Harry Potter and the Flip of a Niccal

By: KKM

Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter series or any associated characters. Harry Potter is © J. K. Rowling. I also do not own the Gorillaz or any associated characters/songs. Gorillaz are © Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett.


Comments:

Hardaliegh – I always thought it was kind of sad that we didn't get to meet Remus until third year, so I wanted to not only work him in as a strong reoccurring character but also shed some more light on why he was absent from Harry's life for so long. He'll stick around, I promise.

holyscythe– Oh excellent! It's always cool to find people who are new to fandoms. How did you like The Now Now? Personally, I like it better than Humanz! Humanz was gold, don't get me wrong, but I missed 2D's you for reading and though updates are pretty irregular I hope you stuck around to enjoy. This story will be a very long ride crossing back and forth between both story lines.

Franaletorres – Your wish is my command!

Beowolfalien – Lol, yes it is a bit strange. But I had to find a way to mix my two favorite fandoms in such a way that everyone would see how awesome this idea is. 😊 Thank you for reading!

A special thank you to all of the favorites and watchers this story has. When I left it last year I only had 10 watchers if you can believe it! Thank you!


Last Time:

"11 inches and holly with a phoenix feather core," Mr. Ollivander dictated in a misty voice as if he were caught in a trance. Suddenly his eyes locked with Harry's once again causing the boy to feel distinctly uncomfortable with the intensity. "Very curious that this exact wand would choose you when it's brother gave you that scar…" he trailed off and moved forward as if to touch the scar again when Murdoc suddenly grabbed Harry's arm and stepped in front of him to block the old man's view.

"That's enough," Murdoc sneered, thrusting a small pouch of money at the wand maker. "Let's ge' out of here," he said before pushing both Harry and 2D out of the door.

"Pleasant seeing you. We shall meet again." Mr. Ollivander's voice called before the door closed swiftly behind them. Harry shuddered thinking that if that was true, it would only be too soon.

"Harry!" a gleeful shout caught the boy's attention and his frown melted into a blinding smile when he saw Noodle and Russel standing a little ways down the alley. Noodle seemed to be unable to contain her excitement as she bounced slightly when the trio approached them.

That was when Russel held up the bird cage he'd been trying to hide from behind his back. Inside it contained the most beautiful snow white owl Harry had ever seen. "Happy late birthday, little man!"


Chapter 9: Magical Theory and First Lessons

Harry was literally brimming with excitement. He couldn't help it! Today he would be receiving his first lessons. After their trip to Diagon Alley last week, it had been decided that Harry would start his lessons the following Monday. This had made the most sense because the tutor that his father had found had needed some time to create his lesson plans. Harry was also aware that the rest of the students in the Wizarding World would be starting school too on the same day. Between now and then, Harry had spent most of his time hanging out with the band between excitedly reading his new school books. He'd never been so excited for school before, but this was different – it was magic!

His books were all filled with so many new and strange words. The descriptions of spells and the histories behind them had been so captivating that Harry felt more like he was reading a fantasy novel than forcing himself to study. He quickly found himself absorbing all that he could and was delighted when Noodle, Russel, and 2D all showed interest when he'd run into them and suddenly word-vomit his findings to them. He could tell that 2D had no idea what he was talking about most of the time, but the tall bluenette was always happy to talk with him or ask him to repeat what he had read. Occasionally, Noodle would plop down beside him and flick through the pages in mild fascination and they would silently read together. Russ had also become a big help because if Harry didn't understand a word or wanted to talk something out he didn't understand, the big man would offer advice to help him out.

Murdoc was around too, but less so because he had also been busy planning. He had informed Harry that while Remus would be teaching him the lighter magics like Charms, Defense, and Transfiguration, Murdoc himself would help out with some of the harder more intensive studies like Wandless Magic and Runes.

After a lengthy debate with Russel, it had been decided that Murdoc would also dive into Dark Arts with Harry once his core was strong enough. Murdoc had won this argument with the big man when he'd pointed out that Harry's enemies would not go easy on him and he would need to recognize potentially dark curses and spells. Russel had eventually caved to that explanation but reminded Murdoc that Harry was still a child and should not be performing such dark magic. Murdoc agreed with the promise that for the first few years of his teaching, Harry would first learn how to identify and understand the theory behind the magic. This would be different from Remus' Defense Against the Dark Arts lessons because Murdoc wanted Harry to have a deeper understanding and eventually be able to perform some of the spells in case he ever had to duel for his life.

The only thing that Harry did not have a tutor for was Potions and History of Magic. Murdoc felt that just buying books on the history of the Wizarding World along with some on the workings of the Ministry would be sufficient for that class. He personally found the subject boring but if Harry ended up caring about it more, then he would try to come up with something to appease the kid's thirst for knowledge. Potions was another matter altogether. Murdoc knew how to brew, but he also knew that he was often careless with his potions and didn't really trust Harry's safety with the matter. Murdoc had a vague idea of who would be perfect for the job, he just hadn't gotten around to approaching the man yet. It wasn't a conversation he was completely looking forward to if he was honest.

Harry's eyes quickly circled around his bedroom as he took a quick inventory of his books which were surrounding him in different piles as he sat cross-legged on his bed. He'd already had breakfast and Murdoc had told him to run off until his tutor had arrived. Harry had practically skipped to his room, his heart racing and his cheeks glowing rosily as he tried to calm down. He'd never been so worked up in his life. Usually all the good things happened to his cousin Dudley and now it was finally his turn.

His happy musings were interrupted by a soft tapping next to his window. After the whole Professor McGonagall cat situation, young Harry had taken to regularly closing his windows unless he fancied a breeze. Even with the new wards in place, he hadn't wanted to chance the feline professor sneaking into his room again.

"Hedwig!" he greeted with a smile as he quickly slid from his bed knocking over a few books in the process. He threw his window open and greeted his familiar by gliding his fingers through her soft snow white feathers. She hooted in a friendly chirp and presented her leg to him were a scroll was tied securely to her outstretched leg.

Harry remembered the messenger owl from before, so he wasn't surprised by the action. But he was curious about who might be writing to him. Besides the tutor he'd meet later today, he wasn't sure about who else would want to write to him.

"Thanks girl," he praised, pulling an owl treat from a nearby jar and offering it to her before plopping down in the ratty bean bag chair that rested in the corner of his room. Hedwig gave a final hoot of appreciation before taking off through the window again and leaving him to his letter. "It's from the Weasley twins!" Harry laughed after opening his letter. He excitedly read down their missive.

Hello Harry!

We hope this owl knows where you are. We were originally going to send Errol, our family owl, but the bloody thing didn't seem to understand what we meant. Then this owl seemed to come out of nowhere, so we figured that maybe it could help.

It's too bad that you weren't able to come to Hogwarts. We would have loved to specially dub you as our marauder protégé after that brilliant prank in Diagon Alley! But maybe you can still help us from afar. A new year Is a perfect time for good pranks after all.

Our youngest brother was sorted this year. He made Gryffindor like us, which isn't really a surprise considering our whole family always gets sorted to this house. He was right afraid to be sorted at first though. We may have let it slip that he'd have to fight to the death or pass a test to get in… We imagine he was probably tickled to find out that it's just a musty old hat that does the trick for you. Ah, sweet innocent little Ronnikins.

Nothing interesting has happened yet. The Headmaster and Professor McGonagall looked pretty sullen at the feast for some reason. That's a bit unusual because old Dumbles is usually merry and colorful at the entrance feast. Even his welcoming speech was a bit ominous this year. He warned students against the third floor corridor with the threat that we might meet our deaths… perhaps a bit of investigating is in order later? We doubt it's actually anything dangerous, but wouldn't they be mad if we planted a bit of a surprise to whoever goes up there?

Hope all is well! Write back soon!

Gred and Forge Weasley

Harry smiled happily as he placed the letter to the side. He'd never had any real friends who had wanted to write to him before. Even if he really didn't care about what went on at the school, it was nice just to know that he'd made enough of an impression that they still wanted to remain in contact with him. Thinking over the letter, he chuckled a bit to himself realizing that he was probably the reason that the professors had been in a bad mood. He'd have to remember to write the twins back after his lessons.

As if someone had read his mind, there was suddenly a knock on his door and he looked up to see Murdoc peaking into his room. "Ah, there you are," Murdoc smiled slyly, pushing the door the rest of the way open. "Remus appears ta' be runnin' a touch late so I figured we coul' go ova' some of the things I wanna' teach yeh while we wait."

"Okay!" Harry said excitedly as he stood from his beanbag chair. He quickly grabbed a handful of books and followed the green man down the hall to a different room that Russel had helped Murdoc turn into a makeshift classroom. There was a large round table in the middle of the room with two chairs. One was for Harry and one would be for whoever the instructor was who was teaching him. There was also a few notebooks and pens as well as a few empty bookshelves to store text books among other things. There was also a shabby looking marker board hanging up on one side of the room with a few new dry erase markers and an eraser. Harry quickly sat in his seat and waited for Murdoc to do the same as he stared up at him expectantly.

"Firs' I want to make it clear tha' jus' because yeh have a wand doesn' mean yeh should limit yourself. Nowadays, wizards depend too much on the cores in their wands an' it gets 'em in trouble. If I knocked a wand outta' the hand of a modern day wizard, e'd be like a fish outta' water. I don't wan' you ter be like tha'. Yer too valuable ter be outwitted by something so stupid."

"But all of my textbooks say that you have to have a wand to cast spells," Harry pointed out with a frown. "I haven't seen anything that says otherwise yet. Though I did read in one of those history books you gave me that some schools use staffs."

Murdoc made a face that suggested he didn't care for either of those philosophies and continued. "The few times I've used magic 'round you 'ave you seen me use a wand?" he asked, watching as Harry immediately shook his head no. "Tha's because I know 'ow to sense my core. All magical beings 'ave magical cores. The problem is tha' most magical families are very… closely related. Inna' marriages an' all that rot. To keep the lines pure, they've unintentionally diluted themselves. To combat tha' they create magical items tha' contain the cores of otha' magical beings so tha' they can have an easier time focusing their magic. In your wand it's tha' phoenix feather. Your core harmonizes with it an' it amplifies yer magic like light inna' prism. Understand?"

Harry nodded, but his brows were knitted together thoughtfully. "But how can I feel my core?" he asked curiously.

"'Ave you had a chance teh practice any o' those spells yet?" Murdoc asked, narrowing his mismatched eyes at Harry. He laughed when the boy turned bright pink and nodded. "Been successful at any of 'em?"

"Yes, just one so far," Harry nodded, taking out his wand. With a jerky swish of his wand he whispered, "Lumos!" A small ball of light lit the end of Harry's wand and both the boy and the man stared at it in rapt fascination. For Harry it was because magic was still so new and delightful for him. Murdoc was just impressed that the boy had been learning on his own.

"Hold it there," the older man ordered, "Feel where tha' wand is pulling yer magic from."

Harry screwed up his face in concentration. At first, he didn't really feel anything, but slowly he felt a sort of tingle that was traveling from down his arm. He tried to follow the feeling, but it was difficult because he had never tried before.

"Cancel the spell." Murdoc said, watching as the light dimmed and Harry's shoulders relaxed. The feeling slowly went away with it. Ebony ringed emeralds locked onto the older man's gaze as the boy cocked his head to the side.

"I think… that it was coming from somewhere in my chest but I'm not sure," he said honestly, trying to wrap his head around what exactly he was trying to describe.

"Magical cores are closely tied teh souls," Murdoc supplied. "Where eva' yeh feel yer soul is, you'll most likely really be feeling yer core. Try teh do the same spell minus tha' stick."

Harry bit his lip nervously as he sat his wand on the table and held out his hand palm up. "Lumos!" Nothing happened.

"Noooo," Murdoc drawled sarcastically, "Feel for yer core. Yeh just felt it, now try to recreate tha' feeling. Try again, kid."

Harry sighed and tried closing his eyes this time. He imagined how he had felt when he'd cast the same spell moments before. He imagined the current of magic warming his chest and tingling down his arm and how he'd felt a weird sort of static enveloping him as he'd done so. "Lumos!"

His hand suddenly felt warm.

He opened his eyes and marveled at a weak glow of light that hung in the air over his hand. It wasn't very strong and it wavered a bit, but it was there. Harry was so amazed that he didn't realize they were no longer alone until a gasp escaped the new occupant causing him to lose focus as the light once again flickered out.

"Remarkable," Remus said breathlessly as his pale blue eyes sparkled in awe at the idea that someone so young could be attempting wandless magic.

"Hey, you're the man at the Leaky Cauldron that 2D was talking to!" Harry realized with a start as Remus fully entered the room. Murdoc stood, giving the man a nod of greeting before looking back to Harry.

"Keep practicing, kid. You're a natural," Murdoc smirked, showing off his pointy discolored teeth. Harry gave him a matching, though less pointy grin in response and gave a small wave of fair well as his father made to exit the room. "All yours," he mock bowed to Remus before closing the door behind him.

Remus rolled his eyes and set down a tattered briefcase on his side of the table before joining Harry in sitting down. "Hello, Harry," he greeted with a warm smile that seemed to make his eyes glow with friendliness. "My name is Remus Lupin and I have been commandeered into tutoring you everything you need to know to be on par with what would have been your fellow first years. You may call me either Remus or Moony." He held out a hand of greeting to Harry who shook it in kind.

"I'm Harry," he greeted with a boyish smile. "Pleased to meet you, Sir."

"Ah, but this is not truly the first time we've met. Though I daresay you probably wouldn't remember." At Harry's confused look, he continued to explain. "I was a close friend of your mother and father. We went to school together and your father's friendship especially meant the world to me."

Harry's smile became somewhat forced before falling away completely. "You knew my parents?" He asked quietly, looking down for a minute. "But you never came to visit me when I lived with my… relatives." He said the last word as if it was something fowl. "They never told me about them, you know; my parents. It was a sore subject for them."

Remus' expression suddenly became very serious as he reached out across the table and grabbed his hand causing the younger boy to look up in the man's suddenly misty yet fierce eyes.

"There are more things at work here than you realize, Harry. Trust me when I say that if I had known a safe way to visit you, then I would have. If I'd have known… especially what I do now then nothing would have been able to stop me from coming to you." Unknowingly, Remus' eyes had started glinting a strange yellow aura. He was currently remembering what Murdoc had told him at the Leaky Cauldron and the wolf in him was raging that someone had hurt his friend's cub. The pack mentality in him was screaming for vengeance.

In hindsight, Harry would later wonder why this look hadn't terrified him but at the time he saw Remus' words for what they were – the truth. This man's eyes held plenty of guilt and sorrow. But even more than that, he could see compassion, loyalty, and maybe even love. He couldn't help but trust this stranger's words. He could not find it in him to be angry.

"Moony… can you tell me about them?" he asked in a voice so quite that had the other man not been a werewolf he may have had to strain to hear. It was a voice that clearly showed how afraid this boy was that he would be turned down. Harry ached to know the parents that he had never once heard a good thing about. He was nearly holding his breath in anticipation.

"Oh Harry," the man said gently with reassurance in his eyes. "I'll tell you anything you want to know."

Lessons could wait. There were many tears and peels of laughter as Remus poured his heart out that afternoon and told Harry all about the antics of his best friends growing up while leaving out some of the hairier details.

Outside the door, a curious Noodle had her ear pressed against the door. When she heard the laughter and that there were no signs of her newest friend being upset anymore, she looked out and gave a thumbs up to 2D who gave her a gapped-toothed grin. Everything was going to be okay.


A/N: Hi there! Sorry about the long wait. Life can get crazy I guess lol. Stay tuned for the next chapter as Murdoc goes on a mission to convince everyone's favorite snarky potion's master to teach Harry during his free periods. Should be fuuuun. Also Russel, Noods, and 2D plan ways to get Harry to lighten up and be a kid!

Also, I realize that the Weasley Twin's letter was sort of plain, but not only do I want Harry to have friends, but also we need ways to keep in touch with what is going on in the Wizarding World. This way the story lines will continue to grow with one another as paths cross through multiple means.