Wandering the streets

[Raglan]

James looked around astonished as he finally passed the wall into Diagon Alley. He had heard many things about this place, but never actually been here. Keeping to the side of the road, near a closed down shop, he studies the suroundings. Across the road a potion supply shop has smoke coming out of the door, next door a candy shop is vaguely seen inside the horde of giggling children. All flavoured jelly beans, it is a memory James has of before his mothers bite, and the years avoiding the magical world. Taking a step forward he thinks about buying some, but hesitates because of all the children.

Turning away he starts down the road, his heart pounding he is begininng to feel nervous at the sight of all these people. It has been many years since he has been near such a large crowd and he is unused to it. James walks past a sporting shop - a new broom claiming to be better than the firebolt sits in its window - and then past a book shop with many a hogwarts student resigned to buying books they need for study. Finally seeing a cafe of some sort he takes a seat, knowing that if he relaxes out of the way and watches everyone pass for a while he will get used to the crowds better.

[Pontifex Maximus]

A short, fat witch with red hair approached him. She must be the waitress. She was perhaps middle aged, but looked rather haggard. She had what appeared to be butterbeer spilled down the front of her apron and she wore a matronly scowl. Her voice was loud and perhaps a little deeper than one would have expected.

What can I get for you, dear?

[Raglan]

James looked up at the woman, unsure of what he wanted. Part of the issue was he knew more about muggle drinks than he did wizarding drinks.

What do you offer?

[Pontifex Maximus]

The woman tossed her graying hair to one side and began reciting a list that she had obviously committed to memory years before.

We've got just about everything dear, butterbeer, firewhiskey, pumpkin juice, gillywater, nettle wine....

[Raglan]

pumpkin juice please.

James had no idea what it tasted like, but it seemed the best choice.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Right, one pumpkin juice.

The fat old witch called across to the bar.

John, a pumpkin juice. John! JOHN! Oh that useless slug. Accio Pumpkin juice!

She flicked her wand and a small orange bottle zoomed from the area of the bar into the witches hand. She crapped the top of and handed it to James.

[Raglan]

Thanks you.

This is my first time in the alley. Please, where would you recommend i go?

[Pontifex Maximus]

Well, if you're lookin' for a job you won't find one here. The Ministry might have you though, they're always looking for some wizards with a spot of talent to join them, especially if you've got any wise notions about fighting Death Eaters.

[Raglan]

Death Eaters? Weren't they part of he who should not be named group fifteen or so years ago.

[Pontifex Maximus]

The old witch raised an eyebrow

Oi, you have been living under a box, haven't you? He came back, two years ago, and was only just killed by the Potter boy. Didn't stop his followers though, a lot of 'em are just as bad. Some of them are tryin' to take his place I'd reckon.

[Raglan]

James blinked. He hadn't realised anything serious had happened over the last few years.

Is there anything that might tell me whats been happening. I've been away for quite a long time.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Well the Death Eaters are still running around causing problems, those of them that are left. Might pick up a copy of the Daily prophet though, they'll tell you what's on the up.

[Raglan]

James finished his juice, not really sure if he enjoyed it or not. It was different at any rate.

Well thank you, but i should be off now. Can you point me towards Gringots?

[Pontifex Maximus]

Sure, right down the alley from here. The big building with the goblins out front...can't miss it

[Raglan]

ooc; is there an actual gringotts thread where i can rp, or is it just a list of bank accounts?

[Pontifex Maximus]

ooc: just a list of accounts, but you can open a thread for RP if you want