A World of Magic

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry:

Albus Dumbledore sat in his office, lost in thought, as he stroked a flaming red bird that trilled contentedly. There was but a week left until the new school year began. He always looked forward to the arrival of a new batch of first years, happy little things, anxious to learn. This year he had something more to ponder though. This was the year that Harry Potter would come to Hogwarts. Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived, defeater of Voldemort, and savior of the wizarding world.

Of course, the boy, who had been kept ignorant wouldn't know much about anything, therefore, would be susceptible to the manipulations of others. Albus himself had left him with his only surviving relatives ten years ago knowing the hardship he would endure until his seventieth birthday. They were muggles, and certainly not the friendliest at that. But, he hadn't any other choice, but, definitely not, there was the matter of the blood protection. It wasn't certain that all of Voldemort's supporters were locked up in Azkaban. Quite a few got off claiming the imperious curse. Therefore, the only way to ensure young Harry's safety was to keep him hidden within the wards Dumbledore had constructed around Privet Drive.

The headmaster was interrupted from his musings by a knock on the door. He must be getting old, he mused, not many people could surprise Albus Dumbledore. They claimed it was annoying the way he seemed to know everything that happened at Hogwarts. He would only twinkle knowingly and offer them a lemon drop. He found the resulting exasperated refusals quite amusing.

"Come in, Severus."

The door opened revealing his very irritated colleague, "How do you always know it's me?"

He just smiled in response, "Tell me, Severus, what brings you to my office at this time of the night. Is something wrong?"

"Oh, no, everything's fine, Albus." Severus grumbled, "I've just finished the brewing the list of potions required by poppy for the new dunderheads that will be present soon at Hogwarts" He paused for a moment, looking uncertain, "There is just one little thing, why am I of all people have to go introduce the first year to the wizarding world."

Dumbledore stopped petting his phoenix, and Fawkes flew to his perch, noticing the sudden tension. Dumbledore looked unconcerned, He had been expecting Severus to show up eventually.

"You see," He began, "we have a lot of students this coming year, therefore, we have a lack of staff to introduce coming batch and their families to the wizarding world."

"I am sure Minerva could handle …" Severus began but was cut off mid-speech.

"Minerva is too much on her plate already with her duties as deputy headmistress, Head of the house, and the first years. Therefore, I am sure you can handle a single first year." Dumbledore stressed.

Severus turned and left the office with his cloak billowing. Dumbledore picked a lemon drop to enjoy.

Severus recalled his earlier conservation with the headmaster before he turned his attention back to the speechless child, stunted by the little display of magic.

"I think this should be enough to satisfy your curiosity for the time being," Severus said.

Aren shook his head as he replied, "Well it's not every day you get to see a table turned into a pig."

"Now, then I am to take it that you would be attending Hogwarts." Severus calmly said.

"As If I would refuse after that little display." Aren began, "The letter mentioned supplies but how could I afford that as an orphan."

"And here I thought you will be another one of her lions." Severus mused.

"Excuse me?" Aren inquired.

"Nothing important, the school will take care of the paperwork and other legalities along with the payment of your tuition with the proper authorities, therefore you only need to focus on your studies." Severus asserted.

"Well If you say so?" Aren said doubtfully.

"This first day is usually used as an introduction and the shopping for supplies is left for the next day. But, considering your circumstances there is no need for us to wait." Severus spoke as held out his hand.

Despite being confused by his words Aren instinctively reached out to shake his hand. However, what he did expect was for his entire being to be compressed and pushed through a tiny wormhole before everything went black. The next thing he knew he was standing in front of an old pub.

"What the was that?" Aren grasped as he spoke.

"Side-apparition is mostly unpleasant the for the first few times but I you eventually get used to it." Severus said as slowly walked towards the pub, "Now come long we have the entire day to gather your supplies."

The pub was filled with man drunkards as they spoke and discussed various subjects completely ignoring the Duo. Severus didn't bother to speak or wait for him as he entered the side, Alley.

Aren didn't bother to ask the man why he had brought him here. Despite his attitude, he didn't seem the type to molest little boys in a closed of the back alley.

Aren watched as Severus took out his wand and started touching the bricks with it in a specific sequence. The wall then parted giving way for them to move forward. Aren allowed the emotion of amazement to appear on his face as he looked at the Different magical shops and people going about their business.

'what is this dump? It's as if the entire world has regressed back to the middle ages.' Aren shuttered at the thought.

"This is Diagon Alley, shopping area located beside the pub Leaky Cauldron that we just entered through," Severus explained.

Allen listens to Severus explanation and purpose of the various shops scattered around the Alley. But what really interested him was Knockturn Alley, however, Severus had made it clear that if he had to stay away from there until he had the strength to fight back or at let's defend himself otherwise, he would not be returning.

'Ahh! So, my kind of place.' Aren mused to himself.

Severus had already withdrawn the money from the goblin bank ('Gringotts, was it'), therefore they had brought all the necessary supplies (Second-hand goods) and the only thing missing was his wand. But really who still does transactions in gold and silver.

"Was the Robes really necessary?" Aren grumbled.

"If you wish to attend Hogwarts then Yes." Severus quipped in reply.

The wand shop was extremely dusty and looked deserted. Aren was wondering if they should just come back later when a voice came from the corner. Aren and Severus Simultaneously raised an eyebrow at the man's childish behavior.

"Hello, there," an old man with piercing gray eyes walked out of the shadows. He looked calculatingly at both Aren who only stared at the man.

"Severus Snape," Ollivander turned to the Professor, "What a surprise? To think I would see the day when you will take the first year for shopping."

Severus only sneered in reply.

"Well, now," Ollivander asked as he turned back towards Aren, "which hand is your wand arm?"

"Wand arm? I am right handed of that what you're asking." Aren replied.

For the next ten minutes, Ollivander had Aren trying several different wands. He would hand him a new one and ask him to wave it about. Soon, he didn't even wait before snatching it out of her hand and giving her another. Aren wasn't sure what he was looking for in the wand.

Finally, he handed Aren another wand, and after it barely touched his fingertips, violet sparks shot out catching Aren my surprise, causing him to nearly drop it.

"Oh! Interesting, How interesting." Ollivander cheered, "Willow, Thestral hair, eight and a half inches, a very unusual combination …"

"Congratulations, it seems we have found the correct wand for you," Ollivander said.

"Finally," Severus muttered as he paid for their purchase before leaving the shop.

"A word of advice dear child, the wand may select the wizard but it's the wizard that paves the path himself," Ollivander spoke as Aren was about to close the door.

With their shopping completed Severus side-apparated him back to the orphanage, before giving him the ticket and telling him the time and location of the platform at king cross station. Severus removed the shrinking charms on the truck that carried is school supplies.

"Thank you for everything Sir," Aren said.

Severus didn't bother to reply and simply apparated away completely unaware of the emotionless face that stared at his back. If only he had delved further into his mind instead of during a surface scan but, who would have considered a child capable of such deranged thoughts, manipulative ability and superb control of his emotions.