Welcome to Diagon Alley... (Harry) (PG-13)

Briana quickly finished up her work and made her way to Diagon Alley and The Leaky Cauldron where Mr. Harry Potter should be waiting for her. She had been both surprised and honored when Dumbledore asked her to pick up the lad from the Dursleys and further asked her to make sure he was all set to begin his schooling at Hogwarts. However, as quickly as she retrieved him, she needed to hand him off to one of her more trusted friends so she could attend to some last minute business. She instructed him to have Harry meet her at The Leaky Cauldron, and, when she was finished with her task, she would be there to pick him up.

As she made her way down the street, her indigo robes, trimmed with sliver moons and stars, moved just as gracefully as she did. She opted to have her blonde hair up and held in place with one of her favorite white jade hair sticks. Opening the door to The Leaky Cauldron, Briana glanced about the place and spotted Harry sitting on his own at one of the far tables. The least you could have done was stay with him.... Tipping her head to many of the regulars she knew, she headed towards his table and placed a hand on his shoulder before sitting in the chair next to him. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Harry. Hopefully you weren't here on your own for too long," she said with a small smile, being careful to keep her pointed double-fangs hidden as Harry didn't know about what she was just yet. He already had so much to soak in, that little tid bit could wait until a little later.

Harry sat...somewhere. He didn't even know the name of wherever the heck he was at. That place, and everything else he had been introduced to in the past fourty eight hours were a lot to swallow. Flying cars, talking paintings, magical wands? If a week before, anyone had told him about it, he'd call them a liar. Those kinds of things only existed in his childlike imagination, but now, they were real. There was still that part of him that thought he was dreaming, dreaming about a world where he'd be rid from his abusive family. His pig of a cousin, his bastard of an uncle, and his bitch of an aunt. He thought he was dreaming, because in fact, he knew that only in dreams would they truly disappear.

For some hours, he sat at that, bar, as he'd call it, with a friend of the woman that had came to pick him up. The man's name was Hagrid and he was excessively big. The man spoke to him about the dark ages, though only briefly and very vaguely. Still, it enlightened Harry when it came to the Magical world a bit. Then, the man had to leave, to attend his job somewhere, though Harry could've sworn he heard him say he was going by floo. He wondered what that actually was, but he let it go for the moment.

When Briana arrived, about minutes later, Harry was relieved to not be alone. He wasn't used to his sorroundings, so he felt very uncomfortable. "Hagrid left just a couple of minutes ago," Harry answered, with nearly only a whisper. "So, are we gonna stay here or are we going to go somewhere...else?" he asked. Half of him was excited for the answer, but the other half was frightened. He still knew close to nothing about Briana and although she seemed like a nice woman, better safe, than sorry.

Hearing that Hagrid had only just left, Briana relaxed a bit. So, Harry hadn't been left to his own devices for very long. Good. His question made her smile brighten. "Well, if you are ready for quite the little adventure, we can be on our way. You have your letter with you?" she asked him, standing and motioning for him to head towards the door out so she could follow him out.

Harry frowned, as he questioned himself what Briana meant. As he got up, he responded to her following question, "Of course, I still haven't lost track of it," he nodded as he walked to the door, pushing it open and walking outside. Good thing there weren't many people, as Harry'd most likely feel overwhelmed.

Following Harry out in the streets of Diagon Alley, Briana said, "Good, good, Harry. Now, just like you went shopping for your supplies for your muggle school, you need to get stuff for Hogwarts. In your letter, you should have a list. What's first?" Her bright blue eyes looked down at Harry as they walked down the somewhat busy street. She was happy that it wasn't super crowded. Harry was new to all this, and she wanted him to enjoy the experience without being hounded thanks to the accomplishment that he was so known for. She had touched on it a little, but nothing huge. Whether Hagrid had told him more, she didn't know. But, in time, he will learn....

"Well," Harry said, taking the folded letter out of his slacks' pocket, "It says, that first, I need a telescope for Ast-...Astronomy..." he said, his eyes not coming out of the letter. Astronomy was a subject? That was strange. He had already spoken about astronomy in muggle school, but it wasn't a subject itself. Looking up at Briana, Harry awaited her instructions, as he had no idea where to go.

A smile toyed with her lips as Harry showed a little surprise that Astronomy was something he would be studying at Hogwarts. Next to Charms, she had enjoyed that subject very much. "You might enjoy that subject, Harry," she said as she guided him towards a shop that had many different kinds of telescopes displayed in the window. Holding the door for him, she followed him inside. The walls were covered with all different kinds of maps and charts of different plants and star systems that covered the heavens at night. "It's one of the only classes that allow you out and about after hours," she whispered with a wink. "Now, it's all up to what kind you'd like. I had one like this when I was your age," Briana offered, pointing out a red and silver telescope with the phases of the moon embossed around the ends.

As Briana spoke, Harry felt himself being pulled into the magic around the store. The star systems around the walls had asteroids flying around, and all planets going around the sun. It was ecstatic to see such a marvelous and different world. As Briana spoke about the telescope, Harry shook his head, as a way to show he was distracted, "That looks...alright," he said. He wasn't completely sure of what was a 'good' looking telescope anyway, so the one Briana was holding up worked.

Briana smiled as Harry opted for the one she told him about. Seeing the look on his face as he got to experience his first little taste of the magical world made her pleased. Handing him the telescope, she nodded towards the counter for him to pay. She then busied herself with picking up a few charts that would be useful for the 1st year and purchased them before he could see what she was up to.

"Alright, Harry, what's next?" she asked, tucking the small rolls of parchment into a shoulder bag over her shoulder.

Harry took the telescope and carefully took it to the counter. He set it down, and then shoved a hand down his trousers' pocket, taking out a few gold coins. "Thank you," the man behind the counter said, as Harry picked up his telescope and went back to Briana. Magically, the telescope was crossed from his list, and Harry's eyes widened, before he looked up at Briana, "We need my books...hmm, it also says I can take some sort of pet...oh, and my ...wand," he said as he looked into Briana's eyes, confusion on his own. So, even wands were real. "Maybe we should go for the books first?"

"Good idea. Flourish and Blotts is the next stop," Briana said holding the door for him and following him out. "If you so desire a pet, you are able to bring one to school, and every witch or wizard needs a wand. That is normally an adventure in itself," she said happily as they walked past the Pet Emporium where many different caged animals were on stands and tables as several young witches and wizards oogled over them. "Here we are," she said, as they reached the book shop. "This is the place to come for all your books for school or just pleasure reading, Harry. 99% of the time, if you want it, they have it and if they don't, well they will find a way to get it for you," Briana said. Hopefully, they weren't going to fast for Harry. This really was a lot to take in, but, he was a bright lad, she felt. He'd catch on quick.

Harry nodded as Briana spoke of how the book 'store' was very efficient. The boy figured that it'd be mostly due to magic, because in the muggle world, book stores or libraries could be good, but they lacked a lot. Be it info or books themselves. But the magical world was different. They even had brooms in this new, strange world. Harry had seen a bunch of kids ogling the Nimbus 2000, as it was called, and instantly wondered what it was for. But alas, that was for later, now he had to focus on the books. Harry nodded, so Briana would know he was ready to go in. As he was about to enter, the door exploded open, and a man came out of it. He looked old, and worn out. He had a strange looking eye, and he eyed Harry closely with it.

Alastor grunted, before he looked at Briana, "Take good care of him," he growled before he moved along, with a book in hand.

Harry furrowed a brow, but decided not to question Briana about the man just yet. First, they'd take care of the books. Entering the store, Harry walked to the counter, and held out his parchment, "Hey look, it's Harry Potter," a man said as he pointed at Harry. The others in Flourish and Blotts all turned to him, and most smiled, others looked away, and others came to handshake him, "It's a big pleasure to finally meet you mister Potter," a man said as he hand shook Harry. The boy simply nodded, before that same man moved along, and allowed a woman to greet Harry, "It's good to see you back Mister Potter," she said with a bright smile, before the owner of store sent them on their way.

"Here are your books Mister Potter, have a fun time at Hogwarts," he said with a smirk, and pushed the books forward. Harry looked down at the books and put on a small smile, at least there are not as many books as in my other school, he mused. Magical Drafts and Potions, The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1, The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection, One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi, A History of Magic and A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration were all the books Harry seemed to need that year. If you asked him, it was quite enough.

Taking out a small sphere Hagrid had given him, he set it on the floor, before it turned into a small box carrier. Harry set his books there, and went to Briana, the box carrier following him. "Books are done. All we need now is my wand, robes, a cauldron, brass scales and some phials," he said, shoving his hands into his pockets.

Briana smirked and made a look as if to answer Alastor with an 'Of course...' as he grumbled to her as he passed by. That man... Entering the shop, Briana let Harry be to take care of his book shopping, but kept a close eye on him as several people recognized him right off. It was bound to happen, she knew that much. Briana just hoped it wasn't enough to scare him off about this world he was such a key figure in. Taking a few steps towards him, those shaking his hand and planning to took one look at her and stepped away, allowing Harry to finish with his books. Briana gave a pleased nod that they did so, and slipped a hand into the pocket of her robe as she linked her fingers around the strap of the shoulder bag she carried. It was good to have the influence that she did.

Watching the shere turn into a box carrier, Briana chuckled to herself. Well done, Hagrid... As Harry rattled off what all was left on his list, she thought about which shop was nearby to where they were. It made no sense to not hit up the closest one as they shopped for everything on his list. "Why don't we get your robes first. The shop is right next door," she offered to Harry as she opened the door out for him. "It's on the left," she added as she nodded to the book keeper in thanks for his help in getting the books for him.

"Er-Okay," Harry answered brightly, but there was a still a hint of confusion in his tone, which was perfectly normal in the situation he was in. He walked out the store, the box carrier following him closely as he turned to the left. As he did, a red head boy passed by, with a rat in his each shoulder. The rat turned back, and focused on Harry, and Harry looked back at the animal, as he began to feel uncomfortable. Soon he arrived at the door of the store, Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, and entered, opening the door for Briana, "Mind asking for what I need?" he asked. Why? Well, there was a woman behind the counter. With men, he could get around, but if there was a miss behind the counter, Harry usually got a bit shy.

Briana started to hear the excitement in Harry's voice as they made their way to Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. As a red-headed boy passed by them, Briana watched him go. She wondered if he was one of the Weasley flock, but the thought was snapped from her mind as she spotted the rat on his shoulder as it seemed to turn to watch Harry. Interesting... Even tough it seemed a little odd, she didn't put much stock into it. Magical pet were known to do odd things, but still...

When they entered the robe shop, Briana waited for Harry to walk right up to the front to get what he needed as he had done in the other shops, but he paused. Harry asked her if she might ask for what he needed, which puzzled her slightly, but then she noticed that Madam Malkin, herself, was behind the counter. With a smile, she nodded, "Of course. Come with me." Making their way to the counter, Briana greeted the seamstress and asked for the usual 1st year robes and hat for Mr. Potter. "Bless my stars! Welcome back, Mr. Potter. I was beginning to wonder if you'd be coming to see me for your robes," the woman said happily. Moving a small platform toward him, she patted it for him to stand up on before grabbing a standard 1st year robe from the rack behind the counter. It was busy season for robes, 1st years primarily. "Now, you just hold still and we will have you all set in no time," she said as she set to work, a pin cushion following her floating in the air as she worked on pinning the hem of the robe to just the right length. When the pinning was done, the witch drew her wand and gave it a wave causing a needle, black thread, and scissors to magically sew a perfect hem on the robe. As the robe Harry was wearing was tailored to him, two robes, just like the one he had on, were also being tailored, as three sets of robes was the standard to take to Hogwarts.

"There! Perfect! That makes three robes all tailored to you, Mr. Potter. When it's time for new or a lengthening, just bring them by and we'll get you taken care of," she said happily as she took the robe from Harry's shoulders and wrapped all three, and his hat, in brown paper tied with a string. "Thank you, Madam Malkin," Briana said with a bright smile, as she looked at Harry.

Harry climbed on top of the platform, and stood quietly, looking as if he was frozen, as Madame Malkin did her job. As she did, Harry's eyes traveled around the shop, and they focused on a portrait, with a woman on it. She looked not so old, but definitely not very young. He narrowed his eyes, as he read her name, Dorea Potter, the co-owner, before her timely demise. She had the same last name as him. How very odd.

As Madame Malkin finished her job and handed everything over, Harry managed a small smile, as he had found Malkin to be quite friendly and appealing. As Briana looked at him, Harry motioned for the door, so they'd leave. Walking to the door, Harry looked at his parchment. All that was left was the potion equipment, and his wand. Maybe the potion equipment was best to be taken care of now, "We should go get a Cauldron, Brass Scales and Phials next," he said as the pair walked out the store.

"Briana...erm..." Harry started, as they begun to head to the potions store, "I have some questions," he said, as he looked at the ground, as he walked.

Briana followed Harry out, thanking the seamstress one last time, and let the door close. "Potions equipment is perfect to get next," she said in agreement, happy that Harry was starting to take the lead. She knew it was only a matter of time...

Her bright blue eyes focused on him as he mentioned that he had some questions as they made their way down the street to the Apothecary Shop where Harry would be able to pick out his supplies for Potions class. "Ask away, Harry," she said. Briana had been wondering how long it was going to be before he was going to voice the questions that were filling his head. Hopefully, she would be able to answer them.

Harry sighed and then took a deep breath, "Okay, first.." he begun to speak, as he kept walking. "Who was that man who talked to you?" Harry asked.

His first question didn't surprise her at all. After all, Alastor made quite the first impression when he crossed paths with people that didn't know him. "That man was Alastor Moody. He's the Head Auror at the Ministy for Magic," Briana answered simply. Then remembered that Harry didn't know what the Ministry was, let alone an Auror. Looking ahead, she tried to remember what Muggles might have that would translate for Harry to better understand. "You know how Muggles have a Prime Minister in their government, Harry? Well, we have a Minister of Magic that is like our Prime Minister. Aurors are like the Muggle police, in a sense. Moody is head of that department, in charge of all the Aurors. Just like Muggles have good and bad people, so does the magical world," she said pausing and turning to Harry. "Aurors are our Dark Wizard catchers... Alastor was close with your mom and dad, Harry. He trained your dad, personall," she added gently with a small smile.

Harry felt a bit overwhelmed by Briana's explanation, but was able to put everything together. She had an easy enough explanation, so it was simple for him to understand, "He seemed, well...mean," Harry said, and then chuckled a bit. For the first time in his life, he could actually laugh out of joy. "Okay, second question, who's Dorea Potter?" Harry questioned Briana, now holding his usual serious demeanor, as they neared the apothecary.

Briana couldn't help but laugh at Harry's observation of Alastor, allowing the sunlight to glint off her double fangs slightly. "He's.....different. Alastor has his own way, but really, once you get to know him, he's not as mean as he seems," she said with a wink, as the continued on their way. His next question made Briana pause for a moment to think of how to tell him. "Dorea Potter was your Great-Grandmother. She was your dad's Grandmother, and used to own the robe shop. One of the finest seamstresses I've ever had the honor of knowing and having work on my own robes and such," she answered as they neared the next stop on their quest for school supplies.

Harry's eyes widened at Briana's description of his great-grandmother. From what he heard, all Potters were wise, loyal and brave. He was beginning to get a very good picture of his own family. "Seems like she was a nice person," he said as he pushed the door of the apothecary open. He entered and held the door for Briana like before. Inside stood a boy and a man, along with the manager. "Well, well, Briana, nice to see you," the man, Bruce greeted his friend. "Hey dad, it's Potter," his son, Malphas said, pointing at Harry. Bruce gave him a hard look, and motioned for him to leave the store. 

Malphas sighed, and began to walk out. He stopped to look at Harry, but instead of hissing at him like any other Slytherin would do, he smiled, and walked out, "Hello Harry Potter, I'm Bruce Carrow, and I'm gonna be your Care of Magical Creatures professor at Hogwarts," Bruce said as he knelt next to Harry, so he could look into his eyes, "Huh, You've got your mother's eyes, and your father's look," Bruce admitted before he got back up. He pecked Briana's cheek and winked before he walked out.

Harry froze for a second, before he sighed. "That man...is big," he said. He had had the same reaction when he first saw Hagrid, but this man was big in a different way. He was what you would usually call, a power house.

"She was a very nice witch, and had an exquisite eye for fashion. She could dress anyone for anything in the blink of an eye," Briana said as she nodded her head in thanks and entered the shop. "Well, well. Fancy meeting you here, Bruce. And, Mal, of course," she greeted her old friend and his son happily. Briana watched as this beast of a man interacted with Harry and bit her bottom lip gently as he pointed out that James and Lily will all about him, whether he knew it or not. It was true. Lily's eyes and James' look....combined to create Harry.

Lightly, patting Bruce's back as he left, she nodded and laughed, "That he is. Strong as an ox, too. Now, You'll need a #2 Standard Pewter cauldron, brass scales, and some vials for keeping your potions in. There are several to pick from, Harry. So, whatever suits your fancy," she said motioning to the different shelves that held the different things that he would need for his 1st year.

Harry nodded as he walked around, looking at the shelf Briana had directed him to. He picked up a golden pair of Brass scales, with Hogwarts' insignia carved on them. He took them, and placed them on the counter, before picking up a box of crystal vials. He then pointed at a cauldron made from pewter, a metal alloy made up of mostly tin. "30 Galleons please," the shop keep said as Harry reached into his pockets several times, eventually taking out the right amount of coins. Harry went back to Briana, the things he had bought inside the cauldron, having been enchanted to be much smaller. "So, now, my wand," Harry said, his tone showing both fear and excitement.

As Harry busied himself with getting the items on his list, Briana picked up a few basic potions ingredients, things that he would always need and never hurted to have on hand, and bought them. Placing the little boxes into the same pack as the charts from before, she closed them up before Harry bought his items. "Last but certainly not least..." she said as they turned to head out to get the last item on Harry's list. Before they reached the door, a tall blonde stepped in, dressed in her blue healer scrubs.

"What a surprise to see you, Morgan," Briana said with a wave. Morgan glanced up and nodded with a wave of her own. "Briana, it's been a while. How have you-" Morgan began before her grey-blue eyes fell on the boy by her side. He was the spitting image of James. Well, except for his eyes. He had Lily's eyes. Taking a knee in front of Harry, Morgan extended her hand to shake his. "Welcome home, Harry," she said softly. "Harry, this is Morgan Lupin, Head Healer at St. Mungo's, our hospital. She's the one to see should anything go amiss and you need the skill of a fine Healer," Briana said as an indroduction from Harry to Morgan. "I was close to your parents, Harry. I've never met two finer people. I see them both in you..." Morgan said. She wanted to hug Harry tightly, but didn't dare move to unless he wanted to. Surely this was a lot for the lad to take in all at once, and to meet someone who knew his parents as she did... It couldn't be easy for him.