A/N: I know the first two chapters were kinda slow…I really didn't like that, but I think it's going to pick up now. Yay introductions!

DISCLAIMERRRRR: I am not blonde, rich, nor middle aged. Nuf said.

Chapter 3: Crowds

Diagon Alley was horrible. For six claustrophobic bird-kids, it was the worst thing possible. But Ginny had nearly dragged them through the weird green fire that didn't burn and into a dingy little bar with far too many people in it to be safe.

Their discomfort was far from unnoticeable. They twitched at every movement, looked twice at every person as though assessing their motives. Which they very well may have been, given their past.

The story had unwillingly come out; a separate letter addressed to the Potters had handled that. Apparently, someone was keeping tabs on them and that was probably more unnerving that the rest. They still had no idea who it was, though Harry and Ginny were more than understanding. They didn't pry for more information than the letter gave, letting out sympathetic gasps at the right point. Harry looked especially pained by it.

So robes were fitted, books purchased, ice cream devoured before it melted in the infuriating summer heat, parchment rolled, and quills cut. Gagging filled the apothecary as they walked in, bombarded by the scents of dragon's liver, newt's eyes, and other odious ingredients, all the while receiving nasty glares from the other patrons.

Squawking filled the streets as everyone fought to be heard over the noise. Gazzy and Iggy tried desperately to run off towards Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes multiple times after overhearing two boys snickering over the pranks they were going to pull with the merchandise they recently purchased. Ginny or Harry intercepted them every time, as though predicting their movements.

At last, they reached the back of the alley where a strange old man dwelled in a place of dust and magic on the purest form—Ollivanders. A small tinkling filled the shop as they entered, stirring the thick air. A creaking was heard from the back of the shop, and the old man suddenly appeared amidst the boxes.

"Harry Potter, eleven inches, holly, phoenix feather core. Nice and supple." He nodded at the younger man before turning to his wife. "Ginny Weasley, now Potter, nine inches, ebony, unicorn hair core. Quite stiff. Excellent for hexes and charms." He turned once again, facing the new arrivals. "Ah…some unusual ones I see…Wand arm?"

A tape measurer snapped up from the piles and began measuring Max's arm length, and other various parts before gliding over to Fang, Iggy, and Nudge in turn. Angel and Gazzy pouted off to the side, feeling slightly jealous that they had to wait in order to receive their training and all the cool gear that came with it.

He handed a wand to Max. "Twelve inches, Cherry, Unicorn hair core. Slightly whippy." The wand didn't even reach her hand before she was sent flying backwards into an unfortunate Fang.

"Ow," came the complaint from the dark haired boy who looked more than a little miffed. Max snickered at his response before stumbling back to her feet. Ollivander had disappeared among the boxes once more.

He returned, looking more than a little giddy. "Here," he shoved the wand at her. "Seven inches, yew, dragon heartstring. Very supple. Excellent for defense." A red aura surrounded her upon taking the wand. It just felt perfect. Like it was always meant for her.

Ollivander had already moved on, searching for Fang's potential wand. "Fourteen inches, birch, dragon heartstring. Quite solid." A vase across the room shattered. The wand was quickly snatched back as Ollivander once again disappeared into his store. The next few wands were quickly snatched away.

"Thirteen inches, ebony, phoenix feather. Slightly Whippy." Black birds flew out of the tip before disappearing after a few feet.

Iggy's wand was fifteen inches, pine, with a phoenix feather core, strong and excellent for charms. Nudge's was ten inches, mahogany, unicorn hair core, and quite sturdy.

Now, it felt real. Holding wands in their hands, magic wasn't as abstract anymore. Uncharacteristically happy, they trooped down the walk, only to be stopped by an obnoxious blonde family.

"Well, Potter," the oldest male drawled, "I see you've been…busy."

Harry turned red. "Malfoy. Incase you couldn't tell, they're adopted."

The six turned back and looked at Harry skeptically. He ignored their looks and continued to glare at the man in front of him.

Max sneered. "Adopted? We can take care of ourselves, thank you very much."

Malfoy laughed. "Dissed by a group of kids, eh Potter? I see not much has changed there."

Just then, a younger version of the man who Harry called Malfoy appeared next to him.

"Father, what's going on? Mother's getting impatient."

"Just a moment, Scorpius."

The flock couldn't restrain their laughter. Scorpius? Who would name their kid Scorpius?

The boy—Scorpius—sniffed and turned on his heel.

"See ya, pretty boy!" Gazzy called after him, causing him to stiffen before continuing to walk away.

The older Malfoy looked down at the group with a newfound curiosity. "So you're the Americans they mentioned were coming."

"What's it to you?" Max spat.

He chuckled darkly before following his son. Never a good sign, thought Max.

"Who was that?" Angel asked. "He wasn't very nice."

"That," Ginny stated, "is Draco Malfoy. A pureblood pain in the ass."

"Wow," Max mused. "I can't tell whose name is worse. His or his sons?"

The flock burst out laughing once again, Harry and Ginny chuckling along.

If only they had noticed the silent figure in the shadows, perhaps this all could have been avoided.

A/N: Aaaaaand here comes the real plot! The first few chapters were kinda slow, but I needed them to set up for the rest of the story. It's not a mystery per se, more misleading.