Now remember... this is fan fiction... written by a fan. This is NOT the real stuff!!! I will go to check for updates, when the writer posts again, and copy it to this thread!!!
Chapter 1: The Invitation
Harry had not forgotten the tragedy with Sirius Black. He was only ignoring it, which showed completely because of all the time Harry had spent reading and having private times in his room.
The doorbell rang just as Harry picked up his book, Flying With The Cannons. “Come in,” he yelled down the hallway.
“BLAST YOU HARRY! GET DOWN HERE AND OPEN THE DOOR FOR OUR VISITOR!” Uncle Vernon roared up the stairs.
“Ok.” Harry murmured so Uncle Vernon could faintly hear him as he tripped down the stairs and ran face-first into the door. “Shoot I forgot about that loose floorboard!” he said pushing his glasses back up to the bridge of his nose. Harry opened the door and just had time to say, “What do you want!” angrily before he realized who it was. “Oh, my gosh, hurry get outside and run behind the fence, I’ll be right there.”
“HARRY! Who is it?” Uncle Vernon yelled from the living room with the television softly sounding in the distance.
“Er… Milkman.” Harry lied before he thought reasonably.
“AGAIN? He was here an hour ago. How much milk does he think one…er…family needs?”
“Oh! I’ll just send him to the neighbors.” He said quickly. “Sorry, sir, we’ve already got our milk.” Harry said to the air. “I’LL BRING HIM THERE!” he yelled into the living room.” And without another word, Harry ran behind the fence, slamming the door behind him. “Hermione! What are you doing here?” he whispered.
“Harry, Ron is coming to my place for the rest of the holiday, do you wanna come too? I mean, I know I should have sent an owl but I figured your Uncle wouldn’t be too happy about that.”
“Look, I’ll have to ask but I’ll do it when Uncle Vernon’s in a good mood, if that doesn’t work, I’ll send Hedwig and you can send Muggle Mail to me pretending to be Moody, cause my uncle is afraid of him. Be very persuasive though!”
“Great, Harry, I’ve got to run, but hopefully I’ll see you soon.” She spoke with a twinkle in her eye.
“Ok, bye. Wait, how did you get here?” Harry wondered looking at the empty street.
“I walked, my parents are parked two blocks away.” Hermione gave him a quick sideways glance and began walking down the driveway.
“Wait! I’ll go with you. Hold on though.” Harry ran to the door and opened it with a grunt escaping from his mouth. “Uncle Vernon I’m going for a walk!” and leaving that for his uncle to comprehend, he slammed the door once again and sprinted around the corner to where Hermione was standing, rolling her eyes at the sight at the once more broken glasses perched on the tip of Harry’s nose. Before reaching Hermione, Harry tripped on a rut in the ground and his glasses fell to the ground. “Shoot!” I just got those fixed!”
“Hold still.” Hermione beamed at him while she pulled out her wand. “Oculus Reparo.” She recited and Harry’s glasses were fixed and looking unusually clean and new.
Both friends started to walk in the direction of where Harry had his encounter with the Dementors the previous summer. They began talking about each other’s holidays. Hermione boasted about the 59 books she had already read. “And did you know that Egyptian wizards put curses on tombs; nowadays curse-breakers for Gringotts. I found that highly fascinating.”
“Well my holiday consisted of being beat up by Dudley, being bossed by Aunt Petunia, screamed at by Uncle Vernon, and having extremely boring moments in which I sat in my room and stared at the ceiling while Dudley had his 16th birthday and receiving a brand new car. I’m not allowed within 50 feet of the car. Not that I’m gonna need it, because we learn to Apparate this year. Am I correct Hermione?” Harry spoke 40 miles a minute.
“Harry, you sound like you’ve had the most boring summer in the history of the Wizarding World! You should really put your whole concentration onto the fact that you may be allowed to spend the remaining time of the holidays with Ron and me. Which if not, you may be missing out on a lot.” Hermione turned a corner and Harry followed.
“Hermione, you really didn’t need to park so far away.” Harry complained.
“Well my parents had to go shopping for clothes anyway so we parked halfway.” Hermione answered. “There are my parents. Have a nice summer, Harry, hope to see you soon.” She got in the car and waved to Harry one last time before they turned the corner and disappeared. Gloomily Harry turned and walked back off to the place he could never call home.
:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<:::
Chapter 2: Letters
Every night Harry thought of different ways to convince Uncle Vernon to let him spend the rest of the holidays with Hermione. It just so happened that the next day was when Uncle Vernon seemed to be in his best mood yet. So that afternoon, when Aunt Petunia and Dudley went out for ice cream, Harry decided to take his chance.
Harry walked down the stairs nervously and entered the kitchen where Uncle Vernon was reading the paper, which was nearly touching his nose, hiding him from view. “Er…Uncle Vernon…um…can I ask you something?” Harry asked anxiously. Uncle Vernon did not reply. “Please, it’s really…er…urgent.” Harry added. Still there was no answer. Harry reached for the paper and snatched it out of his hands. There sat Uncle Vernon who was indeed fast asleep.
A thunderous snore escaped the mouth of his uncle. Harry yelped and leaped backwards and Uncle Vernon jerked awake. “WHAT DO YOU WANT, YOU NOISY CREEPY-CRAWLY?” he spat at Harry. Uncle Vernon’s forehead became bright red with rage. “ANSWER ME NOW BOY. BEFORE I GET AN APPALLING TEMPER!” Harry nearly laughed with at the language Uncle Vernon chose to use but thought better of it.
“I was wondering…” Harry spoke quietly.
“Speak louder boy!” Uncle Vernon said mimicking Harry’s tone.
“I was wondering-.”
“LOUDER!”
“I was wondering-.”
“LOUDER!”
“I WAS WONDERING IF I COULD GO TO MY FRIEND’S HOUSE FOR THE REST OF THE SUMMER.” Harry yelled almost red with anger.
“You…expect me…to let you go to another one of those freaky houses for the rest of the summer?” Uncle Vernon exasperated.
“As a matter of fact, this house is a non-magical house.” Harry declared nearly smiling.
“Non-magical you say, boy? Well, who is this friend of yours?”
“Er…Hermione. A friend from Hogwarts…uh…I mean…just a friend.” Harry caught himself too late.
“And why is this a non-magical house?”
“Because her parents are non-magical.”
“Well then I’m ready to give my answer…” Uncle Vernon spoke. Harry nodded holding his breath. “NO!” Harry watched his uncle storm up the steps, tripping over the loose floorboard and tumbling down the steps just as Harry had done the week before. Once Uncle Vernon hit the door, Harry dashed up the stairs and locked his bedroom door.
“ARRRRRRR! HARRY POTTER, GET DOWN HERE AT ONCE AND PULL MY HEAD OUT OF THIS DOOR!” Uncle Vernon’s voice sounded at once. Harry, deciding not to make Uncle Vernon any more furious, stepped out of his room, and walked slowly down the stairs, making sure to jump over the loose floorboard.
Uncle Vernon was at the bottom sitting down on the floor, with his head and legs stuck in the cat flap that had been there ever since the Dursleys moved in.
“HARRY POTTER! COME HERE AT ONCE! GET ME OUTTA THIS THING!” his uncle screamed. Harry had to cover his ears to make sure he didn’t go deaf.
“ALL RIGHT. I’M HERE.” Harry replied in a yell. Harry lifted his foot and pushed as hard as he could on Uncle Vernon’s backside.
“NOT THAT WAY BOY!” Uncle Vernon yelled. Harry opened the door and Uncle Vernon was pushed back against the wall with his head still stuck in the cat flap. Harry, now knowing what to do, gave a great shove at the door and it flew back closed. Uncle Vernon’s was unstuck. “Boy, get me a cup of brandy now, and after this, you can go upstairs and fix that board on the stairs. If I ever fall down these stairs again, you’ll be getting what I’ve wanted to give you for 15 years.”
Harry sulked away into the pantry where he hunted for the bottle of brandy. After a few minutes’ time, Harry found the bottle next to a box of pretzels. He slouched all the way to the kitchen where he retrieved a glass from the freezer, poured the brandy half way to the top, nearly spilling it all over the counter, and slouching all the way back to the pantry where he put back the bottle. By the time it took Harry to give Uncle Vernon his brandy, his uncle was clearly not in a good mood after all. Uncle Vernon was sitting against the door, fingering his bushy moustache, like he always did when he was in deep thought, (which wasn’t often) and taking out large clumps at a time.
“Harry, I need you to get away, just go, into your room, I don’t care just…Harry…just…LEAVE ME ALONE!” his uncle shouted. This took Harry by such surprise that he jumped almost 3 feet in the air before turning to go up the stairs. Once Harry reached his room, Hedwig was there anxiously awaiting him with a letter.
“What have you got here Hedwig?” Harry said as he reached for the letter. The envelope was addressed to Mr. Vernon Dursley. It held a note from Moody. “Oh good, Hermione was prepared.” Harry sighed as he passed the note to Uncle Vernon who read it out loud.
Mr. Vernon Dursley,
I have noticed that you are not allowing Harry Potter to stay with his friend over the holiday. I advise you or I’ll do away with you. Remember my words Vernon.
Yours truly,
Alastor Moody
“Who does this guy think he is, bossing me around like this?” Uncle Vernon turned the note around and a huge picture filled the parchment with these words;
L E T H I M
:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<:::
Chapter 3: Granger’s Haven
Uncle Vernon jumped back in horror. He had remembered Moody from King’s Cross. “Harry, just go. Now, please, go to your ruddy friend’s house. Go.” The color in Uncle Vernon’s face was drained to white as he slumped back into his rocking chair.
Harry's heart leapt he was going to Hermione's he hurried up the stairs (avoiding the loose floor board) and sent a letter to Hermione asking how he would get there.
Harry stayed by his bedroom window awaiting the reply to his letter. He waited until Aunt Petunia and Dudley came back and to his surprise, they brought him and Uncle Vernon a small chocolate dish full of the most delicious ice cream he had ever tasted in the Muggle World.
The following morning Harry woke up because of a painful clawing on his stomach. He opened his eyes and took Hermione’s letter out of Hedwig’s claws. Hedwig flew up on top of the shelf and Harry opened the letter.
Harry,
Thank goodness it worked! I’m so glad. Anyways. I haven’t worked out all of the small details yet but I’m sure you can travel by Floo Powder. Inside the envelope is a small pouch of it. It should last you about 4 trips. Whew. Thank goodness. Well, to use the Floo, say “Granger’s Haven” while throwing some Floo into the fire…well, you’ve done it before. So, see you soon!
Hermione
P.S. Don’t forget your trunk. Use the locomotor spell on it.
Harry stared at the Floo Powder remembering his first time. He laughed and picked up a piece of parchment; he wanted to be sure about two things: one Hermione knew she had to ask the Ministry about the Floo Powder so they could connect the Grangers house to the Floo Network and he wanted to make sure Dumbledore knew where he was.
Dear Hermione,
I just wanted to make sure you contact the Ministry about the Floo Powder and mail me when you think I should come.
Harry
Dear Dumbledore,
I'm at the Grangers for the summer.
Harry Potter
Harry rolled both pieces of parchment and tied them to Hedwig’s legs. “This one is for Hermione.” Harry said pointing to her left leg. “And this one is for Dumbledore. Deliver Hermione’s first. Thanks Hedwig.”
Harry looked around and began packing his things into his trunk. He had to think for a moment about the locomotor spell. Finally, he remembered it.
“Locomotor Trunk,” Harry said, remembering it from when the Advance Guard paid him a visit at his house. Harry’s trunk rose a few feet off the ground. He tapped the trunk with the tip of his wand and it went back down again.
About 2 days later, Harry received a letter from Hermione. It was at breakfast time. Hedwig soared through the open window just as Uncle Vernon screamed “NO MORE RUDDY OWLS WILL COME IN THIS KITCHEN!”
Harry grabbed the note off Hedwig’s leg just as she soared up the stairs away from Uncle Vernon.
Harry,
I just did. Thanks for reminding me. Everything’s ok. You can travel through Floo! You can come today. Anytime. Ron and I will be waiting!
Hermione
Harry realized that there was another letter as well.
Dear Harry,
Thank you for letting me know. Have a safe journey.
Professor Dumbledore
Harry folded the letter and looked at His Aunt Uncle and cousin who were all staring at him. “Well I can go today if I would like.” Harry said.
“Well then you will leave right after breakfast.” Aunt Petunia said before Uncle Vernon could open his mouth. Harry gulped down the rest of his breakfast and sprinted to get his trunk.
“Locomotor Trunk.” Harry spoke excitedly. His trunk lifted into the air just like it had done earlier that week. Harry guided it with his wand down into the living room where the fireplace was. Harry waved goodbye to the Dursley’s who were still sitting at the kitchen table looking amazed. “Bye! I’ll fix the floorboard when I get back…next year!” Harry took out the Floo Powder (as Uncle Vernon gave a loud groan) and threw some into the fireplace that, two years before had been blocked up. The flames grew high and Harry yelled, “Granger’s Haven!” while jumping into the fire with his hand tightly secured around him trunk handle and Hedwig perched on his shoulder.
Harry felt the peculiar feeling of being sucked down a drain. Hedwig’s claws were digging into Harry’s shoulder so deep, that he thought that Hedwig was trying to rip his shoulder off. He was spinning very fast and the roaring in his ears was deafening the it all stopped and he was so dizzy he almost fell down but instead he took one step into the Granger’s living room where he found Hermione reading a book. She didn’t seem to have seen him.
“What book?” he asked softly as she jumped and slapped the book closed.
“Harry...I didn’t see you arrive,” she said, the look of shock fading from her face. Hermione got up and began to stroke Hedwig gently on the head.
“Its ok,” he answered forgivingly, “Is Ron here?”
“Yeah, he's baking with my mom,” Hermione answered he could see laughter in her eyes.
“Oh come off it he's only trying to help,” Harry said enthusiastically. “Can you show me where the kitchen is? I want to see Ron.”
“Yeah, down the hallway, first room on your right.” Hermione smiled, imagining the look on Ron’s face when he saw him. Harry walked out of the room and down the hallway to where Hermione had said. The door was closed and Harry could hear a female voice talking with Ron’s humming in the background. Harry knocked on the door.
“Come in! Hermione, we really could use some help.” Hermione’s mother answered. Harry walked into the kitchen and a lovely smell entered his nose. “Oh! I’m sorry, you’re not Hermione are you? Hi. I’m Hermione’s mother. You can call me Mrs. Granger. Ron. Look who’s here.” Ron turned around and stopped humming at once.
“Harry!” Ron ran forward and greeted Harry with an enormous hug. “How are you? I can’t wait until Hogwarts!”
“That reminds me…what day is it?” Mrs. Granger asked, running over to the calendar.
“July 30th.” Ron told her. “Hey! Harry, tomorrow’s your birthday!”
“Well, Harry. I wished Hermione had told me about it, and then we could have planned something. Dear, dear. Ron, tell your father that I’m out to the store ok?” and without another glance, Mrs. Granger exited the kitchen.
“I got you something really special!” Ron added. “Hermione! Come here!” A second later, Hermione came rushing into the kitchen.
“What?” she said with a look of panic on her face, "What happened?"
"Cool it, I just wanted to remind you that its Harry’s birthday tomorrow," Ron answered looking surprised at her reaction.
"What...oh I forgot!" she looked horrified,” I’ve got to go shopping," she was pacing now, “or maybe I’ll find something upstairs-"
"Hermione cool it," Ron was looking surprised at the fact that he had remembered something and she hadn't, "You’ll figure something out, you’re not the smartest kid in school for nothing!"
Hermione left the room and the sound of footsteps climbing stairs filled to their ears. “Anyways Harry, I wanted to tell you that tomorrow we’re going to Diagon Alley.”
"Does Hermione know?" Harry asked though he didn’t need the answer.
"Mrs. Granger told me, I guess Hermione didn’t hear," Ron grinned and Harry copied.
"I think now would be a good time to tell her before she starts tearing up her room to find something," Harry laughed, "Cause I really don’t want a book."
Ron laughed and elbowed Harry, “Sorry mate but I’m afraid that’s what she’s going to find for you like every year," The two of them laughed and went up the stairs to deliver the news to Hermione.
:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<:::
Chapter 4: The Birthday
The next day, Harry awoke to find a rather large stack of gifts near his cot that he slept soundly on. “Whoa. I’ve never gotten so many gifts at one time!” Harry whispered as a gigantic smile replaced his tired face. Harry stood up and walked out of the room to get Ron and Hermione. He was somewhat surprised to see that they were both awake, considering that he was up reasonably early.
“Harry! Did you open mine yet?” Ron yelled from his room as he saw Harry walk by.
“Ron! Keep it down! Get Hermione for me ok? Then meet me in my room.” Harry whispered.
“Yes sir.” Ron said, while saluting at the same time.
About a minute later, Hermione and Ron entered his room looking fairly alive and they both ran and hopped on his cot waiting for him to open them.
“Harry, I’m going to get yours at Diagon Alley.” Hermione spoke.
“That one, in the green paper is mine! Open it first.” Ron pronounced excitedly. Harry grabbed for that one and ripped it open. Inside was a small eraser-shaped object. “It’s a Revealer! Rub that over invisible ink and it’ll appear!”
“Wow! Thanks Ron!” Harry told him, wishing there was some invisible ink he could test it out on. Harry remembered seeing one of those in Zonko’s Joke Shop in Hogsmeade.
Harry put the Revealer on the bedside table next to him and reached for the leather-wrapped gift on the top of the remaining pile and read the tag:
Happy b-day Harry
Hope you like it
Hagrid
Harry eyed the package suspiciously knowing Hagrid it might not be too nice. Taking a deep breath he ripped open the package inside, however, was not something dangerous it happened to be a pack of pictures of his mother and father. Harry stared at them and using all the effort his heart could manage, put them aside to look at later when he was alone, and then he reached for the next present.
Next was Mrs. Weasley’s gift. Harry knew all too well that Mrs. Weasley was very kind. On the normal occasions that Mrs. Weasley had given Harry a gift, Harry had opened the package to find a nicely knit scarlet sweater and some chocolates. Today though, Harry was surprised to see that Mrs. Weasley had not given Harry a sweater. Inside the wrappings, Harry found a small silver trinket that held a label:
Lift the hatch and look inside,
And you’ll see a great birthday surprise!
Harry looked around for the hatch and found in sticking out of a long silvery door handle shaped part. He lifted the hatch while he passed the nope for Hermione to read. A loud singing came from the object and it sang:
Harry Potter, oh, Harry Potter,
Happy birthday to you,
Have a great year at Hogwarts,
And good luck on your O.W.L.s
Thank you,
Mrs. Weasley
Then, the trinket exploded and all that remained of it was a small wizard hat, like the ones that are found in the Christmas crackers at Hogwarts. Harry looked around to see the expressions on their faces. Ron was sitting there with a chocolate frog almost falling out of his hand, and Hermione was talking about the O.W.L.s that she had just been reminded of. Harry looked back at the pile and there was something else inside the wrappings of Mrs. Weasley’s gift; a small lump of tin foil.
Harry grabbed it and began ripping it open. Harry was pleased to see that there was a whole pile of Mrs. Weasley’s homemade fudge and chocolate cookies. Harry smiled, giving Hermione and Ron both a somewhat small piece and he reached to the now smaller pile of gifts where he drew another one from it.
This one was wrapped with blue paper with snitches all over it he found the tag and read it out loud:
Happy Birthday Harry
Yours Truly Ginny
Ron gasped and grabbed the tag, “She never told me she sent you a present," he exclaimed.
"Ginny doesn't have to tell you everything," Hermione said in a matter-of-fact.
"Yea, yea, just open it I want to see what she sent you," Ron said cutting Hermione off.
Harry opened the present and inside rapped in foil was a circle shaped locket with his name carved on the front. Feeling Ron staring at him he slowly unsnapped the locket and inside was not a picture of Ginny but a picture of his mom and dad. They all stared at it. Hermione broke the silence.
"Where did she get that,” she whispered. Ron seemed to be thinking the same thing.
"I dunno but I am going to find out," he answered. Harry however said nothing but latched the necklace around his neck and reached for the next present.
There were two gifts left, the next one he took was from Mrs. Granger. Harry opened it not knowing what to expect and inside he found a nice pair of clothes. There was even a small baseball cap. The shirt was new and clean. It was blue. The shorts were black.
“Wow.” The incredible new muggle clothes amazed even Hermione and Ron.
The was only one gift left in the pile now, and Harry, wishing this could last longer, reached over and ripped open the wrapping paper. Inside, lay a black suitcase that was rather small. On top of it read:
To Harry,
Happy birthday. May this cheer up your holiday woes.
Professor Dumbledore
Harry was shocked. Dumbledore had only once gotten him a gift and that was the Invisibility Cloak, which at one time, belonged to his father. Harry noticed the suitcase was twitching. Afraid of what might be inside, Harry stood up and unclipped the buckle where the most amazing image appeared in front of him. Inside the suitcase was a full Quidditch set, complete with a handbook. There were two bludgers along with two bats, a shiny red quaffle, and the tiny, beautiful golden Snitch that made him and everyone else gasp.
“Harry! You can play that wherever yo-!” Ron said, still astounded by the sight of the kit.
“Well, not wherever! Harry has to make sure that muggles don’t spot him.” Hermione cut in.
“Oh Hermione, you always have to be so practical don’t you?” Ron spat in disgust.
“Come on you two, we don’t want to spend a beautiful day like this fighting do we?” Harry stated, pointing to the window, but he put his hand down when he realized that it was raining outside. Ron and Hermione both gave him the look that they gave to Professor Lockhart when he was in St. Mungo’s. “Well, that’s not the point, but let’s try not to fight shall we?” Harry, Ron and Hermione all laughed. He was so happy that he completely forgot about his grief for Sirius.
Harry Ron and Hermione walked down the stairs to breakfast. Ron and Hermione glared at each other but said nothing to Harry's relief he had had such a wonderful birthday so far he didn't want them to ruin it by fighting.
After breakfast in which they had pancakes the three friends talked about where to play Quidditch.
"Why not in your backyard,” Ron asked Hermione.
"Are you joking? We would be in plain view of the neighbors," Hermione spat at him Ron just glared at her.
"We would be better off going to the hill behind the Muggle School nearby," Harry said and his friends just looked at him.
"Dumbledore said that in his letter," Harry said telling them about the part of Dumbledore’s letter he had read afterwards. "All we have to do is tap the fence 3 times and say ‘Eroficay’ then when we enter the field we will be invisible to all muggles," he explained.
“Hello boys.” Mrs. Granger greeted them in the kitchen, “And girl.” She added realizing that Hermione wore an unpleasant face. “Harry, did you like your gifts?”
“Yes! Thank you so much!” Harry said realizing that was the polite thing to do.
“Mrs. Granger. We are going to Diagon Alley today right?” Ron asked.
“Yes. Thank you for reminding me.” She said rushing to the calendar yet again and she began scribbling something down. “We’ll go in an hour boys, so gather your lists. Oh! Wait a minute, I have them here!” Mrs. Granger passed them all an envelope. They all opened them at once.
“Mom! Look, here are my O.W.L. scores! I passed them all! Ooh. Look, I got an 89% on my Defense Against the Dark Arts. Hey I still passed it though.” Hermione looked very happy that morning.
Harry and Ron quickly scanned through their scores. Harry suddenly shrieked. “I got a 120% on Defense Against the Dark Arts! Wow, I’m surprised, I passed Potions too with an 86%.” Harry jumped up and down.
Ron just gave a sigh. “I got a 78% on Potions and a 92% on Defense Against the Dark Arts.” After everyone looked over their scores, (and completely forgetting about looking over their school lists) they all handed them to Mrs. Granger.
“Excellent! Hermione, great job, 100% in Arithmancy!” she bellowed.
Hermione blushed and looked at the floor. Mrs. Granger however looked at the locket on Harry's neck, "Where did you get that dear?" she asked curiously.
"Er...Ron's sister gave it too me its got my mom and dad in it," Harry told her.
"May I look at it?"
"Sure," Harry said taking the necklace of his neck and passing it over, “My mom is Lily and my dad is James."
Mrs. Granger looked curiously at the locket, “What was your mom’s last name...I mean before it was Potter," she added.
"Evans it was Evans,” Harry said Mrs. Granger went white.
"Evans? Lily Evans?" she asked.
"Yes," Harry said confused.
"I was friends with Lily Evans when we were five," Everyone went silent. “Thanks, but shouldn’t we get to Diagon Alley?” Harry asked, changing the subject quickly. “I mean, we might not have time to get everything that’s on our list.”
“Yeah, you’re right Harry. Let’s get going.” And Mrs. Granger led them out to the car where everyone was tightly squeezed in. It was raining even harder than when they were inside. “You know Harry, your parents both had feelings for each other, and they just didn’t want to admit it.” She told him while starting the car and heading down the road. “That’s why they were so mean to each other.” Harry sighed. It was not his favorite subject to talk about his parents whom, he’d heard so many things about but never got to meet. “Harry. I’m sorry, am I making you sad?” Mrs. Granger questioned. Ron was struggling to hold back giggles and Hermione rolled her eyes.
“Mom, don’t you think Harry’s had enough? I don’t think he really wants to hear about his, excuse me Harry, dead mother.” Hermione was obviously right and her mother decided to be quiet for the rest of the way. Once the car was parked near the Leaky Cauldron, Mrs. Granger hopped out and let them out.
“Look now kids, I’m going to shop this street first, you three go ahead and I’ll meet you there in about an hour. Go ahead and have fun! Stay out of trouble! And try not to get too wet from this awful rain.” She yelled after they had already entered the Leaky Cauldron and disappeared from view. Harry knew which brick to tap and he did so with his wand. In a short amount of time, the wall became a large entry door to the fascinating village of Diagon Alley.
:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<:::
Chapter 5: Diagon Alley
“Shall we go to Gringotts first?” Hermione asked them. Both Harry and Ron agreed as their moneybags felt considerably light. All three of them strolled down the street admiring some of the new shops. They all walked into Gringotts. Harry led the way to a goblin who was sitting at his desk near the underground entrance.
“Yes?” the goblin asked.
“We would like to withdraw some money please sir.” Harry said uneasily. Ron and Hermione remained silent with the oddest of facial expressions.
“Keys?” the goblin nearly shouted. All three of them pulled out their keys with the vault number engraved on it. “Right. Griphook!”
Harry recognized this one instantly. He was the one who had taken him and Hagrid to their vaults in his first year at Hogwarts.
“Take these children to their vaults.” The goblin demanded. Griphook nodded and walked away. Harry followed, thinking he should and Ron and Hermione followed him.
“Get in.” Griphook ordered. They got into the cart and instantly it began to speed ahead. For quite some time, they all remained silent. Ron looked like he was going to be sick, and Hermione had a disgusted look on her face. Finally, after a long journey underground, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Griphook came to a sudden halt. Harry immediately identified this one as him.
“Key, Mr. Harry Potter.” Griphook commanded as he and the three of them climbed out of the cart. Harry reached inside his pocket and pulled out his key. “Please stand back.” Doing as he said, they stepped back. Ron nearly fell onto the track where there were other carts speeding by in various directions. Griphook took the key from Harry and he unlocked the door.
This time it was Hermione who gasped. “Oh Harry! You have so much!” she complimented while walking into his vault, which contained a large pile of Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts. Ron followed behind her and they both noticed, a split second after they walked in, that there was a small package lying on the floor. “Open it Harry!” Ron said noisily
“But…I don’t know…what if it’s bad?” Harry muttered as Ron gave him a look of disappointment.
“Harry, who else could possibly have a key to this?” Hermione questioned.
“Come on Harry! Who cares? It’s in your vault, that means it’s yours.” Ron did have a point. Harry grabbed the package and without hesitation, shred the paper to pieces. A small box remained but it was locked. Instead of a keyhole, there was a heart-shaped indent that supposedly was where the heart-shaped object was placed to open it up.
“What would fit in here?” Harry asked the other two. Both of them shrugged and had confused looks on their faces.
“Are you done yet?” the goblin spat. Harry quickly snatched some Galleons and Sickles, mixed with some Knuts and left with Ron and Hermione. “Finally.”
Harry gazed at the box all the way to Hermione’s vault. He never said anything though.
“Key, Miss Hermione Granger.” Griphook said. This time it was Hermione who went digging through her pocket to find her key. Hermione handed it to Griphook as they stepped back and watched him open the door. Behind the locked doors was a big (yet smaller than Harry’s) stash of money. Hermione rapidly gathered her keep and exited with a smile on her face.
The ride to Ron’s vault was almost ten minutes. Harry was beginning to feel sick and he could tell that Hermione was too because her face had become very pale. Finally, at long last, the cart stopped outside of Ron’s vault. Without needing to be told, Ron handed his key to Griphook and sighed was he opened the vault. There was a very small pile of Knuts, a very small pile of Sickles, and an even smaller pile of Galleons.
Harry couldn’t help but feel bad for Ron. He looked embarrassed and kept glancing over at Harry and Hermione as though expecting to see them whispering to each other about the tiny amount of money the Weasley’s had.
In the end, they all walked out of Gringotts looking faintly relieved. “Let’s go get our books first,” said Hermione glancing at her list. It read:
HOGWARTS SCHOOL
of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
UNIFORM
Sixth-year student 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 nametags
COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 6)
By Miranda Goshawk
Hogwarts, A History
By Gregory Akkil
The Guide to Advanced Transfiguration
By Matilda Bagfuddle
Dark Forces in their Worst
By Richard Vewr
Protecting Against Charms
By Richard Vewr
The Sticking Book of Sticky Situations
By Neddily Greddily
OTHER EQUIPMENT
1 Wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set glass or crystal phials
1 set silver scales
Students may also bring an owl OR a cat OR a toad
SUPPLIES
1 jar Fluxweed
1 jar Lacewing Flies
1 quill (comes with parchment)
1 jar ink
STUDENTS AND PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT SIXTH YEARS
ARE TO BE LEARNING HOW TO APPARATE THIS YEAR.
Hermione put away her list, trying to remember what it had said and the three of them marched away to Flourish and Blotts.
When the three of them walked through the door they went right to the counter and held Hermione's list out to the shop keeper he snatched it rudely and marched away to get the books.
"Well he's in a bad mood today," Ron said watching the shopkeeper get their books.
"I wonder what the problem is this time,” Harry said, “First the Invisible Book of Invisibility, then the Monster Book of Monsters now what?"
"The Sticking Book of Sticky Situations," Hermione answered.
"What?" Ron asked, looking puzzled.
"The Sticking Book of Sticky Situations," Hermione repeated pointing to the far left of the shop where half a dozen wizards were attempting to pull some books off the wall that apparently were sticking to it.
"How are we supposed to use those in class," Ron asked.
"I dunno," Harry answered just as puzzled.
"Well, we'll find out in school," Hermione said taking her bag of books from the shopkeeper.
"Your Sticking Book of Sticky Situations is in a non-sticking bag," the shopkeeper explained and they turned to go out the door.
When they got to the street they decided to go to Magical Menagerie next to get pet supplies for Hedwig, Crookshanks, and Pigwidgeon. This shop was just as crowded as the last. There was a group of people who were all huddled around something close to the front of the shop.
Ron, who left Harry and Hermione, joined the group of witches and wizards and shoved to the front. A few seconds later, Ron gave a loud shriek and came running out of the group. “No way! Guess what they have for sale?” But before Harry could ask, Ron burst out, “A Phoenix!” Both Hermione and Harry gasped.
“Are they crazy? Phoenixes never die! They can’t just sell them like that! People could mistreat those poor kind creatures.” Hermione argued. Harry, however, had a totally different point of view.
“Really? How much?” Harry wondered. (“Harry!” which came from Hermione.)
“41 Galleons. I could never afford it.” Ron mumbled. “Not that I want to Hermione.” Ron added looking annoyed. Harry gawked at the sound of the price.
“Come on Hermione. What would you say about me if I bought it?” Harry asked Hermione intently.
“Harry, you know that Phoenixes are a lot of work…and…Harry…after all that you’ve done…I mean…with all of the sneaking around and stuff…I just don’t think I’d be able to trust you…” Hermione said. “With a Phoenix, that is.” She added.
“Hermione. You know that I’d take good care of it! Not that I want it though.” Said Harry, mimicking Ron who gave Hermione an angry glare.
“Look, let’s just go in, buy our pet supplies, and come back out.” With that in their heads, they walked in and looked around at all of the walls that were covered in cages and aquariums holding various sorts of magical animals. Harry, nevertheless, walked over to the crowd around the Phoenix and pushed his way through. There, standing perched on top of a salesperson’s arm was the most beautiful Phoenix he had ever seen.
It had an orange-reddish body that was extremely sparkly. “What’s his name?” Harry asked the man through the deafening noise of the crowd, which was growing more immense by the minute.
“Alastair, from Scotland, you know. He’s lived through a lot; about 68 years old now. In another 5 years, he’ll be reborn.” Harry was amazed to see such a wonderful creature in extremely great care. With no other questions, Harry made his was out of the crowd and went over to the owl area to get some food for Hedwig.
Hermione and Ron were both waiting outside for him. “Harry, I saw you over there.” Hermione said pointing to the crowd.
“So? I just wanted to see him. Don’t get any weird ideas.” Harry announced rather loud. Hermione looked offended but then wiped the frown off of her face and decided to notify Harry and Ron where they were going to go next.
“We’re going to the Apothecary.” She said, “We all need some Fluxweed and Lacewing Flies.”
“After, let’s go to Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor. I’m getting hungry.” Ron declared.
“Yeah.” Harry agreed and Hermione nodded her head. The two boys and girl, headed for the far end of Diagon Alley. The walk was exhausting. The sun had finally come out and it was as hot as ever on that street. At last, they reached the Apothecary and entered. Once they set foot in there, they all had to plug their noses because there was a dire stench. Harry looked around and saw that almost everyone who was in there was either fanning the air in front of them, or plugging their noses as well.
It reeked of dead worms that had been fried on a hot summer’s sidewalk. Harry, Hermione, and Ron quickly got their Fluxweed and Lacewing Flies, and joined the everlasting line to pay for their items. Soon enough, the three of them exited as quickly as they had entered and began another long walk to Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor.
Along the way, Hermione spoke, “Hey Harry and Ron. I’m going to meet you at the Ice Cream Parlor in about ten minutes ok? I have some business to do.” And she walked off to Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions.
“Hmm. Wonder what she’s up to?” Ron asked Harry.
“Oh, she probably spotted some famous author, knowing her.” Harry beamed. And the rest of the walk was filled with jokes before they reached the parlor. Lucky for them, it was free ice creams on the half hour and it appeared to be 12:30. Harry and Ron ordered theirs, hoping that Hermione would come soon so that she could get a free ice cream as well.
“Wasn’t Hermione’s mom supposed to be here by now? She said in an hour and it’s already been two.” Ron proposed.
“Yeah. Good question. I wonder what she’s doing?” Harry asked.
“Who? Hermione or her mom?”
“Both.”
Ron and Harry had just enough time to enjoy the last of their ice cream before Hermione cam prancing toward them carrying a large bag.
“What’s in the bag?” Ron questioned greedily. Hermione stared at him, thinking of what to say.
“Nothing.” She told him then handed it over to Harry. Then, looking at the bewildered look on Harry’s face she added, “It’s for you, Harry. Harry Birthday. Harry, not quite sure what to expect, peered in the bag and Harry gave a yell that shocked both Ron, and Hermione. Inside the bag, was a robe, not just any ordinary robe though.
The robe was black with an orange crest sewn on it. On the crest were two C’s with a black cannon ball speeding right through the double C’s. “The Chudley Cannons! Thank you Hermione! You really didn’t have to! This must have cost a fortune.” Harry admired it closely.
“Oh, it was nothing. I was going to get you a book but Ron told me not to.” Hermione spoke looking down to the ground, blushing.
“Yeah Hermione. I bet Harry would be absolutely pleased to open up his bag, just to find another book from you.” Ron said sarcastically.
Hermione blushed again and looked at her shoes.
"I love it!" Harry answered, putting it back in the bag," Ron leave her alone," He added to Ron who had opened his mouth to criticize Hermione.
Ron shut his mouth and added, "Hermione where’s your mom?"
"I was just wondering that too," she replied, "1 pixie pop,” she said to the woman at the counter.
"She's probably in Flourish and Blotts," Ron said.
"No she's probably coming she was shopping outside Diagon Alley when we came in," Harry answered.
"Probably," Hermione agreed, during a bite of pixie pop.
“Hey look!” Ron shouted, placing his hand in the direction of a new store. Harry read the sign.
Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes
“Let’s go say hi to Fred and George. I’ve been wanting to see them for what seems like ages!” Hermione exclaimed after finishing her pixie pop. Ron and Harry nodded, hoping to find something fun and useful in there.
:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<:::
Chapter 6:
The store was neatly arranged with shelves and shelves full of items for sale. Harry immediately identified the Skiving Snack Boxes, which were placed on the far side of the room.
“Hey, hey, hey!” said a familiar voice. Harry looked over just in time to see Fred and George walking out from a nearby room.
“Fred! George!” Ron uttered excitedly.
“Hey ickle Ronnie!” George yelled so that all of the customers could hear him.
“Keep it down.” Ron said. He was getting red in the face.
Fred was drawing nearer to Harry. He walked right by him and whispered a single line of endorsement, “Thanks Harry.” Harry knew exactly what he meant. Two years before, Harry had astonishingly won the Triwizard Tournament and his prize had been one thousand Galleons. Harry had given Fred and George every single piece of it to start their business.
Harry followed Ron to the back of the shop where they went through Skiving Snack Boxes. When they left they each had 2 Skiving Snack Boxes 1 biting teacup and 1 fake wand. Hermione kept eyeing them moodily but they ignored her.
"I'm going to use 1 of these in potions," Ron said holding up a Skiving Snack Box, "and the other in...well...History of Magic. You?"
"Same here," Harry replied, "I wonder who our knew Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is?"
"I hope its someone good," Hermione answered.
"Yeah." Harry agreed. They walked around peering inside some of the newer shops and discussing whom they thought the new teacher was. “I hope it’s Professor Lupin.”
“Nah, Dumbledore wouldn’t fall for it again.” Hermione bickered.
Ron however had the most reasonable answer they could think of, “I think it’s a girl. Maybe someone…like Hermione, who knows a lot.” Hermione went bright red in the face.
"Come off it," she said.
Harry, Ron and Hermione walked into the Leaky Cauldron and up to the counter, "Can we please have three Butterbeers," Harry asked the man, "It will probably be someone good I don’t think Dumbledore will put up with another bad person…someone he trusts." The bartender handed Harry three hot drinks of delicious Butterbeer as he, Ron, and Hermione handed him the correct amount of sickles.
Ron led Hermione and Harry to a table in the back near a gigantic portrait that was labeled near the bottom:
Madam Florence Macula
“Mmm.” Harry said while tasting the drink. Ron was nearly gulping his down.
“There you three are! I’ve been looking all over for you.” Harry looked near the door and there was Mrs. Granger standing stiffly as though her last few hours were stressful.
“Mom!” Hermione exclaimed getting up hurriedly, almost knocking over her Butterbeer. “Where’ve you been?”
“Well for the last hour I was looking for you, before that; I was shopping in London.” She stated. Her face lightened up by the sight of the three Hogwarts Students all safe drinking Butterbeer. “Excuse me. Can I have one Butterbeer please?” she asked the bartender, and handed him 7 sickles to the return of her drink.
Mrs. Granger turned and sat down next to Hermione who then took a rather large gulp of her drink.
“What a good relief to find you here.” She said, “Harry. I’ve been thinking about your mother. I have some of her old stuff in my attic. When we get back, I’ll show them to you.” Harry looked excited. “But for now, do you need to go anywhere else?”
But Mrs. Granger never got to hear their answers because they were all looking at the doorway. There stood a tall, thin boy with blonde hair that was slicked back.
“Malfoy.” Hermione told her mother, “Draco Malfoy.” The boy took one look at them and strutted forward.
“I see you three have made it here…alive. Potter, Weasley…and Granger,” he added sneering at Hermione. “I’m especially amazed to see you alive…Mudblood.” Harry and Ron lunged at Malfoy who jumped backwards to escape from their reach.
“You…ugly…little…piece…of…dirt!” Ron muttered trying to release himself from Hermione’s grasp. Mrs. Granger hesitated then grabbed Harry’s shirt.
“Who are you calling ugly? When you look like you live in dirt!” Draco smirked. Malfoy suddenly spotted Mrs. Granger and he finished his prattle with a, “Goodbye Potter.” And left.
“Who is Mudblood?” Mrs. Granger asked curiously.
“Mom.” Hermione spoke, “A Mudblood is an awful way to call someone who has Muggle parents.” She shuddered.
“Malfoy had no right. He only believes that pure-bloods should be able to attend Hogwarts.” Harry said. “We know he’s not right. Muggle-borns are just as good as everyone else.”
Mrs. Granger had a look of complete shock on her face and she finally spoke, “I see. That wasn’t very necessary. Let’s go back home unless you have somewhere else to go.”
“No mom. Let’s go home so you can show Harry the stuff you have in the attic.” Hermione answered, with a glance toward Harry, who looked fairly pleased.
:::>^..^<::: ~*~The Journey is more important than the end or the start~*~ :::>^..^<:::
havent read it all yet but so far it is ok! man you were right not alota people come here ne more! i think its coz it got takin off the hot topics list! i started to write a fan fic the toher night too. i dont know if i'll post it tho im kinda self concious about my wirttings. man am i ever accident prone i just jammed my fingers in the door! lol
09-10-2003 08:54 PM
Meg 
