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Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters.
CHAPTER 2 – DIAGON ALLEY
True to her word, professor McGonagall came by number 4 Privet Drive the next morning after breakfast to take Harry to Diagon Alley. She made sure that he had his breakfast and was treated fairly well. Harry asked if he could take his two friends with him. She asked, "Are they muggles?"
"What are muggles?" he asked with a confused look.
"Non-magical people," she answered.
"Yes they are. Is that a problem?"
"It could be, if they go telling everyone that there is a magical area in London."
"Professor, I'm sure they won't tell because you see, I am their only friend," said Harry looking a bit sad.
"Very well Harry, you can call your friends and ask if they want to come with us, but we must be going," said the elderly woman.
Harry made the calls and the girls jumped and he could hear squealing over the phone. "They said ok, but they live about 10 minutes away from here."
"Don't worry Harry, we can apparate there, you tell them to wait." After he told them to wait and gave her the address, she said, "Hold my arm Harry." He held her arm and they vanished from Privet Drive and appeared in front of Stacey's house. Lauren was staying with her the previous night, so the two girls were together.
Harry rang the doorbell and Stacey opened it, jumped on him and kissed him. "Hi Harry! Thanks for taking us with you."
Lauren likewise hugged and kissed him and said, "Wow, you look good Harry. I hope we have some fun."
"Don't worry you two, you will both have your share of fun in Diagon Alley," said an elderly woman who they did not recognise. "Oh, I am Harry's godmother, professor Minerva McGonagall, but you can call me professor." Their eyes were wide open but nodded and McGonagall said, "Right then, take my arms and let us go."
The next minute they found themselves in a very busy part of London with lots of shops and people dressed in robes and strange looking hats. "Professor, are we in Diagon Alley?" asked Lauren.
"Yes we are, welcome to Diagon Alley, the shopping place for witches and wizards. There is also a shop for you ladies to buy some clothes. In the meantime, we need to go to Gringotts." They walked further and Harry and his friends were amazed at what they saw, from pets to wands to owls. It was much like Central London, but it was a place where students and their parents shop for magical schooling and learning.
Harry asked, "What is Gringotts professor?"
"It is a bank, just like your normal banks in London, but this bank is for witches and wizards. In fact, you have a vault there."
"What is a vault?" asked Stacey.
"It is like a bank account. Now we need to show respect to the goblins who work there, but I can assure you, they are not monster creatures like the ones in your films," said the professor. The girls and Harry giggled at that. They had seen a film like what the professor was speaking about.
"Professor, you seem to know a lot about our world as well," said Stacey.
She smiled and said, "Oh yes, I know so much about it, and your world is far more advanced than our world. Anyway, we are here at Gringotts now."
As they entered, Harry and his friends were amazed at the size of the hall. They had come across silver doors with the following words:
Enter, stranger, but take heed
Of what awaits the sin of greed
For those who take, but do not earn,
Must pay most dearly in their turn.
So if you seek beneath our floors
A treasure that was never yours,
Thief, you have been warned, beware
Of finding more than treasure there.
Harry was puzzled by these words and McGonagall explained to him that the bank does not take kindly to thieves or thefts from other people's vaults. The marble hall was amazing and had long counters stretching along its length with doors leading off to the vault passageways with so many goblins sitting at them. As Harry was looking up and around the marble hall, they walked up to a counter and professor McGonagall cleared her throat. "Mr Harry James Potter would like to see his vault and make a withdrawal please."
The goblin teller looked at her and then looked at Harry. "Does Mr Potter have his key?"
Harry was puzzled but the professor said, "I have it right here sir, as I am his godmother."
The goblin called for another one to take them to their vault. When the other goblin came in front of them, Harry bowed and said, "Hello Mr Bladestorm, how are you?"
The goblin was stunned that Harry knew his name and said, "Mr Potter, it's extraordinary that you know my name. I am well thank you for asking," he replied with a toothy grin. Harry kindly told him that he saw his nametag and the goblin chuckled. "Well, if you four are together, then follow me please."
Harry, Stacey and Lauren were stunned at the way the goblins dressed and behaved. The goblin led them to the cart and started it. The passageway was dimly lit with flaming torches. The cart shot off like a rocket and the children were having a fun time. It was like some of the times in those theme parks when they went on those dangerous rides. Professor McGonagall was pale at the speed of those carts but she knew it was safe enough. The cart went through a maze of twisting passages much to the excitement of the children. McGonagall smiled at their enthusiasm and energy, and looked back on her childhood years. She wished that she was like them once again. The cart went deep beneath the surface of the earth. Harry wondered how far below they were. The other thing that amazed the children was that the goblin knew exactly where to go when the older lady spoke about Harry withdrawing money.
After a three minute ride, the goblin asked the professor to hold the light until he got off the cart. The professor handed the light back, and the others got out. Harry got out first and then held his friends up from the cart. McGonagall mused at that and thought, 'he really is a gentleman.' When they got to the vault for Harry to withdraw the gold, it was in front of what had to be the largest door Harry and his friends had ever seen. Standing at somewhere around fifty feet in height, and probably twenty or so in length, the door in front of him was made of some kind of metal, with a beautifully crafted image of a Griffin holding a sword in its mouth. And in the centre of the door was a small surface of a smooth, almost glass like material with a hand print in the centre.
The goblin said, "Key please."
McGonagall reached out in her inner pocket and said, "Here we are, Mr Potter's key." She gave it to the goblin, and told Harry in his ear, "When we get out, I will give you your key. You must hold onto it and never give it to anyone." He nodded in agreement.
When the goblin opened the vault with the key, the group entered into the open door. What greeted him was the now open vault. And promptly felt his jaw unhinging. Riches did not being to describe what he was seeing. Large, neatly stacked piles of gold Galleons that reached the ceiling, piles of silver sickles, and an unidentifiable amount of bronze knuts. There must have been hundreds, thousands of piles of money, all placed within one side of the vault. He said in a loud voice, "Wow!"
McGonagall said, "Now you didn't think your parents left you with nothing did you? They were very rich indeed, but there is a limit as to what you can take each month until you reach 17 years. Your parents also left you a will, which you will access when you are 17. You can take time to look in your vault."
On another side he could what looked to be family heirlooms; large golden plates of armor, weapons of all shapes and sizes, from swords to maces to battle axes, chest sets of varying shapes and sizes resided there as well, containing secrets that Harry knew not. In one corner of the vault Harry could make out several book cases filled to the brim with books, many of which looked ancient. There were also various jewels to which he took an interest. In the centre of the room was a diaz, made of white stone. On top of it Harry could see two items, a piece of parchment, and a ring. "I can't believe I own this!" he said with astonishment.
"You do Mr Potter," said the goblin. "If you want, you can take some jewels but you can only take up to 5,000 galleons per month."
"What are galleons?" asked Lauren who was looking at the vault with her eyes wide open.
"They are gold my dear," said McGonagall.
"But we have pounds, not galleons?" said Stacey.
"They can easily be converted," said the goblin. "One galleon is around 50 pounds in your money."
"Wow!" exclaimed the children all at once.
"How much do you think I need professor?" asked Harry.
"Well to start with, you may require about 200 galleons.
Harry nodded and asked to withdraw 200 galleons. The goblin took it and put it into a carry bag pouch and gave it to Harry. Harry also took some necklaces and bracelets in case there was a need. He really wanted to give something to his two friends. After confirming the withdrawal, the goblin locked up the vault and they went back up the surface in the joy-ride.
Harry asked to convert 10 galleons into British pounds before they left, which the goblin did. They thanked the goblin for his time and were out of Gringotts. Harry took the girls aside and said, "Stacey, Lauren, I want to give you both something."
He gave them the converted notes that were about 500 pounds, dividing them between the two. They looked stunned and Stacey said, "Harry, we don't want your money, we like you for you, as a friend. We want your and our friendship more than money."
"Please take it. I know you don't need it, but I want to give you something. I want to give you both a bracelet as well." He gave them the gold bracelets and they cried with happiness, threw their arms around his neck and kissed his cheeks.
Lauren said, "At least take half of that cash. You will need it in London."
"I can go back to Gringotts and convert my leftover money. Anyway, let's go shopping! Professor McGonagall is waiting for us."
The professor in question saw the exchange between the children and said, "Have you three sorted out yourselves?"
"Yes professor," they all said in unison.
McGonagall smiled and gave Harry his key. "Remember Harry, hold on to it."
The first visit was Ollivanders Wand Shop. Once inside, Harry and his friends felt that they were in a place like the cupboard he used to sleep in at Privet Drive. It was such a small place that a maximum of three to four people can be in it at once, so professor McGonagall waited outside for them. Harry called out, "Hello, is anyone there?"
He heard movement and an elderly man with a greyish beard came sliding in a sort of cart. "I was wandering when you will be here Mr Potter." The girls were astounded that he knew Harry by name. Hell, even he was surprised. "Yes, it was as if yesterday your parents were here getting their first wands. By the way, my name is Ollivander, and I own this shop."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr Ollivander," said Harry politely. "These are my friends, Stacey and Lauren, but they're not going to Hogwarts."
"Ah, then Beauxbatoms?"
"What is that?" asked Harry.
"A magical school in France," replied the old man.
"No, they are what you call muggles," said Harry.
"Dear me," said Ollivander. "Right, now let's see which wand is suitable for you Mr Potter." After taking the first two wands and waving them, he caused a wreckage in the place, but Ollivander quickly repaired it, and no one was hurt. The third wand was something different, and showed a flash of blue light. "Ah, I wonder," said Ollivander.
"I'm sorry, but what do you wonder sir?" asked Harry.
"The wand chooses the wizard Mr Potter. This is the brother of the wand that gave you this scar. He was great, but very dark, and did awesome things, but terrible. Legend says that you stopped him that night on 31st October 1981. Anyway, that's enough history, but this is the wand that chose you Mr Potter."
Harry paid the man 3 galleons for the wand and they left in astonishment. He thought the guy was a nice guy, but a bit crazy, going on about some dark wizard. He would have to ask his godmother about it. They went to Madam Malkin's Robes and the lady greeted him. "Hello Professor McGonagall and Mr Potter. Going to Hogwarts this year?"
"Yes ma'am," replied Harry.
"What about your two friends?"
"They're muggles," he replied.
"Very well, I will get your robes for you. Hogwarts and dress robes for other occasions, but let me take your measurements first Mr Potter." She took him into a dressing room and took his measurements, and he waited for a bit until his robes were ready.
Shortly after, a pale blonde boy was standing next to Harry waiting for his robes as well. "Going to Hogwarts as well?" he asked in a dry tone.
"Yes," was the simple reply.
"Which house do you think you will be in?"
"House? What are you on about?" asked Harry.
"You don't know?" said the puzzled boy. "There are four houses at Hogwarts and they are Slytherin, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Gryffindor. I'm sure to get into Slytherin," he said with a proud look.
"How can you be so sure? Can you ask where you want to go?"
The blonde boy looked at him as if he was from another planet. "I don't know about that asking part, but my family has been in Slytherin for centuries, and father says that is the best house."
"Well I'm not sure," said Harry.
"I saw two girls with McGonagall looking a bit lost, she says that they're muggles. Father says they are the worst sort of people to mix with those mudbloods."
"Excuse me, but I notice you say that your father says this and that, but what about your own opinion?" asked an irritated Harry. "By the way, they are my friends."
Before the blonde boy replied, Madam Malkin said, "Your robes are ready Mr Malfoy, you can go." Turning to Harry, she said, "I see you met young Mr Malfoy."
"That was him, the one who always mentions his father?" asked Harry.
"Yes, but not to worry, your robes are ready for you," said the lady.
"Thank you ma'am, how much do I owe you?"
"That will be 28 galleons Mr Potter." He gave her 30 galleons and told her to keep the change.
They made their way out of Madam Malkin's when Harry asked his godmother, "Professor, that boy I met, Mr Malfoy, he called my friends mudbloods. What does that mean?"
"Bullocks!" she exclaimed. "Harry, you need to know that not all wizarding families are good. The Malfoys have been in Slytherin for centuries, not that I have anything against that house, but they call muggles and muggleborn people that vile name. If I hear him or anyone else use this term, they will have detention and a loss of many points. Anyway, let's get your pet now."
"But I have a pet snake professor," he said.
"While snakes are allowed at Hogwarts, you need a pet to deliver messages, like owls. Let's go to the Owl Emporium."
They made their way over there and saw a mix of owls with different colours. Harry was attracted to one white snowy owl, and he could see that the owl fixed its eyes on him. He went to the owner and said, "Excuse me, I would like that white snowy owl there."
"Ah Mr Potter, I'm glad you came. Yes, this owl is a beauty, and it seems she already likes you."
"Is it a female?" asked Harry.
"Yes, now it's up to you to give her a name. I will also give you special treats and a special cage for the beautiful owl."
He patted the owl and it loved the attention. "Hello Hedwig." The owl looked up at him and hooted. "Yes, that's your name now girl, Hedwig." He paid another 9 galleons for the owl and the accessories and left.
The girls loved the owl and reached out to pat it. The owl liked the attention it received, and immediately liked the girls. "I think the owl likes you three," said McGonagall chuckling.
They went to get Harry's trunk nexst. He saw a large variety and McGonagall adviced him to get one with shrinking and intruder charms. There were a few that matched her advice. He finally settled for a bownish-gold trunk that cost 20 galleons, that would fit everything in it.
The next shop was to get his potions supplies, which cost him another 5 galleons.
The last stop to visit would be Flourish and Blotts, the bookshop where he could buy his textbooks for school. It was a massive store with lots of students and new students buying their books. Harry got his book supplies and paid 20 galleons. While they were about to leave Diagon Alley, Harry saw a strange looking shop that had the sign 'Quality Quidditch Supplies.' He saw a group of young boys admiring the latest broom. He heard one say, "Wow, this is the latest broomstick, the Nimbus 2000!"
They kept walking until McGonagall met another middle-aged woman. "Minerva, how are you today?"
"I'm well thank you Amelia. I see you took Susan and Hannah to get their Hogwarts supplies?"
"Yes, she kept nagging her parents once she got her Hogwarts letter, but since they work during the day, I offered to take her and Hannah Abbot out for a few hours." She looked at Harry and his friends and said, "I see you brought young Mr Potter?" Susan's eyes were wide open at the mention of Harry's name, but composed herself.
McGonagall said, "Yes, Harry is my godson, so I brought him with his two muggle friends." Turning to Harry she said, "Harry, I would like you to meet a good friend of mine, Madam Amelia Bones. She is the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Magic."
Harry looked at her and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you." He took her hand and gave it a kiss.
Amelia smiled and said, "Ah, what a charming character, much like your father Mr Potter. I want you to meet my niece Susan Bones. She will start Hogwarts with you, and this is her best friend Hannah Abbot, and she also will start with you."
He took the hands of the two girls and said, "It's nice to meet you." Getting his friends, he said, "These are my friends, Stacey and Lauren. They are muggles, but my only friends."
Susan and Hannah smiled and they all made introductions and had small talk. "We better be going," said Amelia Bones.
Susan said, "It was a pleasure to meet you Harry, and Stacey and Lauren. See you on 1st of September." Hannah likewise bid them goodbye and they left with Susan's aunt.
"Professor, what exactly does your friend Madam Bones do?" asked Harry.
"She directs the Magical Law department. She has aurors working for her. They are like police, but they capture dark wizards. She is from an old and noble family, but is very fair with everyone. You will get to meet young Miss Bones and Miss Abbot again. We better be going back to your side now," she said.
Before going back, Harry asked to go to Gringotts and change 10 galleons for himself. Once that was done, they were once more in muggle London. McGonagall took them to some muggle clothing shops where Harry and his friends bought some nice clothing. Harry got some casual jackets, jeans and a few shirts and tee-shirts, and a few pairs of shoes. They had some ice-cream together and then it was time for them to go to their homes. Stacey said, "Wow, I really enjoyed our day together. Thank you Harry and professor, for taking us."
McGonagall nodded and smiled, and took the girls to their homes first. Lauren hugged Harry and kissed him. She said, "I enjoyed my day too Harry. Thank you." This was followed by the same from Stacey. McGonagall took Harry to Privet Drive and she gave the Dursleys a warning lecture about treating her godson. Harry thought if he could ask Stacey and Lauren if the three of them could be more than friends. He wondered if they will accept. His mind briefly wondered to the other two girls, Susan and Hannah. They seemed to like him and his friends, and he wondered if they could all be friends. He finally slept peacefully.
A/N: There's the end of the chapter. Hope you liked Diagon Alley :)
A reader asked whether wandless magic could be considered independent and powerful. My reply is that Harry already does wandless magic in the canon books. He will not be the very powerful and independent person. He will remain at Privet Drive with a bodyguard. His snake familiar is just something that I put there. I already have my idea about who the bodyguard will be. This will be in around chapter 9 or 10.
Anyway, on another note, what are your views about the two girls (Stacey and Lauren) becoming Harry's girlfriends? Yes or No?
I have changed the galleon count because someone complained that it was too much. For the purpose of MY fic, one galleon is equal to 50 pounds. I know other fics have it equal to 75 pounds and so on, but I wanted something a bit more realistic. A reviewer asked about Harry bringing muggle girls to Diagon Alley. PLEASE NOTE THIS IS FICTION. I wanted something different, and the girls do not have friends except for Harry, so obviously they won't tell anyone, even their parents. Every writer has their own differnt opinions on these things, and I have read the fic 'Harem of Honeys' but my ideas are not a copy of that story. I would recommend reading that story by the way, 'Harem of Honeys.' I think it is on this fic, and hpfanficarchives as well.
Thanks to reviewer Pinellas62 for reminding me about Harry's trunk and potion supplies. I have updated the chapter. I am aware that Susan's parents are dead, but I chose to keep them alive. There may be "special arrangements" for Stacey and Lauren to go to Hogwarts, but definitely not in first year.
Finally, do you want me to include Stacey and Lauren as Harry's girlfriends?
