Harry collapses in Magnolia Crescent, certain that he's been expelled from Hogwarts for blowing up [Aunt Marge]. He begins plotting an escape and a life on the run when he feels, then sees, a large animal, and while backing away falls over.

The [Knight Bus] unexpectedly arrives with a bang, and Harry has to roll over to avoid being crushed. [Stan Shunpike] welcomes Harry aboard, and he quickly claims to be Neville Longbottom and pays his fare, as the bus takes off again.

As the [Knight Bus] rolls along, [Stan Shunpike] talks to Harry about Sirius Black's crime and escape from [Azkaban].

Harry wonders about his punishment for blowing up [Aunt Marge], as the other passengers disembark the [Knight Bus] one by one. Finally, the bus arrives at the [Leaky Cauldron], and Harry gets off himself.

No sooner does Harry disembark from the [Knight Bus] than he runs into Cornelius Fudge, the [Minister for Magic]. [Stan] and [Ernie] gawk at him once they learn his real identity, and Fudge takes Harry to a private room in the [Leaky Cauldron].

Cornelius Fudge kindly informs Harry that [Aunt Marge] has been put back to normal, and the [Dursleys] are willing to welcome him back, but Harry is confused that he isn't being punished for such a severe breach of wizarding law. Fudge then arranges for Harry to stay at the [Leaky Cauldron], elects not to sign his [Hogsmeade] form, and departs.

Harry lets [Tom] show him to his own room, where Hedwig is waiting for him, and falls asleep without even taking his glasses off.

Harry spends his days wandering [Diagon Alley], taking in the sights at the [Leaky Cauldron], hearing shoppers discuss Sirius Black, getting homework help from Florean Fortescue, eyeing the [Firebolt] in the window of [Quality Quidditch Supplies], and stocking up on supplies for the school year.