Large amounts of dust filled Harry's nostrils as he took in a deep breath. He had been expecting the smells of Diagon alley to fill his nose. The scent of new books and wands, instead he was met by ash and dust and the scent of something horribly rotten. "bloody hell that is the last time I use floo powder." Was the first set of words to escape Harry's mouth, which quickly shut as a bell rung inside the old shop. Harry ducked behind a counter and waited patiently for the bell sound to ring again. Lucius Malfoy's voice could be heard softly as he talked to the shop owner.

"yes he has asked for me to retrieve it a day early"

Harry got on his knee to look a small black box was put in the hands of the tall blonde man. The shop keeper and Lucius left in a hurry the older man turning around to flip the sign to closed as he left. Harry sighed in relief as he stood up perusing the shop. He was inside a magical item store and there were many things that could be fun. One item in specific captured Harry's attention. At first it had been a small golden twinkle and as Harry got closer it became a golden bracelet. Harry immediately grabbed "so shiny!" He slipped it on his wrist and admired it for a moment. The fit was almost perfect for him. He smiled to himself as he left the shop. He made his way out of the dark alley and back onto the familiar ground of Diagon alley.

Harry's first thought was about Ron and the other Weaselys. His worries were subdued when he heard Ron's voice "Harry! There you are! Mum was worried sick about ya."

Harry laughed "I ended up same place as last year, but I'm back now. I'm never using the Floo powder ever again." Harry looked at the rest of the Weasely family as they crowded around him making sure he was okay. "I'm fine don't worry I haven't got a scratch on me." Then the series of events began. Harry Ron and the Weaselys went on the rounds before Hogwarts began collecting all the necessary items for school.

Harry was looking at books in the shop picking out the ones that all third year students needed. His head was then pressed up against the wall by a familiar figure hugging him. "Harry! How are you?"

Harry turned around in her grip and hugged her back "Hermione?" The two stood for a second then released each other awkwardly both blushing. "Hey Hermione." Harry said weakly "How goes the preparation for school?"

Hermione laughed "Great actually I already have all my books I was just leaving when I saw you. So I figured I would say hello. Where is that thick headed friend of ours?"

Harry laughed "Ron is helping Ginny shop I'm getting the books for the both of us."

Hermione smiled, "Let me help you then."

The rest of the day passed by quickly ending at the Burrow with the Weasely family and Harry eating a meal together. The table was loud and there was much laughter to be shared when it suddenly got quiet. Harry had collapsed onto the ground suddenly. The entire family had suddenly gone into a protective mode the twins had picked up Harry and put him down on his bed. Ginny and Molly had gotten some water for him and Ron and Arthur had begun circling the house checking for any dangerous wizards.

Harry's mind floated aimlessly through space he could feel his body being jostled around but his thoughts were far away.