Wednesday 15 March 1989 Reptile House, London Zoo
Harry's Primary Four teacher had decided that it would be a treat for her students to take a trip to the zoo for being so well behaved over the past couple of months. Harry and his friends were quietly responsible for this. They had implied to the troublemakers-in-training that their teacher was actually a witch and that if they caused any trouble then she'd cut them up and use them in her potions! Needless to say, it nipped a whole lot of potential problems in the bud…
Harry's friends, as it turned out, were either Squibs from other magical families in the area or muggleborns; that is a magical child from non-magical families. Harry had often wondered if the two groups had considered switching their children to make it easier on themselves in their respective worlds. He shared this idea with both Miss Honeybloom and Mr. Cody to which both chuckled and told him that it wasn't a new idea. Over the years, there had been many attempts to do such a thing but it never really panned out.
After visiting the lion exhibit, Harry and his class entered the cool interior of the Reptile House. They saw many different snakes, lizards and amphibians. Harry stopped suddenly as he heard a plaintive cry for help.
"I'm sssooo lonely! This water smells bad."
Harry listened carefully and followed the voice until he came across a small snake in a tropical enclosure.
Without thinking or even noticing, Harry spoke to the little snake,
"Hello, little snake. Why are you crying?"
The snake looked up at Harry in shock, "You can Speak! Oh, Speaker, I'm so lonely. My kind is not supposed to be alone while small. We are supposed to live within small groups for safety until we get large enough to fend for ourselves."
Harry read the inscription on the side of the tank and saw that it was a highly venomous banded snake from South America. He looked at the latch and figured out how to undo it. He reached in and gently lifted the snake out and let it wrap itself around his wrist.
"Are you a boy or a girl?" Harry asked.
"I am a female, Speaker." She replied, "Are you going to keep me?"
"Well, first we're going to find the Keeper of this house and get you some fresh water then we'll see if I can. Most likely not, though. My nestmates don't like other creatures in their den."
Harry went in search of the Keeper of the Reptile House and found him speaking to Harry's class about the lizards of Madagascar. The Keeper noticed Harry approaching in the corner of his eye holding up his arm. When Harry got close enough, he realized that the boy had a venomous snake wrapped around his wrist!
"Ahhh! Lad, I want you to stay calm and not make any sudden movements. Everyone else, I want you to back away slowly."
Harry's classmates and teacher were shocked and a little scared about his predicament. His teacher especially; if Harry was bitten this would look very bad for her and would get her into serious trouble.
"Harry, let the Keeper take that snake away. You don't want to get bitten now do you?" She asked nervously.
"I'm not worried about that, ma'am, she's friendly. I'm more concerned why she was locked in a small tank without her nestmates and why her water smelled so bad. She told me that at her size, she and her nestmates normally group together for safety. She's lonely and wanted some friends."
The Keeper had calmed down and was curious despite the situation; he had heard the legends of people who could speak to snakes.
"The two of you can speak to each other? You understand her?" Harry nodded, "Could you say something in the snake language?"
Harry glanced at the snake who gave him a flip of her tail in a snake's version of a shrug, "I suppose we could. I have no idea about what to say to him. I guess you should tell me what you know to be true about living as a snake and I can translate."
The Keeper and Harry's class was shocked to hear the sounds of hissing coming from Harry mouth. It was apparent to everyone that he wasn't just making simple hissy noises but actually speaking!
"Harry? Could you explain to us how you know this language?" inquired his teacher who had calmed down as well during the conversation.
"I don't know ma'am. I've always been able to speak it in the presence of reptiles. I usually tell the ones in my aunt's garden to stay clear of the area because she's liable to kill them on sight." Harry explained.
"It is a very rare gift, young man," explained the Keeper, "I've heard legends and stories about other people who have this ability. I think it's a good thing to have and cultivate. If you were ever to think about becoming a reptile keeper like myself, it would be greatly beneficial. Now, you said that she said that her water bowl smelled bad? Let's fix that now, shall we?"
Harry was unable to keep the little snake but was invited to come back as often as he could to visit with her and to translate any problems that she might encounter. The Keeper promised him that the zoo would do what it could to get some nestmates for the little snake to keep her company.
When Harry and his classmates returned to school, their teacher decided that it would be a good idea to hold a lesson on the different languages from around the world. She instructed all of them to pick a different language from another country and they would study it and try to learn how to say simple greetings and questions like, 'Excuse me. I'm lost. Can you help me find my parents?' Harry naturally chose his snake language but since there were no books on the subject, nor were there anyone else who knew how to speak it, it was decided that he should pick another language. His teacher did encourage him to practice speaking and to bring in small snakes and lizards so they all could learn from them.
The animals brought in by Harry were a big hit with the students, they learned how to view the world through the eyes of snakes, turtles, and frogs and how to care for the environment so the creatures could thrive. Subjects such as conservation, environmentalism and recycling were discussed and simple ideas were implemented.
By the time that Harry reached Primary Five and got into Mr. Cody's class, he had taught his friends and other classmates how to at least understand the snake language even though none of them could speak it. He and his magical friends, even the Squibs, had made a pact not to tell their families. They knew that Harry's snake speaking ability was not trusted in the magical world and the community would shun him. Harry didn't want that so they kept it quiet.
Tuesday 11 April 1989 Mr. Cody's Classroom, St. Grogory's Primary School
Harry had been called into Mr. Cody's classroom and found the teacher smiling proudly.
"Harry! Good news! The latest issue of 'Potioneer's Monthly' just came out and your article was published! Congratulations, young man. You're now famous for a good reason, not that junk about being The-Boy-Who-Lived." He explained that the reason why it took so long to actually be published was that the review board had to educate themselves in the concepts written about in the article.
Robert handed over the magazine to Harry. He quickly read the reviews and practically floated off the ground to see that it was widely acclaimed to be the best new work in a long time and would greatly benefit the magical world's future potioneers. He couldn't wait to show Miss Honeybloom!
Monday 15 July 1991 Dursley Residence
Time had passed and Harry's life had taken a definitive upswing with the relationship between his relatives and himself. He had found and brewed the Calming Draught as well as a number of other mood-altering potions to keep his aunt and uncle in line. As a matter of course he learned how to subtly train them through the use of his potions to gradually accept him into the family and not treat him as a slave. He now had a wardrobe of comfortable clothes, proper glasses and got to eat at the family table along with everyone else. He still cooked the meals but he didn't mind that as he did enjoy it, but now Petunia would join in to ease the burden. He had even gotten them to see the wisdom of giving Harry the spare bedroom on the second floor. There would never be love in the house but there would be acceptance.
That morning, while everyone was enjoying his or her breakfast, the morning mail arrived. Harry was sent to retrieve it and when he picked up the stack, he found an envelope with his name on it. He handed the rest of the mail to his uncle and started opening his letter. In the corner of his eye, he noticed that Aunt Petunia was glancing at him nervously.
"Is there a problem, Aunt Petunia?" he asked.
"It-It's just that envelope contains something that I really wish had never happened in this house." She replied nervously.
Upon opening the letter, Harry read, "Dear Mr. Potter, we are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry…"
After he finished reading, Harry nodded once and put down the letter to quietly finish his breakfast. Vernon and Petunia looked at each other then back at Harry.
"Umm…Harry?" began Vernon, "You understand what that letter means?"
"Yes, sir I do. I've been expecting it since my third year in primary school."
Vernon raised an eyebrow in surprise, "Care to share?"
Harry let out a quiet sigh, "Miss Honeybloom is a witch who came back to the non-magical world to teach because she couldn't find work in the magical world. She's what's known as a 'muggleborn.' That's a magical child born to a non-magical family. According to her, it's very difficult for the muggleborn to find a decently paying job there due to racial tensions and whatnot. She introduced me to the basics of magic, its history and a general history of my family name. She was friends with my mother during their time at Hogwarts."
Petunia was surprised at this revelation but didn't say anything.
"Then I found out that my Primary Five teacher is also from that community though he's what's known as a Squib, that is a non-magical person born to a magical family. That's the opposite of a muggleborn like Miss Honeybloom. Together, they've taught me what I needed to learn to re-enter the magical world and also the basics of what I'd need to enjoy my time at Hogwarts." He didn't need or want to tell his aunt and uncle about his magical friends.
"I need to write back to the school and let them know that I will be attending. Excuse, me." So he grabbed a pen and wrote on a piece of paper his acceptance. He stepped outside and spotted an owl waiting in one of the trees.
"I have the return response for Hogwarts here." He called out.
The owl dropped down out of the tree and glided over to him. He attached the note to the owl's leg and wished it a safe journey.
Upon reentering the house, Petunia asked him if he knew where he needed to go to pick up his supplies. Harry nodded.
"Yes, Aunt Petunia. The entrance is through a dingy pub called The Leaky Cauldron on Charing Cross Road in London. I can take the bus there if you're too busy."
"I think that would be best, your uncle and I still need to take Dudley to get his supplies for his new school and won't have the time."
So Harry gathered up his jacket, a hat to hide his scar, his 'Assistant' and some spare change and caught the next bus into London. He arrived at The Leaky Cauldron just past noon and entered the pub.
Once inside, he paused to let his eyes adjust to the dark, smoky interior then made his way up to the bartender.
"Excuse me, sir. I need to access the Alley but don't have my wand yet. Would you let me through?" he asked politely.
The bartender nodded and opened the portal behind the pub. Harry thanked him and made his way to the bank. Miss Honeybloom had once said that all the magical money was to be found there and had instructed him on the proper method of dealing with the bank workers. She had said that they were a warrior race of people known as Goblins. They prided themselves on being punctual and had little patience for those who weren't or were nasty in nature. Once through the doors, he walked up to an open teller and waited to be acknowledged.
"What do you want wizard?" The teller sneered.
"Well met, Teller. My name is Harry Potter and I wish to have an audience with my family's account manager if he has the time. I don't have my key with me but you may take a sample of my blood." He stated and held out his hand.
The teller was surprised at the level of respect given to him by such a young human and in the proper format. It was rare to find such things amongst the wand wavers. He took a dagger and drew a drop of Harry's blood and applied it to a special parchment, which correctly identified him as Harry Potter and gave the name of the family account manager.
"Wait over there and I'll send word to the account manager." The teller said, motioning towards a seating area.
"Thank you, Teller. May your enemies' gold continue to flow into your vaults." Harry gave a short bow and moved over to the waiting area.
A short time later, a younger Goblin arrived to escort Harry through the back halls to his account manager. His escort knocked on the door that read, 'Potter Family Account Manager, Sharpclaw." They were bid to enter and the younger Goblin motioned to Harry to precede him in.
"Young Mr. Potter. Thank you for being so timely." Spoke Sharpclaw.
Harry bowed before the Goblin and greeted him in the appropriate manner.
"Nice to see that at least one of your kind was taught manners. Have a seat and let's begin, shall we?"
Sharpclaw opened a folder and sorted out some parchment before turning to Harry, "I need to know why you've never responded to our communications before, Mr. Potter."
"Pardon me, sir but I've never received anything from the magical world prior to my Hogwarts acceptance letter." Harry responded politely. Sharpclaw raised an eyebrow at this.
"Curious. Illegal but curious. Then it would appear that someone has put a mail redirection ward either on you or your place of residence."
Harry thought for a moment then asked, "Is it possible to use another name in care of mine so I can get my mail? I've used another name to correspond with "Potioneer's Monthly." I'm the co-author and co-creator of 'The Potioneer's Assistant' and regularly send in articles describing the latest upgrades and helpful hints and techniques."
"What name have you been using then?" asked Sharpclaw, "it might help."
"Harold Talbot, sir" Sharpclaw nodded and made an entry into his documentation.
"In the meantime, I have here the latest account statement of your family's holdings and earnings. Upon your birth, your father opened a Trust Vault for your use while in school and for general entertainment. You will not be able to access the main family account until you reach your people's age of majority, which at last reckoning is seventeen. I will have a new key made and take the cost out of the vault, if that is acceptable to you?" Harry nodded to that last bit as he read the account statement.
"Account Manager Sharpclaw, I have been keeping myself aware of the developments in the non-magical world and wish to make some investments if I could?" Sharpclaw took out a new piece of parchment and a quill then looked at Harry expectantly.
"Ok, I don't need to have controlling interest, just enough to live comfortably if the need arose. I wish to purchase stock in the following muggle companies: Microsoft, Apple Computers, British Petroleum, McDonald's Restaurants, Starbucks Coffee and I wish to invest in gold and other precious metal futures. After that, I just want you to use whatever else I have in my Trust Vault and go make me money, as long as it's legal and not considered Dark or for evil purposes"
Sharpclaw nodded, "Was there anything else, Mr. Potter?"
"As of right now, no but should anything else arise I'll let you know. I do wish to enter my family's vault to see if there are any journals or letters left to me by my parents." Harry replied.
So Harry was taken down to his Trust Vault where he removed some money then traveled to the Potter Family Vault and was allowed inside. There he found a small chest that contained journals and letters written to him by his parents as well as the Last Will and Testament to be opened upon their death. Taking the chest and its contents with him, he was escorted back to his account manager to read the Will.
The opening bit was the usual legalese of 'To whom it may concern and the listing of the Family connections.' Then Sharpclaw read out the bequeathments and final notices.
"To Mr. Sirius Orion Black (Padfoot): We leave you guardianship of our Son, Harry James Potter as well as a monthly stipend of ten thousand Galleons (10,000G) for his care and education. Please raise our son to be a productive member of society and to look out for the fun things in life. We (Lily and James) have declared Sirius to be Harry's Godfather as per "the Godfather Ritual." Sirius, we love you and wish you the best."
"To Mr. Remus John Lupin (Moony): We leave you stewardship of the Potter Family Accounts and Businesses as well as input as to how Harry shall be raised. Moony, don't let Padfoot allow Harry to run wild. We trust in you to make sure they both keep their feet on the ground. In addition to the stewardship of the Potter Family Account, we leave Mr. Lupin a monthly stipend of one thousand Galleons (1,000G) for his own usage. This part is non-negotiable Moony! Get yourself some decent clothes and live, damn you!
"To Ms. Minerva McGonagall: We leave to you access of the Potter Family Library with the proviso that you use them to teach the next generation to the best of your ability. Unfortunately, you cannot remove them from their current location Minerva; some of these books are one of a kind and should be protected from little hands, if you understand. Please also keep involved with Harry's life and education. You should know better than anyone else what kinds of mischief Padfoot and Moony can get up to!
"To our Son Harry James Potter: Upon your age of majority (seventeen), you will inherit all monies and properties belonging to the Potter Family. It is our hope that you will have been raised to be smart, loving and caring with those around you and ask that you forgive us for not being strong enough to share in your growing up. We miss and love you with all of our very being.
"To Mr. Peter Andrew Pettigrew: We leave to you our notes and journals in the subject fields of Runes and Arithmancy as well as a one-time deposit of one thousand Galleons (1000G). You took a lot of ridicule from others even though we (James and Lily) could see your brilliance in these two subjects.
"To the Director of the Magical Law Enforcement (whomever it may be): If you are hearing this then please note that we were betrayed by someone we thought was our friend and confidant. When we went into hiding, it was suggested by Headmaster of Hogwarts and Chief Warlock Albus Dumbledore to use the Fidelius Charm. We had initially decided to use Mr. Sirius Black (Padfoot) as our Secret Keeper but he (Dumbledore) suggested that we switch to another friend of ours, Mr. Peter Andrew Pettigrew. Albus explained to us that using Sirius as a Secret Keeper it would be too obvious of a choice. By using Peter, who'd ever suspect him? If we are dead, then use all of your power and influence to find and arrest Pettigrew. If Pettigrew is guilty of these charges then his bequeathments shall be null and voided.
"Finally, We (Lily and James) want it known that under NO CIRCUMSTANCES shall our Son be left in the care of Lily's sister and her husband, Petunia Dursley nee Evans and Vernon Dursley. They hate any form and knowledge of the existence of magic and we (Lily and James) fear that they (Petunia and Vernon) would mistreat our Son."
Sharpclaw read off the closing statements but by this point Harry was lost within his own mind and no longer paying attention. Harry took a deep breath and requested that the Will be executed to the best of Sharpclaw's ability.
"Account Manager Sharpclaw, I also want you to find out who it was that left me with my aunt and uncle despite my parents' wishes and coordinate with the Director of the Magical Law Enforcement to punish them to the fullest extent of law. Someone ignored the Will and I want him or her to suffer as I did. If it weren't for the kindness shown to me by my Primary Three and Five teachers, Miss Belinda Honeybloom and Mr. Robert Cody, I wouldn't be the person I am today." Sharpclaw nodded and wrote it down in his growing list of tasks.
"Anything else, Mr. Potter?" Harry shook his head no.
"Then I shall endeavor to accomplish what you have set out for me. Good day."
Harry gave the appropriate response and left with his Goblin escort.
After leaving the bank, Harry stopped in at the magical trunk supplier and picked out a basic three compartment. He asked for the additional charms so it would be lightweight, the lock could only be opened by him, an anti-theft charm and an indexing charm for the library section. He then moved from store to store picking up the items on his list. When he entered Slug and Jiggers, the apothecary, it felt like he was stepping into his home away from home.
"Good afternoon, young wizard. Are you shopping for your Hogwarts gear?" asked the proprietor.
"Yes, ma'am. I'd like to look around first. This store looks like it has so much to offer someone like me."
"Oh? You interested in Potioneering?" she asked.
"Mm-hmm. I've had tutors that helped me develop a love for the art." The proprietor smiled at that.
"That's good to hear. It's always a good idea to find something you love to do early in life.
Harry picked out the basic ingredients that were on his list as well as a personal selection for some recipes that he had developed on his own and could now pick up. He also bought a copper cauldron instead of the pewter one listed. The proprietor asked him about his decision and he replied that copper was less likely to melt if he were to make a mistake. During a conversation about Basic Potioneering, the shopkeeper recommended that Harry purchase a journal of some sort to record his efforts and ideas. Harry smiled knowingly as he brought out his 'Assistant' and demonstrated its uses and features. He acknowledged that with it he'd be unlikely to make such a mistake but it didn't hurt to be careful. The shopkeeper had read about it and was curious to see it in person. Harry finally admitted to being the co-creator of the journal along with his Primary Three and Five teachers.
The two of them spoke at length regarding the latest developments mentioned in the last issue of 'Potioneer's Monthly' when another customer entered the store.
The shopkeeper looked up and greeted the new arrival, "Ah! Professor Snape, welcome. Last minute purchases before the beginning of the school year?"
The man in question wore all black and had a dour look on his face, "No. These are for personal usage.
Harry perked up at the mention of the professor's name. Severus Snape was a regular contributor to Potioneer's Monthly.
"Hello, Professor. My name is Harry Potter, I look forward to being taught in your class."
Severus turned and gave a bit of a sneer at the sight of the son of his school-days nemesis. The thought of this brat in his class nauseated him. The shopkeeper could see the tension building in the man and defused it in the best way possible.
"Professor, did you ever read the articles regarding 'The Potioneer's Assistant?'"
Severus nodded, confused at this sudden, strange question. Of course he had…
"Well it turns out, that wonderful creation in the art of Potions of the last decade was co-developed by Mr. Potter here under the pen name of Harold Talbot." Severus looked sharply at Harry who grinned.
Harry brought out the journal and demonstrated it for the professor. He gave a brief description of the operations of the "Test Potion" feature that would allow the user to create and test a potion without the need to use expensive ingredients or equipment.
Snape was initially sickened beyond words at the revelation that James Potter's son was the co-creator of the magical world's greatest invention in the past fifty years and yet for all the fame that had been awarded to 'Harold Talbot,' Harry Potter seemed to be as normal as could be. Severus quizzed Harry on some basic knowledge, eventually increasing in complexity. Harry gave the proper answers as well as insights he'd discovered on his own. Maybe he wouldn't be an annoying clone of his enemy and more like his mother. Time would tell…
The next stop was at Ollivander's Wand Shop. Upon entering, Harry's nose crinkled at the musty odor of dust, wood, various varnishes and the tangy taste of magic that hung in the air. Ollivander himself was a mixture of all those things as well; his silvery eyes unnerved Harry a bit. After trying nearly forty wands and listening to Ollivander speak about the nature of wandlore and how it was the wand that chose the wizard, Harry finally found a holly and phoenix feather wand that sent out bright gold sparks when he waved it around.
His final stop was at Eeylop's Owl Emporium; he wandered amongst all the different breeds of birds wondering if there could be a match for him here as well. Just then there he heard a rustle of feathers and a weight landing on his shoulder. His head snapped around and he laid eyes on a beautiful white Snowy Owl. The owl clicked its beak at him and began to preen his hair. The shopkeeper came around and told him that the owl was obviously destined to be his familiar. She is one smart bird, in Harry's opinion. He also bought a perch and a cage along with some treats. He decided that for the time being, she would stay on his shoulder until it was time to head back home.
Harry and his owl made one more stop before heading back to muggle London. They stopped for dinner at the Leaky Cauldron; Harry had a BLT on wheat bread with a side order of chips and a bottle of something called Butterbeer. He got a plate of chopped meat bits for his owl.
Once that was done, Harry got the owl in her cage and set off for the nearest bus stop to take them home.