**All Harry Potter characters belong to J.K. Rowling.**

Chapter 6

Athena quickly freshened up before heading out to Diagon Alley with Severus. "Are you ready yet woman?"

"Give me one minute," Athena called from the bathroom.

"One minute for you woman is in reality an hour!" She grunted from inside the bathroom. She pulled the pins out of her hair, which held it in an elegant bun so she looked more professional for Ministry, and let it flow over her shoulders. Her hair wasn't real long but touched the middle of her shoulder blades. Finally she placed her precious necklace on, it went well with her robes, which were dark blue.

She opened the bathroom door and said, "There I'm done. And it only took several minutes."

"More like several hours!" said Snape with his back turned, he turned around and practically gawked at her. "You…uh…lovely."

She walked up to him pushed his chin up so his mouth would close. "You shouldn't gawk like a fish." She then brushed by him and grabbed her cloak. "Are you ready yet Mr. Snape?" He nodded and she followed him out of the door.

When they were in the bar, men stared at her; there also were some calls. Severus took Athena's arm into his own. "You are drawing to much attention to yourself. You shouldn't have worn that outfit, it is unsuitable for going to Gringotts in."

"But we are also going out to eat, remember?" He solemnly nodded, as he glared at any man who looked at Athena. What a minute, he thought, what am I doing? She isn't mine to be doing this, but Dumbledore told me to protect her and that I shall.

"Is something wrong Severus?" she asked.

"No why would there?"

"Well you're practically holding on to my arm for dear life! If you don't loosen your grip, I'll lose all circulation in my arm!" He loosened his grip, but not loose enough for her to completely pull away.

"Better?"

"Much." Severus then tapped on the bricks to enter Diagon Alley. "Why are you doing that?" Suddenly the bricks began to move and it startled Athena, she then gripped Severus arm tightly. He smirked at her.

"That is what it does," he said after it opened. She stared in awe at the Alley. The stores were brightly lit, since it was evening time. Witches and wizards lined the streets with their arms full of bags and such. They began to head down the street.

"Where is Gringotts?"

Severus pointed to a rather large building that looked as if it was being held up by magic. "That is Gringotts." The walked up to the building, "There are goblins everywhere, just be careful."

As the walked into the buildings, Athena noticed goblins running about. Carrying galleons, sickles, and knuts in their arms. Severus approached the head goblin and said he wished to make a withdrawal.

They rode the little train car to vault 923. There was a rather large door, with strange markings on it. "Stand back," squeaked the little goblin as he opened the vault. Piles on piles of galleons, sickles, and knuts sat in the vault. AT that point Athena knew Severus was rich.

Severus took some money and placed it into a small bag, which he stuffed into his robes.

After leaving Gringotts, and headed further down Diagon Alley, to a place called Thataka Alley. Wizards and witches dressed in the best clothes lined this street, while others zoomed by on brooms.

"I thought we were going to stay on Diagon Alley?" asked Athena.

"Yes, but I need to pick something up for someone."

"Who?"

"I don't think it is any of your business," said Severus.

"I think it is." She cocked her eyebrow at him and a smirk played across her face.

"For Albus, all right?"

"That's all you had to say." Severus rolled his eyes and headed to a rather large shop called. The walked up to small shop that seemed as if it didn't belong on such a lavish street. It was dark looking, old, and dusty. The witches and wizards passing it seemed to not even pay attention to it. "Come on."

She followed Severus into the shop. It was dimly lit; candles lined the walls along with many cobwebs. "This place doesn't fit in with the rest of the alley."

"No, this place should actually be in Knockturn Alley, but the owner thought he would get better business here. He obviously was wrong, he would have done much better with a evil wizards of society."

"Ah, Mr. Snape," croaked an old man, who sat with his feet up on the counter, "I was excepting you."

"Good evening Julius. Do you have what Dumbledore wanted?"

"Do you have the money?"

"20 Galleons, as promised," said Severus, as he handed the money to the Julius. "Now where is it?"

The old man cocked an eyebrow at Severus, "What you aren't going to chat first?" asked the old man, as he swung his legs down off the counter. "You aren't going to introduce your lovely lady friend to me?"

"No," growled Severus, "Now where is it?"

Julius snarled at Severus as he pulled a small blue velvet bag from under the counter and slowly laid it on top on the counter. "You know, Severus, you must work on those manners. They may get you into trouble."

Severus quickly snatched the bag and stashed it inside his cloak. "I think I can handle myself Julius. Let's go." Severus grabbed Athena's arm and practically dragged her out of the shop. Once outside, Severus said, "I shouldn't have taken you in there, he knows who you are."

"What do you mean?"

"Somehow, that man has the power to know whoever you are, even if you have never met before."

"Isn't that impossible?"

"Not for him." Athena and Severus headed back to Diagon Alley, Severus pulling her as quickly away from Thataka Alley as possible. The walked up to a small restaurant called, Madame Cali's Bistro. "This place will do." And with that they entered.

** I do apoligize for taking such a long time to update and such a short chapter. But I promise things will get good, in time! Just keep with me! Thanks!**

-Eva Dumbledore-

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