Harry awoke to birdsong from outside and the rumble of Sheba's purr from a top his chest. He rubbed her head and smiled as her deepened purr vibrated his chest. He wondered what time it was. Since his little "adventure" in India he found himself tiring absurdly easily and sleeping long hours.
Winry assured him it was normal and that once his depleted core had recharged he'd be his normal energetic self. He reached up and scratched Sheba's ears. Then it occurred to him today they were going to the Diagon Alley, for his school robes and his "official" wand.
He quickly got up and got moving there were only a couple more days before he was supposed to take the Hogwart's Express he really wanted to see the castle that was part of his birth right.
He was supposed to meet his pen pals and his cousin Draco at the alley and bring them back later for lunch which meant there was lots to do. Harry laughed as Sheba followed him to the shower, she hadn't left his side from the moment he arrived at the house in England. He had just started to get dressed when he heard a knock on the door.
"Yes?"
Beth opened it slightly. "Good you're moving I know you're going to Diagon today, but be as quick as you can I've moved the midday meal to get to know everyone back an hour, because we've been invited to Balmoral Castle for a late supper."
"Wow, I've been in England less than forty-eight hours and I get to meet the Queen. I feel special."
"It's more than just the Royal family, kiddo. You're also going to be meeting key members of both the magical and mundane governments, they want to get a good look at you."
"Beth, did anyone ever tell you you like to push, or are you trying to pretend you're an evil stepmother?"
Beth laughed, then said, "Funny mister, we'll see you in the breakfast room. Ten minutes."
"Gotcha."
Two hours later Remus opened Diagon Alley for Harry's first view of the famous shopping area of Great Britain. Harry was escorted by Remus, George, and Walter. Also there were Narcissa and Draco Malfoy, Neville Longbottom, and Amelia and Susan Bones. The four kids talked excitedly as Harry shared the photos from the first part of his India trip. Susan and Draco chattered about how exciting getting their wands had been. Harry who had had the thrill of making his own wand smiled happily for his friends but then he noticed Neville didn't seem to share their joy he started the other two into a conversation on quidditch that he knew would keep them occupied and stepped back to talk to his shier, quieter friend. "No story about your own wand, Neville?"
"I'll be using my father's."
"Really? Your Gran, was okay with that?"
"She's been so busy with the restructure that Uncle Algie and Aunt Enid took me to do my shopping. Uncle Algie said as weak as my magic is to spend money on a new wand is a waste of galleons."
"Tell you what mate, I didn't get you anything for your birthday as I was a little busy with finals. You come with me and we'll see about getting you a wand that is yours."
Their first stop was Madam Malkin's, Harry really couldn't help himself he laughed. "Oh man, are you kidding me?"
"Sorry, Harry. That's the uniform." Susan said.
"Okay, but I gotta tell you Sue this really hurts. What are the odds the student body will stage a revolt and succeed in getting something modern brought it."
"With the fuddy duddy's on the Board of Governors, and I include my father in that group, and with Albus Dumbledore, as headmaster, perish the thought chap." Draco added before he dodged the corrective head slap his mother aimed at him.
Harry smirked change wasn't as far as Draco and the others might think. As Earl of Gryffindor Baronet of Hogsmeade, Harry would have the power to change things. While Harry was being fitted he asked, "I've got my schoolbooks but I want to know are there any books about Hogwarts?"
"Yes, Harry it's called Hogwarts: A History ." Amelia Bones said with her smile apparent in her voice. "Perhaps Susan and I should go over to Flourish and Blotts and get you a copy while you're here."
"Really? That'd be fabulous."
"Take your time Amelia I intend to see that Harry is kitted out as befits his station," said Narcissa Malfoy.
Amelia got an even broader smile at Harry's hunted expression.
"Cousin Narcissa, can we discuss this before you start ordering robes that I probably won't wear?" Harry almost whined.