DISCLAIMER: J.K. Rowling and various others own everything, I own nothing. Please don't sue me, I'm already poor and miserable.
Chapter Four – Return to Diagon Alley
By MasterKtulu
Suddenly appearing out of thin air, Harry and Bellatrix stumbled a bit before finding their balance. They looked around to find a well kept but unattended office, and assumed they were somewhere in Gringotts. They heard quicken footsteps at a distance getting closer. The door suddenly burst opened and an elder Goblin came in and bowed deeply.
"Mr. Potter, I've been expecting you."
The Goblin looked up and met Harry's eyes for a moment. Then his eyes drew away from Harry and he suddenly noticed Bellatrix and asked:
"Mr. Potter I was expecting you but I must say, I was not expecting anyone else…"
"She's here at my invitation… Mr. Raphoke I presume?"
"Yes Mr. Potter, you presume correctly I am Raphoke… And you are?" Raphoke said looking at Bellatrix.
Bellatrix looked at the Goblin and was about shout at him that Goblins should mind their own business, when Harry's strange behaviour towards the Goblin entered her mind. Then she decided to copy Harry's polite behaviour.
"My name is Bellatrix Black, Mr. Raphoke."
Raphoke gave a surprised look at Bellatrix's statement and said:
"Black?… I see… Please sit down and make yourselves comfortable." Raphoke said motioning to a chair in front of his desk. He snapped his fingers and a second chair appeared out of thin air next to the first, and Harry and Bellatrix sat down.
"Would you excuse me a moment?" Raphoke tuned to look towards the door and shouted:
"Freamlik!"
A younger Goblin came in running and stopped before Raphoke and bowed. Raphoke spoke to him in Gobbledegook for a moment and then Freamlik turned around and ran outside the office closing the door behind him. Raphoke turned back and walked around his desk and sat in his chair.
"My apologies for the delay Mr. Potter, I have many responsibilities as the legal and financial adviser for the Black and Potter estates. One of my responsibilities is to predict the legal and financial wishes or needs of my clients. And I must confess that even if the day is still young, I have already been surprised, which is not something that happens very often."
"We are in no hurry Mr Raphoke, take all the time you need. And please call me Harry."
"Very well Harry, shall we begin?"
Harry looked at Bellatrix for a moment then looked back at Raphoke and nodded.
"Your parents appointed me as their legal and financial adviser eighteen years ago and Sirius Black appointed me as his legal and financial adviser two years ago while on the run from the Ministry of Magic. And since then, I have overlooked all of the finances of both the Potter accounts and of the Black accounts. I have never overseen more than one family's financial account before; I simply did not have the time. But as you had not yet taken any interest in your finances and Sirius Black was on the run from the Ministry of Magic, I saw fit to oversee both accounts. During the past year, Sirius Black contacted me very offend by Owl Post, and shortly after last Christmas he was able to come here in person. He told me that because many people were looking after you at that moment, that he was able to come here without anyone noticing. Our correspondences and meeting were all concerning the making of his last will and testament…"
Raphoke stopped talking and looked at Bellatrix, then back at Harry before he continued.
"Harry, on most occasions, these things are done in private. Are you sure you wish to have… Company?"
"Yes, I'm sure Mr. Raphoke." Harry said in a voice that said the subject was closed to further discussion.
"Just making sure Harry, and please call me Raphoke."
"Very well Raphoke."
"Because of Sirius Black's passing, his last will and testament was unlocked and read by me, and witnessed by the Heads of Gringotts Wizard's bank. The will itself was very simple and straightforward, to avoid anyone from contesting it. Although you are not the only beneficiary stated in the will, you are the only one that is needed for the official reading of the will. Shall I start with the reading now?"
Harry was looking resolute and only nodded.
Bellatrix suddenly tore her attention from the Goblin to a nodding Harry, and noticed that Harry was noticeably looking void of any emotion. She wondered for a moment if it really was Harry who needed her or was it her that needed him? Her instincts told her to support Harry even if he didn't seem to need it. She reached down for his hand but as soon as she had touched Harry's hand, he grabbed hold of her hand for dear life. Bellatrix felt something that she had not expected to feel. His hand was shaking badly, he looked in complete control of himself but on the inside she could feel his true self.
Raphoke picked up a single parchment from his desk, cleared his throat and read out loud:
I Sirius T. Black,
Having been tested and found negative for all types of mind altering potions and curses. Leave this magical record of my last will and testament. I write this as simple as possible as to make it impossible to contest.
To my favourite cousin Andromeda Tonks, I leave a Million Galleons.
To my favourite "niece" Nymphadora Tonks, I leave a Million Galleons.
To my best friend Remus Lupin, I leave a Million Galleons and Black Manor at 12 Grimmauld place.
To the Arthur and Molly Weasley, I leave a Million Galleons and letter of thanks for taking good care of Harry while I couldn't.
To St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries, I leave a Million Galleons in the name of Harry Potter.
To my godson and reason for living Harry James Potter, I name my heir. Which includes ownership and control of my personal vault, the Black family vault, all my stocks and bonds, all my lands and remaining properties, and lastly a personnel letter to be given to him after the reading of this will, to be opened at his prerogative.
Raphoke placed the parchment on his desk and took an envelope from his desk and handed it to Harry and spoke.
"Here is the personnel letter which Mr. Black mentioned."
Harry took the letter and put it in his pocket, to read later in private.
"The million Galleons given to Mrs. Tonks, Miss Tonks, Mr. Lupin and the Weasleys have already been place in their respective vaults. The deed and keys to Black Manor have been sent to Mr. Lupin by Owl Post yesterday. The letter of thanks to Arthur and Molly Weasley was placed in their family vault at the same time as the Million Galleons. The donation in your name to St Mungo's of a million Galleons has already been taken care of. The combined remaining assets from Sirius Black's personal vault and the Black family vault are about 213,368,327 Galleons. And that is not accounting for the stocks, bonds, lands and properties that you also inherited. With your new found assets and your current family vaults, stocks, bonds and properties, you are without a doubt the richest Wizard in the United Kingdom if not the world, it's hard to say for sure." Raphoke said in a very impressed voice.
Harry was dumfounded, then something hit him.
"Vaults… As in more than one?"
Raphoke gave Harry a strange look and said:
"I am confused Harry, did you not know about your other vaults?" Raphoke said with an unbelieving look.
"No… I was never told about any stocks, bonds, properties or other vaults other than the one I'm currently using."
"That would be your trust fund which was meant only for your schooling Harry, which contains approximately…"
Raphoke looked at piece of parchment on his desk and continued.
"Approximately 3,156,973 Galleons. Then there is your parents' personnel vault, which contains about 21, 587, 496 Galleons and lastly there is the Potter family vault, which contains a little over 329,853,923 Galleons. You were already quite wealthy before inheriting the bulk of the Black estate. Fifteen years of not being touched and accumulating high interest were very good for all of your vaults. And except for five years of Hogwarts tuition and a little personal spending, your vaults were not touched. I arranged payment for your Hogwarts tuition, which is sixty Galleons a year, and in five years you have only taken a total of 245 Galleons for yourself. But I am at a lost as to why you were not informed about any of this. Do you not receive your monthly Gringotts account statement?"
"No, the only letter I've ever received from Gringotts was the one you sent me a few days ago."
"It would seem Mr. Potter, that the surprises keep coming today… How could this have happened? I have failed in my duties… How could I have let this happened?"
"Who was in charge of my accounts before now, while Sirius was in Azkaban and I was too young and living with Muggles?" Harry asked already having a good idea about the answer.
"Your Muggles relatives, although your guardians in the Muggle world have no standing in the Wizarding World whatsoever. Your parents named Sirius Black your guardian in the eventuality of their deaths. But as he was sent to Azkaban and later on the run from the Ministry, it was decided that Albus Dumbledore would be named your magical guardian and in charge of all your accounts. Well, unless you were to show interest in them or turn the age of seventeen, whatever came first. You… You don't think that Albus Dumbledore would knowingly keep this information from you, would he?"
Still holding Harry's hand, Bellatrix could feel his shaking changing from sadness to anger.
"That Mr. Raphoke, is exactly what I am thinking." Harry said in a cold voice.
"Gringotts trusted him, and this is how he repays us… He told all of the Heads of Gringotts and myself fourteen years ago that he would always work in your physical, mental and financial best interests. We at Gringotts had to break many Ministry laws and many of are own laws to name him your magical guardian and place him in charge of all your holdings. Because of Dumbledore's standing in the community, we did not insist he give us a Wizard's Oath…"
"Raphoke, Would you call hiding the existence of my full wealth and properties and stealing my Gringotts monthly statements as working in my financial best interests? Would you call dumping me in on the doorstep of Muggles who would beat me, starve me, humiliate me, and use me as their personal slave as working in my physical and mental best interests?"
"…Are you serious Harry?" If possible, Raphoke had paled at Harry's statement.
"Yes…"
Harry was not the only one shaking now. Raphoke was holding the edge of his desk tying to restrain himself from doing something that he would regret later. He Suddenly said something in Gobbledegook that sounded strangely enough like a curse word. After a few moments he calmed himself and stated:
"I had no Idea… How could I have let this happened… Your parents entrusted me with their affairs… How could we have let Dumbledore in charge of your well being? This is not over yet Harry, we at Gringotts have failed you, and we will not fail you again. We will do everything in our power to regain your trust. I will go before the Heads of Gringotts later today to report that Dumbledore broke his word to us. There will be serious consequences for Dumbledore's past actions. Then I will resign my post; I have no right to continue working at Gringotts. I have humiliated my family and all of my kind."
"Don't be to hard on yourself Raphoke. Dumbledore is well practised at shoving his weight around to get his way. He is respected and feared by many, his power for manipulation is unequalled. I can see you genuinely care Raphoke, and that is something that is very important to me. And by your reactions today, I know that you won't repeat the same mistakes again. I am prepared to hire your services as my legal and financial adviser, which would include Bellatrix as well. But I do have a few demands of you and of Gringotts. If they are not met fully, I will be forced to take my business elsewhere."
Raphoke looked hopeful, not only did he have a chance to remain at Gringotts without disgracing his family, he would become the legal and financial adviser for the most important Gringotts account in the world. Which was something that brought a huge amount of notoriety and power in the Goblin World.
"Name them Harry… If it is in my power or in Gringotts power to do, they will be done."
"Firstly, I want Bellatrix to be granted full access to all of my accounts."
"If you are sure Harry, then it will be done."
"I want assurances that all our business with Gringotts will be kept in complete secrecy. Officially Bellatrix and me would not have any accounts at Gringotts and all future interactions we will have with Gringotts would officially not exist. When either of us come here we will deal with you and only with you and only in this office."
"Gringotts have not held that specific type of account for many hundreds of years. Not many can afford them, and those who can don't because they are not transferable after the death of the original client. Usually a complete secrecy account requested by a client cost five millions Galleons. But because of our past mistakes with regards with you, it will be done straightaway and at no cost to you whatsoever. The only ones who will know about your account and the existence of your continued business will be the Heads of Gringotts and me. Tonight Harry, all of your currently owned vaults will be officially closed and emptied, then their contents will be secretly moved to two private high security vaults not accessible from the regular Gringotts Carts. Your new high security money vault will hold all of your combined gold and Muggle currency from all of your currently owned vaults. Then your new high security miscellaneous vault will hold all books, artefacts, magical items and family heirlooms from both Black and Potter family vaults; in other words, everything except any type of currency. By tomorrow morning, a private Gringotts Cart will be built in this office, and it will be the only way to access your new vaults. Now… would you return to me the Portkey you came here with, it will have to be destroyed."
Harry handed Raphoke the Goblin Portkey disguised as a bronze Knut. Then Bellatrix suddenly spoke.
"I thought Goblin Portkeys were given for life."
"I am impressed, not many know about Goblin Portkeys. But I doubt you know every detail or if your information is all correct. This Portkey." Raphoke indicated the fake Knut. "Was only intended to get Harry in my office safely and privately. They are only usable once and after that they remain only as a fake Knut, and that is why it must be destroyed. What I am giving you Harry and I suppose to you too Mrs… or is it Miss Black now?"
"I would appreciate it, if you would call me Bellatrix… It's much simpler that way."
Raphoke nodded and continued.
"What I am both giving you, is a Special Dual Goblin Portkey. They are permanent and yours for the life of your accounts."
Raphoke snapped his fingers and two Galleons appeared on his desk and he handed one each to Harry and Bellatrix.
"Hold the Galleon in one of your hands and say 'Potter Gringotts Account' and you will be immediately transported to this very office from wherever you happen to be in the world. They can also act as an emergency Portkey to any location you key them to. After you have keyed in any wanted location, simply hold the Portkey in one of your hands and say 'Potter Safe Haven.' Wherever you happened to be at that moment, you will be transported to wherever you keyed the Portkey in the first place. You can change the location of the emergency Portkey at any time. Simply stand at your at the new wanted location with Portkey in hand and state 'New Potter Haven' and from that moment on, whenever you state 'Potter Safe Haven' you will be transported to that new location. They can pass through any magical Ward, from Hogwarts, the Ministry of Magic to Gringotts itself. You and only you Harry will be able to use that particular Portkey, unless you willingly let someone else touch the Portkey at it's activation. The same also holds true with your Portkey Bellatrix."
Harry looked towards Bellatrix and said:
"You had the general idea about the Goblin Portkey Bella, you only got a few of the details wrong. And now you have one of your very own." Harry said giving Bellatrix a small squeeze with his hand and a sheepish smile.
Bellatrix was looking down at her Portkey before looking up at Harry and smiled at him, being very pleased at the moment.
Harry returned to business and asked:
"Now, concerning my monthly Gringotts account statement, it will need to be sent to me in secret and in a more secure way than Owl Post."
Raphoke opened a drawer from his desk, pulled out two parchments and handed one to Harry.
"That piece of parchment is the double for my piece of parchment. What ever I write on my parchment will appear on yours. Every month I will erase my parchment which will erase yours, and I will write your new monthly account statement myself."
Harry nodded in agreement and continued.
"Lastly I will need to take some gold from my personal vault. But I don't want to have to go to the bank lobby and be seen by everyone on the way to my vault. I don't want anyone knowing Bellatrix or me were ever here today."
"That will not be a problem Harry, Gringotts will arrange to loan you interest free any amount of gold you desire and we will simply take it back from one of your vaults at the same time as we empty them tonight. How much will you need?"
"How about… A thousand Galleons each and also five thousand Muggle pounds each, which should be enough for now. On expensive purchases I'll just charge it on my Gringotts money vault with my key." Harry said looking towards Bellatrix who nodded and Harry looked back at Raphoke who stated:
"That will not be a problem Harry, you shall receive them before you leave."
Bellatrix looked at Harry and said:
"I think that's all Harry… We have to go soon if we want to find a new home to live in tonight."
"Harry, Bellatrix…We have a few other things to take care of today. Although I have been more surprised today than any other day that I can recall, I was still able to predict one of your needs Harry. And I believe that I will also be able to help you both with two of your current dilemmas…"
Harry nodded and Raphoke pulled a parchment from his desk and continued.
"This Harry, is an Emancipation form. It will recognise you as an adult Wizard with all the benefits and responsibility that goes with it."
Harry gave a great big smile at this but lost it almost immediately.
"But I thought you said that Dumbledore was my magical guardian? How can I get emancipated without his permission?"
"Albus Dumbledore was your legal magical guardian in place of Sirius Black who was appointed by your parents. Sirius black being in Azkaban or on the run is one thing, but him being dead is another. Having no surviving guardian appointed by your parents and by you being the last of your magical bloodline entitles you to get emancipated in the Wizarding World. In the Muggle World though, you are still under the guardianship of the Dursleys. I will get you emancipated in the Muggle World as well, but it will take me until the end of the week I'm afraid. But for now, you only need to sign this form and you will be recognised as an adult in the Wizarding World."
Harry quickly signed and gave a very content smile and thanked Raphoke for his foresight.
Raphoke looked at his closed door and shouted:
"Freamlik!"
Almost at once, the younger Goblin from before came rushing through the door and handed a piece of parchment and left the office just as quickly as he came in, closing the door behind him.
"Bellatrix, I have taken the liberty to draw up some divorce papers for you. I take it by you using your maiden name, you wish for a divorce from your current husband?"
Bellatrix gave a big smile and nodded.
"Then you simply need to sign here." Raphoke said indicating the bottom of the parchment.
Bellatrix immediately signed then gave a big content smile towards Harry. Before being interrupted by Raphoke.
"Your now former husband being in Azkaban cannot challenge the divorce. And if for any reason he is let out or he escapes, it will be too late by then. You being the only one having access to your combined personnel vault at the moment, you can close it and take all of its contents for yourselves."
Harry looked at Bellatrix and said:
"No, we've already decided and we'll have nothing to do with his gold… But I guess that doesn't stop us from emptying his entire vault and donating it all to St Mungo's anonymously…"
Bellatrix quickly nodded in agreement at Harry, turned to look at Raphoke and said:
"Yes, like Harry said: empty my and Rodolphus's combined vault and donate it all anonymously to St Mungo's."
"Very well, that can be accomplished without any trouble." Raphoke said with a wicked smile, then continued with the day's business.
"Now, you mentioned something about buying a new home today?"
"Yes, we need a safe place to live where no one will ever think to look for us, preferably somewhere in plain sight, where we can come and go at will." Bellatrix said with authority.
"I assume that any and all properties you already own Harry, left to you by either your parents or by Sirius Black would not suffice?"
"That depends… Do I own any properties that no one, and I mean no one knows about?"
"No… All property that was left to you by your parents, Albus Dumbledore would know about… And all property left to you by Sirius Black, other family members like Bellatrix here would surly know about it. I see you dilemma…"
Harry thought for a moment for a solution and said:
"Raphoke… Sell every property I own except for Godric's Hollow and any land that have nothing built on them yet. I can't imagine anytime in my future that I would want to live somewhere that someone else knows about."
"Very well Harry, that can be done most easily… But what about Potter Manor?"
"Potter Manor?" Harry asked confused.
"Yes Potter Manor Harry, I suppose that you were not told about this as well?"
"No I was not." Harry said a little angry.
"Potter Manor is your ancestral home Harry, I would suppose it be something similar to Black Manor which Mr. Remus Lupin inherited."
"Er… No… No don't sell it. I think I'll keep that one, but I can't live there… I suspect that Dumbledore would know about it?"
"Yes, I would also assume that Albus Dumbledore would know about Potter Manor… Now I will have every property being sold, checked for any books, artefacts, magical objects and family heirlooms. So anything of worth will be sent directly to your miscellaneous vault before the property is sold."
"Yes, that seems okay… Perfect even." Harry said. "Would you know of any property for sale that would suit our needs?"
"You and Bellatrix's needs being; able to locate a safe and accessible place to live while hiding in plain sight?"
"Yes." Bellatrix stated simply.
"Well… If I remember correctly, Gringotts took possession of a used Wizarding object shop a few weeks ago in Knockturn Alley. The previous owner having died and owing a sizeable debt to Gringotts, we had no choice but to take possession of it."
Raphoke opened a drawer from his desk and pulled from it a piece of parchment and examined it for a while.
"Gringotts as not touched it in the slightest as of yet. The building in question comprises of three floors. The basement is set up as the shop's storeroom, the main floor is set up as the still fully stocked shop, and the upper level is set as fully furnished, nicely sized flat. It does not look suspicious for those in Knockturn Alley to hide their faces while there, so you would not draw unwanted attention hiding your features. And most important of all, who would think to look for Harry Potter in Knockturn Alley?"
"That sounds perfect!" exclaimed Bellatrix, standing up. "We'll take it, How much?"
"I'm sure Gringotts would be prepared to donate it free of charge for the safety and well being of our biggest client, I'll just go and get the deed and the sets of keys."
With that, Raphoke got up behind his desk and left the Room, closing back the door behind him.
"Bella, are you sure… Living in Knockturn Alley?"
"Harry it's perfect, just like Raphoke said: who would think to look for Harry Potter in Knockturn Alley? No one… And Knockturn Alley isn't as bad as people say it is. Do you really think that the Ministry of Magic would allow a whole Alley dedicated to the Dark Arts and every thing illegal? People there might be little shady but you just need to know how to deal with them. It'll be okay; I'll be there with you. I won't let anything bad happen to you, I promise."
"You're right Bella, and as long as you're with me, I know everything will be alright."
Bellatrix smiled, very pleased about Harry fully thrusting her. They waited a few minutes lost in each other's eyes, when Raphoke entered carrying various things.
"Harry, Bellatrix… I have discussed everything with the Heads of Gringotts and everything is in order. Here are your magical keys for number 66 Knockturn Alley." Raphoke handed Harry and Bellatrix a normal looking set of keys each and continued.
"The deed for number 66 will be kept here a Gringotts and will be put into your miscellaneous vault among with your other records for safekeeping. And speaking of your new vaults, here are your new vault keys. They will not work until tomorrow morning, so you will not be able to charge anything to your vault until then. I assumed Harry that you wanted Bellatrix to also have full access to the two vaults?"
Harry nodded and Raphoke continued.
"Each key will open both vaults but because they are high security vaults, you will only be able to charge to your vault or open the vault doors with your particular key. For example Harry, if you would use Bellatrix's key to either charge to your vault or to try to open your vault, it would not work. If you want a third person to have access to either of the vaults, you shall have to bring them here and have a key made for them. Now, here is a money pouch for each of you that contain a thousand Galleons each. They're heavily charmed to carry up to ten thousand Galleons and not look or weight more than if it had ten Galleons inside and either can only be opened by those who have access to your money vault. Both courtesy of Gringotts of course."
Raphoke handed Harry and Bellatrix a black money pouch each and continued
"And here is a Muggle wallet and Muggle purse… But for the life of me, I don't know why they make two different models."
"Yeah, I've notice that too." Bellatrix said knowingly. "I don't know why they use two different models either."
Harry sighed and said:
"Wallets are for men, and purses are for women."
"Ah! That explains so much." Raphoke said worryingly like he had just remembered a past mistake. He handed the wallet to Harry and the purse to Bellatrix then continued.
"As you requested, each item contains five thousand Muggle Pounds in small bills. I took the liberty to add to each a Muggle credit card that is tied directly to your money vault for big purchases, again courtesy of Gringotts."
"What's a credit card?" Bellatrix asked.
"Don't worry Bella, I'll explain it to you once we go into the Muggle World."
Bellatrix nodded and asked:
"Are we done here?"
"Yes we are Bella, we'll come back tomorrow to have a look at the new vaults. But for now I can't think of anything else."
"Good then I'll expect you both tomorrow." Raphoke said, then he snapped his fingers and a door suddenly appeared on the wall next to them.
"That door will take you to a private alleyway in a corner of Diagon Alley so you can avoid the Lobby full of people on your way to out. If you set up your emergency Portkey at your new home later, then tomorrow after you return here by Portkey you'll also be able to leave by Portkey back to your home. Harry could you give me your current vault key? It is now useless with the closing of the account."
Harry handed Raphoke his vault key and Raphoke said:
"Now I will give you two some privacy to prepare for your leave."
With that Raphoke walked toward the original door and opened it but stopped at Harry's call.
"Raphoke… Thank you for everything you've done today for Bella and me. Gringotts and you in particular have facilitated our lives greatly by your actions today."
"No Harry… I and Gringotts thank you for giving us second chance, we will not fail again." And with a bow Raphoke left and closed the door.
"Harry, enough about this mushy stuff. Let's go out and hurt someone or something."
"…What am I going to do with you Bella." Harry said shaking his head in disbelief.
"Anything you want Harry… Anything you want." Bellatrix said giving Harry a mischievous smile and great big wink.
"Well Bella, unless we want to be recognised today in Diagon Alley, do your stuff…"
Bellatrix immediately drew her Wand, and with a complicated wave; her hair went from black to blond and her eyes went from hazelnut to blue. The rest was the same except for looking a little younger, but she looked different enough for no one to recognise her. She did the same for Harry and his hair turned light brown, his eyes turned dark brown and his scare disappeared completely. With another wave of her Wand she put an Illusion charm on Harry's glasses, making them invisible. She conjured a mirror for Harry to look at himself. Harry's facial features had not changed except he looked a little older. But no one, even his so-called friends would never recognise him now. With another complicated wave of her Wand both Harry's and Bellatrix's robes grew hoods.
"We'll need those when we go to Knockturn Alley later, we'll blend in no problem."
Harry and Bellatrix took each other's hands and walked through the new door to find themselves in a small deserted alleyway. The emerged from the alleyway to the bustle of Diagon Alley full of Witches and Wizards and none were giving them a second look.
"Where to first Bella?" Harry said happily, noticing that nobody was staring at his forehead for once.
"Well, we need some clothes, some robes and some food for the house. The rest can wait until tomorrow. I don't really know where to go… I haven't come to Diagon Alley in almost fifteen years. And I might be a Witch, but shopping is not my thing, I'm a bookworm remember?"
"You're my bookworm Bella, and don't worry I don't know anything about clothe shopping either, we'll learn together…"
Bellatrix blushed a bit when Harry had called her his bookworm. She wore a pleased smile and made a mental note to reward him greatly that night…
Remembering his extended stay in Diagon Alley back in his third year, and knowing Diagon Alley like the back of his hand, Harry took the lead and entered a clothing shop named 'Muggle to Wizard Clothes and Everything in Between' that sold everything except for robes.
"My you two look good together, I can tell you both love each other very much… Can I help you with something?"
"Er…Thanks, and yes you can help us. My boyfriend and I need everything, and I mean every thing. Shirts, sweaters, pants, socks, underwear, shoes and some dresses for me. Everything in black if possible and money is no object. Oh! And me and my boyfriend don't like to try out clothes so…"
The Witch that had greeted them was shocked, then she thought of the commission she would earn and started picking and choosing the best of every variety of black clothing in their estimated size. She pilled her arms full then would carry it to the counter and go back for more. She made several trips and only after Bellatrix grew tired from following her everywhere did the sales-witch stopped.
They left the clothe shop with a single charmed bag that carried enough clothes for a small country, and a little over two hundred Galleons less in Harry's money pouch. Bellatrix made Harry stop and said:
"Harry can we go eat before we go buy our robes, I can't take much more of this."
"Alright Bella, I could eat."
With a big wink, and not trying to be subtle, Bellatrix said:
"Make sure you eat enough Harry, you're going the energy for tonight…"
Harry tried to ignore the blush on his face and lead Bellatrix to find a place to eat.
Harry and Bellatrix went to a small restaurant and ate a nice launch while Bellatrix played with her feet under the table… After they left the restaurant they went to 'Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions' which only sold different types of robes.
"Can I help you two find something you might be interested in?" Madam Malkin herself asked.
"Yes my Girlfriend and I need a few new robes… What about seven every day robes each, three work robes each, one of your best battle robes each, and put oversized hoods on everything. And finally a travel cloak and a winter cloak each. Nothing too plain, but nothing to fancy either. Everything in black and money is no object. Oh! And one set of dress robes each too; you never know when you might need one of those. Also we both hate to try on clothe so…"
Harry looked at Bellatrix to confirm and she nodded. He then turned to look towards Madam Malkin who also nodded in understanding like this sort thing happened fifty times a day. Madam Malkin went straight to work by measuring Harry and Bellatrix then went looking for something in their size. They easily found every day robes, work robes and travel and winter cloaks of their liking. For dress robes, Bellatrix chose an aristocratic blood red one and Harry chose a simple but elegant shimmering black one.
"Now as for battle robes you have a few choice's, Dragon skin, Manticore skin or –"
"You wouldn't happen to have Basilisk skin available would you?" Harry cut in.
"Basilisk skin? Well I can get it but… because it's rarely on the market, it's very, very expensive. There are not many foolish enough to hunt for Basilisk; they're way too dangerous. Anyway I don't see why you would need something like that. True, Basilisk skin would be the best possible choice but it would also be the rarer and most expensive choice too. And unless you're Harry Potter, I can't see why you would need that much protection. I'm sure Dragon skin would be more than good enough for any of your applications."
"But you know where to procure some?" Harry asked like he hadn't heard a single word.
"I suppose… I have a contact in South America that is trying to find a buyer for a Basilisk that he was lucky enough to kill without hurting himself too badly in the process. Not many can afford something like that, even if they only come on the market every fifty years or so."
"How much is your contact is asking for the entire Basilisk?"
"About 500,000 Galleons… Like I said, not many can afford that and he'll only sell it whole too. He'll never find a buyer for the entire thing. Almost all the old pureblood families are gone or divided. There's no one left who can afford something like it." Madam Malkin said with a laugh,
Harry thought for a moment… 500,000 Galleons was expensive to say the least, and he knew where he could find a Basilisk for free. But after spending three full years decomposing in the cold and damp Chamber of Secrets, In what condition would it be by now? It would probably be rotting and the only things still in usable condition would be the fangs… And as expensive as this new Basilisk was, he could easily afford it. At that moment he made up his mind.
"Would you contact him on my behalf and tell him that you've found him a buyer for the entire Basilisk."
"You're… You're not serious are you?"
"I never joke about business Madame Malkin, and I assure you that I can easily afford the price."
"Alright… I'll contact him later tonight. I'm sure he'll want to come personally with the beast to make sure the gold exchange at Gringotts goes smoothly. If I know him, he'll arrive tomorrow afternoon by the latest. Are you sure you can afford this?"
"Thank you for your concern Madame Malkin, but I assure you that I can. We'll drop by tomorrow afternoon around two to meet your contact and take care of business. After that we'll collect the blood, the fangs and the eyes for potion ingredients, and then you can take the skin you need for the two battle robes. We'll take the rest of the skin with us… And on second thought, make the robes dual sided, I'll have more than enough Basilisk skin to do that. And with the rest, I'll bring it to someone to have some boots, gloves and Wand holsters custom made for us… "
"Dual sided? That will be like wearing two of them at once. No one needs that sort of protection… These will be by far the best battle robes I've ever made." Madam Malkin said incredibly.
"If we can get the Basilisk tomorrow, how long will it take to finish the battle robes?" Harry asked starting to get exited.
"I would say at least a week, I'll have to take my time and be very careful. I can't afford to make any mistakes with something as expensive as Basilisk skin. At least the two robes wont cost you much, with you providing the skin you'll only pay for my time and labour. Do you wish to pay for everything now?"
"Yes, I'll pay for everything including the battle robes right now. And I'll see you tomorrow around two in the afternoon." Harry finished and paid well over three hundred galleons for all the robes and left the store with a second charmed bag with all his new purchases.
"Harry are you sure? I know you can afford it but still… I can't believe I gonna have a Basilisk battle robe, I can't wait to try it on!" Bellatrix said excitedly. And Harry smiled at the look of excitement on Bellatrix's face.
"Come on Bella, I know where we can find some food for the house. Let's hurry and get home, I need to sit down and relax and maybe take a hot bath or something."
"Ooh! A bath! Oh! Please Harry… We can take a bath and continue were we left off this morning." Bellatrix said giving Harry her unnecessary trademark wink.
Again, Harry tried to ignore the blush on his face and lead Bellatrix to find the magical grocery store.
They entered a shop that Harry had never had need to go to before, and were soon assisted by a sales-wizard.
"What can I help you two with today?"
"Well, we just bought a new house today and we'll need to purchase a permanently stocked icebox and pantry." Bellatrix said quickly, trying to leave the store as quickly as possible to get her and Harry in a hot bath. "We'll take the best models you have… Hurry and there's an extra fifty Galleons for you."
Harry looked as the sales-wizard run into the back of the shop to get the best model of icebox and pantry they had in stock as quickly as possible. Harry turned to Bellatrix to see her staring at him and giving him her biggest wink to date.
Three minutes latter Harry and Bellatrix left the store with a shrunken icebox and pantry in Harry's pocket and around eight hundred and fifty Galleons less is Bellatrix's money pouch.
Bellatrix was pulling Harry along when she suddenly stopped in front of the entrance for Knockturn Alley and said:
"Harry, pull your hood over your head and try to look like you go in there every day. I know you can take care of yourself from anything in there, but I'd rather we go unnoticed if we can."
Harry nodded and did as Bellatrix asked and followed her into Knockturn Alley. People looked nervous for some reason, and went out of their way not to look at either Harry or Bellatrix. It wasn't too surprising with both of them wearing black robes with hoods on; they looked like Death Eaters… Well, they were half right anyway.
Soon they both arrived at number 66 and stared at it for a moment. From the outside it looked like an abandoned shop with all its windows boarded up. Harry reached down into his pocket and took out his set of keys. He looked at the doorknob and noticed that there was no keyhole anywhere.
"Er…Bella, where do I put the key in?"
"Harry, that's a magical key, there's not suppose to have a key hole. You only need to touch the key anywhere on the door and it should open."
Bellatrix touched the door with her key, then suddenly the door magically creaked opened.
Harry stepped inside and Bellatrix followed him, then closed and locked the door behind her. Looking around, Harry noticed that directly to his left was an open door with a staircase that led to the flat upstairs. And directly in front of him at the other end of the room, was another open door with a staircase leading down to the basement. Like Raphoke had mentioned the spacious shop was still fully stocked of merchandise. It was full of used Wizarding objects of all kinds, neatly placed in many shelves and racks all around the shop.
Harry briefly wondered if they should open the shop back up but quickly dismissed the idea. He hadn't escaped from everything just to open a junk shop in Knockturn Alley. He looked around knowing he would have to throw away most of this stuff including the stuff in the basement storeroom. But on the off chance of finding something remotely useful, he would have to take his time and look through it all carefully.
Harry was thrown out of his thoughts when Bellatrix suddenly wrapped her arms around him from the back, then placed her head next to his on his shoulder and whispered in his ear:
"Welcome home Harry…"
Suddenly a noise on their left made Harry and Bellatrix jump apart. Before Harry or Bellatrix could react in any other way, something leaped in the air with great speed and grabbed hold of Harry and attached itself to him.
"Master Harry Potter Sir!"
"Dobby!?"
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I'm afraid you'll have to wait a few more chapters before you begin to see just how dark my Harry will become and all the action begins. Anyway, thanks to everyone who reviewed, it's always much appreciated.
To my handful of dedicated readers… I've decided they'll be no sex scenes in this Fic. The last thing I need is my account being frozen or my Fic being deleted by a Fan Fiction administrator. The dialogue, the plot and Harry & Bellatrix's relationship has always been what's important to me, so you'll just have to use your imagination for all the rest. There will be implied sex but nothing more graphic than what happened in the third chapter. My intention was never to write a sex story but an attempt to write a decent Harry/Bellatrix story, nothing more. Sorry if I've disappointed anyone.
Well I've tried to write an original "Harry goes to Diagon Alley" chapter (As I like to call them), but it's all been done. Almost every Fan Fic out there has an "Harry goes to Diagon Alley" chapter. Some are very good, some are very bad and mine is "you tell me". I guess there's just so much you can write about Harry in Diagon Alley. And I still have the next chapter going on a little about Harry's continued shopping, but it has to be done… Anyway, as long as I don't encounter any writer's block, I'll post the next chapter after I write it…