Stuck on the Sidelines - Book 3

Sighting

It was rather a wet weekend at Privet Drive. Harry had told me in a letter to Marisa that this upcoming weekend Aunt Marge - Uncle Vernon's sister was visiting. I was happily cleaning away my dirty plate and cutlery to see a huge balloon off in the distance; strange. About ten minutes later, Harry emerged from his Aunt's house to walk into the dark night. I quickly dried my hands and left my house to follow him. He was currently sitting on the pavement by the park watching the light above him flicker on and off. It was strangely eerie as the swings rocked in the wind. I, however was more interested in the dog I could clearly see due to my morphing cat eyes. It's thoughts were far too complex than any dog I had ever met. I watched silently as it barked at Harry. It's thoughts saying: 'Danger, danger.' That's odd! Harry had just drawn his wand before a bus magically appeared in front of him knocking him off his feet. The dog retreated. I hurriedly got back to my house knowing he would be fine now that he had transport.

That dog was strange! I luckily had more important things to worry about like how I was going to get to Diagon Alley this year. I couldn't decide - the muggle way was simpler as I still hadn't learnt to apparate yet. I knew I would probably have to take the Hogwarts Express this time as well.

Weeks passed lazily before I had to go to Diagon Alley to pick up my supplies. When I arrived, the street was a lot less crowded than usual. Hermione had told me she was staying in the Leaky Cauldron along with Ron and Harry for the past several weeks. Now what did I need this year - I peered down at the book requirements for my fifth year studies.

HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY

Set Books
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 5) by Miranda Goshawk
Defensive Magical Theory by Wilbert Slinkhard

I was lucky that there were only two new books to buy.