- CHAPTER FOUR -
A Birthday to Remember
Harry Potter woke up on the morning of his birthday to the sound of wings fluttering and beaks tapping at the window of his bedroom at number four, Privet Drive. He reached out to his bedside table, groping around for his glasses. He glanced at his clock as he strolled to the window. Five o'clock in the morning and Privet Drive was still asleep. Harry opened the window and seven owls attempted to fly inside. The smallest owl, which Harry recognised immediately as Ron's owl called Pig, squeezed in and was now zooming around his head, hooting shrilly, with a small package dangling dangerously from its tiny claws. Hedwig glared at the midget owl reproachfully, dropped her package on his bed, and then settled herself on Harry's desk, holding her leg out dutifully. Another snowy owl flew in next. It dropped its letter on Harry's head and flew straight back out again. Harry bent down and picked it up. Just as he was about to open it, a large screech owl flew in, clutching the Daily Prophet in its claws. Harry quickly grabbed three nuts from his bag of wizard money, and put it in the pouch on the owl's leg. It flew out of the window again before the last three owls could get in. Harry couldn't help laughing at the three large barn owls as they tried to fly in threw the minuscule window. They were holding a long thin package that reminded Harry of a broomstick. He quickly and quietly raced downstairs and opened the door so that the owls could get in that way. When they finally got inside, they dropped the package on the table and perched themselves on the sink. By now, Pig and Hedwig had come downstairs too, and they settled themselves next to the three barn owls.
Harry grinned broadly as he unwrapped the package, and he found that it was a broomstick, the new Lighteningbolt. He looked at the three barn owls, and noticed that each of them had a letter tied to its leg. He untied each one, and relieved Hedwig and Pig of their letters also. He reached into the cupboard and got out two bowls, filling each with water for the owls. Harry glanced at the kitchen clock. It was now five thirty and he still hadn't read any of his letters. He hurriedly opened the first letter in his pile. His name and address was written in perfectly executed handwriting, which could only be Hermione's. Harry hurriedly opened her letter.
Dear Harry,
Happy Birthday! I miss you heaps, Harry, but I know that I'll be seeing you soon. (Ron will tell you more about that) I hope you like my present, it should suit the one you got from Lupin, Tonks, Moody and Mr and Mrs Weasley very well.
Have you gotten your OWLs back yet? I got outstanding in all of mine except for Astronomy. I only got Exceeds Expectations because of the incident with Umbridge etc. What about you, Harry? Did you get everything that you needed to be an auror?
Well anyway, I'll see you soon,
Love Hermione xoxo
'Hermione got almost all outstanding!' Harry thought, as he picked up the next envelope. There was no address, just 'Harry' written in Ron's untidy scrawl.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRY! (The letter read.)
Well, you're "sweet" sixteen, how does it feel? You'll get my present when we come and get you, which will be soon, I promise. How're things with the Dursleys? Are they treating you okay?
What did you get in your OWLs? I managed to pass everything, except Divination and Astronomy. (Well, I was never going to pass those!) I got outstanding in Defence against the Dark Arts (thanks mainly to you), and Care of Magical Creatures, Exceeds Expectations in Transfiguration and Charms, and acceptable in everything else. It doesn't look like I'll be becoming an auror, unless by some miracle I get into Potions, or they accept people without Advanced Potions. Next year I'm taking all the subjects I passed, except for Potions since I can't get into that without Outstanding.
See you soon mate,
RON
Harry grimaced at the thought that Ron wouldn't be able to become an auror unless a minor miracle occurred. He quickly ran upstairs and grabbed several rolls of parchment, along with his elegant eagle owl quill and emerald-green ink.
He leapt down the stairs, three stairs at a time, until he came to rest on his chair in the dining room. He opened out the parchment, and began to write his letters to Ron and Hermione.
***
Half an hour later, Harry put down his quill. His hand ached. He had replied to both of his best friends, explaining to them everything about his occlumency lessons, the memories he had seen in Dumbledore concerning his parents, and his OWL results. He shook his hand violently, trying to rid it of the pins and needles that were slowly creeping their way towards his fingers. Picking up the two letters, he placed them in an envelope, and attached them to pig's leg. He threw the bird out the door and watched it zoom off into the distance.
"Dudley!" He stuttered on viewing his cousin sitting at the table, handling his broom. "Please don't touch that!" He walked over and snatched it from Dudley's greasy clutch.
"I was just looking," he shrugged. "Mum's gonna freak when she sees those owls. Why are they here anyway?"
"It's my birthday," Harry muttered, quite afraid of what might result in this piece of news. He watched Dudley's face turn beetroot red.
"Oh. Happy Birthday. I didn't realise." He stammered.
"Thanks."
"I'll get you something today. What do you want?"
Harry couldn't believe his ears. He was going to get anything he wanted from Dudley. "Um. I don't want anything. there isn't anything I need from the muggle world. Aunt Petunia got me everything I needed."
"Are you sure? I've got an idea; I'll go get you some sweets. Everyone likes sweets."
"You don't know sweets till you've been to Honeydukes. It is the best sweet store in the wizarding world. You can get everything there, from Bertie Bott's every flavour beans, to chocolate frogs, to cockroach clusters!"
"What the hell are you talking about?" Dudley said with a look of utter confusion.
"Never you mind your pretty little head," Harry said, patting Dudley's blond locks. Dudley didn't take the bait. He just smiled and shrugged. This was starting to disturb Harry. Not only were the Dursleys being nice to him, but they weren't getting angry with him either. They even seemed to be acting normal, as if they hadn't ignored him for the past fifteen years. It was a miracle.
"What is wrong with everybody?" Harry yelped suddenly. Dudley jumped.
"Whadoyamean?" He said quietly.
"Why is everyone being so. Nice?"
"Otherwise, you'll leave. And then we'll die. And anyway, you're growing on me. I mean, surely your magic could come in handy." He trailed off, probably imagining the amount of damage he could do with Harry's wand.
"It is handy. but I can't use it outside of school until I'm seventeen." Harry answered, puzzled. "I'm going back upstairs now, I need to get rid of these owls." He ushered the owls onto his arm, put the Lighteningbolt underneath the other arm, and carried the remaining letters up into his bedroom.
"Morning Harry," Vernon yawned as he waddled down the stairs. He didn't even glance at him. Harry let out a breath of relief. As he began his descent up the last few stairs, he bumped into Petunia, making the owls screech loudly.
"MY GOODNESS!" She screeched. "HARRY POTTER GET THOSE OWLS INTO YOUR ROOM QUICKLY BEFORE I FORGET ABOUT YOUR BIRTHDAY PRESENT!"
"I d-don't need anything."
"Oh, don't be silly, Harry, I've already got you something. She interrupted. "Now get those ruddy owls out of my sight!"
Harry quickly ran into his room and shut the door. Harry had a feeling that this was going to be the strangest day of his life.
***
Harry dressed quickly. Putting on his new t-shirt and new jeans, he felt like a prince. What exactly had changed the Dursleys? They were either extremely good at acting, or they actually meant to be nice to Harry.
Harry shook his head lightly, attempting to be rid of his thoughts. It didn't matter why, as long as they didn't get too weird. He walked slowly down the stairs. When he entered the kitchen, he was surprised by what he saw. A large chocolate cake in the shape of a broomstick was sitting on the table, with the three Dursleys grouped around it smiling.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRY!" They shouted in unison. Harry was dumbstruck. This was going too far.
"WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?" Harry panted slightly after his outburst. The Dursleys stared back in shock. "SINCE WHEN HAVE YOU CARED?"
"Harry, dear!" Petunia pleaded. She looked like she was about to cry. "Can't you just have some cake? And look at all your presents!" She was pointing to a large pile waiting for him in the lounge. There were approximately twenty presents, ranging in size from the size of a bicycle (which Harry suspected it actually was), to the size of a cd.
"I. Don't. Want." He sighed. "Why are you suddenly accepting me?" Blank faces. They were acting as if they were always like this.
"What are you talking about?" Vernon said cheerfully.
"Never mind." Harry muttered. He made a wish and blew out the sixteen candles that littered the cake.
"Excellent. Open your presents Harry. Then we can go to Diagon Alley!" Petunia gestured towards the pile in the lounge. The Dursleys stood in unison, ushering Harry into the lounge.
"Diagon Alley?" Harry stammered. "Why would you want to go there?"
"We were planning on getting you something. A book on potions or something." Vernon stated simply.
"Oh. you don't have to do that."
"Don't be silly! Hurry up and open your presents!" Petunia interrupted.
***
After spending twenty minutes on his presents, Harry finally remembered the letter that the snowy owl had dropped on his head. It still lay on his bedroom floor. Dudley helped him to carry his presents upstairs, except for the bike, which Vernon put into the garage.
"Thanks Dudley," Harry said quietly.
"What's in that letter?" Dudley said, pointing to the letter on the floor.
"I don't know." Harry picked it up. The writing was in emerald green ink, and there was the Hogwarts purple wax seal on the back. "A letter from school."
"Oh. What does it say?"
Harry sat on his bed and opened it.
To Mr Potter,
Here is a list of the equipment you will need for the upcoming year:
Advanced Defence: What to do when you know that you might die a horribly painful death by Thanato Cadeyrn Great Wizards of the Twentieth Century by Augustus Meyer Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century by Augustus Meyer The Guide to Thoroughly Experienced Transfiguration by Emeric Switch The Standard Book of Spells 6 by Miranda Goshawk Dangerous Creatures That You Really Shouldn't Have by Newt Scamander
"It's a list of my books for next year. I suppose we can go get them in Diagon Alley today." Harry answered Dudley's question finally.
"One question. How do you get to Diagon Alley?" Dudley cocked his eyebrow doubtfully.
"Well, you have to go through an invisible pub. and then through a brick wall." He grinned. Dudley obviously didn't think it was possible. "You'll see Dudley."
***
The Dursleys were all looking sceptical as Harry led them down Charing Cross Road and in between a bookstore and a record store. Through the Leaky Cauldron, they huddled together in a tight group, wincing slightly when someone would call out to Harry. Harry waved at Tom the bald bar owner, who grinned toothlessly back, waving his hand over- enthusiastically.
"This way!" Harry called, leading them into the back yard of the inn. The brick wall lay before them, and the Dursleys looked doubtfully at Harry. He reached into his jeans for his wand, counted three up, two across, and tapped the brick three times. The Dursleys stared in shock as the wall started to dissolve into Diagon Alley before their eyes. Harry realised that Dudley and Uncle Vernon had only ever seen the magic that Mr Weasley had performed before the Quidditch World Cup. Excluding of course, Aunt Marge blowing up. and when the death eaters attacked Dudley. and the countless times that Harry accidentally did magic before Hogwarts. okay, maybe they had seen lots of magic, but they hadn't had such a lot in a small space of time. And now they were walking through a bustling shopping centre, teething with the very people that they once detested with passion.
Harry chuckled at the thought. He led them past Quality Quidditch Supplies, past Eeylops Owl Emporium, and straight to Gringotts Wizarding Bank.
"Did you bring any cash with you?" He asked hopefully.
"No, only the credit card. Why?" Vernon said, still not loosing his calm resolve that had enveloped him over the past few days.
"Because it means that you will either have to come down to my vault, or we have to go back out to get some muggle money to trade," he explained patiently.
"Well, lets go down to the vault then." He obviously still liked to keep his money.
***
"Vault number 687!" The goblin called as their cart screeched to a halt. The Dursleys and Harry leapt out as quickly as they could, the Dursleys hoping they could glimpse Harry's money, and Harry hoping that they could get his money and leave, before the Dursleys realised just how much money he had. The goblin hobbled out of the cart, put Harry's small key in the lock, and opened it. Harry was almost as surprised as the Dursleys. There was twice as much gold in there as the last time he had visited his vault, which was two years ago.
"Excuse me, sir," Harry started, gesturing towards the mounds of gold.
"Oh, yes. You were given a large sum from vault number 711, when the owner, Sirius Black, became deceased," the goblin said, seemingly understanding Harry's gesture. "I was instructed by Griphook, who, in turn, was instructed by Albus Dumbledore, to tell you so."
"Oh, alright then." Harry bent down and collected a very large pile of Galleons, looking at his list of books; he was going to need a lot.
Vernon and Dudley goggled Harry's money greedily. "Where'd you get it all?" Dudley stammered, picking up a galleon.
"My parents money," He muttered, shutting the huge vault door and getting back into the cart. The Dursleys reluctantly followed suit.
***
Once back on ground level, Harry proceeded to lead the Dursleys to the first shop: Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions.
Madam Malkin approached Harry eagerly. "Hello Harry!" She exclaimed, handing change back to a titchy looking first year, who blushed as she passed Harry. "New robes for school? Yes, I can see you have grown quite a bit since the last time you came in here!" The measuring tapes flicked around Harry's legs, arms and even his head. Meanwhile, Mrs Malkin busied herself finding Harry some robes that would fit, babbling about Harry recent growth spurt and the day that she first met him.
Once the fitting was over, they ventured through all of the shops, stopping at Eeylops' for some owl treats, and various other shops to stock up on potions ingredients, and of course, Flourish and Blotts.
"Ah, Mister Harry Potter. Sixth year is it? What subjects are you taking then?" The aging sales assistant asked.
"Transfiguration, Potions, History of Magic, Charms, Defence against the Dark Arts, Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures." Harry read his list.
"Hmm, an interesting mix..." He hurried off in search for the books that Harry needed. Harry watched him mumble as he climbed ladders to receive books and stifled a laugh when all of the "Unfogging the Future" books fell off the shelf.
"Harry!" Seamus Finnigan had just entered the store. He waddled over, waving at Harry enthusiastically. "Harry! How are you mate?" Seamus shook Harry's hand vigorously. He glanced over Harry's shoulder, spotting the Dursleys, who huddled together avoiding the gazes of the surrounding wizards. "Who are they then? Your Aunt and Uncle. that must be your fat cousin. What was his name?"
"Dudley," Harry said quietly. "Don't talk to them, they might bite." He laughed loudly at the look on Seamus' face.
"Mr Potter, your books," the sales assistant was back, and beckoning Harry over to the counter.
"See you at school, Seamus!" Harry called as he pushed the Dursleys after the scurrying assistant.
"Now, that will be eight galleons, three sickles and four knuts, please." Harry shuffled through his sack of coins and handed the money over. "Thank you sir, see you next year."
**************************************************************************** **********
Harry collapsed onto his bed, reading the left over letters from that morning. Remus and Hagrid were as supportive as ever, especially Remus. He seemed to be clinging to Harry like a lost son, he almost seemed afraid of what Harry might become, like he was afraid for Harry's loss of innocence. The Lighteningbolt turned out to be from him.
Mrs Weasley's cake was fantastic, though Harry didn't think he should keep it away from the Dursley's this year, not after the massive cake Aunt Petunia had baked for him.
Once he had replied to all of his letters, and thanked Remus profusely for the Lighteningbolt, Harry took the cake into Dudley's room and shared it with him. If the Dursleys were going to be nice to him, then he should be nice to the Dursleys too.
**************************************************************************** **********
I know this is rushed etc. But I was getting threatening emails from my friends. Just letting you all know, that I'm also writing two of my own stories "Alupalurin" and "The Day of Storms", so this is kind of a side project to those two. If you would like to read those two (Which I would kind of prefer.) go to:
The Day of Storms
Alupalurin
Enjoy!
A Birthday to Remember
Harry Potter woke up on the morning of his birthday to the sound of wings fluttering and beaks tapping at the window of his bedroom at number four, Privet Drive. He reached out to his bedside table, groping around for his glasses. He glanced at his clock as he strolled to the window. Five o'clock in the morning and Privet Drive was still asleep. Harry opened the window and seven owls attempted to fly inside. The smallest owl, which Harry recognised immediately as Ron's owl called Pig, squeezed in and was now zooming around his head, hooting shrilly, with a small package dangling dangerously from its tiny claws. Hedwig glared at the midget owl reproachfully, dropped her package on his bed, and then settled herself on Harry's desk, holding her leg out dutifully. Another snowy owl flew in next. It dropped its letter on Harry's head and flew straight back out again. Harry bent down and picked it up. Just as he was about to open it, a large screech owl flew in, clutching the Daily Prophet in its claws. Harry quickly grabbed three nuts from his bag of wizard money, and put it in the pouch on the owl's leg. It flew out of the window again before the last three owls could get in. Harry couldn't help laughing at the three large barn owls as they tried to fly in threw the minuscule window. They were holding a long thin package that reminded Harry of a broomstick. He quickly and quietly raced downstairs and opened the door so that the owls could get in that way. When they finally got inside, they dropped the package on the table and perched themselves on the sink. By now, Pig and Hedwig had come downstairs too, and they settled themselves next to the three barn owls.
Harry grinned broadly as he unwrapped the package, and he found that it was a broomstick, the new Lighteningbolt. He looked at the three barn owls, and noticed that each of them had a letter tied to its leg. He untied each one, and relieved Hedwig and Pig of their letters also. He reached into the cupboard and got out two bowls, filling each with water for the owls. Harry glanced at the kitchen clock. It was now five thirty and he still hadn't read any of his letters. He hurriedly opened the first letter in his pile. His name and address was written in perfectly executed handwriting, which could only be Hermione's. Harry hurriedly opened her letter.
Dear Harry,
Happy Birthday! I miss you heaps, Harry, but I know that I'll be seeing you soon. (Ron will tell you more about that) I hope you like my present, it should suit the one you got from Lupin, Tonks, Moody and Mr and Mrs Weasley very well.
Have you gotten your OWLs back yet? I got outstanding in all of mine except for Astronomy. I only got Exceeds Expectations because of the incident with Umbridge etc. What about you, Harry? Did you get everything that you needed to be an auror?
Well anyway, I'll see you soon,
Love Hermione xoxo
'Hermione got almost all outstanding!' Harry thought, as he picked up the next envelope. There was no address, just 'Harry' written in Ron's untidy scrawl.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRY! (The letter read.)
Well, you're "sweet" sixteen, how does it feel? You'll get my present when we come and get you, which will be soon, I promise. How're things with the Dursleys? Are they treating you okay?
What did you get in your OWLs? I managed to pass everything, except Divination and Astronomy. (Well, I was never going to pass those!) I got outstanding in Defence against the Dark Arts (thanks mainly to you), and Care of Magical Creatures, Exceeds Expectations in Transfiguration and Charms, and acceptable in everything else. It doesn't look like I'll be becoming an auror, unless by some miracle I get into Potions, or they accept people without Advanced Potions. Next year I'm taking all the subjects I passed, except for Potions since I can't get into that without Outstanding.
See you soon mate,
RON
Harry grimaced at the thought that Ron wouldn't be able to become an auror unless a minor miracle occurred. He quickly ran upstairs and grabbed several rolls of parchment, along with his elegant eagle owl quill and emerald-green ink.
He leapt down the stairs, three stairs at a time, until he came to rest on his chair in the dining room. He opened out the parchment, and began to write his letters to Ron and Hermione.
***
Half an hour later, Harry put down his quill. His hand ached. He had replied to both of his best friends, explaining to them everything about his occlumency lessons, the memories he had seen in Dumbledore concerning his parents, and his OWL results. He shook his hand violently, trying to rid it of the pins and needles that were slowly creeping their way towards his fingers. Picking up the two letters, he placed them in an envelope, and attached them to pig's leg. He threw the bird out the door and watched it zoom off into the distance.
"Dudley!" He stuttered on viewing his cousin sitting at the table, handling his broom. "Please don't touch that!" He walked over and snatched it from Dudley's greasy clutch.
"I was just looking," he shrugged. "Mum's gonna freak when she sees those owls. Why are they here anyway?"
"It's my birthday," Harry muttered, quite afraid of what might result in this piece of news. He watched Dudley's face turn beetroot red.
"Oh. Happy Birthday. I didn't realise." He stammered.
"Thanks."
"I'll get you something today. What do you want?"
Harry couldn't believe his ears. He was going to get anything he wanted from Dudley. "Um. I don't want anything. there isn't anything I need from the muggle world. Aunt Petunia got me everything I needed."
"Are you sure? I've got an idea; I'll go get you some sweets. Everyone likes sweets."
"You don't know sweets till you've been to Honeydukes. It is the best sweet store in the wizarding world. You can get everything there, from Bertie Bott's every flavour beans, to chocolate frogs, to cockroach clusters!"
"What the hell are you talking about?" Dudley said with a look of utter confusion.
"Never you mind your pretty little head," Harry said, patting Dudley's blond locks. Dudley didn't take the bait. He just smiled and shrugged. This was starting to disturb Harry. Not only were the Dursleys being nice to him, but they weren't getting angry with him either. They even seemed to be acting normal, as if they hadn't ignored him for the past fifteen years. It was a miracle.
"What is wrong with everybody?" Harry yelped suddenly. Dudley jumped.
"Whadoyamean?" He said quietly.
"Why is everyone being so. Nice?"
"Otherwise, you'll leave. And then we'll die. And anyway, you're growing on me. I mean, surely your magic could come in handy." He trailed off, probably imagining the amount of damage he could do with Harry's wand.
"It is handy. but I can't use it outside of school until I'm seventeen." Harry answered, puzzled. "I'm going back upstairs now, I need to get rid of these owls." He ushered the owls onto his arm, put the Lighteningbolt underneath the other arm, and carried the remaining letters up into his bedroom.
"Morning Harry," Vernon yawned as he waddled down the stairs. He didn't even glance at him. Harry let out a breath of relief. As he began his descent up the last few stairs, he bumped into Petunia, making the owls screech loudly.
"MY GOODNESS!" She screeched. "HARRY POTTER GET THOSE OWLS INTO YOUR ROOM QUICKLY BEFORE I FORGET ABOUT YOUR BIRTHDAY PRESENT!"
"I d-don't need anything."
"Oh, don't be silly, Harry, I've already got you something. She interrupted. "Now get those ruddy owls out of my sight!"
Harry quickly ran into his room and shut the door. Harry had a feeling that this was going to be the strangest day of his life.
***
Harry dressed quickly. Putting on his new t-shirt and new jeans, he felt like a prince. What exactly had changed the Dursleys? They were either extremely good at acting, or they actually meant to be nice to Harry.
Harry shook his head lightly, attempting to be rid of his thoughts. It didn't matter why, as long as they didn't get too weird. He walked slowly down the stairs. When he entered the kitchen, he was surprised by what he saw. A large chocolate cake in the shape of a broomstick was sitting on the table, with the three Dursleys grouped around it smiling.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRY!" They shouted in unison. Harry was dumbstruck. This was going too far.
"WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?" Harry panted slightly after his outburst. The Dursleys stared back in shock. "SINCE WHEN HAVE YOU CARED?"
"Harry, dear!" Petunia pleaded. She looked like she was about to cry. "Can't you just have some cake? And look at all your presents!" She was pointing to a large pile waiting for him in the lounge. There were approximately twenty presents, ranging in size from the size of a bicycle (which Harry suspected it actually was), to the size of a cd.
"I. Don't. Want." He sighed. "Why are you suddenly accepting me?" Blank faces. They were acting as if they were always like this.
"What are you talking about?" Vernon said cheerfully.
"Never mind." Harry muttered. He made a wish and blew out the sixteen candles that littered the cake.
"Excellent. Open your presents Harry. Then we can go to Diagon Alley!" Petunia gestured towards the pile in the lounge. The Dursleys stood in unison, ushering Harry into the lounge.
"Diagon Alley?" Harry stammered. "Why would you want to go there?"
"We were planning on getting you something. A book on potions or something." Vernon stated simply.
"Oh. you don't have to do that."
"Don't be silly! Hurry up and open your presents!" Petunia interrupted.
***
After spending twenty minutes on his presents, Harry finally remembered the letter that the snowy owl had dropped on his head. It still lay on his bedroom floor. Dudley helped him to carry his presents upstairs, except for the bike, which Vernon put into the garage.
"Thanks Dudley," Harry said quietly.
"What's in that letter?" Dudley said, pointing to the letter on the floor.
"I don't know." Harry picked it up. The writing was in emerald green ink, and there was the Hogwarts purple wax seal on the back. "A letter from school."
"Oh. What does it say?"
Harry sat on his bed and opened it.
To Mr Potter,
Here is a list of the equipment you will need for the upcoming year:
Advanced Defence: What to do when you know that you might die a horribly painful death by Thanato Cadeyrn Great Wizards of the Twentieth Century by Augustus Meyer Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century by Augustus Meyer The Guide to Thoroughly Experienced Transfiguration by Emeric Switch The Standard Book of Spells 6 by Miranda Goshawk Dangerous Creatures That You Really Shouldn't Have by Newt Scamander
"It's a list of my books for next year. I suppose we can go get them in Diagon Alley today." Harry answered Dudley's question finally.
"One question. How do you get to Diagon Alley?" Dudley cocked his eyebrow doubtfully.
"Well, you have to go through an invisible pub. and then through a brick wall." He grinned. Dudley obviously didn't think it was possible. "You'll see Dudley."
***
The Dursleys were all looking sceptical as Harry led them down Charing Cross Road and in between a bookstore and a record store. Through the Leaky Cauldron, they huddled together in a tight group, wincing slightly when someone would call out to Harry. Harry waved at Tom the bald bar owner, who grinned toothlessly back, waving his hand over- enthusiastically.
"This way!" Harry called, leading them into the back yard of the inn. The brick wall lay before them, and the Dursleys looked doubtfully at Harry. He reached into his jeans for his wand, counted three up, two across, and tapped the brick three times. The Dursleys stared in shock as the wall started to dissolve into Diagon Alley before their eyes. Harry realised that Dudley and Uncle Vernon had only ever seen the magic that Mr Weasley had performed before the Quidditch World Cup. Excluding of course, Aunt Marge blowing up. and when the death eaters attacked Dudley. and the countless times that Harry accidentally did magic before Hogwarts. okay, maybe they had seen lots of magic, but they hadn't had such a lot in a small space of time. And now they were walking through a bustling shopping centre, teething with the very people that they once detested with passion.
Harry chuckled at the thought. He led them past Quality Quidditch Supplies, past Eeylops Owl Emporium, and straight to Gringotts Wizarding Bank.
"Did you bring any cash with you?" He asked hopefully.
"No, only the credit card. Why?" Vernon said, still not loosing his calm resolve that had enveloped him over the past few days.
"Because it means that you will either have to come down to my vault, or we have to go back out to get some muggle money to trade," he explained patiently.
"Well, lets go down to the vault then." He obviously still liked to keep his money.
***
"Vault number 687!" The goblin called as their cart screeched to a halt. The Dursleys and Harry leapt out as quickly as they could, the Dursleys hoping they could glimpse Harry's money, and Harry hoping that they could get his money and leave, before the Dursleys realised just how much money he had. The goblin hobbled out of the cart, put Harry's small key in the lock, and opened it. Harry was almost as surprised as the Dursleys. There was twice as much gold in there as the last time he had visited his vault, which was two years ago.
"Excuse me, sir," Harry started, gesturing towards the mounds of gold.
"Oh, yes. You were given a large sum from vault number 711, when the owner, Sirius Black, became deceased," the goblin said, seemingly understanding Harry's gesture. "I was instructed by Griphook, who, in turn, was instructed by Albus Dumbledore, to tell you so."
"Oh, alright then." Harry bent down and collected a very large pile of Galleons, looking at his list of books; he was going to need a lot.
Vernon and Dudley goggled Harry's money greedily. "Where'd you get it all?" Dudley stammered, picking up a galleon.
"My parents money," He muttered, shutting the huge vault door and getting back into the cart. The Dursleys reluctantly followed suit.
***
Once back on ground level, Harry proceeded to lead the Dursleys to the first shop: Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions.
Madam Malkin approached Harry eagerly. "Hello Harry!" She exclaimed, handing change back to a titchy looking first year, who blushed as she passed Harry. "New robes for school? Yes, I can see you have grown quite a bit since the last time you came in here!" The measuring tapes flicked around Harry's legs, arms and even his head. Meanwhile, Mrs Malkin busied herself finding Harry some robes that would fit, babbling about Harry recent growth spurt and the day that she first met him.
Once the fitting was over, they ventured through all of the shops, stopping at Eeylops' for some owl treats, and various other shops to stock up on potions ingredients, and of course, Flourish and Blotts.
"Ah, Mister Harry Potter. Sixth year is it? What subjects are you taking then?" The aging sales assistant asked.
"Transfiguration, Potions, History of Magic, Charms, Defence against the Dark Arts, Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures." Harry read his list.
"Hmm, an interesting mix..." He hurried off in search for the books that Harry needed. Harry watched him mumble as he climbed ladders to receive books and stifled a laugh when all of the "Unfogging the Future" books fell off the shelf.
"Harry!" Seamus Finnigan had just entered the store. He waddled over, waving at Harry enthusiastically. "Harry! How are you mate?" Seamus shook Harry's hand vigorously. He glanced over Harry's shoulder, spotting the Dursleys, who huddled together avoiding the gazes of the surrounding wizards. "Who are they then? Your Aunt and Uncle. that must be your fat cousin. What was his name?"
"Dudley," Harry said quietly. "Don't talk to them, they might bite." He laughed loudly at the look on Seamus' face.
"Mr Potter, your books," the sales assistant was back, and beckoning Harry over to the counter.
"See you at school, Seamus!" Harry called as he pushed the Dursleys after the scurrying assistant.
"Now, that will be eight galleons, three sickles and four knuts, please." Harry shuffled through his sack of coins and handed the money over. "Thank you sir, see you next year."
**************************************************************************** **********
Harry collapsed onto his bed, reading the left over letters from that morning. Remus and Hagrid were as supportive as ever, especially Remus. He seemed to be clinging to Harry like a lost son, he almost seemed afraid of what Harry might become, like he was afraid for Harry's loss of innocence. The Lighteningbolt turned out to be from him.
Mrs Weasley's cake was fantastic, though Harry didn't think he should keep it away from the Dursley's this year, not after the massive cake Aunt Petunia had baked for him.
Once he had replied to all of his letters, and thanked Remus profusely for the Lighteningbolt, Harry took the cake into Dudley's room and shared it with him. If the Dursleys were going to be nice to him, then he should be nice to the Dursleys too.
**************************************************************************** **********
I know this is rushed etc. But I was getting threatening emails from my friends. Just letting you all know, that I'm also writing two of my own stories "Alupalurin" and "The Day of Storms", so this is kind of a side project to those two. If you would like to read those two (Which I would kind of prefer.) go to:
The Day of Storms
Alupalurin
Enjoy!