As the Gringotts cart raced down the track into the depths of Gringotts Harry's mind raced with all the information that had learned. First, his parents were a witch and a wizard and had been killed by some dark lord called Voldemort.
Second, there was an entire other world filled with magic, potions and strange animal that existed hidden from those without magic. Only those with magic could see and access the hidden world that seemed to be simultaneously more advanced than the rest of the world and stuck in the medieval era.
The third bit of information was that Hagrid a rather large and aggressive man was collecting something important for the headmaster in secret. Not that Harry thought he was being very secretive about it as he had announced he was doing special Hogwarts businesses in a crowded pub and the crowded bank.
With a jerk the cart ground to a halt sparks flying from the rails. After a sip of his hip flask Hagrid shakily pulled himself out of the carriage. The goblin Griphook walked over to a smaller door fitted into the large door of the vault and turned to Hagrid to ask for the key. Ignoring the goblin Hagrid placed the key into the lock for the big door triggering a series of clangs and thuds. Once the sounds died down Hagrid twisted the key and stepped back allowing for the massive door to swing open.
Peering into the vault Harry was surprised to see only one small package wrapped in some dirty cloth. As Hagrid went to collect the tiny package Harry herd Griphook mutter, "Secret task my ass, the whole of the British wizarding world will know by sundown if the oaf doesn't stop with the dramatics"
Trying not to laugh Harry turned to watch Hagrid collect the tiny dirty package. Comparing the size of the vault to the size of the package before muttering: "that seems like a waste of space."
The deep growl of Griphooks voice just behind his shoulder startled Harry as Griphook growled, "yes, it is but wizards have never claimed to be particularly logical if such a word can even be loosely applied to them." Before Harry could reply Hagrid clambered back into the cart and tucked the package into one of the many oversized pockets on his jacket.
As soon as Hagrid had sat in the cart Griphook sent them plunging deeper into the mines the as he announced, "next stop is the vault 687" after a few minutes riding along in the carts Harry was sure that the goblin was deliberately taking a scenic route just to spite Hagrid.
Eventually, they ground to a halt outside vault number 687 quickly scrambling out of the cart Harry abandoned Hagrid in the cart quickly following Griphook. With a rather scary grin Griphook accepted Harrys key and opened the tiny door in the massive vault door and whispered, "if you don't want the idiot to know what you have in your vault enter now before he arrives, and I have to open the whole vault door."
With a smile of thanks, Harry slipped into the vault ignoring Hagrid's cry to wait. Stepping into the vault Harry felt his knees go week in shock as stared in awe at the piles of money metal, jewels, jewelry, furniture, books and many more mountains of items.
Noticing that Harry was looking at the mountain of neatly organized furniture with complete confusion Griphook who had slipped into the vault behind Harry said, "The rich pure blood wizarding families have been around for centuries and understand that everything comes back into fashion, so they store furniture for their descendants thus saving money and helping to assure the continued wealth of the family."
Nodding in understanding Harry turned his attention to the massive piles of coins. One pile was filled with large gold coins that would fill the palm of Harry's hand the word galleon engraved around the image of a man's face. The second pile of coins was filled with slightly smaller silver coins. Checking the coin Harry was pleased to find sickle engraved around a woman's face. The final and last coin was a small bronze coin with Knut etched around the image of a cauldron and a wand.
After examining the three coins Harry turned to Griphook and asked, "what are these coins worth? and how much money do I need for my school supply's." With a rather terrifying grin, Griphook replied, "an heir of a Most Ancient and most noble house would normally get 500 galleons to buy their Hogwarts supply's and what's left over is pocket money."
Before Harry could ask how he was supposed to carry all that money Griphook summoned the required amount into a small moleskin bag and handed it to Harry. Amazed that all the money had fitted into the tiny bag and the lack of weight Harry didn't spot Griphook pulling out a silver and black coat trunk with an intricate family crest on the front.
Turning to Griphook Harry was surprised to see the trunk it's elegant silver leather and black bracings appealed to Harry. The intricate crest of a Gryphon, a large snake standing over a cauldron with a the smoke from the cauldron forming the shape of a circle with a triangle inside and a line down the middle.
As Harry was examining the trunk Griphook said, "that trunk was left for you to take to Hogwarts it contains in it everything from portkeys to your property's all the books you will need for Hogwarts, protective jewelry, and many more Items." Gazing at the Trunk in awe Harry made a mental note that he had to look up portkeys and how everything fitted into the bags and that were so small considering what was inside them.
Walking over to a small table by itself Griphook picked up a roll of parchment and duplicated it with a wave of his hand. Passing the parchment to Harry he said, "if you write the name of something you want to buy this parchment will tell you if you have it already and where it can be found."
Turning to leave the vault Harry stopped when Griphook handed him a piece of parchment and said, "When Hagrid asks you what you did in the vault tell him that you just picked up a money bag labelled 1st year and this empty trunk to put your school stuff in."
Taking a deep breath in Harry exited his vault to the sight of an angry Hagrid purple in the face pacing outside the vault muttering under his breath between swigs of his flask. As soon as Hagrid saw Harry he grabbed Harry's arm in a vice like grip. Looming over Harry Hagrid growled, "what did you do in their boy and why did you not wait for me?"
Years of surviving his aunt and uncles temper told Harry that one wrong move and he would be in a lot of danger. Quickly putting a confused look on his face Harry replied, "I went in cause the goblin opened the door and I thought you were behind me Griphook gave me a money bag and an empty trunk he found lying in the back of the vault after telling me to be careful how I spend my money until I leave Hogwarts and get a job.
Nodding sharply Hagrid grabbed Harry by the arm and hauled him into the cart while muttering about annoying little brats ruining Albus's plans. Fortunately, the trip out of Gringotts's was quicker than the trip to the vaults as Hagrid kept a painfully tight hold of Harry's arm until they were in Diagon Alley.
As soon as they where out of the bank Harry found himself stumbling to keep up with Hagrid the cobbles catching his feet as he tried to step forwards. As Harry struggled to keep up with Hagrid he was unaware of the angry and alarmed looks the shopkeepers and shoppers where sending them.
Quickly Hagrid dragged Harry through Diagon alley earning many alarmed and concerned looks from both the shoppers and shopkeepers. Finally, they stopped outside Madam Malkin's robes for every occasion. Shoving the school list into Harry's hand Hagrid said, "get what's on your list while I go for a pick me up in the leaky."
Grasping the list Harry watched in relief as Hagrid abandoned him for a drink. Entering the shop Harry was quickly spotted by a kind looking lady who said, "Hogwarts dear" before standing him up on a platform next to a boy with white blonde hair.
The boy glanced over at Harry took an appraising glance then proceeded to introduce himself saying, "hello my names Draco Malfoy. Are you going to Hogwarts too?" nodding in conformation Harry relaxed as Draco barely noticing that he hadn't said a word began talking about familiars and quidditch.
Listening to Draco Harry was surprised to hear that even though the letter said you could only take one pet an exception was made for those who had a familiar. Eventually, Draco had finished his robe fitting and after saying goodbye left with his mother.
Once Harry had collected his new robes 6 tailored Hogwarts robes he began browsing through the catalogues in the shop looking for clothing suitable for relaxing in and for wearing at the Dursleys. Seeing that Harry hadn't left the kind lady came over and asked, "is there anything in particular that you need sir?"
Looking up sharply Harry replied, "yes most of my clothing need's replacing and I need to find something suitable." Nodding sagely the woman asked, "what's your name dearie?" glancing around Harry checked that there was no one close enough to hear before whispering, "Harry Potter"
The woman unlike the people in the leaky cauldron just nodded her head calmly before saying, "well as you are 11 you won't be taking an inheritance test till next year, but you are the confirmed heir of house potter."
Pausing her ramblings for a moment the woman glanced at Harry before continuing to mutter, "no need for political robes, will need formal robes, casual robes, lets add a couple of sports robes just in case and I will give you some sleepwear as my way of saying thank you for defeating You Know Who"
Surprisingly quickly the lady who Harry discovered was Madam Malkin assembled an entire wardrobe for Harry and sent it flying neatly into Harry's trunk. The Bill came to 100 galleons but as Madam Malkin had informed Harry the clothes would last and grow with him until his third or fourth year at Hogwarts.
After leaving madam Malkins Harry Bumped into a tall version of Draco. The man looked down a Harry in surprise before saying, "apologies young man I didn't see you there." As the man turned to leave without even waiting for Harry to reply he spotted The Hogwarts list clamped in Harry's hand. Sighing he pulled out a small bundle of parchment duplicated it with a wave of his wand and handed it to Harry before disappearing into the crowd.
Looking over the parchment that the man had given him he noticed that it was a more complete list of what he would need for Hogwarts. Sitting down on a bench he removed the parchment that the goblins had given him and began to figure out what he already had on the list. Once Harry had completed this he was pleased to note that already had all of the school books and potions equipment required in his trunk. The only things left for him to find where potions ingredients, his wand and a pet or familiar. The list, fortunately, had a map on the back indicating the best places to find what he needed.
Deciding to get the potion's ingredients first Harry followed the map to a shop named Potions most potent ingredients for the discerning. Quickly entering the shop Harry was surprised that it didn't stink like the other potions store he had passed on the way.
Bringing out the list of ingredients Harry noticed that first on the list was belladonna berries, leaves and essence. Looking around the shop Harry noticed that the ingredients were separated into plant's, essences, animal parts both living and dead.
Quickly locating the belladonna leaves Harry reached his first problem. The list just said belladonna leaves but the belladonna leaves on the shelves came labelled with what time of day or night they were picked and what phase the moon was at.
As Harry was contemplating what to do a tall dour man with a slightly crooked nose walked up to him and said, "What seems to be your problem?" spinning to face the intimidating man Harry quickly replied, "my list only says belladonna leaves but nothing about when they were picked."
Nodding understandingly the man began picking glass jars off the shelf as he said, "As I am the potions professor, I can tell you that the time they were picked at doesn't matter overly much until after Hogwarts and take a mastery in either healing or potions."
Looking down at Harry the professor handed Harry the wrapped Potions ingredients and a book on the theory of potion's and their ingredients. Accepting the parcel Harry was surprised when a compartment of his trunk opened to show potions marked near the opening.
Quickly paying the man who appeared behind the till Harry thanked the professor for his help before going to leave. Just as Harry reached the door the professor said, "I knew your parents Harry and they were both talented in potions, if you have any difficulties with the theory ask one of the Slytherin prefects to show you to professor Snape's office." Before Harry could acknowledge what, the professor Snape had said the professor swept behind the counter and into the storeroom.
Pulling out his list that Harry determined that the next stop would be Ollivanders. Turning over to the map Harry began weaving in and out of all the shoppers following the directions on the map until Harry spotted Hagrid staggering drunkenly down the street sending the occasional shopper flying to the ground.
Quickly moving behind a large barrel labeled ready to charm charms for your charm bracelet. Once Hagrid was further down the street Harry quickly continued to make his way to Ollivanders.
Inside the shop everything was covered in a thick layer of dust and sawdust. Tall bookcases that stretched to the celling were jam packed with slender rectangular boxes. As Harry examined the shop an aristocratic man with white hair that seemed to stand up in every direction and piercing silver eyes slid down from a previously unseen ladder.
Squinting at Harry for a moment the man then burst out, "Mr Potter I thought I would be seeing you soon." Pausing to send a tape measure flying over to Harry and a quill and parchment to record the measurements before continuing to say I Remember your parents coming in for their wands.
Your father was a rather powerful wizard that took to an 11-inch mahogany wand with a Basilisk fang core, quite an unusual combination." Leaning forward Harry asked, "What wand did my mother have?" quirking his eyebrow Ollivander replied, "that depends on if your mother was Lilly Evans or Serena Prince."
Ignoring Harry's confusion Ollivander continued saying, "if your mother was Evans then her wand was 10 and a half inches long made from willow with a unicorn hair core. Prince on the other hand had a 11 inch wand made from aspen and containing a unicorn horn, freely given of course."
Opening his mouth to explain that he didn't know why there was any confusion about his mother Harry was cut off again by Ollivander disappearing into the back of the shop. Standing in the middle of the shop floor awkwardly Harry debated if he should follow after Ollivander or wait for him to come back.
After five minutes of debating Ollivander poked his head around the door and said, "Well come on." Hesitantly Harry followed Ollivander, behind the shop was a large workshop that somehow was cleaner than the front of the shop.
Pulling out piles of wood and boxes labeled cores Ollivander began saying, "I'm glad you came by yourself as for the last couple of months Headmaster Dumbledore had been pushing that I give you a holly and phoenix feather wand that is twined to another despite the fact that have told him multiple times that the Potters being one of the sacred 28 means that the old family magic would burn out a standard wand within five to six years.".
Approaching the work bench Harry asked, "Why would my family magic burn the wand?" smiling eagerly a Harry Olivander began explaining with exaggerated gestures, "many people like Dumbledore and muggleborns like to think that they are no different from the older Pureblood family's which is not true. A muggleborn's magic is like a blank slate there is no predisposed talents or natural ability's. As the Muggleborn learns magic they put more effort into certain areas of magic making that area stronger so when they have a child with another muggleborn their child will be a second-generation muggle born and will find the subjects their parents put more effort into easier."
Pausing to check that Harry was still following him Ollivander smiled as he saw Harry eagerly listening do continued saying, "After first and second generation muggleborns there are Half-bloods who are defined as only having two magical grandparents. A Half-blood's family magic will be stronger than a second generation muggleborns family magic as more generations have added to it. The older the family line the family magic comes from the stronger the family magic will be." Pausing again as his head disappeared into a cupboard followed by an almighty crash, Ollivander grabbed one final box before coming out and placing the box next to the others.
Continuing as if nothing had happened he continued to say, "This means that if a half-blood had a first generation pureblood and a muggleborn parent's family magic was compared to a half blood from a family from the sacred 28 who can trace their family line back beyond Merlin then the shear difference volume and complexity of the family magic would be astounding. The same principle applies to Purebloods who are wixen with 4 magical grandparents, the older the pureblood family line the more powerful and complex the family magic."
Looking at Harry Ollivander asked, "you understand what I am saying?" nodding quickly Harry was pleased when Ollivander said, "this means that muggleborns only need to be 60% compatible with a wand where an old family from the sacred 28 need to be at least 90% compatible with their wand to prevent problems."
Deeming the conversation done Ollivander guided Harry to the workbench where he said, "Close your eyes Harry and allow your magic to flow over the bench until I tell you to stop."
Ushering Harry into the workshop behind the shop Ollivander lead Harry to the first of three tables. On the table was roughly carved coreless wands. Softly Ollivander whispered, "you need to close your eyes and cast your magic over the wand wood then pick the one that resonates with your magic"
Following Ollivander's instructions, Harry closed his eyes and tried to identify his magic, after what seemed an age Harry found a thread that seemed to glow many colours while sparking and twisting with hidden power.
Focusing his energy, he imagined channeling the power out of himself and over the table in front of him. After a few moments Ollivander snapped Harry out of the trans like state saying, "that's perfect"
Opening his Eyes harry was surprised to see a deep red wood and a stark white wood floating in the air, plucking the wood out of the air Ollivander began working on the wood chanting under his beath af the wood merged to form an attractive 12-inch wand. The wand was an unusual mix of a deep redwood and a stark white wood that spun together in delicate spirals making it seem as if the wand contained only one wood, not two.
Examining the wand wood Ollivander said, "A double wood wand quite a common occurrence in the sacred 28 but not common enough that you will see many. Your wand woods are on the other hand quite powerful and rare, the red wood is the result of a magical hybrid of a red wood tree and a cherry tree and the white wood is the result of a magical hybrid between a yew tree and a silver lime tree."
Stroking the newly crafted wand Ollivander said, "The cherry and red wood hybrid will aid you in both healing and defensive magic both very common talents in the potter family. While the Yew silver lime hybrid will aid you in potions, mind magics something that the Peverell's who the potters descended from where very talented in and the Princes exel in leading to them often favoring silverlime wands"
Turning back to the table Ollivander plucked two faintly glowing items from the wand core boxes and with a dramatic swish of his wand inserted them into the wand wood. Handing Harry the wand with the look of a proud parent Ollivander said, "a core made from an ice phoenix and freely given unicorns blood" accepting the wand from Ollivander Harry felt a rush of power flow through him as blue and silver sparks shot out of his wand.
Smiling Ollivander said, "that will come to twelve sickles." After bidding goodbye to Ollivander Harry quickly made his way to the pet shop Magical familiars and companions. Stepping inside the shop Harry was relieved that he hadn't been spotted by Hagrid who was staggering around the alley with a thunderous look on his face.
Inside the Shop, a slightly hunched over old lady came forward and said, "I've been waiting for you." Frowning Harry tried to figure out if he had met the woman before when she pressed a blue egg into his hands.
Chapter 1 rewriten
Almost instantly the egg began hatching revealing an ice phoenix. After gazing up at Harry for a moment the phoenix bit his thumb creating a blue flash of magic.
Smiling gently the woman said, "he's yours for free." Before Harry could protest the woman had handed him a book on phoenixes and herded him out the door. Not wanting Hagrid to know about his new familiar Harry placed him in the familiar compartment of the trunk labeled owl carrier. After ensuring that there was lots of air entering the compartment Harry reluctantly made his way towards Hagrid.
Seeing Harry Approach Hagrid slurred his words as he asked, "did you get the holly and phoenix wand." Blinking naively Harry smirked internally as he replied, "no it wouldn't work for me."