AN: Hello everyone! I'm very sorry about not updating yesterday like I was going to- I somehow forgot it was Halloween, and got caught up in the makeup, hair, and doorbell ringing. Until I finally remembered to update, only to find it was late and I was too tired. So, I apologize once again.
I had forgotten something very important that I will remember from now on, but please count this for this chapter and all the previous ones:
Disclaimer: I, Golden Sun, do not claim any ownership of the characters, places, or ideas from Harry Potter. You recognize it, and it most likely belongs to J.K. Rowling, genius that she is. I do, however, own all seven well-worn and well-loved books.
Also, this chapter is dedicated to Nanettez, my third reviewer. Thank you so much for the thoughtful review you sent me, complete with opinions and thoughts. It really helped to boost my excitement for writing when I read it, and it had so many ideas that my creative mind started spinning! I've also really enjoyed the messages we've shared with more ideas. Many will most likely be used if they haven't already, because talking them through with you helped to cement ideas I wasn't sure about before. Keep reviewing, please! It's good for me and my writing. ;)
The Love of Family
Chapter 4: Day One, Shopping and Bonding Pt 1
July 8, 1991- 8:00 am, Living Room, McGonagall Manor; Scotland
Minerva looked around her living room with satisfaction as she flooed back to her home and steadied herself against the rough magical transportation (honestly, you'd think with magic the bumps could be taken out of such travel methods!).
She suddenly doubled back with her eyes as she caught sight of a pale, small, dark haired boy in the far corner of the room, Mippy tugging gently at his hand.
"Harry?" she questioned softly, and he blushed as he looked up at her.
"Sorry, Auntie Min," he said softly, flinching as if expecting a blow. She sighed. It would take time to cure him of that reaction, and she admitted it pained her to see the boy so timid and scared.
"Come here, Harry." She told him, trying to sound cheery, but also keeping her voice gentle. He slowly left the corner and moved closer to her, holding onto Mippy's hand. "Have you eaten?"
He shook his head slowly, and then seemed to realize that Minerva wasn't angry, or going to react badly to his speaking aloud. "No, Auntie Min. Mippy was showing me the house first. We were about to go eat…"
She smiled at him as he trailed off. "Well then, how about I join you with some tea while you get some food from our excellent chef?"
"Okay," Harry said meekly, and waited for Minerva to exit the room first. She smiled and held out a hand in invitation- knowing that most eleven-year-old boys wouldn't be caught dead holding their guardian's hand, but thinking that with Harry as emotionally scarred as he was, the contact would be necessary, or at least helpful, for him to recover.
He needed to trust her, and from the childhood he had, a little while longer of being dependant on someone other than himself wouldn't hurt.
Harry looked at her hand silently for a moment, debating with himself. She didn't force the issue; she just waited still and quiet for him to choose, letting him know with her body language that he could take her hand or just move through the door on his own.
Slowly, oh so slowly, he reached out and clasped her hand before moving with her to the door.
Minerva beamed.
July 8, 1991- 8:35 am, Breakfast 'Nook', McGonagall Manor; Scotland
Minerva smiled fondly as she watched Harry finish his blueberry pancakes and drink his orange juice. She had enjoyed getting him to open up and talk to her on their walk to breakfast, and as he became more comfortable with her he would answer her questions with wordier comments rather than just a 'yes' or 'no'.
However, he still wouldn't talk without her prodding and initiating the conversation.
As he ate his last bite she plopped two vials next to his now empty plate. He looked at them curiously, and then up at her.
She didn't volunteer an explanation, but waited to see if he'd ask on his own what to do with them.
He eventually must have decided that her emotions were pure curiosity and no malice, because he spoke in a soft tone.
"What are those for, Auntie Min?"
She smiled happily. "Those, Harry, are potions that Poppy prescribed for you. Everyday, until she examines you and determines that you are able to thrive on your own, you will take a nutrition potion," she gestured to a small vial of greenish-brown looking potion, "to help you fill you body with the correct vitamins and proteins that you've been deprived of for years, and this," she gestured towards a clear-looking liquid that could have been water, except that is was thicker, "is a potion for your over-all health, such as your fragile immune system, your bones that aren't as strong as they should be, the malnourishment in your past, and your stunted growth. As soon as your body has caught up with the last ten years and can continue normally on it's own, Poppy will let you stop the doses. Until then, I will give you two vials to drink everyday at breakfast and another two at dinner. And you will drink both, no matter how bad they taste, understand? I want you healthy as soon as possible."
She tried to be stern while being quiet as well; she didn't want Harry scared of her, after all. She waited for his response.
"Okay, I understand. What about when we get to school?"
Minerva took a deep breath. She wanted the boy to stay with her when September came around and they returned to the castle, but she would give him the choice to stay with another Professor if he'd rather do that. "When it comes time to return to Hogwarts, I will of course offer you a room in my suite. But if you'd rather stay with another Professor, then I am sure many with rush to accommodate you. How about we focus on the summer for now, hmm? We'll worry about that later, and no matter what, I will be keeping an eye on you and getting you your potions. Alright?"
Harry nodded, and even sent her a small smile. "All right."
"Now then, dear heart, what do you want to do today? I was thinking that we could go shopping for some clothing and toys, if you'd like."
The boy's emerald green eyes went wide with shock. "Clothes and toys?" he whispered, "for me?"
Silently cursing whatever deity thought it wise to leave the precious, sweet boy in such an abusive environment, Minerva made sure to outwardly calm her face and voice, as well as curb her anger. It wouldn't do for Harry to feel her anger and assume the worst- that reminded her of a conversation they'd need to have sooner or later about that particular gift of his.
"Yes, Harry dear, clothes for you. My friend and I picked up a few outfits, but it won't keep you for long. I was thinking of taking you to a small wizarding village I know of, instead of Diagon Alley. I assume Matthew has told you of the wizarding shopping district where the students all do their school shopping?"
She received a nod to the affirmative, and sighed at the lack of verbal response. Ah well, she couldn't expect him to warm up so soon or all at once. "Well, I thought it best if we leave Diagon Alley until later this summer. While it's a wonderful and amazing place, it's got a lot of hustle and bustle- something I'd rather wait for until you're settled. But we'll go with Matthew and his family to get your supplies- does that sound alright, Harry?"
He nodded again, and at her expectant look expanded with words, "Yes, Auntie Min, that sounds nice. I don't think I'd want to go to Diagon Alley yet anyway if it's like what Matt says, particularly if we're famous now, and all that."
She smiled at his speaking, but the content soon made her frown with thought. At Harry's curious and slightly fearful look she explained, "I'm not upset Harry- quite the opposite, I like hearing you talk- but I was merely thinking. I know you and Matthew don't really need to be disguised for school, seeing as no one really knows what you look like. In all reality, Matthew actually has a similar facial shape, eye shape and color and stature as his adopted sister, Rosie. I probably would think them siblings easily enough, which adds to his cover when people will assume their relation upon meeting him. But I'm worried about you, Harry. While you aren't immediately visible as you parents' son except from someone who knew them well, you do have your mother's especially unique eyes and your father's untamable hair. I was pondering the idea of getting you colored contacts instead of new glasses- because yours aren't even the right prescription, according to Poppy- but I understand if you don't want to cover your wonderful color eyes."
Harry thought for a moment as Minerva held her breath with anticipation. She'd never force him to change his appearance, but she admitted that she would be more comfortable with his eyes different. Changing his hairstyle wouldn't hurt, as well. Both of those could be done in the village she was planning to take him to.
"I think that would be fine, Auntie Min. I like my eyes, but it wouldn't be a permanent change, right?"
"No, it would be removable contacts just like the kinds that muggles have, but more advanced so that you don't always have to stick your hands in your eyes."
She got her first chuckle out of Harry at that, and smiled at him. "Would you like to go now, child?"
"Sure," he quickly drank down both potions, wincing at the tastes but refraining from complaining. "How will we get there?"
"I was considering flooing, but since you've never traveled that way I might just apparate with you. It's still not pleasant the first time, but it's me doing the work instead of you. All that you need to do is grab my arm and hold tight. It helps if you close your eyes."
Looking quite apprehensive, Harry agreed, following her to the ground floor study where she quickly grabbed her moneybag. The moneybag that made Harry gulp.
"Auntie Min?" he questioned softly, causing her to look at him with a kind expression, "I don't have any money for clothes or books, or anything else."
"Oh Harry, I'm your guardian now. It's up to me to provide you with anything you need. It's my duty, but it's also something I'd like to do. It would give me pleasure to be able to provide you with everything you need. Understand?"
Harry still looked confused, but he nodded. Minerva sighed- they'd discuss this further later on. For now she reached out and pulled him close, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "Hold on," she ordered, and then they were twisting away into darkness.
July 8, 1991- 9:15 am, Hidden Creek Village, Wizarding side; Scotland Wilderness
Harry was pleasantly surprised by the quiet, quaint village with almost no commotion, and yet several friendly- and useful-looking shops. He looked around in amazement- according to Auntie Min (who had been talking for the ten minutes they were touring the town) the village was separated into two sections: magical and muggle.
But the most unique part of this village was that it was the only one in Europe where the muggles knew about the strange happenings around them and all about the existence of magic. Seeing as the muggles and wizards had been coexisting in this way for more generations than Dumbledore had been alive (and numerous ones before that- there were rumors the village dated back to the time of the Hogwarts Founders!) there was nothing the Ministry could to about the Stature of Secrecy in relation to this village. It had probably existed like this since before the Stature was created, according to Auntie Min. The muggles weren't telling anyone about magic, and there were much too many people to obliviate them all anyway- even if the corrupt Ministry would condone wiping that many memories for an unlikely threat.
They'd seen the muggle side, and now they were walking to the magical side of the village. Harry was occasionally beaming happily down at a small bag in his hand, containing his first ever bag of sweets! Auntie Min had said she'd get him some magical ones to try later, but he had chocolates and caramels and lemon drops from a muggle sweet shop! He couldn't believe his luck, but as long as things were going his way, he wasn't going to do anything to risk it. So he started opening up more, and talking to Auntie Min, whose smile got bigger and happier as he asked her questions.
"Auntie Min? Why didn't we get clothes in the muggle part of the village? Am I only going to be wearing robes from now on?" Harry frowned- he liked robes well enough, and they were sort of comfortable, and they were something that connected him to his Auntie (she had some beautiful robes at her Manor, he'd seen her wearing some in the family pictures around the house).
But he liked wearing jeans and t-shirts as well, and found them more familiar.
Auntie Min must have gleaned some of his thoughts from his facial expression, because she chuckled at him. Not meanly, like the boys at the orphanage would when he made a mistake and would be punished, but kindly and fondly, like she genuinely found the questions amusing.
"No, dear, you won't have to wear robes all the time. Even at Hogwarts in the privacy of your rooms and on weekends you will have the freedom to wear whatever you find most comfortable."
Harry relaxed with relief when hearing that, causing Auntie Min to smile again.
"Then why did we leave without getting clothing?" a part of Harry was terrified to hear him questioning Auntie Min about this, especially when he didn't need more clothes than what she'd already kindly given him- what if she didn't like his attitude and assumption? But the part of Harry that held his instincts was convinced that she'd never get upset at him for a simple question, and she'd never hurt him, ever. That part was backed up by her emotions- pure and honest, with some kind amusement and curiosity. So Harry trusted his instincts in this.
"We didn't get the clothing in the muggle shops for one reason, really, though I suppose we could've." Auntie Min's voice had taken on a knowledgeable tone that might seem bossy to some, but Harry recognized it as her 'teaching voice' from school, most likely, and he enjoyed listening to her and learning new things (like when she'd told him about how apparation worked after they'd arrived. Harry decided that it was a fun way to learn things.)
"See, even though many wizards think muggles and their items inferior, the fact is that many still admire muggles and their products, even if they know nothing of their world. And with so many muggle borns entering our world every year, the styles and customs have been integrated as well. Because of this, many wizarding shopping districts like this one, Diagon Alley, and even recently Hogsmede, I think," Harry nodded at this, as she'd told him a few minutes ago about Hogsmede, the only full-wizarding village around. That's when she was explaining that this one was an integrated magical and muggle town in comparision, "now have stores with muggle styles. The only difference is that they can be a bit more expensive because of the magic involved in the making. I suppose I could buy you a pair of pants from a muggle shop and then charm them to be more durable, less likely to rip, and to grow with you up to three inches in height and several months worth of weight, but it would take much of my time and effort. In a magical shop with muggle clothing, they will put any enchantments such as those and additional ones on for a little extra charge. Because you are a growing boy and I hope to see you getting quickly up to a more reasonable weight and height, I thought this would be more sensible."
And as Harry nodded she gripped his shoulder and led him into a small shop on their right. This wouldn't be a big deal, Harry thought. And it would be nice to have some clothing that fit him.
Two hours later Harry took back that opinion as he realized that all Matt had told him about girls and shopping (from his mother and Rosie's excursions) was absolutely true. While Auntie Min hadn't been fanatic as Harry heard some girls could be, she was particular about what she wanted for him, knew exactly how she wanted it to fit him, and most scarily of all, wanted a lot for him.
Luckily, after putting on a style and having the sales assistant use her wand to size it to him, they only had to cast a charm on anything else of the same style instead of trying each item on.
Harry now had five pairs of jeans in three different styles and fits, two pairs of slacks for nicer occasions (she said those could be worn under dress robes as well, though he had no idea where he'd wear dress robes to), and several pairs of sweat pants for sleeping or lounging on lazy days around the Manor. They'd also chosen five pairs of shorts for the rest of the summer heat, and seeing as they were paying for room for growth, Auntie Min said she hoped they'd fit him next summer as well.
They'd gotten him a whole selection of t-shirts and polo shirts in prints and colors that they agreed on- and a whole batch of warmer clothing for the winter ('I don't want to have to do this later, and once school starts I won't have the time!' was Auntie Min's explanation). They had several long sleeved shirts, a few button downs to go with the slacks, some flannel ones for comfort over a t-shirt, and some nice, warm sweaters for Hogwart's frigid weather.
Of course they'd gone through the undergarment department (that was embarrassing!) and after that they'd continued so that he now had new trainers, nice dress shoes, boots, and a pair of comfort slip-ins. They'd gotten him a light jacket for fall, and a heavy one for winter. Things like scarves and hats Auntie Min had decided to owl order closer to the cold months. Lastly they got pajamas and decided to leave all wizarding clothing like robes and cloaks until their big trip to Diagon Alley. Auntie Min said they wouldn't be doing anything during the summer that would require formal wizarding dress anyway.
Now they were finally leaving, and Harry was tired and hungry. He wasn't used to this much excitement at once, since he didn't count working and chores as excitement. Although that was tiring too. He wondered if he could ask for something to eat, but wasn't sure how Auntie Min would take that request.
He reached out towards her emotions and felt that while she was tired, she was in a good mood and quite satisfied- probably from all that they'd bought. Harry had gasped at the cost and immediately protested, but Auntie Min had given him a look that had promptly shut him up. Apparently she had a lot of money to spend, and for some unfathomable reason wanted to spend it on him.
"Auntie Min?" he ventured.
"Yes dear?"
"Can we get something to eat, maybe? It's just been a while since breakfast at the Manor this morning, and apparently shopping makes me hungry."
She laughed cheerily, and Harry relaxed when it was confirmed that she wasn't angry. "Of course, Harry. I forgot that one of the health potions would increase your appetite as well, forgive me. I know of a charming restaurant near here, but can you wait twenty minutes? Because we are right at the eye care store now, and it would be nice to get your contacts and a new pair of glasses first."
Harry thought for a moment. It would be nice to get the visit out of the way, and he could wait a bit for lunch. Auntie Min had asked nicely and made it seem like it was his decision, but he could tell she'd like to stop here first. It wouldn't hurt to do this for her.
"Okay, let's stop here now."
"Okay, sounds good," she agreed, and Harry followed her into the shop directly in front of them.
It was small space, with a few racks of different style glasses with metal or plastic frames, a big mirror against one wall, and a swivel chair sitting in front of the mirror. A small desk was positioned near the back of the store, with a door behind it. It was through that door that a small, slightly round, but cheerfully smiling woman came bustling through.
She beamed even wider when she saw Auntie Min, and Harry reached out to feel that this woman was all joy and kindness. He doubted there was a mean bone in her body.
"Minerva! How are you, darling? I haven't seen you in a few months- are the new frames not to your liking?"
"No, no, I love them," Auntie Min placated the woman, and Harry watched with curiosity as his Aunt embraced the woman lightly- they were obviously good friends. "It's not me I'm here for. This is my ward and adopted nephew, Harry, and I'd like to get him fitted for a new pair of glasses and a pair of colored contacts."
Harry smiled shyly as the woman turned to look at him, happy at Auntie Min's first introduction of him as family. It made him happier than he would've thought before actually hearing it.
"Harry," Auntie Min continued, "This is Madam Melody, an old friend of mine from when we medi-witches together in a war years ago, before your or your parents time. She's a great friend and excellent at what she does here in her shop."
Harry watched as the woman blushed at the praise. He filed the information about Auntie Min's past away for future thought. There was probably a lot he didn't know about his guardian.
"Really Minerva, there is no need to fluster me. It's nice to meet you, young man." She turned and held out her hand, which Harry hesitantly took to shake. Auntie Min smiled proudly at him.
"It's very nice to meet you too, Madam Melody."
"Oh child!" she laughed, "no need for formality here! Call me Melody. Now," she studied him thoughtfully, "some thin, metal frames are the way to go with your face shape, and I'll need to get your prescription, of course. But why do you want the contacts colored? I understand the lure of contacts, but surely you don't want to hide such beautiful eyes? They are quite unique, and it would be a shame to cover them."
"Melody, I trust I will have your complete confidence at this?" Minerva asked sternly, and Melody nodded immediately with her curiosity evident, "This boy is Harry Potter, and as you know," she said to Melody's gasp, "he is rather well-known in our world. He'd not had a good past few years, and I don't want him to be recognized at school. Surely you recognize the eyes, Mel, and you only met Lily once!"
Now Melody peered into Harry's eyes, causing him to scoot a tiny bit closer to Minerva. But Melody only smiled.
"Yes, now I do see it; it only took a moment because as you said, I only met Lily once. Beautiful eyes, but I understand your reasoning completely; I think it's a very smart idea. Now Harry, come sit in my chair, here."
Harry sat in the swivel chair facing the mirror and watched with interest as she waved her wand over his head a couple of times, and then as she took his glasses and waved her wand over them as well.
"Minerva!" she exclaimed suddenly, "Where did the poor boy get these horrid lenses? They aren't even closely related to his prescription!"
"That's not important Melody," Auntie Min evaded the question, "what is important is getting is actual prescription for us, please? I'd like to pick out frames."
Melody huffed a bit, but easily complied. Within ten minutes Harry had a pair of small, black, square-ish metal frames perched on his nose, with the correct prescription for his eyes enchanted to the lenses with a bit of room for them to adjust if his eyes got any worse. Too much and he'd have to replace them, though.
"Wow," he breathed out, seeing the world clearly for the first time, "I guess I didn't know I couldn't see well before because I didn't know what it should look like."
"I would assume that's a correct assumption, Harry. Do you like them?"
"Oh yes! Very much, and I can see so well, now!"
"Good," she laughed, "Now then, do you have a preference for eye color? We should pick the contacts so we can get you some food."
Harry thought for a moment. He could choose the same color as Matt, but would that be too obvious when they were together? And didn't Matt have his dad's eyes? He looked up at Auntie Min- she had very pretty eyes, greenish, but much darker than his, bordering on a hazel (like Matt's), with brown around the middle.
"How about a hazel color, kinda like Matt's, but darker like yours?" he asked timidly. Auntie Min thought for a moment, studying his face.
"Yes, I think that would look nice on you. Close enough to your real color to look attractive, but as long as we stay away from Matt's actual coloring you shouldn't have a problem with people comparing you to James. The shape of your eyes is also Lily's, but no one would connect hazel to Lily… Melody!" she called the witch in from the back room where they had heard her puttering, and five minutes later Harry was outfitted with his brand new contacts.
They had decided on a color, but with a password-activated charm to turn them clear incase he decided he wanted contacts when he was in his normal appearance. The clear look emphasized the bright emerald color nicely, according to Melody, in a way the glasses couldn't. He appreciated the thought of that idea, as he decided he liked contacts but he also liked is natural green eyes. The contacts also had an additional function for better night vision, though not perfect in any respect, and he found that magical contacts didn't need to be removed and cleaned. He could keep them in indefinitely if he liked, which would be nice. He might wear the glasses sometimes for comfort and in the evenings in the Manor, as he was used to wearing glasses so they were familiar, but the contacts staying in permanently would decrease the chance of someone at school seeing his real eye color. Especially when he moved into a dorm where there would be a much larger chance of discovery. He also noticed that the perfectly clear vision was the same with the contacts as with the glasses, and they would also allow a little room to adjust to any worsening vision. He smiled up at Auntie Min after they'd paid and left the shop.
"Thank you so much! This is terrific, being able to see so well now!"
"I'm glad you like them, Harry. Now, how about we go find some lunch, hmm?"
Harry nodded eagerly in agreement, and they walked off to a small café on the corner of the street.
AN: Thank you so much for reading! It wasn't my longest chapter, but seeing as I posted midweek last week, it was the best I could do and still have it edited for minimum spelling and grammar errors. It might not have been majorly exciting, but I hope that everyone liked the Minerva and Harry interactions.
I'll be updating in about a week, so keep the reviews coming! I love getting any feedback, especially opinions and comments, though even one word makes me very happy. I respond to all comments, as my regular reviewers know, and I'll often ask questions and ask for opinions of things I'm thinking about. So please, please review! I almost don't care that I sound like I'm begging...
Oh, and reviewers this week will get a quick preview from the next chapter- That will be lunch and fun shopping (such as books, toys, and maybe a broom! Minerva loves Quidditch, after all, I think she'd approve) and maybe some Matt at the end, if I don't overdo the shopping.
Thank you again. You all inspire me to write every week. So, thanks.
-Golden Sun
