A/N - This will be the only one I post. So read, reread, and understand. I have been a nerd reading FF for YEARS. Since the late 90's, early 00's. I have read HUNDREDS of stories. I have drawn inspiration and/or ideas from some over the decades. I cannot remember every story that inspired me. I will do my best to give credit where credit is due. In all my time reading, I have been frustrated with stories that have poor grammar and sentence structure, flimsy plots, etc... Reasons why are just as endless - lack of education, English is not the primary language, not a writing major, writer doesn't care, etc...

I will do my best to write a story that is understandable - meaning paragraph and sentence structure makes sense. I will use punctuation to address flow of reading. Proper quotations will be used - you should not have to struggle with wondering if you're reading speech or not. This is not meant to be elitist in ANY way. I have pushed through my fair share of fics where the plot was A+ but structure of paragraphs and sentences were subpar. I am college educated, English is my first and only language, and I care - so I hope anyone reading this will appreciate the time and effort put into this. I beta read my stuff twice before posting and usually I find 99% of my mistakes.

Lastly, I write only HP fanfic. I just don't care enough about anything else to make an effort. My stories will always be rated Mature. I try to be as "real" with speech, situations, and logic as possible. I try to create enough story and plot to support everything and rarely will I say "this is the way it is for the sake of the story". My stories will be AU. I don't like my main characters being average.

I apologize for the rant but I know there will be someone who reads this but still says, "xxx is OP. Why?! This doesn't make sense. I don't get it!" Well... It's AU and I will strive to make a compelling and believable plot. If at any point you don't like what you're reading - close the browser or tab.

Enjoy my first of many stories within the Harry Potter universe.

End A/N

Harry Potter was orphaned at the age of 18 months, left on the doorstep of his deceased mother's sister and her husband - the Dursleys. The Dursleys despised magic - it was unholy, unnatural, an abomination of life, unnecessary power given to freaks. As a result, they hated their nephew and everything he represented to them. Petunia Dursley loved her adopted sister, Lily, until Lily went away to the 'freak school' at age thirteen. Petunia learned to hate the magical world since it had essentially taken her sister away - both during and after Lily's schooling.

Vernon Dursley was born an asshole. He was as large as a walrus with the temper of a badger. There was little he loved beyond Petunia and his son, Dudley. Since the night Harry showed up on their doorstep, he vowed to make sure his son grew up to hate the outsider and everything he represented. As a result, Harry was never going to be sent to primary school or any institution for that matter - God forbid he make friends or show the world how much of a 'freak' he was.

The next six and a half years were torture for Harry Potter. He suffered every abuse possible - physically, mentally, and emotionally. His scars, seen and unseen were numerous. Whether is was fate, a deity that took pity on him, or dumb luck - Harry had an 'awakening' at the age of eight.

What a master Legimens is able to accomplish - Harry would one day be able to exceed those capabilities exponentially. A Legimens is able to read the mind and view memories - and that was against someone who wasn't skilled in Occlumency. A skilled Occlumens was able to keep out a mental intruder and protect one's mind. A beginner to average Occlumens would only able to resist for a short while before succumbing. Where a Legimens needed eye contact, Harry only needed to see his target once before only needing to picture the target in his mind. He needed to be close to the target but eye contact was not necessary. The things he would be able to do once inside the mind would be endless - Imperio-esque control, suggestions of actions or beliefs, playing on capitalizing on urges/wants/desires, viewing any memory, feeling emotions, warping the mind to his whims, causing hallucinations up to and including pain.

For now, at the age of eight, young Harry began his journey and building of his skillset. He started with suggestions of not harming him or starving him. He could feel the connections as they happened, he saw the memories of his aunt/uncle/cousin, he pressed his wishes upon them and discovered that they listened. As a child, he didn't know how to dive into older memories but was able to see recent ones. He could dictate when his aunt or uncle went to the store and what they bought. Harry learned through trial and error - there was no consistency to his growth since he was without a mentor or teacher. As he matured, so did his capabilities and his ability to learn and dive deeper.

His relatives noticed a change but what it was, they couldn't say. Their hate didn't waver - the drive to beat or starve their nephew was still there but a 'fog' descended within their minds each time one of them was going to act. Harry learned early on that his presence was not noticed unless he wanted to be blatantly obvious.

On his twelfth birthday, he learned how to dig through memories after practicing on his relatives while they slept. It was late into the night he learned his name was Harry James Potter. Prior to that, it was always 'freak', 'boy', or his relatives dispensing with any form of address and getting straight to the command, question, or statement. The longer he dug through his aunt's mind, the more tired he became. Deciding to call it an early morning, he planted an 'idea' in Vernon and Pentunia's minds to be let him sleep in. Harry continued back to his bedroom and soon discovered that much needed sleep was going to be hard to come by. As he distilled and made sense of what he saw - he couldn't suppress his bubbling anger. The travesty of not knowing your name for the first twelve years of your life!

As a result of his youth, Harry decided that when he finally woke today - he would make the Dursleys pay. The note left with him in his basket when he was a baby was also clear in his mind. Whoever this 'Dumbledore' fellow was - would pay as well.

_MC_

Harry awoke hours later to Dudley's incessant whining. He was sure the surrounding houses heard Dudley. The green-eyed boy threw open the door of his cupboard and made a beeline to the kitchen. All three of his relative's heads snapped to his presence. "Boy! Why the hell are you making all that racket!?" Vernon sneered while yelling at Harry. The eye contact Vernon made with Harry would be his undoing. Vernon clutched at his head as he sunk to his knees - his screams soon followed. Petunia and Dudley look on, mortified at the suddenness of Vernon's ailment and the screams that came from him. Harry had just made a breakthrough on a new ability and was driven by his rage.

Vernon Dursley liked to say he had a very high pain tolerance but what he was currently experiencing was unlike anything else he experienced. His whole body felt like it was submerged in the Atlantic Ocean, every single nerve ending was on fire and sending signals to his pain receptors, he could feel 'worms' writhing beneath his skin, there was also the perception that there was something within his large belly that was trying to get out - kicking and punching with vigor, lastly was his skull felt like a molten knife was being dragged through his brain! His body was assaulted from each extremity and from his skin, down to his organs and muscles. His brain was overwhelmed and within a minute Vernon Dursley was passed out on the kitchen floor with drool running out of his mouth.

Petunia and Dudley turned their attention to Harry, "What did you do?! You freak!" Petunia shrieked. Dudley decided to go full on 'linebacker' and charged Harry. He got a few steps before he stopped in his tracks, "What's wrong Dudley? Something wrong with your body?" Harry asked innocently. Every muscle in Dudley's body stopped him from moving and his ability to speak was inhibited. He could only grunt and whine while trying to fight the unseen force holding his body in place.

Harry turned his attention to his aunt, "Does Dudley know my name Aunt Petunia?" The venom in his voice made her flinch as his gaze held her in place. "Dudley, do you know my name? Shake your head 'yes' or 'no'." Dudley continued to fight as he shook his head 'no'.

"Hmmm… doesn't that make you angry, Dudley? Your parents neglected to tell you the name of your favorite cousin," Harry challenged, voice dripping with sarcasm. "Angry enough to make her pay for that omission?" Petunia stood frozen as she watched her son walk towards her and cock his arm back to throw a 'haymaker'. Dudley's arm traveled forwards and his fist stopped inches from his mother's face. He was still fighting the unseen force and Petunia let out another shriek. Lucky for the young wizard, Vernon was coming around at this point and he wouldn't have to repeat himself.

Vernon sat up on the floor, looking like a huge blob, and centered himself as he glared at Harry. He knew the boy had something to do with his painful experience. Harry eyed his relatives as he was deciding on how his little speech would go. Vernon looked upon him with loathing, Petunia looked at him with fear, Dudley still fought the invisible force controlling his body.

"My whole life," Harry began with a whisper that caught the Dursley's attention, "has been a Hell and the demons inside these walls took great pleasure in my pain and plight. Somehow, some way, I discovered some type of mind power. I wouldn't have thought it possible if it wasn't for the fact that I reduced Vernon to a drooling mess, kept Dudley from hitting his mother, and kept Petunia from running out of the house. Funny how it's clear that you all fear me - for good reason too. If you had been kind and loving, I would have used what I can do to rob a bank or make business deals happen. Instead, you did the opposite - with my power comes a new confidence in me. I will never suffer under you three again."

Harry's eyes narrowed as the Dursleys digested his words, "I now know my name is Harry James Potter but what that actually means is something I will find out. I have yet to get all the answers but I will - with or without your help. My gut reaction is to kill you all after I have combed through your minds for anything of value." The Dursleys paled at his statement and knew that he was most likely capable of doing so.

"Lucky for all of you, I wouldn't survive on my own at this point in my life. I have no education thanks to you. I don't have the physical build to win fights. I don't have a job with which I have income to keep this roof over my head and food within these walls. Therefore, Vernon, you get to keep working. You provide a roof, money, and transportation. Petunia, you get to maintain this house and the property. Dudley, you get to help your parents in their endeavors. I will begin my educational journey and try to catch up so that I can make something of myself." The Dursleys fought to regain control of their bodies - they couldn't let 'the freak' dictate how things would be run under their roof. Vernon refused to accept that the turns of events would be permanent or even be possible.

"I see you are having a problem accepting my terms. Let me explain something - if you formulate a plan to kill me, I will know before it happens. If you decide to contact anyone - I will know before are able to. The punishment," Harry made eye contact with each person before giving them the illusion that they were receiving a lobotomy, "…is pain. Whether the pain is real or an illusion - it matters not to your mind. Perception is based on the mind's reception, interpretation, and reaction to stimuli. If you want to feel real pain," Harry chuckled at his joke, "… I can convince one of you to lobotomize the others." The Dursleys shared a shudder as they realized that their reign of terror was over.

_MC_

The next year brought peace and a tense harmony to 4 Privet Dr. There were a few instances where Harry had to remind them the perception of pain was just as bad as the real thing. The young wizard spent that year combing through books and the minds of his relatives. There was very little information regarding him, just the name's of his parents - Lily Evans and James Potter. Also the name of a school, Hogwarts. When digging deeper, he discovered that it was a school of magic for people like him. Furthermore, the old man - Dumbledore, was linked to this school. If only there was a way to enter this world and find a way to get into the school.

It was finally July of 2013, the end of July to be exact. The Dursleys still had no idea when Harry's birthday was and truthfully he didn't care all that much. An owl sat perched outside the kitchen window that morning and its presence was only noted due to Petunia's screech. Vernon barreling into the kitchen at the same time that Harry was spinning around in his chair. Sensing that his charging could be misconstrued as an attack, Vernon stopped and held his hands up in a show of defusing any tension. Harry only glanced at Vernon as his attention was on the owl. Opening the sliding door, Harry made his way outside to see what the owl needed - his gut told him just by looking at the owl, that this creature was smarter than average. In one of the talons was a fancy looking envelope which the owl dropped at his feet upon exiting the kitchen. The owl flew off only to be replaced by another. This owl had an opulent looking envelope held in its talons. The first letter looked like yellowed parchment with green ink while the second was silver with black ink. After scanning the sky and backyard for any other feathered-postal-carriers, Harry made his way inside and sat the kitchen table. The yellowed letter was addressed to him from Hogwarts with the wax seal sealing the flap. Harry broke the wax and pulled out a few pieces of quality parchment.

HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

Dear Mr Potter,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress

"This is it," was Harry's first spoken thought as he perused the book list and initial rules, "…a way to get my answers." He reread what he needed to before moving on to the next letter. He took stock of just how heavy the black letter was as he read his name on the front - addressed from Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. Breaking the wax seal, he pulled out a few pieces of luxurious parchment. The difference was notable as he stared at the black stock paper with rose gold ink.

BEAUXBATONS ACADEMY OF MAGIC
Dear Mr Potter,

We are pleased to inform you that you have a place at Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.

Yours sincerely,

Olympe Maxine
Headmistress

Harry ran his hand over the card stock and took a small pleasure in feeling the thick rose gold ink that was dried to it. He learned early in life that first impressions were everything and Beauxbatons was impressing him with the quality of their mailings. Harry was figuring on the Hogwarts lettering arriving at some point but was more interested in the fact that numerous magical schools existed. Even better, some wanted him as a student. The idea was terror-inducing as well as humbling. He didn't exact feel all warm and fuzzy with the power he wielded - he didn't find himself to be evil but definitely not good either. That type of inner discord was and most likely would be a point of contention within.

Harry sighed as he digested the letters, the implications they would have on his life moving forward - though he found it hard to gauge anything based on the fact he had no point of reference - and what school was he accepting the invitation to attend. He placed the letters in his room upstairs before jumping in the shower. He found himself coming to a realization or thought, while drying off - would other magicals be able to detect his abilities, defeat them, or have their own? The thought didn't terrify him as much as fuel his anxiety.

Once back downstairs, he downed the rest of his coffee and decided to start prepping for lunch. He opened a bag of tomatoes, a head of lettuce, an onion and began slicing. Afterwards he opened a package of ground turkey and browned it in a pan. Adding his own seasonings, he had the makings of some wonderful tacos sitting in front of him. Plating everything on the table, he sat down and ate with a dignified gusto that many Purebloods would be proud of. Towards the end of lunch, the doorbell signaled the arrival of a visitor. If Harry was a betting man, he would have put money on this person being with one of the schools that sent him a letter.

Upon opening the front door, he found himself staring at the stomach of a very tall person. Not finding the eyes he was searching for, his gaze swept up until they met the eyes of a very tall woman. "Hello," she greeted him warmly, with a French accent, "My name is Madame Olympe Maxine." She held out her hand which Harry took and gave his best strong handshake. "Pleased to meet you Madame. I understand you are the Headmistress of Beauxbatons. Please come in," Harry opened the door wider with a smile. Maxine ducked down to allow herself entry and Harry led her to the kitchen for tea. While the door was closing, farther down the block, a witch and wizard had just appeared and watched the door to 4 Privet Drive close.

Minerva McGonagall and Albus Dumbledore were surprised to see the door closing since the wards Albus secretly set up had alerted him to a magical presence on the property. Minerva gave a sideways glance at the Headmaster as he took off with agility that belied his age. Professor McGonagall was only a few seconds behind Albus as he banged on the front door with more enthusiasm than intended. A few seconds later, he heard the moving of chairs in the kitchen followed by heavy footsteps coming down the hallway. Dumbledore's wand was in his hand and pointed to where the chest of the person opening the door would be.

The lock disengaged and on the other side was an annoyed Harry Potter. The green-eyed wizard gave a long look at the wand pointed at his head before turning his gaze to the old man and raising his eyebrow. "Oh Harry, you seem to be doing splendid," the old man said with a chuckle - clearly meaning to bring some levity to the situation. Harry's steely gaze brokered no amusement to the aged wizard's antics. He gave a brief glance to the woman standing next to the old man before asking, "And you are?", to the collective duo on his doorstep. The woman hesitated before taking control of their portion of the conversation, "My name is Minvera McGonagall and this is Albus Dumbledore," she paused with her lips pressed into a thin line. Realization hit Harry, "Ah, so you're the Deputy Headmistress and Headmaster of Hogwarts."

Harry suppressed the urge to scoff and roll his eyes at the pair. He didn't yet know if Beauxbatons was the institution he wanted to attend but the first minute of his conversation with Madame Maxine in the kitchen started off well. He didn't want to assume anything but if this was the first impression of the Hogwarts staff - leveling wands at the occupants of homes they visited - then Beauxbatons was looking better still.