Harry followed Tita into the large dining room with a table that looked as if it could seat at least fourteen or sixteen people. Severus was seated at the head of the table reading a newspaper in which the people in the pictures appeared to be moving. "Sit here, Harry," Severus said indicating the chair beside him.
Harry sat down in the chair, but being short he wasn't level with the table so Severus used his wand to raise his chair until his chest was even the table. There were several covered dishes on the table.
Severus filled Harry's plate with scrambled eggs, bacon, fried potatoes and sausages. He set the plate in front of Harry. "Eat up and if you want seconds or even thirds all you need do is ask."
He stated to eat and then asked, "Professor? Why are the pictures moving in your newspaper?"
Severus put down the paper and poured himself another cup of coffee. "In the magical world all paintings and photographs move. I do not really know why though; it has just always been that way."
"Wicked!" Harry said smiling.
When they finished breakfast Severus said, "Harry, there's something else I would like to talk to you about."
"Okay, Professor."
"I did not know it until last night, but when you were born your mother made me your guardian and godfather. Lily did not have a chance to tell me before…she died and if I had known I would have come immediately and taken you from your aunt and uncle. If you like, you may stay with me permanently and never go back to the Dursley's."
Harry's face broke into a huge smile and his eye lit up. "I'd like that very much, Professor!"
"However I will need to get legal guardianship of you from the Dursley's so if you are agreeable, we will stop at the Ministry of Magic today to file the papers. I know Mrs. Mullings who is the head of Wizarding Child Services and we have worked together many times over the last ten years so there should not be a problem transferring your guardianship to me. She may have to ask you some questions about your life with your aunt and uncle, but just answer them truthfully and to the best of your ability."
Harry nodded. "Okay, Professor." He smiled. Maybe his birthday wish was going to come true after all. Professor Snape did seem really concerned about him.
"Before we go to Diagon Alley, Harry, I am going to change your appearance somewhat. It is only temporary, but you will not have people bothering you. You will be my nephew, Harley if anyone asks. Your mum is my half-sister and a Muggle and she has asked me to take you to Diagon Alley for your school supplies."
Severus changed Harry's hair to a light brown, temporarily hid the well-known scar and changed his eyes to brown. "There! I think you will do."
After explaining how the floo worked, Severus and Harry flooed to the Leaky Cauldron. Severus stepped gracefully out of the fireplace while Harry slid out on his bum. Severus help him up and removed the ash and dirt with his wand.
"His first time flooing?" Tom asked sympathetically.
"Yes," Severus replied. "This is my nephew, Harley. He is going to be starting at Hogwarts this year and his mum asked if I would take him to get his school supplies. Harley, this Tom who owns this fine establishment."
"Hello," Harry said waving at Tom. He looked around avidly. There was nothing like this in Little Whinging.
"Muggleborn, eh?" Tom remarked to Severus. "I can always tell because they're always fascinated by this old place when they first come in here."
"Yes," Severus nodded. "He is finding the magical world to be quite fascinating altogether."
"Well, good luck with your first year at Hogwarts, young man. I'm sure it will be the adventure of a lifetime."
"Thank you, Sir," Harry said and waved goodbye as he followed Severus through a door that led out into a small cobbled courtyard. Severus took out his wand and tapped on specific bricks in a circular pattern. Suddenly the bricks began to move in and out of their own accord and then the solid brick wall parted revealing a crooked street with shops lining both sides of the street as well as all kinds of vendor carts adding to the already crowded conditions.
Harry was amazed. He tugged at Severus sleeve. "Professor?"
"Yes, Harry?"
"How do they hide everything here so people like my aunt and uncle don't find it?" Severus had explained to Harry about the International Statute of Secrecy.
"Do you mean so the Muggles cannot find it?"
"Muggles?"
"Muggles are what we call non-magical people," Severus answered. "Diagon Alley has centuries of spells on it. If you were to stand outside the Leaky Cauldron and watch the Muggles going past, you will notice their eyes will skip right over it as if it were not there. Diagon Alley is the same way. However, Muggles who have magical children, like your mum's parents, are able to see and enter it."
They had arrived at Gringotts, an imposing snow-white multistoried marble building. From Diagon Alley, a set of white stairs led up to a set of burnished bronze doors. The doors were flanked by two goblins dressed in uniforms of scarlet and gold. As Severus and Harry approached the goblins opened the doors for them. Severus nodded his thanks. This led into a small entrance hall and a set of doors made of silver and also flanked by goblins. Harry once again tugged on Severus' sleeve and whispered, "What are those?"
"They are Goblins and very clever. This bank was founded by a goblin and they have managed Gringotts for centuries. It is best to let me deal with them."
Harry nodded as a goblin came towards them. "Good day, Professor Snape. How may I assist you?"
"Hello, Zort," Severus replied. "May your riches and those of your family increase every day."
"And may your wealth and the wealth of your family increase sevenfold, Professor Snape," Zort replied with the ancient greeting.
"I need to take some funds out of my vault."
"Very well. If you will please follow me."
Soon they were racing down a narrow track at breakneck speed. It was like riding a roller coaster Harry decided. Not that he's ever ridden one, but Dudley had and he'd overheard Dudley telling his friend, Piers all about it.
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