The bustling streets of Diagon Alley greeted Harry and Void as they stepped out of the Leaky Cauldron. The young boys were wide-eyed with wonder, taking in the sights and sounds of the magical shopping district.
Their first stop was Gringotts, the wizarding bank, where they exchanged their Muggle money for Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts. Since Harry and Void had no money of their own, they instead visited their trust vaults, discovering a considerable sum of money left to them by their parents. Hagrid, meanwhile, retrieved a small, nondescript package from a different vault, addressed to Dumbledore, which he tucked safely away in his coat.
As they made their way through the bank, Void couldn't help but notice the goblins eyeing him with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. Not all goblins were like that—only some who seemed to have higher positions than the rest. The goblin who took them to their trust vaults was nice and seemed to know them from the way he looked at them. He introduced himself as Griphook. Void was fascinated by their sharp features and keen eyes, sensing a depth of knowledge and power in them that intrigued him.
After their visit to Gringotts, they made their way to Ollivanders, the wand shop. Harry's experience with finding his wand was quick and straightforward, as the wand that chose him was a perfect fit. It was a holly wand with a phoenix feather core, the brother wand to the one who must not be named—the one who gave Harry the scar on his head. Harry was visibly worried about what Ollivander said about his wand, and Void, seeing Harry's worry, made his resolve to protect Harry even stronger. He vowed to help Harry deal with that and get more information on this.
Void, on the other hand, had a more challenging time. Being ambidextrous, he tried almost every wand in the shop, but none seemed to choose him. Feeling a strange pull from the back of the shop, Void asked Ollivander if he could explore the area.
Ollivander, intrigued by Void's persistence, agreed, feeling a bit tired from the constant back and forth. He assured Harry and Hagrid, who were waiting patiently, that he would be back soon, and ventured into the back of the shop.
As Void scanned the various boxes, his eyes fell upon a box at the very back, sitting on a desk. Curiosity getting the better of him, he reached for it, only for the wand inside to jump into his hand, startling him.
Ollivander, who seemed to appear out of nowhere, was equally surprised. The wand in Void's hand was the oldest wand in the shop, made by an ancestor who sought to surpass the power of the Elder Wand, also known as the Deathstick.
Examining the wand, Ollivander and several other summoned wand makers could only identify that it was similar to Salazar Slytherin's wand. It was crafted from snakewood and had a basilisk core, but there were additional woods and elements in the core that remained unknown—a unique combination never seen before.
Void, feeling a strange connection to the wand, knew that this was the one for him. As he waved it, sparks flew, and a sense of power and control washed over him. This wand was his, and it marked the beginning of a new chapter in his journey into the world of magic.
As Void was getting his wand, Hagrid and Harry went to Eeylops Owl Emporium to get their owls. With Hagrid's help, Harry got a snowy owl he named Hedwig, and Void chose a pure black owl he named Kuro. They met back up after Void got his wand.
The sun was setting over Diagon Alley as Harry and Void, along with Hagrid, decided to stay the night at the Leaky Cauldron. The day had been long and eventful, with Void's wand selection taking much longer than expected.
As they exited Ollivanders, Hagrid glanced at the sky and then at the package he was carrying for Dumbledore. He seemed torn, unsure whether to take the boys back to the Dursleys or to deliver the package. "We really should be gettin' yeh back," Hagrid said, scratching his head, "but I've got to deliver this package to Dumbledore as soon as possible."
Void, sensing Hagrid's dilemma, spoke up. "Hagrid, why don't we stay here at the Leaky Cauldron for the night? It's safe, and we're exhausted after everything. You can deliver the package without worrying about us."
Hagrid frowned, clearly uneasy about leaving them alone. "I dunno, Void. I promised Dumbledore I'd look after yeh."
"Please, Hagrid," Void insisted. "We'll be fine here. You can trust Tom, the innkeeper, to keep an eye on us. And besides, we need time to get supplies for school and rest after such a long day."
Harry nodded in agreement. "We'll be okay, Hagrid. We'll stay right here and wait for you."
Hagrid hesitated, but the urgency of his mission to deliver the package to Dumbledore weighed heavily on him. "Alright," he finally agreed, though reluctantly. "But yeh two promise me yeh won't leave the inn until I get back, alright?"
"We promise," Void and Harry said in unison.
Once they settled into their rooms, Void couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. He had noticed something different about Petunia during their brief encounters, something that set her apart from Vernon. She seemed to have a glimmer of kindness in her eyes, a flicker of remorse for the way they were treated.
Deciding to act on his instincts, Void took out a piece of parchment and wrote a short letter to Petunia, thanking her for the small acts of kindness she had shown them over the years. He attached the letter to Kuro, his new black owl, and sent her off into the night with a silent prayer that it would reach Petunia's hands.
In the letter, Void also mentioned that they would not be returning to the Dursleys until the next year, as they had decided to stay in Diagon Alley for a while longer to explore and prepare for their upcoming year at Hogwarts.
As Kuro flew off into the darkening sky, Void felt a sense of relief wash over him. Perhaps, he thought, there was more to Petunia Dursley than meets the eye. And maybe, just maybe, there was hope for a better relationship with her in the future.
Back at Privet Drive
Petunia Dursley was getting worried. The boys were not back yet, and it was getting late. She was just finishing up the dinner preparations, and Vernon was about to come home from work. Dudley was playing in the living room, his loud laughter filling the house.
As she stood by the kitchen window, lost in her thoughts, she suddenly noticed a black owl flying towards the window with a letter in its beak. Petunia gasped, recognizing the creature for what it was—a magical messenger.
The owl landed gracefully on the windowsill, its piercing eyes staring into hers. With trembling hands, Petunia opened the window and took the letter from the owl. She hesitated for a moment, then unfolded the parchment and began to read:
Dear Aunt Petunia,
I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to write to you to express my gratitude for the small acts of kindness you have shown Harry and me over the years. Although you may not realize it, those little gestures meant a lot to us, especially in a place where we often felt unwanted.
I've always sensed that there was more to you than what meets the eye. Despite the way we were treated by Uncle Vernon and Dudley, you never seemed entirely like them. Sometimes, when you thought no one was looking, you showed us a softer side, like giving us extra food or a warm glance. Those moments gave us a glimmer of hope and comfort in an otherwise harsh environment.
I wanted to let you know that Harry and I will not be returning to Privet Drive until the next year. We've decided to stay in Diagon Alley for a while longer to explore and prepare for our upcoming year at Hogwarts. We've made a lot of progress today, including getting our school supplies and even finding wonderful new companions in our owls—Hedwig for Harry and Kuro for me.
I know it must be a relief for you not to have to worry about us for a while, but please know that we are safe and in good hands. Hagrid, the giant who delivered our letters, is looking after us. He's a kind man, and he's made sure we have everything we need.
I'm writing this letter because I wanted you to know that we don't hold any grudges against you. In fact, I believe that deep down, you care about us more than you let on. I just hope that one day, we can all move past the hurt and find some understanding and maybe even forgiveness.
Take care, Aunt Petunia. We'll be thinking of you.
With warm regards, Void
P.S. If you ever need to contact me for anything, come to the Leaky Cauldron at Charing Cross Road, London. To you, the pub appears to be a broken-down old shop front on Charing Cross Road, between a bookshop and a record store. You can ask the bartender to let you into Diagon Alley and go to the Wizarding bank. Ask for Griphook and say you are our legal guardian and need to contact us. I am sure he will help you as he seemed nice when we met him.
Petunia's eyes welled up with tears as she read the letter. She had always struggled with her feelings towards her sister and her nephews, but Void's words touched her deeply. She felt a mix of relief and sorrow, knowing that the boys were safe but also realizing how much she had failed them.
Just then, the front door opened, and Vernon's voice boomed through the house. "Petunia, I'm home! What's for dinner?"
Quickly wiping away her tears, Petunia composed herself and turned to face her husband. "Just finishing up, dear," she replied, forcing a smile.
As she placed the letter in her pocket, Petunia made a silent promise to herself to do better by Harry and Void. For now, she would carry on, hoping that one day she could make amends for the past.
Night at the Leaky Cauldron
After Hagrid left to deliver the package to Dumbledore, Harry quickly fell asleep in the cozy bed at the Leaky Cauldron. The day had been long and filled with more excitement than he had ever experienced. The room was quiet, the only sound being Harry's soft, steady breathing.
Void, however, found it difficult to sleep. His mind buzzed with the events of the day, especially the strange looks the goblins at Gringotts had given him. It was as if they knew something about him that he didn't. A strange urge tugged at him, compelling him to seek answers.
Silently, Void got out of bed and dressed, putting on a hoodie and covering his head with a cap to conceal his identity. He left a note for Harry, just in case his brother woke up and wondered where he had gone. With quiet determination, he slipped out of the room and made his way through the dimly lit hallways of the Leaky Cauldron.
Journey to Gringotts
The streets of Diagon Alley were almost deserted at this late hour. The magical lanterns cast a soft glow, creating eerie shadows that danced along the cobblestones. Void's footsteps echoed softly as he walked briskly towards Gringotts.
The imposing white building of the wizarding bank loomed ahead. Two goblin guards stood by the entrance, their sharp eyes immediately noticing Void as he approached. Void took a deep breath and stepped forward, feeling a mixture of nerves and determination.
Inside Gringotts
To his surprise, the goblins at the entrance allowed him inside without a word. The grand hall of Gringotts was as silent as a tomb, with only a few goblins working diligently at their desks. Void walked up to the goblin who showed them their vaults and cleared his throat.
"Excuse me," Void said quietly. "I need to speak with someone about my account and... some questions I have."
The goblin looked at him curiously, then nodded. "Follow me," he said, leading Void down a narrow hallway to a private office.
Griphook's Office
Void was led into a small, dimly lit office where an older goblin sat behind a large desk. The goblin looked up as Void entered, his eyes narrowing with a hint of recognition.
"Good evening," the goblin greeted. "Nice to see you again, Mr. Potter. How can I assist you?" said Griphook.
Void hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Earlier today, when my brother and I were here, I noticed that some of the goblins were looking at me strangely. It felt like you all knew something about me. I want to know why."
Griphook leaned back in his chair, studying Void intently. "You are a curious one," he said thoughtfully. "There are indeed some things we goblins notice that others do not."
Void felt a shiver run down his spine. "What do you mean?"
Griphook sighed and leaned forward. "There are ancient magics and bloodlines that leave traces, marks that are invisible to most but clear to those who know how to look. You, young wizard, carry a lineage that is... unique. It is one in a lifetime to encounter such a thing."
Void's mind raced. "What kind of lineage? What does it mean?"
Griphook shook his head. "That is not for me to say. Such knowledge must be discovered and understood in its own time. However, there is someone who might be able to provide you with more answers. Follow me."
Meeting Ragnok
Void followed Griphook through a maze of corridors until they reached a set of grand double doors. Griphook knocked twice before pushing them open, revealing an opulent office with high ceilings and walls lined with ancient books and artifacts. Behind a massive desk sat a goblin with a regal bearing and a piercing gaze.
"Director Ragnok," Griphook announced, "this young wizard has some questions that you might be able to answer."
Ragnok looked up from the document he was studying, his eyes fixed on Void with an intensity that made the boy feel both nervous and excited. "Come in," Ragnok said, gesturing to a chair in front of his desk. "Sit down, and tell me what you seek."
Void took a seat, feeling the weight of the goblin's gaze. "Earlier today, when my brother and I were here, I noticed that some of the goblins were looking at me strangely. It felt like you all knew something about me that I don't. Griphook mentioned something about ancient magics and bloodlines. I want to know why I seem different."
Ragnok nodded slowly. "You are indeed perceptive for one so young. There are secrets in this world that even the most powerful wizards are unaware of. Your lineage is one of those secrets."
Void leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "What do you mean? What kind of lineage?"
Ragnok leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "You come from a line that is both old and powerful. There are traces of magic in your blood that are ancient and rare. These traces are what we goblins noticed when you first arrived. It is not something we see often, and it marks you as someone of great potential and significance. The details of this I can't reveal to you as you are a minor and as per my contract with your father I can only reveal them when you are an adult or emancipated."
Void's mind raced with possibilities. "But what does it mean for me? What should I do?"
Ragnok's expression softened slightly. "That is for you to discover. Your journey will be filled with challenges and revelations. You must be cautious and wise, for there will be those who seek to use your heritage for their own means. Trust in yourself and those who care for you, and you will find your path."
He paused before continuing, "You need to learn more about your parents and their history, along with the different magical laws of Magical Britain and the International Confederation of Wizards (ICW) and rules and laws at Hogwarts as well, along with the politics of the wizarding world and pureblood etiquette. Understanding the various political factions and their roles will also be crucial. I will provide you with a few books to help you start. Of course, the price for those books will be deducted from your vault as no goblin offers anything without payment. Hehehe."
Void nodded, absorbing the information. "Thank you, Director Ragnok. I appreciate your honesty and guidance."
As Void was about to leave, a thought struck him. "Is there a way to get money out of the vault without letting others know?"
Ragnok laughed loudly, a deep, throaty sound that echoed in the room. "I like your way of thinking, young wizard. Yes, there is a way. Follow me."
The Enchanted Wallet
Ragnok led Void to a small chamber adjacent to his office. On a pedestal in the center of the room sat a simple, unassuming wallet. Ragnok picked it up and handed it to Void.
"This is no ordinary wallet," Ragnok explained. "It is protected by powerful wards and charms for anti-theft, protection, and a notice-me-not enchantment so that only you can see it and use it, along with a ward that monitors the owner's health and magic and informs me if there is danger to your life. But it won't work in some wards like at Hogwarts as it is a secret location, but as long as you are not in some secret location or places like Hogwarts, we can help. It will be connected to a main vault of yours that you cannot access yet, but it will allow you to withdraw small amounts of money as needed. Use it wisely."
Void took the wallet, feeling its weight and the faint hum of magic. "Thank you, Ragnok. This means a lot."
Ragnok inclined his head. "Remember, young wizard, knowledge and preparation are your best allies. If you ever need assistance, do not hesitate to return. We goblins value our relationships with our clients."
Returning to the Leaky Cauldron
As Void left Gringotts and made his way back to the Leaky Cauldron, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. The night air was cool, and the streets were quiet, but his mind was anything but. He had taken the first step on a journey that would change his life forever.
When Void returned to the Leaky Cauldron, he found Harry still fast asleep. He quietly slipped back into bed, his thoughts racing with the revelations of the night. As he was about to fall asleep, he suddenly remembered that he forgot to ask Ragnok about He Who Must Not Be Named and what really happened that night. He wondered if the goblin could help look into that. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, he needed rest. As he closed his eyes, Void felt a sense of anticipation for the mysteries yet to unfold.