Chapter 5

Minerva McGonagall was a middle-aged woman with black hair, green eyes, and a stern expression. Harry wondered when the last time the woman had smiled.

"Are you to ready to go to collect school supplies?" She asked, a Scottish brogue clear with each word.

Aurora glanced at Harry. "Ready?" she asked.

Harry shrugged. "Guess so," he said.

Aurora squeezed his shoulder. "Come on."

McGonagall watched the two of them curiously. "I do not understand why you didn't want Albus to take you. He is more than capable."

Aurora shook her head. "Dumbledore is the one who left Harry with the Muggles and then didn't check up on him."

McGonagall winced. "I'm sure he had his reasons. Albus would never knowingly harm a child."

Aurora scowled. "What I don't understand, is why he got to choose where my Godson went. What gave him the right to make such a decision?"

McGonagall shifted uncomfortably. "He is chief of our court system."

Aurora shook her head. "Which gives him the ability to place Harry with a family with no prior knowledge of that family?"

McGonagall looked down at the ground in silence. Aurora sighed. "Let's go if we're going. You asked a question and I answered it. That is all."

McGonagall looked relieved at the change in subject. She extended an arm. "Do I need to side-along apparate you?"

"Aurora shook her head. "No need," she said. She gripped McGonagall's arm tightly. Light flared up around them. When it died down, they were somewhere else.

**C**

Harry stared at the small grubby looking pub. This was the entrance to the Wizarding world? He glanced at Aurora who was grinning at a Dazed McGonagall.

McGonagall blinked at Aurora. "What was that?" she asked.

Aurora smirked. "Magic," she said succinctly.

McGonagall stared at her. "I've never experienced magical travel like that."

"First time for everything," Aurora said. "Are we going in or not?"

McGonagall led the way into the pub. As they entered, an old man waved at her.

"Minerva," he said. "I thought you were done with the Muggle-born for this year?"

One last student Tom," McGonagall said.

They continued walking even as Tom's eyes widened. "It can't be," he began rushing out from behind the counter. Harry…"

"Aurora's grey eyes flashed. "Stop," she commanded.

The old man froze in mid-step. Aurora glared at him. "My Godson is not something to be gawked at. He is a person, not an object."

Tom took a step back. "I merely wished to thank him for what he did for us," he said quietly.

Aurora's eyes softened. "I am sorry," she said. "I am a bit protective of him."

Tom smiled understandingly. He approached them slowly. "It is good he has someone so protective. We were all worried about him. No one knew where he went. There were rumors of course, but nothing confirmed."

Aurora glanced at Harry who nodded reluctantly. They'd discussed this before they'd left. As reluctant as Harry was to reveal details of his life, it could come in handy later and would potentially halt any speculations.

"I've raised Harry since he was five. Before that, he was with some muggles," as she mentioned them, Aurora's mouth turned down in distaste. "They were less than pleasant."

"I see," Tom said. Wonder of wonders, he looked like he actually did. He shook Harry's hand. "Thank you," he said.

Harry shook his head. "I don't think I did anything. "If it was anyone, it had to be my Mum."

Tom nodded seriously. "Love is its own form of magic. A magic that not many Wizards study." He looked at Aurora, a calculating expression on his face. "It has been a long time since I've seen one of you."

Aurora nodded. "You are wise. "How many others would know what to look for?"

"Not many," Tom said shooting a glance at McGonagall. "Only those with the blood would know."

"Ahh," Aurora said examining him closely. "It has been diluted a great deal."

"My great Grandmother," Tom explained.

"I see," Aurora said. "I trust I can count on your discretion?"

"Certainly," Tom said. He gestured at the back door of the pub. "I wish you the best of luck Milady."

As they exited the pub, McGonagall turned to Aurora. "What was that all about?"

"A personal matter I was not aware of," Aurora said distractedly. She glanced at Harry who looked just as thoughtful.

"Should we bring him home?" Harry asked.

Aurora shook her head. "Not now," she said. "It would be a bit of a shock to him if we did."

"What are you two on about?" McGonagall asked clearly frustrated.

"Nothing," Aurora said. "How do we get into your shopping district?"

"McGonagall drew her wand and tapped a brick in the wall. The wall shivered before becoming an archway. A cobbled street lay beyond the arch, stretching into the distance.

"Welcome to Diagon Alley," McGonagall said.

Aurora gaped at the archway. "How do the Muggles not find this?" she asked.

"McGonagall smirked. "Magic," she responded promptly.

"Aurora laughed. "I walked right into that one."

As they stepped through the arch, Harry glanced over his shoulder to watch the arch close behind them. "Are we in another dimension?" Harry asked.

"McGonagall shook her head. "No, this is still our world. This isn't a Muggle science fiction novel."

"Expansion charm," Aurora explained to Harry. "An extremely complex expansion charm. Whoever created this area expanded the land itself."

"I see you know your magic," McGonagall said smiling approvingly at Aurora.

Aurora smiled back. She liked this woman. She didn't pry too much and seemed content to allow Aurora and Harry to have their secrets.

"Shall we get started?" McGonagall asked.

"Might as well," Harry said. Aurora nodded.

"Right," McGonagall said. She drew a silver key from the pocket of her coat. "Gringotts first," she said handing the key to Aurora. "This is for the Potter vault."

Aurora nodded and slipped the key into her pocket. "Thank you. How did you get the key?"

"I kept it when Harry went to his relatives. I didn't think it prudent for those Muggles to have access to his money."

Aurora smiled. "I'm surprised Dumbledore didn't want to keep it.

"Oh, he did," Minerva said. "It wouldn't have been appropriate for him to do so either. I insisted." She smirked. "Changing someone's underpants into a squirrel gets there attention nicely."

Harry grinned. "Wicked," he said.

"Come," McGonagall said. "Let us go."

**C**

Gringotts was a tall building with marble columns on either side. A short figure with long hands and feet stood at the top of a set of stone steps.

Harry glanced at Aurora. "Goblin," he whispered.

Aurora nodded. "Great metal smiths. Not as good as dwarfs, but still very good. Harry noticed the silver sword at the goblin's side. "Goblin wrought silver," he said. "I bet that would cost a small fortune."

"Oh yes," Aurora said. "Very expensive. Goblin wrought silver imbibes that which strengthens it. Only the goblins know the secrets of that magic."

As they approached the steps, the goblin stared at Harry and Aurora. Harry bowed respectfully causing its eyes to widen.

As they entered the bank, Harry looked around at all the goblins lining the walls. Stacks of coins, massive legers, and rolls of parchment covered every counter. Harry and Aurora followed McGonagall to the counter.

"Yes," the goblin said.

"We are here to withdraw some money from Harry Potters account."

"Do you have his key?"

Aurora handed the goblin the small key. The goblin held the key up to his eyes examining it closely. "That seems to be in order," he said. "I shall have someone take you to the vault. Griphook," the Goblin bellowed.

Another goblin a head shorter than the teller and with a short black beard appeared from a door behind the counter. He led them through a set of bronze doors and to a pair of carts setting on iron tracks that led into the distance.

Harry shivered at the cold coming from the iron. He glanced nervously at Aurora.

"Relax," she said placing a hand on his shoulder. "We don't have to touch it, so you'll be fine.

The goblin had obviously noticed Harry's reaction to the tracks. His eyes narrowed as he stared at Harry.

Slowly, Harry climbed into the cart and they were off. Harry enjoyed the ride through the tunnels, but did wish they would slow down so he could really get a look around.

They arrived at a golden door set flush into the stone. "Key please," Griphook said.

Aurora passed the goblin the key and the goblin slipped the key into the door. As the door swung open, Harry's eyes widened. There were stacks of gold Galleons, little silver coins, and even smaller bronze coins.

The silver coins are Sickles, and the bronze ones are Ca-nuts. Seventeen Sickles to a galleon and twenty-nine Sickles to a Ca-nuts. It's easy enough to remember."

Harry scooped some of each coin into a bag and stepped out of the vault. The ride back was just as fun as the ride down to his vault.

As they exited the bank, Aurora glanced at McGonagall. "Where to first?"

"Let's get your robes first," she said.

**C**

As they approached a shop with Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions written on the door, a voice called. "Lady Aurora."

Harry turned to see a family of redheads walking up to them.

"Arthur," Aurora said hugging the man. "It has been a long time."

"Hi," Molly said. "Arthur told me so much about you." She grinned. "Although I don't know whether to thank you or curse you."

"Ahh," Aurora said. "Well, I'm sorry about that. I was just trying to help. I didn't know the spells would be that effective."

Molly laughed. "I have seven children. I can't thank you enough.

Harry stared at the youngest Weasley. The redheaded girl stares back at him unblinking.

"I dreamed of you," she mouthed.

"And I you," Harry said.

"What are you two talking about?" Molly said.

Arthur looked down at his watch. "We need to get Ron's books."

Aurora hugs Arthur again. "I'm glad I was able to help you."

Arthur winked. "So am I."

"It was good to meet all of you," Harry said.

As they entered the robe store, Harry turned to watch the family walk down the alley. The redheaded girl looked back and smiled at him.

McGonagall looked like she dearly wanted to ask what was going on, but restrained herself.

"Hogwarts too," a middle-aged woman said. "Got another one about your age being fitted right now as a matter-of-fact.

Harry approached a stool and slipped a black robe over his head. As they began to pin it to the appropriate length, Harry glanced at the blond boy standing beside him.

"Hogwarts," the boy said.

"Yes," Harry said.

"I see you've come with the Head of Gryffindor. Think you'll be in that house?"

Harry shrugged.

I know I'll be in Slytherin. All my family have been."

"Okay," Harry said.

"Ever played quidditch at all?"

"No," Harry said wondering what Quidditch was.

"I do. Father says it'd be a crime if I'm not selected to play for my house and I must say I agree."

"That's done," the woman said. "You down my dear."

As they exited the shop, Harry glanced over at McGonagall. "What's quidditch?"

McGonagall smiled. "It's our sport. It's got seven players. Over the next half hour, McGonagall Regaled Harry with all the rules and regulations about quidditch. It was clear she was a major fan of the sport.

As she told them about Quidditch, they bought Harry's books, potions equipment, and telescope. Through all this, Aurora was careful that none of Harry's equipment was made of iron."

"Alright," McGonagall said. "Last thing is Harry's wand."

They approached a small nondescript shop. "Olivanders," Aurora read. "Makers of fine wands since 72BC."

"Best Wandmaker in Britain," McGonagall said.

"I thought you wanted didn't want her to see my foci?"

Aurora shook her head. "I did, but everyone will know it's unique soon enough."

As they entered the shop, Harry stared around at the stacks and stacks of boxes piled to the ceiling.

"Ah," an old man said as he exited a back room. "I thought I'd be seeing you soon, Mr. Potter."

"Aurora stepped forward. "We have come for what was commissioned."

"Olivander stared at her. "Ah," he said. "So that was for Mr. Potter?"

"Yes," Aurora said. "Is it completed?"

"Oh yes," Olivander said reaching under the counter and bringing up a long box. "I never thought I'd be asked to make one of these."

McGonagall raised an eyebrow as Olivander lifted the lid of the box. He lifted out a wand far thicker than usual. It appeared more like a baton than a wand. The handle was made of a curved piece of wood while the shaft seemed to be made of rowan with a cap of bronze covering the end.

"Eighteen inches a combination of oak and Rowan wood with nundu shroud and phoenix feather as a dual core. He winked at Aurora. "Observe." The wand shifted becoming a knife. The golden blade gleaming in the afternoon sunlight.

"Aluminum bronze," he said tapping the blade. "Whoever made this, it is fine work. The enchantments worked into the metal make it stronger and sharper than modern steel. I don't think you'll find a more unique focus."

Harry took the knife. As his fingers wrapped around the hilt, it shifted back into a wand. Warmth spread up his arm. It felt as if he'd found a limb, he didn't know he'd been missing. the wand blazed with blue flames and A shower of golden sparks flew from the tip.

"Curious," Olivander said. "Very curious. "I've never seen any foci like this."

"How much?" Aurora asked. It wouldn't be right to charge more."

"Since all I did was provide the wood and the hair, I can't charge more than three galleons and eight sickles."

Harry paid for the wand and left the shop. As they walked back towards the brick wall, McGonagall turned to Aurora.

"Why a knife and a wand hybrid?"

"Works as a double focus. channels his magic and can be used as a weapon if need be. The enchantments worked into it make it nearly unbreakable. Some of Harry's blood was used in its creation. That ensures that no one else can use it."

"I see," McGonagall said turning to Harry. "I'll be seeing you at Hogwarts Mr. Potter."

Harry smiled politely. "I'll see you there."

**C**

That evening, Harry sat in a chair staring at his new wand.

"Remind me again why I need this? I can already use my magic without a focus. Why limit myself if I don't have to?"

"Because the wand will help you aim from a distance. Not to mention, it's good to have a weapon for close range combat."

Harry looked down at the and watched as the wand became a knife. He stared at the bronze blade thoughtfully. "How was my blood used in the forging of this knife?"

"Your Mother used your blood when she created it."

"My Mother made this?"

Aurora smiled. "That she did. Your Mother was a fantastic crafter."

"Crafter?" Harry asked.

"Maker of magical artifacts."

"Wow," Harry said. "Are Crafters rare?"

"Your Mother was the only one I'd ever met personally."

Harry made the knife become a wand again. Aurora smiled.

"Your Mum also told me that the wand had abilities that you would discover the more you used it."

"What sort of abilities?" Harry asked.

"Dunno," Aurora said. "I think she wanted you to find that out for yourself. Now, we can talk in the morning, but I think you need to get to bed."

Harry started to protest, but let out an enormous yawn. "Fine," he grumbled.

"Goodnight," Aurora said kissing him on the cheek.

As he stood, he looked down at Aurora. "What did Mum do for the Weasley family?"

Arthur Weasley was infertile. I'd met him and while he was a bit goofy, he is a good man. I asked your Mum to take a look, and not only did she cure the infertility, but she took Arthur and some of the children under her protection."

"Why?"

Aurora shrugged. "Fae is strange. We always have a reason for what we do even if that reason is just an intuition. Now, enough questions. Go to bed."

Harry grumbled, but headed towards his room. Aurora watched him go with a fond smile. That boy may not be of her blood, but he was her son in every way that mattered.

**C**

"I still think he has a right to know," Aurora said.

"The swan let out a soft screech.

"I know, but you can't just let him take you to Hogwarts without telling him."

"Screech."

"What if he names you?" Aurora said exasperatedly.

"Screech."

"Yes, I know it wouldn't be the first time you've been given a name, but it's just weird."

"Screech."

"I don't even know why I'm arguing with you. You're going to do it anyway."

"Screech."

Aurora looked at the hound. " Can't you talk some sense into her?"

The hound rolled his eyes, rolled over onto his side, and pretended to go to sleep."

Aurora looked back at the swan. "I don't like this. You don't have your magic in that form. You can't protect yourself."

The swan let out a cooing sound.

"Just be careful," Aurora said. "I don't want Harry to lose you."

She glanced at the hound. "Will you be going as well?"

The hound opened one eye and shook its head. It barked once and closed its eyes.

"You're staying to protect me? From what?"

The hound didn't move.

Aurora stroked each animal and headed inside to go to sleep. She had a long year ahead of her."

**C**

"Albus Dumbledore sat at his desk staring at a picture of Baby Harry.

"Minerva's report created more questions than it answered. "Why had Olivander aided in creating such a unique focus? Should he allow the boy to keep the knife? Who was this Aurora the boy was staying with? She claimed to know Lily, but Dumbledore didn't remember her from Hogwarts.

Even more curious, the boy seemed to know some type of magic already. "If this Aurora was capable of teaching him, why was she so agreeable about the boy coming to Hogwarts?

Dumbledore stood up. He would have to watch the boy and see what he could learn. Hopefully, he would be able to answer some of his questions by the time the boy came to Hogwarts.

A/N It'll be about two weeks before I post the next chapter.

Quick question, do you want me to continue the story as is, or rewrite it?