Prologue
Perhaps I was too hasty. While the world does not want to allow Harry a well earned period of respite, he's determined to get it anyway. Hogwarts was his home, but it was a home built on lies and deceit. It was never meant as this when its stones were first conjured, when the wards were lovingly wrapped around the building. Will he choose to create his own home, and hide from the world? Or will he find a new place to live, where the people do not wish to use him as their weapon?
Harry is clever, and, while he doesn't note my presence, I often watch him in his lessons. I can be invisible, and I can be quiet. When I saw him teach a group of students, some older than he, when I heard of his gift to the red-haired Gryffindor twins, whenever I saw him fight, I saw a powerful young man, who needs guidance. Who knows, perhaps his Aunt and Cousin may provide it. Perhaps he may seek it from others. The one who taught a few years ago, perhaps. Who knows. Only one thing can be certain. He cannot trust Albus, and his original trust was due to excellent acting by the headmaster, and manipulation. One thing describes Albus in a nutshell; 'Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under't.' The hidden serpent he is indeed. Harry should exercise caution, for he cannot provoke the serpent to strike. The chances of survival are grim indeed.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Author: Jacobim Von Styluss
Disclaimer: Nope, nope, not mine, it belongs to a very nice woman called Jo. Shame really, if it was mine, I would be set for life instead of spending my weekends messing around withdeskfans to see if they will kill anyone when operated. Ah well...
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The cart arrived at their destination. "Well, Harry. We've arrived."
A huge door, with 107 carved into it in flamboyant lettering, slowly opened. The sight they saw when it opened made his eyes water...
This sight was actually... nothing. There was a good reason they could see nothing however, which was the blinding amount of dust pouring out of the door.
"Think I'll have to get the cleaners in soon..." said Grillkrup. "It has been a while since I last opened this one up."
"How does dust get in if the door is kept closed?" asked Harry.
"You know, I really have no idea." replied Grillkrup.
As Grillkrup pondered the mystery of dust, Harry was braving the storm (Dudley and Petunia were wisely staying away), and diving into the 'smoke'. "Grillkrup, can you do a spell on this? This dust is getting in my eyes,"
Grillkrup answered, "Goblin magic doesn't work like that. You need sigils, all sorts of things. Why don't you do it? Now you're emancipated, you are free to do magic at your own discretion."
Harry grinned happily, then used a fresh air charm to sort out the dust, and a targeted evanesco to clear the dust that had laid inside the vault. Now he could see clearly, he could tell one thing. This vault was weird. It looked like an mansion's entrance hall, with steps leading down from the entrance. It was grand, perhaps too gaudy for the tastes of most. Gold and jewels made up the décor, and any but a goblin or the Malfoys would be amazed, or at least interested. As it were, Grillkrup strode through the vault door, and headed to the far side. The room was rectangular, with the entrance on one side, a huge door opposite, and on the walls perpendicular to these, there were two small ordinary doors.
Grillkrup idly gestured to the door on the left, in passing, saying "Artefacts," then at the left, stating "Documentation", and they then arrived at the gold vault doors. "Money" said Grillkrup. There was a small machine, similar to a TV screen. It worked on touch screen, and allowed Harry to select any information. Menu choices included Money (Liquid), Money (Total), Money (Invested), Artefacts list, Charities list, and many others. This was a foray into the muggle-wizard technology that Harry had spoken of. Harry asked his advisor of this.
"Well, we had a human family working who had a squib in the family. He was a very good Computer Hardware Consultant in the muggle world, and thus was able to explain it to some of our people. This is our first success. While it is productive and very valuable, for yours is the only one, it is also fairly impractical. Goblins who understand technology, or even care about it are rare. Therefore, we never got very far.
"I personally find it fascinating, and love this. I heard it was based off a muggle 'ATM' but reacts to magical signature, rather than PIN number. It shouldn't matter much because it's in your vault so nobody is likely to steal, but we may have one placed outside one of these days. It would be much more efficient than going to vaults every time.
"You can actually withdraw money from it. It comes in bags with outwardly identical sizes, but are actually often the size of a pillowcase. They also have magical signature charms built in. This way, only you can take money from them. As you may have guessed, it is rather good business to prevent theft."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"GRILLKRUP!"
"Yes Harry?" Sighed Grillkrup, entering the Artefacts room after exiting the paperwork area.
The Artefacts room was like a library, with objects neatly stacked everywhere. In one corner, an entire set of armoured clothing, made of a fine mesh metal. Elsewhere, weapons, amulets and obscure items littered the shelves.
"What does this do?"
"Let me take a look." Grillkrup removed some tiny glasses from his pocket and perched them on his nose. He held the blade that Harry offered. He examined the ornate silver and diamond blade, with it's complex runes for a while. "Looks like one of the Potter knives. They're damn useful. They cut through anything except flesh or heavily enchanted metal. They are unbreakable, . They were invented by a pacifist who simply hated offensive tools. He was an excellent student, teacher and eventually headmaster at Hogwarts, was Quentin Potter. He is your seven times great-uncle."
"He actually made something similar for Gringotts. We give it to curse breakers as a sort of bonus. They keep it for one job, and then pass it on. It's currently our curse-breaker of the month prize. They love it, because they can travel through forests quickly, and even cut through minor locks and occasionally walls. You know what they say, if there isn't a door, make one." Grillkrup sniggered.
"Cool... So, is there anything else useful in here?"
"Pass me the list from earlier, I'll see if I recognize anything." Harry did so, and the goblin began to read.
"Bless my soul, the entire Celeritas Armoury. That will be so useful. Celeritas was a legendary scout mage. He would find and engage countless amounts of dark wizards. His clothing aided him greatly in this respect. Celeritas was an average student at Hogwarts, but excellent at quidditch and dueling. He was physically talented, but his spellwork wasn't exceptional. Make no mistake, he was above average, but nothing legendary in that respect. Potters are always powerful. However, once he left school he made a large withdrawal from the vault, and travelled across the world for a while. He fell in with a group of Dwarves, and eventually became a master armourer. He created the Celeritas armoury. Each item has a different use."
They walked over to the fine mesh armour in the corner. "See these shoes, they are enchanted for extra speed. These gloves increase your reflexes. This chestplate can block a hit from just about anything, and the only thing which can cut it is a potter knife, actually."
"When Celeritas died surrounded by his family, of natural causes, he bequeathed it to his sons, where they would take a share of the armour each. However, none had the same talent with the items as their father, and these wonderful items faded from knowledge. I heard your reflexes are spectacular. Perhaps you will be the one to bring glory to these items once again?"
"I really do hope so" said Harry
"Now," muttered Grillkrup, reading the list again. "Hmm... what do we have here?" Grillkrup raised his voice to normal speech. "The legendary claro calx of Everard Potter. He was a muggleborn who married into the family but took the name of Potter for his own and is your 5 times great grandfather, and nephew in law to Quentin, by the way. Quentin taught him a great deal, and now Everard is famed greatly throughout the world. The Claro Calx, or Clarity Stone is a simple rock, which, when in your possession, will greatly increase your intellect. It will improve your ability to comprehend, remember and learn. I advise you carry this at all times, because it also speeds up your thinking, allowing for wise split second decisions. That may save your life, and this stone was one of the reasons why Everard was noted as wise and unbelievably intelligent."
Grillkrup wandered over to a shelf and plucked from it a rock which was... strange. It looked peculiar, but he couldn't work out why. "It looks strange, Harry, because it isn't actually made of rock. It is solid platinum, as that is the only substance he knew which could take the stress of so much magic. The glamour charm would not be noticed by most, but you are greatly powerful. Everard was worried about the possible theft of the stone as it was made from such a precious metal. Thus, he chose to make it look mundane and ordinary. He was a Slytherin through and through." He passed the rock to Harry, who took it and placed it in his pocket. He was in no mood to interrupt the goblin now he was in the full flow. He was still trying to comprehend everything he had been told over the past half-hour or so.
Over the next hour, Harry was told of many other 'gadgets'. One of his favourites was Everard's other creation, Fenestrus. This was a simple mirror, seemingly (Everard loved to disguise items, he saw it as a challenge). However, stick it to a surface less than three feet thick, and it became a window seeing through the wall or door as the case may be. However, no visible affect was had upon the other side of the surface. Thus, Fenestrus was the ultimate spy tool. It also allowed for a small amount of sound to travel through, which was enough to be audible from close up.
Harry left the room grinning, but stopped when he saw his Aunt and Cousin sat at an elegant mahogany table, drinking tea from gold rimmed china cups. "Ermm... What the hell? I didn't those there..." Grillkrup gave him his answer "This room is like a modified version of a certain room in Hogwarts. Any idea what I'm talking about?"
"Room of Requirement?"
"Bingo. However, this one was made by one not so strong as the founders combined, and thus is not as good as that version. This can handle small needs, such as food."
"That explains it, but why did they suddenly decide they needed tea in expensive cups?"
"Don't ask me, I'm a goblin. I hate tea."
Harry shrugged.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
After a refreshment break, where Harry chatted with his relatives on his new discoveries, Harry ended up in the paperwork room.
"Well, Harry. I've been doing a little research while you were in artefacts, and found a few thing that may interest you. However, first things first. I've dealt with the paperwork, and various other things that needed attention. Now you will find everything in order."
"Excellent. It's good to know my account is in such.. capable hands. I hope you will continue to keep such good care of my finances."
"I certainly plan to Mr Potter... Anyway, I've discovered you have several properties. The largest of these, and also the most protected, was Godric's Hollow. This has obviously been damaged, but not beyond repair. Also, you have a penthouse suite in New York, and a villa Madrid. Your ancestors always liked to be in the commercial world capitals. Godric's Hollow is the exception, however, this was built by Godric Gryffindor himself, who was related to the Potters. When he died, it was passed down amongst the Potter line, and eventually used as your parents home/hideaway. You also have a fairly grand house, in a street linking to Diagon Alley. It has five bedrooms, and so I have heard, very expensive decoration and fittings. Finally, as well as the quarter stake you own in Hogwarts due to your Gryffindor heritage, you own Durmstrang."
"What!"
"Yep, it is surprising isn't it?"
Dudley's voice echoed into the room from the doorway. "What's Durmstrang?"
"It's a school in Bulgaria."
"A wizarding school?"
"Yep. In fact, I think I'll head there. Come with me, I'll find something for you to do there. Perhaps potion making, it doesn't need any wizarding abilities."
"Harry?" Aunt Petunia walked in from outside
"Yes?" "I have to ask you something, now I know you own a magical school. This is about you, Dudley. Dudley, I'm really sorry, but you should have been given a magical education. Since I had actually replied to your's, and not Harry's, we didn't got totally covered with letters for you."
"What, why did you refuse?"
"Dud, think about it. Uncle Vernon would have treated you awful as well. She couldn't do anything about me, as my parents had already applied for my education there. She couldn't go against that. However, Aunt Petunia, as for your question, of course he can."
"I haven't asked the question yet,"
Harry interrupted "It's kinda obvious. Dudley, how do you feel about a formal education at Durmstrang Institute of Wizardry?"
"Y-yes, of course. Thanks..." Dudley stuttered, in shock that he was going to learn to use magic.
"Thank you Harry."
"Aunt Petunia, were you magical?"
"What?"
"Answer it."
Petunia sighed. "Ok, fine, I was but got expelled in sixth year. Most people don't remember Holly Evans, sister of Lily. I was a Slytherin. Petunia is really my middle name."
"So that's why you weren't surprised at the goblins?" asked Dudley. Harry was impressed, even with Dudley's own amazement, he managed to note his mother's lack of it. "Because you'd seen them before?"
"Well, no actually, but close. I've never been to Gringotts before, but Lily mentioned them. James took her once."
"Why did Dumbles expel you?"
"There was a boy called David Gudgeon, who was a Gryffindor. Your father knew him, but didn't seem to like him much. He was a bit of an obsessive hanger-on."
"Sounds like Creevey. Wait a sec, is this the same Davey Gudgeon who nearly lost an eye because of the Whomping Willow?"
"Yes... He claimed I pushed him into it, and despite my protests, as well as Lily and the marauders, Dumbledore was adamant. I was expelled, and my wand was snapped. I changed my name to my middle name, so people would think I was a normal muggle rather than a witch. Nobody knew my name now except the marauders and Lily. And, of course, my ex-boyfriend. We were in love, but we had to break up when I was expelled. There were no hard feelings though. I wouldn't have coped if there was."
"He was a pureblood, and being seen with a disinherited pureblood such as myself would mean disgrace. Me, you, Lily, we would fit in the pureblood elite. However, Vernon was every inch a muggle, and thus Dudley, you are not pureblooded. It doesn't really matter though, purity of blood is just an excuse for snobs to be stuck up little swines."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Meanwhile, while Petunia was reminiscing upon her days in the wizarding world, an old wizard with a kindly face but an ruthless heart in a castle in Scotland was murmuring to himself. He found it helped him think. "Hmm... I've got Black out of the way, I've got his parents out of the way. Now, who might give him guidance against mine? Certainly not his traitorous friends, they will simply lead him to me. There are no flaws in my plan, and I have yet another pawn. Soon, he will come to me and only me for guidance. His power, once added to my own, will enable me to claim what I have been fighting for all these years. "
While there were no professors but him at the castle right now, and only one other staff member (Filch), speaking these words aloud was a mistake. While no man was around to hear it, a female did.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
I really hope is isn't just me who loved the paragraph about dust(giggles, then looks at himself in horror. 'I am so camp on the internet. Not in person though. Nope, not me...'). I've got a weird sense of humour, and it comes out in full force in my fics, occasionally anyway.
Just for the record, this fic will now become AU! It will ignore HBP completely, because doing otherwise would mean starting again.
The quote "Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under't" is Shakespeare, but the idea of using itwas Batsutousai's. She quotes it at some point in Abandon (do read this fic, it's brilliant.There's a link on my faves.)
Nobody entered my last competition? Why? (Sighes) It's in the author's note at the end of chapter 3. C'mon, at least have a shot. It's not hard if you read the clues, there's an absolute load.
First person to guess the female at the end, wins a prize, possibly a small role/cameo in the story. Let the games begin!
This competition will continue until the reviewer has guessed correctly No anonymous reviews as competition entries. This is to ensure people cannot enter again and again. While a flood of reviews would be nice (It always is), I don't want people firing off different characters at random, and also I need to contact you. But remember, if your e-mail is not on your profile I cannot contact you. I will not announce the winner, for I wish to keep the answer a secret for a while. When the answer is part of the story, then I will announce the winner.
Polls!
So far, the Poll results are thus:
Poll 1
A:3
C:5
Poll 2
TMR:2
LM:2
RodLes:3
I just want to clarify something. This poll does not guarantee that I will select the choice that come through. I simply want to know who would be agreeable with the general plans. If my idea goes down in flames completely, I may rethink. However, my idea is still well and truly part of this vote.
02/07/05
ERMonkey Burner of Cookies – Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed your cookie :). Dumbledore is definitely a criminal, the charges against him are huge. He will have to character assassinate him first. That's what he needs the Daily Prophet and the WWN for. Also, thats why he wants the ministry under his thumb. First reviewer for my new chapter! You've reviewed them all so far, so you get another cookie! The rate you and Skull-Bearer are going, I'm gonna run out of cookies by the end of the fic! Even the intangible ones (nods).
Sweet-Little-Yugi – I was hoping I'd be the first for Harry/Rodolphus. I love being unique, and successfully stepping away from the well-trodden path, being a first, is worth a great deal to me.Now, onto your writing problem.I used to have that problem, then I found a way around it... I write a real big chapter, split it into two, call the first part chapter one, and then don't upload chapter 2 until chapter 3 is done. I updated with chapter three as soon as I got the chapter you've just read finished. If you keep one chapter, the desire to upload it, and get more reviews, is enough to convince you to write more. Just keep to the routine, because as soon as you break it, the resolve is gone. After all, I've actually just finished writing chapter five.
SkullBearer – You and ERMonkey have come through for me again! I love you guys! On a different topic, I'm glad you will enjoy the story, whichever direction it goes. However, for being such a good reviewer, I will give you a little hint as to how this is planned out in my head. I will probably end up going somewhere half-way between A & C, and have Harry meet Rodolphus. Obviously, things will escalate from there. That's how my plans are going for the moment. I really want a Harry/Rodolphus fic. I've seen just about every other pairing but this one, and I want to be able to say mine is the first Harry/Rodolphus fic.
Ladydarkness45, Lord Master Omega, doggoneit, thanks for reviewing and voting. :)
Remember, I want reviews. If you want to enter one of my competitions, if you want to join a poll, (basically one vote per chapter - Which has to be cast in the latest chapter, incidentally, you can't skip back, review all four, then totally tip the balance), if you want to ask questions about the fic (or even me, althoughI don't guarantee an answer!), any other reason except flaming. I really want reviews, because it gives me something to help me look forward to the end ofthe college day soI can check my e-mail (Can't do it at college, I'll lose internet). If you are an author, you will understand how much it means to come home and see the little 'New E-Mails' counter flashing up with four or five. It's a great feeling to know you're appreciated.