Prologue
Madame Malkin's-Harry
Hagrid thumped at Harry's side, his large beard swaying as he walked. Harry's new owl, Hedwig, twittered happily from within the cage on his trolley.
"Alrigh', Harry. Head into Madame Malkin's shop so you can get your robes. I'll wait here...I don't think she'd like someone o' my size in her shop."
Harry gave a short nod as he pushed the shop door open; triggering a small bell.
"Hello, dear!" Madame Malkin greeted the scrawny boy. "Go ahead and wait for me in front of the mirror there, I'll be with you in a moment." She instructed as she shuffled merrily into a small storage room. Harry sauntered slowly to a small platform, positioned in front of a tall mirror, making sure to take his time. He looked around the small shop in amusement. Vibrant fabrics and absurd accessories were placed messily along the top of shelves, then he noticed a boy standing before the mirror beside the one Harry was assigned. Fascination filled him: this was the first wizard boy Harry would ever meet. He had stunning blonde hair, neatly formed around his pale face. Remarkable blue eyes were vibrant against his pasty skin. Harry nervously reached the mirror next to his, wondering how his first conversation would be.
"Hogwarts too?" Harry was taken off guard, leaving him without words.
"Yeah," he replied weakly. This boy made Harry nervous, though he didn't know why.
"Do you know what house you're going to be sorted into? I know I'm going to be a Slytherin. My entire family has been in Slytherin." The boy was looking at Harry, as though trying to analyze him. He must have noticed that Harry was extremely confused. "Do you know what houses are?" he asked.
"No," Harry responded, still lost for words. He didn't want his eyes to meet the boy's. They were haunting in a way and made him feel very nervous, though strangely amused.
"Oh, well," the boy continued sounding slightly anxious. "Have you ever played Quidditch? First years aren't allowed brooms, but my father has already been teaching me. He got me a broom of my own last year."
"No," Harry said lamely. His first conversation with a wizard his age was not going well. The boy was strangely discomforting. Harry just couldn't think of anything to say.
Madame Malkin returned to the boys after taking Harry's measurements. She handed black folded robes to Harry and returned to the blonde boy, finishing his measurements.
"See you at school then," the boy called over his shoulder as Harry headed towards the door, though he thought he saw sadness flash briefly across his face.