~Chapter 6~

Things still felt somber since leaving the wand shop. Hagrid decided to treat them to light lunch, allowing what happened to settle. When they finished, he took them to a shop that sold various trunks and suitcases for their school things. As they started to look around and read what they can do, Harry found some of the charms to be amazing to have. When an employee was found, the boy asked him if they could use their earlier purchases, minus their wands and owls to try and fit in the appropriate trunks that catch their eyes. The gentleman was more than happy to assist, explaining in greater detail what some of the charms can do and what some trunks already come with to give him and Tom an idea.

Twenty minutes later and they both had lovely mahogany trunks with bronze clasps, hinges, and handles. They were decorated with carved vines and leaves, giving them a more elegant look than looking plain. An option to have the school crest as well as their names had been offered which they took. They chose charms that would repel stains, have increased durability, increased storage as shown, feather-light charms to decrease the weight some, as well as a locking charm.

When the locking charm was first brought up, they asked about it. The store clerk explained the various kinds that exist. Being that they're students, the need for complicated ones weren't necessary, so offered easier ones. The boys settled on one that registers to their magic, their wands acting as keys. They even had it so both would have access to each other's trunks. It had taken a moment though for Tom to pick up his wand to finalize the locking, Harry giving him encouraging smiles when he did.

Hagrid watched the boys, carrying their owl cages while they finished their purchase, their mood improving. He was concerned for them, Tom especially given his reaction to the wand's history. He somewhat understood Ollivander mentioning it because there would be someone who'll recognize it and make assumptions. And yet, the man could have not sold it and tried to find a different wand.

"What sort of plan are yeh thinkin', Dumbledore?" he wondered.

He trusted his longtime friend, but he was concerned. Dumbledore must have a good reason. He should talk to him before he gets himself all worked up. His real concern though was that wand. Why did Tom have to get that wand? It's done so much damage…

After they were done, they picked up some bags that would help them carry their books and anything else for their classes. They were both chocolate brown with silver clasps. Like the trunks, they bore similar charms to make carrying their things easier. They also had the school crest and their names embroidered.

***0***

The next stop was at a toy store at Hagrid's urging. He waited near the front and let them have their fun. The boys went through the various toys available, unsure of what to choose. Tom became fascinated with a game called a wizard's chess. They decided to get it, neither had ever played but decided they can try and teach each other.

"Tom, over here!" Harry called, showing the boy an aisle filled with various stuffed animals. Some were animated, a few dragons puffing smoke or harmless flames, cats that meowed and purred, dogs that barked and wagged their tails. In Harry's arms, he held a stuffed cobra. He also had a few others ranging from a dog, a lion, an elephant, and a dragon that didn't move at all.

"Pretty cool, right?" he grinned broadly.

"What if Mr. Dursley… What if he burns them to?" Tom asked worriedly.

"We won't let him. We can ask if they have a charm that prevents them from getting set on fire or whatever else," Harry reassured. He placed the snake in his friend's hands, the boy unable to help but hug it. It was much softer than the one he had from the zoo. He still missed it but the fact Harry wants to get him this, how could he say no?

Satisfied with their finds, they went to the front and gave their questions, the clerk happy to add the protective charms. It added to the cost and while Harry had been prepared to pay for it, Hagrid took them by surprise and paid for them. The boys tried to argue but the gamekeeper was insistent as he was for their owls.

Afterward, they made a few more stops for a little this and that they may need or what simply attracted them. Brooms caught their eye but listened to their letters and ignored the temptation for now. Next year they can get themselves nice brooms.

Some of their purchases including a couple of nice pocket watches at Hagrid's suggestion. He explained that watches like theirs won't work in Hogwarts due to the magical interference. It was the same with most Muggle electronics. The pocket watches they picked matched for the most part. They were simple in design; gold and charmed to be water-resistant, fall resistant, scratch-resistant, and charmed to glow at night. The only differences they had were their initials engraved inside the covers. The silver chains and clasp they picked were charmed to resist being severed and prevent theft. It wasn't a guarantee but it was better than leaving it to chance.

***0***

Seeing it was starting to get late, Hagrid had them pack their things into the trunks and helped carry them. Even with the charms, they still had some weight when carried for a long period. The boys would carry their owls though.

They passed through a mostly empty Leaky Cauldron and back into the Muggle side of the world. It was so vastly different after being in Diagon Alley with all the swirls of magic, cauldrons, robed people, and fantastic and strange smells. They talked a little though it was kept limited when on the Underground, receiving stares not only because of Hagrid but their owls. They went up another escalator and were in Paddington station.

"Got time fer a bite to eat before yer train leaves," Hagrid said, taking them to an eatery. He got them hamburgers, chips, and drinks. "You okay, boys?"

They looked up, Tom still appearing apprehensive.

"I'm fine I guess," the older boy answered, lightly picking the bun. He ate the bits than letting them crumble away or get dropped like specks. "I'm just…I'm still worried about my wand. But…but I'm going to try hard though to accept it. I mean, it's my wand. I have to be able to use it or I can't be a wizard, right?"

Harry placed a hand over his, giving him a comforting smile. "You're going to do great, I know it."

Tom smiled at the reassurance, "I hope so."

"Yeh'll be fine like Harry said," Hagrid reassured before he could think. He should be worried but seeing the insecure face, he couldn't help but comfort the boy. It was becoming harder and harder to see Tom as the same person from so long ago. He was a new man, "child," he internally corrected. "And what about yeh, Harry?"

"Well, it's been great. A little stressful when all those people kept swarming when finding out who I am, but it was still great. Finding out we're wizards, buying all these neat things for school and stuff we need, it's amazing."

"It really was, I can't wait to start reading some of the books," Tom smiled. "There's so much we were kept in the dark of. I'm sure Hogwarts will fill in the gaps, but it'd be nice to have some idea what we're doing."

Harry nodded though a small frown formed. "I can't help but feel worried though. Because so many know who I am, know about what I apparently did… Well, they're going to expect a lot from me, aren't they? They think I'm someone special but I don't even remember that night."

"I think you're special," Tom stated, wearing a grin, "but that's because you're my best friend."

"Then that makes you special too," Harry teased, lightly shoving the boy.

Hagrid leaned across the table, a kind smile visible through his wild beard. "Don' you worry, Harry. You'll learn fast enough. Got Tom here to help yeh if he's already plannin' on reading them books. Even if he don't, just know everyone starts at the beginning at Hogwarts. You'll be just fine, both of yeh. Just be yerselves. I know it's hard. Yeh've been singled out, an' that's always hard. But yeh'll have a great time at Hogwarts…I did…still do, 'smatter of fact."

The boys smiled at the reassurance, the younger feeling much better as they finished eating and were taken to the train station. Hagrid made sure to take them straight to Number Four Privet Drive.

"Thank you for taking us back…" Harry whispered. He really didn't want to return but where else could they go? While they have money, it may not be enough to sustain them. Plus they'll be going to school soon, why blow their chances going by running away?

"It's no problem. Want ter make sure them Muggles are even home to let yeh two in," Hagrid reassured.

Knocking the door, the boys felt a little nervous when it opened. Petunia stood there, looking tired and pale, becoming paler upon seeing them.

"What are you doing here?" she nearly shrieked.

"Brought the boys home," Hagrid answered as if nothing was wrong.

He shifted aside so the boys could get through. The woman had no choice but to let them in. It's bad enough the neighbors might be staring; she didn't need to make it worse by making a scene.

"Ah, before I forget." He fished through a pocket, handing them a pair of tickets as they dragged their trunks inside. "Tickets fer the train ter Hogwarts. You'll need 'em."

"Thank you," Harry smiled.

"Bye, Hagrid," Tom waved, Harry, doing the same. The door shut fast, leaving them to shrink with worry.

"Upstairs, now," she spat, glaring at the mess they brought.

Surprised by this, they obeyed, uncertain where to go until they spotted their old bed in the smallest bedroom.

"I guess we're sleeping here now," Harry commented as they arranged their things.

"Maybe someone realized what the address originally said before Mr. Dursley took us on that wild ride," Tom theorized.

"That could be, but at least it's an upgrade."

"From cupboard to Dudley's junk room. Yeah, definitely an upgrade."

They giggled as they continued to find places to put their things. They didn't dare take their new books or even their clothes out. Tempting as it was to try on their new uniforms and robes, they wouldn't while the Dursleys were home. As for the rest of their clothes, they put some away; the rest kept in the trunks. Their owl cages were placed on the desk by the window.

"Maybe next time we go back, we should get a hanger or one of those stands to hang their cages," Harry wondered. He opened the doors, petting his owl, Tom doing the same.

"There's barely enough room in here," the boy pointed out.

"True…"

***0***

A few hours later, Vernon came home from work, angry arguing made, revealing he knows they've returned. Not long after, the large man was pounding his way up the stairs, throwing the door open with a glare.

"So you're back," he sneered. Harry nodded meekly, Tom pressing close to him. Both flinched when the man gave a harsher sneer. "And what is that you're wearing?"

"Clothes…" Tom answered softly. He barely had time to react when a hand slapped across his face.

"Don't backtalk, freak! Now, where did you get them? And those blasted glasses? Where did you get those?"

"We got them from a student account we were given," Harry answered. He knew if he told his uncle that he had actual money, he'd likely force him into giving it all to him, leaving them penniless.

"And they'd be this generous?"

They nodded, Tom, picking it up and answering. "Costs there far exceed what's affordable here. They seemed to feel it wasn't fair to make you pay for our things."

"Least they know to do something right!" the man huffed. "I don't want to see any of this freak stuff downstairs or else."

With that, he left, the boys blinking. They were in a mix of confusion and relief. They almost thought they were going to get beaten. Yes, Tom got slapped, but that's nothing to what they normally got. Maybe it has to do with last night when Hagrid came?

From there, things were somewhat the same. They still did their chores as ordered but they weren't as harsh as before. They weren't entirely sure why but didn't complain. It left them less tired and more time to sneak out and buy food and occasional snacks. If they weren't doing that, they would be held up in their room, curled together in bed, reading the different books they got. Tom was enthralled by what they learned and pointed out interesting facts he'd find, Harry doing the same.

Their owls, Hedwig and Eliana, names they found in their copies of A History of Magic, would swoop in and out. Sometimes they would bring back treasures, often dead mice. While they were glad Petunia stopped coming in to vacuum, they still cleaned up to avoid the smell themselves.

A small calendar sat by their bedside, each day ticked off as a countdown to September first, their first day of school. They had studied their tickets and found the platform number strange, Tom suggesting it's likely hidden like Diagon Alley.

Reading Hogwarts: A History, Tom grew worried as he read about the school houses, showing Harry. There were four: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. Harry read and reread the text, feeling his friend's concern.

"We'll see if we get into the same house," Harry reassured.

"And if we can't?"

"We'll figure something out. Let's try and read more about what the houses are like. It might help figure what they're about."

Tom nodded, but still felt worried as they poured over the pages. They read about the school's founding, what each house represented, what their purpose is for, and much more. They found that the houses each had traits, yet couldn't be certain which one suited them best. Neither have any ambitions unless going a day without getting beaten counted. They were loyal to each other but not sure if that was enough. They liked learning different things. They were also highly determined, particularly to stay together. Harry didn't much care what house they got in so long as Tom's with him. He wondered though how they'll be sorted. They must have them go through some kind of test, though what kind would wizards use? Would they measure their magic or ask questions about what they're like. The book didn't say anything, saying the sorting is often kept a secret as part of the fun for first years. Bit of a strange reason but with it worded that way, maybe it's not that bad?

***0***

A week before they would start school, Tom nudged Harry, pulling him out of the creature book Tom got from his vault.

"Hey, look at this," Tom grinned. He pointed to a section in one of the law books. "It says that we could technically practice magic since we're not official students. It's a small loophole it seems. Students though can get reprimanded still if they tried dangerous spells or carelessly practiced in front of Muggles."

"You want to practice then?" Harry asked.

"Yeah, like that levitation spell or those locking ones. Those could come in handy."

"Okay then."

Harry fished through his trunk, pulling out the charms book. Finding the pages, they studied them, starting with wrappers from candy bars they snuck in or bottle caps Eliana liked bringing in as trophies. It took several tries, working out the wand movement and pronunciation, Tom becoming more used to his wand. Near the end of the day, the older boy got his wrapper floating and zipping around, Eliana playfully chasing it. By midmorning, Harry was doing the same. The boys would turn to different things they could test such as their stuffed animals or their books. It quickly became a game of seeing whose would go faster or make the most tricks, the pair laughing. They would cut the spells in time should someone come upstairs to see what they're doing.

They also discovered a spell called Lumos where the tip of the wand lights up. With some practice, they had their wands light up respectively. They would do this often at night when everyone is asleep, reading more of their books until they couldn't keep their eyes open any longer. The counter charm, Nox was present and used it to cancel the spell, more so if they hear someone coming to their door.

They also played around with the locking and unlocking charms, testing them with the old cupboard when no one was around. Dudley thankfully seemed terrified of them after what happened at the shack so he never stuck around long. It made it easy to get rid of him by just showing up, though they took care not to overdo it. Sometimes it led to one or both of the adults to punish them for "terrorizing" their son.

When it was a day before they had to take the train, Harry and Tom made their way downstairs, making themselves known. Dudley fled as usual. Petunia and Vernon were sitting on a sofa together. They looked at them with an annoyed glare or in the man's case, a grunt for having their show interrupted.

"Er… Uncle Vernon?" Harry started. He felt Tom take his hand, giving him a little strength.

Vernon merely grunted, a sign that he was listening.

"Er… Well, we need to be at King's Cross tomorrow to…" He paused, glancing at Tom before turning back. "To go to school."

Vernon grunted again.

"Would it be alright if you gave us a lift?"

Another grunt was made, a sign that might have been a yes.

"Thank you."

They were about to head upstairs and make sure they were well packed before the man spoke.

"Funny way to get to a wizard's school, the train. Magic carpets all got punctures, have they?"

Neither said anything despite knowing, having read about it in their books.

"Where is this school, anyway?"

"Scotland," Tom answered before he could stop himself. "It…it was mentioned when we were getting our school supplies." He lied knowing they would be upset that they've been reading their books though nowhere nearly as mad if they knew they had been practicing.

"And what time?" Vernon asked.

Sensing this could be a potential trap, Tom answered. "Before ten-thirty."

"Fine, alright, we'll take you."

Harry felt some relief though was still wary as was Tom. They thanked Vernon once more before making their way back upstairs to pack.

Some more fun in Diagon Alley before they have to return home, but at least it's not too terrible I suppose, right?

Picking a name for Tom's owl was fun and is a name that's found in their school books, so it fits that little theme at least.

Also, would love to hear some guesses of what house(s) the boys could end up in.

I want to thank Krysania (Tat) for helping me with this chapter.