Chapter Text
Once Ria had managed to get her head around the awkward and utterly confusing encounter with Mr Ollivander, she allowed herself to be led back down the alley. Passing a variety of small shops that captured her avid attention, along with her curiosity, Ria couldn’t help but flicker her eyes in all directions, her head turning to take in all the sights she was being faced with. Once again, it became avidly clear to Ria that she had missed out on such an enchanting childhood filled with wonder and all things well, magical.
“Now that your wand is sorted out, we should probably sort out your uniform then your books dearie, and there may even be a few other items you wish to purchase. Madam Malkin has some beautiful robes and garments I promise, I do believe she only recently released a new autumnal based collection.” As Professor Sprout carried on, critiquing some of the latest fashion releases by other wizards and witches (none of which seemed to hold a candle to Madam Malkin, in her humble opinion) Ria began to think about the next stage of her planned entrance to the Wizarding world in September, ensuring she looked the part.
Ria had always had her very own clear sense of style, it just so happened to be that she had never had the funds, nor the lack of parental guidance to be able to express said style choices. Now that she was heading off to a boarding school, it provided Ria with the perfect chance to finally dress and act the way she had always wanted, especially now that she would be away from the constantly scrutinizing gaze of Petunia and Vernon Dursley. The pair had always dictated the way she dressed, only allowing her the basics that had been collected from charity shops, or Petunias own hand me downs. Unless Ria managed to find any clothes that she desperately loved when she helped out at the charity shop, she was stuck with the usually floral clothing handed down by Petunia that came in many terrifying shades of pastel.
“Professor Sprout, are there different options of uniform for the different seasons, or is it one uniform that can be worn all year around? It’s just that I don’t know whether I’d prefer trousers or a skirt you see, and it doesn’t explicitly mention anything in the list sent to me.” It may have seemed like an odd question to some, but Ria liked to be completely prepared for all sorts of situations, including ensuring that her uniform was wearable in all-weather types.
“I believe you can purchase what you wish my dear, Madam Malkin has a first-year package that she will alter to fit you, but that’s just your robes really. You can choose what to wear underneath, but I would recommend perhaps getting trousers and a skirt, of course tights would also be purchased. That should allow you to be comfortable in all situations dear.”
With that they reached Madam Malkins store, and their conversation finished as they waited for a tall and regal blond woman to exit the shop, along with a young boy who must have been her son, he was rather pale with blond hair and grey eyes, his aristocratic features emphasised by the haughty expression upon his face as he walked past them.
Stepping into the shop, Ria was assaulted with bright and dazzling colours, intricate and complex patterns and unique yet refined clothing in a variety of styles that would suit a vast range of body types, something that Ria noticed was hard to find in the muggle world when she had accompanied Petunia on her shopping trips, if only to help carry the bags.
“Pomona darling, what can I do for you dear?” The woman calling out from between racks of clothing looked to be of a similar age as the professor that had accompanied Ria on her trip, the witch was dressed fashionably, probably in wares that she herself sold in a way of promotion. Paired with that was perfectly coiled brunette locks which bounced in time with her steps as she joyfully made her way towards the pair from the far end of the extravagant shop.
“Nothing for me today I’m afraid, but I have brought young Ria here with me. She’s in need of a first-year package, and then we were thinking of taking a look at some other items if you have the time for us that is?” Professor Sprout immediately took charge of the conversation, something that Ria was glad for in that moment as she didn’t know what she needed, let alone what she wanted. Ria did however know that it would be best to observe the pairs interactions before intervening, she wanted to make sure that she had a good foundation on the etiquette required of the Wizarding population, she didn’t want to make a bad name for herself or her family on her first outing.
“Of course, darling why don’t you take a look at our newest autumnal collection whilst I take the young dears measurements.” Before Professor Sprout could give affirmation, the new witch made her way towards a small platform in front of a large ornate mirror. Gesturing towards it with a wave of her hand Ria followed her directions quickly and hopped up onto the heightened platform, proceeding to stand very still in front of her reflection.
“So, what we’ll do is take your measurements and fit you for your Hogwarts uniform. Then while that alters itself, we’ll have you try on a few different items in some different cuts and styles to see what you like before moving on to a colour palette. How does that sound?” Madam Malkin was clearly the kind to take charge, and for that Ria was thankful, especially as she seemed to know exactly what Ria needed.
“That sounds perfect! I’ve never had new clothes before, I only ever wear my aunts old things,” Ria spoke shyly, she didn’t want to come across as pitiful, but she knew that the best way to get across what she needed was to tell this witch what she needed to know.
The witch froze, her face taking on a heartbroken expression as she gazed down at the small girl on the platform before her. She was gazing at the tape measure in wonder as it proceeded to measure every limb with no help from Malkin herself. Steeling herself she spoke softly, but with a stern undertone to her voice.
“Well then, we’ll just have to make sure you have something for every occasion then,” with a flick of her wand the empty clothes rail next to them began to fill with robes and dresses, and the odd skirt and trouser selection.
“Now, is there anything specific you’re looking for?”
“I definitely want a skirt and trousers for my uniform, I don’t want to get cold so having something for different weather would be good,” Madam Malkin nodded affirmatively as she moved towards the rail and plucked off a full uniform, complete with both a trousers and skirt option. Handing them off to a younger witch along with the collected measurements, they’d be finished swiftly.
“Of course, you should always think about the weather and different options. You have a very cool toned complexion, so I’m thinking some rich colours like black, dark blue and a bold crimson. We can also work with some icy pastels, maybe a silver, a light blue and a blush pink would look brilliant with your rosy cheeks.” She was moving swiftly around the Ria, holding up different items of clothing for approval, and steadily the pile of clothing began to grow.
“What about green, would that work with my eyes,” it was hesitantly asked as Ria didn’t want to disrupt the witch who seemed to be in her element as she organised the clothing into different colour palettes. She couldn’t believe how lucky she was that Madam Malkin was going to such an effort to ensure that her clothing was appropriate, and knowing exactly what colours would work for her would be such a benefit when it came to ensuring that she was dressed accordingly with not only the latest fashion, but also for pureblood society.
Imagine if she had just turned up to Hogwarts in colours that didn’t match or work for her complexion. She was sure that she would have become the laughingstock of all the females, but at least now she knew that whatever she was wearing it would suit her, no one would be able to laugh at her for her clothes after today.
“Green would be perfect if you have the correct shade and tone. Anything rich and emerald is going to pop brilliantly with your hair and your eyes against such pale skin.” They both grinned as a few emerald gowns flew across the room to land in the collecting pile before them both.
With the collection compiled they began to look at the different styles and cuts of clothing. Ria couldn’t remember a time where she was able to have so much input in what she could wear. At first, she was hesitant to say whether she didn’t like something, but that quickly went away as some more adventurous items cropped up.
“How are we doing over here then,” came the voice of Professor Sprout as she made her way over to the pair who were having too much fun sifting through all the clothing before them to realise how long they’d been looking for.
“Amazing” “Brilliantly” came the dual responses from the pair as they laughed.
“Honestly darling, the little dear is brilliant and knows exactly what cuts work well for her. We’ve gone for a few elegant and refined looks and a few that will definitely flatter her figure as she grows and then a few outfits that are primarily for comfort and just lazing about. It’s a whole new wardrobe for her.” Just as Madam Malkin as about to describe each item in more detail her another witch came to join the group and hand over a soft brown package, which could only be Ria’s uniform for Hogwarts, reminding her that they had many more places they needed to visit before she headed back to the Dursley’s.
“Ah, I’m sure you’ve worked your magic as usual my dear, but we’re going to have to hurry if we want to get the rest of your supplies before I take you home,” Professor Sprout did look sad at having to cut the conversation short, but Ria knew that she still had to get her books and potion ingredients.
“That’s okay, thank you very much Madam Malkin, you’ve been extremely helpful, and I can’t wait to wear my new clothes.” Ria made sure to let the sincerity flow in her words so that the older witch could truly understand how thankful she was for all of the help.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure dearie; I’ll make sure to send you a catalogue once you get to Hogwarts with a few of our new items so that you can work on growing your wardrobe.” Ria grinned and nodded her head eagerly, now that she had new clothes, she couldn’t wait to start building up her collection, and she was positive that the other girls would have fun looking through it with her.
They quickly moved forward, Madam Malkin waved her wand and the clothes they had chosen were wrapped up and placed inside multiple bags which Professor Sprout proceeded to charm to weigh nothing at all. Ria made her way over to the counter where she was provided with a bill and seeing that she had selected a rather large and varied collection of things, the total was only 30 galleons, which Professor Sprout had explained was the gold coins within her purse.
Handing the money over and collecting the receipt, Ria wanted to take a proactive stance in ensuring that her financing were in order and all purchases accounted for. Ria was the last Potter and she needed to make sure that the money within her trust vault was used appropriately and with care, it would do her no good to splurge it all now and have nothing left a few years down the line, it wasn’t like her aunt and uncle would be willing to help her out financially. No, she needed to make sure she kept a record of how much she spent, and she was sure that if something went wrong the goblins of Gringotts would contact her immediately.
Pocketing the receipt and ensuring that her little money wallet was safely stored, she made her way back over to her chaperone and the owner of the store, ready to go and collect the rest of her necessary school supplies. So far, she could cross off her uniform and her wand, but she still needed a cauldron, potion supplies and most importantly, her course books.
Wandering out of Madam Malkins Ria found her arms laden down with multiple bags and a deep thrilling excitement to try on all of her newest clothing, the fact that she knew they would actually fit her body type, and perhaps even flatter her was something she had never experienced before but was truly excited about. There was also a tremor of fear running through her bones at the thought of people willingly talking to her. Now that she wouldn’t be walking around in Dudley or Petunia’s hand-me-downs, she may even have a chance of making her first friend!
“Right then, I’m sure our next stop will fill you with excitement. Flourish and Blotts, any book you could ever wish for, you’ll find here.”
When Professor Sprout said every book she could imagine, she hadn’t been exaggerating.
Ria was in awe as she looked around the room filled from floor to ceiling with bookshelves, each bookshelf containing a new selection of books, different coloured spines with a multitude of typography styles displaying their titles. Ria couldn’t believe that she had managed to find her heaven in this one room, and as she gazed around, she knew that the library housed in Hogwarts could only be better than this.
“Come along dearie, lets firstly get the books on your set reading list, and then we can have a look for any useful additional selections, how about that?” Ria could hardly do more than nod at the suggestion and move forward towards the desk where a young, and rather bored looking witch sat, lazily flicking her way through a magazine that Ria didn’t recognise. Ria looked up at Professor Sprout, expecting her to do the talking in this situation. Instead, the older witch gently nudged Ria forward, ensuring that the young girl could take control of her own situation.
“Excuse me, could I have a set of your Hogwarts First Year books please?” Although she was nervous about the situation, Ria made sure that she sounded brave and confident, showing the girl behind the desk that she knew what she wanted.
“Alright, give me a moment while I have a look out the back. Do you want them wrapped or unwrapped” The woman slowly got up from her chair and began to make her way through the door situated behind her, into what Ria believed to be a stockroom of some kind.
“Wrapped please, much easier to keep them all together and carry home,” Sprout called to the witches retreating back before turning her attention back to Ria, and gesturing out to the bookcases surrounding them, “go on then, have a look around and I’ll wait for the parcel.”
Ria needed no further encouragement, before proceeding to dart of between the multitude of bookcases, a firm idea of where to start in mind. Following the few dusty signs that were dotted between the aisles, Ria began to make her way towards the darker, and disused corner of the shop. Covered in dust were the books Ria had been searching for. She wanted to be as prepared as possible entering this new world, especially knowing that she was already going to be singled out for her past, something that she had no way of changing. What she could change however, was her knowledge and her level of ignorance relating to the Wizarding World.
It was in the darkest corner that she found it, leather bound and embossed with sanguis verus upon the front, Ria made a note to find out the English translation at some point, but she could hazard a guess that it related to blood lines. Quickly flicking through, it was obvious that this was what she would need, detailed chapters on pureblood families and how true purebloods should act and behave, this book alone would be a wealth of information to her.
Firmly grasping it in her hands, Ria moved down the aisle, her eyes darting between the multitude of titles, waiting for the one she would need to jump out at her. A glint of gold caught her eye and Ria turned to face another wall of daunting titles. Five shelves up and slightly to the left, a collection by Lucinda Stern clearly labelled Life and Society in Magical Britain, Volumes 1-5. Whilst the name itself was rather vague, Ria was more than willing to do a little investigating to find what she wanted. Moving to the middle of the aisle she managed to find a small step stool, which she swiftly commandeered for herself.
With little fanfare involved she clambered onto the stool and with fingertips just brushing their spines, she managed to pry the collection of the shelf and into her arms. They were slightly dusty, which she had expected from such a mundane reading topic, but they as she hoped, seemed promising. With individual titles of ‘Etiquette’, ‘Traditions and Wizarding Events’ and Ria’s key interest ‘Hierarchy in Magical Britain’ Ria felt that she had covered the foundation she would need before starting Hogwarts, and was sure that she would be able to advance upon this later on where she felt necessary.
Making her way back to Professor Sprout as swiftly as appropriate (she didn’t want to keep her waiting for too long) Ria felt rather accomplished in her findings but knew that there were a couple more books that she would want. Ria dreaded the though of not being able to follow a conversation with her peers once she reached Hogwarts and knew that there were still missing segments in her knowledge that needed covering.
Nearing the counter, she could see that her books were ready for her, packaged together in brown paper and tied together with some ribbon to keep the parcel from unravelling and the books inside falling out. She headed straight for her Professor, before veering to the right at the sign above her head, ‘Popular Purchases’ it read. That, Ria was sure, would be where she could get a few more books to round out her knowledge.
“Professor Sprout, are there any specific books I should get, so that I’m up to date on Wizarding culture?” Ria called softly towards her chaperone; she knew that sport was something that would be a good conversation starter and had read through her fathers copy of Quidditch Through the Ages multiple times in preparation. Other than that, she felt woefully unprepared regarding simple conversation topics seeing as she had grown up muggle.
“Ah, I would suggest ‘Tales of Beedle the Bard’ it’s children stories really, but all children in the Wizarding community grow up on them, so that would be a good introductory book. I’d also recommend 'Hogwarts A History' if you want to learn more about where you'll be living for the next seven years.” Agreeing with the suggestions, Ria was happy to find both books in the popular purchases section. She swiftly plucked both books of their stands and added them to the growing pile in her arm.
The newly added books seemed much less dry than the others she had collected, and she was eagerly waiting to crack the spines and devour the knowledge within them. She pondered slightly as to whether she should purchase a new copy of Quidditch Through the Ages but decided that she would much rather take her fathers copy to Hogwarts. His notations inside were one thing, but just knowing that she had something of her father’s with her was the main reason behind her decision.
“Okay, I think I’ve managed to find everything I’ll need for now, but are there ways to order more books to Hogwarts if I need them?” Ria was fully aware that Hogwarts would have a truly magnificent library, and she was sure she’d be able to find everything she’d need there, but she would have to share it with the other students. Who was to know what others would want to read, and if she truly enjoyed a book or found it important, it would be much more realistic to just buy it outright instead of continuously loaning it.
“Of course, we’ll get you a mail order form for now, in case there’s anything you want delivered before September,” Professor Sprout responded while Ria placed the books, she’d found on the desk to be wrapped and totalled up alongside her First Year package.
Professor Sprout reached into a tray and lifted out a small catalogue with a from attached to the front, “once you’re there you’ll find owl order forms for all different shops in your common room, that includes here and Madam Malkins, along with others we may not have time to visit today.”
With that they paid the witch who was waiting behind the desk and made their way out of Flourish & Blotts and back into the main street of Diagon Alley.
“Now, I believe we should head to Half Alley and buy you a few more clothes. You can’t wear all of those beautiful robes in the muggle world, and I’m sure you’re dying to get out of those hand-me-downs.” Professor Sprout was sure the grin she received in return would blind the whole alley if possible.