Chapter 8
Shopping
A.N.: I am sorry for the delay. I have been busy with college. Hope you are liking the story so far. Any criticism and reviews are welcome.
Hadrian woke up the next morning refreshed and as a new person. For the first time in his life, he could appreciate the relaxation of a good lie-in rather than having to cook tons of food to satisfy his relatives. Finally, he let go of the guilt and sense of duty he had felt towards his aunt and cousin. He had talked about it with his parents' portraits and boy, were they pissed. Seriously, if he was Dumby and he heard the kind of threats his Mum was making, he would disappear as fast as he could never to be seen again. Who thought Lillian Potter can inspire such true fear. He had already decided that being a referee to the arguments going on between Lily, James and Severus is a futile task given his Mum can give Sarcasm a run for his money in sarcasm. Really, if she weren't already dead, he would be hard pressed to find a way to stop her from enacting her gruesome plans for Vernon and Dumby. He had also learned that his parents were geniuses. Last night, when he had been reading and occasionally talking to them, they had somehow guilted him into telling them everything and had gotten a stern talking to about his feelings towards Petunia and Dudley. They pointed out that she got what she earned and Dudley wasn't his responsibility. Just like his mother has sacrificed herself for Hadrian's protection, Petunia can get a job and try to do better by her son. He was finally accepting it. He remembered about the list of things his Mum insisted he learn: dancing, fencing, martial arts, Latin, something called Occlumency, Magical theory(which he had already started), heir etiquette and training (the knowledge was left by the rings but he will have to review all of it carefully) and, if possible, riding Equine animals. They knew that only one and a half months are not enough for learning everything but as much as he could, he should. Severus also volunteered teaching him while at school. They had for a while discussed the possibility of going to another school, but decided against it, until at least his OWLs were done. His malnourishment, which he had cured most of was being taken care of by Sev as well. Only a week worth of nutrition Potions and three blood replenishment Potions with three doses of Skele-gro for incorrectly healed bones. It was much better than what could have been. Hadrian really was happy with this new life. His new room as well. He hadn't had the time or energy to properly observe the room the night before. His room was painted in cream and blues. Then, a canopy in various greens was painted over it to give the room a natural glow. The bedspread was in green as well. The cozy rug however was in one of his favourite colours, blood red. There was also a big picture of a stag and a doe beneath the canopy. The room was simply gorgeous. Even the ceiling was charmed like a serene moonlit sky. And now, he is going to go shopping to suit up for this better life. He had decided to go as himself because he can't keep hiding, as his Potions professor helpfully pointed out and because he did need some things specific to himself, like his house crest on his trunk, his robes and not to forget, his wand. Still, being with Severus will pretty much make sure no one even approached them.
After getting ready and having breakfast, both of them got ready to go by the floo. Severus insisted that he needed to have the experience. "Just throw the floo powder in, get in, speak your destination clearly and keep your elbows tucked in. Another thing, your first time, you will most likely fell but you will have better luck if you jumped slightly with one leg out for balance.", Severus explained in that low but deep voice of his that almost compels you to listen.
Hadrian followed the instructions and landed in the Leaky Cauldron with just a little stumble, very good for a first time. Severus followed immediately behind. No-one really paid attention to them and those who did just nodded at the Potions master and turned back right away. As he had already got his money yesterday, they directly went to the trunk shop, which Severus said was the absolute must to purchase first so they didn't have to lug bags around. Apparently, even with magic, it's quite troublesome. Sev took him to a shop in the Knockturn Alley (a so called dark alley just because it houses Magical creatures), where only it's entrance was gruesome but beyond that, quite fascinating and cleaner and more airy than Diagon Alley. The shop was called 'Trichet' s Magical Trunks' and was run by Mr Trichet who had been turned into a werewolf when he was nineteen and was forced to abandon Diagon Alley because of the lack of tolerance towards creatures. The inside of the shop was amazingly ordered and organised and looked quite big. The owner immediately came to them and asked, "What can I help you with, sirs?", then, after looking at Hadrian, "Ah, maybe you are looking for a standard first year trunk?"
Hadrian replied, "While yes, I am going to be a first year, Mr Trichet, I am looking for a better, sturdier trunk with a lot of space and a very secure protection. If you have something like that, I will love to peruse the options available. Budget is not a problem."
Mr Trichet beamed at this and showed them to the back of the shop where he gestured to the various types of trunks laying in a line. "These are the special models that I have made. As you can see, there are jewels on the clasp. The number of jewels signifies the number of compartments. Now, first is the basic trunk with three closet sized compartments. It is mahogany wood, has featherlight charms inbuilt and we have several enchantments we can add if you wish. The next is the same just with one compartment in a library setup and another in a potion ingredients closet. Third, we have a five compartment trunk with three closet sized compartments, the fourth the library, the fifth the potion closet. The last we have is a seven compartment trunk with the five previously mentioned compartments, a sixth duelling chamber compartment and a last room compartment. The room has a bed, an attached bathroom and an in built study, wardrobe and a bookshelf. Let me tell you that the larger the number of compartments in the trunk, the more security measures can be applied to it. There is more room to work with, if you get the gist of it. Anyways, the last one is a customised Auror trunk. We also provide different materials in which the trunk can be prepared. Dragon hide is the most durable material but very expensive. However, the cost, I believe, is worth it. It lasts a lot longer. So, which one suits you best?", the shopkeeper explained.
Hadrian thought it over. The five compartment trunk was very nice but truth be told, he was sold on the last one. He had wanted a place to practice spells and somewhere to escape to while at school and the trunk was amazingly perfect for his needs. He, then asked, "I am very interested in the seven compartment trunk if you can assure me of impenetrable security. Also, the best dragon hide you have as well as all the extra enchantments with a list."
Mr Trichet, now very excited, replied, "Of course! As I said, the higher the number of compartments, the greater the security. So, with this trunk, you have a password protected trunk locked with your Magical signature and fingerprint. It would be better if you can give your wandless Magical signature as noone will be able to have it if they stole your wand. I don't like blood locks for something like a trunk as it will be detrimental to the health of an individual. As for the extras, we have self-cleaning, water repelling, fire-proof, stasis charms, as well as an auto-shrink in-built feature. I can line the trunk with silver or gold and change the jewels to the ones you want. I can also carve your family crest if you have one and your initials at the top. However, with everything, the cost will be 7,850 galleons. Do you still wish for it?"
"Yes, I will take it. I will also take all the extras. The jewels I want are sapphires and emeralds alternatively. Also, the Potter and Black crests will be carved into it with HJP-B below it. Line the trunk in silver. Also, I will prefer if the colour of the dragon hide is dark green or black. I will also take a school dragonhide backpack in the same colour if you have it with bottomless and featherlight charms.", said Hadrian in a happy tone. He was genuinely happy about the trunk which will perhaps be with him for much longer than seven years. The investment was well worth it.
"Potter, you say. Harry Potter??? ", the trunk maker looked baffled for a few moments but then, visibly recollected himself, "Of course, Mr Potter! I will have the both items done to your specifications in half an hour. I am honoured to make your first trunk. It is also nice to see that although people expect you to be the light mascot, you are an unprejudiced person.", Mr Trichet finished and went off to complete the order.
When he came back and announced the final cost to be 7,940 galleons, Hadrian said, "Firstly, thank you for the trunk, Mr Trichet. Secondly, my name is Hadrian Potter-Black, not Harry Potter. And lastly, I judge by character, Sir, because anything else is illogical." When he left with his trunk, backpack and Severus, he left behind a surprised but very happy shopkeeper behind. He had also left total 8,000 galleons on the counter to make up for the lack of awkwardness displayed by the trunk maker. Severus praised him, "You handled the final sentiment admirably, Hadrian. I am proud of you. You were also right right to take the seven compartment trunk as it is a once in lifetime investment. Very good." Hadrian couldn't help the happy smile on his face upon hearing this. He had never before been praised for his work so it was a novel experience.
They, then, decided to get clothes, as it will take the most time apart from books. They went to a store called 'Twilfitt and Tattings' as it was the high end clothing store in Diagon Alley just off Knockturn Alley. The seamstress seemed very nice and when she heard that he needed a full wardrobe with the school uniform, she professionally gave her opinion on things. In the end, Hadrian ended up buying his uniform in acromantula silk, it was recommended and was the best fabric available, seven day robes (two red, two green, one blue and two black), seven button down long sleeved shirts in the same colour and three in white( all in Acromantula Silk), five pairs of dragon hide leather pants, seven pairs of jeans in blacks and blues, three pairs of trousers in black, seven pairs of undergarments and socks, five t-shirts in dark colours, a winter cloak, a travelling cloak, two leather jackets(black and grey), two pairs of dragonhide gloves, two pairs of sneakers and three pairs of dragon hide boots. Ms. Tatting was a great help in this and her method of working was efficient as well. She also suggested some protection charms for the clothes, like anti-tear, fire-proof and auto-adjustable. They gladly took them. Severus also ordered a special protective over robe for them both to wear while brewing potions and duelling. When they left, they were happy with the choices. Ms. Tatting had asked to come in two hours later for the finished clothes. It all cost them around 2,650 galleons. Hadrian was amazed to notice that his trunk had cost so much, but was reminded by Severus that it was understandably expensive given the materials and amount of magic being used. Even his school bag was very different from the norm. Basic cloth bags cost about five galleons only because no charms are used. Specialised magic is what increases the cost.
After the clothing shop, they went to the apothecary in a side alley known as Eventop. The shop was called 'Smethwyck's Apothecary' and for a place selling disgusting ingredients was free of any smell or grime. They ordered three beginners potions kit because Hadrian wanted to practice with his own ingredients before breaking into the Manor's potions lab setup. He also took three books on potions making at Sev's suggestion. They were titled 'How to guide of the Potions Ingredients' which detailed various ways in which ingredients can be cut, diced, chopped etc., 'Important precautions while brewing' detailing ways of safe brewing and 'Importance of the metals in Cauldrons' basically explaining the difference between cauldrons made of different materials and the properties important to certain potions. With that done (Severus decided to shop for his own ingredients while Hadrian was in the bookshop), they left to purchase the extra equipment like scales, cauldron and vials. They found them in 'Mullion Equipment Store'. Hadrian decided that the telescope will be better purchased in the muggle world and then charmed with the needed enchantments later as the progress in astronomy is more advanced in muggle world. They also purchased quills, ink, parchment stacks and other trivialities. He also decided to get paper notebooks to take notes while purchasing for the telescope as they are cheaper and more manageable than parchment stacks. After that, only books, a pet and a wand was left. They went in a library type bookshop in the back of Knockturn Alley for them where Severus left Hadrian to browse while going to do his own shopping. Hadrian first found all of the school textbooks and then, he began browsing for some interesting books. He knew he had a huge library but he did not want to take books out of it to take to the school as they could be easily damaged and he had to fill his trunk's library too. He picked up books on animagi(the skill to change into an animal), human transfiguration as forms of disguises and funny prank changes in the transfiguration section. Then, in the charms section, he picked about six books on enchantments, two on easy wandless charms difficult to master and one on broomstick charms. In defense section, he picked books on introduction of dark arts, basic duelling tactics and easy defense techniques to stay alive. He also added various other books in history and herbology section and one from astronomy. When he came to runes and arithmancy, he picked introductory books and about their importance. When he had over hundred books selected, he decided to finish his books shopping. By the time, he had paid for his books, Severus had already finished his shopping and had been waiting for ten minutes. "You know, even Lily did not buy so many books on our first visit to the alley. And she was more Ravenclaw-ish than any Ravenclaw.", Sev said amused. Hadrian just ignored him and made his way towards the 'Ollivanders Wand Shop'.
Peeling gold letters over the door read Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C. A single wand lay on a faded purple cushion in the dusty window. A tinkling bell rang somewhere in the depths of the shop as they stepped inside. It was a tiny place, empty except for a single, spindly chair. Hadrian felt strangely as though he had entered a very strict library; he looked at the thousands of narrow boxes piled neatly right up to the ceiling. For some reason, the back of his neck prickled. The very dust and silence in here seemed to tingle with some secret magic. Hadrian could also feel some kind of cloaking magic in a corner of the shop. "Good afternoon," said a soft voice from the direction of the said cloaking magic. An old man was standing before them, his wide, pale eyes shining like moons through the gloom of the shop. "Hello, Mr Ollivander." replied Hadrian. "Ah yes," said the man. "Yes, yes. I thought I'd be seeing you soon. Hadrian Potter-Black." It wasn't a question. "You have your mother's eyes but more intense. It seems only yesterday she was in here herself, buying her first wand. Ten and a quarter inches long, swishy, made of willow. Nice wand for charm work." Mr Ollivander moved closer to Hadrian. "Your father, on the other hand, favored a mahogany wand. Eleven inches. Pliable. A little more power and excellent for transfiguration. Well, I say your father favored it - it's really the wand that chooses the wizard, of course." Mr Ollivander had come so close that he and Hadrian were almost nose to nose. Hadrian could see himself reflected in those misty eyes. "And that's where..." Mr Ollivander touched the lightning scar on Hadrian's forehead which was fading now with a long, white finger. "I'm sorry to say I sold the wand that did it," he said softly. "Thirteen-and-a-half inches. Yew. Powerful wand, very powerful. But in the wrong hands.."
Here, Hadrian cut him off, "Now, now Mr Ollivander, both of us know the truth. The wand is in the right hands and the man holding it is also in the right. You can lie all you want, but I repeat, we both know the truth."
This caught the wandmaker's attention. "You are right, of course, but what cannot be denied is that the hold of Dumbledore is too strong and one must tread very carefully. Ah, and Severus Snape, ebony and unicorn hair, rather rigid, 12 inches long, all around neutral wand but better for subtle magics, is it not?"
"Yes Sir, and an excellent companion.", Severus replied neutrally.
"Well, now- Mr Potter-Black. Let me see." He pulled a long tape measure with silver markings out of his pocket. "Which is your wand arm?"
"I am ambidextrous, Sir.", Hadrian had taught himself when he had read about the concept when he was six. It also was one less weakness.
"Hmm, interesting. You will have a unique and quite a powerful wand, I am positive. Now, if you will hold out your hands." He measured Hadrian from shoulder to finger, then wrist to elbow, shoulder to floor, knee to armpit and round his head. As he measured, he said, "Every Ollivander wand has a core of a powerful magical substance, Mr Potter-Black. In very rare cases, a secondary core is used and I can honestly say, I have never used them. We use unicorn hairs, phoenix tail feathers, and the heartstrings of dragons. No two Ollivander wands are the same, just as no two unicorns, dragons, or phoenixes are quite the same. And of course, you will never get such good results with another wizard's wand." That said, he left the measuring tape to continue on its own and began taking down boxes. When the tape was about to repeat the measuring process, he said, "That will do. Here, try this, Mr Potter-Black. Willow and phoenix feather, ten and a half inches long."
Hadrian took it but instantly dropped it when he felt the negative feeling coming from it. When Mr Ollivander watched the interaction, he became inexplicably excited and announced, "You are the first eleven year old to connect so fully to your Magical core. Even those who learn to deliberately do magic are not attuned to their cores, Mr Potter-Black. We will try a different selecting process for you. Let your magic free and seek out its companion. Again, remember Mr Potter-Black, wand choose the wizard. So, let the magic as free as possible. Then, when you feel a connection, follow it and pick it up and give the wand a wave. Go on, Mr Potter-Black, go on!"
Upon his urging, Hadrian delved in his core and freed his hold. He felt exhilarated at the feel of the unrestrained magic flowing in his veins. In the whole shop, he felt only one connection, at the back of the shop and went there. He picked up a light brown coloured wand about eleven inches long, but when he touched it, he felt incomplete, as if the wand was both right and wrong. When he told this to Mr Ollivander, he immediately became even more giddy and explained, "That wand, in your hand, is in itself a very unusual combination but very powerful. What you are saying is that it needs some more elements to fully become your wand. We have a base and we need to complete it. Let's go to the back of the workshop. I haven't had an opportunity to craft a custom wand in quite some time."
Seeing his enthusiasm, the two raven haired wizards followed him without question. In the back, they saw jars upon jars of various ingredients and blocks of a number of woods. Ollivander also explained that there were some cores he haven't used before in his official wandshop because of the ministry's interference. He asked Hadrian to repeat the feeling process. This time he felt three bonds immediately forming. The first was a block of wood. It was a deep blood red colour and felt powerful in his hand. The next was a golden feather about eleven inches long. It gave off a feeling of comfort. The last led him to a dark silvery black hair which felt cold but shadowy as his core. He gave the items to the wandmaker who was looking at the things in wonder. Before he could ask, he started speaking, "Mr Potter-Black, the wand you picked up before had a holly wood and a phoenix feather. Both are symbols of life and rejuvenation. The second wood piece you have picked is basically the opposite. It is called Dylanos, or the blood wood, which is grown nourished with blood. It comes from the high elves. The wood, while very powerful, is also dark. Now, the cores you picked are again different. The golden feather is a rare freely given gryphon feather. It symbolises power and justice as well as the leadership. The last is a thestral tail hair which is nigh impossible to get. It symbolises death, cunning and a certain sneakiness. Also, as the three cores come from flying creatures, it shows a certain affinity to air. The problem here, Mr Potter-Black is that I need a powerful binding agent for these opposite materials and I can only think of your blood thatthat will suffice. Also, it would be prudent if you choose a gem to stabilise the flow of magic or the less powerful spells will get blown up."
Then, he pulled a trunk out from under his workshop table and gestured for Hadrian to take a look. Hadrian immediately picked a pretty emerald from the trunk. As soon as he had given the blood(after a vow from the wandmaker of course), they were ushered out of the shop and a closed sign was put up. They were asked to come in one hour to pick it up. They decided to have lunch meanwhile as it was about 1:30 pm. They went to a cozy cafe in Eventop alley and ordered lunch. They spoke about the plans for the rest of the holidays before school. They decided to hire a goblin tutor for fencing and martial arts as they are the best in both. Everything else like occlumency, riding and basics Severus can teach. Some can be learnt by self study. They decided to finish hiring the tutor and the rest of the shopping that day and start the training the next day. Hadrian also decided to ask the goblin tutor to teach him the goblin language and culture. That decided, they finished the lunch and went back to Twilfitt and Tattings for their order. After that, they retraced their steps to the wand shop. There, they saw a blissed out Ollivander waiting for them. "Mr Potter-Black, here, Holly and Dylanos, phoenix and gryphon feather intertwined with the thestral tail hair. Dipped in your blood. Fourteen inches exactly. Pleasantly springy. Excellent for all kinds of magic. Go on, give it a try."
Hadrian, reverently picked up the wand. It was a twisting red and brown with a shining emerald imbedded at the base. The wand was a work of art. As soon as he picked it up, he felt a wave of euphoria sweep over him. He was shrouded with something akin to his Magical core shadowy emerald water like light with blood red streaks. It was beautiful. Golden and silver sparks erupted from the tip of the wand. A pleasant breeze was blowing about him and everything in the shop was somehow repaired as new. Hadrian asked for a dragonhide wrist wand holster and a wand care kit. Everything cost him three hundred galleons as the items he picked for his wand were very rare.
After that, they finished the rest of their business very quickly. The shopping was done and it was arranged that a goblin named 'Grunnshak' will come daily to the manor to teach him. All in all the shopping finished on a very pleasant note.
