A/N: Sorry about the delay - again! It's hard at the moment trying to find
some time to write more and update but I'm getting there. Hope you like the
following chapter. It's kinda short though.
Oh, my disclaimer is that I don't own any of the characters or places or settings or anything else - they are owned by JK Rowling. If I did own them, I would be able to go on several shopping sprees. Happy reading! ~RV
*******************
With a soft thud, Harry landed next to Moody, still holding onto the basketball. Moody chucked the deflated ball into a nearby dumpster and took out his wand. Harry looked around and saw that they were standing outside the back of the Leaky Cauldron, just as Moody tapped the brick wall in front of them, causing an archway to appear and Diagon Alley to come into view.
"Only the owners of the shops can directly apparate, use a portkey or the floo powder network directly into their premises" growled Moody. "There would be too much thieving going on otherwise".
Besides Hogwarts, Diagon Alley was one of Harry's favourite wizardry places. He did notice however, that the Alley was almost deserted. Just as he was putting it down to the time, Moody explained. "People are scared Harry. Everyone's on edge at the moment now that the Ministry of Magic has confirmed about You-Know-Who's rise. Sure, they'll probably be around in an hour or so but gee, don't expect people to hang around for too long".
Harry shifted uncomfortably as they strolled down the Alley. It was almost unsettling, seeing this place almost empty. However, they soon reached a bright red building with a massive golden sign on the front reading "Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes". Moody pushed open the door and let Harry inside.
Harry gasped as he entered the store. Shelves were crammed with all sorts of devices which Harry would love to get a hold of. A large sign told him that one shelf was dedicated to fireworks - 'Dragons, Pinwheels and Offensive Words'. Another cabinet was filled with a variety of sweets. He recognised the Canary Creams and Ton-Tongue Toffee almost instantly after seeing them both in action previously. Other items such as dungbombs, snow- fight kits and potions to temporarily change your appearance (polyjuice Harry expected) and a display case full of Skiving Snackboxes, left Harry feeling very impressed.
"Ahh, finally" said George, as he came out from the back room.
"Have you put Zonkos out of business yet?" laughed Harry, "This stuff is seriously impressive!"
"Oh shucks Harry" exclaimed Fred, who was now standing behind the counter, pretending to be embarrassed.
"Remember, this is all thanks to you" whispered George, "Anything time you need anything, don't hesitate to ask".
"What would these be here" asked Moody, who was examining a tray full of bright orange toffees.
"Ahh!" exclaimed Fred, "Invisible sweets. Just eat one and you'll be invisible to the human eye for an hour".
"Very interesting" said Moody, clearly impressed. "Maybe I'll have to buy a few of these for myself. You never know when they could come in handy"
********************
Half an hour later, Harry, Moody, Fred and George sat in the Leaky Cauldron having breakfast. Fred and George insisted it was their treat as Harry ordered a stack of pancakes, hash browns, bacon and eggs and a couple of slices of toast topped with backed beans. He was much hungrier these days and it showed. He had grown much taller and wasn't as sickly skinny looking as he had been a few years back. Indeed, he looked like a normal-sized teenage boy and now like someone who had spent most of their life living in a dark cupboard.
"So Harry, have you seen the newspaper today?" asked George.
"Yeah, that Malfoy git's been sent to Azkabam" continued Fred.
"Good Riddance" growled Moody.
"What or who is guarding Azkabam now?" asked Harry, knowing that the Dementors had since turned and left.
"For the moment, several highly trained wizards - advanced Aurors" spoke Moody "Each prisoner is under several spells and jinxes, leaving them almost paralysed. It's cruel I know, but it's for the best" added Moody".
"Yeah, and I think Fudge is on his way towards a breakdown" spoke George hastily, handing Harry the Daily Prophet. Harry saw the main heading "MINISTER UNDER FIRE". Beneath it was a picture of the Minster of Magic himself, Cornelius Fudge, standing while giving a speech, sweat dripping down the side of his face as he pulled at his collar every so often.
"Most people want to see Dumbledore as Minster" said George.
"I don't think he would leave Hogwarts though" continued Fred.
"No way he would. Especially now since he was the Order to organise".
"Yeah, they've recruited loads more. Links are being set-up all over Europe. Once that is more firmly established, more links will be sought out all over the world".
"Charlie has certainly done his fair share of the work" added Moody.
"Yeah, Big Bro has been keeping busy".
"Not as busy and Bigger Bro" winked George, "I haven't seen Bill without Fleur by his side at all lately. A part Veela in the family maybe? Interesting".
"You two seem to know a lot" spoke Harry.
"Yeah, we've taken to stalking Bill and his girlfriend.
"No, about the order".
"Well of course, since we're new members!"
"I think Molly finally gave in" laughed Moody. "She didn't want them involved just yet".
"So" said Fred, changing the subject "When are you come to stay Harry?"
"Probably not for a month or so" sighed Harry.
"Too bad. Your birthday is coming up soon though isn't it?"
"Yup, in a few weeks"
"Hmmm" spoke Fred, rubbing his hands together, "We're getting something organised for you. No guesses but hopefully you'll like it.
"Err okay" spoke Harry, slightly uncertain, "Thanks"
"No problems".
********************
A/N: That's it for this chapter. Next chapter up very soon - Harry's OWL results. ~RV
Oh, my disclaimer is that I don't own any of the characters or places or settings or anything else - they are owned by JK Rowling. If I did own them, I would be able to go on several shopping sprees. Happy reading! ~RV
*******************
With a soft thud, Harry landed next to Moody, still holding onto the basketball. Moody chucked the deflated ball into a nearby dumpster and took out his wand. Harry looked around and saw that they were standing outside the back of the Leaky Cauldron, just as Moody tapped the brick wall in front of them, causing an archway to appear and Diagon Alley to come into view.
"Only the owners of the shops can directly apparate, use a portkey or the floo powder network directly into their premises" growled Moody. "There would be too much thieving going on otherwise".
Besides Hogwarts, Diagon Alley was one of Harry's favourite wizardry places. He did notice however, that the Alley was almost deserted. Just as he was putting it down to the time, Moody explained. "People are scared Harry. Everyone's on edge at the moment now that the Ministry of Magic has confirmed about You-Know-Who's rise. Sure, they'll probably be around in an hour or so but gee, don't expect people to hang around for too long".
Harry shifted uncomfortably as they strolled down the Alley. It was almost unsettling, seeing this place almost empty. However, they soon reached a bright red building with a massive golden sign on the front reading "Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes". Moody pushed open the door and let Harry inside.
Harry gasped as he entered the store. Shelves were crammed with all sorts of devices which Harry would love to get a hold of. A large sign told him that one shelf was dedicated to fireworks - 'Dragons, Pinwheels and Offensive Words'. Another cabinet was filled with a variety of sweets. He recognised the Canary Creams and Ton-Tongue Toffee almost instantly after seeing them both in action previously. Other items such as dungbombs, snow- fight kits and potions to temporarily change your appearance (polyjuice Harry expected) and a display case full of Skiving Snackboxes, left Harry feeling very impressed.
"Ahh, finally" said George, as he came out from the back room.
"Have you put Zonkos out of business yet?" laughed Harry, "This stuff is seriously impressive!"
"Oh shucks Harry" exclaimed Fred, who was now standing behind the counter, pretending to be embarrassed.
"Remember, this is all thanks to you" whispered George, "Anything time you need anything, don't hesitate to ask".
"What would these be here" asked Moody, who was examining a tray full of bright orange toffees.
"Ahh!" exclaimed Fred, "Invisible sweets. Just eat one and you'll be invisible to the human eye for an hour".
"Very interesting" said Moody, clearly impressed. "Maybe I'll have to buy a few of these for myself. You never know when they could come in handy"
********************
Half an hour later, Harry, Moody, Fred and George sat in the Leaky Cauldron having breakfast. Fred and George insisted it was their treat as Harry ordered a stack of pancakes, hash browns, bacon and eggs and a couple of slices of toast topped with backed beans. He was much hungrier these days and it showed. He had grown much taller and wasn't as sickly skinny looking as he had been a few years back. Indeed, he looked like a normal-sized teenage boy and now like someone who had spent most of their life living in a dark cupboard.
"So Harry, have you seen the newspaper today?" asked George.
"Yeah, that Malfoy git's been sent to Azkabam" continued Fred.
"Good Riddance" growled Moody.
"What or who is guarding Azkabam now?" asked Harry, knowing that the Dementors had since turned and left.
"For the moment, several highly trained wizards - advanced Aurors" spoke Moody "Each prisoner is under several spells and jinxes, leaving them almost paralysed. It's cruel I know, but it's for the best" added Moody".
"Yeah, and I think Fudge is on his way towards a breakdown" spoke George hastily, handing Harry the Daily Prophet. Harry saw the main heading "MINISTER UNDER FIRE". Beneath it was a picture of the Minster of Magic himself, Cornelius Fudge, standing while giving a speech, sweat dripping down the side of his face as he pulled at his collar every so often.
"Most people want to see Dumbledore as Minster" said George.
"I don't think he would leave Hogwarts though" continued Fred.
"No way he would. Especially now since he was the Order to organise".
"Yeah, they've recruited loads more. Links are being set-up all over Europe. Once that is more firmly established, more links will be sought out all over the world".
"Charlie has certainly done his fair share of the work" added Moody.
"Yeah, Big Bro has been keeping busy".
"Not as busy and Bigger Bro" winked George, "I haven't seen Bill without Fleur by his side at all lately. A part Veela in the family maybe? Interesting".
"You two seem to know a lot" spoke Harry.
"Yeah, we've taken to stalking Bill and his girlfriend.
"No, about the order".
"Well of course, since we're new members!"
"I think Molly finally gave in" laughed Moody. "She didn't want them involved just yet".
"So" said Fred, changing the subject "When are you come to stay Harry?"
"Probably not for a month or so" sighed Harry.
"Too bad. Your birthday is coming up soon though isn't it?"
"Yup, in a few weeks"
"Hmmm" spoke Fred, rubbing his hands together, "We're getting something organised for you. No guesses but hopefully you'll like it.
"Err okay" spoke Harry, slightly uncertain, "Thanks"
"No problems".
********************
A/N: That's it for this chapter. Next chapter up very soon - Harry's OWL results. ~RV