The Untouchables

Year 2 Chapter 1

Diagon alley was now filled with students buying their needs for this school year. Erin was at Flourish and Blotts, she saw her three friends and greeted them. She was told that the reason why Harry was not been able to write back was that a house-elf has been stealing his letters. That was peculiar indeed and she was about to ask a question when a man emerged, Erin recognized him as Gilderoy Lockhart. "It can't be- Harry Potter?" Lockhart said while looking at Harry. A photographer made way and to the front ready to take a photo.

"Nice big smile, Harry. Together you and I rate the front page! Ladies and gentlemen, what an extraordinary moment this is. When young Harry stepped into Flourish and Blotts this morning to purchase my autobiography, Magical Me,... which, incidentally is currently celebrating its 27th week atop the Daily Prophet bestseller list, he had no idea that he would, in fact, be leaving... with my entire collected works, free of charge." Lockhart said while handing Potter the collection, the poor boy was confused and did not know what to do so he just stood there. Lockhart enjoyed the attention and publicity that he was receiving.

Erin looked up and saw Draco looking down with a scowl at the scene below, he shot her a small smile and returned back to scowling. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Erin, and Ginny then stepped away from the crowd and made their way to the exit of the store when Draco jumped in front of them. "I'll bet you loved that, didn't you, Potter? Famous Harry Potter! Can't even go into a bookshop without making the front page." Erin raised a brow at Draco who was obviously jealous of the attention that Harry was receiving.

"Leave him alone," Ginny Weasley said looking up and glaring at Draco. "Oh look, Potter. You've got yourself a girlfriend." Draco mocked. Erin was about to talk when Lucius appeared.

"Now, now Draco, play nicely. Mr. Potter... Lucius Malfoy. We meet at last. Forgive me, your scar is legend, as, of course, is the wizard who gave it to you." Lucius introduced himself to Harry, "Voldemort killed my parents. He was nothing more than a murderer."

Erin was surprised by Harry's statement, "Hmm. You must be very brave, to mention his name...or very foolish." Mr. Malfoy commented. "Fear of a name only increases fear of the thing itself." Hermione was the one to answer. Erin silently watched the scene unfold, she knew not to intervene but it was hard for her. During the summer she noticed she was now voicing out her opinions and is now prone to start arguments. Erin was literally biting her tongue to stop herself.

"And you must be... Miss Granger." Lucius looked at Draco and he nodded "Yes, Draco's told me all about you and your parents. Muggles, aren't they? Let me see...red hair... vacant expressions... tatty second-hand book. You must be the Weasleys." Lucius looked at the group stopping his gaze at Erin, he momentarily felt embarrassed that an Ambrosius actually caught him bullying children.

"Erin, ah... I see you are associated with Mr. Potter and his... group." Draco looked uneasy as he watched his father talk to Erin, the girl had an unreadable expression. She was trying her best not to answer rudely. "Children, it's mad in here! Let's go outside." Mr. Weasley said unaware of Lucius' presence. "Well, well, well. Weasley senior."

"Busy time at the Ministry, Arthur, all those extra raids? I do hope they're paying you overtime, but judging by the state of this, I'd say not. What's the use in being a disgrace to the name of wizard if they don't even pay you well for it."

Erin couldn't believe the insult that Lucius said to Mr. Weasly, now she understood how it was so easy for Draco to insult anyone who he thought was below him. "We have a very different idea about what disgraces the name of wizard, Malfoy." Mr. Weasly shot back glaring.

The tension was high, there was a moment of silence until Erin's father entered the bookshop. He looked at the group of children who were standing quietly and the two men who were still glaring at each other.