Disclaimer: JKR gets credit.

You Could

By Wittchway

Harry Potter and Dean Thomas each slipped their blue and gold Jr.-Auror robes over their heads. Dean nudged his way to the mirror first turning one way then another admiring the look of the flowing fabric. These robes were much better then any shabby school robe, these had hidden pockets and pockets within pockets. A holster for your wand and another for your spare wand, (which was required for all Aurors in training). Dean pulled the amulet he had been given on the first day of orientation out of the neckline of his shirt, modeling his robes with the amulet out and then in. They were to wear the stones around their necks at all times, it would heat up and then display the time and location of where they were to apparate to, if needed or called by the other Aurors.

Of course they hadn't been called, as of yet, apparition tests weren't until next week. Really all they had done thus far was fill out forms and take physical and endurance tests and basic comprehensive skill tests.

They both, along with the other future Auror's, were anxious to get to more practical lessons. Not that they were complaining both former Gryffindor's had the honor of being part of the largest Auror training class in nearly fifteen years, that is since Voldemort's last reign. Of course everyone whom entered the Aurors training program didn't come out of it an Auror or make it through, the work load was heavy, the hours were long and the death eaters were relentless. There had been nearly 12 students, nearly cause after tests they were down to 10, of course not all test results were in yet.

But Harry Potter tried not to think of that just yet. He just wanted to enjoy getting settled in, making friends with students from other schools and several that had been home schooled. He just wanted to enjoy the silence before the final showdown with Lord Voldemort.

Madam Milken pulled the seam of Harry's robe tighter and cast the final hemming spell. Dean had already stepped down from the platform with its single mirror and had moved to a three-way mirror off to the side to get a better look at himself all around. He slipped his wand in its holster and whipped it out in a dueling fashion. Madam flinched as she reminded the boys once again of her "you break it you bought it" policy.

Harry watched the magical scissors clip the final piece of thread from his robe before dashing off the platform to get a look at himself in the mirror. The deep blue looked nice on him. It made his emerald eyes stand out even more and his skin a little bit paler. Harry put his wand in the holster, then pulled it out in dueling fashion.

Dean Thomas and Harry looked at each other and broke into identical grins.

"Come now boys you must get your boots," Madam snapped. They had been in the shop the better part of an hour. It was customary for Madam Milken's Robes for All Occasions to open an hour early when a Auror was required to get robes, the robes took time to make unlike school robes. Auror's robes had to have spells weave within the fabric both by the maker and the wearer. Protection charms and fire retardant spells, and other similar protection spells.

Madam Milken was anxious to get a small break before she open to the public in 15 minutes. A quick foot-measuring spell and both young men were fitted with boots and out the door with 5 minutes to spare. Harry peered in his bag, it held four Jr.-Auror's robes, plus one that he was wearing now, another pair of boots, and a satchel that he was to wear across his robes for more basic needs such as books or his money pouch.

Diagon Alley was slowly filling with people, several shop owners were casting quick cleaning spells on the stone path in front of their shops. A small group of goblins passed by talking excitedly dressed in Gringotts uniform, several were carrying beakers of what smelled like coffee with a hint of nutmeg.

Harry looked around excitedly, it was like he was seeing it all for the first time. He was here as an adult wizard. He was here with another purpose then buying schoolbooks for Hogwarts.

Dean tugged on his sleeve dragging him toward Ollivander's for their second wand requirement. Harry was a little nervous about this task, he was desperately hoping that Ollivander would not mention his wands connection to Voldemort in front of Dean. As far as Harry knew only Ollivander, Dumbledore and he knew of this special connection.

They entered the tiny shop together, Dean seemed just as nervous, he had his hand in the crest of his robe stroking the wand he already had. Harry looked at the floor that he desperately just wanted to sink into.

Ollivander appeared before both suddenly shy JR-Auror's. He had his lips pressed firmly together in a mock smirk.

"Mister Thomas and Mister Potter…here for your training wands already."

Both boys nodded at once. Dean nervously picked at the wood on the edge of the tall desk, and Harry kicked at an invisible dust bunny.

"Yes of course you are… Mister Thomas your current wand please," Ollivander held out his hand, long fingers twitched.

"You're taking back my wand?" Dean blanched. Harry instinctively tightened his grip on his, even if it was connected to Voldemort he was still very partial to the wand.

"Mister Thomas, If you had bothered to read your training manual before showing up on my door step, you would know that your current wand and your second wand need to be linked together…". Ollivander's paper-thin skin, paled and he tugged on the base of Deans wand taking it from his fingers.

"Simply put, we need to connect the two wands magic…" Ollivander walked to the back of the room muttering something that sounded suspiciously like stupid Auror.

Several wands flew off the shelf landing on the counter as Ollivander walked up and down the aisle chanting. "Well just don't stand there…" he waved his hand, "start trying them out boy."

Dean jumped and started pulling wands from their boxes. He waved several and ignored others once he opened the box. Some wands shot failed sparks and others were to powerful and hummed when touched. Finally the last box that had landed on the counter was opened, palm, unicorn core, 14 inches, very whippy. Dean smiled and took back his old wand slipping it back in the robe holster and the other in the pocket along the bottom left of the robe. Harry could see him looking at his reflection in the windows.

Harry fiddled with his wand a little longer, Ollivander's smirk seemed to widen as if he sensed Harry Potters discomfort. Ollivander waved his hand as the boxes of wands Dean had just tried out vanished. "Auror Potter…Your wand."

Harry thought suddenly of running from the shop but instead handed over his wand, taking a sideways look at Dean. While they had been dorm mates at school they had never been overly close. Being one of only 4 Hogwarts students going into the Auror's program gave them a bond that many of the other students didn't have. But still he would want to keep his link to Voldemort a secret a little longer, he sensed it would make others a little uncomfortable.

Harry stood nervously and waited for boxes to start flying toward the counter. But none did. None.

Ollivander walked slower down the aisle and mutter the incantation a little louder. As if perhaps the wands the first time didn't hear it. Harry fidgeted and crossed his fingers begging a wand any wand to come forward. Harry rocked forward on the balls of his feet and began to chew on his bottom lip.

Ollivander stopped as if thinking, still facing away from the boys. "Mister Potter did you bring Mister Snape with you?"

Harry hung his head, suddenly angry and hating what was coming next, "No…sir." He muttered.

"I'll fire call him then, shall I." Ollivander started toward his back offices.

"This isn't about him," Harry yelled.

Ollivander turned slowly around, smirking still, "That is where you are wrong Mister Potter…This will always be about him." and with that he disappeared to place the fire call to Hogwarts.

TBC…