Chapter Four: A Day in Diagon Alley

'Get a move on, slow-poke, we're running late! And don't forget to wear your robe this time!' Remus called out as he glanced at the kitchen clock with a slight frown.

'Coming, Dad!' Harry yelled back then moments later rushed into the kitchen.

He was wearing a black robe that was a bit too short and sported patches in quite a few places, a pair of faded denim jeans, and an equally faded yellow tee shirt printed with the words "Capsule Corp" splashed across it. In his hand was a pair of well-worn trainers, which he placed on top of the table.

'Morning!' Harry said cheerfully as he sat down at the table.

'Shoes off the table, you know better,' Remus said giving Harry a stern look as he placed a bowl down on the table. 'Eat up, it's going to be a long day.'

'Aw, not semolina again!' Harry whined as he wrinkled his nose in disgust. 'Can't I have something else?'

'If you'd woken up on time you could have. Since you didn't, semolina it is,' Remus replied.

'Where's the jam? And the sugar?' Harry asked.

'Here,' Remus said, putting the brightly coloured jars on the table. 'Now eat. Your father should be back shortly then we'll go.'

'Father isn't here?' Harry asked in surprise as he began to stir in some of the strawberry jam, along with what looked like an awful lot of sugar.

'You're going to lose your teeth one of these days. Honestly, I'm surprised you haven't already,' Remus said in rebuke as Harry placed another spoonful of sugar on his semolina. 'We can't afford the dentist, so please try to cut down on the sweets please.'

'Sorry, Dad, but this stuff's nasty, got to cover the taste of it somehow,' Harry said putting yet another spoonful of jam into the bowl. 'So 'here'd Fa'her go?' he asked between bites of his breakfast.

'Don't talk with your mouth full, it's impolite and you could choke,' Remus said. 'He got a Floo call early this morning from the Potion Master's Journal office about signing some papers.'

'He promised he'd be here,' Harry pouted.

'He will be,' Remus said, his eyes once more falling on the kitchen clock. 'Now stop pouting and eat, we don't have time for dilly-dallying.'

'Fine, I'm eating,' Harry said with a sniff and poked at his food. 'Ugg, this stuff is awful even with sugar and jam.'

'It's good for you so stop grousing,' Remus said and sipped at the cup of coffee he'd poured for himself. Severus hated the stuff, but Remus had found it to his liking when they'd been on a trip to America a few years before.

'Can I have some coffee?' Harry asked whilst gazing wistfully at Remus's mug.

'In about six years perhaps, when it won't bounce you off the walls more than you do already,' Remus said dryly. 'Just eat please, Harry.'

Harry sighed, poked at his food, and then without further argument finished his breakfast. Twenty minutes later they stood in front of the fireplace, no Severus in sight. Remus glanced at his wristwatch and tapped his foot, whilst Harry stared down a small yellow mason-ware jar with cows painted on it that was sitting on the mantelpiece.

'Is Father coming or not?' Harry asked impatiently.

Remus sighed. 'Suppose not. All right, let's get a move on, and Harry, be careful, I really don't want to have to chase you down again today. Last time you nearly gave Mr Borgin a heart attack when you rather loudly popped up in his shop grate,' Remus scolded.

'Sorry about that, but I like his place; he's got some really neat things on display there. Can we stop in and see him this trip?' Harry asked.

'Perhaps next time, this trip is for your supplies,' Remus replied as he took down the jar, opened it, and held it out. 'Now speak clearly, I am not in the mood for theatrics today.'

'All right,' Harry said as he grabbed a pinch of Floo Powder. He knew the conversation was at an end, Remus' tone of voice had left no more room for discussion. Stepping into the fireplace, he dropped his powder down, called out "Diagon Alley!" and was off.

Remus took a pinch of powder as well, put the jar back, and then was off himself. A few minutes later he was stepping into the brightly lit alleyway that served as the hub of the Diagon Alley Floo Network. He brushed himself off and looked around anxiously for Harry, worried when he couldn't find him. He breathed a sigh of relief, however, when he heard "Dad, over here!" and quickly went over to where Harry was standing.

'Sorry, they made me move,' Harry said pointing towards the Ministry officials that were in charge of the Floo system. 'A group from Inverness is due to arrive any moment,' Harry said peering back into the alley in the hopes of spotting the colourful group of Scotsmen.

'That's fine, I'm just glad you made it to the right grate for a change,' Remus said. He pulled out a piece of paper from a pocket of his rather tattered, patched, and frayed brown robe and looked it over carefully. 'Looks like we'll have to go to Gringotts before anywhere else, come on then,' he said as he put the paper back into his pocket.

They made their way over to the large white building with little trouble. Harry stayed close to Remus; the goblins always made him nervous, though he'd always done his best to put on a brave front and stay alert. His parents had always been exceedingly overprotective when they would visit Diagon Alley, though now and again whilst they were running errands they allowed him to stay at a small alchemist's shop in Knockturn Alley, and that was only because his parents knew the owner very well. Harry liked those days; the man who ran it was always coming up with funny stories or showing him how to brew interesting potions.

The other two places he enjoyed best was Borgin & Burkes in Knockturn Alley, and Flourish & Blott's in Diagon Alley, mainly because those were the only places his parents took him to when they came here, not counting the bank and occasional stops at the ice cream parlour. Even when they were out and about in London Harry had been closely monitored by his parents, though this summer because of Remus teaching a few extra classes at his primary he had been allowed to go to football practice on his own – as long as he made no other stops there and back of course.

It was his uncle that let him be really free to explore things. Sirius took him everywhere on their days out; from the touristy spots his parents hated, to the seedier sides of London where danger always seemed to lurk. His uncle never shied away from anyone or anything. He had a wide range of contacts from rich to poor that he dealt with routinely, although Harry still didn't know exactly what his uncle did for a living. Remus had once mentioned something about Sirius importing and exporting things, but what those "things" were was never said. Harry had a strong suspicion that a lot of what Sirius did was illegal, not that he cared really since he knew that certain things his parents had hidden in the house probably weren't legal either.

Harry thoughts were interrupted when Remus took him by the arm as they made their way over to the "Muggle - Wizard Money Exchange Booth." Remus quickly did his change overs then they made their way over to the main desk, the family's vault key in hand. Harry didn't pay much attention to anything else until they got into the cart; it was the only thing in the bank that he could say he enjoyed immensely.

'Awesome, I love this thing!' Harry said excitedly as he grabbed onto the side rail bar.

Remus didn't have a chance to respond as the cart took off at breakneck speed. To Harry's delight he managed to catch a glimpse of the dragons that guarded the more important vaults. Finally, the cart slowed and they pulled up at the Lupin-Snape family vault.

'Vault four hundred and twenty-three,' the goblin said getting out, Remus following though Harry opted to stay in the cart.

When the door opened Harry peeked inside, and as he did he felt a pang of guilt. It seemed that every time he came here the few piles of coins inside grew smaller and smaller. He watched as Remus took half the Galleons, Knuts, and Sickles that were left and placed them into a small black velvet bag tied around his waist. They were moving again before Harry could say anything, but as soon as they left the bank, he turned to Remus with a regretful look in his eyes.

'Dad?' Harry asked.

'Yes, son?' Remus asked.

'I was thinking … maybe I should stay home and go to state instead. I really don't mind, and it won't cost nearly as much as sending me to Hogwarts,' Harry said quietly.

'No, your father and I want you to go to Hogwarts, all right? Chin up, soon you'll be making new friends and learning all sorts of interesting things,' Remus smiled and gave him a quick hug of reassurance.

'Yeah, I'm sure I'll have loads of fun once I get there,' Harry said with more excitement then he felt. 'So … where do we need to go next?'

Remus knew Harry's enthusiasm was for show, after all these years he could read every mood the boy had. He knew Harry was having some qualms, though Remus hoped that once he settled in he'd become more accustomed to his new life and stop worrying so much.

'Well, let's see what we have here,' Remus said and pulled out the supply list. 'Luckily you already have your phials, and your uncle gave you a set of scales and a telescope for the holidays last year so that's not needed. You'll need a new cauldron, however, I don't want you using any of your father's, not with what he brews in them. We'll pop round and get that first,' Remus said, manoeuvring Harry off towards Potage's Cauldron shop.

'Can I get a collapsible one?' Harry asked when they got inside.

Remus shook his head. 'Not this year,' he said then turned to the man at the counter. 'One pewter cauldron, standard size two please.'

The man at the counter nodded then went off to the back and returning a few moments later. 'That'll be 15 Galleons,' the man said gruffly. Remus paid the man and led Harry back outside, checking over the list again. 'Flourish and Blott's next,' he said.

Harry nodded and led the way eagerly. He wished he had time today to browse the various books on curses and hexes, though his favourites were the ones that would bark, bite, and scratch at you if you didn't know the right way to handle them. When he got inside he spotted the owner and waved at him.

'Good morning, Mr Blott!' Harry called out.

'And good morning to you, young man!' Mr Blott called out in return, smiling at the boy. 'Can I interest you in a book about vampires? If not I have some books on Boggarts and Ghouls that might tickle your fancy?'

'Sorry, Mr Blott,' Remus said stepping up to the counter, 'we're here for his first year books today, nothing else.'

'Ah, is it that time already? Why I remember when my son began Hogwarts -' Blott began.

'School books, Mr Blott. We're in a hurry today,' Remus cut in. He knew all too well that once the man got going on his stories it would be an hour or more before they'd leave and Remus didn't want to waste the time right now. 'We don't need Magical Drafts and Potions, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, or One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi, we already have those.'

'Of course, of course, I take it you want these second-hand, Mr Lupin?' Mr Blott asked kindly.

'Yes, please,' Remus nodded.

Twenty minutes later Remus was paying the man what seemed like an exorbitant amount of coins despite the fact they were used books. As Blott began wrapping up Harry's textbooks, a book in the "Second-Hand Books Section" Harry had had his eye on called Death Omens: What To Do When You Know The Worst Is Coming made its way into the pile. Remus tried to protest but Mr Blott said it was a belated birthday gift to one of his favourite customers so Remus could hardly refuse to accept.

After they left, Remus looked at Harry curiously. 'Whatever did you want that book for?'

Harry glanced around to make sure no one was paying attention to them, not that anyone ever did but he always liked to be sure. When he was satisfied he said, 'It's not for me, it's for Uncle Padfoot. He wants to read up on Grims.'

Remus groaned. 'That man can be so infuriating sometimes,' he muttered.

'Aw, Dad, what's the point of looking like one if you can't act like one when occasion calls for it?' Harry grinned.

'He keeps that up he won't have to worry about going back to Azkaban, they'll just throw him into the nearest Muggle dog pound,' Remus snorted and looked at the list again. 'Now then, we still have to get your wand, your school clothes, and you still want to get a snake if I remember correctly?'

Harry nodded. 'It's all right isn't it? Do you think Father can get me permission?' he asked.

'I'm sure it'll be fine,' Remus said as they headed towards the wand shop. As they passed one of the entrances to Knockturn Alley, Remus stopped and muttered something. 'Damn! I'm sorry, Harry, I completely forgot that your father asked me to pick up a package he's been waiting on over at Shyverwretch's. Here, take this,' he said counting out some Galleons, 'and go get your wand. I'll meet you at the Magical Menagerie afterwards, and you go straight there, no wandering, got it?'

'Got it,' Harry nodded as he took the money and dashed off towards Ollivander's Wand Shop. He heard a little bell go off as he entered the shop, then closing the door he blinked a few times to adjust his eyes to the darkened interior. The place smelled peculiar, a combination of old magic, dust, herbs, and trees. The stilled atmosphere reminded Harry of the London library where talking was virtually taboo. He waited at the counter a few moments, though when no one came forwards he called out softly, 'Hello? Is anyone here?'

'Well, well, well … now who do we have here hmm? Ahh yes, you're Professor Snape's son,' a man said a whispery voice as he came around from one of the bookshelves. The man, clearly Ollivander, put some boxes he had been carrying down on a table and came over to look at Harry in a way that made Harry feel rather nervous.

'Umm … I need a wand … please,' Harry said.

'Of course you do,' Ollivander said matter-of-factly. 'Why else would you be here if not for a wand?'

'Oh … right … of course,' Harry replied.

'Are you right or left-handed?' Ollivander asked peering at Harry closely.

'I'm right-handed … umm … sir …' Harry said stepping back a pace.

Taking a tape measure out of his pocket he took Harry's right arm and held it out. Within seconds, the tape measure began to magically weave here and there as the man's sharp eyes took in everything. When the tape measure was back in his pocket he went into the back and brought out several boxes, placed them on the counter then looked at Harry curiously.

Taking a wand from one of the boxes Ollivander held it out. 'Eleven inches, mahogany and dragon heart-string. A strong and powerful wand, pliable, excellent for transfigurations,' he said. Harry took it hesitantly; he was unsure exactly what to do so he just stood there looking at the wand expectantly. 'Well? Don't just stand there; give it a wave, boy!' Ollivander said impatiently.

'Oh … sorry,' Harry mumbled. He waved the wand then jumped back when an entire set of drawers burst out of a cabinet that was behind the counter.

'No, no, definitely not,' Ollivander said with a shake of his head then quickly placed another wand in Harry's hand. 'Ten and a quarter inches, willow and unicorn hair. Swishy, good for charms,' he said.

Harry waved it and jumped back a second time as a nearby flowerpot burst in half. 'Sorry again,' he said and quickly put the wand down on the counter.

'Try this one — beech-wood and dragon heart-string, nine inches, nice and flexible.' Harry didn't even flinch this time as a candle sconce exploded. Before he could move, Ollivander was already placing another wand in his hand.

'Maple and werewolf hair, seven and half inches, quite whippy.' A small fish bowl exploded.

'Ebony and unicorn hair, eight inches, rather springy.' A chair leg splintered across the room.

'Hmm, tough one, aren't you. No matter, there isn't a wand I can't place to the witch or wizard. I wonder though … yes that could be it …' Ollivander said in his wispy voice, then went into the back again. A few moments later he came back, only one box in his hand. He opened the black coloured box, taking out the wand inside reverently. Eyeing Harry he said, 'Holly and phoenix feather, eleven inches, nice and supple, but don't let that fool you, it's a very powerful wand. In the right hands it could do marvellous things … though in the wrong hands it could easily cause the destruction of all.'

Harry was beginning to think several things at this point. Ollivander was either batty as a loon (which he was thinking was likely), or Harry was just not cut out to find a wand that would suit him. With a sigh of defeat he took the wand, having little expectations other than to hear something else blow up or explode. He was surprised, however, when an odd warmth spread through him down to his very toes and tiny gold and red sparks flew from the tip of the wand.

'Oh bravo! Well done, well done indeed! Curious … yes … very curious, but never-the-less a good choice,' Ollivander nodded approvingly.

'Excuse me, but what's curious?' Harry asked puzzled.

Ollivander looked at Harry, a strange expression in his pale eyes. 'The wand chooses the wizard, it's not always clear as to why, but it does. Even for those who should never have been allowed to carry a wand, the choice was made,' he said then looked at Harry intensely. 'I remember ever wand I've ever sold. Every single one. It so happens that the phoenix whose tail feather resides in this wand, gave another feather … only one other. It's curious that you should be destined for this one, when it's brother —'

'Ah, Ollivander, good to see you again,' a voice called out, effectively cutting off the old man's next words.

It was a voice Harry instantly recognised and he turned around happily. 'Father, you made it!' he said then turned back to Ollivander. 'I'm sorry, Sir, what were you saying?'

'I trust you are taking good care of my son, Ollivander?' Severus asked coolly.

'I always take good care of my customers, Severus,' Ollivander nodded. 'I was just telling your son that I believe he will do great things in the future.'

'I am quite sure he will,' Severus replied. He stepped up to the counter, drew some Galleons from his pocket, and placed them down. 'This should be enough to cover his wand and a polishing kit I believe?'

'Of course,' Ollivander nodded. He collected the coins and packed up Harry's things. 'You take care of that wand now, young man. Polish it regularly to keep it in good working order.'

'I will, thank you, Sir,' Harry said as he took the package.

Ollivander nodded, then looked at Severus. 'You're wand is in good order I hope? Ten and half inches, ebony and werewolf hair, springy, good for basics. Though you were never one for "foolish wand waving" were you, Professor,' he chuckled.

Severus shook his head in amazement. 'You are a remarkable man to remember such things. That is exactly right, and yes, I take very good care of it,' Severus nodded as he patted a pocket in his robe. 'Come along, Harry.'

Harry said nothing as Severus led him out, though soon as he left he stopped at turned to Severus. 'Father? Is that man always so … so odd?'

'Why do you ask that? Did he say something to you?' Severus asked.

'Mmm … not really,' Harry replied. 'He was telling me about my wand … that it is made of phoenix feather and that it had a brother … or something like that anyway … but he never finished because you came in.'

'I am quite sure whatever he was saying was of no consequence, don't think further on it. Your wand chose you and that is all there is to it, all right?'

'Oh, okay,' Harry replied, relieved that his father also thought that the man was a bit strange. 'Oh! I was supposed to meet Dad at the Menagerie, he's probably already there waiting!'

'You still want that … snake … I take it?' Severus asked.

Harry nodded eagerly. 'Please, Father?'

'Very well, let us go find your dad and get this over with,' Severus muttered as they continued on towards the Menagerie where they met up with Remus.

Twenty minutes later Harry was in a very good mood. Wrapped around his arms was a large jet-black boa constrictor, and a huge smile was plastered across his face. 'This one! Oh please, Father, can I have this one?' Harry asked.

'I don't know, Harry, he's awfully … big …' Severus said hesitantly whilst backing away several paces.

Harry realised what was going on and turned away from Severus quickly. What very few people knew was that despite that his father was Head of Slytherin House who's mascot was a serpent, the fact was the man hated snakes, as well as most reptiles, with a passion.

'So can I have him? Please?' Harry asked as he turned to Remus, who though not afraid of snakes, was also looking slightly anxious.

'Well …' Remus began, then seeing the hopeful look on Harry's face sighed and looked at Severus who only shrugged back. 'All right, I suppose so.'

'Yes!' Harry cried out happily and making his way up to the counter said, 'I'll take him please, and a box for him as well.'

'Yeh nae be needin' a box fer tha' beastie, laddie, yeh be needin' be a proper 'ome fer it,' the shopkeeper said energetically. Going over to his displays, he picked out a large glass tank with a wire lid as well as a few small bags of grey rocks, a branch, a water dish, and other assorted things that a snake needed to be comfortable. Placing it all on the counter he said, 'Now then, tha'll be thirty Galleons.'

'Thirty Galleons?' Harry exclaimed then looked back at Remus. 'I didn't think it would cost so much,' he sighed, then looked wistfully at the snake who was hissing at him softly.

'He'll take the lot,' Remus said quickly and placed the proper amount coins on the counter. 'How much extra to throw in a box of mice?'

'Eh, as yeh took tha' beast off me 'ands, Ah'll throw 'em in no charge,' the shopkeeper said putting the snake and it's belongings into the tank. 'Be back in a momen'.'

'Dad, you didn't have to, he said wasn't hun-' Harry began.

'Take him outside, Harry,' Remus said cutting him off. Soon as Harry was gone he leant over and whispered to Severus, 'We need to talk to him straight-away. That was too close!'

'We will talk to him tonight,' Severus replied quietly then realised something important. 'For Salazar's sake, why are we still in here? We need to make sure he isn't talking to that thing out in the middle of the bloody street!'

'I'm waiting on -' Remus began but to his relief the shopkeeper returned at that moment.

''Ere yeh go, one box o' live mice,' the man said handing it to Remus, along with a folded up piece of black cloth. 'A cage cover, it'll keep tha' beastie calm when 'e be travellin'.'

'Ah … yes … well that's a good idea,' Remus said taking the items. 'I'll … err … I'll go give this to my son, thank you,' he said and they left the shop quickly. Harry was sitting on a bench that was off to the side, and to their relief the snake was dozing off so no words were being hissed between them. 'Here Harry, use the cloth when you put him on the train,' he said.

'Thanks, he'll like these,' Harry said putting them both inside the tank with the other things they'd bought. 'Where do we need to go now?'

Remus pulled the list out and looked it over. 'It seems all that's left is to get your clothes, though to be honest, I'm about done in,' Remus said and gave Severus a quick glance. He still looked pale, though Remus didn't have to guess why, Severus' uncertain glances towards the snake said enough. 'I think your father and I are going to have a sit down over at the Leaky Cauldron. We'll take your … err … snake … with us, and you can meet us there when you're done, all right?'

'Sure, he said he's going to nap for a bit anyway,' Harry said checking on his new pet.

'Here, this should be enough,' Remus said and taking some coins out of his waist bag he handed them over to Harry. 'You already have gloves, and don't worry about getting a winter cloak yet, we can pick one up before colder weather sets in, so just get the basics all right?'

'Got it, see you later!' Harry said and dashed over to Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions.

Stepping inside the shop, Harry was overwhelmed by the different magical fabrics and clothing that greeted him. Other than the robes he was wearing, and the worn-out pair of dragon-hide gloves he used when brewing potions with his father, Harry never wore magically made clothes. He preferred his tee shirts and jeans over anything else, though he knew once school started though his favourite clothes would be reserved for weekends and holidays since he would have to dress formally for classes.

'Hogwarts dear?' a woman said kindly as Harry gazed around.

'Yes, Ma'am. I'm a first year, but I only need a hat and robes please,' Harry said.

'I've got another young man being fitted as well, why don't you go on into the back and join him, I'll be there shortly,' the lady said and pointed towards a curtain that divided the front from the back of the shop. Harry went through the curtain and saw the other boy she had mentioned standing on one of the two fitting platforms, so he went over and stood on the empty one next to him.

'Hogwarts?' the boy said in a rather bored sounding drawl.

Harry nodded. 'First year. You?'

'Same. What house do you think you'll be in?' the boy asked curiously.

'Well … my Father's a Slytherin but my Dad's a Gryffindor … so it could be either one really,' Harry replied.

'You have two male parents?' the boy asked in surprise.

Harry bristled. 'Is there a problem with that?' he asked coolly.

'It's not that it's uncommon to be … well you know … that way, I just never thought they had children is all,' the boy shrugged.

'Well my parents had me, so I suppose they do,' Harry said in rebuke.

' I've never met anyone that has two fathers for parents, it's interesting,' he said and gave Harry a quick glance. 'At least you're a wizard and not a Mud-Blood.'

'There's nothing wrong with Muggle-borns, if it wasn't for them we'd have died out a long time ago,' Harry replied.

'My father says Muggles should stay to their own world and not pollute ours,' the boy said.

'That's stupid,' Harry said. 'Muggles have some really neat things.'

'Maybe,' the boy shrugged, 'but my father says -'

'Sounds to me as if your father says a lot of silly things,' Harry cut in crossly. 'Do you always listen to what he says?'

'No, not always,' the boy said defensively.

'I bet you'll end up in Slytherin with the way you think,' Harry said.

'And what's wrong with that? Didn't you say your father is a Slytherin?' the boy asked.

'Actually, if you must know, my father is -' Harry began but was cut off.

'You're all done, dearie,' Madam Malkin said to the first boy. 'Now off you go, the rest of your things will be sent on later.'

The boy nodded then turned to look at Harry. 'You're odd, but for some reason I don't mind you. I'll keep an eye for you on the train,' he said.

'Are you sure you'd want to risk being seen with someone who might end up in Gryffindor?' Harry asked.

'You're half Slytherin so that counts in your favour. See you on September 1st,' the boy said. He nodded slightly towards Harry then headed out of the room.

*Strange kid, wonder who he is?* Harry thought to himself then waited patiently as Madam Malkin finished with him.

Half-hour later Harry was heading to the Leaky Cauldron, anxious to see his new pet again. The boy from the shop was forgotten in favour of how he could beg his parents for a last stop at Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. With all the shopping they had done he had worked up an appetite for a chocolate, blueberry, and strawberry sundae with lots of whipped cream, sprinkles, hot fudge and several sweet cherries to top it all off.

A/N: For those wondering 'But how did Ollivander not know he is "Harry Potter?"' ... the answer to that is pretty simple. Remember that Severus, Remus, and Sirius took Harry from the house long before anyone else got there, so no one else - not even Dumbledore - really knows what happened to Harry that night. including the fact that Harry has his infamous lightening bolt scar, so of course it's not something that will make him stand out in any way in the fic (at least not any time soon :P). Sev, Remus, and Siri hide his scar and are mainly concerned about the fact that it is laden with 'Dark Arts,' which would be somewhat obvious (and a bit strange) since Dumbledore and the few Magical folks whom Remus and Severus have kept in touch with know Harry has been raised in the Muggle World. Anyway, thought I would explain this as it came up several times during the first posting of the fic years ago, but as I've heavily re-written things this time round, hopefully it now makes more sense why no one is picking up on his scar. :)