Warnings: Language, Violence

Current Rating: T Likely to go to M

Metal Gear Potter

Pt2

After the other students were safely in bed Harry slipped out of his dorm and slipped past the portrait without it even realizing who left the tower. Next, Harry stealthily made his way through the winding corridors and made his way to the third floor corridor. The one that Dumbledore expressly forbade them to go to.

He's an idiot. I'd be willing to wager that I'm not the only one sneaking down here. Snake smirked mentally as he sensed a cat approaching. So, Harry grabbed a helmet from a suit of armor, apologized quietly as it protested feebly and chucked it down a different hall. He then slipped into the shadows and fixed his box and slipped into it.

It brought up many old memories for Solid Snake.

His father had laughed at him for the idea of using an actual cardboard box as a stealth item, but to both his father and Snake's surprise the trick worked and so, it became a part of Snake's regular arsenal. Snake quickly learned how to use that box, and how to take care of it. But, most importantly, he learned the best places to use said box. Snake smirked as he watched the cat hurry past him and rush over to the helmet of the knight. It sniffed curiously and looked about, but as Snake expected the cat didn't detect Snake and so he was able to bide his time until the cat moved on.

Stupid thing. I'd love to be able to kick that cat...Huh, I didn't even need the box. These wizards are too unobservant...I bet if I were to knock on a wall an Auror would ask "Huh? What was that noise?"

Snake then continued on to the door in the third floor; curious about what Dumbledore could be hiding. Snake simply kicked the door open (breaking the hinges) and cautiously peered in. Immediately, Snake decided that RTBing would be a fine idea, but still he hesitated and searched the area even with a cerberus breathing down his neck.

"A trap door...I'll have to figure out how to get past you. This is a challenge that I can't pass up." Snake grinned.

The next morning Snake woke early, and headed outside where he jogged to the 'Quidditch pitch' and he observed the area. The stands concealed most action on the field itself, and if Snake was careful, he had an area to keep fit. A dozen laps later, several pull ups and nearly two hundred crunches and Snake felt ready to start the day.

The day itself passed quietly with Harry giving Hermione some very basic defensive techniques that would outdo anything that these typical wizards could throw at her.

She's smart...potentially cunning...She'd make a decent fighter...Maybe...just maybe...

Harry smiled lightly. She had great potential and Harry decided that he'd nurture that potential.

However, when it came to normal school Hermione was in a class all of her own. Her confidence bolstered by Harry, Hermione began to flourish into a radiant star that blazed far brighter than anyone else in class, including Harry himself. Harry, however didn't care all that much. He was more concerned about furthering his combat abilities. Magic was a weapon, and Harry would use it to his full advantage.

In Harry's first Defense class he became suspicious of Quirrell. The glint in his eye...it was one that Harry had seen in his Father's; "Big Boss" eyes before he struck at a foe. It was serpent-like, predatory, and Harry didn't like it at all. Quirrell tried to act harmless, and his stutter threw most people for a loop. However, Harry truly didn't trust the man. He wasn't sure what the Defense professor was up to and Harry was concerned that he'd learn what his dark secret was...the hard way.

Snape on the other hand, was far more interesting than most other teachers. Harry had detected loathing coming from the greasy haired man at the welcoming feast. However, In class Harry detected a flicker...of regret, and...sorrow? Yes indeed, Snape was an interesting man.

All in all while there was a lot of messes for Harry to clean up there was a lot of fun things for him to do. He was an expert at stealth, and he was quickly learning all applications of magic, and most importantly; how they could be applied to the battlefield.

A few weeks passed with Harry sneaking about, finding out what secrets he could, teaching Hermione how to defend herself, and most importantly: (at least to Harry) leaving the girly looking blonde boy a sobbing wreck with several dozen broken bones and bruises when no one could get him in trouble for doing so.

Harry made it an important event for him. At least once a week Harry ensured that Draco Malfoy would be in the hospital wing.

The best part of all though: Draco couldn't prove that Harry was the one to beat him senseless either.

It was good being Solid Snake.

...

Headmaster's office

One week after start of term.

"So, are there any other things that need to be mentioned?" Dumbledore asked.

The assembled teachers glanced at each other and nodded faintly.

"Actually there is one student that should be mentioned." The deputy headmistress said slowly.

"Harry Potter." The assembled teachers said.

Dumbledore nearly groaned.

"What has he done? Is he big headed because of his fame?" He asked miserably.

Pomona Sprout shook her head.

"No, he seems to be blind to it. Actually, the reason why we brought him up is that we just feel something's off. He's extraordinarily skilled, but he doesn't seem to be applying himself fully to class. Still, his grades aren't suffering from it. But, in all honesty he seems distracted a goodly part of the time. He seems to by frankly reading everything."

Snape nodded slightly.

"The arrogant brat seems to have an unholy interest in poisons and explosive substances."

"Now Severus, just because you hated his father doesn't mean that you-" Flitwick snarled.

Dumbledore held up a hand silencing his Charms professor.

"While I don't agree with Severus' way of stating things that is curious."

Flitwick frowned thoughtfully.

"I talked to several Ravenclaws that observed Harry. He seemed to read books on politics, and combat."

"Combat?" Dumbledore's head snapped towards Flitwick.

Flitwick nodded.

"He has an incredible interest in the goblin wars, and the rises of Grindelwauld and You-Know-Who."

"So, he's reading history? Is it just general interest?"

"I don't know. My 'Claws couldn't tell how deep he was getting. He was hard to keep track of to be honest. He'd be there one minute and gone the next, just like a ghost."

"Interesting." Dumbledore mused.

And indeed it was. Dumbledore just didn't know how interesting it truly was either.

What was more, he hadn't been taught by the best either.

A few days later Dumbledore observed Harry Potter's first broom lesson; eager to find out more about the strange boy and his hardened eyes. Harry moved fluidly and had incredible grace in his movements, yet his body was firm, and ridged. It was as if he was expecting a blow to strike out at him at any moment, and yet Dumbledore didn't detect any fear in his eyes. It was as if he had been molded into a perfect warrior. Dumbledore mentally shook his head. There was no way at all that Harry Potter had been taught how to fight by the Dursleys. In fact, he had threatened to turn them into toads if they did teach him. Harry, as wonderful as he was was a necessary sacrifice in the upcoming war. Dumbledore hated it, but he knew if Harry didn't die, then Voldemort would exist for Eternity itself.

Madam Hooch called the class to attention and Dumbledore found himself leaning forward; interested as they began. No one knew he was observing of course, he was disilusioned and hiding in the stands. It'd take Moody's eye to even begin to detect him.

Dumbledore smiled when he observed Harry's natural grace on the broom. Hooch's eyes widened in awe and Hermione openly gaped at Harry as he flew magnificently.

Dumbledore could practically sense the broom humming as it resonated with Harry. He was truly a natural. Yes, Gryffindor had found a masterful seeker indeed.

Yet, in that moment Dumbledore suddenly wondered: What couldn't Harry do? He was excelling in all classes, he was respected by his peers, and he had a few very close friends. Draco Malfoy should be his strongest rival yet, he was strangely silent. Dumbledore's suspicions rose anew.

Just what was going on with Harry Potter?

While Dumbledore mused to himself Snake rolled his eyes. The man hiding in the shadows wasn't going to go undetected when he was around, yet Snake wasn't sure what his angle was. What exactly did the Headmaster have to gain by watching in such a fashion?

Snake wasn't sure but in any case, Snake had bigger fish to fry. That corridor with the three headed dog was still drawing his attention. He had sent a letter back to his support team (encoded naturally) and he was waiting for their answer.

In his letter it essentially boiled down to 'What myths and legends are there about the guardian dog of Hades?' and 'I need some chemical based explosives and a combat suit would come in handy too but is not necessary.'

He'd get a response soon and when he did...he'd be able to pass over that challenge.

Well, I realize it's been a while since I've updated but I've had good reasons. 1: Work. It's been busy and demanding. 2: I've gotten sick and trying to recover. (It's some weird hybrid cold/flu and it's been hard to breathe because of it.)

Sorry about the wait, between work and coming down with this...I haven't had a lot of extra time.

If this chappie feels shaky I'm sorry again but I didn't want to leave you hanging any longer guys (and gals).

Defender Paladin

P.S. Oh yeah, I've got a new non cross over in the works (I had written it once but it got deleted on accident.) and while it's been done before I don't think its ever been done in quite this way before. ^.^

I've only seen one 'similar' piece and it was a Hermione centric tale...