Series: Choosing a Darker Path

Book 1: Beginnings

Chapter 6: Meeting the Malfoys

Author's Notes:

Ç Denotes the use of parseltongue Ç

I apologize for the delay. I know I promised you this would be released on Friday. However, some technical issues and the holidays have caused a delay. To make up for it I have written an extra-long chapter to satisfy all the fans of the series.

A note on letter signatures featured in the chapter. Originally I attempted to use signature images that corresponded with the character's cannon signature but neither Archive of Our Own or support this. I considered converting the images into vector based image and then creating a true-type font from that but found that too tedious to do with all of the signatures that might be used in the story so I just decided to use a built in font that will give the necessary effect for a signature. It should serve the purpose just fine.

(See the end of the Chapter for more notes)

Darkness, it permeated the air around me. The cold old floors creaked underfoot. As I progressed through the silent halls, I could feel a sense of triumph. I would finally be getting away from this wretched place. This hellhole had been my home for many a year, with its cold exterior cloaking dozens of imbecilic violent children that no one wanted. And why would they? The children here knew nothing other than pure cruelty. If you did not fit in to their various clicks, you were to be scorned. I of course did not. Because I was special. That weird old man had said so himself when he came to deliver my letter. I was a wizard, I was better than the lot of them. And soon I would make my mark on the world. Both worlds. The old mundane one and the new fantastical one I was about to enter. Everyone would know me. While I detested the ordinary name I had been given, if Tom Marvolo Riddle was said with a mix of fear and awe, perhaps it wouldn't be so bad. As I was lost in my thoughts I passed by a mirror in the hall. The reflection was wrong. Everything about this was all wrong. With that singular thought the entire world collapsed as if it were made of glass and all that was left was darkness….

I woke with a start, bolting up into a sitting position. The thick expensive comforter sliding down my bare chest. My entire body shone with sweat. The air was thick and warm and as my breathing steadied I cursed softly. Every few nights I was met with these vivid dreams. Though to be honest I could hardly call them dreams. They were two real for that title. I knew about lucid dreaming which could feel real, but those dreams were fully under the control of the dreamer. The dreams I had were anything but controlled by me. I was just a first-person observer in their events. Additionally, the dreams did not have the typical inconsistencies one would find that made sense during the dream but would fall apart on later inspection. No this was no dream, the only thing I could conclude is that this was a memory.

Of course, that conclusion came with its own problems. Mainly that it wasn't me in the memory but another boy that was clearly from a different time based on his dress and the dress of others. How I could "remember" another boy's life was beyond me. There could be no logical explanation which generally meant that magic was involved. Over the course of the last two years I had learned quite a lot about magic and how unpredictable it was. While there were certain patters and appeared to be at least some rules it followed, every rule seemed to have an exception somewhere. It was a truly frustrating endeavor to quantify, categorize and explain magic or its results. Nonetheless, I could be very patient with a hard problem and I was sure given enough time I could solve it. I decided to put the memory of the boy Tom from my mind. Answers would come in time. Instead I began to look about my room. It had not changed much in my years of living here. It still bore Regulus' decidedly Slytherin décor and was in mostly the same layout. However, it did sport a few improvements. For one thing, the room had electric lighting. The entire house now boasted that. Remembering the fit that Walburga had thrown when I had made my intensions clear on that point still makes my head hurt.

She claimed I was destroying the house's purity by introducing muggleness to her home. I pointed out that it was no longer her home but mine and that I would use whatever muggle technology I liked. I had explained that even though they were beneath us, they still had managed to surpass us in the realm of technology and to me that was unacceptable. I pointed out that we should be superior in all things if we truly wanted to rule them and not let our fears cause us to be at a severe disadvantage. We had magic to meld with our technology. With such a boon, we should have wonders the muggles could barely fathom. Instead we had lagged in stagnation and had no advancements under our belt since the 19th century. It was utterly ridiculous. It had taken hours of back and forth but finally she relented and conceded that I may have a point. Honestly, I think the woman may have rather died than admit that she was wrong. Of course, preparing the house to look completely normal for the electrician had been a minor miracle, but Creature seemed to step up to the challenge.

A strain in my back caused me to stretch out and yawn. I decided it was best to get a start on the day. I hopped out of bed and walked towards the door to the en suite. The large expansive room had been added by Creature at my request. It was a very finely decorated room with marble floors and countertop. Its sink was inset into the counter and boasted motion activated soup dispenser and faucet. The shower located on the far wall was encased in frosted glass and was also equipped with advanced controls and multiple angled heads. Even with the expense it had been to install, it wasn't quite as ostentatious as the other bathrooms. So, I felt the expense wasn't too frivolous. I walked over to the sink and washed my face to clear the sweat away. I stepped back a few steps and smiled at the reflection I was met with. Indeed, my appearance had changed quite a bit. Years of proper nutrition had done wonders for my body allowing it to fill out more naturally than the skin and bones physique I used to possess. My skin was less pale, and I had some decent muscle definition for an 11-year-old. Hard days of training did tend to do that. My hair which used to stick up at odd angles and always had the appearance of a crow's nest had been cut short and now simply had a slightly spiked look to it. Finally, my avada green eyes, as Walburga was like to describe them, seemed to gleam with power.

Over the proceeding years I had learned many spells and while training my body I also trained my magic. I had dueled the magically animated practice dummies and soon moved on to dueling Creature. Eventually Creature even with his mangy magics was no challenge for me to defeat and I had him bring in a charms expert to create realistic illusions to duel against. These illusions could be programmed with many difficulties and could perform feats that humans simply could not, so I should be set for a while. Staying out of sight while the man worked was easy. It was a big house after all. My magical repertoire was extensive and true the promise I made myself I was able to cast my spells non-verbally. All my magic was wandless since I couldn't yet purchase a wand thanks to trying to keep a low profile and violating ministry regulations being more trouble than it was worth. I could wait.

While my magical aptitude had improved, I made it a point to also continue in my mental studies and could now do complex algebra, geometry, and was proficient in many science skills such as chemistry and biology. Those skills assisted me in one of my favorite magical pursuits, potions. Potions allowed for magical effects to be long lasting or even permanent depending on your goal. The delicate formulas and procedures were much more predictable than other forms of magic and thus was more tuned with my logical outlook on things. Regardless of my rapid advancement, I couldn't avoid attend Hogwarts. Even if I though I could teach myself everything, which I couldn't, the opportunities to form strong social bonds were too important to miss out on. If I wanted to change the Wizarding World for the better, I would need loyal allies who shared my ambitions. Thinking about Hogwarts caused me to look back to my room. Laying on the dresser in the corner was my Hogwarts acceptance letter. It brought a grimace to my face.

I had miscalculated. Well that isn't true. A more apt description of the situation I had gotten myself into was pure carelessness. I had forgotten to go back to the Dursley's in time and apparently the Hogwarts letter would find you wherever you were, not where the patrons of the school believed you to be. To be fair I had no way of knowing that. It wasn't mentioned in Hogwarts: A History and I had no reason to suspect anything. I proceeded to walk back to the dresser and pick up the offending envelope. It had arrived yesterday, and I hadn't read it yet. I flipped it over and was met with the neatly scrawled text.

Mr. Harry James Potter

Unpotable

Thankfully the ancient wards of the Black ancestral home had blocked the letter. In fact, it hadn't even made it to the house. Creature had shown up with it and explained that it had been sent to the owl post box the Black's owned in Diagon Alley. It was unfortunate though because I was quite sure Dumbledore wouldn't have had his wards setup around Privet Drive to block whatever identification charm was used to pen these letters. So, they would know I was not at Privet Drive. It gave me some things to think about. I broke the wax seal bearing the crest of Hogwarts and extracted the pages of parchment from the envelope. I began to read the first page:

HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore

(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock of the Wizengamot,

Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

Dear Mr. Potter,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.

Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Minerva McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress

As I finished the first page it was hard not to chuckle. Albus Dumbledore had a ridiculous number of titles. I had researched him a bit and I knew for a fact that he barely ever acted in his compacity of Chief Warlock or Supreme Mugwump. Honestly, how the man held on to three positions when two of them he neglected was beyond me. It was just more evidence of the rampant corruption the wizarding government seemed to be smothered in. I flipped to the next page to see what I would need to purchase in Diagon Alley and began to think how I would respond.

HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

UNIFORM

First-year students will require:

1. Three sets of plain work robes (black)

2. One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear

3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)

4. One winter cloak (black, with silver fastenings)

Please note that all pupil's clothes should carry name tags.

COURSE BOOKS

All students should have a copy of each of the following:

The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1)

by Miranda Goshawk

A History of Magic

by Bathilda Bagshot

Magical Theory

by Adalbert Waffling

A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration

by Emeric Switch

One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi

by Phyllida Spore

Magical Drafts and Potions

by Arsenius Jigger

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

by Newt Scamander

The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection

by Quentin Trimble

OTHER EQUIPMENT

1 wand

1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)

1 set glass or crystal phials

1 telescope

1 set brass scales

Students may also bring, if they desire, an owl OR a cat OR a toad.

PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS

ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICK

Yours sincerely,

Lucinda Thomsonicle-Pocus

Lucinda Thomsonicle-Pocus

Chief Attendant of Witchcraft Provisions

As I finished reading the second page I was deep in thought. It seemed none of the books on this list were in the Black library, excluding Fantastic Beats and Where to Find Them. I should know I had spent many hours a day there. It was odd though. Perhaps these other books were a little newer. It isn't as if the Library had been regularly updated and I couldn't send Creature out too much without drawing attention. Oh well. I would just have to purchase everything. It would likely not be too expensive, and I was more than capable of affording it. After finishing the letter, I thought about the fact that Amicus would demand to come, and the letter had not allowed for the bringing of snakes. However, there was one particular passage in Hogwarts: A History that should allow me to get him into the castle. It had mentioned that the charter had provisioned for students to bring bonded familiars to the castle. The practice was for older students who formed such bonds. However, the book mentioned that the provision was rarely used nowadays as students typically didn't bond with familiars. These sorts of bonds were usually formed when the wizards were adults.

I walked over to my desk and flipped on the lamp that lay atop it. I grabbed the steel ball point pen, retrieved formal parchment and began to pen a letter back to the deputy headmistress with my neat handwriting.

Dear Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall,

I happily accept your most gracious offer of attendance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I will be sure to obtain all mentioned supplies by the start of term. I did have one matter of concern. As you are no doubt aware the charter of Hogwarts allows for the admittance of any student's bonded familiar to the school. I have a bonded familiar that is not one of the animals listed in the acceptable animals section of the supply list. I would be fully willing to submit me and my familiar to the familiar bond diagnostic charm to assure you of the validity of my claim. Please advise me as to whether it would be more covenant for you to conduct any such test upon my arrival at the start of term or if an earlier appointment must be made. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Harry Potter-Black

Harry Potter-Black

Heir to the Most Ancient and Honorable House of Potter

Heir to the Most Ancient and Nobile House of Black

I looked over the letter a few times. True they probably wouldn't expect the very formal writing for an 11-year-old that was supposedly raised by pig headed muggles. But alas I would not dumb myself down. Honestly, it was hard to even try. The dammed portrait had drilled formal writing into me during our etiquette lesions. She might actually cry if I wrote a poor letter after all the praise she heaped on me for learning so well. Apparently even Regulus, whom was good at everything she taught him, didn't have the formal letter penning down by my age. Regardless, I had no plans to change myself to fit the image they wanted. Let them think whatever they will. The same went for my titles, they were mine and this was a formal letter of acceptance. I would be proud of my heritage and would not shy away into the shadows. I was pretty confident that the charter excuse would work to get Amicus into the school. I may have to reveal my parseltongue ability to McGonagall and Dumbledore, if not the entire teaching staff to assure them that Amicus would pose no threat to the students. But I would have to simply cross that bridge when I came to it.

I grabbed an expensive envelope and placed my parchment into it. I then sealed the envelope with wax and stamped the insignia of the Potter crest into it using my heir ring. Once that was done I called for Creature. The elf dutifully appeared.

"What can Creature be doing for Master" he asked bowing.

"I have finished my reply to the Hogwarts letter you had brought me. Please take it back to the post box and have an owl deliver it to Hogwarts once it opens in a few hours. You shall be accompanying me to Diagon Alley next week to pick up supplies. I am thinking perhaps on my Birthday?" I inquired of the elf. I had been trying my best to foster independent thought in him. He was completely loyal to me by now, having served me faithfully for years. I always did try to treat him well and he seemed to appreciate it. He still gave me the odd expression upon hearing my request but was able to mask it quickly.

"Creature will defer to Master's judgement on such things" he said. He then held out his hand and I place the envelope into it.

"Would Master be liking breakfast up here, in the library or will Master grace me with his presence in the dining room this morning?" As he said his sarcastic remark he gave me a toothy grin. Ah. That is more like the servant I know. I liked a little feistiness.

"I suppose I could come to the dining room today" I said sweetly, offering him a smile.

The crack of Apparition was his only reply. Once he had departed, I headed into the bathroom to get ready for the day. I dropped my boxers and quickly stepped into the shower. I turned the several knobs required for the multiple sprayers and basked in the heat of the water. I closed my eyes as I thought of everything that needed doing. I of course would need to ensure I got into the correct house. I knew what house I would be in, Slytherin. It certainly wasn't the house that others would expect, and some idiots would swear I was the next dark lord right then and there. I mean they may be right, but they still had no reason to judge me by my sorting. I would like to imagine that even if I wasn't a dark wizard, I would be ambitious and cunning enough to be in Slytherin regardless. That was another thing that had come with time learning magic. I was about as dark as any wizard could be.

I could still remember the first time I had experienced dark magic. Just thinking about it caused my body to give a shiver. The first spell was simple, it was called the blood boiling curse. Its incantation is singuineulcus and it is quite good at disabling your opponent with excruciating pain as the temperature of the blood in the area you target raises rapidly to the boiling point. The minor curse can become major if you hold your concentration on it until the magic spreads to their entire bloodstream. It can be quite lethal. Casting such a curse caused euphoria that is almost indescribable. The first book on magic was correct, the dark arts are alluring and addicting. Since trying out that first curse I had progressed to be able to cast a lot of other dark magic. However, I had regulated my use as when you use it a lot you can be noticed by some diagnostic charms. While I wanted to be a dark wizard openly, it simply wasn't possible right now. I would change that though, no matter what….

It was the morning of my birthday and I was a bit antsy. Today would be the first day the wizarding world would meet the great Harry Potter. For 10 years I had been hidden away, whether by my own intention or the machinations of others. But now it was time for me to reveal myself and begin my plans. The day would likely be uneventful. I may be able to meet some children that would be attending school with me and possibly plant the seeds of friendship. However, it was unlikely to be anything more than a meet and greet with a few potential allies. Many people would already have gotten their supplies, many more would procrastinate until later dates and even the one's that would be in the Alley today would be busy shopping. As I was lost in thought and absent mindedly poking my bacon with a silver fork, Amicus chose that moment to appear.

Ç Hello Master. It is a fine morning isn't it? Ç He hissed in an amenable tone. Well someone was cheery.

Ç What has you in such a cheerful mood. It is too early to be cheerful my friend Ç I said in a faux exasperation.

Ç You wound me Master. How am I not to be cheerful on my Master's day of birth. It will be a day to remembered by all after all soon enough Ç he informed me, mockery lacing his voice as he proceeded to deposit himself onto my lap.

Ç First of all, it may indeed be a day to be remembered and/or feared, I haven't quite decided yet. Besides that, you are too heavy for this Ç I said with a chuckle. It was true. The serpent had become enormous. He was now nearly 8 feet long and slightly under a foot in diameter. He would not be ending his growth any time soon unfortunately. It would be soon that I would have to implore the use of shrinking charms if he intended to hound me as he is like to do. I had discovered within the first few weeks of study what my familiar was. He was a basilisk, the most feared of magical serpents. It is a little poetic that he would become my familiar. It also now made sense the abilities I now possessed thanks to the bonding. Basilisk were famed for their superior senses, their thick hide bestowing great magical and physical resilience and most infamously their deadly stare. They also possessed some of the deadliest venom, but this was a less well-known fact. While Amicus seemed to possess all his other abilities, his death stare was apparently something that he wouldn't develop for a while yet. He was still rather young when considering the long life of a basilisk.

After breakfast and taming of snakes was finished, I walked back to my room and prepared myself for the day. I decided to wear a casual outfit for the day. It would be hot, and I rather hated the day robes of wizards. I chose a short sleeved expensive grey silk button down shirt with the subtle hints of green flame around the waist. I tucked the shirt into dark blue jeans and put on a pair of black trainers with flat white soles. I then selected a fine black leather belt with a silver buckle. The finale piece of my wardrobe was resting within my nightstand protected by several wards, the locket. I still hadn't been able to open it but I just felt that wearing it was the right thing to do. It was obviously uncomfortable to sleep with it on or I just might have with how right my magic reacted with it.

A good boon for me was that there seemed to be a fashion overall taking place in the wizarding world, at least among the young. It seemed that young withes and wizards had taken on some of the muggle style of clothing, not the most casual wear but at least some of the "dressier" cloths such as button-down shirts, dress slacks and high-quality jeans. The only casual wear item that younger witches and wizards seemed to wear as well were trainers. It had even become evident among pureblood wizards, displeasing many of the older generations whom preferred the perfection of the day wizarding wears. Walburga would drone on endlessly about the annoyance of younger purebloods taking on even the tiniest of muggle styles. I found that it not only helped me to not be suffocated by stuffy clothing but also allowed for in roads to introduce other common muggle things that I felt the wizarding world could adopt.

Just as I had finished getting ready, a crack signaled the arrival of Creature. Just as I was about to instruct him to follow me to Diagon Alley to start our shopping trip, he pulled out a parchment envelope with the Hogwarts crest.

"Creature apologizes Master" he said as he bowed. "But a letter arrived at the box from Hogwarts" he said stiffly. He knew how annoyed I had been at not receiving a response from them. Honestly, I found it to be quite rude that it would take them so long to respond. The Deputy no doubt was busy with start of term approaching and I could forgive a few days delay with that in mind, but a week. That was completely unacceptable. It wasn't as if it was muggle post where letters took a long time. Magical owls could achieve very high air speed and could get a letter from one end of the country to the other within a day or two at most.

"Please hand me that Creature" I said simply. He nodded handing me the envelope. I walked over to the desk and pulled a fine letter opener from the desk drawer. Breaking the seal, I pulled the parchment sheet from its confines. I unfolded it and began to read.

HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore

(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock of the Wizengamot,

Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

Dear Heir Potter-Black,

I must sincerely apologize for the delay in correspondence. I am very distracted with the preparation for the coming term and needed to discuss your request with the Headmaster before I could form a reply with the due authority. Upon review of the Hogwarts charter, you are correct in your assessment of the regulations governing magical familiars. Based on your knowledge of such an obscure provision of the school, I have no doubt that you are aware of its disuse of late. Regardless, the regulation is clear, and we will accept the attendance of your familiar. We are eager to see what unique animal you have bonded with and are very pleased that you displayed the necessary ability to obtain such a creature. I can assure you that our Care of Magical Creature professor, Silvanus Kettleburn, was most enthused when he learned about the situation when it was brought up at the staff meeting for the Headmaster's review.

As to your allusions to ensure validity, we assure that is most unnecessary. Professor Kettleburn is more than capable of determining the nature of the bond though observation alone. He will evaluate your claim upon your arrival at the start of term.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Minerva McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress

As I finished the letter, I was less worried about the headmistress. Based on her words, she did apologize, and she had the foresight to address me as station dictated which while not exactly required in correspondence, was generally expected by any pureblood families. No doubt she was aware of this as she regularly communicated with lords and ladies of noble houses when discussing their children during the course of her duties. I was pleased that they had accepted Amicus' attendance without too much of a fuss. While the provision was in the charter, generally the Headmaster still had a lot of leeway. It helped that they had no idea what my familiar was, no doubt. If this professor Kettleburn was as good as McGonagall claimed than he would know what Amicus was upon sight, so there was no point in deception there. I would have to ask for a private audience to demonstrate I had control over my familiar. There was no reason for my ability to speak Parseltongue to leave the castle and once I got assurances from the staff that it would not, I could depend on their word until such time that they showed they were untrustworthy. Of course, Dumbledore had already demonstrated he was not trustworthy, but such details would have to be looked later. For now, I had to get a move on.

"Creature, we must depart" I said simply. He nodded and disappeared to the drawing room. It had already been decided that I would floo to the Leaky Cauldron. Technically, apparition was not legal for underage wizards as they could not obtain a license until they had reached majority. Walburga had said as much when I informed her of my proficiency in the skill. She found it as annoying as I did and made it clear that she thought that if idiots managed to splinch themselves into oblivion, than that was there problem and not in the interest of the Ministry to punish those who did not have such failings. I was inclined to agree with that sentiment. I proceeded down the stairwell to the first floor to meet Creature. Amicus was rather put out by the fact that I told him he could not attend today. He would have to get over it. He was far too difficult to deal with until I could determine the best course of concealment in public places. Besides I had bestowed a gift of many rodents upon him, Creature had collected them of course, but Amicus seemed satisfied with the gesture. In no time I was grabbing powder for the floo as Creature dutifully waited nearby. I threw the powder into the fireplace and it caused green flames to erupt. I walked into them and clearly stated Diagon Alley. A spinning sensation overtook me and soon I found myself within the confines of the Leaky Cauldron. The flames erupted again signaling the arrival of my companion.

It was around 10:00 AM when we arrived and there were many onlookers in the pub. It fell into complete and utter silence when they noticed my arrival. It seemed that many of the witches and wizards were stunned by the sudden arrival of the Boy Who Lived. It was a consequence of my short hair style that my scar was very visible. Oh well, today was the day of my unveiling after all. After a few moments a flurry of activity erupted as they all fell over themselves to rush at me. Many of them babbling out greetings and thanks for my saving them. Fools, the lot of them. But alas I needed to present a perfect mask of friendly bashfulness. I accept their inane drivel with graciousness. I shook hands and even signed a young boy's outstretched bit of parchment. I gave him an actual genuine smile because he was honestly too young to know any better and it was his parents that should have not encouraged such sycophantic behavior. But it was all fine in the end. If they worshiped me, it would be easier to manipulate them and would be even more satisfying when they started to fear me. After the throngs of people had begun to thin I made my way over to the bar. The man I recognized as Tom gave me a toothless grin. I could also see another man dressed in black robes off to the side with a odd sense of head fashion, if I was not mistaken it was a purple turban. He seemed to be excited to talk to me, but Tom beat him to it.

"Mr. Potter, welcome back" he said with sheer joy in his voice. "My name is Tom and I run this fine establishment. Please know that you are always welcome here free of charge and anything you require I will do my best to oblige you" he said sincerely.

"While I appreciate your fine gesture sir. I assure you that I am no popper and such a thing could not be abided by me. I always pay for things when payment is called for" I stated to him in a light tone. He seemed to be conflicted at my words but seemed to make up his mind and bow his head in acknowledgement.

"If you say so Mr. Potter. You are most gracious indeed" he said. This I could handle. The other fools hounded me with fervor, but Tom simply gave what he thought was his due respect and did not argue with my request. It was at this point that I noticed a shift in the man I had seen earlier. Where once there was complete excitement, now was cool neutrality. He had a calculating look about his face. Interesting. It seemed that he had noticed that the other people completely hounding me had annoyed me and my insistence that Tom not offer me something so lavish as free room and board whenever I wished as a sign that he needed to approach me with a different tactic. He clearly wanted something. Well let's find out what that was. I approached him and held out my hand with a polite smile on my face.

"Hello sir, you seemed to want to introduce yourself, so I figured I would save you the trouble" I said politely. "I assume you already know who I am, but it is only polite to introduce oneself anyway. My name is Harry Potter-Black."

"Mr. P-p-potter-Black?" he inquired. Taking my offered hand in his own gloved one.

"Oh yes. While I have not official changed it, I intend to honor both families I am a member of." I informed him.

"Well Mr. p-p…" he started. I cut him off as politely as I could.

"Just Harry is fine if you please" I told him.

"H-Harry then. My n-name is Q-quirinus Q-qquirrell. Prof-fessor of D-defense Ag-gainst the Dark Arts at H—Hogwarts" he finished, barely getting his words out. It was clearly not nerves that was making this man stutter. Some sort of speech impediment perhaps? Surely any half-baked wizard could solve something so minor. This would get annoying fast. I had to extract myself from this conversation. It had outlived its usefulness and my curiosity about the man's shift in behavior did not warrant bearing him for too long. Outwardly I kept a smile on my face.

"Well Professor it is indeed nice to meet you. I am sure that term will be interesting. However, I must…"

"O-fff C-Course H-harrry, I did n-not wish t-tt-o dely you f-from your sh-o-pp-ing" he said cutting me off. What luck I had that he didn't try to converse with me longer.

"Well until term than Professor" I said by way of goodbye. I gave a small smile to Tom and then proceeded to venture forth with a simple "come Creature" by way of instruction for my elf.

As I walked out into the courtyard behind the pub, I had the distinct impression that Defense Against the Dark Arts would be a tiring subject, with that stuttering idiot at the helm. That stuttering was quite annoying to be honest. I casually placed my finger on the required brick and forced magic into it. The brick wall soon melted away to reveal Diagon Alley in all its bustling glory. The last time I was here in person was my first time. I had been to Gringotts in the intervening time but that was through the use of the floo directly to my account manager's office. All shopping needed doing had been done by Creature. The alley was more interesting when all the shops were open to be sure. I could see various street vendors selling the magical oddity here or there. Throngs of people were shuffling about making their necessary purchases gave the hole place a busy atmosphere. I decided the most efficient course of action was to get my school robes first. I could get them fitted and they could adjust them and get them ready while I made my other purchases. I walked down the alley for a while until I came to a shop that advertised that they were the official supplier for Hogwarts robes. So, I soon entered Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions.

I entered the shop and was stuck with how small it was. Its cramped confines were stuffed with several racks of clothing. All seemed to be of wizarding fashion and all proclaimed some charmed enhancement. The wall to the left of the shop was lined with shelving containing hats, gloves, and shoes. To the right sat a counter and I could see several paper bags with nametags on them, likely other purchase orders. Just as I noticed a small doorway at the back of a shop a short elderly woman with a kind face stepped out of it. She wore large purple robes and old fashioned spectacles lay atop her wrinkled nose. Seeing me, she smiled and opened her harms in a welcome gesture.

"Hello Dear, Hogwarts robes for you today?" she asked in a chipper tone. I was annoyed with her calling me dear. It made me feel my age which was not at all how I wanted to be viewed. However, I showed none of my annoyance and gave her a shy smile.

"Yes Madam. If you would be so kind to take my measurements I would be most grateful" in as sweet a tone as I could muster. At my words, she beamed at me.

"Oh, such a polite young man, certainly. I am currently fitting another boy in the back, but my assistant and I can certainly work with two at once. Come along please" she said, beckoning me towards her.

"Creature stay here and find me the highest quality pair of Dragon Hide gloves, a fine winter cloak, and grab the simple black hat mentioned in the list. I intend to not be hurting my hands while making any potions and my pair from home is getting a little worn. Make sure the hat it is off good quality, but I could care less what it really looks like, I don't really intend to wear it" I told him in a commanding tone.

"Of course, master Harry" he said quickly bowing and scampering towards the left wall. With that taken care of, I followed the woman towards a back room lined with mirrors and various supplies to help with fitting robes. It was at this point I noticed the other boy she had referred to. He was facing away from me and already had the robes on. A young woman whom I assumed to be the assistant mentioned by the elder lady had mentioned was working on pinning off the ending of his formal slacks. He was tall for an 11-year old and possessed a slender build. The boy had a somewhat pale complexion and his pale blond hair was slicked back stylishly. The elder woman gestured for me to step onto the platform directly to the right of the similar one the boy was standing on. She was just about to pull a black robe off the rack behind her when she suddenly gasped. It seemed she had just noticed the scar on my forehead.

"My word you are Harry Potter" she said shocked. Her powers of perception were quite lacking in my opinion. Perhaps her poor vision wasn't completely corrected by her glasses. I heard a shifting to my side and it was evident the boy had turned to watch our interaction.

"Yes, I am madam. Though I am afraid you have me at a disadvantage here" I said in a playful tone.

"Oh heavens how rude of me. I am terrible sorry Mr. Potter. My name is Madam Matilda Malkin, I run the shop here" she said quickly. Clearly embarrassed by her oversight.

"It is quite alright Madam. Everyone forgets themselves sometimes. And it is Potter-Black if you please" I said giving her my best charming smile. She looked quite shocked and then her eyes seemed to catch the glint of the two heir rings on my hand.

"Oh, I apologize again my dear, I am afraid I was not aware of the connection" she said simply. I waved off her concerns. At that moment something seemed to twitch in her eye.

"Oh, blast it all. So many customers today" she said in a huff. "Celia, can you handle both boys for me? I have to get back to the front" she said as a quick explanation. Interesting, it seemed the door was charmed to alert her of new customers coming in. A useful feature in a shop to be sure.

"Of course, Madam" the young woman replied and motioned for Madam Malkin to proceed. The store owner quickly shuffled towards the front to greet the new customer closing some sort of curtain behind her. I turned to the face the boy on the other stool and for a split second I could see his mouth hanging open in clear awe until he quickly schooled his features.

"Hello. So, you are Harry Potter…-Black?" he said hesitantly. He seemed to also notice the heir rings and at once realization dawned on him. "Off course I knew about the connection to the Potters. Mother was a Black after all. But I didn't know you were the closest remaining relative. What with Sirius in Azkaban and all" he said quickly. While he was trying to portray the snooty pureblood, I could hear underpinnings of nerves. He was clearly excited to meet me it seemed. His efforts of masking this were not too bad, and I applauded him for the effort. He also seemed friendly enough and could be a potential ally. Based on his looks there was no doubt to which family he belonged giving me the info I needed to pinpoint his mother as well. I learned my family's history quite thoroughly. Walburga had stressed these sorts of things when dealing with other pureblood wizards. However, assuming things was impolite.

"Not many do know of the connection and yes I am the heir. I was named such before Sirius went away" I said quickly. "And you are…" I trailed off.

"Oh" he said quickly clearly realizing he had forgot the pureblood custom. "I'm Malfoy, Draco Malfoy."

"Nice to meet you" I said cheerfully. "You can call me by my first name if you would like" I said giving him the customary curtesy and held out my hand for him to shake.

"Nice to meet you as well Harry, and the same to you" he said as he eagerly took my hand and gave me a big smirk. "I suppose you are going to Hogwarts then, obviously" he said drawing out the word.

"Obviously" I drawled matching his tone and returning his smile.

"Well it's good to know. I thought they might sequester you away or something. No one has seen or heard from you in years you know. It is great that a lot of the good sort of wizards are heading to school this year. I don't know how many of the other sort are going to be there. I hope it isn't too many" He said and seemed to realize he may have said something wrong. It was clear he was referring to muggleborns or as I am sure he was taught mudbloods. I would need to be careful how I phrased this to him. I could tell that he could make a good friend and possible ally. His family had a lot of influence and would that resource would be crucial to any of my efforts. Besides this boy was pleasant to talk to and was clearly smarter than an average 11-year old. He had some childish flaws where he forgot himself, but he clearly was doing his best and he would get better. He would could make good friend material. I would take a middle of the road approach.

"I'm sure you mean those who don't have any wizarding parentage. I understand your trepidation with them. They don't our ways and muggles….fear and misunderstand us when they find out" I said carefully. "However, not all of them are so out of touch and I have read that many do try to assimilate into the culture. Some even have superb magical talents. My mother was of course one as you no doubt know. I will try to reserve my judgement until they prove themselves one way or another to me" I said by way of closing. As I finished speaking I could see the wheels turning in his pale grayish-blue eyes. As I watched him considering my words I noticed that he had quite a handsome face with sharp features. Those combined with his height gave him an older appearance than he was.

"I can see your point of view Harry. I am sorry I didn't mean to imply that your mother was inferior in some way. By all accounts she was a very talented witch and did integrate as you put it. While I still think that sort is on the whole not right and honestly shouldn't be let in. But I will give it a shot if you would be willing to be a friend" he said slowly.

"A comprise then" I said arching my eyebrows and giving him a sly smirk. "A fair proposal…I suppose I could accept that" I said in a haughty tone. He gave in indignant look, but his eyes told the real story of his amusement.

"It's a deal then" he said giving me a small smile. The young woman who had been finishing Draco's fitting, trying to ignore our conversation and be professional chose that moment to speak.

"All done Heir Malfoy" she said simply. Draco hopped off the platform and started removed the pinned Hogwarts robe. Underneath he was wearing a black silk button down shirt. He then proceeded towards the door but he turned around quickly.

"Hey Harry, since we're friends and all now. How about you accompany me and my parents during our shopping. It would be much more fun I think" he said hesitantly. He clearly was hoping I would accept. I suppose it beat shopping alone and it would give me some more human interaction, which I had obviously been lacking. Creature was fine and all but frankly while he had gotten better over the years, he was still a bit crazy.

"I would be happy to accompany you Draco. After all, it would be nice to meet one of my distant cousins" I said with a small chuckle.

"Oh, mother is great. I think you will like her" he said with sincerity. "And while we shop, you can tell me where in Merlin you have been all these years. I will wait out here for you to finish your fitting" he said as he walked out of the room. It took nearly 10 minutes for the assistant to finish my fitting but once it was complete she told me that the order would be ready by the end of the day. She also informed me that if I wanted any special charms placed on the robes I should mention them to Madam Malkin. I bid her goodbye and headed towards the front. As I walked out I noticed Draco with a beautiful middle-aged woman standing next to him. Creature could be seen hanging off to the side with a bag that likely contained my other purchases. He was nervously hopping from one foot to another. It was clear that the woman had been asking him questions he couldn't answer due to my explicit orders and his lack of answers had clearly annoyed the woman as she had a consternated look upon her face. However, upon seeing me it morphed quickly into a small smile as I approached. The woman was tall and lithe in build. Her long flowing blonde hair cast down her slim fitting dark black robes which cut off to reveal large black stylish boots. Her eyes were pure blue, and she had a cool air about her. As I approached, Draco hopped off the wall he was leaning on and confronted me.

"Finally, you are done" Draco told me with a little wine in his voice, clearly acting his age.

"I am sure the wait has utterly destroyed you Draco" I said, sarcasm lacing my voice.

"It did. You have no idea" he said in a mock serious tone. "Anyway, enough about that. Harry this is my mother Lady Narcissa Malfoy née Black. Mother may I present to you the most honorable Heir Potter-Black" he said giving a mock bow and a sweeping gesture.

"Draco, I think that is quite enough" she said by way of light scolding of his antics. With that finished, she turned to me and gave an apprising look. After a moment she seemed satisfied. "Hello Heir Potter-Black. As my son has so graciously informed you I am indeed Lady Narcissa Malfoy. However, I do hope you could simply call me Narcissa. We our family after all, are we not?"

"We are indeed Narcissa and I would hope you could simply call me Harry. It makes things much less formal" I said with a smile. She nodded approvingly and gave me a genuinely warm smile.

"Yes, it certainly does Harry. I am glad to see at least some of the children in the wizarding world can remember their manners." As she said this she gave her son a quick glare. Draco gave her a sheepish look and a mumbled "Sorry Mother". Narcissa's eyes then roamed back to me and she gave a small gesture towards Creature. "Harry, I can't help but notice Creature seems to have accompanied you. I must apologize for speaking to him without your consent. I was not aware at the time that he was bound to your service. I had never really mentioned him to Draco, so he was not aware he was with you either. He seemed to be quite evasive with me on what he was doing here other than being with you. Which I must say stuck me as strange, but now knowing that you are the heir to the House of Black it does seem to fit some pieces together. Am I to assume you are currently residing at the Ancestral home?" She phrased her inquiry in quite a neutral way. But I was good at reading people and I could see the probing question for what it was. She was attempting to gather information on me. It was subtle, but I could see she was in protective mode and wanted to know everything there was about Draco's new friend. I decided to indulge her. Her question was a valid one and she had already put it together anyway.

"You would be correct. That is my current place of residence. Creature here is to help carry my things. He could also pop off to the house if I need anything. It is useful to bring an elf when you shop, I think" I told her. "I assume that you were assisting Draco by picking up other supplies while he was getting robes?" I asked her.

"Well yes, I had hoped to examine a few wands at Ollivander's. Alas the man insisted that Draco be there to even look. He said it was pointless without him" she said with clear annoyance about being denied such a simple thing. It was at this point Draco decided to jump into the conversation.

"Father is next door grabbing my schoolbooks. I was hoping since you said you would accompany us we could drag them to look at racing brooms. I bet I can bully him into getting him to buy me one and I will smuggle it into the castle. I think it is stupid that first years can't have their own brooms" he said with indignation. Then he seemed to form an idea and gave a wicked grin. "You could buy one too and we could both sneak them in" he said rubbing his hands together.

"You can try to get your father to cave in to your demands, little Dragon" Narcissa said with clear amusement in her voice. Draco's cheeks tinged red at his mention of his mother's apparent pet name for him. It was frankly an adorable little name that I am sure I could use as a weapon against him. His embarrassment told me such a pet name must annoy him to no end. It was clear he wanted to impress me as his new friend and he didn't find his mother's actions to be in line with that goal. Thus, it seemed he wanted to move on quickly from that subject.

"Have you flown any brooms Harry?" he asked curiously.

"Afraid not. I have not had the opportunity" I said in simple reply.

"Part of the mysterious past I expect you to tell me about" he told me sternly. His attempt to look intimidating was quite adorable. I could help him there I am sure.

"Perhaps in private…" I told him vaguely. At this point I turned to Madam Malkin whom was behind the counter fiddling with something. I cleared my throat and she shot up quickly to address me.

"Terribly sorry Heir Potter-Black. Is there something else I can do for you?" she asked quickly.

"Yes, if you would be so kind to add self-ironing, simple cleaning, and impervious charms to my robes that would be greatly appreciated. Your assistant informed me you could have it ready by the afternoon?"

"We absolutely can. It will be off no issue to have those charms applied. It will increase the price though" she replied.

"I expected as much. It is no issue" I told her simply. With that I motioned for Creature to follow me and started towards the door. "Should we go meet your father then Draco?" He gave me a smile and a clear "Finally" expression and started to head out with me, Narcissa trailing behind her son. It was a short trip over to the bookshop a few feet away. Flourish and Blots was written on the sign and there was a small poster stating that all Hogwarts schoolbooks were available. As we walked towards the door Draco was making excited chit chat with me.

"So, Harry do you know what house you will be in?" he asked animatedly.

"Slytherin, obviously" I drawled giving him a smirk.

"Oh really?" he challenged. "I know I will be in Slytherin. Family has been in it for generations. What makes you so sure you will get in? As far as I am aware you family has been nothing but Gryffindor for at least the last 60 years or so" he pointed out. "Even then, the only deviation was a few Ravenclaws if I remember right" he continued.

"I know I will be in Slytherin because the other houses will not serve my mighty ambitions" I said in a superior tone. "For I am the great and noble Harry Potter after all" I said in mock arrogance. He seemed to catch on to the game quickly and played along.

"Oh yes. Harry Potter the wise and powerful. I must bow down to the new lord Hufflepuff" he smirked.

"Not in your wildest fantasies Malfoy" I said with a grin. The banter continued, much to the clear mirth of Narcissa, and we entered the bookstore. It was a very large space with shelves that reached to the ceiling stacked with books. It was about the same size as the Black Library in fact. Various witches and wizards were leading around their children procuring this book or that. Books were floating from shelf to shelf and arranging themselves. The most interesting spectacle however was a long line of similar books neatly stacking themselves into groups on a shelf that had signage for each Hogwarts year. They would neatly drop themselves if someone were to approach and hold their basket out. It was all quite efficient.

As I walked through the shop, it was clear whom Draco's father was. Lord Malfoy was a very tall man with a cold grace about him. He had sharp pointed looks just like his son and had very similar hair to his wife's except where her hair was a dark blonde, his was plantroom boarding on white. He wore fine black robes, expensive formal shoes, and was twirling a long dark cane with a bone handle carved snake head. Draco jogged up towards him to see what he was doing. He greeted his father quickly. His father appeared to be occupied haggling over the price of a very large black tome with the shopkeeper.

"Father will you just pay the price the man is asking" Draco whined. "We have more important things to do and I have someone for you to meet" he said excitedly, clearly ignoring his father's annoyed look at the interruption to his negation. He seemed ready to scold his son and continue with the shopkeeper when he saw me and Narcissa approaching. His eyes instantly found my scar and quick as a snake a first full of galleons slammed onto the counter and the eldest Malfoy strode quickly over to us with Draco in tow.

"Hello loving husband" Narcissa said to him as he approached.

"My Lady" he nodded to his wife and fixed me with his calculating stare. "And you must be Harry Potter. Your scar is legendary of course. It seems you have accompanied my family on this fine day" he said in hushed tone.

"And there is no doubt that you are Lord Malfoy. Draco seemed quite eager for us to meet sir" I replied in a neutral tone. "And if you would allow, it is actually Harry Potter-Black. I was named Sirius Black's heir shortly before his incarceration and I wish to honor all my family heritage. Me and your lovely wife are distant cousins it appears" I told him.

"Really now?" he said with genuine curiosity. "Well if you are family please simply call me Lucius. I would most gracious if you would allow me to call you by your name in turn" he stretched out his hand. Taking his hand, I replied that his offer was acceptable.

"I must purchase my books quickly, but Draco has asked me to accompany your family as we both shop for our various needs for school" I told Lucius. "If that is agreeable to you both as well?" I inquired.

"Of course. Why don't you get your schoolbooks and once that is done we could head for lunch since it is approaching the noon hour. We could talk and then finish our shopping thereafter" he offered.

"That seems like a good plan Lucius. I could use some good food. The Leaky Cauldron does offer private rooms. While not the most upscale establishment, the others have ears as you well know" I said to him seriously.

"All too well. It is curious how you would know such a thing, but I suppose I can find that out" he said with a chuckle. Soon enough, we found ourselves in a private parlor in a back room of the Leaky Cauldron. I watched as Lucius made the complex gestures required to construct a privacy ward around the room just in case. I thought it was a prudent measure. I had yet to be able to perform such magic. Ward construction was complex and taxing with a wand, but it was notoriously even more difficult and draining to perform wandlessly. Food had already been bought and me and Draco had made more small talk. Draco had wondered what quidditch team I supported. He was quite put out when I simply told him that sports did not interest me in the slightest. Once some of the food had been eaten it was Narcissa that took the subject serious.

"Harry, as I am sure you are quite aware the Black household does not have anyone living relatives there. So, I am most curious whom is caring for you" she said, making it clear it wasn't really a request. The thing was there was real concern behind her words. There was of course the usefulness of information but the way she asked the question implied she really wanted to be sure a member of her family was safe. It was somewhat touching really. The blacks had always valued their family above all else after all. I stared at her considering my next words. The truth may actually serve me here with the right prepping.

"I will answer your question Narcissa with another question. I pose the same question to everyone here actually. What do you know of where I have been all these years, seemingly nowhere to be found?"

"Nobody really knows" Draco piped up quickly. "Father said that Dumbledore had stowed you away in some safehouse somewhere. At least that was what was shared with the ministry" he finished.

"Oh, did you now Lucius?" I asked in a amused tone. By the look on Lucius' face he was not pleased that his son would blab his private conversations with a relative stranger. The thing was while Draco was older than me by a few months, he was less mature and less wise to what should and should not be shared. Circumstance had seen fit that I grow more mature much quicker. Had I not, I doubt I would have survived the Dursley's treatment, even with magic's assistance.

"Yes Harry. That is what he said anyway. However, I have my doubts now" he said.

"What would you bring you to such a conclusion, if I may ask?"

"It is simple really Harry. It is well known that I was involved with the Dark Lord during the war and while I maintain my innocence due to the compulsion of the Imperious Curse, Dumbledore is not convinced of such. Consequently, I fear he would be most displeased that we are even sharing this meal together. If he truly was storing you somewhere than you would have been accompanied today by one of his many lackeys I am sure. It would be imperative to him that you didn't have any sort of civil interactions with those he deemed unworthy" he said with clear disdain for that notion. Lucius was certainly observant. I looked to Draco who was listening intently. I due hope you turn out to be as witted as your father. If you are you will be a valuable ally and if you are as sweet as your mother perhaps we will truly be friends. It was a nice thought at least. I quickly shifted my gaze back to Lucius.

"I commend you for your preceptive insight Lucius. I will share with you some vital key information that may just unlock a few doors in the maze that is my life if you swear to me on your life and magic, all three of you in fact, that what I say will not leave this room without my giving you leave to tell it. Such information could be dangerous in the wrong hands. While I want you all to know me, I cannot simply trust you yet. Trust will come with time" I said hoping they would understand the reason for such a bold request. Lucius and Narcissa looked conflicted but Draco he had nothing but determination in his eyes.

"I want to be your friend Harry and friends should trust each other. Hopefully if I trust you now you can trust me later" he said simply. Then he placed his right hand up and began to speak the vow. "I Draco Lucius Malfoy swear on my life and magic that I will not reveal the information that Harry James Potter-Black shares with me in this room, ending when we depart today, unless he gives me explicit permission to do so" he said clearly and slowly, considering each word given the seriousness of what he was doing. A flash of light swirled around him to seal the vow. To say that Lucius and Narcissa were shocked was an understatement. Concern was written on Narcissa's face and anger was on Lucius, but there was something hidden beneath it. It was hard to place but I could swear it was a flash of pride in his son for such a bold and decisive move. The anger was from the fact it could actually be quite foolish to make vows like that with little thought. After a small silent standoff, they both seemed to sigh at the same moment and followed their son's example.

So, for the next hour I told the Malfoys the story of my life. I omitted details of my uses of magic. I used vague terms and allowed them to fill in the gaps with their own interpretations of what was done. I did not inform them of Amicus or my ability to speak parseltongue. That would be for later. But even with these missing details it was the most I had told another living being about what went on in the first 8 years of my life. Walburga's portrait really didn't count since she was not living and I had learned that she was bound to secrecy on any family secrets with non-family as all portraits in the black home were. To say the Malfoys were shocked by my tale was quite an understatement. Lucius had simply a calculating look on his face but Narcissa had a look of pure fury, not unlike the look that Walburga had given. She looked a lot like her aunt right then.

"Once we are done here I think it most prudent to skin those muggle scum alive" she declared in her temperamental fury. It was then that I looked at Draco and I was surprised to see the same fire burning in his eyes. The softer features of his face were more visible in his face right then and I could see he was his mother's son just as much as his father's. This was somewhat shocking to me. Narcissa I could understand, she viewed us as family. This was the case without even really knowing me. Also, I knew maternal instincts were surfacing here. But Draco's reaction was a true mystery. He did not know me, and he was just an 11-year old kid. He had made it clear that he wanted to be my friend but such emotion as I saw does not come with the abstract stories of someone you barely know. The level of emotion he was displaying was as if I had grown up with him and been his closest companion. Since this wasn't the case, I really didn't know how to quantify his reaction. I would have to reflect on this later.

"Narcissa as much as I appreciate the spirit of your words, such things cannot be done. I still need them to keep Dumbledore at bay. I can easily manipulate them into lessoning his influence over me. As my magical guardian, he has a lot of power here. But in the muggle world he has none if the Dursleys fight him. That can be very advantages to me. The Dursleys will be dealt with I assure you. But I will deal with them when their use runs out" I said seriously. She seemed to deflate somewhat and nodded her head in understanding.

"Harry…." Draco asked softly. I turned to him and saw that same look of determination when he had given me his vow of silence. "When the time comes, however long that will be, would you allow me to help you?" he asked with a pleading expression. The look he gave me was oddly pleasing to me. I wanted him to feel strongly towards me and such loyalty would be very useful. He also could be a great friend so I granted his request.

"So, to answer your original question Narcissa. I have been on my own for the last two years assuming you don't count Creature here. I gestured to the elf whom stood firm at the side of the table. I do count him. He takes care of me well enough" I said truthfully. The little thing had done its job well and had lifted the heavy burden of mundane tasks from me. He had allowed me to worry less about keeping the space clean and meals cooked and had given me more time to delve into what I truly wished to know. He had been my most faithful servant and that deserved recognition.

"I understand Harry" she said softly. She then turned to Lucius to give him a significant look. As good as I am at reading people, I honestly had no idea what that look meant. But Lucius seemed to know as if a silent conversation had taken place. He turned to me and gave me the first genuine smile of the day.

"We would like for you to stay with us for the rest of the summer if you would be willing. Family should stick together and Narcissa would murder me in cold blood if I didn't offer our home to you for you use whenever you need it" he said with a genuine laugh. Narcissa gave him a playful glare before he continued. "Besides it would give you and Draco time to get to know each other before term starts" he said looking to his son. The look of pure joy on Draco's face told me exactly what he thought of such a prospect. I considered this carefully. I looked to Creature and he immediately spoke.

"Master Creature will keep the house and all within taken care of while you are gone. However, Creature fears for his own safety if you do not return home to explain where you have gone and why" he said with genuine terror. Oh yes Amicus might just eat him to spite me if I didn't explain why I would need to depart for a whole month. I truly was dreading that conversation. But this was essential. It would help me, and Draco build a long-lasting friendship and I could further ender myself to the House of Malfoy giving me powerful allies. There really was no other choice. I gave all three Malfoy's a genuine smile. At the Malfoys confused looks I quickly replied.

"He is referring to the lovely portrait of Walburga and her wraith" I said lightly. "Thank you for your gracious invitation. I would be most honored to stay in your home until term starts" I informed them. We soon departed the Leaky Cauldron. The heavy feeling that had entangled itself in the room at the Leaky Cauldron broke upon exiting. It seemed that my acceptance to stay with them had allowed the Malfoys to put off thinking about the Dursleys for now. Narcissa seemed satisfied that they would get what they deserved eventually, and Lucius deferred to his wife in matters of her family it seemed. Draco was harder to pinpoint. Either my promise to him had sated him or the prospect of getting to show me quidditch and flying as he excitedly told me he was wanting to do when we got back to his manner had allowed him to forget the heavy subject.

We quickly gathered all of the ingredients needed for potions, high quality silver cauldrons and very accurate tools and scales. The Malfoy's were surprised when I informed them I wouldn't be caught dead purchasing such inferior equipment for potion making. Lucius had commented that they got Draco a cauldron of silver because it had been recommended by the Hogwarts potions master Professor Snape whom had a close relationship with the boy due to his role as his Godfather. They informed me that they did not understand the reasoning behind it as neither of them were very versed in the subject. My love for the subject was on full display as I explained the reasoning behind the requested cauldron. Pewter cauldrons were the most durable for accidents during potion making, they were also the cheapest when having to replaced melted ones. It was only practical for remedial study of potions. However, such durability came at a cost of quality. The potions made from them were not as potent as ones made with silver. Gold was even better at potency but could not stand up to certain potions and was meant for specific brews only. The rest of the day was spent getting the other various miscellaneous supplies we would need. The trunks would have to wait as both me and Draco had very specific custom orders that we wanted done and time was running out for the day.

Finally, we came upon the last and most important shop of the day, Ollivander's. As we entered the shop, a small bell sounded. Ollivander's was a small dusty shop and was quite cramped. With the four of us inside we were shoulder to shoulder in front of the large wooden counter. Behind it lay rows and rows of boxes that lay atop great shelves stretching up to the top of the high ceiling. Soon a sliding sound could be heard from the back and at a blinding speed a latter sprang fourth carrying a very elderly man. He had wild white hair and his eyes seemed to glow in the lightly lit shop. He carefully stepped down from his latter and gave us all a piercing look. I didn't like the man one bit on seeing him. His eyes seemed to sharp, to calculating, to cunning. This man was not someone to be trifled with. I could feel magic rolling off him in waves. Something was definitely off about him.

"Ah Lord and Lady Malfoy, come to get your young Heir his own wand I see" he said In a quite wispy voice. He raked his eyes over the three blondes before they landed on me. "Curious that Harry Potter would have such companions. Indeed, I was wondering when you would be coming here Mr. Potter" he continued quickly. I cleared my throat and gave him a challenging look.

"Heir Potter-Black, Mr. Ollivander I presume" I said in a cool voice. He met my challenge with a smile that was not kind at all. "Ah, my mistake Heir Potter-Black" he said not sounding sorry in the least. "Indeed, my name is Garrick Ollivander and I run this fine establishment" he said with pride in his voice. He then quickly tuned to Draco. "Heir Malfoy why don't we begin with you hmmm…"So proceeded a short wait as Draco tried various wands. A few humorous reactions later, with my personal favorite being the lighting of a small fire on the mans desk, Draco was presented with his wand when a shower of colored sparks erupted form it. The wand was 10" long and made from Hawthorn wood with a Unicorn Hair as its core. I clapped along with his parents and was very pleased to learn that the wand that had "chosen" Draco meant he would be a talented wizard if Ollivander's explanation was accurate.

Soon it was my turn. Ollivander started to hand me wands and wands and more wands. None of them did anything. Oh, they could have done something if I dared wave them. but their magic felt wrong and even when I was instructed to wave it about, I refused. I simply gave him a challenging look and said a simple "No, next wand please". He seemed to grow frustrated and when he placed a very long wand into my hand that felt as if it was burning on the inside he demanded I give it a wave this time. I sighed and acquiesced if only to get to my true wand faster. I gave the wand a flick trying to will my magic to create a small light. Instead the entire back window exploded and showered my companions with glass. Thankfully Lucius had acted quickly and put up a shield just in time. I gave Ollivander an annoyed look but he just smiled sardonically.

"Tricky customer you are Heir Potter-Black?" he said in a sickly-sweet voice. The man seemed to actually enjoy putting others in danger with his antics. Lucius was not amused and was now glaring daggers at Ollivander. The wandmaker ignored it. I decided it was time to show this man that I was not someone to be played with.

"My sincerest apologies Mr. Ollivander. I seemed to have destroyed your window" I said with a smirk on my face showing I was not sorry at all. He met my expression with a gleam in his eye.

"No, no it is no trouble at all. It is easily fixed. I can take care of it later" he informed me.

"Do not trouble yourself. I can fix it" giving him a piercing look. My eyes never left his and the look on his face was a mix between fear and awe as he must have seen them glow as I gathered magic within me. I waved my hand behind my back and willed my magic to flow to every bit of glass in the room. I knew it had worked when all three Malfoys behind me gasped and I heard the cracking noise as glass fused back together. I gave a quick glance over my shoulder and saw a look of pure admiration in Draco's eyes as I spied a perfectly whole shop window. I gave him a charming smile which caused him to blush for some reason. Turning back to Ollivander I could see an appraising look on his aged face. His mangled hair shadowed his eyes as he leaned closer to me.

"Well aren't we full of surprises. I think I know exactly the wand that will pick you" he said ominously. With unnatural speed and grace for a man of his appearance he quickly hopped onto the latter and soared down the row of wand boxes knocking several over on his trip. Soon enough he returned, deciding to walk very slowly and haggardly. His theatrics were becoming quite grading on my nerves. As he approached he was carrying a very ornate looking black box. He pulled out a dark wand that seemed a bit longer than Draco's. Its brown surface shone in the dim light and I could instantly feel the pulsing magic coming from it. I could also feel the pull on my magic. That was definitely my wand. I would have it no matter what. He set it on the table and stared directly at me and spoke in a high whisper that seemed to carry throughout the shop.

"11.5" made of Holly wood with a Phoenix Feather core. I most unusual combination. While I do not think the wood suits you as much, the core is what will determine whether you can wield this wand. Why don't you try it" he said as he laid it atop the wooden counter. I reached out slowly for it a smirk plastered on my face. As my hand enclosed it I felt a bolt of energy shoot up my arm and my magic began to stir. I pointed it up in the air and felt the waves of magic begin to roll of its tip as my core slammed power into it and the wand began to disperse it. I wanted to show this man my true power. His eyes told me he knew too much about me, he was too observant and too clever for his own good. He needed to fear me and understand that if he goes against me I will put him down. I gave him a feral smile as red light began to wash over the shop. At the same time vibrations seemed to cascade throughout the building and I could hear the telltale strain of wood and rumble of stone as the building attempted to withstand the onslaught of energy assaulting its every corner. The magic then began to pulse with waves of violet and I could hear the cracking of glass. The boxes of wands began to tumble down in synchronization starting far back and racing towards our position at alarming speed. Just as the ceiling wood began to splinter I slashed my wand through the air and pointed it straight to the ground causing everything to freeze. It was a little concerning that I was not really in control of anything I was doing but the look of terror that crossed the mans face would stick with me for a good long while and gave me the confidence to allow my magic to continue with whatever it deemed necessary here.

Another surge of power shot through the wand and it almost seemed as time were revesing itself as all of the damage caused began to mend with alarming speed. Within a few seconds everything seemed to be back in place, as if nothing had occurred at all. I looked to Ollivander and calmly informed him that I seemed to have found my wand. He was about to speak but then seemed to backtrack on what he was planning to say. He then cleared his throat and looked to me with a face of neutrality and gave me a stiff nod.

"A most…impressive display of power young Heir. Most curious indeed" he said vaguely. His expression morphing into one of smug satisfaction. Great he was going to make me have to say it. Fine old man, I will indulge you.

"Please do tell me what curiosity you have found" I drawled. He gave me a grin and let his voice drop to that eerie whisper he seemed to be so good at.

"It is just most curious that you should be destined for this wand in particular. For the Phoenix that gave its feather for this wand gave one more feather, just one" he said tapping his finger on the desk to drive his point home. "The other wand that the feather resides in the wand of the one whom gave you that scar" he said gravely. "I suspect we can expect great things from you Heir Potter-Black. For the He who must not be named did great things, terrible but great…."

Author's Notes: Well there you have it. I hope everyone enjoyed that chapter. I hope I didn't make Harry too over the top. I was trying to show how Harry thinks when confronted with opposition. He was worried Ollivander would reveal something that would derail his plans and tried to preempt that. Did he succeed. We will just have to wait and see. Next chapter, we see Harry and Draco finally head off to Hogwarts. I know it has been a long journey, but I felt the buildup was needed to explain character motivation in this AU. Please tell me what you all thought. Your feedback is always appreciated.

Find out how Harry reacts to meeting a new factor he did not anticipate. How does he contend with the other students? How can he try to put everything in place for his grand plan? Find out in the next chapter: "Platform 9¾".