"I'd like you to meet Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts, and Harry Potter, one of your classmates in the coming year."
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The imposing figure of Rubeus Hagrid loomed over the two boys and Jazz Fenton, his unkempt beard and unruly hair belying the warmth in his eyes and welcoming grin. Harry Potter appeared somewhat anxious as he surveyed his fellow students, while Daniel remained stationary near his parents, his eyes narrowing slightly before extending a silent hand towards Harry. This gesture, though guarded, indicated Daniel's willingness to give Harry a chance despite his apparent difficulty in trusting others. As the group prepared to depart, Harry grasped Danny's hand, noting its cool temperature, and offered a friendly greeting in an attempt to ease the palpable tension.
Danny responded with a nod; his expression inscrutable. The boys separated as Jazz cleared her throat, gathering Tala's cage and trunk. Hagrid, seemingly roused from his thoughts, promptly offered to carry Jazz's luggage as they ventured outside. Danny's friends hastily departed down the street as Mr. and Mrs. Fenton embraced their children tightly. Harry observed this scene, feeling a twinge of envy at the close family bond, hoping to find a similar sense of belonging at Hogwarts.
Curious about their return journey to England, Harry asked Hagrid as Danny reluctantly parted from his tearful parents. Hagrid deposited an old boot from his pocket onto the ground, explaining, "Dumbledore thought of that beforehand. Kids, this is a Portkey. We just grab hold of a section, and it'll take us to our destination, Diagon Alley. Very handy piece of magic when you have to travel long distances."
The motley group of students and their towering, bearded escort huddled closely around the battered leather boot lying innocuously on the ground. Its once-polished surface was now scuffed and dulled by years of use, the laces frayed and knotted. Each person, with a mix of trepidation and excitement dancing in their eyes, cautiously extended a finger towards the seemingly ordinary object. Hagrid's gruff yet reassuring voice guided them, his own massive hand dwarfing the boot as he too made contact.
As the last fingertip brushed against the worn leather, an instantaneous and overwhelming sensation gripped them all. It felt as though an invisible hook had latched onto their midsections, yanking them forward with tremendous force. The world around them began to blur and twist, melting into a dizzying kaleidoscope of colours and shapes. Sound became distorted, a cacophony of muffled roars and whistles assaulting their ears as they hurtled through space and time.
The journey, though mere seconds, seemed to stretch on interminably. Just as the sensation became almost unbearable, it abruptly ceased. The group found themselves unceremoniously deposited onto solid ground, limbs tangled and clothes askew. Groaning and disoriented, they slowly began to gather their wits and take in their new surroundings as a catfight began, growls breaking the silence as Harry tried to remember which way was up, Jazz apologising as she tried to gather herself and get up off of Harry. She was soon helped up by Danny before she helped Harry get up off the ground before walking out onto a busy street, cars honking as they drove through Charing Cross, drivers yelling at one another to move while Harry and his group quickly crossed the road. As they made their way through the bustling street, Harry couldn't shake the feeling that something was off before they came across a shabby-looking building that appeared in front of them. The building seemed out of place among the modern structures surrounding it, with peeling paint and broken windows with a sign, proclaiming it as 'The Leaky Cauldron.' Harry's curiosity was piqued as he wondered what secrets the old building held within its walls, stopping with Danny by his side as they both stared.
Jazz and Hagrid had walked ahead before noticing that the two boys weren't with them; Jazz looking back before she smiled, saying, "Well, come on then, you two. Let's not keep everyone waiting." Harry and Danny exchanged a glance before following Jazz and Hagrid towards the mysterious building, eager to uncover its hidden mysteries.
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As they approached the entrance, a gust of wind caused the sign to creak and sway, adding to the eerie atmosphere. Harry's heart raced with anticipation, ready to embark on an adventure with his friends as Hagrid pushed open the door, allowing the hustle and bustle of the interior to filter out as the three were ushered in, all noise dimming down slightly before it started back up at the sight of Hagrid.
One man, his balding face splitting into a welcoming grin as he wiped glasses and waved a wand at a bottle behind him called out, "Usual, Hagrid?"
"'Fraid not, Tom." Hagrid answered, putting a hand on Harry's and Danny's shoulders, making sure Jazz was in the middle, "Just passing through with some students for school supplies."
The noise in the pub suddenly hushed as patrons looked at the newest additions to Hogwarts, whispers beginning to circulate as the boys' scars were seen, Danny flattening down his hair as if he felt the stares while Jazz gripped her brother's hand, took hold of Harry's and began to push through the crowd. Keenly aware of the mounting unease in the room, Hagrid swiftly guided the group through the crowded pub. His massive frame parted the sea of patrons effortlessly, creating a path for Harry and his companions to follow. As they moved, whispers and pointed fingers trailed in their wake, the name "Harry Potter" rippling through the air like a magical current. The young wizard, overwhelmed by the sudden attention, kept his head down, grateful for Hagrid's protective presence.
Reaching the back of the Leaky Cauldron, Hagrid ushered them into a small, walled courtyard. The sounds of the pub faded, replaced by an anticipatory silence. With a knowing smile, he pulled out his pink umbrella and tapped a specific brick on the wall. The group watched in awe as the bricks began to shift and rearrange themselves, forming an archway that revealed the wondrous world of Diagon Alley beyond. The colorful shops, bustling witches and wizards, and the palpable, ambient magic in the air offered a welcome distraction from the intense scrutiny they had just escaped, promising new adventures and discoveries in this new world.
Both Harry and Danny stood motionless as Hagrid knelt down to their level and said, "Welcome, Harry and Danny, to Diagon Alley."