Note: Everything belongs to JKR unless it is inconsistent with the original canon.
The sound of the Dursley's car leaving was the signal Harry needed in order to leave the place he called home. Once he opened the door of his cupboard and stepped out into the Dursley's hallway, Harry knew his plan would work. Walking to the kitchen Harry removed Dudley's old backpack and set it down on the dining table. Harry went to fridge, raised his hand and closed his eyes. He whispered "Harry's Pack" and felt the tingle of what he now knew to be his magic vibrate within the air. With a smile Harry opened the fridge and saw a small sack filled to the top with food and drinks. He gently took the sack out, placing his palm over it, whispered, "Do not spoil. Do not go bad. Stay fresh and at right temperature." Harry allowed a small gleeful laugh to come out as he felt the magic respond to his words. Lifting the sack he gently placed it within it's own zipped compartment on the backpack. Making sure that he had everything he needed within his backpack, Harry once again walked back to his little home and gently closed the cupboard door. Placing a small hand on the door, he closed his eyes and thanked the tiny room for providing him with a place to stay. He wished that the Dursley's would never be able to step foot into his little home and that no one could open the door but him. Little did Harry know that his magic responded to his wishes and his home was locked and hidden to all but Harry James Potter.
Harry walked along the streets of London, looking for the place in the letter called The Leaky Cauldron. Once he found it, Harry slowly opened the door and stepped into his first magical place. The place was filled with what he assumed were adult witches and wizards, all of whom were talking or drinking at various tables. Harry thought that it was not at all different from what he thought a tavern would be like in the western days. Walking slowly down to the counter, Harry did his best to remain inconspicuous. He wanted no one to see him or talk to him. It was the only way he knew and he much preferred it. Upon reaching the counter, Harry looked disbelieving at it's height. His head barely reached the middle of it! Shaking his head at his own inadequacies, he reached for the stool next to him, wrapping his small arms around it, Harry slowly but surely managed to pull himself up onto the stool by his arms. When he was finally seated on top of the stool it made a squeeky sound and everyone turned in his direction. "Oh well, there's go any hope of remaining invisible," Harry thought to himself. Facing the man before the bar who was drying a mug with a rag, Harry gave a tentative smile.
"Hello, sir. May I please have a cold glass of water?" Harry asked the man politely. After two hours of walking he was thirsty and he wanted to save what was in his pack for as long as possible.
The man looked at him speechlessly before walking over to the sink and pouring him some cold water into a clean mug. "Here you go lad," the man said, setting it down in front of the boy. He watched the boy's small hands wrap around the cup and slowly bring it to his mouth. "What brings you out here lad," Tom asked the young boy.
"I received a letter and in this letter I was told to come here in order to find my way to Diagon Alley, where I will be able to purchase needed supplies," Harry answered honestly. The cold water felt soothing as it went down his parched throat.
"Ah, that must be the Hogwarts letter. There is a way to get to Diagon Alley from here, but only an adult can get you in," Tom told the boy, wondering why he was alone.
Harry tilted his head to side, pondering what he should do now. Tracing the circle on the cup with his index finger, he looked into the man's eyes. "Is there anyway you could help me," Harry asked softly.
Tom gently laid his elbows on the counter so he was eye level with the boy, "There are a lot of adults in here who can help, but surely your parents do not want you talking to strangers." Tom watched the tiny shoulders shrug in response to his suggestion. Sighing, Tom asked the question that was bothering him, since the young boy hoisted himself on the stool. "Where are your parents lad?"
"I don't know," Harry softly whispered. He heard a couple of people gasp around him and saw the man before the counter stand up straight. "The only people I've known are the Dursley's and they never even knew I existed let alone left," Harry told him.
"Are you telling me that you are all alone," a woman to his left asked him.
Harry shrugged before replying and facing her, "I've been alone for as long as I can remember, ma'am." He said this as if it meant nothing and to him it didn't. Being alone was all he knew and as far as Harry was concerned it was enough.
Tom watched as his customers surrounding the boy all winced at his emotionless response. There was no deceit in this young boy and to know that he is alone is heartbreaking to the people around him. Tom watched as a stalwart man came and knelt down by the boy's side.
"Listen, kid. It is not safe for children to be by themselves, but seeing as you have no one, I would be honored to escort you around today," the wizened man told him.
Harry looked upon this ancient man and saw sincerity in his eyes. Somehow he knew that this man would not harm or allow harm to come to him, while he was in his company. "Thank you for your kindness and I gladly accept your generous offer," Harry said, softly.
The wizened man smiled at him, holding out his hand for the boy to take. Harry gently took the strong hand and in shock was lifted right off the stool and into the air. Without realizing it, he let a out a soft laugh of delight. When he was placed gently down on the ground, Harry turned to the man who served him water and asked, "how much do I owe for the water, sir?"
Tom smiled, "Nothing young lad. You are free to go and enjoy yourself while shopping." He watched the boy mumble a thank you in reply. Tom watched as the young boy with the backpack on his small back was led out into Diagon Alley by Aberforth Dumbledore.
[Break]
Astonishment filled Harry once the man he now called Abe opened the path to Diagon Alley. He felt the magic and power in the air as it lovingly washed over him, almost as if he was being welcomed home. Harry's delight and curiosity would not be quenched so he slipped his hand free of Abe's hold and started walking to a shop next to him.
"Whoa there little man," Abe told him, laughing as he gently pulled Harry back to his side. "I know all this is exciting but it is dangerous so I need you to stay by me, okay," Abe told the boy in a serious tone.
Harry looked into those wise eyes and nodded his head, knowing he was safe as long as Abe was with him. Abe smiled once again and the two set off to a building that was at the end of the alley. Harry placed his foot inside the doorway to the building called Gringotts and all of a sudden a massive dome of light and sound surrounded him. He reached out his hand to touch it, but instead he watched in fascination as the threads of light wove through his fingers. Harry could literally feel the power touching and caressing his body, while the light warmed him from the inside and the sound made him stand up on tiptoes to reach for it.
"What is going on? What's happening?" Aberforth shouted out in concern. He looked at the goblins, hoping they had an answer as to why the little boy was untouchable.
The goblin's were struck speechless and in shock. They knew what this meant but they never thought it would happen today. "Everyone but the man who is standing next to the dome please leave immediately," a stern voice called out, expecting to be obeyed.
Ragnok stepped up to the dome and the wizened man next to it, "It's all right, the boy is not hurt." He stated as the bank was cleared of everyone in the front hall, the others on the lower levels were prevented from returning to the lobby until this was explained. "Who is he?" Ragnok asked sharply.
"I do not know his name. I only know that he came to The Leaky Cauldron alone and looking for a way to come to this alley. He has just received his acceptance letter into Hogwarts and I asked to escort him, while he did his shopping," Aberforth explained. He looked at the dome of magic, light, and sound that surrounded the young boy and flinched away from the power emanating from it.
"Well whoever he is, he has just received our respect, obedience, and loyalty," Ragnok stated proudly.
Aberforth was numbed. Never in all his days did he ever think a goblin would just swear fealty to a wizard. "Who is this young boy," he asked more to himself than to the goblin.
Ragnok's hard flinty eyes turned gentle and welcoming as the dome surrounding the young boy slowly dissipated until there was nothing left. Lifting the young boy's right hand, Ragnok placed a gentle kiss on his fourth knuckle, "On behalf of the goblin's, we pledge our loyalty, obedience, and respect to you. May you cut down those who stand in your way and pierce those who betray you. May you be kind and merciful to those who need it and may your strictness and punishments be fair and full of justice." As one Ragnok and the goblin's went down to one knee with heads bowed and posture's submissive.
[Break]
After the happenings at Gringotts, Aberforth decided to take the young boy to get the rest of his supplies. They managed to buy his robes and some casual clothes, his books, his potion ingredients and cauldron and the young boy purchased a snowy owl whom he named Hedwig. Aberforth shook his head as the scene from Gringotts flashed through his mind. Once the goblins stood up they kept the bank closed until the young boy was done. Never has he seen the goblins be so courteous, helpful and welcoming, Aberforth is flabbergasted to say the least. The young boy just smiled and thank them for their kindness. Once they left the boy asked Aberforth if he knew what just happened. Aberforth could only tell the boy that he was just as confused as the boy himself was. Aberforth led the boy into Ollivander's, hoping that the wand selection would not take very long.
Ollivander came to the front of the store and almost stopped breathing as he saw the boy. "I never thought I would live to see this day. The goblins must be as overjoyed as I myself am. To see you, standing in front of me, whole and alive is more than words can describe," Ollivander whispered reverently.
"Hello, sir. I believe I need a wand in order to enter Hogwarts and I was wondering if you could help me," Harry asked the man softly. He did not understand the man's words nor the goblin's, but he hoped the man could be of help like the goblins were.
"My dear boy, of course I will help you just like the goblins will. We are here whenever you have need of us, but I can not give you a wand," Ollivander told the boy firmly.
"Why not?" Aberforth asked roughly. Once again he was confused by the reaction to the boy at his side. Although Ollivander did not bow or say anything his eyes and body posture did and this man would do anything for the young boy.
"Mr. Dumbledore, how nice to see you again. It's been ages." Ollivander greeted the wizened man. "There is no wand that is compatible with his power levels. His power is beyond that of any wand in existence. If a wand was to land in his possession, at its first use, the wand would break and shatter," Ollivander told Aberforth firmly.
Aberforth was floored from the wand maker's words, "Is there no way you could help us?" He asked in shock.
"Of course I can help," Ollivander stated. He turned the boy around to face his window and pointed to a shop across from them. "You will find what you need in there, but I caution you young one, only choose those that call to you." Turning the boy back around he looked straight into emerald green eyes, "I am always here to help, guide, and protect you as are the goblin's. Remember that."
Harry nodded at the man, knowing that it was imperative that he respond and somehow he knew that he could trust this man. With a smile and a thank you to the man, Harry left with Abe to go across the street into a weapon/armor store. Harry stopped as soon as he entered the store and tilted his head to the side. His fingers ached and twitched spasmodically, as his green eyes settled on the two weapons in the back of the store. Harry walked over to them and all the while Abe and the shop owner named Gary watched in fascination. The two weapons were emitting a soft light and a deep soulful sound, almost as if they were excited to be claimed. One was a short sword that had an emerald and gold jewel set in the handle and the other was a bow that had red and silver etchings carved into the wood. Reverently Harry stretched out his hands and placed his palms on both of weapons. His small body vibrated with magic as he bonded to the weapons and they to him. The store was filled with such strong and potent magic that the two men had to duck as everything that was glass shattered from the vibrations.
"Sweet Merlin. He has come," Gary whispered so that only Abe could hear him.
Abe's head around swung to meet Gary, "Who is he?!" He shouted, at his wit's end.
"He is our hope, future, and present. He is so much more than what he is already known as," Gary told the man. He met those blue eyes with his own hazel ones, "All will know who he truly is in time. For now you must be patient and fulfill your destined role."
Abe was once again lost in shock as he looked upon the small boy with whom he has shared an interesting outing with. As the boy paid for his purchases and they walked back to the Leaky Cauldron, Abe was sure he would never experience another day quite like this.