Chapter 4: Preparing For School
When Harry received the postage officially inviting him to Hogwarts, it came with a note from Dumbledore saying Hagrid would come on his birthday, and if it was alright, Dumbledore wished to celebrate with him come dinner time. Harry accepted, and wrote back saying he intended to mend whatever damage had been done by their previous discussion.
On the day, bright and early, Hagrid showed up at the Leaky Cauldron. The man was a giant, with hair and a beard bushier than even the beardiest wizard Harry had seen so far. Harry changed into his muggle clothing to keep his stay at the Leaky Cauldron a secret. Tom warned Harry that Hagrid was about as subtle as a rampaging dragon, and could keep a secret as well as a leaky cauldron could hold potion. Harry tapped Hagrid on his—as close as he could get to his shoulder. The large man turned around slowly. Thankfully blocking anyone else from seeing Harry.
"Ye wantin somat? AH! Harry Potter! I'd recognize yer anywhere! Good lad, not since you were a wee baby have a seen yeh. Dropped you off at that awful place… Yeh don't blame me do yeh?"
Harry shook his head vehemently and grinned. "Not at all. I don't want to dwell on those things, I've already had it out with Dumbledore."
"Mighty upset he was, haven't seen him like that since the war!"
"Did you just say Harry Potter Hagrid?" said a voice from behind Hagrid.
"Harry Potter?!" a bunch of voices yelled out in surprise. "Has it been so long? Is Harry Potter coming to Hogwarts this year?"
Harry stepped out from behind Hagrid and smiled politely. Immediately he was swarmed by people!
"Bless you! Oh bless you child!"
"I have a niece you know- well she's 19, a bit older, but…"
"The scar! It's true. Like a lightning bolt."
Hagrid finally stepped in and swept back the whole pub crowd with one arm. "Give the kid air. Jeez. Yer gonna drive him mad with this here mob." Hagrid bent down to whisper, "Let's head on through, yeah?" Harry nodded.
After getting through the wall by tapping with a suspicious-looking umbrella, they walked side by side through Diagon Alley. Harry tried to imagine this would be the tour he should have been getting if not for the zoo incident.
"Where to first? I know this isn't your first time on the Alley…" Hagrid looked somewhat depressed at the thought.
"I've been going through it incognito though Hagrid. I want to visit Malkins to get another cloak and some gloves. I need to go to Flourish and Blotts to get the DADA book. And I need a wand! Oh, I also never got ice cream. I figured it was supposed to be special," Harry offered.
Hagrid smiled warmly, got a bit misty-eyed too. "So much like yer mother, I can't believe it. Yer eyes, they're hers, down to yer soul Harry."
Harry appreciated the comment, but hid his sadness in not knowing what she looked like.
They walked over to Madam Malkin's, where the attendant who Harry had revealed himself to was sitting bored.
"You can tell people you're the first shop I visited now." Harry winked as the woman jolted in surprise.
"Harry Potter! It's official now! I love it. Oh, and Hagrid! Just coming by to say hi then?"
"I wanted some different gloves and another cloak," said Harry.
The attendant brightened. "Let's look at the options then, my name is Emily by the way."
# # #
After going through the hell of getting the DADA book at Flourish and Blotts. Hagrid guided Harry to Ollivander's to get his wand. The shop was neat and orderly, with thick glass in small panes that only came with older buildings. By the sign, the shop should be older than the Roman Empire.
"Go get yer wand. I'll be doin sumat while yer at it. This is one of them real personal things tween you an' Ollivander," Hagrid explained. The large man rushed away as soon as he spoke.
As Harry entered the wand shop, the air seemed thick with electricity that made his hair stand on end. Also, dust; he could see the particles floating in the air peacefully. Ollivander appeared from behind a shelf towards the back of the store.
"Took you long enough Mr. Potter. Why, you must have seen every shop but mine at this point, wouldn't you say? No matter, no matter, save the best for last. Feels like yesterday when your parents were here at this very store."
"Mr. Ollivander," Harry bowed.
"Oh stop it, wand arm?" Ollivander examined Harry, prodding and poking him. He lifted both his arms and squeezed his fingers.
"Left."
Ollivander threw Harry's right arm down and picked up a box from a nearby shelf.
He opened the box and thrust a wand into Harry's extended hand. "Okay, give this one a try. Oak and dragon heartstring, 9 inches, sturdy."
Before Harry could even wave it, Ollivander interrupted him. "Nono, that won't do. Hold on now."
Ollivander went back to the shelves and grabbed a wand. "Ash and Unicorn horn, 11 inches, slightly flexible. Give it a wave."
Harry waved the wand but it felt wrong and soon was snatched from his hand. "Noooo, won't do, won't do at all… I wonder if-yes… let's try it. Might as well. Might-as-well!"
Ollivander gingerly placed a wand in Harry's hand. "Holly and Phoenix Feather, 11 inches, nice and supple."
This one felt better than the others, but still slightly off.
"Oh! A real challenge! I was going to save that one for last too. We'll have to experiment I think."
What felt like ages passed, the boxes of wands were stacking higher and higher, almost to the point where Harry felt like he had depleted one of the shelves.
"Now let's see the fruits! Black walnut and phoenix feather, 10 inches, only the slightest give."
As Harry grabbed this wand, he felt warmth run up his arms and down his neck. It was as if a light had been turned on and everything was right.
"Yes! That will do, indeed that will do! As rare a wand as they come. A finicky all-rounder, perfect for the most complex magics. Certainly your path, though a difficult path. Difficult, but great." Ollivander took the wand and boxed it again before putting it on the counter. "Will you be needing anything else?"
"I heard holsters are all the rage, but is it worth it to get one so early?" asked Harry.
"Just try to avoid putting it in muggle clothing pockets and you should be quite alright. Best to learn to get it from your robe pocket as quick as you can first. I'll be here when you need a holster," Ollivander droned.
# # #
Harry walked out onto the street to find Hagrid carrying a snowy white owl on his arm with a cage in hand. He really was a wonderful man and an excellent introducer to the world of magic. Hagrid, for one, didn't seem to take magic for granted. And for another, he was completely without guile, something Harry needed right now and may need in the future.
"Hagrid, why do you have an owl with you? Beautiful creature by the way," Harry remarked.
"Tom mentioned yeh didn't have an owl yet. I didn't have time to get a proper present, las minute and all that. Thought an owl would be mighty useful," Hagrid shuffled his massive feet. "Happy Birthday Harry!"
The Dursleys never remembered or cared about his birthday. The only reason he knew his birthday was because of school documents. Hagrid handed off the owl. Harry examined his new owl and stroked its feathers, it preened.
"Give her a name then Harry," Hagrid encouraged.
Harry thought back through all of the names he could think of. He didn't want to make a muggle reference, or anything modern witches might have. Then again, there were some weird names.
"I'll call her, Hedwig, what do you think girl?"
Hedwig hooted with delight, and Hagrid beamed. Hagrid's smile took up his whole face and his cheeks turned red. Harry laughed at the owl and the giant. It felt like for a moment like his innocence was back and the Dursleys were far behind him.
# # #
They dropped Hedwig off at Harry's room in the Leaky Cauldron and went to get some ice cream. Going all out on the theme of living out his childish desires, Harry ordered a large sundae, making sure to get the classic flavors as recommended to him by Mr. Fortescue. He ate until he was full and felt sticky, about halfway through the sundae.
"Hagrid, I'm going to need your help, unless you want me to completely spoil any dinner for the next three days."
"Sure then Harry. Anything else we can do?"
Harry thought for a moment, until it clicked. He hadn't had a haircut in ages. He avoided doing so because they would see his scar. Now he was in the open. Maybe magic could tame his unruly hair!
# # #
Magic was completely incapable of taming his unruly hair. At least he had gotten a haircut, but the idea of letting his hair stand down was given up on. Near twelve different bottles of various hair products were used and massaged into Harry's locks. Nothing relaxed his doo.
"The messy look is in anyway, girls go for it you know," said the barber.
"I just turned eleven," deadpanned Harry. He did like girls, but nothing so intense as those teenagers he saw in the park occasionally.
"The impressions made now will carry you through into your teens. It's much better than having to remake yourself when puberty hits, trust me kid," the barber reassured.
It was almost comical how serious the man was, Harry stifled a snort. The barber was speaking from some painful experience himself judging by the bittersweet smile on his face.
"All done? Let's have a look-see!" Hagrid walked up to Harry as he dusted off the excess hair. "NO! Yer givin me a heart attack, that hair is yer father's, no doubt. Maybe a bit wilder even. Handsome fella yer dad. Ye've got no worries in the future, eh?" Hagrid nudged Harry with his elbow, almost knocking Harry over.
After paying the barber a nice tip, they walked over to the Leaky Cauldron where Dumbledore was waiting with Tom, Neville, and his grandmother. Harry almost dropped all of his things.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRY!" they all yelled. Neville even had a present in his hand.
"I took the night off Harry," said Tom, "Also you mentioned Neville before and I figured you'd want someone your own age. Turns out he's a day older than you."
Harry felt a teardrop from his eye. "I can't believe it."
"You don't mind do you Harry?" Neville shifted uncomfortably.
Unsure if he was asking about potentially sharing the day, or his presence, Harry grinned at Neville all the same. Having a shared birthday with a friend, it was something Dudley would never have or appreciate. "It's only a more special day." Neville became instantly excited. Harry frowned. "You got me a present? If I had known…"
"You gave me the money for my wand…" Neville punched Harry's shoulder awkwardly.
"Where do you want to go Harry? My treat." Dumbledore cut in.
Harry thought to himself where he would like to go for his birthday. What was the most un-Dudley place he could go? Someplace he had never been able to go.
"A curry?"
"Indian cuisine? Sounds like a nice change of pace!" Dumbledore smirked from underneath his long silver beard.
# # #
The celebration went very well. Harry got to sample so many new foods, he especially liked the bread. The only thing he didn't like was a pickle assortment he was given at the end. And naturally, the muggles staring at a man dressed like a wizard and a giant. Oddly the reverse of the wizarding world. In the muggle world, a forehead scar is fairly meaningless, perhaps cool at best.
Neville and Harry mostly talked, occasionally bringing in the adults. Hagrid had eaten something a little too spicy and was pounding the life out of the already dead table while the servers looked on in horror.
"We never go to the muggle world, this is amazing," Neville remarked with stars in his eyes.
"Is it normal for magicals to not know much of the wizarding world? I've noticed most don't get any of my references. Like I pretended my name was Harrison Ford and nobody batted an eye." Harry stuck his fork into some butter chicken.
"Mmph…" *Gulp* "Most are completely isolated. The muggle world looks pretty grey in comparison to our own. That's the idea anyway," Neville said as he relished another piece of lamb.
"Shall we head back to the Leaky Cauldron?" Dumbledore called from across the table.
Harry nodded, he couldn't eat another bite. Unless he opened his dessert stomach, as Neville called it.
# # #
Back at the Leaky Cauldron, the group was gathered around Harry in front of a fire. Tom had set up a semicircle of comfortable couches and chairs. Dumbledore, being Dumbledore, magicked his own over the top lounger into existence. Hagrid brought out a cake he made; unfortunately, it was as hard as a rock. It tasted alright if you ignored the texture and treated it like a sandy jawbreaker. Harry pretended it was good, and then used the excuse of the ice cream from before. Guileless Hagrid accepted the excuse without question. Neville was not so lucky, as he did not take well to being put on the spot. He was trying his best to gnaw on a small piece, until he couldn't take it anymore.
"Why don't you open your presents Harry?" offered Neville.
"Multiple? Hagrid already got me Hedwig. That's more than I've ever gotten before. Are you sure this isn't too much?"
Dumbledore smiled, while Neville and his grandmother frowned. Tom was busy cleaning up and putting a few packages in a pile for Harry. There really were multiple presents.
"I'll open Neville's first," said Harry, unwrapping a moderately sized package Neville had handed to him.
"I asked Tom what you might like, he said you were in a mad dash for recommendations, but at the rate you were going, there was no telling what you might have already read," said Neville.
Harry looked at the hefty book with a beautifully etched tree on the cover. It swayed as if being moved by wind. He opened the book to see what it was about, but the inside was completely blank.
Neville laughed when Harry made a face at the book being blank. "It's a book made from a special tree. It will copy another book for you, only one at a time. The books in the Hogwarts library and most magical books can't be properly copied with spells, they're spell resistant. I figured this would be useful to you."
This might be more useful to him than an owl. With his memory, there was little point in keeping a book around that he had already read.
"I can't accept this Neville; this is far more valuable than seven galleons for a wand."
Neville's grandmother stepped in. "The only use is for students who want to borrow books, don't get any ideas about copying from bookstores. The magic will fade in less than a decade as well."
Harry hugged the book as if it were the most precious thing in the world to him. It might very well be. This was a potentially useful tool; he'd have to experiment with it.
Harry eyed a few other packages; he saw more than one from Dumbledore. Guilt presents? To start, he opened the non-book looking package from Dumbledore. Inside was an odd colored cloak wrapped around a key, the key to his account!
"Less a present and more things that should be returned to your possession m'boy, the cloak was your father's, it's an invisibility cloak."
He refrained from putting on the invisibility cloak, pocketed the key in his robes, and placed Dumbledore's other presents in his lap. The first was, Gobbledygook dictionary! He opened the other book, and it was a Gobbledygook grammar and pronunciation book. These were rare. The ministry did not look fondly upon the languages of what it considered creatures, and there was simply not a market for it.
Harry turned to Dumbledore. "If you were trying to buy me off, you've succeeded. Thank you."
"Now Harry," Dumbledore warned, "I hope we can become close, but please do remember my position as headmaster."
Harry ignored the man and scanned the remaining presents. There was one from Tom, and one from an unknown source. Harry picked up the present from Tom who was standing by the fire looking expectantly.
"Thank you for everything Tom, you didn't need to get me a present," said Harry. Harry respected Tom a lot, Tom might be one of the only adults he could say he trusted. Maybe he could convince Dumbledore to let him stay at the Leakey Cauldron for another summer… A nice dream.
"It's a small thing boy. Not often someone stays here so long," Tom replied. Harry knew the man was downplaying it.
Harry tore open the present, to find, beauty product? Perhaps not then.
"Tub of a specially made concealer for scars. Not easy to get hold of, I'd save it for when you want to 'go incognito' again."
Harry got up from his seat and hugged the man, who stiffened in surprise. "Thanks Tom." Tom wordlessly accepted the hug.
The final gift was unaddressed, Harry grabbed the thin rectangular present and tore it open carefully.
"This last one I was able to get from a friend of your father's. He's unwell right now, otherwise, I'm sure he'd happily see you," said Dumbledore.
The gift was a framed picture of his mother and father. His father was waving happily in some sort of goofy Christmas sweater. His mother was rocking a baby in her arms. Harry stared hard at the picture; it was the first time he had ever seen his parents.
"I know yeh don't have any photos of them. I'll get some together later Harry," said Hagrid.
"I never knew what they looked like…"
The room became absolutely silent. Neville put his hand on Harry's shoulder.
# # #
Harry extended his stay at the Leaky Cauldron for another month. His schedule had remained the same, but he no longer hid his face or scar. Most of the month was practice for Hogwarts, the amount of whispering and finger-pointing tried his patience. His emotional control was more important than ever. Another change was the occasional visit by Neville with his grandmother supervising lightly. More practice for Hogwarts then, when he was once again under adult rule.
On the night before September 1st, Harry said his official goodbye to Tom, packed up his things, and went to bed early without reading. He struggled to fall asleep from the excitement and shaking feeling in his gut, but managed it after calming his mind some.