A Trip to The Alley.

[sethia]

Sethia walked down the streets of London with her aunt Hetty, on their way to The Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley. “Here we are,” she said and they arrived at the entrance to The Leaky Cauldron, her aunt followed her inside without a word. The Leaky Cauldron was filled with the smoke of several pipes going all at once, it was dark and filled with witches and wizard of all creeds, all submersed in conversations. Sethia walked through the room not looking at anyone, this sight was one she had become used to, but her aunt however stared boldly at everyone she passed, amazed by all she saw. “Hi Tom,” Sethia said cheerfully as she passed the bar towards the backdoor of the building, “Hello there Miss Wagner. Fine day?” “Yes it is,” she said with a smile. She stopped and quickly walked back grabbing her aunt’s hand, “Come on aunt Hetty, we have a lot to do.”

Sethia led the aunt outside and with a few taps of her wand against the stone wall that separated the normal looking back of the building from Diagon Alley. The wall peeled back and there it lay, Diagon Alley, where every wizard and witch could find anything from ingredients for potions, to robes and pets. Sethia looked around her, happy to see this familiar sight, she had missed school and all the wizarding world while she was at home in Yorkshire. “Come on,” she said entering the street, her aunt followed and the wall closed back behind them. Sethia had quite a bit of wizards gold left over from last year, she had changed too much muggle money, so there was no need to visit Gringotts this year.
Sethia was now fifteen years old and entering her fifth year at Hogwarts, an important year, for at the end of it she would sit her OWLs, Ordinary Wizard Levels, exams that could change her life. Sethia took out her list of items she needed for the new school year, she read them over in her head, “Okay, first off, I think I should get my new books. What do you think aunt?” she looked at Hetty, who was busy staring at the window of a shop. Sethia had to smile, she had only taken her aunt with her that first year, every year since she made friends one of their parents would take her for her school supplies. Hetty was fascinated by the world that her niece was part of, a world she wished she could be part of. “Oh? Sorry dear, got a little sidetracked. What did you say?” Sethia smiled at her, “I said I think we should get my books first.” “Oh, yes very well dear.”<br>

Sethia walked over to Flourish and Blotts, her aunt close in tow, together they made speedy work of finding everything Sethia needed, the time was taken trying to get her aunt to leave, she was particularly interested in a book on enchantment. After hurrying her out, Sethia looked at her list, “Aunt Hetty, I am going to get some new robes, my old ones are too small.” Hetty looked at her, “Okay, I will just take a walk down to that store over there, that looks interesting.” Sethia smiled, “very well aunt, I will meet you at the entrance to Diagon Alley in two hours say. I know you want to look around.” Hetty gave her a toothy grin, “That is true. Are you sure you’ll be alright?” “I’ll be fine aunt.” Sethia watched Hetty walk down the street and then she entered Madam Malkin’s robe shop. There was a little line of new students getting their robes for the first time, “Oh hello dear. I’m afraid we have a few people ahead of you, if you don’t mind waiting.” Sethia smiled politely, “It’s okay. I’ll wait my turn.”<br>
Sethia walked away from the line of people, Madam Malkin kept an excellent mental record of who was next, she need not worry about losing her place. She took this time to look at some of the new robes that had come in over the holidays, there was lovely blue ones with white trim, and green ones with yellow flowers around the collar. Sethia was particularly interested in a navy lilac robe with silver trim around the wrists. She was busy inspecting it carefully when she heard a friendly voice.

[Nasser Salah G6]

Nasser Salah walked out of Flourish and Blotts, his new books with him. They were quite heavier than last year's for Nasser was now in his fifth year, and at the end of theyear would be doing his OWLS. Nasser had chosen eight subjects; Potions, Care of Magical Creatures, Transfiguration, Arithmancy and Ancient Runes, Charms, Herbology and Defense Against the Dark Arts. Using a charm all Hogwarts students learned to make life easier for themselves, Nasser used his wand to make his bag lighter. He still had a long day before him for there was a lot of stuff he needed to buy today from Diagon Alley.

Nasser had arrived at Diagon Alley the night before. After saying goodbye to his six siblings, which had been a rather sad event, his parents had taken him to Diagon Alley and then to the Leaky Cauldron, which was where Nasser was going to stay for a few days before going back to school. Nasser was the only one in his family who had the ability to do magic, so he was going to be on his own. Nasser hugged each of his parents tightly and wished them a safe trip back, then let the bartender take him up to his room. “Thanks Tom,” said Nasser with a smile, and then went to sleep.

The next morning Nasser had breakfasted quickly then took his gold and left for Diagon Alley. The first he had wanted to purchase was his books. After doing so Nasser thought it was time he went to get some new robes; he had grown a little taller during the summer and needed some new ones, and perhaps a new dress robe for the ball later that year. It was a sunny day and Nasser enjoyed the walk from Flourish and Blotts to Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions. He wondered if he would meet anyone he knew there. He knew Sethia Wagner was going to arrive at Diagon Alley soon, but was not sure of the exact day. Sethia Wagner was a close friend of Nasser’s. She was a year younger than him and one of the people Nasser could talk to about anything. Their other close friend was Perseus, but he would not be coming to Diagon Alley till much later.

The shop was crowded and a bunch of first years were standing in front of Nasser. Nasser smiled to himself as he remembered being there for the first time six years ago, with a worker from the Ministry to help him. In the middle of the crowd Nasser saw a head of strawberry blonde hair, which looked like Sethia’s only it was blonder than usual. Nasser remembered that it sometimes took a lighter hue in the summer. Moving closer to her Nasser saw her looking at a beautiful robe on display. Moving to standing beside her Nasser decided to surprise her. “That would look lovely on you,” he said before even saying hi.

[sethia]

Sethia looked over at the sound of someone speaking to her, “What?” she asked before recognising who it was. “Oh, Nasser, I didn’t see there.” She looked at the robe in her hands, “Do you really think so? I’m not sure. It is nice and all.” She smiled at her friend, “I had no idea you were in Daigon Alley already, I thought you would come down a little later. How is your family? Did your parents come with you? I brought my aunt Hetty with me, she is somewhere marvelling over everything.”

Sethia looked at Nasser, “Is it just me, but did you get taller over the holidays?” she asked him. Sethia herself had grown an inch or two and had filled out in all the right places; her aunt was thrilled, saying she was growing up and maturing. Sethia was ambivalent. Just then Madam Malkin approached Sethia, “Almost ready for you dear. Just a few minutes more.” She looked at Nasser, “And what can I do for you dear? Dress robes? School robes?” she looked at him expectantly.”

[Nasser Salah G6]

"I'm not the only one who's a bit taller," said Nasser, smiling and catching Sethia by surprise and twirling her around. The change in Sethia was not only in her height but in fact Nasser noticed her body had filled out in several places during the summer. Nasser himself had changed since Sethia had last seen him, for one thing he was much browner as he had spent a fortnight in Egypt, and also he had let his thick black hair grow longer for a change. "I'm here on my own," he said, answering her previous question. "Mum and Dad dropped me off at the Leaky Cauldron yesterday and then went back home. They're fine. Aunt Hetty? I'd like to meet her. Yeah, I'll bet she's fascinated by Diagon Alley," he said with a small chuckle. Aunt Hetty was Sethia's only living relative. She had lost all of her family in a tragic accident when she was a child and lived with her aunt on a farm for all her life till she came to Hogwarts.

Just as Nasser was about to convince Sethia to try on the robe, Madam Malkin, who was dressed in robes of dark green and asked him what he wanted. "Oh I'm going to need both," said Nasser, and then remembered he was also going to need Quidditch robes. "I'm also going to need some new robes for Quidditch. I'll take a look around while you help Sethia. If you could just show me where I can find them?" Madam Malkin pointed at several sections in her shop and said "There they are dear. We've got some new robes that just came over the summer for formal occasions if you'd like to take a look too. Now my dear are you going to try that robe on?" she asked Sethia.

[sethia]

Sethia smiled, “You noticed. Thanks,” she said, followed by a playful laugh as Nasser twirled her around unexpectedly, her blonde hair whipping around her face. Sethia reached fro Nasser’s hair, “and I see someone let his hair grow this summer. It looks good on you.” Sethia shifted a little under Nasser’s gaze, “Well I guess we have both done a little changing.” Sethia looked at the robe she held in her hand to avoid Nasser looking at her, she didn’t know why it made her nervous. “Oh, I thought they might have come with you. So you are staying at The Leaky Cauldron then?” she asked knowing the answer. She smirked, “Yes aunt Hetty. She is total amazed by this place. She came with me my first year and hasn’t been back since because I always come with friends, but I thought she would like to come this year.” Sethia looked at Nasser keenly and a little surprised, “I’m sure she’d like to meet you too. She’s heard me talk about you.”

Sethia looked at Madam Malkin as she addressed Nasser, he needed quite a few new robes for the new year. After pointing out where he could find them Madam Malkin asked her if she wished to try on the dress robe she held in her hands, “Umm…yes I would thanks.” She looked to where Nasser was pointing, “Sure I’ll help you,” she said eagerly. “Well dear you can help the young gentleman after we fit you for your robes. We’re ready for you now,” Madam Malkin told Sethia. Sethia looked at Nasser, “I’ll be back in a few minutes,” she said and followed Madam Malkin to the fitting area.

Sethia stood on the pedestal and allowed Madam Malkin’s assistant to slip the dress robe over her, it fit perfectly, holding close and letting go in all the right places. Madam Malkin stepped off from Sethia, who was holding her hair up, a smile on her face, “Oh my dear,” she said and then ushered for Nasser. “What do you think?” she asked him.

[Nasser Salah G6]

"Thought I'd let it grow a bit longer for a change," said Nasser with a grin. "Glad you like it," he added. Nasser went off to get the Quidditch robes as those were the easiest to find, exchanging an amused look with Sethia when Madam Malkin addressed him as "the young gentleman". Nasser had never been shopping for robes with Sethia before. He was glad she was there to help him choose his robes, especially his new dress ones. Nasser tended to be rather picky when it came to buying robes. He usually needed a little push to convince him that something looked good on him or to make a purchase. A feminine opinion on the dress robes would be helpful also, and Nasser was sure Sethia would be able to help him find something he liked.

The scarlet robes for Gryffindor were placed at the back of the shop so Nasser left Sethia and Madam Malkin for a minute to get them. He took a robe which looked like it was his size and walked over to Sethia and Madam Malkin's assistant, who was helping her put on the robe. Madam Malkin asked Nasser his opinion, but it was obvious what he thought from the surprised expression on his face. Sethia had been dressed in casual robes which had not shown Nasser how much she had changed over the summer. The dress robe however showed the changes and the lilac colour was perfect for Sethia. There was a wild rose quality about the robe that suited Sethia. Grinning at Sethia who was holding her hair up Nasser said "It's perfect. You look absolutely stunning," he said smiling at Sethia, not saying any more so as not to embarrass his shy friend.

[sethia]

Sethia stood on the pedestal like a dove at the mark, she was nervous to hear Nasser’s opinion of her dress. Sethia turned bright pink when Nasser finally did give his opinion of her new robes, “Thank you,” she said softly and let go of her bringing her hand to her side shyly. Madam Malkin gave a pleased look, “Aww it seems we have embarrassed the young lady. See my dear, I told you this dress would be good on you.” Sethia was glad that Nasser wasn’t saying anything else, it would have made her feel even more embarrassed than she already did. She smiled at him, “I see you found your robes?” she asked him. “Are you done with me Madam Malkin?” “Yes dear, the young man is next if he had found what he’s looking for?” she looked at Nasser waiting for an answer.

Sethia took the opportunity while attentions were off of her, to slip out of the robes and give it back to Madam Malkin’s assistant who folded them neatly for her to take home. She stepped off of the pedestal and walked over to Nasser, “So what other robes did you need? Or is this it?” she asked him with a smile. Sethia was glad that Nasser was with her to help her shop and to be able to help him find what he was looking for. “Your robes will be at the counter when you’re ready to leave dear. Now you young man, are we ready?” Madam Malkin asked. Sethia smirked at Nasser as she suppressed a laugh.

[Nasser Salah G6]

"Yes Madam Malkin I'm almost done. I got my Quidditch robes and here are my school ones. I'm going to need three as usual," said Nasser. The Hogwarts school robes were placed on a rack at the back of the shop where all the robes for the different wizarding schools were placed. Nasser had just brought three for himself while Sethia was changing and then gone back to Madam Malkin. "I'll just take a look at the dress robes and then I'll come and try all the robes at once," he continued. "As you like my dear," said Madam Malkin, as always the obliging salesperson.

Sethia was finished so Nasser took her and went over to the section where the male dress robes where placed. He started looking at several robes, finally deciding he liked two of them, one which was bottle green colour with trimmings around the collar and cuffs, the same colour only a different shade, and the other a navy blue with sky blue trimmings. "What do you think?" he asked Sethia undecidedly. "Prefer the blue one?"

[sethia]

Sethia was listening to Nasser and Madam Malkin, he had decided to try all of his robes at one time, which made sense and saved time. With that decided she and Nasser went in search of dress robes for him. Sethia looked at the male dress robes, they had a very nice selection she had to admit. Sethia began looking at a few on her own, when Nasser’s voice made her aware that he had found some that he liked. She looked at the two choices, blue and green, “Yes, I think I like the blue better. When you try it on we’ll get a better idea, but for now I definitely say blue.”


Sethia stepped forward to inspect the garments more closely, even when it came to texture she preferred the blue, “This is the last one then?” she held up the robe in front of Nasser, “It looks pretty much your size as well,” she said with a smile. “Ready to try it on or do you want to look around some more first?”<br>

[Nasser Salah G6]

"Oh I think I'll go try them on," said Nasser walking over to the place where he could try on his robes. He tried on his uniform robes which fit and didn't need any adjustments. Then he tried on his Quidditch ones, which were a bit too long, and Madam Malkin's assistant trimmed the edges using his wand. The assistant took Nasser's uniform and Quidditch robes, folded them neatly and placed them in a plastic bag for Nasser. He then came back to Nasser who was eager to try on the dress robe. Nasser tried on the green one first. It was quite good, and brought out the colour of Nasser's deep green eyes, but Nasser still wanted to try the other one. He did so and the minute he put it on and looked in the mirror he knew he preferred it. As Sethia had already noticed the texture of the material was nicer, and the trimmings on the sleeves and the hem of the robe were much nicer than the ones on the green robe. Nasser was not quite sure the colour suited him, but actually it gave him a dignified look.

The assistant and Madam Malkin moved around Nasser whispering to each other. Nasser wasn't quite sure what they were saying but awaited their opinion. Madam Malkin used her wand to adjust the robe's girth and then called Sethia over. Nasser was still looking in the mirror when she arrived. "You're right, I do prefer the blue one," he said, turning to look at her. "Do you like it?" he asked. Nasser always needed reassurance when it came to clothes, and he also valued Sethia's opinion.

[sethia]

Sethia smiled and nodded her head as Nasser walked over to try on his robes, she on the other hand walked amongst the quidditch robes, till he was ready. Sethia didn’t play quidditch, but she really liked watching the game, it was so exciting. Sethia knew she would never play, but she had fooled around once, but only once and when no one was around. She took a look around; Madam Malkin’s assistant was trimming the hem off of Nasser’s robes. She walked around nonchalantly; she really didn’t want or need anything else she was just occupying her time.

Sometime later Sethia heard Madam Malkin call her over, she weaved her way through the racks to the fitting area, where Nasser was still standing on the footstool. Sethia smiled brightly, Nasser looked so mature, more refined and grown up. “I told you, you would like the blue,” she said cheerfully. Sethia looked Nasser up and down, “You look great Nasser. I mean it. You look so…so adult. I think you will look very refined at the next ball. The girls will definitely love it,” she teased. Sethia didn’t mind that boys didn’t look at her in that way, she had her best friend and he was good enough for her.

Sethia had gotten along well with Nasser instantly it seemed, and they had become fast friends. They even went on Spring Break together, them and another friend Perseus, to Scandinavia. That had been a great trip. Sethia looked at Nasser, he really did look spectacular.

[Nasser Salah G6]

Nasser smiled when he heard Sethia's comments, not believing all of them but nevertheless delighted and pleased. He turned and looked at Sethia with his eyebrows raised. "Yeah well we'll see what the boys have to say about the grown-up Sethia," said Nasser, teasing Sethia in return. Nasser thought the robe looked good on him and decided to buy it. He gave it Madam Malkin, who took all of Nasser's robes and her assistant folded them neatly and out them in a plastic bag for Nasser. "I'm staying at the Leaky Cauldron, Madam Malkin, could you have them sent there please?" he asked in a polite voice. "That should be no trouble dear," she replied.

Nasser already has his books and everything he needed for school. He just had to visit the apothecary to replenish his potions ingredients. He looked at Sethia with a grin and said "I see you’re ready to go. I need to go to the apothecary," he said. Potions was one of Nasser's favourite subjects, despite the fact that it was taught by Severus Snape, who was hated by all students who were not in his house. Nasser needed to get a few ingredients for his OWL year as he usually liked to practice making the potions on his own away from Snape. "Been there yet?" he asked as he and Sethia walked out of the shop. He also suddenly remembered something he had wanted to ask Sethia for some time. "Oh and have you chosen you're electives? I know you chose Care of Magical Creatures of course."

Sethia had a natural talent with magical creatures. She also knew Hagrid much better than Nasser, who did not know Hagrid on a personal level, though both thought he was a good teacher, despite the fact he sometimes brought creatures that were dangerous to class. Nasser thought learning about all creatures was interesting, so the Blast-ended Skrewts had to be some of the repulsive and disgusting creatures on earth, but at least they had learned about a new creature. Also, Hagrid had brought other interesting creatures to class and had a lot of hands-on experience.

[sethia]

Sethia flushed instantly, as Nasser remarked on the boys’ reaction to the changes in her, “I don’t think they’ll notice,” she said, her tone a little embarrassed, but still a tad playful. Nasser gave his robes to Madam Malkin, and her assistant took them away. He was to have his things delivered to the Leaky Cauldron, Sethia wished she could do that, but she had to walk around with her things for the rest of the day. That was the only thing about living in a muggle town, having an owl delivering your clothes was strange needless to say.

“I’m ready when you are,” she said with a smile. She nodded her head, “The apothecary sounds good. I haven’t been there yet and I have to pick up one or two things and then get my books.” Sethia wasn’t fond of Potions, though she knew Nasser was. She did pretty well in the class, but her favourite subject was, and always had been Care of Magical Creatures, Sethia being an animal lover. The two left the store, “Electives? I was thinking Arithmancy and Ancient Runes, Astronomy and of course Care of Magical Creatures,” the latter she said with a slight laugh to her voice. Nasser knew her well enough to know there would be no doubt that she would pick Care of Magical Creatures. Sethia never understood why she got along better with animals than she did with people; it just came naturally to her. She liked her professor as well, Rubeus Hagrid, a rather large man with a gruff appearance, but a heart of gold. Sethia had meant to introduce Nasser to Hagrid properly, but the chance hadn’t presented itself last year.

Sethia was thinking about teaching, perhaps Care of Magical Creatures, when she got older, or maybe having a ranch for the care of creatures like, unicorns and such. She hadn’t told anyone about that yet, she was still undecided. “So the apothecary then?” she said with a smile.

[Nasser Salah G6]

Nasser listened to Sethia list her electives, happy to know she was going to be in almost all of his classes. "I chose the same ones only I'm also going to take History of Magic and Mythology," he said, resisting to the urge to roll his eyes, but knowing his voice showed exactly how he felt about the subject. Nasser didn't hate the subject, but Professor Binns was well known for his soporific powers in his classes. Even a student as conscientious as Nasser found it difficult to resist them. So far Nasser had just managed to pass the subject by trying to cram as many dates and names as he could remember in the last month before the exams from the set textbook. He persisted in taking the subject solely for the purpose that he thought it might be interesting but Professor Binns was the reason he never did very well in it. Every year Nasser vowed to put more effort into learning the subject and studying and revising it a bit earlier than he did, but always ended up ignoring it and turning to his more interesting subjects.

"How's the farm coming on?" asked Nasser with a little smile. Sethia lived on a farm in Yorkshire, and had once told Nasser of her dream to raise magical creatures on a farm of her own in a wizarding town. This of course was impossible on a Muggle farm; if any of the creatures were seen by a Muggle panic and pandemonium would break out in the Muggle world. As they walked on Nasser also asked Sethia another question expecting her to probably say no. "Heard or seen anyone from school?" he asked. School was just a week away and it was he could think about, especially on this trip to buy their school supplies. The odours and aromas of the ingredients in the shop entered Nasser's nostrils the minute he opened the door to the apothecary. Nasser winced a little at the horrible smell, which he still hadn't got used to after visiting the shop for the fifth summer.

Coughing a little Nasser pulled out his list, nodded to the man behind the counter, and looked at Sethia. "Got your list? I'll get the top half of the stuff for you and me; you get the bottom half, OK?" he asked. Nasser went around the shop and placed the ingredients on his list in two bags, one for him and the other for Sethia. He found them some pieces of Boomslang skin, got two small bottles of the secretions of Centapedine, picked up some Erumpent tails and scooped some putter-fish eyes. He then walked around the shop collecting various items, thinking to himself that Snape wanted some really weird stuff that year. Soon Nasser had all they needed and he walked over to Sethia taking a quick look at the list once again to make sure he had everything.

((Sethia I thought you already mentioned getting your books in your first post.))

[sethia]

Sethia smiled, “Great! If we are lucky they will put Gryffindor and Hufflepuff together this year. Then we can work together, maybe even start a study group? I was thinking about History of Magic and Mythology, but I decided against it. I have so many extracurricular activities this year, I don’t want them to effect my work.” Sethia could tell Nasser was not looking forward to this class. “I can tell you aren’t thrilled by the idea of this class. Why are you taking it?” Sethia adored her best friend’s knack for doing, and putting himself through some of the most arduous things, and Professor Binns’ class was definitely just that. Professor Binns had bored himself to death, in the opinion of most of the students; the rest thought he talked himself to death; and he was trying to make them join him.

“Nasser, you barely make it every year, but still you take the class. We both know that Binns is not your favourite teacher and his class is not your best, far from it in fact. I just don’t understand why you don’t drop the subject. I had three years of it and that was more than enough for me. I only considered it this year because I thought it might be helpful in someway, but then I came to my senses.” Sethia smiled at her brave friend, who was will to face the likes of Professor Binns for another year. “The farm is great! Iola, our horse had a foal, we call him Ioz. He is adorable Nasser, he is grey and his eyes are so bright. I partially hate to have to leave him to go to school, but I miss school.” Sethia kept her eyes ahead at Nasser’s next question, “You know I didn’t Nasser. I never hear anyone, except you and I didn’t hear much of you this summer either.” Sethia had very few friends, there was Nasser, Kimberly and Perseus, and Alexa Lee, but they were not really friends per say; and that was it and of those four she spent most of her time with Nasser. There was no boyfriend, definitely not in Sethia’s case, boys never looked at her; she was a wallflower that no one noticed much.

Inside the store the smell of a thousand different ingredients filled Sethia’s nostrils, some were pleasant, others not. Nasser coughed a little and Sethia looked at him, “Yes I have my list. Okay,” she said to his suggestion of shopping methods. She smiled at the apothecary and went to work on her half of the list. On Sethia’s half there was, slug slime; some dragon fangs; dust of unicorn horn and the juice of a rotten Hawaiian fig, plus a number of other things. She placed some in each of the two bags she was carrying around with her, one for her and the other Nasser’s. When she was finished, she walked back to the front of the store where Nasser met her. He looked over the list once more to make sure he had everything. “Well I have all on my end. How about you?” she asked him.



((If I did mention it forgive me, with being so busy I forgot:)))

[Nasser Salah G6]

"Human stupidity, maybe? You know what Einstein said, 'Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former,'" said Nasser with a grin at Sethia. "Reckon he was right about that, I don’t know what's making me take History except I just want to take one last go at it. Oh well. I have eight other subjects anyway so I don’t really need it, I can afford not to do well on it if I score highly on everything else," he said dismissively. "A study group is a great idea! You always get to meet new people that way and learn something at the same time. I'm going to need some help with Arithmancy; numbers have never really been my merit," said Nasser, shaking his head. Nasser liked Arithmancy but the complicated calculations sometimes confused him. He was prone to making silly mistakes which of course made him get the wrong results at the end of the problems he was trying to solve. However he usually persevered till he got over that and managed to understand everything but it took a lot of effort from him to do well unlike some of his other subjects.

Sethia and Nasser were soon done in the Apothecary, and Nasser led her outside. "Boy, the time has gone by really fast! The sun is already setting; you’d better get a move on Sethia! Tell you what, you can Floo yourself home from the Leaky Cauldron. Let's walk together there and I'll take you to the fireplace," said Nasser. The two friends walked together the short distance to the Leaky Cauldron, Nasser carrying his friend's books for her as she was already carrying her potion's supplies and robes. Sethia of course had already put charms on them to make them lighter but it was a reflex action with Nasser and he had just taken them to help her and resumed their conversation.

"OK, there it is," said Nasser. "You'll find the powder in that vase on top of it," said Nasser. He looked at Sethia and smiled, and then his eyes suddenly darkened. "Take care Sethia, OK? You can’t be too careful these days, we don't know what could happen," said Nasser concernedly. His best friends were all he had in the magical world. His whole family were muggles so he didn’t fear for them very much as it seemed the Dark Lord and his followers were now concentrating their efforts on the magical world. "CONSTANT VIGILANCE!" he said, imitating their former Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor, wanting to end their meeting on a bright note. "I'll see you at Kings Cross then," he said with a wave as he watched Sethia pour some powder into her hand and walk into the fire.

[sethia]

Sethia smiled as Nasser began to talk about Eistein, he really liked knowing a lot about everything, but that was a good thing. Nasser was smart, no one could deny that, but he wasn’t condescending with it, not in the least. Sethia didn’t believe Nasser ever thought that someone might not know about Einstein and things like that, but lucky for her she did, so their friendship was safe on that note. She liked to hear him talk like that, she could picture him lecturing a class somewhere, and it always made her smile to think of it…Professor Nasser Salah. “Well, I am not sure about the universe, but I have known my share of closed minded people, who let stupidity and their own pretensions get in the way, so I must agree with the latter.” She listened to his reasoning as to why he was taking History over again, “Well if you’re sure Nasser. I though you might the study group idea, and you know how I would like to meet more people,” she told him. “Well I know someone who is a whiz at Arithmancy…Alexa Lee. She does well in all her classes. Maybe we can get her for our study group?” Sethia was fully aware of Nasser’s little problem with Arithmancy, it was the only subject that she could really think of, besides History which was an issue for everyone who ever took it, that gave Nasser the slightest bit of trouble. She admired his determination with it.

They were soon finished in the Apothecary and she followed Nasser outside. “Yes, it has.” She looked around, the streets had started to clear and she had a long trip back home. “I suppose you’re right, I have a long ways to get home, and I would like to get there before it is too dark.” Living in the country and the long trip it was to the city was Sethia’s only problem. Since the sun was already setting, she was assured to be walking home in the dark, something she was not entirely fond of. She would have a five hour train ride back home and then there was the taxi. If she had realised the time she would have left sooner, because there was never any guarantee that you would get a taxi right away, she might have to wait quite a while. She sighed as she thought about it. Nasser suggested the Floo System, but her house wasn’t connected, it couldn’t be there were too many muggles around at any given time. She walked with him to the Leaky Cauldron; she could Floo to the pub across from the train station. Nasser was a gentleman through and through, he carried her books for her even though he needn’t have with the charm she had placed on them.

“Here it is,” she said after him. She was about to reach for the Floo Powder when the change in Nasser’s tone made her stop. She looked at him closely; his face had darkened along with what he wanted to talk about. Her face became a little more serious, “I will Nasser. You do the same okay? I’ll be fine. I’ll Floo to the pub across from the train station and take it to Yorkshire, and then a taxi home from there. I never was able to get a direct link to the Floo from my home…too many muggles to risk it.” everyone in the wizarding world was a little on edge since Voldemort had resurfaced, and it was especially dangerous for those like her…muggle-borns. She worried about Nasser too, it was strange times and who knows what could happen at any moment. She gave a small smile to try to lighten the mood, when Nasser told her to have constant vigilance. “King’s Cross,” she said and gave him a quick hug. She grabbed her books and some Floo Powder and stepped into the flames, “Sturdy’s Pub!” she said loudly and disappeared in a cloud of green smoke.

She landed solidly on the pub floor, her arrival had little to no effect on the patrons present. She didn’t stay, not even for a second, it was not the time to dawdle around. She walked out of the pub and was able to make the train that was departing in two minutes. She found an empty car and took a seat, resting her things on her lap and on the seat next to her. She looked out the window as the train started off slowly into the darkening sky, she then closed her eyes for a moment, but Nasser’s words rang in her head, “Constant vigilance,” and she immediately opened them. She watched as the scenery changed and she was off home.