Chapter 3: Diagon Alley
Harry's school letter arrived a few days after arriving at the Burrow, as did the Weasley's. The large, brown delivery owl dropped five very similar looking envelopes on the kitchen table before accepting a head scratch off Harry and swooping back out through the open kitchen door.
"Think quick!" called George as he started wildly shooting the letters towards their intended recipients.
"BOYS! STOP THAT," yelled Mrs Weasley when Fred began attacking George with a stray letter that had hit him in the face as he'd entered the kitchen. Harry had managed to catch his letter as it skimmed across the table but the other letters hadn't fared as well, Ron's was partly submerged in a puddle of milk and Percy was not amused to find his on the floor with a Mrs Weasley sized footprint obscuring part of his name.
"Idiot," Percy berated his brother in frustration while trying to rub the dirt of the parchment envelope.
"Percy collects all his post," Ron informed Harry in mock seriousness, "he keeps it all in colour coded folders." Ron dabbed carelessly at his own soggy letter with his sleeve, clearly not sharing Percy's concern.
"Yeah what's that now Percy? I reckon you must have at least six letters in those folders" added George. Fred and Ron snorted in amusement. Percy didn't even bother with a response, he just huffed as he stomped out the room still brushing at his envelope.
"He's been no fun this summer," Fred whinged, "he just hides away in his room all day. He barely even gloated when he got his O.W.L results."
"Ordinary wizarding levels," Ron added for Harry's benefit, "the exams you sit in 5th year." Harry nodded in understanding.
"Yeah 12 solid grades and he's hardly mentioned it. We've had no-one to test our most recent inventions on all holiday," added George with a sideways glance at Harry.
Harry was immediately certain that he did not want to be the twins' guinea-pig and made a note to stay alert around them. Recalling the unpleasant shade of green Lee Jordan turned for several days last year Harry decided under no circumstances was he going to be accepting anything offered to him by Fred or George. He wasn't sure what would be worse, an as yet untested Weasley twin product that might not work as intended, or one that definitely would.
"How come your sister didn't get a letter?" Harry asked Ron, "I thought she was starting Hogwarts this year."
"Oh, new students get their letters much earlier, Ginny got hers a few weeks back." He replied absently as he scanned through the contents of his own. Ron frowned in displeasure "All those Lockhart books are on our lists too, I was hoping they were only for first years. The new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher must be a fan." He didn't look impressed.
Harry looked down at his own letter, sure enough on the book list were no less than 7 books by Gilderoy Lockhart along with The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 2 by Miranda Goshawk.
"We've got them on ours too, and I'd bet my last Knut the Percy does as well" George volunteered.
"What in earth are we going to do with 5 sets of those things," Fred sounded appalled, "Not to mention they're going to cost a fortune," he added more quietly throwing a concerned glance at Mrs Weasley who was checking through Ron's list.
"Well you aren't all going to be in class at the same time as each other so you'll just have to share," said Mrs Weasley briskly, "Once you know your timetables you can decide what works best." Her cheeks went a little pink as she avoided looking at Harry. Harry himself was feeling incredibly uncomfortable, he had plenty of money in his Gringotts vault and he would have bought them all Lockhart's books in a heartbeat if he thought they'd accept but he knew they wouldn't. He'd tried to offer to pay his way to Mr Weasley the day after he'd arrived and realised he was staying the rest of the holidays, but Mr Weasley was having none of it. He'd looked so shocked and confused at the suggestion that Harry decided not to bring it up again.
"So when are we going to Diagon Alley Mum," asked Fred gallantly moving the conversion along.
"Why don't you all see if your friends can make it on Wednesday and we can make a day of it," Mrs Weasley suggested. "Your father has some summer leave to take as well so we can all go."
Without further prompting Harry and Ron both headed up to his room to write a quick letter to Hermione. She was on Holiday in France for some of the holidays, Harry remembered her saying, but he couldn't remember when she was getting back. He scrawled a quick note outlining their plans then waited as Hedwig finished preening her feathers before sending her off to find his friend wherever she may be.
The planned for Wednesday soon arrived and everyone assembled in the kitchen ready to leave. Mr Weasley had indeed managed to get the day off and was going to join them. Even though Ginny was a star struck as ever around Harry she had managed to be in the same room as Harry for several minutes without running away which Harry considered to be progress. He generously ignored her furtive glances and red cheeks, and kindly appeared not to notice when she spilled half her pumpkin juice down her chin when he happened to turn her way. The glare she sent George when he opened his mouth to comment was sufficient to stop the others mentioning it also. When Percy finally joined them (prefect badge inexplicably pinned to his shirt) they were ready to go.
"Guests first," offered Mrs Weasley taking a flower pot off the mantel piece and offering it to Harry.
Harry stood and stared, he had no idea what to say, he glanced hesitantly at Ron.
"Oh, you've not travelled by floo before have you? You live with muggles normally." Fred quickly grasped what seemed to elude the rest of them.
"Sorry Harry dear, I'd forgotten about that," apologised Mrs Weasley, "It's nothing to be worried about. You throw a pinch of the floo powder in the fire place and state where you want to go, in our case Diagon Alley. We'll send the twins first so you can see how it's done then you can go with Ron, he'll make sure you get out at the right grate."
Harry watched Fred and George gamely throw a pinch of the iridescent powder into the fire causing the flames to flare up bright green. The twins nonchalantly stepped directly into them, turned to face everyone before George clearly called out "Diagon Alley," then with a flash of soot they vanished leaving only gently smoldering embers behind.
Ron nudged the still staring Harry towards the fire as he grabbed a little of the powder from the pot. "You ready to go?" he asked.
Harry nodded "sure" he said attempting to sound more confident than he felt, every muggle raised instinct in him telling him to not climb into a fire.
"It might be a good idea to take your glasses off," suggested Mr Weasley helpfully.
"And tuck your elbows in," added Percy, "it hurts like the devil if you hit your elbow on the way through."
Ron threw the powder into the fire and dragged Harry into it with him, Harry was pleased to find that despite the appearance of the flames, the fire felt quite pleasantly warm, like a hot shower.
"Make sure you get out when Ron does Harry dear," called Mrs Weasley of the roaring of the flames.
"Close your eyes if you get travel sick," Harry just about heard Mr Weasley's final advice as Ron called out clearly "Diagon Alley."
In an instant Harry felt his stomach swoop up though his body as though falling at an unimaginable pace. The roaring of the flames only got louder as they moved through the floo and Harry saw flashes of vivid colour streaming past his face interspersed with green tinged darkness. The sensory overload of the situation quickly made Harry nauseous and he shut his eyes tightly desperately trying to shut out the confusion around him. A moment later, it could have been less than a second or more than a minute, Harry felt a tug on his arm and felt himself go sprawling face first onto the floor at the feet of Fred and George. The twins laughed at his predicament even as they helped him up and batted the soot off his clothes.
"Tsh, what do you call that Harry," teased Fred slapping his back causing a cloud of soot to erupt from his jumper.
"Call that a dismount," continued George ruffling his hair sending dust in all directions.
"I've see a one legged gnome stick a landing better than that," added Fred placing Harry's glasses back on his face.
"Lay off him, it was his first time," defended Ron shoving Fred aside. "Are you okay Harry?" He asked concerned.
"I'm fine Ron, don't worry about it," Harry told his friend while rubbing his bruised knee. He was spared any more attention as at that moment a roaring flame signaled the next Weasley's arrival and Percy strolled through the fireplace unconcernedly wiping a smudge off his glasses. Mrs Weasley and Ginny arrived next followed finally by Mr Weasley. None of them had so much as stumbled Harry noted with a little embarrassment.
"Excellent we're all here, Amelia, Susan you've met our lot before haven't you?" Mr Weasley greeted the Director of the DMLE and her niece who were stood just to the side of the Weasley group. Harry closed his eyes and wished the world away as he realised Amelia and Susan Bones had had front row seats to the whole show. "How was your first Floo experience Harry," Mr Weasley asked apparently oblivious to Harry's embarrassment.
"I think I prefer the train," Harry replied blushing as Fred and George laughed and Mrs Weasley took a handkerchief to a smudge on his face. Harry risked a glance at Susan and saw she had a hand covering her mouth trying to hide her laughter while her Aunt valiantly attempted to keep her face straight, though she wasn't particularly successful.
"You'll get used to it dear," Mrs Weasley reassured him, "you'll see, it'll be easier on the way back." Harry groaned internally, he didn't want to think about it.
"Right, Fred, George, Percy, we're meeting at Florean Fortescue's at 1:00, behave," Mrs Weasley instructed the older boys, "and don't you dare step one foot down Knockturn Alley," she belatedly called after the twins' retreating backs.
Amelia raised her eyebrows at Mrs Weasley who waved off her concern. "Oh I doubt they would anyway but with those two it's best to make instructions explicit. I suppose Susan has the same list as Ron and Harry," Mrs Weasley enquired.
"The Lockhart list?" Susan confirmed.
"Yes that's the one dear. Once Hermione's here we'd best start at Gringotts then head to Flourish and Blotts. Do you know how they're getting here Harry love?"
"The train and then the Underground I think," supplied Harry trying to remember what his friend had written in amongst all the chatter about potions essays and History of magic assignments.
Mr Weasley's eyes widened in childlike wonder. "Really! They're actually travelling on a train inside the earth, right this moment! How do they get through? How do they know which way to go?" He asked Harry excitedly.
Harry began to answer as best he could when the Hermione appeared in the doorway.
"Harry, Ron!" exclaimed their bushy haired friend upon spotting them and immediately rushed over embracing them both in a classic Hermione hug resulting in a large amount of hair in everyone's faces. Hermione's parents followed their daughter at a rather more sedate pace observing the members of the group as they approached. They noted the three adults were all wearing robes of various shades though the children were more or less in muggle clothing. They also saw the boys were equally happy to see Hermione which made them smile. Hermione excitedly introduced her parents to everybody only pausing when she reached Director Bones.
"Amelia Bones," provided the older witch helpfully, "Susan's Aunt." She shook hands with Mr and Mrs Granger and smiled warmly at Hermione. "Susan's told me a lot about you." Hermione flushed slightly at the attention. It dawned on Harry that for all the time he'd spent in the library with Hermione and various other students he had no idea who Hermione hung out when he and Ron weren't there. It seemed obvious now as Hermione and Susan had an animated conversation about the French Fae that Susan had been a far more diligent correspondent than either he or Ron had that summer.
With introduction successfully made the group made their way to Gringotts. Mr Weasley was overjoyed at being able to ask the Grangers about the Underground and Mr Granger with infinite patience attempted to answer all his questions. He was absolutely fascinated by the paper money that the Grangers were exchanging, and after asking permission showed it to Ron and Ginny who found it equally strange. Harry and Hermione decided it was best if they avoided eye contact during this time as they both fought to hold back their giggles.
Molly, Ginny and Ron opted to wait outside while the others entered the bank. Once inside the group split up, the Grangers approached the muggle exchange counter to cash in their Pound Sterling for Galleons while the remainder queued up at one of the bank tellers to withdraw some money from their accounts. Harry stood a little nervously fiddling with his account key as Mr Weasley was served. Even having spent a year in the wizarding world he had absolutely no clue how much anything cost. He glanced across at Susan and Amelia. He didn't want to appear stupid but he was beginning to realise that asking questions was the quickest way to not be stupid. Besides out of everybody he knew Director Bones would understand his ignorance best.
"Um, Director Bo… , I mean Amelia," Harry corrected himself at her quirked eyebrow, "How much do you think I'll need. For my books and stuff I mean," he tailed off glancing away only to encounter Susan's inquisitive face. Amelia took pity on him and listed off an approximate price for everything on his list with the suggestion of a few more Galleons for new robes, quills and ink if needed and perhaps the occasional treat she added smiling at him. It was a good point Harry thought, he might still be short but he had grown a little and his shoes in particular were quite tight. He looked down at his feet and wriggled his toes experimentally, they definitely wouldn't fit him all year. He lifted his head in time to see an irritated looking goblin waving him over and proceeded to follow Amelia's advice including some spending money.
They unanimously decided to tackle Flourish and Blotts first as they all needed books, however it seemed the rest of the wizarding world had had the same idea. The shop was rammed with far more people than could comfortably fit and others were crowded outside the doors trying to find a way though the crush. The scrolling adverts outside the shop announced that Gilderoy Lockhart himself was there signing books all day which Harry supposed must explain the mob. He was not looking forward to entering into the fray and looked around the rest of the group hoping someone would offer an alternative. If he was surprised to see Mrs Weasley looking slightly flushed and patting at her hair excitedly he was equally surprised to see a grimace of distaste on Amelia's face.
"I don't think there's much point in trying to buy any books now," Amelia suggested, "I'll place an owl order for what Susan needs when I get home." The majority of their group seemed to agree with a few exceptions.
"Oh but he's written so many of our school books." bemoaned Hermione. Harry tried not to laugh at the look of utter devastation on his friends face at missing out on meeting a famous author.
"It does seem a waste not to get the books while we're here," added Mrs Weasley in support looking towards her husband to gauge his thoughts.
In the end it was decided they would split up. Mrs Weasley, Ginny and the Grangers would queue for books while the others stocked up on potion ingredients and any other odds and ends they needed. Harry gratefully handed Mrs Weasley the money for his supplies delighted at avoiding the claustrophobic store.
They were just escaping the jostling crowd when Harry tripped over a stray foot and barged into the back of the wizard in front of him. The imposing man swung around, black robes billowing in his wake. He stared at Harry lip curling in disgust as his eyes flicked up to the lightening shaped scar on his forehead.
"Mr Potter I presume," the blond haired man stared down coldly at him. "You should be more careful," he took a moved towards Harry before Director Bones stepped across him.
"Mr Malfoy, I'm surprised to see you here," Amelia said pleasantly drawing his attention, "I was rather under the impression you and the Minister were occupied today." Harry started at the name, this must be Draco Malfoy's Dad. Observing him from behind Amelia he saw a similar pointy chin, slicked back blonde hair and self-important sneer. The older wizard took a startled step back, then apparently realising he'd given ground to the shorter witch he drew himself up tall and stared down at her.
"Madam Bones," his eyes tightened imperceptibly, "Sadly we were unavoidably delayed," came Mr Malfoy's measured response.
"Very unfortunate I'm sure," Amelia Bones replied levelly, seemingly unaffected by the barely contained hostility rolling off the wizard before her. She continued to stand there between Harry and Mr Malfoy looking mildly at him and saying nothing further. The confusion and indignation on Mr Malfoy's face when he realised he was out maneuvered cheered Harry up no end. Eventually unable to take the awkward silence any more, and without a word he turned and strode stiffly away.
Susan looked to Harry eyes wide in confusion. "What on earth was that about?" Harry shrugged, he had no idea what Malfoy's Dad could want with him, and even less of clue what the scene between Amelia and him meant. Amelia didn't give them an opportunity to ask as she hurried them along to catch up with the others who were waiting a little further down the street.
The further diminished group wound their way through the alley stocking up on all sorts of required items from quills and ink to beetle eyes and lizard legs. Both Harry and Susan purchased new robes and shoes from Madam Malkins and all of them visited Eyelops Owl Emporium though only Harry bought anything. He wanted to get Hedwig some proper treats as he wasn't sure bacon rind was particularly good for owls. The cacophony of sounds and myriad of smells could have been overwhelming but Harry enjoyed being surrounded by the intelligent creatures even as they squawked and beat their wings at him. It was a comforting smell Harry decided, very much like being in the owlery at school.
As one o'clock arrived everyone had managed to make their way to Florean Fortescue's. They all indulged in a post shopping ice-cream as books were handed around to the appropriate people and favourite purchases were shown off. The Grangers were the first to leave as they had a train to catch but it wasn't long before they all headed back to the Leaky Cauldron to Floo to the Burrow. Harry's second Floo experience almost identical to the first, only this time it was Susan and Amelia who picked him up off the floor at the other end much to his chagrin.