Disclaimer: Sherlock Holmes and properties are owned by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Sherlock and properties are owned by BBC One, Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat. Harry Potter and properties are owned by JK Rowling. I don't make money from writing this fanfiction. The story contains spoiler for both Sherlock and Harry Potter. Also there are quotes from the novel and TV series and Wikipedia.

A Thousand Stars

Chapter VI

"We should go to Gringotts first," Harry said. He had money with him of course but he thought he should show Mycroft the bank. It would be interesting experience for the other man.

From Diagon Alley, a set of white stairs led up to a set of burnished bronze doors. The doors were flanked by a goblin in a uniform of scarlet and gold. This was the entrance to Gringotts, and it led into a small entrance hall and another set of doors. Engraved on these silver doors were the words:

Enter, stranger, but take heed
Of what awaits the sin of greed
For those who take, but do not earn,
Must pay most dearly in their turn.
So if you seek beneath our floors
A treasure that was never yours,
Thief, you have been warned, beware
Of finding more than treasure there.

"They have all charms for security." Harry explained. "They also have dragons and sphinxes to guard the highest security vaults."

"Interesting," Mycroft said. "So, no theft then?" he asked.

"Not really," Harry replied. "My friends and I did rob Gringotts once, the only successful theft in the history of the bank."

Mycroft raised his eyebrow at his confession.

"It has something to do with Voldemort. We were trying to destroy him." Harry explained. He was able to resume normal business with Gringotts because of that.

They arrived at the counters. "I would like to visit my vault." Harry said and placed his key on the marble counter. He had several vaults in Gringotts now. One was Potter vault and one was Black vault that he inherited from Sirius. The others were quite a surprise for Harry since the vaults belonged to Albus Dumbledore and Tom Riddle. This time, he chose to visit the Potter vault.

The goblin picked up the key and examined it thoroughly before he nodded fractionally and slid them back over the counter. "And would you like your own cart for the duration of your visit?"

Harry glanced over his shoulder at Mycroft. "Yes, thank you." Harry responded after he turned back to the goblin.

"Very well." The goblin said.

Soon, he and Mycroft were both seated next to each other in a cart zooming through the tunnels. They stopped in front of vault 687 that belonged to the Potter family. In contrast to the grand marble of the entryway and the main hall, the passageways to the vaults were stone and dimly lit with flaming torches.

Mycroft looked around him with great interest.

"The vaults themselves vary in size and security. The largest, most well protected vaults belong to the oldest wizarding families and lie deepest beneath the surface." Harry explained. He opened the vault door. Inside were mountains of gold coins. Columns of silver. Heaps of little bronze Knuts. There were also precious stone, diamond, ruby, emerald, jade and saphire.

"Impressive," Mycroft commented as they walked inside. "I might have to remodel Bank of England."

Harry grinned at him.

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Their next stop after Gringotts was Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes.

"Harry!" George exclaimed when he saw him. "And Mycroft too."

Mycroft inclined his head slightly at George.

"Visiting magical word, eh?" George asked.

"Yes," Harry nodded.

"We sell practical joke here," George explained, gesturing around him. Then he grinned and asked. "Fancy canary cream, Mycroft?"

"George!" From behind George, Angelina showed up.

George smiled sheepishly at his wife.

"Hello, Harry, Mycroft." She greeted them, smiling.

They greeted her back.

"Those are canary creams," Harry explained. "They have the appearance and taste of ordinary custard cream but when eaten they transfigure the eater into large canary."

Mycroft raised his eyebrow at that.

"Don't worry." Angelina said. "Within a minute, the person will moult his feathers and revert to normal appearance."

"Yes," Harry said. "Neville once ate this."

George gave Mycroft the tour of his shop with Harry warning him that he better not giving Mycroft anything.

"You wound me with your lack of trust, Harry." George muttered, faking tears.

Harry laughed at him. "Yeah, right."

Harry bought a few things for Teddy before they left for lunch. He chose to take Mycroft to Fabian Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour the next. The ice cream parlour now was owned by Fabian, the son of Florean Fortescue, who was killed by Death Eaters during the second wizarding war. Besides of ice cream, customers could order light meal now.

After that, they went to Quality Quidditch Supplies.

"Quidditch is the most popular sport in the wizarding world," he told Mycroft. "It is a sport played on broomstick. The game is played by two teams of seven people, three Chasers, two Beaters, one Keeper, and one Seeker and involves four balls, a Quaffle, two Bludgers, and a Golden Snitch."

"The equivalent to Muggle's passion for football," Mycroft said.

Harry pointed to one of the poster on the shop which described the game. "The Keeper guards the goal posts, while the three Chasers score goals with the Quaffle by tossing it into one of the opposing team's three goal posts. The two Beaters keep the Bludgers away from their team and hit the Bludgers towards the opposing team, and the Seeker catches the Golden Snitch to end the game. The team whose Seeker catches the Snitch is awarded 150 points, but this does not necessarily mean they will win if the other team still has more points after the Snitch is caught."

"You played during your schooldays," Mycroft said.

"Yes, the youngest Seeker in the century." Harry confirmed. He didn't ask how Mycroft knew about that. The man could deduce anything only from one look. "There will be Quidditch World Cup this August. Germany is the host this time. And I have extra ticket, if you want to come with me and my friends."

Mycroft was silent for a few moments and Harry thought that he would refuse.

"It sounds interesting," Mycroft said at last. "Yes, I'll come with you."

Harry smiled brightly at him. "Oh, you're going to love it. Quidditch is amazing!"

Their last stop was Flourish and Blotts. They walked past Ollivander shop and the wand maker saw them.

"Hello, Mr. Ollivander," Harry greeted the man.

"Mr. Potter," Ollivander said. "And Mr. Holmes."

Mycroft had met with Ollivander at Ron and Hermione's wedding. "Mr. Ollivander," Mycroft said politely.

Ollivander looked at Mycroft intently. "I've never seen mind like yours." The old man said. "You're born for great things, Mr. Holmes. There is no mistake in that." He turned to Harry the next. "And you, Mr. Potter, know how to choose."

"Err, we have to leave now," Harry said. "Good day, Mr. Ollivander."

"Good day, Mr. Potter, Mr. Holmes."

Harry practically dragged Mycroft away. "Sorry about that," he said apologetically. "Ollivander always speaks like that. He is the best wand maker in Britain. We all go to him to buy our wand."

"I never see you using your wand," Mycroft said. "Not even once."

Harry smiled at him but didn't say anything.

They finally arrived at Flourish and Blotts, where most of Hogwarts students purchased their schoolbooks. If Harry let it, Mycroft would buy the entire books in the bookshop to satisfy his curiosity about the wizarding world. But Harry only let Mycroft bought basic books about wizarding world. Overall, he thought that their trip today was successful.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

John woke up to tantalizing aroma. It smelled like bacon. Mrs. Hudson must be here. John woke up from his bed and head to shower. A glance at his watch told him that it was already ten in the morning. He had night shift in the clinic yesterday and was really tired. Thirty minutes later, he was ready and went to join Mrs. Hudson and Sherlock. Only, it wasn't Mrs. Hudson but one Harry Potter.

"Morning, John," Harry said with a friendly grin. The young man was dressed in white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbow and charcoal grey trousers.

"Morning," he replied.

"Breakfast is ready," Harry said, indicating to the plate on the kitchen table.

John's mouth watered at the sight. It was traditional English breakfast. Bacon, sausages, steamed cherry tomato, broccoli and sweet corn. There was also a pitcher of orange juice.

"Did you make all of this?" he asked in amazement.

"No," Harry replied."My housekeeper made it."

Sherlock already finished his breakfast, judging from the empty plat in front of him. John was thankful that Harry was able to force Sherlock to eat.

"Well, go on," Harry gestured.

John ate his breakfast. It was really delicious. But then, it had been a long time since the last time John had breakfast like this. Usually it was only toast and tea.

"Thank you," he said. He had finished his breakfast. It was then he noticed that the rattan basket in the counter was full with fruits. There were also assorted bread and cakes there. Harry kept bringing them food whenever he came to visit. It was good because John often saw Sherlock nicking the fruit and the cake. Sherlock didn't see those as meal so it was fine for him to eat.

"It's fine," Harry said with a wave of his hand.

John's attention was caught by the shiny gold bracelet on Harry's right hand. Since Harry always wore long sleeves shirt before, he never saw the bracelet before.

"It's family heirloom," Harry said, noticing his look.

"It looks new," he commented.

"It's the ruby that is the heirloom," Harry explained. "I prefer bracelet than ring. It attracted unwanted attention."

"So, you came from old family then?" he asked curiously.

"Yes," Harry replied. "My godfather family even has tapestry that describes every member of the family since thirteen century."

Thirteen century? That really was something.

Sherlock's iPhone chimed, indicating new text message.

"It's Lestrade," Sherlock said after he read the message. "There is murder! Come on John!"

"Can I come?" Harry asked.

John paused to look at Harry.

Sherlock also looked at Harry thoroughly. "Yes," he said at last.

"Let's go then," Harry said.

Instead of cab, they were going to use Harry's car. It was a white Bentley Continental GT.

"Nice," John commented. He had had enough of Mycroft's black customary car with tinted windows.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

They raised eyebrows when they arrived on crime scene.

"Sherlock," Lestrade said in exasperation. "This is not playground. You can't just bring anyone here."

"I'm sorry," Harry said. "But I always want to see Sherlock in his element."

"Are you friend of Sherlock?" Lestrade asked.

"I'm Sherlock brother in law," Harry replied with mischievous smile.

Lestrade gaped at him. "Sherlock's brother in law?" he asked in disbelief once he found back his voice. "Your brother is married?" he turned to Sherlock for confirmation.

"Yes," Sherlock replied.

John groaned inwardly. Trust Sherlock and Harry to fool around.

Lestrade shook his head in wonder. "Unbelievable," he muttered.

Sherlock smirked at him.

John resisted the urge to sigh out loud.

"What is the case?" Sherlock asked.

"The victim is Anna Jackson. She worked as research assistant here. Professor Monroe is the one who found her." Lestrade explained.

"Where is her body?" Sherlock asked.

"Inside the lab." Lestrade answered.

"Oh, the snake got loose so you can't enter the lab," Sherlock deduced.

"Snake? What snake?" John asked.

"Monroe is herpetologist. One who specialize in snake," Sherlock said.

"Yes," Lestrade admitted. "We have called animal control. But they haven't arrived yet."

"Is Professor Monroe the suspect?" John asked.

Lestrade nodded at him.

"About those snakes," Harry interrupted. "I could help actually."

Three pair of eyes turned to look at him.

"What do you mean by that?" Lestrade asked.

"I can put them back in their tanks." Harry answered.

"Are you animal expert?" Lestrade asked.

"No," Harry replied.

"Then no," Lestrade stated. "Those are poisonous snake."

"I can handle them," Harry said.

"Your husband will have my head if something happen to you." Lestrade said vehemently. He hadn't worked it up yet that Sherlock and Harry were joking earlier.

"What are we waiting then?" Sherlock asked, annoyed.

"Sherlock, you can't be serious." John said incredulously.

Sherlock looked at him. "Harry said he can do it."

Harry smiled at him. He turned to look at Lestrade. "Detective Inspector," he said in soft yet commanding voice. "I can help you and you have to trust my ability here. Now, where is the lab?"

Lestrade reluctantly showed them the way. The door was locked but it had glass window so they could peak inside. Snakes were everywhere. The body of Anna Jackson lay on the floor. There was cobra near her right foot.

"Professor Monroe said that she is bitten while attending the snake. Her body crashed into the glass tanks and broke it, releasing the snakes inside.' Lestrade explained.

"Vipers, cobra, black mamba and even blue krait." Sherlock said. "All the most poisonous snakes in the world. This is interesting."

"Are you sure about this?" Lestrade asked worriedly.

"Yes," Harry replied. He reached to open the door.

"Wait," Sherlock said suddenly.

Harry turned to look at him.

"I'll come with you," Sherlock said.

Lestrade's brow jerked together. "Don't be ridiculous!" he gritted his teeth.

John caught his flatmate by the arm. "Are you insane?" he asked.

Harry stared at Sherlock.

The other man stared back at him.

"Fine,' he said at last. "But you have to stay behind me and don't do anything that could make them attack you." He warned Sherlock.

Sherlock nodded at him.

Harry secretly cast protection spell on him and Sherlock so if the snake attacked them, they would be safely protected. He opened the door and walked in. Sherlock followed behind him, closing the door.

He took a deep breath and said. "Hello."

It was English for Harry but from the way Sherlock stiffened behind him, he knew that it came out as hiss. All the snakes turned to look at him.

"A Speaker," the cobra nearest to him said.

"I never meet with Speaker before," the snake with blue stripes said. The snake was a girl. Harry could tell about that.

"And I never meet with lovely snake like you before," Harry replied. He was aware that Sherlock was looking at him as if he was some kind of experiment.

"Thank you," the girl snake replied, preening.

"Don't start again," one black snake said.

"I'm bored," the other black snake said. "Could you take us somewhere else? It's boring here."

The snake reminded him of Sherlock that Harry resisted the urge to laugh.

"I can try," Harry replied. "But I've to discuss it with the other first." Maybe he could relocate the snakes to Reptile House in London Zoo. Harry looked around him. "It must be boring to be inside this place with only her and the other human."

"She is dead," the girl snake said. "The other human made her dead."

Harry's eyes widened. He turned to Sherlock and said. "She told me that Professor Monroe killed her."

Sherlock was regarding him curiously. "She?" the man asked.

"The girl snake," Harry said, indicating the snake with blue stripes on her body.

"Ah, the blue krait," Sherlock said. "But yes, I know that Monroe killed her."

"You did?" Harry asked.

"Monroe is member of British Herpetological Society. They have prestigious journal published once a month. It has been long time since the last time Monroe published anything. But one week ago, he published article about venom usage for medicine in writing style that doesn't belong to him. Anna Jackson on the other hand, wrote several articles during her university days."

"He stole her works and when she found out, he killed her." Harry summarized.

"Exactly." Sherlock said.

Harry turned to the snakes and asked. "Would all of you return to your tanks?"

The snakes said yes so Harry helped them. After the last snake got into the tanks, he opened the door so Lestrade and John could get in.

"Are you alright?" John asked frantically.

"I'm fine." Sherlock replied.

John sighed in relief.

"You did it." Lestrade said in awe. "But how?"

"I talked to them," Harry replied, smiling.

Lestrade shook his head, thinking that he was joking.

Sherlock however was looking at him calculatingly now.

"Sherlock?" Lestrade asked.

"Monroe killed her." Sherlock replied. "He injected the venom into her. She crashed the tanks. It broke and the snakes got loose, providing alibi for him. Monroe then ran away before one of the snakes could bite him and return the next morning to call police."

Lestrade stared at him.

"He stole her works and claimed it as his own. That is his motive." Sherlock said.

"Thanks, Sherlock." Lestrade went away, presumably to arrest Monroe.

As soon as Lestrade left, Sherlock rounded on him.

"That was interesting!" Sherlock said in delight. "Could all of you do that? Could you teach me?"

"Really, Sherlock."

Three of them turned to the newcomer.

"Mycroft," Harry said.

"What are you doing here?" Sherlock snapped.

"The answer is obvious, little brother." Mycroft replied smoothly. "This newfound knowledge might interest you but I would suggest refraining yourself."

The two brothers stared at each other until Sherlock huffed in annoyance. "You always ruin everything," he scowled at his elder brother.

"Don't be childish, Sherlock," Mycroft said.

"I think we should continue this conversation in private," Harry interrupted.

"Excellent idea," Mycroft replied.

Since Sherlock's business there was finished, they returned to 221B Baker Street. This time, it was Mycroft who drove the car. Harry sat next to him in front seat while Sherlock and John sat in the backseat.

"Spill it now," Sherlock ordered.

"Manner, Sherlock," Mycroft said, frowning at his younger brother.

"No, it's fine," Harry said. "To answer your question, I'm the only one who can do it."

"Interesting," Sherlock said, steepling his fingers under his chin.

"As for learning to speak it, I've no idea at all. But we might try it if you want to." Harry said.

Sherlock smiled in delight. "When can we start?" he asked.

"Well, we have to get a snake first. One that isn't poisonous." Harry replied. "And safe place to conduct the experiment."

"My townhouse is fine," Mycroft said suddenly.

Harry and Sherlock turned to look at him.

"You're curious about this too!" Sherlock said. "So much for your speech." He grumbled childishly.

John meanwhile stared at three of them in confusion. Snake? Experiment? What was going on in here?

"It is understandable," Mycroft replied. "After all, it is curious talent."

Their conversation was disturbed with a knock on the door.

"I ordered takeaway earlier," Harry explained. "For lunch."

He went to open the door. Mycroft went to help him and to pay for the food. He seemed to think that it was his responsibility.

"Sherlock," John began. "What kind of experiment are you going to conduct?" he asked.

Sherlock waved his hand. "Nothing dangerous, John."

"It is better not," he threatened his best friend. Sherlock sometimes didn't care about safety when he was dealing with his experiments.

After lunch, Mycroft and Harry left the flat.

"Where are we going?" Harry asked him. They were in Cromwell Road now.

"I've visited Diagon Alley with you. It's only fair that I take you for a walk." Mycroft replied.

"You don't need to do that," Harry said.

"I insist," he said. "Besides that, it is usual for a man involved in romantic relationship to take his other half around." Mycroft added smoothly.

"But we're not-" Harry stopped midsentence. "Oh. Oh! Mycroft!"

Mycroft was really glad that they arrived at their destination. He might crash other cars otherwise since his full attention was on Harry, who was showering him with kisses right now.

"Natural History Museum." He said once Harry stopped kissing him.

"I've never been here before," Harry replied. The other man was still smiling.

"Shall we?" He gestured.

Harry beamed at him.

Natural History Museum's biggest draw was undoubtedly the Dinosaur Gallery with 85 feet Diplodocus skeleton in the grand central hall. There was also animated model of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, which roared and smelled authentically unpleasant. Harry was excited during their entire time there. They went to Bibendum the next for dinner. The restaurant served modern European cuisine with vast wine list.

"Teddy would love the museum," Harry commented in their way home. "I'm going to take him there."

"There is also Science Museum in Exhibition Road," Mycroft informed him. "It is suitable for children."

"I really enjoyed our trip today," Harry said sincerely. "Thank you, Mycroft."

His eyes looked really green and Mycroft resisted the urge to reach over and kiss Harry. They were still in the road after all.

"You're welcome," he said instead with the faintest hint of a smile. Mycroft was serious about what he said earlier to Harry. If he was going to get involved in romantic relationship, then Harry was the best and only choice he would have. Someone who was loyal, honest and didn't seek advantage from Mycroft. And someone he could tolerate. Harry practically invited himself to Mycroft's life and Mycroft wasn't an idiot. He wouldn't let the gift in his hand go.

Author's Note:

Thank you so much for all of your kind reply. I was shocked when I found out that I accidentally replaced this chapter with Chapter 6 of Nobody of You. Thankfully, some of you saved it.