Chapter 2
Harry approached Gringotts, the snowy white building towering over Diagon Alley. Its presence demanded recognition, and the burnished bronze doors gleamed in the magical light. Standing guard on either side were two goblins, their swarthy faces and pointed beards were a stark contrast to Harry's taller stature. With a bow, Harry acknowledged the guardians, receiving a nod in return as he walked past them and ventured inside.
The second set of doors, silver and covered with engraved warnings, greeted him with a sense of caution. The inscription, a stern reminder of the consequences of greed, echoed through the grand entrance. Harry hesitated for a moment, absorbing the words of warning, then pushed the doors open, stepping into the heart of Gringotts.
The hall within the bank echoed with the sounds of goblin activity and the clinking of gold. A hushed atmosphere filled the air as Harry approached the teller counter, where another goblin awaited him.
The goblin took a good look at the person standing before him, his calculating eyes coming to a stop on Harry's forehead where the lightning-shaped scar glowed in full glory. With a knowing nod, the goblin spoke, "Ahh, Mr. Harry Potter, finally entered the wizarding world have you? How can I be of help today?"
Harry, not surprised that his fame had preceded him, replied, "I'd like to check my vault, please."
The goblin's manner shifted slightly as he inquired, "Do you have your vault key with you, Mr. Potter?"
Harry hesitated for a moment before admitting, "No, I don't."
"Without the key, I'm afraid I cannot allow you access to the vault. However, you may undergo an inheritance test to verify your identity." The goblin explained, while his expression remained stoic.
Harry, a bit puzzled, asked, "But you already know who I am. Can't you just let me go to my vault without it?"
The goblin responded firmly, "Even though I'm aware of your identity, protocol dictates that access to a vault requires the proper key. An inheritance test is the standard procedure to ensure security."
Harry let out a sigh of defeat. "Fine, let's do the inheritance test then."
The goblin gave a nod and called for Griphook, another goblin, who promptly appeared. "Yes, sir, you have called for me," Griphook acknowledged.
The goblin behind the counter instructed Griphook, "Take Mr. Potter to do an inheritance test and after, he can claim his vault key."
Griphook replied with a nod, saying, "This way if you will, Mr. Potter."
Harry gave a respectful bow to the goblin behind the counter and followed Griphook through the cavernous hall of Gringotts. As they navigated the passages, the goblin maintained a brisk pace, leading Harry to a secluded area designated for the inheritance test.
Griphook explained, "The inheritance test is a magical verification to ensure the rightful owner gains access to the vault. Magic can be very dangerous in the wrong hands, Mr Potter. One should know.” he said while flashing his eyebrows at Harry’s forehead, indicating his scar. “Please follow the instructions carefully."
With that, Griphook began the procedure, guiding Harry through a series of incantations and rituals. The magical aura in the room intensified as the test progressed, and Harry could feel the power of enchantments at work.
Once the inheritance test was complete, Griphook turned to Harry. "Congratulations, Mr. Potter. You have successfully passed the inheritance test. Now, let us claim your vault key."
Harry followed Griphook, eager to finally explore the secrets concealed within the Potter family vault.
Griphook led Harry through a labyrinth of tunnels within Gringotts until they reached a set of silver doors adorned with intricate engravings. The words etched on the doors served as a reminder of the depth of the magical treasures held within.
"Here we are, Mr. Potter," Griphook announced, revealing a small golden key from his pocket. "This key will grant you access to your vault. Take heed of the warnings and proceed with caution."
Harry took the golden key, its weight, though light, was symbolic of the responsibilities and revelations that awaited him. He inserted the key into the lock, and the doors began to open, revealing the vast expanse of the Potter family vault.
The sight before Harry was awe-inspiring—stacks of glistening Galleons, towering piles of Sickles, and gleaming Knuts. Precious gems and magical artefacts adorned the vault, bearing witness to the wealth accumulated by generations of Potters.
Griphook spoke with a touch of reverence, "Welcome to your family vault, Mr. Potter. Your inheritance awaits."
As Harry ventured deeper into the vault, he discovered more than just material wealth. Ancient tomes containing magical knowledge, family heirlooms with sentimental value, and enchanted objects resonating with potent magic were all part of his legacy.
Overwhelmed by the realisation of his family's history and the wealth amassed over centuries, Harry couldn't help but take a sharp inhale, showing awe. This was what had awaited Harry for years upon years. This truly was greater than anything harry had ever imagined. Griphook, observing Harry's reactions, nodded knowingly.
"Take your time, Mr. Potter. This is your birthright," Griphook advised.
As Harry explored the depths of the vault, he stumbled upon a peculiar-looking book. Its cover bore the title "The Potter Grimoire”. Intrigued, Harry opened the book to find it filled with spells, incantations, and the accumulated magical knowledge of his ancestors.
Realising the significance of this grimoire, Harry thanked Griphook for his assistance and made his way out of the vault. Harry, mindful of the weight of the gold in his pouch, turned to Griphook and asked, "Is there any way I can carry the gold and keep this grimoire in? This pouch is getting quite heavy."
"You can purchase an endless pouch for just 3 galleons." Griphook suggested.
Harry nodded in agreement, "Yes, I'd like to buy one please."
Griphook brought Harry back to the hall where he had entered earlier, instructed him to wait and disappeared briefly, leaving Harry standing in the grand hall of Gringotts. As he waited, Harry couldn't help but gaze at the organised chaos of goblins managing the financial affairs of the wizarding world. Wizards and witches from all walks of life were being escorted by goblins, showcasing the bank's bustling activity.
Griphook returned with a small leather pouch, significantly smaller than the one Harry had been carrying. "Here you are, Mr. Potter," Griphook said, handing him the pouch.
Harry handed over the 3 galleons with a smile, expressing his gratitude. Griphook, with a respectful nod, reminded him, "Remember, Mr. Potter, the choices you make now will shape your destiny." Harry gave his thanks, and left Gringotts, the compact pouch easily fitting within the pocket of his muggle attire. "Wow, it really is light." He remarked to himself.
With the endless pouch now in his possession, Harry felt a sense of practicality in managing his newfound wealth. The weight of gold was no longer a burden, and he couldn't wait to explore the magical items and possibilities that awaited him beyond Gringotts.
Harry, now equipped with his endless pouch, took a moment to check the list he had received before arriving at Diagon Alley. The peculiar encounter with the owl dropping the letter and promptly flying off brought a smile to Harry's lips. The list read:
First-year students require:
Uniform:
- Three sets of plain work robes (black).
- One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear.
- One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar).
- One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings).
Please note that all student's clothes should carry name tags at all times.
Books
- 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 Drafts 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.
After Harry scanned the list he walked over to Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. Before he entered the shop, he went to an alleyway next to the shop and looked around making sure no one was looking and cast a quick glamour on his scar. If there was one thing he hated more than anything, it was gaining a lot of attention. After a satisfied smile he walked back out of the alley way and into the shop.
Madam Malkin was a squat, smiling witch dressed all in mauve. As Harry entered, she greeted him cheerfully, "Welcome, dearie! Here for your Hogwarts robes, are you?"
Harry nodded, feeling a bit awkward under the gaze of the other customers in the shop. He glanced at the variety of robes displayed on racks and said, "Yes, please. Three sets, as per the list."
Madam Malkin measured Harry quickly, her experienced hands working efficiently. As she pinned the robes and adjusted the length, she chatted amicably, "Excited for Hogwarts, are we? Oh, it's always a special time for young witches and wizards."
Harry managed a small smile, "Yeah, it's something."
Madam Malkin chuckled, "Don't worry, dearie. You'll fit right in. Hogwarts is a magical place, in every sense of the word."
Once the robes were tailored to fit Harry perfectly, he paid and thanked Madam Malkin before stepping out into Diagon Alley. The next stop on his list was the bookstore, Flourish and Blotts, where he hoped to find the required spell books for school.
After buying everything on the list, all that remained was the wand. Harry faced a dilemma, he already knew how to do magic without his wand thanks to the ‘The Enchanted Legacy’, and a lot of training, so he could simply apparate home, a skill he had mastered from the book in his attic, which allowed him to disappear and reappear at will. However, he hesitated at the thought of drawing too much attention while he was at Hogwarts.
Despite the safer and more traditional option of Ollivanders, Harry found himself drawn to a less conventional path. A memory from the book surfaced — a passage that spoke of an unusual wandmaker hidden in the depths of Knockturn Alley. The narrative hinted at wands with unique properties, crafted for those who sought power beyond the ordinary.
Ignoring the advice which had warned him not to step anywhere Knockturn Alley, Harry felt a surge of determination. He recalled the thrill of exploring forbidden territories described in the book, and Knockturn Alley seemed to be the perfect place to begin his journey into the unknown.
With a stealthy glance around, Harry discreetly slipped into Knockturn Alley. The atmosphere shifted palpably. The air felt charged with a different kind of magic, and the shadows seemed to linger with secrets. Harry navigated through the narrow, dimly lit street until he reached a peculiar-looking wand shop tucked away in a corner.
The shop's sign read "Obsidian Wands: Unearth the Shadows Within."
“This must be one of the shops the book was referring to” Harry thought. Before he entered the shop with a wave of his hand the glamour was removed and his scar appeared yet again in its full glory.
As he pushed open the door, Harry entered the shop. However, before he could utter a word, the shop owner, a surly figure with a disdainful expression, pointed towards the exit.
"I don't serve little kids here. How did you even find your way to this place?" the owner grumbled.
Harry, fueled by a surge of anger at the premature dismissal, walked up to the counter. The shop owner's demeanour shifted when he noticed Harry's scar, a sneer forming on his face.
"What's the wizarding world's saviour doing in a dark shop like this?" the owner taunted, the disdain in his voice evident.
Harry hissed at the man, demanding to know if this was how he treated all his customers. The shop owner retorted, "Go home Potter, I don’t serve scrawny little kids like you." This fueled Harry's anger even more, and he insisted that the shop owner take back his words.
The shop owner, displaying a mocking tone, responded with, "Or what, are you going to tell your mummy and dad—" His words were cut short by an excruciating pain that gripped his body, causing him to scream in agony.
Seething with anger, Harry had unleashed his wandless magic like never before. The pain served as a punishment for the disrespectful words and the mockery of his parents. After a few seconds, Harry released the spell, leaving the shop owner on his knees, begging for forgiveness and promising to craft Harry the finest wand.
Harry, with a satisfied smile, said, "Excellent," as the shop owner scrambled to his feet and hurried behind the counter into a room to begin the wand-making process.
The shop fell into an uneasy silence as Harry waited.
After almost an hour, the shopkeeper returned, holding a wand in his hand. Stuttering nervously, he presented it to Harry, "Here you are, sir. 12 3/4 inches, made of walnut, a dual core containing a dragon's heartstring core and basilisk venom."
Harry, maintaining his usual tone, replied with, "Excellent work." He asked, "How much do I owe you?"
The shopkeeper, still visibly fearful, replied, "20 galleons." Harry handed over the amount from his pouch, picked up the wand, and walked towards the door. Before leaving, he turned around and warned, "If I hear you speak of this to anyone, it won't be just a few seconds of pain next time."
The shopkeeper nodded frantically, and Harry smiled, saying, "Good. Have a nice day, sir," before walking out of the shop and slamming the door behind him.
Outside the shop, Harry heaved a massive sigh. Though he indeed felt powerful, fear also lingered within him. He had never wanted to inflict pain on anyone, but the disrespect and mockery aimed at him and his parents had fueled his anger. He couldn’t help but wonder the consequences if the situation had been worse. Another sigh escaped him as he looked around to ensure no one was nearby, and with a swift motion, he apparated back to his attic.
Harry landed on his feet, reaching the floor of his attic. Exhausted, he dropped onto his bed, lacking the energy to change into his usual night clothes. Uttering "Tempus," he checked the time. It displayed 6 o’clock, perfect for a nap before he had to wake up in two hours to make dinner for his family.
With that, he dozed off to sleep, knowing that tomorrow, September 1st, marked the beginning of his new adventure at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Here is a little extra part
Omake
Harry entered the barbering shop, deciding it was time for a change. He opted for a new haircut, having half of his hair cut off to a medium length. The strands gracefully fell on his head, providing a natural cover for his scar. Harry reflected, "Casting a glamour charm every time can get really annoying," as he appreciated the simplicity of his transformed appearance.