Chapter 3
A case of mistaken identity

As Harry had expected he had got the blame for the turnstile incident and as soon as they returned to number 4 Privet Drive, Harry was dragged up to his room and locked in. He didn't even have time to send Hedwig with a message to Ron to get Mr Weasley to mount a rescue mission before Uncle Vernon had replaced the bars on the window of his room keeping both him and Hedwig prisoners. Harry spent the next ten days locked in the room only being let out twice a day to go to the bathroom. Aunt Petunia would push scrapes of food in the room occasionally. Harry was saved from starvation by Alannia, who would come around when the Dursley's were out and send him up some of Mrs Figg's delicious cakes using the wingardium leviosa spell to make the cakes fly up to the window and in through the narrow bars. Harry constantly expected Ministry of Magic wizards to appear, for the use of magic by under aged wizards but they never did.

As the days drew on Harry began to get worried it was the 29th of August, in three days time he should be at platform nine and three quarter catching the Hogwart Express to take him back to school, so far he hadn't even received his list of supplies for the coming year. Would they care if he came back to Hogwarts after last year when with Harry's help Voldemort had returned. Although it hadn't been Harry's fault and he had been tied up at the time. Perhaps Dumbledore would consider it safer for Harry to remain with the Dursley's. Harry decided to ask Alannia next time she came to see if she could send a letter to Ron, telling him about the situation and asking him to contact Snuffles, the secret name they had for his godfather. He had even considered telling Alannia about Sirius but changed his mind although he trusted her he hadn't known her for that long, and she might tell her great-aunt and get Sirius arrested again. He could not risk that. Harry was compiling a note for Alannia to send to Ron when he heard Uncle Vernon coming up the stairs. Harry quickly hid the note in his secret hiding place under the loose floorboard in his room. Uncle Vernon stopped outside Harry's room then began to fumble with the key in the lock. He flung open the door and filled the doorway with his massive girth. "Downstairs now boy" he yelled and moved from the door to let Harry past. Harry ducked though the doorway covering his head as he went expecting to get a slap as he went. To Harry's surprise Uncle Vernon let him past untouched. Harry ran down stairs just in case Uncle Vernon decided to take a swipe at him from behind. Harry was racking his brain trying to think of what he had done now. There wasn't a lot he could have done being lock up but with the Dursley's he never could tell. Uncle Vernon pointed to the living room. As Harry entered, he saw Aunt Petunia and Dudley sitting on the sofa. "Dudley out" said Uncle Vernon as he entered the room "Ow dad" wailed Dudley "I want to see him get punished too" "Dudley out now!" said Uncle Vernon raising his voice. Dudley got up and pushed past Harry smirking and walked out of the room Uncle Vernon closed the door after him. Vernon walked over to where Petunia sat and picked up a piece of paper. He turned and waved it at Harry. Harry could see that it wasn't an ordinary piece of paper but thick, heavy parchment. His school letter. "This arrived for you the other day," declared Uncle Vernon waving the letter towards Harry "That's mine you had no right to open it" shouted Harry "I being your guardian had every right to open it" smirked Uncle Vernon "It states here," He continued, "That you require school supplies. I have decided to take you tomorrow to get them." Harry stood in stunned silence. Why would Uncle Vernon take him to get supplies? "Be ready by nine o'clock in the morning. That will be all you can go back to your room." Vernon said dismissing Harry. Aunt Petunia rose from the sofa and waved Harry from the room then back upstairs where she again locked him in his room, shaking her head as she did so. "Even Aunt Petunia thinks he's mad," said Harry to Hedwig when he had heard his aunt go down the stairs. Hedwig hooted softly and nibbled on one of the owl snacks provided by Alannia. Harry decided to discuss it with Alannia when she came, but the Dursley's didn't leave the house for the rest of the day. Therefore, Alannia didn't risk coming around, since the adventure park, she wasn't welcome any more.

The next morning Harry awoke early, he had been having the strangest dream he had been standing in Diagon Alley with wands, books and potion ingredients flying around his head. As he lay in his bed staring at the ceiling, he heard voices out side his door it was Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia getting up. Harry got out of bed quietly and put his ear to the door. "But why do you have to go to that dreadful place, with them dreadful people." he heard Aunt Petunia whisper "I explained this all yesterday my dear" muttered Uncle Vernon "You saw the list of things he needed for school you don't think even them kind of people would give it to the boy for free, Do you? Therefore, he must be getting money from somewhere" Aunt Petunia must have nodded in agreement because Uncle Vernon went on "And I think it's about time somebody other than us paid for the boy's keep." Harry leaned back against the door they were after the money left to him by his parents. Harry was surprised it had taken them this long to figure out he must have been getting money from somewhere. He waited until the Dursley's had gone down stairs then he wrenched open his school trunk and rummaged inside. He found the small leather bag he kept his money in and emptied the contents on to his bed. six silver Sickles and ten bronze Knuts lay staring back at him, not even enough to buy a couple of ice creams at Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour, never mind all the things on his supplies list. He was going to have to go to Gringotts then Uncle Vernon would see all the money in his vault, and probably help himself to it all. Harry wondered if Uncle Vernon could carry all the money in the vault, but knowing Uncle Vernon, he would expect the goblins in the bank to help him carry it.

The journey to Diagon Alley was made in silent Harry's head began to ache trying to think of away he could escape from Uncle Vernon at least long enough to go to Gringotts and get some money without him seeing. Harry slapped his head why hadn't he though to bring his invisibility cloak, he could have slipped it on any time, thus disappearing with out a trace. However, the cloak lay in the bottom of Harry's trunk in his bedroom, he would just have to think of other way and fast, they were approaching the Leaky Cauldron.

Uncle Vernon found a parking space near to where Harry had pointed. All Mr Dursley could see was a large book shop next to a record shop no alley. Mr Dursley grabbed Harry's arm as he went to get to of the car. "Just remember Boy, "he said in a menacing tone. "Any funny business from you we have all your school things at home, including that flying rat of yours" Harry closed his eyes he had not though of Hedwig back at the Dursley house, surely they wouldn't do any thing to her .Harry looked at Uncle Vernon oh yes he would decided Harry. As he walked up to the door of the Leaky Cauldron Harry saw Uncle Vernon stop in amazement he hadn't noticed the pub there when Harry had pointed as they drove past. Cautiously he followed Harry inside.

The first person they meet was Tom the innkeeper, he and Harry had become quite good friend's about two years previously when Harry had been staying at the Leaky Cauldron. "Hello Harry" he shouted over the noise of the customers. Tom walked around the bar towards Harry and Mr Dursley "Nice to see you again. Coming to collect school things?" Harry wondered if he could speak to Tom without Uncle Vernon hearing would he go to Gringotts for him. Then he remembered the goblins will only allow you to go to the vaults with the key holder so Harry had too be there, and where Harry went Uncle Vernon wouldn't be far behind. "Who's the muggle?" whispered Tom nodding towards Mr Dursley "Uncle Vernon I'd like you to meet Tom" said Harry Mr Dursley gave Tom a withering look "Just get on with it Boy!" he said to Harry "He's nice and friendly I must say," remarked Tom sarcastically. Harry gave small smile and shrugged his shoulders, then made his way towards the small walled courtyard at the back of the pub. He went to the dustbins drew out he's wand and started to count the bricks in the wall behind. Mr Dursley watched in amazement as Harry tapped the bricks three times with his wand and the bricks started to wiggle. His jaw dropped as hole began to appear in the wall. Harry almost had to pick him up of the floor, as the hole became a large archway. Beyond the archway, a completely different world opened up before Mr Dursley's very eyes. A very strange world indeed.

Harry began to lead Mr Dursley into Diagon Alley. At first glance, you could have mistaken it for any busy street in any town until you had a closer look. A large stack of cauldron stood out side the first shop, with a sign above them saying 'Cauldrons - all sizes'. Further, along the street there was 'Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions' and 'Quidditch Supplies' with an old-fashioned broomstick suspended in the window. Mr Dursley grabbed on to Harry's shoulder with an iron tight hold. There was no way he was going to lose Harry in the crowds of strangely dressed people. "Hi Harry" called a mousey haired boy from in front of one of the shops. "Hey Dennis look it's Harry" he called over to another boy who looked exactly the same as the first boy only shorter "Hi Harry see you at school" called the second lad "Hi Colin, hi Dennis" called back Harry Mr Dursley tighten his grip on Harry's shoulder "Who are they?" snarled Uncle Vernon "Just two brothers that go to my school," replied Harry "you're hurting my shoulder" "That's just too bad," Uncle Vernon smirked and pushed Harry forwards. Harry began slowly making his way down the alley toward a large white building towering over all the other majestically. As he walked, Harry scanned the crowds seeing if he could find anyone, he knew to help him. Outside Ollivanders, the wand makers Harry spotted some one, but he was sure they would not help him. Standing with his father looking in the window was Harry's archenemy Draco Malfoy. Along with his equally nasty, father Lucius Malfoy. No they would probably help Uncle Vernon carry his money away, anything to stop Harry returning to Hogwarts. As they carried on down the alley Harry started to pray 'please please let Hagrid be here today' Uncle Vernon was terrified of Harry giant friend Hagrid. However, they reached the steps up to Gringotts with out sighting any one to help. Harry led the way up the steps and nodded his thanks to the scarlet and gold clad goblin that held open the great-bronzed door to let them enter "Dear god what in hell's name is that" cried Mr Dursley as he stared at the goblin. "I could well ask the same," retorted the goblin, as he stared back at the rotund Mr Dursley "Sorry" apologised Harry, "He's never seen a goblin before." "I could say the same thing about that, but I have manners," muttered the goblin as Harry and Mr Dursley passed through the doors "MUGGLES!" Harry heard the goblin call behind them. They pasted through the silver doors where two goblins, who had heard Mr Dursley's remarks to the goblin on the first door stared at him intensely. Mr Dursley was just about to make a comment when the look from the two goblins made him think again. Harry led him down the marble hall to the counter at the far end. "Good morning "Harry said to the free goblin sitting behind a tall desk, "I'd like to withdraw some money please." The goblin looked from Harry to his companion. Mr Dursley had decided the only way to treat these things was the way he would treat any normal person in a bank. "Your name please," asked the goblin directing his question to Harry "Harry Potter, vault seven hundred and ten." "Yes Mr Potter do you have your key please" Harry had a wild thought what if he said he had forgotten the key. No Uncle Vernon would only take him home to get it and be in a worse mood than he was already "Oh just get on with it can't you, YOU BIG EARED LITTLE FREAKS" yelled Mr Dursley at the top of his voice from behind. Harry wished the ground would open up and swallow him. However, Uncle Vernon had not finished there "I'M A VERY IMPORTANT MAN I'LL HAVE YOU KNOW; I DON'T HAVE TIME TO WAIT AROUND FOR DISCUSTING, UGLY MAGGOTS LIKE YOU." Every one in Gringotts stopped and stared in their direction. The one thing you did not do was insult goblins. The goblin behind the counter gave Mr Dursley the most evil look Harry had ever seen "And who might you be." He asked in a low growling voice. Any one with any sense could tell that this would be a good time to shut up, but Mr Dursley was in full swing "I AM VERNON DURSLEY THIS BOY'S LEGAL GUARDIAN NOW GIVE ME THE MONEY!" The goblin smiled "Are you sure you are Harry Potter's legal guardian? The Harry Potter?" "ARE YOU ALL TOTALLY STUPID? THAT'S WHAT I JUST SAID." "Very well sir if you insist" the goblin nodded towards another Suddenly there were swishing sounds from all around as wizards appeared from thin air all with wands pointed at Mr Dursley., as if one, the wizards all yelled, 'STUPEFY!' there were blinding flashes flying towards Mr Dursley. Harry ducked just in time as a red flash flew over his head and bounced of the wall hitting Uncle Vernon from behind on the backside. When the smoke finally cleared Mr Dursley lay on the floor mouth wide open in total horror. The wizard in charge came forward "We came as fast as we could Girtalium. Didn't get the full message, Just that there was a dangerous man here." "Thank you for coming so quickly" call the goblin emerging from behind the large desk he had hidden behind when the wizards had appeared "Well done you have recaptured SIRIUS BLACK" Harry was stunned Sirius, how could any one mistake Uncle Vernon for Sirius his godfather, Girtalium the goblin continued, "We all know Black is a master of disguise. But he didn't realise we here at Gringotts have a letter signed by Harry Potter's late father naming him, Black as Mr Potter's legal guardian ." Harry listened in amazement .He over heard two of the wizards congratulating them selves "Wow Sirius Black, you do realise this could mean promotion for us all." Harry was about to tell the wizards that they had made a mistake when Girtalium caught his arm and smiled it made him look uglier that ever but Harry now knew better that to insult a goblin. Harry watched as one of the wizards pointed his wand at the limb unconscious body of Mr Dursley and saw rope like cord spring from the wand rapping them selves around. Two wizards then disappeared with Uncle Vernon. "He'll wake up with a bit of a headache tomorrow back in Azkaban" said the wizard in charge before he himself disaparated. "Now then Mr Potter" said the goblin Girtalium "Do you have your key?" Harry dug deep in to his pocket and drew out a small gold key. "Excellent I'll show you to your vault." "Mr Girtalium," said Harry as the goblin led him to the vaults "That man wasn't really Sirius Black you know," The goblin turned and looked up at Harry. "Yes, I do Mr Potter but I think a couple of days in Azkaban Will improve his manner considerably don't you?" He then turned and proceeded to the small carts that would take them to the vault.

Less than fifteen minutes later Harry stood outside Gringotts with a bag full of money wondering where to go first, when he heard his name being called. He looked around to who it was and saw the Ron Weasley running to wards him with the rest of the family following hot on his heels. "Harry am I glad to see you, Mum was frantic. That Uncle of yours wouldn't let Dad speak to you on one of the elephone thingies. She wanted Him to go around to their house and rescue you." "You mean telephone Ron." Harry laughed. Mr and Mrs Weasley and the rest of the family arrived along with Hermione; Harry's other best friend from Hogwarts. Mrs Weasley pushed her way through the family to get to Harry pulling him towards her she gave him a bear hug. "We were also worried about you Harry dear," she wailed "Now, now, my dear as you can well see Harry is fine" chipped in Mr Weasley as he ruffled up Harry's hair trying not to admit to everyone how relieved he also was to see Harry. He had been very close to take up Mrs Weasley's suggestion, of going to Privet Drive where the Dursley lived and breaking down the door to rescue Harry. Everyone to turns in saying hello the twins George and Fred patted Harry on the back "We offered to rescue you with Dad," they said in unison. Percy stepped up with his girlfriend Penelope Clearwater, "I don't know what all the fuss is about I said all along you would be just fine," Percy looked at Penelope. "But of course if you were in any danger I would have been there like a shot" he added "Thanks Percy" laughed Harry "By the way Penny and I are getting engaged" "Congratulations to both of you" Harry said shaking both of their hands "Thanks awfully, we're really glad you're ok Harry," said Penelope as Harry shook her hand "Hello Harry" chirped in a little voice next to him, Harry turned "hello Ginny, it's great to see you again." Ginny's face began to turned as red as her hair and she turned away so Harry could not see how red she got. Ginny Weasley had, had a crush on Harry since they had first meet five years before. Hermione came over to spare Ginny's blushes "Hi Harry must say we didn't expect to see you here. Mr Weasley and the boys were planning a full scale assault on your house later every one was so worried when you didn't return anyone's phone calls." She then hugged Harry Trying to hide the fact that she too had made several calls to the house as well. When the noise had finally died down Harry proceeded to tell all about what had go on in Gringotts Before he had got far Mr Weasley suggested they all go to Florean Fortescue's for ice-cream so Harry could continue.

After telling the tale to the stunned Weasley's and in the mean time consuming two large chocolate and raspberry ice-creams (Mrs Weasley had insisted on Harry having two much to the indignation of Fred and George who were only allowed one, and told not to be so greedy). Harry finished with "And then I meet you" "I think I'd better go to the ministry," said Mr Weasley "I would want my worse enemy going to Azkaban. It's been known to send a wizard mad within hours what it would do to a muggle I hate to think" "Arthur you don't think the ministry wizards would take him straight to Azkaban do you?" asked Mrs Weasley in a shaken voice "No, not straight away they will probably question him at the ministry for quite a few hours especially because they think he's ..Snuffles," answered Mr Weasley lowering his voice on the last word. Harry looked stunned how did he know their secret name for Sirius Ron seeing the look on Harry's face leaned over and whispered "It's ok Dumbledore told Dad everything" Every one was laughing at the idea of Ministry wizards questioning Harry's uncle when Ginny piped up "Look its Bill" Running towards them his ponytail swaying from side to side came the Weasley's eldest son Bill. Harry had always though Bill was the coolest looking man he had ever met. "Glad I've found you all," He said leaning on the back of a chair, trying to get his breath back "The banks in absolute uproar." Bill worked at Gringotts "The goblins won't do any work they are lying around on the floor in hysterics, laughing about Harry's uncle. You really must tell him not to insult the goblins you know," he said turning to Harry. The goblins in the bank were not the only ones having hysterics, so was everyone around the table.

After lunch, Mrs Weasley finally allowed Mr Weasley to go to the Ministry. Percy insisted he went too after all he did work there. Mr Weasley had wanted to leave straight away but his wife insisted she needed him to help choose the children's school supplies. Once she had found out Mr Dursley would be taken to the Ministry of Magic, not to Azkaban, she decided to let him stew in his own juices for a little while longer. The rest of the afternoon was spent making sure everyone had every thing they needed for the following school year. It was early evening before Mr Weasley returned, without Percy who, had been invited to Penelope's parents for dinner. Penelope had left after lunch to go home and get ready; Ron never understood why it took girls so long to get ready for something. When he remarked as much to Hermione and Harry all he received was sharp dig in the ribs from Hermione, and heard her tutting every time she looked in his direction. Harry shrugged his shoulders when Ron asked him what he'd said wrong He didn't understand girls either. Over dinner at the Leaky Cauldron, where the Weasley's had booked rooms for the night, Mr Weasley told all what had happened at the ministry "It took me hours to convince them that he wasn't Snuffles. They kept insisting goblins never made mistakes. Any way they finally saw reason, by the way Harry out of curiosity, was your uncle's hair very grey this morning with maybe a tinge of purple here and there?" whispered Mr Weasley hopefully to Harry "No it was sort of dark brownish, with bits of grey at the sides, why?" replied Harry, Mr Weasley looked sheepish. "Oops, well Ukiah Dingley is sort of new to this kind of thing, and I don't think your aunt noticed it at all when me and Percy drop your uncle of home, but we didn't want to out stay our welcome so we just collected your things and came away." "Mr Weasley did you bring Hedwig too?" asked Harry "She's up stairs in Ron's room you can share with him tonight" "Thanks Mr Weasley" Harry sighed with relief he had been worried about Hedwig after Mr Dursley threat that morning. Harry turned to tell the others about Mr Dursley new hairstyle. It was quite late when every one finally finished catching up with everyone else's news Then Mrs Weasley insisted they all go to bed they had to be up early in the morning to get to platform 93/4 to catch the Hogwart Express back to school.