As Harry woke up in the morning after his best sleep the whole summer, last night's thoughts came rushing back to his head.
He shook his head as if it would get rid of strange thoughts he had dreamt about, only to find Hedwig looking at him quizzically.
She turned herself around imperiously, her entire demeanor suggesting to Harry that she thought he had finally lost it.
After she flew out of the window to hunt something for her early morning snack, Harry got up and after a quick shower decided he needed to do some quick shopping for school supplies and more importantly, check up some things at Gringotts.
He realized that the new school term would be starting in just a few days and morning was the best time to avoid the usual rush of eager students and their harassed parents.
Just a few days back he had politely rejected Ron's offer to meet up at Diagon Alley. He knew Mrs. Weasley would want to confront him there and he was in absolutely no mood for providing explanations, however much he adored her.
Thinking that he should be getting a move on, Harry went downstairs to inform Aunt Petunia that he would be leaving for the better part of the day to get his school supplies.
"Aunt Petunia", he called out to her as she was making breakfast.
"I will be gone for most of the day to get some stuff for school".
Seeing Vernon's hand suddenly start to shake nervously a wicked smile made its way into his features and after some effort to fight back the smile he innocently continued, "Actually, I think I will leave just now".
And with that he apparated to Diagon Alley, leaving behind a broken teacup, a rapidly staining carpet and an uncontrollably shaky Vernon Dursley.
Harry apparated directly in front of the Gringotts front entrance.
He made his way to the head goblins desk and called for his attention.
The goblin looked up from some jewel he was carefully inspecting and on recognizing Harry Potter, immediately went on his best behavior.
"Mr. Potter, what a pleasant surprise. What can I do for you today?"
"Good morning. I am here to inquire about the state of my finances and to get a complete statement on my list of possessions", Harry replied in a business like tone.
"Of course Mr. Potter! If you could just wait for a minute."
He opened one of the many hidden drawers underneath his huge desk and took out some parchments.
"As you have amply demonstrated that you are of eligible age Mr. Potter the sum total contained in your vaults now amounts to four hundred and sixty five thousand galleons, ninety four sickles and two knuts".
Harry slowly let out the breath he had been holding and in a voice that could have been described as distinctly girlish asked the goblin – "could you repeat that figure for me again please?"
"Certainly Mr. Potter. The sum total contained in your vaults amounts to four hundred and sixty five thousand galleons, ninety four sickles and two knuts".
'Breathe Harry. Yes that's the way, in and out, in and out, in and out'.
'Holy silver haired mother of all beautiful beautiful BEAUTIFUL GODS!'
'I AM RICH. I AM RICH. Harry Potter of cupboard under the stairs, Number 4 Privet Drive – YOU ARE ONE BLEEDIN RICH KID'.
'Wow, what would Sirius have said to that?'
The moment Harry thought of his deceased godfather all exuberance at his newly discovered wealth went out of the window and he immediately sobered up.
"All right. Thank you very much for your time."
As Harry left Gringotts with a whirlpool of emotions raging through his heart, he spotted the shop for all kinds of options ingredients.
Harry had made it though to the NEWT level potions class after receiving an Outstanding in his potions OWL examination.
He had decided to take Advanced DADA, Transfiguration, Charms and Potions. He only took COMC as his elective because he wanted as much time as possible in pushing his magical limits and learning anything of value from the library at Hogwarts.
He had also planned to study Animagus Transformations in honor of his father and Sirius. He knew with all the extra work he was going to be doing; he would have very little time for other subjects that would be of little value to him in his fight against Voldemort.
After buying all required potion ingredients, Harry made his way to the Quality Quidditch Supplies to check on the latest broom.
'Bloody Umbitch', he swore mentally at Dolores Umbridge, the former Hogwarts High Inquisitor.
She had not only confiscated his Firebolt but also destroyed it.
'Can't even do anything to her now. Let her come out of St. Mungo's. This time it's going to be me who will send her back there, not the Centaurs.'
He quickly found what he was looking for.
"Moonbeam X – Fastest broom in the world. Can outstrip any other model of broomstick out there. Guaranteed!" announced the owner proudly.
After shelling out six hundred galleons for it, a very satisfied Harry shrunk the broom and put it in the back pocket of his jeans.
'Moonbeam. Hmm, wonder what Luna would think of that!"
Harry sighted a jewelry shop and walked in with thoughts of the dirty-blond haired witch haunting him. His eyes fell upon a pair of dazzling white diamond studded ear-rings shaped like the moon and made a spur-of-the-moment decision to buy them as a present for Luna.
A quick trip to Ollivander's added wand polish and a brand new, charmed dragon-hide wand holster to his list of acquisitions.
'That's all for today I guess. Time to do my final packing for Hogwarts', Harry silently contemplated on the day.
Two days later, with a quick peck on the cheek and an absolutely astonished Aunt later Harry silently apparated to Platform nine and three quarters.
Most of the platform was empty except for a few students. Harry decided to settle in a compartment and make himself comfortable.
Half hour later, the door to the compartment slid open and Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood walked inside hand in hand.