At The Crossroads

Disclaimer: I own nothing 'k? So don't bug me

A/N: Once again, I must thank all the reviewers (including flamers. I did say flames were welcome, lol). Thanks to all reviewers !

First things first, updates might be slowed. Nevertheless, I'll try to update as frequently as time and studies would permit.

I have decided, there would be no pet Nundu. Majority were against it. Reasons given seemed valid to me (Its not likely to be domesticated). Also, we would have Malfoy as a bastard that his canon self is. Harry will be in House Ravenclaw (you'll see how he gets there heh). No romance though. (BTW I have always thought of Blaise Zabini as female. She will always be a girl to me). When did I ever say it will be a Harry/Hermione ? o.O

I still haven't changed my mind about animagus. (Besides, I doubt Voldemort has one either. Ditto for Dumbledore)

Since nobody wants Harry jump ship, this shall remain as Dark Harry. Harry is not 100 on Tom's side (at least will not remain 100 per cent loyal), depending on whether the Dark Lord can see things the way Harry sees it. Harry is ruthless and vicious to all who goes against him, but does not harm innocents/neutrals. The Slytherin journal gave him his ambition in life, instead of blindly following Tom.

To the reviewer who asked (The Evaluator), Harry's voice is altered whenever he goes on raids/attacks. He has to have that scary badass voice lol. No one will recognize his voice when he goes to Hogwarts in the next chapter.

The DA will exist with Keith as leader, because I like it and I will have it.

Someone questioned about the prophecy. I have decided to make a few changes to it. (Seemingly minor in context). Firstly, the prophecy in this fic is made looooog before Harry is born. (At least 8-9 years before Harry's birth). Also, Keith is born on the 26th June and has a weird large birthmark on his chest, okay? This is the revised prophecy:

The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord shall approach…

Born to those who have thrice defied him, Born before the ninth month's birth…

And he will be marked as His equal

But he will have power the Dark Lord knows not…

And either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives

The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born before the ninth month's birth…

I hope that wasn't too corny. I did not want to make a whole new one. It would probably suck, as all those that other writers created do.

That said, not all prophecies will be true. Some may be, some won't. Its just how much you believe in it, in my opinion. (Tom and Albus sure as hell believe them though).


Chapter 6: The 'so-called Mission and Diagon Alley

(Yeah, real original title. I know…)

True. I have a mission for you…

"As you very well know, now that the Ministry is crippled, and public morale is low, it is the best opportunity for us to strike. Our biggest obstacle remaining is Albus Dumbledore (the name was spat with contempt) and his useless band of Order members."

Harry smirked at the thought of the Ministry. After the death of several top officials, including Fudge, the Order had been trying to rebuild and reorganize the remnants, helping to put Amos Diggory to the Minister for Magic position. So far, their efforts have come to naught. People were frequently speaking out against the Ministry, whether by newspapers or by the Wizarding Wireless Network. Heck, even the employees themselves do not have any faith in the institution.

"However, even without the Ministry's support, Dumbledore nevertheless is no easy opponent, as you experienced for yourself. He has Hogwarts, and an unknown Headquarters to hide his cowardly self. But Hogwarts… the school is practically a fortress!

The charms and wards erected by our great ancestor and the other founders are no mean feat. They make those on Godric's Hollow seem like one put up by a novice. Truth to be told, even I do not know what kinds of wards are present on the school. We thus cannot risk a full scale attack, yet. That's where you come in."

The way Voldemort said it was as though Harry was on some sort of noble quest…

"Your mission is to enroll in Hogwarts-

He was cut off by a loud snort from Harry.

Voldemort's red slits narrowed warningly before he continued, "You will enroll in Hogwarts and try to figure out all the kinds of wards and security measures in place. I believe you have been taught enough to accomplish this task. In addition, I want you to try to estimate the true extent of Dumbledore's magical power or abilities. Beware of his mental probings though.

If possible, you will also try to gather information with regards to his Order. Is that clear?", the Dark Lord asked, boring his crimson eyes into Harry.

"Yep. Sounds fun."

"This is not a game. How you plan to enroll yourself, under what disguise, I leave it up to you. I believe you are capable enough to think up one. Just do not draw attention to yourself. Communication is also up to you. But I better hear from you at least once a month.

You will also not be using your current wand (the original one). I assure you Dumbledore will recognize its signature in an instant. As long as you don't use it, or reveal certain abilities, masking your magical aura should not be too difficult."

"Can I use the Slytherin wand?", Harry asked in anticipation

"What did I say about being inconspicuous, you foolish boy. Dumbledore, or anyone versed in Magical History, will recognize it the moment you pull it out. It is only to be used in desperate situations. Get a wand from Ollivander's for your education in Hogwarts.

Oh, did I mention you will be enrolling when this term starts?", Voldemort's face twisted into a malicious smile.

"What! There won't be enough time…"

"You are dismissed. Now go!"


Surprisingly enough, it had taken Harry just 3 weeks to work out a plan. Just when he thought that this would be his first failed mission, fate dropped him a lifeline.

After speaking to one of the Death Eaters, Poliakoff or something, Harry found out that this year, Hogwarts would be playing hosts to a number of exchange students from the Durmstrang Magical Institution in Bulgaria, and the Beauxbatons Establishment for Magical Education.

The 3 most well-known Magical schools in Europe have quite a good relationship with one another, holding exchange programs every now and then, and also other activities, such as the Triwizard Tournament 2 years ago.

Harry had read about that in Hogwarts: A History, but had long forgotten it. After all, you can't expect the guy to remember something from a book like Hogwash: A History, right?

After some deliberation, the Dark Heir had decided to go as one of the Durmstrang students. Counterfeit papers and identities were just too easy to make. He had written to Dumbledore, sending a filled copy of the Exchange Program Reply Form, stating that he received it late and had decided only a few days ago. Along with it went his fake qualifications.

'Well, that was easy enough'

Identity?

Harry would be known as Mikhail Clairborne. The first name is East-Europeanish enough, and he could always say his parents were Westerners or something, and had migrated. That would also explain his looks, since Harry was not planning on going under a glamour charm.

After all, no one but Tom, the Inner Circle, and those permanent Death Eater guards at the Lair had seen his true looks.

Now though, he had a task to perform. Harry had to go to Diagon Alley to get his books and supplies for his stay at Hogwarts. As an exchange student he would no doubt be required to attend the same lessons the Hogwarts sixth-years do.

But right now, Harry is in a dilemma. Holding a mirror to examine his looks, he wondered what sort of appearance should he take when going to Diagon Alley. Original appearance would be out of the question- He had to get a wand, and someone might find that an exchange student getting a wand, when he supposedly had been schooling for 5 years now, is pretty weird.

'Maybe I should go as this'

He flicked his wand. Instantly, his hair was now blond and tied up in a ponytail. His appearance was one of a pureblood scion, with immaculate trimmed maroon robes and neat hair. His face was set into a snobbish expression, as if everyone else was below him.

'Yech! Reminds me of Lucius Malfoy…'

'Or should I go for the shy, goody boy look?', he asked himself mentally

Another flick of his wand later, Harry looked into the enlarged mirror.

He was now staring back at a skinny boy of medium height, sporting sandy brown hair, with shy turquoise eyes. The boy's, or his face seemed as though a closed expression was one that its very used to.

Harry of course, would have none of that. 'Yikes, not that either. I look like a pansy.'

'Hey, what about- Of course!… Why didn't I think of this earlier?'


20 minutes later, Harry apparated into Diagon Alley, clad in a black muggle shirt and jeans, the shirt emblazoned with a human skull with red eyes. A gray leather jacket and spiky blue hair completed the 'muggle-Punk' look.

'Whatever would Tom say if he sees me like this', Harry thought with a mischievous grin.

'Anyway, best to get a wand fer school first'

Harry then walked for about a minute through the neat cobbled streets that were packed full of people going about, either discussing business and what-not over a Gillywater in the large gleaming Three Broomsticks, or bargaining over the prices of a Remembrall in the roadside stalls.

Harry looked up. He had reached his destination- Ollivander's- Makers of Fine Wands since 1683.

'OK, that's old alright'

He stepped into the shop, which seemed cramped full of boxes after boxes of wands. The shop owner though, was nowhere in sight.

"Can I help you?", an soft wispy voice spoke behind him.

It was a testament to Harry's willpower that he did not obey his natural instinct and reflexes, which was to draw both his wands and blast the stranger, whoever he is, from here to Knockturn Alley.

Instead, Harry calmly turned behind and faced the owner, an old man of medium height and build, with a mane of white hair on his head, and a beard not unlike Dumbledore's, though he didn't have the same twinkling blue eyes. Instead, he had green ones, not the startling emerald orbs that Harry's true appearance possess, but rather sporting a bluish green shade.

"Speakin to me? Well then old man, I'd like a wand, and I'd like it fast and snappy", Harry answered in his best 'punkish' tone.

Ollivander face still had a faint smile, not even contorting into the most minor of frowns.

"Well then Mr…"

"Andrews, that's ma name", Harry replied, smirking at the old man.

"Mr Andrews, if you would please step over here", said Ollivander, beckoning to the front of the counter.

"You do seem a little old to be getting your first wand. First I hope?". That was more of a statement than a question, though the man's green eyes seem to twinkle ('Not again! Why do all old men seem to do that?') and sparkle with hidden intelligence.

"Which would be your wand hand, or writing hand, may I ask?", asked the wizen old man.

After Harry expressed that he was ambidextrous, the old man looked faintly impressed. (Voldemort and Dumbledore were the 2 other ambidextrous wizards he had seen. Yes, Ollivander is older that Dumbledore)

"Curious, curious… Now why don't you try this one?

Maple, 10 inches, with a unicorn's tail hair. Rather stiff and brittle. Try it"

There was no reaction from the wand after Harry's contact with it.

"Hmmm. What about this? Cherry, 13 inches with a Manticore's claw. Springy and nice"

This time though, the moment Harry flicked the wand, the whole shop shook with a 'Boom!'. Boxes of wands fell from the shelves. In fact, no less than five shelves full of boxes toppled over. Curious bystanders outside the shop peered inside in alarm.

"Definitely not. Most definitely not. What about this?"

Harry went on to try about what he felt like nearly a hundred wands. Each time though, there was either no reaction, or a similar explosive one. So much so that people outside shopping on the streets became used to the loud 'booms' and 'bangs' that regularly sounded from the modest shop.

Ollivander, far from getting annoyed, seemed to be growing more and more excited, like a small child going to the fair, each time a wand was rejected.

"Curious, most curious indeed…"

Before Harry could ask what the bloody hell was curious, the old man disappeared through another door. By this time, the floor had gained another 'layer'. A new layer of all the wand boxes that had fallen down from the numerous, how to say, reactions.

The ancient man soon stepped out, holding a brown box, carrying it as though it was priceless.

"I wonder… Why don't you try this? Holly, 11 inches with a single phoenix tail feather. Powerful and temperamental."

By this time, Harry was getting bored. He apprehensively gave the wand a shake, expecting the worst, but the wand simply gave out silver sparks which soon filled the shop, causing all the uh, rubble, to be restored. Shelves were righted, boxes flew back onto their respective ledges. The smell of gunpowder (yes, gunpowder) vanished. Harry stared in awe.

"Curious, very curious.", said Ollivander for third time today.

"Whats so curious, old man?", Harry finally voiced his thoughts

"I had expected to sell this wand four years ago. It has been staying in my shop for more than 70 years now, young man.

The core of this wand was supplied by the same phoenix which gave a feather to a similar wand, which has by now, been stained by blood of numerous wizards to date.

Ah yes, I still remember the day young Tom Riddle, he now calls himself Lord Voldemort, came into my shop, looking all shy and innocent. (Harry silently agreed. Tom had been more Light than Dumbledore was when he first started Hogwarts. His horrible childhood at the orphanage, which Dumbledore always forced him to return to, plus mistreatment from his housemates for having a muggle father, started him onto a path of darkness and no return.) No one had expected then that…", the old man trailed off regretfully.

"This wand is its brother wand. Young man, you are destined to do great things, like young Tom did. Terrible, but great nevertheless. If I am not wrong, you too have already started on your path …", once again, Ollivander trailed off again, this time looking at Harry with a mysterious expression.

Harry was stunned. 'What does the old man know?'

"That would be 30 Galleons."

He quickly paid and left the shop, but not before hearing, "Glamours don't fool me, young man. Few things do, in fact"

(Okay I did this because Ollivander seemed to me like omniscient. Don't worry, he is more of a reclusive old guy)

For the next few minutes, Harry was lost in his thoughts. 'How the hell did he know!'

Eventually, Harry decided there was nothing he can do. If the man knew who he was the moment Harry stepped in, he was sure a simple 'Obliviate', isn't going to do much.

The wand however, was a little expensive. More expensive than it should be, in any case. Then again, money isn't a problem.

Flashback

Harry was currently speaking to Tom about his eventual excursion into Diagon Alley.

"How would you pay for your purchases? You know that you very well can't use the Potter vault. You don't have the key in any case.", spoke Voldemort in his silent cold voice that Harry was so used to.

'Ooops. Didn't thought about that' After all, money was probably the last in importance in a young Dark Lord's train of thought.

"This is yours", Voldemort said while levitating a small golden key onto Harry.

The small golden key bore a logo of a goblin holding a gold bar, and an intricately twisted golden 'G'- the insignia of Gringotts Bank.

"I have opened a vault for you 8 years ago, and have been placing money in it since. Figures that you would need it in time. You will draw money from this vault. Just show the key to whatever damn goblins. But you will get your wand first. Pay for it with this.", With that, he took out a bag full of golden Galleons and threw it to Harry.

Voldemort however continued, "If you want, you could also draw money from the Slytherin vault. Yes it still exists obviously, do you think the great Salazar Slytherin just put his money under a floor plank?", in answer to Harry's wide open mouth and blank stare.

"I as heir control the vault. My mistake. Vaults. There is more than one vault. I have keyed in your name, admitting you allowance. Besides, you ARE a true descendent of Slytherin. Just tell the goblin you want to visit the Slytherin vaults. He will ask for your name. Give it to him. Goblins don't care whether you are Dark or Light.

But you will NOT take money from it excessively. Our ancestor has said that it was to aid all Slytherin descendents in future. That's the reason why even I seldom take money from the vaults. (Well, Riddle had a person called Lucius Malfoy). Use it wisely."

End Flashback

Harry decided now was the time to pay Gringotts a little visit. As he walked towards the large, prominent bank, several wizards, probably purebloods sneered in disgust at his muggle attire.

Others shook their heads disapprovingly at his punk look.

"What the hell are you all looking at. Scram!", Harry yelled at them, giving them the finger.

Soon he came to the front of the large looming concrete building- Gringotts Bank.

At the entrance, there was a huge plaque on which some gold-embossed curly handwriting were magically etched. Harry did not think it was worth his time, and simply stepped into the building.

Harry's jaw dropped, shocked at the sight before him, as he looked around the interior of the building.

'My word… they certainly don't hide their love for gold, do they?'

The entire interior of the building seemed as though someone with Mida's Touch had ran his hands through every single object. The counters, the paintings, to the pillars and even ceiling and walls, were all gleaming in the shining glow of the lamps, which too, is also covered in gold.

Besides that, the surroundings was extremely spacious and clean, with Greek style pillars all around, as decorations, besides the expensive paintings. Numerous beautifully sculpted archways dotted the various ends/exits of the lobby. Harry had to blink his eyes to get them used to the golden glow ever present in the place.

And you know what, the objects doesn't look as though they were just merely gold-plated, if Harry was not wrong, every single object in this 'room' is made out of solid gold. The place was lavish and extravagant enough for every king remaining in this world put together.

Well, almost. If not for the sheer number of hairy, grouchy looking goblins bustling around, whether holding documents, or sneering at wizards at the counter, or even inspecting samples of gold and jewelry. (Harry could swear he saw one goblin holding a gold bar, looking as though he was going to kiss it, with a loving expression on his face)

'Urgh', he shuddered.

'Arent the goblins scared of a break-in or something, what with all their showing off', Harry asked himself mentally, with a frown.

His question was answered a moment later, after he caught sight of a goblin patrol. They seemed to be taller and stronger than the usual ones, carrying huge axes and maces that were glowing red insidiously. The goblin guards also wore huge thick metallic armor and helmets, with spikes jutting out all around in a fearsome way. Their burning coal black eyes gazed around the area, inspecting for any trouble.

'Okay. Mystery solved. Even I won't want to have to tangle with a bunch of them. Those weapons were probably charmed with deadly versions of their goblin magic.'

Harry then went to an available counter.

"What do you want", the ugly scaly goblin at the counter peered at him, sneering unpleasantly.

"Certainly not to see your ugly face. My vault of course", Harry replied smoothly, tossing the key to the goblin, who was now looking offended.

The goblin tried to find fault with the key, inspecting it for any flaws for almost 10 minutes. Harry was starting to grow real impatient. By the looks of it, so was the queue that formed behind him.

"It seems to be alright. Groluk, take this young punk down to his vault", the goblin finally said grudgingly.

The new goblin, Groluk, certainly looked more pleasant than the previous. He had though, a neutral expression on his face.

"Very well. Come with me, sir", leading Harry down to a large archway at the end of the bank.

"Vault 97. Lamp please?", the goblin asked when he stepped out of the mine cart. Harry had been put on the bloody contraption and they went down the catacombs and numerous subterranean caverns, the cart twisting and turning like a bloody rollercoaster. He handed the goblin the lamp. No point in pissing off every single creature he saw.

"Key please?"

After inserting the little key, the vault door opened to reveal a huge compartment, about the size of the interior of a small house, stacked with neat rows and rows of chests, which Harry found to be each filled to the brim with golden coins.

Harry whistled softly, Tom was definitely very generous with his money.

He didn't give a second thought and dug in, filling the cloth bag that he brought with him to its fullest with the gold Galleons.

"So, Groluk, do I always have to come all the way here just to get money?", Harry turned and asked the goblin.

Groluk stared at him with an unreadable expression, before answering, "Some of our clients pay for their purchases by letting money be automatically be withdrawn from their vaults."

'That sounds like a good idea…'

"Only it requires a small sacrifice of blood each time, like a ritual. You just have to inform the store owner of the method of payment.

Don't worry, it is hygienic and risk free, what with them purebloods", he added, at the look on Harry's face.

"I will consider that. Let us go now.


Half an hour later, Harry plopped down onto a chair at the al-fresco Florian Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor, digging in hungrily into his Florian's Fantasticas- Twenty scoops of smooth soft ice cream that changed flavors in your mouth, ranging from Chocolate Fudge all the way to Refreshing Mint (sort of like Bertie Botts, except better), covered with a humongous array of toppings and syrups.

'This is pure heaven'

Harry had just bought his books and other necessary school supplies, having gone to Flourish & Blotts bookstore, The Apothecary and Madam Malkins Robes for all Occasions. Getting those was easy. One Minerva McGonagall had sent him a list of sixth year books and other miscellaneous stuff. The school robes were another problem. Harry had to give his exact measurements instead of getting it done manually as he was under a glamour.

What Harry wanted to purchase right now was a creature that can not only serve as a messenger, like an owl, but also as a companion and one that can aid in his self-defense. This really limited his options. Nothing in Eeylop's Owl Emporium and Magical Menagerie fascinated him.

Perhaps now was the time to check out Knockturn Alley.


Knockturn Alley, though within close proximity, was nothing like Diagon Alley. The place was dark and gloomy, as if an eternal dark thundercloud hovered above the place. Every single person that wandered the alley wore hooded cloaks.

Knockturn Alley also had a reputation for being host to stores selling Dark items, and a place where many shady transactions were carried out.

Harry of course, didn't give a damn about that fact. None of the shops specializing in creatures interested him.

He did however, purchased a beautiful marbled gray wand-holster made of Chinese Fireball dragonhide, which he attached to his thigh. Harry simply needed to imagine the wand in his hand, and voila, there it will be. It also had the added plus of making his wand un-summonable and immune to the Disarming Spell if it is in the holster.

3 hours later, Harry walked up towards the Shrieking Shack, having found a possible solution to his dilemma (the creature one).

Flashback

About an hour ago, Harry had decided to stop by at The Dingbat for a drink. The small bar was similar to almost every single other pub he had passed along the way in Knockturn Alley.

The Dingbat was true to its name- it was not so much of a bar than a small dingy dark bar, what with having only two miserable oil lamps to light the entire room. The place also looked as if it hadn't been cleaned for years. Harry could practically feel the layer of grime on the floor. The numerous cobwebs, and layer of dust that accompanied each empty stool, coupled with cloaked people chatting in low tones, did not do much to lift its dirty and gloomy atmosphere.

There, he had chatted up a stranger who like almost every other person was clad in a gray hooded cloak which obscured his face.

The man seemed a bit excited after hearing about Harry's dilemma, quickly gulping down a glass full of a smoking, fiery substance.

"I have the perfect creature you want. A messenger, a companion and one that can defend itself and its owner? Indeed I have. The previous owner gave it to me and ran away. I can sell it to you- for a reasonable price of course", the man rasped in a strange accent.

"Money is no problem. What is it actually?", Harry assured him, taking a swig from his Ice Vodka, feeling the transparent freezing and misty liquid swirl down his throat.

"I cannot really describe its appearance. But you will be satisfied with it. That I assure you. I'm not sure what they are even called. Really, I have never seen a creature like them before.", the man said gruffly, though with a suppressed shudder.

"They? What do you mean they?", Harry asked, looking at the man with a weird expression.

That one single word had piqued his curiosity.

"You will find out yourself. So, are you interested?"

"I have to see it first", Harry replied tersely.

"No. Take it or leave it. I would charge you more, but because I need the money urgently, 150 galleons straight."

"You wont even let me take a look first? How do I know you are not trying to cheat me?", Harry in a calm and controlled voice, not betraying the anger and indignance that he felt.

"You have to rely on my honor. If you decide to buy it, you will find it waiting beside the Shrieking Shack in about an hour's time. No money no deal. I repeat, take it or leave it."

"Oh really?", Harry's lips curled into an evil smirk as he slowly drew his midnight black wand (the very first one) and lazily twirled it around between his fingers.

That was a habit that Harry had subconsciously picked up from Voldemort. To him, it seemed casual and harmless enough. However, the seemingly hypnotic twirling and the cruel smile that usually accompanied it could strike fear into the bravest of Aurors, not to mention ordinary wizards and witches, especially if they are on the receiving end of Tom or Harry's ire.

The man's breath seemed to become more ragged. If Harry could see his face, he would be able to notice the flash of fear now imprinted on it.

"I-I would not d-dare. Honest. I'm not l-lying. You h-have my word", he fearfully assured Harry.

Harry did not need to probe the man's mind to see if he is lying. Harry himself could not explain why, he always seemed to be able to sense lies and deceits mentally. So far, no one had been able to utter falsehoods in his presence without detection. The Dark Lord, however, also possessed the same trait. Anyway, he couldn't detect any dishonesty in the terrified man's speech.

'I guess I have to take a gamble.'

"You wouldn't dare. Very well, I'll just have to trust you. I'll take it. However, If I find out that you swindled me, you can assure yourself of a fate worse than death", Harry concluded, handing over a large portion of the Galleons in the bag to the man, who took it with trembling hands, while muttering, "O-Of course, o-of course."

It wasn't a surprise that the man almost immediately fled the pub.

End Flashback

So here is Harry now, nearing the abandoned and supposedly haunted shack. Indeed, besides it laid a sealed 5 by 5 foot carton. The carton was plastered with warning signs all over, probably from past owners, so it was no surprise that Harry approached it apprehensively, opening it with a spell.

Peering tentatively inside, he could not see anything but pitch black everywhere.

'What the hell! Bastard cheated me?'

He however, was interrupted from his thoughts by a metallic droning sound that seems to center from throughout the carton.

"What the hell was that!", a slightly frantic, yet fascinated look on his face.

Harry soon found out that he could make out words in the shrill droning sound.

Who isss our new masssterr?

A huge dark shadow, looking completely like a thundercloud then flew out of the carton towards him. 'Oh my… What on earth?'

Youuuu. You must be our new massterrr, the voice buzzed.

Taking a closer look, Harry soon found out why the man had said 'they', and why he was so eager to sell them to him.

What had appeared to be a dark shadow was in actual fact a huge cloud of insect-like flying creatures that were so numerous and close together that they seemed to be a hovering haze. The thing, or things started to speak once again.

I senssse power in himmm. He would be a good massterrr.

Harry could not help but feel a rising sense of fear in him. Fear, which was something Harry had not felt in years. He attributed it to the creatures' voice, which was inhuman and cold in a metallic sense. It chilled him to the bone. Not even Tom's voice could compare to this. Yet though, Harry could not explain why, but it was strangely comforting.

Harry knew that it certainly would be able to defend itself it, or they, wanted to. He also realized why the man could not describe its appearance. Even he too could not. They were clustered so closely it was hard just to make out their size.

Each of them was about the size of a palm. Yet there was probably about thousands of them. The box must be bigger than its external appearance would suggest. Looking at them closely individually, one would still not be able to make out anything more than a glowing orb of black. Either way, Harry seriously doubted he wanted to see how they truly looked like.

'I wouldn't want to be attacked by the huge cloud of them.', he thought to himself.

"Uh, so I am your new master. You guys, uh, alright with that.", spoke, hoping that they would not find fault with him.

Youuu will be fine

"Could you like, uh, deliver messages and letters?"

As if in answer, a small portion of the cloud broke off, and reformed into a dark spectre of an owl.

Of courssse

'Blimey! That's cool'

"My name is Harry. So, uh, how am I going to get you guys back?"

Like thissss, foolish boyyyyy

They flew back into the carton, which Harry shrunk into the size of a tiny box, then placed it into his pocket.

He would have to see how to take care and maintain them. After all, Harry would not want to find out what would happen if they grew unhappy with him, or what had happened to their past owners, whoever they are.

'Well, that went fine. Queer, but met my expectations.'


Finally! Sorry for the longer delay, but I doubt I can update once a week now. I'll try to, of course, but make no assurances.

REVIEW! I love reviews. (Which writer doesn't?). Thanks to every single one of my reviewers :) Please tell me what you think of this chapter. Suggestions are also strongly welcomed.

The creature, I got the idea from the excellent book, "The Neverending Story". I had read that long ago, but that one particular creature remained in my mind (I forgot what its called. Anyone remember?). If you've read it, you would know what I mean. To those who haven't, I strongly recommend the book. Fantastic what human imagination can think up right? Its one of the best books I've read when I was younger.

The creature will be his official messenger, especially when recruiting allies to the cause. They will also be a form of defense, protecting Harry when necessary.

One thing though, can someone help me think up a name for them? Goodness knows I'm utter crap when it comes to naming things/persons.

My description of Gringotts is different from canon. But this is an AU fic. That is the way I have always imagined Gringotts to be though.

Lastly, let me rant about something. Why is it that when other writers get rid or depose Cornelius Fudge, 90 per cent of the time its always Arthur Weasley who takes over as Minister for Magic? Its not that I dislike Arthur, he's a great character, but I mean, come on, people like Amos Diggory or the new OOTP character that JKR presented, Amelia Bones, would make far better candidates. Especially Bones since she was the Head of DMLE, which is probably the most important department.

Where in any of the books did JKR state that Arthur possess traits that would make him a good minister, besides the fact he's in the Order and is Harry's best friend's father. Some traits… I mean, if you want to improve the Weasley's shitty social and financial standing, just give him a bloody promotion damnit. I would seriously doubt Arthur would be able to cope with being Minister. Come on, there is a huge difference from being Head of a Department that consists of only TWO personnel (including himself) and being Head of the entire Ministry, not to mention the country.

This ends my little rant. Just feeling annoyed at seeing Arthur as Minister here, Arthur as Minister there…

I will include replies to reviewers in the next chapter. This one is getting a little too long :P