Disclaimer: Playing in Rowling's and Lucas's sandbox. They own the toys; We're just having fun.
Previously on Chapter 5
As the walls of trust crumbled, a sobering truth emerged – Dumbledore's 'Greater Good' seemed to have a cost, and that cost was often borne by Harry. The conflict in Harry's eyes reflected the internal struggle between the loyalty he felt for Dumbledore and the revelation that his sacrifices might not be as selfless as they seemed.
'Dragonstaff and Technomage' - Thoughts
Chapter 6: Welcome to Diagon Alley
Harry and Anakin's unexpected alliance continued to unfold in the quaint confines of 4 Privet Drive. The once-dull days of the Dursleys now harboured a peculiar energy, a blend of rebellion and camaraderie as the duo made themselves at home. Anakin, with his carefree spirit, brought a sense of liberation to Harry's life, challenging the oppressive norms that had governed it for far too long.
As the days passed, the Dursleys found themselves the subject of pranks, their perfect lives disrupted by the presence of the uninvited guests. Dudley, the erstwhile bully, discovered a new sense of fear of the glowing sword carried around by Anakin, leaving the family scared and anxious in the wake of these bizarre occurrences.
Harry, for the first time in years, felt a sense of freedom. Anakin's presence was a breath of fresh air, a break from the suffocating grip of Voldemort's looming threat. Together, they navigated the nuances of Earth, with Harry introducing Anakin to the wonders of 'Muggle' technology, while Anakin taught Harry the intricacies of dealing with people, much like Obi Wan had done for him.
The house evolved into their sanctuary, away from the prying eyes of Dumbledore and his watchers. The two still frequented the spaceship to check on R2-D2 who continued to try and repair the spaceship and also to periodically recharge C3PO who still served as their translator, despite Anakin having picked up on various phrases and terms of English and even attempted to teach the basics of Galactic Basic to Harry.
Despite the fact that for the first time in his life, Harry had someone he could call a friend in the Dursley household and was actually starting to have fun, both he and Anakin were also feeling restless. With both being free spirits, men of action and independence, neither of them liked being cooped up for too long. The spaceship, despite its various secrets, did nothing to replace the allure of the world beyond the walls of 4, Privet Drive.
Harry was working on the final pages of his Transfiguration assignment while Anakin was tinkering with C3PO's core, trying to fix some of the damages from their trip through space. As he closed the panel and re-activated the droid, he leaned towards Harry, his voice a low murmur. "Harry, we can't stay in here forever. I've had my fair share of confinement in the Jedi Order, and it's no way to live. We need to leave this place, even if just for a little while."
Harry nodded, "I agree. But Dumbledore would definitely have someone watching the house and we can't slip away under the Invisibility Cloak, especially if we have to take C3PO with us. What we need is a way to slip past them, a distraction. Any ideas?"
Anakin's eyes gleamed with mischief. "What if we create a little chaos? Draw them to one side while we make our exit from the other?"
Harry smirked. "Sounds like a plan. And once we're out, we head straight to London. I think it is finally time I show you Diagon Alley."
Anakin spread his senses as he felt the presence of someone hiding near the bushes under Harry's window. His eyes narrowed in concentration, focusing on the subtle disturbance in the Force.
"There is someone watching us right now," Anakin muttered, his tone a mix of irritation and readiness for action.
Harry simply nodded. "Alright, time to put our plan into action. We create a distraction in the front, draw their attention there, and then we slip out the back."
The duo moved stealthily through the house, making sure not to alert the Dursleys who were crowded around the television. As they approached the front of the house, Anakin's hand subtly rested on his lightsaber—a silent assurance of his readiness.
Anakin whispered, "The person watching us is standing at 2'o clock, behind the bushes"
"You used the Force, didn't you?" asked Harry, smirking.
Anakin chuckled, shaking his head. "The Force? Nah, it was the old-fashioned way. Whoever this spy is, they've got a lot to learn about stealth. Stomping around the garden with no care. Invisibility cloak or not, they've got the subtlety of a herd of Banthas."
Harry grinned. "Guess our spy needs a lesson in sneaking around. Now let's give them something to really watch."
They continued with their plan, making their way to the front of the house with a newfound sense of amusement at the less-than-stealthy surveillance.
Nymphadora 'don't-call-me-that' Tonks sighed for the umpteenth time, her pink hair shifting to a shade of blue in her boredom. 'Why in Morgana's saggy tits did I ever agree to join the blasted Order?' Her mother had warned her numerous times of the Order's inactions and uselessness, but being a young Auror with a need to prove herself, she had agreed immediately when Moody had recruited her to join the Order's clandestine activities. 'There was supposed to be fighting, arresting Death Eaters and stopping Voldemort. Babysitting an angsty teenage celebrity was definitely something I never saw myself doing!' she thought. Watching over Harry Potter was supposed to be an important task, but the routine had become monotonous. She adjusted her position behind the bushes, trying to stay inconspicuous.
Inside the Dursley household, Harry and Anakin executed their plan. Anakin subtly manipulated objects in the kitchen, causing them to rattle and shake while Harry at the same time threw one of Fred and George's modified Dungbombs, filling the air with a foul odour that permeated the entire house.
The sudden disturbance prompted the Dursleys to investigate the source of the commotion. Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia, and Dudley rushed into the kitchen, expressions contorted in annoyance. The combination of floating objects and the putrid smell turned the Dursley abode into a chaotic scene.
'What the hell is it this time?'thought Tonks to herself, as she went to investigate the source of the disturbance. 'I am going to demand money from the old goat the next time he asks me to do this!' She cautiously approached the source of the sound, her instincts on high alert. However, she was definitely not ready for what happened next. The hottest man she had ever seen, ' Oh my freaking God! Is that guy even human?' stepped out of the doors. The last thing Tonks remembered seeing were mesmerising blue eyes, before she knew no more.
Anakin chuckled, looking at the unconscious woman. "Well, she's out cold. It seems we've got a few hours of freedom, my friend. If we calculated correctly, we have a solid six hours before the next one arrives. So, let's try and make it back by 7 —wouldn't want to miss the show!"
Harry couldn't help but laugh. The simplicity with which Anakin handled these situations felt refreshing. No need for intricate spells or wand-waving—just a look, and bam! Task done.
"Next stop—Diagon Alley. Let's try and get some of the supplies we may need, there would definitely be something to help you fix your ship faster. If not, we can always look around London", Harry said as he raised his wand. He had promised to himself to never travel again on the Knight Bus. But needs must. They needed to get to London quickly and nothing would be faster than the Knight Bus.
The Knight Bus careened around the corner with a screech, coming to a sudden halt that almost threw Harry and Anakin off their feet. The shrunken head hanging from the rearview mirror let out a string of colourful language that made Anakin raise an eyebrow. The doors of the triple-decker bus swung open dramatically, revealing a grinning Stan Shunpike.
"Welcome aboard the Knight Bus! Emergency transport for the stranded witch or wizard," Stan announced with a flourish. "My name's Stan Shunpike, and I'll be your conductor. Fasten your seatbelts, and away we go! Oh wait. It's you, Neville, right? How you doing, my man? Long time, no see"
"Hey Stan! Two tickets to Diagon Alley please", Harry said, ignoring Anakin's stare as Stan called him by a different name
Stan Shunpike blinked, his initial cheerfulness momentarily replaced by confusion. "Diagon Alley, you say? Well, it's your fare, I suppose. Two tickets, coming right up." He handed over two purple tickets to Harry, who paid with a small pile of wizarding coins.
As Harry and Anakin found a somewhat stable spot on the swerving bus, Anakin leaned over to Harry. "Neville? Is that another alias, or did he genuinely mistake you for someone else?"
Harry snorted. "It's a long story. Let's just say, magical disguises are more common than you'd think."
Harry and Anakin stumbled out of the Knight Bus onto Charing Cross Road, both looking a shade greener than usual. The erratic twists and turns of the magical transport had taken a toll on them.
"Now I remember why I promised myself to avoid the Knight Bus whenever possible," Harry muttered, rubbing his temples.
Anakin, still adjusting to magical transportation, nodded in agreement. "And I thought that I was a crazy pilot, but this, this is a whole new level of crazy."
Harry guided Anakin toward the most dingy pub he had ever seen. Even the cantinas he had visited in far-off planets seemed cleaner and more reputable than this filthy place. "How can a place like this even exist?" Anakin muttered, eyeing the questionable establishment.
"Welcome to the Leaky Cauldron," Harry said, a wry smile playing on his lips. "It may not win any awards for cleanliness, but it's the gateway to Diagon Alley."
As they entered the dimly lit pub, the air thick with a curious mix of magic and dampness, the familiar figure of Tom, the bartender, greeted them with a nod.
"Just passing through, Tom. Nothing for today," Harry greeted the friendly bartender before guiding Anakin out the back door and into a seemingly closed-off space.
"Gotta say, I'm impressed with this place. Seems truly magical," Anakin said, sarcasm colouring his tone as they stood in a small enclosed space behind the dingy pub.
Harry chuckled at Anakin's comment before counting three up and two across, tapping the seemingly ordinary brick with his wand three times. On the third tap, the brick shifted, causing the doorway to Diagon Alley to appear.
"Welcome, Anakin, to Diagon Alley," Harry said, remembering Hagrid saying the exact same thing to him the first time he had introduced him to the place. The bustling sounds of the wizarding world filled the air as they entered the crowded alleyway.
As they stepped through, Anakin paused, immediately overwhelmed by the loud, vibrant and magical atmosphere. The shops, each with their unique charm, lined the cobbled street. The bustling market and colourful displays were a stark contrast to the gloomy London streets they had left behind. And yet there seemed to be an undercurrent of tension. People looked over their shoulders, moving swiftly across the place.
"This is quite a place you've got here," Anakin remarked, taking in the sights. "Feels like stepping into a different world altogether."
Harry grinned, glad to see Anakin's genuine curiosity. "That's because you have, my friend. Diagon Alley is like its own magical realm within London. Anything you can imagine, you can find here."
"Let's get you a cloak first. You are weirdly dressed enough for most of the people here to give you no notice, but let's not take any chances, right?"
"Alright Harry. Lead on!"
Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions welcomed them with a gentle chime as they entered the charming boutique. The air was filled with the soothing scent of fabric softener and the soft hum of sewing charms. Rows of robes in various colours and styles adorned the racks, creating a kaleidoscope of magical fashion.
A friendly witch with measuring tape draped around her neck approached them. "Mr. Potter! What a surprise seeing you here before the Hogwarts rush. And who's your friend?" she asked with a warm smile.
"He's Ana….. John Doe" Harry introduced as Anakin elbowed him slightly, remembering not to give his real name to anyone. "We're actually looking for a couple of travelling robes."
"Alright then, feel free to look around. If you like anything, just let me know," the witch said before attending to another customer.
Harry and Anakin explored the various sections of the shop. Anakin, fascinated by the intricate designs and magical fabrics, couldn't help but appreciate the craftsmanship that went into each robe.
They however ended up opting for simpler options, choosing standard black robes from the selection. The nondescript garments would help them blend in seamlessly with the wizarding crowd.
"Now, we won't stand out like sore thumbs," Harry remarked, adjusting the collar of his new robe.
Anakin inspected the fabric, appreciating the practicality, used to wearing such cloaks as with his Jedi attire. "So, this is the standard wizarding fashion, huh?"
Harry nodded. "You got it. Now, let's see what else Diagon Alley has to offer."
As they left Madam Malkin's, the bustling atmosphere of the magical marketplace awaited them.
Harry led Anakin through the streets of Diagon Alley, sharing tales of the various shops that lined the bustling marketplace. They passed Ollivanders, the renowned wand shop, where every witch and wizard obtained their first magical companion. Anakin marvelled at the similarity of the wand choosing the wizard to how the Jedi found their kyber crystal.
Next was Eyelops Owl Emporium, where owls of all shapes and sizes hooted and fluttered about. Harry explained how owls were essential for communication in the wizarding world, and Anakin couldn't help but find the concept fascinating.
As they strolled, Harry pointed out Flourish and Blotts, the bookstore that supplied students with their magical textbooks, and the Magical Menagerie, where creatures ranging from hippogriffs to nifflers could be purchased. Anakin's eyes widened at the description of each magical beast.
"I know it may be a lot to take in, but you're doing great," Harry reassured him, seeing Anakin looking out of his element for the first time since meeting him.
Harry suddenly stopped in front of an unfamiliar, peculiar shop wedged between the more well-known establishments. Despite the few times he had passed by, he did not remember such a shop ever existing. The faded sign above the entrance read, "Hecate's Hidden Haven".
Anakin, however, displayed a keen interest. "What's this place all about?" he inquired, pointing toward the entrance.
Harry, uncertain about the shop's contents, replied, "It's not one I've visited before. Diagon Alley has its share of unique stores, but this one seems a bit... off."
Anakin flashed a mischievous grin. "Off can be interesting. Let's take a look. Besides, it's not like we are unarmed."
With a mixture of curiosity and caution, Harry and Anakin entered 'Hecate's Hidden Haven', eager to discover the mysteries concealed within its walls.
The moment Harry and Anakin stepped into the shop, an old man emerged from the depths, his eyes brightening at the sight of customers. "Ah! Customers! After so long!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with warmth.
His appearance matched the quirkiness of the shop—long, flowing robes adorned with a variety of trinkets, and a hat that seemed to have a life of its own. The air around him crackled with an energy that hinted at the magical wonders hidden within the store.
"Welcome, welcome! I am Myrddin Wyllt, the proprietor of this humble emporium. What brings you fine gentlemen to 'Hecate's Hidden Haven' today?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with a mischievous gleam.
Harry chuckled, "My friend is not from here. He's still getting the hang of English."
Myrddin raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Ah, a man of the stars, is he? Well, you've brought him to the right place. 'Hecate's Hidden Haven' caters to customers from all walks of life, from here to the far reaches of the galaxy."
Anakin, though not fully grasping the conversation, sensed the friendly atmosphere and offered a polite nod to the shopkeeper. Myrddin beamed, welcoming the duo further into the mysterious realm of his enchanted wares.
"I might be able to help you with that! Language Lozenges! Each one contains the full script and the knowledge of a different language. Chew one, and you'll be speaking fluently in the language of your choice," Myrddin explained, gesturing to a small, ornate box on the counter.
Harry's eyes lit up with interest. The language barriers had been something of a major challenge since Anakin's arrival on Earth, and the prospect of overcoming them intrigued him. Looking at the small tin, he could see various wrapped toffees, each printed with the name of a language.
He fished out one which said English and after a moment of contemplation, picked out a couple more for himself as well. He decided to cover his bases, choosing a selection that included English, Latin, Greek, Sanskrit, Mandarin, and more. He had always wanted to learn other languages and adding Latin to his linguistic repertoire could certainly make spellcasting a bit more intriguing. Anakin, though not completely understanding the purpose of these magical candies, watched with curiosity as Harry made his choices.
As Myrddin packaged the magical items, Harry couldn't help but wonder how easy learning Galactic Basic would have been with these lozenges.
"Sorry, but Language Lozenges are only available in Earth languages. You'll have to learn Galactic Basic the hard way," Myrddin spoke, seemingly having read Harry's mind.
As Harry fished out a couple of galleons and attempted to pay for the Language Lozenges, Myrddin shook his head with a warm smile. "No need for payment, my friends. It's been a pleasure having customers after a while. Take them as a gift." Harry, surprised by the unexpected generosity, thanked him, and they left the curious little shop, the soft chime of the door signalling their exit.
As he left the shop, the realisation suddenly hit Harry like a sudden gust of wind. 'Wait, how did he know of Galactic Basic, and the fact that Anakin wasn't from Earth?' Harry whirled around, but the shop was gone. In its place stood a boarded building, seemingly having never been inhabited for the better part of the last century.
Meanwhile Anakin looked like he was sucking on a lemon, having popped the English language lozenge into his mouth as soon as they had left the shop. He could feel a faint tingle on his tongue, ears and eyes while a slight pressure built up in his brain before settling down. All of a sudden what previously had sounded like gibberish to him, now made perfect sense. He was now able to understand and read English as if he had been doing so from birth.
"Magic really is amazing. I doubt the Force can even achieve half of this" Harry smiled at hearing Anakin speak, finally being able to understand him.
Mother Magic smiled as the soul of Myrddin, her last chosen dissipated into motes of magic. She smiled at seeing the happiness of her chosen finally being able to talk with his friend, happy that he finally had someone after all those years of loneliness.
Next, Harry guided Anakin to the colourful and chaotic storefront of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. While not fully ready, the vibrant window displays hinted at the playful and mischievous nature of the shop.
"You are going to want to watch out for this one," Harry told Anakin as he knocked on the front door of the shop.
The door creaked open, revealing the familiar faces of Fred and George. "Well, well, well. Look who dropped by! Our Secret Benefactor! Harrykins! How are you? It's been the whole summer, and you haven't sent us any mail!" they complained. Their eyes then seemed to register the stranger standing next to Harry.
"And who is this new guy?" they said, pointing to Anakin.
Harry grinned mischievously. "I've got something to discuss, and I'd rather not broadcast it to the whole alley. Can we step inside?"
The twins exchanged curious glances but readily agreed, ushering Harry and Anakin into the joke shop. The shop was a kaleidoscope of colours, with shelves overflowing with joke candies, trick items, and novelty magical products.
"Seems like you're ready for your grand launch? How's everything going?" Harry inquired, glancing around at the chaotic yet enchanting atmosphere.
Fred and George shared a glance, a silent conversation that only they could comprehend. Fred, with a cheeky grin, spoke first, "Oh, we're more than ready. The grand opening is going to be a blast!"
George chimed in, "And we owe it all to you, Harrykins! Our silent partner and backer. Wouldn't have been possible without your support."
"Now spill the beans, mate," Fred said, adopting the duo's trademark twin-speak. "Who's this bloke you've brought along? And what's the big secret you've got to share?"
The atmosphere in the joke shop shifted as Harry narrated the peculiar events of his summer. He spoke of being cut off from everyone, his owl being kidnapped, and the silence and boredom that had enveloped his life. Despite all that had happened, he knew that Fred and George would keep his secrets, their trust on him had never wavered. As he delved into the introduction of Anakin, the alien from a different planet, the twins' expressions morphed from curiosity to astonishment.
"And this here is Anakin," Harry gestured to his new companion. "He's not from Earth. His secrets aren't mine to share, but if he comes to trust you guys, I'm sure he'll fill you in on the details."
Fred and George exchanged amused glances, their mischievous grins widening. "Oh, Harry, always keeping things interesting!" Fred chuckled, shaking his head in mock disappointment.
George joined in, feigning a disappointed tone, "The heir to the Marauder's legacy and our legacy, and you can't come up with a more convincing story? You've got to step up your game, mate!"
The twins continued to tease Harry, their playful banter filling the joke shop with laughter. It seemed that even in the face of mysterious aliens and owl kidnappings, the Weasley twins could find humour.
Harry maintained a serious expression, his gaze meeting the inquisitive eyes of the twins. Fred and George exchanged glances, absorbing the fact that Harry might actually be telling the truth. The prospect of secrets and the unknown seemed to light a spark of excitement in their mischievous eyes.
"Well, Harry, you've always been full of surprises. An alien friend, eh?" Fred exclaimed, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. George joined in, his eyes gleaming with curiosity, "We like the sound of that!"
As Anakin observed Harry interacting with the twins, he couldn't help but appreciate their lively and carefree demeanour. Fred and George exuded an infectious enthusiasm for mischief and humour. Their resemblance was uncanny, and their twin banter created an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie.
In Anakin's eyes, the twins appeared genuine and open-minded. Harry's trust in them added a layer of credibility to their character. He found himself silently acknowledging the significance of such friendships in Harry's life, especially amidst the challenges and mysteries that surrounded Harry. His attention was drawn back to the conversation soon.
"And what is this about Ron and Hermione?" Fred inquired with a raised eyebrow, his eyes flickering between Harry and Anakin.
The revelation about Ron and Hermione seemed to strike a chord with the twins. Harry hesitated for a moment before offering a cryptic explanation. "We'll deal with the Ron and Hermione situation later. It's complicated."
George, however, chimed in with a smirk, "Complicated, you say? Well, we Weasleys are no strangers to complicated situations, are we, Forge?"
Fred nodded in agreement, adopting a serious expression. "Indeed, Gred. Mum's cooking alone is complicated enough."
"But in all seriousness," George added, "if Harry says it's complicated, it's complicated. We trust him."
"Besides," Fred interjected with a mischievous grin, "Mum might have dropped Ron and Percy one too many times on their heads. It's a wonder they can think straight."
"I honestly cannot believe that we are related to those two morons!" George added, causing Harry to give a hint of a smile.
"Guys, as much as I would love to stay, we need to leave. We have a lot of shopping to do, especially Anakin here. We should head to Gringotts and convert some Galleons into Pounds."
The easy atmosphere seemed to dissipate as the practicality of the situation sank in. Fred led Harry out of the store while George grasped Anakin's hand in a strong grip. Anakin was pulled forward in a sudden jerk and stilled at the presence of a wand under his chin, "I don't know what you have planned for Harry or how he came to trust you. But know this, if you ever do anything to him, no one will find your body".
With that, the cheerful expression on George's face returned, "It was nice meeting you Anakin". A bewildered but impressed Anakin could only nod back in return as he followed Harry out of the store.
As Harry and Anakin made their way towards Gringotts, Fred called out, "Hey, Harry, don't be a stranger! Let us know if you need anything."
George chimed in, "And you, mysterious spaceman, if you ever find yourself in a tight spot, just owl us. We've got connections, you know."
Harry nodded appreciatively, "Thanks, guys. We'll definitely keep in touch."
Harry and Anakin walked towards the end of the alley and what he saw was both the craziest but also the most impressive thing he had seen in the entire day. In front of him was a massive white behemoth of a building, with its crooked facade, it towered over the entire Alley and before he knew it, he was standing in front of giant gates of burnished bronze.
The gates of Gringotts stood open, guarded by formidable goblin sentinels on either side. Anakin used to the various alien races merely glanced at the goblins before refocusing on the poem carved by the doors, an act which did not go unnoticed by the sentinels guarding the gates. As they stepped inside the gates, little did they know that the secrets buried within the millennia-old vaults would lead to the most significant upheaval in Harry's life—an action with repercussions that would resonate not only across the wizarding world but also across galaxies far, far away.
AN: A huge thank you to everyone who has been following the story of Anakin and Harry. Hope you enjoy this chapter as well.
DS2010: Thank You! More to follow soon.
May Magic Guide your Way!