Harry was tired of having to use unfamiliar, and often unreliable, messenger Owls. He knew it was stupid and that he should just go out, bite the bullet so to speak, and buy a new Owl. So with Teddy on a play date with a little friend(and that little friend's mother, of course), Harry ended up in Diagon Alley.
As happened on several other occassions in the years since Hedwig's death, Harry couldn't bring himself to step foot inside the shop that boasted the best variety, the rarest, of all Wizarding pets. So he stood, rooted to the spot in the doorway, looking in. His heart still ached for Hedwig. Besides, she'd been given to him as a gift. But it was obvious, these several years later, that no one was going to gift him with a new Owl. If he wanted one, he'd have to buy it himself.
'Food,' He thought to himself, his stomach growling. Food always made him feel better. He would try again after getting something to eat at the Leaky, where warm stew and a hard cider were always there to welcome him. So, hands shoved deep in his pocket to ward off the cold, he made his way up the street and into the Leaky Cauldron and its low lighting. It was filling up quickly, so he hurried to the bar and got himself a big bowlful, a chunk of fresh bread and a cider. Then he made his way to the only free table he saw, which was snagged from under his nose by a petite brunette. He looked around before taking another step forward, clearing his throat.
"Er, sorry to ask...but do you mind if we share? Everywhere else is full up."