Chapter 2

Harry woke up to a hand on his shoulder. He silently yawned and opened his eyes to squint. He stared up at a Hagrid for a few seconds before he remembered yesterday.

Oh yeah. Apparently he was going to Hogwarts tomorrow. And apparently he was a wizard.

Harry focused on Hagrid and started to read his lips,

I was worried for a second. I thought something had happened. Turns out you're just a heavy sleeper. I was knocking on the door for ten minutes out there. Well... come on. Get dressed. We're going to go to Gringotts nice and early.

Harry sat up and walked over to the pile of neatly folded clothes on the floor next to him. The note was gone and he smiled slightly. Hagrid shrugged and left the room, probably saying something to him as he left. Harry changed into new clothes and left his old ones neatly beside his letter and soldiers. Once ready he tentatively said goodbye to his soldiers with a wave. He knew they weren't... real but to him they deserved at least acknowledgement of their existence. After all they were the closest things to friends that he had, and the only... things he was himself around.

Harry walked down the stairs, his formal goblin greeting in his red jacket pocket, and made his way back to Hagrid. The beast of a man stood awkwardly by the bar trying to be incognito.

He failed.

Quite a few people were staring at him with intrigue. Once Harry got down the stairs things only got worse. People around him started to react. They started to whisper but Harry didn't understand. They covered their mouths and he had no clue as to what they were saying. Then finally a large man walked up to him and started to talk. Harry lip read with confusion.

Are you Ed-werd Potter? You look just like him except... You have no scar.

Harry stared in confusion. Ed-werd Potter? Scar? What the hell was going on? Hagrid quickly stepped between Harry and the new man, he said something but with Harry behind him he had no clue. The man soon stepped away and the silent whisperings stopped.

This did not put Harry at ease.

Yet, he retained his calm mask, still trying to be inconspicuous, and followed Hagrid as he walked out to the back of the inn. He tapped a simple pattern in the brickwork at the back of the inn and a door to another world was opened.

Quite literally.

Harry followed him out into the busy street, his hawk eyes evading the bustling traffic of strange looking people. There were people of all different colours and ethnicities wearing all different types of clothes. He could only see one person wearing muggle attire and that was a small 4 year old boy who had a bird on his shoulder. Things flew about and twirled and skipped and did all manners of crazy things, but everything in the street seemed to be a controlled crazy. Like all the highlighter unbelievable contraptions had a purpose.

And everyone knew that purpose except for him.

Harry knew he stood out like a sore thumb in this crowd of crazy. His own clothes were too normal, too simple, too... muggle. Everyone else had long flowing dresses and robes. Fancy hairdos and make up. They were all fancy in one way or another. Even those dressed in cheap garments had a type of flair.

But to Harry they somehow all looked the same.

Their forced individuality made them part of a collective.

And some things they all shared. They all did the same. They all thought. Harry sighed. In all this crazy no one was really different.

Except him.

Him in his muggle clothes accompanied by what he could only assume was a half-giant (based on his reading). People stared and whispered some more and for once Harry was glad he couldn't hear them.

So much for inconspicuous.

He would have to try and blend in by the end of the day. Find out how to be invisible in this new environment. Find out how to lurk in the shadows when every square inch was magically illuminated. Harry would have to think about this later.

He followed Hagrid to Gringotts. The place was amazing. It was a huge building made of shiny marble and polished cement. He walked up the steps trying to remember what he had read about goblin culture and introductions. They strode through the large doors and made their way to the nearest free goblin. Harry prepared himself to defy the expectations of wizards and beasts alike for the first time of many to come.

…

Hagrid started to say something but paused mid sentence when the goblin removed its gaze. Every goblin paused in the bank as an young eleven year old boy seemed to bow to the floor, with a small flourish of his hand. He stayed bent over as he waited for the other goblin to bow. The other goblin, who was being bowed to by a wizard?!, stood in shock. A minute passed in silence and the boy continued to bow.

Eventually a nearby goblin got the frozen goblin's attention and he bowed quickly in embarrassment. The boy then ended his bow and stared into the goblin's eyes for 3 seconds. Then the boy passed him a note. The goblin raised an eyebrow but read it through. He seemed to choke.It read,

Greetings. May your gold flow freely and may your enemies cower at your feet.

Goblins at Gringotts had not been properly greeted in almost thirty years. They were treated as second class citizens, only fit to work. Being greeted like this, and by a wizard, seemed crazy. The boy waited patiently for the goblin to respond, the bank still in an eerie quiet. Although the boy did not seem phased by this. The goblin responded,

"Greetings to you as well, fine wizard. May your gold flow freely and may your enemies cower at your feet."

The boy nodded in assent and then took a step back to stand beside Hagrid. The bank resumed progress but some the goblins stared at the young wizard in awe, respect and affection. He respected them so they respected him. The other visitors to the bank paid no heed to this and wrote it off as a goblin thing. The goblin quickly said,

"I am Gunthrak. May I ask your name, young wizard?"

The boy looked at him with an analysing gaze, as if determining whether he was trustworthy. After a few moments he beckoned him away. The goblin nodded and said,

"There is a private chambers where we can speak?"

The boy nodded and Hagrid just stood in stunned silence. The other goblins sneered at him as the boy was led away. Gunthrak took him to a small closed off office. He sat behind a desk. The other boy stared at him a moment longer and Gunthrak realised that the boy was waiting for permission to sit. He said,

"You may sit."

The boy sat, and continued to stare intently. Gunthrak said in admiration,

"You are well versed in the goblin ways. Not many accept them. I hold deep respect for you for this."

The boy nodded. Gunthrak paused,

"Can you not tell me your name?"

He paused again,

"Can you tell me... nothing at all?"

The boy nodded and Gunthrak sighed, mumbling quietly,

"It is sad that one so very in tune with the goblins does not possess the gift of speech. Can you... write?"

The boy nodded and Gunthrak summoned a small piece of parchment and a quill. The boy stared at the objects now in front of him, and then looked back up at him, and for the second time today Gunthrak realised he was waiting for permission.

"Yes, young one, you have my permission."

The boy smiled slightly, something Gunthrak had not seen at all since he came in. He watched the boy scrawl messily on the parchment. He is only young though, he couldn't be much older than nine or ten. Then he passed the note over.

My name is Harry Potter. I cannot speak for reasons I do not wish to discuss. I am afraid we should return to my escort, I do not wish to confuse or anger him. Thank you for your greeting, a bow from a goblin honours me greatly.

The goblin smiled at Harry, the young boy sitting with a now neutral, almost blank, expression. If only they could all be as poised and respectful. Gunthrak nodded and led Harry back to his large companion. Later that day there would be much gossip amongst the goblins of Gringotts.

…

Harry exhaled deeply in relief once he realised he was being led back to Hagrid. Holding conversation with someone when you can't hear them is difficult. When you can't speak is even worse. And when they're a goblin on top of that is almost downright impossible! Goblin's mouths, as no one thought to put in the The muggles guide Wizarding culture, are quite differently shaped to that of humans and wizards. Therefore their lip movements are different as well.

Harry is glad that he got away with staring so intently without seeming rude. He had followed all the greeting rituals, which was ill advised by the book because it was bigoted against goblins, and had always waited for permission. Apparently the only thing left was to bow when he left.

Harry also felt quite smug, although he hid this with his blank expression, because the goblin had told him his name. That is a sign of huge respect and Harry was very glad that he gained it. Not only did Harry think goblins are underrated by society and should be appreciated, he also thought they would make good allies. Based on the way that the wizarding world had ostracised them it wouldn't be hard to turn them into his allies.

Harry tried not to think about how he was only eleven.

Guhn-frak, god Harry wished he had saw his name right, led him out of the office and back into the bank. They quickly returned to Hagrid who had gained composure since he last saw him. Harry hadn't realised what a scene he must have caused. He hadn't meant to make all eyes on him. He hadn't even realised that people had noticed. He internally shrugged. Their fault for being stupid he supposed.

The attention returned to Hagrid who explained about the key and the vault and such, but Harry noticed that an unsettling amount of goblin eyes were on him almost all the time. He tried to keep it in his stride as Guhn-frak led them down what looked like the railway of hell. Soon they reached the vault and Harry tried to keep the surprise off his face at the small fortune that apparently belonged to him. He turned to Hagrid as he explained,

Well this is your vault. Its your trust vault and seeing as... I can't explain that yet. Seeing as... something that will be revealed this afternoon... you don't have full access to the money. You do get a certain allowance per term at Hogwarts that has been agreed upon and when you turn eighteen you will have full access to the vault. At least that's what has been told to me.

When Harry noticed Hagrid had stopped speaking he turned to Guhn-frak who had started to talk. He made sure to give the goblin the same attention he gave Hagrid, to solidify his unspoken opinions on goblins. Harry carefully read his lips, because they were in a darkened place where it was harder to see,

That is true, Mr. Potter. Your allowance is to be 100 gal-ee-ons per Hogwarts term, not including the cost of buying school supplies. Do you wish to purchase a money pouch to where you can keep this money safe? At a cost of only two gal-ee-ons. There is also the option to add some security measures to your vault, as this is your only vault it can be done fairly cheaply, but that is up to you to decide. Your full access to this vault does happen when you turn eighteen, but at that time you also inherit a starting share of the Potter fortune.

Harry nodded at the end of this to acknowledge he understood. Guhn-frak then mouthed,

Do you wish to buy a money pouch?

Harry nodded again and Guhn-frak disappeared only to appear later with a large brown pouch. Money flew out of the vault and landed into this pouch and disappeared into its seemingly empty space. Then two gal-ee-ons floated out and seemed to melt into the walls of Gringotts itself.

Harry tried not to be unsettled by this.

Guhn-frak handed him the pouch and Hagrid then said something else, with his back turned! The cart continued and they arrived at another vault. Harry saw a mysterious package inside but deemed it not my responsibility and went back to looking at his money pouch. Guhn-frak found this amusing and smiled.

Soon they were led back to the main bank. Guhn-frak said

It has been a pleasure, Mr. Potter. I hope to see you again in the future.

Then he bowed, almost sadly at seeing the young wizard go, and Harry bowed back. Then Harry turned and left the bank, unknowing of how much his gestures in the bank that day really meant to the goblins.

Harry and Hagrid left the bank and left for Flourish and Blotts, a book shop. Hagrid pulled out a letter, the one Harry never got to read, and collected many books from the shelves. Then Hagrid asked,

Any other books you want to get?

Harry nodded and soon picked out book after book on this and that, most importantly

Wizarding Etiquette

for those unaccustomed

and those accustomed but simply not acceptable.

Harry found the title humorous but packed the book anyway. He also picked out books on Hogwarts, History, Spells, and wizarding animals. He handed the hefty stack back to Hagrid who then bought all the books and placed them on a trolley. On this trolley was also a new trunk, yellowish with small orange flowers lining the inside, and thick brown leather on the outside. There were shiny golden clasps for closing it and Harry was instantly intrigued.

The duo then went to various shops to buy a cauldron, a telescope, scales and glass phials. Hagrid then went off for a surprise leaving Harry alone to get fitted for robes and make his way to the wand shop. He entered the robe shop with slight apprehension. Harry didn't know the process of robe fitting, so he wasn't sure what to expect. What he wasn't anticipating was standing on a podium whilst magical measuring equipment danced around him.

A blonde haughty boy stood next to him also getting fitted. Harry sighed and resigned himself to at least acknowledge this boy.

Hogwarts?

A nod.

Thought so. What house do you think you'll get?

A shrug.

Well I will be getting Slytherin. Its in my family, you see. In my blood.

The boy paused.

You aren't very talkative are you?

A shrug.

Well I suppose you probably don't have anything of value to say then. That's what my mother says anyway. People who don't talk have nothing of value to say. Is that true for you?

Another shrug.

Hmm... Well... My fittings done so I guess I'll see you at Hogwarts.

Then the blonde boy stepped away, gathered the robes that had been created, and strutted out of the store.

Harry was ripe with mirth. That boy thought the way to get ahead was to gather attention. Harry knew better. Harry knew to strike from the shadows, to wait until no one suspects, to never even be a suspect. You're too innocent or stupid or unknown that no one suspects you.

Harry suddenly had the firm view that the blonde boy was an idiot.

Like most of the Wizarding World.

He finished his fitting, took his school robes and left for the wand shop. Harry arrived quickly, making sure to keep in the shadows, out of people's sight, unlike how Hagrid had been leading him. He entered the wand shop wearing his blank mask again. A thin old man with frizzy grey hair and a bald patch appeared out of the shadows.

He just... appeared.

It was strange but Harry was used to strangeness so he waited for the man to be ready for him. He turned to Harry with a crooked smile on his face. Harry was pretty sure this man was balmy, but tried to let this go as appearances could be deceiving. Ollivander, he assumed because of the name of the shop, started to speak,

Hello, I've been expecting you.

Harry simply stared blankly. The man smiled wider,

I see you aren't one for talking. Come now, let us find your wand.

Harry followed the man behind the counter.

I'm afraid the process isn't perfect. You must try many wands, with a small piece of magic. You will know which one is right. They will choose you, you see the wand chooses the wizard. Now, hold this one and give it a go.

With that he threw Harry a wand.

Harry broke a vase.

He wasn't impressed.

Ollivander just continued to grin and threw him another wand. Wand after wand they tried and Harry was just about ready to give up. But then the next want entered his hand and his world froze.

This was the one.

He felt a rush of happiness, power, magic funnel through him as if he were a vessel for the gods. Light pooled around him and bright red and gold shimmering sparks flew out of the wand. It seemed to glow in his fingers and Harry let out a huge smile, nodding all the while to Ollivander. The man raised an eyebrow and mumbled something Harry couldn't see to himself. Then Harry handed over the money and was soon on his way back to Hagrid.

The man stood in the middle of Diagon Alley holding a bird cage. Specifically a bird cage for an owl. Specifically with an owl inside said bird cage. Specifically with an elegant, white snowy owl. One with something Harry couldn't place. One with secrets that no one would behold. One with piercing gold eyes that had no time for games.

Harry fell in love again.

Hagrid smiled a toothy grin at the boy's reaction. Harry made a mental note to himself to hide his reactions better. He turned to see Hagrid say,

A late birthday present, if you will.

Hagrid then handed him a wand holster and Harry spied a small book bag placed with his other supplies. Harry simply sent him a small smile before dropping his new school robes onto the trolley, making sure to strap on the holster and place his wand in it. He then followed Hagrid back to the Leaky Cauldron. Hagrid then said that there was,

Another surprise upstairs.

Harry tilted his head cautiously in speculation before trudging up the stairs and back to his newly assigned room. Inside he found two people, one sitting on his bed and one sitting in his chair. One, the one on the bed, was a man. He was tall and of a medium build. He had thick locks of brown curly hair and pretty hazel eyes. To Harry he looked heroish. The other, sitting in his chair, was a woman. She had long red hair and deep green eyes. Her face was pale and fair and her clothes were well-fitted but none too revealing. To Harry she looked homely.

At that point she was staring at Harry's soldiers leaned up against the wall next to the bookcase. Harry instantly felt protective and made his presence known by walking into the room fully, closing the door behind him, and waiting. The two adult's head turned to him instantly. They looked at him with affection, guilt and concern, he looked back with a blank mask.

Harry walked over to stand in front of his soldiers, hiding them behind his shoes, and waited for them to speak. He carefully looked at both of them to see who would speak first. It was the woman,

Harry... I'm Lil-ee... I'm uh... Your mother.

Harry's eyes widened for a split second before he schooled his expression. Inside his head was turmoil.

MOTHER! MOTHER? I thought my mother was dead. My mother and my father were drunks and they died in a car crash or... The Dursleys lied... And then why would I be there unless?

They. Didn't. Want. Me.

Sadness turned to anger.

They left me there to be some slave. They never even checked up on me. They just... abandoned me without even thinking for a second and I can't even-

The man spoke and Harry hesitantly moved to face him,

I'm Jeymz. Your father, I know this is a lot to take in but we want you to know that we love you and have always loved you and did everything for your own good.

He stopped speaking and Harry quickly turned to Lil-ee,

You see... there was a dark wizard who wanted to kill us. All of us. And... you have a brother. A brother named Ed-werd and and...

She turned to Jeymz, as did Harry. He continued,

Ed-werd is special. You see, he has a power that could stop this dark wizard so... On the night that the wizard came to hurt us he protected him and you. He stopped the wizard, and he got a scar because of it. And... Because he was special there were other wizards who would want to hurt him. And... You were his twin and when we asked the doctors to check you for magic they said you didn't have any. That you were something called a skwib. Skwibs are people without magic born into a wizarding family. And we thought you were so... We thought that you could be used to hurt Ed-werd. That to get to him they would kidnap or hurt you so we sent you away for both of your safeties. Because if you were a-

And apparently no one even knew he existed! Harry felt a tad offended, to say the least. But he hid this and just continued to stare blankly at the two who were trying to justify their actions.

-skwib then you couldn't protect yourself. And we gave you up so you could have a chance at existing in the muggle world. That's for non-magic people. And we didn't know you were... magic until... until you got your letter and Duhm-bool-dawr told us and...

Lil-ee started to cry. Harry could see the tears streaking down her face, and how her mouth opened but no understandable mouth movements came. She was sobbing. Jeymz finished lamely,

We're sorry.

Harry turned away from them and stared vacantly, no longer acknowledging their presence. They left him! They left him to be treated like a slave and starved and they're... sorry? They're sorry! After five minutes of the two continuing to plead with him they finally left. Once they were out the door Harry let his face turn into a scowl and he layed down on his bed.

The next day he would be taking the train to Hogwarts.