A/N There is a name change but it is still Harry, just a different name
July 28th, 1996 - Thursday
Well, I've sprouted wings, like c'mon, really? Like, full on dragon wings out here. I've taken to sleeping on my stomach because of the pain in my back when I tried to rollover this morning I couldn't, because I had huge ass wings coming out of my skin. They're so large they span from wall to wall of Dudley's room, the tips touching the door and window seal. I curl them onto my back, slightly shocked at the foreign feeling of leathery wings against my skin. They still seem large even when they're curled in, the sheer size of them astonishing in its own way.
I cautiously run a finger down one of my wings, surprised that they're so soft. I close my eyes and imagine them disappearing, not opening my eyes until I feel a gentle flutter against my back. I glance at my reflection in the mirror and at the tattoos that have darkened to an inky black, no remnants of my wings anywhere but the markings, a clue to something hidden. I study myself closely and note all the new changes, some better than others of course.
My final height is around 6'5" and I seem to be well muscled, almost as if I've worked out every day since I was fifteen. My teeth gleam in the dim light of early morning and press against my lips when I smile, matching the paleness of my skin. My eyes seem to be the most changed though, gone is the Avada green and replaced with a grey so dark it's almost black, yet emerald green specks surround my iris. I guess it's nice to have some part of the old me still here.
I take a deep breath to calm myself down a bit before searching for clothes, anything to cover up my skin, when I hear the door start to creak open. I scramble for a shirt but it's too late, Aunt Petunia's already seen. She stares at me as I pull the t-shirt on, her eyes filling with a mixture of horror and confusion as she sees my tattoos.
"Get. Out." She mutters, looking away from me as if I'm a sideshow attraction.
"But-" I start, hoping to make her see reason, but she cuts me off quickly.
"No, get out now, you freak!" She all but screams at me, watching as I grab a loose jacket and run out of the house. I tear off into the woods, not even waiting long enough to grab my wand before sprinting through the forest. Burs and branches rip my jacket and then through my skin, the little bit of pain flaring through my arms nothing to the pain Death Eaters would instill upon me if I got caught.
I stop in a clearing as the sun fully rises overhead, the little bit of heat nice compared to the immense cold. I take in deep breaths as my lungs ache for air, placing my hands on my knees as I pant heavily. I decide to head to the Leaky Cauldron, knowing that if I can get to Diagon Alley then I can get money from Gringotts. I head back to the road and manage to get myself to the city without being caught, slipping into the bar and out to the entrance. I manage to remember the right bricks to press and watch as the wall moves to reveal the darkened alleyway, most of the shops closed down and in disrepair.
I shuffle down to Ollivanders and look at the smashed windows, my mind going back to the first time I walked into this shop and left with a wand. A sense of nostalgia worms its way into my mind making me shake my head and keep walking, moving towards the bank but stopping when I notice a slightly smaller alleyway after Ollivander's. It shimmers slightly around the entrance so I move closer until it stops, finally getting a good look at the sign nailed to the wall. Vertic Alley.
I glance down each end of the alleyway to make sure no one's watching before slipping down the metaphorical rabbit hole. It's a bit of a tight fit with my broader body but if I turn to the side a bit it works, stopping when I see light at the end of the long tunnel. I see a ton of people milling about but the strange thing is, they look a bit like me. I note elf ears, claws, fangs, and even some not-so-normal skin colors. Figuring that if I slip into the crowd no one will notice me but as soon as I do so a gravelly voice calls out from across the alley.
"Ey kid, come 'ere!" A man with shimmering wings calls out, his uniquely blue eyes filled with wisdom that must've come with his greying hair. I cautiously shuffle over to the man, shaking my head a bit to make my hair cover my fading scar, and clasp my hands behind my back.
"I ain't ever seen you 'ere before." The man states simply, his eyes watching me with every breath I take.
"I'm new here, s-sir." I explain quickly, hoping he ignores my nervous stutter as I scratch the back of my neck awkwardly.
"Don't worry 'bout a thing, son. You'll fit in just fine here." He replies gently, his tone smooth and slightly calming as I smile, finally meeting someone friendly.
"Thank you, um, do you by chance know a place I can stay for a bit?" I inquire hopefully, fidgeting on the balls of my feet slightly as the man points to a building across the street.
"Moira's Inn, she'll set you up real nice, son." He states in that same gentle tone, a smile working its way onto his face.
"Thank you, sir," I reply happily as I decide to take a chance, "I'm Harry, by the way." The man tips his hat and finally smiles up at me from his rocking chair.
"A pleasure, I'm Thomas." He introduces, a twinkle in his eye similar to Dumbledore, making you feel safe rather than feeling like he knows your darkest secrets. I wave to the man as I slip across the street and into the Inn, studying all the people around me that just look like normal people rather than creatures. I decide to try the bar when I see a blonde woman drying glasses, standing there awkwardly until she notices me.
"What can I getcha kid?" She asks with an American accent, not looking up at me at all.
"Who do I speak to for a room?" I mumble softly, feeling a bit out of place here.
"You're looking at her," She replies, her ruby red lips morphing into a smirk, "How can I help you?"
"May I have a room for the next three days?" I question, hoping she doesn't ask my age for this.
"We only have one room available but it is our smallest one, that okay, kid?" She asks as she sets the glass down, swapping it to scribble something on a pad of paper.
"Of course, ma'am." I state, shocked that someone would turn down a room based purely on its size, but maybe it's because of how I lived.
"Since I assume you'll be paying when you leave, do you want meals included?" I nod as she checks something off and run a hand through my hair nervously, still waiting for something to go wrong. Once she's done writing down everything she needs to, she hands me a key and calls out for someone named Rico, who turns out to be a short guy with clear wings and hair more orange than any Weasley.
"I'll show you to your room." He states simply, not waiting for me to reply before walking up the stairs. I follow along as he leads me to the very end of the hall and stops in front of a black door that compliments the light grey walls well. I use the key and push the door open gently, stepping into the room with a small smile.
"Thank you, I don't have any money on me but I'll tip you when I leave." I state, a bit sad that I don't have any money on me to tip the guy.
"It's good mate, this is only my summer job, it certainly don't pay no bills." Rico jokes, waving at me as he shuts my door, leaving me on my own. I glance around the room and hum to myself, not sure what the woman was talking about.
The room has the same grey walls as the rest of the inn, with a twin bed in the middle of the room and a small desk wedged into one corner. There's a door on the left side of the room that leads to a small bathroom and then a small set of sliding doors for a small closet. The one thing that would make this a small room is the slanted ceiling, the one making me hunch over a bit when I walk around.
I take one last look around before deciding to go to Gringotts, eager to have some money on hand. I lock the door behind me before slipping the key into my pocket, heading downstairs and back out into the street. As I walk back to the entrance I figure out that my eyes aren't the only thing about me that improved, it seems my ears are heightened, as well as my nose if all the things I smell are any indication. I slip back through the narrow entrance and back into Diagon Alley, the lack of people starkly different from the first time I was here.
I walk leisurely down to the bank, taking in all the closed down shops and busted windows. I note the Latin phrase above the door as I walk in, striding down to the podium at the front with as much confidence that I can muster.
"I need to speak with the Potter account manager, please." I state softly, trying to keep my tone forceful yet polite. The goblin doesn't react as they press a button and another goblin quickly walks out. They motion for me to follow and lead me down a dimly lit corridor, only stopping when we reach a large iron door. I step inside and gently lower myself into a seat, waiting politely for the goblin to join me.
"Before we proceed, I'll need you to supply a sample of your blood to prove that you are indeed Lord Potter." The goblin states in an authoritative tone, not exactly giving me a choice in the matter as they pull out a large bowl and ornate dagger. I hesitantly grab the dagger and prick the tip of my finger, squeezing a few drops of blood into the bowl. I watch in awe as it fills with some liquid and glows black, but then morphs into beautiful gold scrawl with flecks of red. The goblin hands me the parchment that appears making me curiously read over it, my eyes quickly scanning the yellowing pages.
Name: Hadley James Potter
Parents: James Charlus Potter and Lillian June Potter
Blood: Pureblood
Age: 16
Date of Birth: July 31st, 1980
Place of Residence: Moira's Inn, Vertic Alley
Inheritance: Dracon (Mother's Side)
Mate(s): Undiscovered
I reread the page twice over before handing it back to the goblin, confusion filling my head. I watch the goblin read it as the bowl and dagger are banished by someone, most definitely a wizard since Professor Binns always said goblins didn't have magic.
"Well, my apologies Lord Potter, it was only a precaution." The goblin apologizes, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"It's fine, I just thought that I needed to notify someone about my recent...changes," I finish, not too sure how to describe it. The goblin nods and a stack of files appear on the table between us.
"We knew as soon as you fully transformed, but you were right for coming here. I assume you're here about our letters?" The goblin asks as they shuffle through the files, even more confused when he mentions letters I obviously didn't get.
"I'm sorry, what letters, sir?" I question softly, sliding forward in the chair and resting my elbows on my knees, the goblin finally meeting my eyes.
"You haven't gotten them?" He replies, his tone just as confused as I seem to be. At the shake of my head he exhales with an annoyed sigh and sets the file down.
"Interesting, I can only assume that the one who is stealing from you must also be intercepting your mail," He states, fixing me with a slightly pointed look.
"Someone's been stealing from me…" I trail off, running a hand through my hair as I try to process this.
"Yes, every since your parents were murdered someone has been withdrawing six thousand Galleons from your trust vault every month and then redistributing it." The goblin explains, sliding a chart of transactions over to me to prove exactly what he's saying.
"Do you know who it is?" I inquire softly, not wanting to believe it just yet.
"We do, are you sure you wish to know?" He replies, eyes fixed on me as I try to decide what I really want to do. After a few moment's deliberation I nod hesitantly, and then more confidently.
"Every month one Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore withdraws six thousand Galleons and deposits a third into the accounts of Molly, Ginevra, and Ronald Weasley." The goblin states clearly, leaving me no room to hope I misheard as my body and mind seem to shut down. I go back to all the times Ron let his jealousy override our friendship, the way Ginny followed my every move like a lost puppy, and the way Mrs. Weasley seemed to invest more time in me than her children.
"What else has that man done?" I finally growl out, anger replacing the confusion for a bit.
"It seems that a series of magical blocks have been placed on you, only one of which from your parents. A magical block is something usually placed on overly powerful children to make sure they don't hurt themselves, but yours were placed on you because someone didn't want you thinking for yourself." The goblin explains in simple terms, watching me closely as I do my best to figure everything out.
"What type of blocks?" I mutter angrily, knowing this is only the tip of the iceberg dubbed betrayal.
"You have your basic power blocks but then you have some that are considered highly illegal, all of which could send Albus Dumbledore to prison for many years." He replies slowly, my magic beginning to crackle in the air around me at this revelation.
"Can you get my money back?" I ask after a minute, not wanting it that bad but it's the principle of it.
"Of course, I assume you'd like as much interest as possible, of course." He states obviously, as if this will be the best thing all year.
"Can you also take these blocks off?" At his nod I run a hand through my hair and slowly stand up, taking a deep breath.
"I'll return tomorrow, until then, try and keep my presence here under wraps. I don't need Skeeter spreading any of this until I'm ready," I explain quickly, all but running out of the room after that. I leave Gringotts and step out into rain that appeared out of nowhere while I was inside, cool water soaking through my thin clothes easily as I jog back to Vertic, quickly sliding through and heading back to the inn.
"Hey kid, you okay?" A voice calls out, making me glance over at Rico as I move to go up to my room, running a hand through my hair tiredly.
"I'm good," I mutter, trudging up the steps before turning back to Rico, "Sorry, do you, um, know a place to get clothes around here?" I inquire hopefully, looking down at him from the stairs as I grip the bannister tightly to keep myself upright.
"Yeah, do you want me to show you?" He replies, the offer kind of shocking me awake.
"Could you, please." I jokingly beg, stepping back onto the same level as him with a small smile, something actually going right for once. Rico motions for me to follow him as he takes off his dark grey apron, tossing it to Moira who's still drying glasses behind the bar. He leads me back out into the rain but for some reason it doesn't affect him, most likely some type of spell or special material. Rico leads me down the right side of the street and to a shop that seems smaller than the rest, the alley less crowded save for a few who seem to enjoy the rain.
"This is Trey's, he caters to all the creatures here, especially ones that are a bit stranger than most. If you have hidden wings somewhere he can weave magic into it that will self-repair any rips or tears with a designated word!" He explains happily, his tone suggesting that he has some connection to Trey. Rico pulls me into the shop and laughs as a spell is sent his way, him easily dodging it as a dark-skinned kid walks out of the back.
"Hey Rico, missed you, mate." The kid calls out excitedly, Rico getting pulled into one of those bro hugs I've seen Seamus give Dean after a game of football. The guy finally notices me and smiles big, sharpened canines shining in the light as he does so.
"Hey I'm Trey," He states, holding out his hand politely," How can I help you today, sir?" He asks respectfully, raising a brow when I look over at Rico for a bit of help.
"He needs an entire wardrobe, I'd recommend the books." He supplies helpfully, returning the grateful smile I send him with ease. Trey rolls his eyes at being told how to do his job and summons three thick catalogues with a wave of his wand, awe going through me at his blatant display of wordless magic.
"Circle what want you want in these and then write the color in the required slots, you or Rico can return them to me once you're done and I'll get to work. You pay at the end in case people don't have the money on them, so I'll see you once you're done." Trey explains all in one breath, his excitement clearly written on his face. I nod as the catalogues are thrust into my hands, Trey basically running back to the room he was in before.
"He's a bit strange, but he's the coolest guy around," Rico explains when he sees my confused look, something that must be permanent at this point. Rico pulls out his wand and casts a spell over me before we step out the door, the rain sliding off me like it did him earlier. I send him a small smile as we walk back to the hotel and inside, telling Rico I'll talk to him tomorrow before shuffling up the steps. I take a look at the clock on the wall as I step into my room and sigh tiredly, it's only six-thirty and I'm ready to pass out.
I unlock my door and slip inside before relocking it, not too trusting of the environment I'm in just yet. I set the books down on the desk as I plop down into the chair and begin flipping through the pages. As I write down everything I feel exhaustion starting to creep in, my eyes dropping ever so slightly every time I flip a page. I put my pen down and lay my head on my arms, taking a five minute nap…