3 YEARS OLD
.-.
The Dursely's were normal family. They lived on a normal street, in a normal house, with normal jobs, and a 'normal' child. They were happy to be normal. But on one Halloween, which was known for years after in the magical world, their normal life changed. That morning they found a small child on their doorstep.
Mr. Vernon Dursely was an intimidating man, but with his wife he was as soft as butter. Mrs. Petunia Dursely was a proud woman, who 'hated' her sister's side of the world, the magical one. She was also too proud to admit she still loved her sister. To proud to admit she had always wanted to be apart of the magical world. To proud to admit she was saddened at her sister's death. When Harry Potter showed up on her doorstep she was too proud to admit she would rather keep him then stick him in an orphanage. That was the reason she kept him giving the excuse the wizards may be watching, and their life had swung from the path of 'normal'.
.-.
As Harry grew up at the Dursely's he was neglected, due to the fact that no matter how Petunia liked him (which wasn't much, just enough to keep him out of an orphanage) she loved her son more and was in a way bitter towards her sister and the magical world. So Harry was neglected. He lived in the cupboard under the stairs and only let out during the day and thrown in the backyard. At the age of four he started on all the chores and cooking. Mr. Dursely thought it would shut him up and make him to tired to use his 'freakishness'. Instead it helped Harry grow. By five he could clean like any adult and even had muscles from pushing around the large vacuum and mop. He could also cook like a experienced chef. He'd also done the laundry and mending, learning sewing. He'd done the grocery shopping learning spending and prices.
He soaked everything up even better then a sponge.
When he finished his chores, which were long but easy considering he did them every day, Petunia kicked him outside. He didn't have any friends due to Dudley's bullying so he exercised, walked the three blocks to the library. At the library he would read for hours, or go on the internet. He was even allowed to take books out, given permission by Petunia, so he didn't touch any of her precious Dudleykins's things. Harry seemed to have a photographic memory, or something like it, considering he only needed to read a book once before he could repeat any fact out of it you needed to know. It was painfully obvious he was a genius, but the Dursely's didn't pay attention enough to see that, so life went on, Harry being the outcast.
Now you may think working at Gunning's Drilling company would only let Vernon make enough to live normally, but that's were you would be wrong. Though it was called a drill company it made many more things and was a world wide company, branching off into tools, architecture, construction companies, and building supply companies. And Vernon Dursely was promoted to vice president of the entire enterprise when Harry turned six, making the family quite wealthy, and making the small family move from boring little Whinging England to Tokyo Japan.
.-.
Harry sat silently in the seat of the large car. He was against one door while Petunia was in between him and Dudley. Across from him sat Vernon and driving was their new driver Makio. The large car was more of a small limo. Harry sat quietly like always. He had always been quiet, preferring to watch and listen then talk. You could learn so much if no one remembered you were there.
As the car slowed to a stop the door opened and Harry stumbled from the car as Dudley kicked him, snickering. He found himself looking up curiously at their new home as he brushed dust from his worn pants. It was large and looked like a traditional Japanese house though Harry could tell it would already be like a normal British home on the inside. Vernon had said in no uncertain terms they would not blend into Japan, they would stand proudly as British citizens.
The whole house was surrounded by a beautiful white stone wall and the driveway led through a huge metal wrought gate. The yard itself was also large. It was filled with flowers and plants. There were also paths leading around. If he looked to the side he caught a glimpse of a pavilion in the far back corner. There was even a small creek like pond that wove through the front yard and had a small bridge over it leading to the front door. To the side of the house the paved driveway led into a large garage. The house itself was a traditional Japanese style and a stained wood color. It was two stories with a small covered porch off the front and a stone path leading up to it.
There were some more beautiful houses down the street but it was easy to see this one was the most beautiful, and the largest. And it was very large for the typical Japanese home.
Harry could glanced at his 'family' and took in their expressions. Petunia liked it well enough and even Vernon seemed to like it… for how rich it looked. Dudley was still pouting about having to leave their old home, but Harry loved it. He could smell the fragrance of the flowers and hear the bustle of the wind.
"Why don't you go pick a room, Sweetie?" Petunia cooed to her boy.
"Can I have two?" The boy grumbled.
"Of course!"
"And a new game system."
"Of course you can Dudley." Vernon smiled, like he was as proud as could be.
Dudley perked up and darted inside, running as fast as he could for his large size, curiosity overriding his sulkiness. Vernon and Petunia followed gracefully, well as gracefully as a whale and a giraffe could. Harry just gazed around the yard not caring for the house. Fresh air, flowers, and nature were much more interesting and Harry knew his days would be spent outside of the house. He heard the limo driver muttering to himself, silently enough the two Dursely parents wouldn't hear, though they wouldn't understand the Japanese anyways. .
:I would never spoil my son like that.: He said in disgust. :Nor would I ignore my other son.:
:I'm not their son, I'm their nephew.: Harry said softly, correcting the man politely.
:Still I wouldn't treat my Nephew like baggage.: The man muttered.
Then his head whipped up and he starred at Harry wide-eyed. He opened his mouth a few times and Harry just blinked at him, curious as to why he was shocked.
:Is something wrong?: He inquire politely.
:When did you learn Japanese?: The man asked.
:On the plane. There was a Japanese movie.: Harry said as if it were the simplest thing in the world.
:You learned Japanese over the course of a plane ride?: The man spluttered.
Harry nodded then bowed his head to the man and walked to the house. Once inside he found his theory true; it looked like a British home inside. Harry headed for the large staircase in the front room and headed up to find himself in a hall. He heard Petunia and Vernon talking from the master room, and Dudley rudely yelling at them from two joining rooms across from them. Harry slipped past the rooms and a few other one to the rooms closest to the end of the hall. He slipped in and found himself in a lovely room.
It had bamboo flooring and creamy white walls. There was a large window straight across from the door, which let lots of light in. There was also a large closet off to the right which was almost large enough to be a walk in. On the opposite side of the room there was a small door leading to a bathroom. The bathroom was polished white and had a large white tub/shower. There was also a smalls ink and toilet. Harry nodded to himself and set off to explore the house after sticking a sticky note with the words 'Harry's room' on the door, which he pulled from his pocket.
The house was very large. There were many extra spare rooms, a dining room, a kitchen, a living room, a formal sitting room, a formal dining room, more then enough bathrooms, and a sauna room with a hot tub. There were even a few offices and a workout room. It was all very rich looking, but empty.
That's when Harry met up with his 'family' in the front hall. A man with a brief case and four other people stood in front of them.
"I'm Scott Higgins." The American with the briefcase introduced. "I'm part of the Gunning's branch here in Japan and would like to welcome you. As you can see the house is empty. The company has provided you with money to buy all the furniture and stuff you will need. These people behind me are your servants."
The first stepped forwards. She was an average sized woman with black hair in a bun and wore a kimono of sorts.
"Pleased to meet you. I am the cleaning maid Aimi." She introduced with no accent.
The second to step forwards was a tall Japanese man with brown hair in a driving suit.
"I am Nao, your second driver."
The third was another Japanese man with short black hair. He wore a plain blue outfit with an apron over top. He smiled politely.
"I'm Chuu, your chef."
"I am Takashi." The last with short brown hair and a stern face said. "I am your butler."
Vernon nodded curtly.
"We had best get shopping." He muttered. "I shall go check in at the office dear."
"I shall take you." Scott said.
"I'll go with Dudley and go pick out what he and I need. We'll meet you to go pick up furniture." Petunia nodded.
"I shall take you." Nao smiled.
"What about your nephew?" Scott asked.
"The other driver can take him." Vernon muttered. "He can get what he needs."
The servants all frowned slightly, though not noticeably to most, their eyes taking in the way Vernon looked at Harry and the distance Harry stood from his relatives.
"I shall go get everything for the kitchen." Chuu smiled.
Vernon gave an absent nod.
"I shall go with him and get the house supplies." Aimi said politely following Chuu off.
The walked off and Harry slipped past everyone unnoticeably, outside. Once out there he saw Makio handing the limo keys over to Nao. Harry walked up to him and stood beside the man who nodded the others off. When only Makio and Harry were left Harry glanced at the man.
:Are we going too?: he asked softly.
Makio jumped three feet in the air almost and clutched his heart. After he caught his breath he gave a small smile.
:Hai. I thought you were going to the washroom or something.:
Harry just stilted his head then followed the man into the garage. Vernon and Scott had taken a fancy black car while Dudley and Petunia had taken the small limo. Aimi and Chuu had taken a second small black car. Makio led Harry into the garage and Harry wasn't surprised to see a third small black car. He was surprised though, to see a red motorcycle in a corner.
:Whose is that?: He asked.
Makio looked to it.
:That would be mine. I live to far away to walk or to car pool.:
Harry nodded and climbed into the last car with Makio.
:Where do you wish to go first?: Makio asked.
:Furniture store.:
:Your uncle says he shall be getting that.:
:He won't for me:
Makio glanced at Harry before pulling out of the driveway in silence. Once at the right store Makio helped Harry pick out some furniture. Then Makio took him to a large mall and they picked out other things for his room. Harry wasn't going to pick out much saying his uncle would be unhappy if he spent too much of his money but Makio told him the company was paying for it all so Harry accepted what Makio pointed out, mostly.
When they met the others for dinner at a sushi bar Harry sat a few seats down munching happily on the sushi, which he had immediately liked. Dudley was making a large fuss about their being no candy while Petunia tried to sooth him and Vernon just sat eating and talking to Scott who had joined them, seems he was their financial manager along with being the Vernon's secretary.
When the family arrived back at home the helpers and movers had already moved everything in including their luggage. Harry immediately vanished into his room and locked it, grateful he had a lock. He gazed around smiling softly. His room now looked complete. At the one end of the room, under the window was a small wooden platform that looked like a T as his bed branched off. It was more of a futon then a bed though. It was a thick soft pad covered in a feather down white blanket with a small soft pillow. The platform was mahogany. At each corner, on either side of the bed, on the platform, where two tall cherry red shelves with a few scattered books on them.
His closet now held both British and Japanese clothes, one formal set and a few informal. By the closet was a mahogany desk complete with chair, laptop, writing things, paper, and a lamp. Across from his desk by the bathroom door was a large piano. Harry had always loved listening to them and when given the chance he had bought it. In his room was also a small stereo set with a rack of new CD's. His new window also had soft red curtains pushed to the sides. He even had a few wall hanging scrolls with traditional Japanese ink pictures. His bathroom was also now finished with towels, toothbrush, hygiene items, bath supplies, and even a picture of a green dragon. Since dinner had already been eaten Harry just moved to his book case, pulled off a random book and started to read.
.-.
Harry got up early the next morning, blinking himself awake before he had he had a cleansing shower and dressed in casual clothes, feeling delighted to actually have his own room and bathroom. He'd stayed in the cupboard before.
Afterwards he quickly hurried down the halls, silently, heading for the kitchen. When he slid in he blinked at Chuu who blinked back at him, both surprised at the presence of the other.
"You wish for breakfast?" the man asked smiling as his eyes glance to the clock.
'Six o'clock, on a Sunday morning. Aren't kids supposed to sleep late?' the man wondered. Harry frowned. He had never had anyone cook for him.
"I'll make my own."
He didn't want to offend the man and had said the words as politely as he could, but the man looked at him oddly. The cook eyed him a moment before giving a nod and staying leaned against the counter reading his book, like he had been before, waiting for the others to wake and ask for food.
He had no doubt the kid would soon have a mess made and be asking for help. He could only stare in shock as the boy cooked an omelette and some sausages, perfectly. The kid was six freaking years old! He shouldn't know how to cook that well. When the kid was done he divided everything onto two plates and grabbed one before walking up to Chuu and holding it out for him. Chuu, still slightly shocked from the cooking skills he had seen and from the boy offering him, a servant, food, accepted it numbly. As the child plopped down on the floor and leaned against a cupboard Chuu shook his head and slowly dug in. His eyes watered as he took a bite. 'Delicious.' He said to himself.
"Young master, how much can you cook?"
Harry looked thoughtful.
"Any British meal." He said calmly.
The man blinked rapidly.
"Would you like to learn how to cook Japanese food?"
The boy's eyes seemed to light up as he tentatively nodded, cheeks dusted with a timid pink.
For about three hours the two cooked, silently but enjoying themselves all the same. The one thing with Harry was he never did the same thing wrong twice, so by the time Aimi announced the three Dursely's would like breakfast Harry had mastered a lot of cooking. Then he and Chuu packed it up and sent it with Aimi to give to a charity or something since they couldn't eat it all and the Dursely's had announced they wanted all their meals English.
Harry helped Chuu cook, showing him the tricks to make the meals like the Dursely's liked. He then joined the Dursely's at the table only out of manner, only eating a tiny bit. When the food was gone Vernon cleared his throat.
"We have enrolled you both in a school." He said calmly.
Harry looked up, interested. School…He had been entering grade one in Britain.
"It's called Ouran Elementary."
Harry's eyes flashed with recognition. He had read online about all the schools in the city so he had an idea of what to expect.
"You start tomorrow."
Dudley whined a moment but Harry gave a slow nod.
"Your uniforms are in your rooms, the servant girl put them there."
They nodded again, then Vernon turned to Harry scowling.
"You boy, can leave when ever you want, go anywhere, use the car, whatever, just stay out our way. I don't want to see you. Actually I would even prefer it if you didn't eat with us anymore."
Harry gave a cut nod and stood up straight, bowed his head and left the room. As he left he ran into the five servants Aimi, Chuu, Nao, Takashi, and Makio. They were half starring at him. He sent a small smile and moved to Makio.
"Can you take me shopping? I need school supplies."
The man shook himself from his stupor and gave a slow nod.
:How can you take that calmly. Your uncle pretty much says he hates you.:
The others seemed shocked when Harry replied in Japanese, his grasp of the language almost flawless. They were also shocked by his answer. Not just shocked but saddened and angry.
:I already knew.:
Makio was silent as he led Harry off to one of the smaller black cars and they headed into town to get the supplies.
.-.
The next day when Harry woke he quickly had a shower, scrubbing as best as he could as to look his best. When he emerged from the shower he tied his long wavy black hair in a ponytail. He liked it better long where the flaring mess could weigh itself down. His aunt and uncle despised his long hair as it wasn't 'proper' or 'normal', but had let him keep it long after it had grown back one night after they'd shaved him. He polished his glasses, small wire rectangular ones he'd gotten the day before, before pushing them up his nose. He then pulled on the white shorts and the white t-shirt with the baby blue coat over top; his uniform. He grabbed his black shoulder bag from his desk top and stuffed supplies and books in it.
When he had his bag packed, his smart white sneakers on, and his image fairly fine he walked downstairs to the kitchen. He met Chuu with a wave and started on his own breakfast. When he was done he quickly ate and turned to Chuu who had called his name. The man held out a small lunch container. Harry opened it and smiled as he recognized it as a bento. He tucked it into his bag happily and waved to Chuu before heading back into the hall. He found Makio standing near the front door, as if waiting for him. As he walked up to the man the man stuck some money in his hand.
:Mr. Dursely has given you money for lunch. He said you shall get the same everyday, no more, no less.:
Harry looked at the Japanese money and saw that it was a fair amount, which was more then he'd ever gotten then them before. In fact they'd never given him money. But then again they probably gave it to him for the same reason he was getting to go to such a prestigious school with Dudley; he now reflected on them. On Private drive the neighbours had ignored him like his relatives, but here the company knew of him and would see him more often. The Durselys also had to worry about the servants as witnesses. They would be 'kinder' to him now.
Harry nodded to Makio and put the money in his pocket.
:Mr. Dudley gets the same deal though he has about three times as much.: Makio muttered.
Harry shrugged. Dudley also ate three times as much as him.
:Do you mind if I use Japanese around you young master?:
Harry shrugged his assent and then frowned thoughtfully.
:Why do you call me young master and not Dudley or Uncle Vernon?:
:Until they correct me I shall only show you respect. But I doubt they will notice.:
Harry nodded absently then smiled and looked back up as Makio.
:When does school start?:
"Eight thirty sharp.:
:And what time is it now?:
:Seven thirty.:
:Will the school be open?:
:Most likely.:
Harry smiled and followed Makio as the man saw he wished to go already.
As they arrived at the school Harry raised a brow. The entire place looked very rich. Makio dropped him off at the front entrance and wished him a good luck, watching as Harry walked into the school. Harry knew he would have to stop at the Principle's office first so he headed past the high school area and into a separate building. As he entered he was almost blinded by the light and decoration. He winced and made his way up to a large polished desk. A secretary sat behind it. She took one look at him, got hearts in her eyes, and reached over the desk to scoop him into a strangling hug.
:Kawaii!: She cried.
He tensed at the contact but couldn't escape until she dropped him. He was glad to notice she spoke in English after seeing his looks.
"What do you need cutie?" She asked happily.
"I'm Harry Potter, I was enrolled in here by my uncle."
She tapped some keys then he heard a 'bing' as the printer spit out two sheets. She handed it to him smiling.
"I'm sure you can get someone to show you around."
Harry nodded and bowed his head before quickly leaving the office. Once outside he looked at the two sheets. One had a map, and on the back a list of clubs. The second had his classroom number, the area it was in the school, his locker number, and a note to his teacher. Harry decided he had enough time, and set off to explore, hopefully the library first. Almost a full hour later, Harry stood outside his new classroom. Dudley was by his side. They had met up when Harry had put all his books, from the library, in his new locker lining the hall. Dudley of course had been escorted by Petunia for his first day.
As he heard the teacher asking for his class to be quite he also heard the teacher talk about two new students. That was when the door was opened and Dudley and Harry were motioned in. Dudley of course pushed past Harry and entered first. As Harry entered he found the room as nice as everything else in the school, with round tables, comfy chairs, toys, carpets, books, and lots of other rich things. It looked like a regular first grade classroom but ten times as expensive. The teacher smiled at them as they both handed him their papers.
"Class, we have two new students from Britain. They're new to Japan so please speak English for their benefit, and for your own practice. Now will you two please introduce yourselves and tell us a bit about yourselves?"
Dudley stepped forward head held high.
"I'm Dudley Dursely, I like video games and candy."
Everyone nodded and smiled politely at him, much more refined then normal students at their age. It just went to show that this school was better at etiquette. The teacher pointed to a chair and Dudley went and sat down. Harry stepped forwards smiling softly.
:Hello, I'm Potter Harry. I like books and math. I hope to get to learn about the many cultures of the world.:
The teacher seemed surprised at the child's knowledge of the language while the other students seemed glad he knew it so they wouldn't have to use their English lessons. Dudley looked jealous and angry at the same time and didn't smile or nod with the class. Harry moved and sat beside a kid with black hair and blue eyes, covered by glasses.
:I'm Ootori Kyoya, it's a pleasure to meet you Potter Harry.:
:Pleasures mine.: Harry said smirking faintly.
The boy just oozed intelligence, power, and cunning, even though he looked only six.
:I think we're going to be friends Harry.: The boy said with a snake like smirk.
It was true too. From that day on Harry would become best friends with Kyoya, much to Dudley's disgust. Harry had a great first day, though he surprised his friend with his bento since most kids bought lunch proving they could afford it. He also shocked his friend with his knowledge. The second day after he arrived he met Kyoya and they chatted before a teacher led Harry from the room and took him to another room with a teacher, a table, and a bunch of books and paper. Harry learned Kyoya had told the teacher and his own father how smart Harry was and they gave him a placement test. The teacher gave him a bunch of tests like math, socials, science, reading, and such. It lasted almost all the school day. He was told he may be placed in a different class depending on the test results.
When he arrived at school the third day the principle, a couple teachers, and a few other important people met with him. A reporter even took his picture. They all shook his hands and smiled kindly as they looked fairly excited saying how they would all love to back such a brilliant child. It was then Harry learned he was past an Elementary school level and in the beginning a high school one. The men he met with were board governors who had authorized his class switch. They said he would be getting into all his classes for free of course and would even get a discount on his books. He would make the school look good and they rewarded him for it.
It was then Harry was thrown into a grade eight class. The grade eights of course were miffed at having a six year old as smart then them, but they got over it.
Harry still visited the library and Kyoya when ever possible. Harry didn't let his higher intelligence put a rift between him and his first friend. He had even visited Kyoya's place a few times. Kyoya's father had been interested to say the least when he met Harry. The man had calmly inserted an advanced question into the first conversation and when Harry had given his opinion on how to solve the question the man had been delighted. He'd later learned the man had been mulling over how to answer the question himself as it had to do with a business transaction. He'd immediately become liked by the man and earned his trust. That earned him respect in Kyoya's book and he made a friend of a powerful political man.
This went on for years. Harry would go to school, in a much more advanced class, and take every available class. He and Kyoya became even closer friends. They became tight as tight and trusted one another in everything. Kyoya would reveal every plan he had, nice and not, and Harry would give his opinion or tell Kyoya the technical things you learned in his grade. The friendship between the two thrived and Harry himself thrived from it. Harry was finally starting to see the world in a brighter light.
Harry had become much more open in the last few years and was more confident in himself and his talents. But he hadn't ever flaunted his skills. He'd worked hard to prove he earned them, reading most of the public and school library. Not just that, he'd taken the time to listen to everyone who talked to him. He'd met with Kyoya's father quite a few times and had some advanced conversations with the man. He'd also met many of the school board, and many people who had children in the prestigious Ouran. His reputation as a 'genius' had gained him much attention from high up and influential people. But he never ignored the less important people.
Makio looked at him like a son, and was never shy of saying so. He taught him much, which was quite lot, like mechanics, tricks for driving, shortcuts in the crowded city, how to be perfectly on time, and how to act polite though you may hate a person. Aimi taught him cleaning tricks and things like knitting, sewing, gardening, and such. She'd even taught him how to be a perfect house wife which she'd thought was as amusing as hell. Nao taught him all the driving laws and all about how a car worked even though he couldn't drive yet. Chuu taught him every cooking secret he knew, which was more then a enough, and how to serve like a high class waiter. Takashi had taught him how to properly greet people above and below his station, how to keep his perfect posture for long periods of time, and how to dress properly for any event
He'd soaked up every skill in life like it was water and he was a dehydrated man. He'd been named a professional cook when he'd won a competition and a test. He'd graduated with an honours in mechanics (though he'd had to take it through correspondence as there was no such class at the prime and proper Ouran). He'd learned how to be a waiter, a house wife, a quilter, a butler, a maid, a student, a friends, an acquaintance, an advisor. He'd learned politics, he'd learned manipulating, he'd learned cunningness, he'd learned kindness, he'd learned everything he would ever need.
He'd even had time in between to become a prodigy of music. The music teachers of Ouran had cried over his skills, bowing to him like god when they'd learned he had a talent with picking up any instrument and mastering it with in a year. Painting had been the same. Languages he'd been even better at.
On top of that he had been to many different countries. You could tell if you looked at his bedroom, which held items from all over the world. His uncle, being the vice president of Gunning's, and soon to be the next president of it, travelled a lot to learn how to manage every branch around the world. They had to bring Harry most of the time, mostly just for show as the company president knew of his existence and was quite taken with him. So Harry visited the world.
While visiting the world he had learned many things such as religions up close, history, languages. Languages he'd pick up within a day of staying somewhere and just listening. Even some dead languages, which he learned when he had been taken on a tour of a few universities in various places. He'd sat down with some of the very few people alive to learn such languages. He could also write and read in all those languages.
The strangest one had to be snake language. He had learned that one in India when he had been exploring the jungle. He knew it wasn't normal to be able to talk snake so he didn't mention it to anyone, though he did have a snake in his room; Yukina a large red Boa.
That brought on the subject of magic. He had learned of magic while in Russia. He had seen someone using it. When he had asked the person about it they had been shocked he had seen, saying they had anti-muggle wards around the area. Harry had manipulated the man into telling him everything and even showing him the entrance to a large area of just magical folk, called Flurry alley. Once in there it was like a dream come true. He had brought money with him and bought everything he could afford, which was quite a bit. His uncle had grudgingly given him an allowance after Harry black mailed him, thought it wasn't as large as Dudley's, but was still a lot since his uncle had more then enough money.
Once he had learned of magic he had started to practice like mad. He had soon learned he was good at magic, much better then any other wizard. The wandless magic was the first clue. That he could also do pretty much anything with it was another thing.
Another main point in Harry's life was when Kyoya had been called off by his father one day and told Harry to wait for him. Harry had then met the Ootori police force, when he had caught one looking after him. He had started to converse with the man and after some 'persuasion' the man had shown him his gun and even how to take it apart. When Harry had requested it, the bodyguard had smirked, taken the gun apart and given Harry the chance to put it back together. When Harry had it back together under five minutes the man had called a spare to watch him and ran off.
It was later that same day when Kyoya's father and the head of the security/bodyguard force took him off to talk to him. Once the security head learned how smart he was and how well he learned he offered to teach him how to fight. Kyoya's father had even offered to pay extra for the man's time, looking quite interested to see how Harry took to such lessons. Harry had immediacy accepted and started training with the police force, secretly of course. His life had played out from there.
.-. FIVE YEARS LATER .-.
An eleven year old Harry sighed as he pulled his fingers from the key board of his piano. He stood and moved to his door, the source of his interruption was the knocking coming from it. The sight of calm Kyoya met him. The boy smirked and stepped in his room. Harry smirked back at him. He knew no one would bother them since Harry had cast some wards around his room that made people suddenly remember something they had to hurry to do, before they could even touch his doorknob, unless they had magical abilities, like Kyoya. Harry had learned Kyoya knew of the wizarding world only half a year after he had learned of it. Seems his father was a pureblood wizard, same with his mother, and they had influence in the wizarding world.
:Happy birthday.: The boy said suddenly pulling Harry from his thoughts.
Harry grinned widely and Kyoya held out a box. Harry took it curiously and opened it to find a small black snake looking up at him.
'What a sssilly looking human.' It hissed.
'I'm not sssilly looking!' he said indignantly.
'…It ssspeaksss!'
'Yesss, yesss I do.'
The snake grumbled something.
'Are you my new massster?'
'I guessss.'
'Hmph. I'm Kai.'
'Are you magical?'
'I guessss… if you count the ability to inject deadly poisssonsss into people.'
'More then one poissson?'
A nod. Harry smirked and allowed the snake to climb from the box and weave around his wrist like a bracelet.
:Thanks, I love him.: Harry said.
Kyoya just smirked and rolled his eyes as he nodded. Then he pulled out another bag. Harry peered in and grinned. Sitting inside was a beautiful set of daggers and knives along with a thick book.
:The book is from Father, the weapons are from Security at our house.: Kyoya said.
:Tell them thanks.:
The boy nodded. Harry moved and set his knifes, in their case, on some small shelves above his desk below his swords, his guns, and his staff. He slid the book on one of his shelves, the magical one since it was a magical book. His friend started to gaze around his room again. Most did that, well Kyoya did that since he was the only one to ever enter Harry's rooms. He grinned at his friend who studied a picture of a beautiful Indian woman who wore a traditional dancer outfit. She had even signed it for Harry. Hanging from the pin holding the picture up was one of her bell bracelets.
Harry sat back down on his piano bench and grabbed the stack of letters that had been dropped next to him earlier by various creatures. He flipped through them as Kyoya came and sat beside him looking over his shoulder at the letters.
:You got many invitations to different magical schools.: He remarked.
:How many did you get?:
Kyoya smirked.
:Four.:
:Ha! I got thirteen.:
:Where from?:
:Outback in Australia, Drumstrang in Bulgaria, that Chinese school, an American school, a school in India, Salem in Germany, Beauxton in France, Rasputin in Russia, Sirens in Iceland, Territories in Canada, WitchDoctor in Africa, Hogwarts in England, and even Shikon here in Japan.:
Kyoya whistled.
:I didn't know you where that popular.:
:I'm known in almost every magical community, and most magical schools check your muggle grades before they accept you. With my grades they'll be bowing down before me. Besides that my power levels are sky high and most schools would send out a scout to look at potential school. And with me surviving the killing curse as a child I'm a god to the magical world.:
He went of with some maniacal laughter making Kyoya shake his head.
:And that's only the magical schools:
Kyoya raised an eyebrow.
:I also have letters from various transfiguration, charm, potion, Dark arts, DADA, and other such masters offering apprenticeships. Then there are the colleges. You know I'm now beyond a high school education and the muggle colleges are begging me to join them. One owner even offered me his twenty year old daughter's hand in marriage if I went.:
Kyoya gave a chuckle.
:So what is your plan? And what schools are you going to?:
Harry smirked and pulled out a few invitations from the magical schools.
:I will not go to Drumstrang; their classes though appealing are limited. I won't go to Beauxton; it isn't one of the top schools. That Chinese school is one of the lower grade schools, not offering enough choice. I will not go into the German school; they still carry those Nazi ideas. I won't go to the India school; I've been to India enough that I have already master most of their magic. Rasputin is a bit dark and evil even for my taste. Sirens, while very, very appealing, doesn't teach enough human magic as it focuses more on magical creatures. Territories in Canada while very loose in rules focuses to much on magical theory and history and the spells they do are not my style. WitchDoctor in Africa, while very appealing for aspiring healers, is not what I want. An apprentice ship will only tie me down, so I will not accept those. That leaves Hogwarts, Shikon, Outback in Australia, and the American school. I probably won't go to the American one since it isn't even popular enough that I know its name:
Kyoya smirked; Harry remembered everything, so it wasn't it wasn't popular, it was he didn't want to go.
:In the end my choices are Hogwarts, Shikon, Outback, and regular colleges or university's.:
Kyoya nodded
:I believe for the first year at least I shall go to Shikon, as they teach both magic and muggle lessons, along with other things.:
Kyoya nodded at the logic.
:During the summers I shall go to Outback since they hold summer school, one of the few schools that do.:
Kyoya smirked at the plan.
:If by the end of the year I have mastered the stuff at Shikon I shall go to Hogwarts. Hogwarts, while a very, very limited school with stupid restrictions and rules and guided by the ministry, was where my parents went and I do owe them to see it. Though I hope to also use my weekends well, since we get those off almost everywhere, I hope to attend some University classes or get tutors, which I can easily do since I have so many scholar ships it's not even funny.:
Kyoya nodded absently knowing what he thought on Hogwart's curriculum.
:At least you don' have to worry about money.: Kyoya said.
The two had long ago started a business. With Kyoya's father checking their work they had started a hotel and restaurant chain. Kyoya's father had said it was to prove himself (for Kyoya) and Harry had just joined in on the 'fun'. Harry of course had done the restaurant part, designing the interior places, the foods cooked and everything else. And Kyoya had done the same but for the hotels. Where ever you found one of the hotels you found one of the restaurants. Kyoya's father had gave them a 'loan' to fund it. It had been a hit, and in the last four years it had flourished. Harry being the youngest master chef pretty much ever also helped its reputation.
Harry grabbed all the letters and moved to his desk writing a reply to each of them telling those he would join of his plans, mostly. When he had them all done he moved to the beautiful snowy owl sitting on his window sill.
"How are you Hedwig?" He cooed.
He had bought her in Diagon alley when they had gone to Britain once. She nipped his fingers affectionately. He tied all the personal apprenticing offers to her leg and knew she would understand. She took off in a flurry of feathers. Then Harry whistled out his opened window. There was a caw before a pure black bird that looked like a raven landed on his window sill. It wasn't an ordinary raven though. This raven could control wind, kind of like a phoenix could control fire. Also its eyes were silver and its feathers were all tipped in silver and red. The raven nuzzled him as he tied his other replies on his foot. The raven gave a caw and vanished in a miniature tornado.
:You have to tell me where you found him. They are rare, are they not?: Kyoya asked.
:Yes, they are rare. I found him injured in Rome when we stopped there.:
Kyoya nodded. Harry returned to his desk and quickly labelled the other muggle school letters. Then he grabbed his black coat and pulled it on over his emerald T-shirt. Then he grabbed his muggle letters.
:I have to give these to Aimi to take to the post office. So where are we going?:
Kyoya smirked again.
:I've planned dinner at your restaurant then there's that new movie you wished to see in the theatre.:
:Ooh! Batman, here we come!:
Kyoya shook his head at Harry's antics and led his friend from the room.
.-.
The next day Harry grabbed the letters from the returned Hedwig and his raven Czar. Shikon and Outback accepted his plans readily, happy to just have him coming at all, and ready to do anything to keep him. Ouran University had already said yes to allowing him to come on weekends to learn; he would have tutors. All of the teachers in Ouran knew of magic since many who came had magic and they arranged classes to work around the children sent to magic schools. The only school who hadn't accepted his plans was Hogwarts. He scowled as he read over the letter.
Dear Mr. Potter,
I'm saddened you will not be joining us for the first year. I believe you would have loved Hogwarts. Your parents would have been disappointed to learn you weren't coming. James and Lily loved Hogwarts very much. And as for your plans for the summers they sound wonderful, but there are wards, blood wards to be specific (powered by your mother's love), that will protect you at your relatives. With the Dark Lord's supporters still running around you'd be safer at home. Hogwarts is a wonderful place, and one of the best schools with some of the best protections.
I shall send a professor to guide you to Diagon alley should you change your mind on coming to Hogwarts.
Signed Albus Dumbledore (Insert titles here)
Harry snorted at the ward comments. Even he was smart enough to know blood wards were powered by the feelings of the people who accepted Harry as their family. For one his relatives hated him and for another they didn't accept him. Then his eyes narrowed more as he looked the letter over. It was spelled so the person who read and touched it (of whom it was addressed to) would feel the letter spoke absolute truth and that the writer could be trusted. A compulsion charm. A subtle, but strong one.
He snarled and burned the letter. Then he quickly wrote a reply.
Dear Mr. Dumbledore,
Your concerns are noted, but as you are just a school headmaster to me, a stranger really, I will have to ignore them. And I think my parents would have wanted me to follow my own path. I believe they would be proud of me now. And I will not give up the chance to get a muggle education in the summer just because of your 'concerns'.
As we do not know one another, if you contact me before I come for my second year (if I come) I will charge you on stalking.
Signed Harry Potter
Harry nodded to himself as he read the letter. Then he grinned and cast a small prank spell on it. He moved back to Czar and handed the letter to him.
"Take it to Dumbledore. Oh, and when leaving make some kind of ruckus."
The raven gave a caw before vanishing in a flurry of wind. Harry smirked happily then set off to find his potion supplies.
.-.
Dumbledore was sitting in his desk self assured he would get a reply from Harry soon, saying he would cancel his plans and come train here. The boy was obviously aware of magic, but he couldn't be aware enough to break the compulsion spells. He also did not understand though, why the boy even knew of the other magical schools he'd revealed in his last letter. Dumbledore had made sure to place spells around Harry and his family to stop any owls sent to him but those Dumbledore allowed. Dumbledore had no idea that those spells had been broken when Harry had entered Kyoya Ootori's property for the first time, the Ootori's wards wiping him clean of all foreign spells.
When a raven appeared in a burst of wind Dumbledore smiled to himself. Such a rare creature, perhaps he could claim it as his own at some point.
The bird held out a letter and Dumbledore took it. He opened it smiling still but as he read his smile vanished and his eyes stopped twinkling.
When he had finished reading it, it suddenly folded, bit his hand, then fell flat on his desk. He blinked slightly startled as he gripped his slightly bleeding hand. Suddenly there was a loud caw and his attention was drawn by the Thor raven. It hovered in the air a moment before flapping its wings furiously. Miniature tornados sped through the room tearing it up. Dumbledore himself was blown back and against the ground. When the wind died down, the raven was gone. The letter Harry had sent was also gone but Dumbledore wouldn't notice as he started to clean up and curse. He also wouldn't notice his hair had been died bright green till a giggling Flitwick pointed it out hours later.
.-.
Harry laughed as he retrieved the letter Czar had brought back. It was so easy to see what had happened to Dumbledore, it had helped though that Czar could send Harry mental pictures.
Then he took the bloody paper and tossed it in a potion he was brewing. He laughed evilly as he did so. He brewed for another three hours before he bottled up about ten bottles of the potion before cleaning up. He cast preservation spells on the bottles then set them in his magical cupboard which was actually a hidden safe behind one of his large posters. It was charmed magically and made by a muggle so it was almost fool proof to break into.
Once finished he grabbed his shoulder bag and headed off to Ouran. He had started his college/university training since he still had a month till he started at Shikon and he was going to use it wisely. (He got the letters on his eleventh birthday).
.-.
As the first of September rolled around Harry had already packed everything in his room, into a nice duffle-bag (Trunks were so out-rated) which had a spell cast on it to make the space in side much larger. His once decorated room looked awfully empty. Harry zipped his black coat up, slipped his sneakers on, and threw the bag of his shoulder.
He walked from the room to the front door. He saw the four servants standing there with Kyoya. He snorted as he didn't see his 'relatives'. They had made it awfully clear they didn't care what he did as long as they weren't associated with it. It was only under his 'threats' that he would even be allowed to return when he needed.
As he hugged Aimi goodbye and shook hands with Nao, Chuu, Takashi, and Makio, Kyoya just watched. When he had exchanged goodbyes with the five they each handed him a gift. There was a lovely hand painted ink drawing for Harry made by Aimi, a cookbook made by Chuu himself, a formal suit from Takashi, and a pair of keys to a motorcycle from Makio and Nao (of course only after he promised not to drive it till he was sixteen). Then he walked with Kyoya out the door.
They stood in the front yard in silence a moment
:Well since I'm pretty much busy for the next few years I guess we should say goodbye now.: He said awkwardly.
Kyoya sighed.
:Yes, I guess.:
:I'll write.:
:E-mail.:
:That's what I meant.:
More silence.
:You're getting a private magical tutor right?:
Kyoya nodded
:My father says I must learn to control my magic but I will mostly be staying in the muggle world, like my brothers.:
Harry nodded.
:Visit if you get the chance.: Kyoya said squeezing his shoulder slightly.
Harry nodded solemnly. At that moment there was a roar. The two looked up in time to see a large sabre-tooth cat with two tails, and fire around her paws diving at them. As it landed in front of them they saw a woman with long raven locks, and bright blue eyes land in front of them. She slipped off the cat and trotted up to them. Now that she was off the cat they saw she wore a traditional miko outfit and had a bow on her back and a sword at her waist. She smiled politely.
:Hello, I'm Kagome, the miko professor at Shikon.:
They both raised their brows.
:And this is Kirara.:
The cat roared hello. They could sense the notice me not charms on both of the two. They had learned of demons a while back along with monks and mikos. Demons were rare but still alive though they stayed in Japan by law, considered the darkest of magical creatures in most other countries. Harry had already known that Shikon accepted magical humans, demons, spiritually powerful humans, and immortals, like this woman in front of them.
:Would you be Harry?: She asked Kyoya.
Kyoya pointed to Harry and she smiled at him.
:Ready to go?:
He nodded and shifted his bag. Yukina was wrapped around his waist and chest, her head resting on his shoulder, while Kai was wrapped around his wrist. Hedwig was circling above them with Czar.
:Then we had best head off.:
Harry nodded and followed the woman to the cat. As he slid on he glanced back at Kyoya and grinned waving. The boy waved back then the cat leapt up, flying, into the sky, the two birds following.
.-.
Shikon was a wonderful place. It was in a large traditional castle which was once the castle of the west, now the school. Harry, while there met many interesting people like monks, mikos, demons, and half demons. Some didn't get along but tolerated one another. The teachers included Sesshomaru, lord of the west who taught sword fighting, how to use a whip, politics, and laws. Inuyasha who taught hand to hand fighting and he taught half demons to control their demon blood. Kagome taught the mikos along with the undead Kikyo who taught archery.
Then there was Miroku who taught the monks and priests and how to use the staff. Sango taught things ranging from poisons to how to make weapons from bones. Shippo taught people transfiguration and charms, and the shape-shifting demons. Kouga taught potions and history he also did exercise training. Ginta and Hakkaku taught DADA and other things like tracking and camping. Ayame taught assassination with guns and other weapons. Jaken taught all elementists along with Kagura. Rin taught ancient runes and arithmacy along with things like flower arranging if anyone wanted them. Naraku taught tactics and strategies and how to make demonic barriers. Kanna taught muggle university subjects like science, math, and English. Hakudoushi taught riding, advanced tracking, hunting, and Care of Magical Creatures. Kohaku taught how to throw knives, how to wield scythes, and acrobatics to add into fighting styles.
All of them had lived together in the feudal era and actually fought for years until they solved their differences, some gained immortality, and then they got caught up in the demon wars (where most demons were wiped out along with the monks, priests, and mikos as they fought). Then they all opened the school. The school was sort of picky though. It did accept any demons, half-demon, and spiritual humans without pause and killed them if they turned evil, but were pickier about wizards and witches. So there were only a few students, probably only around two hundred (including all the spiritual humans and all the demons), unlike Hogwarts which had to have at least eight hundred.
It went well though and Harry learned as much as he could from them. On the weekends or when he had lessons in Ouran University he would just teleport there. He had learned to teleport long ago, or Fading as he called it. It wasn't apparation since he could go through any anti-apparation ward. He could just blink out of existence and reappear somewhere else. His magic was odd like that, allowing him to do almost anything. He barely needed the magic training but enjoyed it all anyways.
.-. A YEAR LATER .-.
A figure in a large black cloak slipped into the store and ignoring the stares grabbed the things he needed then quickly paid and walked from the store. He slipped into an alley and looked around. Then the figure vanished in the blink of an eye. The person reappeared in a large hall in a traditional looking castle. He grinned at the man who was sitting at a table. The man looked up showing molten gold eyes.
:Is it done?:
:Yes Sesshomaru.:
The figure gave a grin and dropped a box of pocky in front of him. The man gave the brief hint of a nod. The figure's mission was done.
:Good job Potter.:
:Can't you just call me Harry, like everyone else?:
:...No:
The person, known as Harry Potter, sighed and gave a mock salute to Sesshomaru as the man opened the box of pocky.
:Well I'm off to pack. Then I'm of to Diagon Alley.:
:…Hn.:
Harry rolled his eyes at the response, or lack of. Harry turned on his heel and headed to his quarters. He entered to find everything packed. Of course it would be though since he had packed it before his mission. He hadn't actually been at Shikon at all this summer. He had been at Outback. The school had been good but he had learned almost everything he need in terms of magic so he just stayed at Outback to learn the odd things it could teach. Then he had returned to Shikon for an assassination job before he planned to head off to his next school.
He pulled the duffle bag on his shoulder and allowed his two snakes to wrap around him. Hedwig and Czar had already headed for the leaky cauldron. He decided to walk to the courtyard before he Faded out. He said goodbye to various people as he passed them, pausing once in a while to give a formal goodbye or a quick bow or handshake.
When he finally reached the courtyard he met with Kagome. She gave him a hug and smiled, saying he was welcome back any time. He was touched by the kindness she always had in her eyes and the offer itself. He murmured his thanks one last time and bowed to her as he Faded to an alley he knew in London. It wasn't far from the Leaky Cauldron so he walked instead of catching a cab.
When he reached the pub, he entered quickly, eyeing the place with a mixture of distaste and interest. It was interesting enough but it looked shabby. He walked up to the bar counter, skirting around the few customers and called out to the bar keeper.
"I'd like a room." He said politely.
The man nodded and pulled a key from under the counter with a welcoming smile. He handed it to Harry as Harry paid him with the spare galleons in his pocket. Luckily he had thought to convert a few a week ago. Magical Japan used the same currency as muggle Japan. Same with most countries.
"I'm Tom, call me if you need anything."
"Thank you Mr. Tom. Call me Harry."
Harry didn't give the time to check for a scar as he grabbed the key and headed up the stairs. He read the key chain number then headed for room thirteen. He opened it to see a plain room with a four poster bed, a dresser, a mirror, and a connecting bathroom. He snorted at the lack of decoration and dropped his bag onto his bed. Then he pulled out a small bank card. He had long ago learned of his money here in Gringots and had since used them as his main bank accounts. No matter how rude the goblins were they were very intelligent and very good bankers. Though the rest of magical Britain was behind in times and quite restricted, Gringotts was still the top magical bank of the world.
The bank card he held in his hands worked in both the magical and muggle world pulling out any money he needed automatically; pulling the galleons straight from his account and pulling the muggle money from a special account that would tally who used what with the cards. He slid the card in his pocket and told Yukina to stay in the room since she would draw to much attention (He had a notice-me-not charm on her before but it made her itch she said). The big red boa hissed almost sadly but complied. Kai would act like a necklace as the snake was around his neck and small enough to do so.
Harry then changed quickly into a pair of smart black slacks, an emerald button up shirt which wasn't tucked in and had the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Then he pulled his long hair, which fell to the middle of his back, into a low ponytail. Kai, who was like a living necklace, was visible as his shirt was unbuttoned a few buttons at the top. He grinned at his look then headed out of the Leaky Cauldron earning a few looks. He stepped into the over busy streets of Diagon Alley and set off to get his shopping done. He had to buy robes (he hadn't worn them before), some books, a wand, and maybe some …unique trinkets from Knockturn Alley. Getting robes was uneventful. The others though, were a bit more interesting.
Harry stepped into the wand shop and heard a bell tingle from above. An old man with grey hair and large glasses popped up from behind a desk and looked at Harry smiling mysteriously.
"Ah Mr. Potter, I have been expecting you."
Harry nodded not at all surprised the man knew him. Wandmakers and other magical-foci makers were all an odd bunch, being much closer to magic then almost all others. The man started to ramble about wands of his parents and Voldemort's. Then he started to get Harry to try wands. Most where unsuccessful, either doing nothing, breaking something, bursting into flames, or exploding. The man just seemed to get even more excited. He did look slightly disappointed when Harry didn't receive a Holly and Phoenix feather wand though. But they moved on. Finally the man brought out an old looking wand looking ready to hyperventilate from the excitement. When Harry grabbed it he felt a rush and silver sparks shot from the wand.
"11 ½ inches, Black Lotus wood, core is scale from a snake demon, one of the most cunning of demons, and it was mixed with liquid silver that was spelled by a warrior monk. A very, very powerful wand. One of the most powerful I ever created."
Harry was slightly surprised but looked the wand over in a new light. It was a black color with what looked like ribbons of silvers mixing in and out randomly, small glittering pieces of gold dust sprinkling the silver. The handle itself was comfortable wood but had silver inscribed runes. It felt right in his grip and he fingered it a long moment before he paid the man and left quickly.
Seeing a line at the book store he slipped into Knockturn alley first. He spent a good amount of time just wandering and memorizing the passages and alleys of stone. He bought random books mostly, from the stores he stopped at, but he also got certain potion ingredients and other things.
When that was done he decided to go get his books. He looked at the list and sighed in disgust. He wouldn't be learning anything from DADA this year. Luckily he was…acceptable with defence spells. As he walked to Flourish and Bolts he shoved through the line getting autographs. He just wanted to get the idiotic books, not some stupid signature of such a flaunty man. But as he headed for the books he was yanked from the crowd.
"Why if it isn't Harry Potter!" Lockhart said in amazement.
Harry wondered how in the hell the man had recognized him. The whole room quieted and the reporters looked ready to faint from joy. Suddenly the flashes and yells came back twofold. Harry saw he was trapped as Lockhart wrapped his arm around Harry's shoulder. So he smiled. Well smiled might be the wrong word. It was a cross between an evil smile, a feral grin, and a terrifying smirk. He saw a few people shiver but Lockhart didn't notice. When he finally had enough pictures Lockhart pulled back.
"And to our famous hero, I'm giving him my whole collection, signed and free of charge."
Everyone cheered and clapped while Harry was loaded with books. He stacked them all on one hand and then bowed mockingly to Lockhart, though few saw the mocking part. Then he pushed through the crowd smirking as pictures where taken.
"Can we get an interview later Mr. Potter?" Came a call from the reporters followed by other such questions.
Harry ignored them and finally got to the front of the store where the crowd was thinner. He saw a tall blonde and a red head practically at each other's throats and stepped in between them. They paused their rants to look at him. Harry move to the small red head girl who was carrying a cauldron with books. He dumped all the book Lockhart had given them in it. She squeaked in surprise almost dropping the cauldron. Then he took one of her hands and bowed kissing her hand gently.
"Bonjour Mademoiselle. I saw your beauty from afar and hope you accept these books as a gift."
She turned as red as her hair and mumbled something. He flashed a charming grin and she didn't notice him steal a small black journal from her cauldron. None saw but the tall blonde who glared. Harry straightened then smirked at the man who stiffened before he tucked the book in his pocket, which was charmed to automatically shrink anything. Then he nodded his head to them and set off to look at the books around the store. He bought a different set of British DADA books and Lockhart's books, which the man hadn't touched, hopefully. After he had paid for them and put them away he hurried from the store. He was met a by a parade of reporters waiting for him outside the door.
"Mr. Potter how does it feel to be back in England?"
"Where have you been till now?"
"It was said you vanished, what really happened?"
"Why did you skip your first year at Hogwarts?"
Harry held up a hand and they silenced.
"It feels great to be back in England. When I turned six I moved with my aunt and uncle, from my mother's side, to Japan where I have lived for the past years. I skipped my first year at Hogwarts because I was offered a place at another school and I couldn't pass it up."
The noise came back as questions where jabbed at him.
"What school?"
"How many schools?"
"Was it better then Hogwarts?"
Harry held a hand up again.
"I went to Shikon in Japan. But I was offered invitations from almost every other magical school known in existence. I was also offered apprenticeships from various masters all over the world. I found I liked Shikon very much and it has great teachings. I am back here at Hogwarts though because I feel my parents would be glad I would attend at least one year. I will stay for the year but have not yet decided on whether or not I shall stay the remainder. I have been doing well in my muggle studies and have many opportunities there. I may stay at Hogwarts though, it will depend. I truly hope it is as wonderful as it sounds."
He gave one of his snake-like smiles and pushed his way through the crowd. He ignored the uproar of questions still focused at him and somehow made it to the quidditch shop. Once there he brought a brand new Nimbus 2001 and a small special addition snitch along with a pair of quidditch gloves. He hadn't learned flying before (they didn't teach broom flying in Shikon having other flying things, and Outback didn't offer flying lessons, but surfing instead) but it looked fun.
When that was done he slipped out of the place and headed across the street to a duelling shop. He bought a dragon hide wand holster and some small dragon hide boots. When all of that was done he headed back to the leaky cauldron. Since it was already about dinner time he grabbed a meal from Tom before going up to his room to read some of the books he had received.
.-.
The next day at ten forty-five Harry Potter could be found at platform 9 ¾. He stood with regular black pants, a green t-shirt, a black cloak, white sneakers, and a deep grey duffle-bag thrown over his shoulder. Hedwig and Czar had already headed off towards Hogwarts. If you looked closely you would see the living black collar around his neck and a large red, white, and light pink coloured boa wrapping around his chest and waist, under a charm.
Harry had pulled the hood up on his cloak just enough to hide his hair and forehead so most ignored him as he slid onto the large red train. He quickly found an empty seat and pulled all the curtains down except those of the outside window. He enjoyed the silence for an approximate fifteen minutes. That's when the train started up and the door slid open. Harry looked to the door way to see a chubby brown haired kid and a girl with bushy brown hair. The boy looked miserable.
"Have you seen a toad?" She asked. "Neville here has lost it once again."
Harry blinked then reached into his cloak and pulled a large one out. He had found it in the compartment and saved it from Yukina a few minutes ago. The boy brightened and grabbed the toad in a hug.
"Thanks, I'm Neville Longbottom." The boy said.
"And I'm Hermione Granger."
"I'm Harry Potter."
He shook their hands ignoring their surprised look. Then Hermione grinned.
"I've read all about you!"
She started to ramble on about books as she sat down across from him, leaning forwards eagerly. The Neville boy sat on the seat also looking slightly nervous and slightly awed. Harry just smiled and nodded when necessary. He only got interested when she pulled out a newspaper. On the front page were him and Lockhart. He had to admit he looked quite ominous. His face had shadows flickering across it and his eyes looked like burning green fires while the smile could give anyone shivers. Lockhart looked like a bloody fool as he gave that idiotic grin.
Harry read over his 'interview' then asked if he could have the paper. Hermione nodded and he thanked her.
Then he summoned Czar with a whistle. The raven appeared in a gust startling the other two. Hermione immediately launched at the bird. Czar puffed up in pride as she cooed over him in her arms. Harry allowed Hermione to lavish him with attention as she fired questions he didn't have time to answer at him. When the girl let go of the bird Harry handed the newspaper to him and told him to take it to Kyoya.
As Czar vanished he started a friendly conversation with the two switching from plants for Neville and Japan for Hermione. It was when the lunch trolley had passed around one or so that a red headed boy walked into the room. He grinned at Harry.
"Harry Potter, I'm Ronald Weasely. Call me Ron"
Harry shook his hand tentatively. The boy's attitude rubbed Harry the wrong way, but politeness could be everything. Hermione and Neville weren't looking at the boy looking almost timid. He must have said something to them before. Not something nice either.
"I can't wait to have you in Gryffindor this year." He grinned
"I won't be in Gryffindor." Harry said simply narrowing his eyes at the preconceived notions of the public.
With that the whole compartment fell silent. Even Hermione blinked in surprise at the blunt admission.
"W-what?" Ron stuttered looking as if his beliefs had been shattered.
"I may be brave, but I am neither rash nor loud, so Gryffindor is not for me."
Ron glared at him and pulled away, mind comprehending what Harry had mocked.
"I'm Not Stupid Or Loud!"
"Seems that way." Harry smiled politely.
The boy looked furious. Finally the boy stormed out and two other red heads slid into his place in the doorway, grinning.
"We heard what you just said to Ronnikins. We're the Weasely twins. Fred and George, or George and Fred, or Forge and Gred." They giggled together.
"Gryffindors?" Harry asked.
"Yes." They nodded. "But we do like it."
"What will you be in if not Gryffindor?" Hermione asked.
"Ravenclaw or Slytherin."
Silence. Harry sighed at their prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination that was so obviously thick.
"Gryffindors are brave, outgoing, and loud. Hufflepuffs are quiet, hardworking, and loyal. Ravenclaws are smart, polite, and sly. Slytherin are cunning, proud, and ambitious. But if you are brave or smart who says you'll use that courage and intelligence. If you're smart, what do you use the intellect for? If you're loyal, to who? If you're ambitious, what are you aiming for?"
They all silenced.
"So where are you?" Harry asked.
"Hufflepuff." Neville said.
"Ravenclaw." Hermione said.
Harry nodded. When the twins shared secret smiles and vanished out the door they all shrugged. Then Harry leaned against the window and silenced. He stayed silent not really paying attention to the other two for the rest of the ride.
When they arrived at Hogwarts he was already in his robes, ready to get off the crowded and loud train. He split from the two discreetly, vanishing into the thick of the crowd to find his own carriage. He gave the threstal pulling the old fashioned carriage soft pat as he entered. When he reached Hogwarts he dodged through the rain to the great double doors following the masses through a beautiful corridor. But unlike the others he waited by the doors for the first years.
When they arrived led by a stern looking woman she nodded to him as if she approved of his action. He fell in line with the first years, not much taller then most of them, as they walked into the hall. He spotted the sorting hat waiting on a three legged stool along with a scroll the stern women picked up. He barely paid attention to the calling of names until he was the only one left, then he steadfastly ignored the stares and whisper, staring straight at the hat in a disinterested manner.
"And we have a new student who will be transferring into second year so please be patient as he's sorted." Dumbledore smiled as he stood, silencing the whispering children.
The whispers around the room picked up once the headmaster sat back down. McGonagall cleared her throat.
"Potter, Harry."
Everyone burst into louder whispers, some of awe some of disbelief, as Harry sat on the stool. The hat was placed on his head sliding to cover his eyes and block the hall of staring, gaping children
'Ah, Harry Potter-'
Suddenly the hat cut off. Harry scowled at that
"GRY-" The hat started to yell and Harry realized what was happening.
He focused on the hat and gathered his magic around both of them before brutally smashing the spell around said hat. He heard Dumbledore 'oomph' from the backlash. Everyone was surprised to see the hat cut off glaring. They hadn't seen the spell or noticed Dumbledore sit down hard in his chair. Harry wove a wuick protection around the hat as everyone was distracted.
'Fool! Trying to control me.' The hat hissed sounding furious. 'If he tries that again I will not sort for him. I'll be speaking with him in his office when we get back.'
Harry nodded with it. He allowed the ancient object a moment to fume, patiently waiting.
'Hmm, as I was going to say Harry, you have a very, very interesting mind. There is no doubt you couldn't be called a prodigy; in both the muggle and magic world.'
Harry smirked.
'Ah, I have already ruled out Hufflepuff and Gryffindor, but it is hard between Ravenclaw and Slytherin.'
The hat started to mutter to itself. Harry shifted after a minute and suddenly the hat straightened.
"RAVENCLAW SLYTHERIN!"
Silence, dead silence, as Harry set the hat down and stood. His badge changed into a green snake wrapped around a purple raven, with silver and blue background. Harry admired the tasteful design ignoring all the surprise. Then the hall burst into noise and it took a loud clap from Dumbledore to silence them.
"There has never been a student that has been shared between the houses." Dumbledore said looking at the hat.
"Not in two hundred years." The hat corrected getting more whispers.
"This won't work. You must choose a single house." Dumbledore said, stubbornly.
"It can't happen. He is too balanced to go to either. And it will work. He can sleep at one place, but be welcome in the other. He can have classes with the ones he doesn't sleep with." The hat said in a final tone before turning away from the headmaster.
You could tell by the hat's tone he wasn't going to talk to Dumbledore anymore. Harry glanced at the staff. Even though they looked surprised they looked ready to try this.
"He can sleep in my house's dorms." The small man squeaked.
"And he can attend classes with my house." The black haired man drawled with a sneer that sounded dreadfully confused and stunned to Harry.
Dumbledore frowned. Harry decided he didn't wish to stand at the front of the hall being gaped at like an animal in the zoo and strode to the Slytherin table. Every eyed followed him but he ignored them and took an empty seat. Then slowly Dumbledore told everyone the rules he gave every year before waving his arms at the same time the food appeared.
Harry scowled at the food and poked it with a fork. He slowly took a bit of some favourable foods and only drank the water. It was good, but there was some really greasy thing. The chicken looked like it was boiled in grease. When everyone had finished eating and the last dish vanished Dumbledore gave a last few words and dismissed them. Harry slid from the Slytherin line that was trooping towards the dungeon to join the Ravenclaw group.
The Ravenclaw tower looked very peaceful compared to the rest of the stone castle. It had thick blue carpets on the floor and a large fireplace surrounded in studying tables and comfy couches and chairs. The walls where covered in book shelves making a small library. Ladders attached to the ceiling slid around for kids to reach the high up books with. The ceiling was very high, at least thirty feet. Across from the entrance was a long hall. The hall had what looked like doorways, but instead were arches leading into small circular rooms, each containing two spiralling metal stair cases, one going up and one going down. Above the archways where numbers 1-7.
"Girls are up, boys are down." A prefect spoke.
Almost everyone filtered into the hall and filed into various archways, heading for the staircases. Harry went to the one with number two and went down the stairs into a large round room with four poster beds, dressers, trunks, and two connected bathrooms. Harry walked to the bed which held his duffle bag on it. He observed every nook and cranny of the room as the other four boys stared at him. Finally one walked up to him.
"I'm Terry Boot." The boy said.
"Harry Potter." He said shaking the boy's hand politely.
"I'm Stuart Ackley."
"I'm John Scott."
"And I'm Arthur Goldstein."
Harry nodded to each of them, greeting them politely before he reached for his duffle bag. Soon he was changed and laying on his new bed, curtains closed and privacy spells on.
.-.
Harry woke with a jolt and groaned. He rolled onto his back and sat up, glancing to the clock; 6:00 am. He scowled then swung his legs over the bed and sighed as he dressed in his robes, though he rolled up his sleeves to his elbows, left the top two buttons undone, his tie hanging loose, and his book bag (a wonderful emerald color) over his shoulder. He stuffed books, quills, ink, and parchment into his bag and then braided his long black hair into a single loose braid over his shoulder.
Then he slid from the room into the common room. No one else was up. He took a few minutes to scan the books before picking them out. It seemed the shelves or something immediately signed them out for you, as a slip slid from a book with the titles of the books and his name on it. When he had those stuffed in his bag he sighed and rushed out the front portrait which was a portrait of a beautiful queen wearing a navy blue gown and her black hair tied in a bun while her violet eyes glittered happily.
"Good luck on your first day sweetie." She called after him.
He started to run backwards as he grinned charmingly and gave her a salute. When he was out of sight of the portrait and in an area where the other's were asleep he continue to run, morphing as he ran until he was a large shaggy black wolf, with emerald eyes (all his clothing and bag morphed with him, I don't know how it's possible but that's what happened). He let his tail wag as he sniffed the air. He followed the scent of food past the great hall, down a flight of stairs, up to a fruit portrait. He transformed from his animagus to human and starred at it a moment.
"Um…" he started puzzled.
"Tickle the pear deary."
He resisted the urge to jump and turned to see a portrait of a short woman, who had long straight blonde hair, honey gold eyes, and wearing an outfit of black and yellow with a badger crest on the clasp of her black cloak. She also had a head band with a piece of amber on it. She smiled at him showing shinning white teeth. He frowned a moment. He hadn't seen that portrait before. He shrugged and did as she said. He tickled the pear earning a giggle and a handle. As he turned back to thank the portrait it was gone. He frowned thoughtfully then slipped into a large room. It was certainly lively. House elves where hopping around counters, stoves, fridges, and four large tables. Harry blinked and most elves paused to blink back. Suddenly one appeared next to him.
"How can Hally help young master?" She squeaked.
"Can any of you cook Japanese food?"
They all started to panic.
"Wes sorry young master, we only know British and wizard food." Hally said almost hyperventilating.
"Then I shall make my own."
There were cries from other house elves.
"I love cooking and if you don't let me you will be failing me." He said before they could do anything.
They seemed more relaxed at this and happily showed him where everything was. In the end he just made himself some miso soup and a Japanese bento. He wrapped it up and stuffed the bento in his bag as he practically inhaled his food, still slightly hungry from the night before. When he was done his food he thanked the elves and told them he would teach them sometime. Then he headed out of the room and once again transformed though he had to be more careful this time to avoid the few awake people. He took an hour to explore a bit of the castle before he transformed back into normal Harry and headed off towards the great hall. Once there, he plopped down by Terry and just nibbled on a sausage, not really feeling hungry. He kept his eyes on the teachers who where handing out the time tables. Snape was the one to finally walk up to him. He frowned at Harry as if trying the read him then handed him a sheet. Harry nodded to the man and looked at the list.
Monday, Wednesday;
9:00-11:00 – Potions (Gryffindors)
11:00-1:00 – Herbology (Ravenclaws)
1:00-1:30 – Lunch
1:30-3:30 – Charms (Hufflepuffs)
3:30-5:30 – Transfiguration (Gryffindors)
5:30-6:30 - Dinner
9:00 – Curfew
Tuesday, Thursday;
9:00-1:00 Double Herbology (Double DADA every Thursday) (Ravenclaws)
1:00-1:30 – Lunch
1:30-5:30 – Double Charms (Double History of Magic every Thursday) (Hufflepuffs)
5:30-6:30 - Dinner
9:00 – Curfew
Friday;
9:00-1:00 – Double Potions (Gryffindors)
1:00-1:30 – Lunch
1:30-5:30 – Double Transfiguration (Gryffindors)
5:30-6:30 - Dinner
9:00 – Curfew
He folded the paper and tucked it into his book bag. Then he stood. 'Potions first.' He gave a twisted smirk and hurried off to the dungeons. As he found the potion classroom he slipped in and sat near the back so he could be aware of everyone. He leaned against the wall and pulled out a few things. He only had to wait fifteen minutes before the class started to fill up. He found himself, luckily, already on the Slytherin side. As the bell rang to begin class the door banged open and Snape walked in gracefully. He looked over them with chilly black eyes as he stood near his desk. No one moved as he moved to the board and started writing instructions. Then he grabbed the attendance list and started to check off names. Then he looked up frowning.
"Well, well, Mr. Potter our new celebrity." He drawled.
Harry would have felt intimidated if he were anyone else, and if he hadn't seen the small flash of confusion in the man's eyes.
"What would I get if I added pixie wings to hellebore?"
"A blood replenishing potion."
Everyone, even Snape, looked startled. A blood replenishing potion was at least sixth year if not higher. Now Snape had a small amount of curiosity in his eyes.
"And how much slug powder would I have to add?"
"I would suggest adding a pinch of aconite instead."
"That would make it explode when it reacted with the carmine leaves." Snape scowled at him.
"Yes but the frog eyes would counter that effect."
Some people looked a bit disturbed by what was in the potion and Harry guessed they had had to take it at some point. Snape had moved closer now and asked him a question about some plant to add. For ten minutes they discussed the blood replenishing potion ignoring the shocked and almost frightened looks from the other students. When Snape finally moved back to his desk he was smirking and Harry also smirked knowing he had just made an ally and had quelled the man's fear he was more like his father. As Snape started the lessons, brewing some small potion or other, they had to pair off. Ron sauntered up to Harry pulling his things with him.
"I'll be your partner." He said arrogantly. "I'm one of the best potion makers in here."
Harry snorted and the boy didn't see his struggles not to laugh, but the other Slytherins saw and smirked. When Harry was under control he turned back looking serious.
"Well if you're so good maybe you should pair up with that Gryffindor over there, he looks to need help and we can't have your genius wasted, spread it around." Harry drawled shoving him over to a hopeless looking Gryffindor.
Harry saw Snape smirk before a Slytherin walked up to him. The boy had black hair to his shoulders, tied back, amber like eyes, and olive skin. He looked intelligent.
"Would you like to be partners Potter?"
"Sure…?"
"Blaise Zabini." The kid introduced holding out a hand.
Harry shook it and they started their potion. By the end of class Harry found he liked Blaise. The kid had wit, and like any Slytherin cunning. He also spoke what he thought was right, not holding back because it would make him disliked. He also found the kid to be quite intelligent, listening when needed, but not when he thought you were wrong. By the time they walked out of class Harry had made a …acquaintance. The next classes passed fairly quickly. When lunched arrived Harry sat near Blaise at the Slytherin table and ate his bento ignoring the curious looks sent at it.
The week passed in a similar manner with Harry waking early and going through his lesson, avoiding Ron Weasely and most Gryffindors, and staying to himself. He found Hogwarts well enough though the classes were so easy it was pitiful. It had some of the lowest standards he had seen, even though most of the teachers had masters in their degrees. It was one of the reasons he could see why Snape was snappy at the students, and sympathized with him; having to teach all those morons.
Finally the weekend arrived letting Harry do as he wished with out having to listen of the other students failing miserably and whining about it. He had already planned out his whole weekend. Most would be spent in the library and with the book he had snitched from the red haired girl's cauldron.
.-.
.-.
.-.
Slightly Snobby but powerful harry. Interacts with the founders through their mysterious appearing portraits. Can't remember at all where I had been going with this.
