Dark Lord Potter
Chapter 2
A Fresh Start
Harry woke up in the same bed that he did the day before. His mind at once tried to piece together what happened. He recalled being beaten by his uncle before Nymphadora and her mum somehow broke into the house. Slowly, the events began to replay in his head. When he remembered Nymphadora's mother killing his uncle with the red light, he smiled. It's real, Tonks wasn't lying. Her mum's a witch and she said I'm a wizard.
Harry sat up quickly. He needed answers. If that woman could kill his uncle so easily, then he had to learn how to do magic.
"Harry, you're up!"
Harry jerked his head to the door where a very happy Nymphadora stood smiling at him.
"Nymphadora, you were telling the truth! Your mum's a witch! Are you a witch? You said I was a wizard, how do you know? Can you teach me how to do that?" Harry asked quickly.
"Wait a second, Harry. I really shouldn't be the one telling you all this. Mum is at work right now, and it's really much better if she explains everything to you," Nymphadora said.
"No! How do you know I'm a wizard? Can I do magic like your mum did? Can you? Please, Nymphadora, can you tell me something?" Harry pleaded.
"Harry, slow down. I- I guess I can explain some stuff, but I don't know everything," Tonks said as she sat on the bed.
Harry sat down and waited for her to start talking.
"Harry - yes, you are a wizard, and a powerful one at that," Nymphadora said.
"How do you know? If I'm some powerful wizard, then shouldn't I have been able to turn my fat waste-of-space cousin into a rat or something?" Harry asked curiously.
Tonks snorted unladylike at the question. "Harry, turning a person into a rat is really, really, really, really advanced magic, some witches and wizards never even learn that kind of advanced transfiguration, but then again, you can Apparate already, so who knows."
"Apparating? That's when you disappear and reappear somewhere else, right?" Harry asked, determined to remember everything he was being told.
"Yep, I can't believe you can do it! Mum was hysterical when you just disappeared," Nymphadora said, a smile flickering across her face at the memory.
"How did your mum find me?" Harry asked.
"I'm not one hundred percent sure how she followed you, because I don't know a lot about Apparating, but mum is a spell crafter and she works with Wild Magic a lot, I think she somehow realized what you had done and followed you," Nymphadora said.
"Oh," Harry said, slightly disappointed at the lack of information. "You said Apparating is advanced magic?"
"Merlin, yes! Even if you didn't consciously do it, someone your age shouldn't be able to Apparate! They don't even bother to teach it at Hogwarts till you are in your sixth year," Nymphadora said excitedly.
"What's Hogwarts?" Harry asked.
"It's a school where they teach magic. There are four houses: Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, and Slytherin. I got sorted into Gryffindor last year," Nymphadora said.
"So, will I be able to go there?" Harry asked hopefully.
"Harry, you will definitely be able to go. How old are you?" Nymphadora asked.
"I turn eleven on the 31st," Harry said quickly.
"Well, then you'll be going this year, Harry," Nymphadora said, grinning.
"Really? That's awesome, I can't wait! I want to know how to do that red spell you mum did. I mean, your mum killed my uncle like it was nothing. I wish I could have been learning this magic stuff ages ago," Harry said happily.
"Harry Potter! My mother is not a murder - she did not kill your uncle!" Nymphadora barked.
Harry's eyes widened at the new information. "What do you mean, he's not dead? I saw him, he wasn't breathing, he had to have been dead!"
"My mum stunned your uncle, Harry, she didn't kill him. Merlin, do you think she's some Death Eater or something?!" Nymphadora explained, clearly insulted.
"S-so Vernon is alive?" Harry asked, dreading the answer.
"If that fat oaf's name was Vernon, then yeah," Nymphadora replied a little frostily.
Harry swore under his breath. The odds of getting away from his relatives were beginning to look less and less good. "Nymphadora, I-I don't think I'll be able to become a wizard," Harry admitted, a little crestfallen.
This seemed to shock Nymphadora out of her brooding, because she openly gaped at him. "What do you mean, you don't think you'll be able to become a wizard?"
"My uncle," Harry said, spitting the word, "and aunt will never let me go learn magic. I hoped that with Vernon dead, my aunt would be too scared to tell me no, but if he's alive, he'll probably just be that much angrier at me."
"Harry," Nymphadora said comfortingly, "there is no way you won't be allowed to learn magic. I mean, you're famous in the wizarding world."
"What?" Harry asked in surprise.
"Err yeah, I wasn't supposed to tell you that, but you're famous, Harry. Merlin, if people ever found out that those Muggles have been hurting you, someone would probably kill them," Nymphadora said, suddenly very serious.
"How am I famous?" Harry asked gob smacked.
"Ugh…well…um, I guess I can tell you. I mean, I did sort of let the cat out of the bag, didn't I?" Nymphadora said.
"Yes, you did. Please tell me why I'm famous," Harry said.
"I'll do it on one condition," Nymphadora said.
"What?" Harry asked warily.
"Will you call me Tonks and not Nymphadora? I hate my first name," she said honestly.
"Done. Now, Tonks, why am I famous?" Harry asked, stressing her last name.
Tonks smiled at the use of her surname and said, "Well, a few years ago, this evil wizard called He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named…"
"That's a stupid name. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, really scary," Harry said sarcastically.
"Harry, that wasn't his real name, people don't speak his name," Tonks chided.
"Why? What's his real name?" Harry asked, truly interested now.
"Um, I don't think I should say it. I mean, I've said it once just to see what would happen, and my mum grounded me for a month," Tonks said.
"Please, Tonks, just tell me, your mum isn't here - and why don't they speak his name?" Harry asked.
"Merlin, Harry! People are still scared of him! He was a monster. His n-name w-was L-L-Lord V-V-Voldemort. Now, please don't make me say it again, okay?" Tonks said.
"Alright, I won't. You said he was a monster? A real monster like a Vampire or werewolf?" Harry asked.
"No Harry, he was a wizard, and mum says not to call werewolves monsters. Lycanthropy is a disease and it ruins the lives of the people infected by it. Now, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was a really powerful wizard. He started collecting followers and they started to kill Muggles because they thought wizards were superior," Tonks said.
I'd have to agree, Harry thought darkly.
"A war broke out between him and the Ministry. The people who stood up to You-Know-Who were usually killed very quickly. He was ruthless, Harry, and he was one of the most powerful wizards ever. He tried to kill you and your parents one night…" Tonks said.
"What! H-he tried to kill my parents and me?" Harry asked in shock. Does that mean my parents fought against this You-Know-Who? Why would anyone fight to stop a man from killing Muggles? The Dursleys, Piers, Dudley's gang, and all those people from primary school deserve to die.
"My mum said your parents fought with Headmaster Dumbledore against You-Know-Who. I guess he found out where you were living, because he showed up on Halloween at your house and killed both your parents, Harry, but when he tried to kill you, he couldn't and he died," Tonks said.
"What? That doesn't make any sense! How did he die? How come he couldn't kill me?" Harry asked in shock.
"I don't know. No one really does, but everyone knows who you are because somehow you stopped him. You-Know-Who sent the killing curse at you, but it didn't kill you. It only gave you that lightning-bolt scar on your head. That's how I knew who you were. Everyone in the wizarding world knows Harry Potter has a lightning-bolt shaped scar on his head," Tonks said, pointing at his head.
"That's unbelievable. I-I was told my parents were killed in a car crash. I knew the Dursleys were lying to me," Harry said, malevolence dripping from his voice.
"Oh Nyphadora, you didn't!" said a voice from the door.
Harry and Tonks looked up to see Mrs. Tonks looking at them exasperatedly.
"I'm sorry, mum, he asked and I wasn't going to keep it from him," Tonks said.
"Oh dear. Well, Harry, what do you think of everything my daughter has taken it upon herself to tell you?" Mrs. Tonks asked as she walked into the room.
"I'm glad I know. It clears a lot of things up, really. I'm glad that I'm famous and my uncle won't be able to stop me from going to Hogwarts, but I do have some questions," Harry said.
"What are they?" Mrs. Tonks asked kindly.
"Err... well, how will I pay for Hogwarts? My aunt and uncle wont give me the money and I wouldn't take any if they offered," Harry spat.
"Don't worry about money, Harry. Your parents were very well to do, especially your father. They left you quite a bit of money," Mrs. Tonks said sympathetically.
"But wouldn't my aunt and uncle have control over that?" Harry asked.
"My, you are bright! I bet you'd make a fine Ravenclaw, Harry. To answer your question, wizarding fortunes can't be turned over to non-magical people to control. When I spoke to Professor Dumbledore, he said someone else controlled the finances for you, but I didn't inquire who," Mrs. Tonks said.
Harry simply nodded his head and told himself to find out who was in control of his money when he could. "So I'll be able to go to Hogwarts this year?" Harry asked.
"Yes, Harry. When I floo called Headmaster Dumbledore, he gave me your letter," Mrs. Tonks said as she handed him a letter.
Harry quickly opened the letter and read it several times. It was like a dream come true. He was a wizard and he would be going to a school to learn magic.
"This is going to be so great, Harry! You're going to Hogwarts this year, too! I'm sure we'll be the best of friends!" Tonks said excitedly.
"You won't mind hanging out with someone who's a year younger then you?" Harry asked, surprised and a little wary of Tonks' enthusiasm.
Tonks' smile immediately fell and she lowered her head. "Honestly, I don't have many friends, Harry. Everyone in Gryffindor teases me because I'm a metamorphmagus and the girls spread rumors about me so that I can't make friends in other houses," Tonks said sadly.
Harry felt bad for Tonks, but his curiosity forced him to ask, "I don't understand, what's a metamorphmagus?"
"I…I can change my appearance at will." Tonks said hesitantly before shortening her hair and turning it from blond to red.
"Oh wow, that's awesome! I did something like that once. My aunt gave me this horrendous hair cut and when I woke up the next morning, my hair was back to normal," Harry said, missing the shocked expression on Tonks' face.
"H-Harry, are you serious?" Tonks asked.
"Yeah," Harry said.
"That's amazing," Tonks blurted out, "You could be like me! Mum, do you think he could be a metamorphmagus?" Tonks asked.
"Um, well, I don't think so, Nymphadora. It's a rare talent," Mrs. Tonks said.
"Try to change your hair, Harry! Focus on your hair turning blond," Tonks said, undeterred.
"Err, okay," Harry said as he imagined what he would look like with blond hair. He closed his eyes and thought very hard about his hair changing color. He heard a gasp and opened his eyes. "Did it work?" he asked.
Tonks jumped up and down and gave him a very big hug. "Look and see!"
Harry walked over to a mirror and gasped. His normally pitch black hair was now completely blond. "Wow, this is great!" Harry said as he touched his now blond hair.
"Harry, normally I would say you should register your ability at the ministry, but I don't think it would be good if people found out about this," Mrs. Tonks said.
"Why?" Harry asked.
"Well, Harry, you are incredibly famous. You probably couldn't even buy your school supplies without being mobbed by people. Besides, if I could go back in time, I wouldn't have had Nymphadora register at the Ministry," Mrs. Tonks said.
Harry nodded his head. "That makes sense. I don't want to be bothered by everyone when I'm just learning about being a wizard. Why wouldn't you have Tonks register at the Ministry though?"
"Because any time you register at the Ministry it goes on public record. One of the older girls found out that I was a metamorph and demanded to see me change one day. I was stupid and I did it. After that, everyone started to demand that I change into things for them, and when I told them no, they started spreading rumors and pranking me! I mean, I'm not some stupid play thing for the Weasley twins!" Tonks said angrily as a tear rolled down her face.
"Who are the Weasley twins?" Harry asked sympathetically.
"They are these two kids in Gryffindor, who are a year older than me. Everyone thinks that they are so funny, but all they do is prank and make fun of me. Every time they see me, they ask me to turn into all these stupid things," Tonks said sadly.
"We'll get them back, Tonks, I promise!" Harry said darkly.
"My hero," Tonks said sarcastically, but hugged him regardless.
Harry smiled for the first time in a long time as Tonks hugged him. "No problem, Tonks," Harry said.
"Well, you two, tomorrow we'll go to Diagon Alley to get your supplies. Harry, I was going to place a glamour on you so you didn't get mobbed by the crowd, but since you are a metamorphmagus, Nymphadora will work with you to change your hair color and hide your scar," Mrs. Tonks said.
"Alright. Thank you, Mrs. Tonks," Harry said brightly.
Harry and Tonks spent the next several hours talking about Hogwarts, working on Harry's metamorphmagus skills, and talking about the different school houses. Tonks eventually brought up Quidditch and Harry was fascinated by the sport. Tonks told him how her favorite team was the Kent Shooting Stars, and how she was at the game last year when they won the cup.
"That's awesome, Tonks. The Stars will be my favorite Quidditch team, too," Harry proudly announced, causing Tonks to smile and give him another hug.
"This year is going to be so great Harry!" Tonks said, smiling.
&&&
Harry, Tonks, and Mrs. Tonks all got up early to go to Diagon Alley. Harry changed his hair color and hid his scar before they left. Tonks spent a good chunk of the previous night explaining floo travel, but nothing could have prepared Harry for the strange dizzy feeling that went along with it.
When everyone arrived at the Leaky Cauldron, the three of them entered Diagon Alley. Harry was a little nervous that someone would notice him, but Tonks assured him that with blond hair and no scar he was just another wizard here to buy school supplies.
The three of them made their way up to a massive white building with three very strange looking creatures standing guard. When they approached, the creatures bowed and opened the doors for them.
"Goblins," Tonks whispered to Harry quietly.
"Cool." Harry said. Those two big ones at the door look like they would be able to really mess up Dudley and Vernon, Harry thought as they approached the nearest counter.
"We need to take some money out of our vault for school supplies," Mrs. Tonks said.
"Do you have your key?" The goblin asked, sounding incredibly bored.
"Yes, it's right here," Mrs. Tonks said, handing the key over.
"That looks to be in order. Rignork, take them to vault No. 322."
"Yes sir. Right this way, ma'am," the Goblin said.
"Wait, what about my money?" Harry asked before they started walking away.
"Harry, dear, this is on us," Mrs. Tonks said with her ever-present smile.
"No offense, ma'am, but I've never had any money in my entire life. I would like to see my vault if I can," Harry said. No way am I not going to see it. What if there is something my parents left me that could explain why they wanted to fight against Voldemort? Harry thought.
"Who are you?" the Goblin at the desk finally asked.
"Harry Potter," Harry answered.
The Goblin seemed to eye him very carefully before putting on some blue glasses. "Ah, I see. Do you have your key?" the Goblin asked.
"Err, no sir, I only realized I was a wizard a few days ago," Harry admitted.
"What about all the notices from the bank regarding your interest payments, did you never wonder about those?" the Goblin asked.
"I never got any notices," Harry answered simply.
"Excuse me?" the Goblin asked coldly.
"I never got any notices, and I'm sure if my aunt and uncle found out I had money, they would have tried to take it from me," Harry said.
"I see. This is highly unusual. Rignork, take the Tonks to their vault. Mr. Potter, please follow me," the teller Goblin said.
"Can't they come with me?" Harry asked.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Potter, but for bank security reasons, only the person who is making a charge against the Goblin nation can appear to the Head of Gringotts," the Goblin said.
"What?! He's going to meet the Head of Gringotts?" Mrs. Tonks asked in shock.
"Mr. Potter is claiming that a level nine fraud has been committed against his account. If this is true, we will get to the bottom of it. Mr. Potter, please follow me," the goblin said.
"Harry, we'll meet you when you are done," Mrs. Tonks said, still in shock.
"Um, okay," Harry agreed, not quite sure what was happening but hurrying after the Goblin regardless.
Harry followed the Goblin for some time before he stopped in front of two massive golden doors. Three Goblins, of intimidating size and wielding swords, approached them.
"Mr. Potter is making a charge against the Goblin Nation. I need to speak with Chief Horik," the teller Goblin said.
The large Goblins looked at each other and then to Harry before allowing them to pass. The doors opened, and Harry saw a group of twelve Gobins sitting around a massive golden table. All of them looked angrily at the intruders.
"What is the meaning of this interruption?" the nearest Goblin demanded.
"Sir, an ancient family has charged the Goblin Nation with a level nine fraud," the teller Goblin said importantly.
The entire table broke into shouts before the Head Goblin seemed to gain control. "Who makes this claim?"
"Mr. Harry J. Potter," the Goblin said, beckoning Harry forward.
Harry approached the Goblins, who seemed to be eyeing him with mistrust.
"Are you sure this is Mr. Potter?" the Head Goblin asked suspiciously.
Harry suddenly realized he looked nothing like himself and changed back to his normal form.
"Ah, so he's a metamorphmagus," the Head Goblin said, showing several sharp teeth.
"What is the claim he has made against us?" another Goblin asked viciously.
"He claims he has never once seen a single bank statement regarding his account," the teller Goblin replied.
"Mr. Potter, is this true?" the Head Goblin asked.
"Um…yes sir, I didn't even know I was a wizard till a few days ago. If I had seen a bank statement, I would have remembered it. I've never had any money in my entire life," Harry said.
"Mr. Potter, do you understand the seriousness of what you have just said?" the head Goblin asked.
"Um, no sir, I don't," Harry said honestly.
"Mr. Potter, Goblins pride themselves of truthful dealings. Many wizards consider us underhanded, and greedy. While that is our nature, we follow every contract we sign to the letter and are always honest. What you have just implied is that a member of our staff has failed one of our oldest and largest accounts," the Goblin said.
"Sir, I'm really sorry, I mean no disrespect. You all seem like wonderful people. I just didn't get anything from the bank," Harry said.
"He lies, sir! He seeks reparations!" a Goblin shouted.
"What if he doesn't, Sakara?" another Goblin said sharply.
"Mr. Potter, have you ever heard of Veritaserum?" the Head Goblin asked.
"No sir," Harry replied.
"It's a truth telling Potion, Mr. Potter. Three drops on your tongue will force you to tell the truth. For such a charge, it is required to be administered. Will you submit to the serum?" the Goblin asked.
"Um, well... okay, I guess. As long as you only ask about my bank information," Harry said nervously as he thought of the Goblins asking him about the Dursleys.
"Agreed," the Head Goblin said as several other Goblins entered the room.
One of the new Goblins led Harry to a chair while another went and got a small vial. Harry opened his mouth and the Goblin placed three drops of a clear liquid on his tongue. A sudden euphoric feeling swept all over him. He smiled at the Goblins who all seemed to be in agreement that the potion had taken affect.
"What is your name?"
"Harry Potter."
Several Goblins seemed annoyed that this was the real Harry Potter.
"Have you ever seen any of your bank statements?"
"No sir."
The Goblins where now openly stunned.
"Do you know anyone who would try to hide your statements?"
"No. My aunt and uncle both hate me, but if they knew I had money, they would have tried to take it from me."
"Have there been any transactions in the Potter trust vault over the last eleven years?" the Head Goblin snapped.
"No sir, none," another Goblin answered.
"Mr. Potter, what is your opinion of the Goblins, now that we have failed you?"
"I don't understand how you failed me. You all seem angry that someone has wronged me, and that means a lot to me. You seem trustworthy and honest. I am not mad at you," Harry said.
The Head Goblin signaled for the antidote and soon Harry felt the euphoric feeling leave him.
"That was strange," Harry admitted.
The Head Goblin smiled. "Mr. Potter, I'm very happy that you do not hold any ill feelings towards us, but the truth is we have failed you. We will find out exactly about how this happened. I will have three percentage points of interest added on all your family's gold for the last ten years to make up for the mistake. I hope that it is enough. I have taken the liberty of providing you with 100 Galleons from my personal vault for your school shopping. You also have my word that we will find out how this happened."
"Thank you, sir. I appreciate all that you are doing," Harry said, smiling.
"If you have any questions, please owl us, Mr. Potter. My name is Horik, Head of Gringotts and High Commander of the Goblin Nation."
"I will, thank you, sir," Harry said, shaking the Goblin's hand, accepting the bag of coins, and leaving the conference room. Right before the doors closed he heard Horik screaming in some strange language at the other Goblins.
&&&
Harry found Mrs. Tonks and Tonks waiting for him in the main lobby of Gringotts talking to the largest man he had ever seen.
"Harry, are you ok? What did they say?" Tonks asked as soon as she saw him
"It's okay, Tonks. They were kind of nice, and to be honest, I like them," Harry said.
"Really? Usually no one likes Goblins, Harry," Mrs. Tonks said, stunned, as she nervously eyed the Goblin standing behind Harry.
"Why? Because they are really good with money? That's no reason not to trust them; if anything, it makes them more trustworthy," Harry said simply. Harry didn't notice several Goblins nearby stop and stare at him in shock.
"Blimey, that's interesting company yeh keep," the large man said.
Harry just looked at the massive man not sure what to make of that statement.
"Oh, Harry, this is Hagrid. Hagrid, this is Harry Potter," Mrs. Tonks said, introducing them.
"Blimey, you sure have grown up! Last time I saw you, you were only a baby," Hagrid said with a smile.
"Did you know my parents?" Harry asked curiously.
"That I did, 'Arry. Fine people they were. Shame what happened, I was the one who found you after he attacked," Hagrid said sadly.
"You were!" Harry said in shock.
"Yep, took you to them relatives of yours," Hagrid said proudly.
"You did that," Harry said icily.
Clearly, Hagrid didn't notice Harry's tone, because he continued to talk boastfully about it, "Yep, on Dumbledore's orders, o' course," Hagrid said.
"Who's Dumbledore? I know I've heard that name before," Harry practically demanded.
"Dumbledore's the Headmaster of Hogwarts, Harry. Great man, Dumbledore, great man. He's the only one You-Know-Who ever really feared," Hagrid said.
Harry's mind was racing. So Dumbledore's the reason I was stuck at the Dursleys'. He's the one responsible for me living in hell for the last ten years!
"It was nice to see you again, Hagrid, but we really do have a lot of shopping to do," Andromeda said.
"Oh, of course, don't let me stop ya, Andy. It's been nice ter see you again, 'Arry," Hagrid said as Harry, Tonks, and Mrs. Tonks began making their way toward the exit of the bank.
"Harry, change your appearance before we leave," Mrs. Tonks instructed.
Harry quickly made his scar disappear and changed his black hair back to blond.
When they left Gringotts, Mrs. Tonks turned to Harry and asked, "How much money did you withdraw?"
"Oh, I didn't withdraw any. Horik gave me 100 Galleons from his vault for my school supplies. Is that enough?" Harry asked.
Mrs. Tonks just stared at him open-mouthed. "Harry, what do you mean, he gave you 100 Galleons?"
"He said that he felt bad for what happened, and that they were going to add three percentage points of interest on all my vaults. Horik then gave me a bag of money with 100 Galleons in it. Is it enough money?" Harry asked.
"Harry, that's awesome! You are totally buying me ice cream later!" Tonks exclaimed, smiling at him.
"So it's enough?" Harry asked.
"Harry, 100 Galleons will buy you the finest robes, cauldron, and supplies you can get," Mrs. Tonks explained.
"Oh good," Harry said with a smile.
"Merlin, look at the time! Harry, we are running really late. Tonks has already been measured for her robes, so can you go do that while we get your Potions supplies?" Mrs. Tonks asked.
"Err, sure. Where do I go?" Harry asked sheepishly.
"I'm sorry, dear. It's Madam Malkins Robes for all Occasions and it's the third store on the left. We'll be at the apothecary if you somehow finish before us. It's right over there," Mrs. Tonks said, pointing to a large black building.
"Okay, no problem," Harry said. He quickly walked down the cobblestone street and entered Madam Malkins.
"Hello, dear. Hogwarts?" a smiling woman asked pleasantly.
"Err, yes," Harry said.
"Very well, go through that door. There is another boy being fitted right now as we speak," the woman said, smiling at him.
Harry walked through the door and saw a blond haired boy getting fussed over by several people. When they saw Harry, a few people came over and started measuring him next.
"Hello. Hogwarts?" the blond boy drawled.
"Yep," Harry replied.
"Is this your first year?"
"Yes. You?"
"Yes. Do you know what house you'll be in?" the boy asked.
"No, I just hope it isn't Gryffindor. My friend Tonks is in that house and while she's great, it seems to be filled with mindless idiots. Her mum said I'd be good in Ravenclaw, though," Harry said offhandedly.
"Ha! Well, you're right about Gryffindor being full of idiots. I suppose Ravenclaw wouldn't be bad though, not that I'll be in that house. My entire family has been in Slytherin, so I know I'll be in there," the boy said smugly.
"Slytherin, that's the one for cunning and ambitious people, right?" Harry asked.
"Yes, but if you don't know that, then I doubt you'll get in," the boy said snobbishly.
"Why's that?" Harry said, slightly annoyed.
"Because you obviously are a Muggleborn wizard," the boy drawled.
Harry snapped, he didn't like anything to do with his Muggle relatives or Dudley's friends. Before the snobbish white haired boy could react, Harry lunged at him from across the table and tackled him to the floor, shocking the people who were trying to measure them.
"Don't you ever insult me like that again! I don't want anything to do with Muggles, and my parents were a witch and wizard, I'll have you know!" Harry snarled.
"S-sorry, I just assumed...," the boy said, clearly surprised.
"You want to be a Slytherin, think before you speak next time," Harry said sharply.
"I'm really sorry. I…I didn't know. Father told me that when someone was unsure about Hogwarts, they are usually Muggleborn," the boy said.
"Well, maybe you should think for yourself and not just mindlessly listening to your father. I'm not Muggleborn, but I had to live with three terrible Muggles, so please don't insult me by comparing me to them," Harry said, practically spitting the word Muggle.
The blond boy, who looked like he wanted to argue when Harry insulted his father, started to apologize again when Harry finished speaking. "That must have been terrible, living with Muggles; no one should have to do that. Why didn't you live with your parents?" he asked curiously.
"Because they were stupid and decided to fight against that Voldemort guy, I mean who cares if he wanted to kill Muggles! I wish I had known about magic sooner, so I could have killed my Muggle uncle and cousin," Harry said quietly so only the boy could hear.
The blond boy's eyes widened at the Dark Lord's name, but he couldn't help but smile at the way the other boy talked about Muggles.
"Well, it looks like you have a good sense of priorities. I'm sorry I misjudged you, you are definitely not a Muggleborn wizard," the boy said. Then, very quietly, he leaned in and whispered, "You'd be great in Slytherin, we don't let that Muggleborn filth into our house like all the other ones do. We also don't allow blood traitors that side with them."
Harry smiled. "I think I would be good in Slytherin."
"Yeah, I'd say so. By the way, my name is Draco Malfoy. My family is one of the oldest pureblood lines in the wizarding world," Draco said, his arrogance returning.
"That's cool, " Harry said, unsure what to say to the boy about that, "I don't know if my family was like that, I'm still learning stuff about the magical world," Harry said.
"Well, I can certainly help you out. What's your name?" Draco asked.
Harry looked around at the people fixing his robes and motioned for Draco to lean towards him.
"My name's Harry Potter, but I'm in disguise because I'm apparently famous," Harry said quietly in the boy's ear.
"WHAT?! No way!" Draco screamed in shock.
"Can you excuse us for a second?" Harry asked everyone.
When no one made any attempt to move, Draco seemed to get impatient and started yelling. "Listen up, all of you. If you don't leave right now, I'll tell my father you are all incompetent, and he'll have your jobs faster than you can say Evanesco."
That got everyone's attention and they quickly left the room. When the last one left, Harry focused on what he really looked like and changed back.
"Oh Merlin, you weren't kidding! You're really Harry Potter!" Draco said in awe.
"Yep. I really am," Harry said, changing back. "Can you not let that get out though; I'm not in the mood to be mobbed by idiots right now."
"Yeah, no problem. I have to say I'm shocked, I mean, the Dark Lord killed your parents. He tried to kill you, and you still want to be a Slytherin? That was his house, you know," Draco said.
"I didn't know that. I don't really blame Voldemort. I mean, my parents never should have stood against him. I still don't understand why they did, Muggles are pathetic," Harry said.
"Wow. You know, my father would love to meet you. He was one of the people who helped the Dark Lord," Draco said, saying the last part very quietly.
"What? Really? But wouldn't he be in trouble? I heard that everyone who helped Voldemort got put in prison," Harry said quietly.
"No, not everyone. There are a lot of followers who didn't go to jail," Draco said smugly.
"I think I'd love to meet your dad," Harry said, grinning.
"Yeah... by the way, how did you change your appearance?" Draco asked.
"I'm a metamorphmagus; but don't tell anyone, okay? My friend is one, too. We are going to get so many Gryffindors in trouble this year. She's going to nick me a pair of Gryffindor robes, and we are going to take their appearance to get them in trouble," Harry said, his grin stretching ever wider.
"Ha, that'd be awesome! Why is your friend in Gryffindor? She sounds like a Slytherin through and through," Draco said.
"I know, I feel bad for her because she hates it so much. Everyone in Gryffindor makes fun of her because she's a metamorphmagus," Harry said sadly.
"I always knew father was right when he said Gryffindors were stupid. That's such a rare talent, she's going to have so many opportunities because of it, and so will you. Not that you need it, being Harry Potter. Father told me the Potter line is really old, just like ours. I'm sure you're loaded," Draco said.
"Ha, wouldn't surprise me, with the way the Goblins were treating me earlier today. Now, let's finish these stupid robes. I'll introduce you to my friend when we are done," Harry suggested.
"Alright, sounds good. You should probably change your appearance before those people come back inside. I wouldn't tell anybody I was a metamorphmagus if I were you. They'll probably make you register or something stupid like that," Draco said.
"Yeah, I already decided that I wasn't going to register," Harry said as he changed back, "Oh, and when we are in public don't call me Harry, I don't want anyone to get suspicious."
"Okay…what do you want me to call you?" Draco asked curiously.
"Dunno. How about James? That's my middle name," Harry said.
"Alright, sounds good, James," Draco said, trying out the new name.
Draco called the people back into the room and ten minutes later the two boys were both done. They paid for their robes and walked out of the store.
"My mother is getting my Potions supplies right now, and my father is getting my books. What do you need to get?"
"Well, my friend's mum is getting my Potions stuff, but I still need everything else. Tonks wanted to be with me when I got a wand, so where else can we go?
"How much money did you bring with you?" Draco asked curiously.
"100 Galleons," Harry replied offhandedly.
Draco smiled approvingly, "That's what father said people should bring when they go shopping. He's going to love you, I can tell. I guess we can go look at some pets, that could be cool. I already have an eagle owl, but you are going to need something," Draco said as he walked him down the street towards a noisy shop.
The two boys walked into the shop and started looking around. "What do you think I should get?" Harry asked.
"Ugh, dunno. Let's go look at the snakes. We aren't allowed to bring them to Hogwarts, but they are still interesting and the symbol of Slytherin," Draco said.
"Alright; excuse me, ma'am, where are your snakes?" Harry asked politely.
"Oh, they are in the back. Would you like me to show them to you, dear?" she asked.
"Yes, please, I would," Harry said.
The woman led Harry and Draco to a back room where hundreds of snakes were sliding in their cages.
'Ssstupid woman keeping me locked in thisss cage, I'll bite her if ssshe triesss to touch me.'
'Here comes the keeper with two bratsss.'
'None are worthy.'
'The one with white hair looksss good to eat.'
Harry was in shock as he listened to the snakes talk. He looked at Draco who seemed completely oblivious to it.
"Well, dear, is there any particular snake that you are looking for?" the shop keeper asked.
"Ugh... can I just look around?" Harry asked.
"Sure thing. When you find one you like, come and get me. Most of these things need to be defanged because they are dangerous," the woman said.
'Ssshe leavesss!'
'Foolisssh woman! If either of thessse boysss pick me, I'll bite them so fast.'
'Ssshut up!' Harry screamed.
Harry grinned when all the snakes stopped talking. He looked up at Draco whose eyes were wide in shock.
"Draco, you look like you've see a ghost," Harry remarked.
"Y-y-you're a Parselmouth!" Draco blurted out.
"I'm a what?" Harry asked confused.
"You can talk to snakes," Draco said.
"Oh, well, yeah. I bet loads of people can," Harry said, shrugging it off.
"No, Har-err James, it's a rare gift. The only people who can do it are decedents of Salazar himself!" Draco said in awe.
"Who?" Harry asked.
"Salazar Slytherin, the founder of Slytherin house. You must be his heir," Draco explained.
"Wow," Harry said. 'Isss that true?' Harry asked a snake.
'He'sss a ssspeaker! A ssspeaker has come!'
'Hail the ssspeaker, Hail the ssspeaker!' the snakes began to hiss in unison.
"I guess it's true," Harry said, grinning at Draco. "So you don't understand me when I speak to them?"
"No, I hear you talking like a snake. It's kind of creepy. You have to get a snake, Ha- James. You need one, now," Draco urged.
"You said they weren't allowed at Hogwarts, though," Harry said.
"So bloody what, you need to get one! You can just hide it in the dorm or something. If you're in Slytherin, no one will rat on you for having a snake, James," Draco said.
"I guess you're right," Harry said. "What should I get?"
"Get something dangerous," Draco said mischievously.
"Ha, yeah, and have it attack my Muggle relatives if I ever see them again," Harry said.
'I need a powerful sssnake. Who here can help me?' Harry asked, turning to the snakes.
The snakes all stared hissing.
'I will help you!'
'Ssspeaker, I can help you.'
'I will kill your enemiesss.'
'I will be most loyal.'
'Who here isss the most dangerousss?' Harry asked.
There was silence for a while before several snakes started to hiss.
'Ssalazar is the most dangerousss.'
'Where is Sssalazar?' Harry asked.
'I am here,' a hissing voice called.
Harry grabbed Draco's arm and followed the voice till they reached a slick black snake with green lines running down its back.
'Sssalazar?' Harry asked.
'Yesss, sspeaker. I am Sssalazar, an Egyptian wizard asssp,' Salazar hissed proudly.
'What isss the difference between a regular asssp and a wizard asssp?' Harry asked.
'Unlike our cousinsss, we grow with our bonded wizard'sss power. I sssense you have great power, ssspeaker, I would grow very large,' Salazar said.
Harry could almost see the smile on the snake's face as it spoke to him. 'My name is Harry Potter and I am looking for a powerful companion, who will defend myself and my friends. Will you help me?' Harry asked.
'It would be my greatessst honor to pledge myssself to you, ssspeaker,' Salazar said, bowing his head.
Harry opened the top of the snake's cage, and Salazar slithered into his hand and up his shoulder. As soon as Salazar touched his hand, a red light seemed to form between the snake and him.
"What was that?" Draco asked.
"I just boned to the snake," Harry said as Salazar started to grow several inches.
'Thank you, massster. I have already grown much. We ssshall be great companions,' Salazar hissed.
'Yesss, we ssshall. Thisss isss my friend, Draco Malfoy. Do not harm him or my friend Tonks under any circumstances, do you understand?' Harry hissed.
'Yesss. I will protect the friendsss of the ssspeaker,' Salazar hissed and bowed his head at Draco. 'Hisss hair makesss him look like a rabbit, though.'
Harry howled with laughter and Draco looked mad. "What's funny?" Draco asked.
"He likes you, Draco, but he said your hair makes you look like a rabbit," Harry said, still laughing. "Come on, let's buy him and go," Harry said while Draco began sputtering indignantly.
'Massster, stop!' Salazar hissed as they approached the counter.
Harry grabbed Draco before he could call the sales clerk.
'Why? What'sss wrong?' Harry asked.
'You must not let the ssshop keeper drain me of my poissson,' Salazar hissed.
'Will ssshe take your poissson if I buy you?' Harry asked.
'Yesss,' Salazar replied.
'Then coil yourself around my stomach, Sssalazar. My robesss are large enough to hide you,' Harry instructed.
The snake nodded and coiled himself around Harry's midsection. When Salazar was secure, Harry nodded to Draco, and the two of them left the shop quickly.
Harry grinned when they were outside and instructed Salazar to just relax on his shoulders.
"Ha, that worked out well," Harry said, smiling at Draco.
"James, why didn't you pay for him? That was stupid. What if they had an anti-theft ward or something? I mean, you could have afforded to buy him without question," Draco said.
"Ugh. Anti-theft ward?" Harry asked hesitantly.
"Yes, it stops someone from stealing! Merlin, you are beyond lucky. I bet they didn't put the wards on the snakes themselves and just the tanks they were in," Draco said.
"Err, I guess that makes sense. I mean, how many people would be willing to grab a venomous snake and then leave with it?" Harry said sheepishly.
"Still, it was a stupid thing to do! How much could the little thing have cost? Ten, eleven Galleons?" Draco chided.
"Yeah, but had I bought him, the clerk would have drained Salazar of his poison. I couldn't have that, now could I?" Harry said, grinning at the shocked look on Draco's face.
"S-so he's really poisonous?" Draco stammered.
"Yep. Don't worry though, Draco, I already told him not to attack you or Tonks. Plus, he seemed to like you, rabbit," Harry said, laughing.
Draco grimaced at the nickname and the two boys began walking down the Alley. Draco showed Harry where to get his books, and they quickly bought them. After an hour, Harry said, "Well, I think that's everything but a wand, Draco. Let's find Tonks and get one."
"Okay, sounds good. I want to meet this Tonks. She sounds like the only Gryffindor I'll probably ever like," Draco said.
Harry and Draco walked towards the ice cream parlor when Harry spotted her.
"Tonks, hey!" Harry said, walking towards her.
"Harry, there you are! Mum has been going spare. Where have you been?" Tonks said, giving him a hug before leaping back at the sight of the snake that was wrapped across his shoulders.
"Relax, Tonks. Salazar isn't going to hurt you. Oh, and please call me James for right now," Harry chided.
"Oh, okay, James. So you named your snake after the founder of Slytherin. Well, I guess there goes any chance of you being a Gryffindor. Not that I can say I blame you," Tonks said, grinning at him.
"Hey Tonks, this is Draco Malfoy, we met while I was getting my robes," Harry said.
"Nice to meet you, Draco." Tonks said shaking his hand.
"Yeah, you too. From what James tells me, you're probably the only Gryffindor I'm ever going to talk to at Hogwarts," Draco said, smiling.
"Ha, I don't blame you!" Tonks said. "So, you guys want to get some ice cream?"
"Yeah, after that, we need to get my wand," Harry said.
"Yes! I was hoping that you didn't forget that I wanted to get that with you," Tonks said happily.
"Hey, give me some credit, Tonks. I mean, you told me a thousand times last night that you wanted to find out what kind of wand I would have," Harry said, smiling.
The three kids ordered their ice creams and sat outside talking about school till Draco's head shot up.
"Father!" Draco called out.
"Ah, Draco, there you are. Your mother has been looking for you for the last half hour. We told you to stay at the robes supplier after you were done, not eat ice cream," the man chided.
"I'm sorry, father, but…but…" Draco looked pleadingly at Harry who gave him a nod. Draco got up and whispered "Father, that is Harry Potter. I met him at the robe store. He didn't want anyone to know who he was, so he changed his appearance. He's nothing like what you told me he would be. He hates Muggles and he claims that the Dark Lord was right about trying to kill them. He blames his own parents for their deaths because they tried to stop the Dark Lord. He's also a Parselmouth and a metamorphmagus. He asked that we not call him Harry in public because he doesn't want a scene; he wants to be known as James right now. He also wants to be a Slytherin, father, can you believe it!"
Harry watched as Draco's father's eyes grew wider and wider before he finally took a step back.
"James, it's a real honor to meet you. You seem to have made quite the impression on my son. My name is Lucius Malfoy," Mr. Malfoy said, extending a hand.
"It's a pleasure, Mr. Malfoy. You have a great son. I hope we get to be in the same house," Harry said, shaking his hand.
"Well, if what he just told me is true, then I have no doubt you'll make an excellent Slytherin, James. Who is your friend?" Mr. Malfoy asked.
"This is Tonks, she's starting her second year. She's a Gryffindor, but don't hold that against her. She hates her house, isn't that right, Tonks?" Harry said.
"It's true, Mr. Malfoy. I hate being a Gryffindor, I wish I was in any other house…well, maybe not Hufflepuff, because then I'd really be doomed," Tonks said, causing Mr. Malfoy and Draco to laugh.
"Well, my dear, at least you realize it. I have no doubt that you will do great things in this world," Mr. Malfoy said, smirking at her.
"Thank you, sir, James said something similar last night," Tonks said, taking Harry's hand and giving it a squeeze.
'Massster, she likes you. She has much talent, I can sssenssse it,' Salazar hissed, causing Harry to smile.
Harry noticed Draco and his father giving him a strange look. Obviously, they wanted to know what Salazar had just said.
'Massster, the elder rabbit isss curiousss about you. He hasss a ssstrong aura around him. Nothing compared to what you could become, but he isss ssstill powerful,' Salazar hissed.
Harry smiled at Mr. Malfoy and gave him a little grin. "Mr. Malfoy, I have it on good authority that you are a strong wizard. Would you like to accompany Tonks, Draco, Salazar, and I to get a wand?"
"Salazar?" Mr. Malfoy asked curiously.
"Oh, that's James' snake," Tonks said brightly.
"Ah, I would be honored, James. Are all of you ready to go now?" Mr. Malfoy asked, giving a slight bow.
They all looked at each other, nodded their heads, and made their way to a run down looking shop called Ollivander's. They walked into the shop and rang the bell. Harry was about to call for help when a voice said "Ah, Lucius. Twelve inches, maple and dragon heartstring, an amazing wand for dueling."
Harry looked at the old wizard with the silver and grey eyes. The man gave him the creeps.
"Yes, Mr. Ollivander," Mr. Malfoy said, crisply.
"Ah, Ms. Tonks, it has hardly been a year. I trust your wand is holding up well enough? Twelve and a half inches, unicorn hair, correct? An amazing wand for charms," Ollivander said.
"Yes sir, that was my best class last year." Tonks replied.
"Ah, and who do we have here? Obviously, the young Draco will need a wand and…ah, Mr. Potter, good to see you have finally decided to return. An interesting gift, metamorphmagus. Now, please, feel free to return to normal," Ollivander said.
Harry returned to his normal form and grinned at the man. "How did you know, sir?" Harry asked.
"Ah, we all have our secrets, don't we. Young Mr. Malfoy, you first. I'm sure you take after your father, and every other Malfoy, so let's go straight to the powerful dragon heartstring wands, shall we?" Ollivander said.
Mr. Ollivander handed Draco wand after wand, quickly snatching each wand away before Draco could do anything with it. Finally, Draco's face seemed to brighten and he flicked a wand, shooting several green sparks out it.
"Ah, bravo Draco! Lucius, your son has gotten the strongest dragon heartstring wand I've made since your own. I dare say the Malfoy tradition carries on again," Ollivander said.
"Well done, Draco," Mr. Malfoy said proudly.
"Thank you, father," Draco said, smiling as he looked upon his wand with pride.
"Now, Mr. Potter, let's see what we can do for you, shall we? Potters were always a difficult family to get a wand for. They never chose a specific core. Your great-grandfather still holds the record of two hours before finding a wand that suited him," Ollivander said, smiling at the memory.
Mr. Ollivander took several boxes off the shelf and handed them to Harry. Harry would raise his hand to make it work, but time and time again Mr. Ollivander would snatch it away. They did this for almost half an hour.
"I told you Potters were always tricky!" Ollivander said happily.
"It appears so, Mr. Ollivander," Lucius said, getting more and more interested as the stack of boxes began to pile up.
"Well, why not... a rare combination. Holly and Phoenix feather, eleven inches," Mr. Ollivander said, handing Harry a red wand.
As soon as Harry took the wand, he felt a great rush of power shoot through him.
'Massster, that is your wand. I've just grown a quarter of an inch,' Salazar said.
Harry laughed and gave the wand a wave showering the room in green and red sparks.
"It appears Mr. Potter has found a wand," Lucius said.
"Curious, very curious." Ollivander said, shaking his head.
"Excuse me, sir, but what is curious?" Harry asked.
"I remember every wand I've ever sold, Mr. Potter, and the Phoenix whose tail feather is in your wand gave another feather, just one. It's curious that you would be destined for that wand when its brother gave you that scar," Ollivander said causing gasps from everyone.
"You mean, that wand is the brother of the Dark Lord's?" Lucius said in awe.
"That it is," Ollivander replied.
Harry didn't know what to say to that, so he quickly paid ten Galleons for his wand and exited the store after putting on his disguise.
"It has been a pleasure to meet you, James," Lucius said. "I'm sure you and Draco will do great things. It's about time the houses of Potter and Malfoy began to see eye to eye on things. Tonks, if I can ever do anything for you, please feel free to ask."
"Thank you, Mr. Malfoy. I guess we'll see you on September the first. I'll let Ha-James borrow my owl though, so we can write each other." Tonks smiled at the Malfoys.
"Sounds great!" Draco said excitedly. "See you guys on the first."
Lucius gave one final nod to Harry and Tonks before placing a hand on Draco's shoulder and disappearing with a crack.
"He seemed really nice. My mom never really liked the Malfoys, but what she doesn't know won't hurt her, right?" Tonks said.
"Why doesn't she like the Malfoys?" Harry asked curiously.
"Oh, because Mr. Malfoy was rumored to have worked for You-Know-Who, but he seemed really nice. Now come on, let's go find my mum before she kills us both," Tonks replied.
Revised 1/6/08
Edited by EvilDime