Salutations! Chapter 1 is now done :) And it's my longest chapter yet with more then 7,000 words! Great, right? So leave me your thoughts through review or PM and thank you for the alerts, faves and reviews. Now go and read! Also, this is rather important, I suggest you do actually read the parts from canon, as they have been added to or otherwise changed to make Hogwarts a more interesting place.
We rejoin the wizards today, on the sixth of July, 1991. Today, Harry Potter turns eleven. And what an interesting day it promises to be. After all, getting your first wand is a momentous occasion in the world of wizardry and witchcraft.
It's 6.30 a.m., and Remus Lupin is standing in front of Harry Potter's bedroom door. Using an Alohomora to open the door, Remus sneaks into Harry's room, only to be disappointed when he spots Harry Potter's sleeping form.
"He'll never learn." Remus softly sighs, before setting up another prank.
Half an hour later, Remus sits down in his chair to watch the spectacle.
Blowing the whistle he is holding at full strength, Remus is surprised when Harry doesn't move in the slightest. Thus evading the other chains of his prank.
Waiting until the prank has run its course, Remus walks to Harry.
Shaking Harry's shoulder, Remus calls, "Taz?"
Getting no response, Remus shakes harder and yells, "Harry!"
But he doesn't get a response this time either.
Yanking away the blanket, Remus is surprised to notice that Harry's place is currently being occupied by a dummy.
Vanishing the doll, Remus turns around to leave Harry's room so he can start looking for the boy.
Meanwhile, in another part of the house, the living room to be more precise, Harry Potter is slowly waking up from his relaxing sleep.
Looking at his watch once he's really awake, Harry grins smugly when he notices the time to be 7.05 a.m..
As Remus walks down the stairs and into the living room, he immediately notices the smell of sizzling bacon wafting through the air.
Following his nose, Remus walks into the kitchen only to immediately get punched in the stomach by his young charge.
Taking a step back, Remus simply shakes it off. Fortunately, Harry is only eleven years old. That, and the fact that Remus is a werewolf helps as well.
"Sorry Taz, but to actually hurt me with one of those punches... Well, let's say you will have to do some bulking up." Remus grins, before moving to take a seat, just as Harry slides the perfectly prepared bacon onto two plates.
"That nickname is ridiculous." Is all Harry says, before sitting down to enjoy his bacon.
After a few minutes of silence, Remus asks, "Why weren't you in bed this morning?"
"Did you try to prank me?" Harry half asks, half states in a bored voice.
"Yes, I always do on your birthdays." Remus replies with an incredulous look at Harry, as if he doesn't understand why Harry even needs to ask that.
"Well there you have your answer." Harry dryly replies, before standing up to get a glass of milk from the fridge.
Suppressing a disappointed sigh, Remus can't help but wonder why Harry can't be a bit more like James and Lily. Don't get him wrong, he loves the kid, but Harry never seems to have fun. Harry is only ever excited when Remus is learning him something.
Be it Animagus training or base magical theory, those are the things that get Harry excited and Remus can't help but wonder why Harry never wants to joke around or prank somebody.
Focusing on his food, Remus goes back to his breakfast, not paying any attention to the tapping sound that is coming from the window.
Putting down his milk, Harry looks up to spot the owl that is tapping on the kitchen window. Noticing that Remus seems to be occupied, Harry walks over to open the window.
Letting the owl in, Harry is amused as its first order of business seems to be giving Remus a firm wallop around the ears with its wings.
As the triumphant owl flies back to Harry, after giving Remus a humiliating beating, it extends its leg to Harry, so that he may take off the letter which the owl is carrying.
Undoing the letter, Harry steals a piece of bacon from Remus' plate to give to the owl, before paying full attention to his letter.
A pleased smile makes its way onto Harry's face as he looks at the Hogwarts crest that stares back at him.
Carefully opening the letter, Harry sits back to read.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL
of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Dear Mr. Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry along with 60 other students. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment. Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31.
Your teachers for the coming year will be:
Professor McGonnagal for Transfiguration and Gryffindor Head, Professor Flitwick for Charms and Ravenclaw Head, Professor Snape for Potions and Slytherin Head, Professor Sprout for Herbology and Hufflepuff Head, Professor Quirrel for Defense Against the Dark Arts, Professor Binns for History of Magic, Professor Sinistra for Astronomy, Professor Hooch for Flying, Professor Kettleburn for Care of Magical Creatures and Professor Dumbledore for Magical Theory.
The Head Boy and Head Girl: Mr. Xander Willoughby (Slytherin) and Ms. Alice Banks (Hufflepuff).
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Finishing the first letter, Harry puts it to the side, so he can use it later to memorize the names of those with power. Glancing at the number of students again, Harry does a quick headcount.
61 students divided over four houses averages 15 students per house. Divide by two means 7 boys per house.
So I'll have to share my dorms with somewhere between 4 and 9 other boys. Just great. Harry thought.
Pulling out the enclosed list, Harry paid extra attention again.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WHICHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
UNIFORM
First-year students will require:
sets of plain work robes (black)
plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
winter cloak (black, with silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupil's clothes should carry name tags.
COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble
OTHER EQUIPMENT
1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
If the student plans on joining any of the extracurricular activities, the equipment required for each can be found below:
Charms Club: The Additional Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk
Herbology Club: A signed waiver that grants permission to work with potentially dangerous plants, an extra pair of dragonhide gloves, How To Identify Venomous Plants by Edmund Spore
Dancing Classes: A formal dress robe and a pair of black, leather shoes
Chess Club: Your own Magical Chess Set
Potions Club: Understanding Reactions by Severus Snape, Stirring Effects by Severus Snape, Temperature matters by Severus Snape, Different Cauldrons by Severus Snape, Improving a Recipe by Severus Snape. 3 cauldrons (1 pewter, large size 1; 2 lead, 1 standard size 2, 1 large size 1) and an advanced potions kit. The school offers these materials second-hand for a rental fee of 2 Galleons per month.
Spell Creation: So you want to make your own Spell? by Rednav Illo
Gobstones Club: A set of Gobstones
FAMILIARS
Students may also bring and owl OR a cat OR a toad. Permission to bring an animal not belonging to any of these species must be applied for by no later than August 15th.
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS!
Reading the list twice more, Harry can't help but wonder if anybody wears the required hat. Nobody does in Remus' old photographs.
Putting down the list, Harry picks up the first letter to study the names of the professors and the two student heads.
As he reads, Harry doesn't show any surprise when Remus gives his opinion, "Well, I don't know about Sinistra or Quirrel, and Snape was only a student when I went to Hogwarts, but I can give you some pointers for the other professors if you'd like."
Nodding, Harry gives his agreement, "Yes, I'd like that. You can do so as we do my shopping."
Finishing their breakfast, Harry and Remus swiftly clean up before leaving the house.
Once outside, Remus silently extends his arm to Harry.
As Harry grasps hold, Remus mutters a soft, "Hold your breath," before twisting on the spot and Apparating to Charing Cross Road.
After a second of the uncomfortable squeezing feeling, Harry and Remus landed in front of the Leaky Cauldron. Strangely, nobody noticed them. Part of the wonderful magic that is integrated into the Leaky Cauldron.
As the two start moving, Remus begins to tell Harry about the do's and don'ts concerning his former and Harry's future professors.
Reaching the portal to Diagon Alley, Remus taps the correct bricks before the two wizards move into the Alley.
Having visited the Alley before, Harry isn't surprised or impressed by the Alley, but he still looks around interestedly as they move to Gringotts. Enjoying everything that there is to see, Harry almost sprints into Flourish & Blotts when he spots a brown-haired boy knocking over two rows of books as he stumbles.
Only Remus' timely intervention stops Harry from going in there and salvaging the potentially damaged books.
Arriving at Gringotts, Remus and Harry politely nod at the guard goblins before moving into the bank.
Picking the teller who has the shortest cue in front of him, Harry and Remus wait politely as the goblin helps those ahead of them.
Listening to Remus as he explains the styles of teaching for each professor, Harry immediately realizes that his favorite teacher is going to be McGonnagal.
Strict, no-nonsense and capable, she is the perfect teacher according to Harry.
Snape on the other hand, will be the most dangerous of all teachers, as he will probably combine his dislike for non-Slytherins with his hate for the late James Potter.
Sprout wasn't relevant, as she didn't really have an major role at Hogwarts, and Harry wasn't planning on ending up in Hufflepuff.
Flitwick was too excitable and bouncy for Harry, but he was a talented wizard and a former Dueling Champion. Putting up with his happy personality will be a sacrifice that has to be made.
Hooch wouldn't matter, as she had such a minor role at school, and Binns was a ghost who did nothing but sleeping and lecturing.
As Remus finished his tale, the woman in front of Harry and Remus finally moved away, which meant it was now their turn.
Looking up at the teller, Harry hands over his key.
"We would like to visit my vault please." Harry says politely.
Nodding, the goblin turns to one of his colleagues who stands at the far doors, leading to the carts.
"Stonestrike! Bring these people to their vault." The teller shouts, before handing Harry's key back to him and saying, "Hand this to Stonestrike."
Leaving the cue, Harry and Remus walk to the goblin identified as Stonestrike.
Handing him the key, they follow him as he leads them to the carts.
Sitting down, Remus mutters a soft, "Damn carts."
And then they plunge into darkness.
Swinging with the cart as it goes right, Harry looks over to Remus to enjoy watching as Remus' face slowly turns from normal to pale, and then to a sickly green.
As the cart comes to a stop, ten minutes later, Harry gets to enjoy the sight of Remus immediately leaping out of the cart, only to lean on the closest wall as his stomach empties itself.
Amusing himself at Remus' misfortune for a few more seconds, Harry eventually turns to his vault door, only to see that Stonestrike has opened it already.
Walking in, Harry pulls out his money pouch only to carefully fill it with a nice balance of Galleons, Sickles and Knuts.
Leaving his vault again, Harry moved to the small ledger that lay in a niche next to his vault door.
Placing the palm of his hand on the cover of the book, Harry watches as the book's cover flashes red, before returning to its black color.
Opening the book, Harry calls for Stonestrike.
"I would like a copy of this that remains connected to this one so that it updates automatically as well." Harry says to the Goblin, ignoring Remus who has just made a horrible noise as he is hit by a second wave of nausea.
"That will be 10 Galleons." Stonestrike says, before looking at Harry expectantly.
Moving back to his vault, Harry picks up 10 Galleons before heading back to Stonestrike.
As Harry hands over the Galleons, Stonestrike places the ledger between the palms of his hands before muttering a sentence in what Harry suspects to be Gobbledegook.
As an identical ledger appears in the air before him, Stonestrike grabs it with his right hand whilst replacing the original with his left.
Handing the newly created ledger to Harry, Stonestrike moves to the cart again.
Harry can spot the goblin's grin as he looks at Remus.
Moving back to the cart as well, Harry waits for Remus to arrive, before the cart takes off again.
After 10 more minutes of riding the cart, they finally come to a stop again.
Letting a green Remus step out first, Harry grins as the werewolf immediately lurches over again, to continue emptying his stomach from all contents.
After thanking Stonestrike, Harry patiently waits for Remus to finish vomiting.
Once Remus has done so, the werewolf vanishes his mess and the wizards are off again, to start Harry's shopping.
The ledger is shrunken down and placed in Harry's pocket for later use.
Pulling out Harry's list with required materials, Remus checks it for a second before proposing a plan of action.
"We'll start of at Madam Malkin for your clothes, then continue down the left side to the Apothecary which is then followed by the astronomy shop for a telescope. We then have lunch at the Leaky Cauldron after which we fold back coming up on the right side with Flourish & Blotts and then Ollivander's." Remus listed, before turning to Harry questioningly when the boy says no.
"No, not Madam Malkin. We shall go to Twilfit and Tattings, as they are both less busy and their goods are better. I will also need a chess set, which we can buy in the astronomy shop. They have a wide range of enchanted objects after all. Lunch at the Cauldron is acceptable, as is the planned afternoon. But once we have gotten my wand we shall go to the Ministry so I may appeal for a permit that grants me permission to use magic at home. We will do so claiming that I need to learn magic as soon as possible, as I am the last of my line and using an ancestors wand is not possible as all Potters are buried with their wands, as is tradition." Harry explains impatiently, giving Remus a look that clearly says: 'Why do I even have to explain this to you?'
Ignoring Harry's stare, Remus hums for a second.
"Yes, that sounds good as well, although Twilfit and Tattings is also more pricey than Madam Malkin. You are aware that you need to live off of that vault for another seven years, right?" Remus questions.
This time not even bothering with a reply, Harry simply starts towards Twilfit and Tattings, pulling out his ledger for a second so Remus' may see it.
As Remus rushes to catch up to Harry, the boy softly says, "I plan to create a steady income before my reserves run dry, hence the vault ledger."
Walking into Twilfit and Tattings, Remus immediately heads for a chair as Harry moves towards Mr. Tattings.
Giving a polite nod, Harry lists what he requires, "I need all clothes required for a Hogwarts student as well as a black dress robe with emerald colored accents, the Potter weapon stitched over my heart. A pair of formal shoes are required as well, black leather."
Not even bothering to wait for a reply, Harry stretches out his arms and looks at Tatting imperiously.
Pulling out a tape measure out of what may very well have been his arse, Tatting starts taking Harry's measurements.
As Harry patiently waits, and Remus reads a magazine, Mr. Tattings manages to outfit Harry in a little bit less than two hours.
As Remus shrank down Harry's purchases and stowed them away, Harry himself was thanking Mr. Tattings before the two are off again, heading for the Apothecary.
Once their short stop at the Apothecary is taken care of, and Harry has all the supplies required for mandatory Potions' classes, the duo heads for Wiseacre's Wizarding Supplies.
After getting a chess set and a telescope at Wiseacre's, Harry and Remus finally go to the Leaky Cauldron for lunch.
Both ordering the fish and chips, seeing as it was the only decent food on the menu, Harry and Remus settled down to wait.
Pulling out his ledger, Harry has Remus undo the shrinking charm before opening the ledger and starting to study it.
HARRY JAMES POTTER:
Vaults:
Vault 687: 1561 Galleons, 354 Sickles, 146 Knuts
Vault 091: 3215 Galleons, 837 Sickles, 403 Knuts
Properties:
Godric's Hollow #4: Auror Training Location, receiving 100 Galleons per year from Ministry of Magic, paying 100 Galleons per year to Ministry of Magic for maintenace
Padfoot's Palace: Knockturn Alley #3,London
Shares:
100% of Padfoot's Palace
Humming thoughtfully, Harry eventually turns to Remus, "What's Padfoot's Palace?"
Grimacing, Remus explains, "It was supposed to be a bar. Sirius bought it when he graduated from Hogwarts. Your father helped him with the funding. Seeing as both are dead, you own all shares."
Nodding, Harry closes his eyes in thought for a second. Opening them again, he looks up.
"We will go there before we head for the Ministry. And when we do go to the Ministry, we're filing a complaint. They have been using my land for the past ten years, without permission and without earning me money." Harry says, it is not a question, it is an order.
Frowning at Harry's bossing him around, Remus eventually relents as it is only logical that Harry wants to do these things. Nodding, he turns to his food again.
As both eat in quiet, Harry quietly ponders what he has just read. If he is to one day become great and eradicate evil, he will need money. A lot of money.
Seeing as tuition at Hogwarts is 200 Galleons per year, and this year's sum hasn't been subtracted yet, that means that Harry does not have large reserves. Especially when considering that he is earning no money and he still has to pay for supplies.
The Family Vault becomes available at fifteen, which is good, but even so, to buy a inhabitable house or to restore Godric's Hollow #4 would be another large budget cut.
Thinking logically, Harry is aware that the Potters invested a lot of money in the war against first Grindelwald, and then Voldemort. But the numbers are still rather disconcerting.
Of course, during the last ten years, no fresh money entered, whilst money was still being automatically subtracted from the vaults for both the Potter seat in the Wizengamot, which would once again not become available until Harry turned 15, and to rent the vaults themselves from Gringotts.
Coming to a conclusion, Harry finishes his plate before rising.
"Can we go now Remus? We still have quite a lot to do today."
Getting an agreeing nod from the werewolf, Harry and Remus pay for their meal, and they move back to the Alley.
Arriving at Flourish and Blotts, Harry is relieved when he notices that there is no visual damage to any of the books, which could have been caused by the idiot who knocked over books earlier in the day.
Having memorized his list, Harry gets all of the required books, as well as a copy of 'The Additional Book of Spells (Grade 1)'. Scanning the racks, Harry picks out another book called 'How to start and run a business', as well as a book titled 'Obscure Magicks Explained'.
Satisfied, Harry moves to the counter and pays for his purchases. Noticing that his money pouch feels substantially lighter than it does when he left Gringotts, Harry checks its contents whilst Remus shrinks down the purchased books and stows them away.
Walking to Ollivander's, Harry feels the slightest bit of anxiety as he comes closer to becoming a true student of magic with every step he takes.
As Remus' opens the door for him, Harry walks in only to be surprised when he is suddenly staring into the grey eyes of Ollivander, who showed up out of nowhere.
The moment Ollivander focuses on Remus, Harry takes a subtle step back.
Returning his attention to Harry, Ollivander says, "Here for your wand then, Mr. Potter?"
Suppressing the urge to reply sarcastically, Harry simply nods, adding a curt, "I'm right-handed."
Raising his arms, Harry prepares for Ollivander to measure him with the tape measure that is hovering next to him.
As the old man has the tape take all kinds of measurements, he himself strides to the back of the shop.
Reappearing moments later with his arms full with boxes, Ollivander scrapes his throat before uttering a soft, "Enough."
As the tape measure falls to the ground, Ollivander nods before taking a wand and handing it to Harry.
"Apple with a core of Unicorn Hair, 10 inches, a very pure and kind wand. Give it a wave, Mr. Potter, and describe what you feel."
Waving the wand, nothing happens although Harry feels repulsed by the positive feelings the wand emits.
"Horrible, I felt naivety and foolish kindness." Harry says, before thrusting the wand at Ollivander.
Humming thoughtfully, Ollivander waves his own wand once, sending at least seven boxes flying back to the shelves.
"Well then all Apple woods are out. Let's try this one shall we, Oak with Dragon Heartstring, 11 inches, a strong and noble wand." Ollivander says, handing Harry another wand.
Waving, a few sparks fly out and Harry gets a feeling of confidence and strength, but there is something missing.
"I feel strong and brave. Too strong and brave, I fear that if I were to feel like that for too long, I would lose my head out of false power and arrogance." Harry explains.
Nodding, Ollivander takes back the wand before waving his wand. As all the boxes fly back to their shelves, Ollivander himself moves between the shelves for a minute.
When he finally returns, he holds only a single box.
"Then I suggest you try this one, Mr. Potter. Whilst the handle is oak, the wand itself is blackthorn. 11 inches precisely. The core is a phoenix feather. A strong wand, good at everything, but practically incapable of channeling Dark Arts spells. Rigid and unyielding."
Reverently handing Harry the wand, both Ollivander and Harry realize the moment Harry and the wand make contact, that this is the one.
As Harry waves his wand, a stream red sparks comes flying out. As Harry and the wand bond, Harry feels it's power, a power that is honed by strife and preparation. Not foolish, but wise and steadfast. This does Harry feel, this and so much more.
Harry would never manage to explain to anybody what he felt when he bonded with his wand. He would try that same evening, with Remus as the person he was trying to explain it to.
As no wizard had managed before him, and no wizard would manage after him, Harry was incapable of putting into words, exactly what he felt when he bonded with his wand.
When the bonding finishes, Harry turns to Ollivander.
"I'd also like a wand holster of good quality, a black one please."
As Ollivander gives Harry a wand holster, the man names his price, "21 Galleons, 13 for the wand and 8 for the holster."
Handing the man his last Galleons, Harry barely manages to avoid flushing when he only gets to 20 and has to fish out 17 sickles to finish paying Ollivander.
The old man doesn't say anything though and merely nods as Harry and Remus thank him before leaving his shop.
"Now to Padfoot's Palace. I suggest you lead the way as I don't know where it is." Harry speaks to Remus.
Remus nods as he leads Harry into Knockturn Alley. Coming to a stop almost immediately, Remus waits as Harry takes in the outside structure of the building.
It is a decent looking building, two high with windows on both floors. It looks solid, although it is clearly in need of a good cleaning. Wards seem to be in place as nothing has been damaged or tarnished.
Humming approvingly, Harry moves to the door.
Only to realize that he doesn't have a key. Pulling out his ledger, he tries to undo the shrinking charm himself. Failing completely, Harry lets Remus undo the shrinking charm before placing a hand over his ledger.
"Key, Padfoot's Palace." Harry intones, hiding his surprise when this turns out to be successful.
Opening the door, Harry lets out a disappointed sigh at the sight that greets him. There are cobwebs everywhere, and there is no real interior present.
All that has been installed is a decent bar, which is completely unstocked. There are no tables or seats, there is no music installation and the dust on the floor is at least an inch high.
As Remus starts cleaning up a bit, Harry heads into the kitchen, behind the bar. He encounters an empty room, where there is no furniture at all.
Cursing quietly, so as not to let Remus hear him, Harry moves back into the main area, only to take the stairs up to examine the first floor.
As Harry arrives at the top of the stairs, he is surprised not to find another big room, but he instead stands facing a hallway with doors on either side.
Opening all doors to check what's behind them, Harry is encountered with medium-sized empty rooms.
In total, there are 10 rooms. Harry immediately realizes that making a bar out of this place would not be the most cost efficient method of getting this place into a running business.
Heading downstairs, Harry is pleasantly surprised to find that the main room is dust free, although there are still cobwebs here and there.
Clearly, Remus is vanishing those right now, as the cobweb at which Harry was looking suddenly disappears.
Moving to Remus, Harry waits for the man to finish vanishing cobwebs.
Once he's done, Remus turns to Harry expectantly.
"I didn't find any furniture at all, although I did find ten, medium-sized rooms. Are you sure Sirius was planning on starting a bar? Because I am seriously considering the options: pub, hotel and brothel."
Whilst Remus is choking on air because of Harry's last word, Harry continues.
"Personally, I'm thinking of a pub. A brothel is just plain nasty, a hotel needs too much staff and we only have ten rooms, which leaves a pub. The place is clearly warded already, so all that would be needed would be somebody to run the thing, a cook, and a maid. Once the business is moving smoothly a busboy would be needed as well. Seeing as we're located in Knockturn Alley, we'll be focusing on sentient creatures. The Cauldron doesn't cater to those and there are plenty of them in the Alley each day."
As Remus has calmed down and is now listening intently to Harry, Harry notices the glint in Remus' eye.
"Seeing as we'll cater to creatures, we'll offer the foods and beverages of their choice as well. That means blood for the vampires, loads of meat for werewolves and goblins and even mushrooms and dark beer for dwarves. Now all I need is somebody to run this place…" Harry trails off questioningly.
Seeing that Remus won't speak up, Harry simply comes out into the open with his offer.
"I want you to run this thing Remus."
As Remus is about to protest, Harry quickly continues,
"I trust you. You are good with people. Seeing as we're going to cater to creatures, you being a creature yourself is an advantage, not a problem. You will be on your own, without a job for ten out of twelve months for the coming seven years. I need a steady income to supplement my vaults, because if I don't get that, the Potter family goes bankrupt."
Seeing that Remus is hesitating, Harry decides to treat that as acceptance.
"You'll be paid average wage, meaning 15 Sickles per hour. Seeing as we simply do not have the budget to pay for a cook and a maid right now, I will see about acquiring a house elf somehow."
The second Harry finishes speaking, two pops can be heard.
Turning, Harry and Remus are surprised to see two house elves in front of them.
Taking the lead, Harry says in as commanding a voice as an eleven year could hope to muster, "State your business here."
The larger of the two elves answers in a typical squeaky tone, "I is Pippy and this bees my child. Masters won't take other elfs they won'ts. Yous be taking child?"
As both elves look up hopefully at Harry, he turns to the smaller elf, "What is your name?"
"I has no names, sirs." The small thing says in a remarkably normal voice.
Knowing that he'll go mad if he has to listen to this kind of awful English every day, Harry immediately corrects the little thing.
"I have no name, sir." He says in a clear tone. Waiting until the elf has mimicked him, Harry continues, "Then I shall name you Alfred, if you are willing to work for me."
"I would loves to works for yous, sir." Alfred says.
Once again correcting the little elf, Harry places his hand on the elf's forehead before intoning clearly, "I, Harry Potter, take Alfred as house elf to the House Potter. So mote it be."
A red light envelops Alfred who's sack is now replaced by a clean, white toga, holding the potter crest over the left breast.
Smiling, Harry lifts his hand before giving Alfred his first order.
"Alfred, go and clean up upstairs. When you have done so, you will clean the kitchen. Then you will report to Remus for further instructions."
As Alfred pops away, Harry turns to Remus.
"I want this place up and running as soon as possible. As the owner of a pub you are working in, I order you to go buy us a decent sized family owl, so we can exchange letters during the year. Once that's done, you will sit down with Alfred and discuss decorating the Palace, you will make sure that you correct his English whenever he makes a mistake. In the meanwhile, I'll go to the Ministry on my own." Harry dictates.
As soon as he gets an affirmative from Remus, he starts to the door.
Stopping in the doorway, Harry yells over his shoulder, "I want the room on the far left side of the hallway. Make sure it's livable as soon as possible and pick out a room for yourself as well."
Done with his instructions, Harry sets off for the Ministry, which is fortunately located on Diagon Alley.
.
.
.
Having arrived at the ministry, Harry is amused when he has to state the business for his visit.
"Getting a permit to perform out-of-school magic, and filing a lawsuit against the Ministry of Magic."
The guard clearly has no idea as to what he should have the device put upon Harry's button, eventually deciding on 'Legal Department'
Retrieving his wand and getting his button, Harry starts deeper into the bowels of the Ministry.
Get my permit whilst they aren't pissed off with me yet, and then sue them.
Starting to the Department for Underage Sorcery, Harry is crammed into a lift next to a smelly guy who has a green ear and who is holding a purple chicken.
Getting to his floor, Harry doesn't get to see where the man is taking the chicken, but that isn't relevant, as he really should focus on the woman who is currently looking at him.
"Hello dear, are you lost? Did you lose your mum?" The young secretary asks.
Hiding a snort, Harry responds coolly, "I would like to get a permit for out-of-school magic use. I was under the impression that this is the Department I would have to visit for that. Was I mistaken?"
Enjoying the baffled look on the secretary's face, Harry is surprised when she manages to compose herself rather fast.
"You would have to see Madam Hopkirk about that. I'll see if she has a gap for you."
Scribbling a quick note, the secretary taps it with her wand to make the parchment fold into a plane. As the plane flies off the office not 10 feet away, Harry has to hide another snort at the foolishness of it all.
Clearly, he isn't the only who seems to think so, as Madam Hopkirk walks out of her office and yells at the secretary, "I am ten feet away from you, you waste of space! Use your legs and come and tell me whatever it is that you have to tell me!"
Ignoring the shaken secretary, Hopkirk turns to Harry.
"Ah, you must be Mr. Potter. If you'd step into my office please."
Complying with Hopkirk, Harry walks into her office and seats himself in front of her desk.
Waiting for Hopkirk to sit down as well, Harry looks at the enormous map of Great-Britain on the left wall, it has something close to a thousand green lights burning all across its surface.
Even as Harry stares, one of the green lights flashes yellow multiple times.
As Harry turns to look at Hopkirk, he sees her with her wand pointed at the yellow light, before tapping her wand against an empty piece of parchment which is automatically filled with writing.
Copying the letter, Hopkirk puts one letter into her Out-box, where it is immediately picked up by an owl, and the other one is put in a tube that says 'Archive'.
Turning back to Harry, Hopkirk explains, "That map is linked to the Trace, which checks to make sure that there is no Underage Sorcery taking place."
Leaning back in her chair, the woman continues, "What is your business here, Mr. Potter?"
"I would like to apply for a permit for out-of-school magic use Ma'am." Harry politely replies.
Sighing, Hopkirk answers, "On what grounds?"
"Last of line."
Pulling a form out of the filing cabinet behind her, Hopkirk hands it to Harry along with a quill and some ink.
"Fill that in." She says, before returning to her other duties.
Turning to the paper, Harry realizes that he is holding a test, made to check whether or not children will violate the Secrecy Laws if they are allowed to do magic out of school.
The first question kind of gave it away: 'You are walking along the street. There are Muggle cars driving past and your shirt has a large pudding mark. Do you use a cleaning charm?'
Sighing in his head at the stupidity of some people, Harry flies through the quiz.
Finishing after ten minutes, he scrapes his throat to get Hopkirk's attention.
Handing her the sheet, Harry isn't surprised when Madam Hopkirk takes Harry's wand from him, only to mutter a few spells with her own wand pointing at Harry's wand, before handing it back.
"There you go Mr. Potter, now remember no to abuse this privilege." Hopkirk warns whilst handing Harry his wand.
Taking his wand, Harry nods at Hopkirk. Thanking her, he stands up and moves to the elevators. He still has the DMLE to visit
.
.
.
As the elevator comes to a stop at the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Harry takes a deep breath before striding out confidently.
Seeing as he is only eleven, he immediately draws quite a few stares.
As it isn't very clear where he has to go to file a lawsuit, Harry looks around for somebody who clearly has authority.
Spotting a tall, black man, Harry moves to him. The man is bald and has a golden earring.
"Excuse me sir, I would like to file a lawsuit. Who would I have to see about that?" Harry says politely. Being polite isn't his forte, but right now he wouldn't get away with anything but politeness.
"You go down that aisle, go left, and then there are three cubicles on your right side, walk past those and then there's a desk on that side. Talk to the woman behind the desk." Big black guy booms.
Thanking him, Harry follows the given directions. Turning when he arrives at the desk, he is assaulted by pink. A very bright pink that seems to be everywhere.
Refocusing, Harry's face falls on the young woman beneath all the pink.
"Hello. I'm Tonks, how can I help you today?" She questions in a bored voice.
Ignoring that, Harry simply speaks his mind, "I want to file a complaint against the Ministry of Magic."
After blinking once, Tonks immediately sitsH
up straight. She seems to be a lot more enthusiastic now as well, "Oh how exciting! I mean, uhm, and what is your complaint?"
"The Ministry has been using my land for the past ten years, without asking or receiving permission to do so. Even worse, the slight amount of money they pay me as rent is immediately recovered by them for what they claim as 'maintenance'!" Harry lists of angrily.
Tonks is almost bouncing in her seat out of excitement, "Would you please give me the address of this location as well as your full name please?"
"I am Harry James Potter, last of the most Noble and Ancient House of Potter! And it concerns Godric's Hollow #4, the place of death of both my parents." Harry says in his strongest voice. It's all part of the image after all.
Tapping a piece of parchment, Tonks scribbles a few lines on it before pulling out a stamp and hitting it twice.
Using the airplane spell, Tonks has the paper plane shoot off before turning to Harry.
"It can take up to twenty minutes before a time and date has been set for the court hearing. Do you want to wait or should we send you an owl?"
"I'll wait, thank you. I trust that whoever is in charge of setting these dates is aware that I shall continue my schooling come September and I would thus like to have this matter resolved before that time?" Harry speaks, hiding his demand behind a layer of politeness.
Cursing, Tonks grabs her wand before sending out another note, this one flying much faster than the other one. But the other one does have a two minute lead.
As they wait, Harry sees the girl slowly get bored again. Which is understandable as all she can do is stare at the cubicle wall on the other side of the aisle.
Deciding that connections at the DMLE can never be bad, Harry speaks up, "So how did you end up behind that desk? You don't seem the type for desk work."
Perking up, Tonks turns to Harry happily, her hair now bright blue.
Hiding his surprise, Harry listens to Tonks, "Well I'm an Auror Trainee, I'm being trained by Mad-Eye Moody himself you know. Didn't do all that well on my tests, I'm very clumsy you see. But fortunately I made that up through Disguises and Stealth. I'm a Metamorphmagus, so that was really easy!"
Beaming happily, Tonks continues as Harry encourages her with a half wave of his hand.
"I'm nineteen, and the Academy typically takes three years, so I'll graduate next year. Moody took me on as a protégée, but seeing as it's his day off, it was decided that I was the perfect person to replace Ms. Li, who is currently at home with a bad case of flu."
Nodding understandingly, Harry decides to compliment Tonks, as she seems to be the kind of person who'd appreciate stuff like that, "You must be quite good though, if you got the attention of Alastor Moody himself."
Blushing, Tonks answers, "Thank you, that's really nice. You know I've actually been to Godric's Hollow #4. It's being used as a training compound for indoor fighting. It gets patched up at the end of each day and then the next day you get divided into two teams, one baddies and one Aurors, and you have to take each other out. Also, there's sometimes a third group who are usually played by workless locals who get like two Galleons per hour or so to play the family that lives in the house, and then you get additional objectives like taking them out, getting them to safety, rescuing them and stuff like that. It's a real useful exercise."
Nodding, Harry gives Tonks a slight smile before saying, "I believe that you have mail."
Just as Tonks looks questioningly at him, a paper plane lands in her In-box.
Aha-ing, Tonks pulls out the paper before returning to a somewhat official tone.
"Mr. Potter, your case will be heard on the 17th of August, at 9.25 a.m.."
Looking at Harry, Tonks asks in her normal voice, "Is that alright with you?"
Nodding, Harry decides he might as well try to cultivate his first connection inside the DMLE.
"Yes that's quite alright. Thanks a lot for your help Tonks, I really appreciate it. I'd love to stay and chat for a bit, but I really have to run. If you want to talk some time, come to Padfoot's Palace, Knockturn Alley #3, we'll even give you the friends-and-family discount of 20%. We won't be up and running until sometime next week though."
Waving at Tonks, Harry doesn't give her a chance to reply as he immediately strides off for the doors.
After all, he does have some books he'd like to get a start in. And he can use magic now. And he has his wand. Yes, Harry still has quite the evening ahead of him.
And so we depart again from our friends the wizards. But don't worry we won't be making any large jumps in time again. I am rather excited to watch the opening of Padfoot's Palace. Are you not?
Wow, Chapter 1 is huge! Anyways, leave me your thoughts and suggestions and enjoy your day/night. With love, Peeves' best friend.