He clinged to his broken leg angrily, watching as he was left in the cupboard to stare at the bulging form of that horrible aunt Marge. Curse her, shame on her. Shame on her and shame on her dog.
It was at this point that Harry had had enough. It was time to ask Galldaxe a favour.
He escaped easily enough. He had shrunken down his things - figuring out how to avoid detection from the tracking around the country had been child's play - and was now a crow, flying with the guidance of Hedwig to Gringotts.
The Goblins took care of their allies, Harry knew. They would help him.
He landed outside Gringotts at an ungodly hour for wizards, but an alright time for business with Goblins. Storming in as well as one could with a broken leg, he had given out his best apology and compliment in Gobbledegook before demanding that he be seen to and allowed a few liberties.
Galldaxe had been appalled and quickly came to Harry's aid, and with that vote of confidence the other goblins had made quick work of him. He would have to go through some tests, but it would all be worth it.
First, blood tests. He already knew which pureblood families were his inherited ones - Jaldax, Gellerson, and Durst were the ones outside of the house ones. How he managed to be heir to all four houses he never wanted to know. Inbreeding was a subject he felt perfectly comfortable avoiding wherever possible. Slytherin had been the cherry on the cake, really, and that had been from some odd spoils of war rules.
Second were breaking some frightening curses. Harry hadn't been aware of his limiters; someone had had the gall to place illegal power blocks on him. It was only his good luck at asking the Goblins that had gotten him through it safely. Furthermore, they were going to undo the Horcrux in his forehead. It would be painful, but he would live. How Dumbledore had allowed it to stay baffled him beyond belief.
He winced as the enchanted basilisk venom took effect and burned at him. It was only the scar, thank Merlin, but it still hurt like hell. It would all be worth it, though.
"Your operation was flawless, Helden Harry," Galldaxe said fondly. Harry smiled at the use of Gobbledegook; it had become soothing for him over the years, and it worked well getting through foggy heads and odd caves, where the sounds worked better to communicate clearly.
"Thank you, Hald Galldaxe," Harry replied giddily. "I wish you all good fortune; you deserve every smile luck shows." The goblins were smirking in fond amusement; the boy was too good to be true, honestly.
Harry got down from the chair, helped along by a tall goblin who pushed him down into a bed. "We will administer the required potions now and have you sleep through the effects overnight," he informed Harry seriously. "May fortune smile on you, Harry. You'll need it."
Harry nodded solemnly and accepted the potions given. It was time to be free again, as free as the day he had discovered how to change his form.
When Harry woke up, he could feel the magic flowing through him. His head still felt foggy, but was perfectly painless now, and as he left the bed did itself at the very thought.
He grinned. Oh, how easy things would be now.
He rushed to the first goblin he saw and requested that he share the good news, quickly adding on an honest and excellent compliment to be given to as many of those involved as possible. He immediately made some arrangements and sorted out his things; the goblins were more than happy to help out.
"As you are now valued brother of the goblins, we wish to inform you of some attempted security breaches." he said quickly, shuffling through some papers. "Albus Dumbledore has been attempting to enter your vault for some time now, Harry, and recently we found that he'd tried to take ownership of the Potter vault through some legal loopholes." The goblin huffed his disapproval, giving Harry time to frown deeply. While it was shocking information, Harry had no doubt that the goblin was being truthful; while they did not condemn lies, they had the best bank in the world. They valued their honesty higher than anyone else. On that note, he wondered how idiotic Dumbledore had to be to pull such a stunt.
He continued, "As this is the case, we're aware he knows only of the Potter vault. He will not breach security if we of Gringotts don't have something to say of it." He smiled sadly. "One good thing came out of this, and that was Hald Galldaxe's discovery of you, Helden Harry. I do hope good fortune continues to strike your path smooth."
Harry smiled brightly. "And may yours be even better than mine, Griphook."
Griphook had taken over management of the vaults in Harry's care, along with Galldaxe. Working together, the two goblins were unstoppable.
Harry frowned suddenly. Warnings about Sirius Black had run through his mind for ages; could he really trust Albus to protect him now? He had his doubts, and decided to voice them.
"Hald Griphook?" he asked tentatively, "I ask forgiveness for my follies, but what of the criminal Sirius Black? What can I do to hide?"
Griphook hissed a deep sigh. "Helden Harry, I'm afraid there are many lies surrounding that man. I have no doubt of his innocence, but unfortunately, Goblins don't have much influence in laws, no matter how much we study them. He had no trial, and furthermore the circumstances all point to his innocence once you get past the blatantly obvious. He simply wouldn't kill you, and so there is no reason to worry."
Harry sagged in relief, but felt rage build in him. No trials? That was horrible.
Griphook, seeing Harry's frustration, continued, "I suggest going into complete hiding, however, as people want things from you. We will keep your secrets, Helden Harry, unto death, for this matters as dearly to us as it does to you. You have mastered your metamorphmagus abilities; I suggest taking a new name, or even one of your other ones, and entering Hogwarts as a transfer. We can get some false documents to use from Beauxbatons; they will be more than willing to help you go undercover, and we don't have to tell them more info than they need."
"It's brilliant!" Harry enthused, barely resisting hopping to his feet. He already knew French fluently enough to trick native speakers; if he went into hiding, it would be much easier to protect himself. "I see your mind is as sharp as ever."
Griphook merely smirked and got to work. "Prepare a look. This will be the greatest hoax our generation has ever played part in."
Harry looked in the mirror, admiring his new looks. He was now Ari Durst, a boy who grew up in France, away from his Indian mother and with his French father in Paris. A pureblood with power, he would turn the school on its head when he entered the great hall of Hogwarts.
He needed to bring some reform, immediately. With the goblin's support, he had bloomed into his potential and broke away from his fears over the people in Slytherin and come to appreciate it. It was too bad the house was so corrupt, at least on the outside.
His skin was tanned and healthy; his eyes had remained green, but he had worked down their lustre from emerald to dark forest. Furthermore, he had reimaged his hair; it was still a bit wild, but it would be far too dark to be Harry's mop of hair, and it would definitely be too calm to be his.
Harry loved being a Metamorphmagus sometimes.
One of the few final changes had been two of his defining features; his glasses, which were disposed of after the goblins employed some good healers to deal with his sight, and his scar, which was simply morphed away. Harry would still take his original form if he was forced with a very specific spell, but until then he was free to be Ari Durst without fear.
He peered out the window at Hermione and Ron in the streets, sticking together as they picked out new pets from the menagerie down the street. He would protect them. They didn't deserve the pain it took to help shoulder his legacy.
The news broke out, and all hell broke loose; Harry Potter was missing.
It didn't help the public that at around that time, Sirius Black, notorious criminal, was also on the loose, and most likely had Harry hostage.
The news took the darkest angles possible. Theories were thrown around like a game of hot potato; everything from kidnapping to murder was considered. The people of the light were plunged into darkness, and they were absolutely terrified.
Harry, or Ari as he had gotten used to referring to himself as, smirked in amusement as another gossipy woman walked by with her group, proclaiming not-so-secretly that she fully expected Black to have done something to Harry. He winced moments later; he hated lying to his friends, but there was no choice. He needed to keep his secrets.
He got up from his seat, leaving a generous tip on the table and heading for the station with his things. While effectively living in Diagon Alley made it easy for him to arrive on time, he still wanted to be there early for good seats.
He stared out the window of the compartment, having put away his things earlier when Griphook had accompanied him to the station. It was an odd sight, to be sure, a goblin guiding a student, but since it was the wizarding world and goblins were begrudgingly accepted, people had their thoughts and moved on.
He fiddled with a small necklace around his neck, a gift from the goblins as a symbol of trust and friendship. He smiled at it; it was a reminder of the people whom he could trust. A raven, the animal he most closely identified with, was engraved in it. Yes, it was very important to him.
He watched the students go past his door for a while, until finally, someone stopped and knocked.
He opened it with a wave of his hand, and the girl at the door held back a gasp as she peered in worriedly.
"Erm, is there any space?" She inquired innocently, shifting from foot to foot. "I can't seem to... well, I..."
"You can't find a free compartment?" Harry formed the words for her, smiling gently. She reminded him of himself when he'd first gotten to the wizarding world, nervously asking Mrs. Weasley how to get on the platform.
"Yeah," she admitted.
"Come in, there's some room left in here," he decided, shifting a bit and giving her space. She trotted in thankfully and closed the door behind them, letting down her heavy suitcase with a thud.
"What's your name?" He asked calmly, turning back to the window as she sorted herself out in the seat opposite. She shifted nervously in his presence, having gained an awkward aura around him since he'd practiced to show his status, but he hoped to correct that quickly.
"Oh, sorry," she apologized quickly, "My name's Carla, Carla Burton."
"Ah, A muggleborn. Nice to see." he nodded. Turning to face her, he continued, "My name is Ari Durst, heir to the Durst family. Have you heard of them?" He inquired, knowing fully she wouldn't have.
"Um... I heard a few mention it at the station, but otherwise no," she admitted shyly. "Sorry."
"That's alright," he allowed, "since you've not been magic-raised, but you'll need a boost if you're going to get anywhere. Listen up, this is important." He adjusted his posture to demand her attention.
She listened.
"I'm really hoping someone informed you here," Harry said seriously, "but there are some magic terms you'll need to know. Muggleborns are those born to non-magic parents; purebloods have both parents as magicals, and halfbloods have one magical parent and one muggle, or non-magic. For example," he pointed to himself, "I'm a pureblood, born to Amoria Gellerson and Devlan Durst, two high-standing pureblood families. You," he pointed to her, "are a muggleborn, born to muggle parents. I can tell because you addressed me the muggle way instead of the pureblood way. Subtle differences, really, but it does end up making a difference." He shook his head slowly, to show his disapproval.
"Oh," she said quietly, taking that all in. "Why is it... separated?"
"Not many good reasons, last war was over that," he said curtly. "Wizarding wars aren't fun. Terrorist group led by a corrupt dark wizard went about spouting nonsense about pureblood supremacy... it was ridiculous, killed off huge parts of the wizarding population." he glared darkly out the door at a blond mop of hair that walked by, nose in the air. "Plenty of purebloods, you'll find, have advantages and treat non-purebloods like dirt. I swear, pureblood manners are worse than manners of a Grindylow." He huffed grumpily. "Don't trust them. Not worth your time unless they prove it."
Carla gulped again. "Um... alright. Thank you?"
Harry nodded approvingly. "You're welcome - you'll need it, trust me on that. Any questions?" He inquired, shooting her a smile.
She reached into her bags quickly, saying, "Oh, yeah. Do you mind telling me if I got the right books? Mum and Dad helped me get them, but I'm not totally sure." She passed over the towering stack to Harry, and he decided to impress her.
Taking out his wand, he muttered a few quick wingardiums and hovered them over to his seat, relishing in her gape of awe. He continued to hover them in front of him one by one, and then hover them back to her, all without speech.
Silent magic was a lot of fun.
Once he was done, he nodded. "You've got all the necessary ones," he confirmed, and she sighed in relief. "But I suggest you talk to an older student if you can about some of the classes. A few of them are lacking, to say the least."
"Lacking?" She inquired seriously.
"Yes, lacking," he repeated. "particularly potions. It's a terrible class, from what I've heard from my relatives. Barely any base to work on. If you're smart, you'll take the time to read this on the train ride if you don't want to be ridiculed." He snapped, and a book flew out of his case into his hands, which he passed over. It was a beginner's course in safety during potion brewing, as well as an encyclopaedia of potion materials and other things.
"I saw this book in Flourish and Blotts'," she commented, skimming it quickly.
"As long as I get it back sometime, take your time with it," Harry allowed. "I'm fairly certain it will help you immensely. If you know any other wizards or witches worried about potions, please don't hesitate to help them."
She nodded, putting it to one side. With a deep breath, she said, "Thank you. This... this is a lot. Nobody told me about this."
Harry laughed, a hollow, mournful laugh. Quietly, he admitted, "Most people are too scared to talk about it."
She nodded solemnly. "I guess war wasn't so long ago, huh," she inquired.
Harry confirmed it with a firm nod. "Not long ago at all."
They lapsed into silence for a good time, until at last Carla worked up the courage to ask a few more questions.
"Can you tell me about this 'Harry' character?" she inquired. "I know he's important, and that he's gone missing, but not much more."
Harry nodded, quickly recalling what he'd practiced for displaying himself. "He's... an interesting bloke, to be sure," Harry said carefully. "powerful wizard. Killed the leader of the terrorists, big stuff. Leaders against the terrorist group in the last war basically proclaimed him defeater of terrorists," he smirked, "even though he was only a year old at the time. You-know-who, or as anyone with half the wit of a Gryffindor calls him, Voldemort, basically forgot about the laws of sacrificial magic and got a death curse lobbed back at him. Put a scar on Harry's forehead and killed himself, but at the moment people are anticipating a return." He shuddered. "Dark times we're in, Carla. You'd better be careful, there are plenty of people out there who would gladly murder the lot of us. Light-side purebloods and muggleborns alike."
Carla numbly took that all in. "Sounds like he's got a lot to live up to," she commented.
Harry nodded. "No kidding. I just hope he isn't dead at this point; they really don't protect the guy as well as they should." It was an incredible understatement on his part, but nobody knew how he was treated at home.
She seemed mildly interested. "How did they protect him?"
He scoffed. "Put up some wards and hoped for the best, at least as far as the Ministry will let people know. Thin as a rake, modest and secretive, keeps to himself and has a minor fear of crowds and adults." He shook his head. "I'm surprised he didn't go dark."
Carla frowned. "Strange. I would've thought they'd protect him much more closely, especially if he defeated Voldemort."
Harry merely nodded in response, and at that point the trolley lady came by. Harry got up immediately, and waved her over.
"Come on, choose some. It's on me," he offered, letting her pick what she wanted. In the end, he ended up just buying a bit of everything worthwhile and throwing it on the seat.
"Thank you," he called after her, returning to his seat and offering Carla a chocolate frog.
Harry felt the tingle in his body almost immediately, as the place felt suddenly somber. He pulled out his wand and got up, putting a few quick wards on the door without a moment's notice. Carla got up and began to speak, but he hushed her.
"Something's on the train," he warned her, "please, stand back. If it gets in, I'll take care of it; I've got a bit more experience with dark creatures. Now, if you'd stand back a bit..." He gave her a nudge, and she quickly got the hint, stepping back and pulling herself into the corner. After a moment's thought, Harry quickly cast a disillusionment charm on her too, as well as a few warding spells. With a curt nod, he turned to the door and watched with deep concern.
The door swooped open silently, and in hovered a dementor. Harry felt himself empty his happiest thoughts onto the creature, leaving only the worst memories.
"Leave," he hissed, "there's nothing for you here." he felt his body freezing up, and decided he'd had enough, raising his wand.
It moved forward an inch, and he snapped.
"EXPECTO PATRONUM!" He screamed, quickly pulling out as many happy things as he could. During his practice for DADA, he had studied it, and was certain that there was only one memory that would suffice.
First flight.
With a swoosh sound that rushed along with the fountain of white that poured from his wand, it reoriented itself into a wavering, but discernable, Raven. It flapped once, twice, then dove at the dementor, chasing it away and out a window.
He peered around the corridors; there were more. With a steady breath he cast two more, sending them in either direction to clear the hallways, and retreated back into the compartment. He thanked the lord he still had some candy in his bag and quickly tossed Carla a chocolate frog.
"Eat it, it'll help with the side effects of exposure to dementors," he said quickly, grabbing one himself and biting off the head. He hummed in pleasure as the warmth returned to his body, tingling from his core to the tips of his toes.
Carla swallowed her last bit and asked, "What was that?"
"Dementor," Harry answered, swallowing his chocolate as well. "not exactly very nice creatures. They eat happy thoughts and bring bad ones as close to the surface as they can get." He stretched. "I suggest you describe your symptoms, it's important to know you're recovered."
She nodded. "Um... well. I heard..." she shuddered. "I heard my brother leaving for Germany. At least, the argument."
Harry bowed his head. "I'm sorry to hear that. Here, have another Chocolate frog," he offered, and knowing it was for her own good, she ate it.
Gulping down the piece she'd been eating a few minutes later, she asked tentatively, "If you don't mind my asking... what did you hear?"
Harry seized up, but said shortly, "Divorce." He didn't really want her to pry; he'd have to make up more details then, and he'd be easier to figure out.
He wouldn't say that he'd heard his mother and father, nor lord Voldemort, but he was blinking away to get rid of the green aftershock he'd gotten from the experience of reliving that memory.
"Oh, um, sorry," she apologized quickly. Harry stopped her before she could continue.
"It's alright," he said quietly, giving her a weak smile. "I'm... I'm over it. Dad is enough."
They lapsed into silence again until someone came to check on them. He quickly swore Carla to secrecy on the Patronus charm; he explained that it was several levels higher than his skill, and that he'd rather not people knew he was studying higher subjects. She was dubious, but agreed on the terms that he taught her as well.
They departed from the train and made their way over, Hagrid waving over the first years. Harry said his goodbyes and walked off, getting ready to go up the dirt path to the chariots to ride to Hogwarts. He was disturbed to see that there were Thestrals at the front of the carriages; he had assimilated and accepted the thought of death, and even seen it once or twice, but he didn't think that was enough to see them.
He entered a chariot and waited.
Just as the chariots were to leave, Harry spotted Malfoy rushing over, glancing into chariots in a panic. He rolled his eyes, but his kindness got the better of him and he put his head out, waving him over. He saw Malfoy visibly melt in relief, and the moment he hopped in the chariots were off, Harry closing the door behind him, an eyebrow raised curiously at Draco's expressiveness.
"Thank you," he said sincerely, putting down his things and sagging in relief. He suddenly seemed to remember himself and jolted upright, sitting proudly in his seat and turning up his nose.
"It's alright, no need for the pureblood manners," Harry gestured to him, "I'm already aware of your status, Malfoy. Please, relax."
Malfoy frowned for a moment, then finally gave in, letting his shoulders rest a bit. He seemed nearly ready to doze off.
"Sleepy?" Harry smirked. Draco nodded numbly, resting his chin against the back of the seat but turning his eyes to look at Harry.
"I'm afraid we haven't met," he apologized, turning to Harry again. "my full name is Draco Lucius Malfoy. Yours?"
Harry smiled. "Ari Dimitrius Durst, heir to the Durst family. Pleasure." he held out his hand, and to his relief Draco took it, shaking it warily.
"I wasn't aware of the Durst family having an heir," he admitted. "I was told the line had died out. It's nice to know it isn't gone completely."
Harry shrugged calmly. "I have had some luck getting away from my enemies, Malfoy. It's no small feat." he watched Draco's confused expression with amusement.
Then he recalled what kind of torture Draco's life must be. Being from such a dark family, he was almost certainly taught lies; he'd need to sort out some tests for Draco's personality, but if he was right about his hunch, he could get him to turn around a bit. His smile was forced into a thin line, but he quickly got over his mulling over things. He would stop Draco from turning; he needed it dearly, especially if Slytherin was to recover its reputation.
He looked out the carriage at the faint horses at the front of the chariots for a while. He noticed out of the corner of his eye that Draco was watching them as well. He glanced back and forth, until finally Harry caved.
"You can see them?" Harry inquired, eliciting a somber nod from Draco. He watched Draco for a few moments, his gaze piercing the boy's façade of calm.
"I... thought I was going mad," he admitted. "like- never mind. I'm just glad someone as level-headed as you can... the other Slytherins thought I was crazy."
Harry huffed. "They're normal. Thestrals, they can't be seen by people who haven't accepted the concept of death." he explained briefly. "I presume you've had some unfortunate experiences. My condolences."
Draco didn't have anything to say to that, other than a shakily offered 'thanks' which came out at barely a whisper. Harry heard it, however, and smiled to himself.
"If you wish," Harry offered, "I'd rather be on a first-name basis. You may call me Ari." He watched Draco with a steady gaze, his relaxed position giving him a clear view of Draco's face. After a moment, his goal was achieved.
"You can call me Draco," he said suddenly, almost eagerly. Harry shot him a bright smile and nodded approvingly, turning back to the sky.
"I'll take you up on that," Harry replied smartly, grinning. He caught Draco's mouth edging up into a smile, though he suppressed it well.
He guessed he'd have to deal with the reserved façade quickly, or else Draco would stop being expressive altogether.
He watched with a wince as his friends took their seat grimly at the table, Hermione's usual babble silenced without someone to aim it at. Similar was the case of Ron Weasley, who had quickly become despondent over his friend. The two of them were practically clinging to each other.
Draco's face flickered, and in its place was the familiar sneer that Harry knew so well. "Look at them, pitiful-"
"Silence." Harry said firmly, pressing a hand to Draco's lips. He was so shocked he complied, following silently as the sorting occurred.
Harry stuck behind the masses of first years for the sorting, watching on with curiosity at the different people who went to each house, though mostly Slytherin; that was where his influence was needed most, after all.
It was a few people in when they called out, "Burton, Carla!"
She dashed up to the front, gulping nervously and sitting down on the chair. The hat was placed on her head and mulled over her for a long time; at least two minutes went by before it finally called out "SLYTHERIN!"
Harry didn't know whether to be happy or sad. She was already a friend of his, so he'd have insider information from her if he was lucky, but he was also sad that Slytherin would be her first impression. It took a lot of contemplation to consider Slytherin a house of merit.
Just then, a man walked up next to him and patted his shoulder, getting his attention. His clothes were a bit run-down, but he was nonetheless a handsome man with a kind face and gentle demeanor.
"You'll go after," he informed the boy, "so please wait with me. Albus will announce you."
Harry nodded numbly, not paying him full attention; he was watching Albus fiercely. Already he'd sensed a bit of magic coming off of the man; he intercepted the next spell while scowling fiercely within himself.
Legilimens, Harry thought, seething. The goblins had taught him the goblin version of the branch of magic; it was far more advanced, much to Harry's pleasant surprise, and he could see it immediately. He quickly formed some mental shields after that, throwing away his anger. He had to think clearly.
He pushed the threads of Albus's magic away, and soon he had Albus's full attention. He found this amusing; Albus definitely wasn't what Harry thought he was, and instead was far more attuned to the darker arts than Harry would have liked to believe.
Albus definitely hid his emotions well. Standing up, the man began his speech, finally relenting on his mental attacks on Harry.
"As the new year begins," he announced, "I have some news for all students. As usual, I warn the first years not to travel into the forbidden forest, wish they not to die a terrible death," Harry detected the slightest hint of amusement at this thought, "and remind them that the school rules can be found in their common-rooms. The prefects will lead the first years to their common-rooms after the feast." he paused. "Finally, I'd like to welcome a transfer student from Beauxbatons to our ranks; his sorting will begin shortly. Please give Mister Ari Durst a warm welcome." Harry stepped forward promptly, dipping his head in greeting to those who noticed the name as the entire school resounded in a rare union of excitement for a new student, those from Slytherin for his blood and those in the other houses merely for a potential new ally. The Durst family was notoriously neutral, after all.
He marched forward and sat down, calming himself and remembering his occlumency lessons. He would merely block his Gryffindor qualities. With his luck, things would go well.
He was successful. The hat barely touched his head before he heard it shout a word that, two years ago, would have filled him with incomparable dread.
"SLYTHERIN!"
A/N: The long-awaited chapter is here! Big thanks to all of you who left reviews! Hopefully this made up for the short chapter last time. Until next time, everyone. Don't forget to review; it means a lot.