Chapter 4 -- Diagon Alley

The rest of the Party went well. Harry felt better by the end. In the next few days the rest of them got used to Harry doing Magic, He had shown then the note from the minister of Magic. He still went down to his potions lab and kept tinkering. There were regular booms. On one such occasion a smoked and sooth covered came up after a dreadful accidents.

Hermione asked "Harry?"

"I am ok. A suggestion. Don't add Gillyweed to a Drowning potion. It explodes."

Hermione was shocked "Yes. But Prof Snape told us never to do that. Or we would no live to tell about it. You should really consider what you do in there."

Harry replied "Ya. I remember now. But He never said what would happen. What is the fun in life if you do not know why not to do something."

Ginny said "But you could have got hurt."

"Nope. Got some protective wards in there. And the amount of potions also are very small."

Neville had looked over all this, pale faced. He had after all got a P in Potions.

Molly came in to announce that they would be going to Diagon Alley tomorrow because they want to beat the crowd. She was also very happy because Minerva had hinted that Ginny would be named this year's Prefects

All them went to check what all they needed to buy while they were at Diagon Alley.

The next day All the Harry, Ron, Ginny, Luna, Neville & Hermione with Mr. & Mrs. Weasley and Remus were off to Diagon Alley via Portkey. Harry of course that they will be watched during he visit. No sooner would Dumbledore allow Harry out of his sight that allow a Deatheater teach at Hogwarts. Then again there is Snape and was Crouch Jr.

The moment the entire group stepped into Gringotts A couple of Goblins came up to Harry and escorted him to the side. Remus winked at the rest of them and followed Harry. A few minutes later they were out of Gringotts. The Weasleys now had no problem with money, Fred and George were doing really good. Mr. Weasley's pay scale had gone up considerably because of his new positions. Luna and Neville were never poor to start with.

First they made their way to the bookstore. Harry had received his books, as gifts from his teachers so needed none. He went looking through the store while the rest of them bought their books. He ended up buying 2 books 'Knowing the Darker Mind' & 'Advanced Transfigation'

As they were leaving the store they were stormed by Reporters. There were flashing lights everywhere. All of them were trying to ask him questions at the same time. Mr. Weasley came forward and said "Please leave us alone." Seeing the Deputy Minister of Magic many of the reporter were persuaded into leaving in a hurry. How ever one of them stayed back. She said "Mr. Potter, I am Chandra Patil. You took one of my daughters to the Yule Ball a couple of years back. Have you read my article about you last month?"

"Yes. Dumbledore gave me copy. I glanced through it."

Mrs. Patil's ear's grew a little red at this. "The Daily Prophet wanted to do a personal interview with you."

Harry gave her a cold look and then said "To make another joke of me like you did last year."

Mrs. Patil was not prepared for this "Why Harry. That was all a misunderstanding. It was childish. Just look it over."

Harry said "I did not take it well though." and the group walked away.

Leaving a stunned Mrs. Patil.

Harry spent a lot of time at Apothecary. After all their shopping was done. They returned to the Headquarters. Mr. Weasley said "Well that was a nice trip. No problems anywhere."

Harry looked up and said "Well we will be having a meeting tonight thought."

Just then Moody came in. He was very happy.

Harry looked and asked him "So what did you do to those two."

Moody laughed and said "Ahh!! You read the book I gave you. Good. Constant Vigilance"

Then Fawkes appareted in holding a letter, She went straight for Harry who said "Meeting at 9:30 today. Lets start informing the members." Moody, Harry and Arthur went over to the fireplace. Mrs. Weasley pushed the rest of them into the kitchen and told Dobby and Winky that there was a meeting tonight.

Later Harry found himself surrounded by the members of the Order.

Dumbledore rose and started the meeting by saying "This meeting of the Order of Phoenix is now in session. Moddy how was shopping?" clearly for the benefit of the others gathered. Moody grunted "Well. Two new Deatheaters were stocking Potter and Weasley's during their little shopping trip. They were hiding under invisibility clocks" At this Mrs. Weasley was shacking very badly "Of course I took them out. Harry seem to have found out how to see through invisibility clocks also was also ready to pounce I might say. Good Boy. Constant Vigilance. But leave the fighting to us. OK!!" he ended sharply. Every member was looking at him. "Well Moody. I did see you and Tonks there. So I was not going to do something rash." Harry replied. Dumbledore laughed at this and said "Well it seem I might have difficulty lurking around in Hogwarts now."

Flech put his hand up and said "Well the Deatheaters are really busy in Knockturn alley now. Lots of buying going on. Many illegal potion ingredients. Many charmed items. A lot of Dark books. Looks like a lot of recruitment is going on. Some unicorn blood was also bought."

Dumbledore turned to Snape who said "No Special Potions requests yet. I don't think he trust me completely yet. If recruitment is going on then I have not been notified about it. He is keeping everything secret. He is up to something big if you ask me."

A few more reports and a lot of discussion later the meeting was over. Most of the members who were not there for the party wished Harry about his birthday. They all had dinner and left. Before leaving Dumbledore took Harry to the side and said "Harry you need to give the interview to the Daily Prophet. It is important because the people look up to you as a symbol. It will give them courage."

Harry nodded at this knowing that Dumbledore was correct and he was also being maneuvered by the old man into the forefront of this battle.

Later when Harry went up to his room. He found all his friends sitting there. Ron asked Harry "Mom was pretty shaken up about something in the meeting."

Harry turned to them and said "Ya. 2 Deatheaters hidden under invisibility clocks were looking to ambush us. Moody took care of them. They will be turned over to the ministry tomorrow."

Hermione looked at Harry and asked hotly "Why did you tell us this? Please don't keep this also secret like the rest."

"Bcoz it is going to be in the newspaper tomorrow anyway." He replied with a wink

Luna then asked "Was that all that was discussed?"

"No. But it was one of the main points."

Neville asked "Why is it that you are allowed in the meeting. It is because of the prophecy. Right?"

Harry nodded his head to this.

Hermione's voice was strained when she said this "What prophecy? There is a prophecy between Harry and You Know Who?"

Harry nodded again.

"Harry you have to tell us the prophecy. We will help you decipher it. Prophecy's tend to have a lot of hidden meaning in them." Hermione pleaded

"Dumbledore and I are the only one know the full version. It remains that way. Dumbledore has been over it. So there is no stone left unturned."

"But what does the prophecy say?" Luna asked

"It personal. I am sorry, really sorry. I cannot tell you that. I am not ready to talk about it."

Everyone knew that their little interview was over. The girls left the boys bed room.

The next day's paper read "Interview with Harry Potter Soon.."