Eventually things at Malfoy Manor returned to normal. Mr. Malfoy had told Harry and Draco very bluntly that he would eventually tell them about what had happened, but for now don't ask and don't tell anyone. He made it clear that he wasn't upset with them, they had done nothing wrong. He further made his point by telling Harry and Draco that he was going to take the whole family out to celebrate Harry's birthday, which Harry tried to dissuade him but Mr. Malfoy was having none of it. So after lunch Mr. Malfoy told Harry and Draco to go and change into something a bit less formal and to grab their Brooms.
Confused but excited the boys raced off to their rooms and did just that. What happened next Harry was not prepared for. On their way back Harry saw Mr and Mrs. Malfoy waiting for them in the foyer. Mr. Malfoy was in the same kind of outfit Harry had become accustomed to, but with noticeably less expensive looks embroidery or frills or lace.
Mrs. Malfoy on the other hand, was dressed entirely in what Harry could also guess was an entirely custom set of Quidditch Robes. She looked like a professional Seeker. She had padding on her shins, knees, and elbows, goggles hanging off her neck, and a Nimbus 2000 over her shoulder. Harry was impressed but couldn't help but notice that it all looked brand new, like it had never been used before.
What followed was absolutely the best Birthday Harry had ever had. Mr. Malfoy had manage to get them into the Minister's box at the English profession Magical Raceway. Teams of Broom Racers all sporting fabulous coloured uniforms all racing on Nimbus 2000s.
It was fantastic. Amazing speeds, death-defying turns in three dimensions, teams drafting off each other to gain a position. Afterwards they were able to meet with one of the teams who were all quite happy to entertain all of Harry's questions. Turns out that Mrs. Malfoy was one of their largest contributors and a fan. Once all the races were done for the day Harry and Draco were allowed access to the race way.
Harry was the happiest he had ever remembered. Flying his Nimbus 2000 at top speeds, sharp turns and just exhilarating feats.
Afterwards they all went to an incredibly ornate restaurant and Harry was lavished with expensive foods and a Quidditch themed birthday cake. Harry's dreams that night were filled with brooms and adoring fans cheering him on.
The next morning during breakfast an owl had come in with Harry and Draco's school supplies list. Narcissa made a comment about Dumbledore knowing Harry was at Malfoy Manor to which Mr. Malfoy made an aggravated snort. Harry quickly opened the letter and reviewed what he'd be picking up in Diagon Alley.
SECOND-YEAR STUDENTS WILL REQUIRE:
The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 2 by Miranda Goshawk
Understanding Your Wand, by Helmut Odvitch
A Beginner's guide to Magical Theory, by Jamel Casterophe
Defensive Spells. The Hows and Whys, by Derek Adom.
The Dark Arts, Myth, Fact or Both, by 'Author unknown'
Transfigurations for the Home, by Gilda Topshire
Transfigurations: Introduction to Method, Emetic Switch
Goblins and me: Memoirs from the Goblin Rebellion
Potions and other Concoctions, by Arsenius Jigger
Herbology with care, by Morta Sleanbottom
Medium grade dragon leather gloves
Scratch Proof, Flame resistant Goggles
Collapsible Sun Dial, Bronze, 7-11 inches
Mr. Malfoy read over the list. "Magical Theory in a second year class?" He seemed puzzled. "That's an odd choice. I don't recall learning about Theory until my fifth year." He shrugged and hand Harry back his letter. "Well we knew this day was coming, so we might as well get to it sooner rather than later. Once you boys are done with breakfast, go wash up and get dressed. I'll take you myself to get all these items."
Harry and Draco did exactly that. They quickly finished their breakfast and ran off to their rooms, with Narcissa scolding them for running in the house. After a quick shower, Harry found clothes already laid out for him on his bed. Obviously another one of Draco's that better suited Harry.
Harry found Draco waiting for him at the top of the stares. "Come on, Father should be waiting for us in the foyer. We'll likely be taking the Floo."
Harry paused momentarily. "Taking the what?"
It felt as though he was being sucked down a giant drain. He seemed to be spinning very fast — the roaring in his ears was deafening — he tried to keep his eyes open but the whirl of green flames made him feel sick —something hard knocked his elbow and he tucked it in tightly, still spinning and spinning — now it felt as though cold hands were slapping his face — squinting through his glasses he saw a blurred stream of fireplaces and snatched glimpses of the rooms beyond — his bacon sandwiches were churning inside him — he closed his eyes again wishing it would stop, and then…
He fell, face forward, onto cold stone and felt the bridge of his glasses snap. Dizzy and bruised, covered in soot, he got gingerly to his feet, holding his broken glasses up to his eyes. He was quite alone, but where he was, he had no idea. All he could tell was that he was standing in the stone fireplace of what looked like a large, dimly lit wizard's shop — but nothing in here was ever likely to be on a Hogwarts school list.
A glass case nearby held a withered hand on a cushion, a bloodstained pack of cards, and a staring glass eye. Evil-looking masks stared down from the walls, an assortment of human bones lay upon the counter, and rusty, spiked instruments hung from the ceiling. Even worse, the dark, narrow street Harry could see through the dusty shop window was definitely not Diagon Alley. This was Knockturn Alley. Although a darker more dangerous part than he was familiar with.
Nose still stinging where it had hit the hearth, Harry made his way swiftly and silently toward the door, but before he'd got halfway toward it, two people appeared on the other side of him. Mr. Malfoy came out of the fire place with a quick swat to his shoulder brushing of a bit of excess soot.
"Harry my boy. Let me give you a hand" Mr. Malfoy said. "Sorry, first times are usually rough" Mr. Malfoy said as he waved his wand over Harry and the mess on his clothe vanished. Mr. Malfoy tapped Harry's glasses and they instantly mended
A small burst of green light behind him and Draco walked out of the fire place. He seemed no worse for wear. Mr. Malfoy had a small grin on his face and put a single finger to his lips. Harry's stumble was going to be their little secret. Harry beamed and nodded.
Harry looked quickly around and spotted a large black cabinet to his left and a few other items. "Touch nothing, boys." Draco looked as though he was about to say something when Harry nudged him and gestured to a hand with a candle next to it. They stood next to it staring in silence.
A stooping man had appeared behind the counter, smoothing his greasy hair back from his face.
"Mr. Malfoy, what a pleasure to see you again," said Mr. Borgin in a voice as oily as his hair. "Delighted — and young Master Malfoy" he paused for a moment "and another. Odd for you Lord Malfoy to bring a guest with you. No matter, how may I be of assistance? I must show you, just in today, and very reasonably priced —"
"I'm not buying today, Mr. Borgin, but selling," said Mr. Malfoy.
"Selling?" The smile faded slightly from Mr. Borgin's face.
"You have heard, of course, that the Ministry is conducting more raids," said Mr. Malfoy, taking a roll of parchment from his inside pocket and unraveling it for Mr. Borgin to read. "I have a few, ah, items at home that might embarrass me, if the Ministry were to call…"
Mr. Borgin fixed a pair of pince-nez to his nose and looked down the list.
"The Ministry wouldn't presume to trouble you, sir, surely?"
Mr. Malfoy's lip curled and went on. "I have not been visited yet. The name Malfoy still commands a certain respect, yet the Ministry grows ever more meddlesome. There are rumors about a new Muggle Protection Act. No doubt that flea-bitten, Muggle-loving fool Arthur Weasley is behind it —"
Harry and Draco shared a look at the mention of Weasley and had to stifle giggles. Mr. Malfoy looked back at them with a tight scowl. "and as you see, certain of these poisons might make it appear " Mr. Malfoy went on, not skipping a beat.
"I understand, sir, of course," said Mr. Borgin. "Let me see…"
"Can I have that?" interrupted Draco, pointing at the withered hand on its cushion.
"Ah, the Hand of Glory!" said Mr. Borgin, abandoning Mr. Malfoy's list and scurrying over to Draco. "Insert a candle and it gives light only to the holder! Best friend of thieves and plunderers! Your son has fine taste, sir."
"I hope my son will amount to more than a thief or a plunderer, Borgin," said Mr. Malfoy coldly, and Mr. Borgin said quickly, "No offense, sir, no offense meant —"
"Though if his grades don't pick up," said Mr. Malfoy, more coldly still, "that may indeed be all he is fit for —"
"It's not my fault," retorted Draco. "Harry and Blaise are just too booky for me to keep up. Then there's Granger, oh don't get me started on Granger". Draco shook his hung head.
"I would have thought you'd be ashamed that a girl of no wizard family beat you in every exam," snapped Mr. Malfoy. Draco looked both abashed and angry. Harry felt he should say something in Hermione's defense but knew it wasn't the time nor the place.
"It's the same all over," said Mr. Borgin, in his oily voice. "Wizard blood is counting for less everywhere".
"Not with me," said Mr. Malfoy, his long nostrils flaring.
"No, sir, nor with me, sir," said Mr. Borgin, with a deep bow.
"In that case, perhaps we can return to my list," said Mr. Malfoy shortly. "I am in something of a hurry, Borgin, I have important business elsewhere today —"
They started to haggle. Harry watched as Draco pursued through the store, examining the objects for sale. Draco paused to examine a long coil of hangman's rope and to read, smirking, the card propped on a magnificent necklace of opals, Caution: Do Not Touch. Cursed — Has Claimed the Lives of Nineteen Muggle Owners to Date. Draco turned away and saw the cabinet right in front of him. He walked forward he stretched out his hand for the handle "Done," said Mr. Malfoy at the counter. "Come, boys"
"Good day to you, Mr. Borgin. I'll expect you at the manor tomorrow to pick up the goods."
The moment the door had closed, Mr. Borgin dropped his oily manner.
"Good day yourself, Mister Malfoy, and if the stories are true, you haven't sold me half of what's hidden in your manor…"
Muttering darkly, Mr. Borgin disappeared into a back room. Harry followed Mr. Malfoy and Draco out of Borgin and Burkes and had emerged into a dingy alleyway that seemed to be made up entirely of shops devoted to the Dark Arts. The one he'd just left, Borgin and Burkes, looked like the largest, but opposite was a nasty window display of shrunken heads and, two doors down, a large cage was alive with gigantic black spiders.
Harry instant recognized the shop as Claws and Fangs. Harry was about to bound off and go to the shop before remembering that he was with Mr. Malfoy and Draco. Harry quickly explained to Mr. Malfoy about the shop and the fact that he had picked up Balthazar there and thought he should pop in and speak with Bragforth. Mr. Malfoy nodded and made a comment about acknowledging those who have done you good in the past before letting Hary and Draco run off.
Harry stepped into the shop with a long stride. The chime above the door jingled as he pushed the door open. The shop was just as he remembered it. Poorly lighted, a little dusty, filled with ravenous oddities, and albeit a little cozy in a deranged sense of the word.
There was a shuffle in the back. "I'll be right there" Bragforth called out. Harry grinned. it was just as he remembered it. Draco looked around trying to hide his awe. So many strange things, even for the wizarding community.
The was a boom, followed by a crack, then followed by a slew of colorful swears. Harry and Draco laughed. "Harry!" Bragforth said stepping into the light. "My how you've grown since I last saw you. And you brought a friend. My, my, my. It seems only yesterday that a shy and timid boy new to our world came into my shop looking for an owl. Or rather something he could use as an owl".
Harry and Bragforth shared a laugh. "Bragforth, this is my best mate, Draco Malfoy. Draco this is owner and proprietor of Claws and Fangs, Bragforth Taxidurman" Harry said as he and Bragforth shook hands. Bragforth took pause for a moment.
"A Malfoy in my shop. Harry, you never cease to amaze. So what can I do got you fine young lads? I trust that everything is ok with your Orobo-Raven?" Bragforth asked moving back behind the counter and taking a seat.
Harry smiled and nodded. "Yes, Balthazar is still well. Had I thought, I would have brought him with me" Harry said feeling a bit embarrassed.
Draco clapped a hand on his shoulder. "I got you covered mate." Draco said with a smirk. "Dobby!" On queue Dobby appeared in front of Draco already in a bow.
"Young master calls for Dobby?"
Harry nodded. "Dobby, would it be safe for you to bring Balthazar here for?" Harry asked. "I seem to remember hearing mention of complications with House elf magics". He took a seat on a nearby stool. Draco was now looking at the same creature that caught Harry's eye the last time he was here. A certain cross of a Squirrel and Scorpion. Bragforth seemed to be starring at Dobby with what Harry imagined was professional interest.
Dobby blinked a few times before nodding. "Yes, Dobby can do this, if Dobby is careful" Dobby replied. He seemed to be taking in his surroundings now. Fear and apprehension were very visible on his features. Harry nodded. "If he is in his cage bring him here, if not checked the area to see if you can find him. If not, don't worry, but bring the cage anyway, Ok?"
Dobby nodded and snapped his fingers.
Bragforth looked at the spot were Dobby had been then looked at Harry. "So much has change with you Harry Potter" Bragforth said grinning. He pulled a small step ladder from a nearby shelf and took a seat. "I may be getting tired in my old age, but I can still see it when someone has found a certain level of happiness. When you came here, you were living with Muggle relatives if I'm not mistaken". Harry slightly scowled and nodded. "Right, now after a year of Hogwarts, it more of a home for you then your relatives ever offered".
Harry nodded slowly. He hadn't even told Draco that. He hadn't kept it a secret, but he had never spoken of it out loud.
"You found a friend. One who you look at with so most hope. Hope for fun, Hope for learning, hope for the future. I can see all this in you cause I see myself in you" Bragforth said pulling off his tight green leather gloves. "I to came from a home that didn't want me. I grew up with a certain shame that only those who know it could truly understand it"
Bragforth rubbed his hands together and sighing. "I was eleven once. I had heard the tales of Hogwarts. The School that makes Witches and Wizard out of young girls and boys. Once I got there, I found something I had never had before. Acceptance. I was sorted, I had my classes, and I found friends, and within the first week Hogwarts had become my home".
"So when I look at you Harry Potter, I can't help but feel that old joy again" Bragforth said wiping his eyes. He looked as though he was about to say more when Dobby appeared with a soft crack hefting Balthazar's cage with the cover on it.
"Harry Potter's bird-snake is inside" he said struggling with the weight.
Dobby softly placed the cage on the floor as Harry walked over to him. "Good work Dobby. Now return to Malfoy Manor and help with the kitchen elves, I should be back for supper" Harry said kindly to the House elf. Dobby nodded and disappeared with a crack.
Harry picked up the cage and looked at Bragforth with a smile. "I think you'll find that he's grown more than I have" Harry said as he gently placed the cage on a nearby counter. Draco peaked his head around an aisle and made his way to the front of the store.
Harry pulled the cover off and found Balthazar inside curled up underneath his wings. Harry knew he wasn't asleep from the way he back and chest were rising. He was about to talk to him when he noticed Draco standing right next to him. Bragforth saw Harry's hesitation as well.
"Perhaps we can stir him with a meal" Bragforth said going behind the counter and pulling out a glass case of White Mice. He put his gloves back on and pulled a single mouse out but the scruff of its neck. Harry smirk and opened the cage. Balthazar made no movement.
Bagforth and Harry seemed disappointed while Draco was relieved. It seemed Harry was going to have to resort to speaking Parseltongue to rouse him. He was working out how best to explain to Draco when the Mouse squeaked. Harry saw it. Balthazar's neck and back clenched. His wings unfurled slightly and his head rose.
They all watched as the mouse froze in fear. It all happened so fast. Balthazar reared his head and snapped forward. In a fluid motion Balthazar's entire body followed the strike and coiled around his head, which Harry could only assume was busy with the mouse now.
"Well that was simply fantastic." Bragforth said grasping his hands together. "From what I've been able to find in literature and some colleagues across the pond, he seems to be growing at a healthy rate. He should get a fair bit bigger over the years. Just a few inches more then twice what he is now."
Harry was shocked. Balthazar was already as large as most owls at Hogwarts, to learn that he's going grow twice as large was baffling. "Wow. I guess I'll need to get him a larger cage at some point." Harry said looking at how much space he was already taking up in his current cage.
Draco was still fixated on Balthazar with a horrified expression. "Wait! He's going to get how much bigger?"
After purchasing the rare books that Bragforth was able to procure and some treats for Balthazar, Harry and Draco said their goodbyes, Dobby came back and brought Balthazar back to Malfoy Manor. They left the shop and started wondering around. It didn't take them too long to realize that they were completely lost in Diagon Alley. Harry had thought himself capable of finding Diagon Alley from here as the last time he was there Hagrid had been able to lead them back to Diagon Alley.
Over time more and more of the locals were taking notice of Harry and Draco
"HARRY! What d'yeh think yer doin' down there?"
Harry's heart leapt. So did the witch; a load of fingernails cascaded down over her feet and she cursed as the massive form of Hagrid, the Hogwarts' gamekeeper, came striding toward them, beetle-black eyes flashing over his great bristling beard.
"Hagrid!" Harry said. "I was just passing through with Mr. Malfoy and Draco, but we seemed to have gotten lost". Harry and Draco looked around and for Mr. Malfoy but finally yield and let Hagrid escort them out of Knockturn Alley and into Diagon Ally. Harry saw a familiar, snow-white marble building in the distance — Gringotts Bank. Hagrid had steered him right into Diagon Alley.
"Skulkin' around Knockturn Alley, I dunno, dodgy place" Hagrid went on. "Harry don' want no one ter see yeh down there". Draco raised an eyebrow but remained silent.
"I realized that," said Harry. "I told you, we were lost, what were you doing down there, anyway?" Harry had realized that Hagrid had not simply been around waiting for Harry to show up and need help.
"I was lookin' fer a Flesh-Eatin' Slug Repellent," growled Hagrid. "They're ruinin' the school cabbages. Yer not on yer own?"
"I'm staying with the Malfoys but, as I said we got separated," Harry explained. "We've got to go and find Mr. Malfoy…"
They set off together down the street.
"How come yeh never wrote back ter me?" said Hagrid as Harry and Draco jogged alongside him (they had to take three steps to every stride of Hagrid's enormous boots). Harry explained all about the Dursleys and the lock on Balthazar's cage. Draco scoffed.
"Lousy Muggles," growled Hagrid. "If I'd've known —"
"Harry! Harry! Over here!"
Harry looked up and saw Hermione Granger standing at the top of the white flight of steps to Gringotts. She ran down to meet them, her bushy brown hair flying behind her.
"What are you doing here? Hello, Hagrid. Oh, it's wonderful to see you two again." Hermione went on without a breath. She stopped for a moment and looked to Harry's side. "Draco" She acknowledge his presence as one would rainy day through a window.
Harry laughed. "Are you coming into Gringotts, Harry?"
"As soon as I've found the Mr. Malfoy," said Harry.
"Yeh won't have long ter wait," Hagrid said nodding.
Harry, Draco and Hermione looked around. With a brisk pace came Mr. Malfoy. Worry apparent on his face. "There you two are. I went back to the creature shop, but the store keep told you had already left. I was one my way to Gringotts to ask the help of the Security staff" Mr. Malfoy explained. The worry on his face slowly fading. "Well, I'm so glad to see you two alright".
Harry and Draco explained their visit and Hagrid's rescue. Mr. Malfoy nodded and clenched his jaw. "Well. Rubeus, I cannot thank you enough. I must repay you somehow" Mr. Malfoy offered. He was clearly just as uncomfortable as Hagrid, but for clearly different reasons. "Being on the board, I could pension for a raise, perhaps a vacation?"
Hagrid's blush was visibly through his beard. "Now, now, Mr. Malfoy. I was just doing the right thing here for the boys. I wouldn't want to bother you and the board for that" Hagrid said rubbing the back of his neck.
Mr. Malfoy frowned and shook his head. "Nonsense. A member of Hogwarts staff going out of his way to ensure the safety of two students before the year had even begun. I will see to it, that you are rightfully recognized, and properly rewarded" Mr. Malfoy went on a little loudly as certain passers by leaned in to listen.
As Hagrid gushed and Mr. Malfoy insisted, Harry caught sight of a particular group of red headed witches and wizards. One in particular. "Ginny" Harry called out waving his hand over his head.
Ginny Weasley turned and saw Harry walking down the steps towards her. In seconds her blush matched her hair. "Oh" she squeaked. "H-hello, Harry Potter" she stammered out looking at her shoes. Harry grinned.
He looked at the other Weasley's. "Fred and George. Or is it, George and Fred?" He said stinking out both his hands crossed over each other, as the twins shot out their own hands and they shook. "Good summer?" Harry asked wondering how much chaos they'd wrought in their own home.
They both grinned at each other. "Quite good, wouldn't you say dear brother", "Well of course. It was most productive" Fred and George said. "But alas, we're still looking forward to being back at Hogwarts". Harry smiled and chuckled as the spoke.
Seeing an escape Hagrid spoke up. "Well, gotta be off," said Hagrid, still seemingly embarrassed by Mr. Malfoy's generosity. "See yer at Hogwarts!" And he strode away, head and shoulders taller than anyone else in the packed street. Harry said his goodbyes and turned his attention to the eldest of the Wealsey children present.
"Percy" Harry said politely and with a curt nod. While not much idle conversation was held between the two they had managed a very civil relationship and Harry had even tipped of Percy on some of the twin's activities when it suited him.
"Harry Potter" Arthur said as he stepped forward. "Well, I'll be. I didn't exactly believe Fred and George at first when they said they'd made friendly with the Harry Potter, then we got that letter of yours after that scuffle with Ron." Arthur went on has he patted himself down. He put out his hand and shook with Harry.
Harry laughed a little. "Well, we do meet eye to eye, on some of our, uhm, extra curricular activities. Some of which, I'm sure McGonagall has let you know about. Some of which they were much to smart about" Harry went on, with a slight blush as he looked back to the twins.
"To right Harry"-"Thanks again, for the Time delay spell"-"Never would have gotten away with most of those"-"If it hadn't been for you"-"Keeping out of trouble I dare say".
Harry laughed and swung his head to the side. "Well, I don't know about that" he said trying to be modest.
Arthur looked at the boys then back to Harry. "Well no matter the cause, Harry, I'd like to thank you. This year marked a surprisingly low number of letters from McGonagall. If the boys are simply 'keeping out' of trouble or not getting caught, and Molly's none the wiser, I say good show" Arthur said in a low voice.
By now Harry locked eye with Ronald. "Ron" Harry said with no tone at all. He simply looked at him.
Ron scowled. "Potter" he spat out as if his name was poison. He made no attempt to hide his disdain for Harry. He scowled and glared as long as he was looking at him.
"Ron!" Arthur chided harshly. "I'd thought you would have gotten over this childish bickering over the summer. I'm sorry Harry" Arthur tried to apologize for his son.
Harry smiled and put up a hand. "Oh, it's not a problem, Mr. Weasley. We weren't exactly friends last year. Bad behavior on both sides." Harry said coming of a bit more mature than he thought he could. "I just hope the rest of the Weasleys don't think badly of me because Ron does, especially Ginny, who I've hadn't spoken to since the end of last year".
Ginny took a sharp inhale at Harry's mention of her name. She was pushed out from behind the twins and infront of Harry. "I hope Ronald hasn't been filling your head with tales of my evil deeds and how I'm a dark lord in the making" Harry said with a grin. He hoped he was coming off as charming.
Ginny blushed and shook her head fiercely. "Well. He does try, but I just know it can't be true" Ginny said just louder than a whisper. Harry noticed that wasn't trying to make herself smaller or back away, she was just shy around him now. 'A marked improvement' he thought.
"Does he now" Arthur said turning his gaze to Ronald. Who knew better than to try and defend himself, just frowned and looked away. "Well no matter. I hope your not alone here in Diagon alley. I heard that your relatives are muggles, and have a certain apprehension to the Magical community".
At this Mr. Malfoy made himself know to the Wealseys. "The boy is with me Arthur" Mr. Malfoy said stepping forward. and placing a hand on Harry's shoulder with Draco right behind him. Harry looked behind him and saw no sign of Hermione. 'probably didn't want the Weasleys to see her with us, smart".
"Lucius" Arthur said dryly.
"Arthur" Mr. Malfoy said swiftly. "I think we can be civil, yes?" Mr. Malfoy said quickly glancing towards the Harry and the others. Arthur needed no other reasoning and nodded in agreement. "Good".
Arthur mood lightened at the promise of civility. "So Harry, I figure you're here to get your school supplies" Arthur interjected. Harry nodded and started to walk alongside Arthur and Ginny. "Well marvelous, Ginny and the boys are here to do just the same". They went down Diagon Alley and made their towards the shopping district.
"Well, if we're being so friendly, Arthur" Mr. Malfoy interjected. "I must ask, would you mind watching the boys while I attend to Ministry business. It seems your director has it in his head to change certain rulings on dangerous items. While I have no objection to his changes, I'm afraid I must speak out about the ruckus he's causing for inter office communication".
Arthur nodded. "Ah yes. Perkins seems to be on a war path of change ever since he got back from his vacation. I'll look after the lads. How long will you be, Mr. Malfoy"? Arthur asked, being surprisingly accommodating. Harry suspected that Arthur just wanted to get to know him better.
Mr. Malfoy pulled out a gold pocket watch. "Shouldn't be any longer than an hour and a half. Now boys, respectful and courteous" Mr. Malfoy said to Harry and Draco, though, more to Draco, who nodded after a few seconds of glare.
Mr. Malfoy nodded and strode off into Gringotts. Harry, Draco, and the Weasleys made their way toward Flourish and Blotts. Percy muttered vaguely about needing a new quill. Fred and George had spotted their friend from Hogwarts, Lee Jordan. By this point they had run into Mrs. Weasley, who had joshed over Harry just as she had at the end of the last school year.
Mrs. Weasley and Ginny were about to head off to a secondhand robe shop when Harry spoke up. "If its no trouble, I wouldn't mind getting Ginny a late Birthday present. Would you mind if I stole her away for a half hour" Harry asked sounding hopeful. "Perhaps some of her school supplies".
Mrs. Weasley looked as though she was about to decline when Arthur spoke up. "How kind of you Harry. If I'm not mistaken I think Molly here would love to get some time in at Flourish and Blotts. As I'm seeing a rather large sign reading 'Book signing by Gileroy Lockhart', I'm pretty sure you'll want to see that Molly".
At this Mrs. Weasley's head wiped around and shot straight at Flourish and Blotts. "Yes, yes. Well just meet us there" she said conflicted. "And do be careful Ginny" she said before taking off in a fast sprint toward. "And not one step down Knockturn Alley!" she shouted at the twins' retreating backs.
Harry dragged Ginny off with Draco tailing right behind them. "Now, if this going to work, Ginny you're gonna have to get over this" Harry said motion to her whole. "Won't do you any good to be like this if we're gonna be friends now will it". If he played his cards right, Harry could get her into Slytherin in the hour.
Again Ginny's face flushed. "Friends?" she said softly. "I just thought, that you didn't make friends with anyone in Gryffindor?" she asked with her hands covering her mouth.
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Let me guess. Ron told you that" Harry said. "Well I see three flaws with that already. One. You're not at Hogwarts yet, so you haven't been sorted into a house yet. Two. I have friends outside my house. Once you get to Hogwarts, I'll introduce you to my friend Hermione, she's in Gryffindor". Harry put a hand on her shoulder and pulled her closer as he laughed.
"And since when could you take anything Ron says seriously"
