Diagon Alley
Day 3
Ch. 5: Diagon Alley
Ch. 6: The Journey From Platform Nine and Three‑Quarters
Welcome to Day 3 of my Harry Potter Deep Dive. These chapters are full of firsts: his first wand, his first glimpse of wizarding money, his first encounter with Draco Malfoy, and his first real friend that he finds in Ronald Weasley. Then, in Chapter 6, we follow him to Platform Nine‑and‑Three‑Quarters and watch him cross the threshold into the life he was always meant to have. Let’s dive in.
Chapter 5: Diagon Alley
Why does Hagrid take Harry to Diagon Alley, and how do they get there?
Hagrid takes Harry to Diagon Alley so he can buy all of his school supplies for Hogwarts. Since Hagrid isn’t supposed to use magic now that he’s collected Harry (though he cheats a little), they travel the normal way: first by boat back to shore, then by train to London. Once they arrive, they enter Diagon Alley through the back of The Leaky Cauldron and a hidden archway that opens when Hagrid taps the famous brick; three up and two across.
Why do Harry and Hagrid go to Gringotts?
Harry and Hagrid visit Gringotts to withdraw money from Harry’s vault and to retrieve something mysterious. It’s “you‑know‑what” from Vault 713. An errand Professor Dumbledore personally assigned to Hagrid.
How is Draco introduced when Harry meets him in Madam Malkin’s?
When Harry meets Draco for the first time, he is immediately reminded of Dudley. Draco is already bragging, already judging, and already assuming superiority. He also echoes Petunia and Vernon in the way he talks about “their kind,” except his prejudice and racism runs in the opposite direction. He believes wizard‑born families are above Muggles and that certain people shouldn’t be allowed into Hogwarts at all.
What does Hagrid buy for Harry?
Hagrid buys Harry a snowy owl as a birthday present. It’s one of the first truly kind gifts Harry has ever received. As I am typing this out, I am reminded that Hagrid was the first one to show Harry any kindness at all really, and it all started with his birthday cake.
What does Harry purchase at Ollivander’s, and what does Ollivander find “curious” about it?
Harry purchases his wand at Ollivander’s. It’s made of holly and a phoenix feather core, eleven inches, nice and supple. Ollivander finds it “curious” because the phoenix who gave the feather in Harry’s wand only gave one other and that feather was in Voldemort’s wand.
Thoughts on Chapter 5
After visiting the wizarding world, Harry notices that everything in the Muggle world suddenly looks strange and dull by comparison. He also learns that he is to go to Hogwarts on September 1, a date that hardcore Harry Potter fans celebrate every year by rereading the books or watching the movies.
Chapter 6: The Journey From Platform Nine and Three‑Quarters
How does Harry get to Platform Nine‑and‑Three‑Quarters, and what is it like there?
Harry is completely stuck at first. Hagrid forgot to tell him how to get onto the platform. By sheer luck, he overhears the word “Muggle” and follows a large family with flaming red hair. The kind woman leading them shows Harry how to run straight through the barrier between platforms nine and ten. There’s an enchantment on it, but she tells him the most important part is not being afraid. On the other side, Harry finds a scarlet steam engine and a platform packed with students and families preparing for the long trip to Hogwarts.
How are Hermione, Neville, and the Weasleys introduced, and what stands out about them?
The Weasleys are a large family with bright red hair. Fred and George are jokesters, Percy is a Prefect who takes his role very seriously, and Ron who is Harry’s age - is tall, thin, and freckled. Like the rest of his family. Neville is introduced while talking to his grandmother about losing his toad, something he seems to do often. Hermione Granger appears on the train; she’s Muggle‑born, very smart, a bit bossy, and immediately comes across as a know‑it‑all.
How are the first‑year students brought from the train to Hogwarts?
The first‑years are taken across the lake in small boats. The first sight of Hogwarts rising above the water is absolutely spectacular and I can’t think of a better way to introduce new students to their new home away from home.
Notes on Chapter 6
Harry names his owl Hedwig, a name he finds in A History of Magic.
He and Ron become fast friends, though neither of them likes Hermione very much at this point.
🔮 Tarot Tie‑In: The Magician
For today’s chapters, the tarot card that fits best is The Magician.
The card of initiation, tools, and stepping into one’s power. These chapters are all about Harry being handed the instruments of his new life: his wand, his books, his owl, his ticket to Hogwarts. The Magician represents that moment when potential becomes action, when the tools appear, and when the path forward becomes real. Diagon Alley is Harry’s first true encounter with magic, and Platform Nine‑and‑Three‑Quarters is the threshold he crosses to begin using it.
Final Thoughts
These chapters feel like a breath of fresh air after the tension of Days 1 and 2. For the first time, Harry is surrounded by people who see him, welcome him, and treat him with kindness. He learns about his parents, his place in the wizarding world, and the life he’s been denied for over a decade.
Before we move on, I’d love to hear from you:
Which moment in these chapters felt the most transformative for Harry? Let me know in the comments.
And when you’re ready, join me tomorrow for Day 4, where Harry finally arrives at Hogwarts.
