Chapter 8: Getting Familiar

Hermione sat with Harry on the front steps of Gringott's. Between them was an open bag of butterscotch candy, and in Hermione's lap, an open book. She hadn't seen anywhere like Diagon Alley before. Not only did it outweigh any sort of description or photograph she had read about, but it also blew boring old London right out of the water. What made it even better was that Harry, her Harry, was right there beside her, just like he promised. Smiling slightly and taking a side glance at him, Hermione saw his brilliant green eyes looking off somewhere in the distance, while his jaw clamped around a candy in deep thought.

Hermione knew the first and foremost thing they needed after visiting the bank was information. Information about what? Harry had asked. Everything. Hermione had answered right back. And she was absolutely right, as always. They needed to know more about the Wizarding World, like currency, government, dress and education. That's where a place called Flourish and Blotts had come in handy. It was a bookstore unlike any Hermione had ever seen before. Though narrow on the inside, it's shelves seemed to extend high into the heavens. All about her books flew about like birds, shelving and re shelving themselves with the use of magic. I hope I can learn to do those things. Hermione thought to herself, pulling Harry along as she approached the front counter.

The lady running the store was very helpful in finding books about the Wizarding World, and had pointed Hermione to many different tomes. Some had been very informative about their situation, like Wizarding World 101, A History of Wizarding Government, Schools of the Wizarding World, and Gringott's Guide to Currency. Other books Hermione had found had been interesting, but not enough to be considered informative. For example Wands for the Witch or Wizard was an excellent resource, but didn't have any information Hermione couldn't simply remember with a quick glance. The same went for a book called Hogwarts: A History, and Harry's favorite, Quidditch For Beginners. And finally there were books Hermione considered necessary for their journey such as Merlin's Anthology of Spells: A to Z, and the one she was currently reading, Wizarding 101.

"Harry, did you know that the Wizarding World has their own working Ministry?"

"Like England?" Harry questioned, unwrapping another candy and popping it into his mouth. Hermione giggled and nodded,

"Uh huh. Cornelius Fudge is the Minister right now. And let's see, oh! There are schools here too, the main one being Hogwarts. That's the Wizarding School you would have gone too Harry,"

"Huh, really?" Harry knitted his brows and moved closer to Hermione, plopping down beside her to glance over her shoulder, "Albus Dumbledore,"

Hermione nodded and pointed to the moving picture of the bearded man in star and moon cloaks,

"That's the bearded man I saw on Privet Drive with Smoky. I guess he's the Headmaster,"

"Huh, I wonder why he didn't want me going to Hogwarts?"

"I might have an answer to that," Hermione stated, flipping towards the back of the book for Harry to see, "this is why everyone knows your name here, Harry. I guess you are a celebrity,"

"Me? But I'm just Harry?"

"Of course you are. Especially to me," Hermione bumped Harry's shoulder with her own, knocking the small frown off his face, "but, I think we should try and keep your scar hidden. And...well, maybe avoid using your real name in public? Just use my name,"

"Harry Granger? Hmm...just for emergencies?"

"Yep, just for emergencies. As for your scar, I think, if we're going to start traveling, we should get some cloaks and bags to carry our stuff in. It's a long walk to the ocean from here,"

Harry chuckled and nodded, glancing around the alleyway and pointing. The store was called Madame Malkin's, and looked to specialize in sewing. Nodding in agreement, Hermione looked back to Wizarding 101 and cocked her head to one side. Harry is supposed to be a super powerful wizard, Hermione thought, glancing at the stick still hidden in his sleeve,

"We should also get you a proper wand, Harry. For when we start learning real spells,"

"But I like the one you got for me," Harry pouted, causing Hermione to giggle and shove her friend to one side,

"Oh stop it. No, apparently you can't just...make a wand. Apparently there are some specific requirements about it? I think there's probably a wand shop here-"

"It's probably Ollivander's," Harry mumbled, leaning on a hand, "I saw it when we came in,"

"Great!" Hermione slammed the pages of her book shut with a wide grin, "I think we have a to-do list. So, let's get on it, shall we Mr. Potter?"

"I thought we weren't using my name anymore?"

Smiling and rolling her eyes, Hermione helped Harry pack up their things and headed towards Madame Malkin's. She was right in assuming it was a seamstresses shop, as the shop was filled wall to wall with clothing. Madame Malkin was very helpful, and insisted on getting Harry some properly fitting clothing (a red knit jumper with tan trousers and black shoes), before outfitting both of them with proper grey woolen traveling cloaks. Hermione demonstrated how to put the hood up for Harry to hide his scar, and even got a large travel pack to carry all of her books, and their travel money in. After leaving there, Harry and Hermione went to Ollivanders.

For some reason, Hermione felt nervous upon entering the fading crimson building, and stood towards the back wall while Ollivander (who looked like he got caught on the wrong side of an electrical socket), helped Harry find a wand. It took a little while, but eventually he had one which seemed to suit him well,

"Hmm, curious," Ollivander stated, staring at Harry, "I would have thought a different wand would have been good for you,"

"Uh, what is this one made of?" Harry asked, holding the long, polished wand in his hand as Ollivander stroked his stubble,

"This particular one is an 11" Cedar wand with a Phoenix feather core. To be honest I was expecting a more supple wood for you Mr. Potter, a Holly or Willow perhaps. This wand, if you don't mind me saying, paints you as someone with ferocious loyalty and great character. It should suit you well,"

"Wow, thanks," watching as Harry shoved the wand into his sleeve, he turned and waved to Hermione, "come on Hermione, you need one too,"

"It's ok, Harry, really. I can just use the one I have-"

"No way!" Running towards her, Hermione yelped slightly as she was practically pushed towards Ollivanders desk. Popping out from behind her, Harry smiled, "my friend needs a wand too,"

"Hmm?" Ollivander leaned down slightly, furry eyebrow quirked as Hermione flinched. She wasn't entire sure why this old man scared her so much, he just...did, "I have the perfect wand for you,"

Blinking, Hermione cautiously looked over the top of the counter as Ollivander brought out a box and set it down before her. Inside was a very light wand, carved to look like it had vines growing on it, "try this, hmm? 10 3/4" vine wood with a Dragon Heartstring core,"

Glancing at Harry before biting a lip, Hermione gently took up the wand. Immediately a warmth filled her body, like hot chocolate had been poured into her blood. It was an immensely happy feeling, and Ollivander smiled, "ah yes, I didn't even need to guess for that one, hmm? You, my dear, are destined for incredible things. Don't doubt yourself, and that wand will do you wonders,"

"Thank...thank you, sir,"

"No, thank you,"

Smiling and grabbing onto Harry, the pair skipped from Ollivanders, new wand's in hand, and grey cloaks billowing about them. I can't believe I have a real wand! Smiling, Hermione turned to Harry who was observing his with a keen interest,

"Ollivander was right about your loyalty, Harry," Hermione stated, "this is more then I could have ever imagined,"

"It just seems so unreal, doesn't it?" Harry breathed, tucking the wand away, "all of this? Us going to the Ocean. It almost feels like a dream. And I-I don't want to wake up,"

"It's not a dream, Harry," Hermione said, pinching Harry's arm as he yelped and scowled playfully. Shrugging, Hermione giggled, only to turn as there was barking, and a tremendous noise up the street. Curious and a bit alarmed, Harry and Hermione glanced around the corner, seeing the door to an Animal Emporium being opened and a large orange cat running out and climbing up a lamp post. Chasing after it was a mangy black mut, barking wildly as the feline hissed and clawed,

"Oh no, we have to help that poor cat, Harry! He's so scared!"

"Uh, ok. Here let me try..." getting to his knees, Harry whistled between his lips, gaining the dogs attention, "here Snuffles, here boy,"

To Hermione's delight, the black mutt stopped barking and ran at Harry, pouncing on him witch licks as Harry squealed happily. Meanwhile, Hermione went to the cat, looking up at him still clinging to the lamp,

"Here kitty. Come on down, I'm not going to hurt you. C'mere,"

There was a moment of nothing, but soon enough, Hermione had her arms full of orange fur and red, droopy eyes. Scratching the cat behind the ears, he gave a purr and turned to glare at the dog now loyally padding along at Harry's feet,

"That was quick," Harry commented, motioning to the cat as Hermione lifted an eyebrow and glanced down at...what did Harry call him again? Snuffles?

"You too, Mr. Potter,"

"Ugh, look at my shop! Destroyed,"

Glancing up, Hermione frowned at the woman picking up the mess the animals had left in their wake. She's probably going to want her animals back. Hermione thought dully, scratching her new friend Crookshanks behind the ear again.

"Miss? Miss, we have your animals here,"

"What?" The woman looked up and glared slightly at the black dog, who just sat on Harry's feet with a sort of stupid look on his face, "that thing isn't one of mine. And that beast," the shopkeeper motioned to Crookshanks as Hermione pulled him closer to her protectively, "I'll never be able to sell. He's just too ugly,"

"He's not!" Hermione cried without realizing it, "I'll take him,"

"Fine! No charge! Oh, what a mess,"

Hermione glanced to Harry and shrugged slightly. This woman obviously was in no sort of good mood.

"Miss," Harry piped up, gaining the shopkeepers attention again, "I'll buy one of your owls if you'd like, as an apology for all the damage Snuffles here caused,"

"Fine. Pick any one you'd like. I have too many anyway,"

Rolling his eyes, Hermione giggled slightly as Harry pointed to the Snowy Owl cage sitting outside the door,

"That one,"

"She's yours,"

Paying the shopkeeper and grabbing the cage, Harry motioned for Hermione to follow him a ways down the street as he opened the little door. The owl looked at him and cocked it's head to one side,

"There you go girl, you're free. Go on,"

Watching in curiosity, the massive white bird stepped up to the cage door, hesitated a moment, and then flew away. Smiling, Hermione squeezed Harry's hand,

"You're a good person, Harry-"

Before Hermione could even finish her m sentence though, two people appeared down the alleyway and she had to practically throw Harry up against the nearby wall,

"Hermione, what's wrong?"

"That man, Dumbledore is here. And Smoky too. No doubt they are looking for you. Someone snitched on us,"

"We need to get out of here then. There is no way I'm going back to the Dursley's, or letting you go back to your parents,"

"We have to find some way out of here! But how?"

Just then, there was the sound of a start up engine as Harry pulled on Hermione's hand,

"This way. Come on, Snuffles!"

Barking slightly, the strange group ran down a nearby alleyway. Parked just at the end of it was a red haired man, loading what looked to be groceries into a strange blue car. Blinking bewilderedly, Hermione stopped short as Harry ran to the man,
"Excuse me sir, can you give us a ride somewhere? We'll pay you,"

"I suppose it wouldn't hurt then, where too?"

"Wherever you're going is fine," Hermione stated, pulling Crookshanks closer to her chest as she got into the back seat of the car, followed by Snuffles and Harry. With them all packed in the back seat, the red haired man adjusted the mirror,

"You can call me Mr. Weasley by the way,"

"Hermione Granger sir, and my brother, Harry,"

I don't like calling him my brother. Hermione thought, keeping back a wince as Harry reached over and gave her hand a squeeze,

"Well Hermione and Harry, seatbelts please,"

"Yes sir,"

Both Hermione and Harry did as they were told, keeping their animals close as the car started and skidded down the ally. Instead of taking the corner however, there was a lurch as the car took flight instead. Feeling suddenly very carsick, Harry laughed lightly as Hermione leaned in to hide her face in Harry's chest. It was definitely official. Hermione did not like any sort of Wizard Transportation!