Author's Note:
Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction based on the Harry Potter Universe. All the recognizable characters, the plot and settings are the property of J. K. Rowling. I claim no ownership.
The setting is in an alternate universe. My main focus would be to write multi-dimensional and relatable characters in a realistic setting. Currently it's rated M just to be safe, I might change the rating in the future accordingly. Story is cross posted on Fanfiction, Archive of Our own, Royal Road and Webnovel.
Bonus Halloween Chapter 2; Happy Halloween Everyone!
Sorry for the late upload guys. Expect at least 3 more chapters this week of regular weekly schedule.
Chapter 7 – Shopping with Snape
It was Petunia who led them to their next destination on the list, Madam Malkin's, her expression set with a clear sense of purpose, while Harry looked around, taking in the rows of neatly hung robes and the occasional sparkle of enchanted stitching. The assistant, Natalie Rosemund, with warm hazel eyes and a polite smile, stepped forward when she saw them. "Good morning! Who will we be fitting today?"
Petunia gestured toward Harry. "We need the standard Hogwarts uniform for a first-year student."
Natalie nodded and directed Harry to stand on a marked circle at the center of the fitting area. She took out an enchanted measuring tape, which buzzed to life and began whirring around Harry, jotting down precise measurements of his arms, shoulders, and waist. Harry felt the tickling swish of the measuring tape on his sleeve and glanced at Dudley, who was watching with amused interest.
"It'll take a bit to adjust the uniforms for your measurements," Natalie explained, carefully noting down the details. "But I'll have them ready as soon as possible."
Snape checked his pocket watch and noting the time, turned to the group. "We might as well use this time to get the books and other supplies on the list. Madam Malkin's will hold the uniform until we're back."
At that, Harry's face lit up with excitement. The idea of visiting a bookstore in a world so different from his own filled him with anticipation. Vernon, too, gave a quick nod, unable to hide a spark of curiosity. "Books it is, then!" he said, sharing a quick glance with Harry that conveyed a shared excitement for this unexplored knowledge.
As they left Madam Malkin's, they stepped back into the bustling flow of Diagon Alley, both Vernon and Harry already discussing what sorts of subjects and spells they might encounter in their next stop.
LINE BREAK
Entering Flourish and Blotts was like stepping into a labyrinth of possibilities, with rows upon rows of books stretching up to the ceiling. Harry and Vernon's faces lit up as they eyed the shelves filled with intriguing titles and dusty tomes, eager to start their exploration. But Snape, already at the counter, wasted no time, efficiently ordering the entire first-year curriculum set. He handed the order to the clerk without a glance at the rest of the store.
Vernon, leaning close to Harry, whispered, "Surely we could browse for a few additional books, don't you think?" The enthusiasm was clear in his voice.
But when they voiced their interest, Snape's cold gaze landed on them, his voice curt. "I have a schedule to keep, and today we're here for essentials only. If you want to explore further, now that you know where the store is, feel free to return on your own time."
Harry and Vernon exchanged a look, both visibly disappointed, but they nodded in silent agreement. Petunia meanwhile watching Snape's tone with narrowed eyes, pursed her lips tightly. She rested a reassuring hand on Harry's shoulder, giving him a small, encouraging smile as they collected the wrapped stack of books and left the shop.
Snape led them briskly to Potage's Cauldron Shop, his patience visibly wearing thin. Inside, the scent of metal and herbs hung thick in the air, with rows of cauldrons in various sizes and materials lined up against the walls. As Snape ordered a standard size 2 pewter cauldron, Harry looked over the letter's mention of "optional cauldrons for experimentation." His eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and excitement as he thought about future potions projects and the idea of experimenting with different materials.
"Would it be all right if I—" he began, but Snape interrupted with an impatient shake of his head.
"We are here to collect what's necessary, not indulge in whims," he said dismissively, giving Harry a look that silenced further questions. Harry's shoulders slumped, and Vernon, who had been observing Snape's demeanor closely, folded his arms, his expression now serious, with a trace of disapproval.
Snape barely acknowledged the exasperated glances from Harry and Vernon, steering them straight to Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment. The shop was a treasure trove of peculiar instruments and mystical items, their gleaming surfaces promising untold secrets. Snape's focus, however, was purely practical. He approached the counter with a quick list: a standard student telescope, a set of brass scales, and a selection of glass phials.
Harry's face brightened as he eyed the telescopes on display, some brass, others in polished wood, all with intricate engravings. Vernon, too, leaned in, his scientific curiosity piqued, considering how such a tool might differ in the magical realm. "Excuse me," Vernon began, "would there be any enhanced functions on these? Surely a wizarding telescope would offer something... unique?"
The shop helper, gathering items with brisk efficiency, shook his head apologetically. "Oh no, sir. It's simply enchanted to clean itself and remove minor obstructions to vision. But otherwise, quite like any standard Muggle telescope."
Harry and Vernon exchanged a look of mild disappointment. They had both been hoping for something that might reveal hidden celestial phenomena or offer a peek into magical astronomy. But before they could inquire about other items, Snape cut in, directing them to follow him out.
Next, they hurried to Slug & Jiggers Apothecary, where shelves stacked with jars, vials, and bags of all shapes and colors filled the air with pungent, earthy scents. Snape handed over a list of first-year potion ingredients, exchanging a few words with the shopkeeper to ensure everything would be carefully packed.
Harry watched this hurried transaction with a growing sense of frustration. While he was grateful to have someone guiding him through this new world, Snape's rushed manner had stripped any sense of wonder from their trip. Petunia's face hardened as she observed the impatient treatment.
Finally, unable to hold her tongue any longer, Petunia stepped forward, her voice steady but tight. "Professor Snape, you've been rushing us, treating us like an inconvenience. Is this the way you treat your students—or your friend's son? I wonder what Lily would think of you now, acting like this."
Her words had the effect of a sudden jolt. Harry's head snapped up, surprised to hear his mother's name mentioned alongside Snape's. Snape's face tightened, his dark eyes flickering with something unreadable. He glanced around briefly, as if gathering himself, then responded in a calm but cool tone.
"I am needed at Hogwarts to complete some official tasks before noon," he said carefully. "I am also in the middle of brewing a very crucial ritualistic potion, which requires precision timing. My intention was not to disappoint or show disrespect to any of you." His gaze met Petunia's, unblinking, but without any trace of hostility.
Petunia held his gaze, her lips pressed in a thin line of disapproval. "Be that as it may, you've dampened Harry's excitement today. Perhaps I'll handle the rest of the shopping myself, and we'll depart on our own."
Snape looked as though he wanted to argue, but instead, he took a slow breath and gave a reluctant nod. "As you wish. Just be mindful—Diagon Alley isn't as straightforward as it appears." He gave one last look around, then turned on his heel and walked out, leaving the Dursleys standing in the middle of the apothecary.
As Snape disappeared into the bustling crowd, Petunia released a slow breath, then turned back to Harry and Vernon with a reassuring smile. "Let's take our time and do this properly. This is all new to you, after all."
Harry smiled back, feeling a wave of relief and gratitude. With Petunia at the lead, he knew the rest of their shopping would be a much calmer, and far more enjoyable, experience.
LINE BREAK
As Snape strode toward the designated Apparition point, his mind was anything but calm. Though he had assured himself his rushed behavior was due to pressing obligations at Hogwarts, a prickling doubt tugged at him: was it truly duty, or simply his reluctance to face Harry with anything resembling familiarity? Snape's feelings toward the boy were tangled, an intricate snarl of resentment, loyalty, and something darker, too—a bitter ache from a friendship long lost and a promise he'd been bound to keep.
Snape shook his head sharply, the brisk snap of his billowing cloak breaking his spiraling thoughts. Better to avoid these musings entirely. Dwelling on them would only make him vulnerable, cloud his judgments. Detached professionalism was safest, not just for Harry, but for himself as well.
As he continued down the cobbled path, an unsettling sensation crept over him. He felt the familiar prick of eyes on his back, sharp and watchful. Without breaking stride, Snape slowed his pace, pretending to adjust his cloak, while casting a quick glance over his shoulder. Crowds bustled around him, students and parents shopping, vendors calling out deals, goblins chittering in hushed tones. But nothing unusual stood out—no figure loitering or lurking.
He turned his gaze forward once more, dismissing the sensation with a muttered scoff. It was likely his own brooding thoughts, stirring paranoia. With another silent shake of his head, he picked up his pace. As he neared the Apparition point, he gave a curt nod to the guards stationed nearby and, with a sharp, practiced flick of his wand, vanished from Diagon Alley in a crack of air, leaving behind only the faint swirl of his dark cloak in the crowded thoroughfare.
LINE BREAK
Harry picked at his dessert, swirling his spoon in the mango ice cream, the rich sweetness barely registering as he pondered the morning's events. Snape's coldness, his abrupt manner, and even Petunia and Vernon's hushed exchanges kept replaying in his mind. He'd half-expected today to feel exciting, like stepping into a life he'd only read about in stories, but it was harder to enjoy when he felt like there was so much he still didn't know.
"Harry?" Vernon's voice cut through his thoughts, snapping him back to the present. "Feeling alright?" Vernon's brows lifted in concern, and Harry realized he'd been unusually quiet the whole meal.
"Hmm?" He blinked, looking up at his uncle. "Oh, yeah, I'm alright."
Petunia reached across the table, her expression gentle but searching. "Please, Harry, if something's bothering you, you can tell us."
Harry hesitated, but then cleared his throat. "Well… it just occurred to me," he began slowly, looking down at his sundae as if the answer might be buried there. "None of my parents' friends ever contacted us. And then… with Professor Snape, I mean, I thought he was supposed to be Mum's friend, but he didn't act like it. He seemed a bit… distant."
Petunia cast a quick glance around, lowering her voice as she answered. "Well, Snape did mention no one knew about you, but… it is strange that no one's ever tried to reach out." She paused, nodding as if to herself, then said, "I'll see if I can find out more through my contacts."
Harry felt a rush of gratitude. "Thank you, Aunt Petunia," he said, surprised by her determination.
Petunia gave him a small smile, and then, with a mischievous glint in her eye, she added, "And when it comes to Severus, well… this is the best you can expect from that dour, overgrown bat."
Dudley's eyes widened at the insult, clearly unused to hearing his mother talk this way. For a moment, Harry was startled too, but then he couldn't hold back a snort. Vernon chuckled, Dudley's lips curled in a grin, and before long, they were all laughing. The tense weight that had lingered over them eased away, lightening the mood.
After finishing up, they left the restaurant and made their way back to the Leaky Cauldron. Now that they'd been through the passage once, Harry noticed that the repelling ward seemed weaker; he no longer felt the odd tingle that had pushed them away before. Petunia nodded gratefully to Tom at the bar, asking him to hold onto their luggage just a bit longer, and he gave a courteous nod in response.
Back in the bustle of Diagon Alley, the sights felt a bit more vibrant now that his spirits had lifted. Petunia smiled, looking at him with a warm determination. "Harry," she said, "let's finish up your list first, and then we'll have a wander to pick out anything else you like. What do you think?"
Harry returned her smile, feeling a surge of excitement replace his earlier uncertainty. "That sounds perfect," he said, a glimmer of anticipation brightening his gaze. Today might have had its bumps, but standing here in the magical world with his family beside him, Harry felt, for the first time, like he was exactly where he was supposed to be.
LINE BREAK
The Magical Menagerie's musky scent and lively atmosphere filled Harry with a mix of curiosity and awe. Animals of every shape, size, and color nestled in cages or slithered within glass enclosures, each one adding to the strange and wondrous experience of his first trip through Diagon Alley. At the counter, an elderly man with thick glasses, a small tuft of white hair, and a handlebar mustache dozed, his head gently bobbing with each breath.
Petunia gave the counter a polite knock. The man jolted awake, clearing his throat and adjusting his glasses. "Ah, yes—cough, cough—yes, how can I help you?"
Petunia, businesslike as ever, nodded and said, "We'd like to buy a cat, a toad, and a raven. And you are...?"
"Bowing," the man answered, bowing slightly. "Mr. Armando Bowing." He squinted at Petunia with mild curiosity. "That's quite an order—typically bought in late July or August for first-years."
Petunia narrowed her eyes slightly. "Is there any problem buying them early?"
"Oh, no, no," Bowing assured her, waving his hand. "Just making talk. Right this way, please."
He led them to the cat section, where Harry and Dudley's eyes immediately fell on a small brown pixie-bob kitten with inquisitive yellow eyes. The kitten pawed at the cage door, watching them with a calm interest.
Bowing gave an approving nod. "That little one's quite docile—one of our calmest kittens."
Petunia nodded her approval, but Vernon had already picked up the kitten as if he were cradling a child, completely lost in the kitten's mesmerizing gaze. Petunia rolled her eyes with an amused smile.
Next, they approached a glass tank of toads. Harry found himself drawn to a small, mud-brown American toad that seemed undisturbed by the energetic croaks and leaps of its tankmates. The toad lay sound asleep on a bed of moss, exuding a tranquility that contrasted with the chaos around it. Carefully, Harry picked it up, holding it gently in his palm.
The family followed the eccentric Mr. Bowing to a large cage filled with at least fifty ravens. Harry stepped closer, captivated by the glossy feathers and sharp eyes of the birds. One raven, slightly smaller than the others, hopped down from a perch and approached him, tilting its head in curiosity. Harry smiled, nodding at it, and the raven cocked its head in response.
"Ah, looks like she's chosen you," Mr. Bowing said with a grin. He reached into the cage and handed the raven to Harry, who passed the sleeping toad to Dudley. Dudley took it gingerly, treating it as delicately as if it were a precious artifact.
Harry gently scratched the raven's head, and she closed her eyes with a soft coo of contentment. He felt a small surge of happiness, bonding with the animals in a way he hadn't expected.
At the counter, Petunia added, "We'd also like to buy two owls."
Bowing shook his head. "I'm afraid I don't keep owls anymore—everyone goes to Eeylops Owl Emporium for them these days." Petunia nodded in understanding.
"That will be ten Galleons for all three," Bowing said, tallying up their purchase. Petunia hesitated for a moment, wondering why buying all three animals was encouraged, but decided not to risk revealing that they were a Muggle family shopping a month early.
As they made their way to the exit, Mr. Bowing, who had clearly taken a liking to their gentle handling of the animals, called after them with an enigmatic smile, "Do try to get familiar with them before Hogwarts. It'll do wonders for both of you!"
The family exited the shop, Harry cradling the raven on his arm, Vernon still holding the kitten like a prize, and Dudley gazing down at the sleeping toad with fascination. With each step, Harry felt more grounded in this new magical world, his family close by, and his new companions in hand.
LINE BREAK
The Dursleys and Harry exchanged a glance as they approached the last stop on their shopping list: Ollivanders Wand Shop. A narrow, faded purple building, the shop was small and unassuming, but somehow it felt like the most significant place they'd visited yet. The bell chimed softly as they stepped inside, but the counter was empty. Harry looked around, taking in the dusty shelves packed with slim, colorful boxes stacked up to the ceiling.
After a moment, they heard a door close somewhere in the back, and an old man emerged. His thin frame looked almost frail, but there was something sharp and resilient in the way he moved. His silvery eyes, peeking from behind his long, faded light-brown hair, fixed on Harry with an intensity that made Harry's stomach flip.
Ollivander squinted, his piercing gaze seeming to drill right through Harry. "And you are?" he asked, his tone both curious and suspicious.
Harry opened his mouth to respond, but Petunia stepped forward, saying quickly, "Just Harry. No last name." She gave Ollivander a firm look, making it clear she wouldn't elaborate.
The old man narrowed his eyes but nodded, a faint smirk on his face. "So, Just Harry, here to buy a wand?" His tone was tinged with sarcasm as he turned to retrieve a box. "Back in my day, people had one faithful, pre-made wand their whole lives. Nowadays, they want customizations, added cores, layered woods, even metal," he spat the word like it left a bad taste in his mouth.
Harry and the Dursleys blinked in surprise, clearly unprepared for the level of passion Ollivander held toward wandmaking. He seemed lost in his own world, mumbling, "If the Ministry didn't require me to sell wands, I would've closed this shop decades ago. Well then," he sighed, pulling several boxes from the shelves with a wave of his wand, "let's see which poor wand chooses you."
As Harry stepped forward, a measuring tape shot out and started taking his measurements in the most awkward and uncomfortable ways possible. Ollivander didn't look up as the tape flew back to the counter on its own. "Right-handed, are you?" he asked, as if he already knew. Harry nodded, feeling more out of place by the second.
"Try this." Ollivander handed him a ten-and-a-quarter inch wand of pine wood with a heartstring core from a Chinese Fireball. Harry gave it a hesitant swish, but the wand immediately started producing thick smoke. Ollivander snatched it back with a mutter of disapproval.
"This one, then—twelve inches, yew, unicorn horn core." Harry barely had a chance to hold it before it shot out of his hand with a loud bang.
One by one, wands were handed to Harry and swiftly taken back by Ollivander as each failed in some disastrous way. Vernon and Dudley watched with growing fascination, while Petunia seemed more resigned, as though she'd witnessed this strange process before. Harry's eyes had long since glazed over with a thousand-yard stare, his mind drifting as Ollivander continued his search.
Finally, Ollivander's expression turned serious as he picked up a box with a deep sigh. "Eleven inches, holly, with a phoenix feather core. One of my few with phoenix feathers." Harry gave it a quick swish, but to Ollivander's mild surprise, nothing happened. He looked deeply disappointed, taking the wand back with a frown.
"Just a moment... Just Harry," Ollivander muttered, shuffling to the back room. When he returned, he held a plain, unmarked box, which he handed to Harry. "Try this one."
Now thoroughly exhausted, Harry took the wand and gave it a halfhearted swish. Instantly, sparks shot out, and Harry felt a rush of warmth and familiarity through his arm, like the wand was a long-lost friend. He looked down, surprised, and examined the wand more closely—it was a strange metallic shade, a dark grayish-black, with faint, crystalline veins running along its surface.
Harry's face lit up with excitement. "What's it made of?" he asked, genuinely curious.
Ollivander's mouth thinned, his gaze darkening. "Fifteen inches—a particularly long wand. It's made of metal, not wood," he said, practically spitting the word. "Cast iron, with crystalline veins of bismuth, and a core from a highly intelligent Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon. One of my experimental wands. Part of the modern trend, which, I must admit, I'm deeply ashamed of."
With a sigh of dismay, he shook his head. "I tremble to think of the monstrous modifications this wand will see. Ten Galleons, please, and kindly leave my shop."
The Dursleys paid hurriedly, and as they turned to leave, Ollivander was already muttering another rant under his breath about metals, cores, and the desecration of wand-making traditions.
Once outside, the family shared a nervous laugh, exchanging glances of relief. They walked quickly away from Ollivanders, glancing back occasionally to make sure the strange wandmaker wasn't following them with another tirade.
The Dursleys and Harry paused outside Gringotts to collect themselves, Petunia turning to the group. "Alright, what's next? Anything you want to revisit or buy?"
Harry and Vernon exchanged glances and both said in unison, "Flourish and Blotts."
Petunia nodded thoughtfully. "I also heard about a place called the Hogwarts Honors Shop, nearby. They offer recommended reference books and other resources for Hogwarts students. Shall we start there?"
Harry and Vernon agreed, and they made their way to the shop. The building was unique, resembling a cylindrical stone tower with two floors and a conical roof, designed like a small castle. A banner bearing the Hogwarts coat of arms hung from a second-floor window, giving the shop a distinguished air.
They pushed open the wooden door, surprisingly light, and stepped into a cozy space lined with bookshelves. Near the walls were various Hogwarts-themed memorabilia: banners, figurines, and even a glass-encased miniature Hogwarts with tiny animated figures on brooms and a shimmering lake. Harry and the Dursleys stared in awe at the display.
Harry and Vernon approached the counter, where a middle-aged woman with dark hair in a neat bun greeted them. Her magenta robes were paired with a name tag reading Katie Holland. Smiling, she handed them a thin booklet. Harry and Vernon exchanged a look of surprise as they flipped through it—inside was a list of over 200 recommended books!
Petunia, well used to her husband and nephew's enthusiasm for books, sighed and asked, "Is there a shorter list?"
Katie chuckled knowingly. "For most students, buying just the first two under each category will be more than enough. And for electives, I wouldn't worry about those for the first quarter. You can get the books later at Hogsmeade or through owl delivery."
Petunia slapped her forehead. "We forgot to buy an owl!" she exclaimed.
Vernon gave her a reassuring smile. "We'll get one after the books."
As they prepared to leave, Harry piped up, "Excuse me, could I also get a book on the course structure at Hogwarts? Something that shows what to expect over the years?"
Katie smiled and nodded. "I have one from the previous year, though remember, the structure changes slightly each year, and electives sometimes get added or removed." She went to a nearby bookshelf and returned with a thick tome titled Hogwarts Curriculum Codex: 2014 Extended Edition. "This edition includes reference books, articles, and magazines for each year, plus personal recommendations from professors."
Harry's eyes lit up as he accepted the tome, though its weight nearly pulled him down. Dudley caught it just in time, laughing as he steadied his cousin. "You really need to work on those noodly arms, Harry."
Harry rolled his eyes but smiled gratefully. He opened the tome, marveling at the detail within—every topic, spell, and technique, with insights on artifacts, instruments, and even commentary from past professors. Harry and Vernon exchanged looks, clearly seeing the research potential.
They eagerly paid the 40 Galleons, pricey but well worth it. Katie smiled as they left. "Come again anytime!" she called as they stepped back out into Diagon Alley, already planning their next visit.
Seeing Vernon and Harry's faces alight with excitement, Petunia smiled and said, "Alright, let's head to Flourish and Blotts."
LINE BREAK
Once inside the shop, Vernon opened their reference list and began directing Harry. "Let's start with the Transfiguration section. First up, Transcending Transfiguration by Albus Dumbledore, and Book of Dissections by Zhao Xin."
Harry found the books as Vernon continued. "Next, Charms. Animations and Manipulations by Rani Singh and Natural Phenomenon by Nicholas Smith." They moved to Potions: Ingredients and Their Interactions by Luo Lang, and Tome of Potions by Travis Jones. In Herbology, they collected Herbs and Fauna by Margaret Jones, and Plantation and Extraction by Percival Bones.
"Now, Defense Against the Dark Arts," Vernon said. "A Guide to Self-Defense by Tatiana and Solid Shields by Ronald Shieldbearer. Astronomy next—Stars and How They Affect Everything by Sharon Goldsmith and Star Chart by Rudra Keshra." Lastly, they arrived in the History section, where Harry gathered Medieval and Contemporary World History by Nora Johnson, and British Magical History by Matthew Dawson.
As they made their way through, Harry gathered each book, while Dudley helped carry the growing stack. Petunia lingered in the History section and gave Vernon a subtle signal to join her. She pointed to a few titles she wanted: The Decades: 1990-2000 Edition, The Decades: 2000-2010 Edition, and Contemporary Geopolitics—Magical Great Britain 1990-2015.
Vernon narrowed his eyes and whispered, "You think Snape didn't tell us everything?"
Petunia rolled her eyes. "Of course he didn't. He's Snape. I just want to understand the environment Harry's stepping into. Plus, this whole 'Potters were terrorists' claim feels... odd. It doesn't quite add up."
Vernon nodded, agreeing. "Fair enough. Pick up anything else you find relevant."
Just then, Harry called them over to the counter. "Uncle, Book of Dissections is just an outdated zoology book with incorrect physiology for many animals." Vernon took the book and flipped through it, nodding in agreement.
"Still, we should get it. First, it'll help you know which animals you'll study, and second, it'll give you insight into where wizarding knowledge has gaps."
Harry grinned. "Good point." He showed Vernon Natural Phenomenon, noting it had outdated concepts in physics and chemistry, and then mentioned that the Star Chart was inaccurate and lacking detail.
Vernon nodded thoughtfully. "We'll still take them. Knowing where others' knowledge falls short can give you a valuable edge."
Petunia returned with four books: the three previous ones and an additional title, Politics in Wizarding Britain. Vernon gave her a nod of approval. She then asked him, "You're not getting anything?"
Vernon smiled. "Not this time."
Meanwhile, Harry had added two extra books to the pile: Focusing Focii by Gregorovitch and Gizmos and Artifacts by Bladetooth. Altogether, they spent a hefty 243 Galleons. As they prepared to leave, Petunia suggested they call it a day and come back next weekend for anything they might have missed.
They all agreed, with Harry visibly buzzing with excitement over the new trove of knowledge and ready to dive into the books.
Endnote:
Some points to keep in mind—
I would be posting 3 chapters regularly every week.
I might drop bonus chapters occasionally on festivals and other such events.
I would be very appreciative for any review, suggestions and feedback that I would get considering this is the start of my journey too.