Harry Potter and the Shard of Magic.

By Wihstrum

Chapter 3: Diagon Ally

Hermione wandered through the large house that once was Sirius's. Ron and she would be staying over for the night, with only real reason; to be with Harry.
From the brief moments they had been able to speak the emerald-eyed youth in private, she'd found out that the girl could not go back to where she came from -wherever that might be- and that she was suffering from temporarily memory-loss. His greatest concern had been the raw pulses of magic she did not seem to be able to control. Everything was rather vague beyond that.

Finally she heard laughter coming from sitting room and heard Ron's baritone voice call a 'checkmate', followed by a defeated groan from Hogwarts' Golden Boy. Peeking into the room she saw Ron clearing the deck for yet another game and in the couch was Alex, huddled between pillows and a big tome on her knee. Rather than reading she was absently staring at the two young men, even though her eyes were glazed over. She was in deep thought.

She smiled at the cheeky grin Ron sent her and calmly crossed the room to where Alex was trying to sort out the cobwebs in her head. The couch sagged as Hermione sat down carefully next to her, which was enough to startle the white-head out of her contemplative state. The feminine prefect watched Alex smiling at her tentatively. This was something Hermione had noticed over the past few days; Alex's face was either completely stoic, devoid of any emotion whatsoever or she would utter the brightest of all expressions she had ever seen, making her very likeable. The only thing about her which would never lie, were her eyes; they could be read like the book that was resting in her lap. Hermione smiled back.

Alex gazed flicked away nervously as she always did when she was around someone else than Harry. Whether the raven head liked it or not, Alex seemed rather fond of him, he'd obviously done something to win her trust.

"So, eh, where are your parents now?" Hermione clumsily tried to start a conversation.

Green eyes were widened with surprise, before her brow was rippled in thought, "I don't think I have any parents."

Hermione froze momentarily; she hadn't expected any answer along the lines of this one, "Do you have any recollection at all of your life before this place?" Hermione asked carefully.

"No. I don't have memories of anything." She hesitated and leafed aimlessly through the book, "Like when you just asked me if I had parents. I know what you mean by 'parents', but I can't even remember being a child. I know words and their meanings, but...I'd never done any of them. I don't have a 'life before this place'. I don't have a life at all." She fell silent and stared absently at a moving image in the book, which seemed to be demonstrating the Silencing charm.

Observing the expressions changing rapidly over the other's face, Hermione felt her heart ache for Alex. Must be awful, she thought, having no idea at all of whom you are. "Don't worry, you have a life. You just have to start living it."

Alex tilted her head sideways, a pleasantly perplexed look gleaming in her eyes. Her previously stoic expression turned into a genuine smile, "Thanks Hermione."

"My pleasure."

A distinct anxious feeling poured into the pit of his stomach as they flooed into the Leaky Cauldron. The place was as shabby and dark as ever, but yet it was crowed with wizards from all social classes. Tom shot him a toothless grin as he stood drying glasses behind the bar.

As if he'd sensed Harry's nervousness, Remus wrapped amiably an arm around the youth's shoulder. "Don't worry cub, it'll be over before you know it."

All he could do was nod, but the look of complete emotional exhaustion showed on his young face, even though the effort Harry was trying not to. Sirius Will was all that was on his mind, the finality of it seemed gigantic and Harry could not find a way to cope with it. With a quick glance at the werewolf's face, he learned that Moony was actually doing not so much better; the dark bags under his eyes showed the many sleepless nights filled with lonely insecurity.

The day after tomorrow school would start again, so after the Reading they'd go shopping, even though Harry sincerely doubted that he'd still want to.

"Kay, lads." Tonks spoke up, "We'll meet here again at 6 sharp, for dinner. You have the day all to yourselves, but don't forget; we're keeping an eye out for ya."

"But, first, we're going to Gringotts…" Remus spoke softly, not able to choke out the part of 'Sirius's Will'.

Tonks gave them a reassuring wink, yet seemed rather subdued herself even the color of hair seemed to share her sentiments as it was black today, and then moved her way out onto the street, the youngsters tagging behind. Tapping the brick wall with her wand, Tonks stepped aside as she waited for the archway to appear.

Harry stepped through, a wave of nostalgia overtaking him and smiling as he heard Alex gasp next to him. He remembered how amazed he'd been on his first time here with Hagrid, so how must it feel for Alex who'd just set her first step in the world. The dismay briefly evaporated from system and a deep content feeling settled in the empty spot as the typical smells and sounds filled him up as he walked through the streets. Yet his smile disappeared as quickly as it had come, when he saw Gringotts standing out clearly, a large white marble building between smaller rustic ones. Remus' back muscles visibly tightened as he stepped inside and Harry knew he was doing the same. In the lobby, Molly and Arthur Weasley were already waiting, along with Bill and the twins.

After a brief conversation with one of the Goblins, Remus returned and his voice was deceivingly flat when he said, "They'll be with us in a moment."

A pregnant silence settled between the lot of them, and it was Alex who spoke up first "This is something very personal. It'll be better if I just wait here."

Opening their mouths to protest, Alex cut them off "I won't go anywhere, I'll just wait here.", and promptly turned around to sit at the far side of the lobby, on one of the dark oak chairs next to an equally dark oak door. Harry had the sneaking suspicion that the chamber beyond that door was where they'd be going.

Before any other objections could be voiced, a tall dark-haired man approached them, wearing expensive business robes. After a formal greeting he introduced himself as Mark Wilson, an attorney at law, he would be reading Sirius' Will.

Harry's suspicion was confirmed as they were led to the other side of the lobby, and through the tall wooden doors. Alex did not look up until Harry passed by. A small smile settled on her lips and for once Harry did not feel aggravated by it as it was not a 'poor Harry'-smile or 'It'll be alright'-smile. It was merely an acknowledgment of his grief and the regret that she could not help him. He knew he was starting to see her as a friend, so similar to them yet exactly the opposite. As if she hosted many personalities in one body which in turn formed the most unique person he had ever met.

A long table was situated in the middle of the room and the torches made odd shadows dance across the walls. Dumbldore was already there as were a few others Harry had never seen before, but then again, Sirius had a big family and undoubtedly he would have friends he'd never met.

The reading of the Will was something he would never want to experience again; it lasted long and was very tedious. Sirius left every single one of them a part of his Estate, all the way from Hermione to every member of the Weasley family, his own family (Tonks and her parents) and finally Remus.

"Everything else is yours Mr.Potter." Mark Wilson concluded, and grey eyes regarded Harry from over silver spectacles "Nevertheless you are the wealthiest wizard in all of Great Britain."

The raven head felt nothing else than wanting to scream he didn't deserve it. He did not want becoming rich at the cost of the death of others. Not to mention over the death of people he considered family. Yet he found himself nodding solemnly, face expressionless.

He let his head drop back as they finally left the building -after withdrawing money- taking in a shuddering breath. Remus was doing something similar as well. The mood was definitely a heavy one right now, and Harry just hoped it would be lifted somewhere this afternoon.

"Ready?" Hermione asked softy as she came to stand next to him, briefly touching his arm.

Harry took one more deep breath, brushed his dark bangs unconsciously over his scar and gave her a firm nod, "Yeah, ready."

His friend shot him a warm smile, which actually managed to make Harry feel a little better. He started to learn that depending on his friends was different from being depended on. They were there for him when he needed them most, yet Harry questioned himself if he'd ever be ready to tell them about the Prophesy.

They found themselves being dragged immediately over to Flourish and Blotts, as Hermione's priority obviously was focused on getting their new books. Tonks and Remus blended into the crowd around them and soon enough it was like on of their trips in the very beginning, carefree and enjoyable. Even Harry found his spirits being lifted as he browsed through the various books stashed away in the cramped little store. After gathering the books needed this school year, Harry went to inspect the Defense books section, in hope to find something that would provide more defense techniques.

Alex was shuffling aimlessly through the store after she had gotten her books, since it was courtesy of Dumbledore that she could buy school supplies and clothing in the first place. She would pick out a book randomly, thumb through it and then grudgingly put it back as she had no means of buying it.

After that, Ron and Harry had gone over to Quality Quidditch Supplies while Hermione and Ginny took Alex to Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions for her school robes and agreed to meet at Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor for an ice cream at 4.

Harry draped himself lazily in one of the chairs at Florean's and waited for the girls to come back and listen to Ron's impatient complaining that he was hungry. The redhead shot a glare in the direction from where the three girls came.

Ginny dropped down and sighed contently. "Might say that's she's got a good taste for clothes, unique though…"

They ordered their ice creams, Alex eyeing it fascinated until Ron told her to eat it or it would melt. Or rather eat it himself.

Harry dozed a little off in the warm afternoon and heard his friends chatter in the background. He closed his eyes and relaxed. His mind became foggy. He walked through it, wondering what was going on… the hairs in his neck rose when he heard cries in the distance, a green pulsating light and then more agonized pleading. He reached for his wand, only to discover that it was gone. He knew he shouldn't be going towards the strange greenish glow, but he couldn't stop himself. Something was there; it called him, inviting him. The fog drew denser and denser and he stumbled over something. He looked down and looked right into the lifeless eyes of Sirius. His stomach lurched and the fog abruptly cleared and the ground… no battle field was littered with bodies. Corpses, slaughtered, the blood freshly pouring out of their wounds and still shuddering as the life was drained from them. His mind reeled and he turned on his heel and started to run, but the harder he ran, the more the dead became people he knew; Cedric, Hermione, Ron, Remus, Ginny, Neville, Luna, Dumbledore… his heart pounded savagely against his chest, but he couldn't stop running, and the dead faces of his friends kept staring accusingly up at him. The fog suddenly swallowed him and in his disorientation he ran into something and fell backwards. When he looked up, he stared directly into the red eyes of Voldemort. Immediately his head seamed to tear open and he screamed out in miserable agony. His enemy leaned down, bringing his serpent-like features only a few inches from his. "Harry Potter the Boy-Who-Lived. How much more must die for your futile attempts of defeating me? Your Hero-complex leads the ones who are close to you to their grave. Be afraid… you will never be able to beat me. You are weak. Just as your parents, just as Cedric and just as your dear dog Sirius…"

Someone hit him in the face, bringing him back to the world of the living. His breathing was ragged and heavy, his lungs starting to burn at the aggressive inhaling of air. He couldn't focus and saw a blur where he heard Ron's voice. It took a while before his vision cleared, yet the throbbing didn't stop. He saw Tonks and Bill shooing everybody away so Harry had some space and Ginny handed him a glass of water. He didn't drink it though; he turned it over his head, the icy water cooling the burning from his scar, briefly.

"Harry!" Hermione kneeled down besides him and pulled him in a friendly embrace. She rocked him making soothing sounds, rubbing his back. Harry didn't understand, until he wanted to touch his forehead and felt the wet streaks of tears on his cheeks. He'd been crying in front of his friends! He desperately wanted to sink onto the floor in a puddle of goo and die of embarrassment.

What had been a fairly good mood was definitely ruined for the rest of the day. After the vision or dream, he couldn't decide what it was exactly; the day had passed by quite uneventfully, although his mood had become bearable when they met up with Neville in the Stationary store where the fellow-Gryffindor was purchasing a new quill and parchment.

"Last stop, Ollivander's!" Hermione announced, she and Ginny had been trying to restore the mood, but failing miserably in their attempts.

When entered the dusty eerie little store and Ollivander peaked out from behind a stack of little black boxes. "Mister Potter, Miss Granger and Miss and Mister Weasely…. What a unexpected yet pleasant surprise." He arched a brushy eyebrow "Don't tell me that one of your wands is malfunctioning?"

"No sir, we're here for a friend of ours…" Hermione nudged Alex closer to the man, she seemed uncomfortable and he could see her brow sparkling with sweat. Harry felt for her; as he knew she hadn't been exactly fond of wands ever since she'd almost set the place on fire with 'Incendo'.

"I see…" he answered slowly with the familiar mysterious tone in his voice. "Well then young lady, come over here… yes. Why, aren't you unusually old to buy your first wand?" Alex opened her mouth to explain herself, but didn't find an excuse.

"Just as me, she broke her wand. She needs a new one…" Ron helped her out and Alex grinned lopsidedly at him, grateful for backing her up.

"Hmmm… what's your name young lady?" he asked her while he scooted over to one of the towers of wands, lining floor to ceiling with thousands of narrow boxes.

She shifted nervously from on foot to another, as her measurements were being taken, "Alex…"

"Alright then, Alex, try this one. Give it a nice little swish."

Alex arched her eyebrow and after a deep breath, she swished it carefully. Immediately the counter caught fire and they all hustled over to put a stop to it.

She bit her lower lip anxiously, standing rigid to the spot, "S-sorry I didn't mean to…"

"That's okay dear, boy what an explosion. You're quite forceful, aren't you? No matter, try this one… don't worry."

The green eyed girl took a deep breath and flicked it. A huge stack of boxes were conjured into little blue, chirping birds. Once again everybody scrambled around, trying to return the birds back to their original state before they could escape through a window.

Alex cursed under her breath and looked at the floor, pink flushing her cheeks as she was ashamed of her incompetence.

"Seems like you need a powerful wand to control your impulsive magical outbursts…" Ollivander murmured. Alex muttered an apology which he waved away. "That's not you're fault, but I must say that you're going to have quite a difficult time learning to control that."

Alex went through six more wands until she found one which could actually was able to focus her magical outbursts. It was made from acacia 12", pliable, the core made of the rare feather of a wing from a Pegasus stallion.

Around 6 they re-entered the Leaky Cauldron and Alex was glad, feeling as if her head might explode at the constant whirl of thoughts and sensations. She had known there were places like this, even more so she had recognized them before she'd realized it, but never had she expected them to be so… rich. There were so many things to see, hear, smell, feel, and learn. But deep inside her was the calming sensation of being alive, even though a big gaping hole still held the void within her. She did not know why she felt so empty, but right now it was being over-ruled by her experiences of today. She liked that, even if she was burned out.

Harry propped his head up his fist and allowed the tension the flow away for a moment. Things had been a little too hectic today: Sirius Will had filled him with loneliness, the vision had replaced that with anger and all the while by just being in Diagon Ally with his friends had made him happy. A good night's rest was what he needed now, clear out his mind, and then surrender to the blissful oblivion commonly know as sleep.
He contented himself by looking at Hermione and Ron talking to each other. The redhead was resting his head in his arms, eyes closed and smiling as he spoke, freckles shifting with movements of his face. Regarding him with a gentle expression on her face was Hermione, sitting closer to him as usual.
Just as him, they'd grown up. The things they'd gone through together had made them significantly more experienced than others their age. If not by their appearances, it was the look they held in their eyes that made that evident.
Ron had grown out of his lanky posture, and was starting to take after Bill somewhat, slim and tall with a raw attractiveness. Hermione was a young woman now and Harry had noticed that she'd made more than one head turn as she walked through Diagon Ally. She was not what muggles considered perfect, like the bimbos you saw on MTV or in fashion magazines. No, Hermione shone with inner beauty and her smile lit her whole face, and her brown hair was as bushy as ever, hanging well over her shoulders.

Ginny was poking fun with her twin brothers, smiling broadly. Her red hair had grown well over the half over her back now and her chocolate eyes twinkled with the same mischief her brothers held. She seemed small and delicate, but Harry knew not to cross her if he liked to live on with all his limbs still firmly attached to his body.

He really loved them, more than they'd ever know. They were his family, his home and he was still so afraid that they might be the next ones to suffer because of him. He'd do anything to keep them safe and he would die if that was what it took.

Finally he lazily tilted his head towards Alex as dinner was being served. The white haired girl was nibbling thoughtfully on the end of her spoon.

"I though I already explained that you are supposed to eat the food with the spoon, not chew the spoon itself." He joked lamely, feeling sorry for probably coming over rather cold today.

She gave him a friendly swap over the head, but her eyes twinkled in response. She dipped her bread in the soup and blew a careful breath across it. She did not want to burn her tongue as she'd done the first time.

"What were you thinking about?" Harry murmured before taking a scoop in his mouth himself.

Alex chewed her food contemplatively before she answered "Everything. There are not enough words to describe it all." She turned her eyes at Harry, "I like it here."

"We can come back over summer." He suggested.

She stopped herself from nodding, "Sure, but where do I go after…school?" she pointed out, the twinkling in her eyes dying down.

Scrunching up his nose as he realized she'd made a point, Harry thought about that himself, "I don't know," he told her honestly, "Are you of age?"

A confused expression flicked across her face and she arched her right eyebrow in question.

"Are you seventeen?" he explained with a small smile.

"I…" words got stuck in her throat "I don't know." She shook her head unbelievingly. "I never really thought about that. Do I look seventeen?"

Harry sucked in his lower lip as he observed her face: her jaw line was strong yet feminine, her white eyebrows arched gracefully above her eyes, her nose was straight, yet the tip had a cute jump in it, her eyes were large and shone unnaturally bright and long white eyelashes crowned them, and the tan was a stark contrast to the white hair. It was not blonde; it was as white as fresh-fallen snow. Her body was certainly that of a woman; sleek muscles stretched over strong bones, giving the impression of a wild feline and she had generous curves, pronouncing her femininity. "Yes, I think you are. I wouldn't even be surprised if you were older than us."

She just nodded, not knowing what to say about it, "If I am…" she stared slowly "what would happen to me then?"

Once again Harry had to deny her the answer, since he found none himself, "Would you mind staying at Grimmauld place?"

"I don't think so," she said with shrug, "If only they let me out more…"

Harry grinned at that, "Just you wait until we get at Hogwarts; I bet you'll love the tower, it looks over the Forbidden Forest."

She scraped the last of her soup out of the bowl and returned the grin, "Yeah, I can't wait!"

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A/N: this is an edit, or actually a whole new chapter! Cause the last one sucked.

Thanks to my wonderful beta Keiko-keket for making this chappie typo-free!

See that little purple-ish button? Click the purple-ish button, because you know you want to… yes, you want to review this story! Okay, okay, want me to beg? I'll beg; pleasepleaseplease review? Pleeeease? No flames please but constructive advice please. Thanks!