Disclaimer: Do I look like Ms. Rowling? No? Thought so. Original
characters are mine.
Author's note: I've littered this chapter with quotes from Philosopher's Stone. If you can point them out to me, the next chapter is dedicated to you.
After re-reading the earlier chapters, I realised I went and repeated myself on some things. Just ignore the repetition... *ears turn red in embarrassment*
Reviews: Ack! I forgot to put this in the last chapter! Sorry! Jenn and HAZZAGRIFF, thanks for reviewing. *hits self over head*
Chapter Four
The day before Harry's eleventh birthday, Chris returned to Earth and marched into the Leaky Cauldron. For a famous place, it was very dark and shabby. A few old women were sitting in a corner, drinking tiny glasses of sherry. One of them was smoking a long pipe. A little man in a top hat was talking to the old barman who was bald and looked like a gummy walnut.
Tom, the barman, looked up from his conversation to see a fairly short woman wearing a time-guardian uniform, march into his establishment and over to his counter.
"Excuse me? I was wondering if you could let me through to Diagon Alley? I haven't a wand of my own."
"Of course, miss. But if you're a time-guardian, why not go straight in instead of coming through here?"
"Because people would have a fit if I appeared out of thin air without Apparating."
Tom nodded. "Just a moment." He called to one of his employees to take over for a moment, after which he stepped out from behind the bar and led the time-guardian through the bar and out into a small, walled courtyard, where there was nothing but a dustbin and a few weeds.
He walked over to the opposite wall, and quickly tapped a specific brick with his wand. A small hole appeared, growing wider until an arch stood in place of the wall.
"May I have your name?" he asked.
"My name's Christina Atola, go ahead and call me Chris. Thanks for your help, Tom." She marched through the archway and into Diagon Alley. The arch closed behind her, and she set off in the direction of Gringotts.
She passed a wide range of shops, and as she passed, she watched a crowd of children standing outside Quality Quidditch Supplies, moaning over the newest model and wishing they had one.
Once inside the bank, Chris walked over to a free goblin and said,
"Good morning. I'd like to exchange these," she held out one of the coins the queen had given her, "for wizarding currency."
"Ah, Mobiums. We don't get these often. How did you acquire them?"
Chris raised an eyebrow. "Doesn't my uniform tell you?" At the goblin's questioning look, she explained, "I'm the current time-guardian."
"Oh, miss Atola?"
"Yes, that's me."
"Well, these Mobiums amount to... with a conversion of ten Galleons to a Mobium... one thousand Galleons." He handed Chris the money.
"Thanks. By the way, could I deposit most of this in Harry Potter's vault?"
"Why? Do you have the key?"
"No, I don't have it. I'm the one who took Harry away from Godric's Hollow when his parents died. It was either that, or let him be left with his so-called relatives. Anyway, I've practically adopted him as my nephew."
"Well, perhaps I can find a way to put it in myself."
"Thanks." Chris picked out twenty Galleons, and gave the rest to the goblin. "By the way, is it alright if I ask your name?"
"My name is Griphook." Chris nodded and said goodbye, then turned and walkd out into the bright sunshine. 'My kingdom for cap,' she thought. She headed straight for Eeylops Owl Emporium, which was dark and full of rustling and flickering, jewel-bright eyes.
Chris looked around, then as she spotted two beautiful snowy owls, she went over for a closer look. The smaller owl, which Chris knew was male, had an upside-down black triangle on his chest. The other... As soon as she got a good look, Chris's mind screamed 'Hedwig!'
The manager of the shop, seeing Chris and her uniform, came over to get a closer look.
"Oh my, this is an honour! A time-guardian in my shop!"
Chris smiled, although inside she hated the fame of a time-guardian in the wizarding world, and said, "Hello, how much do these two cost?"
"Y...You want them?"
"Yes, why?"
"No-one ever wanted either of them. Said they'd stick out like sore thumbs."
"Oh, poor dears. Well, the colour doesn't matter to me: I live in Finland. There are a few snowy owls even in southern Finland, though not as many as in Lapland. Anyway, one of them is going to be a present for my nephew. How much?"
"Considering how long they've been here, and your identity... five Galleons each."
Chris brought the moneybag out and counted ten of the golden coins. The manager took the coins and hande Chris the cages. As she was about to leave, the manager gave a shout for Chris to stop, and put a box of owl treats on top of one of the cages.
"Oh, no, I couldn't..." Chris protested.
"I insist." He pressed the box into her hand. Chris sighed and nodded in grudging acceptance.
Once outside the shop, Chris decided the owls were too heavy to carry out of the alley. She had barely made that decision when she was already in her room in the palace.
Hedwig flapped her wings and hooted softly at the sight of the new room, which prompted Chris to open the cages. The unnamed owl jumped out of his cage and landed on the back of a chair. Chris walked over to the window and opened it, allowing the owl to fly out. She called out after him, "Please don't go too far," before turning to Hedwig.
"I don't know what my nephew, Harry, is going to call you tomorrow, but as far as I'm concerned, your name is Hedwig."
The aforementioned owl gave an inquisitive hoot.
"You're asking why I consider Harry Potter my nephew?"
An affirmative hoot.
"It's because he started calling me Auntie just after I brought him here. I don't know why he calls me that, but it doesn't bother me. You can go out if you like, just don't let Harry-kins see you before tomorrow." Hedwig hooted and flew out the window. 'Now, what the heck do I call my owl? Suggestions, Eltie?'
[Something descriptive?]
'Such as...?'
[Orion, the Hunter?]
'Good idea! Thanks Eltie!'
[You're welcome. Hadn't you better get the Hogwarts letter?]
'Yeah.'
She spoke aloud, "Guardian? Pick me up." Immediately, she was on Gateway. "Could you send me to Earth? Same dimension as before."
Monentarily, the portal opened, showing the Headmaster's office at Hogwarts. Chris walked through, landing on her feet in the office. Dumbledore wasn't there, so she sat down in the chair opposite the desk and waited.
After about ten minutes, Chris heard a faint sound, so soft she could barely hear it. LongTail took over just long enough to hear that someone was telling the stone gargoyle the password. Chris took back control and waited. Momentarily the office door opened and Dumbledore came in. When he saw her, Dumbledore said,
"Ah, miss Atola. What can I do for you?"
"I'm here for Harry's Hogwarts letter."
"Very well." Dumbledore moved to his desk and pulled an envelope from a drawer. "May I inquire about the address?" He asked.
"The dining room, the royal palace, Mobius."
"Very well." He filled in the details and handed the envelope and a key to Chris.
"Thanks. Is this the key to Harry's vault?"
"Yes, it is." Chris nodded, got up and turned to leave.
"Miss Atola." Chris turned around. "May I ask how Harry will be getting to Hogwarts?"
"By train of course! That's half the experience. Besides, he's supposed to make friends with certain people on the train." Chris smiled, then turned and exited the room. When she would normally have walked into the platform at the top of the staircase, she found herself back on Gateway.
"Guardian? Back to Mobius, please." Again, the portal opened and Chris walked through.
~*~
The next morning, Chris found Hedwig perched on the back of a chair near the open window, obviously waiting. "Morning, Hedwig." She got up and picked the Hogwarts letter up from her night-table, then moved over to Hedwig and tied the envelope to her foot. "Wait until I get dressed and go out, then wait five minutes and then fly into the dining room via the window. I'll be there by then. Okay?" Hedwig hooted.
Chris quickly got dressed, then started walking to the dining room. As she entered the room, she noticed Harry was just sitting down at the table.
"Morning, Harry-kins. Happy Birthday!" She smiled.
Harry smiled back. "Thanks, Auntie."
Chris moved to open the window, then sat down at the table and started filling her plate with breakfast. A few minutes later Hedwig soared through the open window, landing on the back of the chair next to Harry's.
Harry looked at the beautiful white owl beside him, then noticed the envelope tied to its leg. He looked at his aunt.
"Open it," she prompted. Harry turned back to the owl, then gently removed the envelope and opened it. He pulled two sheets of paper out. HE opened the forst sheet and started to read.
/ HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Dear Mr. Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1 September. ((Don't reckon there's any point in sending an owl if Chris has already effectively confirmed his attendance.))
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress /
On the second sheet, there was a list. / HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY
Uniform
First-year students will require:
1. Three sets of plain work robes (black)
2. One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
4. One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)
Plase note that all pupils' clothes should carry name tags
Set Books
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts amd Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble
Other Equipment
1 wand
1 cauldron
1 set glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales
Students may also bring an owl OR a cat OR a toad
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST-YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS /
When Harry looked up, Chris smiled and said, "The owl's yours." Her face became serious. "There's more that you need to be told." She then went on to explain, as she ate, about magic, everything to do with the wizarding world, and Voldemort, finishing both her breakfast and the explanation with, "Regardless of how other people behave, never call Voldemort by anything except his real name. A wise man once said, and I quote, "Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself". Unquote. Now then, why dn't we go shopping?"
"Where do we get all this?" Harry asked, brandishing the list.
"On Earth, in London. A place called Diagon Alley. Come on, let's let your mum know where we're going. By the way, what are you going to call your owl?"
Harry smiled. "Hedwig, after the patron saint of orphans."
Chris smiled as well. "Good name. Come on."
As it happened, they met up with Aleena just outside the dining room.
"Harry's Hogwarts letter must arrived," Chris told her. "I was just going to take him shopping."
"Alright," Aleena answered. "I'll see you later." She smiled at Harry, then walked into the dining room.
Chris led Harry along until the Guardian realised what Chris wanted. They were taken directly to Earth, and appeared just outside the Leaky Cauldron.
Once inside, Chris was relieved to note that they seemed to have come in at a quiet hour. There were only a few people in the pub, so Chris was able to get Tom's attention without causing too much of a ruckus.
He quietly asked whether was really standing in front of Harry Potter. Chris confirmed it, then asked him to let them through to Diagon Alley. Tom did so, and soon Harry and Chris were standing in Gringotts, waiting to talk to a goblin.
Eventually, it was their turn. Chris walked right up and said, "Morning. We've come to take some money out of Mr Harry Potter's safe."
"You have his key, miss?"
"Right here," Chris answered, pulling the key out of her pocket and holding it out to the goblin, who looked at it closely.
"That seems to be in order. I will have someone take you down to the vault. Griphook!"
Chris and Harry followed Griphook towards one of the doors leading off the hall. Giphook held the door open for them.
"Hello again, Griphook. Did you get away with putting the money in the vault?"
"Yes, I did. Into the cart, please." They climbed in and were off.
When they finally arrived and stopped next to a small door in the passage wall, Chris stumbled out, but quickly regained her footing. Harry hopped out of the cart a bit more gracefully.
Griphook unlocked the door, and all three went in. The vault was packed with three kind of coins. Gold, silver and bronze. Chris explained that the gold coins were Galleons, the silver ones were Sickles and the bronze ones were Knuts. "Seventeen Sickles to a Galleon and twenty-nine Knuts to a Sickle."
Chris piled some of the money into a bag, then straightened. "I reckon that ought to be enough for a year. Back upstairs now, please," she said to Griphook.
One wild cart-ride later they stood blinking in the sunlight outside Gringotts, Chris repeating her wish for a cap. "Let's get your uniform, Harry. Tell you what. You get the robes, I'll get the books and meet you in the shop. Alright?" Harry nodded and entered Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions.
Madam Malkin met Harry at the door and led him to the back of the shop where another boy was being fitted. She had him stand on a stool and slipped a long robe over his head, moving to pin it to the right length.
The other boy started gabbing on about something. Harry tuned him out after the first couple of words, realising that he was standing next to a snob. Finally his aunt came in, and moments later Madam Malkin told Harry that he was done. Harry hopped off the stool and walked over to his aunt, and waited as she paid for the robes and picked up the bag they'd been placed in. "Come on, Harry-kins, let's get everything else."
A quarter of an hour later, bags of equipment in hand, they entered Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC.
Ollivander was standing at the counter, and looked up as they entered. "Ah yes. Yes, yes. I thought I'd be seeing you soon. Harry Potter. You have your mother's eyes. It seems only yesterday she was here herself, buying her first wand. Ten and a quarter inches long, swishy, made of willow. Nice wand for charm work. Your father, on the other hand, favoured a mahogany wand. Eleven inches. Pliable. A little more power and excellent for transfiguration. Well, I say your father favoured it. It's really the wand that chooses the wizard, of course."
Ollivander continued talking for a bit, but Chris tuned it out, looking curiously around the shop. Eventually he got around to measuring Harry. Still Chris tuned him out, eventually watching as Harry tried wand after wand after wand. It took countless tries before Olivander said something and handed him another. This time, there was a reaction. A stream of red and gold sparks shot from the end like a firework. And Ollivander was talking again. Finally he stopped talking and Chris paid for the wand, handing the rest of the money to Harry.
She led Harry out, and back into the palace on Mobius.
And this turned out to be long as a famine year...
As before, please review!
Author's note: I've littered this chapter with quotes from Philosopher's Stone. If you can point them out to me, the next chapter is dedicated to you.
After re-reading the earlier chapters, I realised I went and repeated myself on some things. Just ignore the repetition... *ears turn red in embarrassment*
Reviews: Ack! I forgot to put this in the last chapter! Sorry! Jenn and HAZZAGRIFF, thanks for reviewing. *hits self over head*
Chapter Four
The day before Harry's eleventh birthday, Chris returned to Earth and marched into the Leaky Cauldron. For a famous place, it was very dark and shabby. A few old women were sitting in a corner, drinking tiny glasses of sherry. One of them was smoking a long pipe. A little man in a top hat was talking to the old barman who was bald and looked like a gummy walnut.
Tom, the barman, looked up from his conversation to see a fairly short woman wearing a time-guardian uniform, march into his establishment and over to his counter.
"Excuse me? I was wondering if you could let me through to Diagon Alley? I haven't a wand of my own."
"Of course, miss. But if you're a time-guardian, why not go straight in instead of coming through here?"
"Because people would have a fit if I appeared out of thin air without Apparating."
Tom nodded. "Just a moment." He called to one of his employees to take over for a moment, after which he stepped out from behind the bar and led the time-guardian through the bar and out into a small, walled courtyard, where there was nothing but a dustbin and a few weeds.
He walked over to the opposite wall, and quickly tapped a specific brick with his wand. A small hole appeared, growing wider until an arch stood in place of the wall.
"May I have your name?" he asked.
"My name's Christina Atola, go ahead and call me Chris. Thanks for your help, Tom." She marched through the archway and into Diagon Alley. The arch closed behind her, and she set off in the direction of Gringotts.
She passed a wide range of shops, and as she passed, she watched a crowd of children standing outside Quality Quidditch Supplies, moaning over the newest model and wishing they had one.
Once inside the bank, Chris walked over to a free goblin and said,
"Good morning. I'd like to exchange these," she held out one of the coins the queen had given her, "for wizarding currency."
"Ah, Mobiums. We don't get these often. How did you acquire them?"
Chris raised an eyebrow. "Doesn't my uniform tell you?" At the goblin's questioning look, she explained, "I'm the current time-guardian."
"Oh, miss Atola?"
"Yes, that's me."
"Well, these Mobiums amount to... with a conversion of ten Galleons to a Mobium... one thousand Galleons." He handed Chris the money.
"Thanks. By the way, could I deposit most of this in Harry Potter's vault?"
"Why? Do you have the key?"
"No, I don't have it. I'm the one who took Harry away from Godric's Hollow when his parents died. It was either that, or let him be left with his so-called relatives. Anyway, I've practically adopted him as my nephew."
"Well, perhaps I can find a way to put it in myself."
"Thanks." Chris picked out twenty Galleons, and gave the rest to the goblin. "By the way, is it alright if I ask your name?"
"My name is Griphook." Chris nodded and said goodbye, then turned and walkd out into the bright sunshine. 'My kingdom for cap,' she thought. She headed straight for Eeylops Owl Emporium, which was dark and full of rustling and flickering, jewel-bright eyes.
Chris looked around, then as she spotted two beautiful snowy owls, she went over for a closer look. The smaller owl, which Chris knew was male, had an upside-down black triangle on his chest. The other... As soon as she got a good look, Chris's mind screamed 'Hedwig!'
The manager of the shop, seeing Chris and her uniform, came over to get a closer look.
"Oh my, this is an honour! A time-guardian in my shop!"
Chris smiled, although inside she hated the fame of a time-guardian in the wizarding world, and said, "Hello, how much do these two cost?"
"Y...You want them?"
"Yes, why?"
"No-one ever wanted either of them. Said they'd stick out like sore thumbs."
"Oh, poor dears. Well, the colour doesn't matter to me: I live in Finland. There are a few snowy owls even in southern Finland, though not as many as in Lapland. Anyway, one of them is going to be a present for my nephew. How much?"
"Considering how long they've been here, and your identity... five Galleons each."
Chris brought the moneybag out and counted ten of the golden coins. The manager took the coins and hande Chris the cages. As she was about to leave, the manager gave a shout for Chris to stop, and put a box of owl treats on top of one of the cages.
"Oh, no, I couldn't..." Chris protested.
"I insist." He pressed the box into her hand. Chris sighed and nodded in grudging acceptance.
Once outside the shop, Chris decided the owls were too heavy to carry out of the alley. She had barely made that decision when she was already in her room in the palace.
Hedwig flapped her wings and hooted softly at the sight of the new room, which prompted Chris to open the cages. The unnamed owl jumped out of his cage and landed on the back of a chair. Chris walked over to the window and opened it, allowing the owl to fly out. She called out after him, "Please don't go too far," before turning to Hedwig.
"I don't know what my nephew, Harry, is going to call you tomorrow, but as far as I'm concerned, your name is Hedwig."
The aforementioned owl gave an inquisitive hoot.
"You're asking why I consider Harry Potter my nephew?"
An affirmative hoot.
"It's because he started calling me Auntie just after I brought him here. I don't know why he calls me that, but it doesn't bother me. You can go out if you like, just don't let Harry-kins see you before tomorrow." Hedwig hooted and flew out the window. 'Now, what the heck do I call my owl? Suggestions, Eltie?'
[Something descriptive?]
'Such as...?'
[Orion, the Hunter?]
'Good idea! Thanks Eltie!'
[You're welcome. Hadn't you better get the Hogwarts letter?]
'Yeah.'
She spoke aloud, "Guardian? Pick me up." Immediately, she was on Gateway. "Could you send me to Earth? Same dimension as before."
Monentarily, the portal opened, showing the Headmaster's office at Hogwarts. Chris walked through, landing on her feet in the office. Dumbledore wasn't there, so she sat down in the chair opposite the desk and waited.
After about ten minutes, Chris heard a faint sound, so soft she could barely hear it. LongTail took over just long enough to hear that someone was telling the stone gargoyle the password. Chris took back control and waited. Momentarily the office door opened and Dumbledore came in. When he saw her, Dumbledore said,
"Ah, miss Atola. What can I do for you?"
"I'm here for Harry's Hogwarts letter."
"Very well." Dumbledore moved to his desk and pulled an envelope from a drawer. "May I inquire about the address?" He asked.
"The dining room, the royal palace, Mobius."
"Very well." He filled in the details and handed the envelope and a key to Chris.
"Thanks. Is this the key to Harry's vault?"
"Yes, it is." Chris nodded, got up and turned to leave.
"Miss Atola." Chris turned around. "May I ask how Harry will be getting to Hogwarts?"
"By train of course! That's half the experience. Besides, he's supposed to make friends with certain people on the train." Chris smiled, then turned and exited the room. When she would normally have walked into the platform at the top of the staircase, she found herself back on Gateway.
"Guardian? Back to Mobius, please." Again, the portal opened and Chris walked through.
~*~
The next morning, Chris found Hedwig perched on the back of a chair near the open window, obviously waiting. "Morning, Hedwig." She got up and picked the Hogwarts letter up from her night-table, then moved over to Hedwig and tied the envelope to her foot. "Wait until I get dressed and go out, then wait five minutes and then fly into the dining room via the window. I'll be there by then. Okay?" Hedwig hooted.
Chris quickly got dressed, then started walking to the dining room. As she entered the room, she noticed Harry was just sitting down at the table.
"Morning, Harry-kins. Happy Birthday!" She smiled.
Harry smiled back. "Thanks, Auntie."
Chris moved to open the window, then sat down at the table and started filling her plate with breakfast. A few minutes later Hedwig soared through the open window, landing on the back of the chair next to Harry's.
Harry looked at the beautiful white owl beside him, then noticed the envelope tied to its leg. He looked at his aunt.
"Open it," she prompted. Harry turned back to the owl, then gently removed the envelope and opened it. He pulled two sheets of paper out. HE opened the forst sheet and started to read.
/ HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Dear Mr. Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1 September. ((Don't reckon there's any point in sending an owl if Chris has already effectively confirmed his attendance.))
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress /
On the second sheet, there was a list. / HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY
Uniform
First-year students will require:
1. Three sets of plain work robes (black)
2. One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
4. One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)
Plase note that all pupils' clothes should carry name tags
Set Books
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts amd Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble
Other Equipment
1 wand
1 cauldron
1 set glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales
Students may also bring an owl OR a cat OR a toad
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST-YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS /
When Harry looked up, Chris smiled and said, "The owl's yours." Her face became serious. "There's more that you need to be told." She then went on to explain, as she ate, about magic, everything to do with the wizarding world, and Voldemort, finishing both her breakfast and the explanation with, "Regardless of how other people behave, never call Voldemort by anything except his real name. A wise man once said, and I quote, "Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself". Unquote. Now then, why dn't we go shopping?"
"Where do we get all this?" Harry asked, brandishing the list.
"On Earth, in London. A place called Diagon Alley. Come on, let's let your mum know where we're going. By the way, what are you going to call your owl?"
Harry smiled. "Hedwig, after the patron saint of orphans."
Chris smiled as well. "Good name. Come on."
As it happened, they met up with Aleena just outside the dining room.
"Harry's Hogwarts letter must arrived," Chris told her. "I was just going to take him shopping."
"Alright," Aleena answered. "I'll see you later." She smiled at Harry, then walked into the dining room.
Chris led Harry along until the Guardian realised what Chris wanted. They were taken directly to Earth, and appeared just outside the Leaky Cauldron.
Once inside, Chris was relieved to note that they seemed to have come in at a quiet hour. There were only a few people in the pub, so Chris was able to get Tom's attention without causing too much of a ruckus.
He quietly asked whether was really standing in front of Harry Potter. Chris confirmed it, then asked him to let them through to Diagon Alley. Tom did so, and soon Harry and Chris were standing in Gringotts, waiting to talk to a goblin.
Eventually, it was their turn. Chris walked right up and said, "Morning. We've come to take some money out of Mr Harry Potter's safe."
"You have his key, miss?"
"Right here," Chris answered, pulling the key out of her pocket and holding it out to the goblin, who looked at it closely.
"That seems to be in order. I will have someone take you down to the vault. Griphook!"
Chris and Harry followed Griphook towards one of the doors leading off the hall. Giphook held the door open for them.
"Hello again, Griphook. Did you get away with putting the money in the vault?"
"Yes, I did. Into the cart, please." They climbed in and were off.
When they finally arrived and stopped next to a small door in the passage wall, Chris stumbled out, but quickly regained her footing. Harry hopped out of the cart a bit more gracefully.
Griphook unlocked the door, and all three went in. The vault was packed with three kind of coins. Gold, silver and bronze. Chris explained that the gold coins were Galleons, the silver ones were Sickles and the bronze ones were Knuts. "Seventeen Sickles to a Galleon and twenty-nine Knuts to a Sickle."
Chris piled some of the money into a bag, then straightened. "I reckon that ought to be enough for a year. Back upstairs now, please," she said to Griphook.
One wild cart-ride later they stood blinking in the sunlight outside Gringotts, Chris repeating her wish for a cap. "Let's get your uniform, Harry. Tell you what. You get the robes, I'll get the books and meet you in the shop. Alright?" Harry nodded and entered Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions.
Madam Malkin met Harry at the door and led him to the back of the shop where another boy was being fitted. She had him stand on a stool and slipped a long robe over his head, moving to pin it to the right length.
The other boy started gabbing on about something. Harry tuned him out after the first couple of words, realising that he was standing next to a snob. Finally his aunt came in, and moments later Madam Malkin told Harry that he was done. Harry hopped off the stool and walked over to his aunt, and waited as she paid for the robes and picked up the bag they'd been placed in. "Come on, Harry-kins, let's get everything else."
A quarter of an hour later, bags of equipment in hand, they entered Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC.
Ollivander was standing at the counter, and looked up as they entered. "Ah yes. Yes, yes. I thought I'd be seeing you soon. Harry Potter. You have your mother's eyes. It seems only yesterday she was here herself, buying her first wand. Ten and a quarter inches long, swishy, made of willow. Nice wand for charm work. Your father, on the other hand, favoured a mahogany wand. Eleven inches. Pliable. A little more power and excellent for transfiguration. Well, I say your father favoured it. It's really the wand that chooses the wizard, of course."
Ollivander continued talking for a bit, but Chris tuned it out, looking curiously around the shop. Eventually he got around to measuring Harry. Still Chris tuned him out, eventually watching as Harry tried wand after wand after wand. It took countless tries before Olivander said something and handed him another. This time, there was a reaction. A stream of red and gold sparks shot from the end like a firework. And Ollivander was talking again. Finally he stopped talking and Chris paid for the wand, handing the rest of the money to Harry.
She led Harry out, and back into the palace on Mobius.
And this turned out to be long as a famine year...
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