Шампион на сърцето ми is Bulgarian for Champion of my heart.

Chapter 16
Finally a turnaround

Harry's POV

I wonder what my mum told my Head of house and why it makes the woman doubt that my – adopted – grandparents were ever proud of her being a witch. I walk into the antechamber with the four Heads of Houses, shortly reminded of the Night of the Champions' Choosing, and sit down on one of the five chairs Professor Flitwick conjures.

He, Professor Snape and Professor Sprout then leave the seats behind and wander to the other side of the room, their faces close together and their angry hushed whispers making me know they're discussing the Dursleys, while Professor McGonagall sits with me and sighs. I look worried, curious and concerned and the woman starts her tale:
"Mr. Potter, your mother once, at the start of her 5th year, conveyed some information with me that, had she not told me, would have made her 5th year really awful for her. You see, she told her parents everything about her previous and upcoming year and thus also that in 5th she would have to take one of the two most important tests in the Magical world.
Her parents did not react like Petunia must be thinking they reacted; exuberant, proud and wanting her to do her best. On the contrary, Mr. Potter, they told her, all summer long, to fail her O.W.L.s and that she didn't – and would never – belong in the Magical World. That the proof lay with her being born in the Muggle world."

I look shocked and the woman goes on: "I slightly believe this has to do with Walburga Black's actions. My reason behind that being that if Walburga didn't want her daughter, she probably didn't want to chance any form of contact with her either. When the Evans family adopted Lily, she must have told them to keep Lily out of her world."
I nod and ask: "So, they tried to keep her in the Muggle world?" The woman nods and while I feel hatred growing for my grandmother, do I ask: "Then why make it look to Petunia as if she was the most brilliant of them all?" And the woman gives me an answer I never would have expected: "They did that, because they did the same with Lily."
I look at the woman shocked and confused and she says: "Mr. Potter, all those times your aunt was told how wonderful and magnificent and terrific Lily was, it was behind Lily's back. And behind Petunia's back." And I end the sentence: "They praised Petunia to my mum and made her feel as if she was the less talented. But why?"

The woman sighs and says: "I believe they were just not ready to be parents and thus didn't know how to properly motivate the two girls, especially not with how different they were. Had Lily and Petunia both been magical, I believe the upraising would have been easier and they would not have resorted to this form of upbringing."

I nod and then ask: "Professor, I have to know. How close were my parents?" The woman sighs, shocking and confusing me and she says: "Your parents were as different as your mother and Petunia. They were alike at some parts, but their personalities, at first, didn't match at all – more like pushed them away."
She then looks up, looking back to the door to the Great Hall shortly before she says: "You can best compare them to Mss. Granger and Mr. Weasley. I've seen their behavior to one another, especially this year, and it really reminds me of Lily and James. Only difference, they're friends." I shake my head shocked and ask:
"My parents weren't friends?" The woman shakes her head and says: "They weren't, Harry. James was a prankster and mostly targeted Severus, who was Lily's friend until the end of Fifth. But somewhere around the end of that year, Severus and Lily broke their friendship and halfway through sixth, I saw Lily and James become friends.

And the responsible way James handled his friendship with her, not asking her out, like he did daily, not pushing against her, just to touch her, not playfully flirting with her, made me realize there was more behind James' prankster side. I used that to convince my colleagues of making James Head Boy and that, I believe, brought them together.
Lily saw that James, not just with their friendship, but with the care and responsibility that came with being Head Boy, was very serious and careful and eventually, I believe, she got a crush on him, got sick of him not asking her out anymore and –." Now the woman shakes her head with a small smile on her face and says:

"It was during a meeting between the Prefects, Heads and the Head boy and girl. Remus and Lily had talked beforehand, I had spotted them, and Remus, all throughout the meeting kept shooting James signs he should ask Lily out. James kept refusing and showing Remus signs he wouldn't and when Lily noticed, she jumped up and shouted:

Would you just ask me out already?"

James was so speechless and then I guess your mother's temper got the better of her and she said; if you don't ask me out before the next Hogsmeade weekend, I'll go with Black! That really shocked James and after that Hogsmeade weekend, they slowly but surely got together." I smile at the story and then motion the other teachers over.
And as they walk over, I whisper: "Thanks for telling me, Professor. Next to knowing I got my dad's looks, flying talent and my mum's eyes and part of her temper, I know less than nothing about them." The woman looks shocked at me and I smile as if nothing's wrong as the other Heads of Houses join us at the seats.

"Thank you for your time, Professors. My suggestion? Muggleborns." The Heads look confused and I say: "You've seen what happened at my place. I knew nothing, my relatives knew but said nothing and I had – as much as I like him – someone who could tell me nothing about the regular comings and goings of this world.
Most Muggleborns have the same problem, but then with parents who know as little as they do. I mean, take Hermione for example. She saw Dobby and Winky, knows nothing about how our world fully – as a whole – treats House-Elves and instantly believes she should free all House-Elves, which in turn angered those working here.
There are a lot of things people take for granted and there are even more things that Purebloods take for granted, but they shouldn't, because we live in a mixed world. Now, if there is anything I have learned about Purebloods, it's that they like to think they know more and are better than the average Muggleborn student here.

So I've come up with a solution that helps Muggleborns, makes Purebloods feel good about themselves and give aid to Muggleborns before they go to Hogwarts and while they're at Hogwarts." The teachers look intrigued and I say: "If a Muggleborn gets their letter for Hogwarts, one of you four goes there to explain things to them, right?"
The teachers nod and I say: "Well, here's what you can do. Pick one Pureblood child, say my apparent cousin Draco, take him with you to a Muggleborn and let him get in contact with that Muggleborn, so that the Muggleborn has someone who can, at their level, explain things to them. Just make sure they have an owl or connection to the Floo.
That way, you make Purebloods feel superior and they help Muggleborns become welcomed into our world gently and with proper common knowledge on laws, customs and the history of our world." The teachers look at each other and then Professor Snape says: "That is devious, loyal – and just outright a brilliant plan."

I look shocked, never having expected those words from the man's mouth and before my mouth can fall down in shock, do I reprimand myself thinking: "He was your mother's friend, he liked her, he might like you." And then my suspicions are confirmed as the man says: "Your mother would have been proud of you, Mr. Potter."
I smile at the man, my eyes locking with his in wonder and him nodding, telling me silently he'll tell me more about my mum later and Minerva says: "I will inform the Board of Governors. Surely those Purebloods will love this plan. It will stroke their egos and relieve their fears that Muggleborns will ruin the world they live in."
I nod and so do the other two teachers, Professor Flitwick muttering: "As brilliant as his mother, he is. As brilliant as his mother." I smile at the man as we leave, having barely ever to never been compared to my mother, but as we leave, do I still catch Professor Snape as he mutters: "They sure have a good reason to fear it."
Making me wonder what it could be. I quickly decide to check the Muggleborn history concerning the Magical world and all they might and could have done that made Purebloods hate them so much. But as I decide this, can I barely imagine all the things I will discover – things I should never think of telling Hermione.

Sirius' POV

I see my son returning from the Antechamber, with the Heads looking at him with new respect and intrigue and smile in pride at the fact he impressed them so much. I then grab my chance as Poppy has left the owl stand and after kissing Remus on the lips and Harry on the forehead, do I quickly stand behind the stand and say:
"I know I already read a chapter a few days ago, but a new book a new chance. Can everyone agree on that?" Everyone nods, my friends smiling because they know I just want to read this chapter, because it will most probably be a Dursley-free chapter and so I fake to scrape my throat, making some students laugh before I start reading.

Diagon Alley
Harry woke … heart sinking. No way will uncle Vernon and aunt Petunia ever give me a new room.

This makes my lips thin in anger and I think: "This better be over soon. I can't stand hearing about my son's self-doubt, let alone reading about it." And when I look up briefly, I can see that the same thoughts – well, almost the same – go through my lovely Remus' mind. I smile at him and he smiles back before I read on

But he … off him. The coat was still warm, even though the fire seems to have died out hours ago and in some weird way, his basket made of sand was still in perfect form. The hut … inside him. The fact his dream had not been a dream meant he could soon escape the Dursleys for a whole school year and find out more who he was supposed to be and who his parents really were.

Everyone smiles at the happy thoughts and I think: "If it's up to me, those thoughts are the only kind he will ever think off again." But I know that won't be easy as Harry must have been raised to think bad and dark thoughts and my determination to care for my son and help him get closure with his past grows as I read on.

He went … said loudly, trying to swap the bird away, which hooted indignantly, but didn't attack him. "There's an … strange-looking coins. The owl recognized the items as something he apparently needed as he slowly settled himself on Harry's thin shoulder and gazed at the coins intently.
"Give him …to it. Following his instincts just for a minute, he softly petted the owl's upper belly and he gave a grateful hoot. Then it .. open window, but as he did, Harry noticed two things. One, the owl was female. Two, she was a little heavier than she should be, if the ache in his shoulder was anything to go by, so she was probably with young.

Everyone looks shocked and Harry snickers and mutters: "Wonder if she ever got her eggs." His dry tone breaking the shock and making many students laugh, some of them even tearing up, while Ron howls: "Only you, mate. Only you." I laugh too and after a few minutes of calming myself down, do I read on.

Hagrid yawned … a puncture.

"Oh help." Ron and Hermione moan and I too sigh, but shoot them a glare, telling them not to complain. They nod and Harry, who just wanted to start retorting, looks at me and I smile helpfully at him. He smiles back gratefully and I think: "If I want to help Harry get over his past, I can't let others be bothered by the small things.
Like Harry's pessimistic thinking. That will just worsen the progress." I then sigh, knowing I learned all of this from my aunt Dorea, who took me in and raised me, like I knew I always wanted my mother to. And after Dorea and Charlus' death, did Lily take that role to help me get over my past, if only so I could help her raise Harry.
I look at the boy I took therapy for and think: "He doesn't need a shrink; he needs a Black. My Great-aunt and sister helped me and I can, through their help, help him." This makes me smile as I know Harry won't spill his secrets to a stranger, especially seeing the mysterious Erica, who keeps coming back in the story. I shrug this thought off and read on.

"Um – Hagrid?" … was destroyed –"Harry knew it was stupid to think his parents would leave everything in their house, but if they were to go in hiding, would they not hide their most valuable possessions with them?
"They didn't … house, boy! (Harry flinched at the word, but kept the flinch as invisible as he could)! Nah, first … me, see.

This makes many students smile in happiness at the man, who smiles back, but I still hear Narcissa grumble: "Now if only we could trust Albus as well." And I nod, agreeing with my cousin, but glad the comment didn't pass throughout the hall, as only Gryffindors and a few Ravenclaws who also heard with me, before I read on.

"Got everythin'? … him flying. He imagined Hagrid to do the same as the famous movie character, Mary Poppins, that Mss. Crenson always let him watch if he visited her – every visit a small part of the movie – and then looked back at the coat hiding Hagrid's umbrella, thinking: "If that thing can perform magic, can it fly like Mary Poppins'? There sure was enough wind last night."

Hagrid looks shocked and confused and he says: "Harry, I didn't fly that way. I used your mum's old motorcycle. I just landed near the rocks and shrunk it, with one of those buttons he installed on it." Now, while some of the students – obviously Muggleborns – look defeated, does Remus shake his head and says:
"The Shrink button. One of the first things Sirius installed on that racket on wheels. He was so crazy for it when he bought it, he wanted to be sure he could take it with him wherever he went." I smile and shrug at the man, who rolls his eyes but smiles back at me, his eyes full of his love for me, before I read on, feeling that love.

"Seems a … high-security vaults.

"I sure hope not." Charlie glares at his older brother and while I personally feel very proud of the animal lover, does the other boy say: "Listen Charlie, I don't know if there's dragons inside Gringotts. I worked at pyramids and things like that and yes, I did find a few enchanted skeletons there, but that's all I know. I swear."
Charlie nods and grumbles about Dragons and how people shouldn't mess with them or their skeletons. I snicker as I hear this as it reminds me of how Remus always complained about there not being enough chocolate snacks during Hogwarts meals and feasts and how James always complained of Lily not going out with him. I shake my head and read on.

And then … his life.
Then suddenly, he saw that Hagrid wasn't paging or really seemed to read as his eyes seemed glued to one small spot of the same page and snickered. The man was just trying to be busy and give Harry the room to ask whatever he wanted.

This makes many of the students snicker and Hagrid grumbles: "Really thought I fooled him." Making those sitting close to him who heard first laugh even louder. Harry snickers and shrugs and says: "What can I say? I always trained my instincts and senses, so I just notice the craziest of things." To which his friends shout: "You can say that again."
The boy pouts, which makes Viktor send him an adoring smile and when my son catches it, he blushes a bit and hides in Remus' jacket, making the man laugh. I snicker at his innocence, glad he still has some childish traits left in him, but then see the anger and revulsion with which Cho Chang glares at Harry and Viktor.
I glare back at her and when she notices, she looks at me and I warn her with my glare. Don't you dare try anything. Don't you dare break them up. The girl whitens when she realizes what I'm thinking and quickly turns her head away, turning to look at the table in front of her with a deviant look that bugs me, while I read on.

"Ministry o' … the page.

"We don't mess things up." Fudge glares at Hagrid, but Harry stands up and says: "Minister, I'm sure Hagrid just thinks that, because of his way of seeing things and because of what happened all those years ago when he was expelled." The minister nods, while I wonder what my son knows of Hagrid's expulsion and read on.

"There's a … was one.

"I take that back. The biggest bunglers I've ever seen are Bagman and Crouch. Betting on a minor and sending Sirius to Azkaban, while he's obviously innocent. Did he even give the man a trial or what?" I feel tempted to say Crouch didn't but decide to just leave that information to the side until later and instead just read on.

So he … left alone."

Now Harry shakes his head and says: "I agree with what Hagrid said, Minister, but not with the way you're handling that." The man looks at him shocked, while the Heads look intrigued, obviously wanting to know if he has a way to handle it better. The boy takes a deep breath, obviously steeling himself for something and says:
"You hide us from the Muggle world so well, we don't even pay attention to them anymore. Yes, we know they have cars like us and that they have jobs and eat at restaurants like we do, but we know nothing of phones, postal services and other ways the Muggles have evolved over time. And that's dangerous." Fudge looks confused and Harry says:

"It's dangerous because the Muggles of America, in 1945, build a weapon so powerful and destructive it totally wiped an entire city off the map, killing hundreds of thousands and still causing trouble, through the after-effects of the chemicals inside said weapon." The minister, many other adults, some Purebloods and I look shocked and Harry says:
"On the 6th of August in 1945, America dropped a weapon also known as an Atomic bomb, which they named Little Boy, on the Japanese city Hiroshima. This bombing caused 66000 citizens to be killed instantly, while the radio-activity that was used as fuel affected the survivors so terribly, at the end of 1945, the death rate had gone up to 100.000.
The after-effects of the bombing consisted of deathly diseases, miscarriages and people's bodies to be disfigured or for them to die with one or more parts of their bodies paralyzed for life. One of the survivors even calculated it and a total of 69.000 people had been injured to varying degrees, because of the bombing.
According to what I heard, within 5 years after the bombing the long term effects of the radio-activity, such as cancer, caused the death toll to reach 200.000 and maybe even more." The Minister and other adults look shocked, while some purebloods look scared at the information they've been given and Harry goes on and says:

"And that's why it's wrong what you're doing, Minister. That happened 50 years ago and Muggles have really evolved and become better with mechanics and weapons since. So if we don't want another, more gruesome and terrible Witch Hunt, we have to learn more about Muggles, so that we can blend in better."
The man nods, while many of the younger Pureblood students now whimper at what they were told and then Minerva asks: "Students, who of you believes it would be best for us all to have Muggle Studies as a Mandatory class?" And mostly the Purebloods quickly raise their hands, followed by the rest of the school.
The woman nods, while Narcissa had been silently asking Andromeda for confirmation and while Ted and his wife confirm what they had been told does my old Head of House say: "Mr. Potter, please put your words in an official report and I'll make sure the Board of Governors hears of this." Harry nods at the woman and I read on.

At this …up, eh?"

"Not really a good way to blend in, but it does proof my point." Harry states with a grim face, while Hagrid seems a little embarrassed by his actions of four years ago. I shake my head at the man, knowing many of us behave like that and read on, hoping more than ever that we're not leading ourselves into another dangerous war.

"Hagrid." Said Harry …we go."

This makes me gulp as the fact this was put into the story worries me and I think: "It wouldn't be put in it if it wouldn't have any significance to the story. But by Merlin, I really hope Hagrid didn't let Harry get around a dragon that early on. That Hungarian Horntail was enough at his age." I take a deep breath to calm down and read on.

They had …their tickets.
Harry wondered how Hagrid couldn't understand the paper money, as it had the numbers of value written on it, but he was glad Hagrid couldn't as it was a way for him to practice his reading skills. People stared … circus tent.

"It was a blanket I was making, Harry." Hagrid tells the boy and he shrugs and asks: "For who was it?"And when Hagrid answers: "Fluffy." Harry, Ron and Hermione whiten. This worries me as I know Hagrid only gives cute names to dangerous animals and I think: "Please, let it not be too dangerous. Let it be something like Buckbeak."
But just by thinking it do I already doubt it, as Buckbeak doesn't sound sweet and cuddly, but proud and strong. "Still that could be because of their proud nature." I think, but know I'm just trying to fool myself and – while my need to read the book around my family grows with each disturbing new fact – do I read on.

"Still got … ordinary way – or maybe it was just not an ordinary way for him. He got … with shops. Harry now slightly understood why Hagrid was against the Ministry. If they didn't even keep their own people from saying things about the Magical World out loud, he wondered what else they could be doing wrong.
Hagrid was … behind him. This didn't bother Harry at all, although he was still slightly high on his instincts, that made him careful not to bump into Hagrid or in any other way anger the man. They passed … trusting him – no matter what his instincts told him.

Everyone smiles and Minerva says: "You do have that effect on people, Hagrid. Which makes me understand why Albus send you to fetch Harry. It might have been harder for him to trust myself or one of my colleagues." The man turns red under his beard, while a goofy grin appears on his face and I smile and read on.

"This is … see it. Immediately he understood. Muggles weren't supposed to know of Wizardry, so the magical stores and all were of course hidden by magic. Harry wondered if there were more magical stores in the alley that he had missed.
Before he could mention it or ask if there were more, Hagrid had … gummy walnut.
Harry guessed that the dark, dangy exterior was just to keep Muggles away if they accidentally did enter the place. A man like his uncle would immediately leave upon seeing the customers in this place. Everyone seemed … Leaky Cauldron.
For a minute, when the mob had gone for him he had wanted to hide behind Hagrid, crouch and pretend he didn't exist, but Tom had still been holding his hand tightly, preventing his escape.
"Doris Crockford … a shop." He was glad to see a familiar face, because all these people talking to him as if they've known him for years was freaking him out. "He remembers!" for more.
Harry was starting to get scared and the longer he shook hands, the more it felt as if the looks he was getting were hungry looks, as the people around him didn't want to meet him, but hurt him.
A pale … was twitching. Harry wondered if the man was getting as scared of the current situation as he was.
"Professor Quirrell!" … to himself although Harry would have been happier just to keep talking to the man than continuing to meet all those other people. It took … few weeds.
Harry had never been as happy to be in a small, lonely space as he was then.
Hagrid grinned at Harry … as Harry turned around, faking to examine the small courtyard, while he breathed a sigh of intense relief.
"Told yeh …Vampires? Hags? Harry's fear mounted and he only barely stopped himself from flinching away from the man, afraid of getting hit and momentarily forgetting who he was with.
Harry's head …his umbrella. Harry blinked and focused on this, if only to find something he could focus on and with that let his mind slowly get used to all these strange, new concepts.
The brick … solid wall. Part of him was terrified now as that was his only known way out would things turn as bad as they were in the pub.

Now the students look sad and Hagrid says: "Really should have noticed he didn't like being around all those people. Should have been more discrete." To this Pomona pats him on the shoulder and says: "There, there, Hagrid. You just weren't the right person to help Harry confront his fame. In every other aspect you're doing great so far."
The man smiles at her and I nod in agreement, along with quite a few other teachers and Amelia. This really seems to cheer Hagrid up and I smile at the man, while squashing down the envy that he got to take Harry for his first trip to Diagon Alley. I shake my head, thinking of how I can be there for his first ever shopping spree and read on.

The sun … they're mad …"

I see Molly look shocked and while her sons groan at seeing her wide eyes, do I think: "Oh Merlin, you have to be kidding me." Then the woman, obviously feeling righteous over the wrong reasons, gushes: "Oh Harry, that was me. See, Albus was right. You and Ginny are meant to be and us indirectly meeting proves it."
But Harry, seemingly angry over something important with the woman, spats: "Hearing someone saying something isn't what I call an indirect meeting, Mss. Molly. It's coincidence." The woman looks shocked, while Ron smiles, the twins give him a thumbs up and Bill and Charlie nod with proud agreement as I read on.

A low … and snowy.As they passed Harry heard a screeching and saw an amber eye look straight at him. Several boys … fastest ever –" Harry smiled at their innocence and thought: "Maybe this world can help me be like them, wanting regular things like cool brooms and regular meals."

Everyone looks down, some of them with self-hatred and I know those are the people who thought Harry had it all and had probably made his school years bad out of petty jealousy. I shake my head at what I see around me and while feeling determined to make sure that never happens to my little boy again, do I read on.

There were … and feet. Harry noticed that he wore several rings on one of his hands. Around one of the fingers was a ring with some kind of emblem on it, while on the other was another, this one with the word schnezleclaw on it. He bowed as they walked inside. Harry spared a glance at Hagrid, but the giant seemed to take this for granted. Nevertheless, Harry gave an almost invisible nod at the Goblin and saw his eyes widen before they entered the building.

"Harry dear, do you know what you just did?" Narcissa asks and Harry asks: "Something bad?" But the woman shakes her head and Lucius says: "You're the last of the Potters and thus the Goblins will see you as Lord of your family. For a Lord to nod at a Goblin is a sign that he recognizes the Goblin as a creature of the same stature."
To this Harry shrugs and says: "I don't see what's the big problem." And before Hermione can utter more than: "The probl –." Has Ron slapped a hand over her mouth and does Harry send a significant look at the Heads who nod. Then Narcissa says: "Goblins believe we see them as creatures below us. By nodding, you showed different.
And because you are seen as a Lord to them, it means all the more. I'm sorry, Hagrid, but had one of the Heads taken him, he would have surely been allowed to have a meeting with Prisnov himself." The man looks shocked and then Harry shocks me and Narcissa deeply, if not all Purebloods in the Hall as he asks: "Prisnov?"

Everyone looks at him and Bill says: "The vice-president of the Bank. He goes over other faculties, the Vaults and the Lords of families, while the President, Ragnok goes over the contacts with other societies, the Goblins and the working conditions of his employees." Harry nods and Narcissa mutters: "So much to learn. So, so much."
I can't help but agree and feel angered by this fact as Harry should be ready to wear his Head of the Family Badge by next year – as is custom for orphaned Lords of Most Noble and Ancient Familes – and while hating Dumbledore for not giving Harry this chance and myself for being locked away from my son, do I read on with a sigh.

Now they … marble hall, Harry again nodding at both invisibly, making sure to be a few steps behind Hagrid and receiving more wide eyed, shocked stares. About a … glowing coals.
The goblin saw him looking and when their eyes met, Harry bowed his head with his eyes almost completely closed, allowing enough of his vision to remain seen to see the goblin drop a stack of rubies onto the counter loudly.

"Not just showing respect as an equal, actually showing yourself to be inferior to them. Is there anything you can't do?" Lucius asks and Harry asks: "Did I do wrong?" But Narcissa, having taken my place next to Harry, hugs the boy close, smiling at him and I see Harry's tense form relax after a few seconds, before she says:
"No dear, Lucius is just showing how proud he is of having you part of our family." The boy looks shocked and spares a quick glance at Lucius, who must be giving him the same invisible nod he gave the goblins years ago and Harry, misty eyed, nods back and hides his face in Narcissa's shoulder, obviously hiding the tears of joy.
I smile at my son, glad and thankful that Lucius is actually helping and think: "Okay, I will allow him around Harry, if he hands in his wand and I will let him be around Remus, if he hands in his wand and Narcissa and I are around." And I smile at my family as a whole – my mate, son, his crush, my cousin and her son and husband – before reading on.

"Got it." … and thirteen.

Immediately I hit myself on the head as Harry had been curious about things he couldn't reach since he was an infant and so do Ron, Hermione, the twins and Remus and one of the twins says: "If there is one thing." And the other goes on: "You should never do around Harry." And they chorus: "It's talking about important secrets."
The boy scowls and Minerva says: "Perhaps it would have been better if one of us had also been at the Leaky Cauldron that day. Then we could have taken Mr. Potter for his shopping, while Hagrid went to pick it up." The other teachers nod, while I can barely believe their feeble attempt to have secrecy and read on.

The goblin … another goblin. He bowed his head to Harry and Harry did the same, seeing a sign of respect and showing it back. But as he moved his fringe in front of his eyes, he saw that he had shocked the goblin, as if no one had ever responded to his bows.
Once Hagrid … yeh that." Harry had wanted to ask on, but while he respected Hagrid enough not to, the fact he could ask the man questions freely awoke a strange new sense of curiosity inside of him.
Griphook held … was impossible.

"That's really impressive, Harry." Bill says and I go on and say: "Yeah, I went down to my vault at least twice a year back in the seventies and even when I went down to get money for a wedding present I could only remember three turns." My son smiles at me, while he's a little red and with a large smile do I read on.

The rattling …than blinking.

"Mr. Potter, I think they did know. They were after all send a monthly stipend to raise and take care of you. And that alone consisted of 500 pounds, together with another 150 pounds Christmas money." Harry glares as Minerva explains them this and then Bill lies a comforting hand on his tightly closed fist and says:
"Don't worry, I'll make sure the Goblins let them return every last penny. Those Muggles obviously used the money for their son and the Goblins – well, they won't be happy campers when they hear the money has been used for another target instead of its intended." Harry smiles at the eldest Weasley and I read on.

How often … to keep? How often had he heard Uncle Vernon complain about his parents and how their drinking problem had led them to take care of him without any money available? And all … said Griphook. But before they entered back into the cart, Harry whispered at the Goblin: "Please make sure no one can exchange this for Muggle money without my permission."

This makes me smile and Harry, feeling very proud of himself obviously, asks: "That means the Dursleys haven't been receiving any more stipends, have they Professor?" But the woman sighs and says: "They have, Mr. Potter. The vault we just read about is your Trust Vault, set up by your father just before your birthday.
The Vault used for the stipend of those Muggles is your Economical Vault, which holds money for funds and stipends and holds reports on your funds, foundations and the use of stipends." Harry looks shocked and asks: "Another Vault? How many do I have?" And Bill says: "The Potters currently hold a total of 7 vaults."
The boy looks shocked and asks: "What – what's in them?" But then Narcissa lies a hand on his shoulder and says: "I'm sorry, Harry, but that's best discussed somewhere else. I know the students now respect you, but Family Secrets are best to remain Family secrets, okay dear?" Harry nods at her and I read on.

They were … his neck. Harry felt bad for worrying his friend, but his curiosity had been fueled by the belief that the Goblins would not have made such a deep ravine without protecting the ground – in case someone fell out of the cart.
Vault seven … nasty grin. Harry felt terrified of the grin, but also assured that his money, what he had anyway, was safe.
Something really … was empty.

This makes students, who have leaned forward in anticipation to moan disappointed and then Luna says: "I guess that package is the reason the title of the book is hidden. It will probably show once the book tells us what the package is." I look at the front of the book and I too can only read the name of my son. I nod at the girl and read on.

Then he … to ask. He badly wanted to know, but he didn't want Hagrid to feel like he disappointed someone and this Dumbledore person seemed really important to Hagrid.
"Come on …ever had.
But then he stopped thinking of what to buy and thought: "If I come back with all kinds of stuff, they'll know I have money. I have to buy some second-rated stuff or I can say bye-bye to my money."
"Might as … feeling nervous.

"HAGRID!" I shout furiously and go on: "You don't! EVER! Leave a Muggle-raised wizard in a magical alley by himself. Especially not on his first trip or if he has Harry's fame. You were standing only TEN BLOODY STEPS away from Knockturn alley for Circe's sake!" The man looks ashamed, but when I want to continue reading, do I notice something odd.
I look up and see Harry glare at me. I look shocked and Remus says: "Harry, don't glare. Sirius is just worried and he does have a point. He's not angry at Hagrid – okay, maybe he is – but he has a good reason. He cares for you and wants you safe. Hagrid, as you know, can protect you just fine, but then he does have to be around you."
The boy sighs and Hagrid says: "I'm sorry, Harry. Sirius is right. You were my responsibility and I shouldn't choose a good drink over a friend." Harry smiles at his elder, half-giant friend, but I feel myself hoping Hagrid will show something to appease me and make me feel as if I can really trust him with my boy. And with that I read on.

Madam Malkin … in fact."

"A friend, Harry?" I ask, but Harry shakes his head and says: "Family. Although I didn't know that back then." Instantly Narcissa and Lucius look at their son and I feel dread as I wonder how Draco was back then. I also see an intrigued look on Snape's face and know he wonders what happened back then. Agreeing with him, do I read on.

In the … in somehow."

This makes his parents raise their eyebrows at their son and Harry pats his shoulder, while he hits himself on the head and Harry says: "Welcome to my world." Draco glares at the boy, but I can see the playful humor shining in his silver eyes, while Harry tries to keep the humor out of his own smile and read on.

Harry was … could be.

"WHAT!?" Oliver shouts, looking shocked, terrified and scandalized, somehow, all on the same time and Harry aims at himself and says: "Muggle-raised, remember Oliver? That was the first time I even heard of the Magical World, let alone be in it." The boy looks at his ex-fellow player shocked and I shake my head as I read on.

"I do … the minute. He badly wanted to hate this boy for making him feel like it, but knew where the real source of his anger should lie – uncle Vernon and aunt Petunia, who knew of the Magical world, but never told him a thing.
"Well, no … have been –

"Sorry to blow your bubble, little cousin, but I'm the first Black to be in Gryffindor and your cousin, Tonks doesn't really seem like the proper Slytherin either." The girl shakes her head and says: "A Hufflepuff and proud of it." Draco whitens at this idea, while Narcissa smiles at Andromeda, who smiles back and I read on.

Imagine being …every second.
Still, he decided to hold back his judgment until he knew more of this boy – as currently he didn't even know the boy's name.
"Yes, exactly … at all. Now Harry really had to hold back on his judgment as this tone reminded him of how little his uncle cared for the sacrifice his parents had made for him.
"But they … our ways.

I then suddenly see Harry send a wink at Minerva, who shows him a small smile and a nod, together with the other Heads. This confuses me and I think: "What could Draco's words have to do with Harry's suggestion?" But when Harry turns back to me, do I realize I'm the only one who saw the exchange and I read on.

Some of … the boy and he certainly wasn't planning to tell the boy his true last name, hopped down … Harry lied. The day had been going too great for him and Hagrid and he didn't want to ruin it for the gentle giant.
They stopped … allowed in –"

"I really should have known then what I knew now. Had I, that would not have worried me so much." Harry mutters and I look at my son in concern as Viktor and Remus hug him, Viktor softly kissing his hair and Remus drawing comforting circles on his back. Draco also looks guilty and I smile at my cousin as I read on.

"Yer not … in Slytherin.

"Well, I now know one and he was in Gryffindor." Everyone looks shocked and Fred asks: "You really knew a Gryffindor who went dark?" Harry nods and says: "Wormtail. He and the Marauders were all Gryffindors and he betrayed his friends and well – you heard what he wanted to do." The twins whiten as they nod and I read on.

You-Know-Who was … that level." Before they left the store Harry quickly bought a few books on reading and grammar, distracting Hagrid with books on Dragons.

This makes the gentle giant laugh and he says: "You little rascal. James always did that whenever he wanted to play with my pets." Now Harry whitens and asks: "Pets like Fang or Fluffy?" And when Hagrid answers: "Fang." Harry sighs in relief, making me worry all the more about this Fluffy character as I read on.

Hagrid wouldn't … a scoop). Harry again distracted Hagrid, this time by asking if he could try and find the rarest ingredient this store had, and quickly bought an extra set of basic ingredients for Potions to study them, feeling himself immensely interested in the oncoming subject, along with three Unicorn horns and a few beetle eyes.
Outside the … secret magic.

I look at my son shocked, together with almost the entire Hall and Harry turns red as he sees all the stares aimed at him. Viktor is the first to recover from the shocked awe we must all be feeling and hugs the boy proudly, kissing the top of his head and whispering: "I knew you were amazingly powerful, Шампион на сърцето ми."
The boy smiles, but as he looks at me from over Viktor's shoulder, I see he seems worried about something as he gazes at the book. I look down at it as well and realize now will be the first time Harry hears that his wand is connected to Voldemort's. For a second I wonder how the man's doing, but I shrug it off and read on.

"Good afternoon." … charm work."

This makes Filius smile with sad pride and I smile myself as I remember how the man had always jubilated and encouraged Lily to perform to the best of her ability and how it was often him backing her up if my friends and I pulled another stunt. "Yeah, Lily really was his favorite." I think, while shaking my head and reading on.

Mr. Ollivander … of course."

Now a small smile graces Minerva's lips, while I hold back a snicker and when I notice her look of reminiscence, I have to work even harder not to laugh as I think: "Best in Transfigurations. Go figure, Prongs." I then shake my head, share a quick meaningful glance with Remus, who smiles back at me and I read on.

Mr. Ollivander … wizard's wand.

Now Ron seems shocked and Remus asks: "Is something wrong, Ron?" The boy shakes his head and says: "No, it's nothing." But as Remus turns away, do I spot him grabbing his wand and glancing at it. I wonder what could be wrong with the wand as it seems only a year or two old and while I hope to find out soon, do I read on.
But then I get interrupted by Neville, who asks: "Professor McGonagall, if what Mr. Olivander said is true, could you please let my gran know that too? She's been insisting I use my dad's wand for the last four years." The woman looks shocked at her lion and I can't say I don't feel the same shock at hearing this.
The Longbottoms are after all on the Top 5 Richest Wizarding Families list, together with the Malfoy, Black, Potter, Bones and Lestrange family, not to mention that the marriage between Harfang Longbottom, Neville's great-granfather and Callidora Black gave the Longbottom family access to the Black Inter-married vault.
I wonder why Augusta allowed Neville to use his father's wand, while it was obvious since his birth that he would more be a child like his mother and think: "I really hope she doesn't see a replacement of Frank in her only grandson. Else, I'll see what I can do to change her mind." And with that plan in mind do I read on.

Harry suddenly … to become.

"How many did you try?" Chang asks the boy, trying to wiggle her eyebrows at him as if to seduce him, but Harry gets pulled closer to Viktor's side by the jealous elder boy as he looks at the girl and says: "I think it took me a total of 14 to 17 wands or something, right Hagrid?" The Half-giant shrugs and says:
"Sorry Harry, but I lost count after your tenth wand. All those contents just confused the heck out of me." Harry and the rest laughs and I smile, glad to see my little boy so happy. I then sigh and think: "Finally, a turnaround. Now we just have to keep away from Dursley chapters as much as possible." And with that I read on.

"Tricky customer … very curious …"

"Now what's going on?" A bored voice drawls and I feel my eyes dwindling to Draco, but the voice sounded more to the right of the room and so I see a 4th year looking at the book lazily. Recognizing his looks, I glare as I never liked Jeremiah Smith and then remember he mocked Harry during the first chapter and say:
"You don't really have that good a memory, do you?" The boy glares at me, but I snap back: "Olivander is obviously talking about how Harry and Voldemort's wands are connected. Something told to you only 3 days ago." The boy's glare doesn't waver, but he does turn pink and while his glare doesn't affect me, do I read on.

He put … pale stare. Harry almost took a step back, feeling scared that the man would hit him with his own new wand for asking a question, but he held back, hoping that the people in the Wizarding world were just a little more open about questions.
"I remember … that scar."

I sigh as I read this fact and whisper: "At least it saved pup in the books." And Remus nods, while Harry smiles at us and says: "Yeah and I didn't even need to use this in the graveyard against Voldemort this time." Then, while the other students start to whisper about what could have happened this time, does Cedric asks:
"Harry, why don't we Champions write down what happened in the maze and the graveyard and then read that at the end of the Fourth book." Harry smiles and says: "Good idea, Cedric. Can everyone agree on that?" And a mass sound of yeah and for sure and definitely is heard all around, making Harry smile and then he says:
"Okay, you guys write down the Maze from your points of view, then we'll fuse that into one chapter and then I'll write about the graveyard." The Champions nod and while relieved that Harry found a way to write about such a terrifying experience as I have no doubt that fear must have coarsed through him at some point, do I happily read on.

Harry swallowed … but great."

"Is he actually praising You-Know-Who?" Cho's friend asks disgusted and another Ravenclaw asks: "Professor, was –?" But Minerva interrupts him and says: "No Mr. Boot, Olivander was very much against Voldemort. I more believe this to be a praise to how You – ah, old habits – Voldemort was able to use the wand for powerful magic."
The boy nods and I think: "Yep, he's off his rocker." But I don't voice this aloud, instead smile at my son as Lily had, in our Seventh year Christmas confessed she had to try a dozen wands before she found hers. I smile at how much of both his parents is actually hidden inside the boy and while looking at how he leans into Viktor, I think:
"With those combined inherited qualities, he'll make an individual to be proud of, for sure." And with a large proud smile and many plans coursing through my mind like crazy at how to help Harry realize he can be himself and how to put those amazing qualities to good use for his future do I continue reading, already proud of my son.

Harry shivered … his shop.
Hagrid then looked around the shopping alley and says: "You know, we might be able to buy some new cloths and have a snack before you go back home." But that was exactly what Harry didn't want as new cloths would definitely encourage the Dursleys to go, find and steal all of his money – money left to him by his parents.
He quickly shook his head and told the man he was starving, which was a total lie as the stale cornflakes, the one and a half banana, the sausages, the birthday cake and the ice cream had been more than he usually ate in two or three days.

"Harry, that together is barely a single meal." Hermione says scandalized and Harry says: "I'm sorry, Hermione, but I wasn't used to that much food. It still took me a while before I realized that what those Muggles did was wrong." The girl looks hurt and caring and Viktor pulls the boy closer, softly caressing his hair.
This calms my boy down a lot and he softly lies his head on Viktor's shoulder, making the elder boy smile. I smile too, but then send a quick questioning look at Remus and he smirks, knowing what I'm thinking. Can we cuddle like that too later? He nods, smirking at my obvious need for attention, but I don't care about that.
I have after all waited for almost two decades and now that I am finally partners with Remus and even bonded to him as his destined mate, is my only desire to curl up nice and close to him and never get up again. At least not until I've given birth to at least three of his cubs. This picture makes me smile widely and I read on.

The late-afternoon … now empty. But as Harry watched the wall slide back into place, he swore to himself that one day, when he was rid of the Dursleys, he would return to buy everything he ever wanted, just to have it.

Now I smile at my son, glad he is willing to be a little spoiled and that he knows he deserves to have things and then ask: "Care to share that first time?" The boy looks at me and then he smiles and nods, making me smile widely, feeling amazingly touched by the evidence that Harry wants me in his life like that. And with that I read on.

Harry didn't … famous for.

This again makes people look down ashamed and I know that those with the really guilty faces either did something to Harry to remind him of this fact or were ever jealous of Harry and his fame. I shake my head and think: "When did the Wizarding world become so blind to common facts?" But without wanting an answer, do I read on.

I don't …had gone.
For a minute Harry felt the need to get off the train at the next station and return to the Leaky Cauldron to ask if he could rent a room somewhere, but then the thought of his fame reminded him that there would probably be search parties out if he didn't return home.
After all, they were able to be aware what room he had and where he had been while traveling, so there should most probably be someone or something overlooking Privet Drive. And with the thought that he could, in some way, escape if things went just way too wrong, Harry sat back down and sat his journey out, back to a house he never did and never would feel at home in – not like he had felt at home in just that little shopping street.

Everyone smiles at this and I sigh relieved, feeling sorry that my son can't just run away from that place, but glad he knew there were people out to help him and I mark the page, before walking back to my family. I smile at Narcissa, Viktor and Remus in gratefulness and then take my boy in my arms, hugging him close, loving him lots.