Harry Potter and the new life Chapter four – Harry's sneaky, sneaky round Lupin.
It was six am and Harry woke up thankful for been so organised he had slept later then he anticipated but still it wouldn't matter much. He quickly got up and silently had a wash before getting dressed and pulling the baseball cap on the top of his head. It covered the fact that Harry thought his hair was getting a bit long and untidy but didn't look out of place, also the front of the hat conveniently made it difficult for anyone to see his scare so he could possibly even blend in with wizards. Harry surveyed his room, everything thing he owned was in his case even the stuff under the floor boards and his case was well securely locked.
Harry left his room and carefully climbed down stairs so no one already up would be able to here him. Looking at the clock Harry saw that he still had time to eat something and perhaps but a few sandwiches in his bag. Harry quickly ate some breakfast and was just finishing making and couple of sandwiches for the train when his aunt came in surprised to see Harry already up.
"What are you doing boy sneaking around the house in the morning?" She eyed him suspiciously. But Harry figured it would do no harm to tell her the truth this time.
"I'm going to London for a few days today and I was just making some thing to eat on the train." Harry moved to one side to show his aunt the small pile he was just rapping up and shoving into his bag.
"Very well. You best be gone by the time Dudley comes down to eat." That's it defend Dudley at every possible moment.
"Don't worry I will be gone by the time he comes wobbling down. I wouldn't get to joyful I will be coming back this time but I'm not going with any abnormal folk just me but I daresay that is odd enough for you." Harry carefully placed the sandwiches in his bag and zipped it up but his aunt Petunia was far too nosy even when the subject was Harry.
"What are you going to be doing in London?" She asked pretending to actually care about him for a moment to get information. Like when he was young an Harry didn't know about wizards.
"I'm going to go clothes shopping and I 'm going to the bank." Harry sat down and started to do his shoes up by the back door. But she wanted to know more so followed him to the doorway. Particularly when a bank was involved.
"How can you afford to go all the way to London for a few days and by clothes? Have you been stealing?" Harry turned and looked at her smiling because she really did have no idea about his parents. But should he tell her or should he keep it a secret, that was his question.
"In London my parents left me some inheritance to get me through school so I'm going to use some of that money." It was true Harry just conveniently forgot to mention how much they had left him but to be honest Harry wasn't entirely sure, just that it was a fare bit. But his aunt was the nosiest muggle alive and at the mention of her sister having money she smelt something good.
"How much exactly have they left you to get you through school?" She had seen some of the things Harry had brought for school when they used to lock it up and Harry was sure she would have a nosy at it when she got the chance even if she would never admit it.
"Don't you remember the rules Aunt Petunia? After all it was you who set them up, no questions about my parents under any circumstances." Harry stopped and looked at her face as she was realising what this meant and she was furious that she had missed out on nosing into her own sisters finances. Something I'm sure she always wanted to know, just how rich was this Potter man that married her sister.
"Well some rules can be bent Harry, so roughly how much is it?" She was really trying hard to get this info and Harry knew she would stop at nothing to find it out so he gave her a little hint after he had unlocked the door.
"If you had any idea about how much I have inherited then you would never have complained about taking me in fifteen years ago!" And with that Harry quickly left the house with smug satisfaction that what Harry had just said would drive her mad but she would never be able to tell his uncle because it was her who had asked about her sister.
This thought kept Harry grinning to himself all the way to the station until he realised he was been followed and quickly doubled back to loose them on the platform. Harry was unable to see who it was that had followed him as they were much better at blending in than Harry had ever anticipated. He was feeling nervous about going to London by himself now but he couldn't stop now he had just said that to his aunt just because he thought someone was tailing him.
Harry stood next to the drinks machine so at least from two angles' he couldn't be seen but he had a fairly good view of the platform. Harry thought of something else he should put on his list under mental self improvement and that was to learn to blend into the crowd better. He couldn't get his list out now because he would stick out to much but perhaps he could quickly scribble it down at some point on the train.
Fifteen minuets later the train arrived and Harry got into one of the end compartments and sat him self on a double seat. Carefully he thought it wouldn't make himself to obvious to passers by and he could see if anyone was coming his direction, the second thing he notice once the train had stared was that he could see around the corner if he looked into the reflection of the opposite window. Very clever Harry thought to himself if only he new what he was looking out for it would be much easier, but then to most the people around he was just a normal teenager who was travelling on a train somewhere in the school holidays.
The journey down to London was pretty uneventful; Harry read the book he had brought occasionally stopping to look out of the window, he ate the sandwiches he had brought about half way through the trip and even managed to scribble down his note about blending into the crowd when the coast was clear.
Finally Harry arrived in Kings Cross station and got off the train with all the other passengers he blended in best he could and passed the barrier between platforms nine and ten which concealed the platform that would take him to school in September. Picking up a street map as he left the station he started heading for the many bed and breakfast's he had read about in the leaflet advertising trips to London. There were many on one street that wasn't to far from the station, Harry decided to go along and see about getting a room for two nights and see what came up.
The first house only had a room for four left and Harry really didn't want to waste his money when there was just one of him. The second house he tried was a very nice middle aged woman who reminded him a lot of Mrs Weasley in the way she tried to mother people but she didn't have any rooms left so Harry was glad he wouldn't have to feel bad about turning her down.
The third house he tried however was a bit shabby looking on the outside but it did have a single room which Harry wanted and wasn't really dirty just a bit old so he took it. The gentleman lead Harry upstairs to the very top of the house and showed him his room which was in the attic, it was a bit cramped but really how much space did Harry think he needed. There was a single bed in one corner and a little table in the other with a chair and built into the wall was a simple sink with a clean towel on the side and a mirror in front of it. After telling Harry that breakfast was included in the price and would be served at eight o'clock in the morning he was left to his room and the gentleman returned down stairs. Feeling slightly mucky from the city Harry washed his hands and face then sat at the table and pulled out his list ticking off the train and find a place to stay and the filling in how much it would cost Harry decided to head to the bank. After looking in his wallet for a moment at how much money he had and the picture of his family Harry picked up his bag and locking the room behind him headed down stairs and out into the street.
Not exactly shore how to get to the Leaky Cauldron as it wasn't likely to be on a muggle map, Harry traced his whereabouts to Kings cross satiation and found that it wasn't too far, setting off Harry reached the Leaky Cauldron quiet quickly but was wondering weather or not anyone would notice him as he had to go through the main pub to get to Diagon Ally.
"Well I best get it over with." He mumbled to himself and pulling his hat further over his head Harry walked into the pub glad there were very few people in there so he could quickly get through into the back ally with hopefully nobody knowing he had been there.
Very soon after Harry was waiting in line to be served by one of the cruel looking goblins that ran the wizarding bank, finally he was served and felt a bit uncomfortable talking to such a hard nosed creature but Harry held his head high and his confidence as well. He was his own person now and wasn't going to feel small and intimidated by something that came up to his navel.
"I wish to make a withdrawal." Harry said firmly looking the goblin in the eye.
"Name please." The goblin replied sternly.
"Harry Potter." The goblin looked at Harry closely eyeing him to see if he was who he said he was but he replied.
"Which volt in the name of Harry Potter do you wish to make a withdrawal from?" Harry pulled the key from inside his pocket and put it on the counter.
"This one."
"Very well." As the goblin studied the key Harry wondered why he had asked which volt when Harry thought he only had one. So wondering weather he had more than one stash of unnecessary money he then asked.
"How many volts are there in my name?"
"I do not have that information with me here but it can be brought to you after you have made your withdrawal." Was the reply and then the goblin pointed to another goblin on the right of him and Harry was led into the mines to the only volt he new he had which he thought was more than enough money for any body to have. Having counted out exactly the amount of money he wanted Harry returned to the surface of the bank keeping his money close and safe to him all the time. The goblin then led him to a side room which was small with a few comfortable chairs and a jug of water on the table in the centre with two cups.
"If you are thirsty have a drink while you wait for your information." The goblin then left the room probably going to get the other goblin Harry had spoken to with earlier. Thinking it would be okay to have a drink Harry poured himself a glass of water and after smelling it, he took a tiny sip, it was very refreshing so Harry finished the glass and put it back on the table.
Looking around, the room wasn't exactly welcoming but then these were goblin's Harry was dealing with. The walls were cut out of thick, rough, red, rock and there were brackets on the walls holding lanterns that looked as if they had never been lit since the first time because they didn't seem to have anything to burn like a candle or anything. The table was a large hard wooden thing and had matching gothic looking chairs and each had the shape of an elaborated x on the back. Harry didn't have long to wait before the first goblin he met returned carrying a pile of parchment and what seemed to be a letter on top. Placing the parchment on the table the goblin sat on the opposite chair which surprisingly made him at eye level to Harry.
"With such short notice we were only able to retrieve the latest documents connected to your request." This made sense to Harry in some strange way everything must be done on paper and with the amount of volts they had the piles of paper must be enormous.
"Fine, so how many volts are there in my name?" Harry asked trying not to be intimidated by the goblin unsuccessfully.
"We do not have sufficient information at this moment as the transaction has not yet been completed."
"Oh." This wasn't very helpful because he didn't no of any transaction.
"This letter will explain the details of the transaction in place." The goblin passed Harry the letter from the top of the pile and Harry thought he recognised the handwriting of the address. Taking the letter he started to read.
I Sirius Black hereby state that all accounts in the Black name which have been passed on to me will be given to Mr Harry James Potter upon my death. This includes all possessions, employees as Mr Harry James Potter has been selected as the next true black in line for the Black inheritance. Signed Sirius Black on 1st September 2003.
Harry reread the letter more than once to let this information sink in feeling that the goblin may be impatient Harry looked up. But he wasn't bothered by the fact that Harry had carefully read the letter more than once this seamed normal to him or that time wasn't important to him. Harry folded the letter up and passed it to the goblin who gave him another piece of paper that was obviously much older but he did not recognise the handwriting.
"This is also information regarding volts that are already under your name." Harry started to read what looked like it must be standard written form of the goblin's because every letter was exactly the same possible so there writing could never be forged.
Under the death act 12 all volts, possessions and employees become the ownership of the next in family line unless previously stated by the owner before 100 working goblin days of death. The next in line is the widowed Husband or wife of the dead owner, unless previously stated. If the widowed husband or wife dies within 100 days the next in line is the eldest child of the dead owner. If there is no child of the dead owner or no one previously stated to inherit the state then a court hearing will decided the next closest living relative.
There was then a list of names and tittles of the people that that had voted for this law. Skipping this bit Harry read on.
I James Potter hereby state that upon my death all volts, possessions and employees currently in my ownership will be passed on to my wife Lilly Potter. If my wife has died within 100 working goblin days our son Harry James Potter will receive ownership of all volts, possessions and employees currently owned by the Potter name. Mr Sirius Black is the entrusted keeper of these volts until Harry James Potter reaches his eleventh year. Signed James Potter and Lilly Potter on 2nd August 1987.
So Harry thought his father had written what seems to be a will but why has this never been mentioned before. Harry looked at the difference between his dad's spindly signature and his mum's elegant handwriting. How come they ever got together but that would have to stay a big mystery as he had to think about more necessary matters at hand. Harry wondered if seen as this had come into place fifteen years ago that the goblins must have finished transferring the volt names across so he passed this second piece of paper across and asked.
"Can you tell me how many volts were passed into my name when my father died?" It was clear enough Harry thought that was the best way to deal with these goblins.
"We can only give you a rough idea of how many volts are in your name from after your fathers as we were unable to retrieve all the information on such short notice." He did seem a bit soulless but what did Harry expect this was a business transaction he was in.
"That will be enough for now but I would like to know exactly what I now own eventually." The goblin handed a third piece of parchment for Harry to read.
"Your request can be arranged but here is the information we have already been able to retrieve." Harry started to look at the parchment; it was a long list of vault numbers dates of opening and last date of withdrawal from them. Harry read through them not as carefully as he could have done but he was looking at the dates, most of them were last touched by his father or opened about twenty or so years ago but some had been opened well before his father or even his grandfather had been born and some hadn't been touched since the eighteen hundreds. This was enough information for Harry for now about how many vaults there were once in his father's name. It was just a long list of numbers really so he handed it back.
"Do you wish for anything else?" The goblin asked formally meaning about his money nothing else.
"Err. Yes when can you give me more detail's about my vaults?" Harry felt odd calling them 'my vaults' which he supposed he shouldn't because they were his and some of them had been for a long time.
"A goblin owl will be sent to you by the end of the month of August giving details of everything in your name and details of your personal goblin vaults accountant who will see to all your needs about the vaults you have claimed here at Gringotts."
"Thank-you." Harry answered not quiet what to say but thinking of anything else he needed to know.
"Is there anything else you need?" Harry nearly forgot why he came in today what with all this information he had been given so quickly.
"Yes, I want to change some wizarding gold into muggle money." He looked at the goblin that picked up his papers and got off his oddly high chair and stood by the door.
"Please follow me." And he led Harry to the front of the queue and explained to the goblin behind the counter what Harry wanted. Whilst the goblin changed his gallons into muggle pound notes Harry herd a few annoyed moans of having to wait so long and someone had been moved in front of them but luckily for Harry they hadn't seen who it was.
Harry collected his money and firmly walked out of the bank passing Draco Malfoy and his mother on their way in. Harry turned his head so the Malfoy's didn't recognise him but herd quiet noises of filthy muggle blood. Harry was glad they hadn't noticed him and looked at the clock on the front of the bank wondering what time it was.
Four o'clock in the afternoon, Harry hadn't realised it had taken that long with the goblins so quickly walked down the street back to the Leaky Cauldron. Harry was just walking through the pub trying not to get noticed as who he was but it didn't work.
"Harry is that you? What are you doing here?" It was Lupin. Harry couldn't ignore him so turned around and came and sat next to him at the table. Tom the barman came over.
"So what would you like to drink Harry?" Lupin asked friendly.
"Err, Butterbeer would be nice." Harry found himself replying. He hadn't thought that anyone would stop him and by him a drink. Tom quickly returned with a bottle and poured the drink into a glass and after Lupin had paid him he left to clean some glasses behind the bar. Harry felt bad not paying for himself but he didn't want to be rude so accepted the drink and sat politely drinking it.
"So what are you doing here Harry?" Harry didn't no what to say he didn't want to say he had been to the bank and found out he had more money than he new what to do with and that he never really told anyone that he had come to London by himself and had lied to Ron about what it was like at the Dursley's.
"Err, I came to do some shopping and I've just been to the bank. What are you doing here anyway?" But Lupin didn't answer straight away Harry got the feeling that Lupin didn't want to answer Harry, but he suddenly twigged or thought he had a very good idea why Lupin was there but Harry was going to be slightly cruel and let him squirm his way out of saying it before letting on.
"Same sort of thing really I came to by some stuff for my monthly potion you know." He was talking about his potion to stop him been wolfy when he turned into a werewolf every month. Clever cover but not good enough an answer for Harry to let him completely off.
"What have you been up to since I last law you?" Harry asked in a casual way trying very hard not to picture Sirius falling through that archway and trying even harder not to let it show to anyone looking at him or trying to get in his head. Finally Lupin thought of an answer after much pretending to be thirsty and drinking from his glass deeply several.
"Err well Dumbledore has had me doing some jobs for him and I had a bit of a break in the basement on my own for a few days."
"So that's why you needed some more ingredients. Have you been to see Mrs Figg recently for Dumbledore?" Harry sat smugly to himself while Lupin obviously tried to pretend that he hadn't been anywhere near Mrs Figg's house but Harry recognised that he had been the man watching out of the window now. Lupin conveniently changed the subject to Harry's OWL results and Harry let him talk for nearly a whole hour about future careers which Harry actually found it really interesting but eventually there was a break in the conversation and he simply came out with it.
"I know you and the others have been tailing me where ever I go all summer and I really don't appreciate you going behind my back like that. Again!" Lupin was stumped and sat in a stunned silence to Harry's cool, calm, level headed statement. Harry feeling slightly over the top with rudeness added. "Not that I'm not grateful for everyone taking an interest in looking after me but you do understand that I wish it wasn't done behind my back, after . . ." Harry quickly stopped but Lupin Didn't notice Harry didn't want the subject to get to Sirius, it was painful enough for him to just think about it. Harry sat for a bit longer in silence with Lupin until eventually Tom the barman came over and Harry brought them both another drink and after Lupin had drunk it for a bit he finally began to speak again.
"How do you know about it I've been using Moody's invisibility cloak?" Harry smiled at himself. But explained himself.
"Believe it or not that's your fault. When I use my father's cloak I notice certain things, very minor points that you would never normally pick up. I can't really explain it, at first I thought it was just because I was wearing my fathers cloak but then I found out about Moody having more than one cloak that was just the same as mine. I had never really thought of there been any other cloaks after I got dad's and Ron told me what it was and that they were really rare." Harry hadn't exactly answered he didn't want to say a saw you in a mirror on the train it didn't sound too cleaver and after all wolfy had tried really hard.
"They are Harry, Moody has collected them over a long Aura career from various places." His gaze had flicked as Harry had mentioned his farther and not said dad, Harry had said it this deliberately because it was easier for him to here than my dad like Sirius was better than my godfather.
"Well I started to notice the same things whilst I was wondering around Little Surrey and guessing that Dumbledore was keeping tabs on me especially after last year like he has done every year. Someone must be following me and then there was the convenience of you been here exactly at the same time I was and that little annoying fact that I saw you upstairs in Mrs Fig's house on more than one occasion watching me pass by. You seem to forget that eyes are just like cameras, if you can see the camera then it can see you." Harry sat in silence for a little longer while Lupin pondered on the brilliant observations that Harry had made and Harry hoped he knew what a camera was otherwise the joke would be lost .
"You make them very proud noticing all those things so easily. And even prouder for not loosing your temper because we had to go behind your back again." It was Harry's turn to sit in stunned silence for a moment because he was expecting the mention of his parents but Lupin also meant Sirius was proud of Harry's clever deduction skills. He suppressed himself and was much better at replying after a pause than Lupin who had clearly been wondering weather to own up to tailing Harry.
"I know they would be proud of me at times, but it doesn't make any difference what I do sometimes because they're never coming back are they!" He hadn't shouted this instead he had gone very quiet and his fist was clenched under the table. Harry wanted to go now he wanted to go back to been a muggle where he could cover up his feelings and keep them bottled inside of him.
"No they can't come back Harry but you can still make them proud by what you do, you don't think they would ever stop watching over you do you?" He was obviously following orders to try and get Harry to talk if the occasion arrives about Sirius because Harry hadn't spoken to anyone about him since his death in a get-it-off-your-chest way.
"No I've never thought that, but I don't like been followed by people it makes me nervous!" Harry looked Lupin in the eye as half way through the sentence they seemed to glaze back over and everything was bottled up inside where Harry felt it should be, not out on a table for the whole world to look at and dissect the sanity of his brain.
"You know full well Harry I'm just following orders sent by Dumbledore." It was true but Harry felt a bit of Mrs Weasley in his orders.
"Yes I know he sent you to follow me but it was Mrs Weasley who told you to try and talk to me about them. As I know Dumbledore well enough that although he does obviously care about me that just isn't the way he thinks because he aint a mother like Mrs Weasley." Lupin laughed and Harry wished he wouldn't it was warm and welcoming but clearly not like Sirius's if that was the space he was trying to fill. Harry had hit a bull's eye again with out shooting any missed arrows.
"Well because of you it seems we will have to be much more careful in future, you are getting good at judging people's minds. Yes it was Mrs Weasley who ordered me to try and get you to talk a bit. She can be quiet frightening sometimes." He thought he had got Harry comfortable and calmer but it just made Harry feel resentful against him.
"Try been one of the sons!" Harry added as they both laughed at the thought of her yelling at them but it didn't make Harry happy laughing because it was an empty noise coming from his voice not even malicious like Voldermort.
"Yeah I can see that it would be quiet hard to live with her, but she does it for the best and loves all of them a lot which is mainly why she comes across as a little over baring sometimes."
"A little over bearing! But I am grateful for her been the way she is." Harry was quiet for a moment thinking about how much he wished he had his own mother to mother him and how much he hated borrowing Ron's mum as it just isn't the same. But Harry didn't like the way this conversation was going and weather he was rude or not Harry wanted to go and be by himself again.
"How have you been coping with the dreams recently?" He thought he had spent enough time with Harry to be able to ask him about his nightmares but Harry wasn't going to tell him anything now and was sure he wanted to leave and quickly. Harry sat quietly thinking of how best to get out of the pub and away from Lupin, Harry stood up and picked his bag up putting it on his shoulder and Lupin followed him standing up looking puzzled.
"What is it Harry?" Thinking perhaps Harry had had another vision again or something but this annoyed Harry he wanted to be left alone to have a chance to do things for him self for once.
"Nothing much it's just that I was supposed to be somewhere. Yes that's it I was supposed to be somewhere. And then I, have to, go back to my aunt and uncle's because I'm supposed to be helping my cousin with his boxing." Harry thought this would be good enough to let him go but Lupin wasn't going to let him off that easily.
"What are you late for Harry?" He asked moving slowing into the way so Harry would find it hard to pass him. Harry wanted to get out at all costs now so looked at the floor to his right away from the door. It worked Lupin moved around to see Harry's face and as he attempted to put an arm on Harry's shoulder thinking it would be what Sirius would do for Harry. It was what Sirius would try to do but Lupin wasn't Sirius and this did make Harry even more resentful, angry and he didn't want to but he seemed to hate Lupin at the moment, so slipped under Lupin's arm with a spiteful mind saying.
"Don't follow me anymore it's not your place to do that his. . . The shoes are too big so stay out of them, regardless of what Dumbledore says." And with that Harry left the pub quickly and was out into the muggle street blended into the muggle crowd stopping behind a news stand to see Lupin come out and curse because he had lost Harry in the street.
After Lupin had returned back into the pub Harry came out from behind the stall and checking he had picked up everything Harry headed to find somewhere to eat. It was nearly time Harry thought to head back to the bed and breakfast to get a good nights sleep, he hadn't done everything he had wanted to today because Lupin had cornered him for so long. But that wasn't what was fuelling his anger, Lupin was already trying to take over Sirius's role of been the godfather too quickly after his death and this made Harry extremely angry but as he ate in a cheap fast food restaurant Harry forced himself into a calm empty state and went straight to bed when he got back into the attic room.
Harry carefully made him self calm and went to sleep although he hated the fact he was doing what Snape had tried to teach him. But Sirius thought it was very important he leant to do this and he was dead because he hadn't tried and let his anger for Snape get in the way. Part of his self improvement Harry was trying as hard as he could to do what he didn't and perhaps teach him self to get better though practise.
Hope it's getting better for anyone who's still reading. Don't worry the next chapter is better than this one as I think this one is better than the last. Please read and review if you think it's worth it!
It was six am and Harry woke up thankful for been so organised he had slept later then he anticipated but still it wouldn't matter much. He quickly got up and silently had a wash before getting dressed and pulling the baseball cap on the top of his head. It covered the fact that Harry thought his hair was getting a bit long and untidy but didn't look out of place, also the front of the hat conveniently made it difficult for anyone to see his scare so he could possibly even blend in with wizards. Harry surveyed his room, everything thing he owned was in his case even the stuff under the floor boards and his case was well securely locked.
Harry left his room and carefully climbed down stairs so no one already up would be able to here him. Looking at the clock Harry saw that he still had time to eat something and perhaps but a few sandwiches in his bag. Harry quickly ate some breakfast and was just finishing making and couple of sandwiches for the train when his aunt came in surprised to see Harry already up.
"What are you doing boy sneaking around the house in the morning?" She eyed him suspiciously. But Harry figured it would do no harm to tell her the truth this time.
"I'm going to London for a few days today and I was just making some thing to eat on the train." Harry moved to one side to show his aunt the small pile he was just rapping up and shoving into his bag.
"Very well. You best be gone by the time Dudley comes down to eat." That's it defend Dudley at every possible moment.
"Don't worry I will be gone by the time he comes wobbling down. I wouldn't get to joyful I will be coming back this time but I'm not going with any abnormal folk just me but I daresay that is odd enough for you." Harry carefully placed the sandwiches in his bag and zipped it up but his aunt Petunia was far too nosy even when the subject was Harry.
"What are you going to be doing in London?" She asked pretending to actually care about him for a moment to get information. Like when he was young an Harry didn't know about wizards.
"I'm going to go clothes shopping and I 'm going to the bank." Harry sat down and started to do his shoes up by the back door. But she wanted to know more so followed him to the doorway. Particularly when a bank was involved.
"How can you afford to go all the way to London for a few days and by clothes? Have you been stealing?" Harry turned and looked at her smiling because she really did have no idea about his parents. But should he tell her or should he keep it a secret, that was his question.
"In London my parents left me some inheritance to get me through school so I'm going to use some of that money." It was true Harry just conveniently forgot to mention how much they had left him but to be honest Harry wasn't entirely sure, just that it was a fare bit. But his aunt was the nosiest muggle alive and at the mention of her sister having money she smelt something good.
"How much exactly have they left you to get you through school?" She had seen some of the things Harry had brought for school when they used to lock it up and Harry was sure she would have a nosy at it when she got the chance even if she would never admit it.
"Don't you remember the rules Aunt Petunia? After all it was you who set them up, no questions about my parents under any circumstances." Harry stopped and looked at her face as she was realising what this meant and she was furious that she had missed out on nosing into her own sisters finances. Something I'm sure she always wanted to know, just how rich was this Potter man that married her sister.
"Well some rules can be bent Harry, so roughly how much is it?" She was really trying hard to get this info and Harry knew she would stop at nothing to find it out so he gave her a little hint after he had unlocked the door.
"If you had any idea about how much I have inherited then you would never have complained about taking me in fifteen years ago!" And with that Harry quickly left the house with smug satisfaction that what Harry had just said would drive her mad but she would never be able to tell his uncle because it was her who had asked about her sister.
This thought kept Harry grinning to himself all the way to the station until he realised he was been followed and quickly doubled back to loose them on the platform. Harry was unable to see who it was that had followed him as they were much better at blending in than Harry had ever anticipated. He was feeling nervous about going to London by himself now but he couldn't stop now he had just said that to his aunt just because he thought someone was tailing him.
Harry stood next to the drinks machine so at least from two angles' he couldn't be seen but he had a fairly good view of the platform. Harry thought of something else he should put on his list under mental self improvement and that was to learn to blend into the crowd better. He couldn't get his list out now because he would stick out to much but perhaps he could quickly scribble it down at some point on the train.
Fifteen minuets later the train arrived and Harry got into one of the end compartments and sat him self on a double seat. Carefully he thought it wouldn't make himself to obvious to passers by and he could see if anyone was coming his direction, the second thing he notice once the train had stared was that he could see around the corner if he looked into the reflection of the opposite window. Very clever Harry thought to himself if only he new what he was looking out for it would be much easier, but then to most the people around he was just a normal teenager who was travelling on a train somewhere in the school holidays.
The journey down to London was pretty uneventful; Harry read the book he had brought occasionally stopping to look out of the window, he ate the sandwiches he had brought about half way through the trip and even managed to scribble down his note about blending into the crowd when the coast was clear.
Finally Harry arrived in Kings Cross station and got off the train with all the other passengers he blended in best he could and passed the barrier between platforms nine and ten which concealed the platform that would take him to school in September. Picking up a street map as he left the station he started heading for the many bed and breakfast's he had read about in the leaflet advertising trips to London. There were many on one street that wasn't to far from the station, Harry decided to go along and see about getting a room for two nights and see what came up.
The first house only had a room for four left and Harry really didn't want to waste his money when there was just one of him. The second house he tried was a very nice middle aged woman who reminded him a lot of Mrs Weasley in the way she tried to mother people but she didn't have any rooms left so Harry was glad he wouldn't have to feel bad about turning her down.
The third house he tried however was a bit shabby looking on the outside but it did have a single room which Harry wanted and wasn't really dirty just a bit old so he took it. The gentleman lead Harry upstairs to the very top of the house and showed him his room which was in the attic, it was a bit cramped but really how much space did Harry think he needed. There was a single bed in one corner and a little table in the other with a chair and built into the wall was a simple sink with a clean towel on the side and a mirror in front of it. After telling Harry that breakfast was included in the price and would be served at eight o'clock in the morning he was left to his room and the gentleman returned down stairs. Feeling slightly mucky from the city Harry washed his hands and face then sat at the table and pulled out his list ticking off the train and find a place to stay and the filling in how much it would cost Harry decided to head to the bank. After looking in his wallet for a moment at how much money he had and the picture of his family Harry picked up his bag and locking the room behind him headed down stairs and out into the street.
Not exactly shore how to get to the Leaky Cauldron as it wasn't likely to be on a muggle map, Harry traced his whereabouts to Kings cross satiation and found that it wasn't too far, setting off Harry reached the Leaky Cauldron quiet quickly but was wondering weather or not anyone would notice him as he had to go through the main pub to get to Diagon Ally.
"Well I best get it over with." He mumbled to himself and pulling his hat further over his head Harry walked into the pub glad there were very few people in there so he could quickly get through into the back ally with hopefully nobody knowing he had been there.
Very soon after Harry was waiting in line to be served by one of the cruel looking goblins that ran the wizarding bank, finally he was served and felt a bit uncomfortable talking to such a hard nosed creature but Harry held his head high and his confidence as well. He was his own person now and wasn't going to feel small and intimidated by something that came up to his navel.
"I wish to make a withdrawal." Harry said firmly looking the goblin in the eye.
"Name please." The goblin replied sternly.
"Harry Potter." The goblin looked at Harry closely eyeing him to see if he was who he said he was but he replied.
"Which volt in the name of Harry Potter do you wish to make a withdrawal from?" Harry pulled the key from inside his pocket and put it on the counter.
"This one."
"Very well." As the goblin studied the key Harry wondered why he had asked which volt when Harry thought he only had one. So wondering weather he had more than one stash of unnecessary money he then asked.
"How many volts are there in my name?"
"I do not have that information with me here but it can be brought to you after you have made your withdrawal." Was the reply and then the goblin pointed to another goblin on the right of him and Harry was led into the mines to the only volt he new he had which he thought was more than enough money for any body to have. Having counted out exactly the amount of money he wanted Harry returned to the surface of the bank keeping his money close and safe to him all the time. The goblin then led him to a side room which was small with a few comfortable chairs and a jug of water on the table in the centre with two cups.
"If you are thirsty have a drink while you wait for your information." The goblin then left the room probably going to get the other goblin Harry had spoken to with earlier. Thinking it would be okay to have a drink Harry poured himself a glass of water and after smelling it, he took a tiny sip, it was very refreshing so Harry finished the glass and put it back on the table.
Looking around, the room wasn't exactly welcoming but then these were goblin's Harry was dealing with. The walls were cut out of thick, rough, red, rock and there were brackets on the walls holding lanterns that looked as if they had never been lit since the first time because they didn't seem to have anything to burn like a candle or anything. The table was a large hard wooden thing and had matching gothic looking chairs and each had the shape of an elaborated x on the back. Harry didn't have long to wait before the first goblin he met returned carrying a pile of parchment and what seemed to be a letter on top. Placing the parchment on the table the goblin sat on the opposite chair which surprisingly made him at eye level to Harry.
"With such short notice we were only able to retrieve the latest documents connected to your request." This made sense to Harry in some strange way everything must be done on paper and with the amount of volts they had the piles of paper must be enormous.
"Fine, so how many volts are there in my name?" Harry asked trying not to be intimidated by the goblin unsuccessfully.
"We do not have sufficient information at this moment as the transaction has not yet been completed."
"Oh." This wasn't very helpful because he didn't no of any transaction.
"This letter will explain the details of the transaction in place." The goblin passed Harry the letter from the top of the pile and Harry thought he recognised the handwriting of the address. Taking the letter he started to read.
I Sirius Black hereby state that all accounts in the Black name which have been passed on to me will be given to Mr Harry James Potter upon my death. This includes all possessions, employees as Mr Harry James Potter has been selected as the next true black in line for the Black inheritance. Signed Sirius Black on 1st September 2003.
Harry reread the letter more than once to let this information sink in feeling that the goblin may be impatient Harry looked up. But he wasn't bothered by the fact that Harry had carefully read the letter more than once this seamed normal to him or that time wasn't important to him. Harry folded the letter up and passed it to the goblin who gave him another piece of paper that was obviously much older but he did not recognise the handwriting.
"This is also information regarding volts that are already under your name." Harry started to read what looked like it must be standard written form of the goblin's because every letter was exactly the same possible so there writing could never be forged.
Under the death act 12 all volts, possessions and employees become the ownership of the next in family line unless previously stated by the owner before 100 working goblin days of death. The next in line is the widowed Husband or wife of the dead owner, unless previously stated. If the widowed husband or wife dies within 100 days the next in line is the eldest child of the dead owner. If there is no child of the dead owner or no one previously stated to inherit the state then a court hearing will decided the next closest living relative.
There was then a list of names and tittles of the people that that had voted for this law. Skipping this bit Harry read on.
I James Potter hereby state that upon my death all volts, possessions and employees currently in my ownership will be passed on to my wife Lilly Potter. If my wife has died within 100 working goblin days our son Harry James Potter will receive ownership of all volts, possessions and employees currently owned by the Potter name. Mr Sirius Black is the entrusted keeper of these volts until Harry James Potter reaches his eleventh year. Signed James Potter and Lilly Potter on 2nd August 1987.
So Harry thought his father had written what seems to be a will but why has this never been mentioned before. Harry looked at the difference between his dad's spindly signature and his mum's elegant handwriting. How come they ever got together but that would have to stay a big mystery as he had to think about more necessary matters at hand. Harry wondered if seen as this had come into place fifteen years ago that the goblins must have finished transferring the volt names across so he passed this second piece of paper across and asked.
"Can you tell me how many volts were passed into my name when my father died?" It was clear enough Harry thought that was the best way to deal with these goblins.
"We can only give you a rough idea of how many volts are in your name from after your fathers as we were unable to retrieve all the information on such short notice." He did seem a bit soulless but what did Harry expect this was a business transaction he was in.
"That will be enough for now but I would like to know exactly what I now own eventually." The goblin handed a third piece of parchment for Harry to read.
"Your request can be arranged but here is the information we have already been able to retrieve." Harry started to look at the parchment; it was a long list of vault numbers dates of opening and last date of withdrawal from them. Harry read through them not as carefully as he could have done but he was looking at the dates, most of them were last touched by his father or opened about twenty or so years ago but some had been opened well before his father or even his grandfather had been born and some hadn't been touched since the eighteen hundreds. This was enough information for Harry for now about how many vaults there were once in his father's name. It was just a long list of numbers really so he handed it back.
"Do you wish for anything else?" The goblin asked formally meaning about his money nothing else.
"Err. Yes when can you give me more detail's about my vaults?" Harry felt odd calling them 'my vaults' which he supposed he shouldn't because they were his and some of them had been for a long time.
"A goblin owl will be sent to you by the end of the month of August giving details of everything in your name and details of your personal goblin vaults accountant who will see to all your needs about the vaults you have claimed here at Gringotts."
"Thank-you." Harry answered not quiet what to say but thinking of anything else he needed to know.
"Is there anything else you need?" Harry nearly forgot why he came in today what with all this information he had been given so quickly.
"Yes, I want to change some wizarding gold into muggle money." He looked at the goblin that picked up his papers and got off his oddly high chair and stood by the door.
"Please follow me." And he led Harry to the front of the queue and explained to the goblin behind the counter what Harry wanted. Whilst the goblin changed his gallons into muggle pound notes Harry herd a few annoyed moans of having to wait so long and someone had been moved in front of them but luckily for Harry they hadn't seen who it was.
Harry collected his money and firmly walked out of the bank passing Draco Malfoy and his mother on their way in. Harry turned his head so the Malfoy's didn't recognise him but herd quiet noises of filthy muggle blood. Harry was glad they hadn't noticed him and looked at the clock on the front of the bank wondering what time it was.
Four o'clock in the afternoon, Harry hadn't realised it had taken that long with the goblins so quickly walked down the street back to the Leaky Cauldron. Harry was just walking through the pub trying not to get noticed as who he was but it didn't work.
"Harry is that you? What are you doing here?" It was Lupin. Harry couldn't ignore him so turned around and came and sat next to him at the table. Tom the barman came over.
"So what would you like to drink Harry?" Lupin asked friendly.
"Err, Butterbeer would be nice." Harry found himself replying. He hadn't thought that anyone would stop him and by him a drink. Tom quickly returned with a bottle and poured the drink into a glass and after Lupin had paid him he left to clean some glasses behind the bar. Harry felt bad not paying for himself but he didn't want to be rude so accepted the drink and sat politely drinking it.
"So what are you doing here Harry?" Harry didn't no what to say he didn't want to say he had been to the bank and found out he had more money than he new what to do with and that he never really told anyone that he had come to London by himself and had lied to Ron about what it was like at the Dursley's.
"Err, I came to do some shopping and I've just been to the bank. What are you doing here anyway?" But Lupin didn't answer straight away Harry got the feeling that Lupin didn't want to answer Harry, but he suddenly twigged or thought he had a very good idea why Lupin was there but Harry was going to be slightly cruel and let him squirm his way out of saying it before letting on.
"Same sort of thing really I came to by some stuff for my monthly potion you know." He was talking about his potion to stop him been wolfy when he turned into a werewolf every month. Clever cover but not good enough an answer for Harry to let him completely off.
"What have you been up to since I last law you?" Harry asked in a casual way trying very hard not to picture Sirius falling through that archway and trying even harder not to let it show to anyone looking at him or trying to get in his head. Finally Lupin thought of an answer after much pretending to be thirsty and drinking from his glass deeply several.
"Err well Dumbledore has had me doing some jobs for him and I had a bit of a break in the basement on my own for a few days."
"So that's why you needed some more ingredients. Have you been to see Mrs Figg recently for Dumbledore?" Harry sat smugly to himself while Lupin obviously tried to pretend that he hadn't been anywhere near Mrs Figg's house but Harry recognised that he had been the man watching out of the window now. Lupin conveniently changed the subject to Harry's OWL results and Harry let him talk for nearly a whole hour about future careers which Harry actually found it really interesting but eventually there was a break in the conversation and he simply came out with it.
"I know you and the others have been tailing me where ever I go all summer and I really don't appreciate you going behind my back like that. Again!" Lupin was stumped and sat in a stunned silence to Harry's cool, calm, level headed statement. Harry feeling slightly over the top with rudeness added. "Not that I'm not grateful for everyone taking an interest in looking after me but you do understand that I wish it wasn't done behind my back, after . . ." Harry quickly stopped but Lupin Didn't notice Harry didn't want the subject to get to Sirius, it was painful enough for him to just think about it. Harry sat for a bit longer in silence with Lupin until eventually Tom the barman came over and Harry brought them both another drink and after Lupin had drunk it for a bit he finally began to speak again.
"How do you know about it I've been using Moody's invisibility cloak?" Harry smiled at himself. But explained himself.
"Believe it or not that's your fault. When I use my father's cloak I notice certain things, very minor points that you would never normally pick up. I can't really explain it, at first I thought it was just because I was wearing my fathers cloak but then I found out about Moody having more than one cloak that was just the same as mine. I had never really thought of there been any other cloaks after I got dad's and Ron told me what it was and that they were really rare." Harry hadn't exactly answered he didn't want to say a saw you in a mirror on the train it didn't sound too cleaver and after all wolfy had tried really hard.
"They are Harry, Moody has collected them over a long Aura career from various places." His gaze had flicked as Harry had mentioned his farther and not said dad, Harry had said it this deliberately because it was easier for him to here than my dad like Sirius was better than my godfather.
"Well I started to notice the same things whilst I was wondering around Little Surrey and guessing that Dumbledore was keeping tabs on me especially after last year like he has done every year. Someone must be following me and then there was the convenience of you been here exactly at the same time I was and that little annoying fact that I saw you upstairs in Mrs Fig's house on more than one occasion watching me pass by. You seem to forget that eyes are just like cameras, if you can see the camera then it can see you." Harry sat in silence for a little longer while Lupin pondered on the brilliant observations that Harry had made and Harry hoped he knew what a camera was otherwise the joke would be lost .
"You make them very proud noticing all those things so easily. And even prouder for not loosing your temper because we had to go behind your back again." It was Harry's turn to sit in stunned silence for a moment because he was expecting the mention of his parents but Lupin also meant Sirius was proud of Harry's clever deduction skills. He suppressed himself and was much better at replying after a pause than Lupin who had clearly been wondering weather to own up to tailing Harry.
"I know they would be proud of me at times, but it doesn't make any difference what I do sometimes because they're never coming back are they!" He hadn't shouted this instead he had gone very quiet and his fist was clenched under the table. Harry wanted to go now he wanted to go back to been a muggle where he could cover up his feelings and keep them bottled inside of him.
"No they can't come back Harry but you can still make them proud by what you do, you don't think they would ever stop watching over you do you?" He was obviously following orders to try and get Harry to talk if the occasion arrives about Sirius because Harry hadn't spoken to anyone about him since his death in a get-it-off-your-chest way.
"No I've never thought that, but I don't like been followed by people it makes me nervous!" Harry looked Lupin in the eye as half way through the sentence they seemed to glaze back over and everything was bottled up inside where Harry felt it should be, not out on a table for the whole world to look at and dissect the sanity of his brain.
"You know full well Harry I'm just following orders sent by Dumbledore." It was true but Harry felt a bit of Mrs Weasley in his orders.
"Yes I know he sent you to follow me but it was Mrs Weasley who told you to try and talk to me about them. As I know Dumbledore well enough that although he does obviously care about me that just isn't the way he thinks because he aint a mother like Mrs Weasley." Lupin laughed and Harry wished he wouldn't it was warm and welcoming but clearly not like Sirius's if that was the space he was trying to fill. Harry had hit a bull's eye again with out shooting any missed arrows.
"Well because of you it seems we will have to be much more careful in future, you are getting good at judging people's minds. Yes it was Mrs Weasley who ordered me to try and get you to talk a bit. She can be quiet frightening sometimes." He thought he had got Harry comfortable and calmer but it just made Harry feel resentful against him.
"Try been one of the sons!" Harry added as they both laughed at the thought of her yelling at them but it didn't make Harry happy laughing because it was an empty noise coming from his voice not even malicious like Voldermort.
"Yeah I can see that it would be quiet hard to live with her, but she does it for the best and loves all of them a lot which is mainly why she comes across as a little over baring sometimes."
"A little over bearing! But I am grateful for her been the way she is." Harry was quiet for a moment thinking about how much he wished he had his own mother to mother him and how much he hated borrowing Ron's mum as it just isn't the same. But Harry didn't like the way this conversation was going and weather he was rude or not Harry wanted to go and be by himself again.
"How have you been coping with the dreams recently?" He thought he had spent enough time with Harry to be able to ask him about his nightmares but Harry wasn't going to tell him anything now and was sure he wanted to leave and quickly. Harry sat quietly thinking of how best to get out of the pub and away from Lupin, Harry stood up and picked his bag up putting it on his shoulder and Lupin followed him standing up looking puzzled.
"What is it Harry?" Thinking perhaps Harry had had another vision again or something but this annoyed Harry he wanted to be left alone to have a chance to do things for him self for once.
"Nothing much it's just that I was supposed to be somewhere. Yes that's it I was supposed to be somewhere. And then I, have to, go back to my aunt and uncle's because I'm supposed to be helping my cousin with his boxing." Harry thought this would be good enough to let him go but Lupin wasn't going to let him off that easily.
"What are you late for Harry?" He asked moving slowing into the way so Harry would find it hard to pass him. Harry wanted to get out at all costs now so looked at the floor to his right away from the door. It worked Lupin moved around to see Harry's face and as he attempted to put an arm on Harry's shoulder thinking it would be what Sirius would do for Harry. It was what Sirius would try to do but Lupin wasn't Sirius and this did make Harry even more resentful, angry and he didn't want to but he seemed to hate Lupin at the moment, so slipped under Lupin's arm with a spiteful mind saying.
"Don't follow me anymore it's not your place to do that his. . . The shoes are too big so stay out of them, regardless of what Dumbledore says." And with that Harry left the pub quickly and was out into the muggle street blended into the muggle crowd stopping behind a news stand to see Lupin come out and curse because he had lost Harry in the street.
After Lupin had returned back into the pub Harry came out from behind the stall and checking he had picked up everything Harry headed to find somewhere to eat. It was nearly time Harry thought to head back to the bed and breakfast to get a good nights sleep, he hadn't done everything he had wanted to today because Lupin had cornered him for so long. But that wasn't what was fuelling his anger, Lupin was already trying to take over Sirius's role of been the godfather too quickly after his death and this made Harry extremely angry but as he ate in a cheap fast food restaurant Harry forced himself into a calm empty state and went straight to bed when he got back into the attic room.
Harry carefully made him self calm and went to sleep although he hated the fact he was doing what Snape had tried to teach him. But Sirius thought it was very important he leant to do this and he was dead because he hadn't tried and let his anger for Snape get in the way. Part of his self improvement Harry was trying as hard as he could to do what he didn't and perhaps teach him self to get better though practise.
Hope it's getting better for anyone who's still reading. Don't worry the next chapter is better than this one as I think this one is better than the last. Please read and review if you think it's worth it!