Chapter 6

Hogwarts was a truly tasteful place, with ancient walls and architecture glowing with equality as old magic from the founders themselves held together by a heartstone embedded in the seven leylines the school was built upon. As far as structures go, it was one of the most protected places in magical Britain. From exterior forces that is. Anything inside was fair game.

The first years were lined up before the head table, getting ready to be sorted. As the hat sung this year's sorting song, Harry's sharp yes took note of everything in the room. This school promoted equality among muggleborns and purebloods, so it was sensible to see them seated together in one room. The hall was structured in such a way as to have the head table elevated from the rest of the tables to show the figures of authority. The headmaster was seated at the center, flanked by the rest of the professors with his deputy to his right hand. His chair was different from the rest; a brightly-colored eyesore fashioned to be larger than the rest, a throne where the ruler sat and watched his subjects. No one seemed to find anything wrong with that.

The headmaster's eyes kept glancing his way. Harry made a point not to do the same. So Snape told him about his visit. It would make it harder to lie low, especially if Mike talked to Snape at all. It would be even more difficult if he was sorted into Slytherin.

"Oscar, Precilla!"

Plans rushed through his mind, some quickly discarded. Slytherin would not welcome him immediately. It would take time. Time he would have to use wisely. He would be tested but he cannot retaliate, not yet. Draco might take his side so he would have to act grateful. The very thought made his stomach churn. 'Just for a short while.' He thought.

"Potter, Hadrian!"

He sat on the three-legged stool and the hat was placed on his head. A moment later it screamed "Slytherin!" Within the ensuing silence he walked to the table decorated in green and silver, making sure to sit opposite Malfoy. The sorting continued, though not as jovial. The headmaster looked absolutely disappointed.

Later that night Harry lay on his bed in the first year dorm room. True to his suspicions he was immediately singled out in the common room after Snape's speech. Even the first years stayed away from him, afraid to associate themselves with him. Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on one's view, Malfoy avoided him like the plague. That only left him one option; to disappear from the older years' sight as much as possible. That would not be a problem.

The next day was a free one since it was the first day of the school year. Harry spent in the room of requirement which he stumbled on upon his morning stroll. It was a very interesting room that could change itself to suit the needs of whoever was using it. Needless to say, he spent the whole day there.

A few days passed in the same fashion; wake up before the sun, avoid Slytherins, attend classes, have dinner, go to the room of requirement, sneak back to his dorm, and go to sleep with no less than ten wards protecting him in his sleep.

The first time he noticed that conspiracies were going on at Hogwarts, out of Slytherin no less!, was the troll incident. All this time he was worried about Slytherins, Snape and Dumbledore, making sure not to let his advanced abilities slip. It was like a slap to the face. So he placed his extracurricular projects on hiatus; which included advanced computer science, Quantum Physics and Blood magic.

It turns out Quirell, or rather Voldemort, brought the troll in on Halloween. Further investigation brought up the topic of the philosopher's stone. It was at Hogwarts, very poorly protected by an obstacle course clearly meant for a first year. It was quite easy to get a hold of the philosopher's stone, and he had no intention of giving it up. In a few hours he had sent it off to Naruto to keep safe. He had long-term plans for it once he figured out how it works.

He continued acting like a normal, albeit highly intelligent, student. He frequently got updated from Shot Empire on his laptop and cellphone. They were making good progress. His employees have gone from fifteen individuals barring his five men to thirty three in the short time he has been away, with six having the potential to be drafted into his…inner circle if you may. It was very satisfying. He only needed to personally see to two matters, both involving spy agencies. Needless to say, they were thinking twice about getting involved with Shot Empire.

The Christmas break was now upon them. Harry left Hogwarts for Black Manor, not to relax but to dig deeper into his Blood Magic studies. It was an interesting subject; one which could mean the difference between ordinary wizard and extraordinary sorcerer. He very much planned to be a blood mage.

Halfway into the Christmas holidays, two days till Christmas, Harry went to The Den where his main five spent some of their time together. He was met with chaos, or what he perceived as chaos. Streamers were hung all around along with balloons of all shapes and sizes, colors so bright they hurt his eyes, and a huge hideous tree was stationed in the middle of the living room, also alight with color. With an irritated wave of his hand every decoration was torn down and banished.

"Hey! I just hung…! Uh boss, you're back." Said a now nervous Liam, in his hands a pile of Christmas lights. Harry glared, making him squirm. "Liam, what is all of this?" Liam laughed sheepishly. "W-well you see, it's almost Christmas." Harry raised an eyebrow, so Liam quickly continued. "So we want to celebrate." "By making my house resemble fun house?"

Luckily, he was saved from answering by the appropriate entrance of Alfred. "Hadrian, we did not anticipate you." His voice was tinged with surprise. The raven nodded with another annoyed look at Liam, which vanished the armful of lights, he walked towards his room. "I'm fine too Alfred, how are you?" he said over his shoulder. The two were left alone in the living room. "Was that sarcasm?" Liam asked, astonished. Alfred had the same look. "I think it was."

Meanwhile Harry was in his room, already surrounded by multiple books. A few hours later someone spoke. Before the person knew it there was a blade at his throat and all Harry did was tense. The boy turned around to face Alex. "If you want to keep your life never do that again." He said lowly. The dark-haired man did not dare move. "Yes sir." Harry let go of his magic and the blade vanished. Alex relaxed. "What is your purpose?" the boy asked, already returning to his work. Alex nodded down the corridor. "Dinner is ready. I thought you should know. And Samuel is at home with his son." Harry nodded. "He informed me. I'll be right down. And I apologize for that." Alex nodded. "No problem." and disappeared down the hallway.

The emerald eyed boy sighed. Why was he so tense? He took a few deep calming breaths. His shoulders relaxed a bit, though still stiff. Maybe it was all the 'extra' research he was doing. It was a lot, and overbearing he must admit, but it was still fine. Or at least he thought so.

At the dining table everyone present in the building was assembled with the table groaning with the food on it, seemingly waiting for him. Harry sat down at the head table. "Evening everyone." He greeted. They mumbled back in greeting, then started eating, exchanging small talk or, in Liam or Naruto's case, arguing.

"It's not my fault you tripped the stairs. You're just clumsy." Was Liam. "I'm not clumsy. I'm a shinobi, we never get clumsy! You are the one who pranked the steps." Was Naruto. Liam went red in the face. "Me?! I'll have you know that I never pranked it because I use it too." "Then why didn't you use it yourself?" "Because I didn't need to, you dimwit!" Naruto's face flushed. "Who are you calling a dimwit, you baka!?" "Do not insult me Uzumaki!" "Right back at you Houston!"

Harry stared between the two, a headache starting to form. He asked Alex. "Is this normal?" "Yes." Alfred was scowling. "No one can stop their bickering." "Rather annoying." Alex said. The bantering rose a notch and Harry's headache worsened too. "Silence!" he shouted. The two shut up immediately. Harry massaged his temples tiredly but said nothing afterwards. Moments later, Naruto and Liam were muttering insults between each other, though more bearable. Naruto handed him a document. "Those are the men I was talking about. They are my connections is Japan; we are close. They are resourceful too. I was hoping you could consider them." Harry flipped through the pages. Itachi Uchiha, Sasuke Uchiha and Suigetsu Hozuki. The first few entrances for each were impressive. "I'll consider them."

After dinner the group went to watch a movie. Harry joined them, to everyone's surprise. Before the movie even ended the boy was asleep, head propped up to support his head. Liam squealed. "He's so cute!" "Sod off Liam." Naruto cut in, picking Harry up gently. The fact that he did not wake up instantly said a lot. Naruto deposited Harry on his bed, pulling the sheets over him. He stared at the boy's face for a long time, taking in the smooth features and flawless skin, his petite nose and pouty lips. This was the one feared by many in the underworld? He did not look like it. Naruto knew that looks can be deceiving; Harry was a stellar example after all. It surprised Naruto how quickly he grew fond of the boy. How he found his scowl endearing along with his snappish attitude when annoyed. Naruto thought Alex held the same sentiment, but you never knew with a prune like him. He was just like Sasuke. He was sure the whole house thought the same of Harry at least to some level. It was difficult not to like Harry, his attitude aside.

He stood up to leave, but something drew him to the desk. A closer inspection revealed a runic formula he did not recognize. All the books were, in one way or another, related to runes and their history. It seems Harry had another project. Naruto wondered if the projects were related in any way, part of a bigger project that was surely beyond Naruto's comprehension. Not that he wanted to ask. He left, not noticing verdant green eyes watching him before sliding back closed.

Harry scowled, staring at the cloth in his hand. The fluid-like flowing cloth that shimmered. Who sent him the invisibility cloak, one of the fabled Deathly Hallows? It was posted anonymously as a Christmas gift. It felt strange in his hands, in a pleasant way. It sent tingles up his spine and made his magic sing, for lack of a better term. Why would he feel this way?

He was alone in his room as he studied the material, the Christmas celebrations long ended. Harry shuddered at the thought of the celebrations, still horror-stricken by the sheer…cheerfulness of the event. All day he was exposed to his favorite employee's chipper moods, and was just waiting for Liam to start throwing up rainbows and explode in a shower of confetti. Fortunately, the man was still intact and probably passed out from exhaustion.

He felt oddly attracted to the cloak, like it belonged to him. But how could that be? The cloak rightfully belonged to Death along with the elder wand and resurrection stone. As far as he knew Death was their rightful owner. Well, there was also the Master of Death rumor. He sighed. Another project he has to take up.

By the time Hogwarts opened again Harry knew all the world had to say know about the Deathly Hallows. Interesting tid-bit about being Master of Death is that only a descendent of all the Peverelle brothers could unite the Hallows. Lo and behold, Harry was descended from all three brothers by a complicated series of aunts, uncles and cousins, and he wanted to be Master of Death. It was his birthright, he could feel it, and he knew he would get more of his questions answered. Though, he had no idea where the other two were.

In the meantime, Hogwarts professors were up in a panic due to the loss of the sorcerer's stone. A search was ordered, which turned up nothing. Harry ignored all of Dumbledore's searching gazes. He also had other problems to deal with; mainly older Slytherins thinking he was weak and vulnerable. Already irritated beyond all reason he sent no less than ten of them to the infirmary with grievous injuries. No one bothered him again. The end of the year was also fast approaching. Eidetic memory was a wonderful thing because Harry did not have to study much. Instead he continued with his extracurricular studies.

Her name was Imperium; a highly intelligent magical induced computerized system. They said magic and technology could not mix, he thought it was bullshit. With runes, he could operate technology alongside magic. With the same method he was certain he could power technology with magic. When he was done he could make a sentient being that could independently operate technology, a magical A.I if you would.

He was pretty close to achieving it at this point. He created a power crystal through the use of runes and a few rituals that used magic to power his devices like electricity, though more potent and advanced. Now he was in the process of creating a sentient being he can download into his computer and connect with satellites all over the world. Only problem is it was unstable. He feared it would destroy everything it touched.

The exams came and went and the Hogwarts year came to an end. Now he had seven projects and an underworld empire waiting for him at home. Fantastic.

Author's note:

I am so sorry to all those interested in this story, but there would be a massive time lapse to the end of seventh year. It's my fault; I don't think I can come up with the creativity and patience to fill in the gap. I'd rather skip the years than give you a half-done shitty piece.

All I can say is that the story line from here on forth follows cannon for the Hogwarts side of things and Shot Empire keeps growing steadily.

I truly apologize.