Chapter 2
Ten minutes later Harry walked in to he kitchen to find two steaming plates of food set out on the table and Snape just pouring him a glass of what looked like pumpkin juice. Snape glanced up at him and sat down, motioning for Harry to do the same, and began to eat. Once Harry began top eat, Snape began to talk. 'If you feel up to it we need to go into Diagon alley this afternoon, you need several things for the next few weeks.' 'Why? I've got most of my school things from last year.' 'The next eight weeks is not going to be simple schooling, though you will be at Hogwarts, you will need much new equipment. I also think you could use some new clothes as those you are currently using are quite unsuitable. We will leave at two-thirty, that is, if you have no objections?' Harry considered, and then simply shook his head. 'Good, now have you had enough, or would you like some more?' 'No thank-you.' Snape nodded. 'Well then, if you are ready we will leave.' Harry stood up and followed Snape out into the hallway, took a pinch of floo powder and stepped into the flames. Harry tumbled out the other end covered in soot and coughing violently, and then watched in envy as Snape stepped out looming every bit as composed as when he stepped in. Snape then turned and handed Harry a Hoqwarts letter, which he opened. First came the normal letter, and school supplies list. Harry was about to pocket the letter when Snape intervened. 'Turn it over.' Harry did so and was surprised to find a second letter, which went as follows:
Dear Mr.Potter
You have been selected to return to Hogwarts during the summer holidays to take part in the Guardianship training course. More on this will be explained on your arrival at Hogwarts. This training is very different to normal Hogwarts procedure, and as such you are requested to procure the following books and other items, in addition to items you already own. Please read the material before returning to Hoqwarts.
Advanced Duelling by Arabella Figg Magical Healing by Poppy Pomfrey Muggle Methods of Attack and Defence by Aberforth Dumbledore Mastering Animagi by Minerva Mcgonagall Strategy and Tactics by Amadeus Trip Magical Languages by Jessica Foreign
and: 1 advanced potions kit 1 left-hip wand holster 1 parchment bewitching set I set healing vials 1set 5 throwing knives with sheaths 1 magical staff
and: 1 set muggle trainers I pair sport shorts (black) 3 black t-shirts 2 pairs swimwear (black) 1 pair black boots (leather) 3 pairs black trousers (not jeans) 2 shirts (black) 1 black hooded sweater 1 black cloak (hooded) 2 sets plain day wear
Harry's jaw dropped as he read the list. 'What do we need all this for?' He gasped in amazement. 'Everything will be explained when you arrive at Hogwarts. Now hurry up this is going to take long enough as it is. Gringotts first.' Snape walked off towards the wizard bank leaving a confused Harry running to catch up. When he stumbled out into the sunshine with his pockets full of wizard money, he was still confused but decided to wait for answers. First stop was Madam Malkin's for clothes. 'Er, Professor Snape? Doesn't this shop only sell Wizard clothes?' 'Under normal circumstances yes, however the Headmaster has asked Madam Malkin to stock those items needed by the Guardians, as a convenience to those chosen.' As he was speaking Snape led Harry towards the back of the store, through a door saying 'Staff Only', and into a room at the back of the shop. Once inside Harry looked around him in surprise, the room contained things from trainers to shirts, almost all of them muggle in origin. 'Well come on them, don't stand there staring.' Snapped Snape. 'Sorry, sir.' Mumbled Harry, as he removed the list from his pocket. 'Umm. Trainers first.' As an assistant helped Harry work out what size trainers he needed, and then which boots, Snape walked around selecting the required clothing, leaving them in a neat pile on a chair. When Harry walked over clutching his trainers and boots, Snape gestured to the pile, saying: 'That should fit you but you better try them to make sure.' Harry nodded and picked up one of each item and wandered into the changing room. He walked out self-consciously a few minutes later. 'There a little big around the waist but fine otherwise.' 'Good, that'll give you some growing room. Just slip this cloak on over the top.' Harry did so, and Snape was startled by how different he looked. 'Good. Now for your daywear, you can choose it yourself, but I would stick to plain colours. I suggest trousers, t-shirts, shirts and sweaters.' Harry nodded, and quickly chose from the racks. The two then carried everything to the cash desk and Harry pulled the 24 galleons and 7 sickles from his pocket. The two exited the shop both carrying a heavy bag, and headed to the bookshop. Harry had a lot to but here, as he had books for his classes as well as those on the second list. He was soon done, and then came the trail round what felt like most of the small shops in the alley. Thankfully Snape apparated the clothes and books back to the Manor, leaving Harry free of their weight. First was the apocrathy for potions ingredients and healing vials, then the magical war shop for a plain wand holster. Harry also spent a long time deliberating over what knives he wanted. The shopkeeper had selected three sets after asking some questions and measuring Harry's arm span. In the end he opted for the set he liked the most, even though they were the most expensive. The blades were made from steel tempered with silver, and the grips were wrapped in black leather. When Harry showed Snape his choice outside the shop, Snape nodded his Approval. 'A good set. You see these three are small and very light, which makes them perfect for accurate throwing, while the other two are big enough to be use hand to hand. Now, have you checked your list? What do we need to get know?' 'Just a staff, sir.' Replied Harry 'The most important of all. Come, I think Ollivanders would be best.' Harry followed Snape up the street and into the shop before asking a question. 'I already have a wand, so how come I need a staff?' 'A staff increases the magical essence of its wielder, which will increase their talents. With a staff you will be much more powerful than with a wand, though you will carry both. It can also be used defensively in the muggle fashion.' Answered Snape. The conversation probably would have gone on but they were interrupted by Ollivander himself. The old man then led the two to the back of his shop, where the far wall was covered with a rack. On it sat dozens of Staffs, each gleaming in the dim light. Without saying a word Harry was passed a staff. He looked up confused. 'Just hold it, you will know when you are holding the staff destined to be yours. After several unsuccessful attempts. Ollivander leant under the desk and produced a different staff. While the others had mostly brass or copper plating, the ends of this staff were silver. Harry also noticed that it was dusty and dull, in contrast to the others, and he could feel the power from it. As he took it in his hands he gasped. White light filled his vision and he staggered. He grabbed at the desk to support himself as Snape rushed to help him. 'Potter speak. Are you alright?' Harry could hear the concern in his voice as his head cleared. 'What happened?' He snapped at Ollivander. 'That is the staff meant for him. It came into my possession 14 years ago. It belonged to James Potter.' Replied Ollivander. 'But that's impossible, a staff can only belong to one wizard, when they dye it dyes too.' Growled Snape, frowning. The old man shrugged. Harry had by now recovered. 'You do not have to pay for that, as it is yours by right.' He said. 'Use it well. Take, this, it could use a clean.' That was all Ollivander said before ushering them out of the shop and into the street. As he followed Snape back to the Three Broomsticks in silence, thinking about what had just happened, he heard his name being called, and turned to find Ron and Hermione rushing towards him. 'Hey, Harry. How are you mate?' Ron was the first to speak. 'Oh not so bad, how 'bout you two?' 'Good. Harry is that a staff?' Asked Hermione. Harry nodded. 'So your in this too huh?' Asked Ron. 'I guess so, not that I really know what 'it' actually is.' Harry suddenly realised that Snape was standing behind him. 'A word Potter, if you don't mind.' Harry turned slightly wary of the edge in Snape's voice. 'Sir, would it be okay if I stayed here for a bit?' Asked Harry before he lost his nerve. Snape replied quietly so only Harry could hear. 'How is your back?' 'Better. Please?' Harry implored. 'Very well. I will take the bags back. I want you back at the Manor in an Hour. Here's some floo powder. Understood?' 'Yes, sir.' Said Harry handing over the bags. When he tried to pass Snape his staff Snape shook his head. 'You keep that with you at all times from now on.' Harry nodded. 'Thank you, sir.' Snape turned and entered the pub with only a nod to show he had heard, and Harry turned back to his friends. They quickly decided on heading to Floran Fortesques for some ice cream. They spent the hour thinking up ideas about what the next few weeks. Harry also had a look at their staffs. Both were like the ones on the rack in Ollivanders. All to soon it was time for Harry to go. Promising to ask Snape if Harry could travel to Hogwarts with them, he left for the Manor.
Ten minutes later Harry walked in to he kitchen to find two steaming plates of food set out on the table and Snape just pouring him a glass of what looked like pumpkin juice. Snape glanced up at him and sat down, motioning for Harry to do the same, and began to eat. Once Harry began top eat, Snape began to talk. 'If you feel up to it we need to go into Diagon alley this afternoon, you need several things for the next few weeks.' 'Why? I've got most of my school things from last year.' 'The next eight weeks is not going to be simple schooling, though you will be at Hogwarts, you will need much new equipment. I also think you could use some new clothes as those you are currently using are quite unsuitable. We will leave at two-thirty, that is, if you have no objections?' Harry considered, and then simply shook his head. 'Good, now have you had enough, or would you like some more?' 'No thank-you.' Snape nodded. 'Well then, if you are ready we will leave.' Harry stood up and followed Snape out into the hallway, took a pinch of floo powder and stepped into the flames. Harry tumbled out the other end covered in soot and coughing violently, and then watched in envy as Snape stepped out looming every bit as composed as when he stepped in. Snape then turned and handed Harry a Hoqwarts letter, which he opened. First came the normal letter, and school supplies list. Harry was about to pocket the letter when Snape intervened. 'Turn it over.' Harry did so and was surprised to find a second letter, which went as follows:
Dear Mr.Potter
You have been selected to return to Hogwarts during the summer holidays to take part in the Guardianship training course. More on this will be explained on your arrival at Hogwarts. This training is very different to normal Hogwarts procedure, and as such you are requested to procure the following books and other items, in addition to items you already own. Please read the material before returning to Hoqwarts.
Advanced Duelling by Arabella Figg Magical Healing by Poppy Pomfrey Muggle Methods of Attack and Defence by Aberforth Dumbledore Mastering Animagi by Minerva Mcgonagall Strategy and Tactics by Amadeus Trip Magical Languages by Jessica Foreign
and: 1 advanced potions kit 1 left-hip wand holster 1 parchment bewitching set I set healing vials 1set 5 throwing knives with sheaths 1 magical staff
and: 1 set muggle trainers I pair sport shorts (black) 3 black t-shirts 2 pairs swimwear (black) 1 pair black boots (leather) 3 pairs black trousers (not jeans) 2 shirts (black) 1 black hooded sweater 1 black cloak (hooded) 2 sets plain day wear
Harry's jaw dropped as he read the list. 'What do we need all this for?' He gasped in amazement. 'Everything will be explained when you arrive at Hogwarts. Now hurry up this is going to take long enough as it is. Gringotts first.' Snape walked off towards the wizard bank leaving a confused Harry running to catch up. When he stumbled out into the sunshine with his pockets full of wizard money, he was still confused but decided to wait for answers. First stop was Madam Malkin's for clothes. 'Er, Professor Snape? Doesn't this shop only sell Wizard clothes?' 'Under normal circumstances yes, however the Headmaster has asked Madam Malkin to stock those items needed by the Guardians, as a convenience to those chosen.' As he was speaking Snape led Harry towards the back of the store, through a door saying 'Staff Only', and into a room at the back of the shop. Once inside Harry looked around him in surprise, the room contained things from trainers to shirts, almost all of them muggle in origin. 'Well come on them, don't stand there staring.' Snapped Snape. 'Sorry, sir.' Mumbled Harry, as he removed the list from his pocket. 'Umm. Trainers first.' As an assistant helped Harry work out what size trainers he needed, and then which boots, Snape walked around selecting the required clothing, leaving them in a neat pile on a chair. When Harry walked over clutching his trainers and boots, Snape gestured to the pile, saying: 'That should fit you but you better try them to make sure.' Harry nodded and picked up one of each item and wandered into the changing room. He walked out self-consciously a few minutes later. 'There a little big around the waist but fine otherwise.' 'Good, that'll give you some growing room. Just slip this cloak on over the top.' Harry did so, and Snape was startled by how different he looked. 'Good. Now for your daywear, you can choose it yourself, but I would stick to plain colours. I suggest trousers, t-shirts, shirts and sweaters.' Harry nodded, and quickly chose from the racks. The two then carried everything to the cash desk and Harry pulled the 24 galleons and 7 sickles from his pocket. The two exited the shop both carrying a heavy bag, and headed to the bookshop. Harry had a lot to but here, as he had books for his classes as well as those on the second list. He was soon done, and then came the trail round what felt like most of the small shops in the alley. Thankfully Snape apparated the clothes and books back to the Manor, leaving Harry free of their weight. First was the apocrathy for potions ingredients and healing vials, then the magical war shop for a plain wand holster. Harry also spent a long time deliberating over what knives he wanted. The shopkeeper had selected three sets after asking some questions and measuring Harry's arm span. In the end he opted for the set he liked the most, even though they were the most expensive. The blades were made from steel tempered with silver, and the grips were wrapped in black leather. When Harry showed Snape his choice outside the shop, Snape nodded his Approval. 'A good set. You see these three are small and very light, which makes them perfect for accurate throwing, while the other two are big enough to be use hand to hand. Now, have you checked your list? What do we need to get know?' 'Just a staff, sir.' Replied Harry 'The most important of all. Come, I think Ollivanders would be best.' Harry followed Snape up the street and into the shop before asking a question. 'I already have a wand, so how come I need a staff?' 'A staff increases the magical essence of its wielder, which will increase their talents. With a staff you will be much more powerful than with a wand, though you will carry both. It can also be used defensively in the muggle fashion.' Answered Snape. The conversation probably would have gone on but they were interrupted by Ollivander himself. The old man then led the two to the back of his shop, where the far wall was covered with a rack. On it sat dozens of Staffs, each gleaming in the dim light. Without saying a word Harry was passed a staff. He looked up confused. 'Just hold it, you will know when you are holding the staff destined to be yours. After several unsuccessful attempts. Ollivander leant under the desk and produced a different staff. While the others had mostly brass or copper plating, the ends of this staff were silver. Harry also noticed that it was dusty and dull, in contrast to the others, and he could feel the power from it. As he took it in his hands he gasped. White light filled his vision and he staggered. He grabbed at the desk to support himself as Snape rushed to help him. 'Potter speak. Are you alright?' Harry could hear the concern in his voice as his head cleared. 'What happened?' He snapped at Ollivander. 'That is the staff meant for him. It came into my possession 14 years ago. It belonged to James Potter.' Replied Ollivander. 'But that's impossible, a staff can only belong to one wizard, when they dye it dyes too.' Growled Snape, frowning. The old man shrugged. Harry had by now recovered. 'You do not have to pay for that, as it is yours by right.' He said. 'Use it well. Take, this, it could use a clean.' That was all Ollivander said before ushering them out of the shop and into the street. As he followed Snape back to the Three Broomsticks in silence, thinking about what had just happened, he heard his name being called, and turned to find Ron and Hermione rushing towards him. 'Hey, Harry. How are you mate?' Ron was the first to speak. 'Oh not so bad, how 'bout you two?' 'Good. Harry is that a staff?' Asked Hermione. Harry nodded. 'So your in this too huh?' Asked Ron. 'I guess so, not that I really know what 'it' actually is.' Harry suddenly realised that Snape was standing behind him. 'A word Potter, if you don't mind.' Harry turned slightly wary of the edge in Snape's voice. 'Sir, would it be okay if I stayed here for a bit?' Asked Harry before he lost his nerve. Snape replied quietly so only Harry could hear. 'How is your back?' 'Better. Please?' Harry implored. 'Very well. I will take the bags back. I want you back at the Manor in an Hour. Here's some floo powder. Understood?' 'Yes, sir.' Said Harry handing over the bags. When he tried to pass Snape his staff Snape shook his head. 'You keep that with you at all times from now on.' Harry nodded. 'Thank you, sir.' Snape turned and entered the pub with only a nod to show he had heard, and Harry turned back to his friends. They quickly decided on heading to Floran Fortesques for some ice cream. They spent the hour thinking up ideas about what the next few weeks. Harry also had a look at their staffs. Both were like the ones on the rack in Ollivanders. All to soon it was time for Harry to go. Promising to ask Snape if Harry could travel to Hogwarts with them, he left for the Manor.