- Diagon Alley -
Despite having read the storybooks cover to cover, there was just no way for words to do the site before him any justice.
Starting from the archway, a cobblestone path led down rows of shops, twisting and turning down the road before eventually curving out of sight. A bustling crowd moved throughout the space, witches and wizards dressed in a variety of robes that span every style and color imaginable could be seen going in and out of every shop that was tightly packed together in rows to fit as many shops as possible into the space.
Stepping thought the archway, Minerva right behind him, Harry quickly looked back to see the archway close before continuing to stare at the bustling street, wishing he had more eyes to take in every sight.
At his side, smiling at Harry's wonder, Minerva admitted to herself that this was her favorite part of her duties. Seeing the awed looks on children's faces the first time they came her, always warmed her heart and reminded her every time why, for all its challenges, she loved her job.
Placing her hand on his shoulder, Minerva drew Harry's attention away from the shops. "Before we get to the items on your school list, we need to make a withdrawal from the bank. Your parents left you a tidy sum of money that will serve you well through your years at Hogwarts, as well as beyond." Narrowing her eyes, she warned, "Assuming, of course, that you do not waste it all."
Raising his hands in surrender, Harry couldn't help the sheepish grin on his face. After all, who wouldn't want to buy every magical thing they could get their hands on? This is his first real introduction into the world of magic! The desire to buy everything in sight was proving to be more tempting than he realized.
With her warning made, Minerva led him down the street, moving through the crowds as they made their way towards the massive white marble building in the distance.
…
Passing by the shops, Harry's head swiveled back and forth as he tried to take it all in.
There was a shop containing stacks of cauldrons in different shapes and sizes, an Apothecary that emitted a foul smell of something rotten. A dark shop covered with dozens of cages, containing owls of every size and color, and a red sport-themed shop with a group of huddled children gathered around the display window.
Finally, the pair reached the white marble steps leading up to the bank. It's appearance standing out like a sore thumb amongst the rest of the shops along the street. 'Probably intentional.'
Outside the massive bronze doors of the bank stood a goblin in a red and gold uniform, guarding the entrance as it bowed politely to every person walking into the building.
Pausing at the bottom of the steps, McGonagall spoke up. "This, Harry, is Gringotts, the only magical bank in Britain. It is here that we will be collecting your gold." Gesturing towards the guard she added, "If you haven't noticed, the being next to the door is a goblin. Goblins are a sentient, magical race who own all of Gringotts, and the land it is built upon. In muggle terms, you might know of it as an Embassy."
That made sense to him. If Gringotts was their only real piece of land in Britain then they'd want to make sure the Ministry couldn't just take it away from them. But if it's an embassy, "Then does that mean they have their own nation somewhere?"
Shaking her head, she denied. "No, they do not. While Gringotts is in many ways like an embassy, the land itself is actually an entire nation of its own. It is said that the bank contains thousands of goblins who live both inside the building, and in tunnels beneath the ground. What this means…is that they can, and will, take any action they deem fit to deal with anyone who insults them while inside the bank."
"That sounds like something could go wrong at any moment." Harry said in disbelief.
"You are correct, and in fact it has." She sighed, giving a single nod of her head. "One of the lessons we teach at Hogwarts focuses on educating our students about the many, many times that we have had to deal with goblins rebelling as a result of situations going wrong." Her exasperation at the failings of wizards, who never seemed to learn their lesson, clear in her tone.
"We warn our students repeatedly, that it's important to be respectful when speaking with goblins whilst inside Gringotts. And to make sure that they don't say or do anything to incite another rebellion. After all, one of the greatest strengths the goblins have, is their control over our vaults and money."
That helped to clear up one of the issues Harry had about the Hogwarts curriculum. 'I get now why no one seems to mind the teaching ghost who endlessly rattles on and on about goblin rebellions. It's their way of reinforcing the idea into students' heads that they need to be careful when they eventually have to deal with goblins.'
Plot holes in the storybooks aside; Harry followed Minerva up the steps as the guard bowed to them as they entered. Once inside, they faced a set of silver doors with a warning inscribed on 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.
"
Musing aloud, Minerva said. "As I was saying…they will take any action they deem necessary to deal with someone who insults them."
Silently nodding, Harry walked through the silver doors after her.
The doors lead into a vast marble hall, filled with goblins and wizards. The goblins were all sitting on high stools behind a long counter that wrapped around the room, scribbling into massive ledgers as they weighed piles of coins in brass scales and examined precious stones through enchanted eyeglasses. The wizards all stood in lines throughout the room, waiting to speak to a specific goblin.
Around the room were dozens of doors along the walls, each one leading away from the hall. From time to time, a goblin could be seen scurrying through them, either to drop off more precious stones or to collect one of the many ledgers.
Minerva and Harry made their way towards a section of the counter that luckily seemed to have no line. The sign above reading:
Vault Withdrawals
Clearing her throat, Minerva spoke aloud. "Good afternoon. We've come to collect money out of Mr. Harry Potter's vault." She cut straight to the point, quickly moving past the pleasantries.
Without looking up from his ledger, the goblin uninterestedly asked, "And do you have his key?"
Reaching into a hidden pocket in her emerald-green robes, Minerva placed a small golden key on the counter without a word.
Reaching a small, clawed hand out, the goblin picked up the key and focused on it intently before placing it back down. "Seems to be in order." His tone now back to sounding uninterested.
Sticking a hand into her pocket, she rustled around in it for a moment before taking out a letter. "Also, I have a letter here from Headmaster Dumbledore, granting access to Vault 713."
Handing it over to the goblin, he read it quickly before grumbling out, "Very well. I will have someone take you both down to access your vaults." Looking to the side, the goblin called, "Griphook!"
Another goblin came scurrying through one of the doors at his shout, who silently motioned them towards a different door off to the side.
…
Once beyond the door, they followed the goblin, Griphook, down a stone passageway lit with flaming torches. At the end of the passageway, was a metal railway track that split off into multiple tracks, each one twisting and turning through several tunnels that went in every direction.
As they reached the track, Griphook whistled sharply.
From one of the tunnels, a metal cart came hurtling up the track towards them before quickly stopping in front of them. Climbing into the small contraption, it was only seconds after they were all seated that the cart took off down one of the tracks.
Racing through twists and turns, it was nearly impossible for Harry to catch a glimpse of the thousands of doors as they passed by until eventually, the cart slowed down to a stop before they all got out.
Reaching a vault door, Griphook used Harry's key to unlock it with a loud 'Click!' before standing back as the door slowly swung open, green smoke billowing out with the faint burning stench of acid coming from it.
Handing the key back to Minerva, Griphook moved to stand beside the door. "Make it quick." He barked impatiently.
Stepping into the vault, Harry gazed in wonder at the mounds of gold coins, heaps of silver coins, and smaller piles of bronze coins; all of them stacked in columns around the room. Some of them, he noticed, were stacked so high that they nearly towered above Minerva's head.
"The bronze coins are called Knuts, and are the smallest of our currency." Minerva spoke up, startling him. "Twenty-nine of them are worth a single silver coin, which are called Sickles, and seventeen of those are worth a single gold coin. The gold coins are called Galleons, and are the largest of our currency."
Handing him a leather pouch, Minerva told him to grab several stacks of at least ten coins from each type. "Do not worry about having the pouch stolen. It is enchanted with several spells to ensure it will remain in your possession, and cannot be opened by anyone other than yourself."
Taking the pouch, Harry moved over to the nearest pile and began to fill it, piling the coins into the small pouch as he noticed that the pouch was surprisingly bigger on the inside. The number of coins piled into it should have caused some form of bulging, yet the pouch continued to look nearly empty.
Finished gathering as much as he was comfortable with, they exited his vault promptly. Waiting for the vault door to close, Minerva informed Griphook that they were ready to head to the next vault.
…
Back in the cart, they hurtled down the track for a significantly longer time before reaching their destination. Along the way, Harry spotted a brief flash of fire as heat wafted over his skin.
Reaching the much thicker and sturdier door, Griphook warned them to stand back before swiping his finger down the center of the door, several clicks sounding from behind it before the door gradually opened on its own.
Inside the vault was a small table with a single parcel wrapped in brown paper and tied with a string.
Minerva motioned for Harry to stay behind and she stepped inside, picking up the parcel and places it in her hidden pocket as Harry mused, 'So that's the Philosopher's Stone.' It was smaller than he had imagined, almost being entire covered by Minerva's hand before she stuffed it into her pocket.
Turning around, she left the now-empty vault before informing Griphook that they were finished making their withdrawals.
One long ride back up to the surface, Harry and Minerva finally stepped back out into Diagon Alley.
Drawing out a piece of folded parchment, she handed it over to Harry. "I took the liberty of bringing a copy of your school supplies list. Read it over carefully, and we can begin gathering your things."
Unfolding the parchment, Harry read over the list.
"
HOGWARTS SCHOOL
of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Uniform
First-year students will require:
Three (3) sets of plain work robes (Black)
One (1) pair of protective gloves (Dragon Hide or Similar)
One (1) winter coat (Black, Silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupil's clothes 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 Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration - by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi - by Phyllida Spore
Magical Draughts 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 of Glass or Crystal Phials
1 Telescope
1 Set of 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
"
Not sure where to start, Harry decided to go with the simplest answer. "Maybe we should just start from the top of the list and work our way down?"
Nodding, Minerva agreed, "Very well. In that case, we will need to head to Madam Malkin's. Follow me." Leading the way, she directed him down the cobblestone path towards a shop with several types of robes on display in the window. The sign above it reading:
Madam Malkin's
Robes for All Occasions
Outside the door, Minerva gestured for him to head inside. "For your privacy, I shall wait out here. Madam Malkin will take care of you once you are inside." She informed him, glancing down at the pouch of coins on his hip. "As you have more than enough money, I would recommend that you get double the required number of clothing. That way, you will have spares in the event sometime happens to the others."
Nodding in agreement with her recommendation, Harry stepped into the shop.
- Madam Malkin's -
Inside, he noticed that the walls were lined with robes and formal dresses of every fabric, color, and wizarding style imaginable. From the back of the shop, Harry got his first look at Madam Malkin as she walked up to him. She was a short, happily smiling witch dressed in all mauve.
"Hello dear, Hogwarts?" Her tone was polite and friendly as she welcomed him into her shop.
"Yes ma'am."
Gesturing towards the back, Madam Malkin told him to head over to the back of the shop while she grabbed the necessary materials to get him measured. Following her directions, Harry noticed that the back had several stools to stand on, each one placed in front of three mirrors to allow for multiple angles to be seen.
Looking around, he was surprised that there was no one else being measured. 'Isn't this where I'm supposed to meet Draco Malfoy?' Sigh…Great, another change. And all because they had left the Leaky Cauldron a little bit later in the morning.
Choosing the closest stool, Harry climbed onto it as Madam Malkin appeared with a bundle of fabric in her hands that she slipped over his head. Turning to the side, she waved her wand at a small pile of clutter nearby, summoning a booklet and quill that floated beside her.
As she began pinning what he realized was actually a robe, and not just a sheet of fabric, he watched as the quill wrote down measurements in the booklet.
In short order, she eventually stopped pinning the robe before standing back to give him some space. "You're all done, my dear. Is there anything else you need?" She asked, smiling as she looked over her work.
Remember Minerva's suggestion, Harry replied. "Actually, could I get double the order? I was told I should get a second set of Hogwarts uniforms just in case."
Nodding, Madam Malkin beamed pleasantly at his question. "That's a smart choice dear. All too often, I get orders all the time from students in the middle of the year, desperately needing a new set of robes because they only bought the minimum amount and something happened to them." Shaking her head exasperated, she turned to the booklet and quill before commanding, "Add double to the order."
As the quill made the necessary additions, Madam Malkin lead him back to the front of the shop. "It will take me a few hours to get everything ready." She informed him, waving him off towards the street. "Feel free to continue your shopping, and everything should be ready for you when you return."
Thanking her, Harry walked out of the shop and onto the main cobblestone path, spotting Minerva who was speaking with young Asian girl around his age.
As he approached them, Minerva paused in her conversation to greet him. "Ah, Harry. I'd like you to meet Ms. Cho Chang." Gesturing to the girl standing beside her. "Ms. Chang, this is Mr. Harry Potter." At his name, Cho's eyes grew wide while Minerva continued. "Ms. Chang here is about to start her 2nd Year at Hogwarts."
Looking at the girl in question, he could clearly see why she was Harry's first crush in the storybooks.
She had a young, pretty face and a cure, freckled nose framed by long, shiny black hair and dark eyes. Glancing down past her full lips stretched into a friendly smile, he noticed she was dressed in a thick blue sweater and a black skirt that reached her knees.
Stretching out her hand, she introduced herself. "Hi there, I'm Cho!"
Taking her hand, inwardly marveling at how soft it felt, Harry shook it as he smiled back. "Hi Cho, I'm Harry."
As their hands let go, Minerva chuckled softly at their interaction before speaking up. "Harry, I was just telling Ms. Chang here that we were gathering your school supplies, and she's offered to assist you while I run a personal errand."
Confused as to what she meant by personal errand, but dropping it in favor of looking to Cho in confirmation, he was met with Cho's eager nodding as she replied. "I figured you could use some help getting all of your books and stuff while Professor McGonagall is busy. If that's okay with you?"
Spending time with a pretty girl? "That's fine with me, Cho. Thanks."
Wrapping her hand around Harry's arm, she began leading him away from the bemused Professor. "You're welcome! Now, let's go before they run out." Looking back towards Minerva, she waved, "We'll meet you back here later Professor!" Her cheerful attitude had Minerva chuckling as she waves back.
Heading down the cobblestone path of Diagon Alley's main street arm in arm, the two made some small talk as they headed towards the bookstore, Flourish and Blotts to pick up the next item on his list.
- Flourish and Blotts-
Arriving at the shop, Cho let go of his arm once they stepped inside. "Let's get the books you need first, then we can look around for any extra books you might want."
Agreeing, the two started searching the many bookshelves that were packed full of books and tomes, picking out the one on his list as they talked.
"Any idea what house you're going to end up in?" Cho asked, pulling one of the books they needed from a small stack on the floor.
Shrugging as he glanced at some of the titles written on the spines of a particular shelf, Harry replied. "No idea. Professor McGonagall hasn't told me anything about them, besides the fact that we're supposed to spend the next seven years in one of them." Reaching up, Harry pulled down a book and started to look through it curiously.
Looking away from a bookshelf she was searching through with a shake of her head, she caught him up on the Hogwarts Houses. "There's Gryffindor, who's known as the house of the brave, but they're mostly just reckless. Then there's Hufflepuff, the house of the hardworking, but they don't get as much attention or respect as the other houses."
Grabbing another book she continued, "Ravenclaw is the house of the wise, and they usually get the highest scores on exams… And then there's Slytherin, also called the house of the ambitious, but they're mainly just a house of bullies."
Turning his head to look at her, he asked. "And which house are you in?" Already knowing the answer.
Smirking, Cho turned to him as she placed her hand on her hip. "Ravenclaw, of course! I got the second-best scores in my year." She boasted, proud of her accomplishment.
Congratulating her on her achievement, Harry decided to score some points with the cute girl as he smiled, commenting, "If everyone in Ravenclaw is as nice and smart as you are, then maybe I should join it too."
His comment worked as Cho blushed prettily before laughing as she lightly smacked him on the arm. "You flirt!" She added, "But it's not really a choice you get to make…more like you get placed into the one that's the best fit for you."
Turning back to the shelves, Cho refocuses her attention on finding the rest of his books. "Now come on! We still need to get the rest of your books."
After a few minutes of browsing, they brought all of the books to the counter. As they did, a few of the titles that Harry also grabbed caught her eye. "I can understand getting Hogwarts: A History, but why are you getting a book on Wizarding Laws?"
Looking over at her as he placed the last book on the counter with a thump, he explained. "I've been living with my muggle relatives, so I don't know that much about what's legal or illegal in the magical world."
Shrugging his shoulders for lack of a better explanation he replied. "I figured it's better I learn them now, before I accidentally break one of them later."
Her mouth formed a small 'o' as she nodded. "Oh, that makes sense…Still, those are some pretty boring books. Maybe you will be in Ravenclaw?" She teased, laughing as she bumped her shoulder with his, causing him to laugh along with her as he thought.
'It's nice to be able to just spend some time with someone, joking and having fun without a care in the world.'
You would think that, since he was eighteen before his death, dealing with someone who's twelve would be a hassle. But because of his illness, he never really got the chance to make friends or spend time with people his own age. The only people he interacted with daily were his family; so having this chance to make friends for the first time was an exciting new experience for him.
One thing he had started noticing was that, the more time he spent as Harry, the more he was coming to accept being in a new and younger body, as well as the changes it brought with it.
For instance, he was already dreading the fact that he would have to go through puberty again.
'I probably won't want to date anyone my age, and I definitely won't be dating anyone younger than me.' He frowned, the idea of dating someone so much younger mentally didn't sight right with him. 'That just leaves girls who are older.'
Glancing at Cho and taking in her smiling features, he continued. 'I'll definitely want to wait a few years, but it probably wouldn't feel too weird when I'm in my Fourth or Fifth Year…I think I'll be 15 then, meaning she'll be at least 16.' Thankfully, his hormones hadn't started kicking in yet, so there was nothing pushing for him to try and turn a platonic relationship into something more romantic.
As they left the bookstore, purchases in hand, Cho stopped walking as she hesitantly asked a question that has been gnawing on her mind. "Hey Harry?"
Stopping as well, Harry turned to her, blinking in confusion at the sudden change in tone. "Yeah?"
Looking unsure for a second, she seemed to gather her courage before asking. "Why do you wear such old, baggy clothing?"
…
Freezing, Harry begins to panic. 'Shit. I completely about that.' He had been having so much fun, that he never even noticed the occasional glances she sent towards the baggy clothing he wore. Minerva hadn't said anything about it to keep from making him feel more uncomfortable about his situation, but Cho didn't know about his homelife.
Trying to think up a lie before deciding it was best to go with a half-truth, Harry replied. "Before being introduced to the magical world and coming here, I haven't had the money to buy new clothes, so I've had to wear some of my cousin's old ones." He shrugged with a helpless grin. "I only just found out today that my parents left me a bunch of money before they passed."
Shocked at his situation, Cho asked. "If you have money now though, then that means you can buy some new clothes that fit you, right?" While she wasn't necessarily pleading, there was more than a hint of suggestion in her tone.
Frowning, he replied. "I already bought my robes from Madam Malkin's, and there didn't seem to be any other types of clothes there, so I figured it would be fine if I just use those once they're done being tailored." It wasn't the best scenario, but he forgot to ask the goblins if they could convert his money into pounds so he could go shopping later after he got his supplies from a muggle store nearby.
Plus, he wouldn't have the time to go shopping for regular clothes in the non-magical world, what with the Dursleys constantly giving him chores to do every single day. That meant that until he could somehow find the time to go shopping outside of Diagon Alley, he would just have to make do with what he had.
Cho's response surprised him as she giggled. "Madam Malkin's is just where you go to get your uniform or formal wear! There are tons of other places to get different clothes." Quickly grabbing his hand, Cho began pulling him towards one of the streets just off the main path. "Come on, I'll show you!"
Dragging him by the hand, she led him down a street off the main path, setting her sights on a large shop with multiple people their age coming and going. Without stopping, Cho quickly marched him through the door.
- Warrington Wear's Clothing Store-
Inside the new shop, Harry was taken aback by the countless stacks of clothes in long rows lining the walls.
It seemed the shop she had taken him too was an all-purpose clothing store, with everything from more formal wear, to clothing with Quidditch team's names and players on them, to even graphic tee-shirts with the names and pictures of magical bands on them; the name "Weird Sisters" printed on the closest shirt to him.
Cho spun in a circle as she threw her arms out. "See! All of this is stuff you can buy with magical money. You don't have to keep wearing those old clothes anymore." Stopping her spin, she stared at him pleadingly, trying none-to-subtly to convince him to listen to her.
Sighing as his shoulders slumped, Harry relented. "I guess it wouldn't hurt to get some clothes that actually fit for once."
Her face light up with a smile before letting out a cheer. Taking his hand, she directed him through the store towards to boy's clothing section.
The next few minutes were a rush of clothes being thrown at Harry as Cho picks out several different styles for him to try on. And after an endless amount of clothes, they settled on a slightly formal style, with a long sleeve button-up shirt that had the sleeves rolled up. The shirt was then tucked into a pair of long trousers with a leather belt and shoes.
Looking himself over in a mirror, Harry found that he quite liked how it looks.
The clothes were something he could comfortably wear to most places and not feel like he was either over or under dressed. Plus, it had the added benefit of the long sleeves and pants helping to hide his smaller frame until he could start eating better and get some exercise in.
Apparently, according to Minerva, the magical world didn't have a potion to fix being underfed. While there were some potions to regrow bones, replenish blood loss, and heal wounds…there was no cure-all potion for fixing his thin, shorter frame brought on by malnutrition.
Looking him over, Cho gave her nod of approval as well. "You look good! This fits you sooo much better. Though…" trailing off as she glanced at his messy hair, she reached out to ruffle it with her hand. "I think you need a haircut."
Playfully batting her hand away, Harry looked back at the mirror. Even before Cho's playful ruffling had messed it up, it had always looked like a bird's nest. Sure, it did keep his scar mostly hidden…but it also made him look like a bit of a slob.
Turning back to Cho, he guessed, "I take it there's somewhere we can go to get a haircut while we're here?"
She nodded enthusiastically, "Of course! But before we do that, we should see if we can get all your stuff shrunken down so that it's easier to carry." Cho suggested, looking over to the pile of books and extra sets of new clothes that were starting to become too much for them to carry.
After finding someone working at the clothing store who was willing to shrink everything down for them so that it could all fit in one larger bag, the two set off towards the nearest haircut shop. Cho once again taking the lead as they make their way to another shop further down the path with an animated sign shaped like scissors overhead.
- Bagman's Barbershop -
Reading the sign, Harry wondered if the name had any relation to the Bagman guy who showed up for the Tri-Wizard Tournament.
Moving inside, Harry saw several barbers' chairs currently occupied by people getting their hair cut as clippers and brushed moved about on their own. Turning to his side, he noticed that Cho was no longer beside him.
Looking around the room to find out where she went, he spotted her talking to one of the few barbers available.
Seemingly coming to agreement, Cho looked over at Harry before waving him to join them. "Over here! Don't worry, I already told him what to give you."
Silently chuckling, Harry thought amused, 'Heh, it feels like she's taking control of this whole thing and I'm just along for the ride.' Which, surprisingly, he didn't mind the thought.
Getting in the chair, the barber began waving his wand over several cutting instruments, bringing them to life as they float about his head. In seconds, they began trimming down the mess as Harry watched on helplessly while more and more pieces of hair fell off of his head.
Eventually, he began to see the style Cho chose for him and started to relax. When it was finished, Harry looked over his new haircut in the mirror, admiring the new style.
The sides had been trimmed down considerably, while the top had a few inches removed; making it much more manageable, but still leaving just enough length for him to run his hands through it.
Satisfied that the look was actually decent, he turned to Cho and the barber to get their thoughts. Choosing to ignore the barber's wide stare at his now visible scar, he focused his attention on Cho, hoping to see her reaction to his new hairstyle.
Spotting the blush on her cheeks, Harry chuckled before calling her out on it. "I'm guessing it looks good then?"
Giggling at his teasing, Cho replied back with her own. "It's not bad. Guess that means I have good taste." Smirking, she looked over his hair before giving a single nod in agreement to that statement, genuinely pleased with the outcome.
Quickly paying the barber as he stood there, still shocked at finding out who Harry is, they left the store as the barber stuttered out his thanks.
Back outside, Cho spoke up again. "Now…about those glasses."
Laughing loudly, Harry simply motioned for her to lead on. Already more than happy to go along with whatever other recommendations she had.
- O'Brien's Optometry -
Once again making their way down the street, they wound up in a mostly empty store. The displays out front showing off dozens of glasses in different styles cluttering the room. At the back of the shop was a single counter with a door behind it.
Making their way into the shop, a smiling witch with straight blonde hair who stood behind the counted looked up at their arrival. "Hello! Looking for some new glasses?" She greeted, noticing the damaged state of Harry's glasses.
Harry and Cho nod in agreement as the witch stepped out from behind the counter to show them several styles. Advertising that all of their frames were charmed to be unbreakable, and would stay on their face without falling off.
Picking out a style that caught her eye, Cho handed them to Harry to try on. The glasses in question were black with a horn-rimmed frame that drew attention to his eyes.
Liking the new glasses, and blushing at how good they make him look, Cho gave a thumbs up. "I like them. They make you look older, and more sophisticated."
Blushing at the praise, Harry turned to the employee who voiced her approval as well.
Taking out her wand, the woman waved it over the glasses. Like an image coming into focus, the lenses seemed to change themselves until he was able to see clearly. With a start, Harry realized that he could see even better with them than his old ones. 'Probably because the prescription hadn't been changed since the first time I got them.'
The Dursleys thought that the single pair was more than enough, and that any damage done to them was his fault. Completely ignoring the fact that Dudley was the one who damaged them in the first place. And they refused to believe that he needed to get a new prescription, claiming that he was just trying to waste their money.
Throwing his old pair of glasses in the trash as he went to pay, the witch finally spotted the scar on his forehead.
Gasp! "Oh Merlin! You're Harry Potter!"
Groaning at her reaction, and already missing his longer hair, he reluctantly nodded his head. "Yeah… I'm him." He sighed, praying that he could leave without too much hassle.
Sticking out her hand, the woman started chattering away excitedly. "This is amazing! I can't believe that Harry Potter is standing right in front of me!" Gushing, she shook his hand repeatedly. "My names Lisa, it's such a pleasure to meet you."
Quickly letting go of her hand, Harry tried to get her to focus so that he could get his purchase done. "It's nice to meet you, Lisa. If it's not too much trouble though, I'd like to pay for these glasses now. I've still got several more stops to make before everything closes."
Her hand flew to her mouth as she apologized. "Oh, I'm so sorry! Please, you can take them for free."
Not comfortable with just taking them, Harry tried to argue. "Lisa, I can't just take them for free." He wasn't about to start setting off rumors that he liked to use his name to get free things from people, the press would have a field-day with that kind of information.
Waving it off she refuted, "Oh please! The amount of business I'll get when everyone finds out that the Harry Potter got his glasses from my shop…that's worth far more than a single pair of glasses." Lisa's voice trailed off as she pictured all of the money she'd make, her eyes sparkling.
Sighing, Harry gave up. "Alright…Well, thanks. I really appreciate it."
Leaving the excited, daydreaming witch behind, it was moments later that he heard Cho burst out laughing. Wondering what was so funny, he waited as Cho started speaking between bursts of laughter. "Hahaha! Di-Did you see her face! Hahaha, sh-she practically fainted!"
Dropping his head with a defeated sigh, Harry rolled with the punches as he waited for her to get over her laughing fit before speaking up. "We should head back to the main street and get the last of my school supplies."
A dying few giggles left her as she responded. "He-he yeah, you're right." Glancing at the setting sun she nodded. "Come on, there's only a few other things left on your list."
- Timeskip: Evening -
Making their way back to the main street, they quickly picked up the last items on his list before returning to Madam Malkin's as the sky started to darken.
Reaching the front of the shop, the two spotted Professor McGonagall waiting for them, a cage in her hand with a familiar looking white owl in it.
Making their way to her, she eventually spotted them with a smile on her face. As they reached her, she spoke up. "I apologize for having to leave you both unsupervised for so long... I had to return something back to the Headmaster at Hogwarts."
That 'something', Harry bet, was most likely the Philosopher's Stone.
Looking over Harry's new appearance Minerva commented. "I see you finally changed out of your old clothes, Harry. Andyou've got new glasses and a haircut! I greatly approve." Smiling, she added to Cho. "Well done, Ms. Chang"
Laughing, Cho nonchalantly replied. "It's my pleasure, Professor. I couldn't stand looking at his old clothes. They were ghastly!"
Chuckling in agreement, Minerva asked. "And how do you feel, Harry?"
Looking down at himself for a moment, Harry smiled as he looked back up into her eyes. "Kind of like it's a whole new me."
Pleased that he looked happy, she turned their attention to the cage in her hand. "I got you a present..." Inside the cage was a very familiar looking snow-white owl. "Happy Birthday, Harry."
Slowly reaching out to take the cage from her, Harry smiled at the beautiful owl before thanking her. "Thanks, Minerva. This is the best present I've ever had." Placing the cage on the ground for a moment, he quickly stepped forward to wrap his arms around her waist before pulling her into a hug.
Minerva's eyes widen before they softened as she silently wraps her own around him. The two sharing a quiet moment embracing as Cho watched on silently, a happy smile on her lips.
Pulling back, he let go of the embrace to pick up the cage again. "I think I'm going to name you…Hedwig." The newly named Hedwig gives a soft *Hoot* before bobbing her head in agreement.
Cho took that moment to give her own birthday wishes as well. "You didn't tell it was your birthday!" Slapping his arm gently, careful not to hit the one carrying the cage, she pouted.
Harry shrugged, not really sure how to respond to that. "We were just so busy; I didn't really think about it."
Huffing, Cho pulled him into a hug that was quick, but genuine. "Happy Birthday, Harry."
"Thanks Cho."
…
As the two smiled at each other, Minerva made a noise in her throat to get their attention. "We should finish getting the last of your supplies, Harry. It's already getting late, and the shops will be closing soon."
Looking around, Harry noticed that the crowds had thinned out dramatically as most of the people there finished their shopping and headed home for the night.
From his side, Cho's voice drew his attention back to her. "I should be going too. If I'm not home soon my parents will start to worry." She spoke up, giving a worried glance at the dark sky.
Nodding her head, Minerva thanked her. "Thank you again for helping Harry today, Ms. Chang. Had it not been for your assistance, I fear we might have had to make multiple trips just to get all of his supplies."
Waving off her thanks, Cho replied. "Not a problem, Professor. I was happy to help." Turning to Harry, she exclaimed. "This was fun! Hopefully I'll catch you on the train…If not, I'll see you at Hogwarts."
Smiling, Harry agreed, "Yeah, this was a lot of fun. Hopefully we can do this again some time."
Expressing her only desire in wanting that as well, Cho gave them both a wave goodbye before turning and walking down the cobblestone path, eventually disappearing as it curved out of site.
…
Waiting until Cho had disappeared around a bend, Minerva turned to look at Harry before asking softly. "Did you have fun?"
"Yeah." Harry smiled. "It was a lot of fun."
Focusing back on the topic at hand, Minerva's tone became stern. "We still have to finish gathering the last items on your list." Motioning towards the shop behind them, she continued. "Go get your things from Madam Malkin's, she should be finished with your uniform by now. Then we can figure out what you still need to get."
He nodded before heading into Madam Malkin's, gathering up his purchases before having Minerva shrink them down to make it easier to carry them, they set out to get the last thing on Harry's list.
It was the one thing on the list he was most excited to get.
A wand.
- Ollivanders -
Ollivanders, for all its reputation as the premier wandmaker in Magical Britain, turned out to be nothing more than a narrow, shabby building with a single dusty window displaying a wand resting on a faded purple cushion. The peeling gold letters over the door reading:
Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands
Since 382 B.C.
As Minerva pushed open the door, a tinkling bell rang out from somewhere in the depths of the shop that was remarkably tiny.
The first thing they saw as they walked in, was a counter in the middle of the room, sitting abandoned. Behind it, rows upon rows of shelves were packed, each one containing thousands of narrow boxes piled on top of each other.
The shop felt to Harry like that of a very strict library.
From the back, an old man with shaggy silver hair made his up to the counter as his wide pale eyes, shining like moons, peered closely at Minerva before staring at Harry. "Good evening."
"Hello," said Harry, unnerved by his unblinking stare.
"Ah yes," Ollivander whispered out. "Yes…yes. I thought I'd be seeing you soon, Harry Potter."
Most people were able to tell who he was by looking at his scar. Ollivander? He never even glanced at it. 'Maybe there is something to his otherworldly stare?' He had sometimes thought the man had a sort of magical sight that let him know things that others couldn't see.
As if reading his thoughts, Ollivander replied. "You have your mother's eyes."
Oh…that made sense too.
"It seems like it was only yesterday that she was in here herself, buying her first wand." He spoke in a breathless, otherworldly tone. "Ten and a quarter inches long; swishy, and made of willow. A nice wand for charms work." Moving closer to Harry, Ollivander continued speaking.
"Your father, on the other hand, favored a mahogany wand. Eleven inches, pliable. A little more power to it, and excellent for transfiguration." Giving an eerie chuckle, he added. "Well, I say your father favored it - but it's really the wand that chooses the wizard, of course."
Finally turning his gaze away from Harry, Ollivander looked over at Minerva. "Ah! Minerva McGonagall, nine and a half inches long. Made of fir and a dragon heartstring core. Elegant and refined, well suited to Transfiguration."
"Hello again, Garrick." Minerva replied, nodding back to him in greeting.
With the introductions out of the way, they turned their attention to why they were here. "Now then, Mr. Potter. Please hold out your dominant arm." As he spoke, Ollivander pulled out a long tape measure with silver markings from his pocket.
Holding out his right arm, Harry stood there as he was measured by the tape which moved on its own. 'There's no way that all of this is necessary.' The tape measure had gone from measuring the length of his shoulder to his finger, to measuring his shoulder to the floor.
It had even wrapped around his head, measuring its size. 'What could that possibly be needed for?'
As the measuring became more and more ridiculous, Ollivander continued talking.
"Every Ollivander wand has a core of a powerful magical substance, Mr. Potter. We use unicorn hairs, phoenix tail feathers, and the heartstrings of dragons." He counted off, his eyes glancing at the tape measure as it continued to wind around Harry's body. "No two Ollivander wands are the same, just as no two unicorns, dragons, or phoenixes are quite the same! And of course, you will never get such good results with another wizard's wand."
As the tape measure moved to measure his nostrils, Ollivander said, "That will do," as he waved his wand, causing the tape measure to drop to ground in a heap.
Turning towards the shelves, Ollivander gathered several of the thin boxes before bringing them over to the counter. Taking one of boxes, he opened it up before gently grabbing the wand inside.
Handing the wand oner to Harry, handle first, he explained, "Maple and phoenix feather. Seven inches. Quite whippy. Try- ". As Harry went to lift the wand, Ollivander quickly snatched it out of his hand before grabbing another.
"Right then, try this one. Beech-wood and dragon heartstring. Nine inches. Nice and flexible. Give it a wave."
Waving the wand like a conductor, there was no burst of light or feeling of magic. All it felt like to Harry was a stick of wood in his hand. After a few more waves, Ollivander took it from him.
"Hmm. Give this one a try, pear and unicorn hair. Eight and a half inches, springy."
…
Over and over, dozens of wands were handed to Harry to try. As they failed time and again to produce any effect, the pile of unsuccessful wands began reaching a ridiculous size.
While Harry knew that he would eventually get a wand, the sheer number of failures was getting to be a bit disheartening. For Ollivander though, the growing pile of wands seemed to make him all the more excited.
"A tricky customer? Not to worry, we'll find the perfect match here somewhere."
Eventually, Ollivander pulled a jet-black wand out before handing it over. "Try this…Ebony and phoenix feather, eleven inches, nice and supple."
As the wand was placed in his hand, Harry admired its dark appearance, the color reminding him of Death for a moment. Instantly, a feeling of warmth flowed from his fingers and spread across his whole body.
Raising the wand up, bright silver sparks stream out the tip in a shower of lights.
Minerva's sigh of relief could be heard behind him as Ollivander whooped with joy. "Oh, bravo! Splendid!" Clapping, Ollivander's excitement started to taper off as his tone turns softer. "Curious…very curious."
Taking his eyes off the wand, his wand. Harry stared at Ollivander, "Um, what's curious?"
Pausing, Ollivander fixed Harry with his pale stare. "I remember every wand I've ever sold, Mr. Potter. Every single wand…It just so happens that the phoenix whose tail feather is in your wand, gave another feather…just one other."
Walking around the counter to stare at his jet-black wand, he continued, "It is curious that you should be destined for thiswand, when it's brother…gave you that scar." Lifting a slim finger, Ollivander pointed at the scar on his forehead.
'Wait, wasn't this wand supposed to be Holly and phoenix feather?' As that thought crossed his mind, he heard the faintest sound of laughter; the voice sounding suspiciously like Death's. 'At least the core is still the same.'
Ollivander, unaware of Harry's thoughts, continued on. "Yes, thirteen and a half inches. Yew. Curious how these things happen." Glancing at the wand in wonder, he focused back on Harry. "Remember this, Mr. Potter…the wand chooses the wizard. I think we can expect great things from you. After all, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named did great things…terrible, yes. But great."
Finished with his explanation, Ollivander gestured to the wand. "Know that your wand will serve you well Mr. Potter. It is highly suited to all manner of combative magic, and has a particular strength to Transfiguration."
That comment brought a slight smile to Minerva's face.
Harry's too in fact. Transfiguration was something he found really interesting; the ability to change something into whatever you wanted sounded extremely useful.
Paying Ollivander for the wand and thanking him for his time, Harry and Minerva stepped out of the shop and onto the main path.
By now, the moon was already high in the sky as shops up and down the path closed for the evening. Barely any shoppers could be seen still walking around, most of them heading to the Apparition point in order to head home.
"With that, we've finished gathering the last of your supplies." Minerva spoke up, smiling down Harry as he continued looking over his new wand. Glancing up at the sky, she continued. "Seeing as it's late, we should get you some dinner at the Leaky Cauldron before taking you back to your relatives."
Turning to Minerva, he quickly agreed. All of the shopping today had made him incredibly hungry, and the thought of food was starting to make him mouth water as his stomach grumbled.
- Leaky Cauldron -
Taking a seat at a table inside the Leaky Cauldron, Harry and Minerva dug quietly into their meals. This time, a hearty warm soup filled with vegetables and meat warmed them up from the evening chill. The calm atmosphere and good food were making him feel increasingly relaxed and tired.
As they were enjoying the last bits of their meal. Minerva brought up a topic that she wanted to cover before they returned to Privet Drive. "Harry…before we return to your relatives, I want you to prepare yourself."
Confused, Harry looked up from his half-eaten soup as he asked, "What do you mean?"
Putting down her spoon, Minerva sighed before explaining. "I refuse to stand by and allow you to spend another night in that cupboard." She frowned. "Also…I will be having words with your relatives, regarding their treatment of you. Should things not go well, we will be returning here and I'll speak to Tom about renting you a room until the summer ends."
That was a nice thought, not having to deal with the Dursleys anymore almost made Harry ask if they could just skip returning to Privet Drive and rent a room right now.
But, looking at Minerva and how angry she seemed to be at the Dursleys, Harry couldn't help letting out a vindictive thought. 'I do want to see what she has planned for them. And it's like she said, we can always come back here afterwards.'
Nodding, Harry finished the rest of his soup before they got up. Leaving their payment for the meals on the table as they made their way out the front door, they took a moment to wave goodbye to Tom as they passed him.
Once outside, Minerva stuck her arm out for Harry to take.
Preparing himself for the incredibly unpleasant feeling of Apparition, he grabbed hold of her arm as with a soft pop, the two disappear from the street. The few muggles walking by once again not noticing their departure.