Title – First Signs

Rating – G/K

Disclaimer – I own none of this, it all belongs to Rowling. I just have the honor of using her creations in my story. No sex, slash, violence or profanity.

A/N – The candy shop and its owner are my creations – I could find no evidence such a shop exists in Diagon Alley so I just made one up. :) Read and enjoy!

First Signs

Albus Dumbledore

"'Bus, wait up! 'Bus!"

Sighing impatiently, six-year-old Albus Dumbledore slammed to a halt and turned around to wait for his slowpoke brother.

"Come on Abe, Mum said we could each get something if we hurried!"

Albus watched as Aberforth darted around a pair of shopping witches and came to a stop next to him, smiling brightly. The four-year-old tugged on his older brother's purple robes and said,

"I want some chocolate frogs and some licorice wands and maybe some of those crèmes that make you turn orange and definitely some - "

"You can only get one thing Abe, otherwise you'll get sick eating all that and Mum won't be too happy with either of us." Albus told his younger brother, who predictably pouted. Shaking his head in exasperation, Albus took Aberforth by the hand and continued toward their favourite shop in Diagon Alley – Sweeney's Sweets.

The candy shop was located down the street a bit from Gringotts Bank where their parents were conducting some business with the goblins and instead of trying to entertain two bored little boys their mother had given them permission to visit Sweeney's. Both boys had eagerly jumped on the chance and had dashed out of the stuffy bank before their mother could say another word.

Diagon Alley was busy with all sorts of wizards and witches enjoying the perfect spring weather. Albus led his brother through the crowds and smiled as they approached the beloved shop that was positively bursting with every type of candy – magical and non-magical - imaginable. If there was a shop that had more candy than Sweeney's, Albus had yet to hear about or visit it. With a grin, he pushed open the door and inhaled the sweet smell that belonged only to Sweeney's Sweets.

Aberforth immediately dashed off to the right, intent on examining the bins of various chocolate treats while Albus perused the barrels of candy at a more sedate pace. The owner of the shop, Mr. Sweeney, looked up from his place behind the counter and said,

"Hullo lads! How are you this fine afternoon?"

Albus smiled at the old wizard and replied,

"Hello Mr. Sweeney. We're in the mood for some sweets of course!"

Mr. Sweeney laughed and watched as Aberforth darted between the bin of chocolate frogs and the bin of fudge mice, as he tried to decide which one would be the better treat. Albus however took his time, chewing on the end of a lock of his auburn hair while looking contemplatively at the jar of licorice wands.

"So what strikes your fancy today my boy?" Mr. Sweeney asked as he stepped around the counter and came to Albus's side. There was no one else in the shop at the moment so the old wizard could devote all of his attention to his favourite young customers.

"Not sure yet." Albus replied, tapping his chin in thought, "I had the tickling taffy last time and those licorice wands look good, but so does a chocolate frog." He sighed and gazed longingly around the whole shop "Why do you have to have so many choices Mr. Sweeney?"

The candy shop owner straightened the jars of sweets sitting in the store window and chuckled,

"I have so many choices so little boys like you will keep coming back to try everything! You'll never reach the end of what I have to offer."

Albus smiled, bright blue eyes taking on a twinkle that Mr. Sweeney found both charming and worrisome. By Merlin's beard, this boy was going to be something when he grew up, Sweeney thought.

"'Bus! I'm ready!" Called out Aberforth and Albus and Mr. Sweeney spun around. Aberforth was heading toward them, small arms full of chocolate frogs, and unfortunately too enthralled by his candy to pay any attention to where he was walking. Both onlookers watched helplessly as Aberforth tripped over a stand holding jars of peppermint sticks which then fell over into a shelf holding bins of different candy beans, drops and crèmes which then toppled into a table covered with sugar quills, jelly wands and edible tea sets.

Albus watched the scene unfold with horrified eyes and knew he had to do something. He just could not stand by and watch as half of Mr. Sweeney's store was ruined, however inadvertently. By the time the old wizard could draw his wand to counter the accident it would be too late and dozens of different types of candy would be mixed, scattered and spoiled.

Working on pure instinct and willpower, Albus summoned something deep inside of him, not knowing if his plan would work. He knew he had yet to show his first sign of magic, but if there ever was a situation that called for his magic to show itself it was now.

To his great surprise a warm feeling blossomed from within his heart and spread quickly throughout his body, from his toes to his fingertips. It was a very pleasant sensation and Albus knew instantly what it was.

Magic.

Without being totally aware of what he was doing, Albus stretched out his hands and forced the warm power up and out. Time seemed to flow in slow motion as an invisible force filled the shop and surrounded the area of destruction. Concentrating hard, Albus used his newfound powers to freeze the falling candy in mid-air and halt the ruin of the shelves and tables.

Silence reigned in the small shop until a faint whisper came from Mr. Sweeney,

"Oh my . . ."

They stared in absolute surprise at the frozen tableau until Mr. Sweeney and Aberforth turned to stare at Albus with wide eyes. Albus smiled sheepishly and went to lower his hands. As he did so all the candy magically floated back into its proper container and all the containers returned to their proper places on the suddenly righted shelves or tables. Then the currents of magic faded and everything in the shop was as it was before the accident. Everything was normal again.

Well, almost everything.

"Was that your first use of magic?" Mr. Sweeney asked, his eyes darting between his perfect shelves and the stunned boy at his side. Albus nodded faintly, the repercussions of what he did just beginning to sink in. He had done it; he had proven he was an actual wizard, even if it manifested itself at an odd time. He couldn't wait to tell his parents! They had been waiting patiently for their sons to show their magic and would be so happy to know that Albus was indeed a true wizard of the House of Dumbledore.

"Do you know what that means then lads?" Mr. Sweeney asked with a grin. Both boys shook their heads, still somewhat amazed. "An occasion like this calls for a special treat, compliments of the house!"

Aberforth yelled in glee and started to dance about excitedly, but Mr. Sweeney quickly glued the boy's feet to the floor to prevent any more accidents. Albus laughed in exhilaration and followed the wizard behind the counter where the truly spectacular sweets were kept.

"Just got these in yesterday. They're non-magical, but sweet and long-lasting."

Mr. Sweeney handed Albus a bright yellow bag with silver letters on the front that read, 'Sherbet Lemons.'

"I can't take this whole bag Mr. Sweeney!" protested Albus.

"Sure you can! Think of it as a thank you gift for saving my shop and as a gift welcoming you into the ranks of wizardkind."

Blushing slightly, Albus gratefully took the bag with heartfelt thanks. He clutched the large bag of sweets to his chest and turned to fetch his brother. Aberforth was complaining loudly over being stuck to the floor, but cheered up when Mr. Sweeney told him he could have his armful of chocolate frogs on the house as well. Once Aberforth was unglued from the floor they bid the shop owner a fond farewell and thanked him again for the candy.

Out in Diagon Alley Aberforth looked up at Albus and said,

"I want lots of sweets when I do magic too!"

Albus simply laughed and popped a sherbet lemon into his mouth.

TBC

Next Chapter – Remus Lupin

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