A/N: I'm going to make this clear. I don't own the Harry Potter series or it's characters. That right goes to JK Rowling

Surprising Trip to Diagon Alley

As it turns out the Weasleys had already planned their own trip, to Diagon Alley, but Neville was available.

James and Harry stood in front of the fire place with floo powder.

Harry went first, as he grabbed a hand full of the powder.

"Leaky Cauldron!" Harry yelled as he threw the powder down. Green flames formed and Harry rose through the air and spin around until he crash landed into another fireplace that was inside a pub.

Harry quickly scrambled out before his father fell through.

"Well, that was fun," James responded sarcastically.

"You always could show off while foo traveling," a voice said.

James and Harry turned to a dark hair fair skin man drinking butterbeer.

"Uncle Padfoot!" Harry hugged his uncle.

"Hey Harry," Sirius responded. "Did you get my present?"

"Yeah, thanks!" Harry responded.

"We're actually waiting for Augustus and Neville to go shopping," James responded.

"Oh, so Neville got accepted to Hogwarts?" Sirius asked. "Good for him. Remus told me he was worried about not being magical enough for school."

"What are you doing here, Sirius?" James asked as if not knowing already.

"Well, I was supposed to have a drink with my date, but she never showed up," Sirius said.

"You would think you run out of girls to ask by now." James shook his head.

"Hey Uncle Padfoot, are you going to visit us at Hogwarts?" Harry asked.

"Sorry Harry, but no-can-do," Sirius said. "The only reason I was able to in the beginning was so you could see your dad. But now that you're going to be a Hogwarts student, there's no need for me to keep visiting."

"Come on, Sirius," James said. "You and Remus know you can visit Harry through other purposes."

Sirius shook his head.

Suddenly there was a thump followed by another thump at the fire place.

When they looked, they saw it was Neville and his grandmother.

Neville stumbled through the fireplace. Unlike Harry, Neville rarely floo anywhere and never flies. The reason was Neville was a bit of a cluts with that kind of travel, and Augusta tries to keep her grandson alive.

"Neville!" Harry cheered.

"Sorry we're late," Augusta said. "My brother decided to give Neville a toad for making it to Hogwarts and it keeps escaping."

"A toad, huh?" James asked. "Didn't Frank had a toad when he entered Hogwarts."

"Yes," Augusta responded.

"Grandmother also gave me my dad's wand." Neville showed off his pre-used wand.

"No fair, you and Ron already got your wands," Harry pouted.

"Ron has his own wand?" Sirius asked.

"It's actually Charlie's old wand," James responded. "According to Molly, most of Ron's school supplies either belonged to Bill, Charlie, or even Percy since they got him new stuff for making Prefect."

Augustus shook her head. "Ron's lucky to have brothers to inherit school supplies from, but Arthur needs to start considering getting extra pay for his extra work before his daughter becomes a student."

"I already manage to convince Arthur to take advantage of the extra raids for a pay raise," James said. "But if he'll do it, I'm not sure. You know how Arthur gets."

"Yes, yes. I know," Augusta responded.

"Well, you two better take Neville and Harry shopping," Sirius said. "I think I'm going to order a few more glasses before going to check on old Moony."

"Anything to avoid our family home, huh?" James asked, "You know you're always welcome to stay with Harry and me. Or you could take up Dumbledore's offer of teaching position. You know Dumbledore been looking for a replacement for Professor Binns in History of Magic."

"Nah. Teaching is yours and even Moony's thing, Prongs. My thing is catching dark wizards so that I can keep my godson safe to spoiled," Sirius joked.

James shook his head. Sirius wouldn't admit it, but he loves telling stories of actual events. Whenever James come home from Hogwarts to check on Harry (on weekends, holidays when he doesn't have classes to teach), Harry would tell him all the stories Sirius regaled him in about the Order of the Phoenix.

James knew the real reason why Sirius hasn't accepted Dumbledore's request. Sirius don't want to be anything to do with Slytherin House. Sirius knew not all Slytherins were bad (he realized it same time James did), but the house itself reminded Sirius of his brother Regulus, and the sacrifice he made to try to stop Voldemort from within the Death Eaters and every kindred yet cunning Slytherin he met, made him think of Regulus.

James admit, when he first met Sirius' little brother, he wasn't too glad to meet Regulus. Regulus was everything what you expect from a magical family in Slytherin House—unlike Sirius. But when James heard about Regulus' sacrifice in hopes to stop Voldemort, even after joining him, James grew a new respect for the young Black.

"Well, good luck, Sirius," James said. "We better go shopping."

Sirius nodded.

"Neville, Harry, we're going," Augusta called the two boys.

Apparently while James was busy talking to Sirius and Augusta, a lot of the customers decided to greet Harry and shake his hands, which flustered the young wizard as Neville tried to help him.

Harry and Neville nodded followed Augusta and James through the bar and out into a small, walled courtyard, where there was nothing but a trash can and a few weeds.

"Mr. Potter, may I tap the brick?" Neville asked taking out his wand.

"Sure thing Neville," James responded. "Just remember, three bricks two across."

Neville nodded and used his dad's wand to tap a certain brick three times.

The brick he tapped had quivered, and wiggled in the middle as a small whole appeared. The hole grew wider and wider until they were facing an archway onto a cobbled street that twisted and turned through a shopping district unknown to muggles: Diagon Alley.

When they walked through, the archway shrink instantly back into a solid wall.

The sun shone brightly on a stack of cauldrons outside the nearest shop. There were Cauldrons of all sizes made out of either copper, brass, pewter or silver. Some were self-stirring, others were collapsible.

"We should make a withdraw from the bank before we get the school supplies," James said. "Harry, you do have the list right?"

Harry nodded and took out the list of school supplies:

HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

UNIFORM
First-year students will require:
1. Three sets of plain work robes (black)
2. One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
4. One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings
Please note that all pupils' clothes should carry name tags

COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
Magical Draughts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble

OTHER EQUIPMENT
1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set of glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set of brass scales
Students may also bring an owl OR a cat OR a toad

PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS

"I don't see why I have to go without a broom," Harry complained. "I'm a natural flier."

"True, but it's only fair for the other students, Harry." James said, "Besides, technically first years can try out."

"Yeah, with the school brooms that vibrates when you go too high and tends to lean to the left," Harry grumbled.

James shook his head. Harry only knew about that from the times during his visits at Hogwarts he sneaks out to fly. James grounded his son more from flying because of that than anything else. Still, every captain on the school's house teams had reserved Harry a spot as Seeker for when he tries out incase he's sorted into one of them. And if James' and Sirius' plan works out, Harry might get his wish.

Soon they reached a snowy white building that towered over the other little shops with the words: Gringotts. Standing besides its burnished bronze doors, wearing a uniform of scarlet and gold was goblins that were about a head shorter than Harry. He was swarthy, clever face, a pointed beard and, Harry noticed, long fingers and feet. He was greeting a huge man who was twice as tall as a normal man and at least five times as wide. He looked wild with his long tangles and bush black hair and beard that hid most of his face, and his hands the size of trash can lids, and his feet in their leather boots were like baby dolphins.

"Hagrid!" Harry ran up to the man who turned to see Harry.

"Harry! What brings you here?" Hagrid asked.

"We're about to get some money out so we can get Neville and my school supplies," Harry replied.

"As well as other things," James said walking up with Augusta. "Nice to see you, Hagrid."

"Hello Hagrid," Augusta said, "What brings you here?"

"James, Augusta," Hagrid greeted. "I'm about to go in and pick up a package for Dumbledore.

"Maybe we can go in together," Neville said.

"Can we dad?" Harry asked.

"I don't know, I don't want to cause Hagrid too much trouble," James said.

"Oh, it's no problem," Hagrid replied.

"We might as well, James," Augusta said.

"Alright," James responded.

They entered the first pair of doors, only to face a second pair of silver doors, with words engraved upon them:

Enter, stranger, but take heed
Of what awaits the sin of greed,
for those who take, but do not earn,
Must pay most dearly in their turn.
So if you seek beneath our floors
A treasure that was never yours,
Thief, you have been warned, beware
Of finding more than treasure there.

Two more goblins stood at guard and bowed to them as the five of them passed through into a vast marble hall.

About a hundred more goblins were sitting on high stools behind a long counter, scribbling in large ledgers, weighing coins in brass scales, examining precious stones through eyeglasses. There were too many doors to count leading underground, and yet more goblins were showing people in and out. Hagrid led the group to the counter.

"Morning," James greeted a goblin. "We've come to take money out of both the Potter's and Longbottom vaults."

"You have his key, sir?"

Augusta and James took out their keys and showed it to the goblin to look at it closely.

"That seems to be in order."

Then Hagrid stepped up. "I'm with them too, for the moment. I've got a letter from Professor Dumbledore." Hagrid handed the goblin the letter as he threw his chest out proudly. "It's about You-Know-What in vault seven hundred and thirteen."

The goblin read the letter carefully.

"Very well," he said, handing it back to Hagrid, "I will have someone take you down to all three vaults. Griphook!"

Griphook was yet another goblin who led the ground toward one of the doors leading off to one of the doors.

"What's the You-Know-What in vault seven hundred and thirteen?" Harry asked.

"Can't tell you," said Hagrid mysteriously. "Very secret Hogwarts business. Dumbledore's trusted me. More than my job worth to tell you that."

James cleared his throat. "Don't worry about it, Harry. I'm sure Dumbledore wouldn't do something to put you kids life's in danger."

"Okay…" Harry grumbled.

Griphook held the door open into a narrow stone passageway lit with flaming torches. It sloped steeply downward and there were little railway tracks on the floor. Griphook whistled and a large cart meant for a large group (or a half giant in Hagrid's case) came hurtling up the tracks toward them. Everyone climbed in before the cart took off.

Harry remembered the first time he could remember riding a cart. He was four years old, and James was getting some money out of their vault that he might need before heading to Hogwarts to work for the first time since Harry's mum died.

Even now, seven years later, the cart was as thrilling to ride as it was back then. They twist and turned through a maze of passages and corridors. It felt as if they were on some muggle rollercoaster, only instead of going upside down and loop-de-loops there were stalagmites and stalactites growing from the ceiling and floor.

Only Neville and Hagrid didn't seem to enjoy it, as they were slightly green, Hagrid greener than Neville. Even after the cart stopped and the small door in the passage wall opened, they were struggling to find their land legs.

The first vault was the Potter's vault, filled with golden coins known as Galleons, Silver coins known as Sickles, and bronze coins known as Knuts. Part of it was what Lilly had put in to save up for Harry's education. Another part of the treasure was from the seven years James worked at Hogwarts. But most of it came from the money James inherit from his parents when they died, that will also be Harry's to inherit when James passes away, which James hoped isn't anytime soon.

James filled two bags full of coins, one for him and one for Harry before they returned to the cart.

Fortunately, the Longbottom's vault was only a few twist and turns from Harry's. It wasn't as full as the Potter's vault, but Neville's parents left him enough to get him through all seven years at Hogwarts.

"Can we go more slowly?" Hagrid asked as Augusta returned with Neville's bag of coins.

"One speed only," said Griphook.

This time they had to go deeper now as they gathered speed. The air became colder and colder as they hurtled around tight corners. They went rattling over an underground ravine.

Vault seven hundred and thirteen had no keyhole, which Harry and Neville understood that meant that something important, dangerous, and/or powerful was in it.

"Stand back," said Griphook importantly. He stroked the door gently with one of his long fingers and it simply melted away.

"If anyone but a Gringotts goblin tried that, they'd be sucked through the door and trapped in there," Griphook told Harry and Neville.

"How often do you check to see if anyone's inside?" Neville asked.

"About once every ten years," Griphook said with a nasty grin.

Neville backed away from the door, but Harry leaned forward to see what was inside it. Much to his surprise, the only thing in it was a grubby little package wrapped up in brown paper lying on the floor. Hagrid picked it up and tucked it deep inside his coat.

Now Harry was especially curious of what was in it, but didn't ask since his father was right behind him.

Soon they were heading back above grounds.

…

Soon they were outside Gringotts, and Neville and Harry were ready to get their school supplies.

"Well, I might as well be on my way," Hagrid said. "I see the three of you at Hogwarts, I hope."

"You know it," James said. "Someone has to teach Astronomy there."

Hagrid nodded and gave his final goodbyes before leaving.

"Well, I think we should get the boys their uniforms first," Augusta said pointing toward Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occassions.

Harry and Neville looked at each other skeptically. If there's one thing they hate is clothes shopping, but they knew they needed uniforms anyways. It's not like they have older siblings to get hand-me-downs from like Ron.

Madam Malkin was a squat, smiling witch dressed all in mauve.

"Hogwarts, dears?" she said, when Harry and Neville came through. "Got the lot here—another young man being fitted up just now, in fact.

In the back, a boy with a pale, pointed face was standing on a footstool while a second witch pinned up his long black robes. Madam Malkin and a third witch had Harry and Neville stood on two more stools as they slipped two long robes over both of their heads, and began to pin it to the right length.

The boy turned them and sneered like he was seeing something nasty. "Oh, it's you two."

"Draco Malfoy." Harry growled.

If there was someone harry hated more than his own cousin it was Draco Malfoy.

James had took Harry on a few parties during the summer with other magical families, and in many of them Malfoy family were there. And every time Draco and Harry met, they get into this fight since Malfoy saw himself as superior over Harry, since both of Draco's parents were pure bloods and Harry's mother was a muggleborn. What's worse is that Malfoy also tease Longbottom every chance he got.

"I see Longbottom manage to get in Hogwarts," Draco sneered. "The status of the school must have dropped if they let him through."

Harry was about to punch the guy's lights out when Madam Malkin told him, "Hold still!"

"You're done dear," the witch told Malfoy.

Malfoy jumped off the stool and left, but not before saying, "See you at school."

"I hate that guy," said Harry when he left.

"You and me both," Neville said.

…

After they were done being fitted, they had icecream.

"So, I notice Draco Malfoy leaving the shop," James said. "Anything I should know?"

"No dad. Nothing happened," Harry replied.

"Are you sure? I would turn the other cheek if you punched him," James said.

"No dad!"

"You shouldn't encourage him, James," Augusta said, "I thought you have matured more than that."

"It's not like I told Harry to curse Draco," James argued. "Besides, Draco has a bigger ego than old Snivelus use to have."

Harry rolled his eyes. He heard about how his dad and uncles use to prank and curse Severus Snape—Potions Master of Hogwarts. In fact, James tried his best to drill into Harry's head not to repeat any of the stuff he done to Snape as kids no matter how tempting it was.

They bought Neville's and Harry's books next at a shop called Flourish and Blotts… well Augusta Harry and Neville did. James snuck off to check something out in a nearby shop.

After James returned they went to get pewter size two cauldrons. But they did get two sets of brass scales for weighing potion ingredients, and James paid for Neville's collapsible brass telescope as a late birthday present. Then second to the last, was the potion ingredients they got at Apothecary. The whole time Harry asked about getting second hand stuff since they were cheaper and it might make Ron feel better if not all of Harry's stuff was new.

"Sorry, Harry. As fair as that is, we should save the second hand stuff for families who can't afford to get them new," James said.

Of course James wasn't talking about just the Weasleys. James was referring to muggle born witches and wizards who came from poor families or orphanages as well.

"All is left is Harry's wand, which we can get at Ollivanders," James said, "We can see if Olivander could weight Neville's wand too, just too sure it's still in good condition for Neville while we're at it."

"Sounds good," Augusta agreed.

They headed to the last narrow shabby shop on the block. Peeling gold letters over the door read Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C. A single wand lay on a faded purple cushion in the dusty window.

A tinkling bell rang somewhere in the depths of the shop as they stepped inside. It was a tiny place, empty except for a single spindly chair that Augusta sat on to wait. There were thousands of narrow boxes piled neatly right up to the ceiling.

"Good afternoon," said a soft voice, causing Harry and Neville to jump.

An old man was standing before them, his wide, pale eyes shining like moons through the gloom of the shop."

"Hello, Mr. Ollivanders," James greeted.

"James! James Potter!" the old man said. "Mahogany wand. Eleven inches. Pliable. A little more power and excellent for transfigurations."

"That's my wand," James replied.

"And this…" Ollivander turned to Harry. "Must be your son. I was wondering when I'll be giving him his first wand."

Harry moved awkwardly at the man's stare. Ollivander pushed away Harry's bangs revealing the lightning shape scar. "Sadly to say, I know the wand that did that too. Thirteen-and-a-half inches. Yew. Powerful wand, very powerful."

Harry flinched at the thought.

Then Olivander noticed Augusta. "Augusta Longbottom, eleven and half inches, oak, rather subtle. How is your son and daughter-in-law."

"One day at a time, Ollivander," Augusta said, "I'm actually here so my grandson can get his father's old wand weighed."

"Ah, I see," Ollivander agreed. "Good idea. People always tend to forget the importance of wand weighing when it comes to wands that are handed down from parent to child or sibling to sibling."

"So true," Augusta agreed.

"Well, why don't we start with the weighing of Mr. Longbottom's wand, since it won't take very long," Ollivander suggested.

Harry didn't argue as Neville gave Ollivander his wand. "Ah yes, ten and three quarters of an inch, Pine, Unicorn hair core. Looks to be in a fine condition."

Ollivander muttered something and flicked the wand. Instantly fireworks came out.

"Yes, fine wand." Ollivander handed it to Neville. "I'm sure your father would appreciate taking good care of his wand."

Neville nodded as he held his father's wand close.

"Now, Mr. Potter. Let me see." Ollivander pulled a long tape measure with silver markings out of his pocket. "Which is your wand arm?"

"My right hand," said Harry holding it out.

Ollivander chuckled. "He's definitely your son, James."

James nodded with a chuckle.

Ollivander magically enchanted the measuring tape measured Harry from shoulder to finger, then wrist to elbow, shoulder to floor, and knee to armpit.

"Uh, dad," Harry said. "Is this normal?"

"Don't worry," James replied. "It's part of the progress."

"That's right, Mr. Potter," Ollivander said from the back. "You see, every wand I made has it's own characteristics. No two wands are the same. After all, the wand chooses the wizard, even if we're not sure why. And each wand has it's own powerful magical substance for a core. Here we use unicorn hairs, phoenix tail feathers, and heartstrings of dragons. There are others, but I assure you the ones I use to make the wands is the most reliable."'

The magical measuring tape was measuring between Harry's nostrils, which Harry really wonder if it was necessary.

"That will do," Ollivander said returning with boxes. The tape measure crumpled into a heap on the floor. "Right, then, Mr. Potter. Try this one. Beechwood and dragon heartstring. Nine inches. Nice and flexible. Just take it and give it a wave."

Harry did as he was told, but nothing happened.

Ollivander snatch the wand out of his hand and handed another wand.

"Maple and phoenix feather. Seven inches. Quite whippy. Try—"

Harry tried but again nothing.

"No, no—here, ebony and unicorn hair, eight and a half inches, springy."

Again nothing. This kept going on for a while was the piled of tried wand mounted. Only Mr. Ollivander seemed to be happy about it.

"Tricky customer, eh? Not to worry, we'll find the perfect match here somewhere—I wonder, now—yes, why not—unusual combination—holly and phoenix feather, eleven inches, nice and supple."

Harry took the wand, and he felt a sudden warmth in his hands. When he gave it a wave, red and gold sparks shot from the end like fireworks.

James whooped, Augusta clapped, and Neville patted Harry on the back.

Mr. Ollivander cried, "Oh, bravo! Yes, indeed, oh, very good. Well, well, well… how curious… how very curious."

"What is?" Harry asked as Mr. Ollivander put his wand back in it's box and wrapped it in brown paper."

Mr. Ollivander fixated on Harry.

"I remember every wand I've ever sold, Mr. Potter. Every single wand. It so happens that the phoenix whose tail feather is in your wand, gave another feather—just one other. It is very curious indeed that you should be destined for this wand when its brother—why, it's brother gave you that scar."

Harry swallowed hard as James put his hand on Harry's shoulder protectively.

"Yes, thirteen-and-a-half inches. Yew. Curious indeed how these things happen. The wand chooses the wizard, remember… I think we must expect things from you, Mr. Harry Potter… After all, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named did great things—terrible, yes, but great."

Now Neville was paled with horror as James cleared his throat. "Well-thanks for the lecture, Mr. Ollivander, but I'm afraid we must be on our way. Right Augusta?"

"Yes, I think you're right," Augusta agreed.

…

Augusta and Neville went home as Harry and James headed back to the Potter Cottage.

"Dad, do you believe what Mr. Ollivander said about me?" Harry asked.

James put down his meal. "Listen Harry, I wouldn't put what Mr. Ollivander said to heart. If you're destined for greatness, it's not because your wand shares the brother core as You-Know-Who."

"I guess," Harry said.

"Look, I'm going to tell you what your grandfather told me. The wand may choose the wizard, but it's the wizard who chooses what he going to be," James said. "Your choices shape your future Harry. No one else can make those choices for you."

Harry nodded. "Thanks dad."

"No problem, buddy." James said. "As for your wand, if you ask me, it could be that it and its brother are like those twins where one sibling turns out to be good while the other turned out to be bad."

"And my wand being the good brother," Harry said. "I think I can live with that."