Ok, so this is a response to two challenges that I have come across when I was reading.
FIRST CHALLENGE: DZ2's 'You Say It? I am It' Challenge: Sirius is dead, Harry is fighting off Voldemort from his mind, but when the Dark Lord escapes BEFORE Fudge sees him, the corrupted a'hole of a Minister gets it in his head that a Dark Lord has returned... and his name is Harry Potter!
Rules, guidelines, and forbidden for the first challenge.
Rules:
Dark or Evil Harry: Dark
When Harry is accused of being the Dark Lord, he must have a moment where he questions the Minister: Done.
Hermione, Neville, and Luna MUST remain loyal to Harry: Was there ever any doubt?
Dumbledore 'believes' that he has failed when Harry accepts his new 'title' as the new Dark Lord: Oh he will so regret it.
In becoming the new Dark Lord, Harry discovers a unique magical power that is under his control: This will become apparent in time.
Harry CANNOT return to Hogwarts for his sixth and seventh year: Figured, Dumbledore probably wants to 'reform' him before being 'allowed' back.
Tom must be somehow intrigued by Harry being labelled the new Dark Lord: Yeah got this one, Dark Lord of, and then read the next challenge, you'll see why.
To 'cement' his new title, Harry MUST kill either the Dursleys, Umbridge, or Fudge: Well, it's not Harry per say, but... would anyone object to a creature from his shadow that has a mind of it's own that only thinks about Harry's safety that is also so tightly bound to Harry that they share the same soul do the killing count?
All pairings are welcome: What to do about this?
Guidelines:
Crossovers/Crossover references involved in Harry's new power: Pathfinder RPG, particularly the Advanced Players Guide, Advanced Race Guide, Ultimate Magic, Inner Sea World Guide, Freeport Player's Guide/Freeport: City of Adventure, and a campaign called Cheliax, Empire of Devils, for those that are scratching their head, I'll explain after the second challenge is told. Note: Other books may be added a needed when new characters are introduced.
Super/OP-Harry: Maybe in time...
Harry somehow finds a way to bring back Sirius and/or Lily and James: Sorry, for those that want to reunite the Marauders, but possibly only Sirius, and that's if my muse is agreeing with me.
Harry flees to Azkaban and makes it his new base of operations: Well this idea certainly has merit, but, I don't know what I'll do about the Dementors...
Master-of-Death Harry (MOD): Well, this could be interesting, but let's see about the next challenge...
Slash: Oh the possibilities...
Harems: Maybe, maybe not, depends on what I write.
Harry/Multi: See above.
Slaves: Eh, thankfully this is only a suggestion, not a requirement, but since it's open, but then again, Hermione with her SPEW...
A prophecy speaks of the new Dark Lord: I think I can make this work, granted due to the challenge below it may be only for a certain group of people.
Voldemort proposes an alliance between the two Lords (him and Harry): Quite possible, especially with the next guideline, this could be something...
Harry makes Voldemort and/or his Death Eaters serve him: Possible, maybe some could become a gift?
Forbidden:
Harry returning to Hogwarts: Yeah, Dumbledore is not going to change Harry, not with what I have planned.
Those mentioned in the 'Rules' turning on Harry: DUH, not going to happen even if it were a suggestion!
Fudge seeing Voldemort at the Ministry: Else Harry wouldn't become the new Dark Lord.
Light/Grey Harry: Considering where his power comes from, yes he will be Dark, but he will have more morals than Voldemort.
Harry not spilling blood to cement his claim: Oh believe me, his power is angry at Fudge, the Dursleys, but especially Umbridge, pity her.
Anyone redeeming Harry from his path to the Dark Lordship: Umbridge will be the first to try, and she will not recover from the results.
SECOND CHALLENGE: DZ2's 'Out of this World' Challenge: Harry always believed that he was a normal human wizard, but the truth is further away than that: he's not even from this planet!
Rules, Guidelines, and Forbidden:
Rules:
All Affinities are welcome: See Challenge above, Dark.
Harry must either be in/approaching 3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th year when he discovers this: 5th Year, Battle at the Ministry
The world he comes from has some sort of ability that evolved/adapted to be recognized in Harry's world as magic: Done, Pathfinder already has a lot of magic, and more explained later.
Though he is not Earth-human, Harry can pass for being human: Done, just very pale skinned.
Non-Horcrux Harry: Done, the soul rejected the attempted making of a Horcrux before it had a chance to bond properly.
Lily and/or James must either be one of/both his alien parents OR they are NOT his parents and adopted him: Adopted by blood and magic adoption, recognized as a Potter in both blood and magic.
One trusted friend of the Potters must know the truth and tell Harry the story: Remus, he could smell it.
Within the Potter Vault, there must be some remnant of Harry's homeworld e.g. a weapon, jornal, treasure etc.: Done: three specific items, and a journal that Harry was found with.
Somehow, Harry must return to his world through actual/holograph/spiritual means at least once: Done, he shall find a way.
All pairings are welcome: Again, what to do about this?
Guidelines:
Crossovers E.G. Smallville/Superman, Transformers, Daniel X, Doctor Who etc.: Done: Again, see the challange above
Powerful Harry: Done, and what power he shall have.
Super/OP Harry: In time sure, but I think with the power I've already given him (See challenge above,) he's strong.
Noble/Royal Harry: Ah, so this is how he shall get away with slaves, interesting.
Harry's power as an alien allowed him to 'assimilate' magic and gain a magical core: DUH, his species naturally have some magic, so it's only natural that for the first year and then some, in a magic rich environment, that he'd grow a natural wizard's core.
Much like another fandom, Harry was sent to Earth for a chance to live: Eh, not so much him, but his parents, who just couldn't handle the environment that well, but managed to give birth to Harry before dying, allowing the Potters to adopt.
Harry's 'alien' power is seen as Dark Magic: Again, DUH, the ability to manipulate your own shadow and give it some semblance of life? that just 'has' to be Dark Magic.
As a twist, Harry was sent there not for safety or sanctuary, but to conquer/rule the human world: No, not really happening, though if things go the right way...
Slash: Ah, like before, what to do with this?
Harems: Again, unknown, depends on how I write.
Harry/Multi: See guideline above.
Slaves: Sorry Hermione, there will be some slaves.
Others coming from Harry's world come to/live on Earth for good or ill: Entirely possible, but unknown at this point.
To hide his alien side, Harry adapts to another magical race's look e.g. elf, vampire, fae etc.: Nope, looks like human.
Tom or Dumbledore discover the other species and seek their alliance, which seeks Harry's: Well, this will be interesting, as, I got it, as he was proclaimed a Dark Lord, see the challenge above, he becomes the Dark Lord of the race. What's unique about this is that this will be the first time this entire race will be brought together for something in this world.
Forbidden
Harry ignoring his alien legacy: Like this could ever happen the way I am writing it out
BOTH Lily and James coming from Harry's homeworld-if you go with the option: Ignoring, see Rules for Challenge above.
Horcrux Harry: Again, see Rules for Challenge above.
Harry unable to become/remain human: Well, depends if he uses his alien gift to shift his appearance, it won't be permanent, however, he will still look human, but still an alien.
Harry's homeworld having nothing to do with magic in any form: Pathfinder's main world, Galoran, is a world full of magic already, and since I am using the Shadow Plane as the 'homeworld' it would make sense for it to be magical as well.
The vault not holding anything Harry can have/use to recognize his homeland: Already destroyed with one specific item.
Ok for those wondering about his power, go to www . d 20 pf srd . com, no spaces, there you'll find the race called Fetchling, that is the 'alien' that Harry will become. If you look at the class section, you will find that in the Base Classes section, you will find the Summoner Class, go down to the bottom and you will find the Archetypes section, the Racial Archetype Shadow Caller is only for Fetchlings, and as such, you'll see that the Shadow Eidolon is a creature from Harry's shadow. Now, for the most part, Fetchlings on Earth won't have a structured community, law, or leader as described in their section. However, when they see that a rare Summoner Shadow Caller has come forth and taken a mantle of leadership, things change, BIG TIME. For one thing, Harry will be safer, that is if the Fetchlings can band together quick enough. There may be a few other changes, but for the most part, this is it
And now, without further delay, let me present to you, my response, I call it: The Shadow Companion
Harry, well, how to best describe the situation he was in...
Oh wait, it would be best described as a complete and utter trap set by Lord Voldemort, which used his weakness/strength Sirius Black against him. Instead of making sure that Sirius was ok, he just had to charge headlong into battle, dragging Neville, Luna, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione with him. Facing down the Dark Lord in the Atrium, things just came to a head.
"Your weak Potter, unable to keep me out." It was true, the fading feeling of losing control, was starting to push Harry towards the edge of consciousness, even as he tried to resist. "Just give up, it will be so much easier if you do."
'For you, but not for me,' Harry thinks, desperately trying not to give in.
{No!} That thought came from somewhere, but yet, where? {Not...tonight...stay...strong!} Images start flashing through Harry's mind, images of what made Harry angry, losing Sirius all over again, the Dursley's treatment, Umbridge and her quill, seeing Hermione frozen in the Hospital Wing, each image giving him more and more anger, strengthening his mind against the Dark Lord's, {Good, good, nearly there...Master.} What did that mean?
The tug of war battle between wills was going on, but this time, Harry felt something shift in his mind, {Ah, finally, we are free to be together at last, Master.} What is with this thing and calling Harry master? {Now, to deal with the one who dares harm my greatest treasure.} The amount of anger in the voice surprised Harry, and yet, Harry could tell it wasn't directed towards him.
What Harry and Voldemort both didn't realize is that Harry's shadow was going against normal laws of physics. Instead of going away from the light source, it started acting as if it were it's own creature. What was really weird was when it lifted up off the ground, and coalesced into a creature about Harry's height, sharp claws, glowing yellow eyes, and a tail that seemed to have a stinger attached to it. What really struck people when they notice was the fact that it seemed indistinct, shadow like, as if it couldn't really be hit.
{Finally, now, to help my master.}
"POTTER!" Voldemort yelled, "WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?
"Like I would tell you," Harry whispers, not really understanding the situation.
What happened next shocked everyone. "So, you're Voldemort, I expected more." The creature said, "I shall not let you harm my Master anymore." With that, he, for it sounded male, launched himself towards Voldemort, catching everyone off guard.
Voldemort takes two hits from the creature's claws before vanishing in a cloud of black smoke. The creature then strikes out again with his tail, catching a glancing hit before Voldemort vanished through the roof. The rage that the creature had, though very palpable, disappeared.
It was at this time that Minister Fudge came through the Floo, just as the creature was saying, "Master, are you hurt?" Rushing to Harry's side, the strange creature carefully moved a few hairs out of the way before revealing some injuries. "I wish I could help more, Master, but this is far beyond my healing skills at the moment. Do you need me to call a Kayal healer?"
"Dumbledore? I think you were right in that a Dark Lord did return," here Harry gets some hope, maybe Fudge would believe him when he says that Voldemort is back, "I know now that Harry Potter is the new Dark Lord." The small amount of hope that was instantly crushed causes the shadow creature to stiffen for just a second, before moving at such speeds and capturing the Minister of Magic from behind, arms spread out, and claws in resting on the back of the head, ready and waiting. (Think of a wrestling position, where the one behind has his arms wrapped around the other person's arms, that end with the hands behind the head.)
"Master, I believe that this person has hurt you as well, would you like for me to deal with him, or get some information from him?" The seriousness in his voice stopped everyone, and with the way his, well they could be muscles, are flexing, there was no doubt he would do as told.
Harry was stumped, as much as he wanted the Minister hurt, he didn't want him to die! Thinking, as well as feeling around in his mind, he feels the connection, and tries sending a thought down {No, not death, let him answer the questions I have for him, and if they are satisfactory, then he shall go without consequence.}
{Just tell me what to say, and I shall make sure that he answers, truthfully.} Was the immediate response.
"Minister, know that I have a connection to my Master, Harry Potter, and that I can ask any question that he thinks my way, no, it's not Legilimency, so don't even think about doing anything. I can tell you are itching to call for help. Now, I just have a few questions, and the more truthful you are, the less likely you are to be injured. Acceptable? Good. Let's begin, first question, who sent the dementors to Mongolia Park, Little Whinging, Surrey?" The creature asks, stopping every few words, probably getting it right.
"That order didn't cross my desk, the only other person who has the authority to do so is Umbridge, unless someone else managed to gain their respect and sent them."
{Truthful, at least all that he said is true,} "Why did you keep attacking Harry, you know that his parents were killed by Voldemort, so why do you think he would lie about his parents' killer returning?"
"If You-Know-Who returned, it would look bad for the Ministry for not doing anything to stop it." FUdge was terrified, but the pressure slowly lessened, at least to the point where he was in no immediate danger if he spoke wrong.
{Again, true,} "One last thing, Fudge, by admitting that Harry is the new Dark Lord, will you emancipate him, letting him his entirety of his funds, Lordships, seats, to be used by proxy, and returning other such things that were hidden to him? We will give you a month to make sure that everything is in order." {This will rattle everyone.}
{Indeed, it will, what is he thinking?} Harry thinks back.
{Alas, dear Master, I do not know, I can tell however if he lies.} "I shall make it so, mind you, this is in return for my life, and leaving the Ministry Building with no more trouble." {He plans on fulfilling that promise, yet not at the same time.}
{Capturing us outside the building, ask for a Floo connection.}
{Understood Master.} "To make it fairer, let us use a Floo, and we shall let those who wish to defect from my Master to stay, while those who wish to stay with us can travel with us, {Understood Master, give them those who would betray us, while letting us know who would stay with us through anything,} after all, Master Harry did train the five that came with him, so if they leave, they must know something about him, what do you say?"
"That shall do." {Disappointed, but agreeable, he shall not follow.}
"Alright everyone," Harry speaks, "Those that wish to stay with either Dumbledore or the Ministry, can stay. Those that wish to come with me, stand by me for now."
Hermione unsteadily walks towards him, eyes flickering between Dumbledore and Harry before drawing a breath, "Harry, you've always been a good friend, like a shadow, always with those you love, and I for one, wish to return that loyalty. If you'll have me, I would like to stay by your side."
The creature let's Minister Fudge loose, before walking over to Hermione, eyes not leaving her form, {Master, she is indecisive, she wants to help, but she doesn't know how.}
"Hermione, if it weren't for you, we wouldn't have been able to get past Fluffy, found what was Slytherin's Monster, saved a good friend, I wouldn't have survived the Tournament without your help, and without you the DA, known as the Defense Association, though nicknamed by Umbridge Dumbledore's Army, wouldn't have been half as good as it would have been. If you are with me, I will accept you.
The relief that was in her body was clearly evident, and while she walked to stand proud with Harry, Luna Lovegood walks up to Harry, in full view of the creature. "I always knew your shadow was different, and with someone as faithful as your shadow, I hope to at least be as good to you as he is."
{I have nothing to say about this, she means what she says.} It was really getting weird for Harry, already so comfortable hearing the creature's thoughts.
"Luna, you've always been the odd one out, but if there is one thing I know, it's that no one should be pushed aside for being different." {She should be kept safe, understood?}
{Master, what about your safety? To me you are more important.}
{I shall not harm her, Master.}
{Good.}
"So that's it, you are now just accepting the title now?" Ron asks. "After everything? ARE YOU INSANE?" Ron just shook his head like he couldn't believe it. "Let me tell you, Harry, you are no better than Malfoy!"
{Let him go, he doesn't really deserve a response.}
The creature replied begrudgingly, {Yes, Master, but if he dares attacks you physically...} The threat was left unsaid, but both knew what would happen then.
"Harry, you still care, do you?" Ginny asks. She kept glancing at the creature, as if unsure.
{Smart, she doesn't trust me, even after I saved you, but she respects my strength, she is an interesting girl.}
"Yes, I still care Ginny, but I won't be like Voldemort and force people into serving me, if that's what your wondering. Are you with me or not?"
"I need time, I hope you understand."
"I do, but for now, I hope that you'll take the offer to go home, and think."
Neville was looking between Dumbledore, Harry, and the creature, before his eyes landed back to Harry. {This one is interesting, very loyal, and yet caught between his loyalty to you and another, but I don't know who...}
{We can find out later, let's hear what he has to say.}
"Harry, this, is, an, interesting development, and yet, when it's you, I can't really say that it's impossible for you, as the only impossibility is the very probable, and the lower the chance, the greater chance it will happen to you." Here Neville takes a deep breath.
The creature tenses up, before giving a concerned glance to Harry, {Master, is this true?}
{Later.}
{Yes Master.}
"I would like to stay with you, but what can I give to you?" Now this, Harry knew how to deal with.
"Neville, you have already offered much, you have attempted to keep me from getting in trouble, have always been there for me, second year and fourth year, and this year you have been a great help in the DA, honestly, you are a part of my group, and I would accept you if you are offering."
Neville gives a small smile before walking over to stand by Harry. {Master, he was the last person. Three people who are loyal, a girl who needs time, and a boy who is no longer a friend, where will we go?}
"I think Luna has an option for us, that is if she is open to it." Harry responds.
"Indeed, if I could get to the Floo, I will be able to take us all to safety, and Ginny can come too, we're just making a stop before our final destination." Luna responds.
{She thinks well.}
{That she does, and will give us the slip if the ministry were to try to follow us.}
"Very well then, let's get going."
"Eh-hem, where do you think you're going?" A sickly sweet voice asks.
"Going someplace safe, Delores Umbridge, unless of course you would like to join me, as it appears the Minister has given me the title of 'Dark Lord.'"
"Mr. Potter, you shall be serving detention every day next year with me, do I make myself clear?"
"I won't be returning to Hogwarts, I have my own future to plan, and not what your theory only class can teach." Harry responds, not realizing that he was subtly shifting out of any wand path that Umbridge could use, and increasing his chances of survival by hiding behind the strange creature.
"Hut-hut-hut it looks like you'll need more lessons, I do believe this spell will work, Dolore Animi!"
The creature reacted fast, and not only took the blow for Harry, but continued on as if it didn't affect him at all. "Is that all you got? it barely tickled."
Umbridge tried, and tried, and tried again, but with each successive failure, the creature kept getting more and more angry, until finally Harry just shook his head. {Do it.} He thought.
{Your will be done, Master, would you like to experience every little detail with me?}
{What must I do?}
{Come right next to me, and together, we shall merge into one creature, one creature of revenge, if that is your desire, Master.}
Walking up to the creature, who at this time had Umbridge pinned to the wall, and when they were next to each other, Harry said something that shocked Dumbledore, "To combine with something so completely, it must be willing on both parts, is that correct?" Harry asks.
"Well that and a fair bit of power, but I think you got this." The creature responds.
"Harry, you don't have to do this-" Dumbledore begins.
"I am afraid I do, Master Harry doesn't, but I do, even though it didn't affect me, it would have caused my Master much pain, and as such, I must make sure that she cannot harm my Master again."
Harry is right by the creature now, and before anyone else can react, he steps into the creature, merging with it. "I knew you were strong enough Master, let's make sure she can't hurt you again."
Warning: Graphic Death
It started out by slowly entering the chest cavity with one claw while the other went for Umbridge's throat. The blood that was being spilt didn't seem to affect either the creature or Harry. When they were deep enough, two quick slashes ensured that her throat went one way while what appeared to be her heart went the opposite direction.
"Despite how Dark I appear, that was gruesome even for me." The creature says, while watching the body of Delores Umbridge fall to the ground. "At least she can't hurt Master anymore." The entire thing took about half a minute, and when Umbridge is finally dead, does Harry step out of the creature, clutching his stomach.
"Remind me, that the next time we merge to deal with a problem, to take a calming draught and stomach soother as well."
"Yes Master." The creature responds before looking back to Dumbledore, "As you can see, it was all me, who do you punish, my Master for letting me, or me, for acting without thinking of the consequences?"
Done
While everyone else was still in shock, Harry managed to coral his group away and to the Floo area, where Luna said to go to the Burrow first, and for someone to grab some extra Floo powder, they'll need it. Harry only hopes that Mr. and Mrs. Weasley aren't home, and that they can get away fast enough.