Harry woke up early the next morning. Knowing it was still practically dawn, given the lack of sound from the birds outside, he kept his eyes tightly closed.
- "Was it a dream?" - Potter thought to himself. - "I dreamt of a very large man named Rubeus Hagrid coming to find me to take me to a magic school. Yeah... it must be some kind of delusion of mine... damn Dursleys, right now I should be inside my broom closet, and soon Aunt Petunia will try to wake me up for that hellish routine." - Harry continued thinking as he waited for the shrill sound of her annoying voice. However, what followed left him slightly confused.
For light tapping sounds, like those on glass, were audible in the room, so Potter opened his eyes to see a gray owl forcing open the window and flying around the room, quickly descending towards the giant man's coat.
Harry jumped up, not quite sure what this sensation was, given that the news from the previous day was not a dream, meaning what he had learned about his parents was true. He could become a wizard and study at a great school like Hogwarts, at least that's what Hagrid said..., yes, perhaps this was what many people called the feeling of contentment or happiness, or his delusion had just evolved into some bizarre hallucination made only to catch him by surprise.
- Well, who knows. - He murmured, dismissing it all and moving towards the impatient owl pecking at Hagrid's coat, trying desperately to retrieve something from it.
- Rubeus. - Harry called, gently nudging his arm, but only received a groggy grunt in response. - There's an owl.
- Pay her. - Hagrid mumbled from the couch.
- How? And with what? - Harry asked, rolling his eyes at the man's lazy demeanor, but it was no great surprise, since it wasn't even six in the morning yet, and his supposed family only woke up after nine.
She wants payment for delivering the newspaper. Look in my pockets. - Hagrid replied as if it were easy. The giant's coat had about twenty pockets. And those were just the external ones. Harry rummaged through them, trying to suppress a shiver as he felt something furry in one of the pockets.
There were bunches of keys, rolls of twine, peppermint candies, tea bags... a golden key, and finally, to Harry's delight, he pulled out a handful of strange coins. Some were gold-like, others silver and bronze, but each was as beautiful and attractive as the other.
Give her five Knuts, they're the small bronze coins. - Hagrid said sleepily, snuggling further into the sofa, which had earlier been expanded by Martha.
- Give her five Knuts, they're the small bronze coins. - Hagrid said sleepily, snuggling further into the sofa that had previously been expanded by Martha.
Harry counted out five bronze coins, and the owl stretched out its leg for him to place the coins in the leather pouch attached there. It then flew to Harry's shoulder and lightly pecked his cheek and ear, something like a thank you, or at least that's how it seemed, before quickly flying out the window to continue its morning duties.
- Well... I'm going to exercise, I'll be back later. - Harry said to the man, not caring much for a response, as he had a routine of exercising for an hour, ensuring nothing would stagnate his lifestyle.
[ ... ]
It was 7:45 when Harry entered the room, shirtless and slightly sweaty. Hagrid, who had been lying down, calmly sat up, stretched, and yawned loudly as Potter headed straight for the shower, not giving the giant a chance to finally focus on what was so marked on the Boy Who Lived's skin, something that would make him extremely furious with Harry's relatives.
- We better get going, we need buy all your school supplies. - Hagrid said loudly, with Harry affirming that he would just take a shower and brush his teeth.
- So, Hagrid, I actually have a good amount of money saved up from my salary over the years. - Harry started, washing his hair while the giant's sharp eyes watched from the adjacent room. - But it was to keep me afloat for a few months without needing to work, allowing me to study and settle into a small apartment... how am I supposed to buy all this stuff and especially an animal? Is there any test or scholarship for Hogwarts? - Harry asked, leaving Hagrid slightly disheartened by the Hero of the Wizarding World having to grow up too soon, which gave him a great sense of responsibility. The giant might not have been the greatest example of responsibility, but he wasn't stupid, and it was noticeable how Harry carefully concealed information and spoke in a way not to irritate him.
- Don't worry, boy. - Hagrid said from the other side of the door, barely noticing Harry freeze in the shower and clench his fists for a short period, stopping the tremors in his hands. - Do you really think your parents didn't leave you anything? - Hagrid asked ironically, making Harry happy. However, it was clear that he would have given a sarcastic response to any of his relatives, but avoided doing so since Hagrid had only treated him well so far.
- But if the house in Godric's Hollow was destroyed... - Harry tried to say, but was interrupted by Hagrid.
- Relax, they would never keep their gold at home. Our first stop will be Gringotts, the wizard bank. - Hagrid commented as he left the room when he heard the shower turn off, knowing it wouldn't be long before Harry came down for breakfast.
Harry, noticing Hagrid's absence when he opened the bathroom door to let the steam out, simply turned to the mirror. He wiped the steam off it and stared at himself for a brief ten seconds. But those ten seconds were crucial for him, as he recited a sort of unique mantra inaudible to anyone else but of great importance to him.
Thus, promptly noticing his expressionless face, which could be uncomfortable to outsiders, Harry spent a few seconds practicing his standard fake smile and added a certain sparkle to his eyes—a sparkle often present in children's innocent gaze, but now appearing forced and very different from the tired look he had when alone.
[ ... ]
- How many wizarding banks are there? - Harry asked, now dressed in his new suit, which to an outsider looked much like the standard male Auror suits. He sat next to Rubeus, who had ordered a full breakfast for the two of them.
- Just this one! Gringotts... it's governed and run by goblins. - Rubeus replied with a nostalgic look in his eyes. - Well, at least the one we're going to is the British branch.
- What? - Harry asked, confused by the man's and Martha's looks at the reception.
- Nothing, just that you look identical to James... - Hagrid said, giving a "pat" on his shoulder.
- What are you talking about, Rubeus? Look at him... he looks more like an Auror captain. - Martha started, feigning a seductive tone. - Besides, James was a bit scrawny compared to Harry and all that defined chest and arms. - She continued, with Harry returning the woman's mischievous look in pure jest, making her happier, but deep down, he felt a warm glow inside being complimented and compared to his father, who was not the supposed drunk vagabond his uncles claimed.
- Anyway... - Harry cleared his throat forcefully. - Goblins? - Harry asked, interested, as in the fictions he saw, goblins were irrational and brutal beings, but here they had to be an intelligent race to be the sole controllers of the world's magical banks.
- A piece of advice, Harry. - Martha began. - Whenever you meet a goblin, be courteous and respectful of their titles and positions. If you don't, it doesn't matter if you're the Minister of Magic or the most powerful wizard alive, they will remember you negatively because first impressions matter to them.
- Yeah, that's why only a madman would try to rob the bank. Never mess with goblins. Thanks to them, all Gringotts branches are considered the safest places in the world to store anything, well... logically, except for Hogwarts, which is protected by security wards, animal factions, and Albus Dumbledore himself. - Hagrid cited with pride for his home and workplace.
After that, Harry continued his breakfast, being attentive to anyone who appeared and asked about his scar, his eyes, and even his appearance that reminded them a lot of a famous Quidditch player. However, he always remained very direct and somewhat confused, causing Hagrid to take control of the conversation, showing that this society was completely new to him, bringing out a more introverted side of Potter.
- Well. - Harry said, wiping the corner of his mouth with a napkin after bidding farewell to Martha, who was already busy with the increased bar activity. - The letter mentioned a Diagon Alley?
- Yes, as I said before, there's only one place to buy your supplies, Diagon Alley. We need to go there and then to Gringotts. Besides, everything you need will be there. - Hagrid said while looking for his umbrella in his coat.
- What's with that umbrella? - Harry asked curiously, due to the strange sensation it exuded.
- It's not just an umbrella, inside it is my wand that was broken into pieces decades ago. - Hagrid replied with a chuckle, as if he enjoyed sharing a secret with Harry.
- But does your magic still work? - Harry asked, intrigued.
- Of course it does, though a bit uncontrollable... Let's say the wand is just an enchanted tool to help you cast spells, but if a person has an extremely high level, they can cast spells from their own hands.
- And are there wizards capable of that? - Harry asked.
- Currently... only Albus Dumbledore. He is the only one so far who has been able to cast some spells without a wand, at least he is the only one I know of. - Hagrid said, causing some understanding for Harry. After all, he had spent the whole night reading Hogwarts: A History, and although the book seemed very childish... it was extremely explanatory for members of a mundane society seeking to join this magical society. - Alright, step back. - The man announced, then tapping some specific bricks with the tip of the umbrella. The bricks he touched trembled, twisted, and then opened up, forming a rather large archway even for Hagrid, leading to a cobblestone street that twisted and disappeared from view.
- Welcome to Diagon Alley! - Hagrid introduced the place with pride in his voice as he began to walk. Hagrid laughed at Harry's astonishment as they crossed the archway, and Harry could glimpse the first store with various cauldrons of different sizes, something that interested him greatly since gastronomy, rotisserie, and confectionery were his best practices in day-to-day life. He was eager to see the magical version of these. - You'll need one, but we must get your money first.
Harry wished he had eight eyes; he turned his head in every direction as they walked down the busy street. Various people were buying supplies, clothes, cauldrons, owls, and one of the things that caught Harry's attention the most was the enormous broomstick store with the exclusive new model of the year, the Nimbus 2000 the fastest broomstick ever made.
There were stores for robes, shops selling telescopes, and strange silver instruments Harry had never seen before, windows with piles of barrels containing bat spleens and eel eyes, a shop filled with precariously balanced piles of books from the simplest to the most advanced, bird feathers for writing, rolls of parchment, potion vials, globes of... Harry tried to figure out what the last one was, but he was interrupted by Hagrid who finally said.
- Gringotts, the largest and safest bank for wizards and witches. - Hagrid announced, with Harry noticing it was a white building towering over the little shops. Standing before the polished bronze doors, wearing a red and gold uniform, was... - Yes, that's a Goblin. - Hagrid whispered as they climbed the white stone steps to the goblin. He was much shorter than Harry, with a dark face and a pointed white beard. Harry also noticed that the goblin had considerably long feet and hands. However, the most noticeable thing was the extremely sharp spears they wielded, which seemed to drip a greenish liquid, making Harry theorize it might be some kind of poison or toxin.
The Goblin did not greet them, but it was noticeable how their gaze was focused on the sword Harry wore at his waist. They did not show displeasure or hostility at what they saw; it was more like silent respect, whatever might have been going through the minds of such beings.
Immediately afterward, Harry encountered a second set of doors, this time silver, engraved with the following:
"Enter, stranger, but take heed...
Of what awaits the sin of greed...
For those who take but do not earn...
Must pay most dearly in their turn...
So if you seek beneath our floors...
A treasure that was never yours...
Thief, you have been warned, beware...
Of finding more than treasure there."
- Didn't I tell you? Only a madman would try to rob the bank of beings so threatening right at the door. - Hagrid whispered, with the guards seeming interested in Harry's response.
- Well, to me, they were kind enough to warn that there are consequences for stealing what isn't yours... because there are indeed many pathetic people who think they have the right to do as they please through their fragile positions and illusory royalties created in enormous sandcastles… so, if something happens to someone, it's purely their fault for not respecting the rules of those who guard and move their riches. - Harry responded more to himself, with Hagrid widening his eyes as he saw goblins smiling for the first time, and in his mind, it was not a pleasant sight. - Come on, Hagrid, if society defends the thief, then it's more than obvious there's something wrong with it, not with an ancient warrior race that wants to protect with lethal force those who threaten their belongings. - Harry concluded, patting Hagrid's shoulder, something that finally made the half-giant feel the hidden strength in Potter's muscles, and even a small revenge for the previous "pat" Hagrid had given Harry.
So, Harry didn't care much for a response, as he pushed through the silver double doors and took his first step into the bank. It was a large marble hall where Potter found himself. More than fifty goblins were seated on high stools behind a long counter on either side of the hall, writing in large ledgers, weighing dozens of coins in brass scales, and examining precious stones with jeweler's glasses. There were too many doors around the hall to count, and many other goblins were escorting people in and out of them.
Hagrid and Harry approached the counter, where the giant finally said:
- Good morning, we've come to withdraw some money from Mr. Harry Potter's vault. - Hagrid said to a goblin at the reception.
- Do you have the key? - The Goblin asked, not hiding his eye roll, as it had been hundreds of times people tried to commit fraud, and this time was no different, especially since they had particularly decided to bring an adult instead of the Boy Who Lived.
- I have it somewhere. - Hagrid said, starting to empty his pockets onto the counter, spreading out a handful of moldy dog biscuits. - Found it! - Hagrid exclaimed, showing a small gold key.
The Goblin examined it carefully with an extremely critical look and perhaps something more, as it mysteriously glowed, and finally said:
- Seems to be in order. Anything else? - The Goblin asked, not caring much about the key being genuine but rather about how strange it was that a supposed fraud had come closer than any before.
- I also have a letter from Professor Dumbledore, it's about you-know-what in vault seven hundred and thirteen. - Hagrid said with an air of importance, leaving Harry slightly embarrassed but noticing a knowing look in the goblin's eyes, with Potter responding as much as he could through his own gaze.
Wizards were strange, You-Know-Who, You-Know-What, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Harry didn't understand the fear everyone had when mentioning Voldemort; to him, it was just another extravagant title a dark wizard decided to name himself. Even though he felt anger towards this wizard for killing his parents, he knew his parents wouldn't be happy with wrongful and dangerous actions. But here he could notice one thing about this new race: one was that wizards around him did not respect them, evident by their gaze towards those who took care of their riches, and another... was that this goblin wanted to say something, but not in the external presence, meaning not with Rubeus around.
Something Harry sought to answer through his gaze, to go with the flow, and apparently, that was exactly what he would do, as he noticed the goblin quickly analyzed him in some magical or mystical way with his eyes glowing, then smiled in understanding and continued reading the letter carefully:
- Very well, I'll have someone take you to both vaults. Griphook! - The Goblin announced to someone behind him.
Griphook was another goblin. After Hagrid stuffed all the dog biscuits back into his pockets, he began to follow the goblin to one of the doors in the hall.
- Thank you for your attention... - Harry said, showing doubt in his voice about how to present himself without a name.
- Jefte, it was a pleasure to assist the Ancient and Noble House of Potter once again. - The Goblin introduced himself, wanting to say something about the vault key not appearing to have been in the heir's possession all this time.
- I know, I understand... but not here and not now. Later, when I'm alone, I'll come back, and we'll discuss everything necessary. - Harry explained, knowing well how to handle a business conversation and seeing that it would be necessary without attention, especially with Hagrid already seeming to want to turn around to see if Harry was following him. - See you later, Jefte.
- "Hm... always a pleasure working with the Potters, let's see what really happens from now on." - The Goblin sighed to himself, already seeing the potential and chaos a single person could bring to the magical society. Thus watching Potter finally follow Griphook and the half-giant.
- You-know-what in vault seven hundred and thirteen? - Harry asked, starting a conversation as he saw Hagrid wanting to know what he had discussed with Jefte.
- I can't tell you, it's very secret, concerning Hogwarts. Dumbledore trusted me, and my job is worth more than my desire to tell you. - Hagrid replied while receiving passage to a narrow stone path, illuminated by flaming torches. It was a steep descent with small tracks.
Hagrid had some difficulty sitting in the cart, but soon it shot off down the tracks towards the vaults in question.
Hagrid was almost purple from holding his breath to avoid embarrassment on the journey, while Harry appeared to embrace the adrenaline sensation and even dared to look into the abyss they passed over. For a moment, he could hear a loud growl from a beast or wild animal, along with the strange fact of crossing a waterfall that didn't wet them but felt like it bathed his soul with a diagnostic sensation, something Griphook smiled at with slight disappointment.
Harry even theorized that if he weren't Harry Potter or if Hagrid weren't the true responsible party for retrieving items from vault 713, they both would simply be dropped into the great abyss below and served as food for some creature. But he put this aside, deciding not to question the strange security measures of a bank he had just come to know.
Finally, the cart stopped next to a small passage door. Hagrid jumped out and had to lean against the wall to stop his knees from trembling.
Ignoring the scene, Griphook quickly unlocked the door with a wave of his hand and a silent request for Harry to insert the gold key into the lock that appeared.
The process itself seemed very simple and physical, but only Harry could feel something embracing him, as if embracing his soul or magic, confirming permission to enter with the large door dissipating into a cloud of green smoke. As it dissipated, Harry was extremely surprised while he tucked the gold key into one of his blazer's inner pockets. Inside the vault were tall heaps of gold coins, each stacked neatly, extensive columns of silver, and piles of small bronze Knuts.
There were so many, and their beauty was undeniable.
- It's all yours! - Hagrid smiled at Harry, who looked at him strangely. Things seemed too good to be true, and given his life history, something bad might soon hit him squarely in the face.
The Dursleys definitely didn't know this existed, or they would have taken everything faster than a blink. How many times had they complained about how much it cost to raise Harry, forcing him to get a job and support himself to change that?
Griphook, who had brought a small pouch, simply asked how much Harry wanted to take with him. He examined the price of each material and uniform he would buy and finally took twice the amount needed for school shopping, ensuring he had some savings.
Harry was impressed with everything he saw; the goblin skillfully grabbed countless gold, silver, and bronze coins, throwing them into the pouch at exorbitant speeds. The incredible part was that the coins did not overflow but seemed to disappear into the bottomless pouch.
- What is this? - Harry asked, approaching the goblin.
- Undetectable Extension Charm: It's an advanced spell properly contained by wizarding laws, but we can use it when we receive requests for large withdrawals," the goblin replied, sticking to the safe side of any law they had, though Harry could detect a hint of sarcasm, indicating the goblin didn't care much for British laws.
- Hm... - Harry murmured to himself while receiving the pouch from the goblin, not missing the look that Griphook didn't like wizards, and he himself... enjoyed this rivalry between wizards and goblins, causing a sinister contentment on the part of the banker.
- The gold coins are Galleons, the silver ones are Sickles, and the bronze ones are Knuts. - Hagrid told Harry, who was examining the coins as they left the vault. - 25 Knuts make up 1 Sickle, and 20 Sickles make up 1 Galleon.
- And 100 Galleons make up what? - Harry asked, feigning pure seriousness, with Hagrid choking in doubt, seeking the goblin's support.
- Questions cost 1 Sickle. - The goblin grumbled.
- Ten Knuts per question and stop trying to exploit us, I'm not a fool. - Harry sharpened his eyes in challenge at the goblin's expression that made a simple question seem so expensive. Hagrid choked in fear at Harry's audacity against the goblins.
- Deal. - The goblin replied, receiving the ten bronze coins, not hiding the amusement in his eyes. - 100 Galleons make up 100 Galleons since there is no higher denomination in Gringotts. - He finished, laughing in challenge at Potter, who sharpened his eyes in return but sat back as the cart sped off to the next vault they would visit.
- What's the conversion rate for No-mag society's external currency notes? - Harry asked the goblin, who was about to charge for a single question, sensing the trap. - Specifically for Brazilian real notes. - He finished, already handing over another 10 Knuts, leaving no chance for the goblin to exploit a higher value for the question.
- 1 Knut equals 0.20 Brazilian cents. - The goblin began, grumbling for receiving so little when he would have exploited much more from other wizards.
- 1 Sickle equals 5.00 Brazilian reais. - He continued, with Harry mentally calculating the amount of coins he had with him.
- And 1 Galleon equals 100.00 Brazilian reais. - The goblin concluded as the cart stopped abruptly, and he exited, with Hagrid stumbling out while handing him a brazier of fire.
- Vault seven hundred and thirteen, stand back! - Griphook said with an air of importance, slowly smoothing the door with his long finger, and it simply dissolved. - If anyone other than a Gringotts goblin tried this, they would be swallowed by the door and trapped inside. - Griphook explained, leaving Harry amazed by such magic.
- Shocking. - Harry said, smiling, with the goblin and Hagrid looking at him strangely. - Come on, seeing a criminal being swallowed by a door and held there for eternity, death, or until someone comes to rescue them in pure humiliation, must be a spectacle! - He finished, with Griphook laughing heartily at the supposed hidden sadism of the Potter heir. - How often do you check if someone is inside?
- Once every ten years, don't worry. Besides the magic, we have a rather dangerous guard reptile activated when someone unauthorized tries to touch the door. - Griphook said maliciously, pointing to the crest of a stone with an "F/A" placed right behind it, maybe the name of a family, initials of surnames, or titles? Who knows.
There must have been something really extraordinary in this high-security vault, Harry was sure, and he leaned forward, expecting to see at least some fabulous jewels, but at first, it seemed empty. Then he noticed a dirty little package on the floor. Hagrid picked it up and stored it very carefully in his coat. Harry was very curious about what it was, but as Hagrid had said, it was important Hogwarts business.
- Let's go, let's get back to that infernal cart, and don't talk to me on the way back, it's better if I keep my mouth shut. - Hagrid recommended as he prepared for the nightmare.
After another ride in the out-of-control cart, they reached the sunlight outside Gringotts. Harry didn't know where to go first, now that he had withdrawn a large amount of money. It was notable that he had made a unique first impression on the Gringotts goblins, since he saw more than one whispering his name and how he had outdone Griphook in his own bank militia.
So, before Harry could say anything, Hagrid commented:
- Let's buy your uniform first. - Hagrid said, pointing to a nearby shop with a sign that read: Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. - Listen, Harry, while you're buying your clothes, I'll have a tonic at the Leaky Cauldron; these trips to Gringotts take it out of me. - Hagrid said as he walked to the end of the block.
- Alright. - Harry replied, already heading to the shop, as Hagrid was quite fast compared to his size. - Excuse me. - Harry announced his arrival at the shop, where he received attention from both men and women, due to him wearing a fine black suit with silver details and being considerably strong and handsome compared to others, giving the impression he might be an Auror or magical officer.
- Can I help you? Are you here to buy a uniform for your son? - A blonde woman of pleasant appearance asked as she approached him.
- Actually... I'm the one who needs them. - Harry said with an embarrassed smile, searching for her name.
- Sorry, I'm Melinda Malkin... and what year are you in? - She asked while taking Harry's list of supplies.
- I'm Harry, as you can see, I'll be starting my first year. - Harry replied, leaving everyone in the shop surprised by the statement.
- Sorry dear, but is this some kind of joke? It was hard enough dealing with the Weasley twins earlier...
- I know it seems strange, but yes, I'm in my first year, look, this is my acceptance letter to Hogwarts. - Harry responded, handing his letter to the shop owner.
- By Merlin. - She was shocked when she read his full name on the letter. - How can you be Harry James Potter? And what happened to your body? You should look like an eleven-year-old boy. - Melinda asked, completely shocked as she stared at Harry's face and forehead.
- I have no idea... but I guess it wouldn't be that surprising, since today I discovered wizards, goblins, and a whole new society completely hidden from me for the past eleven years. - Harry explained as if his appearance was not so surprising. - Anyway, the letter states that I need at least three sets of plain robes, could you sell me those three, plus two plain Muggle sets, and two complete blazers like this one... logically with the shirt as well? - Harry asked, indicating his blazer and shirt to the shop owner. - I'll also need the other accessories listed in the letter. - Harry said, noticing the woman still in shock but soon blinking as Harry waved his hand in front of her glazed eyes.
- Yes, it is a pleasure to sell my products to the famous Harry Potter. - Melinda responded, not missing the opportunity to make it clear to customers that this was the place where the boy... or man-who-survived came to shop, all while leading Harry to a platform to start his measurements.
Minutes passed with Melinda taking Harry's measurements, using her wand to adjust the silver details on the blazer and all the necessary accessories for his attire.
Many people in the shop were amazed and astonished by Harry Potter being there and looking like a seventeen to twenty-year-old man. With this in mind, they decided not to bother him and let him shop calmly, heeding the shop owner's warning glance to avoid being inconvenient to others.
Melinda Malkin's work took long minutes, and in the end, she brought a suitcase in hand.
- I'm finished, dear. Do you want me to leave it with you or send it to Hogwarts? - Melinda asked.
- If you could send it for me, I would be grateful. I still have many other things to buy. - Harry said with a slight smile as he put his shirt and blazer back on, which the woman had previously insisted he remove, not letting the public around him notice the various scars on his chest, back, and arms, making them feel a slight protective sensation towards their hero, responding by respecting his privacy.
- Alright, as a standard start of the school year, all will be stored in your selected dormitory with your name on the tags. - Melinda Malkin responded while receiving the payment and an extra for the service, which Harry didn't mind paying. - Thank you for your preference and come back anytime.
- Let's see, now I need the books. - Harry said to himself as he approached a crowded shop. Unlike before, in this shop, he simply said his name was Harry and that he needed all the listed books. All this because he didn't want to stay long in that crowd and knew well the danger of exposing his full name amid so many children and teenagers, whom Hagrid informed him had grown up admiring him as a fictitious hero and divine celebrity.
Harry wandered around the shop while the attendant fetched his books, and he ended up finding some that caught his attention. These were:
Defensive and Offensive Spells Against the Dark Arts - Quirinus Quirrell.
Light and Darkness - Learn the Greater Good - Albus P.B.W.D.
Incorporeal and Corporeal Patronus - Remus Lupin.
Advanced Potion-Making - Severus Prince Snape.
Guide to Medieval Witchcraft - Jadis: The Ancient.
Anthology of Alchemy in the Past Century - Nicholas Flamel.
The Quest for Success in the Art of Dueling - Filius Flitwick.
Rituals and Ancient Spells Lost in Time - Aslan: The Lion King.
Powers You Don't Know and What to Do Now That You've Discovered Them - Dolores Jane Umbridge.
The Invisible Book of Invisibility - The Invisible Man.
Supreme Defensive Magic - Gellert Grindelwald.
Self-Defensive Spells - Aberforth Dumbledore.
The Dark Forces - Tom Marvolo Riddle.
Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts - Garrick Ollivander.
Species of Dragons in Britain and Ireland - Bard: The Bowman.
Magical Hieroglyphs and Logograms - Septima Vector.
Runes Without Mysteries - Merlin.
Advanced Rune Translation - Bathsheda Babbling.
History of Quidditch - Igor Karkaroff.
Secrets of Time and Space - Doctor Who?
Everyone who saw him picking up and stacking the books was amazed at the boy's enthusiasm for the magical world and his willingness to spend so much on high-class books like the ones he chose. Harry had a great passion for books and knowledge, which is why he decided to buy all the advanced books and read them during the school year. He knew very well that this could be delivered in the following years, but he had an immense desire to make up for the lost years when he knew nothing about the wizarding world, and strangely enough, many of the authors' names brought a certain nostalgia or familiarity to Potter.
And although each book ranged from 5 Sickles (R$ 25,00) to 2 Galleons (R$ 200,00), he didn't mind, as he had withdrawn very little compared to everything in his vault, and if he was to invest in what he would learn, it had to be about everything.
Harry, who initially had only eight basic study books for first-years, now had twenty more advanced books on magic against the dark arts, hieroglyphs, Quidditch, spells, dragons, and everything that interested him.
Because of this, the shop owner was properly called, tasked with enchanting all the books into packages, and placed them in an expansive trunk, which was promptly delivered to Harry and paid for the service. During the process, Potter received a VIP card, a kind of communication card that allowed exclusive customers to place their orders without leaving home.
- Thank you for your preference. - The attendant said maliciously when Harry asked her to set it up for automatic delivery to Hogwarts, thus noticing his full name and promptly whispering like a teenager to her boss.
Since there were many people on the street, Harry decided to continue his shopping and then meet up with Hagrid. The boy had spent his last minutes buying a cauldron (pewter, size 2), a basic set of vials, a medium telescope, and at that moment, he had just paid for a brass scale.
He was only missing an owl, cat, dog, or rat and a wand. Opting for the most interesting, he quickly went in search of the wand shop.
Situated at the end of the block, on a narrow and shabby street. Faded gold letters above the door read:
"Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C."
There were some simple wooden wands and others with a unique style displayed in the shop window. Before Harry could enter the shop, he was surprised by Hagrid.
The giant who accompanied Harry on this adventure appeared out of nowhere and said loudly:
- Happy belated birthday, Harry. - The man appeared with a caged owl in his hands. - I meant to give you a cake and dinner, but that went wrong when I couldn't find you with your relatives.
- Wow, you didn't have to do all this... - Harry said and immediately felt a tingling sensation in his head, with his eyes strangely glowing a pure emerald green. The owl flapped its wings twice and then flew out of the cage when Harry opened it, only to perch on his shoulders and peck him affectionately. - Anyway, let's go? All that's left is a wand. - Harry mentioned as he entered the shop, barely noticing Hagrid's frozen state of surprise, who had just witnessed the formation of a rare familiar bond.
As Harry entered the shop, a bell tinkled somewhere in the back. It was a tiny, empty shop except for a single tall, narrow chair where Hagrid sat to wait. Harry had a strange feeling as if he had entered a very exclusive library, and his instincts quickly indicated a box at the top of the shop, almost as if it were on the ceiling. Harry noticed that there was a box nearly falling, but it remained inert due to no movement around or on the shelf itself.
- Good morning. - Said a soft voice from behind him, with Harry immediately gripping the katana at his waist. - Ah, yes, yes, yes. I thought I would see you soon, Mr. Potter, and clearly, I see that great changes have occurred to you. - The old man said as he circled him, practically analyzing his soul with that look.
- How do you know I'm Harry Potter? - Harry asked with a slight expression of curiosity.
- You have your mother's bright green eyes. It seems like it was just yesterday she was here, buying her first wand. Ten and a quarter inches long, swishy, made of willow. A good wand for charm work. - Mr. Ollivander came closer to Harry, making him slightly uncomfortable. - And of course, you have your father's identical face. He received a mahogany wand, eleven inches, pliable. A little more power and excellent for transfiguration. Well, I say your father preferred it; in reality, it's the wand that chooses the wizard, of course. - Mr. Ollivander came so close that he and Harry were almost nose-to-nose. Harry saw his reflection in those eyes.
And then:
Mr. Ollivander touched the lightning bolt-shaped scar on Harry's forehead. As analytical as Harry was, he hadn't noticed his hand trembling in anticipation of any threat from this man, knowing that if he tried any funny business, the man would lose his hand.
- Incredible, the magic lodged in your forehead is very close to the end. I regret to say that I sold the wand that caused it. - Ollivander said softly. - Fourteen inches, quite an extremely powerful wand that unfortunately fell into the wrong hands... Well, if I had known what the wand would end up doing... - He shook his head, then to Harry's relief, he saw Hagrid sitting.
- Hagrid! Good to see you again... Oak, sixteen and a half inches, rather pliable, correct? - He asked, seemingly wanting to show off his photographic memory, though it didn't surprise Harry much, as he had it himself but didn't show it off to others.
- It was, yes, sir. - Hagrid replied.
- Good wand that one, but I suppose they snapped it in half when they expelled you? - Ollivander said suddenly serious.
- Um... Snapped it, they did! But I still keep the pieces. - Hagrid commented, winking at Harry, affirming not to say anything about the umbrella.
- But you don't use them? - Mr. Ollivander asked severely.
- Ah, no, sir. - Hagrid replied quickly.
- Hum... - Mr. Ollivander grumbled, not believing him. - Well, now, Mr. Potter, let's see. - Ollivander said, taking a long tape measure with silver numbers from his pocket.
- Which arm do you use for your wand?
- I'm practiced with both, but I think I'm more adept with my left. - Harry replied, implying that he used his katana with his right hand.
Then Mr. Ollivander began taking measurements of Harry to fit him with a proper wand.
- Every Ollivander wand has a core made of a powerful magical substance, Mr. Potter. We use unicorn hairs, phoenix tail feathers, and dragon heartstrings. No two Ollivander wands are the same, just as no unicorns, dragons, or phoenixes are the same.
- And of course, you'll never get such good results with another wizard's wand.
Harry suddenly realized that the tape measure moving around was measuring him on its own. Mr. Ollivander was quickly walking around the shelves, bringing down boxes and boxes filled with wands.
- So, Mr. Potter, try this one. Beech and dragon heartstring, nine inches, nice and flexible. Go on, give it a wave.
Harry took the wand and gave it a few movements, but Mr. Ollivander almost immediately took it back from him.
- Maple and phoenix feather, seven inches, quite springy. Let's try it.
Harry barely raised the wand when, once again, Mr. Ollivander took it from his hand.
- No, no! Here... ebony and unicorn hair, nine inches, flexible. - Ollivander said, watching Harry try wand after wand.
[ ... ]
An enormous pile of empty boxes had already formed where no wand accepted him. What was most incredible was that the more the pile grew, the happier Mr. Ollivander seemed to become.
- Difficult customer, eh? Don't worry, we'll find the perfect wand for you somewhere, I'm unsure where to look now, but why not? - Ollivander said to himself while pulling out another wand and handing it to Harry. This one was black, very well-crafted, and had a certain strange sensation that made Harry uneasy. - Holly base, eleven inches, phoenix feather core, nice and supple... quite an unusual combination of core and wood.
But to everyone's surprise, what was supposed to be a twin choice of another very important wand did not accept him. As soon as Harry touched it, a static spell was cast uncontrollably towards the ceiling, making a small hole there.
- S-Sorry. - Harry said as he put the wand back in the box. Suddenly, two black and completely dusty boxes fell in front of him, causing two wands to roll out to Harry's feet, leaving Ollivander surprised not to see such wands for a long time.
Harry, not wasting time, simply picked up both wands with both hands to hand them to Mr. Ollivander. However, what followed surprised both Mr. Ollivander and Hagrid.
Both wands simply enveloped themselves in a kind of energy aura, merging with Harry's hands.
In his left hand was a wand with a slight resemblance to dark bones. Its handle had a carved skull and was coated in a blue aura of energy.
In his right hand was a completely dark and very well-crafted wand. Along its length were six slightly circular parts with various holes in them. It emitted a purely scarlet aura that gradually connected more and more with Harry's grip, forming a tattoo of a triangle, a circle, and a vertical line fully connected, which finally disappeared from his skin along with the aura.
- What's happening? - Harry asked, slightly confused by the energy emitted by both wands.
- Incredible, you've been accepted by two wands. - Hagrid said euphorically, with his day improving every hour.
- N-No, it's not possible. These wands are something completely different from the usual, and no one in the history of magic has managed to wield them. They always rejected users, causing dangerous burns to appear on their hands or worse... - Mr. Ollivander said to himself, but such information reached the ears of the two in the shop.
- What are these wands made of? - Hagrid asked, watching Harry handle both wands with a pure sense of equality between them.
- The wand in the boy's left hand was created by me and an ancient wizard named Gellert Grindelwald. - Ollivander explained, with Hagrid widening his eyes, and he nodded in understanding of the astonishment. - Its base was not made of wood but a dementor bone, its core is coated with the tail hair of a thestral over 2,500 years old, twelve inches, inflexible with a skull detail at its base created by Gellert's magic, preventing any forced summoning by an external source.
- Dementor bone? How come we've never heard of something like this? - Hagrid asked.
- Because no one has ever been able to wield it without suffering critical damage to their magic. The wand was never able to accept anyone and was so imbued with Gellert's magic that it not only prevented summoning but also someone holding it with bare hands. That's why I've kept it hidden in a sealing box for the last long decades. - Ollivander responded, leaving behind the astonishment and showing greater excitement at someone finally obtaining it. - But apparently, an accidental magic brought it back to the surface.
- But what about this other one? How can I be accepted by two at the same time? - Harry asked with a surprised expression.
- Boy, I don't know the reason you were chosen by it... but if it happened, it's because great deeds can occur. - Ollivander responded. - And it's not impossible, just not well-regarded by the Ministry, as it makes it harder to control people. But we can bypass that with the excuse of you being ambidextrous, just in case they find out. - He finished with a mischievous criminal wink.
- Anyway, this is the Wand of Destiny, an artistic name my family has carried, but it doesn't diminish its potential. - Ollivander began to explain, looking at the wand but refusing to touch it. - It wasn't created by me but passed down from generation to generation by someone named Aslan to the first of my lineage. A long time ago, my family was saved from extinction by him, and he explained to us that his only wand creation was something very special that had to reach the hands of someone equally special.
- Its base is made of branches from Yggdrasil, with slight elder chips, a liquid core coated with tears of Death itself, sixteen inches, slightly flexible. - He recited, studying how this wand bore such a resemblance to another, though the other was brownish and this one completely dark. - This is the first wand ever created... considered the mother of all wands, the Elder Wand, currently wielded by none other than Albus Dumbledore. - Mr. Ollivander finished with a mix of admiration and confusion.
- What do I do with these two? - Harry asked, not wanting to disappoint with the use of two wands of such potential.
- There's nothing else to be done. Both wands have accepted you as their master; we can only wait for the great deeds they will bring to everyone's lives. - Ollivander replied decisively.
- Come on, Harry, try something! - Hagrid said excitedly, quickly responded to by a wave of Harry's left hand, creating a massive gust of wind outside, leaving everyone startled. After that, incredibly, the shop they were in began to remodel itself as if it was reversing its peeling paint state, the boxes reorganized quickly, and all the dirt was swept away. With just a wave of the wand, Harry managed to refurbish and organize Mr. Ollivander's entire shop.
- Do you really think it accepted me? - Harry asked, frightened because he had only intended to create a light beam, but his magic exploded around him, leaving the shop spotless, beautiful, with various wands displayed in glass tubes, and more.
- Thank you very much, Mr. Potter. - The shop owner said, admiring the look of his shop. Such an aspect he hadn't seen since he opened it a long time ago.
- Go on, try the other one! - Hagrid said, even more excited to see the Wand of Destiny in action.
Harry, pondering what to do, simply pointed the wand in his right hand and gently twirled it with a single thought: to turn that small piece of metal into a bird perch.
However, once again, to his and the others' astonishment, a tingling sensation surged in Harry as a red beam flew towards the small metal object, not only transforming it into a kind of bird stand but also completely engulfing it in flames. Harry even thought of extinguishing the fire, fearing it would burn something. However, a strange bird's chirp echoed from the moderate and intense flames emerging from the object.
Getting very close to it, an action repeated by Ollivander and Hagrid. Harry simply had the magnificent vision of the creation of a small fire phoenix. The animal was quite small compared to his owl, and soon the flames ceased, giving a full view of the bird with emerald eyes, which simply fluttered with difficulty towards Harry's shoulder, giving small affectionate pecks on his cheek and ear.
- Magnificent, this is something surreal even for me, creating life from an object... it's something impossible... but here I am... seeing it with my own eyes. Surely these wands were waiting for your arrival. - Ollivander said, completely amazed by the small bird that wouldn't stop rubbing against Harry's face in an excited and affectionate manner, almost as if it had known him since he was a baby and was trying to kill the longing. Its feathers were in slightly dark tones, and its eyes glowed a pure emerald very similar to Harry's.
- Harry, I know you're amazed by everything... I am too. However, we must go now; your train will depart in an hour, and we can't be late. - Hagrid said, disappointed to have to end this spectacle.
- Sure, Mr. Ollivander, I can keep it, right? - Harry asked while paying 15 Galleons per wand (R$ 1,500).
- Of course, you created it, just one favor to ask, may I? - Ollivander inquired, admiring the small phoenix chick, handing a note with an address there.
- No problem, what do you need? - Harry responded curiously.
- Keep me informed about the progress and spells cast by the two wands. I'll create a case study about you and the acceptance of these legendary wands. Also, notify me about how this cutie is doing. - Ollivander said while gently stroking the phoenix's feathers. - And remember, it's forbidden for minors to wield more than one wand, but no one needs to know that.
- Right, thank you very much... - Harry said while Ollivander finally shook his hand, and thus he and Hagrid walked away from the shop as they exited onto the street.
- It seems the world's destiny is changing based on your actions... I just hope you remain the great boy you are and find what you need to fill that void in your soul. - Ollivander said to himself, being very analytical as he is, and seeing how the boy wielded a perfect facade of happiness and reactions, hiding all his accumulated dark anger and sadness inside. - If not, the whole world is screwed having you as an enemy.
And with that, I conclude the sixth chapter of Changed Prophecy.
I hope you're enjoying it and don't forget to comment.
The wand situation will be addressed later and in detail. Harry's main wand is made from dementor bone, and it will have some good secrets behind it, along with future enhancements.
As for the Wand of Destiny, it will be kept as his secret for now. Of course, he will use it, but it will have a lot more focus from the fourth year onwards, as that is when he will begin to notice more secrets about the wand and its creator.
I really hope you're enjoying how the story is being approached. I look forward to seeing you all in the comments section.
Send ideas, opinions, critiques, or whatever. You guys are awesome. XD
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Dementor Bone Wand: Its base was created not from wood but from a dementor bone, its core is coated with thestral tail hair, twelve inches, inflexible with a skull detail at its base created by Gellert's magic, preventing any disarming by an external source.
Image:
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Wand of Destiny: Its base is made from Yggdrasil branches, with slight elder chips, a liquid core coated with tears of Death itself, sixteen inches, slightly flexible.
Image:
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Owl - Harry's Familiar:
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Phoenix Chick - Life Created from Objects:
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