Chapter 2

Disclaimer: I own neither Stargate nor the Harry Potter franchise. 'Stargate' and 'Harry Potter' both belong to their respective creators. No infringement is intended and no profit is made. I own none of the characters associated with them as well. I simply write for my own personnel enjoyment.

April 26 1994

It had been a very interesting month for Harry Potter since he had been brained and smooched upon by his 'special' technological teacher. None the less he was very happy with the results. His entire life had turned upside down because of the 'upgrading' his brain had gone through as well as the memory download of advanced Alteran knowledge. The 1st level of the download only contained 1) the complete Alteran language, 2) Introductory sciences, 3) Basic Alteran History, 4) Mental arts and 5) a form of martial arts similar to Tai chi.

He had mastered the Alteran language within the first week after the download and after mastering the mental arts course a few days later a surprise had occurred. The memories had released a pre-recorded message from one of the members of the fascinating Alteran named Janus

'Flashback'

Harry Potter was sitting on his bed with curtains drawn around him meditating. He had learned that the Alteran mind arts course (1) that it was useful in many ways and came highly recommended. Right now he was trying to reach his mindscape that was basically a self-representation of his thoughts and memories. He had been doing it ever since acquiring Alteran knowledge and everyday he could feel himself getting closer and closer to something. Concentrating deeper he felt himself fall deeper and when he opened his eyes, he was floating in pitch black with small orbs floating here and there. In each orb he could see a memory of his life. A little further away was a large glowing cube with alteran script on its entire surface that was very slowly crumbling away at the top and forming an orb even as he observed it. He logically deduced that it must be the memory dump slowly unveiling itself.

Harry was very excited. All that daily effort of meditating had finally paid off. He had now completed the basic level mind arts technique he had been given and now combined with his completion of Alteran language all that remained to get the next memory dump would be Introductory sciences, Basic Alteran History and Martial arts.

His attention was diverted back to the Memory Cube when it 'puked' out a large glowing sphere that came swiftly towards him and unraveled into a translucent version of an Alteran. He recognized him as an Alteran due to his attire that was similar to what he had seen in the Alteran history course he was going through. Before he could do something the 'memory' spoke up

"Good evening Harry Potter. I am Janus of the Alterans and I was the one that sent this customized FERU to you. By now you have realized the purpose and potential of the device that was given to you. You must be wondering why? The answer is rather complicated but I shall attempt to simplify it for you." Janus Paused a while for Harry to absorb what he had been told before continuing.

"You see Alterans have many unique powers. Some are telepaths, some heal, others have heightened senses and more. I have the power of Foresight by which I can see possible future outcomes. In one of my visions I saw the plight that you will in and I decided to aid you a bit. I felt for your pain and struggles." Janus paused dramatically "However do not presume that I have done this only out of the goodness of my heart." He paused again to emphasize the seriousness of his words as Harry stiffened waiting for the bomb to drop. What would this 'generosity' cost him?

"Do not be alarmed. All that I ask of you is to listen to an offer that I will make once you've learned all there is to learn from FERU. You can then refuse my offer OR you can choose to accept it. The choice would be yours"

Harry sighed in relief at that. That was okay enough. Maybe the offer wouldn't be so bad. He knew the Alterans were a fair and wise race that although made mistakes, wouldn't be unjust to him. (2)

"There is also something else you should know. The reason why I sent this to you was because you and your kind , these 'wizards' as you call yourselves are actually the descendents of an Alteran who had left my home dimension and settled in your dimension. The reason he did this was because he wanted to get away form all the wars and especially our technology which he believed was the cause of our wars. He settled in your dimension especially because it was a dimension that had no sentient life forms anywhere at all. He took human refugees of different regions and cultures with him there, settled them down. We have reasons to believe that he destroyed any and all technology he had. This was also another reason why I helped you. Your people our future descendents and I hate to see the decaying state your society is in." stated Janus sadly "That is all for now. Finish the downloads and we shall converse again. I wish you success" Janus looked like he wanted to say more but then stopped and with that the memory of Janus dissolved away leaving me alone thoroughly surprised at what he had been told and wondering what this 'offer' could be.

He was actually a little relieved now because he knew within his limited experience in life that nothing came free. He was rather relieved to know that the price of this knowledge wouldn't be too harsh and even if it was he could simply say no.

While this message answered many questions, it also gave birth to mare. Who was their first Ancestor? Why was there no sentient life in this alternate universe?

He will simply have to find out.

End Flashback

April 26 1994

The students in the 3rd year divination class watched in shock as Hermione Granger, the most studious, obedient and student pet type student in their year stormed out of their divination classroom. No one had expected her of all students to stand up against a teacher much less quit a class.

Amongst the observers were her two best friends Ronald Weasley and Harry Potter. They had not been good friends to her recently because she had told the teachers about the Firebolt Broom he had been gifted unanimously and they had just recently reconciled their friendship. While Ron didn't think much on it as always, the same wasn't true for Harry Potter. Harry was actually feeling ashamed for his reaction towards Hermione. Sure he could blame it all on Ron but that would be a lie. He had understood that Hermione was only looking out for him and agreed with her internally but had still acted hurt and angry towards Hermione so that he could stay away from her and not get her suspicious about his sudden intelligence and improvement in studies.

'If I hadn't done that, she would've gone to the teachers with that as well! They would've simple taken away FERU and not understanding its purpose had kept it away for him or worse destroyed it. I can't risk that!.' Thought Harry still feeling guilty about the hurt his deception had caused Hermione.

He had only been partially successful in doing that because even if they didn't sit and talk together, they were still in the same class and improving as fast as he had by becoming one of the best students in class couldn't be something that Hermione would ignore. Still, now that things were back to normal he wanted to make it upto Hermione. Decision made Harry packed his stuff and stood up as well diverting the attention of the whole room towards him from the now empty exit.

"I quit" Said Harry simply and followed his bushy-haired friends example and left the room ignoring the protest of the teacher and well as Ron and the whispering going around. Once out he quickened his pace and called out to Hermione in front.

" What!" she snapped in anger as him. Looking closer he could see how tired and ragged she looked and it didn't make him feel any better. ' What I did had to be done' Harry repeated to himself. It didn't lessen his guilt any further. Seeing that he hadn't said anything she started to turn to walk away again.

"I quit too" said Harry seriously. Yep that stopped her all right. She whirled around again shocked brown curls flying around.

"Wh-What did you say?" she asked incredulously stuttering, her thoughts spinning, trying to understand his reasons

Harry moved forward and nudged her to come along as well "Come along now. We have to inform Professor McGonagall of our decisions. Let's see if she's in her office and you heard my right the first time. I quit" said Harry amused.

"But Why? " asked Hermione confused as she walked beside Harry. She knew how easy a subject it was for Harry and Ron to score in because of the fakeness involved. Why would he throw that away? It just didn't make any sense to her at all!

"If any one had reasons to follow you in leaving that incense filled pot-house, it was me. I have already enough death and suffering in my life for her to remind me of it again and again. I just didn't think it was possible to leave. And I couldn't just let you be alone for doing the right thing, Not again" lied Harry. He had thought about leaving Divination every time he had to attend and watch the Professor's pathetic attempt in acting. ' And now I don't have to waste time listening to fake death omens and have bridged my friend with Hermione. Two birds with one stone' thought Harry as they walked together towards the Deputy Headmistress' office.

Silence ensued as Hermione thought about what he had told her. Her thoughts were a jumble that she was desperately trying to untangle. Still a small part of her was very happy that for once her best friend had taken her side over something crucial and not taken the lazy way out by siding with Ron.

Hermione thought about the recent turn of events as she and Harry walked together towards the great hall to have lunch. After informing McGonagall of quitting Divination Harry had asked to study runes instead. The professor had at first denied him but after Hermione had jumped the wagon so to speak convincing McGonagall was easy and when Professor McGonagall agreed , Harry had asked if he could look through her notes. Hermione was delighted to have one of her friends with her in Runes!

Hermione knew that Harry was hiding something. She could feel it in her bones. His grades and general performance in class had steadily improved in the last month. She had wanted to ask him now but refrained from asking as to not destroy their rebuilding friendship. That didn't mean that she wouldn't keep a keen eye in him. All that she had to do was be patient. She knew he would get in trouble somehow and then he would need her help and in the process of it all she would find out what he was hiding. As always.

'I will find out what you're up to Harry' vowed Hermione to herself.

Unfortunately for Hermione she was soon too much engrossed in her far too many subjects and their far too many exam preparations. After all they were ONLY three months away.

In her office, Minerva McGonagall was thinking about the latest dilemma presented to her by her most trouble-magnet student Harry Potter. He and Ms. Granger had come to her and had had informed her of their leaving Divination. Minerva Chuckled at the thought of Sybil losing her latest target early this year. Every year she would pick a target, carefully choosing someone most accident prone and most unfortunate and after a year or two of tolerating her non-sense the targeted student would leave. The teachers had a betting pool going on how long this year's target Harry would stay and none had bet for him leaving earlier than 2 years. They usually could predict accurately even in the case of Harry Potter but recently Harry Potter had been even more surprising than usual.

The mediocre student had slowly in the past month shown such intelligence and dedication to mastering the magical arts that had most of the teachers surprisingly baffled. He had even started staying behind after class asking questions and details beyond their text book. Of course most teachers were more than happy too lend aid with the exception of a certain petty potions masters and herself. Snape was rather obvious in his bias against Harry and while the other teachers disapproved of Snape's actions there was nothing they could do as he had the protection and 'trust' of the Headmaster.

While Minerva was happy for Harry, she also felt guilty, Guilty because she knew why such a bright and Intellegent young lad hadn't shown his potential until now. She knew because she was the only one in the magical world who had seen first hand exactly what type of people the Dursleys were and she was the only one who had understood then what exactly the results of surrendering Harry Potter to them would be. She cursed the day that she had agreed with Albus to let those muggles raise Harry Potter. Tears silently streamed down her eyes as she felt for the young man. How much had been lost at the hands of those disgusting muggles?

'Never will I blindly follow Albus again.' Minerva vowed to herself

Now Harry Potter was changing, finally coming out of his shell, showing them and the rest of the world his true potential without hesitation. He was showing his potential without the threat of survival hanging over him. He was proving to all that could see that he was the child of James and Lily Potter beyond mere looks by showing Lily's bright inquisitive nature and James potent imagination.

Wiping her eyes dry Minerva reached in to her corner desk drawer to retrieve a brown leather covered notebook that she had kept there for more than 15 years. Opening it, she glanced quickly through the notes, ensuring that she had made the necessary amendments and additions to the material in the note book. She knew what she was about to do was reckless and highly irresponsible but the Gryffindor in her knew that the time was right and if she didn't do it now it would be too late for both the boy and the wizarding world.

Mind made up she wrote down a quick note and stuck it to the book with a sticking charm, summoned a school owl and tied the book to its leg and sent it off to deliver its package. That done she poured in to her glass a bit of her favorite drink and took a sip feeling very relaxed in a long time.

The notebook was an ordinary notebook in every physical aspect except for one tiny detail. Embossed on the leather cover in front of the notebook was the picture of a stag.

Seated on his usual spot at the head table sat the school's potion master Severus Snape and he was having the worst year of his life.

His life had been peaceful after the demise of the Dark Lord. Sure it was annoying to teach brats (specially the Gryffindor) but it was much more acceptable than the alternate. But like all good things in his life his peace came to abrupt shattering end with the return of Harry Potter to the very institute in which he teached. Every year something happened that caused far too much trouble and strife for him. First was the idiot Quirrel trying to steal the stone and Dumbledore ordering him to keep an eye on Quirrel. Then there was the sparkling Buffoon of a squib Lockhart and the whole 'Heir of Slytherin' business. And now Sirius Black the one man he hated as much as James Potter and his spawn was loose. Their childhood friend Remus Lupin was present in the castle as well, teaching the subject he wanted to teach the most. Together all these factors were enough to put him in a permanent angry mood. But NO! That wasn't the end of his torment. Te Potter brat had to contribute into it as well.

The cause for his latest fury was his usual target Harry Potter. Like the other professors he too had observed the brat's steady incline in class performance but unlike the other professors who fawned upon the brat he knew it was not true.

'Potter might have been able to pull the wool in front of all of others but not me! Potters! always arrogant in thinking they could get away with anything!' thought Severus in anger.

Snape knew that like his father the brat had somehow cheated. Naturally Snape had attempted to read the brat's mind to uncover the latest devious plot of Potter's spawn. He had failed miserably. Not only that but every time he had tried to probe Potter all he got for his well-meaning efforts was a blinding headache. Somehow the brat had learned Occlumency and was not only successfully keeping his probes at bay but also causing him headaches.

Snape's teeth clenched on fury at the audacity of the brat. He will make him pay!. He will discover exactly how he was cheating of it's the last thing he did.

Just then the cause of his anger trotted in to the great hall along with the mud-blood know-all-it Granger. Potter's eyes swept around the and for a brief second their eyes met and Snape unconsciously out of habit sent a legilimency probe in an attempt to learn his secrets only to wince in pain and avert his eyes as the probe was shredded viciously.

Wincing in pain, Snape got up and hurriedly left for his private potions lab in pursuit of his headache relief potion. Had he looked towards the cause of his headache he would've seen him frowning at his direction.

Harry frowned slightly as he silently ate his lunch ignoring the latest squabble between Ron and Hermione about why he shouldn't have left his divination class. His thoughts were on the recent mental assault from Snape.

It always happened the same way. Snape's eyes would bore into him demanding his secrets, a magical mental assault would come and be 'shredded'. He was thankful about the last part. The 'shredding' was an automated response provided by the Alteran knowledge dump whose sloe purpose was to destroy any form of mental probes that come looking for knowledge and information. While an Adult Alterans could easily defend themselves from invasive mind probes, their children were vulnerable to them, that was why such precautions existed in FERU downloads.

To Harry, this just added another point to his growing list of suspicions against people around him and his life in general. With his increased intelligence he had come to question many things that happened around him. The conclusions he had come to from them were:

1) His arch-nemesis Voldemort was still somehow partially alive and that given previous events someday he would succeed in his attempt to return to power. He would be his prime target.

2) Some one was trying to control his life by controlling factors around him ensuring he went in the specific direction they wanted him to go. He strongly suspected Dumbledore of this. He also wasn't sure if there were others involved which resulted in him not trusting most of the elders he knew.

3) In the wizarding world power meant everything. The more power one had, the less the rules mattered (much more so than the regular world)

4) In the wizarding society there was little justice. Proof was the example of Hagrid being prisoned in the dreaded Azkaban prison last year only on the basis of suspicion.

5) The wizarding world's mindset was clearly setup in two ways. One was either a sheep OR one was a Wolf. The wolves had complete control over the sheep and constantly fought to takeover more control.

These and many other minor observations had led him to some very serious conclusions.

In the wizarding mindset, he was already a wolf and that if he didn't start getting more control over his life and his surroundings, the other wolves would tear him apart. Not to mention that Voldemort was lurking out there waiting for an opportunity to return and when he did, Harry and those close to him would be his primary targets.

Harry now knew that no matter how peaceful the world seemed, it was only the calm before the storm and he had get strong and independent as fast as possible before the storm was upon him. This had led Harry to start planning and the first step of his plans was to gain independence. He would start working on his plans tonight.

He was about to get up when a school owl landed in front of him holding a leather-bound notebook. After reading the message Harry swiftly untied the notebook and placed it in his book bag and left for his dormitory to quietly read the notebook. Ron and Hermione were still arguing and oblivious to this just as he wanted them to be. He didn't feel like sharing his father's personal notebook with them just yet.

Quickly reaching his dormitory Harry pulled the curtains on his bed and brought out his father's book. For the next two hours Harry was engrossed in the book eagerly taking in all the information and personal tidbits it contained. He was told so little about his parents that every little bit counted. Not that the notebook contained too many personal information.

Apparently his Father really was a prodigy in the art of transfiguration. His father had become an animagus named 'Prongs' secretly during his school years. This notebook specifically contained all the information, theories and observations, everything there was to do with the obscure and seldom practiced art of animagus transformation. His father had given this to Professor McGonagall to check over and rectify any mistakes because he intended to publish his notebook as the first comprehensive book on animagus transformation. Professor McGonagall had sent the notebook to him 'deeming him ready for the knowledge within' she had written. The more he read the more he wanted to be one as well. It would be like having something from his father that no one could take away from him. It was a legacy he would continue.

'I will make you proud dad. I'll become an animagus as well and then I'll have your book published' promised Harry silently.

There were also references of another magical art in the book called Occlumency. It was a defense against a mind offensive art called Legilimency.

'Its probably what Snape uses on me. I'll have to see if this Occlumency is any good against Alteran mind arts' thought Harry.

His thoughts went back to the name 'prongs' which was written underneath the embossed picture of a stag at the front if the notebook. He knew he had heard the name before. With a flash of insight Harry took out his Marauder's map out of his pocket (he had started to keep it with him all the time now) he tapped his wand on the piece of parchment saying the password.

"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good" muttered Harry. And there right in front of him was 'prongs' again. Harry was very happy young man. In one day he had not only received one of his dad's legacy but had also confirmed about another one.

'But who were the other three. Who was Moony, Padfoot and Wormtail. They sound very close friends. Probably Black was one of them but who were the others?' thought Harry.

After thinking a bit about it he came to a startling conclusion. Moony had to be Professor Lupin! Snape was rather unsubtly hinting about it in the substitute class he was taking, teaching them about Werewolves! And the boggart form for Lupin was a white sphere, probably the moon! He was definitely a close friend of his father's judging by the conversation they had at his first patronus lesson.

The only other friends he could think of were Black and Pettigrew. He didn't know much about them to come to a conclusion so he left it be for now.

'Now what to do about gaining my independence?' thought Harry as he laid down on his bed and thought about his options.

It was later that night when most of the school was asleep that Harry Potter was sitting in the forbidden section of the School Library reading about the knowledge he would need. The book he was reading was about a magical creature he had seen a lot the previous year. He had actually met two dangerous creatures in his 2nd year and while he had killed the most dangerous of the two, the other one that was no less dangerous than the first not only lived but also roamed free in the world. He was trying to find out more about his kind and find a way to contact him.

Harry was reluctantly trying to contact Dobby the house-elf.

Now most wizards and witches would laugh at considering a house-elf a danger as great as a 50 feet long basilisk with petrifying stare and extremely potent magical venom but Harry knew better. Dobby, in his misguided attempt at protecting him had come very close to killing or permanently crippling him. Still Harry needed someone he could trust as well as that someone that could run errands for him while he was still in the castle. The book he was reading contained all the information there was to know about the obedient little creatures.

House elves are primarily a sub-terranian magical species that are by nature submissive and emotional. As a highly powerful magical race they need magic as well as food to sustain themselves. Unfortunately they can't produce their own magic so to survive they require to bond with someone, something or even someplace that can actually produce their own magic of whom they siphon off the excess amount of magic being produced without harming their providers. Before wizards came to exclusively own house elves for their own needs, House-elves served a variety of magical being and placed from dragons to trolls, form magical crystal caves to enchanted forest glades, anything or anyone magical capable of producing their own magic could have had a few house-elves serving them diligently. In the modern world however wizards somehow came to own all of them and they mostly served old pureblood families. Wizards had invented many spells with regards to the House-elves most of which very dark in nature. Before being enslaved by wizards, house elves could always leave the service of unfit masters by breaking their bonds but wizards invented curses that made it so that the bond could only be broken by their masters. Thus permanently enslaving the house-elves. To add icing to the cake, over the ages the enslavement curse became a part of their magical DNA making it impossible for them to escape cruel masters and easier for said cruel masters as they didn't had to recast the enslavement curse again at every new generation of house-elves.

Finally finding and memorizing the spells he needed for his quest, Harry placed the book back in its place and stealthily left the library using his cloak and map to avoid detection. Finding an empty room close by, Harry magically locked and silenced the room before starting the spell that would summon the house-elf he had known the most. Harry assumed it was Dobby since he didn't know any other elf. Harry assumed wrong.

"Ego voco elf quisnam est notus ut mihi porro ut Exorior!" chanted Harry repeatedly as he waved in an oval pattern. At his fifth repeat there was small pop in front of him and a female house-elf stood in front of him wearing a sun dress staring at him confusedly. She was most definitely not Dobby!. The confusion lasted on a while in the house-elf's large enquiring eyes before they lit up in recognition.

"Little Master Harry!' Squealed the little elf in a high-pitched voice before she rushed him and threw her little arms around his legs and started wailing loudly and mumbling incoherently.

Harry was baffled. He had expected Dobby to appear not a female elf that actually knew him. 'And why did she call me little' thought Harry annoyed a little. It wasn't his fault that he was short, Dursleys spared little to no food for him at all.

Knowing that he wasn't going to find out anything just standing there, Harry started to calm the emotional elf. After a while the elf had calmed down and separated herself from him grinning happily towards him. It was time to ask questions.

" Who are you? And how do you know me? " Asked Harry softly. He knew from experience that when emotional, House-elves could be weird and very frustrating.

The elf's ears drooped a bit at that "Young master doesn't remember Bonne! Bonne be little master Harry's nanny elf since, since….. ever. Bonnie be helping Mistress Lily take care of yous when you was soo little" Bonne replied in a sad voice her tennis-ball eyes bright with unshed tears and using her hand to indicate his size when he was an infant. "But then Master James and Mistress Lily had to hide away from the Evil Wizard and left the Fort and us all behind!"

"And then ?" Asked Harry curious. This was the first he had heard of many things and while he had questions, he would hold them back and let Bonne finish as she seemed very willing to tell her what he wanted to know.

"Th-Then a week later t-the E-evil one came to Godric's H-hollows and an-and…….." the little elf could say no more and started crying loudly again. Harry winced at the sharp noise but his mind with whirling and processing the new information. If what he suspected was true then gaining his independence had become much more easier now.

Harry sat down to nearby empty chair thinking and re-organinising his plans. He also had much to ask the elf. His hearing told him that the wailing had died down reduced to sniffles and seeing that he again had all the attention of Bonne he decided to ask his questions.

" Sit down Bonnie. And tell me about this 'Fort' ? And call me Harry " Asked Harry Softly keenly observing the elf. He hoped Bone wouldn't react like Dobby when asked to sit. If she did then that would be….difficult. Apparently his fears were for naught as the elf simply hoped up on a chair close to him.

" Master not know!. Tis your Ancestral home Litt….Master Harry. Fort Griffin is the bestest and biggest fort. Bonne and the other elves be taking good care of it now " replied Bonne proudly. Then she hesitated wanting to say something but lacking the courage.

Harry was shocked and angered. He had a whole Fort of his own and he had been living… no existing in the cupboard at the Dursleys for a decade. He suspected Dumbledore but until he could find proof there was nothing he could do so Harry took a deep breath and calmed himself down. No need to be mad now. The time would come to unleash his fury on those deserving it but for now he had to be calm and proceed carefully.

"Master…. Master Harry" Bonne brought him out his morbid thought "Why didn't master summons Bonne or the other elves before now? " Asked Bonne Hesitatingly. Harry was Happy that his family's elves behaved much more normally than Dobby had.

" I didn't even know before now that my family left me anything other than a vault in Gringotts and a few item. I had no idea I owned house-elves as well as Ancestral Fort" Replied Harry reining in his anger. No need to scare Bonne. He will show his to those it was due.

Bonne gasped at that "Master doesn't know! Bu-but that's….how……." Bonne started mumbling to herself in another language angrily, hopped down form her chair and started pacing in front of him angrily while Harry watched her in mild amusement.

Suddenly she turned towards him and exclaimed in her high-pitched voice "Bonne knows! Bonne will talk to Altu!" said Bonne with pride and nodded her head as if her idea would solve all the current problems. In a way it would.

"Who's Altu? " asked Harry curious.

"Altu be the Library elf of yous family Master Harry. Altu be old and wise. If Master Harry likes Bonne will go and bring Altu to you to talk. Altu will know exactly what do! He served many old Master Potters as well" replied Bonne enthusiastically.

"Not now Bonne. Its getting late and I have to get up before dawn for my daily exercises." Said Harry thinking about the exercises and Alteran martial arts practices that he had been doing ever since FERU had given him knowledge about it. They were very helpful to him and he enjoyed practicing them a lot.

"Why don't I call you tomorrow night. You can bring this Altu and anyone else if they are free" told Harry thinking things through and deciding tomorrow to e best.

"Bonne will do. Bonne go now. Bonne must tell all the other elves! They be soo happy! Master Harry has returned to us!" Bowing hastily in his direction Bonne popped away leaving Harry thinking about all the new information he had been and planning how to use it to the best of his advantage.

April 27 1994

It was 5:30 in the morning andthe 3rd year boy's dormitory was not silent. A noisy engine without a silencer was running full tilt. Upon close inspection one would notice that said particular noise generator was not an engine but a gangly redhead young teen though with the amount of food one Ronald Weasley consumed that was debatable.

Fortunately the other boys had gotten around to the grating sleep depriving noise or their lives in Hogwarts would have been miserable.

It was in such an environment that Harry Potter was awoken by his poking alarm charm (the name defines it so I'm not explaining it). Harry yawned and got up sleepily prodded another sleeping occupant awake and heading towards the bathroom to perform his daily ablutions.

Twenty minute later a wide awake Harry dressed in his loose clothes was performing his daily set of Martial arts Katas in an abandoned room near the Gryffindor common room but not too close as to gain the attention of the Trolls guarding the entrance portrait.

Beside him one Neville Longbottom wearing a similar outfit was following his example as best as he could. 'He's much better at it then he was a week ago' thought Harry as he finished his set of exercises and patiently waited for Neville to complete his.

Harry had carefully chosen Neville to be his practice partner for many reasons. Form what he had observed, Neville was brave, talented as well as loyal. It was all just buried deep beneath neglect, total absence of self-esteem, a miss-matched wand and a weak memory. Harry felt a bit of kinship with Neville due to the not so obvious neglect Neville had suffered due to his family's treatment.

'After all dropping someone out of a window is wrong and emotionally scarring to a child no matter how 'noble' the intentions may be' thought Harry a little irritated at the general idiocy of the wizarding world.

Apart from that Neville had great many qualities but the best of them and the one he needed the most was his sense of loyalty. Harry needed someone with whom he could share some of his secrets, someone he could rely on. Unfortunately while Ron and Hermione had proven they could be relied upon countless times before, the same couldn't be said about their ability to keep secrets. So Harry had chosen Neville. By helping his bumbling friend, he would gain someone who can keep his secrets safe and still be improve hi friend.

He remembered that day a week ago when he had offered Neville to learn 'Martial Arts Form I' alongside him.

"Flashback"

Harry Potter had just dragged a squirming and highly nervous Neville Longbottom to the empty classroom close to the Gryffindor common room but locking and silencing it magically.

"W-What's this about H-harry?" asked a very nervous Neville wondering 'why has he dragged me here. Is Harry also mad at me? Of course he is! It's him that Black's after' Though Neville mournfully

"You can relax Neville, I just wanted to talk to you a bit" said Harry simply as he sat down on top a desk in the corner of the room.

"If this is about the password I'm sor….." started only to stop as Harry signaled him to stop.

"I do not want your apology. I know we're not very close friends Neville but I would like to help you" said Harry seriously 'and help my self as well' thought Harry.

"What?" asked Neville confused. Harry who had a right to be angry at him wasn't angry him. On top of that he wanted to help him as well?

"From what I gather your main problem is that you forget a lot. Right?" at Neville's hesitant nod Harry continued " I know a way that is guaranteed to help you"

" What way?" asked a hopeful Neville expectantly.

"Its something the muggles do. Just trust me okay. Come with me here in the morning and practice something I've been doing for a while now."

While reluctant Neville had agreed.

'End Flashback'

And since then Harry had been teaching Neville the first basic steps of the 'Martial Arts Form I' that FERU had downloaded in him. Of course unlike the other Alteran knowledge that simply unraveled as time passed , this he had to practice daily to master. Harry actually really liked this martial arts as it had far too many benefits.

Alteran Martial Arts Form I was very similar in nature to Chinese Martial arts Tai chi. Like Tai chi it increased health and vitality, cultivated mental and intellectual facilities, helped in harnessing internal energies (magic) and could also be used effectively in physical offence and defense. However unlike Tai chi that was only 5,000 years old, Alteran Form I had been developed and refined for hundreds of thousands of years. In short it did all that Tai chi did a hundred times better.

Proof of the effectiveness of it was right in front of him. In the week that Neville had practiced it, Harry who had been closely observing Neville had seen slow but steady changes occur in his friend. He forgot less, his magical focus and concentration had increased and best of all his friend was gaining confidence in himself.

What he liked more than Neville's boost in everything was that now Harry had someone he could share some of the things with without the threat of being ratted out. Seeing that his friend had finished as well, Harry beckoned him forward to begin their daily Spar.

Harry liked this. He would see if he could bring more people into their practice. 'But not yet. Not till I gain my freedom' thought Harry as he and Neville began their daily spar.

Neville Longbottom had a lot on his mind as he and Harry made their way back to their dormitory to shower and get ready for the day. Unsurprisingly all his thoughts lead to his now closer friend Harry walking beside him.

Like others Neville too had seen the drastic progress Harry had shown the in the previous month but unlike most students who were either in awe or jealous Neville was sad. Sad because he knew that Harry would achieve much more fame and fortune. Neville knew that Harry would rise to be the great wizard of their age while he Neville Longbottom would be less than nothing. Neville didn't want to be the most powerful mage of their age or the most famous, he just wanted a tiny bit of recognition that he and his family could be proud of.

Then the incident with him loosing his password list happened and Black sneaked into Gryffindor common room. Sirius Black had almost succeeded in his evil plot and it had happened because of his unwilling help. All his house mates hated him. To add to his misery his Gran had sent him a howler yelling and scolding him.

It had become too much for Neville to bear any more. Neville had decided to leave Hogwarts and Wizarding world in general and live his life in peace at Longbottom Manor and its lush greenhouses. He was sure his Gran would agree after all this embarrassment.

And in this darkest time of his life came help and support came from the one person who actually had every right to be furious at him. Harry had offered him his help. Harry included him in the secret of his recent success, a secret he hadn't shared with his best friends yet. And with his help Neville had felt himself improve.

Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived may be the World's hero for doing something impossible.

Harry Potter, his friend, was Neville Longbottom's hero because Harry had given him a new chance at life.

And all that Harry had asked for in return was to be his friend and keep his secrets.

Neville Longbottom vowed to himself that he would never betray Harry's trust and be the best friend possible. And in doing so Neville knew that he himself would the tiny bit of recognition he craved for.

'I'll make you proud Mum and Dad. I'll not let your sacrifice be in vain' Neville promised himself.

(Just so you all know this NOT a SLASH fic)

Later that night Harry was in the very same place that had started it all. Sitting on the floor with his legs folded underneath him Harry was concentrating as FERU stuck to his face again was mentally quizzing him on all he had learned. The first download was completely unraveled and with it Harry now has an Alteran education equivalent to pre-primary level. An hour later FER detached itself and a grinning Harry got up and stretched his cramped muscles. The First level was complete and the second level had just been downloaded into his brain. He couldn't wait to start learning the new things that would come with it. Setting FERU back into its place Harry left for the main chamber of Secrets for the second task he had scheduled for the night.

Standing in a clearing well away form the Basilisk corpse Harry cast the Elf summoning spell and as before Bonne Appeared with a pop. Only she wasn't alone. Standing one either side her were two more house-elves. To her right was a hunched wrinkled old elf wearing big glasses leaning on a small walking stick with one hand and holding a large book in the other. He wore an old tunic. Harry guessed it was Altu. To her left was a well-groomed elf wearing a butler's suit looking very prim and proper. He also wore a medallion around his neck.

They all bowed to him and Bonnie steeped forward " Goods evening Master Harry. Bonne bring Altu" here she indicated to the old elf was looking at him shrewdly assessing him. Bonne continued with her introductions " and this be Caput. Caput be the yous family Head elf"

Caput gave a slow bow in his direction before replying "I is Caput Master Harry Potter. Caput is very happy to see that the Master Potter is well. Caput would like to say that all Potter family elves be very happy and excited to have master back" said Caput in a slightly less-high pitched voice. He opened his mouth to say more when he was interrupted by Altu.

"Altu is very happy to see you is well too Master Harry Potter. But Alto is concerned. Altu would like to know what Master Harry Potter, the last descendent of Lord Godric Gryffindor be doing down here in the chamber of Salazar Slytherin, the enemy of Lord Godric Gryffindor!" asked the house-elf in gravely whisper.

Gasps of shock were released form all the living in the chamber and as they echoed away what followed was a deep tense silence.

Author's Notes

Alteran Mind arts is essentially an different version of Occlumency that is would be a result of Alterans already highly evolved brain , their will to learn better and faster as a result creating mind enhancement techniques and finally fighting and defending against the powerful telepathic Wraiths. It relies more on finesse, technique and cunning rather than brute force and minimum finesse which Occlumency and legilimency use.

Harry only knows of the Alterans as he is being taught by FERU and every race tries to present themselves in history as good. Also he doesn't know the Alterans actions or the lack of it once they have ascended as that hadn't happened by the time FERU had been sent to him.

Harry needs someone who can keep his secrets and Neville needs a has grown up, Ron and Hermione have not yet done the same. They might mature up to be his friend. We shall see.

AU Characters

Bonne – Harry's Nanny Elf

Altu – Library elf of the Potters

Caput – Head elf