The Boy The Snake and The Stone

Chapter 7: Shopping

Harry was once again dealing with the joys of traveling the way wizards do; he just hoped one day he would have a graceful landing, one where he isn't spat out of the floo face first. Today did seem like the day that he would be learning that; instead he had a little roll, and tumbled into the center of the "Leaky Caldron" according to Severus. People, of course, stopped what they were doing to stare at him and some holding back their laughter behind a hand other just right out laughing at the young scowling boy. Harry couldn't be more grateful to Severus once the floo came to life once more, his presence silencing the whole pub.

"Harry will you ever land on your feet?" Severus asked one eyebrow cocked at the young boy who was still sprawled out on the floor. He was, however, glad that everyone was so focused on Harry's fall that they didn't recognize him and his scar.

Harry's check were inflamed red in embarrassment; if only Levi was here, then maybe he would have a great witty come back. Sadly, Severus made Harry leave him back at his manor for the day, unsure of how people would react to such a large snake draped over such a tiny boy.

Severus quickly helped Harry off the floor before taking him to a dark alley way and removed his wand from his robes. He tapped on the bricks in a certain order that Harry quickly forgot as soon as the bricks began to rearrange themselves. They opened into a path way to the hustle and bustle of a boisterous alley. Severus smiled down at the young boy, who stared in shock of the many people in one place, yelling and laughing at one another, kids running around with strange candies, asking the parents if they could have this and that.

"What is this place?" Harry asked, his words almost lost in the crowed alley, as the young wizard pressed himself to Severus's side, anxious about the noise and the people.

"This is Diagon Alley, the place where you will find everything you need for school, plus a little more. Now keep up Harry, we are going to Gringotts to get your money, as well as to meet up with the Malfoys." Severus said, diving straight into the crowd of people, as they parted to make room for the gloomy looking wizard and the young boy that followed right on his tail.

Harry froze at the sight of the large building that seemed to pop out of nowhere, he would have liked to just stand there and stare in awe, but Severus wasn't going to have that. Instead he grabbed the young wizards arm and dragged him into the building, out of the boisterous street. When they entered the large building, Harry was shocked that the workers were short, old looking creatures with pointed ears and sharp teeth, all wearing similar grumpy expressions when dealing with wizards.

"Severus." Harry whispered, tugging on the older man's sleeve.

"What are those?" Harry asked, trying to hide behind Severus, trying to get out of straying eyes of these strange creatures.

"Those are goblins Harry, be careful around them, and do not get on the wrong side of them, they can be a force to be reckoned with." Severus explained, not pausing in step as they made their way to the back of the building where a goblin was free to help them. Just before they could step up in front of the teller, a Giant took their spot.

"'Ello I 'ave a letter here from Professor Dumbledore." The giant said, catching Harry's attention quickly at the name. "It's about You-Know-What in vault 713."

The goblin just glared at the giant, thinking of refusing him until he learned respect.

"Hargid, nice to see you outside of school," Severus mused, knowing that if he didn't help him out, the Headmaster would be less then pleased.

"'Ello Professor Snape, I didn't recognize ya, and 'hose this?" Hagrid asked, looking down at Harry.

"This is Harry Potter, I have been charged to make sure that he gets all the supplies he needs for Hogwarts."