Harry Potter and the Finding of a Home

Diagon Alley

As Harry stood in the sunlight filtering through the windows of the Potter home, he felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Today was the day he would go to Diagon Alley for his school supplies. The house felt alive with the anticipation of the day ahead, but Harry's heart was heavy with the thought of his father's expectations.

"Alright, Charlie, are you ready?" Lily called from downstairs, her voice warm and inviting.

"Yeah!" Charlie Potter shouted back, already halfway down the stairs, bubbling with energy.

"Boy?" James appeared in the doorway, holding a small pouch that clinked with coins. "Here's your budget for today."

Harry stepped forward, hesitantly accepting the pouch filled with fifty Galleons. The weight of it felt simultaneously reassuring and burdensome. He tried to suppress the knot forming in his stomach. Fifty Galleons — that was barely enough to cover the essentials, let alone any extras.

"Remember, this is for all your school supplies," James said, his tone serious. "So make sure to budget carefully. Don't get distracted by shiny things."

"Yes, Sir," Harry replied quietly, forcing a smile. He could sense the tension in his father's gaze, a reminder of how little regard James held for him compared to the joy he showed towards Charlie.

Lily led the way to the door, and Harry followed behind, casting a reluctant glance back at his small, cluttered room. Today, he hoped, would be different. As they stepped out into the bustling streets of Diagon Alley, the vibrant sights and sounds enveloped him, but the thrill was tainted with his insecurities.

Once they arrived, the alley buzzed with energy. Harry's heart raced as he watched witches and wizards maneuvering through the shops, and he felt a pang of longing. He wanted to be excited, to feel like he belonged, but his apprehension held him back.

"Stay close!" Lily called as she led Charlie toward a fancy robe maker's shop. "We need to get you fitted for your school robes!"

Harry lingered for a moment, watching as they disappeared inside. Alone on the street, he tucked himself into a narrow side alley, trying to steady his nerves. He pulled the pouch from his pocket and began counting the coins, mentally itemising what he needed.

Uniform: Three sets of plain work robes: 15 Galleons

One plain pointed hat: 3 Galleons

One pair of protective gloves: 5 Galleons

One winter cloak: 10 Galleons

Books: The Standard Book of Spells: 7 Galleons

A History of Magic: 5 Galleons

Magical Theory: 4 Galleons

A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration: 6 Galleons

One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi: 4 Galleons

Magical Drafts and Potions: 5 Galleons

Fantastic Beasts: 8 Galleons

The Dark Forces: 5 Galleons

Other Equipment: 1 Wand: 10 Galleons

1 Cauldron: 5 Galleons

1 set of glass or crystal phials: 3 Galleons

1 telescope: 10 Galleons

1 set of brass scales: 5 Galleons

Total: 84 Galleons.

His heart sank further as he calculated the total. Eighty-four Galleons? He only had fifty. A sigh escaped his lips. It was clear he would have to make sacrifices. He could skip the winter cloak, which would free up funds for more pressing items.