Harry wasn't sure what his uncle would say about Hogwarts. He really wanted to hear what would be said, as it could have an impact on him. Harry found a monitoring spell in one of the books and used it to be able to listen in to conversations in the living room, the kitchen and the master bedroom, not knowing where his aunt would start that dreaded conversation. Eventually, it happened about two weeks before his eleventh birthday. Aunt Petunia sent the boys to their rooms before moving to join her husband in front of the television. The way she looked at Harry made him understand this was the time.
Back in his room, he activated the appropriate spell and listened.
"You know Harry's birthday will come in two weeks," Petunia said.
"So?" Vernon grumbled.
"He's going to get his letter soon, maybe even before his birthday."
"What letter are you talking about?" Vernon sounded really puzzled.
"Don't you remember what I told you about the letter my sister got at his age?"
"I do, but what does it have to do with the boy? There has been no freakishness around him for a few years already. Why should he go to that freak school?"
Harry could almost see his aunt rolling her eyes. "Vernon, it's nothing freaky. The ability to do something special is a talent one should cherish, not something to loathe and be afraid of."
"Have you gone overboard? I don't see you suddenly loving that!"
She sighed. "I don't like magic, but mainly because I can't do magic. It was my jealousy of my sister that clouded my judgment. It almost destroyed my life. I don't want it to destroy Harry's life." Her voice turned softer and Harry thought she was almost crying. "He's all that remained of my sister."
He could hear Vernon shifting on the sofa. "Now, please, don't get too sentimental. I know Harry is a good boy. I even thought of sending him to Smelting, like Dudley, but if he is destined for another route, I won't stand in his way. Isn't that what you wanted to hear?"
"Yes, Vernon. This is very important to me. Please understand."
"No need to cry, Pet. I can't say I like it. Not at all. But if he needs to go there – so be it. Just don't expect me to go with him to those freak shops. I don't think I could stand it."
"That's alright. I'll go with him, or maybe they will send somebody. Don't worry. You won't have to go."
Harry turned the monitoring off. It went much smoother than expected. It was clear that Vernon didn't change his mind about Magic, but he had gained more appreciation of his nephew since Harry started exercising, achieving better control of his magic. He hoped this uneasy acceptance wouldn't become too stressed due to Hogwarts.
\/\/\/
Vernon really seemed to mellow a bit about Harry since his previous birthday. It was almost as if he started liking the boy. Harry felt weird about it, not sure if this was just pretence or a genuine change. At least he didn't offer to take Harry on a visit to his sister Marge. That would not have passed well.
It was a day before his birthday. Vernon called him to sit near him in the living room.
"Harry, I know you've not always been welcome in this house. I know I was the main reason for that, due to the way I feel about... certain things. I'm not sure I can ever change that, but I want to assure you that whatever I feel about those things, I still think of you as family."
Harry wasn't sure how to respond, but Vernon didn't seem to expect an answer.
"Your aunt tells me that you're probably going to that school up north, where both your parents got their education. I admit I'd like it better if you joined Dudley at Smelting or even if you chose some other school of distinction, but I won't stop you if your destiny takes you elsewhere. I only want you to know that family always support each other. Whenever you need it, don't hesitate to ask, and we'll do everything we can to help you."
Harry felt his eyes moisten. "Thank you, Uncle Vernon. That is very important to me. I also think that family is very important and I'll also help and protect you if ever you need it."
Vernon seemed to relax a bit. "That's the right spirit, my boy! I think I'm going to be proud of you!"
\/\/\/
Harry's birthday was similar to the previous year. Hermione asked to stay overnight, and aunt Petunia agreed, letting her sleep in the guestroom. She didn't know that the girl used fading to join Harry in bed, returning to her room early in the morning, only to change and join Harry in his daily training.
Harry was delighted. Not only was his night perfect, with his friend cuddling with him, but his training was also most enjoyable. Hermione was even able to keep up with him, only breathing a little harder when they finally stopped, both grinning widely.
"I think we are good together," Harry noted.
"You bet!" was her happy reply.
After showering in turns, they joined Aunt Petunia at the breakfast table. Vernon had already left for work and Dudley wouldn't wake up so early during vacation.
"Would you like to go shopping for school today?" Petunia asked.
"I've already bought most of it," Hermione said. "I only need to buy my wand and possibly a pet."
"I haven't got my letter yet," Harry noted.
"Oh, you've got it. An owl brought it in as Vernon and I were having breakfast. He insisted that I take the letter as soon as possible and not show it to him. I think he also left home earlier than usual just to not be exposed to this letter." She put the parchment envelope on the table.
Harry opened it hurriedly and scanned it quickly, noting it was the same letter as Hermione's except for the name. The attached note was different, though.
"It says that somebody from school will escort me to buy my stuff tomorrow. I don't think I need to wait for that person, though."
Petunia had a different thought. "Harry, you know I'm not comfortable there, and you shouldn't show any unexpected abilities if you want to avoid trouble. Why don't you take the offer? It will give you a chance to meet another person from the school's staff, somebody who may have known your parents and be able to tell you some things I don't even know."
Harry looked at Hermione. It seemed as if they were conversing, although no word was heard. "Can Hermione stay until tomorrow, then?"
"If her parents agree, it will pose no problem at all."
Harry was delighted to spend another day with Hermione. He took her to the library, where he had discovered that special book, the playground where he used to be chased before Dudley changed, and some other spots that were significant to him. They then faded to her room and took a similar tour in that vicinity before fading back to Harry's room, where Dudley was already waiting, showing no surprise as they materialized out of thin air. "Don't you like to show her the Gym?" he asked.
The three went down to the cellar where Hermione was excited to try the various exercise instruments and the boys demonstrated their proficiency in using them.
They played some computer games until lunch. Hermione wanted to read some more after lunch. Harry showed her the latest books he was studying and they both stretched side by side on his bed to read some more together. Harry felt the day was perfect.
A man knocked on the door the next morning, as they were still having breakfast. He actually knocked the door off its hinges, which Aunt Petunia didn't appreciate. "I'm so sorry, ma'am. I'll fix this immediately," the big man said. He put the door back in its frame and waved his pink umbrella at it. The door seemed to return to its previous state, yet Petunia checked it open and close several times before nodding her acceptance.
"I'm so sorry! Let me introduce myself: Rubeus Hagrid, at your service."
He was really big. He needed to bend quite a bit in order to pass through the door and his head was practically touching the ceiling, despite it being quite high. Hagrid was dressed in some weird clothes that didn't seem to be too clean and his bushy beard was showing some remains of his latest meal, yet he seemed genuinely sorry for causing any trouble and very eager to please. "Professor Dumbledore said that I should accompany you to do your shopping, as your aunt wouldn't like it very much," he told Harry in apologetic tones
"Can Hermione join us? She's already bought most of her stuff, except for a wand."
Hagrid looked at the timid girl and smiled. "You really are yer father's son, catching the best looking chick as soon as ye see her." None of the kids liked this, but none commented. Hagrid didn't seem to notice, as he continued to speak. "Of course she can come with us, although we may first need to visit Gringotts to get some money for you."
"I've already got some money. I visited there once before," Harry stated. He didn't want Hagrid to get to know of his position. Being Dumbledore's lackey, as he saw it, didn't instill much trust.
"Never mind. I still need to go there for Hogwarts business, but I can do it while you're getting your robes. Are you ready to go?"
"Yes!" both children shouted, making Hagrid and Petunia laugh.
"Well, then... Say your goodbye and off we go."
"Remember, Harry. Until you go to Hogwarts, say you are Harry Dursley. That will spare you undue attention and possibly some dangers," Petunia reminded him. She also explained this to Hagrid, who didn't like to hide Harry's identity, but agreed, understanding the problems that disclosing it could make.
Hagrid walked them to the corner of the street, where it joined a somewhat larger road. Both children needed to almost run to keep in pace with him. Once past the corner, Hagrid lifted his umbrella, holding it up for a few seconds. As soon as he let it down, a large triple-decker bus materialized in front of them. "Make sure to hold onto something as soon as we start moving," Hagrid warned them. They found an empty bench and sat down together. Hagrid joined them a moment later, occupying the bench on the other side.
It was a rough ride, but none of the children seemed to mind. They bumped into each other, sometimes quite painfully; they hugged, just to keep stable; they laughed and had a great time. Finally, the bus stopped, and Hagrid stood up. "Time to get down," he told them. They didn't even notice. He had to repeat it to get their attention before they reluctantly parted and stood up.
Hagrid seemed to want to talk with some of the patrons at the Leaky Cauldron, maybe even mention his important charge, but the children already knew the way and didn't stop. He had to follow them, reminding himself that he shouldn't mention Harry's name. Harry just pointed at the appropriate stones and the wall changed. Hagrid seemed surprised. "Well, that's Harry Potter," he mumbled into his beard and followed the children into Diagon Alley.
"Shouldn't we start with the wands?" Harry asked.
Hagrid agreed and led them to the wand shop. It was narrow and shabby. Peeling gold letters over the door read Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 B.C.A single wand lay on a faded purple cushion in the dusty window. It made Harry wonder why the owners didn't care for the shop to look nicer, especially since they could use magic for that.
As they entered, they found an old man standing before them, his wide, pale eyes shining like moons through the gloom of the shop.
"Hello," said Harry awkwardly.
"Ah yes," said the man. "Yes, yes. I thought I'd be seeing you soon. Harry Potter." It wasn't a question. "You look exactly like your father at this age, yet you have your mother's eyes. It seems only yesterday she was in here herself, buying her first wand. Ten and a quarter inches long, swishy, made of willow. Nice wand for charm work."
Although the man seemed to want to go on, Harry stopped him politely. "I think we should let the young lady get her wand first."
Mr. Ollivander turned to Hermione, who looked a bit scared. "Of course. Ladies first. Isn't it so?" He then looked Hermione over as if studying her. "And you'd be Miss...?"
"Hermione Granger, sir."
"Ah, a Muggle-born. Don't worry, though. Some of our greatest wizards and witches came from muggle families. Now, what shall it be?" He turned to the many boxes behind him and after some searching came with four wands. "Let's try these first. Which is your wand arm?"
"I'm right-handed, if that is any indication," she responded.
"Very well," Mr. Ollivander said. "Now, try this one. Just take it and give it a wave."
Hermione tried. She waved it around a bit, but Mr. Ollivander snatched it out of her hand almost at once, giving her another to try. This procedure was repeated many times, so many that Harry lost count of them. It was almost half an hour later when a wand was finally showing some response. A few sparks seemed to reluctantly fly out of the wand as Hermione moved it.
Ollivander seemed to gain some energy at the sight. He discarded many of the wands he was considering and brought a new stack for Hermione to try. A few minutes later there was a definite response. As Hermione waved it, the wand emitted a flourish of multicoloured sparks that seemed to lighten up the shop.
"Well, this seems to be the right wand for you, Miss Granger, and a very good wand it is, perfect for charms and transfiguration, where precise work is needed and yet extremely powerful in the right hands. I hope you'll do great and wonderful things with it."
He now turned back to Harry, seeming quite content. "Let's find a wand for you, now, Mr. Potter." He put a wand in Harry's hand. "Try this one. Beechwood and dragon heartstring. Nine inches. Nice and flexible. Just take it and give it a wave."
Harry waved it around a bit, but Mr. Ollivander snatched it out of his hand almost at once.
"Maple and phoenix feather. Seven inches. Quite whippy." Harry tried, but he had hardly raised the wand when it, too, was snatched back by Mr. Ollivander.
Harry tried. And tried. The pile of tried wands was mounting higher and higher, but the more wands Mr. Ollivander pulled from the shelves, the happier he seemed to become.
"Tricky customer, eh? Not to worry, we'll find the perfect match here somewhere... I wonder, now... yes, why not... unusual combination, holly and phoenix feather, eleven inches, nice and supple."
Harry took the wand. He felt a sudden warmth in his fingers. He raised the wand above his head, brought it swishing down through the dusty air and a stream of red and gold sparks shot from the end like a firework, throwing dancing spots of light on to the walls. Hagrid whooped and clapped and Mr. Ollivander cried, "Oh, bravo! Yes, indeed, oh, very good. Well, well, well... how curious... how very curious..."
"Sorry," said Harry, "but what's curious?"
Mr. Ollivander fixed Harry with his pale stare.
"I remember every wand I've ever sold, Mr. Potter. Every single wand. It so happens that the phoenix whose tail feather is in your wand, gave another feather, just one other. It is very curious indeed that you should be destined for this wand when its brother... why, its brother gave you that scar."
Although the scar was no longer visible, Harry swallowed.
"Yes, thirteen-and-a-half inches. Yew. Curious indeed how these things happen. The wand chooses the wizard, remember... I think we must expect great things from you, Mr. Potter... After all, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named did great things... terrible, yes, but great."
Harry shivered. He paid seven gold Galleons for his wand, and seven more for Hermione's. Mr. Ollivander put the wands back into their boxes, wrapped each in brown paper, and then bowed them out from his shop.
"Might as well get yer uniform now," said Hagrid, nodding toward Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. "And while you're there, do you mind if I go to Gringotts to take care of some Hogwarts business?"
Harry shrugged.
"Well then, stay in the shop until I come and fetch you. You too, Miss Granger. Shouldn't wander alone in here, ye know."
Harry entered Madam Malkin's along with Hermione.
"Hogwarts, dear?" she said before Harry started to speak. "Got the lot here... another young man being fitted up just now, in fact."
She then noticed Hermione. "Haven't you been already fitted?"
Hermione smiled. "Yes, Madam. I'm here to keep company with my friend."
"Very well. Go in there."
In the back of the shop, a boy with a pale, pointed face was standing on a footstool while a second witch pinned up his long black robes. Madam Malkin stood Harry on a stool next to him slipped a long robe over his head, and began to pin it to the right length.
"Oh, they let all the filth in now," the pale boy said, looking at Hermione. Harry didn't know him, but from what he had read about outstanding families, he was almost certain this one was a Malfoy. He held Hermione's hand in his, trying to let her know that she shouldn't be bothered by that boy. He moved his other hand, subtly casting a spell that would cause the boy a painful rash in a few minutes.
Hermione still noticed, but kept her mouth shut, only smiling thankfully at her friend.
The blond boy started scratching even before his father came to take him. "I've probably been infected by that mudblood," Harry heard him complain to his father. Harry still managed to cast a boils curse on both before they went out of view.
"That wasn't too fair," Hermione admonished him lightly.
"He wasn't fair. He deserved that punishment, or even worse. Nobody should be allowed to speak to you that way!"
"Well, thank you for protecting me, although I believe I could have taken care of myself alone."
"You could," Harry agreed, "but would you?"
Hagrid was already waiting for them outside the shop with two large cones of ice-cream. They continued their shopping leisurely with no incidents. Despite Hermione's love for books, she only bought two, as the collection she already had at home and the books in Harry's library were really more than enough for her at the moment.
Hagrid surprised Harry by taking him into the Eeylops Owl Emporium. Harry found a magnificent white owl and Hagrid insisted on buying it for Harry as a birthday present. Harry still spent some money there, buying Hermione a present owl as well, although Hermione preferred one that wouldn't stand out in a muggle environment, as she was thinking of staying in touch with her parents.
Just before leaving Diagon Alley, both children shrunk their shopping to fit in their pockets, surprising Hagrid, and then sent the owls flying to their respective houses. Hagrid escorted them through The Leaky Cauldron, waved the Knight Bus and paid for their tickets, apologizing. "I still have some urgent business to attend to. You just make sure to get down at the right place and you'll be safe."