Disclaimer: Everything in here belongs to J.K. Rowling and Thomas Harris. Let them fight over what's what.

A/N: So how do I continue a story after such a break? I received a review from Lady Avotil, who pointed out how much Harry would fit into another house than Gryffindor, and I realized that I hadn't been able to write anymore of the story, because it would simply be too boring if he was a Gryffindor. It would be the books all over again.

Let's see what happens.

Enjoy!

Chapter Seven

Diagon Alley

Weird, fluttering noises, hooting owls and loud, chatting voices could be heard, as Harry stepped into the bustling alley. Witches and wizards in all shapes and sizes crowded the street, and Harry took in the array of the different colours of their robes and garments. Harry's senses were over flooding as he drew in a breath and was overwhelmed by the amount of new and mysterious scents.

Beside him, Hannibal nose twitched as he tried to identify a smell that reminded him strongly of a public toilet.

His parents were standing on either side of him, trying to pretend that they'd seen it all before and weren't at all surprised when three cats sped past them and knocked over an elderly lady behind them. Despite their attempts to act normal, Harry saw right through them. Hannibal looked like someone had walked into him in the street and done nothing to apologize, while Clarice might as well have been surrounded by a SWAT team as her left eye ticked and her hand kept reaching to her hip. If Harry had been more familiar with the background of his parents' lives, he would have realized that Clarice was simply wishing for the comfort of her gun, which was currently gathering dust in the drawer of her nightstand.

Even though the wizards didn't notice these things; they definitely looked twice at Hannibal's expensive suit and Clarice's tight jeans, and it was with curious eyes following them that they made their way forward. Harry had the letter in his hand and was mentally going over the things he needed. They passed cauldron shops, a place filled with owls and several places with long, colorful clothes that seemed to be the dominating trend amongst the customers.

Meanwhile, Harry was keeping an eye out for anything that could resemble a bank. He could feel Hannibal's hand on his shoulder and he knew that the older man was waiting for him to ask one of the many strangers, who were passing by. But Harry felt determined to find it on his own, and he heard a sigh of relief from Clarice as a tall, white building came into view. It was Gringotts Wizarding Bank.

Somehow, without staring, Harry made it past the small creature that could only be a goblin and entered through a pair of silver doors. He heard Clarice read the engraved words on it out loud, and he glanced back to see the arched eyebrow on Hannibal's face as she said the last words; Thief, you have been warned, beware of finding more than treasure there.

"Look where you are going, Harry." Hannibal said as he made eye contact. The smaller boy did as he was told and walked into the marble hall, trying to hide his curiosity. Goblins crowded the long desk that stretched through the room and he watched as they measured gems and weighed lumps of gold as big as Hannibal's fist. None of them looked up as they passed them and it wasn't till they stopped in front of one of them and Hannibal cleared his throat that it reacted to their presence.

It was a thin, small creature with pointed ears and long fingers that stared at them with annoyance as if they'd interrupted his midday nap. When the creature didn't speak, Hannibal started.

"Good afternoon. I'm Dr. Fell and I'm here on behalf of Mr. Harry Potter. We wish to exchange pounds into Galleons." He spoke the name of the magical currency as if he'd done this a thousand times before. What caught Harry's attention, though, was the glint of recognition that the goblin showed in his eyes at the mention of Harry's name. The creature smirked as he looked at the small boy and Harry felt himself shrink several sizes. Finally, it returned its attention to Hannibal.

"You need to fill out this form." The goblin's long fingers went under the counter and he withdrew a thin piece of paper. Or was it parchment? Hannibal was just about to retrieve a ball pen from his inner pocket when the goblin pointed to the ink bottle and the quill. Hannibal's lips tugged into a smile as he picked it up. If the creature was surprised when Hannibal filled out the form without smudging the ink or splattering it all over the parchment, it didn't show it. The goblin simply accepted the form back and with a snap of its fingers; it disappeared.

"Payment, please."

Hannibal handed over the pile of pounds that they'd withdrawn from the bank earlier that morning and as soon as the goblin had counted them and stacked them away neatly, they received a leather pouch filled to the brim with gold coins.

"52 galleons." The creature sneered. "Have a nice day…"

"You too sir." Clarice spoke for all of them as they turned around and made their way out. Before they reached the silver doors, Harry noticed a huge man standing by the long desk, talking quietly with one of the goblins. The man was taller and broader than anyone Harry had ever seen in his life and his long, dark hair and beard seemed tangled and dirty. He felt Hannibal's hand on his shoulder as he was steered outside.

"It's rude to stare." The older man's metallic voice sounded through the loud noises from the street as they came outside. Harry nodded quietly and frowned. He shouldn't forget his manners like that. He thought of thanking them for the money but he knew that they'd just shake their heads and tell him that it was fine. They'd exchanged too many pounds and he doubted that they'd even use half of the Galleons.

They did a good job at it though as they went from shop to shop. The witches and wizards behind the counter were all very nice, explaining to them what the list said and pointing out the items they'd need. They found a proper cauldron, crystal phials, a telescope and a set brass scales. When they entered a shop called Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, Hannibal asked for the finest materials and his school uniform was done with perfect measurements.

Finally, it was time to enter the bookstore.

"I need The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk, A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot, Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling, A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch, One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore, Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander and The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble" Harry's voice carried through the store as he recited the list from memory. His eyes were closed as he frowned in concentration and he didn't notice the other family in the shop before the boy spoke.

"Hogwarst too?"

Harry blinked and opened his eyes, seeing a pale, blonde haired boy in front of him. He smiled politely at him and spoke clearly "Yes."

"I was just about to go next door to buy my robes, but I guess I can stay" The boy looked over his shoulder at his parents. He then extended his hand. "I'm Malfoy, Draco Malfoy."

If Harry had been slightly more childish, he would have laughed at the James Bond reference, but instead he extended his own hand as he saw the expectant faces of the adults. The Malfoys seemed to appreciate politeness as well as they glanced proudly at their son and his display of good manners. Harry gripped the other boy's hand.

"I'm Harry, Harry Potter."

The whole atmosphere in the room changed as Harry spoke. The pale boy's grip loosened as he looked back at his parents. The father was smiling as if someone had given him an early Christmas present and as Draco saw this, he smiled as well.

"Nice to meet you." He said with a smirk. "It's my first year as well. We might have classes together."

"We might." Harry smirked as he looked the family over. He wished that he knew why Draco's father was smiling so much.

"I expect that too." The father spoke with a soft voice. "I hope to see you in Slytherin."

Harry cleared his throat "And Slytherin is?"

"Has no one told you…?" The blonde haired man arched an eyebrow and glanced at Hannibal and Clarice. "You must be Mr. Potter's Muggle relatives…"

"Told me wha…"

Harry's question was cut off by Hannibal as he spoke, saving Harry from sounding rude. "I believe you are mistaken Mr. Malfoy. I'm afraid my wife and I simply look after him from time to time. His relatives don't have the means."

It was a certain gift that Hannibal possessed. With a few carefully selected words and the right attitude, he suddenly seemed extremely important and well educated. After all that was exactly what he was. The blonde man's expression changed from condescending to slightly appreciative, as he looked at Clarice who was so much younger than Hannibal and took in the sight of his suit that even a wizard could see wasn't made of rags.

"I see." He drawled. "I expect that you've bought only the best. May I suggest that you enter Ollivanders for his wand? The quality there is exquisite."

Harry realized that the blonde man's kindness only came from his appreciation of wealth and that it was Hannibal's mentioning his support of Harry that got his attention. Draco had suddenly brightened up as he too realized that his father had somewhat accepted the Fell's.

"Father wanted to buy me a broom, but we aren't allowed." He said enthusiastically. "I'm going to try out for the Slytherin House team anyway. Will you be joining us?"

"What's…" But Harry didn't have to ask.

"Draco!" The mother spoke for the first time. "Don't be rude. Mr. Potter doesn't know what Slytherin is; much less Quiddicth."

Draco seemed confused at this but Harry felt the exact same way and the two boys remained quiet as the blonde boy's mother sighed.

"You must excuse our son. He has never interacted much with Muggles." She didn't smile or seem apologetic at all, but her voice sounded sincere. "May I make a suggestion Mr. and Mrs…?"

"Fell." Clarice spoke for the first time. "Mr. and Mrs. Fell."

"Please do." Said Hannibal as he placed a hand on Harry's shoulder.

"You ought to buy him the book; Hogwarts a History and ask the witch behind the counter for something to read about Quidditch, or else he won't be able to follow his friends' conversations. Slytherin boys have always talked much about Quidditch."

"You should get Quidditch Through the Ages." Draco quipped in. "Father gave it to me for Christmas. It's really good."

"I will." Harry said politely. Draco, who seemed more adept at smirking than smiling, nodded brightly.

"I'll see you on the train." His voice was certain and firm, making Harry speak in agreement.

"Certainly."

The Malfoys already had their books and bid their goodbyes to the Fells, making their way to the witch behind the counter. Hannibal browsed the books on the nearest shelf and waited till they'd left the shop. Clarice was watching her husband with still eyes and Hannibal didn't turn around till the silence became excruciatingly uncomfortable.

"Why did you mention your money?" Clarice spoke angrily.

"My money…?" Hannibal raised an eyebrow. "Our money dear. We're married, remember."

"Yes, you seemed to point that out rather clearly."

"I had to speak their language, Clarice." Hannibal kept his eyes still. "I cannot see the fault in introducing you as my wife."

"I could have done that." Clarice sneered. "You made it sound like… like I didn't have a mind of my own, like I'm there for show, like…!"

"I apologize if you feel that I've insulted your intelligence." Hannibal blinked. "But I simply introduced you and you cannot blame me for the reaction of strangers. You are my wife and people will and have always judged us."

Silence ensued as Clarice tried to calm herself. Hannibal turned around and went from shelf to shelf to pick up the books on Harry's list. The man's wiry frame was relaxed and Harry watched Clarice become more and more frustrated by the minute. Hannibal picked up the books that Mrs. Malfoy had mentioned and placed them on top of the pile he was holding. Finally, he turned around to his wife.

"Do speak Clarice. I can see fume coming out your ears. Isn't that the saying?"

"You know very well that it's a saying." She spoke as she deflated and the anger seemed to leave her.

"You're not angry with me." Hannibal spoke with certainty. "I've done you no wrong."

Clarice nodded, her blue eyes becoming sad and distant. Harry walked forward and took the books out of Hannibal's arms.

"I'll pay." The smaller boy said, receiving the pouch from his adopted father and leaving the two adults alone. As he stood by the counter, he watched as Clarice stepped forward into Hannibal's arms and he saw his dark eyes glint with anger. Hannibal's facial expression sent chills down Harry's spine and he paid the witch gladly, relieved to exit the shop.

Hannibal held his wife close, feeling his anger rise as he thought of the Malfoys. They'd been polite, but only because they wanted something from them. Professor Dumbledore had said that Harry was famous, important even, and Hannibal knew that the blonde man would want his boy to befriend Harry. The Malfoy boy had seemed fine. He was partially oblivious to what had been going on and his interest in Harry had been genuine.

He felt Clarice soften against his frame.

"I hate that kind of people." She spoke quietly against his shoulder.

"I know dear. You've never been fond of people who think they're better than you."

"No…"

"But Harry might need them." Hannibal leaned away from her and looked into her eyes. "Harry will need friends and they seem to be able to cause a lot of trouble for him."

Clarice nodded in resignation and Hannibal placed a small kiss on her brow. "This is hardly the worst reaction we could receive, hmm… little Starling."

She smiled against his shoulder and he knew that she was hesitating in speaking; afraid that someone might hear them. "I'm aware of our position Doctor Lecter."

Harry stood outside for a moment, counting the parcels in his arms. The alley was just as busy as earlier and he saw a group of boys crowded around a window nearby, but he didn't go there to investigate. He knew that the adults would be out any minute, but his curiosity nearly got the better of him when he heard the boys muttering and whispering loudly. As he was about to step forward, Hannibal and Clarice finally joined him. They seemed in a better mood.

"What else do we need?" Clarice asked, pretending that nothing had happened.

"A wand." Harry said, his stomach filling up with excitement. "I need a wand."

It was the thing on the list that Harry had looked forward to the most and they found the shop that Mr. Malfoy had mentioned without trouble. It looked old and unkempt, making Harry's mind fill with doubt. What if the man had been lying? What if he'd been playing with them, because they didn't know anything? Peeling gold letters over the door read: Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC. A small bell rang as they stepped inside the dusty shop. Small boxes were stacked from floor to ceiling; row after row, and even the counter was hidden beneath them. There was an old chair in the corner; otherwise, the shop seemed empty.

"Good afternoon." A soft voice spoke. Both Harry and Clarice jumped in surprise.

"Hello." Harry drew a deep breath as he composed himself and he took in the sight of the old, thin man. "I'm here to buy a wand."

"Yes." The old man spoke. "Most people are. Yes, yes. I thought I'd be seeing you soon. Harry Potter. You have your mother's eyes. It seems only yesterday she was in here herself, buying her first wand. Ten and a quarter inches long, swishy, made of willow. Nice wand for charm work. Your father, on the other hand, favored a mahogany wand; eleven inches pliable, a little more power and excellent for transfiguration."

The man had stepped closer, making Harry's skin crawl as his silvery eyes became bigger. "How do you know my name?"

"A silly question, boy." He smiled eerily. "You have the scar. It was said that it appeared when you vanquished He Who Must Not Be Named. I'm sorry to say I sold the wand that did it. Thirteen and a half inches, yew, powerful wand, very powerful, and in the wrong hands … Well, if I'd known what that wand was going out into the world to do …"

The man shook his head and glanced at Hannibal and Clarice who were watching their exchange with curiosity. "And you two must be…?"

"Mr. and Mrs. Fell." Clarice's voice was clear.

"Your new guardians, I assume." Ollivanders said. "But blood will through…"

With those words, he suddenly pulled out a silver tape measurer from his pocket and started measuring him. The man kept mumbling to himself and suddenly, Harry realized that the tape measurer was floating in thin air and that Clarice had moved closer to watch as it measured the bridge of his nose.

"Ah yes." Ollivanders said as he hurried into the back of his shop. Only a few moments went past before he was back, holding several of the thin boxes in his arms. "You can stop that."

The tape measurer rolled up and disappeared in a cloud of smoke. He opened one of the boxes and held out a thin, piece of wood.

"Give it a flick, boy!" He did as he was told, but nothing happened. Ollivanders made him try several wands as he muttered and muttered to himself. He seemed to become more and more excited as the pile of used wands grew and grew. Finally, he stopped talking. "What if…"

He left them standing in the dusty room and Harry looked around at Hannibal who was standing in the corner. His maroon eyes shone through the darkness and Harry found himself pouting as he realized that the older man was amused at his ordeal.

Ollivanders came back with a single box. It looked like any other of the boxes and the wand inside seemed very ordinary. "I wonder , now, yes, why not. Unusual combination; holly and phoenix feather, eleven inches, nice and supple."

As Harry grabbed it, he felt a sudden warmth in his fingers. He raised the wand above his head, brought it swishing down through the dusty air and a stream of silver and bronze sparks shot from the end like a firework , throwing dancing spots of light on to the walls.

"Oh, bravo! Yes, indeed, oh, very good. Well, well, well … how curious … how very curious …" Ollivanders' silver eyes were looking transfixed at Harry.

"Curious?" Harry asked with a frown.

"Yes Mr. Potter. I remember every wand I've ever sold; every single wand. It so happens that the phoenix whose tail feather is in your wand, gave another feather; just one other. It is very curious indeed that you should be destined for this wand when its brother gave you that scar."

In the end, they paid seven galleons for it and Harry was vastly relieved when they left the shop. The daylight was blinding after the darkness and it took some time to shake off Mr. Ollivanders presence. He'd kept talking about Harry and He Who Must Not Be Named. It seemed that Harry was supposed to do some great things in his time, but all he wanted to do now, was go home.

There was silence in the car as they exited London in the rush hour traffic. Several parcels, wrapped in brown paper, were stacked up on the seat beside Harry. He rolled his wand between his fingers as he contemplated all the new impressions. Sparks would shoot out from the end from time to time. They'd be green or blue, and once they even seemed red. He watched the back of Hannibal's neck as the older man drove.

He might have made a friend today in that Draco Malfoy boy, but he wasn't sure…

Time would show.

A/N:

Here it is.

It's a bit short, but that's the best way to start up writing again.

Hagrid made a cameo and Hedwig never appeared. What did you think of the Malfoys? Was the meeting too vague?

I'm setting up a world where Draco makes a better first impression and Harry isn't introduced to the Slytherins as bad.

I hope the characters weren't too out of character. It's a long time since I've written them and they might have changed in my head.

I hope you enjoyed it!

Firebolt