A New Path Unfolds
Part 3
Determined to shake off the feeling of being a pawn in his own life, Harry decided his first change would be meeting Hermione first. As much as he loved Hagrid, he needed to get his letter early so he could get to Diagon Alley and hopefully intercept Hermione. Even in 1st year, she was brilliant and a loyal friend. At times, looking back, maybe she could have been more. He always regretted not asking her to the Yule Ball in 4th year. With a clear plan in mind, Harry waited patiently for the day when the Hogwarts acceptance letters would be delivered. He knew it wouldn't be long now, and he spent his days keeping a low profile, observing the Dursleys and their mundane lives. The day finally arrived, and as expected, the mailman knocked on the door with a letter addressed to Harry. But this time, Harry was ready. He snatched the letter from the mailman's hand and quickly made his way back to the cupboard. The letter was written in elegant calligraphy, and the Hogwarts crest adorned the top of the page. Harry smiled, remembering the countless times he had read those same words, but this time, it was different. This time, he had a plan. The next day, Harry made his way to Diagon Alley, dressed in his Muggle clothes, trying to blend in with the crowds. As he walked down the cobblestone street, he marveled at the hidden wizarding world that existed right under the noses of the Muggles. His first stop was Ollivanders Wand Shop, where he knew he could find a wand that would choose him, rather than the other way around. As he entered the shop, he was greeted by the owner, an old man with a kind face. "Welcome, young Harry Potter," the old man said, his eyes twinkling with knowledge. "I've been expecting you. Please, let us find you a wand." Harry spent the next hour trying out different wands, and finally, he found the one that chose him. It was a beautiful wand, made of holly wood, with a phoenix feather core. With his wand in hand, Harry continued his journey through Diagon Alley, buying school supplies and robes. As he walked, he kept a lookout for a familiar face - Hermione's. After what felt like hours of searching, Harry finally spotted her. She was standing outside Flourish and Blotts, looking around nervously. He quickened his pace, his heart racing with excitement. As he approached her, Hermione looked up, and their eyes met. For a moment, they just stared at each other, and Harry felt a spark of connection that he had never felt before. "Hi," Harry said, trying to sound casual. "I'm Harry Potter. I've seen you around." Hermione smiled, and Harry's heart skipped a beat. "I'm Hermione Granger," she said. "And you are?" Harry grinned, feeling like he was stepping into a new reality, one where he got to rewrite his past and create a new future. "I'm your friend," he said, taking a step closer to her. "At least, I hope I am."