Harry played the part of a clueless orphan boy well. He didn't like deceiving Hagrid, though. He had denied his magic, and Hagrid had 'proved' it to him. Hagrid had taken him to London in the middle of the knight. They had slept in one of the rooms at the Leaky Caldron, Harry taking the top bunk.
Hagrid didn't ask a lot from him. He only mentioned his resemblance to his father and grumbled about the Dursley's. Dumbledore must have known he was desperate for connection, not so much anymore. He craved it, yes, but not as much as he used to. He didn't remember his parents. Why would he care?
He was also tempted to reveal Rio to Hagrid, the groundskeeper who tended to creatures. But he thought he shouldn't. Rio seemed to like the idea, though, but Harry knew he was loyal to Dumbledore above all else. He couldn't trust the half-giant with his only friend.
He didn't sleep at all that night, too full of excitement. Harry might have also been kept awake by Hagrid's obnoxious snoring. Rio had crawled out of his pant sleeve to get some air; he seemed a little grumpy.
"Did you really have to leave me in there all day?" Huffed Rio, and Harry smirked.
"Absolutely." Harry grinned at Rio's nasty look, amused by the snake. Rio rolled his eyes and once more let out a puff of air. He flicked his tongue out and looked up to Harry again.
"What are you so excited about?" Harry let his smile widen as the snake lazily raised his eyebrow. Rio hissed, displaying his annoyance.
"Tell me! You know I hate you keeping things from me..." Harry rolled his eyes; Rio was such an impatient snake. Primarily since his whole life had consisted of sitting and waiting for people to bring him food.
"I'm excited to be back in the magical world if you must know." The snake shook his head and curled up. Harry smiled at Rio, his subtle snores joining Hagrid's. Harry laid down on the bed, being careful to not crush Rio. He stared up at the ceiling, not seeing much as the room was dim.
Before he knew it, Hagrid was shaking him awake. Harry squinted at the half-giant.
"C'mon lad! We've got to get a move on!" Hagrid's warm smile made Harry groan. It was far too early for anything; he noticed Rio had made his way around his leg again.
"Too early." Harry turned to his right side to escape Hagrid. He should have known it wasn't going to help a thing. Hagrid chuckled at his antics.
"Guess I've got to leave without you!" He said, and Harry heard heavy footsteps nearing the door. Harry jumped out of bed quickly, not wanting to miss this chance. Hagrid had an evident smile on his face, standing just by the door. Harry frowned at him; he should have known Hagrid wouldn't have left.
"Awake now?" Harry reluctantly nodded. Hagrid shook his head and laughed, crinkles around his dark eyes.
"Good, I'll be outside." Hagrid left to let Harry get ready. Once the half-giant was out of the room, Harry scowled at the door. He put on oversized jeans and a ragged shirt; it was probably the best thing he owned. As soon as he could, he'd buy new clothes, quality clothes.
"Must I stay in here?" He heard Rio hiss right before he was going to open the door. Harry sighed; he truly felt guilty he didn't have a place for Rio.
"For now, yes. But I promise I will find a better way to keep you on me." He heard a hissy sigh and took it as acceptance. He pulled open the door, and Hagrid smiled at him.
"Ready?" Harry nodded, and Hagrid paved the way. He watched as Hagrid used his umbrella to open the passageway, the bricks melting away.
"Welcome to Diagon Alley." Said Hagrid gesturing around. It looked just as it did before Voldemort took over, full of life. He smiled at it; Hagrid took it for amazement. There were wizards all over the place. Harry made sure to flatten his dark bangs against his forehead.
He had noticed a short time ago it looked like a typical scar, except the shape, of course. It made him question if Fate had something to do with it. Did she do this to his scar? But why would she? Questions for another day, Harry supposed.
People noticed Hagrid, but he was happy that nobody spared a second glance at the skinny boy at his side.
"We'll be needing Gringotts first, of course. Ya need the money." Harry agreed absently with a nod, already knowing what was to happen next. They soon were approaching the impressive building; he couldn't help but gape. Hagrid smiled and looked up at it like him, stopping in his tracks.
"Amazing, isn't it?' Harry nodded, and Hagrid pushed him along. Harry snapped out of his stupor; he thought he heard a hissy chuckle. As they neared the massive bronze doors, he saw an unhappy-looking goblin. He read a little about goblins.
They didn't respect wizardkind, but they coexisted. Harry bowed his head lightly to the short creature. The creature seemed surprised for a second before bowing back hesitantly. Hagrid hadn't noticed the interaction. The whole thing went to same as it had before. Harry just got more money for himself.
Harry watched as Hagrid got the Sorcerer's Stone; it physically hurt Harry to see. But maybe he would have a chance to take it. They walked out of the building, heading straight for Madam Malkin's. Harry wasn't really looking forward to seeing Draco again. He was a person he could live without.
"Those carts really did a number on me. Mind if I wet my whistle at the Leaky Cauldron while you get yer robes fitted?" Harry couldn't help but feel bad for Hagrid. The half-giant looked more than a little green.
"No, I'll just be in here." Hagrid grinned and ruffled Harry's hair, walking off. Harry sighed, both grateful and unhappy with Hagrid's departure. He smoothed down his hair and stared at the imposing door. Harry took a deep breath in and a deep one out as he stepped into the store.
The place was relatively light-themed, with plenty of fashionable robes everywhere. The sweet-looking witch came up to him. She was an older woman with warm brown eyes. Her face was round, and she managed to be just taller than Harry. Harry greeted her with a smile, and she smiled back.
"Hogwarts, dear?" Harry nodded, and the woman started to lead him toward the back.
"Thought so, I've got just another student down back. I believe she's around your age, I'll put you near her." When the witch said her, Harry thought she had made a mistake. But as they neared where the fitting area was, it was clear he had made a mistake.
A girl was being fitted by another witch. It wouldn't have been a big deal to Harry, just some slight differences in the timing. But Harry didn't recognize her, not one bit. As Madam Malkin began to slip the silver robe over him, she noticed his presence.
"Hogwarts?" She had a small smile on her face, a slight dimple on her left cheek revealing itself.
"Yes." He felt his eyes must have bugged out of his head; it was strange to see a person who he didn't recognize. How had this happened? Her smile faded seeing his expression, and she raised an eyebrow in question.
"What?" He just shook his head, turning to look instead at the wall in front of him.
"So... What's your name? Mine's Xira!" She had stuck a hand out toward him. The witch fitting her didn't seem happy about that. Harry looked from her hand to her rather striking blue eyes and sighed. He couldn't find it in himself to refuse her introduction; he took her hand and shook it.
"Harry." He had a common enough name; he didn't think she would suspect him of being the Harry Potter.
"How's it feel to share your name with a legend?" She smirked, and he noticed then she had a Scottish accent. He just shrugged and opened his mouth.
"Don't really care too much about it. It's been my name my whole life." There wasn't technically a lie there. She laughed lightly; Harry couldn't help but sport a smile at the noise.
"Suppose so, though it's interesting to see a young wizard not look up to him." Harry met her eyes, and she studied him curiously.
"I'm muggle raised." He said simply, and her mouth formed a kind of round shape. That wasn't really a lie either; he had been raised by muggles.
"You don't seem so... You're not as... Let's say curious as most." He smiled faintly at her, not a genuine smile.
"I happen to observe rather than discover." She put a finger to her lip in thought, and her brow scrunched a little. It reminded Harry of a friendlier Hermione.
"Yeah, I guess I do as well. Sometimes though, hands-on learning is just what I need!" Harry agreed with her, giving her a slight nod of his head. He realized that the witch who was measuring her disappeared. A well-dressed woman with dark eyes approached the girl.
"Come now, Xira. We've got to get your other things." She gave Harry a quick, friendly smile before taking Xira's hand.
"Bye, Harry." She smiled humorously at his name, still finding it amusing. He rolled his eyes and waved to her. She gave him a grin and turned to walk out with her mother. Harry still wondered when they left; the woman looked to be in her early twenties.
And Xira, an entirely new chess piece on the board. How would she affect things? Harry couldn't help but feel she would play an important role.
Okay, tomorrow I'll post the last two done chapters in this story. After that the update schedule will slow rapidly. Thank you for reading and I hoped you all enjoyed!
-Lemon Nugget