Author's Note: This is definitely one of the darker things I've written and under no circumstance do I condone abuse as described here. This is a response of DZ2's Mark of Zeus Challenge. This as well as Dis Lexic's Magic Knight Challenge and DZ2's Emerald Arrow Challenge are on the table for a possible new story.
Minerva McGonagall knew that something was wrong from the first moment that she stepped foot on the boundary of #4 Privet Drive.
The entire neighborhood had an eerie quietness to it that immediately set the cat animagus on edge. A small voice whispered in the back of her mind telling her to turn around and walk away.
In her hand she held an acceptance letter to Hogwarts, it had been returned to them unopened with an attached letter telling them not to contact them again. The letter had set off warning bells, and she wasted no time in bringing it to the Headmaster's attention.
Dumbledore had sent her off to hand deliver the letter, stating that there must've been some sort of mistake made. It's his fault I'm here. She shivered, doing her best to ignore the ominous feeling that threatened to smother her as took a step onto the doorstep. Her inner cat was becoming increasingly restless. The only times that this happened was when bead storms were set to hit the castle. She hoped that Young Harry would accept the letter and their business would be concluded. If her restlessness was any measurement she didn't want to be anywhere near here when the storm hit.
Giving a sharp rap on the door she stepped back.
Silence.
Once again she knocked this time harder. The same answer. She was already reaching into her robes to draw her wand when she heard the faint scurrying of feet grow louder as someone rushed to answer the door.
The door opened wide enough for a head to slip through. Petunia Evans. Minerva thought distastefully, having had the misfortune to meet the horse face woman previously.
"Yes who is it?" Petunia asked her head held high as she attempted to look down on Minerva.
"Good afternoon. I am Professor McGonagall of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. We sent a letter to Mr. Potter that was returned unopened."
Petunia's face turned white as a sheet. "I'm sorry we don't want what you're selling!" The woman exclaimed quickly slamming the door shut on Minerva's disbelieving face. "DON'T COME BACK HERE!"
How rude. Minerva thought, drawing her wand and discretely casting an unlocking charm at the door. "YOU! I TOLD YOU TO LEAVE!" Petunia screeched.
"And I have business with Mr. Potter." Minerva explained. "Kindly tell me where he is and I can leave after our business is concluded."
"What? So you can take him to that Freak school of yours?" Petunia snarled.
"My dear Aunt." A calm and smooth voice interjected before Minerva could voice her response. "What have we said about using the F word?"
Minerva turned to see a young boy dressed neatly in casual pants and a polo. He had slicked back black hair, revealing a blemish free forehead, and piercing green eyes as warm as the arctic.
"You know how Dudley feels every time you say that. The poor boy still hasn't gotten over his weight issues, and every time that word is brought up you exacerbate the problem."
"Mr. Potter?" Minerva asked timidly, trying to connect the image of the giggling boy she had bounced on her lap to this cold person in front of her. She hated to think it but his actions reminded her more of the Darker Heads of Houses than it did a young boy.
"Good afternoon Madame. What can I do for you?" Harry asked, fixing her with his killing curse green eyes.
"I'm here to discuss why your letter was returned to us unopened." Minerva said holding up his acceptance letter.
He tilted his head quizzically, before motioning towards the sitting room. "Perhaps we should retire to the sitting room. It seems like there are many things that need to be discussed."
"I would hate to impose." Minerva began only to stop when she saw him shaking his head.
"It's no trouble. Petunia wouldn't mind either would she?" He asked looking at his aunt who only shook her head. When both Harry and Minerva had sat down he said. "Petunia, tea." His aunt scurried off to the kitchen. "Now while we are waiting for her to return, it's probably best that we begin."
Minerva nodded. "My name is Professor McGonagall and I am teacher at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. We recently sent you a letter extending an invitation to join our prestigious school, only for it to return to us unopened. With a note saying not to contact you again."
He held out his hand, and Minerva understood the gesture, quickly handing over his letter. Instead of tearing it open like she had seen many children do, or stare at it in disbelief, he calmly reached into his pocket and withdrew a small knife. Slicing open the letter he pulled out the parchment and set the envelope to the side, put away his knife and began reading.
Dear Mr. Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on September 1. We await your own by no later than July 31.
He had just finished reading the letter aloud when his aunt returned, almost dropping the tray that she was carrying. "Am I correct in assuming that you are the same Minerva McGonagall that signed this letter?" He asked.
"You are." She answered, seeing the boy nod in response, as he poured himself a cup of tea.
"How do you like yours?" He asked, readying a second cup.
"Just a little milk." She answered taking the cup after he had finished pouring it. "If you're ready, I will escort you to Diagon Alley where you can purchase all your supplies."
"What makes you think that I'm going?" Harry asked gracefully sipping his tea. He allowed a small smile to show as the Professor choked on her tea.
"It's the law!" Minerva said. "All magicals must at least receive an education to their O.W.L. or else have their wand snapped and be exiled from the magical world."
"Considering that I do not have a wand. Why should I care?" Harry asked putting his tea down, and reaching for a biscuit.
Minerva was dumbfounded, and only years of experience as being stern faced prevented her from gaping like a fish. "But you must attend! Hogwarts has educated every member of your family for the last thousand years."
"Maybe it's time for that to change." Harry mused. "Besides the law says that a magical must receive their O.W.L.s to keep their wand. It doesn't say anything about me being forced to attend Hogwarts."
"Hogwarts is the finest institute of Magical Education in the World." Minerva said testily.
"Really? According to whom?" Harry asked raising a brow. "Is there an international ranking scale that would prove that what you said is not a boast due to you being affiliated with the school in a teaching capacity? I mean if it were anything but the best it would reflect poorly upon you as you are one of the teachers under its employ."
Minerva couldn't help it, never before had a student speak to her like this. Her mouth open and closed dumbly as she tried to respond. It had been many years since she last took a look at the lists compiled by ICW and in that time their position may have changed. If she foolishly tried to tell him that they were #1 and he checked and they weren't it would prove that he was right. "I'd have to check the records released by the ICW." Minerva said sourly.
"Please do." He responded. "Boasting that you're the best when you're really not would be sad and a lie. So since we've established that Hogwarts being #1 in the world if a dubious fact, can you give me another reason to attend there, rather than say a school in the warmth of France or even emigrating to America and seeking my education there?"
"That would be a disaster!" Minerva blurted out, before her jaw snapped shut.
"Really, what makes me so special?" He asked, pouring himself another cup of tea.
Why is the boy so Slytherin? Minerva mentally cried. "Well?" He repeated, sitting back in his chair and steepling his fingers.
She hesitated for a few seconds, before beginning her story. She told him of the Dark Lord, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. He scoffed at the title, chuckling at the look she sent him for interrupting her. Continuing she told him about the Dark Lord's Army, Death Eaters, and how they had spread terror throughout the country. His parents had fought against them only to be forced into hiding where they were ultimately hunted down by the Dark Lord himself. They had been killed but when Voldemort (he had finally forced her to reveal the Dark Lord's name) had tried to kill him his spell had backfired. He who was the only survivor of the Killing curse became the boy-who-lived.
"So I'm some sort of cultural icon." Harry drawled. "My not showing up would deal a severe blow to the school's reputation wouldn't it."
"Yes." Minerva said sourly, wondering what sort of concessions the boy would try to force on them. "However you must attend Hogwarts."
"You haven't convinced me that I should."
Minerva sighed; this was going nothing like she had planned. "Take my hand Mr. Potter; perhaps Professor Dumbledore will be able to convince you."
"Why where are going?"
"Hogwarts, and I am going to apparate us there."
"Apparate?"
"Apparition is a skill that adult wizards and witches learn that allows for almost instantaneous travel over certain distances." She saw the boy hesitating. "It's perfectly safe." She reassured, ignoring the fact that there was always that chance of splinching yourself.
He took her hand, and felt the entire world compress on him as it felt like he was being squeezed through a straw.
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore had just gotten back from another meeting with the Minister where he had o once again explain that his proposals were for the Greater Good. Sometimes he wondered how the incompetent man had managed to gain power before remembering that he had turned down the job, and that he was nothing more than Lucius' patsy.
"It's all for the Greater Good." He repeated to himself, rubbing his forehead before popping a lemon drop into his mouth. Feeling the wards activate, he wondered who had just apparated onto the grounds. The list of people with permissions to do so wasn't long, and he had his answer a minute later when his fireplace roared to life.
Minerva's face appeared in the green flames. "Hello Albus, are you busy right now?"
"What seems to be the problem?" Dumbledore asked.
"I have Mr. Potter, in my office now and he's still undecided on whether or not he's going to attend Hogwarts."
When she said that he felt his entire world begin crashing around his ears. All his plans depended on Harry attending Hogwarts, not to mention the fact that even with all his popularity he would be publically lynched in Diagon Alley if people found out that their Savior was not going to attend Hogwarts.
He could afford to be late to a meeting so long as it secured the boy's attendance, and if worst came to worse he could always fall back on that. "Come on through." He said opening the grate wider.
His Deputy was the first one through, followed quickly by a young boy dressed in a white polo and black slacks and shoes. His current demeanor, the way that he carried himself as well as his dress set off warning bells in his head. Harry Potter was supposed to be a downtrodden orphan willing to accept them and would seek acceptance from the teachers as well as develop a grandfatherly relationship with him. Everything that he was seeing about the boy told him that that was not going to happen.
"So you're the one responsible for placing me with the Dursleys?" Harry drawled, staring at the man responsible for his current situation. If anyone had looked closely they would've seen chips of blue appearing in his eyes, as well as small discharges on his fingers.
"It was for the Greater Good." Dumbledore explained. "You're mother's love and sacrifice allowed for me to anchor the blood wards to your aunt. So long as you lived in the same house the wards would not allow anyone to enter the property who wished you harm."
"So if she were no longer alive then the wards would fall." Harry asked.
Something about the way he said it immediately set everyone's mind on edge. "Theoretically yes." Dumbledore nodded. "Now what's this about you not wishing to attend Hogwarts?"
"I didn't say that." Harry explained. "I said that I would make my decision based on this school's rankings in comparison to the global average. Why should I waste my time attending what might be a third-rate school when I could attend a more prestigious one?"
"My boy, Hogwarts is number one in the World." Dumbledore chided gently.
"So you and your Deputy have relatedly said. Yet the fact remains that I don't believe you." Harry said simply.
Both of the teachers were shocked. "My dear boy-" Dumbledore started.
"I am not nor will be your boy. If you want me to start believing anything you say the least you can do is start using my name."
"Harry-"
"I'm sorry when did we become familiar enough for you to use my first name?" He asked tilting his head.
Everyone's jaw shut with an audible click. "Mr. Potter show some respect for the Headmaster."
"First off respect is earned Madam, and he does not have mine. Secondly he may be the Headmaster of Hogwarts, but I am not a student here. Nor am I awed by his presence."
"Mr. Potter your parents would've wanted you to attend."
"What they want is irrelevant seeing as they are no longer among the living." Harry replied curtly. "And according to what I know of my mother she would've preferred me to attend the best school possible. Which I remind you, you have not convinced me that your school is."
"It may take some time to gather the information you want." Dumbledore said slowly.
"I can wait." Harry said sitting back in his chair.
"A few days."
"I do not enjoy your delaying tactics. If this information is not your priority, then attending this school would not be mine." Harry threatened.
They sat in silence for a few moments. This is bad. Dumbledore thought. There was no way the boy would choose to stay at Hogwarts if he saw the international rankings. While still a top ranked school Hogwarts rating has been on a steady decline for almost 10 years, not to mention the fact that their Defensive Magics O.W.L.s have been abysmal for almost 50 years. The less said about the potions score the better. It looks like I need to play my trump card. To think that it needs to be used already. Hopefully I'll be able to earn the boy's trust in the coming year. "I'm sorry to say that you have no choice but to attend Hogwarts." Dumbledore said sadly.
"Oh?" Harry asked. "And pray tell why would I be forced to attend?"
"When you were born you're parents like many other of the older families wrote your name down in the Book of Names which records all future students. In addition they paid your tuition in full."
"So refund the money."
"It's not that simple." Dumbledore said shaking his head. "When you're parents paid your tuition they signed a binding magical contract guaranteeing your enrollment."
"So you're telling me that I never had any choice in the matter?" Harry questioned his voice becoming strangely calm. "That I'm being forced to attend here against my will. It would not be a stretch to say that I am going to be kidnapped and held in internment for 10 months of the year here."
"You're not a prisoner." Minerva finally spoke up.
"A bird in a gilded cage is still locked in a cage." Harry snapped. "The fact of the matter is that I don't want to be here yet I'm being forced to stay."
There was a burst of flames as Fawkes appeared just outside the window. For the first time since they had arrived they looked outside to see dark storm clouds, gathering overhead. Just as Fawkes was about to sing, a large bolt of lightning crashed into him.
"I guess your turkey died." Harry shrugged, feeling slightly better with each bolt the storm released.
"Fawkes is a phoenix Harry, he'll be fine." Dumbledore said eyes twinkling. "Now where were we? Ah yes you're attendance." A brief look of annoyance passed on Harry's face as another bolt of lightning cracked overhead this time striking the astronomy tower.
"The list." He said holding out his hand. Minerva hesitantly handed it over feeling a jolt pass through her as their hands touched.
He read it over quickly before pocketing it. "I'd like to leave now."
"I'll escort you back home." Minerva said offering her hand. "We'll need to apparate once more."
She saw the distaste in his face, as he touched her hand.
The last thing Dumbledore heard from the boy was, "I'll remember this."
They appeared with a crack on the doorstep of Privet Drive.
"Don't you think that's going to draw people's attention?" He asked raising a brow.
"The wards around the house prevent others from noticing." Professor McGonagall. "To buy you're supplies you'll need to go to Diagon Alley which can be accessed through the Leaky Cauldron Pub in London."
"And how am I supposed to pay for my supplies?" Harry asked.
"Your parents left you a vault at Gringotts, which is at the far end of the Alley. You can't miss it." McGonagall said withdrawing a key from her pocket. "Use this to open the vault. Lastly to get to Hogwarts you need to take the Express. The express is located in King's Cross Station Platform 9 ¾."
She handed over a golden ticket. "Do you need anything else?"
"Yes a complete copy of the rules and regulations." Harry said. "If I'm being forced to attend this the least I could do is know what exactly I can and can't do in my prison."
"Once again Mr. Potter Hogwarts is not a prison. All were trying to do is to help you."
"By kidnapping and forcing me to stay against my will?" He sneered taking the key and ticket from her hand and walking back into the home.
Minerva couldn't help but feel a pit forming in her stomach. Already she knew that this was going to be an interesting year, she only prayed that she would live long enough to see Mr. Potter graduate and leave.
After Harry had closed the door he went out to the backyard. "So it's just like you said."
The wind whistled in response, gently caressing him.
"Haha, yeah I really don't like the old goat. Hopefully their society isn't as backwards as you say."
This time the wind howled, the air smelling of ozone.
"No. No. I know you've never steered me wrong before, it's just that there's a first for everything."
Another gentle breeze.
"Did you really have to shoot that Phoenix out of the sky?" He asked.
This time the wind sounded like a flute.
He sighed. "You can't claim dominion over the entire sky and shoot down any other birds."
Another gust.
"Yes I'm sure. No matter how much you think he's an affront to your majesty." Harry said, extending an arm. "You're coming with me right? If the school is as bad as you say I'll need you with me to help control my urges." A final breeze this time whipping around him to envelop him like a hug.
"Thanks my friend." Harry smiled. "Now I have to remind Petunia about what happens when she uses the F word where I can hear it." He heard the door open and close once more, followed by the heavy footfalls that he had come to associate with both his cousin and uncle. "Speak of the devil." Harry smiled viciously. "It looks like everything I need to teach her a lesson has arrived."
Stepping back into the house he saw his Aunt trying to send Dudley back outside. "Tsk, Tsk. I need him for punishment dear Aunt." Harry said. He caught sight of the familiar cast iron skillet that had been used so many times. Holding out his hand the skillet flew into his palm as he gripped it tightly. "Do you remember this?"
"Please don't." She whimpered.
"When I was 4 you hit me with this because I burned your breakfast. You called me a freak, devil child, and told me my parents were drunks who died in a car accident." Lightning began to crackle along the skillet. "Back then I hated you; I thought the best way to hurt you was to do so directly. Now though, I'm much more versed in the art of causing pain." Extending his free hand, he pointed his fingers at Vernon. "You obese sorry excuse for a man. I want to try something new today and see if I can make the fat on your body melt." With those ominous words lightning launched from his fingers striking his uncle in the chest. The whale collapsed to the floor moaning as he kept the power levels to around what a taser would be like. After about 30 seconds he let up. "You feel that throbbing pain? The pounding of your heart as it gets back into rhythm? You have your wife to blame." You know with the number of years I've been doing this to him I'm actually surprised his heart hasn't given out yet.
"Now my dear aunt, you know how much it hurts Dudley every time you say the F word. I think 5 strikes should drive home the lesson." Harry said holding the skillet out for her to take.
"No. Please. Don't make me do it."
"Take the skillet and I expect you to put your all into it. Just like when you hit me. If you don't I'll have to make it 10." He said calmly, smirking as she took the skillet in shaky hands.
The look on his cousin's face filled him with warm fuzzy feelings. "I'm sorry Diddykins." Petunia cried, tears streaming down her face as she swung the skillet with all her might smacking her son in the arm. Thwack. The iron skillet met his cousin's flabby arm. Thwack another strike this time to the other arm. She alternated between the arms, the two of them crying in pain.
"Why are you crying?" Harry asked. "I didn't cry when you tried to split my skull with the pan. I guess the apple doesn't fall from the tree. This fat bastard's just like his father. Weak, inept, doomed to grow up to be just as large a failure. What about it Petunia, should we put him out of his misery?"
The woman cried even louder, as Harry brought both his hands up and like a puppet master manipulated the strings of his doll. Her limbs jerked wildly, clumsily as the electrical signals in her brain fired to bring the skillet over her head. Closing both hands and pulling them towards him, her arm dropped faster than what was humanly possible. This'll cause too many problems. A small voice in the back of his mind said, causing him to sigh as his finger lazily twitched, diverting the strike at the last moment.
"AAAHAHHHHHHHHH" Petunia screamed feeling the bones in her arm break as they were unable to cope with the stresses that he had forced them to go through.
"I want food in 20 minutes. Bring it to my room, oh and Vernon, throw your son in the cupboard there's no need for a freak like him to get medical care." Smiling at the terror that the Dursleys were under he turned around and headed towards the master bedroom. "Oh yes. It's good to be bad."
Challenge Information
Okay guys, this one was inspired by my good friend The Modern Sorcerer, so my thanks to him for that.
DZ2's 'The Mark of Zeus' Challenge
Plot: The collision of Light and Dark magic had an unforeseen side-effect on Harry; not a Horcrux, but access to the most-powerful, most-destructive and unpredictable force of nature.
Rules: All affinities are welcome
It is up to the writer when the story starts
Harry MUST have control over the elemental force of Lightning
Whenever Harry gets stressed, there are either sparks dancing on him or thunder rumbling nearby
Harry's Electrokinetic abilities have an effect on technology and machines and because of this, he can use technology at Hogwarts
If the story starts in first year, he can go to any House
All pairings are welcome
Guidelines: Technomage-Harry
Harry has control of a power similar to Electrokinesis (Plasma, Ion, Energy, Magnetism/Electromagnetism, Psychic-Lightning etc.)
Harry discovers another elemental power
Crossovers
Other elementals at Hogwarts
Harry's power means that he is labelled as a Dark Wizard or a Dark Lord regardless of affinity
To restore/strengthen his power, Harry draws strength from electrical sources (like in Infamous)
Slash
Harry uses a weapon to focus his power
Forbidden: Weak Harry
Harry as a Horcrux
Harry being a naive person
Other than that, it's up to you...