Astoria was waiting patiently in the grand marble lobby of Gringotts, seated on a cushioned bench near the gilded columns that rose to the high ceiling. She wore her signature lavender robes, which complemented her pale complexion, though the faint shadows beneath her eyes betrayed her lingering health struggles. Despite the bustling crowd of witches and wizards moving about, Astoria carried an air of serene elegance, her gaze drifting over the scene before her.
A familiar voice called out as she adjusted her robes, soft but unmistakably firm. "Astoria?"
She turned and immediately broke into a warm smile. Walking toward her was none other than Daphne Greengrass, her elder sister. Daphne's presence was commanding as always—her sharp blue eyes scanning the room as though she owned it. She wore robes tailored perfectly to accent her curves, with subtle embroideries of cauldrons and swirling steam along the cuffs. Over her arm hung a small satchel, the kind used to carry delicate potion ingredients.
"Daphne," Astoria greeted, rising from her seat. The sisters embraced briefly but warmly, the scent of rosemary and something metallic—no doubt from Daphne's potioneering—lingering around her.
"It's been far too long sister," Daphne said, stepping back to examine Astoria. "You look well, though I hope you've been resting as you should."
Astoria chuckled softly. "I'm managing. Draco keeps a close eye on me, and Scorpius is a wonderful distraction. What brings you to Diagon Alley?"
Before Daphne could answer, a timid voice interrupted. "Professor Greengrass?"
Astoria's gaze shifted to the young girl standing just behind Daphne. She couldn't have been more than eleven, with a petite frame, straight brunette hair, and green eyes. Her skin had a rosy tint as if she was used to spending her time indoors. Her clothes were clean but unmistakably Muggle—a simple denim jacket over a patterned dress—and she clutched a parchment list tightly in her hands, her knuckles white with nervousness.
"This~" pronounced Daphne with a slight strain on her voice," is Antonia Bevell. Headmistress Mcgonagall sent me as the professor to deliver the admission letter to her family."
"Muggle-born student, correct?" asked Astoria.
Daphne rolled her eyes. "No, she's your illegitimate kid we sent away to protect your reputation. Of course, she's muggle-born! Why else would I step outside my potion lab?"
Astoria let out a small laugh. She looked warmly at the young girl," Don't worry. Daphne may appear cold-hearted, but as long as you pester her frequently, she'll warm up to you."
Antonio smiled brightly," Please, Lady Greengrass. Call me Toni."
"I'm afraid I am no longer a Greengrass. After I married, I became a Malfoy," said Astoria. She smiled gently at Toni, who shifted on her feet at her unintentional blunder. "Welcome to Diagon Alley, Lydia. It must all seem very new and strange."
Toni nodded shyly, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's… amazing. I didn't even know magic was real until a few weeks ago."
Astoria's smile grew warmer. "It must be a lot to take in. Daphne will take good care of you, though."
"She already has," Toni said, glancing up at Daphne with a touch of admiration. "She showed me how to use Floo Powder and everything."
"It wasn't too bad," said Daphne, "Most parents put up a lot more trouble. Her's were shocked, but mostly accepting."
"My parents always knew there was something different about me Professor Greengrass. It wasn't until you showed them proof that they began to accept it," said Toni.
Before they could continue, the doors to the inner tunnels opened, and Scorpius and Draco emerged, the older Malfoy looking slightly pale from the roller-coaster-like ride through the Gringotts vaults.
"Scorpius," Astoria called, waving him over. "Come meet your aunt."
Scorpius looked at the tall woman beside his mother. While his mother had a warm temperament, Daphne had a frosty exterior. Scorpius didn't know much about her, but he remembered that Daphne played a minor role in the battle of Hogwarts. The Greengrass family was a staunch supporter of blood purity, so both daughters were indoctrinated into it. Luckily Astoria was a kind child and did not fall into the trap. Daphne believed in blood supremacy, until the sixth year, when she renounced Voldemort's side and fought against him. No one knew why, but it was a welcome surprise.
Now, twenty-two years later, Daphne replaced Snape as the Potions Professor and Head of Slytherin. She played an influential role in present-day Hogwarts. Scorpio and Daphne did not interact much, but they were at least familiar enough to talk.
"Hello, Godmother," said Scorpio.
"Well, if it isn't the next generation of Malfoys," Daphne said, her tone teasing but not unkind. "You look just like your father at that age."
"Let's hope he doesn't act like it," Draco said dryly, coming to stand beside Astoria.
Scorpius gave a nervous laugh, glancing at Toni, who was staring at him curiously. He nodded politely to her. "Hello."
"This is Antonio Bevell," Daphne said. "A new Hogwarts student."
"So how does it feel," asked Scorpio.
"A bit overwhelming to be honest," said Toni.
"Everyone feels like that at first," said Scorpio," But don't worry. I'm told plenty of First-Gens feel the same way."
"First gens?" asked Daphne.
"You know, first-gen magical students. It's a lot better than saying muggle-born all the time," said Scorpio.
"I suppose that's true," said Draco, reminiscing of the times he called them mudbloods. He shuddered, wishing he could do over his life.
"Come along now Scorpio, you still need to buy your wand," said Astoria.
"Bye Antonio," waved Scorpio as he followed his parents.
As they made their way down the bustling streets of Diagon Alley, Draco slowed his pace and gestured toward Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, its window display featuring elegant wizarding robes in every color and style.
"Alright," Draco said, his tone commanding yet efficient. "Astoria, take Scorpius in to get his school robes sorted. I'll handle the rest of the shopping."
Astoria raised an eyebrow. "The rest? Are you sure? Scorpius still needs a cauldron, potions ingredients, parchment, quills—"
"And books," Draco added, cutting her off with a smirk. "Yes, yes. I'm well aware of the Hogwarts first-year shopping list, dear. Don't worry. I'll manage."
"Father's just trying to avoid sitting through a fitting," Scorpius muttered under his breath, earning a small laugh from his mother.
Draco shot his son a warning glance but allowed himself a slight smirk. "You've inherited my wit, I see. Now, off with you. And remember—Madam Malkin's is reputable, but don't let them take too many liberties with the measurements."
Astoria rolled her eyes but took Scorpius's arm gently. "Come along, darling. Let's not keep Madam Malkin waiting."
As they entered the robe shop, Scorpius caught a last glimpse of his father disappearing into the crowd, moving with practiced ease among the throng of witches and wizards.
The shop smelled of freshly pressed fabric and a hint of lavender, giving the space an inviting warmth. A plump witch with silver hair approached, her measuring tape already floating beside her.
"Madam Malkin," Astoria greeted, her tone polite but firm. "We're here for Hogwarts robes for my son."
Madam Malkin clapped her hands together, her round face lighting up. "Ah, young Mr. Malfoy! Stand right here, dear, and we'll have you fitted in no time."
Scorpius stepped onto the fitting stool, holding his arms out awkwardly as the enchanted measuring tape zipped around him.
"You'll need three sets of standard school robes," Madam Malkin said, her voice brisk. "Will you also be needing winter cloaks, Madam Malfoy?"
"Of course," Astoria replied.
"Would you like anything extra?" asked Madam Malkin.
"Can I also get a handkerchief?" asked Scorpio.
"Of course," said the old lady. She came back holding a small assortment of them for Scorpio to select. He chose a blue one with a design of a raven.
"I wasn't aware you were so interested in joining Ravenclaw?" said Astoria.
Scorpio answered without thinking," I heard that Ravenclaw has the pretty girls~"
Scorpio stopped speaking as Astoria smiled dangerously," And where did you hear that from dear."
"Peter," Scorpio resolutely threw his closest friend under the bus.
"I'll be having a couple of words with him," muttered Astoria.
As the enchanted measuring tape darted around Scorpius, Madam Malkin gestured to a nearby rack. "Now, while the standard Hogwarts uniform is black, we do offer optional customization for trim colors, house embroidery, and even enchanted stitching that adjusts the fit over time as you grow. Shall we consider those?"
Astoria nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, I believe the enchanted stitching would be quite practical. He's bound to have a growth spurt or two before the year is out."
Madam Malkin smiled and jotted something down on a floating clipboard. "Very wise. And for the winter cloaks, would you prefer standard wool, or our enchanted variety that repels snow and keeps the wearer at a constant, comfortable temperature?"
"Enchanted, of course," Astoria replied without hesitation.
As Scorpius stood on the fitting stool, still stiff and a bit embarrassed by the tape flitting around him, he noticed a display of accessories on a nearby shelf. There were finely woven scarves in house colors, sturdy leather gloves, and even intricately embroidered hats with charms to keep their shape regardless of weather.
Madam Malkin caught his gaze and smiled. "Ah, interested in a few extras, are we? We have scarves in the traditional Hogwarts house designs, but if you'd prefer something more neutral for now, we also offer reversible patterns that can be charmed to match whichever house you're sorted into."
Scorpius glanced at his mother, who gave him an encouraging nod. "That sounds useful," he said, pointing to a sleek, reversible scarf in black and silver on one side and red and gold on the other. "I'll take that."
"And perhaps a money pouch?" Madam Malkin suggested, gesturing to a glass case containing a variety of enchanted pouches. "These are self-sealing and can only be opened by the owner. Very handy for a young wizard in a busy place like Diagon Alley."
Astoria inspected the pouches carefully before selecting one in supple black leather with silver stitching. "This should do nicely," she said, handing it to Madam Malkin.
"And hats?" the seamstress prompted. "We have traditional pointed hats, but also these softer woolen caps—quite stylish and good for cold evenings."
"Just the standard hat for now," Astoria decided, though Scorpius made a mental note to come back for one of the woolen caps later. They looked much more comfortable.
By the time the fitting was complete, Scorpius had acquired not only his school robes and winter cloaks but also a handful of practical and stylish accessories. Madam Malkin carefully packed everything into a set of neat parcels, the enchanted tape tying itself into perfect bows.
"Thank you, Madam Malkin," Scorpius said politely, stepping down from the stool.
"Pleasure doing business with you, young man," she replied, her smile warm. "Best of luck at Hogwarts. I suspect you'll do your family proud."
As they exited the shop, Astoria handed the parcels to a waiting house-elf who would see them safely home. Now that the easy part was over, it was time to focus on the glowing pointer on the map. Ollivander's Wand Shop.