Severus was very displeased as he closed his door, locking it with a wave of his wand as he headed out. The dungeons were quiet today, mercifully so as he walked their dim corridors.

It was the summer, a truly beautiful time of year for the Hogwarts Professor.

The Headmaster had been adamant about his accompanying him, so much so that Severus was simply unable to refuse as reached the stairs so many tried to avoid, timing his steps tediously.

His thoughts remained tiresome as he reached the Headmaster's office, the large gargoyle transporting him up. It was a little on stage for his tastes, obviously a previous Headmaster felt it necessary to ascend in style.

Severus thought Dumbledore shared that fault, seeing the Headmaster stand by his desk in his absurd clothing.

"Ah, Severus. Right on time."

He offered a subdued nod. "Indeed."

Dumbledore smiled knowingly. "Fear not Severus, the boys are a treat. Well-mannered too."

Severus wasn't convinced, presuming otherwise as he thought of Lily's sister. "We'll see."

They didn't dither, each having come prepared as they walked to the fireplace.

Severus paused a little. "Headmaster."

Dumbledore turned inquiringly, his expression almost serene as Severus changed his mind. "Nothing, let's be off."

The older man smiled, the two settling inside the majestic fireplace.

Only the best for the Headmaster.

"Spinner's End," called Severus, throwing the powder down.

Whoosh.

They appeared in a rush, bursting from the small fireplace within Severus's home.

Dumbledore coughed, checking all was well.

"Excellent! Didn't I tell you getting the floo connected was a good idea!"

Severus made a somewhat agreeable face as he dusted his robe, watching as Dumbledore didn't wait, Apparating with a soft crack as Severus was forced to follow.

He already knew their destination.

They appeared before a Number Four Privet Drive, the sight one of many houses as Severus glanced about.

The Headmaster turned to him, meeting his eyes quickly. "Be polite Severus, Petunia is very different from what you remember. As is Vernon."

With that said, Dumbledore strode to the front door. Uncaring as the sun shimmered off the accents of his purple robe.

Severus tightened his shields, fully expecting to need his restraint.

The door was already opening as he arrived by Dumbledore's side.

"Hi!"

"Good morning!"

The two boys looked at one another, perplexed for a moment. "Good morning," emphasised the blonde one. "It's nice to see you again, sir."

The dark-haired boy begun nodding vigorously. "Come in, Mum and Dad are just inside," he said, heading inside to get them.

Mum and Dad?

Severus frowned, watching as the boy disappeared inside. The other stayed, holding the door as Dumbledore greeted him. "Dudley, you're looking well!"

The boy smiled, inclining his head. "You as well, sir."

It brought a laugh from the Headmaster, who gestured to Severus as they walked in. "Hear that Severus? Those smoothies are working!"

The potions master didn't respond, even as the door closed. This boy, this wasn't Harry.

Yet, his eyes. How?

He stared at them, green like hers. It hurt more than he'd thought to see them again as they looked at him oddly, sensing his scrutiny. "It's nice to meet you, sir."

Severus blinked, feeling a strange nostalgia as the boy's polite words soothed his ears.

He didn't respond. Dumbledore nudged him. "You as well, Mr Dursley."

It was too odd, thought Severus as Dudley ushered them through.

He was very mature for his age as Severus followed Dumbledore through. "Petunia! How are you?"

Petunia smiled, the expression truly shocking as Severus watched them exchange pleasantries, her husband too.

Apparently, he wasn't a walrus.

He was quickly brought into the conversation, trying to ignore as the two boys watched them all. "You remember Severus, of course," offered the Headmaster by ways of an introduction.

Petunia nodded.

"Severus."

"Petunia."

The Headmaster coughed slightly, perhaps not expecting Petunia's cold greeting. She didn't like Severus, for many reasons. Mostly because he thought her lesser, and he was rude.

It was Vernon who saved the day. "Ah! Are you the Potions Master at Hogwarts?"

Dumbledore had explained who would be accompanying him, and with Petunia's help he'd become fascinated with the art of Potions. "Amazing," he continued. "When Petunia told me about Potions, I wondered. Can you really grow hair back?"

Vernon was moving towards him, his hand beginning to rise.

If Severus had been a Pureblood, he'd had drawn his wand but.

Alas, he wasn't as their hands shook. "Yes, I am the Potions Master at Hogwarts."

Vernon's hand shook some more, his eyes shining with… hope?

"And yes," tried Severus. "It's possible to regrow hair that has been lost," he said, suspecting the man might be a little touched as he tried to retract his hand.

"Oh, sorry! I sometimes go for a long handshake," said Vernon as he stepped back. "Fascinating! Do you think you could regrow my hair?"

They watched as Vernon indicated his head, showing his profound widow's peak and similarly balding crown.

Severus supressed a wince. "Of course, easily done."

He could see that Vernon had more to say, yet was stopped by his wife. "Later Vernon," she touched his arm, giving it a little squeeze. "Besides, there's nothing wrong with your hair."

Meaning she liked it the way it was, which one could agree. It would look strange to see a man of Vernon's station with a full head of hair.

He didn't seem to agree though, seemingly lamenting his missing locks. "Anyway," offered Petunia, looking to Dumbledore.

The Headmaster nodded, happy as he spotted the boys. They'd been observing from afar, perched on the window sill of the bay window.

They hopped down, almost in sync as Severus watched them move. Their legs were sure, strong with a solid gait.

Again, he found their eyes. Harry's were the same; yet without any glasses. He was so glad, having feared seeing his father.

"Now," began Dumbledore. "You no doubt know why we're here," he indicated himself and Severus.

Harry perked up. "We're going to Diagon Alley?"

An affirmative as Dumbledore nodded.

Harry was visibly excited. Dudley too, if a little more subdued. The boy seemed to be thinking, of what Severus knew not.

"Right you are Harry!" said Dumbledore. "We're to collect your school things, perhaps a pet and get everything squared away."

Dudley looked perplexed at the last bit, wondering what exactly needed sorting beyond the contents of their letter. The boy didn't miss as the Headmaster glanced at Harry either, the conclusion coalescing within his eyes.

Severus watched it all, the boy was intelligent – perceptive too.

He'd do well in Slytherin, not that he'd end up there with muggle parents.

Dumbledore turned to Vernon. "Would either of you like to accompany us?"

Severus would have immediately assumed the negative, about five minutes ago. Yet now, seeing the man and his wife pondering, he couldn't fathom.

How had a woman that loved to call him freak, changed so much?

She should be bitter and scornful, particularly to Harry.

But. Mum and Dad. That's what he'd called them.

Severus would think on this later as Petunia shook her head. "We'll stay, we think this should be something for the boys to experience."

Another shock, as Severus watched Vernon pass an envelope to Dumbledore. "This will cover Dudley's expenses, just don't let him spend it all on books."

Dudley straightened, as did Harry.

"Nor Harry," he added. "I can't decide which reads more."

They chuckled at the boys' expense, yet only Harry seemed at all bothered.

It was all a little awkward for Severus, he'd rather have just met them in the alley.

Dumbledore nodded good naturedly. "Of course, only the necessary," adding a wink at the boys that made Severus cringe.

Harry smiled. Dudley didn't, merely assessing. Suspicious almost.

Definitely a Slytherin.

Severus watched again as they said goodbye, having seen himself out the living room first as the boys lingered behind.

Dumbledore planned to catch the Nightbus, of all things; he'd tried and tried to petition the floo, to no avail.

"Right then, follow us boys!"

He was like a scout leader, marching forward with childish vigour as the boys followed behind, standing side by side as they left the drive. Severus trailed behind them, wondering how long it would take before they had to send a concerned muggle away.

They'd made it a mere thirty seconds or so before the boys separated, with Harry catching up with Dumbledore.

Hmm.

Dudley slowed, settling into his stride as they walked together.

Neither said a thing, watching instead at Harry's interaction. The boy had become animated, talking about creatures that would frighten even the most seasoned wizard.

The boy was a Metamorph, he'd been told. Which made sense given his Grandmother, though to what extent his transformations could take, he didn't know.

He'd been told even less about Dudley, only that he, like Harry, had a keen mind.

It certainly seemed that way as Severus subtly watched him at his side, the boy doing well to keep up.

He had his mother's blonde hair, the colour having a richness the Malfoy's lacked. He had a strong build too, and the skin of a boy who enjoyed exercising in the sun.

Wonderful, he'd fit right in with the broom riding purebloods. The very thought of which made Severus avert his mind, hoping Dudley would not be in his house.

Another point of note was Dudley's apparent calm, unaffected as he walked with a man he'd met not 15 minutes ago. Most children would be either shy, or nattering his head off.

He was neither, a rarity – which spoke of experience, in what though was another matter.

Dumbledore hadn't mentioned anything else, yet Severus knew there was more to both of them. He couldn't feel magic like Dumbledore could, hadn't the knack nor the sheer skill to do it.

Few did, but what he could feel was the boy's confidence, almost palpable as they walked along the street.

The minutes ticked by before the boy even said a word.

"My name is Dudley Dursley, I am 11 years old."

Severus slowed slightly, quickly resuming pace as the boy glanced at him.

Hadn't they already been introduced?

"Well met, Dudley Dursley. I am Severus Snape, Potions Master."

The boy smiled, inclining his head. "Well met, Master Snape."

"Professor."

Dudley twitched at the correction, as if referencing something. "I see, do any use the title Master?"

It was a fair assumption, considering he was a Potions Master. "No, not since Professorship became more widely used."

"When did that happen?"

As if Severus knew. "A few hundred years ago, I'd imagine."

The boy nodded, accepting his conjecture. "I have much to learn it seems."

Severus nodded, muggleborns certainly did have much to learn. "You're more fortunate than others, yet less so than many."

It might have been ominous, had Dudley not understood. "I am a first-generation wizard. Harry is not."

"Muggleborn."

Again, Severus found the boy's language correct, yet still wrong.

Strange.

The boy nodded, seemingly making a mental note. "And you?"

A few moments passed.

"Half-blood, one magical parent."

He hoped the boy's presumptions wouldn't land him in hot water, even if they were logical. "Harry is considered one too, though only by some in the wizarding world. Others would deem him a Pureblood."

Dudley glanced at his cousin, seeing as the distance between them widened.

"How so?"

Severus followed his eye. "Harry's father was a Pureblood, irrefutably. His mother, she was like you."

In more ways than one, did the boy know how similar they looked?

He could see it now, his memories of Lily as a child. Dudley looked like her, Petunia too.

Dudley took a breath. "Harry's mother, Aunt Lily," he said, looking right at him. "You knew her?"

Loved her.

"Yes."

He said nothing else, letting Dudley try again as they approached a now stopped Dumbledore.

The wizard revealed his wand, flicking it in great waves.

Dudley tensed, feeling magic pour from the Headmaster as it closed around him and Harry.

He was about to move, before it stopped. Disappearing in a blink.

"This'll do," said Dumbledore, as if his earlier display had never happened. "Would you do the honours Severus?"

The man nodded, flicking his dark wand from his equally dark sleeve. He held it aloft as Harry glanced around, almost disoriented.

"You alright Harry?" asked Dudley, seeing his cousin look a little off.

"Yeah Dud, just a little nervous."

Dudley nodded, letting it go. Their attention shifting as a man approached, oblivious as he walked around them.

"This spot is protected, it's a wizarding bus stop," said Dumbledore, jovial as usual. "It's not used very much, but it still works."

It wasn't a moment later that a bus, tall and purple ploughed into view.

Dudley didn't look impressed. "Purple?"

Severus quite agreed, smirking as the boy glanced towards the Headmaster. The Potions Master was beginning to like Dudley, the boy clearly having an eye for the distasteful.

Squeaaaaak

The bus stopped before them, the door at the rear opening with a clack. "Welcome to the night bus, your-"

Severus tuned the man out, instead looking in to see if any unsavoury characters would need avoiding.

There was a hag, asleep on the ground floor.

Brilliant.

They stepped in and with a quick word from the Headmaster, who skilfully rebuffed the guard's fawning, they were off.

Severus's mind went blank, passing the journey in sweet abyss… he was roused as the Headmaster moved, the flash of purple prompting them all they departed the bus.

Here they go, thought Severus as they stepped onto the dirty street.

The boys looked about.

"The Leaky Cauldron," read Dudley, looking curiously towards the noise within.

"Indeed, we'll find the entrance to the alley inside," said Dumbledore as he guided them in, keeping the same formation again as Dudley walked by Severus.

The pub was busy, this fact alone enough to annoy the Potions Master. It was a Thursday, who were all these people?

Layabouts, he kept an eye out. Dudley too as the boy walked cautiously in, far less than Harry who seemed overwhelmed with wonder and excitement.

Severus wondered if this was their usual dynamic, or if perhaps Dumbledore was having an affect on him.

Or the boy was just more outgoing.

Dudley seemed to read his mind. "He's normally more cautious, at least when it's something I've thought up," he said, grinning as Harry actually said hello to a passing woman. "I suppose with you here, he can relax."

Interesting, thought Severus. It was as if they had a dangerous life.

They tried not to linger, even as people tried to shake Harry's hand. Severus had expected someone to put two and two together; Harry seemed to do his best.

Dumbledore must have told him, but when?

Dudley didn't get the message though as Severus felt him tense, about ready to move. "It's alright, you'll understand soon."

The boy flinched, looking intently at him. Severus could have sworn he felt something brush his shields, yet the feeling went just as quickly.

He and Dudley moved, following as they passed quickly through the pub.

They reached a brick wall.

"What was that all about?"

He was asking Harry, who turned with a guilty expression.

Dumbledore answered for him. "I'll explain once we're inside," the words accommodating as his wand tapped across the bricks. "Sometimes I eat pudding first."

The boy blinked as the Headmaster stepped though, before looking again to Harry who seemed to assuage his worry with a look.

Severus frowned.

They entered the crowded alley to find walls of people, all bustling about with trunks, owls and merlin knew what else.

Dumbledore made a beeline for a shop he'd assumed they'd visit last.

"Wands!"

Olivander's came into view, the shop looking a little dirty from the outside.

The Headmaster chuckled, desert indeed as he led them in. The bell chimed with an acoustic age, the shop ancient as Dudley looked to Severus.

"The Headmaster will explain."

The boy made a face, annoyed at being left in the dark. Why Dumbledore hadn't told them both at their home made no sense, just another of the Headmaster's oddities.

Harry and Dumbledore were ahead, closest to the counter as a man swung into view.

Dudley didn't react, at the ready as Harry jumped.

The pair watched from the back, a few strides behind as the earie man said something about expecting Harry.

Severus could feel Dudley becoming agitated, yet remarked internally at his restraint.

They began to edge closer, as the wandmaker gathered his boxes.

"Hornbeam, unicorn hair."

Harry took the wand, waving it without prompt as his smile vanished.

Smash.

It was snatched away without regard, placed back in its box as another found its way into Harry's hand.

Crack.

It went on, on and on as the pair waited. Observing as Dragon Heartstring, Unicorn hair and even Nundu whisker were all discarded.

Again, Severus remarked at Dudley's restraint. The boy clearing wanting to inspect and quiz about the wands. Yet he didn't, letting Harry have the moment as he waited with Severus.

Finally, they watched Harry grasp a pale white wand.

"Holly, Phoenix feather. 11 inches."

The shower of sparks didn't seem to illicit the same wonder he'd see in other children, with Dudley barely blinking as watched Harry.

Dudley relaxed a little when Harry turned to him, a happy smile on his face.

He was worried, realised Severus; not angry. Not being near or able to help should things go wrong clearly upset him.

It made him smile, if a little.

Dumbledore clapped. "Wonderful!"

Harry smiled even wider, feeling the wand between his fingers. It was beautiful, the way Holly paled with age made it sheen like ivory.

"Dudley! Look!"

Dudley smiled back, looking as Harry approached with his wand. "Cool," he said. "Holly's a strong wood."

Harry nodded, then laughed as they seemed to share a memory.

They'd made swords from holly before. The stuff was like iron, when it grew enough.

Dumbledore and Severus clearly weren't part of the joke, nor would they be as Harry handed the wand to Dudley.

They stilled.

Dudley took it, looking to Harry as if to say 'you sure?'

Harry nodded easily, watching as Dudley held the wand.

Nothing happened. "Hmm, guess the wand really does choose the wizard," commented Dudley as he pointed it towards the wall.

A flick.

Smash.

It was removed from his hand in a flash, the wand appearing in Dumbledore's hand like lightening.

He had a grave look upon his face, even if Harry was grinning as he looked at the damage.

The wall, made of a dark plaster had been smashed, exposing the brick beneath as it crumbled to the floor.

Severus didn't know where to begin, he'd never seen that before. A fresh wizard, holding a wand for the first time – and doing that.

Dear Merlin.

Dumbledore handed the wand to Harry. "It's best if wands aren't shared. It can have…" he eyed Dudley, before looking at the wall. "Dangerous results."

His own wand appeared just as quickly, the damage repaired in a moment. "Now, I think it best if we let Dudley get his wand. We'll then meet back at the Leaky Cauldron by 15:00."

Severus knew this was coming.

"No! You need to tell me what's going on!" shouted Dudley, his voice angry as he glared at Dumbledore. "What happened back at the pub? Harry?"

Dudley looked at his cousin, who seemed to wither a little.

"Umm…"

The boy looked to Dumbledore, a fact that seemed to infuriate Dudley even more.

"Dudley," said Dumbledore. "Please, calm down. I will explain in private once we're back at the Leaky Cauldron. I only had time to speak to Harry on the way here."

Severus felt the boy supress his emotions, an action he knew intimately as it confirmed his suspicions, even if they were utterly absurd.

"Fine, but you better."

Dudley looked at Harry again, his expression different. "Don't get a cat. Please."

They smirked, Harry laughing as he walked towards the door. "Yeah Dud, an owl it is."

Dumbledore followed behind.

This was all his fault, thought Severus. Causing a rift by telling Harry what Dudley should know too.

Perhaps he'd tell the boy, a petty revenge for dragging him out here in the first place as the bell chimed closed, leaving just the three of them.

Olivander had apparently enjoyed the show, taking in the sight of Dudley with shimmering eyes.

"Remarkable…" he said, looking deeply at Dudley's eyes. It seemed many would make the connection, it didn't bode well.

"Hello, you must be Professor Olivander."

Severus slumped, feeling a headache coming as the old wandmaker laughed good-naturedly. "Ha! I wish, I am but a skilled craftsman."

Dudley turned to Severus, as if to say 'did you lie to me?'

Severus could have rolled his eyes. "No, you assume a Master at anything is therefore a Professor. But this is not so. Professor applies to the world of academia, teaching."

The boy scrutinised him, letting him continue. "If I were to sell Potions, I would be a Master Potioneer. As Olivander is a Master Wandmaker. Yet, in this context. We are not Professors."

Olivander nodded.

"To profess," he said. "Is to convey something to someone," thinking a little Etymology would help the boy understand.

It did, it seemed. "I see," said Dudley, stepping closer. "Thank you for helping."

Olivander smiled, the boy was sincere. That's all that mattered to him. "Come, let's get you your wand."

He disappeared amidst the isles, the word 'come' not meaning to follow as Severus placed a hand on Dudley's shoulder.

It wasn't long before Olivander returned, carrying boxes of wands.

He placed them down with a sigh. "Now, where to start," as his hands rummaged, attempting to organise. "Ah, this one."

The box was opened, the wand a pale brown.

Dudley took it, careful not to point it at them. "Good, best point it away."

Olivander snatched it back soon enough, it wasn't right. Dudley felt glad to have it out of his hand.

The next came, then the next and so on as 30 minutes passed, the shop now a mess of empty boxes.

The door chimed on the last box.

Olivander apologised. "We'll have to re-think," he said.

Dudley didn't say anything, instead looking at the girl approaching with her parents. He didn't feel any magic from them.

She was like him.

Dudley smiled, turning back as Severus watched him.

"Hello."

He stepped forward, standing straight as he approached them. "Please, do go ahead. I am something of a tricky customer."

Severus blinked as Dudley transformed, one minute he was calling Olivander Professor, the next tall and charming.

The couple spoke, the girl a little shy. "Oh, hello," said the woman, looking at all the strewn boxes. "We're a little new to this, what are you…doing?"

Dudley chuckled.

"Of course, my apologies. When a witch or wizard seeks a wand, he or she must wait to be chosen. But one cannot know until they hold the wand, whether it is a match or not."

The girl was listening, nodding attentively as movement from behind drew their attention.

"Dudley, try this one."

Olivander didn't have a box, simply the wand wrapped in cloth. Dudley looked at the couple, they each giving him encouraging nods.

He walked back, observing the wand as it was offered to him.

He took it at the base, adjusting his grip as he made sure to point it up.

Nothing happened.

Dudley could sense the wand. Could, like the others, feel it. None had liked him, or were simply… reticent, as if they weren't meant for him.

He could use many of them, he knew. This one though, felt particularly indifferent; it didn't mind him, but also didn't like him.

Odd.

Olivander looked confused. "Blast, I thought this one would work."

Dudley didn't bother waving it, knowing it would be the same as he passed it back, Olivander taking it with care.

The man sighed, glancing at the new customers and then back to Dudley. "I'll need you to come back, can you visit towards the end of the day?"

Severus stepped in. "Of course, what time?"

Olivander rubbed his chin. "About 17:00, if you can?"

"No problem," agreed Dudley. Ignoring the look Severus sent him.

"Perfect, I'll see you then."

Olivander waved his own wand, all the boxes and damage done returning to their rightful place with practiced ease.

The couple approached, their daughter in-between. "We don't mind waiting, if-"

Olivander cut them off. "Oh, there's no need. Please, come through."

They hesitated slightly, before stepping past. The girl watching Dudley as he found her gaze.

She had curly hair. It looked like a wild animal as Dudley smiled all the same, waving goodbye as he left with Severus.

The door chimed behind them.

They stood in silence for a moment, glancing out at the people bustling by.

Severus let Dudley collect himself, then a moment later glanced as Dudley reached into his jacket pocket.

The Hogwarts' letter.

"Where to now?" he asked, looking up from the list.

Severus hummed, indicating he follow as they walked the cobbled path.

It would be a long day.

Break.

Some hours later, they arrived trunk and all at the magical pet shop, as Dudley had come to call it.

He didn't particularly want a pet, mostly because he'd need to feed and care for it. He wouldn't have time, and between an owl, a cat and a toad – which was better?

Neither, that's what, as he entered the store reluctantly.

The door closed with a click, along with all remnants of clean air. Which was now rich with the smell of chemicals, a sort of bleach he'd guess, along with all manner of stink the animals made.

Truly hideous, thought Dudley. His mother would never set foot in here as they approached the counter, the logical place to start.

"Hello," said Dudley.

"Hello?"

He scowled. "Excuse me!"

The woman jolted, snapping her eyes away from the book she'd been reading. "Oh! Sorry."

She fumbled for a moment, standing up as she presented herself. She was young, probably still a teenager as Severus stepped forward.

He couldn't have done that before?

Dudley let him deal with the woman, looking instead as he glanced around the room. It was a shame Hogwarts only allowed three types of pet, since they seemed to have everything here.

His eye drew towards a pretty looking reptile.

A gecko, perhaps?

"The owls are over there," said the woman, pointing behind somewhere. "I'll join you in a moment."

Dudley turned back to see her walk away, leaving the pair as they manoeuvred between all manner of stands, containers and cages. Until they came upon the owls near the back, which seemed free to roam yet preferred to stay put.

Dudley could understand, this was the best kept spot aside from the counter as Severus raised his hand. "How about this one?" he offered, gesturing to a large brown haired one closest to them.

It had tufts on its ears, along with eyes of molten red.

"Sure, it seems big enough," said Dudley, unbothered. "What breed is it?"

Dudley approached its stand, missing the pleased yet confused look Severus shot his way.

"It's an Eagle Owl," read Dudley. "Amazing."

He meant it, despite his general dislike of animals – aside from snakes, of course.

It was ironic really, given his command over them as the owl barked softly in greeting, looking curiously at Dudley.

He smiled, the owl barked again.

"Cool."

They heard footsteps as the woman came dashing in. "How's it going? Find one you like?"

She was flushed, what on earth had she been doing back there?

"Yes, this one."

Dudley had begun to turn, thinking that was enough. "Oh, he's a bit feisty. Maybe one of…"

The woman began to ramble, pointing and offering up all manner of other owl.

What was wrong with her?

Dudley didn't know, nor really cared as Severus stopped her. "We'll take the Eagle Owl, it seems passive enough."

She bit her lip, shuffling under the Potion Master's stern gaze. "Alright then, Pr- Mr Snape."

Then she was off again, rambling about cages and food while Dudley looked at Severus, conveying everything they both thought. They headed back to the counter, leaving the woman to gather what they needed.

Five minutes later, standing outside with their trolley full of things, Dudley was done.

Almost.

"We need to visit Gringotts," said Severus.

"I need an account?"

Severus nodded, becoming used to the boy's quick and perceptive thinking. "Yes."

Dudley shrugged, then they were off as Dudley pushed his trolley, since Severus refused.

Something about it being beneath an esteemed Professor of Hogwarts.

They made good time, despite the various obstacles. Dudley saw plenty of children his own age as they went and some a little older, simply out for shopping. Some of them gave him strange looks, he assumed because they recognised the Professor.

That girl certainly had, making Dudley wonder how long he'd been teaching. "Professor," the man turned, offering his attention. "How long have you been teaching?"

A benign question, one Severus didn't mind. "Ten years, or there about."

Dudley thought that was a long time, giving his trolley another shunt as they passed yet another group.

"I see, so that's why they look."

The girls passed, glancing their way.

"No, not quite."

The bank approached ahead. "How do you mean?"

They began to slow, stopping a little way from the large steps.

Severus turned to him. "I don't usually escort the first years, you're the first actually. They are curious, wondering who you are."

It made sense, Dudley would be curious too. "I see, guess they'll find out soon," his attention switched to the large building ahead and it's grey, imposing walls.

He wondered whether they'd ever been robbed.

"We'll need to shrink your things."

Severus waved his wand, the trolley and everything but the owl shrinking to the size of a matchbox.

Dudley watched, he'd tried that himself. It was one of the spells Gorble gave, having managed to shrink some things already; none were very big to begin with, since it seemed to depend on mass more than anything.

"Thanks," he said, watching as Severus stowed his things. "What about the owl?"

Severus picked the cage up, handing it Dudley. "We'll bring it in, it's no problem," he said, walking away before glancing back. "Don't dither, we-"

The owl hopped into view, looking raptly at the boy who'd set it free.

"Don't let him out!"

Severus turned back, striding with a scowl as the boy and owl stared at each other.

The owl took off, and with great sweeping flaps ascended high into the sky.

Dudley turned, offering him the cage. "Can you shrink this too?"

Severus didn't. "What did you do?"

He'd done something, he knew that much. Owls didn't do that, nor people who happened to stare at them.

Dudley shrugged, apparently not wanting to talk about it.

"Dudley, what did you do?"

His tone demanded the truth as Dudley placed the cage down. "I just told him to wait for us, fly around until we came out. Simple."

Simple?

That was not simple, Severus knew as Dudley began walking up the steps. "You told it? How?" demanded Severus, catching up to his side.

They arrived at the door, each glancing at the sign as they passed.

"How?"

Dudley hummed. "Magic, I guess. I just can."

Severus was shocked, that wasn't common. He'd only known one other that could… he daren't think of him.

Another thought came to him instead. "Can Harry do this?"

Neither Lily nor James could command animals, and it couldn't be learnt either. To command in this way essentially stripped the animal of free will, it was borderline dark magic – at least, according to some.

It was also very dangerous, a witch or wizard capable of such a feat could essentially control any animal, magical or not.

Depending on skill, at least.

"No."

Harry had tried, yet just couldn't do it; only Nigel listened to him, and the cats at Mrs Figg's had just naturally warmed to him.

It was another irony, they'd found. That while Dudley could control animals, they often didn't like him.

The cats had freaked when they'd seen him, hissing and jumping all over.

Poor Mrs Figg, Dudley had been scratched too; before he'd calmed them down.

He kept walking, pushing the memories away as they entered the reception.

"We'll discuss this later," said Severus as Dudley begged to differ, but didn't voice it as they approached a teller.

"We'd like to open an account," said Severus, skipping pleasantries. "Muggleborn."

The word was said with no inflection, simply stating fact as the gnarly goblin peered over his counter.

"Name."

"Dudley Dursley, it's nice to meet you."

The goblin, who had been moving away, slowed. "Well met."

Severus wondered if they'd caught this goblin on a particularly good day as it rummaged in a draw, before retrieving parchment as he directed them to the long counter to the side of the room. "Fill in this form, use the counter to your right."

Severus took it, ushering Dudley off as the boy glanced behind.

It was watching him, its black eyes holding deep scrutiny.

They approached the counter, which was a little too high for Dudley. "I should be able to fill most of this in, I'll confirm anything I don't know."

"Alright."

The quill scratched loudly, like all the other quills that all the other people were using as it chattered like bird song.

"What's your middle name?"

"Do they really need it?"

"Yes."

Dudley looked away, thinking about what Goblins were called. "Vernon."

Severus wrote it, he'd guessed it would be that as the scribbling went by, while customers came and went.

Dudley found their restrained fervour to leave rather amusing. The power walking too as he saw the girl again, walking in with a single parent. Funny, how they'd both come to the only place with stairs towards the end of their day.

He didn't approach, as the sound of paper drew him back. "Come, we're almost done."

It was nearing 15:00 now, they'd make it in time as they approached the same teller; the girl having found another further down.

The goblin snatched the form, skimming its contents… he nodded sharply, dropping it into a hatch before ringing a dial. "Wait a moment. He will give you your key."

"Thank you."

Another goblin approached soon after, looking smart in a sort of quasi suit. "Follow me."

They did, and with haste as the goblin power walked through the various corridors. Arriving in a small room mere moments later.

It didn't look like a vault.

"Here is your key."

Dudley took it, the dull bronze signifying his value as a client.

He was only 11. "You may deposit funds into your account, using your key with the tellers in reception. Or via House Elf, they will need your key to do so."

The goblin stepped back, indicating they were done. "Good day."

"Huh?"

Severus steered them out, somehow remembering the way as they set a course for the exit.

They were interrupted, and not by the girl as they passed reception.

"Severus?"

Dudley felt the man still, his body turning towards the soft clack of heels.

It was a woman, a very beautiful woman.

Dudley tried not to stare.

"Narcissa," greeted Severus. "How are you?"

The woman smiled softly, fiddling with a pair of gloves in her hands. "Quite well, if a little harried today."

It was said light-heartedly.

Dudley could agree.

"And Draco?" said Severus. "It's been some time since I visited."

Her look changed as she smiled happily, it reminded Dudley of his own mother. He liked her a little already.

"Draco is excited for Hogwarts, he asks after you. Potions is one of his favourite subjects," she smirked at her friend, perhaps enjoying his slight grimace. "You teach him well."

Ah, Draco was a bother then.

Severus nodded all the same, accepting the compliment as turned to Dudley. "Dudley, this is Lady Malfoy. Her son Draco, will be attending Hogwarts this September."

Dudley stepped up. "Dudley Dursley. A pleasure, my lady."

He added a slight bow, inclining his head respectfully.

Lady Malfoy seemed surprised, before looking at the green-eyed boy strangely. "Well met, Mr Dursley."

Her scrutiny continued, prompting Severus to hurry things along. "Well, we best be off. Dudley still needs his wand."

A suitable excuse, one couldn't argue with that. Not that she would have, Dudley felt; though her interest in him was unwelcome.

Something about this bank seemed to do that.

"Of course, I'll speak to you soon Severus."

She looked at him again, skipping his farewell as she made for the tellers. Severus was already moving, walking ahead as Dudley hurried to follow.

That was rude, he'd been polite, hadn't he?

They made it outside moments later.

"Did I offend her?"

"No, not quite."

Dudley waited for more. "Not quite?"

Severus ignored him as moved to unshrink Dudley's things, before thinking better of it. "Can you tell the owl to follow us back to the Leaky Cauldron?"

"Yes, but what-"

"She's a Pureblood," stated Severus. "They generally dislike Muggleborns."

"Are there many Purebloods now?"

Severus turned to him, noting his use of tense. "Yes, at least half of the magical population."

Dudley tried not to grimace. It didn't look good, his growing dread interrupted as a loud screech sounded from above.

The owl's wings swooped towards them, landing the large creature gracefully as it hopped to Dudley, who smiled as he patted its head.

It wasn't a dog, thought Severus as the owl hooted, turning slightly before launching into the air once again.

Such a strange boy.

"Alright," said Dudley. "Let's head back."

They set off, arriving just before three at the Leaky Cauldron. It wasn't as busy, a fact that pleased them both as Severus approached the bar.

Dudley lingered back, observing the place that smelt of booze and tobacco. He couldn't see anyone smoking, but it was there.

His nose wrinkled, hopefully whatever private room Dumbledore had would be better.

"Follow me," said Severus, striding past him as they walked up the stairs, up and up until they reached the top floor.

They came to a door, rather small if truth be told. It must be old then, Dudley watched it open with a sweep.

"Dudley!"

Harry's cheerful voice welcomed him, the boy hopping up from the chair he'd been sitting.

Dudley entered, letting Severus close the door behind him. "Harry, all good?"

His cousin nodded, meeting him as they moved into the room. "Yeah Dud, managed to get everything. You?"

"Yeah," said Dudley. "Just my wand left."

He glanced at Dumbledore standing near the window, looking out at something.

Severus greeted him, the two approaching after as Harry nudged his arm. "You didn't get your wand? Why?" he asked, upset as he turned to Dumbledore, as if he were to blame.

Dudley shook his head. "No, we couldn't find me a match. Just a few that were indifferent."

Severus explaining the rest. "Olivander said to come back at 17:00."

"17:00?" parroted Harry. "Will we have enough time?"

Harry wasn't shy today, appearing very outgoing as Dudley wondered if the Headmaster's personality was the cause.

He didn't mind, Harry was Harry; it made no difference how he behaved. "It'll be fine, I think he'll have something ready when we get there."

"I imagine so," offered Dumbledore, smiling at the pair. "Shall we sit?"

He gestured to the table of four, a standard setup. "I'll explain now."

They took their seats, with Harry next to Dumbledore.

It annoyed him, why had they excluded him?

With good reason, it seemed, as the story was told. About Voldemort and his Death Eaters, of Sirius Black and his betrayal. All the way to Harry, and his scar. Dumbledore seemed to suggest that Voldemort wasn't dead, which seemed deliberately mis-directive since he'd just said Harry had defeated him.

The story ended with Harry being adopted by the Dursleys, his closest living family.

Oh, and let's not forget. Harry was famous, they even had children's books written about him.

"Right," began Dudley, looking at the Headmaster. "So – will Harry be signing autographs?"

Harry laughed, nodding as Dumbledore looked stern. "I trust Harry to make the right decisions."

Harry nodded, as if they'd already discussed how he would act in such circumstances.

Dudley was beginning to dislike the Headmaster, as Severus watched from the corner of his eye, feeling something gnaw at the boy he'd spent the day with.

He quite agreed, if he was right in his assumption.

Dumbledore was certainly a meddlesome man, even if he was good of heart.

Break

They'd eaten lunch soon after, enjoying the meal greatly. Dudley was particularly grateful to the serving staff, smiling and complimenting them on how good the pie was.

Severus had found the whole thing amusing, since it seemed completely genuine.

After freshening up and taking a little tour of the pub, Dumbledore suggested they split for the day.

Harry had already retrieved his things, so suggested he return home.

Severus would escort Dudley back after retrieving his wand, which would naturally annoy another boy; but not Harry, he'd simply nodded and said he'd meet Dudley back at home.

The two left with a smile, even Harry's snowy owl hooting as they left.

Severus turned to Dudley. "Call the owl, we'll leave him here with your things," it appeared Severus was tired of holding his shrunken items too, since he'd deposited them haphazardly in the corner of the room.

Dudley didn't mind as he headed to the large window Dumbledore had stood by. The latch opening easily, letting in a brisk wind.

Severus waited from afar, expecting Dudley to whistle. Half of him doubted the boy could do it.

But then, less than a minute later, in swooped the owl.

It barked a little, having caught some of its wing on the window frame. "Good boy."

Again, Dudley patted its head, chuckling as it made a chirping noise.

"How did you do that?" asked Severus, expecting the same answer as Dudley approached his things, rummaging for the box the woman had sold them.

Owl food, with a dish. "I reached out to him, asked him to come back."

He filled the dish with water, taking a jug from the table. "I feel where he is, know it inside," he said, tapping his chest as he poured the food.

Severus remained quiet, noticing Dudley's care. "Very useful."

Dudley shrugged, not even looking as Severus wondered what the boy was thinking. "Come, let's head over."

"Bye boy," said Dudley, following after Severus.

"Choose a name, something fitting," said Severus idly, closing the door as they walked down the stairs.

The pub was filling up again, the noise rising as they reached the ground floor. They didn't linger, entering the alley soon after.

It wasn't long then before the shop popped into view, the sign showing closed as they knocked anyway, peering inside as Olivander approached.

"Ah! Splendid, come in come in!"

Dudley shuffled inside, behind Severus as Olivander arrived at his counter. "Now, I've been thinking," he said, looking at Dudley directs.

"Do you have an affinity with animals?"

Dudley went wide-eyed, flinching to Severus who shook his head.

"I thought as much," said Olivander, looking at Dudley in a new light. "You have a rare gift."

Dudley felt uncomfortable, just how many 'rare gifts' did he have?

No more than two, surely.

Severus moved things along. "What does that have to do with choosing a wand?"

"Everything," said Olivander, breathing mysteriously. "And yet, nothing."

He smiled, his grey eyes glittering with fascination as Dudley looked away.

Olivander soon moved back, heading into the many isles of wands as Dudley spoke to Severus. "Is it?" he whispered. "Is it really so rare?"

It was said with disappointment, as if he'd been blessed with a burden. Severus could understand, it was a bother when people raised you up, even more so when you had to hide it.

We were all human, in the end.

He nodded, knowing a lie wouldn't help. "It is, as far as I know. The ability has dwindled though, less than a dozen at even a meagre level."

"In Britain?"

"The world."

Dudley sighed, running a hand through his hair. "What about Metamorphia?"

Harry, thought Severus. "More, but still less. Probably a few hundred, maybe a thousand."

"In Britain?"

"The world."

The boy nodded, thinking.

"What about Parsletongue?"

Severus blinked, suppressing his memories of a hissing madman. "One, at least that are known."

Dudley didn't show any reaction. "Who?"

Severus turned, looking into Dudley's green-eyes.

Her eyes.

"The Dark Lord."

Dudley made a noise, of belief and irony. Severus wasn't sure what to make of it, nor did he have time as Olivander swooped back in.

"Here it is," he said, appearing grandiose as he carried a cloth. "Make sure to point it away."

Dudley replied in the affirmative, taking the weird looking wand in his hand. Olivander was being oddly careful about handling it, tugging the cloth away carefully with his fingertips.

At an angle, Dudley pointed it away and towards the wall.

Nothing happened.

Perplexed, they waited as Dudley began to feel warm; it made it happy, content and most of all:

Strong.

This was his wand.

"What is it?"

Olivander came into view, amazement in his eyes.

"Dragon bone. With a core of Thestral Heartstring," the man smiled. "11 inches."

Dudley shifted his grip a little, his fingers settling naturally around his tea-stained wand.

Tea-stained, realised Dudley. "It looks like Tea stain."

The old wandmaker chuckled. "It is old, over 500 years. My Grandfather found it in the Ukrainian mountains. It's species long since extinct."

Intriguing.

"Which species?"

"The Ukrainian Ironbelly," said Severus, glancing briefly to Olivander.

The man nodded. "Yes, magnificent creatures. Such a pity."

Dudley agreed, looking down for a proper look at his new wand. It had ridges along its length, channels of past sinew with varying depths. The handle was thick, about twice that of a standard wand, while tapering smoothly to a thinner end. It had a rounded base, which appeared like honeycomb.

Perhaps it had once been a joint.

It was artistic too. Dudley liked it. "How much do I owe you?" he saud, stepping towards the counter.

"7 galleons."

Severus paid, like all the times before as Dudley wondered when they'd changed the pounds into galleons.

Perhaps Dumbledore had with a fund of his own?

They were leaving now, the door almost closing as Olivander called out. "I expect great things from you Dudley," he paused, tilting back. "Great things."

Dudley nodded, thinking it was another type of goodbye in the wizarding word as Severus lead the way, the two arriving quickly back at the pub.

"We'll use the floo, there's one in the room."

Severus shrunk his things, with Dudley making space for the owl as it hopped between them.

It was a strange sight; a man, a boy and an owl as they burst into flame, appearing at Spinner's End with a whoosh.

Dudley plopped out the fireplace, landing rather well in a comfortable crouch. While Severus managed to time his step, having practiced.

The owl was having a great time, already hooting about as it hopped around.

"We'll Apparate the remaining distance, but I suggest you tell the owl to fly."

Dudley nodded, straightening as he stowed his wand within his trunk, it was a little too big to carry in his pocket.

He'd have to fix that, somehow as Severus waited for him to tell the owl, the animal happily flying through the window Dudley had opened.

Dudley asked how far they were from Surrey, with Severus saying it wasn't far and that the owl would be fine.

"Relax."

What?

Crack

They appeared with snap on the porch of number four, the knock that followed coming a little too quick as Dudley tried to steady.

He felt sick, just as the door opened.

"Dudley!" said an excited Petunia, having been on edge all day.

He vomited, all over the welcome matt.

Petunia screeched.

AN

Haha! Petunia forever, she has the best shriek.

If you have any comments on the chapter, fire them my way. It was a bit of a drag in places, but maybe that won't show.

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