UPDATED: Fixed an incorrect word usage.

Chapter 9

A Life Of New

Harry Potter

Saturday, September 4th, 1993

Harry awoke to the sound of people laughing and moving about. It was a pleasant sound until ... Harry sat up in his bed with a shock of fear. He had overslept. For the first time in memory he had overslept for no apparent reason. He wasn't injured or starving or locked in his cupboard. He had just slept. Without major emotional upset. It was a wonderful feeling. Except now his gut clenched; how was he going to get out of the dorm without interacting with anyone? Then he heard Neville's voice and he relaxed a bit. He did have a friend out there. Maybe more than one friend? As always, meeting people was threatening because they could turn you in, expose you, judge you. Those habits were still difficult. Hearing Neville's voice changed his perspective. He decided to try and assume that the others out there were similar to Neville and see what happened. He worked up a bit of bravado to strengthen his attitude.

Harry opened the curtains on his bed. All eyes turned toward him in surprise. "Good morning Gents. Top of the morning to you."

Everyone froze, except Neville who started to show a smile.

Harry decided to play a bit, he looked quizzically at them with a growing smile, "Speak english? Par le vous France?" Then he started stringing random phonemes together into short phrases like he was speaking more languages.

A boy with dark hair spoke up first, "You're Harry Potter!"

Harry raised an eyebrow at him. "How do you know?"

"You have the scar." A red haired boy answered.

"Oh, yeah. That thing." Harry frowned. "It's overrated." He smirked as he echoed Luna.

Neville was hiding a smile behind his hand.

The red haired boy continued, "Overrated? You're Harry Potter! You can do anything!"

For some reason this went a little beyond a ridiculous game and started to make Harry angry. "Anything? Are you serious?"

The red haired boy jumped in with both feet, "Yes, you defeated he-who-must-not-be-named and survived the Killing Curse. You're immortal! You're rich! A Hero!"

That just pushed Harry further into 'angry'. His face hardened. His voice cold. "How would you know?"

The third boy answered meekly, "The books, the stories. They all said you could do anything."

Harry looked at him, "What books, what stories?"

The third boy looked confused, "All the Harry Potter books. We all grew up with them. We learned to read with them."

Harry was disgusted, "Someone is making money off of my pain?"

The black haired boy looked confused, "Pain? What pain? Are you saying they're not true?"

Harry's rage started building, his magic started leaking out of him, "I didn't know magic existed until I walked into the sorting ceremony."

The red haired boy looked shocked, "What? They said you lived like a prince."

Harry's rage leaped, magic rolling off him, he stalked toward them, they started backing away, "I was beaten, starved, treated as a house elf for years until I ran away and lived on the streets. Don't give me any shit about living like a prince!"

"No, the books said! You grew up rich and famous."

Harry peeled off his shirt. The boys gasped at all the ugly scars. Even Neville had not seen all of that before. "I was a slave. I live on the streets. I steal for food."

The red haired boy's world was shaken, "But ... They said!"

Harry walked up to him and whispered, "They lied to you!" He turned and walked into the loo to get ready for the day. By the time he came out the room was empty. He made his way down toward the kitchens for breakfast. When he was done he was almost in a better mood. Now all he needed to do was to find Remus for his trip to Diagon Alley. He had a bad feeling that he would only find Remus in the Great Hall. Reluctantly he started that direction. Other students in the halls looked at him like he was from Mars. When he walked in to the Great Hall, silence fell. He stopped and looked for Remus but he didn't see him. He started to walk toward the head table to ask a Professor.

"So, how fitting, Potter is a slave." The blond idiot from the train sauntered toward him, bookends included.

Harry just stared at him.

"At least he understands his half-blood status properly."

Harry dripped sarcasm, "Sorry, I didn't get your name, you being on the ground and all."

"Malfoy, Draco Malfoy. You will regret the day you touched me."

Harry grimaced, "I already do." He started wiping his hand on his jeans, "Can't seem to get clean."

Malfoy started turning red.

Harry had a hard smile, "You wouldn't last ten minutes on the streets."

"I would never stoop so low. I'm not a slave."

Harry smirked, "Anyone can become a slave, especially you; you're too pretty." Draco looked momentarily confused and Harry sighed, "Is there a point to this conversation or do you always have intellectual diarrhea?"

Draco's face contorted and he reached for his wand. Harry grabbed Draco's wrist and punched him in the stomach. Draco doubled over and Harry brought his elbow down on the back of Draco's head, knocking him flat to the floor. One of the bookends started to reach for Harry. Harry grabbed his wrist and pulled him over the top of Malfoy where the bookend tripped and landed hard in front of bookend 2 blocking his path.

"STOP!" Snape walked up with his wand pointed at Harry. "20 points from Gryffindor and detention with me tonight."

Harry was incredulous, "That was self defense, he was drawing his wand!"

"And you have to resort to physical violence?" Snape was dismissive.

Harry spoke slowly and forcefully, "I don't have a wand."

Now Snape was incredulous, "10 points for lying."

"Make it 50! Are you defective? I don't have a wand!"

"Severus!" McGonagle walked up. "He does not have a wand. If Mr Malfoy has not learned his lesson I suggest you teach him again. Mr Potter, come with me." She turned and walked away.

Harry followed out of the Great Hall to where Remus was walking toward the doors.

Professor McGonagle spoke quietly to Remus, "Take Harry to Diagon Alley quickly, before Albus gets here." She Looked at Harry, "You will need to learn a bit of proper comportment or your time here will be painful." She walked away.

Harry turned to Remus, "Let's get the fuck out of here before I start screaming." He turned and walked toward the front doors.

Remus followed, "Harry, what happened?"

"Malfoy happened. He started insulting me, then he drew his wand and I beat him into the ground. Snape came up and started talking about points and detention. I told him I didn't have a wand and he called me a liar. I said he was defective. – Just a fun day in the neighbourhood."

Remus started laughing. "You are a true Marauder, Harry. Just like your dad."

"Marauder? Is that some kind of magical beast or are you saying I'm just gifted?"

"Oh, definitely gifted. Your dad, myself, Sirius Black, and Peter Pettigrew were the best of friends –" He choked a bit, "and were quite the pranksters and we called ourselves 'The Marauders'. You definitely fulfill that status."

"So, what's Snape's problem? He seems to particularly hate me."

"Yes, he does. You look exactly like your father, except you have your mothers eyes. Snape went to school with us and we hated each other. So he is taking his hatred out on you."

"What? No accounting for maturity? Is he still 5? And he teaches here? What the hell is wrong with Dumbles? – OK, what more is wrong with Dumbles?"

Remus smiled sadly, "Snape was in love with your mother."

"WHAT?! Ewe, that is just disgusting. Why?"

Remus laughed softly, "She was very beautiful." Before Harry could interrupt again, "And! He and your mother were friends long before they both came to Hogwarts. Unfortunately, they had a falling out and he became a Death Eater."

"Oh, yes! Obviously! Dark, broody, bat-like. It all makes sense now. What the fuck is he doing teaching at a school and not rotting in a jail somewhere?"

Remus threw up some privacy wards, "Harry, listen to me. The headmaster trusts him –"

"Now that's a ringing endorsement!"

"Yes, I know. But more importantly, he was a spy for Dumbledore against Voldemort. He turned double-agent when Voldemort killed your mother."

Harry just looked down and shook his head in exasperation.

Remus reached out and stopped Harry, "We are beyond the wards and can now apparate to Diagon Alley."

"We're what?"

"There are magical protections surrounding the school that prevent us from apparating until we are outside those protections."

"OK, so what is apparating?"

Remus grabbed his elbow and Harry was squished through a straw.

Harry landed on the ground rather roughly. He jumped up and was about to yell at Remus when he noticed they weren't outside Hogwarts any more. "So that's what the house elves can do."

Remus laughed, "Yes, house elves can do that too. Though I dare say they are better at it than we are."

Harry turned quite intense eyes on Remus, "Teach me that."

"Sure."

Harry started to look around. "Where are we?"

"This is Diagon Alley. The primary magical business district in England. Specifically, we are in the middle of London."

"And a second ago we were where?"

"The highlands of Scotland."

"My God! That. Is. Brilliant!"

Remus put on a proper accent, "Yes, quite."

Harry's eyes were wide as he walked around staring at everything. "Where should we go first?"

"First, Gringotts. It's the most important, and may take the longest. Then to Olivanders – the wandmaker." Remus started off down the street.

As they approached the bank Harry stopped. "Remus, what the bloody hell is that?"

Remus smiled, "Oh, yes. I forgot. We really do have a lot to go over, don't we? That, Harry, is a Goblin. They run the bank, and they are very good at it."

"And he looks rather – deadly."

Remus got that accent again, "Quite."

Harry turned to Remus, "So what are the rules of etiquette with Goblins? I'm feeling totally bowled over here."

"Wizards don't relate to Goblins very well. So they mostly do it very badly. And it's really quite stupid of them because the Goblins run our entire economy. They could ruin us in a moment. Now, that would put a dent in their profits too, but let's just not push it that far, shall we?"

"He doesn't look very tolerant with that big blade of his."

"No, not at all."

"OK, so we go straight to groveling. What do you think?"

"No, you have to have respect for yourself or trying to give respect to them means nothing."

Harry started breathing deeply and slowly to calm down. "Ok. Well, I have no clue so therefore I will just be myself, I can't out-guess them. And if they kill me – it will be everyone's loss." Harry started walking up the steps of the bank. "Good morning, sir."

"Good morning, Harry Potter." The Goblin did not move, just the words.

Harry was surprised, "You know who I am?"

"Yes. You were getting some very good advice."

"Ah! You heard that." Harry covered his face with his hand. "My apologies, I know nothing of the Wizarding World."

The Goblin could be smiling, or grimacing, it was difficult to tell. "I gathered. Go to the last teller window on the right for the Special Accounts supervisors."

Harry was relieved, "Thank you, sir." Harry bowed and went into the bank. The guard at the door spoke true. The last window on the right had no line. "Good morning, sir."

The Goblin at the desk did not even look up, "Name."

"Harry James Potter."

The Goblin's head shot up in surprise. "Wait here." He was off toward some back rooms. He came back with another Goblin in less than a minute.

The new Goblin said, "Mr Potter, my name is Griphook. I am your accounts manager. Please follow me." Griphook lead them into a grid-work of hallways with unmarked doors at irregular intervals until he stopped at one. He opened the door and ushered them into a room with a desk and 2 chairs. Griphook pulled out an ornate bowl from the desk. "First, let us start with an identity check. Hold out your hand."

Harry held out his hand. Until Griphook pulled out a wicked knife and reached for Harry's hand. "Hey!" Harry pulled back his hand and stood up, backing away.

Griphook looked confused, at least Harry thought he looked confused.

"Harry, I'm sorry." Remus put a hand on Harry's arm. "And my apologies, Griphook. Harry was raised outside of wizarding culture and does not understand." He turned back to Harry. "This is normal. He needs a sample of blood for identity and inheritance tests. It will not hurt and it will be healed magically."

Harry stood for a moment looking at Remus and Griphook, then he relented and with much trepidation sat down offering his hand. The knife sliced his hand and blood flowed into the bowl to mix with a silvery liquid. When enough was collected Griphook ran the pommel of the knife along the cut and it healed instantly. Harry smiled looking closely at his hand, "Remus, you need to teach me magical healing too."

"I'll add it to the list." Remus smiled.

Griphook stirred the contents of the bowl with the knife, pulled out a parchment and stabbed it with the knife. The mixture flowed off the blade and onto the parchment and filled the page with writing. "Head of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter, House of Peverell, and Head of the Ancient and Noble House of Gryffindor."

Harry was quite confused. "What does all that mean?"

Remus spoke up, "Well, you are also the descendant of one of the founders of Hogwarts. That means a number of things. You can ask for separate living quarters outside of Gryffindor Tower and you have significant authority in Hogwarts."

Harry looked hard at Remus, "You'll have to explain the details later."

Griphook motioned to the parchment, "And as far as Gringotts is concerned, because you are the last of your line, you are now emancipated and have access to all your family vaults and properties. Unfortunately, the Ministry for Magic will not recognize your emancipation until you turn 16."

There was a gleam in Harry's eye, "That means that I don't have to listen to Dumbles?"

Griphook seemed surprised at Harry's abuse of Dumbledore's name.

Remus answered, "Not as much, though I would suggest not flaunting that or you will get nothing but resistance on many fronts. Dumbledore is, after all, still quite powerful in the wizarding world."

Harry nodded. He looked quite satisfied.

Griphook spoke up, "The next matter is that of your parents will. It was sealed by Albus Dumbledore and was never executed. Now that you are here, we can begin to remedy that. Now, there is a delicate technicality at this point. Given that the ministry does not consider you emancipated and the Ministry considers Mr Lupin a Dark Creature –"

"What?" Harry was shocked.

Remus looked crestfallen, "Harry, I am a werewolf. I was bitten at the age of six. The Ministry considers me no longer human, I am a Dark Creature and therefore can not act as your guardian."

Harry rose in anger and started pacing, "What the fuck is wrong this these people!? You're more sane than I am."

"Except for three days a month when I am quite dangerous."

"So are most girls. So? Why do I want to be a part of this broken society?"

Remus looked tired, "Harry, you have no idea how broken. Regardless, that is the way things are."

Harry stopped and faced Remus, "And who is responsible in this society?"

Remus looked down, "That would be Dumbledore. He is in charge of the International Confederation of Wizards, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, and Headmaster of Hogwarts."

Harry looked incensed, "Ohh-ho-ho, public enemy number one."

Remus winced, "Well, number two, if Voldemort comes back."

Griphook spoke up, "And he will. We do not believe Voldemort is truly dead."

Harry looked depressed, "Wonderful. Two Dark Lords fighting over a dying society. I don't think I'll be sticking around."

Griphook looked shocked, "Where would you go?"

"Back to the non-magical world. Their science and technology are beginning to rival what magic can do. And for all it's problems it looks to be in much better shape than the magical world."

Griphook paled, "One moment, continue your discussion." He got up and left through a door that appeared in the wall behind his desk.

Remus looked desolate, "Harry, you can't just give up on the magical world."

"Why? What did Dumbles ever do for me? Oh yeah, that's right – he sold me into slavery and every time I escaped he returned me to slavery. He caused me to be beaten, starved, locked in a cupboard. He stole my heritage. That isn't enough? And isn't he supposed to be the leader of the light? With friends like that ... I could die early. I don't want to be involved."

"There are people out there who need help."

"There are people out there making money from my name and life story without my permission! This society is corrupt! Why does it deserve to live? More to the point, why should I risk my life to help it when all it's given me is pain?"

"What about those people who need help?"

"They are free to make the same decision I have, they can switch to the non-magical world."

"There are a lot of pure-blood families that have no background in the non-magical world and they would be helpless."

"Kind of like me walking in to the magical world? They get no sympathy from me."

Remus ran out of arguments.

Harry sighed, "Listen, the wizarding world is full of arrogance and arrogance is the same as saying 'I don't need you', which is incorrect, short-sighted, and self-destructive. No man is an island, no man can possibly be an island. How am I going to teach anyone that lesson? They will need to learn it on their own."

Remus looked at Harry with a rye smile, "Wait, how old are you? Where did you learn all this?"

"I listen and pay attention. Just like anyone else can." And, Harry thought, it helped to hang around at the university where all these fascinating discussions and classes took place.

A door appeared in the wall behind the desk and Griphook came in. "Lord Potter, I have your most recent account statements for you, including a listing of your properties."

"Thank you, Griphook. Can you tell me who has access to my accounts?"

Griphook developed an expression on his face, interpreting that expression was a guess but it didn't look nice, "You have a school trust vault and three family vaults. There are two people who have access your trust vault; you and Dumbledore. Though he has tried to gain access to your other vaults, many times, we have refused him. Up until now there has been no one who has access to your family vaults. Now you have access to all of them. I have here your family Head of House signet rings to prove your Head of House status. They also act as your vault keys."

"Has Dumbles been accessing my trust vault?"

Griphook was hesitant to speak, "Yes ... your trust vault is automatically refilled up to 4000 Galleons every year and he has emptied it every year until this year. Twelve years worth. A total of 48,000 Galleons to date."

Harry's rage was building. He felt even more betrayed and violated. "How has he had access to my vault?"

"Because he sealed your parents will, he was able to make himself your guardian. Thus his access to your vault."

"Does Gringotts have a copy of my parents will?"

"Yes. I will get it." A bundle of papers appeared on the desk in front on Griphook. He handed it to Harry.

Harry started reading with Remus looking over his shoulder.

Remus pointed at the document, "See – there." He pointed to a spot on the page. "The list of people who could have been your guardians and the Dursley's were specifically forbidden from being your guardians."

Harry's face went white, "I'm going to kill Dumbles."

Remus read further, "The list was Sirius Black, the Longbottom's, Professor McGonagle, the Tonks, and Amelia Bones."

Harry looked confused, "Who are these people?"

"Sirius was your fathers brother in all but blood. Sirius left home and went to live with your father because he was kicked out of his family. The Longbottom's were also good friends and are Neville's parents. You know Professor McGonagle. The Tonks are Sirius' cousins who were also kicked out of the Black family. The Black family generally lived up to it's name. Amelia Bones is the current head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement."

Harry had an intense look on his face, "Griphook, can we have several copies of this?"

Griphook nodded and several more piles of paper appeared on his desk. He handed them to Harry.

"So, Remus I'm confused. Where is Sirius Black? Why wasn't he my guardian?"

Remus sat down heavily, "Sirius betrayed your parents to Voldemort, then he killed Peter Pettigrew and twelve muggles. He is in Azkaban, the wizarding prison."

Harry's stomach dropped to the floor. "How could he do that? You said he was my father's brother."

"I really don't know. But he confessed."

Griphook spoke up, "Lord Potter, if you are interested, you should ask to see the evidence and decide for yourself. There are a lot of rumors being passed off as fact."

Harry sadly nodded. "Griphook, what can be done about Dumbles taking money from my vault?"

"At the moment, you can do nothing about the money he has taken. You will need to show that he sealed your parent's will improperly. This will likely take some work. Might I suggest you talk to Mr Ted Tonks. He is both a muggle and magical barrister and, as he is listed as a potential guardian for you, is likely to be trustworthy."

Remus nodded, "I would agree, Harry."

"Can you ask him, Remus? I don't think I would know how."

"Yes, I will talk to him."

Harry looked at Griphook, "Griphook, how do I go about getting my guardianship moved from Dumbles to Professor McGonagle?"

Griphook smiled, "First, as you are emancipated as far as Gringotts is concerned, I would suggest removing Dumbledore from having access to your trust vault. –"

"Do it."

" – Then take this will and show it to Professor McGonagle. Then either she or you need to show this will to Madam Bones of the DMLE. That should start the process."

Harry took a deep breath and let it out slowly, "Is there anything else we should discuss, Griphook?"

"I should let you know that all your properties are being maintained by your family's house elves. Your family Head of House rings will act as portkeys to any of them, simply say the name of the property you wish to go to. They are in this box. The list of properties are in your account statements. Also, in the wizarding world your signet rings will act like a credit card does in the muggle world." He handed Harry the box containing his family rings.

Harry looked amazed, "I have house elves? How many?"

Griphook looked at the paperwork, "Currently, 47."

Harry slowly shook his head with a dour expression. He put on the family rings and smiled as he felt the magic take hold, "Thank you, Griphook. You have done a truly excellent job."

Griphook nodded, "I will show you the way out."

As Harry and Remus were exiting the bank Harry spoke up, "Remus, I think you need to pretend that we know nothing of any of this. We just got some money for supplies and went shopping. If Dumbles found out you know anything then he would probably remove you as my tutor. He needs to think you are still following his orders."

Remus thought about it, "Yes, Harry, you are probably right. Let's get your wand next."

They walked in to Olivanders dingy little shop. It was full of a reverent silence, like a library or a church. Which was apt, as Harry thought about it; a wandmaker's shop was a symbol of the practical source of magic for wizards. A voice floated out from behind the shelves, "Ah, Mr Potter. You have finally come. I am so glad you are here, after all."

A tape measure came flying out and started wrapping itself around Harry in every possible way. In irritation he grabbed hold of it and squeezed. It went straight and stiff, like he was choking it, and then it went limp. He set it on the counter.

Mr Olivander came out from behind the shelves, "My apologies, the tape measure gets a little over-zealous sometimes. It gave me all the measurements I need." Olivander started picking boxes of wands to try. Each one was not appropriate for Harry. After over an hour they found the right one. Harry walked out with a very warm feeling in his hand and an arm holster. It was as if his hand now worked properly, it felt complete in a way it never had before. As if the wand was bonding with him. Or him to his wand. Or as if his magic was finally switched on like a searchlight in the night. It was a profound experience.

Remus looked at Harry, "Maybe we should get some lunch before we attempt your supplies."

"That would be excellent." Harry looked tired.

They stopped in to Fortescue's Ice Cream shop for some sandwiches. During their lunch they noticed several people pointing at them and whispering.

Remus nodded toward the whispers, "Harry, we should probably start moving or we could be trapped."

Harry made a mumbled noise through the last bite of a sandwich and nodded.

As they stepped out the door a young family was 10 paces away heading in. A young girl of about 9 was in the lead until she saw Harry. She froze for a moment until her face expanded with a matching intake of breath. "Mum! It's Harry Potter!" Of course, discretion is not a trait 9 year olds are known for so this was said in the loudest, most piercing tone humanly possible.

Harry hung his head and smiled. He should have known it couldn't last. His anonymity was washed away before the coming storm. So he decided to run with it. He held up his hands like he had been caught, "I'm innocent! I didn't do it!" A big smile rounded out the performance.

The girl's little brother of probably 6 picked it up and ran even further, "Ya did too! I gotcha!" and ran up and grabbed his coat to hold him still.

Harry played along, "OK! OK! I give. You got me good. What are you going to do with me? Cart me off to the looney bin?"

The other children circled around with the mother catching up. The girl was determined to get back control, "Carl, stop that. He's supposed to catch people, not get caught."

He bent over to look closer at the children, "You'd be surprised. What are your names?" He got an answer from everyone. Charisse, Carl, and Jonathan. "How old are –" A man with a camera came running up and stuck it in Harry's face very rudely. "Hey!" He pushed the guy back and turned back to finish his sentence, "How old are you Charisse?" The guy with the camera pushed Carl over and stuck the camera back Harry's face. Harry swung his fist and hit the camera which hit the guy's head and knocked him down hard.

The photographer rolled over with a growl and started for Harry and was pulling his wand.

Remus barked a command and drew his wand.

Harry did a quick double-hop, kicked the wand out of the photographers hand with his left foot and caught him under the chin with his right. The photographer landed hard and was rolling over slowly groaning. Harry turned back to the family. Luckily, they were aghast at the photographer and not at Harry. "Sorry kids, it's not safe for me here. I need to get moving." He caught the mother's eye, "And probably you should too." He reached down and picked up Carl from the ground and shook Charisse's hand. "Good to meet you. I hope to see you again soon." He smiled and waved as he jogged down the street and disappeared into a shop, with Remus following.

"You all right, Harry?" Remus looked concerned.

Harry glanced at his knuckles, "Yea, no problem. I take it I should consider that as normal behavior for the press?"

Remus nodded, "Actually, that was rather light. They weren't trying to break into your house. Yet."

Harry's face took on a devious light, "Mmm, sounds like an opportunity for a proper Marauder education."

Remus laughed, "Now that's an idea."

Harry looked around, "So, where should we go next?"

"This is the robe shop. If you stay here and get fitted for robes I can gather all your other gear and we can pop out of here faster."

"Oh, excellent. I'm tired already."

Remus gave instructions to the clerks about robes and headed to the other shops. By the time Harry was done fitting Remus was back and the clothes were almost done. They paid, walked out, and apparated to the gates of Hogwarts. It was a very welcome leisurely walk back to the doors of Hogwarts.

Remus turned to Harry, "Harry, I will need to have dinner in the Great Hall today or Dumbledore will come looking for me. He will want to know how everything went."

Harry nodded a sad smile, "Yes, I can imagine." He looked in the Great Hall and saw Hermione sitting at the end of the Gryffindor table. He also saw that Dumbles had seen him. "It doesn't look like I'll be able to avoid Dumbles either, so I might as well go in too."

They walked in, with Harry heading for Hermione. He sat down next to her and she gave him a hug.

"Harry! How was Diagon Alley?"

"Very interesting, but that will have to wait a bit." He gave her a meaningful glance. "The fun part was slugging some reporter." That elicited what was to Harry, a very satisfying gasp from Hermione.

She had a very exasperated tone, "Harry, what did you do?"

"I got caught talking to some small kids, being the super-hero that I am, and some guy kept sticking his camera in my face. The last time he knocked over one of the kids so I knocked him down. It was quite satisfying."

"And you will probably never hear the end of it."

"You are probably very right about that."

Hermione shook her head with a rueful smile.

"But I got a wand, some real clothes and these robe things, lots of books, and I met some Goblins! Right scary, those are."

"Harry, my boy, how was your trip to Diagon Alley?" Dumbles stood behind Harry.

Harry froze, his face shut down into a mask, his back stiffened. He very slowly stood up and turned to face Dumbles, fists at his sides. Harry just stood there focussing on Dumble's chin with anger dripping off every expression.

Dumbles waited. Harry said nothing, did nothing. The silence strained beyond breaking, well into insulting. The school was watching. "Very well, Harry." Dumbles moved off.

Harry tracked his movements, always facing him until he had left the Great Hall. He continued standing, deep in thought for over a minute after Dumbles left.

"Potter." Snape spoke softly from beside him facing Dumbledore. "You have detention with me tonight. 7pm in my office."

Harry turned his head toward Snape but did not look at him. Harry was surprised Snape was not yelling. In fact he was almost gentle. It was far enough out of character that he thought it could be interesting. Harry nodded. Snape moved toward the doors.

Harry sat down and put his head in his hands.

Neville sat across the table, "All right there, Harry?"

Harry looked up at Neville and Hermione. "I have quite a story to tell you but I'm afraid it will have to wait until tomorrow. I have detention with Snape at 7." Harry turned to Hermione, "Can you show me where Snape's office is?"

She nodded, "We have about 20 minutes."

Harry sighed, "So, what's happening around here?"

Hermione looked at him with a touch of a smile, "The rumour mill is running full out today."

Harry's eyebrows rose.

Hermione's smile grew, "Everyone has now heard your life did not match all the books they read. And with your embarrassing Dumbledore this evening you have just cemented that perspective. You have also pointed a big finger at Dumbledore by not talking to him."

Neville spoke up, "The rumors have begun to spread beyond Hogwarts now. My Gran sent me an owl and was asking me about them this afternoon."

Hermione said, "From what I read in the Prophet today it would seem that Dumbledore is stonewalling the press, even the Minister, on interviewing you. That can only last so long so I would expect Dumbledore to take some action in the near future, for or against."

Harry just nodded, lost in thought.

Hermione started to stand, "We should go if you want to be on time."

Harry stood up and they started off.

Hermione looked at Harry with curiosity, "Why did you agree to Snape's detention without a fight?"

"He spoke to me softly, almost gently, when he reminded me. It was so out of character from what I have experienced with him that I thought it could be interesting to see what's up."

Hermione nodded, "Keep in mind that rumor suggests he uses legillimency on students."

"What's that?"

"He can read minds. Not current active thoughts but emotions and memories."

Harry sighed, "I thought that might be the case. How can I defend against that?"

"There is a mental discipline called occlumency that you can learn, but that takes many months. For now, don't look him in the eyes. You can also try to keep a single strong emotion or thought in the forefront of your mind and he will have a difficult time seeing anything more than that. Here is his office."

Harry turned to her, "Thank you Hermione."

Hermione reached for his hand and squeezed it, "Harry, do be careful. I think he can be very dangerous."

Harry nodded and drew her into a hug, "I'll try. I'm just so completely out of my depth." He moved to the door, "See you in a while." The door closed behind him. Hermione stood there for a minute staring at the door before heading for the Gryffindor common room.

The door closed behind Harry. Snape sat at his desk grading papers.

"Sit." Snape indicated the chair in front of the desk. He continued grading papers.

Harry sat. The irregular scratching of quill on parchment. The strange smells of potion ingredients and cleaner. The flickering of shadows and snap of the fire in the fireplace. The slight echo of the stone walls.

The quill was set down. Quietly, slowly, almost gently Snape said, "I have heard the rumors that – you have not lived a charmed life. Are they true?"

Harry matched his quiet tone, "I have not heard the accuracy of the rumors, but I was abused." He lifted his shirt to show his scars.

Snape's eyes twitched slightly at the sight. "You lived with Petunia? She did this to you?"

"Yes, and her husband and son. And her son's gang."

Snape thought for a moment, "How long have you lived on the streets."

"It took me three tries before I succeeded in running away. It has been about 4 years."

"How do you survive? Petty crime?"

"Not much any more."

"Where do you live? Under what circumstances?"

Harry just shook his head. "They are good for me."

"How did you remove Dumbledore's tracking charms?"

"I did not know of magic before walking into the sorting ceremony."

Snape started to get impatient, "How could you not know?"

Harry still spoke quietly, "I did not know my parents names until Professor McGonagle told me after the sorting ceremony."

Snape turned his head away. He resumed his quiet tone, "Did the mind Healer from St. Mungo's help?"

"Immensely." The silence grew. No motion. Then Harry broke the silence, "I have never seen any pictures."

Silence. Snape finally said, "I have some. I will make copies. Ask Hagrid." Silence stretched. "You may go."

Harry stood up and turned to go, then stopped, turning slightly. "Thank you." He continued out the door.