Author's Note.
First let me say I have not abandoned Champion of Valhalla or any of my other stories, however, the idea for this store wouldn't leave me alone, so I've decided to simply work on what my muse wants, and I may end up posting a couple of other stories that are rolling around in my head. Secondly, I know I'm usually upfront about pairings, however, in this case I truly have no idea who Harry will end up with, my usual choices are Hermione, Ginny or Pansy, or some combination of them but I'm not limiting myself to just them. Especially since I also have a Harry/Ginny story, and a couple of Harry/ Hermione and Harry/Pansy stories in mind. Finally, never fear, I don't abandon stories, that said I don't write as often as I'd like, and sometimes I just have to write what my muse feels like.
They say that darkness lives in us all, there are those who spend their lives fighting it, those who fully embrace it and are consumed by it, and yet there are those who learn to tame the darkness, never falling to it, embracing the grey, for who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of wizards, The Shadow knows...
August 6 1993, Number 4 Privet Dr.
Harry Potter was fed up, he'd had enough of that fat cow and the constant tripe she spewed, he was glad she floated away, he hoped she would fly into the path of a jet, he'd had enough of her, of the fat walrus, and his shrew of an aunt, angry didn't even begin to describe how he felt. Harry's head was splitting, his blood pounding in his ears, as he slammed his pathetically meagre belongings into his trunk. A voice in the back of his mind kept telling him these filthy muggles deserved his wrath, that if he was already going to be expelled for what he did to Marge, why hold back, he had nothing else to lose, so why not get his revenge on his relatives? Harry slammed the lid on his trunk shut, and opened Hedwig's cage.
"Go to the Weasleys girl, Ron will take care of you, if I can I'll find you. " he told the beautiful white owl. She hopped on his shoulder and nipped his ear before she flew out the window .
Harry made his way down the stairs, dragging his school trunk behind him, the thumping of the trunk on the stairs seemed to emphasize Harry's pounding headache, and the angry throbbing in his scar. Harry spotted his relatives as he came down to the bottom of the stairs, his aunt and cousin huddled in the corner, faces white with fear, a sharp contrast to his uncle's face, a deep shade of puce, his rage twisting his face.
"BOY YOU BRING HER BACK THIS INSTANT! " he bellowed in Harry's face, fueling Harry's own rage.
The house began to shake as the lights flickered on and off, the tinkling of the china still on the table adding their own music to the drama unfolding in the Dursley's parlor.
"NO, I HOPE SHE DIES!" Harry screamed in his uncle's face, his rage becoming uncontrollable.
Vernon grabbed Harry by the throat, trying to slam Harry into the wall, all thoughts of fear, or restraint fled from Harry's mind, replaced with pure unfiltered hate, and a rage so incandescent that Harry literally glowed red with it. Vernon's beefy fist closed on Harry's throat trying to strangle him, Harry pulled back his own fist, and his anger fueled punch sent the fat walrus stumbling back as blood poured from his broken nose.
"I'LL KILL YOU YOU FREAK!" Vernon screamed, as Harry raised his wand right in Vernon's face. The fat man froze, a smug sneer on his now bloody face.
"You can't do magic here, they'll kick you out of that school of yours, you'll never see your freaky friends again." Vernon said, his rage replaced by a insufferable smugness . Harry stared for a moment, as the voice in the back of his mind told him that two little words, and he'd have his revenge for the years of abuse and neglect, all he had to say was avada kadavra, just two little words, and he'd never have to worry about the Dursleys again. Harry stared at his relatives as the tip of his wand glowed a sickening green, the light reflecting off his glasses.
"No, you're not worth it. " Harry finally said, letting out a breath as the green glow faded, and he shoved his now cowering uncle out of the way.
Harry made his way down Privet Dr, deep in thought, he was disturbed by his actions, and how close he'd come to casting that vile curse. Harry couldn't quite believe it, would he have really done it, cast a killing curse on his uncle, and what about his aunt and cousin? Would he really have killed them all, was he going dark? Harry's stomach turned at the thought of becoming like Voldemort, and Harry emptied what little food he had been allowed onto the grass. Harry sat down on his trunk, trying to calm himself, his breath ragged as his stomach still churned, head still spinning Harry sat wondering what he should do now. After a few minutes Harry caught his breath, he checked his money pouch, reaching in he counted his gold, he had 20 galleons, enough for a room at the Leakey Cauldron for a few days at least. Now Harry just had to find a way to London. Harry's ears picked up a low growling sound, and Harry saw something moving in the bushes, he was so startle he fell backwards, and the creature in the bushes fled as a bright purple 3 decker bus arrived so quickly it may as well have apperated.
" Welcome to the Knight Bus, emergency transportation for the stranded witch or wizard, I'm your conductor Stan Shunpik." Said a young man with heavy acne. Harry stared up in shock, not believing his eyes.
"Oi, whatcha doing down there? " said Stan, as he finished his well rehearsed speech.
"I fell." Harry said, picking himself up and dusting his trousers.
"Well get aboard, we don't have all night. " Stan said, looking Harry over as Harry boarded., Harry handed Stan the fare, and decided that he'd take a red toothbrush as well, he hadn't had a new one in as long as he could remember.
Harry sat down just as the bus jerked forward in an instant they were moving at an incredible speed, blowing through the country roads and through London proper, Harry practically fell off the bus as it stopped outside the Leakey Cauldron.
"Welcome to the Leakey Cauldron, watch your step " Stan said as Harry stepped off. "Oi, what'd you say your name was?" Stan asked.
"Oh, James Evans. " Harry said, thinking quickly.
"Well, be careful Mr James Evans, there's dark wizards about, and look out for Sirius Black. " Stan said, just before the bus disappeared with a bang.
Harry made his way in, and found the dingy bar almost empty. Sometime later Harry lay in his bed contemplating the meeting he'd had with Minister Fudge, Harry had expected to be expelled at the least, possibly even arrested and thrown into whatever passed for a prison in the wizarding world, Harry wondered idly of they would have been so forgiving if he'd actually used the killing curse on his relatives, probably not, he concluded. Harry also wondered why everyone kept warning him about Sirius Black, as if Harry would be stupid enough to actually chase down a known Death Eater, Harry might be crazy but he wasn't stupid, no way he'd go looking for someone that dangerous. With a heavy sigh he decided to get some sleep, tomorrow he could plan and decide what he needed to do until September 1.
Harry awoke the next morning feeling tired, sore, and emotionally drained, his throat hurt where that fat bastard tried to strangle him, and he still couldn't believe what he almost did. The thing that disturbed Harry the most, however, was that part of him regretted that he didn't, some part of him whispered in the back of his mind that they were filthy muggles, no better than mindless beasts, they had no right treating their betters that way, that those filthy muggles should be kissing his feet, they should feel honored to have a wizard in their home. Harry quickly squashed that line of thinking, he wasn't like that, he didn't think muggles were inferior, he didn't think they should "know their place " as the voice whispered. Harry decided that something was really wrong with him, that voice in his mind reminded him too much of Voldemort.
Harry decided the next morning that the first order of business would be breakfast, after that he'd need to go to Gringotts and refill his money pouch, afterwards he'd splurge on some clothes that actually fit him. Harry made his way down, he noted wanted posters for Sirius Black around the bar. Harry had to wonder about Black, and he worried what he would do if he encountered the mad fugitive. Harry decided the only thing he could do at the moment would be to keep his eyes open, and hope he spotted Black before Black spotted him.
After a filling breakfast, Harry made his way into Diagon Ally, wanted posters for Black covered just about every available surface it seemed, Harry made his way to the bank, and found a free teller.
"Hello sir, I'd like to visit my vault. " Harry said as politely as he could, the goblin peered down from his high seat.
"Name?" He said, his high voice laced with boredom.
"Harry Potter. " he responded, feeling slightly nervous, goblins unsettled him a bit after Hagrid's warning. The goblin's face changed suddenly, upon hearing Harry's name, he rung a bell, and said. " Razor Claw will be with you shortly. " as he said it, a fairly young looking goblin came through the doors, and walked straight to Harry.
"Mr Potter, my name is Razor Claw, I'll show you to your account manager, Longspear, he's been waiting expecting you for some time." Harry followed the young goblin through a set of doors, he found himself in a hallway lined with torches. Razor Claw lead him to an oak door with a golden plaque that read Longspear, Senor Account Manger, in English, and in a script and language that Harry assumed was the goblin's native language.
Inside the office Harry was shown to a dark red leather chair in front of an imposing desk.
"Longspear will be with you shortly, would you like some refreshments while you wait? " Razor Claw asked Harry.
"Tea please." Harry said, assuming that declining goblins hospitality would be seen as an insult. Razor Claw noded before speaking in into the stone in his hand in what Harry guessed was the goblin language, moments later another young goblin arrived with a tea service set on a cart. Harry poured his tea, adding a splash of milk, he thanked both goblins as he sat back.
"If you need anything else while you wait, feel free to call on me Mr Potter, just ask for me on this stone. " Razor Claw said, handing Harry a palm sized flat stone with carved runes as he made to leave.
"Thank you." Harry said as Razor Claw walked out.
Harry took a sip of his tea as he surveyed the room, the tea was very good, Harry noticed several animal heads on the wall, he also noted a small setting area by a warm looking fireplace, the chairs and sofa were the same dark red leather as the chairs at the desk, a small coffee table of the same dark wood as the desk completed the only other furniture in the room.
Harry waited for around ten minutes before an older distinguished looking goblin walked in, he was well dressed in what Harry assumed was the latest goblin fashion, though it more resembled something from Charles Dickens.
"Ah, Mr Potter, a pleasure to meet you, I am Longspear, and I am in charge of the Potter family accounts, now I assume you're here about your titles and inheritance?" Longspear said, taking his set behind his imposing oak desk, after helping himself to a cup of tea.
"Wait, titles? Inheritance? " Harry asked, feeling confused and a little shocked.
"Why yes, Mr Potter, you're the last remaining Potter of the main family line, normally you would take up your title and gain access to your inheritance upon your seventeenth birthday. However, at the current time we find ourselves in unusual circumstances, you see you've recently gained a second title, this by conquest. " Longspear said, watching the young wizard for any reaction, he was surprised to note confusion and shock on the boy's face, and not the smug arrogance he expected to see on the face of a wizard who inherited multiple titles and fortunes.
"Wait, you're telling me that I conquered someone? Who, when, how?" Harry asked, feeling even more overwhelmed
"Yes indeed, you've defeated Tom M Riddle, alias Lord Voldemort on 3 separate occasions, by the old laws you have inherited his titles and and any goods he owned." Longspear elaborated.
Harry leaned back in his seat, gobsmacked. He defeated Voldemort 3 times, well he knew that, but wow. A chill ran down his spine as he wondered if that had anything to do with his actions last night .
"You said I couldn't inherit until I turned seventeen, so what's changed?" Harry finally asked after he settled his mind.
"Well Mr Potter, because you've taken the rights to the title of lord Slytherin from Riddle, that has opened the door for your emancipation, if you take the title today you will likewise gain the title of lord Potter as well, and of course any and all Potter assets." Longspear explained.
"So, would you like the Slytherin and Potter rings brought up from the vaults, Mr Potter? " Longspear asked.
Harry's head spun, he would be lord Potter and lord Slytherin, oh Ron wasn't going to like that, but no more Dursleys, no more neglect and abuse.
"Yes please, I'd like to try both. " Harry said, a thread of excitement running through him. Longspear picked up a stone off his desk and spoke goblin into it. "The rings will be here shortly, now there are a few matters to cover. First, both titles hold certain privileges and rights, including seats on the Wizengmot, however, do to your age you will be required to appoint a proxy, one must be twenty one years old to take up their seat. Secondly, you will be allowed to buy alcohol and tobacco products in the magical world, however, you're still underage in the muggle world, likewise, you will no longer need a guardian in the magical world, though you will still need muggle guardians if you intend to live in the muggle world. " Longspear said.
Now, if you would be so kind as to indulge an old goblin's curiosity, would you mind telling me about the second and third time you defeated Riddle? Shrugging his shoulders Harry launched into the tell of the philosopher's stone. Longspear listened as Harry told him a detailed account of Harry and his friends following the evidence, of researching the stone, of their adventure in overcoming the traps, and his encounter and subsequent defeat of Riddle.
"Intresting, the implications of his continued survival are disturbing, as is Dumbledore keeping such an object in a school. " Longspear said, his face thoughtful . "Please Mr Potter, do continue your tale." So Harry continued into his second year, the attacks on students, how he was outed as a parslemouth, how the student body ostracized him, believing him to be the Heir of Slytherin. Harry followed with Hermione's petrification, her discovery of the basilisk, Ginny's kidnapping, and his and Ron's trip to the Chamber of Secrets, the attack by Lockhart, the confrontation with Riddle's memory, the battle with the basilisk and he finished with the destruction of the diary, and his subsequent conversation with Dumbledore.
"Very interesting Mr Potter, however, there are a number of issues and intresting things, for a start what you encountered was no mere memory, if it were you would not be able to claim the Slytherin title, what you encountered was Tom Riddle in some form, a piece of him as it were, thereare very few ways that is possible. Now, taking his continued survival into account I suspect he created at least one horcrux, I won't go into details, but it is vile magic. " Longspear stated. "Now, there are a few other things your story brings up, for one thing, the basilisk belongs to you now, and they're quite useful and valuable, we would certainly be happy to render and sell it for you, for a fee of course, minus any parts you wish to keep for your own use." He said. " Of course we both see the irony that now you actually are the Heir of Slytherin, however, it is up to you who you tell."
Moments later Razor Claw entered with a knock, he held two ornately carved boxes, one of ebony with a silver snake, the other was cherrywood, with a golden lion. Harry could feel the power coming from the boxes, they were placed on the desk and Razor Claw opened both facing Harry.
"You need to put the Slytherin ring on first, that and this paper will make you an emancipated minor, thus allowing you to take up your Potter lordship. " Longspear explained. Harry reached into the ebony box and picked up the silver and emerald ring, it was beautifully carved with snakes, and interestingly quills. Harry could feel the power from the ring as he placed it on his right middle finger, the power surged through him. Longspear noded approvingly and passed Harry the document and a black quill. "Please sign this my lord and you'll be emancipated, Harry did as asked as he signed he felt a sharp pain in his hand and noted his signature on the back of his hand for a moment before it faded. "Ah, that is a blood quill, they're quite illegal outside of Gringotts, even the possession of them would lead to several years in Azkaban. " Longspear explained noticing the curious look Harry wore.
"Ok, now simply place the Potter ring on your finger." Longspear said. Harry took the silver and ruby ring and placed it on his right ring finger. Harry felt power flow through him, this time he felt a tinge of pain in his scar, and a wave of dizziness that passed as quickly as it came, Longspear noticed this, and a strange emanation of magic from Harry's scar.
" My Lord, ,congratulations. " Longspear said, and Razor Claw added his own congratulations.
"Please, just call me Harry. " Harry said, slightly embarrassed.
"No my Lord, I will not, nor should you encourage others to do so unless they're close friends or family, it is far better that strangers to show you respect, both because of your position, but more importantly because of your accomplishments, you've already done things few fully trained adults could do, never forget that." Longspear said, his face deadly serious.
"I do have a question my Lord, if you don't mind?" Longspear said.
"Of course" Harry said.
" Have you had any unusual issues lately, with your temper, or with time you couldn't account for?" Longspear asked.
"I had a fight with my relatives last evening, I was so angry I almost lost control. " Harry said, his face turning red with embarrassment.
"I take it that is not your normal temperament? " Longspear said, his face thoughtful.
"Not to that level, I don't think I've ever been that angry before, and what they said wasn't really any worse than their normal tripe." Harry said.
"I see, well, I believe that concludes our business for now, unless you have anyquestions or anything to add? " Longspear said, rising from his desk.
"No, that's everything. " Harry said, rising from his own seat. Longspear escorted Harry to the door
After Harry left, Longspear sat for a moment, he had his suspensions about the young Lord's scar, he only hoped he was wrong, otherwise the young man would have a difficult journey ahead of him. Longspear took out a quill and parchment, he needed an expert in these matters, he would see if he would be able to see the young Lord soon. This could be a very bad, yet perhaps useful development, if his suspensions were correct.
...
Harry left the bank, walking down the steps and into Diagon Ally, he decided his next stop would be Madame Malkins for robes, he would lunch at the Leakey Cauldron while waited for his robes. Harry entered and spoke with Madame Malkin herself, he ordered four sets of new robes, a pair of shoes , a pair of boots, he decided to have the Potter crest on his new robes, and he opted for the finest acromantula silk for two sets, and the other two would be normal robes, his shoes and boots would be vipertooth dragon hide, the finest available, he decided that he would wear his finest robes on the Express, he couldn't wait to see Malfoy's face.
After lunch and dropping off his new clothes in his room, Harry decided to go into muggle London, he made his way to the shops, deciding to buy a whole new wardrobe, he bought both dress and casual clothing, but always the best quality, he also bought new trainers. Harry made his way past a cinema and looked over the new releases, he'd never seen a movie in the cinema before. Deciding to he needed a little relaxation after his busy day, he bought a ticket for an evening showing of The Shadow. Harry returned to his room, and put up his new purchases. Harry put on his new casual muggle clothing and trainers before he had dinner and made his way to the cinema. Harry greatly enjoyed the movie, deep down part of him wondered if it was possible to use magic to accomplish the Shadow's feats.
As Harry fell asleep that night, wondered what this new school year would bring, and what his friends were up to.