A New Life

Chapter Three: A Day in Diagon Alley

'Let's get a move on, slowpoke, we're running late! And don't forget to wear your robes this time!' Remus called out as he glanced at the kitchen clock, a frown on his face.

'Coming, Dad!' Harry yelled back then moments later rushed into the room.

He was wearing black robe that was clearly too short and needed mending in a few places, along with rather old looking black cotton linen trousers that needed hemming, and underneath his robe was a faded yellow tee shirt. In his hand was a pair of well-worn trainers, which he placed on top of the table.

'Morning, Dad,' Harry said cheerfully as he sat down at the table.

'Shoes off the table, Harry, you know better than that,' Remus said giving him a stern look until a sheepish looking Harry put them on the floor. Walking over to Harry, he put a bowl down in front of him. 'Eat up; it's going to be a long day.'

'Aw, not semolina again!' Harry whined as he wrinkled his nose in distaste. 'Can't I have something else?'

'If you'd woken up on time maybe you could have. Since you didn't, semolina it is,' Remus said eyeing Harry's outfit critically.

Seeing how Harry was dressed brought a pang of regret as he remembered the conversation from last night. He wished, not for the first time either, that they had the extra funds to give Harry all he deserved. Despite that they lived in an upper-scale area of London, they still lived in the lowest income bracket of anyone else they knew, and that fact pained Remus.

The only reason Remus had chosen the Notting Hill area was that the estate agent had managed to get him a low mortgage on the three bedrooms, two baths flat. It was within a few kilometres distance of schools, markets, and hospital. To his and Severus' delight, Portobello Road, where they'd often go window looking, and when money was available even a bit of actual buying, was right round the corner as well.

'Where's the jam? And the sugar?' Harry asked breaking into Remus' thoughts.

'Here,' Remus said, putting the brightly coloured jam and sugar jars down in front of him. 'Now eat. Your Father should be back shortly then we'll go.'

'Father isn't here?' Harry asked in surprise as he began to stir in some of the strawberry jam, along with what looked like an awful lot of sugar.

'You're going to lose your teeth one of these days with all that sugar. Honestly, I'm surprised you haven't already,' Remus said in rebuke as Harry placed another spoonful of sugar on his semolina. 'We can't afford the dentist, so please try to cut down on some of the sweets, won't you, son?'

'Sorry, Dad, but this stuff's nasty, got to cover the taste of it somehow,' Harry shrugged. 'So 'here'd Fa'her go?' he asked between bites of his breakfast.

'Don't talk with your mouth full, it's impolite,' Remus said automatically. 'And if you must know, he got a Floo call early this morning from the Potion Master's Journal office. Something about signing some papers I believe.'

'He promised he'd be here,' Harry pouted as he swallowed another bite.

'He will be,' Remus said, his eyes once more falling on the kitchen clock. 'If he's not here in twenty minutes we'll just meet him in Diagon Alley instead. Now stop pouting and eat, we don't have time for dilly-dallying today.'

'Fine, I'm eating,' Harry said with a sniff and poked at his food. 'Ugg, this stuff is awful even with sugar and jam.'

'It's good for you so stop moaning,' Remus said sipping at the cup of coffee he'd poured for himself. Severus hated the stuff but Remus had found it to his liking when they'd been on a trip to America a few years before.

'Can I have some coffee too?' Harry asked whilst gazing wistfully at his dad's mug.

'In about six years maybe, when it won't bounce you off the walls more than you do already,' Remus said dryly. 'Just eat, Harry.'

Harry sighed, poked at his food again, and then without further argument finished his breakfast. Ten minutes later, they stood in front of the fireplace, Remus glancing at his wristwatch whilst tapping his foot; Harry looking expectantly at a small painted mason-ware jar with cows painted on it that was on top of the mantelpiece.

'Is he coming or not?' Harry asked impatiently.

Remus sighed. 'Doesn't seem like it after all. We'll just meet up with him at Diagon Alley. Come on then, let's go. You know what to do and this time, speak clearly, I don't want to have to go chasing you down again. It's getting to be an annoying habit, and you're old enough to know better.'

Harry muttered something under his breath. 'Sorry, Dad, don't know how I keep messing it up,' he said.

'Not saying the words to where you're going properly will do that,' Remus scolded. 'Now go on, and no mishaps this time please. If you recall Mr Borgin wasn't all that happy about you suddenly appearing in his shop like you did the last time.'

'Don't worry, I'll be careful. 'Sides, that man give me the creeps. Why do you and Father deal with him?' Harry asked.

'Why we do isn't any of your business,' Remus replied as he took down the Floo powder jar and opened it, holding it towards Harry. 'Now get going, and speak clearly. I am not in the mood today for theatrics.'

'All right, Dad,' Harry said as he grabbed up a handful of Floo Powder. He knew the conversation was at an end, Remus' tone of voice had left no more room for discussions. Stepping into the fireplace, he dropped his powder down, called out "Diagon Alley!" clearly this time to Remus' relief, and was off.

Remus put the jar back on the mantelpiece then took a handful of powder himself and did the exact same thing Harry had just done. A few moments later, he was stepping out of a grate into the brightly lit alleyway that was the hub of the Floo Network for Muggle London, Knockturn Alley, and Diagon Alley. He brushed himself off then looked round anxiously for Harry, worried when he couldn't find him. He breathed a sigh of relief however when he heard the words, 'I'm over here!', and quickly went over to where Harry was standing by the entrance to the alley.

'Sorry to worry you, Dad, they made me move,' Harry said pointing towards the Ministry officials that were in charge of the Floo Network system. 'Seems a group from Inverness is due to arrive any second,' Harry said peering back into the alley as he spotted the colourful group of Scotsmen.

'That's all right, I'm just glad you're safe, Harry,' Remus smiled. He then pulled out a piece of parchment from his rather tattered, patched, and frayed brown robe and looked it over carefully. 'Now let's see here, we'll need to go to Gringotts first. I need to exchange some Muggle money from my last pay packet,' he said as he put the parchment back in his pocket.

They made their way over to Gringotts Bank with little trouble. Harry stayed close to his dad, the bank always made Harry a bit nervous. The goblins scared him a bit, not that he would let on. He was eleven now after all and it was now time to start getting over his fears. Harry knew his parents didn't approve of showing weakness in public, so he'd always done his best to put on a brave front. They had taught him to be always on his guard in crowded areas, especially in Diagon and Knockturn Alleys.

When he was younger they'd been exceedingly overprotective of him when in the Wizarding World for some reason, though last year they had thankfully eased up a bit. Not that he was allowed to go to Diagon Alley by himself, but once there they were letting him stay in a few select places by himself whilst they went off to run errands. The only time he was able to really go off and explore on his own were the rare occasions in the past year when his uncle had been allowed to take him (in disguise of course).

Harry would never tell his parents that his uncle let him wander round alone, otherwise they'd never let Sirius take him again, and that Harry wasn't willing to risk. Harry knew the one person he would miss having round the most when he'd go to school was his uncle, and he hoped Sirius would be able to visit often. He loved his parents without question, but his Uncle Padfoot was the highlight of his life, and the most lenient and definitely the most easygoing of the three adults in his life.

Severus wasn't home except the occasional weekends and on all the holidays, so when he was home Harry was a bit spoiled. In the public eye of the Wizarding World Harry knew the man named "Severus Snape" was known to be a hard-nosed, difficult man. At home or on family outings like holidays or football games, Severus was different. He wasn't soft, but he wasn't hard and cold either, at least he'd never been that way to Harry. The occasional reprimand was given of course, but otherwise Severus treated Harry well.

Remus on the other hand was home every day and was usually strict with Harry. Harry often helped his dad in the small garden in the back of the house where Remus grew assorted things, or the marketing or whatnot. Then of course, the fact that his dad was a huge help with his homework since Remus was a substitute teacher at Harry's primary. Harry's friends adored Remus though; they thought of him like a second dad and always loved it when Remus would allow them to spend the night at Harry's house. Harry did have to admit, rather proudly at that, that Remus was definitely the coolest dad amongst his small group of friends.

It was his uncle though, that was showing him the "other" side of life. From taking him to the typical touristy spots his parents hated, to the more seedier sides of town. Sirius had a wide range of contacts he seemed to deal with routinely that Harry was able to meet, though Harry still didn't know exactly what it was that Sirius did for a living. Sirius had once mentioned something about importing and exporting things, but as to what it was coming in and going out Harry didn't have a clue. He loved his uncle far too much to ask further questions, even though he had a suspicion that a lot of what his uncle did was illegal.

Harry thoughts were interrupted when Remus took him by the arm as they made their way over to the Muggle -- Wizard Money Exchange Booth. Remus exchanged his pay packet then quickly made his way over to the main desk, his vault key in hand. Harry didn't pay much attention to his dad after that until they got into the cart; this was the only part about Gringotts he really enjoyed.

'All right, I love this thing!' Harry said excitedly.

Remus didn't have a chance to respond however as the cart took off at breakneck speed, whizzing round the tracks to Harry's delight. Finally, the cart slowed and they pulled up at the Lupin-Snape family vault.

'Vault four hundred and twenty-three,' the goblin said getting out, Remus following.

Harry sighed as he watched his dad go over to the vault. When it was opened Harry had a chance to peek inside, and as he did he felt a pang of guilt. It seemed that every time he did look inside his parent's vault the small piles of coins got smaller and smaller. He watched as Remus took half the Galleons, Knuts, and Sickles that were left (which Harry noted was actually only a handful of each) and put them into a small black velvet bag that he put inside his robe pocket. They were moving again before Harry could say anything, but as soon as they left the bank, he turned to Remus and looked at him a bit nervously.

'Dad?' Harry asked.

'Yes?' Remus asked curiously.

'You know ... it is going to cost a lot of money to send me to Hogwarts. I could ... well maybe I could just stay home and go to state after all. I wouldn't mind really, and it won't cost half as much as you and Father having to send me to Hogwarts,' Harry said.

Remus looked at Harry and yet again cursed the fact that Harry wasn't able to have the fortune that he was sure was underneath Gringotts waiting on "Harry James Potter" to claim. In his heart though he knew it had been much better raising Harry as his own, and he wasn't going to start regretting that decision now.

'No, Harry, you will go to Hogwarts, that's final. Your father and I want you to be happy, and you will be happy there, trust me. Don't you worry about how much it will cost, we've always managed, haven't we?' Remus said giving Harry a quick hug.

Harry nodded, though in the back of his mind he still felt a bit funny about the financial aspect of things. He'd never complained that he had so much less than the other kids at school, nor would he ever, he loved his parents too much to upset them with something so trivial. His friends understood and helped him whenever they could, and Harry had ignored the rest who looked down on him, not just because he was poor, but because of his parents.

His best friends all thought it was wicked that he had two fathers, though Harry had never told his parents there were quite a few people at the school who were more than disapproving, and had let Harry know that over the years. Despite that though, it was far better in Harry's mind to keep putting up with the bigots and bullies at his Muggle school than to spend so much money on sending him to a magic school. It's not that he didn't like magic, he just simply had no real need for it, and truthfully, he existed quite nicely without it.

Harry liked the Muggle world, and knew he was going to miss it when he was at Hogwarts. He knew that he wouldn't be able to take nearly any of favourite Muggle things like the VCR or his cassette player nor his beloved Nintendo. Harry didn't want to disappoint his parents or uncle by telling them that he really wasn't thrilled about going to an all magic school especially not when they were so excited about him going, so he reckoned he would do the best he could to enjoy Hogwarts and at least try to make friends and such.

'Yeah, we'll make do,' Harry said quietly now when he realised his dad was expecting an answer. 'So umm ... where to next?' he asked with more excitement then he felt, but it hoped it was enough to fool his dad.

Remus knew Harry's enthusiasm was more show, after all these years he could read almost every mood Harry had. He knew Harry was having regrets, but Remus hoped that once Harry got to school and became active that he would settle in nicely. Smiling at Harry, Remus ruffled his hair a moment playfully then looked at the items list parchment to decide their next stop.

'Well you have your phials, your Father had sense to pre-plan that gift, and Sirius gave you a set of scales and a telescope for the holidays last year. You'll need a new cauldron though, I don't want you using any of your Father's, not after what he brews in those things. We'll just pop round and get that first then shall we,' Remus said, manoeuvring Harry off towards the cauldron shop now.

'Can I get a collapsible one?' Harry asked when they got inside, though he was really looking at the gold cauldrons longingly.

Remus shook his head. 'Not this year, sorry, Harry, another time perhaps,' he said then turned to the man at the counter. 'One pewter cauldron, standard size two please.'

The man at the counter nodded then went off to the back, returning a moment or so later with cauldron in hand. 'Right, that's one Galleon and six Sickles,' the man said gruffly. Remus paid the man and led Harry back outside, checking over the list again. 'Flourish and Blott's next then,' he said.

Harry nodded and led the way eagerly, the one place he knew best in Diagon Alley was the bookshop. He'd spent hours upon hours in this place over the years, and loved everything about the shop, from the books on curses and hexes to the ones that would bark, bite and scratch at you if you didn't know the right way to handle them. As he got inside, he spotted the owner and waved.

'Good morning, Mr Blott!' he called out.

'And good morning to you as well, Harry!' Mr Blott called out in return, smiling widely at the boy. 'I have a new shipment of vampire books if you're interested?'

'Not today, Mr Blott,' Remus said stepping up to the counter now. 'We're here for Harry's school books today,' he said proudly.

'Ah, now are you at that! Is it that time already eh? Why I remember when --' Mr Blott began only to be cut off by Remus.

'Yes, yes, school books, Mr Blott, for a first-year at Hogwarts. I believe you know what he will require. He won't need Magical Drafts and Potions, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, nor One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi, we already have those at home,' Remus said firmly. He knew all too well that once Blott got going on his stories it would be afternoon before they'd leave the shop, and Remus didn't want to waste the time today.

'Of course, of course, now let's see here ... I take it you want them all second hand, Mr Lupin?' Blott asked kindly, fully aware of the financial situation in the household.

'Yes, please,' Remus nodded.

Twenty minutes later Remus was paying the man what seemed like an exorbitant amount of Galleons despite the fact they were used books. As Blott began wrapping up Harry's standard first-year textbooks, a book that Harry had had his eye on titled Death Omens: What To Do When You Know The Worst Is Coming made it's way into the pile, which to Harry's delight Blott gave him as a belated birthday gift.

As they left the shop, Remus turned to Harry and looked at him curiously. 'Whatever did you want that Death Omens book for, Harry?'

Harry grinned and looking round for a moment then leaned in close to Remus. 'Actually, it's really for Uncle Padfoot. He wants to read up on Grims,' he giggled.

Remus groaned and shook his head in exasperation. 'Why did I have a feeling that was coming?' he muttered. 'I'm sorry I asked now.'

'Aw, Dad, what's the point of looking like a giant mean, scary Grim if you can't act like one when occasion calls for it?' Harry said still giggling.

'He keeps that up he won't have to worry about Azkaban, they'll just throw him into the nearest Muggle dog pound,' Remus snorted. 'Now let's go, we have to still stop and get your wand, and you do still want a snake correct?'

Harry nodded. 'Yup, that's all right isn't it? I mean, do you think Father can get me permission?' he asked.

'I'm sure he will, if that's what you really want,' Remus nodded as they headed over to the wand shop. 'Ollivander's it be then. You go on in yourself, I have to go pick up some supplies at Mullpeppers Apothecary for your Father. Here are ten Galleons; it should be enough for your wand. I'll meet you in front of the Magical Menagerie, and go straight there, no wandering, got it?'

'Sure thing, Dad,' Harry said as Remus handed him the Galleons then headed back the way they had just come. Harry pocketed the money and went inside the shop, blinking as he adjusted to the darkness inside. The place smelled odd; a combination of old magic, dust, herbs, and trees, and the atmosphere reminded Harry of the London library where talking was virtually taboo. He waited at the counter a few moments, and then when no one came forwards he called out softly, 'Hello? Is anyone here?'

A sound off to his right made him look up and seconds later, an old man came round the corner, a pile of boxes in his hands. At seeing Harry the man stopped short as if he'd seen a ghost, then blinked rapidly as if he yet again thought what he was seeing wasn't real.

'Well, well, well, a day full of surprises,' the man said a whispery voice. The man, clearly Mr Ollivander himself, put his boxes down and came over to look at Harry in a strange manner, causing Harry to fidget. 'The rumours clearly were wrong, you live after all,' he said softly.

'Umm ... I need a wand please ... Sir,' Harry said, wondering why this man was staring at him, not to mention what he meant by the words he'd spoken.

'Of course you do, young Harry. Why else would you be here?' Mr Ollivander said as if that was the answer to everything.

'Err ... of course,' Harry replied, wondering how this man knew his name.

'Are you right or left handed?' Ollivander asked peering at Harry closely.

'Right handed, Sir,' Harry said stepping back a pace.

Mr Ollivander nodded. Taking a tape measurer out of his pocket, he took Harry's right arm and held it out. Within seconds, the tape measure began to magically weave here and there and Mr Ollivander seemed to note everything with his sharp, silvery eagle-like eyes. When the tape measure was back in his pocket, he then went into the back and brought out a few boxes of wands, put them on the counter and looked at Harry critically.

Taking one out, he handed it to Harry carefully. 'Eleven inches, mahogany and dragon heartstring, a strong and powerful wand, pliable, excellent for transfigurations,' Ollivander said. Harry took it hesitantly, unsure really what to do, he just stood there looking at the wand, then back at Ollivander. 'Well? Don't just stand there; give it a wave, boy!' Ollivander said impatiently.

Harry blushed, clearly, he should have known that, but somehow it hadn't struck him that that was what he was supposed to do. 'Sorry,' he mumbled. He waved the wand then jumped back when an entire set of drawers burst out of a cabinet that was behind the wizened old man.

'No, no, definitely not,' Ollivander said with a shake of his head then quickly placed another wand in Harry's hand. 'Ten and a quarter inches, willow and unicorn hair. Swishy, good for charms,' he said in his low, whispery voice.

Harry waved that one two, jumping back a second time as a flowerpot on the counter burst in half. 'Sorry again,' he said blushing and quickly put the wand down a bit fearfully.

'Try this one -- beech-wood and dragon heartstring, nine inches, nice and flexible.' Harry jumped as this time a candle exploded. Before he could move, Ollivander was already placing another wand in his hand.

'Maple and phoenix feather, seven inches, quite whippy.' This time a small fish bowl exploded.

'Ebony and unicorn hair, eight and a half inches, springy.' A chair leg splintered across the room.

'Hmm, tough are you? No matter, there isn't a wand I can't place to the witch or wizard,' Ollivander muttered, then went into the back again. A few moments later he came back up front, only one box in his hand. Gently, reverently even, he opened the black box, taking out the wand inside carefully. Eyeing Harry intensely he said, 'Holly and phoenix feather, eleven inches, nice and supple, but don't let that fool you, it's also a powerful wand. In the right hands it could do marvellous things, but in the wrong hands ... it could mean the destruction of all ... '

Harry was beginning to think several things at this point. Either Ollivander was a bit daft (which he was thinking was likely), or he himself was just not cut out to find a wand in the first place. With a sigh of defeat, he took the wand, having little expectations now other than to hear something else blowing up. He was surprised, however, when odd warmth spread through him down to his very toes and tiny gold and red sparks flew from the tip of the wand.

'Oh bravo! Well done, well done indeed! Curious ... yes ... very curious indeed, but never-the-less a good choice,' Ollivander nodded approvingly.

'Excuse me, but what's curious?' Harry asked puzzled as he looked back up at Ollivander.

Ollivander looked down at Harry, a strange expression in his pale eyes. 'The wand chooses the wizard, it's not always clear as to why, but it does. Even for those who should never have been allowed to carry a wand, the choice was made,' he said in a strange voice then looked at Harry intensely. 'I remember ever wand I've ever sold. Every single one. It so happens that the phoenix whose tail feather resides in this wand, gave another feather -- just one other feather. It's curious indeed that you should be destined for this wand when it's brother --'

'Ah, Ollivander, good to see you again,' a voice called out, effectively cutting off Ollivander's next words.

A voice that Harry instantly recognised and he turned to look at the newcomer. 'Father, you made it!' he said, then turned back to look at Ollivander. 'I'm sorry, Sir, what were you saying now?'

'I trust you are taking good care of my son, Ollivander?' Severus asked sharply, his eyebrow rising in question.

'Of course, Severus, I always take good care of my customers, you know that,' the old man nodded. 'I was just telling your ... son ... that I believe he will do very great things in the future,' Ollivander said smiling coolly.

'I'm sure he will,' Severus replied just as coolly. He then stepped up to the counter, drew some Galleons from his pocket and placed them on the counter. 'Seven Galleons I believe is the current price?'

Ollivander nodded and packed up Harry's wand, then collected the Galleons from the counter. 'Take care of that wand now, young man. Polish it regularly to keep it in good working order.'

'I will, Sir, thank you,' Harry said with a nod as he took his box from the counter.

'Go on and wait for me outside, Harry, I need to talk to Mr Ollivander in private for a moment,' Severus said.

'Actually I'm supposed to meet Dad at the Magical Menagerie. Will you meet us there instead?' Harry asked.

Severus nodded. 'Tell your Dad I shall be along shortly.' Harry nodded and headed outside then Severus turned back and eyed Ollivander warily.

'Are you sure you are doing the right thing, Severus? The world believes him dead,' Ollivander said.

'And that is the way it will remain, Ollivander. My husband and I have taken great pains to ensure that he has had a normal life, and we want it to stay as such. I trust you will keep anything you think you know to yourself,' Severus said warningly.

'You're doing the world an injustice in keeping him from the truth. He is our Saviour; he will be needed in the future. Harry Potter has a destiny, and by keeping him in secrecy as you have you are only playing with fire,' Ollivander argued.

'Destiny shall have to find someone else to bother with then since that is no longer his name. He is my son, Ollivander, and not even Dumbledore can change that now,' Severus said icily.

'Don't think you can fool the old man for long, Severus. If I can see the boy for who he is, Albus surely will,' Ollivander argued.

'Then I will be having this conversation with him as well when the time comes,' Severus said. 'It's better for things to remain the way they are, for Harry's sake.'

'For his ... or for yours I have to wonder,' Ollivander said softly. 'Very well, I will keep your secret. However, he deserves to know the truth one day; you know full well what rumours are in the air lately.'

'I have heard the rumours, and they are as such -- rumours. Should anything come of them my husband and I will deal with such things, Ollivander. That is our call to make, no one else's, and again I trust it will stay that way,' Severus said.

Ollivander nodded, then his attitude shifted and he smiled. 'You're wand is in good order I hope? Ten and half inches weren't it. Ebony and unicorn hair, springy, good for basics. Though you were never one for that "foolish wand waving" if I recall, were you now,' he chuckled.

'You are an amazing man to remember such things, Ollivander. Yes, that is exactly right, and yes I do take good care of it,' Severus slightly grinned as he patted a pocket in his robe. 'Now I do have to go, it was good seeing you again,' he nodded then left the shop without another word.

'You're either very brave or very foolish to keep the boy hidden this long, Severus Snape. Time will tell though, time will tell,' Ollivander said under his breath as he watched Severus walk away, then went back to doing whatever it was he had been before Harry had entered the shop.

Back at the Magical Menagerie, however, Harry was in fine spirits. He was holding out a rather large boa constrictor, a huge smile on his face. 'This one! Oh please, Dad, can I have this one?'

'I don't know, son, he's awful ... big ...' Remus said hesitantly.

'Oi, Father, what do you think? Isn't he grand?' Harry said holding out the snake proudly as Severus walked into the shop.

'He is ... err ... quite ... large ... Harry, but ah ... I suppose that should not ... be a ... err ... problem,' Severus said paling as he glanced at the snake.

Harry noticed Severus' look and stepped back a few paces, realising why his father was looking as he was. What very, very few people knew was that despite the fact that Severus Snape was Head of Slytherin House who's mascot was a serpent, the fact was he hated snakes with a passion. 'Sorry, Father,' he said quietly then turned back to Remus. 'So it's all right? I can have him?'

'Well ...' Remus began, then seeing the hopeful look on Harry's face sighed and looked at Severus who only shrugged back. 'All right, I reckon it wouldn't hurt.'

'Yes!' Harry cried out happily, then making his way up to the counter said, 'I'd like him please, and a box for him as well.'

'Yeh nae be needin' a box fer dis beast, yeh be needin' a glass tank wit' a lid for 'em, laddie,' the shopkeeper laughed robustly. Going over to his displays, he picked out a large glass tank with a wire lid that was designed for snakes. The shopkeeper also picked out a few miscellaneous items such as gravel, a large branch, a water dish, and other assorted things that a snake would need to be comfortable, then placed it all on the counter. 'Now, let's see 'ere, all in all dat'll be fifteen Galleons.'

'Fifteen Galleons?' Harry exclaimed then looked back at Remus and Severus. 'I didn't think it would cost so much,' he sighed, then looked wistfully at the snake who was hissing at him softly.

'He'll take the snake,' Remus said stepping up to the counter quickly to avoid Harry from responding to whatever the snake was saying. He then glanced at Severus who with a slight nod began digging the needed Galleons out of his pocket.

'Here's twenty Galleons, throw in a box of live mice for the thing to eat as well,' Severus said, though he still looked pale as he placed the money on the counter.

'Dad, Father, you didn't have to do that, he didn't mind --' Harry began but was cut of by Remus.

'Take him outside, Harry, we'll join you in a moment,' Remus said, then waited till Harry left with his snake dozing in his new tank under one arm, and the box of live mice under the other. Pulling Severus back from the counter he whispered furiously, 'we have to talk to him before someone notices what he's doing, Severus.'

'I know that, Remus, that was too close a call,' Severus whispered back in annoyance. 'And by the by, Ollivander knows.'

Remus stared at Severus, a stricken look on his face. 'He ... knows?' Remus whispered, paling a few shades.

Severus nodded. 'He will not say a word to anyone though.'

'Can we trust him? He is very close to Albus,' Remus said sceptically.

'We do not have much choice but to trust his discretions now, do we,' Severus scowled. 'Let's go before Harry decides to talk to that thing in the street.'

Remus nodded and together they left the shop. Thankfully, Harry was off to the side, and to their relief the snake was still dozing off so no words were spoken, or rather hissed between them. 'Well, Harry, seems all that is left is to get your clothes. If it would be all right with you, your Father and I are going to go sit down for a bit and relax at the Leaky Cauldron. Why not let us take your new ... friend ... and the rest of your things and you can meet us there, hmm?'

'Sure, Dad, that's fine, I can get my clothes by myself. It's not much to carry anyway,' Harry said, his spirits lifted now that he had his new pet.

'Here are ten Galleons that should cover what you'll need. You already have gloves so you won't need those, and don't worry about getting a winter cloak just yet. We'll get you that later on in the year,' Remus said. He pulled the last of his Galleons from the small velvet bag and handed them to Harry, who placed them in his robe pocket.

'All right, see you in a bit then,' Harry said with a wave, then headed himself over to Madam Malkin's Robes for all Occasions.

Stepping inside the shop, Harry was overwhelmed by all the different magical fabrics and styles of clothing that greeted him. Normally his dad bought his clothes in Muggle shops, it was far cheaper than any Wizarding shop, and since up till now he had been going to a Muggle school he didn't need magical garb anyway. Other than a set of robes for days like today when they would go into Diagon Alley (which for Harry usually was only heading to Flourish and Blott's whilst his parents went off on their errands), Harry never wore Wizarding clothes if he could help it.

'Hogwarts dear?' a kind old woman said with a smile as she came up to him.

'Yes, Ma'am, I'm a first-year. I only need a hat and robes though please,' Harry said.

'I've got another young man being fitted as well, why don't you just go on into the back and join him, I'll be there in a moment,' the lady, Harry assumed she was Madam Malkin, said with a wave of her hand.

Harry headed to the back and saw another boy being pinned up, so he went over and stood on the fitting stand next to him. 'Hogwarts too?' the boy said in a rather bored sounding drawl whilst looking at Harry.

Harry nodded, 'First-year. You?'

'Same. What house do you think you'll get into?' the boy asked curiously.

'I don't know. My Father was a Slytherin, but my Dad was a Gryffindor. So it could be either one,' Harry shrugged.

'You have two fathers?' the boy asked in astonishment.

Harry bristled at that. 'Is there a problem with that?' he asked.

'No, not really, just surprising that's all. Not that it's uncommon to be that way in our world, but I didn't realise they had children, that's all,' the boy shrugged.

'Well my Father and Dad had me, so I suppose that they do,' Harry said in rebuke.

'No offence, I was just a bit surprised is all. You're the first person I've ever met with two fathers it's somewhat interesting really. So you're half-and-half then, at least you're a wizard and not a Mud-Blood,' the boy said with a slight sniff.

'That's a rather dirty word, there's nothing wrong with Muggle-borns. If it wasn't for them we'd have died out a long time ago,' Harry argued.

'True, but Father says they just don't belong in our world. That they should stick to their own kind and not pollute our world with their Muggle ways,' the boy said.

'That a rather stupid thing to say,' Harry said stiffly. 'The Muggles have some really great things to offer up.'

The other boy shrugged. 'Maybe, but Father says --'

'Sounds to me like your father says a lot of idiotic things,' Harry cut in irritably. 'Do you always listen to what your father says?'

'No, not always,' the other boy said defensively.

'I bet you'll end up in Slytherin, especially the way you think,' Harry muttered.

'There's nothing wrong with Slytherin, after all didn't you say one of your parents was one?' the other boy asked.

'Actually, if you must know, my father is the --' Harry began but was cut off.

'You're all done, dearie,' Madam Malkin said to the silvery blonde haired boy. 'Now off you go, the rest of your things will be sent on later.'

The boy nodded at her then turned to face Harry, a strange expression on his face. 'I suppose I'll see you on the train then. You're odd, but for some reason I don't mind you, even if you are half Gryffindor.'

'I'll take that as a compliment, though are you sure you'd want to risk your reputation as a probable Slytherin to be seen with a probable Gryffindor?' Harry smirked.

The other boy chuckled. 'You're also half Slytherin, so you can't be all that bad. See you on the first of September then,' he said, then with a nod of his head left the shop.

'Strange kid, wonder who he was?' Harry muttered to himself under his breath then waited patiently as Madam Malkin finished with him.

Half-hour later he was heading back to the Leaky Cauldron, anxious to see his new pet once more. The strange boy from the shop was forgotten in favour of how he could beg his parents for a last stop at Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. With all this shopping, he had worked up an appetite, especially for a tasty chocolate, blueberry, and strawberry sundae, with whipped cream, sprinkles, hot fudge, and a few cherries on top.