Disclaimer: Not mine.
Chapter II
The trip to Diagon Alley
-2 years later-
Augustus Prince rose early. It seemed as he grew older he found himself sleeping less. He let out a long sigh before rubbing is old hands along his face. He lamented at his state, thinking back to his years gone by as he sat silently. His grey eyes drifted across the large room before finally focusing upon the space beside, for a brief moment Augustus felt the wave of melancholia run through his body and mind. It had been so long since she left him but he refused to speak of it to anyone, not even to Eileen. Not that he could even if he wanted to.
Augustus had found his relationship with his daughter hard since her teen years, it felt like he sent his wonderful daughter to Hogwarts and what returned was a stranger. Maybe he should have homeschooled her, it had been what great aunt Vespa did with her children. He let out a low chuckle to himself before shaking his head. Alas, what's done is done and lamenting upon it would do no good for his old mind.
Augustus slowly arose from his bed and silently dressed in the customary black robe before summoning the house-elves. A second later a small pop was heard and an old grouchy elf was standing before Augustus.
"What can Zorky do for master?" The elf asked as his large, tennis-ball-like peered up at the wizard before him.
"I require tea Zorky and bring today's paper. I require reading." Augustus answered and the house-elf nodded before disappearing with another small pop.
Augustus slowly made his way towards a leather chair that sat near the window. It had been Augustus's tradition to enjoy the early morning silence of the estate, he sat in his leather seat beside the window peering at the fast estate when the elves reappeared with his breakfast and a copy of the papers.
"Will that be all master Augustus?" The elf questioned and Augustus responded with a quick nod.
His attention drawn to eating Augustus allowed silence to settle around him though he scowled as he peered at the Daily Prophet's headline. What they called news was nothing more than glorified gossip, Augustus grunted as he tossed the paper aside and took a sip of tea. His mind drifted away from his endless complaining and towards the more pressing matter that neither his thoughts or silence could ignore.
Today was the day.
A part of Augustus dreaded it, though he would not admit it. He knew the time would come and he must come to terms with it. The boy was heading to Hogwarts soon and required school supplies. The thought had tormented the old man since the child displayed magic. Augustus shamefully admitted that he had wished the boy were a squib, then he could simply wash his hands with him altogether. The boy was his bane, a horrific front to everything that the Princes once stood for. His only redeeming quality was that he was fortunate enough to be a Prince and Augustus saw value in him.
He need not show the boy love nor care and he made it clear to Eileen that his actions were not derived from such values. What he required was a worthy heir to the bloodline. The Prince line had been growing thin. Complications birthing and generations of squibs had thinned that ranks of Princes. Augustus was damned if he were to let the bloodline end upon his watch or allow a distant and unknown relative inherit their prestige.
The boy produced a better opportunity, the chance to mould an heir in his likeness. Augustus took this opportunity, he had instructed the boy from the day he could form sentences. Ensuring that the boy was taught the proper way, failure was answered by nothing less than beatings. His mother did not like that.
Augustus sneered at the how Eileen had chafed under his discipline of the boy. But it was he who gave the boy his name and he was not willing to let a half-blood with ill etiquette sully it.
Besides beatings were few and far between.
Augustus had to admit the boy was bright, a fact that Augustus had picked up on early in his teachings of the boy. Potions were an especially fond subject for the boy and Augustus was pleased to find him excelling even beyond his expectations. Augustus finished his tea and slowly ascended from his seat. His eyes darted towards the grandfather clock that sat within the corner of the bedroom.
It will be a while till the boy awakes and longer still till he is ready to venture to Diagon Alley to collect his school supplies. Leaving the confine of his bedroom Augustus decided it would be best to check upon his greenhouse to pass some time. Today would be a long day for the elderly wizard. He should savour whatever peace he could get.
Severus awoke early that morning. Although he found himself lying in bed far longer, his eyes glued to the ceiling.
"Today's the day," He told himself. "It's happening. I'm going to Diagon Alley today."
A sudden buzz of sensation ran through Severus. The beating of his heart filled his ears and his stomach clenched.
He sat up and pulled his blanket closer. The room was dimly lit by the early morning sun that peeked through curtains. Severus sat silently for what felt like an eternity, his mind ordering him to maintain control. Severus scrambled to his feet, excitement and nervousness swelled within his chest like a whirlwind. Dressing quickly, Severus ran out of his room and down the long halls. Coming to a stop at the dining hall Severus was greeted by the old house-elf.
"Hello, Zorky,"
Severus had always been fond of the house-elves, despite his grandfather's words that masters should hold themselves above their servants.
"Master Severus. It is good to see you," The elf squeaked as he bowed his head towards the boy. "How may Zorky be of service?"
"I would like breakfast please," Severus said. He knew that he could request breakfast in his room but he enjoyed spending time in the kitchen and the elves that worked there. The elf nodded and Severus took a seat at a small table within the kitchen. He watched in wonder as the elves used their magic to make objects fly across the room, no matter how many times he experienced it Severus was always amazed. Several minutes later Zorky returned with a selection of food and placed it in front of Severus before bowing.
Filling his plate Severus begun to eat. His mind rolled to thoughts of Diagon Alley. Severus had never ventured out of Prince estate, the idea of finally leaving left him slightly unnerved but thoroughly excited. His mother used to tell him stories about the wizarding world and Severus would read books on wizarding history that were in the manor's library. But those had all been second-hand accounts and dusty old tomes, they could not match the real thing.
He could not wait to go to Hogwarts.
There was no doubt that Severus would be in Slytherin. It had been the house that a majority of Princes had been sorted into though a rouge Ravenclaw was not too surprising. Grandfather had always touted the superiority of Slytherin, claiming it to be the only house with value and that the others were corrupted with filth.
Finishing his breakfast Severus thanked the elves before running out of the kitchen, and right into his grandfather.
"Boy," The elderly man sneered as he peered down. "What have I told you about mingling with elves?"
His tone was as cold as usual and his eyes narrowed. Severus cringed and wondered if the man would smack him there and then.
"I," Severus muttered as he peered at his feet.
"You?" Augustus hissed.
The silence fell between the two and wasn't broken until Severus scrapped the courage to continue.
"I'm sorry grandfather," Severus finally pushed out. "I was only getting breakfast. I would never associate with filthy hose-elves,"
Severus pushed his head up to finally meet his grandfather's eyes. The older wizard seemed to peer through Severus as if he could read Severus's mind.
It unnerved Severus.
"I see," Augustus finally said as he broke eye contact. "Since you have eaten I suggest you get ready. I intend that we leave early to avoid the rush,"
Severus didn't need any more encouragement to leave. He nodded before running through the hallway and towards his room. Entering his room Severus made for his draws, inside lay parchment with a list of requirements for first years. Unfolding the parchment Severus ran his eyes over the list:
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
UNIFORM
First-year students will require:
1. Three sets of plain work robes (black)
2. One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
4. One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupils' clothes should carry name tags
COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A Beginners' Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble
OTHER EQUIPMENT
1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set of glass or crystal phials
1 telescope set
1 brass scales
Students may also bring an owl OR a cat OR a toad
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS
Severus sneered at the last note. He had been looking forward to quidditch and finally competing against others. While grandfather was good, he was old and Severus had surpassed him quickly. He tucked the list into his robe pocket and went to look for his trunk.
"My haven't you gotten big?" Severus turned to see his mother leaning against the door. She was smiling.
"Hello, Mother," Severus said as he rose. Eileen tilted her head and frowned.
"Is that any way to greet your mother?" She mockingly asked as she stretched out her arms and advanced towards him.
Severus sighed and fought the embracement as his mother's arms wrapped around him. She had a weird way of making him feel younger than he was. Pulling away he hid the embracement behind his long hair.
"Will you be coming to Diagon Alley with grandfather and I?" Severus asked. The smile that his mother was wearing fell at the question and Severus felt a wave of shame for asking that question.
"Your grandfather and I have spoken about this," Eileen said. "We thought it best that only he take you,"
Severus knew that it wasn't as simple as she said. He did not doubt that they fought on this matter for months. His mother had often come into conflict with his grandfather and while they though he may not notice, he did.
"Oh," Was all that Severus could say. His mother swiftly grabbing his face and playfully squeezing his cheeks.
"Maybe next time," She said quickly before pulling him into another hug. "I expect you to be on your best behaviour anyhow,"
Severus reassured her as he pulled away and she responded by kissing him lightly upon the brow before leaving. Severus quickly changed before rushing down to the living quarters. His grandfather would take a while and thus the boy entertained himself with a small potions book he carried with him. The potions book had small scribbles all over it from, corrections that Severus had made for his many experiments.
Severus didn't have to wait too long as his grandfather soon joined him. He was wearing his black robe with golden trim and his hand he clutched his cane. Peering over at Severus he frowned.
"Come along boy," Augustus grumbled. as he strode towards the fireplace. "We have no time to waste,"
Severus tucked his potions book into his robe pocket and quickly followed the older wizard towards the fireplace. Augustus pulled out a bag of Floo Powder and handed a handful to Severus. Severus stepped into the fireplace and tossed the powder while crying out Diagon Alley. The green flames engulfed him and soon he found himself stepping out into a tiny, grubby-looking pub.
Severus peered around the pub and noticed how dark and dingy it was. Two old wizards sat in the corner, they were playing wizard chess. Another wizard was drinking at the bar and talking with the bald bartender. Though this all stopped when the green flames came alive once more and Severus was joined by his grandfather. Those within the bar seemed to shrink at the sight of Augustus and only the bartender spoke.
"Mr Prince. what do I owe the honour?" the bartender said quickly. A tension lay within the bar and Severus felt the eyes of everyone upon him as he followed his grandfather.
"Simply passing through," Augustus answered as he led Severus through the pub and out into a small, walled courtyard, where there was nothing but a trash can and a few weeds. Severus silently watched as his grandfather pulled his wand out before tapping the wall three times.
Severus watched in wonder as the brick tapped begun to shift, slowly at first but soon it began to reveal a hole. The hole grew wider and wider, within seconds they were facing a large archway that led onto a cobbled street. The cobbled street twisted and turned beyond Severus's sight.
The sight amazed Severus. No amount of books could have prepared him for the sight before him as he stepped through archway. His eyes darted in every direction as he walked through the street, attempting to soak in every inch of Diagon Alley that his eyes could allow. His ears were filled with noises, a wizard near him was shouting at his daughter to not run off while a group boys holding brooms laughed as the followed the wizard.
"Don't drag your feet boy," Augustus cried out as they shuffled through the sea of people.
Severus pulled his eyes away from what seemed to be a broom store and the flashy broom that was on display. They made their way towards a snowy white building that towered over the other little shops. Entering the building Severus was met with a vast number of goblins, all upon stools and all scribbling upon their parchment.
"Morning," Augustus said to one of the goblins. "I have come to take money from the Prince safe,"
"Yes sir, do you have the key?" The goblin asked and Augustus pulled a tiny golden key from his robe and handed it to the goblin. A few seconds passed as the goblin peered at the key before it nodded.
"Very well," he said, handing it back to Augustus. "I will take you down to both vaults."
The goblin hopped down from his stool and begun to lead them through the bank and towards a door. Severus was met a narrow stone passageway lit with flaming torches. It sloped steeply downward and there were little railway tracks on the floor. The small cart came hurtling up the tracks toward them was what surprised Severus the most. Augustus climbed in first and Severus soon joined him.
The cart ride was quick. Severus could feel the cold air pass his ears as they shot down the track. They dived even deeper, passing an underground lake where large stalactites and stalagmites grew from the roof and floor. Peering over to his grandfather Severus was surprised to see the old man unphased, he looked calm as the cart rattled down the track at breakneck speed.
The cart finally came to a stop and Severus hopped out. He found his legs weak and stabilised himself against the wall while his grandfather joined him.
Their goblin companion unlocked and Severus felt cold air rush out. Peering inside Severus was met with a mound of gold, silver and bronze along with artefacts. A flying carpet, brooms and a large suit of armour were some of the few things Severus noticed. All belong to his family and one day to him.
Augustus scoped a pile of gold into a small bag before turning and leaving the vault.
They soon found themselves within the cart, rushing up through the passage towards the entrance. Once they had returned Severus hopped out and watched his grandfather toss the goblin a coin before ushering him out. Finally, outside once again Severus found himself peering at the shops before him. He wondered which he should visit first.
"Come along boy," Augustus grunted as he grabbed ahold of Severus and dragged him through the rabble. He led him to a shop that Severus noted as Malkin's Robes for All Occasions.
Inside they were met with a squat, smiling witch dressed all in mauve, no doubt this was Madam Malkin.
"Hogwarts, sir?" she asked as she peered at Augustus. She was met with a swift nod and she smiled as she led them to the back of the store. Severus noticed a boy upon a stool with a witch, his father stood not too far from him.
The boy had messy black hair and glasses. Madam Malkin ushered Severus onto the stool beside the boy and a new witch soon joined him and placed a robe upon him before beginning to pin it to the right length.
"Hogwarts right?" The boy beside he muttered.
"Yeah,"
"Father and I have already picked up my books. Just have this and my wand left on the list," He said quickly. "I'll see if I can convince him to get me a broom. I can't believe they don't let first years have one, that's so lame,"
"I know right,"
"You play quidditch then mate?"
"Yeah. Grandfather taught me." Severus said proudly and the boy grinned in response.
"Father supports Yorkshire so naturally I support them too. How about you?"
"Roma," Severus answered and the boy's eyebrows shot up.
"Italian team?"
"My family has Italian heritage," Severus added with a light shrug and the boy nodded.
"Know what house you'll be in yet?"
Severus hesitated for a second and the boy beside him seemed to take it as no.
"It's fine if you don't. No one knows until they get there, do they?" The boy said quickly. "But I'll probably be in Gryffindor, it was my dad's house. Can you imagine being placed in Hufflepuff?"
"I think I'd leave," Severus chuckled and the boy let out a laugh of his own.
The shop door opened and Severus turned to see a tall pale man with an equally tall older boy walk-in. The boy beside Severus seemed to grow stiff at the sight and his face grew into a sneer as he watched the man.
"Look at them," the boy sneered. "I can't believe they're allowed to walk around,"
"What do you mean?" Severus asked, feeling a sudden unease.
"They're mad. Pureblood supremacist that believe they're own superiority. I heard that some of them believe that we should keep magic in old wizarding families, absolute nutters I tell you," The boy hissed and Severus felt the unease grow.
Luckily for Severus, Madam Malkin took this moment to usher the boy off the stool.
"I'll see you around mate," The boy said. Severus responded with a nod and watched as the boy and his father leave the shop, a brief altercation accruing with the boy's father and the man that had walked in before they left.
"That's you done, my dear," Madam Malkin said as she ushered Severus off his stool.
Severus slowly made his way to where his grandfather stood. Beside him were the tall pale man and his son, who quickly turned to Severus as he walked over.
"Ah. This must be him right now," The pale man said as he peered down at Severus.
"Yes. This is Severus, " Augustus confirmed before turning to his grandson. "Severus, this is Lord Abraxas Malfoy and his son Lucius,"
Severus peered over at the man before him. He was old but far younger than his grandfather, Severus wondered if he had attended Hogwarts with his mother. His son looked eerily identical and seemed to be nearing the age in which wizards were considered adults.
"It is an honour to meet you, Lord Malfoy," Severus said as he reached out his hand. The older Malfoy shook his hand with a tight grip and flashed a smirk that made his skin crawl.
"The pleasure is mine," He hissed before turning back to Augustus. "My Augustus, he looks like a fine young man,"
"I thank you, Abraxas. It seems Lucius has grown, he's your spitting image," Augustus said. The older Malfoy turned his attention back to Augustus and chuckled.
"He is. Entering his fifth year," Abraxas said with pride. "Got a letter this morning stating he would be prefect,"
"Wonderful. It's good to have one of our own in such a position power," Augustus retorted. "Can't have our kind replaced by filth,"
"Indeed. I must say it was a pleasure to meet you, Augustus," Abraxas said before turning to Severus and displaying a smile that Severus suspected was forced. "And Severus. It was a great honour meeting you, my boy,"
Severus muttered his thanks and soon found himself outside with his grandfather. They made a stop to buy parchment and quills. Severus finding amusement in a bottle of invisible ink. Leaving the store Severus peered up at his grandfather.
"Grandfather? W...What if I were placed in a house other Slytherin?" Severus asked. Augustus frowned as he peered down at his grandson, Severus expected his grandfather to dismiss his question but was surprised at his answer.
"I do doubt that you will be anything other than Slytherin," There was confidence in his voice.
Visiting Flourish and Blotts they had picked up the list of book on Severus's list. The shop was filled with shelves, each stacked to the ceiling with books of various sizes. Leather books as big as Severus beside books the size of postage stamps and books upon various topics. Severus found himself skimming a book by Professor Vindictus Viridian upon curses and countercurses. Augustus hissed at him that they were leaving and Severus sighed as he placed back the books he had been reading to join his grandfather.
The next stop was potions shop where Severus brought a cauldron along with a set of scales for weighing potion ingredients and a collapsible silver telescope. The rushed to the Apothecary soon after. Where Severus shuffled through any ingredients he could get his hands upon, despite his grandfather's glares. Once out of the shop his grandfather sighed and rubbed his eyes.
"It seems that we have everything but your wand and owl," He said. Severus's ears perked up. He had always wanted an owl of his own and was surprised that his grandfather's. Had he heard right?
"An owl?" He questioned to ensure that he had not heard wrong, or that his grandfather misspoken. The old man seemed to bristle at this.
"Well of course boy. How else will we contact you?" He hissed. "I will not have you use school owls, like a filthy mudblood,"
Severus held back the urge to envelop his grandfather in a hug and instead ran towards Eeylops Owl Emporium. Twenty minutes later, they left the shop carrying a cage that was home to a large brown eagle-owl, it's eyes firmly upon the boy that now held his cage. Severus calmly thanked his grandfather and the old man responded with a small nod.
The two Princes finally made their way towards the final shop. Ollivanders was a tiny place, empty except for a single, spindly chair that acted as a refuge for Augustus. The trip had taken a lot out of the old man and Severus left him to rest as he walked through the shop.
"Good afternoon," said a soft voice. Severus turned to see an old man was standing before him. Ollivander seemed as old as Severus's grandfather, his eyes tough seemed to sparkle despite the dimness of the shop.
"Afternoon sir," Severus said.
"Oh," said the man as if remembering something he forgot before peering at Augustus. "How interesting. I had not expected you, Mr Prince, no not at all. You look a lot like your mother though, except for the nose. But it seems like just a few days ago I was selling your mother her first wand. Ten inches, slim, made of ebony. Fantastic in Transfiguration I must say."
Severus raised his brows. It seemed that the man was talking to himself more than to Severus. The old man soon stopped his muttering and turned to Severus.
"I must admit you intrigue me, Mr Prince," The old man quickly leaned forward and Severus soon found himself uncomfortably close to the old man. He peered over to Augustus once again and then back to Severus.
"Hmmm," said Mr Ollivander. Well, let's see. Which arm is your wand arm my boy?"
Severus raised his right hand.
He began measuring Severus from shoulder to finger, then wrist to elbow, shoulder to floor, knee to armpit and round his head. As he measured, he said, "Did you know that 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."
Severus silently watched the tape measure floating. It was measuring his nose while Mr Ollivander was shuffling the shelves.
That will do," he said, and the tape measure crumpled into a heap on the floor. "Right then, let's try this one. Beechwood and dragon heartstring. Eight inches and firm. Give it a wave."
Severus held the wand tightly before giving it a small wave and a glass jar that sat across the shop exploded.
"No, not that one. Here beech with unicorn hair, nine and a half inches, flexible. Go on, go on, try it out."
Severus peered at the man before swinging the wand. This time a shelf flew across the room before crashing to the floor.
Severus went through another wand, then another and then another. Mr Ollivander simply continued to push more wands into his hands, which resulted in another burst of uncontrolled magic and the old man looked more intrigued.
"Truly fascinating. Not to worry, we'll find the perfect match here somewhere. Ah, try this. Fir and dragon heartstrings, eleven inches, nice and supple."
Grabbing a hold of the wand Severus felt warmth throughout himself. He raised the wand above his head before bringing it down, in response, the wand shot out a stream of light the illuminated the whole shop. Severus let out a low chuckle and Mr Ollivander smiled.
"Bravo! Yes. It seems we have figured your wand out Mr Prince," Mr Ollivander said as he patted the boy on the shoulder. "But remember the wand chooses the wizard, and from the choice, I can see great things ahead of you Mr Prince,"
Severus nodded as he gripped the wand close to himself. Grandfather paid seven gold Galleons for his wand, and Mr Ollivander thanked them before wishing them well as they left.
By the time they had finished collecting Severus's equipment, the sun hung low in the sky and Augustus ushered them towards the Leaky Cauldron. Entering the pub, Severus found it nearly empty, though some customers lingered most had melted away. Augustus pulled out the Floo Powder once again and handed some to Severus.
Severus stepped into the pub's fireplace and stared at the room one more time. While far from remarkable it had been his first experience beyond the Prince estate and the gateway to the wonders that he had experienced. He would not relive the excitement he felt today for several months. Not till he went to Hogwarts and thus he soaked in the image, allowed it to be imprinted into his mind before inhaling and tossing down the powder.
And disappearing in a flash of green flames.
AN:
Chapter 2! Thanks for all the fav and follows. It means a lot to me. I hope you enjoyed the chapter, feel free to leave feedback or reviews, i read them all. I'll see you all in the next chapter.
-TH3 AuThor