Chapter 113: "Back to Diagon Alley"

The Black-Bones household was filled with excitement on the bright morning of August 2, 1991. It was an especially thrilling day for Susan Bones, who was practically bouncing with excitement about her upcoming trip to Diagon Alley. This wasn't just any shopping trip—today, she would be choosing her very first wand along with her friends, Hannah Abbott and Daphne Greengrass. They had planned this important day together, choosing a date that worked for all their families to join in the fun.

"I can't wait to start at Hogwarts! It's going to be amazing," Susan said, twirling around the living room with a joyful grin.

Amelia watched her with a warm smile, though her voice carried a hint of sadness, "Time really flies. The house will surely seem quieter without you. Just try to stay out of trouble at Hogwarts. I hope your professors won't have any reason to complain about you, dear."

Sirius, always one to encourage a bit of mischief, laughed and added, "Oh, lighten up, Amy. Hogwarts is for making lasting memories. A little bit of mischief and a few detentions are part of the fun. Go and enjoy yourself, Susan. And remember, if anyone bothers you, Harry's got your back."

Harry, who had come over to celebrate Susan's big day, agreed with a nod. "Exactly, Susan. Don't stress too much about the professors; they're usually reasonable. Just be cautious around some of the older students. But no worries, I'm here if you need anything."

Susan's face lit up with excitement and a bit of resolve as she replied enthusiastically, "Yeah!"

Amelia, striving to instill a sense of responsibility, said sternly, "Sirius, Harry, you two aren't helping. Listen, Susan, it's fine to have fun, but don't go causing trouble. I know these two might encourage your antics, but if I get even a whisper of you causing trouble, you'll be answering to me. Got it?"

Susan nodded earnestly, "I understand, Aunty."

Harry grinned at their conversation and then shifted his attention to the youngest member of the family, little Aries Black, who was just a few months old. He playfully teased the baby, saying, "So, Aries, are you going to be a little mischief-maker like your dad, or will you be the strict type like your mum? With Sirius influencing you, I think we know the answer, right?" His words made the baby burst into happy gurgles.

As everyone continued getting ready, Kreacher and Mira, the house elves, gently took sleepy Aries from Harry's arms. They were tasked with caring for him today, allowing Amelia to attend Susan's special day without worry. If there was an emergency, Amelia knew she could return immediately, but everyone hoped for a smooth and joyful day without any interruptions.

Soon enough, the Abbotts and the Greengrasses arrived at the manor, ready for the big trip to Diagon Alley. Hannah arrived looking excited, accompanied by her cheerful parents, while Daphne was with her more subdued sister, who seemed a little sad about her sister going off to Hogwarts and their parents. Together, the group made their way to Diagon Alley, using the floo network to reach the Diagon Alley directly.

Upon arriving, they were immediately greeted by the lively atmosphere of Diagon Alley on a busy shopping day. The place buzzed with activity, filled with witches and wizards of all ages moving eagerly from one shop to another.

First on the agenda, the parents escorted the girls to Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. Here, they were swiftly measured and fitted for their new Hogwarts uniforms. With the robes sorted, the parents split up to tackle the remaining school supplies list. Poor Astoria was reluctantly pulled away by her mother; it wasn't quite her time to roam freely yet.

Now left to their own devices, Susan, Hannah, and Daphne eagerly plunged into the thrills Diagon Alley had to offer. They darted excitedly from shop to shop, each new storefront bringing waves of anticipation and delight.

"The new Nimbus 2000! It looks better than Harry's old broom." Susan exclaimed as they passed by Quality Quidditch Supplies, pointing at the latest broom model which gleamed enticingly in the shop window. Harry had been teaching her a bit about flying, and she had become quite good. Harry wasn't sure if Susan played Quidditch in the original story, but he was confident that she would make the Hufflepuff team with ease.

Meanwhile, Hannah was completely captivated by the creatures at the Magical Menagerie. She pressed her face against the glass, her eyes wide with wonder. "Oh, look at that kneazle! Isn't it the cutest?" she squealed, her delight clear.

Daphne, who had an eye for fashion, led them next into Twilfitt and Tattings. She picked up a beautifully embroidered robe and held it against herself, admiring the craftsmanship. "These robes are just divine. Too bad we can't wear them at Hogwarts," she sighed, a bit wistfully.

Harry and Sirius, who had been given the responsibility of supervising the girls, trailed behind them at a relaxed pace. They exchanged amused looks as they listened to the girls excitedly chatter about each new discovery and wish-list item they came across in the shops.

After a few hours, the group's energy finally began to wane, and Sirius seized the opportunity to suggest a break. "How about some ice cream, girls?" he proposed, leading them to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. The girls agreed enthusiastically, grateful for the chance to sit down and enjoy some of Florean's famous treats.

Not long after, the adults joined them, their arms heavy with bags filled with all the Hogwarts essentials they had purchased for the upcoming school year. They shared that they had nearly completed the shopping list, with only the wand purchases and a visit to Gringotts remaining.

Rejuvenated by the ice cream and the brief rest, the girls were buzzing with excitement again, especially about the upcoming visit to Gringotts. It was not just any visit—they were looking forward to receiving their heir rings, a significant tradition for the young witches who were heirs to their family's lineage.

With renewed energy, the group left the ice cream parlor and made their way to Gringotts. The towering, formidable structure of the wizarding bank stood impressively against the lively scene of Diagon Alley, commanding respect and awe. Inside, the families split up, each heading to meet with their respective vault managers.

Harry, however, found himself with nothing specific to do. He had no errands to run at the bank, so he ended up waiting alone in the vast, ornate lobby of Gringotts.

As Harry waited, his mind wandered to the upcoming school year, reflecting on its significance. The year 1991 wasn't just another year; it marked the beginning of the events described in the Harry Potter books, and with Voldemort's looming threat, it promised to be anything but safe.

To mark the start of this pivotal year, Harry had taken a unique trip on July 31st to visit the locations made famous in the Harry Potter books and movies.

He began with the Dursleys' home at Privet Drive. Disguised to avoid recognition, he discovered the house in ruins, a stark contrast to the home he had once known.

Harry hadn't kept up with the Dursleys since his escape from death, preferring to leave that part of his past behind. Curious about their fate, he asked around the neighborhood. The answers confirmed his suspicions but didn't surprise him.

Harry was well aware that Cordelia's method of faking his death wasn't flawless. It might have deceived any wizard, but for the muggle police, who dealt with countless serious cases, the deception was obvious and simple to see through.

Sure enough, Harry's suspicions were confirmed. His disappearance had been quickly noticed, and when the Dursleys' explanations didn't add up, the police were called in. They soon discovered the magical dummy meant to represent Harry, which misled them into believing it was his actual corpse.

This discovery launched a thorough investigation into how Harry was treated and the supposed circumstances of his death. It didn't take long for the police to unravel the plot, leading to the arrest of Vernon and Petunia Dursley, who were then put on trial.

Dudley was sent to live with his Aunt Marge, Vernon's sister, while his parents were incarcerated to serve their sentences. Harry thought their jail time was a bit brief, but he wasn't overly concerned. After serving their time, the Dursleys left the country, according to the neighbors, hoping to start anew somewhere else.

The attempt to sell their home at Privet Drive failed; the house's grim history as the site of an abused child's alleged death deterred any potential buyers. Ultimately, the Dursleys had no choice but to abandon the property.

Harry felt indifferent about the Dursleys' fate. They had received what they deserved. If they had treated him kindly, or even just decently, he might have been inclined to share his wealth from the wizarding world with them. But as things stood, they were strangers to him. He hoped that in their new lives abroad, they would learn from their past mistakes and treat others with humanity.

Standing outside the house, Harry gazed at it for a few minutes. There was no desire to enter; the house held no fond memories or sentimental value for him. With a final look, he turned away to continue his journey, leaving behind the echoes of his past with the Dursleys.

Next, Harry visited the zoo where the famous scene of the boa constrictor's release took place in the original story. He found the snake and watched it quietly for a few minutes. It was sleeping peacefully, and Harry felt no desire to disturb it or attempt to free it as in the canon. He knew the snake was dangerous and, having been raised in captivity, it wouldn't survive if released into the wild.

After leaving the zoo, Harry set out to find the Shack-on-the-Rock, a place Vernon Dursley had once rented to escape the wizarding world. It wasn't easy to locate. Harry had to check several rental agencies and explore various potential locations before he managed to locate the shack. Although unimportant, he felt compelled to visit it as part of reliving the canon.

Harry's day out was mainly about visiting the places mentioned in the books, while also satisfying his curiosity about how the changes he had influenced were shaping his world compared to the original narrative in the books. He wanted to see these places for himself to reaffirm that he was in control of his own destiny and that no higher powers were manipulating his path to make it align with the canon events.

Harry felt very content with the changes he had made. He believed that the world was much better now than it had been portrayed in the stories. One of the biggest improvements was that Sirius now had a complete and happy family. This reassured Harry that the alterations he had brought about were positive, proving that his interventions had led to a happier outcome for those he cared about.

As he was lost in his thoughts, a commotion in the usually quiet bank snapped Harry back to reality. Turning around, he saw a family of three emerging from the bank's inner corridors. Recognizing them but wishing to avoid any interaction, Harry quickly considered his options for slipping away unnoticed.