Next week, Luna visits Diagon Alley for the first time since her mother died.  While wealthy students like Harry visit Madame Malkins and Eyelops, the Lovegoods have to scrounge supplies at the second-hand stores at the other end of the Alley — and other places.  Still, Luna gets to see some interesting people and to pick up some interesting equipment.  We also get to learn things about Ollivander (from Xenophilius) that Harry never knew!  So be here next week for magical bargain hunting From Across the Divide!

Special note:  although I feel that most of this background (if not all) is necessary to my story, it is kind of tame.  My story really takes off once Luna gets to Hogwarts, though!  Luna gets on the wrong side of just about everyone — and it’s a great laugh when she does!  We get to Hogwarts in Chapter Nine — read my rough draft of “Interrupting McGonagall” to get an idea of the fun ahead!