Harry Potter and the Eye of the Golden Dragon
Chapter Two: Birthday Wishes
Harry awoke from his latest slumber feeling more tired then when he had first laid down. A strange feeling washed over him as he realized he had no idea what day it was. He only thought the worst. Maybe this time he had fallen asleep for a month and he had missed the beginning of the school year.
Quickly and quietly, Harry ran to the window and peered out. It was a beautiful, clear night. He then turned to Hedwig who was sleeping peacefully in her cage. The packages the owls had brought him lay at the foot of the bed.
In seconds, Harry was running down the stairs to the living room where the Dursleys sat chortling at a television program. Dudley's large self sat the closed to the TV blocking the view of Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon but they did not say a word about it.
"What day is it?" Harry shouted, making all three, even himself, jump with surprise.
"Same day as it was when you asked this morning." Uncle Vernon sneered at him.
Harry let out a great sigh of relief at this news. He had only slept the day away and not the month. Dismissing the unhappy side-glances of his relatives, Harry ran back up the stairs to his room. He looked at the packages with a relieved feeling flowing through him and smiled. Though he had missed his birthday, there was no reason he could not celebrate it now.
The first package he drew his attention to was from Ron and Hermione. According to their card, they had put money together to get Harry a most spectacular gift.
He untied the twine and unwrapped the brown paper to reveal a beautifully stained wooden box with gold print on the top. The print read, 'Official Quittach World Cup Equipment'. These words excited Harry beyond compare. When he opened the box that resembled the quittach case, it revealed a quaffle, quite new and untouched sitting in a cushion of red velvet. Harry picked it up and noticed writing on it. The quaffle had been autographed by all seven members of the Irish Quittach Team World Champions from a few years back. That was one game of Quittach the Harry would never forget.
He then looked at the underside of the lid to see there was even a compartment for a Golden Snitch. And when he opened it, a snitch, bright and glittering fell into his hands. The wings fluttered open and it hovered in front of Harry's face for a few moments. He noticed it too had writing on it. The name "Viktor Krum" scribbled on it. Harry grinned largely at this before replacing the snitch back into its compartment.
Harry proceeded to the second package brought by Hedwig. It contained a large birthday cake, that when taken out of the box, it expanded. This made it impossible for Harry to put it back. He happily solved this problem by eating a large portion of it.
He put the rest of it into the box and slid the first two presents under his bed. He then moved onto the tiny package brought by Pig. It was neatly wrapped in rather interesting looking wrapping paper. The paper swirled with color and every few seconds, the design changed. Before he opened it, Harry untied a tiny piece of parchment that was attached on the top of it. Harry was quite surprised when he began to read the letter out loud but was thankful nonetheless.
"Dear Harry, I overheard from Ron that your birthday was coming up so I decided to get you something. The present once belonged to a great uncle of ours but he didn't need them anymore due to the fact that he died just the other day. It was a terrible accident but a rather funny story. Anyway, Happy Birthday! -Ginny PS- don't let Ron know that I used Pig, Errol was sick, thanks." Harry's eyebrows raised at the contents of the letter but it was a nice gesture on her part. He made a mental note to thank Ginny personally. He unwrapped the paper and opened a rectangular box to reveal a pair of silver spectacles. The glasses looked rather new. However, Harry was hesitant to put them on. They were better looking then is own but something about them being fresh off a dead person made him uneasy.
Reluctantly, Harry took off his glasses and put the new ones on. Everything was blurry at first, but the lens began to focus to fit Harry's own prescription. He walked over to the mirror to have a look. Harry was impressed; he did like the way they fit. Harry gently put them back in the case and put his old pair on. He wouldn't dare wear the nice pair in front of the Dursleys. They would probably become suspicious and think he stole them.
Harry then moved to the last package that was brought by an unknown owl. He guessed it was from Hagrid but the writing on it looked too formal and neat. He opened the tiny card and was even more confused. All it said was 'From Hagrid, To Harry Potter, Please handle with care'. Harry gave a worried look at the box instantly. It was perfectly wrapped and tied with string. He picked it up and shook it. There was a large object in there but he had little idea what it was. Harry ripped the brown paper from it and read what was printed in shiny gold writing on yet another box. 'Kristy Kreem's Klassic Kakes'.
"Oh good, it's just food." Harry thought.
He opened the box, which expelled a most wonderful smell of fresh baked goods. Inside, it contained a cake in the shape of a dragon. As Harry reached in the box to take a finger full of icing, the cake snapped at him and hissed at him with a bright red forked tongue. He jumped unexpectedly as the cake stared at him. Maybe he would try to eat this one when it was sleeping.
Harry finally got to the Hogwarts letter which contained a list of supplies of what he would need for the coming school year, along with a list of books for class.
After Harry looked over the list, he soon came to a grim realization. How was he suppose to get his books? He couldn't ask Ron or Hermione. From what Harry read in the letters Ron sent him, the Weasley's were having some rocky times trying to bring their family back together and Hermione and her parents were touring Spain for the next two weeks.
After several minutes of pondering he decided that he would go to Diagon Alley alone. He was sixteen now, practically an adult. How hard could traveling to London really be?
First he though that if had some floo powder, he could zip there in seconds. However, he had none and even if he did, after the Weasley's entrance two years ago into their fireplace, Uncle Vernon had it cemented, bricked and nailed shut. The once beautiful fireplace was now useless and rather ugly in Harry's opinion. He could always fly on his Firebolt but it was too far away and Harry had accidentally broken the compass that had come with his broomstick care kit. Besides, it was too risky if someone was to spot him.
Harry's last option was the Knight Bus. After what happened three years ago, he would rather not run into Stan Shunpike again. Eventually, the third option won over the other two.
"What is the chance that Stan is still there?" Harry asked himself.
For the next couple of days, Harry planned his trip out. He would stay in his room as if asleep for a day or two. He found that Uncle Vernon really liked the idea of Harry staying confined in his room and it gave Vernon a reason to tell Harry off as well.
"Lazy", and "good for nothing" were some of the things that Vernon would mumble when Harry immerged from his room once in a while to get something to eat because old birthday cake just did not sit in his stomach right.
One Sunday night, with about two weeks left of the holiday, Harry made his move. He waited till about midnight. Vernon's snores could be heard echoing through the house. Harry quietly dressed and threw the invisibility cloak over himself and made his way to the front door.
He unlocked the bolt, slipped through the door and into the night. He walked to the curb in front of the house and looked around. All of Privet Drive was dark and asleep. A heavy fog lay over the narrow street, making it impossible for Harry to see more then ten feet in any direction.
He held his wand firmly and raised it. He felt awkward standing there though no one was watching him.
Then, two bright headlights blinded Harry as the Knight Bus rolled in with a loud 'pop'. The door flung open and a rather large boy in purple uniform stumbled out.
"Er...welcome to the Knight Bus, emergency...uh...transport for the stranded witch or wizard. Just, um..." The boy lifted up his palm and read, "stick out your wand hand, step on board, and we can take you anywhere you want to go." He let his hand drop. "Sorry, I haven't gotten it down just yet. I just started a day ago." He sighed, whipping sweat from his forehead on his sleeve.
"That's ok. You did good." Harry said encouragingly.
"Thanks." He smiled uneasily. "Oh yeah, ahem. My name is Herbert Cliffstock and I'll be your conductor for the evening." He motioned for Harry to board and then followed hesitantly.
Harry stepped on board and was greeted with a heart sinking-
"Neville!"
Stan Shunpike sat happily behind the wheel of the bus. His acne had cleared up but he still had that anxious look on his face like he always had a question on his mind.
"Didn't fink I'd remember you, didn't choo?"
"Hullo Stan." Harry managed to say breathlessly.
"Well, Ern, good ol' Ern. 'E retired and look! They promoted me! So, w'ere we off to?" He chimed happily.
"Diagon Alley, please." Harry said taking a bed in the far back in order to discourage and kind of conversation.
Herbert took a seat next to Stan, who in light of Harry's return, decided to retell the whole story of how they had first met.
"So then, Fudge, thee Cornelius Fudge, says, 'Neville? This 'ere boy is 'Arry Potter!'"
Harry heard Stan reply the whole story has Herbert just gawked at Harry. He turned over in the warm sheets, hoping the ride would be over soon. Though Stan proved to be a much worse driver then Ernie had been, Harry managed to fall asleep. Then with a loud bang and a sudden stop that almost made Harry fall out of the bed, the Knight Bus arrived at the Leaky Cauldron.
" 'Ere ya are Neville!" Stan shouted above the roar of the engine.
Harry quickly paid his fee and left. He looked about the quiet London street. The sky was turning an orange color as dawn approached. Harry watched the bus take off with a noise that would wake the whole city, then opened the door to the inn and stepped inside.
Tom, the bartender who had been there for as long as Harry could remember passing through the Leaky Cauldron, busily shuffled around as he prepared the cozy inn for what looked to be a busy day ahead. As his gaze fell on Harry, a large toothless grin spread across his weathered face.
"Harry Potter, sir! How can I help you this fine mornin'?" He asked gently.
"Just going to do some shopping for school." He answered, returning the smile.
"Ah! Another year at Hogwarts!" Tom said softly with an inward smile as he whipped the counter of the bar. "Well, Harry Potter, sir, it's too early for the shops to be open just yet. Why don't you have some breakfast while you wait?"
"I'm sorry, I don't have any money."
"That's quite alright. It's on me." He said nodding his head as he continued to wipe the counters.
Harry tried to decline gratefully, but Tom wouldn't hear of it. He sat Harry down and before him, a very generous meal was brought. After a hesitant second, the smell of the hot breakfast made his stomach growl unbearably. Harry dug into the bacon and toast while pouring syrup on his flapjacks. It wasn't until his third helping of bacon that he realized just how hungry he really was.
Also while Harry ate, Tom engaged in small talk with him. Harry talked about he was getting along at Hogwarts, the courses, the teachers, friends there, the quittach season was looking promising all the way to the weather.
All the while, more and more witches and wizards, old and young, some with children began to enter. Some asked for a room, others just wanted a drink.
Tom greeted them all with a toothy grin. A few of the travelers gave Harry a look. They gave a quick glace at his scarred forehead, a questionable look at his face before moving on.
Harry normally wouldn't have minded the stares, after five years of it, he was quite used to it. However, this time, Harry was alone. He told himself in the back of his mind that he needed to be extra cautious. These were now dangerous times, especially for him. He quickly felt for his wand in his pocket and took a quick look around before taking another bite of his breakfast.
Eventually, the morning had set in and the hustle and bustle of the crowd coming in began to make the Leaky Cauldron seem much smaller then it did an hour ago.
Harry thanked Tom, gathered his things and then moved toward the brick wall in the back of the inn. With his wand, Harry tapped the third brick from the left above the trash bin and waited for the doorway to Diagon Alley to open.
As the bricks moved aside, the noise of the crowd grew louder. Wizarding folk of all shapes and sizes ran about from shop to shop as their many splendid colored robes swished around them.
Harry retrieved his letter containing what he needed and read through the list as he made his was to Gringotts.
After taking what he needed from his vault, Harry went directly to Florish and Blotts to buy his new textbooks. An assistant helped him find his books such as 'The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 6' by Miranda Goshawk, 'Find Out Your Future with the Flip of a Card' (which came with it's own set of tarot cards) by Andrea Dewinter, Advanced Transfiguration, a history text, an encyclopedia of rare beasts and a book of dangerous plants.
After the books were all wrapped, Harry went to Madam Maulkin's for a new set of robes. After stopping for a quick bite to eat and a look at the new model broomsticks, Harry made his way to the potion shops for ingredients that he was missing.
However, when he got there, none of the potion stores carried what he needed from the list. When he finally asked where he could the said ingredients, the shop owner shook his head uneasily.
When Harry had left, he felt a soft tap on his shoulder. He turned to find an old man with a croaked nose and large lopsided ears pointing with a bent finger in the direction of Knockturn Alley.
"Some of those items you need are pretty rare or extremely dangerous, boy. Why would you be needin' stuff like that?"
"They're on my list. I need them for school." Harry answered as he held up his paper.
"School, eh? Well now, I wonder what kinda things they're teachin' you kids. No doubt, out of your league. However, if you think you're man enough, you can find all you need down that way. I'll show you."
"Thank you, sir. But I know the way." Harry frowned.
"Course ya do, boy. But it's for your protection. Most people that wander around there, well, they'll be wanting your head, Harry Potter.
"I've been there before and I can take care of myself."
"Heh, sure you can. Thought I would offer anyway." He sneered. "Well suit yourself, boy." The old man turned and began a slow walk down the busy street and disappeared into the crowd.
Harry decided to bring all his things back to the Leaky Cauldron. They were too much to carry around with him everywhere. He then asked Tom to hold the items for him and that he would pick them up before he left for the day.
Harry then took his wand out of his pocket before continuing. The last time he was in Knockturn Alley, well, he remembered it hadn't been a pleasant visit. But he was twelve when that happened. Four years later, Harry was sure he could take care of himself. At least he had confidence that he could do something on his own.
He strode in the direction of Gringotts Bank and then took the left path. It wasn't that difficult to find Knockturn Alley, just follow the increasing shadows it seemed. Moments later, Harry found himself walking alone a horridly familiar street with dark robbed figures crouched in doorways or glaring down at him through dirty and broken glass windows.
Whether they knew he was Harry Potter or not, he was too out of place there. He now understood why kids never ventured anywhere near this place. But why would Snape ever make a list of ingredients that would force students to come here?
The constant feeling of being followed was starting to worry him as he found the apothecary and practically sprinted in. He took a deep sigh of relief as he looked out the window and found nothing but an empty street. He was so sure he had felt someone looming over him. Either way, he was safe now and put his wand away.
He turned away from the street and leap back as he found himself nose to nose with the old man who he had talked to in front of the potions shop earlier.
"Glad to see you made it boy, hehe." He leered at Harry before limping his way over behind the counter.
"You!" Harry managed to say.
"Yes, me. Now, do you want your items or not? I've got them all around here somewhere. Lemme just see your list again and I'll gather them for you."
Harry handed over the list and grimaced as he watched the man take out a dirty pair of spectacles, spit on them and them clean them on his tattered overcoat. Harry wouldn't have minded so much if he hadn't seen a tooth fall out of the man's mouth in the process.
"Whoops, there goes another one." The man laughed as he pocketed the tooth. "I'll save that for later." He smiled. Harry counted five teeth left.
The man then disappeared into the back of the store to get Harry's potion ingredients. While Harry waited, he strode around the small shop looking at the horrible and grotesquely disturbing things that filled the shelves.
"Well, here ya are, boy." He said handing a large greasy leather pouch to Harry. "It'll be 13 Galleons and 6 Knuts."
"What? That's too much! I doubt I have that much on me."
"These are rare ingredients! Expensive for me to carry therefore expensive for you to buy!" He grumbled as he pointed a gnarled finger at him. "But I can bargain. How much do you have on ya?"
"8 Galleons and 15 Knuts."
"Done! But you're getting' the better half of the deal." He sniffed as he greedily took the money from Harry and began counting it. "Pleasure doing business with you, boy. Now, don't get lost on your way back, heh." He smiled without looking up from the money on the counter.
"Yeah, thanks..." Harry muttered quietly as he pocketed the leather pouch in his robe pocket and stepped out the door.
Just as Harry was about to take out his wand again, a hand suddenly covered his mouth. His shouts were muffled as he felt a sharp jab of a wand tip poke him violently in the back. The next thing he knew, he found himself being dragged into a dark alley against his will.
"Keep screaming, see what good that'll do yeh." Growled a voice in Harry's ear.
Harry used all his strength he had to try and wriggle free from the man's grasp. He had almost successfully done it when the man suddenly shoved him so forcefully to the ground that it knocked the wind out of him.
"Stupefy!" The man hissed.
Harry suddenly felt like he had been punched in the stomach by the Whomping Willow before everything went black and he lost consciousness.
Chapter Two: Birthday Wishes
Harry awoke from his latest slumber feeling more tired then when he had first laid down. A strange feeling washed over him as he realized he had no idea what day it was. He only thought the worst. Maybe this time he had fallen asleep for a month and he had missed the beginning of the school year.
Quickly and quietly, Harry ran to the window and peered out. It was a beautiful, clear night. He then turned to Hedwig who was sleeping peacefully in her cage. The packages the owls had brought him lay at the foot of the bed.
In seconds, Harry was running down the stairs to the living room where the Dursleys sat chortling at a television program. Dudley's large self sat the closed to the TV blocking the view of Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon but they did not say a word about it.
"What day is it?" Harry shouted, making all three, even himself, jump with surprise.
"Same day as it was when you asked this morning." Uncle Vernon sneered at him.
Harry let out a great sigh of relief at this news. He had only slept the day away and not the month. Dismissing the unhappy side-glances of his relatives, Harry ran back up the stairs to his room. He looked at the packages with a relieved feeling flowing through him and smiled. Though he had missed his birthday, there was no reason he could not celebrate it now.
The first package he drew his attention to was from Ron and Hermione. According to their card, they had put money together to get Harry a most spectacular gift.
He untied the twine and unwrapped the brown paper to reveal a beautifully stained wooden box with gold print on the top. The print read, 'Official Quittach World Cup Equipment'. These words excited Harry beyond compare. When he opened the box that resembled the quittach case, it revealed a quaffle, quite new and untouched sitting in a cushion of red velvet. Harry picked it up and noticed writing on it. The quaffle had been autographed by all seven members of the Irish Quittach Team World Champions from a few years back. That was one game of Quittach the Harry would never forget.
He then looked at the underside of the lid to see there was even a compartment for a Golden Snitch. And when he opened it, a snitch, bright and glittering fell into his hands. The wings fluttered open and it hovered in front of Harry's face for a few moments. He noticed it too had writing on it. The name "Viktor Krum" scribbled on it. Harry grinned largely at this before replacing the snitch back into its compartment.
Harry proceeded to the second package brought by Hedwig. It contained a large birthday cake, that when taken out of the box, it expanded. This made it impossible for Harry to put it back. He happily solved this problem by eating a large portion of it.
He put the rest of it into the box and slid the first two presents under his bed. He then moved onto the tiny package brought by Pig. It was neatly wrapped in rather interesting looking wrapping paper. The paper swirled with color and every few seconds, the design changed. Before he opened it, Harry untied a tiny piece of parchment that was attached on the top of it. Harry was quite surprised when he began to read the letter out loud but was thankful nonetheless.
"Dear Harry, I overheard from Ron that your birthday was coming up so I decided to get you something. The present once belonged to a great uncle of ours but he didn't need them anymore due to the fact that he died just the other day. It was a terrible accident but a rather funny story. Anyway, Happy Birthday! -Ginny PS- don't let Ron know that I used Pig, Errol was sick, thanks." Harry's eyebrows raised at the contents of the letter but it was a nice gesture on her part. He made a mental note to thank Ginny personally. He unwrapped the paper and opened a rectangular box to reveal a pair of silver spectacles. The glasses looked rather new. However, Harry was hesitant to put them on. They were better looking then is own but something about them being fresh off a dead person made him uneasy.
Reluctantly, Harry took off his glasses and put the new ones on. Everything was blurry at first, but the lens began to focus to fit Harry's own prescription. He walked over to the mirror to have a look. Harry was impressed; he did like the way they fit. Harry gently put them back in the case and put his old pair on. He wouldn't dare wear the nice pair in front of the Dursleys. They would probably become suspicious and think he stole them.
Harry then moved to the last package that was brought by an unknown owl. He guessed it was from Hagrid but the writing on it looked too formal and neat. He opened the tiny card and was even more confused. All it said was 'From Hagrid, To Harry Potter, Please handle with care'. Harry gave a worried look at the box instantly. It was perfectly wrapped and tied with string. He picked it up and shook it. There was a large object in there but he had little idea what it was. Harry ripped the brown paper from it and read what was printed in shiny gold writing on yet another box. 'Kristy Kreem's Klassic Kakes'.
"Oh good, it's just food." Harry thought.
He opened the box, which expelled a most wonderful smell of fresh baked goods. Inside, it contained a cake in the shape of a dragon. As Harry reached in the box to take a finger full of icing, the cake snapped at him and hissed at him with a bright red forked tongue. He jumped unexpectedly as the cake stared at him. Maybe he would try to eat this one when it was sleeping.
Harry finally got to the Hogwarts letter which contained a list of supplies of what he would need for the coming school year, along with a list of books for class.
After Harry looked over the list, he soon came to a grim realization. How was he suppose to get his books? He couldn't ask Ron or Hermione. From what Harry read in the letters Ron sent him, the Weasley's were having some rocky times trying to bring their family back together and Hermione and her parents were touring Spain for the next two weeks.
After several minutes of pondering he decided that he would go to Diagon Alley alone. He was sixteen now, practically an adult. How hard could traveling to London really be?
First he though that if had some floo powder, he could zip there in seconds. However, he had none and even if he did, after the Weasley's entrance two years ago into their fireplace, Uncle Vernon had it cemented, bricked and nailed shut. The once beautiful fireplace was now useless and rather ugly in Harry's opinion. He could always fly on his Firebolt but it was too far away and Harry had accidentally broken the compass that had come with his broomstick care kit. Besides, it was too risky if someone was to spot him.
Harry's last option was the Knight Bus. After what happened three years ago, he would rather not run into Stan Shunpike again. Eventually, the third option won over the other two.
"What is the chance that Stan is still there?" Harry asked himself.
For the next couple of days, Harry planned his trip out. He would stay in his room as if asleep for a day or two. He found that Uncle Vernon really liked the idea of Harry staying confined in his room and it gave Vernon a reason to tell Harry off as well.
"Lazy", and "good for nothing" were some of the things that Vernon would mumble when Harry immerged from his room once in a while to get something to eat because old birthday cake just did not sit in his stomach right.
One Sunday night, with about two weeks left of the holiday, Harry made his move. He waited till about midnight. Vernon's snores could be heard echoing through the house. Harry quietly dressed and threw the invisibility cloak over himself and made his way to the front door.
He unlocked the bolt, slipped through the door and into the night. He walked to the curb in front of the house and looked around. All of Privet Drive was dark and asleep. A heavy fog lay over the narrow street, making it impossible for Harry to see more then ten feet in any direction.
He held his wand firmly and raised it. He felt awkward standing there though no one was watching him.
Then, two bright headlights blinded Harry as the Knight Bus rolled in with a loud 'pop'. The door flung open and a rather large boy in purple uniform stumbled out.
"Er...welcome to the Knight Bus, emergency...uh...transport for the stranded witch or wizard. Just, um..." The boy lifted up his palm and read, "stick out your wand hand, step on board, and we can take you anywhere you want to go." He let his hand drop. "Sorry, I haven't gotten it down just yet. I just started a day ago." He sighed, whipping sweat from his forehead on his sleeve.
"That's ok. You did good." Harry said encouragingly.
"Thanks." He smiled uneasily. "Oh yeah, ahem. My name is Herbert Cliffstock and I'll be your conductor for the evening." He motioned for Harry to board and then followed hesitantly.
Harry stepped on board and was greeted with a heart sinking-
"Neville!"
Stan Shunpike sat happily behind the wheel of the bus. His acne had cleared up but he still had that anxious look on his face like he always had a question on his mind.
"Didn't fink I'd remember you, didn't choo?"
"Hullo Stan." Harry managed to say breathlessly.
"Well, Ern, good ol' Ern. 'E retired and look! They promoted me! So, w'ere we off to?" He chimed happily.
"Diagon Alley, please." Harry said taking a bed in the far back in order to discourage and kind of conversation.
Herbert took a seat next to Stan, who in light of Harry's return, decided to retell the whole story of how they had first met.
"So then, Fudge, thee Cornelius Fudge, says, 'Neville? This 'ere boy is 'Arry Potter!'"
Harry heard Stan reply the whole story has Herbert just gawked at Harry. He turned over in the warm sheets, hoping the ride would be over soon. Though Stan proved to be a much worse driver then Ernie had been, Harry managed to fall asleep. Then with a loud bang and a sudden stop that almost made Harry fall out of the bed, the Knight Bus arrived at the Leaky Cauldron.
" 'Ere ya are Neville!" Stan shouted above the roar of the engine.
Harry quickly paid his fee and left. He looked about the quiet London street. The sky was turning an orange color as dawn approached. Harry watched the bus take off with a noise that would wake the whole city, then opened the door to the inn and stepped inside.
Tom, the bartender who had been there for as long as Harry could remember passing through the Leaky Cauldron, busily shuffled around as he prepared the cozy inn for what looked to be a busy day ahead. As his gaze fell on Harry, a large toothless grin spread across his weathered face.
"Harry Potter, sir! How can I help you this fine mornin'?" He asked gently.
"Just going to do some shopping for school." He answered, returning the smile.
"Ah! Another year at Hogwarts!" Tom said softly with an inward smile as he whipped the counter of the bar. "Well, Harry Potter, sir, it's too early for the shops to be open just yet. Why don't you have some breakfast while you wait?"
"I'm sorry, I don't have any money."
"That's quite alright. It's on me." He said nodding his head as he continued to wipe the counters.
Harry tried to decline gratefully, but Tom wouldn't hear of it. He sat Harry down and before him, a very generous meal was brought. After a hesitant second, the smell of the hot breakfast made his stomach growl unbearably. Harry dug into the bacon and toast while pouring syrup on his flapjacks. It wasn't until his third helping of bacon that he realized just how hungry he really was.
Also while Harry ate, Tom engaged in small talk with him. Harry talked about he was getting along at Hogwarts, the courses, the teachers, friends there, the quittach season was looking promising all the way to the weather.
All the while, more and more witches and wizards, old and young, some with children began to enter. Some asked for a room, others just wanted a drink.
Tom greeted them all with a toothy grin. A few of the travelers gave Harry a look. They gave a quick glace at his scarred forehead, a questionable look at his face before moving on.
Harry normally wouldn't have minded the stares, after five years of it, he was quite used to it. However, this time, Harry was alone. He told himself in the back of his mind that he needed to be extra cautious. These were now dangerous times, especially for him. He quickly felt for his wand in his pocket and took a quick look around before taking another bite of his breakfast.
Eventually, the morning had set in and the hustle and bustle of the crowd coming in began to make the Leaky Cauldron seem much smaller then it did an hour ago.
Harry thanked Tom, gathered his things and then moved toward the brick wall in the back of the inn. With his wand, Harry tapped the third brick from the left above the trash bin and waited for the doorway to Diagon Alley to open.
As the bricks moved aside, the noise of the crowd grew louder. Wizarding folk of all shapes and sizes ran about from shop to shop as their many splendid colored robes swished around them.
Harry retrieved his letter containing what he needed and read through the list as he made his was to Gringotts.
After taking what he needed from his vault, Harry went directly to Florish and Blotts to buy his new textbooks. An assistant helped him find his books such as 'The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 6' by Miranda Goshawk, 'Find Out Your Future with the Flip of a Card' (which came with it's own set of tarot cards) by Andrea Dewinter, Advanced Transfiguration, a history text, an encyclopedia of rare beasts and a book of dangerous plants.
After the books were all wrapped, Harry went to Madam Maulkin's for a new set of robes. After stopping for a quick bite to eat and a look at the new model broomsticks, Harry made his way to the potion shops for ingredients that he was missing.
However, when he got there, none of the potion stores carried what he needed from the list. When he finally asked where he could the said ingredients, the shop owner shook his head uneasily.
When Harry had left, he felt a soft tap on his shoulder. He turned to find an old man with a croaked nose and large lopsided ears pointing with a bent finger in the direction of Knockturn Alley.
"Some of those items you need are pretty rare or extremely dangerous, boy. Why would you be needin' stuff like that?"
"They're on my list. I need them for school." Harry answered as he held up his paper.
"School, eh? Well now, I wonder what kinda things they're teachin' you kids. No doubt, out of your league. However, if you think you're man enough, you can find all you need down that way. I'll show you."
"Thank you, sir. But I know the way." Harry frowned.
"Course ya do, boy. But it's for your protection. Most people that wander around there, well, they'll be wanting your head, Harry Potter.
"I've been there before and I can take care of myself."
"Heh, sure you can. Thought I would offer anyway." He sneered. "Well suit yourself, boy." The old man turned and began a slow walk down the busy street and disappeared into the crowd.
Harry decided to bring all his things back to the Leaky Cauldron. They were too much to carry around with him everywhere. He then asked Tom to hold the items for him and that he would pick them up before he left for the day.
Harry then took his wand out of his pocket before continuing. The last time he was in Knockturn Alley, well, he remembered it hadn't been a pleasant visit. But he was twelve when that happened. Four years later, Harry was sure he could take care of himself. At least he had confidence that he could do something on his own.
He strode in the direction of Gringotts Bank and then took the left path. It wasn't that difficult to find Knockturn Alley, just follow the increasing shadows it seemed. Moments later, Harry found himself walking alone a horridly familiar street with dark robbed figures crouched in doorways or glaring down at him through dirty and broken glass windows.
Whether they knew he was Harry Potter or not, he was too out of place there. He now understood why kids never ventured anywhere near this place. But why would Snape ever make a list of ingredients that would force students to come here?
The constant feeling of being followed was starting to worry him as he found the apothecary and practically sprinted in. He took a deep sigh of relief as he looked out the window and found nothing but an empty street. He was so sure he had felt someone looming over him. Either way, he was safe now and put his wand away.
He turned away from the street and leap back as he found himself nose to nose with the old man who he had talked to in front of the potions shop earlier.
"Glad to see you made it boy, hehe." He leered at Harry before limping his way over behind the counter.
"You!" Harry managed to say.
"Yes, me. Now, do you want your items or not? I've got them all around here somewhere. Lemme just see your list again and I'll gather them for you."
Harry handed over the list and grimaced as he watched the man take out a dirty pair of spectacles, spit on them and them clean them on his tattered overcoat. Harry wouldn't have minded so much if he hadn't seen a tooth fall out of the man's mouth in the process.
"Whoops, there goes another one." The man laughed as he pocketed the tooth. "I'll save that for later." He smiled. Harry counted five teeth left.
The man then disappeared into the back of the store to get Harry's potion ingredients. While Harry waited, he strode around the small shop looking at the horrible and grotesquely disturbing things that filled the shelves.
"Well, here ya are, boy." He said handing a large greasy leather pouch to Harry. "It'll be 13 Galleons and 6 Knuts."
"What? That's too much! I doubt I have that much on me."
"These are rare ingredients! Expensive for me to carry therefore expensive for you to buy!" He grumbled as he pointed a gnarled finger at him. "But I can bargain. How much do you have on ya?"
"8 Galleons and 15 Knuts."
"Done! But you're getting' the better half of the deal." He sniffed as he greedily took the money from Harry and began counting it. "Pleasure doing business with you, boy. Now, don't get lost on your way back, heh." He smiled without looking up from the money on the counter.
"Yeah, thanks..." Harry muttered quietly as he pocketed the leather pouch in his robe pocket and stepped out the door.
Just as Harry was about to take out his wand again, a hand suddenly covered his mouth. His shouts were muffled as he felt a sharp jab of a wand tip poke him violently in the back. The next thing he knew, he found himself being dragged into a dark alley against his will.
"Keep screaming, see what good that'll do yeh." Growled a voice in Harry's ear.
Harry used all his strength he had to try and wriggle free from the man's grasp. He had almost successfully done it when the man suddenly shoved him so forcefully to the ground that it knocked the wind out of him.
"Stupefy!" The man hissed.
Harry suddenly felt like he had been punched in the stomach by the Whomping Willow before everything went black and he lost consciousness.