Reliving the Past, Present, and Future

Chapter 6

"Diagon Alley," read Bill off the bottle before pouring the contents into the basin.

A swirl of colors later and the group was soon back in the rickety shack.

"Last one before bed, I think," said Mrs. Weasley, ignoring the groans of protest around the room.

Charlie glanced at his watch that once was one of the Prewett twins' and realized with a start it was already half past ten.

The freshly-turned eleven-year-old suddenly squeezed his eyes tighter as if he was pondering something difficult.

"It wasnt real," young Harry whispered. "I'm in my cupboard."

Heads quickly swiveled, including a startled Harry, to a tapping sound coming from a window and saw a small pudgy owl was the source.

Young Harry sat up and many noticed Hagrid's coat had been substituting as a blanket producing many smiles from those watching. Harry looked around and noticed the snoring Hagrid on the collapsed sofa, and soon turned to the window where the owl was impatiently waiting to deliver the post.

It was as if an explosion of light had bloomed into the eleven-year-old's eyes followed by a blinding grin.

Nearly everyone was grinning at Harry's moment of happiness.

"Daddy was right," said a dreamy voice next to Ginny. "Gnomes of the Knacker family have transport abilities."

Nearly everyone jumped out of their skin as they all turned to look at the newcomer while Hagrid was sleepily instructing Harry what to do with the owl.

"Er – " started Harry, staring at the girl. She had dirty blonde hair, wore radish earrings, and had a necklace strewed with Butterbeer tops over a bright orange dress with yellow stockings. She wore no shoes.

"Hi, Luna," said Ginny, beaming at her. Luna merely waved, no indication of surprise why she was suddenly with a large group of witches and wizards in a pensive.

Ginny giggled. "Everyone, this is Luna Lovegood. She's a fourth year in Ravenclaw."

"Your father is the editor of the Quibbler, isn't he?" said Bill kindly.

"Oh, yes," said Luna absentmindedly as she put her wand behind her ear. A few people exchanged wary looks at the mention of the magazine.

"Xenophilius and you live right over the hill from us," stated Arthur curiously.

Luna nodded as she got out the Quibbler and began reading the magazine upside down. There was an exchange of bewildered looks before everyone slowly turned their attention back to the present scene.

" – gotta get up ter London an' buy all yer stuff."

Harry was looking over a knut with curiosity until it became downcast with a look of hopelessness.

"What changed your mood?" asked Hermione curiously, wondering what Harry could have thought of in a split second to bring back the look he wore at the Dursleys.

"Probably the Nargles," said Luna absentmindedly, not looking up from her magazine.

"What are Nargles?" asked Ron with his eyebrows raised.

"Creatures that live in mistletoe, they're always stealing my shoes," mused Luna casually, still not looking at anyone.

Ron's eyebrows scrunched together incredulously, and Hermione stared at her with disbelief.

Ginny grinned at her quirky friend. 

Draco could only stare and with an odd moment of comadere, exchanged bewildered looks with the mudblood.