Trickster Chapter 4, a harry potter fanfic

Trickster Chapter Four

Harry was under his invisibility cloak yet again, hiding out in the restricted section. He'd been coming in regularly after he got the cloak. He'd known right away who Nicholas Flamel was, how could you not, but he was very interested in the study of Alchemy…quite interesting. However, the majority of the books on Alchemy were in the restricted section for some reason. He was so immersed in his book on Wei Boyang, a Chinese Alchemist, that he never heard someone come up behind him.

"Potter." Harry jumped, turning to see Snape looking down at him, well the space where he would be if he wasn't under the cloak. Harry took off the cloak, looking up at him.

"You do not have permission to be here Mr. Potter." Harry frowned, tilting the book towards the professor. "I was reading about alchemists. It's a quite interesting process, there aren't many of them around nowadays."

Snape frowned. "How are you in Gryffindor?"

Harry blinked at the blunt question. "Sir?"

"How are you in Gryffindor? I would have sworn you would have been a Ravenclaw or Slytherin."

Harry gave him a small smile. "I think I would have done quite well in any of the houses, probably the best in Slytherin, but…the hat said Gryffindor needed me."

Snape started to scowl. Harry chuckled softly. "Think about it…when was the last time the twins pulled off any pranks? And do you see Ron going into their shoes anytime soon? Hardly. They've been so busy helping me…and the same thing with Neville and Hermoine. Neville's gotten much better in potions because of me, and he's brilliant in Herbology…"

Harry looked down. "I want to test for my OWL's."

"You have plenty of time, Mr. Potter, there is no rush…"

Harry glared at him. "Liar. I'm sure you had to have heard about what we ran into in the forbidden forest, and you know someone is after the stone…"

The man sat down with a sigh. "Yes. I do. Your little friend set fire to my cloak."

Harry hid a smile. "Sorry sir. They all seem to think it's you, but I think it's Quirrell. Definitely. He was sitting right behind you. You…were trying to help me, weren't you?"

Snape nodded slowly, not meeting his eyes. Harry sighed. "I know you have a reputation and all that rot to uphold with the Slytherins, and I understand some of your actions towards me." Harry bit his lip, covering his small hand over Snape's.

"Thank you for the Christmas present. I…I really appreciate it."

The man looked at him in surprise. "How did you know…"

Harry rolled his eyes. "That comment right there, and how no one else could get me the proper standard set that I need."

Snape nodded, glancing at their hands. "You know you could test for your NEWTS in potions by the end of the year." Harry's eyes widened. "Really? Do…do you think I could manage to get my Apothecary license next year or so?"

"Depends on the class of the license. But…I will endeavor to help you."

Harry grinned. "Thank you sir."

Snape glanced to the cloak. "That was your father's."

Harry nodded. "I'm betting Dumbledore gave it to me. An invisibility cloak is awful dangerous to give to anyone, let alone someone my age, but who am I to complain?" Harry said with a wry grin. He closed the book. "Well, it's 2AM…I should really get to bed…"

"Allow me to escort you to the tower. Oh, and detention with me for the next month."

"Wow, so if you use the Samskaras Process, your potions will be even more purified and will remove the toxicity of plants…"

"Correct, that way your potions can work much quicker, and you'll have more room to experiment with flavoring and such… this was developed by the Ayurveda medicine men, in India. I've gone there before to study with the Rishi years ago, not many English potions masters know of this technique."

Harry grinned over the bubbling cauldron and looked to the Professor. "I don't think this is can really count as a detention."

Snape chuckled.

A)N: the Samskaras Process really is an ancient Process in Alchemy. I didn't just make it up. Everything like that I mention in this story has been researched either through the HP Lexicon or through various other online resources on Magic. :)

Harry and Snape were walking in the forbidden forest near dawn. Harry carried his box used for plant cuttings that Neville had given him, and Snape carried a basket. They stopped every so often and gathered items, Snape pointing out different species of plants that the forbidden forest held. It was freezing out, but neither of them noticed it. It was prime time to gather certain plants, as snow had just fallen, but had not killed certain plants just yet. The trees were bare, so it was easier to gather bark as well.

"See, the proper way of cutting off the bark of this tree is to do it by hand. This is a sacred tree, it is best not to use any tools on it. You also can only gather so much, it will hurt the tree." Harry nodded with a small smile, watching the man pry a bit of bark off the holly tree. Harry saw something move out of the corner of his eye.

He gulped. "Sir…I think something is in here…" Snape turned around, careful to hide his wand up his sleeve, the same with Harry. A centaur trotted out slowly. "Firenze."

"Professor Snape. Mr. Potter." Harry gave him a small smile.

"I never really got a chance to thank you from before…"

"Never you mind." Firenze glanced at the cuttings in Snape's basket.

"Gathering supplies again, Mr. Potter?"

Harry went slightly pink at the Look Snape gave him. "What?"

Snape rolled his eyes. Harry grinned, looking up at the Centaur. "So, how's it going Firenze?"

"Fine, just fine. You must not go into the forest alone any more Harry Potter, it is still very dangerous for you."

Harry sighed. "Alright."

"And do not bring any of those other foals, it's just as dangerous. Hagrid or the Professor here are fine protectors."

Harry and Snape both blushed slightly. "Um…thank you Firenze." Harry said quietly. Firenze nodded curtly to them before trotting off. Snape turned to Harry, arching a brow.

Harry just shrugged. "Um…I've been practicing gathering ingredients for some time now…I never really had access to stuff this fresh before."

Snape just sighed, and continued to take the bark off. "You will not go into the forest with out me or Hagrid accompanying you. Hagrid doesn't even have a wand, so only use him if I'm unavailable."

"yes sir." Harry murmured.

Harry sat down for his OWL's in Ancient Runes, Arithmicancy, and Potions. He only had the potions practical to complete, but it was quite amusing to see all of the fifth years glaring at him as he finished his essays for Ancient Runes and Arithmicancy early, checking them over for mistakes. The testers were very surprised to see him, but didn't say anything. His potions Owl went perfectly, and he went on to take his NEWT in potions as well. It was very hard, that was an understatement.

They were to write an essay on Veritaserum and another on the properties and comparisons of muggle herbs and magical ones on potions. Harry was the last to finish his essays, his writing getting cramped with all of the information he tried to fit on the parchment provided for them. On his practical, they had to brew the Draught of Living Death and Oblivious Unction, as well as identify ten other potions.

Harry woke in the hospital wing that night, exhausted from not only his exams, but from saving the day as well. He smirked as he felt a tugging on his hand. He had put a sticking charm on his hand that only he would be able to remove the Philosopher's stone from his hand. He opened his eyes to see Dumbledore trying to get the stone from his hand, with Madam Pomfrey, McGonnagal, and Snape trying to hide their smiles.

Harry cleared his throat. All of the professors jumped, and Dumbledore leant back. "Harry, my boy, you're awake!" Harry smiled as he sat up slowly.

"So…Quirrell is dead. And…Voldemort was possessing him." He gave a look to the Headmaster. "How could you not know?"

The Headmaster's jaw dropped in surprise. "Um…well, he hid it very carefully, I'm sure."

Harry sighed, frowning at his blankets. "Mr. Potter, could you remove the stone from your hand?"

Harry frowned. "Constant vigilance sir, I've met Moody. I want to hand it to Flamel myself. I'd like to meet the man I risked my life for anyhow."

He could hear McGonnagall sputtering, and Pomfrey was trying real hard not to laugh out loud. Dumbledore frowned. "I will contact him. He should be here within the next few days."

Dumbledore left, and Harry looked to the other Professors. Snape sat in the seat Dumbledore had just vacated and hit the back of Harry's head. "Stupid boy!"

"Ow!" Harry glared at Snape. "What was I supposed to do? I couldn't let Voldemort get the stone…"

Snape rolled his eyes, grumbling under his breath. McGonnagal pursed her lips. "You are very lucky, Mr. Potter. Very lucky. Not many first years could get past those defenses…"

"But we did. Come on, it was a total set up. I know you guys had to get Masters in your fields, you could have done much better than that. I'm guessing Dumbledore planned it all out." Harry murmured, rubbing the back of his head. "How are my friends?"

"Fine."

"I talked to the examiners. They cant wait to see what you wrote for your essays." McGonnagal said happily. Harry shrugged, looking down. "I've been writing with Bill Weasley, he's been recommending a lot of great books I want to read over the summer…"

"About this summer, what are your plans Mr. Potter?" McGonnagal said primly.

Harry frowned. "I'll probably be working in Diagon. Why?"

Dumbledore came back, his eyes twinkling. "Nicholas will be here tomorrow, as will his wife. They are very interested in meeting you."

Harry could see Snape gaping out of the corner of his eye. "Of course, Snape could be there as well, it's not very often one of the most famous Alchemists come to the school…"

"Of course." Dumbledore said quietly, glancing to Snape. Snape let a glimmer of excitement show through his eyes.

Harry glanced down to the ruby stone in his hand with a smile. "So you've met Moody?" McGonnagal asked.

Harry nodded. "Yeah, saw him all the time. Especcially in Knockturne, always checking to see if we had anything illegal." He rolled his eyes. "I like the man a lot, heard lots of stories about him. Good guy. Sometimes called me Deatheater spawn, but he called all the kids that." He chuckled, a grin spreading on his face as he looked at the professor's faces.

Dumbledore cleared his throat, looking somewhat uncomfortable. "Now, for this summer…I think you need to go back to the Dursely's. There are protections there-"

"No." Harry said, crossing his arms.

"But-"

"No."

"Then where will you-"

"I'm not going there, that's for sure. I'd rather go back to Knockturne."

"You are not going back to Knockturne, it's much too dangerous."

Harry looked away with a frown.

"He can stay with me Albus." Minerva murmured quietly.

Harry grinned, looking excited. Dumbledore frowned. "I don't know, it-"

"Albus, you put him there with those awful people, he's not going back-"

"YOU PUT ME THERE?!" All of the professors stared at the livid boy, Dumbledore looked immediately apologetic.

"I'm sorry Harry, but there was wards there-"

"You had to know how they were like, didn't my mother tell you at all how her sister hated her? I mean, come on, you had to see-"

McGonnagal and Pomfrey glared at the Headmaster. "Fine." Dumbledore said shortly, standing. "I will make arrangements for tomorrow."

Soon Pomfrey and McGonnagal left, leaving Harry and Snape alone. "Potter…you are some kid. Not many have stood up to the Headmaster like you have." Harry looked to the professor, seeing how tired looking he was.

Harry slipped his hand into the man's silently, not saying anything as he lied back down.

Harry was excited, Pomfrey and McGonnagal helping him dress in his best school robes, and Snape was straightening out his own robes. Harry brushed his hair out, putting it down just in time as the doors opened. Harry grinned, standing next to the Professors, watching a older couple walk towards them. They both had a twinkle in their eye and a spring in their step. He could hardly believe how old they were, they didn't look a day over sixty.

"Mr. Potter, a pleasure to meet you." Harry shook hands with them both, and they shook hands with the other professors. Dumbledore stood off the side, eyes twinkling full blast. Harry silently handed the stone over to Flamel. "Thank you Mr. Potter, for keeping it safe." He dropped it into a bag. His wife, Perenelle, handed Harry a shrunken trunk.

"We heard about your apprenticeship here at Hogwarts, and how well you're doing, we thought we could give you something to show our appreciation. The trunk and it's contents can be only used by you, and whomever else you think should have access." Flamel winked at Harry's ecstatic face.

"Thank you sir…this is…wow!"

"You're quite welcome. And thank you again, we quite appreciate it. We must be going soon, but keep a close eye on that trunk."

"I will sir."

Harry was packing up his things for the summer, and McGonnagal came into the dorm room. "Are you ready Harry?"

Harry nodded, grabbing Hedwig's cage. "So, where are we going anyways?"

She smiled. "One of my family cottages. It's one of our smaller properties, but it will be fine for just the two of us. Poppy might stop by occasionally, she's a cousin of mine."

"Really?"

Harry looked around the small cottage, and the amazing view of the mountains outside. "This is great!"

She smiled, levitating her trunk to her own room. "We have the study, where the floo is, a sitting room, the kitchen, the bath, and your room and my room. It's rather on the small side, I'm usually not here that often."

Harry shrugged, and started to drag his trunk. She spoke up with a smile. "However, there are wards on the property so you will be able to do magic."

Harry grinned, his eyes lighting up. "Wicked!" He levitated his trunk to his room.

Soon enough, there was a fixed schedule for the both of them. Harry was determined to take his OWL's in his other courses this year, and Minerva was only too happy to help him out. Minerva would do paperwork for the school while Harry worked on his essays in the mornings, and then after lunch, they would work on his transfiguration together. Once in a while Poppy would stop by and have tea with them.

Harry watched Poppy and Minerva (who insisted on him calling them by their first names while he was here) talking over tea. He caught a lot of the school gossip this way, and was quite amused to know how much of a drunk Trelawny was, or how Sinastra and Vector must have a thing going on between them, or how Hagrid got another new pet. Then Poppy started complaining about Dumbledore not giving enough money in the budget for the hospital wing, and Harry chuckled softly.

"What?"

"Um…well, I'm sorry to say it's my fault." Harry said sheepishly. "I don't mean to end up in the hospital wing so much, it's just…"

"I know dear…"

"I know how to brew a lot of the potions that are used there, I could just brew my own so you don't have to use all of them on me…"

"I don't think-"

"Maybe you could teach me a few healing spells, just a few quick ones, mind you, I would go to you if it was something important…"

Poppy and Minerva exchanged a glance. "Well…"

"Please?" Harry gave them the puppy dog look.

Minerva's mouth twitched at the sight. "You have quite enough going on Harry…maybe."

Harry grinned. "So when do we start?"

His exam results came back at breakfast one morning, and he dropped his teacup. Minerva arched a brow. "Well? How did you do?" She was trying to keep from yanking the paper from the boy so she could see.

"I…I got an O in Ancient Runes, and EE in Arithmicancy, and O in the theory and practical part in potions…" he shifted to another paper. "And on my NEWT potions, I got an O on both parts too!" He grinned widely, jumping up and down. Minerva laughed at the child like glee that Harry didn't normally display.

"That's wonderful Harry, you did extremely well." Harry grinned, hugging her. "This is great! I have to write the others!"

Minerva had to go back to the school shortly after Harry's birthday to get things settled there, so Harry and Hagrid went together to get Harry's supplies. They'd already gotten his new robes when they bumped into Hermoine and Neville outside the bookstore, which looked packed.

"What's going on in there?"

"Lockhart book signing. It's a mad house." Neville murmured. Harry sighed. "I have to get my books though…"

Hermoine snatched his booklist, and her eyes widened. "What's all this? Healing? Conjuration and OWL and NEWT level books? Harry…"

Harry just grinned. "Come on, I have to get my books…" Hagrid gulped. "I'll…stay out here Harry. Just a bit too crowded."

"Of course Hagrid, I'll be out soon." They bumped into the Weasleys inside, where Harry met Arthur, Molly, and Ginny. Ginny blushed and stammered as he shook her hand, but he didn't notice much, as Lockhart found him.

"Oh look! It's Harry Potter!" He yanked Harry close. "With you and me together, this is worth the front page!" A photographer snapped a picture, and Harry pushed the man away, making the man topple into a stack of books. Ron and the twins burst out laughing, getting loads of dirty looks from a lot of female witches.

Harry snapped his wand out as Lockhart smiled uneasily at him. "Sorry Harry, must have tripped there…here, have my whole collection, free of charge-" Harry frowned, taking the books. "I wont be in your classes anyways." He mumbled, giving the books to Ginny as he passed her silently, going to the NEWT section books.

He grabbed his textbooks quickly, still grumbling under his breath about Lockhart's cheesy smile and fake looking contacts, jumping slightly as a clerk spotted him.

"Little boy! I think you're in the wrong section-"

"No I'm not." Harry said shortly, grabbing another book.

"This is the NEWT section, unless you're picking up books from your older brother or sister-"

"I'm buying these books for myself." Harry snapped, bringing out his wand. The clerk saw his face. "Oh! Mr. Potter…but, your're only a second year…"

"I'm also an Apprentice. Trust me, I know which books I need to buy, leave me alone." Harry murmured, grabbing the last book.

He left the isle, frowning as he saw the Weasleys and Malfoys at a stand off. He shifted his books. They were in his way. He glanced around at the crowded store. "Excuse me…" He said quietly, not wanting to interrupt their fight.

He looked over the top of his books. "Could you please move? I...I cant get around you…"

Lucius Malfoy backed off with a greasy looking smile. "Mr. Potter."

"Mr. Malfoy."

Harry paid for his books, glancing over to see Malfoy and Weasley sr. brawling. He rolled his eyes, grinning at the clerk. "Find everything you're looking for Kid?"

"Yeah, just fine. One of your clerks thought I couldn't buy these books…"

"Sorry Kid, he's new, he didn't know."

Harry shrugged, grabbing his books.

Harry went outside. "Hagrid, I've got to make a stop in Knockturne to see some old friends…" "Now Harry, I'm not sure…"

"Didn't you say you had to get some flesh eating slug repellant?"

"Um…yeah…"

"Come on then, unless you want me to go alone…"

"Fine. But if there's anything…not right, I'm takin' you right out of there."

Harry sighed. They headed into Knockturne, and Harry grinned at a few Hags that walked past. "Kid, how are you doing? Oh, look at all the fancy books…"

Harry grinned. "I'm doing just fine, is Matilda in her shop?"

"Oh yes, she'd want to see you, go on Kid."

Hagrid followed Harry, slightly unnerved to see the boy so friendly with all the people here. They went into a dusty looking bookshop, and an old woman at the counter grinned widely. "Harry, how are you?"

"Just fine, just fine…" He set his books on the counter, handing the woman three shrunken trunks. "Let the kids have a look at these, I'll send some more by Christmas. How are they doing?"

"Just fine, just fine, looks like you got a lot of books there yourself."

Harry laughed, patting them. "Yeah, you wont believe how well…" He saw her looking at Hagrid. "Oh, this is Hagrid!"

Matilda smiled. "Hello there dear. Harry told me about you in his letters. You're the nice man that works in the forest."

"That's right ma'am." Hagrid said, clearing his throat.

"Nice to meet you dear. I'm Matilda." She looked back to Harry. "I'll have Penny or one of the others unshrink this. You know that awful Umbridge woman is threatening to not allow the kids to get wands? It's terrible, just terrible, how else are they going to protect themselves…"

"That's awful, I wish there was something I could do…"

"You're doing enough dear. The books will be a big help to all of us. I wish you could have stopped by though, some of these sprites want to follow in your footsteps, being all important like you."

Harry laughed. "Hardly. I'm still in school myself. But at the rate I'm going, I might be out by next year. Hopefully I'll be able to get my license and open up Old Henry's place."

She gasped, grinning. "Wonderful, I can't wait to see the day."

"Well, Hagrid's gotta get something for the school, so I gotta go Matilda, take care of yourself."

"I will dearie, and stop by Maggie's, everyone should be there now…"

"Oh! That's right, come on Hagrid, we can stop there for lunch."

After Hagrid got his repellant, they stopped by Maggie's pub. Maggie grinned. "I just knew you'd be by! Good thing I stocked up on Butterbeer…" Harry rolled his eyes, greeting a large group of men that were playing cards.

"This is Hagrid. Hagrid, this is Maggie."

"Nice to meet you Hagrid. What would you like? We've got Firewhiskey…"

"A nice mead will be fine." Hagrid said, sitting down next to Harry.

As they ate their lunch, Harry told everyone about his adventures at Hogwarts. A lot of people were listening in, he didn't mind. As they left the pub, Hagrid spoke up. "They seem to know you pretty well."

"Yeah, well, most of them I knew from the shop. I wish I could help them out more, but I wont be able to until I come back…"

"Help?"

"Oh, wolfsbane. Not many people can do it, but Henry taught me a long time ago. Most of those people there were werewolves." Hagrid's eyes widened as they walked out of Knockturne.

"And I thought I had interestin' friends." Harry laughed, slipping his hand into Hagrid's.