(A/N: Thanks to all of those who have reviewed! Your reviews keep me
going in this story. I hope that I will be able to continue to update this
quickly, but with school, nothing is ever certain. I'm pretty sure that
this was a quick enough update for you all *winks* Once again thanks to all
reviewers!)
Chapter 5: New Powers and School Supplies
'Harry.'
'Oh no. Not you again. Can't I just be normal.'
'Harry, you are anything but normal. Must I tell you again?'
'Why? Why am I anything but normal?'
'It has to do with your heritage Harry. You ancestors had a great capacity for magic, all sorts of magic. Descendants of these wizards have the capability to learn these types of magic. All of your ancestors had very good memories, thus your enormous capacity for information. One of your ancestors discovered the secret of wandless magic, and that trait was passed on through his heirs. Another's ability was the elemental magics. Tomorrow you will acquire yet another power.'
Harry did the mental equivalent of groaning.
'Tomorrow you will receive the capability of learning and performing necromantic magic. This is a very dangerous magic and I do not believe that you should attempt to learn it without a certain book. This book is called, Necromancy: The Ideas and Spells Behind It. You will find it at Flourish and Blotts in Diagon Alley in London. It is not necessary that you get it immediately. In fact, waiting a few years would not be bad. You simply have the capability of learning it now.'
'Okay, okay. But who are my ancestors? And how did they get these abilities?' 'Patience child. All will be answered in due time.'
'Okay, but what is necromantic magic?'
'Necromancy is the magic of death. It is widely considered a black magic but in actuality is not evil. In fact, there are no evil or dark magics. Magic is magic, and it is only dark magic if dark purposes are what it is used for.'
'Oh, well I guess that makes sense. So the killing curse isn't a dark magic, it is just a spell that has been but to dark uses?'
'Correct. I leave you now Harry Potter.'
'Ummm, good-bye I guess?' With that Harry fell back into a deep sleep for a few more hours.
***********************
Harry woke up from a dream that included his mother and father. He smiled at their words, they had, in the dream, told them that they would always love him. Then his thoughts turned to the voice and his newest powers. 'Uggg,' he thought, 'why more powers?'
"Harry? Are you awake?" yelled Sirius from downstairs.
"Yeah Sirius!"
"Okay!" Harry heard footsteps coming up the stairs and down the hall towards his room. Harry quickly dressed and waited for his godfather to enter. It wasn't a long wait. "Happy birthday Harry!"
"Thanks Sirius," said Harry giving his godfather a hug.
"I have your presents downstairs Harry. You want to come down and get them?"
"Yes, but could we eat first?" Sirius laughed and led his godson down the stairs to the kitchen where there was laid out what could be considered a feast. Every breakfast food was on their kitchen table. There was ham, eggs, bacon, sausage, quiche, cereals, cinnamon rolls, biscuits, pancakes, waffles, fruits, and breads. Harry's mouth dropped open at the sheer volume of food, but that didn't last long as his stomach reminded him of his hunger with a growl. Harry tucked in three muffins, a plate of eggs, a pear and peach, some waffles and some pancakes before laying back and announcing that he was full. "Are you sure?" Sirius teased. Harry smiled in response.
After eating Sirius magically cleared the table and made the presents appear upon it. There was quite a modest amount this year as Harry noticed, but that never mattered to Harry. He opened the first package and laughed in delight. It was a new guitar, a wizards one. This one was made by the Flaming Headless music company and was called the Flame 1999, after the year it was made. Harry wanted to try it out immediately, but Sirius suggested he open the rest of his presents first.
Harry complied and nearly fell out of his chair as the next present he opened was a broom, a brand new broom, a Nimbus 2000. "Sirius, it isn't even the year 2000 yet. How did you get this?"
"Lets just say that I got a special one as a sneak preview. I bought it directly from the company. They simply don't mass produce them yet, you can special order them."
Harry nodded before asking if he could ride it. Sirius again told him to open the rest of his presents. The next present was some books for advanced dueling spells. Harry thanked his godfather sincerely for them and moved onto the final present. It was very small. Harry opened it and a piece of paper fell out onto the table. Harry picked it up and began to read.
Harry, soon I will take you to Diagon Alley in London to get all of your schoolbooks and things. I know that it is one year away that you will be going to Hogwarts but I don't want to go next year because the aurors may be looking. Think of some other gifts that you may want and we may get some more from there.
Harry looked up at Sirius grinning like a maniac. "Thanks Sirius! I always wanted to go to Diagon Alley!" Harry gave his godfather a hug which was returned.
"Glad you like it Harry. We will probably go in a few days. I have something that I need to do first. Oh, and look through the book I got you on advanced dueling spells, I believe that most of them will be no problem for you but that is the book that I will be teaching you from for the next year. I want you to be well prepared to go to Hogwarts. Oh, and there is one last gift." With this announcement he took out what looked like a ragged piece of parchment out of his pocket. Harry looked at it curiously.
"I know that you have heard of this Harry, Remus, James, and I all had one, although Remus lost his some time ago and James' was lost in the house that night." Sirius looked sad for a minute but then continued, "This Harry, is the only one that I know of right now, here is the Marauder's Map. To activate it you simply have to say 'Moony, Padfoot, and Prongs forever.' I edited out Wormtail's name some time ago."
Harry took the parchment reverently and said the password. Instantly lines began to spread out over the parchment, forming the map of Hogwarts. Harry stood enthralled by this gift and he began to study the map. He saw all of the secret passages and secret rooms that had been discovered by the Marauders. Sirius smiled as Harry studied the map.
"Take very good care of it Harry, it is a very useful device, and I'd hate for you to lose it."
"Don't worry, I won't Sirius."
"I know you won't kiddo," said Sirius rubbing Harry's head. Then he walked off to the study leaving Harry with the map.
It wasn't long before Harry remembered his other presents and he ran to get them. He first took the guitar to the music room that Sirius had set up, then he took his book to the study, finally he took his broom outside. He began to fly over the forest. He flew to see the top speed of his new broom, he flew to see how it handled, he did not fly to see ministry wizards combing the forest, but he did.
*******************
Albus Dumbledore,
This is, as you may have guessed, is Sirius Black. Now, don't send this off to the ministry, I assure you that it is untraceable. I do want, however, to talk to you. I know that you are a very forgiving and understanding person. No doubt that you in England have heard of Harry's and my close call. The aurors almost got us in Germany, but that is not what I wanted to write about.
Albus, I must tell you that I have been very scared these last nine years. I took Harry from Lily's dead arms that terrible night. Before I left however, I found James buried under a side of the house. He was dying. But as he was dying he said to me, "Sirius listen to me! Take Harry, raise him as your own. They - they will come after you Sirius." It is true Albus. They did come after me, and I was forced to flee. You must believe me. This is my first attempt to convince anyone of my innocence, and it is for Harry's sake.
If I had been a servant of the dark lord I would not have kept Harry alive, surely you must see this. I love Harry and only want the best for him. That is why I will be sending him to Hogwarts next year when he turns eleven. I can assure you that he is very gifted in magic, but he is somewhat lacking in social skills as you can probably imagine. I need to have a list of what will be required so that I can pick up his things.
You know how big of a risk this is for me to take Albus. Please see that I mean well and will never harm Harry. I never did harm anyone except the death eaters that I had to fight. Do you know why I was the target Albus? Of course you do - I was the secret keeper right? No - it was Peter. I asked James to switch at the last minute. Nobody would suspect Peter of being given the information. I killed him that night Albus - Peter. When I saw that it was him I apparated as quickly as I could to Godric's Hollow and flew my bike the rest of the way. I told you the rest.
Please Albus, you must believe me. I trust you, I know that you will make the right decision. Please send the requirements along with this bird. Please don't bother trying to trace it, I assure you that it is impossible. Respond immediately or I will not open the message. Good-bye Albus.
-Sirius Black (Former Student)
Sirius put down the quill and attached the letter to the waiting falcon. "Take this to Hogwarts, it is for Headmaster Dumbledore's eyes only. Godspeed."
With that the falcon took off in the general direction of England, bound for Dumbledore, Sirius' last hope of redemption.
**********************
"Remus." An middle aged auror said trying to get the werewolf's attention. It worked and Remus' head turned towards the shorter man.
"Yes?"
"I just wanted to report that the aurors stationed throughout Germany have all been placed on high alert. However, we have not yet found any trace of Sirius Black or Harry Potter." Remus nodded his head. "That is all I wish to report."
Remus nodded again, "Dismissed." Remus went back to his thoughts. It had been a year already and he still couldn't remember what it was that Harry had said to him. It was really becoming annoying. Slowly he drifted into a trance.
'Remus.'
'What - who are you?'
'You can call me voice. I do not believe that I will visit you again, but I do have something to show you. I believe that for the last year you have been trying to discern what it was that Harry Potter said to you.'
'Yes.'
'Then watch carefully.' With that Remus' vision exploded into bright white light, and when the pieces came back together he was again standing at the barn, facing Harry Potter. Again, he felt the terror when looking into those eyes; again he saw his comrades fall to stunners. He saw Harry take a stunner and regain consciousness; he saw the boy's power. He felt the pain of hitting the barn again, and he saw himself telling Harry whom he was. He heard the reply, and it hit him like a ton of bricks, a freight train would have felt better, "I'm sorry Remus, but you won't take Sirius, he is innocent, it was Pettigrew."
". . .it was Pettigrew, . . .it was Pettigrew, . . .it was Pettigrew, . . .it was Pettigrew." The words kept echoing in his head. 'No, it couldn't be. He died fighting death eaters.'
'You are mistaken Remus, Pettigrew was a death eater. Sirius killed him that night and that is how he knew to go to Godric's Hollow.'
'No! I won't believe you! Sirius betrayed Lily and James! And now he is raising their son as his own!'
'No, he is raising Harry as his godson, as he is. Harry knows the truth, and does not blame Sirius. When will you learn the truth? When will you accept the truth?' With this the voice faded away and Remus snapped back into reality.
"No - it was Pettigrew," he muttered silently to himself.
*******************
"Sirius! There are aurors in the forest!" Sirius turned to look at Harry, a little fear evident in his eyes.
"Are there?"
"Yes, I saw them while flying. They can't get us her right?"
Sirius visibly relaxed as he remembered the charms that the Potter Estate had on it to help the occupants avoid unwanted company, "No, they won't get us here. But you must stay in the house at all times, and always keep a silencing charm on the music room when you are playing.
"Alright Sirius."
*******************
The next day Sirius arose early. He was worried about the presence of the aurors. What if Dumbledore had given the letter to the ministry? What if he was helping them search for Sirius? What if he didn't believe him?
*scratch* *tap*
Sirius looked to the window to see the falcon banging its claws against the window. He took the letter from its claws and eagerly opened it:
Sirius Black,
Though I am hesitant to believe you on the question of your innocence, I would be more than happy to allow Harry to come to Hogwarts, as did you and his father. I also think that it would be good for him to associate with those his age more. Enclosed is a list of required materials for first years.
Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry,
Albus Dumbledore
Sirius nearly jumped and shouted in joy, but refrained himself in fear of awakening Harry. He immediately began making plans of going to get the supplies from Diagon Alley that very day.
*******************
When Harry awoke later that day he found Sirius eagerly awaiting him downstairs. He showed Harry the letter, and he was also worked up in excitement. Harry ate a quick breakfast and after dressing himself as to hide his appearance he waited downstairs for Sirius. It took another fifteen minutes for Sirius to come down. He had taken extra precautions against being spotted and had applied quite a few glamour charms to change his appearance. When both were ready Sirius gave Harry a picture of the Leaky Cauldron, a wizards' pub in London, and both said, "Appario."
It takes a good deal longer to apparate across countries and Harry was uncomfortable during the minute long wait in nonexistence, when it was over however, he found Sirius standing next to him in an old run down bar.
"Welcome Dirk," said Sirius to Harry, they had agreed to use code names, "to the Leaky Cauldron." Harry didn't have much time to look around however because Sirius dragged him out back to what seemed a dead end.
"James, where are you going it's a dead -," Sirius tapped a brick and the back wall moved aside revealing Diagon Alley, "oh," was all Harry could say. Sirius smiled at Harry slightly dropped jaw and let him stare at the marketplace for a little before dragging him into it.
"Well Dirk, lets get some money first huh?" Sirius led Harry to a large building with a sign proclaiming it, Gringotts, the wizards' bank. Harry and Sirius walked up to one of the goblins, and handed him Harry's vault key. The goblin eyed it momentarily before leading them down below ground.
"Vault 457!" announced the goblin as he stopped the cart and walked towards the vault door. "Stand back please." With that he put his hand on the door and traced some intricate patterns with his fingers and the door began to open. Inside the vault was piled gold and silver. There were not only coins but artifacts as well. Harry and Sirius stepped into the vault. Sirius scooped up some money, and Harry grabbed a sword, and an amulet of some type. He could sense that both were magical.
After gathering what they needed from the vault the goblin took them back to the main floor of Gringotts and the three exited the cart. Sirius announced that the next stop would be Flourish and Blotts, for his schoolbooks. Upon arriving Sirius went off in search of Harry's schoolbooks and Harry went in search of a certain book that the voice had told him he would find here, and he did. He picked up Necromancy: The Ideas and Spells Behind It and put it in the pile of books he would buy. Sirius didn't even see the book as he paid for the pile and shrunk them for easy transporting.
Next Harry and Sirius stopped into Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. There Harry bought some school robes, a size big so that he could grow into them. He also bought a set of battle robes which Madam Malkin looked suspiciously at but didn't say anything. He bought a few sheaths for knives and the like as well. "James," Harry said to Sirius, "I felt a little uncomfortable under her watching. I think it would be best if we moved quickly."
"Right you are Dirk, lets go get your wand and potion ingredients and go." The first shop they stopped at of the two was the apothecary. There they purchased all of the required ingredients and a few more, for pranks. Finally Sirius pulled Harry along to Ollivanders.
"Good afternoon," said a soft voice. Harry was a startled but didn't show it.
"Hello," said Harry in response. Sirius just grunted.
"Here for your first wand I suppose," said the voice again. This time however the man stepped out form behind a shelf presenting himself. He was skinny, lanky one could say.
"Yes sir," came the firm reply.
"Well, which is your wand arm?" Harry indicated his right arm. "Hmm." Mr. Ollivander began to measure Harry's arm, and then his legs, and chest width, and everything that one could possibly measure. Harry began to wonder if all the measuring was absolutely necessary. "Well then - what is your name?"
"Dirk, Dirk White."
"Okay then Mr. White," Mr. Ollivander said the name hesitantly as if he sensed something wrong with it. "Well, lets try this, Beachwood and dragon's heartstring. Nine inches. Nice and flexible." Harry took the wand and waved it, nothing happened. "Hmmm, try this one." Mr. Olivander gave Harry another wand. "Maple and phoenix feather. Seven inches. Quite whippy." Harry gave the wand a wave and something exploded in the back of the room.
"Hmmm, nope, defiantly not that one." Twelve wands later Harry was beginning to wonder if he would ever get a wand. Mr. Ollivander had announced him as a 'tricky customer' and had given him another wand, but this too was snatched away before Harry could give it a second wave. Finally Mr. Ollivander climbed a ladder.
"I wonder," he thought aloud, "Holly and phoenix feather, eleven inches, nice and supple."
Harry took the wand and immediately felt a warmth spread throughout his body. Mr. Ollivander stared at him curiously. "I was saving that wand for another customer, but it seems that it has chosen you. Curious, how very curious."
Harry began to feel very uncomfortable under the man's gaze and he could sense Sirius shifting his weight behind him. He was nervous too. So Harry quickly paid for the wand and left the store, thanking Mr. Ollivander.
"Few, glad to be out of there," said Harry. "Let's leave."
With that the two apparated out. Little did they know that Mr. Ollivander had sent an owl to Headmaster Dumbledore telling him that he had sold the brother wand, but not to the one he thought he would. Dumbledore smiled as he realized that Harry and Sirius had gone to Diagon Alley. Yes, Sirius was always the sneaky one.
*******************
Back at the auror headquarters, Remus Lupin's head snapped up. He had come to the conclusion that he was going crazy. After all, there was a voice that was talking to him in his head. But his head had snapped up for a different reason. He had remembered about the Potter estate in Germany. But how to get in? It had so many enchantments, enchantments almost as powerful as those around Hogwarts. He immediately went to his superior.
********************
Goddess792 - Don't worry, next chapter you will see how Harry begins at Hogwarts. That is the plan at least : )
Otaku Freak - Thanks for the kind review
Rachel A. Prongs - Thanks for another review! I hope you get some *snickers* out of this chapter, though you will probably get a lot more in the next. Cheers!
John - Next chapter Harry should be at Hogwarts
QuidBrm - I didn't get to your review on the last chapter, so here it is. Thanks for the review and complement on plot : )
Chapter 5: New Powers and School Supplies
'Harry.'
'Oh no. Not you again. Can't I just be normal.'
'Harry, you are anything but normal. Must I tell you again?'
'Why? Why am I anything but normal?'
'It has to do with your heritage Harry. You ancestors had a great capacity for magic, all sorts of magic. Descendants of these wizards have the capability to learn these types of magic. All of your ancestors had very good memories, thus your enormous capacity for information. One of your ancestors discovered the secret of wandless magic, and that trait was passed on through his heirs. Another's ability was the elemental magics. Tomorrow you will acquire yet another power.'
Harry did the mental equivalent of groaning.
'Tomorrow you will receive the capability of learning and performing necromantic magic. This is a very dangerous magic and I do not believe that you should attempt to learn it without a certain book. This book is called, Necromancy: The Ideas and Spells Behind It. You will find it at Flourish and Blotts in Diagon Alley in London. It is not necessary that you get it immediately. In fact, waiting a few years would not be bad. You simply have the capability of learning it now.'
'Okay, okay. But who are my ancestors? And how did they get these abilities?' 'Patience child. All will be answered in due time.'
'Okay, but what is necromantic magic?'
'Necromancy is the magic of death. It is widely considered a black magic but in actuality is not evil. In fact, there are no evil or dark magics. Magic is magic, and it is only dark magic if dark purposes are what it is used for.'
'Oh, well I guess that makes sense. So the killing curse isn't a dark magic, it is just a spell that has been but to dark uses?'
'Correct. I leave you now Harry Potter.'
'Ummm, good-bye I guess?' With that Harry fell back into a deep sleep for a few more hours.
***********************
Harry woke up from a dream that included his mother and father. He smiled at their words, they had, in the dream, told them that they would always love him. Then his thoughts turned to the voice and his newest powers. 'Uggg,' he thought, 'why more powers?'
"Harry? Are you awake?" yelled Sirius from downstairs.
"Yeah Sirius!"
"Okay!" Harry heard footsteps coming up the stairs and down the hall towards his room. Harry quickly dressed and waited for his godfather to enter. It wasn't a long wait. "Happy birthday Harry!"
"Thanks Sirius," said Harry giving his godfather a hug.
"I have your presents downstairs Harry. You want to come down and get them?"
"Yes, but could we eat first?" Sirius laughed and led his godson down the stairs to the kitchen where there was laid out what could be considered a feast. Every breakfast food was on their kitchen table. There was ham, eggs, bacon, sausage, quiche, cereals, cinnamon rolls, biscuits, pancakes, waffles, fruits, and breads. Harry's mouth dropped open at the sheer volume of food, but that didn't last long as his stomach reminded him of his hunger with a growl. Harry tucked in three muffins, a plate of eggs, a pear and peach, some waffles and some pancakes before laying back and announcing that he was full. "Are you sure?" Sirius teased. Harry smiled in response.
After eating Sirius magically cleared the table and made the presents appear upon it. There was quite a modest amount this year as Harry noticed, but that never mattered to Harry. He opened the first package and laughed in delight. It was a new guitar, a wizards one. This one was made by the Flaming Headless music company and was called the Flame 1999, after the year it was made. Harry wanted to try it out immediately, but Sirius suggested he open the rest of his presents first.
Harry complied and nearly fell out of his chair as the next present he opened was a broom, a brand new broom, a Nimbus 2000. "Sirius, it isn't even the year 2000 yet. How did you get this?"
"Lets just say that I got a special one as a sneak preview. I bought it directly from the company. They simply don't mass produce them yet, you can special order them."
Harry nodded before asking if he could ride it. Sirius again told him to open the rest of his presents. The next present was some books for advanced dueling spells. Harry thanked his godfather sincerely for them and moved onto the final present. It was very small. Harry opened it and a piece of paper fell out onto the table. Harry picked it up and began to read.
Harry, soon I will take you to Diagon Alley in London to get all of your schoolbooks and things. I know that it is one year away that you will be going to Hogwarts but I don't want to go next year because the aurors may be looking. Think of some other gifts that you may want and we may get some more from there.
Harry looked up at Sirius grinning like a maniac. "Thanks Sirius! I always wanted to go to Diagon Alley!" Harry gave his godfather a hug which was returned.
"Glad you like it Harry. We will probably go in a few days. I have something that I need to do first. Oh, and look through the book I got you on advanced dueling spells, I believe that most of them will be no problem for you but that is the book that I will be teaching you from for the next year. I want you to be well prepared to go to Hogwarts. Oh, and there is one last gift." With this announcement he took out what looked like a ragged piece of parchment out of his pocket. Harry looked at it curiously.
"I know that you have heard of this Harry, Remus, James, and I all had one, although Remus lost his some time ago and James' was lost in the house that night." Sirius looked sad for a minute but then continued, "This Harry, is the only one that I know of right now, here is the Marauder's Map. To activate it you simply have to say 'Moony, Padfoot, and Prongs forever.' I edited out Wormtail's name some time ago."
Harry took the parchment reverently and said the password. Instantly lines began to spread out over the parchment, forming the map of Hogwarts. Harry stood enthralled by this gift and he began to study the map. He saw all of the secret passages and secret rooms that had been discovered by the Marauders. Sirius smiled as Harry studied the map.
"Take very good care of it Harry, it is a very useful device, and I'd hate for you to lose it."
"Don't worry, I won't Sirius."
"I know you won't kiddo," said Sirius rubbing Harry's head. Then he walked off to the study leaving Harry with the map.
It wasn't long before Harry remembered his other presents and he ran to get them. He first took the guitar to the music room that Sirius had set up, then he took his book to the study, finally he took his broom outside. He began to fly over the forest. He flew to see the top speed of his new broom, he flew to see how it handled, he did not fly to see ministry wizards combing the forest, but he did.
*******************
Albus Dumbledore,
This is, as you may have guessed, is Sirius Black. Now, don't send this off to the ministry, I assure you that it is untraceable. I do want, however, to talk to you. I know that you are a very forgiving and understanding person. No doubt that you in England have heard of Harry's and my close call. The aurors almost got us in Germany, but that is not what I wanted to write about.
Albus, I must tell you that I have been very scared these last nine years. I took Harry from Lily's dead arms that terrible night. Before I left however, I found James buried under a side of the house. He was dying. But as he was dying he said to me, "Sirius listen to me! Take Harry, raise him as your own. They - they will come after you Sirius." It is true Albus. They did come after me, and I was forced to flee. You must believe me. This is my first attempt to convince anyone of my innocence, and it is for Harry's sake.
If I had been a servant of the dark lord I would not have kept Harry alive, surely you must see this. I love Harry and only want the best for him. That is why I will be sending him to Hogwarts next year when he turns eleven. I can assure you that he is very gifted in magic, but he is somewhat lacking in social skills as you can probably imagine. I need to have a list of what will be required so that I can pick up his things.
You know how big of a risk this is for me to take Albus. Please see that I mean well and will never harm Harry. I never did harm anyone except the death eaters that I had to fight. Do you know why I was the target Albus? Of course you do - I was the secret keeper right? No - it was Peter. I asked James to switch at the last minute. Nobody would suspect Peter of being given the information. I killed him that night Albus - Peter. When I saw that it was him I apparated as quickly as I could to Godric's Hollow and flew my bike the rest of the way. I told you the rest.
Please Albus, you must believe me. I trust you, I know that you will make the right decision. Please send the requirements along with this bird. Please don't bother trying to trace it, I assure you that it is impossible. Respond immediately or I will not open the message. Good-bye Albus.
-Sirius Black (Former Student)
Sirius put down the quill and attached the letter to the waiting falcon. "Take this to Hogwarts, it is for Headmaster Dumbledore's eyes only. Godspeed."
With that the falcon took off in the general direction of England, bound for Dumbledore, Sirius' last hope of redemption.
**********************
"Remus." An middle aged auror said trying to get the werewolf's attention. It worked and Remus' head turned towards the shorter man.
"Yes?"
"I just wanted to report that the aurors stationed throughout Germany have all been placed on high alert. However, we have not yet found any trace of Sirius Black or Harry Potter." Remus nodded his head. "That is all I wish to report."
Remus nodded again, "Dismissed." Remus went back to his thoughts. It had been a year already and he still couldn't remember what it was that Harry had said to him. It was really becoming annoying. Slowly he drifted into a trance.
'Remus.'
'What - who are you?'
'You can call me voice. I do not believe that I will visit you again, but I do have something to show you. I believe that for the last year you have been trying to discern what it was that Harry Potter said to you.'
'Yes.'
'Then watch carefully.' With that Remus' vision exploded into bright white light, and when the pieces came back together he was again standing at the barn, facing Harry Potter. Again, he felt the terror when looking into those eyes; again he saw his comrades fall to stunners. He saw Harry take a stunner and regain consciousness; he saw the boy's power. He felt the pain of hitting the barn again, and he saw himself telling Harry whom he was. He heard the reply, and it hit him like a ton of bricks, a freight train would have felt better, "I'm sorry Remus, but you won't take Sirius, he is innocent, it was Pettigrew."
". . .it was Pettigrew, . . .it was Pettigrew, . . .it was Pettigrew, . . .it was Pettigrew." The words kept echoing in his head. 'No, it couldn't be. He died fighting death eaters.'
'You are mistaken Remus, Pettigrew was a death eater. Sirius killed him that night and that is how he knew to go to Godric's Hollow.'
'No! I won't believe you! Sirius betrayed Lily and James! And now he is raising their son as his own!'
'No, he is raising Harry as his godson, as he is. Harry knows the truth, and does not blame Sirius. When will you learn the truth? When will you accept the truth?' With this the voice faded away and Remus snapped back into reality.
"No - it was Pettigrew," he muttered silently to himself.
*******************
"Sirius! There are aurors in the forest!" Sirius turned to look at Harry, a little fear evident in his eyes.
"Are there?"
"Yes, I saw them while flying. They can't get us her right?"
Sirius visibly relaxed as he remembered the charms that the Potter Estate had on it to help the occupants avoid unwanted company, "No, they won't get us here. But you must stay in the house at all times, and always keep a silencing charm on the music room when you are playing.
"Alright Sirius."
*******************
The next day Sirius arose early. He was worried about the presence of the aurors. What if Dumbledore had given the letter to the ministry? What if he was helping them search for Sirius? What if he didn't believe him?
*scratch* *tap*
Sirius looked to the window to see the falcon banging its claws against the window. He took the letter from its claws and eagerly opened it:
Sirius Black,
Though I am hesitant to believe you on the question of your innocence, I would be more than happy to allow Harry to come to Hogwarts, as did you and his father. I also think that it would be good for him to associate with those his age more. Enclosed is a list of required materials for first years.
Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry,
Albus Dumbledore
Sirius nearly jumped and shouted in joy, but refrained himself in fear of awakening Harry. He immediately began making plans of going to get the supplies from Diagon Alley that very day.
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When Harry awoke later that day he found Sirius eagerly awaiting him downstairs. He showed Harry the letter, and he was also worked up in excitement. Harry ate a quick breakfast and after dressing himself as to hide his appearance he waited downstairs for Sirius. It took another fifteen minutes for Sirius to come down. He had taken extra precautions against being spotted and had applied quite a few glamour charms to change his appearance. When both were ready Sirius gave Harry a picture of the Leaky Cauldron, a wizards' pub in London, and both said, "Appario."
It takes a good deal longer to apparate across countries and Harry was uncomfortable during the minute long wait in nonexistence, when it was over however, he found Sirius standing next to him in an old run down bar.
"Welcome Dirk," said Sirius to Harry, they had agreed to use code names, "to the Leaky Cauldron." Harry didn't have much time to look around however because Sirius dragged him out back to what seemed a dead end.
"James, where are you going it's a dead -," Sirius tapped a brick and the back wall moved aside revealing Diagon Alley, "oh," was all Harry could say. Sirius smiled at Harry slightly dropped jaw and let him stare at the marketplace for a little before dragging him into it.
"Well Dirk, lets get some money first huh?" Sirius led Harry to a large building with a sign proclaiming it, Gringotts, the wizards' bank. Harry and Sirius walked up to one of the goblins, and handed him Harry's vault key. The goblin eyed it momentarily before leading them down below ground.
"Vault 457!" announced the goblin as he stopped the cart and walked towards the vault door. "Stand back please." With that he put his hand on the door and traced some intricate patterns with his fingers and the door began to open. Inside the vault was piled gold and silver. There were not only coins but artifacts as well. Harry and Sirius stepped into the vault. Sirius scooped up some money, and Harry grabbed a sword, and an amulet of some type. He could sense that both were magical.
After gathering what they needed from the vault the goblin took them back to the main floor of Gringotts and the three exited the cart. Sirius announced that the next stop would be Flourish and Blotts, for his schoolbooks. Upon arriving Sirius went off in search of Harry's schoolbooks and Harry went in search of a certain book that the voice had told him he would find here, and he did. He picked up Necromancy: The Ideas and Spells Behind It and put it in the pile of books he would buy. Sirius didn't even see the book as he paid for the pile and shrunk them for easy transporting.
Next Harry and Sirius stopped into Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. There Harry bought some school robes, a size big so that he could grow into them. He also bought a set of battle robes which Madam Malkin looked suspiciously at but didn't say anything. He bought a few sheaths for knives and the like as well. "James," Harry said to Sirius, "I felt a little uncomfortable under her watching. I think it would be best if we moved quickly."
"Right you are Dirk, lets go get your wand and potion ingredients and go." The first shop they stopped at of the two was the apothecary. There they purchased all of the required ingredients and a few more, for pranks. Finally Sirius pulled Harry along to Ollivanders.
"Good afternoon," said a soft voice. Harry was a startled but didn't show it.
"Hello," said Harry in response. Sirius just grunted.
"Here for your first wand I suppose," said the voice again. This time however the man stepped out form behind a shelf presenting himself. He was skinny, lanky one could say.
"Yes sir," came the firm reply.
"Well, which is your wand arm?" Harry indicated his right arm. "Hmm." Mr. Ollivander began to measure Harry's arm, and then his legs, and chest width, and everything that one could possibly measure. Harry began to wonder if all the measuring was absolutely necessary. "Well then - what is your name?"
"Dirk, Dirk White."
"Okay then Mr. White," Mr. Ollivander said the name hesitantly as if he sensed something wrong with it. "Well, lets try this, Beachwood and dragon's heartstring. Nine inches. Nice and flexible." Harry took the wand and waved it, nothing happened. "Hmmm, try this one." Mr. Olivander gave Harry another wand. "Maple and phoenix feather. Seven inches. Quite whippy." Harry gave the wand a wave and something exploded in the back of the room.
"Hmmm, nope, defiantly not that one." Twelve wands later Harry was beginning to wonder if he would ever get a wand. Mr. Ollivander had announced him as a 'tricky customer' and had given him another wand, but this too was snatched away before Harry could give it a second wave. Finally Mr. Ollivander climbed a ladder.
"I wonder," he thought aloud, "Holly and phoenix feather, eleven inches, nice and supple."
Harry took the wand and immediately felt a warmth spread throughout his body. Mr. Ollivander stared at him curiously. "I was saving that wand for another customer, but it seems that it has chosen you. Curious, how very curious."
Harry began to feel very uncomfortable under the man's gaze and he could sense Sirius shifting his weight behind him. He was nervous too. So Harry quickly paid for the wand and left the store, thanking Mr. Ollivander.
"Few, glad to be out of there," said Harry. "Let's leave."
With that the two apparated out. Little did they know that Mr. Ollivander had sent an owl to Headmaster Dumbledore telling him that he had sold the brother wand, but not to the one he thought he would. Dumbledore smiled as he realized that Harry and Sirius had gone to Diagon Alley. Yes, Sirius was always the sneaky one.
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Back at the auror headquarters, Remus Lupin's head snapped up. He had come to the conclusion that he was going crazy. After all, there was a voice that was talking to him in his head. But his head had snapped up for a different reason. He had remembered about the Potter estate in Germany. But how to get in? It had so many enchantments, enchantments almost as powerful as those around Hogwarts. He immediately went to his superior.
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Goddess792 - Don't worry, next chapter you will see how Harry begins at Hogwarts. That is the plan at least : )
Otaku Freak - Thanks for the kind review
Rachel A. Prongs - Thanks for another review! I hope you get some *snickers* out of this chapter, though you will probably get a lot more in the next. Cheers!
John - Next chapter Harry should be at Hogwarts
QuidBrm - I didn't get to your review on the last chapter, so here it is. Thanks for the review and complement on plot : )