Minerva sat back. She would tell Albus, hopefully he would not be having a moment. Right now though, she had to get Harry the basics of what he needed to know. "Mr. Potter, I will try to give you a more in-depth answer and question session later, but first we need to address immediate concerns. I believe that Professor Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster for Hogwarts, is the reason you never received mail, why no one was willing to talk to you or your family." She held up a hand as she saw his eyes flash dangerously. "Now one moment, he had a good reason. When You-Know-You died that night, his followers did not. I would not be surprised if they are still sending you poisons, explosive traps, or port keys in attempts to harm or capture you."
She sighed. "I do not believe you realize how valuable you have become to our society. At a time of great darkness, where the ministry was overworked and no one felt safe, a young boy managed to survive the Killing Curse. It is unblock-able by any known spell, and physical objects explode when hit by it. If it contacts a person, they die instantly, and it was heavily used by Voldemort and his followers even though a single use on a human would send you straight to prison."
Her eyes gazed into deep green shock. "Our world considers you something more than a hero. Children are told stories about the amazing things you do, and your parents are considered heroes just for having you. Needless to say, even well-wishers would have flooded you with mail that could contain anything, good or bad. Probably more than a few love potions from fans, I have no doubt."
Harry was stunned. That could be an issue. He had to have time to gain resources, time to get contacts... but he already had enemies that he didn't know, and a reputation to uphold that he had never heard of. He steadied himself, and his green eyes glowed slightly. He could handle adversity. He was Harry James Potter, and no random stranger would dictate his future.
He focused. "Thank you for the warning. It would be wise for me to be incognito when shopping probably, at least until I can verify who I can trust." He leaned forward and seemed to capture the Professors attention deeply. "Now, about these supplies." Harry had insisted Petunia wait behind on this first shopping trip, since he could protect himself but didn't know the area. If there were potential hostiles, he could not risk her... and Dudley would certainly be unable to come.
Looking at the tiny, grungy pub was making him feel silly though.
He looked up at the witch. "Professor, are you... are we at the right place? I honestly think we will get mugged if we go in that filth trap."
Minerva nodded. "Best idea, is it not Mr. Dursley?" She had mixed feelings about not using his real name, but both had agreed that yelling out 'COME KILL THE HERO' was a terrible idea. "If the 'Leaky Cauldron' is avoided, no need for any specialness, if you know what I mean."
He nodded. Why use magic if people actively avoid it on their own? Harry shifted, feeling uncomfortable. He had asked Jim to restrain all his threads to help in the disguise, and it felt like someone was itching his arm just beyond his reach. He also couldn't see threads right now, although the Professor had pointed out that glowing green eyes was not exactly being subtle.
They entered the dark pub. Each table seemed slightly off, as if the balance had been carefully measured and then even more carefully ignored. The walls were a bit too close, and there were more than a few people drinking things and conversing in the dim room. Professor McGonagall pressed his shoulder, steering him toward a back exit, nodding to the few people who called out to her.
The exit led to a trashy courtyard, with smells best left unmentioned and a small trashcan enjoying itself in the corner. Harry was not exactly over-awed. He grinned a bit and held his arms out, "BEHOLD! The world of magic!"
Minerva's lips may or may not have twitched, but she quickly took her wand and began tapping blocks on the brick wall. "I admit that it is not the most aesthetic entrance to Diagon Alley, but perhaps you will agree that appearances can be deceiving?"
His response was cut short as she finished the last press. The bricks were squirming, and then each one began smoothly folding into their neighbors, creating a quaint brick archway... but more importantly, showing him the magical shopping district.
Shops with glass windows stretched down the street, with wares both inside and stacked out for easy viewing. Cauldrons, strange animal parts, one store even had a broom in the window! Harry felt overwhelmed as he walked with the Professor down the street. "So where do we go first? I have no supplies at all, and I feel that there are likely things I can get that can really help me in my classes."
Minerva gestured down the street. "Gringotts, the bank. The Pot... your family is an old and respected wizarding family, and your accounts should be accessible to some extent as you are the Heir to the Potter Fortune, even if you are not of age to take full control of your accounts for now. That will have to wait till you are of age at 17."
She led him to a bright white building that seemed to stand securely over its neighbors. Strong bronze doors were held open and guarded by... well, Harry assumed they were goblins. Professor McGonagall had tried to give him a quick overview of wizard culture, and after having Jim and crew organize the data into his memories he had a pretty good handle on it. The goblin guards were even shorter than Harry, and seemed crafty. The one closest had a pointed beard and seemed to be judging each person for danger. He caught Harry's eyes and gave a quick bow. Harry, caught off balance, bowed back, and followed the teacher before he could get in more trouble.
They were in a long marble hall with a long counters on both sides, with hundreds of goblins at stations helping many wizards. Even as they entered he could see the shine of gold being measured, with copper and silver glints as well. The Gems especially were beautiful to watch being handled... Harry wondered what it would be like to work with precious stones all day. Behind this symphony of action wizards and goblins entered and exited dozens of doors constantly.
They both got into a line and quickly made it to a counter. The Goblin behind it barely looked up before pulling a new binder of parchment close to him. Minerva took a breath and held her hand on Harry's shoulder. "Good Day, master clerk. We have business of a personal matter concerning an orphan who is soon to join Hogwarts and require privacy resolving any issues."
The Goblin looked harshly at Harry before closing the new binder. "Understood. One moment, I will have you brought to a private room. You do realize there is a five Galleon, six Sickle fee for the private room?" At the Professors nod, he turned. "Griphook!"
Griphook was wearing heavier leather clothing than the tellers, and quickly led the two into one of the side doors in the Hall. As they followed Harry could see that Griphook had a fairly long blade strapped to his back, with a worn metal studded handle with easy reach of his right hand... Goodness help whoever tried to rob this bank. Eventually they were situated in a smaller chamber, rich woods covering the walls and a thick carpet under them. Griphook saluted the goblin sitting at the only Desk and silently left.
Harry was surprised by the size of this new goblin, who grinned a mouth of pointed teeth at them both. "Lady McGonagall, as requested I am your private clerk today, Nagnok. May I ask about the issues you stated to clerk Bogrod at the front desk?"
Minerva rested a calming hand on his shoulder. "Private Clerk Nagnok, my business today is to aid young Heir-Apparent Harry James Potter regain access to his vaults."
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