Well here it is, chapter 2. All reviews will be greatly appreciated. And Harry Potter is still owned by J K Rowling.

Trying to Live by Willowcharm

Chapter 2: Buying a Wand

For a couple of minutes after Harry stormed out of the dining room there was silence. Then James picked up a glass from the table and flung it against the farthest wall where it shattered into hundreds of pieces.

'I don't suppose we can ignore Dumbledore and just take him anyway?' tried Sirius. 'We could, except that the meddling old man's told me that he'll be out and about in Diagon Alley himself this afternoon' replied James, fury edging his voice. 'Remus, can you take this and take Harry to get his wand?' Sirius and I will go now for the rest of his stuff. Maybe we can find some small present to make up for Harry's disappointment. That's what Dumbledore suggested.' Remus winced at the heavy sarcasm lacing James' voice. They all knew that it was unlikely any present could compensate for the lack of a normal life which was what Harry wanted above all else.

Remus took the small button James gave him and made his way to Harry's bedroom. He found Harry sitting by the window wiping tears from his face. 'Where's Dad?' he asked Remus. Remus smiled slightly. 'Downstairs throwing a tantrum,' he told the boy. 'I thought he'd be up to give me a lecture about not feeling sorry for myself.' mumbled Harry. 'It's what he usually does when I complain about not having a life. I can't wait to go to Hogwarts. I'll be allowed to make friends there and do the same as everyone else.' 'So you don't count me as a friend?' teased Remus. 'Remus! You know I didn't mean that!' exclaimed Harry. Remus just laughed. Come on, let's go and see what sort of wand you want.' he said, and held out the button. And as Harry touched the Portkey he felt a tug and the couple were pulled away to somewhere completely different.

They were in a quaint little shop with piles of long thin boxes lining every wall. Harry had barely taken in his surroundings when an ancient looking man emerged from the back. 'Remus Lupin,' he said quietly. Your looking much healthier than when you came here for your wand.' Yes, James pays me quite well for tutoring young Harry here.' replied Remus. 'Ah yes, Harry Potter. I was expecting to see you soon.' The old man's eyes seemed to bore into Harry's. 'It seems like only yesterday that I sold your mother and father their wands. Now, what sort of wand would you like? Or, I should say, what sort of wand would like you?' As Mr Ollivander spoke he started measuring Harry with a tape which seemed to take on a life of its own and do all the work on its own. Then he started taking down boxes from the many stacks. When he had a selection from around the shop he took a wand from ane and gave it to Harry. 'Just give it a wave. 'You'll know all right if its the one for you.' Nothing happened when Harry waved that first wand and the result was no different with many subsequent tries. Then Mr Ollivander opened another box and murmured 'Hm, interesting, very interesting.' As soon as Harry waved that wand a shower of sparks flew out of the end. 'That's it!' exclaimed the old man. 'What's interesting about it? ' asked Harry. 'That is a brother wand to that of He who must not be named' was the reply. Holly and Phoenix feather.Strange indeed that you should be the one to claim it.'

Remus then paid a handful of Galleons for Harry's wand and once again held out the button. Soon the two were back in Harry's bedroom. 'What do we do now?' asked Harry somewhat plaintively. Remus glanced at his watch. 'Well, it might be a while before your dad and godfather return. I think we have enough time for a short Muggle History lesson.'

'It's my birthday.' said Harry confidently. 'I don't do lessons on my birthday.' He knew better than to rise to the bait.

'Sorry, I forgot. Okay then, how about chess?'

'But you always win!'

'Scrabble?'

'You win that too. Monopoly!'

'Done!' agreed Remus and they migrated to the dining room to play the magically enhanced version of the muggle game. When James and Sirius apparated in a good while later they howled with laughter to see James handcuffed and shackled, while Harry sat hidden by mounds of toy galleons, sickles and knuts.

'Sent to jail for bankruptcy again?' You really must learn to manage your finances better.' teased James. 'Here, Harry catch!' With these words he threw a small package at Harry, but, surprisingly for one who had been a chaser on the Gryffindor quidditch team, his aim was bad and it flew over Harry's head to fall on the floor behind and split open. Harry turned to see something small and golden fly up and out of the window.

'Damn!' said James. 'That was your extra present. I'll just have to give you your broom back so you can go and retrieve it before tea.' Fortunately he had expected the force with which and ecstatic Harry flung himself on his father. As the two left together to let Harry ride once more upon his Nimbus 2000 Sirius was left to free his other friend before they too went outside to watch the fun.