Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the other characters. I am not making money off of them nor do I intend to do so. I am only borrowing them for a brief time.
A/N "Spoken English", 'Thoughts', {Gobbledegook}
Chapter Three
Harry was taken to King's Cross Station by his goblin parents, all three of them hiding their true forms and natures. Sharpmaw and Stoneater were using goblin glamours to appear as a wizard and witch. Harry on the other hand was using his Metamorphmagus abilities to appear as his weak and frail former self. He had decided to use the glamour charm in his armband only while in class and while he slept, so it would remain stable and he would not have to divide his concentration.
They were surprised as they neared the barrier between the muggle station and platform 9¾ to hear a red-headed woman with several children loudly talking about 'muggles', the platform itself, asking her children what the platform number was and apparently looking around for someone. Harry and Stoneater both correctly assumed it was Harry that she was looking for and they decided it would be best if he avoided the woman until he could find out what her plans were.
Sharpmaw on the other hand had figured out that the woman had been assigned by Dumbledore to direct Harry onto the platform, with the intentions of having Harry focus on her and her family for some kind of support or even a surrogate family. The three did not like the manipulation aspect of the situation but could understand, at least in part, both Dumbledore's and this woman's reasoning for the act. It would draw an unsuspecting preteen in need of affection and attention.
Without drawing attention to themselves, Harry and his goblin parents slipped though the barrier and onto the platform. The first thing that Harry noticed when they passed through the barrier was the scarlet engine of the Hogwarts express. He looked at it though his normal eyes then used his mage sight and finally his enhanced sight. The momentary flash of completely emerald eyes was not noticed by the people milling around him.
The information he received was interesting to say the least. While the engine appeared to be an old turn of the century steam engine, it was actually ran by a magical core similar to the core in wands, the smoke and other steam engine noises and effects were purely for esthetic reasons. The train itself was charmed to expand or contract as needed, so it would accommodate the number of students onboard. There was the typical muggle repelling, notice-me-not charms directed toward the unsuspecting smuggles and a basic shield protecting it from attacks and wreaking. Overall Harry was impressed with the spells used, though he could see room for improvement.
Harry hugged both his adopted parents and whispered that he would talk to them tomorrow. He then took his trunk in one hand and Hedwig's cage in the other and set off to find an empty compartment. If anyone had noticed they would have been shocked that a short, scrawny eleven year old was able to lift a trunk at all, least of all with one hand.
Within minutes, he had found an empty compartment in the last car of the train, right next to the luggage compartment. Harry put his trunk on the floor, opened it to his portable library and withdrew his Everybook. He then shut the trunk and put it in the storage area under his seat. Hedwig's cage was placed in the seat beside him. Harry then withdrew three owl treats and began feeding them to her, allowing her to eat at her own speed, while he was petting her.
The owl was reveling in the attention her master was giving her. Even with Havoc his Massic, Hedwig had a special place in his heart and they both knew it. It was a common sight to see the half grown Massic pup at Harry's feet and Hedwig above Harry's head as they all slept.
Harry opened his Everybook and paged to the contents page. It showed a complete list of all the books that Harry owned. When Harry found the book on goblin battle magic that he had been reading, he tapped the title and waited. Within seconds of him tapping the title, the book began to morph and change. When it was finished, the book was an exact copy of the book requested. The magic would remain active as long as the book was open or had something inside it to hold a page, like a simple muggle bookmark was enough.
Anyone that attempted to read the book would be unable, not due to spells on the Everybook but due to the fact that it was written in Gobbledegook. The few wizards that ever learned to speak the language never saw fit to learn to read it, unless they worked for the bank itself.
Harry slipped into a light meditative state that allowed him to focus on the book, and in doing so allowed him to learn faster, more clearly and be able to retain information quicker. He was mildly surprised when the compartment door opened. A slightly chubby boy with mousy brown hair and who looked like he was about to cry stuck his head in the door and tried to ask, "H..Have...ya...you...happ...happen to see a toad?"
Harry felt sorry for the upset boy and smiled gently. "Hey there, come have a seat real quick and try to calm down, you will never be able to find it if you are all upset."
The boy gave a slight smile and blushed, with Harry's non-verbal encouragement he sat down in the seats directly across from Harry. "I'm Neville Longbottom and the toads name is Trevor."
"Well I am really glad to meet you Neville, apparently our parents were friends and you mother was supposed to be my godmother, that makes us godbrothers or something like that." Harry responded and then smiled extending his hand. "I am Harry Potter."
Neville was stunned at the meeting and was blushing and stuttering even more than usual, but if he failed to realize that now he was not worried about his presently lost toad and more concerned what Harry thought of him instead. The distraction was Harry's idea, even without being met as the cause.
Harry on the other hand was a person of action and instead of trying to sit there and talk, got up, pulled out his trunk and opened the storage portion of his trunk. With a slight flick of his wrist, Harry conjured a small glass tank with an escape ward, which would not only hold Neville's toad in comfort, but prevent any further escape attempts.
Harry pulled the tank out of the dark confines of his trunk and handed it to Neville. "Here this will hold him, when we find him." When He noticed Neville's look of shock and the approaching refusal, he then added a small lie. "I bought it when I was considering getting a snake. I haven't yet and you can use it until then." The lie was that he had bought it, in truth, he had considered getting a snake for something to talk to, but that was before he was given Havoc. He never intended to ask for the tank back.
Without another word, Harry stalked out into the corridor and began pulling energy for the ambient magic around them. The ambient energy would not drain his own core and would allow him to retrieve the correct pet without problem. It would have been harder if the train was moving, but since it was not, he could even pull energy from the platform itself, if need be.
"Has'rack Knoll", Neville heard Harry whisper. He was shocked to see colorful vapors of magic wrapping themselves around Harry ankles and feet.
Within seconds, a very perturbed looking toad appeared, floating down the corridor, barely missing an older student's head as he passed. The toad gave a frustrated croak as it flew. When he was within reach, Harry snatched the toad out of the air and returned to the compartment. He then gently dropped Trevor into the tank and sat down. The magic returning from where it had been drawn without a sound.
Just as Harry sat down a girl with bushy brown hair and a decidedly focused appearance opened the door and asked, "Any luck Neville?"
Neville blushed and softly said, "Yeah Hermione, Harry just got him back for me." He then lifted the small tank slightly to show her.
"Harry?" the girl named Hermione asked, "Harry Potter?"
Harry nodded, not really knowing how to respond to the girl.
"Hermione Granger," She said introducing herself, "I have read all about you of course."
"You shouldn't believe anything those books say about me, at best they are educated guesses and at worst bad fantasy fiction." Harry responded.
"But..." Hermione began.
"Think about it, only four people were there that night, Voldemort, my parents and myself, remember that I was just over a year old." Harry began to explain while trying not to roll his eyes at Neville flinching when he said Voldemort. "Of those four, I am the only one that appears to have survived enough to give any interviews. I didn't have the verbal skills then or the memories now of what happened to give an interview, so it is conjecture at best, outright lies at worst."
"I have read the material printed on me," Harry continued, "And the closet that I found to what I know about my own life is Gowles 'Book of Notable Witches and Wizard of the Common Age', which states that I no one really knows what happened other than I survived an 'Apparent' blast from the Avada Kedavra curse, being left with a lightning shaped scar similar to the Rune Sowilo. Since that time Mr. Potter has been living with relatives and it is conjectured that they happen to be his mother's family."
Hermione considered his words carefully for a moment and then nodded in agreement. She then sat down After another moment she notice the book he had and asked what the book was that Harry was reading. It was obvious by the look in her eyes she also wanted to read it, if she could.
Harry smiled and answered, "It is a treatise on goblin battle magics and tactics."
A confused Neville remained silent and Hermione responded, "It must be fascinating?"
"It is," Harry responded. "Have a look," he added with a mischievous glint in his eyes. He then turned the book so she could see it properly.
Hermione was anxious to read about the magic of goblins. When she saw that it was in some kind of foreign language she deflated sadly. "What Language is that?"
"Gobbledegook, which is the language of the goblins," Harry responded.
"You can read that?" Neville asked, now very interested.
"Sure, read, speak and understand it, as well as Giant/Trollish, Latin, French and some Mermish and Spanish." Harry announced and then slapped his forehead. "I wasn't supposed to reveal that."
"We won't tell anyone," Hermione responded, while Neville nodded in agreement.
"Not even the teachers or the headmaster?" Harry asked.
Neville responded, "I won't" but Hermione paused. "Well it is not really important or dangerous, so… no, I won't either," She finally agreed.
After a few minutes, Harry returned his trunk to the space under his seat. He then began enjoying the gentle conversation that was going on with the other two. They each had told a small amount about their individual lives. Just as the train finally began to move, the door opened again and a redheaded boy with a slight smudge of soot on his nose leaned in and asked. "Mind if I sit in here, everywhere else is full."
Harry looked at the boy and softly said, "The train adds cars as needed so that is not totally true. You can stay but I would prefer you not lie again and tell us the truth."
"My name is Ron, Ron Weasley and I was told to try and make friends with Harry Potter." The boy responded, his face turning deep red with a blush of embarrassment.
"Who told you to that?" Hermione asked
"Professor Dumbledore asked my mom and family to try and help Harry onto the platform, since the gameskeeper Hagrid forgot to do it." Ron admitted. "Mom suggested that I try and make friends though."
"Did the Headmaster offer you money or anything to be my friend?" Harry asked.
Ron's face turned from embarrassment to anger and he hotly replied, "We maybe poor but we would never take money or anything to be someone's friend."
Harry then shocked Ron by smiling and holding out his hand, "Good, I would never want to be friends with someone that had to be paid to do it," He then laughed slightly and said, "I am Harry Potter."
Ron was now confused, but decided that his momentary flash of anger proved his point to Harry and that was a good thing.
"This is Hermione Granger who apparently is a muggle-born and this is Neville Longbottom scion of the Longbottom family." Harry introduced, repeating the information he had been given in their short conversation.
Hermione looked at Harry and interjected, "I am a muggle-born, my parents are dentists."
"There is a good chance that you are actually the first magical offspring of a squib line," Harry informed her. "There was a Potions master near the turn of this century by the name of Tobias Granger, a pure-blood, so it is possible that one or both of your parents come from a squib family and are not muggles."
Harry then smiled and said, "I would suggest that you and possibly your parents go to Gringotts during the Christmas holidays and have a heritage test done, contact Sharpmaw about it." He suggested using his adopted father so that the price would be reasonable and private. He would contact him to make sure that Hermione followed though with the idea.
Ron had sat down on the other side of Hedwig's cage and pulled a scraggly rat from his pockets. "This is Scabbers by the way. I got him when my older brother Percy made prefect."
Harry focused on the rat and he felt something was off about the rat, but decided it looked ill so that must have been the reason. Ron seeing Harry's look added, "Pathetic isn't he?"
"Just a bit," Harry agreed.
The tension was broken when everyone laughed. Harry decided that he wanted to be friends at that moment.
"What house do you think you will be in?" Ron asked suddenly.
"Well," Hermione began, "I want to be in Gryffindor, professor Dumbledore is said to have been in Gryffindor, but Ravenclaw seems nice too."
"My family expects me to be in Gryffindor, like my parents," Neville said somewhat sadly, "But I will probably end up in Hufflepuff."
"I am going to be in Gryffindor with my brothers, the whole family has been in there for generations." Ron said proudly.
Harry smiled and said, "I probably will be in Gryffindor as well, since my parents were in it, but if not Ravenclaw is okay as well."
Ron looked shocked that Harry Potter the Boy-That-Lived even considered another house as well as Gryffindor. "You got to be in Gryffindor mate," Ron almost whispered.
"Well I love to read and learn about the same as I am brave," Harry admitted. In the time compression he had found that he actually enjoyed learning new and different things. "Of course I am sure that EVERYBODY expects me to be in Gryffindor."
About thirty minutes later the door opened up again and Harry came face to face with the blond boy he had seen that day in Madam Melkin's robe shop, followed by two larger boys. Harry had done the research on the boy and found that he did not like the information that was revealed.
"I was told that Harry Potter is in this car," the boy said with a condensing voice. "Are you him?" He asked Harry.
"I am," Harry responded neutrally.
"I am Draco, Draco Malfoy," He introduced himself, and then looked at his companions and said, "This is Crabbe and Goyle." He then extended his hand to Harry.
Ron stifled a snicker and the small amount of noise either went unheard or ignored by everyone else.
"You will find that some Wizarding families are better than others, I can help you there." Malfoy said looking directly at Ron.
Harry took Malfoy's hand and gripped it moderately tight as he said," Draco Malfoy, scion of the Malfoy family, Father Lucious Malfoy, Mother Narcissa Black-Malfoy. Narcissa is the cousin of Sirius Black and niece of Dorea Black-Potter my grandmother. Your father was accused of being one of Lord Voldemort's Death Eaters but claimed to be under the Imperious curse." Harry then added, "Let's hope that you do not travel the same path as your father.
Draco was shocked that Harry Potter had so much information on him and his family. He did not know how to respond to the last portion of the verbal report, so he attempted to pull away. Harry held his hand and tightened his grip slow, until it hurt the other boy, silently letting him know that he could hurt him if he wanted.
Harry then released Malfoy's hand and tried to hide a smirk as the embarrassed boy made a quick and silent retreat for the car. Once Harry was sure the other boy had left the area he broke into a hearty laugh.
"Bloody Hell, that was great," Ron exclaimed.
~o0o~
Hours later, the train slowed as it approached Hogsmead Village station. Harry and his new friends gathered around Hagrid as he called all the other first years to him. Harry and Hagrid greeted each other in a friendly manner that surprised several of the older students as well as impressed a number of the first years. Ron got smacked on the back of the head by Hermione when he said, "Bloody Hell," When he spotted the large man.
Sharpmaw had explained the boat ride and the sorting to Harry so it was not surprising when they took the boats to the castle. Harry was impressed by the castle itself glowing in the darkness as they crossed the black lake in the tiny boats. He was equally impressed when the first years met Professor McGonagall. The strict looking woman demanded respect with a simple look.
When they finally entered the Great Hall, Hermione made a comment about the ceiling and reading about it in Hogwarts: a History. He decided to allow her to read the other revisions of that book he had. It would open her eyes on how author's perceptions could be radically different and jaded, evolving over the years and decades.
The sorting hat was more or less as expected; Harry had underestimated Sharpmaw's description and was shocked how accurate he was about the tattered hat's condition. Harry amused himself by looking around the room as the hat sang a song that referred to its job and the different houses. Harry suspected that Dumbledore had 'encouraged' the hat to place him in a specific house; he would soon verify that information.
Hermione and Neville both ended up in Gryffindor as he expected. Finally it was his turn, slowly in a way that made him appear to be shy and possibly frightened Harry sat down on the stool. When the hat was placed on his head he was ready.
"Hello Mr. Hat" Harry began projecting his thoughts to the hat silently, How are you tonight?"
"I am well Mr. Potter," The hat responded mildly surprised that Harry spoke before it could, It then loudly gasped. "My you are a sneaky one."
The hat then began, "I find myself surprised that you even came to Hogwarts with all your training."
"It is expected of me to be here and at least appear to be following the path the Dumbledore has set out for me," Harry explained. He already knew that the hat could not reveal any of the conversations it had during the sorting.
"True and if you had not shown up, I am sure Dumbledore would have searched the earth until he found you and had you come regardless." The hat agreed.
"My wizard magic training is incomplete so I will spend most of my time here working on that." Harry added.
"Of that I have no doubt," The hat agreed. "Make time to visit the kitchens and the elves, they have much they can teach you." It then transmitted how to get to the kitchen from the Great Hall and how to enter the kitchens directly into Harry's mind.
"So where does he want you to put me?" Harry asked.
"Well he wants you in Gryffindor but your mind would do better in Ravenclaw," The Hat admitted. "But you have that marvelous trunk and can spend extra time reading, researching and of course doing your homework." It then paused. "Where do you want to be placed?"
"Better make the old man happy, I am afraid." Harry responded.
The hat then responded verbally, "Well if your sure, BETTER BE GRYFFINDOR!"
Harry took the hat off and then turned and bowed respectfully to it. His actions surprised everyone. He then walked toward the Gryffindor table with a large smile. He rolled his eyes as Ron's older twin brothers sang "WE GOT POTTER," and danced around.
While eating Harry felt three different mental probes touch his Occulomancy shields. The first was obviously from Dumbledore, it was a soft feather-light touch. Harry had just let the Headmaster into a specially created 'safe' portion of his mind which had memories of the train ride as well as meeting his new friends. It was while Dumbledore was rummaging around though that portion of his mind when the other two were felt. Since Harry had already allowed Dumbledore into a small portion of his mind, he had no choice in letting the others in as well.
The second probe was cold and without his mental protections could have sliced into the deepest regions of his mind with precision. The third for lack of a better term felt greasy and oily. Harry looked at the head table attempting to locate the other probe senders. Within seconds he found the oily probe belonged to the Potions Master Snape, but just as he was about to identify the other it stopped. Harry realized that the cold probe found his inner barrier and did not want to reveal itself too soon, so it withdrew.
While he was entertaining his three mental visitors in the small protected portion of his mind, Harry was also listening to his excited friends and new housemates. While also considering if it would be smart to allow Ron, Neville and Hermione to know at least some of his secrets. All the while his mind was subconsciously reinforcing his real mental barriers, tricks and traps.
Moments later the probe of Dumbledore left as well as the probe from the Potions Master. Harry then focused more of his mental energy on shoring up his defenses, missing most of Dumbledore's after dinner speech until the old man said, "Third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to anyone who does not wish to die a very painful death."
Harry immediately knew where the expected test from Dumbledore was located, that the old man was setting him up and those words would actually have the opposite effect on certain older members of the student body. Harry was now sure that Dumbledore was crazy.
~o0o~
That night Harry pulled his book bag from his trunk, loaded it with all the books required for his classes, plus a copy of his Everybook. He then began writing a note to Sharpmaw and Stoneater.
Dear Mother and Father,
As we suspected the red headed woman was sent by Dumbledore. Apparently it was to try and help me get through the barrier. He also encouraged the woman's son who is in my year to try and make friends with me. I tested him to make sure that it was not for pay or other reasons. He is now one of my three friends.
The boy's name is Ronald "Ron" Weasley, the youngest son and next to the youngest of Author and Molly Weasley. I am sure we don't need to check their vault for unusual payments. Though he knew they would.
Neville Longbottom is now developing a friendship with me and we both hope to connect as godbrothers.
The last person is a purported muggle-born named Hermione Granger. I do not think anything negative about her at all, I just have a feeling about her heritage. Toward that end I encouraged her to see you Father for a test during the winter holidays.
Oh, as suspected the headmaster encouraged the hat in my house placement, I am now in Gryffindor, which is not a problem as all three of my new friends are there as well. He also warned everyone to stay away from the third floor corridor unless we want to 'die a most painful death'.
What are your thoughts on me at least revealing certain portions of my trunk and training to my friends? For example, I am sure Hermione would love to be able to continue her muggle education as well as the magical.
Your Son,
Stormbrow
Once he was finished with the letter he folded it and then placed it in the messenger pouch of his book bag. He knew his parents would receive it within seconds and would probably respond the next morning. With everything done, Harry released his metamorphic form, activated his armband glamour and then went to bed. He quickly fell into a comfortable sleep.
~o0o~
Four o'clock in the morning came early for Harry, While he was used to getting up at five, four was just a bit early. As quietly as possible he withdrew the time turner from his trunk. Unlike the Wizard time turners which resembled a stylized hourglass, the goblin version was the face of a clock with moveable hands. The time turner kept perfect time. If the hands were moved counter clockwise and then the small steam was pulled out, the time function began.
Harry quietly walked into the dorm bathroom and set the time turner to take him back to midnight. He then returned to the dorm room as silently as his training would allow him. With a short pause to watch his past sleeping form, Harry moved to his trunk and prepared.
Harry dialed his trunk to open the non-compressed flat. He had a little over seven hours before he was expected to wake up and prepare for his first day of classes, he planned to have a very busy schedule.
Harry's Early Schedule:
Midnight to 2am – Exercise and Martial arts
2am - 3am – Shower and Early breakfast
3am - 5am
Mondays Potions
Tuesdays Transfiguration and Animagus
Wednesdays Charms and Runes
Thursdays Battle Strategy and Ethics
Fridays Defense
Saturdays Dark Arts and Arithmancy
Sundays Self Study
5am – 7:15am – Occulomancy and Rest
7:15am – 7:20am Get out of trunk
Once Harry had finished his early morning work and had a refreshing nap, Harry decided that is was a good time to exercise again, so he took a leisurely run around the black lake. By the time he had returned Ron and Neville were both awake and wondering where Harry had disappeared.
"I jog at least five miles every morning," Harry explained.
"Why?" Ron asked, almost whining.
"Exercise helps make your body stronger and with a stronger body you help your magic get and stay strong as well," Harry explained.
Neville's face showed that he was considering what Harry was saying and then finally he softly asked, "Can I join you tomorrow?"
Harry smiled at the slightly pudgy boy and said, "Sure, do you have trainers and some shorts?"
Neville nodded and said that he usually slept in them though. He then showed them to Harry with a blush. The shorts were a good quality and would make a good pair for him to run in. "You might owl your grandmother and ask for another pair to sleep in and possible get another pair as well as these to exercise in." Harry offered.
"You also need to understand that I have been running a long time and you will probably have to stop well be before I do," Harry explained. "That is okay, just try to go a little further each day and eventually you will be able to keep up with me."
Ron looked at both Harry and Neville as if he could not understand the idea of exercise at all. He was so shocked at Harry's actions that he followed him into the shower room. When Harry realized what Ron was doing he began laughing and asked, "Are you going to help with my back, Ron?"
Ron finally realized where he was, blushed and stammered an apology while backing away, his face glowing brighter red than his hair. Harry just laughed good naturedly and took his second shower of the day.
Breakfast in the Great hall was pure organized chaos. Harry watched the spectacle from just outside the doors for a moment. The heads of each house where handing out class schedules. Each house table had its own special dynamic and way of doing things.
Hufflepuff had the Herbology teacher as a head and the ever smiling Professor Sprout was happily chatting with her students as they came to get their schedules. Ravenclaw was headed by the diminutive quarter goblin, Charms teacher, Professor Flitwick. He was also chatting with his students, but Harry could tell that he was discussing a charm or some spell that had his students' attention. Slytherin house was headed by the potions master and teacher, Severus Snape. The greasy haired man simply handed the schedules to his house prefects and walked away, they were expect to hand them out to the proper student without his oversight. Gryffindor was headed by the severe looking transfiguration teacher Professor McGonagall. She was walking the area around the Gryffindor table handing out the schedules to every student. She would pause momentarily to speak to each student, but was not overly friendly or talkative.
When Harry, Ron, Neville and the recently added Hermione were handed their schedules, Ron let out a loud moan. Harry quickly read his schedule to see what could possibly cause his friend to react like that. He immediately saw the problem, they had both transfigurations and potions that day and both were with the Slytherins. Harry knew that both houses seemed to have a mutual animosity toward each other and in a potions setting that could spell disaster.
"First day and we got the hardest classes and on top of that we have them with those…those snakes!" Ron sputtered in anger.
"Really Ron, it is not going to be that bad," Hermione said, though anyone who noticed could tell she did not fully believe that herself.
Transfiguration class was interesting for Harry, for about five minutes. That was the length of time it took Professor McGonagall to explain the difficulty of the class and how she would not stand for anyone acting out in her class. Then she handed out matchsticks and told them to read the first chapter in their book and attempt to transfigure the match into a needle. Harry finished that within seconds, repeating the process several times, each time making the needle more ornate.
When the Professor noticed, she told him to read about changing it back. Instead Harry waved his wand and transfigured them back in mass.
"Fifty points for reading ahead, knowing the material and performing the required spell, its counter and expanding on it, Mr. Potter," The severe witch said with a thin lipped smile. "Please continue to read ahead silently."
"Yes Professor," Harry said with slight smile. He then withdrew his Everybook from his book bag. He then noticed that the messenger pouch had something inside. He found not only a letter from Sharpmaw but a small package from Stoneater. Slipping the letter into his Everybook, Harry began to read the letter instead.
My Son,
It is good that you are gaining friends and potential allies. You were correct that the Weasley's are an honorable family. One of their older sons works for the bank as curse breaker in our Egypt offices and is very talented.
Your Miss Granger will be getting a notice from us either later today or tomorrow in the owl post. If she is indeed related to any of the Grangers in our world, she and her family would very well off financially.
As you are an adult in our realm, I will not tell you if you should or should not tell your friends some of your secrets, but if you do make sure to use very binding magical oath. I would also remind you to use magical oaths to help yourself with others that you might come across.
As we expected Dumbledore is going to try and manipulate you and your situation to his benefit, do what you can to not allow this to happen, but also remember to have your true skills remain in the shadows, until they are needed.
Your mother sent a care package with several sweets and bones for Havoc. It is shrunk our way.
See you this evening.
Your father,
Sharpmaw
Harry wrote a quick note back to his parents and placed it in his book bag to be sent. He then called up a treatise on battles and duals using transfiguration. He figured that if the Professor came to check on what he was reading it was a good idea to at least be reading about her subject.
~o0o~
Heading to his next class Harry restrained himself from sighing as he entered the dungeons for his first potion class, 'Could they be any more cliché ?', He thought to himself, 'A potions class taught in a dungeon by a man that looks and acts like a human bat'. He just shook his head, walked into the classroom, and quickly found a seat on the side of the room his housemates gathered.
Within minutes of Professor Snape stalking into the room, slamming the door open loudly. Harry instantly knew there was going to be trouble. He was proven correct as the man went through his roll call. Every Gryffindor on his list was subject to some form of verbal nastiness, while the Slytherins received a look of approval. It stopped when Snape came to his name and said, "Harry Potter. Our new – celebrity."
Harry ignored the snickers from the Slytherin side of the room as he nodded respectfully and softly said, "Here, sir"
"What would I get if I added powered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?" Snape asked with a sneer. He ignored the hand of Hermione flying into the air in her hope to answer the question.
Harry fought a smile, that was a third year potion and a first year would not normally know the answer, the man was testing him, probably in hopes of taking points. With a gleam of mischievousness Harry answered, "Draught of Living Death a powerful sleeping potion, sir. Unless of course you added a single Runespore egg and then it would become a tasteless and colorless poison known as Vipers Revenge."
Snape was not only shocked that James Potter's son answered that question correctly, but also that he knew about such a deadly, assassin level poison. He was now slightly off centered by the response.
"Where would you look if I told you to find me a Bezor?" Snape switched tactics and asked an obvious first year question.
"The stomach of a goat sir," Harry answered with a barely hidden sigh. "It is a stone that can save a person from most poisons." He added to show the man he was not stupid or ignorant.
Snape's reaction was now evident to the whole class. His sallow skin was now tinted with the deep red of anger.
"What is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?" Snape then spit out, not even trying to hide his anger and dislike of Harry. The question was a late first, early second year question.
"They are the same plant which also goes by the name aconite and is one of the main ingredients in the Wolfsbane Potion, a potion that aids werewolves in keeping their human mind while changed, during the full moon."
"TEN POINTS FROM GRYFFINDOR," Snape bellowed, his voice then returned to a more manageable level, "For your cheating and your cheek."
"Sir how was I cheating and disrespectful?" Harry asked softly honestly confused, wanting a way to argue the point loss, but also getting angry that this man would so openly berate students that paid his salary.
"Twenty points for questioning a teacher." Snape snapped.
Harry had enough of the man and began silently packing his belongings back into his bag. He then stood up quietly and began to walking to the classroom door. He refused to sit under this man's supposed tutelage any longer. He may have to appear like he needed to be at Hogwarts but that did not mean he or anyone else was required to pay the man to be nasty to them.
"Get back in your seat Potter!" Snape roared as he watched the insolent boy walk out the door, "Fifty points and a weeks detention Potter, for leaving class without permission." He said as his voice followed Harry out of the classroom.
Harry remained silent as he continued down the hallway, daring the man to follow him. He then turned down the Transfiguration hallway intent on speaking to Professor McGonagall about what had happened in Potions. When he arrived at her classroom, Harry could hear that she was in the middle of a lecture and did not think it would be a good idea to interrupt, so he decided to head to Dumbledore's office instead.
Harry paused in a small alcove and penned a note to Sharpmaw about what happened and what he planned to do about it. He then asked what if anything he could do if his plans did not succeed. He would not willingly sit in that man's classroom ever again. After the message was written, Harry put it in the secret mail slot of his book bag and sent it.
Once he arrived at the Headmaster's office, Harry looked closely at the gargoyle guarding the door. He began to smirk as he examined the magic of the guardian. 'Basic animation transfiguration, middle level password ward and half of a voice recognition ward.' He listed off as he examined it. Harry realized that Dumbledore used the voice recognition ward to identify the person wanting in, so he could appear to have the upper hand, simply by calling the person's name when they reached the inner door.
Harry found the listening point on the statue and knocked on it several times, knowing that the sound would jar the headmaster, he then said with a smile, "Hey Stoney ole boy," speaking dramatically to the gargoyle, knowing that the headmaster could hear him. "Can you let the Headmaster know that I am down here and I walked out of potions on the old greasy bat?"
As he expected the gargoyle quickly leapt to the side revealing the outer door, schooling his face so he would not smirk, Harry stepped onto the lowest step of the stairs and let the staircase move him toward the inner door. He noticed a second identification rune on the wall nearest the door as he arrived just outside the inner door. A modest knock on the door and he heard the expected, "Come in Harry."
"Hello Headmaster, I see Stoney gave you my message." Harry said in a neutral tone and passive face. "I had some problems with Professor Snape and would have gone to Professor McGonagall but she has class."
"Come in Harry," Dumbledore said calmly, his eyes twinkling, "Have a seat and let's discuss what happened."
Harry sat down and began explaining what had happened in the classroom, all the while Dumbledore's eyes continued to twinkle. He then said something the headmaster was not expecting, "I want to transfer to another potions teacher."
Dumbledore folded his hands together in a manner that was obviously intended to calm and draw Harry's attention. "I am sorry Harry, but Professor Snape is the only Potions teacher we have at Hogwarts."
"Then I respectfully ask to be allowed to bring in an outside tutor," Harry began. "Since I am paying for my education and that man appears to have issues against me. With such issues the likelihood that I will be able to learn anything from him is nil."
"I am sorry Harry but I cannot allow that," Dumbledore began.
"Fine headmaster," Harry said getting up from his chair and walked to the door. He then turned back to Dumbledore and said, "I am sure that Board of Governors will be contacting you about my grievance."
Dumbledore was shocked that a first year and especially a muggle raised first year would know about the grievance policy, but he allowed nothing to show as he responded, "I await their owl, now return to the potions classroom." Expecting Harry to obey and not actually contact the Governors.
Harry was now livid but continued with his neutral appearance saying, "I" he then whispered, "Stormbrow Deatheyes" followed by a clear, "Harry James Potter swear on my life and magic that I will never willingly set foot in any classroom that Potions Master Severus Snape teaches, oversees, directs or is otherwise in charge of ever again, so mote it be." He then walked out the door and down the stairs. He fully realized that would include the scheduled study period that the professor oversaw in rotation.
The size of the massive white cloud of magic that encircled and settled on Harry surprised Dumbledore as the magically binding oath set itself on Harry's magic. Dumbledore was again surprised that Harry knew anything about them, let alone had the power to seal one. That oath ruined another set of plans Dumbledore had for Harry's life, as he could not jeopardize Harry's magic.
'That will require a complete reevaluation of my plans for Harry' Dumbledore thought to himself.
Hours later, Dumbledore had Snape in his office not only getting his jaded side of the incident, but to tell him that their plans had failed spectacularly. He was not happy that Harry would not be as pliant as they hoped and would not apparently be able to be controlled.
"The brat answered potions questions that were above his year and yet could not even handle my disciplining him." Snape ranted.
"You could not wait even a week before attacking him, because he happens to look like your old rival," Dumbledore chastised, "and now you permanently lost the opportunity."
"I will restrain myself when he is in my classroom next," Snape responded in an attempt to please Dumbledore, not noticing the exact wording Dumbledore had used.
"I fear that will not happen as young Harry has sworn a magical oath against having any classroom based dealings with you...ever again." Dumbledore said softly. "I am sorry to say that Harry will have to have a potions tutor for the time he is at Hogwarts. Little did he know that Harry was already making plans to remove several other students from the Potions Master's classes.
~o0o~
That evening after dinner, Harry began the first stage of his plans.
"Hermione, what would you do if you had a private place to study and more time to do it in?" Harry asked almost innocently.
"I don't know, I really would love to have extra time to study and a nice place to do it in." Hermione responded, "Why?"
Ignoring her return question for the moment, Harry turned to ask a similar question of Ron and Neville. When Ron looked distressed over having to do extra homework or studying, Harry changed the question. "What would you do if you had more time to play chess and practice Quidditch?"
He then looked at Neville and offered another more personal question, "What would you do if you had more time to work on spells, exercise and study Herbology?" Harry already knew about Neville's fascination with the subject.
Before they could answer he turned back to Hermione and asked, "What would you do if you had time to study for tests you are missing in muggle school by being here?"
Hermione was now extremely curious and frustrated so she snapped and said, "I would love it!"
"Would it be worth a magically binding oath?" Harry asked, his eyes now gleaming with power.
"Yes," All three of his friends answered at the same time. They then broke down with giggles at how funny they were.
Harry smiled and then handed each of them a slip of parchment. On the parchment, was a simple but powerful binding oath. They each read the oath and nodded. Harry then motioned for them to follow him upstairs to the dorms.