Harry Potter: Otherworld
First of Many
***No own no sue. ***
*Twitter for updates, Angelslayer135
I will keep a running list of male to female names as characters are introduced at the end of each chapter.
***HP:O ***
Harry Potter wasn't quite sure if he had ever seen anyone so joyous before. Amy was practically bouncing off the walls with excitement as she made her announcement to their small group. She was to be the next Gryffindor Seeker on the Quidditch team.
Her sister had, naturally be incredibly happy for her and even Hermione had given her congratulations. As for the boy himself? Well, he had initially thought there might be some ugly jealousy in his gut, the idea of her taking the position that had been his for so long, but instead there was nothing but happiness.
"Congratulations Amy, you earned it." He praised, earning a beaming smile from the girl, and she had. Even after showing her some of what he had learned over the years she spent at least an hour every day during the summer practicing, sometimes with him sometimes with James, sometimes just by herself.
Naturally, he agreed to watch her first game, and as many as he could attend.
***HP:O ***
Her job stunk, and not in the 'bad enough to use such a word' way. No, it literally smelt like mangey creatures, mostly because her position was to care for and teach children about said animals.
This meant interacting with the disgusting things, and Gordana Lockhart was not a fan. It was why she had originally declined the position. She was better suited for teaching the intricacies of spellwork, the art of Dueling, the skills required for Defense.
Still, she had accepted the role, mostly for one reason in particular, Harry Potter. Even from her short conversation she had known he was talented, at least this was what she told herself, and he only needed a guide to truly bring his potential into the spotlight.
She was such a guide, someone who had knowledge of exactly what he needed, who had experience in the fields that would help him thrive. In return his success would make her famous. They would go on tours, seeing the sights of the world, experiencing the 'good life', and in the distant future the Lockhart name would become one associated with fame and fortune with their children and grandchildren.
But first steps had to be taken. She had barely spoken with the boy, and with the Headmistress refusing to allow him admission into her class earlier than normal it had effectively locked her out of the normal means to build a relationship.
It might be better to start with his parents. She couldn't recall if the Potters were a more traditional or progressive family, which would dictate the letter written to them.
Moderates, such as the Malfoy's, would want something more official sounding, a business proposal more or less. In such a case Lockhart would need to research legal jargon and figure out the value of his time and her own against what would change with her proposed training. More importantly any marriage contracts or inquiries would need addressed.
On the other hand, the more 'up-and-coming' type wouldn't appreciate such a thing, and not only would it make inquiries about any arranged marriages unnecessary, but it would also make her own task of convincing them to trust their son with a potential stranger alone that much more complicated.
Still, if they had considered Riddle as a mentor there should be no reason that they would not consider her for the position as well. Second year students still had quite a bit of free time, surely there was ample time for both.
***HP:O ***
"Potter!"
Harry wasn't sure he was ever going to get used to hearing a female Malfoy shout at him. Turning around, he held back the sigh as he watched the girl, and a few of her friends march up to where he stood.
"Malfoy." He replied, voice flat with just the slightest hint of irritation.
"I heard your sister is Seeker of Gryffindor. So, did she buy her way in or were they just that desperate?"
Pansy laughed, along with the others within earshot. Harry, on the other hand, merely stared back. "You know Malfoy, I heard you tried out for the Quidditch team too, how did that go for you?"
It sounded like an innocent question, but they both knew she hadn't been accepted and the sneer in response was obvious. As the group stormed off another familiar face approached the boy, this one without hostility.
"In case I don't run into her, please give Amaryllis my congratulations."
Harry smiled back at the older Slytherin, "I will do that Marie."
***HP:O ***
Tracy Davis was not subtle, maybe she thought she was, maybe she didn't, but the fact remained that she was most certainly not. Especially when she kept looking over at him during every class period, chewing on her lip, taking a few steps in his direction before turning and going with one of her other friends instead.
No, the witch was not fooling anyone, especially not Harry. Thus, when she finally did work up the nerve and hastened to his side while they were packing up after Charms class it didn't surprise him in the least.
"Harry, could we talk really quick?" She had been nice enough, and thus the boy gave no indication of refusal. "I… heard you are tutoring Daphne."
Ah, so that's what it was about.
He shrugged in response, "Here and there."
The girl stared, as if in shock, though whether it was because he was helping her friend or because her friend had asked Harry wasn't sure. "Do you… maybe have time to help me with some things too?" If it hadn't come out that he was helping Greengrass it certainly would if he started offering assistance to her friend as well, he was just about to make an excuse about not having the time when she quickly spoke once more. "I can pay, I mean Daphne is paying you right, for lessons? I can as well, I just need help with the spells I'm having trouble with. Please?"
He let out a sigh before nodding, "Yeah, that's fine. When are you free?"
***HP:O ***
"We need to have a talk, Mr. Potter."
This time there was no ignoring either of his two sisters halting as they were about to walk out with him. Turning, he saw a demanding look in the Potion Professor's eyes that he recognized all too well from so many of the older Slytherins.
Snape's glanced at the other two, her features unchanging as she spoke once more, "This is a private matter."
"Our mom and dad don't want you alone with him."
Harry would have expected such a comment from the more openly brazen of the two, not from Harriet. Still, he could see the irritation building in the woman's eyes and decided to intervene before his sisters could make their time in class any worse than it already was. "It's okay, why don't you two head on to lunch and I'll meet up with you."
The uncertainty was obvious, and the boy smiled both at their protectiveness and the bit of overreaction.
"I really don't think she's going to attack me."
With one last glare of warning directed at the professor, the two girls turned and departed, notably leaving the door open on their way out.
"I apprecia…"
"Save it," Harry snapped, although he wasn't afraid of Snape, he certainly wasn't happy to be alone with her. "I only asked them to leave so you wouldn't find another excuse to harass them during class."
Serena stared back, as if contemplating what he had said and earning further ire from the preteen. "I do not harass them."
"That's a lie and we both know it. Call it whatever you want but you target them intentionally, trying to make them look unprepared or dumb. I don't like it and neither do their parents." Snape remained silent, and after a few moments Harry realized that he wasn't going to get anything further out of her regarding her behavior. "So, what do you want?"
The professor gestured for him to have a seat, which he ignored without a word, "Your… relationship with Professor Riddle."
"What about it?"
The frown was as clear to him as it was confusing. Why would Snape of all people care about who he was receiving lessons from? Her answer gave him more questions than answers, "I do not believe you should be spending all of your time and effort on what little she can teach you."
It was odd, coming from someone who specialized in a particular subject to dissuade someone else from doing so. "Defense is my best subject."
"But not the only one that you can learn."
"James and Lily Potter spoke to me about it. We believe it best to focus on what I excel at to avoid suspicions in my other classes. Besides, Riddle…"
Her interruption was swift and harsh, "Does not control you or your actions, nor do your parents."
"And yet you are the only one who has a problem with this. Why do you care so much about what I do and who I am with?"
Something changed in the woman's eyes, a change he didn't recognize. "So, you are with her now?"
Harry didn't know how to reply to that, didn't understand what she was even implying. Whatever he was going to say was interrupted as the door opened and the next class began filtering in. The distraction was enough for Harry to escape, intending on getting as far away from the woman as possible.
***HP:O ***
"Hello Harry"
The boy looked up to see both Luna and Ginny standing on the other side of the table he was trying to eat at. He couldn't exactly remember what either of them had said about their first year, and how close they were during it, but it was nice to see them both having a friend.
"Hey Luna, hey Ginny."
Luna smiled happily while the redhead managed a shy wave in response. "Do you mind if we sit with you?"
For a moment Ginny looked almost horrified, as if the mere act of asking was out of the question. Harry managed to withhold the laugh and quickly nodded, "Sure, I could use the company."
The blonde sat down, followed a bit more hesitantly by her friend. "You seem upset Harry, is everything okay?"
Despite her oddities the boy-who-lived always found his friend to be a very perceptive person, in her own ways. If you were to look past the fantastic creatures and occasionally strange vocabulary it would be clear that Luna Lovegood was very aware of the world around her, and especially the moods of those who were closest.
"I just… have a lot on my mind and certain professors aren't making it any easier."
Ginny is quick to offer her opinion, "Snape?" It is only after the name leaves her mouth that she remembers Harry isn't in Gryffindor, and there is a good chance he likes the woman who favors his House as much as she does.
To her relief, however, the boy grins, "Exactly, she might not pick on Slytherins, but she is still awful at times."
"I think she's worried." The other two refocused on the blonde who still had the trademark smile on her face.
"Worried…" he repeated slowly, as if processing each letter and their meaning.
Luna happily nodded, "Oh yes, she is worried about Professor Riddle, worried that you will begin to trust her. Professor Snape wants your trust instead."
Harry blinked, still confused, but said nothing. It was a lot to think about, luckily time was one thing he had an abundance of in the new Hogwarts.
***HP:O ***
Pandora Malfoy loved her cousin, really, she did. Sure, Delphini Black was a stuck-up bitch at times who thought far too highly of her own skills and too lowly of the ones possessed by others, but it didn't make her a bad person per se.
And even though the pompous brat showed off a bit too much and had the occasional 'prance around the Slytherin common room like a princess' moment it wasn't that big of a deal. She liked seeing her extended family succeed.
However, when rumor reached her that her overly entitled cousin had been tossed onto her arse by none other than her future husband… well it also served to put a smile on her face. Not just that though, but his victory reaffirmed her plans and desires.
Last year hadn't been a fluke, hadn't been just luck when he had apprehended the criminal by himself. No, there was far more going on than what was being printed in the paper, and Harry was at the center of it.
Still, there had been resilience when they met during the summer. Perhaps he still wasn't convinced how perfect they were for each other, wasn't convinced that they were made for each other.
She, unlike many others in her position, had read up on seduction techniques, romance novels, and even some of the older mating rituals. There had even been the time she read a book written by muggles about what men and women looked for in terms of a spouse. She knew what others of the 'old families' would appreciate in terms of making their intents known.
But would Harry appreciate such things? He hadn't grown up in the Magical world, hadn't been raised on their customs. Even if he had, the Potters, despite their connection to the Rosiers, weren't of the same mentalities.
His parents, as far as she knew, hadn't been investigating potential matches and courtships. It meant that the best action would be her continual endeavors towards Harry himself. Parents were one thing, but as she knew from her own mother's hints and efforts it didn't guarantee anything. But if the wizard himself was shown just how perfect they fit together. Surely, he would convince his parents, and barring that they would simply figure out a way to be together regardless of their wishes.
The upcoming holidays would be a turning point, of that the older Malfoy daughter had no doubt.
***HP:O ***
Hermione Granger was deep into her book, the rest of the world fading away as it usually did when she engaged in her favorite pastime. It was because of this focus that she nearly fell out of her chair when a voice called out from behind her. "What are you reading Hermione?"
Spinning around, using that time to catch her breath and try to slow her heart, the bushy-haired witch looked up at her friend and current focus of study, Harry Potter. "Oh uhm… just doing some research."
He frowned slightly, before raising up his head to peer over her at the book she had invested in. "Research into what?"
Despite her efforts being primarily to help him she wasn't sure how he would react, especially since she hadn't figured out much that would be of use.
"I uhm…"
"Hermione, is everything okay? You know you can tell me anything, right?"
She both cursed and praised his ability to lower her defenses with just a few simple words. "I was just… looking into your situation, the apprenticeship I mean."
His gaze returned to meet her own, and for a moment she was truly afraid she had pushed too far, had damaged their friendship, but then his expression became that warm, love-filled one she had grown to enjoy a bit too much. "I really appreciate you doing this for me."
A smile formed on her face without her consent, and she quickly pulled out a chair, inviting him to sit next to her. He did so, and immediately she began her summary. "So, it looks like what your sisters heard was mostly true. These types of contracts do exist in the Magical world, they just aren't terribly common for those without money and connections. There are some, like your father, who are just naturally talented and are offered it but those are fairly rare."
Harry nodded, clearly following along with her thus far, "Is it always wizards?"
"From what I've read so far, yes. Witches can have apprenticeships, but they aren't as formal and rarely use contracts."
A frown was quick to form on his face as he leaned back into the chair, "Figures."
She bit her lip, debating whether to proceed with her next thought or not, but the Gryffindor inside got the better of her. "I… don't think it's like that, not exactly. It seems like this is fairly new, at least in terms of how old Magical society is. It feels like it was designed to help wizards whose education might be ignored, not point out we are different."
"But witches don't need contracts."
That had her silent once more, and after a moment Harry let out a sigh, "I'm not… I'm not mad at you Hermione, really, I'm not. I'm thankful you are doing this for me, the situation just bothers me that's all."
"I…" she trailed off, knowing she couldn't exactly lie and say 'I know how you feel' or 'I understand' because she didn't. There was nothing keeping her from a career here, nothing holding her back or telling her she wasn't good enough just because of how she was born. She hadn't told someone would help only if there was something in it for them. "I'm sorry."
It was all she could manage, but it was the correct thing to say if his softening features were any indication.
***HP:O ***
There was an unusual silence between them, the girl noted, and she immediately hated it. They were best friends, they should be able to share anything, everything, but there was something different now, something that wasn't quite between them but noticeably present.
"You can ask, Ginny, I know you are curious."
The redhead flinched slightly, before letting out a sigh. "I know I shouldn't, I know it is supposed to be a family secret but…"
"But I know and I'm not part of their family." Luna replied effortlessly and without a hint of anger. "Harry does have them, but I don't think he would mind as long as you can keep it a secret too."
That gave her pause. Could she keep a secret? For most it would be an obvious 'yes' but for someone who had grown up with such a close family, with no privacy between her, her sisters, and Ron.
It was a foreign concept.
She shared everything with them, from advice to hand-me-down clothing. Keeping a secret from them, from any of her friends…
"Maybe… maybe some other time. I don't want to hurt anyone."
There was something else that lit up in her friend's eyes, maybe it was pride, maybe it was happiness, Ginny wasn't quite sure. "We can still talk about him if you want."
The shift in tone was far more comforting, allowing the youngest Weasley to relax, "What does he like to do for fun?"
***HP:O ***
It was one of the things he hadn't quite gotten used to, but at the same time was grateful and impressed by. Common rooms were not hidden.
Password protected? Yes.
But secret? No.
It encouraged the Houses to get along, to create friendships between them. Thus, while there was some surprise, it wasn't as much as it could have been when a voice called out to the few present in the Slytherin area.
"Hey Harry, you about ready to head up?"
The boy turned to where his sister stood at the entrance to the common room before giving a nod, "Yeah, just let me grab a cloak, be right back."
Before he had taken a step, however, Riddle interrupted, "Where are you going?"
A frown immediately formed on his face due to her tone. He had believed they were over the 'creepily possessive and demanding' stage, but apparently not.
"Amy is the Seeker for Gryffindor. I'm going to watch her first game."
"Saturday is reserved for us."
There it was, that tone that made him feel like an object rather than a person with the ability to make his own decisions. "No," he almost growled, "we agreed sometime on Saturdays for lessons, not that the entire day was booked. I will have the entire evening free."
She frowned, but a moment later had said nothing and Harry took the silence as an indication that he was right. Turning, he continued towards his room. Once he had left the woman turned towards the two sisters, still standing near the doorway.
She didn't look apologetic in the least bit, Grace noted, "He should be studying, not wasting time with Quidditch."
Amaryllis gave a huff, followed by a roll of her eyes, "Harry studies all the time and can out duel any student at Hogwarts. He's allowed to take a break every once and a while."
"We have an agreement…"
"Yes," the redhead interrupted, earning the narrowing of the Head of House's eyes, "I am aware, but it also doesn't mean you own him or every minute of every day."
Before she could respond Harry reemerged, glancing between the two. "Something wrong?"
"No, of course not Harry. Ready to go?"
He nodded towards his sister, before walking around the professor and departing with the younger girl, earning a glare of contempt from the one left behind.
***HP:O ***
After giving his sister a final 'good luck' and ignoring some of the looks he was receiving from her teammates, Harry ventured up into the stands to locate his other twin and anyone else who might be on Gryffindor's side. He found them easily enough, with Ron shouting and waving him over. Also seated near them were Ginny and Hermione, with the younger redhead blushing and muttering out a greeting when he gave his own. A spot had been 'reserved' for him next to Harriet, and he was soon relaxing while looking out over the open field, the players just making their way out and beginning to float upwards towards the optimal heights.
"Do you miss it?" his twin muttered from next to him, her own gaze swapping between her sister and brother. "Quidditch, I mean."
He shrugged in response, "Sometimes yeah, but it isn't that big of a deal to me. I would take having a sister to cheer on over playing any day of the week though." He looked back at the raven-haired witch and gave her a warm smile, which she returned.
Soon enough the witches were darting around on their brooms, chasing, or dodging, various spheres.
Ginny seemed to loosen up as time went on and was quickly shouting along with her brother at missed plays and 'bogus' referee calls. Hermione and Harriet seemed to remain content with quietly observing, occasionally asking a question or two regarding the game. For Harry though, he was a tad ashamed to secretly admit he was having a bit of a secret competition.
He was watching Amy, watching her every move, her every action, and comparing them to his own. At first, he tried not to, but it was hopeless. Deep down Quidditch had been almost engraved into his soul. To his relief, however, it wasn't just critiquing. More than once she pulled a maneuver that was impressive even to someone with years more experience.
Back and forth the game went, until the two Potters, one in the stands, the other flying high, caught sight of a flash of gold. Amaryllis went after it immediately and gained a significant lead over the competition. Minutes later and she emerged victorious, gripping the Snitch in her gloved hand, holding it for all to see and earning the cheers of both her teammates and spectators alike.
"She did it!" Ginny hollered in excitement.
Harry was about to respond, when something moved in the corner of his eye, something that sent dread surging through his veins. Amidst the celebrations few saw the Bludger shooting through the air, and even fewer were close enough to give any sort of warning. It was only sheer luck that it only clipped the redhead, but her cry of pain was a knife to the hearts of those who cared for her.
"Amy!" Harriet screamed, watching as her sister spun out of control, attempting to fix her position with only one fully functioning arm. That was when the weapon came around for a second time. This time it connected, shattering her broom, and tossing her backwards only for her fall from the heavens to begin.
The boy-who-lived's wand had been in his hand the moment he saw the rogue Bludger, but at that range and speed he wasn't close enough to intervene without risking harming another of the players. Instead, he had to watch the two connect, it was only then he could act.
Stopping her descent immediately would be difficult, even if he thought he could do it safely, so instead he had to slow her down. He had learned enough throughout the summer to shift the air between his sister and the earth, slowing her fall so that she reached the ground safely.
All the while he was in motion, leaping down two or three benches at a time in a race to get within range for a better chance at protecting his family. The world became a blur around him, shouts and screams all fading away into the background, students, and adults alike merely obstacles for him to navigate past.
He reached the grass about the same time she did and was sprinting towards where she was groaning in pain when he heard the whooshing of the iron ball hurtling towards its target once more.
Screams from behind, from above, from all around were tuned out as his eyes lit up with power. A muttered incantation started a glow at the end of his wand which grew brighter and brighter and aimed towards the offending object. There was a flash before the Bludger exploded into dust.
But he wasn't concerned about that, only the injured redhead.
***HP:O ***
"I must say," the mediwitch announced to the injured girl and her two siblings, "that I'm impressed. I don't remember the last time I had a Quidditch player break an arm during their first game."
Amaryllis managed a pained smile, "Must run in the family."
Her comment earned her a scowl from the other girl, and a bit of a smile from Harry knowing all too well his own history of injuries revolving around the sport. "I still don't understand how it happened. Do Bludgers malfunction like that often?"
Amy managed, with a slight flinch, to shrug while Harry wasn't sure how to comment either. He did have a history with those under another's control but couldn't recall ever hearing about one going after a player in such a way.
"Rare but it can happen," Pomfrey noted absently, making some notes on a scroll, likely regarding her newest patient.
"You haven't encountered any strange House Elves lately, have you?" Harry inquired into the silence, earning confused looks from all three females leading to him giving a shrug as if making a joke.
Despite his demeanor, the boy's mind was racing. There was no evidence of Dobby being involved like last time, no unusual Magical happenings, no threats, or warnings. Part of him was anxious to see his odd friend once more, but another was ready to respond more aggressively if he was, in fact, responsible for harming his sister.
***HP:O ***
A/N: I know that wizard dueling is based on fencing, but it seems silly to follow the exact same stances and movements for firing spells at each other as trying to stab each other with pointed blades.
Also, why were the common rooms hidden? What point was there in ensuring that students could not only be barred from accessing the other Houses, but also couldn't even find them?
Previous Name**************New Name
Tom Riddle*****************Grace Riddle
Albus Dumbledore***********Augustina Dumbledore
Draco Malfoy***************Cleopatra (Cleo) Malfoy
-*************************Harriet Potter
-*************************Amaryllis (Amy) Potter
-*************************Pandora Malfoy
Blaise Zabini****************Bliss Zabini
Theodore Nott**************Theresa Nott
Severus Snape**************Serena Snape
-*************************Marie Rosier
Percy Weasley**************Paisley Weasley
Bill Weasley****************Billie Weasley
Charlie Weasley*************Charlene Weasley
Fred Weasley***************Frankie Weasley
George Weasley*************Georgie Weasley
Remus Lupin***************Remi Lupin
-************************Sylvie Rosier
Gilderoy Lockhart***********Gordana Lockhart