Chp 21: Diagon Alley

'Wow'

----

As Adam turned a corner, his eyes widened seeing a thronging alley filled with wizards and a truly magical menagerie of shops and sights.

The alley itself was quaint and cobbled, packed full of magical shops, apothecaries, restaurants, and the famous wizarding bank, Gringotts.

Andromeda strode purposely down the alley dodging between witches and wizards who were wholly engaged in going about their own business. Before making a left and turning into Madam Malkins Robes for all Occasions.

'How can I help you today Andromeda, it's been a while since you've graced this shop with your smile' said Madam Malkin as the bell rang.

'Not for me I'm afraid we're here for young Adam' replied Andromeda stepping aside to show Adam, who had just stepped through the shop's front door.

'Now young man what can I get you' asked Madam Malkin.

'I'm not sure ... Andromeda' asked Adam unsure of what he might

'For now, he'll have .... 7 underwear black, 10 pairs of socks, 4 T-shirts grey, black, blue, red, two dress trousers, training trousers and two formal robes let's say one black with green trim to match your eyes and one red with gold accents' Andromeda rattled off her instructions like a machine gun.

'That'll be forty four galleons and four sickles, if Adam comes over here I'll get him measured up, and then he can walk away with a trouser and shirt on whilst the rest can be collected in a couple of days'.

Adam was slightly overwhelmed as a herd of tape measures descended on him.

'Oooo that's tight' he exclaimed as it drew uncomfortably tight around his waist.

Madam Malkin tapped the tape measure with her wand, not acknowledging that it had just tried to crush him like a boa constrictor.

'There we go, if you just wait on the seat over there I'll have you something to walk out in, in a mo'.

Andromeda sat down motioning for Adam to sit down next to her.

'So whilst we have a little time to ourselves why don't you tell me a bit about yourself' asked Andromeda happily.

'What do you like to do in your spare time'.

"Calcifer, what do I say, what even is spare time?"

I have heard humans like to walk and eat and in their spare time replied Calcifer in an authoritative tone.

'Um, I like to go for long walks and food, just normal people things' replied Adam confidently.

'Aaaahhh, I guess ... I also like eating food what's your favourite' responded Andromeda' slightly confused by his strange behaviour'.

'Oh usually I ate whatever Kaldor hunted but, I met some people and they introduced me to this thing called Brü, it burns a bit and it comes out of a tube, but it's the greatest thing I've ever tasted I wish I had some with me'.

'I see, did you grow up in the wilderness then' asked Andromeda.

'Yeah ... ', Adam looked down as the memories of his childhood in the Wilderness played in his mind.

'Adam, I know it's hard and from what I've been told you've gone through a lot and I'm sure there's more where it came from, but when you are more comfortable I'm happy to listen'.

Madam Malkin walked towards them holding a bundle of clothes in her arms.

'Here's your clothes love' she said shooing Adam into the changing room.

----

After getting his clothes on Adam, walked out of the changing room.

'Ready to go'.

'Yup'.

'Thanks for the quick service you're a real saviour as always .... I'll be back in a couple of days if that's okay to pick up the rest'.

Andromeda handed over the money.

'Don't you worry lovely I'm always happy to help. I hope you like your clothes young man', said Madam Malkin.

'Yes, they're the best-fitting clothes I've ever had' replied Adam.

'Aaahh you're going to make an old lady blush, enjoy the rest of your day'.

----

Stepping out of the shop, they walked to a nearby side alley before Andromeda offered Adam her hand.

'Here take my hand' she said 'I'm going to apparate us to my house'.

'Like teleportation isn't that dangerous' replied Adam, thinking of all the dangerous outcomes Kaldor had told him about.

'Dangerous .... Not really, I mean you can get splinched but I haven't done that since I was 17 and I'm a little bit older than that now' she said winking.

Adam offered his arm up hesitantly before with a ..

CRACK

They disappeared.

----

Adam landed on his feet queasy but standing non the less.

"Calcifer I never thought I'd get to experience what it feels like to squeeze through a syringe, but there you have it".

They had arrived in front of a three-story leafy late Edwardian cottage.

'Welcome to the house, we've got you up in the guest room, your welcome to have a look around the library and I'll come get you for dinner in a few hours, just relax and get yourself situated', said Andromeda opening the door wide.

'Ahh one last thing my husband Ted should be back sometime close to six pm so don't be surprised if you bump into him around then.

'Got it ... thanks for the clothes .. by the way, I'll pay you back in future when I have the money' said Adam.

"Where did the killer of demons and death-defying train driver go ... now it's .. thank you for the clothes" said Calcifer throwing a jibe at Adam, imitating his nervous tone.

'Ow don't worry it's my gift, now get in here you are letting in all the cold air'.