Chapter 9: Diagon Alley
When the party of six arrived at Hogwarts two hours later they were greeted in the entrance hall by Professor Dumbledore and McGonagall.
"Right on time," Dumbledore said, smiling cheerfully at the six people in front of him.
"Really?" Kairi said dropping her bag. "I was hoping for fashionably late."
Dumbledore chuckled, "Professor McGonagall I'd like you to meet our new DADA teacher Lady Kairi, Demin's twin sister."
"Pleasure to meet you," McGonagall said with a smile to Kairi.
"And you," Kairi said, shaking McGonagall's hand and smiling brightly.
"Since when is Kairi a Lady?" Delia's childish voice asked from beside Harry, who had quickly turned his head to hide his smile.
"And who told you I wasn't?" Kairi asked her niece.
"Daddy," Delia said simply. "He said something like 'if my sister is a Lady then I'm Merlin himself."
"Oh really," Kairi said, turning her piercing gaze to her brother, while the others tried hard to hide their laughter.
"Albus didn't you say there was a staff meeting today?" Demin asked, hastily trying to change the subject.
"Yes I did," Albus said merrily. "It starts in about ten minutes. Why don't I show you to your room and then we will head there together."
"Sounds good to me," Demin said.
"Yeah," Kairi said smiling pleasantly. "Sounds great. Tell me Professor, Am I sharing quarters with my dear sweet brother here?"
"Yes. I thought it would be easier on Delia to have the both of you in the same living quarters. I hope that's not a problem?" Dumbledore said, a mischievous look in his eyes.
"Oh no, not at all," Kairi said, giving her brother a look of pure delight that made Harry feel sorry for Demin.
"Good," Dumbledore said cheerfully. "Come and I'll show you the way."
Following Dumbledore up the stairs and down a couple of corridors and up a few more stairs, they found themselves in front of a large picture of an elf that smiled sweetly at them as they approached. It wasn't until Harry actually looked around did he notice that the room was not far from where Sirius and Remus' hidden room was.
"This is the entrance to your room. There's no password yet. You may chose one and then activate it yourself," Dumbledore told them before the portrait slid aside and allowed them entrance.
Upon entering they stepped into a living area where couches and armchairs were scattered about the room in front of a large stone fireplace. There were four doors leading out of the big room to other parts of the living quarters. Three of them were bedrooms, each with their own bathrooms attached to them and the fourth one lead to an office.
"This is perfect!" Kairi said excitedly, looking around.
"Pleased you like it," Dumbledore said. "Why don't you leave your stuff here and you can settle in after the staff meeting."
All the adults nodded and followed Dumbledore out the door. Harry and Delia follow as well, but with a different purpose in mind.
"So Harry what are you and Delia going to do?" Sirius asked his Godson.
"I think I'll show Delia around Hogwarts. She's going to be here for a while and I don't think getting lost would be much fun."
"Excellent idea," Dumbledore told Harry. "Why don't you take her down to the kitchen when you're done and introduce her to Dobby."
"I'll do that," Harry said, smiling at Dumbledore. "You guys enjoy the staff meeting."
"Right," Sirius said sarcastically. "And you're going stay out of trouble this year."
Harry rolled his eyes and took a hold of Delia's hand. "See you after the meeting."
Harry gave Delia a quick tour of the castle, showing her hidden passages and quicker ways to get from one end of the castle to another. Harry had no doubt that Delia would remember all of what he showed her, she had a very sharp mind and an unbelievable memory.
When Harry took her down to the kitchen Dobby took an immediate liking to her and promised Harry he would protect her throughout the school year, making Harry smile. Speaking of school he made a mental note to ask Demin what Delia was going to be doing when they all had classes.
After spending twenty minutes in the kitchen Harry and Delia were making their way back to the room only to meet Sirius, Remus, Demin, and Kairi on their way down to find them.
"We've been looking for you." Sirius said stopping mid stairs as he reached Harry. "We were wondering if you would like to go shopping for your school supplies today?"
"Aren't I suppose to be still missing?" Harry asked.
"So." Sirius said a smile forming on his face. "I'm a murderous ex-convict, you're the missing Boy-Who-Lived, I think we could start a memorable disturbance that the Wizarding World won't forget anytime soon."
"Oh stop it Sirius." Remus said joining Sirius on the stairs. "You know perfectly well Dumbledore informed Fudge of Harry's whereabouts two days ago."
"True, but I don't believe the papers have printed the story yet." Sirius said a flicker of mischief in his eyes.
"Sounds fun to me." Harry said. "Let's go."
"Do you want to contact the Weasley's and Hermoine to see if they'd like to join us?" Remus asked.
"No." Harry said shaking his head. "I told them I wouldn't be back until September 1st so they probably already have their shopping done. Besides I already have a date."
"Oh really and who might that be?" Sirius asked eyebrows raised.
"Me of course." Delia said hopping up the stairs and standing in front of Sirius.
"Since when did I give you permission to date my daughter?" A smiling Demin said joining the conversation.
"Daddy," Delia whinned. "You said I could go with Harry when he went to Diagon Alley, you promised."
"Mm, I think I remember saying something like that. Ouch." Demin said indignantly as Kairi whacked him on the back of his head.
"Stop teasing your daughter. You're already in enough trouble as it is." Kairi informed her brother.
"So how did the staff meeting go?" Harry asked deciding to change the subject.
Remus and Sirius exchanged smiles. "You should have seen the look on Snape's face when Dumbledore told him we were going to be teaching this year. It was hilarious!" Sirius said laughing.
"Yes he didn't seem to thrilled with the idea of us teaching either." Kairi said thoughtfully.
"Though I really don't think anyone that could possibly start a fire with his hair should be handing out advise."
"I don't think I could have said it better myself." Sirius said laughing alone with everyone else. "I knew there was a reason I liked you."
Kairi pouted. "You mean you weren't attracted to my good looks and charming personality?"
"Charming?" Demin said incredulously. "Now that's something I'd love to see."
Harry shook his head and turned to the only sensible adult there. "So why are there going to be two DADA teachers this year?"
"Dumbledore thinks it will be a good idea to split the classes into two. Have an advance class and an intermediate class. That way the students that are progressing faster then the others in DADA will get the more advance training they need." Remus said.
"Dumbledore said that now that Voldemort's return is no longer unknown, the war between good and evil is about to begin in full force. He wants all the students to be prepared for the worst." Sirius said gravely.
"Does Dumbledore have any idea when Voldemort will be making his first move?" Harry asked.
"No." Remus said. "Though he does plan on calling an Order meeting for tomorrow night to discuss it."
Harry nodded in understanding, a silence falling over them. Finally after a moment Harry asked. "Shall we get going?"
The other's nodded and continued their progress down the stairs.
"Wait Kiosk, I would like to go with you." A non-human girl voice said in Harry's head. Harry was so surprised that he missed the next step and fell the rest of the way down.
"Harry are you alright?" Sirius asked coming to Harry's side. "What happened?"
"I'm not sure." Harry said sitting up and rubbing his head looking around. "I think I'm losing my mind."
Sirius laughed. "You can't lose something you've never had Harry."
Harry gave his Godfather a dirty look and was about to reply when Elle jumped into his lap her blue eyes glistening. "Sorry Kiosk I did not mean to make you fall." Said the same girl's voice inside his head.
"Elle?" Harry asked in astonishment.
"It's something wrong with Elle?" Remus asked coming to stand next to Sirius. Harry looked up at Remus stunned.
"No. It's just that I think she just spoke to me." Harry said looking back at Elle bewildered.
"I did speak to you Kiosk." Elle notified Harry.
"You mean she spoke to you telepathically." Remus asked, eyes bright with delight. "I remember you telling us she had powerful telepathic powers."
"Yes, but last time I checked I didn't have telepathic powers!" Harry cried.
"And last time I checked you were still learning new things everyday about your recent acquired powers. Is it really that surprising after all you've been through that you have telepathic powers now?" Remus asked.
"I guess not." Harry said. "It just surprised me when all of the suddenly there was somebody in my head."
"Well at least there's something up there now." Sirius observed grinning.
"Well at least mine's not filled with hot air." Harry informed his Godfather while he got to his feet. "So which one of my distinguished teachers is going to train me in this skill?"
"Remus." Both Sirius and Demin said at the same time.
Demin smile and continued his thought. "Remus has got the best organized mind amongst us. Besides like you said Sirius's head is filled with hot air and mine . . . "
"Is beyond help." Kairi finished for her brother smiling sweetly. "So shall we go?"
"I think we better." Harry said. "Or you and Demin may start one of your famous sibling fights."
"What's so bad about that?" Sirius asked falling into step beside Harry.
"Their fights aren't the verbal kind." Harry said walking down the front steps of the school. "They're the physical kind. I believe the last time they fought Kairi won.
"Only because she cheated." Demin said defensively.
"I did not cheat." Kairi said. "Blinding ones opponent is a brilliant strategy."
"Yes if we hadn't agreed not to use magic." Demin countered.
This sent Demin and Kairi off in an agreement about cheating while Harry just rolled his eyes.
"Don't take them seriously." Harry said to Sirius and Remus. "This is all just a game to them.
They were both raised in martial arts and they sprawl once in awhile to see whose the best among them."
"Sounds like fun." Sirius said. "But just to be on the safe side remind me never to get on Kairi's bad side."
Harry laughed. "If I can handle Ginny and her temper I think you can handle Kairi and hers."
Ten minutes later they all found themselves inside Diagon Alley. Kairi and Delia both looked like their birthdays had come early, while Sirius was just delighted being at Diagon Alley after fifteen years.
"How did we get here so fast Kiosk?" Elle's voice asked inside Harry's head again.
"We Apparated." Harry said trying for the first time to speak telepathically. "How come you keep calling me Kiosk.
"It means honored friend in my language." Elle answered him. "My parents told me it's a sacred name that isn't used often."
"I'm sorry about your parents." Harry told the Cubcat. "But you can just call me Harry."
"If that is what you wish." Elle said. "But remember you are my family now."
"I am honored you would consider me family." Harry said to his Cubcat. "Would you like me to call you by your name your parents gave you?"
"No." Elle said. "I'd like to keep the name you gave me, it means a great deal to me."
"Yes of course." Harry said. "But if I may ask what was your name?"
"It was Jewel." Elle said. "And I think your dark hair guardian is trying to get your attention."
"Harry!" Sirius shouted for the third time.
"What?" Harry asked finally looking up.
"About time we've been trying to get your attention for two minutes." Sirius said laughing.
"Sorry, I was talking to Elle." Harry said. "What do you want?"
"You were talking to Elle telepathically?" Remus asked excitedly joining the conversation. "What was it like? How do you feel?"
Harry thought about it for a moment before answering, "I know this is going to sound weird, but it almost felt natural, like I've done it before. Though I do have a slight headache."
"Mm." Remus said thoughtfully. "I think I know the reason why it felt natural to you. I mean you were suppose to have these powers all your life, it would make sense that somewhere in your subconscious you knew you had this ability. As for the headache we'll have to look it up when we return to the castle."
"Remus the philosopher." Sirius said teasingly to his well-educated friend. "I knew I could count on you to teach my Godson."
"Shut up Sirius." Remus said. "Someone has to be the adult around here."
"Can we go already?" Delia said impatiently tugging on Harry's arm.
"Yes." Harry said smiling at the girl before turning to the adults. "I've got to go get my school stuff, so how do you want to do this?"
"I for one I'm going with you." Sirius said. "This is the first time I've been allowed to go school shopping with my Godson and I don't extend on missing it."
Harry smiled. He knew most sixteen-year-old boys would argue with their parents about going with them at that age, but Harry's never had a chance to experience school shopping with a parent before. He was quite looking forward to it.
"I think we'll all go with you." Demin informed Harry. "So where to first?"
"Gringotts. I need to restock my money." Harry said pointing to the big building.
"No way Harry." Sirius said shaking his head. "I am paying for this school year, like I should have done all your life."
"Absolutely not." Harry said firmly. "My parents left me that money for my schooling and I plan on using it."
"That money wasn't suppose to be yours until you turned eighteen." Sirius informed Harry. "But since things didn't work out like they should have you were allowed to initiate your account early."
"I don't care." Harry said shaking his head persistently. "I will not allow you to pay for my schooling."
"Harry this isn't up for discussion." Sirius said just as stubbornly. "I'm paying for your school things and anything else you need until you graduate."
Harry was about to argue some more when he saw Remus shaking his head with a plain look on his face telling Harry to let Sirius have his way in this.
Harry sighed. "Fine, but when you're old and gray and have no money left don't blame me."
"Wouldn't dream of it." Sirius said grinning. "Although with all the money the ministry gave me for 'my troubles' I don't think I'll go bankrupt anytime soon."
"Just how much did the ministry give you?" Harry inquired.
"It's not polite to ask a person how much money they make." Sirius informed his Godson. "Come on let's go."
So with that the six of them set off to shop. The first shop they stopped in was the bookstore, followed by potion, and then Quality Quidditch, Owl Emporium, and other fun shops for Delia, Demin and Kairi to explore. Luckily for Harry no one noticed who he was, as all the shops were pretty crowded due to the fact that school started in three day. Sirius on the other hand was noticed. Even though people knew he was innocent, they were still a little terrified of him. Harry and Sirius found the whole thing amusing, especial when the shopkeepers assisted them immediately when they noticed whom Sirius was. Needless to say the shopping was done in record time.
The last shop they went into was Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. Although Harry would rather wear his elf robes he knew he couldn't for school. Once they entered the shop Harry was ushered into the back room while the rest of them stayed in front.
Harry had been standing on the stool for five minutes when a very unwelcome person entered into the back of the shop, Draco Malfoy. Harry was hoping that Draco would just ignore him and mind his own business. No such luck.
"Potter!" Draco's irritating voice rang through the room.
Harry looked at him coldly. "Yes I believe you already know my name Malfoy and I would appreciate it if you keep it off your fowl mouth."
Draco's eyes narrowed dangerously. "I'd watch it Potter. Once Voldemort gets through with you, you won't be so confident."
Harry ignored him and jumped off the stool as the lady told him he was done. Harry walked passed Draco without a word only to be stopped by Draco's outstretched arm.
"I don't believe I gave you permission to leave Potter. I'm sure my father would love to have a word with you." Draco sneered.
"Malfoy move your arm and get out of my way." Harry said warningly, while Elle gave I load hiss from his shoulder.
"Or what Potter?" Draco mocked. "Going to sic that fur ball on me?"
Draco didn't even have time to blink as Harry grabbed his arm and twisted it painfully behind his back before shoving him roughly face forward against the wall.
"You listen and you listen good Malfoy." Harry said in a dangerous voice. "I am not afraid of you nor I'm I afraid of you father. And Voldemort will be dealt with soon enough. I am warning you now, stay out of my way unless you want to die along side your father."
With that Harry shoved a terrified Draco away from him, "Have a nice day." Harry said coolly before exiting through the curtain, but not before Elle gave Draco a nice electrical shock, making Draco yelp in agony and his hair to stand up on end.
The sight that met Harry's eyes in the front of the shop wasn't really any different from the one he had just left.
Sirius and Lucius were talking heatedly to each other while Demin, Remus, and Kairi stood by in defensive mode encase Malfoy tried something. As Harry approached, Sirius's angry voice reached his ears.
"You so much as lay a hand on my Godson you will regretted it."
"Sirius I'm ready, let's go." Harry said before Lucius could answer his Godfather. Both men turned to look at him. Malfoy with a loathsome look in his eyes and Sirius with a look of relief.
"Ah Mr. Potter." Lucius said silkily. "I'm so glad to see you back safely. I would hate to see My Lord's little plaything harmed before he got his chance to play."
That was the last straw for Sirius, as was it for Remus, Demin, and Kairi. Sirius and Demin's blows landing on either side of Lucius face, while Remus's punch hit the stomach and Kairi's kick landed a little below the belt. Lucius fell hard wheezing.
It happened all so fast that all the six of them could do was stared at each other in shock, before suddenly bursting out laughing.
"I think we better get going." Remus said grinning.
Once they were outside Harry asked. "Did you guys have that planned?"
"No." Sirius said still laughing. "Though I don't think we could have pulled it off any better if we had."
"He was asking for that the moment him and his greasy little kid came into the store." Kairi said frankly.
"Yes, well, that kick was a little below the belt." Demin said sternly to his sister, even though his grin gave him away. "Now I remember why I never had to worry when a guy took you out on a date."
"What did his slimy little kid say back there anyway?" Sirius asked his Godson.
"Pretty much what Lucius was saying to you." Harry said with a shrugged before grinning evilly
"Don't worry about it though Elle and I took care of him."
They all started laughing again after Harry explained what had happened in the back room. After they finally caught their breathes the decide to head to the Leaky Cauldron where they would dine for supper.
Two hours later the six of them found themselves back at Hogwarts.
"That was a very educational trip." Kairi said as they climbed the entrance stairs.
"Yes, one a quite enjoyed." Demin said smiling.
"Me too." Delia piped in. "Daddy can you go again sometime?"
Demin smiled mischievously at his daughter before saying, "Only if you can beat Harry back to are room."
Delia and Harry traded quick looks before abruptly bolting up the stairs and disappearing.
"You know Harry would have made a wonderful big brother." Sirius comment sadly as he watched Delia and Harry disappear around the corner.
"He already is." Demin said smiling. Sirius looked over at Demin and smiled as well.
"Yes, thanks to you and your family Harry's life is finally turning around." Sirius said sincerely. "I do believe I've yet to thank you for everything you've done for him."
"There's no need to thank me." Demin said. "It was my pleasure. Harry's a wonder . . . "
But Demin's words were cut off as Delia's terrified scream reached their ears. Without a word the four of them set off at a dead run. When they rounded the corner they found Delia kneeling on the floor sobbing and forcefully shaking a motionless Harry who was sprawled on the floor.
Demin ran to his daughter followed by the others, "Delia what happen?"
"I don't know! We were just running when Harry suddenly collapsed." A hysterical Delia answered. "Daddy his not breathing!"
THANK YOU TO MY BETA READER NATURAL ANTHEM!