Emerald and Howlite Eyes Chapter 3: 3, a harry potter fanfic

Chapter 3: The Alley, Books, and Robes

Harry loved staying with Mr. Snape. Within three weeks, Mr. Snape made Harry feel at home. Mr. Snape always took care of Harry's wounds and made sure he ate well. One of the first things that the man do was replace all of Harry's clothes. He took Harry's measurements and sent them out via his owl, Atrum. Days later, Harry had a new wardrobe that fit him comfortably and filled with Muggle and Wizarding clothes. Mr. Snape also taught Harry how to read and write, pleasing Harry immensely. Harry's favorite books to read were Mr. Snape's books on Potions and Dark Arts. It didn't seem age-appropriate for Harry to read, but Harry didn't care; he loved reading from Mr. Snape's library.

Sometimes, Mr. Snape was in a bad mood. Usually, it came from his work, the Potions teacher at Hogwarts - the school Harry would be attending. Harry felt bad for the man. When Mr. Snape was in a terrible mood he was always broody and moody. Harry didn't want to get in his way so he read most of the time. Harry was more attentive to when Mr. Snape felt this way. He was scared that the man might hit him if he disobeyed or was late in doing what Mr. Snape wanted him to do.

But, when Mr. Snape was in a good mood, Harry loved to spend time with him. Mr. Snape allowed Harry to watch him brew potions and even let Harry help with brewing them. Sometimes, Mr. Snape would tell him stories of his mother. Once Harry asked about his father and Mr. Snape made an ugly face at the question, so Harry never bought it up again. Harry wondered why Mr. Snape made such a face, but Harry wouldn't push the man. Other times, Mr. Snape would give him lectures and talks about what Hogwarts would be like and how Harry should perform in the school.

Although, Harry's favorite time with Mr. Snape was when the man tucked him into bed. It happened after Harry woke up from a dream. It was the dream of the flash of green light and the woman calling his name. When he told Mr. Snape that, he paled and pinched his lips. It was at that moment Mr. Snape declared that he would tuck Harry in and stay by his side so that the dreams wouldn't scare him anymore. Harry cried and hugged Mr. Snape, for no one ever gave Harry such a precious gift.

Harry was thankful that the man was also honest with him... most of the time. Harry had asked many questions ranging from how we came to be in the Dursley's care to why the Dark Lord wanted to kill him. Mr. Snape did not hold back. He told Harry all that he can and knew. But Harry knew that when it came to how his parents died, Mr. Snape held back information. Harry trusted the man and knew that he would tell Harry when the time was right to know the full length of those stories.

Mr. Snape had told Harry about the War and how it changed everyone. He also told Harry to be wary of many Dark aligned pureblood families for many supported the Dark Lord during the War and may want to hurt Harry. Harry was frightened but he knew that Mr. Snape would teach him to defend himself and would protect him.

Harry loved Mr. Snape and Harry was sure that Mr. Snape loved him too, although he knew that the man would never say it out loud of course.

"Harry, we should buy your school supplies for Hogwarts." Harry stopped dead. He was currently eating lunch with Mr. Snape and his arm which was holding his spoon filled with food stopped mid-air.

"Excuse me, what?!" Harry couldn't believe his ears. He didn't want to go out, and he especially did not want to meet new people. Mr. Snape sighed. It was as if he had expected this to happen. Harry felt his face start to flush.

"We must. School begins in one week and you need to go out and meet people. I plan to disguise us with a glamor so that we won't be crowded with people who will recognize you." Harry sighed in relief. He didn't want people flocking towards him at all. Harry hated the attention and hated being the Boy-Who-Lived. He didn't even remember beating the Dark Lord so how can he be called a hero? Harry didn't understand.

"When will be leaving, sir?" Mr. Snape gave Harry a gentle smile. "Tomorrow. So you are free to do what you wish until bedtime. Do wake up at 8 o'clock; the earlier we are, the better. We have to go to Gringotts as well to get you the money you need to purchase your school materials." Harry nodded and continued eating his lunch. He was nervous yet excited.

Ever since Mr. Snape bought him to his home, Harry never ventured outside. He didn't know what to expect should he ever venture outside. Even if Mr. Snape left to go to Hogwarts for the Headmaster's sake, Harry stayed home and waited for the man. Then again, Harry was never allowed to go more than the backyard of the Dursley's. This would be Harry's first time going out. He wondered what to wear and how to act. Harry felt a bit better with the knowledge that he was to be glamoured but was nervous. He washed his plate and started to read Mr. Snape's copy of Edgar Allen Poe's The Raven.

E&H E

Draco was excited. Tomorrow he would be going with his parents to Diagon Alley to purchase his school materials. He couldn't wait especially to go to Flourish and Blotts to see the collection of books they may have, especially the ones not in the Malfoy library.

Draco knew that he would have to act as the perfect pureblood heir and he hated it. He hated that he would have strut and act like a prejudiced arse too many people. Then again, that's what they expect from a Malfoy. But still, Draco hated it. He wanted to be like the white peacocks, admirable to everyone but deadly to those who provoke it. He didn't want people to fear or even hate him because of his name. More so, due to what his father had done in the War.

Yes, Draco knew everything his father had done. He remembered the day he found out. It came as a lecture dedicated to the War. It was dedicated, mostly, to what his father had done for the Dark Lord. The pride and conviction in his father's voice made Draco sick. It disgusted him to no end. He hated that his father willingly killed and tortured families and people over something they didn't have control over. He hated that his father was even proud of himself for doing such acts. He hated that his father lied so that he wouldn't go to Azkaban for his crimes. What he hated most was that his mother supported his father's actions and expected Draco to do the same.

But Draco would not follow this. He wouldn't. Not while he was alive. He would rather die than serve the Dark Lord. But his parents didn't have to know that. That will be his little secret, revealed until the time is right.

E&H E

Harry awoke to feel excited and nervous. It made his stomach churn at the thought of finally going out for the first time. He contemplated lying to Mr. Snape that he wasn't feeling well so he wouldn't have to go; unfortunately, he had to. And so, Harry rose from his bed, fixing it, and headed towards the loo.

Harry went downstairs to find Mr. Snape already eating breakfast while reading The Daily Prophet. Harry sat at his chair and started eating his ham and cheese sandwich.

"Good morning, sir." Mr. Snape glanced at Harry and nodded in greeting. Harry wondered what was so interesting about the article. Mr. Snape will probably tell me anyways, Harry thought as he drank his glass of milk.

With a grunt, Mr. Snape put down his newspaper and stood up. He looked at Harry, who currently had a milk mustache. Mr. Snape shook his head and sighed.

"Come, we should head to Diagon Alley. The quicker we get our business done there, the sooner we can come back." Harry agreed. He didn't want to stay in a crowded place more than necessary. Mr. Snape abruptly turned and flicked his wand towards Harry. Harry then felt magic wash over him. Mr. Snape must have cast the glamor on me, Harry thought as he saw the man's appearance change before his eyes. Mr. Snape's face became leaner and more defined. His hair became auburn with his onyx eyes becoming brown as well. Mr. Snape resembled an everyday wizard allowing Harry to think that he appeared similar to the man. He followed Mr. Snape outside their home and grasped his arm.

They disapparated immediately.

E&H E

It was already 9:15 and Draco and his family had just come to the Alley. Draco tried to find Flourish and Blotts over the many heads of witches and wizards taller than him. Draco sulked as he couldn't see, his height being short compared to those who were at the Alley. Draco's hand was holding his father's cloak. He wasn't allowed to clench his father nor his mother's hand, for it was improper for a pureblood like him. Draco trailed behind his parents, his eyes taking all the sights around him. He listened to the children and their parents, happy and yelling. Deep down, Draco wished that his family could be like that. He knew that it would never happen. As purebloods, they weren't able to as pureblood customs denied them this. But Draco could still hope and dream, even if they would never come true.

Draco suddenly found himself in front of Flourish and Blotts. Draco wanted to jump in excitement but luckily was able to control his emotions in time. Draco followed his parents as they went into the store. The people and books were abundant and the chatter soon quieted. No one talked. It even seemed as if none breathed, looking like pale statues. Draco felt nervous being around this many people. Oddly enough, the people seemed to move aside for his family. Draco had a feeling he knew why. His father was known to be good friends with the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge. Not only that, but his father was also a Death Eater that escaped Azkaban by stating he was under the Imperious. But Draco knew that was a lie, no matter what his father and mother told him.

Draco felt claustrophobic. Although people moved all around him and his family, he felt crushed underneath their stares, their eyes who judged him for every breath and step he took. Suddenly, Draco understood why his father had told him to watch his emotions. One small twitch of his eyebrows will have people thinking that the Malfoys were plotting something evil. Draco knew that he couldn't blame them. He just wished they stopped staring. Draco's father ordered all his books while his mother looked at the endless amount of eyes on them. Draco wanted to get more books to read. He knew he wouldn't be allowed to, especially not with all the eyes on him and his family.

E&H E

Lucius felt the many eyes on him. He remembered the harsh voice of his father, Abraxas Malfoy, drilling him into the perfect pureblood face, one of cold indifference. He knew that many people would talk and whisper the moment he and his family left the store. Behind him, he could feel Draco's disappointment in being unable to purchase more books. Lucius too mourned the loss. He would have been happy to buy his son more books specialized in the Dark Arts.

He approached the cashier who looked at him stiffly. He knew that the cashier wished to refuse his services, but Lucius could hardly care at all.

Lucius spoke in a cool manner, "I need the books for a first-year. My son will be attending Hogwarts. I assume you have the necessary books prepared?" The cashier nodded stiffly at him and pulled out the necessary books, all tied up in a neat stack, held together by rope.

"That will be; 2 galleons and 15 sickles, Mr. Malfoy." Lucius barely spared the cashier a glance and took the money needed to pay. Once he received the books, he shrunk them and put them into his cloak's pocket.

Lucius felt annoyed and displeasure at the amateur scowls on the faces of many people. Their scowls were quite pathetic when he looked them over once more. His eyes narrowed, but he did not say anything. He never had too.

They were half-bloods and Mudbloods who did not deserve his attention.

E&H E

Narcissa knew that people would stare and whisper even before she and her family stepped into Flourish and Blotts. This was a consequence of Lucius' idiocy during the War. He was a fool to let himself be discovered in such an undignified manner.

She started cooly back at the eyes on her. She quietly dared them to say anything about her husband or child. If they did, they will see the Black witch Narcissa grew to be.

She looked at her son who appeared to be nervous. She didn't fault Draco, after all, it was his first time in Diagon Alley. She could smell the anxiety from her son, and if she could smell it, then so could the others staring at them. She dared them, with her eyes, to pounce on him. Narcissa will strike at them, with the grace of the white peacocks at Malfoy Manor.

She looked once more at her husband. At his nod, she knew it was time to leave. She left by parting a final cold glance at all who stared. She put her hand on Draco's shoulder to guide him out of the shop.

E&H E

Draco and his family soon left Flourish and Blotts walking back onto the streets of Diagon Alley. Draco mourned the loss of his chance to get new books but knew it was expected. The next thing Draco knew was that he in front of Madam Malkin's. Draco sighed and followed his mother and father into the store.

E&H E

Severus Snape took Harry James Potter into Gringotts. They had come at 8:30 and there were barely any people in Diagon Alley, a fact which greatly relieved Severus. Severus looked down at his... ward. Yes, ward was an appropriate method term to call Harry. Harry looked nervous and frightened. Severus felt the need to comfort his ward.

"It's alright, Harry. I will make sure that no one harms you while we are here." The tension in Harry's shoulders seemed to deflate, just by a little. Severus knew that the boy was never allowed to go out before. To be honest, he was nervous about the boy. But he must let Harry know of what he has, especially what was left to him from his parents.

Gringotts was beautiful and vast. Severus heard Harry gasp from beside him. He knew that the boy was impressed with the size and beauty within Gringotts. Then Harry saw the Goblins. To Severus' relief, the boy did not exclaim nor point his fingers but cocked his head in confusion.

"Sir, who are they?" Severus knew he had to tread carefully. It wouldn't do any wizard nor witch any good should one insult the Goblins. Severus looked around to see that the Goblins had their beady eyes on him. He was barely able to contain a nervous swallow before answering.

"They are Goblins. They are the ones in charge of the money that we wizarding folk spend on every day. We come to them if we any inquires about money or debts that we owe. At most, all of the wizarding families who live in Britain withdraw and collect their money here in Gringotts." Harry seemed to be impressed with this knowledge. Severus, on the other hand, hoped he didn't insult the Goblins. When he turned to look at them, they looked at Severus with a small glimmer of respect in their eyes, making Severus almost sigh in relief. Keyword: almost. Severus knew to control his emotions as they can and will be used against you.

But Harry on the other hand, well, he'll teach Harry how to control his emotions after today. He went to the front to talk to the head goblin about Harry's vault.

"I would like to withdraw from Harry Potter's vault, please." The head goblin's head snapped to look at Harry. Severus knew that they can see behind glamors. It was a fact that not a lot of people knew.

"We were waiting for you, Mr. Potter. We kept sending you owls wishing to discuss your parent's will. I assume you never received them." Severus was confused. He had not received any owls while Harry was in his care.

"These owls, were they addressed to Harry?" Severus was genuinely confused if these owls were addressed to Harry, then why did he not receive them?

"The owls were formally sent to Albus Dumbledore. He is the boy's magical guardian. Has Albus Dumbledore not send you these letters? He told us that Harry was placed in a secret location and that all letters addressed to Harry Potter were to go to him." The head goblin voice now had a hint of barely concealed anger. The goblin's lips started to form a snarl. Severus likewise wanted to snarl. Why did Albus keep this information away from him? Severus decided that this is something that will be discussed when the students go back to school.

Harry, Severus decided to sneak a glance at the boy, was shocked. He looked out of place along with his emerald eyes becoming jaded. Lily's eyes looked like that when she was angry. So Harry is also angry. Hmm, I wonder if it's because Harry didn't have to stay at the Dursley's or because something important has been kept away from him. Severus mused, pursing his lips and turned his full attention back to the head goblin.

"I see. Well, then first things first. Griphook! Take Mr. Potter and Mr. Snape into the Will Room. The wills of one Lily Potter and James Potter have not been read." Behind the head goblin, another showed up, This is Griphook.

"Do follow me, please. I will show you both the Will Room. Inside, I will read to you the will of Lily and James Potter." Severus was nervous. He didn't know what to expect. The last time he heard Lily's voice, was when he called her a filthy mudblood. Her melodious voice was hurt and filled with grief. She then ignored him until her unfortunate demise. Severus did not know what to expect, but he numbly followed Griphook to the Will Room.

Severus Snape, after almost 11 years, was truly frightened once more.

E&H E

Harry didn't know what to feel. First, his childhood could've been different. Second, the Headmaster of his school was his magical guardian who didn't let Harry know of his late parent's will. Third, Harry was scared. He didn't know what to expect from the reading of the will. He also longed to see and to know something that belonged to his parents.

Harry entered the Will Room with Mr. Snape. He noticed that Mr. Snape seemed tense, Probably because of my dad. Harry thought and felt bad for Mr. Snape. The man looked like he was ready to faint.

Harry and Mr. Snape sat down as Griphook left the room for a bit, muttering under his breath about 'finding that will'. Harry wondered what the will would say. Yes, he was nervous, scared, excited, and angry. These emotions clashed in Harry's heart and mind. Harry was so swept up in them that he almost didn't see Griphook coming in.

"Ehem, if I may have both of your attention, please?" Both Harry and Mr. Snape's head watched Griphook as he unfolded the scroll containing the will of both Harry's parents.

But Harry didn't expect to 'see' his parents. The scroll let out a puff of red and gold and showed the images of Lily and James Potter. Harry let out a gasp, as for the first time, he saw his mother. Oh, how beautiful she was! He had her eyes. He turned to his father and was surprised by how similar they looked. The only difference was their eyes. Harry drunk the sight of his parents that he almost missed his mother's voice.

"Should any of Harry's godparents be indisposed or unable to take care of him, Severus Snape shall take of him. My son will not be placed in the care of my sister, Petunia Dursley, and her family. So mote it be."

What. Did. She. Say? Harry felt his world shatter. All this time, he was never meant to stay with the Dursely's, but rather with Mr. Snape. Harry was furious. Eleven years of his life, all wasted and stolen away from him. Harry wanted to cry. Harry wanted to hit the person who put him with the Dursleys. He wanted to hug Mr. Snape. He wanted so much, but all Harry did was cry. And cry, and cry.

E&H E

Severus did not expect James bloody Potter to say what he said.

"To Snape, I want to apologize for the way I treated you long ago during Hogwarts. It was wrong for me as a man to do that to you. You didn't deserve it. I know that apologies may never be enough, but please know that I am sincerely sorry for what I've done to you, with Sirius, Remus, and Peter."

Severus didn't know what to say nor feel. He was shocked that James Potter was able to apologize to him. Then he heard Lily's voice,

Severus distantly heard Harry crying. But he wanted to cry as well. Lily, how he missed her voice. But Harry, the boy was supposed to be in care. Harry was supposed to grow with Snape, loved, and cared for. Not to be left to the abuse of those Muggles. But Severus heard one more revelation that shocked him even more.

"In the event of our deaths, we wish for you to know that we changed our Secret Keeper. We knew that many people would think that Sirius was the Secret Keeper, but it was a lie, a farse. Peter, our good friend was our Secret Keeper. Dumbledore knew and cast the spell. So please, if we die, let them know that it was Peter, our Secret Keeper."

Sirius Black was innocent. Sirius Black was in Azkaban for eleven years as an innocent man. Albus Dumbledore knew this and let him rot.

Severus' world came crashing down.

It took minutes, perhaps almost an hour for Severus to pick himself up. He turned to Harry and saw him sniffling.

"Harry... are you alright?" Harry's head snapped towards him, his emerald eyes were shining with tears. Harry just gave him a nod and never said anything.

"Mr. Snape?" Severus looked towards Griphook. "Since you are one of Mr. Potter's eligible guardians, do you wish to adopt the child?" Severus heard Harry suck in a deep breath. He knew that Harry wanted to stay with him.

"Yes, I do. But this must go to the Ministry first correct?" Griphook nodded in response whereas Harry, well the boy looked at him with a new set of tears in Lily's eyes. Suddenly, Harry launched off his chair and hugged Severus as if he were to disappear at any moment.

"Thank you, oh thank you, Mr. Snape!" Severus could feel Harry's tears soaking into his cloak. He found that he didn't mind but gently hugged the boy back. Severus noticed that Griphook was smiling.

"I'll file your request to adopt Harry Potter and send a copy of the will to the Ministry." Severus was thankful. The last week of August was already so busy, him having to go to the Ministry to formally adopt Harry made the week more stressful. Severus inclined his head in thanks while his arms were wrapped around Harry's lithe frame.

Griphook left the room, with Severus and Harry still in it. Harry's head looked at him, eyes shining in desperate hope.

"Did you mean it? You want to adopt me?" Severus can even hear the desperation in his voice. "Yes, I do mean it. I want to adopt you Harry as my own." The smile Harry gave off was stunning, similar to Lily yet not Lily's smile at all.

Severus found that he liked that a lot.

E&H E

Harry was elated. Mr. Snape wanted him! He was officially getting a new family. This instantly made him feel so much better than he had originally felt. He was happy to finally hear and see his parents. And then, it hit Harry.

The woman who yelled his name in his dream was his mother. But why? Were these moments before she died? But Harry didn't want to indulge these thoughts. He wanted to be happy and continue his shopping with Mr. Snape.

"Come, we should go to Madam Malkin's to get your school robes. That usually takes the longest." Harry nodded and released Mr. Snape from his hug. He was excited to get school robes.
Soon he and Mr. Snape left Gringotts, of course bowing their heads in thanks before leaving. He and Mr. Snape were walking down Diagon Alley. The sight of the Alley took Harry's breath away. It was beautiful. But then he realized the abundance of people and the sight almost shattered. Keyword: almost. Mr. Snape held tightly to his arm and made his way, pushing past people to reach Madam Malkin's.

Upon arrival at said store, Harry and Mr. Snape went in. Oh, how Harry was excited to get his new school robes.

Yet, for some reason, Mr. Snape stopped and looked dead straight at the family in front of them.

E&H E

Oh, how Lucius recognized that manner of walking. He knew it was Severus underneath those glamors. But he was curious as to who was the boy next to him.
"Severus, pleasant to meet you here. Now do drop the glamors. It's unbecoming of a fine wizard such as yourself."

Oh yes, Lucius was going to enjoy this a lot.

Author's Note: Thank you so much for reading Chapter 3! I hope this gives enough background as to why Harry ended up in the care of Dursley's and how Sirius' name has been almost cleared. Next chapter finishes the day in Diagon Alley and a budding new friendship will form. Fights will also ensure. Please look forward to it!

I'm still looking for a beta so if you wish to help, please DM me~

- The-Songbird-Who-Wrote