Hopes and Wishes

Chapter 14: Ice Cream Rendezvous


Harry wasn’t sure that he totally approved of floo travel. The soot had gone up his nose and made him sneeze and all that spinning had made his tummy feel very odd.

He had clung tightly to Teddy with one hand and used his other arm to form a choke hold around Sev’s neck. It had made him feel better to know that he was being held tightly by his protector; Sev made him feel safe – well as safe as he could ever remember feeling before.

The place that they landed in was weird. It was dark and dirty and everyone stopped talking when he and Severus stepped away from the fire. Harry wasn’t sure that he like this place any more than he had liked the journey to get to it. The only good thing was that Remus was waiting, as promised, and swept Harry into his arms, allowing Severus to rid himself of soot and ashes.

People had started to whisper to each other again and Harry could see them looking at him, Sev and Remy before turning to talk to each other once more. Harry buried his face in Remy’s neck and hoped that they wouldn’t be staying long.

Remus carried Harry out of the back door of the pub and prompted him to “Look” as Severus tapped the bricks with his wand, revealing the entrance to Diagon Alley.

Harry’s eyes widened comically and his chin dropped as the wonder of wizarding Britain’s main shopping district was unveiled.

“Welcome to Diagon Alley” Remus chuckled to Harry, kissing his cheek and thereby awakening him from his stupor; using one finger, he gently closed the gaping mouth.

Harry opened his mouth once more as though he was going to say something, but no sound emerged. He gazed, awe filled, at the hustle and bustle of the busy high street but still remained mute.

“First stop Gringotts.” Severus declared and began to lead the way.

Harry continued to look this way and that as they progressed along the street. He was intrigued but also slightly scared by all of the noise and activity surrounding them.

The Wizarding Bank loomed ahead of them at a junction between two streets. The huge, snow-white, marble edifice towered over the other properties on the alley, its gleaming white walls shining like a beacon in the close confines of the shopping district.

As they entered the building, Severus and Remus chose different queues to join and Remus set Harry down on the floor next to him, thus enabling him to riffle through his own pockets in search of his vault key.

Harry gazed out at the sea of legs that surrounded him, enchanted by the little creatures that weaved their way in and out of them. They looked like the little aliens in the story book that Dudley had been given for his last birthday.

One of the aliens who had been rushing past dropped some of the papers it was carrying and several of them landed at Harry’s feet. Looking up and seeing that Remy was still busy hunting in his pockets, Harry bent to pick up the papers and timidly walked towards the muttering creature. It was busy trying to collect together all of its things when Harry tapped it gently on the shoulder. The creature turned sharply and snarled viciously “What?” in Harry’s direction.

Harry’s chin wobbled and his eyes filled as he nervously held out the papers he had retrieved.

“Me find them.” He whispered.

The creature snatched the papers and added them briskly to the pile. Harry waited for a few seconds but the little creature didn’t look at him again. Head drooping despondently, Harry turned and started to walk back to Remus.

“Goblins are irascible creatures; at least that is what Father calls them.” Said a voice behind him, “I just think they’re mean!” it continued.

Harry turned to see a small blond-haired child standing behind him. The boy was dressed in smart robes of rich green velvet and was standing up proudly, an expectant look on his face. After a few seconds of silence, the boy continued determinedly.

“My name is Draco Lucien Malfoy. Who are you?”

“’m Harry” was the whispered response.

“You are very quiet. People will think you are rude.” Draco stated “Where are your parents?”

“Me don’ know.”

Draco frowned considering and turned his attention to the tall, blond man behind him.

“Father? Father, Harry doesn’t know where his parents are. Can we take him home?” Draco asked confidently.

The tall man fixed his gaze on Harry and studied him for a second or two. Admonishing Draco for trying to collect people as others did strays; the man introduced himself to Harry.”

“I am Lucius Malfoy. Draco says you are lost?” he queried.

“Me no lost. Remy ova dere an’ Sev’us dere.” Harry informed him matter-of-factly.

It was at that moment that Remus finally realised he was missing something. “Harry?” he called anxiously, spinning around to look for the little boy. Spotting him, Remus sighed with relief and, oblivious to the blond duo, beckoned Harry over.

“You had me worried for a moment cub. What are you doing over there? Come and stand next to me please?”

Head drooping once more, Harry shuffled towards Remus.

“Me sorry Remus. Me help da little alien. Me give him da paper he drop’ed.”

“It’s okay little man, I’m not cross. I was just worried that I’d lost you and Severus would be very cross with me if I had done.” He reassured.

Stooping to pick the brightening child up, Remus gave him a comforting hug and kissed his cheek.

Lucius had been watching the byplay interestedly but, at the halt in conversation, took the opportunity to make himself known to the other man.

“Remus, how nice to see you. You and Severus have not visited the Manor for some time. We have missed your company.”

“Lucius, Draco! What a pleasant surprise. Severus and I have news to acquaint you with. Shall we perhaps have a spot of tea together after we have completed our business here?”

“An excellent idea.” Lucius smirked “As much as it pains me to admit, I have promised Draco a trip to Fortescue’s this morning. Shall we reconvene there in say, 30 minutes?”

“Perfect! Sev and I have promised to introduce Harry to one of Florean’s famous masterpieces.”

The two men nodded in accord and returned their attention to the business at hand.

The cart ride to Remus’ vault was another mixed experience for Harry. Unlike the earlier floo trip, which Harry had found wholly uncomfortable, he could not make up his mind about the cart ride. On the one hand, Harry found the speed of the journey thrilling and exciting but it also left him feeling terrified and slightly nauseous. His face flitted from one expression to another and Remus would have been hard-pressed not to laugh if it were not for his own preoccupation with ensuring that they both survived the journey.

The cart came to an abrupt halt outside vault number 984, jarring its two passengers but also finally allowing Remus to take a deep, calming breath. The goblin unlocked the door and stepped back to allow Remus and Harry to enter the vault. Remus’ vault was by no means overflowing, but there were healthy piles of galleons, sickles and knuts stacked and piled neatly to one side of the room.

Following several years of unemployment due to his ‘furry little problem’ Remus was always careful with the money he now earned. It had been tempting, initially, to splash out and indulge but caution and practicality had urged him to be careful.

Remus was glad now that he had been so prudent with his money as it meant that he had enough to take this opportunity to spoil his cub. He was determined that Harry would never become as spoiled as James had been, but he firmly believed that Harry deserved the minimum of one day of total spoiling and indulgence. After his horrible experiences during the last two years, his little boy needed to experience the brighter side of life.

Money collected, Remus steeled himself and led Harry back to the waiting cart. Gripping the small child tightly, Remus braced himself for the return journey. Harry didn’t seem to be anywhere near as concerned as he had been on the journey down in fact, now that he understood that it was safe, Harry seemed to delight in the speed of their journey. It started slowly, a quiet sound from Harry that Remus interpreted as fear, hugging him tighter to calm him. It wasn’t until little giggles reached his ears that Remus realised Harry was revelling in their death-defying ride. As their speed picked up, Harry’s giggles increased until he was virtually squealing with excitement. Remus even began to find himself wishing that the journey to the surface would never stop if Harry would continue to laugh so joyfully. The ride did, eventually, end and Remus climbed out of the cart on slightly unsteady legs a still-smiling Harry cradled happily in his arms.

They met Severus in the lobby of the bank and Harry threw himself into the arms of the other man, snuggling his head under Sev’s chin. Having updated Sev on their ice cream rendezvous with Lucius and Draco, the trio made their way leisurely along the alley; soaking up the sights, sounds and smells of the bustling metropolis.

Lucius and Draco were already seated and awaiting them when the trio approached Fortescue’s ice cream parlour. Draco was obviously trying desperately to stop bouncing excitedly in his chair. Lucius was staring meaningfully at him and had almost succeeded in quelling the excitable child when Draco caught sight of the approaching party. Grey eyes gleaming, Draco’s bouncing became more pronounced than ever and Lucius sighed in defeat. Mouth twitching with the slightest hint of a smile, Lucius rose to greet his guests.

“Severus, you have been most remiss in your duties both as a friend and as Draco’s Godfather. We have not seen you for far too long or Remus either. You look well though Sev, Cissi always did say that domesticity would suit you.”

“I have not moved Luc; you have always known where to find me.” He rejoindered as he clasped wrists firmly with his friend, both men sketching short bows.

“Cissi always was insightful,” Remus added “He even cooked breakfast this morning.”

Severus half-heartedly glared at Remus, as both he and Lucius chuckled, but eventually gave it up as a bad job. The persona that he had been painstakingly building for the past 5 years seemed to be crumbling by the hour.

“His manners have not improved, however,” Lucius teased, still smirking “He had yet to introduce Draco and I to your companion.”

“My apologies. Draco, it is good to see you. I’d like you to meet Harry, he has come to live with Remus and I. Harry; Draco and Lucius are very good friends of ours. Say hello to them please.”

“ ‘Lo” he whispered obediently before hiding his face in Sev’s neck once more.

The adults each took their seats and, prompted by Draco, began to scan the ice cream menu.

“Draco, I am relying on you to help Harry to make his choice. He has never had an ice cream before and he does not know which treat is the best.” Severus requested of his godson, hoping to start a conversation off between the two boys.

“Never had an ice cream?” Draco exclaimed, astounded.

Harry peeked shyly at the blonde boy and shook his head. “Aunt ‘Tunia no’ let me. I’cream no’ for freaks!”

Draco looked puzzled, not understanding the term, and looked at his father for clarification. Lucius’ gaze had sharpened but he shook his head at his son, indicating that the matter should be dropped. Draco sighed in frustration but returned his attention to Harry none-the-less.

“Well…” He began knowledgably, chest puffed up with importance. “All of the ice creams are nice but I have three favourites. Whizbee Wonder is made of sherbet ice cream with maple syrup, Fizzing Whizbees and special magic sparklers. Bertie’s Banana Bonanza has got banana chunks, vanilla ice cream, toffee sauce, Bertie Bott’s Beans and cream on top. My favourite one though is Merlin’s Medley. Father doesn’t let me have it very often because it is huge but it is delicious. It’s got vanilla, chocolate and toffee ice cream, chocolate and toffee sauces, Honeydukes best chocolate chunks, honeycomb pieces and mini chocolate frogs all topped off with cream and sparklers. It’s so big that Father always has to help me finish it when nobody is looking. You could help me if you want?” he smiled brightly, enthusiastic at the prospect.

“What do you think hey? Do you want to share an ice cream with Draco?” Sev asked.

“Dwaco eat all da I’cream like Dugley?” he queried uncertainly.

“No poppet, Harry can eat the ice cream too. Harry and Draco share.”

“ ‘Kay, Harry an’ Dwaco share.”

The orders were soon placed and there was a bit of an awkward silence as the adults waited for the ice cream to arrive. It didn’t take long, however, and Sev soon had the children seated side-by-side, spoons poised to attack the monstrous confection.

Harry looked unsure of just how to start and his spoon hovered indecisively over the dish.

“You just push the spoon in like this” Draco explained, demonstrating his practiced technique, “It’s best if you can get a bit of cream and sauce too. Then you just lift the spoon and eat the ice cream. Go on, try it.”

Tongue poking from between his teeth and eyes squinted in concentration; Harry followed Draco’s instructions carefully. His eyes popped open at the first taste of the wonderful confection and a breathy little moan of enjoyment escaped his lips as he briefly savoured the new sensations before quickly thrusting his spoon back into the dish to collect more.

The adults looked on fondly as Harry enjoyed this new treat, even Draco was watching Harry’s obvious pleasure with a happy little smile of his own.

It was Lucius’ pointed clearing of his throat that brought Sev and Remy’s attention away from the entrancing sight beside them. Eyebrow raised, Lucius did not actually have to say anything, but all three adult knew the question he was asking.

Severus calmly extracted his wand and, flicking it gently, muttered quietly ”muffliato”.

“Allow me to reintroduce you to Harry James Potter.”


A/N:

Sorry that this has taken me a while to get out. I was ill myself for a little while (nothing serious but highly inconvenient!) I have been adding bits slowly over the past few weeks but there have been other things occupying my time.


My Grandpa finally died last week and it has affected me rather badly. Silly as it sounds, we had thought it was the end so many times before that a part of me thought that he would live forever. I have been very weepy but going back to work has been the best thing for me; I’m too busy to cry! The only problem comes when people try to talk to me, the dreaded question “How are you?” reduces me to a gibbering wreck every time. I’ve always been a bit ambiguous with regards to God and heaven but Mum was with him shortly before he died and she says that he pointed up into the air, reaching up and curling his arm as though to pull somebody closer to him and kissed them. She is convinced that he saw my Grandma, who died nearly 14 years ago. I hope he did.

Thank you to everyone who has reviewed. I’m afraid I haven’t answered reviews this time as it had been rather difficult for me to even get the chapter out at all. I will try my best to answer them before the next chapter is out.

I usually ask for constructive criticism but I’m not sure I can handle it this time. Just nice reviews this time please and you can criticise after the next chapter!

Oh, btw, one reviewer pointed out that I was really stupid for allowing Harry to floo on his own, aged 3, when his speech is obviously poor and he had been unable to do it aged 12 in canon. For anyone else who missed it, “You can go with Sev and hold on tight to Teddy so that he doesn’t get scared.” I did not send a baby through the floo network on his own!