As always everything belongs to J. .
I went back through chapter one and fixed some glaring issues like plot holes and obvious grammar errors. I'm sure there are tons of mistakes still.
I really need a beta reader this is stupidly unedited.
Chapter 0.1
His heart stopped the moment he saw her. Flowing golden blonde hair, shockingly blue eyes, and a graceful womanly figure. She was the most beautiful woman he had every seen. His heart ached to know her.
"Cough"
His Attention was drawn back to the older man robbing him.
"I'll give you three pence a bushel"
The young mans stare filled with ice.
"They are worth at least three times that"
"Cost of doing business my boy. I'd say you could take it to the next town over but we all know how dangerous the roads are these days."
The young man stared at the grain marketeer, he was the only one in the fiefdom. The only one with the lords approval to operate.
He gritted his teeth and glancing back at the woman who was now walking down the street looking at the wares.
"Give me the money"
The smug man counted out the coinage and sent him on his way.
"A word of warning boy. Stay away from that lass you have your eye on. That's our lords daughter, she's engaged to be married to the lord of dunwich."
He sent another glare at the man and hurried after her. Walking down the cobblestones. He didn't have a plan, he wasn't confident enough to talk to her. He simply wanted to gaze upon her beauty before he was needed back at the farm.
He followed her from shop to shop unabashedly staring, he couldn't help it.
It was love at first sight for him. He ached to know her name. His mind lost in thoughts of her.
"Excuse me! Do you make it a habit following women through the market and staring?!"
Holy cow dung.
She was talking to him.
What should he do.
He gasped and stuttered. His face going white.
"Well answer me!?"
She glared at him angrily. Still incredibly beautiful in her intimidation.
He decided there was nothing for it but honesty.
"I... I apologize my lady... I was completely distracted by you... please, grace a poor serf with your name?"
Her intimidating face suddenly softened as a small smile broke free.
Was that a hint of a blush he saw?
"My name is Lady marissa, good sir. And yours?"
Marissa... his heart swelled.
"Umm..." he stuttered out again suddenly unsure.
"Sal."
"Salazar Slytherin my lady"
—
Chapter 0.2
The old man sat meditating in a cave staring at a wall. His eyes glowed with a yellow light, as they had been for many days. A young woman sat next to him, his youngest daughter. Her knees and muscles were cramped from sitting for so long but she resolutely held her position, annotating with parchment and quill what her father said. Such was his power he did not speak in riddles. He simply stated what he saw. But he saw much and he was old. He would not remember all that he saw.
Power radiated off him in waves, it filled the air with gentle vibrations. He was expending much to see so far.
One will rise who will be greater than me
He shall be what I am not
And not what I am
He will not have the sight
But one close to him shall be his eyes
A world of darkness stands against him
Death
Darkness
Evil in the hearts of men hungry for power
The world in ruin
The earth aflame
His eyes suddenly cleared.
"He will fail unless we take action" He stood bones and ligaments cracking and popping.
"Rowena bring an old man some water and then we must prepare. He is going to need help."
"Father, may I ask a question?" she said as she went for the water pitcher.
At his nod and small smile she continued.
"Why us? Why must we care for a world a thousand years in the future? Surely even you will be dead and gone for centuries before then? Leave the future to itself. Why do you carry this weight?"
His smile grew.
"Ahh my daughter... a question to answer your question. When was the last time you have a heard of an immortal walking this earth?"
"The last was of the Jews father a thousand years ago. He walked the earth for a thousand years before that, spreading teachings of peace and love."
"Yes, yes my dear but what became of him."
"I know not father"
"When he was persecuted for the last time by the people he had taken as his own, he left. I know not where the immortals go when they have had enough. But I know this, without the guidance of the immortals humanity is more likely to fall."
"So why him then father? Surely other immortals will be born and leave before then."
His eyes suddenly filled with joy.
"Because daughter, with the proper guidance he will be great. His path is that of death and misery at this moment. As of right now he will sacrifice himself uselessly tricked by an evil man. If we do not change things he will be guided like a sheep to the slaughter."
He fell into a thoughtful silence. She waited
"If we work diligently my dear. He will be a king, a king even among the immortals."
"And what is to keep him from falling into darkness and destroying the earth?
"I have seen his soul... it is so genuine and pure. Even after the brutality of his life he has maintained his goodness. The suffering was such that if his soul didn't darken by his age day , I doubt he will fall to any darkness."
"The chance remains father. Power corrupts!"
"Even so my daughter we must hope and try. It is humanities only hope of bringing back our guidance and protection.
A moment of silence
"Go my dear summon your sister Helga."
The man had many children by many mothers. Some children he had never met. He was a Druid after all, freedom ran through his veins like the many animals runnig though his mind.
—
Chapter 4
Harry awoke to a wet clothe tracing the tear lines from earlier in the day.
Earlier...
When he had tried to kill himself...
Shame suddenly burned in him and he sat upright. Hermione was there. Now clothed in a cotton robe tightly cinched around her, hiding the figure he had seen earlier.
In a soft questioning voice she asked.
"Harry? What are you doing here?"
The emotions and events of the day caught up to him. He was finally with someone who cared. The emotions he had so carefully bottled up for most of his life came welling up to the surface. He grasped desperately at Hermione burying himself in her neck and hair as tears spilled from his eyes.
She held him gently as he wept like the broken man he was. She gently rubbed his back as he sobbed. They sat that way on the bathroom floor for an innumerable amount of time. Hermione was worried for him she had never seen a young man cry so openly. It was honestly the last thing she had expected from harry. he had always been so removed from serious pain. She remembered how stoically he had take Umbridge's torture the year before.
"Harry can you tell me what happened?"
Slowly, Harry regained control of himself. Then he began to speak. He had longed to share it all for so long it spilled out in a rush. His fear of his captivity was overcome by the opportunity he was presented.
He told her about growing up with the Dursley's, their various neglections, abuses and starvations. The beating from Snape. The apparition adventure as a kid.
He told her about Dumbledore's visits, the blocks on his mind, memories and the compulsions placed on him. Tears continued to flow down his face throughout his tale. But when he spoke of Sirus and the events of this morning the tears turned to sobs. The suicide attempt, the appearance of hope. The understanding of why he hadn't been able to tell anyone. All of it was choked out between gasps.
She held him the whole time, at first her face had turned white learning about the abuse her friend had been through. At hearing about Dumbledores involvement she began to shake with rage before she composed herself. 'I'm going to kill those bastards!" She looked down at harry for a moment her hurt full of concern. 'there will be time for that later... for now Harry needs me'
Angry as she was her heart was set on caring for the broken man in her arms.
"Harry..." she began searching for the words.
A cough interrupted her.
"While I do empathize with what you are going through time is running short."
"Ms. Granger Mr. Potter I have been tasked with training Mr. Potter to overcome the darkness that is upon this world. I owe no allegiance to headmaster Grumblemore only to the school in which he has taken as his throne."
Thinking for a moment Hermione started "What are we going to do? Surely Dumbledore will know that Harry is gone and will use a tracking spell to find us."
A smirk played off the leather face. "A place has been prepared for us my dear. But where is not the question. The question is who? I have brought us here to gain your aid"
"Will you come help me prepare Mr. Potter to face his enemies?"
"I didn't really think this through" Harry had regained his voice and was now looking at the hat vulnerably.
"I cannot say much in this place. What I know must only be spoken in a secure location. What I can tell you now is that my creator foresaw your need and set me on this task. I will train you. Both of you, to never be a victim again."
"But quickly children, decide. I fear time is running short."
Harry looked at Hermione regaining his strength he stood from the bathroom floor. "Mr. Geoffrey would you give us a moment to talk?"
The hat seemed to nod and disappeared with a pop.
"How is he doing that Harry? Hats shouldn't be able to apparate."
"I don't know Hermione." harry said suddenly noting the proximity they shared in the small room.
"Should we head to another room? What will your parents say if the find us like this." He said waving to her pink robe which ended just above her knees.
The attention to their closeness and her current state of undress caused Hermione's face to redden. She suddenly bolted from the room. Saying loudly on the way out.
"My parents are at work, give me just a minute to get dressed"
A door closed loudly a little way down the hallway and Harry followed the noise. He waited.
Just as Harry began to wonder what could possibly be taking so long, the door opened.
Hermione wore simple form fitting blue jeans that seemed to accentuate her shapely legs and hips. A silken white blouse covered her top showing a slight amount of cleavage. The top accentuate her breasts and tan skin.
At school Hermione hardly ever bothered with makeup, but now, she had taken the time to apply a small amount that brought out her hazel eyes. Her hair was even slightly tame falling down her shoulders in orderly ringlets.
Harry gaped as his eyes trailed her and before he could control himself, his mouth betrayed him.
"You look gorgeous!"
Instantly aware of his words he looked back up at her face and saw Hermiones face reddening once again.
"I don't normally have time for makeup at school too busy studying. It's only during the summer That I feel like I have time for it. But Harry, we need to talk."
Harry noticed the sudden serious turn in her voice and he nodded as she led him into her room.
Her room was exactly what he would have expected but with more feminine attributes than he thought she would have. Bookcases covered two walls of her room and her closet door was open revealing more books stacked neatly within. Above her bed and desk where various posters of muggle rock groups and popular celebrities of the male persuasion.
He followed her over to the bed and sat next to her. Looking into her eyes he said.
"I don't think you should come with me. Hell I don't even know if I want to go. I just know anywhere is better than the Dursley's and I don't think I can be safe in the magical world with Dumbledore in charge. I still don't understand what he did to me or why he did it I just know I cant trust him anymore."
"Harry..."
"Hermione what if voldemort comes after me or if Dumbledore sends the order after me. I don't want to put you into danger again. I can't stand the thought of you getting hurt! When you went down at the ministry, it was like part of my soul had been ripped out. I thought I lost you."
Hermione stared at her friend as he spoke. He was her first friend, her best friend. Before going to Hogwarts she had been a social outcast because of her studious attitude and intelligence. Even at Hogwarts, she had been rejected for her intelligence. But not by Harry, while somewhat dim at times he had stood up for her and taken her in as his friend. Despite her bookishness and controlling personality he had been her friend. He was the first friend she ever had and he knew her like no one else and she him.
"Harry!" She cut through his rant. "You are not going without me, end of story. We have been together since the start of Hogwarts facing down challenges and I'm not going to leave you now or ever." She said this last part with a hint of self pity and longing. she heard the tone that crept into her voice but thought like always he would be too oblivious to notice.
But she looked up at him and saw him watching her. Acting boldly Harry reached out and grabbed her.
"I just dont want you to get hurt."
"I know harry but I am not leaving you alone. Not after what you've been through. The ministry six all has a target on our back and id rather be out training and fighting than stuck at home waiting for something to happen."
"-Cough-"
"It is time" Mr. Geoffrey said now sitting on hermiones desk.
Hermione looked back at harry and said firmly "Im going harry, and that's that."
"Every minute now is a moment we could spend training and while I do not believe our enemies are aware of our movements yet. I believe within two or three weeks Dumbledore will notice the blood wards are not being charged with Harry's power."
"What do you mean Mr. Geoffrey I thought the wards were powered by my mothers sacrifice?"
"No lad, your magic has been constantly used to feed the wards at your relatives home. The wards were tied to the living blood of your aunt. I do not believe this has been used to keep you safe but to keep your power constantly drained."
Hermione started thoughtfully "But Mr. Geoffrey that would mean Harry has never been able to use all of his magic and maintaining the bond with the wards while at Hogwarts would have sapped even more of his strength? What rune pattern could even be used to create such an effect?"
"Just so , and a pattern that focuses on family blood protecting family blood."
The hats eyes screwed up for a moment as if seeing something that was not there. He continued in an excited voice.
"Hurry children, if you are decided we have about 30 minutes till the guards next rounds. You must pack and we must go!"
Hermione started immediately opening her trunk and flinging things into the magically expanded space.
Harry though eyed the hat. "Guards?"
"Yes the guards at Gringotts make rounds of the vaults every thirty minutes. It is not the closest portal but it is the only one we can safely use."
Hermione stopped and stared at the words 'gringotts' and 'portal'.
"You mean to tell me we are going to break into the bank to enter some sort of magical portal. Magic can't make static portals, that's why we use port keys and apparitions."
"Trust me young ones, hurry and pack."
Deciding to risk it, Hermione did what came naturally. Rushing into action throwing clothes randomly into her trunk, she began giving orders.
"Harry grab the first two rows of books on that shelf and stick them in my trunk! Then grab the blankets from my bed and my purse from the hook at the door. I'm going to grab clothes and write a note to my parents. Mr. Geoffrey how long do you think we will be gone? And why do we have to move so fast if we have three weeks till we are discovered?
Harry looked at the intimidating amount of books on the first two shelves and began to move.
Geoffrey responded with a statement cloaked in finality. "Hopefully no more than the two weeks, and because time is precious!"
Hermione gave him a look full of exasperation. "You expect to train Harry in two or three weeks?!"
"Now is the time for trust my dear. All will be answered soon."
Hermione turned back to the note for her parents and began writing. Once satisfied she bolted downstairs and placed it on the counter.
When she returned Harry had finished with the books. She had an adequate amount of clothing and if worst came to worst her school robes were still packed neatly in her trunk from last semester.
That was it. She was basically running away with her best friend on the word of a hat. A moment of doubt filled her mind but a look in Harry's direction set her resolutely on her path.
Geoffrey shrank her trunk until it disappeared.
Kindly but firmly Geoffrey said.
"Children grab ahold of my brim"
They did as asked. And after a gentle tug at their navels they appeared deep within gringotts. Multiple vaults stretches down on either side of them. The one in front of them labeled 001, on their left 002, and the one to their right 301.
"Harry cut your hand. Then place it upon the door you must focus your magic and push it into the threshold. Quickly we have little time!"
Alarms began to sound around them.
Harry stared contemplatively at the hat for half a second and then drew the knife from his pocket.
'I was going to kill myself with this knife only this morning.' Harry wondered.
Placing the knife to his palm he quickly drew it across, instantly drawing blood. He placed it upon the door.
Nothing happened.
A second passed, they could hear the vibrations of the tracks as guards came rushing their direction.
Nothing happened.
"Harry focus your magic as you did when you were a child. Push it into your hand upon the door."
Harry looked at the hat confusedly,then a look of recognition passed his face. He recalled the memories of his apparitions around England and the feelings he had when he escaped. The need had been great. Vernon had beaten him severely and with several broken bones his heart had burned with one thought 'I have to escape this place' a tingling warmth had overwhelmed him. More intense than when he waved his wand. It was power, it was the ability to mold the world to his will. He had disappeared with a pop, appearing underneath an old tree deep in some forest as his bones healed. Afterwards, after they came for him, he had drawn forth that warm tingle over and over again to escape. That is till they cornered him.
Harry drew upon those Memories now. He brought the warm shiver to his mind and willed it to his hand. The door glowed. Out of his peripheries Harry could see the cart coming their direction a flash of familiar silvery blonde hair contained within.
The door opened. It was like staring into a an aquarium filled with swirling water, showing an obscure image of what lay beyond.
With time of the essence Hermione glanced at Harry. She saw the look of determination on his face and she instinctively grabbed his hand. He looked over to her and said.
I guess this is it.
They stepped through the threshold.
—
Cannon Alteration 01
The first task
Harry flew hard back to the wooden arena. He snapped up the golden egg and headed over to the dragon handlers.
"She's hurt! She slammed into a cliff during the chase and broke her wing."
The handlers grimly mounted brooms and Charlie asked. "Can you show us where she fell?"
Harry deposited the golden egg into Hermiones safe hands and took to his broom again. Leading the dragon handlers over to the cliffs.
They found the dragon curled into a ball at the bottom of the ravine wing stuck out at an odd angle. She was shaking in pain and looked at the handlers eyes full of fear and loathing.
Immediately upon seeing her the handlers began firing of stunning spells. Until her head began to lull to one side. The handlers landed in front of the dragon and began to approach.
"Stop!" Harry yelled "cant you see she's hurt!"
Harry landed in front of them blocking their path as the handlers began to draw wicked looking knives from their sides.
"Harry" Charlie began "a wounded dragon is incredibly dangerous."
"We don't have the manpower or funds to have it healed. The only thing we can do is put her down and harvest her!"
Harry grew angry and he took a step back towards the dragon drawing his wand and pointing it at the handlers.
"YOU'RE NOT GOING TO TOUCH HER!"
Charlie took a step towards the angry wizard. "Harry there is nothing we can do, magical healing doesn't work on dragons and the tournament doesn't have the funds for the healer she would need."
"I don't care!" Harry said petulantly "Take the funds from my trust vault. She doesn't deserve to be put down like a common animal. She didn't ask to be here!"
Charlie looked at his superior who nodded.
"Harry are you sure? It will cost thousands of galleons."
"I don't care if it takes every Knut I have!" Harry began but was quickly interrupted.
"HARRY!... don't move"
The dragon handlers were all looking at him in fear wands drawn, pointing at the dragon behind him.
Slowly... excruciatingly slowly. Harry turned around.
The dragon was up and staring at him razor sharp maw within a foot of him.
She looked at him in fear and mistrust, still shaking with pain.
Slowly, Harry extended his hand.
"Harry, don't take a step back slowly."
Hardy ignored the handler, something felt right about this.
The dragon looked ready to snap his arm off but then a look of recognition passed her eyes and slowly she extended her head to his hand.
The moment the skin made contact with scale Harry felt her pain. The fall of several hundred feet had broken both her wings and cracked several of her ribs.
'I just wish you hadn't have gotten hurt.'
Harry thought as he began to feel a warm tingle welling within him. He pushed the warmth to her thinking it would at least calm her.
In a flash of light the dragon and the human collapsed. Where Harry's palm had been on her nostril her scales where now white.
The dragon handlers moved to restrain the dragon and take Harry to safety.
When Harry awoke from magical exhaustion The dragons and there handlers would already be gone. After writing a letters to gringotts and Charlie Harry found that the funds for the dragons healing had been withdrawn. Charlie reassured him the dragon was doing well and would be released back into the wild within a few months.