Chapter 10
The next morning, after Uncle Vernon had left for work, Harry once more asked to speak with his aunt. He had to tell her about Diagon Alley, what he needed to do there, and why.
"Aunt Petunia, thank you for handling Uncle Vernon so well. I wasn't sure what dispelling the compulsion charms would do, so I didn't mention the school name." said Harry.
"Yes, I noticed that, Harry. You will have to tell Vernon the truth before you go but, somehow, I don't think he'll object too strongly." said Petunia.
"I'll just have to explain it better, I think," said Harry.
"Well, you have some time to figure that out. I will make it known that I support you going, but you'll have to explain your reasoning."
Harry nodded at that and showed a grateful smile. "Thank you, Aunt Petunia, but I wanted to talk about something else."Harry began.
"Is this about your school supplies? I know they don't hand out supply stipends for Hogwarts, even if your name has been down since birth, like yours was." said Petunia.
"Yes, well, I actually have a wizarding bank account at Gringotts, I've just never seen it. All thanks to that meddling old goat! Sorry, Aunt Petunia, I just get so mad when I think of all the ways he's messed me about!" Harry ranted.
"It's alright, Harry, sounds like you have a plan to put that right." said his aunt, with an eyebrow raised.
"Yes, and it starts at Gringotts. When we enter Diagon Alley for my school things, I'd like to go there first and I'd like you to come. There are two reasons for this. One, I don't have my vault key, so I'll be asked to undergo a Blood Inheritance Ritual to reveal who I am to the goblins. They'll only take about 5 drops of blood, but I'll still need my guardian's permission. That's you. Two, I have never been to Diagon Alley and I don't know where to go. I'm hoping you remember from going with my mother?"Harry asked, with his fingers crossed.
"Okay, I understand about Gringotts, but Diagon Alley may have changed from what I remember. It's been 20 years, you know." she said sadly.
"Maybe we can ask the goblins for a map?"suggested Harry.
"Hmm,"she said consideringly, "That might work. All right, we'll try that."