Chapter 15- Friends

Now that the overcrowded bookstore was behind them Orval hoped that he was about to enter a place that had some breathing room. He turned to ask Harry what was next on his list.

"HARRY" came a shout from nowhere, Orval swung to meet. Running towards them were a red haired early teen and a bushy haired girl of a similar age run up to them. Harry himself smiled warmly as they approached.

"Ron, Hermione what are you doing here" he said enthusiastically.

"Off to rob Gringotts" replied the one called Ron sarcastically. The girl called Hermione rolled her eyes but her smile remained on her face. Such happiness was something Orval never could remember himself having. They were chatting heartily, until Orval overheard.

"Harry, have you noticed that guy is watching us it's kind of creepy," asked Ron, there had not been an opening in which Orval had to introduce himself.

"This is Orval Spear, my bodyguard" Harry said, short and precise.

"Harry why do you need a bodyguard" asked Hermione concerned, Ron himself appeared to see a great deal of humour in this situation, as if he could tease Harry about this direction.

"Well, you know that convict who escaped that prison" Harry began, not directly making eye contact.

"Sirius Black, Harry don't tell me he's- "Ron began he's eyes widening, fear in his voice.

"after me yeah" Harry's voice was laid back, uncaring and unconcerned. He was overconfident.

"I read he was you-know-who's second in command" said Hermione terrified.

"Dad said he killed thirteen muggles in a single curse" said Ron, his composure slipping as his face grew with worry as he tried to keep his cool.

"Well he can't be worse than Voldemort and I beat him" Harry said pointedly. Ron and Hermione exchange worried looks at how Harry was taking this, but his logic made a form of sense.

"My parents rented a room at the leaky cauldron, we're staying until term starts" said Ron, in a clear attempt to change the subject.

"Can we head to the pet shop, my parents gave me some money to buy a birthday gift, and" she paused as if embarrassed "and I would really like an owl, I mean both of you have one"

Ron and Harry looked completely unconcerned, and Orval himself had no idea why she was embarrassed. Ron eventually spoke up "Actually I don't Errol's a family owl, I've got Scabber's, who come to think off it. I need to get him looked at, I don't think Egypt agreed with him.

"So, it's unanimous we're going to the pet store" said Harry. Apparently, Orval didn't get a vote.