Harry emerged from Gringotts a completely different person than when he'd entered. Literally—his Status Window confirmed it:
[STATUS WINDOW]
Name: Harry James Potter
Level: 15 (7,840/15,000 XP to next level)
Titles: The Boy Who Lived, Lord Potter, Lord Peverell, The Reformer
Age: 15 years old
HP: 450/450 (+200 from titles)
MP: 3,200/3,200 (+1,500 from titles)
STATS:
STR: 16 (+10 from titles, +1 from training) VIT: 18 (+10 from titles, +2 from training) DEX: 19 (+10 from titles, +1 from training) INT: 29 (+10 from titles, +3 from allocation, +1 from reading) WIS: 35 (+10 from titles, +5 from Peverell, +3 from allocation, +1 from meditation) CHA: 26 (+10 from titles, +2 from allocation, +2 from lordships) LUCK: 17 (+10 from titles)
Current Funds: 50,000 Galleons in Inventory + 10,000,000 Galleons available (53+ Billion total assets)
Harry had distributed his 60 stat points carefully, focusing on INT and WIS for magical power and decision-making, with smaller investments in CHA for the political games ahead. The lordship titles had granted massive bonuses across the board.
"Harry?" Hagrid's voice was worried. "Yeh alright? Yeh've been starin' at nothin' fer five minutes."
Harry blinked, realizing he'd been studying his Status Window. "Sorry, Hagrid. Just... processing everything."
"I don't blame yeh." Hagrid shook his massive head. "Lord Potter-Peverell. Billions of Galleons. Descended from Gryffindor himself! It's a lot fer a lad ter take in."
"It is," Harry agreed, "but I'm not going to waste this opportunity. I spent fifteen years powerless. Never again." He looked up at the giant with determination. "Hagrid, I need to buy my school supplies, but I also need to buy things that will actually help me survive. The letter mentioned I defeated Voldemort as a baby, but he's still out there, isn't he? Nobody confirmed he's actually dead."
Hagrid shifted uncomfortably. "Well... no. Dumbledore thinks he's gone fer good, but... some think he's just weakened. Biding his time."
"Then I need to prepare." Harry's enhanced Wisdom was already forming plans. "Let's start with the basics. Where's a good place to buy protective gear?"
"Protective gear? Yeh mean like dragon-hide gloves?"
"I mean like combat armor, emergency portkeys, protective amulets—anything that could save my life if I'm attacked."
Hagrid looked troubled. "Harry, yer fifteen. Yeh shouldn't have ter worry about—"
"I'm fifteen, wealthy, politically powerful, and apparently famous for defeating the darkest wizard in history when I was a baby," Harry interrupted gently. "That makes me a target. I'd rather be paranoid and alive than optimistic and dead."
[WIS Check Passed: Pragmatic threat assessment recognized as wise][+1 WIS]
Hagrid sighed. "Yer smarter than any fifteen-year-old should have ter be. Alright, there's a shop down Knockturn Alley that sells defense gear, but it's a rough area—"
"Perfect. Let's go there first, then we'll do the regular shopping."
Twenty minutes later, Harry stood in a shop called "Aegis Defense Emporium" in the seedier Knockturn Alley. The proprietor, a scarred wizard named Marcus Flint Sr., had initially tried to overcharge him until Harry used [Observe] and called out the fair prices. Now the man was being considerably more respectful.
"For a young Lord Potter," Marcus said with considerably more deference, "I recommend our premium protection package."
He laid out items on the counter:
[Dragon-hide Combat Vest]Quality: Excellent
Defense: +50 Physical Protection, +30 Magical Protection
Special: Self-repairing, lightweight, comfortable under robes
Price: 5,000 Galleons
[Emergency Portkey Medallion]Quality: Rare
Effect: Activates on command or when HP drops below 20%, transports to pre-set safe location
Charges: 10 uses, rechargeable
Price: 8,000 Galleons
[Anti-Curse Amulet]Quality: Rare
Effect: Blocks first lethal curse, provides +40 Curse Resistance
Duration: 1 year before requiring recharge
Price: 7,000 Galleons
[Shield Bracers (Pair)]Quality: Excellent
Effect: Can project a physical shield on command, 3 uses per day
Defense: Blocks most physical and minor magical attacks
Price: 4,000 Galleons
"I'll take all of it," Harry said without hesitation. "Plus two more emergency portkeys and another anti-curse amulet. Can you set the portkey destination to Potter Manor?"
Marcus's eyes widened at the casual 30,000+ Galleon purchase. "Of course, Lord Potter! Let me attune these to you personally."
[Items Purchased: Combat Vest, Portkey x3, Anti-Curse Amulet x2, Shield Bracers][-32,000 Galleons][Remaining: 18,000 Galleons in Inventory + 10 Million available]
Harry immediately equipped the combat vest under his shabby shirt (it magically adjusted to be invisible and comfortable), wore one amulet around his neck, stored the other items in his Inventory, and kept one portkey in his pocket with the rest stored.
[Defense Increased Significantly!][Survival Chances Improved!]
Hagrid watched with approval. "That's good thinking, Harry. Yer more prepared than most adult wizards now."
"Good. Now let's hit the bookstore. I want every useful book I can find."
At Flourish and Blotts, Harry's [Observe] skill proved invaluable. He could instantly see which books were worth buying:
[The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1] - Common but necessary
[A History of Magic] - Boring but required
[Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling] - Actually useful
[The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection] - Surprisingly good information
But Harry didn't stop at first-year books. His enhanced INT and the fact he was now a Lord gave him access to restricted sections. He purchased:
All seven years of Standard Spells books (700 Galleons) Advanced magical theory texts (2,000 Galleons) Books on Occlumency and Legilimency (5,000 Galleons - heavily restricted) Comprehensive guides to defensive magic (3,000 Galleons) Books on magical politics and Wizengamot procedures (1,500 Galleons) Ancient Runes and Arithmancy textbooks (800 Galleons) A complete set of books on magical creatures (1,200 Galleons)
The shopkeeper, who Harry learned owned only 43% of the business (Harry owned 43% himself), was delighted by the 14,200 Galleon purchase.
[BOOKS ACQUIRED: 47][Would you like to Auto-Read all compatible books? This will take 8 hours of real-time or can be done during sleep][YES/NO]
Harry selected YES for the theoretical books but NO for the spell books—he wanted to practice those properly.
"Yeh bought enough books ter last seven years!" Hagrid exclaimed.
"Knowledge is power," Harry replied. "And I need all the power I can get."
Their next stop was Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. Harry needed an entire wardrobe, having arrived with only Dudley's cast-offs.
Madam Malkin was a squat witch who smiled warmly when they entered. She was even warmer when Harry explained he needed a complete wardrobe.
"Of course, dear! Let's get you measured— oh my, you're Harry Potter! And wearing Lord's rings!" Her professional demeanor intensified. "Lord Potter, we'll get you properly outfitted immediately."
Harry was standing on a stool getting measured when another boy entered the shop—a pale, pointed-faced boy with white-blond hair.
[Draco Malfoy]Level: 9
Title: Malfoy Heir
HP: 180/180
MP: 420/420
Relationship: Neutral (50/100) - Doesn't know you yet, curious
Description: Pure-blood heir to the Malfoy family. Arrogant due to upbringing but not inherently evil. Taught to view Harry as either rival or potential ally.
Note: Influenced heavily by whoever shows him strength and respect first
"Hello," the boy said. "Hogwarts too?"
"Yes," Harry replied politely.
"I'm Malfoy. Draco Malfoy." He noticed Harry's rings and his eyes widened. "Those are Lord's rings. You're from an Ancient House?"
"Lord Potter-Peverell," Harry confirmed, watching Draco's reaction carefully.
Draco went pale. "Potter? You're Harry Potter? The Harry Potter?" Then his expression shifted to something calculating but not hostile. "I... my father spoke of you. Said you defeated the Dark Lord as a baby."
"So I've heard," Harry said neutrally. "Though I don't remember it."
Draco studied him carefully. "You're not what I expected. Father always said..." He trailed off, looking uncomfortable. "He said you'd be arrogant. That fame would have made you think you're better than everyone."
"I've spent fifteen years living in a cupboard," Harry said dryly. "Fame didn't do much for me there."
Harry's high WIS helped him see an opportunity. Draco was at a crossroads—his father unfeigned contempt for the Muggle world, his worldview shattered. He could become an enemy or an ally depending on how Harry handled this.
"I'm sorry you're going through that," Harry said sincerely. "Living up to family expectations isn't easy. I'm dealing with something similar."
[CHA Check Passed: Genuine empathy resonates][Relationship: Draco Malfoy 50/100 → 60/100 - Surprised by kindness]
"You are?" Draco looked skeptical.
"I just found out that I'm a billionaire and heir to multiple noble houses, but I've been living in a cupboard under the stairs wearing hand-me-down clothes and eating scraps. Someone I'm supposed to trust has been controlling my money and keeping me in poverty." Harry's voice was calm but honest. "So yes, I understand having your world turned upside down."
Draco stared at him. "That's... that's horrible. You're Lord Potter-Peverell and they had you living in a cupboard? Who would do that?"
"That's what I'm trying to figure out," Harry said grimly. "Which is why I'm not going to judge you for what your family expects of you. You're not your father, Draco. You get to choose who you want to be."
The blond boy looked surprised by that statement. "Most pure-bloods would say family legacy is everything."
"Most pure-bloods didn't spend fifteen years in a cupboard. I've learned that what people say you should be matters less than who you choose to become."
[Relationship: Draco Malfoy 60/100 → 70/100 - Grateful for acceptance][Hidden Quest Triggered: Redeem the Malfoy Heir][Reward: Political ally, business connections, potential friend]
"Call me Harry," Harry offered. "And if you want, we could sit together on the Hogwarts Express? I could use someone who understands pure-blood politics, and you could use someone who won't judge you for your family name."
Draco's face showed open surprise, then a genuine smile. "I'd like that, Harry. Thank you."
They exchanged addresses to write before school (Draco's owl was named Eagle), and parted on good terms. Hagrid looked thoughtful.
"That was well done, Harry," the giant rumbled. "Malfoys have been dark fer generations, but maybe the boy can be different."
"Everyone deserves a chance to choose their own path," Harry said. "Besides, Draco has connections and knowledge I'll need. And he needs someone to show him there's a better way than his father's."
After Madam Malkin's (where Harry spent 3,000 Galleons on a complete wardrobe including formal robes, casual robes, dragon-hide boots, and even Muggle clothes), they visited several more shops:
Potage's Cauldron Shop:
Solid gold cauldron (500 Galleons) Self-stirring pewter cauldron (150 Galleons) Complete potions kit with rare ingredients (800 Galleons)
Slug and Jiggers Apothecary (which Harry owned 67% of):
Every potion ingredient on the first-year list Rare ingredients for advanced potions (2,000 Galleons) Pre-made healing potions (1,500 Galleons) The shopkeeper gave him a 30% owner's discount
Quality Quidditch Supplies (which Harry owned 51% of):
Nimbus 2000 racing broom (even though first-years weren't supposed to have brooms) Complete Quidditch protective gear Again, owner's discount applied
Eeylops Owl Emporium: Harry was looking at owls when one in particular caught his eye—a magnificent snowy owl with amber eyes that seemed almost intelligent.
[Snowy Owl - Female]Level: 5
Species: Hedwig (Rare subspecies)
HP: 80/80
Special Traits: Highly intelligent, loyal, excellent navigation, can find anyone
Note: This owl is special. She's choosing you as much as you're choosing her.
Price: 150 Galleons
"I'll take her," Harry said immediately. The owl hooted approvingly and immediately flew to his shoulder.
[Pet Acquired: Hedwig][Bond Formed: Loyal Companion][New Feature Unlocked: Owl Post System]
"She's beautiful, Harry!" Hagrid beamed. "What'll yeh name her?"
"Hedwig," Harry said, the name feeling right. The owl nuzzled his cheek affectionately.
Their final stop was Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC.
The shop was tiny, cramped, and slightly unsettling. Thousands of narrow boxes reached to the ceiling. The air hummed with magic.
A soft voice spoke from the shadows. "Good afternoon."
An old man emerged, his wide, pale eyes shining in the gloom.
[Garrick Ollivander]Level: 78
Title: Master Wandmaker
HP: 450/450
MP: 2,100/2,100
Relationship: Professional Curiosity (45/100) - Fascinated by your magical signature
Description: Greatest wandmaker in Britain. Remembers every wand he's ever sold. Slightly eccentric but brilliant. His knowledge of wandlore is unmatched.
Note: He knows things about you that even you don't know yet
"Mr. Potter. I've been expecting you." Ollivander's eyes fixed on Harry with unnerving intensity. "It seems only yesterday your mother and father were in here buying their first wands. Your father favored mahogany—excellent for Transfiguration. Your mother's was willow—wonderful for Charm work."
He approached Harry, studying him like a fascinating puzzle. "And now the son returns. But you're different than I expected, Mr. Potter. Or should I say, Lord Potter-Peverell? The magical signature has changed. Stronger. More complex." His eyes fell on Harry's rings. "Ancient magic, merged with your own. Fascinating."
"Can you see Ancient Magic?" Harry asked, surprised.
"I can sense it, yes. It resonates with the wand wood. Come, let us find you the perfect match—or matches. I suspect you may need more than one wand, given your... unique circumstances."
For the next hour, Harry tried wand after wand. Each time Ollivander would say "No, no, not quite right," and snatch it away. The pile of rejected wands grew.
"Difficult customer," Ollivander muttered, more excited than frustrated. "But the wand chooses the wizard, and we must be patient..."
Finally, he pulled out a long box and opened it reverently.
"Holly and phoenix feather, eleven inches, nice and supple. Give it a try."
The moment Harry's fingers touched the wand, warmth spread through his hand. Golden and red sparks shot from the tip, casting dancing shadows on the walls.
[WAND ACQUIRED: Holly and Phoenix Feather][Length: 11 inches
[Flexibility: Nice and supple
[Core: Phoenix feather (from Fawkes)
[Special Properties: Brother wand to Voldemort's, powerful for defense magic, resonates with sacrifice and love
[Compatibility: 95% - Excellent match
[+50 Magic Attack, +30 Magic Defense when equipped]
"Oh, bravo! Yes, indeed. How curious... how very curious..." Ollivander's eyes gleamed.
"What's curious?" Harry asked.
"I remember every wand I've ever sold, Mr. Potter. It so happens that the phoenix whose tail feather resides in your wand gave another feather—just one other. It is curious that you should be destined for this wand when its brother gave you that scar."
Harry's hand instinctively went to his forehead. "Voldemort's wand?"
"We do not speak his name!" Hagrid hissed, but Ollivander waved him off.
"The boy is brave enough to use the name. Yes, Lord Potter. You and the Dark Lord share a connection through your wands. Curious indeed."
"But wait," Ollivander said, his eyes gleaming with professional excitement. "I sense you have the potential for more. Your magical signature is complex—Ancient Magic, Peverell heritage, and something else... Let me try something unusual."
He disappeared into the back and returned with three more boxes.
"Elder wood and Thestral tail hair, twelve inches, unyielding. This is the wood of the Elder Wand from legend, though far less powerful. Try it."
Harry took the wand. It thrummed with power, responding to his Peverell heritage.
[SECONDARY WAND ACQUIRED: Elder and Thestral Hair][Compatibility: 85% - Strong match due to Peverell bloodline
[Special: +40 Magic Attack, +20 to Dark Arts (not evil, just powerful), affinity for Death Magic
[Note: This wand recognizes you as Peverell heir
"Extraordinary," Ollivander breathed. "Two wands. I've never seen such a thing. The first for your light magic, the second for more... esoteric purposes. You're destined for great things, Lord Potter. Terrible, perhaps, but great."
"I'll take both," Harry said. "How much?"
"Fourteen Galleons total. Though for a Lord of two Ancient Houses who demonstrates such remarkable magical potential, consider it a gift. I want to see what you accomplish with these wands."
[Wands Acquired: 2][Main Wand: Holly and Phoenix Feather (Equipped)][Secondary Wand: Elder and Thestral Hair (Inventory)]
Outside Ollivanders, Hagrid looked worried. "Two wands, Harry? And one with Dark properties? I don't like this."
"It's not Dark, Hagrid. It's just powerful. And I need every advantage I can get." Harry checked his funds: he'd spent roughly 60,000 Galleons today, but he'd equipped himself better than most adult wizards. "Is there anywhere else we should go?"
"Well... there's one more place," Hagrid said reluctantly. "Knockturn Alley has a shop that sells... information. Maps, books on Hogwarts secrets, things like that. Not dark, exactly, but not quite respectable."
"Perfect. Let's go."
At "Borgin and Burkes," Harry purchased:
The Marauder's Map (stolen from Filch's office and being sold illegally - 1,000 Galleons) A complete map of Hogwarts' secret passages (500 Galleons) Books on Hogwarts' history and hidden rooms (800 Galleons) Information about the Room of Requirement (2,000 Galleons - expensive but worth it)
[ITEM ACQUIRED: MARAUDER'S MAP][Quality: Legendary
[Effect: Shows every person in Hogwarts in real-time, reveals secret passages
[Note: Your father helped create this. It will be extra responsive to you
As the sun set over Diagon Alley, Harry and Hagrid returned to the Leaky Cauldron. Harry had spent approximately 65,000 Galleons today, but he was now equipped with:
Top-tier protective equipment Two powerful wands Seven years worth of books A complete wardrobe A loyal owl Rare potions and ingredients Maps and secrets of Hogwarts A Nimbus 2000 broom
He was ready for Hogwarts. More than ready.
That night, lying in his room with Hedwig sleeping on her perch, Harry reviewed his Status:
[HARRY POTTER - LORD POTTER-PEVERELL]Level: 15
Wealth: 9,935,000 Galleons available (53+ Billion total)
Equipment Quality: Excellent
Knowledge Base: Rapidly expanding
Political Power: 2 Wizengamot Seats
Survival Chances: High and increasing
[Quest Complete: Hidden Quest - Prepare for Hogwarts][Reward: +1,000 XP, Title: "The Prepared," +5 to all stats when equipped with purchased gear]
A notification appeared:
[WARNING: School begins in 3 days][New Quest Available: First Day at Hogwarts][Would you like to review quest details? YES/NO]
Harry selected YES.
[QUEST: FIRST DAY AT HOGWARTS]
Objectives:
Board the Hogwarts Express (0/1) Meet potential allies (0/5) Survive the Sorting Ceremony (0/1) Establish your reputation (0/1) Identify threats (Professor Quirrell) (0/1) Bonus: Make a strong impression on three specific witches (0/3)
Rewards: Varies based on performance
Note: Your choices on the first day will shape your entire Hogwarts career. Choose wisely.
Harry smiled. Three specific witches? The System was hinting at his future love interests: Daphne Greengrass, Cassandra Vole, and Ginny Weasley.
He was ready for all of it.
[Chapter 4 END]