10

10. Diagon Alley

As expected the summer holidays weren't fun at all. Most of the time I would hang out alone in the huge garden of the orphanage. I couldn't stand the muggle children in here; neither could they stand me so we would just leave each other alone. Right now, I was resting under a tree and enjoying the sun shining on my face. The warm sunrays stroke my face and made me sleepy. I could feel the slight weight of Nala on my stomach. She was sleeping with her little head on my breast, snoring slightly every now and then. The sun made her raven black fur shine dark blue. She was the only friend I had in the orphanage but I was fine with it. At night I would smuggle her into my bedroom so that she could sleep in my bed. I didn't have to worry about food; she caught mice and birds in the garden.

Suddenly, I could hear someone walk beside me and calling my name in a rather annoyed voice. Nala, disturbed in her peaceful sleep, jumped up and run away. I sighted and looked after her while standing up. When I turned around I faced an angry looking Maria. She was one of the carer.

"I have called for you at least ten times Arya. Why can't you come the first time?"

"I'm sorry, I didn't hear you."

"Well, the doctor is here and now it's your turn. He wants to make the routine control." With that she turned around and marched in direction of the building.

Crap, I thought. I had completely forgotten about that. Every day I was waiting for letters from Hermione, Harry and Ron but only Hermione and Ron had sent me some letters. It was annoying because they had to send them in the night so that no-one would see the owls arrive. I hated the doctor. He was unpleasant, gross and mean.

Slowly I made my way to his office. He was already waiting behind his desk. With a dark glimpse and furred eyebrows he made a slight gesture with his hand. With my heart beating louder and faster now I sat on his doctor's couch. Grumpily he came over to me, the instruments in his hands. I tried not to jerk back but I couldn't prevent myself from doing so when he started taking of my t-shirt roughly.

"God, stop moving girl!" He told me angrily. "You know what I have to do and now don't move and let me do my work." He threw my shirt on the ground and started his procedure. He measured my blood pressure, my pulse and tested my body reflex. I winced every time he touched my bare skin with his ice cold hands.

"Damn it child" he growled when I twitched again and made one of his instruments fall down. He raised his hand and slapped me right on my cheek. I was surprised and didn't feel the pain. Feeling my tears coming up I jumped up and tried to push him away but he was much taller than me. He grinned nasty at me.

"Don't think you could beat me girl! Keep still or I will skin this bloody cat of yours. Don't think I hadn't noticed." He wanted to sit me down again but I couldn't hold my hate anymore. I lost control over myself and suddenly the lamp on his desk exploded with a loud clanging noise. He turned around in a split second and I used his distraction to grab my shirt and slip out the door. Panting I arrived in my bedroom and closed the door behind me. I broke down crying, my back slipping down the door. I wanted to get out of here so badly! I wanted to go back to Hogwarts and I wanted to take Nala with me because I knew when he caught her he would hurt her. When I was away I couldn't watch over her and he knew it.

I was fast asleep when an owl landed in my room. I slept with open windows because of the heat but also because of the letters written by Hermione, Ron and Severus. Strangely enough, I didn't get any from Harry. I got awaken by the slight tug on my hair. When I raised my head I saw Omega looking at me with his piercing eyes. He was Severus' owl but I often used him to send letters to my friends because I had none. When I sat up smiling he was already holding out his left leg.

"Thanks! Do you want something to drink?" I asked while climbing out of bed and filling a glass with water. With a thankful chirp Omega placed himself on the chair back to drink. I searched for parchment and ink and then I made myself comfortable on the bed. Omega had two letters: one from Hermione and one from Severus. I opened first Hermione's.

Dear Arya,

How are you? I hope everything is ok. I know how it upsets you to be stuck in the orphanage so I wrote you as often as possible. However, I have news for you: Harry is fine; he's with the Weasley's now. I don't know how they've gotten him out but I hope it's nothing illegal…

By the way, I'm still wondering where you've got this owl from. It's gentle but also very independent and clever.

I'm very busy with school work, of course, and we're going to London next week to buy my new books. Do you think we could meet in Diagon Alley? I'm looking forward to seeing you again!

Lots of love, Hermione

I shook my head smiling when I read about her working for school. Hermione, we are on holiday! Next I opened Severus' letter. It was longer and very neat.

Dear Arya,

As you see your friend Hermione has written you a letter. I think Omega has taken a huge liking to you! He was eager to leave. I hope you are fine and things are going well.

However, as you know, Albus has taken you to Diagon Alley last year for your supplies. I have asked him to let you go to Diagon Alley and he agreed. Next Wednesday an auror will pick you up and bring to Diagon Alley. You'll meet with the Weasley family, Potter and Granger.

I have seen last time that Draco has sent you some letters. I know you don't want to be in contact with him but I think he's really trying. You should talk to him in Hogwarts or at least telling him the truth… I think you owe him an explanation don't you think?

Now, have you read all the books yet? I guess you are the most advanced student in Hogwarts concerning potions. By the way, if I could I would take you in a higher class. I know how bored you are in class.

Well, Omega is impatient so I'll leave this letter as it is. I wish you the best and remember: in two weeks you will be back in Hogwarts. I can't wait to see you again! And believe me if I could take you out of the orphanage I would come right way!

Severus

I finished reading with mixed feelings. On one hand I was very happy that he managed for me to go to Diagon Alley with my friends. But on the other hand I tried to forget about Draco. Surely, it was impossible because he sent me letters every now and then. Additionally, I had not told Severus about my problem with the doctor. I knew if I told him he would freak out and maybe do something rash.

I sighted and took a piece of parchment. Quickly I wrote a letter to the both of them. Soon Omega was stretching his wings again and flying into the darkness of the night. When I laid back in bed I couldn't sleep. I could not await Wednesday!

Finally, a few days later it was Wednesday morning. I was awake since sunrise and very eager to leave. The auror came at 9 o'clock. He presented himself as John Dawlish. He was wearing a trench coat and an unreadable expression. His piercing blue eyes made me uncomfortable and I was glad when we left the orphanage. In a dark spot he apparated us into Tom's bar. After we had passed the stone wall we walked straight to Gringotts. Like last year I was overwhelmed by the feeling of magical presence. I could feel magic in every person, every object and even in every animal.

I took out my book list I would need for my second year. All except one were from Gilderoy Lockhart and very expensive but money wasn't a problem for me. Arriving at my vault I entered alone, taking a pocket full of galleons. The auror, John Dawlish, didn't say a word while we walked to Flourish and Blotts. We were by no means the only ones making our way to the bookshop. I got more and more excited and started running when I could see the red of Weasley's hair. When I crashed into Hermione I almost knocked her down but she only laughed and hugged me tightly.

"God Arya, I've missed you so much! I'm glad you're fine and finally with us now."

"Believe me, I feel the same. I'm so glad that I got out of there…" I said laughing. Then I hugged Ron and Harry who smelled a bit strange.

"What happened to you Harry?" I asked astonished. "Did you get burned?!", grinning slightly.

"Well…", he pinched his nose in discomfort whilst Ron was laughing "I got lost on my way here, travelling by Floo powder."

"Wow, well I must admit it's very strange the first time so I guess it's okay. Where did you got out instead?" I asked not able to contain myself from grinning. I earned a dark look from Hermione.

"In a creepy shop in Knockturn Alley."

"Oh crap." I was astonished. "However, positive site, we're all here now." I jumped around childishly making them laugh.

We made our way through Diagon Alley and finally went to Flourish and Blotts. On our way, Harry told me about an encounter with Draco and his father in Knockturn Alley. I got thoughtful and almost stumbled over my feet. Why would Lucius Malfoy want to sell something. Maybe he's got to hide some dark stuff. That wouldn't surprise me seeing as the Malfoys were supporters of the dark magic. I got disturbed in my thoughts when we arrived at the book shop, bursting at the seams because of a new celebrity called Gilderoy Lockhart. He would be signing copies of his autobiography. Mrs. Weasley and Hermione were highly doting on him. When I got sight of him I couldn't resist from laughing out of astonishment. Gilderoy Lockhart felt like a stupid guy who was only famous because of his books. Unfortunately, he saw Harry and pulled him to the front. It was clear for everyone who wasn't dazzled by Lockharts charm that Harry wasn't having fun at all. I smiled sympathetically at him. After he got an extra signed edition from Lockhart and many photos later we made our way through the crowd to the exit.

"Bet you loved that, didn't you Potter?" said a voice I had no trouble recognising. I turned around slowly and found myself face to face with Draco, wearing his usual Draco Malfoy sneer. "Famous Harry Potter, can't even go into a bookshop without making the front page." He wasn't looking at me but fixing his eyes on Harry. To our surprise Ginny attacked him verbally but Draco only raised one eyebrow in amusement. Damn, I always wanted to know how to do that. I got distracted for a second before I concentrated again. I got angry and sad at the same time. I knew I would have trouble with him again this year. Draco was still trying to get me to talk with him but I couldn't let myself go. I needed to push him away from me to keep him safe. So I stood a little in front of Harry and shot Draco the darkest look I could manage. I was quite proud actually because I didn't show any sign of weakness.

"Leave him alone Malfoy. We don't need you here." His head turned into my direction and he raised his eyebrow again. Then he grinned nastily staring at me. I knew something bad was coming and I was right. Without our eyes losing contact he insulted Ron and Ginny what made him start towards Draco. Before he could pass me however I held him in place by raising an invisible magic wall between them. Ron shot me a dark look when he felt that he couldn't move any further to Draco.

"Lovely Jackson, protecting me. Never thought that would happen." He laughed coldly.

"Idiot! I'm not protecting you, why should I. I would rather let you rot in hell than moving one finger for your protection." I countered grinning devilishly. Before I could say something else Mr. Weasley, Fred and George came, asking what was going on.

"Well, well, well, Arthur Weasley." Lucius Malfoy appeared behind Draco with his usual cold sneer on his face. My feeling didn't deceive me. He managed as easily as Draco to made Mr. Weasley start towards Lucius Malfoy. I would have loved to see that fight but luckily my magic wall was still raised so nothing happened except that both of them were killing each other with looks. Suddenly, Lucius turned his head and stared me in the eyes, totally knowing what I was doing.

"Jackson, you really are some stupid girl. Protecting this traitors and muggle lovers. What would your father say…" I wanted to stay calm but I could feel Harry's and the Weasley's anger by my side.

"My father", I imitated him "isn't here so think wisely about insulting my friends. Threaten them and I will make you pay for it." I said watching him deeply in the eyes. Draco stepped forward again.

"And you think carefully about threatening my family. Touch them once and I will never leave you alone in school." He grinned again and winked with one eye. I understood what he wanted to say but the fact that he said it the way he did made me only angrier. Slowly he took a step in my direction. "Tell me Jackson, how is living without a family?" He asked with his usual cold stare and typical Draco Malfoy voice. I pinched my eyes together but didn't move. I knew he wanted to make me angry, didn't want to give him the satisfaction though. Again he moved forward very slowly. Suddenly he started grinning and when I found myself face to face with him I realized my mistake. I had raised the protective wall to keep the Weasley's, Harry and Lucius Malfoy from attacking each other. It was useful for everybody, except Draco. Damn it Arya, I said to myself, you shouldn't let your emotions control your action. It was out of habit that I hadn't include Draco in the protective magic because it was usually enough telling him off. Our noses were almost touching now. He grinned nastily when he saw my anger on my fault.

"Now Jackson, looks as if your magic is not so effective, isn't it?" He laughed and I could feel his breath on my face. I felt Hermione and Harry move behind my back but I ignored them. "Now again, how is your life in the orphanage? Is it fun?" he asked coldly. My anger was now clearly visible as I spoke in a controlled voice.

"Screw you Draco Malfoy for being that evil little brat. I don't care what you say." My control left me, I could feel it.

"Oh really, doesn't look like that to me. I mean you just raised your magic around the two of us."

Surprised I controlled it and he was right again. The others were watching me with a concerned look. I could see Hermione and Mr. Weasley slightly shaking their heads but I ignored them. I turned my gaze to Draco again. He was grinning because he knew that he had won that round but I wouldn't leave it now.

"Well, Malfoy tell me how is living with that crazy family of yours? Is it fun being pushed around all the time?" I asked emotionless, knowing that I would struck a nerve. You want a fight Draco? I can give you one. I hated pushing him away but I knew that I had really gotten him now. I almost lost control over my cold mask when I saw him flinch slightly. He swallowed and I could see the pain in his eyes. Then he straightened, wiping every emotion out of his face.

"At least I am not befriended with such blood traitors and mudbloods." My shot had gone in the wrong direction! Before I could think about anything I started forwards, slapping Draco right across the face. At least that was my intention I guess. He, knowing me to well, managed to dodge my hand. With my outburst the magic wall around the two of us had faded because of my lack of concentration. Suddenly, I was hold by some hands and stared at a grinning Draco Malfoy. Damn, even if I loved him as brother I would have loved to wipe that grin out of his face.

"Come Draco, we leave now." Said Lucius and left the shop. Draco, raising one eyebrow in my direction, turned around and followed his father.

"Arya calm down." I heard Hermione's voice in my ear but I didn't manage to come over the fact that he had won two of two rounds in less than 5 minutes. I was angry at myself for letting myself go like that.

"I cannot calm down Hermione. Now let go of my arms."

Without another word I passed all the starring people and left the bookshop. Outside I shook my head to free myself from Draco but it didn't work. For the rest of the day I was quiet, not wanting to talk about what happened. In the evening John Dawlish brought me back to the orphanage.

"You know I will have to report what happened to Professor Dumbledore?" he asked, staring at me with his piercing eyes.

"I don't care. Do whatever you have to do…" with that I turned around and laid on my bed. I could hear the door closing when he left. My eyes started prickling. I cried for almost an hour. I hated how I had to threat Draco, that I had to live in the orphanage, I missed Severus and Hogwarts. The only comfort was that I would be back in Hogwarts soon.