Chapter 2: Sister
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Diagon Alley always had a vibrant air, an ordered chaos where magic was breathed in every corner. Appearing in front of the cobbled entrance to the alley, Aleister felt a slight dizziness, typical of travel through Apparition, but he quickly recovered. The bustle around him distracted him, the bright colors of the shops and the mix of voices spoke of a place where time seemed to stop to make way for magic in its purest state.
Florean Fortescue's with its ice cream parlor, Madame Malkin's with her robes, and beyond, the imposing figure of Gringotts, with its goblin guards watching with small, sharp eyes. Aleister had been here before, but never on a day as important as this, his eleventh birthday, the day when everything would change.
—See, Al? "Alice," Alice said, gently pushing him forward. "There's more to life than dueling practice. Hogwarts is full of surprises, and you don't want to start your first year unprepared for all of them."
Aleister nodded silently, though deep down, he was still thinking about the idea of staying home and improving his skills. However, he couldn't deny that there was something exciting about wandering through Diagon Alley right now. The shops filled with wands, ancient spellbooks, magical creatures, and artifacts appealed to him almost as much as the magic itself.
"Welcome to the wizarding world, Al," Alice said, gently squeezing her brother's hand as they walked through the crowd. "There's so much to see and so little time to waste."
Aleister turned his head from side to side, trying to take it all in at once. A group of young witches walked past them, giggling as they browsed through spell books in a nearby shop. A little further along, a street vendor was selling crystal balls that changed color depending on the mood of the person holding them.
"It's… amazing," Aleister murmured, his honey-colored eyes shining with excitement.
Alice smiled at the look of wonder on her brother's face. She knew that, despite his strict upbringing and the austere environment of his home, Aleister had an innate curiosity about the world around him.
"First, we need to get you a proper wand," Alice said. "Your training wand won't cut it anymore at Hogwarts."
Alice, always wearing that carefree smile, led him by the hand toward Ollivanders, the most famous wand shop in the alley. The wooden door creaked open, and a small bell rang, drawing the attention of a thin, elderly man who emerged from the back of the shop.
As they entered, a bell rang softly. The interior was filled with shelves that reached up to the ceiling, packed with dusty boxes. An old man with bright eyes and white hair appeared from behind a stack of boxes.
"Ah, visitors," Mr. Ollivander said in a soft voice. "Welcome. How may I help you?"
"My brother needs a new wand," Alice explained, gently pushing Aleister forward.
The old man examined Aleister closely, as if he could see past his physical appearance.
"Let us see..." Ollivander murmured. "What is your name, young man?"
"Aleister Crowley," he replied, feeling a strange mix of nervousness and anticipation.
Ollivander's eyes sparkled at the name.
"Crowley, you say… I have met many of your family. Interesting wands, very interesting."
He began to pull boxes from different shelves, placing several on the counter.
"Try this one." Yew wood, dragon heartstring core, thirteen inches.
Aleister took the wand, but before he could do anything, Ollivander shook his head.
"No, no, that's not it," he said quickly, taking it from his hands. "How about this one? Willow, unicorn sinew, twelve and a half inches."
Aleister held it, feeling a slight tingle in his fingers. A small spark flew from the tip.
"Better, but still not the one," Ollivander commented thoughtfully.
After several attempts, the old man pulled out a box high on a shelf. He opened it carefully and removed an elegant-looking wand.
"Yew wood, dragon sinew, eleven inches. Very powerful."
As Aleister took the wand, he felt a warm current run through his arm. The tip of the wand emitted a soft golden glow that illuminated the room for a moment.
"Ah!" "Ollivander exclaimed with satisfaction. "I think we have found the right wand."
Alice surveyed the scene with pride.
"It suits you, Al."
Aleister smiled, admiring the wand in his hand.
"It feels… right."
After completing the purchase, the brothers continued their tour of the alley. They bought books at Flourish and Blotts, where Aleister marveled at the titles and illustrations that came to life on the pages. At Madam Malkin's robe shop, he was measured for his new uniform while he was in the As Alice chatted animatedly with the seamstress about the latest trends in wizarding fashion.
As they walked, Alice pointed out one place in particular.
"Al, would you like some ice cream?" she asked, pointing to Florean Fortescue's ice cream parlour.
"Sure," he replied, delighted with the idea.
They sat at an outdoor table, enjoying ice creams of exotic flavours that changed colour and flavour with each spoonful.
"Are you excited about going to Hogwarts?" Alice asked, watching her brother with interest.
Aleister nodded slowly.
"Yes, but I'm also a little nervous. I don't know what to expect."
Alice laughed softly.
"It's normal to feel that way. Hogwarts is a wonderful place, full of magic and knowledge. You'll make friends, learn more than you imagine, and who knows, maybe you'll find your own path."
Aleister fiddled with his spoon before speaking.
"Alice, how was it for you?" "He asked quietly. When you started at Hogwarts."
She looked up at the sky for a moment, remembering.
"It was overwhelming at first. But I soon found my place. I was in Ravenclaw, like very few in our family. I spent hours in the library, exploring the grounds, engaging in friendly duels. They were some of the best years of my life."
"Do you think I'll be in Ravenclaw, too?" he asked.
"It's possible. You're smart and curious. But the Sorting Hat sees beyond the obvious. You might be surprised."
Finishing her ice cream, Alice consulted a list she'd kept in her pocket.
"We only have one place left to visit," she announced with a mysterious smile.
"Where are we going now?" Aleister asked, intrigued.
"It's a surprise," she replied, winking at him.
They walked until they reached a corner of the less-traveled alley. In front of them stood a small, inconspicuous shop with a sign reading "Ancient Artifacts Emporium."
"What are we doing here?" Aleister asked, confused.
Alice looked at him seriously.
"I want to give you something special for your birthday, something to accompany you on your journey. We'll find the right thing here."
As they entered, a bell announced their arrival. The interior was filled with shelves filled with strange objects: clocks that ran backwards, mirrors that whispered, and trunks that seemed to move on their own.
A man of indeterminate age appeared behind the counter, his dark eyes shining with curiosity.
"Welcome. Are you looking for something in particular?"
"We're looking for a gift for my brother," Alice explained. "Something unique."
The man nodded slowly.
"I have just what you need."
He led them to a display case at the back of the shop. Inside was a crescent moon-shaped pendant, made of a silver metal that sparkled with a light of its own.
"This is a Moonlight Amulet," the man explained. "It is said to protect the wearer from shadows and help them find their way in the darkness."
Aleister looked at the pendant, fascinated.
"It is… beautiful."
Alice smiled.
"I think it is perfect."
After making the purchase, they left the store. Alice turned to her brother and placed the amulet around his neck.
"Happy birthday, Al. May this amulet protect you and guide you on your way."
Aleister felt a warmth as he touched the pendant.
"Thank you, Alice. It is the best gift I could ask for."
This day was Aleister's, his birthday, and his start at Hogwarts. Alice promised herself that no matter what happened, she would be there to protect her brother.
With all the shopping done and the list fulfilled, the two siblings walked back towards the alley's exit point. The sun was already beginning to set, and the lights of the shops glowed warmer as the afternoon progressed. Aleister, laden with his books, ingredients, and new wand, felt a mix of emotions: anxiety, excitement, and a spark of something else, an unwavering curiosity for the future.
"It's time to go home," Alice said. "Mother will be waiting for us."
Aleister nodded, but this time, his heart was filled with excitement and hope. It had been an unforgettable day, and although doubts still lingered, he felt more prepared to face the future.
Hand in hand, the siblings prepared to return. Alice raised her wand once more, and in a whisper, they disappeared from Diagon Alley, leaving behind the bustle and the lights, but taking with them the memories and the beginning of a new adventure.
.
.
.
.