Trickster Chapter Three
--
Harry looked at the list of supplies. A man named Hagrid was with him. Snape was busy today, as he was brewing some potions for the school. Hagrid was sent for him to help him get his things, it was a week after he'd been tested. He didn't know why, as he knew Diagon Alley and Knockturne Alley better than most, as he lived here…anyhow, Hagrid was terribly nice.
"So, Harry, where would you like to go first?"
"Robes please." Harry said with a small smile, slipping his hand into Hagrid's. The man gave him a warm smile. Even though the man towered over the rest of the people around here, he was as gentle as a mouse it seemed. Appearances can be deceiving, and Harry certainly knew that. The man was probably used to the first years being scared of him because he was so big, but Harry didn't mind.
They walked into the robe shop. Hagrid grinned. "I'll wait outside for you, oh, I know, I'll get us some ice cream while you're getting fitted!" Harry grinned, watching the man go, and he went inside the shop. He glanced at the blonde boy being fitted. He knew immediately it was a Malfoy, how could he not, with the boy's hair…
He sat down and watched Madam Malkin. "Hello there dear, I'll be there in a moment…haven't seen you in a while." Harry grinned. "I'm doing just fine, how's the sleeping draughts doing for you?"
"Just fine, just fine. The taste is a bit chalky, but oh well…." She murmured, pinning back a seam. The blonde looked at him. "First year?"
Harry shrugged, sitting down. " My first year as an Apprentice anyhow."
Madam Malkin looked at him with bright eyes. "Is that right dear? I heard someone got an apprenticeship this year…"
"Yeah, that's me." Harry murmured with a small smile.
"So, what house will you be sorted into?" The blonde said with a charming smile.
"Don't know. I really haven't thought of it." Harry said, following the blonde's gaze out the window. Hagrid was there, holding out their ice creams. Harry grinned.
"You know that man?"
Harry turned back to the blonde, frowning at his tone. "Yes, that's Hagrid. He's very nice, he works at Hogwarts."
"Hagrid? My father told me he likes to get drunk and set his bed on fire, the oaf…"
Harry scowled. "That's not very nice…" Madam Malkin pursed her lips.
"You're all done Mr. Malfoy."
The blonde hopped off the stool. "I'm Draco. Draco Malfoy."
"Harry."
The blonde arched an eyebrow. "You must be one of those Knockturne urchins if you've got an apprenticeship, and no last name…see you at school…"
He walked out the store, and Harry stood on the stool. Madam Malkin sighed. "That boy…"
"They're Malfoys. They think they rule the world…well, Malfoy is in for a surprise." Harry smirked. She looked up at him, pausing as she raised the hem on his robes.
"Why is that dear?"
"Well, I suppose you could call me one of…those, but I'm also Harry Potter. He just messed with the wrong person."
She stared at him, her eyes widening. "Are you really? You've been around for years under everyone's noses…and…no one knew…"
Harry just grinned. "Yep."
She chuckled, going back to work. "So much like your father. Such a trickster. Well, I still think you're a nice boy. I wont tell a soul, dear."
--
Harry had fun with Hagrid, getting his supplies. They spent the most time at the bookstore, going over his booklist. Harry was actually going to buy his books for once, rather than reading them there in the store…he got a pretty good deal on some of them second hand. What's the point of buying new ones if the old ones are just as good?
He also got an extra trunk. He already had a smaller one, and he'd decided to use the smaller one for extra ingredients. Hagrid had been telling him all day about all sorts of interesting creatures in the forbidden forest. Harry was going to use his time wisely at Hogwarts.
Hagrid had even gotten him a birthday present, a beautiful owl named Hedwig. Harry liked her very much, and promised Hagrid he would visit him every week for tea while they were at school. Hagrid liked that a lot, and Harry made a new friend.
--
The night before Harry left for Hogwarts, he scrubbed himself as much as he could in the bath, determined to get the last bit of Knockturne grime off of himself. He loved Knockturne, but from Malfoy's reaction, he knew that others didn't.
He washed his hair thoroughly and debated cutting it. It was midway down his back now, and was usually a tangled mess, but since he'd just washed it, it was alright. He brushed it and brushed it, until it wasn't wild looking anymore. He smiled faintly. He'd leave it down for the sorting, so he'd look alright, but he'd pull it back for classes.
He went to his little room in the cellar, sighing as he saw his school uniforms in his bigger trunk. More black robes. At least there'd be a bit of color, whichever house he'd be sorted into…would it be red and gold? Or navy and silver? Or black and yellow? Or even silver and green? He really had no idea. He didn't really know anyone who'd gone to Hogwarts.
--
Harry curled up in an empty compartment, affixing his Apprentice badge on his robes. It would be decorated in his house colors as well, once he was sorted. He smiled as he let Hedwig out of her cage, and pet her. She preened under his affections, her amber eyes closing in satisfaction. He jumped as the compartment door opened, revealing two red head twins and a black boy with dread locks. "Well hello there." One of the twins said with a grin.
"I'm Fred-"
"And He's George, and this is Lee Jordan."
Their friend waved as they sat down.
"Hello."
"You scared of spiders?"
Harry grinned. "Hardly. Let me put Hedwig back in her cage if you're going to let it out though." Harry put her back in the cage, setting her to the side.
Lee took out a box that had poked holes in it. "I think it's an Acromantula, I don't know, dad said it was big enough…"
The twins looked into the box. "Hmm…could be bigger…"
"Can I look?" Harry asked shyly.
One of the twins nodded. Harry peeked into the box and shook his head.
"Nope, not an Acromantula. That's a tarantula, looks like a Hawaiian red haired breed to me. Hagrid has some Acromantula in the forbidden forest though." Harry said with a grin, sitting back down.
"You know Hagrid? Aren't you a first year?"
Harry shrugged. "Sort of. I met Hagrid when he helped me get my supplies." Harry showed his pendant.
"Woah, you're an Apprentice, Bill was one too, the last one though, they don't do it very often…"
Harry shrugged. "So, what years are you guys in?"
"Third." All three boys replied.
"You're ickle Ronnie's age. He's a first year. Terribly scared of spiders though, wont go near them." Fred said with a wicked grin.
Harry laughed. "And you guys are probably to blame…"
"What's your name, anyhow?"
"Oh, Harry. Harry Potter. Sometimes people call me Kid, though."
The third years laughed. "Kid? Alright Kid, fine by us. Blood hell, we got Harry Potter here…you got the scar?"
Harry lifted his bangs for a moment, showing them the scar, replacing them just as the compartment door opened, showing a bushy haired girl and a round faced boy.
"Have any of you seen a toad? Neville's lost one."
They all shook their heads. Harry stood. "I'll help you look. Neville, is it? Neville Longbottom?"
The boy nodded with round eyes. Harry grinned, shaking his hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm Harry." He turned to the girl.
"You're Harry Potter! I've read all about you-" Harry held up a hand, giving her a small smile. "And most of it's wrong, I'm sure. Come on, let's go."
As the first years left, the twins and Lee grinned. "We have to corrupt him, he's gotta be brilliant if he's an Apprentice…we should write Bill!"
"Definitely."
--
Harry finally found the toad, Trevor, hidden away in a Hufflepuff's carriage, full of screaming girls. "Ew! Get it away-" Harry laughed, handing it to Neville as they went back out into the corridor.
"Thanks!" Neville said with a smile. Hermoine glanced to his badge. "What's that stand for?"
"Apprentice."
"Wow, they don't do that very often." Neville murmured.
"I read in Hogwart's a History that the last Apprentice was Bill Weasely-"
"Fred and George's older brother. Yeah, they told me earlier. They'll probably end up writing him."
"You must be really smart, I heard all sorts of rumors that you were being trained by the ministry…I also heard you were living off in the muggle world with some relatives too though…" Neville said.
Harry frowned. "No. I was, originally, living with relatives, but I ended up living in Knockturne Alley."
Both of their eyes widened. "What? No way…" Neville gasped.
Harry shrugged. "It's not so bad. I worked at an apothecary there, met a lot of interesting people…it's got a bad rep because it's such a poor area, but really, everyone's really nice."
Hermoine looked thoughtful, but didn't say anything.
Harry turned to her. "Granger, I've never heard a surname like that around here…it's either a French wizarding family or you're a muggle born."
She flushed. "Muggle born."
Harry smiled. "Nothing to be ashamed of, after all, my mum was a muggle born…where are you guys sitting?"
"Um…I don't really know them or anything…" Hermoine said sheepishly.
Neville spoke up. "I know one of them is Susan Bones, she's pretty nice. She's a neighbor of mine. Come on."
They wandered down the compartments, to where Hermoine and Neville left there things. Two girls were there, waiting anxiously. "We kept watch over your stuff, did you find Trevor?"
Neville held his toad up with a grin. "Yeah, Harry helped us find him."
Both girls' eyes widened as they looked to the other boy, but they both got over it quickly with a grin. "I'm Susan Bones."
"Hannah Abbott."
"Nice to meet you. Call me Harry." He glanced around the compartment for a moment, seeing everyone's trunks piled up together. "Well, we'll be getting there soon, I better head off and go get ready. It was nice to meet all of you."
--
Harry waited at the very end of the line while everyone was being sorted. It was traditional for the Apprentice to be sorted last, as it was sort of a good luck thing for the apprentice and the house they were in.
He glanced towards the House tables, and he noticed everyone staring at him. The red head in front of him kept glancing back at him. He sighed, looking away. He nearly missed his name being called.
"Potter, Harry."
Harry sat down nervously.
Harry Potter…wow. An amazing life you've led already…quite intriguing. I see your plans, and you will need a lot of help. You'll need a sense of fair play that Hufflepuff can offer you, but you'll also need a hard front to protect your cause, which Slytherin can provide. You have a brilliant mind, but you would tire quickly of Ravenclaw, as you have more practical uses for your knowledge…perhaps you could be a good influence and use to Gryffindor…they need someone like you…even if you are not here long... you shall be in GRYFFINDOR!
Harry smiled faintly as he took off the hat. He wondered what the hat meant by not being here long, perhaps because he was so far ahead in his studies. He barely noticed the cheers of his new house, as he glanced up to the Professor's table. He saw Snape scowling at his plate. He sighed, going to his table, sitting across from the twins.
They grinned at him widely. As the feat began, so did the introductions. Harry immediately noticed how boisterous and loud these Gryffindors were. They were easily the most hyper of the houses, and the ones that ate the most junk food and meat. He grew slightly nauseated at seeing Ronald Weasley, Fred and George's younger brother, eat his dinner. Apparently Fred saw his face and grinned. "Sorry you have to see that. That's Ron for you…" Ron made a face at them.
"This is Perfect Prefect Percy, fifth year. Hey…you're eating brussel sprouts!" George cried out.
Harry glanced around, seeing the Gryffindors staring at him in horror. Harry shoved another one in his mouth with a grin. "Now, now, Brussels' sprouts are good for you…" Percy said tilting his chin. Harry rolled his eyes.
"I'm a vegetarian. When you cut up dead slugs and stuff as much as I do growing up, you don't want to see…that." He pointed to Ron's half eaten steak and bacon sandwich, dripping in grease. He looked away pointedly.
Both of the twins shrugged, then turned to him. "So, Kid, where did you cut up the slugs at?"
Harry grinned. "I worked in an apothecary in Knockturne Alley."
"Wicked! We totally want to go there one day, but mum says-"
"It's dangerous. There are dark wizards there, and all sorts of creatures…" Percy said, cringing.
Harry scowled at the boy. "Hey, they are good people, just a little poor and down on their luck, but most of them are pretty nice. I should know, I lived there for years…"
The twins shook their heads sadly at Percy, turning back to Harry.
"We don't think like Perfect Percy at all. So…you worked in an Apothecary, bet you know all sorts of interesting potions…"
Harry grinned. "Yeah."
"Know any good pranking ones? Stuff that turns your skin yellow, or makes you fart uncontrollably spewing rainbow colored gas…"
Harry laughed. "I've never done potions like that, but I'd like to see how that works out…"
The twins grinned. "Yes! We've corrupted him, and the feast isn't even over…."
Harry giggled as the students quieted, waiting for the announcements to be made. Harry sighed, glancing over to the Professor's table, seeing a few of them looking his way with small smiles. He returned their smiles, glancing to the Professor. The man met his eyes, then looked back down with a frown.
Harry furrowed his brow, then a sharp pang hit his scar. He rubbed it. "Ow…"
Fred looked down at him. "You okay Kid?"
"Fine…I'm fine…"
--
Harry settled into the new dormitory, glad to see Neville there. He figured out with his schedule he'd have Transfiguration and Charms with Fred and George, Arithmicancy and Ancient Runes with Percy, and then his independent study classes would be the same period as his year. He probably pick up a couple of extra time slots with COMC and potions, as those were what he was most interested in right now.
Classes were…interesting. A lot of people, it seemed, expected him to show off his skills, but most of the Professors just let him work on his own in the corner with out a word. He'd often finish early and open up a book, or help Neville and Hermoine if they wanted him to. He never offered first, and he would provide help to those who needed it, but not do the work for them.
Potions was…different. It was his last class of the week, and he was going to go to Hagrid's this afternoon.
Harry arrived first, before all of the Slytherins and Gryffindors, and settled into a station near the cupboards. Snape came out of his office for a moment. "Sleeping Draughts and Headache Drafts. Make…four of each. You have until the end of class." He said curtly, going back into his office. Harry frowned at the door, then got up. By the time everyone came into the classroom, he was just setting up his cauldron.
Apparently there was a seating arrangement sort of thing, as all the Gryffindors settled near the door and in the back, and the Slytherins on the other side, incidentally, where Harry was sitting.
Harry was oblivious to the stares he was getting, as he was setting up his two cauldrons and preparing his ingredients. He knew these two potions by heart, he'd brewed enough of them over the years…
He jumped slightly as Snape banged the door open, and Harry's cutting knife paused as Snape made his speech. Harry closed his eyes at the man's voice. The way he described it, sounded so perfect, so…
"Potter!"
He jumped, opening his eyes. "Yes sir?" He croaked, flushing slightly.
"Where you just sleeping?!" Snape barked.
"Uh…no sir. I was just…thinking about what you were saying. I…think it's true sir…you can really feel all that…when…when you brew potions…" Harry stammered, feeling like a fool.
Snape rolled his eyes, turning away. Harry went back to preparing his ingredients. He chopped the leeches into neat pieces, clean and precise. He swept them to the side of his cutting board. He heard a Slytherin snicker behind him.
"What kind of cutting knife is that? I've got a proper one, pure silver…" Draco held up his cutting knife with a smirk.
Harry frowned. "I don't use a silver cutting knife with the potions I make, Malfoy." Harry murmured idly, continuing his work.
Malfoy and his two bulky buddies sneered at him. "Wolf, you afraid of silver?"
Harry's eyes flashed. "No. Shut your mouth Malfoy, I'm working." He snapped, turning back around, adding ingredients in, stirring one of the cauldrons.
Halfway through the class, the others started working on their own potions, and Snape finally made it to his work table. Harry was nearly done with one batch, and halfway through his other potion. Snape glanced into the cauldrons. He raised a brow, and looked to Harry. "Sufficient. The Sleeping draught color is off just slightly. Why?"
Harry fidgeted. "A half a stir difference. It would be too strong otherwise…sir. If this potion was for someone my age. If it was for an adult, a would continue the next half stir."
Snape nodded curtly. "And your Headache draft is just a bit thin."
"I changed the flavoring, so it'll be a little more palatable."
The man pursed his lips, glancing down at Harry's work station. "You use steel and copper tools. That could affect your work."
Harry nodded. "I'm used to working with these, sir, without silver, because of…"
"Ah, right, your old boss. Well, carry on then. But we will have a discussion on your tools in the near future."
Harry watched him go, heart pounding. Bloody hell, if that man was going to question everything he did…well, at least he hadn't blown anything up.
--
Harry went to Hagrid's hut along with Neville that afternoon. Hermoine was with some Ravenclaws in the library. "I'm having so much trouble in potions…could you help me Harry? I don't want my cauldron to melt again.." Neville said softly as they walked down to Hagrid's hut. He had bandages on his hands from his boil solution.
"I'll help you out Nev. I was planning on fixing up a night to work in the lab anyways, you can just join me then." Neville nodded. Harry knocked on Hagrid's door. The man grinned widely as he saw the boys. "Come in boys!"
They went inside, and Harry looked around. A dog came out of no where and tackled Neville, slobbering all over him. Harry laughed. "That must be Fang."
"Yup…Fang, get off the poor lad…"
Neville stood up, wiping the slobber on his robes. Harry looked around the cabin, staring in wonder at the plethora of ingredients stashed in the cabin. "Hagrid…you find all this in the forest?"
"Whadya mean Harry?" Harry silently pointed to the huge bundle of white unicorn hair hanging from the rafters. "Oh yeah, well, Unicorns get their hair caught on the trees all the time…"
Harry sighed. "You could get a lot of money for that, you know? I'd buy it from you."
Hagrid shook his head with a grin. "Now, Harry…tell me about your week. And who's your friend here?"
"Oh, sorry, this is Neville Longbottom. He's in Gryffindor too."
Hagrid grinned. "Nice to meet ya Neville. I was in Gryffindor too, you know. Your Gran was at Hogwarts when I was, just a few years ahead of me…nice lady. Knew your parents too, worked with them and Dumbledore…"
Neville flinched, looking down at his feet. "Er…sorry Neville. So, tea and biscuits boys?"
"Yes, thank you Hagrid." Harry said politely, watching the man work.
--
Harry eyed the unconscious troll on the ground carefully. "Troll parts are expensive." He muttered, almost to himself after the teachers had docked their points. McGonnagal gaped. "Well…" She looked to Snape. Snape was trying to keep from smiling. "Finder's fee Potter, you'll have to get Granger, Weasley and Longbottom to divide it up with you."
"Fine." He turned to the others hopefully. Hermoine was still shaken. "I…don't care…"
Neville gulped. "You go ahead Harry, I don't think I could stomach salvaging the parts anyhow."
Harry turned to Ron, who had a big grin. "How expensive are the parts?" Harry laughed. "Let's talk later." He looked to the Professor. "Can we drag this down to the dungeons for now, until Ron and I can salvage it?"
"Fine." Snape said shortly.
--
Ron quickly became a part of their little rag tag group. It seemed he had the stomach for salvaging things, like Harry, as long as they weren't spiders. Neville helped collect plants, and Hermoine seemed fine enough to research prices. When they found the Cerberus (aka. Fluffy), they got the twins help to help shave the dog of some of its fur. The twins thought it was one of the greatest gags, and something to tell their brothers about, shaving a Cerberus named Fluffy.
Hagrid was fine with it, saying Fluffy needed a haircut anyways.
Harry was doing very well in his classes, He was nearly to OWL level in his DADA classes. Snape was still being a hard ass when it came to his work, but Harry knew he was learning quite a bit under the 'Potions Genius'. The man never spoke about Knockturne with Harry. Harry had the impression no one knew about the man being there at one point.
Christmas rolled around, Harry and the Weasleys were pretty much the only ones who stayed behind in Gryffindor. Harry was very happy to get his sweater from Mrs. Weasley, and he'd gotten a letter from Bill.
Dear Harry Potter,
It's so strange to be writing you, but the twins have been telling me all about you since term started. You must be one hell of a kid to grow up in Knockturne and become an Apprentice. Professor Snape was the last one before me, he graduated from Hogwarts when I was in my second year. I heard about your adventures shaving a Cerberus and sharing troll parts with my brother…but if Ron can do the work, that's great.
It's a good job to be going into, and being at Hogwarts is a good place to go. I work in Egypt myself right now, I'm a cursebreaker with Gringott's. The Goblins are all right chaps, although they beat me every time at Poker. I'm sure you know how they are. They've talked about you before, they had no idea though, you were the Kid in Knockturne. They think you're an all right chap, which is saying something.
Mum most likely sent you a sweater, wear it, it's really warm. The twins will make you wear it if you don't. I heard about you guys and Charlie rescuing a baby dragon named Norbert…I wont even ask. It seems you kids get into more trouble than Charlie and I when we were your age.
Merry Christmas Kid, hope you like the gift.
Bill Weasley
Harry took out something wrapped from the small package Bill sent, and unfolded it carefully. He grinned widely. It was a basic rune set, one that was mostly used to build wards…this was great! Harry went to the next package, grinning on the present from Neville. They'd gotten each other the same thing. An empty muggle-like travel size tackle box to collect smaller items, mostly seeds and plant cuttings. He chuckled softly, going to the next package. There was no name tag.
He frowned, opening it. He gasped. It was a whole new set of cutting tools, with a leather carrying case…this was much too nice for class work though. All of the handles were made of Slate, and the tools themselves were made of shining, burnished, brand new steel. He hugged the set to himself, sighing. This had to be from the Professor.
He was almost reluctant to let it go, but he had to open the next gift. He gasped as he saw the invisibility cloak. Dead useful, this would be amazing…he slipped it on, and he saw Ron gape. "That's an invisibility cloak! Wow!" Harry chuckled, looking at the note that came with it. No name, again, but he knew it was from someone else.
He put his gifts away, and slipped his new sweater on, taking down his hair from it's usual ponytail. He and Ron dressed quickly, and went downstairs to see the twins pushing Percy into his sweater. They grinned as they saw Harry, and threw him a package. "From us to you, Harry! Open it up!" Harry grinned, opening it, and laughed at the small notebook there. "Fred and George's guide to pranking fun! Are you two trying to tell me something…" The twins grinned.
Harry shook his head. "Guys, maybe I will start up a pranking war one day, but I doubt it. I like to use my abilities for useful stuff." He kissed both of their cheeks. "But thank you anyways, I'm sure I'll get plenty of ideas."
Percy rolled his eyes, handing Harry a gift. Harry opened it, and raised a brow. "Hogwarts History of Apprentices…thank you Percy."
"You're welcome Harry. It's a biography on each of the Apprentices from Hogwarts, I was quite surprised to see some of the names in there, but there you have it. Quite a number of them graduated early, even."
Harry shrugged with a grin. "Well, I am in OWL level in a few of my classes."
Ron's jaw dropped. "You are? Are you taking the tests?"
"I'm trying to convince old McGonnagal to let me anyhow. Come on, let's get to breakfast."
--