Once Again Diagon Alley

[jonringo]

His head hurt slightly as he walked down the narrow street of Diagon Alley. He always found that walking her to collect his Year's worth of items was always something he both looked forward to, and wished did not have to happen. He loved returning to Hogwarts, and this was going to be his last year so he wanted to make the most of it, but he hated the crowds and the shopping involved with coming down here. Sometimes it was bothersome. He had to think to avoid all the smaller children, and that was what they were, running around to gather robes, books, cauldrons, and that sort of things for the first time. He would not be bothered with such stuff as that. He already had his books packed away, and every item accounted for. He knew that packing early had become his habit, and he was often poked fun at from his fellow Slytherins, but he did not care. Getting it done early left room open for other things.

He wished some of his other friends were there, but it seemed everyone else had to rush to buy books, pack, and get everything ready for tomorrow's ride on Hogwarts Express. His last trip to the old school. No matter what house he was in, he was fond of the place. After living with his Aunt all those years after his father's death, he had come to think of the castle as his second home. Hell, his first home if he really thought about it. Sometimes he did think about it.

He ran his hand through his hair and looked down the street. Not much would ever change in this place. It had virtually stayed the same for as long as he could remember. He smiled fondly as he remembered the first time he bought his robes, his wand (which was lovingly tucked into the pocket of his robe), his own potions set. He watched a few of the younger children wonder hither and yonder and could not help but wish for his youth back. One last time at least to gaze at the wonders that was Diagon Alley.

He purchased a drink from the vendor and saddled up to a stool to relax. Deciding it was a perfect day to watch the other's run around trying to rush and gather all the needed items. He could not hide his small smirk as he did so, knowing he would garner vicious glances from harried parents and students alike. Yeah, Jonnie felt he looked alittle too cool, and shook his head. No one was around to share that joke with, which made him stop thinking. He watched, ever so often seeing a familiar face, most were wizards and witches he did not know.

Jonnie sipped his drink and waited, wondering if someone he knew would have time to stop and talk to him. Probably not, but it would not hurt to hope, if for just a little while.

[Sirius Black]

Sirius had just been paid, and he felt very rich as he walked down diagon Alley with his gold. He was going to put over half of it in his vault, along with the dwindling money his uncle had left him, and his previous wages. He loved his job, it wasn't as satisfying as being an Auror, he had been told by the many he had met. Did he care? No, he was getting paid for it, it was keeping him from becoming bankrupt because his uncles money had run out. Plus, he had even more fan girls now than when he was at school, the whole of the female Wizarding community could now watch his matches, rather than just his Hogwarts fans.

***

coming out of Gringotts with a slip of paper showing his new balance Sirius was grinning, he was going to visit Quality Quidditch supplies, Harry's birthday was soon, and he wanted to get him his present now, while he had enough Gold in his Pocket. He doted on his godson, he had no one else to spend money on except from himself. Well, if Regulus would speak to him he'd have a neice too, but that was another story.

Feeling suddenly thirsty, Sirius bought a large pumpkin juice from a stall at the side of the alley, and sat on one of the stools it offered as seating. He glanced at the boy sitting next to him. Who was smirking at the small children running from shop to shop, and the parents who had left it so late in getting school supplies.

"I know you're a Slytherin, but I can't place you in a year," he said looking at the boy, who was more of a man than a boy, but the last time they had met he was a boy.

[jonringo]

Jonnie jolted from his thoughts for a moment, noticed someone had spoken to him. He glanced over to the guy, noticing he seemed very happy for some reason. Jonnie, not dark and brooding like most Slytherin, nodded. He did seem to recognize this person, but could not place him. He ran through his memory briefly, but did not come up with a name to match the face. Jonnie nodded again and reached out his hand, offering to shake.

"Ringo, Jonnie Ringo. I am in my Seventh and final year. Forgive me if i seem rude, but I do not think I know you at all. A former student of the school?" Again, Jonnie tried to place the almost familiar face, and came up empty. He would need to ask Rosalie later if he knew this guy, because she was always the one to remember these things. Jonnie would be lost without her.

A smaller child ran around the corner and knocked into a group of older children, and Jonnie had to suppress a laugh. He could recall a time when he himself would have done the same thing. Childhood a blink in time, and a memory away.

Jonnie turned his attentions to the man he was offering his hand to.

[Sirius Black]

Sirius nodded in recognition, as Jonnie introduced himself. he took the hand that was offered, and prepared to answer the question. He was surprised that the Slytherin didn't know his name, or did they not talk about blood traitors at all in the common room any more, even about how much they hated them.

"I'm Sirius, Sirius Black, former Gryffindor, was on the Quidditch team, and I'm now a beater for the Tornado's." if the guy didn't recognise him now then he'd be surprised, he hadn't been on the team long, and up till now he'd only beena reserve, playing about twice during the last season. Now however he was in every game, and he was loving it.

Sirius watched as a little boy bashed into a group of older kids, and laughed quietly to himself, Regulus had done the very same thing when they were shopping for school supplies for Sirius first year. Back when they were still friends.

[jonringo]

Jonnie shook the hand, and then smiled at the words offered to his ears. He nodded, he did indeed remember this one. Although, never a big fan of Quidditch he recalled some of the memorable matches Gryffindor had with his own Slytherin. He did not follow much quidditch now, but thought it was impressive that this one had made a name from himself in the popular sport.

"I know you, I know of you from school, but I have read about your team in the Prophet on occasion. Interesting line of work you have chose. Good to exercise your given gifts, as you seem to be doing now." Jonnie made friendly conversation, with no care at all about Sirius' Hogwart's house, or bloodline. Jonnie found himself caring less and less about these things the closer he got to leaving Hogwarts. He had several different things on his mind.

For instance, what was Jonnie going to do with his own life. Was Rosalie going to be with him in that life? What did the Wizarding World hold in contention with the future of Jonnie Ringo. All these answers would have to wait, all to be answered from one huge question Jonnie would need to ask Rosalie soon. He reached up and patted the secret pocket in his cloak, the one that held the engagement ring. Jonnie sighed, and took another drink.

"So, Mr. Black," Jonnie said softly. "What is it like? You know, out there, out of School and in the World?" He thought that this man might just give him some information on how the real world might work. A subject Jonnie was not worried about, but worried about alot. Duality in conflict, the emotions Jonnie had for the next year of his life and an unknown future.

[Sirius Black]

Sirius liked the way this guy shook hands, firm, but not breaking the fingers., He may have been a Slytherin, but there was something about him that said he wasn't quite as bad as the rest had been in Sirius' time at school. It was a good attitude to have in your last year of school, it mean that you were open to accept the world and its bad points when you left Hogwarts for good.

"I don't generally look at what the prophet says about me, or my team. My friend summarises it all for me in about five minutes every time I go over to visit his family." he said with a slight chuckle, "most of it's rubbish anyway." he said. "I do it because I love it, the fact that it's a turn on for most girls is just a bonus." he said smiling and surveying the crowd of students milling around the alley with their parents. He was slightly jealous of them all, he missed Hogwarts, and although he didn't need an excuse to go and visit, he desperately wanted one.

"It's very different outside Hogwarts, when you're there everything is so structured, and you know what's expected of you, but out in the real world it's different. You have to take NEWT one step further, and do everything for yourself, cause there isn't a teacher waiting at the next hurdle to congratulate you for jumping it."

[jonringo]

Jonnie listened, he could hear the words over the bustling crowd, but occasionally someone would wail out, or yell for someone else. Jonnie frowned once as an older man yelled for his cat to come home, completely out of the blue. Jonnie did not see a cat anywhere to be found. He turned his attentions back to Sirius and nodded as he finished speaking. Jonnie had figured this much, and it was nothing new for him to know.

Taking a job would be Jonnie's first goal. There was always his music, which he loved greatly, but in the Wizarding World he did not know if his music would take off. He actually thought he might have to form a muggle band and tour as a muggle. He did not like the idea, but he found that the muggle world held much more music than the Wizarding World. He shrugged and finished his drink.

"I was thinking of going into music. Not sure about how, but I have played for as long as I could walk. Muggle music is really complex, and I was thinking of getting into it. Shame muggle money does not translate as well. Living a full muggle life does not really appeal to me, but I would do anything to play as often as I could. You deal any with muggles?" Jonnie was sincerely interested, as he had no mother or father to guide him. He felt he did not want to withdraw into a wizarding world when there were so many other options out there to chose from. He shrugged and leaned back.

[Sirius Black]

Sirius grinned in surprise and pleasure at the idea. He loved muggle music, Queen were his favourite, and the Beatles were quite good too.

"The world of Muggle music is a complex and harsh one, you have to be something special to get anywhere. I can't believe I'm saying this, but, you have to have a fall back, something else you want to do if you can't cut it. That put aside, however, you need to start a band, find some other like minded Wizards or witches, or Muggles if you want, and start playing other bands stuff to start off with, then as you get more confident on your instruments and with working together, you can start to write your own stuff. Don't ditch the covers completely, its good have some more well known stuff in your set when you start out, then as you get more popular in your own right, you can do more of your stuff, and less of other peoples. Half the battle with becoming big is looks, just check out what other popular muggle bands are wearing and doing to get some ideas." Sirius wished he'd formed a band, but he couldn't play an instrument, and he definitely couldn't sing. The only way he'd get into the music business was by managing a band. "I love muggles, some of the best mates I've got are muggles, apart from James and Remus of course."

[jonringo]

Jonnie nodded taking in every single word. This was indeed useful knowledge. Some Jonnie already knew, others he was fascinated to learn. He smiled and looked at Sirius. He knew that even if this man had been a Gryffindor, he would become a friend in time. He was soft spoken, well mannered, and his mannerisms were alittle matching Jonnie's own. He watched another group of children dart off around the corner again. Their parents were chasing behind, looking panic stricken. Jonnie could not suppress a laugh.

"Well then, Mr. Black. Seeing how you are familiar with the ways of muggles, even more than I, perhaps in the future you would not mind tending to my management if I do chose to pursue a career in music? That is, if you are interested?" Jonnie did not know what Sirius' interest level was, but he found himself able to trust him and that was something Jonnie did not do often. He would watch over this new emotion with a strong mind, but for now he was comfortable.

[Sirius Black]

Sirius looked out into the crowd, as parents and chilkdren continued to tear up and down the street. Sirius glanced at Jonnie and his eager expression whilst talking about his dream showed how much he actually wanted to give muggle music a real go. Sirius nodded at Jonnie's suggestion, mulling it over in his mind.

"I'll think about it." he said with a small smile on his face. "Owl me when you find some guys to play with, prepare a couple of songs, and I'll come along and listen, tell you what I think. How bout it?" Sirius stood up, draining the last of his pumpkin juice. "Well, must be off, I've got things to do."

[jonringo]

Jonnie nodded, happily. He thought about his style of music and who would fit in with it. He would think to ask Pheonix if she would sing with him, or something. Jonnie had finished his own drink so he turned his head to look at the passing children and parents.

"I will do that Mr. Black." He said, with a smile. "And even if you were a Gryffindor, you seem like an okay fella." He laughed slightly and turned his attention back to watching everyone around him. Jonnie's future was feeling pretty good to himself. Now if Rosalie only said yes, he would be able to walk the clouds.

Jonnie pulled out a parchment and quill and began working on a new song immediately. The chorus was in his mind before he touched ink to paper. He was hearing the rhythm in his mind as Sirius took his leave.