Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban-with Newt
Disclaimer: Not mine
Chapter 4: Diagon Alley again
Harry felt rather weird with his new freedom. He never was able to eat whatever he want or wake up whenever he wanted to. Although he had to stay in Diagon Alley, he could wander around whenever he liked. Harry was not going to break his promise with the Minister.
Harry made bit of a routine. He would wake and eat breakfast at Leaky Cauldron while watching other people. After breakfast, he wondered around Diagon Alley. Harry was glad that he didn't have to do his homework secretly. Harry would sit at Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour, finishing all his essays with occasional help from the owner who surprisingly knew a lot about Magical history and would give him free ice cream every half an hour.
Once Harry filled his bag with money from his vault, Harry had to exercise his self control to make sure not to spend it all in one go.
Harry had to refrain himself from impulsively buying things like solid gold gobstone set and moving model of galaxy (if he had that, Harry believed he wouldn't have to take Astronomy). But Harry nearly lost control of himself when he saw the brand new broom outside Quidditch Quality Shop.
Harry saw a crowd in front of the building so Harry squeezed in to see what all the commotion was about.
THE FIREBOLT
THIS STATE-OF-THE-ART RACING BROOM SPORTS A STREAM-LINED, SUPERFINE HANDLE OF ASH, TREATED WITH A DIAMOND-HARD POLISH AND HAND-NUMBERED WITH ITS OWN REGISTRATION NUMBER. EACH INDIVIDUALLY SELECTED BIRCH TWIG IN THE BROOMTAIL HAS BEEN HONED TO AERODYNAMIC PERFECTION, GIVING THE FIREBOLT UNSURPASSABLE BALANCE AND PINPOINT PRECISION. THE FIREBOLT HAS AN ACCELERATION OF 150 MILES AN HOUR IN TEN SECONDS AND INCORPORATES AN UNBREAKABLE BRAKING CHARM. PRICE ON REQUEST.
Price on request… Harry considered about going in and asking for the price but decided not to. Was it worth it to empty out his vault just so he can get a broom? Especially when he already had his trusted Nimbus 2000? But this didn't stop Harry from going to the shop everyday to stare at the broom.
Harry tried to distract himself by buying things he needed. Like potion supplies, new school robe, and most importantly, his schoolbooks for his electives Divination and Care of Magical Creatures.
When Harry entered Flourish and Blotts, he saw a large iron cage behind the glass that held about a hundred copies of The Monster Book of Monsters. The books were growling and snapping at each other aggressively.
Harry pulled his booklist out of his pocket and consulted it for the first time. The Monster Book of Monsters was listed as the required book for Care of Magical Creatures.
"So that was why Hagrid said it would come in useful!" thought Harry.
The manager came hurrying toward him and asked "Hogwarts?" he said abruptly. "Come to get your new books?"
"Yes," said Harry, "I need..."
"Get out of the way," said the manager sighing, brushing Harry aside. He drew on a pair of very thick gloves, picked up a large walking stick, and proceeded toward the door of the Monster Books' cage.
"Hang on," said Harry quickly, "I've already got one of those."
"Have you?" A look of enormous relief spread over the manager's face. "Thank you so much. You have no idea how much this means to me. This has got to be the worst book we ever had here. Even worse than that invisible book of invisibility. I swear, if they stock this book next year, I quit!" He declared. "Well, what is it you want?"
"Unfogging the Future by Cassandra Vablatsky Please" said Harry.
"Ah, starting Divination?" said the manager as he lead Harry to Divination section in the book store.
"Here you go," said the manager as he handed him the book. "Unfogging the Future. Very good guide to all your basic fortune-telling methods from palmistry to bird entrails."
But Harry wasn't listening. He was looking at another book, which was among a display on a small table: Death Omens: What to Do When You Know the Worst Is Coming.
"Oh, I wouldn't read that if I were you," said the manager lightly, looking to see what Harry was staring at. "You'll start seeing death omens everywhere. It's enough to frighten anyone to death."
But Harry continued to stare at the front cover of the book. It showed a black dog large as a bear, with gleaming eyes. It looked oddly familiar…
"Anything else?" asked the Manager.
"Yes," said Harry, tearing his eyes from the book."I need Intermediate Transfiguration and The Standard Book of Spells, Grade Three."
Harry emerged from Flourish and Blotts ten minutes later with his new books under his arms and made his way back to the Leaky Cauldron, hardly noticing where he was going and bumping into several people.
"It can't have been a death omen." he told his reflection defiantly. "I was panicking when I saw that thing in Magnolia Crescent… It's just a stray dog. There are plenty of stray dogs in the world."
-HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN-
As the days slipped by, Harry started looking wherever he went for a sign of Ron or Newt or Hermione. He met other students in Diagon Alley. Harry met Dean and Seamus ogling at the Firebolt, Lavender, Parvati and her sister gossiping about something at the ice cream parlour.
He even saw Neville, his forgetful fellow Gryffindor. Harry didn't stop to chat because he was being told off by his stern looking grandmother for missing his booklist. Harry felt like Neville's grandmother will not be pleased with him if he used Neville's name when he was in run from the ministry.
Harry woke on the last day of the holidays, thinking that he would at least meet Ron, Newt and Hermione tomorrow, on the Hogwarts Express. He got up, dressed and was just wondering where he'd have lunch, when someone yelled his name and he turned.
"Harry! HARRY!"
Ron and Hermione were sitting outside Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. Ron looking incredibly freckly and Hermione looking tan, both waving frantically at him.
"Finally!" said Ron, grinning at Harry as he sat down. "We went to the Leaky Cauldron, but they said you'd left so we began moving around everywhere looking for you!"
"Say, how did you know I was at the Leaky Cauldron?" asked Harry. "
"Dad works at ministry remember?" said Ron.
"Did you really blow up your aunt, Harry?" said Hermione in a very serious voice.
"I didn't mean to," said Harry, while Ron roared with laughter. "I just lost control."
"It's not funny, Ron," said Hermione sharply. "Honestly, I'm amazed Harry wasn't expelled."
"How do you think I felt?" asked Harry. "I thought I was going to be arrested."
"Anyway Harry. We're staying at the Leaky Cauldron tonight too! So you can come to King's Cross with us tomorrow! Hermione's there as well!"
Hermione nodded, beaming. "Mum and Dad dropped me off this morning with all my Hogwarts things."
"Excellent!" said Harry happily. "So, have you got all your new books and stuff?"
"Look at this," said Ron, pulling a long thin box out of a bag and opening it. "Brand new wand! Fourteen inches, willow, containing one unicorn tail-hair. Dad bought it for me!" said Ron happily. "And we've got all our books. Does MOnster books, the employee nearly cried when we asked for two."
"What's all that, Hermione?" Harry asked, pointing at the bulging bags in the chair next to her.
"These? My books for new subjects. I'm taking Care of Magical creatures, Arithmancy and Ancient Runes." said Hermione proudly.
"Blimey Hermione. 3 subjects? You know you could just take two. That's the requirement." said Ron looking awed at number of books.
"I know but why should I pass on opportunity to learn more?" asked Hermione.
"Say Hermione. Weren't you planning on taking all the subjects? What happened to that?" asked Harry.
"Well after I tried to take all subjects, I had a meeting with Professor McGonagall. She said I could take them all but she advised me to check if I really want to take all the subjects." Hermione said sheepishly.
"So I set down and looked at the subjects in detail. I heard Divination is pretty useless so I thought it would be wasting my time. Then I saw Muggle Studies was really out of date. I mean, they don't even know Muggles went to the moon!" said Hermione.
Ron choked on his ice cream. "What? Muggles went to the moon? That's impossible!"
"It's not impossible Ron. Muggles did go to moon. In 1969 in fact." said Hermione.
"Hermione is right Ron. Muggles did go to the moon. Muggles are a lot smarter than Wizards give credit for." said Harry.
"Anyway, that's why I decided to take 3 electives. I heard they are all very interesting and useful." said Hermione.
Then, Harry realized something. "Guys. Where's Newt? Is not here with you guys?" asked Harry.
"Newt came here with us. He's also staying in Leaky Cauldron. His parents were busy with Hippogriff farm. He said he's needed to go to the Magical Menagerie. Said he had some things to take care of." said Ron.
"Speaking of Magical Menagerie, my parents gave me 10 galleons for early birthday present. So I was thinking about…" said Hermione but Ron cut her off.
"A nice thick book?" said Ron sniggering.
"No. I was thinking about getting a pet like you guys. I mean Harry has Hedwig and you have Scabbers. And Newt has how many Pets? He has like 3 doesn't he?" said Hermione.
"Well than let's all go to Magical Menagerie. We can meet Newt there and Hermione can get a new pet. I also need to get Scabbers checked. He's been weird. I guess Egypt didn't agree with him." said Ron as he pulled out Scabbers the rat. Scabbers looked thinner and greyer than usual.
So they paid for their ice cream and crossed the street to the Magical Menagerie. There wasn't much room inside. Every inch of wall was hidden by cages. It was smelly and very noisy because the occupants of these cages were all squeaking, squawking, jabbering, or hissing.
In the middle of the shop, Newt was talking to the owner of the shop, pointing at various things.
"Yes I will take 3 fire crabs… And I will also take 2 transforming Rabbits… I hope you didn't forget the food I ordered." said Newt.
"Of course! I mean, not many people order super size animal pellet Mr Scamander. I have them right here." said the owner as he dragged out an enormous sack. "And did you say 3 Firecrabs? I will bring them right here." and the owner walked over to the other side.
"Newt!" called out Harry.
Newt turned around and smiled. "Harry!" said Newt as he walked over to Harry and gave him a hug.
"How have you been?" asked Harry.
"Great! I saw so many things in the states. Say, did you really blow up your aunt?" asked Newt.
Ron sniggered while Hermione looked disapprovingly. "Right, maybe I shouldn't have asked that." said Newt sheepishly.
"Newt, correct me if I'm wrong but are you really buying that sack of pellet?" asked Hermione as she pointed at the large sack.
"And did I hear you correctly when you said 3 fire crabs and 2 transforming rabbits? Where did you get all the money?" asked Hermione.
"Well, I saved all year. I barely spend by saving on anything besides in this shop. Also, I got extra 10 galleon." said Newt proudly.
"From where?" asked Ron.
"Flourish and Blotts." replied Newt.
"Why would you get money from Flourish and Blotts?" asked Hermione.
"I told the manager how to calm the monster books down. He was so thankful he gave me 10 galleon as reward." said Newt.
"How do you do that?" asked Hermione curious.
"Just stroke its spine." said Newt.
"Wow Hermione. Surprised that someone knows more about books then you do?" sniggered Ron. Hermione slapped Ron in the arm.
The owner of the shop returned with animals in his arm. He put down what looked like a turtle with jewel encrusted shell and 2 rabbits, one black and one white. "So, here are the 3 fire crabs ordered. I picked out the ones with shiniest gem. And you said 2 transforming rabbits right? These are the most active one. Look!" the owner said as one of the rabbit turned into a silk hat.
"Brilliant. I will take them all." said Newt with a smile.
When Newt stepped away from the counter, Ron approached the owner. "It's my rat. He's been a bit off-colour ever since I brought him back from Egypt."
"Well let me see. Hmm... How old is this rat?" asked the owner.
"Dunno," said Ron. "Quite old. He used to belong to my brother."
"What powers does he have?" said the witch, examining Scabbers closely.
"Umm I don't think he has any." said Ron looking bit embarrassed. Scabbers had never shown the faintest trace of interesting powers. The owner inspected Scabbers and saw his front paw, which had a toe missing.
"He's been through the mill, this one," the owner said disapprovingly.
"He was like that when Percy gave him to me," said Ron defensively.
"An ordinary common or garden rat like this can't be expected to live longer than three years or so. Here, try rat tonic." said the owner as he pulled out a small red bottle.
"Okay," said Ron. "How much... OUCH!" Ron buckled as something huge and orange came soaring from the top of the highest cage, landed on his head, and then propelled itself, spitting madly, at Scabbers.
"NO, CROOKSHANKS, NO!" cried the owner, but Scabbers shot from between her hands like a bar of soap, landed splay legged on the floor, and then scampered for the door.
"Scabbers!" Ron shouted, racing out of the shop after him. Harry and Newt followed. It took them nearly ten minutes to catch Scabbers, who had taken refuge under a wastepaper bin outside Quality Quidditch Supplies.
Ron picked up the trembling rat and put him in his pocket.
"What was that?" said Ron.
"Either a large cat or a small tiger." said Harry.
"It was a cat. Quite big actually. I wonder if it really is a cat…" said Newt thoughtfully. "Say Ron. Are you sure Scabbers doesn't have any magical power?"
"No. This stupid thing has done nothing but eat and sleep." grumbled Ron.
"You said he belonged to your brother? Which brother?" asked Newt.
"I think he belonged to Percy." said Ron.
"Well there you have it! Scabber's magical power is to live long. If he belonged to Percy, he should be at least 7 years old because Percy is 7th grade. Normal garden rats live for about 3 years." explained Newt.
"Say, where's Hermione?" asked Harry.
"Still choosing her pet." said Ron.
They made their way back up the crowded street to the Magical Menagerie. As they reached it, Hermione came out, her arms were clamped tightly around the enormous ginger cat.
"You bought that monster?" said Ron, his mouth hanging open.
"He's gorgeous, isn't he?" said Hermione, glowing.
"Very." said Newt as he petted the cat.
Gorgeous is a relative term. thought Harry. The cat's ginger fur was thick and fluffy, and had a grumpy oddly squashed face.
"Hermione, that thing nearly scalped me!" said Ron.
"He didn't mean to, did you, Crookshanks?" said Hermione.
"And what about Scabbers? He needs rest and relaxation! How's he going to get it with that stupid cat around?" demanded Ron.
"He's not stupid!" snapped Hermione.
"She's right." said Newt who was still inspecting Crookshanks. Ron and Harry looked at Newt while Hermione beamed. "Well well well. What do you know Hermione. You are in luck! This is a very smart cat. In fact, it's half kneazle!" said Newt.
"A what?" asked Harry.
"Kneazle. It's a magical feline that's bigger than normal domestic feline. They are very intelligent and I heard they were quite loyal." explained Newt.
"See? Crookshanks is a smart cat. Aren't you Crookshanks?" cooed Hermione.
"Whatever." Ron said as he rolled his eyes. "I don't want that thing anywhere near Scabbers!"
"Don't worry Ron. Crookshanks will be sleeping in my dormitory and Scabbers in yours, what's the problem? Poor Crookshanks, that witch said he'd been in there for ages; no one wanted him." said Hermione.
"I wonder why? He is an amazing animal." said Netw.
"I wonder why too." said Ron sarcastically as they set off toward the Leaky Cauldron.
"Say Newt, shouldn't you go and pick up your animals?" asked Harry.
Newt stiffened. "Oh. Well you see… I… um…. I had them delivered to my home." said Newt.
"So, you are not taking any of them to Hogwarts?" asked Harry.
"Well…. Maybe one rabbit… Maybe…." sad Newt not quite meeting Harry's eyes.
-HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN-
They went inside the Leaky Cauldron and saw Mr. Weasley sitting in the bar, reading the Daily Prophet. "Harry!" he said, smiling as he looked up. "How are you?"
"Fine, thank you." said Harry as he, Ron, Newt and Hermione joined Mr. Weasley with their shopping. Mr. Weasley put down his paper, and Harry saw the now familiar picture of Sirius Black staring up at him.
"They still haven't caught him, then?" he asked.
"No," said Mr. Weasley, looking extremely grave. "They've pulled us all off our regular jobs at the Ministry to try and find him, but no luck so far."
"Would we get a reward if we caught him?" asked Ron. "It'd be good to get some more money..."
"Don't be ridiculous, Ron," said Mr. Weasley, who on closer inspection looked very strained. "Black's not going to be caught by some teenagers. It's the Azkaban guards who'll get him back, you mark my words."
"I heard he's really dangerous. I hope he's caught soon." said Newt anxiously.
At that moment Mrs. Weasley entered the bar, laden with shopping bags and followed by the twins who were 5th grade, Percy the new head boy and the Weasleys only girl Ginny.
Ginny, who had always been very taken with Harry, seemed even more embarrassed than usual when she saw him, perhaps because he had saved her life during their previous year at Hogwarts. She went very red and muttered "hello" without looking at him.
Percy on the other hand extended his hand and greeted him very formally. "Hello, Percy," said Harry, trying not to laugh. "I hope you're well?" said Percy pompously, shaking hands. It was rather like being introduced to the mayor.
"Harry!" said Fred, elbowing Percy out of the way and bowing deeply. "Simply splendid to see you, old boy!" "Marvellous," said George, pushing Fred aside and seizing Harry's hand in turn. "Absolutely spiffing." Percy rolled his eyes.
"That's enough, now," said Mrs. Weasley.
"Mum!" said Fred, as though he just met her. "How really corking to see you!" Newt and Ron were sniggering while Hermione smiled. Weasley twins were cheerful as ever.
"I said, that's enough," said Mrs. Weasley. "Hello, Harry, dear. "I suppose you've heard our exciting news?" She pointed to the silver badge on Percy's chest. "Second Head Boy in the family!" she said, swelling with pride. 'And hopefully the last." muttered Fred.
"I hope not." said Mrs. Weasley, frowning suddenly. "I notice they haven't made you two prefects."
"What do we want to be prefects for?" said George, looking revolted at the very idea. "So I can be a stickler of rules and have no life?"
Ginny giggled. "You want to set a better example for your sister!" snapped Mrs. Weasley. "Ginny's got other brothers to set her an example, Mother," said Percy and he walked up to the room he was staying at. The twins just shook their heads and sighed.
-HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN HPPAWN-
Dinner that night was a very enjoyable affair. Tom the innkeeper put three tables together in the parlour, and the seven Weasleys, Harry, Newt and Hermione ate their way through five delicious courses.
After dinner everyone felt very full and sleepy. One by one they made their way upstairs to their rooms to check their things for the next day.
Harry had just closed and locked his own trunk when he heard angry voices through the wall, and went to see what was going on.
The door of number twelve was ajar and Percy was shouting. "Alright where is it! I took it off for polishing! And it should be right here!"
"I haven't touched your bloody badge!" Ron roared back.
"What's up?" said Harry. "My Head Boy badge is gone," said Percy, rounding on Harry.
"So's Scabbers's Rat Tonic," said Ron. "I think I might've left it in the bar."
"I'll get Scabbers's stuff, I'm packed," Harry said to Ron, and he went downstairs. Harry was halfway along the passage to the bar, which was now very dark, when he heard another pair of angry voices coming from the parlour.
A second later, he recognized them as Mr. and Mrs. Weasley's voice. He hesitated, not wanting them to know he'd heard them arguing, when the sound of his own name made him stop, then move closer to the parlour door.
"Harry has right to know. Especially since this regards him! The minister might say otherwise but it's just not right!" said Mr Weasley.
"Arthur, the truth would terrify him!" said Mrs. Weasley shrilly. "Do you really want to send Harry back to school with that hanging over him? Don't you know somethings are better off unknown?"
"I don't want to make him miserable, I want to put him on his guard!" retorted Mr. Weasley. "Molly, they say Sirius Black's mad, and even if he was, he was clever enough to escape from Azkaban, and that's supposed to be impossible. No one has even seen him for past 3 weeks. No matter what Fudge might say, we are nowhere nearer catching Black. The only thing we know for sure is what Black's after..."
"But Harry will be perfectly safe at Hogwarts." insisted Mrs Weasley.
"Molly, I told you Fudge didn't say it to the public but I heard what he said. Day before he escaped, Fudge visited his cell and found him muttering He's at Hogwarts. He's at Hogwarts. Black is a lunatic., He wants Harry dead. Black lost everything the night Harry stopped You-Know-Who, and he's had twelve years alone in Azkaban to brood on that. He's probably looking for revenge."
Mrs Weasley sighed. "Well, Arthur, you must do what you think is right. But you're forgetting Albus Dumbledore. I don't think anything could hurt Harry at Hogwarts while Dumbledore is there. He knows all about this?"
"Of course he knows. We had to ask him if he minds the Azkaban guards stationing themselves around the entrances to the school grounds. He did mind but he had no choice."
"Why would he mind if they are there to catch Black?"
"Dumbledore hates Azkaban guards," said Mr. Weasley heavily. "Nor am I. But… you're dealing with a wizard like Black, you sometimes have to join forces with those you'd rather avoid."
Mr Weasley looked at the nearby clock. "It's getting late. Let's go to our room." said Mr Weasley. The two of them began to climb the stairs.
Harry quietly went to the bar and picked up the rat tonic and headed upstairs.
Fred and George were crouching in the shadows on the landing, heaving with laughter as they listened to Percy dismantling his and Ron's room in search of his badge.
"We've got it," Fred whispered to Harry. "We've been improving it." The badge now read Bighead Boy.
Under normal circumstance, Harry would have laughed. But Harry just gave a weak smile and went to give Ron his rat tonic. Then Harry returned to his room and lay on his bed.
So Sirius Black was after him. That's why the minister came to me. Harry was curious about the Azkaban guards. Who ever they were, people seemed to fear them. Harry looked in the mirror and told him firmly. I am not going to be murdered. Then with a look of determination, Harry went to sleep.
A/N So Hermione doesn't have a time turner. How will things play out differently? Some quotes are from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by JK Rowling. Please leave a review! Constructive criticism are welcomed.