Chapter 3

Time flies at Grimmauld Place and it is now one week before the return to Hogwarts.

"Harry, Ron? Do you think we should go into Diagon Alley and get the things we need for school. I mean it does start in a week?" Hermione had been badgering the boys to go to Diagon Alley ever since they received their letters at the beginning of August. Of course, the two of them would wait until the last minute to get what they needed. If it were up to Hermione she would hav gone the minute she got her letter.

"Harry, Ron, Hermione! Could you come downstairs please?" Mrs. Weasley beckoned the three from the upstairs drawing room where Harry and Ron were playing chess.

"Whatever it is, I just hope it is not more cleaning. I do not know where else they could fit another room." Ron hated cleaning the, what seemed to be endless amount of rooms.

The three got downstairs where they met Mrs. Weasley at the bottom of the stairs. "You three are off to Diagon Alley and Tonks will accompany you. You will get your things and I expect you all back by 5 o'clock for dinner. Be sure to get all you need, there is not much extra time for forgotten items. After your school shopping is done you are free to buy whatever else you wish. Just let us not go crazy, you have a full year ahead of you where you will be visiting Hogsmede. Enjoy your day and I trust you all be careful. Off you go." Her tone made it final and Ron was just glad he was not on cleaning duty again.

Hermione rushed upstairs to grab the boys' and her letters. Ten minutes later and they were off. Using the Floo network, Harry, Ron and Hermione all went at the same time, the fireplace at Grimmauld being considerably bigger than at the Burrow. Tonks following behind closely, but not too close knowing the three want to be able to converse with any friends they may come across and not feel as though they need a babysitter.

They had gotten all they needed for school and were ready to go home early. Ron wanted to save his money for Hogsmede, seeing as he did not have much to begin with. Harry agreed with saving his money for Zonko's and he fancied a visit, or two, to Fred and George's shop as well. He had heard they were becoming competition for Zonko's and was excited to see why. Hermione could have spent her whole day in Flourish and Blotts, even though Harry and Ron were convinced she had bought or read every book in there. They had convinced her however, that she could get them cheaper during first Hogsmede visit when they put the books on sale.

Being done all the shopping that was necessary the three figured they would find Tonks and head back, "Hiya Tonks, we're ready to go back now. We've decided on saving our money for Hogsmede."

"Uhhh... right, how about I take you three to the Leaky Cauldron for a butterbeer before we head back?" Tonks glanced at the clock causing the three to notice as well that it were 4:30. Hermione had felt as though she were trying to stall the trip home, but dismissed it and thought Tonks was just being her generous self. So they head off to The Leaky Cauldron have their butterbeers, which turned into 3 each, before Tonks glanced at her watch and announced it were time to go. They paid and Flooed back to Grimmauld Place.

"Ah, just in time! Go wash up and get come nice clothes on we have a guest for dinner"

"Really? Who is it mum? Someone from the Order?"

"Ronald, you will do as you are asked and will not question me. Now, please hurry, dinner will be ready in 10 minutes and I wish for you to meet our uh, guest before dinner commences." Something in Mrs. Wealsey's voice made the three very curious as to who was their special dinner guest. They quickly cleaned up and were back downstairs in 5 minutes. Greeted again, by Mrs. Weasley. She looked overly happy which only made the three even more anxious.

"Alright mum, let's go then. You are making me anxious no doubt Harry and Hermione."

"Ronald please, this must not be rushed"

"What are you talking about? It is only a dinner guest. What 'must not be rushed'? What aren't you telling us?"

"Molly, we are ready for them now!" Sirius called in from the kitchen. "Come now children, Harry dear, do fix your hair; this is very important for y... for well us." She grinned once more before turning and opening the kitchen door.

"Harry, Ron, Hermione; I'd like you to meet our guest for well... meet Arylla." Harry grinned; he was still confused as to why so much concern was put forth for this girl. Hermione smiled as well recognizing her as the Ravenclaw who almost beat her in potions last year. Ron just stood there gapping. She is gorgeous! He thought to himself. As she looked towards him and grinned he realized how me must have looked just starring. He shut his mouth and gave her a sheepish smile while turning red.

"Harry if you could," Sirius motioned for Harry to sit in the chair across the table from Arylla, "there are some things of great importance that you need to know before you go back to school. You see Arylla here, well she is... how do I put this? She is..."