4. Chapter – Diagon Alley

"Happy birthday, Harry!" greeted Remus the young wizard when he entered the kitchen.

Harry faked a slight smile and thanked Lupin. His birthday was the last thing on his mind. Alas he had to postpone contemplating other more important matters.

It was kind of ironic if you thought about it. It was the first time, he could celebrate his birthday in some other way than nursing his own wounds, or working his arse off around the Dursley' household. However, he couldn't master to find any kind of excitement or anticipation for this important day. On second thought, it could do him some good going to Diagon Alley. Perhaps this way he could gain some perspective on the new catastrophe in his life.

The young man mentally shook himself and took in the small pile of presents on the table. The werewolf followed his gaze and commented: "Those came during the night. The one on top is from me."

"Thank you, Remus," Harry answered. "Do I have time to open them or shall I wait 'til we come back?"

"No, that's fine. Go ahead and see what you got. Seventeenths is quite important."

Harry grinned despite himself. 'Maybe I can manage to be interested in my presents after all' he mused grabbing a toast and a cup of tea on his way to the end of table where the presents were lying.

He opened the present from Remus first. It was a book on advanced defence against the dark arts and when he opened the book to look inside a photograph fell out. He scooped it up and stared at a picture of his father, godfather, Remus and mother with him in her arms. Apparently the photo was taken not long before his parent's deaths as the baby looked around a year old.

He couldn't prevent his eyes from watering. This was too much. He still hadn't regained his calmness after staring in a stranger's face in the mirror and now he was faced with his parents and godfather. Merlin, he missed them! Although he never got to know his mother and father (or those he thought of as his parents as he couldn't be certain after the newest revelations) he craved some parental figure in his life. He had longed for someone to be there for him for so long. For someone to unconditionally love him and support him as parents or guardians should. For someone to lean on.

He thought Sirius would be that special someone for him. But even that didn't happen. His godfather didn't have the chance to be there for him.

And now, now he was an adult and even though he still missed his parents he wasn't sure if he even could accept a parental figure in his life. He had been forced to stand on his own for such a long time that he wasn't sure he wanted or was able to put his trust in someone.

He stroked the faces of Lily, James and Sirius in an uncertain voice said: "Thank you."

Remus who tried not to let his own tears fall said: "They would all be proud of you." and with a quick one arm embrace he returned to his open Daily Prophet.

Harry wiped a tear from a corner of his eye and continued opening his presents.

He got a book on wizarding traditions from Hermione, a Quidditch poster and chocolate frogs from Ron, a moleskin pouch from Tonks and Kingsley Shacklebolt (a pouch only he could open, a very secure device for storing small but important artefacts), a cake and some homemade cookies from Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, an assortment of latest products from the Weasley twins and lastly a book on curse-breaking and another one on wards from Bill. Bill had written him also a short note.

Dear Harry,

Happy birthday!

Wanted to wish you in person but had to

go to work. Hope this will come in handy.

Enjoy your trip!

Bill

When Harry unwrapped his last present he sat opposite Remus to finish his breakfast. He was already looking forward to reading the books he got. They seemed interesting. Beside that he was thinking of the coming day and what else he wanted to do in Diagon Alley.

He could really use some distraction from the constant maelstrom in his mind. He so wanted to clear the recent mystery in his life.

"How are you feeling, Harry?" asked Lupin. "Do you think you are well enough to visit Diagon Alley?"

"Yeah, I am." Harry searched the pockets of his overlarge trousers and set the empty vial of the Dreamless Sleeping potion on the table in front of the werewolf.

"Thanks for that, by the way," he added nonchalantly with a little smile.

"I'm glad it helped. I wanted to check on you" ('I'm sure you did...') "but your door wouldn't open."

'Good thinking, Harry! – or whoever I am,' the young wizard thought, though he knew he had to give Lupin at least some kind of explanation for this phenomenon. He was just glad Lupin wasn't aware of the special key or he was under the impression that Harry himself had no idea about it. It made him a lot less suspicious.

"I was wandering about that myself as I didn't lock the door before I went to bed," Harry said and did as if he was thinking about it hard. "Couldn't it have anything to do with my majority?"

Remus looked thoughtful himself as he pondered the possibilities of such an occurrence.

"It may be possible," he said at last and after a while of silence he added: "You should be careful with using your magic. You need to get used to your new power levels so that you don't harm someone. If you wish I can help you with that before you return to Hogwarts."

'No way, since when am I offered help!' Harry thought. He was astonished even despite the fact that Lupin didn't volunteer any special training it was nevertheless quite surprising to be able to have that much help. He wasn't sure whether he might need it what with his self-control and occlumency skills he gained over the years but it was nice to have other possibilities than just theoretical knowledge from books. Even though there might be some hidden agenda behind the offer - such as ascertaining his current magical power. However, even he admitted that he might be just a bit paranoid.

"Yeah, that might be good," he said. "Thank you."

"No problem, Harry. It's the least I can do."

Diagon Alley was nearly empty when they entered the Alley from the Leaky Cauldron at nine in the morning, time when the shops where being opened. It was strange that the Alley wasn't as crowded as it used to be. Harry supposed that with the current political climate not many people ventured out in the open or lingered while shopping. Everyone with the exception of the dark side was scared and this fear couldn't be lessened even with the constant presence of the Aurors.

Before they left Grimmauld Place Lupin handed him an envelope with the Hogwart's crest on it with information about the necessary school supplies for his last year. Harry was glad to be able to buy everything himself for once. He was certain that he wouldn't be allowed to visit the busy wizarding market street again. Apparently, being too often in the busy wizarding shopping street was too much danger for someone like him. 'Grrrrr...'

Harry's inner monologue was interrupted by Remus who was asking him where he needed to go first.

Though he had been thinking of how he would get his father's friend to agree, he still wasn't sure if he could manage to persuade his "guard" without the use of magic. Confundus charm might come in handy.

"I need to get some money from my vault." Harry rather thought that bluntness would be best at this point. He hadn't withdrawn his money since the summer before third year as either Mrs. Weasley or Bill had done it for him. But not now. This time he wouldn't give in.

Remus' frown didn't surprise him. It only strengthened his belief that there was something fishy going on. He really didn't like people hiding things from him. Well, things he had every right to know.

"I thought Bill got some money for you," Remus finally answered, though Harry recognized suspicion in the tone. Despite that the young wizard did his best not to appear as if he was up to something. Other reasons for visiting Gringott's aside, he did need more money.

"Yeah, he did. But it won't be enough as I'd like to get some new clothes, shoes, maybe some additional books..." He looked pleadingly at his companion, all the time palming his wand to be ready to send Remus on his way to drink a cup of tea if he had no other choice and also he came to appreciate the motto of Mad-Eye Moody – "Constant vigilance!"

After a few minutes it became clear that Remus couldn't find any viable argument against Harry visiting his own vault. He wasn't aware of the reasons why Dumbledore stressed so much that the Boy Who Lived was not to be allowed near Gringott's but he was certain his old mentor knew best. He always did. Besides he didn't like disappointing the headmaster. After all he was like a father to him.

On the other hand, he really couldn't say anything against the wish of his best friend's son to get some more money. The rags he had been wearing were clearly unbecoming of the young man. He had no other choice than to say: "Ok, we will go there but we will be quick about it."

Harry shot him a grateful smile and started walking down the Alley toward the tall white building of the Gringott's bank.

When they entered the hall of the bank Harry looked around excitedly. It had been four years since he last visited the bank. He missed it. He missed the enormous hall and the small trolleys riding at full speed. He missed the cranky, distrustful beings (there were no other words for them) no one else seemed to like. However he came to respect their skill and proficiency in spite of the lack of his involvement with them. He had been reading on goblins and found out some many interesting things about them and their culture. There was much more to them than dealing with wizarding money and leading wars against humans in the past.

"Hello Griphook," Harry greeted the goblin behind a counter and bowed slightly waiting for acknowledgment.

The goblin looked up, surprised. It was very rare to be spoken to by a human with respect and even more so to be referred to by name.

"Mr. Potter, we haven't seen you in a long time," Griphook said measuring the young man with his gaze. Yes, he could remember the boy well. How could he not. He had been quite unusual even at the tender age of eleven. Besides, there had been much talk among the goblins what with the problems they had to contact the wizard. But finally...

"Yes, unfortunately," Harry answered and shot a quick glance to Lupin who was standing right beside him and then looked in Griphook's eyes. He had the impression the goblin understood what he wanted to say but couldn't with the present audience. "I would like to draw some money from my vault."

The goblin watched the young man and his companion for a moment, coming to a decision asked: "You have your key?"

Harry nodded. He didn't know what the looks where about as he didn't remember being scrutinised so much during his past visits. His intuition told him that he was about to find out not only what the gazes where about but also why the Order or rather Dumbledore wanted to hide from him.

"Follow me," Griphook said and went in the opposite direction from where the vaults were accessed.

They entered a smaller adjoining room on the far end of the hall where there already stood two heavily armed goblins. The room was nearly as exquisite as the main hall. Harry would have liked to look around at the marble walls, the crystal chandelier and the carved table and matching chairs. However, he had more pressing concerns at the moment.

Lupin must have known that they weren't heading directly for the vaults and it was clear that he became more suspicious by the minute. When the door closed behind him he had a frown on his face. Sometimes it was so easy to read him, although Harry would have appreciated more trust towards his person and less of it towards the manipulative headmaster.

"We have wanted to talk to you for a long time, Mr. Potter," Griphook said standing in the middle of the room. He neither continued through another door nor did he take seat at the table in the room.

Harry grew slightly impatient as he finally wanted to come to the crux of the whole secrecy. Alas, Remus seemed he didn't share his wish of finding out as he took hold of his upper arm and tried to steer him away.

"We came only for the money," the werewolf said harshly.

To this all three goblins arched their eyebrows while Harry tried to get Lupin to loosen his grip. He was sure the hold the werewolf had on him would leave a bruise. After a few unsuccessful tries he gave up and with one look at his 'guardian' he came to a decision.

While Remus was engaged in a staring match with the guard in order to let them back into the hall, he slowly took his wand out of his pocket and holding it unthreateningly down he asked Griphook politely: "May I?"

The goblin nodded and so he turned towards his father's friend and concentrated hard keeping in mind his difficulties from the morning.

"Confundus!"

Remus' eyes glazed over and he swayed.

'Oops!' Harry thought. 'I guess I didn't concentrate that hard...'

"Let him in this room. Ironthroat and Bigslay will take care of him, Mr. Potter," Griphook said with indifference.

Harry did as he was told, ignoring the pain in his upper arm while trying to stay in the here and now. With the manhandling came bad memories and he had to do his best in order to shove them in the back of his mind. It wouldn't do to lose himself in his nightmares now. Especially now.

He followed Griphook through a second door to a room which looked like a luxurious office. He sat after the goblin indicated him to do so and waited 'til the goblin that showed him to his vault on his first day in the wizarding world began to speak. They sat for several long minutes in silence. Harry felt as if he were being scrutinized heavily with roentgen. It was really strange. Nevertheless, he tried not to fidget.

"We have an hour until the werewolf recovers from his confusion," Griphook said. Not commenting on anything else for which the young wizard was grateful. He was surprised the goblin knew about Lupin's creature status, however, he didn't show it.

"Thank you, Griphook," they both knew what he was thanking him for. It was considered highly disrespectful by the goblins to use a wand when in their presence but especially in their domain without asking for permission. "What did you want to talk about?"

"Tell me, Mr. Potter, did you receive any letters from Gringott's over the years?"

Harry frowned. That wasn't what he expected. But then he didn't really know what to expect from his today's visit to the bank. "No. No, I haven't."

"We have tried to reach you since you were fourteen. We were nearly certain you haven't read any of the letters we sent to you even though our owls returned without the letters."

Dumledore! That was the first thought that came to mind but that was impossible. He needed to know more and thinking about the manipulator wouldn't help. Being angry wasn't very conductive for concentration.

Griphook continued to explain the situation: "There is the matter of your inheritance. Both your parents and later your godfather stated you as their sole heir."

Harry was getting confused. "What are you talking about, Griphook? I already know about my vault from my parents and Sirius left me his house."

"The vault you are speaking of is only your trust fund that is set up for your personal use only. The Potter's have also another four more vaults and as for the Black' inheritance, the Black family was even wealthier. Apart of a small vault for Remus Lupin everything of the Black's was bequeathed to you. Now that you are officially adult you have the right to accept your titles and you may access all of your inheritance."

As the young man continued looking bewildered, the goblin snapped his fingers and scrolls, one thicker than the other, appeared on the desk. "It would be best if you looked through the lists of your possessions. The lists should be complete as some general maintenance of every vault is a standard procedure. However, it would be prudent to have your own manager for your affairs."

Harry was in a state of shock. This certainly wasn't something he had been prepared for. He was numb. As he carefully unrolled the thinner scroll of the Potter' property he nearly fell from the chair as he saw the amount of money that was stored there. He thought that he was rich having only his trust fund!

When he read further he saw that he owned a manor in Wales, a house in England and another one in Scotland and there was a cottage in Ireland according to the scroll. Among the estates the house in Godric's Hollow, where his parents lived and died, was also listed.

It seemed that his vaults contained not only money but prized wizarding artefacts and memorable pieces as well.

He was overwhelmed. He didn't have the time to see through all of it. He only glanced that his predecessors invested in various companies and to his surprise the Gringott's somehow found out about his involvement in the twin's shop, Weasley's Wizard Wheezes.

He put down the first scroll and reached with shaking hands for the second one. It looked like the Black' family was even wealthier. In every aspect. Beside the money they owned more estates, some of them in France, Germany and Norway.

The list of artefacts was longer too, though Harry was sure they were of the darker variety. The Black family had been after all always considered dark.

Harry put the second scroll down as well and sat for a moment in silence, thinking. It was really no wonder Dumbledore and the Order didn't wish him to discover his inheritance. Their work making him highly pliable and dependent would be undone in a blink of an eye. He thought he had nothing beside his trust fund, for Merlin's balls! He was wealthy and if he heard correctly, Griphook mentioned something about titles. He had read in passing about the pureblood' titles that were passed on to the next heir and the next after that but how could he had known that he also was entitled to one?

He locked any other thought than the possibilities and implications of the revelations in his occluded mind. It wasn't yet time to rant about the headmaster or to think about revenge. No. Now he had to think about what he should do. He could either flaunt with his sudden knowledge in front of the Order and their head or he could pretend he wasn't aware of his wealth and social standing and have thus more room to operate. He was sure the Order would try to control him even more if he knew about his position. They would probably even try to take it away from him.

There really wasn't much to think about. The only viable option was to carry on as he did before without the knowledge of his inheritance. This way he could search for the (hidden) agenda according which the headmaster and his followers acted. It didn't mean he couldn't learn about his heritage and responsibilities in secrecy. He would only continue to play his part as the Boy Who Lived.

For now he would put in order what needed to be and maybe visit one of his Potter vaults with heirlooms.

"Griphook, would you do me the honour of managing my property?" he asked, unsure whether he voiced his request right. As he saw the rare smile on the goblin's face he breathed in relief.

"Lord Potter-Black, the honour would be mine," the goblin answered with a bow of his head.

"Thank you, Griphook," Harry said. Well, that cleared the questions what his titles were. They quickly agreed on the terms of Griphook's new job and continued with the impromptu meeting.

"I have some questions for you if you don't mind." At the nod Harry continued. "First of all I wanted to ask you whether there was a means of communications besides owls or coming here in person. You see I suspect Dumbledore or someone on his orders intercepted the owls you sent and he will definitely do so in the future. I can't come in person very often as you saw – I am always accompanied by people close to the headmaster.

On the one side I would like to know more about my inheritance and my possible duties. On the other hand at the moment it is rather impossible for me to accept my titles publicly."

"There is a special two way bag. It is a special bag only you and your manager can open or handle in any way. You simply put a request in and I send you what you need. There aren't any geographical boundaries for its function," Harry's new manager explained.

"That sounds good. Are there any drawbacks?"

"Good of you to ask. Yes, you must visit Gringott's at least once a year in order to check all of your affairs in person. Furthermore the bag is quite expensive, although I don't think that should be a problem. You can add additional protection. However, the bag is already made resistant to earth elements."

Harry thought about it some more but decided that it was probably the best option there was.

"If you don't mind, I think I'll have one. You can charge the costs to either of my accounts."

After a moment of thought he inquired after the possibilities of having a small vault converted into an account in muggle bank.

He discovered that that wouldn't be a problem and having acquired the two way bag he would have his new muggle account done by the end of the week.

"Is there anything else I should know, Griphook?" He asked before they went down to his Potter vault. The time was running out. He had to be back before Lupin came back from his confused state of mind.

"Lord Potter-Black, you should be probably aware of the illegitimate trials of withdrawal from your vaults," the goblin informed him. At this point Harry was really glad he mastered Occlumency, for had he not he would be seething. He was so angry. The air in the room was thick with magic. It was obviously quite a miracle his wayward magic hadn't blown up the room. His control on his new magic was tenuous at best and with these revelations it didn't get easier.

It wasn't enough for them to hide from him his rightful inheritance. No, they also had to attempt to steal from him. The only good aspect of it was, was that they hadn't been successful thus far.

"What did they attempt to steal? And do you know who?" he asked in a growl.

"Mostly money but several priceless heirlooms from your Potter vaults as well," Griphook said. 'And no, we haven't found the perpetrator. We never allowed the withdrawals as there was something wrong with the magical signature."

"Thank you, Griphook, once more," Harry said. He was grateful for the help.

After that they quickly departed to the trolleys which took them at a high-speed to the lower level vaults. Normally, Harry would have enjoyed the fast ride but with his mind full of new knowledge and questions he couldn't quite manage to concentrate on his surroundings. However he knew he had to keep it together at least for a while. He had to use this chance to buy whatever he needed, although his enthusiasm for being able to obtain a new wardrobe and new books was rather subdued after the meeting with Griphook.

Harry had to slice his hand in order to open the vault. The vaults had been in lock-down state for nearly sixteen years. For today, the last Potter would visit only the main family vault. He wanted to get maybe a book or two, if he found it, about the family history.

When the door to the vault opened with a loud groan, Harry's jaw dropped. He saw the scrolls but he never would have imagined the vault would be either that size or that full. There were wardrobes, closets full of heirlooms, weapons, books, jewellery, pictures, old suits of armour and much more.

When he found the courage to step into the vault that was big as two third of the entrance hall at Hogwarts, which is to say huge, he looked around wide-eyed.

What a bad luck. He so wished to spend the day going through his family possessions. But he promised himself to return one day and search everything he now owned. He may not have a family but he could learn about his ancestors.

He took a few more steps and stopped to investigate a trunk overflowing with books. He was shocked once again when he saw what else was in the trunk.

There on the book lay two letters to be exact. The one laying on top read Harold James Potter in a fine handwriting. He would recognise his father's scrawl as he saw it in Snape's pensieve during fifth year and this wasn't it.

'Mum..." Harry had tears in his eyes when he took the letters from atop of the book. He couldn't read it in here. He did neither have the time nor the peace to learn what she had to say.

He was surprised to see a letter for him in the vault. But he couldn't have been more astonished upon finding out to whom was the second letter addressed. Severus Tobias Snape.

Snape! What did he have to do with anything? Didn't he call his mother 'mudblood'? The worst name ever for someone magical?

'What the hell!' Harry thought. 'This day's getting longer and longer.'

He swallowed his questions and his impatience and when he found a bottomless rucksack he put the letters in it in addition to the Code book of the Potter's that also lay in the trunk, the copies of the full lists of items from all of his vaults and the two way bag. Unfortunately, there wasn't time for more. He had to get Lupin and leave. He had already stretched the time at Gringott's to limits.

They came in time into the room adjoining the hall at Gringott's to watch Remus slowly coming to the present. Harry put the bottomless rucksack in his old bag and pretended to have been sitting there chatting with Remus the whole time, having waited for the goblins to fill his money bag.

When Remus started to respond to Harry's monologue about what he wanted to buy in the Alley, Griphook entered and handed Harry the money bag with a bow of his head. The young wizard returned the bow and thanked him for all his efforts. Only the two of them knew the full meaning of the thanks.

Remus would think they came to withdraw some money from Harry's vault and where asked to stay in the room. He wouldn't remember anything suspicious about their visit. Despite the hour long gap between their arrival and departure from the bank, Harry was certain his Confundus charm was so strong that the werewolf wouldn't even question that oddity.

With enough money they made their way back into the Alley and began their shopping spree. They decided to start with the clothes Harry wished to buy and get his school supplies in the end.

Harry got himself casual clothes, few new school robes and a festive robe in forest green. He acquired everything from pants, over shirts to trousers. He even found a nice winter cloak and a very comfortable dragon boots in a leather shop.

He commiserated the fact wizards usually didn't wear sneakers. You couldn't buy them on the wizarding market and Lupin would neither allow him to venture into muggle London nor accompany him.

After a short debate he purchased a dagger with a matching holster as well as a wand holster.

He got the idea some time ago that it wouldn't hurt anything if he were able to fight in hand to hand combat or with other means than magical. From experience he knew that many wizards were incapacitated the moment they lost their wand as they had never learned any other means of self protection. He rather thought most wizards were arrogant like that.

They went to Flourish & Blotts and while Remus got him his school books Harry enjoyed the respite of having Lupin breathing down his neck (he hadn't left him from his sight since they left the bank) and searched for additional books. He got some on advanced potions, advanced defence against the dark arts, animagus transformation (he could use the additional advantage of such a disguise) and healing. He found a book on concealment which he really couldn't do without what with his new appearance and all.

After he paid on the counter for the nearly thirty books, he shrunk them, put a weightless charm on them and added them to his other purchases in his old bag.

The young wizard had to make a stop at the Owl Emporium to get some treats for Hedwig and at the stationery for his school work.

Before they went back to Grimmauld Place Harry refilled his potions supplies at the Apothecary obtaining few new cauldrons of various types and sizes and a full set of potions ingredients for his lab at the London house. Remus looked a bit strangely at him. The amount of potions equipment he bought at once was frankly astounding. More so for someone who was believed to "suck" desperately at potions. Though, the werewolf didn't comment. Maybe he had heard of his success in the potions class during the previous year. No matter what, the young wizard wasn't about to explain.