Death's Champion

by Naienkon

Death realizes that things went bad when Harry Potter is unable to have children after Voldemort hit him with the second killing curse. When this was realized things went very wrong and Death knew she just have to fix it. So when Harry finally dies she's there to meet him and hopefull set things right. Grey/mild dark overpowered Harry. Mild bashing to select weasley's and Dumbles.

6. Chapter 6

Author's Note: Here we are again everyone. Just to let everyone know I went back through the previous chapters and did some editing. I also didn't some minor changes especially in chapter two. I changed Harry's overall response to seeing Ginny for the first time. When I reread that I was like this doesn't make sense for where I'm going so I fixed it. I hope you like it. Once again this is just J.K's world and I'm just playing in it. I hope you all enjoy this chapter. -grabs bowl of popcorn and gets comfy.-

Chapter 6: Letters.

*Dumbledore's point of view. *

-Monday after the world cup-

Dumbledore had just come from Minerva's office and was in quite a pickle about what to do. There was a reason Harry was supposed to be taking Divination and not the other subjects. Dumbledore did not want him getting too strong. In order for Voldemort to fully die Harry would have to die as well. The Horcrux in his scar made it a horrible necessary condition in order to kill Voldemort.

Dumbledore had to place at least half a dozen magical blocks on Harry to make him just an average wizard. Yet somehow despite these blocks, the boy still managed to do incredible things. A full corporal Patronus at thirteen is unheard off. And then, if the rumors were to be believed, he somehow had used said Patronus to destroy a sky born dark mark.

"Could my blocks be breaking? Or perhaps they have cracked and started to leak?" Dumbledore asks himself out loud as he sat down at his desk. He was just reaching for a lemon drop when Harry's owl Hedwig flew into his office and dropped a letter on his desk. Dumbledore quickly picked up the letter and opened it.

Dear Professor Dumbledore,

I am writing to you because I am in need of your help. I'm sure Professor McGonagall told you about my desire to change classes. I have the test this Friday and I am trying to study hard for it. My problem is with Mrs. Weasley. I don't understand why she is so against me. All I want to do is help the world I live in. I love Hogwarts, it's the only real home I have. I noticed that the school is constantly in need of a Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher. So, I started looking into what was needed to become a teacher. Earning a mastery in Defense is insanely hard. I mean you have to have N.E.W.T level classes in pretty much every class I have. (including the two I still need to test to get in to.) I just want to be able to help people and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to do that. I feel that this is a good choice and I'm going to be working very hard to achieve it. But Mrs. Weasley seems determined to prevent me from studying and I just don't understand why. I mean she pushes all of her children to work hard but me she acts like I need to just give up. I know I'm asking a lot, but do you think you could talk to her. I mean coming from you I'm sure she'd at least let me study in peace. Though I doubt I stand a chance at passing the test. While I did tell Professor McGonagall that I've been self-studying all it really amounts to is reading a few chapters of Hermione's books here and there whenever she fell asleep in the common room. Hardly what I'd call advanced studying. I just want a chance to try and get away from Divination. Also, I'm sure you've heard about my house-elves. They live in my closet at the Dursley's. It really is amazing what they can do Sir. Anyway, I took them in because Dobby told me, under a great deal of his own personal torment, that he would die without a master. I figured I could take them in until I could talk to you. I figured Hogwarts could always use more elves to help out, right? Anyway, Sir, I'd really appreciate your advice on this, and I hope you're having a good summer.

Harry James Potter.

P.S.

Can you believe people think it was my Patronus that got rid of the Dark Mark? The rumors in the magical world are crazy sometimes. I've only ever produced it once and it had the form of a stag. I heard the one that destroyed it had the form of some type of bird. I swear if it isn't one thing it's the next right, Sir?

Dumbledore couldn't help the smile that started to grow on his face. Harry was still under his control and still clearly under his influence if he was coming to him for help. Dumbledore certainly couldn't fault the boy for wanting out of Divination. The class was truly horrible, and he was sure the boy would fail the O.W.L. for it anyway and not take it in his sixth year. But this letter proved the boy was still seeking his approval and given the boy's lack of confidence. He more than likely would fail the tests anyway.

"Unless." Dumbledore got up from his desk and rushed back to Minerva's office. Once there he knocked and waited for permission to enter. Once it was given, he walked in a found Minerva sitting at her desk.

"Yes, Albus?" Dumbledore sat down in front of her.

"Minerva I was wondering about the tests that Bathsheda and Septima are making for Mr. Potter. Are they making a brand-new test for him?" Minerva nodded.

"Why yes, they are Albus. After all mister Potter hasn't been in their classes to be able to actually pass the exam they give at the end of the year."

"While this is true Minerva. Harry himself admitted that he was studying in secret behind everyone's backs. If that is the case, then I believe they should give him the final exam for third years and if he fails it proves that he is not taking this seriously."

"Well yes, I suppose it would but…"

"You said yourself that he fully admitted to holding back in his classes. Breaking habits like that are hard, especially for one so young." Minerva sat for a moment thinking on Dumbledore's words before she nodded.

"I agree, Albus. However, if he fails I would like permission to tell him that he can continue to self-study and if he works even harder he would be allowed to take the O.W.L's for the two classes to attempt to get into their N.E.W.T level classes. Hopefully, by then we can break him of this horrible habit now that all of his teachers are aware of it." Albus nodded to this before he stood and bowed himself out of her office.

As he walked back to his own office, he was mentally writing a letter to Molly. She would need to be informed so she will ease up on the boy. He didn't need her pushing him away from them especially after his random chance meeting with Nymphadora. Thankfully it appeared that the girl had revealed nothing to him. Otherwise, Harry would have been blasting his door down begging him to be allowed to live with the Tonks's.

Under normal circumstances, Dumbledore would have granted it to him in a heartbeat. The Tonks's were very good people and the blood wards could be erected around their home. Though they wouldn't have been as strong they still would have worked, but the Horcrux needed to be handled properly. Sadly, the beatings the Dursley's had done to the boy in an attempt to beat the magic out of him only succeeded in weakening the container for the Horcrux so it could be destroyed easier. However, Dumbledore was still betting that if he could get Voldemort to be the one to kill Harry, there was a chance Harry might survive. However, this chance was slim at best and highly unlikely to actually work.

"It's all for the greater good," Dumbledore said feeling older than ever as he sat down in his chair. He pulled out a piece of parchment.

Dear Molly,

You needn't worry about this change. Harry is merely making a desperate attempt to get out of Divination. Something I'm sure we can both understand. As for the compulsion wards not working, I believe this is because the blocks I put on him have probably cracked do to Dementor exposure and the Patronus charm that he was learning all year. I will invite him to my office at the beginning of the year and I will re-enforce them and add new ones. That should solve the problem. For now, just go along with this and he will likely fail the tests on Friday. Afterward, you can be there to offer support as the mother he's always wanted. Or perhaps you could encourage the young Ginevra to be there to offer comfort. It might be just what you need to push them together. Just remember to be constantly kind to him and everything will work out just fine.

Sincerely,

Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore.

*Rita's point of view. *

-Monday evening after the world cup-

Rita had just walked into her office after getting yelled at by her boss. Her report on the world cup was not up to her usual standard that sold papers. She had set a standard for herself and what she wrote for Sunday morning just really didn't make the cut.

"That brat had better come through or."

"Or you's be doing what to my master?" Rita practically leaped out of her heels as she spun around and came face to face with a very angry looking male elf. He was standing on her desk pointing a glowing finger at her.

"Who are you and what are you doing in my office?" He growled in response as he pulled a letter out of his jacket.

"I is bringing this to you per my master." Rita's whole face lit up at the sight of the letter and grabbed for it. The elf vanished and reappeared at the door. "Say you is being sorry for threatening my master." Rita stared at the elf in shock. She couldn't believe this is what her life had come to.

"I am very sorry for threatening your master. I have just been under a lot of stress since he had me write the truth in that article." The elf narrowed his eyes at her.

"Well you's best be prepared to do that a lot." Rita narrowed her eyes at him.

"What do you mean?" The elf grinned as he tossed the letter on to her desk.

"You's be finding out really soon." He then vanished with a small pop.

Rita stared at the letter like it was going to be the end of her career. She went to her cabinet and poured herself a glass of fire whiskey. She sat down at her desk and took a deep breath before downing the glass. After burping up a fireball she picked up the letter and opened it. The greeting alone caused all the blood to drain right out of her face.

Dear Ladybug,

I loved your article about Saturday. I'm sure it caused you a ridiculous amount of pain to write that. However, I assure you the reward for doing so will make whatever you would have written seem like a joke. The reading of my parents Will will take place at Gringotts on Friday at one o'clock. However, there are some rules for you. Number one, NO, I repeat, NO QUICK QUILL QUOTES. Number two, you may record everything you hear during this will reading. However, I reserve the right to order you to strike anything from what you've recorded. I realize you might hate this, but I promise there are only a few things that will get stricken. Number three, you will not under any circumstances make any accusations. You may ask questions about things you don't understand but if you make any ridiculous accusations about anything you will be removed from the reading. Now, I know you're thinking these rules are completely out of line. However, if you adhere to my rules and work with what I want, I promise to get you a copy of the will to print. I will also include you on even more stories. Each one even juicier than the last and it wouldn't surprise me if you were able to retire by the end of summer. Looking forward to seeing you on Friday.

Sincerely,

Harry James Potter.

P.S.

In case you couldn't tell I do know about your little secret. See you soon.

Rita just stared at the letter in shock.

"Who the hell does he think he is? Trying to blackmail and control me, of all people." Rita refilled her glass and downed it quickly. As she sat back down, she looked over the letter again. "Though if he's telling the truth I could go down as the greatest reporter in history. I mean the Potter's are one of the most ancient and most noble houses. To be invited to the last lords will reading is probably the highest honor a reporter could receive. Plus, he singled me out. Out of all the other reporters there, he walked right up to me." Rita sat there wondering what the hell she was supposed to do.

After about an hour she smiled at the letter. "It can't hurt to play along for now. After all, if this turns out to be bogus, I will bury him in stories that will ruin the lives of his great-grandchildren." Rita chuckled as she poured herself another glass. "We shall see how this story plays out Mister Potter." Rita nursed her drink without seeing the elf hiding on the other side of her desk listening to her.

*Amelia's point of view. *

Amelia walked into her office on Tuesday morning thoroughly exhausted. After the dark mark debacle on Saturday, her week had been a nightmare. Thankfully to her great surprise, the infamous reporter Rita Skeeter had actually been kind in her reports on the whole thing. It was the one saving grace of the whole thing. Amelia had just sat down and was about to relax when she noticed a letter on her desk with her name on it.

"Julie, can you come in here please?" Her assistant walked in looking worried. Julie was an average height woman with a curvy figure wearing a tight blue skirt with a button-up blouse and light blue robes over them.

"Yes, Madam Bones?" Amelia pointed to the letter.

"Where did this come from?" To Amelia's surprise, Julie smiled brightly at her.

"That was brought here about a minute or so before you got here. The most adorable little elf seemed shocked that she couldn't get into your office. I asked her if I could take the letter for her, but she shook her head telling me that her orders were to leave it on your desk. So, I let her in to do so…after checking it for anything dangerous." She explained with a smile.

"Did she say who her master was?" Julie shook her head,

"No. I tried but she wouldn't say." Amelia nodded and then dismissed her as she picked up the letter and opened it.

Dear Madam Bones,

I am writing to you to invite you and your niece to the official reading of my parents will for a few reasons. The first being that the two of you are mentioned in it and need to be present. The second being that I know my parents had a great deal of respect for your sense of justice and with the reading of the will and your help, I hope to correct a very grave injustice made by the Ministry. I don't really trust the Ministry because of the mistakes they've made but my parents believed you to be very trustworthy, so I will put my trust in you. I hope I don't regret it. Please do not tell anyone about this meeting except Susan. Someone locked away and sealed my parents will from everyone inside of Gringotts. I don't want the one responsible for this to find out that I know about the will. I don't wish to take the chance of them finding out and trying to stop it. The reading will take place at one o'clock on Friday at Gringotts. I greatly look forward to seeing you there.

Sincerely

Harry James Potter

P.S.

I apologize again for what happened to your wand. I've recently had a lot of magical blocks taken off me and I still haven't gotten the hang of all the power that was contained. I do hope you were able to get a nice wand to replace it since I'm sure there was no saving the one I used. Again, I'm sorry about that and I hope you won't hold it against me.

Amelia stared at the letter completely dumbfounded. Harry Potter had found his parents will and apparently, she and her niece Susan were in it. Why on earth would either of them even be mentioned in it?

"Unless…oh no!" Amelia rushed out of her office telling Julie she had to run back home.

*Remus's point of view. *

-Tuesday after the world cup-

Remus was sitting in his rundown house looking like he'd just gone a few rounds with a hippogriff. He looked around at his small torn up apartment. Without being able to afford the potion to be able to control himself he had little choice but to seal his house and let the wolf wreck the place regularly. Remus sighed again as he rubbed his temples.

"Wow, Remus and I thought I had it bad." Remus spun around drawing his wand and pointing it at the voice.

"Padfoot!" He dropped his wand and tackled the man in a hug. "Wait." Remus dropped him. "What are you doing here? Are you out of your mind? If the dementors find you, they'll kiss you." Sirius was about to respond when a soft pop caused a letter to appear at their feet. Remus leaned down and picked it up and opened it.

Dear Uncle Mooney,

I know you're not in the best of places right now after the full moon, but you need to listen to me. It's time to get off your furry butt because we've got work to do. The Marauders are making a come back with new members. You've got teaching to do and I'm gonna be paying you for it. Time to pick up the mantle of a true Marauder and get ready to turn this world upside down. Padfoot should be arriving soon if he hasn't already. I may not be an official Marauder yet because I lack the proper "form" and a nickname but with your help, I hope to change that by the end of the summer. This Friday at one o'clock there will be a meeting at Gringotts to read my parent's will and free a certain mangy mutt we both know. It's time to drag yourself out of the darkness my friend and learn to embrace the moonlight!

Sincerely your Nephew,

Harry James Potter.

P.S.

I solemnly swear I am up to no good!

Remus reread the letter at least a dozen times before he turned to look at Padfoot who was reading it with him. Remus could feel the tears coming down his face as he pulled Padfoot into another hug. Both men seemed unable to contain their excitement about what their best friends' son had planned.

*Andromeda Tonks's point of view. *

-Tuesday after the world cup-

Andromeda had just sat down to have lunch when a beautiful white owl flew in and landed in front of her.

"Well hello there Hedwig. I assume you have a letter for me?" Hedwig nodded and then looked at some of the food Andromeda had on her plate. "Oh, he does spoil you, doesn't he?" Hedwig just looked at her and Andromeda laughed. Andromeda took some food from her plate and offered it to Hedwig, who took it happily as Andromeda untied the letter. Andromeda sipped her tea as she opened the letter.

Dear Aunt Andi,

I hope this letter finds you well. Obviously, this letter is to let you know that the meeting is at one o'clock on Friday at Gringotts. Please bring your daughter and husband. The time has come Aunt Andi soon the Black Family will be restored to a name that demands respect in the ways you've always wanted it to. You will walk down the street with your head held high, proud to call yourself a member of the new Black Family. I look forward to seeing you again and so does Hermione.

Sincerely

Harry James Potter

P.S.

The Sisters will return to their former glory!

When Andromeda read that final line, she dropped her cup causing it to shatter. Her heart was racing as tears filled her eyes.

"No…it's not possible. They were lost to the darkness." Andromeda sat there stunned, her food and the shattered cup was forgotten as she remembered all the fun times she and her sisters had before Sirius's mom got her claws into them. Only she had been able to escape thanks to Ted.

When Ted got home, he found his wife sitting at the table with a white owl eating her food. When he got her attention, she tackled him in a hug and kissed him deeply before dragging him to their bedroom.

*Hermione's point of view.*

Hermione sat in the Weasley's living room with Harry trying to study on Tuesday after the quidditch world cup. Hermione was still struggling with how much Harry had changed in the past couple of weeks. Though according to him this was how he'd always been he'd just been afraid to show it. His parents' journals had provided a lot of guidance that Hermione was sure he needed in his life. She was also sure that being responsible for multiple elves also forced him to grow up even more.

"Harry, don't you want to come play some quidditch?" Hermione looked up and frowned slightly when Ron walked in. She turned to look at Harry and couldn't help the worry that still crept in when Harry looked up at Ron. Harry usually always took Ron's side and Ron had been so against Harry studying she was worried he'd eventually give in to what Ron wanted.

To her relief, she saw annoyance on his face. Granted it was hard to tell since Harry seemed to have developed this weird power to hide his emotions. Luckily Hermione knew him to well for him to hide them completely. She smiled as Harry sighed and marked his place in his book. The first time Harry did this she had been terrified but now she knew better. Harry was about to put Ron is his place and Hermione would be lying if she said she didn't enjoy it to a degree.

"Ron, how would you like to make a deal?" Ron just stared at Harry while scratching his head.

"What kind of deal?"

"Go get our chess sets and let's play. Best two out of three. If I win you have to promise to leave me and Hermione alone and let us study."

"And when I win?" Ron asked with a smug grin that made Hermione want to vomit.

"I'll stop studying and do what you want for the rest of the day. Hermione will also agree not to pester you about homework for the rest of the summer." Ron's whole face lit up as he took off up the stairs.

"Harry neither of us have ever beaten Ron at chess. Why would you agree to that? Every second you have before those tests is important!" Hermione was beyond upset. She had finally found someone to really study with. Someone who seemed to enjoy it as much as she did. "I can't watch you throw away your chance at these classes because of him." Hermione got up and left the living room. She didn't even stop when Harry called out her name. She had never been so disappointed with him.

When Hermione got to Ginny's room, she was fighting back tears.

"What's wrong?" Hermione turned to see Ginny. Ginny hadn't been that bad since the incident with Harry's nightmare. However, she still didn't like the girl. They were pretty much polar opposites. Ginny was an athlete and Hermione was very much a bookworm. The only thing they ever seemed to have to talk about was Harry and now that was gone.

"Harry challenged your brother to a best two out of three chess match. If Ron wins Harry will stop studying and do whatever Ron wants for the rest of the day. Harry's throwing his whole future away if he doesn't get into these classes. You may not need them to become an Auror, but they are needed if you want to get a mastery in Defense Against the Dark Arts. You have to be able to provide wards and know how to work them. That doesn't even take into consideration the work he'll need to do on dark creatures and care of magical creatures." Hermione threw herself onto her bed and covered her face.

"You never know Harry might win." Hermione glared at Ginny who held her hands up in surrender.

"No one ever beats Ron at Chess. I know he's your brother but let's face it the boy has three things he's good at. Eating, Quidditch, and Chess!" Hermione covered her face again no longer wanting to talk. Eventually, she heard Ginny leave the room. When the door shut with a soft pop, she felt something light land on her stomach. She moved her hands and looked to see a letter sitting on her stomach, but no one was in the room with her.

Hermione sat up slowly as she picked up the letter cautiously. She knew Harry was planning a prank on the twins and worried if he would eventually play a prank on her. While is mothers' journals had had a very positive influence on Harry, his fathers had him wanting to play pranks.

Hermione took a deep breath and slowly opened the letter. She breathed a sigh of relief when nothing happed and slowly pulled out the letter.

Dear Hermione,

Okay, I know this is going to a bit of a shock and probably really hard for you. On Friday I'm going to Gringotts to have my parents will officially read. It was sealed away by Dumbledore and he's been preventing me from getting letters from the goblins. They are pissed, to say the least, and I almost had to pay a fine for his actions. Hermione, I know how you feel about rules and authority, but I want you to take a good look at everything we've been through and tell me how much of it could have been stopped if Dumbledore had just stepped in and fixed it. Plus, despite me showing him proof of how bad the Dursley's are he keeps sending me back there. I'm going to confess something to you that I've never told anyone except him and a few other adults when I was younger. The reason is because look where it gets me! Right-back in that house with those bastards! Yes, I know Language! But Hermione if you only knew the half of what they've done to me you'd be calling them even worse names. Trust me! I live in hell every summer until Dumbledore gives the Weasleys permission to come and rescue me. I can't…No I won't do it anymore. I'm gonna free Sirius and we're going to live together, and it starts Friday. Hermione, I want you to come with us. We can even invite your parents. My family has its own manor and come Friday it will be mine. You need to know that if you come with us, you'll be drawing a line in the sand against what Dumbledore wants for me. I know I'm asking a lot, but you should know that not even Professor McGonagall wanted me to live there. She even offered to take me in herself over me going there. And I heard from Remus that she had actually considered just taking me and ignoring Dumbledore's orders. If that doesn't tell you how bad it is there, then the only other thing I can do is show you my back. (Which Dumbledore has seen!) One look and I promise you'd be blasting Dumbledore's door right off its hinges. I'd almost feel sorry for the gargoyle that guards it. Hermione, I love you, you are my sister and one of the few people I would ever call family. Please, I need you to weather what's coming. I can't do this without you. If you are willing to come with me on Friday, all you have to do is wait for the twin's distraction and call out for Pinky. She will answer and take you right to the steps of the bank. If you're not there…I won't say I'll understand because I won't. But know that I will always love you like a sister and if you ever change your mind you just have to ask.

Love your brother in every way but blood

Harry

P.S.

I almost forgot to mention this, but you'll also be offered a position with the new Marauder's. Where you will not only learn prank magic from the best you will also learn to be an Animagus before the summer is out and receive a nickname and have that name added to the Marauder's Map. I hope to see you Friday and I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.

Hermione just stared at the letter as she finished it. So many emotions and thoughts were running through her head. It was so much she felt like she was gonna pass out. If she hadn't already been sitting on her bed, she probably would have passed out. Her whole body felt as if the world was crumbling down around her.

"But he's Dumbledore. The leader of the Light! There's no way he would knowingly send…" Hermione's thought trailed off as she thought about their first year. Looking back, she realized Harry was right. Dumbledore could have prevented all of it and Harry had even suspected that he had known it was going to happen. Plus, there was the timing when he returned it was almost to perfect. Hermione didn't even want to think about the other years as she looked at the letter again.

"What is wrong with his back?" Hermione wondered as she reread the letter. The answer came to her slowly, because just didn't want to believe it. When it finally hit her, she gasped and rushed to the door of the room only to stop just before she opened the door.

"I need to breathe I can't rush down there and cause a scene." She whispered before taking a few breaths to calm down. Something else finally clicked in her mind and she looked at the letter again. "The Weasley's are helping Dumbledore." Hermione felt her blood boil at that. She found it hard to believe it of all of them, but she could for sure see Mrs. Weasley being in on it.

As Hermione folded up the letter and tucked it inside her shirt, not something she was fond of doing unless it was important. She realized that this was the reason why Harry was pulling away from Ron. Hermione wanted nothing more than to run downstairs and put her wand to Ron's throat and demand answers, but she knew that would get her nowhere. She paced around the room for awhile thinking about all of their adventures and everything they had done. So much of it seemed like they had been premeditated for them to do it. Which only seemed to add fuel to the anger that burning inside her.

Hermione took a few more deep breaths to calm herself as she opened the door. "First I need proof before I make a decision," Hermione whispered as she walked down the stairs to see how Harry was doing and to confirm this.

When she arrived in the living room everyone was watching the two of them play chess. There was still a spot next to Harry. So, she took it and when she did, he looked up at her and smiled.

"Hey, Hermione!"

"Hey, Harry. How's it going?"

"Third game. Ron won the first one, but I beat him the second time." Hermione just stared at Harry with her mouth hanging open. She must be in an alternant universe or something. First Dumbledore is leaving Harry with people who abuse him and now Harry had beaten Ron in a game of Chess.

"You only won because I let my guard down in the second game after you played so badly in the first one." Harry laughed at that as he turned his attention back to the board.

"Like I told you that was a called a bluff. I played badly the first time to get you to let your guard down. You're cocky and that's your weakness in this game Ron. Castle to D four." Harry's Castle moved across the board and crushed Ron's Queen. "Check!" Ron just stared at the board looking more focused than Hermione had ever seen him.

"Wow, I've never seen our dear Ickle-Ronniekins in such a tight spot before." One of the twins said Hermione couldn't tell which was which like Harry could.

"I agree oh brother of mine. Ronniekins may just lose this little bet he's made." The other twin said before being shushed by their mother. She too was watching the game with intense focus. Hermione made a face at the woman as she remembered why she was down here. After glancing around to make sure everyone was staring at the board. Hermione slowly put her hand behind Harry and put her hand under his shirt. Hermione watched Harry's face as he stared at the board. His eyes moved to hers for a fraction of a second before scanning the room. His nod was so subtle that if she hadn't been staring at him, she wouldn't have seen it. Slowly she lifted the back of his shirt. As she did her fingers gently guided across his skin and she could tell it was wrong. There was very little of it that was smooth if any at all was.

When she got the back of his shirt up about halfway with what seemed like no end to the roughness she felt, she finally looked at it. What she saw had her biting her tongue to prevent herself from gasping and crying out in front of everyone. His whole back seemed to be nothing but scars. She quickly let go of his shirt and moved her hands into her lap.

She started to stare at the chessboard, but she wasn't really seeing it. Emotions were fueling her thoughts as they went at a mile a minute. Trying to figure all this out and how she should be reacting. Should she start hexing the Weasley's for their part in this?

"No that wouldn't do." She thought to herself as she also remembered that Harry was going to be getting help from the twins to get her to Gringotts on Friday. Harry wouldn't ask them for help like that unless he trusted them. So that begged the question, who within the family could they trust.

Hermione looked up and looked at each of the Weasley's in turn. She didn't know the two oldest very well, but they didn't seem bad and since they were rarely home it was highly unlikely that they were involved. The twins wanted constant chaos and more often than not were usually against what their mother wanted. Mrs. Weasley, she was sure was in on it. This was probably more gut instinct than anything, but it was all she really had to go on aside from her controlling behavior. Mr. Weasley didn't seem the type to be involved in such things, but Hermione would admit he could have been helping and not know it. Percy was already on her list of people not to trust. He used to be someone she looked up to but now her opinion of him had soured since he was so willing to let an elf die without a second thought. Hermione continued to go over everything in her mind until Ron broke her concentration.

"Knight to D four." Ron's knight moved and crushed Harry's castle. The look on Ron's face worried her. He looked like he had just won the game. However, before Hermione could even register the board.

"Queen to H one." Harry's queen charged forward and stopped at her new location after crushing Ron's castle. "And that is checkmate." Before Ron could even look back at the board to argue this, his king removed his crown and threw it on the ground. The whole room was stunned into silence. Harry tapped his king and all of his pieces repaired themselves and then returned to their container. "As I told you, Ron, you're too cocky at this game. A few stupid moves here and there and you make your plays extremely easy to read. If you want to the best at something you have to humble yourself or your ego will crush you every time." Harry turned to Hermione. "My legs could use a good stretch want to go for a walk around the property while we review what we've been reading." Hermione beamed at Harry as she nodded and the two of them walked out of the room leaving a very stunned family of Weasley's.

*Narcissa's point of view. *

-Wednesday after the world cup.-

Narcissa was sitting in the study reading a book when Draco walked in.

"Mother…" Narcissa looked up and noticed the slightly urgent sound in her son's voice.

"What is it Draco?" He silently motioned for her to follow him. She knew he wanted to talk privately outside of his father's earshot. Lucius had listening charms all over his house. This was just one of the many ways he controlled them. They discovered them when Draco complained to her about him and he came home seconds afterward and punished them both.

Narcissa got up and followed Draco to the one place in the mansion where he couldn't hear them, the dungeons. Ironically Lucius never put listening charms here because the only way in and out was with Malfoy blood. She watched as Draco cut his finger with a small knife and opened the door. Once inside he quickly shut it and pulled a letter out of his pocket.

"It came a few minutes ago." Narcissa took the letter and quickly opened it.

Dear Narcissa,

The time for the meeting is at one o'clock on Friday at the location we discussed. I look forward to seeing you and if you have trouble getting away. Just call on our mutual friend to help you get there.

Sincerely

The GryffinDork.

P.S.

The Sisters will return to their former glory!

Narcissa just stared at the letter not really believing it was real. Draco chuckled next to her and she just looked at him.

"Sorry, it was the name he used. I didn't think he knew about Pansy's nickname for them." Narcissa rolled her eyes at him before returning to the letter to reread it. "To be honest I'm shocked by how cunning this is," Draco said pulling Narcissa from her thoughts again.

"What do you mean?" Draco gestured to the letter.

"While it says a lot, it really doesn't say anything at all either. Unless you knew what was going on there's not much you could get from this. I mean, to be honest, this could simply mean that you're having an affair. Which we both know Father wouldn't care about unless the public got wind of it. If he did find this, he would question you about the affair and make sure you were covering your tracks. The only thing that might be called into question is the very end part, but it can be easily written off as a password." Narcissa just stared at Draco as if she couldn't really understand what he was saying.

"Is this not normal for him?" She asked and Draco shrugged.

"I'm not sure how truly cunning he is since we're not in the same house. I always treated him like he was a brainless git but to be honest I have no clue." Draco took the letter and after reading it again he grinned. "If this letter is any indication of how cunning and smart, he actually is, then I almost feel bad for Father." Narcissa raised her eyebrow at him as he grinned again. "Almost." They both smiled as they burned the letter and left the dungeons to prepare for Friday.

*Fred and George point of view. *

-Wednesday after the world cup.-

Fred and George were sitting in their room working on a new form of listening device called extendable ears. Thanks to their bet with Harry they finally had the funds to get the materials needed to make them.

While they were working, they both looked up to the sound of a soft pop. They never saw the maker of the pop, but they saw the letter sitting on the floor addressed to the two of them. They looked at one another before George picked up the letter and moved to sit next to Fred so they could read it together. When they opened it there was a loud bang with a puff of smoke. Their mother came in and after taking one look at them she rolled her eyes.

"Finally got a taste of your own medicine huh. Good!" She turned and slammed the door. When Fred and George looked at one another they realized their faces had turned purple with green polka dots and busted out laughing.

Eventually, they stopped and realized there was still a letter in the envelope. They slowly and cautiously picked it up and opened it.

Dear Fred and George or George and Fred or Gred and Forge,

I hope my very first attempt at a prank was a success. Sorry, but you guys seemed like the perfect targets for it, now on to serious matters. How would the two of you like to become full members of the Marauders? Since I'd bet money the answer to this question is yes. You need to know there are requirements. All of which will be explained to you after Friday. I will be more than happy to put in a good word for the two of you, but I need a favor in return. Hermione needs to leave the house at twelve forty-five pm on Friday. My house elf can take her no problem but…well…you know how your mom is. Also, keep the whole house-elves being able to transport people thing under your hats as well. I recently learned that and if you can believe it, they can take you in and out of Hogwarts. Amazing right? Imagine what we could do as Marauders for pranks with elves to help us make perfect getaways? Anyway, do you think you can create a distraction for her? If you can then to let us know you simply have to leave your faces the way they are, and it will fade by tomorrow morning. If you don't want to be apart of this then just press your wands to your faces and say Mischief Managed. Your faces will be cleaned, and this letter will destroy itself. Sorry but the events of Friday are very important and if your mom finds out she will tell Dumbledore. I can't let that happen for the sake of the Marauders. Not to mention the sake of me never having to go back to the Dursley's again. I will explain everything after Friday and if you help us, I will do everything to help you become Marauders and maybe even find some investors for your shop. The choice is yours.

Future Marauder,

Harry James Potter.

P.S.

I solemnly swear that I am up to no good!

The twins looked at one another and without a word spoken they rushed downstairs proudly showing off their faces to everyone.

"Love the look boys. Is it permanent?" Harry asked them and they grinned.

"Nah it'll fade by tomorrow morning." They winked at him and Harry gave them his trademark lopsided grin.

*Snape's point of view. *

-Thursday evening after the world cup.-

Snape was sitting in his house eating dinner when he heard the sound of a soft pop. He slowly stood as his eyes scanned the room. He slowly drew his wand a curse at the front of his mind.

"Who is there? I warn you. You have one chance to reveal yourself before I strike." Snape heard the movement behind him but before he could even spin around his world went dark.

When he came to, he was tied to his chair in the middle of his living room. Everything had been pushed away from him and up against the walls. Noises were coming from his kitchen.

"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS! I DEMAND YOU SHOW YOURSELF AT ONCE YOU COWARD!"

"OH, SHUT UP SNIVELLUS!" The voice that came from the kitchen stunned Snape for a few moments.

"POTTER WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY HOME?" Snape watched as Harry walked into the living room holding a butterbeer and a sandwich he clearly just made. "AND HOW DARE YOU STEAL MY FOOD!" Snape watched as Potter ignored him and sat down on his couch to eat. While Potter ate, Snape tried to use legilimency on Potter but the moment his passive probe even started to penetrate Potter spoke.

"If you value that greasy mind of yours, you'll stay the hell out of mine." The glare Potter sent towards him was a look Snape had seen many times before on the dark lord. This was a look of pure murderous intent.

"Tell me, Potter, how do you foresee this night ending, hmm? Who do you think is going to save you from breaking into my home and holding me hostage?" Snape sneered at him and to his surprise, Potter smiled.

"With all the crimes and dirt, I got on you? I doubt I'll need much saving." Potter said calmly as he finished his sandwich.

"You have nothing on me, Potter! Now untie me this instant!" Snape spat at him but Potter just smiled as he stood up and walked towards him.

"Snivellus, have you ever heard of the pain transfer spell?" Snape rolled his eyes.

"Of course, I have you doddering fool! Enough of this foolish…"

"Did you know that it can be performed wandlessly?" Snape just glared at Potter before rolling his eyes.

"Even if that were true what does it matter? Now un…"

"You know Snivellus for someone whose life is no longer in his own hands you're being very rude!" Snape shuddered slightly at the look Potter gave him. "Now as I was saying this spell can be preformed wandlessly." Snape watched as Harry raised his hand and wandlessly summon another butterbeer from his fridge. "Did you also know that if you know Occlumency you can use it to isolate memories of pain and use them as fuel for the spell?" Snape just stared at Potter.

"You wouldn't da…" Snape barely saw Potter move as he pressed his finger to Snape's head. The moment Potter's finger made contact Snape felt nothing but pain. His torso felt like it was getting beaten and whipped mercilessly. Snape felt his stomach collapse in on itself like he hadn't eaten in a year. As soon as it started it stopped and Snape was left panting.

"Okay now that I have your attention are you ready for us to discuss the crimes you've committed?" Snape looked up at Potter and for the first time since being tied up, he felt fear.

"What was that?" Snape did his best to keep his voice calm and level, but all this did was cause Potter to grin that cursed Potter grin at him.

"That was all the pain I endured from the age of four to five. Would you like me to add age five to six to that?" Potter held up his hand like he was going to touch him, and Snape couldn't stop himself from shaking his head. "Good now be quiet while I list off all the crimes you've committed and then we can discuss what to do with you. Every time you interrupt me, I'm hitting you with that again and I'm adding a year of pain to it, understand?" Again, Snape couldn't stop himself as he nodded to Potter.

Potter opened his summoned butterbeer as he got comfortable on Snape's couch. "Let's see the first of your crimes is hearing half of a prophecy that you gave to your dark tosser without thinking which eventually lead to my parents' deaths. This also led to me living with the Dursley's which is where the pain you felt had come from. Now I realize the blame for that isn't entirely your fault, but you are mostly responsible for it so I'm keeping it on the list." Snape was paying very close attention and keeping quiet. He didn't want to draw attention to himself as he was trying desperately to loosen his ropes. Potter had leaned back on the couch as he pulled out Snape's wand and began twirling it through his fingers.

"Let's see the next thing you did was after you realized your precious dark lord was after the woman you were pinning over, you begged both him and Dumbledore to save her. Voldemort agreed to spare her as a toy for you to play with and Dumbledore only agreed to help you if you agreed to help protect all three of us. How am I doing so far?" Potter looked right at Snape and he froze as the words registered in his mind. How could Potter have known about this? "Riddle me this Snape if you could have chosen for one of them to have been successful who would you have chosen?" Snape just glared at Potter but remained silent until Potter started to stand. The look on his face was one that promised pain.

"Dumbledore, obviously!" To Snape's surprise, Potter's glare intensified.

"I guess I forgot to explain the other part of the rules. You see if you lie to me, I add a year of pain to the spell and." Potter pressed his finger against Snape's forehead and pain racked his body. The same pain from the first time hit him and then it came again but it was worse. Snape felt bones break and the repair themselves. He also felt what had to be a heavy blow to the head that nearly knocked him unconscious. When it stopped Snape slumped against the chair panting and trying to get his eyes to focus. "Now let's try this again who did you want to be successful?"

"I…wanted…the Dark…Lord…" Snape barely got out before he found himself staring down the business end of his own wand.

"Why?"

"Because…if the…Dark Lord…was successful, …Lily…would have been…mine!" Snape glared at Potter as he said this between is heavy panting.

"Okay." Potter turned at walked away. Snape watched as he sat back down on the couch twirling his wand. "Now back to the other crimes. After Voldemort killed Lily you truly switched to Dumbledore's side. However, while you may have switched sides you did not switch your beliefs. You may have started to hate Voldemort, but you never stopped believing the whole pureblood bullshit. Despite the fact that you're a half-blood yourself." Snape just stared at Potter like he couldn't comprehend what he was seeing. How could he possibly know all of this? Snape had to fight hard not to use legilimency on him for fear of more pain.

"These beliefs and your influence caused the Slytherin house to become what it is. That house is not for the pure it if for those of true cunning and ambition." Snape couldn't stop himself the words just came out.

"How would you know what my house is supposed to be about?" Potter stopped twirling Snape's wand and stared at him.

"Because that's where the sorting hat wanted to put me. But because of the behavior of Draco Malfoy, I begged it to put me anywhere else." Snape just stared at Potter with wide eyes. Harry Potter a Slytherin? That can't be true! There was no way Harry Potter spawn of James Potter was a Slytherin. Potter started laughing which pulled Snape from his thoughts. "Oh man, you should see your face. Is the idea that I could have been a Slytherin shock you? I mean you said yourself I like to live by my own set of rules. The fact that you're tied to a chair and I'm not is also proof who is the more cunning of the two of us." Snape narrowed his eyes at Potter. Hate and anger consumed him as glared at him.

"What do you want Potter?" Snape spat out.

"Now that is the million-galleon question isn't it Snivellus. What does Harry Potter want from the slimy git that wanted to steal his mom and use her as his own personal fuck toy? Props by the way for convincing Dumbledore that you were actually in love with her. As if you even know what that is." Potter chuckled as he stood up and started to walk towards Snape. Snape's eyes widened as he watched Potter. That walk was one he knew all too well. Everything from Potter's face to his footfalls screamed: "I'm going to kill you!" Snape felt all the blood leave him as he saw something standing behind Potter. It was a woman in purple robes and armor and white hair holding a scythe. She was grinning at him. Snape only had one thought on his mind. "I'm going to die." The words seemed to repeat over and over as he pulled and struggled against his bindings.

When Potter was less than a foot from Snape, he pointed Snape's wand right between Snape's eyes. "You have two choices Snivellus." Snape held his breath. "This first is to take the offer of life and…" Potter lowered himself, so he was eye to eye with Snape. "Run! Disappear and never return." Potter's voice left no doubt that if Snape took this and then returned Potter would hunt him down. Snape just stared at Potter for a few moments.

"And the other option?" Snape asked but he knew the answer wouldn't be any better. Potter smiled at him and Snape instantly regretted his question as true fear overtook him. How could Harry Potter instill such fear with a smile when a couple of weeks ago the boy couldn't scare a gnome.

"If you choose to stay and keep going on as you have then you will have to answer to the magic of the Potter family. You see tomorrow I will be claiming my family heir ring." Snape knew any hope he had of surviving had just died at those words.

"But Dumbledore said…"

"Dumbledore doesn't know about it and I've got at least a dozen back up plans in place. So, even if he does find out, he won't be able to stop me from getting into the bank." Potter laughed as he pressed Snape's wand against his forehead. "Once I have my ring, I can call on the families magic to pass judgment on you for your crimes. Shame it won't work on Voldemort since the family magic considers him getting his body destroyed and spending all these years as a wraith punishment." Potter glared at Snape with such ferocity that his eyes were literally glowing. "What do you think the magic will do to you when I call you out and expose you in the great hall for all to see?" Snape just sat there frozen in shock and fear. It was several long minutes before he spoke again and when he did it was at barely a whisper.

"Please…let me run." Potter laughed at him and it was cold and harsh.

"Looks like your true colors are showing." Potter laughed again. "It's not that easy you see if you want to run you have some things to do first."

"Name it!" Snape begged and he knew he must look pathetic, but he didn't care. This Harry Potter was not the one he bullied. No this was a Harry Potter he'd never experience but he knew death when he saw it. Potter's eyes held only anger in them at the moment. They wanted nothing more than to punish him for what he'd done wrong and there was no escaping it.

"First you're going to leave your resignation on Professor McGonagall's desk along with your personal recommendation for Andromeda Tonks to take your position."

"Done! Anything else?"

"Yes, you're not to say a word to Dumbledore. You're just going to leave and never return. The most I ever want to hear about you in the future is that you've set up some little potion shop in the middle of nowhere in some far-off country. I hear a whisper of you doing anything more prominent than that and I'll make you disappear myself."

"What if while making potions I come up with a new miracle potion of some sort?" Harry glared at the man before a cruel smile appeared on his lips.

"Find a proxy and make them take the credit. Make them swear a magical oath to never reveal that you are the true inventor." Snape swallowed loudly as she nodded. "Good now I'm going to leave and let you get to packing. But before I go." Before Snape could register what was happening Potter had placed his finger on Snape's forehead again and pain overtook him. So much pain that seemed to never head. Eventually, Snape blacked out after what felt like years of torture.

When Snape came to, he was sitting at his desk and everything in his house seemed as if nothing had happened. Almost like Snape had just fallen asleep at his desk except for two things. One was the pain that was still very fresh and left Snape trembling. The second was a single note left on his desk next to his wand.

That was everything from age four to age ten. Next time you get everything I've ever experience including a bite from a basilisk and so much worse. Run Snivellus and never look back. Because if you do all you will see is me.

As Snape finished reading the note it caught fire and vanished. Snape opened his drawer to grab a pain relief potion only to find all his potions gone. Potter clearly wanted him to remember this. With shaking hands Snape pulled out some parchment and started writing his resignation and the recommendation for Andromeda Tonks.

Author's Note: Well there it is. -cleans up empty bowl.- I hope you all enjoyed it and I hope to have the next chapter out as soon as possible. Next chapter we'll find out the one adult Harry is going to trust above all others. Yay!

Fanfic Recommendation: 'Harry Potter and the Metamorph' by hermyd. This is a Tonks/Harry story. It had a very interesting turnout and the way they combated the Death Eaters was truly amazing. Seriously good story!

Recommendation#2: 'What We Lost' by JacobApples. This is an Andromeda/Harry story. I like it because it's actually very believable. It takes place right after the war with Harry realizing he's a godfather and goes to see Teddy Lupin. Only when he gets there, he finds out that Andromeda is a very broken woman with her husband, daughter, and son in law all dead. The three slowly become a family and it's really amazing.