Title: Harry Potter and the Star of Babylon

Author: P.L.S.

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Rating: PG.

Full Summery: Refer to the first chapter. It's all there in black and white.

Author's Notes: I'm writing this as I'm also writing chapter one. It's almost midnight here but I haven't been falling asleep until three or four a.m. lately. I'm getting worried. No matter. Just enjoy it or enjoy writing a great long flame. I do so love to get those flames from you dissidents and troublemakers. I'm getting very random so I'll stop.

Disclaimer: If I changed the names this could be an original work that seems to be inspired by Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. But as it stands it is a fan fiction and thus I am stealing a great deal to create my plot and to just write this. It is not a work that I am making money from, I do not own anyone I use here unless you cannot find mention of it in the canon. Don't sue, I must give credit to where credit is due. J.K. Rowling, Scholastic, Warner Brothers, and whoever else owns Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. I don't own it. I wish I did.

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Chapter Two - To fight, one must be ready to lose it all.

Summery: Morning at Elmwood, gunshots ring out, and students go to their first day of class. A bit of news from the outside sure stirs up our dear, young Draco, and Fred and George make it very clear they like Harry and want to help him out with Mr. Snape. It doesn't bode well for our hero.

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Harry awoke to Ron and Draco yelling at each other. It wasn't a happy wake up call for him and he decided to let them know just how good of a gunslinger he was. Luckily, after his first month two years ago, the teachers had given him his own personal set of guns and told him as long as no one got hurt too badly he could use them whenever he felt the need. He sure felt he needed to teach his seven new roommates a lesson. Pulling out the revolver he habitually kept under his pillow at night he rolled over glared at the offending two, pulled back the hammer, and then pulled the trigger.

BANG!!! BANG!!!

He had fired two shots, one at Draco's headboard and one at Ron's headboard. To Harry's great amusement his aim was as good as ever and the two headboards now had twin bullet holes in their centers. Everyone in the room fell silent. Harry yawned and as he rolled over to get back to sleep he stuffed the gun back under his pillow. He was just about to shut his eyes when the door burst open. A score of curious, half-dressed, new students tumbled in and started asking questions. Harry pulled out his gun again, he was not in the mood to cope with this at all. Luckily for the students two red headed terrors poked their heads in.

Who tried to wake the Robin Hood? asked Fred with a grin.

You guys should clear out, Harry tends to shoot anything that makes a sound before it's eight o'clock. George warned the boys. Most left as soon as he said this but when Harry pulled the hammer the rest scattered as well. Both Draco and Ron were ashen faced and the rest of their roommates looked scared as well. Harry groaned and flopped onto his bed again.

So who woke him up? asked Fred. The five other boys just pointed at Ron and Draco. Fred laughed. George was grinning as he inspected Harry's work.

Hey, Robin, nothing much was damaged. You missed? asked George. Harry let out a soft laugh.

Never miss. First day, they got a warning this morn. Harry let out a giant yawn, Lesson one: Don't wake me up ever again. Fred laughed.

Hate to break it to you buddy, but you need to get up and get ready for class. You do recall that you finally get to come to class this year, right? Harry glared at George then sighed.

Yeah, yeah. Harry yawned again, Did you two get my mail and paper? Or did you two, for once in your lives, decide to stay out of my business? Harry gave the twins a slight smirk, then yawned again. With a flourish, one of the two twins pulled out a wad of bits of paper.

We did not go and plunder your mail box, you can do that at breakfast. But instead we found the new student's timetables carelessly lying around . . . started George.

In the pompous jerk's room . . . Fred said with a smirk.

In his sealed up files and such . . . George now mirrored his twin.

Which might have been locked up . . . Fred said with a bright twinkle in his eyes. Harry sighed, he was going to have to save their hides again, throughout the rest of the long, long year.

And we just couldn't trust him with this, your classmates' timetables . . . said the not so saintly George. Harry rolled his eyes as they both dropped on to one knee on the right side of his bed.

So we give them to you Lord Harry Potter, the guide of all of the new students . . . Fred lifted up the wad of papers like an offering or something.

The Great Robin Hood of Elmwood, most generous aid to all mischief makers . . . George was fighting the urge to laugh at the expression of cool disdain on Harry's mask-like face. Fred was clearly the better actor of the two.

The wonderful protector of the poor, weak, and those who can't help themselves . . . As Fred said this Harry snatched the papers from Fred and told them to shut up if they wanted his help this year. The twins laughed got up and sat on Harry's bed as Harry got out of it and pulled on his trousers. He flipped through the wad and pulled out his roommates' timetables and handed them to whomever they belonged to. Ron was chatting with his brothers and Draco was silent as Harry gave the British boy's timetable to him. He then turned to Fred and George with a blank expression.

You two are going to be breaking more rules than last year right? Both smiled and nodded, Well, then since you don't listen to anyone but me, I have to lay out a few basic rules. You need to follow them and any warnings I give you for your continued health and the protection of us all. If you don't I will show you just how evil I can be. Everyone was silent now, it was obvious to the new students that Harry commanded a lot of respect and knew how to use it. No one wanted to make Harry angry, No major original pranks on students unless you show me your plan and I tell you if you can go ahead with it. You will not prank a teacher unless I can give you a good cover and make sure no one gets caught. We all nearly got expelled last year, so just don't think about it until after the winter semester. Don't you dare include any kind of explosives or anything that will endanger your lives or mine or anyone else's. Don't use or hide firearms either, they are dangerous. The only reason I go around with one is my training and my duties require it. If I tell you to lay off or any other order, you will not question my order but you will follow it immediately. You can expect my help, as I helped last year if not more. Agreed?

said both twins automatically with wide grins. Harry smiled and nodded as he finished getting dressed. He slipped on a shoulder holster and reloaded his revolver. After the gun was safely stowed he slipped on an overcoat and tried to get his hair to lie flat.

His roommates were now talking and comparing timetables. Fred and George were dispensing advice as Draco sat down next to Harry on the padded bench next to the large window. Draco looked as calm as Harry did but both were hiding behind masks. Draco smirked, So how did you become an Anchor? You control those two like a skilled lion trainer.

I'm still not too sure, Harry smiled as he looked outside, students were milling around, talking, playing, or going to the dining hall. He was nervous but content, I just do things, whatever comes naturally, or whatever I feel is right. From what a girl told me last year I have the God given gifts of intuition and instincts. She told me that God wants me to use them with a clear mind and good strong integrity. I figured that she was at least right that I need to use whatever talents with a cool mind and whatever I still have of my integrity. Besides, being a convicted felon is just no fun unless I milk it for all it's worth. Harry turned and grinned at Draco who was also smiling and laughing a bit.

I think I understand. You are so very complex, and messed up. said Draco. Harry gave him a mischievous and knowing smirk and both boys laughed. Harry stopped first and saw that everyone was ready to go get breakfast. The large clock on the main building tolled seven times, they had an hour for breakfast. Standing up he collected the needed books for his first classes and dumped them into his book bag.

Come on and bring what you need until lunch, we have an hour until the first class hour. announced Harry. Fred and George left to get their books and Harry grabbed the rest of the timetables for the new students.

He led them to the dining hall and as they ate he gave out the timetables to the rest of the students. A few asked him why he was giving them out. They had been told the Head Boy and Girl gave them out. Harry only shrugged his shoulders and continued to hand out the timetables. The elder students weren't as surprised that Harry was doing Percy's job but they too asked about it. Harry said to them that he blamed God and his bad luck, but most knew that to mean the twins had something to do with this odd switch of duties. When Fred and George finally came to the dining hall they were being dragged by their ears by the old English teacher, Ms. McGonagall who was followed by a very panicked looking Percy. She marched up to Harry, her face was hardened and she looked ready to hurt anyone who was caught doing something wrong.

Mr. Potter. I was told you know where the timetables for the new students are. she said with an ice cold glare at the young boy. Harry didn't shrink from her gaze, he seemed to be clueless and innocent. He looked as if he had no clue why she would be asking him about the timetables.

Yes, madam. I have handed most of them out, there are just seven students who are missing their timetables still. Is there something wrong? I thought as their guide I should try to take care of this situation with as little trouble as possible, not to mention it gives me a chance to meet them all and allow them to get to know who I am. He said all of this with a straight face and a calm clear voice, so that everyone in the hall could hear his words. Really only Mr. Snape, the science teacher, would dare to try to twist his words so that Harry would get in trouble. Still, one could never be too careful.

Did you ask these two to steal the timetables from the Head Boy? She asked with her glare growing in power. Almost everyone wanted to catch Harry doing wrong, if only to prove to the boy he was not invincible, but so far only Mr. Snape could honestly say that he had punished Harry, even if those punishments had been unfair and very controversial. However no one had yet called him on it, nor had Harry tried to get even with the bitter man. Whatever Snape's problem was with him, Harry was sure that it was far more serious than everyone believed and that if anything Snape hated Harry with all his heart. (If the old creep had a heart that is.) Over all, his and Snape's hate-hate relationship had taught Harry how to lie with ease, and he could now think up cover stories and excuses without hesitation.

No, madam. I would never request anything of the Weasley twins unless it came in the form of them telling me a good joke when I am having a horrid day. They gave the timetables to me in an effort to help lift some of the heavy burden of being Head Boy from their poor elder brother's, Percy, shoulders and to help me with my duties as Guide to the newest students here. Such thoughtful caring and good planing should be rewarded, right? Harry said this all with a sincere face. He could look as pure as those saints he had seen in a catholic church, and as wholesome as a small child when he needed to. It was just as easy for him to turn into a demonic and vengeful monster who could and would take action against the poor foolish soul who dared to anger him. It was noted by several very observant, but very silent students and staff members that in that one factor he and the feared Mr. Snape were far too alike. Harry himself had been told by Fred last year that he had to be careful or people would start to think that all the detentions that he served under Snape were really Intimidation and Acting lessons.

McGonagall was no longer stone faced, she instead looked upon the twins with a mix of disapproval and a look that seemed to say You two owe your lives to this kid.' Percy was giving Harry a look that said We need to talk, now.' The English teacher let the twins go and they immediately took up their spots on the left and right of Harry. McGonagall smirked at Harry and then smiled at him. She could do one of two things; either accuse Harry and the twins and lose face with the whole student body, or she could agree with Harry and let the twins go without too much damage. She chose the latter, Young Harry is right, your thoughtfulness for both your brother and your friend will be rewarded. You will not have to serve that week of detention. But I am afraid I still have to write to your mother. I'll see you in class, until then. She left and the hall erupted with chatter. Both of the twins hugged Harry tightly.

All hail the great Robin Hood of Elmwood! shouted Fred. The majority of students clapped or shouted hurrah' as Harry blushed. Harry finally sat down after he gave the last timetables to the students they belonged to. Percy sat next to him and made himself a cup of coffee.

You certainly have the honor of being the only person other than the dean who can save their souls. muttered Percy. Harry gave a small laugh.

What do you need Perce? asked Harry before he look a bite of scrambled eggs.

A million dollars, but I'll settle for an allegiance. Harry looked at Percy like he had grown another head. He was asking for an eleven year old's help? It was odd, I already know you have the twins' acting like your loyal knights in exchange for your support and help. I also know as the youngest Guide that this school has ever had, and as such you will not be listened to by most of the teachers, nor will you have all the powers you should. I do not have the full respect of the students like you do, but after six years here nearly all the teachers respect me and I am Head Boy. All you have is your gun and your knights, all I have is the respect of the teachers and the powers of a Head Boy. Percy took a swig of his coffee. Harry nodded.

I understand. You wish to combine forces. Where my skills fail, yours picks up and vice versa. Makes since, I do see your points. I think we will both benefit greatly. I must warn you, I do follow my instincts and I am very rarely led astray by them. If I give you advice that seems very weird or just silly, trust in my judgment. I know people, like you know rules and logic. Can you live with that? Harry looked at Percy half-afraid that the elder would laugh or say something derogatory. He could handle rejection, but the student body would be much better off if they could work together. Percy looked like he was in deep thought but then he looked up and smiled.

I can live with your conditions. I'm sure as time goes on we'll have to figure out more rules and compromises. But well, for now we'll just get on with our jobs. And I do thank you for dealing with the timetables, but I wish you had told me before I made a grand fool of myself. Percy and Harry shook hands.

Welcome to the club. Harry said just before he drank some milk and practically inhaled his breakfast. He then ran off to the first class of the day, Basic Science taught by Mr. Snape.

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Harry came sprinting into the classroom just as the large clock tolled eight times. Mr. Snape was a tall man with ink black greasy hair that he had tied into a ponytail at the nape of his long neck. His skin was pale, his dark eyes always watching everyone, and his long nose was hooked as if it had been broken but never healed right. He wore a black suit with a crisp white shirt and dark green tie. He was always dressed immaculately and he was always ready to give punishment points which he did promptly.

Mr. Potter three points for your tardiness. You are not a very good example to the students you are supposed to be guiding. Take a seat so that we may begin. Harry bit his tongue and took the last open seat which was next to a rather terrified girl with a short blond bob. He recalled her name was Susan Bones and that she had a very strong Bostonian accent.

Mr. Snape was now at the blackboard glaring at the class. Many of you will fail this class misrably, I know that unless a miricle happens a goodly number of you will fail this term no matter how much you try to put your feeble minds to studying. Mr. Potter. Harry's head snapped forward. Why does the wind blow? asked Snape with a glare. Harry sighed.

I haven't the foggiest sir. said Harry trying not to do anything too offencive. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Hermione's hand raise and Draco's cool calculating glances. Ron was watching as well, waiting to take action. Snape sneered.

Well, then apparently you didn't get to that chapter of the text yet. Here's another chance, what is the smallest unit of life? asked the teacher. Again Hermione's hand was raised, Harry recoinized the tactic. Snape was trying to take him down to a lower level or to get him embaressed in front of the class. Well, if Snape was going to try to ruin his image . . .

Not a clue sir. Snape glared at Harry's uneffected face.

Tell me, Mr. Potter, did you even open the book before setting foot in this classroom? Harry smiled.

Sorry sir, I didn't dare open it. But it did make a great doorstop. Why don't you ask Hermione sir, she seems only too eager to answer your questions. Snape looked thunderous.

Five more points, Mr. Potter and a detention. Stay after class so we can arrange it. Wind is the by-product of the cool air getting warmed by the sun and then replaced by more cool air as the now warm air rises. The single simple cell is the smallest unit of life that is known to man. It is often called the building block of life. He looked around the classroom of terrified students, Well, why arn't you coping this down! There was a flurry of motion as everyone grabbed pens, pencils, and notebooks. Harry resisted the urge to bang his read on the table. It was going to be a long year.

Snape was in his element as he lectured his students in the overveiw of the class and soon the clock tolled nine times. Students scrambled to get out but Harry stayed. Harry also noted that Ron, Hermione, and Draco waited for him as well. Harry got up and went to the front of the classroom where Snape's desk was. Snape looked pointedly at the three loyal friends.

he drawled, Do you three wish to spend detention with him as well? Harry glared at Snape.

Whatever your problem is, this is between you and I. Don't take out your issuses on my friends. growled Harry. Snape looked amused.

I wouldn't dream of it. So eight points in one hour, I dare say only those twins have gotten more in less time. Snape wrote out a detention slip. Report here at seven tonight. I'll give you a list of tasks then. Tell your friends not to worry, I don't do the traditional paddling. You'll work very hard. But I forget, you already know this all from the past few years. Snape signed the slip with a flourish and gave Harry a pen. Harry signed the form where he had to and then left the room followed closely by his group of friends. As they reached the English room, Harry growled.

I should have just kept my trap shut. But no, I had to just show off and try to make that slime ball back off. Harry slumped into a seat and Hermione and Ron sat at the table in front of him while Draco sat next to him. He buried his head in his folded arms on the worn table.

Yes, you are off your rocker. said Ron with a grin, But what you did was just so brilliant! I mean, did you see the way Snape glared at you? And you didn't even flinch. Most Lions arn't that brave! Hermione probably wanted to tell Ron to shut up, but Harry heard Draco beat her to it.

Ron, do us all a favor and don't be so daft! Harry was an absolute nutter for pervoking that bloke! Even the blind could see that the geezer was looking for a way to get Harry in trouble. Harry you were an abhorent wally. Don't go looking for trouble. I bloody well don't enjoy having a teacher hating you. said Draco. For a guy he had only known for less than a full day, Harry noted that Draco seemed a bit off, and he could see a very beaten up copy of today's newspaper in his friend's open bookbag.

Draco, what's wrong? asked Harry.

Draco stiffened as Ms. McGonagall entered the room. We'll talk later. he whispered as the English teacher started her start of the year lecture. The class went very slowly, Harry couldn't just ignore Draco. All of Draco's actions were tense and overly thought out, much like a very poorly written play. Nothing was as natural as it should be, not like he was this morning after he had gotten over the fact Harry was triggerhappy. Harry breathed a sigh of relief as Draco discreetly showed Harry his timetable and Harry noted that they had every class together except for Independent Studies, Group Training, Study Hour, and Marksmanship. Harry had a special Marksmanship class with the thirteen year olds while Draco had his Study Hour with Ms. Vector, the algebra teacher and as Draco was a Dragon and Harry an Anchor they were separated during Group Training which was the class where the students would learn whatever skills that the Tester had seen in them. Draco's Group Trainer was Mr. Snape while Harry's was Ms. Sprout, the boteny and basic medicine teacher.

As they walked to their next class Harry and Draco bid good bye to Ron and Hermione who both had different classes to attend. After a few minutes Harry turned to Draco, What happened? Draco stiffened again and fished out the newspaper. Harry scanned it and saw what was bothering Draco, even if it still made no sense. It was a short blurb about Germany trying to take over Austria.

Explain to me the signifigance.said Harry as he gave the paper back when they entered the Theft and Espionage classroom. Both boys found the table in the very back of the classroom. Draco was now frowning.

If Hitler is over stepping the old treaty this much already, he's getting ready for war. Dad, he told me last year that war and conquest are all that matters to that man. He's going to attack England unless someone stops him, but all the papers say is that everyone is just going to give him what he wants in hopes he'll shut up. Draco looked angry and a bit worried, I don't want that nutter to set foot in home country. Dad, he still travels there and a lot of our family's assets are there as well. Harry was stunned. He had no clue that this Hitler man the papers mentioned was so important and such a threat. He had never heard the Germans refered to in more than a casual air. Mr. Flitwick, the teacher of this class cleared his throat. He was a short and stout man with a cheerful demeanor and a bright smile for everyone.

Mr. Potter, are you and Mister, um, Malfoy done with you little chat? asked the man with a slight sigh. Harry smiled.

We can put it on hold for you sir. How was your summer, Mr. Flitwick? asked Harry. Flitwick was his favorite teacher other than the groundskeeper, Rubeus Hagrid. Both teacher and pupil loved to share stories of being cat burglars and Harry loved to learn all the tricks that this man knew. He was one of the best in the world, but now taught because he couldn't bear to just not pass on everything he knew to the next genteration. Harry admired his attitdue and the way the man was always looking to have fun. but the best part about having him as a teacher, was that Harry knew how to get him off topic.

It was wonderful, Harry. I visited Omaha for business and a man by the name of Black inquired about you. He didn't say how you knew him. Flitwick was suitably distracted, and this was welcome information. It was a good test for the rest of the year.

He is my godfather. The only reason I didn't go to his custody was due to the fact he is on the lamb. I almost never got to see him. How is he? I miss him. Harry saw a bit of pity in the old man's eyes.

Wondeful, he's helping to run a tight little gambling ring. I was hired to liberate a friend of his from the transport to the State Penatentiary. Harry's eyes lit up.

Was it Reums? The Wolfman? Flitwick nodded and Harry rushed up to hug him, Oh, thank you, sir! They were my dad's best friends, and they helped me so much before I went to Kansas City. Flitwick was laughing.

I'm glad to see you so happy. Both of them grilled me for tales of your exploits here, and they are very proud of you. I never found out what he was convicted of. Harry had given this teacher one last squeeze and let go.

Murder, Remus is a highly feared assassin who woks only for Sirius. I learned most of my shooting from him. I think that the rat, Petigrew, squeeled on him like he did to my godfather. Both of them refuse to even try to shut him up. They told me that the rat has friends in many high places. Harry shook off his displeasure at the topic, So, did you get to go to any of Sirius's Speakeasys? The drinks at Fidelus are the best. Flitwick smiled.

How would you know that? The legal age for drinking is what? Twenty-one? Harry and Flitwick smirked.

I wouldn't know, sir. I have a bad habit of not knowing what actions are legal or not and I really haven't cared since I discovered Long Island Iced Tea. Harry said with a large rougeish grin. Mr. Flitwick smiled warmly.

Go and sit down Harry, I need to start the class. We can talk later, shall we keep our usual appointments? Sundays at three? Harry nodded, Good, now go sit. Harry went back and sat next to Draco again. Draco gave him a long look and then both just listened to Mr. Flitwick's lecture on the material they would cover in the next seven years.

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It was dinner time and Harry was hoping this meal would be uneventful. It was six thirty and Harry would have to go face Snape in a half hour. He was almost done with his piece of apple pie when a familiar voice said, Hey, Harry?

Fred and George just sat down in front of Harry, Draco, Ron, and Hermione. Harry knew the twins never called him anything but Robin Hood or a drivitive of his nickname unless they needed him for something. Something big, dangerous, and very likely to land them all in detention for a month or two. Desiding that postponing their fun was only going to make it worse he alowed them to make their request. It was only the first day of school and the terrors were going to get him into big trouble.

both of the twins looked hopeful now.

Well, could you cover for us if anyone asks where we are tonight? asked George. Harry looked sckeptical.

Harry asked knowing it was going to mean he was going to get involved in another desparate escape from several angry teachers soon.

It is a great surprise! It will totally be the coolest thing to happen at this school in a long time! Fred said. Excitement was, unfortunatly, spreading. Spreading like a cold in the first week of Decemeber.

I'm sorry, Harry wasn't sorry a bit, But I have detention with Snape tonight. He really did like to burst their bubbles of ideas but he couldn't show it. George looked annoyed and Fred looked like he was about to have yet another idea.

What did that unfair creep get mad at you for this time? Breathing? said Fred. Harry and George both gave small bits of laughter. Draco still was studying the way Harry interacted with the twins. Both Hermione and Ron were smiling at Fred's comment.

Harry shook his head, No, it seems I was a bit of a, um, smart ass. That and I was late. The late thing I can thank you two for. If you hadn't of stolen the timetables, I wouldn't of had to deal with Percy until I was ready. George pulled Fred up and both grabbed a chicken leg from the platter.

We'll see you later. Robin Hood, we just might be able to help you with that detention.said George with a wild grin. Both boys left and Harry was left with a feeling of dread as he finished his dinner.

He bid good bye to his friends and walked out of the hall and across the yard to the smallest building of the campus, the science and botany building. Waiting for him by the door was Mr. Snape. They greeted each other with glares and wordlessly walked in. As they passed the door to Sprout's greenhouse a large bang sounded and Mr. Snape was covered in molassass, chicken feathers, and an evil smelling powder.

Harry knew that Fred and George had just broken their deal from that morning. He took two steps to a broom closet and wrenched it open. Inside were the guiltly parties.