Diagon Alley looked… different than it had the last time Harry was here. Naturally, everything looked a little bit newer, but not brand new. The displays were different, but everything else seemed to be the same, from the kids whispering at the window of the Quidditch shop, to the people walking up the road whispering to each other. The biggest difference Harry noticed on this visit to Diagon Alley was that nobody pointed to his scar and began whispering his name excitedly. Harry was just a normal kid here, and that was refreshing.

“Let’s start by getting your robes, Harry,” Mrs. Snape said, guiding them towards Madam Malkin’s. The store was pretty much the same as it was in the nineties, except the door was a few shades lighter.

Inside, the clerk asked, “Hogwarts, dears?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Harry said, recalling his recent visit and finding it very strange that he had to get all of his supplies for the second time.

Getting his robes went pretty much the same as last time; the measuring tape took his measurements, and when his robes were done, they left.

“But don’t you need robes?” Harry asked Severus, who laughed and shook his head.

“I got mine last week. The only thing I want today is a few new potions books. I earned some extra galleons making some itch soothing potions this summer,” Severus said, smirking.

“When I went to Diagon Alley the last time, I saw a book called Brilliant Potions Made Easier, but Hagrid wouldn’t let me get anything that wasn’t on the list,” Harry said, wondering if the book had even been written in the seventies.

“That one just came out, I’m going to be picking it up today!” Severus said.

“Can I read it once you’re done? The books on this list are the same as the last ones, and I already read those,” Harry said, earning himself a bit of respect in Severus’ eyes.

“Why don’t we practice making a few potions? I’ve done it before,” Severus said as they made their way to Flourish and Blotts.

“I used to cook for my relatives, but I’m not sure whether it’s the same or not,” Harry said, not noticing the frown Severus’ mother made at the statement. She looked like she wanted to say something but decided against it. Instead, she went to the counter and requested a Hogwarts bundle.

Harry and Severus were glancing at several potions books when the door opened. Harry could hear some kids come in, but didn’t bother looking up until once of them spoke in a loud, obnoxious tone.

“Guys, look! Snivellus made a friend! Probably another…”

When Harry turned around to face the obnoxious newcomer, he was surprised to find how much the kid looked like him. Though the boy was bigger, taller, and his eyes were brown instead of green, the similarities were obvious. The other boys who were with him noticed the similarities as well, but they at least tried to control their expressions.

One said, “James, do you know him?”   

“No, Sirius, I don’t. What’s your name, kid?” James asked, looking Harry up and down, clearly trying to figure out why Harry looked so much like him.

With a shock, Harry realized he was looking at his father. Knowing that he dared not reveal his full identity, he simply said, “I’m Harry.”  

“And what’s your last name?” James demanded, but was cut off when a loud crash from across the room caused them all to jump. 

When they turned to face the source of the noise, James rolled his eyes and stomped over. Harry was surprised when Severus gave him a brief nod before turning his attention to James. Harry watched as James and his friends picked up a stack of books each. James turned to the owner and called something about sticking them all on his tab as they walked out the door.

Harry couldn’t believe how much of a… jerk…his father appeared to be. “Is he always so… charming?” he asked Severus sarcastically.

“Oh yeah! He’s a pleasure! And Sirius is just as bad! Remus isn’t too bad, but Peter is a little creepy,” Severus said.

“James reminds me of my cousin Dudley,” Harry said, uncomfortable with the comparison, though it was true. “Why did he call you Snivellus?”

Severus seemed nervous as he turned to face Harry. “It’s a nickname he and Sirius made up for me last year, and it has yet to die down,” he said with a frown. 

Harry couldn’t believe that his father was such a jerk. He could see that his aunt had actually been telling the truth when she called him a bully.

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