Title: AU: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Author: Artemis Luna Diana

E-Mail: artemislunadiana@yahoo.com

Rating: PG-13 (cursing)

Pairing: none

Time: begins the night of James and Lily's deaths and continues through Harry's first year of school

Summary: Harry grows up under the watchful eyes of Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, and Arabella Figg.  When Harry was still little, he had a nightmare and woke up screaming.  When his guardians arrived in his bedroom, he told them that he would be coming back.  Knowing instinctively who Harry was referring too, the three resolved to train Harry to defend himself before he left for Hogwarts.  They figured that everyone would dismiss Harry's vision as a simple nightmare.  So they kept the whole matter a secret.  Now it's time for Harry's first year of Hogwarts.  He's been trained in secret to be cunning, strong, and quick-thinking.  So where does he end up: Slytherin.

Disclaimer: I own not a thing.  Due to the fact that this story covers one of the years already written, the majority of the events and some of the dialogue comes straight from the book.  This chapter also contains Fluffy's description, it was taken straight from the book as well.

Thanks to: snapeysnapesnape for the excellent beta

Chapter Six: It's a dog eat dog world...

When Harry walked into the Slytherin first-year dorm, he was greeted by Malfoy's malicious smile.  "Potter, coming to pack?"

"No, actually," Harry replied easily.  "I'm going to talk to Blaise, write a letter, and then go to bed."  He picked up some parchment, a quill, and some ink and gestured for Blaise to follow him.

Malfoy's smile dimmed slightly.  "I noticed you weren't in Astronomy, get expelled?"

Harry smiled.  "No, I was with Marcus Flint and Professor Snape.  I'm the new Slytherin Seeker," he replied as he walked out of the room.

Malfoy, Nott, Crabbe, and Goyle stared open-mouthed as Blaise hurried after Harry.  "He's what?" Malfoy snarled.

***

"Are you serious?" Blaise demanded as the two made their way to the owlery.

"Yep.  I'm the youngest player in a century."  He shot Blaise a wry smile.  "Quite an accomplishment for my second week, huh?"

"I'll say!"  The two walked in silence a moment.  "Why are we going to the owlery after curfew?" Blaise asked.

"I need to write home for my broom," Harry replied.

"Oh."  Blaise glanced at Harry and gave a slight smile.  "I've never really been interested in Quidditch or flying, but I'm glad you made the team.  You seem to like it very much."

"That I do," Harry said with a grin.  "Sirius is going to go nuts about it too.  He'll be bragging to anyone who'll listen."  Harry laughed.  "And those who won't!"

When they reached the owlery, Hedwig flew down and landed on Harry's shoulder.  Harry stroked her chest and then walked over to the small table and wrote a quick note.  Hedwig hopped down onto the table when he was done and held up one of her legs so he could attach the letter.  Once he did so, she climbed onto his arm and he walked her over to the window. 

"Take this to Sirius," he said.  Hedwig took off, and he turned back to Blaise.  "Okay, we can go back now."

"I'm going to study Transfiguration," Blaise said as they walked out of the room.  "You're welcome to join me."

"Okay," Harry replied.

Blaise snickered suddenly.  "Did you see Malfoy's face?"

Harry glanced at him in confusion a second before he realized what his friend was talking about.  He laughed.  "It was priceless.  Makes me wish I had a camera."

The two talked for a bit more before Harry stopped suddenly.  "Shh, did you hear that?"

"Hear what?"

"Listen!"

Blaise and Harry exchanged horrified looks.  "Footsteps!" Blaise hissed.  "Hide!"

"No place, just run!"

The two boys took off running, trying to keep as quiet as they could while at the same time trying to prevent from getting caught out of bed.  It took Harry a second but he soon realized they were running away from the Slytherin dorms.  "We're heading away from the dorm!"

"Too late!  Keep going!"

Finally, they managed to lose their pursuer, whom they figured was either Snape or Filch.  Leaning up against a wall, they tried to catch their breath.  "Malfoy must have ratted on us," Harry spat.

"Stupid git!" Blaise agreed between pants.

"Ooooh!  Lookie here!  Ikle firsties out of bed!"

"Peeves!" Blaise gasped.

"Should tell Filch, I should," said Peeves in a saintly voice, but his eyes glittered wickedly.  "It's for your own good, you know."

"Peeves, if you dare call Filch, we'll tell the Bloody Baron you've been treating the Slytherin first years horribly," Harry said quietly.

Peeves seemed torn before his slightly evil smile widened.  "STUDENTS OUT OF BED!" he bellowed.  "STUDENTS OUT OF BED DOWN THE CHARMS CORRIDOR!"

Ducking under Peeves the two boys ran down the corridor and hit a locked door.  They could hear footsteps, Filch running as fast as he could towards Peeves' shouts.  Both boys drew their wands and simultaneously whispered, "Alohomora!"

The lock clicked and the door swung open.  They dashed in and shut it quickly, pressing close to the door, straining to hear.  They could hear Filch talking to Peeves and the poltergeist's unhelpful responses.  Soon enough they heard the sound of Peeves whooshing away and Filch's curses fading into silence.

Harry sighed in relief.  "He thinks the door's locked.  We should be okay," he said and turned to lean back on the door.

"We should give it a few minutes before we leave," Blaise replied not looking at Harry.  When Harry didn't say anything, Blaise glanced over at him.  "Harry?" 

Harry was staring fixedly at something in the room.  Blaise turned slightly to see what had captured Harry's interest and let out a horrified gasp.  They weren't in a room, as he had supposed.  They were in a corridor.  The forbidden corridor on the third floor.  And now they knew why it was forbidden.

They were looking straight into the eyes of a monstrous dog, a dog that filled the whole space between ceiling and floor.  It had three heads.  Three pairs of rolling, mad eyes; three noses, twitching and quivering in their direction; three drooling mouths, saliva hanging in slippery ropes from yellowish fangs.

It was standing quite still, all six eyes staring at them, and Harry knew that the only reason they weren't already dead was that their sudden appearance had taken it by surprise, but it was quickly getting over that, there was no mistaking what those thunderous growls meant.

"Blaise, get the door," Harry whispered.

Blaise fumbled for the knob and the door opened.  They stumbled back and slammed the door shut.  They ran, couldn't care less if Filch or Snape caught them now.  They didn't stop running till they reached the stone door hidden in the walls of the dungeon that led to the Slytherin dorms. 

"Parselmouth!" Harry gasped and the two stumbled in.  They fell back against the door.  Harry placed a hand over his rapidly beating heart.  "Whoa." 

"Why in Merlin's name do they have that creature in the school?" Blaise asked, he also had a hand resting over his thundering heart.

Harry closed his eyes and leaned his head back.  "It was standing on a trapdoor.  It's guarding something."  He opened his eyes to see Blaise's reaction.

Blaise's eyes glittered.  "What do you think it's guarding?"

Harry laughed weakly.  "I have no idea."

***

BOOM. 

Harry glared at Blaise who grinned at him.  "These are all the books I could find on Hogwarts' layout.  I think we could probably piece together how much space is under that trapdoor from them," Blaise said gesturing towards the tower of books he'd just dropped on the table.

Harry nodded.  "Once we know how much room is down there, we can figure out what it might be holding."

The two boys bent over the books and began drawing rough sketches of the layout of Hogwarts based on the descriptions in the books, paying special attention to the third floor and any out of the way areas that led from the third floor.

"It could be a new area," Blaise said after awhile.

"No," Harry said shaking his head.  "It says in Hogwarts: a History that the school can't be added on to."  He looked up at Blaise.  "It'll damage the wards protecting the school.  Everything in here has always been here, it's just a matter of finding it all."

"Well they could change the destination of some of the pathways."

"Nope.  They are all the same.  Each spell has a certain number of destinations that it cycles through.  If we can determine the cycle and its times, we can end up where we want to go when we want to."

"I thought the school was a bit more random than that."

"You can thank Slytherin and Ravenclaw for Hogwarts being the way it is.  They decided to make it appear to be random without it actually being random.  It helps during attacks on the school.  If the enemy manages to actually enter the school, they still have to figure out how to get past the spells.  Even the staircases are on different cycles.  You can actually figure out which staircase is going to move and where it is going to go.  Like I said, it's designed to look random without being random."

"So how do we figure all this out?"

Harry sighed slightly.  "Become extremely good at mathematics and arithmancy."

"We don't take arithmancy until third year," Blaise said aghast.  "They aren't going to just leave whatever it is down there until we're ready to swipe it!"

Harry glared.  "You'd better be glad I had the foresight to cast a silencing spell around us or otherwise you'd have just blasted our intentions out to the entire library."

Blaise flushed.  "Sorry."

Harry scowled.  "And we aren't going to swipe it… we're just going to see what it is, and maybe borrow it for a bit."

Blaise snorted.  "Pretty stupid of us if you ask me.  It could be something that's all-powerful.  We could rule the world!"

Harry laughed.  "Rule the world?  I didn't realize that you had dreams of world domination, Blaise Zabini."

"Well, I might not actively seek it, but I certainly wouldn't mind having it if it was given to me," Blaise replied cheekily.  "Servants answering my every whim –"

"You have that now."

"Followers bowing at my presence –"

"Yeah, right."

"Women at my beck and call, submitting to my every desire –"

Harry was laughing uncontrollably by this time.  Blaise reached out and tried to smack him upside the head, but Harry ducked out of the way.

"Are you saying you wouldn't want it?" Blaise demanded.

"Hell, no," Harry replied still smiling.  "Do you have any idea what ruling the world would involve?  The paperwork alone would kill you."

"I'd banish paperwork!"

"Then how would you know that what you wanted was being done?  You wouldn't be the real ruler, whoever was your second-in-command would be, and even he wouldn't really have a lot of power.  Most of the power would be in the upper ranks of your followers.  Nah, ruling the world isn't what it's cracked up to be."

Blaise frowned.  "You've got a point."

"Besides, someone would overthrow you anyway."

"Are you saying I'd be a bad leader?"

"No, it's just that you're a Slytherin.  Slytherins are evil and the 'light' side would have a problem with you in control."

"Prejudiced bastards."

"Exactly," Harry said good-naturedly.  "I think what we should shoot for is to have a great influence upon society.  Then even if we weren't in control, people would still look to us for approval before making any decisions.  For example, as much as I despise him, Lucius Malfoy is in the perfect position.  He even appears to be good to the 'light' side though we both know otherwise."

"Are you saying your role model is Lucius Malfoy?"

Harry thought for a minute then started laughing.  "Maybe I should tell him, he might keel over from the shock."

Blaise snickered.  "Or you could tell Draco."

Both boys were soon helpless with a case of the giggles, and it took them awhile to recover, but soon they were back to their map making.

***

That night at dinner, Harry and Blaise were treated to the first major prank of the year.  Marcus Flint told Harry that it had to have been the Weasley twins and to make sure he watched his back around them.  Slytherin would be most unhappy if anything befell their new seeker.  Harry and Blaise retreated to the library looking for a cure to their pink freckled state.  Harry was irritated that he didn't already know the answer.  After all, he came from a family of pranksters.  It was perhaps that irritation that led Harry to his decision to return the Weasley twins' favor.

He dragged Blaise and Marcus Flint down to the Potions classroom to begin their revenge.  Harry pulled out three cauldrons and began instructing his partners in crime to gather ingredients.  He had Blaise prepare ingredients while Marcus helped him watch over the three cauldrons simultaneously.

Unnoticed by the three boys, Professor Snape entered the room.  It was only shock that kept him from yelling immediately, and he was grateful for that later.  Just as he opened his mouth to berate Flint for dragging two first-years down to the Potions classroom to assist him, Harry began calling out orders again.  Snape was sent into shock again.  Harry Potter was the ringleader of this… whatever this was?  Snape sat down and watched in silence as the oblivious boys continued their work.  Two of the potions were finished in about twenty minutes and set aside to cool; the final potion took another hour.  Once Harry declared it finished, Snape stood up.

Silently he walked up to them, the boys' mouths dropping open in shock before closing with gulps.  He inspected the three finished potions and an evil looking smile crossed his face.  "Excellent quality, Potter, I expected nothing less from you," he said and walked into his office, closing the door behind him.

Harry grinned.  "He recognizes what the potions are," he explained to his two puzzled companions.  "He knows exactly what we're going to do with them."

"He doesn't care?" Blaise asked astonished.  "We aren't in trouble?"

"Nope."  Harry smiled.  "Remind me to tell you all about when Snape went to school.  He was involved in the biggest prank war that Hogwarts has ever seen."

"Professor Snape?" Marcus asked astonished.

"Professor Snape," Harry replied nodding.  "Now, for the last thing."  He thought for a bit, then spoke three sentences over the last cauldron, then bottled the potions. "We need to deliver these little beauties."

They grinned.

***

The next morning at breakfast, Harry and Blaise sat down next to Marcus Flint and the rest of the Slytherin House team, who Marcus had informed of the coming events.  Professor Snape came to breakfast extremely early instead of last minute like he normally did.  He also had a very smug and knowing look on his face that caused many students to feel apprehensive.

Once all the students gathered, the food appeared and the Slytherins who knew watched the Gryffindor table with barely concealed glee.  A minute after the meal appeared, the changes began.  Those unfortunate enough to choose the hot foods, found themselves with green robes and silver streaked hair.  Those who had chosen a cold breakfast or bread, had 'I love Slytherins' tattooed across their foreheads.  And everyone who had taken a drink of anything, were now capable of only saying three sentences.

Some of the younger students rushed to Dumbledore and McGonagall, hoping to be relieved of the effects.  "I love Slytherins!" one proclaimed, then clapped a hand over her mouth in shock.

"Professor Severus Snape is my hero!" the boy beside her cried aghast, then clapped a hand over his own mouth in horror.

"I wish I was a Slytherin!" another boy pleaded with Dumbledore.

By this time the Slytherin table was roaring with laughter and Ravenclaw was laughing as well.  The Hufflepuffs were torn between laughing and being sympathetic since it was obviously a Slytherin that had pranked the Gryffindors.  The Gryffindors were in an uproar, save for a few students who thought it was funny in spite of the fact that they were the ones pranked.  Lee Jordan, the Weasley twins, and a few others.  There were about three people at the Gryffindor table that avoided all three pranks as they hadn't begun eating yet.  Hermione Granger was one of them.

Professor McGonagall was not amused to see her house in such a state.  "Harry Potter!" she shouted.  "I know you did this!"

Harry put on his best innocent expression.  "Who me?"

"Fifty points from Slytherin and a month of detention!"

"Now Minerva, we don't have any evidence that Harry was the one responsible," Dumbledore said smiling. 

McGonagall practically growled at the Headmaster and stalked over to the Gryffindor table to try and remove some of the effects of the prank.  Dumbledore smiled at Harry.  "No points will be removed and you do not have to serve any detentions this time, Harry," the Headmaster said.  "Though I am sure that Professor McGonagall will be writing to your godfather about this.  She is quite convinced that you are responsible."

"I know that Sirius and Remus were pranksters," Harry said with a charming expression.  "But I didn't realize that they would influence Professor McGonagall's opinion of me.  Should I talk to her?"

"I don't think that will be necessary, Mr. Potter," Dumbledore replied, his eyes twinkling, as he returned to his seat at the Head Table.

Blaise and Marcus, who already knew a little about Harry's family history, were not surprised about McGonagall calling him out; however, the other Slytherins were dying to know why McGonagall blamed a first-year without any evidence.  Harry informed them a bit about the prank war that had spanned the seven years his father, his friends, and Professor Snape had been at school, and that because he had grown up with his father's friends, he seemed a likely candidate.  Of course, only the quidditch team and Blaise knew that McGonagall had every reason to blame him.

***

Two days after the breakfast prank, Blaise and Harry had just sat down to breakfast when the morning post came in.  Harry was gifted with a large package and three letters.  Harry grinned, grabbed his mail, and dashed out of the hall with Blaise on his heels.  They entered the Slytherin dorms and closed themselves up in Harry's bed.  They opened up the package, and Blaise admired Harry's broom while Harry opened his letters.

Harry –

I'm so proud of you.  First you make the quidditch team as a first year, then we received a letter from Professor McGonagall listing the details of the prank you did at breakfast.  It was your prank wasn't it?  Your first big prank and you didn't even get in trouble!  Congratulations!  Write back with all of the details! 

Love –

Sirius

Harry –

Congratulations on making the quidditch team, your mother and father would be very proud.  Sirius is very excited to hear that you are continuing our legacy, though I am a little surprised that you did.  You hadn't said anything about pranking the Gryffindors in your last letter.  What changed your mind?  And remember not to get caught while you're setting up your pranks!  Oh, and don't forget to study! 

Love –

Remus

Harry –

Congratulations on making the quidditch team.  I've sent your broom along with this letter, so write back if you don't get it.  We received a letter from Professor McGonagall, do try and stay out of trouble, Harry.  There is no need to draw attention to yourself or make a bad impression upon your professors.  However, if you decided to turn this into a prank war, make sure you give those Gryffindors hell!  Write me if you need ideas. 

How are classes?  Are you and Professor Snape getting along?  Have you worked any on your potions experiments?  Let me know if you need anything for your projects.

Love –

Arabella

Harry grinned at his letters.  Who could ask for a better response to your parents/guardians being informed of your misdeeds? 

Blaise laughed.  "I wish that's how my parents reacted when I got in trouble!"

***

TBC…

I thought long and hard about the whole pranking thing, before realizing that there really was no way to get around it.  So the story is going to have little pranking interludes throughout it.  Considering that Harry grew up with Sirius and Remus who were notorious pranksters, and that all three of his guardians used pranks as a way to relieve Harry of stress during his training, I think that Harry would be inclined to respond to the Weasley twins with pranks of his own.

Anyway, my yahoo!group:  groups.yahoo.com/group/HuntressSmiles

Also, I figure I should mention a bit about updates.  I do have other stories that I'm working on, so I won't be updating every week, I'll be lucky if I update once a month.  I probably should have spaced out posting the first five chapters instead of just tossing them all up at once, that way it wouldn't have seemed like such long periods before updates since I'd have more time to write the next chapters.

As always, any reviews and/or comments are appreciated.

~Artemis Luna Diana~