Moonstruck

Prologue

July 31st, 1991

Marlene Ross noticed the date on the back of some random person's copy of the prophet as she passed through the leaky cauldron on her way to Diagon Alley, feeling the adrenaline pulling through her. Today, Marlene was going to meet him.

"Happy Birthday, Harry Potter" She whispered under her breath.

The first thing on Marly's list of things to do was to get some new quidditch gloves. So she purchased a fresh new pair from quality quidditch supplies. Then, She stopped by Eyelops to restock on treats for her screech owl, John. Finally making her way to flourish and blotts to get the books she needed for the upcoming year.

Marlene stood outside the door and took a deep breath. It was about to be the moment that she had spent the last three years planning for. She knew what she wanted to say, to do, she had planned meticulously for this day. Here I go. Pushing open the door, it didn't take long to find the person Marlene was looking for, as he was standing next to someone who could very well be the largest man in the country. Of course, that meant that her view of her person of interest was quite obstructed. But she knew how to change that.

"Hagrid!" Marlene called out to the towering man.

He turned his head towards the sound of his name. "Marlene! It's good ter see yeh. How are yeh? Getting yer school supplies I bet."

"Actually I'm meeting someone later today, Hagrid!" Marly responded brightly. " I'm actually quite nervous about it."

"Yeh shouldn't be! Yer great with making friends. Yeh'll be fine! Say, Marlene, have yeh met Harry? He's goin into his first year." Hagrid gestured to a scrawny boy with a bundle of messy black hair and his nose in a book. At first glance, he looked like quite the bookworm.

Marlene stepped closer so that she could read its title. "Curses and Countercurses (Bewitch Your Friends and Befuddle Your Enemies with the Latest Revenges: Hair Loss, Jelly-Legs, Tongue-Tying and Much, Much More). Interesting choice Mr. Harry. Getting straight into business before you even start Hogwarts eh?"

"I was just trying to find out how to curse my cousin Dudley" The boy stuttered, trying to defend himself. He seemed slightly shaken by her American accent but quickly got over it.

Marly let out a chuckle. " I'll tell you one thing for sure, you don't want Minnie as your head of house if that's what interests you. Can't say I disapprove though."

"Course you won't. You and those Weasley twins...." Hagrid grumbled. "Anyway, Marlene meet Harry Potter. Harry meet Marlene Ross."

"Hi." Harry waved his hand meekly. Marlene groaned internally. She had forgotten how awkward he was in his first year.

"Potter? Sounds familiar. Have we met before?" She said playfully, knowing very well who he was, the entire wizarding world did.

"Err no? I don't think so?"

"Of course not," She said with a wink. "Also you can just call me Marley, all my friends do."

"So are we friends, then?" came the innocent response.

"Only if you want to be. I promise I'll try not to bite." Harry's horrified look left her chuckling. "I'm just kidding. I'm not a wolf or a dog or something." The poor boy looked thoroughly relieved, earning another chuckle from the older girl.

"Marlene!" Hagrid suddenly exclaimed. " Just realized, I still haven't gotten Harry a birthday present. Could yeh help him ter get the rest of his supplies. I'll meet yeh at Ollivander's."

"Of course, Hagrid" Marlene reassured him. As he dashed out of the store, she turned to Harry. "And to you Mr. Potter, a very happy birthday!"

Marlene could hear the mumbled response. "Thanks."