Hidden || A Harry Potter Story [Book 1]

Chapter 18: The Gray Gloom

The next month had gone by so fast, Charlotte didn't even realize how close it was for school to start back until she received her supplies list by an owl. Remus promised her that they would go to Diagon Alley the next day to pick up her books and supplies. She had received a letter by Harry that he had been staying at the Leaky Cauldron for the past few weeks, and Charlotte hoped that she would have the chance to see him tomorrow.

However, when her and Remus arrived at Diagon Alley the following day, she knew there was slim chance of seeing her brother. She had never seen so many people in one place! She could barely keep up with Remus from being pushed back by the crowd so much. Once the two entered the bookshop and saw very little people in there, Charlotte began to relax.

"A lot of people here today," Remus commented as he dug in his coat pocket and pulled out the book list. Charlotte nodded as she followed being Remus as he began to pull books off their shelves.

"Charlotte?" A voice from behind her called and when she turned around she was greeted by the light colored eyes of Bryce.

"Bryce! Oh how I've missed you!" She said as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He had grew taller since the last time she saw him and his voice deeper.

"Did you get my birthday card I sent you? I didn't know when the next time I would see you before school so I sent it early," He laughed as he let go of Charlotte.

"Yes! Thank you so much for the sweets! Remus has been wanting to kill me for all the wrappers I leave around the house!" Charlotte smiled and looked back at her guardian who was now at the checkout line. Just as she said that a man and a woman both with dark hair approached them.

"Bryce, who is this?" The woman asked, smiling politely at Charlotte.

"Mum, this is Charlotte, my friend from school I've been telling you about."

"Oh, Charlotte! How wonderful to meet you, Bryce has told me so much about you," Mrs. Ghoston started before Bryce turned a bright shade of pink and glared at his mother. "Oh Bryce, don't give me that look."

Charlotte heard Remus call her as he exited the store and she looked back at Bryce's family, "I'm sorry I have to go, but it was nice meeting you! Bye Bryce, I'll see you at school!"

"Come find me on the train, we can sit together!" He shouted as Charlotte pushed the door open and found Remus standing outside waiting.

"Come on now, we haven't got all day to shop," He said and moved her along to the next shop

Charlotte was tired by the end of the supplies shopping to say the least, and as she entered the Leaky Cauldron to wait on Remus who had to stop at one more store, she was very surprised to see Harry, Ron, and Hermione sitting down at one of the tables.

"Harry!" She exclaimed as she ran over to the table. Harry looked up and immediately got up to hug her.