Chapter 18 Into the Wizarding World
It was only a week until Hogwarts. Prince had been delightfully smug when he'd brought a Hogwarts letter home with the groceries. It startled Harry at first. The list of supplies on heavy parchment wasn't even on his mind. Usually it's something I look forward to. At the very least I should have thought of this. I usually get my school things earlier in the summer. I need everything this year don't I? All my books and robes and everything were left behind. How will I get into Gringotts?
He fingered the letter as he wandered to the dining room reading through it once more. Poor Neville, I hope he finished his shopping before he lost this. The letter was clearly addressed to his friend.
"We'll take a trip to Paris." Prince declared over lunch.
They were sitting at the table eating sandwiches. Dudley and Benny J looked up and grinned.
"Are you sure that's safe?" Harry asked less excited.
"I've gathered the appropriate papers. We'll take a train. Benny, your father would like to have you for lunch. He's flying in for a business deal and would like you to meet him at his hotel."
"Just me?" Benny J looked a little disappointed.
"He wants to speak with me and meet your friends of course, but not until later. We will meet back up with you around three and do some shopping or sightseeing before we head back."
"When is this?"
"Tomorrow actually. I just spoke to your father while I was out. I didn't have instructions for sending you off to Smeltings."
"Right then" Benny agreed.
"Oh." Harry sounded less accepting. Kiki jumped onto his chair purring. Harry stroked the fur for a moment and reached out to feel his bond. Prince responded with a gentle reassurance.
They'd discovered with the bond that Prince could now feel when Harry "leaned" into the bond. Unlike before when such immersions in an anchor's emotions was mostly instinctual, now Harry was able to consciously choose to feel just his Anchor. Prince in turn was able to sense this connection, presumably to help him recognize high stress environments and better protect his bonded. He could even use the bond to sort of send along bits of emotion, combining his occlumency control with the bond. This let him "project" confidence and something like reassurance or comfort towards Harry. They were slowly testing the boundaries and control of this new aspect of the bond. Their research told them that eventually they'd be able to connect on a level that allowed for communication similar to telepathy. That however was a long way off and sometimes never developed between empath and anchor.
Benny J and Dudley were eagerly discussing what to do with the time they had in Paris. Harry nibbled at his lunch and tried to focus on his faith in his Anchor.
XXXxxx
After the two and a half hour train ride, they dropped Banny J off in front of a hotel and made their way to magical Paris.
Side Way was the opposite of Diagon Alley. Where Diagon had a very "old world" feel to it, Side was very "new" at least for wizarding standards. Smooth faced buildings with glass and wrought iron accents and clean cement walkways instead of cobblestones. A lantern seemed to hang in every door way and the lantern image was painted, etched, and carved on most surfaces. Harry clung close to Prince but Dudley bounced around taken in by the wonder of the wizarding world. He eyed the robes of the many shoppers, peered into windows marveling at a cauldron display here, a set of telescopes and astroglobes there, the sign for the wand shop. Prince periodically reeled him in but by the time they reached the bank Harry was ready to burry himself in Prince's robes. Gringotts looked exactly the same as the bank in Diagon Ally down to the warning verse and the goblin manning the door. Prince pulled them into one of the lines softly whispering explanations and warnings to the curious Dursley while carding his fingers through calico hair.
At the desk Harry presented his key without a word and did his best not to hide from the goblin eying him sharply. He could feel the suspicion rolling off the teller and lifted his chin slightly in challenge. He was Harry Potter damn it and nothing in the wizarding world was worth hiding from, certainly not a goblin who would be doing his job. The goblin nodded once and gestured another goblin over.
"Pullstaff, take mister Potter to his vault."
They followed quickly hopping into a familiar cart. Harry felt a rush of excitement and grinned at his cousin.
"You're going to love this. Keep your arms in the cart though."
Then the cart took off. Dudley gave a startled whoop and Harry laughed in delight. He could feel the adrenaline surge from his anchor and looked over to see the small smile on the blond. The cart pulled to a stop and Harry watched as the vault opened for the Goblin.
"Whoa, this is all yours?" Dudley asked looking in awe at the piles of coins.
"Yeah." Harry blushed feeling slightly guilty. "I found out after I got my letter that my parents left me this."
"Cool."
Harry pulled his coin pouch out and contemplated the mess of coins.
"I don't know how much I need. I left most of my supplies at the Dursley's so I need to buy new everything."
"Something like 30 to 60 galleons should do it. Maybe a bit more for games, sweets and pocket money." Prince suggested.
Harry nodded quickly counting out the coins and scooping a handful of sickles to top it off. They filed back into the cart where the bored looking goblin escorted them back in a route that included two different nearly vertical drops. He was laughing by the end of it
"Thank you Pullstaff." Harry called absently as Dudley half pulled them out of the bank, missing the look from the goblin.
"How does that even work with my vault in London?"
"Ah, one of the greater goblin mysteries. There are a number of different theories from transportation portals the cart passes through, to a complete underground network connecting every Gringotts branch, my personal favorite is the one where the contents of your vault can be magically flipped with the vault of the same number using your key. No one really knows, and the goblins don't say of course."
"Neat."
"Quite."
"Where first?" Dudley demanded looking around.
"Let's just go down the way shall we?"
Harry stuck close but was no longer clingy. Being back in the wizarding world was a confidence booster. He followed the pair to the first of the shops.
"This looks cool, what's an apothecary?"
"For potion supplies." Harry paused suddenly uncertain "I never did get my OWL results, how do I know what classes I got in to?"
"I should have thought of that one. You're sixth year you change up your courses don't you?" Prince frowned. "Well let's just plan for the courses you wish to take. We can always owl order anything you are missing. I'm sure your professors will be a tad flexible considering."
"I think you're giving my professors a lot of credit." Harry murmured. "Let's get potions supplies then. I'll need a new kit and cauldron. Not to mention…" Harry wandered into the store talking to himself.
XXXxxx
It was surprisingly easy to get all of his supplies. They'd found a trunk supply as soon as they realized they were going to be toting a cauldron and an armload of packages. Dudley was eager to see everything so didn't keep them at a store over long, and Harry never understood the point of browsing when he knew what he needed. They made it in and out of the bookstore then the stationary supply where he found parchment, quills and ink. They flew through the pet store where he replenished owl treats and bought a package of toys for Kiki, and through the astronomy shop replacing his telescope, charts and guidebooks.
"That should be it."
"Just clothes, sweets, and quidditch supplies." Prince corrected easily.
Harry blinked once and nodded. He followed the graceful blond into Gladrags Wizardwear. Prince greeted the man and spoke in rapid fire French while Harry fidgeted and Dudley watched the animated tape measure in awe.
"Sorry Ree." He looked up to the store owner. "I forget you don't speak French. I was just telling Mr. Grey that you needed Hogwarts robes for your third year. Seven full sets I think, and a set of day robes in a similar cut. Dark grey maybe but with fitted sleeves, I think. Two winter cloaks, one standard black the other mmm…dark green almost black, both lined and with the usual charms."
"Button downs and trousers as well?"
"Full sets for the school robes, ties socks and pants." Prince ignored Harry's squawk and carried on. "Do you have a style book? I need a few sets myself." The tailor pointed out the book and set to measuring Harry. "Oh and try to avoid skin contact with my brother, if you would."
Harry waited to see how Prince would explain that requirement but no further information came. The tailor didn't miss a beat and continued his puttering. Robes were selected, draped and pinned neatly. He settled himself, moving position as required and in a few minutes he was finished. Hopping off the stool he turned to find his anchor.
"What house, son?" Grey asked him.
"Hmm?"
"For the crest, what house?"
"Oh, Gryffindor." Harry watched as the man darted off selecting red and gold ties and socks and little patches that were quickly sewn to the uniforms.
Prince was standing on a stool with a seamstress making adjustments to a blue grey robe. Several black robes hung off to the side, obviously already sized.
"This is so cool. They work so fast! What's it like?"Dudley whispered watching the scene.
"You want one? Your very own custom fitted wizarding robe?" Harry half teased. The flash of joy and longing answered his question before Dudley even opened his mouth.
"You don't have to-"
"Where'd that book go?" He found the book of sketches. Hand drawn wizards paced along pages pausing to display a sleeve or hem. Harry flipped quickly ignoring the lavish designs until he found a pattern close to the standard Hogwarts robe. It was titled "Edward cut Day Robe" which sounded generic enough to suit. "How's this."
"Cool." Dudley agreed.
"Looking at another robe, boys?" asked the tailor depositing brown wrapped packages at the counter.
"For my cousin," Harry tapped the picture "Standard black?"
"Works for me." Dudley agreed beaming.
"On the stool then."
Harry drifted awkwardly between the excited Dudley and Prince who was looking very dangerous in the dark black robe he was currently fitting. Dudley was finished before he could make up his mind and another brown package joined the others. Harry had them total the receipt and paid for his purchases just as Prince stepped off his own stool.
"We'll be out of here in another minute." Prince murmured paying for his own purchases.
They took a moment to pile the packages into the trunk before heading out. Harry brushed his fingers over the phoenix tattoo on his cousin, marveling at the changes this year had brought. Dudley looked up and offered a grin in response.
"Quidditch supply?" reminded Prince.
"Let's go."
Taking Dudley to the Quidditch store was a mistake. Harry knew he needed gloves and padding but still. The first thing Dudley spotted was a poster of a beater smacking a bludger into the face of his opponent. To his cousin this became the best game ever. Dudley watched the image replay several more times before he began looking over equipment and whispering questions. Harry managed to take this all in stride until...
"Hey do they smack those things at you?"
"Of course I play seeker." Harry answered absently. The sudden stillness from both his companions brought his attention away from the selection of boots. "What?"
"Are you sure this game is safe? One of those could kill you!" shock and protectiveness radiated from his cousin so strongly Harry reached for his anchor.
Prince it seemed wasn't doing much better. He could feel the fierce protective urge and a strong dose of vengeance within the bond. Suddenly he was relieved that they'd fully bonded. It was easier to distinguish his own emotions as separate from Prince's emotions now even when he used this close connection. Shaking his head he held out his hands.
"I'm fine. My team has a very good pair of beaters who protect me." Who just left school. "Anyways, I am a very good flyer, it's not like I don't know how to dodge. Quidditch is fun."
He'd ignored their scowls and continued buying equipment. Dudley seemed to take an interest in the pieces he was choosing now.
"This one has way more padding."
"It's for a keeper, like a goalie, they get the heavy stuff. I'm a seeker I need to be able to actually move."
"These say seeker."
"They also say 'for children' I am not getting bundled in padding like a toddler."
"What about"
"No."
"You don't even know"
"I am not wearing a face mask. Seekers have to see."
"That should do it."
"What about" Dudley waved at a section that seemed dedicated to random bits and pieces he'd never seen an actual player use.
"No one who plays actually buys that stuff."
"Those wrist guards looked useful."
"We're checking out now." Harry insisted.
"I really think…"
"Back me up?" he implored Prince.
"I will ensure no one harms him." Prince used that scary-quiet voice.
Harry blinked, sighed and ignored the looks the two were exchanging as he moved to pay an amused looking clerk. "They're a bit over protective."
"You'd be surprised how many seekers get that response. Usually it comes from their mothers but…" the clerk trailed off with a grin.
Harry chuckled at the sputtering behind him.
"It comes from the slight build you see. Not all seekers are as dangerous looking as that Krum."
Feeling settled and relaxed Harry let the others pack away his purchases and drifted out of the store. The cheerful shuffle of shoppers filled the alley. The sweet shop was easy to spot, it's bright colors standing out. Harry expected Dudley to love the place and he needed to replenish his own chocolate stash. They were just reaching it when a sign caught his attention "Odds Ends and Trinkets Gift Shoppe". He chewed his lip and looked over at Prince who'd already followed his thoughts it seemed and was looking at the shop. A quiet look exchanged told him they would be stopping in next. It wasn't a surprise that Dudley loved the shop. Prince exchanged a handful of pounds for sickles letting Dudley buy his own treats. Harry was surprised by the restraint Dudley showed picking out only a small selection of sweets.
"I've been working on moderation." Dudley obviously caught the look.
"I noticed you lost weight." Harry blushed at being obvious.
"Not lost" Dudley laughed "just moved it around." He flexed his muscles.
Harry shook his head. Dudley had lost weight. Most of his build was heavy muscle, padded slightly but none of the flab weight that had led to the diet of last summer. Looking at Dudley now he was hardly recognizable. Which was a great thing considering their pictures were in the news. He could see the wrestler in his cousin. Dudley looked like something out of a magazine. Faded blue jeans and a t-shirt with the sleeves hacked off topped in a quality wool jacket, Dudley was just the right blend of rebel and sophisticate. He was all broad shoulders, and tall frame. The curly blond hair that had always made Dudley look a little foolish was now cropped down to a clean cut. He probably passed for nineteen while Harry was posing as thirteen. Harry was startled by the brief flare of jealousy. I never thought I'd envy Dudley's looks. Mentally shaking himself he added an extra handful of chocolate frogs for Ron and a couple sugar free pixie pops for Hermione.
"Fond of chocolate then?" silent as always Prince was hovering over his shoulder and peering into the hold all. "Dark chocolate balls, truffles, chocolate bars, chocolate frogs, oh look some Bernie Botts too."
Harry blushed and ducked his head. "Chocolate cures all."
"So it does."
XXXxxx
Prince resisted the urge to cuddle his wizardling. Harry was going through some adjustments. Obviously torn between worrying about their discovery and enjoying the familiar surroundings of wizards, the younger boy seemed to flip between outgoing and shy. He wanted to pull the younger boy into a hug and whisper reassurances and tell his wizardling how proud he was. That of course would be a touch too intimate for their cover as brothers. It would draw attention. Still, watching Harry duck and blush and buy enough chocolate to feed a small army he was tempted. I don't cuddle. Prince reminded himself. He let his fingers card through the calico hair as they wandered out of the store.
"So is it time to meet Benny?" Dudley asked.
"We have time for one more shop." Prince nodded to the gift Shoppe they'd seen earlier.
Dudley shrugged and wandered in looking curious. Ornaments hovered mid air and clocks ticked away. It was a cozy shop smelling of cinnamon and sandalwood. As promised the shop was filled to the brim with trinkets and odds and ends. Some of it was tourist junk with wizarding flair, but other pieces were antiques or specially enchanted items. Prince watched as the two cousins wandered through the shop. Dudley seemed to prefer anything animated to move on its own while Harry was drawn to the most ordinary looking items, reading tags to see how they were charmed or enchanted. It suited their personalities and he wondered what it said about him that he'd watch the people rather than look at the baubles. Having already scoped out the entrance points, he moved to the center of the store. It was conveniently laid out like a hub wheel with all isles leading towards the center counter. Standing in the center, therefore gave him quick access to all points of the store. He eyed the shop owner carefully before settling in an apparently lazy lounge at the counter. He peered at the case for a moment, jewelry, before his attention was back on the boys. It would be a mistake, this close to leaving the shopping center, to drop his guard. He alternated his attention between the exits, the cousins, and the shop owner, occasionally looking at the displays nearest. Harry was wandering his direction and he offered a smile.
"You're not interested?" concern in Harry's voice made him smile wider.
"I'm good. This is a nice shop." Well laid out. "I'm just taking it all in." He gestured to the jewelry case beside him.
Harry nodded then his eyes drifted sideways to the case. Green eyes widened and Harry brought his hand to his lips.
"Is that?"
Disconcerted by the reaction Prince turned to follow his gaze. His own expression disappeared all together, poker face hiding his shock and surprise. In the case by his elbow was a thin silver bracelet with a tiny blue gem. It was displayed prominently in the case on a blue velvet pillow.
"Spirit stone."
"How? I thought…" Harry trailed off, his hand trailing up to touch his left arm where the band and an identical stone were.
"Spirit stone is indeed very rare." The store owner was an unwelcome intrusion. "It can only be found after a magical exchange on a deeply spiritual level, and is seen as a gift from magic itself. Spirit stone is often associated with the most rare and precious of magical gifts. Empaths and fae are said to be gifted a spirit stone on their maturity. Some say true soul mates can be gifted a stone on their wedding day."
Harry blinked raising an eyebrow.
"How did you get this?" the younger asked curiously.
"My grandfather bought this piece over three hundred years ago. I am told it belonged to Cassandra Nott nee Florence an empath of great power."
Harry gave a small headshake. Cassandra was named in the journal he'd been given. She wore a braded twine circlet and had been seven. While it was possible she could have put the stone on a bracelet, this understated and simple piece didn't sound like the spirited young girl who was described in the journal. He smiled softly.
"How much?" Prince interrupted his musing.
"300 galleons." The shop owner replied immediately.
"150" Prince shot back immediately to the obvious shock of the owner.
"This is a one of a kind piece!" but his voice was more surprised by the offer than outraged by the cut. "I couldn't take less than 275."
"You've had this for three hundred years already, it would just sit here gathering dust." Prince pointed out. "175."
"It can sit here for another 300 before the right buyer comes along, I'm sure my grandsons would love to see such a piece. 260."
"200. You won't find a better buyer."
"There is always a better buyer son. 250."
"Maybe someone who will pay more, but that doesn't make a better buyer. 210."
"Think you're mighty fine do you? 245 and that's robbery!"
"Prince!" Harry hissed. The exchange was going so fast, he couldn't believe they were talking that much money. Despite the earlier estimate he'd spent less than 30 galleons on all of his supplies including a new trunk and wardrobe. The amounts they were talking was outrageous. He didn't need a silly bracelet, spirit stone or no. Prince stroked his cheek and a flare of reassurance flickered across their bond.
"It's not myself I think highly of." Prince murmured "215."
The shop owner paused eyes flickering between the two.
"Sweetheart or no-" he started then stopped at the shock and protest from the smaller boy. On impulse he started over. "Hmm. I could do 220, for the right customer. Do you have something to back up your words young man, or will you go 250?"
"You said 245." Prince reminded. "But for the right customer you can do 215."
They faced off for a minute. Prince could feel the uncertainty rising off Harry and sent a gentle question across their bond. He wouldn't do this without consent. He could feel a faint brush of trust and knew it was from the bond. The shop owner nodded.
"Let's hear it then." The shop owner challenged. "Why do you deserve a bit of spirit stone?"
Instead of replying prince unbuttoned the sleeve of his grey dress shirt, rolling it slowly until it revealed the platinum cuff with it's clear ruins. The shop owner gaped and looked rapidly back and forth between them. Harry wondered if he was getting dizzy. After a moment, Prince covered the cuff again and carefully buttoned his sleeve, brushing out imaginary wrinkles.
"I'd appreciate keeping this quiet for another week or two. My bonded will be entering public school and I'm sure the papers will make an announcement of our bond and his status, but until then…"
"Yes, yes. Of course…" the shop owner seemed to be in shock. "210 you said?"
They hadn't. "Sure, 210." Prince pulled something from his pocket. "Will you take a bank note?"
The owner nodded, still staring. Harry pushed closer to Prince unconsciously and the man finally looked away. Prince wrote out the slip with the amount and his vault number signing carefully as Briar S Malfoy. He passed the slip over and watched the man react. Harry made a small noise of distress and he regretted the little joke. He slipped an arm over the boy's shoulders and pulled him close letting the empath ground himself against the compound shock. Obviously this man had heard of him.
"The missing heir to the Malfoy Family and an Empath, in my shop!" the exclamation was more breathless whisper than shout.
"I'm sure your grandchildren will appreciate the story." Prince teased gently.
The man laughed, regaining his composure. "Any chance I can get a picture?"
"No." Prince calmly but firmly rejected.
"We will tell anyone who asks that this stone was from your shop." Harry offered quietly, feeling the disappointment.
"Thank you." The man beamed.
"Just wait until an official announcement before you go telling stories." Prince reminded him.
Dudley came over to see the fuss carrying two 'Side Way, Paris' shirts with an image of a lantern. "Done here?"
"Yes." He answered, gathering the small jewelry box.
"Let's go then. We need to meet Benny."
.
.
A/n: more on this day coming next chapter. Please review.