Worst Jumpchain Ever
You'd think travel between dimensions would be one of the best things that can happen to a person. Especially if they start by gaining magic. And it might be. If you didn't end up trapped between a psychotic villain, corrupt government and untrustworthy allies in a repeating cycle.
(A/N): I do not own Harry Potter. Story inspired in part by
Yet Another Universe by Silverfawkes and
0800-Rent-A-Hero by brainthief
Chapter 1 Introductions
Albus Dumbledore, Leader of the Light, carefully took his place around the ritual circle along side a handful of others. He didn't like bringing in so many others, but he wasn't powerful enough to cast the spell by himself.
So he called up the Order of the Phoenix. Sadly they didn't just take his word for it and it wasn't like he would be able to lie about the ritual. Not when it would so obviously summon a version of Harry Potter.
So he had been forced to reveal that the famed Boy-Who-Lived had been killed by his muggle family. He was sure it was an accident, but Minerva's tirade meant everything looked upon him with askance.
Running out of time he had revealed far more information than he was comfortable with. While he did keep from revealing the entire prophecy he had been forced to reveal the existence of the part Voldemort already knew.
Still he had eventually brought the Order around. And not a moment too soon as the summer solstice had been fast approaching. And now they were all set to summon a young Harry Potter who did not have a prophecy affecting him as well as being too young to have started Hogwarts.
After all if he was going to properly create a martyr he needed to ensure his conditioning goes according to his plan. And the fuss of having misplaced the Boy-Who-Lived would lead people into not trusting him.
Why can't people just see he knows what's best for them?
O oooo - ooo - oo - o - O - o - oo - ooo – oooo O
Sirius took me to the platform early, at my insistence. He teased me about already abandoning him, but I knew he didn't mean it. Besides I left him a list of things I wanted. He'd be busy for quite sometime gathering them all. Hopefully busy enough to not have time to mope.
Striding confidently through the brick pillar marking the entrance I closing my eyes reflexively. Please don't slam into the hard stone wall. A half stumble later and I was through.
Probably should have pushed a cart though. I guess that's the downside of having your luggage shrunken down and worn in a necklace.
As soon as I was through I released Hedwig. She cuffed me with a wing before landing on my shoulder. She doesn't like being caged. Even the brief trip through the station upset her.
She really is just as intelligent as she was portrayed in the books. Completely worth braving the crowds in Diagon Alley a second time. I gently scratch her as I board. I can feel the bond between Hedwig and I already forming. It's beautiful. Magic really is wonderful.
A feeling of unease causes me to tense. The air feels heavy all of a sudden. Startled, Hedwig hops onto the her cage.
The air stirs as a vortex opens up next to me. I try to dive away, but am trapped in the corner. Instead all I can do is watch as it grows and the edge gets closer to me. When it touches my I feel a jerking sensation like being punched in the gut and then a spinning, crushing sensation all over.
The sensation ends abruptly by slamming me down into the ground. Which feels like it's made from solid stone. Given the way my vision seemed to be all wobbly despite my very highly enchanted glasses I decide I may have a concussion.
As I lay there getting my breath back I listen to the conversation around me.
"It worked. It really is Harry Potter." I stifle a groan as I keep listening. So far it doesn't sound like I've been kidnapped by Unspeakables or Aurors. Things are looking up.
"Harry my boy. Are you alright?" No. That's not possible. I killed him.
I shift my point of view to see who was talking, blessing Sirius how had insisted on adding in the enchantments from Mad-Eye Moody's spinning eye. He claimed they were perfect for a growing boy and buddying prankster. I'm just glad it meant I didn't need to move my aching head.
I gape at the sight of Albus Dumbledore standing alongside Severus Snape. And they were easy to recognize. Unlike the ones I had arranged to kill these looked just like the characters from the movies. A quick look around me and I see I'm laying in the middle of a very large ritual circle and surrounded by people, some I vaguely recognize.
Well, this isn't good.
A small rune only I can see lights up on my glasses. I grin savagely at the lack of mental pressure. Looks like my glasses work. Worth every penny. Even with the two legilimancers I know about dead I had been feeling exposed. My Occlumency after all was very new. Looks like it just paid off. The invisible layer of dragon hide blocked directed magic while a minor warding scheme alerted me to any legilimency attempts.
Oh yeah. I was asked a question. "What the fuck just happened to me?" And assuming this is fairly canon. "I'm not talking to anyone without my lawyer present."
"My dear boy I assure you that you aren't in any trouble." Yep he's the same condescending prick depicted in the story. I listen to him ramble for a bit before holding up a hand, interrupting him.
"Let me get this straight. I was summoned into some kind of alternate dimension. One where I had already died. Just because you needed to cover up accidentally killing me?" I waved off his excuses along with Snape's insults and McGonagall's screeching about respect.
Wow. Snape and McGonagall really are Dumbledore's attack dogs. Well trained too. I watch him calm them down, letting him place himself in the role as the voice of reason. Manipulative bastard.
Still, at least for now it'll be easier to play along. I let myself be persuaded to go along, not really paying much attention to the conversation. I'm much more interested in memorizing everyone who's part of the ritual. Most of them seem a bit suspicious of Dumbledore. McGonagall and Snape seem to both dislike me if the glares are anything to go by. Only Moody seems wary around me.
O oooo - ooo - oo - o - O - o - oo - ooo – oooo O
Dumbledore has me stay with the Weasley's, no doubt all part of his plan. I go along quietly, acting the part of naive disoriented child.
I'm pretty much on autopilot through in introductions, trying to see if there are any differences. So far everything seems the same, everyone acting as they were portrayed in the books. Which sadly means Ron acts like a tactless, insecure git. My obviously expensive clothing didn't help.
The twins were friendly enough and Ginny really did act like a very shy fangirl. It was the mom that I had problems with. Molly Weasley attempted a smothering motherly routine, assigning rooms and chores. She had also kept hold of my vault key when Dumbledore produced it.
Yeah, not happening. "Imperio. Confundus. Obliviate."
There. Now I have a loyal minion. Hopefully the other spells will keep my imperio from showing up.
Not that it wasn't also useful for me. A quick Confundus and Ron believes his rat died. I place it under an imperius curse and have him give me Voldemort's wand. Then I obliviate that memory, cut off a leg and cauterize the stump then stun him. Hopefully any memory loss will be blamed on trauma.
I immediately have Molly take me to Diagon Alley. The presence of Pettigrew means this universe is fairly similar. Given the appearances I wonder if this is the movie version of the world. I want to be sure though. For that I need books and old newspapers.
Thankfully I'm not recognized. It seems changing my hair color to ginger and Molly's presence was enough to keep anyone from looking too closely.
I mail Pettigrew inside an unbreakable cage along with a letter to Amelia Bones. Hopefully she'll be able to do something. Otherwise I'm just going to default to my last plan. Kill everyone.
The only reason I resist is the fact that I was summoned.
I never figured out how I appeared in the Harry Potter universe in the first place. It's likely if I do destroy everything I'll end up getting summoned away yet again.
I want to grab this universe's version of my wand, but resist. No point letting Dumbledore know I have access to Diagon Alley yet. So I browse the other shops for a bit before heading off for my real goal. Gringotts.
O oooo - ooo - oo - o - O - o - oo - ooo – oooo O
It seems goblins don't have a method of tracking whether someone is alive or not. I make it to and from my, well this world's, vault without any problems. It also seems Gringotts here is the same as from my world, even down the to poem on the front doors.
I have Molly wait in the lobby as I approach a teller. I place five galleons on his desk. "I want to commission several services through Gringotts."
He sneered, but accepted the bribe quickly enough. He took me to an office though so I was satisfied.
Goblins are incredibly greedy creatures. It makes dealing with them very simple. You pay them enough and they'll do just about anything. At least as long as it won't hurt their reputation.
They're also very possessive. Everything they make is only considered rented. No one else thinks that way so they generally don't craft things for others anymore. Personally, I don't care. Since I already have a Philosopher's Stone I'm unlikely to die anytime soon.
All it takes is a simple contract to convince them to deal with me. The contract stated all goblin made items I possess may automatically be reclaimed by the Goblin Nation upon my death. Since the Potter estate has more than a few items in the family vault they're eager to sign the contract.
And just like that I am now allowed to commission goblin forged items.
It's a shame they seem to exclusively work with metal and stone, but I make do. Being stolen from my last universe has made me incredibly paranoid. My trunk mansion is no longer nearly good enough.
I pour gold into a number of projects. The goblins will probably subcontract for parts of it, but I don't really care as long as everything is as tough and durable as the goblins can make them.
The end goal is a replacement for my trunk mansion. I want a necklace layered in enough charms that I never have to worry about losing it while I live. Hanging from it will be the new shrunken entrance trunk. Three trunks on either side will be set up much like Newt Scamander's briefcase. Except much larger and only accessible from the entrance trunk. Instead of areas the size of a farm I want areas the size of cities and forests.
I have each of them built with seven compartments since that was the most stable. And I needed to be perfectly stable since I was paying a small mountain of gold for a mass ritual version of the Undetectable Expansion Charm to be added multiple times.
The entrance trunk will actually be set up so it only looks like it only has one compartment and the inside is the size of a decent sized mansion. From there a few heavily protected secret doors will contain modified goblin-forged vanishing cabinets that will allow access to the other hidden compartments.
Sure making full use of all that space will take time, but I want to start building a resource base. One that can't be taken away from me. Besides, it still only costs me a fraction of all the gold I had stolen in the other universe. Hopefully I'll be able to repeat that trick here.
In comparison the personal wargear I commission is almost cheap. If I end up having to fight here there was no way I was going to depend on something as fickle as luck. No I plan to be armed heavily enough to devastate an army.
It took a few weeks and using imperio on a few muggles. In particular a gunsmith and army mechanic. Not wanting to arm the goblins I made the commissions in pieces. Thankfully with magic involved most of the parts can be eliminated. I'm sure the goblins considered me both insane and wasteful, but it was better than equipping the untrustworthy bastards with the weapons I'm designing.
Thank god for greed. No matter what they thought of me they still made them, even if they did grumble about the precision most of the orders required. As soon as I had the bulk of my orders I assembled them into my first piece of what I considered my wargear. A pair of gauntlets looking like they came straight from a science fiction movie. Well that is anyone besides myself could see them once I put them on.
They weren't actually gauntlets since I was only eleven. Instead they were a series of enchanted pieces all mounted on a pair of dragon hide gloves. That way I can just replace the gloves as I grow instead of having to buy entirely new gauntlets. It also means I'll be able to add new features as they get larger.
The left hand one, my primary, holds a flamethower, a spray pump for pure nitric acid, and a 84mm anti-tank rocket launcher. All three are modified with a revolver style magazine. In the case of the first two it consisted of multiple small tanks.
The right hand holds a spray pump for liquid nitrogen, 20mm machine gun and a pair of automatic 40mm grenade launchers with different ammunition in each. The first fired the standard explosives and the second fired a special round I had the gunsmith create based on the SCMITR shotgun project. The custom rounds fired over thirty spinning, razor-edged flechettes.
Besides being goblin made everything was heavily enchanted. They also used duplication charms so they never run out of ammunition. They were reinforced, kept magically cool, and cleaned themselves. Even the ammunition was heavily enchanted. Silencing, reinforcement, shield breakers, along with a host of other enchantments were added.
A slot on each hand is dedicated to weapon production. A gemino charm allows me to generate enchanted, but temporary .50 caliber rifles and Uzis. I figure it would be useful to be able to hand out weapons sometimes. After all a few guns would have made a pretty big difference at the Battle of Hogwarts.
I'll likely add even more ranged weapons later, but am in no immediate hurry. Besides with just what I now have I'm likely a match for most wizards already.
For melee I only have two weapons. The first is a goblin silver tanto. It is enchanted to never be able to cut someone with my blood, which raised its cost considerably. It was necessary though since I immediately exposed it to a variety of magical venoms including steeler and manticore. I plan on including basilisk fairly soon as well.
The second weapon is a bit of deception. Its actually multiple weapons that look like a single item. A short rod with a small illusion makes the handle look like a short thick wand. A long thin goblin silver chain made from razor sharp links can be extended from it. It's further animated and layered with burning curses. The curses could be turned off and cushioning charms activated over the edges to just have it grab things instead.
Combined with a few programmed illusions it can convincingly fake a few different spells. And the handle can extend up to three of them at once.
Finally I pay for a mask.
While I like my old glasses they aren't enough any longer. The mask is large enough to hold all the enchantments I want added in and like the gauntlets is made of several pieces. Besides being goblin made I have as many visual enhancements as possible added in. Night vision, thermal, detecting poisons and potions, detect magic and even identify several types including tracking charms and wards.
My mask would also filter air or even generate it on command. It could even feed me a variety of drinks as well. If I end up stuck in the field using it I want to be as comfortable as possible.
If I'm here long enough I plan on having a full suit of power armor.
O oooo - ooo - oo - o - O - o - oo - ooo – oooo O
Griphook watched Harry Potter leave Gringotts after picking up his latest order. None of the goblins had been able to tell just what he needed all the different items for. Sure some of it was simple enough. Portals based off vanishing cabinets had long since been used to travel between branches. Having him pay for the research decades after it had been finished was hilarious. Then there was the trunk.
The expanded space made sense since he wouldn't have to worry about it failing. The addition of creating adjustable sunlight and moonlight thought were revolutionary. The purpose was obvious. He was going to create self contained magical farms.
Sure each of those enchantments had to be ritually empowered in order to set properly, but he had paid enough to easily cover the expense. The opportunities for themselves had been enormous and they now had a team devoted to creating more areas for their own use.
Between those two deals the elders had been impressed enough to raise Griphook to his status. He was now an account manager even if it was for the Potter heir.
Some of the weapons had also been easy enough to understand. The knives had been elegant and several smiths had started creating their own. The blood protection enchantment was also interesting and fierce deals were being made in order to get a copy of the enchantment. Of course as the goblin responsible for bringing the discovery to light he was the first allowed to use it.
The whip was also a clever idea even if not practical. For all it's merit, it didn't take any particular skkill to wield. It was also flamboyant and overly complicated. Which made sense since Harry Potter, for all his good ideas, was still a wizard.
Several of the orders though baffled them all. Odd tubes that can screw together seamlessly. Tubes that can fit inside tubes. Groups of tubes welded together. Tubes with decorative grooves, but on the inside! And everything with impossibly precise measurements!
They had done it though. Let no one doubt that the goblins were the best smiths in existence. If the muggles could create such things, and he had brought examples to prove it as well as sworn an oath, then so could they!
O oooo - ooo - oo - o - O - o - oo - ooo – oooo O
I had just gotten done setting up the last of my magically powered synthetic gemstone generators when Molly brought me a very important letter. It was addressed to her, but was from Dumbledore and about me. She was such a good minion. It seems Dumbledore suggested she take me shopping on my birthday.
And of course we just happen to run into Hagrid while there. Dumbledore really loves manipulating people, doesn't he. Well let the games begin. It's just too bad Hagrid is so loyal to Dumbledore.
I debate the issue for a bit before deciding to wait. I already have one stone and this might just be a decoy. And if things go according to plan I'll still get the chance to grab the stone.
Despite the importance of his errand Hagrid just happens to feel comfortable sticking around to buy me a birthday present. He catches up to us at Ollivander's and decides to watch.
Ollivander makes just as large a production over my getting the holly phoenix wand as he did last time. And even though I already have one, I still smile at the feeling of the wand bonding to me.
When Ollivander makes his comment I make my first public move. "What was his name?" When he looks at me puzzled I continue. "Surely he wasn't named Voldemort" I roll my eyes when everyone flinches. "What was his name before?"
Ollivander looks pale and just a bit frightened as he stares at me. I'm not sure why. Even as Hagrid tries to steer me out of the shop I hear his whispered reply. "Tom Riddle."
Hagrid stops at that. "What?"
Wow, he's furious. "That no good snake is the one that got me thrown out of Hogwarts! And it turns out he's the one that's been going around murdering all those people! I bet he was the one that killed that girl too."
Sadly I can't tell if that's a flash of brilliance or just blind prejudice at work. He stalks off before I can decide.
As I leave with Molly I coo at my new Hedwig. Hopefully I'll have time to fully bond with this one.
O oooo - ooo - oo - o - O - o - oo - ooo – oooo O
The first of September came around and I got to sit around amused as the Weasley family frantically ran around trying to get ready. They really are a disorganized mess.
I sat quietly with the twins, watching the chaos. Out of everyone in the family I got along best with them. Sure they pulled a few pranks on me, but Molly kept them from going too far. Besides I was already starting to fund them covertly.
Not too much, basically a few galleons or ingredients here and there. But it added up. And I also dropped in a few ideas. Mentioning ideas from later books, fanfiction and even muggle items. I focused on ideas that involved animation. Eventually once they get good enough I have a number of ideas for weapons and traps I want them to develop.
Percy mostly ignored me, which suited me just fine. And poor Ginny was much too shy to do more than squeak at me. Not surprisingly it was Ron that turned out to be the thorn in my side. In the end I used several imperius curses and confunduses to get him to stop paying attention to me.
Only the twins noticed his altered behavior. Although they just thought I was just pranking him somehow.
Annoyed with how long everything was taking I wink at the twins and slip out the door. Then I close my eyes and concentrate. I have memories of apparating as well as experience casting powerful spells. And most importantly Sirius had taken me to the train station in what seemed like a lifetime ago. I focus and push with my magic and vanish with a loud crack.
I reappear right next to the column housing the portal. The loud crack causes a number of people to jump. Thankfully the muggle repelling charm on the portal kept almost everyone from noticing me.
The exception was a girl around my age with very bushy brown hair. She was wearing black Hogwart's robes. Unlike everyone else at the station she was staring right at me. In particular at the robes I'm wearing.
Looks like I get to meet Hermione early.
She certainly wasn't shy either. She just marched right up to me and started interrogating me. "Was that apparition? How did you do that? You're not old enough to have a license. You know you're really not supposed to do that in public. Do you have any idea of how much trouble you could have gotten into?"
I can't help but grin. Opinionated, isn't she. It's actually pretty funny. At least for me. Her parents seem a bit exasperated with her though. As soon as they catch up they interrupt her tirade.
"Hermione. Why don't you introduce us to your new friend?" Hermione seems to finally realize how rude she was being and flushes bright red. It's all I can do not to break out laughing.
I hold out my hand. "Harry Potter."
"Are you really? You're really famous. I read all about you..." She's interrupted this time by her father placing his hand on her shoulder. She blushes again.
Well, time to burst her bubble. Thankfully Sirius Black was finally getting a trial. Fudge, no doubt as Malfoy's urging, had tried to bury the issue, but I had written a letter to Rita Skeeter. I was very frank in the interview.
I wove an enthralling tale of how Peter Pettigrew had ambushed me once I reappeared in the Wizarding World. How he boasted about finally getting revenge for the Dark Lord. How I defeated him and him turning into a rat to escape. How I captured it and then turned it over to DMLE.
Then I asked a few questions. Why was Sirius Black never given a trial? Why do the Malfoy's care about getting rid of Black when his will already names me as his heir? And just how worried should everyone else be? After all this sets a precedent for allowing the ministry to kill off a family they don't like and illegally turning over their assets to their friends.
The next day the front page headlines screamed about Fudge attempting to assassinate a head of family in order to commit line theft on behalf of the Malfoy's. It wasn't even a day later before the trial was announced. It was stalled though and from the vote count it looks like it was Dumbledore's doing. It seems I was right to kill him last time.
"Sorry, everything you read are lies spread by Dumbledore." I hold up a hand to keep her from interrupting. "I am the only living witness and I have never been interviewed. And I remember what happened and Dumbledore never even took so much as a look inside."
"And as for why I said he lied. Do you know there are newspaper articles about my childhood? About how happy and well cared for I was? He lied. And I wouldn't have cared if he hadn't placed me in an abusive muggle home!" I was practically shouting now.
"The first time I saw him was a few weeks ago. And do you know what he said? I quote " I know I was condemning you to ten dark and difficult years." My voice lowered to a hiss. "He knew! He had spied watching me along with monitoring spells. He knew and did it on purpose."
"Isn't it convenient that I was taken from my parents home only minutes after they died? How my godfather was illegally imprisoned a few days afterwards. And then my godmother tortured to insanity right after. And how only then did Dumbledore seal my parent's will and declare himself my guardian?"
Huh. Hermione looks like she's about to cry.
I sigh and take a deep breath. "I'm sorry. But it's been like this the past few weeks. Everyone all excited about how wonderful my life is. The bloody adventure books about me that everyone believes. And it doesn't help that I can't even sue the publishers. Written works don't have to be factual in the wizarding world."
"Language young man." The statement startle me since Hermione's lips weren't moving. Then I realize it came from Hermione's mom. I guess I know where she gets it from.
"Sorry." I run a hand through my hair, a habit I picked up from Harry's memories. "Can we start over?"
I hold out my hand again. "I'm Harry Potter. First year Hogwart's student."
Hermione is a bit nervous, but still shakes my hand. I guess she really is a Gryffindor. " Hermione Granger. Likewise."
O oooo - ooo - oo - o - O - o - oo - ooo – oooo O
I help Hermione carry her trunk through the portal when I notice her pause, looking around at everything in excitement. Oh yeah. This is her first time. I'm reminded of Sirius and how happy was to see me off.
Great, now I'm annoyed Sirius' trial is being delayed.
Thinking about it for a second I stop to pull out a camera. Sirius had originally bought it for me to record any pranks I pulled. I now have a better use for it.
I hand the camera over to Hermione. A small favor should make things less awkward between us. "Here. You can use it to document the trip to Hogwarts. I'll make a copy of the pictures so you can send them to your parents."
She briefly hugs me and then immediately begins snapping pictures, leaving me to carry her trunk. I wonder if she actually forgot about it. Maybe the camera was a mistake? Hopefully she doesn't become as annoying as the Creevy kid from the story.
Thankfully she settled down quickly. I introduce her to Hedwig, who barks at her when she snaps a picture. I scratch her neck and she huffs and settles down. I grin. It seems this Hedwig is just as bright as the last one.
We talk a bit, but eventually both of us end up pulling out books to read. I am actually studying Arithmancy. Math has always been one of my strongest subjects and I was interested in seeing if it carried over.
Truthfully I want to study goblin metal crafting, since magic items are nice, but permanent indestructible magic items are better. But that's a closely guarded secret so I'll settle for arithmancy and runes.
We continued reading together for a few hours before being interrupted. It was fun teasing and tempting Hermione with sweets. Which sounded much creepier than what actually happened. It casued her open up more though.
What little I remember of her backstory held true. And it seems fanon was correct in at least one case. Her parents really were named Dan and Emma. Oh the irony.
Still the chocolate frog cards did give me an idea. Some fanfic I had read mentioned a book expanding on the cards. A sort of Who's Who for the wizarding world. I could probably tempt Rita Skeeter to write it and use the opportunity to gain control of her.
I get rid of a potential problem and gain a new source of income. After all transitioning to full author isn't too startling a change for her.
My plotting was interrupted by a knock at the door. When it turned out to be a slightly pudgy boy asking about his toad I couldn't resist the opportunity to show off. I hadn't practiced this spell much so I take a moment to concentrate.
A flick has my wand in hand. With a single, silent wave I flexed my magic, imposing my will on reality. "Accio."
The kid, who I'm fairly certain is Neville, and Hermione just look at me like I'm off my rocker. I hold up a hand when they're about to speak. "Wait for it."
There.
The toad gently floats over to my outstretched hand. I grin at the looks of awe on their faces. I love magic and doubt it'll ever lose it's wonder for me.
'How did you do that? What spell did you cast?" Hermione spits out half a dozen questions in a single breath.
Huh. I actually didn't think that through. Hmm.
"I saw Neville here when he arrived at the station. I saw his toad then. I summoned it." I field all of her questions patiently. I spun a story about always being able to summon and how the wand just amplifies the effect. Which is true if my experiments are any indication.
One of the interesting quirks I had discovered was that magic didn't need a wand. Sufficient concentration and desire worked just as well. I had only mastered a handful of spells wandlessly so far. Sadly I hadn't completely mastered summoning yet and hadn't wanted to chance it failing.
O oooo - ooo - oo - o - O - o - oo - ooo – oooo O
Neville eagerly took a seat with us and we had a lot of fun quizzing him about the wizarding world. The attention seemed to do him a lot of good and I could literally see him gaining in confidence as he answered our questions.
Even the interruption of the candy cart helped since Neville was able to explain what each of the different sweets were. Since I hadn't a chance to before I bought some of everything. My favorite turned out to be blood pops. Even though I always did prefer my meat rare that surprised me. After all it was a desert. It tasted like a weird cross between mincemeat and a rare steak.
I was finishing the last of the pack and mourning the fact that I hadn't bought more when the twins finally caught up with me. They stood there are mock glared at me.
"Harry! You have to tell us how you did it! Mum was going spare. She had us searching everyone. We nearly missed the train because of you."
I chuckled at the idea of them not being late. Something which never happened in the books. "I'm sure... that if I hadn't slipped away you would have found another reason for being late. And how I did it was apparition."
Neville stared at me in blatant shock. I knows how unusual what I said is. "Wicked." So apparently do the twins. Hermione just looks stunned. "That's not possible. I looked up apparition. It's only taught during seventh year."
Despite myself I'm impressed. We haven't even started school yet and she already knows so much. She is definitely worth befriending.
"That's impressive mate – And you never splinched yourself?"
"Err. What's that?" I pretend ignorance to the twin's question. After all I shouldn't know everything yet.
Neville reflexively answers the question and Hermione launches into a rant about the dangers of not following rules. I had forgotten just how deeply rooted her love of authority and rules extended. Man the story really did a number on her world view.
Irritated at being lectured by a damn kid I glare at her. Its obviously effective given how everyone flinches and she stammers to a halt. I speak slowly to emphasize my words. "I've been apparating since I was nine. I grew up with my – relatives" I practically spat the last word "who hated magic."
"I learned it by accident. I was being chased by my cousin and suddenly I was on the school roof. Since I was trapped I was trying to figure out how to get down and suddenly I was on the ground. A little practice and I found I could do it on purpose."
"Just when was I supposed to find out about these rules?"
O oooo - ooo - oo - o - O - o - oo - ooo – oooo O
Neville stared and found himself shying away from Hermione. Harry's glare was terrifying. His eyes were actually glowing and he really hoped Harry never glares at him like that.
Finally Harry closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. When he opens his eyes again they had stopped glowing. He listened to the twins start talking again and slowly draw Hermione back into the conversation but he was busy thinking.
Neville had recognized what just happened. He had seen his uncle do something similar a few times. Except it shouldn't be possible. It took more than just power. It took a lot of control. From some comments he overheard the kind of control that takes years.
"Just how much wandless magic do you already know?" He freezes for a moment when he realized he asked that aloud. Instead of getting mad though Harry grins and looks impressed. Which is nice and also a relief.
Harry holds up a finger and without speaking it starts glowing. After a moment to get over the surprise everyone starts asking him questions at once. He doesn't seem to mind. He seems pretty comfortable in the role as teacher.
He talks about how magic is more about will and intent than anything else. Mentioning language as his primary example. He goes off on why latin was most likely used for magic and something about literacy levels. He lost most of us at that point. Even Hermione had questions if her raised hand meant anything.
Whatever they started talking about didn't make any sense even when Harry tried to explain. It seemed bad though since it made Hermione sad. Maybe it was good he didn't understand?
It sounds like Harry's going to be a Ravenclaw, which will probably surprise everyone.
The twins slipped out while they were talking, but a few other students had shown up and asked even more questions. Harry didn't let them in the compartment though so they had to stay in the hall. And a prefect got them to leave pretty quickly.
Things were just settling down again when even more people showed up. This time it was only three boys. They were really insulting and rude.
Harry was really polite and then just started attacking. He kicked Malfoy between the legs and then took a step back and waved his hand. Suddenly it got cold and they started screaming.
Which is when the prefects arrived.
O oooo - ooo - oo - o - O - o - oo - ooo – oooo O
Damn. Looking at the frightened faces of Hermione and Neville I think I may have overdone it. Partially my fault too. Why didn't I think to add some non-lethal weapons to my gauntlets?
The rest of the train ride was pretty quiet, with all three of us reading. Although the other two kept shooting me nervous glances. The announcement even causes them both to jump.
At least the boat ride calms them down. The beautiful view along with mt reminder to Hermione to take a picture putting them at ease.
I didn't see Malfoy or the other two once we got off and loaded onto the boats. I wonder how badly they were hurt. I had only used a touch of liquid nitrogen after all. Oh well, not my problem.
Which is apparently wrong.
McGonagall was still addressing us when Snape stomped over to us. "Potter! How dare you attack your fellow students! I'll see you expelled for this!"
I note the rune on my glasses light up. Legilimency again. Then he grabs my arm.
I had seriously intended to lay low. To let the story play out so I can take advantage of as much of my foreknowledge as possible. I almost threw it all away right then.
Rage runs through me and I almost lose control. Snape is literally dragging me by my arm while insulting me. And then, just like any time I get angry enough, I turn cold. And my sadistic side comes out to play.
I don't like being dragged so I go limp, turning into dead weight. He stumbles and I pretend to trip, kicking out his foot and causing us both to fall. I pretend I don't see the wand he draws and points at me.
As soon as the wand tip starts glowing I push with my magic. My hand lights up, blinding him and I trigger the acid sprayer. I make sure to thoroughly douse his wand and arm before stumbling away. Since we had just turned a corner none of the students had seen what I just did.
Snape's screams draw several teachers and the students we had just left. I stammer out a story about hearing something break and funny colored smoke and generally act very confused. Dumbledore pretends to believe me even as his latest attempt at legilimency fails. He does publicly clear me of fault after checking my wand, which I was actually surprised to hear.
O oooo - ooo - oo - o - O - o - oo - ooo – oooo O
I ignore the Sorting Hat as it starts singing, opting instead to look around. It really does look just like the movie version. When Hermione whispers about the ceiling I flash her a grin and make a note to copy the enchantment to include in my trunks.
As students are called up I realize that I remember a lot more faces from the movies than I expected. I also realize I've already caused butterflies. Hermione actually ended up in Ravenclaw and Neville along with several others were sorted into Hufflepuff. And as for Malfoy and his lackeys? They missed it completely.
When my turn came up I was fairly nervous. Depending on how reasonable the hat was I might have to start slaughter people much earlier that planned. Maybe even immediately.
As soon as the hat as set on my head it started speaking. "Calm yourself Mr. Potter. I assure you that will never reveal anything I see in your mind. Do you think any of the pureblood families would send their children here otherwise?"
Which was reassuring. I had hoped so, but given how illogical wizarding society often was couldn't assume that was the case.
"Ravenclaw please." Knowledge is power.
"A shame I can't place you in Slytherin. You certainly meet the requirements. Slytherin would have loved you."
"NO! Do you want me to start killing people right away?"
"You could have been great there. At least if you could resist killing them all. A pity. And since you insist RAVENCLAW."
As I take a seat next to Hermione I can only wonder just how badly I've derailed the storyline already.