AN: Sorry about the Chapter going up late today, I've been at a convention so I was focused on other things, including miraculously coming first in a yugioh tournament! You're not here for card games though, you're here for harems. So here's this chapter! Next week should hopefully come out on time!
Harry walked out of the Leaky Cauldron excitedly. He, Hermione, Susan and Hannah were picking up their school supplies today, and Harry was thrilled to get to spend the day with some of his friends again. With them were Andromeda, Nymphadora, and Hannah's mother. Ted was currently at work at St. Mungos, Amelia was busy with her job as the head of the DMLE, and Hermione's parents found Diagon Alley overwhelming. Padma and Parvati were doing their shopping in Delhi's magical quarter, while the remaining four Sphinx club members would be doing their shopping the following day. Wrangling eight children through the busy shops of Diagon Alley was not something the adults felt was necessary, so the groups had simply been split down house lines, as little as those meant to the members of the Sphinx club.
"Okay kids, we need to pick up your supplies for this year, Hermione you have the list right? What's on it?" Andromeda said, after doing a quick headcount to make sure all of the kids were present.
"Well, we have our texts for this year, Defense has a totally new suite of books we have to pick up, all by the same author. Charms and Transfiguration both need The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 2. Every other class is using the same text as last year it appears. A new set of potion vials and flasks is likely needed, Snape is meticulous about that, but the school didn't include it on the required list. We'll also need new school robes, I've outgrown mine by a bit, and I know Susan has as well. Beyond that, we'll need to pick up some more ink, quills, and parchment, but that appears to be everything." Hermione said, looking over the list of required items.
"Good then. We should head to Madam Malkin's first to get your measurements so they can be getting done while we shop. From there we'll head to Amanuensis Quills for your stationary, then Slug and Jiggers for your potions supplies. Then Flourish and Blotts for your books and we should be done. We'll get some Ice Cream at Fortesques and then head back home." Andromeda said, before looking at Mrs. Abbott, who nodded.
The walk to Madam Malkin's was jovial, and upon entering the shop, they were greeted by the ever-friendly Madam Malkin. "Hello dearies, Hogwarts robes time again? Oh how time flies." the squat woman said, her face wrinkling in delight.
"Yes ma'am, four for measurements for Hogwarts robes. For Harry and Hermione here, they'll also need a set of dress robes for special occasions." Andromeda pointed out the pair.
"Not a problem. Line them up for measurements and I'll give you the quotes. Any style or color in mind for the dress robes?" Malkin asked, getting her magical measuring devices prepared and setting a platform spinning.
"Just a nice Navy for Harry, and maybe something lighter for Hermione, what do you think?" Andromeda asked, looking to the bushy haired girl.
"I always thought Periwinkle looked nice on me, maybe that?" Hermione asked.
"Well here, I have a set I can do a quick temporary resize on, why don't we see?" Malkin said, a wave of her wand procuring a dress, and resizing it atop Hermione. The dress had a white top, with a dark blue ribbon tied in a large bow at Hermione's hips, below the ribbon, the dress turned a pretty periwinkle, with flowery designs rising from the hem of the dress.
"Ooh, I like this one." Hermione said. "What about you guys? What do you think?" Hermione did a small twirl. Harry had to agree, it was a very nice dress, and Hermione looked very nice in it.
"It looks great! Harry's even turning red!" Hannah said, pointing to her friend. Harry touched his cheeks and noticed that they felt warm. This made him turn even more red.
"Yeah, it looks nice." Susan said her tone more reserved than normal.
"Well then, I'll get one made in your size. Now, step up here and I'll get your measurements." Malkin said, helping Hermione onto the large turntable. In a flash, measuring tapes began flying around Hermione's body at seemingly arbitrary angles, before moving to Malkin's eyes as she jotted numbers down on a piece of parchment. A moment later, the whirlwind of activity ceased, and the dress Hermione was wearing grew larger and flew off of her, leaving her in her normal clothes once more. "Next one please." Malkin said, drawing a line beneath the measurements she had just done for Hermione. Susan stepped up and the process repeated, until all four were properly measured.
"Wonderful. I'll have the Hogwarts robes completed by this afternoon. The dress robes will take slightly longer. Can I send them by mail?" Malkin asked, looking to Andromeda.
"Yes, that'll be fine. We're on the mail network, so there shouldn't be any issues." Andromeda said, wrangling up the four children who were mildly overwhelmed by the measurement attack.
"Jolly good then. Enjoy the rest of your shopping!" Malkin said, as the four children and three adults left the building.
"The Quill shop is next door, so let's head there." Mrs. Abbott said, leading everyone to the shop sign-marked as Amanuensis Quills. The shopping in this shop was much less exciting, as there was only so much variation possible in quills, ink, and parchment. Even less so when Hogwarts did have standards that had to be met. Amanuensis Quills though catered to that selection, and even had what they considered the 'Definitive Hogwarts Stationary Kit' which contained everything a student would require for a year at Hogwarts.
Hermione still found herself flummoxed at the wizarding world's lack of adoptance of pens and notepads, and found herself somewhat frustrated that certain professors refused to accept assignments if they weren't written in quills on parchment. Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, and Sprout had allowed her to turn in her first few assignments using pen and paper, but even they were adamant that later assignments needed to be done with quill and ink. For Hermione's sanity, not even Severus Snape had issues allowing her to use a notepad and pen for in-class notes.
Slug and Jiggers was another quick stop. Given Hogwarts near monopoly on the British wizarding public, most suppliers of items needed by students were also sent lists of what items students needed, so they could advise purchases accordingly. Slug and Jiggers provided a bundle of all tems every year of potions class needed, and kept the supply well stocked. Included in the bundles that each of the four Sphinx Club students picked up was a catalogue and set of order forms for the shop, should they require more supplies during the year.
With that, their final shopping destination was upon them, Flourish and Blotts. The store, renowned for its wide selection of available tomes, was the place for any Hogwarts student to to for their books, and as such, it was quite busy during this time of year. Today though, it seemed even busier than normal.
"Oh, it looks like Gilderoy Lockhart is doing a book signing today. I'm surprised Mrs. Brown didn't pick this day to come." Mrs. Abbott said, waving her hand to a sign posted in one of the windows of the shop.
It read: "Come meet famed author and adventurer Gilderoy Lockhart! Famous for his novels such as 'Gadding with Ghouls' and 'Voyages with Vampires'. Supposedly he has a special announcement to make to the public!"
"I've never heard of him. Is he important?" Harry asked, looking to the adults with him.
"Outside of being a big shot writer, not really. His exploits are supposedly pretty interesting, but I've never read any." Andromeda said.
"I went as him to a Halloween party a few years ago. Nearly made a girl cry because I wasn't the real one and she wanted to… kiss him a lot." Nymphadora said, catching herself before she had to have a conversation she wasn't ready to have.
"Well, his books are on our school list this year. Apparently whoever our teacher is is a fan." Hermione said, looking at the list. "To have published this many books though is pretty amazing. I'd like to meet him."
"He and Trollslayer here can swap Troll stories." Susan said, nudging Harry's arm.
"Don't you start too!" Harry whined. "Lavender and Parvati are bad enough, Padma doesn't help, and if you start doing it I'll start going barmy!"
The group laughed, and entered the building proper. Looking around, a large line was formed at the center, where it appeared as though Lockhart was sitting and signing copies of his books. With his attention focused on the crowd, Harry failed to notice that he was walking into someone.
"Sorry!" Harry said, stopping and looking up at who he had bumped into.
"No issue at all Mr. Potter. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised to see you here." Lucius Malfoy said, putting on a smile to Harry. Harry's nerves went on edge at being around the man. As Harry looked at the man though, he noticed something, large red marks were visible on his face, as well as what appeared to be the start of a black eye. Lucius Malfoy had been in a fight.
"That eye of yours doesn't look very good Lucius. You should see a healer." Mrs. Abbot stated, looking to him. "Whatever happened?"
"I appear to have upset Mr. Weasley, to the point he saw fit to strike me. Worry not, I intend to see a healer straight away, I just had a small matter to attend to, but it seems I've had a bit of luck then. I had ordered two copies of 'Steel to Sticks to Stones: The Transfiguration Manual' hoping that Draco would use the second copy whilst he was at school. Unfortunately, he detests Transfiguration, and therefore I didn't need the second copy. I had intended to return it, but I have been informed that Ms. Bones here is quite the Transfiguration mistress in the making. Here, please take this copy. Consider it a thanks from me for the good work your aunt does." Lucius said, handing the book to Susan.
"Oh, well. Thank you Mr. Malfoy." Susan said, her face going as red as her hair. Harry was aware of the book she had been given. It was touted as one of the best tomes of Transfiguration widely available.
"Think nothing of it, now if you excuse me, I believe I have need of a healer." Lucius said, before sliding out the door.
"Can never get a read on that guy, always so mysterious." Nymphadora mused aloud. Harry had to agree, his interactions with the Malfoy patriarch were few, but always gave him a sense of unease.
"Well, all of you go grab the books you need. Hermione, your parents gave you a limit on your book spending. No more than 7 galleons beyond whatever your actual school books cost. Harry, same for you." Andromeda said, entering in what Nymphadora occasionally called 'mom mode'. Harry always found it amusing.
"Yes ma'am." The pair of Ravenclaws said, both sniggering slightly.
Gathering their reading materials, all that was left were the list of Lockhart books, all of which were currently situated at the table with the man himself. If they wanted to pick them up today, that meant they had to meet the man. This made Hermione and Hannah very happy.
The trio made their way slowly through the line, before a commotion was made. "Is that Harry Potter?" Came the voice from the table. Turning to look, it appeared as though Gilderoy had spotted him, and an associate from the store ushered Harry to the front of the line.
"Ladies and Gentleman," Gilderoy started, his tone bombastic and loud. "Here we have a true hero of the wizarding world, Harry Potter! Vanquisher of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, and apparent fan of my work! Oh it tickles me deep to my core that someone as famous as you enjoys my work. A delightful coincidence too I believe. You see, Young Harry here will be attending Hogwarts this year, where I, Gilderoy Lockhart, will be passing on my knowledge to him and all the other students. Yes, you've heard correctly. I will be taking this year away from my adventures to become the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor at Hogwarts." He completed, posturing and posing as several cameras went off. "For those who wish to learn what I plan to teach the students, you may pick up the same course material I will be teaching them, my currently seven-part series on my adventures fighting dark creatures. Available here at Flourish and Blotts. As a thanks to Harry here, for what he has done prior, as well as my personal fondness for him, he will be receiving the whole collection, free of charge." Lockhart's smile beamed off of his face, his immaculate teeth catching the flash bulbs of the cameras.
Harry was about to throw up. He despised being the center of attention in public. The Sphinx Club had helped him work on these anxieties, and had gotten him to the point that he could appear up around strangers, but this was maddening. He could simply stand there, dumbfounded as cameras flashed. In time, Andromeda, Nymphadora, and Hermione made it to him.
"Harry dear, are you alright? Nymphadora, get him outside. I believe he's done in here. We'll pay for the books and meet you there." Andromeda said in a mothering tone of voice. Harry could only dumbly nod as Nymphadora dragged him out onto a bench.
"Okay Lil' bro, we're outside. Deep breaths, in and out. I'm here. It's just you and me." Nymphadora said, rubbing Harry's back gently. This wasn't the first time she had helped him through an attack like this, having woken up screaming after nightmares of the Troll and Voldemory several times over the summer. Nymphadora had taken it on herself to calm him down during those moments, making him laugh with her changing features, or on one occasion, even turning into his mother and holding him.
"I'm better now. Thanks Nym." Harry said. Nymphadora did truly hate her name, but she allowed Harry and Harry alone the use of that nickname. Even Charlie was forced to call her Tonks.
"That's good. Now was it the people? The flash bulbs? Or Lockhart?" She asked. The pair had been working on trying to isolate what gave Harry his anxiety attacks when they appeared, and then worked to acclimatize him to them.
"Combination I guess. Just the crowd didn't bother me, and even the pictures probably wouldn't have been too bad I think. It was the being shown off like a prize horse I guess." Harry said, grabbing onto his big sister's hand.
"Guess you're not a fan of the spotlight. Unfortunate given that you're likely to be in it for most of your life. Not only for what you did as a baby, but for the great stuff that you're going to do." Nym said, squeezing his hand.
"I hope I can avoid it." Harry said, looking down.
"Nah, the Harry I know is going to conquer that fear. Even if it takes one of his girlfriends to make him do it." Nymphadora said, sticking her tongue out at Harry as his face turned red.
Shortly after, the rest of their group arrives, with Hermione quickly making her way over to Harry. "You okay?" She asks, crushing him into a hug. "Sorry I didn't notice how upset you were getting. Meeting someone who's written so many books was just exciting."
"Leave it to Hermione, she's best friends with the literal biggest celebrity in the wizarding world and doesn't bat an eye at it, but find someone who's written a couple books and she's starstruck." Susan says, giving a good natured laugh toward her friend.
Hermione flushed red, and Harry returned her hug. "Yeah, I'm fine now. Just needed some air. Not that I'm getting any at the moment, but there's worse ways to go than suffocating due to a tight hug." Harry said, causing Hermione to release him. "Are we still getting ice cream?"
"I did say we would, and I meant it. Only one each though, can't have you spoiling your dinner." Andromeda said, with Mrs. Abbott nodding.
The group made their way to Fortescue's Ice Cream parlor and each had themselves a delightful sweet treat. Even Andromeda and Mrs. Abbot fell victim to their sweet tooths and had themselves an ice cream. The playful banter between the Sphinx Club members making everyone laugh and have a good time, until they all finished their ice creams, and made their way to the Leaky Cauldron.
"See you guys at school!" Susan said, as she, Hannah, and Mrs. Abbot began to get ready to enter the floo connection. Tonight, like many nights, Susan would be spending at the Abbott's house, her aunt away on business.
"See you Susan, Hannah. We'll find each other on the train okay? Aim for the first compartment in the second third." Harry said, nodding at the pair. The Sphinx Club had collectively decided that they would attempt to head to that compartment, and its immediate neighbor, whenever they boarded the Hogwarts Express. That way they didn't spend forever looking for each other.
"You know it. See you soon guys!" Hannah said, before stating her location and making her way through the floo. Susan and Mrs. Abbot followed shortly behind her.
Harry, Hermione, Andromeda and Nymphadora all made their way through the floo, ending up at the Tonks house. Hermione was to stay the night here, with her parents picking her up tomorrow afternoon. Harry and Hermione were very excited about the chance to have a sleepover, something neither of them had ever done before.
"So Harry, what are we going to do first?" Hermione asked, after the pair made their way to his room.
Harry looked around, before turning slightly red. "Honestly I don't know. Never had a sleepover before. Maybe play a game? I have that Gobstones set I got for my birthday." Harry said sheepishly.
"Ooh! That sounds like fun. Do you have any other games?" Hermione asked.
"Oh yeah, Nym has a ZX Spectrum downstairs, away from the magic stuff, she had some games for it as well. I played Bubble Bobble, I liked it a lot. Haven't tried too many of the others. Been busy with my Gameboy." Harry said his tone more chipper.
"Neat, how about we play the computer first? We can play gobstones anytime at Hogwarts, but the computer doesn't work there." Hermione said. "Does she have Horace Goes Skiing? That's my favorite."
With that the pair made their way to the computer room and had a good time playing some computer games, excitedly awaiting their coming return to Hogwarts.