Disclaimer: Sadly, everything you recognize belongs to the great J.K Rowling.

A/N: So so so sorry I haven't updated in awhile. I realize it's been almost two months ducks as angry fans throw Harry Potter Books but my computer hasn't been working the way it should, and I had to wait to get it fixed.

To my reviewers: I will make this a short shout out, and just say thank you to all of you for being patient ( and no, mirrorimage of , you weren't being annoying. It was great to know that I had a reader who hadn't given p on me. lol.

And what you've all been waiting for...............

Chapter 13

Diagon Alley

Harry, Ron, and Neville woke up the next morning, and after getting dresses, they walked downstairs to meet the others for their trip to Diagon Alley today. Ginny, Hermione, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Remus, Tonks, Moody, and Krum were all waiting for the boys at the bottom of the stairs. Harry needed a full guard today, as he was traveling in Diagon Alley, and it would be an opportune place for a death eater to kidnap him of they were alone, as no one would notice in the crowds. Deldalus Diggle, Emmeline Vance, and Rami Grazide would be meeting them in the Leaky Cauldron, where they would be going first. Mrs. Weasley had informed them all the previous night that they would be stopping for a drink in the shabby pub, so they could meet the rest of the guard with out a fuss.

Mrs. Weasley looked up when she heard the three boys descend the stairs. "Oh good, boys, you're here. Hurry up and eat your breakfast, and we'll be off." Harry, Ron, and Neville descended the stairs into the kitchen, and breakfasted quickly.

Half an hour later Harry popped out of the fireplace in the Leaky Cauldron a bit uncomfortable. Mrs. Weasley came out behind him and they joined the others. Harry looked around the pub, and noticed how many tables the members of his current guard had taken up in a secluded corner of the pub. Harry made his way over to them and took a seat between Ron and Ginny. Harry was happy to be seated. He sank back in his chair, and closed his eyes for a moment. Harry hated traveling by Floo powder. He wished that wizards would come up with a more comfortable way to travel. When he opened his eyes, Harry looked to his right and saw Ginny give him a smile. Suddenly he felt a bit better.

Harry grinned back at her, before turning to see Ron cast a glance across the table where Hermione and Krum were seated. Harry marveled at Ron's unusual ability to keep his temper, as the night before he had not taken too well to the idea that Victor would be accompanying them to Diagon Alley. Minutes later Tom, the old toothless bartender, came over with their butterbeers, and Mrs. Weasley tapped her bottle to get their attention.

"Alright everyone. We'll have to get all of your school supplies of coarse," she began, looking around at them all. "We should probably start at Flourish and Blotts for all of your books, after a quick visit to Gringotts of course, and then we may head over to Madame Malkins, as I've seen that some of you are in need of new robes this year." She smiled fondly at Harry. Then she continued, "After we get all the necessary shopping done we will visit Fred and George's shop for a bit. Harry will have to go in first however."

"Why?" asked Harry. He wondered why he was to be the first one to see the shop.

"I'm not quite sure dear," answered Mrs. Weasley. "Fred and George only said that you got to see the shop before anyone else in the family."

Harry got a sinking feeling in his stomach. He had an idea why he might be the first one to see the shop; however he had thought Mrs. Weasley had known about it. Hadn't Ron told him after Fred and George left Hogwarts that he was going to write his mum and tell her? Harry looked over at his best mate, but Ron was too busy talking to Hermione to notice.

After everyone had finished the group made their way out onto the cobbled street. Harry squinted in the sunlight as they made their way long the street. As they rounded the bend on the street, Harry could make out the spectacular white marble building that was Gringotts, sparkling in the morning sunshine. Together, Harry and the others climbed the steps of Gringotts, and walked inside to see goblins bustling about. Harry heard someone calling them, and looked up to see Bill Weasley walking up the hallway with his girlfriend Fleur.

Harry remembered Ron saying something about Bill working a desk job with Fleur so he could be closer to the Order. Bill walked over and hugged his mother and father, and began to greet some of the members of the Guard when Fleur suddenly screeched, "Victor! Harry!"

Fleur came running up to them and engulfed them in a huge hug. Over her shoulder Harry could see Hermione scowling at the three of them, and her look darkened as she saw Ron looking at Fleur with a hopeful expression on his face. "Oh, hello Ronald!" said Fleur, letting go of Harry and Krum. She ran over to Ron and gave him a quick hug, and Ron looked to Harry as though he might die of happiness. Hermione snorted behind them, and Fleur walked back over to Bill.

Bill began introducing Fleur to the rest of the Guard, and all of the men seemed to take an instant liking to Fleur. As Bill and Fleur announced that they must continue on, Ron stared after Fleur. Hermione shoved him lightly, although when she spoke she was clearly annoyed.

"Get over yourself Ron Weasley. She is your older brother's girlfriend."

Ron reddened, and then recovering herself, he scowled at Hermione. Harry once again caught Ginny's eye, and they both tried furiously to bite back their laughter. Meanwhile, Mrs. Weasley, Tonks, and Emmeline were trying desperately to get the men's attention back to the group. They had all been left staring after Fleur also. The women all looked very frusterated, and the men were flustered as they realized what they had been doing.

"She's part Veela," Harry explained to the group of adults. Their eyes widened in understanding, and Harry saw Mr. Weasley and Remus redden slightly but they shook it off, and continued.

The goblin called Griphook got two cars for the large group, and brought them to their Vaults. The last stop was Harry on the way back up. The rickety old cart screeched to a stop in front of Harry's vault, and he got out. Harry looked around his vault, and saw his large pile of gold. He guiltily looked back at the Weasleys, trying desperately to hide his contents from view as he hastily shoves handfuls of gold into his moneybag.

Hours later, Harry had been in Flourish and Blotts, Madam Malkins, the Apothecary where Harry and Ron needed to replenish their potions supplies, and The Eylops Owl Emporium to buy treats for Hedwig and Pig, the Magical Menagerie so Hermione could buy something for Crookshanks, and they were currently on their way to Florean Flotscue's for some ice cream.

"Oh this is wonderful," said Hermione. "I can't wait to be back in Hogwarts."

Ron rolled his eyes, but Harry however, couldn't help but agree with her. The castle was his home, and he was beginning to feel a bit homesick after the few months away from it. He needed to be somewhere where he wouldn't have to have a guard follow him around 24/7, or where everyone looked at him with pity in their eyes.

"I agree Hermione," said Harry. "It will be good to get away from everything."

Harry didn't miss the looks exchanged between everyone when he said this. That was what he was trying to get away from. Harry noticed that the only person that didn't look at him with pity was Remus. Remus had to endure much of the same thing as Harry, though not as much, because less people knew him. Harry's thoughts were cut off as Ron's stomach gave a loud rumble next to him.

"I'm hungry," complained Ron as everyone laughed. "Let's get some ice cream." The group walked into the ice cream parlor, and ordered.

Some time later, after Ron's stomach had stopped grumbling, the group made their way back onto the cobbled street.

"Let's go to Quality Quiddich Supplies," said Ron hopefully. Harry, Ginny, and Krum had no problem with this suggestion, although Hermione wasn't too happy about it.

"Oh come on, Hermione," said Ginny. "We spend half an hour in Flourish and Blotts waiting for you to pick out a new book." Hermione sighed with the air of someone who recognized defeat, and they crossed the street and into Quality Quiddich Supplies.

When they walked inside, Harry spotted Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnagin looking at the firebolt on display. Anger rose in Harry as he saw Dean, and when he looked over at Ginny he saw she was trying her best not to look at him. Instead she fell into conversation with Colin Creevy who had just walked through the door.

"Hi Harry," said Colin excitedly.

"Hullo Colin" was Harry's dull reply.

Upon hearing this Dean and Seamus turned around.

"Oi, Harry," cried Seamus. "Neville, Ron, Hermione-"

Seamus, Dean and Colin's jaws dropped simultaneously as their eyes fell on the person standing next to Harry. Krum looked at Harry as if to ask who these people were. Hermione cleared her throat, and began to make an introduction for Krum, however she was cut off before she could get it out, as Tonks had knocked over a display of figurines causing the shopkeeper had looked up at that very moment.

"Are you lot going to buy anything, or just stand there clogging up the d-" The shopkeeper stopped midsentence when Harry turned to look at him. "Harry Potter?"

Harry didn't know quite what to say to the man, but was saved the trouble of finding words when the man's eyes traveled over to the rest of the party. "Victor Krum?" The man's eyes were bulging by now, and the last two names that had come out of his mouth got the attention of everyone else shopping in the store.

"Welcome to my store Mr. Potter and Mr. Krum. What can I do for you today?"

An hour later, Harry, Krum and the rest of the group made it pout of the store. It was the only time that Harry could remember that he wanted to leave Quality Quiddich Supplies so badly. Ron had laughed his arse off when Harry went to buy tail cleaner, and the man positively jumped for joy to make the sale. And when Krum had bought a twig clipper, the man had nearly died of happiness.

Now the group made their way over to Fred and George's shop. As they rounded the corner, Harry heard Hermione gasp. As he looked ahead of him he could see why. In front of them was what looked like a giant version of the portable swamp that they had used at Hogwarts a few months ago. Going across the swamp was a wide wooden bridge leading to an island in the middle of the swamp. There was a building there, featuring three giant W's, and the entrance was apparently through the gap in the center W. Over it was a sign that read:

Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes.

Harry was impressed with it. Fred and George had gone all out to make their shop noticeable. Harry and Ron led the way over the bridge, but before they could make it to the door, George came running out.

"Sorry everyone, but Harry sees it first."

With that George motioned for Harry to follow him, leaving the rest of the group dumbfounded for a moment, before they all came to their senses and followed Harry and George. Harry walked through the door, and immediately, Fred left Lee Jordan behind the counter and rushed up to greet them.

"Hello Harry, and everyone else." Harry saw Ron roll his eyes. "Welcome to Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes."

"What can we do for our best investor?" George asked Harry.

"Best investor?" said Mrs. Weasley puzzled. "Why-"

"Why is Harry your best investor?" asked Tonks cutting off Mrs. Weasley.

Fred and George looked over at Harry, who shrugged. It was about time for them all to find out about his little donation anyway. Mrs. Weasley didn't seem to mind the idea of her two sons running a joke shop anyhow, and he had felt really bad lying to her, especially after her comment last summer about how she thought him as good as a son.

"Harry donated the money for us to begin our shop a year ago.-" began Fred slowly.

"He gave them his Triwizard winnings," interrupted Ron.

Mr. Weasley looked even more surprised than Mrs. Weasley did. Emmeline Vance let out a low whistle. Remus smiled, and Moody said nothing. Tonks greeted this news by knocking over a box of Weasley's Wildfire Whizbangs, causing the store to be filled with giant fireworks.

Several people in the store screamed, and Lee had to duck as a pink Catherine wheel flew past his head, knocking into a dragon, producing a load of pigs that flew at three girls in the corner. Harry smiled as he remembered the last time he had witnessed these in action. Fred grinned also and quickly muttered something to make the fireworks disappear.

George pointed his wand at his throat and muttered "sonorous."

"Ladies and Gentlemen, you have just witnessed a rather unexpected display of Weasley's Wildfire Whizbangs. For anyone who likes what they saw, you can find them over here by the door. Enjoy your shopping."

George pointed his wand at his throat and muttered 'quietus', and his voice returned to normal again. Fred turned to them grinning.

"You can never miss an opportunity to make a good sale," said Fred grinning even wider as they saw many customers making their way over to the fireworks display. "Have fun looking around. Buy your back to school products."

Harry grinned at them, and he and Ron, went to stock up on products. Hermione and Krum were examining the fireworks. Harry noticed that the twins had set up their store very nicely. The first area they had encountered was filled with shelves of what looked to be all of Fred and George's edible pranks. Harry and Ron started browsing those shelves, and discovering several new products in addition to the old ones.

Ron and Harry read the sign next to the skiving snack boxes that read:

Rated a 10 out of 10 by Hogwarts students, claiming Skiving Snackboxes provided wonderful cases of 'Umbridge-itis'

Harry decided that it would be useful to buy some Skiving Snackboxes incase he had another teacher like Umbridge. Harry picked up all the familiar flavors, creating nosebleeds, fevers, feinting, and puking. He then noticed another Skiving Snackbox called Common Cold Carmel. Ron picked it up and skimmed over the inscription on the side.

"Apparently it gives you runny nose, cough, and a headache," said Ron looking at Harry. "Who'd have thought that Fred and George could have come up with this?"

Harry shrugged, and both he and Ron bought some of those too. They turned and saw a number of other sweets, including Harry's first experience with Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes, Ton Tongue Toffee. Ron smiled at this and picked up a few. Harry and Ron started browsing the rest of the sweets, coming across Canary Creams, of which Harry bought a few, and something called the Disappearing Drink. Apparently, after someone drinks it body parts randomly start disappearing for hours afterwards.

Suddenly Ron started laughing. "Harry look at these," he choked out between gales of laughter. He held out something for Harry to see. It looked like gum, but the wrapper on the package said Gaseous Gum. "When you give this too someone, every time they chew they fart really loud."

Harry raised his eyebrows, and Fred appeared behind them and said, "Yeah, they're really amusing sometimes. If you were to give it to someone to chew during History of Magic for example. It would be dead silent until they started to chew." Harry and Ron laughed at that.

"Or you could force feed them to a git like Malfoy," said Ginny behind them. That made the four of them laugh, and cause all three Hogwarts students present to add Gaseous Gum to their bags.

Harry and Ron moved to other sections of the store, where they found the Wildfire Whizbangs, and the portable swamp. Harry looked around very impressed. He saw Mr. and Mrs. Weasley looking at the Ton Tongue Toffee, and shaking their heads in remembrance. Hermione and Krum were looking at the disappearing drink, and no doubt Hermione was wondering how they made it. Neville was telling Tonks and Emmeline all about his experience with the Canary Creams, and Tonks must have thought it interesting because she picked a few off the shelf. Ginny smirked at what was labeled to be canisters filled with Garroting Gas. Remus was having a conversation with Fred and George a few feet away.

"...would have given us marauders a run for our money," said Remus smiling.

"Flattered as we are about that point of view Remus-" Fred started.

"We couldn't have done half of what we've done in Hogwarts with out the help of the Marauders," George finished for him.

"Yeah, we wouldn't have been expelled by now if we hadn't swiped that map in our first year."

"You guys gave us future generations of pranksters an oath to live by."

"I solemnly swear I'm up to no good." recited Fred and George, while holding their right hand over their hearts. Remus smiled at this and shook his head.

"James and Sirius would have been so proud," he said.

George suddenly turned and spotted Harry. "Oi Harry mate," he said rushing over to Harry and Ron. You have to see our newest product."

George led them through what looked to be the section of the store dedicated to body parts of various functions, as Harry picked out Extendable Ears and Spy Eyes on the shelves as well as a few other interesting looking items before he ran right into George. Harry looked around to see why George had stopped so suddenly. Harry looked up and saw loads of different facial features hanging from the wall. He saw nosed of all sorts, as well as mouths, and ears.

"We dedicated it too you mate," said Fred coming up behind them. "Wouldn't you love to disguise yourself as someone else for a day?"

"Yeah, if you're having trouble in potions, just turn your self into Malfoy, and have an easy class," said Ron making a face, somewhere between the amusement of fooling Snape, and the disgust of looking like Malfoy.

"Yeah, and you could always just dump the real Malfoy in a closet," sniggered George.

"You know boys," said Moody making his way over to them. "This is a very clever product. It could be used for something other than the petty desire to fool a teacher. It would fool others too..."

Harry looked at Moody who was talking to Fred and George, but his magical eye was fixated on the shelf with the False Faces. Harry knew he was probably talking about the Order, or some Aurors using them to fool criminals. Harry was touched that Fred and George had thought so much of him to dedicate such a product to him.

All too soon, Fred announced to everyone in the store that it was getting late and that Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes would be closing. A line of customers made their way to the register where Lee was working, and paid for their products. The members of the Order were the last ones to pay, before bidding farewell to Fred and George and leaving.

Harry and the others just stepped out of WWW when Harry heard an all to familiar drawling voice.

"Well well well, if it isn't potty and weasel," said Draco Malfoy with a smirk. "The secondhand shop is two shops down Weasel."

"Shove it Malfoy," growled Ron.

The rest of the Order watched the interaction between Harry and a Death Eater's son.

"Temper Weasel King," Malfoy replied, smirking. "I wanted to see how Potty was doing after the demise of his doggie friend."

At that Harry felt anger running through his veins like fire. He felt Ginny grab the back of his robes before he could try anything. He gave a quick glance to his left, and saw Hermione had done the same thing to Ron.

"Not so fast Malfoy," interrupted Ginny suddenly. "Remember what happened after you insulted Harry last time?"

"I do," said George as he and Fred exited their shop.

"Yes, Malfoy," said Fred. "I believe Harry and George beat the living piss out of you."

"Left you crying like a baby on the Quiddich field," spat Harry.

"And it was damn fun," added George.

Malfoy smirked. "And you three got a permanent Quiddich ban-"

"Which was lifted around the same time as the Azkaban breakout," finished Harry, still furious. "By the way, how did daddy enjoy his bonding time with the dementors?"

"Don't you insult my family Potter," growled Malfoy. Mrs. Weasley looked like she wanted to end it, but Harry wasn't ready just yet. He was still furious at Malfoy for his comment about Sirius.

"Oh yes, because the last time I did, it caused you to try to hex me with my back turned. Not only did you miss by a mile, but your cowardice caused one of daddy's Death Eater pals to turn you into a ferret and bounce you around the great hall," replied Harry with a slight smirk. "You're right Ferret Boy. I learned my lesson."

"Yeah," said Fred smirking. "Lesson number one being that your aim sucks, and lesson number two being that you make a rather amusing ferret."

Ron sniggered slightly at this. "Yes, I will have that memory in my brain forever. Draco Malfoy, the amazing bouncing ferret."

Malfoy went pale at the memory before rounding on Harry one last time.

"Just be warned Potter. The Dark Lord has a plan," said Malfoy with a scowl. "And this time you won't get away."

With that Malfoy turned on his heal and rounded the corner nd disappeared before anyone from the Order could catch up with him.

"What in the bloody hell was that supposed to mean?" cried Ron looking anxiously at Harry.

"Ronald Weasley, watch your language!" scolded Mrs. Weasley.

The rest of the Order had fallen into hushed discussions. Krum who had remained hidden from Malfoy's view, was now in deep discussion with Tonks and Emmeline.

Hermione and Ginny walked up to Harry and Ron. "Remember what we heard the other night in the meeting?" asked Hermione to the rest of them, careful to keep her voice down.

"No," replied Ron shortly.

"Dears, we must be getting back," called Mrs. Weasley anxiously to them. "it's been a long day."

Fred and George accompyed them for an Order meeting later that night.

"I'll tell you later," whispered Hermione. With that they all walked back to the Leaky Cauldron to go home.

There you are. Chapter 13.

Hope you all liked it. I know this chapter might seem pointless, but it's needed for later chapters to make sense. Chapter 14 cooming soon!

Press the little button in the corner. Flame if you feel absolutely nesecary. I deserve it after not updating in forever. And let me know about miostakes I missed while editing so I can fix them.

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