Chapter 10: 'Summer of Change' Begins

I do not own Harry Potter.

Author's Notes:

Whew, another chapter in the bag. Had a bit of a writing spree Sunday night. This is also the longest chapter I've had so far.

Updates will unfortunately slow down beyond this point. I'm a college student trying to maintain an active social life, and soon I'll be juggling exams and projects too. So don't worry about me abandoning the story if you don't see updates with the usual recurrence.

The Tonks will show up in the next chapter.

I'll fix any grammatical mistakes as I find them.

I've narrowed down the animagus choices -

Wolf

Cat

Raven

Falcon/Eagle or any of the sort

Let me know your opinion by DM or review.

Next chapter - Summer of Change, pt 2

Enjoy!

Previously

"But that was not what upset me that day, I had known this for a long time now. My parents searched day and night for a cure, but to no avail. That was until recently, when they found out on good authority that a book currently in the Black family library had a cure for it.

Oh did Harry not like where he thought this conversation was headed.

"As you are aware, Draco Malfoy is next in line to the Black Lordship, so my father opened up negotiations with Lucius Malfoy. Malfoy made it clear that the only way he would lend the book to us was if Draco was entered into a marriage contract. With me."

Oh.

…..

13:30| Hogwarts Express| Somewhere in the Scottish Highlands| June 30th 1993

"Potter?" Asked Tracey when Harry looked like he'd seen a ghost. This snapped Harry back into reality. He realized he hadn't said anything for a few seconds now, and his face had conveyed a lot of emotions. Keeping a blank face was something he was far from adept at, and his widened eyes probably gave away something too.

Realizing he needed to cover up, he started "N-Nothing, I knew there were still arranged marriages in the wizarding world, but I didn't think Malfoy would do something so underhanded when a little girl's life is at stake."

"Tell me about it, Death Eater prick!" Tracey said hotly. This was another thing Harry noted, they seemed to be as repulsed by Malfoy as he was, possibly even more.

"I don't just dislike, I ABHOR the Malfoys, and especially their ponce of an Heir, Draco. But if marrying him means there is even the slightest of chances that Astoria can survive, then there is no decision to be made. There are worse fates than becoming a trophy wife." Daphne said passionately.

"You're a good person for doing this, ya know? I don't think I understand the full scale of it today, but what I do know is that this is a very big sacrifice. I guess this is what family is about, doing everything possible, and even the impossible for them. Astoria is very lucky to have you as her sister."

Daphne blinked at that. She did not expect such an empathetic response from the boy. Subtle changes were noticeable in Harry's speech by now, like a wider choice of words, as well as more 'graceful' talking in general, the impact of which was bolstered by his natural charm. Add to that his expressive eyes, and Harry was able to convey a lot more with his words, and somethings which words could never convey.

"Thank you, Potter. It is what it is."

"Has your contract been finalized?" As dishonourable a thing as it was, to essentially make a father trade one daughter's life for another's, it was a masterstroke from Lucius. It was generally accepted Draco did not live up to his father's prowess, especially in 'being a Slytherin'. In pairing up his son with a politically savvy, not to mention pretty girl like Daphne, he had at least partially plastered over Draco's own shortcomings.

"No, it has not. Though it is expected to be signed over the summer… Good day, Potter." Said Daphne, and walked away with Tracey.

The gears in Harry's head were turning. On one hand, revealing himself as Heir Black NOW could have a lot of repercussions, all of which he hasn't planned for. Also, what if Sirius' trial depended on him making moves in the dark. He wasn't worried about Daphne being forced into a marriage. That would depend on Lucius offering access to the Black library, something he couldn't do. That would lead to a breach of contract, and Malfoy would probably lose a lot of money.

Then it hit him. He doesn't need to tell the Greengrass' who the Heir Black is, does he? He could write a letter to Benedict Greengrass with the book in question, and simply instruct him to mail it to Gringotts. And while he was at it, couldn't he get Malfoy roped in for charges of misrepresentation? Even if Malfoy managed to get off the charges, which he most likely would since it would be an 'honest mistake' and with no harm being done. But still, he would get tied up in court proceedings for a while, and more importantly, the world would know that Draco Malfoy was not next in line to be Heir Black. But did he want Malfoy to be caught here? Couldn't he get Lucius implicated in…. something more concrete down the line? The Greengrass' could simply be left with the book by a 'well-wisher' wanting to remain anonymous… God did he wish Salazar was around right now…... Maybe he could discuss this with the Tonks'? Andromeda Tonks was supposed to be pretty sharp…. Yes, that would be better…... He only hoped it wasn't too late for Astoria Greengrass by then. Getting killed from a malediction curse at 11 would be pretty rare right…...right? Could he really risk a person's life simply because he was too busy 'contemplating'? He had a week before heading over to the Tonks', she had to survive by then, otherwise Greengrass would have finalized the contract already. He was satisfied enough by that logic.

"Arrrgh, why does everything have to be So. Fucking. Complicated!" Harry cursed, palming the walls with every punctuation.

…

15:20| Platform 9 ¾ | King's Cross Station, London| June 30th 1993

Harry, Hermione and the Weasley siblings got off the train and loaded their luggage onto trollies. They were met on Platform 9 ¾ by Mr and Mrs Weasley. After exchanging greetings, and large, suffocating hugs in the case of Mrs Weasley, they made their way back onto the muggle side of the platform, Mrs Weasley's inquisition of her children's years already underway. A couple of minutes later, they also spotted Hermione's parents – Stephen and Viola Granger. As soon as Hermione spotted them, she abandoned her trolley and rushed to pull her parents into a tight hug. She was the only one apart from Ginny that had cried after meeting her parents. He watched the reunion of Hermione, as well as the Weasleys with a mixture of happiness and sadness. On one hand was the obviously beautiful moment a parent reunited with their child, but on the other was a sense of longing. Sure, Mrs Weasley nearly cracked his ribs when she pulled him into a hug, but the bottom line was that she wasn't his real mother was she? A mother's embrace was something he would never experience…... it was moments like this that reminded him what he had lost, and it led to the resurgence of a familiar feeling, but he was careful to keep his emotions in check. He simply looked on from a distance, with a smile on his face.

"Harry?"

Harry turned around to see Fred and George, both with uncharacteristically solemn looks on their faces.

"We'd like you to know that as far as we're concerned-"

"-You're not kinless. You have at least two brothers."

It took every bit of his self-control to stop himself from crying on the spot, but his face still conveyed how much their words touched him.

"Thanks guys, you've no idea what you've said means to me." He replied throatily. Fred and George showed an underrated trait to their personalities – their remarkable maturity, which was often lost to other people, beneath their pranks and sense of humour. Both twins patted him on the shoulder, and they moved to greet the Grangers.

"And you must be Harry Potter." said Mrs Granger.

"I am, pleasure to meet you Missus Granger, and you too Mr Granger."

"And you, and you" remarked the woman – she was around 5"5, had sleek black hair and blue eyes, with a small round face featuring light make up. While she was in her mid-thirties, she was still passable for a 29.

Hermione's father also shook hands with Harry. He was near about 5"10, late thirties, and had short but messy brown hair. Harry also observed light brown eyes – so this where Hermione gets it from.

"Hermione speaks very highly and fondly of you, and also mentioned you were the one to solve the problem of the 'petrification', as we were told?" The Muggle couple's face hardened at that, they were still obviously upset over what had happened this year, and it had taken Hermione all sorts of grovelling to stop them from withdrawing her, explaining how unbelievable and rare the circumstances were.

"I was involved, but it wouldn't have been possible without Hermione. I'm sure you get this all the time, but she is a very clever girl." Harry complimented genially.

"Harry's downplaying his part mum and dad, like I've said, he's very modest. Harry saved the school."

"Yep, two years running! The three of us did it last year too!" Ron added, proud of himself and his friends.

Hermione's parents gave her a hard look. Evidently, she had not told them everything about her time at Hogwarts.

'She's up for a very long conversation tonight' thought Harry.

Stephen Granger decided to change the topic after a momentary look to her daughter that said 'we haven't heard the last of this'. As they started to move towards the exit, he asked "So, Harry, may I call you that?" Harry moved his head in affirmation "Thank you, so, Harry, Hermione mentioned in her last letter you plan on filing for emancipation this summer? Something about more control?" He asked in a somewhat intrigued tone. Mr and Mrs Weasley's interest was also piqued, since they only knew about him going to Andromeda. Seeing no way of dodging the question, he decided to answer.

"Yes, that's why I'm staying at the Leaky Cauldron for a few days. It's a pretty tedious task, and requires all sorts of form filling and 'fitness evaluations' and what not, so I'll need to be around Gringotts constantly."

The question on all five adults, including Percy, was 'Why'. It was posed by Mrs Granger. "That is certainly a strong move, and if you don't mind us asking, any specific reason you're going for it?"

"Certainly not. I'm sure Hermione has told you about the differences in governance between our worlds, so you may know there are these entities called 'Ancient and Noble Houses', or simply ancient families?" At their nod he continued "Well, my family, the Potters are one of them. One of our…... privileges are a permanent seat at the Wizengamot, the legislative, and in sometimes, judicial body of wizarding Britain. It's sort of like our version of the Parliament Houses, except there's only one. While I'm the Heir, I'm still a minor, so I have basically no control over my family affairs, like what 'faction' my vote backs, how our money is invested, etc. Currently, the only person with any sort of powers is my magical guardian, Hogwarts' Headmaster Albus Dumbledore" the usual tone of reverence was absent from Harry's voice.

"You are unhappy with this arrangement?" Stephen asked

Mrs Weasley spoke up in Dumbledore's defence. "Nonsense, Dumbledore's been doing a fine job, Harry himself said it."

"I did, last summer. And well, it's not that I have a problem with the headmaster specifically" this was a lie, he was frustrated by Dumbledore keeping secrets about him and trying to dictate his life "it's just that he's neither a Potter nor a formally appointed Regent, so he has very little control over family assets, this dormancy is one of the reasons I want to seek emancipation. As an emancipated minor, I can take the mantle of 'Head of House', which is kind of like a patriarch, except women can also hold the position, and enjoy full control over the vaults. The risk is made lower since I won't be the person making too many moves at the start anyway, it'll be my account manager, an expert in finance."

All nodded in agreement, that was a very good reason. "I couldn't help but notice you said 'one of the reasons' Harry, why else?" Mr Granger asked.

Harry pondered for a few seconds, before deciding to tell them the truth. He could easily lie, but he didn't want to keep his friends in the dark, especially when he couldn't find a good reason to. "I also plan on having someone replace Professor Dumbledore as my proxy on the Wizengamot."

Cue reactions. Intrigue on the Grangers' face, shock on the wizards', and scandalisation on Mrs Weasley.

"You want to sack Professor Dumbledore, Harry? What made you want this?" asked Arthur, who had been only participating as a listener so far.

Before Harry could speak, Hermione also posed her question, "Harry, is this about your fight from a couple of days ago? Because if so, I don't think you should do this as a way to get back at him…" she spoke apprehensively. Once again, all eyes were on him, eager to know why he was snubbing the greatest wizard of their times, and all round 'nice guy' Dumbledore.

"It's not that Hermione, I'm not that short-sighted. I'm doing it because Dumbledore being my proxy is damaging."

Mrs Weasley immediately spoke up "How could being led by Dumbledore ever be damaging? He's one of the reasons the 'Dark' faction hasn't completely taken over! He's running it like your father wanted, Harry!"

"It's complicated, Mrs Weasley. You see him being my proxy ends up undermining the value of my seat. The Potters have sat on the new Wizengamot ever since the establishment of the Ministry of Magic in 1707, and we've been a political powerhouse even before that. We were always one of THE faces of wizarding Britain. Now, we're just another member of Dumbledore's bloc and the Liberals. While out of respect for our independence, Dumbledore has not made any major shifts in our connections, any sort of political moves we have made have come under the banner of his so-called 'Light' faction. Dumbledore is a lot more than just the Potter family proxy, politically, he's the Chief Warlock and Supreme Mugwump, not to mention a decades long politician with his own clout. For the past 11 years, we've either been inactive or a subordinate to another's plans; Dumbledore isn't leading his faction as the Potter family proxy; he's doing it as his own man WHILE also enjoying that particular privilege. This is, in effect, a huge demotion for us. So, you see, while Dumbledore is no doubt a great man, but him being my proxy is extremely damaging for my family, and our influence wanes with each passing day."

This thinking was of course, not one reached at by Harry alone, it was Salazar that had made the point about the Potters' influence waning when Harry looked up and explained the political scenario and the major characters. In fact, even some of his phrasing here belonged to the legendary Parselmouth.

"As for what my father would have wanted, I don't think he ever planned for us to remain subordinates in another bloc. My grandfather's untimely death in 1978 had meant that a very unprepared James Potter had gotten involved in politics at the age of just 18. He had decided to focus on fighting as an Auror and persuaded the group of allies led by his father to throw their hat in with Dumbledore. While yes, he let him take the role of the leader, he would have broken the alliance once the war was over and resumed as a separate faction."

Inwardly, Harry also added another statement 'In fact, I'm not even sure he would have stayed with the Progressives.'

"Harry you are much too young to be making such a decision. And I still don't see what's so wrong with how things are right now, even if you changed proxies, the Light side is still led by Dumbledore, so you'll be voting the same way anyways." Mrs Weasley remarked, stubbornly and fully in support of the headmaster.

"There is a world of difference Mrs Weasley. I plan on restoring our separate faction and COLLABORATING with another, not being a part of this other bloc. As for us voting the same way, I don't think that's a given, for all we know maybe I don't feel the same way as our headmaster about something."

"Harry, I've heard and read about Professor Dumbledore's agenda! His objective is reducing the discrimination in our society, how could you not agree with that!" A scandalized Hermione remarked

"Yeah mate, haven't you seen how some people are towards Hermione just because she's muggleborn?" asked Ron

"Guys, calm down" Harry said before anyone else could say anything "Of course I support that, how could you even ask me that! But that still doesn't mean we agree on EVERYTHING, does it? And even if we do, I still want to have a bloc of my own!"

"Ya here that Gred?"

"I think I do Forge"

"Its looks like ickle Harrykins-"

"-is one ambitious bird inside of his twerp body!"

Fred and George had at least partially relieved the tension that had built up, and Mr Weasley quickly cut in "Well, we best be off. Perkins booked us taxis to get home, and they'll be waiting for us. See you soon, everyone!"

A round of goodbyes was exchanged, and in parting Mrs Weasley told Harry "Harry dear, I am merely concerned about you; you know that right?"

Harry gave a her a smile "I know, Mrs Weasley, and I'm very touched by it. I hope I didn't hurt you by sounding too rude."

"Oh, of course not. Come here" she pulled Harry into a hug "But again, I would like for you to reconsider your decision, but enough about that! You take care, and do visit us this summer!"

"I will, see ya Mrs Weasley!" Harry decided it to be best not to say anymore on the issue.

"See ya mate" said a now walking Ron, who had hung back.

"Write to me!" Harry called out to the departing duo.

"How're you getting to the Leaky Cauldron?" Asked Hermione, who despite multiple reassurances, still did not like someone his age living on his own at 'such a murky place'. She had even invited Harry to stay with them, like he had last year with the Weasleys.

"Portkey. Sharpfang had one issued for me, I'll land in Gringotts first."

"The Leaky Cauldron, isn't that the same place you get into Diagon Alley from?" Viola asked.

"Yes, it's where I'll be till the 8th of July. Like I said before, lots of paperwork and what not which would require a lot of visits. But that's not it." Harry took a pause "I'll be blunt since I know you're aware about my rather dull childhood. I haven't really seen anything, I haven't even been around London, I haven't had the opportunity to properly shop, and in general, I've never really had any sort of freedom or vacation. This is an opportunity for me to do all that. Also, this gives my inviters more time to be prepared to host me, since we only had the idea last week. They're both working people, you see." The part of 'I would to be able to buy shady shit in Knockturn Alley and have long chats about my secret heirship, business in general and plans to get a prisoner free' was left out by Harry.

"Would it be safe for you to traverse London by yourself?" Hermione's mother asked in genuine concern.

"I'll be fine, I'm used to being on my own, and I could always contact Gringotts to assign me one of their human clerks as a chaperone of sorts." Harry explained. For a reasonable fee, he could avail someone to accompany him for the day. Wizards used them as either private protection details, or more typically guides in the muggle world. A knowledge of both worlds was needed at Gringotts, since they were active in the muggle world too, as silent partners in various banks or investments.

"Well why don't we make it a joint outing?" Hermione asked, looking over to her parents. "We haven't been around London in a while, so we could invite Harry and take him along with us!"

"That doesn't sound like a bad idea. You've been a wonderful friend to our daughter, so the least we could do is invite you to a day out." Stephen Granger proposed.

"I-I wouldn't want to impose on you-"

"Nonsense, we would have probably gone anyway. Besides, I'm sure Hermione would enjoy you company" Viola said looking over to her daughter, who nodded fervently.

Harry, seeing no reason to decline, and finding the Grangers likeable, agreed. If he was being honest, he probably WAS too young to be bombing around a large city by himself, so he might as well have company that was familiar and more informal than a paid chaperone. "Well, if it's alright with you, I'll be glad to join. Where and when should be meet up?"

"How about the 3rd? It's a Saturday. As for the where, we'll come meet you at Charing Cross, since we live all the way in Kent."

Harry looked to see Hermione looking at him expectantly. "Well, it's done I guess!"

"It's a date then."

"Well, I guess this is where we split as well, we're nearly at the parking. Bye Hermione, bye Mr & Mrs Granger, and see you all Saturday!"

"Bye, Harry! See you Saturday!" And with a polite wave, the Grangers were gone as well. Harry pushed his trolley to around a corner and in a secluded area. He unloaded his trunk and pushed the trolley back into a place where someone from station staff could collect it. Putting one had on Hedwig's cage, and one leg in contact with his trunk, he pulled out a pendant from inside his t-shirt.

"Summer of change" he muttered, and felt a tug at his navel.

….

15:10| Sharpfang's Office| Gringotts Bank, Diagon Alley| June 30th 1993

"…. And now, sign here to complete your application." said Sharpfang.

"Oh goodness, it's over at last. That was as bad as Binns….almost" Harry ended with a chuckle

"Before you sign, I will once again ask you – you're sure? You lose the privilege a juvenile enjoys if they are caught up inn any sort of trouble, and will be tried as any other adult."

"Yes."

"Very well, sign here." Sharpfang pointed his…..paw (that was way too beastly to be called a finger) at a box, and Harry left a swirly, more stylish than usual signature, as he had been doing all afternoon.

"You need not worry about the filing and scheduling; I will handle it for you."

"Thank you."

"No need to thank me, the commission I'll get from the investments is enough!" Sharpfang said, not entirely joking.

Harry let out a yawn. "You can call it a day, Harry. I'll send a summons if something comes up. As for the procedure itself, expect it to be as delayed as possible, because –"

"- There are many who want to keep me down for as long as possible and many that benefit from us losing political ground. I know, I know." said Harry.

Sharpfang nodded in approval. "There really isn't much that they can do, our paperwork is solid, and the 'sound mind' test cannot be failed unless something big happens. You have mastered the detection charms for your food?". Harry replied in affirmation.

Harry had been asked to learn certain spells to detect any sort harmful poisons or substances like rage draughts in his food, in the event of a sabotage, to make him screw up or entirely miss his interview. In the event Harry did consume anything harmful, there were to be antidotes handy in his room, as well as a PI on watch. This was not Hogwarts, but a fairly unguarded hotel, and Harry needed to be on guard.

"Good, you are vigilant. I am saddened someone your age has to be on the lookout for something like this, but such are the circumstances. One of the clerks has already checked you in, put on a cap or something to keep yourself from being recognized, though you can tell Tom, the barkeeper of your identity, he is a good man and someone who could even serve as an extra layer of protection to you. The 'items' you requested for your ritual are all ready and the appropriate has been deducted from your trust vault. Have a good day Harry, and do try to enjoy your time here." Sharpfang said, genuinely wanting the child in front of him to have some fun.

"Thanks, Sharpfang, see you later." He then stiffened his posture and said "May you vanquish your enemies and fill your coffers with gold."

The goblin gave an approving smile "May your gold forever increase, and those out for your blood drown in their own."

21:05| Private Room| Gringotts Bank, Diagon Alley| June 30th 1993

Harry triple checked all of his preparations. The circles and various other shapes had been drawn correctly, the ritual book was at a good distance for him to read from where he would lay, there were blood replenishing and energizing potions handy, a buzzer in reach in case he needed help, and the chief offering in the correct spot. The ritual he would be doing today would fix his eye sight. The item he had chosen to offer was the basilisk's eyes. Even if they were damaged, they would still hold good, and while Harry would not gain the Basilisk's killer gaze, he would repair his own eyesight, and even 'improve' it, if Salazar was correct.

As the clock hit 21:07, Harry began chanting. With each word, he could he could feel changes in his surroundings, as if the air suddenly became heavier. Soon, he started feeling sensations in his own body, it was strangely relaxing, almost addictive. The rush and euphoria he felt as astral energies entered his body was something that would never be replicated. This was the high every ritual doer, and only a ritual doer ever felt, and it was marvellous.

"….So mote it be!"

As Harry spoke those words, an ungodly pain shot up in his eyes, and they started to bleed. It was as if someone had just stabbed him in his eyes. Had he done something wrong? Did he need to hit the buzzer and call for help?

As his arm started to reach out, Salazar's words rang through his mind

"You will face unimaginable agony during the ritual, there is no way round it. It will not be easy, but remember, nothing worthwhile ever is."

Harry enclosed his palm and forced it back. After what felt like minutes, but in reality, was only a few seconds, the pain started to recede. Eventually, it faded away completely, and so did the astral energies and the pressure in the air. Harry looked down at the circle directly in front of him and saw that the basilisk's eyes had disappeared. Harry looked to the other side of the room and read what was written on the door – 'Private Chamber 2'. It took him a second before he realized he could see absolutely clearly over several meters now.

It worked.

Harry felt extremely satisfied with himself. He had just gotten rid of another weakness in his body – his admittedly poor eyesight.

Harry started to clean up. He first got rid of the now ashen residue of what were once ingredients of use, cleaned up the diagrams and shapes he drew on the floor and put the ritual book into his expanded pocket. At least physically, the room was now as if he was never here. He put on a pair of new glasses; these ones more stylish than his previous plain ones. The only reason he had done this was to keep up appearances, the lenses were absolutely ordinary. He didn't want to explain when or how he had managed to fix his abysmal eyesight, because even magically, that was a tedious, not to mention risky process. Your eyes were basically little containers of pristine magical energy, something that was very delicate to work with.

Harry took one last sweeping look across the room, and then checked out, successfully having finished ritual number three.

10:15| The Leaky Cauldron| Diagon Alley| July 1st 1993

Harry woke up from a long and relaxing sleep, excited for his first day of vacation, an unheard-of occurrence. As he took in the unfamiliar surroundings he realized - it wasn't a dream; he had successfully gotten rid of the Dursleys for the rest of his life. It was a rather unceremonious end. He hadn't even said goodbye to them, or had any sort of direct contact; it was Dumbledore that had written to Petunia that he wouldn't be staying with them anymore, and Harry had not bothered to ask the contents of the letter. He was too happy celebrating his freedom.

But what's this he was feeling? Why does she keep wanting to go to them one last time and tell them how horrible they are, and how they're never going to see him again? They know this don't they? Then why did he feel as if he hadn't closed this chapter of his li- NO.

NO. NO. NO.

He was done with the Dursleys forever, and he shouldn't think of them anymore. But there it was again – He was telling them how rich he really was and that he would have gladly shared his wealth with them if they weren't so horrible to him. He was insulting them at how their greediness and selfishness had cost them so much money…. Why did he constantly keep feeling the want to show them up? Why this sense of incompleteness? The Dursleys would've had one night of celebration then forgotten all about him, wouldn't they, so why can't he move on, just the way they did so easily?

Harry ruthlessly quashed this train of thought in his head, and decided to get on with his day, this was a time for celebration, and not to be wasted on thinking of trash like Petunia, Vernon and Dudley. He got dressed and started his day.

Tom, the only person at the motel who knew he was staying here, had served him a delicious full English up to his room.

Harry wouldn't be going to Gringotts today, today would simply be his day exploring Diagon Alley…. and Knockturn Alley too.

Harry's first stop was Madam Malkin's Robes for Everyday Occasions. He walked in when there were only a handful of other customers in the large, multi-storey and usually bustling shop.

"Good morning, and welcome to Madam Malkin's. How may I help you…. Mr Potter?" the retailer added the last part as her eyes went up to his scar.

"Good morning, Ms… Turpin" Harry read from the badge on her…. chest, hoping he hadn't given the impression he was staring at her bust "I need auto-fitting clothes for everyday wear, school wear, and formal wear, both wizard and muggle."

"Ah, doing a wardrobe overhaul, are we? Very well, will you prefer to browse on your own, or would you like for a personal shopper from the staff?" she asked neutrally.

"Well, I'm not really a fashionista, so I'd a personal shopper, please."

"Very well, the charge for availing the service is a galleon. If it's agreeable to you, I will accompany you."

"Sure, let's get started." Ms Turpin couldn't fully contain her smile at the commission she was going to make since she was going to be a 'personal shopper' on what was going to be a large sale.

"Before we start, may I know your budget?"

"I-It's well, I guess I can afford to just buy whatever I like…" Harry added a little embarrassedly, he was sitting on a rather substantial trust vault he had barely used.

The eyes of the 'Senior Retailer' lit up in excitement. "Excellent, follow me please, you'll love our new summer collections, all from top brands across Europe!" As she almost skipped away Harry got the feeling he was about to find out there was some credence to the 'women are shopaholic' thing.

While Harry had purchased some amount of clothing, since he didn't want to be see in the rags the Dursleys had given him, he had never come even remotely close to this. Elena, from Manchester Magical Academy, class of 1990 and a part-time working mastery student, as he would find out during his nearly two-and-a-half-hour session with her, was 'Senior Retailer' for a very good reason. Not only did she have a very good taste in fashion, she was a very good seller. This was evident from the many bags that contained Harry's clothing. He had bought a total of God knows how many t-shirts and shirts, some pyjamas, 4 pairs of jeans, 2 new pairs of shoes, 2 pants, 3 new pullovers, new jackets, including a very appealing muggle-leather one, new belts, and this was just his 'muggle style' purchases. While the wizarding world had adopted muggle fashion in many areas, in terms of formal wear, robes were still the go-to option. And in some cases, they were even obligated. He had purchased 3 acromantula-silk robes, in black, navy blue and dark green. He had also bought some robes for casual wear, as did many other students and adults. Add to the fact that they were also fitted with auto-stretching to his body to up to 6 inches, and this was one expensive haul.

At the billing, even Elena raised an eyebrow at the sale she had just made. Harry saw and realized the number to be more than the amount he had spent in his two years at Hogwarts! He recognized the privilege he enjoyed, and made a promise not to spend so much on clothing at once, again. He would fail quite spectacularly at keeping this promise in the future.

After issuing a Gringotts bank draft, and asking for the delivery to be made to his room, he exited Madam Malkin's, already feeling tired. He then realized this was his first store. He had planned on going to Twillfit and Tattings' as well, but he was DONE as far as shopping was concerned, so he decided to postpone that visit.

He made his way over to Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour, and enjoyed a banana split outdoors, feeling the wind against his face.

Next stop was originally supposed to be Flourish and Blotts', but Harry was too curious not to go down Knockturn Alley. He went back to the motel, had a change of clothes and put on a cap that he pulled down low, so as to cover most of his face. Next stop Borgin and Burkes.

14:35| Borgin and Burke's| Knockturn Alley| July 1st 1993

"Hello" Harry said to the man at the counter. He was inside the store, and immediately felt like he was thrown into one of those scenes out of a movie where the hero goes into this murky place and acts all mysterious and drawls his words.

"Hello, young one, are you lost? Knockturn Alley can be a dangerous place…" said the deep and peculiar voice of Mortimer Burke.

"Does my tone sound like I'm someone who's lost" Harry said in what he hoped was a serious voice.

Mortimer looked him up and down before remarking with a smirk "No, it does not. So why has someone so young walked into the what do they say? 'Shady', yes shady shop of Borgin and Burke's"

"To shop." Harry said shortly.

"Indeed. And why do you cover your face? Do not want to be recognized?"

"How does that matter?"

"Maybe I don't sell to strangers? There are some…... uncommon items that may be shopped here" Burke said, though it didn't sound like he was asking Harry to reveal his face.

Harry thought for a few seconds before answering "You do. And that's part of what makes you, what did you say… shady, wasn't it?"

Burke gave a wide grin "You are correct. Discretion is one of my enterprise's chief qualities. I personally feel privacy is a most crucial right, is it not? Welcome to Borgin and Burke's, how may I help you, prospective buyer?"

"I'm looking for books of the more…... rare kind for someone who wants to learn how to fight. Let's just say I have powerful enemies."

"I have just the book for you, Mr Buyer. He went over to a shelf and pulled out a surprisingly well conditioned, black jacketed book."

"A Treatise on Duelling by Antonin Dolohov"

Mortimer answered the obvious question on Harry's mind. "Antonin Dolohov is a Ukrainian duelling-master. He was renowned for his methodical approach and usage of uncommon spells in fighting. This book should serve you well for the next few years, it covers everything from combat stances to beginner spells to some of his most vicious ones. You won't master either the book, or duelling itself till you're much older, but it is, in my opinion, a good start for someone who has 'powerful enemies'."

"His name sounds familiar" remarked Harry

"He is currently in Azkaban Prison for serving as a Death Eater."

It took all of Harry's self-control not to pull his wand out and burn down the entire shop. He had just been offered the book written by one of Voldemort's chief thugs. But did he really want to reject the chance to learn something from a duelling master?

''magics capable of causing serious injuries or destruction aren't 'bad' in itself - what makes it 'bad' is how and when I use it…... how I INTEND to use it."

Harry made up his mind. While the man was despicable, his work wasn't. It was probably something close to a masterpiece, as was the case with these evil pricks. One sweeping look across the contents of the book confirmed his assumption.

He took a sigh before answering "How much?"

"200 galleons."

"That's a robbery!"

"Listen kid, I respected your privacy and didn't turn you from my door, even though you shouldn't even be around Knockturn Alley. I then presented you one of the only copies of what is one of the best books there is for duelling, all the way from a beginner to a professional; Why did I do it? Because I think you really are in thick soup if you decided to come here. I know my regular customers - you're not one of them. But who you are is someone in need of help, which I've just given you with that gem of a book. Here is where my sympathy ends though, I have a business to run. I will not negotiate on the price, take it or leave it. No drafts, just plain gold."

"Fine" grumbled Harry "I'm also looking for books on using Transfiguration in a fight, and other DADA books in general."

"I suggest you go over to that section" he said pointing to a shelf to his right in the moderately spacious store.

Eventually Harry walked out with three books, costing a total of 325 galleons. Harry was glad Sharpfang had warned him about this policy of 'only gold' which prevailed in Knockturn Alley, and he had a now depleted sack of galleons. He bought the duelling book, one on 'battle transfiguration' and another DADA book. Placing them in an expanded satchel, he walked out of the store. He donned on his invisibility cloak in an empty alleyway, and made his way further.

Shortly after, another store caught his attention.

"Gandalf's Wandmakers: Producing Top-Quality Wands since 1609"