Harry Potter & the Family Who Lived

Chapter 2: Diagon Alley

Harry got dressed immediately, putting on a red shirt and black pants, tidying his messy black hair as best as he could, and throwing on a pair of black shoes.

He dashed out of his room as if it were a race and ran straight into his father who had been on his way to check on Harry. "Woah, slow down there," James said.

"Hey, dad," Harry said. "I'm ready for Diagon Alley!"

James shook his head but couldn't help but grin. "Come on, it's about time we get moving," he said.

James and Harry made their way to the living room where Lily was waiting getting the floo powder ready. "Alright, gentlemen," Lily said. "Shall we get going?"

Harry nodded. James stepped into the fireplace with Harry. They took a handful of floo powder. "Diagon Alley!"

And poof... they were gone.

Soon, they were in the floo powder entrance of Diagon Alley. Lily appeared next to them as they gathered their bearings. "Alright," James said. "I say we go straight to Ollivander's then we can shop to our heart's content."

Harry couldn't agree more as they headed down the long street that seemed to never end with all kinds of shops. As they walked together there was a big crowd around one of the shop windows.

"Would you look at it? I've never seen anything like it!"

"It's the fastest broom in the world."

Harry looked curiously at what people were gawking at. "Step right up, step right up! The Nimbus 2000 fastest broom in the world! If you'd like to place an order please enter the shop to discuss the price," a salesman said as he stood beside the window.

The assign above him read Quality Quidditch Supplies. James grinned as he said. "Come on, Lily. We have to get him one."

"Didn't you read the letter," Lily said rolling her eyes. "First years aren't allowed their own broom. And let's wait for him to actually join the quidditch team before we splurge on an unnecessarily fast and expensive broom."

James shook his head. "Well, I was never one for rules," James said. "Who needs them."

Lily gave James a look. "If and when Harry joins the Quidditch team, we can get him the broom. Not before."

"It's okay, dad," Harry said. "I don't need something like that. Though, it does look pretty cool."

"I see I'm outnumbers," James said as he held up his hands in surrender. "Alright, let's get to Ollivander's."

The three continued on their way as they finally reached Ollivander's which was completely empty except for an old scruffy man with white hair.

Ollivander stood on a ladder facing the boxes of wands, back to the entrance as the three entered. "Mr. Harry James Potter," Ollivander spoke hardly even moving his head as he took a couple boxes from the top shelf. "I've been expected you."

Ollivander climbed down from his ladder and smiled as he took Harry's hand and shook it. "Lily Juniper Evans, it seems only yesterday you were here buying your first wand. Ten and a quarter inches long, swishy, made of willow. Nice wand for charm work," he said as he shook Lily's hand.

"It's Potter now," Lily said. "Lily Juniper Potter."

Ollivander simply smiled and turned to James. "And of course, Mr James Henry Potter," Ollivandr said. "I remember the day fondly. Mahogany. Eleven inches. Pliable. A little more power and excellent for transfiguration."

James nodded along. "It's good to see you. Sorry about your shop last time I was here," he said.

Ollivander waved his hand. "Now... let's see... this one," Ollivander said as he grabbed one of the boxes he had been holding and pulled the wand out. "Twelve inches, oak. Try it out."

Ollivander handed the wand to Harry. Before he could even give the wand a swish, Ollivander took the wand back. "No! Absolutely not," Ollivander said.

Ollivander huffed and turned to the large shelves. "Ah! Maybe," he said. "Elm... no no that won't work."

Ollivander handed Harry a couple of wands often pulling it back before Harry could even wrap his fingers. Ollivander paused for a moment. He studied Harry for a moment and then said "Curious... I wonder..."

Ollivander disappeared for just a moment. "Yes...made of holly, eleven inches long, and contained a single feather from the tail of a phoenix," Ollivander said as he handed the wand to Harry.

Harry immediately felt a connection with the wand as if he had known it his entire life. "What did you mean by curious?" Harry asked.

Ollivander seems to stiffen as he glanced at Lily and James and said. "The phoenix that produced those feathers has only ever produced two feathers. One of which is in this wand and the other... belongs to a wizard thought to be gone for a long... long time. I fear it's no coincidence this wand gravitates to you. For the phoenix who donated these feathers... also belongs to the current Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry... Albus Dumbledore."

"Ollivander... Garrick," Lily said. "Does this mean..."

"I wouldn't put it past it," Ollivander said. "The rumors may not be simply rumors for long... though I can't be for certain..."

Lily nodded. "Thank you," she said. "We'll be going now."

James nodded as he handed Ollivander some coins before ushering Harry out of the store.

The three sat down at the pub as Lily looked a bit distraught. James rested an arm around her. "Harry, I need you to listen to me," Lily said. "There are dangers in this world we've protected you from. One that has been foreboding ever since you were born... there are people in this world that will seek to... to hurt you."

"Is that what that man was talking about?" Harry said.

Lily nodded. "On your first birthday... an evil evil man... monster came to our house. We were able to defend ourselves. With the help of friends... Your father's friends. Remus and Sirius specifically... and Severus."

"To be clear, Severus is Lily's friend not mine," James said as he cleared his throat. "But that night we were able to put a stop to... You Know Who..."

"Is that his name?" Harry asked. "You Know Who?"

"It's one of his names," James said. "He goes by many names, Harry..."

"People fear saying his name," Lily said. "During the war it was used as a taboo. If you said it he'd appear and kill you. Or have one of his loyal followers do so."

"What's his name?" Harry asked.

"Tom Riddle," Lily said. "But better known as... Lord Voldemort. You must not repeat his name, Harry."

Harry nodded. "So what... he wants to kill me? Why?"

"He doesn't need a reason to kill," Lily said. "But... a main reason is because of a prophecy he's heard. He believes that you are the key to his immortality..."

"Immortality? Is that even possible?" Harry asked.

"No," Lily said. "But many have tried to live forever. Some have succeeded more than others."

"The point is," James said. "There may come a time where you must fight him. But know that when that happens we'll be right by your side."

"Always," Lily said as she squeezed Harry's hand.