Chapter 4
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore is sitting on a muggle bus going to Saint Arthur’s Orphanage. He’s wearing normal muggle business attire as things has change in the last century, the muggles have become more serious on what appropriate wear, they hate and shuns anyone that doesn’t look like the rest. He shudders on how they must have treated the boy. Albus would never admit it, but he spent the entire week with Harry on his mind. The teachers other than Minerva do not know that Harry Potter placed at an orphanage, nor does he plan to tell them. He cannot let it get out what his negligence has caused, they would flip. Looking out the window he see’s few trees, people walking around with umbrellas to avoid getting wet from the rain, the homeless sitting underneath any kind of shelter possible. ‘The muggle world is truly an ugly place’ Albus thinks sadly to himself.
When he arrived at the Orphanage the outside was bright and cheery with a cross on top of the building, a complete contrast to the one he went to over seventy years ago, Wool’s Orphanage they called it. Hope started to go through him, taking a deep breath he walked in. The lobby was a more like a hospital lobby then a home for children, but at least it wasn’t dark and dingy. Walking up to the front desk there was a woman with fiery red hair. Dumbledore smiled, she almost looks identical to Molly Weasley, though Molly is a bit tanner. Albus made a small coughing sound to gain her attention, she looked up at him in surprise before a smile spread across her face.
“Hello, you must be Professor Dumbledore. Apologies for not noticing, I was just getting paperwork ready for a future parent.” She said almost too excited before getting up and shaking his hand. Her handshake was firm. She seemed nice enough, not someone who would beat and abuse kids. The hope in his stomach continued to stay, she seemed to have paused for a minute before saying.
“Oh, my goodness! where are my manners? I’m Martha Abbot, but please call me Sister Abbot. Come follow me, I’ll take you to the meeting room.” Sister Abbot said warmly, Albus didn’t know if he should feel welcomed or worried. She seemed way too excited, and a feeling of fakeness came around her.
“Sorry dear, I was wondering if I could meet him in his room. You see I don’t want to scare him off, he probably should be in a familiar area.” Albus states copying her warm voice. Though she seemed to have changed mannerisms when requested that, all she did in response was purse her lips and nod. When they got further and further into the orphanage the warmness and professional feel started to wear off, it started to look more run down when they came to the bedrooms of the children. The hope he built up died down a considerable amount, feeling the need to break the silence Albus asked, “What is young Harry like?” She stopped at that moment and stared at him for a minute before she exhaled and asked,
“What I tell you, will it affect if you take him or not?” All the excitement in her voice left, she seemed nervous of his answer. His hope was dwindling down but now there is none, this reminds him too much of that time... ‘NO! I haven’t even met him yet’ Albus thinks to himself stopping all thoughts of that mind process. Snapping out of his thoughts he puts a warm smile on his face again and says,
“Of course, Sister Abbot. He is a very special child; I can’t refuse to take him even if I wanted to!” Albus said giving off fake niceness, it seemed to ease her though as she physically relaxed. She pursed her lips once again before saying,
“Harry has always been smart, and a respectful boy, it’s just that-“ She cut herself off before taking a deep breath and continuing, “It’s just that there have been occasions with the other kids and fellow caretakers. I’m not saying it’s him, but he’s always been connected one way or another. Harry is a good boy really Professor, he just needs extra help...” Dumbledore’s heart sank to the floor, he could feel his insides twisting around. He kept a small smile on his face though to not alarm the poor Nun.
“How about friends, has he ever had friends before?” She paled and her eyes grew wide as if she’s reliving something, she quickly looked down on the floor while she answered,
“Yes, in total he has only had three friends. Though one is deceased and the other two refuse to be in the same room with him. The dead one, Thomas Lank, he and Harry where inseparable. One day Thomas just got flung out of a window, Harry was in the same room… It was recorded as a suicide though so I doubt it was him I just-“ She stopped herself from continuing whatever she was saying, she immediately went to the other two kids Harry was friends with, ”The other two kids, Gabriella Frank, and Marcus Bolt, became friends when Harry was just sent here. Harry was six at the time, and they kind of faded apart over the year. That was until after the death of some kids pet a few years later they completely refused go be in the same room as him.” Shaking her head she murmured, “Kids am I right?” She said offering a small smile before continuing to walk without word. Its obvious she didn’t want to talk about it anymore, so Albus didn’t pry.
When they finally arrived at Harry Potters room, the farthest away from the other rooms, Sister Abbot opened the door revealing the small boy. Sister Abbot simply left without word, obviously not wanting to speak to the boy. Harry looked up at him narrowing his eyes before nodding and saying,
“Come in, sir?” Harry said in a questioning tone, the boy was sitting up by his desk drawing something. The room was slightly more decorated, but it was mostly drawings hung up on the walls. Dumbledore assumed he drew them; they weren’t bad drawing but all of them just had a dark feeling to it that made his blood run cold. Looking back at the boy he said,
“You will call me Professor Dumbledore, Harry. Do you who I am?” Dumbledore asked looking at the boy’s facial expressions. He seemed impassive, his Avada Kederva green eyes analyzing him before he murmured, “No sir, I do not know you other than the fact you are a teacher. If I may ask, what do you teach?” Dumbledore smiled, pleased with the way the conversation is going.
“Well Harry I am the Headmaster at Hogwarts Witchcraft and Wizardry.” Dumbledore chuckled and looked at the wide eye’s boy. Harry looked up at Albus before shaking his head and saying rather defensively, “That’s not true, Magic isn’t real! I’m not a freak, I’m not…” Harry was interrupted by Dumbledore who quickly said,
“Magic is not freakish my boy. Tell me Harry did anything happen that you couldn’t explain, have you been able to do things none of the other kids couldn’t?” Harry paled and immediately looked down, but his eyes looked furious. Albus could feel the magic radiating off the boy’s body, he wasn’t too surprised he was clearly distressed over this revelation. Most muggle raised kids are usually thrilled when they learn that they are special, Harry on the other hand seemed quite angry over it. ‘Oh Harry, what did you live through?’ Albus thought to himself.
Harry looked up at Dumbledore piercing him with a look of pure hatred and said, “I can make things move without touching it, I can light things on fire, I can cut things open just by thinking about it hard enough, I can warm myself if I’m too cold.” Harry turned to the side looking at the broken window, then turned back over to Professor Dumbledore pale face before he said in a cold dark tone, “I can make people hurt if they are mean to me. Sometimes I do it… Accidently” Albus paled at these words, that was almost exactly what he said… Dumbledore didn’t know if it was a good or bad thing that he was mad. Tom remained impassive throughout the entire thing, and Harry was impassive but got angry. Dumbledore looked at the boy whose face turned into the same emotionless mask again.
“Harry, you need to calm down, would you like me to show you I’m not lying?” Dumbledore asked hoping the boy would say yes so, he can fix the window Harry just broke. Harry simply nodded. Dumbledore took out his wand and said “Oculus Reparo” which Harry stared at the window as the pieces started to mend together. In the end it looked like the window hadn’t even broken, Harry stared at it in awe.
Harry thought maybe if he could use magic to be stronger than no one would dare to hurt him. ‘But everyone else will know how to do magic too. I’ll just have to work extra hard then.’ Harry thought to himself, he finally made up his mind. But he doesn’t have the money, or the funds, slightly frowning Harry stated, “Sir, I would like to attend your school, but I haven’t got the money.” Professor Dumbledore laughed, he honest to God laughed. Harry scowled up him, Professor Dumbledore noticed and quickly said,
“Harry my boy, I’m not laughing at you. I was laughing because in the wizarding world you are quite famous, and your parents were wealthy. Even if you did not have the funds, we still have a trust fund for the less privileged students.” Harry stiffened at the mention of hiss parents, even though he was relieved he could still go. His parents were the one to send him to this disgusting, vile place.
“Why would my parents give me money to go if they where the first ones here to abandon me in the first place?” Harry said on the verge on snapping, this whole conversation with the man has been emotionally draining for him. Dumbledore’s face seemed to have fallen into a sad solemn frown. He opened his mouth to speak but shut it before words came out. Professor Dumbledore Finally spoke up and said,
“I’m sorry my boy, your family is dead. You see they were murdered by an evil Wizard; Harry I didn’t want to get into this now, but it seems it’s necessary. Harry Wizards are just like Muggles, incase you don’t know that’s means, it’s non magic folk. Anyway, there are many good wizards/witches and many bad ones, Harry you are famous in the wizarding world because you defeated The Dark Lord. The Dark Lord is an extremely evil and vile person, he killed your parents and soon attempted to kill you. No one knows how you did it Harry, no one is known to have survived an attack from him.” Dumbledore said after finishing his long rant.
Harry looked incredibly upset by these words but remained silent but nodded before returning back to work on his drawing. Dumbledore took this as a sign to leave, getting up he said “I shall come back next week to take you to Diagon Alley to get your school supplies. I’ll explain more about it next week.” Before Dumbledore left Harry looked at him and said one last thing before he left.
“Professor, when you asked me what I could do, I left something out…” Harry said making Dumbledore stop. Turning back to the boy Dumbledore just stared, analyzing the boy, Harry took this as a sign to continue. “I can speak to snakes; they tell me they never met someone that can do that. Is that normal in the wizarding world as well?” Dumbledore froze. Unwanted nostalgia filled his veins, looking at the boy he gave a weak smile.
“Harry, what you just described is a very special gift. Even if it is I do not want you telling anyone that when you go to Hogwarts, do you understand?” Albus asked the boy who nodded once more. When Dumbledore finally left his mind was screaming, this boy was too much like Tom for comfort. ‘Maybe this is just a mask, I’ll be taking him to Diagon Alley perhaps he’ll open up there’ Dumbledore thought to himself trying comfort himself. The boy was also magically powerful, even he could feel it vibrating it off of him when he felt angry. His accidental magic seemed to be destructive, even the things he’s purposefully trying to teach himself. ‘And don’t get me started on that!’ Dumbledore thought while putting his hands in his face.
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Harry was excited. It was one of those rare emotions he felt, but when he did feel it was amazing. He just hoped that no one will take up bullying him out of jealousy, not that he couldn’t defend himself but more of it being an inconvenience. He couldn’t wait for next week. During this week though Harry decided that he would practice his magic as much as possible, he couldn’t be weakest person there. He was muggle raised, that was a massive shortcoming on his part. He couldn’t allow it, at least next week he could buy a bunch of books on Wizard Etiquette so he could fit in a little bit.
Harry managed to get little improvement done, not as much he hoped but it would do. He could now produce slightly larger fires, and now lift bigger objects, like a chair. Though what he is most proud of is that he learned the ability to unlock locks without having a key or anything, just focusing and it unlocks. He managed to get into his ‘caretakers’ private kitchen that way and steal a mini chocolate bar, it was his first-time trying Chocolate. It was delightful, though his stomach did hurt after Harry assumed it was because he never really ate anything sugary before. As for the other kid’s word got out fast, though they all glared at him they never dared to speak up. Not anymore.
Finally, it was the day Professor Dumbledore was supposed to take him to Diagon Alley. Harry got dressed in his best clothes, he needed to look somewhat professional. He was wearing a slightly to big black button up shirt, and black pants with a grey belt. Harry tucked in his shirt to slightly hide the fact the shirt was too large. He managed to tame his unruly hair, just a little bit but improvement, nevertheless. Professor Dumbledore arrived an hour later, they exchanged pleasantries and walked out of the orphanage. ‘A new beginning’ Harry thought to himself before he scoffed at the sentiment. Dumbledore explained that they will be going to a place called the “Leaky Caldron” and that will somehow lead them to Diagon Alley.
When they arrived, Dumbledore walked up to the counter and greeted the man with a bright cheery smile. Harry hid a scoff at the two men, he hated it when people where overly friendly for no reason at all. Finally, the man, named Tom looked down on him with a curious smile.
“And who are you, young man? You seem a bit too young to be a first year.” The man cooed as if he where a little baby, he looked up and Dumbledore who seemed to be barley containing a laugh.
Harry scowled but said in a polite tone, “Sir, my name is Harry James Potter, and I am eleven years. Even if I do look around the age of eight.” At these words his eyes opened dramatically before muttering in a too loud tone “Oh Merlin, it’s Harry Potter!” This seemed to have spiked up everyone’s attention and he was now being crowded by his ‘fans’ in a meager five seconds. Professor Dumbledore had grabbed him by the arm and was no leading him to a brick wall, much to his luck his ‘fans’ didn’t bother following him. Harry was confused what he was doing but Dumbledore put his wand to the bricks and tapped them in a certain pattern. All of a sudden, the bricks made an opening which let to his wanted location.
Diagon Alley. It looked amazing, it was bright, cheery, and he saw family’s, couples, and kids bustling around, it looked… Magical. For the first time in years Harry smiled, truly smiled, not some fake smile he used when he was getting himself out of trouble. This moment was interrupted when he felt Professor Dumbledore’s hand on his shoulder, his smile immediately faltered back into his cool and cold exterior.
“Come my boy we need to go to Gringotts, it’s the muggle equivalent to a bank. Though be warned Harry, Goblins are very cunning creatures. Be respectful to them, you are in their territory, don’t forget that.” Dumbledore said rather serious tone, they walked for a bit. Harry could see the rather massive building from far away.
Harry curiously asked, “Sir, what do you mean by ‘you’re in their territory’ do they have a special arrangement with the wizards and witches?” Dumbledore smiled and explained that Gringotts bank is actually considered its own country because of some war between the wizards and them. Harry found it all interesting and soaked up the knowledge like a dry sponge. When they arrived, they were immediately greeted by a line of Goblins stamping or writing something down. Going up to the front of the room he heard Professor Dumbledore say, “Harry Potter would like to take a trip to his vaults.” The Goblin nodded and peered down to Harry and growled “And does Mr. Potter have his key?” Harry froze, he was not aware you needed a key.
All of a sudden Professor Dumbledore grabbed a key out of his pocket and handed it to the Goblin. He smiled and said, “That is Mr. Potter’s key.” The Goblin nodded and he stepped down from the pedestal he was standing on and muttered “Come along then.” Pointing directly to Harry, apparently Professor Dumbledore is planning to go to another vault, they agreed to meet at the entrance of Gringotts.
When they got into his vaults all he could see was cold. Harry was dumbstruck, he never knew one person could have so much money. Coming back to his senses he had asked “Sir, I was wondering I cannot carry all the money it would take to buy my school supplies. Is there a way I could get a wallet, or a bag that is connected to my vault?” The Goblin was slightly surprised in the manner this eleven-year-old spoke, he was polit but wasn’t overly nice like he had been expecting. The Goblin nodded and summoned a bottomless bag that was charmed to connect to his vault. The boy gave a polite smile as to took it gracefully.
“I was also wondering if I could set an appointment with my account manager, you see I am muggle raised. I do not understand too much about Wizard currency and how it works. Also Is there a way to make sure no one else can access this bag? From my understanding this only connected to my vault, I do not want anyone but me getting in it.” Harry stated curtly, once again he was surprised that the boy asked. In all honesty the Goblin, Ragnok, was expecting an arrogant boy who thought he deserved the world over something he did when he was a baby.
“Mr. Potter the bag is already supported with the best security wards we can offer. As for your request with your account manager I will owl you a set time. In case you do not know what that means, I will basically send you a letter stating the say od your appointment.” Harry nodded, and said,
“Thank you Ragnok, I hope to come to your establishment soon. I would like to leave my vault sir.” The goblin nodded as they proceeded back to the main lobby. When he left, he saw Professor Dumbledore by the entrance waiting for him. After greeting each other, Dumbledore said he needed to get his robes fitted. When they arrived, they were ushered in by a middle-aged woman. She was tall and plump; with curly blonde hair, she had a sweet smile on her face.
“Hello deary, are you a Hogwarts first year? If so follow me, if not please sit and wait for a minute.” Harry forced a weak smile on his face as he followed this woman. Dumbledore told him he will be gone for a bit, so if he isn’t there when Harry comes back just wait by the entrance. After Harry got his robes fitted, he walked to the entrance to see Professor Dumbledore gone. Harry sighed and stood still by the entrance waiting for him, five minutes later he saw the old man’s figure coming through the crowed. He had a big bright smile on his face, and he was holding a cage containing a beautiful snow-white owl in a cage. When he walked up to Harry, and he handed him the cage.
“Happy late birthday Harry, now c’mon we have to get your books now.” Dumbledore said happily before turning away and walked to the bookstore not giving him time to reply. Though Harry was smiling, the closest thing he ever had to a pet was a snake though Harry never really considered them pets. They were the closest thing to a friend, an ally. When he arrived at the bookstore, Harry was excited, he was planning to not buy only his schoolbooks but many others. When he got all of his books, he immediately went towards the defense against the dark art books. He bought 3 extra defense books, Level two Defense Curses for Wizards and Witches, Tope ten most useful shields to combat darks spells & Theory, and he bought Theory of the dark arts. Professor Dumbledore tried to discourage him from buying it claiming it was “Barley legal”, he bought it anyway. Harry also purchased two books on basic charms, another two books on Wizard Etiquette and three books on all kinds of History. Harry had a month to read as much as he could before he starts school, everyone was giving him odd looks, but he could care less. He was used to it.
The rest was a blur, Harry was just excited to get his wand. He felt oddly weak without one, even though he never even knew they existed since last week.
Finally, it was Harry’s favorite part, buying a wand. Mr. Ollivander, the man selling the wands was an odd erratic man. When he saw Harry, his eyes widened and he said “Ah, Mr. Potter it seems only yesterday when your parents came in to get their wands.” Harry stiffened at the mention of his parents but quickly forced himself to relax.
“Yes Ollivander, Harry and I need to get going soon so we must hurry a little bit.” Mr. Ollivander only nodded and put a wand in Harry’s hand. Not knowing what to do with it, Harry just stood there awkwardly, Mr. Ollivander laughed and said,
“My dear boy give it a flick!” Harry did and the vase he was pointing out broke, Mr. Ollivander grumbled something before handing him another wand. Harry flicked it again and all the boxes of wands behind him flew out. This process repeated for twenty minutes, until Mr. Ollivander face turned cold, and he thought out loud “I wonder…” He quickly walked to the back, and when he came back he handed Harry the wand in his hands. It felt different. His power thrummed through his veins, his magic felt much more clear. Harry flicked it and this time a black light came out and faded out. It was his wand, his very own wand.
Everyone around him paled, even Mr. Ollivander. Not liking the fact that He was the only one who didn't understand what was going on decided to ask, “Sir, what is wrong?”. Mr. Ollivander shook his head and explained, “Mr. Potter, that wand is the brother wand of the man who gave you that scar.” He said pointing to his lighting bolt scar. Harry paled as well. Harry may not have known his parents very well, but that didn’t mean he didn’t care for them. All Harry did was pay and leave, too tired to speak. Professor Dumbledore understood that he didn’t want to talk and just quietly returned him to his orphanage. Though Dumbledore told him the rules before leaving. It pretty much summarized to, no hurting people with magic, and no using his wand outside of school or else they will get notified.