I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as the previous one

AN- There have been some questions about this story being a slash. To clear the doubts, this story will not have a slash pairing. No offense to the people who like reading slash, I am not used to writing slash. As for the pairings, I want it to have a rare pairing. Any suggestions will be welcome but not Hermione or Ginny. There are enough stories with Hermione, Ginny or both of them paired with Harry.

Chapter 2

Harry Potter on the first look seemed like a normal, scruffy, homeless four year old, but there were many things wrong with this statement. Firstly, Harry Potter was not normal, he was a wizard, secondly, he was not homeless...well, not always but right now his walrus of an uncle has kicked him out for the night. He was not one to hate someone needlessly but he hated his uncle right now. As a result, he was alone in the park. Little did he know that his life was going to change as of right now…

You see, Harry had a very peculiar gift; his magic has a very high affinity towards the power of shadows. While there have been people who could control shadows before, Harry on the other hand was a person could not only control shadows, but he was a person who had nearly absolute power over shadows. The creatures of shadow realm were always trying to make contact with him, for even they acknowledged him as their rightful leader. As a result, someone was out there to find him. And it looks as if the search was complete...

Corvo's POV

Corvo was a raven, but not the annoying common kind of raven, he was a shadow raven. And right now, he was on a mission, to find the powerful magical signature which could be felt by every creature in the shadow realm. His search was nearly complete as he could feel his king to be near. His sharp red eyes tracked the signature to a park but no one seemed to be there, this left Corvo a little bewildered but as he concentrated further, he felt someone using shadow magic to conceal himself.

He thought, ' Looks like our king is really powerful, to be able to conceal himself from me.'

After all, he was also the best tracker in shadow realm. When he got the first glimpse at him, Corvo was beyond shocked. For instead of a young man with conscious shadow magic, he found a child of four. The child did not look very special at first sight, but the power he felt from the child was so potent, that the awed shadow raven could only bow to the child who was to be his king.

General POV

Harry noticed the crow looking at him. It had red eyes, jet black hair and an almost regal look. He watched the crow with narrowed eyes as he realized that it was actually a raven, one of crow's larger relatives who were quite rare in Britain. The raven finally stopped staring at him and opened his beak. What really surprised him was the cultured voice which spoke instead of a sharp caw," I have found you at last, My Lord."

Harry suddenly jumped in the air as he looked at the raven in undisguised fear," A talking raven! How can a raven talk?"

Corvo turned his head and said in a sarcastic tone," I am a shadow raven, what do you expect?"

Harry was confused by the nonchalant attitude of the raven and asked Corvo," A shadow raven? That does not explain anything. I do not even know what a shadow raven is, so how can I know that you are a shadow raven? And what is with the 'My Lord' stuff? I am no Lord of yours."

Corvo breathed a sigh of exasperation and explained," Shadow Ravens are special creatures who hail from the Shadow Realm. The Shadow Realm is a dimension which is completely separate from the Human World. In other words, it is a private world for Shadow Mages. Shadow Mages are people who can access this realm by the means of shadows using Shadow Magic. If I guessed it right, you don't know what Shadow Magic is, so the explanation is simple that Shadow Magic is a type of magic which deals with control of shadows and shadow beings. There are three kinds of shadow users, the Shadow Wizards who use low level spells and simple wizard-like magic to manipulate shadows. They have a very minor affinity for shadow magic. Then there are Shadow Mages, magical people with a high shadow magic affinity and great control over shadows. The final magical are called Shadow Kings. Only three magical have ever reached the level of Shadow Kings. They have ridiculously high affinity and control over shadow magic. Since they are the best users of shadow magic, the other shadow beings and creatures are submissive to them and believe them to be the kings of Shadow Realm. You are, by far, the youngest Shadow King. Even Shadow Wizards are much older than you."

Harry was confused. He was quite smart for his age and understood the concept of shadow magic but what actually confused him was the situation he found himself in. He was young and did not have anyone to support him. He never considered his uncle and aunt as his relatives, his parents had left him and he had nothing to do. He remembered his parents and how they left him but he did not want to make them suffer for the suffering they indirectly put him through. He did not believe that he had any future but the raven in front of him gave him a chance to write his own destiny. As the Shadow King, he would more than freak, brat, boy or Potter. He wanted to rise and this was his chance.

With determination sparkling in his eyes, he looked at the bird in front of him. Deciding to introduce himself Harry began," My name is Harrison James Potter, what is your name?"

The raven smirked, if it was even possible and spoke in his cultured voice," My name is Corvo, My Lord. Now we must begin your new life, but first, we must part with your old one without any regret. I can see it in your eyes that you have been wronged, so now, we must make sure that you have closure."

With steely eyes, the boy and bird went towards the house which was Harry's personal hell. During the small ride, Corvo taught Harry the basics of shadow magic.

Number Four Privet Drive

Petunia Dursley was happily humming as she cooked dinner for her husband and her precious son. She was in a good mood since her husband had kicked out the freak for the night. She knew that there was nothing that could ruin her mood….

There was a sudden knock on the door as her line of thought was broken. She was irritated at the person who interrupted her thought. With the same face, she opened the door and her face scrunched in disgust as she saw the freak at the door with a raven on his shoulder. She prepared to scream at him but the look in his eyes froze all her anger and replaced it with a feeling of dread. The eyes did not have the usual fear or doubt but a fierce determination and anger.

"Who is it Petunia?" came the voice of Vernon Dursley as he entered the living room and his face took a puce colored hue as he took in the form of his nephew who was standing at the front door with a raven on his shoulder.

Vernon bellowed," WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE FREAK, I KICKED YOU OUT FOTR THE NIGHT BUT YOU STILL HAD THE AUDACITY TO COME BACK BEFORE THE MORNING."

Corvo whispered in Harry's ear," Remember my Lord, for a shadow wizard, shadow magic is a difficult branch to study, for a shadow mage, he must learn the rules of shadow if he wants to use it but for a shadow king like yourself, shadow magic is a materialization of your will. Shadows will follow your commands as long as you wish it."

Harry closed his eyes and dug deep in his subconscious mind to find the power explained to him. There was warmth but that warmth did not give him comfort, so he dug deeper. As he felt for his power, he found a shadowed corner in his mind, which was dark and cold but held a lot more comfort than the warmth. Remembering the feeling, he opened his eyes.

Vernon wanted to pummel the freak in front of him when the freak closed his eyes. Vernon waited to see if the freak did something with his freakiness. If he did, Vernon would have a better reason to pummel him. But all that maliciousness evaporated, leaving the feeling of dread when the boy opened his eyes. Instead of an emerald green, his eyes shone like rubies with a scarlet hue. The eyes held darkness and somehow made him remember how scared he was of darkness and shadows when Vernon was a child. Looking around the boy, Vernon noticed how the shadows seemed to twist and turn around him. The shadows coiled and slithered like serpents, waiting for the order of the freak, itching to attack the source of their master's anger.

Harry looked at his relatives with his scarlet gaze as he spoke in an even tone," Now that we have a temporary truce, I wish to ask you something."

Vernon got purple in the face and spat," What makes you say that we have a truce, boy?"

Harry smirked and replied," The fact that you have yet to scold me and I have not attacked you with my magic yet." At the mention of magic, both Vernon and Petunia froze. They had tried to hide the existence of magic from the freak by forbidding any mention of magic in the household, yet the boy somehow learned it and threatened them with it. The two pale adults watched as Harry calmly took a seat on the couch and faced his relatives. A small groan alerted the occupants about Dudley who had just entered the room.

Dudley asked in puzzlement," Mom, Dad, what is the freak doing here?"

Harry quickly turned to Dudley and spoke in a fake-cheerful tone," Ah, Dudley is here as well. Now we can start the questions. Take a seat Dudley." Harry gestured towards a chair but Dudley just puffed up his face in anger and demanded," Who are you to order me to do anything freak?"

Harry grew angry at that. Corvo had told him that as a king, there will be many who will try to undermine his authority and he should deal with them sternly. With a command, the shadows around him twisted and turned tentacle like projections which quickly grabbed Dudley in a vice grip and held him down on the chair. Looking at Dudley in disgust, Harry snarled," Do not try to undermine me again, trash. Next time, I won't be forgiving. Now as I was saying before someone rudely interrupted me, I want to ask some questions and I want the truth. Any lie will be injurious to your health. Now I want to know why my parents decided to put me in your care. There must have been many people in the Wizarding World who were willing to take care of me, so why saddle me with abusive relatives?"

Petunia who was fearful of the change in the freak decided to answer," Your parents and the headmaster of your freak school sent you here because you could be found and attacked in the Magical World…."

Vernon piped in with a furious tone," We never wanted a freak like you in our house, but the gall of your freak parents, decided to saddle your ungrateful ass ….." before he could say anymore, there was a hand made from his own shadow choking him. Harry spoke," I did not give you the permission to speak trash. I doubt that they did not compensate you. The only ungrateful people here are you and your wife. In fact, the next question is for you. How much money did you get for taking care of me?"

Vernon paled and said," I got nothing to take care of you." He was rewarded with the hand on his neck tightening as the scarlet gaze of his nephew intensified," Did you think I will not detect the lie?" asked Harry rhetorically. Vernon paled further and replied with resignation," A thousand pounds per month."

Harry gave a malicious smile and said," Always knew that you were the ungrateful one, Uncle." Harry straightened and said," The final question, if I leave right now, what would you do?"

Vernon looked happy and said," I would have a feast and celebrate for the whole month."

Harry turned around and said," Keep the money you received this month, but you won't receive anything tomorrow. Corvo, what can we do to stop the money?"

Corvo thought a little before answering," Write a letter to the goblins as I instruct you, I will deliver it later."

Looking at his relatives for one last time, Harry left the house, deciding to never return there.

Shadow Realm

Harry and Corvo had just returned to the Shadow Realm. The way was simple, just meld with your shadow. However going to the Shadow King's Castle was a tedious task. Thankfully, a carriage was there to pick him up, completely black, drawn by black stallion with flaming pelts and tails which seemed to be made of the hottest fire.

Corvo explained," The beings of Shadow Realm know the time and place when a Shadow King arrives. They sent this carriage to take us to the Castle.. The Castle itself is a gothic monstrosity. The previous Shadow King was Japanese so he was not used to the castle. Later, he decided to create a smaller home near the castle, but in a Japanese style. The ravens really like it."

Harry knew that today, his life will change for the better and decided to take up residence in the Japanese-style home. After having a hearty meal, Harry went to sleep.

Next Morning

The day was normal and normal days were the personal favorite of Ragnok. He really hated unusual days as they were confusing, frustrating and broke a goblin's composure. A bird entered his cabin and all his hopes of a normal day were thrown out of the window.

Ragnok looked at the bird before shouting to his guard," Fistbone, how did a bird get into my office?"

The bird sat down in front of Ragnok as Fistbone bustled through and looked at the bird in confusion," Sir, I have never seen this bird. Also, I thought that the wizards used owls."

Even Ragnok was confused before he saw a small crest the raven was wearing around his neck. There was no mistaking the dragon stabbing a sword into the moon as Ragnok paled slightly. It was quite long since he had received any contact with the Shadow King and he was worried about the reason why he would contact him. Using his claw, he opened the seal and read the letter which was written by a child based on the slightly messy handwriting.

To whomever it may concern

I wish to cancel the monthly stipend which is sent to the muggle account of one Vernon Dursley since I have left their care. I would like to enquire about my finances, the finances of the Primary Vault of Shadow King and the Personal Vaults of the previous Shadow Kings. Your representative can explain it to me in about three days. May we have a fruitful relationship.

May your vaults fill with gold and your enemies tremble under your feet

Harry James Potter

The Fourth Shadow King

Ragnok stared at the small letter in his hand. The letter was completely to the point unlike the other wizards who often skirted around the issue and wasted time. According to his records, Harry James Potter should be a four-year old. Deciding to not take any chance he summoned a pair of goblins and addressed them.

"Goldifst, Ripjaw, there is a special job I have for you. You are to do a complete audit and create an inventory for Vault 10, 30, and 80. I want the complete report in two days time." Dismissing the two goblins Ragnok took out the account details of Vault Zero.

In the Castle

Harry was talking with Corvo who was teaching him the basics of Politics. Harry listened intently as Corvo explained," A true king needs to be powerful in both mind and body. Battles are not only fought on the battlefield and victories are not always drenched in blood. Politics is not only useful in order to win but also helps you protect yourself. A true politician should be able to protect and win using the system against the people who created the said system. The more complex the laws are, the easier it is to contradict the enforcers of the said laws. Remember, you can always strike with a slab of iron, but only correct tempering, honing and polishing can turn the slab into a deadly sword which can destroy anybody. There must be a harmony in the body and the mind."

Harry nodded and asked," When would my combat training begin? I do not want to be weak in the body."

Corvo answered," You will not go to Hogwarts as that school is a disgrace. For your combat training and magical education, you will go to the Japanese School of Magic. The other schools in the world are of two categories, the schools like Hogwarts which teach in a subpar way, but a wider range of subjects, and there are schools like the Osiris Temple in Egypt which make you a master of one. Japan however has mastered the art of education and has the most effective way of teaching. They start much earlier, at the age of five to be precise, when the child's magic is still immature so that it can grow easily. They do not teach specific arts like transfiguration but rather a broad spectrum like combat, healing, enchanting, research, nature magic etc. Our previous Shadow King was combat instructed and he could kill more people than the punk Voldemort in a blink of an eye. Next year, you will join the Japanese School of Magic. Although the school usually doesn't cater to foreigners, but our previous king was the pioneer of the current education system in Japan. Since you are his successor, you would be easily granted entrance. After your education is complete, in five years time, you would have to serve a department in the Japanese Army in order to gain experience. And make sure that your skills are ready for the field. After that, you will be emancipated and free to do anything you want. Hence, hone your mind and skills till next year. Also, it would be a good idea if you learn some languages other than English. French, German, Russian, Mandarin and Japanese would help a lot so we will teach these to you. You will be quite busy for the years to come."

Harry was excited to hear all the good things that waited for him. He had vowed to work hard and would work till his arms drop off thinking about the new life, he slept with a smile on his face.

Done

AN- I do not plan to detail the entire education of Harry. There will be glimpses of his past as flashbacks but the complete summary would be troublesome.

AN- The next chapter will start with the Fifth Year in Hogwarts. Dumbledore has to hire a Defense Teacher or the Ministry will place Umbridge. Our hero will apply and change Hogwarts come next chapter.

AN- Some characters from bleach will be introduced, but this story is not a bleach crossover. Hence, no Kido, Hollow, Zanpakuto or Soul Society. Just some similar appearances, skills and swords will be included.

AN- Love your reviews, please review more.