A/N: three chapters! Whoop whoop! BTW, I finally got a Beta, so there may be reposts of earlier chapters. Probably the first four. I'll let you know and warn you when I do so! :3

Disclaimer: I do not own these characters. I just trot them out. As a fanfiction, and a basic habit of being curious, I wonder what exactly goes on behind the scenes and what could have happened if… Well, you'll find out.

Warning: Dumbledore isn't necessarily EVIL in this (Big evil, not little evil) however, he is highly unscrupulous and manipulative. Weasley bashing may happen, and Granger bashing… It depends on what happens, I make no promises on them. Good Snape however. Don't know if that should be a warning.

Rating: K+ to T

"abcde…" – general conversation

"abdce"-Speaking a foreign language (Italian, French, Spanish, etc with the exception for Parseltongue)

Abcde- Thoughts

$abdce$- Parseltongue

A Rational Child

Chapter 3: Thievery and Schools?

Harry left the bank in a right temper. The goblin, which had sent his mail illegally to that unknown third party, had also sent money to the bastard. A headmaster, to his new found knowledge, who had only knew his parents distantly while they were in school and after it! A man who was also this Supreme Mugwump figure who had decided where he would go until the will could be read! However, with only four recipients, one of whom who didn't even know he was a recipient by the way, never made it into the bank as a pair in the past ten years! The facts made him suspicious, the facts made him furious, and quite frankly Harry James Potter, the newly emancipated eleven year old Baron of Little Well, felt a strong need for a cup of chamomile tea and an hour massage with his favorite masseuse. The only reason he hadn't lost complete and total control of his temper was because of the bank's immediate response, the beheading, and their subsequent agreement to look into the matter on the part of this Albus Dumbledore character. Harry was quite surprised by how easily he condemned the fool, but really he had got his correct punishment as per his people's laws.

"What do you make of it?" Severus asked his lips pressed together, the words gritted out harshly from between clenched teeth.

"What I make of it is that this is absolutely ridiculous!" Harry huffed. Tucked in his leather tote was a specially made bag that was linked one of his five personal money vaults allowing him to withdraw any specific amount he wanted at any time in any currency. "I've half a mind to…" He huffed in anger.

"I am in full agreement with you Mr. Potter," Severus said tightly. A tear stained letter was clenched in his fist, a secondary gift from Harry's mother, Severus' childhood best friend as Harry found out. "I find myself in need of a headache potion Mr. Potter, I have no doubt you are as well, so let us stop and get a cup of tea so we can evaluate just what the damages are." Harry nodded and allowed the professor to escort him into a small tea shop. They went straight to the back, no need to wait for someone to escort them to a table, and sat themselves into a quiet booth. A few moments later a waitress slipped over and quietly asked for their order. After an order for a pot of chamomile tea, a tray of biscuits and sandwiches, and a request for extra honey the pair stared at each.

"I find myself quite irritated." Harry stated. "The headache forming behind my eyes and at my temples does nothing to assist this matter in the slightest either." The Potion Master pulled out two slim vials in response to that tightly worded statement.

"Don't let it sit on your tongue, just take it in one go. The flavor is less than palatable." Severus said firmly. Harry took it, uncapped the vial before sniffing the contents curiously and doing exactly what the older wizard said. He grimaced but was relieved just as the waitress came back with their tea. Severus knocked his own vial back as well as Harry poured for both of them. Harry dropped a few large dollops of honey into his cup before adding a single spoon full of sugar and stirring while Severus took his plain. They both sipped for a few moments letting the potion and tea work their magic on them.

"What do you make of it?" Harry asked. "I find this to be highly peculiar and completely unwarranted. Especially, on the money stand point. I would understand if it was being sent to the Dursleys, however they received exactly two hundred and fifty pounds for me each month every month for the past four years. Previous to that it was two hundred and thirty. I know they aren't holding any back, if they were they'd be gloating or using it to buy even higher end items."

"It is strange." Severus admitted. "I have to admit something to you though, Mr. Potter… I believe I may have played a role in your parents' deaths." Severus had been thinking it over ever since they had entered the bank and been escorted to the back.

"How so?" Harry asked calmly. "Were they killed on an operative to save you or some other occasion of similar risk?"

"Actually… In the year before you were born, a prophecy was made and at the time I was on the opposite side of the war then your parents. I took it to your parents' killer, thinking it would be a great joke; however he was insane and believed every word. During the next meeting he announced the families that would be targeted. After that, I immediately switched sides. I couldn't bear to have your mother murdered and went to Dumbledore, the headmaster, about it. He moved them to safety, but it failed due to their hideaway being compromised." Severus admitted. Harry blinked and processed it.

"I see," Harry said thinking it over. "Was it a purposeful attempt on my parents' lives?" Severus' head jerked up and he started at the youth in shock.

"Of course not, I loved your mother like she was a sister, and though I despised your father, I wouldn't want any child to grow up fatherless. The seer who spoke the prophecy was a well-known fraud and drunk, I had no idea that my weak report would lead to such consequences." Severus said with complete honesty.

"Then you may absolve yourself from their deaths," Harry said removing his glasses and looking at Severus' dead in the eyes. It was remarkable how much he looks like his mother like this, Severus thought. "Such actions and decisions fall solely on the man who murdered them. Just as the fault for the illegal fraud and embezzlement of private funds belong solely on Supreme Mugwump and Headmaster Albus Dumbledore." Harry stated. Severus blinked and after a few moments gave a reluctant incline of his head. A long accustomed knot in his stomach and heart eased allowing for a feeling of lightness to encompass his self.

"Thank you, Mr. Potter," Severus said quietly. Harry offered a calm smile.

"Think nothing of it Professor."

The two were on their second and third cups respectively as they went through the files that Fangblade had given to younger wizard. Harry had seven homes, two were mansion estates that backed up against a forest, two regular houses (though one was the one in Godric's Hollow and Harry was in no way ever going to live there again), one a beach side cottage, a ski chateau, and a London penthouse. He had over thirteen millions galleons, or sixty-five million pounds of inheritance, and a vast amount of furniture, heirlooms, and items worth untold amounts. However, it was the items and the sheer amounts of them missing that infuriated Harry and Severus respectively.

For both of them it was the loss of large quantities money and parts of the Potter Library. Over five hundred thousand galleons, on top of the monetary costs set aside for his care, were missing, totally towards five hundred and twenty thousand galleons missing. A little over two and half million pounds, gone! The books were an insult to both of them on an intellectual level. Both made their livings and hobbies based off of books and the knowledge they held. To have dozens upon dozens of rare tomes, encyclopedias, and manuscripts taken without permission was absolutely rage inducing. However it was a number of items that finally set both Severus and Harry off. Over thirty different artifacts specific to Harry's family and parents were missing and presumably stolen, including his ancestral cloak, his parents' wedding rings, and their Family Book of Magics. Severus was angry to learn that a number of rare antiques, defense items, and Harry's family head ring were missing as well. Both quietly simmered as they drank their comfortably warm tea and plotted.

"I think you should choose another school besides Hogwarts, Harry," Severus said. The pair had forgone their usual reserve when they reached the part where part of the money had simply vanished for the sole purpose of the 'greater good.'

"I agree with you there, Severus," Harry said with a sigh. "It would be highly likely that the headmaster would try to manipulate me or attempt some underhanded maneuvering. Is it still possible, however, that's the question that needs to be answered, especially if the headmaster answered my mail to those schools and declined."

"Harry," Severus said, "the goblins are personally contacting all of the schools that might have sent an invitation, as well as magically recalling all mail sent to Dumbledore. Furthermore, the goblin responsible and his counterparts were all beheaded. There will be no more mistakes over this matter. While we have not known each other long, I was close to your mother and had the option on taking you in. I will do all I can to help. You know you are an intelligent and clever young man. Do not start doubting yourself now. It will all work out, have no fear. Even if you end up at Hogwarts more can be done than you suspect." Harry nodded and rubbed the rim of his cup in silent contemplation.

"Let's pick up a few supplies and books shall we? We won't know what we need specifically for another few days or so, but we can pick up other thing, can't we?" Harry asked. Severus nodded.

"Your book bag, trunk, casual Wizarding and formal Wizarding wear, and a few different supplies could be retrieved." Severus stated. Harry knocked back his last cup and demolished a chicken, tarragon, and cranberry sandwich with the single minded determination of a Scottish terrier.

"Let's go." Harry said picking up the tab to his new friend's protests.

Harry stared at the trunk in serious contemplation. He had passed the 'Hogwarts Bound Trunks!' and went straight to the back to the personalized options. Severus had nodded in agreement when he started asking whether or not a multi-compartment trunk with shrinking and feather-light charms was worth the price it was at. "What are you looking for?" A clerk asked in a bright manner after battling down seven years of well-placed fear of his former Potions Professor. He'd probably never been more grateful to score lower than an O in his life than he had been the summer before sixth year, former Ravenclaw or not.

"A catalogue would be much appreciated," Harry said, "one with all the spells that can be used in the build, the combinations, pricings, materials, overall designs, number of compartments and all security measures with extras." The clerk's eyes widened and he bustled away before coming back with a thick stack of parchment bound together with leather ties. Both Harry and Severus grimaced. They stared at the stack before their aggravated expression shifted to the clerk who looked at them not comprehending until it finally clicked.

"This way, sirs, we have a couch and table set up for your study." The clerk stuttered before steering them over. They sat down at the couch and discussed quietly the different makes and options. Harry finally decided on a two room sized compartments, two wardrobe sized compartments, four drawers, and eight cubby holes of varying sizes and purposes. The two room sized compartments would serve as sterile and protected places for Harry's books and potion supplies. The wardrobes worked for his clothing and any personal effects while the drawers and cubbies would be filled with a number of school, personal, and business odds and ends. The whole trunk was to be painted a handsome dark navy with sterling silver and white gold fixtures and had a silver griffin rearing with its wings swept open on the lid with Harry's initials on a banner clutched between its back claws with a Potter crest rising upon the creature's chest. The security feature added to the trunk made it impenetrable to anyone without Harry's special password, tap combination or key. The trunk would also be able to shrink and resize after a tap. Harry ended up paying fifty-seven galleons, or two hundred and eighty-five pounds, for it. However, the young pre-teen considered it a good buy. If he had bought a complete traveling set, like the Dursley's had or of a similar size to what the neat little trunk held, it would have probably cost another two to three hundred pounds in the lowest range. He then bought a matching leather satchel that came with expansion, feather-weight, and anti-theft charms on it. It was placed in the trunk and after handing over sixty-three galleons for both items they left for the next shop.

Two hours in the Apothecary, another three in the bookstore they stopped for dinner and agreed to meet later for clothing and the rest of the school required items once Harry had chosen where exactly he was going to attend. A quick apparation trip back to Harry's house had Harry bidding the professor a relaxed farewell and agreeing to be on the lookout for his owl. Severus left with a thought blossoming in his mind. There was practically no one at Hogwarts that could stand against the Headmaster when he was in one of his moods, except for one at her angriest. The head of Slytherin was quite positive that Minerva McGonagall, the Deputy Headmistress and Head of Gryffindor, would be animatedly displeased to learn just what the goblins had informed the pair during their meeting. In fact, Severus could almost say he looked forward to her reaction in the deepest, most vengeful parts of his mind. If she ended up taking the headmaster down a few pegs he may just make a pensieve memory of it and share it with Harry.

"ALBUS DID WHAT?!" Minerva shrieked in horror. "I can't believe that old coot!" She hissed angrily. "I told Albus about those Muggles, that they were no good. He brushed it off which worried me! Yet while I was worrying about poor Harry living with them he was stealing from the poor boy! Why the boy shouldn't be going here! Especially around that thieving manipulator! Stealing from a bairn!" Severus watched the older witch rant for several more moments, her hands moving increasingly aggravated motions and her accent gradually getting thicker and thicker, the Scottish burr almost swallowing her shouts. Finally she paused to take a breath, and Severus interrupted.

"Minerva," Severus said sharply, "do you think you can assist me in… Manipulating Albus?" The Scottish witch blinked.

"Manipulate the old goat? How?" She asked as she moved to take her seat once more. The pacing had certainly worn her out. Although a spritely fifty-six year old, her old war wounds had aged her body and it had a number of pains she hadn't expected to have until her eighties.

"Harry, as I've told you, is now considering one of the schools who sent him an admissions letter. There's roughly one month left until the new school year starts, and Harry might not even be here for it. I believe we should trick Albus into thinking Harry is coming to Hogwarts until the boy is away on a train, boat, whatever it may be, to his actual school. If Harry's options are not superior to Hogwarts I would like your support in shielding Harry from the headmaster's interference. I, and thus we, won't know for another few days, the goblins have to recall all the letters and check with the schools since there is the chance the headmaster declined in Harry's stead." Severus said.

"That's illegal!" She hissed.

"So is stealing his mail and housing aid for the past ten years." Severus replied. "Now," the wizard said leaning forward with a vicious smirk curving his lips. "Are you in? Or out?" The witch stared at her hands for a moment before clenching them.

"In."

Harry riffled through the letters. None of the schools had been declined it turned out, and over twenty had sent him acceptance letters. Well, twenty of the fifty-six had been forwarded after the goblins had gone through and found the best. They were organized on a small chart sheet in multiple categories; highest amount of graduates, highest grades, highest amount of costs, alphabetically by name, alphabetically by country, by the amount of classes, the number of deaths the school had per year due to accidents and the such… In all honest, it wasn't really a small chart but twelve pages of comparative analysis with references to different historical figures, how long the school had been open and their different mottos and purposes. Harry was surprised that Hogwarts wasn't so bad, even if the number of classes was lower than most of the rest, and focused mainly on British Wizards, instead internationally. It was number fourteen out of the twenty, however, and Harry quickly eliminated it as well as all the rest of the school under the top ten. He split the two piles into top five, and the bottom five. His final decisions were down to the school his parents had mentioned in their will, number three on the list, and Merlin's Institute for the Magically Gifted, which was number six before finally deciding on going with his parents' wishes and the higher ranked school. He glanced at the clock and realized it was twenty past ten with the Deputy Headmistress and Severus arriving at eleven. Quickly, he tidied the table up and left the two choices out before going to fix a tea tray. At exactly eleven there were three knocks. Harry opened it and ushered his guests into the living room before fetching the tea tray. The introductions were made, and the general small talk done over mini croissants, bite sized Danishes, and strong black tea.

"I'm sorry that you won't be attending Hogwarts," Minerva finally said after a brief discussion over a book Severus and Harry had picked up three days ago died off. Harry nodded before setting the cup back into its place on the saucer.

"I am as well, I was looking forward to seeing where my parents and their friends went to school," Harry admitted, "however. I do expect to do well at the Magical Academy for the Gifted, Intellectual, and Cultured in Alexandria."

"That's a fine school," Minerva said approvingly. "I went there for my Mastery, as did Pomona Sprout. If I remember correctly, I believe you as well Severus." The older witch glanced at her younger colleague who shook his head in a negative response.

"I went to their sister school in Paris actually. It's an excellent school, though, for those who wish to pursue the magical arts in all seriousness. It has superior labs, classrooms, and fields to practically any school in the world. It may only be three on the list, but that is because of the small entrance number, and the fact that it serves as a university well." Severus said calmly.

"Sounds fantastic for me," Harry said. "I just have to send my letter out today, and pick up my supplies."

"Well," Minerva said standing with Harry following, "it was a pleasure seeing you so grown up Mr. Potter. I remember you as a baby wide eyed and happy to have a doll dancing for you. Frankly, if I had known I was on the list for those who were supposed to take you in I would have snatched you away from here. But…" She studied his calm disposition, "I can see you don't need me for that any more. If anything, you're handling it on your own already. Do write me from time to time if you are free to. It would be nice to hear how you are progressing."

"I'll do that Professor McGonagall, thank you so much for stopping by and wishing me luck." Harry said with a friendly smile and a warm hand clasp. "Please have a safe trip back to Hogwarts."

"I will. Thank you, Mr. Potter. I look forward to your letters." Minerva said before leaving, giving the young man a comforting pat in farewell. Severus watched as Harry escorted her to the door before coming back and returning to collect the tea tray and removed it to the kitchen. Harry collected his coat, hat and bag before meeting Severus at the door.

"Are you prepared to leave, Harry?" Severus asked.

"Yes, thank you for your patience." Harry said before pulling his jacket and hat on before tossing his bag strap over his shoulder. Severus offered his arm and Harry took it firmly.

"We'll be returning to Gringotts before taking a port key to the World Bazaar in Cairo." Severus informed him. "We will be tending your acceptance to the goblins as well, and they'll inform their liaison who, in turn, will notify the school. Now, we shall be going, hold onto my arm Harry. Now, on the count of three we shall depart; one, two, and… three!" With a subtle pop they disappeared from Privet Drive and with another pop reappeared in the marble foyer of Gringotts. Stepping out of the designated area for apparations they approached the teller in charge of port keys.

"Here is your port key Mr. Potter, Professor Snape," the goblin said after they greeted him and asked for the specially made item. Not many wizards went to school internationally; the culture in Britain made it much too reclusive and awkwardly backward to allow for it.

"Thank you," Harry said politely taking hold of the slender chain with his older acquaintance.

"You will leave once you say, Cairo sirs, have a safe trip." The goblin said without sincerity. Harry nodded before Severus sneeringly said, "Cairo." They vanished.

"Wizards," the goblin spat.