Disclaimer: See Ch1
Ch 3: Diagon Alley PT. 1
After a harrowing ride on the Knight Buss, Harry and Dudley finally arrive in front of The Leakey Caldron. "The Leakey Caldron, man this place could use some fixing up!" Dudley noted as they walked up. "You can see it?" Harry asked.
"Well it's bloody hard to miss!"
"But it's charmed so muggles can't see it until they have been there once!"
"It stands out pretty well to me. Maybe it has something to do with that aura thing from the hospital?"
'That might be it' Harry mused, still not convinced.
They made their way inside the pub. Tom the barkeep greeted them warmly, and asked Harry about his companion. "Tom this is my cousin, Dudley Dursley, I'm going to be showing him around. Dudley this is Tom, he runs the place, and also serves up some of the best food this side of Mrs. Weasley's kitchen!" Tom blushed scarlet at the compliment. Mrs. Weasley's cooking was now famous, unknown to Harry. She had just recently published her own cook book, and it was at the top of the charts. "Well, Tom, we need to be heading to the alley. Might stop later for a spot of dinner before heading home, if there's time. We will see you later, if not."
"We'll see ya later then, and nice to meet ya Dudley."
"Same here Tom, hopefully I will get to try that food out!"
Harry tapped the bricks in the back alley, to open the doorway. When they stepped through, to say Dudley was flabbergasted would have been an understatement. His jay went so far down; it could have caught a dragon instead of flies. Harry told him. "Normally, I would go to Gringotts first, that's the wizard bank. However I need to talk to Mr. Olivander, the wand maker first."
"That's fine by me Harry. I'm just amazed by all this! To think all this wonderful stuff is hidden right under people's noses! How could wizards pull something like that off?"
"It's not easy believe me!" Harry laughed.
The were greeted at Olivander's, by the tinkling of the tiny bell above the door. The same dusty boxes lined the walls, but no Olivander in sight. Just as they were about to give up no him; the man in question popped up from behind the counter. "Hello Mr. Potter, I thought I'd be seeing you again." The two young men jumped out of their skins, well almost. "Ha ha! I just love doing that! Well Mr. Dursley, I had given up on ever seeing you. Especially, when you didn't show up with Mr. Potter here for first year."
"What do you mean, sir? I wasn't asked to Hogwarts when Harry was. I always thought I was a, what do you call them, muggle. I have never had any magic."
"Maybe your parent's revulsion to all things magical caused you to block it subconsciously. I mean you saw how they treated me and it made you block it out!" Harry concluded.
"Well for a long time your name was on the list with Harry's then suddenly disappeared. There must have been something that happened to block your talent? I can see though that that block has now been removed. Also, you should be a rather powerful wizard, at least more so than the average one. Shall we try to find you a wand?"
Dudley looked to Harry for confirmation. "He is the expert." Harry told him. "Sure why not, how do we do this?"
"I will get your measurements then bring you some to try. You just pick them up and give it a wave. If it is the right one, we will know. The wand chooses the wizard you know." After trying half the wands in the store, they found his, 15' ivory with dragon's blood and moon wolf hair. "This is an exceptionally powerful wand, Mr. Dursley. I haven't sold one this powerful since Mr. Potter's."
"Sir, how will I be able to get the training that Harry has had? Surely they wouldn't let someone my age attend Hogwarts. Is there some other way to learn it?"
"Well there are privet schools and mail order classes; however, there is also a spell that can transfer the knowledge to you from someone else, as well. Perhaps, Mr. Potter would be willing to help you with that. It is very safe and also selective. Only the information that the person wishes to transfer is copied, however, you will need to practice because your body will need to adjust to the magic. It's like exercising your muscles to make them stronger. Your brain will know how to do it but your body will not."
"Don't worry Dudley, I'll help you out. What must I do Mr. Olivander?"
"Just concentrate on the knowledge you wish to copy, then I will cast the spell."
Harry nodded that he was ready, and then Mr. Olivander said. "La connaissance est puissance" The two were surrounded by a soft glow that lasted for 15 minutes. When it was all over all Dudley could say was. "Wow what a rush, 6 years of learning in an instant!" Dudley could see what the man meant about practice. Knowing how to do something and actually being able to do it are two very different things. Harry was just overwhelmed by all that had happened. He only came in the store to find out what to do to prevent the Priori Incatatem from happening, when he fought Voldemort. Now he finds out his cousin is a wizard, a rather powerful one at that. He also knew they would have problems when they got home. After some thought on the matter, he decided to discuss this with Dudley later.
"Well, now that that is taken care of, what about my little problem, Mr. Olivander?" Harry asked rather casually. He figured the man already had been told of the Priori Incatatem. Mr. Olivander smiled a huge smile, and said. "I believe I have just the thing for that. There is a project, commissioned by one of your distant relatives that could just do the trick. If you would just follow me, I will show it to you." He turned the sign on the door to closed, and then led them to the back of the store. Once there, he picked out a long box from the back wall, and led them to his workshop. When he opened the box, both of them gasped in awe. Inside was the most beautiful thing they had ever seen. It was a 6 foot staff with a purple hue, carved with runes, had a silver tip on the bottom and the top was carved with a phoenix, dragon, and griffin. The beak, claw, and talon came together in a form that could hold a crystal at the top. "It is the wonderful, sir!" Was all Harry could say. "This, Mr. Potter, is my pride and joy. It was commissioned by Merlin, himself, for one of his descendants to use, when the time came. The staff is made from Amaranth, or Purpleheart. It contains cores from all but one magical species, and has runes to increase its power, durability, etc. there is even one to shrink it to the size of a wand. All it lacks are the focus stone, the wand of its user, and the blood from said user to bond with him. Do you have a stone we could use for the focus, or shall we need to find one?" Harry reached into his pocket, withdrawing a brown crystal. As he was holding it, the stone seamed to come alive. It had fire, smoke, and lightning playing along the surface while the interior pulsed with a purplish-blue light. "Mr. Potter, wherever did you find this stone?" Olivander exclaimed, in astonishment. "This is an Elfish Elemental Soul Stone. The Elves use them to help with their magic, and none have been seen here for a thousand years! They are formed from pure crystallized magic!"
"Will it work for the focus then, sir?" Asked a gob smacked Harry. "I found it in the lake during the Tri-Wizard tournament, and kept it for luck."
"Yes, it will make a most powerful focus. Normally I would carve the stone myself, but considering the nature of the stone, it would be better if you do it. That way it will be closely connected to your magic. The incantation is 'chrystal intaglio'." Olivander's face was gleeful as he waited to see what the stone would look like. Harry took his wand and touched the stone, and said the incantation. The stone began to glow with a brilliant gold light. When it faded, the stone was no longer brown but gold and shaped like a jeweled egg. The egg had a lightening bolt coming from the top, around which a griffin slept, on the back of the griffin was a stag, grim like dog, and a werewolf, each with front feet raised hi leaning on the bolt. "Excellent, Mr. Potter, simply excellent! It will take me about two hours to mate your wand and fit the stone, as well as some final details, preservation, unbreakable charms, and so on. Then we will do the bonding ceremony. Can you be back around 5 p.m.? Oh, I will need your wand, but you can use a loaner till then, it won't be as good as yours but should work."
"Of course, sir, we will come back then. Oh, how much do we owe you, by the way?"
"For the staff, nothing, it has already been taken care of. You only owe me 30 galleons for Mr. Dursley's wand and 30 for the spell." Mr. Olivander waved them out and went to his work looking like a kid in a candy store.
Once outside, Dudley took a few moments to take in his surroundings. He was just so fascinated by it all, and also that he was really a part of this world. "Dudley, you know we are going to have a hard time explaining this to your parents. They are going to say I somehow infected you with my 'freakishness', and probably throw us out." Harry said almost apologetically.
"Don't worry Harry; we will work it out somehow. I want you to know, no matter what, I am very grateful to you and sorry it took me so long to realize what a good person you really are! If mom and dad can't see past their own prejudices them we will make our own way. I will be sad about it, but look at what I have gained. I have a real friend in you, a whole new world to explore, and a life without the pain in my body. I got some of your memories about Voldemort, and know that people are going to be hurt or die in this war, that only makes me want to help you all the more. We will fight together to protect this world, muggle and magical, and to make it a better place for all. You have my word on that, my dear cousin!" Harry was in tears at Dudley's statement, the fight was no longer just about Voldemort and himself, but all the people and beings of this world. Because, if Voldemort won, they would all suffer, as much or more than Harry already had. Dudley noticed this and decided to try and lighten the mood. "So where to next Mr. Rabbit, as Alice said from the other side of the looking glass?"
He and Harry both grinned then broke out laughing. "Well I won't pull any trix, because this rabbit knows 'Trix are for kids!' We should head for the bank; just let me warn you first. Most creatures you have read about can and do exist here, so don't be surprised at what you see. Gringotts is run by goblins, they aren't very friendly but dead clever. I think if they were treated better by wizards they would be friendlier to us. Just follow my lead and you will be ok. Remember not to judge by what you hear or appearances, but what you know and experience. Always, be polite to the magical races you encounter, unless they attack you first, and then defend yourself accordingly. Some can be reasoned with only after combat, and some not at all, just give them a chance." As they made their way to the bank, Dudley was busing himself taking in his surroundings. The apothecary, owl emporium, caldron shop, quiddich supply, and others were amazing to him. He even spotted a magical arms dealer 'Williamson's Weapons', which he pointed out to Harry.
They decided to check it out later, both had had extensive weapon training during the summer and wanted some of their own. Harry pointed out a small shop with a dingy sign that said, 'Aurors 'R Us'. He explained that aurors were like the police force of the magical world, and they might have some useful things there as well. He also pointed out 'Weasley's Wizard Wheezes' and told Dudley about the joke shop. Dudley had a rather bad memory about the twins, however when he looked back on it, it was sort of funny, and no permanent damage was done. Just before they got to the bank, Hedwig arrived with a letter for Harry.
Mr. Potter
We have just found out about your trip to Diagon Alley. We would like for you to wait at Gringotts until an escort can arrive. I am well aware you can look out for your self, but would feel better if someone were with you. The person in question has also specifically requested to be there, as well. I believe he wishes to talk with you in person, and should be there momentarily.
Your friend,
Minerva McGonagall representing OOTP
"Well, I am surprised they let me go this long without an escort! At least, she didn't say it was for my own good! Maybe she is trying to make up for some of their past mistakes. I wonder who wanted to see me this badly though?" Harry snorted rather angrily to his cousin. Dudley knew about the Order from some memories Harry included in the transfer. Just then someone said, "Hello Harry!" Harry spun around and faster than eyes could follow had the wand trained on this person. "Whoa there big fella!"
"Remus, how do I know that is the real you?"
"Your father was Prongs, godfather Padfoot, and that dirty rotten bastard, Wormtail, is in Azkaban where he belongs! Satisfied Prongs Jr.?"
"Great to see you, Remus. How have you been? Oh, this is my cousin Dudley, we just found out he is a wizard. Isn't that weird? Any way, before you start, I decided not to let last year get the better of me. I have done my grieving, and am ready for the task at hand."
"That's good to hear, Harry! You were right, I was afraid you were going to let it get to you. So, what are you doing here anyway, if I may ask? I heard you went to St. Mungos, you're not ill are you?"
"Not me, we went to help Dudley, he had severe arthritis and heart problems, even though he lost a lot of weight. Well shall we proceed?"
They made their way into the bank, and up to the service desk. The goblin at the desk asked what they needed and Harry said, "I would like to speak with Griphook, if that is possible, please." The goblin was rather taken a back at being asked so politely, and also the personal request to see a colleague. He replied that there was no problem and it would only take a moment, then went to call Griphook. When he returned, Griphook was with him. "Mr. Potter, sir, you do me a great honor by asking personally for me. How may I assist you?"
"Griphook, it is great to see you again. I trust things are well, and you are raking in the gold?" Harry replied in gobbledygook. This was met with a smile from Griphook and stares from the others. "Harry, I didn't know you spoke gobbledygook?" Both Remus and Griphook asked, at the same time. "I didn't either until now. It just sort of came to me." Harry rather confusedly replied. Griphook looked at Harry thinking 'He is such a powerful wizard, and he doesn't even know it yet.' After a moment of shock Harry continued. "Griphook, I would first like a balance on my account, then we can discuss the other things, in private if that is possible."
"Well, sirs, if you will follow me I will show you to my office. I have been appointed Director of Muggle Interaction, recently. You should be comfortable there." Griphook told the other goblin to bring the account statement to his office, and then lead them away. Harry noted the office was rather large, the walls covered in filing cabinets and decorated in a theme that suited a medieval castle. After a few minutes, the statement was brought to them. Harry noted he had a little over 100 thousand galleons in his account, then started to make his requests. "Griphook, I assume this is just what is in my vault and once the wills are read the amount will increase?"
"Yes Mr. Potter that is correct. Without giving the particulars, I would say significantly increase."
"Then as to my requests, I would like the amount of 10 thousand galleons transferred to an account for my cousin Dudley Dursley. Next, I would like a cashier's check, in muggle pounds, for another 10 thousand galleons made out to Petunia Dursley. Then, I have some personal requests to ask of you and my friend Remus." The requests were handled, rather quickly, and Dudley was given his new vault key. Harry was given a check for 1.5 million pounds made out to his aunt. "Harry why do this for me?" Dudley asked, quite shocked. "I mean we are just really starting to be friendly, and you have just done so much for me already!"
"Well, I also helped you into a whole new world, and if your parents have any problems with that you will need this money. Besides, what is money really good for if it you can't help friends with it. It can't give you love, a shoulder to cry on, or someone who really cares about you, so what is it really good for? All the power, money, status, and other things can't make you truly happy, only true friendship can do that."
"Wise words from someone so young, Mr. Potter, I am truly impressed. Most wizards your age would only think of what that money could buy them, not what they could do for others with it."
"Thank you, Griphook; I would now like to make that personal request of you. Dudley, Remus please excuse my rudeness but this will be private until matters are agreed to." Then continuing in gobbledygook, "I would like you and Remus to be my personal assistants, you would work with the finances, where the goblins are concerned, and he would work in the wizard and muggle world. You would work together where they overlap, and could hire trusted staff to help you. You have both been of great help to me in the past and, I shall need people who I can trust to manage things when I get my inheritance. I will need legal, financial, and at times personal advice, I trust you both to be able to provide this. I wanted to ask you first though, because you already have an obligation to the bank that I do not wish to cause problems with. I would pay you bank rate plus 20 and you could keep your job here as well, if there is no conflict of interest on their part. The job would start immediately after the reading of the wills. Will that give you enough time to decide? Also would you call me Harry? Mr. Potter makes me feel old!"
"Mr. err Harry, you do me a very great honor, such a request has never been made. I will have to consult with my superiors, but personally I would accept such an honor without hesitation! Let me call them now." Harry agreed and then turned to Remus. "Moony, I have just asked Griphook to be my personal assistant in the goblin world and would like you to do the same in the wizard and muggle worlds. I told him the job would not start until the reading of the wills, and that I would require legal, financial, and personal advice. Also, you are to work together where the two overlap. I told him I would pay bank rate plus 20 and you can hire trusted staff to help you. You are the last of the Marauders and a very good friend will you do this for me?"
"Harry, I don't know what to say! This is the greatest offer anyone has ever made me. Are you sure my being a werewolf won't hurt the job?"
"Remus, If I wasn't sure, I wouldn't have asked!"
"Well I am in then. Thank you so very much, Harry!" Remus grabbed Harry in a bone crushing hug. Just then, a light surrounded Harry and he passed out.
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AN: Sorry for the wait, between Holidays and computer crashes, I finally made it. This was to be one chapter but just became too long. Hopefully I can get the other half up soon.
Thanks for the reviews.
