Mighty Little Mage
Disclaimer/Plot/Author's Note: SEE FIRST CHAPTER
Recommended Reads: The Rise of the Last Potter by HPfanfictioner66, Proud Parents, Harry Crow and More Important Things by RobSt, Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality by Less Wrong, Partially Kissed Hero by Perfect Lionheart, Harry Potter and the Daft Morons and Angry Harry and the Seven by Sinyk, Harry Potter and the Prince of Slytherin by The Sinister Man, Harry Potter and the Rune Stone Path by Temporal Knight and A Study in Magic and A Study in Magic: The Application by Books of Change
Key Pairing: Eventual Harmony
Other Pairings: To be determined
Normal Speech
'Thoughts'
/Parseltongue/
Review Answers:
Silverdragonstar: Ah, why can't more people understand that, friend?
Guest: I confess; most of the original is staying the same and that includes how Harrison meets Hermione and when he learns the dark truth that is to come; why? Well, it worked so well in the original as a 'turning point' that I decided to keep that the same, sort of, in this story too;
WhiteElfElder: Interesting theory: I confess, with this new version, I was trying to think of a reasonable explanation for it and you might have just given me an idea, so thanks, old friend;
Witchy girl 88: I wonder how many others caught that?
RavenHairedScarface: Oh, I would if I could, friend, but, unfortunately, I need the early years to help set the scene;
"Then…why are you coming, Mr Potter?" asked Minerva curiously, earning a cold, un-caring smile from Harrison that didn't even look like he was joking around.
Instead, it looked more like the smile of a shark smelling blood in the water, especially when his green eyes also shone with the look as he answered the Deputy.
"I'm coming to Hogwarts because, in all honesty, I'm bored!"
Chapter 3: Avenues and Alleys-Ways
"Welcome, Mr Potter, to Diagon Alley."
As Professor Flitwick introduced Harrison to the sight of the magical shopping district, having accompanied him as Harrison had suggested, on the trip to London – which also involved passing through a dingy little pub in London called the Leaky Cauldron – the goblin-blooded teacher was a little surprised to notice how Harrison didn't take any time to take in the sights, sounds, smells or any other sensations that any other newly-introduced first-year might have experienced upon first glimpse of the Alley.
Instead, he kept his eyes straight ahead, even when Professor Flitwick announced the name of the Alley, whilst he slowly, methodically made his way down the street, his green eyes looking dead ahead and yet, from where he managed to keep a brisk pace next to the boy-wizard, something inside Filius told him that, somehow, Harrison was able to take in the Alley's contents.
Oh, make no mistake: his eyes might have been looking straight ahead, but, as he walked along the cobblestone path, Harrison was also scanning both sides of the street with an inquisitive air while, dressed in his loosely-fitting, Muggle-style clothes and with his calm demeanour, he also earned more than a few stares from passers-by.
As Filius kept up a brisk pace with the young boy – whom didn't slow his speed and yet, he seemed to move well enough for Filius to keep up with him despite their height difference – he also marvelled at the way that nothing seemed to faze Harrison about what he'd experienced thus far.
He was also thankful nobody in the Cauldron had tried to point Harrison out or otherwise identify him because of any of his features, including, but not limited to the lightning-bolt scar on his forehead – if they'd even noticed it at all since Harrison had made an unusual move in wearing what he called a baseball cap over his fringe to hide the aforementioned scar from view.
Instead, Harrison looked just as bored as he claimed he was about sticking around in the Muggle world or at the orphanage where he lived; even when he caught sight of certain stores – including, not to Filius' surprise, the bookstore Flourish and Blotts – he barely showed any emotion, save for possible curiosity at their contents.
In fact, it was only when they reached the end of the street that Harrison finally broke his silence as he stopped suddenly before, sniffing once, he looked to Filius before he asked, "So, I suppose I should have asked this earlier, Master Flitwick, but is there a place I can get some money? I can't see any of these shops taking Visa, Maestro or any other credit card, especially since I can't even see a hint of electronic devices anywhere."
"Electrical devices don't do too well around magical areas, Mr Potter," explained Filius, earning a scoff from Harrison.
"So, we work by candlelight and, let me guess, we write with quills and ink? Talk about being stuck in the Dark Ages," drawled the young boy, his expression once again looking bored as he asked, "Go on then, Professor, how do I go about getting anything to pay for my possessions? IOU's?"
"No," replied Filius, indicating just ahead of them as he explained, "In fact, our first port of call will be Gringotts Bank, where you will need to speak to one of the goblin tellers. However, before we go in there, be warned now, Mr Potter. We goblins are a proud race…"
"I figured as much," interrupted Harrison, looking now to Filius before he explained, "I confess, I was curious about your stature since I thought of you as just another little person, Professor, but given the magical edge and the air of danger I sensed when I first met you, I also suspected several other alternatives. Now, you mention goblins, whom work as a single clan unit to run a bank and, well, everything makes sense: so, if it's all right with you, since I'd hate to disrespect your kinsmen with my ignorance, I'll defer my wealth and the withdrawing of such to you for now."
Filius' eyes widened again as he heard the cavalier tone in the boy's voice.
Admittedly, he had wondered about how Harrison might react or even treat the goblins, but the fact he was willing to take a back seat and watch events unfold was a surprise.
He was also in awe of the sense of logic and process of elimination the boy's mind possessed to be able to deduce that Filius was either a little person or a goblin warrior of some kind – an assumption which the wizarding master wasn't even a little offended, as he had a fond memory of Lily making the same assumptions, but he didn't mention that to Harrison just yet.
And what was that about the air of danger? Was that meant to be interpreted as a sign of respect for the man?
Well, if it was, he wouldn't let it go to waste.
"Then," said Filius, clearing his throat in a bid to hide his own emotional reactions to the young spirit next to him, before he explained, "If you will follow me, Mr Potter, we can get this over with and then we can proceed onto the task of getting you what you will require for school."
This time, Harrison just nodded in response before he followed Filius into the white marble building identified as Gringotts Bank.
As he walked through the main doors, the young boy's eyes looked to the goblin guards as well as the well-worded warning on the plaque near the entrance. When the guards greeted Filius with a firm fist pressed to their hearts, which Filius returned the gesture in kindness, Harrison committed that to memory while he also kept a keen eye on his companion as the proud man led him into the bank's interior.
As they walked towards a free teller, Harrison couldn't help but take in the many different activities and the design of the bank; he was also intrigued by the stern, unyielding sense of alertness and security held by the goblins.
When they reached an available teller, Harrison's eyes narrowed as he noticed the goblin sneer before he also noticed Filius standing with Harrison.
'So, a bad history with humans? Or wizards in general, perhaps?' wondered Harrison, keeping his expression apathetic as he listened and watched the exchange between the goblin teller and his goblin-blooded mentor-to-be.
However, when the exchange happened in an odd, guttural-toned language that Harrison couldn't understand, the young boy couldn't help but look surprised as well as interested. The language sounded rough and harsh in its tone, but, as with a lot of things, it was a form of newly-discovered knowledge that attracted Harrison's attention like a magnet pulling paperclips.
When the exchange finished, Harrison looked down as Professor Flitwick gently tugged on his sleeve before he explained, "Follow me, Mr Potter; I have taken the liberty of asking for assistance from some of the goblin nation's finest sages to examine your interesting case."
"Err…no. Thank you for making the effort to explain your actions, Professor, but, I don't think so," argued Harrison, earning an alarmed look from Flitwick before the young boy told him, "Like I told you before, I am not here to be some lab rat for you or your interesting and very proud brethren. I am here for my own reasons and, no matter what mysteries you might think you can solve about me, I refuse to play ball just to smooth your ego. So, either we get on with the business of retrieving my necessary funds and then the equipment I will need for my education, or you can escort me back to St Christopher's and then go and inform your superiors why Harrison James Potter has decided to turn his back on the world of magic and continue his education as a Muggle. Your choice."
While Harrison gave his rather-impressive speech about his arguments, he hadn't noticed how quiet the bank had gotten; even the wizards being aided by the goblins had fallen silent, each of them staring at Harrison and Filius in shocked disbelief, though, when he noticed this, Filius suspected it was more because of how Harrison had revealed his identity in the midst of his tirade.
Ye gods and Merlin's sacred memory: if word got back to the Ministry about what Harrison had just said…
It didn't bear thinking about.
While many of the witches and wizards present were in a unified state of alarm, disbelief and shock, however, many of the goblins seemed even testier than normal as they too glared and stared at the human and the member of their kinsmen whom accompanied him.
Finally, as though recognising the silence, Harrison sighed before he let his eyes wander around the foyer as he drawled, "Why don't you take a picture? It'll last longer."
"I do not think you understand the gravity of your denying our aid, wizard!" spat the goblin in front of Harrison and Filius, though when Harrison looked at him with that same apathetic, if not thousand-yard-stare-worthy look, the goblin frowned as he insisted, "Nobody denies the aid of the goblins when it is offered by one of our own. It is an honour we rarely give to your kind."
"Then, once again, it looks like I am the first to break that streak, Master Goblin," argued Harrison, earning a snap of their strange language from the goblin, the meaning of which seemed to make the rest of the goblins in the bank's main hall tense up, like snakes threatening to spew venom, or sink their fangs hard and fast into the most-dangerous parts of the body.
However, while most of the witches and wizards present, including an alarmed, unnerved-looking Professor Flitwick, also tensed up, dreading what was coming next, Harrison's eyes flicked around the room before, heaving a slow, audible sigh, he lifted his head proudly as he added, "However, since you appear to have a problem with wizards, and since it would appear that my decision has caused you offence in some manner, noble warrior and treasure-keeper, let me say this."
To Filius' surprise, as well as the goblin whom they'd approached, Harrison spread his arms wide before he actually turned on the spot, so that his eyes met every pair of eyes on every goblin present as he announced, "On behalf of me, myself and I, I humbly apologise if any of you feel I have offended your generosity in any way. However, if I might explain my slight? I would say this: I am not here to parley with the wisdom of the goblins or their magical aides, whether my companion here thinks it necessary or not; I am here for one purpose. To retrieve the necessary funds for my educational requirements; nothing more."
Finished with his explanation, Harrison lowered his hands before he returned to Filius' side, causing whispers and questionable looks to rise up; at the same time, he was dimly aware of the goblins sharing looks and whispers in their native language – Gobbledegook, as Harrison later learned from his future mentor – before, to the shock of many of the witches and wizards in the bank, the goblin serving Harrison inclined his head before he spoke again.
"In that case, we wish you great fortune and profit in the days ahead, young wizard."
"And may you never fail in your duty to your kin, noble goblin," replied Harrison, earning a shocked look from Filius that only grew when Harrison planted his fist against his chest and bowed as he added, "In my name, I salute you."
Suffice to say, if there was one person Harrison made an impact on that day, it was the goblins of Gringotts.
Though none of them were more-impacted by his actions than the wizarding goblin in their midst, Filius Flitwick himself.
Mighty Little Mage
By the time he left Gringotts, Harrison's sense of being impressed with the magical world, as well as the goblins of said bank, seemed to increase with the introduction to their wide range of security measures as well as the vast number of vaults that lay beneath the rocks and stones that made up the main building itself.
When he was shown a vault that belonged to him and him alone – after being given a key by Professor Flitwick, which he said the Headmaster had been holding onto, but, for now, Harrison decided to hold off on the questions, especially since he decided to go straight to the top with said questions when the opportunity arose – Harrison was surprised when, after questioning the goblin accompanying him and Professor Flitwick, he learned that the vault he was being shown was pocket change compared to the main vault of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter.
Naturally, the prospect of knowledge and the pursuit of his true identity snagged Harrison's attention like a fish on a hook, though he said nothing of the wealth he already had in the Muggle world – which he silently vowed to ensure could be touched by no-one in the Muggle World whilst he was off at Magic School, least of all that asshole, Roger Bailey, whom Harrison knew had always suspected Harrison knew what had happened to the money and, for that reason, he'd always been civil – read: ass-kissingly-supportive – with his young charge.
However, when he learned that he could only claim said vault and access to the same on the day he turned seventeen – becoming an adult in the eyes of the magical world in the process – Harrison was sorely disappointed.
Once again, restraints and cuffs were keeping him from being as great as he wanted to be, but unlike the actual restraints of his ex-foster family, the magical world's restraints would take some serious thought and research.
He also knew he had to read up on magical law, including anything and everything he could find on emancipation since, as the last scion of his family, there either had to be a loophole or, more-likely, a means involving him being able to be legally emancipated as a minor.
Then all the wealth, knowledge and true power and identity of his birth family would be his to use and peruse as he wished.
It was just a case of finding it.
'Very well,' thought Harrison, shielding his eyes from the sun as they stepped out into the light of the day.
'Let the hunt begin…'
After leaving the bank, giving another salute to the guards on the doors, Harrison straightened himself up as he stretched up tall, working out some of the tensions in his muscles before, sticking his hands in his pockets – which allowed him to wrap his hand around the bottomless bag he'd bought from the goblins for a minimal fee – he looked to Professor Flitwick as he asked, "So, where do we begin, Professor?"
"The best place would be Madam Malkin's, Mr Potter," replied Filius, though he was still half-awed by how formal, respectful and eager to learn Harrison had been in the bank.
Despite this, he still managed to keep it official and calm in atmosphere as he explained, "There, you'll be able to acquire your robes for school, but you will need to be measured and fitted up, so, if you like, while you're doing that, I can go and gather some more of your equipment."
"Not my books," argued Harrison suddenly, though his argument earned him a knowing smile from Filius as he chuckled dryly.
"I had a feeling you'd want to go there yourself," remarked the goblin teacher, earning a twitch of the lips from Harrison as he went on, "No, I won't go to Flourish and Blotts, but, if you wish, I can and will acquire your other implements, such as quills, ink, parchment and, if I have time, I'll even acquire a telescope and cauldron for you. Then, once you're done with the seamstress, you can meet me in Flourish and Blotts, sound good?"
"Yes sir," replied Harrison, silently berating himself for sounding almost desperate, if not demanding with his hunger for knowledge, but he wanted to see what passed for knowledge in the magical world himself.
Also, he wanted to see if he could find any of those books that might reference magical law and emancipation rights or methods for himself, so he was marginally thankful for Professor Flitwick's sense of understanding.
As Filius nodded, he made his way off into the Alley.
As he did so, however, he suddenly stopped before he turned back as he asked, "I almost forgot: your animal, Mr Potter…owl, cat or toad?"
"Well," replied Harrison, going into logic mode as he folded his arms before he closed his eyes in a thoughtful, contemplative expression as he mused to himself, "From what I've seen of your world thus far, Professor, I suppose I'm right in guessing that Hogwarts will have a selection of owls made available to students for correspondence that students have access to, yes?"
"Yes," said Filius, though he also cleared his throat as he added, "However, a personal owl would benefit you more, for instance, if you wished to contact friends or family in term time…"
"Professor," sighed Harrison dramatically, clicking his tongue before he opened his eyes again, giving his mentor and companion an almost-pitying look as he drawled, "Kindly remember who you're talking to; the only friend I ever had was the face staring back at me in the mirror. As for family, the only one of them I had is either I don't-care-where after running away from their problems, whatever they may be, or currently serving time in prison for the commitment of crimes in the Muggle world, so who would I contact, except for correspondence between certain parties?"
"Point taken," replied Filius, though he was both surprised and saddened by Harrison's admission about friends.
However, as he replied to the boy's argument, Filius saw Harrison's eyes narrow before he asked, "Still, your point raises a question, sir: is student privacy respected at Hogwarts if they use school owls? What I mean is, if I were to send anything to others, would I have to put it through certain parties before being able to take care of business for myself?"
"Not necessarily," replied Filius, earning a slow sigh from Harrison before he added, "However, any and all deliveries do usually take place during the feasts at mealtimes, so any correspondence you received would be witnessed by others. However, this does not mean you would have to open said deliveries there, but I'd wager some would be curious about your deliveries, especially given your willingness to remain a solitary figure."
"So, they might try to intercept my mail?" asked Harrison.
"Regrettably, the possibility of that happening is a high one, yes," answered Filius, earning a scowl from Harrison before the young boy lifted an eyebrow when the goblin teacher added, "They might even do that anyway given the fact that it's you, Mr Potter and, because you are just one man without any family to lodge any complaints, they might not believe your claims to have things kept private…maybe."
Heaving a sigh, Harrison ran a hand over his face before he looked down the alley, narrowing his eyes as he did so.
For a long minute, he stared off into the distance before, clicking his tongue, he asked, "And, again, hypothetically-speaking here, Professor: am I restricted to just one animal?"
"It is preferred, but there's no rule stating you can't have an owl and a cat and a toad, or any other combination if that's what you're thinking," said Filius, earning a hum from Harrison as he looked back to the professor.
"Then I'll take advantage of that not-a-rule, Professor, and go with an owl and a cat," explained Harrison, earning a slow nod from Filius before the young boy offered a friendly smile – or rather, one that looked friendly, but, if Filius had to guess, he'd say Harrison did it for appearances' sake more than anything – as he added in a soft voice, "I know, why don't you pick one, sir? As a wise man yourself, I'd imagine you'd know the right kind of owl for a student like me: call it a thanks from me for all you did in there."
Again, Filius was surprised, but he still nodded in response while Harrison added, "Great; I'll meet you in the bookstore when we're both done. If you can't find an owl for me, sir, don't worry; I can always make a detour on my way through the Alley."
Hearing this, Filius let out a sigh of relief before he indicated the robemaker's shop, "Then off you go, Mr Potter; I will meet you in Flourish and Blotts as soon as I can. Please don't leave the shop without meeting me there."
"I wouldn't dream of it, Professor," replied Harrison, inclining his head politely before he set off for the seamstress' store.
As soon as he walked into the shop, Harrison covered his mouth with his sleeve as a strong scent of fresh linen and heavy, woody scents filled his nostrils. There was also a hint of some balmy, polish-like scent that Harrison could only assume was used to keep the rolls of material he could see along the walls as fresh as they could be for aspiring customers.
As Harrison took in the many colours and styles on display, he found his eyes drawn to a beaded curtain at the back of a store where a jolly, rotund woman was stepping out; when she saw Harrison standing there, she offered him a friendly smile before she asked, "Hello there, dear: Hogwarts?"
"Yes ma'am," replied Harrison, being as polite and formal as he could, which seemed to please the seamstress.
"Such a gentleman…now, if you'll follow me, I've got another young man being fitted up right now, but I'm sure we can squeeze you in."
"If it's a problem, I don't mind waiting," argued Harrison, deciding to put on an air of charm that would keep the woman happy.
At the same time, it would give him a chance to examine the range of styles on offer, just in case he ever required her services later-on.
However, to his slight disappointment, Harrison heard the woman retort, "No need for that, young man; if you'll follow me, we can get started."
Sighing with defeat, Harrison walked into the back room where, to his slight bemusement, he found himself looking at the other young man who was being fitted up for his robes.
As soon as he saw him, Harrison didn't know whether to be intrigued or just plain alert as he noticed how the other boy had a strong air of nobility and self-pride about him. He had a head of strikingly-bright blond hair while he also had a pair of cool, grey eyes that seemed to look at Harrison with the same curious air as Harrison himself.
As well as the robe he was being fitted for, the boy wore clothes that screamed wealth and prestige while his pale, pointed features also suggested the nobility factor in him.
"Good morning," said Harrison, taking the liberty of removing his cap from his brow – which also caused his dark hair to fall over his fringe as he hoped it would – as he stepped up onto the stool offered by the seamstress, whom he'd already figured out was Madam Malkin.
"And the same to you," replied the blond, dipping his head courteously while Harrison noticed how he had a slight drawl to his young voice when he spoke, "Let me guess: Hogwarts too?"
"Of course," said Harrison, closing his eyes for a moment as Madam Malkin began measuring him, using a test robe for size and fitting.
As he stood there, opening his eyes again in the process, Harrison looked to the boy before he asked, "I assume you too?"
"Yes," answered the blond, drawing in a breath, as though he was trying to ensure his robes were as slim and well-fitting as was humanly-possible while he added, "My Father's next door buying my books and my Mother's up the street looking at wands. Then I'm going to drag them off to look at brooms; it's a real shame that first-years aren't allowed their own, don't you think?"
"Honestly, I have no opinions on the topic," replied Harrison, looking away from the blond as he added, "Personally, I think the idea of witches and wizards flying on broomsticks is medieval, not to mention seriously clichéd for wizards and witches, and, more than anything, it's just plain silly; why waste time on trivial pursuits when all one needs is the pursuit of knowledge to be great?"
Hearing this, the blond snapped his head around so that he was glaring at Harrison before he asked, "Well what about Quidditch?"
"Never heard of it," answered Harrison coolly.
Suddenly, the boy's nose wrinkled before he sneered as he asked, "Oh…you're one of them, are you?"
"From what I've heard of our world already, I assume you're referring to the bias of Muggle-born magical beings, coming from a parentage that has neither side capable of passing on the magical gene," said Harrison in his usual matter-of-fact voice, earning another sneer from the blond before Harrison smirked with a knowing air as he added, "In which case, it gives me the greatest pleasure I've ever felt to say you're wrong to assume that of me, sir. My Mother and Father, may they rest in peace, both had magic, but, sadly, they're no longer with us and have not been so for a decade."
Suddenly, the blond boy's demeanour changed again.
What had once been a look of disdain and disgust suddenly became one of surprise and curiosity as he eyed Harrison, almost like he was sizing him up, before he asked, "What's your name?"
"Harrison," answered the emerald-eyed scion, hiding a smirk when he saw the blond roll his eyes before he feigned shock as he asked, "Oh, sorry, did you mean my surname? I can only assume that my telling you will result in you judging my worthiness out of some primeval belief that those in the right circles or those in the right sort of company can excel at greatness while the wrong sort will either drag me down or prove unwelcome in your clique, am I right?"
The blond opened his mouth and then closed it again before opening it a second time, but as he did so, Harrison rolled his eyes as he said, "No need to give me an answer; I've seen everything I need to in order to decide I don't want to give you my surname. Neither am I interested in being part of any cliques that would make Hogwarts look more like a band of clichés at an American High School, where I would probably be the class geeky boy and you would be a jock. So, instead, I'll say it was nice to make your acquaintance and see you at school."
Before the blond could respond, Harrison smirked when Madam Malkin's assistant, who'd been fitting up the blonde with his robes, suddenly piped up, "That's you done, dear."
With no reason left to stick around, the blond gathered his robes and left the store.
Mighty Little Mage
Once he was gone, Harrison craned his neck to one side, watching the last trace of the blond leave the store, before he hummed thoughtfully, narrowing his eyes as he asked, "Madam Malkin?"
"Yes dear?" asked the seamstress.
"Who was that?"
Looking in the direction the boy had gone, Madam Malkin cleared her throat before she answered Harrison.
"That was Draco Malfoy, son of Lord Lucius Malfoy and Lady Narcissa Malfoy nee Black. Among many witches and wizards, Lucius is not someone you want as an enemy, but as for Draco, he's someone who, if you'll forgive the remark, I find…"
"Pretentious?" asked Harrison, earning a surprised look from the seamstress before she nodded, earning another hum from Harrison, "I see; thank you. Now, is there anything that can be done to give my robes additional comforts or protections? Some sort of spell package I can pay you for, in order to ensure they last me a good few years at least?"
"Actually, there is," answered Madam Malkin, earning a smirk from Harrison as he inclined his head to the woman.
"Then give me the works; and, if what I've learned today is any indication, I assure you that price no object, my lady."
Mighty Little Mage
When Harrison first walked into Flourish and Blotts, it was perhaps the first time he'd shown any genuine emotion for the ways of the magical world as he saw the vast range of books and topics on display in the store. While many patrons flitted about, scanning the shelves for whatever they were looking for, Harrison walked over to a stairway that led up to a second terrace where many more books were kept.
As he climbed the stairs, Harrison hid the relief and sense of amusement he felt when he caught sight of Draco Malfoy again, though the blond didn't see him. Neither was Harrison noticed by the taller, prouder-looking blond-haired figure whom accompanied him out of the store, the sight of whom made Harrison realise that was Lucius Malfoy, Draco's Father and, as Harrison had learned, someone you didn't want as an enemy.
'Someone to watch out for, be it for good or ill,' thought Harrison, turning his attention to the shelves of books.
With the same slow, methodical way he'd scanned the selection of shops in Diagon Alley, Harrison examined the wide range of books on display, noticing many different titles as well as topics on offer. Some of them also seemed to be divided between ranks, grades or stages, which included one of the books on Harrison's list: The Standard Book of Spells, Grade One by Miranda Goshawk.
As he took in the many different topics and appearances of the books, Harrison found himself so engrossed by the potential of their contents that he didn't notice he had company until a familiar voice asked, "Have you found what you're looking for?"
Rather than jump out of his skin like anyone else might have done, Harrison simply nodded, "I think so, but there are certain books I would like to add to my collection, Professor."
"That's all right," said Filius, earning a sideways look from Harrison, which also revealed the wrapped parcels the goblin professor was carrying while, to Harrison's mild disappointment and mild relief, there was no sign of an owl, which meant Harrison could look for one himself.
Filius must have noticed his relief as well as he smiled before he explained, "I know you said I could pick one for you, Mr Potter, but I realised I had kept you waiting long enough. Now, if you'd like to pick out the books you'd like to add to your essentials, I can have someone collect them for you and we can pay for them and be on our way."
Thanking the professor for his assistance, Harrison went ahead with his purchases, which, as the Head of Ravenclaw noted, included every grade of the Standard Book of Spells, as well as a couple of books on Healing Magic and an interesting beginner's guide to Runes and Wards, which surprised Filius, but he put it down to the boy's hunger for knowledge. As well as the rest of the books on Harrison's booklist, the young boy also requested any books on magical law and, not to Filius' surprise, anything on the rights of emancipation and the laws and traditions of old families and the history of magic.
One of the last books Harrison purchased was a book on Jinxes and Hexes, which seemed random, but when Filius saw the look of delight on his charge's face, he assumed the boy must be playing a game to make anyone think he was just a juvenile delinquent looking to cause some chaos.
Just like his Father, but Filius didn't say that bit out loud.
Harrison also bought a wizard's journal - which, as the shop assistant explained when Harrison asked, was similar to a Muggle notebook, but, unlike the Muggle counterpart, a wizard's journal was enchanted to protect the writer/purchaser's secrets, as well as a second enchantment that allowed it to possess five times as many pages as a Muggle notebook, and yet, it did not, and would never look any thicker or bigger than it did at the moment of purchase - and a copy of Encyclopaedia Mystica, which did surprise Filius because he couldn't remember the last time he'd seen a copy of said book at Hogwarts.
It was basically the magical version of Encyclopaedia Britannica, but unlike the Muggle version, the magical counterpart was what was known as a Grimoire that stored a vast range of magical knowledge, including many things not found in many of the texts and books on the Hogwarts syllabus.
Because of this, any minor looking to buy the book had to have an adult accompanying them.
However, even when Filius gave his approval, he was a little surprised to see Harrison reveal his scar beneath his fringe when he addressed the teller, which sealed the deal, though the goblin teacher was surprised the bookstore owner didn't make a fuss at serving Harry Potter.
Given everything else he'd seen that day, Filius just put it down to the gift of personal empowerment held by Harrison James Potter.
Mighty Little Mage
One of the last stops on Harrison's trip through Diagon Alley was for the one thing he'd been waiting for most of all: a wand, with which he'd be able to work his will and bring out the true force of his magic.
This meant Ollivander's, which even Filius had said was up there with the best wandmakers in the world.
When Harrison heard this, he seemed genuinely interested in the craft, if not the man's expertise, though as he walked into the store, he also looked a little intrigued at the air of magic held within the shop. If he was being honest with himself, the very act of doing this reminded Harrison of walking into a very strict library, though one laden with dust, age and experience that clung to the very walls themselves.
As Harrison stood in the shop, his eyes narrowed suddenly before, to Filius' surprise, he asked in his usual cool tone of voice.
"Why don't you step out of the shadows, Mr Ollivander? I'm sure we all have more important things to do than play a game of hide-and-seek."
While Filius blanched, Harrison turned his eyes to the left when a wizened voice gasped, "Extraordinary…and remarkably-perceptive as well: it is no surprise I have wondered when I would be seeing you, Mr Potter!"
As Harrison inclined his head in the direction of the voice, Filius stared with bewilderment as he saw the silvery-haired, well-aged features of the old wandmaker, Garrick Ollivander, appear from the stacks of his shop's stores. He seemed to be smiling as he observed Harrison while, at the same time, there was a glimmer of excitement and wonder in his bright eyes.
While Harrison and Filius watched him, Ollivander walked out to the front of his store as he continued, "It seems only yesterday that your Mother and Father were in here buying their first wands: such remarkable concoctions they were. Your Mother found herself chosen by a willow wand of ten-and-a-half inches. Swishy and remarkably-skilled with Charms work, as I'm sure you will agree, Master Filius."
"Indeed, I will, Garrick," replied Filius, earning a genuine look of curiosity from Harrison before the goblin told him, "Your Mother was a prodigy of the art of Charmcasting, Mr Potter. She was exceptionally-skilled beyond her years, which surpassed even those who looked down on her for being a Muggle-born student, she was often called the brightest witch of her year by many of her peers, including your Father."
"Ah," said Ollivander, returning Harrison's attention to him as he went on, "Yes, James Potter: he favoured a mahogany wand; eleven inches and remarkably-pliable with a little more power than the willow and excellent for transfiguration, not to mention his skill with Duelling and many varying hexes, jinxes and charms of his own."
"Yes, James certainly had…a talent for being a bit…creative with his work," agreed Filius, trying not to sound too dreading as he suddenly found himself thinking of a certain colleague of his.
As Ollivander nodded in agreement, however, he kept Harrison's attention on him as he added, "Well, I say your father favoured it; in actuality, I find the wand that chooses the wizard. It is not always clear why, but this is something I have long believed with all wands…even the very worst."
Here, Harrison frowned while he also tensed up as Ollivander brushed a hand over his forehead, revealing his lightning-bolt scar in the process, as he went on in an ominous tone, "Yes…I remember that wand very well; yew and phoenix feather, 13 ½ inches. Very strong and remarkably gifted in certain circles. Had I known the evil that would be committed…"
"Nothing would have changed," finished Harrison, calmly moving Ollivander's hand from his brow, his green eyes now fixed on the old man's eerie-silvery-coloured eyes as he said, "Time is not something that can be changed by should-a, would-a, could-a, Mr Ollivander; what was, what is, what can be, what must not; everything is chance. All things happen for a reason. Now, if you'd be so kind, I'd like to find my wand."
Hearing the resolve in the boy's voice, Ollivander's eyes widened before he nodded, though not before looking in Filius' direction, earning a nod of mutual agreement from the professor as though agreeing with whatever thought was running through the old man's mind.
Returning his attention to Harrison, Ollivander gulped before he whispered, "Do you know something, Mr Potter? It's not often I say this, but I think I might have the perfect wand for one as attentive, yet clearly-gifted in certain circles as you…now where did I put it?"
Making his way into the back, Ollivander vanished for several moments.
As he waited, Harrison's eyes narrowed curiously when he heard something snap before he heard Ollivander gasp, "Whoops…how clumsy of me."
As Harrison watched and waited, his eyes narrowed again when he saw the old man return, carrying a single wand case in his hands.
Offering it to Harrison, Ollivander watched as the young boy opened the case, revealing an almost-blackened shaft of wood with a smoothly-curved hilt where one might wrap their fingers delicately and perfectly around the wand.
With the same curiosity in his eyes as before, Harrison reached for said hilt, but as soon as his fingers met the wand, he gasped when a wave of incredible magical strength and force washed over him. The hair on his fringe actually blew upwards, as though it was caught in an updraft while Harrison's emerald-green eyes shone like the gemstones themselves as he held the wand in his hand. The very air around the young boy appeared to sing with magic, making Harrison's eyes widen before he was forced to wipe tears of awe from his eyes as he whispered to the wandmaker.
"It…it's perfect!"
"Especially for one of your capabilities, Mr Potter," replied Ollivander, earning a curious look from Harry as he went on. "The wood is cedar, but the tree it came from no longer exists. It was lost years ago in a terrible firefight involving the Dark Wizard Grindelwald; the strange thing is that all that remained of said tree was a single branch…this branch, to be precise, which the man whom brought it to my attention told me had become steeped in the dark and, regrettably, potentially-great magic of Grindelwald's wand…and a very unique wand it was too."
Behind Harrison's back, Filius' eyes widened with disbelief, as though he knew of the wand in question, while Ollivander went on, "This wand, the sorcerer in question told me, would only become one with a soul as potentially-great as the magic it was burnished in. And after years of searching and hoping, I finally believe, and now know, this wizard to be you, Mr Potter."
"It certainly feels strong," agreed Harrison, swishing the wand through the air as he added, "In fact, it feels…it feels as though it completes me…"
"That is the cedar in it," replied Ollivander, earning a curious look from the boy as he explained, "Cedar is perfect for those whom are perceptive and perspicacious, both of which I have seen in you, Mr Potter. The core of the wand also completes that image as it is made of the feather of a thunderbird and Demiguise hair; two objects from such diverse creatures, both capable of such extraordinary magical feats that will make the future interesting…for none more than you, Mr Potter."
As Harry stared in bewilderment, he eyed his new wand once more while he heard Ollivander go on, "Remember, the wand chooses the wizard, Mr Potter…it is not always clear why, but…"
As he said the next words, Ollivander looked deeply and intently into Harry's eyes as he told him, "I think it is clear, now more than ever, that we can expect great things from you, Mr Potter. After all, both Grindelwald and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named did great things…"
A shiver ran down Harrison's spine as he heard this, though he also took it to heart, especially with Ollivander's next words;
"Terrible…oh yes…but great…"
Mighty Little Mage
While Harrison left the store to head for his last port of call, however, he was unaware of Ollivander waiting until the boy was gone before, as the door to his store closed behind him, Ollivander's voice took on a less-jovial eccentricity and more of an ominous air.
"Filius."
Turning to the old wandmaker, Professor Flitwick gasped when he saw Ollivander's usually-bright eyes now dim and focused, his expression just as stern and ominous as his glare and his voice as he said, "Take great care with that one: do me a favour, my old student, and keep an eye on him, for he is no ordinary first-year…and what he has received is no ordinary power source…"
"I…I will," agreed Filius, though he swallowed hard before he asked, "What do you know, Master?"
"Only this," answered Ollivander, his eyes darkening in their aged sockets as he looked to the door before he went on, though now, his words were edged by the same ominous note as earlier as he answered the professor's question.
"If Harrison James Potter ever chooses to walk the same path as Riddle and Gellert, there will not be a power in all magic that can stop him…so, for all our sakes, my old friend, keep a very close eye on him…and all who may want to use him for their own ends."
While Filius' eyes narrowed in suspicion and surprise, he suddenly gasped when Ollivander sighed before he went on;
"Oh, and when you get the chance, thank Albus' phoenix for his generous donation…what a shame I accidentally broke that wand…but maybe it was for the Greater Good, wouldn't you agree?"
Chapter 3 and, wow, talk about making impacts left, right and centre, but now he has a sword, with which he can fight the demons of his past and face the trials of his future, what sort of future will Harrison discover?
Also, what could Ollivander mean when he gave Filius such an ominous warning about what Harrison may yet become?
Keep Reading to Find Out
Next Chapter: It's time to make history and pave the pathways to the future: Hogwarts beckons, but, along the way, Harrison has some interesting encounters, as well as a curiosity as he finds something he didn't expect: a friend? Hmm…who is this guy and what's he done with Harrison 'I-Have-No-Friends' Potter?
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