Chapter 14: Diagon Alley

Not long after the swim event, it came time to go to Diagon Alley to get school supplies. Andronia looked at the list of books, and shook her head at the requirement for Lockhart's book, and she found herself wondering why they would be needing those books in particular. She got up that morning, and got dressed before going over to the Dursley place where they planned on meeting up, so they could take the bus to Diagon Alley. Andronia's mother gave her an allowance, more then enough to buy her books, and whatever she wanted, and to have stuff left over.

Pier's mother came, her entire body rather nervous about going, but the nervousness left upon seeing Petunia, and the fact Dudley's mother was fine with the experience. Getting on the bus wasn't an unpleasant experience, and they found Hermione and her cousins joining them at a junction stop along with her parents. Her two cousins hung all over her, and Andronia finally decided that Hermione was right, that her two cousins were little devils. Simply hugginh Hermione of course didn't draw any eyes from Hermione's parents, but the issue was still there.

Pier's looked around, wondering where Draco, plus Ron and his family were. "Shouldn't they be joining us?"

"Chances are they're likely using the floo network, which allows transportation through regulated fireplaces."

Petunia thought carefully. "Perhaps we should get ours connected? It would mean removing that fake fireplace Vernon had us put in, but I've never liked it. I think that will be my project while you guys are at school."

Pier's mother nodded her head. "I can help you I think. Actually, it might not be an idea to change things so it's more to your liking, rather then Vernon's. You're only separated though, right?"

"Yes. He's refusing to divorce me. I'm lucky to have money coming in though, as he's not allowed to not provide for Dudley and me. I thought about getting a probono lawyer to fight my case, but there is the issue of the Wizarding World."

Andronia frowned. "What about a probono laywer from the ministry of magic? My parents could help you get in touch with one."

"I think I will. Being able to live a year without Vernon in the house, that ended up being a rather nice change. I'm also thinking about getting a job, of some kind. I don't want to depend on him. Actually, I think I mentioned that already. I just need to figure out what kind of job I would like."

"You like reading Aunt Petunia, so why don't you go ahead and try for a librarian position."

"I think that I will. Thank you Harry."

The bus pulled to a stop in downtown London, and the four adults, and seven kids got off to head to the next spot. They headed to the place in question, and came across the Leaky Cauldron. The four adults seemed a bit confused, as the seven kids were able to see the place, but they weren't. Hermione's cousins however tugged their aunt and uncle into the place, and Andronia tugged on the clothing of Mrs. Dudley, and Pier's mother.

They stepped into the place, and everyone looked around wondering what to do next. Smoke filtered around the place, and Pier's mother frowned, completely not sure what to do about the place. It was then that a loud sound was heard as the Weasly clan came hurtling down the stairs from the rooms they stayed in at the inn. Draco came with them, and looked rather tiered. Ron waved them over to the table. "We've got a game plan. First we get books, then the supplies we need to replace, and then we're done."

Hermione glared at him. "Ron, that's not the plan."

"Come on. We're second years."

"Yeah, but there are a lot of first years here. Your sister, the twins, Piers. The only reason Dudley's not needing to get everything everybody else is, is because he got held back."

"Yeah, but the adults can take them around."

"Ronald Weasley!" Molly Weasley snapped at her son. "You will help your sister, and the others."

"Yeah, but you're letting Fred, George, and Percy do what they want."

"Who says we're not going to help?"

"Seriously, don't out us in the same part as yourself."

Percy pushed up his glasses. "I'd love to help, but I think it would be a good thing for you to do something to help out Ginny for once."

Ron folded his arms, and glared at his little sister. It was then that Adronia noticed that Ginny was staring at Dudley, and she shook her head. Dudley had manged to lose quite a bit of weight, and actually looked rather nice, and would be rather handsome once he lost even more weight. If Adronia had to choose though, she would pick Harry over Dudley any day. She also thought that Ginny originally had a crush on Harry, but said crush was now on Dudley.

Ron glared at her some more, then leaned over to Harry. "Beware. Ginny's got a crush on you."

Draco shook his head. "Had. You really don't know your own sister."

"Oh, shut up Malfoy!"

Pier's mother turned to the parents of the Weasley children. "So, exactly what do we do next?"

Mr. Weasley smiled, and began to shake her hand. Instead of answering her question, he began to ask questions regarding Muggle divives. Ron rolled his eyes, but he wasn't the only person to give his father a strange look. Molly tugged on Arthur's ear. "Dear, they asked what we do next."

"Oh yes. Come over this way." The man headed over to the alleyway used to get into Diagon Alley, and Pier's mother frowned.

"Isn't this a bit crowded? This is a dead end."

"Oh, just wait." Arthur tapped his wand on the bricks, and the wall opened up. Those who hadn't been there before let out gasps, and those who didn't usually come had a twinkle in their eye. The place led into a corridor, and the street was lined with shops. If Pier's mother wasn't convinced before, he was convinced now.