Edited 04/28/2020
A short motorcycle ride from Private drive brought him to an old bar in London.
"The Leaky Cauldron is the best Harry. Nowhere is better for a pint and a chat. We'll stop here then go on to the alley." Hagrid said and then stopped, he turned around then raised his brow. "Oh, I forgot, happy birthday Harry. I have some cake in my saddle pouch, I might have sat on it though."
"Thank you, I haven't eaten in a month. I'm starving, and cake sounds nice." They walked into the bar.
"Blimey is that Harry Potter." One of the patrons said. Harry froze as the entire bar leapt up and surrounded him.
His eyes widened as one of the patrons took his hand and shook it. Harry took a step back only to bump into another patron. "Watch it lad." Harry's breathing became ragged and his scar began to throb. It was only at this moment he realized he had too little physical energy. He hadn't eaten in a month.
"Now, now you're scaring the poor lad. Get back to your seats that's enough." The barkeep said.
Harry slowly made his way to sit down next to Hagrid. His heart continued to throb in his chest and sweat poured from his back. He looked around watching the patrons and maintaining his escape route.
"How do you like being famous Harry?" Hagrid asked.
"Hagrid, I never want to experience something like that again." Harry croaked.
The giant drained his mug and put some sickles on the table for Tom the barkeep. They made their way an inconspicuous brick wall. Hagrid tapped a few stones. The wall slowly and dramatically pulled itself apart. It took a full three minutes for the wall to open.
"Hagrid is there no faster way to get into the alley." Harry questioned.
"I suppose you could use the flew." Hagrid reasoned. At that moment he knew his giant friend was well and truly mad. Harry followed behind the giant at a cautious pace.
They approached a truly massive building complete with armed guards. On a massive sign was the name Gringotts. A vast stone hill of stairs separated them from the entrance. The stairs themselves were too short for Hagrid's feet forcing the man to duck walk.
"This is Gringotts the wizard's bank. Its ran by goblins. They are bloody clever creatures. Watch out and don't insult them. They don't forgive or forget." Hagrid warned.
"Ah you must be the famous Harry Potter." One of the guards said.
"This is Marrow Scraper and I'm Bone Splitter welcome to Gringotts. We hope your stay is pleasant and we have no need to apprehend you." Bone Splitter said.
"Does Gringotts have a customer cafeteria or buffet?" Harry asked the two.
Hagrid paused and raised an eyebrow. Then he looked at the goblins.
"That sounds like a good idea. How much is todays special? I can't see such a large place not having a cafeteria." Hagrid said.
"We apologize but the cafeteria is for employees of Gringotts only." Marrow Scraper said.
"Are there at least snacks in the customer lounge?" Harry asked.
"Yes, where is the customer lounge, I could use a cup of coffee." A magicless mortal said behind them. His daughter had frizzy brown hair and large brown eyes. Her front teeth were a little large but hardly a blemish.
Harry took a step towards the girl. "Hey, I'm Harry Potter are you also going to Hogwarts?" Harry asked.
The girl took a step behind her father. "It's alright Hermione introduce yourself." Her father said.
"I'm Hermione Granger and yes I am going to Hogwarts. Can we be friends?" Hermione asked.
"Will you be my friend Hermione?" Harry asked. She nodded. "Then we're friends.
The goblin let out a cough. "I'm sorry to disappoint you but there is no customer lounge for any but the most valuable Gringotts customer. Mr. Potter you may access it. As a Potter it is your due. I'm afraid you may bring no guests. But rest assured there are no buffet or cafeteria privileges with the lounge. It has only a comfortable place to sit and some outdated issues of witches weekly." Bone Splitter said.
"Thank you for your honesty." Harry sighed as they went in.
"So where are you going first after the bank?" Hermione asked.
"Anywhere that has food. I haven't eaten in a month." Harry said.
"Did you forget to have breakfast?" Hermione asked.
"You could say that. Have you eaten today?" Harry asked.
"Lad are you asking my daughter out on a date?" Mr. Granger asked.
"You can come too if you want to sir." Harry said.
"My wife is waiting for us at the bookstore. After the business at the bank I'll purchase Hermione's books. Mr. Hagrid are you a member of the staff at Hogwarts?" Mr. Granger asked.
"Yes, I am the grounds keeper and game warden. My job is to make sure the little ones don't go wondering off to parts unknown. It's a full-time job that." Hagrid said.
"Could I trust Hermione to you while if find my wife?" Mr. Granger said.
"I'll look after her." Mr. Granger nodded.
"Harry what do you like to do?" Hermione asked.
"I've started playing jump man. I like to write in my journal and document things that happen to me. Lately, I've taken an interest in magic if you can believe it." Harry said with a smile.
Hermione smiled back. "I'm interested in magic too. I like to read and Star Wars." Hermione replied.
Harry reached forward and pulled a coin out of her ear.
"Oh, you meant not real magic." Hermione said.
"I'm interested in both." Harry had just gotten his hands on a magic kit. He needed a lot of practice.
They approached the counter and soon parted ways. Harry promised to wait outside of Gringotts for her. After getting on cart they took off at a break neck speed. Harry spotted several creatures in Gringotts. There were dragons, a sphinx, and a very large cat. Strange tentacled creatures prowled on the walls dripping mucus from their bodies.
"Alright we're here, key please." Griphook said. Harry approached the vault door and placed a hand on it. For now, it was well out of his league. "Stand back while I open the door."
Harry didn't know what to expect when the door opened. What he saw was a modest pile of gold. Light cast from the ceiling made it sparkle. There were no other vaults this was all the money his parents left him. He had around 2000gps.
Harry picked up a coin. "Griphook is this pure gold?" Harry asked.
"No, this mint is 90% lead and only 10% gold. It was one of the ministry's wiser moves to increase the number of jobs." Griphook replied.
Each coin was an ounce but due to enforced inflation. The coins were only around 10% gold and 90% lead. There were around 2000 coins. He had around 222 ounces of gold or 13.9lbs of gold. Currently gold was around 362 pounds an ounce. That gave him around 80,000 pounds in his vault. It was enough to live on for a while if he was miserly. As a qi expert living miserly wasn't an option.
He took out a leather sack and filled it to the brim with gold. "Are there any dragons I could slay to rob them of their hordes?" Harry asked.
"I'm afraid those days have been over for the last thousand years." Griphook replied snidely.
"Is there money in bounty hunting? Surely there are wizards that need killing." Harry asked.
"My poor little wizard you are too young. They will not let you slay the evildoers until you are older. Your wealth while small is more than many see in their lifetimes. Be clever and acquire a skill and sell your services. Then grow your wealth." Griphook advised.
"Thank you master goblin." Harry said. The goblin yawned revealing rows of sharp teeth.
"Think nothing of it. That was merely an example of the exemplary customer service Gringotts offers its noble customers." Griphook said.
"Yet still a buffet isn't offered. What is goblin cuisine like? Are there any places that offer it?" Harry asked.
"Underground, in Garrison city there are many restaurants. Humans aren't allowed to go there. You might find a place in America." Griphook replied. Harry felt disappointed at the lost opportunity.
Later, he stepped out of Gringotts to find Hermione waiting for him. She sat on the steps quiet as a church mouse. The September heat beat down on her. It must have been hot under those soft brown curls. He heard her let out a soft sigh as he silently approached her. Seeing her made him forget about the coming war, his funds, and the loss of a possible new experience.
"Have you been waiting long?" She turned around flashing him with her big brown eyes. He helped her up and they walked to the first eatery they saw.
"You know there won't be any games at Hogwarts." Hemione said. "Electronics don't work around magic. That's what Professor McGonagall said."
"You'll have to keep me distracted then Hermione. Do you think there will be any other games? For example, nine pin bowling, rugby, or maybe table tennis. Rugby may be a little violent, but we can discuss magic while bowling or while playing ping pong." Harry said.
"I didn't think you'd be like this. I heard people talking about you. They say you're a hero." Hermione said.
"I heard some mutterings about that in the bar Hagrid took me to. Listen Hermione my parents were kills by a terrorist by the name of Moldyshorts or something. At least Sauron sounds threatening. As for the hero thing, I really didn't pay attention to that part. It doesn't matter." Harry said.
"Don't you want the fame and attention Harry? You're special and I'm just Hermione." Hermione said.
"What do you think Hermione, do you think I'm some special hero or your new friend Harry?" Harry asked.
"Let's just eat Harry you wouldn't understand." Hermione said with a huff.
They were seated quickly, and it didn't take long for Harry to order the hardiest thing on the menu. He chose a steak and kidney pie. When the food arrived, Harry cut a handsome slice for Hermione. They began to dig in.
"I don't like attention." Harry said after his fourth slice. Already Harry could feel his strength begin to return. His qi spread through his limbs bolstering his strength.
"Why what's wrong with wanting attention?" Hermione asked.
"It's not something I enjoy. Crowds of people staring, makes me nervous." Harry said.
"Other kids don't like me. They hate it when I make perfect scores on tests. They ignore me at recess even the other girls throw rocks at me." Hermione said. Harry knew he couldn't have found an easier mark if he tried. All he had to do was be her friend early, and she'd be his for life.
"I won't ignore you Hermione." Harry said quietly. He took out his bag of coins and placed a gold piece and two sickles on the table. Just like that he'd spent 40pounds on a meal.
"Hermione, I'll see you on the Hogwarts express." Harry called out to her after leaving her with her parents.
'Olivander's wand shop,' Harry read before entering the run-down shack. He took a few steps inside before he sensed a presence sneak up behind him. Harry lashed out. Just as his fist reached maximum acceleration. He saw it was an old man and his sixth sense detected no ill will. In a microsecond,Harry made a split decision. He launched himself with his legs barely missing the old man's head. His fist hit one of the stacks of wands with a loud boom.
He snapped the beam of the shelf and watched the whole thing crash spilling wands everywhere.
Harry rounded on the wand maker. "Old man, do you want to die? Surprising a dragon would give you a death just as certain."
"Hello mister Potter, it's nice to finally meet you. My name is Oliver Ollivander and I am a wand maker." The old man blinked then looked to the side.
"Mr. Potter what happened to my shop. Are you up to some mischief?" Harry realized the old man was probably senile and mostly blind. The longer Harry looked at the man the older he appeared.
"Mr. Ollivander did you steal the secret of wand making from the dinosaurs." Harry asked the old man.
"No, I learned how to make wands from my father and he from his father before him. My family has been making wands in Great Britain for generations. Now would you like to give one a wave. Here is one pine and dragon heart string. Give it a wave." Harry sighed and walked around the room where the old man was facing a lamp.
Harry took and wand and waved it. Another row of wands collapsed as the shelves shattered. It felt like he'd taken a bucking bronco in his hand. It wouldn't obey him easily.
"No good how about unicorn and yew." Olivander handed him a new wand.
This wand felt lazy and skittish like it had all the time in the world but was too scared to act. Harry sighed and gently waved the wand. The ground froze over, and the magic ran back into the wand as if terrified. What little connection he felt was gone now. It would take a lot of coaxing to get another reaction at all.
"That one's no good either then. No matter third times the charm. This one is holly and phoenix feather." He held up the box and blew the dust off. Harry picked up the wand. The Dao of reincarnation was powerful in the wand. Harry could feel it sing a song of joining. They may fail from time to time but they'd always get back up. It was proud to be his wand and Harry couldn't help himself.
Harry waved the wand and created five orbs of sever all. There was no confusion. Harry didn't have to give up the Dao of reincarnation. This wand would be his own Dao of reincarnation. They would learn and sever away what was unnecessary and reincarnate what remained. Harry could feel his qi pulse in delight from the fusion of two Daos.
"Curious," Mr. Ollivander said.
"What's curious sir?" Harry asked.
"I remember every wand I've ever made, Mr. Potter." Harry really doubted that, but he didn't interrupt.
"I've only made two such wands and the twin to this wand gave you that scar." Harry felt at the scar on his head. "He was terrible Mr. Potter but great." Mr. Ollivander said. Harry opened his mouth to retort but let the old man have it. He waved his wand and the sever all orbs vanished.
"How much do I owe you?" Harry asked.
"For the wand ten galleons." Sure, he'd pay 360 pounds for a 25% power boost. Harry counted out the gold coins before placing them on Ollivander's desk. With the rest of the coins piled up there. For a moment, he thought about taking them. He used his sixth sense to find Ollivander staring at him intently. The old man's eyes were unusually alert.
Harry closed his bag before turning around. Ollivander quickly went back to his scatter-brained expression. He was such a crafty old man. With a final glance at the gold piled up on the desk, he left the shop.
He stopped by Madam Malcolms menagerie robes for all occasions and approached the desk. The lady was older in her mid-sixties by Harry's determination. She wore a light amount of makeup but still retained a portion of her youth. Harry tapped the bell on the desk to get her attention. She looked up sharply at him.
"Hello young man what can I do for you." Harry thought about how to word his need.
"I need robes built to withstand the wear and tear of at least 10 horses worth of strength in human form." Harry voiced.
"Young man, I will have no foolishness in my shop. Now state your need plainly." The older woman proclaimed. Harry bent his legs slightly and leapt atop the desk. He seemed to float for a moment as if gravity waited for permission before pulling him.
"Madam look at my cloths and judge for yourself. See the wear from running over kilometers per hour. The you see the seams stressed from the lightest movement. These shoes have already worn down to near uselessness. Everything I wear was new a week ago." Harry proclaimed.
"What is your name young man?" The woman asked.
"My name is Harry Potter, Madam." Harry said.
"What you need is a set of robes made from acromantula silk and dragon hide. The hide is needed around your thighs and ribs. Due to your size and for the custom work, I'll take no less than twelve galleons. Your Hogwarts package will only be five galleons. That brings the overall charge to seventeen galleons." Harry let her lead him to be fitted.
He saw a blonde-haired kid standing on a stool. The kid looked at him, but Harry ignored him. "Hey, I'm Draco Malfoy are you going to Hogwarts as well." The boy asked.
"Yes, I am." Harry replied. He'd been out for too long and it was making him feel grumpy. Harry looked over at the blonde boy. The poor kid seemed put off.
"I'm sorry, yes I'm going to Hogwarts as well. It's been a long day and it isn't half passed noon yet." Harry said.
"If you don't mind me asking. What happened to make the day so long?" Draco asked. Harry smiled this kid seemed to care.
"Well I'm an orphan and I just saw what my parents left me. A mere two thousand galleons." Draco winced.
"I'm sorry to hear that. Did the ministry confiscate most of the fortune?" Draco asked.
Harry sighed. "Maybe, or perhaps they made poor investments. You know what they say all it takes to bring down a thousand-year dynasty is one weak ruler. They are my parents but surely, they could have made better investments. Then I was informed of how few avenues of business were available to me until I graduate." Harry finished with a sigh.
"I think you should pick yourself up by your bootstraps and stop blaming them." Draco said. "My father had to repair the Malfoy name after my grandfather nearly ruined it with muggle sympathizing. Every generation has their own trials. Yours is just to rebuild a fortune. You still have your name right. What is it?" Draco asked.
"I'm Harry Potter." Harry replied. Draco froze and then Madam Malcom returned.
Harry finished and found Hagrid with a birthday present for him. In a cage was a beautiful snowy owl. Harry took his supplies and the newly named Hedwig and returned the number 4 private drive. Hagrid promised to report to Dumbledore and Harry decided to let him.
Chapter end
Thank you for reading. This chapter is a little longer than normal. The next one will cover roughly half of first year then the next will cover the other half. Then its straight to second year. If you have any questions or want to send me your ideas, please write a review. I'll answer them today.