August 10, 1991; 02:00pm, Hellsing Headquarters, Integra's Office.

A couple of weeks had passed since the arrival of Harry Potter, and the 'meeting' with Professor Snape. Things had settled down to an acceptable level for the Hellsing head, though nearly to a fault, as she found herself with little to occupy her own thoughts on the topic. She was still presented with the uncomfortable requirement of getting to know her charge before the beginning of the school term. Knowing now the situation with Dumbledore, she wanted the boy to feel comfortable enough to contact her personally should anything occur.

Easily thought, but more difficult in practice, paperwork and overseeing operations was merely a flimsy excuse for her lax attitude. Simply she had no clue as to how to actually approach the boy. By reports from Walter, Potter was now accepting, and less shy about his associations with the assassin, and Alucard. However prolonged social interactions still presented issue for him. He had reverted behind his shields during the physical examination by her doctor, and tended towards reclusive when presented with the servants or soldiers.

At the very least, he seemed to excel at the exercises Walter instructed him on. He was indeed a good runner, though they all suspected underlying reasons beyond his physical build. One lap around the manor was pushing his endurance, but he was bloody fast, as she had witnessed personally from her office window some days. The retainer preferred the boy stay at a steady jog so as not to overtax himself, however at times a fancy seemed to overtake the child into an all out sprint.

Likewise he had gained some weight under Integra's watch during meals. While still unable to finish his entire plate, she considered it a victory despite the headache. Glancing at her watch, she made a split second decision. Enough of this loitering around like nervous little girl. Harry was her problem now, and time was short. Climbing to her feet she made her way out of the office, heading towards one of the more private balconies she knew Walter served the boy afternoon tea on.

Arriving at the balcony, she was pleased to note that neither had arrived yet. Taking a seat, she took a moment to compose herself, and how she might broach the topic of conversation. It had been a grave error in judgment to not socialize with the boy immediately upon his arrival to the manor. Earning his trust now may yet prove troublesome, however she was not one to give up easily. Simply, it would be the 'delicate' side which she might fail.

Footsteps in the den alerted her to their arrival, causing her to sit up straighter in her seat. She forced her features to remain relaxed, as the boy froze in the doorway at her presence. Walter quirked an eyebrow at her from behind, light smirk creeping onto his face as he gently urged Potter out. He complied hesitantly, taking the only seat remaining of the small patio set, across from Integra. The retainer made quick work of pouring them both tea, leaving the kettle, and setting out a tray of biscuits, before retreating back inside.

Suspicion nagged at Integra at the thoughtful inclusion of a second cup to the tea service, however she quickly got back down to business. Observing Harry's mannerisms, it was obvious that she had disrupted a comfortable ritual of his. He remained tense in his seat, not touching either food or drink. A sigh escaped her as she felt a headache build.

"I apologize for dropping in unannounced. I simply wish to know how you have settled in."

It was strange, feeling compelled to apologize to someone for sitting within her own home. However it seemed to be the right thing to do, as the boy looked confused, ever so slowly relaxing. He at last reached for his cup, taking a small sip before he responded quietly.

"Everyone treats me so nicely here."

Reaching for her own tea, she scrutinized him over the rim as she took a deep drink. He looked far healthier than previous times she had seen him about. Bruises had faded, and his frame seemed to have filled out to nearly what it should be for a boy his age. There were dark circles under his eyes, denoting a lack of sound sleep. In truth, she would have been far more concerned about him if he were sleeping without nightmares.

Turning her attention back to his comment, she forced a slight smile to her lips. It felt foreign, as she had not truly had reason to smile in a long while. Though it was not genuine to the topic, it seemed to place the boy even more at ease, if only slightly.

"You will find yourself growing use to it, I hope... I also hope that you have come to realize, that you will never be deliberately harmed here. The goblin's contract is only a small part of it. Harming a child goes against every code that Hellsing stands for."

That garnered a nod, though not much else for a reaction. She did not expect him to believe her quite yet, however she knew that his experiences within the manor would speak for itself eventually. He at last seemed confident enough to reach for one of the sweets. His table manners would need to be addressed once he was older, as crumbs sprinkled down his front as he consumed the treat. For now, Integra did not mind. It told her that he was indeed growing accustomed to his surroundings enough to not worry for punishment from sloppy eating habits.

They remained in silence for a several long moments, as Harry ate and Integra observed him. More, she was collecting her thoughts and pondering how to go about reassuring him without being completely fake. Such dancing around a subject irritated her. Deciding to cut to the chase, she sighed, catching the boys attention.

"You have only a short time before you leave for school. I would hope that you recall, and are aware of, the potential dangers associated with such."

It took a moment, but Harry at last responded, looking a bit uneasy. Good, it showed that he had a good head on his shoulders. She had been concerned that he had not understood the implication behind Professor Snape's little visit.

"I... know that the Headmaster wants me taken away from here... Do you know why?"

The question pleased the Hellsing head. "I suspect I might have an idea. Your status as the defeater of Voldemort would prove a highly useful bargaining chip in some political circles."

He did not look overly confused with the proclamation. Regarding him silently for a moment, she almost thought she detected a hint of resentment. So he had read some of the books he had acquired. It removed one more migraine from her life. The possibility that he did not know of his significance to the wizarding world had caused her some irritation. However, getting back to her plans, she cleared her throat lightly.

"Should anything happen while you are there, anything at all, I want you to inform me immediately. Not only for your own safety, but because of the headmaster. There is no telling his true motives until he plays his cards. This puts you in danger and jeopardizes this entire organization... You still have that sphere Alucard gave you?"

The guilty look on his face nearly made her reconsider her own words. However they were absolutely true. With Potter's presence, Dumbledore could very well get nasty if his wants were not seen to. With the muggle status of most of her troops, having a powerful wizard out to destroy them could very well spell disaster.

After a moment of fidgeting, he at last nodded in agreement. While she disapproved of the casual fraternization, she decided to make Alucard's interference in Potter's life useful beyond her base plan. She knew of the sphere's true purpose even if the boy had not yet figured it out.

"As I am certain you are aware, Alucard possesses many abilities, not the least of which is communicating over distance. That, however, is reserved for myself, and those tied to him through blood. I will have Walter rig something up with a necklace. Cary the shadow with you at all times while you are in Scotland. If you find yourself in danger, or in need of anything, speak into it, and I shall be informed."

He nodded silently, causing her to frown. "Do not hesitate to use it. I am your guardian until the end of your schooling. Should you even so much as get a splinter, I want to know." Making a split-second decision, she reached to the small of her back under her shirt and withdrew a small pistol from a concealed holster. It packed a punch despite the size, perfect for situations where you would not wish someone to know of it. Harry's eyes darted to it, only mildly interested.

"Walter will be training you on how to use one of these." Gauging his reaction, she detected a note of surprise. Silently she admitted even to herself that it was highly suspect to be teaching an eleven year old on firearms. Then again, such had been her upbringing even before her uncle's betrayal. It really was for the boy's safety.

"You will not be touching a real one until you learn the basics. However given the nature of our operations here, it would not do at all for you to not know how to properly defend yourself."

Returning the pistol to its place, she downed the rest of her tea. "You will begin tomorrow. The instruction will not be complete before you leave for school, but should you chose to return for term breaks, it will continue, as well as next summer."

At last the silence on his end was broken, to her pleasure. Having to prompt him for verbal responses was quite grating. He fussed with his empty tea cup as he questioned, "Do... would you want me back for breaks, Sir?"

She covered a wince and waved him off. "When we are alone, call me Integra. Or if you are uncomfortable with such informality, a mere 'Miss Hellsing'. As you will be under my watch for the foreseeable future, I would like to dispense of the formalities. As to the rest... I would like to get to know you. Though I hope you realize, I am also new to such situations. I am not the 'motherly' type to put it plainly, however I take my charge of your well-being seriously. I would prefer if you returned during holidays, with the current situation being what it is, however the choice is yours."

Harry nodded slowly, mind working a mile a minute as her words contradicted his previous assumptions about the situation. She was at least honest. Eyes could tell a lot about a person, and hers were serious and steady throughout the discussion. The reassurance caused a knot in his belly to unfurl a little. Anxiety still ran rampant about it, but she addressed him as an adult... not a child. Even to offer him lessons in self defense was enough to ease some of his fears. Logic dictated that if he were a burden, he would be shunned to the side and ignored, not allowed to decide his own actions, or given training which had the potential to be used against them.

Fidgeting in his seat, he forced the nerve to at last voice a question that had been burning in his mind since he read his mother's letter. He had been too weak of will to ask previous when he found himself in the Hellsing's company. Having her speaking so frankly with him was a relief to that unease. Wetting his lips, he tilted his head curiously.

"S- erm, Integra... I was just wondering, but... Who is the No Life King?" He rushed to explain, as her expression darkened near imperceptibly. "It's just that, my mum wrote in one of her letters... Said whoever it is could... help me learn to control my magic before school. She said that I should ask you, or Arthur Hellsing."

Pinching the bridge of her nose, Integra felt a migraine build as Alucards previous words came into startling clarity. Of course the rat would have been there reading the letters over Potter's shoulder. Not that it should shock her horribly. She likewise recalled his explanation of Harry's potential origins. She had dismissed it out of hand as a lapse in his sanity, or the possibility that Harry had not inherited his titles through blood. That seemed foolish in hindsight.

Belatedly recalling Harry's presence, she sighed heavily, though had to force a slight smirk. Reaching for her cigar case, she commented almost idly. "Oh, the No Life King is around. I believe you have met him already."

A calculating look appeared on the boy's face. Once against he was proving to be a pleasant surprise. Most children would have whined and complained at such hinting without using their heads. The look of recognition took less time than she thought, in crossing Harry's expression. He picking at a thread on his shirt, looking uncomfortable.

"...Alucard?"

Not bothering to respond, Integra climbed to her feet, lighting up a cigar. She regarded him silently for a moment, smirk still toying around the edges of her mouth. The lack of confirmation of his assumption merely caused the boy to frown slightly, nodding to himself as he solidified his own resolve of the answer. There was the reaction she was looking for. Blowing out a puff of smoke, she turned and began making her way back inside.

"Walter will be expecting you tomorrow after breakfast... Be sure you are not late."

August 11, 1991; 08:00am, Hellsing Headquarters, Library

Harry entered the imposing room with some trepidation. Today was to be his first lesson on guns, and he was nervous despite Integra's assurance that he would not actually have to touch one, let alone use it. He had never encountered a firearm personally, aside from air rifles and toy BB guns gifted to Dudley. The teachers in primary school had cautioned them to never handle a gun, as they were dangerous. He knew what they looked like of course, but he was painfully aware of his ignorance.

To his relief, he spied Walter sitting at one of the small tables, some books and a strange kit resting at his elbow. No weapon was in sight, so obviously he was sticking to Integra's word. Catching sight of Harry, Walter smiled and waved him over, seeming focused on an open book in front of him. Taking a seat hesitantly, Harry peered at the books, curiosity getting the better of him. They were books on guns, one looking like a catalog of parts. At last Walter's attention was drawn to him.

"Glad to see you so prompt. I trust you had a good breakfast?"

Nodding automatically, Harry suppressed a wince. He had managed to eat all of the food on his plate, but now felt ill from it. He knew it was for his own good, but it did not stop him feeling some resentment for being forced to make himself sick at meals. Walter seemed to guess the unvoiced grievance, as he looked sympathetic.

"I am proud of you. It might not seem like it now, but you are making fine progress. After a time the nausea will go away. Your body simply needs to adjust to consuming the amount of food it needs."

Harry colored slightly at the praise, staring at the grain of the table. A warm feeling tickled his stomach, foreign to him, but there none the less. It felt good to hear encouragement for once. Spearing him with a knowing look, Walter cleared his throat lightly, getting down to business. He pushed a notebook and pen over to Harry.

"For now, these lessons will only be theory. The things you learn will not go into practice until I am satisfied that you fully understand and acknowledge the requirement of handling a firearm. It is a great responsibility, as how you handle them could mean life or death for yourself and others." He paused, letting his words sink in.

"Now, I would like you to take notes, for reference. I will begin by outlining safety procedures. While the majority of adults here, admittedly, do not follow such guidelines, it is imperative that you do. At least until you are older and better equipped to handle such lapses should they occur."

Nodding, Harry dutifully opened the notebook, taking up the pen. He glanced expectantly at Walter, prompting a quiet chuckle. While he was still wary, the wizard found he liked the older man. He acted as both a teacher and... how he thought a real uncle should act. Twitching slightly, Harry focused back on the notebook, embarrassed at his own thoughts.

Pretending not to notice the strange look on Harry's face, Walter began. "The first rule of handling a gun. Never point it at another living being unless you intend to kill them. A gun is not a toy, nor should they ever be treated as such. They can and will kill if handled incorrectly. Despite my words earlier, this is the rule which all here follow without fail."

Scribbling down a paraphrase, Harry underlined the entire thing. He took the words to heart. He had no wish to kill anybody, but he understood the reason for the lesson. Satisfied with the serious expression on the boy's face, Walter continued.

"Second, always assume a gun is loaded. Without fail, the worst accidents and deaths occur when someone has a laps in this rule especially. To that end, never touch the trigger unless you intend to shoot. And always keep it pointed away from yourself and others when handling it."

"Third, maintenance is key. Oil and debris builds in the mechanism, severely increasing the chances of accidental discharge and other likewise accidents which could harm you, or cause the gun to jam during use. Even if you never use it, you must be sure to clean it regularly."

Pausing to gather his thoughts, Walter pondered on other important topics he was forgetting. It had been an ungodly long time since he had the need to instruct anyone on safety. Deciding he could get back to it if he recalled, he opened one of his books on gunsmithing, turning it for Harry to see the diagram of a .38 and its parts. He was pleased that the boy seemed eager to learn, and serious about it. Though he had not doubted otherwise.

"This is a .38 revolver. Or a '38 Special' if you prefer. It holds five rounds, and exhibits a low amount of force when fired, dependent upon the bullet type."

Harry listened with interest as Walter explained and pointed out the various parts to the hand gun, describing the individual purpose of each part, and how it effects the whole. It was a bit overwhelming, but he found himself drawn in by Walter's obvious knowledge and enthusiasm on the topic. Moving on from the revolver after a short time, the butler turned to more commonly used pistols. He turned it into a quiz of sorts, asking Harry to point out the similarity in parts and mechanisms from the revolver.

He was patient if Harry became confused, pausing to thoroughly go over whatever specific he was having issue with. It reminded Harry of primary school, though far more involved, as this teacher was focused solely on him. The time flew by, and he was startled when Walter finally trailed off, closing the book and getting to his feet.

"I dare say we missed lunch! Why don't you head over to the patio, and I'll fix us up an early tea." He paused nodding towards the books. "Feel free to take any of those to look over later. Also, before I forget, I have something for you."

Reaching into his pocket, Walter extracted a simple looking gold chain. The links were small and plain, though an equally small decorative amulet was attached. It was fashioned in the shape of serpentine dragons, twisting to cradle a non-existent gem. The details were quite amazing for how delicate it looked. Harry took it hesitantly when it was offered, staring at it strangely.

"Sir Integra requested you use it to house Alucard's 'gift'. He can manipulate it to fit the piece. You may also consider it a late birthday present. I regret that I was unable to discover the date previous to the occasion. I would like to make it up, however. Do you have any preferred dinners or desserts?"

Reeling at the unexpected happening, all Harry could do was stammer for a moment. Walter waited patiently, looking both concerned and humored. The passing of Harry's birthday had not meant much. At the Dursleys, the most he had ever received was a used lint roller and bent coat hanger. He had not thought much of it, and had even been glad to receive no recognition for it. The thought that someone wanted to do something special for him was overwhelming.

Recovering his bearings, Harry twitched, scrambling to recall Walter's question. "Erm... I suppose I fancied roast beef and chips when I tried them."

Walter made a thoughtful noise, taking mental note to inform the kitchen staff of tonight's supper. "What of desserts?"

Fidgeting, Harry had to think back to the very few times he was ever allowed sweets, or was able to sneak them. He had rather liked a sneaked taste of treacle tart, but had never had the chance for more than a fearful lick of the bowl. Quietly informing Walter of such, he received an approving smile. With a brief farewell, he turned to make his way to the kitchen.

Dutifully, Harry likewise made his way out to the balcony. Once again, one of the seats was already occupied. Alucard lounged rather lazily in a chair which he had drug to a more shaded portion near the door. It was an overcast day, but shafts of sunlight managed to shine through. Nearly tripping over his own feet, Harry froze for a moment at the unexpected visitor, before hurriedly claiming his normal seat.

The vampire seemed oblivious of the display, red fedora and glasses firmly in place. He almost looked to be asleep, except for brief movements of his fingers when Harry sat down. Silence reined for several long moments. Finally growing unnerved by it, the wizard who spoke up first.

"I thought vampires hated sunlight?"

The seeming corpse stirred after a moment, nasty chuckle sounding as he slowly sat up. Harry was confused when Alucard removed his sunglasses, though grateful at the unobstructed view of his eyes. Contrary to the laugh, the vampire seemed amused, crossing his legs in a relaxed pose.

"Being up during the day is exhausting. But fleeing from it is what maggots do."

Harry could respect such an answer. He could not imagine a vampire being frightened of anything, so the image of Alucard fleeing at the sight of a celestial body seemed absurd. Though it also put the boy to shame, for his own reactions to various things in life. Sensing the turn of thought, Alucard frowned, abruptly standing to stalk over to a chair closer to the wizard. Harry was silently shocked at his own lack of reaction to the unexpected move. Alucard noticed as well.

Leaning forward in his new seat, he smirked toothily, "Grown men have soiled themselves at my very presence... yet you do not even flinch. You are a brave one."

Feeling compelled, Harry shook his head, staring out over the lawn. He knew he was being mocked by the vampire's tone. Quietly, "Not brave... just more afraid of other things."

A strange look passed over the No Life King's face at that, a brief flash, before returning to one of vague amusement. Gesturing idly, he held out his hand, palm up. "Let me see the necklace."

For a moment, Harry almost forgot what he was talking about, before his thoughts turned back to present. Reaching into his jeans pocket he brought out Walter's gift, pausing briefly before handing it over. The fine piece of jewelry was a bit too much for him. He hesitated to wear it. What if he lost it, or it grew tarnished? Walter and Integra both would think him ungrateful and careless.

He watched with some interest as Alucard looked it over. The hair on the back of his neck tingled as the vampire closed his fist around the delicate amulet. Harry expected it, when the necklace was offered back on an open palm. Where the dragons once cradled thin air, there sat a surprisingly solid blackness. Harry's experience with shadows thus far had been just that. The one Alucard had made for him was tangible enough to hold, but lacked much else beyond. The new shadow was almost gem-like, with a smooth surface which seemed to reject light.

Letting out an impatient sigh, Alucard shifted tactics, leaning forward in his seat and shifting his hold to the chain. He crooked a finger at Harry, indicating for him to lean forward. The boy complied slowly, but it was a start. Unhooking the end of the chain, Alucard expertly put it on him, fastening the clasps and adjusting the amulet to lie just over Harry's heart. His touch lingered for a moment, but again, the boy surprised him. Rather than worrying over the close proximity, his gaze was directed to Alucard's hands.

"What do the symbols on your gloves mean?"

Smirking mysteriously, Alucard leaned back, resuming his previous pose. He almost seemed disinclined to respond, before at last he chuckled. The languid once-over of the boy's frame did make him fidget, but Alucard chose to let his gaze linger on the amulet, and Harry's chest. Really, Alucard was no Roman. The thought made him snicker openly. Harry frowned at him.

"I shall tell you, little mouse, when you tell me what yours mean."

Before Harry could respond, the sounds of Walter entering the den with afternoon tea distracted him, causing him to glance towards the door. When his attention resumed to Alucard, the vampire was gone. Puzzled, the wizard leaned back in his chair, reaching up to gently examine the gem. It felt cool to the touch, but its weight was oddly comforting.

Sir Integra said that he should speak to it if he ever needed help. The thought crossed his mind that it was some sort of tracking device, but he shrugged it away. Even if it were, he didn't have anything worth hiding. Except maybe his own shadows... But Alucard manipulated them with ease... The fact that he was not human was irrelevant. Harry was human. The notion pulled at his logic. Surely these people more than anyone might accept him despite his freakishness. Even his own mother had said he should speak to Alucard. By proxy, he suspected Integra would know about it anyway.

Tentative decision reached, he glanced up to greet Walter, the scent of fresh fruit and tea causing his stomach to rumble.

August 31, 1991; 07:00pm, Hellsing Headquarters, East Wing Master Bedroom

Despite all intentions, Harry's last days before school were spent in solitude, barring lessons and meals. A flurry of strange activity throughout the manor made him suspect that something was happening, or had happened. Sir Integra was largely absent from meals. The few she attended, caught him a glimpse of a very different Integra than he had grown used to. Often snappish and exhausted, Harry had learned to keep silent around her. Though for once, he did not take it personally. Even he could tell that her stress was directed elsewhere.

Alucard was likewise absent, though he had seen Walter going down into the basements with blood packets. The butler himself still talked to Harry when he was able, but was overburdened with his normal duties added to a 'special assignment' he had mentioned once to the wizard. All in all, he found it lonely, if leagues better than he had ever experienced before in his life. The solitude allowed him more time to peruse his school books and the journals. Curiously, Hellsing's journal had gone missing after his inquiry about Alucard's gloves. For once, he did not worry, suspecting he knew who was responsible.

Anxiety ate away at him, turning dinner sour in his stomach. The only experience he had with a school setting was primary school. Dudley's fat had always overshadowed any enjoyment he may have gotten from learning. Add to that, forcing himself to throw his own grades. But this... This was entirely different, and he knew it. Doubt clouded his mind. What if he got there, and he could not perform magic? What if this was all some sort of huge mistake? Even if he could do magic; what about his school mates?

Heaving an annoyed sigh, he pushed his chair away from the desk and stood, pacing over to peer out the window. It was already twilight, but he could see the faint glow of floodlights from the back lawn. It was not lost on him that the soldiers did not normally run 'night' drills until the hours just before dawn. Walter had mentioned it to him, in case he felt the need to wander at night for whatever reason. Curious, but not curious enough, he closed the curtains before flopping onto the bed.

It really was too early to sleep, and he was too nervous. But the long wait was beginning to wear on him. It was aggravating, having so many dual emotions crashing about in his gut and head. He had already gone through such things when he had arrived at the manor. Now they were more irksome than serving any real self preservation method. Save perhaps the situation with Dumbledore. But the comfortable weight of the shadow gem alleviated any associated worry. He may have issues with asking for help, but he would not allow himself to be walked over like a doormat again.

Rolling over onto his stomach, he stared blankly at the wall. Waiting was boring, but it was something he was good at. He had nothing to do at the Dursleys but work, and wait. A few hours was not long at all compared to the years he had waited in the cupboard under the stairs. Summoning up some concentration, he turned his palm upward, closing his eyes and imagining shadows forming.

For a moment, nothing happened, but he waited patiently, forcing himself to calm enough for this. Slowly, a tingling sensation passed down his arm, not unlike the sensation caused by Alucard's manipulation. Still, he did not open his eyes. Prompting his own mind, he imagined shadows formed in the shape of a bird. It took a moment for his thoughts to settle enough for such a thing, but slowly he worked to keep the shadow bird tangible behind his eyelids. The tingling sensation increased, but he refused to open his eyes until the mental image ceased attempting to disperse.

At last, he tentatively peeked at it, frown forming as he glimpsed his work. The shadows were loosely coalesced into a misshapen blob. It looked rather remarkably as if someone had taken a bird, chopped off one wing, and glued on an extra head. Sighing, he let the shadows disperse. At least it had attempted to become something. The most he had ever managed was an intangible ball. The exercise left him calmer, though a bit fatigued. Glancing at the clock, he sat up to turn off the light.

He would sleep while he could, before the anxiety threatened to overwhelm him again.

August 31, 1991; 07:00pm, Hellsing Headquarters Sub-Basement

The strange power flared, more powerful than before, causing the blood flowing through Alucard's veins to rejoice. A wicked grin tugged his lips as he idly sipped blood mixed with wine. The power's feel was just as enticing as ever. So close, yet still so far... The enigma of its origins no longer plagued him, inspiring a hilarity. Even mice caused great devastation if left unchecked. A nasty chuckle escaped. Oh, but what wonderful carnage!

His heart raced with the thirst for battle. The pitiful gnats Integra chased were not worthy of his time, yet she set him upon them like a dog. The collar chaffed, but he would wear it if it meant his continued proximity to the power, and its source. Oh, if only but a taste... It would sate his hunger for eternity for but a single drop of the boy's blood. A faction of that power added to the pool... His form shuddered for a moment, twisting grotesquely with limbs of pure darkness, before reforming.

Oh what fun he could have with the boy, while waiting for his opportunity.

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Note: I would just like to give a big thank you to my reviewers. You lot keep ones spirits up and the will to write active during more pressing times. I don't always respond to everyone individually, but I do read them all, and appreciate the feedback.

Though feedback is what the review system is meant for. Polite reviews give me warm fuzzies, even if it's only to tell me to 'Please Update' or 'Please update soon'. Polite feedback, even if it's just a short note. I have received less than polite seeming notes regarding story plot, or outright demands for me to update. The nit-picking of the story plots are good, in that they get me thinking and planning ahead. However, remember that the politer you are in such feedbacks, the more I am likely to consider the advice/questions/or problems pointed out.

As to the update demands, perhaps think upon your own wording (or lack there-of) before submitting it, as even an error in omitting key words can be construed as rude.

A Note on Harry's and Vernon's behavior, since I have received more than one review expressing confusion of Vernon's actions, and Harry's own methods during his escape.

Humans are often predictable in their unpredictability. Fear manifests itself to different people in different ways, there-for making them react counter-intuitively (Fight or Flight response). Vernon's fear manifests in a superiority complex by which he feels compelled to show his dominance over what he fears.

Vernon does not strike me as a strong-willed individual even in canon, however in this AU, he was obviously of weaker will, leading to loss of control and inhibition during the adrenalin rush of his fits of rage against his fear (Harry) once his dominance was asserted through physical demoralization.

Harry knew of his wizard magic, and he was even able to begin physically manipulating shadows; however that is entirely different than being able to consciously use either to a practical end. The wizard magic as stated in canon, requires either training with a wand (controlled), or extreme moments of stress to manifest in a chaotic and unpredictable way (accidental magic). In this aspect of Harry Potter canon, the 'rules' regarding wizard magic remain the same to an extent.

He had become so desensitized to his treatment at the Dursleys that his emotional state was not severely impacted enough by simple thoughts of them, or Hogwarts, to manifest the accidental magic. Likewise for his shadow manipulation, he lacked experience in controlling it effectively enough to use against them.

His chosen means of poison was brought about by his labors in his Aunt's garden, as the easiest method available to him at the time. How would he have gotten to London without the free ride?

'This isn't going to be a meek Harry story is it seriously?'

Most Certainly not. If I wanted Harry to be an effeminate weakling, I would not bother.

Rather, at the moment his actions and reactions are not the best method to judge his future characterization and personality. He is in a strange place, surrounded by new people, having ideals and situations he has never experienced before thrust upon him.

Anyone with his past would find themselves hard pressed to catch their bearings immediately. As soon as things begin to pick up and move along faster, the changes will become more obvious after a while.