The Master of Death.
Chapter 1
WARNING: THIS IS NOT AN UPDATE.
A/N: I would like to thank hellfire45, harrysgurl22, Omni-Creator Kami of Anime, Phantomsoul2015, marilynT, sk18, god of all, Otsutsuki no Yami, uzuuchi007, Zeropowers0, anarion87, kamui5 god of all, Enshin Hogo-sha, hellfire45, Guest, Omni-Creator Kami of Anime, Otsutsuki no Yami, chc91776 for your reviews.
"Normal speak"
'Normal thought'
§Parseltongue§
-X- Line Break -X-
My name is Hadrian James Potter, Harry Potter for short. Of course, from the time I was two all the way till I was four, I thought my name was Freak. My aunt and uncle, Petunia and Vernon Dursley were obsessed with normality. Perhaps that was the reason they hated me. I was abnormal.
Able to do things no child or living person should be able to do. The first appearance of my powers was when my aunt shaved my head of all my hair, the next day it grew back to its normal mess. My aunt had screamed and raged with outrage. When my uncle came down I learnt how much my relatives were obsessed with normality. The beating I suffered that day left me on deaths door, and only thanks to my powers did my body grow back stronger than before however, the scars remained.
My uncle, luckily for him made sure to not damage any visible part of my body, only the parts that were hidden by clothing. My aunt on the other hand made sure that I was constantly working, cleaning the house, cooking the food, weeding the gardens, etc.
At the age of five I went to school and quickly learned that teachers did not believe the ramblings of a child. Especially not the ramblings of a delinquent child. Or so the rumours his aunt and uncle made up of him. However, I was still a child and craved the love of my family. So, I foolishly believed that if I did well in my subjects they would love me.
They did not, they believed I cheated and stole their dear Dudelykins answers.
After that moment I realised the only person you could trust was yourself. So, I made plans to change my life. Stealing money from my uncle when he was not watching, I began to save up for a camera. It took me three months, but when I did I began to take pictures of the abuse I suffered.
Of course, two pictures did not count as sufficient proof in the eyes of adults and my 'room' was always clean due my efforts at creating a sanctuary. I would need to make this even more convincing if I was to make my plans work. So, I began to learn how to control my powers. It was slow, but by the age of seven I could do wondrous things. I could levitate, push and pull objects and I even managed to teleport, something I managed to do when I tried to escape from my cousin and his goons. The last one was the hardest one to learn to control, but my natural ability to learn made it possible.
By age eight, I was clothed and fed like a proper child, growing to an average height for my age and even taking up sports. Something I later learnt was that the fitter my body, the better control I had over my powers. The library was my favourite place in Little Whinging, specifically the fantasy section.
Something about it just called to me. That and the various books on wizards and witches made for excellent inspiration on what to do. One thing was to manipulate my powers – which I now called magic – into an invisible crushing force, which I found could crush a spider. One that had been particularly annoying. That was as large an animal I could crush until I turned ten when I killed a bird who had stolen the only picture I had of my mother.
Then I turned eleven and that's when everything changed.
-X- Line Break -X-
Hogwarts School of
Witchcraft and Wizardry
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorcerer, Chief Warlock, Supreme
Mugwump, International Confederation of Wizards)
Dear Mr Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1st of September. We await your owl by no later than 31st of July.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
He stared at the letter once, twice and then a third time. However, he never allowed his control of his emotions to slip. Knowing if he did so his magic would run wild. He allowed his control to slip once and he had caused the entire weather pattern of Surrey to change for a month. The summer being ravaged by snow. Since that day he had worked constantly on keeping his emotions in check.
Grabbing the envelope once again he looked inside to see another letter enclosed within it.
First Year Students will require:
- Uniform:
- Three Sets of Plain Work Robes (Black)
- One Plain Pointed Hat (Black) for day wear
- One Pair of Protective Gloves (dragon hide or similar)
- One Winter Cloak (Black, silver fastenings)
Please note that all student's clothing should carry a name-tag at all times.
- Books:
- The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1 by Miranda Goshawk
- A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
- Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
- A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
- One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
- Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
- The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble
- Other Equipment:
- 1 Wand
- 1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
- 1 set of glass or crystal phials
- 1 telescope
- 1 set of brass scales
- Students may also bring an Owl, a Cat or a Toad
Parents are reminded that first years are not allowed their own broomstick.
Taking a deep breath, he got to his feet.
Turning to the mirror he made sure he was presentable. It was one of the only things he learned from his uncle. Always look presentable as appearances could be the difference between you succeeding or failing.
His outfit was smart, but also casual. Skinny jogging pants, a black, zip up hoodie slightly open revealing a white t-shirt underneath. His once shaggy black hair was slightly tamed, in the way he spiked it upwards. It still retained its wild nature, but it was much more fashionable, with a small clutch of hair covering his lightning shaped scar. Then there were his green eyes that had once been hidden by large round spectacles, now replaced with contact lenses that allowed his vivid green eyes to shine brightly.
Overall, it was easy to tell that in a few years he would be a real heartbreaker.
Walking down the stairs with his letter clutched in his hands he entered the kitchen to see his aunt and uncle sat at the table. His cousin, Dudley was sat in the living room watching television stuffing his mouth with food.
"Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon." The two people in question looked up from their respective activities. Their eyes strayed from their nephew to the letter clutched in his hands and both tensed. They had been waiting for this day ever since Harry turned eleven, both had prepared for this day.
"Is that what I think it is?" Harry nodded his head. "I'm guessing you would like me to take you down to London then?" Vernon asked while simultaneously folding up his morning newspaper. Once again Harry nodded. "Very well. Get changed and I'll take you down there."
They never spoke much, both sides having an agreement.
Stay out of each other's way.
Quickly getting changed into a pair of jeans and one of his nicer hoodies, he rushed downstairs and out into the car. His mind alight with what the Magical World had in store for him.
-X- Line Break -X-
The journey was quick. His uncle, knowing the location of the Leaky Cauldron – which so happened to be the entrance to Diagon Alley – from his Aunt, who had accompanied his mother when she got her letter. Pulling up outside, Harry opened the door and got out of the car.
"Remember our deal boy." Vernon said as the door closed. Waving him off, Harry walked towards the dingy looking pub and opened the door.
The deal he was on about was the agreement that Harry would book a room at the Leaky Cauldron every summer. This was a win-win for both parties. His relatives didn't have to deal with him all summer and he didn't have to deal with them.
Stepping inside the Leaky Cauldron he saw multiple oddly dressed men and women drinking. The pub was dimly light, with only a few candles burning and it looked like it hadn't had a very good clean in a while. Moving towards the bar, where an elderly looking man stood cleaning a bottle. In front and to the left of the bartender was a robe dressed man with a purple turban wrapped round his head.
The turban wearing man, looked over his shoulder and stared at Harry with interest, his gaze flickering to his scar. Instantly he felt a searing pain, like his brain was on fire. Slowly he focused his magic into his brain allowing it to soothe his mind.
As he did so, the turban wearing man recoiled as if he had been struck. Instantly his mind narrowed in on the possibility that he was the reason for his pain.
"First year, aye?" The bartender said breaking Harry from his thoughts.
"Yes, I was wondering on how to get into Diagon Alley."
The bartender smiled and nodded his head. "Follow me then lad." He walked from behind the bar and towards a door on the opposite side of the bar. Opening the door, he walked into a small, very small courtyard, following after him he watched as the bartender pressed his drawn wand into certain bricks. His mind committed the bricks to memory so that he didn't have to rely on others. It was something he hated above all else, relying on others.
As the bartender pressed the final brick all the wall began to move apart revealing Diagon Alley in all its glory. From the countless wizards and witches moving around, to the numerous display so magic and magical items.
The sound of chuckling made him turn around to see the bartender staring at him in amusement.
"Name's Tom, and if you need anything let me know…" He let himself trail off.
"Hadrian Potter and thank you." With that Harry left completely oblivious to the wide-eyed stare of Tom.
Moving through Diagon Alley filled him with childlike wonder he hadn't felt in a long time.
'Where to begin.' He thought as he looked from one shop to the next. 'However, before I can get anything I'll need money.' From what his aunt had told him, which she in turn was told by his mother, was that there was a bank called Gringotts run by Goblins. 'Gringotts it is.'
Moving quickly through the crowds of students and parents alike he made his way to the large white building with 'Gringotts Bank' engraved above the doorway. Entering he made his way to the desk on the opposite side of the bank. His eyes flickered from either side watching as different wizards and witches got served by small, long fingered, pointy eared creatures.
Goblins.
Interesting. They didn't look like bankers; his eyes could make out that the Goblins were more than meets the eye. Warriors. Smirking he moved forwards till he came to a stop at his destination.
"Hello." The Goblin continued to write on the parchment, unaware of him completely. "Hello."
"Name?" It drawled.
"Hadrian James Potter." The Goblin stopped what it was doing and looked over the desk at the young child in front of his desk.
"Griphook." One of the Goblins standing guard on either side of the desk came forward and bowed to the first Goblin. "Escort Mr Potter to Account Manager Ripclaw." Griphook bowed and then turned to face Harry. Giving a grunt, he turned around and began walking. Taking this as a sign to follow he did so and soon found himself discovering that Gringotts was much larger on the inside than it was on the outside. Each door on either side of the corridor was marked with a single golden plaque, upon which only two words made sense to him, 'Account Manager.' The first word was probably the name of a wizarding family, then the final word was probably the name of the Goblin.
Finally, they came to a stop outside a door, on the golden plaque were the words, 'Potter Account Manager, Ripclaw.'
Entering the room, he found a single desk, much smaller in size to that of the ones at the entrance to Gringotts, in fact it was much like a muggle desk. On it were multiple stacks of paper and files and behind it was a single Goblin.
"Mr Potter, we have been trying to get in contact with you since your eleventh birthday. Do you believe your fame means you can ignore our summons?" Ripclaw ground out.
"I have received no summons, Mr Ripclaw. If I had I would have come." Ripclaw seemed to study him for a few moments, his figure tense as his eyes checked every movement Harry made. Slowly he relaxed into his chair and hooked his long fingers together.
"You're sure you have not received any summons?" Ripclaw pressed. Harry straightened his back and stared directly into Ripclaw's eyes.
"None." He said confidently. Slowly the hard look on Ripclaw's face turned into a feral smile and Harry felt himself grow nervous of the outcome. Though he did not let his weakness show.
"Very well, Mr Potter. I shall have some Goblins look into this." Ripclaw said, before clicking his fingers. Instantly a sheet of paper floated from the centre of a large pile of paper and laid itself down in front of the Goblin. "It's impressive that you looked me in the eye, some Goblins take that as you are challenging them to a duel. Lucky for you, I'm not one of those Goblins."
Harry tensed slightly and a thin shine of sweat formed on the back of his neck. He was confident in his skills, but not enough to take on any magical adept individual, hell he would not even fight a muggle adult knowing that he would lose.
Ripclaw chuckled.
"Sit." Doing as the Goblin said, he took a seat and watched Ripclaw do a quick scan of the paper before handing it to him. "Now that we have established your problems in receiving Gringotts summons, let's sort out your accounts. You are currently, heir Hadrian James Potter of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter. On that sheet of paper is a list of all your lordships you can have should you choose to take them, the vaults of those lordships and the contents inside of them."
Identity:
Hadrian James Potter.
Immediate Family:
James Potter; Lily (Evans) Potter.
Lordships:
The Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter.
The Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Peverell.
The Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Le Fay
The Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Ravenclaw.
The Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Albion.
Vaults of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter:
Potter Main Vault: 1,047,900 Galleons, 20,580 Sickles, 3,600 Knuts, including family Grimoire.
Potter Trust Vault: 50,625 Galleons, 1,347 Sickles, 948 Knuts.
Vaults of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Peverell:
Peverell Main Vault: 7,340 Galleons.
Peverell Secondary Vault: 10,000 books including the family Grimoire.
Peverell Vault: 100,000,000 Galleons in liquidated treasures.
Vaults of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Le Fay:
Le Fay Main Vault: 306,900 Galleons, 25,700 Sickles including family heirloom, library and Grimoire.
Vaults of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Ravenclaw:
Ravenclaw Main Vault: 482,600 Galleons, 37,159 Sickles.
Ravenclaw Secondary Vault: Family library and Grimoire.
Vault of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House Albion:
Albion Main Vault: Family heirloom, library and Grimoire.
"That's a lot of money." Harry finally said after a few moments of silence.
"Yes, overall you have a total of one million, eight hundred and ninety-five thousand, and three hundred and sixty-five thousand galleons. Eighty-four thousand, seven hundred and eighty-six sickles and four thousand, five hundred and forty-eight Knuts. That makes you the single richest heir in Magical Britain." Ripclaw said. "Not only that but you have in total of twenty-six votes making you a powerful political figure when you take your seat on the Wizengamot."
"Mr Ripclaw, is your only job to manage the affairs of the Potters or do you have other families?" Harry asked.
"I originally only managed the Potter accounts, but seeing as though a Potter heir has multiple lordships, it is my job to manage those families as well. Why?" Ripclaw asked curiously.
"I would like you to merge all the Potter vaults into one single vault and do the same with the Peverell and Ravenclaw vaults. Then I would like you to begin investing money into successful businesses to help increase my wealth." Ripclaw smirked with amusement, it seemed Harry knew exactly what drove a Goblin without realising it. "Do any of these families own any businesses?"
"Yes, the Potter's only as the others have either had their companies bought by other families or never owned any in the first place." The Goblin explained. "But I'll get onto what you have asked."
"Thank you Mr Ripclaw." Harry bowed.
"You're welcome Mr Potter, but call me Ripclaw. I believe if this meeting has shown me anything, it's that I'm going to enjoy working with you very much."
"Only if you call me, Harry."
"Very well then Harry. I shall allow you to collect your equipment for school. If you have any more questions or need any help just let me know."
"I will do."
"Very good. Griphook, escort Harry to his trust vault." Harry left the room following behind Griphook. Ripclaw watched him leave before a frown took over his features. The door to his room opened and in came another Goblin.
"You felt it too, Ragnok?" Ripclaw asked.
"Yes, Mr Potter is a Horcrux." Ragnok said and looked at the door.
"What do you plan to do then?"
"Nothing for now. We will wait."
"And if he finds out. Harry strikes me as a person who will not like those he trusts lying to him." Ragnok looked at him with confusion.
"He trusts you?" Ragnok asked.
"No, but I imagine he might do so."
"Good, we will tell him when it comes to it, but work on gaining his trust. When we have it, we will tell him. Mr Potter will be a valuable ally or a dangerous enemy when he reaches his maturity." Ragnok explained.
-X- Line Break -X-
Diagon Alley was just like he had expected. Magical. It was the only word he could use to describe it. The sheer number of shops were astounding. Each filled to the brim with different magical items and books.
Using the money, he had gotten from his trust vault he had quickly made his way around the area. Collecting his school uniform from Madam Malkins and also purchasing two dress robes, both made of Acromantula silk. Then he went to multiple shops collecting his potions ingredients and his cauldrons. He did all that within the first twenty minutes of exiting Gringotts.
Flourish and Blotts was one of the more interesting shops in his visit. Buying the books along with multiple ones to read in his own time. The books he bought were: Wizarding Etiquette, Wizarding Law and Politics, the History of Magical Britain, the Greatest Wizards and Witches of the world, and Hogwarts: A History. But one thing he did find very interest was the books based around his supposed life.
Then came his most anticipated shop. Ollivanders.
Entering the shop, he moved forwards towards the counter and looked behind at the shelves stacked to the brim with small boxes, which no doubt contained a wand. His senses alerted him to something moving behind him.
"I wondered when I'd be seeing you Mr Potter." Ollivander said as he appeared behind him. Harry gave no outward reaction and simply stood still. Slowly he moved round to the front of the counter and stared deeply into his own emerald ones. "Seems only yesterday that your mother and father were in here buying their first wands. Your fathers was 11", mahogany with a Dragon Heartstring, pliable. Excellent for transfiguration. Your mothers on the other hand was 10¼", made of willow with a Unicorn hair. Swishy and excellent for charms work. Now, which is your preferred arm?"
"Right." Nodding his head, Ollivander gave a flick of his wand and a tape measure began to take all mannerisms of measurements. Once he was done he moved around the shop before presenting a single wand to him.
"Here we are." Grasping the wand tightly he looked to Ollivander. "Well go on then, give it a flick." Doing so he caused a nearby light to explode. "No, no, no." Snatching the wand from his hand, Ollivander quickly went from wand to wand, trying to find the perfect match. One wand he had felt a slight connection to, but it didn't feel like it was connected to him, more like something else. Ollivander seemed especially baffled by that outcome.
Pushing what seemed to be the hundredth wand away he began pacing down the shelves. A slightly organised shop was completely destroyed with every wand box somewhere different.
Slowly, Ollivander's eyes drifted towards a shelf covered completely in dust. On it was a single wand box. It had been the first wand he had made. To all Wand Makers, the first wand he/she creates will be the most powerful they make. No one knows why, it's just the way things are. One of those little things about life that you can't change not matter how much you try.
Picking it up he handed it hesitantly over to Harry and instantly he knew that the wand had chosen its master. There was no great display of magic just a feeling of coldness.
"Fascinating." Ollivander said breathlessly.
"Excuse me, Mr Ollivander, but what is fascinating?" Harry asked curiously.
"That wand is the first wand I ever created and the most powerful I ever created. Eleven inches, yew with a Thestral hair, handle encased with the bone of a Cerberus, also known as Hell Hounds. It's curious because each element has a connection to death." The wand creator said.
"How so?"
"Cerberus' have been rumoured to be the pets of Death, however there has been nothing to prove this theory. Thestral's are the symbols of death as only those that have seen death can see them and finally the wood. Yew, the same wood that was part of the wand that killed your parents."
There was a pregnant pause as Harry stared at his wand. It was long and springy, but thanks to the Cerberus/Hell Hound bone for the handle it made it also very sturdy, which according to Ollivander made it perfect for all types of magic. Both the powerful and refined magic. The bone itself was styled into the head of a dragon, a beast of great power and destruction.
"So, it's a wand meant to kill. Meant to deal out death." Ollivander shook his head.
"It's a wand that chose the wizard who was capable of great deeds, both good and evil." He seemed to inflate with giddiness. "I can't wait to see what you can accomplish as the last person who did great things was the one who gave you that scar." He inclined his head towards him.
"Thank you, Mr Ollivander."
"Oh, before you forget. Your wand has a Trace on it. It's placed in there to stop the muggleborns from practising magic in the presence of muggles and breaking the Statute of Secrecy." Harry nodded his head. "I know one shop in another alley that may assist you with your problem."
"Thank you." Inclining his head, Harry left the shop and moved through Diagon Alley. Then he entered the shop called Magical Menagerie. He looked at the countless pets scattering the shop. Cats, dogs, owls, toads, snakes and other mannerisms of animals. Moving through the shop he looked into the eyes of each animal. Pushing his magic outwards to see which would suit him. After fifteen minutes of searching that showed no results. He pushed his magic not into a single animal, but he pushed it into each animal. Out of all the animals in the shop, only two responded to his magic.
The first was a snowy owl. Pure white feathers and intelligent amber eyes that peered into his own emerald.
Slowly he reached forwards and opened the cage. Placing his hand into the cage he watched the owl's reaction. It gave no indication of it been displeased with the arm inside its cage, instead its head moved from the arm to his eyes. Slowly he hopped onto the arm and Harry withdrew his arm from the cage with the owl perched on it.
"You're lucky lad." The shopkeeper spoke up from behind him. "Many wizards and witches have tried to buy that owl, and each have gone home with bloodied fingers. You're the first person she's allowed to touch her."
Looking at the owl he saw that she returned his stare with equal curiosity.
"Yes, I can imagine. Hedwig strikes me as a smart owl." Hedwig hooted and nuzzled the top of her head against his cheek. "Can you tell me what is in that room?"
"Snakes. Though we're planning to get rid of them."
"I'd like to purchase them all and Hedwig as well." The shopkeeper choked on air and it took him a few moments to recover.
"All of them. There are ten, it will cost a lot of money." Harry snorted in amusement. After all he was the richest person in Magical Britain, if he couldn't afford ten snakes and an owl – admittedly a beautiful owl – it would be quite the story.
"I can afford it." The shopkeeper nodded his head and quickly led him into the room. It was a bit dusty, obviously due to a lack of visitors. He looked at the ten snakes and saw that five were simple house snakes, they were larger than normal due to being in a magical environment. There was a single King Cobra, an anaconda, two rattlesnakes and a single Echis. A large assortment of snakes. Each made more dangerous due to their exposure to magic.
All the snakes raised their heads, but soon went back to ignore them. However, the anaconda continued to stare at him. It was in total a length of one metre and looked just as dangerous as one would expect.
"Here." He handed over a large pouch that contained the required amount of Galleons, and a little bit extra. "You may leave, I wish to observe them for a while."
"Of course." The shopkeeper noticed a young heir when he saw one. Many an heir had come into his shop, buying pets and just like the rest of them, this one gave away his money because he had the money to spare.
§Look at the human ssssstaring at usssss. If it wassssn't for thisssss box I'd kill the human. § The cobra spat, or at least it sounded like it did. The other snakes seemed to agree with its assessment, except the anaconda who continued to regard him with curiosity.
§I can hear you. § Harry replied. His amusement grew as he watched every snake seemingly snap to attention.
§You ssssspeak our tongue? § One of the garden snakes asked.
§Yesssss. He can. § The anaconda spoke up. §What'sssss your name human? §
§Hadrian Jamessss Potter. §
§Tell me child, why do I feel a connection to you? § Harry walked forwards.
§I do not know. Would you like to come with me? § He asked while placing his arm inside the anaconda's box. Slowly it slithered upwards, curling around his arm and wrapping around his neck.
§Doessss that ansssswer your quessstion? § Smirking, Harry looked at the two familiars he had acquired. He could feel his magic saturating them, changing them. 'Interesting. It seems that my magic is changing them. I wonder what happens when my magic and skills grow.' He smirked at the intriguing new development.
-X- Line Break -X-
Knockturn Alley was just like he had heard. Dark, dingy and dedicated to the Dark Arts; each shop was full of interesting items and tomes. One such shop was Cobb & Webb's and another interesting shop was Borgin and Burkes. Maybe in his time he would visit those shops and see what they had to offer. After all Dark and Light were simply labels, all that mattered was power and how one used it.
The powerful could do what they wished because the weak was unable to stand up against them.
Entering a shop called Moribund's, it was a shop that seemed to simply sell nothing but the odd trinkets. Nothing too dark, but enough to attract the attention of the darker families of Magical Britain. It was also just as dark and dingy as the rest of Knockturn Alley.
"You know it's dangerous for a little boy like you to enter Knockturn Alley without a guardian." A man appeared from the shadows of the shop. He was elderly just like Ollivander however, his hair was long, black and shaggy much like a dog's. With his dark cloak and outfit underneath he fit the description of a dark wizard.
"I don't need anyone's protection." Harry snarled. There it was again. Wizards and witches believing that because he was young he was weak. It grew tiresome and insulting. With narrowed eyes he raised his hand into the air and with it the man rose into the air as well. His anaconda, Balthazar made its appearance known from his sleeve and bared its fangs at the frightened shopkeeper. "As you can see, I can look after myself."
"I can see that. Would you please put Moribund down until he has finished serving me?" The man who spoke was middle aged, probably in his late thirties/early forties with light brown hair and blue eyes. He was dressed in plain black robes with a crest on his left breast and he looked very amused. Behind him was a slightly aged woman who was still beautiful and was definitely an eye catcher in her prime. She had blonde hair and blue eyes, with his high cheekbones.
In front of the woman were two children. One was probably a year younger than him. She had the blonde hair and blue eyes of his mother, but lacked her high cheek bones. The other one was the same age as him. She too had the same blonde hair and blue eyes. Unlike the younger girl she had the high cheek bones of her mother. That wasn't the only difference between the two though. No, the younger still held the childlike innocence and naivety of children, while the older was cold and indifferent. Her gaze bore into his own, but also took into account the two animals he had.
Slowly he lowered his hand and the man fell to the ground.
§Return Balthazar. § The reaction to his use of Parseltongue was instant. The five other occupants of the room jumped in shock, even the young girl who had stared at him indifferently. He didn't know why they were so frightened of his ability, but it made him smirk in accomplishment.
"Y-you speak Parseltongue?" The man asked in shock.
"Is that what it's called? Huh, how interesting." He mused over the name of his ability. Judging by their reaction it was rare, and probably dangerous. That made him unique and also a target; he would have to keep this ability hidden. However, these people knew his ability, and would no doubt exploit his desire to keep it secret in any way they wished. He'd have to find something they also wished to keep hidden and use that to counteract anything they tried. Maybe Ripclaw could be of assistance in this matter; while he hated relying on others, he knew that working with others was sometimes a necessity. "Tell me, from the coat of arms on your chest, you are from a wizarding family. Though, I'm afraid I don't know which family."
The man recognised the question hidden away within his speech. Not willing to anger the child with a snake under his control he answered.
"My name is Jonathan Greengrass of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Greengrass. This is my wife Apollonia Greengrass and my two daughters, Daphne and Astoria." He introduced them in order of age, from the oldest to the youngest. "And you are?"
"Hadrian James Potter of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter." The shock on their faces was quite clearly seen, but each schooled their features, except for the youngest who continued to stare at him with awe. It confused him, why did she stare at him like he had done some great deed? Then he remembered something Ripclaw had said.
- Do you believe your fame means you can ignore our summons?" -
His fame. So, he had done something great that made the people of Magical Britain worship him. He would have to find out why.
"Quite rude of you, to not know the Sacred Twenty-Eight. Or is the Boy-Who-Lived above everyone else?" The girl, Daphne snapped. Raising an eyebrow at her hostility, he stared straight into her eyes. Cold sapphire met emerald green. Unnerved by the piercing stare he gave her, Daphne looked away.
"If you must know, I have been raised by muggle aunt and uncle and have only just recently joined the Magical World." Once again, shock was the commonly shared emotion by the five occupants.
"You were raised by muggles?!" Apollonia exclaimed in shock.
"Yes." Harry replied simply. Slowly he turned his gaze to Moribund who froze in position as he stared into the boy's eyes; the boys eyes the same shade as the Killing Curse. "I need you to do something for me." He pulled out his wand and showed it to the shopkeeper.
"It'll cost you ten galleons for the Trace to be removed." Harry nodded his head and chucked his wand to the man. Clumsily he caught the wand and quickly made his way into the back of the shop
"I do believe you stole my supplier." Jonathan deadpanned. Staring back at him, Harry gave a smirk.
"You were taking too long gawking at me." He shot back. Jonathan smirked in return at the quick comeback.
"Yes, I do believe we were." Apollonia stated. "Come children we will come back later." Quickly she ushered them out of the room, all the while Daphne continued to stare curiously at him. Jonathan noticed the look and his mind instantly thought of all the possibilities that could come about from such interest.
Harry meanwhile waited for thirty minutes before Moribund returned with his wand in hand.
"The Trace has been removed and the Ministry can no longer track your use of magic." He handed the wand over to Harry, who quickly took it back. In the short time he had the wand he felt a connection, like a part of his soul had been returned to him. Without it he felt like there was a hole that could only be filled by the return of his wand. "I have to say, it's almost a perfect fit."
"Almost?" Harry inquired.
"Almost." Moribund decided to elaborate further. "What Ollivander does is craft wands and then simply gives the wand to the wizard or witch that it chooses. For you see, each of Ollivander's wands have multiple users that could wield it. However, you can have custom made wands that will work for you and you alone."
"And how would I acquire a custom wand?" Moribund smirked at Harry, answering his question.
"With the right price, I'm sure someone would be willing to make you wand."
"How much would a custom wand cost?" Harry asked.
"Oh, I don't know, say two hundred galleons." Moribund suggested innocently. Obviously the fool believed that he was gaining a lot of money. Compared to the amount of money he had in his vaults, two hundred galleons was nothing.
"Done." Sputtering Moribund shakily nodded his head.
"Follow me then young lord." They moved round the counter to the back of the shop. Entering the back, he found a single desk littered with different pieces of wood and jars containing different ingredients.
"How do we do this?"
"Simply place your hand over each block of wood." Grabbing each block, he lined them up in front of Harry. "When you feel a pull to the wood simply point it out to me."
"And if I feel I a pull to more than one wood? I'm guessing the strongest one would be the one I choose?" Moribund nodded his head. Placing his hand over the first block of wood he moved along. Only two wood blocks responded. However, the block of Yew wood had the greatest pull, the other one once again responded to the part of him that doesn't feel like him. "This one."
"Yew, the same as your other wand." Moving towards he indicated for Harry to do the same again. Two ingredients responded. "The Dragon Heartstring of a Hungarian Horntail and Basilisk Venom of a twenty-foot Basilisk slayed by one of your ancestors. Abraham Potter who died due to the Basilisk Venom seeping into his bloodstream."
"Two cores? Is that possible?"
"Yes, to both questions. Its common among custom wands however, I had not expected to have to make a liquid core. Truly interesting and quite tricky." Seeing the inquiring stare directed at him he knew exactly what the answer was. "I can do it, don't worry. I'll have to dissolve the Dragon Heartstring in the venom and reinforce the wood with two additional things." Quickly he moved towards a desk and pulled out two boxes.
Inside one was multiple teeth, and in the other were multiple gems.
"The teeth will serve to stop the venom melting the wand away, while the gem will help to fuse the two cores together. So, if you please." Nodding his head, he moved forwards and ran his hand over the top of each.
Picking out a single tooth belonging to the same Basilisk. The last on the market apparently. He didn't doubt it, apparently the Basilisk had been in circulation for over fifty years. The gem itself was emerald and according to Moribund was an extremely powerful gem that could absorb and store magic from both the user and the enemy. This allowed the user to replenish his magical reserves when his were running low.
"The last ingredient is a vial of your blood." He held out a small glass vial and a silver knife.
"I hope my blood will not be used for anything else." Moribund quickly shook his head.
"Oh no. It's against the law to use the blood freely given by a lord for anything other than its original purpose." Moribund assured him. Nodding his head, Harry cut his hand with the knife and allowed his blood to pour into the vial. "Come back tomorrow and your wand shall be ready." Harry nodded his head and pulled out a bag of galleons. Placing it in Moribund's hands he turned and left. "Your payment is short by half."
"I know." Harry stopped before the door. "Half now, half when it is done. Insurance that you complete your work to your best standards." With that he left.
-X- Line Break -X-
"What do you mean he wasn't there?" Dumbledore asked calmly. Across from his desk, Hagrid stood nervously watching the elderly wizard's reaction to the news. The Half-Giant had been sent by the Headmaster to induct a young and impressionable Harry Potter not only into the Magical World, but also to the Light Faction, Dumbledore's faction.
"Ah meant wat ah said." Hagrid said. "Ah went ta Dursley's and ah ask fer 'Arry and 'e want there."
Dumbledore sighed, slowly rubbing the bridge of his nose. His plans, it seemed, had changed. Hagrid was supposed to meet a love starved Harry Potter and convince him that Dumbledore was a great man who could do no wrong. Hagrid, of course would 'forget' to mention how to get onto Platform 9¾, which will soon be solved by the arrival of the Weasley matriarch, Molly Weasley.
This would then give birth to a friendship between Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley. The youngest Weasley boy would easily influence Harry to his faction and further away from the dark.
A series of tests would then be given to ensure that Harry Potter was the one he needed. If he was then Harry Potter would be convinced to willingly sacrifice himself for the greater good. If he was not then, Neville Longbottom was the one he needed, and he would still gain a valuable ally in the Potter family.
Either way, the Chosen One would sacrifice himself, making Voldemort vulnerable. Enough so that he, Albus Dumbledore, could show the Magical World that he was the greatest wizard to ever live. Then, and only then, could he create the world he had desired.
But first, he would need to find Harry Potter and see what he was up to.
-X- Line Break -X-
The following week had been filled with constant work on his behalf. Reading through the books he had bought whilst also sorting out his plans for the future with Ripclaw. Already he had read through the books for each of his first-year subjects, Wizarding Etiquette, Wizarding Law and Politics, the History of Magical Britain and had started reading the Greatest Wizards and Witches of the world, and Hogwarts: A History.
He had figured out that his fame was because he was the vanquisher of the Dark Lord Voldemort and was the only person to ever survive the Killing Curse. Of course, everyone seemed to forget that he had lost his parents that day and it infuriated him. They praised him for surviving when his parents did not. It was insulting.
He had also learnt from Ripclaw that his godfather, Sirius Black was the Secret Keeper and betrayed them to Voldemort; something which further angered him. It took three Goblins to put him to sleep so that his magic didn't get let loose on the world.
Not wishing to only be remembered for surviving when his parents didn't, he had organised for Ripclaw to arrange his entry into the Under 13's Duelling World Championship. Discreetly of course; he couldn't have the entirety of Magical Britain knowing of his entry. If he won he would be recognised as a powerful upcoming wizard, no one could doubt that his legacy would not only be limited to surviving.
Ripclaw had also brought to his attention that someone had been stealing money from his trust vault. In the past eleven years a total of ten thousand galleons had been taken under the name of Harry Potter. Ripclaw had found this most troubling and had brought it to him. Harry quickly deduced that his 'Magical Guardian' Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore had been the one to withdraw the money without proper right. This added to the growing list of crimes the headmaster had committed.
This along with giving permission to multiple companies who wished to use his name to sell their products. Then there was the problem that it was him, who put up a ward around his relative's house which relocated all the owls who delivered messages to the Boy-Who-Lived. The location of the messages was currently unknown, but the Goblins were working on finding that location out.
That wasn't all Harry and Ripclaw had been up to.
They had also spent a lot of money in rebuilding all the ancestral homes of each of his titles. He also had Ripclaw buying out a lot of the shops in both Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley. Out of thirty-one shops in Diagon Alley, excluding Gringotts he owned a total of five and had shares in an additional six. In Knockturn Alley, out of the twenty-four shops that were still running, he owned three and had shares in eight other shops.
By the end of the year, Ripclaw guaranteed him that those shops would belong to him. When they did, the first step of his plan for the Magical World would be complete and he could begin stage two.
The biggest highlight of his week was when he got his custom wand. It was slightly curved and strong. A total of 10¼" with the basilisk tooth giving his wand a pointed end, with the gem embedded deeply into the side. A beautiful wand, just like his first wand given to him by Ollivander. Just so he didn't lose his custom wand, he had bought a wand holster and placed it on his left wrist, while his original was kept on his right.
-X- Line Break -X-
The Hogwarts Express was as beautiful and as awe inspiring as he had heard. Luckily he had arrived early as he saw the huge crowd of wizards and witches watching their children leave for Hogwarts. The carriage he sat in was empty besides himself. In his hand he held a book, the Art of Occlumency. It was a gift from Ripclaw, as a sign of his appreciation for all the work he had been given.
It was by far the most interesting book of all those he had read. He had been reading it all morning and already he was enraptured by its words, reading past the first three chapters. The other ones he read only out of necessity, this had started off the same. After all, how could he bring about change in the world if his enemies knew his plans? Occlumency was the art of protecting one's mind from those who used Legilimency, which was the art of invading the mind.
The first chapter was all about organising your mind. Thankfully he already had that part down due to the abuse he suffered at the hands of his relatives. The second chapter was all about possible ways to avoid or break Legilimency attacks.
The best way was to avoid contact with the person trying to invade your mind. There were other methods, but all pointed out that avoiding eye contact was the best choice.
The third chapter was all about forcing out people from one's mind when avoiding eye contact was not an option. There were three ways to do this, the first was to stop thinking about anything, the second was to focus on a single memory over and over again and finally, to use pure magic and force of will to overpower the Legilimency user.
He was currently on the fourth and final chapter, this alone took up half the book. This chapter was all about creating defences. He already started making the foundations of his defences. A simple tower based off the Barad-dûr from J.R.R Tolkien's best seller, The Lord of the Rings. He had studied every detail of the tower and had rebuilt as best as he could. It had taken him a total of two hours to rebuild Barad-dûr. The tower was a rough copy, but like the book said it was best to break the reconstructions over and over again so that you can build them back stronger and better. Each time you can weed out weaknesses in the defences. However, the best way to test the defences of one's mind was to defend against a Legilimency attack.
Still, from what he had read it normally took years to get to the stage he was on. Yet, he was already at the fourth stage within two hours.
With a screech of the whistle and sudden jolt, the train was off and for the second time in a single month, Harry felt excited. Lowering his book, he watched as the landscape became that of rocky and grassy hills. It was fascinating to him as he had never left Privet Drive until he went to Diagon Alley.
Closing the book, he placed it on the open seat beside him and closed his eyes. Instantly he was inside his mind on the top of Barad-dûr. The rocks were smooth except for the odd piece or two here that would be rough and jagged.
Slowly he began to chip away at the structure of his magic, finding as many weak spots as he could. He found at least five, each marked with spider web cracks. Once he had roamed over every inch he dismantled the tower allowing his memories and emotions to flood him simultaneously. He remembered the first time he dismantled the tower, he had been completely overwhelmed by the emotions and memories. He had to quickly seal them away under lock and key.
Every time after that he had a single, large book wrapped in multiple chains and locks that were unlocked. So as soon as he dismantled the tower he funnelled all his emotions and memories into the book and locked it.
Building the tower, was much slower than breaking it, but thankfully this time round the tower was smooth all the way round. No jagged, or uneven rocks. Just a smooth surface. Each memory of his created a total of a hundred blocks of stone and the ominous green lights were made from a single memory; happiness. The extra memories and emotions still remained in the book for safe keeping.
"Excuse me." Opening his eyes, Harry saw a ginger kid with freckles peeping around the corner of the door. Instantly his mind showed him the information he required. A member of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Weasley. A poor family that had lost all their wealth when they lost a bet to the Malfoy family a century ago when the Malfoy family first came to being in the Magical World. They lost everything, except for their title as a Most Ancient House, however they had regained their Noble status due to their contribution in the Blood War against Lord Voldemort. "Do you mind? Everywhere else is full."
Harry's eyes narrowed in suspicion, but quickly cooled his features. 'According to Hogwarts; A History, there are more than twenty carriages, each magically expanded to fit two hundred people each. There's no way that there aren't any other compartments free on this carriage, even then there are other carriages he could go to.' Harry thought incredulously. 'Either he's too lazy to search for any other compartment or Dumbledore sent him. The question is, which one?'
It was well-known that the Weasley's were extremely loyal to Dumbledore, despite being of a higher status.
"Go ahead." He said after a few moments of silence. Smiling brightly, the Weasley sat down across from Harry and stared out the window for a few moments. Meanwhile, Harry slowly returned to his mind. He was trying to find a way to recreate the Eye of Sauron. Its main purpose would be to pinpoint any intruder, so that when he had created multiple defences they would know where to attack.
"I'm Ron, by the way. Ron Weasley." Harry had to fight back a groan of annoyance as he lost concentration and the small orange ball he tried to shape into an eye exploded on him. Luckily it was not enough to destroy Barad-dûr, but enough to cause a few small cracks. Looks like he'd have to restart the tower again. It wouldn't do for there to be any weaknesses in his defences.
Opening his eyes, he put on a force smile.
"Hadrian James Potter." He introduced.
"So, you're friends with Weasley already, Potter?" A smooth and cultured voice spoke up. Looking to the compartment door they saw two young boys, the same age as them. The one that spoke had dark skin and short black hair. He had an easy-going smile on his face as he leaned casually against the doorway. The one slightly behind him was tall and lanky, he too had short dark hair but had very pale skin. It was obvious to both Ron and Harry that they were purebloods.
-X- Line Break -X-
The compartment was slightly packed. Six of them in total, four girls and two boys. On one side were the Carrow twins, Hestia and Flora from the Ancient and Noble House of Carrow, beside them was the young Italian boy, Blaise Zabini from the Ancient and Most Noble House of Zabini. On the other side was Daphne Greengrass, Tracey Davis from the Ancient and Noble House of Davis. Last, but not least was Theodore Nott from the Most Ancient and Noble House of Nott.
The six of them were not exactly friends, but each had one thing in common, except for Theodore Nott. They were part of the Grey faction, or neutral faction as it was more commonly referred to.
Daphne was the eldest daughter and heir to the Greengrass family, which also happened to be the leader of the Neutral faction. Tracey was the daughter of the vassal house to the Greengrass family. The Carrow's and the Zabini's were also allies to the Greengrass family. The Nott's on the other hand were members of the Dark faction, however they were allied to the Greengrass family and would join the Neutral faction next year.
"So, anyone looking forwards to Hogwarts?" Tracey Davis asked excitedly. Every one of them had grown up together, only Daphne and Tracey becoming friends out of their group so each of them had known that out of them, Tracey was the most excitable of them all.
"No, not really." Hestia and Flora answered at the same time. Theodore, commonly known as Theo by Tracey and Blaise, simply looked up from his book and shrugged non-committedly.
"It will be interesting." Blaise said with a smirk. "What about you Daphne?"
"No, not really." The blonde answered simply.
"Daphne's lying." Tracey cut in, Daphne glared heatedly at her brunette friend.
"Oh, do tell." Blaise leaned forward curiously, as did everyone else. Daphne was never one to show interest in anything and those things she did, tended to be interesting to all of them.
"Tracey doesn't kn-"
"She met Harry Potter in Moribund's." Tracey blurted out, cutting off her friend.
"What was the Boy-Who-Lived doing in Knockturn Alley? I thought a Light wizard like him would never enter Knockturn Alley?" Theodore asked.
"He is no Light wizard, nor is he a Dark wizard." Daphne answered while glaring at Tracey telling her to keep her mouth shut. "He is a Grey wizard, he defends himself and was willing to threaten Moribund to show the fool his place." All the occupants of the compartment couldn't help but share smiles of amusement. It was well-known that Moribund was an oaf who had a knack for insulting people without realising. "He displayed great skill in magic as well."
"What type of magic?" Blaise asked. The Italian boy may appear laid back and disinterested, but he was observant, very observant, and loved to gain information on potential allies and enemies.
"A wandless and nonverbal levitation charm and Parseltongue." The last piece was even more shocking than the first. Wandless and nonverbal magic was very rare and unique, but Parseltongue was a legendary gift that appeared in the descendants of Salazar Slytherin. To see it appear in the Potter heir with no prior known connection to the line of Slytherin.
"Amazing." Hestia breathed out. Flora nodded beside her
"So, the Boy-Who-Lived is not as light as our parents thought?" Theodore asked.
"No. He's definitely a Grey." Daphne explained.
"But I thought the Potter's were a Light family?" Tracey questioned in confusion.
"That's a common misconception." Blaise answered. "The Potter's were a very, very secretive family. Not many people know about the history of the Potter's. People just assumed they were a Light family because they fought against Grindelwald and You-Know-Who. They were more Grey but fought against the Dark Lords because it was the right thing to do." Blaise stood up.
"Where are you off?" Tracey asked.
"I'm off to find the Boy-Who-Lived, I want to see for myself what he is like." He opened the compartment door and then looked to Theodore. "You comin Theo?"
"Yea sure." Shutting his book, he walked out after Blaise. "So, what do you really think of the Boy-Who-Lived?"
"Dunno, he sounds very mysterious. I do love solving a good mystery." Blaise joked, gaining a smirk from Theodore. If either of the two had to call anyone in their group a friend, it would have to be the other.
"I'm Ron by the way. Ron Weasley."
"Hadrian James Potter." Smirking at one another, Blaise opened the door and leaned against the side.
"So, you're friends with Weasley already, Potter?" Blaise asked. He watched as Harry and Ron looked at them. Both seemed to take into account what he said and had two very different reactions. Ron gave a very wide smile, while his chest puffed out in happiness. Harry simply gave him a deadpan stare. A stare that made his smirk widen.
"Hardly." The Weasley seemed to deflate at Harry's answer.
"Mind if we take a seat." Harry nodded his head.
"You shouldn't let them Harry, their parents were all snakes and they will be too." Raising an eyebrow, the three boys stared at Ron.
"And why should I care what house their parents are? And besides, since when did I say that you could choose who I can and can't talk with." The boy flushed an impressive shade of red making the three boys more than amused. "I am more than capable of choosing for myself who I will talk with."
"But you are the Boy-Who-Lived and they're just going to use you." Ron argued.
"And you're not?" Theodore shot back making Harry smirk along with Blaise.
"I-eh…" Rob opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out of his mouth except jumbled noises. Calming his amusement, Harry decided to spare Ron from anymore embarrassment.
"So why did you come here?"
"Our friend, Daphne Greengrass, told us she met you in a certain shop." Blaise wisely decided to keep the name of the shop hidden from certain prying ears. "We wanted to make our own evaluation of you." Smiling at the honest answer Harry nodded his head.
"And what has your evaluation come to then?"
"You're not what we expected." Theodore answered vaguely.
"Have you got the scar?!" Ron exclaimed completely out of nowhere. Instantly the temperature of the room dropped as Harry slowly turned to face Ron. His eyes glowed green as anything not tied down began to float into the air.
"What?" His voice was dangerously low as his mental defences began to crumble into dust.
"Y-you know, t-t-the scar." He shakily pointed to his forehead.
"Oh, that scar. The scar I gained as a symbol that I lived when my parents died. A constant reminder of their deaths. That scar?" Not once did he raise his voice and that made it more terrifying. "Get out Weasley. Get out before I kill you." Quickly Ron left the room followed entirely by the amused stare of Theodore. Blaise however, watched as Harry closed his eyes and centred his breathing. He instantly recognised what he was trying to do.
'Occlumency? You get more and more interesting by the minute, Potter.'
When Harry's eyes opened, everything returned to normal.
"Well, that was interesting." Blaise said cheerfully after a few moments of silence. "Blaise Zabini." He held out a hand and Harry shook it. "The lanky prat over there is Theodore Nott, Theo for short."
"Hadrian James Potter, but you already know that." Harry said. The rest of the journey was done in silence.
A/N: Hopefully you enjoyed my attempt at a Harry Potter story. If you did please leave a review so I know what you think about it. Anyway, thanks again.