The small family sat down for breakfast, a delightfully chatting about the news and day ahead. Anne put down her fork first, waiting expectantly for her parents to finish. Once they were done she gathered up their dishes, dumping them unceremoniously into the sink. Harry stood up and walked over to the cabinet, pulling out a small drawstring pouch. He opened it up and peered inside at its contents.

"Hmm, we're a bit low on Floo powder. Better buy some today. A handful for each of you, then off to Diagon Alley. You have the list, Anne?" His daughter held it up as she reached in for a bit of the green powder.

"Good. Now, off we go!"

The three trooped into the den, where Harry proceeded to step into the fireplace. He threw down the powder, and with a cry of "Diagon Alley" he disappeared. Brooke, then Anne, followed suit.

Anne appeared in the grate of Flourish and Blotts, stepping out into the brightly lit bookstore. Anne looked around for her parents, and finally spotted them talking animatedly to the Weasley couple. She smiled - it had been a while since she saw the close family friends. She started to stroll over to greet them when she heard her name called out behind her.

"Anne? Where do you think you're going?" A delighted grin appeared across her face as she spotted one of her dearest friends, Kevin Weasley.

"Looking for you, of course," she easily replied, going to stand by the gangly young man. She picked up a copy of the book he was idly flipping through, arching her brows in amusement.

"A Revised Quidditch Throughout the Ages? Somehow I don't think that's on the required reading list."

"Of course not, schools would never assign anything like that. Actually, I still need to find 201 Magical Herbs and Fungi. Have you purchased your books yet?"

Anne rolled her eyes. "I just got here."

"Right," Kevin replied dismissively, and the two walked off buy their school supplies.

As they exited Flourish and Blotts, Anne glanced over her shoulder, catching a view of Ron's red hair, "Do you think our parents will miss us?"

"Nah," Kevin said. "They probably won't even notice we left. Now, where do we need to go?"

"Everywhere," Anne replied with a sigh. "I'm really curious about visiting the Apothocary, though. Did you see some of the stuff we need?"

"Rat spleen, eye of newt, armadillo bile . . . " Kevin trailed off with a grin.

Anne rolled her eyes at her old friend's childish sense of humor, and finally their path passed Quality Quidditch Supplies. Kevin halted, staring at the window.

"A Firebolt 2000! New on the market you know. Look, there's Ian Finnigan." He pointed at their old friend. "Want to come and look?"

"Later," she responded, still musing about the purchases needed to be made. Kevin shrugged his shoulders and walked off to join Ian. The two were a small part of the crowd talking animatedly at the new broom at the market - rumored to be the best yet. While Anne was a devoted follower of Quidditch (How could a Potter be otherwise?), at the moment she was much more interested in preparing for Hogwarts.

The next store she passed was Fancy Robes (Madame Malkins went out of style), and she decided to enter. The atmosphere was slightly stuffy, yet it was surprisingly empty so close to the start of the new school year. Anne navigated her way through the maze of racks, scanning the new styles and fabrics on display, almost running into the owner of the shop.

"You gave me a start, dear!" exclaimed Mrs. Jersey. She sized her up. "Hogwarts, I presume? Yes, we have another one of you tykes here. Take a seat over there, and I'll be over to get your measurements in a moment."

Anne nodded and followed the direction Mrs. Jersey pointed. A sandy haired boy was sitting in one of the chairs clustered into the far corner, idly skimming through an article of The Quidditch World. He glanced up as Anne entered and took the seat beside him.

"Hogwarts?" he asked. Anne nodded. "Same. My name's Mark."

Anne smiled politely at him. "Anne."

"Nice to meet you," he responded. "So, what house are you going for?"

Anne answered immediately. "Gryffindor. My whole family went there, and I'm certain most of my friends will as well. You?"

Mark raised his brows scornfully. "Gryffindor? I suppose that isn't as bad as some houses. I hope I'm in Slytherin, though – it feels good to be considered scum," he added with a wink.

Anne frowned curiously at him, disconcerted by the last comment.. In an attempt to change the subject, she glanced at the article he was reading.

"Britain better get into the World Cup this year. These past few years have been a disgrace."

Mark nodded, looking disgusted. "Slaughtered by Ireland last year. That won't happen again, though. This article here says that Britain is going to be getting the new Firebolt line this year. No one is going to beat them on those babies."

Anne shrugged. "Brooms get far too much credit. A good Quidditch player is a good Quidditch player no matter what broom he or she is riding - it just gives a slight advantage." She held up her hand and closed the gap between her thumb and pointer finger to signify how tiny this advantage was.

Mark grinned. "Everyone's entitled to their own opinion. I'll just have to teach you that mine's the right one, huh?"

Anne rolled her eyes, and their banter was broken up by the return of Mrs. Jersey. Once she got her measurements, Anne left, ready to return within an hour.

She met up with Kevin, who finally seemed satisfied with admiring the new broom. They were planning their next course of action when Mark walked out.

"See you at Hogwarts, Anne. Hey, be sure to talk to you come the World Cup – I love to gloat," he added with a smirk. He was joined by a man Anne presumed to be his father, and the two disappeared around a corner.

"What are you talking to him for?" Mike asked with disgust.

Anne turned around, surprised. "Why wouldn't I? He's going to Hogwarts, too, you know."

"I gathered that," Mike replied snidely. "But that doesn't excuse the fact that you were talking to a Malfoy."

A/N – Hey guys, I know this was similar to a chapter in J.K. Rowling's book, but definitely not the same! Malfoy and Potter meet in a robe shop. Anything else? I think not! Better not be . . . I worked hard not to give you guys any leverage to flame me with!