Disclaimer: Err, I guess I don't own the adorable little munchkin but then again J.K brought him to us at 11…he's four now…#rubs chin thinking before grabbing him# MINE! MINE! MINE! Muahahahahahha!

Rejected Runespoor

Chapter 23

"Now wait inside here until you hear me tell the first years to 'Welcome to Hogwarts.' That's the beginning of the speech so you just have to sneak in from the side room okay?"

"Yes Professor McGonagall." Harry brushed down his robes as she shut the door before turning to the room and the single chair in it in front of a fire. The room wasn't lit but it didn't really need a light with the fire and it was cozy. And it was a nice place to think. Was he really trying too hard? Dark magic wasn't really what he needed. He just needed enough power to get away from here right? He could slow down…except he wanted to be leaving here as soon as possible. That was why he was rushing. That was why he needed the Dark magic. It would make him stronger faster.

Harry sighed, tucking his robes under himself carefully, and sat. He crossed his legs easily in a relaxed pose and sat back. He was supposed to have power as this world's icon right? He was rich and famous. Couldn't he play that? Get himself power, people. He frowned up at the ceiling, thinking. He had the look for it. Though next time he went back to Diagon Alley, depending on who he was with he'd try to get himself to somewhere he could buy more stuff he needed. He'd definitely have to go back to Knockturn. So he really was settling himself in for a while then. He couldn't do this all in a week. So, the question still was should he still hurry? Or take his time. He didn't like most of the people here, no didn't like any of them period.

But if he tried to do this quickly he'd soon be overrun by the Dark Arts. He had no practice, knowledge, skill. Nothing but raw power. He had no support behind him if his magic flopped. On the other hand, he'd be gone sooner. That was the only pro he could see. Wait, and he could get away from the old coot faster. Harry snorted back a laugh.

However, if he took his time, actually stayed at this school and learned as he was supposed to…he'd have access to Light magic. Gray magics. Dark magic. There was power here for him to take. People he could bring to his side. His 'easy' followers. After all he'd been gone for ten years and they still loved him. He had them without having to lead, physically there. After he had a power base and his skills honed he could leave this place and Dumbledore would not be able to touch him! He gave a wishful sigh. So what kind of time limit should he put on himself? There was much more to learn than just those books he had. They would take him less than a year. And he was sure there was more to it than this, what he'd learnt so far. Two years? Would two years be enough to get some people supporting him, separate from Dumbledore? He had hold. It would take at least three. This was a seven-year school. If he pushed himself like the students here didn't he could learn all this school had to offer and then some in three years. And if he actually spent the whole seven here…Well then after he left this school he could do whatever he wanted…whatever he wanted. Harry blinked sitting up suddenly. He could become the next Dark Lord. To hell with living in a forest! He could out Dumbledore, take over this Ministry they had. Rebuild everything however he wanted it.

Harry laughed softly. It was a nice thought. At the least he could leave, never be found again, and live out his life alone as he wished. At most he could rule the wizarding world and then some. But for now, his goal was just to get away. Maybe with time, more. But for now…three years. Three years is it.

He'd learn about politics. Make friends…as an icon for the wizarding world should. Get people behind him…at the same time, become powerful…hone his magic. After all wasn't that how…Dark Lords…were born?

Then Harry heard the noise of the first year students being shuttled into the room next door and stood straightening his robes. It was time to go. To become their Harry Potter. Or at least...to make them think that. He grinned wickedly.

AN: Short, and choppy. But I only realized I had to separate this from the Sorting when I realized it was going to get too long...I don't really like this chapter but it's all I have for you for now...if my writing of the TSS contest continues as it has been you'll only miss an update tomorrow intstead of three days because my story is almost over #grins#

http/ www. thesilversnitch .net /fic/ viewstory.php? sid9217

Irihi, I hope none of it got eaten...anyone else over 16#where that's legal age# and 18 may visit this site. That's the best I could do...there's a ':' before the slash and you have to add another / there too and then we move allll the way down to between the sid and the 9217 and put an equal sign...does everyone understand? #nods, nods, nods#