A Different sort of place

chapter 3

"It is a school of magic, sometimes accidents do happen, but we do have a fully equipped medical wing and our matron, Madam Pomfrey is one of the most skilled women in her fields."

"That's a relief," said Helen. "Is there anything else we need to know about the school? What about school fees?"

"Hogwarts education is free to all magical children from the age of eleven to seventeen. The only cost will be Harry's books and equipment, along with his school uniform and a couple of sets of robes. All meals and board will be provided free by the school."

"Oh," said David. "We didn't realise it was a boarding school. I'm not sure that a boarding school is the best environment for Harry. It might seem like we were abandoning him. What do you think, Harry? Would you like to go to a boarding school?"

"I don't know," said the boy softly. "I've never really thought about it. I don't want to go away from home, but I'd like to learn magic too."

"I'm afraid that the school is too remote to allow for day students, so the only option is to board if Harry wishes to go."

"Harry, it's really up to you," said Helen. "If you want to go, you can."

"Professor, people at this school, can they do things? Make things happen?"

"Everyone invited to Hogwarts has magical abilities, Harry; you will not be out of place."

"Then, yes, I'd like to go. But Professor, I don't know where we're going to get my equipment from. No-one around here sells cauldrons and things."

"That is another reason why I am here. There is a wizarding street in London called Diagon Alley, but it is closed to Muggles unless they are accompanied by a witch or wizard. It is also where Gringotts Bank is situated, I have the papers and the key to your vaults here somewhere." Severus rummaged about the case and set the items in question on a coffee table.

"Vaults?" asked Harry, blinking.

"Yes, Harry. You are now the sole heir to the Potter family fortune. Of course, until you are of age, your adoptive parents will be your trustees. You will need their signature before you can take any money out."

"Oh," Harry said quietly. "Then my birth parents are dead."

"I'm afraid so, Harry."

"Excuse me, Severus," interrupted Helen, "but who looks after the children while they are away at school?" Severus could almost feel the worry from the woman. She loved the boy like a son, no matter what blood relation they happened to be.

"There are four different Houses at Hogwarts," explained Severus. "Each with their own dorms and common rooms. Each Head of House takes responsibility for the children under their care, as do the other teachers. I myself am Head of Slytherin House. We also select prefects and a Head Boy and Girl from among the older students. The castle and grounds are also protected by magical charms and I must stress that the school rules are there for one reason and one reason only, to keep the students safe."

"Do you hear that, Harry? You have to do what the teachers tell you."

"Yes, Dad."

Severus glanced at the boy again, feeling so unsteady under that green eyed gaze that reminded him so much of Lily. Reminded him of how he'd failed. He'd been so determined to hate James Potter's son, expecting him to be nothing except a clone of his father. This child may have looked a little like James, but he was more than the sum of his parents.

"Don't worry, Helen, David. Harry will be well looked after, especially considering who he is."

"Who he is? What do you mean?" asked David.

"Of course, you wouldn't have known. Harry is the Boy Who Lived."

Come on harry we going to diagon alley to get you money and things for school your mum and dad can come along if they want it an underground train away the parent said yes ok

So there arrived Harry was so impressed he looked in every shop before they went to Gringots the goblin help them get the money out.