Chapter 3
Professor McGonagall took so long, that by the time she came out there was a small mound of shredded grass around Remy. It must have been one hell of a conversation. She wanted badly to ask about it, but before she could say anything Professor McGonagall had started talking.
"I'm sorry your Uncle and Aunt never explained anything to you," she began. Was it just Remy, or had her voice gone softer? Even her stern countenance seemed to have fallen somewhat, and she looked more tired. "Now, for the explanation that you deserve." She launched into a short explanation, and Remy listened just in case there was some kind of difference from canon.
"— the killing curse rebounded, and it hit the dark lord instead, vanquishing him," she finished.
"Dark Lord?" Fortunately, everything she had said so far matched up to what she was familiar with. Canon knowledge should still be sufficient.
"Yes. He was so feared that he was known as You-know-who, and no one dared to say his name. He killed many people and destroyed many families, including yours," she said.
"What was his name?" Remy felt like she needed to ask just so people wouldn't be too surprised when she says the name Voldemort.
"His name was … Voldemort." A look of fear passed through her face fleetingly. "It's nothing you should worry about, he is gone for good." She paused for a second before continuing. "You should know though, that there are many who believe that you are their savior. You are quite famous, in fact."
"Yeah, I see."
"Anything else you wish to know?'
"How did I end up at my aunt's house? They clearly hate me. Besides, my parents probably had some sort of backup plans right, for where I should have gone?" Remy asked, hoping that she would tell her a bit about Sirius.
Professor McGonagall sighed. "There is a reason, though I don't think I should tell you right now, and no, unfortunately, your parents didn't name anyone for you to go to. Your aunt was the best choice."
Lies! Though Remy does understand her reasons for not telling her.
"Now enough of that. To get to Diagon Alley we're going to do a side-along apparition. It can be uncomfortable, but it won't harm you at all. Just hold on to my arm, and we'll be in Diagon alley in an instant."
Remy did as she was told, and as soon as she did she felt a tugging sensation at her naval followed by the feeling of being squeezed in a tube.
"Ugh," she grumbled, holding her stomach. A wave of nausea hit her, and she doubled over in discomfort. The experience was way worse than she ever could have imagined, and she would take driving or walking over this any day.
"The first time can be a bit rough," Professor McGonagall said sympathetically. "Now, we can apparate right into Diagon Alley but I wished to show you how to access it through the muggle world first." She gestured at the shabby building in front of them. Squinting, Remy could make out the words the Leaky Cauldron on the tattered sign.
"Here? How can an entire alley be inside such a small building," she asked, wanting to maintain her image of not knowing anything about the wizarding world.
"You'll see soon." She pushed open the door to reveal a bustling pub. Remy scanned the room quickly to see if she could spot Quirrell.
"This is the Leaky Cauldron. It's a pub but it also serves as an entrance to Diagon Alley. Normal muggles won't be able to see it," she explained. "Now —" A man had appeared suddenly in front of them, effectively cutting her off.
The man looked to be in his mid-thirties and was completely decked out in wizarding robes, just like all the other patrons of the bar. He had an easy-going smile on his face, and Remy took an instant liking to him. She was also happy to report that he wasn't wearing a turban. Did Quirrell already have the turban at this point of the story? She couldn't help but wonder. She wished she had a copy of the books with her.
"Professor McGonagall!" The man greeted. He glanced over at Remy curiously, and she saw a brief flicker of recognition in his eyes. She'd really have to get used to this whole famous thing.
Suddenly shy under the man's keen gaze, Remy averted her gaze.
"Oh, hello Professor Goldstein. Fancy seeing you here!" Professor McGonagall said, a hint of surprise coloring her voice. "What are you doing here, if I may ask?"
Professor Goldstein? Remy was sure he never existed in the books — not that she was aware of, at least. Who is he and where was Quirrell?
"Ah, nothing much. I am merely picking up some supplies before the school year starts. Wouldn't want to be caught unprepared eh?" he said casually. "Say, is that the Harry Potter with you? Now that I think of it, I do recall seeing his name on the register."
"I would thank you to keep that quiet," Professor McGonagall sounded slightly miffed, she looked around to check if anyone had heard. "I had hoped we would be able to have a quiet shopping trip."
"My apologies," he said, though his smile remained. It was way too late, and patrons from the bar had picked up on the fact that the famous Harry Potter was in the pub. A line had quickly formed, and Remy found herself shaking many hands. She wasn't too happy about this development — who knew where these hands had been! She preferred keeping her hands clean, thank you. Unfortunately, she couldn't bring herself to say no, when their eyes shone so brightly at the mere sight of her.
"Now if you don't mind," Professor McGonagall cut in after a little while. "Harry needs to shop for his school supplies." Grabbing her shoulder gently, she steered Remy away from the pub. The man followed closely behind.
"That was weird," she complained to Professor McGonagall, wringing out her hands.
"Yes, best get used to it. There will be many who will want to thank you for what happened all those years ago, even at Hogwarts."
They stopped in front of an unassuming brick wall.
"Watch carefully, Harry." She tapped the wall with her wand in a sequence, and within seconds it unraveled into a large archway to show the vast Diagon Alley. Remy couldn't help but let out an awed gasp. Wizards and witches were milling about everywhere. The signs on the shops glittered with a multitude of colors, giving the alley a vibrant and lively feel. She couldn't wait to check out all the stores. They step over the archway and into Diagon Alley.
"Welcome to Diagon Alley," said Professor McGonagall.
"This is where I shall leave you," Professor Goldstein said. "It was nice meeting you, Harry. I shall see you very soon, I reckon. Goodbye."
"Nice meeting you too," she said and waved, feeling slightly bemused.
"So, who was that guy?" Remy asked as soon as they were out of earshot.
"That guy," Professor McGonagall said, looking mildly disapproving. "is your future defense against the dark arts professor. Do remember to be cordial."
"Defense against the Dark Arts," Remy echoed, trying to keep a semblance of calm. Inside she was panicking. What had she done to change the professor selection? What would it entail?
"Indeed," Professor McGonagall said, nodding. "The previous professor was … er … unable to continue. Professor Goldstein will no doubt be able to do an excellent job in his stead though. He was a Hogwarts alumnus, you know."
Remy did not know, but nodded.
She noted distantly that her scar didn't hurt at all throughout the encounter. Perhaps this change wasn't bad at all?
"Our first stop will be Gringotts, the wizarding bank." She told Remy. "It is where we get our money. Do remember it."
They passed by all the colorful and interesting shops, and Remy had to resist the strong urge to ditch Professor McGonagall and check some of them out.
Gringotts was a huge snowy white building, and there Remy saw her first goblin. Professor McGonagall explained some uninteresting facts about them, and they went inside. The interior was splendid. The marble hall and high ceiling gave the building a regal look. Professor McGonagall didn't seem to want to linger however, and Griphook the goblin took them down the roller coaster.
The ride was thrilling — Remy wouldn't mind coming to Gringotts just to ride it. She wished normal banks could implement a system similar to this.
Her vault was even more spectacular. Mounds of gold and silver were everywhere, and she was so happy she almost leaped into one of the mounds. She was filthy rich! And this was only a part of it — just the trust fund, apparently. Professor McGonagall tried explaining to her how the currencies worked, but she was too busy shoveling the money inside her backpack. There were a lot of things she needed to buy after all — for the war. Yes, the war. For the good of the wizarding world. Not for her own luxuries. Nope.
Professor McGonagall had looked at her sternly, as if she wanted to stop her. After all, she was only an eleven-year-old, and most kids can't be trusted with a large sum of money. She wasn't really a normal kid though.
Thankfully, Professor McGonagall let her take her fill. Perhaps she felt pity for Remy having to deal with the Dursleys, or was still too dizzy from the roller coaster to say anything, she wasn't sure.
They left Gringotts, and Remy was ready to splurge. Unfortunately, Professor McGonagall wanted to buy boring uniforms and books first. Who needed those necessities? She was so close to being able to check out the cool magical stuff, but she was stuck buying clothes.
They went to get robes first, at Madam Malkins. Professor McGonagall had sent her off alone and had gone off to buy the textbooks to save time. Remy felt somewhat uncomfortable going in alone, but quickly reminded herself that she was, in fact, not a shy eleven-year-old anymore. Not really, at least.
Madam Malkins was a squat and friendly-looking witch, and the sight of her made Remy feel less apprehensive.
"Hogwarts, dear?" she said. At her nod, she ushered her over to a stool at the back of the shop. Remy was expecting to see Draco there — she had already planned how best to greet the boy — but was met with someone who looked slightly older.
"Hello," the boy greeted in a friendly tone. "First-year?"
"Yeah," Remy responded, studying him curiously.
"The name's Cedric. I'm a third year, but I grew so much that my robes are way too short now." He puffed his chest out. "So, what house do you think you'll be in. I'm in Hufflepuff, and it's great!"
"Well, I think I'd like to be in Gryffindor," she said slowly. So, this was the famous Cedric. He looked so young and innocent, and the idea of him dying in a few years sent shivers down Remy's spine. She vowed she would try to prevent his death. No one was going to die on her watch, except for Voldemort, of course. "Nothing against Hufflepuff or anything, but Gryffindor is cool."
"Alright then. I wish you luck!" he grinned. "Though Hufflepuff will always welcome you if you change your mind."
"That's you done, my dear," Madam Malkins said before Remy could respond. Cedric hopped down the stool.
"See you around!" He waved enthusiastically. The cheer on his face was infectious, and Remy could see why he was so popular.
Remy waved back, trying to match his enthusiasm. It was a pretty cool experience, meeting Cedric. He was the first Hogwarts student she's met so far. She lamented the lack of Draco, but attributed it to the fact that she came here on a different day Harry had come. No matter, she could always meet him later.
The fitting went quickly, and Remy was now the proud owner of some high-quality Hogwarts uniform. It was way better than the Halloween costume she had made as a kid to cosplay as Hermione, that's for sure. Professor McGonagall was waiting outside with her books, and Remy hoped she didn't make her wait too long. They went into the Apothecary next for a cauldron and some basic potion ingredients. Remy quickly found that she wasn't a fan of the ingredients' smell. She wasn't sure how Snape could stand it. She definitely wasn't looking forward to his classes.
Next was the wand. Remy had been both looking forward to and dreading this particular shop. Would she be able to get the same wand as Harry did in the books? And were wands bound to the body or the soul? Because she was screwed if it was the latter.
Mr. Ollivander was as eccentric as she expected, as was his decor.
"A wand, please." Professor McGonagall said, standing in front of the dingy counter, looking like she'd rather be elsewhere. Remy supposed this wasn't the first muggle-born student she had to bring to this store, and that she would be annoyed too.
"Ah yes," he said. "Yes, yes. I thought I'd be seeing you soon. Harry Potter. You have your mother's eyes. It seems only yesterday she was in here herself, buying her first wand. Ten and a quarter inches long, swishy, made of willow. Nice wand for charm work."
Professor McGonagall looked annoyed. "We are in a bit of a hurry if you don't mind…"
"Of course, of course." He pulled out a tape measure from out of nowhere. "Well, now - Mr. Potter. Let me see. Which is your wand arm?"
She raised her right hand quickly, impatient to get out of here. She was already starting to feel unnerved. As the tape measure measured — Remy noticed that it was measuring by itself - he talked, and wouldn't stop. He talked about Harry's parents' wands, then about various cores. Remy tried to listen, she really did, but his strange silvery eyes were rather distracting.
Once he was done, he began giving Remy different wands to try. She obliged, hoping she didn't look utterly stupid.
It was pretty cool though, and even though none felt right, the burst of magic she was able to channel was a strange new experience. She quite enjoyed trying out all the different wands, especially the one that had let out a huge explosion as soon as she put a finger on it. Too bad Ollivander took it away from her before she could try it again.
It took so long that Professor McGonagall had grown tired and had sat down on the only chair in the room. Remy herself was getting quite bored, but Ollivander only looked more energized. He dashed around pulling random boxes out until finally —
"Tricky customer, eh? Not to worry, we'll find the perfect match here somewhere - I wonder, now - yes, why not - unusual combination - holly and phoenix feather, eleven inches, nice and supple."
She eagerly took the wand. As soon as she held it, she knew it was different from the others, for a burst of warmth burst through the wand. She gave it an experimental swish and a stream of red and gold sparks shot off the end of the wand, like a fireworks show. Remy smiled. It felt incredible, and so natural that she had a hard time remembering what not having magic was like.
Ollivander congratulated her, then gave her the warning about Voldemort. Professor McGonagall looked very pale on the side but didn't comment. She quickly paid him 11 galleons and left, eager to breathe in fresh air again. She carefully stowed the wand in her backpack.
"That would be all the mandatory supplies," Professor McGonagall informed her, as soon as they had stepped out. "However, if you wanted, we could stop by the pet shop. First years are allowed one pet."
"Yes! Yes! Yes!" Remy cheered.
Professor McGonagall cracked a small smile. "What would you like? A cat, toad, or owl?"
Remy had to think for a second. While owls were probably more useful, and she'd love to get Hedwig, she felt more inclined toward a cat. It was something she always wanted but never had a chance to as her mom was allergic. She was also afraid that Hedwig would die like she did in the books. Remy doesn't think she could handle that.
"Cat," she decided.
"Cat it is," Professor McGonagall said, and off they went to a store called Magical Menagerie.
Remy felt like a kid in a candy store — there were so many different cats and she wanted to bring them all home. She browsed around, even coming across a gingered furred one who was incredibly aggressive. Remy thinks it might be the actual Crookshanks and left it alone immediately. Finally, she decided to get a gray one with speckled fur. He was absolutely adorable, and purred when Remy had picked him up gingerly. Remy thinks she's in love and had to resist the urge to stuff her face into the cat's fluffy fur.
Like Crookshanks, he was a half-kneazle, which meant that there was a chance he would eat Scabbers before she had a chance to turn him in. To combat that, she also picked up on a hamster cage that was spelled to be unbreakable and impenetrable. She just needed to convince Ron to give her Scabbers and she would be set.
"Now that should be everything," Professor McGonagall said as they exited the store, giving her list one last glance. "Here is your train ticket to Hogwarts. Be at platform nine and three-quarters on the date on there. If you're ready, let us return to Privet Drive. I have given your relatives a … stern warning, so they should leave you alone for the school year." She sighed. "Though I'd rather not have to send you back at all."
"Actually," she said. "I'd been meaning to ask — can't I just stay here? There's some sort of hotel here somewhere right?" She played with the hem of the shirt, nervous.
Professor McGonagall's eyebrows rose. "Stay here? All by yourself? There is no way I can allow that."
"I'll be better off by myself," she implored. "Look, I've got all my stuff with me too." She brandished her small beat-up backpack in front of her.
"That's all you have? Perhaps I let your relatives off too lightly." She sighed again. "Fine, I will allow it. Leaky Cauldron is an inn as well as a pub, and I'll ask Tom the bartender to check in on you. However, you must not wander about and cause a nuisance! If I hear from Tom that you misbehaved, I will send you back to your relatives."
"Yes! Don't worry, I won't." She could hardly believe her luck. Professor McGonagall had always struck her as a rule follower, so she hadn't been holding out hope on her gambit. But it paid off, and now she wouldn't have to see the Dursleys again — ever, if things went her way.
She gave Remy a somewhat suspicious look before leading her back to the Leaky Cauldron where She paid a ton of galleons for an entire month. The most well spent money of all time. There was also complimentary breakfast too, score!
Professor McGonagall stayed for long enough to watch her settle her measly belongings in her room.
"Well, I suppose this is it. I shall see you soon, at Hogwarts," she said. "Happy early birthday, and stay out of trouble." She handed Harry a small box. "This isn't much, but I think you will enjoy it."
"Thank you so much!" she exclaimed. "I look forward to going to Hogwarts.
She nodded curtly and waved, then vanished with a small pop. Remy stared blankly for a second. Watching someone apparate was still quite jarring.
Tearing the box open, she found a small album containing moving pictures of James and Lily. She again, felt a stab of guilt. Here she was, stealing their son's body. She wondered how they would react if they knew.
With that thought, she decided to sort through all her stuff and play a little with her new cat whom she has yet to name before lying down on the comfortable bed. The cat snuggled up against her on the sheets, providing her comfort and warmth. It had been so long since she had laid on a real bed that she was knocked out at once. She still had some things to do in Diagon Alley the next day, after all, and would need her rest.