A Band of Misfits

by mordenkaiser

Harry Potter decides to keep his letter secret when it first arrives, thus changing everything. As a muggle-raised wizard, he finds himself in a whole new world, where true friends are far and few between. However, there are those few that are like him, misfits, not really belonging with anyone else. {AU, starting with year one, Harry/Fleur later in the series.} -Abandoned.-

1. Chapter I

Disclaimer: Harry Potter and the Harry Potter universe belong to J.K. Rowling.

---

Harry Potter and the Band of Misfits

But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

---

Chapter I:

A flash of green, a scream, and then nothing. The raven-haired boy woke with a start and dragged his hand through his hair. 'Another bad dream,' he thought, 'the same as the others. Why do I keep having it?'

Before he could continue his thoughts, he was startled by the stomping coming from above it, signifying his cousin was awake. Harry James Potter let out a sigh as he slowly pulled himself up, ignoring the shouts of his cousin. Another long day lay ahead of him in the Dursley's house at Number Four Privet Drive, and he wanted to get an early start to it.

Brushing the dust out of his face that had fallen on him from Dudley jumping on the stairs, Harry grabbed the first shirt he could find and slipped it on. It wouldn't do him any good to delay breakfast any longer, and the others would only have more reason to yell at him.

With another sigh, he heaved himself out of the cupboard under the stairs where he slept. In truth, he didn't really mind the cupboard, it allowed him some privacy and he could let his mind wander. 'It could do with a little more space,' he thought as he closed it behind him, 'And maybe a better ceiling, that would help with the dust.'

Upon entering the kitchen, he was met by his uncle, Vernon, yelling at him for being slow and not having breakfast ready yet. Harry just muttered an apology as he got to work preparing the food. Nothing could bring him down today, for his eleventh birthday was just a week away, and Harry was always happy in the days leading up to his birthday. It wasn't because of the presents, he never got any of those, but just the fact that it was his birthday made the day special to him. To anyone outside of the family, there would be nothing different about it from any other day of the year, but Harry didn't mind. To him, it really wasn't about presents, or having fun, it was about birthday's being special, no matter what happens on them.

Harry had just sat down to take his first bite of food when his uncle's voice interrupted him, "Get the post, boy, and make it quick." Vernon said to him through a mouthful of eggs. With a nod, Harry rose from the table and quietly walked to get the mail. He sorted through it as he slowly made his return to the dining room, at first it was just the usual mail for the Dursley's, but then his eye caught his name in green ink on one of the letters in the stack he was holding.

His heart started racing, a thousand thoughts flying through his head all at once. 'Who's it from? Why are they writing me? What do they want? And how do they know where I live?' where only some of them, shortly followed by ones about his family, 'And what if the Dursley's find out? Will they take it from me? Yes, they probably will. They mustn't see it at all. I'll hide it and read it later, alone.' His thoughts were interrupted by Vernon yelling at him again to hurry up and stop dawdling.

Harry quickly crammed the letter into his pocket and rushed to the dining room, abruptly handing Vernon the stack of mail. "What took you so long, boy? You weren't reading it, where you?" his uncle said to him sternly.

"N-no sir. Not at all. I'm sorry for taking so long." Harry stammered in reply, trying not to lose his cool. They couldn't find out about his letter.

Vernon narrowed his eyes and glared at Harry for a moment before shrugging and turning his attention to the mail, "Good, next time don't take so long. Now help your aunt clean up from breakfast."

"But I haven't eaten anything yet!" Harry protested as he sat down at his place once more.

"I don't care, boy! Help your aunt! Now!" Vernon yelled back at him, his face turning red.

Harry knew better than to argue with his uncle like this, so he silently nodded and began to clear the dishes. It didn't take long to clean up from breakfast and wash the dishes, but unfortunately for Harry, he still didn't get a chance to read his letter, for Petunia set him to work in the garden right away.

~~sSs~~

It wasn't until much later that evening, after supper had been cleared from the table, and after Harry had been sent to bed, that he got a chance to finally read his letter. He was lying there on his 'bed', staring at the parchment. His eyes couldn't believe what they were reading, and for that matter, the rest of him couldn't believe it either. If it was to be believed, and if it wasn't some prank, then he, Harry James Potter, was a wizard. What being a wizard meant, he had no idea, but he knew that if he wanted to know the truth, he would have to go to this Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

But then the question of how was he to get there arose in his mind, the letter didn't mention that part, it didn't even mention where or how he was supposed to get all these supplies. Then the thought struck him, how was he going to persuade the Dursley's to let him go? They had always punished him whenever something strange happened around him, like that time on Dudley's birthday, when the glass from the snake exhibit at the zoo disappeared and his cousin fell in. No, they would not let him go, if he was lucky, they would just yell at him and lock him in the cupboard for a week again. If he was unlucky, well, he really didn't want to think about that.

It was with these, and many more, thoughts that Harry Potter fell asleep. The young boy had no idea just how much his life was about to change. Suffice to say, things would never be the same at Number Four Privet Drive, nor for anyone living there, especially not Harry Potter, the boy-who-lived.

~~sSs~~

Far to the north, Minerva McGonagall strode through the halls of Hogwarts towards the Headmaster's office, a single name running through her head. Upon arriving at the statue that guarded the entrance to the office, she found it open, obviously she was expected. She quickly strode up the stairs and rapped on the door.

"Enter." came the Headmaster's response. Minerva opened the door and stepped inside without a second thought. Her gaze fell upon the old man sitting behind the desk staring at her from behind his half-moon spectacles. A smile appeared on his face when he noticed who his visitor was.

"Ah, Minerva, I was wondering when you would come. Have all the letters been sent then?" Dumbledore said as she took a seat before him, his smile not fading for a second.

"Yes, Albus, it is done." she replied in her thick Scottish accent "Which is why I'm here."

Albus nodded, "I thought as much. What is it you wish to ask?"

Minerva shifted in her seat, "It's about Harry, Albus, I think we should send a special messenger to him, I don't know if the muggles he's with will know everything." She said, "What if they don't know where Diagon Alley is? And they don't have his vault key..."

Albus smiled thoughtfully at her statement, it was true, the Dursley's did not have his vault key, but Dumbledore was certain they would know where Diagon Alley was. As for her request, he already had prepared an answer for her. "You raise a good point, Minerva. I shall send Rubeus to speak with the boy and his family." Dumbledore said, "I'm quite sure he can take care of everything."

Minerva hid her look of surprise. She had nothing against Hagrid, in fact she liked the man well enough, but she didn't really think he was the best suited for the job. No, it was her task to approach muggle-born families as the special messenger, and Harry fit in to that category, even if his parents were both magical, as he had been raised by muggles his whole life. "Headmaster, are you sure? While I don't have a problem with Rubeus, I just don't think he is... the best suited." She shifted uncomfortably, she did not often argue with Albus' decisions, "Normally you give me that job, Headmaster, is there something different this time?"

Dumbledore shook his head, desperately trying to think of a way to get her to back down and let Hagrid take care of it. He knew that with the groundskeeper he did not have to chance Harry being moved from his relatives too soon. He needed the boy to live there during the summer months until he was seventeen, to keep the wards at full strength. With a sigh he popped a lemon drop in his mouth before offering the bowl to Minerva, who shook her head. "The boy means so much to Rubeus, you must understand," He finally said, "He would take it personally if I didn't send him."

A raised eyebrow was all Dumbledore got in response from his Deputy Headmistress, "Please Minerva, let Hagrid go to Harry. For both their sakes."

Minerva's mind was running with questions now, what did he mean by 'For both their sakes'? How would Hagrid going help Harry that herself going could not? Something was strange here, but she couldn't put her finger on it. "No, Albus, I insist. Rubeus can not even practice magic, and he doesn't have the experience dealing with muggles that I have." She ignored his attempt to interrupt her, "And he will not be able to answer all of the questions they may have. You must let me go instead of him."

He pushed his glasses further up his nose and then slowly rested his hands on the desk, she obviously wasn't going to let him win this. No matter, he had other ways of ensuring the boy-who-lived stayed with the Dursley's. "Very well Minerva, you may go. I expect you'll want to leave as soon as possible, yes?" At her nod, he continued, "Very well, then you may leave in the morning, assuming he has read his letter." Another nod from his old friend, "Good good, then I suggest you start you preparations."

She breathed a sigh of relief and rose from her seat, "Thank you, Albus. I'm glad you made this decision. I'll go prepare for the journey now. Good night, Headmaster."

Dumbledore nodded as she turned to leave, but then remembered something, drawing a box from on the drawers on his desk, he called to her just as she was opening the door, "Oh, one more thing, Minerva." At her questioning look, he smiled, "You'll need his vault key."

Minerva nodded and retrieved the box from him, "Thank you again, and good night."

"Yes, good night, Minerva. Oh, and good luck to you."

He sighed as she left, this complicated his plans, but did not ruin them. Rising from his desk, he strode over to the fireplace and grabbed a pinch of floo powder.

~~sSs~~

Harry woke to his cousin stomping on the stairs again, the letter still clutched in his hand. He rubbed the sleep out of his eyes and pulled some clothes before stepping out into the hall. He had decided to do nothing about the letter, at least not for now. If the situation somehow changed, he decided he could reevaluate his choice.

That day passed by normally for Harry, he got yelled at for taking too long with breakfast, yelled at to get the mail when it came, and Petunia sent him straight to the garden to deal with weeds the moment Vernon left for work.

It was while he was outside pulling weeds that everything started to change. He was on his hands and knees in the garden when he heard footsteps approaching on the sidewalk, looking up, Harry saw an elderly woman in what could only be described at robes staring at him. Her green robes were not the most peculiar thing about her though, it was pointed hat she wore on her head that really caught his attention.

Harry rose to his feet and brushed the hair out of his face as the woman stared at him, he tried his best to smile politely at her, but the thin frown that adorned her face kept him quiet. Instead of greeting her, he just shuffled his feet and looked down, unsure how to respond to her look. Finally she cleared her throat, which caused Harry to look back up at her. "Harry Potter, I presume."

Harry nodded in response, still unsure what he should say. "Good. I must speak with you and your relatives, Mister Potter."

Harry nodded once more, though very confused as to why this lady wanted to speak to him and the Dursley's, and even more confused as to how she knew who he was. But he shrugged his thoughts away and showed her to the door, once inside he called out, announcing they had a visitor. "Aunt Petunia, there's someone here to speak with you."

"Stop that shouting, boy, there's no need for-" Petunia was saying as she walked into the entry hall, though she stopped short when she saw the woman with Harry, "You! What are you doing here? You're not supposed to be here!"

Minerva frowned again at Petunia's reaction, but decided against saying anything of it at the moment, instead choosing to be a little more sociable. "It's good to see you again, Petunia. It's been what, twenty years now?"

"No! You can't be here! I'm not having you take this boy and make him a freak like his freak mother and father!" Petunia was screeching at this point, her face turning red in anger, "He hasn't even gotten one of those stupid freak-ish letters!"

Harry chose this point to interrupt, since he didn't want to get in trouble with anyone for not mentioning the letter, "Actually, Aunt Petunia..."

"Silence, boy! You should know better than to interrupt adults!" His aunt screeched at him.

McGonagall let out a sigh in frustration, "Petunia, he has received his letter, as I'm sure he's told you. Now is really not the time to argue that, however, as I am here now to help him prepare for school."

"He will not be going! I'll not have anymore freaks in this family!" Anything Petunia had to say after that was cut off by McGonagall casting a silencing spell on her. Harry tried his best not to laugh at his aunt as she silently screamed at McGonagall and him.

"Now, Mister Potter, I apologize for not introducing myself before." Minerva said to the boy, who's attention quickly shifted to her from his aunt, "I am Professor Minerva McGonagall, a teacher at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and a witch myself."

Harry immediately recognized the name from his letter and smiled, this meant that it wasn't some cruel prank. "A pleasure to meet you, Professor. I'm sorry I didn't tell my family about the letter, I wasn't sure how they'd react, or if they'd even let me go."

"I see. Well no matter, you read it, and that is what is truly important right now. Come, let us sit down and talk," She gestured towards the living room, which Harry quickly made his way into, before turning to Petunia, who had finally stopped trying to scream, "You may join us, if you wish, Petunia." McGonagall flicked her wand and removed the silencing spell from the woman, who glared at the witch, but followed her into the living room all the same.

"Mister Potter, as your letter has said, you have been accepted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Would I be correct in assuming you wish to attend the School in the fall?" Minerva asked after the three of them had sat down.

Harry replied by nodding vigorously, he didn't trust his words to come out right, and he would gladly take any chance he could to leave this place. "Good, in that case, I am here to assist you in acquiring the items on your school list that is on the back of the letter." McGonagall continued, "I am also here to answer any and all questions you might have about the magical world."

Thus Harry spent the next hour or so talking with Professor McGonagall about Hogwarts, and the magical world in general. His aunt said very little, instead choosing to glare at Minerva the whole time, and only speaking when addressed first. Harry thought it lucky the neither his uncle or cousin were at home while Minerva was there, otherwise things might have been much worse for him.

After saying his goodbye to Petunia, Harry followed McGonagall outside. Looking around, he saw no car, causing him to wonder just how the Professor got here. "Uhm, Professor? Are we going to be walking to..." He paused, not quite remembering the name of the place they were going to, "Where are we going again, Professor?"

A thin smile graced Minerva's face as she turned to look at the boy, "Ah, Mister Potter, you are not familiar with magical transportation, are you?" At the shake of his head, she smiled again, "Well, to answer your questions, no we shall not be walking to Diagon Alley. Instead, I shall be apparating us there. Now, if you'll kindly take my arm, Mister Potter."

Harry cautiously took the offered arm in his own, not quite sure what to expect from 'apparating', as he had never heard of it before. "Professor, what's apparating?" He put word to his thoughts, hoping that an answer would help ease his mind.

"Apparating, Mister Potter, in the simplest terms, is a form of magical teleportation. The act of teleporting oneself from one location to another near instantaneously." She looked down at him sternly, "And I daresay it is not the most pleasant of experiences, indeed far from it, actually. Now, hold tightly to my arm, and above all else, do not let go, Mister Potter."

Harry grimaced at her words, but nodded all the same, mentally bracing himself for whatever was to come. However nothing he did prepared him for the strange and unpleasant feeling of appiration. With a loud crack, the two of them disappeared from Little Whinging.

~~sSs~~

Harry fought hard to keep the contents of his stomach in his stomach, apparating was not something he looked forward to doing again anytime in the near future. With McGonagall's help, Harry righted himself and brushed the dirt off his clothes before looking around, they were in the most fantastical looking street. Everywhere he looked, Harry saw stalls and stores, selling the strangest of wares to anyone interested, and all around him and the street, there were numerous wizards and witches, all wearing robes of some sort.

The shops were his favorite thing in the Alley so far, the many wondrous things they sold, from the potions bubbling in the windows of one shop, to the miniature brooms darting about another, Harry was overjoyed with what he saw. It was McGonagall coughing and gesturing in front of them that brought the boy back to reality. Looking ahead, he saw a great building built from white marble, with impressive stone pillars on either side of the great double-doors leading inside, above the doors, carved into the white stone and enameled in gold, read 'Gringotts Wizarding Bank'.

Harry followed the Professor inside quickly, staring in awe at the impressive building. The main hall was the largest room he had ever seen, and a great many people were present, most of whom Harry guessed were goblins. He couldn't help but notice that the goblins did not seem to be viewing the wizards present with anything less then contempt, he quickly made a mental note to ask McGonagall about that later.

Minerva led the boy over to a counter, where a goblin was examining large gold coins. Upon clearing her throat, the goblin looked up at them with a frown, then placed the coin he currently held down and opened a book that sat on the counter in front of him. "Name and business?" He asked in a gritty voice.

"Harry Jame Potter, and he is here to retrieve some money from his vault." Minerva said, her stern demeanor having returned fully.

At the mention of his name, the goblin peered at Harry much more closely, causing Harry to shift uncomfortably under the scrutiny. After a few moments, the goblin looked back at McGonagall, "You have his key?"

"Yes, it's right here." She handed the goblin a small key as she said this, which he immediately began to examine.

"Hrmm, yes. Very good." The goblin waved another younger looking goblin over, "Griphook, would you please escort Madam McGonagall and Mister Potter here to Mister Potter's vault?"

The goblin, who had been referred to as Griphook, nodded, "Yes sir." Then turning to Harry and Minerva, "If you'll follow me please."

The two followed Griphook to a door, which led into a great cavern with a set of tracks in the center. He led them to a mine cart sitting on the tracks, and beckoned for them to join him. After taking a seat in the cart, Harry took a moment to look around, ahead of the cart, the tracks seemed to take a very steep drop, causing Harry to guess that the aforementioned vaults were underground.

Harry turned to ask McGonagall just how deep the vaults went, but when he saw her gripping the sides of the cart with a look that closely resembled fear, he changed his mind. Any further thoughts were disrupted by the mine cart shooting forward rather quickly, and Harry immediately knew why the Professor was the way she was.

~~sSs~~

Their first stop after leaving Gringotts was Madam Malkin's, Minerva had explained to Harry that after they got his measurements, they would be able to visit other shops while the robes were made. Harry smiled at the thought of having his very own robes, and quickly followed McGonagall into the shop. There was fabric everywhere, and mannequins of all shapes and sizes wearing robes for all occasions. A lady, who Harry guessed to be Madam Malkin herself, stood in the center of the shop, pinning a set of robes onto a dark haired boy, while another elderly lady sat off to the side watching the spectacle.

Minerva smiled as she saw who else was in the shop at that time, and quickly strode over to the chairs, where she took a seat next to the other woman just as Malkin handed Harry a robe to try on. "Augusta, wonderful to see you, as always." She said to the woman she had sat next to.

The Longbottom matriarch looked over at Minerva for the first time since she had entered, "Minerva dear, so good to see you. What brings you here this afternoon? Hogwarts business, I assume?" Augusta asked with a smile and a nod towards Harry.

Minerva nodded, "Indeed, a new student." She then gestured to the other boy, "I see you've brought Neville to get his robes. Perhaps after Madam Malkin has gotten the boys measurements, we can head to Ollivander's together?"

Augusta smiled, "Of course, the boy just got his letter the other day. I figured we'd get everything as soon as possible, that way I can't forget anything, Merlin knows he will. As for Ollivander's, the lad's already got a wand, I think his father's will do nicely."

"I don't mean to argue, Augusta, but perhaps you should at least check with Ollivander that his father's wand will work for him, no?" Minerva said with a small smile, "You wouldn't want to send him off to school with a wand that doesn't agree with him, now would you?"

Augusta nodded, "I do suppose you're right, Minerva dear, we'll wait for you then. In any case, who's the boy?"

Minerva sighed, knowing that the question would come up eventually, "That, Augusta, is Harry Potter."

The Longbottom matriarch gasped, "The one and only? Harry Potter, the boy-who-lived? Oh Minerva, if you had said something earlier! How has he been? I heard he was living with muggles, and if you're here with him, that must be true."

Her exclamation was met with a grimace, "Indeed he has, the worst kind of muggles, I dare say. It's good that I met you today, I think the boy could use a friend or two, and Neville is his age."

"Oh yes, the lad could use a friend as well, he doesn't have too many of his own. Hopefully they'll get along well." Augusta beckoned her grandson over, "Neville, come here boy!"

The timid boy looked over at his grandmother, then looked to Madam Malkin, who nodded as she removed the robe she had been pinning on him, "You're done boy, be sure to return to pick up your robes."

Neville nodded and muttered thanks before trudging over to his grandmother, "Yes Gran, what is it?"

"Neville, I'd like you to meet Minerva McGonagall, she's going to be one of your professors at Hogwarts." Augusta said, gesturing to Minerva.

Neville bowed to her before speaking, "It's a honour to meet you, Professor. I've heard about you from my grandmother."

Before Minerva could reply, Augusta gestured to Harry who had just walked over, "And here, I'd like you to meet Harry Potter, he'll be in your year, lad."

Neville gasped at the name, and then peered at Harry's forehead, before looking down ashamed as he noticed Harry had caught him staring, "Uhm, sorry. It's a pleasure to meet you, Harry. I'm Neville, Neville Longbottom." He stammered as he extended a hand in greeting.

Harry felt embarrassed that Neville had been staring at him, but smiled and shook his hand when offered it. "It's alright, no need to apologize, and it's nice to meet you too, Neville. As you already know, I'm Harry." He said with a grin, "So you'll be in my year, that's wonderful! I've been wanting to meet another wizard or witch my age."

Before Neville could respond, Minerva cleared her throat and interrupted the two boys, "Yes, as much I would enjoy letting you two stand here and talk all day, we really do have things to do." She said, with a nod of agreement from Augusta, "Now, Madam Malkin's has your measurements, so we can depart for now. Augusta and I have agreed that our next stop should be Ollivander's, since we really do need to get you a wand, Mister Potter, and Ollivander's is the best place for that."

"Indeed, Minerva's quite right. I don't plan on spending all week here, so do not dally any longer lads." Augusta added, making shooing gestures to the two of them as she rose from her chair.

~~sSs~~

A short walk later found the four of them outside of Ollivander's Wand Shop, and Harry was barely able to hide his excitement. As excited as he was about his robes, it didn't come close to how excited he was about getting his wand. 'My very own wand, and specially chosen for me,' He thought as they stepped inside, 'How did I get so lucky? And my parents, now I finally know the truth, as sad as it is... Today surely has been a wonderful day, even with all it's ups and downs.'

His thoughts were interrupted by a thin man appearing from in the back of the store, a smile gracing his face as he approached them. Harry couldn't help but notice the look of what appeared to be excitement, though it wasn't just excitement over customers, no it was something more. Just looking at the elderly man, Harry could tell that wand-crafting meant a lot to him, and he remembered McGonagall telling him that Ollivander's was the best wand maker in Great Britain. So without a doubt, this man must be the great Ollivander.

Before Harry could say anything, the man spoke, his voice quiet and methodical, "Ah yes, Minerva, nine and a half inches, fir, dragon heartstring, was it?"

"I'd say I'm surprised you remembered, but I've been here enough times to know you never forget a wand nor it's wizard, Garrick." Minerva replied with one of her rare smiles.

"Indeed I don't, my dear. Oh and of course, Augusta, ten inches, unicorn hair, ash, and very unrelenting, was it not?" Ollivander replied, with Augusta merely nodding in reply, "Now, what can I do for you today, wands for first years, eh?"

"Always quick to catch on, Garrick. First, Augusta would like you to test Frank's old wand with his son, Neville." Minerva gestured to Neville as she spoke, and Augusta procured said wand from her purse.

Ollivander nodded as he took the wand from Augusta, "Of course, thirteen inches, dragon heartstring, oak, and bendy." After giving the wand a few swirls and waves, he withdrew a measuring tape from his jacket pocket and began to measure Neville's wand arm, "Let's see now... Hrmm, yes, interesting. Well lad, give it a wave, just a simple wave, nothing too fancy, alright?"

Neville just looked confused as the wand was handed to him, but shrugged and gave it a wave anyways. A loud crash was heard as a shelf in the back collapsed, sending wands everywhere. Neville quickly dropped the wand in surprise and fear, very much expecting to get in trouble for damaging the shop. Ollivander just sighed and picked the wand up, turning, he handed it to Augusta, "I'm afraid it won't do, I'm very sorry my dear."

Madam Longbottom just gestured to the shelves as she returned the wand to her purse, "Well, nothing we can do about it, other than get the lad his own wand. Shall we?"

Thus began the search for a wand for young Neville, a search that lasted more than ten minutes, and over twenty wands. At last, as Neville gave one more wand a wave, instead of destroying something, he procured a vibrant display of lights, much to Ollivander's joy. "Wonderful, it seems we have found the boy a wand. Thirteen and a half inches, unicorn hair, beech, and very springy. A good wand, I dare say." He smiled at Neville as the boy examined the wand, "How do you like it, lad?"

Neville smiled back as he placed the wand in it's box, "How do I like it? It's perfect. Thank you, sir."

Ollivander chuckled as he made to put a few more boxes back, "Don't thank me, thank the wand, it chooses the wizard, not the other way around." He looked over at Harry as he put a box on it's shelf, "Now who's next?"

Minerva tossed Harry, who appeared to be very confused by Ollivander's strange behavior, a look before turning her attention back to the wand maker, "That would be Harry Potter, Garrick, and he needs a wand."

Ollivander's excitement doubled as he heard the name, and his gaze settled on Harry's face, his eyes searching for the legendary scar. Harry, still not used to the stares, shuffled his feet in embarrassment and looked down at them. Ollivander shook himself and returned to the counter, grabbing the measuring tape from where it lay, "Yes, of course. I'm sorry, lad." He stopped in front of Harry and looked him up and down, "Your wand arm, if you please."

Harry looked at McGonagall, unsure what Ollivander wanted him to do. Minerva gestured to his arms, giving him a brief smile, "Raise your arm that you'll be using your wand with the most," She said, causing him to nod in sudden understanding, "Usually it's your dominant arm, Mister Potter."

Harry quickly raised his right arm, which Ollivander then placed the measuring tape on after flicking his wand at it. He then turned and disappeared into the seemingly endless shelves of wands, leaving the measuring tape to do it's work. He reappeared a few moments later with his arms full of wand boxes, which he placed on the counter, before selecting one and handing it to Harry. "Here, give this one a try," He said with a smile, "Give it a wave, lad."

Harry gave the wand a short wave, causing the flower vase on the counter to shatter, "No, no, that's not right. Here try this one." Ollivander quickly took the first wand and replaced it with a second, but before Harry could try that one, it was taken from him as well, "And definitely not that one! How about this one?"

It carried on like this for some time, most times Harry waved a wand, either something bad would happen, or nothing at all, and then there was the wands Ollivander stopped him from even using, every time saying it wasn't quite right. At long last, the old wizard disappeared into the shelves once more, this time returning with only a single box. "Very interesting, yes. I wonder..." He was muttering to himself as he approached Harry, "Well, it is worth a shot, I guess."

Harry gracefully accepted the wand from Ollivander, examining it closely, "Excuse me, sir, but what's interesting about this wand?" He asked, looking up at Ollivander.

"Oh, I'll explain in a moment, it's probably nothing. But for now, give the wand a swirl, Mister Potter." Ollivander said with a smile.

Harry nodded and did as he was told, swirling the wand through the air. At once a bright shower of red sparks erupted from the wand, much to Ollivander's joy. "Wonderful, wonderful! It seems we have found Mister Potter a wand!" He exclaimed, "And a very interesting choice, I must say. Very interesting indeed."

Minerva looked at Ollivander sternly, "And what is it that makes this wand so special, or as you say 'interesting'?"

"My dear Minerva, that wand, holly, eleven inches, with phoenix feather, nice and supple, is connected to young Harry Potter." Ollivander replied, "For the Phoenix who gave me the feather for that wand gave me only one other feather, that feather was used to make this wand's brother. Thirteen and a half inches, yew, phoenix feather, a wand that I sold to Voldemort when he was but a lad, and the wand that gave Harry that scar."

Ollivander gestured to Harry as he continued, "Indeed, I find it very interesting that it's brother would choose Mister Potter. Perhaps in time, it too will come to do great things, just as it's brother did." At the look from Minerva, Ollivander raised his hands in protest, "Terrible, but great none the less, Minerva. Even you must admit that. Now, I think I have said far too much already. Let us finish this discussion some other time."

Minerva nodded, giving Harry a look of concern, but the boy was too enthused with his new wand to be overly bothered by what was just said. She then retrieved the bag of money they had taken from Harry's vault and payed the wand maker, who wish them all a good day and once again stated his hope that the two boys would both do great things with their wands.

~~sSs~~

After the excitement of Ollivander's, the two women led Harry and Neville to Flourish & Blotts, where they purchased the boys school books. As they were leaving, Harry opened his copy of A History of Magic and got lost in the pages. He barely noticed their stops at Potage's, Scribbulus', or even the Apothecary, however he broken from his reading as they returned to Madam Malkin's to pick up their robes.

Harry and Neville sat together and talked about what they hoped Hogwarts would be like while they waited for Madam Malkin to bring their robes out. Harry, having only just learned about the magical world, mostly agreed with what Neville said. He liked the other boy, even if he did seem timid at times, but the more they talked, the less it happened. He also did not fail to notice the appraising looks Madam Longbottom was giving him from time to time. Though part of him wondered what it was that had made Neville like this, but since he had only just met them, he decided that now was not the appropriate time to ask.

Malkin emerged after a few minutes and presented the boys with their robes, commanding them to try them on to ensure their fit, though she made it quite clear she never missed a measurement. Harry and Neville were both quite pleased with their new robes, and it only made them look forwards to Hogwarts even more.

Once their guardians had payed for the robes, the two boys rushed across the street to Florean's, where they had been promised they could get ice cream. They settled down at a table outside after placing their orders, and began to rapidly discuss the coming school year again. It didn't escape Harry notice that Madam Longbottom and Professor McGonagall had chosen to sit apart from them, so they could discuss something in private.

Harry glanced about the street as he ate his ice cream and listened to Neville tell him about some of the other pure-blood families that had children going to Hogwarts that year. Just as Neville began talking about the Malfoy's, a name he said with great distaste, Harry noticed what he could only describe as the most beautiful girl he had ever seen walk into the Ice Cream Parlour, followed by a tall man with dark hair. The girl, who's silvery blonde hair flowed behind her in the most wonderful way, was talking animatedly to the older man in a foreign language, which, if Harry had to guess, had to be French.

Something the girl said caused the man to start laughing, a sort of jovial laugh, which caught the attention of some the other patrons. Minerva turned from talking to Augusta to look at the newcomers, and rose to her feet at once, approaching the man, "Monsieur Delacour? What brings you to Britain?" She asked as she extended her hand in greeting.

Césaire Delacour brought his attention from his daughter to Minerva, a smile gracing his face as he shook her hand, "Madame McGonagall, a pleasure as always." He said with near perfect English, "As for what brings me across the Channel, why that would be my promotion to Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation. As such, I feel I'll be spending much more time here than normal."

"I had not heard, congratulations old friend. I wish you luck with your new job, I'm sure you'll need it, especially with how things have been between our Ministries." She gestured to the girl who was now standing behind him, listening intently, "And who is this young lady?"

Césaire smiled as he pulled the girl in front of him, "Ah yes, Minerva, I'd like you to meet my oldest daughter, Fleur." He stated with pride, "I was lucky enough to have her accompany me on this particular trip."

Minerva chuckled at his last comment, "I'm not sure how you would be able to manage without her," She said as she tilted her head in greetings, "A pleasure to meet you Fleur, I'm Professor Minerva McGonagall, an old friend of your parents here in Britain."

Harry couldn't say what was more strange, the fact that Fleur seemed to defy the laws of beauty, or the way every other man in the Parlour was staring at her. But try as he could, Harry could not figure it out, for whatever was affecting the others, he seemed to be unaffected.

Harry's train of thought was destroyed as Fleur curtsied in the most graceful way he had ever seen, "Eet iz a pleazure to meet you, Madame McGonagall," She said with a radiant smile, "I have heard me mozer speak of you before wiz great esteem."

Before Minerva could respond, she was interrupted by Augusta clearing her throat, "Are you going to stand there all day and ignore the rest of us, Minerva?" She said as she nudged the Transfigurations Professor, "Or are you going to show proper manners and introduce us to your friend?"

Minerva shot Augusta a stern look, "I was getting there, Augusta. Monsieur Césaire, this is my good friend, Augusta Longbottom," She then gestured to where Harry and Neville were sitting, "And over there is her grandson, Neville, and with him is my charge, Harry Potter."

"Mon Dieu! Ze 'Arry Potter?" Fleur exclaimed, "Non, eet cannot be."

Harry's face turned red at Fleur's words, and he looked down, doing his very best to hide behind what was left of his ice cream. Césaire's chuckle only caused him to turn a brighter shade of red, "Nonsense mon Chéri, of course it can be the Harry Potter." He said smiling, "Why should it not be? He's just a boy like all the others, is he not?"

Fleur looked down, her embarrassment apparent on her face as it became a bright shade of pink. She let her gaze wander back from the ground to look at Harry, who happened to be looking at her. The two locked eyes, and Fleur found herself lost within his brilliant emerald eyes for a moment. To the young girl, there was something very different about the way he looked at her compared to every other boy she had met after she began to mature, but she couldn't quite place it. Shaking her head, she looked down again for a brief moment before looking at Harry again, "Je suis désolé... Er, I am sorry, 'Arry, I meant no disrespect." She apologized quickly, then added, "I am Fleur, eet iz a pleazure to meet you."

Césaire smiled at his daughter's actions, then stepped forward and offered Harry first, then Neville, his hand, "Césaire Delacour, and I must say, it is an honour to meet you, Mister Potter." He said with a nod, "Even in France we have heard of the boy-who-lived. And of course it is an honour to meet you as well, Mister Longbottom, your family name is well known."

Harry blushed at their words, wondering if he'd ever get used to how everyone reacted to him being the 'boy-who-lived' and all that. He knew that he didn't like everyone knowing who he was just by the scar on his forehead, and he was quickly starting to dislike the fame that he had come into with his parents deaths. Mustering his courage, he smiled back at Césaire and shook his hand, "The honour is all mine, Mister Delacour." He then turned his smile to Fleur, "And it's fine, there's really no need to apologize."

Neville was snapped out of his haze by Monsieur Delacour's hand, which he quickly shook after regaining his composure, "N-nice to meet you too, s-sir." He stammered, then with a quick look to Fleur, he added, "A-and you as well, miss."

"Oui, eet iz a pleazure to meet you as well, Neville." Fleur said as she curtsied, "And please, call me Fleur, mizz makes me feel old."

"Speaking of which, how old are you dear?" Augusta asked with a forced smile, ignoring the glare from Minerva.

"Je suis... I am fourteen, Madame Longbottom," Fleur replied with a proud smile, "I will be starting my fourth year at Beauxbatons in the fall."

Augusta's snort at the mention of the French school did not go unnoticed, however she just ignored the pointed looks she was given, "Oh how wonderful, though I must say, I expected you to be... older." She said, "You definitely look it."

"Augusta!" Minerva exclaimed, then turned to face Fleur and Césaire, "My apologies, Augusta has always been so... blunt. She meant nothing by it."

"Of course, my daughter is mature for her age, this is true. Though I would prefer if the insults directed at my place of schooling were kept to the minimum." Césaire replied icily, "But I must warn you, I will not take any insults directed at my daughters or their mother kindly."

"Yes, I do apologize, Monsieur," Augusta said after a moment, "I meant neither Beauxbatons nor your daughter any offense."

"Then there is nothing to worry about, Madame," Césaire said, his attitude warming, "In fact, I feel as though I have overreacted. After all, I have seen you before the entire Wizengamot, so it's not like I didn't know how you were. But as you said, no offense intended, and thus, none taken."

"Wonderful, I'm glad we were able to avoid any unnecessary complications here," Minerva said as she looked up at the clock, "Merlin! The time! Augusta, we really should get going, it's getting late. Césaire, wonderful to see you again, and a pleasure to meet you, Miss Delacour."

"Indeed, Minerva, if we don't move quick, we won't beat the evening crowd to the floo." Augusta added, "And yes, good to meet you both. I'm sure with your new position, I'll be see more of you, Monsieur."

Harry smiled as Neville mumbled something that sounded like a farewell before adding his own, "It was nice meeting you, Mister Delacour, and you too, Fleur." He said with a grin, "Hopefully we'll meet again, I would hate for this to be our only meeting."

Fleur's eyes caught Harry's as he looked at her, and again, he looked at her as though she was a normal person, something she wasn't used to getting from anyone outside of her family. Even his friend, Neville, seemed to be at least somewhat affected by her Allure, but not as much as she was used to. Before she could say anything however, her father spoke up, "Yes indeed, Mister Potter, it has been an honour. You as well, Madame Longbottom, and you, Mister Longbottom." He said evenly, then added with a wink, "And I don't doubt we'll be seeing each other again, Mister Potter."

"And I too hope to zee you again, 'Arry," Fleur added, looking away so he wouldn't notice her face turning pink again, "And eet waz a pleazure to meet you both, Madame Longbottom and Madame McGonagall. Oh and of course eet waz nice to meet you too, Neville, perhaps we'll get a chance to get to know each other better in the future, oui?"

Harry couldn't help but feel like the last part was actually directed more towards him, especially after she shot him a look as she finished. He shrugged the feeling off and turned to follow McGonagall and the Longbottom matriarch towards the Leaky Cauldron after everyone had finished their farewells. As soon as they were out of earshot, he and Neville quickly began talking in hushed tones about the meeting they just had. A few times during the walk, Harry would glance back, but every time he did, Fleur seemed to be looking anywhere but him.

~~sSs~~

Their short walk from Florean's brought the quartet to the fireplace in the Leaky Cauldron, where McGonagall quickly explained to Harry how floo travel worked. But throughout her explanation, there was something bothering Harry, "Excuse me, Professor, but if only magical fireplaces are linked to the floo network, than how am I getting home through it?" He asked, "I mean, the Dursley's house can't be connected, can it?"

Minerva looked at the boy, obviously he was smarter than his muggle school reports suggested, "Very perceptive of you, Mister Potter," She said with a smile, "No, the Dursley's home is not linked to the floo network. Actually, I fear I should have mentioned this sooner, but alas. Harry, if you would like, I have spoken with Augusta, and she is more than willing to take you in until school starts in September. Now remember, this choice is yours and yours alone, Mister Potter. You should not feel pressured into choosing one way or the other."

Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing, a chance to escape the Dursley's for the rest of the summer, and the chance to spend it with his first friend, Neville? How could he say no? There wasn't even a question, really, and he already knew his answer before she had finished talking, "Of course! I'll go!" Harry exclaimed, then quickly looked down before looking at Augusta, "I mean, it's very kind of you to take me, Misses Longbottom. Thank you so much."

Augusta chuckled and smiled at Harry, "It's nothing dear, honestly, it is the least I can do for James' and Lily's son." She replied, "Plus, Neville would never let me hear the end of it if I didn't invite you."

Then a thought struck Harry, "But what about my clothes? And everything else? I mean, it isn't much, but it's still something."

"Don't fret about that, Mister Potter," Minerva said, "After you and the Longbottom's head out, I shall visit your relatives and pick up anything of yours. You'll have it all by the morning."

Harry smiled as Neville clapped him on the shoulder, "This is great, Harry! You can even have the guest room across from mine, it'll be wonderful fun! And we can prepare for the school year together, instead of having to write to each other about our studies."

The discussion didn't last much longer, and soon Harry was following Neville through the floo after bidding good bye to Professor McGonagall. As he stepped out of the floo on the other side, he found himself standing in a large hall of sorts, beautiful tapestries hung from the detailed walls, and a pair of chandeliers hung from the ceiling, illuminating the wondrous room. Neville stood off to the side, smiling widely, "Welcome to Longbottom Manor, Harry."

~~sSs~~

Longbottom Manor was amazing, nothing Harry had experienced before compared to it. Neville showed him about the grounds the next day right after breakfast, and at Harry's request, they spent extra time in the gardens so Neville could point out some of the magical plants they had growing. They took a quick break for lunch, which they had outside on the patio, and Neville's grandmother stopped in to see how they were doing, apologizing that she wasn't able to stay and help with the tour. After lunch, they finished the tour of the grounds, and Neville led him back to the house itself, which took them the greater part of the afternoon to fully explore, though Neville had to practically drag Harry from the library.

Evening found the two boys in main living room playing a game of wizarding chess while waiting for supper, and while Harry had never played it until then, Neville was no expert at it, so they were fairly evenly matched. They talked idly about magic while they played, as Harry had hundreds of questions, which Neville did his best to answer. Augusta hadn't been seen since she stopped by for lunch, and Neville had explained that she had Wizengamot duties that day, after which, Harry had interrogated him about the Wizengamot. Over time their discussions had lost their seriousness, and Harry was asking silly questions about what magic could be used to do, much to his surprise, there were a lot more things that either people hadn't thought of trying or you just couldn't do.

About six o'clock, the Longbottom house elf, Mippy, popped in to inform them that supper would be served in less than ten minutes, and that Madam Longbottom, who had just returned, was expecting them both to attend. Both boys replied in the affirmative, neither wanting to miss the evening meal, nor risk the Longbottom matriarch's wrath for not showing up. After Mippy left, Harry helped Neville pick up the chess set, asking the occasional question about what to expect for food, though he wasn't too surprised that it wouldn't be anything too outlandish.

"So it's just you and your grandmother most of the time?" Harry was asking as the approached the dining room, "Well, and the house elves."

Neville shrugged in response, "Yeah, for the most part. Though Gran disappears for the whole day on Wizengamot business from time to time," He said, "I rarely see the house elves, but I guess that's the way they like it. Gran doesn't like it too much, but I spend most of my time tending the gardens or reading."

Harry wondered at what it would be like to be alone most of the time, he rather liked the idea of not having Dudley or Uncle Vernon around to abuse him. Though he did imagine it would get very lonely at times, but having a whole library would counter that problem. "And you don't mind it at all?" He asked, voicing his concerns, "Like doesn't it get lonely at times?"

"Well yeah, being at home by myself most of the time can get lonely," Neville replied, giving Harry a playful nudge, "I mean, how can it not? Being locked up in a great manse like this all by yourself will get to you very quickly."

Harry chuckled, but then a thought struck him, "What about your friends, don't they visit?"

Neville's stance immediately changed to a more sullen one, "I d-don't have any other friends," He said staring at his feet as they walked, "J-just you, Harry."

"You don't have any other friends?" Harry asked unbelieving, "How can that be? There must be other wizarding children at our age."

Neville shrugged, "Well, there are, but I've never really gotten to know any of them. It's not like I get very many chances to get to know them."

"What about me? You got to know me, didn't you? And it's not like we had all that much time."

"But we did! We had all day, and most of the other kids I've met haven't really wanted to talk to me." Neville protested.

Before Harry could reply, they had arrived at the dining room, and the doors swung open, revealing Madam Longbottom sitting at the table reading The Daily Prophet. She looked up at them and smiled, "There you are! I've been waiting for you two. Come in and sit, let's get supper started."

---

A/N: Well, here it is, my first attempt at a story. Reviews are welcome, of course, actually they're much appreciated.

Anyways, I started this one after reading a few Harry/Fleur stories, which I'm a big fan of, and they gave me the inspiration to start this. Now I'm not quite sure where it'll end up going, how long it'll be, or even who I plan on pairing with who, but I do want to see this through till the end. That being said, I have laid out plans up past fourth year and the Triwizard Tournament, with more expected after that. Don't expect to reach that point any time soon though, as I do plan on doing every year up till then.

As for any questions about character's being OOC, this is AU, thus I feel no qualms over taking a few liberties with the characters.

I'd like to thank J.K. Rowling for creating this wonderful universe, and for being an inspiration to me and my writing, I'd also like to thank my wonderful family for being just simply amazing people, honestly, and all the authors on here who have inspired me to write this. But most importantly, I'd like to thank my girlfriend for being there for me through everything, I'm truly blessed to have her.

-Mordenkaiser.