Chapter 6. A Hidden World
Harry and Anissa looked around in amazement. Walking onto the street themselves, they looked over their shoulders to see a solid wall again. Looking at each other, they grinned widely. Magic was awesome!
Minerva tried not to laugh at the looks on their faces. She remembered her first time coming here and could understand completely. It was an amazing sight. Even after all her years, Minerva was still awed when she entered the alley.
There was so much to see, Harry was getting whiplash from turning his head so fast. He wished he had another eight sets of eyes to take it all in. He could see Anissa was doing the same thing and her grin was as big as his.
There were stacks of cauldrons shining brightly in the sun, people in different colored robes in front of shops talking about things like the price of dragon livers, children with their noses pressed against a window with a broomstick in it, and another with robes waving in the windows.
"We will be visiting most of these shops today. But first we will need to go to Gringotts to collect your money."
Minerva gestured to a large snowy white building that towered over the rest of the shops. Both Harry and Anissa stood gawking at the building. It was huge and intimidating, but also very beautiful.
Harry studied the columns that lined the front of the building, but his eyes stopped on something he could not believe. He had no idea what it was, but he was fascinated. Standing beside its burnished bronze doors, wearing a uniform of scarlet and gold, was –
"Uh, Professor, what is that?" Anissa whispered.
"That is a goblin. Clever and very proud creatures, never try to trick a goblin, and if you make a promise to one, you had better keep it. They will hold a grudge forever and get revenge a hundred-fold. That's why they run our bank. You would be crazy to ever try and rob it."
Harry and Anissa exchanged pointed looks as they came up to the goblin. The goblin was about a head shorter than Harry. He had a swarthy, clever face, a pointed beard and very long fingers and feet. He made Harry uneasy, which made him want to learn more about them.
The goblin bowed as they neared him and Harry, not wanting to be rude, bowed back. The goblin looked surprised for a second before his face went back to a neutral façade, but his eyes followed Harry. Harry wondered about his reaction and decided it would be something else he would have to research later.
They were now facing a second pair of glass doors with red words engraved upon them:
Enter, stranger, but take heed
Of what awaits the sin of greed,
For those who take, but do not earn,
Must pay most dearly in their turn.
So if you seek beneath our floors
A treasure that was never yours,
Thief, you have been warned, beware
Of finding more than treasure there.
Harry shivered at the warning and looked at Anissa again. They were never going to disrespect the goblins if they could help it. A pair of goblins bowed them through the glass doors and again Harry bowed to the pair. This time Anissa joined in the bow and the goblin's eyes widened before they also went back to their neutral look.
Minerva was also shocked. How would Harry know to show that kind of respect to the goblins, or was he just inherently polite to everyone he came into contact with? Goblins and wizards did not have the best relationship. They were constantly suspicious of each other and very disrespectful.
Only a few wizards, like Dumbledore, actually showed the goblins any kind of respect. And here was this boy, showing a great amount of respect, and it made Minerva feel guilty for not acknowledging the goblins herself.
Visiting the bank and seeing the goblins at the door was just a normal part of her life and she did not think about it. Harry just might be the first wizard to become friends with the goblins if he kept that up. James and Lily would be proud of their son.
The group walked into a vast marble hall, where hundreds of goblins were sitting behind desks, scribbling in large ledgers, weighing coins, examining precious stones, or talking to other wizards and witches. It was intimidating for the two young students, and they stepped closer to each other.
There were giant crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, marble floors, and what looked like gold all over the place. Harry was afraid to touch anything or breathe to loudly. Harry and Anissa stared in awe, but Minerva ignored all this and went right up to the head desk.
"Good morning. We've come to enter the trust vault of Mr. Harry Potter."
The goblin stared right into Minerva's eyes. He did not seem to be intimidated by her. "Do you have his key, ma'am?"
Minerva was ready for this and handed the gold key over to the goblin. He looked at it closely, then looked over his shoulder and shouted at a goblin standing against the wall.
"Griphook!" The goblin came and stood next to the desk, taking the key. "Griphook here will take you to your vault."
Minerva nodded politely, and seeing it, Harry and Anissa again bowed to the goblins. They both looked shocked but quickly went back to their semi-polite faces. As the group followed Griphook towards a door leading off the hall, Anissa spoke up worriedly.
"Professor, I don't have a vault here and my parents didn't give me any money to buy my supplies."
"There is a scholarship for Muggle-borns that pays for their schooling from the Ministry of Magic. I have already discussed this with your parents, and they have given me the money for your supplies, do not worry. I have also explained how they can open a vault here for you and that should also be set up for you today."
Anissa let out her breath and smiled at Professor McGonagall. Now she could shop without feeling so worried. Harry smiled at her, knowing how she felt about not having any money. He just hoped he had enough to pay for everything he needed.
Griphook held a door open for them and when they entered, Harry and Anissa were surprised and a bit disappointed. They expected more grandeur like the hall they had just left. This was just a long stone passageway with torches spaced along the walls.
It sloped steeply and there were little railway tracks on the floor. Griphook whistled and a small cart came hurtling towards them. Harry eyed it nervously, but Anissa was grinning broadly. She grabbed Harry's hand and all but dragged him into the cart.
Professor McGonagall sat behind them while Griphook sat in the front. They hurtled through a maze of twisting passages and Harry was instantly lost. The rattling cart seemed to know where it was going, because Griphook was not steering it.
Anissa had her hands in the air, her voice echoing through the caverns. "Woohoo!" She grabbed Harry's hand and made him put his up as well. It took him a minute, but he soon joined her in the fun. "Woohoo!" Their yells echoed off the walls and Minerva smirked at their joy. Ah, youth.
Too soon, they were slowing down to a stop beside a small door in the passage wall. Minerva got out and helped the kids while Griphook went to the door. He inserted the key, placed his hand against the door, and a white square appeared.
"Mr. Potter, if you would please place your hand on the square." said Griphook as he gestured to the glowing white square.
"Why? What happens when I do?" Harry did not know if he wanted to touch it, but Professor McGonagall seemed to expect it, so he guessed this was normal.
"This will read your magical signature to verify that you are indeed Mr. Harry James Potter, and you will be linked to your vaults. Should you purchase one of our infinite money pouches it would also be linked to your signature so only you could use it, and the money would come directly from your vault. You will not have to come here to retrieve money each time you need it."
Harry thought that would be a good thing to have. He looked at Professor McGonagall and she nodded her head, so Harry nodded his head as well. If he had enough in his vault, then he would get one of those money pouches. When Harry put his hand on the square it brightened then a green smoke came billowing out. Once it cleared, Harry gasped.
There, inside a huge cave, were mounds of gold coins, columns of silver and heaps of bronze. Harry could not believe that all of this was his. He had never seen so much money in his life. The Dursleys could not have known about this, or it would all be gone, spent on his spoiled cousin.
"This is your trust vault, Mr. Potter, for you to use during your school years, and will be replenished every year from the Potter family vault. The Potter family vault will not be accessible to you until you come of age at seventeen or are emancipated. The rest of your assets will be discussed then as well." Griphook explained.
'Assets?' Harry thought in wonder.
"Wow, Harry," Anissa whispered, she had never seen so much money and she was happy for Harry.
Harry peeled his eyes away from the piles of money and looked at Anissa. Her eyes were as wide as his and suddenly Harry felt a little bad. He knew Anissa's parents were not poor, but they were not rich either. And if they had it their way, they would have nothing to do with her at all.
"I'll share it with you," stated Harry.
"Harry, no. This is yours. It's from your parents." objected a shocked Anissa.
Minerva was shocked as well. She marveled at the person Harry had become, and from how she thought he had been treated in his life, it was amazing. Griphook, on the other hand, thought Harry was crazy to share his wealth.
Goblins did not share their hordes with anyone except close family. Harry's next words morphed Griphook's feelings into a sort of pride for the boy. What he said next was honorable to any goblin, as they valued family over all, even money.
"They would want me to help you, you're my best friend and my sister. If I want to help and take care of you, then I will." Harry said stubbornly.
Anissa knew Harry well enough by now to know that when he dug in his heels, he did not let it go without a fight. It made her feel loved and wanted. Sighing and smiling softly she nodded her head.
"Thank you, Harry."
With the help of Professor McGonagall, Harry filled a small bag with enough to cover what they needed to get today and some for the train ride. Minerva then explained how their money worked.
"The gold ones are Galleons. Seventeen silver Sickles to a Galleon and twenty-nine Knuts to a Sickle. You'll get it quick enough."
Both students looked lost, unsure if they would ever get it. Minerva steered them back to the cart. After seeing how much he had in the cave, Harry turned to Griphook and told him he would like one of the infinite money pouches.
"Once we return to the main hall, I will procure one for you, Mr. Potter. The cost is 20 Galleons. When the paperwork authorizing us to take the money from your vault is signed, I will link your magical signature to your infinite money pouch."
"Thank you, Griphook." Harry bowed to him. Griphook, again surprised, bowed back. This boy is a strange wizard, he thought.
Harry was happy. He had his best friend with him, they were about to go to a school to help them with their magic, and soon they would be free of their relatives for most of the year. Things were definitely looking up for them.
Once they got back to the main hall, Griphook took them to a desk and pulled out the required form for the money bag. Harry read it over with Minerva's help and signed it at the bottom. It made Harry feel good to know how much he had and that he would always be covered.
Griphook then pulled out a paper with many colors on it. Harry chose the dark green color and Griphook pulled out the corresponding bag. Then he said a couple words in a language Harry could not understand and had Harry hold onto the bag with him. The bag glowed and Griphook let it go. The glow pulsed a couple times and then faded away.
"It is now linked to you and your vault. When you need money, just think of the amount you want while holding the pouch in your hand. The money will appear inside. Is there anything else that I can do for you today?" asked Griphook.
"No, thank you. You have been most helpful. Have a good day." Minerva said, then steered both students out of the bank after one last bow.
Harry and Anissa were excited about getting their supplies and seeing everything the stores had to offer. They had promised each other that they would learn all that they could so they could always take care of each other. No one was ever going to hurt either of them again. Not if they had anything to say about it.
"We might as well get your uniforms first." said Minerva, turning towards the shop on their left.
Harry had an insane urge to wave back at the purple robe that was waving to him from the shop window, but he held himself back. Anissa giggled as she was already waving merrily, causing Minerva to smile. The sign over the door read 'Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions'. Minerva held the door open for them and they were met by a squat, smiling witch dressed all in mauve.
"Professor McGonagall, how lovely to see you. Two new students? Let's get them up here so we can get them measured."
The witch gestured to a couple of footstools. Anissa stood on one and Madam Malkin slipped a long robe over her head. While Harry went to the other stool and stood rigidly as a second witch slipped a robe over his head.
They immediately began to pin them to the right length. While they waited, a bell tinkled as the door opened and a girl with long messy blonde hair came skipping in. Her father came in right behind her, saw Professor McGonagall, and immediately started a heated discussion.
"Hogwarts, dear?" asked Madam Malkin. "Got the lot here – this one's almost done, then you can step on up."
A few more pins later and Madam Malkin slipped the robe off Anissa. She gestured for the new girl to step up. Shortly after that Harry was done, but they stood quietly to the side as the adults were still talking animatedly in the corner.
"Hi. My name is Luna." the blonde girl said.
"I'm Anissa, and this is Harry." Anissa pointed as she said their names. Harry gave Luna a small smile.
"I love these flowy robes, don't you? Although I think they should be a different color. Black attracts the Wrackspurts, don't you know. Madam, do you think I could maybe get these in a nice light blue, or better yet rainbow?"
Harry and Anissa looked at Luna in confusion. Wrackspurts? Was that something dangerous? By the dreamy look on her face, they figured it was not. Madam Malkin sighed and rolled her eyes. The duo looked at each other and grinned. They realized that Luna was different and interesting, they liked her.
"No dear," Madam Malkin said. "The school wants them in black, I'm sorry."
"Oh well, I thought I'd ask." said Luna, not seeming to care that she could not have them the color she wanted.
"Rainbow is a horrible choice for robes. Can you imagine? I wouldn't be caught dead in something so ridiculous. And there are no such things as Wrackspurts." A new voice drawled from behind them.
The trio turned to see a boy with a pale, pointed face, silver grey eyes and white-blonde hair. His clothes looked expensive, and he stood and talked like he owned the shop. They had not even heard the bell tinkle announcing his arrival.
Harry instantly disliked him. His attitude reminded him of his cousin, Dudley. Entitled. Luna looked like she was about to cry and that made Harry angry. He hated bullies with a passion. Anissa looked mad too.
"No one asked for your opinion, did they? Why don't you keep your nose out of other people's business." Anissa said, blocking Luna from the boy's view.
"Why should I? She's just a dumb girl who can't tell what's real and what's rumor. She'll probably be in Hufflepuff with and all the other idiots." The boy sneered.
Harry's fists clenched. He did not like the way the boy was talking about Luna. He could tell that Luna was smart, just different. There was more to her than what you could see. Harry came to stand next to Anissa, forming a shield for Luna.
"Leave her alone. She's done nothing to you." Anissa said.
Anissa was angry that this boy would pick on the defenseless girl just because he could. Next to her Harry was shaking. The boy walked forward, raising his hand, and put his face in Anissa's. He opened his mouth to say something, but instead he yelped.
"It isn't proper to invade someone's personal space without their permission." Harry growled.
"What did you do?" The boy's eyes had widened as he gasped, then they narrowed in anger. "My father will hear about this!"
The boy was holding his hand against his body, but you could see the red stripe that crossed his palm. He turned and ran out the door. The trio and Madam Malkin watched him flee and Madame Malkin shook her head.
Professor McGonagall, seeing the boy run out of the store, came over to see what the fuss was about, as Luna's dad went to console his daughter. They heard him mumble, "There, there my flower."
"What just happened here?" Minerva eyed them sternly.
"The Malfoy boy was stirring up trouble. Saying things he shouldn't to this one here and these two stood up to him. I didn't see what happened exactly, but the boy yelped in pain. You know his father is going to be upset and want retribution." explained Madam Malkin.
Minerva sighed and nodded. She knew Lucius Malfoy well. Then she looked sternly at the pair. "Tell me what you did."
"I became angry when he got in Anissa's face, I'm sure he was going to push her or hit her. Then I remembered my cousin once mentioning that his second-grade teacher used to smack their palms with a ruler when they were bad and pictured it smacking his hand. I'm sorry if this will cause you problems Professor, but I'm not sorry I did it." Harry answered stoutly, even as he leaned warily into Anissa.
"That's right lad. You should never back down from a bully. Don't let them push you down or keep you quiet." Luna's dad said. Professor McGonagall glared at the man, and he closed his mouth and backed up. He turned his attention back to Luna.
"As much as I applaud you sticking up for someone and facing a bully, you do not use your magic to hurt another person. If we were in school, I would be taking House points for this. You should have told me, and I would have handled it."
"Yes, Professor." said Anissa and Harry, looking down at their feet.
Neither of them liked being scolded and Harry stepped back, afraid that this would mean that the professor would hurt him later. He always got hurt when he did freaky things. When Madam Malkin was done with Luna's robes, Luna stepped down off the stool and walked over to the pair.
"Thank you for sticking up for me. Not many people would. I know I'm weird, but it's okay."
"You're not weird, Luna. You just see things differently. That makes you unique, and unique is a great thing to be." Anissa stated.
Luna smiled at them brightly and gave Anissa a hug, Anissa hugged her back. When she reached for Harry, he stiffened and eyed her warily. Luna seemed to understand that Harry did not like to be touched and stuck her hand out to him instead. Harry released his breath, smiled, and shook her hand.
As Luna was gathering her purchase, the door opened again and the blonde boy was back, behind him was a blonde man with an ugly sneer on his face. Harry figured this was the boy's father, which was confirmed as soon as the man spoke.
"My son has informed me that a boy in here attacked him."
His eyes found Harry and they narrowed in disgust as he looked him up and down, taking in his oversized worn clothes. Harry looked steadily back at him, which caused the man's eyes to widen slightly for a second, Harry was not going to be bullied, even though he was shaking terribly in fear.
Minerva moved to stand by Harry's side. The man looked at her then backed up a couple steps, taking his son with him. He knew full well what Minerva McGonagall could do with her wand and he did not want to have to deal with that.
"Professor McGonagall." he greeted her formally. The boy in his grip started to look a bit uneasy.
"Mr. Malfoy. I fear you have been misinformed. Your son came into this establishment and started to cause trouble with Miss Lovegood. Which is disrespectful to this establishment."
Here she gave the man a dark look. The man squirmed a bit and nodded for her to continue. He would need to teach his son to give better details of the situation.
"He was asked to stop and when he refused, he started on another Miss King. Mr. Potter here, had a bout of accidental magic, and the result was the slight redness on the palm of your son's hand. It was not an attack. Now, please accept my apologies as I am in charge of Mr. Potter at the moment."
Lucius Malfoy stiffened at hearing the name Potter. His eyes shifted to the boy's forehead, and he could barely see the famous scar under the boy's fringe. This was the boy who had destroyed the Dark Lord and could very possibly become the next Dark Lord.
He could not afford to make an enemy of the one the Death Eaters would follow if he indeed took over as the next Dark Lord. The Killing Curse glare he was receiving at that moment from the boy gave him hope that he would indeed take that place. The glowing green eyes sent a shiver of dread down his spine.
If his son played this right, he could be in high standings when the Potter boy took over. Lucius' Pureblood mask fell over his face as he looked at Professor McGonagall and she stared right back at him. Eventually he nodded and placed his hand on his son's shoulder. The boy flinched a bit but stood tall.
"I see. Thank you for clarifying, Professor McGonagall. Come, Draco, we have places to be. Mr. Potter." With a nod to Harry and a sneering glance at Anissa, the two left.
Minerva sighed in relief, glad that that had gone so well. She turned towards the counter, but before they went to pay for their robes, Harry asked if he could also get some everyday wear, as he would be embarrassed to wear what he had on at the moment at school.
Minerva assured him that that would be fine and steered him to the area where he could pick out what he wanted. And after an embarrassing talk with Madam Malkin about unmentionables, they picked up their purchases, then left to continue their shopping.
"Do you have your list from your acceptance letter? That will have all the supplies that you will need for the year." asked Minerva.
Anissa pulled the paper out of her pocket and unfolded it. Harry looked over her shoulder as she read it out loud.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL
of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
UNIFORM
First-year students will require:
Three sets of plain work robes (black)
One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupils' clothing should carry name tags
COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A Beginners' Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble
OTHER EQUIPMENT
1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales
Students may also bring an owl OR a cat OR a toad
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS
"That is a lot of stuff and a lot of classes. It's a bit intimidating." Anissa said quietly, her voice uncertain.
Harry put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Just remember our promise and know that I'll be right there with you all the way." Anissa smiled and nodded, reassured by Harry's words.
Minerva was moved by what she was listening to. Throughout her day with them, she had noticed again and again how close the two were. How much they cared for and protected each other. They lifted each other up and helped the other keep their heads.
She had also noticed the magic flowing around them whenever they touched. It poured off of them in waves, very strong waves. It was unfathomable that it came from the two eleven-year-olds. Their separate magical signatures were so very different.
Anissa's magic was strong, a constant pulse against her own magic, but Minerva could hardly feel Harry's. It was like he was almost a Squib. She would have to ask Albus about that. All she knew now was that their years at Hogwarts were going to be interesting and she could not wait.
As the trio headed towards the next store, they could hear the excited whispering flowing around them. Word had apparently spread that Harry Potter was in Diagon Alley and a crowd was forming.
Harry curled into himself further with each comment he heard. He did not want to be famous, and he could not believe some of the things he heard them saying. Why could they not leave him alone? He just wanted to be treated like everyone else.
"Is that Harry Potter? I think I saw the scar."
"He is so small. I imagined him bigger."
"That's Harry Potter. He has been training since the defeat of You-Know-Who and is practically qualified to teach Defense."
"Do you really think he beat You-Know-Who?"
"I wonder if I could get his autograph. I could sell it for a lot of Galleons."
"He is supposed to start Hogwarts this year, I wonder if he'll be in my House."
"Look, there he is! He's back!"
"At three years old he could cast Stupefy… nonverbally!"
"I heard he is already more powerful than fully trained Aurors."
The trio quickly made their way to their next destination. Harry and Anissa bought the needed books from Flourish and Blotts, plus quite a few more for extra studying. One on Quidditch, one on goblins, one on Wandless Magic (which Minerva said was too advanced for them) and Hogwarts, A History.
They also threw in a couple of others that caught their interest as well. Professor McGonagall had to drag Harry away from Curses and Counter-curses (Bewitch Your Friends and Befuddle Your Enemies with the Latest Revenges: Hair Loss, Jelly-Legs, Tongue-Tying and Much, Much More) by Professor Vindictus Viridian.
"I was trying to find out how to curse Dudley and John." Harry whispered to Anissa, which made her giggle.
They quickly bought the rest of their supplies; a trunk with three separate compartments and an Extension and Shrinking Charm on it, a cauldron (McGonagall would not let Harry buy a solid gold one), some nice scales for weighing potion ingredients and a collapsible brass telescope.
The Apothecary was fascinating. Harry was intrigued by all the different plants and animal parts. There were things all over the walls in barrels lining the floor, in bundles hanging from the ceiling and just piled up wherever there was space. Harry loved it.
Maybe, since he loved to cook, that was why he was so interested in Potions. From what he gathered they were pretty similar. The smells were intoxicating, and if they did the miracles he had been told they could do, then he could not wait to start brewing. Once outside of the Apothecary, Minerva noticed the time.
"How about we get something to eat? We have been at this all day." Minerva suggested.
Both children were quick to say it was not necessary, but Minerva just led the way into a place called Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. The smell from outside was heavenly. Inside there were many flavors, too many to count really. Harry had no idea where to start and he was quite overwhelmed. He just stood there and stared around as Anissa chose her favorite flavor.
"What would you like Harry? What is your favorite flavor, I'm sure they have it here." Minerva asked.
Harry just shook his head. "I don't know. I've never had ice cream before."
Again, Minerva had to tamp down the anger that arose in her for his relatives. He had never had ice cream? What else have they kept from him? Each thing she learned gave her an even worse picture of Harry's life with his relatives.
Anissa came to stand by him and whispered, "I'll help you choose."
Harry smiled at her in thanks. He ended up with a chocolate and peanut butter sundae. At his first bite, he closed his eyes in bliss. The ice cream melted in his mouth and the flavors were rich and tasty.
"So good." Harry mumbled and both girls smiled.
They happily talked as they savored their ice cream, and Minerva was again taken by these two precious children. She witnessed their strength and love for each other and felt the warmth of inclusion. Once they finished their ice cream, she asked Anissa to check the list again.
"All that's left is a wand." Anissa stated. "I'm really looking forward to this."
"Me too." Harry agreed.
"Ollivanders it is then." Minerva said, leading the way to the store.
This shop was narrow and shabby. Peeling gold letters over the door read Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C. A single wand lay on a faded purple cushion in the dusty window. Harry looked at Anissa, raising an eyebrow.
This place did not look like much. Anissa shrugged and followed Professor McGonagall inside. A bell tinkled when they entered the shop. It was a tiny, empty place, except for the single spindly chair in a corner and the sales counter.
It was very quiet, like the inside of a library, and Harry felt like they should whisper. Looking around, Anissa pointed to the wall with all the little boxes stacked up to the ceiling. The place felt a bit eerie and made the hair on their arms stand up.
"Good afternoon," said a soft voice.
Both kids jumped and Minerva's lips twitched. An old man was suddenly standing before them. He had wide pale eyes that shone like the moon. They both took a step back, as they were sure he had not been there just a second ago. Ollivander stared at them, as if waiting for something.
Oh! "Good afternoon, sir." Harry and Anissa said quietly.
"Ah yes," the man said with a smile. "Yes, yes. I thought I'd be seeing you soon. Harry Potter. You have your mother's eyes."
Harry's eyes widened and he shared a glance with Anissa. This man was strange and seemed to know things. How did he know who he was? Then it came to him and Harry wanted to slap his forehead. His scar. Of course. Inwardly, Harry rolled his eyes, that was going to be annoying.
"It is quite an honor to meet you, young man. But forgive my manners, I am Garrick Ollivander." he stated.
"It's nice to meet you too, Mr. Ollivander." Harry said.
This bloke seemed a bit creepy, and Harry still had a wariness of all adults, but he kind of liked him as well. He was different, like Luna. Harry would reserve judgment until he got to know the man better. He seemed like a decent sort, and Professor McGonagall seemed to like him, since she smiled and talked to him with respect.
"Thank you, Mr. Potter." Mr. Ollivander responded. "It seems only yesterday that your mother and father were in here buying their first wands." Ollivander was now almost nose to nose with Harry and it was making Harry nervous. His eyes flicked to Harry's scar. "I'm sorry to say that I sold the wand that gave you that." he said softly. "If I knew what that wand was going out into the world to do…" He shook his head sadly and then looked at Anissa. She squirmed under that glowing stare and Harry took her hand.
"Miss King." acknowledged Ollivander.
Again, how did he know? There was no scar to give away who she was, and no magical parents that had come to him to get their first wands. Harry was now sure that Mr. Ollivander was a little more special than a normal wizard.
"Yes, sir," she said proudly. Ollivander smiled then clapped his hands.
"Well now, let me see. Which arm is your wand arm?" He pulled out a couple of long tape measurers with silver markings out of his pocket.
"Er, well, I'm right-handed," said Harry.
"And I'm left-handed," added Anissa.
"Hold out your arm. That's it."
He first measured Anissa then Harry from shoulder to finger, then elbow to wrist, shoulder to floor, knee to armpit and around the head. As he measured, he started talking.
"Every Ollivander wand is different. Different woods and cores, just like every tree and animal is different. And of course, you will never get such good results with another wizard's wand."
Suddenly, Harry realized that the tape measurer was still moving around his body on its own. Anissa was giggling as hers was tickling her neck. Mr. Ollivander was grabbing boxes and making two piles in front of them.
"That will do." he said, and the tape measurers dropped to the ground. "Right then, Miss King you first." Anissa straightened and focused on Mr. Ollivander, she looked nervous. He handed her a wand. "Try this one. Oak and unicorn hair, eight and a half inches, springy."
Anissa looked at Harry in confusion and he swung his hand in a dip. Anissa nodded then started to move her arm and Ollivander snatched the wand from her. Anissa looked startled and was a bit afraid. Harry stepped closer to her, but Ollivander already had another wand out.
"Maple and phoenix feather. Seven inches. Quite whippy. Try this–" Before Anissa even touched it, Mr. Ollivander snatched it back. "No, no – here, ebony and thunderbird feather, nine inches. Go on, go one, try it out."
Anissa tried ten more wands and was feeling very put out. She had shattered a vase, tossed a rack of wand boxes across the room, and blew up the spindly chair in the corner, among other things.
"Don't worry, my dear. We'll find your wand. The wand chooses the witch, you know. Here, try this one. Holly and dragon heartstring. Seven and a half inches. Nice and supple."
Sighing, Anissa took the wand, not really expecting anything. Immediately, she felt a warmth run up her arm and her hair stood straight up from her head then braided itself down her back. Professor McGonagall clapped, and Anissa beamed at Harry.
"Wonderful, one down and one to go." Ollivander clapped as well.
He turned those shining eyes on Harry. Harry had a similar experience to Anissa's, though his pile of tried wands was much bigger. Harry was getting scared because he had not felt a thing from any of the wands. What if he did not find one? Would they send him back to the Dursley's saying they were mistaken?
Ollivander was having the time of his life, though. The more wands that Harry tried, the happier Ollivander seemed to become. Harry did not understand it. Ollivander had taken it as a personal challenge to get him the perfect wand. Harry just hoped one 'chose' him.
"Tricky customer, eh? We'll find your perfect match here somewhere. I wonder, now – yes, why not – unusual combination. Holly and phoenix feather, eleven inches, unyielding."
Harry took the wand and immediately felt the warmth in his fingers as a wind blew around him, tossing his hair. Smiling, he flung his arm out and a stream of green and gold sparks shot from the end like fireworks, and everyone was now wearing a white flower pinned to their shirt.
"Oh, bravo! And thank you for the flower, it is quite lovely. Yes, very good. Well, well… how curious... how very curious…"
As Ollivander wrapped up their wands, Harry asked, "Why is it curious?"
Ollivander looked right into Harry's eyes. "I remember every wand I've ever sold. It so happens that the phoenix whose tailfeather resides in your wand gave another feather, just one feather. It is curious that you should be destined for this wand, when its brother gave you that scar."
Professor McGonagall gasped and Harry swallowed. He looked like he was going to be sick. He shared a wand core with Voldemort? What did that mean? Was he destined to be a Dark wizard too?
"Curious how these things happen. But remember, just because you share a wand core with him, it does not mean you are like him. Your choices make you who you are. I think we can expect great things from you, Mr. Potter… After all, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named did great things, terrible yes, but great."
They paid for their wands and some arm holsters (they had him include anti-summoning and invisibility charms on them), and Mr. Ollivander bowed them from his shop.
"It has been a pleasure Mr. Potter, Miss King, Professor McGonagall." Ollivander said.
"And you, Mr. Ollivander." Anissa responded.
Harry was quiet as he thought about his wand's connection with Voldemort's. Did sharing his wand core with Him mean he was destined to turn Dark too? Was he inherently evil like his relatives had always said he was? Harry's mood turned duller the more he thought about it.
Their last stop of the day would have been the Magical Menagerie, but Harry informed Professor McGonagall that he could not take a pet home with him. His relatives would not allow him to keep it, or worse they would kill it like they had the snake he had once befriended.
Anissa was not sure that her stepbrother would leave any pet she bought home alone either, so she decided not to get anything at that time. Maybe once she knew enough spells to keep the animal safe, she would, but not just yet. Minerva understood and let it drop.
The sun was low in the sky when they returned to the playground that they had left early that morning. It had been a full day, and they were all pretty exhausted. Happy, but tired. When they heard a bark, Harry and Anissa turned with huge smiles, while Minerva stared at the big black dog in disbelief. The dog stopped and stared back. What was Min doing here?
"Snuffles!" Padfoot's attention turned to Harry and Anissa as they ran over and gave him a lot of pets and hugs.
"Snuffles?" asked Minerva with a raised eyebrow.
She gave the dog a look that clearly said, 'we will talk later'. Padfoot nodded subtly, he knew they were going to have a long talk, but maybe Min could help him convince Dumbledore that he should take care of Harry. Min was very protective of her students, lions or not.
"Alright. Here are your tickets for the Hogwarts Express. The first of September at King's Cross Station. It's all on your tickets. The barrier to get to the train is between platforms 9 and 10. Just walk straight into the barrier and you'll pass right through. Do it at a bit of a run if you're nervous. Any problems, you can write to me again. I'll see you soon."
She gave the dog another severe look before she turned on her heel and was gone with a loud crack! Harry and Anissa stared at the spot that the professor had just occupied. The magic still amazed them and made Harry nervous.
"I can't wait until I can do that. Poof and your gone." Harry sighed. Anissa agreed as she gave another hug to Snuffles.
"Well, I've got to get home," Anissa yawned. "I'm glad Min put the featherlight charm on our trunks or we'd be in real trouble. I'll see you tomorrow, yeah?"
"Yeah, see you tomorrow. We can start looking at the books we bought. Bring a couple of them and we can start studying, and thanks for holding the extra books as well. I know the Dursleys will do something so I can't get to my trunk. I'm glad we thought to get wand holsters for our arms. That way they won't find it and take it from me."
Harry smiled and waved as Anissa waved back and walked away. Harry grabbed his new, full trunk and started to pull it towards Number Four Privet Drive. He was already counting down the days until September 1st. He could not wait. Once they reached his lawn Harry patted the dog one last time.
"Goodnight, Snuffles."
