Chapter Four

Confrontation on Diagon Alley

          Harry and Ron were halfway to Madame Malkin's.  Professor Lupin and Mrs. Figg went off to the Leaky Cauldron to give Harry some time alone.  As they neared the clothing shop they saw Hermione, carrying her new robes, being harassed by Draco Malfoy. 

          "HERMIONE!" screamed Ron and Harry simultaneously as they approached her position.  When they finally arrived, Draco turned his attention to them.

          "Well, if it isn't Potty and the Weasel.  Weasley, I hear that your father recently auctioned off your house so you could afford dinner.  Shame you family doesn't even have enough money for bread."

          "Shut up, Malfoy," said Ron.  "That's a lie and you know it.  Although, I hear that you were auctioned off so that your parents could gain some self-respect."  You could see anger in Malfoy's face.  He drew his wand and pointed it at Ron…

          "Is there a problem here?"  Harry recognized the voice, but he had to be sure.  He tilted his head up, and saw the kind, but frail face of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore. 

          "No, sir, absolutely nothing," replied Draco.  "I was just leaving."  Malfoy gathered his things and slowly headed off.

          "I trust your summers are going smoothly," said Professor Dumbledore. 

          "Yes, sir, very well," replied Hermione for them all.

          "Well, good.  Oh, and by the way, congratulations."  Before any of them could ask Professor Dumbledore what he meant by congratulations, he had disapparated.  They returned to Flourish and Blotts so that Hermione could by her schoolbooks.  Just as she was paying, Mrs. Figg and Professor Lupin returned.

          "Professor!  What are you doing here?" Ron asked as soon as he realized who had just walked in. 

          "I was visiting Mrs. Figg here," he said pointing to Mrs. Figg.  "Harry is staying with her while his family is out of town.

          Hermione soon saw Professor Lupin and asked the same questions once more.  Harry, Mrs. Figg and Professor Lupin went back to Mrs. Figg's, where they found an owl flying off. 

          "Sirius?" asked Harry, "What did that owl want?"

          Sirius handed him a letter.  "For you."

          Harry took the letter and read it aloud.

Dear Mr. Potter,

          We wish to congratulate you on being named a Gryffindor prefect.  This position allows you to deduct points from any rule-breaker.  DO NOT abuse this privilege.  Two other 5TH year Gryffindors have also been named prefects.  They are Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.  Please report to Platform 9 3/4 at 10:30 for a prefect briefing.  Enclosed you will find your prefect badge.

Yours sincerely,

Professor M. McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress

          "This calls for a celebration," screamed Mrs. Figg.  "She went to the kitchen for a moment and then returned with four butterbeers.  They partied it up for a while but then decided it was time for bed.  The next few weeks flew by and before Harry know it, he was waking up on September the first.