[ five, diagon alley ]

Aemma's escape from the Dursleys had considerably lightened the mood in the room, reigniting a sense of hope and smothering the bleak atmosphere that seemed to permeate the place whenever her kin appeared on the screen. Such change had left the people gathered to witness the lives of Aemma and Neville in far brighter spirits, thus allowing them to look forward to their introduction to a world they would have never deemed real until today, one that would reignite the innocence and wonder thought long lost.

[The next day, in the streets of London.]

[Aemma and Hagrid are in the underground tube.]

Aemma: [reading the list] First year students will require: three sets of work robes, one wand. [She turns to Hagrid]

Hagrid: Essential bit of equipment, Aemma.

Aemma: One pair of dragon-hide gloves. [she turns to Hagrid again] Hagrid, do they mean for a real dragon?

Hagrid: Well, they don't mean a penguin, do they? Heh. Crikey, I'd love a dragon.

Aemma: You'd like a dragon?

Hagrid: Vastly misunderstood beasts, Aemma. Vastly misunderstood. [He suddenly eyes a woman and then he nods. The woman returns to reading her paper.]

In a matter of seconds, the room descended into chaos, and every Targaryen gathered temporarily united in their wrath regardless of their political stance and general temperament.

Rhaenys, who'd so far been fascinated by this new world, felt utterly repulsed and enraged by what they just learnt. "So that's what your kind does: slay dragons to procure new clothing?" She asked, her accusatory tone causing the witches and wizards to exchange awkward glances with one another.

For a moment, Daemon considered burning the Wizarding World atop his beloved Caraxes, teaching them a lesson they'd never forget. Rhaenyra must have noticed the unrestrained fury on his face because she swiftly grounded him, her presence alone a balm for his troubled soul. "I hope every dragonslayer met a terrible end, for if they didn't, I'm willing to rectify the situation," He eventually said in a taut voice of anger and determination.

Helaena's face had drained of all colour. The mere thought of anything happening to her beloved Dreamfyre in this timeline sent tremors down her spine. "Humans kill just because they can, even if the other creatures don't deserve it," She said mournfully, clinging to Daeron's arm for emotional support as she thought about the now-thwarted 'Storm of the Dragonpit'. "We're not that different from them with our pelts and leathers."

Unwilling to allow things to escalate further ( especially once he noticed his highly temperamental second son's seething glare ), Viserys changed the subject. "Have any of you ever seen a dragon?" He mainly asked his grandchildren, wondering if the Targaryen blood that allowed them to become dragonriders still ran through their veins.

"Saw one, fought one, flew one," Ron replied, an amused smile tugging at his lips as he thought about their historic Gringotts' heist. "Our lives are far from boring."

Rhaenyra felt almost faint, the prospect of witnessing either one or both her children fighting a dragon filling her with icy dread, especially after she'd been forced to watch her sweet girl's chase and sacrifice ( she doubted she'd ever forget such a horrific scene and silently pleaded the Gods not to show her her brave boy's demise ━ she should have screamed ).

'They're still alive,' The queen eventually reminded herself, itching to reach out and hug her kids tight yet unwilling to put them ill at ease.

[The next scene, Hagrid and Aemma are walking down the streets.]

Aemma: All students must be equipped with... one standard size 2 pewter cauldron and may bring, if they desire, either an owl, a cat, or a toad. Could we find all this in London?

Hagrid: If you know where to go.

[They walk towards a corner store and as they get closer, the sign above it has "The Leaky Cauldron" magically appearing. They enter the Leaky Cauldron. There was music and several patrons that are speaking to each other.]

Tom: Ah, Hagrid! The usual, I presume?

Hagrid: No thanks, Tom. I'm on official Hogwarts business today. Just helpin' young Aemma here buy her school supplies.

Tom: Bless my soul. It's Aemma Potter!

[The pub immediately goes silent and everyone notices. A man comes up and shakes Aemma's hand.]

Man: Welcome back, Ms. Potter. Welcome back.

[A witch comes up and shakes Aemma's hand, as well.]

Witch: Doris Crockford, Ms. Potter. I can't believe I'm meeting you at last.

All the individuals unaware of Aemma's history were left utterly dumbfounded by the scene they witnessed. Shocked into silence, they watched as the former princess received a welcome worthy of a member of the Royal Family, her aforementioned fame clearly far from an exaggeration.

While he was far from perfect, Corlys' gut feeling had rarely failed him. He'd made mistakes, that much he knew, but he was also aware that he'd been right in his assessment of Lucerys, a girl meant for greatness. It appeared that some things never changed, and pride swelled within Corlys as he saw how beloved Aemma was by her kind. Smug beyond belief, he wished his brother could still be amongst them so he could witness this and forever wish he'd never uttered a word against his grandchildren.

Cole didn't share the same excitement as the Lord of Driftmark, resentment bubbling within him as he noticed the awe in people's eyes as they looked at Aemma. Such a look was unnatural when directed towards an undeserving child like her, a bastard turned aberration, a mistake of nature born with the same face as a deceased Targaryen temptress and sinner.

Patience had never been one of Baela's strongest suits, so no one was shocked when she eventually addressed her former sister-cousin. "Why does everyone know who you are?" She asked with a gentler tone than many were accustomed to, just in case the topic was more sensitive than anticipated ( never let it be said that Baela Targaryen wasn't observant ).

"You'll find out soon enough," Aemma replied with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. She was truly dreading the moment her backstory would be shared.

[A man in robes with a turban on his head appears. It is Professor Quirrell.]

Quirrell: Aemma P-potter. C-can't tell you how p-pleased I am to meet you.

Hagrid: Hello, Professor. I didn't see you there. Aemma, this is Professor Quirrell. He'll be yer Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts.

Aemma: Oh, nice to meet you. [puts out her hand, offering a handshake with Quirrell. But he looks at Aemma's head and hesitatingly refuses]

Quirrell: F-fearfully f-fascinating subject. N-not that you need it, e-eh, Potter? Heheh.

Hagrid: Yes, well, mus' be goin' now. Lots to buy. Heh-heh-heh.

Aemma: Goodbye.

Daemon was more than confident that there was something fundamentally wrong with that man. He couldn't, as of yet, explain why he was feeling so on edge when he looked at him, hand hovering above Dark Sister; however, he'd learnt a long time ago not to dismiss his hunches, for they often proved true. "I don't like that man, nor do I think he should be entrusted with teaching anything that sounds remotely as important as 'Defence Against the Dark Arts'," He stated while regarding the man on the screen with nothing but distaste.

The king consort wasn't alone in his dislike of Quirinus Quirrell; indeed, the wizard's interaction with Aemma had raised several red flags with multiple people from both factions. After all, distrust came easy in Westeros, where backstabbing, lying, and betrayal were the norm.

Viserys, refusing to believe the worst in people, shook his head with a genial smile illuminating his newly healthy features. "You see enemies where there are none, Daemon. I'm sure Lord Dumbledore would never endanger his students by entrusting someone dangerous and untrustworthy with their education," He said with a light tone.

Neville and Aemma looked at each other, shocked by their former grandfather's blindness and thankful it wasn't something they'd inherited and carried with them in their new lives. Gods know that had they been more like Viserys and less like their birth parents, Voldemort would have certainly won the war.

It was a sight to behold because it was obvious that, with just one look, the two were having a silent conversation thanks to their strong bond, much like they used to in their previous life. If anyone were to ask Rhaena, that was one of the most romantic things she'd ever witnessed, and she could only hope to have a similar connection with her future betrothed one day.

However, not everyone was thrilled to witness Aemma and Neville's bond.

Aegon had to stifle his laughter when he saw Aemond's eye burning with barely concealed anger. "The day you woo the girl is the day I become mother's favourite," He taunted him, smirking and toying with his goblet.

"Cease your fighting at once," Alicent hissed, pinching Aegon for initiating the confrontation.

[The two leave into a back room winery in front of a brick wall.]

Hagrid: See, Aemma? You're famous!

Aemma: But why am I famous, Hagrid? All those people back there, how is it they know who I am?

Hagrid: I'm not sure I'm exactly the right person to tell you that, Aemma. [Taps the brick wall clockwise with his umbrella. The blocks then magically shift and open up to reveal a hidden, busy street called Diagon Alley.] Welcome, Aemma, to Diagon Alley. [Aemma grins broadly as they step into the street and walk down it. An owl screeches.] Here's where yeh'll get yer quills and yer ink, and over there all yer bits and bobs fer doing yer wizardry.

[Aemma is amazed as they pass by shops and owls and bats.]

It was almost heartbreaking to see how lively and colourful Diagon Alley used to be before the war. Unfortunately, while the 'Battle of Hogwarts' and the fall of Voldemort had marked the beginning of its reconstruction progress, a heavy feeling of understandable apprehension in the air made the place almost unrecognisable.

Hermione had felt terrible for all the First Years, whose first outing in Diagon Alley had been marred by the aftermath of a bloody war. What should have been an experience filled with amazement and laughter had instead been a sombre affair, regardless of their victory. She knew it wouldn't be like this forever; certain scars just needed longer to heal, but it didn't change the pain that lingered whenever she thought about all the horrors those streets had witnessed.

While the witches and wizards struggled with inner turmoil, most of the room's inhabitants were entranced by the beauty and uniqueness of the location on the screen. It was unlike anything any of them had ever seen, and they couldn't help but stare with exhilaration and child-like wonder in their eyes as they were finally introduced to this wondrous new world.

Upon noticing their reactions, the four friends broke into matching smiles; it was so heartwarming to see everyone's excitement mirror what they'd felt the first time they'd visited Diagon Alley ( and if some people stared at the memory with disgust etched onto their features, they couldn't care less ).

Feigning exasperation at Corlys' curious and longing stare, Rhaenys shook her head slowly, yet the ghost of a smile on her lips betrayed her true feelings. "This is not a land we may visit whenever the fancy strikes us," she pointed out, disappointed with their circumstances. "Maybe our grandchildren could find a way to make this possible, but it's far too early to ask this of them."

"I wholly agree," Corlys stated while looking at the two children. "I just hope this won't be the last time we'll see them."

Unbeknownst to the Velaryon couple, their conversation didn't go unheard by those who surrounded them. A slightly panicked looking Rhaenyra turned towards her husband, her hands holding his in a vice grip to prevent them from shaking. She'd been so focused on both her children being back with her, healthy and hale, that she hadn't even considered the dreadful possibility that she might have to say goodbye at the end of it all.

"It won't come to that," Daemon vowed, having overheard the same conversation she had. "No one will separate us from our children, not even a God."

[The camera pans on a broom store, where a group of boys are crowded around a shiny broom.]

Girl: It's a world class racing broom.

Boy 1: Wow! Look at it! The new Nimbus 2000!

Boy 2: It's the fastest model yet. [the camera pans to see the broom's model name on the handle]

author's note. I honestly can't believe this story has reached 11K. To everyone who's decided to give this story a chance, who's taken the time to leave a comment, a vote or who's even just a ghost reader: thank you, truly.