Hello there! If you're reading this, I hoped you liked the Prologue. I'd like to thank everyone that either reviewed, story-alerted, and who put this story in their favourites. Are you wondering why the story's called Twin Trios? You'll be able to figure it out in this chapter if you look close enough. I apologies if there are still some mistakes.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. J.k. Rowling does. Also, if you see something that you did in one of your stories, it was not intentionally copied.
Thank you to my new Beta, HP Slash Luv.
Twin Trios
Chapter 1
Boy-Who-Lived's Birthday Approaches
By Rita Skeeter, Official Potter Reporter
Our savior's birthday approaches this Saturday. Percy Potter, best known for his defeat of You-Know-Who, will be celebrating his fifth birthday. He is having a public birthday party at 1, before he moves onto the more private events later that evening. The wizarding public is encouraged to attend, to show our hero that we remember him.
Harry James Potter, twin brother of the boy-who-lived, threw down the paper in disgust. He shouldn't be able to read that well at age four, almost five. However, since he had a brother who was famous for something that he had done before he could walk and talk, he was forced to lock himself in his room. Everything was always about Percy. All he did while in his room was read, read, read. That's why Harry has read every single magical theory book he could find. He had tried to do some magic, as he knew he had already done some accidental magic, but couldn't. He was too young. Was it fair that he was forced to do that? No. Was it fair that he had been forgotten for the favor of the wizarding world's savior? Not really. But he had learned to live with it. He had to.
"James, bring Percy inside," he heard his mother, Lily Potter call outside. "It's time for lunch."
Harry went into the kitchen without being called. Just as he entered, he saw the house elf Floppy disappearing with a loud crack. He did not even flinch. His mother enjoys cooking a lot, but his father didn't think it was right to have a witch in the Potter family cook like a common muggle. So they compromised. Lily could cook to her heart's desire, as long as Floppy the house elf helped her. One day, Harry had sneaked in on them. His mother had been cooking while Floppy was reading some sort of magazine. That was a weird sight.
James came into the house, Percy riding on his back. "What's for lunch Lily Flower?"
"I didn't feel like making you a feast," she answered, sort of playfully. "Just peanut butter sandwiches."
"Is there any extra?" James asked. "Sirius is coming-"
He was cut off as the fire place roared to life, the flames turning green. Harry thought his father should have really mentioned that earlier.
"JAMES POTTER!" yelled a very angry Lily Potter. Sirius Black appeared out of the flame, shaking soot of, just like a dog.
"Uncle Siri!" called out a little voice. Percy Potter jumped off his father's back and ran to his honorary uncle. After the betrayal by Peter Pettigrew, those who had known Sirius before would say that he had changed. His eyes still had the mischievous twinkle to them, but they also held shadows, shadows that tell you that he had seen things.
All thought of anger from Lily disappeared at the adorable sight of Percy hugging his uncle. If Harry didn't know that his brother had the intelligence level of a stick, he would have thought that it was set up.
"Happy Birthday kiddo," Uncle Sirius told him. James sent him and his son an appreciative look. Unfortunately Lily caught the look, and remembered that she was angry. The next fifteen minutes was spent yelling at James about how he should be more organized and should communicate with her more. It also turned out that she did not how extra sandwiches. Harry counted them all. There was enough for everyone but him and another person. His father, uncle, and brother started to pig out like it was all you could eat.
Lily turned to Harry. "Harry dear, our lunch is in the kitchen." With that, his mother walked out of the dining room and into the kitchen. Harry had always thought that maybe his mother was slyer then everyone thought.
Harry entered the kitchen, right behind his mother. Harry looked at the kitchen table, licking his lips in anticipation. On the table were peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Way better than just plain peanut butter, not that that's not good of course.
"I figured that your father would be having Sirius over without telling me, so I made enough for them and Sirius, and left ours in the kitchen," said his mother from behind. Harry was happy. He didn't think people paid that much attention to him.
!#$%^&*
2 Years Later
Harry was now 7 years old. His birthday had come and gone (along with Percy's annual party) and Harry was happy. After the incident two years ago, Harry and his mother Lily had gotten a lot closer.
"Hey Harry," called his mother. "How are you today?"
Harry looked at her and answered her how he answered her every day. "The same as yesterday."
His mother laughed her high-pitched, beautiful laugh that made father melt, offering her anything she needed. "Harry," she said a little more serious. "I think you're an intelligent boy."
Harry laughed, cutting her off. "You're my mom. You're bias."
His mother laughed again. "That may be true. However, I think you're smart enough to start learning some things about magic. Purebloods would normally learn this stuff as soon as they could talk, but since you're a half-blood, I thought that you should start a bit later."
Harry looked at her. "You… You mean lessons? For me? But I'm not good for anything. Dad told me so."
Mother laughed again. "You're father can be rather blind at times. Ever since we learned that Percy had survived the killing curse, all he's done is talk about him. I'm not so blind though. You're both our children; so therefore, you both should be treated equally. However, since James and… some other people—"
"You mean the whole wizarding world," Harry interrupted.
"Okay… Yes, the whole wizarding world can only see Percy Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived, and not Percy Potter, the child. But never mind that Harry. I want to teach you things, so that you aren't accused of riding on your brother's shoulder at Hogwarts."
"Fine," Harry replied. He looked up at his mother, and met her green eyes, identical to his. Then he broke out in a smile. "Well, what do you think I do up in my room? Sleep all day. No, I read books."
For the next hour, Harry and Lily went over some basic spells with the training wand that Lily stole-borrowed from his father. His mother was very impressed at all of the magical theory and wand techniques that he knew from his reading.
"That's just not possible!" cried his mother. He internally thought it was funny that she was so skeptical. Both her and father are powerful, so why shouldn't he be even more powerful than them both. It also helped that he was the magical heir of the Potter family.
"Wow." Harry's mother sat back in amazement. She had learned that… her son was very advanced for his age when it came to magic. He had been bored frequently and taught himself to read while she was still under that… evil piece of magic. She could only wish that it had been her that had taught him how to put the letters together to form words.
James and Percy ran into the room, as if they were escaping something, but stopped dead when they saw Harry on his mother's lap. Before James could make a comment, the fire turned green, interrupting the moment. Albus Dumbledore stepped out of it a moment later, quickly brushing the soot off his cloak and beard.
"Hello James, Lily. How is young Percy today?" Dumbledore spoke as if Harry wasn't in the same room. "I think that Percy is old enough to start practicing magic today. If he's going to be able to defeated Voldemort, then we better start early."
Lily remained quiet, while James nodded his head. "Of course he's ready. He did defeat You-Know-Who, after all." At those words, Percy puffed out his chest. Percy really wasn't that smart, even for his age, but he could tell when someone is giving him a complement.
Harry thought about that for a while. Dumbledore had come to give lessons the Percy, not him. Percy was the special one in the family. Maybe he could have lessons along with Percy, to become even better at magic then he already was.
"Mr. Dumbledore sir," Harry said timidly, acting like Percy. "Would it be okay if I came to lessons too? It would be good if I could defend myself because if Vol… Vol… You-Know-Who ever comes back; our family would be on the top of his hit list.
Dumbledore looked like he might consider it, and for a moment Harry felt a satisfying pit of victory starting to form in his stomach, but it was quickly squashed by his father.
"Of course you cannot boy!" He all but shouted. "Percy needs Professor Dumbledore's full attention, and you would only hinder it. Percy is going to be the one that You-Know-Who will come after, not you. It's going to be Percy that will have to kill You-Know-Who, not you. I've told you loads of times and will tell you again that you are useless and that you don't belong on the same level as Percy. You should just be thankful that we give you something to eat and a roof over your head."
James finished his rant. Harry could tell that he could've gone on longer but was starting to run out of breath. Then the words James had said registered in his mind, flooding his eyes with tears. Harry ran quickly out of the room, and the occupants could hear the door leading outside slam shut behind him. James looked horrified that he had just said that, even though he had meant every word.
"Well," Dumbledore said. "I'll leave now to let you solve your family issue. I'll be back tomorrow at 1 in the afternoon to start basic magical theory. I will have to pull some strings with some people to get Percy a practice wand, but it shouldn't be a big problem. Farewell." With a swish of his cloak, Dumbledore disappeared into the fireplace. With a flash of green light, Duumbledore was gone.
"JAMES POTTER," yelled a very angry Lily Potter. "YOU ARE SO SLEEPING ON THE COUCH!"
"Mommy," Percy said in an effort to distract his very angry mother from his father. "Have I shown you my new move on a broom? I go spino." Hearing what new, most likely dangerous move her other son could do on a broom was not what Lily Potter needed to hear.
"THAT'S IT!" she screamed, "EVERYBODY OUTSIDE". Without another word, James and Percy fled from the house, an angry witch not far behind them. Harry looked up from where he was sitting. His family skidded to a halt in front of him, his mother's eyes not quite glowing green like they got when she was angry. Percy tripped at the last second, nearly falling on a garden snake.
James looked and started to laugh. "Look at that Perce; you're crushing snakes even when you're young. With the right training, You-Know-Who shouldn't be a problem. After all, he's just a bigger snake." Harry rolled his eyes at the comment. Had it never occurred to his father that Percy might (and in Harry's opinion, most likely) get crushed by Voldemort? Obviously it had not. Harry was about to make a comment when he heard a voice.
$ Stupid human. He should watch where he's going. Great. Now the bigger one is laughing at me. Maybe I should teach him a lesson. $
The snake started to rear back, like it was going to strike Percy, or perhaps father. Father had now stopped laughing and was looking at the snake in fear. Harry also noticed that his mother's eyes also widened in fear a little. He had to stop the snake, but it was really cute in his opinion. He couldn't kill it.
$ Stop $ he cried, not really expecting it to work. After all, the only people that could talk to snakes would be parselmouthes. That's why he was very surprised and slightly scared when the snake stopped and turned his head at Harry.
$ You speak it? You speak the ancient and noble tongue of snakes? $ The snake asked.
$ I guess I do. I didn't know before today. $Harry replied to the snake.
$ Please don't hurt me, speaker sir. $ The snake begged. $ I will to anything to your satisfaction. $
Harry studied the snake a little. It was green and had green eyes. He came to his decision.
$ I'll tell you what. $ Harry hissed. $You go to my room. It's the one on the corner. It doesn't have a window, so you must get in some other way. There, I will talk to you. I have great plans for you. $
As the snake slithered away, Harry turned back to his family and looked at the reactions. They were very mixed. Percy was looking at him with a mixture confusion, jealousy and admiration. 'Well', Harry thought, 'he obviously doesn't know what just happened'. All three of those emotions would soon go away when he talked to father. They will then be replaced by hatred. Father was looking like he had just learned that Percy had been swallowed by a whale; beyond angry. Mother, also appeared angry in her body language and face, but Harry, knowing his mother so well and could see that she wasn't truly angry, and that she was even a little pleased. There was one thing that surprised him the most. He could see that she was not surprised at all. 'Why is my own mother not surprised that I can speak parseltongue, when it's the language of the Dark Arts?' Harry thought.
"HARRY JAMES POTTER," his father screamed. "GET TO YOUR ROOM NOW! YOU ARE NOT TO HAVE ANY FOOD FOR THREE DAYS."
Harry headed back to his little 5 by 5 bedroom. After a few minutes, Harry could hear one of his parents coming upstairs to lock the door. Instead of just locking the door, it opened, revealing his mother. She was carrying a letter. He looked at her.
"Harry dear, I'm going to leave you this note. You cannot open it yet. You will be able to open it on your eleventh birthday. I'm so proud."
Harry had no clue what to make of it. His mother was proud he could speak to snakes? What was wrong in the world? She was in Gryffindor for Merlin's sake, and she wasn't worried that her son could speak the language of Slytherin? While he was thinking about that, his mother left the room, locking the door behind her, leaving no room for questions.
Harry sat for a few hours on his bed. He knew that the Potter's were descendants from Godric Gryffindor. Gryffindor was known for his battle with his former best friend, Salazar Slytherin, who could speak to snakes. So why could he speak the language of his blood line's enemy? As Harry pondered the question, he was interrupted by a hissing noise. As he looked up, a snake appeared from under the door way.
$ Great speaker, I have done what you have asked. What will you do with me now? $ The snake asked. Harry thought for a moment before answering.
$ First, I have some questions for you. What's your name? Would you like to stay with me? Will you be my friend? $ Harry rhymed off three questions. The snake blinked for a moment then answered.
$ Great speaker, my name is Callidus. I would very much like to stay with you. It is not every day that a snake meets a speaker. Lastly, great speaker, I do not know what a friend is, so I cannot answer that question. $ Callidus answered.
Harry blinked in surprised. $ A friend is someone who you like and trust, out of your own free will. Nobody can force you to be a friend. I'll tell you what. Stick around here for a week, and let's see if we can become friends. On one condition though; you have to stop calling me great speaker, and call me Harry like a friend would. $
$ Yes $ hissed Callidus. $ Great... Harry, those terms are acceptable. Let's try $
So for the next week, Harry and Callidus hung around together. They had lots of together time, so much that when the week ended, they didn't even notice. By the time Harry remembered, it was a month later. He asked Callidus if he wanted to stay, even though it seemed a little pointless, when they had just been together for a month. Callidus said yes, and Harry and him became good friends.
!#$%^&*
2 Years Later
The last two years have gone by quickly for Harry. Callidus and Harry have been good for each other. Callidus allowed Harry to act more like a child, instead of the brother to the Boy-Who-Lived. Callidus was very thankful for the friendship. After all, it's good that such a powerful snake has friends, not just servants and allies.
Callidus wasn't sure of what type of snake he was. For as long as he could remember, he had been alone. Harry and Callidus had searched and searched the Potter's family library for an hour per day for every day in the last two years, and still couldn't find anything that matched Callidus. Until today.
$Harry, $ called Callidus. $It's my 5th birthday today. $
Harry smiled at his only friend. $Happy birthday Callidus. What would you like to do today? $
$I'd like to go exploring in the forest$ Callidus told Harry.
The two friends headed outside, with Callidus hidden up Harry's sleeve. Callidus, Harry noticed, has never stopped growing. He's just getting bigger and bigger. When Callidus and Harry had met, Callidus was just a foot, while now he was almost three feet. Harry could feel the difference.
As Harry walked into the forest, Callidus slithered down his arm, onto the ground. The twosome walked deeper into the forest. Harry could see all the green trees, birds sitting on their branches. The flowers were beautiful, but since it was a magical forest, the more beautiful, the more deadly they were. He did notice that there was a plant that was the main ingredient in a calming potion. Harry didn't even bother to remember what it was called though.
$Callidus, what do you think mum's doing right now? $ Harry asked. $She seemed happy the other day. I almost feel like she knows more then she lets on, and that she's not as innocent. To dad, she can't do anything wrong, but if you take a step back and look, she appears really devious. $
$Really Harry? Your mum looks perfectly nice to me. I don't see how she acts weird. $
Harry didn't answer, trailing off in thought. Lily Potter had always been nicer to Harry then she had been to Percy, even though he's the Boy-Who-Lived. Why was that? Sure, Harry was more like her in personality, but that doesn't change the fact that Percy is the one that defeated Voldemort. That's what any parent would dream about with their children, isn't it?
Harry was about to reply when a bright flash illuminated the forest. The bright light blinded Harry, but he could see that it was half white and half black. Harry could feel the magic head towards Callidus, than just disappear. Callidus was knocked unconscious.
"CALLIDUS," Harry cried out for his only friend. Not knowing what to do, Harry started to pet him, hoping that he would wake up soon. Time past, although how long, Harry didn't know. Harry looked on at his friend, hoping that he would wake. Finally, after what seemed like eternity, Callidus showed some signs of stirring.
$Callidus, wake up. You're the only friend I've got. Please don't die! $ Harry whispered, though it sounded like he had shouted. Callidus opened his eyes.
Harry noticed that something was different about Callidus. The first thing he could put his finger on was the eyes. Once, they were a brilliant green, not unlike Harry's. But now, they were a bright yellow. The second thing was that Callidus now carried himself with an air of great importance.
$Harry, $ he cried, nearly hysterical. $I know what kind of snake I am. Don't worry though; I can keep one of my eye lids over the eyes. No one will be able to notice them. Just don't send me away Harry, or hate me! Please, please! $
Harry was overwhelmed with all the requests. He had no idea what Callidus was talking about. Mentally, he started filing through the types of snakes that were green with yellows eyes, and never stopped growing (as far as Harry could tell). Harry couldn't find one.
$Okay Callidus. $ Callidus didn't seem to hear and kept talking fretfully. $Callidus! SHUT UP! What type of snake are you? $
Callidus gave Harry one more fearful look and said: $Baslisk$
!#$%^&*
Another Two Years later
"Harry," called up Lily Potter. "Percy," she also called, not as enthusiastically, "The mail's here. There might be a certain letter that you boys will want to see."
Harry dropped the book that he was reading and raced downstairs, hoping that he could grab the letter and get out before the spoiled brat (also known as his brother) got there. Unfortunately, Percy was already there, along with their father. Harry quietly slipped in so no one noticed and grabbed the letter that every eleven year old wizard looked forward to getting.
Dear Mr. H. Potter,
We are pleased to inform that you have been accepted into Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please look at and receive all of the items on the requirements sheet. The term begins September first, and we would like a reply no later than August 15.
Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry Requirements for first year students
Uniform:
Three sets of plain work robes (black)
One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)
Please place a name tag one your clothing.
Books:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk
History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A Begginers' Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
Maical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beats and Where to Find them by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble
Other Equipment:
1 Wand
1 Cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales
Students may also bring an owl, cat, or toad
FIRST YEAR STUDENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICK
"When are we going mum?" asked Percy. "Ray Weasley said that he was going the day they got their letters, and was hoping we could meet up. Please mum, dad? I haven't seen Ray in over five days!"
Harry bit back a laugh at his brother's whiny tone. It was very obvious that their mother has hated that tone for a long time, and using it is always a good way not to get what you want. It seems though, that his father knows this, as he quickly answered before mother could.
"Of course we can go today Prongslet. I'll call Sirius and Remus to see what they're doing today. We haven't been together to Diagon Alley in a long time."
James left the room, walking very fast, hoping to escape his wife's wrath. Harry caught his mother's annoyed glare before she put up her usual mask, the mask that made people think she was so harmless. After all, Lily Potter is only the muggleborn wife of James Potter, isn't she? That's what the world thinks. Even Harry's father thinks that. But Harry was the closest to her out of all of them, and he knew better.
"Great," said Lily. "We can all go and get you and Harry birthday presents. After all, it's both of your birthday's tomorrow, isn't it?"
Percy nodded, though not as enthusiastic this time. As far as the world was concerned, he was Percy Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived, the golden one. But to his mother, he was just Percy, her second favorite. Harry was her favorite, and she made no effort to hide it, since the whole world favored Percy. The rest of the world would be happy to forget about Harry and not give him any presents, but not Lily Potter. She always made sure to include Harry if he wanted to be included. Although that was not often, Percy still felt that since he was the one that defeated He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, so he should be treated like a king. Was there anything wrong with that?
Ten minutes later, the Potter family was all gathered in the floo room, preparing to floo to Diagon Alley. Inside of Harry's sleeve was his very fateful companion, not pet, snake, whose name is Callidus. When Harry had found out that Callidus was a basilisk, he had been frightened and ecstatic at the same time. It was not very often that a basilisk chose to be someone's companion. The last known wizard-basilisk companionship was Salazar Slytherin.
Percy went first. James quickly stepped forward to join him.
"Come on dad!" complained Percy. "Aren't I old enough to go alone for two minutes? It doesn't look very good when a savior like me has to go everywhere with his dad. Aren't I old enough? Please?"
James looked as though he would cave in to his son for a moment, but his paranoid, protective dad side overruled it.
"No." he said firmly. "Not until you're older and can prove that you can fight someone until help arrives." He added as Percy opened his mouth to protest.
Percy left without another word, quickly followed by James. Soon, it was just Lily and Harry.
"Harry," she said. "There's something that I need to tell you. I love you, and I love Percy. But everything changed on that Halloween night."
"We all know what happened on Halloween night, mum." Harry told her. She looked at him with eyes that mirrored his perfectly. She narrowed them a little, and spoke some more.
"No, you don't. Harry, can you remember when you were younger. Around two years old to five years old?"
Harry thought about it. He did remember, in fact. His whole family had ignored him in favor for Percy, which is what forced him to start reading to pass the time. That's the reason he knew so much magical theory. He couldn't back then, but now he can do wandless magic. Until that one day before his first birthday, when his mother had invited him into the kitchen for cookies. He never thought it would have changed his life the way it did.
"Yes," he said, nodding slowly. "I do remember being ignored."
Lily flinched. "That wasn't my fault. I was under a charm that made me want to pay more attention to Percy then you. I did not recognize the charm, which is why it took me so long to shake it off. I'm an expert in charms, but it seems that the person who cast it had forgotten that."
Harry considered for a moment. He looked deep into his mothers eyes, wanting to know whether she was telling the truth or not. To his surprise, it was as though he was sucked into a vision.
Flash Back
Harry saw his mother seating in the living room, reading the Daily Prophet. Harry could see that she was disgusted with whatever the paper was saying. As he got closer, he saw the headline and understood instantly.
'Percy Potter: The Savior Has Been Sent' Harry turned away in disgust, just like his mother. Just then the door creaked open, causing Lily to look up and instantly put on what Harry calls 'The Mask'. In entered James and Dumbledore.
Harry felt a surge of anger at Dumbledore. That was the man that had neglected him, never teaching him anything. He was pretty sure that was so he couldn't surpass Percy. It didn't matter though, since Harry had snuck into one of the lessons, and he could obviously see that he was far beyond perfect Percy.
"Here she is, Albus." Harry heard his father say.
"Yes perfect James. Thank you very much. I just want to talk to Lily in private."
James immediately left, closing the door softly behind him. Dumbledore turned his wand on Lily so fast that she couldn't react.
"Curo"
A flash of blue light came out of his wand and struck Lily. Harry saw that her eye went out of focus. Dumbledore approached her.
"I'm sorry Lily, but this is for the greater good. You are not to pay any attention to Harry, but give all your attention to Percy."
Harry could see that his mother was trying very hard to fight the spell, but couldn't manage to throw it off. Dumbledore, appearing satisfied, left the room.
Flash Back Ends
Harry came back to the present, as his mother gave out a strangled cry. As he made eye contact with her again, he could see that she had some sort of shield around her mind.
"Harry," she whispered. "Look at me."
Harry made eye contact again and suddenly found a sharp stab at his head. He grabbed his head.
"Amazing Harry," Lily told him. "I'll talk to you later about this. Let's go to Diagon alley before your brother and father start to wonder where we are. Oh, and you remember the memory that you saw?" Harry nodded. "The moral of that story is to never trust what Albus Dumbledore says, or does. He only thinks about the greater good, not the good of the people that serve him"
Without another word, Lily grabbed some floo powder and disappeared to Diagon alley. Harry quickly followed, though he wasn't very keen, since this meant his brother would be getting his photo taken, along with autographs. Harry knew that if he was ever famous, it would be for something that he did, and something that he remembered doing, not like his brother.
!#$%^&*
As Harry had predicted, his brother was surrounded by the media upon his arrival at the alley. He knew that tomorrow's Daily Prophet was going to have a double article, one about Percy getting his school supplies, and the other about Percy's birthday, just like they did each year.
Harry saw his mother motion to him to follow her out into the alley, while Percy and his father basked in the attention. That was fine with Harry. He quickly left, before anyone could make the connection with him and his brother, though he doubted it, since no one had before now.
"Where are we going first, mother?" Harry asked his mother in a gloomy tone. She smiled at him.
"We're going to Flourish and Blotts dear." She answered. Harry instantly brightened at the news that they were going to the book store.
"Mother," he said. "I've already read all these books on the list. I was wondering…" He hesitated a bit. "If… You could buy me Advanced Potion Making." Harry had been a little nervous about asking this question, because it would reveal just how far in potions he was.
Lily looked surprised, but not outraged as Harry had expected her to be. "Of course Harry. We'll get you what you need to learn. It wouldn't be good if the books that first years have to buy drag you down, would it?"
Harry and Lily finally reached the book store. Just before they entered, Harry looked back at his brother and his fans. As he expected he saw the Weasleys, all five of them. Percy, Fred, George, Ray and another girl that he didn't know. Percy looked at Percy with fascination, but still looked like he'd like to go buy his books. Fred and George both looked bored, but were whispering in hushed tones, like they were plotting something. Ray was with Percy, basking in the spotlight, enjoying the fame. Then girl, who must've been first Weasley girl in over six generations, was looking at Percy like a love struck fan girl. Then a movement caught Harry's eye.
The boy must've also been a Weasley. He was tall and thin, with a bunch of freckles, the Weasley trade mark. His clothes were visibly second handed, though they were noticeably worst then the rest of the family. Harry frowned. He had never seen this Weasley. He put the boy out of his mind and entered the book store.
As Harry entered, he saw many things, being the observant person he is. Harry saw that the witch at the counter was dragging her feet around, which probably meant that she still had to work another few hours. He saw a family of four, two parents and twin girls with bushy brown hair. The one looked really excited about the book store, while the other looked bored and wanted to get out of there. He also saw the reporter from the Daily Prophet, most likely hiding and waiting for Percy to come so he can ambush him with a photograph.
Lily and Harry headed towards the section labeled 'Hogwarts Books'. Harry quickly picked out the required books, along with a couple extra, like Advanced Potion Making, Charming the Opponent: How to use Charms in Battle and The Guide to Animagi. His mother raised an eyebrow at the last on, but didn't comment.
As they left the book store, Percy was just about to go in, along with all of his adoring fans. Harry had no clue why Percy enjoyed all the attention; all it did was hinder your shopping.
"Go ahead Harry," Lily said. "You know what Percy's about to do. Go to the Apothecary, and then I'll meet you at Ollivanders in an hour." Harry nodded his head in acknowledgment and quickly slipped away, just as he heard his brother say "Look, it's my mother." When he looked back he saw that his mother had put on The Mask and was surrounded by reporters.
Harry reached the Apothecary quickly, and quickly slipped inside. He approached the front counter.
"I have a potion ingredient I'd like to sell," he told the woman, whose back was turned.
"Okay, I'll be right with you." She called back. She turned around and saw Harry.
"Hello dear," she said. "Are you here for potions a Hogwarts cauldron? I'll be right with you once I deal with the person that said they had some ingredients."
"That would be me." Harry said coolly. The lady looked down in shock.
"It can't be you. You've got to be at Hogwarts still. Have you even started?" she asked.
"That is none of your concern. I've got basilisk venom, if that interests you. I could always go somewhere else."
The woman looked like she was going to have a heart attack. The little boy in front of her was claiming that he had basilisk venom. She decided to just play along with it, and then gently tell him he's mistaken. She'd only seen it once, and she was sure that she would recognize it.
"Well, let me see," she said as gently as she could. Harry glared at her and slowly reached into his pocket, withdrawing the venom. He watched as her face turned from shocked, to amazed, to curious.
"How… how… how did you get that!" she exclaimed, getting the attention of almost the whole shop.
"That's none of your business," Harry responded coolly. "This is the deal. You either give me 2500 galleons, no less, though you may raise the price if you'd like."
"Deal." Harry handed over the venom and in return she gave Harry 2500 galleons. "It's been a pleasure doing business with you." Harry noted with amusement that she was no longer treating him like a child.
As Harry walked away, heading for the door, he was stopped by a man. He had a long black cape-like robe, along with a hooked nose and greasy hair. He knew who it was immediately. Severus Snape, the potions teacher at Hogwarts. His father called him Snivellus. His mother calls him Severus. Harry decided that he would know him as Professor Snape, or Severus.
"You had some basilisk venom." He stated. His eyes were cold and calculating, trying to figure out the enigma before him. Harry could tell that he was trying to use legilimency on him. Harry internally smirked. He was at the level that he could disguise his shield, or project false thoughts. This time, though, he went for the former. Snape started to frown.
"Yes sir, I did." Harry replied. "How observant of you, considering that the sales lady basically told everyone in the store." Harry had been looking for a reaction, and he got one. Snape was surprised. It was barely visible, but after spending years of learning how to read his mother, he caught it. "And I have more of it." With that, he left the store.
!#$%^&*
Harry could see that his brother was already at Ollivanders, considering all the press that was surrounding it. He sneaked around the press and into the store. After all, he was just the brother of the boy who lived. Who cared about him? Percy was just finishing up as he got there. Quickly, after letting his mother see him (The Mask was still on), he disillusionment charm on himself.
"Congratulations!" Ollivander said. "Mister Potter, you're the proud new owner of a unicorn core, made of hawthorn, and it's 101/4 wand." Percy was looking very pleased with himself; Harry thought with amusement, as if he had just gotten the greatest thing in the world. Wands, Harry thought, were highly overrated. Someone just had to focus their magic while they're young and presto! Wandless magic capabilities.
"Go on, Percy, James, I'll meet you at home." James nodded in acknowledgment. Harry doubted that Percy even heard. As soon as they left the shop, so did all the press. Harry revealed himself.
"Hello Mister Potter." Ollivander said mildly. "Come for a wand?"
Harry really wanted to answer, 'Well duh! Why else would I be here?', but wisely kept his mouth shut and just agreed.
So they started. Wand after wand. After wand. Nothing matched. Finally, after an hour, even Lily was getting impatient, which said a lot to Harry.
"I wonder…" Ollivander said mysteriously. He left for the back of the shop and came back a moment later with a fancy looking box. It was stripped white and black. He wordlessly handed over the wand. Harry could almost feel his excitement. He took the wand. It was the one.
Sparks shot out of the end, forming different animals. The first one was a great snake, followed by a great red fiery bird. Next came a dark shape, completely covered with a cape, and after that came a great white horse, with a single horn on his head.
"What was that?" Harry asked hoarsely. Ollivander looked at him with awe, but instead of answering turned to Lily.
"I know what you are. I know who you are. Your son is going to be great. Teach him well." Then turning to Harry, he said, "Go to Hogwarts. The girl's bathroom on the second floor. There you will find your answers." Without another word, not even to make them pay for the wand, the paled faced, but excited Ollivander ushered them out of his store.
!#$%^&*
The last few weeks had been good to Harry, despite what happened at Ollivanders. He had tried to ask his mother what she was, but she refused to answer him. She wouldn't even give him a hint, knowing that he would most likely figure it out. Also, he realized after he left the store that Ollivander had never told him what his wand was made of.
Despite all that, Harry had been content, until today. He found out that they were holding a going away party for Percy, and every single person in the wizarding world was invited. His mother had somehow convinced him to come out and talk to people for an hour, though he didn't know why. Nobody would ever talk to him.
He watched in amusement as the younger children organized a quidditch game. It looked like Percy, Ray, Fred, George, and some other children that Harry didn't know where trying to play. Suddenly, a red head girl stormed away, after being shouted at by her brother and Percy. She was so upset that she didn't notice that she was going into the manor, which was off limits for the party. Harry quickly followed.
"Hey you!" he called. The girl stopped in the entrance hall. She realized where she was and started to panic. Harry realized that the girl was the same one that had been love struck with Percy in Diagon Alley.
"I'm so sorry," she said through all her tears. "The Boy-Who-Lived and my brother, Ray, wouldn't allow me to play Quidditch, 'because you're a girl.'" she said the last part in a high pitched voice, mocking Percy and Ray. Harry liked her already.
"It's okay." Harry said. "My brother is a jerk. It seems that yours is too. We can't choose our family." She smiled, and then looked sad.
"Not all of my family is mean. I have another brother, named Ron, who's shunned by mother for some unexplained reason. Maybe it's because he doesn't think that Slytherins are bad." Harry had a feeling that he would like Ron too. "He's Ray's twin…" She trailed off. Now Harry knew who that boy he had seen at Diagon alley was. Feeling that he should change the topic, Harry started to talk to her about Quidditch, not that he enjoyed it much. It turned out that the girl was a very devoted Holyhead Harpies fan. According to her, they were very good, and all girls. Harry knew all this but just listened to the girl talk.
Finally, it was time to go.
"Hey," Harry said casually. "What's your name?" The girl looked startled, but answered anyways.
"Ginny. Ginny Weasley" she told him. He nodded his head.
"Can I write to you during the school year?" asked Harry, feeling nervous and shy for the first time in his life. As he saw her nod her consent, he internally sighed in relief.
"Bye!"
!#$%^&*
Percy Potter Leaving for Hogwarts
By Rita Skeeter, the Official Potter Reporter.
Today is a monumental day for the wizarding world. Our savior, the one and only conqueror of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is finally going to Hogwarts. Percy Potter, age 11 will be sorted into his house this evening. The results and wagers are finally in. Most people say that there's a 99.9 percent chance of him going into Gryffindor…
A Hogwarts teacher threw down the paper. The little brat was coming to Hogwarts. The whole world knew that. What the world didn't know was that Percy Potter was never going back home at the end of the year.
That's chapter one. Please, once again, I don't mind constructive reviews, but I hate flames.