Harry Potter & the other characters & places in this story belong to JK Rowling.
Chapter One - Departure to Diagon AlleyIt was after 1:00AM when Harry Potter finally turned out the light in his room at the Dursleys'. The summer had been interminably long, but it was finally over. Due to the horrific events that had happened at the end of his fourth year at Hogwarts, including the resurrection of the evil wizard Voldemort, Headmaster Dumbledore had insisted that Harry spend the entire summer with the Muggles at Privet Drive for his own protection. Dumbledore had remained firm, despite pleas from the Weasleys that Harry be allowed to visit them for a few weeks. Therefore, Harry had spent a most dreary two months with his Muggle relations.
Their tactic this summer had been to pretend Harry didn't exist, which was fine with him. He spent nearly all summer in his room, except for two weeks when he was forced to help Uncle Vernon paint the exterior of the house a very proper shade of beige. Harry much preferred the Weasley's home, with its more exciting colour scheme. But this summer, Harry didn't mind the solitude much. He needed time to think about the murder of Cedric, his encounter with Voldemort, seeing images of his parents come out of Voldemort's wand. Despite wanting to see his friends again, Harry was not looking forward to the lack of privacy at Hogwarts. All of the students in the Great Hall looking at him - some with pity, some with suspicion, only a very few with genuine sympathy and understanding, everyone asking him if he was OK all the time... Harry didn't think he could stand a whole year of that.
Harry got out of bed and turned the light back on. He wasn't sleeping anyway. He opened the trunk containing his possessions, which he had just finished packing. He re-read several of the articles in "Quidditch Quarterly". Ron, Fred, and George had pooled their resources to get him a subscription for his birthday. Hermione had sent him some parchment stationery with tiny broomsticks that zoomed across the page, along with some invisible ink. He put his gifts back in the trunk, then took out the Marauder's Map. He reached for his wand, pointed it at the map, and said, "I solemnly swear that I'm up to no good". The familiar lines began to appear and sketch out the hidden passageways of Hogwarts Castle. There were no students there yet, and only a few teachers. Harry could see a small dot labelled, "Albus Dumbledore" moving to and fro in his office.
Harry stared at the map for quite a while, looking for anything he hadn't noticed before. He found three secret ways to get into (or out of) Snape's potions dungeon. He figured those could come in handy one day. There also appeared to be a passageway from the Hospital wing to Gryffindor tower. He'd have to try that one the next time he was confined in the hospital wing by Madam Pomfrey. Then he looked up at the astronomy tower. Next to it was a smaller tower that he hadn't ever noticed before. There was a room at the top of this tower labelled in tiny writing "Abandoned Objects Room". It appeared the access to the room was a tunnel behind a painting in the staircase leading to the Astronomy tower. Harry realized it would be the perfect place to escape to if things got too crazy. He could just slip out of the Common Room in his Invisibility Cloak and head up there to be alone for a while. It seemed very out of the way - unlikely that Filch or Peeves would be lurking there. He wondered what sort of abandoned objects would be in the room. It sounded interesting.
Harry was beginning to get tired finally, so he cleared the map and put it back in his trunk. He turned out the light a second time, and was soon asleep.
+ + +
Harry woke up to an overcast sky. Harry got dressed and looked in the mirror. His dark hair was as uncooperative as usual, and stuck out at odd angles. As he looked at his reflection, he was reminded of his dreams of the night before. He was back in the graveyard with Voldemort, Cedric lay dead on the ground, images of his parents had just appeared. How much he wanted to go to them, to hug them, to hear them say all the things that he wanted to hear - they loved him, they were proud of him... but instead he had barely been able to look at them. He had to concentrate with all his might to ward off Voldemort's deadly curse. It was coming closer, and closer.... Hedwig's hooting roused Harry from the disturbing memories.
"You're right, Hedwig, it's time to go," he said. He picked up his heavy trunk and dragged it down the stairs. Then he jogged back up again and retrieved Hedwig, his wand, and a small bag of coins. He shouted a quick goodbye to the Dursleys in the kitchen, who didn't respond, and headed out the front door.
At the end of the driveway, he stopped to wait for the Knight Bus. Right on schedule, the bus arrived, and Harry got on and paid the driver. To his surprise and delight, Hagrid was on board. They had an enjoyable conversation about several new species of magical creatures that Hagrid had managed to obtain over the summer. From the descriptions Hagrid gave, Harry knew that Care of Magical Creatures classes would be as exciting (and dangerous) as ever. Although Hagrid asked after Harry's welfare, he didn't mention the events of last year, which Harry was thankful for.
Finally they arrived in Diagon Alley. Hagrid helped Harry bring his trunk into a room at the Leaky Cauldron, then they went back outside to find the Weasley's. Harry caught sight of Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, with Ron and Ginny outside of Fred and George's new joke shop, Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, which had opened several weeks earlier. It appeared that business was booming; there was a long line of children and teenagers waiting to get into the store, it was so crowded.
"Ron, over here!" Harry called and waved.
"Harry!" Ron shouted and ran over to where Harry and Hagrid were standing. "How was your summer?"
"Well… you know, same as ever," Harry replied, and quickly changed the topic, "How about you – I haven't had any owls from you since my birthday!"
"Oh Harry, I'm sorry but I've been so busy. Fred and George let me work in their new store since it opened. It's been crazy!" he gestured toward the long line of customers. "People just love all of their inventions. The Canary Creams are a big hit! But there've been so many customers, we've been working 12-hour days. Lee Jordan and I look after sales while Fred and George work on production. And they've been paying me too. I've made loads of money. No more lacy dress robes for me! And I'll be able to buy all of my own school supplies this year!" Ron looked so proud of himself.
Harry was extremely happy for Ron, and for Fred and George. "That's great Ron! You've got to tell me about all their latest inventions."
"Oh they've got some really great ideas. Unfortunately they decided to test most of their prank items on Ginny and I. They figure business will slow down a little after the summer is over, when everyone is back in school, so they won't need me then, but they said I could work there next summer if I wanted! Mom and Dad are really proud of them, even if Mom does lecture them about how they should have gone into the Ministry of Magic. She's still pretty upset that they aren't doing their last year at Hogwarts, although they did take a few more courses during July, and will be studying part time so they can finish the N.E.W.T.s next year…" Ron continued to chatter as they made their way back to where the remaining Weasleys were standing.
Mrs. Weasley grabbed Harry and gave him a huge bear hug. "Oh, Harry, we've been so worried about you. How was your summer? You're getting so tall, but so thin! You look starving! Didn't those Muggles feed you?"
Finally she released him and Harry gasped for air before replying, "I'm doing fine, Mrs. Weasley. I'm just glad to be going back to Hogwarts." She gave him a very warm smile, and then turned to greet Hagrid.
Mr. Weasley gave Harry a firm handshake, "Hello there, Mr. Potter. You've certainly grown up a lot over the summer. It's nice to see you!" He had a wistful look in his eyes, doubtless reminded of Harry's father.
"It's nice to see you too, Mr. Weasley," Harry smiled. "I've brought you some Muggle artifacts that the Dursleys were going to throw away. I have them back at the Leaky Cauldron."
Mr. Weasley broke into a huge grin. "Harry, that's amazing! Fascinating! I can't wait to see them!"
"Hi Harry," said a small voice behind him. Harry turned around to see Ginny standing there. She, too, had grown over the summer, and was nearly as tall as he was.
"Hi Ginny, how was your summer?" he asked.
Ginny blushed slightly, but no longer looked as though she was going to scream and run away. "Not too bad. I wanted to work with Fred and George. They said I could, but Mom wouldn't let me…" she turned to make sure her mother wasn't listening. "But I've been helping them in research and development. Usually that means I'm the guinea pig, but I've come up with a few ideas of my own," she smiled mischievously.
"Yeah, the Dazzling Doughnuts were her idea. They light up when you put them in your mouth. They've been one of our best selling items," exclaimed Ron. Ginny blushed a little more, then she pointed and said, "Oh look, there's Hermione!"
"Hermione!" Ron shouted. Finally she spotted them and hurried over.
"Ron! Harry! Ginny! Hi!" she exclaimed. "I'm so happy to see you all! I've had the best summer ever!" Ron scowled. Apparently Hermione had gone to Bulgaria for a few days to visit Viktor Krum. "I can't wait to get all our school supplies. Let's go!"
"Mom, we're going to go and get our supplies now," said Ron.
"OK," she replied. "Just take Hagrid with you."
Hagrid and the four children spent the next few hours visiting all the usual shops along Diagon Alley. Hagrid appeared to be having as much fun as any of the children, and he bought them each an ice cream cone when they were finished shopping. Eventually they made it back to the Leaky Cauldron laden with books, quills, parchment, Potions supplies, astronomy charts, and more. Hermione had finally convinced Harry and Ron to give up Divination and transfer to Arithmancy. They had had to do some extra reading and some very confusing number charts over the summer, but they both felt it was definitely worth it. Another three years of listening to Professor Trelawney predicting Harry's death would be unbearable. Besides, they were running out of ideas for making up their assignments.
Back at the Leaky Cauldron they joined Mr. and Mrs. Weasley for lunch. After lunch they all went to visit Fred and George's joke shop, since Harry, Hermione, and Hagrid hadn't seen it yet. It was amazing. There were dozens of varieties of trick candies and foods, prank objects, and potions. Fred and George had ordered in some books, including "The Ten Best Practical Jokes Ever" and "Magical Mischief 101". They even had a couple of invisibility cloaks on display in the window (not that anyone could see them). There were intermittent explosions and strange noises. The store was extremely crowded. Fred Weasley and Lee Jordan were at the counter making sales as fast as they could. George was circulating through the store, and explaining what everything did. When he saw Ron he shouted, "Hey Ron, could you take over for Fred at the counter? We're running out of Dazzling Doughnuts and we need to make some more. Ginny, Harry, could you come and help us? You too, Hermione."
"Sure!" they all said at once. Ron stepped behind the counter, and Fred gave a sigh of relief and then followed George and the others to the back room. It was much quieter here. There were items everywhere, in various states of production.
"I know, it looks pretty confusing, but there actually is a system here, believe it or not," said George.
Fred continued, "Harry, thank-you so much for getting us started! We had a few other benefactors too, who helped us pay for our initial supplies-"
"Benefactors… Harry? I didn't know you had anything to do with this!" said Hermione.
Harry got embarrassed and looked down at the floor. "It was nothing."
"Nothing!" shouted George, "Mr. Potter here donated his entire winnings from the Triwizard Tournament to help us get started. Without his initial contribution, it would have been impossible for us to attract other investors."
Ginny and Hermione stared at Harry with open admiration. He felt his face get even more red. "Harry," said Fred, "We figure we'll be able to repay you by the end of October."
"What!" Harry looked up in surprise, "No, I never meant for you to repay me. It was a gift. You don't need to pay me back. There was only one condition, remember, Ron's dress robes, and giving him a job was an even better idea. Now he can buy his own."
"But Harry, we have to thank you somehow."
"No you don't. I'm serious!"
"Alright then, if you insist," said Fred with a smile, "But we'll let you test all our prototypes whenever you want."
"Be careful Harry," warned Ginny.
Harry laughed and said, "It's a deal."
Hermione scolded them all. "What are we doing sitting here chatting when there's Dazzling Doughnuts to be made! Did you really come up with this idea Ginny? I think they're great. I'm going to buy a few myself. They'll be great for adding a little extra light to those late-night study sessions in the dormitories. The house elves blow out the candles way too early."
Fred and George just rolled their eyes. Since Harry, Hermione, and Ginny weren't allowed to do magic during the holidays, they helped by mixing up the batter for the doughnuts and then deep-frying them. Fred and George performed the spells. Even when they were finished, they looked like ordinary doughnuts. But Fred demonstrated by taking a bite. Immediately his cheeks began to glow a strange blue colour. When he opened his mouth (much to the disapproval of Hermione and Ginny) there was a burst of blue light. It was quite impressive. As payment for helping out, Fred and George let them each take several for themselves. They arranged the remaining enchanted doughnuts on a tray, and brought them back out to the main part of the store. There were still quite a few customers, but things were beginning to die down as it approached dinner time. They all laughed when Fred persuaded Mr. Weasley to try a Canary Cream.
+ + +
It was after dinner, and Ron and Harry lay on their beds in a room in the Leaky Cauldron. They were full to the brim with the feast they had just had downstairs, as well as numerous treats from Fred and George. Harry's mouth had a lingering green glow. He had just eaten a Dazzling Doughnut. Ron continued to make bird noises intermittently as the effects of his Canary Cream wore off. Hermione and Ginny had a room to themselves next door, and plenty of giggling and laughter could be heard through the thin wall. Ron rolled his eyes, "What's got into those two?"
"Maybe an overpowering Cheering Charm," said Harry. He and Ron both chuckled as they remembered how one year on an exam Harry had overdone his Cheering Charm on Ron, who had dissolved into fits of unstoppable laughter. It was one of their most memorable exams.
Suddenly Ron became serious. "Harry. How are you. We've been worried about you all summer."
Harry sighed. This was what he was afraid of. Everyone trying to be sympathetic, and by doing so, reminding him of things he didn't want to remember. "I'm fine," he said.
"You're not convincing me," said Ron. "I mean, you went through some pretty horrible stuff last year. I mean, being face to face with You Know Who. And then Cedric… and seeing your parents. It must have been awful."
"I don't really want to talk about it," said Harry. He didn't mention his recurring nightmares, his feelings of guilt. "I had a really great day today, and I don't want to spoil it by talking about what happened." They lay there silently for a while and then Harry asked, "So has there been any news about Voldemort over the summer?"
Ron cringed at the word Voldemort, but replied, "No, not really. Which is making Dumbledore's job harder. He's trying to convince the Ministry that You Know Who has returned, but with nothing happening, people aren't really believing him. Not that he wants anything to happen, but you know how it is. Dad's been working a lot this summer. There's a whole investigation into what happened at the Triwizard Tournament. Dad and Dumbledore are trying to convince everyone that your version of the story is true, but there are few who believe. It makes me so angry! I mean, how else could Cedric have… Oh, I'm sorry Harry."
Harry had turned very pale at the mention of Cedric. All summer, it was thoughts of Cedric which had haunted him. How senseless his death was. If only Harry had just grabbed the cup first, Cedric would still be alive. The look on Cho's face when she found out that Cedric was dead... He had seen her in Diagon Alley today. She looked pale and sad, and struggled to smile when she said, "Hi." Harry realized that he no longer had a crush on her. How silly that all seemed now. How stupid he had been. Just another thing to add to the growing list of stupid things he had done. Like setting Wormtail free. Like causing Cedric's death. Like allowing the return of Voldemort.
Ron brought him out of his gloomy thoughts by asking him how Arithmancy was going. "Not too bad," said Harry, relieved for the change of topic. "Some of those number charts are pretty confusing. I'm going to ask Hermione about them when we get to school."
"I actually really like Arithmancy," said Ron. "But don't tell Hermione that. She'll have us doing extra reading or something."
Harry laughed, "You're right. We won't tell Hermione. I think Arithmancy is much better than Divination, even if it is more confusing. I highly doubt that Professor Vector will be predicting my death every class."
"Yeah," said Ron, "Although I will miss the afternoon naps. That incense or whatever it was put me to sleep every time." They were silent for a while, but they could still hear the girls giggling in the next room. "Hermione," Ron hissed. "She went to visit Krum, you know. I can't believe it."
"So what?" said Harry, "They're probably just friends. I can't see Hermione getting involved with a boy. It would take too much time away from her studying."
"That's what you think. Women are devious, Harry. She's been corresponding with him all summer. And they were thick as thieves last year, despite the heavy workload. She always found time to go on long, romantic walks with him around the lake. And I could see the way he looked at her. And I didn't like it."
"But, Ron, why do you care? It's not like you asked her to the Yule Ball or anything. It's not like you have feelings…" he paused, and then the realization dawned on Harry for the first time. "Ronald Weasley, I believe you fancy Hermione Granger!" Harry exclaimed loudly.
"Quiet!" he hissed, "She'll hear you!" and he turned a bright shade of red.
"You do! It's true! I can't believe it!" Harry laughed in astonishment and Ron fumed.
"Don't you dare breathe a word of this to ANYONE! Do you understand?" Ron raged. Then Harry noticed the panicky look in Ron's eyes. "What am I going to do Harry? What if she doesn't like me? She probably thinks I'm a total idiot for all the lame-brained things I've been doing lately."
"Don't ask me!" said Harry, "I'm don't exactly have the best record when it comes to matters of the heart. Look at how long it took me to ask Cho to the ball. And then when she said no… I felt like melting into the ground."
"Do you still like her?" asked Ron.
"No. I realized that over the summer. It was just a stupid crush. But don't try to change the topic! We're talking about you and Hermione. What are you going to do?"
"I have no idea! What am I supposed to do? Do I ask her to be my…girlfriend?" he said the last word with a look of disgust. "She probably would say no anyway. I've never had anyone interested in me. How do I know if she likes me or not? You should know… You have lots of admirers."
"Ron!" Harry said angrily. Then he added in a hopeful voice, "Like who?"
"Well, take Ginny for example. She's always been crazy about you."
"But… that's different. And she's probably over that by now. At least she didn't seem so shy around me today," said Harry.
"Well, she IS going into her fourth year now. She's not exactly a little kid any more. But believe me, she's still crazy about you. All I heard about all summer was how the amazing and handsome Harry Potter won the Triwizard Tournament. It drove me nuts."
Harry blushed, "You're not serious!"
"I am very serious," said Ron. "But Hermione's never been like that for me. All she does is criticize me. She obviously has no interest." Ron looked downcast.
"Ron, there's only one way to find out what she feels. As you said, women are devious. You can never know what they're feeling until you ask them," said Harry.
"Ask her? Me?" babbled Ron. "No way. That's way too dangerous. I'd rather take on a blast-ended skrewt! You have to ask her."
"Me? Don't drag me into this! You're the one that's in love with her! There's no way I'm getting involved in all this girly stuff… who-likes-who and all that rubbish" exclaimed Harry.
"Harry!" Ron was desperate, "You've got to! Please! Just inquire about it indirectly when you ask her to help you with those Arithmancy charts."
"What's it worth to you?" Harry asked with a smirk.
"How about I get into Snape's office and retrieve your sneakoscope which he confiscated last year?"
"Ooh, that's dangerous," said Harry. "OK, but I get to come with you."
"So you'll ask her?" said Ron. Harry nodded and rolled his eyes. "You don't know how much this means to me, Harry!"
To be continued…