Chapter Text
“You bring her back!” Vernon screeched, shaking Harry by the collar of his shirt. “You bring her back right now!” Harry struggled in his hold, shoving the man away as much as he could.
“No! She deserved what she got!” Vernon was red in the face as he dove to shake him again. Harry pressed his wand to his uncle's neck in a silent threat. Vernon backed up, fists balled at his sides and a look of seething anger on his face.
“You’re not allowed to do magic outside school, boy!” He bit out, almost smug— as if the reminder would stop him. For a moment, it almost did. Something swirled in his stomach unpleasantly when he decided not to listen to Vernon’s reminder. “I don’t care. You put a finger on me and I will hex you, just as I did her.” Harry threatened.
Vernon scrunched up his face and moved out of Harry’s path. His heart was racing, loud in his ears as he took hold of his trunk and stormed out of the house. He could see neighbours peeking out of their windows at him. Nosy pricks.
He walked a fair distance from the house, shoes already beginning to soak through from the leftover rain on the ground. “Insulting the dead like it’s no big fucking deal!” Harry seethed, kicking a rock and then planting himself down on the wet curb. “Stupid Aunt Marge, stupid Uncle Vernon.” He twisted his wand between his fingers, biting the skin off his lisps. “Who are they to say those things…” He mumbled.
The bush in front of him began to rustle, and the wind whipped eerily. The playground behind him creaked and groaned. It had been a quiet night of rain, not no real wind. But the wind had suddenly picked up and he began to think that if he turned back now; maybe the Dursleys would let him back in. Something about that didn’t sit right with him. Harry stood up from the curb, staring at the bush expectantly. He shivered, readying his want just in case. “Who's there!?” He called out. He almost mistook the wind for a growl, and the leaves rustled— his eyes must have been playing tricks on him— the silhouette of a shaggy, growling dog peered out and Harry could feel the air leave his lungs. His heart beat a mile a minute.
Then he fell back, shocked by the sudden arrival of a double— triple decker bus. “‘Ello and welcome to the Knight bus, a place for all estranged witches and wizards…” A man peered down at him from the bus, looking as if he was seeing the strangest thing. “What ya’ doing down there?”
“I fell over?” Harry pursued his lips, groaning as he stood up from the curb. “Well what ya’ fell over for?” The man gawked. Harry chose to ignore his words and peer through the entry of the bus. “Gettin’ on then?”
“Where does it go?” Harry questioned, cautiously. The man looked at him like he was daft, Harry didn’t quite like that look on people’s faces. He saw it too often. “Practically everywhere in Britain, I’d say!” He stated, appalled, “Now would you ‘urry up and get in?”
Harry nodded quickly, but paused to glance around the bus at the bush which suddenly lacked a spooky dog. “What we lookin’ at?”
“Nothing…” Harry said shortly.
“Then get on!” He grabbed hold of Harry’s trunk and ushered him onto the bus. “Where we headed then?” Harry took a brief moment to consider— the Leaky Cauldron was the first thing that jumped out at him, but then he thought “I have no money to pay for a room…”
“Um… G–Gringotts Bank?”
☆
Harry nervously shuffled in front of the bank. He hadn’t been to Gringotts since first year. He remembers the goblins being quite straightforward. Trunk in hand, he stepped into the quiet bank— empty except for the working goblins. It was quite late.
With a thick gulp, he rolled his trunk through the bank, to the teller he most recognized. The goblin didn’t look up from his parchment— and the last thing Harry wanted was to offend the Goblin. “U–Um! Excuse me? Griphook?”
The goblin looked up, a guarded look of surprise and confusion. “Mr… Potter. To what do I owe this visit?” He leaned over his stand to look at the small boy.
“I was wondering if I could withdraw a few galleons?”
The goblin’s face stretched into an unnatural grin. “Of course.” He put out a clawed hand. “Your key, Mr. Potter?”
The boy’s face bloomed into a deep red, shuffling in place. “I— I don’t have my key. Dumbledore does.” Griphook easily took back his hand, “Hm. Do not fret, Mr. Potter. There are other ways to gain access. If you’d please consent to an exam of your magics?”
Harry quickly nodded, awkwardly waiting while Griphook waved his hand vaguely. A piece of parchment popped into existence over his desk and easily drifted into his hands. He read over the words, his face quickly becoming more and more tense. “Is something wrong?” Harry asked quietly.
Griphook set down the paper and gave Harry a once over. “Mr. Potter, would you follow me for a moment?”
Self preservation to the wind, Harry nodded and followed the Goblin through the marbled halls. Leaving his trunk behind the tellers desk. They went down a number of identical stone hallways, a maze that made no sense. Then stopped outside a pristine wooden door.
“After you, Mr. Potter.” Griphook gestured as he opened the door. Harry nodded and shuffled into the room. It was an office, littered with full bookshelves and shiny trinkets. Gold towering up over parts of the desk. Ragnok. The name on the desk read.
The goblin looked up and adjusted his glasses. “Hesperus, Griphook.” He gave a questioning look to Griphook while Harry mouthed the word quietly.
“Mr. Potter has had some very… curious results from his exam.”
The paper drifted into Ragnok’s hand while Harry took one of the seats in front of his desk. “I see…” He hummed, glancing at Harry every so often. “Mr. Potter. You seem to be under a number of peculiar charms and spells.”
Something in Harry rolled unpleasantly. A sick feeling of uneasy, satisfaction, horror and anger. “I–I’m sorry?”
“Yes, I’m afraid someone has cast multiple compulsion spells, and curiously, a trace charm, and a memory alteration potion.”
“Well can you get them off me?” Harry asked in horror. The goblins nodded evenly. “Of course we can, Mr. Potter. Hold still for a moment.”
Harry closed his eyes and sat as stiff as possible. Magic washed over him in horrid waves. He nearly felt the need to curl over himself and puke as it tugged at him. A slimy feeling came over him, then felt like it was washed off with a bucket of cold water. Then– the loud voice in his head that was constantly bugging him to do the right thing and hollow his instincts was gone.
Harry opened his eyes and found both goblins looking at him in wonder.
“I feel so… Light…” He mumbled. Everything felt so different… So quiet… So… Safe. Gone was the feeling of constant fear and paranoia.
Ragnok gave a firm nod. “Naturally. A list of spells as long as yours would begin to weigh on your core.” He flipped through a few papers, and then reached his hand into the air just as a paper burned into existence. Goblin magic is so odd.
“Now, I do promise to investigate the culprit of the spells placed on you, however, I would like to speak with you about another matter.” He cleared his throat and Griphook moved towards the door.
“I will wait at my stall with your luggage.” Harry nodded in thanks and turned back to the goblin in front of him.
“I am Ragnok, I have assisted the Potter family in all their banking affairs for centuries. And, as you were on a strict time frame the last time you were present at our bank— I would now like to speak to you about the instructions your parents left for your years at Hogwarts, as well as the letter they left upon their death.”
“Instructions?” Harry asked, calmly and completely at ease for the first time in his entire life.
“Yes. Mr and Mrs Potter have left specific instructions to me, from your first year at Hogwarts to the day you graduate.” He held out an envelope, pristine and stamped with a wax seal. Harry slowly took the letter, brushing his finger over the intricate seal. It was gold and a key shape pressed into it. Something about it warmed Harry’s heart.
“A key?”
Ragnok nodded calmly. “The Potter family were proud of their seals. A Potter seal could never be broken.”
“You know a lot about my family then?” Harry winced at the sneer on Ragnok’s face. “Yes, and I would be delighted to tell you all I can about them after you finish reading each letter that they have left for you.”
“Right, sorry.” He mumbled and willed himself to break the beautiful seal and pull the letter from the envelope.
To our darling Hadrian,
A letter to be received upon our departure from this world.
My dearest boy. If you are reading this, that means that one of the five people aware of where we are has given up our hiding place to Voldemort. Do not cry for us my love, James and I knew this day would eventually come. Know that when we go, we do it knowing it is all for you. My only regret is that I will never get to see you grow. I will never get to see your first steps, or teach you about the world. I will never get to show you where I grew up, or my mother’s family recipes.
My sweet Hadrian, I love you with all my heart. I will always be with you. No matter where you go or what choices you make, I will be here. My one word of advice to you, my dear, is not to follow the word of Albus Dumbledore. He will lead you astray. Study hard, and enjoy your life of magic and wonder. Never let another hold you down.
On the back of this letter are a few words from your father.
My darling boy, my heart and soul, flesh of my flesh,
Pulvis et umbra sumus,
Lily Evans–Potter.
Tears pricked the corners of Harry’s eyes. He sniffled and rubbed his face into his sleeve. A question sat on his tongue and he looked up at Regnok’s soft expression. He opened his mouth but the goblin beat him to it, “Hadrian James Potter–Black is your full legal name. Harry was the nickname your father decided on.”
Harry— Hadrian, smiled. His heart filled with affection. His father had a nickname for him…
“I’d suggest reading your father’s words before we move on to the other letters. Or, if you’d prefer, you can take the letters back to the leaky cauldron with you.”
Harry was incredibly tired, and the idea of sleep sounded incredibly tempting. “If I were to leave, how would I be able to get in contact with you again? Do I just owl you?” Ragnok nodded, “All you would need to do is ask your owl to find Ragnok and all will be well.”
Harry nodded with a pleased smile, then flipped the paper to read what his father left for him.
Dearest Hesperus,
As I write this, you are sleeping in your mother’s arms while your uncles beg her to let them hold you. I know Moony and Padfoot will be happy to have you. Padfoot can be a handful at times but he means well. He will make sure you are always safe and happy. Moony can be a buzzkill but he will ensure you’re reaching your potential. And as much as I despise the man, Lily believes Snivillus will always be there for you. Lily doesn’t want any generational grudges. Nevertheless, be brave my boy! Face the world head on, like a proper Gryffindor! (Which I’m positive you will be!) And if you find out who gave up our secret, give em hell kiddo.
I’ve never been too great with words, you should see my DADA essays from year six, yeesh.
Much love,
James Potter.
James’ letter was short and simple, but offered all the warmth Harry needed to be happy he chose to come to Gringotts. “Hesperus, you’ve called me that twice now… What does that mean exactly?”
“A Latin word. The evening star. Lily Evans–Potter affectionately called you that, I believe your grandmother also referred to you as such. Your grandparents were eager for a grandchild.”
“My… Grandmother…” Harry pursed his lips and fiddled with the edge of the paper. He had always wondered if he had any. “Padfoot… Who—”
“Sirius Orion Black, your godfather. Charged and convicted with the murder of James and Lily Potter. Recently escaped from Azkaban.”
Harry’s blood ran cold. The man who murdered his parents… not only shared his name but was currently on the run?
“O—oh…”
Ragnok hummed, “Truly a terrible situation. Now, these are for you to take. Please do owl me or Griphook if you should have any questions about your parents instructions or their will. Naturally, you can’t claim anything from their will at this time as you are still a minor, but it would not hurt to know what it is they have left to you. I already have a copy of it so you may keep that one.”
Harry slowly stood from the oddly comfortable velvet chair and took the four envelopes from Regnok.
Lily Evans-Potter & James Potter’s Will
To Hadrian Potter-Black : Year 1
To Hadrian Potter-Black : Year 2
To Hadrian Potter-Black : Year 3
“Thank you,” Harry let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding as he looked at the old wax. “I-I truly mean that. Thank you Ragnok.”
Ragnok gave a single approving nod, “It is my pleasure to assist the Potter family. Do have a long rest now, Hesperus. I will also owl you a list of all items within your trust fund vault.”
Harry chuckled softly, a smile across his face as he nodded, stepping out of the office space. Griphook had been waiting for him when Harry stepped out, equipped with Harry’s luggage, a bag ** he claimed to be bottomless from the Potter Trust Fund vault, and a coin pouch.
He guided him back through the bank, the maze of twists and turns, into the Gringotts floo room. Which he didn’t know they had. Griphook wished him a successful journey and Harry lazily waved as he stepped into the fire.
The leaky cauldron was void of all life when he got there. The chairs already flipped up onto the tables and the floor swept. He hoped someone was still awake to give him a room. He reached for the bell on the counter—
“Harry, dear boy! Where have you been?”
Harry spun on his heels to find Albus Dumbledore coming straight for him, with a look of relief and worry that didn’t quite reach his eyes. Has he always looked at me like that…?
“P—professor!” Act oblivious, “I’m sorry professor. I was going to come here right away, but I had no money on me… I had to make a trip to Gringotts.”
He dropped his shoulders and emphasized his kicked puppy look.
Dumblefore sighed and stroked his beard, “Yes… I suppose no one told you the room was ready for you. Not to worry dear boy, your room has already been paid for.” He then linked his hands together with a sad smile. “But your detour has made a great many things quite complicated.”
He stepped forward and put an arm around Harry, guiding him towards the staircase. “You see, the minister was here, waiting to speak with you about your aunt. But when you never showed up… he deemed you a runaway. And my, it was not easy convincing him otherwise. By the time I got here, you were legally expelled from Hogwarts.”
The headmaster frowned, gripping his arm tightly, a bruising grip Harry almost took for a threat.
“Expelled?! But I—“
“Not to worry! I have graciously convinced the minister to reinstate you! Due to your… unique situation, the minister was nervous that perhaps you were… intercepted along the way. I tried to express that it was unnecessary and would be here in time but he insisted all legal measures must be taken.” Dumbledore shook his head, but his body language screamed angry. He was upset, upset that he couldn’t sweep legal actions under the rug. “Being reregistered into Hogwarts will not affect your schooling! You will simply be resorted— to Gryffindor no doubt, and all will continue on like it had never happened.”
That didn’t sound bad at all… Why was that such a big deal? Hold up— Graciously? Was he speaking of his ‘unique situation’ as the Chosen One, or the fact that a murderer was after him.?
“I’m so grateful, Sir! So… I’ll still be sorted into Gryffindor, right?”
Dumbledore laughed and patted him on the back a few times, “I have no doubt that you will once again be sorted into Gryffindor! You’re much like your father in that manner.”
Don’t use my father against me! Who does that??
“Thank you so much, professor.” Harry found himself saying through gritted teeth. Professor. The word felt rotten on his tongue. This man was no teacher. Both his parents warned him of Albus Dumbledore.
“Of course, dear boy.” Dumbledore ushered him off up the stairs with the room key and a stiff smile.
The room was shabby and the floor creaked on every step. Two stacks of books sat on the desk in the corner with a note on each, ‘— Your books for the year, a gift from the minister of magic.’ Well, I don’t have to pay for it then… He then turned to the much higher stack of books, all thick and bound with leather and gold accents. ‘— These are guides and history books to guide your way through pureblood history, and all you need to know about the Potter name. Griphook’
A wave of exhaustion washed over Harry as he smiled down at the note, written in beautiful flowy letters. It was half past 10, and the rain had started up again. He heard a chirp and turned to find Hedwing sitting on a perch in the corner of the room, clearly sleeping. He decided to leave his companion to her rest. His eyes were already drooping closed, the rain lulling him in seconds. He left his trunk leaned up at the end of the bed, along with the bottomless bag, and let himself fall into the creaky mattress.
What a long day….
☆
When the sun began seeping through the curtains of the room, one could find the young Potter awake and surrounded by books across the floor. He’d mumbled a few words to himself and then turned to cross reference what he read from one book to the other. He had never been one for studying— but suddenly found himself almost unable to tear himself away from the books.
He sat back with a groan, “Wizarding culture is so confusing!”
Apparently in the past two years he’s been a part of the wizarding world; he’s been incredibly disrespectful. No one had bothered to explain proper wizarding etiquette to him, as everyone assumed the great Harry Potter, the boy who lived, knew all there was to know. And they didn’t bother taking this up in any of the classes offered at Hogwarts . During his second year, while he was shopping with the Weasleys for school supplies, he had blatantly disrespected Lucius Malfoy. In public! He was horrified by his own actions! Of course, he didn’t like the man, and he doubted anyone actually liked the man, but he went out of his way in the shop to ignore the man’s pleasantries. At the time he had no clue they were pleasantries however.
Frustrated and annoyed with wizarding culture, he stood up and decided that he needed to get out of the room for a while. He changed his clothes, tucking Dudley’s oversized t-shirt into his jeans, and then grabbed his new blag and swung it over his shoulder. A trip through the alley sounds like a good idea. Harry grabbed his key and locked his door behind him, a calm nod to the housekeeper as he passed.
Spending his day in Diagon Alley, unattended, was one of the best feelings Harry had experienced. He had spent hours mulling around the shops, buying wizarding candy and even a new pair of self adjusting glasses! He was, however, too nervous to wear them until he could properly use the repairing charm. So they were swiftly deposited into his bag and forgotten about. He spotted a small shop in the alley of two other shops, bright and colourful. He was pleasantly surprised to find a shop for wizarding pins and posters. Harry is proud to admit he left the shop with two new Quidditch posters and a niffler pin for his bag. There were also vinyls in the back— but Harry didn’t know any wizarding bands nor did he own a record player. A purchase for another time. His last stop of the day was a small pet store to buy a few treats for Hedwig before retreating back to the Leaky Cauldron in exhaustion.
He was unsure of what to do with his time now that it wasn’t filled with pruning Petunia’s garden, cooking the Dursley’s means, or hiding while he tries to read a single line of his textbook. He settled himself back onto the floor, surrounded by books. He couldn’t find the interest to continue to read the history books— so he opened his trunk and dug out his first year spells and charms textbooks. During his time at the wizarding school, he never found himself with much time for the learning aspect. Naturally, his grades took a hard hit. He was also incredibly behind compared to the rest of the kids in his year, some of the spells he had watched them perform— he hadn’t even got to in the textbook.
So for the rest of the month he alternated between spells, charms and even made an attempt to understand potions. (He didn’t end well.) But it got boring quick, with Hedwig as his only form of company.
His last week of summer vacation had been the worst of it. He had gone through all his first and second year books and was done with anything school related for the rest of the week. He didn’t even want to think about another spellbook. He had briefly gone back to history and politics of wizarding Britain but gave up after one too many headaches reading the blatant wizarding racism. Classism? Fascism? All of the above.
He gave a long sigh as he draped himself over the edge of his bed, hanging upside down as he watched the clouds roll by outside the window. His eyes drifted to the bag hanging off the bed by his head. He groaned as he pulled himself back up, snatching the bag up. He shuffled through the contents and pulled out the letters his parents left for each year of his Hogwarts years. He found himself staring at the envelopes as if they personally offended him for a moment before giving up and reaching for the first.
Dearest Hadrian,
Congratulations on your acceptance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry! It is a lovely place to learn! (And the safest.) I remember how magical it was during my first year, Severus and I were so nervous about the sorting. Know that no matter where you are sorted; you will always be loved. The hat chooses where you will learn best, not based on light or dark, or personality. Despite that your father and I were Gryffindors, Severus was a Slytherin and we stayed friends for a long, long time. Make friends based on personality, not on house colours, darling. We put enough in your school fund that you will have more than enough for your necessities. Keep up with your books and enjoy the wonders of Hogwarts!
P.S
I’ve left a few things around the school grounds, enjoy the easter egg hunt my star! And remember: Pulvis et umbra sumus!
Love,
Mum.
Harry laughed softly as he finished the letter. Thanks mum. His heart swelled with warmth as he pictured the affectionate voice of his mother, kind and understanding. It left him with yet another question, were Severus Snape and my mother friends or did the potions professor have a sibling—? No need to ask the potions professor, however, because inside the envelope was a moving polaroid of a little Lily Evan and young Severus Snape. They were both grinning, sporting Slytherin and Gryffindor robes.
Snape smiling… He shivered and put the photo back in the envelope. I should purchase a chest to put these in… I have a feeling I will be getting a lot of sentimental things…
The next letter was much the same, written by his mother again and accompanied with a photo of her and a boy with light brown hair and marked up skin. Lily & Moony 1972 ♥︎
Moony…
He moved on to the third envelope, surprised to find it written by James. He had come to gather that out of the two of them, his mother was the writer. It was addressed to his third year of schooling, so he was most excited about this one. It came with two polaroids this time, all were very old, and he began to wonder how the wizarding world took pictures if most of them despise muggle technology. The first photo was of two older looking individuals. Harry gave in to his emotions, smiling down at a man who looked incredibly like the version of his father he saw in the mirror during his first year, with darker skin, a beard and that same roman nose he had. But then he realized that man was also in the mirror. He was slightly wispy and at the time he was entirely focused on his parents. They looked so alike. He ran his finger over the picture, the woman was smiling so fondly— draped in colourful floreign fabrics. Fleamont & Euphemia Potter!
A new wave of tears flooded his eyes but he blinked them away as quickly as they had come. He left the other polaroid on the stack of envelopes and moved to the letter.
Hesperus,
During my third year at Hogwarts, Padfoot and Moony had spent their Yule break with my family. Your grandmother, Euphemia, was happy to have more people in the house. She always wanted me to have siblings. She spoiled us rotten, and that was what I wanted for you and your friends. Even though I am not here to spoil you and your friends, I’m sure Padfoot, Wormtail and Moony will spoil you enough for all of us.
Xoxo
Dad.
Harry set the letter down and smiled. Short and simple, thanks. He picked up the second polaroid and found himself staring at a christmas photo of his father and two others. They were wrapping presents with a massive christmas tree in the background. Padfoot, Moony & Prongs –Happy Yule My Boys! It was written in flowy cursive letters with little stars drawn on it.
He held each picture with great care, tucking them back into their respective envelopes with the corresponding letters. He slid them into a deep pocket of his bag, not wanting anyone else to find his treasure. He sniffled and rubbed his palms into his eyes. That’s enough for one day. He avoided touching the will at all costs, knowing that if he picked it up, he’d want to open it, and then he’d have to face the fact he is the head of his family name now and there was likely a list of duties he’d be required to do. Fresh air would be a nice idea…
He opened the window before he left the room, making sure Hedwig could stretch her wings if she so wished. He swung his bag over his shoulder, stroked her feathers and then left the crappy room. The moment his feet reached the top of the stairs, he could hear the yelling.
For a moment he briefly questioned why the Weasleys were at the Leaky Cauldron but settled on asking later.
“Your cat is a bloodthirsty menace!” Ron gawked, holding his rat as close to his chest as possible without hurting the creature.
“Oh please,” Hermione quipped. “You’re being dramatic, Ron! If you’d just stop losing your rat, Crookshanks wouldn’t chase him!”
Harry smiled down at his friends, finally a sense of routine. He started to frown as he thought of telling them his discoveries from the night before. Better not… Not until I know if they’re under the same influences… Or know anything about it… The thought stung but he pushed it aside as he stepped down the last few stairs.
Ron looked up and a wide smile crossed his face. “Hello, Harry!” Hermione turned and shared the grin. “Harry!”
Harry crossed the short distance between them while Ron put the rat on the table, immediately wrapped in a pair of arms when he finished. “What are you doing here, mate?” Ron laughed, patting his friend’s back. Harry flushed and pulled away to scratch his head, “I uh… Blew up Aunt Marge like a balloon…”
The pair gawked at him in silence. Just as the silence grew awkward, the Weasley twins each put an arm around his shoulders and yanked him towards the table. “Right on Harry!” Fred smirked.
“Good on ya’!” George agreed.
“Nice bag by the way,”
“Is it new?”
Harry hummed and let himself get sat in a seat in front of a plate of eggs and sausage, along with a paper of The Daily Prophet, “Yeah. It was apparently in my vault.” The twins sat on either side of him, Hermione and Ron in front of him.
“Apparently?” Hermione raised an eyebrow, stroking the fluffy fur of Crookshanks. Harry nodded in return, shoveling the breakfast into his mouth. “Yeah—” He gulped, “I haven't been in my vault since first year so I had no clue it was there. Pretty handy tho! It’s bottomless!”
Hermione leaned forward in wonder, “Bottomless? That’s a thing!?” Harry shrugged in response, it was his first time hearing about it too.
“Blimey Harry, those are expensive!” Ron gasped, “Think ya’ got another in there?”
Harry smirked through a mouthful of egg, “Might.” Hermione swatted at Ron in appeal, “Ronald! How rude!”
“What!? It was just a question!”
Ignoring the banter, Fred and George turned to Harry with equal curiosity. “So, what’s your plan for the day?”
“Think we could tag along?”
“Mums been extra twitchy today.”
“And dads been called off to talk to the ministry too many times to count.”
The twins deflate in boredom, leaning against Harry heavily. “Honestly, Egypt was a bore with them being so paranoid!” Fred groaned.
Harry laughed, patting each of their backs. “I was thinking of doing a little shopping. You’re welcome to come, I’ll pay.” Maybe he should stop by a bookstore and look for a few muggleborn intro to wizarding books?
George and Fred perked up but shared a look of hesitance at the offer. “You don’t have to pay Har, we can do that!”
Harry shook his head, “My treat!”
“Count me in!” Ron announced, earning himself another slap from Hermione.
“Harry!” Arthur Weasley greeted, appearing behind him. Harry flinched and turned to look up at the man, “Mr. Weasley!” The man ruffled his hair, “Nice to see you.” He then subtly glanced around at his children, “Mind if I speak with you a moment?”
Harry felt a wave of unease, “Uh.. Sure?” He stood up and followed the man a few feet away. Just far enough the twins wouldn’t snoop. Arthur settled on staring at Harry with a hard look. His lips a thin line as he seemed to sort out what he was going to say. Harry had never paid attention to such subtle details before, it was odd being calmly aware, and not being utterly self centred. Ouch.
“Harry… I want you to be very careful this year…” He spoke slowly. Harry nodded slowly, and winced when the man looked shocked; clearly not expecting that response. “You’re probably aware that Sirius Black is on the loose right now… And— Well I just wanted to make sure you know to be careful— um..” Harry awkwardly shuffled, Arthur was definitely expecting him to explode with questions and demand answers but Harry couldn’t think of anything he needed the man to explain. Ragnok had pretty much covered it all.
“Yeah, um, murdered coming after me and all.. Got it.” Harry cleared his throat and inched past the man. “We’re uh— gonna go out shopping for a bit.” He settled on. The redhead nodded slowly, watching as Harry nervously fled the secluded corner.
“Right, ready for some shoppin’ then?” George grinned, hands on his hips. Harry nodded, waving stiffly to Arthur and Ginny, who looked content to stay behind and read a Quidditch magazine.
☆
Diagon Alley was bustling with people doing some last minute shopping for school. Anxiously running around, muttering about forgetting their textbooks for certain classes. “Where to first, oh chosen one?” Harry flinched at the nickname, and flushed when Fred gave him a questioning stare.
“Uh… Well I was thinking about stopping by a bookstore and maybe a stationary supply store.” Hermione perked up, and Ron quickly deflated with a groan. “Did you turn into a bloody bookworm over the summer?” He asked in horror. Harry smirked but didn’t answer.
Harry pulled out a handful of galleons from the coin pouch and handed it to the twins, “Here. You and Ron can go for a wander while me and Hermione grab some books. We’ll meet…” Harry looked around for a place to join up. “At that… Robes shop.” He shrugged. Come to think of it, did he own any robes other than his school ones?
Fred, George and Ron stared at the pile of gold in Fred’s hands in awe. “Blimey… Let’s go then boys!” George boom, face lit up with joy, already dragging his brothers in the direction of the closest pranks store.
Hermione pursed his lips with a complicated look, “Do you have and idea how much money that probably was?”
Harry shrugged, “I’m still trying to understand wizarding currency.” Hermione nodded and dropped her shoulder, “So am I. I keep forgetting it’s not the same conversion, I almost gave a shopkeeper twice as much as I was supposed to!”
Harry laughed, linking their arms as he shared the sentiment. He had done that a few times. Luckily, Mrs. Weasley and the twins were usually there to right it. “Yeah, during first year when I bought all the snacks on the trolley, I didn’t understand I basically gave the lady a fortune.” His cheeks burned at the memory, so that’s why she looked close to tears.
As they neared the bookstore, Hermione tugged on his arm and gave him a questioning smile. “I thought you hated studying?”
“I’ve been doing quite a bit of reading over the summer and I’ve realized there’s an enormous amount of things I hadn’t a clue about. I figured you wouldn’t mind helping me pick a few books out.” It wasn’t a total lie. He had been doing quite a bit of reading, but that was really to catch up with all the spells he wasn’t allowed to do.
Hermione nodded along easily. “When I got my Hogwarts letter, they also gave me a list of books and guides I would need to buy. I felt terrible dragging my parents around the alley, they had no idea what was going on around here!” Her puffy mop of hair bounced as she laughed, reminiscing her parent’s likely horrified looks as they travelled through the magical alley.
They stepped into the cramped book store, littered with students doing their own browsing. “Well, you’re the expert, where to then?” Harry turned to the girl, watching as her face lit up and he was suddenly yanked in the direction of a tall bookshelf near the back of the store.
Harry looked over the titles in awe. So many things he wished he were aware of. ‘ A muggleborn’s guide to everything magic!’ ‘Magical location around the world’ ‘Muggle guide to magic terms’ ‘Wizarding etiquette : what to and not to do’
“You’re telling me a single bookshelf could’ve answered all of my questions?” Harry whimpered, leaning into Hermione in defeat.
She smiled sympathetically. “Sorry Harry, I shouldn’t have assumed you knew all these things… I really thought you had gotten the same list I did!”
Harry waved her off easily, “Don’t worry about it, it’s never too late to learn!” When did he become so wise?
They piled books into a basket they summoned, finding more and more things that neither of them were aware of. Every other book they grabbed, one would turn to the other and ask if they knew anything about it, and each time they shrugged and shook their heads. “Merlin, I wish they brought this up at school!” Hermione looked at the pile in slight distress. There were about twelve books they decided to share, all going over various aspects of the wizarding world.
Harry nodded, opening the pouch Griphook gave him, hoping he had enough. (In truth, he definitely had more than enough.)
Something tugged at his core and he looked up, confused as he glanced around the store. “Harry?” He shook his head lightly and turned to follow the tug. He weaved through the stacks of dusty books, glancing around in wonder as he tried to pinpoint what exactly he was looking for. He stopped in front of a bookcase, covered in a thick layer of dust. Hermione held onto the back of his shirt nervously, looking around at all the dark leather bound books. “Harry? What are we doing over here?”
He reached out, feeling his core flare up as he passed over the books with the tip of his index finger. His eyes caught on a certain title and he stopped on it. He could feel the ease of the tug when he slid it out of the shelf.
Pulvis et umbra sumus.
The book was old and slightly torn in places. The title was stamped in silver and had no author labeled. Without a second thought, he slipped the book into their basket and turned back to Hermione. “Sorry, did you say something?” She gave him an odd look and tugged him away from the dark corner. “C’mon. Let’s grab a few journals and quills and get going. The boys are probably waiting for us.”
He nodded and they traversed the isles, back to the front of the store where they grabbed a few lined journals and a few extra quills and ink pots. Harry tried not to flinch as the lady at the counter rang up their purchases. He quickly put each item in his bag, and then linked arms with Hermione again so they wouldn’t get lost in the crowd outside.
“You were really weird in there…” Hermione mumbled, just loud enough for him to hear over the bustle of wizards and witches.
He looked at the ground, unsure of how to answer. He really wasn’t sure what came over him. He had never done that before. It was like something was guiding him…
Whispering where to go…
“My, my! Famous Harry Potter! What a surprise!” The twisted voice of Lucius Malfoy chimed. The young wizards turned to see all three Malfoys stood to their right, clearly having done quite a bit of shopping of their own.
A memory of what he had already read about wizarding etiquette came to Harry and he quickly turned to bow at the man with open palms. He ignored Hermione’s gawk and kept his head low. “Lord Malfoy, Lady Malfoy.”
There was a beat of silence where he wondered if he had done it wrong. Then he glanced up to find the lady of the house bowing back. “Heir Potter, well met.”
Begrudgingly, Draco followed his mothers actions, Lucius standing dumbfounded in front of them. “And here I thought you deliberately ignored wizarding customs, Mr. Potter!” Lucius barked a laugh, twisting his cane. Harry stood up straight, linking his arm with Hermione’s once more as she openly glared at the family. “I’d actually like to apologize for my lack of knowledge of wizarding customs. I was unaware of the disrespect I showed you, Lord Malfoy.”
He didn’t like apologizing to the man but he was in the wrong.
Lucius sneered but gave his own gracefully bow. It was short but was all Harry needed to know he had made the right choice.
“I see. I would suggest you catch up with the rest of the world then, Potter.” And without another word, the man turned, took his wife’s arm and strutted away. Draco stayed a moment longer to grimace at the pair before hurrying off to catch up with his parents.
Hermione turned and shook Harry’s shoulders in horror, “What in Merlin’s name was that!? Did you just bow? ”
Harry laughed and put his hands on the girl’s arms to stop her shaking. “I read it in a book last night that it is a formal greeting of respect and acknowledgement in the wizarding world. Or wizarding Britain at least.. It’s apparently considered incredibly disrespectful to not great Lords like this!”
Hermione took a moment to breathe, looking extremely woozy. “L–Lord? What? What are you on about?”
Harry sighed, shaking his head. “I’ll lend you the book when we get back to the Leaky Cauldron.” She nodded weakly and they continued on to where they could see all three Weasleys waiting, sneering at the Malfoy’s as they walked away. “What did that git want?” Ron spat.
“I’m not actually sure.” Harry shrugged. He speculated that it was simply to try and make a fool out of him but they had to back down when Mrs. Malfoy showed a clear display of civility.
“Well, either way, let’s do some clothes shopping!”
With that, the next hour and a half were spent shopping for various outfits, both muggle and wizarding. Harry ended up with a hefty bag of cardigans, jeans, t-shirts, two pairs of new shoes and a set of proper robes. Hermione had chosen them, claiming that the green accents matched his eyes perfectly, and the near black color complimented his dark skin.
He had also made sure that each of them had picked out a few articles of clothing as well, and picked up a Holyhead Harpies sweater for Ginny.
They ventured back to the Leaky Cauldron after, exhausted and done with socialization for the night. Hermione, Ron and Harry hung out in Harry’s room for the majority of the day, reading through the various books and making several trips back down to grab snacks.
Merlin, he was happy to have some company.
Pulvis et umbra sumus = We are dust and shadows
** < Harry's Bottomless Bag