Chapter Eight: Day at Diagon Alley

A Bland Dimension: August 12, 1995

"Harry, would you like to go to Diagon Alley today?" Lily asked at breakfast a few days later. "You and Lila need to buy your school supplies."

"Okay," Harry agreed promptly. His parents were mildly surprised, as he had often refused to go anywhere with Lila in the past, but they had noted him spending all of his time with her lately, so they decided that his behavior wasn't that odd.

"Grab a robe, then, and let's go," James instructed, directing his words to Harry, who was wearing muggle clothing, as teen wizards often did when not in public. After all, robes could be rather impractical at times.

Not long afterwards, the four Potters found themselves walking into Diagon Alley. They soon separated, Lily and Lila going one way and James and Harry going the other way.

"Where do you want to go first?" James questioned.

Glancing around, Harry spotted the Quidditch shop and grinned. "Where do you think, Dad? Come on!" Excitedly, he grabbed his father's hand and pulled him into the store,

After several minutes of admiring Quidditch supplies, Harry and James made their way to Flourish and Blotts, where Harry picked up his schoolbooks, as well as a few extra for light reading. James raised an eyebrow at that; Harry had never shown much interest in unnecessary studying before.

Then they went to Madam Malkin's for new school robes. Again, for the first time since he had started Hogwarts, Harry got only his uniform and didn't even mention more robes. To Harry, it seemed natural, considering the huge amount of clothing he already had, but to James, it was slightly unusual. If James recalled correctly, Harry had demanded an entire new wardrobe last year.

From there, they went to the Apothecary, for potion supplies, and then to the ice cream parlor for a treat. Lily and Lila met them there, also loaded down with purchases.

"Have we gotten everything?" Lily inquired.

"I think so," Harry replied, scanning his list of needed supplies.

"Well, I'll just take everything home then," Lily said, shrinking and pocketing the bags. "Do you two want to wander around a little?"

Naturally, Harry and Lila jumped at the chance, and James allowed them to, though not without a lecture on being extremely careful and not going into Knockturn Alley.

Once they were left alone, the siblings set off together, meandering aimlessly around window shipping and waving to various classmates, most of whom were shocked to see them together.

"Oy, Harry!" cried a familiar voice.

"Ron!" Harry exclaimed, delighted to see his old friend. In this world, Ron appeared to be somewhat richer; his robes were of good quality and he had several packages in his arms.

"Hey, it's good to see you mate," the redhead greeted him cheerfully. "How's life going?"

"Not bad," Harry grinned back. "Not bad at all."

"Hi Harry," Ginny said, coming up to join them. "Oh, hi Lila! I didn't expect to see you here!" While Ginny was a year older, she was somewhat friendly with the younger Potter.

As the two girls chattered, Ron remarked to Harry, "I thought you told me that you couldn't stand your sister if someone paid you to. What happened?"

Harry shrugged uncomfortably. "I guess…I matured or something. She's not so bad, really."

"Oh look, it's Potty," drawled an unmistakable tone.

"Shut it, Malfoy," Ron snapped, but Harry shook his head and stepped forward.

"What do you want, Malfoy?"

"Just wondering when your over inflated head will explode and give the rest of us some peace," Draco sneered.

"Don't forget, Malfoy, I can do magic in the summer — unlike you. It won't be to hard to convince the Ministry that I'm just defending myself against a Death Eater's son," Harry warned. Draco's face twisted in anger, but he realized the truth of Harry's statement and reluctantly walked away.

"That was brilliant!" Ron cheered. "I've never seen him speechless before!"

However, Harry was looking to Lila, hoping he hadn't acted too out of character. His sister was smiling at him, and seeing she had his attention, she moved closer and whispered, "That's probably the first time you've ever spoken to Malfoy without hexing him. It's also the first time he hasn't made you look like an idiot. Good job!"

Her words made Harry feel warm inside. Life was good — for now.