AN:
A bit of a longer chapter this time.
I didn't quite get where I wanted to with this one, but I'm hoping it'll be good. We'll get to Hogwarts next chapter, I promise.
Chapter 04, Goblins, Owls, and Wands
Two weeks before Harry's birthday, Harry's Hogwarts letter came. He was ecstatic! He knew it would come, but when it would come was always a question at the back of his mind. Remus urged patients, and his aunt sniffed disdainfully.
Harry quickly dressed, and ran out the door to show Remus his letter. When he got to Remus's little flat, he pounded on the door happily.
"Did it come then cub?" asked Remus opening the door with a smile.
"It sure did!" said Harry, holding out the envelope.
Remus read down the page and smiled even more widely. "Looks like everything's in order. When would you like to go get your supplies?"
"I'd like to say now, but the meditation training I've been taking has taught me caution. How about on my birthday?" asked Harry.
"That sounds like a wonderful idea. I'll send an owl to the headmaster to make sure I'll be able to accompany you," said Remus.
The next two weeks were a trial of patients for Harry, but he kept himself busy. He kept up with his martial arts training, practised meditating, did his chores for his aunt and uncle, and continued reading through introductory wizarding books purchased for him by Remus. Soon enough though, the clock turned 12 A.M. on the thirty first, and Harry turned eleven years old.
"Happy birthday Harry," said Remus, meeting Harry outside the Dursley's house at 8. "Are you ready for Diagon Alley?"
"Yeah!" said Harry exuberantly. "I'd like to go to the book store first, and then I'd like to see Mr. Ollivander for my wand!"
"How about we go to Gringotts first. You'll need money after all," said Remus calmly.
"Oh … right … I guess I'll need money," said Harry sheepishly.
"No worries," said Remus putting a hand on the boy's shoulder. "You're aloud to be excited. I'd be worried if you weren't."
"How are we going to get to London?" asked Harry.
"Well, we could take the Knight Bus I suppose. Let me see how much money I have," said Remus digging through his Cloke pockets.
"Isn't it day time though?" asked Harry confusedly.
"Yeah, it's got a silly name I think. It runs 24 7, but it's still called the Knight Bus," said Remus. "Here we go, this should do it. Let go in to the alley over here so we're not seen by any muggles."
Once in the Alley, Remus held out his wand hand, there was a flash of light, and the Knight Bus popped in to existence with a puff of smoke and a bang.
"Welcome to the Knight Bus," said the conductor. "Where to lads?"
"Diagon Alley please," said Remus.
"At'll be 1 galleon and 5 sickles," said the conductor holding out a fat hand.
Remus handed him the money, and they boarded the Knight Bus and found chairs.
"This won't be the most comfortable ride," said Remus. "I'd hold on tight if I were you."
Harry did, and he was happy he did when the bus let out a large bang, and was zooming down a city sidewalk. The driver clearly couldn't drive, as trash cans, benches, and even whole buildings were magically pushed out of the way in order to avoid a collision.
"Ugh, I see what you mean," said Harry. "I wonder how much longer?"
It turned out to not be that much longer. The next stop landed them out front of a shabby old pub that Harry was almost certain was the Leaky Caldron.
"Here we are," said Remus.
They quickly got off the bus, thanked the driver and conductor, and entered the pub.
"We'll stop back here for lunch," said Remus. "I'd like to treat you for your birthday."
"That'd be great, thanks," said Harry enthusiastically.
There first stop in Diagon Alley was a large white building that Harry knew was Gringotts. They were bowed through the door by a goblin, and were soon in line at a counter where yet more goblins were counting gold and serving other witches and wizards.
"Next," called a goblin.
Harry and Remus quickly went up to the counter.
"Key," snapped the goblin.
"His key is held in trust," said Remus.
"Name?" snapped the goblin.
Harry thought they were rather rude.
"Harry Potter," he said quietly to the goblin. "If you please sir, their's no need to be so rude," he added.
Remus winced.
"Bold for a little wizard barely old enough for Hogwarts," sneered the goblin.
"Not really," said Harry meeting the goblin eye to eye. "I was just hoping for a little bit of courtesy seeing as we're at a bank."
Witches and wizards were staring. No one talked to the goblins like that, especially in Gringotts.
" Look," said Harry. "I don't mean to be so pushy, I was just hoping you'd be a bit kinder. That's all. I'm sorry if I've offended you or any of the other goblins."
Very well," said their teller. "I'll need a little bit of blood from you, and I'll be able to return your key to you."
"Blood sir?" asked Harry.
"It's to prove that you are indeed Harry Potter. We wouldn't want your key to end up in the wrong hands would we?" asked the slight more polite goblin.
"A very good point," said Harry.
Harry took the small needle the goblin handed to him, pricked his finger, and in a few short minutes was handed a small gold key.
"This key allows you access to your trust vault, but not your family vault. To get access to that, you'll need to be of age or legally emancipated," said the goblin.
"Okay, thanks very much," said Harry.
"Griphook, please escort these gentlemen down to Mr. Potter's trust vault.
"Before you do that, I'd just like a quick word," said a rather distinguished looking goblin who had entered the lobby of Gringotts.
This goblin was very well dressed. He wore a suit of heavy plated armer, and had a long silver sword at his belt. Harry knew that this was not someone he should be smart with if at all possible.
"Mr. Potter, I am Ragnok, leader of the goblin nation. I just wanted to applaud your chastising of Rotfang here. He was being rather rude, and I was about to chastise him my self," said the high ranking goblin.
"An honour to meet you sir," said Harry bowing. "How do I address you properly?"
"This is a polite wizard indeed," said Ragnok to the crowd of humans and goblins alike. "You Mr. Potter may address me as Leader Ragnok."
"Well then, I am honoured to meet you Leader Ragnok," said Harry bowing again.
"Griphook, you may now continue helping Mr. Potter," said Ragnok. "The rest of you may carry on."
After Leader Ragnok had left presumably on other business, Harry, Remus, and Griphook took a cart down to Harry's vault.
Harry gasped in wonder at the piles of galleons, sickles, and knuts he saw as the vault was opened.
"If you spend it wisely, you should be quite comfortable for many years to come," said Remus.
After filling a leather pouch with money, they were quickly returned to the lobby. They thanked Griphook for his help and were just about to leave when they were greeted by a humungous man.
Ello Arry," said the massive man holding out an equally massive hand.
"Hello sir," said Harry attempting to shake the massive hand. "I think I know you, or should know you. I have a memory of someone carrying me on a flying motorbike."
"Thah would be me. I'm Rubeus Hagrid, keeper of keys and grounds at Hogwarts. I knew your Mom and Dad quite well," said Hagrid.
"Well then, It's lovely to meet you again Mr. Hagrid," said Harry politely.
"Just call me Agrid," said Hagrid. "THere's no need for any Mr. with me."
"Don't often see you here Hagrid," said Remus.
"I'm on a special mission for Professor Dumbledore," he said proudly, holding a small poorly wrapped package up for them to see. "I can't tell you whah's in it though, Dumbledore says it's a secret."
"Well then, we'll let you get on with your business. If I were you, I'd get that package back to Dumbledore right away, the Alley seems busy today," said Remus.
"Alrigh, Arry, I'll see you at Ogwarts then," said Hagrid.
"See you," said Harry.
After exiting Gringotts, they made there way to Flourish and Blotts, the book shop. Harry just about died when he entered, as there were shelves upon shelves of books just waiting to be red. Harry picked out his school books first, and then grabbed several on wizarding culture, magical beings, and a book on potion making fundamentals recommended to him by Remus.
"Your potions master isn't the most helpful of wizards, and the book he has listed is great for getting right in to potion making. It doesn't help though to have a book that will help you learn why certain ingredients do what they do, or why you mix them in certain ways," said Remus Knowledgeably.
An hour or so later, Harry and Remus exited the book store, with their arms weighed down by the several bags of books he had gotten now, and the knowledge that there were still many more he'd like to have.
"Might I suggest we go and get your trunk before getting you're wand?" huffed Remus. "That way, you have somewhere to put everything instead of carrying it all around like this."
"Yeah, that's a good point," said Harry.
Remus lead him to a shop with a sign outside that read:
Tactical Trunks.
Where ever you may go, there's a trunk to go with you.
"That's a bit of an odd sign, said Harry.
"Trust me, it won't be when we go in," said Remus.
They entered the trunk shop, and were greeted by an old bald wizard, with a tool belt strapped under his Cloke.
"How may I help you folks?" he asked kindly.
"Well, I'm looking for a trunk that will serve me well at Hogwarts," said Harry, not really know how to answer that question.
"We can certainly do that my boy. I see you have a lot of books there, so might I suggest an expandable trunk?" asked the wizard.
"That would be good," said Harry. "What other kind of features can magical trunks have? I'm slightly new to the magical world."
"Well my boy, the sky's the limit. Well … almost," said the wizard. "We can have trunks with living spaces, trunks, with more than one compartment, trunks that expand to fit more stuff, trunks that can shrink and expand on command, just to name a few."
"Wow!" said Harry. "How many compartments can you have?"
"The most we've ever been able to achieve is 7, but they can be made to hold different types of items. Take this trunk over here, it has seven compartments that have book shelves, a wardrobe, and a duelling practise area jut to name a few."
Harry eye'd up the trunk and mentally counted out his money the whole while.
"I'd say if you were going to spend a lot of money on something, you could do a lot worse than a really good trunk," advised Remus. "If you get a really good quality one and take care of it, it could last you darn near a lifetime."
"A man after my own heart," said the wizard grinning at Remus.
Harry found out that the other compartments in the trunk were a miniature potions lab with storage for ingredients, a miniature flat complete with study and bathroom, a miniature gym minus equipment, and a general storage compartment with an undetectable extension charm on it for increased space. Further more, the trunk could shrink and expand by pressing a rune on the handle, and was protected with a lock that responded to a magical signature.
"How much for this one?" asked Harry.
"That one is quite the top of the line, and does come with a price to match. I'd sell it for 750 galleons," said the wizard.
Harry was shocked at the price, but quickly realized that the trunk would be worth the money.
"I don't have that much on me, it's to bad Gringotts doesn't have a way for me to pay you without having to go get that much out of my vault," said Harry.
"They do actually," said Remus. "Just like in the muggle world, there are cheques. All you need to do is touch the key to the cheque. There is an enchantment on the vault keys put there by the goblins for just this purpose."
"Oh sweet!" said Harry excitedly. "I'll take this trunk then."
"Very good Mr. … ?"
"Sorry sir, I'm Harry Potter," said Harry.
"Pleased to meet you, I'm Cuthbert Carver," said the wizard shaking hands. "You know, if you know your family crest, I could carve that on the top of the trunk if you'd like. The Potters were a very well known and influential family, so I know you'll have one."
"That would be great," said Harry. "Is there a way I could get that to you?"
"I should have it here in my shop. I always have the crests handy for all of the older families," said Mr. Carver rummaging behind the counter and pulling out a notebook. "Ah yes, here it is. This won't take but a minute."
He used his wand to etch in a beautiful crest that depicted a phoenix in flight surrounded by flames.
"Wow, that's quite the crest," said Harry.
"You don't see them all that often," said Remus. "They do make quite a statement of power though. I think it was wise to add it to the trunk's lid, and it makes it look very elegant."
"It'll also make it easy to spot if it were in a pile of trunks," said Harry.
"I'll also put an enchantment on the crest to keep it out of the sight of muggles," said Mr. Carver. "We wouldn't want something as silly as a trunk to break the statue of secrecy after all."
A few minutes later, and Mr. Carver was done. Harry paid him for his work, put all of his bags of books in the storage compartment for later sorting, and shrunk the trunk down to the side of a wallet which fit just perfectly in his pocket. On the way out, Mr. Carver gave Harry a chain he could attach to the trunk to keep it around his neck if he wanted.
On their way to Ollivander's wands, Harry suddenly stopped, and it took Remus a minute to realize Harry wasn't with him. He quickly rushed back. "Are you okay?" he asked.
"I feel … something … strange," said Harry. "It's almost like … something's … trying to connect with me. It's … in that shop," he said, pointing to Eeylops Owl Emporium.
"Well, let's go in then," said Remus. "It sounds like an owl in there might be sensing your presence for some reason."
They went in to the shop. It was full of ruffling feathers, and quiet hooting and other avian sounds. Harry lead them to a large stainless steel cage where a large and beautiful snowy owl perched. The owl's eyes focussed right on Harry, and she hopped over to him.
"Hi there," said Harry gently to her. "Was that you who was calling to me from outside?"
The owl nodded.
"Wait! Don't try and touch her, she'll bight your fingers off!" Yelled the sales clerk running over to them.
It was to late though, as Harry, not knowing what made him do it, scratched the owl's neck feathers. A very small flash of light later, and Harry could sense the owl's mind. He quickly learned that they in time would be able to exchange thoughts. He felt amazing, and he could tell that the owl felt very happy herself.
"Oh my," said the clerk. "I've heard of wizards doing this before, but I've never seen it."
"What happened?" asked Harry. "It feels really nice," he added.
"I think you formed a familiar bond with that owl," said Remus. "Like the gentlemen here, I've heard of it happening, but I've never seen it before. This is a wonderful thing Harry, and you wouldn't be able to leave the shop without your new familiar even if you wanted to."
"How much for her and what ever she'll need?" asked Harry.
Harry soon had a deluxe perch and travel cage, a book about owl care, some owl treats, and a mail harness on the counter. 300 galleons later and the owl, her supplies, Harry, and Remus left the shop.
"I need to find a name for you," said Harry to his owl. "I hope you don't mind waiting, I need to find the perfect name."
The owl squeezed his shoulder gently with her talons in acknowledgement, tucked her head under her wing, and fell asleep. She knew she was the luckiest owl ever.
Harry and Remus continued on to Ollivander's and stepped inside the shop. Harry got goosebumps as soon as he entered the dark shop. He sensed powerful magic there, and commented on it to Remus.
"Yes, I can sense it too, but I'm amazed you can. It usually takes a wizard quite a while to develop the skill to sense magical presences," said Remus.
"A powerful young wizard will need a powerful wand," said a voice from the shadows.
Harry jumped slightly, and Remus whipped out his wand.
"Now now, there's no need for that Mr. Lupin," said Ollivander. "Cypress, 10 and a quarter inches, unicorn hair. Rather pliable. The wand chooses the wizard Mr. Potter, and I've been waiting for one to choose you. The boy who lived, a familiar bond already, and the ability to sense magic with no training. These are the makings of a fine wizard, a fine wizard indeed."
"Sure?" said Harry slightly nervous of the old man coming in to the daylight that streamed in from the shop's front windows. He was very pail and had slightly creepy silver eyes.
"Which is your wand hand Mr. Potter?" asked Mr. Ollivander pulling a measuring tape out of his pocket which began to measure Harry instantly.
"Umm … my right maybe?" he said.
"Yes. Yes. That sounds about right," said the old wand maker.
Ollivander began handing him wand after wand to try. Some, Harry was able to hand back right away, and some didn't even make it to his hand before he shook his head.
"Not to worry dear boy, I haven't yet met a wizard who's wand I've not found. I use three different cores when crafting wands. Phoenix feather, dragon heartstring, and of course unicorn hair. It's matching the wood with the core, and then the wizard that brings it all together for a perfect match. I wonder … maybe? Could it be?"
Mr. Ollivander rushed to the back of his shop, and was soon back with a slightly dusty box.
"This wand has been waiting for it's match for … oh … 60 years or so. It would be fitting if … ."
He lost himself in thought as Harry took the wand from Mr. Ollivander.
Harry felt a warmth in his hand. With a quick twitch of the wand, he sent golden sparks spiralling through the room.
"Oh good show," cheered Remus. "THat's the one isn't it?"
"Yes," said Harry smiling. "This is indeed the wand."
"It's fitting that wand chose you Mr. Potter. I've only made one other like it. Like it, yet different. The wand you hold is holly, 11 inches long, and contains a phoenix feather core. It's brother is Yew wood, 13 inches long, and contains a phoenix feather core from the same phoenix. Your wand is a brother to the wand of He Who Must Not Be Named. I think we should expect great things indeed from you Mr. Potter."
Harry paid for his wand, and they left the shop after thanking the old eccentric wand maker for his services.
The rest of their shopping trip held nothing of note. They purchased robes, potion ingredients, and stationary. With a much lighter money bag, and a much fuller trunk, Harry and Remus made their way back home.
Harry couldn't wait to start school, now that he had the supplies to do it.
"One more month, and I'll be there," said Harry happily to Remus.
"Seven years at Hogwarts, and you'll be a whole different person Harry, everyone is. It'll be a great opportunity to learn, make friends, and experience many of life's great joys and challenges. Now Harry, it is time to rest. We've been out for most of the day."
Harry realized Remus was right. They quickly parted and Harry brought his trunk upstairs to his room.
Setting up his owl's new perch was the final thing he did before collapsing exhausted in to bed.