Aftermath - Chapter 10 - Diagon Alley

Harry was determined to leave as soon as possible, angry that the Dursleys could possibly have kept his parents' and his documents without telling him. But after much discussion Harry calmed down and it was decided to send an owl to Mrs. Figg to see if the Dursleys were actually home yet. Mr. Weasley worried that those assigned to protect the Dursleys may have not yet informed them it as safe to return home so he decided to also write to them. Harry wrote the letter to Mrs. Figg while Mr. Weasley composed his. After a few hours it stopped raining and two of the three owls the Weasleys had, Hermes and Pigwidgeon, were given the task of delivering the letters. The third owl, Errol, was far two old to be a post owl anymore and Percy had gladly offered his owl Hermes as a replacement after his reconciliation with his family.

"What shall we do with the rest of the day?" Ginny asked Harry and Hermione as they stood outside watching the owls fly away, soon disappearing in the distance over the trees. The air was crisp after the rain and the ground around the Burrow was sodden and there were many puddles.

'Don't know," said Harry. "Nothing I can do about the Dursleys today. I should be studying but…I'd like a day off, you know, no worries, nothing to do for a change."

"I think that would do us all some good," Hermione said. It had been a long time since any of them had done something fun.

"Sounds wonderful," Ginny said. "How about going to Diagon Alley?"

In an instant it was agreed upon. They had a quick word with Ginny's parents and then grabbed jackets and wands and umbrellas and Harry's Invisibility Cloak, stuffed in his school backpack with the umbrellas, just in case. Then they were off, with Mrs. Weasleys warnings in their ears. Harry Apparated and Ginny Side-Along Apparated with Hermione, who was much more experience at it than Harry was.

After the usually gut-wrenching journey they appeared in a small side alley off Diagon Alley that was commonly used for such a purpose so as to avoid popping up in front of some wizard or witch with their arms full of shopping boxes and bags and frightening them half to death. Ginny staggered a bit, and turned slightly pale, not used to the experience.

"That was…interesting," she managed to gasp.

"Was that your first time?" Hermione asked in worried tones as Harry helped Ginny steady herself.

"Yes. Sorry, didn't want to worry you," Ginny said and then stood straight and nodded. "Okay. I'm fine. Where shall we go?"

There was only one answer to that question and soon they were off to Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes joke shop. Harry was surprised at the number of open shops, including Ollivander's, the wand maker. Soon he wished he had put on his Invisibility Cloak, as everyone was gaping at him and several witches and wizards stopped to thank him and shake his hand and even hug him. Ginny and Hermione stood aside, amused at Harry's embarrassment, his mumbled words of thanks. Hermione also saw a look of pride on Ginny's face, proud that she was on the arm of the famous Harry Potter. But Hermione knew Ginny loved Harry for more than that, their many late night talks on the subject of boyfriends making it clear to her.

Soon they were in front of the joke shop and Harry stopped. "I've just realized I haven't got any money."

"I'm sure George won't mind," Hermione said. "After all, you financed the business in the first place."

"It's not just for here," Harry said. "I need new clothes and glasses for my training, and well, someone's birthday is soon, so…" As he said this last he looked at Ginny who had smiled slightly.

"Not for a few weeks," she said.

"Still like to get you something nice," Harry replied. "Any wishes?"

"A quiet dinner with you alone," she said quickly, looking at him steadily, her eyes with that hard blazing look he had seen the first time he had kissed her. Harry blushed as Hermione let out a small giggle and turned away from them.

"Ah, ah…that can…be arranged," Harry stammered, wanting to spend time alone with her too, to hold her and kiss her and…and…He needed to clear his head of such thoughts so he looked up the alley to where the imposing structure of Gringotts stood. His two companions saw where his gaze went and Hermione frowned.

"Are they open on Saturday?" Harry asked.

"Every day," Hermione replied. "Except for goblin holidays."

"Goblins have holidays?" Harry asked in slight shock.

"Yes, the battle of this," Ginny said before Hermione could open her mouth. "And the revolt of that and the killing of so and so." The other two were just staring at her. "I managed to stay awake in History of Magic. Even got an Exceeds Expectations on the O.W.L. Can't remember all the dates and names, though."

Harry smiled. "Good for you. Was never my best subject. In fact, I failed that one."

"Only because you took ill during the exam," Hermione said. Harry wanted to say he probably would have failed it anyway, but held his tongue and then looked at the bank again.

"It's time to return to Gringotts."

"Think it's wise?" Hermione asked, her face full of worry again.

"I can go in, get your money, can't I? Mum and Bill have done for you in the past," Ginny said but Hermione quickly shook her head.

"You're underage, so they won't allow it."

"Being underage really sucks," Ginny growled. "I guess we'll have to go in."

Harry didn't say anything, just started walking toward the bank, the others close behind him, and he dreaded every step he took. Then he was through the doors and he stopped as he read the warning sign about thieves again. He held his gaze on it for a long time, not wanting to look at any of the goblins he knew were at work, most likely glaring at him. Then Hermione tugged his jacket sleeve.

"Harry…someone wants us," she said. Harry looked around and saw what he knew he would see, many goblins looking at them with intense hatred. One old goblin was by a door beckoning to them.

"Come this way," he said as he finally caught Harry's eye.

"Why?" Ginny asked rudely, not liking the way these goblins were glaring at them. After all, Harry had done away with Voldemort, who had been taking over the bank and had killed goblins.

"The manager would like a word with Mr. Potter and Miss Granger," said the old goblin.

Harry turned to Ginny. "Maybe you should go back to the joke shop."

She shook her head. "Not a chance. I'll be right here when you are done." Her face was grim and her hand was close to her inside jacket pocket where Harry knew her wand was located.

"Ok, but…just relax, everything will be fine."

"I'll relax when they stop glaring at us," Ginny replied, shooting such a nasty look at one goblin that it made him turned away from her glare.

"We'll be all right," Hermione said as she and Harry approached the door and went inside.

It was a large office, with small furniture, goblin sized, and the first thing they saw was a very old looking goblin sitting behind a desk at the far end.

"Come in," he said, his voice rough and deep. "I am Glushank, manager of this branch of Gringotts. Of course, I know who you are."

"Hello," said Harry, unable to contain the nervousness in his voice. Hermione also betrayed some fear as she also said hello. Harry tried to detect whether Glushank was angry or not, but his face was impassive. Then he was speaking.

"With great reluctance, I have allowed you to continue to use our services, Mr. Potter. And you too, Miss Granger. And Mr. Ronald Weasley, if he ever needs us."

"Thank you," Harry replied evenly, getting over his nervousness and feeling a touch of anger at the poorly hidden insult to Ron.

"I do not wish your thanks," Glushank replied, his gaze steady and boring deep into Harry's eyes.

Harry was taken aback. "I…sorry…but…" Then he understood. "I…wish to apologize for the actions my friends and I took here."

Glushank nodded slightly. "And?"

And? And what? Harry was thinking when Hermione spoke quickly. "And for the damage we caused, the loss of your dragon, and…for using magic on your employees."

"And?" Glushank said once again and now Harry knew what else he wanted.

"And for the deaths caused by Voldemort which stemmed from our actions."

"Yes," Glushank said and then stood and walked in front of his desk. "Most unfortunate business. We know understand why you had to do it, but still, it was wrong. The damage has been paid for, the dragon will be replaced, and the families of the dead compensated. But…we have a reputation you understand, of being impenetrable, the safest, most secure place in all of Britain. But you manged to get in and get out. So, as a condition of your continued use of our services, you will speak no more of what happened here. No interviews to reporters, no speeches to gatherings, not even anecdotes to friends and family. Am I understood?"

Harry and Hermione quickly agreed. "Good," said Glushank. "And please tell Ronald Weasley he can drop by anytime to also offer his apologies. Now, how can we help you today?"

After that things went more smoothly. Harry was taken to his vault, where he retrieved a big bag of coins. Some of them he changed into Muggle money, British pounds, since he wanted to go shopping in a Muggle shopping center for clothes, seeing as the selection in Diagon Alley ran more towards capes and robes than blue jeans and sweaters. Hermione had also changed some pounds into wizard coins and soon the three of them were heading back to the joke shop.

"They just wanted an apology?" Ginny asked in amazement.

"And for us to never speak of what happened there," Harry added.

Soon they were in a very packed joke shop, greeting George and a very harassed looking Ron, who George ordered about like his own personal slave.

"Bloody hell," Ron cursed after George ordered him to the back of the shop to get some more Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder. Ron had barely said hello to his friends and they were just starting to tell him about Harry's morning visitor. "I have a break in a half-hour," Ron said. "We'll catch up then. How about the Leaky Cauldron for a cup of tea?"

It was quickly agreed to. After Ron left them the three realized they were hungry, breakfast being hours ago. They decided to head to the Leaky Cauldron now and just as they moved toward the door, a small group of girls, about 14 or 15 years old, entered the shop and then one of them shrieked. "It's true! He is here today! It's him!"

They were all staring and Harry turned around to see who they were looking at before he realized it was him. "Ah, hello." Harry said.

The girls surged forward in a group, two of them with pieces of parchment, ink bottles, and quills.

"Can we have your autograph?" one asked.

"When are you getting your own Chocolate Frog card?" another queried.

"I've seen you at Hogwarts, but I can't believe I'm meeting you!" a third one shrieked.

"Remember me? I'm in Gryffindor just like you, Harry!" a fourth one exclaimed, batting her eyes at him.

Harry was overwhelmed and Ginny came to his rescue, her anger reminding Harry of her mother. "Clear off, you lot! Let him be!"

The girls glared at her. "And who the bloody hell do you think you are?" one demanded.

"His girlfriend, you twit!" Ginny shouted and the girls all goggled at her in disbelief. One turned to Harry. "Is she?"

"Ah, yeah, she sure is," Harry said with a grin and then as the girls all shot dirty looks at Ginny and she glared back, Harry quickly signed their pieces of parchment and then Hermione said they had things to do and the three of them almost ran out of the shop.

"Bloody hell!" Ginny exclaimed as they headed toward the secret entrance to the Leaky Cauldron. "The nerve of some people!"

"Maybe I should just stay home for a few months," Harry said glumly after one more wizard stopped and shook his hand. "Maybe the excitement will die down by then."

"It will," said Hermione. "But don't hide. We've done enough of that already. Enjoy it for now. You deserve some of it, after all the misery you've had to endure."

"She's right," Ginny said to Harry. "But don't let me catch you with anyone's lipstick but mine on your collar."

"What?" Harry said in surprise. "I never…why would….and…and the same goes for you! I mean…sorry…"

Ginny and Hermione started giggling. Ginny took Harry's arm in hers. "Not to worry. There's no one else for me either," she said and Hermione told them she was leaving if they got anymore sickeningly romantic in front of her. Thankfully they arrived at the secret entrance and soon they were seated in the Leaky Cauldron, with Tom the innkeeper fussing over them and offering stews and soups and pies for lunch, along with three butterbeers.

As they tucked in a few more "well dones" and "thank yous" came Harry's way from patrons and one witch offered to pay for their lunch. Tom said not to worry it was on the house and Harry Potter could eat here free for the rest of his life if he liked. Now Harry was embarrassed, and told Tom that wouldn't be necessary, as he did have money and Tom had a business to run. Tom just told him he wouldn't be taking his money and then thankfully Ron arrived, which ended the topic for the moment.

As Ron sipped tea and grabbed a roast beef sandwich, the others caught him up on all the doings of the day.

"Apologize? To them ruddy goblins?" Ron groaned. "Guess I can manage it. Not that I'll be doing much business with them anyways."

"Joke shop looks like it's doing well," Harry said.

"Yeah, but I'm still an employee," Ron said glumly. "George said I'm on probation for three months, see if I'll work out. He's driving me barmy already! Don't know if I can last three months!"

"Just stick it out, and things will get better," Hermione said and Ron felt some encouragement from her words. The subject then changed to Harry's inheritance.

"Two houses?" Ron said in awe. "So where are you going to live?"

"With us," Ginny said as if it was a stupid question. Then she saw a strange look on Harry's face. "I mean, for now, yes?"

"Yes," Harry said. "For the summer I think, till you go back to school. But…I…it's time I was on my own, I reckon. Maybe at Grimmauld Place for now, seeing as it's in London and closer to the Ministry."

"Have they checked out if any Death Eaters know its location?" Ron asked.

"Don't know yet," Harry said. "I guess I'll have a word with your Dad about that."

The topic then became the Dursleys and what Harry would say to them.

"I can think of a few good swear words," Ron said, mad that the Dursleys could have kept things about Harry's parents secret from him. It wasn't that surprising, actually, he then said, since they had kept the fact that his parents were wizards from Harry for 10 years.

"I'll just ask them for my documents, if they have them," Harry said. "Other than that…I don't know. Will you come with me?" he asked suddenly, looking directly at Ginny.

She was surprised. "Ah…sure, if you'd like me to."

"I would."

"We can come, too," Hermione offered.

"Sorry," Harry said. "But…well, they aren't too fond of wizards and witches, so maybe the less the better. Sorry."

"Yeah," Ron said. "Reckon you're right about that. Last time I was there, that fat cousin of yours grew a three foot tongue thanks to Fred and George."

Suddenly it felt like a cold wind had blown through the room and a cloud had covered the sun at the mention of Fred's name.

"How's George?" Hermione finally asked Ron after a long silence.

"He's…well, I don't know," said Ron quietly. "Just…keeping busy, being bossy. But, yesterday, I found him in Fred's room in the flat over the shop. All Fred's things are still there, his clothes, and a few books, pictures and things. George looked at me and asked me to get rid of them, said he couldn't bear to do it himself. I can't either."

Ginny sniffed and Harry reached across the table and held her hand. "I'm all right," she said. "Just…it's too soon. Doesn't seem real, does it? Us here, having a meal and a laugh…when...he's gone, forever."

"No, not forever," Harry said. "We always have our memories." And then as if the cloud lifted they started telling stories about Fred and George's antics and adventures and soon they were giggling and laughing again and then Ron realized he was over his break time. Hermione agreed to go off to spend time with him while Harry and Ginny did some shopping.

Harry insisted on paying for the meal and after Ron and Hermione said thanks and left, Harry and Ginny went to the bar to pay. Tom still refused to take Harry's money for the meal. Then Ginny spotted a box on the bar for a charity for orphans of wizard's and witches lost in the recent war. After she pointed it out to him, Harry could only think of little Teddy Lupin and others like him and indeed Harry himself had once been an orphan, was still, for that matter, and in an instant he deposited the whole cost of the meal plus twenty more Galleons in the box. Tom looked at him in astonishment and then nodded.

"Good for you, Mr. Potter."

"Thanks, Tom."

Soon Ginny and Harry were at an eye glass shop at the far end of the alley. After a quick examination of his eyes by the proprietor, Harry was fitted for new glasses and for special sport glasses which some professional Quidditch players wore. Ginny wanted him to try different pairs of frames, some square, some oval, but Harry had always been happy with his round frames and felt he wouldn't really be him without the round frames, so they selected a new pair, black, of course. The sport glasses were wrap-around type, made of clear strong plastic.

"Actually get them in Muggle shops, seeing as no one in our world works much with plastic," said the proprietor, an elderly witch in magenta robes. "Very popular with Quidditch players. Some use them for eye protection, not even for vision correction, seeing as Bludgers can do a bit of damage and Quidditch is played in all kinds of weather. Surprised I haven't seen you in here before, Mr. Potter. Heard you were a Quidditch player at Hogwarts."

"Been busy," he said, which was true.

"I can add some enhancements to your regular glasses if you'd like," she said next. "Help you with being an Auror."

"How do you know Harry's going to be an Auror?" Ginny asked suspiciously.

"Oh, it's been in the Weekend Prophet today. Rita Skeeter wrote an article about the trial of Draco Malfoy. Added a few things about Mr. Potter and the end of…of well, You-Know-Who." Harry said nothing, guessing there were still some wizards and witches who couldn't say the name 'Voldemort', not yet anyways. In a second she produced the paper and there it was on the left side of the front page, an article about the trial. Harry knew all about it so handed the paper to Ginny, who started reading quickly.

"So...enhancements?" Harry asked.

"Oh yes, just a few minor things, such as night vision and even infra-red and x-ray vision."

Ginny looked up from the paper and she and Harry looked at each other in astonishment. "X-ray vision?" Harry said in awe.

"Yes," said the witch. "Let's you see through doors, locked boxes, that sort of thing. Fitted the Auror Moody with an artificial eye with just such enhancements. Could even see through Invisibility Cloaks. Did you know him? He was a Hogwarts teacher once. Poor man died last summer I've heard."

Harry gulped and his mouth felt dry. "Yeah…I knew him. Great man."

"True. Bit paranoid, but I guess he had reason to be," she said. "So, would you like any enhancements?"

"Ah…need to think about it. Just regular glasses today," Harry said. The witch nodded and then got to work on the two pairs of glasses.

"What does it say?" Harry asked Ginny as she was still reading the article.

"Not much that we don't know already. Makes it seem like Malfoy was innocent all along," Ginny said with some disgust. "Guess his mother did pay Skeeter off."

"Yeah," Harry said glumly. "Expected that."

In a few minutes the glasses were ready, magic being a much faster way to prepare them than grinding and polishing and fitting. Harry paid and then they were off again, Harry wearing his new glasses, his old ones and the sport glasses in his bag.

Harry told Ginny he wanted to get something for her parents for their hospitality. They went to Flourish and Blotts and found a few books Ginny thought her mother would like, including one on teaching magic to children at home.

"Ron's still a child," Ginny said in all seriousness. "So this will do nicely."

Harry thought a new briefcase would please Mr. Weasley. They found a luggage shop in one alley nook and soon had a nice leather briefcase for Ginny's father.

They also stopped at a jewelers and Ginny ogled all the nice items in the external display window, looking sideways at Harry with knowing glances. "I'm not buying the lot," he said. "Tell me two or three you really like and you might get one for your birthday."

Ginny put on a hurt face. "Only one?"

"Ah…well…if…you want…I mean..." Harry stammered, still so new at this dating thing and girlfriend's birthdays and such.

Ginny laughed. "Just pulling your leg. Whatever you get will be grand, so don't fret too much on it. But if you have a mind to get me jewelry, that necklace with the pearl is lovely."

Harry saw which one she meant and went inside the shop, telling her to wait. After a few moments he came back out and she looked at him. "Well?"

"Well what?" he said in a teasing tone. "It's not your birthday today."

"But…it's still in the window," Ginny said with a worrying look at the necklace she wanted.

"What's still in the window?" Harry said as he started to walk away.

"Harry," she said in a pleading tone. "Come on, tell me, did you buy it or not?"

"Have to wait now, won't you," he said and then ducked as she playfully took a swing at him.

Harry suddenly stopped. They were in front of the pet shop where Hagrid had bought Hedwig all those years ago. Once again Harry felt the sense of loss, Hedwig having died in the battle where Moody had also died.

"Like to get a new one?" Ginny asked quietly, knowing how much Harry had loved Hedwig.

"I would," Harry replied. "Very much."

"Can you wait a few months?" she asked. "I think I know someone who would like to get you one for your birthday. Big fellow, crazy about all manner of creatures big and small."

Harry grinned and looked at her. "Well, if you and this big fellow are already cooking up a surprise, I think I can wait."

"Just promise me you'll look well and rightly surprised when he gives it to you."

Harry said he would and then they went back to the joke shop. After meeting Hermione again they decided to head back to the Burrow as Ron wouldn't be finished for a few more hours.

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were surprised that Harry had bought them gifts and at first refused to accept them, saying it was no trouble having him there but Harry insisted and of course they gladly accepted.

"Oh, this is just want I needed," Mrs. Weasley said as she looked at the book on teaching children magic at home.

"There's a section on discipline too, Mum," Ginny said. "Make sure he gets detention if he's out of line."

"Now, now, Ginny," Mr. Weasley said as he was examining his briefcase. "Ronald is going to be a perfect student and do his best."

Harry and Ginny had a good laugh at that and Hermione struggled not to join them, feeling she should be loyal to her boyfriend. As it was a few hours before supper and they weren't hungry anyway, Harry, Ginny and Hermione decided to play some magical card games in the living room. After about an hour, they were surprised to see Percy come downstairs, dressed in a Muggle suit and tie.

"What's with the get up?" Ginny asked in a teasing tone. "Off to see the Prime Minister?"

They all chuckled at that, knowing Percy's burning ambition, which had caused an almost irreparable breach in the family a few years ago. "For your information I have a date."

"Really?" Ginny said in slight disbelief. "Not that one from Hogwarts, what was her name?"

"No, not…never you mind," Percy said with a huff. "Mum, Dad I'm off."

"Back before midnight," Mrs. Weasley said from where she was preparing supper in the kitchen.

"Now, now, Molly," Mr. Weasley said from where he was reading the Weekend Prophet at the kitchen table. "Boy is old enough to judge when it is proper to be home."

"Just…he's going to a Muggle restaurant…and…well…what kind of food do they serve in such a place anyway?"

"The best," said Percy. "Don't worry, Mum, I'll take care. Oh, Harry, mind if I had a word?"

"Sure," said Harry, a bit puzzled as he followed Percy outside, the sun nearing the horizon and casting shadows.

"So, how do I look?" Percy asked.

"What?"

"The suit. Is it proper? I haven't much experience among Muggles so…is it correct?"

"Yeah, looks fine. Say, are you dating a Muggle?"

"No, no, just a witch from the Ministry. She loves Muggle things and wanted to go to a restaurant in London. I think she called it McDougles…McDoodles..., oh, I can't remember."

"McDonalds?" Harry said in disbelief.

"That's it! Do you know it?"

"Sure. Everyone does," Harry said in surprise. "I mean, it's quite famous. And common. In fact, ah, it's a hamburger restaurant. Listen, Percy, not many people dress up to go to such a place. Maybe you should change. Or try to eat somewhere a little more fancy. I'm sure there're plenty of nice restaurants in London."

"Well, I don't know. But she had her heart set on it so I guess it won't hurt. Besides, I like the idea of trying something new."

"Right," Harry said. "Well, have fun."

He went to turn back toward the house, but Percy stopped him. "Harry, I never really apologized for the way I acted a few years ago. You know, when Fudge and Umbridge were against you. My head wasn't quite right, so…sorry about all that."

He held out his hand and Harry shook it. "It's all right. You were on the right side in the end so that's all that matters."

"Thanks," Percy said and Harry knew he meant it and in a moment Percy was gone.

The next morning Harry came downstairs at 10 AM. Ron and George were still sleeping, the joke shop being closed on Sundays. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were at the kitchen table eating breakfast and greeted Harry good morning. Mr. Weasley informed him that Ginny and Hermione had already been up and had breakfast and were now outside taking a walk. Mrs. Weasley sat sipping tea, glancing up at the family clock, full of worry as Percy had not come home for the night. As Mrs. Weasley prepared some oatmeal for Harry, he asked Mr. Weasley about Grimmauld Place.

"Still not safe yet," Mr. Weasley said. "They've been interrogating Death Eaters and it seems at least Travers knew the location after Yaxley broke the charm. So, until he is accounted for I'm afraid it may not be safe to return there."

"Do you really think he's waiting for me outside?"

"No, but…some of the Aurors have been inside and found a few traps, set for you I'm sure."

"Traps?" Harry said in wonder. "Like Moody left for Snape?"

"Along the same idea," said Mr. Weasley. "They've had some trouble getting rid of them so it may still be a few more weeks before you can set foot in their anyway."

"You are perfectly welcome to stay here as long as you like Harry," Mrs. Weasley said as she placed his oatmeal in front of him. "Now eat up while it's hot."

Harry said thank you and then as he sat eating his oatmeal, an owl arrived with a message from Percy saying that he spent the night in London in his flat, which he still had from when he had been estranged from his family.

"There. Not to worry," said Mr. Weasley as he ate his breakfast.

"Not to worry!" Mrs. Weasley shouted, standing and pacing. "I've a good mind to send him a Howler! Children scattered all over the place, no one thinking how this affects me, especially since...since…"

But she couldn't finish and let out a small sob and Harry looked at his bowl intently as Mr. Weasley got up and took his wife in his arms.

"Now, now, it's all going to be all right," he said. "Troubled times are behind us. Let's let the boys enjoy their lives, shall we?"

She sniffed. "Quite right. Quite right," she said. "Forgive me, Harry, blubbering on like this."

"Not to worry," Harry said and then thankfully an owl, Pigwidgeon, came in with a letter for Harry.

"It's from Mrs. Figg," he said as he opened it, the little owl dancing around excitedly as Mr. Weasley got it some nuts from a bowl kept near the sink.

Dear Harry,

Glad you are well and all of us are very proud of you and what you have done. The Dursleys arrived home late yesterday. Haven't seen them yet, but your uncle's car is there and the lights were on last night, so they are there. Please stop by for tea if you come to Little Whinging as I would like to see you again.

All the best,

Mrs. Figg

"So," said Mr. Weasley as he looked at the letter Harry handed him. "What do you intend to do?"

"I guess I should get ready and go and see them."

Mr. Weasley and Mrs. Weasley wanted to come with him, but Harry politely said no, thank you, it was something he had to do on his own. He told them Ginny had already agreed to come with him and they felt a little better, knowing Harry would not be alone.

An hour later, Ginny and Hermione had returned and Harry had already showered and dressed in his best pants and shirt, wanting to show these people he wasn't the ragged layabout they always claimed he was. Ginny quickly washed her face, brushed her teeth, and changed into a skirt and blouse and put on some makeup. After putting on jackets and shoes and making sure they had their wands, they said some quick goodbyes, and went outside.

Harry covered the two of them with the Invisibility Cloak. Ginny clutched Harry's arm, looking at him with worry. "Sure you can do this?"

"I did it with Dumbledore," Harry said and Ginny just kissed him quickly.

"Let's go," she said as she held her breath.

"Right," Harry said and then he concentrated his mind on the alleyway between Magnolia Crescent and Wisteria Walk in Little Whinging where the Dementors had attacked him and Dudley. In an instant they were off and then Harry could feel them land and Ginny staggered a bit and gasped.

"Sorry, still not use to it," she said. Harry held her for a few moments and then she said she was fine.

They had landed in the right place. After a quick look around, to make sure no one was looking, he took off the cloak and stuffed it his school bag he had taken with them. It was cloudy and a little chilly, still being spring, but otherwise a quiet Sunday, just about noon. They walked and in a few minutes were at Number 4 Privet Drive.

"This is where you grew up?" Ginny asked, having never been here.

"Yeah," Harry said, unable to hide the bitterness in his voice.

"Bad memories?"

"Plenty…except for the day I said goodbye to them. Thought it was for good. But…well, here we go."

First thing Harry noticed was that the car was not there. "Maybe they are out?" Ginny suggested.

"Soon find out," Harry replied and then he was at the door and ringing the door bell.