Charm - Harry Potter harem x OC

~Chapter 1: A Chance Encounter in Diagon Alley~

~Diagon Alley Bustles with Magic~

              THE SUMMER SUN BATHED DIAGON ALLEY in a warm, golden glow, casting long shadows from the bustling shops that lined the cobblestone streets. Witches and wizards of all ages moved about, their robes swishing as they darted in and out of stores, laden with purchases for the upcoming school year. Amidst the vibrant crowd, three familiar figures navigated the throng with practiced ease.

Harry Potter, his round glasses perched on his nose, exchanged an amused glance with Hermione Granger, who was pointing out new editions of textbooks displayed in the window of Flourish and Blotts. Ron Weasley, towering over them with his lanky frame, was more interested in showing Harry and Hermione something he had been eagerly carrying around since he had arrived.

"Look at this!" Ron exclaimed, pulling out a copy of the Daily Prophet from his bag. His eyes sparkled with excitement as he unfolded the paper to reveal a large photograph on the front page.

Harry leaned in to get a better look. The moving photograph showed the entire Weasley family, gathered around an ancient Egyptian tomb. Each of them waved enthusiastically at the camera, with Bill and Charlie standing proudly at the front, and Percy, Fred, George, Ron, and Ginny smiling beside their parents. Even the ghoul in the background seemed to be celebrating.

"Blimey," Harry said, genuinely impressed. "That must have been incredible."

"It was," Ron agreed, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Bill took us down to these ancient tombs—cursed, of course—where there were all these traps and—"

"Honestly, Ron, you've told us this a hundred times," Hermione interrupted, though she couldn't hide her own interest. "But it does sound amazing."

Ron was about to continue his tale when the sound of light, melodic laughter caught their attention. Harry turned toward the source, his curiosity piqued, and immediately felt his breath hitch.

A girl stood by the door of the Magical Menagerie, her back partially turned to them as she engaged in conversation with the shopkeeper. She was petite, barely reaching five feet, but there was something almost ethereal about her presence. Her long, silvery-white hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, catching the sunlight in a way that made it shimmer. When she turned, revealing her face, Harry was struck by her delicate, almost porcelain-like features. Her skin was incredibly pale, but it was her eyes that captured his attention—vivid, almost unnatural pink, framed by thick lashes. They were the kind of eyes that seemed to see right through you, both innocent and knowing at once.

"Blimey, she looks like a Veela," Ron muttered, his ears turning red as he stared, clearly captivated.

Hermione rolled her eyes but couldn't help a curious glance. "She's not a Veela," she said, more to herself than to the others. "She's...different."

At that moment, the girl looked up, her eyes locking with Harry's for just a fraction of a second. She smiled, a small, polite gesture, but it carried a warmth that made Harry feel as though he'd been touched by a summer breeze. Before he could think to respond, she turned back to her conversation, leaving Harry and his friends to exchange bewildered looks.

"Who do you think she is?" Harry asked, more to fill the silence than anything else.

"Don't know," Ron replied, still staring. "But she's definitely not from around here. I'd remember if we'd seen her at Hogwarts."

Hermione frowned thoughtfully. "She could be from Beauxbatons or Durmstrang. Maybe a transfer student?"

As they stood there speculating, the girl finished her conversation and began walking toward them, the flow of the crowd naturally parting to make way for her. As she passed by, she gave the trio another soft smile, her gaze lingering on Harry for just a moment longer.