Author's Note: Well, the not so long awaited chapter 3 has arrived. This chapter will be VERY important to the rest of the book/story. So make sure you read it carefully. Also, the next update will probably be a few days away. I'm writing this on Thursday and well CoS comes out tomorrow and I plan to spend my weekend watching that, hanging out with my friends, and doing homework. The next chapter should be up by Monday night.
-Fred
Harry didn't know what to say. His head turned to Lupin and Sirius. His face was full of confusion and questions. Clearly, Mrs. Figg could see this and she took the first step.
"You see, after the downfall of Voldemort, we feared that some of the Death Eaters might try to finish you off, so Dumbledore decided to send me to watch. To make sure no one tried to hurt you. I was quite relieved when your 11TH birthday came and I knew that you would soon be safe at Hogwarts." Harry was appalled. The only thing he could get out of his mouth was "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Harry, I wanted to tell you, many, many times. But Dumbledore thought that it would not be proper for me to tell you. It was up to the Dursley's. And if they never told you, you would learn when you got you acceptance letter to Hogwarts." Harry accepted this as an explanation. There were still many questions he wanted to ask, but he was interrupted by an owl flying in and dropping a letter on his lap before he flew off.
"What is it?" asked Lupin, wondering who would know Harry was here and send him a letter.
"I think it's from the Ministry of Magic," replied Harry. He opened the letter and read it out loud.
Dear Mr. Potter,
The recent Death Eater attacks have prompted the Ministry of Magic to take action to protect the underage witches and wizards in Britain. As of now, the decree that prevents underage witches and wizards from doing magic outside of school is rescinded. The measure will remain in place until the downfall of You-Know-Who.
Signed,
Cornelius Fudge
Minister of Magic"How many death eater attacks have there been?" Harry asked. There was silence for a moment, which was soon broken by Sirius's response.
"Harry, since you left Hogwarts, there have been 25 attacks, and over 100 muggles and wizards have died," he said solemnly. Harry understood. He sat in silent contemplation for a moment. He was thinking about all those people who died, that is, until Mrs. Figg spoke up.
"Well, it no use to just stop living, is it?" Mrs. Figg said. For someone as old as she, she was acting quite lively. "Well, Harry, I'm sure you haven't been to Diagon Alley yet to get your supplies. What do you say we go right now?" Mrs. Figg definitely sounded like she wanted to go, and Harry, not wanting to disappoint her, said yes. Professor Lupin agreed to go with them, but Sirius had to stay behind.
"Guests first," said Mrs. Figg handing him some Floo Powder. Harry took a pinch, threw it into the fireplace and shouted "DIAGON ALLEY!" Harry felt himself being shot through space for a few seconds until he safely arrived at Diagon Alley, safely. Mrs. Figg and Professor Lupin arrived shortly after.
"Well, where should we begin?" asked Proessor Lupin. They decided on Flourish and Blotts, as Harry definitely needed to pick up his new schoolbooks. Flourish and Blotts wasn't very crowded today and while looking around, he saw a familiar face.
"Harry!" It was Ron. "It's so good to see you. How are the holidays?" Harry replied to all the questions and asked one of his one, where Hermione was. "She's at Madame Malkin's," replied Ron. Her robes were getting too short. She'll be here in a little." They picked out there books and paid for them, but Hermione still hadn't arrived. They decided to head over to Madame Malkin's to find her.
Author's Note 2: In the next chapter, you will see Hermione, plus we'll also be paid a visit by two of your favorite characters, Draco and Dumbledore.