Chapter 37.

Harry landed hard on the ground; he managed to maintain his footing however and took a moment to collect himself. He would check on Hermione and Neville in a few days or so after everything had calmed down, just to make sure they were alright.

It took him amount to realise and think about where he actually was, he took a moment to look around. The portkey had taken him to a side-alley, after all Godrics Hollow was a mixed community of wizards and muggles. The sun was low in the sky and a slight chill could be felt in the air, tentatively he walked further into the quaint little village. As could be expected, it was quiet at this time in the day. Harry meandered around as he soaked up the relevance of where he was, the place he could have grown up with his parents, he might have known the middle-aged man walking into a place called 'Hollows Tavern'. Everything might have been so different…

He took a deep breath and cleared his mind, but anger was raging up inside of him. Voldemort had taken this life away from him, all because of some stupid prophecy. He turned around and went to sought out his house, it was on the outskirts of the village but that was hardly saying anything. The village itself had around twenty or so properties, a butchers, post office, pub, small superstore, hairdressers, and that was about it. It was quiet and out of the way, dozens of miles from the nearest city…just what Harry wanted. When he could Apparate, he could to go to Diagon Alley whenever he needed to, instantaneously. And with the refurbishment and new protections on the house, it rivalled the inner sanctums of Gringotts itself.

Apart from Muggle Repelling wards and anything that could affect normal everyday life in the village, he had opted for every single protection that was offered. The Fidelius Charm was the basis, with himself as the Secret Keeper, Everlasting Anti-Intruder Charms, Tripwire Hexes and Alarm Spells were scattered all across the property and the grounds.

The grand finale however, was the outright deadly combination of Fianto Duri, Protego Maxima and Repello Inimicum. Anyone that had lethal intentions and crossed the threshold would be killed, and it took a great deal of magic cast by many to break it. And there were only a handful of wizards with that capability; in any case he would have more than enough time to escape if the opportunity presented itself. Muggles would be unaffected by these protections, not that it mattered as to them the property was invisible. Only wizards could really find him and any wizards that had the ability to detect him would know just how well-protected the place was.

He walked up to the house, and as he stepped through the freshly placed gate felt an overwhelming sense of protectiveness. He walked slowly up the path, stopping halfway just to look at the place. It was a modest sized house, there was a sprig of ivy crawling up in one of the corners but at his request there were no flowerbeds, he'd had a lifetime of tending them and he's be damned if he had to do it ever again. The outside had been painted white just as he wanted, the door was a deep almost blood coloured red with a silver handle. He took out the keys and opened the door.

The inside was basically just a merged room, with a lounge and a kitchen. There was a coat rack on his right and he put his cloak on it, leaving his bag at the entrance and walking around the place. The only thing that divided the lounge from the kitchen area was a step up; the lounge had two squashy brown leather sofas, with a single leather recliner faced opposite a large fireplace. In the middle was a medium sized tabled, it had several drawer filled with various household items. To the left and in the corner, was a huge and empty bookshelf that Harry vowed to fill, the floors were wooden but unusually made from solid walnut, but the seating area had a thick, plush deep maroon carpet underneath all the furniture. On the other side there were a few shelves and a matching set of drawers in the other corner next to the coat rack.

He moved on to the kitchen, really it was split between a kitchen and a small dining area that overlooked the garden and patio. The dining table was a sleek, rectangular glass design with two chairs on either of the long sides. The kitchen had a centre island, two ovens with hobs, and preparation areas on either side, with a fresh set of knives and every unnecessary kitchen item possible. A bottle rack was laden with meads, wines and spirits, with bar and cocktail equipment. Egg holders, small bowls filled with ingredients and a spice rack was on the other side, a large fridge-freezer, cabinets and draws occupied everywhere else. The table tops were also wooden but made from ash, a lighter wooden decorative choice that matched the lounge area nicely. The whole place looked very homely and comfortable, out of the windows was a large garden, trimmed and empty just as Harry had wanted it.

He popped down into the basement, although he couldn't really check the entire place out as a fair bit had been added down here. First of all was a small Potions preparation area, three cauldrons with a fresh stock of various ingredients piled away in an enlarged apothecary table. Next door was a medium sized room, the walls had been charmed spell-resistant as it was a place he could come and practice magic safely and without danger. A few target dummies were propped up in the corner, but except for those it was empty. Also down here, two other rooms that were for the most part, bare. He was planning of turning one into a permanent study of some kind and the other maybe a library, but as of yet he was unsure and had decided to leave them empty. He walked back upstairs and up another flight to the top floor.

Upstairs contained three bedrooms and two bathrooms, two of the bedrooms were simply decorated, double bed and bedside cabinets either side, a set of drawers and a wardrobe. His bedroom on the other hand was a four poster, queen sized bed. A large built in closet occupied one of the walls, with the other taken up by an ornate desk, filled with all variations of parchments, inks and all manner of Wizarding stationary. A small bookcase took up the rest of the space on that side, with a chest of drawers either side of the door, he smiled as he thought there actually might be enough space for the amount of clothing he had and intended to get.

A door on the left of the huge bed revealed an en-suite bathroom, decorated in a sparkling marble. A huge bath that had been lowered down and could fit six or seven people was on the left, it had a dozen or so taps with labels on the top, 'lavender' and 'spring blossom' were among the labels, past that was a small enclosed are that had several silver nozzles poking out, Harry opened the glass door and twisted one at random, a fine mist began spraying from each individual nozzle, Harry turned it off and wiped his hand on a clean white tile that was overhanging on an elegantly styled radiator. There was a toilet and sink area also, with utensils and bathroom supplies in cabinets that seemed to melt into the wall and opened my simply pushing them lightly.

Harry walked back downstairs and collapsed into the recliner, this was his home, his family home, his bedroom upstairs had been his parents' bedroom with one of the other being his baby room. He looked over to the kitchen where he could picture his mum and dad busying themselves to make a meal, the fire before him would roar in the winter months to warm everyone up. When he was a baby, his mother might have read stories to him here; he closed his eyes as the thoughts of what could have been streamed through his mind.

He fell asleep after a few minutes and slept through the cold winter night, and would wake in the morning wearily to unpack his things so he could truly call this home, his home.

(Scene Break)

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The doors to Grimmauld Place shot open as Order members filed inside, every one of them were still covered in the blue powder that Harry had used as a cover. All conversations had been grumbled, with no plan of action instantly available.

"I'll Floo, Albus." muttered Emmeline Vance, shaking her robes as she walked.

"Dumbledore isn't going to be happy…" said Mundungus Fletcher, slight fear in his voice.

"Ron…Ginny, go upstairs and unpack." ordered Mrs Weasley, silencing any argument with a glare direct at her two youngest children. The pair walked upstairs without another word, knowing it would be pointless to argue. Several Order members had walked into the kitchen by this point, sitting down at the kitchen and waiting for the arrival of Dumbledore and another Order of the Phoenix meeting.

"Why isn't this…stuff coming off!" growled Mad-Eye Moody, brushing his shoulder which had no effect. Resignedly he sat down and took out his hip flask, taking a heavy sip from it and leaving it out on the table.

"Dumbledore said he'll get here in a few minutes…" muttered Emmeline, walking into the kitchen and sitting opposite Mad-Eye, they all sat in silence with other Order members filing in over the next five minutes. Obviously Dumbledore had called for a full meeting; five Order members had gone to the Platform to 'escort Harry Potter to Grimmauld Place' as Dumbledore had called it, Mrs Weasley, Emmeline Vance, Mundungus Fletcher, Mad-Eye Moody and Hesita Jones.

"What happened to you lot?" asked Tonks, as she walked through the door.

"Harry used some spell and vanished on the platform." muttered Mad-Eye, taking another mouthful from his container. The question was repeated several times, Fred and George burst out laughing at the sight which annoyed the affected members but put a small smile on the face of others.

Remus walked in with Dumbledore, upon looking at the five blue members of the Order of the Phoenix the last true Marauder had to stop himself from laughing out loud, covering with a cough and sat down next to Tonks.

"Emmeline only said things didn't go to plan…she didn't mention this." said Dumbledore, sitting at the head of the table as always.

"It all happened so fast, one second he was on the platform right in front of us, then everything went blue and I couldn't see my anything past a few feet, when it cleared he had gone." said Mundungus, nursing his cup of coffee.

"Can anyone go into more detail?" asked Dumbledore, his voice a controlled calm though his eyes showed his disappointment.

"Potter got off the train, he was walking with Neville Longbottom and didn't notice us until we blocked his path, words were exchanged…said he had plans and that he didn't want to force any of us out of his way, which I think he would have backed up, Fletcher said he couldn't take us on his own, that's when Longbottom and Granger spoke up and took out their wands, Molly tried one more time to reason with him but the lad said he didn't care about your orders…then he flicked his wrist and before any of us could react he sent up a cover of this blue stuff…which isn't coming off." said Mad-Eye, grouchily as he dusted his shoulder with another futile attempt.

"Interesting." muttered Dumbledore, letting out a small sigh as he rested his head on his fingertips.

"Neville and Hermione sided with Harry?" asked Tonks, mild surprise in her voice.

"I thought six would have been enough, but I did ask for more members to go, did I not?" asked Dumbledore, looking around the room.

"Minister Bones has really clamped down on Ministry employees having affiliations with societies that are…outside of the law. Order members have some leniency, but not much." said Kingsley Shacklebolt, voicing several Ministry employees concerns.

"I've tried to talk to Amelia about the Order of the Phoenix but have made little headway." said Dumbledore, looking at Fred and George for their explanation.

"We can't close our shop in the middle of the day, bad for business…" said Fred.

"Especially when we don't really want to be a part of what is essentially a kidnapping." added George.

"Is that what you think?" asked Mrs Weasley, before Dumbledore could talk.

"Taking a person by force and making them stay somewhere they don't want to be is kind of the definition on kidnapping." said Fred, a few members were silently agreeing with what the twins were saying.

"It is dangerous to have Harry Potter in a location where we can't protect him, where nobody else knows where he is, I asked you to accompany him to Headquarters for his own safety and for the sake of others. His unwillingness to listen to reason and careless attitude for his personal well-being puts everyone and anyone around him at a threat." said Dumbledore, volume and anger rising up in his voice.

"I think he's a little more mature than that, Albus…he knows exactly what being Harry Potter means, that's why we couldn't find him over the summer after he escaped from Azkaban." said Remus Lupin, retorting equally as angrily as the Headmaster.

"He cannot protect himself against Voldemort and Death Eaters." said Dumbledore, staring down at Remus.

"Obviously he can! I think Harry is more than capable of handling himself, he isn't as reckless as you lot think he is." said Remus, slamming his fist on the table.

"I appreciate that he is your best friends' son, Remus…" started Dumbledore, but Remus cut him off.

"He is more than that, he is my friend and if the law is passed I plan to become his official godfather." said Remus, looking back at Dumbledore with fire in his eyes.

"I think we should all calm down and re-focus." said Mr Weasley; he had his arm around his wife as though comforting her.

"Quite right, how could Harry disappear from the platform?" the question from Dumbledore made a few members roll their eyes, namely Fred and George, Remus and even Kingsley and Tonks showed signs of boredom at the subject.

"He couldn't have run past us, can't Apparate, portkey?" offered Mad-Eye, it was the only reasonable option that any of them could think of.

"Portkey would mean he had to have help outside of Hogwarts." said Mrs Weasley, slightly startled at the idea.

"Not necessarily, Harry is a talented wizard…he could have cast the spell on the train on an object, to a location he has been previously and thinks he wouldn't be found." said Dumbledore, tapping his fingers on the table.

"The Portkey Charm is advanced magic, do you think Harry could really make the spell work?" asked Mrs Weasley, startled tone mixing with surprise.

"After the skills he demonstrated in duel against Michael Fenway, I have no doubt." said Dumbledore, mind casting back to what he had seen merely yesterday evening.

"If he and Ron got over this silly fight, there wouldn't be any of this nonsense." muttered Mrs Weasley.

"Silly fight? Ron could have killed Harry, he used an unknown dark spell against him." said Remus, anger was skipped altogether as rage quivered in his voice. Many of the Order had heard about what had transpired, though details were a bit iffy.

"Anyway…Harry is capable of the Portkey Charm, I'd have thought he'd tell me about being able to cast significant levels of magic but evidently not…" muttered Dumbledore, worry plagued his voice and face. They were interrupted from two people walking into the kitchen, Bill Weasley and Severus Snape.

"Why the two of you late?" asked Dumbledore, intrigued. Both of them frowned slightly at the question.

"I was working, can't just hop off whenever I feel like it. Goblins frown at the sort of thing." said Bill, sitting between Fred and Remus, his comment had earned him a glare from his mother but he pretended not to notice.

"Severus?" asked Dumbledore, turning to the Potions Master.

"School term has ended, I was at home putting some of my experimental theoretical work to the test." said Snape, he looked tired as he let out a small groan of weariness as he sat down.

"Harry Potter has vanished…again." said Dumbledore, as though starting afresh. Both Bill and Snape let out a small moan.

"Potter is missing and everyone's world has to stop?" asked Snape, leaning back in his chair.

"If this is about trying to track him down and bring him here, forget it." said Bill, resting his head on the table.

"Bill, Harry needs protecting…" said Mrs Weasley.

"I think he can protect himself mum, he's done a good job of it over the years…ran in to Voldemort several times and he's still here." said Bill, closing his eyes as he kept his head against the table.

"Why are some of you blue?" asked Snape, looking around the table.

"Before he disappeared he used some spell to distract and confuse us, cloud of blue dust or powder or something…went everywhere and it's not coming off." said a disgruntled Mundungus Fletcher.

"Potter overcame five Order members at once and escaped without a trace?" asked Snape, repressing the beginnings of a smile on his face.

"Yes…well no, he wasn't exactly acting alone, Neville Longbottom and Hermione Granger helped him." added Hesita Jones.

"Longbottom helped? I'd thought that more of a hindrance than a help." muttered Snape, though without the usual mocking tone.

"The point is he is gone, Severus!" said Dumbledore, interrupting the conversation.

"And the point you want to make is, we have to find him and bring him back here for his own good, even though he doesn't want to come back and the last time the Order tried to find him they didn't come up with anything, even a rumoured sighting." said Bill, posing it as a question to Dumbledore.

"Essentially that is correct, you have to understand Bill that Harry has put himself and others at risk with his rash actions." said Dumbledore, trying to convince his curse-breaking counterpart.

"Harry isn't rash, and I'm not going to force my friend to do anything he doesn't want to do, especially if it's something I don't believe in." said Bill, standing up.

"Bill, where are you going?" asked Mrs Weasley.

"I'm leaving, we can talk later." said Bill, walking out without another word.

"Bill, we barely see you as it is…get back here right…" but the front door had slammed shut.

"If you are interested in real news Albus, my position amongst in the Dark Lords service is under scrutiny. Having nothing to inform him about is making him a little testy to say the least." said Snape, grimacing slightly.

"Well, maybe should just tell him everything we know so you might be a bit safer." jibed Mr Weasley.

"Don't sneer Weasley, it doesn't become you." muttered Snape, without looking at him.

"Gentleman, please." muttered Dumbledore.

"I'm sorry Albus, but I think purposely telling Voldemort information that could well help him for the safety of a sewage stirring spy isn't something the Order should be bothering itself with." spat Mr Weasley, glaring Snape who nearly had to restrain himself from blasting the Weasley patriarch.

"First of all, you think? I thought the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office is where the more moronic Hogwarts failures ended up…" said Snape, eyes narrowing.

"I am the Head of the Office for the Detection and Confiscation of Counterfeit Defensive Spells and Protective Objects…" started Mr Weasley.

"Good for you, a moron searching for other morons is a career I wish I had embarked upon, instead I became a 'sewage stirring spy' I think you should know I can brew potions and poisons that would make your worst nightmares look like a picnic." growled Snape, almost eager for Mr Weasley to draw his wand so he could curse the man.

"You're a Death Eater, worthless, bigoted scum that should be locked up!" shouted Mr Weasley.

"I don't know how thick the wall behind you is, but I assure you I can make an Arthur Weasley shaped hole through it regardless." seethed Snape, both went to draw their wand but shot from their grasp and into Dumbledore's hand.

"Enough! We are supposed to be on the same side, we have enough to fight against as it is." snapped Dumbledore, holding on to their wands as the two glared at each other.

"Albus, I'm not going to spend my time searching for Potter, I have better things to do and after last time I thought you might have known better than to waste Order resources." said Snape, standing up to leave.

"Severus, where are you going?" demanded Dumbledore.

"It's Christmas, I have to look for a tree." said Snape, his flippant comment made several smile though it might also be down to the face he was leaving.

"Albus, I'm not going to look for Harry either." said Remus, knowing he would probably see him over the holidays anyway. He stood up and followed Snape and Bill's steps and walked out of the room, Fred and George stood up also.

"Boys, sit back down." said Mrs Weasley, although it was more of an order.

"We agree with Remus…" said George.

"And Bill…" added Fred.

"Harry should live however he wants to live…" said George.

"And I think he isn't the type of person that would put others at risk." smiled Fred.

"We have a business to run." said the pair in unison, leaving the room without another word.

"And the rest of you?" asked Dumbledore, looking at the remaining Order members.

"It's a conflict of interest Professor, as an Auror I can't and to be honest I don't really want to either, Harry saved my life, the least I can do is respect his decisions and give him some privacy." said Tonks, staring down at the table.

"I agree Albus, Minister Bones would demote me at the very least for assisting in the unauthorised tracking and attempted kidnapping of someone of Harry Potters' stature." said Kingsley Shacklebolt, his seep baritone voice resonating in with the firm belief he should have nothing to do with this.

"Very well, I will do some detective work and find where he is likely to be hiding, anyone that wants to help owl me and I will send details. That is all for today." said Dumbledore, standing up and leaving the remainder of the Order in the kitchen. Silence fell for a few seconds before Mad-Eye shouted;

"Does anyone know how to get this bloody blue stuff off?"

(Scene Break)

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Hogwarts had broken out a few days ago and Christmas was nearing, Harry had bought provisions for the holidays but was out in the quaint village anyway. He had a meeting with Fierceclaw soon, but had nothing else to do other than Animagus transformations and independent spell work, and he had plenty of time to do that.

Harry had letters to deliver, one to Hermione and the other to Neville. Checking up on how they were doing and to thank them for standing up for him. He walked to the post office, he had wanted to send them with Hedwig but the cold weather and long distance made him think otherwise. After sending Hermione the 'muggle way' and Neville's with an 'all-weather Tawny' as the label had described him as, he wandered down to look through the small shop windows.

Godrics Hollow was one of those places where the technological advancements weren't really making headway yet, in shops instead of the latest electrical toys and computers; instead there were hand-made wooden train sets, pristine colouring books laden with bold images and carefully crafted toy cars. Everyone was friendly and knew each other, people were polite and had manners, it was certainly a break from reality.

After meandering around the village, stopping off for a fried breakfast at the only café in the village and walked on to the public Floo fireplace. Godrics Hollow was mixed between muggles and Wizarding kind, so he had to take certain precautions just in case someone did recognise him. Hair Colour and Eye Colour Transfiguration Spells to start with, followed by a little more complicated spell that lengthened his nose and altered the height of his cheekbones so he looked completely different, he would take them off before entering Gringotts as the goblins might think he would be trying to fool them.

"Diagon Alley…" he muttered, after paying a sickle to dispense some Floo powder. Everything span and keeping down breakfast became a challenge as he fought to keep his eyes open and after a few more seconds tucked and exited into a fireplace off the main street of Diagon Alley. He brushed himself down for a few seconds before walking up to Gringotts. Diagon Alley was fairly busy, he supposed it was because families were together for Christmas or people had a holiday break over the festive period and had time to do some shopping. However it still had a distinct colourless look and fearful expressions on many shoppers faces.

Gringotts remained to stand out, towering over neighbouring buildings and the white marble caught the winter sunlight, Harry wandlessly cancelled the charms that altered his appearance and walked through the sets of doors and into the foyer that was as always bustling with goblins. He walked over to the nearest available teller and politely smiled as they rushed to greet and serve him, beckoning him through the door and in to the inner sanctum he had got so used to over the summer.

As he was escorted through the maze of hallways, he was certain the path to Fierceclaws office had changed. Eventually they stopped and the goblin bowed and left without another word, Harry knocked on the door tentatively.

"Come in…" called the familiar voice of Fierceclaw. Harry opened the door, it was definitely a different office, and the desk was even larger than before. Several trinkets could be seen around the place, the artwork had changed to non-moving landscapes as opposed to moving portraits from before.

"Ah…Mr Potter, it has been too long." said the goblin, offering his hand for a polite handshake.

"Thanks Fierceclaw, how have you been?" asked Harry, taking the hand and shaking it briefly before sitting down.

"I've been good Mr Potter, and busy…yourself?" asked Fierceclaw.

"Not bad, nutrient potion worked wonders, I'm doing well at Hogwarts and I have a great new house to live in." laughed Harry.

"I'm glad Godrics Hollow is to your liking, did everything go smoothly?" asked Fierceclaw, indicating to the pre-arranged package Gringotts had prepared for him.

"I had to use the portkey on the platform, Dumbledore made another attempt, but nothing more than a hiccup, I imagine they might still be blue." joked Harry, as he went on to give a brief description about what happened on the platform.

"Albus Dumbledore certainly seems to have an unhealthy interest in you, it's not good for upstanding clients of Gringotts never mind such an upstanding member in the magical community." said Fierceclaw, slightly grouchily.

"If it ever became a hassle, I would contact you immediately." said Harry, reassuring the goblin. They were friends, but he possessed the Black and Potter Family Vaults, two large vaults that had a vast amount of gold in both, not to mention several other valuable commodities.

"I hope it never comes to that, but if it does let me assure you that Gringotts take your safety and well-being very seriously." said Fierceclaw, fire in his eyes as he spoke.

"Thank-you, to business?" suggested Harry, knowing they had a few things to talk about.

"To business, Firebolt have increased their stake available to you if they are allowed to use your image rights on the brand, you currently own 10% and stand to gain a further 15% if you agree." said Fierceclaw, brandishing a long piece of parchment written in tiny print.

"I don't want to use my image rights for another company; I get recognised enough as it is. Allowing a company to use my face to sell a product, albeit a very cool product isn't my kind of thing." said Harry, having to squint as the writing became smaller as he continued reading down the parchment.

"Very well, I'll owl them first thing tomorrow…next we have Slugs & Jiggers, thirty seven thousand galleons for a 8% stake was the opening offer…I have a standing proposal for fifty thousand galleons for 14% stake." said Fierceclaw, retrieving another long scroll of parchment.

"Is it viable?" asked Harry, glancing over the numbers.

"Very, Slugs & Jiggers are the leading apothecary brand, over three quarters of the market share and opening a branch in a Wizarding only neighbourhood would significantly boost income and profits." replied Fierceclaw, indicating at particular numbers.

"Are there any other properties available in Hogsmeade?" asked Harry, looking across at Fierceclaw.

"Not for the same costs, Mr Potter…why?" countered Fierceclaw.

"I have a significant interest in a business that two friends of mine own, and I thought adding another location to their brand might increase the value of the company." said Harry, a smile on his face.

"Are you, by chance talking about Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes?" asked Fierceclaw, scrambling through a mass of organised paperwork.

"I am, I know the location is prime for an apothecary, I just thought it might be better suited for something a bit more…fun." laughed Harry.

"If you were talking about a store on the scale as the one in Diagon Alley, this location might not be ideal…however a property has been on sale three places down from the Hogs Head, prime location and size, easy to renovate and the price is very reasonable. I can gather some information about set up costs and renovations for our next meeting." said Fierceclaw.

"Sounds good, meanwhile go ahead with the Slug & Jiggers deal…can I ask why you have a new office?" asked Harry, looking at an impressive solid platinum paperweight.

"Investments have been going very well; the Director of Gringotts has 'upgraded' my location to one more significant to an account manager of my success." replied Fierceclaw, smiling toothily.

"Cool, there is one other thing I'd like to ask…" said Harry.

"Anything, Mr Potter." said Fierceclaw.

"You know a place that makes wands and armour, do you know a place that makes dragonhide armour? A friend of mine pointed out I was woefully lacking in proper duelling attire." said Harry, reminding himself of Malfoy.

"I believe I can help." smiled Fierceclaw.

...

"Dragonhide armour can range in its effectiveness, while dragons are magically resistant creatures…some are more so than others, Common Welsh Green is fashionable, striking and offers protection, but not so much as the subtle Hebridean Black or Ukrainian Ironbelly. Of course prices vary, the rarity of the dragon is considered the main factor, do you know what you would like?" asked the goblin measuring him, his name was VearHat he talked quickly and in the same bored monotone voice since Harry had entered his office.

"I don't want something that will…stand out, do you kill dragons to get the hide?" asked Harry, feeling slightly guilty.

"Oh no…we have dragons to protect our more…important vaults, we use hide from ones that have either died naturally or that shed from living dragons." said the goblin, as though reassuring Harry.

"Is there anything more magically resistant than dragon hide?" asked Harry, as his arms were raised and measured for the third time.

"I've only ever heard speculation…Griffin feathers are supposed to be very effective, although I've never encountered someone that has woven Griffin feathers, I suppose Basilisk hide might be more impressive than some dragons…how do you want the style to fit?" asked VearHat, wrapping the tape measure around his bicep.

"Tight fitting, but not skin tight…just nice and snug." said Harry, feeling warmth spreading through his face as he talked.

"Very nice…have you got a particular dragonhide in mind yet?" asked VearHat, busying himself with different materials.

"I've had past encounters with Hungarian Horntails…" said Harry.

"Ooohhh, Hungarian Horntail…I heard about that, very interesting choice, rare and the most protective ensemble…now let's talk pockets…" it continued for nearly half an hour before Harry was finally able to persuade VearHat he wanted a simple, tight fitting, non-extravagant dragonhide duelling outfit from a Hungarian Horntail that had shed scales a few weeks ago. The cost was high, but now as much as he thought it might be…and wouldn't dent his bank balance.

"Have fun?" asked a familiar voice as he walked out of the door.

"Bill!" said Harry; he was shocked at the appearance of the eldest Weasley sibling and his close friend, Bill Weasley.

"Blimey, you've changed a bit. Come on, let's go to my office and have a catch up." said Bill.

"It's a bit late, isn't it?" asked Harry.

"I have Oak Matured Mead." replied Bill, laughing as Harry followed him without another word.

…

(Meanwhile…in a rain sodden fortress, miles of the coast of Great Britain.)

…

"You all know my orders, you have my instructions…I expect them to be followed, you are dismissed." spat Voldemort.

Walking down the poorly lit hallway with a figure behind him, water dripped from the everywhere as it battered the walls. He was shivering, but it wasn't from the wet or cold…

His footsteps seemed to echo as he continued walking, it was dark…the candles had little effect other than to send elongated shadows around the place, he continued walking…his head buried in his chest as he tried with all his might to calm himself down and clear his mind, he felt sick to his stomach with fear, anxiety coursing through his body and he slowly reached the elevated position. He had been left to walk the last dozen or so yards alone, he didn't want to look up but daren't not to…

He fought the impulse not to show the repulsion and fear he was feeling at the sight, the thin man opposite him was sat in a throne like seat that lost all majesty in a place like this, menace and power almost radiated off him, it was a moment that would burn into his mind forever, one that he would regret and hate, and the one that would change his life.

"Hello…Draco Malfoy." hissed the voice of Lord Voldemort.

...

Authors Note.

Just wanted to answer a few questions that were in some reviews so if you asked one, you should probably read this.

Harry is a skilled wizard, is powers are going to develop quickly but gradually. To an extent, he does hold back in duels/classes against classmates, also he doesn't use his wandless magic at Hogwarts. With the story the fabulous JK Rowling has written, it is easy to make Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter at least borderline friendly with each other. It's a dynamic I like reading and writing, but only if it's done properly. I like to think so far I am doing my version reasonably well (they are some of my favourite scenes to write) Draco Malfoy is a talented wizard, in his duel with Harry the difference was that Harry wanted to hurt and humiliate Fenway, an approach he'll have against all Death Eaters and Voldemort.

Can we get 50 reviews on this chapter? Maybe even break 900 reviews? I got such an amazing response from the last chapter, I don't want to pressure anyone so it is ok if you don't review, but it does help me. Also I'll try my best to answer any questions you have.

And also, I did upload this chapter twice today because it was missing the ending. So sorry if there was any confusion :)

AbolishedPenguinWriter