a different harry potter

"I promised I would help you find out more about your family, and I intend to do so. Minerva will be an excellent resource, and even has some memories of you as a baby," Septima added with a smile wanting to keep the mood light. She found herself wanting to see the young boy smile. "I am told you were an adorable baby."

Harry didn't quite know what to say, so he remained quiet. Septima found herself wishing the Lovegood child were here. The small blonde seemed to have a natural talent for getting Harry to actually converse. She would certainly encourage him to talk to the Lovegood girl again, but it also would not hurt to introduce him to someone who would be starting Hogwarts with him this fall. Minerva would surely have some ideas on that. She resolved to ask her that evening.

"Oh, I almost forgot, I made an appointment with the oculist for 10:00am if that's alright with you."

"Yes, thank you," Harry replied softly. "May I be excused?"

"Yes, you may. I'll collect you when it's time to leave." Septima frowned as he walked away unsure how to get the young man to open up a little. She tried to remind herself it would take time and lots of patience.

Harry sat quietly in his usual chair in the brightly colored family room reading an introductory book on the wizarding world and its' laws and customs. His new contacts made a world of difference in his ability to see, and he had also gotten a pair of glasses for times when he did not want to wear the contacts. He was still amazed that a whole worldof magic existed alongside that of the world he knew. He had quickly devoured everything he could about the Potter family in the book on wizarding families that Septima had chosen for him. There was just so much he didn't know that when he stopped to think about it, he felt overwhelmed. As he reread the same sentence again he closed the book softly. He was nervous, and could no longer concentrate. Tonight he would be meeting Minerva McGonagall, the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts. She had known his parents, and would be one of his teachers in the fall. He was worried that she would not like him. He also knew that this would be one of his best opportunities for asking questions, but asking questions had rarely led to a good experience for him.

Septima glanced surreptitiously at Harry as he sat quietly awaiting the arrival of their guest. His head was still bent towards his lap so she couldn't see the expression on his face, but he seemed nervous. Before she could reassure him there was a knock at the door. Harry stood automatically and set the book on the table by his chair.

"I will get it, Harry," she informed him and headed for the door.

"Hello, Minerva. I'm happy you could make it," she greeted as she ushered the older woman into the home.

"Thank you for inviting me," Minerva replied her brogue thicker than usual in her own nervousness. It would be the first time she had seen Harry since he'd been left on his relatives' doorstep.

"Minerva McGonagall, may I present, Harry Potter, and Harry, this is Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress and Transfiguration professor at Hogwarts," Septima made the introductions as the two women paused near the entrance of the room. Harry was still standing in front of his former chair.

"It's a pleasure to see you again, Mr. Potter," Minerva greeted as she took in the small boy standing before her. His unruly black hair was pure James, but the piercing emerald green eyes were all Lily.

"Hello, Headmistress," Harry greeted remembering that one should be addressed with their most formal title at a first meeting.

"As we are not at school, please call me Minerva, Mr. Potter," she informed him primly.

"Thank you, Minerva. Please call me, Harry," he returned happy that he had read that part at least on wizarding customs. Septima had made the suggestion to him, so that he could practice with Minerva. There were a lot of things he would be expected to know as the heir to the Potter family. The pressure would only increase as others discovered that he was also the heir to the Black family. He planned on reading more about them later. He really wanted to know more about Sirius Black.

"Are you hungry, Minerva?" Septima asked as the group fell into silence.

"A little, yes, it has been a busy time lately with preparations for the new school year already starting," she informed her colleague.

"I certainly don't envy you having to work so much over the summer," Septima stated with a smile.

I thought we could just dine in here at the small table since it's just the three of us," she added and directed the others to the already set table. Harry waited until the others were seated before taking his own seat. The table was mostly silent as the three ate dinner, with only the occasional comment by Minerva or Septima. Harry answered any direct questions, politely, but did not venture any questions of his own. Instead he studiously did his best to be on his best behavior and followed the others lead in regards to which utensils to use when and in the use of his napkin. He had decided to bide his time until after dinner.

"You really are a wonderful blend of your parents in terms of looks," Minerva remarked as the three finished eating, "Though your behavior reminds me very much of your mother, Lily. She was a talented and brilliant woman. James rarely sat quietly, as he was always talking, laughing, or joking with his friends. I found a couple of pictures of them last night, and I brought them for you." With that she withdrew from her pocket a small envelope that she enlarged and held out for Harry to take. Harry's hand shook as he tentatively reached for the offered gift.

"May I look at them now?"

"Of course," Septima replied quickly. Harry carefully wiped his fingers on his napkin, and then pulled the pictures from the envelope. In the first, a young man with messy black hair stood next to a pretty young woman with long red hair. They were both smiling and brushing against each other almost shyly until the boy would take the girl's hand and pull her closer to him.