"Fine I'll get it. I'll also need padding appropriate for the position."
When Harry went to pay he discovered that the gift certificate just about paid for the gloves and the forearm guards. He had the store add a wand touch shrink feature to the broom so he could shrink or enlarge it with his wand without breaking the statute of underage sorcery. Ten minutes later they were leaving the store. Harry as excited and chattery as his friends as they reached the door where they ran into the Malfoys.
"Potter." Draco said stiffly.
"Malfoy." Harry returned.
"Famous Harry Potter. Can't even go into a bookstore without making the front page. Bet you loved that, didn't you?"^
Harry debated briefly getting angry but since that was what Draco wanted, it would be better to respond counter to Draco's desires. "I know, some of us are just gifted that way." Harry watched with amusement as Draco's face screwed up in fury.
"You, you-"
His father placed a hand on Draco's shoulder and he glowered at Harry. "Draco, Malfoys are always in control. I believe Mr. Potter was just leaving, it would be best to let him pass."
"Thank Mr. Malfoy, but for your information it's Lord Potter. " Harry said carefully watching for any reaction.
Lucius' face tightened. "Indeed, my apologies, Lord Potter."
Harry and his friends passed through the doorway.
That night Harry sat in his room and reflected on his summer. He had passed his belt test and had started to work on the things he would need for the next level. He had started to learn the Potter family history and the Potter family magics. Potter Manse was once again being worked on and his solicitors had finally pried his backlog of mail from Dumbledore and new mail wards were constructed. His homework was done to his usual high standard. Aunt Petunia had helped him and Dudley do their school shopping. Harry having a much better idea of what was and wasn't needed at Hogwarts, had been much more efficient this year. All in all it had been a most satisfactory summer.
Two days later Harry made a visit to Godric's Hollow and his parent's graves. This time he remembered flowers. He was with Cassandra; they had flooed to Godric's Hollow from Potter Place so he didn't feel pressed for time this time.
"Hi Mum, Dad." Harry cleared away some weeds and placed the flowers he'd gotten near the headstone. "My last year was pretty good I tied for second in my class. Turns out I fall in the two percent of people who actually get stronger when their magic is bound. Found out Voldemort isn't as dead as everyone thought. Made some friends. Neville's great.
"Still don't have many answers about what exactly happened when you guys died but I'm working on it. Hopefully by Christmas, I'll have answers. The wheels of justice turn slowly. Dad, I've got people searching for your friend Lupin. My solicitor is meeting with one of the top criminal solicitors day after tomorrow, with his help my questions about Sirius Black should get sorted.
"Dad, I'm a Slytherin. Snape said you'd be rolling in your grave if that's so, I'm sort of sorry. I won't apologize much, though, mostly because this is who I am and I don't live in a black and white world. Maybe you Gryffindors do, but I don't.
"Mum, I really don't see how you could have been friends with the dungeon bat. He's a control freak that never grew up. He took one look at my resemblance to Dad and decided I was just like him, and he seemed to hate me on sight. He's a proper head of house to everyone but me, yet he claims he's only treating me like every other first year. He's an arse. Course he's not the only one. Most of the teachers at Hogwarts qualify for that designation.
"I swear, it seems everyone magical, except Neville, had so many preconceived notions about who I was and what I was going to be like. The magical world seems to be populated with idiots and bigots. If it weren't for the wealth and position that come with being Lord Potter I would really wonder why I should bother. But maybe I'll eventually be in position to change things make them better. Of course to do that, I have to have earn it which basically means I need to work hard now.
"The Ministry finally paid the estate something for taking the cottage, not quite market value but at least something. Dumbledore isn't doing so well. He's lost his Supreme Mugwump position as well as his Chief Warlock, rumor has it he's been redeeming lots of favors just to maintain the position of Headmaster. Lots of people took exception to what happened to me. The solicitors he appointed took the brunt; they are just about bankrupt, but he was still close enough to what happened he got splattered and is no longer considered lilly white.
"Someone I mostly trust is looking after the Wizengamot seat. And Lady Longbottom is seeing to it I make the right sort of connections. I've made a few connections and have people who help me now. I guess that's all my news. So I guess I'll see you next year. Oh, Mum, I did get your jewelry box to Aunt Petunia, she cried a little but was very happy. Bye."
Harry walked away to Cassandra. Together the two touched the portkey bracelet Harry wore and said, "Potter Place."
....
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