Chapter 7
Exiting the bank, and venturing back into the alley, Harry took a deep breath of air. It felt like he had been in that room forever, so getting out and getting some fresh air felt so good. Looking around him at all the shops surrounding them, he felt a bit apprehensive about where they should start their shopping. Fortunately he had Minerva with him that could help.
“Well Harry, to start with I think we should get you a trunk and a bag to carry things in. That store over there ‘Dunkin’s Trunkin’s’, should have what we need in the way of trunks and bags.”
Nodding, Harry and Minerva started off toward the little shop full of luggage. Inside the store were stacks, upon stacks of different sized trunks. Harry thought there must be a spell expanding the space, because the store didn’t seem this big from the outside.
“Hello, how may I help you? I am Mr. Dunkin and I’m here to help you with matching the perfect trunk to you.”
“Hello sir I’m about to start my schooling this September, so I guess I need something that can fit all of the stuff I need in it.”
“Ah a first year then? Well let’s go around and see if we find something you like. Now you see there are many different ones to choose from, not just lookwise mind you, oh no there are many different configurations and compartments you can have. For instance do you have any hobby you’d like to continue with at school?”
“Not really sir. Well I guess if you count gardening, I do like that a lot.”
“Aha a little herbologist in the making eh? Let’s see, yes here it is. This trunk has a special compartment mimicking a small greenhouse. With this you can plant herbs, small fruits, bushes and even some vegetables to tend. Special features are the temperature regulation, to always have the right temperatures for the plants, the weather and light sensors, to keep it to what every individual plant will need, and a watering and fertilizing spell, to keep it watered when you’re not able to go down there.”
“Wow.”, Harry said in awe. Magic truly exceeds everything he could have ever imagined.
“Haha yes wow indeed dear customer. So what say you? This model also comes with a clothing compartment, a library compartment, a supplies compartment, a potion compartment, and a warded compartment for personal items only you can open.”
“That sounds fantastic sir. I just feel afraid to ask about the cost.”
“Now now I pride myself in not overcharging my customers, don’t you worry. As it is it would be 100 galleons, if you’d like it to have a featherlight spell it is 125, and with both a featherlight and shrinking spell it will be 150 galleons.”
“Excuse me Ms. McGonagall, do you feel that is a fair price for all this?”, Harry asked.
Minerva raised her eyebrows in chock over the price, but then reminded herself that this would be a trunk for all seven years, plus she knew that James and Lily had had a fairly reasonable wealth.
“Well Harry, it is a little steep in price, but I think it is the right choice for one that is going to last you the full seven years. Also all the extra features, seem truly worth it.”
“Ok then sir, then I’d like to buy that model with all the extra spells please.”
“Excellent! Good choice there son. Now you also get to choose the colour of the trunk, and the metalwork.”
“I think I’d like a green trunk sir, with the metal in bronze please.”
“Certainly, that will be no issue. I tell you what, since you have been unusually polite and are buying the trunk, I’ll throw in a school bag at no extra cost. It will be able to fit all your books and supplies, without weighing anything. Do you want that in green also?”
“Yes please sir, that is incredibly kind of you. Thank you really!”, Harry said beaming at the man.
“Not everyday we get such good customers.” Mr. Dunkin said with a laugh. “That will be 150 galleons then.”
Harry paid for the items, with his Gringott’s bag, and then he shrunk down the trunk, after having put the bag in it, and left the store with Minerva. Heading outside he checked for the next things at the list.
“Ms. McGonagall, should we do all my supplies next? Potion ingredients, vials, a telescope, cauldron, parchment and quills? I feel that will go quicker than clothes, books or a wand.”
“Very well Harry we will go gather those at once, and I like your reasoning behind it.”, Minerva said feeling proud of Harry.
Minerva and Harry went around to all the supply stores, and picked up everything they needed, now it was time for clothes, Harry decided. Walking toward Madam Malkin’s, the only store that sold the Hogwart’s robes, they soon arrived there. A kind looking witch pointed him toward the fitting station, so he could get all his measurements done. Standing there already being measured, was another boy who seemed to be around Harry’s age. For a moment Harry just stood there. He had never seen another person with such white hair as himself, although the boy’s went more toward silver, while Harry’s was as white as snow. Walking up and standing on the little stool to get measured, he decided to say hello, and hopefully make a friend for once.
“Hello there, are you also going to be a first year at Hogwart’s?”, Harry asked with a smile.
The boy looked over at Harry, seeming to scan his appearance with a sneer, but he put his neutral mask back on and answered Harry.
“Why yes I am. My name is Draco Malfoy, I’m sure you must have heard about our family? We are one of the most influential ones after all.”, he said with a smirk.
Oh gee one of those types, Harry thought, but he had made up his mind to be kind and not judge anyone based on first impressions.
“Hello Draco, pleasure to meet you. My name is Harry Potter, and up until now I have lived with muggles, so I’m sorry to say I don’t know anything about your family.”
“YOU’RE BLOODY HARRY POTTER?!”, Draco shouted, and almost fell of the stool he was standing on.
“Ow my ears why are you yelling at me, is there something I should know?”
“B-b-but you’re the boy who lived! Don’t you know anything about that?”
“Muggleraised as I said Draco. Only thing I know is that my parents were magical, and that they died in an accident when I was really small.”
“I see…”, Draco replied, looking lost about what to do next.
Fortunately for him, Minerva had heard the yell and came storming into the fitting room.
“What happened? Is everything as it should in here Harry?”, She said while looking over the two boys.
“Yes Ms. I’m ok. Draco here just got overly excited by my name, it seems like I’m famous here or something? But why?”
Minerva froze, she had not thought about informing him of that part of his history. Now she had to deal with that on top of getting him through the day.
“Harry listen closely, I swear that I will tell you that after we are done for today, but for now you need to keep your head down, until we have everything we need. Do you hear me?”
“Yes Ms. Thank you for telling me later on then. I think I just have some few measurements left, then I’ll come back out to you.”
“Well as you were then Harry, good day to you Mr. Malfoy.”, she said, and then left the room.
“Woah she was a bit scary that one. I’m sorry if I got you in trouble. I just couldn’t believe meeting you here of all places.”
“That’s alright Draco, I really didn’t mind. After all you made me aware that there is something going on that I don’t know about yet.” Harry said, trying to calm Draco.
“Thanks then Potter, umm may I call you Harry since you call me Draco?”
“Of course you may, I’m happy to make a friend here today.”. Harry saw Draco relaxing, and even got the feeling he had made him very happy.
“Friends then?”, Draco said smiling and holding out his hand.
“Friends.”, Harry replied with a smile, and took Draco’s hand and shook it. He couldn’t believe someone would want to be friends with him, but he would enjoy is as much as he could.
“So Harry any thought about what house you will be in?”
“House? Ehm I live in a normal sized house back home, nothing grand or anything. Just your regular suburbian home.”
“No not like that.” Draco had to remind himself Harry knew nothing about the school. “Hogwart’s has four houses you get sorted into. They are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin.”
“Oh I see. Well what determines where you end up in then?”
“They say it’s the personality traits inside of us that chooses which house we end up in. Gryffindors are said to be the brave and bold, Hufflepuffs, the hard working and loyal, Ravenclaws, the searcher’s of wisdom and wit, and Slytherins holds the cunning and ambitious.”
“Wow that is some serious division then. I have no idea where I might end up but I think all of them sound pretty great. I wouldn’t have any favourite of them.”, Harry said. “What about you then Draco?”
“My whole family has been Slytherins, so that is what I’m set on.”
“Well you sure seem like the ambitious type to me! I hope you get placed there Draco”, Harry said with a smile.
“Thank you Harry, I hope you will like where you end up.”
“Yeah I’ll probably be fine, and I’ll have you to talk to right?”
This time Draco squirmed and hesitated to answer.
“That could be a bit difficult if you sort into Gryffindor. Gryffindors and Slytherins have had this ongoing feud forever, which makes it difficult to talk to one another:”, Draco said sadly.
“Why though? That sounds silly to make student’s be that way. Rivalries never end well for anyone. But if I sort Gryffindor, I’d still find and talk to you. I wouldn’t turn my back on a new friend. I hope you feel the same way.”, Harry said shyly. He didn’t want to lose his first friend over something so trivial as school.
“I would at least try Harry, but there are certain expectations put on me. Let us hope you won’t sort there and there would be no issue.”, Draco said honestly.
“Well then boys, you are both done for today, you can pay and pick up your robes at the counter.”, the witch that had taken their measurement’s said.
“I guess this is farewell for now then Harry, I need to go find mother and father out there. I’ll see you on the train ride to school.”, and with that Draco left, and Harry went and picked up his things with Minerva.
Now there were only books and his wand to get. Remembering Griphook’s words about the wandmaker, Harry decided to save that for last, since it would take a lot of convincing to accomplish. So he and Minerva went straight to the bookstore, and picked out his school books. As an avid reader, Harry couldn’t help but fill up with more books as well. Many beginners guides to every imaginable topic, from heirship’s, to potion making. He also found a beautiful book about magical plants, that was more in depth than his school one it seemed. After paying Harry took a deep breath and prepared to argue with Minerva.
“Well then Harry only your wand left now, are you feeling excited? It’s the first step you will make toward casting your own spells. Ollivander’s is just over there.”, Minerva said, fully expecting him to come with.
“Actually no Ms. I won’t use Ollivander’s.”
“Excuse me? And what reason could you have for that Harry?”, now Minerva got suspicious.
“Mr, Griphook told me about a place that makes custom wands, to really fit the person’s needs.”
“I see, and Mr. Griphook knows what’s right for you?”
“With all due respect Ms. McGonagall, I feel he had my best interest’s in mind.”
“Hmph, I could argue, but I see you have made up your mind, lead on then to this wandmaker Harry.”, Minerva conceded.
“Thank you so much Ms. I think it is just over there by the entrance to that other alley.”
Hearing that Minerva got a bad feeling, but she had told him they would do it so they went to the wand store by the entrance to Knockturn alley.
The store was named ‘Wand’s Crossing’. It had a nice little window display of different woods, and a sign saying they custom made wands for everyone. Heading inside they saw a decently sized waiting room, with a large desk, and many seating options. They didn’t have to wait long until a young man came out to greet them.
“Welcome to ‘Wand’s Crossing’, how may I help you today?”, the man said.
“Hello sir, I’m the one who needs a wand please. I’m starting my first year this September.”, Harry answered politely.
“Ah you must be feeling excited then young man. Please come around the counter to the workroom. Unfortunately your guardian has to wait here, since we don’t like anyone except for the wandmaker and customer knowing the wand contents.”
“Now surely you can allow me to follow my ward?”, Minerva said a bit offended.
“No Ms. Those are our rules and if you can’t abide them, I will have to ask you to use another store.”
Having promised Harry, Minerva huffed a bit, but went to sit down in the waiting area.
“If you’d follow me then young sir.”, the man said, leading Harry into the workroom.
Harry looked around and saw all kinds of different materials, some were wooden blocks, others vials full of something.
“Here we go then sir, if you’d be so kind as to close your eyes, and let your magic lead you to all the materials we will need. Don’t worry if you feel drawn to more than one item, that is fully normal and expected. As you can see we use more than the three cores certain other makers use.”
Harry did as told, and felt his magic surge up inside. It led him around the room, sometimes feeling warmer, other times colder. In the end he ended up with a few different things.
“Let’s see then what your magic chose for you. Oh my isn’t this an interesting mix of things, this will make it a challenge, but I never back down from those.”
“Please sir can you explain to me about the things I chose?”, Harry asked the man.
“Ah yes forgive my excitement. The wood you chose is petrified wood, which is an interesting one since it is wood that has turned into stone. It symbolizes both change and a strong affinity to the earth. Another way to look at it is that it is connected to both death and time, through the process it undergoes. An unusual choice I must say but intriguing.”
“Now as cores you chose a few things, I do have to say though, it seems you will be very connected to dark magic. You have chosen the hair from a thestral, a creature known as a dark omen, but couldn’t be further from the truth. Still it has a deep connection to death, since you must have witnessed death to be able to see them. Other than that you chose dementor’s blood to cover the hair. Now the dementors are true dark beings, a horror that roam the earth. They very seldom let themselves bleed so it surely makes for a special wand. I think this will attune you more with the dark creatures, but who might say?”
“Lastly a vine from a devil’s snare plant. Cementing your connection to plants, while also giving the wand a true sense of loyalty. If a devil’s snare grabs you it won’t let go after all, unless you burn it. Yes truly a remarkable wand exuding dark magic. I can’t wait to have it made for you and see how it fits. I will need about 30 minutes to get it done, so please sit down and wait, or go visit another store in the meantime.”
Heading out into the store once again Harry felt confused. He didn’t know how to react to having such a dark wand. But Mr. Griphook had said that dark does not mean evil, so it must just mean, that he really is a dark magic user.
“Sorry Ms. McGonagall, but he says it will take 30 minutes to make the wand.”
Minerva, being already tired after a long day, sighed and nodded. Then an idea came to her.
“Harry I think there is another store we should visit in the meantime. Come along now, so we have time to get it done before the wand.”
Harry followed Minerva out, and they started walking up Diagon to the earlier stores. They stopped in front of the animal store.
“Now Harry I would be happy to buy you a birthday present from this store. It seems to me you haven’t had a lot of those growing up.”, she said with a sad smile.
Harry felt his eyes tearing up, and he couldn’t help himself from hugging Minerva, who was the first adult that really seemed to care about him.
“There, there Harry.”, Minerva said, eyes watering as well. “Let’s go inside and choose an owl, to use for all your mail and companionship.”
Opening the door they went inside to a full cacophony of sounds. Hoots, crowing, yowling, even hissing sounds all around them. Harry started to look around for an owl to use. He soon stood next to a beautiful snowy owl, with feathers, as white as his hair. He was about too choose that one, when suddenly with a caw, a large raven landed on his shoulder. The raven was huge, with shiny black feathers, and strong looking wings.
“Hello there Mr. Raven. Are you trying to tell me something?”, Harry said laughing. The raven cawed again like it was asking him to choose it. Looking around Harry saw that there were no other ravens in the store, and he felt bad about it being alone in the store, thinking back to all of the loneliness he himself felt.
“I will choose this raven please, Ms.”, Harry said to Minerva.
“Are you sure Harry? A raven is not a usual choice as a messenger bird.”
“I’m sure. I already feel me and it will have a connection somehow.”
Agreeing Minerva went to the counter with Harry to buy the bird, with some supplies as well.
“Oh how glad I am that someone wants to buy him.”, the worker said. “He’s been with us for a while now, since most of our customers prefer owls, but I assure you he is just as good as any owl. Ravens are incredibly smart, and he will have no trouble carrying mail, or packages for you. I think you two can become very close friends.”, she said smiling. That will be 20 galleons total, 15 for the bird, and 5 for supplies please.”
Handing over the money, and receiving the supplies, they decided to put the raven in his cage, until they could get back home to the Dursley’s. Hurrying back down the street with the bird in tow, they reached the wand store just as his wand was finished.
“Welcome back sir, your wand is ready, and I have to say it’s one of my finest wands ever made. Now give it a try for us and see how it matches you.”
Harry took the wand in hand and immediately felt a huge surge of power from within, his magic sang with the wand, and when he waved it, darkness swirled around him, shooting out black tendrils, and spiralling out. When it calmed down, he saw both the worker and Minerva, stand in complete chock, and gaping at him.
“Well it certainly seems you will do wonders with that wand Mr. My word what power. Now for the unusual materials, and the work done, it will be expensive at 30 galleons, but I think you’ll never find a wand like that again”.
Agreeing to the price, Harry paid the man, and he almost had to drag Minerva out of the store, since she still was in a state of chock. She regained her composure however, when she heard Harry’s stomach growl. Realising how long they had been out, she took Harry to a little café, where they ate a small dinner before finally walking back through the ‘Leaky’, to their little alley, and apparated back to Privet drive.