Chapter 6
The other house however was lively. The three Gryffindor boys were up early to pack their back. The Potters promised them they could stop by Diagon Alley if they left the place spotless. The boys were never more exited to clean than that morning.
"PETE I SWEAR TO MERLIN! COME HERE AND PACK YOUR SOCKS ALREADY!" Screamed James from his room
"Im bwushin my tewth-dwude." mumbeled Peter with a toothbrush in his mouth.
"Guys, I am ready to go!" said Remus as he sat on his suitcase with a briefcase in his hand.
"Remus. Stop teasing and help us." begged James
"No way guys! That's your mess, you problem. NOT mine." he stood up and walked away, struggling to get the suitcase down the stairs without falling. He wasn't quite used to his new found height. He got a few funny looks and giggles from Pete, who was poking his head around a corner, still brushing his teeth.
Euphemia and Fleamont were in the kitchen happily chatting away, Remus walked past them to the front door.
"Where are you going Remus? We will not be going by a car or anything like that. Neither of us can drive." Fleamont laughed.
Remus nervously stuttered "I can drive, I-I-- can drive is to London, it's not far."
"Nonsense- we going by the floo network it will take us straight into the Diagon Alley."
Remus hated floo nearly as much as he did the full moon.
He knew he had no choice. "Alright," he said, trying to sound enthusiastic. "Floo network it is."
They made their way to the fireplace, and James's parents instructed them on the proper technique for using the floo network. Remus took a deep breath and stepped into the flames, shouting "Diagon Alley!"
In an instant, he was hurtling through a tunnel of fire, the hot flames licking at his skin. He emerged on the other end in a crowded alleyway, gasping for breath. James and Peter followed soon after, coughing and sputtering as they stumbled out of the fireplace. Remus couldn't help but laugh at their disheveled appearances.
As they composed themselves, they took in the sights and sounds of Diagon Alley. The bustling marketplace was filled with wizards and witches going about their business. The boys weaved their way through the crowd, taking in the colorful storefronts and interesting wares, it was just like the last time they.James was especially excited to show Remus and Peter a new wizarding candy shop he had discovered during his holidays. They spent some time browsing the shelves, marveling at the array of sweets on offer. Remus couldn't resist buying a few chocolate frogs to snack on. Euphemia and Fleamont kept a close eye on them, so they didn't buy too much candy.
After stocking up on school supplies and treats, they decided to grab a quick bite to eat at the Leaky Cauldron. The pub was filled with the noise of chatter and clinking glasses. They found a table in a cozy corner and ordered some butterbeer and fish and chips. As they ate, they chatted excitedly about the upcoming school year. Remus was anxious about his transformations and how he would manage to keep it a secret since his little furry problem is becoming more and more difficult to handle. James and Peter listened sympathetically, assuring him that they would help him in any way they could.
"Actually guys. Could we visit a Muggle shop with records and books before we to the station? I have some money and I would love to buy a record or two for the gramophone!" asked Remus!
James and Pete jumped up straight away. "YES!" they answered as one and looked at Euphemia and Fleamont, who just came back with two bowls of soup.
"Fine, but make sure not to use any magic, AND be quick we don't have much time left." Euphemia nodded in agreement. The boys stood up and bolted you of the pub.
"A'right boys! Here I am the almighty James Fleamont Potter, on the advanture for records and book in the mystery Muggle world." The boys had fun happily chatting away before they found a small Muggle shop on a quiet street. The shop was filled with shelves of vinyl records and stacks of books. Remus was in heaven as he flipped through the records, searching for his favorite artists. James and Peter followed close behind, scanning the titles of the books.
"Hey, guys, check this out," said James, holding up a book with an intriguing cover. "It's called 'To Kill a Mockingbird.' Have you heard of it?"
Remus shook in agreement but Peter's eyes widened with excitement. "Yeah, I read that one last summer. It's really good," he said.
"Let's get it then," said James, he never read a book by a Muggle Author, so he was exited to what it was about.
"Guys? Should I get the new album from The Queen or ABBA." James and Pete looked at each other shrugging their shoulders.
"Whitchever you like better?" said Pete.
"But I love both!" Remus cried.
"If you ask' me get The Queens!" Shouted the Muggle shopkeeper, he was a friendly man with a bushy beard and wire-rimmed glasses and a strange accent. Remus put the ABBA away and starts to look through the books. James and Pete meanwhile look at the album covers. James was confused why the photographs weren't moving and Pete had to patiently explain. Remus had found a book, that he had his eye on for a while now 'The Picture of Dorian Grey'. He decided to get it. Pete ended up with 'The Gambler' by Dostojevsky. They made their way to the checkout counter with their new-found treasures.
"A'right, that will be 6 pounds boys." Remus and Peter paid, James promised them to make it up to them.
"Thank you, Sir." answered Remus.
"Oi! Boy ar' ya also from Wales?"
"I am actually!"
"Bloody hell. That is amazin! I've never met a brother here in London! How's the city treatin' ya? " Remus answered him in a strange series of sounds, which meanings could James with Pete only guess. Remus and the man laughed, and Remus waved his hand. The Muggle shopkeeper wished them a good day and the boys left.
"wHAT WAS THAT!?" Pete was surprised. "We never knew you knew a language different than English."
"That was Welsh." Remus turned around with his cheeks growing red. He didn't even know why he was emberassed. Knowing a language was supposed to be cool. He always found it cool when James and his mum spoke Spanish with each other. So why was he ashamed for knowing Welsh?
James and Pete teased him the whole way back to the Leaky Cauldron, making a big deal out of it. Remus rolled his eyes but couldn't help but smile. He was grateful to have friends like them who made him feel accepted and loved for who he was, even if is included getting made fun of. He must admit it, Welsh really does sound strange. As they walked back into the pub, Euphemia and Fleamont were already waiting for them, their bags packed and ready to go.
"Alright boys, time to head to the station," said Fleamont as he stood up. James started telling his parents about their 'Muggle adventure' and about Remus and his Welsh.
"Oh- I always knew Remus had an accent I thought it was Scottish at first, but Welsh makes more sense." James and his dad smiled devilishly.
"Don't worry, Remus. They make fun of me too." Euphemia offered sympathy to the boy. "Just wait until James forgets his Spanish, I will make so much fun of him then!" she laughed along with the rest of them. The boys got their suits and the group made their way to station and platform 3 and 3/4. The new school year was just around the corner, and with it came new challenges and adventures. The boys couldn't be more excited!
"I wonder where is Sirius, did anyone see him?" asked Pete.
"Nope! Black is nowhere to be seen!" Head with flaming red hair appeared in their compartment.
"Lily! I haven't seen you in AGES! How have you been?!" started James, his eyes sparking.
"I've been great!" answered another voice.
"Mary! Hi." greeted their friend Pete.
"Hi, Pete. Now Everyone come here and give me a hug!" Her dark curls took every face captive. Not letting anyone escape their lavender smell.
"A GROUP HUG AND YOU LEAVE ME OUT OF IT!" the third voice belonged to Marlene, she was acting as if she was offended.
"We would never!" started Lily and Mary with Pete nodded in agreement as they tackled her into a hug. "Holy shit! I just noticed. PETE! WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU! You look so different now!"
"YEEAH," Pete started putting on a smirk and crossing his arms in front of his chest trying to act cool. " I hear I should try out for the Quiditch team."
James ruffeled his hair. "You sure should. But don't think I'm going to go easy on you, buddy!"
The six friends shared stories from their Summer holidays along with some laughs. Remus mainly listened. He didn't do much during the holidays. Mainly just help mum and dad with work, so he was eager to hear about Mary's and Marlene's vacation. He found out Mary took her friend to Egypt. Marlene showed off her Arabic skills that she picked up during the two week trip. No need to say Lily and Pete were impressed. Mary also shared how much her family in Egypt lover Marlene and kept asking about her long after they left. Lily happily talked about her sister Petunia and her new boyfriend, who she spend time with during the summer on their farm. And Pete with James shared their holiday adventures, Remus was pretty sure they were overexaggerating when they talked about theirs. And before they knew it, they were at Hogwarts. Sirius still nowhere to be seen.