Maddie shrugged and gestured toward the empty second a second time. "Truth be told, shopping alone in Diagon Alley isn't as much fun as I thought it'd be. I thought it'd be super cool to not have to be at my mom's side for once," she admitted. "It's boring, though." She didn't really know this boy, but he was a welcome change from the loneliness the day had brought along.

Oh, cool. So he was a Hogwarts student. She just didn't know him, because he was a whole year younger than she was. It felt strange to be older than someone. Most Hogwarts students Maddie talked to seemed to be older than her. "Septimus is a cool name," she said. "What house are you in? I'm a Hufflepuff!"

A sudden movement through the window caught Maddie's eye, and she turned to see her little brother motioning for her to come outside. Sighing, she turned to her new friend. "Sorry, Septimus. The little brother is letting me know it's time to go," she said. "Enjoy your ice cream!" What was left of it anyway. "Maybe I'll see you at school sometime!" With a smile toward the slightly younger boy, she headed out.