"Daddy this is my room!" Dudley whined against the doorframe of the second bedroom as his father moved boxes in and out of it, placing them on the hall.
"I know," He gritted "but the boy needs to sleep here now."
"No!" Dudley stomped loudly on his foot, hoping that a tantrum would get him his own way like his mother. "I don't want him to have this room! Its MY room!"
"Oh be quiet Dudley!" Vernon growled. "These people are too powerful, if they see where the boy was originally sleeping we'll all be cooked into a broth."
Dudley said no more and quietly sulked in the corner until his father was finished. Vernon moved the spare boxes into the attic and changed the bed sheets to crisp, clean white ones.
Harry shuffled up the stairs with the little things he had in his cupboard and quickly moved in. He didn't question his Uncle and Aunts strange acts of kindness because he knew perfectly why they were doing it. They were afraid of the people Harry was now becoming part of - or rather what he was.
At least now he knew why his Aunt despised his mother so much. She was a witch who possessed magic just like him.
His mother.
His thoughts flew back to her as he sat himself down on the end of the bed. He was sure the dream he had four nights ago was her. The one crying and singing softly to him.
Was she the one who screamed when this Lord Voldy something murdered her? The laugh must have been him. The deep and cruelly mocking laugh that was completely empty of emotions, it sent shivers up his spine.
Harry held the letter tightly in his hand and lay down. The bed was beautifully comfortable compared to the cupboard under the stairs. He actually had pillows and sheets to keep him warm rather than the cold hard floors and the stairs above him that usually lay the blame for lumps on his head whenever he woke up.
Harry felt his eyes begin shut, it had been a long day and he was positively drained. Slowly he drifted off into a fairly pleasant sleep with a small smile in his face.
He had an amazing dream that night. He dreamt he was flying on a broom and waved a wand to magic all his relatives into big ugly toads while he flew away grinning wildly.
His dream however, soon faded, and was replaced once again by the same nightmare that had plagued him so many times before.
~•0•~
The next morning, Harry woke up on a comfy knew bed and the letter still in his hand. He had been so sure that what he had seen yesterday was a dream. But the letter proved that it was perfectly real.
He was a wizard. A real life wizard - and he was going to learn magic!
Harry got up and dressed quickly. His Uncle and Dudley had quickly scarpered out that Sunday morning and left Petunia to deal with confronting the man who was collecting him. Vernon was tempted to make Harry pay for his words the day before but quickly turned against it when he knew how little good it would do. He couldn't harm a head on the boys pitiful head while those freaks would be coming for him - he knew not to cross with them.
As the minutes passed on, Harry was given a new set of clothes by a furious looking Petunia and was allowed to cook himself a full breakfast which he ate a little too fast for his own good. He attempted to tidy his unruly hair and clean up his glasses. He had done as the professor asked and packed a small bag of his things (which relatively wasn't much) and stuffed his letter into his trouser pocket.
It was around 10am when the doorbell finally rang. Petunia couldn't have been more glad to be rid of the boy when Dumbledore arrived for him, a pleasant smile over his elderly features.
"Good morning Harry, you've got your things?" He asked.
Harry looked to the small bag slunk over his shoulder "Yeah."
"Good, lets be pressing on."
The two made their way down private drive and boarded the nearest bus together. Dumbledore ignored the odd looks from the muggles and proceeded to talk about Hogwarts and what it would be like there. He informed him on the four different Houses of Hogwarts and explained what each one represented.
"There's Ravenclaw house which has the symbol of an eagle, they value intelligence and knowledge. There's Hufflepuff, their symbol is a badger. They value patience and loyalty..."
"Which house were my parents in?" Harry asked, he partly hoped they were in the house who's symbol was a snake. He had always loved the colour green and taken a particularly strong liking to snakes ever since the incident at the zoo.
Dumbledore forced a smile "They were in Gryffindor house. No doubt the one you will be in. Gryffindor's are strong, brave and ambitious. Their symbol is the valiant lion."
"Oh," Harry nodded. He couldn't help but smile slightly. His parents certainly were brave if they stood against the man that killed them, he only wished they had gotten out in time. He also sensed that the wizard before him was also a part of the same House given the way he spoke so passionately about it.
"And then there's Slytherins, their symbol is a snake." Dumbledore said slowly "You should be wary of this house Harry. Not all of the students at the school are good. Many of them side with Voldemort and wouldn't hesitate to hold a grudge against you. Be careful of Slytherins in particular - they have a reputation for going dark, what's also worse is that they are also rather clever and sly."
Harry only nodded. It was clear to him that the professor had his favourite Houses already - and his least favourite.
The bus finally came to a stop at a busy street filled with shops and bars. Dumbledore avoided an elderly woman's peculiar look as he got of the bus in his long robes, Harry soon followed and they made their way down the street past all the shops until they came face to face with the most ginormous man Harry had ever laid eyes on.
The man was around six feet tall and Harry had to lift his head high to meet eye to eye with him. He wore a long dark green overcoat with a thick brown belt surrounding a round belly. His face was almost concealed by a dark bushy beard.
"Mornin' Professor Dumbledore, Sir." Hagrid greeted, he looked down towards Harry and smiled "An' Harry o'course."
"Morning Hagrid." Dumbledore replied "Harry, this is Reubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys at Hogwarts. He'll be taking you around to get your school things."
"H-hi Sir." Harry said meekly.
"Oh no need for Sir," The giant waved his hand "Jus' Hagrid will do..."
"Well now, I best be off Harry." Dumbledore said after a few moments of silence. He turned and looked at a small pocket watch attached to his robes "Time is of the essence. I will enjoying seeing you next in our Great Hall at Hogwarts for our Sorting. Goodbye Hagrid." He nodded.
"Bye Professor Dumbledore." Hagrid gave a swift wave as Dumbledore made his way down the street and into a safe alley where he could disappear without the muggles noticing.
"Well now Harry," Hagrid said "I 'ear the Muggles you was wiv weren't entirely good to ya. Didn't tell ya the truth."
That's an understatement, Harry thought bitterly.
"But I want ye ter know, that now your 'ere things will all change." He said with a bit of remorse in his tone "If it was up ta me I'd be goin' straight over there an' givin' that lard of a cousin o'yours a tail - but strictly speaking we ain't allowed ta use magic outside of School."
This made Harry crack a smile. The image of Dudley running around scared silly with a donkeys tail out the back of his rear was a very pleasing to the eye. He was quickly warming to this man as they made their way down the busy streets once again.
"You got yer letter Harry? Its got all yer things to get on it."
Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out the slightly crumpled piece of parchment. He turned it over and read the thick black writing.
UNIFORM
First-year students will require:
sets of plain work robes (black)
plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
winter cloak (black, with silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupils' clothes should carry name tags.
COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble
OTHER EQUIPMENT
1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales
Students may also bring an owl OR a cat OR a toad.
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS
Harry blinked at the letter and turned to gaze up at Hagrid incredulously "Can we find all this in London?"
"If you know where to go." Hagrid said quietly.
The two continued down the streets for a few more minutes before finally they stooped at a small, dusty looking pub that Harry noticed the Muggles were completely oblivious to. He had a distinct feeling that only he and Hagrid could see it
"This is it," said Hagrid, coming to a halt, "the Leaky Cauldron. It's quite famous - much like you"
Hagrid gestured Harry inside and Harry's eyes widened at the large room filled with chattering men and women all dressed with pointed hats and long cloaks. The room was dimly lit with a large medieval chandelier hanging above the room filled with lit candles. Smoke drifted around the room from some of the customers pipes and a few greeted Hagrid with friendly looks or pleasant waves.
The elderly looking bartender smiled at Hagrid and the chatter lowered in volume as they entered the pub.
"Ah Hagrid," He smiled "he usual?"
"Can't Tom, I'm on official Hogwarts business," He declined politely, placing his hand on Harry's shoulder "jus' helpin' young Harry here with his supplies."
The bartenders yes lowered to Harry and he seemed utterly entranced "Well bless my soul. It's Harry Potter!"
Harry's eyes bulged as the mans gasp brought the room to complete silence, every single head turned in his direction and all eyes were on him.
A tiny looking man with curly grey hair and a quivering voice shuffled over to him and shook his hand.
"Welcome back, Mr. Potter, welcome back."
Harry was speechless. Everyone was looking at him. An old woman with a pipe shuffled towards him and seized his hand, shaking it hard.
"Doris Crockford, Mr. Potter, can't believe I'm meeting you at last."
Harry smiled nervously and soon found himself in a crowd of folk shaking his hand and patting him on the back, proud smiles over their faces. The same small woman Doris Crockford kept coming back and shaking his hand as many times as she possibly could.
Once Harry managed to get through most of the crowds with Hagrid's help, he noticed a young pale man dressed in scarlet robes and a turban wrapped around his head looking at him intently. He wasn't sure if he was imagining it but the look on the wizards face almost looked more astonished and shocked than all the people in the room put together.
He approached nervously, his eyes bored into Harry's in a way that almost made him feel uncomfortable.
"Oh 'ello professor Quirrell! Didn't see ye there" said Hagrid. "Harry, this is Professor Quirrell, he will be your Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."
"H-harry P-P-Potter," stammered Professor Quirrell, taking Harry's hand, a look of awe upon his face "c-can't t-tell you how p- pleased I am to meet you."
"It's nice to meet you." Harry said shaking his hand.
"D-Defense Against the D-Dark Arts, is a very f-f-fascinating subject" He said "N-not that you n-need it, eh, P-P-Potter?" He smiled nervously. "You'll be g-getting all your equipment, I suppose? I've g-got to p-pick up a new b-book on vampires, m-myself."
Harry forced a smile back, there was something a little unnerving about the Professor. Hagrid placed his hand back on Harry's shoulder and said "Yes well, we should be going now - lots to buy."
"Bye," Harry said as they began to walk towards the back of the room. Harry could still feel Professor Quirrell's eyes on him as they opened a door to an outside area where wooden crates sat in corners beside a large brick wall.
"Told yeh you was famous." Hagrid smiled "Even Professor Quirrell was tremblin' about meetin' ya - mind you, he's usually tremblin'."
"Is he always that nervous?"
"Oh, yeah. Poor bloke. Brilliant mind. He was fine while he was studyin' outta books but then he took a year off ter get some firsthand experience... They say he met vampires in the Black Forest, and there was a nasty bit o' trouble with a hag - never been the same since. Now, where's me umbrella? - Ah!, 'ere we are."
Hagrid pulled out a long handled umbrella and pointed it at the brick wall, tapping loudly a few times on certain bricks.
"Might wanna stand back Harry," He said as a rumbling began to sound from the wall.
The bricks he had touched shook and wriggled - then they began to draw apart creating a gaping hole that got wider and wider until it was large enough to create an arch way for both Harry and Hagrid to fit through. In front of them now stood a large cobbled street crowded with shops and all things magical.
"Welcome Harry," said Hagrid, "to Diagon Alley."
Harry's mouth dropped amazement.
The sun shone brightly over the streets, lighting up the alley in all its glory. Cauldrons stacked up high in the front of shops while stalls of all manners of amazing objects sat with witches and wizards crowded amongst them. A low hooting came from a dark shop with a sign saying Eeylops Owl Emporium - Tawny, Screech, Barn, Brown, and Snowy. He saw a herd boys of about his age with their noses pressed against a window with broomsticks in it.
"Cor, look at it," Harry heard one of them say as he passed, "the new Nimbus Two Thousand - the fastest model yet!"
There were shops selling robes, books, telescopes, quills and rolls of parchments, potions bottles and half a dozen things Harry had never seen before.
They continued to walk for a long time before finally reaching Gringot's Bank. Out of all the strange things he had come across so far, nothing was in comparison to the goblins. They were odd looking beasts that Harry was not quite sure if he was fond of. The pointed noses and ears along with the long narrowed faces were rather creepy.
Hagrid took the longest. Once Harry had been given his supply of coins Hagrid made a trip to Vault 713 where he pocketed a small package no bigger than an apple. Harry dared not ask what it was as Hagrid specifically said it was top secret orders for Dumbledore. A few moments later they were back in Diagon alley and Harry had bought most of his school equipment. Harry crossed off all things he had bought as they walked back down the cobbles.
"Might as well get yer uniform," said Hagrid, nodding toward Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. "Listen, Harry, would yeh mind if I slipped off fer a pick-me-up in the Leaky Cauldron? I hate them Gringotts carts." Harry noticed he did look rather sickly so he entered Madam Malkin's shop alone.
Madam Malkin was a squat, smiling witch dressed all in lilac.
"Hogwarts, dear?" she said, when Harry started to speak. "Got the lot here - another young man being fitted up just now, in fact. "
At the back of the shop, a blonde boy with a pale face was standing on a footstool while a another witch pinned up his long black robes. Madam Malkin stood Harry on a stool next to him and slipped a long robe over his head, muttering to herself and pinning it in place.
"Hello," said the boy cheerily, "Hogwarts, too?"
"Yeah," said Harry, he was a little nervous about meeting other students - he had never had proper friends before and he certainly didn't know much about socialising.
"My father's next door buying my books and mother's up the street looking at wands," he said. "Then I'm going to drag them off to look at racing brooms. I don't see why first years can't have their own. I think I'll bully father into getting me one and I'll smuggle it in somehow." He continued with a small smile.
Harry was partly reminded of Dudley - however this boy seemed perfectly harmless and a lot more friendlier than Dudley would ever be.
"Have you got your own broom?" He went on.
"Er - No," said Harry.
"Play Quidditch at all?" He asked.
"No," Harry said again, wondering what on earth Quidditch could possibly be.
"I do - Father says it's a crime if I'm not picked to play for my house, and I must say, I agree. Know what house you'll be in yet?"
"No, not really" said Harry, feeling more stupid by the minute.
"Well, no one really knows until they get there, do they, but I know I'll be in slytherin - all my family have been. Imagine being in Hufflepuff. I think I'd leave, wouldn't you?"
"Mmm," said Harry, wishing he could say something a bit more interesting and look a little cool.
"So erm," Harry started "You love Slytherin?"
"Only the best house ever!" The boy grinned mischievously, happy that the boy was finally talking "Not got the best reputation mind you. People always associate us with evil and Dark stuff - snakes and all."
"I quite like snakes." Harry added "I think their a bit misunderstood..."
"Don't go telling Professor Dumbledore that. He hates us." The boy said nonchalantly.
Harry watched with a small frown over his forehead. There was a lot to take in about the mysterious Professor who came to rescue him. He was a peculiar man, however he owed his freedom to the wizard and that was more than he could ever ask for.
The boy stuck out his hand "I'm Draco by the way. Draco Malfoy."
"I'm Harry, Harry Potter." Harry shook his hand and sure enough, just like in the Leaky Cauldron, Draco's eyes nearly popped out of his sockets.
"Y-your Harry Potter!" He exclaimed, his mouth open wide enough to catch flies "Merlin's socks! My dad's told me all about you! Your one of the most famous wizards ever!"
Harry was once again lost for words. He wasn't sure if he was happy or not that a complete strangers father was talking about him to this boy. Should he be flattered? He liked this boy anyway, he was the first student in this world he had actually spoken to - he didn't want to have no friends.
"Er- thanks." Was all he replied with.
Draco let go of his hand and still looked completely flabbergasted. They stood in an awkward silence for a moment when Draco's head suddenly turned to the shop window.
"Hey," He nudged Harry "I think that man wants your attention."
Harry turned to gaze out the window where he saw Hagrid grinning wildly with two ice-creams in hand.
"That's Hagrid." Harry said lowering his head slightly in amusement at the giants stupid grin plastered over his face.
Draco sniggered slightly and watched as Madam Malakiin raised from her bent position at Harrys side and put away her measurements.
"That's you done, my dear," She said.
Harry hopped down from the footstool and turned to Draco "I'd better go..."
"Well, I'll see you at Hogwarts," He said. "Bye Harry"
"Bye," He waved before walking out the shop, the bell jingling loudly above his head.
Hagrid and Harry walked silently as they ate their ice creams. Harry tried not to wolf it down so as not to be rude - he was still starving from his last punishment.
"Hagrid?" Harry asked after a moment when they stooped to buy some quills and parchment "what's Quidditch?"
"Blimey, Harry, I keep forgettin' how little yeh know - not knowin'about Quidditch!"
"Don't make me feel worse," muttured Harry. He told Hagrid about the boy in the shop asking him if he had a broom.
"It's our sport." Hagrid explained "Wizard sport. It's like - like football in the Muggle world - everyone follows Quidditch - played up in the air on broomsticks and there's four balls - sorta hard ter explain the rules."
"He mentioned about Slytherin, and how he hoped he wasn't in Hufflepuff." Harry went on.
"Ah well, everyone says Hufflepuff are a lot o' duffers, but -"
"I bet I'm in Hufflepuff" said Harry gloomily.
"Better Hufflepuff than Slytherin," said Hagrid darkly. "There's not a single witch or wizard who went bad who wasn't in Slytherin. You-Know-Who was one."
Harry felt a little taken aback. He didn't know what was going on with the whole Slytherin thing. It seemed almost everyone except Draco had a grudge against them. Surely they couldn't be all bad? Draco seemed pleasant enough.
"You Know Who?" He asked.
"Lord...You know..." Hagrid trailed off uncomfortably. Harry clicked who he was talking about and and lowered his head slightly.
He felt a little different now that he knew his parents murderer was in the house he wanted to be in. No wonder the Professor had warned him about Slytherin house. Suffice to say that it didn't mean they were all bad however. He couldn't judge an entire group of people on past House members could he? That didn't seem particularly fair.
"Vol - You Know Who was at Hogwarts?" He asked.
"Years an' years ago," said Hagrid. "I once knew 'im I did - well, thought I did anyway."
Harry sensed Hagrid didn't want to continue on with the conversation and spoke nothing more about it. They continued on with their shopping, buying all the books to the point they were completely loaded with shopping.
"I still need...a wand." Harry said reading his letter.
"Just yer wand left - An yeah, an' I still haven't got yeh a birthday present." Hagird said.
Harry blushed. He hadn't received a birthday present for years "You don't have to -"
"I know I don't have to. Tell yeh what, I'll get yer animal. Not a toad, toads went outta fashion years ago, yeh'd be laughed at - an' I don' like cats, they make me sneeze. I'll get yer an owl. All the kids want owls. Their dead useful, carry yer mail an' everythin'. Tell ye what, I'll get ya an owl an' you can go to Ollivanders - best wand makers there ever was Ollivanders. An' ye have to have the best wand..."
Only a few moment later Harry was walking by himself up to a small shop in the corner with golden letters above the top reading Ollivanders; Makers Of Fine Wands Since 382 BC .
Harry pushed open the door and stepped into the lonely shop. Small boxes littered long shelves behind a counter, all waiting to be bought.
"Hello?" He called quietly. "Hello?" He called a bit louder.
A man on a sliding ladder suddenly appeared before him making Harry gasp. The man was a frail looking wizard with long pale grey hair and silver eyes. His face morphed into a smile as he looked down at Harry.
"I wondered when I would be seeing you Mr Potter." He climbed down off the ladder and ran his fingers over the different boxes of wands, toying with which one to give him "Seems only yesterday that your mother and father were in here buying their first wands - ah." He exclaimed, taking one of the wands from its box and handing it to him.
Harry took the wand in his hand and stood still, wondering it something was meant to be happening.
"Well go on, give it a wave." Ollivander said simply.
Harry flicked around the wand, feeling stupid and waved it around until it was snatched back by Ollivander. He was given another one, and another, and another. Each wand was thrown to the side and a pile was beginning to form.
Ollivander was scratching his head, one hand on his hip as he puzzled over which wand to try next. Harry watched with interest as some kind of thought seemed to click in the old mans mind. He moved over to take out a long box and held it in his hand, his back towards Harry.
"I wonder..." Harry heard him mutter. He watched curiously as Ollivander approached him and passed him the new choice of wand in his hand.
As Harry took the wand, he felt a warm breeze pass over his body. Something connected deep within him and as he waved it a stream of red and gold sparks shot from the end of the wand, creating vibrant glowing patterns against the walls of the shop.
"Curious," Ollivander mused as he looked around the room "Very curious..."
"Sorry," Harry said "But what's curious?"
Ollivander took the wand back with a quizzical looks across his features "I remember every wand I ever sold Mr Potter. It also happens that the phoenix, who's tail feather resides in your wand, gave another feather - just one other. It is curious to me that you should be destined for this wand - when its brother gave you that scar."
Harry felt the familiar chill run down his spine and he swallowed hard.
"The wand chooses the wizard Mr Potter," Ollivander said, almost purring "I think we will be seeing great things from you. After all, He Who Must Not Be Named did great thing. While some were terrible things- yes, but great things."
Harry supressed a shudder. He wasn't sure if he liked Mr Ollivander. Once he'd paid seven gold coins for his wand he was greeted by Hagrid outside who stood carrying a cage with a beautiful snow owl.
"Happy Birthday," He smiled.
Harry spent the next twenty minutes thanking Harry continuously as they took the bus to the train station. Hagrid helped Harry onto his train to take him back to the Dursley's and gave him an envelope.
"Yer ticket for Hogwarts," He said "Your train leaves on the first o'september at Kings Cross station - says it all on the ticket. Very important that you stick to your ticket Harry. I'll see you soon..."
Harry watched as the train sounded and pulled from the station. He moved to watch Hagrid out the window but soon found that at the precise moment he blinked, Hagrid disappeared from the platform.