Chapter Three
In Which Shopping Leads to New Things
Heriman feels as though he is being watched. As he slowly wakes, he notices a silvery-mist with a blue glow. He jumps, startled, before looking at the wispy form of a cat. Heriman watches as the cat tilts its head, blinking, before it leaves. He yawns as he wonders about the ethereal-like cat. As he pulls a dark pair of jeans over his boxers, there is a knock at the door.
"It's open." Heriman answers as he pulls on a green shirt. In Professor McGonagall, looking slightly stern with her hair in a bun and wearing stiff black robes. "Good morning, Professor." Heriman says as he grabs his oral hygiene kit. (Can't go anywhere without one when your parents are dentists.)
"Good morning, Mr. Granger. Are you ready to go?" McGonagall asks, looking at the bag he is holding.
"Give me a moment to brush and floss?" Heriman asks. McGonagall nods and shows Heriman where the loo is. After he finishes up, he puts the kit back with his belongings and looks at Professor McGonagall "Well, I guess that I am as ready as I'll ever be." he says, his heart racing.
McGonagall nods before turning away from him. "Follow me, Mr. Granger. And please," she glances at him over her shoulder, "try not to get lost."
Heriman nods, staying close as they go through the Leaky Cauldron before going out a door to what seems like nowhere. Before Heriman can speak, McGonagall approaches the wall. Heriman watches as Professor McGonagall touches her wand to the brick wall three times in what seems to be a pattern of three up and two across. As the wall starts to move, he takes a step back. In place of the wall is on archway, which McGonagall goes through. Heriman follows, unaware of the wall shrinking closed behind them.
"This, Mr. Granger, is Diagon Alley." Professor McGonagall says as Heriman gets closer. The first thing Heriman notices is the shops. As he scans the shop-fronts, that's when he notices the throngs of people. Witches and wizards that are dressed similar to Professor McGonagall. He takes a step backwards, his back hitting the wall as it comes to him that he stands out. Big time. Heriman hates to stand out in crowds, believing it'll draw more attention to himself than what he is comfortable with. It also might have something to do with the fact that he gets easily misgendered in crowds, which causes further anxiety. He turns to face the wall as he takes deep breathes, trying not to shake. Heriman closes his eyes in hopes that the feeling of eyes on him will go away.
"Here, Granger." McGonagall whispers beside him. Heriman opens his eyes to see McGonagall offering him a small vial. "Drink it, Granger. It's a potion that'll calm your nerves." McGonagall's Scottish lilt says. Heriman nods in understanding as he takes the vial from her. As he swallows down the potion, he feels Professor McGonagall's hand on his shoulder. "Better?" she asks softly.
"Yes, thank you Professor." Heriman answers, motioning for Professor McGonagall to lead the way. He continues to scan the shops as they head towards a large, white marble building. Heriman tilts his head slightly, trying to figure out how the building can be stable while looking unstable at the same time.
"That is Gringotts, the wizarding bank which is ran by goblins. I'm telling you this so that you are prepared." McGonagall says as they approach the doors.
Heriman reads the engraving upon the silver pair of doors as they walk through the bronze doors. "Well, they seem serious about this, so I'll try to stay on their good side." he says.
McGonagall nods at this. "Smart lad, although I don't know if goblins have a good side." Heriman thinks those words over as Professor McGonagall speaks with a Goblin. He believes that everybody has a good side, but that it can be hidden or corrupted. "Griphook is awaiting us, Mr. Granger." Professor McGonagall says, once more leading Heriman to their destination.
Heriman follows her down a narrow hall before she knocks on a silver door with a ruby embedded into the center of it. The door opens to reveal a Goblin behind an ornate desk. "Mr. Griphook, I presume?" Heriman asks him, causing the Goblin to look up at Heriman i shocked surprise.
Griphook looks at Professor McGonagall before looking back at Heriman. "That would be correct, though most just call me Griphook."
Heriman tries to process this knowledge. "Well, may I address you as Mr. Griphook, as that's the more respectful option?" Heriman asks softly. Now Heriman has both Griphook and McGonagall looking at him.
Griphook nods at Heriman. "If you wish, Mr. Granger. Now, we are here to set up your account at Gringotts. First, do you have your wand?" the Goblin asks.
Heriman looks at Professor McGonagall. "That's our next stop. Once we get everything set up here, I'll be taking Mr. Granger to get his wand." the Scottish voice says in answer to Griphook's question.
Griphook nods at this before shuffling through some papers as he begins speaking. "Well your benefactor has sent in the proper paperwork to transfer the allotted amount of one thousand galleons into your account at the beginning of every month." Griphook look up from the papers. "That is correct, is it not?" the Goblin questions at the confused look on Heriman's face.
Once more, Professor McGonagall speaks. "Your benefactor wishes to remain anonymous for the time being, but is the maker of the potions you'll be taking until you reach eighteen years of age. Seeing as these are new potions and problems could arise, they wish to pay you as if it was a muggle clinical trial." she explains to Heriman before turning to Griphook. "I believe they also requested a secure vault?" Griphook nods his head slightly in confirmation. "Is vault 710 available?" Once more, Griphook nods in confirmation. "Than that shall do." McGonagall states.
"Let me get the proper paperwork for Mr. Granger to fill out then." Griphook says before he leaves.
"I have a benefactor?" Heriman asks, still trying to process the information afforded to him.
"Yes, Mr. Granger, and everything that needed to be said about it was said." McGonagall answers, looking sternly as the papers before her. He glances at the stern looking Professor, wondering if she is going to be this stern at Hogwarts. As he thinks about this, Griphook returns.
"These will require your signature and as your vault is a somewhat higher security vault, a drop of your blood is required for making your key. After you get your wand, you can return and we shall add it to the security measures of your vault." the Goblin says as he hands the papers to Heriman.
Heriman starts to signs the papers, reading the guidelines and contracts that he has to sign. When he finishes, he hands the papers back to Griphook. "Here you go, Sir." Heriman says softly.
After Griphook takes the paperwork, he holds onto Heriman's hand. "I'm going to prick your finger now, Mr. Granger." Heriman nods and watches as the Goblin pricks his ring finger and places the bleeding finger onto a piece of metal. Heriman looks at Professor McGonagall before looking back at the metal as his hand is released. "Would you like it to be in the form of a key or something else?" Griphook questions.
"A ring? Would that be possible?" Heriman asks, watching as the Goblin nods before he answers. "Just place the finger you wish to wear it on and think about what you wish it to look like." Heriman concentrates as he places his left index finger onto the metal. He watches as the metal starts to morph into a simple silver band with a red line going around the middle. Heriman investigates the ring when Griphook says that the transformation of the metal is complete.
"Now, since you don't have your wand yet, a default amount of 500 galleons has been taken out of your account to leave an amount of 1,500 galleons."
Heriman looks up at Griphook. "1,500 galleons? But I thought you said I only got 1,000 galleons a month. How is it I had 2,000 galleons?" Heriman asks.
This time, McGonagall answers. "When we visit with the Headmaster, you'll be given a dose so that your body will be accustomed to the changes it'll undergo by the first of next month. Therefore, your benefactor thought it fit to pay for this month and next month so you could get your supplies for school." she says, looking at Heriman as she explains in her Scottish accent.
Griphook clears his throat, gaining the attention of the other two. "That is all for now. Just remember to visit once you get you wand." the Goblin says. Heriman rises and shakes Griphook's hand, "Thank you for seeing us, Sir." he says before following Professor McGonagall back to the streets of Diagon Alley.
Heriman regards Professor McGonagall before he speaks. "What now, Professor?"
McGonagall is looking at around at the shops before looking down at Heriman. "I'll take you to Madam Malkin's so you can get measured for your uniform and while you do that, I'll get your school books in order. I've seen the miniature library you house in your room, so we can come back another day so that you can peruse the selection of books at Flourish & Blotts." Professor McGonagall states as she starts heading towards a shop with figures dressed in robes being displayed in the front window.
As Heriman steps into the shop, he is surrounded by fabrics and displays. Suddenly, a woman is pulling him towards a group of mirrors with a grand stand in the middle. "Now stand here dearie while I find my measuring tape." the woman says before going somewhere else in the shop.
Heriman looks at Professor McGonagall. "How much will you need for my books, Professor?" he asks her as he grabs the small, black, leather bag he has decided to use for his coins.
"That shall not be necessary, Granger." McGonagall says, looking down at him. "As unorthodox as it would seem, I'll buy your school books for you. Consider it a gift." Heriman blinks and places the pouch back at his side. "And before I leave, are you comfortable with being measured?" her Scottish accent flows as she speaks. Heriman thinks for a moment before nodding and he watches as Professor McGonagall leaves.
While he waits for the salesperson to return, he looks around at the displays of cloaks and robes. His eyes stop on a dark emerald green traveling cloak. "Something catch your eye, young sir?" the salesperson asks when she returns, flicking her wand at the measuring tape. Heriman nods towards the traveling cloak as the measuring tape starts taking his measurements. "Ah, that piece of work. It's enchanted with heating and cooling charms, as well as being waterproof and the best part, it grows or shrinks to the wearer's height." she says as she takes down the measurements. "What's your name dear, so that we know it's yours?"
Heriman continues to look at the cloak. "H. Granger will do." he looks at her. "How much for the cloak?" he asks, causing her to look up from the order form. "You can't be serious dear." she says, studying his face. "You are serious. The cloak with all the enchantments is 100 galleons. Add your uniform cost to that at the total would be 150 galleons." the salesperson says in disbelief.
Heriman nods and starts getting the galleons ready. "And it's worth every galleon, Ma'am." he says as he hands the salesperson the appropriate amount. The salesperson looks at him, still shocked. "Let me get your receipt, young sir. Would you like to wear the cloak out or have it packaged?" she asks Heriman. Heriman thinks about this. "Package it for me, Ma'am." Heriman answers.
The woman nods and runs off to package the cloak and get him his receipt. As he waits for the salesperson to return, he wonders why Professor McGonagall has not returned yet. He doesn't have time to ponder on this for long as the salesperson returns with his things. "I'll send an owl when your school uniform is ready, young sir." she says. Heriman nods, "Thank you again Ma'am." he says as he leaves the shop.
A sign above a shop catches his eyes. Eyelops Owl Emporium. Heriman looks around before heading towards the owl shop. He figures that if that's how the wizarding community communicates, he might as well buy one. He enters the shop to find it dimly lit. Heriman looks around before heading towards the barn owls. They all seem to ignore him, except one. A barn owl that's smaller than the others.
"That's Midge." a male voice speaks beside Heriman. "Hey Midge." Heriman says as he strokes the owl's chest, earning him a small hoot. "Nobody ever shows interest in her. Nor does she usually show an interest in people, so you must be something special lad." the shopkeeper says. Heriman looks at the man. "Can I buy her?" he asks softly. "Let me get you her cage and some treats for her. 10 galleons will do for the whole lot." the shopkeeper says before heading to get everything. Heriman continues to stroke Midge's chest.
Once the shopkeeper returns, Heriman pays him and puts Midge in her cage. "Thank you, Sir." Heriman says as he takes the treats for Midge. "No, thank you, young lad. I also added a small bag of food to the order and the catalogue so you can order more treats or food later." the shop keeper replies. Heriman thanks the man once more before leaving.
"I see you found yourself an owl, Granger." a Scottish voice says to his right. Heriman looks over to see Professor McGonagall reading a magazine. "Yeah...umm...You hadn't returned...I hope you aren't mad Professor." Heriman says as he becomes flustered.
"Don't worry young lad. Everything is fine." McGonagall says as she stands. "I saw fit to order your other supplies. They shall owl you as to when you can pick them up and pay for them." she says and looks at Heriman. "This way, I can show you where all the shops are located. Or at least the shops I deem appropriate for a wizard your age." McGonagall says sternly.
Heriman nods and looks at the sky. He hadn't realized how much time had passed. "Let us head to Ollivander's to get your wand, shall we?" McGonagall says, watching Heriman before she heads in the direction of Ollivander's. Heriman shivers with anticipation. This was a turning point in his life, or so he felt it was. As Heriman follows Professor McGonagall, he clutches the packaged cloak close to his chest with the hand that isn't carrying Midge's cage.
Before long, McGonagall is holding the door to a shop open for him. "Your hands seem to be full at the moment." she says with a soft smile as Heriman thanks her. He spots a chair and sets Midge's cage on it. "Ah, just the young gentleman I've been expecting." a harsh voice filled with caring says from somewhere in the dimly lit shop.
Heriman scans the rows upon rows of narrow boxes. Finally, his eyes land upon the owner of the voice. The man looks frazzled yet calm. "Deputy Headmistress, always a joy to see you, as long as you don't destroy anything." the man says with a chuckle. McGonagall glares at the man. "I'm here for young Mr. Granger, Ollivander." the stern Scottish voice says. "But of course, Minerva." Ollivander replies with a slight chuckle.
This is around the time that Heriman realizes he is once again being measured. "Which arm is your wand arm, Mr. Granger?" Ollivander asks. Heriman looks at the man. "I'm ambidextrous, so either arm will do, Sir." Heriman says, causing Ollivander to look at him with wonder. "A challenge, I like this young gent." Ollivander says to nobody in general as he starts to measure both of Heriman's arms. Heriman watches with interest as the man stands and stares at him.
"Vinewood. Dragon heartstring. 10 3/4 inches. Unyielding." Ollivander says somewhat softly as he goes to retrieve a black box. He hands the box to Heriman. McGonagall and Ollivander watch as Heriman carefully opens the box to reveal the intricately designed wand. Heriman looks up at McGonagall before taking the wand in his left hand. He feels a slight shift in himself as he flicks the wand gently, creating soft green sparks from the tip of his wand.
He assumes this is to be his wand when Ollivander claps his hands together. "Excellent!" Ollivander exclaims before going to write up a receipt for Heriman. "Seven galleons, although you can add a wand holster for five galleons." Heriman counts out seventeen galleons and hands them to Ollivander. "I'll take those two black ones for the foreman, Mr. Ollivander." Heriman says, pointing to the ones he is speaking about.
Ollivander nods and wraps the wand holsters up before handing them to Heriman with his receipt. "I think we shall be hearing some stories about endeavors." Ollivander whispers to Heriman, glancing at McGonagall as he does so. "A good day to you both, young gent and Deputy Headmistress." Ollivander finishes with a nod to each of them respectfully.
Heriman grabs Midge's cage and follows Professor McGonagall out of the shop. "Would you like for me to send your purchases to your room at the Leaky Cauldron, Mr. Granger." McGonagall asks, watching Heriman. "You don't mind?" he asks, hoping that it's not a problem. Professor McGonagall nods before sending all but one wand holster to the Leaky Cauldron.
Heriman looks at the holster before figuring out how to attach it to his arm. "Put it on your right arm, as so others don't know that you can wild with your left." McGonagall's Scottish voice says softly. Heriman nods ever so slightly as he does so. "Now, let's see some shop, shall we?" McGonagall asks, looking down at Heriman to see him nod in agreement. "Follow me then." she says.
