A New Beginning

I knew I forgot something.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. Don't sue me please.

Chapter 2

Not for the first time that night, Harry found himself regretting his decision. No, not his decision to leave the Dursleys. He knew that it was one of the best decisions he had ever made in his life. They were horrible and mean to him, and Harry knew that he wouldn't be happy with them. What he regretted was the fact that he had not bothered to plan his departure. Harry yawned sleepily as he struggled to stay awake. Where was he to go? How in the world would a six-year old be able to provide for himself? But Harry wasn't any normal six-year old.

Although he was only six, Harry was a very matured boy. Living with the Dursleys was not a pleasant experience but there was one advantage to it. It made you independent. How many six-year old could say that he knew how to prepare a tasty meal? How many could do laundry? How ironic it was that the Dursleys had unwittingly armed Harry with the tools to survive in the outside world.

" Last stop. Charing Cross Road, London." Announced the bus driver. He was a kind old man, who had given Harry a free ride when he spotted him walking down the street. "It's not safe for a young boy to be walking alone at night." The man had said. If he had been in a clearer state of mind, Harry would have wondered why a bus was operating that late at night. He would also have found it odd that the bus wasn't like any normal bus. However, Harry was too tired to notice anything.

Stepping out of the bus, the first thing that caught Harry's eyes was a pub, despite it being sandwiched between a big bookshop and a record store. Something about it just seemed so alluring. Even in his tired state, Harry could still distinctly see the sign ' The Leaky Cauldron' hanging over the top.

It was still relatively early in the morning, but a few funnily dressed people were already entering the pub. They were attired in clothes that Harry had never seen before. Unable to resist the urge to follow them in, Harry boldly stepped into the pub. Harry felt as though an invisible hand was pushing him forward.

The inside was just as unimpressive as the outside. At first glance, the pub was just like any other. A few chairs and tables occupied the majority of the space. The only thing extraordinary about the place was the great brick wall, which was opening up, revealing a long cobbled street! Harry recovered from his shock just in time to squeeze through as the wall closed up.

' Where in the world am I?' Harry mused as he gazed around his surroundings, awestruck. His sleepiness seemed to have disappeared completely as he contemplated his next move. Harry had definitely learned his lesson on acting rashly. Rows of shops and restaurants lined the street. What was so unusual about this was the simple fact that they were all hidden behind a pub.

Although it was in the wee hours of the day, there were already many people walking about. As far as Harry could tell, most of these people were wearing brightly colored robes! Harry briefly wondered whether he was dreaming it all up. No, he did not pinch himself to verify if it was real. Even if he was dreaming, it was a rather interesting dream. Why would he want to wake up and find himself back at Privet Drive?

There weren't many options for Harry to choose from. From his point of view, there were only two choices. He could either return back, or he could explore the place. Upon turning around, Harry realized that he would not even have to make a choice. The brick wall had shut closed and he didn't have the slightest clue on how to get it to open.

' I wouldn't have turned back anyways.' Harry smiled. He somehow knew that this day would change the course of his life forever.

Walking down the street slowing, a few shops caught the attention of Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor was one such shop. Suddenly, Harry stopped. Three young boys with flaming red hair and freckles were cornering a young girl about Harry's age. The youngest of the boys suddenly reached out and pushed the girl to the ground. Anger coursed through Harry's body. He felt an insane desire to protect that girl. He did not even know her, but Harry felt a strange connection to her.

" Stop that!" Harry yelled, positioning himself between the boys and the girl. Never mind the fact that he was out numbered three to one. Never mind the fact that all three boys seemed bigger than him. They were just bullies, and Harry certainly knew plenty of them.

Before anyone could react, a rather plump woman and a thin man came hurrying over, seemingly alerted by Harry's yell. Not long after, an elegantly dressed lady appeared too. Harry felt a little embarrassed by his sudden outburst but stood protectively in front of the girl.

" Weasley," sneered the elegantly dressed lady. " Bullying a defenseless young girl? What a disgrace. Not that you already weren't."

The youngest of the Weasley flushed bright red. " She started it first by insulting us. Who are you to judge anyway Zabini?" he spat savagely before his mother silenced him with a glare.

After a few moments, the five Weasleys turned and walked away. Harry inhaled deeply, realizing that he had been holding his breathe. This seemed to draw the attention of Mrs. Zabini towards him. Harry fidgeted uncomfortably under her intense gaze.

Finally, after helping the girl up, she spoke. " It appears that I own you a debt of gratitude. My daughter Blaise seems to attract trouble the way Veelas attracts man. May I enquire your name young man?"

Harry was speechless. He was shocked that the lady, Mrs. Zabini, had called him young man. Harry was too used to his uncle referring to him as "Boy". No one had ever called him young man before. And what the hell were Veelas?

" M-my name is Harry. Harry Potter." Harry finally said. Mrs. Zabini's eyes widened slightly as he heard his name.

" Potter? Harry Potter..." she muttered absently, her eyes drifting to the lightning bolt scar that Harry had on his forehead.

" Well, Mr. Potter. My daughter and I were just about to head to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor for some ice cream. Would you care to join us?" Mrs. Zabini invited.

" Well …" Harry pondered. Upon sensing Harry hesitation, Blaise grabbed Harry's hand and smiled brightly.

" Come on Harry. I want to thank you for saving me from those stupid Weasels. Pretty please?" Blaise pouted.

Ten minutes later, Harry found himself chatting with Blaise, both eating chocolate and raspberry ice cream with chopped nuts. Mrs. Zabini was content with just a cup of latte. Initially, Harry had been embarrassed about the fact that he was wearing Dudley's old clothes. But as both the Zabinis didn't seem to care, Harry started to enjoy himself. Harry found himself staring at Blaise. She was wearing normal clothes, not robes like much of the other people. Harry noticed that she was also really pretty, with long raven black hair. Harry could tell she got her good looks from Mrs. Zabini, who with her flawless porcelain skin looked not a day over thirty.

" Which Quidditch team do you support, Harry?" Blaise enquired.

"What's Quidditch?" Harry asked, confused.

" You don't know Quidditch? But every wizard knows Quidditch!" Blaise exclaimed, clearly shocked.

" Wizard! What are you talking about!" Harry questioned curiously.

' That would make some sense.' Harry thought. ' And Blaise seems to be telling the truth. But wizards can't be real… Can they?'

After Mrs. Zabini patiently explained everything to Harry, she proceeded to transfigure her teacup into a dove to prove to him that she wasn't lying. Harry believed her instantly. Later, Harry told them everything he had been through. How the Dursleys mistreated him. How he later decided to run away. How he had ended up here.

Mrs. Zabini pondered this for a second. " I see. How would you like to live with us then?"

To be continued…