"Harry my boy, I must insist. It is not safe for you outside Hogwarts. Either you return to your home or stay at the castle. You could be harmed, my dear boy." Dumbledore's stern gaze looked at Harry as the old man leaned over his desk with a grandfatherly smile.
Behind him, Professor Snape stepped forward. "Professor, I believe that the Malfoys would not dare to harm Potter; especially because he will be going to the Ministry." Snape sneered, as his hand pressed firmly down upon Harry's shoulder.
"Severus, I believe that the best course of action to protect the boy is to keep him here, where he is safe. Especially from the actions of Lucius Malfoy." Dumbledore's fingertips steepled as he stared back at the two.
Harry had been ushered to the Headmaster's office the first day of Easter Break as Professor Snape had filed his permission slip to go with the Malfoy family. Professor Dumbledore refused to accept the outing, and was currently attempting to persuade Harry to stay within the castle.
"Professor?" Harry asked gently, looking up at the old man.
"Yes, Harry?" Dumbledore's twinkling eyes shone down on Harry, who took a deep breath.
"I believe that Lord Malfoy will help me, even with our families' former grievances. He is a Lord of the Wizengamot, and I am the Heir of House Potter. My other friends know I will be going for Easter, and I was also hoping to meet with Ollivander for a few questions. All of them know where I will be going and when; if anything happens to me then it would be simple enough to reveal any attempted plot." Harry said, clearing his throat. "On the same note, if I was to be prevented from going to the Ministry for reasons that are not my own and my Head of House's, then questions could be raised that would reflect poorly on Hogwarts. I would never want something like that to happen, sir."
The edges of Snape's mouth twitched, threatening to smirk. Harry was truly a Slytherin at this moment, forcing the Headmaster in a single direction.
Dumbledore frowned. "But Harry my boy, your security…"
"If you are worried, sir, you could have Professor Snape check up on me at the start, middle, and evening of each day. I wouldn't mind communicating with him using the floo, as Draco informed me that his family home has such a connection."
"You will be staying at Malfoy Manor during the break?" Dumbledore asked, seemingly missing the rest of the statement. "That could be exceptionally dangerous, my boy. Who knows what Dark and wicked artifacts they could have in their home."
Harry sighed. "Professor, with all due respect, I really do want to see what the Malfoy Manor is like. I've read about it in books and learned much about its history as a former property of the Black Family, but I want to SEE it. If you're worried, then have Professor Snape check on me, and I could easily swear an oath—"
"You will do no such thing, Harry my boy. Whoever mentioned oaths to you is highly irresposible! They are dangerous forms of Old Magic, and should never be used." Dumbledore raised his hand to his forehead, and sighed.
"Very well, Harry my boy. But Professor Snape will check on you three times a day and will report back to me. Am I clear?"
"Crystal, sir." Harry grinned, getting up from the seat before Dumbledore's desk. "Will that be all, sir?"
When Dumbledore nodded, Harry rushed out the door. As soon as he had left, Snape turned to the Headmaster. "I'm quite surprised you let the matter drop. Pampering the spoiled brat?"
Dumbledore took a deep breath. "I trust your judgment, Severus. If you believe the boy will be safe, then I have no real reason to deny his request; especially considering his guardians have signed the necessary paperwork. To do otherwise would not only harm my relations with the boy, but also set a precedent I dare not cross."
Snape gave a bit of a snort. It was barely audible, but afterwards gave a passive nod and turned, leaving the Headmaster's office as well.
"A week at Malfoy Manor, and being able to meet some of the biggest people in the Ministry! This is going to be fun, Potter. You'll see! You'll be able to see how the magical government works." Draco grinned as he sat at the Slytherin table.
Harry also had a wide grin upon his face as he butted in, "I can't wait to introduce you to my Aunt and Uncle! I think you'll really hit it off. My Aunt has always loved the intricacies of nobility." Harry quickly ate a few things from his plate but kept his meal light; he didn't want a full stomach when today was going to be so eventful.
It didn't take long before the tapping of a cane on the castle flagstones echoed in the Great Hall. The light sound was drowned by the natural sounds of the castle, but Harry and Draco were so excited they quickly pinpointed the sound.
Before Lucius Malfoy was even over the threshold of the door, Harry and Draco were walking over at a rushed pace. "Father, are you ready to get going?" The man's silver locks were pristine, as per normal, his cane polished and shining in the light of the Great Hall.
With a smirk, Lucius Malfoy looked over his son and The Boy Who Lived before giving a nod. "Let us be off. Draco, Potter, we have much to do today. Heir Potter, I am pleased at your acceptance of my hospitality. We will be going to Diagon Alley first, as I have to sell a few things to a shop there."
Draco seemed to get an even wider grin at that. "At Borgin and Burke's, Father?" Harry noted how Draco lowered his voice, idly curious at what sort of place this "Borgin and Burke's" was. "Will I be able to get something from there?"
"If you behave, Draco. As for you, Heir Potter, I implore you to stay close. I would rather you not catch the eye of unsavory persons." Lord Malfoy sneered, as the man spun in place and faced towards the door. For a moment, Harry wondered if Lord Malfoy and Professor Snape were brothers due to the fact Lucius' robes billowed similarly to Snape's own.
Leading Harry out and to a room in the castle that Harry had only visited once, he could see a large number of fireplaces in a circular room. "I thought this room wasn't used. Why do we need a fireplace?" Harry asked as a flick of Lord Malfoy's wand started a warm fire at one of the fireplaces.
"Floo is travel using a magical powder at a fireplace, Potter. Surely you researched it when I mentioned it at Christmas?"
Harry looked sheepish. "Uh… I had other things I was looking up at the time?" Harry offered with a sheepish grin.
"Hah. You just wanted to read as many books as you could, Potter. I swear, you are the most Ravenclaw Slytherin in the entire history of Hogwarts." Lucius seemed contemplative at Draco's words, his eyes regularly glancing back at Harry as he stepped forward to the mantle, grabbing some green dust from a pot above it and carefully passed some to Draco. "I'll allow Draco to go first, then yourself, and then myself. I assume that your muggle guardians didn't teach you how to use the Floo?"
When Harry shook his head, the older man sneered. "I guess they wouldn't have access to it. I do hope they do not disappoint me with their hospitality." Lucius' tone was obvious; he didn't think that Harry's aunt and uncle were worth his time. Harry felt a wave of nervousness slide through his body, privately hoping he wasn't wasting the time of his friend's father.
Cutting off Harry's thoughts, Draco stepped up and tossed the powder into the fire. With a shout of "Diagon Alley!" Harry saw the flames expand and turn green, shining with a magic that reminded Harry of the runes on broomsticks.
Draco stepped through and suddenly vanished from sight.
Lucius then stepped up and passed Harry a handful of the powder, which smelled of mint and lilacs. Frowning, Lucius looked down at the boy, as Harry felt himself gulp at the man's comment, "I do hope you do not have difficulties with such a simple magical method of transportation, Potter. Draco extolls your abilities whenever he can; do not disappoint me."
Harry audibly gulped, reaching for the green powder and holding it out. Tossing it into the fire, he shouted as clearly as he could, "Diagon Alley!" When the flames turned green, he stepped through as he had seen Draco do moments before.
Harry's eyes were instantly accosted with images of magic and light. He could feel himself moving through some sort of space where the very air seemed to glow with magic. His eyes watered from the vibrancy of the magic around him, forcing him to close his eyes as he was flung forward.
Landing roughly, he feels his knees roughly hit wooden floor, a pair of hands helping him up. His eyes were throbbing, and he couldn't see anything for a moment as he tried to rub the stars from his vision.
"You alright, Potter?" Harry heard fingers snap in front of his eyes, as vision was slowly returning to him. Harry finally managed to speak up, finding his voice. "Urgh. I'm okay, Draco. Is Floo travel always that bright?"
"Bright, Potter? All I see is the green flames around me and then appear at my destination." Draco said as he shook his head and cocked an eyebrow at Harry.
As Harry's vision returned, he took a moment to look around. He could see they were at the Leaky Cauldron, and the fireplace behind him flared up with green fire. It was scarcely a moment longer before Lucius Malfoy stepped from the green flames, brushing ash off his shoulders.
"It seems both of you are unharmed. Let's hurry and get our business done." Lord Malfoy said, walking forward as he flicked his cane towards the portal. With a few light taps, the portal to Diagon Alley opened before them.
Diagon Alley was just as busy as Harry remembered it; the magical cobblestone stretching forward as witches and wizards went about their day. As they walked down the street, Harry spoke up. "Lord Malfoy?" Lucius gave a questioning glance at the boy, meeting his gaze.
"Would it be okay if we stopped by Ollivander's and Gringotts after your business is completed?" Harry asked politely, holding his hands behind his back.
"I believe we can, Heir Potter. However, as you mentioned, it will be after my business is concluded. Come along." Lucius led Harry and Draco down a side alleyway that Harry hadn't noticed before. The air seemed to get a bit thicker, and oddly the sky seemed somewhat darker. The sun's light almost seemed dim in this alleyway.
"Welcome to Knockturn Alley, Potter." Draco whispered. "Don't make eye contact with anyone. Many of them think it's a challenge."
Harry noticed Lucius walked briskly but made sure the two were close. When Harry missed a step, he felt a sudden shove of magic behind him that kept him close to Draco and Lucius.
"Stay close, Potter. As I said, do not stray from my side. Do not make me repeat myself again." Harry shuddered a bit at the ominous warning and nodded, the white-haired wizard leading them down the dreary alley. "Draco, is the name Knock-turn, like knocking on a door and turning it, or Nocturne, like the latin word for night?"
Draco opened his mouth to respond, but then blinked. He seemed speechless for a second, and then looked at Harry. "I— don't know, Potter. Father?"
"Yes, Draco?"
"Is Knockturn Alley's name based on knocking and turning, or is it based on the latin word Nocturne, for Night?"
"Ah. Very good question, Draco. It is yet another thing that mudbloods have ruined, you see. When they didn't understand the latin in the name, the mudbloods started calling it Knock-turn. Unfortunately, since muggles ruin everything, the name stuck and another fragment of our traditions was cast aside."
Harry frowned a bit at the derogatory slurs, but remained silent as the three soon arrived at a large, black-shuttered wooden building. The gothic style architecture was quite old, and Harry could see the entire building thrummed with a magic that could only be described as dark.
"Now, the two of you may look around, but remember." Lord Malfoy began, looking at Draco expectantly.
"Touch nothing if you wish to keep your fingers." Draco finished, obviously having been told the line many times.
Harry gulped, but followed Draco and his father into the store. The scent of age and decay entered Harry's nose as the door was pushed open. He could see books and objects scattered about, Draco going and meandering about them but keeping his hands tightly and firmly to his side.
Harry decided to go over to the books, his eyes moving about the titles. "Dark Arts for Dark Fellows", "Necromantic Lore", "Deep Magicks of the Olde Ways" Harry could see many books that he'd never seen before. He was very tempted to try taking one out and reading one, but he found himself thinking that he would prefer keeping his fingers.
"Potter, come look at this!" Draco's voice said from behind a large shelf. Harry moved around it and joined his friend, who was looking over what looked like someone's mummified, decapitated hand. "This is a Hand of Glory. If you give it a candle to hold, it makes the light produced by it only visible to the one who holds the Hand itself." Draco explained. "This would be great to sneak out after curfew."
Harry chuckled; if only his friend knew of his nightly forays thanks to the serpent tunnels. But that was his and Amber's secret, after all.
"What's this, Draco?" Harry asked, gesturing at a small skull, much too small to be a human's.
"That's a Skull of the Hag. If you cast a hex at it, it will spit the hex out at any who enter its gaze. It's a powerful dark defensive object."
Harry could see Lucius was talking to the shopkeeper, holding a small bag in his hand. He was curious, but his attention was taken by Draco, who pointed to another small object. "Look at this, Potter. An Onyx Looking Glass. It's a dark object that can be used to reflect spells cast at it, but it draws magic from the user to do so."
Harry blinked as he looked over a few more items, seeing a bloodsoaked pack of cards on one shelf. "This place has a lot of interesting things. Why is it not more successful?"
"Because the Ministry outlaws any object that it deems as "Dark", and registers anything it wants as "Dark", Potter. Because of that, when the laws shift, good families have to sell their heirlooms here. The Ministry doesn't enter Knockturn Alley much, for good reason."
"And what reason is that?" Harry asked, fascinated.
"Too many people here pay them to look the other way." Draco smirks.
"You mean bribes?" Harry asked, concerned and slightly horrified at the implications.
"Bribes? No. It's simply some donations here and there to the right people, accompanying some suggestions that Auror resources should be pushed elsewhere. It's kinda like what you did with the Hebrides Preserve, Potter."
"I didn't intend it to be a bribe though." Harry said, shifting uncomfortably.
"But to people at the Romanian Preserve, I bet it seemed that way. It's always a matter of who is the one looking at it, and from what direction they view it, Potter. Imagine if we didn't have Knockturn Alley, or Borgin and Burke's. Where would families go if they wanted to get rid of their old dark objects without harming anyone?"
"I never thought about it that way," Harry said and gave a frown, pinching his chin. It was at that moment that Lucius walked over, catching the attention of the two boys. "My business is done. Draco, Heir Potter, we shall be heading to Gringotts now as per Heir Potter's request."
Harry nodded, as Draco moved to his father's side. The three of them were soon walking down the alley once more, leaving the dim air of Knockturn as Harry followed Lord Malfoy.
Gringotts was just as Harry remembered it, the large white and gold building as imposing as ever at the end of Diagon Alley. Taking the two boys up the steps, Lucius gestured. "Do what you require, Potter. I'd rather not be here any longer than I have to be."
Harry nodded and headed into the large bank, leaving Lucius and Draco outside. Making his way to a teller, Harry gave a nod as he remembered the book's lessons on Goblin etiquette. "Greetings, stonebreaker. May your blades carve the earth and your enemies in equal measure. I wish to check and retrieve some funds in my account."
The Goblin peered at Harry, and then gave a mixed glance. On one hand, it seemed like the Goblin was sneering, but on the other hand it seemed like the goblin was impressed. The mixed messages Harry received quickly ended as the Goblin gestured. "Do you have your Key, Wizard?"
Harry reached into his bottomless bag, taking out his key. He was quite glad Hagrid hadn't noticed he had kept it when they had left Diagon at the start of the school year. The Goblin took it, examining it and then handed it back to Harry with a nod. "Very well. A cart tender will bring you to your vault." The Goblin gestured towards the doors that led deeper into the bank.
Releasing a breath he didn't know he had been holding, Harry made his way over to the waiting goblin.
After retrieving his gold, Harry made his way back to the surface, looking at the goblin who had escorted him. "Why didn't Griphook take me today?" Harry asked the goblin.
The goblin eyed Harry and gave a smirk ."You know a goblin's name, eh wizard? Griphook's off for the day. I'm his replacement for the cart. We're going to have t' stop at the top though. You've got someone who wants t' see you."
Harry's surprise was plastered on his face. "Who?"
"Gnasher Stonetooth. House of Potter Accounts Manager." The Goblin said, watching Harry as the cart sped forward, as if he was looking for a response.
"Potter accounts manager? I've never met him before. Why would he want to see me? Is it because of the donation to the Hebrides?" Indeed, it seemed like none of the gold in his vault had disappeared at all. Maybe there was an error?
When the goblin shrugged and resumed piloting the cart, Harry found himself hoping he didn't do anything wrong. After all, if you insult a goblin, the book mentioned they can carry grudges for centuries.
The cart sped up to the surface, stopping and allowing Harry to get out. "Straight ahead, then make a right at the statue. Stonetooth's office is the second from the left." The goblin said, hopping off and walking past Harry towards the front of the bank.
Harry nodded to the goblin, giving a "Thank you, Master Stonebreaker. May your blades carve the earth and work the stone."
The goblin snorted as he turned the corner, leaving Harry to follow his directions. Goblin guards lined the hall, as Harry made his way past, heading to the door mentioned by the cart-tending goblin… he wished he'd gotten his name.
Knocking on the door, there was a voice from within. "Come in." It sounded incredulous, as Harry hoped he hadn't broken some taboo about knocking on doors. Carefully pushing it open, the boy headed inside where a stern-looking goblin wearing a pinstripe suit was sitting behind a massive oaken desk. The goblin gestured for Harry to sit, which he quickly did.
"You are a very hard man to get a hold of, Heir Potter." The Goblin said formally, taking out a parchment and laying it on the table. "When I heard you were being escorted through the bank and had not been to see me last September, you can imagine I was very… annoyed."
The goblin sneered as he looked over his pair of small glasses at the boy. Harry was shifting in his seat, rubbing his hands together nervously as the goblin continued, "And you expected to just come and take more gold, then leave without even bothering to see *me? The Account Manager of your family's account for three hundred years?"
Harry blinked. "I-I'm sorry sir. I didn't know who you were! I didn't even know my family HAD an account manager."
The goblin stopped immediately, a pair of discerning eyes now locked directly on Harry. "Come again, Heir Potter?"
"I-I— didn't know my family had an account manager?"
The goblin's face quickly turned into an angry scowl, as Harry felt a shiver slide down his spine at the wrath in the goblin's eyes. Stonetooth walked over to a large bookshelf, taking out a book. Once he had the massive tome in his hands, he brought it over to the desk and slammed it down as he opened it.
"Three hundred and seventy five times. That is how many times we have attempted to send you letters to your address using the best goblin-bred owls in the world. One for each month since your disappearance, a second time to be sure, and a triplicate to be absolutely certain. Each time we expected an answer from you or your guardian. We would have accepted your guardian's response for the first few years since you were an infant, but we received none from you or your guardian. Absolutely nothing! Do you take us for fools, Heir Potter? You and your guardian have ignored our correspondence for ten years, and now you decide to set foot and take gold whenever you wish? Are we nothing but dancing monkeys to you, wizard, or are you just an imbecile?" Stonetooth's face twisted in wrath as he continued on, looking directly at Harry by the time he finished.
Harry felt his eyes tearing up with a mix of guilt and fear. "I-I'm s-sorry, sir. B-but I-I didn't get any letters a-and I'm r-relatively s-sure that my guardians d-didn't either! I-I didn't mean to insult y-you o-or Gringotts." The boy was about ready to start sobbing; it felt like instead his dream of attempting to impress the goblins, he was going to be hated by them for something that he didn't even know about.
The Goblin saw Harry's quivering and leaned back in the chair, calming himself as he tried to regain control of the conversation. An Heir brought to tears within Gringotts was common, but that same Heir immediately apologizing to a goblin, of all things, was not. "Perhaps there is more to this than meets the eye," Stonetooth thought to himself.
Sitting up in his seat, Stonetooth closed the book. "Heir Potter, as you no doubt are well aware it is illegal to block correspondence with Gringotts due to the Treaty of 1890 outlining that wizards are to accept Gringotts letters no matter their location. Yet you tell me you have received no such correspondence?"
"N-no sir." Harry said as he wiped his tears away. His breath hitched, but he found himself starting to calm down. Did the goblin believe him?
Stonetooth pressed his claws together, steepling his hands in front of him as he thought. "Hrm. Well then this may not be a fault of your own, Heir Potter. Will you be returning to your home today?"
"Y-yes sir, I was going to introduce my friend's father to my guardians." Harry said.
Stonetooth gave a derisive snort. "Ah yes. We are aware you arrived in Diagon Alley with Lord Malfoy. Would you be averse to having a goblin investigator join you and examine any wards around your home?"
"M-my guardians are muggle, sir." Harry said, placing his hands in his lap.
The comment made Stonetooth's eyebrow rise, staring at Harry with a curious look. "Interesting. And you do not know if there are any wards or enchantments around your home?"
"I-I—" Harry considered for a moment, before his mind gave him a traitorous flash of ashes in the wind. Quickly squeezing his eyes shut, Harry shook his head. "I-I think there is. I saw a bubble of magic—"
"Saw? Heir Potter, can you confirm what you just said to me?" Stonetooth asked, as he leaned forward. "You physically saw the magic?"
Harry's heart sank to his stomach. He was so worried about the goblins that he had forgotten not to mention that. Stonetooth, however, seemed to brighten up substantially. "Heir Potter, Mage's Sight is a rare gift from magic itself. However, judging by your reaction, you wish to keep said gift a secret. As your Account Manager, you can rest assured; I carry many secrets for the Potter Family that I am oath-bound to keep."
Harry let out a breath of relief, then nodded. "Y-yes sir- M-master stonebreaker. I have seen an orb of magic around my muggle guardian's home." Harry said, using the stonebreaker title once more to attempt to mind his manners.
"Very well. I shall include that in the report to the investigator. And you are alright with them traveling with you?" Stonetooth took out a parchment and quill, scribbling down a note as he spoke.
Harry nodded, but Stonetooth made a gesture with his hand. "Vocally, if you please, Heir Potter."
"Yes sir. I wish to have the investigator travel with me." Harry felt a magic to his words, as if he had just agreed to some sort of contract. After the magic settled, Stonetooth stood up and moved towards the door. He grabbed the parchment off his desk after writing a few things more upon it. "Follow me then if you would, Heir Potter."
Harry nervously followed the suited goblin out of the door, as he snapped his fingers. One of the guards stepped forward. "Get Inquisitorian Blackstone immediately." Harry stopped, remembering a passage from the book on goblins.
"Inquisitorians are the highest rank of goblin investigators, who are sent out to establish and monitor wards around high-priority individuals. Given the authority to act on behalf of the Goblin Nation, Inquisitorians are used only on the most important of cases. They number only around a dozen, and even have the backing of the Ministry of Magic due to the Treaty of 1890."
The guard bowed to Stonetooth and hurried out of sight. It was hardly a minute before the goblin guard returned with a gruff looking goblin wearing a pitch-black suit, a black tie hanging from his neck.
Stonetooth gave a polite bow to the older goblin. "Inquisitorian Blackstone, here is the report. I beseech you investigate the wards around Heir Potter's domicile. Full scan and investigation." Stonetooth was quite reverent as he handed the parchment to this new goblin.
The goblin looked at it and frowned, before snapping his fingers. A guard handed the goblin a necklace of some kind, which he put on without hesitation. As soon as the necklace was around his neck, Harry saw magic swirl around him and moments later a short human man was stood where the goblin had been standing.
Seeing Harry's look, the man that was once a goblin grinned. "Standard procedure for muggles. Statute of Secrecy and all." Harry was led out of the hall by Blackstone, leaving Stonetooth behind. They headed out of Gringotts, and Harry walked up to Lucius and Draco, causing the two to stop the conversation they had been having.
"Ready to leave, Pot— Oh, good afternoon Inquisitorian Blackstone. A pleasure." Harry saw the twitch in Lord Malfoy's features as he gave a very shallow bow of respect to the "man".
"Heir Potter has an incident that requires an Inquisitorian. Since you, your heir, and himself will be returning to his home, I requested to come along for an investigation."
Lucius seemed surprised, cocking an eyebrow at Harry. "Then we must not dally. Do you still require visiting Ollivander's, Potter?" Lucius asked, Harry nodding quickly. "It will only take a moment, it's a question I had for him. It's really nothing more than that. If that's okay, mas- er, Inquisitorian?" Harry asked the disguised goblin, catching himself before he called the disguised goblin a stonebreaker. Blackstone nodded, and the group hurried down the alley.
As they walked, it didn't seem like Blackstone was getting many looks. Carefully looking at the man, Harry saw a bit of magic around him that seemed to be deflecting the attention of people who peered at him. Was that a spell? The thought made Harry wonder if he could cast something like that someday; it seemed useful.
They soon arrived at Ollivander's, as Harry didn't waste time and hurried inside. As the door's bell rang, Ollivander peered from his spot behind the counter. "Oh, young Harry Potter. You haven't sent me any materials yet so this cannot be about your wand. At least, I hope it isn't. It hasn't burst, has it?"
"No sir, I needed to ask something quickly, and I was in Diagon Alley so I wanted to ask you face to face. Was Neville Longbottom's wand a similar case to my own?"
Ollivander tapped his chin with his finger. "Why, young Mister Longbottom never came to me to get his own wand at the start of the school year. Some families believe that legacy wands are good enough for their scions; I recommend against it, of course. I believe young Mister Longbottom is currently using such a legacy wand."
"I knew it." Harry muttered under his breath.
"Is young Mister Longbottom having some troubles?" Ollivander asked curiously.
"Yes sir, his magic seems to stop right at the wand. It only lets a small amount through."
Ollivander smiles. "Ah, the benefits of Mage Sight. Indeed, Mister Potter; you are correct to come to ask me. It sounds like the wand he is using is ill-suited to his magic. If you would recommend to him to visit at the earliest opportunity; I can fit him to a far better wand that would connect with him much better than that legacy one."
Harry nodded. "Thank you, sir! I'll make sure to tell him." Harry smiled, before turning. "I'd better go, they're waiting on me! And thanks so much for the information in your letter, sir!"
"Anytime, Mister Potter." Ollivander said as Harry hurried outside.
Rejoining Lord Malfoy, Draco, and Blackstone, the small group soon headed back to the Leaky Cauldron. "Is your home connected to the Floo, Potter?" Lucius asked.
"He's currently living with muggles, Father." Draco said before Harry could reply. Lucius frowned, and shook his head.
"Quite. Very well, since I do not know the area, we will be required to… walk." Harry could feel the revulsion in Lord Malfoy's tone.
"Um, if you wish, Lord Malfoy, I could contact my Uncle over the phone, and tell him to come pick us up?" Lucius peered at Harry quizzically as he spoke up. "What is a 'pho-nay', Potter?" Malfoy asked, his eyebrow raising. "Some crude muggle invention, no doubt?"
"It's a way that I can talk to my Uncle over a long distance." Harry explained, trying to figure out how to describe a telephone.
"I thought you said that you had no Floo access, Potter? If you do, then we should just go by Floo."
Harry could hear the annoyance in the silver-haired man's voice. "N-no sir, telephone is something entirely muggle. There's a payphone near here, I'll show you."
Leaving the Leaky Cauldron, Harry noticed mirth in the eyes of Blackstone, but the goblin-turned-man didn't let his face show it at all. Leading Draco and Lucius to a payphone, Harry dug some money from his bottomless bag, inserting the coins.
"So you press a number into it like this, and it then calls who you want." Harry explained, as he dialed his Uncle.
"Hello?" There was barely a single ring, as Harry heard Aunt Petunia's voice on the other end. "Dursley Residence, Petunia Dursley speaking." Harry smiled, and spoke up. "Aunt Petunia! Can you tell Uncle Vernon that Lord Malfoy would like some assistance with transportation to our home? The methods he is familiar with are actually unavailable to him currently. We're currently at Diagon Alley, where Uncle Vernon brought me before." Harry said, carefully choosing his words.
Harry heard his aunt's voice raise in surprise. "O-of course! Your uncle will be by as soon as possible. Next time, make sure to tell us and we would have been waiting, you silly boy!"
Harry blinked a bit as the statements made by his uncle over the letters were experienced in full for the very first time. Aunt Petunia seemed almost pleasant? It was a strange thing to hear, and Harry wondered if it'd be strange to see as well.
Harry quickly responded to his awaiting Aunt, "Sorry, Aunt Petunia. I'll do better next time. See you soon!"
"See you soon, Harry. Love you!"
Harry was left speechless as the phone hung up. His aunt had stated she loved him for the first time in his waking memory! Replacing the phone onto the hook, Harry quickly wiped the surprise off his face and turned to Lucius and Draco. "They'll be here in around twenty minutes."
"What an inefficient method of transportation. But I suppose muggles don't have the same utility as wizardkind does. However, the ability to speak instantly without magic is certainly interesting, I will admit." Harry heard the begrudging respect in the pureblood's voice as he crossed his arms.
"While we wait, why don't we head back into the Leaky Cauldron, Lord Malfoy? I believe that the young Heirs would prefer a nice seat, instead of standing for so long." Blackstone said, as Lucius nodded in response. "An excellent suggestion, Inquisitorian."
Lucius and Blackstone led Harry and Draco back to the Leaky Cauldron, as they all took a seat. It was barely a quarter of an hour later that Harry saw his Uncle's car arrive, the Bentley Arnage that his uncle was so proud of freshly cleaned.
His Uncle stepped from the car quickly, and Harry soon led Lord Malfoy, Draco, and Blackstone from the Leaky Cauldron.
"Lord Malfoy, a pleasure to meet you. I am Vernon Dursley, Director of Development at Grunnings Drills." Harry saw Uncle Vernon offer a hand, as Lucius seemed hesitant for a second, but then took it.
"Lord Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, Patriarch of the Magical House of Malfoy and current special advisor to the Minister of Magic. A… pleasure to meet you." Lucius said, as Harry felt the 'pleasure' part of it was forced.
Uncle Vernon nodded and he gestured at the car. "Please, have a seat. This is one of the finest cars in Britain, and I believe you will appreciate the detail in upholstery." The man walked over and opened the door for them, with Harry and Draco allowing the Lord to go in first, as per etiquette.
Lucius moved and slid into the car, his hand touching the fine black upholstery within. Harry and Draco went in next, with Blackstone taking a seat afterwards.
"I must say, mugg- Mister Dursley, that this 'car' is quite a comfortable carriage." Lucius said, Uncle Vernon beaming at the compliment as he got into the driver's seat. "As I mentioned, Lord Malfoy, it's one of the best cars on the market today. It's the newest model, as well."
"I see." Lucius said, as Harry could see that the pureblood was impressed, but doing his absolute best not to show it in front of a muggle.
The drive was short, but the luxury vehicle handled well. Lord Malfoy kept checking out the window, some surprise breaking through his strict mask. It was obvious he had never been in a car before.
It wasn't long before they arrived at Privet Drive, with Vernon pulling up into the driveway and moving to step out of the vehicle. Harry could see curious eyes peering from windows and blinds, as Lucius Malfoy stepped from the car as Vernon held the door, wearing the expensive robes that made him truly look like a noble. His cane tapped against the ground as he stood there waiting for Harry and Draco, with Blackstone once more leaving the car last.
"A quaint house." Lucius said as his eyes glided over the small home. Blackstone nodded his agreement before saying, "I will go ahead and do what I came here for. Vernon Dursley, was it? I shan't be more than a few minutes, and then I will be out of your hair."
"Oh, you will not be staying? Very well, Mister…?" Vernon seemed to notice the man for the first time, offering a hand to shake.
Blackstone accepted the gesture, nodding. "Blackstone. Argent Blackstone. Special agent for the Royal Gringotts Bank." The 'man' reached into his pocket and took out a business card, giving it to Vernon, who got pale upon seeing it.
"V-very well, Mister Blackstone. I shall not keep you from your duties to the crown. If you require admittance to the house, please notify me immediately. If you would be so kind, I would appreciate information before you leave."
"Of course, Mister Dursley. I shall wait for you after my examinations are completed." Blackstone gave a polite bow, and walked away, disappearing around the corner of the house.
As Blackstone disappeared out of sight, Harry saw Uncle Vernon nod and give a polite gesture. "Shall we have our tea then, Lord Malfoy?" Harry heard Uncle Vernon speak the title loud enough that it could be heard down the street. "I am quite interested in hearing more about your job, and the friendship between our two boys." Harry rolled his eyes. Uncle Vernon always did love showing off.
Lucius nodded, neutrality on his face as Harry could see the man was both horrified and intrigued, with a splattering of disgust mixed in. Uncle Vernon certainly had an uphill battle before him.
-Author's Notes-
Beta read by Kaminton!
We're in the home stretch! We should finish the first book by the middle of next month, and then on to book 2! I hope you guys have been having fun with this AU.
If you're interested in reading the fic early and assisting in pointing out mistakes, send me a PM! The more eyes, the less chance I'll make a mistake later on down the line.
Harry Potter is owned by JK Rowling, not me!