Chapter Four

The Journey Back to Diagon Alley

            For the next few days Harry enjoyed his time away from the Dursleys. Mrs. Figg summoned all of his school things from the Dursleys and on August tenth, they set off for Diagon Alley.

            For the second time in his life, Harry rode the Underground to get to London. Allthough he enjoyed the experience, the weight of what Dumbledore wanted still hung over him.

            When they reached the Leaky Cauldron, Harry was met with the usual greetings and handshakes. Then he and Mrs. Figg approached the back of the pub where only a single, solitary trash can stood. Mrs. Figg got out her wand: yew, thirteen inches, dragon heartstring, and said, "Three up and two across," and tapped that particular brick three times. Magically, the opening of Diagon Alley appeared in front of them. This did not startle Harry, although he had only entered this way twice in his life. As they stepped through the doorway, Harry saw a street of amazing shops filled with everything a witch or wizard would want or need. There was Olivander's Wand Shop, Eyelop's Owl Emporium, and Gringotts Wizarding Bank, which was their first stop seeing as how Harry had no money. After they went to Harry's vault, they went back to the Leaky Cauldron to wait for Dumbledore.

            While they waited, Mrs. Figg bought Harry a Butterbeer. As he drank it, his insides filled with warmth, and he forgot about everything. Until a figure with a long silver beard and moon-shaped spectacles appeared.

            As Dumbledore approached, the effects of the Butterbeer left as quickly as they had come. He now remembered why he was there, why Dumbledore was there, and why there was such a sad expression on his face,

            "Hello Harry," Dumbledore said in a hollow voice. "I must inform you that you are to remain at Hogwarts for Christmas and Easter holidays, and you will return to Mrs.. Figg's house at the end of term, unless Sirius's name is cleared."

            "But why?" Harry asked.

            "Let's take a walk, shall we?" Dumbledore replied.

So they set off. Their first stop was Flourish and Blotts to get his school books.

            "Excuse me professor," Harry said, "but I didn't get a supply list."

            Dumbledore replied, "That is because I have it right here!" As he pulled a folded piece of parchment out of his cloak.

            The list read:

Hogwarts School

Of

Witchcraft and Wizardry

            Course Books

             Fifth year students will require the following books:

The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 5) by Miranda Goshawk

Accelerated Transfiguration by Emeric Switch

More Magical Drafts and potions by Arsenius Jigger (If taking Care of Magical Creatures)

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Volume II by Newt Scamander

Unfogging the Future Even Better by Cassandra Vablatsky (if taking Divination)

Note: You will use the same History of magic and Defense Against the Dark Arts books that you already have.

Other Equipment

1 Cauldron (Standard size 3)

1 Crystal Ball

1 Intermediate Star Chart

            After they bought Harry's books they went to buy his cauldron and crystal ball. They also went to Madame Malkin's Robes for All Occasions because Harry's robes were to short in the leg.

            After they had finished their shopping, Dumbledore turned to Harry and said, "Now Harry, hold on to my hand. I am going to apparate and if we are connected you will come to. Arabella, I assume we'll meet you when Miss Granger returns?"

            "Yes Albus," Mrs. Figg replied. Then she transformed into the all too familiar ginger cat Harry couldn't mistake for Hermione's.

            "Ready Harry?" Dumbledore asked.

            "Yes," Harry replied.

            "Well, one, two, three" Dumbledore counted.

            And suddenly, Harry and Dumbledore vanished in thin air.