Chapter 3
Harry decided to head into Knockturn first; he wanted to buy clothes that actually fit him and were his, and since the compulsions had been removed, he was a lot more interested in reading. Bloodfang had given him a Gringotts card for each vault that he owned (which was a lot), so he knew he had enough money for anything.
He first bought some late lunch, as he had been unconscious for a while and he was starving, and then he headed into the passageway to Knocturn Alley.
It was empty, thankfully; he didn't see the hag from the last time he'd been here. He didn't want to meet her again.
Harry glanced down at the map Bloodfang had given him and set off down the middle of the street, avoiding the edges and alleyways like the goblin had suggested. Luckily, Moxy Mayhem wasn't too far.
He stepped inside and blinked.
The inside of the shop was ten times larger than the outside. It was a lot like an expensive Muggle clothing store, but there were floating sets of clothes instead of mannequins, a lot of fancy robes and pointed hats, and there was a sign with a rainbow floating high in the air.
Proud supporter of Queer Wixen!
There were a lot of people shopping, and Harry squirmed uncomfortably. Immediately, a shop attendant appeared. He was wearing a skirt and makeup, and his hair was braided. He wore a nametag on his blouse that said Mike, he/him pronouns.
"Well met, sir wizard, do you need assistance?" Mike asked.
"Um. Well met," Harry tried. "Um. Yes?"
"What exactly did you have in mind?" Mike questioned.
"I need a wardrobe," Harry said nervously. "I've never done this before."
Mike blinked, glanced him over, and grinned. "Do you prefer skirts and dresses or pants and suits?
"I don't know," Harry admitted. His aunt and uncle had only ever let him wear pants.
"We'll try everything, then! This way, kid!"
And for the next several hours, Mike sent Harry through pants, skirts, dresses, suits, blouses, dress robes, and every piece of clothing imaginable. During the chaos, Harry discovered that his looks had changed; his hair was now fiery red and wavy, he was four inches taller, and he was no longer skin and bones. He was still a little slim, but he couldn't see his ribs anymore.
His eyes had also changed -- they were no longer emerald, but an eerie, pale green. Harry felt as if he'd seen the color before somewhere....
Finally, around six o'clock, Harry said, "I think I'm good."
"We haven't done bathing suits yet!" Mike said dramatically, earning a giggle.
"I'm starving and exhausted," Harry told him. "If I think I need a bathing suit, I will definitely come to you." Mike beamed. "I don't have anywhere to put all my clothes, though...."
"We give complimentary trunks at the front of the shop," Mike told him. "They have multiple compartments, and you can keep people out by giving it a password."
"I definitely need that," Harry stated. He didn't want his aunt and uncle to steal his clothes.
Mike smiled sympathetically.
Harry paid for his clothes and a trunk -- the cashier's eyes widened when he saw how many cards Harry had -- and, after Mike helped him put his new wardrobe into one of the compartments, he set off down the street to Noir Novels.
He was in sight of the bookshop when a hag came out of the alleyway. "Are you lost, dearie?" she cackled.
Harry's magic flared, and he stepped back, panicking. His trunk stopped him from backing up further.
"Oh, don't be leaving, I'm not going to hurt you," the hag crooned.
"Haggot Marin, leave that poor child alone!"
Harry jumped, and turned to see a tall, dark-haired man swoop down on them, wand pointed at the hag. She pouted and disappeared back into the dark alley.
"Thank you," Harry said quietly, blinking up at the man.
He froze and stared at him. "Fawn?" he whispered.
Harry had a sudden flash of remembrance -- another dark-haired man picking him up and crooning, "What mischief have you been up to today, little Fawn?" followed by laughter from behind.
"Uncle Raven?" Harry said slowly.
"You remembered," Regulus Black said hoarsely.
"You look different."
"I'm older," he pointed out. "Come on, let's get you inside, it's not safe."
Harry followed Regulus inside Noir Novels.
It was a cozy little bookshop, with books lining the walls and beanbags on the floor. Regulus walked past all this and led Harry through a door in the back.
"Do you own this shop?" Harry asked in surprise.
Regulus smiled a little. "Yes. I love books." He waved his wand. His body rippled like a mirage. His hair became longer and wavier, and his eyes were chocolate brown instead of hazel. His body became lithe and curvy. "Where did Dumbledore hide you?" he demanded. "I've been looking for you for years."
"Aunt Petunia-"
"He what?" Regulus snarled, eyes flashing. Harry flinched back and the man calmed himself. "I'm not mad at you -- the old fool purposefully gave you to that abusive bitch."
Harry swallowed.
"Oh, Fawn." Regulus pulled him into a hug, and Harry threw himself at him, sobbing into his chest.
"Don't worry, little Fawn," he whispered. "I won't let anyone else hurt you."