Disclaimer- I don't own Harry Potter. Neither do I own any other fictional character.

Legilimens-Chapter 5

As Harry turned nine the information he was receiving turned rather interesting. He was being educated on pureblood politics. Tom did not like politics he considered it risky and variable game in which one must have time patience, influence and a habit of parting with something in exchange ( something which Tom hated was parting with something he had even if it was no use to him whether it was knowledge, artifacts or money). Harry now knew how to keep his chin at the right angle when you want something done with no questions asked except the price of course. He now knew who he should contact and pay the right amount of money to get a certain job done, whether it was information gathering or it was an assassination. Just name the price and the results were always satisfactory until any conflict of interest occurred.

Another thing that he learned were certain simple wards such as a notice me not ward which did not cease until user stopped them. Another ward was a counter ward to ministry detection scheme. If applied correctly ministry wards cast at a place will not be able to track magic inside the perimeter of warded region.

It was something tom learnt in his fourth year so that certain magic could be performed and not tracked. Harry got the hint as now he could power runes without detection. Runes were another method of casting spells which were of higher quality but were not appreciated because quantity topped quality. Now a structured runic spell could be detected by ministry as it had wards around all known muggleborn residences. That way, if certain person tried something wandlessly (which themselves had ministry tracking charms) or removed tracking charm on wands while at Hogwarts they were still caught and a lovely pre-recorded letter was sent. But the ward stopped it.

He just needed some blood to make up for a quality ward stone, and a stone on which he could draw runes. Both were easy to find. He remembered how his mother had done something similar to protect him.

Drawing the runes on the stone slab and all around it in a circle harry pushed his magic to power his arrangement, the stone glowed red and the blood vanished, but if you looked carefully the stone now had a reddish black coating. The stone could not hold much magic but blood could. In fact blood was one of the best conductors used to channel magic. Once enchanted the runes become a part of stone. The stone itself now had the property of repelling. This was the brilliance of magic and its true power, it was not linear.

It was the reason magic was called magic, because it was not linear, unlike energy that could interconvert from one form to another; magic was all about bending reality itself. The rules that guide and govern the universe and various properties, the rules that shaped reality to what it was, those were the rules that can be bent by magic. It was true-magic, to change reality and laws of the universe itself to your own convenience. That was why Harry was confident to embrace his magic, it was also the reason that he had not run away from the magical world. Harry had thought about it and concluded that in a war among Magical and Non magical, if the world survived, than the magicals would win. Contrary to what most muggleborns believed, the wizards too had their own means of mass destruction. A single cursed object could kill many thousand people. It was one of the reasons why the ministry regulated knowledge. One single incantation of fiendfire would set fire to whole city and no amount of water would extinguish it. That was the reason a magical warding grid was used to monitor such spells. If out of hand, fiendfire had potential to do more damage than a nuke. It devoured and it devoured leaving nothing but charred remains behind. Cursed fire as it was, it was sentient and with the intent to first consume its target and its caster as its priorities, unless you could master it of course. The dark wizard who created fiendfire did it so that even if someone learnt of the incantation, the fire would kill him during testing. It was designed that way. A single knife could be enchanted to cut throats and it would float around and kill everything it came in contact with. What was more disturbing was that sharpening and cutting charms were put on most wizarding cutting tools, and floating charms that lasted years were put upon children toys, like Frisbees. Add both of them and you have a truly devastating weapon against muggles. Contrary to popular belief the wizards did have such counter measures in case the secret was out. Self preservation was enough to even make wizarding world sweat and work. The Aurors all had red robes that were enchanted against anti arrow charms, one could shoot as many non magical projectiles as they want and not one could reach it. Some muggleborns did try to take down the dark lord with grenades and guns, their bodies were neatly cut and thrown in mid of Diagon Alley, those masks and robes were magical for a reason not just to satisfy Tom's desire of dramatics. A non magical bomb simply could not pierce the enchantments; the enchantments if permanent would simply bend the rules of the universe, to counter them one would need magical explosion that would break through those counter measures. The spells added new rules to the material of cloth, such as –" impervious", then water or any other liquid listed with the charm would simply slide off, it would not make contact. Guns and cannons existed long enough for wizards to take notice.

Since his cupboard was not under detection and Harry was delighted! He wanted to try some spells to compare them to wandless magic. He was disgruntled to note that they were superior in terms of power required as they were more efficient, they had more limitations.

Now he could practice all the runes he wanted but for that he required some tools and material. It was easy to come by as all he required was wooden blocks and something to carve.

But it required practice and precision as once u carve a rune if carved wrong was best to be destroyed by non magical means as trying to cast reparo many times charged those runes and may yield devastating results.

All civilizations had their own set of runes , the Egyptian runes were used most commonly as they had structures built that had runes with their practical uses such as preservation, traps, protective enchantments etc. Not to mention the fact that many families had their own set of runes from which spells were created and hence were labeled family spells. During creation of such spells sometimes they were tied so that only a few could use them.

Hogwarts taught runes but never taught much practical use. Most of the time students were required to hand over essays over examples of how a certain rune was used at a certain place, never teaching the practical. It was irritating to Tom as he had to pursue warding independently along with writing assays which were sometimes specified in feats. Why were they asked to do so? He had suspicions that it was done to hold back muggleborns which would give rise to new pureblood houses in a few generations and hence they might start their own family spells.

Harry practiced carving and calligraphy to have a precise grasp of runes as they required great concentration. He soon had a small stone tied with a permanent notice me not charm that would make the others even ignore any smell and sound. It would only give away if someone was very specifically looking for a notice me not charm or if the person carrying the stone came in contact with someone. Also the user of stone, which is Harry, may make himself noticeable to someone.

Harry also performed a ritual that was undetectable and most purebloods used which made the body absorb all that was necessary from food leaving harmful ingredients, it also had the side effect of making all non magical poisons entering to leave the body and they were not absorbed in blood during digestion.

It was one of the reasons that purebloods had better looks. The ministry conveniently banned most rituals permitting them to be used only by healers for healing that did not mean it stopped people from performing them, but again all books were banned and the muggleborns would never enter knockturn alley, hence most muggleborns missed such benefits.

Sadly for Harry the runes that Tom remembered were not ordered and Harry did not have books, so he dare not create his own arrays, if something went wrong no one would be helping him.

Harry also started exercising as he was soon going to hit puberty. He was among the taller children for his age but Tom had impressed upon Harry that looking good was necessary if you had any political ambition, if you look good, people listen. Yeah humans, muggle or magical were stupid that way.

Harry was about 9 when he first started practicing apparition. Tom had learnt it and it took very less toll on ones magic. Harry started practicing and was able to do it about 2 months later silently and without any movement. It was a great feat, now he could travel anywhere without trouble.

Harry had a small stack of money buried in the garden acquired from his uncle of course over the years. He gathered the money and silently apparated in a small alley near leaky cauldron. Putting the notice me not stone to good use he reached the blank wall, pushing some magic to his fingers he silently tapped some innocent looking bricks and grinned as the wall parted. Silently he reached the bank and quickly deactivated the stone. The goblins were surprised as even they had not sensed anybody. But Harry marveled at their alertness. The stone was powerful but had Harry stepped upon the stairs he would have alerted the guards as the stairs were enchanted to do so.

Goblins were difficult to understand. If you paid the correct price they would do almost anything for you. But they were known to be treacherous. Even to their allies. They had somewhat unstable nature, one moment they would be your best friends but if they thought you were showing less cruelty they would turn on you. As long as you held something for them they would not betray you but if one did not take necessary precaution they would turn their back on you the moment the deal was completed.

They needed their fix of cruelty or you would be their next target. They were like a weapon which required seeing someone in pain, as long as you use it they were your best friends.

Wizards after the last rebellion had taken some precautions such as taking a magical oath from their leader (to whom goblins themselves gave a loyalty oath) and hence there were no more rebellions. The leader of last war with goblins had further taken the insight of stopping goblins from growing powerful by burning many of their libraries and research all the while killing many of their scholars and teachers. This brought the goblins to a dark age as the goblins had already lost their place in Africa and Asia where dwarves flourished. Asia had gone for Dwarves earlier as their population was more. Africa was somewhat on a treaty where banking was done by dwarves and all the pyramids found belonged to goblins to exploit.

Goblins led a long life and hence the birth rate too was low. Right now the goblins were SOMEWHAT civil because of the humiliating defeat and lack of resources. Even the incompetent ministry could raid the goblins and seize control. But the purebloods had cunningly not done so as Gringotts was a very good place to hide all Dark items as no goblin was allowed to enter a vault unless invited. IN short goblins respected power; they also had an uncanny ability to detect potential. Treachery ran deep in them and they had lost many wars just because they betrayed each other. A rebellion was once suppressed by throwing bags of gold on the battlefield such that it showered the goblins with gold. The goblins started picking gold and tried to escape leaving others to battle. Sadly for them the coins had a small parchment stuck with a disillusionment charm on them. Portkeys were a new invention in those times and the goblins never knew when they were portkeyed to a room full with spikes. Too many were killed that way and the coins were called the "Galleons of blood and greed". Considered unlucky by wizards they were kept in a museum where the owning family got a good amount of money over the years.

Harry currently had brown hair and blue eyes with his height increased to 5'2 looking like a third year. He confidently strode to a goblin and asked to change his pounds to galleons. Ignoring the rude behavior Harry walked back and out of gringotts. He went to Madam Malkins and bought a black cloak with hood. Wearing the cloak and he silently walked to Knockturn Alley where he went to second hand wand shop. The wands were piled as Gregorovitch's, Ollivanders etc. He made way to gregorovitch as he would buy an Ollivander wand at a later date and if he already had a Ollivander wand then Ollivander would know.

After some struggle he found one that suited him, a cherry with unicorn hair 9 ½ inches. Old wands did not have tracking charms. Paying 24 galleons for the wand after some bargain he went to check the price list and cursed. All the potent potion ingredients were very highly priced as ministry was breathing down on most people who dealt with them after the last war.

Harry wished he had more money and suddenly was assaulted by a new set of memories. In which Tom had hidden stashes of ingredients and money and covered the place with a fidelius. The fidelius was a complex bit of magic and the information was strictly suppressed by ministries all over Europe and America as when a place was protected by fidelius charm the place went out of reality, much like making a place unplottable. When a place was made unplottable it went out of phase but it could be detected by magical means if someone was nearby actively looking for it. Thus all the lost pyramids were found, but Fidelius Hid a place such that the place stopped existing for everyone but someone who the secret keeper told about. Only those who knew could interact with it. It was the Ultimate protection. Unless of course you were an idiot and made wrong choice of a keeper, or in Tom's case just unlucky, making himself secret keeper he had made 7 outlets for the same secret. Naturally due to the fusion Harry had access to the fidelius.

Quickly exiting the leaky cauldron Harry made his way back to the alley in muggle London and silently apparated to Voldemort's secret stash. He had acquired Himself about 3 million galleons and a huge amount potion ingredients. The place was built so that if Voldemort somehow lost the war he could flee and use this money and ingredients. The place had a small trunk with 6 locks and a hidden compartment just near the trunk was a crystal with runes engraved. Harry touched the crystal and pushed his magic in it, immediately the whole room was packed and arranged in his trunk. The first five had ingredients, some books and sixth had money. The last compartment had 4 rooms where one was heavily warded that could be used for rituals and dueling.

Harry was amazed on Voldemort's planning, he had thought about everything. No one knew of this place and Tom himself was the secret keeper.

Harry Pushed his magic again in the crystal, shrunk the trunk down and tapped it thrice with his wand and said a password in parseltongue which applied tracking charms on trunk tied to him and made the trunk resemble a simple silver ring on which one would not take another glance.

Exiting the small safe house, he apparated away. Soon the crystal glowed red and many creatures made of fire erupted burning everything down leaving no evidence. The Fiendire was a sure way to destroy all sort of evidence. Satisfied with a successful day he surrendered himself to sleep. The next day after school Harry went to leaky cauldron and made way to knockturn alley and to a pub. He reached to the bartender and spoke in a clear voice – "information worth 15000 is needed". It was a code that signified that a person was ready to pay at least the mentioned some for information and the price will not be less than that. The informer could ask for more if he wanted and a price could be settled. The barman gave a piercing look, shrugged his shoulders and discreetly directed him towards the stairs. Calling for someone to take his place the barman made his way the stairs and dragged Harry in a room. Picking Harry by his collar he directed his wand at Harry and asked aggressively –"Who sent you?" Harry smirked and banished the man wandlessly towards the wall and released his wand while sending a powerful stinging hex on the man's stomach. The men grabbed his stomach and Harry pocketed his wand. The man got up, smirked and asked – "Polyjuice?"

Harry merely nodded.

"Okay ask what do you want to know about"

"I need all information on Harry Potter, and the events surrounding the boy"

"Well I would ask for 5000 galleons for accurate information seeing this is not exactly what you have come to ask for is it?"

Harry handed him the required amount in an enlarged pouch and the man started without preamble-"The boy is really a gold mine for me as you are not the first person who has inquired about him over the years. The Potters went to hiding over Dumbledore's decision and were betrayed, apparently by Sirius Black. Many people disagree over it as Black and Potter were seen together over the years and Black was said to be disowned by family. The Ministry does not have any records of Trials and Black was sent to Azkaban without trial on testimony of Dumbledore stating that he was the secret keeper."

"Black was caught red handed laughing after blowing up about a dozen muggles. Out of the small group of close friends that Potter had only the werewolf remains. He currently runs errands for Dumbledore, finding people Dumbledore intends to find. He is a good tracker and has a good mind, said to be totally devoted to Dumbledore. Potter boy was sent to muggle relatives on basis of power magic evoked by "love" of his mother and is currently reported to live with them. The Potter wills was sealed by Dumbledore saying Harry would like to hear his parents last wishes when he was ready. Due to the euphoria induced by defeat of the Dark Lord most people did not question him saying "Dumbledore Knows the best for their savior". Potters files are sealed by the ministry and Dumbledore is supposed to visit him instead of child services so that he is not in danger".

"What about his Godfather or Godmother if any?"

"Black was his godfather and Alice Longbottom was Godmother. Both were unable to take care of child as Black is in Azkaban and Longbottom couple is in permanent spell damage ward of St. Mungo's"

"Good, now tell me about Longbottoms."

"The Longbottoms were both very powerful couple where Frankalin Longbottom and his wife were Aurors, well respected but both resigned and went into hiding about the same time as the is not known about who their secret Keeper was as there were no wards whatsoever when they were attacked and it could only happen when the secret keeper releases the secret to all. It is not known why this particular couple along with the potters went to hiding as no explanation was given about why Dark Lord targeted them. Though it is rumored about a prophecy in upper Death Eater circles and some do visit here for the Beauties and drinking loosens their tongues. Too bad you polyjuiced a child, you certainly would have enjoyed."

"Now here are 20,000 galleons, investigate about the cure of Longbottoms and their illness. Why have the mind healers not cured them, The cruciatus can induce temporary insanity when a person shuts himself , but it can be healed or else many of Dark Lords minions would not have survived, although many do have questionable sanity, and I want information within the week. Now take a secrecy oath."

With that settled Harry returned to his normal routine. Cooking breakfast, School, library, practice magic, cooking, practice and sleep.''

Another week went by and Harry returned to the bar. This time he had blonde hair and black eyes with tanned skin. He spoke to the barman- "I seek the fruits of my investment of 20,000"

The Barman nodded and they returned to the room upstairs-"Well?" Harry spoke impatiently.

The barman replied – "the Longbottom are in personal care of Senior Mind Healer Harold Diggle, older brother of Dedalus Diggle and Head of Noble House of Diggle. The younger brother is said to have no sense and ironically the older brother is a mind healer, he personally checked upon the Longbottoms upon Dumbledore's request and due to his seniority none of the younger healers have checked upon them as the man is said to be temperamental and no one wants to provoke him. The two brothers are on good terms with each other and are loyal to Dumbledore. House of Diggle has voted in favor Of Dumbledore since 1960. Here is a copy of records took me 3000 galleons to bribe the ministry and get hold of it. These records were there along with the records of victims of the Lestrange couple among the ministry trial transcripts. The visitor records show that they are visited by their son and Augusta Longbottom every Christmas."

Harry's mind went overdrive, surely the healers could not harm their patients due to oaths taken but the healers had the choice whether to treat, they could deny treating a patient if the patient did not pay for it. If Dumbledore sent the healer the reports could be falsified if Dumbledore falsified them. It was very convenient that both of his godparents were incapacitated and all leads went to Dumbledore. It was classic Dumbledore style of torture. Pretend to care for a person and then destroy them. Voldemort knew of Dumbledore's past with Grindelwald but did not have much proof as his time was spent in search for the child of prophecy. Dumbledore would have made a very sober and sad face then would have said his condolences with a voice full of emotion. As a way to repent he would have requested a favor from the senior mind healer and would have done it for free! Harry's face grew stonier and stonier as each second passed by.

After exiting the pub Harry returned to his cupboard. He had to plot. After about an hour an insane grin lit his face.

Authors Notes. – Someone said that it seemed that Voldemort was manipulating Harry. Of course he is manipulating Harry.

Didn't your parents manipulate you? Don't you manipulate your children?

YOU DO

Don't parents teach their children that one must not lie. All the while they teach their children to say thank you. They teach children to say thank you WHEN someone helps them in some way. They do not teach their children to say thank you when they feel grateful. OH no! They don't. You apologize if you bumped into someone, you say sorry , but were you really feeling sorry? Most of the Time you were not comes automatically out of one's mouth doesn't it? Almost mechanically one says sorry. At the time you say sorry , you do not mean it , you lie.

Believe me if you want to lie , simply think about the way you say sorry all the time for small things And tell the lie . It will be believable!

Everyone lies all the time but teaches their children not to lie! WHY? To make their own lives easier.

Don't parents force their beliefs upon their children. They show their child the world AS THEY see it. IN short They Manipulate.

A politician manipulates his way to the chair which he sits upon. He manipulated his way there.

When a child is taught right and wrong they are taught what the teacher believes is right and wrong. He manipulates the child to believe what He thinks is right and wrong. And believe me everyone has different opinion of right and wrong that they believe in according to their experience in life.

When Voldemort's soul joined harry, Harry too was desperate. A child would need guidance. Voldemort allowed the future being (HARRY) whom he would be a part of to form his own opinions according to WHAT Voldemort knew and made up a schedule for Harry so that Harry does not act childishly or hastily. IT does not do to give a child a Hand Grenade, teach him how to use it and forbid him to use it. HE WILL USE IT, hence the timetable of knowledge.

Voldemort thought what was best for him AND acted accordingly. He knew that all other options led to his destruction and he was selfish, felt abandoned because while he anchored the functioning piece he himself was at risk. Voldemort's soul piece in harry feared destruction as much as the original did hence he chose to become a part of greater being who was neither purely harry nor needed a mentor/guide and Voldemort filled the role, taught and is teaching Harry what he knows with a schedule so that Harry has time for practice and does not get overconfident. A person with knowledge and without practical experience would not do AND a person who had all the knowledge would learn the more FLASHY stuff instead of basics. Had harry retained all knowledge he would have Started practicing advanced curses without practicing control and simpler spells such as levitation.

Thank YOU for reading .

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