Part 13
Moments of Joy
Harry's bedroom in Potter Manor was all sleek whites and pastel colours, soft blues and greens marked from a blank white that meant someone lived there. It spoke of splendour and wealth, a richness that could be admired - though, he had trouble with it sometimes. Harry thought maybe one day he'd get used to it, but it had been difficult for him at first to even think of it as ‘his room.’ Now, of course, it wasn't his at all.
Harry's room was somewhere different now. Dark hardwood below with white trim along the floorboards, grey walls and sanded wood furniture. It wasn't fancy, but it was nice. Maybe because Harry was raised dirt poor with absolutely no standards, the more casual air to his new room was more comfortable than Potter Manor's grandeur. Not that his new bedroom wasn't fancy, because it really was, but it was more subtle. Looking at it, the space didn't scream ‘hey look, we're rich!’ But rather, everything in the room was of high quality materials, beautifully made and maintained in a way only someone with more money could afford to have.
It made sense though considering the Riddles were very wealthy before they died. Apparently, when Tom was eighteen and went looking for a place to go he discovered the old Manor his Muggle grandparents once lived in. It was abandoned and falling apart, but Tom said for some reason he loved it. He rebuilt it himself, returning it to the beautiful place it had been long ago.
So as Harry sat in his new bedroom, looking around at everything, he was comforted knowing the history of Riddle Manor was less tainted… and more loved.
“Are you ready to go?” Tom knocked on the door softly.
“Yeah, I am.” Harry stood as Tom opened the door, smiling.
“Do you have a coat?” Tom asked, pausing. “It'll be chilly.”
“Um, no.” Harry said with a blink, “I don't.”
“Right.” Tom sighed. “And that's exactly why we're going to Diagon. Here, let me grab one of mine. It'll be big on you, but it's better than none at all.”
“Thank you.” Harry said, and Tom left promptly with a nod.
The night before, after Harry and Hadrian ate dinner in Hadrian's room away from all the adults and drama, Tom took Harry home and set him up in what was now Harry's bedroom. It wasn't until Harry set down his school trunk, the sum of all his personal belongings, that Tom realised there was a slight problem.
Harry didn't have any clothes. Everything he had up until then was Hadrian's - the wardrobe split between them so Harry had clothes without having to buy everything new. Harry was used to hand-me-downs, so he didn't mind at all; he was just happy to have stuff that actually fit him. But that also meant when Harry left Potter Manor all he had was his school trunk full of school supplies and two Hogwarts robes.
Not exactly a proper wardrobe.
“Alright, here you are.” Tom returned, holding out a black sweater in a soft, fluffy material. “It's the smallest I could find, but it'll still be too large for you.”
“Thanks.” Harry accepted the sweater carefully, pulling it over his head. He smiled, feeling the soft fabric. It was warm.
“We'll be Flooing instead of Apparating, today.” Tom beckoned him, leading him through the house to the fancy entrance/acceptance room with the Floo.
“Why?”
“Because Diagon gets busy this time of year.” Tom said, “Everyone wants to buy presents last minute, or window-shop so they know what to ask people for, or simply because they enjoy looking at and buying everything. Regardless, Apparating is too risky with so many people guaranteed to be there. Anywhere we land could very well be on top of several people.”
“Ah, sure.” Harry nodded. He remembered being told Charlie Weasley once Apparated to just the wrong spot and landed on an old Muggle lady carrying her groceries; he got in quite a bit of trouble, as she had to be Obliviated because of it.
Tom snagged a handful of emerald green Floo powder and tossed it into the empty fireplace. A moment later a large burst of flame roared to life and Tom called, “The Leaky Cauldron.” Then he stepped through and disappeared.
“The Leaky Cauldron.” Harry said, repeating the steps, and walked into the fire.
Yep. Flooing still sucked.
Harry tripped out the other side, dizzy and unhappy, but Tom was there to put a hand on his shoulder to steady him. Harry gave an appreciative smile.
“We'll be heading to Twilfitt and Tattings, on the South Side.” Tom told him, “They sell clothing as well as jackets and accessories.”
“The South Side?” Harry slipped his hands inside the sweater as they stepped out into the little courtyard, so Tom could tap their way into Diagon.
“Diagon Alley is laid out similarly to a compass, with Gringotts Bank at the centre.” Tom said, “Did the Potters not show you around when you collected your school supplies?”
“They did.” Harry said, “But honestly I wasn't paying that much attention. I was just following Hadrian whenever he went.” Only partially true. In truth, Harry had been so overwhelmed seeing it so full of life again that he hadn't been able to fully absorb the sights. The only thing he knew for sure was that it wasn't exactly the same as he remembered it being.
“Well, we'll have to remedy that.” Tom said with a hum, “Diagon Alley is the straightaway line of shops, both North and South of Gringotts.” He pointed down the long Alley they were headed down. “Horizont Alley is a side street off the centre, branching off with its own shops and vendors. They're the smallest branch here.”
“Horizont Alley?” Harry raised an eyebrow.
“I know, it seems ridiculous.” Tom chuckled, “If you think that's bad, wait until you hear about Carkitt Market.”
“Carkitt Market??”
Harry had never been so baffled or so interested in his whole life. Somehow he'd missed two thirds of Diagon Alley for eighteen years! How had nobody mentioned it to him, even in passing? It was ridiculous!
As Tom led him around, Harry couldn't help but take it all in with huge eyes, soaking in as much information as he could. Tom told him how everything was built around Gringotts, creating the shopping centre from there, every vendor drawn in only contributing to the massive growth of the place. Diagon Alley was an umbrella term for the shopping centre because it took both the North and South Side of Gringotts; Horizont Alley was the smallest, to the East, with Carkitt Market to the West. It was laid out like a compass with Gringotts Bank at its centre.
There was so much to see: Shops he'd never heard of, signs he'd missed pointing to new sights, buildings he vaguely remembered but never fully registered. Tom let Harry bounce from place to place just to look at everything, which was probably annoying for him but Tom never said anything. He just trailed along behind Harry, smiling a little as he did.
Eventually Harry reined himself in and headed to Twilfitt and Tattings for clothes, the actual reason they'd gone to Diagon Alley in the first place. Harry hadn't ever been there before - he only knew it existed because Narcissa Malfoy said it was better than Madam Malkin's, implying it catered a richer clientele. It wasn't surprising Tom decided that was the place to go.
There were a few other customers inside the store, browsing the open space with shelves and racks of pretty fabrics and well made clothes. There was a lady behind a counter near the front, and Tom headed there first.
“Hello.” The lady behind the counter froze, looking up very slowly with wide eyes. “We're here to buy some clothing for him.” Tom gestured to Harry, who waved awkwardly.
“I– Uh. Of course!” The lady shot to her feet, practically tripping over her chair as she headed around the counter. “I'm Tafida. What can I do for you, Minister Riddle?” A few customers nearby turned in surprise, gaping when they caught sight of Tom, but Tom completely ignored them.
“We're in need of a full wardrobe.” Tom said smoothly, offering her a pretty smile. “He'll need twenty shirts, twenty trousers, three pairs of shoes, three jackets, and assorted undergarments.” Harry blinked stupidly at that. He'd never in his life had so much clothing!
“Of course!” Tafida looked positively ecstatic, probably because it was the largest order she got in a long while. “We'll start with measurements, if that's alright with you?” Surprisingly, she turned to Harry.
“Uh, sure.” Harry nodded. Thus he was pulled into a whirlwind of fabric and measuring tapes.
“Is there a special occasion?” Tafida asked, pinning a shirt in place to gauge his size.
“No, not really.” Harry said. He fought the urge to fidget or move, even as Tafida got all up in his space to measure the exact circumference of his ribcage. It was weird also to be standing on a raised platform while she bent over, examining him.
“Well, I suppose there's no reason not to treat yourself every once and a while.” Tafida hummed. With one more pin she stepped back, examining the placement and fit. She nodded. “I think that'll give me a great start. Step down for me, Mister Potter.”
Harry froze, nearly tripping off the platform with how quickly he jerked to a stop. He stared at Tafida in astonishment, speechless. How in the world did she–
“Ah, I see there's been a misunderstanding.” Tom stepped forward from where he'd been leaning against a wall nearby. “Miss Tafida, this is Harry.” Harry blinked. Oh, she thought he was Hadrian. That made a lot more sense.
“Harry?” She blinked several times, confused. “I apologise, I thought Auror Potter's son's name was Hadrian.”
“It is.” Tom confirmed, “However this is not James Potter's son. Though I know the resemblance is startling, it is coincidental, nothing more. Harry is my ward, as of now.”
“Oh.” Tafida nodded slowly, “I see.”
“Shall we continue?” Tom prompted, “Harry is still in need of a wardrobe.” He smiled when Tafida flushed, embarrassed.
“Sorry, yes, of course.” Tafida immediately schools her expression, taking a step back. “Alright then, Harry. Take a step down for me.”
The rest of the appointment was rather awkward, mostly because Tafida stumbled over her words whenever she tried to address him. Tom was patient, correcting her every time, never once betraying impatience or annoyance. Harry smiled a little as Tafida's flustered state continued, mostly because that calmness Tom expressed was probably a well developed skill he used during his work at the Ministry.
They spent a little over three hours in Twilfitt and Tattings, working with Tafida until Tom was satisfied with the fit and design of every item of clothing. Tafida packaged all of it and placed it in a bag that was magically extended, just like Hermione's beaded handbag that seemed to be infinitely large, before handing it over to Tom.
“Is there anything else I can do for you?” Tafida asked, “Minister Riddle? Harry?”
“No, that will be all.” Tom said, “Thank you for your help, Miss Tafida.”
“Thank you.” Harry echoed politely.
“Of course!” She said brightly, “Come back any time.” Tom offered her one last smile before heading out.
“Well, that took longer than expected.” Tom sighed as the door shut behind them. “She was rather excitable.”
“Yeah.” Harry grinned, “I can't imagine she gets to meet and cater to the Minister For Magic very often.”
“Unfortunately, you'll find it a common occurrence for people to act strangely around me.” Tom said, “They think themselves lesser than me, which isn't true at all, and because of that they feel the need to fawn over me as if I am all powerful. No matter how I try to assure the public such behaviour is unnecessary, they do not seem to internalise it.”
“That's not true at all.” Harry told him with a frown. Tom paused, but Harry kept talking. “It's because of how good you are, they act like that because they respect you. You're a good Minister, and a good person - they can see that. It's not that they feel obligated to bow to you or do what you say, it's the opposite. They ‘fawn’ over you because they look up to you as their Minister for Magic, the good example, a good leader. They don't think they're necessarily lesser, they just think you're amazing.” Harry looked up at him and smiled. “Like I do.”
Voldemort wanted the world to bow and kiss his feet - to worship the ground he walked because he was above them all completely. Those who didn't bow were torture or killed, or sometimes both. Their respect stemmed from fear.
Tom was nothing like that. Harry had seen the proof over and over, and he knew that if people saw the same thing Harry did then it was no wonder they respected him.
“I suppose… I never thought of it that way.” Tom murmured. He put a warm hand on Harry's shoulder, a soft smile on his face. “Thank you, Harry.”
“You don't need to thank me.” Harry said to him. “But, you're welcome.”
——————————
“Harry, I have a proposition for you.” Tom said over breakfast the next morning, “One you do not have to accept if it makes you uncomfortable.”
Harry looked up in surprise. “Okay.” Harry said with a slow nod, “What is it?”
“The Malfoys, as I'm almost certain you've heard, are hosting a Yule Ball this Solstice.” Tom told him, “I typically stop by every year to socialise and give people the chance to introduce themselves, especially if they're Ministry hopefuls. I don't stay long, but I do show face at every one.” Harry nodded his understanding when Tom paused. Tom continued, slightly hesitant. “I was wondering if you'd be interested in accompanying me.”
“Oh.” Harry blinked. “Sure.”
“Excellent.” Tom smiled, “I was hoping you would.”
“Why wouldn't I?”
“I thought perhaps you would find it awkward to arrive with me, seeing as you probably planned to attend with Hadrian.” Tom shrugged delicately. “That's all.” And honesty, Harry realised that made sense. Except for the fact that he had sorta forgotten about that, and still didn't really even know what a Yule Ball was or why it mattered.
“I hadn't really thought about it.” Harry admitted, “I don't really know what to expect.”
In his fourth year Hogwarts hosted a Yule Ball after the First Task, but it ended up focusing on the three Champions (plus Harry) instead of anything else. Harry rather thought it was supposed to be a fun party to help the two foreign schools to acclimate better, but he wasn't too sure it worked. Though, Hermione and Krum certainly hit it off. Maybe it did work, actually.
But in the context of a party without something like the Triwizard Tournament backing it, was it just a fancy sort of Christmas party? Or maybe it was more of a Ministry event, like a gala or something? If it had a theme everyone had to follow then maybe it was like a fashion focused thing. Regardless, Harry had no idea.
“It's a gathering of the wealthier Wizarding families, with a few exceptions.” Tom said, “I suppose you could describe it as a combination of a holiday gathering and a Ministry hosted event. People will be there mostly to make a political or social point; typically people who have goals to reach within the Ministry workplace go out of their way to catch attention, to be noticed. If you're not a part of the more famous Wizarding families, it's considered a privilege to be invited.” Harry frowned in thought.
With that in mind, showing up with Tom instead of Hadrian would definitely make a statement. Seeing as Harry and Hadrian looked the same, people would probably be massively confused to see Harry with anyone other than Lily and James. Arriving with Tom, the literal Minister for Magic instead would surely catch some attention. Harry almost wanted to say something about that, but… Tom was offering, wasn't he? If Tom was offering to bring him along, not making a big deal out of it, was it really that important? If Tom wasn't worried about it, then there probably wasn't anything to worry about at all.
“Okay.” Harry said finally, “Sounds fun.” He tried for a smile, but it was wobbly and uncertain. Luckily Tom just smiled back, warm and understanding.
“Alright then, let's–” Tom broke off, frowned. “Just a moment, Harry. Someone has accessed the Floo unannounced.” He then pushed out of his chair and strode out of the dining room. It took him a beat, but then Harry scrambled to follow.
He made his way through the Manor to the fancy Floo entry room, blinking in surprise when he saw Snape step through sporting his casual clothing of jeans and a black t-shirt. He did not look happy.
“Severus.” Tom greeted, calm in the face of Snape's scowl. “To what do I owe the honour?”
“This.” Snape thrust a paper into Tom's arms, tone sharp. “I know you don't read the Daily Prophet, and some days that is a mistake.”
“Indeed?” Tom raised an eyebrow. Snape merely crossed his arms with a tight expression. Unfolding the paper, Tom scanned it with a bland expression. Harry padded over, looking over his shoulder. Tom tilted it ever so slightly down to make it easier for Harry to read it too.
The picture and title on the front page had Harry freezing in place. It was them.
Harry and Tom were walking in Diagon Alley, Harry slightly ahead with a bright smile on his face. He barely recognised the expression on himself - when was the last time he smiled like that? He was looking around excitedly, throwing a look back at Tom over his shoulder every so often. Tom was strolling along after him, hands in his trouser pockets, smiling softly as Harry bounced ahead of him. Harry hadn't noticed how soft Tom looked; he couldn't remember anyone ever looking at him so softly in either of his lives.
Unfortunately, the article that followed made Harry's stomach drop.
Potter Dark Secrets Exposed?
Concerning Minister Riddle and Head Auror James Potter;Yesterday afternoon Minister for Magic Tom Riddle was seen walking around Diagon Alley with who appeared to be Hadrian Potter, son of Department Head Auror James Potter, as his companion. This in and of itself might not seem strange, due to Minister Riddle's close contact with all Heads of Departments within the Ministry, but it is not Hadrian Potter featured in the cover photo.
In a conversation overheard within Twilfitt and Tattings, Minister Riddle introduced the boy as ‘Harry’ and referred to him as his ‘ward.’ Sources say Minister Riddle was buying an entire wardrobe for the boy, which indicates ‘Harry’ may indeed have been recently taken into custody by our Minister For Magic. But this is a rather odd occurrence because ‘Harry' so heavily resembles Hadrian Potter and his father, Head Auror James Potter.
James Potter was the youngest Auror to ever be appointed as the Department Head, having been only twenty years old when he rose to the position. He has been a leader both within the workforce and otherwise, upholding the law and setting a good example for the public to follow. His son, Hadrian Potter, is one of Hogwarts’ brightest, a Ravenclaw achieving high marks in all his subjects. Head Auror James Potter often speaks about the success of his son, and his love for his small family.
But is that the only truth?
The boy called ‘Harry’ seen in Diagon Alley with Minister Tom Riddle was the spitting image of Hadrian Potter, right down to his tousled hair and green eyes. It leads the public to believe Hadrian Potter might not be an only child as we were led to believe, but instead the second child of Head Auror James Potter and his wife, Lily Potter.
Through small investigation, it was discovered that ‘Harry’ is a new student that started Hogwarts this past September as a fifth year. It was also revealed that he is nearly a year older than Hadrian Potter, having been born in late December of 1979. With this new information in mind, a clear picture can be formed.
Might ‘Harry’ be the discarded first born child of Head Auror James Potter, conceived and carried in secret?
Hadrian Potter was born July 31st, 1980, the very same year Head Auror James Potter rose to become Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. If ‘Harry’ is indeed the child of Department Head James Potter, he would have been born when Head Auror James Potter was still nineteen, a rising star in the Auror Department. Having a child so young while still building his career could have been disastrous, delaying his journey to Head Auror by years. Could that be why ‘Harry’ was pushed aside, not allowed to attend Hogwarts or seen in public until Minister Riddle stepped in and took custody?
It is a dark thought that Head Auror Potter could be hiding such a secret, but an even darker one can be drawn from other theories.
On other hand, ‘Harry’ could be a bastard child Head Auror James Potter hid to prevent the public or his wife, Lily Potter, from discovering the truth. It is less likely considering ‘Harry’ carries the same green eyes Hadrian Potter inherited from his mother, but still the thought that their role model from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement could be practising infidelity promotes unease in the public.
No statement has been made as of yet, but perhaps all will become known at the annual Yule Ball, this year hosted by the Malfoy family. A famous event in the wealthier Wizarding community, as well as a reporter's favourite opportunity to cover in their early careers. Perhaps this Yule Ball will be one for the ages - a secret Potter revealed to the public eye.
More on Minister Riddle on page 7
More on Department Head James Potter on page 19
More on Diagon Alley on page 32
Harry was gaping at the paper by the end of it. It had never occurred to him that it was possible people could insult Hadrian and the Potters so badly, just because Harry looked the way he did. Though… he probably should've. Dammit. Of course the public would twist the truth however they saw fit!
“Well?” Snape snapped, “What do you have to say for yourself?” Tom just looked up at Snape steadily, ever composed.
“I have nothing to say.” Tom told him mildly, “I have little control over the public media, printed or otherwise. You know this, Severus.”
“Well in this case you must say something.” Snape glared at him. “They are questioning James’ dedication to Lily, not to mention painting them to be the villains here!”
“And what would my word do?” Tom asked blandly, “You know how the vultures are, if anything official acknowledgement of this nonsense would make matters worse. Not just for the Potters, but Harry as well. There is no gain in it.”
“No gain–” Snape broke off with a harsh breath, rubbing his brow as if praying for patience. “Secrecy only complicates things further.”
“I have no secrets.” Tom raised an eyebrow. “This article has no lies regarding myself, Harry is indeed my ward and as of yesterday morning I have full custody of him. Just as the article stated, more or less.” Tom levelled Snape with a very serious gaze then, eyeing him closely. “Can you say the same, Severus?” Snape froze.
Harry only barely kept his mouth shut, the desire to call Snape out for hiding his last name growing steadily. Sure hiding it was McGonagall's suggestion, but Snape made the personal decision to keep it to himself when Harry wanted to know more than anything what name Death thrust onto him in this new life.
“You know my last name.” Goddamnit! Both Tom and Snape looked at Harry in surprise, making Harry want to shrink in on himself a little.
“Severus?” Tom turned to Snape, who had gone very pale. “Is this true?”
“I heard you talking to McGonagall after the Feast, that day.” Harry said when Snape remained silent, “She wanted to hide it from me, and you agreed. Even though you didn't want to, you still did it.”
“That… is true.” Snape said tightly. “Minerva convinced me it was best if it was left unsaid, at least until things settled.”
“Why?” Tom asked, “What was the point of concealing it?”
“To prevent an article precisely like this.” Severus waved a disgusted hand to the paper still in Tom's grasp. “Minerva hoped once Harry was properly set up with the Potters, the truth would be easier to handle.”
“That reasoning no longer applies.” Tom said coolly, “Lily and James have no interest in housing Harry. They decided to rehouse him, and I volunteered to care for him.”
“They…” Snape looked incredulous and confused. “They what?”
“Perhaps it is best if you discuss that topic with them.” Tom said.
“You don't understand.” Snape said, but the confusion in his voice made it sound as if he was talking to himself. “This wasn't– Lily wouldn't– It doesn't make sense. Minerva said–” He broke off, shaking his head. “This wasn't supposed to happen, Harry was supposed to stay with Lily and James.”
“Why?” Tom raised an eyebrow. “Why them specifically? Because Harry bears a resemblance to them?”
“Because Harry is one of them.” Snape looked so exhausted as he said, and so, so confused.
“What!?” Tom's calm faltered, furious surprise breaking through.
“Harry is…” Snape looked at Harry, swallowed, and said, “Harry is a Potter. Your name is Harry Potter.”
And just like that, Harry's world came crashing down yet again.