Harry tapped his foot on the ground of the pure white train station- more than use to his personal purgatory, while he waited for his assigned guide to throw him at the next world. Confused? Allow him to explain.
After living a stunningly average life after offing Voldemort he'd watched the Wizarding and Muggle worlds clash, violently, a mere 30 years after the Battle Of Hogwarts. Unfortunately, or perhaps, fortunately, Harry had died not long after the first fights broke out. And reading about the aftermath was a lot less traumatising than experiencing it, he had to admit if he'd lived through another war he may not have come out of it the same magic-awed boy he was at the start.
Upon his death, he'd met an avatar of death. Since the actual Death wasn't something tangible. Or even visible. Death's consciousness was apart of Time, and Space, Void and Magic. Death and Life simply apart of the consciousness.
Extreme Multiple Personality disorder, if you wanted a possible comparison.
Death, in order to interact with the realities, Had Avatars of Death, and under their lead was the Sisyphus- those that guided souls to the afterlife. Then there were the Masters of Death. Lucky cards really that could be slotted anywhere into the power structure. Sometimes they were the Masters over an Avatar of Death, others they were simply entertainment.
Harry's 'Masters of Death' was more of a... hahaha, you got a really unlucky throw in life and now your soul can't be sorted into the afterlife unless you fulfil X, X and X criteria! Have fun with that~. A rare kind of unlucky that a few others shared
The criteria it seemed, also changed death to death. For one Harry he'd come across it was just 'save the world from utter destruction and repeat your previous kill count.', For another Harry, it was 'fix your mistakes'.
He didn't really have a clear picture of what he was meant to do to finally die. So he'd given up on it, Death would sort him eventually, he'd only lived a short life- compared to some of the other MoD's and other Immortals, hell he was only just pushing the age limit of the average wizard. He was only going on 120, still green as far as his kind went.
He'd lived until 52 in his first life. His second life was far shorter, only making it to 8 before his body had killed him- he'd been weak at birth and weaker in life. Nothing he could have done could have saved him. According to Death, it was because there had been a fault in his magical network. The original body had already been filed to the brim with magic and was suffering for it- add to that a new adult magical core and pop. his own magic had stopped his heart. There simply wasn't enough time for his body to mature into his magic.
His third life he'd lived without magic, it was questionably the best and worst life he'd had. At the very least he'd become a very successful businesswoman if a bit... different. That had been his most recent life. He'd lived to a nice enough if a bit young, age of 60 before he'd died in a car crash.
"Ah, Harry there you are." the Avatar of death said, drawing Harry's attention "this place is so long it's hard to find you."
Harry rose a brow "where am I going next?" he asked instead of trying to strike up a conversation. The white was hurting his eyes enough. He didn't want to be here longer then he had to. If need be they could talk in realm anyway
Death shook his head " I was going to punt you back into a muggle life. Since you seem to last the longest there. But then I realized it's bloody boring watching you do taxes." he said, leaning on his scythe "SO! New plan. You're going to go back to the original-ish realm. Same plot as your first life except rather than being a queen piece to the whites. You're going to be your own side."
Harry frowned "you want me to replay my first life? Seems a bit boring."
Death shook its head, and Harry got the feeling the avatar was grinning from ear to ear "you misunderstand little Master. I'm going to place you into the original story yes. Even your original body. But I'm leaving gifts and I expect you to do all you can to diverge from the story's original plot. I was talking to the Avatar a few realm clusters over and he was talking to me about his little MoD. miss Lovegood had the idea of move magical's to the moon. The moon! Now, I realize your young and new to all this but so far you haven't given me any bragging material. I managed to get my hands on a Potter. So, what I need you to do is go down there and stir up some havoc. You have free reign so long as you don't destroy the planet."
Harry pressed his face into his hands- why did he have to be so unlucky? " I'll sweeten the deal for you. Since you seem reluctant to return, I'll tell you how to make Voldemort sane once more." that got Harry attention, the memory of Tom from his last life fresh in mind, lifting his head he watched Death "I don't want to make you to overpowered. So here's what I'm going to give you. If you really don't want to do it after I finish I'll send you down to the afterlife too. But only once you hear me out."
Raising a brow Harry waited "all your magic and knowledge. You'll be able to talk with Reptiles, Reptiles only. Technically speaking you can speak to all animals but I want to leave that sealed. You don't need it. And it'll turn to many heads. I'll give you the Black Family trait- Metamorphmagus. Perfect memory for funs and no trace. At all, no one will ever be able to track you."
"I'll have all my magic? Without the death factor at age 8?"
Death nodded, "I solved that issue after you died the first time. But there were an interesting side effect." Death said "you have the normal core of a 120-year-old powerful wizard. I'd peg you may be a step or two above Dumbledore's magical ability without the frailty of old bones. But the secondary core is... curious. It seems that whatever body I accidentally put you in had the ability to absorb magic from around them and use it as their own. That's what made the body so frail. You've picked up this ability which means you, for all intents and purposes, don't have a magical limit, though it may take a few years to balance between using your own magic and converting the magic around you.
"The thing is this ability isn't canon to the realm cluster I threw you at- its an ability that shouldn't exist in my area. So I don't know what happened. It also means I can't reverse or change it."
"Alright, that metaporh bit. What's the extent of my abilities?"
"Complete ability to shift your human form- ages, size, colour, anything. Some animal traits can be drawn to you but you can't change completely into an animal. Should you get yourself an animagus form you will be able to shift there. Like, a black wolf to a white wolf. If you want to play around with other animals you'll have to find another way to do so."
Harry sighed, "I suppose I don't mind going back- there is no limit of what I can do?"
"Yes, you have complete freedom to do as you wish!"
"Can I get that in writing? Signed and bound?" Harry asked curiously. He wanted to make sure Death couldn't throw a fit later if he did something he didn't like
Death tilted his head to the side "you business people, I suppose I don't mind." Death clicked his fingers and a scroll appeared in front of him. A perfect contract Harry realized, reading it over. Detailing the terms of the deal.
Death would place Harry into the realm at the time he became the owner of his first hallow. With the following abilities and the knowledge of how to make Tom Marvolo Riddle sane once more. Harry would have complete and utter freedom to do as he wished from that point on. On the condition, he didn't destroy that housed the majority of Humanity
Raising a brow he realized there wasn't any point in the contract that told Harry what he had to do "are you sure you're fine with this contract?"
"Indeed. I made it did I not? Are you happy with it?"
"I am, it works well for me," Harry confirmed, with another click, it was signed by Death and he was offering Harry a pen. Harry wasted no time signing his own name
"Well then," Death said as a train pulled up "your ride."
"Remember Harry, we love you so so much. We always will. Be strong my love. Be strong"
"Stand aside girl."
"No"
"Stand Aside"
"I won't. I won't let you kill him!"
"Avada Kedavra"
Harry felt his tears well up as he stared down at his fallen Mother, the transfer of souls had left him dizzy. He didn't have the time to try and save her by the time he came to "Hadrian Potter..." a voice rasped
Harry looked up at Tom "today, you die. A shame I think... to kill a magical child so young. But, sacrifices must be made." Harry stared as the green light was flung at him, it barely grazed his forehead before it was spat back at the caster
With an unholy scream Voldemort fell to dust, what was left of his soul whithering and twisting and screaming in pain and making a mess of the room, the tiniest sliver flew at him, knocking him back. Mentally Harry rolled his eyes and allowed it- worst comes to worst he could probably get Tom to lay off killing him by admitting he was a Horcrux.
The slightly larger soul piece flung himself into the air, disappearing into the night by breaking through the roof.
Harry watched him go, already planning on what he'd do once Dumbledore left him at the Dursleys. Gods knew he wasn't going to be raised by them again.
It took a few tries and more than a few extreme failures to change into an adult- at first, he'd tried just to simple age himself into the Harry Potter he remembered being all those years ago. That, as it turned out, left him looking somewhat like a demonic hell-spawn of nightmares. After that, he'd worked on becoming the adult he more recently remembered.
One Lena Lux, Businesswoman extraordinaire, and lady of somewhat Illegal nature.
Lena really hadn't cared what she had to do to protect her people back then. Or her living area. In the end, she did end up running a slightly illegal mob but it wasn't like she went out and killed people. She defended her own and made sure they were safe and happy. If that meant breaking a few bones or stealing a bit of money... well, it's not like anyone knew it was her at the forefront.
A small spell and she was inside the Dursley house- she needed clothes first a foremost. No point being held by police for steeking through the night.
She kept quiet as she crept through the house, easily finding Petunia's clothes- just where she remembered them to be, a bit out of size and style (for her at least) but a little bit of light transfiguration fixed that.
Dressing in a simple no shoulder black dress which clung to her form, going down to her knees with sleeves that went to her elbows. A black cardigan over the top, some black heels and tan stockings. She moved to the bathroom and fixed her hair into something presentable. She didn't think she'd run into anyone at this hour but one could never risk it.
Lena's hair had always been long, it helped people think she was just someone well-presented lady, rather than a woman that would have no issue breaking a bone or 10. She collected a section of hair around her ear and braided it backwards, holding it in place with some bobby pins she repeated it on the other side before trying them together behind her head. Making sure it was in order she added a tie midway down her hair to hold it back before leaving.
She'd consider the clothes, hairbands and bobby pins payback for her treatment the first time- no amount of 'boohoo, I lost my sister too!' could excuse what they did to young Harry Potter.
She cast a glare at the stairs as she passed, closing the door behind her she picked up the basket and looked through it, beyond the letter and the blanket- which wasn't even the baby blanket Lily had made, there was nothing of interest.
A warming charm, however, led Lena to believe that at least Dumbledore wasn't a total dick.
Throwing the basket in the Dursley's bin Lena made her way down the street- she had Goblins to meet with and a persona to solidify.
Gringotts, quite possibly the only place on the planet you weren't discriminated at- regardless of race, mentality or morals.
Mainly because the Goblins hated everyone on default until you proved that you could give them something worthwhile.
And oh boy did Lena have plans for these guys.
It was only after Harry had the courage to walk back into Gringotts after the... accident, that he'd found out of his many many vaults. Beyond the Potter family vaults he had the vaults given to him by people who died not long after the war, since he was the first to find out about them he had lucky grabs at the Most Ancient vaults too- LeFay was his by default, apparently the only living Le Fay's (two immortal women who lived off realm, being an Angel and a Demon respectively. Morgan and a demon from the Black family) figured that he could have at them if he got there first. Which according to the goblins more often than not he did.
There was Merlin's stash too, the Slytherin vaults (British family edition), which he got for being related to the Slytherins via the firstborn son, rather than Tom's second born side of the family. The Peverells, since the Potter's were the main line from the last born, though Tom had a more direct claim there coming from the second born. The Black family vaults were split between Harry, Andromeda, Teddy, Bellatrix, Sirius Narcissa and Draco, though had all five of them died of the vaults would go to the other family lines- like Neville.
Along with that Harry also had ties to the other founders and other families. But he mostly ignored them since he was related to the side branches rather than the main family- he could make a claim sure, especially since the vaults hadn't been touched in 100's of years. But others had a better claim, Like Luna for the Lovegood family.
All these possible titles, however, served both Lena and Harry perfectly.
Lena would become Lady Lefay and Slytherin- effectively bringing her to some status and allow her to move freely in the wizarding world. She'd show up to important parties but beyond that she'd be a reclusive Ravenclaw, living in her own personal library which she'd make up from the gathers books and tomes from all the vaults she could get her hands on.
Meanwhile Harry would officially claim Heir Potter and Emry's until he, legally, turned 15. At which point he'd abandon all needs of a guardian and legally free himself from his, non-existent, trace, by becoming Lord of the before mentioned houses.
And that was exactly what she did- after sorting out her identification with Gringotts she forged herself the needed identification, creating Duchess Lena LeFay-Slytherin and Harry, in time, would become Duke Hadrian Emrys-Potter. Lena's side of the titles was set to come out in Harry's second year when she was sure it would gain enough buzz to get Voldemort's attention if she hadn't already.
The rest of the paperwork needed lasted well into the morning to sort out- having various Vaults merged and sorted. She'd have to go down later to decide what to sell or keep but in the short run, she filed to have all the tomes and relics moved to an expanded briefcase.
There would be two floors to the briefcase, her library, holding around 300,000 books covering all manner of magical topics. She planned to add to that another 100,000 books on muggle topics, she wanted no field out of her reach should she require it.
Under that floor would be the magical artifacts and relics from the vaults, things that had a possible use for what she wanted to do in the future.
Of course, what she wanted to do in the future was undecided yet beyond actually talking to Voldemort for once. But she'd decide that later.
It wasn't until she found a paper the next morning that she realized that the timeline was a little off. As the date was the 1st of November. 2001. Which mean she'd effectively lost 20 years of her expected 50 to get them out of range from the muggles.
Harry split his time wisely, each morning he'd go to Gringotts to sort through his vaults until lunch. At which point he'd return to his apartment- a penthouse in an apartment complex well known for people holding odd hours and had good security, owned by Lena, eat a small meal and make himself a snack for later before retreating into his library for some extreme studying.
With the help of a convenient Time-Turner from the Black vaults, Harry was able to double his days, expanding her 10 years into 20. Getting around the pesky 'don't see yourself' by spending one day as Harry and one day as Lena.
By the time the first 10 were gone and Harry was legally 6 he'd amassed a medium sized fortune sorting through Gringotts and selling off all but the most interesting of items and become a somewhat expert on some muggle fields of study he decided he would need to find Atlantis. Oh yes, he was going to move the magicals to the lost city. From what he remembered Atlantis was a place of magic in the first place. If he could just find it he was sure he could do something with it.
After that he dived into magical fields, spending two years expanding his magical knowledge in general- the time as Harry-life-one really was badly spent. Before spending another 7 and a half going into specific points of study.
By the time Harry's Hogwarts letter arrived on his table Lena LeFay-Slytherin, and by extension Harry Potter, was a passing expert at a range of fields- Psychology, Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geometry, Geology, Ancient History, Ancient Mythology, Physics, Biology, Physiology, Business, Astronomy, English, Japanese, Latin. The magical theory and application of Mass Manipulation, Spell creation, Runes, Crystialic Magic, Magical Networks and pathways, Combative magic, light and dark magic, Necromancy, Alchemy, Charms, Transfiguration, Potions and Astrology.
It had been a long 20 years. Harry thought, looking down at the letter in his hands
It was time to start the game for real- he just hoped Death hadn't gotten too bored waiting.
It was offsetting Harry thought to himself, walking through the crowds of Diagon- he'd kept to himself, herself, whatever, for so long- it's almost unbearable to be back around so many people. It was only his time as Lena, the businesswoman who could lose no groundless a deal fall through, that stopped Harry from running back to the quiet of his apartment.
His first stop was a custom wand shop. If only because they, he, she, whatever, needed two wands- Harry Potter couldn't be caught using Lena's wand and vice versa.
Elixir's wands had been around as long as Olivanders, if not longer, but was far less known- Harry only knew about it because the family that ran it was mentioned in a lot of wand lore. Unlike Ollivander or many other wandmakers that settled down somewhere Elixir's travelled country to country, setting up one week before moving on to the next. It took either a lot of luck or a lot of planning to nail them down to get an order, or so the books had said.
Harry, of course, was not one to waste time had simply owl'ed them and asked if they could set up in Britain sometime after August. His reply had been a post-it-note appearing on his fridge at 4 am with a thumbs up. Location and date. He did not want to know how they got through all his wards and spells to put it there.
(He tripled his security anyway. To be safe.)
They'd set up in one of the rentable shop spaces, a little ways away from where the twin's Joke shop might one day be. Almost as soon as they walked inside there was a low whistle "no wonder you want to custom make a wand." a voice said from behind the counter, practically leaning over it "I haven't felt this magic... ever. It's almost intoxicating! It was flooding the whole street. "
Harry shrugged, there wasn't much he could do about his magical powers until he had a wand to act as a circuit so he would loop it into the wand and back into him "think you can manage?"
"Can I? Of course, I can! Mum would probably have my neck if I passed up this chance" the woman said, "come on, for something this special I'm letting you into the back."
Harry followed the woman into the back room, Harry openly gaping at the display in front of him- woods, cores and gems of every kind lined the walls "my names Hannah by the way. Now. let's get started shall we?"
Harry nodded and followed Hannah's directions, "Hannah, I need two wands. How should we go about that?"
Hannah looked at Harry with a frown "... I won't ask why. But does it have to be two different types or just a different look? Your power is so great it may be hard to make two matches."
"I different look would likely work," Harry replied, looking over the woods
"Very well, we'll make twin wands. I wanted to give you a duel wood base anyway- we can invert them. Pick out the two kinds of wood that call to you best."
His previous experience few him to the Holly first and while his magic surged to it he found it cold and lacking. Shrugging to himself he moved along the lineup, feeling out with his magic.
It took nearly 10 minutes of focus for Harry to pick out the two woods, Acacia and Cherry. "Both strong woods." Hannah noted, taking out 2 pieces each and places them on the centre table "cherry is strong. You'll find that only the most powerful of wizards and witches use cherry. Acacia is tricky. It only produces for its owner. You won't have any issue with someone trying to steal your wand with this mix. And if someone does manage to get past the Acacia I'd say the cherry with explode in their faces. Core's now. Pick out what you want. As many as you need."
Harry nodded, moving to the other side of the room, Hannah following by his side, almost instantly picking out Kelpie hair "the tell of a shapeshifter. Interesting. Good for changing one thing into another." Hannah noted, picking out two pouches
Harry picked out two more pouches, filled with white dust "White river monster spine. For force and elegance." Hannah said, taking them from him
He picked out two pouches of black-grey dusk "Horned serpent horn, sensitive to danger and will warn you as such. It's a core the east is fond of due to its prestige with Parseltongue."
Finally he picked out four more pouches "coral and volcanic rock. A balance of the elements and good for all kinds of magic. These will create a fine wand." Hannah said, taking them from him and placing them with the woods "pick out a stone next if one calls to you- these are optional but they do store magic. Allowing the wand a bit more independence. Wands with gems have been known to curse someone who takes them using the magic stored in the gem."
Harry hummed, moving over to them but finding nothing that called out to him. Hannah sighed "it's not unexpected. If you'd found a gem too I'd say this wands going to be way to overpowered." Hannah said, "come and sit. Do you have any designs in mind for your wands?"
Harry took a seat opposite "Harry Potter is meant to be a simple but elegant person." Harry admitted, content knowing that Hannah wouldn't share his secrets. Elixirs were good like that "he will be a Gryffindor but not over the top. More of a stalking wolf than a lion. The other wand should fit a gorgeous elegant style. It needs to demand quiet authority. It will be used by the descendant of LeFay and Slytherin and needs to tell as much."
Hannah thought for a bit "alright, I think I know how I'm going to work it." Harry watched as the pulled out a carving knife and got to work, slowly stripping away lines of wood.
"What we call 'cores' is actually very misleading." Hannah said as she worked "it makes it sound like the 'core' is in the centre of the wood- a while that can be true. Ollivander for one is forced to hollow out his wands to make room for the 'cores'. The most powerful of wands. The strongest and such, are infused with their cores. The wood and core become one- oh, by the way, I'll need some hair from you. A lot actually for two wands." at Harry's questioning look she expanded "it'll help bind loyalty to you. They will be your wands. While Blood is a stronger link it's a bad idea. As it binds the wand to the person completely. There's no chance to past it down the family line or have your partner use it in a pinch. So hair is the better idea. Hair holds a lot of magic in it- It's why its used in Polyjuice. And I'm assuming you know what that is since you found me."
"I know polyjuice. How much hair do you need?" Harry asked
Hannah pursed her lips in thought "hmm... well, considering how many materials we already have I'll say... maybe three fingers worth for each wand?"
Harry nodded, taking a knife from the side and growing out a line of his hair. Cutting it quickly he passed it over.
While she was right hair carried a lot of magic, almost as much as blood. There we little use for it beyond binding something to you and polyjuice. And once she was done with the wands he'd make sure any spare was destroyed anyway.
Hannah rose a brow at Harry's trick "niffy. I suppose that explains the kelpie hair." she muttered, thanking him for the hair and going back to the carving.
Almost an hour later she was finished playing with the wood. "okay. We have six 'cores' so we'll split three each then bind the two wand parts together." Hannah muttered, Harry stayed quiet and let her work
She emptied two of the pouches, the volcanic rock and horned serpent if Harry wasn't mistaken, as well as taking some hair, mixing them together and putting them into two piles, each with a line of Cherry and a line of Acacia.
What followed next had Harry's eyes sparkling as he watched Hannah bind the two. His inner alchemist taking notes as she used raw magic to merge the dust and hair into the wood, turning the Acacia a darker tan and the cherry almost blood red.
Hannah put the two aside before repeating the process with the Coral, River Serpent, and Kelpie hair, this time turning the Acacia a light brown and giving the cherry a lighter tan-pink.
With that done she paired together the two kinds of wood- Acacia with Cherry and Cherry with Acacia, along with splitting the rest of the hair between. Harry watched as the two woods fused, the thinner line of Cherry sliding into the Acacia and the thinner piece of Acacia joining with the thicker Cherry.
When she was done there were two wands sitting between them- the Acacia was simple but refined. Keeping straight from tip to tip, an elegant vine of black weaving around the handle "the vine is the Kelpie hair." Hannah said in way of explanation " figured this was about as simple and refined as we could make it. The wand itself doesn't say much but its power will quiet anyone who thinks you aren't up for a challenge."
The Cherry wand was simply gorgeous in turn. With a closed flower bud at the end of the handle, it twisted with a similar vine around before straightening out, its true striking nature coming from the rose-pink end that slowly faded up the wand into a pale tan. "Not sure how it managed to do that fade-thing but I'm going with it," Hannah said, passing both wands to Harry. Instantly he knew that both were perfect. "Wand making is kind of a half-done study. Sure we know how to make them but Merlin knows how they actually work. I'm glad these both turned out well. How will you be paying for these today? We also have a wide range of extras we can supply for you- cleaning clothes. Polish, holsters, cases, protective metals."
Harry smiled "I'll take two holsters, some clothes. Polish and a double case please. I'll pay upfront in galleons."
Hannah smiled, clapping her hands once "lovely. That will come to 98 galleons, 14 shickles and 5 knuts." she said, leading him back out the front and pulling out the requested items form under the counter as Harry pulled out his money pouch, counting out 120 galleons
"Keep the extra. A thank you for coming and for education. Some things you just can't find in books."
Hannah smiled, taking the Galleons and handing over his order " I imagine there's a small bribery fee too here. Don't worry I won't tell anyone about your wands. Thank you for your patronage, Mr Potter. If you require more aid in the art of wands don't hesitate to Owl us."
"Of course, thank you, Hannah."
Harry did his best to keep a low profile doing the rest of his shopping. Which translated to he waited until Draco was very much out of Madam Malkin's before going in and getting his robes.
Which, after the fact, he remembered would need... serious altercations. Harry had standers damn it and he wasn't too fond of baggy clothing anymore either. It was time the wizarding world caught up in ways of fashion.
Or, really, Britain, the other magical countries could already blend with a muggle area perfectly. Honestly some days he thought Britain was just cursed with idiocy... or maybe hubris?
Ah well, it wasn't like he was horrible at sewing and there was a cheating little thing called magic.
With the robes sorted all he had to do was find himself a pet- having already retrieved his other materials in the past years. Though he might have to owl order his potions ingredients. He wasn't sure how his stores were doing.
Harry looked down at his letter- Owl, Cat or Toad.
Toad was out. He had no interest in an Umbridge copy- Trevor the terror was quiet enough for Gryffindor anyway.
"I think I'll go see if I can't find Hedwig..." Harry muttered to himself- he missed her, but during his studying days he wasn't willing to risk getting her when he couldn't give the attention she deserved, not only that but he also had a familiar already. He doubted she would take to kindly to another but... he did need a mail owl and Hedwig was one of a kind. He was sure Tsune would understand.
Almost as soon as he got in front of the door to the owl emporium he found himself knocked backwards by, you guessed it, Hedwig. Who was all but turning him to ash with her eyes as she clung to his shoulder
"Oh, my good merlin! I'm so sorry! She just got out of her cage and just flew straight at you- here let me take her" Hedwig let out an almighty screech as the poor employee moved forward to take her off his shoulder
"I think she wants to stay" Harry chuckled, "don't worry about it- I wanted an owl anyway. I think she'll make the... perfect addition to my little family. This takes out the picking and choosing part of my job anyway." Harry said, lifting a hand to pet her
"Uh... oh I don't know kid, we've had her for years. She always comes back when someone buys her-"
"Perhaps because she wanted to choose her owner?" Harry said, walking to the counter with the poor employee hovering at his side " I'll take a monthly subscription of premium owl treats. A perch, two bowls, and a monthly subscription to cleaning products."
"Uh... right, right away sir." the employee said, moving around the counter "that'll come to 25 Galleons today. Then 5 galleons each following month. How am I making the subscription out to?"
"Harry Potter," Harry replied, the employee took down the name on default before going to get his things from the back. By the time he came back he was wide-eyed and in a mild case of shock- handing over his purchase, all of it shrunken and in a small bag with the store logo.
Harry handed over 50 galleons "five extra for you. Don't tell anyone I was here?" Harry asked with a sweet smile
"I... of course sir! Um, where am I making out the address to? When you're not at Hogwarts?"
Harry gave him Lena's address, making sure the employee got it down before leaving the store with a polite smile.
Hedwig left with her tail feathers up and a glare in her eyes
After getting Hedwig Harry decided to visit a more speciality Owl shop. Which didn't provide the owls themselves but rather things the owl of high ranking families would need.
"Good afternoon little heir- what can I do for you today?" the lady behind the counter greeted
Hedwig left his shoulder- moving over to one of the provided purchase "I need an arm guard, shoulder guard, harness, two crest patches, a mail pouch and an enchanted band. All of them with as many protection spells you can fit in them. I want Hedwig as protected as she can get. Short of a killing curse I want her unkillable."
The lady's brows rose as she took down Harry's request "of course little heir. May I measure the little lady in question?"
Harry nodded and watched as a tape measure, similar to the ones Ollivander uses, flew towards Hedwig, outside of an annoyed chirp Hedwig allowed the measurements "you can come back in an hour to collect your order or we can send it to you- which would you prefer?" the lady said once she had the needed measurements
"Send it to me, please. I have a little more shopping to do." Harry said, writing down his address and giving over half of the payment of 70 gallons. The rest would be sent when he received the order.
"Of course little heir. Expect your order by the end of the day."
Harry nodded and left the store, Hedwig once again landing on his shoulder by the time he was out the door.
Harry directed Hedwig back to his apartment after that, slipping back into the muggle side to stock up on notebooks, workbooks, sketchbooks, spare pens, some new pencils- both coloured and not.
When he was done with that he went back to his apartment and set up Hedwig's things- as promise his order came a little before dinner.
Harry wasted no time pressing a ring each into the crest patches- the Lefay family crest and the Emrys crest lifting onto the leather "perfect." Harry said, looking them over- you'd have to be daft to try and attack the official owl of either family. Hedwig would be protected.
Harry considered himself in the mirror. This would be the first time Harry Potter showed himself to the wizarding public on high. He was the third leader to an incoming war. Even at his age, he needed to demand the respect needed for such a position.
Which meant he needed to figure out his look- he'd been birthed a default copy of James 'fuck the rules' Potter, but if he went with that look people would easily assume he was simply a copy of James. At the very least he needed Snape not to hate him.
Rolling his shoulders he set to work, on the sink were various pictures- of James and Lily, Sirius before he went crazy, other purebloods he knew he was related to, the Goblins had even been able to give him a picture of the first son of Salazar and his wife.
He worked slowly, he kept Lily's eyes, took out some of the tan from his skin, it was easily what reminded people most of James. He sharpened his features but left a childlike fluff for now. He made himself a little taller then he was originally and grew out his hair.
Even as Lena it was unruly- the Potter curse he was sure. But it wasn't noticeable due to its length. Harry figured the same could apply here. With the help of a hair straightener, some magical-top strength hair products and of course his metamorphmagus ability he was able to wrangle his hair into something elegant.
His hair went down to just higher than his mid back, the minimum length he could make it without it going crazy. A spell had it in a braid that curled over his shoulder and with a little bit of extra work, a bit of loose hair blocking his scar from sight, and what he couldn't block he hid with make-up.
By the time he was done he realized he could probably pass for the direct child of Salazar's son and his wife.
With his looks sorted he started to pull on his uniform, only leaving the tie and coat off. It wasn't hard to alter it- keeping it within the school rules by using Madam Malkin's original set he'd slimmed down everything, taken away spare material where he could until he was left with a fitted button-down that he'd added runes to along the collar, so he'd never be cold or overheat. The pants he'd left alone. Later he'd probably exchange them for black slacks but more now the grey was fine.
The outer robe he turned more into a doctor's coat. After easier to deal with and now he wouldn't have to sacrifice warmth in the cold of the dungeons since the sleeves were no longer hanging rulers worth from his wrist. Instead, they were tight to his arms with the rest of the coat/robe cut in a way that it kept to his sides and back rather than wrapping around his front.
Dressed Harry left the bathroom, slipping a shrunken trunk into his pocket and grabbing his briefcase, bag, coat and keys he left the apartment.
Harry's brows rose as he spotted a familiar bushy head looking around lost in the crowd had Hermione gotten lost in the crowd the first time? He wasn't sure. She'd shown up to his compartment part way through the train ride...
Her parents can't get through the wall. And we know the Muggleborn entry guide is messed up Harry thought to himself, already making his way towards her "Muggleborn?" he asked, leaning into her field of vision "need a guide?"
Hermione blushed, looking down "yes, please. I have no idea what I'm doing!"
Harry gave a small smile "follow me." he said, taking her trunk from her and leading her into the train "uh, it this okay? Don't they store the trunks somewhere?" she asked as they stepped on
"Nope," Harry replied, heading straight for the last carriage "if you get here soon enough you can store the trunks, but if you get in during the rush it's easier to just store them in the compartments with you." He explained, opening the door to an empty compartment, sliding the trunk under the seat before sitting by the window "only the purebloods really get the chance to store them somewhere else- I'm Harry. Yourself?"
"Hermione." Hermione said, taking a seat too "I felt so silly running into the wall. And then there were so many people. I didn't know what to do. I couldn't find a worker anywhere too."
Harry shook his head "the train runs pretty automatically. There's a final call 10 minutes before we depart where the driver makes sure all the students are onboard but that's it. Mostly its left to the magical parents and the head boy and girl."
"That's... horrible. What if a child is late or gets left behind?"
"I hear magical flying car is a fun way of alternate transport."
"Seriously?"
"God's no. you'd get expelled if you tried that- no, if you get left behind your only choice is to Owl Hogwarts. For Muggleborns or Muggle-raised that means going through the leaky cauldron. Most cases the children just floo's to Hogwarts from there." Harry explained, "that said there hasn't been a child left behind since world war II."
"You're really knowledgeable about this, nothing of it was in 'Hogwarts, a history'."
"No it wouldn't be, its knowledge not many know period. Outside of the Professors." I only know it because Neville told me after all.
"That seems stupid, why wouldn't it be common knowledge?"
"I'm sure you know that there are... maybe, a racist jerk in the world Hermione. Experienced it yourself even" Harry said, leaning back "we don't get exempt from that just because we have magic. Our world is split into three. Pure, Half, Muggle. Purebloods hold the power of the old families. They have fortunes that ease their way into just about every nook, cranny and crack. If you're a half-blood you're either accepted as a pureblood because you have enough cash to push that and the same ideals. Or you're called a blood traitor and pushed into the muggle-borns group.
"If you're a muggleborn... well, it's probably equivalent to an ex-slave in ways of reputation. Purebloods hate you only for your parentage. Doesn't matter if you're the best of the best its never enough. It's easier to be a black, gay, transgender hooker in parliament then it is to be a young muggleborn being introduced to the wizarding world with the way some purebloods act. Especially after Voldemort's little stunt."
"Voldemort... You mean he-who-must-not-be-named?"
"Indeed. Voldemort, also known as the patron arse-hole of pureblood beliefs. His little war play gave a lot of the purebloods the courage to beat Muggle-borns into the dirt. Not that they didn't try before but now they're more proud of it.
"Your best bet Hermione is going to Gringotts and try and get yourself a title. Most Muggleborns have loose ties to the dead families. If you have an old family sleeping in your DNA you can pass yourself off as a half-blood. And until the gap between pureblood and muggleborn is bridged that will be your only shield."
"What about you? Are you a... pureblood?"
"Half, mum was a muggleborn, dad a pureblood. But I can pass as pure enough thanks to some old blood that no one thought to take advantage of. Muggle-raised by my aunt" he added for good measure.
Hermione nodded "wait- how do you know so much then?"
Harry bit his lip, considering his options "I, uh, a friend of sorts. Lena, she took care of me a lot and she's a witch. She taught me all she could." he finally answered
Hermione sighed "lucky, I'm completely lost. There are some things that the books don't cover you know? Like the train. I only have half an idea of what I'm doing." she said softly
Harry gave her his best smile "well, I did offer to be a guide did I not? It would be pretty rubbish of me to go back on my word."
Hermione smiled back "think you can guide me on how to pass without being bullied then?" she asked softly "I want Hogwarts to be different then... then my last school"
"It would be my honour."
Almost instantly, standing in the crowd of first years, Harry stood out for his altered uniform. Hands in pockets conveniently hiding his family rings next to Hermione he kept his head up and back straight. Ignoring the whispers around him "how do you think they sort us? Oh, I hope I get into Gryffindor..." Harry side eyed Hermione
"Herm, head up." he said to the slouching girl "you're already being watched." he added softly, Hermione looked around with wide eyes before copying Harry, except with her hands politely folded in front of her "I'm sure you'll make it to Gryffindor. And if not Ravenclaw blue would look lovely on you."
"Interesting uniform you have there." a voice drawled from behind him "couldn't afford the normal robes?"
Harry looked over his shoulder "quite the opposite, Mister Zabini. I simply wasn't too fond of the extra material. It's far easier to move around without all the extra cloth."
Blaise's brow rose "I don't recognise you."
"And yet I do you. Interesting that." Harry said, turning back as McGonagall opened the doors
"We're ready for you now." the deputy said before leading the first years through the doors.
The hall was just as beautiful as Harry remembered "oh my god." Hermione muttered, eyes cast upwards " it's beautiful"
"Merlin." Harry corrected with a mutter "or gods if you find it hard to shake. The wizarding world isn't too fond of the church" but he agreed with her, the starry sky that shone above them was breathtaking.
Harry stood passively through the song and sorting, Giving Hermione an encouraging push when her name was called and smiling brightly as she went to Gryffindor.
When Harry's name was called whispers broke through the hall, and even more, as Harry walked up to the stood- Snape glared, no doubt unapproving of his uniform. Or maybe it was because of his last name still. He wasn't sure.
"My, this is new, new indeed." at hat spoke once it was lowered onto his head
"Gryffindor if you please."
"Are you sure? You wish to make an impact... Slytherin would do you well."
"So you said last time, I'm sure, I want to look after Hermione"
"Very well." "GRYFFINDOR!"
Gryffindor table erupted into cheers and Harry wasted no time handing the hat back and moving to the table, taking a seat next to Hermione
Harry stared at Ronald, Ronald stared back
"I'm sorry, can you repeat that?" Harry asked, a frosty smile on his face. In the background, only Neville seemed to realize the chill in it and wisely took a step back
"Can I see your scar?! I tried to find you on the train but I couldn't! It's so cool how you defeated the dark lord and I know everything about you. Dumbledore's close to my family you see and he told me everything!"
Harry's smiled chilled another 10 degrees "and why, pray tell. Do you think that he, a man I have never meet, would know anything about me?"
"Well, he's Dumbledore of course! There's nothing he doesn't know!"
Harry hummed, leaning back in his bed and undoing his braid "perhaps you should share this supposed 'knowledge' of me. I wonder how much of it is correct."
Ronald blinked "well, he said you'd go to Gryffindor. A lion through and through! You're a light wizard, obviously, you'll good at Transfiguration and Charms. He said you'd be shy and kind of reserved but friendly. Said we'd become best friends we would!"
"You can stop there." Harry said, tying his hair behind his back " I'll have you know all that information is wrong. I went to Gryffindor yes but it was a good toss up between here and Slytherin." Ronald balked at the name "beyond that, I have a feeling I'll be better at Potions than anything. I'm fond of cooking and science and they seem to be a good base of Potions work. I assure you I'm anything but Shy and reserved. And unless you can prove to me you're more than a fan-boy that grew up on fairy tails on the 'great and powerful' Harry Potter. We won't ever be friends." Harry said.
Picking up his glasses from his side table and picking up 'the girl with the dragon tattoo'. It'd been a favourite of his as Lena and when he'd seen it on his way to the train station he simply had to have it again.
Slipping on his glasses he turned to Ronald one last time "and for that note, if you ask to see my scar again I'll throw you into the Black Lake." Harry said softly but firmly "or perhaps give you a scar of your own." he said before turning to his book and soundly blocking out the other Gryffindors.
He'd befriend Ronald when, if, he grew up. He wasn't going to deal with the jealous boy of the first few years again. Call him cold but he didn't need Ronald sticking his nose where it didn't belong. He'd get himself killed.
"I talked with the other Gryffindors. This is the first time the third floor's been closed off! Odd, isn't it?"
Harry sighed, shaking his head "it's an old castle Hermione, something probably collapsed or broke. Not even magic can hold things together forever."
Hermione blinked "that's... actually probably right. Two of the older students were making up horror stories of horrible beasts the headmaster had hidden inside... silly now that I think about it." she said softly before looking to Harry's shoulder "by the way Harry- what's that on your shoulder?"
Harry grinned, lifting a hand to smooth down Tsune's crystals "she's a crystal fox. She's my familiar." Harry replied
Hermione's eyes glittered "is she a type of magical creature?"
Harry rose a brow "do you know of a muggle animal that are made of crystal?" Harry asked sarcastically "no, Tsune was a gift from Lena. She was birthed when she was practising Crystal magic." Harry said, "it's a rare branch and honestly it was completely accidental but I love her anyway." Harry said, Tsune chirped and nuzzled Harry's cheek
"Wow... she's beautiful. Even if she was an accident" Hermione said as they walked past an open window, the light catching Tsune's crystals beautifully
Harry had to agree, while still small Tsune made an impact, perfectly she was a white-clear in normal light but if she caught the sun she'd reflect a rainbow that was almost hypnotic "have you thought about getting a familiar? Or even a pet?"
"I considered it, but my parents think I'll have enough on my plate already and wouldn't let me. I don't even know what kind of animal I would get." Hermione admitted as they walked into the great hall
Harry tilted his head to the side, " I cat I think, would suit you. But maybe not yet. Your parents are right. First years have it though. Especially you." Harry said, blinking when Tsune leapt from his shoulder and ran towards the Slytherin table "either someone has some fancy jewellery or someone interesting is over there." Harry said, following at a slow pace, Hermione looked between Harry and the Gryffindor table before following Harry
"Harry- are we allowed...?"
"Well," Harry said, ignoring the glares he got from the green house, wrapping an arm around Hermione's shoulder "it's not against the rules to visit other tables. But it's not recommended Gryffindor's visit Slytherin or vice versa." Harry said, quickly walking past the higher years
They found Tsune sitting next to a first year, wagging her tail and waiting for Harry "Tsune." he scolded lightly, recognising Draco "you can't run after every pretty face in a crowd. What will we do if you follow the wrong person?"
Draco looked up at them with a glare "Potter."
Harry smiled "Malfoy. Sorry about my familiar. She loves pretty shiny things and I think your hair caught her attention." Harry said, picking up his runaway fox "you little lady need to stay close to me."
Tsune whined but sat on Harry's shoulders away, though she did keep her eyes on Draco "I've never seen a crystal animal in person. Where'd you get her?" Draco asked, hostility dropping in the face of something rare and shiny
"She was a gift. From a friend" Harry answered, considering what he was going to say next, wondering if he should "perhaps you'll know of her soon enough. I think she plans to make herself known soon. Next year probably."
Draco's eyes narrowed "what's her name? Anyone that has access to Crystal animals deserves some watch."
Harry smiled, letting go of Hermione and leaning down as if to tell a secret "don't tell anyone- but her name is Lena LeFay-Slytherin." he said before pulling back as McGonagall called out to both himself and Hermione
"You're lying." Draco said instantly, standing "there's no way someone can have those titles! Both titles! Both families died out ages ago!"
Harry gave a smile "and yet. I bet if you went to Gringotts you'd find my words to be true... interesting that." Harry lifted a hand, petting Tsune's head and allowing his family rings to catch the light.
Draco's breathe caught in his throat as Harry lead Hermione away and towards McGonagall- any pureblood worth their magic could and would Recognise Merlin's symbol after all.
Smile on his face Harry whispered to Hermione "12 hours and already I've stirred up 3 separate storms. This is so fun isn't it?"
Hermione looked at Harry oddly "what are you talking about?"
"Nothing, nothing. You just worry about getting Gryffindor points okay?" Harry said, thanking McGonagall as he took his timetable.
Harry sat with Hermione waiting for Transfiguration- true to history Ronald was late "what was that before, at Slytherin table?"
Harry turned in his seat a little to face Hermione "alright Herm, crash course- of the purebloods there 4 ranks in this day and age, blood traitor- those that sided with the light and muggle in the war. Pureblood, those that sided with the Dark. dead-blood. These are the ancient and noble houses that died out or merged with other houses- the Gaunt family, for example, is a believed to be dead pureblood family. This level and purebloods are on par. And old blood, those from old thought to be dead families
"Aside from those we have the ancient and noble houses that have such an important place in history that many know their names. They're practically royalty- hell, in the past they've had close ties to the British royal family. Only a few families meet this level- the four founders. The Lefay family line, Merlin's family line. The Pendragons. Important historical figures that had magic."
"The Pendragons had magic?"
"Yeah, why do you thin Morgan Lefay was close to them? The Pendragons had treaties with the fay, they were a good family. Anyway, the point is my friend- she's Duchess LeFay-Slytherin. Now, LeFay holds more weight then Slytherin but its the fact that one person holds both titles. It's going to turn a lot of heads when she comes out to the public. Especially since the Slytherin family history isn't well documented.
"Likewise, I'm expecting myself to get some attention as Heir Emry's. Otherwise known Heir to Merlin's line." Harry said, showing his rings to Hermione "which is why Draco didn't say anything further. If it got out that he attacked Merlin's heir he'd be putting his family on the chopping block."
Hermione frowned, looking at the rings "it seems silly that a name or family line would hold that much power."
Harry smiled "it is really. But we have our reasons for it. Not only is it because the wizarding world is stuck a few 100 years behind the muggles. Its because names hold a lot of magical power. It's a power most wizards and witches can't tap but there is power in a name. To speak someone or something's, true name is to hold power over them. Even control them to an extent." Harry explained
"it extends to family names too. Since a purebloods family name is, to an extent, their magical heritage. To challenge the name would be to challenge their very magic. Their soul. It's a dangerous game to play. Which is why Hermione until you have your own name I want you to be very careful about how you introduce yourself. Most of the children won't do much but if it gets back to their parents it can be an issue. At worst give your first name. At best don't use a name at all."
Hermione frowned "is that why you call me 'Herm'?"
"Yup. and why I only allow people to call me Harry. Purebloods and most half-bloods have two names- their true name and the name that's released to the public. Less needed now that fay folk don't wander would every corner but its a tradition. It's protection."
Harry's explanation was cut off by Ronald running into the room "Oh thank Merlin, she isn't here yet!" the second youngest Weasley said, collapsing into a nearby chair
Harry smirked as McGonagall leapt from the teacher's desk, gracefully landing and looking down her nose at the redhead in a way that only McGonagall could "perhaps, Mister Weasley. You should reconsider that statement."
Hermione lent over to Harry with wide eyes "what was that?" she asked in a whisper
Harry lent back towards her, keeping his voice low "Animgus, a rare kind of full-on transfiguration that takes a year to master. McGonagall is famous as one of the youngest to ever master it."
"Mister Potter. Perhaps you need glasses like your father. I don't believe that animal is permitted on the Hogwarts letter. Or maybe hearing aids? Since I could have sworn I was talking."
Harry smiled politely "indeed Professor. I'm sorry- Hermione asked me a question and I thought I could answer while you were chewing out Ronald. As for Tsune. While you're right Hogwarts only allowed Cats, Owls or Toads as pets. Tsune is my familiar." Harry looked up at McGonagall, giving her his most pleading and innocent look "its okay that I brought her, right? I don't think I could bear to leave her alone..." Harry pulled Tsune close as if he'd break without her
Minerva pursed her lips, considering her reply "we will have to take the matter to the headmaster. It's rare we have a child come in with a familiar and they're addressed on a case by case bases. For now, please pay attention to the class- Miss Granger, if you have a question please ask me, rather then a classmate, during the period."
"Yes Professor McGonagall, sorry Professor," Hermione said softly, lowering her head with a blush
McGonagall turned to move towards the front of the class and Harry took the chance to quickly whisper to Hermione "answer no more than 4 questions each class. Preferably 3. Try to space them out as well. Keep answers short and concise" he said, letting Tsune curled up on his lap
Hermione gave a small nod, trusting Harry's judgement.
By the end of the class Hermione, Harry, Draco and Blaize had established themselves at the top of the two houses. The four of them almost perfectly rotating on answering questions.
Harry hummed to himself as he walked down the stairs to potions, Hermione beside him reading over her Transfiguration notes with Tsune between them, a familiar song on his mind from his life as Lena- oh how he couldn't wait for his favourites to be released again.
"I'll never give up even if the night should fall, always do my best. I'll look in the mirror the king looks back at me" he sung softly, slight skip in his step "I can rule the world, JJ just follow me, I will break the walls, Now look at me, Fools or even wise aren't the enemy, This is who I am, Just remember me, I'm the king JJ, No one defeats me, This is who I am baby"
Hermione looked up, putting her notes away as they were approaching the classroom "what are you singing Harry?"
"Theme of king JJ." Harry replied "it's a song from a show I love. It's so catchy it's hard to not sing sometimes. I've been stuck in my head since, forever really." he explained, and he wasn't lying- somehow it'd lasted over 50 years in his head.
Hermione blinked at Harry "I've never heard of it."
Harry hummed "you wouldn't know the show either- its fine, I'll introduce you to it in a few years." Harry said, ducking into the room through the crowd of Gryffindor's that seemed reluctant to take a seat even though all of Slytherin was already seated.
Plucking Neville as he went he sat his fellow chosen one between himself and Hermione, at the girls questioning look he explained "trust me, we're the best to watch over this one. If we leave him alone he'll probably melt a desk." Harry said before looking to Neville "no offence."
Neville blushed "none taken... you're probably right anyway. I'm rubbish at Potions. Though I don't know how you knew that."
"I'm like Dumbledore- I know all." Harry smirked before looking at the two "seriously though. Paper out and quills ready. Ears open- don't take down notes while Snape's still talking and try to keep your eyes on him. Neville, I suggest looking at his shoulder for you." Harry said, smiling happily when they did as he advised.
Unknown to him a few other Gryffindor's followed his words too, taking taken their seats once Harry had. "Snape's a Slytherin so he has a drama-meter that's up there with the best of them. So he plays a lot of wordplay. Write down all you can and we'll merge notes later to pick through it. Also, don't put too much attention to your books. Use the instructions he leaves on the board. They're better than what's in the books and its kind of a test for him. Better yet if you can copy down what he puts on the board." Harry had just finished talking when Snape glided in, the door closing with a slam behind him.
Instantly Harry was at attention, Neville and Hermione following suit quickly enough and the Gryffindor's a little while after. While Snape went on his 'bottle fame, brew glory' rant Harry quickly passed Hermione a hair band via Neville. Subtly putting up a silencing charm so he could whisper without catching Snape's attention "hair back Hermione- Potions work is similar to working with some of the most dangerous muggle chemicals." he said, dropping the charm just as Snape started his roll call.
Hermione quickly tied her hair back, straightening up as Snape called her name and answering clearly. Harry smiled in pride as Snape hesitated a little "2 points for Gryffindor to thinking ahead and working safely Miss Granger." he said, Harry's smile grew
"Harry Potter... our new celebrity." Snape drawled once he got to his name, looking down his nose at Harry
"Here, Sir," Harry said politely, keeping eye contact Snape's eyes narrowed but he went on with the roll call
"tell me Mister Potter, what are the three needed things to brew a potion?" Snape asked once he'd put the list of students down
Harry's eyes widened a little, mouth opening "...I imagine it would require Patience. Attention to detail and a deep understanding of every ingredient that goes into the potion, Sir." he answered smoothly after a moment
"And should anything of these things be lacking. What can one expect from a failed potion?"
"At best... probably the potion not working. And at worst... I would say, death?"
"Indeed." Snape said, crossing his arms and looking over the students "I am well aware of the reputation I have among the students. More so the Gryffindor's than any other. However, you must understand that Potions making is one of the most dangerous fields of study. And it is mind boggling that they allow it to be taught so young. I am not tough on you because I like to be. I am tough on you so none of you end up in the hospital or worse, in a coffin."
Hermione raised her hand "does that mean if we apply ourselves properly and show the proper respect to this class, you'll go easier on us Sir?"
Snape regarded Hermione for a moment before answering "if you can prove to me, as a class, that you respect Potion making and follow the rules I set out. I will show you mercy as far as my reputation goes. Now- this class we will be going over the theory of the boil cure. I want you to look over the recipe and instructions. I want you to dissect it and bring me a step by step guide to how you would brew it. In detail. You may work in groups but do so quietly."
Snape went to his desk and sat, keeping a hawks eye on the class "did the higher years say Snape always made us brew on the first day?" one of the Gryffindor's behind Harry whispered, "like, he was really hard on them and all..."
"Maybe he's trying something different?"
"Maybe," Harry said loudly, "Professor Snape is allowing us to learn Potions properly as we've already gotten the whole 'respect the potion' lesson out of the way. Unless you want to have to replace your cauldrons after you melt through them? Or replace your robes. Or go to the medi-wing?" he said, opening his Potions book and finding the boil cure recipe "by all means. I'm sure the Professor will let you into the store cupboard if you want to waste some money."
He got no reply, which Harry took as a win. And got to work, gently guiding Neville and Hermione as they stumbled through trying to crew through the recipe. Neville to distracted by watching Snape with more than a few inches of fear and Hermione not use to magical plants.
He soundly Ignored Snape's watchful gaze.
Harry smiled as he watched Tsune run around the group of three- after staying still for so long in Potions she was an energetic bundle of light. It wasn't often she had to sit still and it showed- almost as soon as the bell had rung she'd shot into motion. The group was currently heading for lunch at the great hall
"That really wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be." Neville said happily "maybe Professor Snape isn't so bad?"
Harry smiled "maybe so."
Hermione frowned, however, "I don't know, it's hard to ignore all those stories- why would he be so cruel to everyone but out class?"
"I hear he's good to the NEWT classes." Harry said, taking out his braid before fixing it so it was over his shoulder again "I think he just doesn't like people messing around in a field he's clearly passionate about. I mean, Herm you'd throw a fit if someone came in and trashed all your books wouldn't you?"
"Well, yeah but still..." Hermione said, "it's not right to bully all those kids."
Harry sighed "I'm not saying it is. But I don't think the blame lays completely on Snape's shoulders. At the very least the students are partially at fault for messing around during class."
"I suppose."
"Well, I don't care either way." Neville said, lifting his head "so long as he doesn't bully us I think I'll make it through his classes!"
Harry grinned, clapping Neville on the shoulder "that's the spirit."
"Oi! Potter!" Harry stopped and turned to see Ronald storming up to him "what do you think your doing?! Sucking up to that Snake!"
Harry rose a brow "I thought I told you yesterday. I'm as much a Snake as I am a Lion. and I'm hardly going to be rude to a professor. I quite like free time thank you very much."
Ronald glared, pushing at him, Harry staggered back as Tsune growled "you're no better than the slimy Slytherins! You don't deserve to be in our house!"
Harry caught movement behind Ronald, it took a little while for Harry to make out Quirrellmort at the end of the hall, watching curiously Convenient Harry thought, straightening to look down at Ronald "I think you'll find, Mister Weasley, that whether I am a snake or a lion is none of your concern." He said, folding his arms "what is your concern is if you want to make me an enemy. Your family is poor no? You rely on your father income from the Ministry. It would be a shame if he were to lose his job." Harry said lowly narrowing his eyes "alternatively, would it not be a great boon, if your father was promoted?"
"Wha... how do you know that?"
"It's hardly hidden knowledge." Harry said, waving a hand "the point is. Do you really want to risk making me an enemy? Who knows what I could do. I'm the boy-who-lived. But more than that I am the sole heir to an old family. You, in turn, are the 6th son."
Ronald stepped back, mouth gaping "you really are a snake."
Harry shook his head "if I was a snake I wouldn't be warning you. I would do." Harry set a hand on Ronald's shoulder and smiled brightly "but, instead you provoked a lion. And we do so love our chase. So run. Run as fast as you can little rat. Because if I catch you. If you try to hurt me again. Or any of my friends. I will not show mercy. Not to you or to your family.
"And what would they think? If you were the reason they lost what little they had?"
Ronald paled, looking at Harry's hand and the family ring on it before running to the great hall
"Harry!" Hermione said in a scolding tone.
Harry held his hands up in surrender "I was joking. Mostly" Harry said before sliding his hands into his pockets "if I didn't scare him like that he'd keep coming after me." he explained "besides, I wouldn't really attack the Weasley family. They're innocent after all. And form what i hear quiet nice." he said, staring his walk back to the great hall again "I only attack people that deserve it. That have done something to me personally. I'm not going to go after an innocent kid who's only wrongdoings are trusting in the wrong man and being a glory hound."
Neville looked at Harry "would that 'wrong person' be Professor Dumbledore?"
Harry clicked his tongue "there's something about that man that doesn't add up." was all Harry said before picking up Tsune and doting on her, calling her a precious girl for trying to defend him from Ronald. Neville and Hermione shared a look- Harry was weird.
Voldemort didn't know how to react from what he'd seen just now. it seemed that Harry Potter was breaking the mould from all sides.
Not only that, but he'd been sure the Potter child had met his eye once the Weasley brat had pushed him. But he'd been completely disillusioned, so there was no way that was possible.
Wow this chapter really wrote itself. I'm shocked. Hopefully, I don't lose this train to quickly. Also! I rewatched Yuri On Ice this week and god DAMN I missed a lot of stuff the first time- like how catchy some of the other songs were. I'm absolutely in love with 'Shall we Skate' and 'Theme of King JJ' thus, Harry is too :P
Some things I didn't mention in the actual story- this Hermione is Black, and Lena Lux was born and raised in Japan to a mixed couple (mother Japanese, father British.) anyway- hope you enjoyed this. I'm gonna go... either work on one of the other three tabs I have open or try to poke a chapter 2 of this. Or take a break... I wrote 30 pages in the last two days! (over this 21-page monster and two others.) That like, a new record for me! I haven't hit this number since 'All I see is Darkness' or my HTTYD days (which we will soundly ignore.) I'm kinda shocked!
But my dear one got up me for staying up late to write : he says I need to take better care of my sleep schedule... says him .. HE barely sleeps until 2 am, and wakes up early for work. At least I sleep normally most of the time!
Anyway, this rant was mostly to get me over 12k words. Hehehe. Bye~ holy shit guys it took me a solid 3 hours to edit this MERLIN MORGAN AND ARTHUR am not looking forward to editing chapter 2. yikes.