By Loralee
Disclaimer: Not mine
Harry had been made very aware through Stonebender that the Goblin Nation had chosen a side in the coming war. He didn't quite understand why it was his side but he wasn't about to turn the kind of help the goblins could provide away. Harry had arranged through Stonebender to have a variety of tutors during the rest of the summer. Some he would go to and others he would be meeting with in a secluded part of the goblin warren.
The subjects would include things like Occlumency and Legilimecy, Dueling, Dancing, Financial management, Ancient Runes, Goblin language and magic (by Harry's special request), Ritual magics, Politics and History.
Harry had been surprise when he met with the witch who was to teach him about the obligations he would have as Head of a Family. Charlotte Rosemary Desmond was the last of two old and powerful pureblood families. She had outlived three husbands, four children, six grandchildren and two great-grand children. Harry thought she might be even older than Dumbledore but he had no doubts she knew what she was talking about. Her sons and grandson had squandered the family fortunes. Voldemort had killed her great grand children in the first war leaving her alone. She had just enough money to support herself and thus was willing to explain Wizarding traditions to Harry, for a price. Harry liked her immensely and told Stonebender to double her fee after their first meeting. After that she undertook to teach him more than just the traditions. She taught him pureblood manners, conversation, politics, family histories, the 'who did what to whom and why' of the Wizarding world that he would need to navigate in that world. By the end of the summer Harry had installed her into the Potter farmhouse and was calling her Grandmother. (But that would come later)
With tutoring arrangements made and his finances firmly under his control Harry Potter made his way through the goblin warren beneath Diagon Alley to security entrance number twelve. He intended to visit One Mann's Treasure and thank Mr. Mann for his help a week earlier. Dobby had already taken his belongs to his flat and Stonebender had presented him with a special reusable goblin portkey that would transport him directly to a high security portkey entryway. A service that only very highly regarded clients received.
Harry slid through the floo and into Mr. Mann's shop in Little Whining hoping that no other wizard, save Mr. Mann might be in the shop. He landed in a heap and then looked up to the smirking face of Mr. Mann.
"Fine entrance there young man. How may I help … Mr. Potter? Well lad I am glad to see no harms come to you. I thought maybe the goblins had eaten you when you didn't return or you'd been caught. No one came sniffin' around for you though." Said Mr. Mann as he helped dust off Harry.
Harry grinned up at him.
"The goblin's were most helpful. I just came 'round to thank you sir. If you hadn't let me use your floo I would still be trapped at my relatives."
"Well that's good Mr. Potter. I do appreciate knowing that. Anything else I can do for you?" Asked Mr. Mann.
"Yes sir, I saw a pensive here the other day and want to buy it and maybe have a look around."
At that moment the outer door chimes tinkled indicating a customer in the outer shop. Mr. Mann made a gesture that seemed to mean 'feel free to look around' and headed out to the other part of the shop.
Harry gazed around wondering where to start. He didn't have anything particular in mind he just wanted to do something nice for his friend. Harry saw several bags in the section next to the camping gear. One attracted his attention. It was a black messenger style book bag with a Hogwarts crest on the flap, looking closer Harry discovered it was dragon hide and at least five times bigger on the inside than the outside.
"Definitely worth investing in." Harry said to himself.
In the time it took Mr. Mann to deal with the customer in the outer shop Harry had selected the bag and pensive, a painting of a wooded lake with a shy unicorn peeking though the leaves occasionally, two wand holsters, a self stirring sauce pan, a hand made patch work quilt in Gryffindor colors with a tag that said it also had heating and peaceful sleep charms on it.
When Mr. Mann came back Harry ask to look at the wands in the case to see if he could find one that would work for him. None did but while looking in the case Harry spotted an antique pocket watch with a stag etched on the cover that he decided to buy.
"Well, son I surely appreciate the purchase. Are you sure you need all of this. It won't run you short will it?" Harry liked that Mr. Mann seemed concerned that Harry might be spending too much.
"No sir, I have plenty, thank you." Harry packed his things away in the bag, promised to come again and floo'd away to his flat.
Harry's flat on the top floor of number 93 Diagon Alley was surprisingly empty when Harry arrived there.
"Dobby" Harry called standing in the middle of an empty room.
"Harry Potter, sir, Dobby is here." The little elf popped in.
"Dobby where is all the furniture?" asked a bewildered Harry.
"No furniture Harry Potter sir. Yous did not tell Dobby where to gets furnitures or whats to be putting in here." Dobby looked dejected and started to twist his ear.
"Dobby no punishing yourself," scolded Harry. "I didn't think that this place might be unfurnished. There were some things in one vault. I'll just have to go out to muggle London and buy a bed and stuff. Is there a kitchen?"
"Yes Harry Potter sir kitchen is there," Dobby pointed to a door on the left hand side of the main room. "Kitchen is good, Dobby can be getting food at elf market if Harry Potter sir is being giving Dobby money. But Harry Potter sir is needing to be making or buying dishes."
Harry thought about it for a moment and then asked, "Dobby is the farmhouse furnished?"
"Yes Harry Potter sir there is being everything at Harry Potters farmhouse." Said Dobby with a bounce.
"Ok we'll stay there tonight maybe sort out some furniture to send here and maybe find extra dishes and things. Here is some galleons for groceries and I'll meet you there." Said Harry.
Surprising Harry yet again Dobby refused the money, "The elf's at Harry Potter's farmhouse have food for Harry Potter." And then Dobby popped away.
Harry scratched his head. 'Elf's' he wondered. 'I have elf's?' Harry reentered the floo for the trip to Potter Farm and made a mental note to see if he could take his apparition test as soon a possible.
A/N Thanks to everyone who reviewed.