CH 20

"During that time, and before I was able to organise my memories, I used to get these - flashbacks - of a time when I was a baby. A time when I knew I was loved by adults; a man who had similar hair to my own who wore aviator style glasses, a woman I instinctively knew to be my mother who had long red hair and bright green eyes, plus others.

"Before I was able to sort these memories, because of what my relatives told me, I thought they were just daydreams of what I wished my life was like. That they were, in effect, lies I was telling myself.

"However, after I was able to sort my memories, I learned it was my relatives that had lied to me, and not the other way around. It took me a long time to reach that conclusion because I just did not want to believe it to be true. I didn't want to believe that people, my own relatives no less, could be so cruel.

"My letter from Hogwarts I received on 26th July was the final conclusive proof. It was also the day I decided to - vacate that house and find the wizarding world. My memories led me to Charing Cross Road and The Leaky Cauldron. It was the best decision I ever made."

When he'd finished, Harry sighed in some measure of self-pity. "So, you see, I'm far from perfect," he said. "I just do my best with what I have and hope it's enough."

Harry didn't even notice that, while he was talking - reminiscing - a cup of tea appeared on the table in front of him. Nor, that he'd been playing with it.

When he'd concluded he realised he'd divulged more than he had planned to. But that, in doing so, he felt a sense of release.

Looking up he saw Daphne looking back with an expression of - pity and sorrow. She reached out with her right hand and grasped his left in a sign of solidarity.

Astoria hoped off her own chair, slid it closer to his, and climbed back on it before wrapping her arms around him from the side. She just silently hugged him.

Taking a deep breath Isabel said, "Well - I think we can honestly say we weren't expecting to hear that." Turning to look more fully at Harry, she said, "Thank you for sharing that with us, Harry. Clearly, it was difficult for you to do so. But, just as clearly, you needed to share it with someone. I'm glad you felt comfortable enough to share it with us."

"I'm sorry, Harry," said Daphne, softly. "I've been behaving like such a beast to you and you've already had to endure so much."

Giving a bit of a sheepish shrug in response, Harry replied, "Like I said, I understand why you feel the way you do. I don't blame you for it."

"No, but I do," she said more firmly. "I now better understand this betrothal contract wasn't any more your fault as it was mine. I promise not to be angry with you over it from now on."

"Thank you," Harry said softly. "And now I think it's time we all got some fresh air by making our way to Diagon Alley," said Isabel in a tone trying to lighten the mood. "I don't know about you, but shopping always makes me feel better."

And the four of them rose from the table and organised themselves for a trip to the Alley.

Before stepping into the fireplace at Greengrass Estate, Isabel told Harry what she felt was the secret to travelling by floo and landing without falling over at the other end.

"You need to wait for the spinning to stop once you arrive in the fireplace at the other end," she instructed. "Wait about a full second, and then step out with your right foot slightly off to the right to counteract the remaining effect of the spin. And then step out with the left foot right in front." "Harry nodded and said, "Alright then. I'll give it a go."

Following as instructed, he managed to only stagger slightly when he exited the floo in The Leaky Cauldron, and immediately stepped away to allow Isabel to step through.

"How'd you do?" asked Isabel after she gracefully stepped through.

"Well, I didn't fall on my butt, this time," grinned Harry. "I only staggered a little bit. I think I now know how to fix that."

She gave a little smile and nod while drawing her wand and vanishing the soot off the clothes of all four of them. "Excellent. We'll have you landing with a measure of grace by the time you leave on Sunday morning." She then led their small party out into the Alley proper. "Where to first, Daphne?" she asked the girl.

"I said I'd check Fortescue's first to see if Tracey beat us here. If not, I told her to meet us at Flourish & Blotts."

"Then lead the way, dear," her mother said with a gesture.

Following behind with Isabel, Harry was feeling at peace. The talk, earlier, really did make him feel better about things. And, he was happy just to spend time with the Greengrass ladies.

By the time he and Isabel reached Fortescue's, Daphne was hugging another girl with similar length but brown hair. Astoria was practically hopping from foot to foot in excitement looking like she wanted to just run up and down the Alley in delight. When the two girls parted, Daphne glanced at Tracey before saying in a quiet voice to the other girl, "Remember how I told you I found out I was betrothed to Harry Potter?"

"Yes," replied Tracey with a giggle, "Is he as horrid as you thought he'd be?"

With a blush of embarrassment, Daphne indicated Harry and said, "Trace, this is Harry Potter. And, no, he's really not."

Tracey stared him up and down for a bit before she said, "Well, you do look a little like all the books say you do. Different glasses, though. And you're a bit scrawnier than I'd expect."

"Tracey!" gasped Daphne.

Blushing a little, and also a little annoyed, Harry replied, "Well, those books are ninety-nine percent lies. And I know for a fact they don't know the real me." "Hmm..." Tracey mused, standing a little straighter. "Well, you better be good to my friend, or you'll have me to answer to."

"I assure you, Lady Tracey, I will both protect her and cherish her; you have my word," he replied.

Giving Harry another once over, the brunette turned back to her friend and said, "He'll do."

"Tracey!" whined Daphne. "You're embarrassing me!"

"Alright, girls," said Isabel stepping forward. "We came here to do some shopping; so, let's get to it, shall we?"

What followed was Daphne and Tracey leading them from store to store while they walked whispering rapid fire to each other and glancing back at Harry. In response, Harry would occasionally make faces back or give an air of indifference to their antics. Isabel, while also keeping an eye on all four children, seemed to be quite amused at the byplay between the three eleven year olds. Harry had the impression she was quite happy with what was going on.

While in Flourish & Blotts, Daphne suggested to Harry he purchase a book on potion reaction tables that would come in handy for that class, but wasn't included on the book list. And, when he indicated which books he had on that subject, she indicated a book on the history of the Noble Houses to augment the ones he already had. He bought both and thanked her for the suggestions.

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