Thanks so much everyone for the comments, favourites and alerts! It's really appreciated! And has prompted more writing for this fic. Though updates will still be slow, so my apologies in advance.

There is a lot of information given in this chapter and most of it is from the top of my head, so if it doesn't make sense, then my apologies. It's probably my fault. You can send me a PM or review asking questions if you'd like.

Also, I realise that there may be some scenes interprested as character-bashing, but I assure you, that is not my attention. At all. This story is in Harry's point of view (somewhat) and he's a little... emotional? I guess you could say. So yeah, no intended character-bashing.

And special thanks to Gingeredtea and Mlle Klauserman for their lovely reviews that prompted me to write even more!


Chapter Two: Muggles Take Neglect Seriously

By the time the sun had risen and the dew had settled, Harry and Blaise were prepped for their visit to Diagon Alley. Vernon and Petunia took one look at them and waved them off without even asking where they were going or when they would return. Harry was used to it of course, but he still, in the back of his mind that screamed for family, ached to know they didn't care and yet pestered Dudley for exact details.

Blaise had once again shocked Harry with his knowledge of muggles, as he pulled out a cell phone and called for a cab to pick them up down the street. As they trudged out the front door and into the cul-de-sac, Blaise began to explain.

"If we caught a cab at your place, any wizards in the area would know. You mentioned last night that Si-… your godfather had said that there was an auror that kept an eye on your place during the summer, right?" Blaise asked.

Harry nodded. "Yeah, I think he said that he was a drunk or something…"

"Right. Well, would an auror allow you to go to Diagon Alley without Dumbledore's or the Ministry's permission, let alone with a Slytherin?" Blaise continued.

Harry looked thoughtful. "No. I suppose not. I am the boy-who-lived after all," he said dryly. Blaise snorted slightly before they exited the cul-de-sac.

"I don't see anyone out of place right now. Do you suppose he'd remain hidden, like with magic or something?" Harry asked.

"It's possible," Blaise accepted. "There are charms and spells that can hide a person in plain sight or make them invisible to the naked eye. But don't worry; with my bracelet and your disguise, no one should recognize us without a close look. Let's just hope no one saw us leave the Dursley's."

Blaise still had on his magic leather bracelet that altered people's perceptions of him, unless they had strong magical power. He had also insisted Harry dress up; Harry was wearing a new pair of jeans, a new emerald shirt that brought out his eyes, a ball cap that hid most of his face and a new pair of sneakers. Simple, but even Harry didn't recognize himself in the mirror at first, he was so used to ratty clothes and unkempt shoes. Blaise was wearing a purple shirt, black jeans and sneakers, along with his leather bracelet and the ring he had been wearing before.

"That would be bad," Harry muttered, thinking how Ron would react if he found out Harry had willingly gone out alone with a Slytherin, especially a Slytherin whom openly admitted to being in the Dark Lord's sight. How would Dumbledore react? Probably, somehow, ban him from communicating with Slytherins and keeping him in school during the holidays. Hermione would probably be scornful, despite how she hates the house-rivalry and such, for trusting a Slytherin so easily.

The taxi met them at the corner Blaise had specified and they both entered.

"The Kings Head in Market Square please." Blaise informed the driver, whom nodded and began to drive off. Harry gave his companion an odd look.

"Kings Head is near the Leaky Cauldron, and happens to be muggle." Blaise murmured to him quietly. Harry nodded.

"All right, we should stop by a glasses place, get your eyes checked and get you some new glasses." Blaise declared and Harry flushed, fingering his old, cracked glasses.

"These are fine, Blaise. I can fix them later." Harry protested. Blaise merely gave him a disapproving look.

"That is not acceptable, Harry. You need new glasses that will last you more than a year without being ruined." Blaise argued. The driver chuckled quietly.

"Sorry to butt in, but your friend's right. I know there's a sale on at the local eye care center. It's just a few blocks from Kings Head too." The driver explained. Blaise looked triumphant.

"See? It wouldn't even be that much out of our way!" he exclaimed. Harry sighed; he knew he was not going to win this one.

"Fine." He sulked, leaning back in his seat.


As Blaise and Harry exited the eye care center, Harry carried a case for a new pair of glasses (that were the proper prescription too – the doctor had been offended and concerned that he had been using cheap damaged glasses with a prescription that no longer worked for him. Blaise hadn't looked too impressed either). Upon Blaise's insistence, Harry had also gotten a spare set of glasses and a pair of prescription sunglasses.

"Do I really need three pairs? I've managed fine with one pair for years!" Harry complained, following Blaise down the sidewalk. Blaise gave him a sidelong look.

"Your old glasses were cheap and not the right prescription. They also broke easily and were not aesthetically pleasing." Blaise scrunched his nose slightly and Harry sighed.

"Are looks the only thing you care about?" Harry asked.

"Well, not only. I find intellect to be something to care about, and money as well." Blaise grinned.

"At least you're honest," Harry muttered. Blaise chuckled and led him down the street where Harry spotted the Leaky Cauldron. When they entered, Harry was surprised there was no shouting, gasping or simple staring in his direction. The occupants merely glanced at the new arrivals before returning to their business.

Harry fought down a grin. It felt so good to not have everyone staring at him and watching his every move. Blaise urged them along and they both slipped into the bathroom to change into wizarding robes. ("Not only do robes show your social status, but they don't stick out as much as muggle clothing would." Blaise argued when Harry had to borrow a set of Blaise's because his weren't acceptable.)

The pair followed an elderly couple to the entrance behind the pub and headed into Diagon Alley.

Their first stop was Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, so Harry could have the finest wardrobe of both muggle and wizard clothing. Blaise headed straight for the owner, speaking quickly in low tones and pointing towards Harry. Madam Malkin immediately pushed Harry onto a stool for measurements, muttering to herself. Harry shot Blaise an exasperated look as Madam Malkin bustled out of the room.

"What did you say to her?" he demanded once she was gone. Blaise smirked.

"I told her you needed the finest dress robes, of the best material she has. And that you have no idea what colour looks good on you, so she should decide for you," he said, grinning. "Don't worry, I told her you were partial to green."

Harry, if possible, looked even more exasperated, but said nothing more as Madam Malkin reentered the room.

"Change into these, please. The change rooms are over there." Madam Malkin pointed to the side and Harry went without complaint (He was fairly certain that if he had argued on the subject of looks again with Blaise in the immediate area, he'd be subjected to a horrendously long and ridiculous lecture from the Slytherin and perhaps Madam Malkin as well).

The robes fit perfectly and certainly looked expensive but best of all, only one set was green. Madam Malkin accepted the robes back to hem them properly and told them to come by later that day.

Harry glared at Blaise as they left the store. "Green? Really?"

Blaise grinned. "We'll make a Slytherin out of you yet!"

Harry sighed. "Wonderful. Instead of the quidditch obsessed Ron and bookworm Hermione, I get narcissistic, manipulative Blaise. Way to step it up, Potter." He muttered. Blaise still heard him and chuckled, patting his shoulder.

"Come on, little snake. Let's get to Gringotts." He snickered. Harry rolled his eyes but followed him down the street.

They entered Gringotts without any more delay and waited in line. Harry glanced around, taking in all the people who only gave a cursory glance towards him before ignoring him. It was still surreal to him, but he kind of enjoyed no one knowing he was even there. They eventually appeared before a goblin and Harry remained quiet, waiting to see what Blaise would do.

Blaise leaned forward. "I'm temporarily advising one Harrigan Potter. He wishes to remain unnoticed."

The goblin, Griphook by the name plaque, looked closely at the two teenagers. Nodding, he held out his hand. "Key, please."

Harry held out his key until Griphook nodded again, and he replaced it into his pocket. (He was just thankful Hagrid had let him keep the key otherwise this may have been more complicated than it already was).

"Grimlock will guide you to Blackknot for a brief meeting." Griphook informed them, waving them aside. Harry and Blaise followed Grimlock, whom waited by the counter, out of the main hall of the bank.

"Blackknot will see you now," Grimlock told them, stopping at a beautifully designed and carved wooden door. Blaise nodded and gave a small bow, and Harry quickly followed his example.

"Thank you, Mr. Grimlock," Blaise spoke formally as he straightened up. Grimlock looked pleased, before he too bowed and left.

Blaise walked through the open door and motioned Harry inside. He closed it behind them. A goblin, Blackknot, looked up from the parchment on his desk and stood, walking over to them.

"I am Blackknot and I will be serving you today," he introduced. Blaise nodded before shaking the goblin's hand.

"Blaise Zabini. I am here to act as an advisor to Harrrigan Potter," Blaise introduced himself. Harry took that as a sign and pulled off his wizard's hat Blaise had convinced him to wear before shaking Blackknot's hand.

"Greetings Lord Zabini, Mr. Potter," Blackknot said, bowing his head slightly and gesturing to the seats in front of the desk. "Please take a seat and we shall get straight to business."

Harry and Blaise took the seats as Blackknot returned to his own seat behind the desk. He folded his hands on the desk and looked at them.

"Now, where shall we begin?" he asked.

"Harry has no knowledge of his responsibilities as the Potter heir, nor is he aware of his family history from both the Potter and Evans' sides. He also is unfamiliar with his own advisor, Christian Lucas Williams I believe the letter stated." Blaise informed the goblin. Blackknot looked unimpressed, frowning.

"Mr. Potter. What do you know about your family?" Blackknot asked.

"Uh, well, my dad was a rich pureblood, a Chaser in school, was the Head Boy, was a prankster and was friends with Remus Lupin, Sirius Black and… Pettigrew. I look a lot like him. My mum was a muggleborn, was really smart, was the Head Girl and refused to date my dad for years before agreeing. She had red hair and I have her eyes." Harry said meekly.

Blackknot sighed. "Mr. Potter, I will provide you with family trees for the Potter's and for the Evans' as well as a detailed account of your parents' holdings and trust funds in both the Potter and Evans names. Anything more detailed is up to your advisor. We have already contacted him and he has agreed to arrive at a yet disclosed location for a meeting with you, a Gringotts representative and your temporary advisor. We will send you a letter with the date and place."

Harry nodded. "That sounds fine to me."

"Mr. Williams will discuss with you your estates, accounts and investments as well as any personal information regarding your parents. He has been taking care of the Potter finances in the absence of the previous lord." Blackknot continued. Blaise frowned.

"'Absence'? Is James Potter not listed as deceased?" Blaise asked. Harry started and glanced at his companion.

"What?" He blurted in confusion. How could his father not be dead? (He couldn't help but think of Sirius and how the Ministry was so messed up that he hadn't even been given a trial. Maybe… He mentally shook himself from this train of thought).

"There is no confirmation of death." Blackknot intoned, flipping through a stack of parchment. "The records do not list him as deceased but as indisposed."

"Really?" Blaise's (still annoying) eyebrow rose. "Then, I request copies of all pertaining documents."

"Of course." Blackknot agreed quickly. "Where shall we send them?"

"Potter Manor in Scotland, though I wish for the delivery to be unnoticed." Blaise answered and Blackknot nodded, making a note on a parchment.

"Are there any other questions you would like to ask?" Blackknot questioned. Blaise glanced at Harry.

"Yes," Harry started. "Does anyone else have access to my vaults?"

"The Potter vaults are only accessible by a blood-Potter or a confirmed advisor," Blackknot informed him. "However, it appears that Mr. Albus Dumbledore has bypassed this rule by claiming to be your wizarding guardian. Since you are fifteen, you can dismiss his claim if you would so like."

"Absolutely," Harry replied immediately. Blackknot made another note on the parchment.

"Is that all then?" Blackknot asked.

"We can come back if we have more questions, right?" Harry asked.

"Of course," Blackknot confirmed.

"Then, we would like to visit the Potter vaults, as well as the Zabini vaults," Blaise answered.

"I will have Grimlock guide you there. Mr. Potter will have to provide a blood sample." Blackknot told them as he stood.

Harry nodded, standing as well. "Of course," he said, shaking the goblin's hand. "Thank you for your time, Mr. Blackknot."

Blaise also shook Blackknot's hand and the two exited the office.

Grimlock was waiting for them at the end of the hall.

"This way, please." The goblin spoke, gesturing down the hall before bowing slightly. Harry and Blaise bowed in return. They followed the goblin to a cart and climbed inside. The three rushed down the tracks into the depths of Gringotts.

"Here we are, sirs. Key, please." Grimlock held out a hand. Harry dropped his key into his hand and Grimlock handed him a small piece of parchment with six raised indents in the middle. Harry looked at it in confusion.

"Press your thumb into the bumps, Harry. It'll take a sample of your blood to confirm that you are Harry Potter," Blaise explained and Grimlock nodded in agreement.

"Right." Harry pressed his thumb into the parchment and felt the prick of pain before he removed his thumb. He watched in fascination as his blood was absorbed into the parchment and his name appeared underneath the dots. He handed the parchment back to the goblin whom looked at it briefly before passing another piece of parchment to Blaise.

"I have to do it too because I'm claiming to be your temporary advisor," Blaise said as he pressed his thumb into the parchment. When his name appeared, he handed it to Grimlock.

"Does that mean you'll have access to my vaults?" Harry wondered, unsure what to think of a Slytherin who had ties to the Dark Lord, being able to get into his vaults. Blaise shook his head.

"No. I'm only a temporary advisor. I'll only have access if I'm with you and you allow me to or if I have a letter written by you and signed in your blood that you're giving me access," Blaise told him.

"That is correct," Grimlock agreed. "Unless you want to make Lord Zabini a permanent advisor. In which case you would have to go through the paperwork and security checks and also have the approval of both Mr. Blackknot and Mr. Williams."

"Oh, I'll have to think about that." Harry replied. Grimlock nodded and held out an intricate gold key emblazoned with different coloured jewels.

"This is the Potter key for all the vaults and not just your trust fund. Since you are over the age of thirteen, this should be in your possession as you are now ready to claim the title of Lord. On behalf of Gringotts, I apologise for the delay." Grimlock said. Harry took the key, examining it.

"That is the master key, Harry. Only a Potter of blood or a confirmed advisor can use it." Blaise explained.

"A 'Potter of blood'?" Harry questioned, looking at his companions.

"You need to be a Potter by blood, you can't just simply be married into the family. Your mother, for instance, would not have been able to use the key unless an approved blood ritual was performed," Blaise informed him. "For the ritual, your father would have had to supply some of his blood. That blood would then be transferred into your mother. Of course, her blood would remain as it was before, except that, through the ritual, certain markers would exist that would identify her as a Potter as well as an Evans."

"Lillian Evans did not, at the time, have the ritual performed since her death occurred a mere year and a half after the marriage was finalized. There is a two year waiting period before the ritual is allowed," Grimlock continued for the Zabini. He then retook the master key and pulled out another, smaller key and inserted them into the door before sliding his nail down an unseen slit. Harry could hear the unlocking bars before the door finally opened, though he was a little busy processing what he had just been told.

Grimlock handed the master key back to a dazed Harry, motioning the two wizards inside. "Take your time, sirs. I will wait by the cart."

Blaise nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Grimlock."

Grimlock walked away and Blaise turned to Harry. "Well?"

Harry entered through the door first, Blaise followed, closing the door behind them.

Harry looked around. They were in what looked like a broom closet with plain burgundy walls that was lit by four torches that sent a glow through the room. There was nothing else in the room except for three wooden doors with intricate designs carved into each.

"This is the main branch," Blaise started. He pointed to the doors. "Each door leads to a different room. The standard set up is that one contains money, one contains treasures and heirlooms and the last is for the owner's choosing. Usually it's another room for treasures or money but some families use it for other things. I can wait out here while you look around."

"No," Harry said immediately. "I want you with me in case I have any questions. There is a condition, however."

"And that is what?" Blaise inquired, raising an eyebrow.

"Your wand. I need your wand," Harry said. "It's not because I think that you would actually do anything or anything like that-"

"It's fine, Harry. We've only really known each other for two days. In fact, I'd be a little worried if you trusted me that easily," Blaise cut him off as he handed over his wand.

"Thank you," Harry said, pocketing the wand. "Which room's which?"

Blaise shrugged. "It all depends on the owner. I guess you'll just have to pick a door."

"Right," Harry muttered. "Just pick a door. Any door." He moved to the door furthest to the left and opened it. "Huh."

Blaise peaked in over his shoulder. "I guess you found the money room, then."

Inside the room was gold and silver. The room was piled almost to the ceiling with gold and silver coins and Harry could not see where the room ended. From behind him, Blaise chuckled.

"The Potter family is still one of the richest in the magical community," Blaise said. "And this is only the London vault."

"There's more?" Harry asked, disbelievingly. He stared in awe as he entered the room. Then he shook his head. "Never mind. Don't answer that. Should we be grabbing some money now?"

"It might be a good idea," Blaise admitted. "I plan to spend the rest of the day teaching you things you should have already known. Here." He held out a small coin bag that he had gotten from a small table in the corner that Harry had not noticed before. "It's magically enlarged so it'll hold a lot of money."

"Really? Thank you." Harry grinned before turning back to the money with the bag in hand. He started piling money into the bag. The weight of the bag did not change nor did its size. "Do you think this is enough?"

"I think so. You can always come back for more if you need to," Blaise said, peering into the bag.

Harry nodded and tucked the bag into his pocket. They left the room and Harry opened the middle door. He blinked in confusion.

"This is the treasure room," Blaise told him, motioning to the piles and tables full of jewelry, books, weapons and other objects. "Most of the stuff in here is very rare and very powerful."

Harry stepped into the room, looking around curiously. His eyes caught sight of a glass case on a nearby table. Inside were two wands laying on pillowed stands.

"Those would be your parents' wands," Blaise said quietly and Harry saw the plaque at the bottom of the stands, which inscribed the names of his parents. Impulsively, he opened the case and picked up his father's wand.

"I have a feeling I'll need it," Harry explained to Blaise's questioning look. The Italian shrugged, accepting the answer.

"Is there anything else you want to take? You can always come back later," Blaise asked, looking around the room. Abruptly, he stilled before walking over to a table pressed into the corner. He stopped in front of a necklace on a pillow in a jewelry box. It was a thin silver chain with an intricately crafted and designed silver dragon whose wings were expanded. The dragon's eyes gleamed gold, noticeable against the silver of its body.

"Blaise?" Harry asked curiously. Blaise motioned him over and carefully lifted the necklace.

"Here, put this on Harry," Blaise said, holding it out.

Harry accepted it and looked it over. Something inside him seemed to be pulling at the necklace.

"It's a very powerful pendant," Blaise started. "The dragon happens to be the symbol of the Potter family. It represents freedom, power and wisdom. This necklace will protect you from minor spells, potions and curses. It will also prevent you from being bewitched and will change your appearance in such a way that it is not detectable by modern magic. Even Auror "Mad-Eye" Moony would have trouble identifying you."

"Whoa," Harry murmured, running his fingertip gently over the cool metal.

"Now, the silver is elven and the gold is goblin. It was crafted by the magic of these creatures and is virtually unbreakable. You shouldn't let Voldemort or Dumbledore get their hands on this necklace," Blaise told him.

Harry hesitated but then put the necklace on, the pendant touching his skin. Surprisingly, the metal was warm as soon as it made contact and he felt calm and safe. Blaise grinned.

"Okay, appearance changes have to be done manually. Just think about what you want to look like and concentrate. The pendant will do the rest," Blaise explained, shifting slightly. Harry frowned at him.

"What's with you?" he asked. Blaise shrugged.

"It's just… that necklace was the only one ever made! It was a gift to Gloria Potter, your great-grandmother, from both the elves and the goblins in return for her aid. She promoted the rights of magical creatures like goblins, elves, centaurs, werewolves, demons, nymphs and vampires. She even legally changed all Potter estates into sanctuaries for them; the Ministry cannot remove any magical creature from such an estate without reasonable proof of guilt," Blaise said, still grinning.

"That's really cool." Harry smiled, looking down at the necklace. "How do you know so much about the Potter's anyway?"

Blaise rolled his eyes. "While you may have been hidden from your family history, I was not. Your family is well known, even before that Halloween. They were very powerful, influential and not afraid to use their power at their discretion."

Harry was silent, mulling over what he had learned. He glanced at the wand he still held before slipping it into his pocket.

"Let's check out the last room," he finally said. Blaise nodded and followed him back out into the hall.

Harry determinedly entered the last room and halted. "What is all this?" he wondered.

The room was filled with various obscure looking objects ranging from swords to books to cages to plants.

"It could be stuff loaned to or being held by the Potter's," Blaise suggested, entering the room. "Magical creatures typically aren't allowed access to Gringotts or the magical community in general. Your friend, Professor Lupin, would have such troubles."

"So, my family kept precious items for magical creatures? How would they get them back if my parents are dead?" Harry asked.

"Well, they'd have to get in contact with the Potter advisor and he'd be able to come in and get the item for them," Blaise said.

Harry was silent for a moment, taking one last long look around before he announced. "I'm ready to go." Blaise nodded and the two left the room. When they were in the hall, Blaise stopped him from continuing.

"Wait," he said. "Why don't you try the necklace out?"

Harry concentrated. It felt as though he were pushing against an immovable, invisible wall. He concentrated harder until the wall became thinner and then shattered. Harry opened his eyes. "Well?"

Blaise stared. Harry's scar was gone, his emerald eyes had blended to a sea green and his messy black hair had shortened to a straight brown. "Looking good." He grinned as Harry rolled his eyes, a smile tugging at his lips.

"How long will this last?" Harry asked, inspecting himself in a mirror that had appeared on one of the walls. Blaise shrugged.

"It depends on the wearer's magical power. For you, probably a few days straight without any breaks. You'll know when you've reached the limit. It recharges through your magic. You'll have to consciously change yourself back unless you drain it." Explained the Slytherin.

"Then, let's go!" Harry said, pulling the pureblood out of the vault. Blaise chuckled quietly, allowing himself to be pulled along. Harry was surprised at how much he had come to trust Blaise and that worried him. They had only really known each other a few days, but Blaise was smart, calm, polite with a sense of humour and best of all, he felt safe.

Grimlock and Blackknot were waiting for them by the cart. The both of them did not look surprised at Harry's change of appearance and in fact, seemed a little pleased.

"I see Lord Zabini has shown you the Pendant of Honour," Blackknot said with a nod of his head. He held out something in his hand to the said Lord and Blaise accepted it, lifting up a thin leather bracelet for inspection. "If you would please exchange."

Blaise slipped off his own bracelet and put the new one on. As Harry watched in astonishment, Blaise's eyes darkened, his skin lightened to a more caramel tan, his nose shortened and his hair lengthened but maintained the same spiky raven appearance.

"This bracelet will do the same as your perception charm but at a much higher degree. It is also less detectable and more powerful. Also, it will last for a longer period of time than your charm would have. As you are aiding Mr. Potter in his rightful acknowledgement and inheritance, on behalf of the goblins of Gringotts, I present you with the Bracelet of Misdirection. You would be wise to treat it well." Blackknot finished his monologue with a small bow.

"I thank you, Mr. Blackknot, it is a wonderful and useful gift. I will treat it well," Blaise assured with a smile and a small bow in return.

Blackknot shook hands with the both of them. "The documents you requested have been sent to the Scotland Potter Manor. The two of you are most welcome to return any time. I bid you farewell."

As Blackknot left, Grimlock ushered them to the cart. "Is there anything else you require, sirs?"

"Yes, I would like to visit my family vaults," Blaise told him, holding up his key. Grimlock nodded and started the cart.

They stopped at the vault long enough for Blaise to obtain some currency and for Harry to poke around at a few objects before they were on their way again. Then, Grimlock escorted them back to the main hall where they both exchanged some money for muggle currency.

"That was… so weird," Harry muttered as they left Gringotts. Blaise chuckled beside him but said nothing. "Oh! Your wand, here!" Harry reached into his pocket, pulled out the Slytherin's wand and handed it back to him. "Thank you for letting me hold on to it."

With an over exasperated sigh, Blaise accepted the wand and put it into his pocket. "Harry, I already told you I understood, but you're welcome all the same. Now, is there anything you need to get in Diagon Alley?"

Harry shrugged. "We haven't gotten our school lists yet, so I don't think so."

Blaise shook his head. "You don't want to look at anything? Not even the quidditch store?"

Harry blinked and stopped. "Oh. Actually that does sound pretty good."

The Slytherin chuckled again, casually strolling down the busy street. "Honestly Harry, I thought you were quidditch obsessed like your friend is?"

"Well, yeah," Harry told him, rolling his eyes. "But… whenever I get to go to Diagon Alley, it's usually only to get my school stuff before we need to rush back." He shrugged. "I haven't actually been to Diagon Alley for any other reason before."

Blaise frowned, but kept walking. It seemed he was mulling something over so Harry let him be for now.

They spent the rest of the day wandering around Diagon Alley and checking things out. Harry used his new ability of not being in the spotlight to his advantage, spending an obscene amount of time drooling over brooms (much to Blaise's amusement) and simply looking into stores without being bombarded by the customers and store owners.

By the time they finished, it was nearing late afternoon and they were laden down with bags of stuff. Harry had bought, among other things, a new cage for Hedwig, some more owl treats, new quills, new quidditch equipment and some books on the history of wizarding communities and magical creatures that Blaise thought would help him understand the magical world. They had removed their disguises (imagine if the Dursley's had seen them with them on. Harry wasn't sure that would go over very well), caught a taxi back to Harry's place, and were just unloading the bags onto the street and paying the taxi driver when another car pulled up.

Two men stepped out, dressed in the law enforcement uniform.

"Excuse me, would one of you be Harry Potter?" one asked. Blaise and Harry looked at each other and Blaise shrugged.

"I am," Harry said, putting the bags he was holding onto the ground. "What is this about?"

"We received a call from one of your neighbours, they seemed to think there may have been child neglect occurring. Where were you today?" the other officer asked.

"Uh, well, Blaise and I went shopping, as you could see, for new school clothes and stuff." Harry stumbled over his words slightly, lifting up one of the bags to show the officers.

"What is going on here?" Vernon's voice boomed. Harry almost felt relieved to hear him, which surprised him to no end. He and Blaise stood off to the side as Vernon, with Petunia and Dudley following, marched up to the officers.

"Are you Vernon Dursley?" the first officer asked. "I'm Constable Corrigan and this' Constable Scott. We have a few questions for you."

"And what kinds of questions are they?" Vernon growled.

"Do you know where your nephew was today?" Scott asked. Harry winced.

"What did he do now? Like he doesn't cause enough embarrassment already," Vernon muttered the last part but it was clear that the officers had heard.

"Mr. Dursley, please answer the question," Corrigan said.

"Fine! He was with Blaise over here, doing whatever it is teenagers do," Vernon answered, his face beginning to tinge red.

Corrigan and Scott exchanged glances.

"So you don't know where your nephew was today or when he was returning?" Corrigan asked, frowning.

"No, why would I?" Vernon blurted out. Behind him, Petunia winced, reaching out to touch him on the arm.

"Vernon-" she started, only to be cut off by her husband.

"Boys are boys, they do random stuff," he said. "So, why are you so interested in what they were doing today?"

"We're not so interested in what they were but more why you didn't know about it." Scott said.

"We've received several calls from concerned neighbours about you, regarding the neglect of your nephew, on more than one occasion. It appears there is a reason to be concerned," Corrigan continued.

"I'm sure you'll be hearing from Social Services soon," Scott told them. Something crackled on the radio and he went to the car to answer it.

"Seeing as there is no violence or current endangerment to Harry Potter, we won't be doing anything tonight," Corrigan told them.

The officers left shortly after that, Vernon a purple, seething rage monster on the front lawn, Petunia fretting about him and Dudley scowling at Harry, silently vowing revenge. Harry turned to Blaise, too stunned to comment.

"This," Blaise gestured to his irate family members, "was not my fault."


End of chapter two! I hope you enjoyed it, and I would love to hear your thoughts on it!