A/N:Okay I just wanted say thanks to everyone who reads this and reviews you make me feel so loved!! I also want to answer a few questions that were asked by several people.

1) Neville's change has three causes, one because Draco no longer insults him, two Harry made friends with him and three because I like him like that!

2) Harry doesn't treat Hermione bad because she is a muggle-born. He treats her that way because she is bossy and all that. He doesn't like her personality. But that will change

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Chapter 8: Quidditch

As they entered November, the weather turned very cold. Every morning the ground was covered in frost. The quidditch season had begun. On Saturday Harry would playing in his first march after weeks of training: Slytherin versus Gryffindor. The day before Harry's first match found Harry sitting with his Slytherin friends in the Common Room around the fireplace discussing what the outcome of the match would be over some butterbeer. They were all convinced Slytherin were a sure win with Harry on their team.

Whilst Harry was glad of their confidence he was worried that he would let them down. At that moment they saw Professor limping in and asking Marcus Flint something before spotting them and walking over. He took a seat next to Harry and sighed.

"I'd like to talk to Mr Potter alone."

He glared softly at the other Slytherins who nodded and they retreated to the other side of the room. Harry was curious as to why Snape had singled him out, however he waited patiently for his head of house to start.

"Very good Potter! I know your parents and know that you have inherited their curiosity. Now there are some things happening here at Hogwarts that I feel you need to know about. No doubt you remember Professor Dumbledore's warning about the third corridor; well it is because he had installed a three-headed dog to guard a certain magical artifact."

He paused as his prefect came up and handed him a sheet of paper before leaving again. Professor Snape looked at it, nodded then waited for Flint to leave before he continued.

"As studious as you are, I'm sure you have heard of the Philosopher's stone." At Harry's nod he continued. "Well it is being hidden under the school at this very moment and I strongly recommend you to not go after it no matter what you hear."

"Of course professor!"

"Good, now I have a task for you and your friends should you wish to take it. I'd prefer you didn't tell them everything just yet, if you boys could keep an eye on professor Quirrell for me and tell me of any odd occurrences I will help you in any way I can. Unfortunately I am too visible and am being watched at the moment. Professor Dumbledore is no longer confident about my loyalties."

"I see…Of course we can do this for you sir…when you say Professor Dumbledore is questioning your loyalty…to what exactly sir?"

"Sharp. I cannot explain fully now but will at a later date, know this though, I am loyal to you above anyone else. I want you to remember that always. Now I have to go, good luck for tomorrow!"

After another quick word with Flint he stood and limped out without another word. Harry's friends slowly returned and asked him what the professor had said.

"Let's meet in my dorm tonight after dinner and I will explain everything then. Sorry but I have a lot on my mind at the moment I'll see you all in class later."

Harry picked up his bag, nodded to his friends then stood and left for an empty classroom to think about what he had been just told. He sighed as he heard the thunder of feet passing by that told him class had started. He walked swiftly down the corridors as he headed to his first class of the day, Potions. His day passed uneventfully as he attended his classes and study group. After finishing their homework the group mastered the Alohomora charm whilst Harry read up on the more advanced spells. After dinner Harry's Slytherin friends gathered in his dorm.

"Okay, here are the essentials. Professor Snape wants us to watch Professor Quirrell for him. Now he didn't say why but I agreed anyway, so who is with me?"

Harry was surprised but happy as five hands were raised in the air, he smirked and nodded his appreciation. Next they worked out a schedule for shifts. It went unspoken that they were all to cover for each other, once all had been arranged they all headed to bed as Harry had his first Quidditch match tomorrow.

The next day dawned very bright and cold. The Great Hall was full of the delicious smell of fried sausages and the cheerful chatter of everyone looking forward to a good Quidditch match. Harry's friends were trying to get him to eat something. Just then Terry, Arianna and Anthony came over from the Ravenclaw table to wish him luck.

"Good luck Potter!"

"You'll be great!"

Harry nodded his thanks to excited and nervous to say anything. He took a nibble of his toast as he watched Blaise pile some ketchup onto his sausages.

By eleven o'clock the whole school seemed to be out in the stands around the Quidditch pitch. Many students had binoculars. The seats might be raised high in the air but it was still difficult to see what was going on at times.

Blaise was on Quirrell watch as the rest of the group gathered in the stands with their binoculars to watch and cheer Harry on. Theo was at the time not with them he was running full speed down to the Slytherin changing rooms looking for Harry. He caught Harry just before he entered the room, catching his breath he drew his friend and leader aside and whispered his news.

"I was in Professor Quirrell's chambers as he got back from breakfast and noticed that he was talking to himself. When I looked for the voice it seemed to have come from the back of his head."

Harry was silent for a moment as he gave it some thought. Finally he sighed and nodded.

"Keep it to yourself for now, we will tell Professor Snape later and discuss what it could mean then."

Theo nodded and left as Harry entered the changing room and quickly changed as his teammates waited for him. Harry was silent as he listened intently to Flint's speech, he wanted to make sure he didn't stuff anything up. Harry followed Flint as they gathered around Madam Hooch who will be refereeing the match.

"Now I want a nice clean game all of you." She seemed to be directing this comment to Flint and Harry smirked.

Madam Hooch gave a loud blat on her silver whistle and all fourteen brooms rose at once. A Gryffindor was first to take the Quaffle. Harry circled the pitch looking for the snitch ignoring what went on around him. He spotted it close to the commentator's box as he heard a yell come up from the Slytherin stands. Shooting his broom in that direction he swerved just in time to dodge a bludger. He sped off and had just wrapped his fingers around the snitch when his broom started playing up.

Blaise gasped as he saw what Quirrell was doing, he drew his wand and with a few well chosen words Blaise's wand shot bright blue flames onto Professor Quirrell's robes and waited. It took approximately thirty seconds for Quirrell to realize he was on fire. It was enough. Up in the air Harry regained control of his broom and was able to touch down gently, snitch clutched tightly in one hand.

Soon enough the rest of the Slytherin team touched down and bombarded him with words of congratulations. That was one of the fastest catches in Hogwart's History. The match had lasted no more than ten minutes. Instead of joining everyone else in the common room for the celebrations Harry and his friends went to see Professor Snape. This time Harry brought the Ravenclaws as well.

Reaching his office Harry knocked and entered as he heard the familiar voice of his head of house. Professor Snape was sitting behind his desk and looked surprised to see the Ravenclaw members of Harry's group. He set his quill down and nodded to the chairs in front of his desk that he had just wordlessly conjured some more.

"What do you have for me?"

"Well first I would like to add three more members to our group, Terry, Arianna and Anthony. Next Theo has discovered that Professor Quirrell was talking to himself and that the voice came from the back of his head. Blaise tells me that it was Professor Quirrell who had jinxed my broom."

"Well done, I would like for you to pay more attention to the conversations Professor Quirrell has with himself. See if you can find out what his plans are. Now I know many of you will have questions so I'll tell you, I have suspicions that person Professor Quirrell is talking head to is in fact the dark lord himself. I know some of your parents will be supporters but you all have a choice. If you cannot work against your parents then you may leave at once, if however you are willing to devote yourself to Harry then you may stay."

No one stood or so much as moved a muscle, Professor Snape smirked softly and continued.

"Very well. As I have told Harry there is a three-headed dog on the third floor corridor. It was once the pet of your gamekeeper, Hagrid. If there is a chance try and find out how best to tame it, because we might find ourselves going down there to stop him. This is your last task, I want you to study as many new spells as you can. Dueling spells, Charms, Transfiguration and even healing spells. When practicing these spells make sure you are not alone. If things were to go wrong it would be better if someone was there to help.

"That is all for now. I shall see you all next week; I am putting Harry in charge. Any questions?" As no one responded he nodded, "Good, dismissed."

Professor Snape returned to the parchments on his desk as his first year students let themselves out. Harry then led his friends to an empty classroom to arrange their new tasks, with the addition of the Ravenclaws Harry knew things would be easier. Harry took out a quill and some parchment as everyone found a seat.

"Okay, to do this properly we would need to work together. I will write a new timetable to include our new members. Everyone will get a rest period after their shift, everyone else will be in the library studying new spells. I will be looking into finding a place we can call headquarters. We will use History of Magic and Astronomy to continue studying or finish homework, there will be two of us who will take notes during those classes to share. On our Friday study session we will use as meeting time and to practice new spells. As for the Hagrid matter, I will take care of it myself. Any questions? Good, let's go join the celebrations."

Everyone stood and headed for the Slytherin Common Room where Harry was greeted like a celebrity. As the weeks passed Harry and his friends continued to study and practice new spells. Whilst most of the group was still working on second year spells Harry had moved on to third year spells.

They had also been monitoring Professor Quirrell's conversations carefully and had discovered what he was waiting for which also answered the question of how to get past the three-headed dog. Professor Quirrell had purchased an enchanted harp that will arrive late in the school year.

In the days before Christmas break Harry put aside his homework in favor of studying and practicing as many new spells as possible. Unlike his friends who all came from old wizarding families with protected estates that allowed them to practice magic without detection Harry was unable to practice magic at home unless Remus was free and able to find another escort to take them to Potter Manor.

On their last evening before the break they met up with Professor Snape to give him an update on their progress. Neville had discovered that the day Professor Quirrell planned his quest was the day that they finished their last exam. Professor Snape thanked them and wished them a good holiday before dismissing them.

"Harry could you stay behind a moment?"

Professor Snape gave Harry a case of potions with instructions to hand them to Remus Lupin. Harry and his friends had a good journey home as they talked, laughed and even studied a bit. When the train pulled into King's Cross station Harry couldn't help smiling as he spotted his Aunt and Dudley standing on the platform with a sick-looking Remus.

Bidding his friends farewell Harry collected his luggage and headed over to greet his family.

"Hey Harry, how goes school?"

"Hey D, it's alright, how yours?"

"Not too bad."

"Hello Harry dear. How was your semester?"

"Hello Aunt Petunia. It was wonderful. Oh Remus, I have been instructed by Professor Snape to pass this on to you."

Harry handed the case of potions over and smiled.

"It's good to see you again. I'm glad you're enjoying Hogwarts. And please pass my thanks onto your head of house.

"Okay, we need to get going as your uncle is waiting for us to go out to dinner."

Aunt Petunia started to shoo them out and Remus drew his wand to pile Harry's various pieces of luggage onto a trolley. Harry nodded his thanks as he listened to Dudley talk about life at Smeltings. They all piled into the car and Aunt Petunia drove them down to a nice restaurant close to home.

"Can we visit Potter Manor?"

"Of course you can! It is yours after all; the house elves have instructions to keep it under perfect working order for you. I'm sure I can find someone who is free over the holidays."

They had to be careful who they trusted, after the various stories that both Remus and his Aunt Petunia told him Harry decided that there was just something wrong about Dumbledore. And so he decided to start his own side in the war. Harry wanted to bring both Voldermort and Dumbledore down and bring the wizarding world into the next century with more knowledge of muggles. His first supporters had included Remus, his Aunt and Professor Snape, now Harry had his friends as well.

"Great! You've been there before right?"

"Are you kidding? Your grandparents used to invite me over for a couple of weeks every summer holidays."

Harry grinned as he realized he would be able to practice his magic those holidays after all.

"Would I be able to practice my magic there without the ministry detecting any of it?" Harry was too sure of how the enchantments worked.

"Yes you would, I believe I know what you are thinking and yes I can arrange for us to stay for a few days. I might even teach you a few spells myself."

Chapter 9: Potter Manor

On Christmas day Harry was woken by an excited Dudley running down the stairs. Cramming his glasses on Harry climbed out of his bed and pulled on a jumper. He ran downstairs to where Dudley had already opened two presents.

"Merry Christmas Dudley!"

"Merry Christmas Harry!"

They opened their presents in silence. From his Aunt and Uncle harry received a new jumper, Dudley gave him a belt that had a holder for his wand. Remus sent him a book on defensive magic. From his friends Harry received an assortment of sweets such as chocolate frogs and every flavor beans and some books on various subjects.

Harry swapped a box of every flavor beans with his cousin for a box of mars bars. It was then that Harry noticed he had one more present. Harry picked it up and felt it, it was very light and soft. He unwrapped it. Something fluid and silvery grey went slithering to the floor, where it lay in gleaming folds. Harry picked up the shining cloth off the floor and threw it around himself. It was strange to touch, like water woven into the material. He was startled when Dudley gave a yell.

"Harry? What happened to you?"

Confused Harry looked down at his feet but they had gone. Harry smirked as he realized what it was, an invisibility cloak. Harry suddenly spotted the note, he looked at the unfamiliar writing and read it to himself.

Your father left this in my possession before he died. It is time it was returned to you. Use it well.

A very Merry Christmas to you.

There was no signature. Harry shrugged and tucked it into his jumper. He collected the rest of his presents and returned them to his room. That night Aunt Petunia cooked up a marvelous feast and they sat down to dinner with their guest, Remus. Remus had become a regular visitor over the last few days. He came over for dinner fairly often and had taken Harry and Dudley out to Diagon Alley a couple of times.

"I've organized everything Harry. A friend of mine has agreed to accompany us and to join you. We will leave in two days time and spend the New Year there."

"Who else is coming aside from your friend?"

"Whoever you want, it is your house."

"Dudley? Aunt Petunuia?"

They both nodded and grinned. Harry knew better then to ask Uncle Vernon who continued eating without saying a word. Harry was excited and immediately started to bombard Remus with questions about what they will be doing.

As they were clearing the table an unfamiliar barn owl flew in and dropped a letter in front of Harry before perching on the back of Remus' deserted chair. Harry opened the letter excitedly recognizing the familiar writing of his best friend, Neville. It was an invitation to his grandmother's annual party. It was to be held on the fifth of January just days before they were due to head back to Hogwarts.

Harry wrote a quick note of acceptance and attached it to the owl's leg. Harry was wondering what he should wear when Remus spoke up.

"Looks like we need to head over to Diagon Alley to get you some dress robes. While we are there we may as well buy you some everyday wizarding robes."

The next day Remus took them out to Diagon Alley and Harry bought two sets of dress robes, one plain black and white and one a dark green that matched his eyes nicely. He also purchased a couple of ordinary wizarding robes ranging from black to green in color.

At six in the morning they were due to leave for Potter Manor Remus turned up with another wizard. This one was tall, black and bald with a deep slow voice and a single, gold hoop in his ear. Remus introduced him as Kingsley Shacklebolt. After a quick breakfast Remus shrunk the luggage and put them in his pocket. They piled into the car and in half an hour's time they had arrived at a large old manor.

There was a nice garden in the front with a tiled path down the middle. The manor itself had five levels with a flag pole flying a flag that featured a phoenix spread over a rearing lion. Harry assumed that the phoenix and the lion was the Potter's family crest. The manor was facing the east with a north wing, a south wing and a west wing. Harry was positive the castle manor alone would be larger than Hogwarts.

Harry walked towards the gate wondering how to open it as there was no latch. But as he laid a hand on the gate it swung open. Harry almost fell over as he heard fifteen sudden pops. Dudley caught him as they spotted fifteen small creatures bowing to them that had not been there before. The little creatures had bat-like ears and bulging eyes the size of tennis balls, they all wore tea towels with the same creatures flying on the flag.

"Welcome master and master's friends. I am Parry the head elf." The oldest one stood forward and bowed again. He then proceeded to introduce Harry to the rest of the elves although by the time he was finished Harry had forgotten most of their names. "Jade here will be your personal elf as she is the youngest. Please come on in, we will give you a tour of the place."

The rest of the day was spent touring the place, getting to know where everything is, unpacking and settling down. Harry's master suite was located in the west wing that was for family, Dudley and Aunt Petunia were given a room each in the same wing. Whilst Remus and Kingsley each had their own room in the south wing, Remus having taken the master bedroom as was his right.

Harry and Dudley had fun running around exploring the place. On their second day there Remus took Harry into the dueling chamber and tested Harry's magical abilities. He was very surprised as Harry practiced spells that were two year levels above his own. They trained hard every day and soon enough Harry had completely mastered all of the third year spells on his list.

Harry made use of the manor's extensive library to do some more research, he finished all of his homework and was able to start practicing some fourth year spells although they tired him out slightly. Remus was impressed and told Harry that he was very powerful. During their stay Kingsley had also taught Harry some Auror tricks and spells that were easy enough for his magic to cope with.

Harry had the time of his life and asked to come back again in the Easter holidays. Remus said he will consider it. As they packed up to go home Harry came across a harmonica stashed away in one of the draws of his room. Guessing that it was probably his parents he took it with him. They once again had their luggage shrunk this time by Harry himself who had just learned the spell. They said good bye to the house elves, piled into the car and headed home.

Harry was bouncing with excitement over his first wizarding party as he checked his hair in the mirror. He had gelled his naturally messy hair down and styled it to perfection; along with his new dark green robes Harry was looking very sharp. The door bell rang at that moment signaling the arrival of Harry's escort, Remus and Kingsley. Answering the door Harry smiled at his new friends.

"Hey guys! We going?"

"Hey Harry, yes we are going just as soon as I've spoken to your Aunt so she knows we are leaving."

"Oh, she's not here. Uncle Vernon took both Aunt Petunia and Dudley off to visit Aunt Marge."

Nodding Remus took out a broken pair of spectacles out of his pocket and held it out for Harry and Kingsley to touch.

"1…2…3…"

Harry felt a jerk at his navel as the portkey was activated. His feet had left the ground and found himself speeding forward in a howl of wind and swirling color, his finger was stuck to the spectacles as though it was pulling him with a magnetic force. And then his feet slammed into the ground, losing his balance slightly Harry would have fallen had Remus not have been there to catch him.

Regaining his balance Harry looked around; they had arrived in front of a smaller version of Potter Manor that Harry guessed was the Longbottom Manor. Walking down the path in between Remus and Kingsley Harry started spotting some other differences between this place and his own. Reaching the door they waited as a house elf answered it, Neville came strolling down the stairs moments later smiling.

Harry bid Remus and Kingsley farewell as Neville led Harry inside and introduced him to his grandmother. Neville's grandmother was a formidable looking old witch wearing a nice long green dress and a fox-fur coat.

"Gran, I would like to introduce you to Harry James Potter, one of my best friends at Hogwarts. Harry, this is my grandmother, Agatha Margaret Longbottom."

"Well Mr Potter, I'm glad to meet you at last. Neville's told me all about you, he thinks very highly of you. I want to say thank you for helping him with everything. I had always feared that he wouldn't live up to his parent's talents but now I have hope." She smiled and held out a hand for Harry to shake.

"It was my pleasure Mrs. Longbottom, besides I don't know how I would have made it through Herbology without Neville." Harry returned her smile and took her hand and gave it a firm shake.

After a little more small talk Neville took Harry to a nice parlor where several of their friends were already sitting inside chatting. Draco, Theo and Blaise were in the middle of some debate whilst Daphne and Arianna sat on the other side of the room giggling. Harry and Neville sat down and joined them as they awaited the arrival of the last two members of the group. Neville's grandmother came in once in a while to introduce them to some big names in the wizarding world as well as to check in on them. They all left late but had a great time.