Disclaimer: You are reading a fanfic. Therefore you should have concluded that I do not actually own Harry Potter. But just in case here it is. I do not own Harry Potter. JK Rowling does.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Dumbledore was surprised when Hagrid walked into the great hall alone that morning and sit down at his normal spot. Surely he hadn't forgot about the important errand he had given him.
"Hello Hagrid. May I ask why you are here instead of helping young Harry shop for his supplies," he asked trying to sound calm. That bloody idiot was smiled at him.
"It was mighty unfortunate but my bike was acting up and can't fly at the moment. Luckily I was able to find someone to get him in my place. I was surprised how nice he was about it. Must of been havin a good day," the oaf mused.
Dumbledore felt his heart race. He knew he should have just gotten the boy himself. Only Hagrid was stupid enough to pick up the boy without suspecting anything. Dumbledore couldn't even think of anyone who would have been at the castle yesterday. Teachers hadn't started arriving till this morning.
"And who may I ask, did you send in your place."
"Professor Snape of course. Other than you or me he's the only one that enters the grounds during the summer," Hagrid explained.
Why in the world would that man come here during his vacation?! He clearly didn't want to be here even when he was working. No doubt the boy was now at his house while he contacted Lucius about the boys condition then it would only be a matter of time before the ministry was breathing down his neck. He was going to have to come up with a plan.
XxxxHeeheexxxX
Harry felt someone gently shaking his shoulder. He rubbed his eyes and stretched a little. He found it rather odd that his aunt was being so gentle with him instead of just screeching at him. Perhaps she felt bad because of all the extra beatings he had gotten. Either way he needed to get going before she grew impatient with him.
"I'm sorry, I'll make breakfast," he apologized sitting up.
"There's no need for that. The elves already made everything."
Harry jumped and looked over at the boy who had woken him up. He looked about his age and had blonde hair with ice blue eyes. He wore a royal blue sweater and black pants. It took Harry a second to remember everything that had happened the day before. The other boy waited patiently for Harry to get his bearings. Giving the boy a second look, Harry realized how much he looked like the mansions owner.
"I'm sorry, but are you a relative of Mr. Malfoys," he asked as politely as he could.
"Yes I'm his son. Draco Malfoy," the boy introduced holding out his hand.
"I'm Harry. Harry Potter," Harry answered taking his hand.
Harry looked down and realized he was still in his clothes he had borrowed yesterday.
"My father asked me to wake you up and show you to the small dining room. I brought you some clothes to change into," Draco said pointing to some folded up clothes on the end of the bed. "I'll be waiting just outside."
Harry jumped up and quickly put the clothes on. He quickly put on the black pants and dark green sweatshirt. There were even a pair of socks and shoes. Harry would have to remember to thank the Malfoy's for giving him an entire set of clothes to wear. With the Dursleys he was usually just given anything that would cover him. Harry met up with Draco who was waiting quietly just outside the door.
"My father told me that you weren't aware of your magical roots until yesterday," Draco started as they walked down the hall.
"Yeah. I guess my relatives kept a lot from me but I suppose I always knew I was different," Harry commented.
"Oh yeah. You're different all right. Even here in the magical world but uncle Severus is going to tell you about all that before we leave for Diagon Alley," Draco said as they began walking down the stairs.
"Professor Snape is your uncle," Harry asked interested. Draco shook his head.
"No but he and my dad go way back. They went to school together," Draco explained proudly. "Just like you and me this year."
"You're going to Hogwarts too?"
Draco nodded and grinned. He then started telling Harry all about the school that they would be living for the next few months. Harry listened in amazement as Draco told him about moving staircases, great feasts every night, and ghosts that flew around and interacted with students the same as a living person would.
Draco finally stopped at a door and opened it to reveal a dining room that was about the size of the entire ground floor of the Dursley's house. The walls were painted a dark blue and the windows had light blue curtains. The walls were decorated with paintings showing people eating together and having fun. Professor Snape and Mr. Malfoy were sitting in the center of the room at a large, wooden table with all kinds of breakfast foods still warm. Harry heard his stomach rumble. Professor Snape looked up from his breakfast.
"Oh good your awake. Sit down and eat," Mr. Malfoy offered.
Harry nodded and sat down at the table between Professor Snape and Draco. Harry grabbed a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon. He found himself staring down at it.
"Do you not like it," Mr. Malfoy asked sounding worried. Harry looked up at everyone.
"I just can't remember the last time I had a meal that I didn't cook myself," Harry lied. The truth was he just wasn't used to getting a full meal at all.
"You cook for yourself," Draco asked.
"Um… well.. I," Harry stammered. Everyone was looking at him now. He wanted to change the subject.
"You don't have to cover for them," Professor Snape said in a comfortingly. Harry felt his chest tighten. Professor Snape seemed to notice this because he placed a hand on his shoulder. "You also don't have to talk about it now."
Harry sighed in relief but he figured he needed to change the subject. He grabbed a fork and started eating. He was halfway through his eggs when he remembered something from the day before.
"Professor Snape," he asked getting the mans' attention. "Yesterday, Aunt Petunia said you were friends with my mom right?"
"Yes, we went to Hogwarts together but unfortunately I didn't get to see much of her or your father the year you were born," Professor Snape explained.
"Oh yes I remember you mom," Mr. Malfoy joined in. "She was a very talented witch. Especially with plants."
"Plants," Harry asked interested. Mr. Malfoy nodded.
"Oh yes. I remember in herbology how all the plants in the room seemed to look dance when she walked into the room. I'm sure if she had a chance your mother would have been the top herbologist in the country," Mr. Malfoy explained smiling. Professor Snape nodded in agreement.
"You mean if she and my dad hadn't died," Harry asked. Both adults grew serious and looked at each other in silent discussion.
"Yes. I was going to talk to you about that," Professor Snape started looking uncomfortable. "How did your aunt and uncle say your parents died?"
Harry looked at them confused.
"They died in a car crash because my dad was drunk. Didn't they?"
"No. Harry, this is difficult to explain. I suppose I should tell you the story. A few years ago a man lead a group of wizards and witches who all hated muggles and muggle born," Professor Snape began as if reading a story to a toddler.
"What are muggles," Harry asked.
"People without magic. Like your relatives. Now this group of dark wizard and witches were ruthless. They were killing all those who stood in their way."
Harry felt his insides turn. He could see where this story was going.
"My parents were one of those people, weren't they."
Professor Snape nodded.
"They were very brave but they found themselves in a position where they had to go into hiding in order to keep you safe but it wasn't long before You Know Who found them."
"I don't know," Harry interrupted. Everyone at the table gave him a confused look.
"Pardon," Professor Snape asked.
"You said I know who it was that found them but I'm afraid I don't," Harry explained. Draco burst out into giggles. Professor Snape just shook his head.
"Harry," Mr. Malfoy said getting his attention. "Many people don't use the name of the man who led this group so they either say You Know Who or He Who Must Not Be Named. You see, during this time, those who used his name were hunted down and killed."
Harry nodded but he still wanted to know the name.
"What is it," he asked. Professor Snape sighed and leaned close to him.
"His name was Lord Voldemort," he whispered. "But don't go around yelling it."
"Okay. So he killed my parents?"
"Yes. He used the killing curse on both of them but when he got to you, something happened. The curse somehow rebounded off you and hit him. He hasn't been seen since but some people believe he's still out there," Professor Snape finished. Harry couldn't believe it.
"That's how you got your scare Harry," Draco explained pointing to Harrys' forehead.
Harry unconsciously rubbed it. He had been told that he got it in the car crash that killed his parents. He had always wondered why his aunt would look so disgusted when she saw it. Perhaps she knew it was made by the man who had killed her sister. His mom.
"That's also why every witch and wizard knows your name," Mr. Malfoy said light heartedly. "You're the Boy Who Lived."
Harry looked up at him. He was famous? He guessed that made sense. He had survived the killing curse and as a result You Know Who disappeared.
"But know, if the Boy Who Lived is ready, we should get going," Professor Snape announced. Draco jumped out of his chair and practically dragged Harry with him.
"Where are we going," Harry asked.
"Don't you remember? We're going to Diagon Alley. We need to get our supplies for our first year," Draco gushed excitedly as he pulled Harry by the arm ahead of Mr. Malfoy and Professor Snape.
"You mean like school shopping? But I don't have any money," Harry realized.
The two boys stopped when they realized the adults weren't following them. They turned to see Mr. Malfoy looking at Professor Snape with an amused expression. Professor Snape on the other hand had a unreadable expression but Harry swore he saw his cheeks turn red.
"You don't have his vault key do you," Mr. Malfoy asked as Professor Snape rubbed his temples.
"It's fine. I'll pay," Professor Snape seemed to decide. Harry was about to object when Professor Snape gave him a look the told him to not even dare argue.
XxxxHeeheexxxX
The trip to Diagon Alley started out slow, mainly because Severus was paranoid because Harry had never used floo powder before. He made the boy practice saying where he wanted to go before letting him go. Lucius couldn't help chuckling to himself at seeing his friend show such concern for the boy. Once they were at Diagon Alley there first stop was of course Gringotts so Severus could take out some of his money. It was adorable when Harry had asked Draco about the goblins. The poor boy still had a lot to learn about the wizarding world but he seemed to be adjusting well.
After Severus got his money they started their shopping with robes and other clothes. Lucius felt bad for young Harry and had helped Severus buy him some shoes since he seemed to need an entire new wardrobe. Severus was excited when they got to the apothecary and had showed the boys exactly what they were going to need for his class. He had even bought a few things for his private stores. Lucius couldn't stop smiling when he saw the way Severus interacted with Harry. His friend seemed more relaxed then he had in years and Harry was finally starting to smile.
"Hey could you watch Harry for a bit," Severus asked startling Lucius from his thoughts. "Of course but you're going to miss the most exciting stop. Olivanders is next," Lucius pointed at the old but still popular shop. Severus nodded that he understood.
"Yes but I want to buy something as a surprise, sort of as a welcome to the wizarding world thing," he explained before leaving.
Lucius shrugged and guided both boys into the shop. Draco was practically jumping for joy while Harry was looking around like a lost puppy. Damn Lucius wanted to hug the boy but he had the reputation of Lord Malfoy to uphold.
"What kind of store is this one," Harry asked looking up at Lucius with his big green eyes. Lucius quietly told himself to be strong.
"This is so cool Harry. We're about to get our wands," Draco beamed. Harry seemed to be getting excited as well.
It didn't take long before Olivander himself came out of the back to greet them.
"Lord Malfoy, I see you've brought you son. It seems like only yesterday you father was bringing you in to buy your first wand," he said already looking through his stock. "This will be a quick one. All you Malfoys seem to follow the same pattern."
Draco leaned towards Harry.
"The core is always dragon heartstring and the wood is the same as our mothers' wands," he recited. Harry looked as if he hadn't understood a word he said.
Olivander came back and gave Draco a ebony wand. Draco picked it up and magic swirled around him as a sign of the wand accepting him. Harry looked at him shocked. Draco turned to Lucius with a grin on his still small face.
"Father, it's my wand," he said holding it up for Lucius to see. Lucius smiled down at his son and gave him a quick hug.
"Is that, Harry Potter," Olivander asked.
"Yes, he is shopping for his things with us today," Lucius explained. Olivander nodded and got right down to business.
Harry's wand was a bit more difficult. The first wand had a bunch of boxes flying right off the shelves. The second one didn't seem to agree with him either and shattered a vase terrifying Draco who hid behind him. Finally Olivander brought out a third wand that accepted Harry the moment he held it.
"Curious, very curious," Olivander mumbled.
"Excuse me, but what's curious," Harry asked.
"I remember every wand I've ever sold Mr. Potter. It just so happens that the phoenix whose tail lies in your wand, gave another feather, just one other. It's curious that you should be destined for this one, when its brother, gave you that scare," he finished pointing at Harry's forehead.
Draco let out a gasp and even Lucius shivered a bit. It took him a second to think about what the wand expert had said. Could it be possible that the dark lord had left a mark on the boy that wasn't physical? He paid for both the boys wands, since Severus had conveniently forgotten to give him any money for Harry, and they headed out of the shop.
"I take it everything went well," Severus asked as he approached them. Harry and Draco both smiled and showed him there new wands. It was Harry who first noticed the cage Severus was carrying.
"Professor Snape what's that," he asked.
"This is a gift welcoming you to the wizarding world. Your very own owl," Severus explained presenting Harry with a snow owl. Harry looked shocked to his core.
"Thank you," he stammered.
XxxxHeeheexxxX
Severus was exhausted by the time they got back to Malfoy Manor. He looked around and could see that he wasn't alone. Lucius was sitting on a couch holding his son in his lap as if he were a giant teddy bear. Draco didn't seem to care and unconsciously curled against his father. Harry was on the other side of the couch trying desperately to keep his eyes open. This kind of heartwarming scene could only happen when Narcissa wasn't in the manor. Severus briefly wondered where she was but he didn't dare ask. He thought that asking would be like summoning her from whatever hell she was residing in at the moment.
"Okay. I think it's time we all went to bed. We'll be going to the train station tomorrow," Severus suggested. "The train will be taking you to the school," he explained Harrys' unasked question.
"Sounds like a plan," Lucius sighed standing up with his son in his arms. "Are you guys staying again tonight?"
"Might as well, you're going to insist that we take the boys to the station together," Severus predicted.
Lucius nodded with a yawn.
"Oh well we'll see you two in the morning," he said walking out of the room with Draco still in his arms.
Harry stood up and started grabbing his stuff.
"Don't worry about that Harry. I'll pack everything for you and it'll be here when he leave for Kingscross station in the morning," Severus promised. He felt himself internally cringe. He had been overly nice to the boy all day and he still couldn't figure out why. Perhaps it was because seeing him with his relatives had reminded him of his own horrible childhood? Whatever the case, he wasn't used to it. He walked Harry down to his temporary bedroom next to his and they said their goodnights. As Severus got ready for bed he couldn't shack the feeling that this was the start of a long school year.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
AN: I realize this was probably a boring chapter for you all but it had to be done. Stay tuned for the next chapter where Harry will finally meet Ron and Hermione and finally arrives at Hogwarts.