CHAPTER TWO

Diagon Alley

Daily Prophet

HARRY POTTER ATTENDS HOGWARTS!

While the Ministry of Magic still have found no leads in regards to Harry Potter's disappearance, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry does have some startling insight to the Boy-Who-Lived. Two weeks ago, eleven year olds across Britain received their Hogwarts letters including Harry James Potter. A week later, the Deputy Headmistress received a reply assuring the school that he will attend. Professor Minerva McGonagall wasted no time in sending out a second letter to the young hero, begging him to inform her of his whereabouts. His reply left no clues as to where we can find the Boy-Who-Lived, but Headmaster Albus Dumbledore assures that from the context of the letter it appears that where ever he is at the boy is at least happy.

It has never been confirmed, but broadly speculated, that Sirius Black was involved in the sudden disappearance of Harry Potter. The dark wizard had only broken out of Azkaban Prison two weeks prior to the Boy-Who-Lived vanishing from an outing he was attending with his cousin and several neighborhood children. However, while Black remains the Ministry's chief suspect in the case, no actual proof has been found that he was the one who abducted our nations hero. Where is Harry Potter? Is he safe? Is he as happy as Dumbledore claims? There are many questions surrounding Harry James Potter and no doubt they will be answered come September First.

Harry snorted in disgust and threw the paper back onto the table to let out his frustration.

"You didn't enjoy it?"

Harry looked up at his father's laughing gaze and glared at him. "Your still a villain," he grumbled.

Sirius smiled wickedly, "It will be part of my new persona as I finally take up the reins as Lord Black at the Wizengamot. All those idiots scurrying out of my way hoping that I don't cast a killing curse at them for being to slow."

"You don't mind?" Harry asked as he looked down at the paper. It bothered him what they said about the man who had rescued him from the Dursley's. Sirius had given him a home, a family that truly cared about him, and taught him all about his heritage. These people made it sound like Sirius spent his time beating him to near death. These people who had left him to the mercy of the Dursley's had the audacity to imply and even outright accuse his godfather of harming him. It made him sick.

Sirius sighed and pulled Harry out of his chair and onto his lap.
"My family was one of the darkest families in existence. You have heard some of the stories from my brother and myself. The world was always waiting for me to take a wrong step somewhere and when I entered Hogwarts, the only person who didn't turn their back on me when I took my seat at the Gryffindor table was your dad and that's not to say he was nice. James was very suspicious of me for the first few weeks, though he was polite enough, our friendship was a slow progress at first and it was a bonding over pranks. Soon enough we were inseparable. I went on to make a few friends in our house, but most of them were suspicious of me till the day we graduated. Did it bother me then? Yes. Does it bother me now? Only slightly. Do you know why?"

Harry shook his head.

"Because before I met your dad I never considered my family as a real family. I didn't respect them or care about them and they never approved of me in any way, so I sought that approval elsewhere. Once your dad and I became best friends all that changed. Brothers in all but blood we used to say. Your dad became my family and when that happened, what the rest of the world thought didn't matter, as long as he knew the truth. Now all I care about is you and Reg. All I need is for you to know the truth, I don't care about anyone else's opinion, just as long as I never loose your respect or trust. I can't make them change their opinions of me, so I'll use their opinions to my advantage. They fear what I can do and what I'm willing to do. I have you, I have your aunt and Uncle, and I have Marcus and Cassandra. I don't need any more than that."

Harry nodded his understanding and played with the edge of his shirt as he thought over what his father had said. It made a certain sort of sense, but, "It bothers, me," he murmured continuing to play with the edge of his shirt. "It bother's me that they think terribly of you when you helped me and have been nothing but kind to me. It bother's me that they think they even have a right to care after they left me with the Dursley's."

Sirius squeezed Harry to his chest for a moment trying to provide his son with comfort. "People are a complicated lot Harry. They don't really care about you Harry. That sounds cruel and I'm sure some of them really do, actually, care about you. Most of them, however, don't. For the rest of your life you will always be a public interest piece. One day you will be everyone's favorite hero and the next your going to be a pariah. For example, right now you're a tragic hero, the little boy who lost his parents and then was kidnapped by his parents murderer. What do you think will happen as soon as they find out that you were being raised by me and are happy and healthy?"

Harry shrugged a shoulder his fingers still playing with the edge of his shirt. There were a few wrinkles in the material now from his sweaty palms.

"They're going to think that I've been teaching you the dark arts," Sirius answered his voice full of caution and concern. "They're going to think I've been raising you to be the next dark lord."

Harry looked up at him, his eyes wide with fear. "But you aren't," Harry protested.

"It doesn't matter," Sirius shrugged, his eyes full of sympathy. "Believe me, I know what it's like to live with preconceptions. Don't do what I did Harry. Don't go out of your way to prove them wrong. Let them say what they want to say. You just go about living how you, Harry James Potter Black, want to live. You be the man your Uncle and I taught you to be, the rest of the world will either fall into line with you or continue to believe the lies. Like what I'm doing. I will never compromise my beliefs, but that doesn't mean I wont use the worlds expectations against them. The Black Lord Black will use their fears to make some good changes. Let the world call me Dark when I propose muggle protection acts."

Harry chuckled at that, "Alright, I'll try not to let them get to me."

"Just remember you are the heir to the most ancient and most noble House of Potter and House of Black," Sirius said pointedly. Harry nodded that he understood what was meant. The two families were very powerful individually. The Black family was as dark as their name implied and was littered with some of the darkest wizards in Britain history. In contrast Harry's own family, the Potters, were well known for their work against the dark arts and their firm belief in the rights of all beings, human and creatures alike. Two families, each on opposite ends of the spectrum, united in Harry Potter. Sirius had prepared him, taught him about his heritage, passed on the Black traditions so that they would never be lost. Now, apparently, Hogwarts would be his first challenge. He would be the leader for those who believed in a more liberal use of the dark arts and he would be the leader for those who believed in creature rights, in human decency and responsibility. "Now, are you ready to go to Diagon Alley?"

Harry stood from the table indicating that he was prepared. "Can I get an owl?" he asked as he followed Sirius to the door.

Sirius turned to look at him in speculation, "I suppose that might be a good idea. I expect a letter once a week."

Harry smirked, "Deal."

"That was easy," Sirius mumbled.

"I would have agreed to three times a week," Harry laughed.

Sirius sighed in mock exasperation, "What was I thinking telling you all those marauder stories?"

"Not your best example of that brilliant intelligence you claim to have," Harry smirked and then ducked as his father aimed a playful smack to the back of his head and rushed out the door with Sirius calling after him.

Sirius scowled at him as he caught up to him at the main road. "Well dear son of mine, am I intelligent enough to hail a cab do you think?"

"If you find it too difficult I can…"

"Hush you," Sirius growled and stepped off the curb to hail a cab. Harry heard him mumbling as he got in the car, "too cocky...James genes, Lily's snark…" Harry tried to suppress his laughter but judging by the suspicious glance his father was giving him, he was not succeeding.

"So, where are we going first?" Harry inquired as he watched the scenes passing by.

"We need to go to the bank first," Sirius began. "Make a withdrawal, introduce you to your families account manager. Now that you will be eleven I will begin to teach you how to manage your families finances. We also need to retrieve the heir rings, and If I recall correctly your parents left you something."

Harry looked at his father in surprise. "They did?" Harry asked quietly, his tone reverent.

"Yeah," Sirius said quietly. He reached out and ran a hand over his godsons hair then shifting in his seat he put his arm over Harry's shoulders needing to feel him close and alive. "They were playing a dangerous game, we all were. We all had some plan for our loved ones if we didn't make it."

"Do you know what it is?" Harry questioned eagerly.

Sirius chuckled amazed at how easy it was for an eleven year old to move from one emotion to the next so easily, "Guess we'll find out together." Silence filled the inside of the cab as they took comfort from each other. The car came to a stop on a barren street and Sirius reached forward to pay the cabbie.

"Padfoot?" Harry asked as he followed Sirius out of the cab. "Can I get a new broom too?"

Sirius laughed at his puppy like expression. "You do know that I own that look right?"

Harry shrugged, "It was worth a shot."

Sirius paused at the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron and then turned to smirk at his godson causing Harry to shrink back. Sirius had that look in his eyes that meant someone should spend the next few days being extra paranoid.

"Well, Harry, what do you say to giving the beloved populace something to talk about?" Sirius inquired as he leaned against the door.

"What are you talking about?" Harry asked wearily.

"I mean should we let our adoring public know that you are alive and well?" Sirius elucidated. "I drop your name as we bicker back and forth and just keep walking and pretend the rest of the world doesn't exist."

"Why?" Harry asked looking at the door nervously.

"Well, you know how people make judgments of someone based on their appearance?" Sirius asked. At Harry's nod he continued. "I just thought that the same would be for your fame. If we control what the people see, then maybe we can control the dark lord rumors."

Harry's eyes widened, "That actually makes since."

Sirius yanked the door open and shoved Harry in ahead of him. "Of course it makes sense Harry. I said it." Sirius spoke rather loudly as to attract the attention of the pubs patrons.

Harry rolled his eyes as he stepped into stride next to his father. "Didn't we already discuss that supposed famous intelligence of yours is non existent?"

"Harry James Potter," Sirius gasped as his hand slapped over his heart in a look that was supposed to convey hurt. "How you wound your old man!"

Harry forced his features into a frown trying to hide the laugh that was building inside of him at the curious looks the patrons were now giving the duo. "But Sirius, are you actually admitting to being old?"

Sirius stumbled mid stride before turning a glare on Harry, "I would never! I was merely emphasizing that I am much older than you, not that I am old."

"Whatever you say Sirius," Harry shrugged as they walked out the back door. As soon as it had clicked shut behind them Sirius and Harry doubled over in laughter.

"Did you see their faces?" Sirius demanded.

"They were so confused," Harry laughed. It took them a few moments to get enough control of themselves to open Diagon Alley and even then covert glances at each other was enough to set them off again as they made their way to Gringotts.

Their business in the old bank did not last as long as Harry had feared it would. Sirius spent only a half hour in a meeting with his account manager going over the estate and setting up an appointment at a later date to review it in more detail. After that they swung by the account manager for the Potter Estate which meeting only lasted as long as it took to introduce Harry to Snapclaw and to receive permission to visit the family vault since Harry was technically not allowed access to it's contents until his seventeenth birthday. A Goblin by the name of Giphook escorted them down to their vaults. They made a quick stop at Sirius' vault for a withdrawal and then made their way to the Potter Family vault. When the door opened Harry stared in wonder at the treasures it revealed. There was everything from ancient artifacts to precious gems and scrolls of rare texts to sharp and deadly weapons.

"Your family has a second vault for the finances of the entailment. These items in this vault are too priceless to be put on display, but the Potter Manor boasts it's own prized collection of artifacts and rare books," Sirius explained. "The Black family has a very extensive collection of dark artifacts, but as the items are dark, the only people who get to appreciate their splendor is the Black family themselves. Your family is well known for the display of such rare items. Its said that the Potter collection is what draws so many to their gatherings and balls."

"It's amazing," Harry murmured as he tried to take it all in.

Sirius smiled down at his son and just watched him as he examined his families history. After a moment he turned towards a trunk just to the side of the door. An envelope lay on top of the trunk with Harry's name written across the middle in Lily's beautiful calligraphy.

"Harry," Sirius said quietly getting the child's attention. He beckoned him forward quietly. "I believe this is for you."

Harry didn't move forward right away, but instead stood staring at the beautifully carved trunk in awe. On the front was a family of deer standing on a hill a forest behind them. A fawn stood at the center between a doe and a stag. The doe and stag had their foreheads pressed together in a loving gesture over their young fawn. Harry reached forward and touched the scene reverently. "Mom and dad," he choked out and Sirius realized that he was trying not to cry.

"Why don't I shrink it and we can open it up at home where you can take all the time in the world?" Sirius whispered as he gripped his son's shoulder in support.

Harry nodded in agreement and stepped back so that Sirius could tap the trunk with his wand. Harry was quiet the as they rode the cart back up to the bank and he didn't even protest as Sirius asked to see Snapclaw one last time.

While Harry waited in a chair out in the hall Sirius had a quick chat with the Potter account manager as to obtaining the key to his sons trust fund his parents had left him.

"The key was already retrieved, Mr. Black," Snapclaw declared when Sirius made the request.

"By who?" Sirius demanded.

"Harry's magical guardian of course," Snapclaw stated.

"Master Snapclaw," Sirius sighed in exaspseration. "There seems to be some confusion. I am Harry Potter's magical guardian as well as his adopted father. I assure you, I have never requested Harry's key as we have been living off the Black accounts in America."

Snapclaw frowned and began riffling through some papers on his desk before pulling out one in particular. "It say's here that Harry's magical guardian is Albus Dumbledore."

"Master Snapclaw, Harry's parents made me his godfather," Sirius growled. "As I was never given a trial legal custody of Harry was never revoked. To go one step further, when Harry was seven I legally adopted him."

Snapclaw looked like murder was at the forefront of his mind. "I assure you Lord Black that I will have the paper work reviewed for signs of forgery and an investigation will be launched as to how Headmaster Dumbledore was able to get the paperwork through. I will also have the key retrieved from his custody. Allow me to convey my apologies for the mix-up, I assure you we will get it straighted out," Snapclaw promised.

"Thank you," Sirius nodded his head. "It might also be prudent to ensure the man has not been stealing from my son. Neither Harry or I have had access to these accounts so no money should be missing from his trust except for the amounts specified by his parents to pay for his schooling."

"You believe he would do such a thing?" Snapclaw asked in surprise.

"I'm no longer certain what to expect from Albus," Sirius said. "I never thought he would allow a man to be sent to prison without a trial, but here I sit as proof. I just want to be sure."

Snapclaw nodded, "I'll have the accounts looked over thoroughly and I should have an answer for you by the end of the week."

"Thank you," Sirius acknowledged before standing up and leaving the office. Harry's mood seemed to lighten back up once they left the imposing bank and Sirius led him to Madam Malkin's. Harry hated clothes shopping and Sirius thought the event might go more smoothly while he was in a more docile mood.

Harry waited patiently as he was measured for his school robes, but his quiet attitude was fast becoming non existent in the face of picking and choosing fabrics. Thankfully Sirius was a bit of a fashion nut. He wasn't one of those who invested in the fads either. So the cloth that he picked out for Harry's robes were not showy but durable and in a design that was more classical in look with only hints of the current trend to hint at the wealth in which he lived.

Just as Harry's mood was becoming dark Sirius led him out of Madam Malkin's and towards a store to pick up his trunk for school. Sirius teased him about how compliant he was while being fitted for his robes and Harry sent him a glare as they entered the next shop. They wasted no time in picking out a trunk. It was only slightly more extravagant than the basic Hogwarts trunks. The one they walked away with had a secret compartment at the bottom of the trunk so that Harry could hide his more prized and valuable trinkets while at Hogwarts.

Sirius then dropped Harry off at Florish and Blotts to collect his school books while he went to the apothecary to buy his potion ingredients. It didn't take him long to find his school books, so while he waited for Sirius to return he began browsing for other books that he hoped to convince his father to buy for him. He was in the history section when he was literally run over and then buried under a collection of books.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," someone said above him as he groaned. He felt someone shifting some of the books that were lying on him, but he didn't wait for them to remove all of them and simply stood up leaving the books to tumble to the ground in whatever way they preferred. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Harry chuckled as he turned to the girl who had spoken. The first thing to be noticed was the abundance of bushy brown hair. Next to draw his eye, was the large front teeth of her smile. Once he had gotten past these two oddities he found that she was rather pleasant to look at. "At least none of them like to bite. Are they all yours?"

"Yes," the girl nodded as she began stacking the books.

"Hold on a sec and I'll go get you a basket to carry them all in," Harry said putting his hand out in a gesture that told her to wait where she was.

"Oh but…" Harry was already gone before she was able to finish.

He returned a few moments later and set the basket off to the side as he knelt down to help her pick up her books.

"I don't think these are going to fit in there," she exclaimed looking between the small basket and her large collection.

"It has an undetectable expansion charm on it," Harry explained. "It will hold as much as you want."

"Really? That's fascinating," she remarked as she began to investigate the basket.

"I'm guessing you're a muggleborn then?" Harry asked as he watched her examine the shopping bin.

"Is it that obvious?" she blushed.

Harry shrugged, "You're far to fascinated by something that those who grew up in the wizarding world take for granted."

"Oh," she said shyly as she put the basket back on the floor and began to pile her books inside.

"I'm Harry, by the way," he said holding his hand out for the girl to shake.

"I'm Hermione Granger," she announced.

"So what are all these books for?" Harry asked reaching out for one and reading the title.

"Well there's just so much I don't know about being a witch and I wanted to learn all I could before I went off to Hogwarts," she explained.

Harry began sorting through the books, "these are all pretty useless if your trying to understand wizarding culture. Doesn't Hogwarts offer a Cultural class for muggleborns and halfbloods?" he asked with a frown.

"No, just a muggle studies course for third years and above which is just optional," she said sadly.

"Here," Harry said standing up and then helping Hermione to her feet. He picked her basket up and then turned back to the historical section of books. Finding the two he was looking for he pulled them down. "The text they assign to us for history class focuses on just British History. This book here is an overview of the world history in regards to wizards and this book is more like an encyclopedia, but it focuses on the prominent wizarding families. The British Wizarding Society is built on a hierarchy in a way. The old families have a lot of power in the government and are like royalty in our world. It's a good idea to have some idea of their history and where they stand in their political views. Sad to say, but there is a lot of prejudice in regards to muggleborns. Your time at Hogwarts is not going to be easy."

"Why? What do wizards have against muggleborns?" Hermione demanded.

"Follow me," Harry beckoned and led her further down the row of books to where the etiquette and cultural books were. He pulled a book down that focused on just the etiquette of wizard society and the class system it depended on. "This book explains our culture a bit more. The do's and don'ts of wizard society. As to the prejudice you'll face, that requires an in depth discussion. There aren't any books on the matter," Harry explained.

"Can't you give me an overview," Hermione pleaded.

"Well the gist of it is that as a muggleborn you aren't familiar with our customs, which makes you remarkably difficult to deal with in certain scenarios," Harry expounded. "Also, there is the belief that muggleborn blood is tainted."

"That's just ridiculous!" Hermione cried.

"Well the way I put it, it does sound like it doesn't it," Harry chuckled. "But it's not. Not entirely anyway. Come on." Harry led her towards a section on theory and pulled a book on magic in general off the shelf. It explained the theory behind how magic worked, the idea that it matured, and how it came to be to begin with. "Here, read this. It doesn't explain why muggleborn blood is tainted, but if you read carefully enough you might be able to get an idea as to where the theory came about. I can explain it and answer any questions you might have on the train to Hogwarts if you like?"

"I would really appreciate that, thank you," Hermione smiled as she put the book in her basket.

"That book will also give you a good base to start learning spell theory," Harry added as he handed over her basket. "Most of these other books are a bit useless until your older anyway."

"Oh, well, maybe ill get them anyway," Hermione said. ''They looked really interesting."

"Miss Granger?" someone called from an aisle over interrupting their discussion.

"Over here, Professor McGonagall," Hermione called sending an apologetic glance towards Harry.

A woman in dark green robes stepped around the corner and headed toward them. Her pepper grey hair was pulled back in a sever bun and covered by a pointed hat. Her expression was stern with thin lips and a no nonsense manner. "Have you found all that you needed to?" she asked as she came to a stop.

"Yes, Professor," Hermione nodded eagerly.

"Very well, your parents are ready to check out," she said. She turned her gaze onto Harry and her eyes narrowed. "And who might you be young man?"

A shiver went up Harry's spine. For some reason, he didn't know how to explain, he felt that it wasn't in his best interest to tell her his real name, but he had already told Hermione and he didn't think the woman was an actual threat to him. "Harry Potter ma'am," he announced politely. "If you'll excuse me I have more books to find." He turned on his heel and quickly made to move away from the imposing professor but he didn't get more than a few steps when he felt a strong grip around his upper arm. "Let me go," he demanded as she turned him around.

"I think not Mr. Potter," Professor McGonagall said sternly as she began pulling him along with Hermione trailing behind throwing worried and confused glances his way. "You have been missing since you were five. Your family is naturally very concerned and will be quiet happy that you have been found."

"Let me go!" he shouted as he yanked on his arm attracting the attention of nearby patrons.

"Mr. Potter!" McGonagall cried in admonishment and her grip tightened.

"Professor McGonagall," A deep baritone voice called out causing everyone in the shop to stop what they were doing and look on the scene. "My son asked you to let him go."

Harry's eyes widened as he looked over at his father. He had seen the man upset and had been on the receiving end of his temper quiet a few times for things like sticking his prized collection of chocolate frog cards to the ceiling of the parlor. Never before had he seen such a dangerous glint in his fathers eye.

"Harry is not your child Sirius," McGonagall said austerely. "His legal guardians are his Aunt and Uncle and he is going back."

"Awe, Minnie and here I was under the impression that person least likely to act like a sheep would be you, but alas, I'm proven wrong. My brother always did call me optimistic," Sirius sighed as though he were deeply disappointed. Harry knew that it was an act. His father was angry, but he also knew that his father had a lot of respect in Hogwarts for the professor that was now gripping his arm and so on some deeper level he probably was disappointed in his Professor. "My position as legal guardian of Harry was never revoked. I am still his godfather and if you want further proof as to my rights, then you can take it up with the Department that handles adoption records. Now, I will not ask again. Let my son go," he demanded in a quiet tone that only seemed to emphasize how serious he was. Professor McGonagall let Harry's arm go and as soon as he was released from her grasp he raced forward to the security of Sirius' embrace.

"Are you alright, Pup?" Sirius asked as he wrapped one arm around Harry the other still prepared to draw his wand.

"Yes," Harry said shakily , his eyes wearily trained on the Professor. Sirius led them up to the counter sweeping by the McGonagall and ignored her suspicious gaze. Quietly they paid for the books Harry had found and then quickly Sirius escorted Harry outside.

He led them to a quiet corner between two buildings and knelt in front of his son. "Truly Harry are you alright?"

Harry nodded, "I was just so scared. I thought I was going to have to go back." Tears were leaking out of his sons eyes which greatly worried Sirius. Harry had never been one to cry simply because he was upset. It made him wonder if it was more than just this singular incident but if Harry truly feared going back on a daily basis. When he was little Harry used to have nightmares about being forced back to his Aunt and Uncle and Sirius had thought he had learned that it would never happen. Now he wondered if Harry had simply stopped telling him when the nightmares occurred. He gathered his son up in his arms. "I don't want to go back."

Sirius hushed him as he rubbed the boys back, "Harry you are never going back there," he assured once his son had calmed down enough to hear him. "Even if they did manage to drag you back to that house, Marcus and Cassandra would not leave you there for long. Your Uncle Antares and Aunt Sarah are your legal guardians if anything should happen to me. But nothing is going to happen, I love you to much to just let you go. I'll put up one hell of a fight first. Understand?"

Harry nodded against his shoulder and with one last pat on the back Sirius stood up. "What do you say about going to get your wand?"

"Okay," he agreed. Harry slipped his hand into Sirius' as they walked through the alley. It had been a long time since Harry held his hand willingly. Having declared himself a big boy at the age of ten he felt that it was beneath him to hold hands with his father like a baby. It was nice to have his little boy back again even if it was just for a few minutes. He wasn't ready for Harry to become a man yet.

The hunt for a wand took almost an hour as Harry tried nearly every wand in the store. Finally, Ollivander, a famous wand maker, pulled out a wand that he handed to Harry almost fearfully. When the wand accepted Harry as it's master and Ollivander had explained the story of how it was the brother wand of Lord Voldemort, Sirius had wanted to rip the wand out of Harry's hands and demand that the man find him a different one. As they left the shop, he could tell that his son was excited about his wand, but there was also a hint of nervousness as well. Sirius knew his son was wondering about what it meant for him to own the brother wand of Lord Voldemort.

Seeing that his son needed a distraction he led him to the Quidditch Supply store and allowed him to look his fill at the new racing broom. Harry once again tried to wheedle a new broom out of his father, but had been unsuccessful. He did get some new gloves as his were beginning to show their wear. After that they went to Eyelop's Owl Emporium where Harry picked out a Snow Owl as his familiar. After telling the Owl where to go they made their way to the Leaky Cauldron for a late lunch before heading back to Grimmuald Place.