Chapter 4
Walking out of the pet store, Harry felt eyes on him. "C'mon, Dudley."
They made their way quickly down the alley and into the Leaky Cauldron. A look around showed Remus standing beside a door. Harry tapped his cousin's arm and hurried through it.
Sirius was inside and immediately pulled Harry into a hug. "Gods, pup. Moony told me everything." He kissed his godson's head.
Harry smiled relishing in this simple contact. "I'm ok, Padfoot."
"He said you tried to owl me." Sirius frowned. "I didn't get any owls last night."
"Maybe you have a mail blocking spell too, Mr. Padfoot, sir." Dudley suggested carefully as he looked at the sandwiches on the table.
Sirius glared at Harry's cousin. "That's Lord Black to you, kid." Catching sight of Harry's reproachful expression as he stepped back, he sighed. "Sirius at the very least. Harry's my godson. He and a precious few others are allowed to call me Padfoot."
Harry relaxed with a nod. This he could understand. "Good. Cuz we're going to need your help."
A slow smirk crept across the older man's face as he contemplated this. "With what, pup?"
"The only person who could've applied those spells and potions was Dumbledore." Harry said, shaking his head. "I can't even guess his reasons but it had to be him. Hagrid was the only other person to be alone with me before I was dropped off on the Dursleys doorstep and he wouldn't do anything to hurt me deliberately."
"He also doesn't have the skill." Remus commented raising his hands in surrender when Harry glared at him. "I have nothing against Hagrid. He's a great man but he was expelled before he could be taught the bulk of the curriculum. He wouldn't have the knowledge or skills to use these particular potions and spells."
Reluctantly, Harry had to admit that Remus was correct. "Anyway, there's two weeks before my birthday. I need to get some things done."
"Like what, Harry?" Remus asked, taking out a small notepad.
"Some shopping to start with. My trunk is falling apart, so there's that." Harry paused to let Remus write that down. "I'll need a new wardrobe - because I can't be a lord and dress like a homeless person. Dudley needs one too because he's barely brought any of his own clothes, much less brought anything that would fit into our world."
"And I can't be palling around with a lord without looking the part." Dudley commented.
"After shopping, I need to get us somewhere safe to figure things out and Dudley is coming with me so we need to find a place he can stay while I'm at Hogwarts." Harry looked at his uncles.
Remus had written everything down. "The Wiltshire estate is probably the best option for now. From there, we can easily visit your friends before the thirty-first and in August we can check out the others."
"We can go to Loch Ness on my birthday, stay for a couple of weeks and then use the London townhouse to get to the train on September first." Harry grinned. "Let's eat so we can start shopping after a quick stop at our room, Dudley."
Dudley had already bitten into a thick turkey sandwich so he only nodded in response.
Remus had a grim expression as he watched the boys eat. "Oh, we've taken care of the bill with Tom, Harry. He said to make sure you clear out after you meet with Dumbledore. I thought we were trying to avoid him though."
"I had to say something so I told him that Dumbledore is meeting me." Harry shrugged. "I figured that would calm him down the fastest. I also kind of figured that Dumbledore doesn't miss much. He'll likely know by now that I'm not at the Dursleys but he won't know what's up until we meet."
Sirius nodded thoughtfully. "We don't really have a plan yet. Do we?"
"No." Harry grimaced and shook his head. "No plan. Just a vague distrust of him. We need allies and bases of operations. If and when he shows up we have to pretend we still trust him - believe in him. He has to believe that - even though my situation has changed - I don't think he's to blame for it."
Sirius nodded decisively. "At least until we have a steady plan and safe haven. Alright, finish your lunch. Since I can't go shopping with you, I'll go back to headquarters and get a feel for whether Dumbledore knows what's going on."
"And I'll help you shop." Remus said, sitting down across from Dudley.
Harry didn't like the idea of separating but he recognized the value of feeling out the opposition. "Alright, but I think we should meet back here in three hours."
Remus nodded. "Don't let him send you on a mission, Sirius. We have Harry to think about and our safety keeps him safe."
Sirius walked over to him and touched his shoulder lightly. "I know. I'll be back." He winked at his lover and aparated out.
The sandwiches were evenly distributed but Harry wasn't very hungry so he put his extra portion on Dudley's plate when he was full.
"I'm going to the room for something." Harry said. "I'll be right back."
Remus nodded and kept his seat. He knew Harry would be faster on his own than with him tagging along.
Harry took a step out the door to the private room and sighed. He'd considered telling Remus about the snake in his rucksack but decided against it. He didn't know why but it seemed like a bad idea. He hurried over to the stairs and then up to the next floor. He knocked to let the snake hide if she wanted to, and then he used the key and went inside.
Closing the door behind him, he called out softly to her. "Hello? I have a meal for you."
The rucksack was still on the chair where he'd left it and when she heard his voice her head poked out. "You've returned! I feared that I had been forgotten, young ssspeaker."
Harry frowned. "I'm sorry it took so long but much has happened in that time. I have a lot to tell you...if you want to hear it."
"Perhaps when I have fully healed, young ssspeaker. You said you had sssomething for me to eat?"
Harry chuckled and pulled the stunned rat from his pocket. "Alright. I don't fancy watching though so I'll leave it here on the floor and go. My cousin and I will return in a few more hours. We might be in a hurry so you'll probably want to be in the rucksack when we get here. I'll knock quickly three times before coming in." He demonstrated.
"I understand, young ssspeaker. Thank you for my meal."
"You're welcome."Harry said with a smile as he ducked out the door and down the hallway to find Remus and Dudley about to walk up the stairs. He stopped them with a hand gesture and said, "Ready when you are."
Remus took charge. "There's a luggage shop close by. Let's go there first."
Harry nodded and followed as his uncle turned toward the door. "I think I'll need either several trunks or one with lots of compartments. And Dudley should have his own trunk."
Remus nodded. "That's sensible. Here it is - Tertell's Traveling Trunks."
They went in and Harry let Remus talk to the man at the counter. "Hello. My friends are looking for trunks. Can you help us?"
The man was attractive and seemed to be around Remus' age. His hair was an even mixture of dark grey and black with a spray of white above his right eye where his cowlick sat.
"Of course, sir." He followed Remus back to where Harry and Dudley waited. "Hello, gents. My name is Garnett Tertell, Mr. Potter. Do you have anything in mind or shall I get a custom order form?"
"I really need ten compartments, Mr. Tertell. Do you have anything like that?" Harry thought for a moment, mildly impressed that the owner himself was helping them. "I think four wardrobe compartments will do, with space for clothing, shoes, and accessories for each season. Three compartments should fit all my school supplies including potion ingredients and equipment as well as books for all subjects. I'd also like a specialized compartment for my quidditch gear. My pet supplies should have a space as well and then the last one could be a catchall."
"The largest number of compartments in a pre-made trunk is eight. You'll need a custom order for ten." Garnett told Harry. "Perhaps it would be useful if you had a clothing trunk with five compartments including the one for your quidditch gear and then a school trunk with five compartments. Would that work?"
Harry nodded. "Yes. Especially since I can shrink them to go in a pocket. Now, Dudley's trunk will only need five compartments. The ones for his wardrobe and a catchall."
"Could I have six?" Dudley asked, seeming embarrassed when the others looked his way. "It's just... I think I'd quite like a pet once we've settled in somewhere and the supplies and all..."
Harry smiled at him. "Sure, Dud. Start thinking about what animal you want."
"Would you like any color in particular for your trunks?" Garnett asked. "Hogwarts house colors are a popular trend."
"Just black on the outside for both of mine and I'd like the inside of the clothing trunk to be silver and the supply trunk to be gold." Harry instructed Garnett. "Dudley, would you like anything in particular?"
"What's the colors for our relatives?" Dudley asked, not looking at the shopkeeper.
"Blue, bronze, yellow, and black." Harry told him softly.
"Black with bronze fittings outside and yellow and blue for the inside." Dudley told him.
Harry nodded solemnly and agreed. "Bronze fittings for mine as well, please."
The older man went into the back room and came out with three black trunks with bronze fittings. He opened one and drew his wand. "Here's a six compartment trunk. I'll charm the interior to the chosen colors now." A wave of his wand had the white interior changing colors to a pleasant blue with a yellow stripe on a diagonal.
"Sorry, could you switch it around?" Dudley wanted to know. "I think I'd like it to be more yellow than blue please."
Garnett only nodded and made the changes before closing the trunk and moving on to the next.
Harry watched as the lining of his trunk became a bright shiny gold. He winced and asked for the gold to be more of a champagne and the silver to be more of a grey.
When Garnett was finished both young men were more than satisfied with their trunks. "Mr. Potter, with the purchase of three trunks I am able to offer you a free rucksack!"
Harry followed the shopkeeper's gesture toward a rack full of the items. He chose a black leather one and slung it on his back. "Wonderful. Thank you. What charms can be applied?"
"All of Tertell's Traveling Trunks are charmed to be weather resistant as well as tamper proof. Your magical signature is all it takes to unlock them." Garnett went on.
"What if the customer was a squib?" Harry asked, glancing at his cousin.
"No problem at all, sir. There's a spelled panel we can apply with a corresponding ring that would serve as a key." Garnett explained.
"That would be perfect. Please make that modification to the six compartment trunk." Harry said casually.
Garnett nodded silently and went to work on the trunk. He cast several charms in rapid succession. "Standard weatherproofing charms and privacy charms - including one that will hide any magical content from muggle eyes. Now I'll fetch the panel that must be installed to respond to a key." He summoned it with his wand and it flew in, attaching itself to the frame. One small piece broke off and floated into Garnett's hand. With magic, he transformed it into a simple bronze ring and handed it to Dudley. "Once you put it on, I'll make it so only you can remove it."
Dudley slipped it onto his right middle finger and Garnett waved his wand again before moving on to Harry's trunks.
Harry nodded idly as he watched the same spells be applied to his items.
"Now, I'll apply the preservation charms to the area meant for your potion ingredients." Garnett commented as he activated the correct compartment.
Harry was fascinated by the wand movements as the man worked his magic.
"And now the air freshening charm for the quidditch compartment..." Garnett winked at Harry. "I hear you take your quidditch seriously, Mr. Potter. Seeker since your first year? Only missed one snitch due to foul play?"
Harry smirked with a nod. "Yeah. Flying is a real passion of mine."
"I flew for Ravenclaw in my fourth year." Garnett sounded wistful. "I didn't keep up with it after that because of classwork and OWLs."
"I really enjoy it." Harry said. "I plan to try my hardest not to let my grades slip but I don't think I'll have to quit quidditch to make it happen."
"Well, you're going to need a bit of wizard space to fit your broom in here." Garnett bit his lip and tapped the compartment on all four sides. "That ought to do it."
"Can you weatherproof the rucksack too, please, sir?" Harry asked, holding it out to the other man.
"Already done. I cast it on my whole stock of rucksacks just this morning." Garnett explained. "The rucksack will be weatherproof for about two years whereas the trunks only hold the weatherproofing spell for half that and the first refresh of it is free. Smaller items keep the charms longer. That's why I cast the charm just before each trunk is bought."
Harry followed Garnett over to the counter and watched the man pull out three forms. He wrote down several notes on each one before handing them to Harry.
"Dudley has his own money." Harry said as he handed the correct form to his cousin. "How much do I owe you for the other two?"
Garnett wrote down a number on a scrap of parchment and handed it to Harry.
Harry pulled out his seal and asked where to place it. Then Dudley did the same to Garnett's barely hidden shock.
"Will you be taking them with you or shall I arrange for shipping?" Garnett asked as he allowed them to place their seals.
"We'll take them. Thank you." Harry smiled and turned back to shrink the trunks. He then picked them up and put them in his new rucksack.
As they left the store Dudley asked where they could go to get wizarding clothes. Harry led the way to Madam Malkin's Robes For All Occasions. Luckily she had plenty of time to take his and Dudley's measurements without an appointment, though it would take a day to make most of the clothes.
"I can make one set of clothes for each of you now but the rest won't be ready before tomorrow afternoon." Madam Malkin offered. "Is there an address I can send them to?"
"I'll pick them up." Remus told her without hesitation.
Harry agreed and soon he and his cousin were outfitted in fine fabric. Harry's black trousers and green shirt fit snugly on his now healthy body. Dudley looked smart in his tan trousers and blue shirt. Both of them also bought new coats before they left.
"We should get some muggy clothes too, Harry. Don't you think?" Dudley asked, tucking his hands into the pockets of his new brown trench coat.
"I think you mean muggle, but yes. We'll want to blend in with both worlds, Dudley." Harry told him nodding.
Remus offered to aparate them to a store he knew in muggle London and Harry took him up on it.
"This is going to feel really weird, Dudley." Harry warned. "Like being forced through a tight rubber tube. You might feel a bit nauseous when we arrive at the other end but it'll be ok."
They joined hands and disappeared. As predicted, Dudley hunched over and dry-heaved when they got to the arrival point but soon he got himself under control and an hour later, the three men walked into the Leaky Cauldron loaded down with shopping bags.
"Who knew shopping was such a tiring activity, eh, Dudley?" Harry asked with a sigh as Tom came to meet them.
"Dumbledore is waiting in the back room." He said quietly.
"Alright, I'll be there soon." Harry nodded and then turned to his companions. "Let's put our things in our trunks and grab my rucksack from the room before we meet him."
Remus urged them to hurry but agreed that they should have all their things ready - just in case.
"I'll go in first." Remus said. "I'll tell him you're on your way."
Harry hurried to the room and tapped the door three times in rapid succession before going in and speaking to Dudley and the snake. "Dudley, I'm going to need you to hold the rucksack with the snake. I also need you to play along with anything I might say to Dumbledore." He hurried to get his new trunk out and put his shopping bags and old trunk inside it. No time to sort things now. "I'm meeting with someone. I don't think he should know about you so you'll need to stay hidden. After this we'll be going somewhere safe - someplace you'll be able to move around."
"Yes, young ssspeaker. I will stay quietly in this sack but the lump in the pocket isss uncomfortable. Can it be moved?"
"Of course!"Harry took out the small pouch of nundo spines, shrunk his trunk again and put it in his pocket before helping Dudley get the rucksack on. He frowned and looked around for a place to put it but Dudley plucked it from his hand and slipped it into his pocket.
The boys went downstairs and into the room where they'd had lunch.
"Professor!" Harry greeted the older man.
"How are you, Harry, my boy?" Dumbledore said with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I've been worried about you but...you look well! Quite healthy, indeed! Now - why aren't you at your relatives house?"
"Could we order tea?" Harry frowned and as they waited, he told the true story of the dementor attack and his patronus spell. "And when they returned from looking for us, they kicked me out."
"But he'd saved me." Dudley spoke up as Tom brought in the tea tray. "Even though I didn't deserve it. So I left with him."
"And here we are." Harry shrugged and paused to pour a cup of tea for himself and offered to pour for the others. Only Dudley took him up on it. "Now that I've been to Gringotts and I spoke to my estate manager..."
"Oh?" Dumbledore asked; his eyes widened so slightly that Harry only noticed because he was looking for a reaction.
"Yes, it's really strange, but apparently I have several vaults rather than just one and I'm heir to four baronies." Harry chuckled and affected a confused facial expression as he sat down. "I have to wonder why I'm only finding out about this now but at least that's a happy surprise. What has me concerned and actually quite angry is that when the goblins did a test on my blood they found blocks on my body..." He looked up at the man he'd trusted and abandoned some of the act. The candles on the table flared and knocked over Dudley's teacup. "And there were also blocks on my magic and my mind. I have to wonder who would want me to not reach my full health and mess with my mind. Why would anyone want to block my full magical potential?" Harry asked; his anger showed in his eyes as the table began to rattle. "Who could have fed me potions without my knowledge or consent?"
Wind that shouldn't have existed in a closed room with no windows disturbed the old man's beard as Dumbledore looked around at the effects of Harry's magic and gave a huffing sort of laugh before speaking. "Now, Harry, I'm sure that we will find this person and they will assure us that no harm was meant."
Remus cleared his throat and with a slight effort Harry calmed himself.
"Well, at least now that they've been removed, I can get more out of my time at Hogwarts than I have so far." Harry said as if that was his only real concern. "And with some money, I've upgraded my wardrobe so there's that. Some good has come from this horrible violation of my person."
A tiny smirk formed under Dumbledore's beard as he suppressed his barely visible nerves. "I'm glad you're able to see that there is a greater good to achieve and it's better to focus on that than to dwell on the past." When Harry only stared at him, he went on. "Now let's get you both back to Privet drive. You've been gone far too long."
"No." Harry said, standing up.
Dudley stood as well, taking a position to Harry's left. "My parents. They don't treat him decent. We're not going back."
Dumbledore eyed them and glanced at Remus as they were all startled by the door opening to admit Tom and the black shaggy dog form of Sirius Black.
Sirius transformed before their eyes and looked around. "What did I miss?"
"Harry has refused to go back to Privet Drive and Dudley agreed." Remus smiled as he moved to his lover's side. "I believe Dumbledore was about to make a counter offer."
"But he won't have a chance because I have a number of properties to inspect." Harry stated with a barely noticeable signal to the others. "They are unplottable and warded to the teeth so please don't worry about me, Professor."
"Harry, we must talk about this!" Dumbledore looked confused as the four younger men gathered and grabbed onto a metal ring adorned with an oak tree. "Why not stay at headquarters with your godfather? Several of the Weasleys will be there also."
"I don't know. I don't think they care much about me. I didn't get any letters from them while I was at my aunt and uncle's house." Harry commented, deciding to see what the old man would say.
"Don't be silly, Harry. I told them not to bother you." Dumbledore shook his head. "You had so much on your mind when you left school and I thought you could do with some peace and quiet."
"Interesting. I'm curious. Did Sirius need peace and quiet too?" Harry asked. "Last night?"
"I'm not sure what you mean, my boy. Last night?" Dumbledore tapped his chin absently. "Last night Sirius was at headquarters. A meeting was held...The Order of the Phoenix - of which he is a member - is a group of people who fight Voldemort. We always block owls during meetings."
"Well, I'll be going with Harry, Albus." Sirius said firmly. "Remus and I are taking a leave from the Order and staying with Harry to keep him safe before he goes back to Hogwarts."
Dumbledore was shocked. "But I have missions for Remus! You must stay hidden! Things must be done! Voldemort is mobilizing!"
"Others can go on your missions. Harry needs us for now." Sirius insisted nodding to his godson. "And I'll be well hidden with him."
"But, Harry!?" Dumbledore sputtered.
"Did I forget to mention that the four baronies compound according to law, professor?" Harry asked lightly. "I am to receive the title of Earl upon my birthday which will immediately emancipate me. I will be in control of my own life soon." Harry smiled and quickly made sure everyone was touching the portkey. "We'll be in touch, sir. Oak tree!"
The tug at his navel was strong and the whole group landed on the lawn of a beautiful manor house. Harry stood and looked around. In one direction the tree-lined driveway extended to a large wrought iron gate. A lovely fountain sat on an island in the center of the circular drive but on second glance the drive was not circular at all... it was shaped like a rather large capital letter P.
"Potter Grove... I haven't been here since we were children, Moony." Sirius whispered in a reverent tone.
Dudley shivered and nudged Harry's arm as Remus nodded. They could tell that the older men were reliving a piece of their past.
"Yes, Dudley." Harry said quietly as he turned to face the house. "Let's go to the door."
Said door was large and golden brown with a shiny gold lion's head door knocker. In the lion's teeth was a thick yellowish brown ring that was sculpted into a snake whose head rested opposite its tail.
As Harry's hand came into contact with it, the snake came to life and wrapped around his wrist. "Who are you to come to thissss slumbering houssse?"
"I am the rightful owner of this house and property."Harry said firmly though he was surprised.
"You ssspeak!?"The snake also seemed shocked.
Harry answered. "I do."
"Are you really the owner?" The snake asked looking at him with interest. His tongue flicked out at Harry and he continued. "Do you have the Potter blood?"
"You may taste, as long as you are not venomous." Harry offered.
"My venom isss not harmful to the Potter bloodline." The snake sounded offended by the very idea.
Harry nodded. "Alright. Then I have nothing to worry about, but let me warn my companions. They will worry otherwise."
"Thisss isss acceptable, ssspeaker."
Harry turned to face the others. "The snake needs to test my blood. He's going to bite me but his venom doesn't affect the Potter bloodline so don't panic or interfere. If I don't allow it we won't be allowed in."
Remus nodded but looked worried. Sirius frowned but didn't object. Dudley bit his lip silently.
Harry spoke to the snake again. "Go ahead."
The snake bit Harry's wrist and changed color with a sudden wave of magic. Instead of the brownish metal, he now appeared to be a bright and shiny silver.
"In your blood I have tasted truth, young master. You are of Potter blood and have come to claim your birthright. You know your family secretsss and I can help you keep them." The silver snake said.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
"I wasss given long ago to the lion by the female ssserpent. Embedded in me are ssseveral spellsss to protect thoughtsss and lessen the effects of nightmaresss." The snake explained. "When I was hung on the door, my spellsss were added to the wardsss of the house. I guard all in residence."
Harry stared at the silver snake. "That's going to come in handy. Do you have a name?"
"Sssigmund."
"Well, thank you, Sigmund." Harry said as he helped the snake get back into place on the door knocker.
Once the snake was dormant again, the door swung open slowly.
Harry turned to the others. "Shall we?"