Welcome readers to the second chapter of 'Like a Lightning Bolt'. Last time we saw the changes rendered by Harry and Poppy having a discussion, the talk he had with McGonagall after including Minerva giving Harry a copy of the Marauder's notes and sending him to other teachers for Lily's, the consequent impact this had on Harry's first run in with Sirius, including the thought process this inspired, and a more realistic approach to Shunpike talking with someone about Sirius Black when they admitted they didn't know what he did. Oh yeah, and Harry conned Fudge into signing his Hogsmeade note, unlike in canon.
Now, I don't intend on doing a recap after every chapter, just these first few. Oh yeah, before I forget, considering it is appearing for the first time, the worth of a Galleon is going to be about $25, keep in mind I am Australian, so, my costs will be based around what I think that will be. I also intend on explaining how Muggleborn students are able to obtain their money, and will do so in this chapter.
I am going to address a couple of points that people have brought up in reviews, not answering each one individually, just answering questions that more than one reviewer asked or seem like they will be asked multiple times.
1. McGonagall gave Harry the notes not because they were just the Animagus transformation, but because they were the collective notes of the Marauders. Harry is after all the only child any of the Marauders have had, she therefore considers the book his.
2. Will the talk about Snape affect how Harry acts around him? Yes. Will this be positive. I don't know.
3. Hermione is one of the characters who will be OOC, so will Ron. Hermione's is described below, Ron's will be next chapter.
4. It has been a long time since I have read the Chamber of Secrets, and I don't own it anymore after my copy was wrecked by my mum's puppies, so I wasn't able to fact check this. I was pretty sure that the Weasley family all left with Ginny right after Harry brought her back, hence Ron doesn't find out about Harry's course change. If this isn't the case, I apologize, and I will go back and edit the first chapter to show that when I post the third. Hermione's reason is addressed in this chapter.
5. The gap between the McGonagall part and Harry leaving the Dursley's was because my plot was literally Harry just reading his mother's Charms notes and the Marauder's notes. I felt that writing that out would have been seen as expanding my word count with pointless information, hence, it was left out.
6. The big one from the last chapter that was also pointed out to me by people who I know. Poppy doesn't have a large interaction with the students unless they are her patients, therefore she wouldn't have known about the rift between Snape and Lily till 6th year, after all the OWLs take place rather close to the end of year, so she wouldn't have had a large chance to notice a difference between them.
This chapter shows Hermione's OOC change, which is shown as the reduction in her over the top tendencies. I don't have much to say here without giving away anything that I want to show in the next few chapters so, without further ado, the disclaimer, and then the chapter.
"Speech"
'Thoughts'
"Spells"
Book Names
Disclaimer: Was there a secret that one character had that his name gave away? *Cough*Remus Lupin*Cough* If so, then I do not own Harry Potter.
Chapter Two
It had been a few days since Harry had arrived at Diagon Alley, he'd used the time to review the books for his first two years, taking advantage of being in the Cauldron. On the first day when Tom found Harry reading his Transfiguration book at breakfast, Tom let him in on the secret that most Muggleborn and Muggle Raised students were unaware of, that in a place full of adult wizards, the Ministry can't track your magic. As a result, Harry had practiced every spell he had learnt again in order to make sure he had them down properly. He had moved onto the third year books the night before, going over all of them in a little bit of detail in order to see what his workload would be like. Much to Harry's surprise, he found he was quite good at Runes, although he hadn't practiced them just yet, he had managed to breeze through the book in one night.
Harry had also visited the book store with one goal in mind, get a book on the Goblins of Gringotts' culture(1), and find out more about the people who handled his money. Harry did not want to risk upsetting them. After reading the book on the first day Harry had gone and gotten an audit of his accounts, surprising him in that there was more than the one he knew of(2). Finding out that the Trust Vault is just supposed to provide him with money until his 17th birthday, when he would become an adult and be able to claim his family's lordship and title(3). Harry of course asked them to supply him with a book of what he was supposed to do as a lord(4), intending on reading it in his spare time, to prepare him for what he would have to do when he became an adult.
Finding out that the Trust Vault is refilled from the Potter Family Vault every single July 31st, Harry decided to do the intelligent thing, asking them if there was some kind of money bag he could get that would allow him to carry a vast amount of money. For the fee of 25 Galleons, something that Harry realized was in fact quite a small amount from his entire family fortune, the Goblins were more than willing to provide him with a money bag(5), that could be blood tied to him and whoever he deemed permission to access it, which would allow him to hold as much money as he wishes, remaining weightless regardless, due to the runes weaved into the bag. That information peaked Harry's interest in the art even more, and after paying and emptying his Trust Vault, for a grand total of 5,000 Galleons(6) (Including Knuts and Sickles), Harry intended on buying more books than just the ones that were part of his standard kit that the Minister had acquired for him.
Harry was currently sitting in front of Fortescue's, reading some more of the Marauder's notes. The first few pages, ten in total, were simple conversations on paper between the Marauders, allowing Harry to identify who wrote what pages. From this information, he realised he was reading a part written in the handwriting of Sirius Black. He was writing about an argument he and Harry's father had with Wormtail, Wormtail getting yelled at by the two of them for using his Animagus form to sneak into the girls showers(7). Apparently his Animagus form was very useful for sneaking into places. They also kept making references to a map, a map they had tied into the wards which would supposedly allow them to view not only any place within the school, but also where everyone within the school. A point of interest that Harry had read by Moony was that this would only track students, past and present of the school, as well as faculty, due to the wards having their magical signatures identified(8).
When Harry reached the end of the page the subject had changed, it was now talking about a prank Sirius pulled on a Slytherin seventh year girl who the Marauder's had caught bullying a Muggleborn first year Puff. Harry was reading the details that Sirius went into, sneaking after her as Padfoot, he turned the page just as Sirius started writing what he had done when she was walking by the Three Broomsticks, and slammed the book closed at the hand drawn diagram of the seventh year's lower body, which Sirius had seen when he tore off her underwear and skirt as Padfoot. Blushing, Harry realized that yeah, his dad and his friends were sometimes more bully then prankster. Unfortunately for Harry, having slammed the book closed whilst blushing so bright it looked like he was glowing, was the time that Harry's female friend Hermione popped up, smiling brightly at having found him at the Alley.
"Harry!" The bushy haired girl shouted as she saw him, "Wait, why are you blushing?"
"H-Hermione?! What are you doing here? And, well, um, someone put a crude drawing in the book." Harry got quite flustered at the end, not looking Hermione in the eye.
"Who would do that?" Shaking her head in disgust at the notion of someone defiling a book like that, "Anyway, my parents and I just got back from France, and rather than having me pack my bags again in a week, they agreed to let me stay at the Cauldron till we catch the Express." Hermione beamed a smile at him at the end of that, "What about you?"
"I'm staying at the Cauldron too, have been for a few days now, just been rereading my course books, started on this year's last night. Even got all my homework done!" Harry was excited, waiting for the reaction on his best friend's face.
"Oh Harry that's excellent! If you want I can go over your work later to proofread it. Oh yeah, my parents finally agreed to letting me get a pet, want to come with me?" Hermione's happy smile broke into an excited grin as she began bouncing on her toes. Harry smiled as he remembered how she would always look at him and Hedwig with an envious look.
Agreeing, Harry packed up his book, on purposefully making sure Hermione didn't see, intentionally annoying her by not letting her see what he was reading until she snapped and asked. Making their way to the pet store, Harry decided to let her know about a letter he got from Ron the night before.
"Ron sent me a letter, he and his family are in Egypt, and they won a lottery and so went to visit his brother Bill. They were meant to get back early today, but the Egyptian Ministry apparently had a mix-up on when the return portkey, whatever that is, was supposed to be, so, they are getting back the day before we go to Hogwarts."
"Well at least we know he is having fun." Hermione smiled at him as he opened the door for the pet store.
As they walked in Harry went up to the front desk to pick up some owl treats for Hedwig, while he was doing so, Hermione began looking at all the pets on display. When Harry grabbed the bag of bacon flavoured, Hedwig's favourite, owl treats, he stood in line, in front of him appeared to be a first year, who was apparently talking to the witch behind the counter about buying what appeared to be a garden rat.
"Now, you do realize kid that a garden rat only lives about 3 years, if your heart is set on a rat as a pet, than you may want to choose one of the more magical varieties of rat available in the cages over by that wall." Said the witch, waving her hand in the direction of a group of cages that included rats of many different colours and sizes.
"That's ok ma'am, my mother said if I could look after something like a rat for a few years, then she would let me get a cat, because she would know that I can handle it.(9)" Replied the boy, handing over the money that was clearly discussed before Harry's arrival.
"Excuse me, you said an ordinary garden rat will only live for about 3 years? Have you ever heard of one living for around ten?" Asked Harry, remembering Ron talking about how long Percy had Scabbers before Ron got him.
"I think by that point the rat would probably be nothing but bones," Said the woman after the little boy had walked off, "Now, what can I do for y-"
The woman's sentence was interrupted by an orange blur bouncing off her head and straight into the arms of Hermione, who had just walked up to the counted to ask Harry if he had any suggestions for a pet. When Harry turned around and looked at Hermione, he saw a look on his face that just screamed that she had found her familiar, and, judging by the way the orange cat was curling into her, the cat had found its mistress.
With Hermione off in her own little world with what Harry knew would be her new familiar, Harry made a decision, and, turning back to the witch at the counter, who Harry realized was gaping at the cat in Hermione's arms as if it was a miracle, Harry got her attention.
"How much for these owl treats," Harry whispered, making sure Hermione couldn't hear him, "and the cat, as well as everything you would need to take care of it."
"The owl treats? 8 Sickles. The things needed to take care of the cat, including about 3 months of treats? 5 Galleons. The cat itself?" Here the woman paused, once again looking past Harry at the cat within Hermione's arms, and returning to the quiet whispered conversation with Harry, "She can have the cat for free, if it likes her, I am not dealing with him if she leaves without it."
Nodding his head and handing over the money without even blinking, Harry accepted the weightless bag carrying the cat care products and slipped the owl treats into his own bag. With Hermione still off in her own world with the cat, Harry slowly led her out of the store, reaching the exit before Hermione even registered what was going on.
"Crookshanks," she muttered, Harry barely catching it, "I will name you Crookshanks."
"And it's a lovely name for him Hermione, here's the stuff you'll need to look after him." Harry handed her the bag, holding in laughs at her quizzical look.
"But I haven't even bought him yet." She said, quite obviously not realizing they were no longer in the pet shop.
"Hermione, I paid for everything, don't worry, and Crookshanks was free. By her reaction, he and the lady at the counter don't get along." Harry was laughing at his friend zoning out on him and only just coming to the realization that they were no longer in the store.
"Harry! You didn't have to do that!" Hermione's attempts at giving Harry a glare were met only with Harry having to stifle more laughs.
"Look I apparently have MORE than enough money to pay 5 Galleons for a friend's new pet. Also, hey, look at it this way, you'll be able to spend the money from the Muggleborn Allowance on books, like you usually do." Harry gives Hermione a small smile, nodding his head towards the book store which he had been walking to the entire time.
The Muggleborn Allowance(10) was introduced by Albus Dumbledore shortly after the end of the blood war. By doing so, Dumbledore placated some more of the vocal pureblood supporters by providing a way for Muggleborns who were incapable of affording everything they needed in order to attend Hogwarts. By providing all Muggleborn students with a small amount of Galleons each year, it easily gave them more than enough to afford a full school kit second hand. In the case of Muggleborns like Hermione, they're parents were more than willing and able to pay for everything she needed, so she was able to use the allowance to buy more books on the various factors that interested Hermione in the Wizarding World. On average this allowance provides 12 Galleons for first years, most of which they are regulated in how they spend by the escorting teacher, who have them buy all of the things they require for their first year, as well as some crucial extras, such as daywear robes and informative books. For years 2nd through 5th they are given 6 Galleons, with years 6th and 7th being given 10 Galleons, allowing them to afford the more expensive equipment used for NEWT studies, as well as providing the more frugal students with a small amount of money they could save for when they left the school.
Naturally, upon being informed that she would have more money for books, Hermione's smile was so wide Harry was a little worried it might hurt. Grabbing his hand and taking him to the Cauldron, Hermione showed Harry which room she was in, consequently only 3 doors down from Harry's. Dropping off Crookshanks and all of his care products, Hermione reached into one of the bags leant against the wall, pulling a small bag out, Harry recognised it as one of the Gringotts bags, clearly meant to hold more money then what Hermione just casually carried around. Emptying its contents onto the bed, Harry saw Hermione begin counting out exactly how much she had to spend.
"Before you decide that you are going to spend all your money on books Mione, you may want to remember that we are going to be able to go to Hogsmeade this year." Harry's smile showed that he was only teasing with what he said.
"Oh, right, umm, I'll save about 5 Galleons for Hogsmeade," Nodding to herself, Hermione slid 5 Galleons, plus a few Knuts and Sickles back into the bag, Hermione stopped as she turned towards Harry, "What did you just call me?"
"Oh, uhhh, I umm, I called you Mione. If, if you don't like it I won't call you that again!" Harry started waving his hands, looking just a little bit frightened that he may have upset her.
"No, it's ok, I, I've never had a good nickname before, most of the time it was just people teasing me." Hermione appeared sad at the end, clearly reminiscing about her childhood with primary school bullies. Before Harry could try and comfort her, remembering his own experiences with Dudley, Crookshanks had slinked over from where he had been exploring and curled up into her lap.
Smiling at how the cat was already cheering up his mistress, Harry decided to distract Hermione. Considering Hermione's little obsession with books, Harry decided the best way to cheer Hermione up was with the book store. Well, the book store and ice-cream, but he would be lying if he didn't say the ice-cream was because he wanted some. So getting to his feet, and offering his hand to the girl in front of him, he pulled her up, and they went to go and see the bookstore at his prodding, with Crookshanks leaping onto the bed to sleep as they got up to go.
"Harry?" Hermione's tone let Harry know that he was about to be interrogated just a little.
"Yes Mione?"
"That book you were reading when I showed up, what was it?"
"It was a book of handwritten notes, it's a collection of all of the notes taken that were shared between my father and his friends. It's got details on things like pranks they pulled, adventures they had, arguments they were in," Leaning closer to Hermione, whispering right by her ear, "Even how three of them became Animagi by the start of their 6th year to keep the fourth, who was a werewolf, company during his transformations."
"A-Animagi? Like Professor McGonagall?" Hermione's yelling whisper and face was quite entertaining for Harry to see.
"Exactly. So, shall we try some, 'beastly' pranks?" A sly smile made its way onto his face.
"Huh?"
"That's what they called it, they called it their beastly prank. Considering the descriptions they have of some of their pranks that they performed after they became Animagi, it fits. Not only that but, well, if we work together, it won't take as much time."
"I'm in. I know you're going to do it whether or not I help, so, I better help so you don't hurt yourself." The smile that had made its way onto her face showed Harry that Hermione was only teasing him.
Smiling at Hermione as they walked through the entrance of Flourish and Blotts, Harry immediately headed over to the Runes section. Harry decided to grab the rest of the books in the set as the introductory book required for the third year course, in total it was an additional three books, the 4th year book, the 5th year book and the book required for both years of NEWT level Runes. He also grabbed a book titled Introductory Wards, figuring that if he got through the 4th and 5th year books in his spare time, he should be able to understand the art of warding.
Walking through the aisles Harry saw a stack of at least 10 books next to Hermione who was currently in the Arithmancy aisle. Harry moved into the aisle for Care of Magical Creatures, figuring that at the least having a book or two to read on the subject might give him something to talk with Hagrid about during his spare time when he wasn't studying. After that he swung by the Transfiguration, Charms and Defence aisles. After a few minutes of hesitation, he also grabbed a couple of supplementary Potions books, figuring that with Snape not having anything to do with OWL and NEWT level testing, he should make sure he knows what he isn't learning in Snape's classes.
Walking up to the counter he placed the books that he picked out down. In total he had 4 Runes books, 2 books on Magical Creatures, 3 each for Transfiguration, Charms, and Potions, and finally 4 books on various aspects of Defence, 2 on spells, 1 on various duelling tactics, and the final being about using Transfiguration and Charms in duelling. In total the 19 books he bought came to 13 Galleons, 6 Sickles and 3 Knuts. With his books placed into a weightless Harry stood by waiting for Hermione, or at least, that was his plan, before he heard an annoyed growl coming from the last aisle she had gone down.
"Uhhh Mione?" Harry asked, sticking his head into the aisle, "What's wrong?"
"Too many." She mumbled back.
"What was that?"
"Too many books, I can't buy them all, and the ones I can buy I won't be able to fit into my trunk, and I can't get a new trunk to fit all my books and things because if I do I can't buy the books and and-"
"Breathe Mione, Breathe."
"So-Sorry, I, just, just having a little panic attack." Hermione was waving her hands in front of her face, clearly fanning herself.
Harry stopped, trying to figure out what he could do to help his friend. Watching her as she continued to mutter to herself over which books she should get and how she was going to fit them in her trunk, Harry got an idea.
"Mione," Harry lightly called to get her attention, "Mione," Still being ignored, Harry realized he needed to be a bit more forceful, "Hermione!"
"Huh?!" Hermione jumped when she heard him yell her name, "What is it Harry?"
"I have an idea, a way to fix your current problem."
"I'm listening."
"Which of these books can you afford?" Hermione pointed to the pile on her right, "Well then, I am buying you that pile," Harry pointed to the pile on her left, "And a new trunk, consider it an early birthday present."
"No Harry, you don't have to do that, I'll just get only a couple of new books." Hermione started, reaching to take only 4 books from the pile on her right.
"Mione, you're my friend, I have the money, considering I have the money, I would rather spend it on my friends then on nothing."
"I'll, I'll agree on one condition" Hermione said holding up a single finger, "Uhh, actually, on second thought, two conditions," Holding up a second finger, seeing Harry nod, she continued, "One, when you buy me a new trunk, you get one too," Nodding once again to show his agreement, he waved Hermione to continue, "And two," Hermione tapered off mumbling.
"I, I did not catch that last part." Harry said, slightly worried about what it might be if Hermione was nervous about saying it.
"And two, we buy you new clothes. Seriously, those clothes are massive which means they clearly aren't meant for you."
"Deal." Harry grinned as he picked up the pile on her left, letting her pick the one up on her right. Taking the books, 27 in total, before Hermione could even reach for her purse, Harry had already paid for the full set, taking the bag and walking towards the door.
"Harry!"
"Birthday present!" Harry replied in a sing song voice. Harry poked his tongue out at her as he began walking towards Tulitzer's Trunks(11), a shop that Tom, upon seeing the state of Harry's trunk, told Harry sold custom trunks.
Walking into the store with Hermione behind him, Harry began to look around, not wanting to bother the owner if he was working just yet. Harry and Hermione were both looking at the multi-compartment trunks, thinking they could get ones with space for clothes, etcetera items, and books.
"Ah, I thought I heard the door," Harry and Hermione turned to see the owner, a man who kind of reminded Harry of Ollivander, was standing by the counter, just beside the now open workshop door, "Welcome to my store, I am Marius Tulitzer. So, what can I help you two with?"
"Well, we both need new trunks, we were looking for multi-compartment trunks actually," Harry began walking up to the counter, leaving Hermione to keep looking at the options, "Um, just a question sir, but, are you related to Mr Ollivander?"
"Garrick? Why yes, he's my cousin, on the mother's side. Now, you do understand those aren't cheap right son?" The man got quiet at the end, quite clearly realizing that Harry may not want Hermione to know the cost, "If you're buying one for you and your lady friend that could get quite expensive."
"That's all right sir, I'm more than willing to pay. How many is the maximum number of compartments?"
"The most compartments I can install is 7, however those ones have 2 set options, one being a small potions storage compartment for ingredients and phials, with the other being a general storage compartment. The others can be of any of the options, a further general storage or potions storage compartments, as well as a book shelf compartment, capable of holding approximately 250 books, and a small clothing wardrobe compartment."
"What options are there for appearances?"
"I can make the trunks out of a variety of woods," Marius slid a small sample panel of woods over for Harry to look at, "As well as a variety of leathers for decorative purposes, the higher quality leathers also allow for stronger enchantments to be weaved into the trunk." Marius showed a sample of leathers, indicating the stronger ones as he mentioned them.
"What enchantments are you able to place on the trunks?" As Harry asked, Hermione began walking over.
"Well, fireproofing and waterproofing charms are placed as standard. I can make the trunks weightless, for an additional 7 Sickles. I can place verbal password locks, of which you can change at will, for 5 Sickles. Magical Signature locks for 1 Galleon and 8 Sickles or Blood locks for 1 Galleon, both will allow for you to add anyone you wish to the access list. The various security enchantments can be weaved into the lock, with the more expensive locks allowing for more, drastic, enchantments. Deterrence Charms for 2-16 Sickles and they require at least the password locks. Various, ahh, penalty, charms can be placed on the Magical Signature or Blood locks, they extend from about 1-7 Galleons."
"Ok, I would like to purchase a 7 compartment trunk, containing a wardrobe, 2 general storage compartments, and 2 book shelf compartments as the additional 5 compartments. I would like for it to have this wood," Pointing at a black coloured wood listed as costing an additional 2 Galleons, "With, this dragonskin in place of the standard leather," Harry pointed to a silver looking dragonskin on the leather options, "I would like for it to be weightless, with a Magical Signature lock and Deterrence Charms as security measures, the strongest ones for the available dragonskin." Just as Harry finished talking, the man flickered his eyes towards Harry's forehead, as his hair rubbing shifted his fringe aside.
"Would you also like for me to have your family emblem placed upon the trunk? Only 9 Sickles," Offered Marius, showing Harry that he wasn't going to make a deal about who he was, "I can also put the usual design engraved upon trunks by the Potters, the past three generations of your family all had that engraved upon it, so, naturally I still have the stencil, that would be free of charge."
"Yes, to both of those please, can the engraving by coloured in silver? To match the dragonskin."
"Of course my boy. Now, what of you my dear?" Marius turned from Harry, handing him the order sheet and getting his ok being able to afford it, showing another below it ready for Hermione's order.
"Ummm." Hermione bit her lip, not sure what she should order.
"You can get a 7 compartment trunk as well Mione, it's your gift."
"Ok, a 7 compartment, with one wardrobe compartment, 1 extra general storage compartment and 3 book shelf compartments. I would like it in this wood, with this dragonskin," Hermione pointed at a reddish brown wood and a black dragonskin respectively, "Also the same additional charms as Harry."
"That's fine, do you have a house emblem? And would you like any of these engraving designs, only 2 sickles." The man referenced several art designs behind him when he asked.
"Ah no, no family emblem, I'm a Muggleborn. I would however like the floral pattern with the roses and thorny vines on it," Hermione said, indicating the pattern she mentioned, "Can I get that coloured in black please?"
"Of course my dear," Handing Harry the sheet to make sure he can pay for the two trunks together, the man continued, "If you are able to pay for those my boy, I can have them made within two hours, all you will need to do is come and get them and pay for them in that time."
"Yes, I can pay for these, thank you sir, we will see you then." Bowing slightly to the man, Harry and Hermione walked out, going to have something to eat and drink at the Cauldron, Harry explaining his change of electives to Hermione, the two having been engrossed in books during the train trip with Harry reading the Marauder's notes from their pranking. The two went to get ice cream, each reading one of their books during the time they waited for their trunks to be finished. Returning to the shop two and a half hours later, Harry looked around to see if he could see the owner.
"Mr Tulitzer, are you there?" Harry called.
"Ah yes, there the two of you are, I'll just bring them out right now." Bringing the two trunks out into the front of the store, Marius set each of the locks to allow Harry and Hermione access, showing them how they add and remove permissions to access the trunks. While Hermione was admiring the detail on her trunk, Marius had Harry move to the side so he could have Harry pay.
"Alright Mr Potter, for the two trunks, with all of the additional features, the total value comes to 1376 Galleons, 13 Sickles, and 21 Knuts." Marius said quietly, ensuring Hermione didn't hear the price.
"Ok sir, and thank you for the fine work." Harry complimented the man as he handed over the money for the trunks.
"No need Mr Potter, just remember where to come if you ever need a new trunk." Said Marius, smiling at Harry the entire time.
"The trunks are paid for Mione, we can go."
"Thank you Mr Tulitzer!" Shouted back Hermione as they walked out.
"You're welcome my dear."
"So, what do you want to do?" Harry asked Hermione.
"Go get you new clothes, go check our homework, dinner, and then I guess it would be late enough for bed by then"
"Sounds like a plan."
And there we have it, that took far longer than intended, when I was planning this chapter as I sat down to write it, my intention was for this to only be a small portion of the chapter. The bit with the rat? Figured it needed to be there, my replacement for Ron not getting Scabbers checked.
Now, the numbers:
(1) I figure a character raised in the Muggle world would naturally be curious about the race who have their own culture and are in charge of his money.
(2) I imagine James and/or Lily would make sure that Harry would have money just in case they didn't make it, Harry would have money to live on. Naturally, I imagine this would not be all of the family's accounts.
(3) I am assuming the Potters would be an important family, after all, I am going with the Charlus Potter and Dorea Potter nee Black being Harry's grandparents. With the Black family being an important family, I would assume the Potter's would be equal to or more so.
(4) If I were the Goblin's I would make sure the Lord-to-be who isn't a stick up his ass bastard to them knows what he has to do when he becomes a Lord. Make them look good, they have a Lord more willing to help them and stick up for them.
(5) Lazy ass purebloods carrying heavy bags of money? No. Going through the effort to make them weightless themselves? Not when they can pay for someone else to do it.
(6) With Harry's grandfather being able to marry a Black, I would imagine he had quite a large family fortune, with James not having much access to it due to the war, and then 10 years of interest from when Tom attacked, I would imagine the family will easily have a lot of money in the coffers.
(7) Horny pathetic teenager able to turn into a rat in an old castle that is a boarding school? No way in hell he didn't do that.
(8) Identified by the Sorting Hat of course.
(9) A common method for parents, from what my friends have said, for the parents to make sure the child is able to look after the pet. Would make more sense to get something cheap and with a decent but not too large lifespan for this, especially with the child taking the pet to a boarding school.
(10) A way I came up with for a regular family who has more the one child with magic being able to afford to send both their kids to Hogwarts. Yes, the Creevey brothers were who I was thinking of when I thought of this in conjunction with my prices. Also orphans like Riddle.
(11) My first OC, because at the time of writing I did not have internet and so just made up a trunk store, rather than being able to see if there actually was one.
Ok, so, next chapter SHOULD be when the gang head back to Hogwarts, should be. Hopefully I don't string out a small section into a massive section again.
Until next time,
Lucison.