Chapter 6 – Dealing with Dursleys'

A/N: Hi everyone, hope you all had a Happy New Year and a great start to 2021.

Just to let you know, thank you for all the reviews and criticism, I have updated a few chapters, but not all as of yet since I wanted to keep the story moving. Things like the wording of some sentences and spelling errors should have been corrected, if not send me a review or PM whichever is more comfortable to you.

If of course you have previously please let me know which certain words you have noticed I haven't changed or if any standout and effect your understanding. I'd like to thank Mike Kinkaid for his kind and detailed review making me aware of such things.

Other than that, I'd like to point out some things are not canon, as clearly this is my story and if everything remained canon, this wouldn't be a fanfiction. Obviously.

Disclaimer: Obviously, I don't own HP, right retains JK Rowling's.

As always enjoy, and perhaps leave a review.

Harry POV:

It was about 7ish in the afternoon. I had spent the last few hours since I got back from Gringotts, after changing into my muggle clothes of my white t-shirt and blue jeans, reading through some chapters of the several books I bought. A few hours thinking as I read, I had a few plans starting to form as the revelations of the past several days truly dawned on me.
One, Dumbledore had been affecting my life, including: the way I was raised, keeping me in the dark about the wizarding world, keeping my family status from me, drugging me with potions and putting dangerous charms on me to keep me weak and malleable. Even my friends had either been handpicked or influenced because of their association with me. It made me feel sick. Somehow, I would undermine him, to make him feel like I had throughout some of these years, used and abused. Eventually I guessed he would find out I had learned everything and try and find a way to control me again, I would have to find a way to safeguard against his attempts. Both on me and the ones around me.

Speaking of which, that takes me onto Ron, Ginny and surprising me Molly Weasley. It shocked and hurt me more than the years the abuse at the Dursleys' had caused me. The fact they were willingly pretending to be my friend to gain something like fame and wealth was disgusting. Thinking upon all the things they had previously done for me, I felt rage as it was all a lie or to gain my trust to manipulate me even more. 'They would pay.' Was all I could think for a moment as I surmised the rest of the family was innocent, and how they may take the news when I was out to claim my revenge on them. God, I sounded evil, but I knew I was just mad, what right did they have? What right did any of them have to use me like this?

Then there was Hermione, clearly under some influence since she was so close to me. My heart fluttered for a moment thinking they had changed and affected her all to get me. My anger bubbled, threatening to spill but I knew I had to start keeping all my emotions in check, I couldn't overreact to any situation since I was now a Lord and didn't want Dumbledore to know I was onto him. He may try and use Hermione if he found out, or worse after I break whatever he had charmed on her. My mind was clear and sharp through the rings, but I knew it became clearer than ever thinking about how Hermione could end up in danger, starting to plan out random scenarios to see if I could work out a way to keep her safe. My heart started pounding, anxious at the danger I was making up, clearly, she affected me deeply.

Then there were the Dursley's, though their involvement into just how deeply affected they were by Dumbledore was yet to be revealed, they were clearly involved. My magic swelled for a moment, knowing I wasn't going to just let this go and be 'the bigger man', it was ridiculous no matter what people say. I could be 'the better man' yes, and they may get what's coming to them in whatever afterlife existed, but who was I too wait so long, and who knows if they even get what they deserve in the afterlife. That was what struck me as I thought; I have no control over what anyone gets after death, but I can give them the punishment they deserve in this life for what they did to me, as long as I don't hurt anyone who doesn't deserve it, less I end up going darker like Voldemort did.

'Screw whoever didn't like it, it was me they hurt.' I thought, my mind racing with the different plans I would enact for the different people. Hopefully, they would work the exact way I wanted them to. Years of abuse would be repaid from the Dursleys' and the deception from the Weasley's included would be held accountable, but Dumbledore, well he was definitely going to personally pay for what he's done to my life.

Several hours had passed since I started reading and planning, it was quite weird how effectively I could now multitask, unlike before where I couldn't concentrate and mess up what I was doing. The reading allowed one part of my mind to take in and decide how to use the knowledge, like the many potions and how each ingredient could be identified, as well as laying the groundwork for my plans to expose the ones who used me. 'I'm not even sorry for whatever happens,' I thought, because seriously if all off this had happened to anyone else, I wouldn't even be able to blame them. Sit and think on that before you say I could forgive and forget. The books proved a useful buy, showing me several different techniques, I could use in the different subjects and how to stretch the different magic topics individually, to increase their effectiveness. Although I hadn't practiced this, I knew it would definitely change the way I learned in some subjects. Closing the recent one on Metamorphosis and Animagus, to be used later when I could use my magic once it resettles and started meditating to increase my Occlumency defences.

My defences were starting to build up strength and multiply, even after the several months with Snape, they were weaker than they should have been for a then 15-year-old. 'Interesting,' I thought. It may have been the enchantments on me or the horcrux that was still in me. We, being me and the goblins, thought it would be suspicious if I didn't have my horcrux if Dumbledore saw me and sensed the missing dark aura, surely the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot could have found the magical aura after all these years he knew me? My defences, however, were clearly shot to pieces, likely from Snape which conveniently allowed Voldemort to enter my mind and plant the vision of Sirius leading to me rushing off to the Ministry. My anger was unbound, on a scale I was pretty sure it could power a nuclear plant or even a nuclear bomb which I hoped would eventually land on Dumbledore. Seriously, like why couldn't he teach me Occlumency before? When he had suspicions from when I started school, never mind straight after last year when Voldemort did return. I still hadn't achieved even a basic lock on my mind, but I had set up alarms so I would know when someone else was there, other than the pain I got in the horcrux when Voldemort would try. Either way I had much to learn in the area still and planned to give it a lot of time to develop, so I simply meditated to focus my mental focus into building and securing my mind to become safe and unbreakable.

Soon after I finished meditating, which was not, I discovered relaxing or soothing when using the mind arts to build protections for your mind, I opened my eyes to my now sweaty t-shirt that was Dudley's I had lucky changed into after reading. Originally, I was going to meditate and then eat, but seeing my sweat roll down my face in the mirror, I knew it would cause an eruption from uncle unless I did something. Quickly showering and dressing just before dinner I made my way down to grab my plate, that would sooner rather than later not just be the leftovers from Dudley and Uncle Vernon. I had decided to wait until the next time they would try and make me do something, which would resort to a beating if I refused, to now show them the rules had changed, he was in control of his own life as it should have been originally. Of course, being the Dursleys' I knew I wouldn't have to wait long.

"Move freak, before I take what Mum left you-." Whatever was left of Dudley's little speech was cut short as he looked up from eying my plate and saw my change off appearance. Seeing his eyes widen I quickly leaned forward before he could yell for his father, little prat, and whispered in his ear. "Now Dudley, before you yell for Aunty remember how I saved you last year, and what could happen again if you start with me. Can you do that, or would you rather have another visit from my world?" I asked in my soothingly deep voice, still unused to it but watching the affect it had on Dudley as he shook in fear and seemingly stood straighter at my voice. His eyes showed defiance but clearly didn't last long as he gazed into my emerald eyes that gleamed at his fear. He slightly nodded, unwilling to show his submission to me and left me to my food. I started to quickly thing about my cousin, he had after all began to change after the dementor attack last year, sometimes still aggressive and challenging but I guess altered from the sight and presence of the dementors. He really wasn't that bad now with the attitude change, maybe he could be redeemed or at least didn't have to suffer as much as his parents, with a simple apology for his behaviour to me when the crap hits the fan. 'Maybe a dose of fear is healthy after all,' I thought as I finished what little dinner I had.

I knew it was still early in the game to reorganise the position of power within the house, after all my uncle would blow up like Marge if I claimed they would change their own behaviour to me overnight or suffer my wrath. I still didn't know all the facts; I would learn what Albus offered them before my plans for them began. Of course, that didn't mean I couldn't have some fun after what I grew up with after all. Even though my core was still slowly regressing into my body, I could still use a small amount of wandless magic, of course the tracing charms for magic the Ministry used would still be active for the year. Even with my emancipation being accepted and recorded, the charms would remain until broken naturally on my 17th birthday, unless I drew attention and asked for them to be removed which I obviously wouldn't be doing.

Smiling in my room I remembered how Dudley was scared of spiders, and although I said he wasn't as bad as he used to be, I was still claiming my revenge and would probably be pranking him for a lot of his life, if he didn't get whatever his parents would get. I simply willed my magic to swell as I imagined spiders dancing across Dudley's body, and how they would run through his sight so he would see but be unable to find them. I laughed quietly, knowing that soon enough he would be freaking out when he saw them, and eventually screaming when he felt them on him during bed. 'That was just a beginning with them all.' I thought.

Petunia however, my dear aunt, was going to feel the affects of something much sinister than spectral spiders I had conjured for Dudley. No, she was going to enjoy what I had planned for part of her punishment, unfortunately I would have to wait to build up the magical power and expertise to use said the branch of magic it would involve. Tonight however, she would simply be awoken during the night to a nice hard slap, like she once gave me for asking about my parents. Her husband, my dear Uncle Vernon, his first punishment was a little more complex that the others, I smiled as the plan was formed where he would slowly begin to doubt his perfect little family. He would soon see the dirty elements he tried so hard to hide, Dudley with his bullying and demanding ways and his wife with how controlling and mentally affected she was with OCD. Trust me she defiantly had it, take my hours of cleaning furiously when she went into a panic about germs. I took a note of that little thought. Tonight though, Vernon would have a simple dream about his family leaving him alone and deserted at the end of his life. 'I hope they enjoy the very early Christmas gift I got them.' I admit the gleam in my eye was quite evil with the smirk on my face, but that was just from my intentions, I'm sure any lady and maybe some guys would love to see the gleam and smirk for very different reasons one day.

Before going to sleep I decided it would be useful to actually reread some of the books through my years at Hogwarts. I mean to be honest, I let myself go with the education all for Ron, the newly dubbed Rat of Gryffindor, or Rat for short of course. The treacherous Rat had used me for himself and infected my education at the same time, of course Hermione helped a lot keeping me from falling behind, even though a touch aggressively. I decided I should at least reread or in some instances actually read the text books from the last five years, damn I probably even affected my O.W.L results as well, I blamed myself and rightfully so, but the influence of the Rat caused me to change my ways now. The books weren't a massive pile, but they should do until the new curriculum was sent out for my sixth year.

About half way through the night, I awoke to hear a distinctive slap and scream follow through the empty house, of course I smirked in my privacy as I heard Vernon wake, causing his punishment to activate for the last few hours of sleep he would have, after he had got up and checked my locks on the door to see if I had actually hit my aunt. Going back to his room Vernon suddenly stopped as he heard some mutterings and whispers come from Dudley's room but then went back to bed, starting what may be the worst dream he could have of his family. Dudley was of course, not any better in his room as the night progressed, he saw different sized spiders every other place he looked. He wasn't terrified off them like Ron the rat, but he hated them all the same felt them under his cover, even though he couldn't see them. Poor lad barely got to sleep.

In the morning, I woke up and smiled at the tension in the house, clearly the night had been long for the others but not him. After a normal, perfect shower I got dressed in my black jumper and jeans, a bit dark obviously, but it was similar to his pranks of last night, I thought would make Sirius and Dad proud. Making the short trip downstairs I saw the effect my magic had made on the Dursleys'. Remembering to keep the smirk of my face, since my mind arts weren't up to scratch to do it for me, I swallowed a laugh as I saw Dudley squirm in his chair at some movements, and Petunia with a large hand mark across her face, slowly bruising a dark colour I could tell she won't leave the house for a while, in fear of what the neighbours think about her family and marriage. Vernon caused a totally different reaction for me, while funny at the time as I saw his looks at both Dudley and Petunia clear that the dream had hit him, I saw him look at me a few more times then normal. Realising he probably had suspicions of me I remained as straight faced as I could, knowing what I did.

Careful to mask my hurry to get out of the room, the tension had slowly died during breakfast but I wanted out from the people who had actually scarred me during my childhood, I made it to my room and looked at Hedwig who had come in from her usual night hunt but with a letter attached to her leg, looking a bit annoyed. I saw it was addressed in the scrawl of Ronald the Rat, a suitable title for betraying me as Wormtail had done to my parents and understood Hedwig's annoyance – she clearly understood his betrayal of me. I opened it and began to read.

Dear Harry,

Hey mate, just wanted to say Happy Birthday from us all and a sorry I couldn't get you a present this year, Mum said she'll make up for it when you come in a few weeks before school starts though. Sorry I couldn't send this for your birthday, I had to send it today as Errol was busy and Hedwig didn't come by? Anyways summer has been boring so far, Ginny wants you to come a little earlier if you're up for it, along with the muggles letting you. I'll see if Dumbledore can help with them. I can't wait for this year at Hogwarts I've trained the whole summer as Keeper for the team this year, but I could have worked a little easier since you can help me on the team, can't you captain? Ha-ha, can't wait to see you soon pal.

Ron

I huffed in response to the letter the Rat had sent for me, most of it was about the summer and how Ginny and Molly could be up to something by wanting me to go earlier then usual. Weird or interesting, however, I didn't decide as I noticed how Ron hadn't even asked me how I was and assumed I would just let him into the Gryffindor team for keeper this year. How ridiculous could he get? 'Was he like this the last five year I've known him?' I sat and wondered, thinking how stupid and oblivious I was to him. I thought about the change Ron had made from third year, wanting to protect me from Sirius when we thought he was after me, to fourth year, abandoning me in jealously faster than he could breathe air. Somehow, I kept my emotions in check, the huff showing annoyance, but I refused to allow him to affect me in any way again. I started to write back my reply to him, and smirked as I nearly wrote Rat in greeting.

Dear Ron,

Thanks mate don't worry about the present all I need is to get away from the Dursleys', hope you've been training hard this year and I'm sure the position is already in the bag for Keeper. I'm not sure Dumbledore will let me leave even a little earlier then usual, you know since the wards and all but worth a try all the same. Can't wait to be away for a few weeks and the year to begin, see you soon.

Harry

I finished the letter, letting it dry while looking in disgust at my words, hoping it was believable that I was still unknowing of everything as I wanted to keep both the Weasley's and Albus unaware as long as I could. Of course, I physically shuttered thinking about staying there the next few weeks for the end of summer and knew I would have to manifest some lie, perhaps to Dumbledore himself to say I thought I couldn't leave. He would do that a little closer to the time, to make it more realistic that I was worried about leaving.

Wrapping and sealing the parchment as I noticed as Hedwig watched, following my movements and for an odd second I thought I heard a voice in my head saying, 'the reply for the rat. Great.' Quite sarcastically, I noticed but thought it must have been imagined when I tried to hear it again. Putting the letter on Hedwig, I opened the window watching her spread her wings gaining speed and distance from me.

After a few minutes rereading the note from the rat, I put it away and started thinking about the right and wrong way to go about things, with both the Dursley's and Weasley's separate from my plans with Dumbledore, he got no right or wrong thoughts, I knew whatever happened he would deserve. I finished my musings shortly after and decided with a quick glance at the state of the room, to clean up and actually prepare to leave. I knew with the Lordships of the houses I should at least have one property I could go and live in, as a newly emancipated Lord and adult. I would soon be free! 'And free to start my revenge for real.' I thought.

After a few minutes of emptying my Hogwarts trunk completely for the first real time since first year, I found other than the books I had gotten out last night: my smaller pair of robes, my dress robes from last year, several ripped otherwise damaged pieces of parchment, some empty and a few leaked ink bottles. My potion ingredients from last year were running low and what was left gave off a disgusting smell, I quickly sealed them in their containers which had clearly opened and threw them out. I would buy some later anyway. Then of course came everything else I had collected over the years: some shattered remains of my Nimbus 2000 after the third year, my Firebolt still in pristine condition thankfully, a bar of chocolate from Remus after a defence lesson for the Patronus charm, the basilisk fang I had somehow recovered from the second year saving Ginny, and of course the now dull but impressive replica of the Triwizard Cup I won with my name on, including the miniature dragon that I faced in the first task, transfigured into a small block of wood with a dragon on it. Not to mention the small closet of Dudley's clothes from over the years, honestly if I hadn't grown taller then the clothes from first year might have fit properly now.

I quickly resorted all of my items into my truck, it was a nice one that I had originally picked out when I was 11, but that was when I was still in a state of shock over magic. I had picked out the simple first year trunk with the appropriate three compartments for clothes, potion ingredients and books for storage while everything else I tried to fit in every year. I decided to definitely get a trunk later on, I couldn't use this anymore, but for now I put everything back where it needed to go, including my items from the previous years. Those were the only things that would be going in the trunk, till I get a new one the new books and clothes I got could wait.

Checking the time before going downstairs to grab a quick snack, I saw it was close to 12' noon which I guessed would be a good time to finish the House businesses with the goblins by the time I finished and left for Gringotts.

Smirking into the kitchen as I passed Dudley, I grabbed a can of coke and make a sandwich, before cleaning the plate I used before heading back upstairs to leave, I did want to start with my aunt, but thought it wasn't the most opportune time, since I couldn't do any deal of proper magic. Soon enough though they would find out as I wanted them to and know that things could be very much worse before I finally left to live in my own property.

Dressed much better since I had clothes that actually fitted me, than what I had for the previous meeting I was ready to see how the goblins may react to the difference before business would begin. I activated the same portkey I had been using for the last few days and felt the familiar tug, barely registering the crackle as my body twisted into some unnatural shapes. Weirdly, my magic seemed to accept the magical transportation better than before, I didn't feel sick and landed with a nice thump on my feet, instead of the stumble I was used to. I smiled a bit, thinking it was either luck or the healing from yesterday to help me.