I do not own Harry Potter or any part that I use in this story, along with all future content I use or base ideas from. All belong to their respective creators.

Just a quick thanks to bizkitdoh for the message, it really made my day. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

A glass of Tizer and a plate of sliced ham works well with this chapter.

Alexios?

Harry Potter: Rising from the Ashes

Shifting my gaze forward I look towards the goblin, whose name still escapes me. Occasionally my eyes dart to my right, where Mr Dumbledore sat. I'm not sure if I'm supposed to say anything but seeing as he isn't I guess I will hold my tongue.

After a few minutes of shuffling paper, the Goblin clears his throat, grabbing my full attention. "Now that Mr Dumbledore is here and everything is ready we will begin. Hold all questions until the end and no interruptions." Feeling a bit insulted at the fact he pointedly looked at me when saying the last part, I raise an eyebrow in rebuttal earning an amused chuckle from Mr Dumbledore and a toothy grin from the goblin, not entirely sure if it was from amusement or some form of scare tactic to not interrupt.

"With Mr Potter now emerging we are able to put certain things in motion that pertains to the Potter family and obviously Mr Potter. Before their death, James and Lily Potter left a Will. Stating that if anything were to happen to them that he should go to his Godparents. Sirius Orion Black named Godfather by James Potter and Alice Longbottom named Godmother by Lily Potter.

Due to unforeseen circumstances both were unavailable to take up the position in turn leading Harry Potter to be without a guardian. Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore claimed guardianship of Harry Potter and gaining temporary control over House Potter until the heir becomes of age. The Will also mentioned other people who were to be given something, whether monetary or an object of sentimental value. Again, due to the absence of Mr Potter or Guardian who was able to give the order to proceed all directions of the will were put on that that is done with, do either of you have any queries you would like answered?"

Harry had quite a few questions he wanted to ask but looked over to first to see how to proceed. Getting a slight nod and smile, indicating that he could go first he turned forward.

"What happened to my Godparents?" Mr Dumbledore answered. "If I may Banker Blackshaw? Harry, your Godfather was sentenced to prison for assisting and committing a crime. On the other hand, your Godmother is in the hospital, so far no cure has been found. I saw fit to take guardianship over you until you are of age."

Not entirely happy with the knowledge that both people trusted to look after him were unavailable, obviously, he understands for his Godmother but his Godfather? Well, nothing to be said really. Thinking of another question to ask he runs through what he has just been told.

"What did you mean when you said 'House Potter', and what's the age of gaining control?" This time the goblin, now know Blackshaw, sat straighter and said his piece. "The full title is Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter. This title does not bring you any sway or power, you are still at the same station like everyone else. All they do is let people know its position. To gain the title Most Ancient the house must have been alive for over 10 centuries. According to records in the Potter vault, the oldest recording was around the Peloponnesian war. The writing and trinkets indicate a Spartan ancestry. Most Noble references the wealth of the house. Now due to how long the House of Potter has stood, you can guess that it has acquired and built up over the many years.

Of course whilst the title gives no extra power It's true power lies with its knowledge. With old houses, they gain a lot of things to help whether that means books of spells, recipes and the like. Ones like yours Mr Potter are truly wondrous things. I would advise caution on any who try to gain favour Mr Potter, they may just hold ill intent."

"Regarding your age and gaining control is different. When you reach the age of 18 you will be granted full access to your vaults, able to deposit or withdraw anything you wish. At this point, you should be learning how to properly handle the responsibilities you will possess. To gain full control one must be 21, where the previous Head of House, which is the official station, will hand over control to the heir who will then become the Head of House. Again Head of House is just a title showing who has full control of the running, not the people, of the respective house."

Sitting back and mulling over what he was told, he could barely hear the mumble of whatever Blackshaw and Mr Dumbledore were discussing. Hearing the slight scrape of a chair on the floor, looking over to the noise he could see Mr Dumbledore, standing now, being handed a pouch from Blackshaw then turning to him. "I hope you don't mind if I join you on your little shopping trip, Harry. It has been quite some time since I last partook in shopping for a new school year." Looking at Blackshaw he can see that he has already gone back to his papers, completely ignoring them. Guessing that they were done he stands and walks over to Mr Dumbledore leaving a quiet thanks as he passes the desk.

The walk back through the corridor and hall to the entrance was made in silence. Dumbledore content to allow Harry to gather himself. Harry unsure what to actually say or ask.

"I do believe it wise Harry that getting your trunk first will be extremely helpful holding all your future purchases. Don't you think?" Seeing Mr Dumbledore look at him, he only nods his head being returned with a comforting smile. "Indeed, but before that how about we get you your wand, hmm?" Harry only laughed seeing the pure excitement on Mr Dumbledores face, as if it were himself actually getting the wand and not him.

Following Mr Dumbledore over to the shop called "Olivanders", Harry took note of the people, seeing a vast majority of them giving hello's and waving to Mr Dumbledore, with all of them being given back. Harry himself saw that he was garnering attention, most likely for the fact of who he was currently with.

Finally making it to the shop front he can see that the text on the windows was listing the shops' accomplishments. From being the best in the country, too being open for centuries. Entering the door that Mr Dumbledore held open for him, he steps further in and takes a look around, seeing shelves stacked to the ceiling of thin long boxes. Hearing a voice approach from the back Harry looks towards the new presence.

"Ah Albus, the last time I saw you was when your glorious friend donated to me his feathers. But I do wonder as to why you are here today?" The man that came from the back had crazy white hair with a clean face. He was a bit shorter than Mr Dumbledore's height of what seemed 6ft. "Garrick, how lovely to see you. Yes, I am here with young Mr Potter to help with his school shopping."

Turning his attention back to the shop he looks around at all the shelves, seeing how many there truly are. Hearing his name mentioned he back over to the two old men. Meeting the eyes of Mr Olivander he sees that his eyes are of a silvery grey colour with flecks of blue, seemingly looking right through him. He catches his eyes flick up then meet his gaze again. Strange.

"Mr Potter? Yes, yes. I see. What is your dominant hand, Mr Potter." "It's right but..." "What is your favourite past time?" "Reading, wh..." Finally realising that he should just answer and not bother trying to find out why he let out a huff. At this point Mr Olivander has been walking around him, prodding him, measuring him. When he reaches back in front of him he is questioned again but he still looked focused on something else. "What was your first rememberable bout of magic?" Thinking back he can only think of one thing. "Strength." Expecting to be questioned again he looked around the shop. Except he wasn't questioned, looking back he can see both Mr Olivander and Mr Dumbledore look at him.

"What do you mean by 'strength' Harry?" Mr Dumbledore stood forward a bit, very interested in how he will be answered, Mr Olivander too looking incredibly focused on his answer. "Um, well, when I was younger I had to lift something heavy. At first, I could barely move it but then when I kept trying and focusing on it my body felt as if it was heating up then I was able to move it. Its happened a lot of other times too and each time seemed to be easier."

"Really? Well, that is peculiar, it's good Mr Potter don't fret. Yet peculiar all the same." Turning to see if Mr Dumbledore had anything to say, he saw that he had a speculative expression on his face, which was quickly replaced with a smile. "If you don't mind Harry, I'm going to take this time to go and acquire you a trunk and some other basic things. I should be back before we have to leave."

'This is insane, how many more am I going to have to go through.' It has been around 30 minutes since Mr Dumbledore left to get the trunk. He asked Mr Olivander but he assured him that he was probably caught up chatting with others. So far he has tested at least 20 wands and each reaction different from another.

One wand, which apparently had a hair from an arctic lion, started to spread ice from the wand and up to his arm. So that was a no-no.

Another wand was apparently made from the wood of a Dragon tree. They apparently lived in extremely hot climates and had incredibly scale like, strong bark. Not as strong as an actual dragon apparently but for a tree, it was strong.

When I held it nothing happened at first until it started vibrating viciously, causing the bones in my right arm to shake.

When that whole ordeal was over with I was told to take some potion to counteract the effects. It worked amazingly but wow did it taste horrible.

So that's how it continued, with continuous failures of finding a match. Slouched and waiting in a chair for the next wand, he heard the door open and a familiar beard walk towards me. "Apologies for taking so long Harry but I did manage to find a rather fetching trunk." Seeing Mr Dumbledore wave his hand at a box to his side and a chair appear for him to sit on caused Harry to sit up straighter and turn towards him. "How did you do that?"

"That Harry was transfiguration, the spell to turn one thing into another. Though it is not as easy as it seems, there is a lot one needs to know for a good result. You will learn this when school starts next month." Nodding his head rapidly to show he heard and was extremely excited to learn such, making Mr Dumbledore give him a chuckle.

"I see you are back Albus, good timing too as I expect you to enjoy this little test. Although I am quite positive this is the one. 11" Holly with Phoenix feather core, nice and supple. An unusual combination I must say but it seemed to work in the end. The Phoenix. Incredibly attuned to its body, able to lift an amazing weight. Stupendously knowledgable from all its years of existence. It seems as if this wand will guide you to great heights." Grasping onto the wand and removing it from the box, instantly his body heated up in a soothing way. Waving the wand resulted in a beautiful bird song. 'The Phoenix?'

Beaming, lowering his arm he looked at Olivander expectantly. "I do believe we have found you a wand, Mr Potter. Though it is curious, yes curious indeed." Harry cocked his head slightly, "Why is it curious?" Seeing both men share a look and make a decision Olivander answered his question. "It is curious Mr Potter because the Phoenix who donated that feather gave only one other feather. That feather was used in the same wand that gave you that scar."

Unintentionally his free hand raised up to run his fingers over the mark, faintly tracing it. "I do believe you have what you came for Harry, perhaps we should move on," Dumbledore added softly, snapping me out of my dazed state, I let out a slight hum of agreement. "Thank you Mr Olivander."

"It was a pleasure, Mr Potter. I look forward to seeing what you will do in the future." Walking out the door I chance a glance back to see Mr Olivander staring at me with his powerful gaze until I am out of sight.

Walking out into the main part of the street, Harry's stomach grumbled making him rub his stomach, only just realising how hungry he really was. "Perhaps we should have a quick lunch before we carry on." Nodding his head along with Dumbledore's idea, he follows the old man towards the cafe that he noticed earlier but less crowded than it was before.

Being led to a table off to the side, he took his seat across from Dumbledore and gently laid his wand on top of the table. "Sir, why did Mr Olivander mention my scar." When he looked across at the man before him, he saw him sigh and slump into his chair, taking off his glasses and absentmindedly cleaning them. Waving his hand, Harry noticed that he couldn't hear any sound from outside their table.

"Before you were born Harry Magical Britain was in a state of war. Between those who think family lineage makes them better than muggles, newborns and magical creatures, that they should either be killed or ruled. The other side was those who disagreed, that all are equal that either friendship or just leaving them ignorant was best. I was on the side of equality, peace. But the leader of the opposition, he was smart, cunning, persuasive and above all powerful. Those who thought the same quickly rallied to him and his calls, noticing a powerful figurehead to use to boost their own goals.

There were those who stood against him, especially your parents Harry. What amazing people they were, so happy and in love. They were kind and brave and everything one would want to be. They stood against Voldemort, the Dark Lord as he was called, with such a fierce determination. Their very presence in a fight easily cowed to the enemy and bolstered their allies.

Over such huge victories they gained to attention for Voldermort himself, they successfully fought him off three times, crippling him for a set amount of times until he healed.

But then their focus was put on something more important. You, Harry. They loved you so much. Even in such a dark time as war, when they first held you nothing could have been brighter. You were everything. I must admit that I felt the same when I first held you. Such a precious thing you were.

When you were born they stopped fighting, instead, they went into hiding to look after you. Voldemort noticed that they were no longer fighting and got curious. He made it a very high priority to find them.

After roughly a year he did, and he set out to put a stop to two of his greatest adversaries. I am afraid to say he succeeded. But when he went to kill you, something happened. The killing curse is known to kill everything it touches, instantly. But you survived Harry. Something happened that night between yourself and Voldermort leading to his defeat.

Your scar is the mark you were left with. When the news got out the enemy either retreated or were captured. Our allies bolstered themselves together and like a tidal wave washed over the land, clearing the enemy.

Word got out about Voldermorts defeat by you. You were then labelled The-boy-who-lived. A hero in the wizarding world as a whole. Every magical community knows your name, not just because you stopped the Dark Lord but because you survived.

It is unknown still as to how you survived and many are still trying to work out how."

Sad, mourning blue met bright emerald green. Filled with different emotions like love, happiness, joy, sadness, frustration, anger. "Why? Why was there a war in the first place? Was no one able to stop them getting so strong? Did no one notice what was happening?"Questions spilling out of his mouth, hoping for something to make his understanding clearer.

"I apologies Harry, the fault lies with me. I saw what was happening, I knew who it was but I didn't want to take action. I spoke to them, hoping to change their minds, that violence was unneeded. Alas, I was a fool, Harry. I had the power to stop it but I was weak.

When the war began I was put on a pedestal, hoping I can defeat this Dark Lord as I had before. I am a scholar Harry, not a warrior but I fought, I couldn't just stand by and do nothing and the people needed a beacon, something to follow. So I gave it to them.

In the end, I was broken, distraught of how many were lost. But it did open my eyes.

I am The Grand Sorcerer, Chief Warlock and The Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards. Using my power I dragged magical Britain out of its state and into now. No longer were only specific people given more power than others, those responsible for crimes were held accountable. Many of the Houses had a vast majority of their wealth taken and used for the betterment of Magical Britain.

Slurs and insults against muggles and what were Muggle-borns, now newborns, are banned. Any who use them are fined. Action against muggles and newborns in a violent and/or discriminatory manner and arrested.

I have cleaned and improved the school, no more will children be influenced by such bigotry and selected subjects. We show all, form both muggle and magical sides. History is told with reasons and outcomes shown.

Together magical Britain grew with the new laws in place. The Ministry for Magic is clean and efficient, no more corruption. Unfortunately, some of the enemies are still free and walking. Still trying to push their views onto others, but they are outnumbered and they know this, they wouldn't dare challenge us.

I had already failed your parents Harry, I wasn't going to fail you and bring you into a broken world."

Letting his head fall back with his eyes closed Harry processes everything he has just been told. The revelation that he is some sort of hero, that he supposedly should be dead, that things used to be so bad not so long ago. How he was blinded by the pure idea and sight of the magic that he was completely ignoring anything potentially bad.

Bringing his head back down he looks at Mr Dumbledore, with his slumped shoulders, crestfallen face and bright blue eyes positively glistening in the unshed tears. No matter how much he wanted to say it was his fault by doing nothing, he couldn't. This man before him looks completely destitute.

"Thank you." Clearly, he surprised him if the way he straightened and looked him in the eyes, searching for the reason. "I never heard anything about my parents, besides them being different, and in this conversation, I found out that I was insanely loved. That you truly care for me as much as you do. That you cared for them as much as you do. That I have someone who I feel I can depend on. I don't think I can right away but it would be nice." His words seemingly had some effect as Dumbledore smiled a purely happy smile and his eyes now shining from pure joy.

After calming down his emotions from that situation both he and Dumbledore ordered some food and drink. Harry stayed to what he was sure was nice and not some of the new things he noticed. Using this time, Harry started to ask Dumbledore some questions and answering Dumbledores in turn. Both finding out their likes and dislikes, Dumbledores strange addiction to lemon flavours sweets. Harry and his love of books taking him into a whole new world of magic and story.

They did, of course, broach the subject of Harry's home life. Harry was slightly hesitant to start but with Dumbledore encouraging him and assuring everything will be fine. He told him. In the end, he wasn't very happy and was extremely apologetic. Harry told him how it wasn't so terrible and that it could be worse.

Dumbledore promised that when he can he will look for somewhere else to stay, but the protections over Privet Drive were strong and could only be anchored there. That he would have to find an alternative but if he could just bear through staying there for the foreseeable future.

Both full and rested they headed off to get the rest of Harrys' supplies. Noticing that Dumbledore was garnering the attention he could point out some who motioned to him. This time he could slightly notice people motioning towards his forehead. Not entirely sure what to do he gave an awkward smile and wave to people who were focusing on him.

Surprisingly he got extremely happy smiles and waves back with some calls of "Hello!", "Good to see you!" It was nice being greeted by such kind people, but he wasn't all comfortable with the experience. he wasn't used to all the attention.

Walking across the path to the bookstore, Florish and Blotts felt way longer than it actually was. Finally getting inside and looking around he was incredibly thankful for Dumbledore getting the trunk early and if the relieved sigh from him was anything to go by he was most likely feeling the same.

Finding and buying the eleven school books he needed was quite easy, apparently, the store sells them as a package. Which, lucky him, gave him some extra time to look around at other books. He quickly found the story section. Picking up two of the stories that caught his interest he took them up to the counter to be paid for and put in his trunk. On his way back he came up to a section of books all with the same man on the front.

Looking closer he can see the man has long wavey blonde hair with a big smile showing off all his white teeth. There was even an artificial twinkle in the corner of the ponces' brown eyes. Picking one up and looking at the back he quickly put it back and held a hand over his mouth. Trying to stop the heave that suddenly came up.

Walking further up and passing what looked to be another section for a series he glanced but then had to do a quick double glance, cracking his neck in the process, seeing that it was about him. Reading some of the titles he couldn't help but let his lower jaw drop.

Hearing a gasp and what sounded like a splat, he looked down to his right to see a girl no older than 6 looking at him with her mouth open, empty ice-cream cone in hand facing down, limp by her side, and the ice-cream itself a dollop on the floor.

Giving an awkward small wave and Hi, he was given a barely audible Hi back before he started running away, I mean, striding up to the counter, handing his two books over and paying. Now done with his book shopping, all wrapped up in his trunk. Harry and Dumbledore leave the store, passing the still shocked girl and what was possibly her Mother fussing over her and cleaning up the mess.

Walking back up the street towards Gringotts but going to the building to the front left of it, called Madame Malkins Robes for all Occasions. It sort of feeling like Olivanders again, with all the measuring but Madame Malkin wasn't as odd as Olivander. It wasn't so bad as he thought, a lot more calm then he thought it would be. Apparently, magic got rid of trying the clothes on for a good fit.

Checking the time and seeing it was 2:30pm he aimed to have everything finished quickly if he wanted to catch the bus at 4:05 or he will have to take the later one at out that they should get his potion equipment and he had no need to get a telescope and Dumbledore bought it with the trunk.

When realising all that has been bought he started apologising for making him spend all his money. But he just got waved off. Being told that he has nothing else to spend all the money on.

Entering the potion shop, he looked around and blanched. He then asked Dumbledore if they could do this quick as all the different body parts hanging around were starting to freak him out. Thankfully the potions shop did the same as the Book store. Apparently, this shop, Slug and Jiggers Apothecary, was joined with the shop next door, Potages Cauldron Shop, which, conveniently sold all the equipment needed for potion making.

Leaving Dumbledore to buy everything from this side, he asked for the right amount to buy the school package from the other half. Walking over he saw that there were about to people in the queue. Quickly getting behind so he doesn't have to wait longer. Looking around to pass the time he saw out the window what had to be a whole clan of red-headed people walk down the path. Shaking his head not entirely sure if that was real or the fumes from the shops were getting to him, he looked around again.

In the corner of his eye he saw something move, turning to face them he saw it was products being placed on shelves. Trying to find who was doing it, he was stunned to see a small, thin being with large floppy ears and big glassy eyes wearing what had to be a little basic robe. Looking at it and trying to figure it out. he was knocked from his thought by the staff calling for his turn.

Blushing a bit out of embarrassment he quickly asked for the first year kit. Exchanging money for the package he gave a quick cheers before going off to find Dumbledore. Despite being one of the more unique looking people Harry still struggled to find him. In the end, it took Dumbledore walking up to his side asking him if he was ready to leave, making him jump from the unexpected voice, then leaving.

"I do believe that the last thing you need now is a pet, conveniently it is right next to the exit, how extraordinarily helpful." Following Dumbledore and shaking his head in complete denial that he didn't plan for it to be the last shop, they quickly make their way down the street.

It was a lot quicker now as some of the people have finished shopping in the alley so they could move about quicker. Walking in he was instantly assaulted from all the sounds of the animals. Walking around and looking at them all, he couldn't find one he liked. The only choices he had was an Owl a cat or a toad. Toad was off the list as soon as he saw the option.

Walking past the owl section he was vision was suddenly filled with white and feathers. Looking around he saw that he was standing beside a beautiful white owl with bright gold eyes conveying an understanding of life that us mere mortals could never achieve.

Looking at the information provided, apparently its a female and a snowy owl.

"..." Staring at the owl hoping to get some sort of reaction, all he got was a stare right back. "Did you just slap me? With your wing?" Watching as the owl straighten herself and puff up her chest she gave out a short hoot. "Hmmmmmmm." Tilting his head, which was mirrored by the owl, he came to a decision. "Mr Dumbledore, I would like this owl please."

After a short disagreement with the clerk, Harry ended walking out of the store with the now named Hedwig perched on his shoulder, triumphantly. He stops and turns to Dumbledore. "Thank you for the help today sir, I really appreciate it." Dumbledore smiled and shook his head. "No problem Harry, it was quite enjoyable and nice to finally speak with you. Now you have everything in your trunk yes?" Nodding his head in confirmation. "Yep. I got the books, clothes, potions equipment and all the stuff I need for Hedwig."

"Marvelous, well I do hope you have a good next month. I will see you when you arrive at Hogwarts." Seeing Dumbledore unshrink his trunk because no way were they going to drag it around, Harry double checked to see if he had everything, which he did. Grabbing a hold of his trunk and letting Hedwig fly off he turned to face Dumbledore.

Exchanging goodbyes Harry walks with his trunk back through the wall into the Leaky Cauldron. Waving goodbye to Tom he walks out the entrance, back into the non-magical world.

Checking the time and seeing it is 3:50pm he was happy to see he only had to wait 15 minutes. Seeing that it has stopped raining he left his coat undone and went to stand under the bus shelter just down the road, deciding not to sit on the wet bench.

Waiting wasn't bad, except for the cold winds blowing around him. Hurrying on the bus to get out of the wind, he saw that it was full unlike his bus this morning. Taking his trunk to the standing section, he leaned it against the side and then he leaned against his trunk, keeping a hold on the pole to the side of him.

Finally stopping walking he can feel his legs being slightly tired. Trying to put most of his weight on his trunk was difficult. With the movements of the bus if he didn't keep his footing he might fall and look like a prat. After an excruciating bus experience of close to 2 hours due to traffic, he got off at his stop.

Walking down the street to the Dursleys he noticed Hedwig flying high above him. Finally making it to the door he put his keys in and let himself in. Hearing no sounds he assumed that Petunia is around friends, Dudley is out and that Vernon is at work.

Dragging his trunk upstairs he made it to his room, put his trunk next to the bed then flopped on the bed himself. Quickly standing back up as he remembered he is in damp clothes he gets some comfy clean clothes to change into then goes to the bathroom to wash and dry off.

Now back in his room, warm, dry and in a pair of thick jogging bottoms and a t-shirt he sets about sorting through all his new things.

Pulling the books out and putting them on the side to read later, he starts to organize everything else, remembering to leave space for his books. Putting Hedwig's cage, perch and treats on his desk he sees her outside just landing outside his window. Letting her in and giving her some treats before she goes to sit on her perch.

Done with his organizing he sits back on his bed and picks up one of the storybooks called The Tales of Beedle the Bard. Getting lost in the story he later heard the sound of the door. Surprisingly he heard all three voices of the others who lived here. 'They must have gone out together.' Continuing to read the book he was interrupted again as his door opened.

Seeing his Aunt pokes her head in and look around, he noticed the distance on her face as she spotted his new things. "We have gone out for dinner if you want food to make it when you want it. And make sure that none of THAT leaves this room besides you leaving for school." Letting out a sigh that it didn't go as bad as he thought.

Not starving yet due to the lunch earlier he carried on reading his book. With dark approaching out the window he checked the time to see it was late in the evening, deciding to get some food he headed downstairs. Walking past the living room he could hear the tele and see the light shining on the wall through the door frame.

Getting himself an apple, banana and some grapes, he cut them up and put them in a bowl. Cleaning up after him he took them back up to his room to eat them there.

Slowly eating the food and spending time with Hedwig he went about putting his books on the shelf. Finished sorting his room out he ate the last of the food and went to prepare for bed in the bathroom.

Returning to his room, he removed his glasses, laid down and went to sleep. Dreaming of all the amazing things he will be able to see and do.

Right. Chapter 2 done. The next chapter is going to have a short description of what he did in the 1-month wait, then it is off to Hogwarts.

I hope you liked the chapter. Fav, Follow and Review if you want, I'd appreciate it.

Dave.