Chapter 4: school supplies

Harry stood in the front hall waiting, not sure why his Uncles could not take him shopping, but he knew better then to argue. He had been reminded that he had to pretend he didn't know them, for they had never got permission for holidays, till now. At Christmas, and every holiday after, he would now officially get to live with his family. But Albus could not know Harry knew about their world before he got the letter, or he knew them. It had been a year now since they told him the full truth, and he understood why the old man couldn't know. Harry was just glad his Uncle Severus and Moony were at school, with Johnny and Uncle Sev was pregnant again, with a little girl this time, due at Christmas. He would also of course have Draco at school as well.

His birthday had been a few weeks ago, and there had been a birthday party for him, having gone to the Krum home in Bulgaria. They had got home earlier this year, for they had to be back for shopping, and Harry was excited to soon leave. Harry had read over five hundred books, he kept count, and was into sixth year texts, and while he loved Dibby, and he still spent days at the manor, he would be happy to go.

Albus arrived on time, with a red headed man in tow. "You must be Harry. Happy birthday my boy, a little late. I am Headmaster Dumbledore."

Harry smiled a bit. "Nice to meet you sir. Who is he?"

The man was Arthur Weasley, an old friend and supporter for Albus, and hand chosen to take Harry for his supplies Sirius was paying for them, he insisted Harry not need to touch his trust fund, and had provided a pouch of money. The last thing Albus needed was Harry being some spoiled brat, he needed him grounded.

Arthur smiled. "I have four sons in school, one your age. My wife and the kids are waiting for us. Albus asked if I would accompany you shopping."

Albus looked at the couple who were staring daggers at all the freaks in their house. "I assure you Harry will be home for dinner. You need not worry."

The couple of course never told anyone about the room, and the fact they had not seen Harry really at all, in ten years. They simply grumbled good riddance, and Albus hid a smile, for he knew he had been right to leave Harry here, it would keep him nice and humble. Besides he would need a mentor in their world, and he was sure to be it. The Weasley children were ideal for his friends, well not the twins, but the others, nice and pliable for him.

He was not surprised when he was met by Sirius when he arrived back at school. "Your godson has gone shopping. You know you cannot see him till Christmas."

Sirius hid a snarl at the old man. "I am just grateful for once you allowed us to send him birthday gifts."

That had definitely not been his idea, for he didn't even know what they sent Harry, but he had allowed it, to shut them up. He had refused them contact over the years for it was safer for Harry if less magic was in his area, and besides until his letter had come, he did not know of magic. He had sent Hagrid with the letter, and the man had come back upset, for poor Harry did not even believe magic was real. Harry was now in their world though, and such excuses would not work on his so called family.

Albus headed for the school. "I know you are angry I turned you down for DADA but Quirell returned, and besides you should be home with your husband."

Severus was not the only former Slytherin who was pregnant. Sirius reminded the man. "My husband could be here too. You will not keep me away from Harry."

Albus thought Harry would get so caught up in classes and magic, and new friends, he would want to remain at Christmas. By the time Harry went to the Malfoys in the summer, if he was forced to send Harry there, Harry would be already looking at him as a grandfather. Harry would be a Gryffindor like his parents, and the only real concern was Remus, but he was busy with his son and baby on the way. Severus may have been the carrier, but Remus was the stay at home dad.

He called after Sirius who was leaving. "Tell Lucius congratulations on the news. I am sure you will be so proud of Harry soon. He is sure to be a lion like you."

Harry really wished he was with Draco and his dads and Uncles, but he knew it had to be this way. Harry had a voucher from his Uncles for an owl, and like Draco, they received the new Nimbus brooms, from their dads, what Harry considered Lucius and Sirius more and more. He had been excited with Draco to learn they'd be big brothers in time for Easter, Lucius finally pregnant, and their new cousin due at Christmas. Johnny had turned two in March, and was a mini marauder, already.

Arthur introduced Harry to his brood, explaining they had two older boys as well, but they were done school. Harry could tell pretty quickly, that he was not going to like Ron, the boy who was his age, he seemed to be a prat. The twins were pretty cool, and he let them tell him about their world, even if he knew.

After wands and the apothecary they went for robes, Harry the only one for new robes. Ron grumbled. "I get Bill's robes, they are just being hemmed for me."

Harry stood on the platform and was measured. "You should be grateful to have a big family. All I had was my cousin, and I wish I didn't."

He was wishing for his own brother right now, and he knew Draco would be laughing, if he knew Harry was shopping with them. Harry had to grind his teeth as Ron went on and on about the purebloods, and how everyone in Slytherin was dark. He reminded himself his Uncle had warned him, for there had always been a lot of prejudice around the house, because Voldemort came from it. There were just as likely to be dark wizards in other houses.

Molly shooed them out. "Come along we will get some text books while Percy goes with your dad for his owl. He is a prefect this year."

Harry pulled out his voucher and looked at it confused. "I think I am supposed to get one. I think this is kind of like a muggle gift voucher."

Seeing Harry was right, and wondering who gave Harry it, Arthur was reminded Albus said his godfather had been allowed to send a gift this year. He took Harry and Percy to the shop, Molly to get the books for Harry. Percy got a screech owl, and Harry chose a beautiful eagle owl like Draco got for his birthday, and Lucius had too. Ron was practically fuming in jealousy when he saw the birds, and Harry hoped he would not need to pretend to like this kid for too long.

Arthur saw him back home and handed him a ticket. "We will meet you there, and show you on board. I am sure you and Ron will be the best of friends soon."

Harry was laughing inside at that but he nodded. "Thank you for taking me Mr. Weasley."

Up in his rooms he found Dibby who was already working on his trunk, and as he sat down at his computer to email Draco, told Dibby all about it. His room was covered in world maps, both muggle and wizard, star charts, quidditch posters and a wizard periodic table. The room had changed a lot since the original nursery, but as nice as it was, and as much as he loved Dibby, he could not wait for the two weeks to end, and head for school.