Chapter TWO

Taking the First Steps

…

The sun was bright in the cloudless sky, as Harrison stepped determinedly out of Gringotts and into the busy streets before him.

More than two hours had passed since he had first entered the bank and it was now half passed eleven. With a list of things, he needed to accomplish Harrison made his way through the Alley peering at the different shops; trying to decide where he wanted to go first. As he was about to pass by one of the shop windows, he happened to notice his appearance reflected on the slightly tinted glass. Staring back at him was a boy of average height, with messy black hair, round rimmed glasses, and dressed in clothing that were three sizes too large for his lithe frame. With a nod to himself he decided that he was in desperate need of a new wardrobe. One that was fitting of an Heir, but most importantly; fit him and were all his.

After figuring it would most likely take the longest out of all his planned shopping trip, he decided to go get his new wardrobe first; so, with that in mind, he made his way over to a shop called 'Madame Malkin's Robes for every occasion'.

"Good Morning young sir, how may I help you today?" a middle-aged woman he assumed was Madame Malkin asked kindly.

"Well, I am in need of a new wardrobe, can you help me with that?" he asked politely.

"Of course, dearie, just step up on the stool and we will get you measured…what is it you are going to need?"

Stepping up to where indicated, Harrison thought for a moment before he asked Madame Malkin for suggestions on what she would recommend for a complete wardrobe, before he nodded and began to tick items off on his fingers, "In that case as I am going to need a bit of everything, I will take seven pairs of pants in black and dark grey; seven long-sleeved button-down shirts in Blue, Emerald green, red, black, sliver, white, and dark green; seven short sleeved polo shirts in the same colors and one black robe (he had heard a couple outside referring to them as robes while he walked the Alley) with Emerald trimming." Harrison had noticed the style that seemed to be popular in the magical world, as he had observed the people, he had passed on his way to the bank earlier, and decided he quite liked it; the style had a certain maturity to it.

"Of course, now if you just jump down since the measuring is finished it should take my assistants and I about a couple hours or so to finish up. Why don't you go on head and do some more shopping and come back after lunch!"

Nodding Harrison bid her goodbye; promising he would be back in time and left the shop once more stepping back out into the busy Alley. Noticing a shop across the street with a sign announcing it to be, "Miss Amy's Enchanting Salon." Harrison made his way over to get a closer look. Upon reaching the front of the shop he noticed a smaller sign stating that they dealt with Tattoo's, Piercings, and Hair care. Something he knew he had to do something about, as the rat's nest on top of his head was not something he enjoyed about his appearance. As combing it was a nightmare.

"Oh, look aren't you just the cutest," the Sales lady-a young brunette-gushed as soon as he entered. "My name is Sally, what can I do for you darling?"

"I was wondering if you can do anything with this," he asked indicating his messy hair.

"Of course, of course, come sit up here and we'll see what you want."

Sitting in the chair in front of a mirror Harrison waited and watched as she pulled out a long thin stick and began waving it around. To his amazement his hair began to change. Growing longer until it reached just past his shoulder blades. He continued to watch in amazement as she took out what appeared to be an ice blue cream and began running it through his hair, "Do you know what I'm doing sweetheart?" she asked smiling as his wide-eyed look.

"No ma'am."

"This blue stuff is a potion that will keep your hair the same length unless you come back here and get the counter potion to remove it," she explained. "Now I think I'm going to cut your hair so it reaches your shoulders, and style it so it will stay out of your face, but leave a bit running over your forehead to cover that scar of yours Mr. Potter if that's sounds good to you?"

Nodding in mild shock that she knew who he was – although in hindsight he shouldn't be after being told that morning about his fame- Harrison watched as she proceeded to do just that. He was also thankful that he would be able to hide his scar, since he was now sure people would recognize him right away otherwise. He wanted to remain as inconspicuous as possible for as long as he could. Because he knew if he was as famous as Sharpclaw made it out to be, soon enough, he wouldn't get a moments peace.

"There we are, you don't even look like yourself, you look more like the Black side of your family then you do the Potters I would say. What a very handsome boy you are," she gushed.

"How much?" he asked a little embarrassed from all her praise and complements. A part of him silently wondering how she knew enough about his family, to know he was a Black by blood before he decided he had enough to worry about currently and put the thought out of his mind for the time being.

"That will be 16 Galleons and 3 sickles Mr. Potter. 10 Galleons for the potion and 6 Galleons and 3 sickles for the cut. Before you pay however, may I make a small suggestion?"

Seeing his nod Sally pointed to the wall to left of the counter. "All of our piercings have spells cast on them, all unique. We have a contract with Gringotts; so, all Jewelry used here is goblin made allowing them to hold multiple enchantments despite their size. So, I was wondering if you would allow Alexander to give you a small stud on the top of your left ear? He's a gifted enchanter specializing in protective spell work. His entire family have all been trained and employed by the Goblins specifically to handle Goblin gold and metals. It won't hurt a bit, but it would be good for you to have a bit of protection being who you are."

"Um…I guess" Harrison said unsure yet interested at the same time. "What kind of spells do they come with? how do they work exactly?" he asked her, his curiosity getting the best of him despite his nerves.

"Don't worry it'll be as quick as a nimbus," she said hearing the nervousness in his voice and giving him a reassuring smile as she directed him over to the piercing chair where a tall light brown-haired man stood waiting. The man greeted Harrison with a firm handshake and polite hello, before he began cleaning the cartilage while Sally went to retrieve a white gold stud with an emerald in the center from a display behind the back counter. "This one has a translator spell attached allowing you to speak and understand the five most common languages you may come across in Europe, including French, Spanish, and Italian. Alex will also add a charm that will inform you if there is poison in your food or drink. It will become hot if it is fatal and warm if It is non-fatal. As well he can also add a light spell that will let you know if someone is trying to enter your mind. It will become cool if someone is performing legilimency on you, however it won't prevent them from digging through your thoughts, you will have to learn to protect your mind with mind magic. If you feel it cool, then all you have to do is look in another direction and it will stop whoever is attempting to enter your mind."

As she was explaining the enchantments, Alex proceeded to perform the spells quickly, yet with precession before piercing his ear so it would be over quickly. While it didn't hurt, it still felt uncomfortable.

"As for how it works, it differs depending on the Jewelry selected. A Piercing allows access to the witch or wizards blood. Which allows Alex to place more advanced and potent spells. The family blood magics will enhance the enchantments, making them stronger and more effective. Unfortunately, this means that Muggleborns are unable to take advantage of the piercings, as they have no family magics in them. At least not enough to access all the benefits family magics possess. They can still get a piercing that is enchanted with the Translator spell or similar, but protective spells won't be as effective I'm afraid. There is also the cheaper option of having a necklace, ring or bracelet that can be enchanted with minor protective spells such as poison detection-though, they will just warm when near any type of poison and won't be able to inform the wearer of its potency-, or low grade protego's as well. However, they are more basic, and usually more commonly worn by those who aren't yet old enough to perform magic, or unable to do to close proximity to muggles." she finished explaining as she guided him over to the counter to pay. "Now that will be an extra 85 galleons for the piercing bringing your new total up to 101 galleons and 3 sickles, how would you like to pay?"

"By Magicard," Harrison replied handing over the card. His mind was racing at all the new information he had received so far that day. He knew he would be getting a lot of books on as many topics as he could get his hands on before the day was over. Making a mental note to look into books on mind arts, Harrison bid Sally and Alex goodbye before turning and heading for the door when a thought crossed his mind. So, turning around at the last minute he asked, "Erm…is there a shop I can go to get my eyes checked?"

"Of course, Magic Eyecare is two shops passed Flourish and Blotts book shop."

"Thank you" He smiled before leaving and heading over to where he now saw the Eyecare shop.

HPSBHP

Upon Entering he was greeted by the site of bubbling Cauldrons filled with what he now knew were different potions. "Excuse me" he greeted the man behind the counter, "I would like to get my eyes checked and possibly corrected if that is an option, please."

"Right this way lad, right this way," he smiled charmingly directing Harrison to a seat behind the counter. "Now if you intend to have your eyes corrected, although I do warn you it won't be cheap. Then we can forget about the test to check your vision altogether and go straight to the potion that will correct any eye strain you may be feeling. Now while I am administering the Corrective draught you must hold still and not blink for 30 seconds once the potion is in place understood lad? It is very important that you do not blink, or it could alter the effectiveness of the potion."

"Yes sir," Harrison replied standing as still as he could with his head tilted back and eyes open wide.

"Good now it may sting a bit," The shop keeper stated dropping five drops into each eye as he counted out thirty seconds for Harrison. Blinking once he was allowed Harrison eyes blurred even more before clearing completely; allowing him to see clearly for the first time in what felt like forever.

"Wow," he breathed out astonished. "This is incredible."

Smiling the shopkeeper directed him back to the counter, "That will be 75 Galleons, how would like to pay?"

Once again Harrison paid with his new Magicard before leaving the shop and heading over to the Leaky Cauldron to grab a quick lunch before making his way back to Madame Malkin's to collect his new wardrobe as his two hours were almost up.

HPSBHP

"Now don't you look handsome," Madame Malkin smiled when he entered making him blush slightly, "I almost didn't recognize you!"

"Thank you, Ma'am, is everything ready?" he asked trying to get rid of the blush.

"It is, we just finished up; would you like to try something on?" she asked.

Nodding he selected a pair of his black pants and an Emerald long sleeved shirt, before heading into a changing room, coming back out minutes later with a large smile on his face.

"Oh my, you are quite dashing in your new clothes dear! Why don't you look at the shoes on the left there and add a couple pairs to go with your new wardrobe hmm?"

Nodding gratefully, as he had completely forgotten about new shoes, Harrison browsed the selection on hand. Choosing a pair of regular trainers in a deep forest green, a shiny pair of black dress shoes, and a pair of Dark red- they almost appeared black-Boots in his size and brought them to the counter.

"Excellent choice Mr. Potter, why don't you go ahead and change out of your old shoes and into one of your new pair and il will dispose of them for you. Now, in case you were wondering those boots, are made of Welsh Red Dragon hide. Dragon hide is of course one of the strongest materials we have. It is water and fire-proof, non-slip and magic resistant. It is most commonly worn by our Auror department as a mandatory part of their uniforms."

As she was talking, Madam Malkin rang up his purchase and packaged up his new wardrobe nice and neat, shrinking them down so they could be placed into one small bag to carry.

"That will be 375 Galleons, 10 sickles and 14 Knuts Mr. Potter."

Not even flinching at the price, he once again paid with his card, before grabbing his bag that Madame Malkin had placed on the counter and leaving the building in search for a luggage shop to hold all the new things he planned to buy.

HPSBHP

He found one only three shops over from the Clothing shop called, 'Magical Trunks of all shapes and sizes', and when he entered the shop, he found it filled with different sized trunks and matching bags.

"Hello," The man behind the counter greeted him when he made his way over. "How can I help you today?"

"I need a trunk that can fit everything I plan to buy today. I plan on making a lot of purchase since I'm recently just came back from an extended stay outside of the wizarding world and wish to buy everything, I need to get re-acquainted."

"Of course, sir…well we have many types of trunks, in all sizes, even some multi-compartment trunks here in the shop, would you like to look at anything specific?"

"Maybe the multi-compartment ones?" Harrison asked unsure.

"Of course, of course right this way," He said leading Harrison over to a selection of trunks slightly different than the others.

"These here are our Multi-compartment Trunks. We have three compartment Trunks as well as four, and six compartment trunks. The Three compartment Trunks have two regular Compartments, that are enlarged to be three times bigger than a normal trunk as well as either a library, or a potions lab. The four compartment Trunks is the same as the three compartment Trunks; however, they have either the Potions lab or Library and a small Pop out section for a wardrobe with revolving hangers in the last compartment. The six compartment Trunks has three compartments that are enlarged to be three time bigger than a regular trunk, as well as both Library and Potions lab and a small Flat."

"I'll take one of the four compartment Trunks with a Library," Harrison decided After seeing the obscene price and also remembering reading about a magical tent stored in his family vault, when he saw his account details earlier, so decided to forgo the trunk with the flat for now.

"Excellent choice young Sir. Since we already have one set up, it won't take more than ten minutes to detail it to your specifications, I just need to set up the security measures all multi-compartment trunks come with, such as automatic shrinking, feather light, password protected for each compartment, anti-theft, and damage resistant first," The clerk explained as he waved his wand in intricate patterns. "There all done, once you get home, just tap your finger on each gem and state the password you want associated with that compartment and it will be done. To enact the shrinking feature, all you have to do is tap the lid twice to shrink and once to unshrink. Now before we can finish up you just have to decide what color you want the exterior, and any designs you may want on the top and we will be done."

"Black polished wood with Silver clasps and handles and the gems for each compartment I want to be Emeralds…can you add crests or Initials to the top?"

"Of course, sir, which Crest, and initials would you like and in what color?"

"The Potter and Black Family Crest's with the initials HJP…the initials are to be written in Silver please."

If the clerk was shocked, he didn't show it as he went to work adding the new changes to the trunk. When he was finished Harrison was impressed. The lid of the trunk had his initials in the very center with the Potter crest above them and the Black crest below.

Paying a whopping 1,200 Galleons for the trunk, security measures and changes Harrison then left the shop after tapping the Trunk lid twice with his index finger after the clerk had pricked his finger dropping a bit blood onto the lid so it would only work for him and the reminder to choose his passwords carefully as once set, he would need to use a combination of blood and a spell if he wished to change them in the future.

HPSBHP

His next stop was Flourish and Blotts bookstore.

He of course spent more time in this particular store then he had in any other shop in the Alley.

As suggested by Sharpclaw, he bought any book he could find containing information on the last war against Voldemort. He also chose books on etiquette, traditions, history, law, The Sacred 28, The House of Lords and Their expectations and Wizarding Culture. All in all, by the time he left he had bought over one hundred and fifty books, including a book called Hogwarts: A History. He had spent well over 600 Galleons, but it was worth it; having the knowledge he now had in his possession.

As it was coming onto eight in the evening and he hadn't eaten since lunch around 1 o'clock, he made his way back to the leaky Cauldron and ordered something to eat.

AS he ate, he pulled out one of his new books and read. The words on the pages, grabbed his attention like no other book ever had. It was incredible the things he was now learning. Magic was truly something he was coming to find intriguing and beautiful.

After putting he book away once more and pushing his plate to the center of the table, he got up and walked back towards the bar at the front where the man who had introduced himself as Tom earlier stood cleaning the counter. After a quick conversation he found out that the Leaky Cauldron wasn't just a pub, but also a bed and breakfast; As he knew he had until Sunday afternoon before he needed to return to Privet Drive -The Dursleys were out of town thinking he was staying with the batty neighbor down the street Mrs. Figg, who assumed like all the other neighbors that Harrison had gone with the Dursley's-so exhausted, he booked a room for the night, and made his way upstairs.

He spent the rest of the night reading up on the last war with Voldemort, and what was written about how he had defeated him. A lot of what he read about himself was complete crock, since he didn't remember ever giving an interview, and doing all the things they claimed he did. However, some of it did give him insight into what to expect from the people surrounding him should they guess who he really was. Just because the shop keepers seemed to be collected and professional enough to not act any different, he wasn't naive enough to think everyone would be.

HPSBHP

The next morning Harrison woke up feeling refreshed. After changing into another one of his new outfits and re-organizing his now un-shrunken packages into his new trunk, he made is way downstairs for a quick breakfast before heading back into the alley and on his way to the Solicitor office and requesting to see Mr. Selwyn as Sharpclaw suggested.

"Good morning, how can I help you Mr.?" Cadmus Selwyn asked politely when Harrison entered his office.

"Potter sir."

"Well Mr. Potter, what can I do for you?" He asked, eyes widening slightly, before he schooled his features into a professional mask.

"My Godfather was illegally imprisoned in Azkaban nine years ago, and I would like to hire you as my solicitor to help get set him free."

"Ah yes Sirius Black? That's a big accusation you're putting out there," My Selwyn stated leaning back in his chair.

"It's not an accusation; it's a fact sir, Sharpclaw, my account manager had me do an Inheritance test yesterday. Due to a Last Line clause, I gained access to the entirety of the Potter estate upon my 10th birthday five days ago. Along with gaining access to my inheritance I also gained the right to read my parents Will. In it was stated, that Sirius Black was not their secret keeper, but it was in fact Peter Pettigrew. Sharpclaw recommended your services highly and I'm sure if you were to request a copy of the Will, he would send it over to you."

Harrison watched Mr. Selwyn as he sat back in thought, "If that is the case, then this could go a long way in gaining Sirius a trial and setting him free. It would only be a matter of taking it to Amelia Bones - The head of the DMLE - and having her open a new case on the incidents of November 1981. We could potentially have Sirius released by October at the latest if we demanded they Tri him under the influence of Veritaserum," Mr. Selwyn stated gaining enthusiasm as he continued to think out loud. "I must confess Mr. Potter, that I went to school with your parents and Mr. Black, and the Sirius I knew wouldn't have betrayed James, and the existence of your parents Will, is proof. Alright, I'll do it…. I'll send for all the information Sharpclaw has on the situation and send you a letter by the end of next week of our plan of action. My usual fees are a weekly stipend of 100 Galleons if you wish to keep me on retainer, as well as 500 Galleons for every finished case. If you wish to only use my services for this one instance, then it will be just the total of 500 Galleons, with half upfront. Don't worry about the cost's Sharpclaw will set it all up to be withdrawn from the main Potter account and transferred into mine after you sign the agreement and place a drop of blood at the bottom proving it is in fact you that is hiring me. What would you like to do Mr. Potter?"

"Thank you, sir," Harrison smiled relieved. "I would like to keep you on retainer, as I have feeling being who I am, I will have need of you in the future."

Reading the written agreement – which from what he had seen of muggle contracts, this Magical one was far more straight forward - and signing on the correct spots, Harrison stood from his chair and shook his new lawyers' hand before leaving the office and heading back to the Leaky Cauldron for an early lunch.

Things were slowly falling into place for Harrison. He could feel it deep in his very soul, and he couldn't wait to see what the future would bring him!

HPSBHP

Deciding it was probably a good idea to get some 'Normal' -as Uncle Vernon would call it- Clothing, Harrison made his way out of the Leaky Cauldron and headed towards the mall in search of a large department store that would suit his needs.

Shopping in Muggle London went faster than shopping at Madame Malkin's' since he didn't need to get measured and have his clothes made; something that he was very happy about.

He didn't buy as much as he had at the previous day, choosing only three pairs of jeans in black, two sweaters-one in blue and the other in green-and five t-shirts in different colors. He also bought two knew jackets, one in black, and the other blue, two pairs of sneakers, and new underwear and socks. Once finished he bought his toiletries before walking back to the Leaky Cauldron and up to his room.

HPSBHP

Arriving home by taxi the following day, Harrison was unnerved to see his Uncle's car in the driveway. Having decided the night before that he would offer up deal for Dudley's second bedroom, and freedom to do as he pleased from now on, he had been hoping his Uncle would be away from the house so he would only have to make a deal with Petunia and let her explain things to her husband. Sadly, that wasn't going to happen.

What was going to happen however was; Harrison was no longer going to be treated like their slave and punching bag. Those days were over for good.

Strolling into the house Harrison set his trunk near the bottom of the stairs without a care, secure in the knowledge that only he would be able to open it and made his way to the kitchen where his Aunt and Uncle sat enjoying tea. Pulling his wallet out of his pocket he opened the muggle side and pulled out a wad of pounds slamming it onto the table in front of his uncle.

"5 Thousand Pounds…I give you this and you leave me alone. I will no longer cook for you, I will no longer clean for you. In fact, I will be doing nothing for you, and I'm taking Dudley's second bedroom." He stated coldly when he saw his Uncle about to speak.

"Now you listen here boy, we allow you to live in this house out of the goodness of our hearts…" Vernon began standing up and pointing a porky finger in Harrison's face.

"Goodness of your hearts? You've neglected me, abused me and treated me like a slave…and I've had enough," Harrison hissed out angrily. "It stops now, you will accept my deal and leave me alone or I'll be sure to have my lawyer start up a case against you, and have you arrested on charges of child abuse and neglect."

"Where did you get this money anyway?" Petunia demanded, nervously changing the focus of the discussion quickly.

"I received and inheritance from my parents. I received a letter about the Potter account on my birthday and used the weekend while the three of you were out of town to go visit the bank. I had a meeting with my account manager who informed me of everything."

Seeing the greedy look in his uncle's eyes, Harrison spoke again before the man could open his mouth, "I have limited access to the account, but managed to get enough to buy new clothes, and a trunk to store them in, as well as the 5000 pounds," he lied.

"You'll be handing over the account number boy, freaks like you don't deserve that much money." Vernon sneered greedily. "As your guardian I demand…"

"You aren't."

"Excuse me?"

"You aren't my guardian," Harrison started as if speaking to a toddler "I was dropped off on your doorstep, you didn't adopt me, you didn't go claim guardianship…there for you aren't my legal guardian, my godfather is…but seeing as he is in Prison, well you won't be getting him to sign over custody…so as I said before; you aren't my guardian and won't have any access to my money. You get what I give you, when I see fit to do so, and you leave me alone. Or I'll follow through on my threat to contact my lawyer."

Getting two nervous faces and a nod from his Aunt; Harrison left the kitchen and made his way up to his new room, with a satisfied smirk on his face.

Now he just had to continue his research on the world he truly belonged and get Mr. Selwyn to set it up so he could start corresponding with his Godfather. Maybe he could even arrange for a visit once the case had been opened at the DMLE. Needless to say, this was going to be a busy year.

A Busy year that Harrison was more than looking forward to. Now that he had his freedom from his normal grueling day of school and excessive chores. He could focus on discovering everything. And finally having that light at the end of the tunnel that was his life at the Dursleys. A Godfather, he would soon be able to meet and get to know, a whole new world to figure out. Harrison breathed easier.

Even knowing the next few days were going to be tough, Dudley would no doubt put up a fuss, when the knowledge that his second bedroom had been given to the 'Freak' which would no doubt only get worse, when for the first time in his life, his parents don't give into his every whim. Telling him that in no uncertain terms was the boy being moved.

But none of that mattered to the black haired ten-year-old boy with striking green eyes.

Nothing was going to break his good mood; nothing was going to steer him away from his new path even for the slightest moment.