Chapter 2 – Found
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"What do you mean we can't have the Potter vaults? The last heir to the Potter line was murdered leaving the vaults to the ministry." Cornelius Fudge was upset with the Goblins; there was a fortune in Galleons just waiting to be confiscated.
"The Goblin nation does not take kindly to those who make fraudulent claims to vaults and the gold within, Harry Potter was here to make a withdrawal just recently. Even if the customer was not Harry Potter he was the heir to the vaults as our magic has certified. Leave us Minister we have no time for your games."
/Scene Break/
Professor McGonagall was depressed as she entered Diagon Alley. She had warned Albus that those Muggles were the worst sort and he still left the poor child with them and now he was dead. Then Albus had some how convinced her not to check on the child for security reasons, assuring her that Figg was there to insure his safety and now Harry Potter was dead. Now Albus was plotting some game and having all the teachers put magical traps on the third floor for the next year's students. Albus must have been getting senile and everyone has missed his mental decline.
All she had to do was ensure that sufficient books were available at the book store for the new professor Quirrel. She was shocked when James Potter, no a miniature of James Potter exited the book store.
"Young man what is your name?
"Harry Potter Miss."
"Don't you know that you are supposed to be dead?
"Yes Miss I know, the last time Vernon hit me I died."
"We will not have any of that do you hear me? Come with me this instant."
"Yes Miss."
"You were hit by your Uncle?"
"Yes Miss."
"Didn't anyone ever visit you and ask how you were doing?"
"No Miss."
Any Scotsman in the area would have plugged his ears at the string of Gallic curse words that were echoing off the walls in Diagon Alley.
/Scene Break/
"Severus we have a problem with the death of Harry Potter." Albus Dumbledore exclaimed.
"How so Headmaster? I find it refreshing that there are no more Potters polluting our world." Snape sneered.
"The prophesy you dolt, this was not supposed to happen. We must now ensure that Neville Longbottom is involved further into this or all is lost. Prepare for Mr. Longbottom to take the place of Harry Potter in tackling the stone. We must find out if he has the backbone to do what must be done."
Snape just growled, shook his head and said, "As you wish Headmaster."
/Scene Break/
I am not going to let this continue or happen again was the thoughts of Professor McGonagall. She was not sure how she was going to do this but she was determined to help the child of one of her most favorite students. Lily Potter deserved more than what had happened to her and so did her son. Albus was planning something that involved Harry and Minerva McGonagall was going to help Harry Potter now that everyone thought he was dead.
After a meal at the Leaky Cauldron and a chat with Harry she had a plan and Harry liked what she proposed.
"I'm sorry to ask you Harry but what happened to your scar?"
"It just disappeared Miss just like my glasses."
"Now Harry if your going to live with me you must remain in our quarters and not leave."
"Yes Miss."
"If anyone asks you are my godson and your name is Harry McGonagall."
"Yes Miss."
"Now we are doing all this to make sure you are safe and don't go back to people like the Dursley's. I want you to live with me so I can train you and you will have access to a great library in Hogwarts."
"Yes Miss" I was pulling up memories of Hogwarts and the library and all the books I could read. Yes this was great.
What Professor McGonagall did not know was just how much help she would provide in a completely different way than she imagined. She knew when Harry went to school he would probably be recognized sooner or later. In the mean time she was going to make sure Harry got the training and the love he had missed over the last ten years.
/Scene Break/
I find Minerva stern but trying to help me. She has no idea that my staying hidden in her quarters until its time to go to school is only affecting my physical self. Well most of the time. My spirit self attended a lot of the classes and private meeting in the school. I finally got brave and talked to some of the students in my physical form. I was learning a lot about people and life. Her spare room in her quarters is much nicer than my cupboard and the house elves are funny but the elves do a great job cooking for me. I have memories of all of the teachers and Hogwarts and I am especially interested in Albus Dumbledore. Minerva unintentionally gives me insight into many things like the third floor games, who directed my parents to hide and where. One thing she referred to was a prophesy which I followed up on.
By now this ten-year old was mentally ahead of many if not all in the magical world. I had years of memories, books from my families vault and was being filled in by Minerva when I had questions. Her training helped me from being bored, nothing like changing a chair into a tiger to play with. I am still ten going on eleven but mentally I am now heading to thirty. I also love to listen in on everyone's conversations in my spirit form. With all this it was clear that there were plots upon plots and schemes intertwined with plans. The children had plans of how to get out of homework and classes. Plots were formed in Slytherin house how to get those dirty Gryffindor. I realized that as soon as I arrived at Hogwarts as a student all of this was mine to enjoy. I smiled to myself as I though how I was going to mess up all their plans. How could anything Dumbledore planned be applied to me, you could only die once.
I absorbed many of the memories from Tom and absorbed the Potter books all I had to do now was upgrade my body to an eleven year old and maybe a bit more, there were plenty of examples from all the students there at Hogwarts how I should look. First however there was a prophesy to be dealt with.
Minerva was becoming like a mother to me as she was really nice under that stern façade. She also gave me information that could not be easily gained from other sources even if she didn't realize it. I knew of things from Peeves at Hogwarts to the Order of the Phoenix involvement in the first war. Peeves was a happy memory as I terrified him on one occasion. He had been doing his stupid rhyming and throwing things at me. Of course most of this was in my physical form and it hurt or made a mess. One day I had enough and then he threw the open inkwell at me I went to my spirit form and the inkwell passed harmlessly through me. I don't really know whether i was in-between forms or it was just a fluke but Peeves charged forward to see why the inkwell passed through. I punched him in the nose which sent him screaming down the corridors. He is also a type of ghost and the punch should have not have landed. Other things I learned from Minerva was that Sirius Black was my godfather and being in Azkaban for helping Voldemort kill my parents. That made me look in the trunk with all the black ribbons for my parents death and I did not like what I found. Some jerk named Pettigrew was the trader.
As a spirit I disobeyed Minerva and left her quarters to explore where I could and to see how my memories could guide me. I of course got caught doing things that she got upset over. One time I saw a cat and summoned it to me, Minerva was not happy flying though the air in her cat form. She did believe it was time for me to get a wand as I apparently was powerful enough to use one. Another time she caught me down in the kitchens playing with the elves. Some of my spirit trips were very informative. One was the chamber under the school. I had found it one day when I was chasing Myrtle. Poor Basel had been locked in there for a long time. I cleared the collapsing exit and Basel made for the forest swearing never to return.
/Scene Break/
"Severus what have you found about Longbottom?
"Albus you have a squib on your hands. I have never seen anyone who was lacking in magical abilities more than Neville Longbottom."
"Surely you jest, the prophesy clearly indicates that it was him or Harry Potter and with Potter dead it must mean it is Longbottom. The prophesy says only Voldemort can kill or be killed by the one he marked."
"I wish Potter was dead but from what I gather from the Ministry that Potter is very much alive."
"That would be excellent news for sure. We will know come September as he must enroll in a school somewhere and I'm sure it will be here if he is still alive. I think I will check with Minerva over the letters and if one is out for Harry. Until then we only have Longbottom and the prophesy to work with. When I see him in person I will believe he is alive and insure he is enroled in Hogwarts."
"Must we endure another Potter here at Hogwarts." Snape moaned.
/Scene Break/
I left and faded to the Ministry of Magic and the Department of Mysteries, I needed to hear this fabled prophesy.
After listening to it I was royally pissed and destroyed the prophesy. How many had suffered over that stupid little prediction which was probably garbage. My memories indicated that Voldemort would indeed believe such tosh so I left him a new prophesy and headed back to where Minerva expected me to be.
/Scene Break/
I almost laughed when Minerva said I needed a wand or a stick to wave around and to say hocus pocus? Well if I must…so I dutifully went to Olivander's wand shop with her. Up front I must say I am not spoiled even after a year with Minerva. However, facts are facts and while I don't need a wand to do magic a wand is expected. The spooky old git was trying to do mind games right from the start but that did work. After trying most of the wands in the shop he drug out a wand that he knew would fit me. While I made small problems with the other wands he finally tried the one he really wanted me to try as his big finale.
I gave it a three year old temper tantrum. It was a wand of holly and phoenix feather which I made explode when I waved it in the air. That gave him a shock and he said, "Albus said that wand was a guaranteed fit for the-boy-who-lived, he even provided the Phoenix feather.
Minerva became upset with Dumbledore for some reason and told me that wand selection was put off until a wand crafter could be found. I finally ended up with a wand later which was a stick I picked up in the forest and polished up to look like a real wand. That was one of a few time Minerva did some serious talking about me leaving by myself to get the wand. The other was to the Headmaster over some of the Headmaster's questioning.
McGonagall's Flashback:
"Minerva, how good of you to join us on such notice."
"Yes you did ask for me to see you immediately, what can I do for you."
"I have heard of a strange young lad here at Hogwarts who apparently is not a student. He is quite interested in many things; would you know anything about the young lad?"
"Why would you be interested in a rumor over a young lad?"
"We know you are keeping the boy in your quarters as I have seen him entering just yesterday." Snape sneered.
"Oh my godson, yes, he is staying with me and will be starting school here this September."
"This is no kindergarten for lost children especially during summer break. Get rid of the brat." Snape snarled.
"You know that this is frowned upon Minerva and I must ask you to have him leave." Dumbledore replied.
"Very well Albus. I will be leaving with my god child but that will leave you to do all your own work Albus, as I shall not be here. You of course can draft Snape to do this work of course which will be on your desk…except the letters to the students which need to be done and sent out by owl."
"Yes, I believe we can make an exception in your case Minerva. Please do keep him from underfoot during the break." Dumbledore's eye twinkle intensified. "I didn't realize that you had any such ties."
"No Albus I do believe you are way to busy to notice a lot of things. Good day."
/Scene Break/
Minerva and I got along really well and she seemed happy that I was there. She talked of me going to school and staying with her in her quarters during school breaks and the two of us taking trips over the summer. She was my incentive to stay at Hogwarts.
"So we can take some trips to the sea and maybe a trip to the continent."
"That would be great; I have never been to the ocean or even a swimming pool."
"Well we will take care of that during your breaks. You understand that while you are in school you will have to live in the dormitory."
"Yes Miss but I can stay in my room here during the breaks?"
"Yes Harry dear, you have your personal room and can stay here during the breaks."
/Scene Break/
All of this was a big mistake. I was bored from the time I stepped on the train. After being a punching bag who lived in a cupboard and was use to being alone I did not take to several people trying to make friends with me. With their persistence I faded to Hogwarts and chatted with the ghosts until the sorting started. The sorting hat was yelling Slytherin before it touched my head; Riddle's evil must still broadcasted some serious bad vibes which I though was hilarious.
I stopped laughing when I got in the Slytherin common room, "Listen up you first years, my father is going to make your families lives hell if you don't do what I say."
Well all I could do was laugh, his two mini Trolls were intimidating but Draco Malfoy was a laugh. I had survived Dudley Dursley and Vernon for many years so Draco was nothing. I laughed in his face which sent the Trolls at me. Two stunners and a pox hex later the Trolls were snoozing on the floor and Draco was running to the hospital wing. I decided to increase my physical size in the very near future. That's when I officially met Snape.
"What is the meaning of this? Who did this?" Most of the room pointed to me.
"Not even two minutes in Slytherin and causing trouble McGonagall."
Snape made a big mistake about that time. He grabbed me like Vernon did and received a special delivery from my condensed magic; a very strong 'Depulso' erupted. Snape found himself slamming into the far wall of the Slytherin common room.
/Scene Break/
Professor McGonagall was discussing school matters with the Headmaster when Snape came charging into Dumbledore's office. "I demand that McGonagall be expelled for attacking a teacher."
"And what did an eleven year old do to a big bad teacher or are you referring to me?" McGonagall asked.
"This is not a joking matter the entire student body of Slytherin house saw this and if you won't do something Albus than I will." Snape stormed.
"Minerva please fetch Mr. McGonagall so we may hear his side of the story."
A few minutes later:
"Harry what did you do?"
"Nothing Miss, Malfoy and his two goons attacked me so I stunned his goons and hexed Malfoy. Then Snape grabbed me, honest I didn't do anything but my magic zapped him."
"Listen Harry this is important, tell your story but don't offer anything and don't get mad. There are a lot of things going on and I may have to bring them up. Don't offer any explications how you did anything. If you must a simple 'Yes that is correct' or 'No I believe that to be false' will suffice. Can you do that Harry?"
"Yes Miss."
Back in the Headmasters office:
"Ah Harry I have been wanting to meet with you as your parent were very good friends of mine." It appeared that the Headmaster had recognized Harry Potter. I was surprised at how quickly Miss reacted; Dumbledore knew I was a Potter.
Albus continued after there was no response from Harry. "Is it true you attacked a teacher?"
"I did not but my magic did when he grabbed me like my Uncle always did."
"Yes we have to do something about your Uncle as you will need to return there this summer as you will be unable to stay at Hogwarts."
I then realized what Minerva was talking about so I remained silent as she had insisted.
"I want him expelled" Snape yelled.
"I would shut your pie hole if I was you Severus, you have attacked a student and what appears to be accidental magic settled your hash."
"Now Minerva as his magical guardian…"
"Albus you are not his magical guardian as you well know and since I am and I will be here over all actions regarding Harry."
"Minerva who told you that fairy tail Harry is…"
"Albus I have seen the will of which was legally signed and I am listed as his godmother."
"You are mistaken Minerva any will the Potters may have made are locked in the family vaults and even Harry can not go there until he is seventeen."
"WHAT! Screamed Snape, it seemed that he had finally realized who Harry was.
"Harry did you obtain the will from the Potter family vault?" Minerva asked.
"Yes Miss."
"This is not possible." Dumbledore sputtered.
"Sorry Albus but the Goblins like Harry and the will has been filed with the ministry. Now I am checking for memory charms on myself at St Mungo."
"I don't care if Merlin is his godfather I want him expelled!" Snape yelled.
"Come Harry our business here is done and I think the elves have some ice cream that we can taste."
"Yes Miss." I kept a straight face but I was giggling up a storm inside.
"Albus why are you…" Snape was waved off by Dumbledore.
"Severus did you notice anything unusual about Harry Potter?"
"Other than he is more arrogant that his father…"
"No Severus, where is his famous scar?"
"So he is not really Harry Potter?"
"I have no doubt that he is Harry Potter but things have been messed with and I don't know what or by whom."
"Dam it Albus could you please say something in clear English and not your mystic mumbo-jumbo and how did you know he was a Potter?"
"Right now Severus we must wait and we best continue making the best of Neville Longbottom as a possible boy-who-lived."
"Miss you said memory charms and St. Mungo, I don't understand." I actually did understand but I wanted to make sure exactly what she was talking about.
"It's complicated Harry but some people use memory charms to make people forget or remember something that is not true. St Mungo has specialists that can detect such things."
"Did they find any on you Miss?"
"Yes Harry they found one big one that was put there eleven years ago."