Control

Chapter 2

The Trunk

By Fatpunk

Screwing up his courage Harry took a deep breath and said;

"I am Harry James Potter, Son of James, Son of Lily" and with that his world changed forever.

When Harry made his declaration­­­­­­­ two things came to mind; 'My god. Its true' and 'Thank God Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia are asleep'. He poked the trunk a couple of times while holding the letter from his parents carefully in his other hand. Examining the trunks details the beautiful oak panelling polished to a high gloss shine, with gold trim protecting the corners. But what was the most astonishing feature of the trunk was the coat of arms printed on to the top. The intricate design was a silver shield broken into four parts each holding the profile of an animal. The creature in the top right and bottom left he could easily identify, a jaguar and snake (King Cobra he thought), respectively. The other two animals he had to think more carefully about. They looked like mythological creatures that he had read about in a book in the library. One was a mighty gryphon situated in the top left corner. The other was a crup, a dog which looked like a Jack Russell but had two tails, in the bottom right corner. Situated above the shield, with its wings spread wide as if to protect the rest was a golden phoenix. What was most startling about these animals was they all had an Emerald for eyes, a strange likeness to his own eyes. They also had some making on their foreheads, he couldn't be sure but they looked like lighting bolts similar to his own.

After he overcame his initial shock he began to think as logically as he could (which surprisingly for a 6 year old was quite a lot), he realised that this change his situation greatly. He realised that he no longer had to worry what his relatives thought. He also wondered if he could escape from number four Private Drive. He decided to worry about the implications of this after he had examined the contents of the trunk. That would have to wait, though as he would be woken up early to prepare his "families" breakfast and do his jobs. He curled up in his cot and tried to sleep. Eventually his eyes became heavy and he fell in to a slumber, dreaming peacefully of what his lie would hold tomorrow.

The next morning Harry was woken a 6 by the harsh screech of his Aunt. "Up boy, we'll not have you sleeping all day!"

Once he dressed and left his cupboard his Aunt continued "I want you to prepare the breakfast and don't you dare burn it. After that you can tend to the back garden. If you pull out any of the pansies again I'll be speaking to your Uncle"

"Yes Aunt Petunia" was Harry's disheartened reply and he began preparing bacon and eggs with hash browns, toast, tomatoes and mushrooms.

Afterwards he went into the back garden and proceeded to weed the flower beds, careful not to remove any of the flowers like last time. He went back inside forgetting to clean off any dirt first and was caught by his aunt at the back doorstep. She scrunched her nose at him ordering him outside to clean up under the hose. When he came back inside he was locked in the cupboard under the stairs and told he wouldn't be getting any food that night. This fitted into his plans quite nicely. Though he was disappointed that he wouldn't be getting a hot dinner the Dursleys didn't know he could break out of the cupboard at any time, something he only did late at night to get food and he was always careful to lock the door afterwards. Being confined to his cupboard so early meant that he had all afternoon to explore contents of the trunk. Sitting in front of it he gently ran his had across the coat of arms wondering how to open it. As his hand passed over the eye of the gryphon the trunk popped open.

'Well, that answers that question doesn't it' he thought to himself with a quiet chuckle. Inside was a stack of books topped off with a letter. Placing the letter to the side for a moment he examined the titles of the some of the books. Titles such as "Curse and Counter Curse" "Beginners Guide to Transfiguration" and "Where There's a Will, There's a way" caught his eye. Realising he needed more information before he moved on to those books he decided to read the letter.

To my Descendant

As a young mage I committed myself to a life time of protecting those who couldn't protect themselves. This was a belief that was passed on to my children and grand children and so on to you. I know you hold this belief as I enchanted this trunk, my trunk, to only open to one who holds this belief and only in a time of great need and when darkness approaches. I thought it only fair that they have every advantage that they can. May of the enchantments on this trunk you have to find out for yourself or another letter may appear when you are ready to understand. Until then you must forgive me for with holding this information, your mind is not ready to accept it yet.

Now on to what I can tell you. To enter the trunk just press any of the eyes on each animal in the crest and you will be taken to a different compartment. The gryphon is the protector of my compartment and possesses the knowledge that you need to complete your task. I don't know what the task is and I dear say either do you. In time you will learn what your task is but you must be prepared for when it arrives. The books and artefacts that you can see is only a small portion of what is held within. It will update itself to your level as you grow and you knowledge becomes greater. It will also show any items that you need to review so you always remember the information.

The jaguar is the protector of the family's compartment. It holds all the information of what you own and some tombs on how to take care of those possessions so that your descendants may use them when the time comes. It also holds a portkey to Gringots. The goblins will take care of you there, just show them the portkey and they will know who you are we have an understanding between our family and their race. If you show them the respect they deserve (which is great) they will respect you and help you anyway they can. If you need any more information than I have given look in that compartment and a letter should be presented telling you what you need to know.

It is likely that you wont need to use this compartment very often the Goblins will take good care of your money and possession that are in there care, you can trust them.

The third and fourth compartments, protected by the snake and the Crup, are you parents. Inside is anything that they think you need the trunk holds their essence whether they gave it or not. Their magic is tied to the trunk as were all your ancestors. Their essence will be able to guide you through your life where ever they are providing you have this trunk. Unfortunately you will not be able to communicate with them but they can communicate with you through letters.

The fifth compartment is yours and has its own protector. I do not know what the protector is as it is unique to you. You can get into the trunk the same way by pressing the eye. In it you can store anything you wish, clothes, personal items or whatever.

The entire trunk is under a wide range of protection spells. Only you or someone with your permission can enter the trunk. They will see the trunk as it truly is, everyone else will see an ordinary trunk much like you saw before you activated it. It will always hold everything you put in it and will never be too heavy to carry. You should note that, with the exception of letters and your own compartment, everything you remove from the trunk will be returned when you have finished with it. While anyone you allow can remove things from the trunk they can only hold them while you are with them. When you leave the item will return to the trunk. This is so no knowledge can be lost. When you get older you can add to the trunk, that knowledge will be presented when you need it.

My child. While your task will be great do not let it overawe you. This task is only a part of your life do not let it dictate what you can do, do not let it control your decisions. If you do not take time for yourself and live the darkness of the world will live. Always remember no matter how great you may become there will always be someone better. The power and knowledge that you have been given is great but it is not everything, allow it to humble you and remember there is always more. Never stop learning and never stop living

Your Ancestor

Merlin

After reading the letter to say Harry was shocked would be an understatement. So many feeling were now rampaging through Harry's mind that he didn't know what to do. Fear and joy, pride and humility, respect and reverence along with many others all vying for his attention and recognition. In the end all he could display was dumfounded amusement. What shocked him most was that apparently, according to the letter in the trunk, Merlin; the greatest wizard of all time was Harry's ancestor. On top of that there was now a way for his parents to dispense advice to Harry whenever he was in greatest need, even though he couldn't argue with them like normal parents he would take this over the family he was currently presented with. Harry was still a bit sceptical, but with every thing he had already been presented with he felt that a bit of faith would be required. Later he may learn what was happening, but he was only 6 and he knew he didn't know everything.

He then proceeded to check out the contents of the trunk's other compartments, he felt that the family compartment could wait he went on to his mother's compartment. The letter it held was much the same as the first that he read, that she would always be proud and would always love him, how much she wished that she could be there to teach him about girls and how to dance, basically all the things that mother's do. The items in the trunk were the sentimental thing that mother's keep, baby booties, photos, doctors reports from his younger days. All of these things Harry cherished as it showed him that someone cared. That someone loved him no matter what happened.

His father's trunk was slightly different. The letter also talked about all those things but also talked about, what his father thought, was the more important things in life.

Pronglet

I truly wish that you never have to read this letter, but it seems that my wishes won't come true. I love you dearly and will always be proud of what you do no matter what it is.

I want to tell you a little about me. When I went to school me and my friends were part of a group called the Marauders, what we did was play pranks on everyone we could. We spent a lot of time pranking people and enjoying ourselves. I grant you that not all our pranks were good often we went a bit overboard with them. We formed a very strong bond between us and were friends even now.

What I hope is that, even with the responsibility that you seem to be given, you can continue our tradition. You don't have to continue pranks if you don't want to, they don't always endear you to the right people (I almost lost my Lily because of them) but I do want you to live and enjoy every day that you can. Not all days will be fun, I know this, but most days can be enjoyed no matter what you do. Just don't go overboard like we did if you do take the path of pranks.

Now, if you are to live your life to the full you need to be in a loving environment. If you were place in care by Albus I fear, and your mother agrees with me, this is not the case. He is a great man and deserves your respect, don't get me wrong, but he doesn't always understand that people can't get past their own prejudices. As such I fear he has placed you with your aunt believing that is the safest place for you and that you'll receive the love you deserve. If you are in a place were you are loved and cared for, then good, what I am about to say has no relevance. If not then I'm not overly happy with him but this can be changed. In the family compartment there is detailed the properties that we own. On of them is Potter Castle, also known as Camelot, Merlin helped Arthur to build the castle and later keep it safe from the evils of this world. When Arthur died Merlin took control of the castle to keep it out of the hands of the greedy lords of Britain who saw the castle as a means to rule over all of Britain and Europe. When he could not get the lords to work together he decided to use his influence in the background to keep as many innocent people safe as he could it is an endeavour that our family has continued to this day. The castle is unplottable, untraceable and any magic can be used in the castle without anyone knowing. Also there is everything that you could need for what ever you wished to do. There's farms for food, greenhouses of magical plants that can be used in potions and healing, and the grounds a full of animals magical and muggle. The castle and grounds are looked after a large number of house elves, both free and bonded (it's their choice), who do an exceptional job of looking after the property. They deserve your respect and, if you choose to live there, will take good care of you. There are some rules that our ancestors have put in place over the years for the elves benefit. The most important is that if it is a job a master could do, with minimal inconvenience, then they should do it. They have also been allowed to talk back if they think their master is doing something wrong and give their opinions. They are very intelligent creatures and deserve respect you should take their advice to heart.

To get to the castle you have to go to Gringotts using the portkey in the family trunk. The letter in that compartment will tell you about it if you don't already know. When you get there just ask the goblin in charge that you want the key for Potter Castle, he'll know what to do.

I love you always son, and never forget to live life but don't let things go to your head.

With all my love

Your Father

Prongs

By this time the tears were streaming down Harry's face. To know that his father had thought of his welfare before all other things was an assurance that Harry had never felt before. He realised, once again, that someone loved him unconditionally. After taking a moment to compose himself Harry had a look at some of the items in the trunk. It was a treasure trove of entertainment. A full record of the pranks that his father had pulled throughout his life. Most of them were from when he had arrived at school and featured the marauders at their full pranking power. There were, however, a number of pranks from before his Hogwarts school days. Photos and scrolls detailing the pranks, their effects and how James pulled them off without getting caught. What Harry considered the most important item in the compartment was a dairy written by his father with contributions from his fellow Marauders. It detailed the pranks effects, anything that went wrong, how they could have been improved, and any regrets the Marauders had because of the prank. In time Harry would come to use this information and pranking ability for a greater purpose. He would come to believe the pranks, when kept harmless, are a good way to practice a number of skill that he would need in years to come. Planning, stealth, manipulation and many other skills would be important when he had to face his destiny.

Harry also realised that his father had provided a choice. He could continue to live where he was or he could move out to Potter Castle. His Aunt and Uncle, as Harry's parents guessed, have shown Harry no love or affection for as long as he could remember. Harry was certain that this fitted in to his father's conditions for staying where he was put. Harry decided that he should finish looking through the trunk and check in the family compartment to find if there is a way for Harry to get to the wizarding bank and if there was he would decide whether or not to leave everything he knew behind.

Harry closed the trunk again and pressed the emerald eye of the jaguar opening the family estate compartment. Inside was organised much like a filing cabinet, separating the different holding of the family so it would be easier to find. Quickly looking at some of the heading he saw the names of businesses, property deeds for private homes and commercial land, mining deeds and many other different folders which he did not understand. Attached to the lid of the trunk was a small leather pouch with a circular crest displaying an intricately designed G. In the pouch was a solid gold key with the same crest as on the pouch and a letter address to the Head of the Potter House.

Dear Lord Potter

It has come to our attention that there is a new head of Potter House. Unfortunately due to your age you are unable to take control of the estate and as per your family's wishes the Gringotts bank has continued to go the estate at the rate previously defined. Due to your age at your parents passing we were instructed to provide you with the means to contact us at a time of you choosing. Enclosed with this letter is a portkey which will deliver you to my office at Gringotts – Diagon Alley. To activate it use the phrase "I am the Heir to the Potter Estate" and I will meet you immediately.

I look forward to meeting the new heir of such a noble family

Sincerely

Lord Ranghok

Head of Gringotts

Money and Knowledge together

Harry returned the letter to the pouch and took the key in his hand. He closed the trunk and sat on it staring at the key for a prolonged moment. Once again re-enacting what happened at the start of the afternoon, Harry took a breath and stated "I am the Heir to the Potter Estate".

For a fraction of a second Harry felt a warm glowing sensation around his hand spreading quickly to the rest of his body. Immediately after that there was a grabbing sensation behind his navel and a rushing nose in his ears. Moments later his feet came crashing onto the ground causing him to lose his balance and tumble off the trunk onto the floor. Before he could gather himself he heard someone speak.

"Welcome to Gringotts Mr. Potter."

Harry's instinctive reaction was to curl into a ball and whimper "please don't hurt me."

Had he been looking Harry would have seen the goblin raise his eye brow wondering why the Heir of Potter would be acting in such a manner. All other Potters that he had ever met one had ever had such a reaction even without seeing who was talking. The goblin knew that this child had a troubled past and it was part of his duty as a goblin in return for the debt his race had for the family to help this boy in any way he could.

Taking the tone he would use with any of his own children he stated "You have nothing to fear from me young one. You are safe here"

Hearing the comforting tone in the voice Harry looked up slowly to see who was speaking. If he weren't already shocked from the situation he would have been shocked by what he saw. A regal looking Goblin dressed in the finest silk, adorned with many gold trinkets fit for a king (which the goblin was). Harry slowly got to his feet and with as much respect as he could Harry queried "Sir, if I may ask, who are you?"

"My name is Lord Ranghok, head of Gringotts and leader of the goblin race" came the gentle reply.

It took Harry a second process the reply and remember all he knew on how to act in the presence of world leaders and royalty, which he could tell this creature obviously was. He slipped into a deep bow and stated "it is an honour to meet you sir"

The goblin chuckled and replied "As it is to meet you, please have a seat. Now what brings you here today"

Slightly confused as to why it would be an honour for the goblin Harry took a seat and brought himself to the business of his father's letter.

"I recently came into possession of this trunk I am sitting on and inside was a letter advising me to see you about moving to Potter Castle"

Slightly surprised the goblin nodded "Of course, please give me a moment." The goblin clicked his fingers and a second goblin entered the room. "Griphook, please collect the key to Potter Castle and return it here immediately."

Griphook left the room and Harry and Ranghok sat in silence for a moment. Harry, looking round the office saw everything he expected to be in the room of a high powered banking executive. Bookcases full of old banking records, large paintings decorating the office, a large mahogany desk, beautifully detailed leather chairs of which he was currently sitting in one, a set of gold scales for weighing gold and other precious metals, what he did see missing was a computer. This peeked Harry's curiosity though he just thought it was hidden somewhere in the room. When the goblin began pulling out a parchment and quill the idea that a computer was hidden was dismissed "Excuse me sir but where do you keep your computer?"

Ranghok looked up confused "Computer? What is a Computer?"

"It's a machine for sorting information and storing data. I thought all banks used them 'cause they were so much quicker than paper and anyone in the bank can get the information if their allowed. I'm sorry I don't know more about them I just assumed that you would use them."

"Muggle Banks use them, you say?"

Now the confusion switched from Ranghok to Harry. "Muggles?"

"Yes, non magical peoples. Gringotts is the only bank in the wizarding world so the banks you speak of must be muggle banks." Ranghok replied.

Harry nodded in understanding Harry continued "Yes sir, it saves them time because they don't have to repeat the paper work as often and the data is kept secure from other parties. I guess that would also mean they can save costs in their work and make more money."

Ranghok nodded, seeing the logic in the situation when Griphook returned "well Harry you are indeed correct. If these computers work as you say they do then they would save the bank a lot in costs." Shaking his head realising he was getting cost cutting advice from a 6 year old child he continued "you have given me something to think about. Now Griphook has the key to Potter Castle. This key also acts as a portkey and keys you into the wards allowing you to disparate in and out of the property when you learn and it means that only your portkey's will be able to use Potter Castle as the destination until you key someone else into the wards"

Harry took the key, which was hanging from a fine gold chain, from Griphook still slightly confused by the explanation. Ranghok continued "to activate the portkey feature state 'Return me to Potter Castle' while the chain is been held by all those you wish to travel with and you are in possession of the key itself. Always were the key around your neck when it's not in use it will form a tattoo of sorts around your neck and will reappear as a chain when you are thinking about it. This way you will always have a way to get home. The portkey can never be traced and nor can you when you are wearing it."

Harry sat quietly listening to what was he was been told and trying to think of the implications of the information. Being 6 Harry didn't think of what would happen later in his life or how this key would protect him from Voldemort and his Death Eaters.

"Also there are a number of wards on the castle," Ranghok continued "these wards will allow you to perform magic without being detected and will mean that your location is secure from anyone who means harm to you. The most important ward that has been set will prevent anyone you don't know from contacting you. Anyone who tries to contact you without your knowledge will be directed to our security division. Should there be any business proposals we here at Gringotts can take care of it in accordance with the family's wishes, if there is anything we believe that you need to know about we can forward it on to you with a note from us if need. Anyone you do know can contact you the normally through the owl post."

There were a number of comments in the statement that had Harry slightly confused and felt that he should address them. "Sir, why would anyone have business proposals for me?"

"Your family is a very old and prestigious family and may other people would wish to have some association with you add to that you defeated the Dark Lord Voldemort when you were a baby, your association with a business would be very helpful" explained Ranghok. "Rest assured your family never let there children be publicly associated with any businesses and that will continue for a long time yet."

Harry nodded and went on to ask "what were you talking about owl post?"

"Ah, owls are the way that wizards communicate much like pigeon delivery in days past."

Harry was slightly over awed by the whole situation. Here he was talking to a goblin about the management of his family's fortune and the security of himself in the legendary castle of Camelot, also known as Potter Castle. What he didn't realise was that the situation was far more special than he realised. Not only was the ruler of the goblin race, who generally never speaks to non goblins, but he also had his commitment to help in any way he could.

Harry thanked the goblin for all his help, placed the chain around his neck and took the key into his had and prepared to go to his new home. Thanking the goblin once more Harry said aloud "return me to Potter Castle" and, with a tug on his navel, left to his new home.

Once Harry made the decision to leave for Potter Castle and make it his new home two wards at Privet Drive were activated. One informing Albus Dumbledore that Harry no longer called his Aunt and Uncle's residence home and the second telling the Ministry of Magic that they could no longer detect the magic of Harry Potter. The two different groups immediately left for where they believed Harry's home was and disturbed to find that the Dursleys were both uninformed of Harry's disappearance and went to check the cupboard under the stairs for him, and that when they found that he had gone they were supremely happy for the occurrence. Both parties agreed that a combined search for the child would be the best way to find him but were concerned for his welfare when they could not trace his magic, which had always been so strong they had to reduce the sensitivity on many of the ministry detection tools.

After three months searching the ministry officially declared that Harry Potter was missing and presumed dead. They tried to keep the announcement as quiet as possible for fear of the public reaction. The Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge awarded Harry the Order of Merlin First Class for his defeat of Voldemort in the war, an award that was magically bound to the recipient and would always be recognised in any communications that he writes.

Albus Dumbledore refused to believe that Harry was dead. He continued to search for every day for the next year researching new methods of detection and tracking but to no avail. At the end of the year Dumbledore finally gave up the search but refused to believe that Harry was dead. There were two reasons for his belief in Harry's survival; first was his gut feeling that Harry was alive, a feeling that had never led him astray before; and second was that his name had not been deleted from the Hogwarts registrar a document that no one else bar the current headmaster and his deputy could read.

Eventually the search for Harry became somewhat of a hobby for Dumbledore and the deputy Headmistress, searching hopefully whenever the inspiration struck. The search continued every year until 1991, the year Harry was due to arrive at Hogwarts. In the rush of preparations for the school year neither of them noticed the letter for Harry be written and sent. Neither saw the address on it; Harry Potter, Potter Castle via Gringotts Wizarding Bank, London.

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

In the years after Harry's arrival at Potter Castle Harry devoted himself to a number of activities. On the first night Harry was pleasantly surprised with the decoration and condition of the castle. Harry had thought he would arrive in a deserted drafty castle decorated in a middle ages theme. What Harry found was completely different. The castle was decorated in an understated elegance; the furnishings were very comfortable and wanted to be lived on. The quality of the furnishings was obviously quite high but still projected that homely feel.

The Castle was also home to a number of other occupants in the form of house elves. The elves obviously had great pride in their work and Harry would later find they were very intelligent creatures. Harry would take their advice in many situations in the future and trusted the implicitly.

The grounds were also home to a wide variety of creatures. There was a fully functional farm with cattle and sheep. A large horse stud was present on the property, one which Harry took great pleasure in riding the magnificent animals once he had learnt how. Deer roamed free across the hill lands of the property, which would occasionally be hunted for food and leather. In addition to the muggle creatures the estate was a sanctuary of sorts for magical creatures. In the hill the caves provided homes for Dragons and Gryphons, Thestrals roamed through the forests, though Harry could not see the animals themselves he learnt to see the magic around them. Sindgets flew through the trees in numbers seen no where else in the world, and unicorns would drink at the lakes and rivers that made their way through the property. What Harry loved most were the Phoenixes that lived in the area, one of which would later provide the core for his staff in its death along with a unicorn and a gold dragon.

Harry's days were generally filled with adventures around his property, he would ride his black stallion, lighting (the name inspired by the white markings on his head, the same as his curse scar). Most of the wards that were present only covered the main castle and farm, the rest of the land was just too extensive to cover everything. There were wards protecting the magical animals in the area so that, while anyone could enter the extreme areas of the estate, should they see any magical animals they would forget they were there, irrespective of whether they were muggles or magical themselves.

In the evenings Harry would study the magical books in his trunk. The books focused on wandless magic, something Harry didn't know wasn't commonly done. Very early on Harry performed the ritual to find out what gifts he had. He found he had a long list of gifts but assume that it was normal and the wide range of gifts was common. The gifts he had included: multiple animagus, beast speaker, sorcerer, mage, elemental, mental fortitude, metamorphmagus, aura reader and magic seer.

Many of the skill he taught himself with reference to the books in his trunk. He was tutored in aura reading and magic seeing by the house elves but it was a skill he preferred not to use as it invaded other people privacy. Ranghok taught Harry etiquette and wizarding law with help from the portraits of his ancestors in the castle. With Ranghok's help he also hired a goblin mercenary trainer to learn some non magical ways for fighting on advice of his parents and Merlin.

When he was 8 he learnt to construct his own staff to use for accessing the mage level skills. He sourced all the items required for the staff from his grounds. The wood was an eleven wood from the forests around his home. He got scales from a Gold Dragon for the setting of the focus crystal. A unicorn provided tail hairs for the bindings around the staff. A ruby the size of an egg was used in conjunction with a dozen emeralds was used for the focus. What made the staff truly unique and powerful was the core of the staff. Harry used phoenix heart strings, an item which you can only get from a phoenix that willingly passes on to the afterlife. The fact that a phoenix to can willingly pass on is not commonly known, in Harry's case the phoenix in question was helped by Harry after escaping from a fight with a gryphon on the property. Over 2 months Harry nursed the phoenix back to health. As a reward the phoenix explained that it was very old and was almost ready to pass on and when the time came it would leave Harry its heart to use in a staff. The two formed a close friendship in the year before the phoenix's death, with the phoenix helping Harry with his animagus transformations and providing good company telling stories of its youth. When the time came for it to pass on, it was a very emotional time for Harry, out of respect, Harry used the heart to make his staff.

By the time Harry was 11 he had mastered the three of his five animagus forms, which he discovered were the same as the crest of his trunk. The only magical creature he had mastered was the phoenix and that was due to his phoenix friend's help. He had also mastered a wide variety of sorcerer spells including most of the spells taught at Hogwarts. He was starting to get the hang of mage spells but was still too young to possess the raw power for all but the weakest mage spells. He had improved his mental fortitude and started learning basic occlumency and legilimency. He was able to speak to most animals that he had met; only a few of the bird species gave him trouble. Unfortunately, he had no control over the elements as it requires a master occlumens emotional control.

Once he was able to hold a form for 12 hours with his metamorphmagus powers, which took him around 6 months, Harry went out to a private muggle language centre and began leaning different languages. By the time he was 10 Harry was fluent in 5 different languages, including French Bulgarian and Latin, and was able to read in many others and could speak enough to get by.

In the month leading up to his 11th birthday Harry began preparing for his re-entry to the wizarding world. He brought a number of books on recent history detailing what had happened in the 5 years since he left. He also talked with Ranghok to get his take on wizarding society, always a fascinating conversation. Strangely in all his research he never came across the news that Harry Potter, the boy who lived, saviour of the wizarding world, was believed dead. This was because in his research most people tried to ignore Harry's supposed death.

On July 31st Harry use his house key to return to Gringotts to meet with Ranghok and get his Hogwarts letter. On arrival Harry was somewhat nervous. This day he would return to the public life. Would people like him? Would he be cast aside? Harry was nervous about many of the things that could come to pass in his future but he decided long ago to screw up his courage and met everything head on. Harry met with Ranghok and collected his letter, the green lettering shone from the parchment drawing Harry's attention, as if declaring the turning point of Harry's life. He turned the envelope over and examined the wax seal before breaking it and removing the letter from inside.

HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

Dear Mr Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on September 1. We await your owl no later than July 31. Yours Sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall,
Deputy Headmistress

HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

Harry sighed and wrote his reply stating he would accept the invitation and would be on the Hogwarts Express on September 1st. He handed the letter to Ranghok to forward and went out into Diagon Alley for the first time.

Stepping out into the street Harry set off to Flourish and Blotts to purchase his required books, Slug and Jiggers Apothecary for his potion ingredients, the Cauldron shop for the No. 2 pewter cauldron. In Madam Malkin's where Harry purchased his robes Harry met a rude, arrogant blond haired boy. This boy spoke incessantly asking questions and not waiting for a reply. When he finally asked for Harry's name the boy was told he was finished and left to Harry's great pleasure.

Before stopping for his wand Harry went into Eeylops Owl Emporium thinking he could use on for company and sending letter to Ranghok and the House elves back home. He instantly spotted a beautiful snowy owl stuck in a corner and quietly asked what the owls name was and if she would join Harry.

The owl replied "My name is Hedwig and I would greatly enjoy your company if you would get me out of this cage!"

Harry smiled and took the owl to the front counter to purchase Hedwig. He also purchased a variety of owl treat a stand and a large cage to transport the owl. Harry took Hedwig to Gringotts with the rest of his purchases before going to Ollivander.

Harry entered the dimly lit and dusty store, quietly examining the rows of boxes. He was fascinated by the magic in the air. Closing his eyes briefly he focused on his magic seeing. Reopening his eyes he looked around. The colours were amazing. Deep reds, bright oranges, forest greens, purples, greys, the list goes on. What really caught his eye was the wand in the window, a stunning example of craftsmanship. The wood was finely detailed and highly polished; the wand emanated a rainbow of colours with a golden red dominating the aura. He slowly reached his had out to the wand feeling the power surrounding it. Before he could take the wand in his hand he heard a shuffling of feet behind him. He pulled his hand back and stopped concentrating on his magic sight.

"Can I help…" the speaker stopped and stared at Harry. "Can it be? Harry Potter lives?"

"Yes sir. I'm looking to by a wand. Is mister Ollivander around?" Harry replied confused.

"Yes. Yes, of course. I'm Mr. Ollivander. I'm sorry you've been gone so long it was assumed you were dead." Replied Ollivander still slightly awed. "Now which is your wand arm?" he continued returning to business.

Harry reached out his right hand, shaking his head at the absurdity of the statement. Of course he wasn't dead. A fact easily found if they had asked at Gringotts. The tape measure Ollivander had set to measure his hand had move further up his arm and was currently measuring the distance between his eyebrows.

"I remember every wand I've ever sold" said Ollivander "your mother's was willow, swishy rather good for charms work. Your father favoured a mahogany wand, pliable, very good for transfiguration." He chuckled "I say your father favoured but really the wand chooses the wizard. Here, willow, 13 inches dragon heart string core" he stated, handing Harry a wand. "Give it a wave."

Harry waved the wand and nothing happened.

"Nope." He said, snatching the wand back. "Try this, oak, 10 inches, unicorn hair core"

Harry took the wand and waved it. Nothing.

This continued for hours. Oak wands, beech wands, holly wands. 5 inches to 15 inches. Unicorn hair, dragon heartstring, and phoenix tail feather cores. They tried every combination they could. As time passed Harry began to get worried by Ollivander just got more excited.

"Don't worry son, will find something for you I've never failed yet." Ollivander said then mumbled to himself reaching for the wand in the window "I wonder. Could it be?"

He handed the wand to Harry, not saying anything. Harry took the wand and felt the power of it spread throughout his body. He waved the wand, sending a shower of red, gold and green sparks through the air.

Ollivander took the wand "holly and phoenix feather, 11 inches, nice and supple. Curious. Very curious." He said placing the wand in its box and wrapping it.

"Excuse me sir but what's curious?" Harry questioned.

"It is curious that you should be destined for this wand Mr Potter as the phoenix which provided the core for your wand provided one other, just one other. It is curious because its brother wand, why, its brother gave you that scar. We can expect great things from you Mr Potter. After all, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named did great things. Terrible, yes, but great."

Harry left the shop feeling the beginnings of the expectation he would come to expect. He looked back into the window of the shop to see a new wand been placed in the window and he smiled. He smiled because he remembered something he read in a letter from his mother

'Though some things maybe put on a pedestal you must remember that it is always a passing phase, a fleeting moment in time preparing for the next big thing.'

He went home and for the next month he got ready for his journey on September 1st. He continued his playing and studies. Life went on.