Chapter Text
After a very creepy and weird encountered with Ollivander, Harry decided to explore the Alley more thoroughly now that he didn’t need to just look for his supplies. He found an optician, Ainsworth Magical Eye Wears and Cares, at Horizon Alley and decided that he might as well finally checked his eyes.
Unfortunately, he’s still too young for the eye fixing potion so he decided to forego eyeglasses and to wear contacts instead. He chose a transparent one since he didn’t have any intention to hide his eye color he got from his mother. He also bought a spare contact, in case it broke or lost, and a black half frame reading glasses so he wouldn’t exhaust his eyes when he’s reading. One of the perks buying his eye wears in the magical world was it can be charmed. He applied anti-leglimency charm on both of his contacts and eyeglasses with a hydrating charm to his contacts and cleaning charm on his eyeglasses.
He also found the first edition of Hogwarts: A History in antiquated book store at Celestial Alley. Took quite the money from him buying that but he was quite curious about the differences. Knowledge was power and all that, so the saying said.
After making sure he finished buying all the things he needed, or interested, he used the portkey to the Potter Manor. The manor itself was quite impressing, while the building itself wasn’t big the land was quite wide and almost looked like a forest with the amount of the trees across the land.
He adjusted the wards with the help of the Potter elves and his Grandfather’s, Fleamont Potter, portrait on who will be allowed the entry of the manor. In the meanwhile, he only put accessed for him, his Godfather, and Uncle Moony/Remus. After that he let the house elves to put his luggage and the head house elf, Tibby, gave him a tour of the manor.
The manor was a two floor with a basement as a potions laboratories, the kitchen, and dueling room. The first floor consisted of main dining room, family dining room, main library, a botanical sun room, reception area or the parlour, and also an entertainment room or the art room. On the outside was a wide garden complete with a fountain in the middle. The garden was filled with flowers and shrubbery, and there was a glass house, which Tibby said served as a potion ingredients garden. There’s also a stable for hippogriff, it seems his grandfather was quite fond of it. Tibby said it was hunting at the moment so he will have to make a proper introduction at a later time with the majestic creature.
The second floor in the east wing was equipped with one master room, two rooms for the children, which apparently according from Tibby were named as the diamond room for the heir and pearl room for the second children, which for Hadrian was quite unpleasant to think of the meaning behind it. It also has one office with library for personal use and also green sun room and blue sun room. Whoever needed two sun rooms? Honestly, he really didn’t understand what rich people were thinking in the old days.
Whilst the west wing had three guest room which consisted of gold room, silver room, and bronze room. Again, not very impressive naming scheme if you overthink the meaning behind the name, and three lounge rooms; forest lounge, earth lounge, and heaven lounge. Seriously? Though at least they didn’t name the other lounge as hell lounge because that is just utterly ridiculous.
After having a very grand lunch, he overheard the cooking elf Tinky muttering to herself about he was too thin for her liking which really wasn’t something surprising for him given how generous the Dursleys in giving him food, he retired to the sun room to read.
He wore the new eyeglasses he bought and disposed the one the Dursleys gave him. He read Modern Magical History, Etiquette of the Britain Wizarding Magical Society, Nature's Nobility: A Wizarding Genealogy, and The Working of Wizengamot: the Wizarding Parliament first, he couldn’t and wouldn’t embarrass himself in front of people because of his lack of knowledge especially in front of the so called Purebloods. He refused to even imagine what a disaster it might be if for someone of his stature did arrived to the wizarding world with absolutely no idea about it. Utterly disaster that’s what.
The etiquette in the wizarding world wasn’t that different from muggles’ etiquette back in the Victorian days. The only difference was the titling system. Where in the wizarding world you were ranked by the title of duke or viscount in the wizarding world you were ranked based from the house you came from.
From bottom to top they had the Recognized House or the Minor House, the Elder House, which he supposed would be the Major House, the Ancient House, the Noble House, the Noble and Ancient House, and the Noble and Most Ancient House. Most of the sacred twenty-eight belonged to the Ancient House and a few from the Elder House. While the Potter family wasn’t included in the sacred twenty-eight because of the prejudiced against muggles, the Potter family belonged to the Ancient and Noble House at the time since their family history could be tracked from hundreds, almost thousandth, of year. At first, the Potter was only an Ancient House, but since a Potter married with a Peverell many centuries ago, the Potter family gained its nobility making it into the Noble and Ancient House from what he read in Nature's Nobility: A Wizarding Genealogy.
The Noble and Ancient House of Peverell was declared extinct but seeing he was the Lord of the house it would appeared that the family magic deemed him acceptable to be the Lord. It could also meant that he was the only male from the line that still lived.
Surprisingly, he also found out he had a seat in the Wizengamot not only from the Potter family but from Peverell, Gryffindor, and Slytherin family. The four founders were not considered to be any title House since the system did not exist at the time. But considering the contribution the four founders had done for the wizarding world, the first Wizengamot members agreed to set four seats for a time when the Heirs of the families claimed the Lordships of the families. The Peverell family seat was inactive due to the line declared as extinct, though that will change since he claimed the Lordship of Peverell family making the line active again. While technically as an heir of the Black family he couldn’t hold the seat, but for the houses he effectively became lord, he could choose his own Proxy until he hit his majority to hold his own seat. First, he needed to find out whether this Dumbledore had used his seats or not though.
Albus Dumbledore, from what he read in the Modern Magical History known for many things but most particularly known for his defeat of the dark wizard Grindelwald, the wizarding world version of Hitler. He’s gotten Order of Merlin, First class, the Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, and the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. Now, he could be wrong but Harry had a feeling that this Dumbledore planned from the beginning to take his custody since as the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot he should’ve known that Pads didn’t got his trial. The man immediately seize his custody right after his parents’ murder, even though at the very least he should’ve been sent to his Godmother since she and her husband were still fine at the time. He didn’t have enough information to judged this man but so far, he probably should treat him like an enemy.
Another thing that got him ticked off was the fact that he got titled as the Boy-Who-Lived by the public because apparently he survived the killing curse casted by You-Know-Who, the Dark Lord Voldemort. His house in Godric’s Hollow was made into a monument that apparently now also became a tourist destination. He was not happy reading this part, he took a mental note to search for a lawyer to handle these things.
By the time he finished reading his books it was already dinner time and he wouldn’t even noticed it if it wasn’t for Gaby, one of the serving elves telling him that the dinner was ready he wouldn’t even remember to eat and just continue reading. After having been stuffed by the dinner Tinky made, which wasn’t less grand from lunch, he retired to his bedroom and made a mental note to make purchases in the muggle world. While he would wear robes when handling the purebloods, he downright refused to sacrifice the comfortable piece of clothes that is trainers and cardigans. He especially wanted a soft looking cardigan that he saw one of Petunia’s friend wore at the last tea party. With more masculine design of course, and certainly not pink.
The next morning, he woke up at six o’clock and proceeded to do his morning ritual which included exercising. Many wizards and witches didn’t see the point of exercising their body, but Harry always made sure that his body stay fit. After all, a fitted body was a strong body and a strong magic. It also helped stamina so he won’t get tired as fast as a wizard of his age would when using extensive magic. It certainly helped him many times when he was playing with Dudley, the famous Harry Hunting that Dudley and his friends liked to play. And if it made his body grew muscle and made him not look like a normal scrawny 11 years-old, then who would protest that? Not him that’s for sure.
Of course, since he’s still 11 years-old he doesn’t have many stamina as a teenager, especially with the substance he got from the Dursleys. But it certainly beat the average 11 years-old’s.
After finishing his morning ritual, he went to the family dining room and ate his breakfast. He decided to head back to Gringotts first to take care of his vaults and see if there’s any letter from his parents or interesting books in the vault. He sent a letter, or an owl he supposed, to Madam Bones just after he finished his breakfast for Paddy’s trial issue and also his parents’ will. Since he gained his Lordship he could finally unsealed his parents’ will that Dumbledore sealed at the time.
As it was clear his custody was supposed to be in his Godfather’s hands, Dumbledore wouldn’t be able to hold his parent’s will anymore, and he knew that once the will’s read he will never be forced to come back to the Dursley’s. Because he knew that his parents would never place him in Petunia’s hands. Not with knowing the woman’s hatred of everything about magic. He hoped it could take a few peg from the old man but he would just have to see how it goes.
He also wrote his acceptance reply to Hogwarts, hoping Dumbledore won’t know how to access the manor. From what his grandfather told him though, after upping the manor ward if the person’s name wasn’t listed in the permission book he or she would automatically be relocated into another place. He hoped it would be the Bermuda Triangle but it would most likely be the other side of the country.
Harry left the manor after telling Tibby he wouldn’t be back until dinner; he chose to use the Floo this time since he didn’t know whether his portkey could take him back to Diagon Alley or not. After saying his parting words with the elves, he stepped into the Floo and threw the powder as he said with a clear voice.
“Diagon Alley”, green flame immediately erupted and engulfed him. The spinning that he endured, though not as terrible as a portkey, still made him sick and he almost fell if not for his sheer determination. He immediately headed to Gringotts and double checking to keep his scar hidden. He entered the white building, not forgetting to give a nod to the guards, and immediately made his way towards a free teller.
“Greetings sir Goblin, I would like to made an appointment to Griphook regarding my Family account”, Harry said to the Goblin. The Goblin nodded and signed to one of the Goblins
“Certainly, Lord Potter. The young one will take you to his office”, the Goblin said and then returned to his work.
The appointed Goblin showed him to the same room as yesterday and left after the knock to the door was answered.
“Greetings Lord Potter, may your gold ever flow,” Griphook said with a wave of his hand showing the palm upwards. “And your enemies trembled before you.” Harry replied with the same wave as well a little bow. Not deep to showed submissive act but low enough to showed respect.
“Please, sit. What can Gringotts do for you today?” Griphook asked after serving him a tray of tea and biscuits. Harry took a sip after making himself comfortable and listed the things he intended to do. The thing to do business with Goblin is that be straight to the point, also not wasting time would be a plus point as well since the saying ‘time is money’ came from somewhere.
“I would like to know about the money that was taken by Dumbledore and Weasley, as well the one that was transferred to the muggle bank retrieval. Is it possible or not? I would also like to see the financial report of all my vaults.” Griphook nodded and did the same enchantment as yesterday with the quill and as the quill write on its own, he took out a folder and read the result.
“As according to Gringotts eyes your Godfather, Lord Sirius Orion Black, is your magical guardian. All transaction and adjustment done by Albus Dumbledore is considered null and void. All the money that was taken will be returned to the main vault in three days. For the Godric’s Cottage you would have to make it officially overturned in the Wizengamot meeting for it to return to your care. For the money that was transferred to a muggle bank, it turns out that the receiver of the money is Petunia Dursley née Evans for your care. Since it was transferred to a muggle bank that is not under our jurisdiction we could not take the money back as easily like transferring the money.”
Harry almost lost control of his temper and magic hearing the last part. All his life he was told that he was taking their money for living with them. His care? He lived by Dudley’s old clothes and ate scraps like a lowly dog and sleep in the CUPBOARD UNDER THE BLOODY STAIRS. He took a moment to control his rising temper and took a deep breath.
“I don’t care what it takes, I want ALL my money that was transferred to that muggle bank returned. With Interest, that could be your bonus for taking the effort.” Griphook smiled viciously showing his sharp teeth, “Of course Lord Potter, Gringotts is always happily to help with their clients’ needs.”
By now the quill has stopped writing and Griphook gave it to Harry to see. Harry almost didn’t manage to stop the whistling he wanted to let out when he see the list. The incoming from the Potter’s holding was quite nice and seemed to be stable enough for the moment. He couldn’t see the Black’s seeing he was still Heir and not the Lord. Monetary from the Gryffindor Vault itself wasn’t that much since it was used for Hogwarts supplies as well as maintenance. The weaponry on the other hand, now that’s a long list of metals and swords. The inventory was amazing as well since apparently Salazar Slytherin was the greatest Alchemist and Potion Master in his century so the vault was filled with all his research book and a couple of magic stones that he used to store some easy spells along with his magic as a power booster. He’ll have to take a look at that on other time though, since he still has many things to do.
“Alright then, all seems to be in order, thank goodness for that. Do you have information regarding the Potter family seat in Wizengamot, also did the Potter family retained a lawyer?” Harry asked Griphook, Griphook immediately nodded and took out a few folders from his drawer.
“Yes, the Potter still retained their family Law Practitioner, Leo Dexter now I believe. Here is all the information regarding them and their works for the Potter family. Of course there is also the Black family Law Practitioner Lewis Murdock but their services was released by the order of the Lord Black at the time, Arcturus Black the third.” Harry took the folder that Griphook took out and skimmed the contents. It appears that Dumbledore tried to use the Potter family seats though was rejected by the family magic when he motioned it in the Wizengamot meeting. Fun fact about family seats in the Wizengamot chamber was that they contained family magic that deemed the owner of its seat. It’s also one of the reason why the seats of the Most Ancient and Noble Houses remained empty till these days. He didn’t know about the Black family seats though, since that information was under the Black family accountant which he hadn’t meet yet. He would have to rectify that after this meeting, since until Sirius was released he would have to damage control as much as he could after the previous Lord Black demise.
“Alright then, I think that’s enough for now. Could I meet with the Black account manager? I would also like to visit the family vault before leaving.” Harry said, Griphook nodded, he wrote to a parchment and the parchment disappeared again like the first time he saw the teller did the day before. It must be how the Goblin communication system worked between each worker, since telephone didn’t exist in the wizarding world.
“The young one will show you to the Black family account manager’s office, Bloodfang, Lord Potter. After your meeting with Bloodfang is finish he will send you with another worker to your vault. May your gold ever flow,” Griphook said, “And your enemies trembled before you.” Harry finished. He followed a young Goblin to another room and was greeted by a much older Goblin.
“Greetings, account manager Bloodfang. I am the Heir to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, Harry James Potter. May your gold ever flow,” Harry said repeating the greeting he did when he greet Griphook.
“And your enemies trembled before you. Greetings Heir Black, what can I do for you today.” Bloodfang said as he motioned Harry to sit on the chair that was in front his desk. The placing of the furniture was the same as Griphook’s office though it appears the color scheme was free to be set by the owner seeing Bloodfang’s office was more in forest green and black coloring compared to Griphook’s gold and black.
“I would like to know about the Black family seats in the Wizengamot. Whether there is a proxy or did it remain empty after the previous Lord’s demise. Seeing the current Lord and my Godfather current state I think I have the right to access the information and make a few adjustment until the time my Godfather could handle it himself.” Harry said, Bloodfang remained silent for a couple of seconds but nodded and took out a folder from his desk.
“Of course Heir Black, the previous Lord Black, Lord Arcturus, had make the order that until his Grandson as well his Heir was released from his unjust imprisonment, the Black family seat will remained empty and abstained it’s vote in his last Wizengamot meeting. He was always motioning to gave Lord Sirius Black a trial since the Heir at the time wasn’t given any. But without further evidence of innocence and the public’s opinion, the motion was rejected countless times. I suspect you will do something about that?” Bloodfang explained and asked at the end, Harry nodded as he took the folder to read.
“Of course, he is after all my Lord and Godfather. If it’s evidence they seek the fact that Sirius was my sworn Godfather by family magic should be enough. I should also see whether there’s further evidence in my parents’ will. How about the family holdings? It’s only a few years after Lord Arcturus’ death but better safe than not.” And so the next couple hours was spend managing the Black family holdings. The incoming from the shares was quite a lot since they own much larger share than the Potters, although the house was quite in shambles. The last residence of Lord Arcturus, the Black’s Lodge, was still fine since the house elf there still kept it clean and nice, but the same could not be said regarding the Black Ancestral House in Britain. The house elf there refused to allowed Bloodfang entry and to report of the House state. It’s safe to assume that the House was completely neglected and probably needed a complete overhaul if Sirius wanted to stay there after his released.
After getting the information about the Black account from Bloodfang he went with another young Goblin to his Potter main family vault.
It turned out that the main family fault was where his parents kept all their books and also their things. They asked the Goblins to spell the things to be magically appeared back if both of their magic’s signature disappeared. Now that’s a brilliant idea. His mother’s trunk was an exception because it was already placed with the Dursley in case Petunia’s children inherited magic as well. He could imagined the disgust the Dursleys felt since the trunk was shoved deep in the attic and, judging by the dust when he found it, it hasn’t been moved since it’s placing. He wondered why it was not burned but he didn’t pondered that too long. He was really lucky for having those books after all. Imagined if he really did arrived in the wizarding world clueless of everything, he shuddered at the mere thought.
He found his father’s journal along with his mother’s as well as a cloak that turned out to be an invisibility cloak, which he understand now why his mother hated it whenever his father wear it and surprised her. He took all three from the vault and headed back to the surface. Then he proceeded to put them inside his new bottomless backpack, courtesy to Gringotts; with suitable price of course, and then headed to the muggle street.
There he bought lots of clothes that could be wore in the wizarding world without making the Pureblood insulting or made stinky eyes on him for the informal clothes, and a couple of silk pajamas just because he could along with a couple of trainers and shirts for exercising. He also bought the telescope and digital scale from the science store along with a couple of chemistry books. The price ended up much higher compared what he would spend if he bought it in Diagon Alley, but at least this one was much advanced and it came with protective case. He just hoped the scale would work when he entered Hogwarts, perhaps he should test it first later at the Alley and at the manor. He also ended up wondering to the book stores and bought another couple of books about Muggle Laws and Political. Since he’s planning to join the Wizengamot he needed to learn how to ‘politicking’ as some people would say. He also gathered a few weird eyes from the adults that was manning the cashier but since he payed in cash and didn’t look like a kid that mugged rich guys they seemed to ignore the problem. It also helped that he could charm the female employee saying things like he’s a big boy now and could handle his own shopping. His cheeks did hurt from the pinching they gave him though.
He ended up eating his lunch whilst reading one of the politic books making other customers staring at the eleven-year-old boy who was reading a book that only an adult would read. After he finished his meal and making sure all the things he bought was inside his bag he made his way to his family lawyer’s office. As they also accepted muggle’s consultation their office was located in the central of London.
He entered the building that said ‘The Law Office of Dexter’. At first the receptionist looked at him strangely but after he told her his name and the lawyer’s name he wanted to see he was immediately directed to one of the consulting room for clients.
“Good afternoon Lord Potter. My name is Leo Dexter, your family’s lawyer. I must say that it is a pleasure to finally meet you.” The man who just came in to the room said, Harry stood from his seat and shook the man’s hand.
“The pleasure is mine Mr. Dexter. Though I must ask why I haven’t got any owl or mail from you since my birthday?” Mr. Dexter nodded as he gestured to have a seat he explained what happened after his parents’ death.
“You see Lord Potter, after we heard about your parents’ death we immediately contacted the ministry to executed your parents’ will, but Albus Dumbledore had gotten your custody as your magical guardian and he immediately sealed your parents’ will from Gringotts. Of course, the one that Gringotts has is a copy so we still could execute your parents’ will. But since only the next kin, which is you, could do that we had to wait until your eleventh birthday which is 3 days ago. But when we send our owl to you on your birthday, the owl couldn’t deliver the letter and we couldn’t try the muggle’s way because your whereabouts was kept secret by Dumbledore.”
“So, this Dumbledore must have done something to made any owl besides Hogwarts couldn’t reach to me.” Harry said as he processed the information he just got. “That was also what I thought. My suspicion is he placed an owl repellent to keep our and possibly Gringotts if he wanted to keep you from knowing your lordship. Since you are the only Potter left you are immediately given your lordship though you couldn’t sit at Wizengamot until you reached your majority or emancipated early.”
“Yes. The only reason I know about the Potter family and the lordship was from my mother’s diary that she left in Petunia’s house,” Harry said, Mr. Dexter seemed surprised when he heard the name, “Excuse me Lord Potter but by Petunia do you mean your mother’s sister Petunia Evans?”
“Dursley now but yes, I was left there by Dumbledore the same day my parents died,” Harry said, “Then it appears he either didn’t know your parents’ will or chose to ignore it. Your parents specifically wrote their will to not place you in the Dursley household and when there was no one left to have you then you will be put into my care and to educate you for your lordship.” Harry nodded at the theory
“Yes, I figured that out when I read my mother’s diary. Even if my mother wanted to believe Petunia won’t do anything to me, my father wouldn’t take a chance if what I read about the meeting between my father and Vernon was true,” Harry said, Mr. Dexter was nodding at the last part with a pained expression on his face when he heard Vernon’s name.
“Yes, your father was really specific about what the man could do when he came here with your mother to made their will. I must say I have to agree with him because I have the experience of meeting the man myself. But I suppose we can’t change the past. As you are now a Lord you don’t have to go back there anymore and no one could say otherwise unless you have proven to be irresponsible to live by your own. So, what can we do for you today Lord Potter.”
“Well I’m glad that old man can’t do that, and please mister is fine. The reason I came here today is to take back one of my property that was authorized to be a monument by Albus Dumbledore and also about Sirius Black,” Harry said as he leaned a bit forward, “You see Sirius Black was, is my sworn Godfather, I’m sure you know what that means.” Mr. Dexter’s eyes widen at the statement and nodded.
“Yes of course, Mr. Potter. As your sworn Godfather he bound himself to you by magic and possibly blood as well considering he made you to be his heir, though it could be made by your connection to the Black family through your great-grandmother, Dorea. By magic, he can’t bring you any harm that endanger your life and that includes betraying your parents to You-Know-Who. He couldn’t do that and still be alive.”
“Yes, and the fact he never actually got a trial is also a concern. By Lord Arcturus Black’s order the Black family’s seat was left empty until Sirius’ released from Azkaban. But from what I could learn, any Lord’s seat who is sentenced into Azkaban for a long period of time can be either used by his proxy or be handed to another Wizengamot member relative,” said Harry, Mr. Dexter nodded “Indeed it does. Lord Malfoy tried to make Lady Narcissa Malfoy née Black to claim the family seat but the family magic didn’t accept the claim. It appears because the current Lord Black was never trialed in front of the Wizengamot the chamber magic never recorded Lord Black’s imprisonment. First, we need to appeal our case to the Wizengamot. To do that we need to contact the DMLE first—” “DMLE?” “—Department of Magical Law Enforcement, it’s the equivalent of Muggle’s police in our world.” Mr. Dexter explained.
“Ah, yes. Griphook mentioned that. I’ve already sent an owl to Madam Bones this morning. Hopefully she will begin investigating the matter immediately after receiving it.” Harry said, an elf popped to bring refreshment for them and popped away again. Mr. Dexter poured the tea into the cups and let Harry added his own preferred amount of sugar and milk. After taking a sip Mr. Dexter continue speaking again.
“That will certainly help making my job easier. Regarding of the monument since your official magical guardian is Lord Black, the authorization made by Dumbledore could be claimed as unofficial. But, the Potter family was seen as public figure, especially regarding your status as the Boy-Who-Lived. It will not be easy to take back the house from the ministry.” Mr. Dexter said, Harry nodded and took a deep breath for what he was about to said.
“Speaking of that ridiculous title. I found many books about my so called adventure after that night. There’s also the fact that they seem to promote their products using my name. Can we do something about that? Also how high are the chances of Sirius actually succeeding to gain the guardianship though? From what I read about this Dementor that guards Azkaban, it doesn’t sound good at all.” Mr. Dexter’s face pinched to show a painful face, that really didn’t sound good for Harry.
“You would be correct in that information Mister Potter. The Dementor feeds their victims happiness and overexposure for a long time could make you lost your mind. We will just have to hope that Lord Black still has his sanity by the time the trial was held.” Harry really didn’t like the sound of that, but he hoped his Godfather’s Animagus ability came in handy in this situation.
“For your dilemma with the franchise of your name, we will have to confirmed to the maker of these products and books whether or not they have the permission to use your name. Although, since Dumbledore technically was your magical guardian however illegal that claim may be, they probably could claimed they haven’t done anything wrong since technically they asked permission from your known guardian and got the okay. We could however make them to stop using your name and image from now on, or make a deal of sorts. For every products they made using your name and image you will got a share of the sale.” Mr. Dexter said, it’s not what Harry would’ve wanted but he’ll take what he could got.
For the time being, Harry asked Mr. Dexter to made an appeal for Sirius’ trial, or the lack of it, and to investigate the use of his name for the books he found yesterday. Mr. Dexter also said there was figurine and posters of him also, which Harry immediately said if they didn’t have the proper rights to use his name and face then he would like to sue them. Especially for the stories that claimed to be true stories.
After saying goodbye to the man and establishing how to contact him again, Harry noticed it was near night and decided to go back home if he wanted to be on time for dinner. He really didn’t want to receive an angry rant of his chef house elf about meals and stuff. If he didn’t know any better that elf was fattening him to eat him later on like in the story with Hansel and Gretel. The disapproving eyes from his now mother hen elf Gaby was also a good motivation to remember meal time. Even only after one day he managed to made the Potter elves being bloody overprotective, what on earth was his life.
The next day Harry woke up earlier than he’s used to. He didn’t really remember why but since he already woke up, he decided to start his day early. After finishing his exercises and morning rituals he went to the kitchen to have a light breakfast. Of course, telling that to Tinky was completely useless since she decided to made a full breakfast.
After finally finishing all the food, which really was a miracle if he said so himself, ‘Though seriously, at this rate I have to increase my exercises or I’m going to be fat,’ Harry thought, becoming fat even if it was only a stomach bulge was the last thing he wanted because it always reminded him of Vernon and Dudley.
Harry sat on one of the big rocks that spread across the clearing near the mini forest, the clearing itself even has a waterfall, and began to practice his Occlumency barrier. Based on what he read the first step wasn’t much of a different from the meditation he usually did when he’s angry or unsettled. As he began to clear his mind and evened his breathing, he started to notice something different compared to the times he did this before.
It was something foreign, but at the same time it felt familiar. Harry didn’t know what to feel about that and as he continue the exercise, he noticed the feeling was beginning to felt stronger. He finally opened his eyes, stopping his exercise, when he felt the gaze of someone staring at him.
‘or something I suppose’, Harry thought as he finally met the eyes of the one who was observing him. It was a hippogriff, the Potter’s no doubt about that, the feathers were white with golden streaks on it. The yellow eyes that was gazing at him met his eyes and Harry instantly remembered about hippogriff.
If you ever meet a hippogriff, considering you would like to approach it, don’t ever insult it. Keep eye contacts as you bow before it, if it considers you as a non-threat it will return your bow.
Considering he was sitting and suddenly standing would probably a bad idea, Harry creeped down from the rocks he was sitting whilst maintaining eye contact with the beast. The beast continued to observe him as he did that with sharp eyes that reflected intelligence. When Harry finally on the ground he slowly made a bow without breaking the eye contacts they were having.
The beast considered his act for a while, until it returned his bow. Harry let out a relief sigh after that and slowly approach the beast. It was truly beautiful with the streak of the golden feather on its wings and tail.
“Hello there beautiful, I suppose you’re the majestic one that resides in this estate,” Harry said while petting the hippogriff, the beast shrieked showing its approval of Harry’s choice of words and lower its head to allow Harry pet it more easily. They stayed in the quiet clearing for a while, with only the sound of the waterfall filling the silence, after a while Harry decided to go back to the manor. After bowing once again to the creature and was reciprocated, Harry strolled back to the manor.
The rest of his day was filled by reading the many books he bought to prepare for Hogwarts. One of the benefits of being an 11-year-old child with extensive vocabulary was that he could understand most of the book was saying and what he didn’t he easily search it in the thick thesaurus he bought from the muggle side of town. After one whole afternoon passed just by reading back and forth between the dictionary and the book, he was tempted to actually read the whole bloody thesaurus just so he could search it mentally next time he needed it. But decidedly not to, because as much he loved the knowledge and books, reading a bloody dictionary was not something he would enjoy and frankly would be too dry for his taste.
The next day he filled with actually relaxing in the garden with Hedwig. Apparently, Gaby was worried about him holing himself in the manor without exposing himself to the sun, despite he spends his afternoon yesterday outside, and proceeded to order him to go outside and actually relax. Harry decidedly agreed with her because he never actually had time to just relax for a long time and he really should spend a bonding time with Hedwig, seeing she was his familiar and all.
So that was what Harry did for the afternoon. While conversing with Hedwig, albeit one-sidedly, he noticed the same feeling in his mindscape again, but this time it was a bit stronger. He analyzed the presence and finally connected the dot. It was Hedwig, or more precisely his and Hedwig’s bond. He remembered that when Hedwig landed on his arm there were blinding light for a moment, perhaps that was the sign of their bond snapping to place. But while he was analyzing the bond, he noticed something else in his mind. Something more foreign and . . . dark.
Conflicted, he asked for Tibby’s opinion. Tibby was worried and had a dark look on his face, he told him to let the Goblins take a look at it seeing they were quite an expert dealing with dark things, albeit it mostly being literal thing and not human being.
Not seeing the fault in that, Harry decided to visit Gringotts just before tea time. He didn’t want to let the dark thing remain in his mind much longer in case it was something not good. Which most certainly be the case.
Arriving at the bank he asked the clerk to made an appointment with Griphook and immediately was shown again to Griphook’s office where he awaits.
“Greetings, Griphook. May your gold overflow,” Harry said, “And may yours as well. Welcome to Gringotts Lord Potter, what can we do for you today?” Griphook said. After explaining what he found whilst in his mindscape, Griphook began to show a solicitous look.
“That is alarming. Your house elf was quite right to refer you to us Lord Potter. Dark mind magic is never a thing that should be underestimated and not many of your wizard kind healer know how to handle it,” Griphook said, “It would be best for you to undergo a cleansing ritual then. Though beware, the cleansing ritual that we have will truly wipe your state clean. You will have to register your vaccines and perhaps some of the treatment you did when you arrived in this world, such as your eyes.”
“I understand, it wouldn’t be a problem in the eyes department seeing I’m only using contacts and not eye fixing potion. In the vaccines department however, would it be possible for you to suggest a Healer to administer it. A discreet one would be preferable.” Said Harry to Griphook. He didn’t actually know whether he was up to date with the vaccine to be honest so he would still need to see a healer even if he didn’t undergo the ritual.
“Yes, of course Lord Potter. Gringotts can provide you the Healer that works with us for the Curse Breakers. We can’t treat wizard kind with our Goblin Healer seeing we have different magic and anatomy, and most wizards do not want to be treated by Goblins.” Griphook said, with a little bit of contempt when saying the last part. Not that Harry blamed him, the wizarding world prejudices towards the magical creature was utterly disgusting and one that he intended to fix as soon as he could find a Proxy.
“Excellent. If it would be possible, I would like for the Healer to administer the vaccine after the ritual.” “Of course, Lord Potter. We could do the ritual tomorrow, seeing as we have to do the preparation as well as it is your birthday. A cleansing for a renewal. It would be much compatible for the process.” Griphook said, and though Harry would love for it to be gone sooner, Griphook’s reasoning sounded logical enough and there’s still many aspects in a magical ritual that he didn’t know.
“Alright Griphook. Then I will come to the bank in the morning then. Shall we say, around 9 o’clock?” Harry said, Griphook gave his agreement and they part after giving the usual parting words. Harry went back to the manor using his ring portkey.
The next day morning came and it was Harry’s birthday, and for the first time after his first birthday he woke up with a pleasant feeling that wasn’t ruined by the Dursley. The elves all celebrated his birthday and Tinky made him a one whole treacle tart for his present which Harry happily ate it all.
From Tibby, he was given a copy of the Potter journal that from what Tibby explained Fleamont told him to keep until Hadrian was in his age to Hogwarts.
From Gaby, she gave him a fluffy scarf that was so soft it made Hadrian almost want to smother his face with it. Which he did not, but was still tempted to. Gaby told him that the late Lady Potter, his mother, used to ask her to get the supplies to made his baby stuff.
“Mistress Lily may not be with us here, but Gaby hope that this will make Master Harry to feel her love like he did when he’s still baby.” Said Gabby, Harry was so touched that he surprised her with a hug. After done celebrating with the elves, and of course Hedwig who gave him a… rodent – that is very much dead – but still appreciated by Harry, he headed to Gringotts and hoping that the dark presence will be gone soon and didn’t affect him very much. One can only hope.
“Lord Potter, please follow us. The room has been prepared for your… business.” A Goblin said as soon as he was out from the fireplace. Harry nodded and follow the Goblin to a room that looked much like a ritual room that he saw in a fantasy movie.
The ritual preparation was quite time consuming seeing he was to submerged himself into a pure water that the Goblin gathered from who knows where, after that his body was drawn many runes using an ink that was combined with his blood. After that he was told to lied down on the ritual table and then the hooded people, which at first alarmed him, made a wide circle around him and began to chant in a language that Harry didn’t understand.
After that was something that he was sure he wouldn’t forget for a very long time.
At first it was an itch, but as minutes passed by the itch became a sting and finally pain that was so unbearable made him scream, though he didn’t remember clearly, and after that he didn’t know anymore as he passed into oblivion.