Chapter 9 - Getting the essentials

(16th August 1991)

Hagrid led Harry and I down the streets of London, earning a few glances from passers because of his appearance and height. A few minutes prior, Hagrid instructed us to read the equipment we needed for when we go to Hogwarts.

" All students must be equipped with...one standard size two pewter cauldron and may bring if they desire either an owl, a cat or a toad," I say as I read the list from the letter. Harry then looks over to Hagrid.

" Could we find all this in London?" He asks.

Hagrid then turns to look at us both; smirking. " If you know where to go."

Hagrid then leads us down an alleyway, then round a corner so we are facing a blue door. All of a sudden, the title 'The Leaky Cauldron magically appeared on the sign above the door. Hagrid gently steps in front of me and opens the door. " After you."

As soon as Hagrid steps inside he is welcomed by an older gentleman " Ah, Hagrid! The usual, I presume?" The man asks.

"No thanks, Tom. I'm on official Hogwarts business today. Just helping young Harry and Iris here buy their school supplies," Hagrid says with a confident tone. Tom then turns to Harry and I before looking at us from the ground up. " Bless my soul. It's Iris and Harry Potter," Toms says in amazement. The pub immediately goes silent and everyone turns around and looks at Harry and I. A man then comes up to me and shakes my hand.

"Welcome back, Miss Potter, welcome back. We were actually expecting to see you a few years ago."

I force a smile onto my lips and shake the man's hand as well, " I'm sorry for not coming sooner, Sir." I place my arm around Harry's shoulders before continuing. " I couldn't leave my brother, Harry, all by himself. After all, I am his older sister so I obviously needed to be there for him."

A witch then walks up to Harry and leans close to his face. " Doris Crockford, Mr. Potter. I can't believe I'm meeting you at last."

More people come towards Harry and I and start asking questions. Harry grabs my hand; telling me in a way that he in uncomfortable. I look around the room trying to spot Hagrid or for a way to escape. Then a pair of hands attach themselves to my shoulder. I quickly turn around and come face to face with Hagrid. A man pushes his way through the crowd and reveals himself. He is wearing a robe and a purple turban on his head.

" The P-potters have arrived. I can't tell you both how pleased I am to be meeting you at last," The man says nervously.

"Hello, Professor. I didn't see you there. Iris, Harry, this is Professor Quirrell. He'll be your Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts." Hagrid says from behind us.

"Oh, nice to meet you," says Harry. He puts out his hand, offering a handshake with Quirrell. But he looks at Harry's head and hesitatingly refuses. Clearly seeing the scar on his forehead. He then looks at me and his eyes land on the scar on my cheek.

" F-fearfully fascinating subject. N-not that you need it, e-eh, Potter? Hehe," The Professor says to me.

"Yes, well, must be going now. Lots to buy. Heh?" Hagrid tightens his grip on my shoulder and tries dragging me in another direction.

" Goodbye, Professor," I say politely. I then turn to Harry and grab his hand before allowing Hagrid to lead us outside so we are facing a grey brick wall.

" Pretty famous, heh," Hagrid says.

I turn back around and look in the direction we came from, making sure the coast is clear.

" But why are we famous, Hagrid? All those people back there, how is it they know who we are?" Harry questions.

" It's pretty easy, Harry. You and I both survived the Killing Curse. Most importantly; we made the Dark Lord disappear. Nobody else could do that, so it comes as a shocker when a baby and a young toddler are able to stop him. Therefore, that makes us the 'Killing Curse Survivors'." I speak. Hagrid then taps the brick wall clockwise with his umbrella. The blocks then magically shift and open up to reveal a hidden, busy street called Diagon Alley.

"Welcome, to Diagon Alley. Here's where you'll get your quills and ink, and over there all your bits and bobs for doing your wizardry," Hagrid says as he analyses his surroundings. I turn to Harry and place my arm around his shoulder before leaning down and whispering in his ear.

" We're free, Harry. We are free."