"Talking"

"Thoughts"

"Spells"

"Writing"

AlsoKnownAsMatt: Harry will understand that a smart and beautiful woman will help him achieve more in life and who he's paired with will be like that, I am not sure yet if it will be two women or one but if it's two they will be like minded and Harry won't put up with any jealous bickering between them. The Wizengamot will be happening soon and I look forward to your review on it.

Ithinker: The chamber will come later.

Guest: Harry will not have a harem, I anything he will have two women but that's still up in the air right now.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

Albus Dumbledore was not having a good morning, first he woke earlier than normal to a throbbing knee, something that only bothered him when he walked to much the previous day but he wasn't that active yesterday. He then started to get dressed only to see his favorite pair of socks had gotten torn on the toes and his usual Halloween robe had a large stain on it, he guessed the House Elves missed it when gathering his laundry. He knew he could use a spell or two to fix the problems but his clothes had special charms on them and if he wasn't careful he could destroy them, so he made do with other clothing and left those out for the elves to easily find and fix. Still those few things didn't dampen his good spirit, after all today was a celebration of the fall of Voldemort and he couldn't seem down at all.

Walking from his room he entered his office ready to start his day like normal, a cup of lemon tea while he read the Daily Prophet. Sitting down he heard the familiar pop of an elf before a silver tray appeared with a cup of tea and the paper appeared. Smiling he took a sip and let out a content sigh before flipping the paper open, he started to take another sip as he scanned the front page when his eyes went wide and he dropped the cup into his lap. "Blast it." He yelled as he jumped up and whipped the area to clear the tea. He quickly picked up the paper and began to read the article that had started this.

Severus Snape Against Auror's

By Rita Skeeter

Yes dear readers it's true, the man who we all trust with the education of our children cares nothing for the Wizarding Worlds safety. Now some of you may be asking how can this be? Well let me remind you all that Severus Snape is a confirmed Death Eater, joining in his later years of Hogwarts.

How did he get to where he is today if he was a Death Eater? That is a question I cannot answer, just that he was pardoned when Albus Dumbledore vouched for him in front of Wizengamot. Now I don't know about any of you but if Albus Dumbledore vouches for someone I am more than likely going to believe him, just like the Wizengamot did. However we must also remember that even the great Albus Dumbledore has admitted he is capable of making mistakes and I believe here he has.

As you all remember I just recently wrote an article about our hero Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived. What I did not mention was a particular dislike he had for the Potions Professor. Now at the time I just assumed it was a child's dislike of the subject or possibly an incident had occurred and he had a grudge against the man. I have recently learned to trust young Lord Potters instincts for when I started looking in to the man I was shocked at what I found.

Since Snape has begun his job as the Potions Professor at Hogwarts the number of students admitted into the N.E.W.T level potions class has decreased dramatically. Now for those of you who don't know you cannot join the Aurora's without that class. Now some of you may ask what if this is all a big coincidence? Surely someone with Dumbledore's trust wouldn't do this.

Alas it is all true, I have personally spoken to several students, both current and graduates, about the professor. Even the Slytherin's, who's house he was in and is currently the head of, say he was lacking as a Professor and obviously had a grudge against anyone not in Slytherin.

Why has Dumbledore allowed this? How has no one else noticed until now? Who else could be working with him to keep our Aurora force from growing? What does this mean for our future safety and that of our children's? These are the questions we need ask to the Ministry and I will not rest until I learn those answers dear readers.

Dumbledore dropped the paper and let out a long sigh as he removed his glasses and massaged the bridge of his nose. This was not something he needed right now, he knew Snape was keeping a large number of students from the N.E.W.T class but he didn't see the harm. After all the real reason the Aurora Corps was so small was lack of funding. "But of course Rita wouldn't report that part." He was broken from his thoughts when he heard his office door being thrown open and seconds later a fuming Severus stormed into his office. He did find it odd the Minerva was right behind him looking just as upset.

"Have you read this…this…assault on my character!" Snape yelled as he threw down his own copy of the paper.

"Yes I just finished it Severus." Albus said as he put his glasses back on and sat down.

"Well?" Snape asked, clearly thinking there was more to say then that.

"Well what?" Minerva snapped back. "It's not like any of it is false, besides the headline. For once Rita seems to have actually written the truth."

"Now now." Dumbledore said as he held up a hand, stopping Snape from snapping at the woman. "Severus I'm sure you know there is nothing I can do." The man grit his teeth. "Perhaps you might ask Lucius, he has some pull with the Prophet." Snape thought about it for a second before nodding and storming back out of the office, most likely to Floo Lucius.

Albus let out a sigh as he watched the man leave; today was not going well for him. Looking up he locked eyes with Minerva. "And what can I help you with Minerva?"

"I want to know what we're going to do about this Albus." She held up her paper. "I have warned you time and time again in the past you give him too much free reign and now it's come to bite us in the ass." Knowing she rarely cursed Albus knew she was serious. "I would bet a year's pay the board will be doing a thorough investigation."

"And I will assure them everything is in hand." Dumbledore said reassuringly. "I promise to rein him in and will spend more time going over the class requests."

She studied him for a second but nodded. "Good, but I would focus more on the present Albus." She turned to leave. "After all think about who brought all of this out in the open."

He furrowed his brow at her words. "Why should I be worried about Rita?" He thought, while she was good with a quill he knew he could come out on top of anything she wrote. He waved it off and decided to head down to the Great Hall early, after all when the students saw the article he knew many might cause a problem, namely the Slytherin's. It never even registered in his mind who the article mentioned brought it up to Rita.

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Harry smiled as he finished the article Rita had written, he had told her to hold it off until Halloween because he knew people would be more inclined to believe it then, remembering more about the Death Eaters on this day. He looked around the vast room and say many student s talking amongst themselves, he could tell by their glances to the head table they were all discussing the article. He even noticed the Slytherin's were shifting their eyes at one another, the older ones being judged by the younger and the purebloods glaring at the half-bloods.

He let out a small chuckle as he folded the paper up and dug into his breakfast. "Now I need to get involved with the School Boards hearing about him, or ensure there is one." Harry thought with a smirk, if everything went according to plan he would be rid of Snape for the rest of his school years. "Or even after winter break if I can play my cards right."

"What do you think about this Harry?" The boy turned when he heard Lisa ask him the question.

"Well we all knew Snape played favorites but I didn't think it was to such a large degree." Harry replied. "But I have read some articles by Rita before and she is prone to stretching the truth." Many of them nodded.

"Ya but you have to admit this is really plausible." Terry said. "I heard some of the older years talking about how they all got passed over for the class, and their some of the highest ranked in their years."

Harry tuned them out as his year mates began discussing the truthfulness of the article. He stood up from his seat after finishing his food only to quickly touch his scar as he felt yet another mind probe. "This is getting ridiculous." Harry thought as he quickly left the room, not bothering to tell the concerned voices he was alright. "What the hell does Quirrell want in my mind for?" Harry had long ago discovered the constant mind assaults were the Defense Professor, he didn't doubt Dumbledore and Snape tried every now and then but Quirrell was a constant nuisance.

"Oh great!"

"And mighty employer!"

Harry spun around to see the twins walking briskly towards him. "Yes gentlemen?" Not stopping their stride the twins grabbed an arm each, lifting Harry as they did, and continued to walk. "Im going to count to three and if you don't let me down carefully I will hex the both of you." Harry said calmly but with a hint of power in his voice.

The twins paused and looked at each other for a second, they knew they were older and believed they knew more spells but if rumor was true, and it was, Harry was getting dueling lessons from Flitwick. Neither of them particularly wanted to put his threat to the test so they carefully let him down. "Good now where are we going and why?" Harry asked.

"Well we saw the article." One said.

"And greatly appreciate you taking the greasy git down a peg." The other replied.

"So for your efforts."

"We want to show."

"You something that."

"Has helped us rise to the glorious."

"And unbeatable."

"Pranksters we are today."

Harry's eye twitched, he was really getting tired of their little twin speaking game. He also was going to look into a spell that could help him figure out which one was which. "Very well lets go." Both grinned as they led him down the hall and into an empty classroom, one closed the door and locked it with a spell while the other pulled out a piece of parchment.

"Now then this."

"Dear employer is."

"Stop." Harry said with a raised hand and a sigh. "Just…I will literally pay you to stop this back and forth speaking." The twins shared a look.

"Sorry were just used to it."

"Right as we were saying." One said as they tapped the parchment. "This little beauty is how we get around Hogwarts without getting caught." Harry raised a brow and looked at the parchment.

"We nicked it of Flich's office one night." The other explained. "And of course its spelled so you can't tell what it is unless you know the password."

The other cleared his throat and touched the parchment. "I solemnly swear I'm up to no good." Suddenly the parchment came to life with ink appearing on it and flowing around to create a map.

As Harry watched he noticed dots and names appearing on the map, the odd thing was they were all moving. "What is this?"

"It's called the Marauder's Map, it tells you who and where everyone in Hogwarts is at all times, even tracks them as they move. Was made by the greatest pranksters Hogwarts has ever known."

"Called themselves the Marauders and here are their names." One said as he tapped the parchment and Harry read the four names. When he read them he went stiff, something the twins noticed, he knew those names but couldn't remember how. "You alright there Harry?"

"I know those names." He replied but held his hand up to stop them from questioning him. "How do I know those names?" Harry thought, he knew if they were in the Wizarding World it had to be from Tom's memories so he closed his eyes, took a deep breath and concentrated on the four names.

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Voldemort stood above a man on his knees. "What did you have to tell me Wormtail?" Voldemort asked.

"My Lord, Padfoot convinced Prongs to make me the secret keeper instead." The man replied. "He said no one would believe it was me and that they couldn't trust Moony because he's been acting suspicious."

"Crucio." Voldemort hit the man with the curse and he began to scream in pain as he fell to his side. "What have I said about using those names?" He then cut the spell so the man could speak.

"Th…that…they represent." The man said shakily as he got back on his knees. "That they represent my friendship with them and if I was with you to never use them in your presence."

"Correct." Voldemort said with a nod before pointing his wand at the man again. "Crucio" He said with a grin. "Now tell me again." He called out over the screams and cut the spell.

The man took deep breaths and nodded. "My Lord, Sirius convinced James to make me the secret keeper instead. He said no one would believe it was me and that they can't trust Remus because he's been acting suspicious."

Voldemort nodded. "Well done, now leave and return only after you've become the Potters secret keeper."

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Harry cut the memory at that; he knew now where he remembered the names. He looked down at the map again, this time he had a small smile as he tracked a finger over the name Prongs.

"You alright Harry?" One of the twins asked again, they were worried they had somehow broken the Boy-Who-Lived.

"I remember now." Harry said. "I read this name in one of my parents journals. Prongs is my father James Potter, Padfoot is Sirius Black, Wormtail is Peter Pettigrew and Moony is Remus Lupin." The twins looked at him with wide eyes before dropping to their knees and bowing.

"We are not worthy!" Harry gave them an amused look.

"To think were in the presence of a true heir to the Marauders!" One said as he hugged Harry's right leg.

"Please teach us their ways!" The other yelled as he grabbed his left leg.

"Enough." Harry said with a chuckle. "Get off me and stand up you hooligans."

Both grinned and stood quickly. "Well it looks like we need to give you this then." Harry dropped his smile for a confused look.

"After all it's the rightful property of a Marauders child." The other twin said with a nod.

"You sure?" Harry asked, he wouldn't turn this down as it could be extremely helpful but he thought they were giving it up to easily.

"Sure we've already memorized all the passageways." One replied.

"And we were getting bored always knowing where everyone was." The other said with a grin. "This way we add a bit of danger to our pranks." Both chuckled and Harry shook his head.

"Thank you gentlemen." Harry said as he held up the map. "And know this gift will not go unrewarded." He meant that too, the twins were shaping up to become trustworthy partners. He doubted they would like some of things he planned to do later on but they would be helpful with many of his plans so he needed to keep them close.

They shared a look and nodded to each other; obviously they had an idea for his favor but held their tongues for now. "Right well just tap it and say mischief managed when you aren't using it."

Harry nodded. "Was that all you needed?" They both nodded. "Very well, I you'll excuse me I have a new...device to test out." Harry said as he held up the map again and left the room, his mind already running through all the possible uses for it.

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His father and his friends were genius's, that was what Harry had concluded as he sat in his room looking over the map. He had used Tom's memories to look up several diagnostic spells and used them on the map, he didn't know what everything meant but the sheer complexity of the rune arrays and spells obviously showed it was a powerful item. He knew his father was intelligent he just didn't realize how much or that his friends were just as intelligent if not more. "Perhaps I should speed up my plan to free Sirius, even if he had little involvement in making the map he might have an idea of what spell and runes the others used." Harry thought, if he could make more maps or even maps of different buildings it would be very helpful.

A sudden rumble in his stomach broke him from his thoughts, frowning he pulled out his wand. "Tempus" He said and realized it was almost time for the Halloween Feast, something he had no particular interest in going to. After all who wants to attend a feast that celebrates the day his parents were murdered and he became an orphan. He was about to call for Zeus when he spotted a dot on the map moving away from the Great Hall, a dot labeled Quirinus Quirrell. "Now what are you doing?" He thought before standing and heading out the door, grabbing the map as he left.

Moving through the halls Harry glanced at the map occasionally to be sure he wasn't going to run into anyone. After walking a ways he noticed Quirrell had left the map, frowning he made his way to the man's last location, the main doors. He paused when Quirrell reappeared with another dot following behind him, this dot however didn't have a name attached to it and Harry wondered what exactly that meant. He watched as Quirrell quickly moved towards the Great Hall while the unnamed dot started to roam the halls, Harry was curious now. "Why don't you have a name?" He thought as he moved to intercept the mysterious stranger, pulling out his wand first and casting the disillusionment charm on himself.

Nodding as he felt the magic working he made his way down the hall, knowing he would run into the mysterious dot if he kept his course. Looking down he stopped and waited, the dot would pass by his hall in a second. Suddenly he scrunched up his face as he was hit with a horrible smell. "What is that?" He said quietly as he covered his nose and mouth.

He then heard a loud thump, followed by another. "Shit." Harry thought, nothing that made that noise and smell could be good. And he was right as he saw a large greyish troll looking around; it held a large club in its hand and was sniffing. Harry took that as a sign to get out of there; he had no idea if troll had a strong sense of smell but didn't want to find out.

"Uggggh." Harry looked over his shoulder and saw the troll coming his way; it wasn't moving fast and was looking around as it walked.

"Okay it might possible smell or hear me." Harry thought as he looked down at the map, all of the students were moving from the Great Hall in giant groups while the Professors were running ahead. "Let's see their moving towards the dungeons, not exactly where I am but if I can keep it following me I should be able to keep it occupied until they figure out where it is." With that in mind Harry kept a brisk pace, not getting to far ahead of the troll so it could still sense him but enough that he was out of harm's way. As he walked he noticed some of the paintings gasp and disappeared from their frames. "Hopefully their off telling the Headmaster so he'll get his old ass in gear."

Finally, after about ten minutes since he began this trek, Harry noticed the Professors were heading towards him. "Time to act." Harry thought as he rounded a corner and dropped his charm, surprising all the Professors. "Troll behind me!" Harry yelled as he ran past them.

The professors didn't have time to question him as the large beast walked around the corner, pausing as he spied them all. "Raaaaaaaa!" It roared as it raised its club to attack them.

"Bombarda Maxima" Dumbledore yelled as he threw up his wand at the troll, as he watched Harry was reminded why Dumbledore was so feared. The explosion hit the troll square in the chest and threw the beast back several feet, Harry heard a crack as its head hit the ground. "Severus, Minerva please remove the troll." Both Professors nodded and moved forward, McGonagall casting a levitation charm while Snape watched the troll for any sign it was going to attack. "Lord Potter." Dumbledore said as he turned to Harry. "Would you care to explain why you were out in the halls and not at dinner."

"Well sir I did not particularly care to attend a celebration of my parents murder." Harry kept a straight face as he spoke and he saw Dumbledore frown.

"Oh dear, I had not thought of that." For once he was telling the truth, it never occurred to him someone wouldn't be happy on this day, well besides Death Eaters. "Well that is an acceptable answer but how did you find the troll, we were told it was in the dungeons."

"Who said that?" Harry asked.

"Professor Quirrell." Dumbledore replied, he was very curious about what was going on inside Harry's mind right now and decided he needed to look into the mental blocks on the boy more.

"Well I never set foot in the dungeon sir." Harry said though he wondered why Quirrell lied. "I've been on the second floor the entire time."

Dumbledore hummed in thought. "I see, very well come let's get you back to your common room." Harry nodded and let the Headmaster led him.

"Okay, Quirrell wanted a troll here for a reason." Harry thought as he walked. "And he lied as to where it was, so it was a distraction." Suddenly a thought struck him. "Dumbledore said not to go near the third floor, meaning somethings hidden there and Quirrell wants it." Harry shifted his eyes to the Headmaster. And I know he wants me to investigate, it seems I'm at a crossroad. I want to avoid anything involving Dumbledore. But I also am curious what is so important; it could be worth stealing for myself." Harry smirked at that idea. "What sweet justice that would be."

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The next day was filled with rumors about the troll, most of them saying it was Harry that defeated it. He however quickly squashed those, not wanting to be known for more than he already was. He was on a mission though, deciding to look into the third floor but not wanting Dumbledore to know he was Harry knew he needed help. Of course when you knew Hogwarts most curious and troublemaking duo it wasn't hard to find volunteers.

Getting their attention Harry went to their usual classroom meeting place and waited for them to enter. "What's on the third floor?" Harry asked as soon as they closed the door.

They stopped in their tracks and looked at each other before looking back at him. "Seems our resident Lord wants to know whats in the forbidden room Fred."

Fred grinned and nudged his brother. "It's a good thing we took a look on the first night then aye."

"To true brother of mine." George said. "To answer your question it's a Cerberus."

Harry blinked. "Really?" The twins nodded. "Hmmm, I can see why Dumbledore warned us then but why is one there?"

"Not sure." Fred said with a shrug. "We looked them up and found they make great guard dogs."

"So he might be guarding something." Harry mused. "If it's a creature then Hagrid must know about it." Nodding Harry stood up. "Thank you gentlemen, oh." Harry reached into a pocket and pulled out a bag. "Here's your payment for next month." He said as he tossed it to George.

"A pleasure doing business with you my Lord." The red head said with a grin.

"And just in time." Fred said. "We need to stock up on some supplies."

Harry nodded to them and headed out the door, he had enough time to visit Hagrid before his next class. Walking quickly through the halls he made his way on to the grounds and in minutes was knocking on Hagrid's door, the familiar sound of Fang barking greeted him as he did. "Dang it Fang down!" Harry heard Hagrid yell. "Can't have a bloody visitor without out you going crazy." The giant man then opened the door, using his leg to keep the large dog back. "A'rry what a surprise."

"Hello Hagrid, I hope I'm not interrupting anything." Harry said with a smile.

"Course not." Hagrid grinned. "C'mon in." Harry nodded as he walked into the house, noticing not much had changed since his last visit. "What brings you out today?"

"I was hoping to talk to you about something." Harry said as he moved to an open chair.

"Talk to me?" Hagrid said in surprise as he moved to his chair, Fang running over to Harry now that he wasn't being blocked.

"Yes." Harry leaned back and scratched Fang behind his ears. "About Cerberus."

Hagrid's eyes went wide. "What makes you think I know anything bout them? Cause I don't and if I did I couldn't tell you anyway." He stammered out while trying to act innocent.

"Hagrid." Harry said forcefully so the man would look at him. "I already know there's a Cerberus on the third floor." The man gulped. "I am actually curious about how you got one."

Hagrid paused; he didn't see that question coming. "That's it?" Harry nodded. "Oh well I got him from a Greek chappie at the cauldron."

"So have you had him or her long?" Harry asked, he knew asking roundabout questions Hagrid might spill something.

"His names Fluffy." Hagrid said with pride. "Raised him meself."

"I have heard their rare would it be possible to get one myself?" Harry asked and Hagrid looked surprised.

"Not too rare, bit on the expensive side though." Hagrid mused as he ran a hand through his beard. "What do ya want one fer?"

"Well I am currently fixing up the old Potter Manor and thought a Cerberus would be good to have to guard it while I'm at Hogwarts." Harry lied easily.

"That they would, nothing guards better." Hagrid replied with a chuckle. "One heads always awake while the other sleep, never need to worry bout them missing something."

"That does sound good." Harry nodded. "What about weaknesses? Any creature that is its mortal enemy or a spell made to deal with them."

Hagrid shook his head. "No, nothin like that though a bit of music will put them to sleep."

Harry's eyes widened slightly as he obtained the information he was seeking. "Music? Hmm that's not good, anyone could get by it then."

"Oh don't worry bout that Harry." Hagrid quickly waved his hands. "See that little bit o' information is kept from the books. Only people who have one know it."

Harry hummed in thought. "I see." Pushing Fang back Harry stood. "Well thank you Hagrid, perhaps you could find me a possible seller?"

Hagrid's face lite up. "Course I can, and if ya need I can help ya raise him. Dumbledore might let me off in the summer to help."

"Will discuss that when the time comes Hagrid but I would appreciate the help." Harry replied as he headed to the door. "I must be off to class Hagrid but I appreciate you taking the time to talk to me." Harry smiled at the man. "I you hear anything about a seller do let me know."

"Course Harry!" Hagrid said as he waved at the retreating boy.

Harry waved over his shoulder as he walked. "So music puts it to sleep, I can work with that." Harry thought, now all he had to do was talk the twins into going on a little adventure. "Though I imagine they'll be more then delighted to cause a little mischief."