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Chapter 1: https://harrypotter.fandom.com/f/p/4400000000003542001

Chapter 2: https://harrypotter.fandom.com/f/p/4400000000003544638

Chapter 3: https://harrypotter.fandom.com/f/p/4400000000003545843

Tags: @MeowTasticCat @Bellatrisblack @ShadowDragonfireWolffang @HRRYPTTERFN234

Chapter Four: At Flourish and Blotts

Life at the Dursley’s continued to be oh so boring, but now that he could receive letters and through the mirror have Sirius respond to them, things weren’t so bad.

Canini had picked up some books on learning Russian, and was also reading the first few chapters of Harry’s year one books and through the mirror was asking Harry to quiz her to see if she was learning any of it. He has glad to help, and it was helpful for him as well because it refreshed his mind of the stuff he learned.

Harry also visited Ron, Ginny, and the twins. Ginny was supper excited because she would be starting Hogwarts soon. The five of them played games the entire afternoon.

On the tenth Harry received an owl from Hogwarts. It was a sunny morning so Harry was in a good mood as he read. The letter told Harry to catch the Hogwarts Express as usual from King’s Cross station on September the first. There was also a list of the new books he’d need for the coming year. He would need five of his books from the previous year, along with some new ones.

Second-year students will require:

The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 2 by Miranda Goshawk

Break With a Banshee by Gilderoy Lockhart

Gadding With Ghouls by Gilderoy Lockhart

Holidays With Hags by Gilderoy Lockhart

Travels With Trolls by Gilderoy Lockhart

Voyages With Vampires by Gilderoy Lockhart

Wandering With Werewolves by Gilderoy Lockhart

Year With The Yeti by Gilderoy Lockhart

Harry found this list rather odd. He happened to have most of Gilderoy Lockhart’s already, and because of that he happened to know that, although they are a good read, they were more novels then textbooks. This made him question the seriousness of the new defence against the dark arts teacher, whoever they are.

Another week came and went, Harry got to visit both Susan and Neville which was fun enough. He also kept in touch with Allison and Tracey and how there summers were going. He also hung out around the park near Privet Drive a couple times and played with some local kids.

On the eighteenth Harry and Sirius took a Portkey to Cork, and along with Terence and his family, watched the match between their teams. Sirius seemed on edge at first being near wealthy predominantly Slytherin people, reminded him of his own family, but soon he realized that the Higgs’ were just as much of Quidditch lovers as him and they got along great. It was close but in the end the Kenmare Kestrels managed to catch the snitch and take the victory.

Before Sirius dropped Harry off, he told him that the next day him and Remus would be taking him and Canini, along with the Weasley’s, to Diagon Alley to get there school supplies. Harry asked if they could stop by Tracey’s flat on the way back and he agreed. Harry went to bed exhilarated he would get to see another of his best friends the next day.

The next morning Harry got up early and quickly made breakfast. He then waited on the front porch for Sirius to arrive, when he did Harry jumped up and once again got into the sidecar of the motorcycle.

‘Ready to get your things?’

‘Yes, can’t wait.’

They took off and turned on the invisibility. It took a little over half an hour to fly from the Dursley’s to London, and much like the route to their home there was a lot of beautiful farm land to see.

‘Now Harry, just like how last year was your big day, today is Canini and Ginny’s so make them feel as special as you did getting your supplies.’

‘Don’t worry Paddy, I will.’

And so they landed in an alleyway, and Harry paid for their parking. The two of them then walked the rest of the way to the Leaky Cauldron. It never got old to Harry how it was invisible to the naked eye one minute, but once you take a couple steps forward it’s there clear as day.

When they entered Remus was talking with Tom, and Canini was having some Leaky House Soup. Harry sat next to his little sister.

‘Are you excited?’

‘I am, but I’m also so nervous, I’ve dreamed about Hogwarts for years, so to be going to a different school I don’t know what to expect.’

‘It’ll be an adventure Cani, one you will get to tell us all about.’

Soon the Weasleys arrived by Floo one at a time. Harry was surprised to see Mr Weasley as he often was very busy at work. He came up and shock Sirius’ hand.

‘Good morning Sirius, that Invisibility Booster still serving you well?’

‘Works like a charm Arthur, good to see you again.’

And so the two families began their journeys to get all the school supplies. They made their way towards Gringotts bank. Harry’s family and the Weasleys got along splendidly ever since he was a toddler, however the main difference between them that Harry sometimes felt awkward about was their wealth gap.

Sirius had inherited his uncle’s fortune when Harry was little, and although Remus has a job they don’t need it to get by. The Weasleys though are a single low income family currently supporting five kids, they often barely make ends meet. Sirius had offered them financial support long ago but they declined saying they could make due on their own. Despite this Harry and his family often try to find little ways to make their life easier and going to Gringotts together was one of them as the Goblins tended to serve a Black quicker then they would a Weasley.

‘Good day Mr Black, how may we be if service to you?’

‘That is very kind, but this family was in front of me. We’ll wait until their business is concluded. We’ll meet you outside when we are done.’

‘Thank you Sirius, dear.’ Said Mr Weasley sweetly.

The Goblin attendant took them towards the vaults, and soon a new one was with them.

‘Do you wish to make a withdrawal.’

‘Yes, we’d like to make a withdrawal from my husband and I’s vault. Vault seven hundred and eleven.’

‘Right this way sir.

The Goblin led them off to their underground vaults. They were reached by means of small, goblin-driven carts that sped along miniature train-tracks through the bank’s underground tunnels. Sirius’ vault was far deeper than most vaults so their decent felt like a breakneck rollercoaster that Harry always enjoyed but made poor Canini sick.

Once they reached their destination and Canini got a second to breathe, she queasily asked a question.

‘How come we aren’t going to my vault, like how we went to Harry’s last year?’

The goblin answered her question, ‘You must be at least eleven to enter your personal vault. Some exceptions are made if the client will be away during the time of their birthday, but your birthday is not for another thirteen and a half months Ms Howling.’

Remus put a hand on her shoulder. ‘Don’t worry love, your turn will come before you know it.’

Sirius took out a handful of galleons and sickles and then handed most of them to Canini.

‘This is for your entire year. Spend wisely as you won’t be getting any more.’

‘Yes Paddy. Don’t worry, I’ll be super responsible.’

They got back on the cart and started the journey up towards Harry’s vault. Canini hurled along the way but at least it got it out of her system. Harry got his handful of shiny coins from his vault and then they made their way to the surface.

They met up with the Weasleys just outside the marble steps and after a moment of chattering they went their separate ways. Percy muttering vaguely about needing a new quill. Fred and George had spotted their friend from Hogwarts, Lee Jordan. Mrs Weasley and Ginny were going to a second-hand robe shop. Mr Weasley insisted on taking a couple he had met off to the Leaky Cauldron for a drink. Which left Harry’s family to pick up the supplies they needed.

‘We’ll all meet at Flourish and Blotts in an hour to buy school books,’ said Mrs Weasley, setting off with Ginny. She then turned to her children. ‘And not one step down Knockturn Alley.’ She warned.

The Weasley’s headed off, but Sirius stayed for a second and sighed. ‘I never thought I’d do this, but we will actually be entering Knockturn Alley today.’

In unison both Harry and Canini shouted, ‘What?’

‘Canini, a couple of your books won’t be sold anywhere on this street, they’re not exactly forbidden just very very dark. And so the only place I can think of that may have them is in Knockturn Alley.’

Remus looked at the kids very seriously. ‘You won’t touch anything or speak to anyone, you both will stay by our side the entire time. You understand?’

‘Yes Moony.’ They both said nervously.

Knockturn Alley lay just around the corner from Diagon Alley. It is a dark, twisting alleyway devoted to the Dark Arts and often where the more untrustworthy witches and wizards lurked. The roofs of the buildings often overlaps so it was also very dark, cold, and wet in its streets.

They carefully navigated the street until they were passing a shop that was dimly lit and it’s masonry so only it was developing some sort of green goo. They did not stop to enter it however, but because of who was exiting. A tall wizard with long silvery blonde hair, and a child Harry knew all to well.

‘Malfoy.’

But before the two children could start bickering Sirius stood in front of Harry and actually started an argument with the man.

‘Lucius Malfoy!’

‘Sirius Black, it’s been ages. I believe the last we met you were working as a book sales men?’

‘Oh, I remember the last we met was when you got me fired for rightfully knocking you off your entitled...feet.’

‘Well, I never expected to see you here, so far from the light of Diagon Alley.’

‘My daughter has been accepted into Durmstrang Institute and we are picking up a couple of her books.’

‘Your daughter?’

‘Yes, Canini this is your aunt Andromeda’s snivelling brother-in-law.’

Canini nodded

Remus then spoke up. ‘You asked us, now I ask you. What were you doing in the darkest store in this alley?’

‘It’s non of your business, but if you must know I was selling some old possessions that no longer have any value to me. Now come along Draco, their is much more we must be up to.’

‘Yes, come along children, the store we need is just up ahead.’

The store they went to was called Cobb & Webb's and amongst other things it continued copies of Magick Moste Evile which they purchased. On the way back Canini once more froze in front of the store the Malfoy’s had emerged from, but this time she was looking up at the sign.

‘This store is called Borgin and Burkes!’

Harry was quite confused by this statement, but Remus and Lupin looked quite shaken by her saying this. Harry stepped forward. ‘I guess, why are you bringing it up?’

‘Because that’s my mother’s last name, Burke. Why is that Moony?’

‘It was founded by your great great grandfather I believe, we’ll talk about it at home but right now we must get your wand and an owl.’

And so they exited Knockturn Alley back into the light and started buying Canini’s other school supplies. They had to show Ollivander her acceptance letter to prove she wasn’t just trying to get a wand a year early. With his help Canini managed to find a wand just for her, a Holly wood wand with a unicorn hair core.

At the Owl Emporium Harry bought a new toy for Hedwig and some treats. Canini spent a while looking at all the options, but after considering the flying distance and the cold she chose a sleek and beautiful barn owl. She named her Janus.

After an hour from leaving Gringotts, they headed for Flourish and Blotts. They were by no means the only ones making their way to the bookshop. As they approached it, they saw to their surprise a large crowd jostling outside the doors, trying to get in. The reason for this was proclaimed by a large banner stretched across the upper windows:

Gilderoy Lockhart

will be signing copies of his autobiography

MAGICAL ME

today 12:30-4:30 pm

‘Oh my gosh!’ Harry squealed. ‘Lockhart is actually in their?’

Harry was a big fan, he really enjoyed the series, he had almost every one of his books.

The crowd seemed to be made up mostly of witches around Mrs Weasleys age. A harassed-looking wizard stood at the door, saying, ‘Calmly, please, ladies...don’t push, there...mind the books, now...’

Harry, and his family met up with the Weasleys just inside the shop.

‘Oh, there you are, good,’ said Mrs Weasley. She sounded breathless and kept patting her hair. ‘We’ll be able to see him in a couple minutes.’

Remus gently pulled Mr Weasley closer. ‘We ran into Lucius Malfoy leaving Borgin and Burkes just now.’

‘Did Lucius Malfoy buy anything?’ said Mr Weasley sharply.’

‘No, he said he was selling.’

‘So he’s worried,’ said Mr Weasley with grim satisfaction. ‘He must have heard about the raids on suspected dark wizards and is trying to cover his tracks. I’d love to get Lucius Malfoy for something...’

‘You be careful, Arthur,’ said Mrs Weasley sharply with a hint of worry. ‘That family’s trouble, don’t go biting off more than you can chew.’

‘I agree with Molly,’ said Sirius, ‘That man nearly bankrupted me and Remus once, don’t underestimate his influence and spite.’

A muggle looking couple then approached Mr Weasley, he then smiled and turned to introduce them.

‘This is Ian and Michelle Granger their daughter, Hermione, is a gryffindor in Ron’s year. They are both something called dentists.’

‘It means we clean and look after peoples teeth.’ Said Mrs Granger with a bright smile.

A young girl with bushy brown hair then came out from behind her parents.

‘Hello Hermione, I am Sirius Black, one of Harry’s dads. You two must be friends.’

She looked at Harry and with a neutral face spoke. ‘We have had some classes together.’

Sirius and Remus then both shook the Gangers hand’s. ‘As I said, I am Sirius Black, this is my Husband Remus Lupin, and our two children, Harry and Canini.’

‘Nice to meet you all.’

They all then preceded to grab a Lockhart book and get in line. It wasn’t long before the signing started.

Gilderoy Lockhart came slowly into view, seated at a table surrounded by large pictures of his own face, all winking and flashing dazzling white teeth at the crowd. The real Lockhart was wearing robes of forget-me-not blue which exactly matched his eyes; his pointed wizard’s hat was set at a jaunty angle on his wavy hair.

A short, irritable-looking man from the Daily Prophet was dancing around taking photographs with a large black camera that emitted puffs of purple smoke with every blinding flash.

‘Out of the way, there,’ he snarled at Ron, moving back to get a better shot. ‘This is for the Daily Prophet.’

‘Big deal,’ said Ron, rubbing his foot where the photographer had stepped on it.

Gilderoy Lockhart heard him. He looked up. He saw Ron-and then he saw Harry. He stared. Then he leapt to his feet and positively shouted, ‘It can’t be, Harry Potter?’

The crowd parted, whispering excitedly. Lockhart dived towards Harry but Sirius defensively got in the way. Lockhart’s smile faltered for a second but then quietly asked, ‘May I bring him up for a second?’

Sirius looked to Harry, and Harry star struck from one of his favourite authors nodded, and then Sirius stepped aside. Lockhart firmly took his arm and pulled him to the front. The crowd burst into applause. Harry’s face burned as Lockhart shook his hand for the photographer, who was clicking away madly, wafting thick smoke over his family, the Weasleys, and the Grangers.

‘Nice big smile, Harry,’ said Lockhart, through his own gleaming teeth. ‘Together, you and I are worth the front page.’

When he finally let go of Harry’s hand, Harry could hardly feel his fingers. He stood there in shock and awe. Suddenly Lockhart threw an arm around his shoulders and clamped him tightly to his side.

‘Ladies and gentlemen,’ he said loudly, waving for quiet. ‘What an extraordinary moment this is! The perfect moment for me to make a little announcement I’ve been sitting on for some time!

‘When young Harry here stepped into Flourish and Blotts today, he only wanted to buy my autobiography-which I shall be happy to present him now, free of charge-‘ The crowd applauded again. ‘He had no idea,’ Lockhart continued, giving Harry a little shake that made his glasses slip to the end of his nose, ‘that he would shortly be getting much, much more than my book, Magical Me. He and his schoolmates will, in fact, be getting the real magical me. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I have great pleasure and pride in announcing that this September, I will be taking up the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!’

The crowd cheered and clapped and Harry found himself being presented being presented with the entire works of Gilderoy Lockhart. Harry wanted to ask him so many questions and to thank him, but there were many books and he found himself staggering under the weight. He managed to make his way out of the limelight to the edge of the room, where Ginny was standing next to her new cauldron.

‘Here Ginny,’ Harry said happily, tipping the books into the cauldron except for the non-school related ones. ‘I already got mine, and this way you’ll have brand new books for your first ye-‘

‘Bet you loved that, didn’t you, Potter?’ said a voice he had only heard an hour ago. He straightened up and found himself face to face with Draco Malfoy. His face yet again in a sneer.

‘Famous Harry Potter,’ said Malfoy. ‘Can’t even go into a bookshop without making the front page.’

‘Leave him alone, he didn’t want all that!’ said Ginny, glaring angrily at Malfoy.

‘Potter, you’ve got yourself a girlfriend!’ drawled Malfoy. Ginny and Harry got really at this. Ron and Canini fought their way over, Ron with an armful of Lockhart’s books.

‘Oh, it’s you,’ said Ron, looking at Malfoy as if he were something unpleasant on the sole of his shoe. ‘Leave my sister alone, Malfoy.’

‘Try making me. You’re hands are too full of those expensive books,’ retorted Malfoy. ‘I suppose you all will go hungry for a month to pay for that lot.’

Ron’s face went as red as his hair. He dropped his books into the cauldron, too, and started towards Malfoy, but Harry and Canini grabbed the back of his jacket. This didn’t stop Canini though from threatening Malfoy.

‘Be lucky I’m not going to Hogwarts as I’d rip you to shreds!’

‘Canini!’ An angry Sirius voice could be heard from across the store, and he wasn’t alone in the act of being disappointed in their children.

‘Ron!’ said Mr Weasley, struggling over with Sirius, Fred and George. The Grangers also followed, although they looked like they were just trying to get to the exit. ‘What are you doing? It’s mad in here, let’s go outside.’

‘Well, well, well-Arthur Weasley.’

It was Lucius Malfoy. He stood with his hand on Draco’s shoulder, sneering in just the same way.

‘Lucius,’ said Mr Weasley, nodding coldly.

‘Look how this establishment has degraded.’ His pale eyes straying to the Grangers, who he then forcefully took Hermione’s copy of The Standard Book of Spells from her arms. ‘Can you even read this, child?’

‘Yes, better than you can.’

‘My word, this is why your family are considered blood traitors Arthur, you are all a disgrace to your pure-blood status for embracing such muts.’

'We have a very different idea of what disgraces the name of a wizard, Malfoy,' he said.

Lucius turned his attention from the Weasley's to Sirius. 'You, last I saw you was nearly a decade ago in this very shop, you were desperate and I can see why back then you would need help from the other rock bottoms of the wizarding world, but now you have fortune, and the boy-who-lived ii his rightful house of Slytherin, and yet you still disgrace your family name by being close will these lot.'

'Yeah, well I never got along with your lot anyway, my lot is better.'

'You filthy blood traitor, the great Harry Potter should be disgraced to live under your roof.'

Lucius didn’t get to continue saying anything, even if he wanted too. As Sirius had taken a swing at him and landed a punch right in the eye. Lucius however seemed to be prepared because immediately afterward he elbowed Sirius right in the shoulder.

The crowd stampeded backwards, knocking some selves over, ‘Gentlemen, please-please!’ cried the assistant.

Suddenly a voice boomed, louder than all, ‘Break it up, there, gents, break it up-‘

Hagrid was wading towards them through the sea of books. In an instant he had pulled Sirius and Mr Malfoy apart. Sirius had a cut lip and a dislocated shoulder while Lucius had a black eye and a bloody nose. He was still holding Hermione’s copy of The Standard Book of Spells. He thrusted it at her, his eyes glittering with malice.

‘Here, girl-take your book-maybe you can burn its pages to keep your muggle home warm.’

Pulling himself out of Hagrid’s grip he beckoned to Draco and swept from the shop.

‘Yeh two should’ve ignored him,’ Hagrid said to Sirius and Arthur, almost lifting Sirius off his feet as he straightened his robes. ‘Rotten ter the core, the whole family, everyone knows that. Cept you of corse Sirius. They aren’t worth listenin’ ter. Bad blood, that’s what it is. Come on now, let’s get outta here.’

Remus quickly came over to Sirius, panicked. ‘You’re hurt!’

‘My shoulder, I’ll be-‘

Remus drew his want and pointed it at Sirius’ shoulder. ‘Episkey!’

There was a terrible cracking sound of Sirius’ shoulder being repaired, and then Sirius howled in pain. As the four family members left the shop Sirius cried out to Remus, ‘Why did you do that?’

‘That was for falling for his bait, I can’t believe you. Do I have déjà-vu because I swear I heard this exact story ten years ago.’

‘I know love, I’m sorry.’

The assistant looked as though he wanted to stop them leaving, but he barely came to Hagrid’s waist and seemed to think better of it. They hurried up the street, the Grangers shaking with fright and Mrs Weasley very angry with Mr Weasley.

‘A fine example the two of you set for the children...acting so childish in public...what Gilderoy Lockhart must’ve thought...’

‘He was pleased,’ said Fred. ‘Didn’t you hear him as we were leaving? He was asking that bloke from the Daily Prophet if he’d be able to work the fight into his report-said it was all publicity.’

All three families than gathered near the hearth in the Leaky Cauldron to say their goodbyes. Remus took Canini home with her and Harry’s supplies threw the floo network, the Grangers left the pub for the muggle street in the other side, the Weasleys one at a time took the floo back to their home the Burrow, leaving just Sirius and Harry.

‘Let’s go see your friend. How about we don’t mention that I got in a fight to the Davis’, ok?’

After a pleasant visit to Tracey’s families luxury apartment to end their chaotic day, Sirius dropped Harry off once more at the Dursley’s. He went up to his room, got in bed and took off his glasses as he was very tired. Just as he was drifting off though a thought found its way into Harry’s head.

“What did the Malfoy’s sell, did they have anything else sketchy still in there possession, and finally was there another reason they had been in Knockturn Alley today.”