HPMHOD, Chapter 6, A Day In The Life...
"Harry Potter Makes His Own Destiny"
Chapter 6 "A Day In The Life..."
"What is Gringott's?" Harry asked as he strolled wide eyed down the street with Dumbledore.
"Thats the wizards bank Harry. It's where your inheritance is kept, there isn't any place safer than Gringott's, accept the school of course. Its run by goblins, who aren't the most friendly of persons, but they take their job very seriously. The vaults are deep underground, Harry, and we'll be getting there by cart, Hagrid doesn't care for the ride, quite fast actually, but I like it, and I think you'll enjoy it too my boy."
Harry was about to ask about his inheritance when he stopped in front of the quidditch supply store and stared at the Nimbus 2000 on display. So wizards actually flew on brooms. "Wow, can I get one of those Professor Dumbledore sir?" Harry asked as Dumbledore steered him away and toward the bank.
"Perhaps Harry. You'll have time to look around later right now we must keep moving." The Professor had a sly smile on his face that Harry missed in his excitement.
Everything seemed exciting yet vaguely threatening to Harry, so he kept close to Dumbledore as they made their way up to the teller in Gringott's. Goblins definitely made him uneasy. Although small of stature, their spidery, clawed fingers and keen, predatory eyes didn't put one at ease.
Once they were in the cart riding very fast deep underground, all his cares seem to drift away. The little mining cart whipped down the tracks at breakneck speed, sometimes threatening to tilt onto two wheels. The wind played through Harry's hair and he wished the ride would never end. "This must be like the roller coasters I've heard other kids talking about, this is really fun." Harry said to Dumbledore with a wide grin.
"I agree Harry, very fun indeed." Dumbledore was holding tightly to his hat, grinning even more than Harry. The eyes behind his half-moon glasses twinkled with a youthful light that seemed out of place in the craggy, wrinkled face.
All too soon for Harry and Dumbledore too the ride slowed to a stop in front of Harry's vault. Harry barely had a chance to catch his breath while the goblin nimbly leaped from the cart and threw open the vault's door revealing mountains of gold, silver, and bronze coins everywhere. "Thats wizard money Harry, your mum and dad weren't paupers and wanted to make sure you had a means to live in case anything happened." Dumbledore said as he helped Harry by loading a bag with the money.
“It's all mine?” Harry wandered around between the piles. "Can I take enough to get more than just school stuff? I've never had anything of my own and I promise I won't go nuts spending it, I expect I'll be cautious with money as I've never had any."
"Don't worry about it Harry," Dumbledore said with a sly twinkle in his eye as he put several more handfuls of galleons into the bag. "I think there may be a little extra here. Besides, you never know what expenses might come up."
"Thanks Professor." Harry smiled, pulling himself together enough to help load the bag with coins.
As they rode to the next vault Dumbledore explained to Harry all about wizard money as well as conversion to the pound. Harry was always good at math and took to wizard economics very quickly.
When they arrived at the next vault, Harry watched as the goblin slowly stroked the door, hearing the lock mechanisms clicking. As Dumbledore stood away Harry realised that this was indeed a very secure vault, and wondered what rare treasures might lie inside. Harry was therefore puzzled when all that lay inside was a small package wrapped in brown paper. Harry had barely glimpsed it before Dumbledore snatched it up, the package disappearing into the folds of his robes.
Although his curiosity was burning, Harry didn't feel comfortable prying into the Wizard's business.
Just as they were coming out of the bank they met Hagrid. "Ah Hagrid, wonderful timing, I'll leave Harry with you then and I'll be off. Oh Hagrid, I suspect that Harry has the same talent on brooms his father had after the way his eyes lit up at the new Nimbus 2000. Why don't you make sure that he gets one, and as first years aren't suppose to have them at school, I suggest he get a double or triple lock trunk, so I won't officially have to know about this."
After watching the joy on Harry's face, Dumbledore got very sombre. "I'm afraid I have a little bad news Harry, I'm afraid there is still no safer place to hide you until start of term than with the Dursley's. However," the Professor quickly added, "Professor McGonagall, who Tom at the Leaky Cauldron will show to your room, will escort you back tomorrow. I assure you she will have a long talk with Vernon and Petunia. She will also be bringing someone to stay with you to assure that Vernon and Dudley behave, alright? You will come to no further harm there, I wouldn't stand for that. Harry, please understand, there is an old protection spell that will only work against Voldemort and his followers if you are staying with blood relatives. Pity we can't choose our relatives. I'll do everything in my power to make other arrangements for next year, for now I see no other solution, and your survival is paramount."
Harry didn't look too sure and was about to say something when Hagrid spoke up "Don't worry Harry, you can trust Professor Dumbledore, and McGonagall is not a woman to be trifled with. She will definitely put the Dursley's in their place. Alright?"
Harry went over to Hagrid and gave him a hug then looked up and smiled, "Okay, I trust you Hagrid, I won't let myself be afraid. Now lets go get my broom." He started tugging on the giant's hand.
"Ah yes, one more thing," Dumbledore said, "Harry, you may have a broom but you won't be able to use it until after you have flying lessons. You can't let any muggles see it so keep it locked up."
"Yes sir." Hagrid nodded as Dumbledore left.
Harry looked up at Hagrid, "I'm not sure about this going back with the Dursley's."
"It'll be alright Harry, it will, now lets go get your broom."
After they stored the broom at the inn, Hagrid started Harry's whirlwind tour of Diagon Alley.
Hagrid dropped Harry at Madame Malkin's Robes For All Occasion's saying, "While you're gettin fitted for robes why don't I go get us some ice cream?"
"Sounds good Hagrid, thanks." Harry said and stepped into the shoppe.
A squat smiling witch dressed in mauve greeted him, "I'm Madame Malkin. Hogwart's dear? Yes, then goto the back. There is another student being fitted up as well."
At the back of the shop standing on a foot stool was a boy with pale ferret-like features. A witch was pinning up his long black robes. Harry stood on a stool next to him as Madame Malkin slid a robe over his head and began fitting it.
"Hullo," said the boy in a drawling voice, "Hogwart's too?" Harry nodded. "My parents are out buying my books, when they get back I'm going to drag them off to look at racing brooms, I don't care if first years aren't allowed brooms, I think I'll bully father into getting me one anyway and then smuggle it in somehow."
After years with the Dursley's, Harry could easily recognise snobs, and this boy was premium snob. Harry smiled at the fact he would be doing exactly what this boy could only hope to do thereby putting him ahead of the snobs for once. Harry also knew that if there was anytime to keep a low profile it was now. After he did some reading and became more familiar with this fascinating new world, he would gladly give this snobbish boy a piece of his mind, and so Harry became determined to memorize all his school books before term. The boy asked him a few questions, and Harry kept his answers short. No, he didn't have a broom, yet heheh, No he hasn't played quidditch.
"I do" the boy replied, "my father says it would be a crime if I'm not picked for the house team, and I have to agree, know what house you'll be in yet? Well know one knows do they? But I know I'll be in Slytherin, my whole family has been, if I was put in Hufflepuff I would leave, wouldn't you?"
Doesn't ferretface ever shut up? Harry decided this kid was as bad as the Dursley's. He was trying to lose himself in his own thoughts and block the snob out when ferretboy finally said something useful.
"Say isn't that the big oaf that looks after the grounds at Hogwart's?"
Trying to reign in his tongue Harry said, "Yes he is. His name is Hagrid, and he's my friend. He helped me because my parents are dead. He's a very kind and loyal person, which is more then i can say about you. I suggest you keep your petty little thoughts to yourself before you insult somebody you shouldn't."
"Do you know who you're talking to?" the boy glared.
"No, and frankly I don't really care."
“All through, young man, you may go.” Madame Malkin tried to hide her smile and failed utterly. “Your robes will be ready for pickup in an hour."
Harry stepped down from the stool, quickly turning and striding off. He met Hagrid outside with his ice cream.
Hagrid noticed Harry was a little steamed, "Whatsamatter Harry?"
"Hmmm...well...see that white haired snot in there?"
"Oh him," Hagrid groaned.
"He's as bad a snob as the Dursley's! And he wouldn't shut up either.” Harry's frustration came pouring out before he could control it, ”He had the nerve to bad mouth YOU, Hagrid. I had to say something. I told him to button his mouth before I borrowed a needle and thread and button it for him. I wish he had just kept his inferior ideas to himself. I mean you rescued me Hagrid, and I really care about you. I won't let anybody insult you just because you work for a living."
"Aw thank ya Harry, yer just like your father ya know?" Hagrid said with moist eyes, and he picked Harry up and gave him a hug before starting to walk towards Flourish and Blott's. As he approached the door Harry tapped him on the shoulder.
"Er, Hagrid, I really love being carried like this cause no one ever did before, but I think it best if you put me down. I am eleven after all, and while I enjoy it, my first day in the wizarding world, I want to be on my own feet."
"Right you are Harry, I forgot, never had kids of me own, its kinda nice."
Harry gave Hagrid another big hug, well as big as a smaller than normal eleven year old could give a half giant, before he sat him on his feet.
"I wouldn't say no to holding my hand though, Diagon Alley can be a little intimidating to a kid from the muggle world." Harry said offering his hand which Hagrid gladly took as they walked together into the bookstore.
After they had collected all of the required textbooks, Hagrid and the clerk helped Harry pick out some useful books on wizard history, law, and muggle interaction. Harry also got subscriptions to the Daily Prophet and The Quibbler newspapers. Then once Harry saw how useful a multi-compartment trunk would be he insisted on one of the biggest and best.
"I don' know about that Harry, Dumbledore said maybe a two or three compartment, he might frown on a seven."
Harry looked downcast, as did the clerk who had hoped to make a big sale. After a moment of thought Harry decided to try something new and looked up at Hagrid and flashed him a pout with puppy eyes that would melt Vernon's heart. "Hagrid, I've never had anything, let alone a good anything. This is a long term investment, I expect to be using it well after I'm done at Hogwart's. I should get one of the better models. I mean really, c'mon, I think my parents would want me to have something good to keep my stuff in. It's not like its gonna break me either, please, Uncle Hagrid?"
"Well, since you put it that way. Me playin' uncle for a day, imagine that. I think I'll spoil ya like any good uncle would."
"Thanks Hagrid." Harry said as he gave him a hug and the clerks eyes were as bright as christmas day as they bought a top of the line trunk. It had seven locks to seven compartments, three of which were complete rooms with steps leading down.
After loading all his stuff into his trunk, they were ready to get Harry's wand. Even with the trunk being enchanted to be very light no matter how much you put into it, Harry still could only barely drag it around so Hagrid carried the trunk in one arm while holding Harry's hand in the other as they walked to Olivander's Wand Shoppe.
They heard a bell ringing from the depths of the shop as they walked in. Hagrid set Harry's trunk down and took a seat on a small, rickety chair that creaked and groaned as his weight settled into it.
There were shelves upon shelves, stacked ceiling to floor, lined with slender boxes of every description and material. Harry looked around in wonder and felt as if he was in a library filled with a tingling magick that seemed to radiate all around.
"Good afternoon," Mr. Olivander said softly causing them both to jump. He melted out of the shadows, looking rather as dusty and antique as many of the boxes on the shelves. "Yes, Mr. Potter, I thought I would be seeing you here soon, you have your mothers eyes. I remember your mother, her wand was willow, ten and a half inches, very good for charm work."
Mr. Olivander walked towards Harry, never blinking his silvery eyes, "But your fathers wand, it was mahogany, eleven inches, pliable, excellent for transfiguration. Yes, yes, the wand always suited to the witch or wizards natural abilities, for, after all, the wand chooses the wizard, of course."
Mr. Olivander was very close now, and ran his finger over Harry's scar, "Yes, I'm sorry to say that I sold the wand that gave you that my boy, I remember every wand I've ever sold, that one, Yew, thirteen and a half inches, very powerful, yes, I suppose it was fate though. Can't change destiny."
He then noticed Hagrid, "Ah Rubeus, Rubeus Hagrid, Oak, sixteen inches, rather bendy wasn't it? Pity, they broke it in two when you were expelled didn't they?"
"Ah yes, yes they did, but I kept the pieces...for sentimental reasons of course."
"Of course." Olivander said as he eyed Hagrid's pink umbrella poking out from the inside of his coat.
"Hold out your wand arm" Olivander said as he brought out a tape measure and began to measure Harry in every imaginable way.
Harry instinctively held out his right arm while Olivander went on about the construction of his wands, their uniqueness being of utmost importance as no two wizards are alike, and, of course, you get the best results with your own wand. The tape measure had been moving around by itself. Harry was rapidly getting use to such things as Olivander had been running around gathering boxes and bringing them over. He handed Harry a wand and said "Twelve inch Rowan, unicorn tail center, just take it and give it a wave."
Harry took the wand offered him and waved it but Mr. Olivander grabbed it back and handed him another, then another, and was getting more excited with each wand, then he stopped after twelve wands and thought for a moment.
"Hmmm, I wonder," then he went and got a wand from the highest shelf near the back of the store and brought it to Harry. "Try this one." Olivander said almost slyly.
Harry took it and felt a pleasant warmth come over him like the proud hug of a father, something he had never felt before but longed to feel, then he swished it through the air and sparks flew out the end in red and gold quickly fading to green and silver. Hagrid clapped and Mr. Olivander said "Yes very good...and curious, very curious indeed."
“I'm sorry? whats curious" Harry replied.
"Well Harry, the phoenix who gave your wand it's core only gave two feathers, and I find it curious that it was your wand's brother that gave you that scar." Then he spied Harry's trunk sitting by the door. "Your trunk a bit difficult for you eh Harry, would you like me to show how to transfigure it to fit in your pocket?" Hagrid started to say something but Mr. Olivander quieted him with a quick look. Still, he shifted uncomfortably in the tiny chair, sure this magick would be too advanced for a novice.
"Yes please, could you?" Harry replied hoping to learn some really useful magick quickly.
"Alright Harry, think about it being the size and weight of a small piece of candy and say 'modulatem incantio', and then touch your wand tip to your trunk."
Harry took a deep breath, cleared his mind and focused on the trunk becoming the size and weight of a large gumball, and said quietly, yet forcefully, modulatem incantio, then touched his wand to the trunk which immediately shrunk down to that size.
Harry was amazed at how good that felt, how natural. Harry looked over to Mr. Olivander, who said "modulatem recantio", and Harry nodded performing the same actions as before but with the new words and the trunk returned to its normal state.
Hagrid, who nearly fell out of the chair, sat there with his mouth open. Mr. Olivander just said with a small pleased smile, "Yes, I believe we can expect great things from you, Harry, for he-who-must-not-be-named did great things, terrible, yes, but great."
* * *
"I don't understand Hagrid" Harry said after he had shrunk his trunk again and put it in his pocket and they were out in the sunshine and fresh air again.
"Thats a sixth year spell Harry. The magick is different than changing an object from one thing to another. Now you'll be learnin' that in first year, but changing size and weight of somethin' without changin anything else about it is advanced magick. Most wizard's can't even manage it till their sixth year, so that's when it's taught."
"Oh, but it was so easy, and it felt so natural Hagrid. I want to do more magick." Harry replied.
"Just be careful Harry, be real careful,” Hagrid stopped and looked dead serious at Harry. ”Want of power like that is what happened to Vol... , HIM. You better also change it back before we get to the Leaky Cauldron. Won't do to have people wonderin' where your stuffs at, and what you can do, like you said before, sometimes it's best to keep a low profile. Don't draw attention to yourself if you can help it, you'll get enough of that by just being THE Harry Potter."
"Gotcha Hagrid, I will make it just a little lighter though so that I can manage it a little better." Harry replied.
"Good boy Harry,” Hagrid sighed with relief, but he still looked a bit worried.
They ducked into a dark corner to return the trunk to normal size, then continued down Diagon Alley. ”Now for ya birthday present."
"What?" Harry hadn't been watching as Hagrid had led him into the Owl Emporium. "Hagrid, you don't have to do this."
"I know, but ya don't buy presents for ya friends cause ya have to, ya do it cause ya want to. Maybe it's really kinda selfish, cause buyin' sommat for a friend makes ya happy,” Now his eye twinkled mischievously, as if Harry didn't dare refuse without spoiling Hagrid's fun. ”I want to make us both happy, so I thought I'd get you an animal that you're allowed to take to school. Owls are dead useful, they're real clever, smart, and plus they carry the post."
"So thats why that post office was full of owls. I was going to ask about that." Harry said as he began looking around at all the birds. The shop was filled with soft hoots and coos. Some of the owls were curled up asleep, others preening, a few where flapping their silent wings. A beautiful black and white owl looked at him then flew to his shoulder landing gently.
"What, are owls like wands, choosing their owner, or something?" Harry asked a little shocked when the bird came to him. He tentatively stroked the bird on its back.
"Not really," the clerk said as he approached them, "Although they can be a little finicky, that one a little more finicky than average, but she seems to really like you, you must be of a good heart," the clerk continued and then stopped dead as he stared at Harry's scar. "Oh my, you're Harry Potter, aren't you." Harry slowly nodded, "Well then pleased to meet you.” He extended a hand in greeting.
"Likewise" Harry said. The owl clicked it's beak annoyed as Harry shook hands.
"Well I guess we'll take this one," Hagrid said, "I'm gettin' it for his birthday. Its not everyday your young man turns eleven now is it? And He'll be startin' Hogwart's this year too." Hagrid said with so much pride in his voice Harry had to blush a little.
"Well, congratulations, Mr. Potter, she is a beauty. I hope you do well, and have a little fun too." the clerk said.
Hagrid paid for the owl and a nice cage, plus the clerk gave a few owl treats on the house. As they stepped from the shop, a great snowy owl inside let out an indignant hoot.
Harry glanced back at the store and caught his reflection in the window. He walked slowly toward it, taking in the small boy in the oversize clothes. Harry looked down, feeling sorry for himself.
"What is it Harry?" Hagrid asked with concern.
“I look pathetic.”
Hagrid knelt down beside him, "Don't worry Harry, you're a handsome lad, and ya may be small now, but once ya start eatin' better, you'll fill out."
"Yeah, hope so" Harry said dejectedly, then got an idea. "Hagrid, I wanna go back to Gringott's to exchange some galleons for muggle money so I can get some clothes and stuff when I get back."
"I see no harm in that, Harry. No shame in hand-me-downs, but these look like a tent on you. Are you sure you're the only one in there?” Hagrid started poking at him. Harry was amazed at how those huge fingers seemed to find a way between his ribs. Soon they were both laughing.
The sun was sinking low as they came out of Gringott's and started the walk back to the Leaky Cauldron. After they had walked a while Harry stopped and looked up at Hagrid.
"I'm gettin kinda tired after today, not to mention the healing and all, and I was wonderin if this would be one of the okay times for you to carry me?"
"You betcha Harry, anytime." Hagrid replied as he set the cage down and picked Harry up and settled him with his head leanin' on Hagrid's shoulder, then he picked up the large owl cage and trunk. Then they continued on their way back to the Leaky Cauldron.
By the time they got back to Harry's room he was asleep, so Hagrid laid him gently on the bed.
He'll be hungry when he wakes up, Hagrid thought. I'd better get him some food, muggle food should probably be best. So he walked over to the fireplace, grabbed a pinch of floo powder, and got on his knees. Hagrid tossed the powder into the fire, and said, "McMuggles" then stuck his head into the fire. "Hey there, could I get a cheeseburger Cheery Meal, and send it to room 11 at the Leaky Cauldron? Charge it to Hogwart's, account number 13267? thanks." then pulled out his head. After a few minutes, the fire flared light green for a moment and a bag slid out on a cardboard tray. Hagrid took it over and set it on the night table and sat down in an armchair to snooze a little himself. About a half hour later Harry stirred and sat up rubbing his eyes, he looked over at Hagrid and smiled, watching the big guy trying to sleep in a chair that was a little too small.
"Hagrid?" Harry said quietly.
Hagrid opened his eyes slowly, "Hullo there Harry, feelin' better now?"
"Much better thank you, although I could do with some food, do they have room service here?"
"Yeah, but I ordered out, it's on the table, should still be warm, the tray is enchanted. I need to be gettin back to Hogwart's meself, you be alright Harry? McGonagall will be here first thing in the morning."
"I'll be okay Hagrid, thanks." and Harry got out of bed and went over to Hagrid and gave him a hug, "Thank you so much Hagrid for everything." Harry pulled back and looked up at him, "See you on the first of September?"
"You betcha Harry, you take care alright?" Hagrid said with moist eyes, Harry nodded and Hagrid left.
Harry carried his dinner over to the desk amazed at the little cardboard tray being hot on the bag side, and cold on the drink side. He looked at the name on the bag and wondered, could it be? He had only been to that other restaurant once when he was 5, when Mrs Figg from down the street had looked after him while the Dursley's went to the zoo, it was delicious, he could still remember how it tasted, so he pulled out the cheeseburger and fries, and sure enough, just like he remembered. He practically inhaled the meal thinking his life was definitely turning around.
Harry got up and went to the cage of his new owl and opened the door. She just looked at him oddly. "Well you seem to have chosen me. I figured you wouldn't leave unless you needed to. Besides, if you're a post owl, I imagine you need to come and go as you please anyway.” Harry paused and took a long look at the owl. ”I don't know what to call you. I figure you and your kind are a lot smarter than humans give credit," and she hooted as if agreeing.
"I have an idea." Then Harry went over to his trunk and pulled out a book on famous wizards and witches and set it open on the floor. "Now I figure you might be able to read English in some way. I think it would be useful in delivering post, so you just flip through the pages and point out a name you would like me to call you."
She hooted again and flew out of the cage and down to the book. She flapped her wings causing the pages to turn and she stopped in the K's. She then brought her head down and poked her beak enough to indent the page without tearing, and Harry looked at the name. "Kleopatra?" Harry asked, the owl then gave a quick clipped hoot, "er, Kleo?" to which she hooted twice and flew to his shoulder. "This is cool" Harry said as he reached up and stroked the top of her head. Harry wondered out loud. ”Can most owls read?”
Kleo shook her head. Impressed, Harry let out a low whistle. Most people must have to give explicit instructions to post owls. Then Harry had another thought, now would be the perfect time to test her talents. "Kleo, I need to send a letter to Professor McGonagall. I don't know where she lives, but my Hogwart's letter said she was the deputy headmistress for the school. Can you get the letter to her before she leaves in the morning to come and get me?"
"Hoot hoot" came the reply, she ruffled and stretched her wings. It looked for all the world like warm up exercises.
"Thanks just give me a few minutes to write it Okay?" Harry grabbed a quill, ink, parchment and envelope from his trunk and wrote:
Professor McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Dear Professor,
I would like to thank you for being my escort back to the
Dursley's, and for talking with them to keep me safe. I am
still a little scared about returning to the Dursley's.
Hagrid and Professor Dumbledore tell me not to worry, that
you will take care of everything. I want you to know
that I deeply appreciate you taking the trouble for me.
Madame Pomfrey has told me to rest until school, but I'm
afraid that no matter what you say they will put me back
to doing all of the chores around the house. I wouldn't
really mind some chores. I expect that healers can sometimes
be as over cautious as muggle doctors. Now if my cousin would
do his part of the chores, which I know he'll never do, this
wouldn't be a problem.
But I want to be well enough so that it won't effect my
studies at school. I truly appreciate ideas you may have.
Sorry for rambling on, I look forward to meeting you in
the morning.
Thank you
Harry Potter
Student
"That should do it," Harry slipped the letter into the envelope and addressed it as best he could. "Now how do I do this?" he asked Kleo, who immediately flew to the trunk and grab a gold string from the pile of envelopes and then flew to the desk. She dropped the string and held out her foot. There was a small gold eyelet in the corner of the envelope so Harry threaded the string through and tied it to the little leather band around her leg.
"Is that good enough to make it?" She wiggled her leg and then hooted twice. "Okay then, thanks Kleo." and she nibbled him affectionately on the hand and flew out the window when Harry opened it.
As he watched her fly out of site he began to feel alone again, all alone. It was nearing 10 pm Harry noticed by the clock on the wall. He never dared stay up this late at the Dursley's. His bedtime was long before Dudley's to stay out of their way, unless he wasn't done with his chores. Harry needed to not be alone, he needed to dream of his parents for sure tonight. He started crying softly as he thought about his parents.
He looked over at the fluffy dragon that Hagrid had given him. "Norbert, is there anything you can do to help make sure I dream about my parents tonight?" Harry asked in a slightly choked voice. The dragon just flapped its fuzzy wings and flew over to Harry's lap and looked up at him and nodded.
"Thank you." was all Harry said as he lay back on the bed and cuddle the dragon as he let his tears and the magick of his little dragon take him to sleep.