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 and two. I'm sure I must be insane, I mean how in the world am I going to do this and the rest of the stories I need to finish? That and while I don't have an outline or anything I know what to do. Am I channeling some ghosts or something?

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. I wish I did.

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Chapter Three - It's a Cake Walk, if You Happen to be God.

Summery: Detention with Snape is always such fun. Fred and George are going to find out how awful life is when Harry and Snape agree on something. Then our hero must try and survive detention and not earn anymore discipline points. It seems there is a maximum one can get. Hermione and Fred also over hear something very disturbing and when they tell Harry it just makes him more on edge.

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Harry just glared at Fred and George. He could focus on little else, those two were fast making his life into a very good model of Hell. Snape was too angry to yell as well, but Harry got over his impediment first.

YOU BLASTED IDIOTS! HOW IN THE NAME OF ALL THAT IS HOLY IS THIS CONSIDERED HELPING ME! I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW TWO SUCH INTELLIGENT GUYS CAN BE SO GODDAMN DENSE! IF YOU HAD JUST ABIDED BY OUR PACT THIS MORNING YOU COULD HAVE EARNED MY FORGIVENESS FOR GETTING ME IN TROUBLE! Harry's face was very red and he had already pulled out his revolver. Fred was looking like he was torn between laughing and cringing while George was pale as a ghost, I'M SICK OF YOU BOTH! NO MORE PRANKS UNTIL THE NEXT SEMESTER OR I WILL LET ALL THE TEACHERS KNOW EVERYTHING! I DON'T CARE IF I GO DOWN WITH YOU! I JUST WANT YOU TWO TO THINK WITH YOUR HEADS FOR ONCE AND NOT YOUR ASSES! Harry was panting now and ready to breathe fire if he could. Now both of the twins were pale and scared and surprisingly Snape looked almost amused.

Harry turned to his teacher, Whatever punishment you give them I will back it up and probably ask Percy to add to it. he said grimly and he pointed the gun at Fred. You are going to have to learn that when it comes to this kind of thing, I do know what I am talking about. Now start apologizing to him or I'll get Flint to make you.

They did as Harry said then Snape told the three of them to wait outside his office. Harry refused to speak with the boys and they gave up after a few more tries. After ten minutes he called the twins in. They hesitated but soon both boys were in Snape's office as Harry waited outside. The door opened and the twins stumbled out looking very shell shocked. As they faced a still glaring Harry Snape called Harry in. The smaller boy went in immediately and sat down in one of the chairs in front of Snape's desk. He notised Snape had claeaned up, the man's hair was still wet and instead of theat awful smell, the room smelled like soap and a summer's afternoon. He waited for Snape to speak first.

Well, I gave them a week of detention with Filch and ten points each. You said you'd ask their brother to add to it? asked Snape with a raised eyebrow. Harry nodded.

Yes, well not ask per say. I'd more or less demand it. Now I assume you are not going to just forget about my detention. said Harry. He knew from experience that Snape was waiting for him to take responsibility for his actions and if Harry had not said anything he would have gotten another night's work. Snape looked almost pleased.

Yes. Oh, and before I forget you have five more discipline points. Two for language, three for your yelling at the elder students indoors. Harry did not look surprised, in fact he was lucky he had gotten off so lightly. Snape was usually giving detentions for that kind of behavior.

Okay. So I think I just got the school record for most points in one day. Do I get some sort of prize for that? Asked Harry with a slight smile.

No. You do need to watch out, a student can only earn thirty before he is taken before the dean. I think you need to tell me why you aren't a Dragon. Only my Dragons have as much control over the other students. said Snape. Harry sighed.

Christ, I think everyone has been getting onto me about being in the wrong group. First Davies, then Percy, then Draco, and now you. Maybe I am in the right group, at least they haven't tried to understand me more than they have to. Harry closed his eyes in frustration and snapped them open as Snape laughed.

I wasn't saying you were in the wrong group, the Tester has only very rarely been wrong. I was only asking why you weren't a Dragon. said the teacher with a smirk.

Okay, sorry. I'm not too sure, I think he tossed a coin for me. I was told that I fit in with the Lions, Arrows, Dragons, and Anchors. In fact last year a lot of the students were trying to figure out where I'd be placed. Davies and I used to debate with the rest of the Arrows, I think Percy thinks I'm a bit of a hot head after last year. I mean I rivaled most of the Lions in daring. Draco has seen how many people here call me their friend and listen to me. He says that he's never going to make the same mistake his father did. Harry rambled and then smiled as he recalled what Draco said. It was going to be a fun year if Draco was sincere.

What did Mr. Malfoy tell you was his father's mistake? asked Snape.

Draco said his father insulted my father and never made amends. It seems that our fathers used to work together in New York City on various projects then one day things started to go down hill, I think it was the Untouchables or something that started it. Well, they parted ways and my father ended up on the wrong side of Mortis . . . I'm sure you know what happens next. Anyhow, Draco said his father still rants about how my dad could have seen a solution to his troubles. Draco says I must have my father's gift for seeing solutions and so I am his business partner once we graduate. Not that I don't recognize Draco's skills in dealing with mass groups and he just picks up things like a sponge. He'd be invaluable as a watcher or just as a politician. I may know how to get out of bad situations but I cannot do what he can. The praise was evident in Harry's voice. Snape was studying Harry like a bug under a magnifying glass. Then he gave Harry a small smile.

I think we can get along a little better. You are not your father, are you? Harry was very confused now. What was going on? Was Snape mental? His bewilderment must have been very obvious because Snape laughed again.

I'm sorry, sir. I think that I must have missed something. Harry said. Snape shook his head.

It's too easy to forget how young you are. Your father and I were in the same year and we didn't like each other very much. Okay, that is an understatement. We hated each other more than the Devil hates God. He, Black, Lupin, and Pettigrew used every opportunity to humiliate me after I made a mistake in class that happened to start a fight. I did get revenge as well, but the point is your father was a very stubborn, arrogant, and spiteful boy here in school. You look so much like him that I assumed you would have the same personality as well. Snape said with a hint of regret tingeing his voice as he finished.

Now Harry was very confused, hid godfather had told him his father was a noble guy who was always trying to help others. But then again his godfather was also very opinionated and only liked to see what he wanted to. Remus had told him that after he first met them both and Sirius didn't deny it.

They had told him that Harry was just as brave, noble, and intelligent as his father had been. Was he also like the boy Snape knew as well? Harry started to look at his faults, he was a very spiteful person. The way he had reacted to Fred and George's little stunt this evening taught him that. Last year he had stubbornly refused to listen to Percy and still felt he was in the right in that argument. Harry wasn't to sure he was arrogant as well, it wasn't a complaint he had heard from others yet, but how could he tell if he was stuck up? Harry knew he didn't want to be those things, but was he?

Sir? How does one know if one is indeed arrogant? asked Harry in a small voice. Snape looked surprised.

Do you go and flaunt your achievements?, Harry shook his head, Do you brag about your skills?, again Harry shook his head, Do you assume everyone likes you for your achievements? Harry shook his head, Well, I think it's safe to say you aren't too bad then. Why? Snape looked honestly interested.

Well, I already know I'm very spiteful and stubborn. I mean look at the way I just treated Fred and George and they are always so loyal to me. I don't back down from anything and I just don't want to hurt anyone because I'm blind to my faults. So many people could be hurt by something I do. Harry was just gazing at his hands and was very nervous.

You weren't spiteful. I'm guessing you have warned them over and over about pulling something on a teacher, right?

Yes, just this morning they agreed to my rules for this year. I had hoped I could count on them a little more than that.

Then, they were warned and they still broke an agreement. It was only right that you got angry. Although, it was very humorous to see two bigger boys cowering in front of a scrawny little kid like you. I dare say that was the first time I've seen you do anything like that. You might just rival me in getting those two to listen to logic, even if it was a gunpoint. Harry snorted.

They knew it was empty. I haven't reloaded it since Marksmanship, I don't until I go to bed. Harry grinned as he saw the look of shock on Snape's face. It was quickly hidden, but it was too late, Harry learned not that long ago that the first emotion was always the true one.

Why do you load your gun at night? Snape looked as though he was sorting through things and had a good idea what the answer was, but it never hurt to ask.

I'm sure you've heard the occasional gunshots in the morning for the last two years. Well, I tend to use it to get my roommates to shut in the morning and let me sleep. I usually damage their beds or furniture. They are only blanks. I don't use real ammunition unless I'm going hunting or out into the village. Harry delivered this with a casual tone, as if it was normal. Harry knew it wasn't, but he might as well try to see what this did to Snape.

It did nothing, Snape didn't care at all. It wasn't that big of a surprise, until Snape spoke, I used to do the same thing, I never was a morning person. My roommates used to joke that the hours before eight o'clock didn't exist for me. Harry was surprised, George used to say the same thing, exactly the same thing about him.

We have a lot in common then. I'm probably going to skip breakfast tomorrow so I can get a descent nights sleep. said Harry with a smile. Draco or Ron would probably grab him a couple pieces of toast with butter if Harry asked. Then Snape would probably then give Harry a point for eating in class. It was a doomed plan. Snape was chuckling.

I wish I could still do that. As it is Breakfast is also the daily staff meeting and Dumbledore is a morning person. Harry nodded, the dean could be unashamedly cheerful when he wanted to be. It was not something Harry would willingly subject himself to. Now that we seem to have some sort of connection, I will not show you or your friends any favoritism in class. Nor will I tolerate your unfortunate habit of breaking the rules when it suits you. I do not expect you to show me anymore kindness than necessary. Snape was glaring at Harry now. The science teacher obviously suffered from more mood swings than some of the fifteen year old girls. He was very perplexing and Harry didn't like to be confused.

Harry reciprocated the glare with ease as he recalled all the times Snape had falsely accused him, tried to embarrass him, and in various other ways made his life worse than it should be. It wasn't hard for two years of animosity to squash the growing respect, No, sir. I think we'll just have a working relationship. You'll try too ruin my day and I'll be very obstenent and try to ignore all the comments you send my way. Now, can I serve my detention and go to bed? Harry said all this with a controlled voice. Despite how cold he sounded, he did like talking with the teacher almost as much as he liked talking with Mr. Flitwick. The loss of that newfound pleasure was very hard to cover up. But he did so with ease that shouldn't have come so naturally. Snape lead him to the classroom and handed him a bucket of cleaning supplies and a mop and broom. Harry knew what to do and started the long task of washing every surface in the room.

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Harry was sore and irritable as he slowly walked back to the boys' dormitories. Snape had made him clean the chemistry flasks and beakers along with the usual cleaning of the tables, floor, chalkboard, and whatever else Snape wanted. It was eleven forty, and Harry was ready for a nice long sleep. It was Friday, but he did have class tomorrow. At Elmwood, the students had six days a week of learning and then Sunday was a mostly free day. The only good part of Saturday was that the teachers really didn't expect too much and very rarely gave work that would be due on Monday. He also recalled he didn't have Snape's class on Saturday, he was going to be in Vector's math class instead. It was a Godsend, not having to face Snape tomorrow. Harry smiled as he saw the door to the dorms. He was almost there.

Harry growled in irritation as he saw four silhouettes by the door. Two were taller than the other two and seemed to be identical, Harry knew it was the twins. One was obviously a girl, probably Hermione, and the other had to be Draco because it was too short and slender to be Ron. Harry trudged up to them and folded his arms over his chest. By the faint light that came from inside the building he could see that all four looked worried.

asked Harry, his patence was wearing thin. Luckily, he didn't have long to wait.

Hermione spoke fisrt, Harry, I and Fred were over by Hagrid's cabin just after dinner and we well . . . she seemed unsure of how to proceed. No one seemed to know how to talk to him. Harry's sleep deprived mind was doing some quick thinking. He knew what ever it was, it was important and probably impacted him or Draco wouldn't have been drug into this. He didn't want to talk in the dark after curfew though, it was enough of a risk that Hermione was over here. The girls' dorms were on the other side of the yard and she couldn't say it was a mistake. Finally, Harry had a plan.

Okay, since this must be important and troubling I think we need to go to a better lit, more private place. I would recomend my dorm, but I still don't know how they would react to anything like this. Fred and George, do you have any new roommates? Everyone looked confused but Fred shook his head.

No bud, it's just us, Jordan, Bole, and Diggory. Why? asked Fred. Harry smiled.

They know how to keep silent and ignore us. They also won't bat an eyelash if Hermione sneaks in with us. You both and I know they don't care as long as we don't target them. Harry smirked. Draco and Hermione were gaping at him, the twins looked like they could either beat him up or praise him like he was a god. Just listen, us guys will go in and go to the twins' dormroom. We will then open the window and help you in, Hermione. What floor and what side are you on?

They are on the first floor, on the other side of the building. They face the forest. said Draco who had recovered nicely. The blond smirked at the twins, I like to know as much as I can about my new home. Harry ignored him.

Good. Hermione, go sneak around and wait for us to open the window. Be careful. Harry pushed the three boys inside and the twins lead the way to their room. When they entered they saw that Lee Jordan was already pulling out a camping lantern. Harry shot him a grateful look as he opened the window and helped Hermione climb in. Eric Bole and Cedric Diggory were sitting up and both were looking at the scene with interest.

Why are you three up and helping us? asked Draco.

Robin Hood and his Merry Men keep this school interesting. answered Bole with a slight grin. Diggory nodded.

That and Harry here has a reputation to uphold. I for one am loath to let that go to waste. So, what is the problem that brings two of his newest commrades to our little room? asked Diggory. Harry sighed.

I'm not too sure on that yet. It seems Fred and Hermione have some information. Harry sat on the bench by the window. It was already more worn than the one in his room. Fred and George sat on one empty bed and Draco and Hermione sat on another. The three other boys stayed in their own beds, but Lee had placed the lantern on a dresser. Harry knew he was going to have to start the conversation.

Okay, first off what were the two of you doing behind Hagrid's? asked Harry. Fred was going to answer.

I was going to collect some mud and Hermione managed to catch me and warned me to stop. Just as we were about to go back to the main yard we heard voices from just inside the wood, two men. Hermione snuck closer, we both heard that they were talking about you. One was saying that he was close to acheiving two goals. He wants to kill you and steal something from the dean. The other was talking about serving the Dark Lord, whoever that is, and how much your death would serve the cause. Harry, they are going to kill you by Easter. Fred was pale and shaking. Hermione was equally as pale.

Harry, the Dark Lord is Mortis. I remember my father talking about him, if he wants you dead you will end up dead sooner or later along with all of us. He doesn't care how he kills as long as his will is carried out. Draco looked resoulte, I wanted for them to tell you before we went to the dean. Harry sighed. He didn't want this to happen.

Shit. I knew you were special, but on a hit list at the age of eleven . . . Harry? Diggory was looking at him worriedly.

I'm fine. Well, I'll just have to survive. I'm not going to die and neither are you guys or anyone as long as I can help it. Draco, when you go home for the holidays tell your father as much as you can and get his advice. I trust him in this because he wouldn't want to see his son hurt. Hermione, you are going to go to your dorm and get some rest. No one can tell a soul unless I okay it, not even the dean can know about this. It is not to be worried about at all, I know what I'm doing, okay? As Harry finished everyone nodded. They all seemed to just accept that Harry did indeed know what he was doing. It was amazing how easy it was to make people think that, all he had to do was inject a bit of confidence that he didn't feel and keep his voice steady.

Hermione left via the window and crept back to her dorm while Harry and Draco snuck upstairs to their dormroom.

Harry didn't get much sleep that night, he just turned over all the facts and hoped to whatever diety that listened to his spirit that he would survive. The only reason he lived after his parents had been slaughtered by Mortis was due to the fact the local sheriff was a friend of theirs and was coming over for dinner. Mortis had fled before he could kill Harry that night.

But now that sheriff was far away and Harry was very aware of the fact that all of his friends were in danger. He had to find a way to protect them all.