I'm back baby! I know I waited a while to post this, but I've been in a bit of a pickle lately.
Anywho, I got down to it and wrote this. I know it's a bit rushed, but the more important parts of the story are in Hogwarts. I hope you enjoy!
Now lets get on with it!
*I do not own Harry Potter or any of its Characters*
Chapter 4: Gifts
"So, Mr Potter, how are you enjoying you pre-Hogwarts trip to Diagon Alley?" Ms Zabini asked kindly as she cut into her salmon and scallops.
After their talk at the bookstore, the Zabini Matriarch brought the Professor and the boy-who-lived to a very nice restaurant at the edge of Diagon. It was much nicer than many of the other eateries, but then again, you can only eat at 'The Mermaid's Tale' if associated with a Lord or Lady.
Harry was of course nervous at first about eating at such a nice place, but Severus and Blaise placated him, telling him that it was fine to eat somewhere nice every once in a while.
Harry absolutely loved the food.
"It's wonderful. I've never seen so many amazing things before in my life." Harry said joyfully. "I do believe that this day has been the most incredible out of any other. Nothing could compare." He poked at his shrimp scampi. He had never eaten something so delicious before. The only time the Dursleys ever ate something this nice was when someone important came to the house... and he had to cook it.
Sadly he couldn't eat the rest of his meal. Small stomach and all.
"I'm sure that Diagon Alley wasn't your greatest experience, right?" Blaise asked as he sipped his tea. Harry tilted his head.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, you're Harry Potter. I'm sure that you've gone on adventures before, at least done something more fun than visit the Alley to pick up books." Harry tugged at his emerald robe. He wished he could refute what his new friend was saying, but he couldn't. The most fun he had had before this was when he and Dudley went on a school field trip to a science museum. It was nice and all, but didn't beat magic, let alone a whole magic world.
Severus caught the motion, knowing that Harry was still skittish about his home life.
"Mr Zabini, I'm sure Mr Potter will tell you about his home when he feels comfortable." Blaise blushed with embarrassment. "Forgive me. It was impolite to intrude." Harry shook his head.
"N-No. It's fine. I suppose learning you have magic is pretty common here." Ms Zabini caught that easily.
"What do you mean Mr Potter?" Harry smiled to the widow.
"You can call me Harry." The Zabini found the action adorable, but her curiosity was not dulled. "To answer your question, Professor Snape picked me up and took me to Diagon Alley for the first time so I could get all my stuff. I've done fre- weird things before, but I never knew I was a wizard until he told me so." Both Zabini's looked at the Boy-Who-Lived in a different light.
To not tell the boy of his heritage until just before entering Hogwarts? Not even as a wizarding celebrity, but as an upcoming Lord of an Ancient and Noble House! That was absurd! All this time, they believed that Harry was being raised to use magic ever since the death of you-know-who.
But here he was, naive to his own name and powers. The Zabini Matriarch turned to Severus, who gave her a curt nod, which she could tell meant 'I'll explain everything.' She wanted to know more. She wanted to know every juicy detail.
Especially with how her son was treating the very cute boy.
-;-
Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived, savior to the wizarding world and last of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter. One of the riches people in the Wizarding World.
And he didn't know about it until today!
Blaise was good at reading people. When people lied about stuff or feigned sincerity, he noticed it. It got him out of some sticky situations, especially involving his sneaky friends.
His friends hated him (playfully) for it, but it was a gift. Right now, the young Zabini could tell Harry was being truthful. The way his eyes expressed their excitement about the Alley, the way he smiled when he spoke of Ms Hendrick's clothes store during their meal. How he talked about meeting the goblins for the first time. It was all real.
Man, he couldn't wait to tell Draco. The spoiled rich kid they though Potter would be was actually the exact opposite.
He hoped this new information wouldn't affect his friendship with the long haired boy. He really like Harry... not that way of course, but you know, as a friend.
Just a friend.
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"Well, I've been expecting Mr Potter for some time, but I would have never guessed that you would have your mother's features over your fathers." Harry didn't know whether to blush at the insinuation between his mother and himself, or to step away from the very creepy man.
"H-Hello sir, I'm here to collect my wand." Harry said, trying to gain some distance between himself and the very touchy person.
It didn't help much, as Ollivander proceeded to pitter Harry on his arms, legs, head, and even nose with his measuring tape. The Professor was right outside the door, so Harry knew he wasn't in too much danger, but this man was just a bit too close for comfort.
Way too close for comfort.
He sighed in relief when the man backed away and put down the tape.
"Now Mr Potter, which is your dominate hand." Harry raise up his right.
"I'm right handed sir." Harry felt uneasy, wondering if the strange man was going to have another round with his measuring tape.
The strange man then gave Harry wand after wand, each one failing to do the duty the man was looking for.
The last one was hot to the touch, so Ollivander pulled out a black box and handed it to Harry. "This is Holly with Phoenix Feather, 11 inches. Go on, give it a go!" The man said hopefully.
As soon as Harry even touched it to grab it out of the box, he felt as if it shocked him, sending jolts of unpleasant feelings down his arm. He pushed the box away, not wanting to pick up the piece of wood inside.
Ollivander sighed. "While I could go through all of my wands with you today, I believe that sometimes there is a need for the wizard to find his wand that wishes to choose him." Harry tilted his head in confusion.
"What do you mean?" Ollivander smiled.
"Just walk around the shelves and open your senses. Use every one of them, like smell or sound, and even feelings to connect to your wand inside the store, and I'm sure you'll find it! Your magic should help you determine where your wand is." Harry nodded and passed by the old gentleman, walking along the walls of wand after wand.
Closing his eyes, he continued to walk around, using his hands to guide him around corners and walkways.
Then he felt it. It was small, almost like a tingle before fading. Backtracking a few steps, he felt it again. As if playing a gave of hot and cold, he zeroed in on the wand in question and followed his magic to its destination.
Brushing his hands over several boxes, he opened his eyes and found his hands touching the right one. Pulling out the sleek black box, he opened it and stared in awe at the contents.
It was a cherry red stained colored wood with a knot at the base, there were small grooves in the wood, making swirling patterns from the base of the grip to nearly the tip of the wand.
He gently picked up the wand and felt a warm sensation flow through him, as if filling him with energy. The exhilarating feeling went from the tips of his toes to the top of his head!
"I see you found your wand." Harry flipped around to see Ollivander right in front of him, hovering over the child. The man's wrinkled hands were out and open, his palms facing up.
Getting the message, Harry nervously handed the wand to the expert.
"Hmm, I didn't make this wand. In fact, I do believe that my many Greats Grandfather did, back when we Ollivanders used a fourth core, now considered Dark by the Ministry. 10 3/4 inches, aged cherry wood with Basilisk fang. Very potent and stubborn, but loyal to no end. Works wonders for Parselmouths when it comes to charms and defense." Harry had no idea what a Parselmouth was but it sounded important.
"You would do well to take care of this wand Mr Potter, as it will definitely take you great distances in the future." Harry nodded.
"I also need to pick up a wand care kit and a holster Sir." Ollivander clapped his hands happily. "I'm terribly sorry, I must have forgotten about that. For the holster, on your leg or up your sleeve, and Dragonhide or leather?"
"Up my sleeve and Dragonhide Please." It sounded much cooler than leather.
"Alright, with the kit, holster and wand, your total comes out to 9 galleons and 7 sickles. Do take care of that wand Mr Potter, it has chosen you to be its holder, not the other way around."
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Harry walked with Severus through the Diagon Alley once more before heading home, the man not wanting Harry to forget anything.
They had gone their separate ways from the Zabinis, but the two dark skinned purebloods gave their best wishes and told Harry that he was welcome at the Zabini home. It was nice, as he had finally made a friend that wasn't pushed away by Dudley.
Harry continued to look around, obviously entranced by his surroundings when he caught sight of something. Something looking right at him with big yellow eyes.
A beautiful snowy owl seemed fixated on his position. He moved two steps to the right, only for it to follow him. He shook around, but it refused to stop its tracking. "Professor Snape." The teacher looked down at the child. "What do I do?" Severus had no idea what the boy meant until he saw the bird giving Harry a stare down. He could easily see what was going on, even if Harry didn't.
"Mr Potter, I believe it would be best for you to get that one." Harry looked to his teacher/ guide in wonder. "What do you mean?"
"Trust me, that bird is going to be in your life, whether you want it to or not. It is quite fortunate as well, as one of the last things you will need beofre going to Hogwarts is a messenger owl." Severus said, a remnant of a smile almost perforating his lips.
'After all, it's not everyday a student finds their magical companion on their first day of learning that they're magical.' The owl looked at him and bobbed its head, as if nodding.
'Yes, a very smart companion at that.'
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Severus Snape walked Harry back to the disgusting hovel that the Dursleys lived in. The same one that looked the rest of the bloody street.
Looking down at Harry, he could easily see the glow that emanated from him.
The snowy bird, which Harry had yet to name, sat a top Harry's shoulder, looking around the location with disgust. Perhaps Snape could come to like this owl. It obviously knew that this was not a place for Harry.
Despite going back to this hellhole, Harry was obviously happy that he had such a wonderful day.
And in Snape's opinion, he was going to make it that much better for the boy. Making his way to the door. Severus knocked and pulled out his wand.
The oaf of a man opened it up and his squinting eyes were almost see-able by how wide they got. "What do you want, ya freak!?" He could see Harry flinch out of the corner of his eye. The owl hissed at the Dursley.
"I am here to bring Mr Potter to his home for the rest of the summer." Severus said stoically. The man grunted and didn't move.
It wasn't until he heard a shrieking voice inside that the man opened the door and led Harry in. Severus could see the man look at the white bird in disgust.
"Alright, he's back. Now leave, you no good freak, and stay away from my normal family." Vernon growled out as he tried to close the door once more. Snape put his food in and pointed his wand at the man. The proud whale cowered back in an instant, most likely remembering what happened list time.
"I believe we have more things to discuss regarding Mr Potter's home life. I suggest you listen, you and your eavesdropping wife, because I will not repeat myself."
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Harry pulled out several items from his new trunk. The trunk was maple wood with green accents along the sides and opening, and the metal on the latch and body was silver. It looked wonderful and didn't scream its location out like that bright red one.
All in all, it was beautiful!
After buying it, Professor Snape unshrunk everything they had bought and put it in, yet it didn't weight anymore than it did before! It was like nothing was put inside it! And the best part, there was a button on the side he could press so he could shrink it down to the size of a lunch pail!
Magic was amazing!
Pulling his bird's cage out, he placed it on the desk and led the beautiful bird into the cage's perch. The Snowy owl didn't seem to mind the new location.
"Hmm, I'm gonna need a name for you." The bird continued to look at him with an overzealous attitude.
"How about Luna, like the moon." Harry thought it sounded okay, but he couldn't help but fell it was wrong. Like it was already taken.
At the Lovegood Estate, Luna Lovegood sneezed and wondered if the Nargles were poking at her nose again. Like devious creatures.
"No, that's not it, how about-" He was cut off when he heard shouting downstairs from his Aunt and Uncle, both of which sounded very angry. Harry hoped that it was not targeted at him. While he was used to an occasional thrashing, he was worried that they would destroy all his new stuff. Stuff that he had paid for, not theirs.
The yelling continued for a few more seconds until it was abruptly cut off. Harry stayed still, not wanting to let his curiosity get the better of him and cost him by being nosy.
There was a stomping of feet up the stairs, but it was too heavy to be Aunt Petunia's, but no where near as loud as Uncle Vernon.
Opening up his door was none other than his Professor.
"Mr Snape, I thought you left!" He said in shock. Severus shook his head.
"I needed to speak with your...caregivers about what will be happening this month before you go to Hogwarts. I suppose I should explain the results of our agreements to who it will be affect, correct?" Harry nodded, wanting to here what his summer would be like.
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July 31
Paradise!
It was fantastic! He didn't have to do chores, he didn't have to cook or clean, he didn't have to do anything that was usually on his daily list of objectives.
He was allowed to spend his time rearranging Dudley's second bedroom, making it his own for the time being. Gone was the broken toys and the old furniture. Now it was replaced with his trunk and his new owl cage. It wasn't much, but it was definitely better than being surrounded by trash.
And what about food? Well, he was given three meals a day. Granted he was a much better cook than Petunia, who was obviously out of practice, it was still much better than his usual meal in the Dursley home.
How were the Dursleys taking all this? Quite begrudgingly in fact. They avoided him like a plague now, but it was better than being hit and forced to do work. I guess when a wizard threatens you with all powerful magic, you have second thoughts about hurting children. He would definitely thank Professor Snape for all this.
Anyway, the past week had been amazing. Harry, to Professor Snape's request, began reading his books for the upcoming year. He like reading about Charms and Potions the most.
I mean, charms that could shrink and grow things, that can make things feel like they weigh nothing even when they're filled to the brink with stuff!
Then there was potions! Being able to make people tell the truth, put people in comas, and even basic stuff like nutrition potions, just like the stuff Harry has to take now.
That's right, Severus Snape gave Harry a set of potions that he had to drink once a day. They were disgusting as soon as they touch your tongue, but in one week, Harry could already start to see the differences. His bones were less prominent and he was beginning to fill out his previously slim figure. It was amazing!
Harry sat on the partially broken bed reading up on 'Hogwarts: A History' when an owl came through his open window. It was a dark grey owl with black markings along its wings and chest, looking at him with scrutiny as it held a letter.
Getting up from his bed, he made it over to the owl and pulled out a few treats. holding them up to the dark bird, it released the letters and went at the treats in an instant. Before Harry could even pull his hand back they were all gone. The bird squawked loudly before leaving once more.
He looked at the letter, well letters apparently.
Opening the first one, he found it was from Blaise.
Dear Harry,
Harry Birthday!
I know it's your birthday because everyone knows it's your birthday in the wizarding world. Crazy, I know, but most people want to find out everything they can about you, so your birthday is pretty common information.
I got you a gift, but I'm afraid to say I didn't know your address, so I couldn't send it to you. I had to send this letter through Professor Snape first to even get it to you, if you're even reading it of course. I didn't want to ask the man to send you a whole gift, as it might seem strange because he's not even my teacher yet.
Plus, his owl scares me.
Anyway, I hope to see you on the train when we go to Hogwarts, I'll make sure to save you a spot with my other friends.
Yours Truly, Blaise Zabini
Harry loved the letter. After all, it was the first time someone had actually sent him something on his birthday! Even if he didn't get the gift now, it made his heart warm knowing that someone went out of their way to get him something.
He laughed at the bird part. Personally, the owl scared him too. It didn't even stay so he could send a reply. He supposed he could send Hedwig, but he didn't know where Blaise lived!
He pulled up the other letter and began reading.
Dear Mr Potter,
I do hope you are preparing for the upcoming year. I expect nothing but excellence in my classroom and my House should you be a part of it.
I have sent over a package with my owl. It is within the letter and is shrunken down. All you have to do is channel magic into the item and it will expand.
I look forward to the upcoming year with you, Mr Potter, don't be below my expectations.
Sincerely, Severus Tobias Snape
Happy Birthday.
Harry shook the envelope and out came what looked like a miniature book. Following the Professor's instructions, he felt his magic and let it pour into the little book, watching with amazement as it grew full sized.
'I love magic' He though gleefully.
On the top of the book was 'The Mind and Its Defenses: Beginner's Addition' in plain writing. He smiled at it. It was his first Birthday gift! He hugged the book to his chest.
While he had no idea about what it meant, he was sure to read at least some of it before going to Hogwarts. He didn't want to let the Professor down.
A squawk forced him to turn the direction of his window once more, signifying the presence of another owl.
The owl in question was wearing a letter carrier that had a gold emblem on it with a large stylized 'G'.
Guessing where it's from, Harry handed the new owl several treats before taking and tearing open the letter.
Dear Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter,
Inside this letter is the bank statements regarding the Vaults of the Potter family, as well as your key, which has been repossessed from Albus Dumbledore
I hope you shall write us back with haste. May your gold always flow like the blood of your enemies.
Sincerely, Piketooth of Gringotts Accounting and Vault Management.
Harry opened up the letter's packaging to find a gold key along with a small stack of papers.
Putting the golden key aside, he looked at the bank statements with focus, wondering what was going on with his family's money.
Let's just say, by the end of the day, he was going to be quite upset with a certain Headmaster.
(End Chapter)
I hope you liked it!
This will be slash in the future, get over it.
I hope you like this story. If you do, please follow and review.
Until next time, see ya!
PS: To the men in the audience that support slash and homosexual relatioships, thank you.