelled, "I left Christianity because I felt trapped and could not think outside the box without being chastised. You're brainwashed, Grandma. You can't think for yourself without your precious church or your bible to tell you what to do."

"Why you..." Jean reached out for Felicia "you little tramp. Your parents should have done this a long time ago."

"Stop... NOW, Jean!" Zander stepped in between Felicia and Jean, "This is my house and you will not harm either Felicia or Gabriel. Felicia has our blessings to practice her religion, she has her own faith, and so does Gabriel. He has our blessings to attend Hogwarts too."

Jean glared at Zander and then at Lilly, "I won't let my grandson become some demon worshiper while you two sit around and let it happen."

"Leave now, Jean." Zander stared back coldly, "LEAVE!"

"I won't let him." Jean slammed the front door closed.

Gabriel sighed against the wall of the staircase while Felicia and Zander stared after Jean. Lilly walked up to Gabriel and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"She's going to be trouble." Zander said, "Just wait and see."

"Mom wouldn't do anything drastic." Lilly said.

"Really, Lilly." Zander turned, "She was about to her our daughter just for speaking her mind. What might happen to Gabriel when he does go to Hogwarts? Will Jean just let it die? No, she'll become more adamant about him not going, or claiming that they betwitched him to become one of them. Some of her friends have friends in groups that have caused more than enough damages to those who follow pagan ways."

"Well what do we do, then?" Lilly said, "Leave?"

"No," Gabriel said, "I don't go to Hogwarts."

"No, that won't solve anything." Zander said. "In fact she'll win."

"I agree," Felicia said, "I wasn't afraid of her, Gabe, you shouldn't be either."

Gabriel nodded and walked up the stairs smiling, "I'm going and nothing will stop me from becoming a great wizard. Then I'll show Grandma that she is wrong."

---

Fynn counted how much money he had - in galleons, sickles and knuts.

Back in Kent, his father had pressed the fresh notes into his hand, to "do whatever it is that you do with them. For school things." It was a generous amount. Fynn remembered his father's face, half hidden by shadows already, as he had shut the door behind him. Now he had his hands in his pockets and was walking, strolling really, along Diagon Alley. It was quite a pretty day- clouds, sun, sky. He decided; a good time for an illicit smoke. But Fynn remembered he had ran out of cigarettes, and he had to buy things; it would be best to start at Flourish and Blotts.

He pushed the door open, and looked around. He saw someone standing behind the shelves. She (for it was a she), already looked kind of familiar- long black hair glistening like rare diamonds in the sun. Fynn stepped to his right for a closer look. She turned around, and it was Cho! It was great to see his fellow Ravenclaw again. Fynn grinned.

"Hi Cho! Lovelier than ever, I see..."

---

Stupidity IS a Crime
Author: Voldemort
Date: 11-25-02 19:57

I had questioned Severus closely, but concluded that he was not responsible for the escape of my two captives. All he could say is that he rushed out to help the others one minute then the next thing he was awakes in his dormitory with no memory of what happened.

The death eaters who plastered Potter's cell are sent for punishment. Lucius requests the honours and I readily concede:

"Your excellent work for me this past year merits a reward. Take these incompetent fools below and punish them as you see fit."

Grinning maliciously, Lucius drags the worried looking men to the dungeon below. Agonized screams tell me that Lucius is putting his reward to good use.

I look around the death eaters assembled. "Let this be a warning to all who serve me."