Chapter 3
London, U.K. 8:45 A.M.
Olivia slowly woke up, the morning light filtering through the curtains. She reached out, expecting to find Samantha beside her, but the bed was empty. Listening closely, she heard the soft POP! of a sniper rifle coming from the backyard.
Shaking her head, Olivia threw on a shirt and jeans and headed outside. As she stepped into the backyard, she saw Samantha kneeling beside Harry, her sniper rifle propped against a plank with targets set up by the fence. Samantha was coaching Harry through the drills "Remember, Harry," Samantha said, her hand gently guiding his, "steady your breathing and keep your focus on the target. Don't rush the shot."
Harry nodded, his eyes narrowing as he lined up the crosshair with the target. He took a deep breath, held it, and squeezed the trigger. The rifle fired with a soft POP! , and the bullet hit the target dead center.
"Great shot, kiddo!" Samantha praised, ruffling his hair. "You're getting better every day."
Olivia smiled as she watched the scene while approaching quietly, not wanting to interrupt their moment.
"Morning," Olivia greeted, her voice soft.
Samantha looked up and smiled. "Morning, Olivia. Harry's been doing great with his training."
Harry beamed with pride. "Mom says I'm a natural!"
Olivia chuckled, ruffling Harry's hair. "I can see that. You're doing an amazing job, Harry."
Samantha stood up, stretching her arms. "We thought we'd get some practice in before breakfast. Want to join us?"
Olivia shook her head with a smile. "I'll leave the shooting to you two. I'll go make us some breakfast instead."
Samantha nodded, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thanks, Olivia. We'll be in soon."
As Olivia headed back inside, she couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment as she heard Samantha kneel next to their son.
Samantha put her hand on Harry’s shoudler, her eyes focused on the targets ahead. "Alright, Harry, let's move on to the other targets. Remember, take your time and focus on your breathing."
Harry nodded, adjusting his stance and lining up the crosshair with the next target. He took a deep breath, held it, and squeezed the trigger. The rifle fired with a soft POP! , and the bullet struck the target right in the torso.
"Great job, Harry!" Samantha praised, ruffling his hair with pride. "Now, let's try for the head."
Harry nodded as he adjusted his aim. He steadied his breathing, focused on the target's head, and fired. The bullet hit the target dead center in the head.
"Perfect shot!" Samantha exclaimed, her voice filled with pride. "You're really getting the hang of this."
They continued their training, with Samantha guiding Harry through each shot, offering tips and encouragement. With each successful hit, Samantha's pride in her son grew, and Harry's confidence soared.
As they wrapped up their session, Samantha stood up and stretched. "Alright, kiddo, I think that's enough for today. Let's go see what Olivia's made for breakfast."
Harry nodded eagerly, his stomach growling in anticipation. "I hope she made pancakes again!"
Samantha chuckled e "Let's go find out."
As Samantha and Harry walked back inside, the smell of cooking bacon filled the air. Olivia was busy in the kitchen, flipping pancakes on the griddle. She looked up and smiled as they entered.
"Good timing, you two. Breakfast is almost ready," Olivia said, setting a plate of pancakes on the table.
Harry's eyes lit up with excitement as he quickly sat down and started piling pancakes onto his plate. Samantha chuckled and took a seat beside him.
Olivia joined them at the table, pouring syrup over her own pancakes. "So, are we heading to this 'Diagon Alley' today?" she asked, looking at Samantha.
Samantha nodded, taking a sip of her coffee. "Yeah, we are. But it'll take at least three hours in lightspeed to get to the area. We should leave as soon as we're done with breakfast."
Harry, already halfway through his first pancake, looked up. "Three hours? That's so long!"
Samantha smiled and ruffled his hair. "It'll go by quickly, Harry. Just make sure you slow down and chew your food, or you'll choke."
Harry nodded, slowing down his pace as he took another bite. "Okay, Mom."
Olivia chuckled, watching the interaction between mother and son. "I'm excited to see this Diagon Alley. It sounds like a fascinating place."
Samantha nodded. "It should be interesting. We'll get all the supplies Harry needs for Hogwarts there."
They continued their breakfast, chatting about their plans for the day and what they might find at Diagon Alley.
After finishing breakfast, Samantha looked over at Harry. "Alright, kiddo, time to clean up and get ready to head to Diagon Alley."
Harry nodded eagerly, jumping up from his seat. "Okay, Mom!" He dashed off to his room, leaving Samantha and Olivia to head to their shared room..
Olivia watched with fond exasperation as Samantha began to put on her armor. "Samantha, do you really think we need to be wearing full body armor for a shopping trip?"
Samantha sighed, pausing in her efforts to strap on her chest plate. "I know, I know. But I just want to be prepared for anything."
Olivia placed her hand on Samantha's arm. "I understand, but we're just going to get school supplies for Harry. I don't think we'll need full combat gear."
Samantha looked at Olivia, sighing"You're right. But I'm still taking my knife and revolver."
Olivia shook her head with a smile. "Of course you are. Just try not to scare the other shoppers, okay?"
Samantha chuckled, stripping off her armor. "I'll do my best."
Olivia headed to Harry's room to check if he was ready. She found him rummaging through his drawers, looking for his favorite jacket.
"Harry, are you almost ready?" Olivia asked, leaning against the doorframe.
Harry looked up and nodded. "Yeah, just need to find my jacket."
Olivia smiled and helped him locate it. "Here it is. Now, let's get going. Your mom's waiting."
Harry put on his jacket and grabbed his backpack, excitement written all over his face. "I'm ready!"
Olivia took his hand and led him back to the living room, where Samantha was waiting, her knife and revolver discreetly holstered. "Alright, team, let's head to Diagon Alley," Samantha said
Several hours later Olivia sat in the co-pilot's seat, her eyes widening as they came out of lightspeed. Hanging in the middle of space was a massive space station. "Well, for wanting to stay hidden, these Thaumarians sure love making flashy stuff," Samantha snarked.
She punched in the code Dumbledore had sent her the day before, the codes went through, and a voice crackled over the comms, directing them to a shuttle bay.
"Welcome to Diagon Station. Please proceed to Shuttle Bay 7," the voice instructed.
Samantha guided the ship towards the designated bay. "Alright, team, we're almost there. Get ready."
Harry, who had been peering out the window with wide eyes, turned to his mother with excitement. "This place is amazing, Mom!"
Samantha smiled, ruffling his hair. "It sure is, kiddo. Let's get you those school supplies."
As they approached Shuttle Bay 7, the bay doors opened, revealing a bustling area filled with various ships and shuttles. Samantha expertly maneuvered their ship into an empty docking space and powered down the engines.
"Alright, everyone, let's go explore," Samantha said, unstrapping herself from the pilot's seat.
Samantha and Olivia walked down the ramp with Harry between them, taking in the bustling activity of the shuttle bay. As they approached the main area, Samantha spotted a group of parents and children gathered around a woman in robes.
The robed woman looked up and smiled as she saw them approaching. "You must be the Collins. You're just in time; the tour is about to start."
Samantha nodded, giving the woman a polite smile. "That's us. Thanks for waiting."
The woman turned to address the group. "Alright, everyone, first we will head to Gringrotts where you can transfer your credits into Galleons, or set up a new student account for those who are new to Thaumarian space."
As the group walked through the market place, they noticed non-Terrans or Thaumarians walking through the market, several young children around them.
Samantha's eyes narrowed as they passed a short, deformed man offering trinkets to the group. She firmly placed her hand on Harry's shoulder, guiding him away from the man. The tour guide quickly shooed the man away, muttering under her breath, "Don't know why old Fletcher tries to sell to new groups. He knows the Confederation watches for anyone trying to take advantage."
As they arrived at the grand entrance of Gringrotts, the robed woman turned to the group again. "Welcome to Gringrotts, the safest and most secure bank in Thaumarian space. For those who are new to Thaumarian Space, follow me and we’ll have a bank account set up for you and your child.”
Samantha glanced at Olivia, who nodded in agreement. "Let's get this done, then we can explore more."
Samantha pulled out an old golden key that Dumbledore had dropped off the day she received the coordinates. He had explained that this key would open up Harry's family vault. She guided her son to a desk where a goblin sat, unable to think it was rather ugly.
"I have a key here for the Potter vault," Samantha said, holding up the key.
The goblin looked up and stared at them for a moment before giving a toothy grin. "Oh yes, the Potter Vault. Griphook! Get over here and take them to their vault," he called out.
Another goblin appeared, his expression stern. "This way," he said, beckoning them forward.
The trio followed Griphook to a small circle on the floor. "Hold on tight, these pads aren't the nicest for first-timers," he warned.
"I'm sorry, what?" Olivia asked, her eyes widening in surprise.
Before anyone could react, a blinding flash enveloped their eyes, and all three felt a tugging sensation and squeezing at the same time. Just as it seemed she couldn't take it anymore, Olivia landed on a hard floor, with Samantha landing next to her and Harry falling on both of them, landing on their stomachs.
"Let's do that again!" Harry beamed, a huge grin on his face.
"Absolutely not," Samantha groaned, trying to catch her breath.
Griphook approached the massive vault door and inserted the key, turning it with a satisfying click. The door creaked open, revealing rows of golden, silver, and bronze coins, along with an array of weapons, armor, and scrolls decorating the walls.
"Welcome to the Potter Vaults," Griphook announced, stepping aside to let them through the door.
Harry's eyes widened with excitement, and he rushed in without hesitation. "Wow, look at all this stuff!"
Samantha hurried after him, not wanting a repeat of the time when he was seven and bought 500 units worth of candy. "Harry, slow down! We need to be careful."
Olivia, meanwhile, was drawn to the old books and scrolls on the shelves.
Samantha kept a close eye on Harry as he explored the vault. "Remember, Harry, we're here to get what you need for school. Let's not go overboard."
Harry nodded, though his eyes continued to dart around, taking in the vault. "Okay, Mom. But can we look at the weapons too? They look so cool!"
Samantha chuckled, ruffling his hair. "We'll see, kiddo. Let's focus on the essentials first."
Griphook watched them with a toothy grin . "Take your time. The Potter Vaults hold many treasures, and you are welcome to explore them all."
Olivia watched with a mix of amusement and exasperation as Harry tried to argue with Samantha about the necessity of a child-sized suit of armor that looked like it belonged in Terra's medieval era.
"Mom, this armor is essential for my school time!" Harry insisted.
Samantha sighed, shaking her head. "Harry, you don't need a suit of armor for school. It's not practical."
"But it looks so cool!" Harry protested, his gaze shifting to a sword with a golden hilt. He reached for it, trying to lift it with both hands.
"Harry," Samantha groaned, watching as he struggled to lift the heavy sword to no avail.
"But Mom!" Harry whined.
Samantha gently took the sword from his hands and placed it back on the rack. "Harry, I know it's exciting, but we need to focus on what you actually need for school. We can look at the cool stuff later."
After a thorough exploration of the vault, Samantha managed to get Harry out without him sneaking any weapons or armor. She grabbed the money and placed it in a pouch that Griphook handed them, ensuring they had enough Galleons for their shopping trip.
As they made their way back to the teleportation pad, Olivia groaned, rubbing her temples. "I really hope this teleportation pad is better than the last one."
Samantha chuckled, patting Olivia on the back. "I don't blame you. The ones we have in Terran Space are much more comfortable."
Griphook led them to the pad and gave them a nod. "Hold on tight. This will take you back to the main area."
Samantha, Olivia, and Harry stepped onto the pad, bracing themselves for the uncomfortable sensation. With a blinding flash and a familiar tugging and squeezing sensation, they were transported back to the main area of Gringotts.
As they landed, Olivia stumbled slightly, catching herself on Samantha's arm. "I really don't like these things."
Samantha nodded in agreement. "Yeah, they're not the best.”
With the pouch of Galleons securely in hand, they rejoined the tour group, the tour guide announcing that they would split off and meet back at the shuttle bay later.
Olivia and Samantha guided Harry through the bustling market until they reached a shop with a sign announcing it sold school robes and clothes. The trio stepped through the door, the bell above it chiming softly.
An old woman with a wand tucked between her ear and head walked up to them "Hogwarts?" she asked.
The trio nodded, and the woman beckoned Harry to step onto a stool. "Come along, dear. Let's get you fitted."
Harry obediently climbed onto the stool, blinking in surprise as a tape measure appeared in front of him. He realized with wide eyes that the woman wasn't holding it; the tape measure was moving on its own, taking his measurements.
Samantha looked around the shop, her eyes scanning the rows of neatly folded robes and various other school supplies. Olivia, meanwhile, watched the old woman and the magical tape measure with fascination.
"Hold still, dear," the woman instructed Harry, her wand flicking slightly to adjust the tape measure. "We'll have you fitted in no time."
The trio headed out of the shop about thirty minutes later, several bags attached to their arms filled with Harry's new school robes and clothes. Olivia guided them to the next destination on their list: the bookstore.
As they stepped inside, the smell of old parchment and ink filled the air. Shelves upon shelves of books lined the walls. Harry's eyes lit up with excitement, and Olivia's curiosity was equally piqued.
"Look at all these books, Mom!" Harry exclaimed, rushing to the nearest shelf.
Olivia followed closely behind, her eyes scanning the titles with fascination.
Samantha couldn't help but roll her eyes as she watched them. "Alright, you two, let's not go overboard. We only need the books on Harry's school list."
Harry and Olivia, however, were already engrossed in the vast selection, each grabbing books that caught their interest. Samantha sighed, stepping in to gently guide them back to the task at hand.
"Harry, Olivia, we need to focus on the essentials," Samantha reminded them, her tone firm but amused. "We can't buy every book in the store."
Harry pouted but nodded, reluctantly putting back a particularly thick tome. "Okay, Mom."
Olivia chuckled, placing a few books back on the shelf. "I guess you're right. But it's hard to resist."
Samantha shook her head with a smile, wondering what kind of school still used actual books when the Terrans had switched to digital early into leaving Earth. "I know, but we have a list to stick to.”
With Samantha's guidance, they managed to find all the required books for Harry's classes.
As they left the bookstore, their bags now even heavier with books, Samantha looked at Harry and Olivia with a fond smile. "Alright, team, what's next on the list?"
Harry grinned. "Wands, Mom! We need to get my wand!"
Samantha nodded, her own curiosity piqued. "Alright, let's go find your wand."
The trio stepped into a shop called 'Ollivanders’, as they entered, a man with a white strip of fabric over his eyes stepped into view, his presence commanding attention.
"Ah, Mr. Harry Potter," he said. "I was wondering when you would appear. You have your mother’s eyes. It seems only yesterday she was in here herself, buying her first wand. Ten and a quarter inches long, swishy, made of willow. Nice wand for charm work."
Samantha and Olivia exchanged a glance, while Harry looked up at the man with wide eyes.
"Your father, on the other hand, favored a mahogany wand. Eleven inches. Pliable. A little more power and excellent for transfiguration. Well, I say your father favored it — it’s really the wand that chooses the Thaumarian, of course."
"And that's where…" Mr. Ollivander touched the lightning scar on Harry's forehead with a long, white finger. "I'm sorry to say I sold the wand that did it," he said softly. "Thirteen-and-a-half inches. Yew. Powerful wand, very powerful, and in the wrong hands… well, if I'd known what that wand was going out into the galaxy to do…"
He shook his head slightly, then refocused on Harry. "Well, now — Mr. Potter. Let me see." He pulled a long tape measure with silver markings out of his pocket. "Which is your wand arm?"
"Er — well, I'm right-handed," said Harry.
"Hold out your arm. That's it." Mr. Ollivander measured Harry from shoulder to finger, then wrist to elbow, shoulder to floor, knee to armpit, and round his head. As he measured, he explained, "Every Ollivander wand has a core of a powerful magical substance, Mr. Potter. We use unicorn hairs, phoenix tail feathers, the fangs of Nundus, Chimeras, Basilisks, the wing feathers of Thunderbirds and Griffins, and the heartstrings of Dragons and Krakens. 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 Thaumarian's wand."
Mr. Ollivander flitted around the shelves, taking down boxes. "That will do," he said, and the tape measure crumpled into a heap on the floor. "Right then, Mr. Potter. Try this one. Beechwood and dragon heartstring. Nine inches. Nice and flexible. Just take it and give it a wave."
Harry took the wand and, feeling foolish, waved it around a bit, but Mr. Ollivander snatched it out of his hand almost at once. "Maple and phoenix feather. Seven inches. Quite whippy. Try—"
Harry tried, but he had hardly raised the wand when it, too, was snatched back by Mr. Ollivander. "No, no — here, ebony and unicorn hair, eight and a half inches, springy. Go on, go on, try it out."
Harry tried. And tried. He had no idea what Mr. Ollivander was waiting for. The pile of tried wands was mounting higher and higher on the spindly chair, but the more wands Mr. Ollivander pulled from the shelves, the happier he seemed to become.
"Tricky customer, eh? Not to worry, we'll find the perfect match here somewhere — I wonder, now — yes, why not — unusual combination — holly and phoenix feather, eleven inches, nice and supple."
Harry took the wand. He felt a sudden warmth in his fingers. He raised the wand above his head, brought it swishing down through the dusty air, and a stream of red and gold sparks shot from the end like a firework, throwing dancing spots of light onto the walls. Samantha and Olivia clapped, and Mr. Ollivander cried, "Oh, bravo! Yes, indeed, oh, very good. Well, well, well… how curious… how very curious…"
He put Harry's wand back into its box and wrapped it in brown paper, still muttering, "Curious… curious…"
"Sorry," said Harry, "but what's curious?"
Mr. Ollivander fixed Harry with a look, his eyes hidden by the strip over his eyes "I remember every wand I've ever sold, Mr. Potter. Every single wand. It so happens that the phoenix whose tail feather is in your wand gave another feather — just one other. It is very curious indeed that you should be destined for this wand when its brother — why, its brother gave you that scar."
Harry swallowed. "Yes, thirteen-and-a-half inches. Yew. Curious indeed how these things happen. The wand chooses the Thaumarian, remember… I think we must expect great things from you, Mr. Potter… After all, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named did great things — terrible, yes, but great."
Harry shivered. He wasn't sure he liked Mr. Ollivander too much. Samantha paid seven gold Galleons for the wand, and Mr. Ollivander bowed them from his shop.
After leaving Ollivanders, Olivia, Samantha, and Harry decided to stop at a nearby café to get something to eat. They found a cozy spot by the window and settled in, Harry looking out into the blackness of space.
As they waited for a waiter, Harry looked up at his mother and Olivia with curiosity. "Do you think Mr. Ollivander is blind?" he asked.
Olivia gently scolded him, her tone soft but firm. "Harry, it's not polite to ask questions like that. Mr. Ollivander is a very skilled wandmaker, and it doesn't matter if he can see or not."
Harry protested, his eyes wide. "But it seemed like he was! He had that white strip over his eyes."
Samantha chuckled, ruffling his hair. "Maybe he is, maybe he isn't. What's important is that he found you the perfect wand."
Harry nodded, accepting the explanation. As their waiter arrived, he looked at the menu and pointed to an item. "What's a 'Dragon rib'?"
The waiter smiled. "Dragon rib is a special dish made from the ribs of a dragon. It's quite a delicacy in Thaumarian space. Would you like to try it?"
"Yes, please!"
As they finished eating, they decided it was time to head back to Terra. Harry's earlier excitement had worn off, and he was now slightly drooping as he walked between Olivia and Samantha.
They bid goodbye to the tour guide, who wished them a safe journey. "Thank you for visiting Diagon Station. Safe travels back to Terra!"
Samantha and Olivia nodded in appreciation, guiding Harry up the ramp of their ship. As soon as they were inside, Harry found a chair and promptly passed out, his exhaustion catching up with him.
Olivia and Samantha exchanged amused glances as they went through the lift-off procedure. "Looks like someone had a big day," Olivia remarked, glancing back at the sleeping boy.
Samantha chuckled, her eyes softening as she looked at Harry. "He sure did. It's been quite an adventure."
With the pre-flight checks complete, Samantha activated the thrusters, and the ship lifted off smoothly, leaving Diagon Station behind.
"Next stop, Terra," Samantha said, setting the coordinates for home.
Olivia nodded, settling into her seat. "Let's get our boy home."