Redamancy (d.m)

Chapter eighty five-school shopping

The days muddled together like paint on a canvas. Book lists arrived from Hogwarts, bringing the news that Harry had been made quidditch captain

"Don't really fancy the idea of being bossed around by you" I joked as I congratulated him
"As if anyone could boss you around" he conversed with a lopsided grin

With book lists, came the plans to visit Diagon Alley in order to retrieve their new school supplies. Bill Weasley arrived to hand me and Harry two hefty sacks of gold

"Got it out of your vaults for you, since it's taking about five hours for the public to access their savings at the moment, what with the the security being heightened and all" he explained
"He is so thoughtful" Fleur gushed with a swish of her hair

As the ministry cars veered in front of the leaky cauldron, we were greeted by the towering mass of hair that was Hagrid

"See the ministry wanted to send a bunch of Aurors, but Dumbledore figured since you lot's already got (y/n), I'd be all you need" Hagrid greeted with his booming voice, sweeping us all in turn into bone crushing hugs before ushering us through the barren bar

Diagon Alley was a gloomy sight. Rows of windows that were once filled to the brim with bright colours and enticing products now sat empty and coated in dust. The stores that remained open were plastered from top to bottom in sullen ministry posters. Familiar faces sprung out at me unpleasantly as we walked quickly down the cobblestone road, Bellatrix's sneer draped up in the storefront of the apothecary. A shabby looking man stood next to a sign that read "AMULETS-effective against werewolves, dementors, and inferi", swinging handfuls of glowing stones on strings, leering at us as we passed.

"One for your little girl, madam?" He crowed at Mrs.Weasley, who clutched Ginny tightly, "protect her pretty neck?"
"Touch her and I'll snap yours clean in half" I spat viciously, causing him to curl into himself, his seedy eyes crinkling with alarm
"And she means it too" Ron said with a look torn between intimidation and awe, meanwhile Ginny was staring at me with the strangest look

In the desire to complete their shopping as urgently as possible, Mrs Weasley headed off to Flourish and Botts with her Husband and Ginny whilst I trod over to Madam Malkins with Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Hagrid. The air was entirely bizarre, everyone seemed to possess a certain anxiousness, moving in distress and without haste, contasntly glacning over their shoulder as if expecting Voldemort to jump out at them from behind a lamppost.

"You three go in first, I've got to have a word with (y/n) here" Hagrid instructed as we arrived to the robe shop, and my friends shot me confused looks before entering the shop
"What's up?" I questioned as the bell chimed from inside, and Hagrid took a shaky breath before speaking
"I've a favour to ask of you" he began with anguish in his tone
"A favour?"
"To look out for Harry" he said, scratching his tangled mane
"I do look out for him" I began, but he nodded and waved a hand to silence me
"I know you do, but with his godfather passing and all-and now this bloody war-I don't think anyone's bothered to ask him how he's doing, and I'm sure he'd rather tell you than me so-" he rambled with concern in his eyes
"I will, Hagrid" I assured, and he offered me a gentle smile
"Good good, well I won't keep you any longer, you've got robes to be measured for" Hagrid said, holding the door open for me, "I'll be right outside to keep watch"

In a flash, I take in the scene before me. Hermione looking rather upset, failing at her attempts to calm Harry and Ron who stand with their wands raised defiantly. Pointed straight at Draco Malfoy. After ten days apart, the curing sight of him before my very eyes seemed to bring the colour back into his dulled memory.

"Put those down" his mother ordered coldly as she emerged from a clothing rack, "if you attack my son again, I shall ensure it is the last thing you ever did"
"Really?" Harry said, steeping forward towards her, his wand held as high as ever, "going to get a few death eater pals to do us in, are you?"
"Expelliarmus" I muttered wearily, catching Harry's wand in midair as it flew to me, alerting the room of my presence