The bustle of Diagon Alley was as lively as ever, the cobblestones crowded with witches and wizards preparing for the new school year. The air was thick with excitement, but none more so than the group of children and their entourage. Harry, Neville, Susan, Tonks, Daphne, Hannah, and Tracey walked with wide eyes, their robes fluttering in the cool breeze as they absorbed the vibrant sights of the magical world.
Charlus Potter, ever the imposing figure, led the way with Dorea by his side, her sharp eyes taking in every detail with practiced grace. Sirius, towering beside them, had his usual mischievous grin plastered on his face, clearly enjoying the chaos. Amelia Bones, tall and dignified, walked beside Andromeda Tonks, her gaze occasionally flicking to her daughter, Nymphadora, who was bouncing on her heels with excitement.
"You lot ready to get some wands?" Sirius asked with a smirk, nudging Harry in the side. "Let's get this over with so we can hit the joke shop."
"Not until you behave," Dorea said flatly, her voice an icy calm that somehow made even Sirius straighten up for a moment. "I'm not dealing with another explosion in Ollivanders, Sirius."
Sirius raised an eyebrow. "Oh, come on, I didn't set the shop on fire. That was James."
Harry laughed, shaking his head. "I feel like we're setting up for a disaster, but I'm game."
Amelia smirked, her voice carrying the sharpness of a woman who'd been in charge for years. "Just don't blow anything up, and we'll be fine."
"Amelia, darling," Charlus interrupted, voice low but full of authority. "When has that ever stopped us?"
Dorea rolled her eyes. "He has a point, Amelia."
"Ha," Tonks laughed, twirling her hair around her finger. "You've got to admit, it's part of the charm."
As the group stepped into the narrow doorway of Ollivanders, the familiar scent of polished wood and parchment filled the air. The shop was dimly lit, and the walls were lined with narrow shelves overflowing with wands. The tinkling sound of magic hummed through the shop as Mr. Ollivander, an ancient-looking man with eyes as sharp as a hawk's, emerged from the back, his gaze instantly assessing the newcomers.
"Ah, the next generation," he said, his voice soft but with a firm, knowing quality. "Come right in, come right in. Let's see what we can do for you."
Harry stepped forward first, his eyes glittering with excitement. He'd waited for this moment for years, and now that it was finally here, he felt a rush of anticipation.
"Let's see," Ollivander muttered, walking behind the counter and pulling down several boxes of wands. He presented Harry with the first wand—a slim, light wand of pine. Harry took it, and as soon as he flicked it, a single spark fizzled out, dying before it could even leave the tip.
Sirius snorted, crossing his arms. "Not quite the spectacle I was expecting."
Harry shot him a look, the playful glint in his eye unmistakable. "Shut up, I'm still learning."
Ollivander nodded thoughtfully, pulling down a second wand. This one was made of dark mahogany, heavier in Harry's hand, but when he waved it, a burst of sparks shot from the tip, illuminating the entire shop in a swirl of colors. Yet, something still felt… off.
"Ah," Ollivander said, tapping his chin with a finger. "Not quite there."
"Trying to match him to a wand is like trying to put a square peg in a round hole," Charlus remarked, glancing at Harry with a smirk. "It'll take the right one to really work."
Dorea raised an eyebrow, her voice cutting through the moment. "Careful, Charlus. You're not the only one who knows how to pick a good wand."
"Alright, alright," Ollivander muttered, pulling down a third wand—this one of ebony wood, 11 inches, with a core of Hebridean Black Dragon heartstring. Harry took it in hand, feeling an immediate surge of power through his fingertips. When he flicked it, a trail of red and gold light burst from the tip, swirling in elegant patterns before fading into the air.
The entire shop seemed to still.
"Now that's more like it," Sirius said under his breath, clearly impressed.
"Well, you do have a bit of fire in you," Ollivander said with a knowing smile. "This wand is an excellent match for you. It suits your natural affinity for strength in dueling and defensive magic. I've no doubt you'll make good use of it."
Harry grinned, feeling the weight of the wand settle into his palm. "It feels perfect."
Next up was Neville. He stepped up with a bit of nervous energy, but he squared his shoulders and took the first wand that Ollivander offered—a sturdy oak wand with a unicorn hair core. He waved it with a flick, and the wand emitted a soft, green glow, like sunlight filtering through leaves.
"Ah, yes," Ollivander said, his voice almost approving. "This wand is ideal for someone with a connection to nature. It will complement your Herbology skills and your natural healing abilities."
Neville's face lit up, his shoulders relaxing. "Thanks," he said softly, feeling more at ease than he had in the whole shop.
Susan was next, her excitement bubbling as she took a wand of willow wood, 10 inches, with a dragon heartstring core. As soon as she took hold of it, a cascade of blue and silver sparks shot from the tip, dancing gracefully in the air like a thousand tiny fireworks.
"This is perfect for charm work and intricate spells," Ollivander noted, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Your natural precision is well matched by this wand."
Tonks practically bounced on her feet as she was handed a wand of walnut, with a phoenix feather core. The moment she took hold of it, a burst of vibrant lights exploded from the tip, blending colors as wild and whimsical as her personality.
"Well, I suppose that's one way to make an entrance," Sirius remarked, his grin wide and mischievous.
Tonks stuck her tongue out at him. "You've got to admit, it's a little more exciting than your old wand tricks."
"Are you sure you two aren't related?" Dorea drawled, watching the exchange with an amused expression.
"This wand will serve you well in charm work, especially for transformation magic," Ollivander said, eyes twinkling as he watched Tonks carefully. "It's as dynamic as you are."
Daphne stepped forward with quiet grace, accepting a wand of deep mahogany, 11 inches, with a dragon heartstring core. She raised the wand, and a steady violet light pulsed from it, calm yet powerful, as if the wand itself were emanating authority.
"This wand will complement your strength in both charms and dueling," Ollivander commented, studying her closely. "It's a fine match for someone with your determination and poise."
Hannah and Tracey were the last to try their wands. Hannah, a bit shy but eager, was handed a wand of vine wood, with a phoenix feather core. The moment she held it, a gentle red light spread through the shop, flickering like the first rays of dawn.
"This wand is known for its versatility in a variety of magic, especially protection and defensive spells," Ollivander said, giving her a gentle nod of approval.
Finally, Tracey took her turn, her brow furrowed in concentration. She was handed a wand of ash wood, 10 and a half inches, with a core of thestral tail hair. When she swirled it, dark, shimmering sparks danced from it like shadows on a moonlit night.
"This wand suits someone with a more grounded, no-nonsense approach," Ollivander said with a knowing glance. "You'll find it particularly useful for charms and hexes."
As the group left Ollivanders, each child holding their perfect wand, Harry couldn't help but glance around at his friends, the reality of what they'd just experienced settling in.
Charlus, with a rare smile, clapped Harry on the back. "You look good with that wand, son."
Sirius leaned in, lowering his voice to a dramatic whisper. "You sure you're not going to end up starting a war with that thing?"
Harry smirked. "Only if I have to."
Dorea, walking beside them, raised an eyebrow. "You do realize you're all dangerously close to ruining the moment with your nonsense?"
"Too late for that, Aunt Dorea," Sirius grinned, ruffling Harry's hair.
Dorea just shook her head, but a smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "Come along, then. On to the next stop."
As the group moved on to the next store, Harry felt a surge of gratitude. With his new wand in hand and his friends at his side, this truly felt like the beginning of something extraordinary.
—
The cobblestone streets of Diagon Alley hummed with life, the air thick with the scent of freshly baked pastries from the Leaky Cauldron and the magical thrill of impending adventure. The group, still buzzing from their visit to Ollivanders, now found themselves entering Flourish and Blotts, the bustling bookstore that had everything from the newest magical texts to ancient, arcane tomes that made even the most seasoned witches and wizards pause in awe.
Charlus Potter, his dark cloak sweeping behind him with every step, was the first to speak. "Alright, listen up, everyone. No dawdling. Grab your books, don't get distracted by the latest gossip rag on the shelves, and meet me at the counter. We'll be back on schedule before your mother's hair can turn grey."
Dorea, with her sharp eyes and icy demeanor, side-eyed Charlus with a raised eyebrow. "You'll never get them to leave, darling. Not with the collection of advanced hex books they'll be eyeing. Or the latest on Quidditch tactics," she said, her voice carrying that regal, no-nonsense tone that left no room for argument. She flicked her wrist in a dismissive gesture, the diamond ring on her finger catching the light. "But do keep up, won't you? Some of us are trying to remain in control here."
Sirius Black, tall, broad-shouldered, and looking every bit the devil-may-care troublemaker, grinned at the banter between his parents. He threw an arm around Harry's shoulders, drawing him into their circle. "Come on, Harry. Let's see if you can't find something that'll put that head of yours to good use, yeah?" He shot Charlus a look of mock concern. "It'll be a challenge, of course. Given how prone you are to losing your thoughts in a pile of books about beasts and spells."
Harry rolled his eyes and nudged Sirius back with a smirk. "Yeah, I know, Sirius. You're just upset because I keep asking questions that are more interesting than your last half-baked scheme."
Charlus shot Harry an amused look, half-disapproving, half-proud. "Just make sure your book choices don't turn you into another one of those people," he said dryly, waving a hand in the direction of a group of overly enthusiastic wizarding journalists gossiping in the back of the shop. "The ones who read more than they practice. It's a fine line, Harry."
"Oh, come on, Dad," Harry shot back with a grin, "You can't possibly think I'd become one of those people." He picked up a book on magical creatures from the shelf, flipping it open. "I'm more of a hands-on learner."
"You've got that right," Sirius said, his voice low and teasing. "Hands-on trouble is more like it."
Neville Longbottom, ever the earnest one, was absorbed in the Herbology section, his brow furrowed in concentration. "I think I'll stick to Herbology," he said, looking up. "I need to learn about these new magical plants that I read about in last month's Hogwarts Herbologist."
"Oh, Neville, don't just go for plants," Tonks chirped, her voice a bit too bright, as she waved a book titled Advanced Transfiguration at him. "You don't want to end up like those boring old professors who just teach plants all their lives. You could go much further with Transfiguration, or, you know, something a little more exciting."
Neville, clearly a little lost but too polite to say so, just nodded along. "Yeah, sure, Tonks."
"Why settle for boring plants when you can turn your pet cat into a dragon?" Sirius teased. "Though, I'd advise against it—someone might lose a hand." His eyes twinkled mischievously as he said it, clearly remembering an incident from his own school days.
Hannah Abbott, always the voice of reason, raised her hand, catching the attention of the group. "Can we just grab our books and leave? I don't need a new pet dragon," she said dryly, although the corner of her mouth quirked up in a smile. "Just some decent textbooks to get through the year without blowing anything up."
Tonks, with her ever-changing hair now a lively shade of purple, rolled her eyes. "Come on, I'm just saying. If you've got a knack for Transfiguration, you could become legendary, like the professors we all want to impress."
Meanwhile, Tracey Davis, who had been quietly absorbing the conversation, shot back with a wry grin. "No, Tonks, what you mean is you want to impress the bookstore owner." She grabbed a hefty tome on defensive magic and waved it at Tonks. "Try not to hex yourself with that one."
Tonks stuck her tongue out at Tracey and pushed a random book titled Dangerous Potions and How to Avoid Exploding Yourself at her. "At least I'll have fun while I do it."
As the group made their way through the aisles, Daphne Greengrass—ever cool, always collected—found herself lingering by a shelf filled with Hexes for the Determined. With her signature smirk, she picked one up and flipped it open. "Seems like this would come in handy," she said, eyes twinkling as she held the book up for inspection. "You know, for other people who might need a little reminder about not crossing me."
Sirius gave a low chuckle at that. "Oh, Daphne, that's the spirit! Next thing you know, we'll have you casting the Imperius Curse on people just for fun."
Daphne raised an eyebrow, her voice light, but with an edge. "That's not my style, Sirius. But I'm happy to leave that to the experts."
Charlus, who had been quietly observing the whole exchange, cleared his throat to gather attention. "Alright, enough chatter. We're here to buy books, not start a magical civil war." He turned to Harry, who was now looking at a hefty tome on magical creatures. "Are you planning to spend the next month reading that, or will you actually practice what's in it?"
Harry shot him a cheeky look, one that said he wasn't entirely offended by his father's jab. "I'll practice it, if it means I don't end up with a blast-ended skrewt in my room."
"Let's hope you're as good at controlling them as you are at making them explode," Dorea remarked, her voice as sharp as her gaze. She raised her chin as she placed an order with the shopkeeper. "And don't even think about trying to get away with just one book on Defense, Harry. If I've taught you anything, it's that preparation is key."
With the books chosen, the group moved to the counter, and as each member took their turn to pay for the stack of supplies, there was a sense of anticipation in the air. They were ready—ready to face the challenges that Hogwarts would throw at them. It was going to be a year to remember.
"Alright," Sirius said with a grin, his fingers tapping on the book's edge. "Who's up for a little after-shopping snack? I'm feeling a Butterbeer or two."
Tonks raised her hand, her hair shifting from purple to blue. "I'm always in for a Butterbeer! But only if Harry promises not to try and accidentally set the place on fire."
Harry shot her an innocent look. "I'll keep my explosive tendencies in check. For now."
As they left Flourish and Blotts, their arms full of new books, their hearts full of excitement, the children couldn't help but feel the thrill of the upcoming school year. Whatever lay ahead, they were more than ready for it.
—
The air inside Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions was thick with the scent of fresh fabric, leather, and a hint of magic. The shop was cozy, its walls lined with bolts of vibrant cloth in every color imaginable, from royal purples to shimmering silvers, each one promising to transform the wearer into something magnificent.
Madam Malkin herself, a plump witch with an eternally unbothered air and an eye for detail, stood at the ready, her measuring tape floating mid-air, ready to get to work. She was muttering to herself as she adjusted a few robes hanging on display, looking up only when the group entered.
"Well, well," she said with a nod, a sharp smile on her face. "If it isn't the Potter family, and all their lovely friends. Come in, come in. Let's get you all set up for Hogwarts. And don't try to talk your way out of it, young Sirius, I know your measurements already. Don't make me hex you into a wardrobe, dear."
Sirius, grinning ear to ear, crossed his arms and leaned against the doorframe, his voice dripping with mock innocence. "What, no 'hello' or 'good morning' first, Madam Malkin? Straight to the threats?"
Dorea, who had been eyeing the robes with a critical eye, cast a look at Sirius from the corner of her eye. "Sirius, darling, do us all a favor and don't antagonize the only person who knows how to make you look respectable."
Madam Malkin waved her wand and a robe flew off the rack, landing neatly over Sirius's shoulders. "It'll be easier for me to just fit you now than deal with you later." She adjusted the fabric with a practiced hand, taking in the way Sirius's arms barely fit within the sleeves. "You've grown since last year, haven't you? It's not the growth I'm concerned about, dear. You've been eating well, haven't you?"
"Oh, he's been eating just fine," Harry said with a wicked grin. He sidled up to Sirius, elbowing him lightly. "You should see the way he takes to his meals. If I didn't know better, I'd say he's secretly the family bloody bear."
Sirius threw a mock glare at Harry. "Don't start, mate, or I'll make you walk out of here in a dress."
"Not if I can help it," Harry shot back, causing Dorea to laugh as she turned toward Madam Malkin. "I'll take a nice, sleek black robe, Madam Malkin. You know the type, sleek, stylish, capable of hiding all the trouble I'm about to get into."
"And do keep the trouble to a minimum, young man," Dorea added with a raised brow, her tone unamused. "You've already been warned, haven't you? First year, already making headlines. I do hope Hogwarts can handle all this flair."
Harry grinned. "Don't worry, mum. I'll be on my best behavior. I'll even keep the explosions to a minimum."
Charlus, observing from the sidelines, couldn't help but chime in. "Well, I'm not so sure I believe him." He turned his gaze toward Harry, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "But if you do cause any trouble, don't forget to send a note home. We'll be happy to frame the headline for you."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Thanks, Dad, that's so supportive."
"Anything for you, son." Charlus grinned, his dry humor matched only by the sharpness of his gaze. "Now, let's get you all sorted. Daphne, darling, what sort of cut are you going for this year? Something that won't have you blending into the background, I trust?"
Daphne Greengrass, who had been quietly assessing the options, smirked as she chose a robe of deep emerald green. "I'm thinking something a little more… distinguished this year, Mr. Potter. Not that I'd expect you to understand anything about subtlety," she teased, eyeing him with playful challenge.
"Subtlety is overrated," Harry quipped back, throwing her a wink. "Trust me, you want to be noticed. It's the only way to survive at Hogwarts."
Tonks, with her ever-changing hair now a shade of neon pink, bounced in place like a jack-in-the-box, clearly unable to contain her excitement. "I'm going for something with flair," she declared, her eyes gleaming as she practically danced over to a flamboyant lavender robe. "It's the perfect color for blending in with my mood swings. Don't you think?" She turned to Sirius, grinning. "I've got a few tricks up my sleeve, just wait."
Sirius raised an eyebrow. "Should I be worried?"
"Only if you don't like surprises." Tonks winked, making a silly face.
Hannah Abbott, ever the calm and collected presence, was patiently being fitted by Madam Malkin. Her robe, a soft, warm shade of brown, clung to her modest frame perfectly. "I'll keep it simple," she said, looking around at the others. "I think I'm done with anything too wild."
"I think that's everyone but Tonks," Tracey Davis quipped from the other side of the room, her robe more understated—dark purple with intricate silver embroidery—standing in stark contrast to Tonks's bright color choices. "But don't worry, Hannah. You're going to look perfectly charming in whatever you wear. Can't say the same for Tonks," she added with a teasing grin.
Tonks stuck her tongue out at Tracey. "Yeah, well, if you didn't look like a walking funeral procession, I might take your opinion seriously."
Tracey's lips curled into a smirk. "You're just jealous that I can pull off dark colors without looking like a circus clown."
Madam Malkin, ever the professional, just shook her head, muttering under her breath as she adjusted a robe for Neville Longbottom. "Honestly, such a ruckus. But at least they're all amusing. Come along, Neville, we'll get that sorted out."
Neville looked nervous as he was fitted, the robes slightly too large for his frame, but Madam Malkin had a way of making everyone feel at ease. "You've had a growth spurt, haven't you?" she remarked kindly, adjusting the hem of his robe. "Don't worry, Neville. It'll fit just right before school starts."
With everything in order, Madam Malkin gave a satisfied nod. "There we go, perfect. Now, off you all go—next stop: the apothecary."
As the group made their way toward the door, Sirius clapped Harry on the back. "Good work, kid. I'm sure you'll be the one to start the next legendary prank. Just don't get caught, alright?"
"Don't worry," Harry said with a devilish grin. "I'll keep them guessing."
Amelia, walking at the front with Dorea, flashed a quick smile at the group, a knowing look in her eyes. "It's not the robes I'm worried about, it's who gets caught first."
Tracey Davis shot her a look. "Oh, don't be so serious, Aunt Amelia. It's just school. What's the worst that could happen?"
"Don't tempt fate, darling," Dorea replied, her voice dry and filled with knowing amusement. "You'll soon see that Hogwarts is just as dangerous as it is exciting."
As they all left Madam Malkin's, their bags brimming with the latest and greatest wizarding fashion, their laughter and banter echoed down the cobbled streets of Diagon Alley. With their robes, wands, and books all set, the children's excitement for Hogwarts swelled even more.
"Alright, gang, next stop," Sirius said with a mischievous grin. "Let's go find some trouble to stir up—what's shopping without a little fun?"
—
The door to Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor swung open, and the cool air of sugar, chocolate, and nostalgia washed over the group. The parlor was alive with the clinking of spoons and the soft hum of conversation. The pastel walls glowed with warmth, the antique ice cream machines humming in the background. A sign above the counter read "Happiness in Every Scoop," and honestly, it wasn't wrong.
"Ah, the famous Potters!" Florean Fortescue exclaimed as he spotted the group entering. His mop of white hair bounced as he walked over with a toothy grin, the kind of grin that spoke of someone who had seen too many generations come and go but never lost their spark. His glasses perched on his nose, he raised a hand in greeting. "I thought you'd never make it! The usual suspects, right? Or something… unexpected?"
Sirius, with his trademark grin that could make even the most stoic wizard break into laughter, was already rubbing his hands together. "You know me too well, Florean. The usual." He turned to the group with a dramatic flourish. "Alright, everyone, the ice cream here isn't just a treat—it's an experience. Get ready to go hard or go home."
"Padfoot, you and your dramatic entrances," Harry chuckled, rolling his eyes. He leaned against the counter, surveying the flavors like an art critic inspecting a masterpiece. "Alright, Florean. Surprises are the name of the game today. What's your best? You know I'll go big."
Florean's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Ah, Potter, always looking for the extravagant. How about dragonfruit? Very exotic, with a touch of something extra…" He glanced at Sirius. "Not that you'd ever be satisfied with just one flavor, of course."
"Do you take me for a man who eats like a normal person?" Sirius shot back. "Go big or go… bigger. You know what I mean."
Dorea raised an eyebrow at her son and the chaos already beginning to unfold. She folded her arms, standing tall, regal, and slightly amused. "I'll have vanilla," she said with the air of a queen choosing a crown, "but with something a little more... refined. No need to follow in Padfoot's footsteps and order enough to fill a cauldron."
"Refined? For you, Mum, a scoop of vanilla is as 'refined' as it gets," Harry teased, his grin broadening. "But I love you anyway."
Tonks, who had been practically vibrating with excitement, jumped up to the counter. "Okay, okay, listen to me, Florean," she said, her voice bursting with energy. "I need a triple-scoop bowl, every topping you've got. I'm talkin' sprinkles, whipped cream, marshmallows, the sparkly stuff from last time… and maybe a dash of mystery sauce. I've had a day."
Florean, clearly amused, gave her a knowing smile. "You want the moonberry surprise topping again, don't you?"
"Bingo," Tonks said with a grin that could outshine the sun. "Make it weird, Florean. It's me we're talking about."
Sirius snorted at the spectacle, leaning toward Charlus. "You sure you can handle all this? It's like watching a child at a candy shop... if that child could cause an international incident."
Charlus gave a cool smile, the kind that didn't quite reach the eyes but still radiated absolute authority. "I can handle anything, Padfoot. It's the rest of them I worry about. Tonks, especially."
"Well, I'm going all-in," Harry said, a devilish glint in his eyes as he surveyed the counter. "Surprise me, Florean. I want a flavor explosion."
Sirius leaned closer to Charlus, a knowing smirk on his face. "This is going to be a disaster, you know that?"
"And I'm here for it," Harry replied with a wink. "But, seriously, Florean, what's the weirdest thing you've got? I want my taste buds to question everything."
At this, Daphne Greengrass, who had been quietly surveying the chaos from the sidelines, sighed dramatically, as though enduring the nonsense was beneath her. "I'll just have pistachio," she said, her voice laced with a dry wit. "Simple. Clean. Elegant."
Harry shot her a mischievous grin. "Boring, Greengrass. A little sparkle never hurt anyone."
"Not everyone feels the need to be an attention-seeker, Potter," Daphne shot back, arching a brow. "Some of us appreciate subtlety."
"Oh, I appreciate subtlety," Harry said, deadpan. "But I prefer to make an impression."
"Well, we've all heard that about you," Daphne muttered, looking over at Neville, who was still eyeing the counter warily.
"What'll it be, Longbottom?" Sirius called over to Neville, who was clearly on the verge of having an internal crisis about ice cream.
Neville, ever the cautious soul, straightened and cleared his throat. "I'll just have the raspberry sorbet. Nothing too extravagant." He tried to look confident but failed to hide the blush creeping up his neck.
Harry clapped him on the back. "Neville, mate, you've got to live a little. Go wild, like the rest of us."
"I'm good with sorbet, thanks," Neville said, retreating into himself slightly. "Too hot for anything else."
Tonks snorted from across the counter. "Neville, if I weren't already stuffed with sugar, I'd say you were boring." She took a dramatic pause before turning to Harry. "Alright, what's next? Do we get another ice cream binge before the day's out?"
"I'm all for it," Harry said, practically vibrating in excitement. "But only if we can add a side of chaos."
As Florean began crafting their orders, Andromeda Tonks (portrayed by Keira Knightley) came up to the counter, shaking her head in amusement. "These lot, I swear," she said, glancing at Dorea with an exasperated smile. "They're trouble, every single one of them."
Dorea raised a perfectly arched eyebrow, the picture of elegance and restraint. "You can say that again."
"Well, maybe trouble's the point, then," Andromeda replied with a shrug. "It's not often you get to have a little fun before the madness starts."
"You're preaching to the choir," Dorea murmured, eyeing Sirius, who was still chatting up Florean like he was the one paying for everything.
Finally, their ice creams arrived. Sirius, of course, had gone for a triple-scoop extravaganza, complete with rainbow sprinkles, fudge, and glitter. He grinned, looking at it like it was a trophy. "Don't hate the player, hate the game," he declared.
Harry's dragonfruit concoction looked almost too beautiful to eat—bright pink and green with tropical toppings that screamed vacation. He raised an eyebrow as he scooped a spoonful. "Well, that didn't bite back… yet."
Tonks, with her circus-level creation, gave her ice cream a serious look. "This is my art, Potter. You wouldn't understand."
Charlus, watching the madness unfold, smirked. "If you're going to indulge, you may as well do it in style." He turned to Dorea, who had her vanilla with pistachio dusting. "A perfect balance, my dear."
Dorea smiled. "At least someone here has some restraint."
As they all dug into their absurdly large ice cream portions, laughter and banter filled the air, the perfect blend of mischief and joy. The chaotic sweetness of the ice cream parlor mirrored the group of friends and family who had come together to celebrate a day before Hogwarts began. The world outside might have been bustling, but for now, it was just them, their ice cream, and the kind of fun only they could have.
"Honestly," Sirius muttered, wiping whipped cream off his cheek, "is there anything better than this?"
"Life," Harry answered, grinning from ear to ear. "But don't worry, Padfoot. Hogwarts will be just as fun. Maybe even more so."
And with that, they all dug in, knowing that the road to Hogwarts would never be short of mischief—especially when this crew was involved.
---
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