"Am I to believe that not only have you told him nothing, but that you have also kept him locked up in a cupboard his whole life! I knew it! I told Albus you were the worst sort of muggles I had ever seen. I should have been more insistent… more demanding."

The sight of the Dursley's stuck to a couch by some unknown force was not a sight Harry thought he would ever see. He for sure never imagined for them to be receiving a lecture from a woman dressed in strange dark robes either. The past few minutes had gone by in a blur, and he was still trying to process everything that had happened.

"Unimaginable, unthinkable! The child of Lily and James Potter subjected to this treatment! In a house of his own blood. There has to be some punishment-"

"Punishment!?" The red face of Uncle Vernon, which was now starting to go purple, seemed to swell up in size at the woman's words. 'We didn't ask for the bloody boy! We had him dumped on our doorstep and we took him in out of the kindness of our hearts! The freak was never grateful for a second however! Do you know how expensive it is to raise not one but two boys!?"

The woman, who Harry now knew was named McGonagall, seemed to scan the living room at his uncles words. No doubt she saw the expensive furniture, appliances, and Dudley's endless toys and electronics that somehow never made it upstairs.

"Of course, it's just so expensive, that's why you treated your son like a house elf! Do you take me as a daft woman Mr. Dursley? Make no doubt, this will be reported to headmaster Dumbledore in full detail. Even if he was the one who left the boy in your charge, he will see that this can no longer work, and he will decide what is to be done with the lot of you."

Harry's head was only spinning with more and more questions as the two sides went back and forth. He didn't know if he was allowed to speak, and he knew his aunt and uncle would not appreciate an interruption. For all he knew the woman would leave and he would be left alone with the Dursleys. He wanted to make sure he was not going to be punished more than he was already sure to be. He quickly shifted his feet in silence as he waited for the two sides to finish yelling. As if sensing his unease, the strangely dressed woman turned and looked over at him with a sudden soft expression.

"Mr. Potter is there anything you would like to say at the moment. Please ask anything you would like it's the least I can do?"

'W-well, you knew my parents then. You said their names were what earlier?" This obviously was not the right answer to ask.

"Not even their names! You did not tell the boy the names of his parents? Two of the brightest in the wizarding world born this century died protecting him and he doesn't even know their names." Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia audibly gasped at the word wizard, if Harry had been paying a bit more attention, he would have seen how they almost seemed to shiver in fear. His mind was elsewhere, however.

"Wait, so your saying magic really exist then? Witches, wizards, the letter. It's all real then?

Of course, its all real Mr. Potter, you're a wizard. Your parents were magical and so are you. Surely, you've noticed throughout your life strange things happen around you. Have you ever wondered why they happened? What caused them?"

"B-but I can't be. My parents died in a car crash that's what Aunt Petunia said!"

"Boy-!"

"A CAR CRASH!? That's it! That's IT!" Harry pressed his back into his seat as the woman suddenly stood up and pointed a long stick that he now guessed was a wand at the Dursley's.

"I'm going to release you, but it will bring me no joy to do so. The boy will be coming with me, and he will not return for the summer! He will go to Hogwarts and learn magic just as his parents, and I will do everything in my power to bar him from ever returning here while also working on having you held accountable in some way for his pain!" She looked over her shoulder at Harry before adding. "If that is alright with you of course Harry."

Of course, it would be alright. It was what he had been dreaming for his whole life. Someone to take him away, to free him. Would he never have to return to the Dursley's? Would he really learn magic? Even if it was somehow the most elaborate lie, he didn't care.

"Yes ma'am."

The pointed hat and robes of the Hogwarts Professor for sure stood out in the public transportation system. Though the woman did not seem to mind as much as Harry thought she should. In fact, the more he looked at the people around him he realized they all seemed to be avoiding looking towards them. "Magic?"

"Well Mr. Potter, I'm sure you have questions. There are some things we need to talk about before I take you to the Alley for shopping… but after everything I've learned today you have the right to be the first one to ask questions."

So he asked away, asked all the questions that he had built up throughout his life. What were my parents like? When did they get married? Why did they die? The last question earned a pained look from the Professor and that's when Harry learned of the war. He learned of one lord Voldemort, though was quickly told not to say his name in public. He learned of his follower's hatred and bigotry, and how his parents had bravely stood up against him. It was amazing, learning that his parents were heroes.

"They died defending you from that foul man, they did not die drunk or in a car crash Harry."

"But why would he come to kill them? To kill me?" It did not make any sense. He was just a baby, and the way McGonagall was putting it made it sound like he wanted to kill him that night.

"That's just it Mr. Potter… no one knows. All we know is that you lived that night, and that you know who was defeated somehow when he came to attack you. All that was left on you what that… scar." The stern woman's voice shuddered at the mention of Harry's scar causing him to raise his eyes upwards towards his forehead. His scar was… weird. He knew that and his aunt and uncle had made sure to tell him every week how weird it was. Scars were not supposed to form shapes, and certainly not triangles and circles. He had found it cool when he saw it in the mirror when he was younger, now he just wished it would go away.

"Your scar… well, don't take it the wrong way if people are fascinated but also horrified by it. It has become legend in our world, but its shape holds some history as well."

"What kind of history?"

"Well…" Harry watched as she took in a deep breath before continuing. "Before the most recent war… there was another. It was mostly fought on the continent but parts of it did reach the isles. The dark lord Grindelwald used the symbol on your forehead as the symbol for his forces and side. Whenever there would be attacks upon towns, people would wake up to find it carved into the streets and walls. It was a terrible conflict Mr. Potter, far much more death and destruction than our war.

"Of course, that's only part of the story of the symbol. Before it was used by Grindelwald, it had another connotation. It was used by those who worshiped the deity Death."

"Deity? Like a god? Wait are there gods in the magical world?" The thought of it fascinated Harry, he had never been very religious, but that was because the Dursley's rarely went to church and certainly never took him to church.

A small smile was tugging at the face of McGonagall as Harry's mind raced with the possibilities of what gods could mean. "Yes, though not everyone worships them and it's not required to do so for your magic to work. You will learn about them during your time in the magical world, I'm sure. I will warn you however, do try to stay away from some of the talk some of the older families will do on the gods. Don't let them drag you into their rituals."

"Rituals?"

"Never mind that, just don't let people drag you into things. If it sounds dangerous or dark just ignore it. Now where were we… ah yes. The mark on your forehead is known as the symbol of the Deathly hallows. I won't go to into it… but the origin of the story has to do with death, and worshippers had used it as their symbol for as long as any wise old sage could recall."

"Why would someone worship death? That just seems strange to me…"

"Many would Agree with you Mr. Potter, those who worship death are few and small. Especially with the recent wars… not many like to think about it. Of course, modern worshippers no longer use the symbol or only do so in private with its role in the old war…"

"So… people might stare?"

The small smile once again came to the Professors lips as she answered. "Yes Mr. Potter, they might. Now you see why it was important we discussed these things before we arrived to the Alley. Your famous, and I do not want you to get caught unaware while out there.

"Thank you, Professor."

The leaky Cauldron was not what harry would have expected as a doorway to the magical world. It was shabby, run down, and the patrons all seemed either ancient or strange looking in some way or another. Fortunately, McGonagall did not want to linger and draw attention to them, so the two pushed straight through the building into a small bricked off space.

"Now pay close attention Mr. Potter, when you get your own wand, you'll be able to open this passage as well." She went on to tap a few of the bricks on the wall, causing a slight rumble to emanate before the wall began to shift and change. "Welcome to Diagon Alley."

It was beautiful, there was no other way to really put it. No words that could describe the winding road surrounded by buildings that all seemed to go up and bend at odd angles. Swarms of witches and wizards could be seen doing their daily business and exiting shops. The noise was something else as well. There was constant human chatter that would be briefly interrupted by what sounded like a screeching bird. Everyone seemed to be wearing similar strange clothes like that of the Professor, though Harry did see what could pass as muggle clothing here and there in the crowds of people.

The Professor was leading him by the hand through the crowd, and it was good that she was. Harry did not know if he would be able to resist running off to the nearest store windows he saw. One shop that caught his eye had a crowd of kids surrounding it and seemed to have some sort of highly polished broom sitting on display.

"Do flying brooms actually exist in the magical world Professor?"

"Ah yes, certainly your father's son… yes Mr. Potter flying brooms do exist. The one in the windows you see however are racing brooms for mainly Quidditch. You'll soon learn about it in your readings."

"Awesome…" After the last broom he could see left his line of sight, Harry focused back forwards and saw the looming building they seemed to be approaching. It looked to be made of some white stone and many witches and wizards were walking to and from the location.

Their walk towards the building was interrupted once or twice by someone greeting the Professor, most were young, and Harry assumed they were older students. He hadn't even noticed the way McGonagall stood in front of him purposely to block sight on him as much as possible, but if he had he would have been thankful. He was fascinated by everything he saw but was also still slightly worried and scared.

When they finally got close enough Harry noticed outside the front bronze doors of the bank stood two shorter creatures. They were dressed in what he thought was probably some sort of golden armor and stood on either side of the doors.

"Professor, what are those?" The creatures snarled at people who would exit and enter the building, revealing sharp teeth under their fearsome faces.

"Goblins Mr. Potter don't let their fearsome looks fool you. They talk big game about being fierce, but if you play by their rules you have nothing to fear around them. They run the bank, and they are the most trusted when it comes to matters pertaining to money."

"Goblins… I thought they would have green skin or live in caves…"

"I would advise you not to speak those thoughts out loud, you will find that goblins hate the muggle stereotypes associated with them, though some of them are partially true."

Harry audibly gulped at her words and proceeded to shrink back once again in a vain attempt to hide himself from prying eyes, whether they be human or goblin. The walk inside was one which was filled with the audible echoes of each step he took on the smooth marble floor. The occasional witch or wizard passed by on their way to leave the bank, but fortunately they paid little mind to the two or only spared a quick hello to the professor. On the way he did listen to the chattering of a few people as they passed.

"Blasted goblins… raising the price of vault maintenance again, those rich purebloods may not have to worry but what about us?"

"Mom did you get enough out for me to get a pet too? I really want a cat and I still refuse to get a blasted toad.' The idea of a pet toad made Harry's face contort, he liked animals of all kinds, but he could not fathom someone wanting to spend that much time with a toad.

The end of the entrance hall eventually opened to a room that had two long raised platforms and seats on either side. Goblins sat on high seats with scales counting or collecting gold. All of them seemed to look much more pleased with their jobs than the goblins outside. McGonagall walked straight to a single goblin who was at the end of the room and spoke in whispers so no one would hear Harry's name, which he was still thankful for.

the goblin leaned down from his chair and bared his teeth in a sick grin as he asked to see Harry's key. Panic quickly ran through his body as he knew he did not have one. He did not want to face those goblins he had seen out front, but before he could answer McGonagall did so for him.

"I have his key, it was in the hands of the headmaster, I also wish to remind you that someone will be coming in the next few days to pick up you know what from vault number… well you know." It was frightening to watch the goblins grin turn to a frown as the key was pulled out and it made Harry wonder for a second if the goblin had been hoping he had not had his key. He did not know what the two were talking about with vault you know what and he did not care to find out. If it was a secret, then he did not need to know.

"I would ask you to prepare yourself Mr. Potter, the ride to your vault will be quite an experience."

He still could not understand any of it… how he could have that much of a fortune buried underground in a magical world. He could only imagine what the Dursley's would do if they found out about his wealth.

"If what Professor McGonagall told you is true, you won't have to worry about that." It was a pleasant thought, and every minute that passed in the magical world caused Harry to further digest the situation. He might actually be rid of the Dursley's… and he would be in a world of magic.

It was what he had hoped for when he was younger wasn't it? That people would come and save him? It wasn't in the way he was expecting. He always wished he could be in a world of magic and meet people like him. No one ever cared about him back in the nonmagical world, and now apparently, he was famous and also rich in this world?

These were the thoughts that plagued his mind as he followed McGonagall out of Gringotts and back into the busy streets of the alley. In fact, he was so lost in thought he didn't notice her talking to him until she leaned down and whispered sharply in his ear. "Mr. Potter, please listen and don't make me have to yell your name out in the streets."

His face quickly went red with embarrassment, and he took a few steps back at the sudden speed she used getting close to him. McGonagall frowned, though he felt like it was not at him and more his physical reaction.

"Now… I must go and take care of some Hogwarts business, and I feel this is a perfect opportunity for you to explore and learn on your own. You still have the bag of gold from your vault, yes? Good. Now do not worry the alley is one of the safest places in our world if you stay on the main roads. Do not go wandering off down any side streets or ways. If there is an emergency use this." Harry held out his hand as the Professor dropped a small blue stone in his palm.

"If you need me squeeze it hard. It will alert me, and I will be able to find and help you. One last thing, I asked the goblins to put more than the recommended amount in your bag, I encourage you to buy clothes first and use the extra money for it. Ah, and another thing before I go…"

Harry flinched back as the Professor bent down to meet him eye level, much to her displeasure. He could have sworn he heard her mutter "Bastard Muggles" under her breath but decided to not comment on it. He watched as she brought out a small thing that looked almost like a band aid from her pouch she was carrying, and scrunched his face in discomfort as she put it on his scar.

"There you go Mr. Potter, that is charmed to match the color of your skin, so to the quick eye it will look as If you have nothing but smooth skin on your forehead. Now carry on."

As the professor turned to leave Harry put his hand up to his forehead and felt the patch with awe. His whole life he wished he could get rid of his scar that caused him so much trouble with the Dursleys, and the magical world just had little things that could make it disappear like that. He turned to look at the alley with its bustling crowd and felt a true smile cross his face. 'I'm going to love it here."

An: Sorry this took a little bit, had to rewrite it a few times because I wasn't sure how I wanted it to go. Originally it was mainly the conversation at the Dursley's but I decided I really didn't need to go into that much detail in that scene as it ended up being similar to canon with a few small tweaks. So I decided to have the chapter be spaced out and jump around to prepare us for the next chapter which will introduce Harry's first interaction with a magical child is age and his first friend as they take him through Diagon Alley. I hope you enjoyed. Don't forget to follow or favorite and if you want to leave a comment.

Update: Realized I didn't put lines in to signify time jumps. They are now in.