Harry looked at his godfather as they sat down to a nice dinner. It was one week after his 11th birthday and in less than a month he would be attending Hogwarts. He was really excited to be able to spend most of his time with Blaise and Malfoy, although he didn't plan on telling Sirius that, he didn't really like either of the boys. He was worried about going to school though. He never really went out as 'Harry Potter'. His godfather didn't want him dealing with the attention for having his parents killed.

Slowly a small owl flew into the kitchen and dropped a letter right in front of him . In bright ink was his name and room, with his address. Jumping up he tore the letter open and was greeted to Hogwarts school. There was his list of books and various materials he would need.

' Finally that darn thing arrived' Sirius gave his usual bark-like laugh. 'I'll send a letter to your aunt Coral, I am sure she would want to be there for this."

" Well Aunt Coral and Uncle Severus ever have a kid themselves?" Sirius gave him a stern look.

" I don't think so Harry. Snape could not be away from his children all year but he could also never leave Hogwarts." Harry knew his godfather well enough to know he was avoiding something like he always was about his uncle. His gut told him that he did not get along with him, but he tried not to let it worry him.

******/*******************

The next weekend Harry and His uncle stood inside the Leaky Cauldron after the hounding that people got from seeing him. They were now in the small room where the barkeeper kept his drinks. After about 10 minutes of waiting Tom came in and brought them out.

Harry saw his Aunt and with her was supposedly his cousin Blaise Zabini. Sirius told him that he found it out recently and although Blaise also knew this they were forbidden to mention it once they got to Hogwarts.

'Hi Harry" Blaise gave him a small smile as he waved " My mom was busy so Mrs. Snape is taking me to get my things since she was coming with you guys today."

" Cool, so what are we going to do first?" Harry watched his Godfather hit the bricks and open the door to Diagon Alley.

" We might as well work our way down. Starting with robes, move to books, get your potions supplies, get you guys some sweets to bring for the train ride, and then end with wands."

Although the boys were more excited for wands they could wait. " I should also get treats for Emmet" Blaise said quietly.

" We should get some treats for you for Hedwig too Harry." Sirius gave him a small smile and then the group went down the alley. They ran into Padma and Parvati Patil in Madam Malkin's.

Harry was not fond of the girls as they were rather annoying, but they lived on the same street as him so he saw them often. The girls were on there way out so they did not talk much.

After a large amount of prodding with needles the boys had their robes. In Flourish and Blotts they got all their books: 1,000 magical herbs and fungi, The Standard Book of Spells Grade 1, Basics of Potion-Making, Introductory Astronomy, and A History of Magic. Each boy was also allowed to pick two books to get for the year. Harry picked out Hogwarts a History and picked out Basics of Defensive Charms- Year 1. It was the book used by the Defense teacher that left last year according to his uncle he was the first decent teacher they had in 6 years.

Blaise had picked up a book on the last wizarding war and picked up a book on Drumstring. After spending almost an hour getting a year's worth of potion ingredients they entered the Honeydukes-Diagon branch and picked up a couple of Chocolate Frogs and Sugar Quills. Harry very much doubted that they would make it to the Train ride, but he would try his best to save them.

In the end it was the wands that was the longest part. Blaise had his done within ten minutes. 10 inches, Maple, a bit bendy with a core of a unicorn hair.

Harry wand took forever. In the end he got a wand that was 11 inches, holly, nice and supple with the core of a phoenix feather. Olivander gave him a small look. 'Curious'.

'What's curious?"

' What is curious is that the you should be destined for this wand. You see the brother of your wand... gave you that scar.'

He saw a small look of concern from Coral, and some confusion from Blaise. ' Boys I think we should be going' He looked to his aunt and saw a very stern look and in no time him and Blaise where being easily dragged out of the shop.

' The dark lord's brother wand eh? Sure you are worthy of it.' Harry hit Blaise 'Shut up you prat'.

His aunt began laughing but he could not help but notice that she was holding back tears.

******* September 1st ***************

' Harry are you sure you're not forgetting anything, you still have two hours?' Harry shook his head at his Godfather.

' No Padfoot I have everything.'

' Remember you need to play along with Dumbledore's games. At least for now.'

' I know.. but do I really have to sit with that Weasley boy the whole way.' Harry didn't want to groan but he could not help it. The Weasley family was the running joke of the wizarding world.

' Yes you do. They are a good family, and Dumbledore wants you to be associated with light families and not your more darker or neutral friends. Besides you can do better than uptight Draco.'

' Padfoot I don't insult your friends, please don't insult mine.' Harry gave his godfather a stern look. ' I am doing this for you okay. However, if that boy won't shut up I swear he will have his legs locked every time he tries to come within 50 feet of me.'

Padfoot began laughing ' Please don't Harry.' At that second his uncle and aunt apparated into the room.

' Are you excited Harry?' His aunt looked at him and he nodded.

' Ok Harry, I'll be with you at Hogwarts if you need me. The headmaster confides a bit more in me than most, although not a lot. If he is planning anything that you should know, and not be shocked with like he plan I will let you know.' Harry nodded once.

' Also I expect to be called Sir or Professor Snape at all times, none of this Uncle Serv stuff, especially not around other students." Harry knew not to test his uncle, he could have a bit of a mean streak but the man was a genius so Harry was glad he would be there with him the whole time.

' Avoid eye contact with Dumbledore at all times and keep your Occlumency shields up at all times. I know there not the best but they're good enough if you avoid prolonged eye contact.' This was the point his Uncle stressed the most. ' I expect you in my office once a week so we can keep practicing, you need to have this art down better then me.'

Harry laughed ' Uncle Serv you are the best wizard at Occlumency, I will never be better than you."

Coral laughed and then gave him a hug. ' You are going to do great. No matter what happens, we are all so proud of you and I am sure you parents would be too.'.

Harry smiled. He knew his parents were not the most fond of Dumbledore themselves, and he was sure they would approve of his path.

' Well Harry let's going. I'll go first.' Sirius stepped up to the fireplace took some of the powder in the cup next to it and went inside. ' Platform 9 and 3/4s'. Green flames consumed Padfoot and then Harry followed suit. The room began spinning and soon he was greeted with lots of noise. He was on his way to school, and in playing his part on bringing Dumbledore down.