Minerva McGonagall and Harry Potter reappeared in front of a small cottage in the country. Quickly composing himself Harry asked.
"What just happened? Where are we?" Harry said nervously.
"It is called Apparation. It is how witches and wizards travel. We are standing on my property just outside of Kent." Minerva said.
"Wow. I've done that before. It felt the same." He said.
"You have? When?" Minerva asked concerned.
"About two years ago. My cousin's gang was chasing me and I wished to be some place else and I ended up on the roof of my school."
"Has this happened before?" Minerva questioned.
"Not that I remember."
"Very well. Let's go inside and have lunch. I'll try to answer any questions you have and explain a few other things as well, before we get started."
Harry agreed and the two started towards the house. Along the way, Minerva pondered their brief conversation. Even with the pendant he still performed strong accidental magic. Perhaps we underestimated how powerful he truly is. As they neared the cottage, Harry felt a tingling sensation throughout his body. He became frightened and this did not go unnoticed by his companion. Minerva spoke.
"Don't be afraid. We just passed through the wards surrounding the house and property. Wards are powerful protective spells. They won't harm you if you are welcome here."
"Do all magical homes have these, um wards?"
"Yes. Some are even more powerful than these."
Harry accepted this answer and they proceeded inside. Inside, Harry noticed that the inside was somewhat larger than he expected. The living room was very spacious and had comfortable looking chairs and sofa with a large coffee table in the center. There were paintings of people and they appeared to be moving. The centerpiece was a large fireplace. Minerva led them through the living room into the kitchen when a strange creature appeared. She was wearing a pink flowery dress and had large protruding eyes with large pointy ears. She spoke in a happy but squeaky voice.
"Mistress is home and is bringing young master."
"Mipsy this is Harry Potter. He will be living here. Harry this is Mipsy, she will help you with anything you need." Minerva said.
"Hello Mipsy. Um. . . What are you?" Harry asked.
"I is Mipsy the House Elf and you is Master Harry Potter. You is powerful wizard. Mipsy is taking good care of you. Mipsy is good House Elf."
"Okay. Thank you Mipsy." Harry said cautiously.
"Master Harry is thanking Mipsy. Master Harry is good master." Mipsy said bouncing and crying at the same time.
"Mipsy please make us a light lunch. We have much to do today." Minerva commanded softly.
Mipsy nodded then went about her assigned task. Harry shook his head and looked at Minerva oddly. He had many questions before his arrival and the list was growing quickly. Soon there was a plates filled with sandwiches and crisps. Two glasses were present and a pitcher of some type of juice was present. Harry looked at the glass and Minerva spoke.
"That is pumpkin juice. I hope you like it."
Harry took a sip of his juice and instantly fell in love with the taste. He said.
"This is good. I've never had anything like this before."
"I'm glad you enjoy it. Now eat up then I'll explain a few things to you."
They ate in relative silence and Harry ate his fill. Their meal complete Harry was about to clear the table when Mipsy stopped him. Harry not wanting to cause problems relented to her antics and followed Minerva to the living room. They both sat on a very comfortable sofa and Minerva began to speak.
"I know you must have many questions so I'll try to answer them as best as I can."
"I'm not sure where to start. Let me see if I understand this. I'm a wizard and my parents were as well. They went to your school and now it's my turn. This all seems too weird."
"I understand your confusion. Your aunt was supposed to inform you of all this long ago but she did not. I assure you that you are indeed a wizard and I suspect a very powerful one as well. Your parents were very powerful in their own right as well."
"You knew them?" Harry asked.
"Yes. I taught them and was their head of house. After they finished school, we became good friends. I even worked with your mother for a short time. I'll tell you about them later."
"Thank you. The letter said that you are the Headmistress. What do you teach?"
"Deputy Headmistress and Head of Gryffindor House. I teach Transfiguration, that is changing one thing into another. Let me show you."
Minerva drew her wand from her robes and waved it upon a potted plant on the coffee table and changed it into a lamp. Another wave and the lamp changed into a turtle. Yet another wave and the plant was restored to it original form.
"That was cool. Will I be able to do that someday?" Harry exclaimed excitedly.
"I dare say you will; if you apply yourself. Your father was extremely gifted in the art." Minerva said happily.
"I'll try my best. Um. . . The letter said I have to buy all sorts of things but I haven't any money. I don't want to be a burden to you about this." Harry said embarrassed.
"Harry, your parents were quite well off so there is nothing to worry yourself over, and you will never be a burden. They created a trust fund for you to cover your school expenses and other things. I'll teach you how to manage your money as time goes by. There is an important matter I need to discuss with you and it concerns your parents and your place in the wizarding world." Minerva said solemnly.
"What about my parents?" Harry asked fretfully.
"Harry your parents were very fine people. This may be difficult for you to accept, but I would rather not lie to you. Before you were born, we were at war with a very evil wizard and his followers. Your parents were fighting against them and they were marked for death. Your parents were murdered by the Dark Lord himself."
"My parents were murdered. My aunt told me they died in a drunken car crash."
Minerva's blood boiled when she heard this but composed herself quickly and said comfortingly. "Your aunt was jealous of your mother because she had magic. Now, when the Dark Lord killed your parents he tried to kill you but for some reason he could not. When he tried; you defeated him that night. That is how you received your scar. Your famous in our world."
"I k. . .killed him." Harry said shaking.
"Please try to calm yourself. You didn't do anything wrong. The curse he used reflected back towards him off of you. I honestly do not know if he is dead, alive or somewhere in between but you stopped him that night. That is why you are famous. People call you The-Boy-Who-Lived."
Harry tried to control his breathing to calm himself and succeeded after a few moments. The realization that he was famous set in and he asked. "Why did you tell me this?"
"I wanted to inform you ahead of time because we are going to the magical shopping district called Diagon Alley. Many people will want to meet you and I didn't want you to be overwhelmed. I couldn't think of an easier way to tell you, but I wanted you to be prepared."
"I think I understand. Thank you for telling me about my parents. They were heroes weren't they?" Harry said.
"Yes they were. You should be proud of them; I know they would be proud of you. Is there anything else you wish to ask before we begin?"
"Um. . .What should I call you? Miss McGonagall?" Harry questioned sheepishly.
"You can call me Minerva or Aunt Minerva if you feel comfortable. In school, you will address me as Professor McGonagall. Anything else?" She said calmly.
"Not right now but I have loads of questions." Harry said smiling.
"I'm sure you do. Now let's be off. We are going to Apparate to Diagon Alley and begin our little adventure." Minerva said teasingly.
Harry chuckled softly and they left the cottage. Once outside, Minerva took Harry's hand and with a crack they were gone.
They reappeared in Diagon Alley, at the public apparation point and made their way to Gringotts. Along the way Harry felt he had been here before but shrugged it off and they made their way inside. The bank was not crowded so Minerva quickly went to a nearby teller and informed the goblin of their appointment. All the while Harry still felt a strange familiarity with this place and reminded himself to ask Minerva later.
They were lead into an office in back and were met immediately by a familiar Goblin. He spoke.
"Madam McGonagall welcome and this must be Mr. Potter."
"Yes Sharkbreath this is Harry Potter. We are here for his trust vault key."
Upon hearing the name, Harry knew he had been here before but remained silent. Sharkbreath handed Minerva a key and a ledger then called another goblin named Griphook to escort them to their vaults. The cart ride was interesting to say the least. Harry was at first startled but soon felt elated. They feeling of the wind in his hair was wondrous. Minerva noticed this and smiled, she was enjoying the ride as well.
The cart stopped near vault number 1587. This was the vault opened with the money retrieved from Dumbledore and will be used for Harry's care. Minerva quickly gathered a large sum of money while Harry waited outside. Her business completed, the trio returned to the cart and set off once again. It came to a stop outside vault number 687. Griphook opened the vault and Harry was stunned. He managed to stammer.
"All this is mine?"
"Yes Harry. The gold ones are Galleons, the silver are Sickles and the bronze are Knuts. There are seventeen Sickles to a Galleon and twenty nine Knuts to a Sickle." Minerva said in a scholarly tone.
"That means there are four hundred ninety three Knuts to a Galleon." Harry said confidently.
"Correct." Griphook said. Minerva seemed impressed.
"I'm pretty good with numbers. How much should I take? What do I carry it in?" Harry said.
"There is a money pouch hanging there on the wall." Griphook stated pointing to the far wall.
"Please allow me Harry." Minerva said as she retrieved the money pouch and filled it with more than enough to take care of his needs. She handed the pouch to Harry and the three returned to the cart and then the surface. Harry smiled the whole time.
There business complete, Minerva and Harry left the bank and began their adventure. Their first stop was Madam Malkins for school robes. They also purchased a full new wardrobe for Harry, since he brought nothing with him. They also purchased a tartan. Harry asked.
"What's this for?"
"This is a kilt. You are a descendent from the Shaw family which is an offshoot of the Stewart Clan. I go to a Scottish festival every year and I would like you to attend with me."
"I never knew that. Can you tell me more about my family later?"
"I'd be more than happy to." Minerva gleefully stated.
The next stop was the trunk store where Minerva suggested a four compartment trunk, to keep him better organized. The clerk explained to Harry how the trunk worked and set them on their way.
The two went form shop to shop, gathering the items Harry would need for school. While in the stationary store Harry spotted something familiar. Minerva asked.
"Harry what are those?"
"There called notebooks. It's what non-magical students use to stay organized. And these are biros. It's what they write with. I'm surprised to see things like this here."
"Ah. I see you discovered our new muggle line of school supplies. They are very popular with the muggle-born students." The clerk said.
"Muggle?" Harry asked.
"It's the word we use to describe non-magical people. We don't use such things in class however." Minerva said.
"Could I get some for personal use? I want to do well and their not expensive." Harry asked.
"I don't see any problem but not too many. We still have much to buy." Minerva reminded.
"Thank you." Harry said as he gathered a dozen notebooks and a pack of biros. Minerva helped gather his quills, ink and more than enough parchment for the year. She also suggested a day planner to stay organized and promised to show him what to do.
The next stop was the bookstore. Where Minerva helped him gather everything he needed and a few extras including Hogwarts a History. They also purchased a few periodicals for Harry to examine. Harry teased Minerva when he saw her picture on the cover of Transfiguration Weekly; calling her a cover girl and asked for her autograph. She smiled at his antics and was pleased he was feeling more at ease with her, but she still called him a cheeky fellow.
Leaving the book store Harry began to feel odd. Minerva noticed this and asked concerned.
"Harry are you ill? Is something wrong?"
"I'm not sure. I feel like I'm being pulled or something. Like there is somewhere I have to be. I don't know how else to describe it." Harry said confused.
"Pulled you say. Let the feeling take you where it wants you to go and we can sort this out." Minerva said cautiously.
Harry nodded in agreement and started walking toward the pull. They arrived outside Eyelops Owl Emporium and Harry stated. "She's in there."
"She you say. You must feel the pull of your familiar." Minerva said as she removed her hand from her wand. She didn't want to take any chances.
Harry wasn't sure what she was talking about but trusted her judgment and the pair entered the store where mass pandemonium was taking place. One of the owls had escaped from its cage and was causing a disturbance. The clerk was desperately attempting to subdue to the excitable owl when he hear a voice yell.
"Leave her alone! You're scaring her!" Harry yelled protectively.
"Listen here boy. Don't tell me. . ." The clerk was cut off by Minerva because he was brandishing his wand at Harry.
"Sir put your wand away this instant. Harry are you alright?" Minerva commanded.
"Harry? Harry P. . . P. . .Potter?" The clerk said becoming deathly pale dropping his wand.
"I'm fine but she's scared." Harry said. He looked up into the rafters at a beautiful snowy white owl. He feathers were ruffled and she was quite upset. Harry said. "Don't worry. He won't hurt you." The owl heard his voice and composed herself. Large brown eyes met emerald green and she immediately leaped from the rafters and dove towards Harry. Harry stood his ground as the owl pulled out of her attack dive and landed gracefully on a nearby perch.
The two eyed each other for a moment and Harry spoke.
"It's okay. No one will hurt you. May I touch you?"
The owl gazed upon Harry and nodded in acceptance. Harry slowly moved towards her and reached out his hand to gently stroke her ruffled feathers. She instantly calmed herself and enjoyed Harry's ministrations. Minerva and all other on lookers watched as The-Boy-Who-Lived bonded with his familiar. Harry spoke softly.
"You're okay now. Would you like to come with me?"
The snowy owl wasted no time and launched herself off the perch circled around and landed expertly on Harry's shoulder. She began rubbing her head against Harry's face and he giggled because it tickled. He looked upon Minerva and before he could say anything. She said.
"Of course she can come. Do you have a name for her?"
"Not yet but I'll pick out a good one for her." Harry said as the snowy white owl nipped his ear affectionately. Harry quickly purchased the owl and all the necessary things to keep her healthy and happy. The on lookers wanted to swarm Harry but one fierce glare from Transfiguration Mistress McGonagall and an angry owl stopped them cold. The clerk apologized for his behavior and gave Harry a discount on owl treats.
Outside, Harry and Minerva were stopped by a small crowd of people. Harry shook hands with a few of them but felt uneasy. Minerva sternly shooed them away and the pair continued their business. With their shopping nearly complete, they went into the last store-Ollivander's.
Minerva and Harry entered the wand shop, the snowy owl waited patiently outside, and were met by a strange man. Mr. Ollivander greeted the both of them politely and set to his task. After several attempts, Harry found the perfect match; eleven inch Holly with Phoenix feather core. Unfortunately, it was the brother wand of the man who killed his parents. He purchased the wand and on Minerva's suggestion a holster and wand care kit a well.
Before exiting the store, Harry noticed a glass display case and wandered over. Inside was a beautiful work of art. It was longer than a normal wand but not as long as a staff he had read about in stories. Harry asked Mr. Ollivander.
"Sir, what is this? It's beautiful."
"That Mr. Potter is a baton. My multi-great grandfather crated it as a sort of experiment. He liked to dabble in exotic woods and cores. It's made of twenty two inches of Purpleheart and has slurry for a core with a focus crystal in front."
"Slurry?" Harry asked.
"Yes. He took several different exotic wand core ingredients such as Manticore hair, Griffin feather, Nundu whisker and others and mixed them in a solution and placed the slurry inside. He wanted to make a replacement for full sized staffs but no one could make it work. It's been sitting there for several centuries waiting. Want to try?" Ollivander asked mischievously.
"Do we have time?" Harry asked Minerva.
"I don't see a problem. This was our last stop and its still fairly early."
"Splended." Mr. Ollivander exclaimed. He opened the case and Harry reached his hand inside. The baton jumped into his hand and warmth flowed through him even stronger than with his wand. Minerva and Ollivander were amazed by the reaction. Ollivander spoke.
"Remarkable. That baton is over four hundred years old. It must have been waiting for you Mr. Potter. I knew we would expect great things from you. Use it well."
"Sir, I can't take this. I doubt I could afford something like this." Harry said defensively and attempted to return the baton only to have it jump back into his hand. Harry was frightened beyond belief. His first day in the magical world and something like this happened. He was soothed by Ollivander's voice.
"I appears that you have no choice in the matter Mr. Potter. You must understand that this was only and experiment made many years ago. It shouldn't have worked at all. You must take it, if only to see what it can do. Please let me know the results. Besides, I wouldn't know what to charge you for it anyway."
"She likes me. I'll take good care of her." Harry said.
"She Harry?" Minerva inquired.
"I can't explain it. Just like I knew my owl was a girl."
"Curious." Ollivander said.
"What do you mean?" Minerva asked.
"I read the notes on the construction and all of the creatures that the core ingrediants were collected from were female. Please keep a detailed record of what you achieve with her. Have a pleasant day."
"Thank you sir." Harry said.
The two left the store and Harry's owl quickly returned to her place on Harry's shoulder. The two made their way to the apparation point and Harry asked his owl if she would be able to find him. She gave him a stern look as if to say. I can find you any where my human. She took off into the sky and Harry hoped he didn't loose her. Minerva and Harry disappeared with a loud crack and reappeared at their cottage.
Once inside she gaave him a quick tour of his new home. The house wasn't anything too special. Two stories with a basement. The top floor held three bedrooms, including Harry's, and a bathroom. The largest bedroom had been converted into a home office and library. The main floor held the living room, kitchen, Master bedroom, Minerva's, and bathroom. The basement was off limits. The house was situated on a ten acre piece of property. It had a very nice flower garden with sitting area, which Harry felt at peace in. The property was surrounded by trees and was extremely quiet, a far cry from Privet Drive. They returned inside and Harry returned to his room to unpack only to find all his things were already in their proper place.
He returned to the kitchen to find Minerva sitting at the table and joined her for afternoon tea. She spoke.
"How did you enjoy your day?"
"I felt. I don't know like I've been there before. I can't really explain it."
"I see." Minerva said. She would have to talk with her friend's later. "Is there anything you want to talk about? I'll try to answer any questions you have. Please feel free to ask anything."
"I have a few. Why didn't you come for me sooner?" He asked reluctantly.
"I was hoping you wouldn't ask that question so soon. I argued with myself for a long time about this. The only answer I can give you is that I didn't want to disrupt your life until it was time. There are powerful protections on the Dursley house and you were safe from wizards that would want to harm you. Since you'll be starting Hogwarts in the fall, the protections will only be effective while you are there. The rest of the time they do nothing for you. You were doing well in school and I didn't want to disrupt your primary education. Also, with my being away at Hogwarts I would not be able to give you the care you deserve. Please do not be upset with me."
"I'm not upset. I just didn't understand. Why would someone want to harm me? Are the Dursley's in danger?" Harry said.
"Followers of the Dark Lord you defeated wanted revenge. Don't be alarmed, the protections on our home are quite formidable. A dear friend and one of your professor's set them personally. Your relatives were only in danger because you resided there. Please don't blame yourself for this. It wasn't your fault this happened. Because you no longer live there, your relatives are no longer considered a threat."
"What is the Dark Lord's name?" Harry asked.
"Most people do not speak his name out of fear. He is usually called You-Know-Who or He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. His name is Voldemort." Minerva stammered.
"Do you have any information about the magical world I could read?"
"I'm glad you reminded me. In my office I have a standard muggle-born information packet. All new muggle-born students receive them before starting Hogwarts."
"What is a muggle-born?" Harry questioned?
"A muggle-born is a witch or wizard born to those without magic, like your mother. In fact, I would like you to attend an orientation class next month for new muggle-born students. Let me ask you a question. Why do you refer to the wizarding world as the magical world?"
"I guess I'm just being politically correct. It's a muggle thing. Instead of making something gender bias it's a more generic term. Its not wrong is it?" Harry said.
"It isn't wrong, I'm just surprised that someone so young would think along those lines." Minerva stated.
"I read a lot. When I finished my chores, the Dursleys let me do what ever. I spent a lot of time at the library. Thank you for the books by the way."
"You're very welcome. Were they helpful?" Minerva asked curiously.
"Yes. My essays improved and meditating helped me concentrate better. Latin was hard but I got through it. I even learned a bit of Spanish, French and Italian because of it."
"I'm impressed. Is there anything else you'd like to ask me?" Minerva said.
"Um. . . What are my chores? I did pretty much everything at the Dursley's."
"I won't give you any chores except doing your summer homework. If you would like to help me in the garden you are more than welcome but only if you want to."
Harry sat there for a moment pondering a response when he heard a tapping at a nearby window. He looked up and saw his new friend outside. He looked at Minerva and she gave him her blessing. He opened the window and the snowy owl landed gracefully on the table. Harry spoke.
"I'm sorry I doubted you girl. I'm new at all this. Do you forgive me?"
The owl barked her forgiveness and allowed Harry to pet her. Minerva spoke.
"If you need a job, I suggest naming this lovely owl soon. I believe there is a book in my office that can help."
"Thank you. . . Aunt Minerva." Harry said bashfully.
Minerva's heart swelled to new proportions at Harry's declaration. She wanted to hug him but remembered in the alley that he really didn't enjoy being touched. They would have to work on that over time.
The two retrieved a book from Minerva's office. Harry returned to his room and Minerva stayed in the office. Some time later, Mipsy collected Harry for dinner. They ate and chatted lightly about the day events. Minerva asked.
"Have you found a name yet?"
"Yes. I named her Hedwig. She likes it."
"That's a fine name. Have you looked through any of your books yet?" Minerva asked.
"I read the muggle-born packet and I've scanned through my textbooks. I'm not sure where to begin." Harry stated.
"I would suggest that you read at least the first five chapters of each subject. More if you are inclined. Take one subject at a time. Also you should read Hogwarts a History. It will give you an idea of how Hogwarts works." Minerva said in teaching mode.
"Thank you. I feel overwhelmed by all this. I'm glad you're here to explain things."
"I'm more than happy to help. Even if you aren't in my house, you can come to me any time for advice."
"I'd like that. I guess I better get started." Harry said and returned to his room.
Minerva nodded her approval and smiled at his eagerness.
It was getting late and Minerva said her goodnights to Harry. She called for Mipsy and commanded gently.
"Mipsy I have a meeting to attend. Keep Harry safe until my return. I won't be long."
"Yes Mistress." Mipsy said.
Minerva walked over to the fireplace and took a handful of powder from a small container. Lit the fireplace with her wand through the powder into the flames and said aloud. "The Sisterhood." In a flash of green flame she was gone.
Disclaimer: I own nothing Harry Potter.
A/N: I got a bit long winded on this chapter but I wanted to get some things in place and answer a few questions. The Hedwig scene was on my computer as an idea so I used it. The baton was another idea as well. I've read stories were Harry gets a new wand either custom job or founder's wand or some mythical super power wand that can change its form. I even read one where he makes a wand out of meteor rock. I wanted to do something a little different where Harry gets something that shouldn't have worked but Harry being Harry; it did. This will not be a super Harry story but a story where he is encouraged to excel and he has someone watching his back.