My story, my plot. Did I ever add a D&D book in Lily's stuff to Harry? I can't seem to find that bit, could have swore I added that to his listing.
Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction using characters from the Harry Potter world, which is trademarked by J. K. Rowling. I don't claim ownership of recognizable characters nor the world that these characters inhabit.
Chapter 6: Diagon Alley
OooOooO
Harry was nervous, fiddling with the glasses he now wore. They weren't prescription, but rather a decoy and tool.
[Spectacles of True Sight]
A slight misnomer, this item only reveals illusions rather than grant the user any type of see through ability. It does not grant far sight, nor magnified sight.
Thankfully they looked like any pair of circular glasses, if a tad dated. Still, from what he had seen so far Harry decided that they might fit in well for the wizarding world. They felt odd to wear at first, he could see the frame most of the time. Then sometimes they kind of disappeared and he forgot that they were on his face. He had run this by his aunt, and after some thought she agreed with it.
It was nearing the day that a representative would be coming to take him to the wizarding world. Alone. Even though it is something he had been looking forward to, it still concerned him as well.
Harry wouldn't know it, but the Headmaster's plan of sending Hagrid had been thwarted when McGonagall had received the letter. In fact she was on her way when she had come across the two. It took most of the early morning to set the two straight, and convince Hagrid that he wasn't needed. Especially when she pointed out that she had far more experience in this, as well as the necessary parchment work to better explain things. Of course she did promise Hagrid that she would deliver his birthday present, when the time came anyway and not a moment sooner.
It was about then the Professor arrived a tall, black-haired witch stood there. She had a very stern face and Harry's first thought was that this was not someone to cross. She apparently dressed in a long tartan green skirt, some kind of summer cardigan over a blouse.
Aunt Petunia had let them in, being a good hostess as she could. Harry wouldn't know what they were talking about, since he was at the kitchen table near the back door, waiting to be called upon. This was his aunt's idea, just in case the professor wasn't who they said they were. In theory his aunt knew who was who. She was also banking on the fact that the wards might eject anyone with intent if required, otherwise Harry would have to make his way out and escape to a neighbor's house where his cousin might be. Dudley was told to visit his friends, Vernon had gone to work already.
This possibly reduced the amount risk to the family, at least in her mind. Harry went with it, although he wouldn't let anyone mess with his aunt, he had practiced to get the frostbolt down to a second to gather. Not to mention wearing his full combat gear, not that it amounted to much, nor was it magic resistant, but it would give him that slight edge needed to get his aunt out if needed. More for the stats than actually defense. Most of his gear recolored to blend in better with his clothes.
Not that he ever noticed, but majority of his gear had taken on the minor [Fade] effect, basically a notice-me-not built in. He still couldn't get the effect to go away, not that he really worried about it much. As good as it was for going around unnoticed, it did make those with good perception uneasy around him.
He had also learned something new and had practiced for quite a bit. It was called a Cantrip and it would allow him to quick cast. Of course it wasn't that simple, there was no set chance for his spell casting such as dice.
[Fire Bolt]
Instant Cast
One simply calls out the spell and hurl a small orb of fire at your intended target. It will ignite burnable objects lightly, if it isn't worn or carried. The higher your level, the more damage it will do.
The spell didn't really do much damage, and it was one of the first ones he decided he was confident enough to try. He felt that [Frostbolt] did more damage all things told. Especially against the Stone Guardian. Still, it was instant cast, and didn't cost much in the way of magic. It proved successful though, and he really wish he had the D&D book on hand. The spell was one he had written down, figuring that he would always have access to the book. It wasn't something he could ask for either since he had no friends to play with. Also Vernon always avoided getting anything to do with magic. Still, he would make due with what he had.
If anything, Harry was more than prepared to at least get his aunt out of trouble. Not this time though.
"Harry, if you would, come meet our guest."
The professor looked uncomfortable, as if they weren't used to wearing what they did, still, the look did suit their personality. "Ah, Mister Potter I presume, it's nice to meet you. Minerva McGonagall, Transfiguration Professor, Head of Gryffindor House, Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts, you may call me Professor McGonagall. I understand you have some concerns about the school, as well as this shopping trip?"
It turns out there was a lot to go over, some points brought up that had even the professor stumped. They knew that they would have to be somewhat secretive when it comes to Harry Potter, and probably should have done this far earlier, or with a group of other muggleborns/muggle raised. The professor didn't realize that those that would seek to harm the boy would be on constant look out for him. That even a simple trip to Diagon Alley would be a death sentence if done wrong.
Thankfully, Petunia and Harry had a plan for that. First of all, Harry's scar could be covered with muggle foundation, or hidden with a hat of some kind. Secondly, perhaps an robe or cloak to wear at some point to throw off anyone looking for Harry raised by muggles, not another student wearing a cloak or robe. Petunia had a few questions about money, all answered with the fact that the Potters we well off, and they need not worry about that. A point that Harry requested that his aunt receive a stippend at the least, since she was practically taking care of him thus far without any monetary gain.
To which his aunt tried to talk him out of it. This also seemed to annoy the Professor as well, she claimed that it should have been taken care of, and that she would definitely look into it. After all, most magical families had stipulations for that kind of thing, to reduce hardships, as well as ensuring the relatives in question actually care for an orphaned child.
So they planned their day out, looking through the list and determining where to go from there.
The scar issue was solved with a sixpence cap, it would also be a convenient excuse for messy hair whenever he took it off. They were about ready to take off now that majority of their questions had been answered. It was starting to near noon now. As the two left the house, Petunia could only hope nothing went wrong. They were barely out of the driveway when the Professor turned to address Harry.
"Right, from here on out you shall be referred to as Mr. Dursley. It isn't a common name in the wizarding world, and most will most likely overlook you as a muggleborn rather than muggle raised. With that bit of subterfuge your aunt so kindly done for us, no one will recognize you by your scar, at least at first glance. I could cast a few concealment charms on you, however it may simply bring attention to you rather than sending it away. Do you follow so far?" inquired the Professor.
"Yes."
"Very well. We will be using the Knight Bus, it is emergency transportation for the stranded witch or wizard. Let us make our way to the stop, it will be slightly less conspicuous that way. Come along now." With that they made their way over, the professor explaining what it was and how it is to be summoned. "Please note that it may be a few moments for it to arrive, even at it's full speed it will take a while to get to it's destination. Now observe."
They had made it to the stop, the professor casting a minor notice-me-not ward around them before sticking their wand out over the road. It took a couple of moments before a loud bang sounded as the Knight Bus rounded the corner at great speeds before slamming to a stop in front of them. Harry was in awe of the sight, absently paying attention to the continued explanation. This moment of distraction would prove... Ill-advised.
OoOoO
Currently Harry was grumbling to himself as he followed the professor. This was perhaps the most jarring experience so far, he would remember to only use the Knight Bus as a last ditch transport, if at all possible. Even with the Professor there to assist him, he had still managed to smack his face against the seat in front of him, collide multiple times against the professor, as well as against the window. There was even a moment where they caught some air over a speed bump, Harry had almost been sent through to the second floor via ceiling. Then the uncomfortable ride while stuck to the seat by sticking charm by the professor. Sure it wasn't a particularly long ride, but it was enough to leave an impression.
Even the professor was grumbling to herself, the boy only caught the tail end of that as they arrived.
"Merciful heavens... How could someone be so... Even then... Ahem... This is the entrance to Diagon Alley, the center for shops and businesses. Here you will find what you need for school supplies." the Professor McGonagall explained before gesturing them on in.
Inside it was rather dimly lit by candles, torches, and a fireplace. It wasn't particularly crowded, Harry was pretty sure he seen a man with a turban in the corner. He was also fairly certain he had seen a giant of a man walking out the back. So far the magical world was shaping to be a new experience.
"Ah Professor! What a surprise, is it another group of students?"
"Simply taking this lad through, no need to worry."
"Very well, I hope you enjoy the Alley! Ah will it be the usual?" With that the bartender went back to serve another customer.
"Come Mr. Dursley there's much to do."
Harry simply nodded, following along, remembering that they were supposed to keep a low profile, of sorts. Upon exiting the bar Harry was slightly stumped, there was only a walled off courtyard, a trash can, and a few weeds. Surely there had to be more to it than this.
"Now please remember that this is how to open the portal to Diagon Alley. Three up, two across"
The brick he had touched quivered, it wriggled, in the middle, a small hole appeared it grew wider and wider, a second later they were facing an archway large enough even for a small giant, an archway onto a cobbled street that twisted and turned out of sight.
It was then another notification popped up, something he had completely forgot about over the years.
Quest Complete! Rewards, 1000 EXP, 20G, Petunia Reputation increased +200!
The boy's surprised was easily explained by the sight that was beyond the new doorway that had revealed itself. The professor simply smiled and gestured with wave of a hand.
"Welcome to Diagon Alley Mister Dursley. Now, keep in mind that Tom the barkeep will gladly assist you should you need it. Come along, we must be on our way to the bank."
Harry wished he had more eyes to look around. There was so much to take in, there was even some street vendors setting up shop along the street, most of the stores were busy. So much to see, and much to explore. Of course it would have to wait.
There it was standing tall, the marble building of Gringotts, one of his objectives. Harry had to wonder what else awaited him inside. The building was impressive, more so when he read the plaque next to the entrance.
Surprisingly enough there was outlined name bars across the entire tellers. Showing that these were important to the continuation of quests!
Of course it wouldn't be that simple to complete the quest. Especially since the professor insisted on only redrawing the required amount for school supplies and maybe some spending money.
Harry did catch the Teller giving him a significant look, while tapping their ledger. He nodded back in understanding as the professor dug around their pocket for Harry's Vault Key. After ensuring that this was the correct key, and yes this really was Harry Potter they were escorted to another set of doors leading to a rail system. It was an amazing if quick ride for Harry. For a moment he swore he seen a blast of flames, when he turned to look it had long since passed.
They had gotten to vault 687 in a decent amount of time. Stepping out the goblin grasped a lantern, leading the way to the vault door. "Key please."
The professor passed on the key, it took two turns as the vault clicked and groaned before opening. A lot of green smoke came billowing out, and as it cleared, Harry gasped. Inside were mounds of gold coins. Columns of silver. Heaps of little bronze Knuts. He looked back at the professor in askance. Seeing the look she elaborated, gesturing to the vault.
"Now Mister Dursley, I'm entrusting this to you. It is important that you not let anyone use this key without express permission, and that you have their absolute trust. This is, as far as I'm aware, your trust vault set up long ago. You will have to go to your account holders at another time to get more details. I've had my share of heirs who have lost their heads and family more often than not, and will be willing to lend you advice on how to proceed. However, I ask that you first get a holding of your accounts first before coming to me. Now, If i were you, I would recommend taking at least twenty Galleons. Each galleon is worth seventeen Sickles the silver pieces. Each Sickle is worth twenty-nine Knuts, the bronze coins. If you wish, you may break down at least five galleons into sickles, and at least five sickles into knuts. More for your convenience since most deal in sickles and knuts."
Harry done as told, the Goblin providing a money bag, "It is unwise to carry that much loosely in your pockets wizard, these money pouches are charmed to be feather light. Should you lose this, expect a premium charge for a replacement!"
When the vault closed, the key returned, she handed it straight to Harry.
Item received: Potter Trust Vault Key 687
With that done they made their way to the cart, and back to the bank entrance. As they stepped out another goblin was waiting for them, this one looking more official than even the Head Tellers. The professor simply nodded at Harry before continuing through, giving a passing nod to the goblin as she done so.
"Ah, Mister Dursley I presume. We don't have much time, so I'll get to the quick of it. Here is the Potter Account Ledger. This one time we will grant you the Ledger, but only this once! We demand you read the first page here and now so that we may proceed." With that the goblin held out a leather-bound folder.
Carefully taking a hold of it Harry read the designated page. He realized immediately that it would effectively rob the person of all their assets. Hidden among technical and financial words. He also noticed that there were many ambiguous terms, and what not, further adding to the confusion. It would allow the Account Manager to read through the Ledger, and take what they wish. It was a ploy for those that tried to gain the Potter Accounts. Harry only knew because the Account Manager was always a Goblin, it was the Account Holder that the Manager worked for.
He had read through the books James had provided, and this very point was emphasized over and over.
With that realization he turned to the next page, unnoticed the Goblin grinned. Unknown to Harry most wouldn't be able to turn the first page unless they were Potter by Blood. Sure a few families might have been able to claim the Potter Accounts, but they had known better. He continued to read through the urgent summaries, nodding along, slightly frowning at others. He then spoke up.
Their conversation had to do with the renters, various shares that weren't looking too good, and a few that had done great. Mainly giving permission to get the gold flowing once more. They would settle for another meeting sometime after today as they both had important things to do. Harry was told that the ledger was keyed to the Potter Family and would remain unnoticed to others unless handed over by either the Manager or the Holder. He was heavily advised to read through it before their next meeting. The meeting didn't last long all things told. It had been arranged in such a way that anyone currently watching the accounting offices would never know.
All things said and done, it was apparently enough to satisfy his quest,
Quest Complete! Financial Management! 1500 EXP, Estate Locations, Accounting Statement, Limited Family Vault Access, Trust Vault, Bank Reputation Gained!
With the proper farewell Harry turned and left, Time was Money after all, he didn't want to waste the Manager's time more than he had to. The Ledger finding it's way to his personal inventory with none the wiser.
oOo
The Professor was waiting just outside the bank. "You have your affairs in order then Mister Dursley?"
With a nod they both left the steps of the bank, their first stop was Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. It was then Harry had to endure measurements, standing still while having his arms out.
He of course had a few questions about the process, noticing a few items with actual names attached to them. Not that he directly asked about them, but rather what was available to students, clothing wise.
"Each outfit will slightly grow with the student, not by any real magical means, simply extending the seams, and releasing it's bundled up fabric. Hardly unnoticeable to most, and the charm will eventually fail within a decade. By then most outfits are kept in storage or donated. It requires seamstress work to refresh and reset the work. Most hardly notice." The seamstress continued, pinning fabric here and there, measuring every now and then.
Madam Malkin spoke up, "We do provide these services nearing the new school year to various second hand stores. This way even those that can't afford our work will still benefit from it. Of course there are some that simply pass down their robes, in which case we can't really provide any real service. Now hold still dearie, else you'll be prodded once more."
There were a few more miscellaneous questions asked and answered before they were done. Harry had requested a standard day robe, and had to standby as it was refitted for him. Sure it was a modified one from off the rack, but it was after all a rush order. When questioned about it from the professor Harry simply said that it was to blend in better. After all, if anyone had any sense they would be looking for muggle raised Harry Potter, and not someone wearing a robe. From there they had gone on to get a trunk, being a more sensible option. The clothes would be ready once they returned.
Of course Harry had to convince the professor that getting a double compartment trunk was more practical than the standard trunk. Also aided by the proprietor who was looking for another bigger sale. She did make the concession once she realized it would separate the clothes from the other stuff. Harry also pointed out that it would be a neat thing to get new magicals interested in magic. It was after all a simple bit of magic, easily seen and easily hidden.
It was a small thing, but it would stick with the professor. Next year there would be a new change the school lists. It wouldn't be an easy change to implement though. Not to mention the shop didn't have a large enough stock this year to fulfil such an order. They had enough sense though to start that project after the school year started.
Not to mention that this would have a cascading effect of moving the economy as well. Materials would be needed to make these things. They would need a handful more of Enchanters, Rune Writers, so more workers. Then the cost of it all, thus moving galleons from business to business. The raw materials would need to be increased. Generally such a 'small' change would leave a slightly larger impact for the better. Of course it would take time to set this in motion.
With that said, they simply went to the next stop.
Gathering the required supplies, a cauldron, a set of brass scales, as well as a set of glass phials. Harry had to convince the professor that he would also get a set of crystal phials. Pointing out that perhaps some potions might require the crystal phials, and asking the seller about it. They spent a few minutes talking about it, before finally settling on a set of both. Then he also got a collapsible telescope, he did have to ask though.
"What is special about this when compared to muggle telescopes?"
The proprietor scoffed before claiming that muggles didn't even have telescopes, and if they did they were probably inferior! Also these were enchanted to see through the clouds to a degree, and had various other charms built in. "It's a family secret I'm afraid. It will do you fine for your school work."
Harry wouldn't ask, but he did have an eye on the golden scales, and even a golden cauldron . Even he knew though that they were impractical. Besides, it looked more for decoration than anything really. He didn't really realize how wrong he was, and that they were for rather expensive potions.
They had gone to the Apothecary next to pick up the ingredients. Professor McGonagall explaining as they went. She had done this very thing often enough.
Once the ingredients were carefully put away they made their way to get his books. They bought Harry's school books in a shop called Flourish and Blotts where the shelves were stacked to the ceiling with books as large as paving stones bound in leather; books the size of postage stamps in covers of silk; books full of peculiar symbols and a few books with nothing in them at all. Harry seen an interesting book, (Bewitch Your Friends and Befuddle Your Enemies with the Latest Revenges: Hair Loss, Jelly-Legs, Tongue-Tying and Much, Much More) by Professor Vindictus Viridian. Of course the professor simply kept him on track. She had experience when dealing with first time witches and wizards. She did however make concessions here and there, one of them being the A History of Magic.
A couple of other interesting books were added to his collection. He would have to come back and pursue the store some other time. It was then they went to get one of the last items on his list, one Harry was most excited for.
His first real Wand.
The last shop was narrow and shabby. Peeling gold letters over the door read Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382b.c. A single wand lay on a faded purple cushion in the dusty window.
A tinkling bell rang somewhere in the depths of the shop as they stepped inside. It was a tiny place, empty except for a single, spindly chair that McGonagall sat on to wait. Harry felt strangely as though he had entered a very strict library; he swallowed a lot of new questions that had just occurred to him and looked instead at the thousands of narrow boxes piled neatly right up to the ceiling. For some reason, the back of his neck prickled. The very dust and silence in here seemed to tingle with some secret magic.
"Mister Potter, I've been wondering when I'll be seeing you."
Harry wondered when the man had gotten behind him, or that he hadn't noticed him until then. An old man was standing before them, his wide, pale eyes shining like moons through the gloom of the shop.
"Ah yes," said the man. "Yes, yes. I thought I'd be seeing you soon. Harry Potter." It wasn't a question. "You have your mother's eyes. It seems only yesterday she was in here herself, buying her first wand. Ten and a quarter inches long, swishy, made of willow. Nice wand for charm work."
Mr. Ollivander moved closer to Harry. Harry wished he would blink. Those silvery eyes were a bit creepy.
"Your father, on the other hand, favored a mahogany wand. Eleven inches. Pliable. A little more power and excellent for transfiguration. Well, I say your father favored it — it's really the wand that chooses the wizard, of course."
Mr. Ollivander had come so close that he and Harry were almost nose to nose. Harry could see himself reflected in those misty eyes.
"And that's where …"
Mr. Ollivander touched the lightning scar on Harry's forehead with a long, white finger.
"I'm sorry to say I sold the wand that did it," he said softly. "Thirteen-and-a-half inches. Yew. Powerful wand, very powerful, and in the wrong hands … well, if I'd known what that wand was going out into the world to do. …"
McGonagall cleared her throat pointedly.
He shook his head and then, to Harry's relief, spotted Professor McGonagall. "Ah! Minerva McGonagall! 9½ inches long, fir wood, very well suited to Transfiguration. It is treating you well I hope?"
"That is correct, just as I've told you just yesterday, and the day before that, and most likely tomorrow once more." The professor had a put upon look, as though this happened every time. For all Harry knew it had.
"Hmmm," said Mr. Ollivander, giving McGonagall an amused look. "Well, now — Mr. Potter. Let me see." He pulled a long tape measure with silver markings out of his pocket. "Which is your wand arm?"
Figuring he meant his writing arm he held it up. He measured Harry from shoulder to finger, then wrist to elbow, shoulder to floor, knee to armpit and round his head. As he measured, he said, "Every Ollivander wand has a core of a powerful magical substance, Mr. Potter. We use unicorn hairs, phoenix tail feathers, and the heartstrings of dragons. No two Ollivander wands are the same, just as no two unicorns, dragons, or phoenixes are quite the same. And of course, you will never get such good results with another wizard's wand."
Harry suddenly realized that the tape measure, which was measuring between his nostrils, was doing this on its own. Mr. Ollivander was flitting around the shelves, taking down boxes.
"That will do," he said, and the tape measure crumpled into a heap on the floor.
"Tell me, what do you make of this?" Holding out a pale wand with a twisting design inlaid through the grain. Harry couldn't help it, the ability was practically subconscious at this point.
"Oh! Um... It's short, so maybe it has more control, or it's temperamental. It looks tough though, if slightly underrated?" There was something odd about it, like he was missing something. It was curious that there wasn't any windows popping up, almost as if it were protected somehow, or if he had to be holding one to activate the ability.
"It is also made from dragon heartstring, more specifically the common welsh green. They're a apprehensive type of dragon, preferring to keep their own counsel, but make no mistake Mister Potter, it is still a dragon. This one in particular though was loyal to it's town, protecting it from the shadows from thieves, bandits, witch hunts. Sadly not all gestures are appreciated, eventually the dragon was slain by the very town it was protecting, betrayed. It had lead a long life however, having done it's best." Ollivander placed the wand back in it's box.
"The wood itself is temperamental to work with, it had been covered in ivy. Curiously enough, that very tree had survived it, and was thriving regardless of it. It is said that ivy trees are survivors. This particular specimen was an ash tree, it's roots ran deep. The thing that connects the two components of the wand? This particular tree was once part of the surrounding forest near that village." Glancing around the man leaned down to whisper conspiratorially. "The one who this wand chooses, will have a temper, Merlin help those that cross those that are loyal to them though. For they will have gone through hardships, having loved and lost, and still come out on top. Most likely great for transfiguration."
"Oh, er... That's... amazing?" Harry could only stare at the wand, impressed.
"Sadly, this one isn't for you. Nor anyone freshly starting their journeys but rather one that is well on their way." With that said the Wandmaker put the wand away. "Simply put, majority of these wands will never see their owners in my time. Some wands however will. Especially connected to those who have heard their story."
At that proclamation Harry's hair stood on end slightly, even McGonagall sat up straighter having heard this for the first time.
"Yes, well, that's for another time. Right then, Mr. Potter. Try this one. Beech-wood and dragon heartstring. Nine inches. Nice and flexible. Just take it and give it a wave."
Harry took the wand and waved it around a bit, but Mr. Ollivander snatched it out of his hand almost at once.
"Maple and phoenix feather. Seven inches. Quite whippy. Try —" but he had hardly raised the wand when it, too, was snatched back by Mr. Ollivander. "No, no — here, ebony and unicorn hair, eight and a half inches, springy. Go on, go on, try it out."
Harry tried. And tried. He had no idea what Mr. Ollivander was waiting for. The pile of tried wands was mounting higher and higher on the counter, but the more wands Mr. Ollivander pulled from the shelves, the happier he seemed to become.
"Tricky customer, eh? Not to worry, we'll find the perfect match here somewhere — I wonder, now — yes, why not — unusual combination — holly and phoenix feather, eleven inches, nice and supple."
For whatever reason the Wand glowed in his eyes, surrounded by a golden aura. The atmosphere suddenly felt... solemn. Even the Professor sat forward slightly. Unnoticed Ollivander had a satisfied smirk having felt the connection. Harry took the wand. He felt a sudden warmth in his fingers. He raised the wand above his head, brought it swishing down through the dusty air and a stream of red and gold sparks shot from the end like a firework, throwing dancing spots of light on to the walls. It was also like a golden aura had surrounded him, a slight wind picking up as the lights dimmed, parting his hair revealing his lightning bolt scar.
Legendary Item Recieved: [Potter's Wand]
"Well, well, well … how curious … how very curious …" Ollivander gently took the wand back and put it back into its box and wrapped it in brown paper, still muttering, "Curious … curious …"
"Sorry," said Harry, "but what's curious?"
Mr. Ollivander fixed Harry with his pale stare. "I remember every wand I've ever sold, Mr. Potter. Every single wand. It so happens that the phoenix whose tail feather is in your wand, gave another feather — just one other. It is very curious indeed that you should be destined for this wand when its brother — why, its brother gave you that scar.
Harry swallowed.
"Yes, thirteen-and-a-half inches. Yew. Curious indeed how these things happen. The wand chooses the wizard, remember. … I think we must expect great things from you, Mr. Potter. … After all, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named did great things — terrible, yes, but great."
Harry shivered. He wasn't sure he liked Mr. Ollivander too much. Still, he had to ask, "Er... Where do I put my wand when I'm not using it? How do I care for it?"
This seemed to stop the wandmaker for a moment as he peered at the boy, even the Professor had an eyebrow raised. "Hrm... Believe it or not Mr. Potter you are the first to actually ask those questions in a long time. I've since given up hope of anyone asking. Surely they cover this at Hogwarts, they did the last time I had attended. The most common sense is a wand holster, why I have mine sewn into my sleeve see?" With that he pulled back his sleeve, showing the handle. "It would be a folly to carry it in your pocket, it's a good way to lose a leg, or even a buttock!"
Unnoticed the professor suddenly grasped her wand in surprise.
"Wand care kits can be bought here, or at the supply shops... Last I knew anyway. You shouldn't simply use any old cloth to polish the wand! Allow me to demonstrate." With that said both professor and student observed as the wandmaker worked, explaining the reasoning and what not. Once finished he inquired the Professor. "Surely even you know this Professor McGonagall?"
Ollivander squinted at the now nervous Professor, "Surely... wand care kits are being used, yes?"
"W-Well, that is to say..."
With a huff Ollivander turned back to Harry, "It seems you may have brought light upon a serious issue that has long since become a problem! For that I must thank you, here, take this kit free of charge. There is a scroll with instructions inside. I must now make some Floo calls as it were!"
Harry paid seven gold Galleons for his wand, and Mr. Ollivander bowed them from his shop, muttering angrily to himself. Even the Professor seemed slightly rattled about this revelation.
They had gone back to Madam Malkin's to pick up his clothing, as well as inquire about a wand holster. Of which they were sent to the supply shop as they had stopped stocking them decades ago. Thankfully the shop had a few in stock yet. Even the Professor got one.
Once they had everything in order the Professor shrunk the trunk after they managed to fit everything inside.
Harry had a question, having seen a certain shop as they walked through the alley. "Professor, what about a pet? The letter says that we may bring an owl, toad, or cat."
"Mr. Dursley, I would love to take you to gain a possible familiar, however I promised another staff member that they would get you one when the time came. It is our Keeper of Keys and Groundskeeper, Rubeus Hagrid. I would follow their advice when it comes to choosing one since they know much about the subject. I can schedule a quick meeting with them and yourself when the time comes."
With a understanding nod they continued on, stopping at the Leaky Cauldron which was now fairly empty being late afternoon now. "Perhaps a quick small meal before we return. So that I may explain some questions you may no doubt have."
They talked about Voldemort, the professor uncomfortable about saying the name, and warned that they used to curse their name. "You must understand, to say that name was to invite them to find you. It is why most call them You-Know-Who, please keep this in mind. Some will say that fearing the name is a folly, just remember that for a time it wasn't."
Harry had questions, the Professor only had speculations. It was a fairly deep conversation, and entirely vague as well. There was simply no real answers to give, and the only ones that could possibly tell were You-know-who and Harry himself. The dead did not like to be disturbed.
It was at this point that he did remind her about inoculations. She suddenly had a pinched look.
"You... my word how do you find so many things! Give me a moment..." McGonagall pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to center herself. "Right. We will be going to Saint Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries."
They finished up their meal and made their way, once again using the Knight Bus.
OooOooO
Notes: Last chapter felt quite lackluster, even for a jump, it had been rewritten again and again. However, going from maybe six to eleven without adding some notes felt... ill-advised to me. So basically a filler chapter to get the letter basically. I've also gotten a copy of the books as reference. Also to read once again. I've read so many fics that I've somewhat forgotten some of the original things.
In other news, don't care if the librarian thing isn't something that would really happen, it's a scene that made it's way in. Deal. Blame it on religion, moral panic, fear mongering news, the point was to cut off the book as a source for Harry. It was a convenient excuse. Also, I finally got ahold of a Players Handbook finally, and intend to read up on it for reference. I'll have to eventually get an actual D&D book at some point, probably an early version or something for a better reference to dungeon building and what not. Thankfully the world is already built up, I just need to tweak things here and there.
Keep in mind I'm going to be reworking the early chapters, once again, so please, be patient. Also, one more chapter before we actually get to Hogwarts. Worry not, it will most likely include the express ride. It is already 2k words in at the moment.
I am debating who he should meet first, would it be the druid in training Neville? The old standby with Ron? Maybe Hermione sits with him this time... Maybe this different Malfoy befriends him first. I have yet to decide, that part hasn't yet been written yet.
Input is welcome!
