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Tangled Relations

Chapter 3 - Diagon Alley

The next couple of weeks were filled with trips to the library, the quidditch pitch, or Hagrid's hut. Harry had actually finished all of his homework, even potions, and all of his essays were a little longer than they needed to be. He had really wanted to at least go to Hogsmead, but Dumbledore wouldn't let him leave school grounds without a professor and the only available professor was Snape. Hogsmead just didn't seem worth that. With only two weeks till the start of the new school year, Harry decided he would risk even Snape's company to make a trip to Diagon alley to get his school supplies.

As Harry walked to the Headmaster's office, he started thinking about Gringotts. He definitely wanted to go there first. His curiosity as to what might be in the second vault kept nagging at him. In no time he had reached the stone gargoyle and issued the password.

The headmaster was sitting behind his desk reading through some mail when Harry entered. "What can I do for you young man?" "I..I'd like to go to Diagon alley to get my supplies." Harry replied.

The headmaster lowered his glasses "I trust you will be careful Harry, and of course Professor Snape will need to accompany you."

"Yes sir" After a moment of hesitation he continued. "Sir, Gringotts sent me a letter about a second vault that they needed to re-ward. Did you know I had a second vault?"

The headmaster's eyes began twinkling more than Harry thought possible. "Yes, Harry, that was a vault I opened for you when your parents died. After I had left you with your relatives I went back to Godric's Hollow. Hagrid and I gathered as many personal items as we could and stored them in the vault. "Why didn't I know about this before?" Harry replied softly, his eyes showing the sadness he was feeling.

"Harry, I was intending on giving you the key once you were an adult wizard. There are a few pieces of furniture and I know you wouldn't be able to take any of these things to the Dursleys, but now that you are aware of these items I recommend you don't remove any of the larger items until you graduate." "Yes Sir, can I go today?" Harry was answered with a smile and a nod. With that Albus threw some powder into his fire "Severus Snape" With that the potions master came walking out of the fireplace. "Yes Albus?"

"Harry needs to go to Diagon alley to get his supplies for school. I would like you to accompany him."

Snape looked like he was fighting with himself, trying to keep from showing his displeasure. After a few seconds he finally answered. "Of course Albus." He then shot Harry a nasty glare. "Be ready in ten minutes Potter. Meet me back here. We will use the headmaster's floo, as it is the most secure."

With that Harry excused himself and went to his room. ~Slithering snakes~ He entered, went to his trunk to get his supplies list and the key to his vault. He hurried back to the headmaster's office where Snape was already waiting.

"I will go through first Potter. Make sure you don't miss the correct grate." With that he stepped into the floo and stated "Diagon alley" Harry quickly followed in the same manner.

Harry righted himself after unceremoniously sliding out of the fireplace and dusted himself off. "Now Potter, I will need to accompany you the entire time we are here. Do not run off. If you give me any problems I'm taking you right back to Hogwarts." "Yes Professor" With that Harry entered Diagon alley and set off first for Gringotts, Snape walking along side.

The ride down to the vault in the cart proved that Snape didn't like them much, when the cart stopped it looked like he to a swig of a calming potion. The goblin opened the vault and stepped aside for Harry to enter.

The vault now had all of the gold moved to the front left corner and the rest of the vault was filled with furniture, paintings, and other various items. Harry walked in and started looking over the items. There was a dresser in a dark cherry color that was beautiful until he saw the scorch marks on the side that it must have gotten in the blast. Next was a box that was filled with magical cookbooks. Harry knew his eyes were filling up with tears as he fingered through the different items. He then moved onto the pile of paintings, various wizards and witches that must be members of the Potter family. The last painting was of Harry's parents holding him. They were smiling and waving, unaware of the burnt edges of their painting. A now steady stream of tears was falling down his cheeks, but he was too interested in what else might be here to stop. The fact that Snape was right outside the vault couldn't even stop him from taking his time, trying to memorize everything in the vault. Behind the paintings was something that caused Harry to fully collapse and he knew that Snape must be able to hear his sobbing, but it was beyond his control now. Harry had found what he assumed was his fathers broom. A Nimbus 1900, it was in great condition although it needed to be polished. Harry just clutched it to himself and sat on the ground sobbing.

Professor Snape, even though most would say that he has no emotions, couldn't help but feel a part of his heart break at the sobs coming from inside the vault. Luckily the headmaster had prepared him for this. He knew it was Potters first time seeing all of these things. After about ten minutes of constant sobbing the potions master decided that he had to do something to calm Harry down or they might be in the vault all day.

He carefully walked into the vault and kneeled down next to Harry and, in the most unemotional voice he could muster, tried to calm Harry. "Potter, have a sip of this potion, it's a calming potion. It will help." Harry nodded and grabbed the flask from his professor and took a sip, instantly his head cleared, feeling calmer and more rational. "Potter, I know you would like to stay here longer, but we must move on. Pick a few small things to bring back with you to school." Harry nodded again and slowly stood up leaning the broom back against the wall and looked around for some small items to bring back to Hogwarts. Harry came upon another box of books, but these didn't have titles. The only markings on them were a L.E. or L.P. on the back. He flipped one open and immediately gasped. These were his mother's diaries. There appeared to be several years worth. This would be the perfect thing to take back to school.

Harry filled his money sack with more gold galleons and picked up the few diaries that were there. He also grabbed a necklace he found in a jewelry box. It was a heavy gold chain with a golden phoenix on it. Harry figured it was his dads. It was definitely for a man so Harry clasped it around his neck and left the vault.

"I'm sorry it took me so long Professor. I'll make the rest of my stops rather quick." With that the vault was closed for another year. Harry and Professor Snape made their way back up to the street and headed next for the bookstore. Harry picked out his schoolbooks and grabbed a couple of extras. One was an advanced DADA book complete with magical diagrams showing different blocking techniques. The other book was a self-help book for potions. He knew he was lucky to have passed his potions OWL, but if he wanted to be an auror he would need a better grasp of the basics. 'Maybe Snape will really give me a remedial potions class this year' He mused.

Next was the apothecary. Harry was surprised when Snape showed him how to correctly pick out his ingredients. The Professor also suggested that Harry get a new cauldron. The potions master also picked out a few items for himself. Harry didn't want to know what any of them were.

The next couple of stops were to get new clothing. The-Boy-Who-Wears-Rags decided to purchase many new clothing items, not just robes. Once they were done shopping, a happy Harry and a relieved Professor Snape flooed back to Hogwarts.

"Professor Snape?" "yes Potter." "Thank you for going with me today..." Harry looked apprehensive about finishing his sentence. "...and thank you for the calming potion. I ..." The potions master almost let his mask fall but interrupted "your welcome Mr. Potter. See you at Dinner." "Good Bye Sir" Harry replied.

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