Lighting Lord
**OO**
A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.
AU story, no ownership of Harry Potter or anyone else. If you are looking for canon, I suggest one of Rowling's first few books. I'd skip books five, six and seven though.
**OO**
Welcome to the fireside.
**OO**
Chapter 3 How to Not Troll for Danger
Hogwart, Monday, September 2nd
Dumbledore surveyed his realm from his throne, smiling benignly on his little subjects. The twins had already peeked in on Fluffy. It was just a matter of time before others became interested.
The youngest Weasley boy was acting just as hoped and even now seemed to be blocking all but his brothers from being in Harry's court. Well done. Well done. Not that he had actively done anything.
The Potter boy looked shy, shrugging into himself. Good. Good.
The right House, the right friends.
His plans were off to a wonderful start.
**OO**
Wimborne, Monday morning
Harry's plans were off to a wonderful start. The first class of the day was English Composition, which everyone groaned about taking, but the young teacher had just smiled.
Documentation wouldn't do itself, even with magic, though there were ways to get some magical help.
Introduction to Arithmancy was just before lunch, and Harry noted that Luna paled, and had trouble entering the class. Unlike the other classes so far, she sat in the far back.
As if pulled by an unseen force, Harry went with her, Baljeet taking a seat just in front of her, also concerned.
"My mother was an Arithmancer for the Department of Mysteries." Luna admitted.
Harry nodded. Last night, their pod had found out that Luna's mother had passed away in a work related injury, and they were not to tease her about it. She was in treatment, just like Harry and some other muggle-raised students that had less than happy homes.
It was the main reason school went year round. To protect young magicals from their hurtful muggles. The winter and spring terms had more lectures, and the summer terms were for practical magic with few lectures. It was a more hands-on application. This meant a three week holiday at Yule, a three week holiday in June, and another in August. For the students who worked the summer, they could attend part time. It was very beneficial. And for those who wanted to stay during the holidays, they could. The school often sponsored educational travel holidays for those not returning home after each term with professional guides who were well vetted to work with children.
Relaxing after the introduction to the class, Luna took notes but seemed happier when the bell rang.
Luna quickly snatched up Harry's hand, "I do hope they have dirigible plum pudding with lunch."
The boy smiled at her. This was nice, holding her hand. "I've never made that or even heard of it before."
Luna was off on an explanation that seemed to make her happy but involved a lot of creatures he had never heard of. The wizarding world was so very interesting.
**OO**
Their first programming class had an American witch teaching it. She had the darkest skin Harry had ever seen on a person which contrasted with her very white teeth.
She had been an Arithmancer for the American space program when it was very new. With witches and wizards living much longer than humans, she had 'retired' from NASA and had started teaching when Wimborne first opened.
"Computers have no intelligence. They do one thing at a time, so this class will emphasize logic. That is not something I would expect from wizards and witches in normal circumstances."
The class shared a quiet laugh, as the woman passed out beginning logic books with a flick of her wand. Provided by the school.
"I will grade your notes every week in your journals, so at least try to solve the daily logic problem. If after fifteen or twenty minutes, you haven't solved it, attend one of the study sessions with one of my apprentices. This isn't about being perfect, but trying perfectly. No one out there doing programming is alone. We rely on each other for help." Professor Vaughn stated.
They had daily journals to write down what they learned in two or three sentences. At the beginning of class, she would start with either a math problem or a logic problem.
All of the students in the class were smart and at least a grade or two above what other sixth forms would normally be.
This class was going to be hugely fun. And not just because Fridays were game days, if the class had earned enough 'citizenship points'. Those were given for doing what they were supposed to do; sitting quietly and taking notes during lectures, working on assigned work during guided practice, and helping others when finished.
This was going to be a wonderful class.
**OO**
Harry had a private interview with his personal advisor to go over his educational goals. Professor Turing was head of the Computer Science Department, but had offered Harry to be his special apprentice from the off. He did have one large warning though.
"I can't emphasize enough your need to control your power. Our computers are shielded, but you must wear your power inhibitors whenever you are in the main computer lab. Now, when you're in the Arc, you'll be fine. You'll find more out about that soon enough.
"The outside world will no doubt want you to be their savior. But I know the danger that represents. Hero one day, darling of the public, and then every Uncle Mortimer and Aunt Sally thinking they have the right to tell you how to live your life! And what you are doing isn't meeting up with their expectations! No one can please thousands. It's impossible. You have to decide who you are going to live up to. Whether that's a circle of influence that is driven by the divine, by friends, by a lover, or just determining your own code."
Harry and the professor shared a smile at the accidental pun. 'Code' was another word for programming.
"I think I understand what you're saying. My first time inside Diagon Alley was wild. I mean, I have a couple ways of hiding now, but I am given credit for stopping a war I don't remember. And facing an enemy I only remember in the worst of nightmares." Harry shared softly.
The professor gave him a soft look, and changed subjects quickly.
"Since we go year-round here, and many students go home on the weekends at least occasionally, you will find time for special projects. Starting from your third year here, don't be surprised if you get invited to help with some. You can use it for extra credit on your OWLs. You really are a genius, Mr Potter. I think you are going to be a huge benefit to magical programming."
The professor gave him a journal and showed him how to do bullet journaling for simple projects, and how to use the template in the back to design larger ones.
"Thank you, sir!" Harry was very impressed. "Please, if you like, you can call me Harry."
"Thank you. When we're in private, you may call me Alan. Not everyone apprentices so young. But you are not on file in the Ministry as anyone's apprentice yet."
"What? Oh, this is to protect me. I thought…" The disappointment was clear on Harry's face.
"No, Harry. I would have asked you to be my apprentice in spite of Dumbledore. Your guardian's plan to hide you here is working just fine. I truly would have offered just based on your progress in computers thus far. Have no fear of that."
"Thank you, sir. And thank you for protecting me as a bonus. Dumbledore can't register me as his apprentice if I'm yours. But won't that give the game away?"
"No, as it is a private registry. Dumbledore might be able to force someone to tell him that you are already apprenticed, but that would be it. To find out more, he'd have to make a public appeal to the Wizengamot. That would mean admitting, in a very open way, that you weren't his apprentice. He'd lose face." The professor explained.
Harry just stood and bowed to the man's planning. He took his new journal back to his room. Now this was a programming manual!
**OO**
'Harry' saw Percy, the prefect in charge of first years, looking over at the Hufflepuff table a bit sadly.
"Lookin' for someone Perce?" Tonks asked.
"Oh. I have a friend who left last year. She was dating my brother, but they broke up…anyway. She's brilliant. Really funny."
"I thought you and Penny were dating?" she prodded gently.
"We broke up too. She was asking me about my goals, and I guess she thought she was just my girlfriend since she fit into my 'ideal' of a wife." Percy shared, "I guess she's right. She's not the one I want to marry. But the one I really like, no. She's too good for me."
Tonks was blown away. Sure, she'd noticed Percy's crush. But this serious boy really liked her?
"What are your goals? Maybe I can help." 'Harry' offered.
"A better Ministry that accepts all magicals. I'm going to be Minister one day with a non-pureblood wife. I'm going to change the laws. Equality for everyone. Keep your eyes open. You'll see how muggleborns are treated. Well, you've probably heard stories of your mum. Your parents were treated so differently at Hogwarts; James the pureblood with opportunities aplenty, and Lily, a brilliant witch according to my parents. She had no job prospects at all and was not respected at Hogwarts except by Slughorn and Flitwick. It just wasn't right. But it didn't stop at the gates after leaving."
"You're right." Only in Tonks' case it was her dad.
This was a new view of Percy. Wow. And he would be turning sixteen soon, and she was barely eighteen. Not much age difference, either. And she did love Arthur. Molly? Not so much. Still, she meant well.
"So Percy? Can I ask a question? If you like this girl, and she's not dating anyone, why not just ask her out?"
"What do you mean? She's not dating anyone? How would you know?"
"She's my guardian." Tonks shared truthfully. She was an adult and her own guardian.
"She's your guardian? Wow! Please, don't say anything to her, not yet? I need to think about this. Wow. Thanks, Potter. I won't forget this."
Percy looked older than his almost sixteen years. And she'd seen him with his siblings at home. He was always very responsible. And certainly acted much more maturely than most teens. She couldn't date anyone right now. Not until she was finished with auror training. But in a few years? When he was nineteen and she twenty one?
This boy wasn't the fun-for-a-time kind of guy. He was smart, and had goals for himself. Far more than even she had ever contemplated. He wanted to work towards improving their world. Amazing.
He was worth thinking about.
**OO**
Besides Luna and Baljeet, Harry rarely reached out to talk to anyone else in the pod. Then they received a new girl, Lisa Turpin, after a few weeks. She was quizzing Harry.
"You decided to transfer too?" Lisa asked, "I couldn't take the bullying anymore."
Harry and Tonks had been expecting this since the first night's meeting, so Luna and Harry took her to one side.
"Can you please not tell anyone else? It's complicated, but I really have been here the whole time, and have not met you before today."
"Right. Got it. Being a celebrity has got to be hard. Well, I couldn't take the prejudice, and they lied to me about what classes were being offered. My dad had wanted me to go here, and skip Hogwarts. He's a muggleborn, and didn't have the best experience there. But my mum, who's family goes way back, was all dramatic about family tradition. She got her way, until they found out about the bullying I was enduring in Ravenclaw. Can you believe it? Just because I got a record-breaking score on some Charms test, Marietta Edgecomb and her cronies…"
She broke down into tears. Luna swept her up into a hug, while Harry patted her arm awkwardly.
Baljeet had seen them talking, and walked over. "Potter? Please tell me you didn't insult Lisa, right?"
The witch gave a watery smile, "No, I was just telling them why I'm here. Sorry I got upset."
"After class, do you all want to play some football?" Baljeet practically begged. The kind boy was trying to distract her.
It was a nice day, and they all knew that England's weather was heading to fall rains soon.
"I know what game you are talking about because my father has taken me to a match. But my mum is pretty traditional, and she wouldn't allow me to play before. My dad is going to be ecstatic for me to learn."
The four of them went outside and were soon joined by other firsties. Harry was decent at the game, but Petunia had never allowed him to join the official football team, as it cost money for the uniform, shoes and such.
They all had the proper clothes and equipment provided for them. This school cost more than Hogwarts for those paying their own way, but it was so worth it for the quality of education. And how they took care of their students.
**OO**
Maleficent Selwyn (who never used her married name of Turpin) was seething. "My daughter could have been assaulted by a boy, and was assaulted by these girls. They vanished her clothing, and locked her out of the dormroom. I don't see this as a 'little prank'! My family has gone to school here for centuries, and now she is attending a place with computers and science! Her head is going to be full of muggly stuff, and You. Don't. Care!"
And she was even using the proper word for the machines. She always called them 'commuters' around her husband, just because of her feelings about such technology. It just wasn't right.
Dumbledore tried to explain, "Madam, it is partially your fault for letting your daughter have a muggle first name, and a muggleborn's last name. No one at school knew she was connected to the Rosiers in any way!"
"Selwyn! I am a Selwyn!" The woman's glare should have killed him. "You seem to approve of this sort of treatment as long as the child isn't a pureblood where you should not."
His phoenix made a sound like he concurred with her conclusion about the old wizard.
She thought her husband, in eschewing his magic-hating relatives, had walked away from the muggle world, only to insist on naming their daughter a muggle name in honor of her daughter's paternal great-grandmother. When their son came, it was her turn to choose. Roger still hadn't forgiven her for naming their son Turchyn after her great grandfather. It was a perfectly good wizarding name.
Albus swallowed his chuckle. "The witches in question were just jealous of your daughter's brilliance, and acted out. Professor Flitwick gave them all detention."
"Only after you refused to allow them to be suspended. Do I look stupid to you? Filius and I had a long talk. He wanted them suspended, and be admonished that if they ever approached such a thing again, they'd be expelled. I'm going to the school board. I can't blame my daughter for wanting to be safe at school. And now I know the real reason she felt assaulted twice after she complained to you, and all you did was pat her head and send her on her way. Here is the bill for replacement clothing. Pass it to the miscreants if you choose, but you will repay me. Good day."
Minerva walked her to the doors, where a giant of a man loomed suddenly, carrying a bucket of what appeared to be fresh venison. And quite a bit of blood.
"Just heading in to feed Fluffy. Excuse me, ladies." Hagrid greeted them with a tug of forelock, nearly spilling the contents of the oversized container on the front entry.
The man walked up the stairs, the angry mother was just staring after him.
"What in the world? I thought he took care of the thestrals and things outside!" Madam Selwyn glared at McGonagall. "What is he feeding inside the castle?!"
Professor McGonagall didn't look happy in the least, but ignored the question. "I'll be keeping an extra eye out on Miss Edgecomb. Her mother's a nasty bit of work."
"All Death Eaters are, but of course, your master decided to hire one. I should say, another one. I wanted Lisa to be a Potions Mistress one day. Now, she's going into computers." She said it as though she was choosing to be a janitor at the Ministry. Filthy, nasty.
The deputy didn't know what to say, other than to apologize again, and the witches went their separate ways. She had objected to Thorfinn Rowle's addition to the school. Strongly. He was a marked Death Eater, and was now head of Slytherin and the new Muggle Studies teacher. What was Albus thinkin'?
Minerva planned on stopping by to talk to Quirrell, their previous muggle expert. What in the world was a computer?
**OO**
Ministry of Magic, Transportation Office
Madam Edgecombe loved her job in the floo department. It gave her much joy, and a sense of power. Odd how mudblood applications were lost, then their floos had trouble.
A shadow appeared over her desk, and she stood. The wizard was known to her, and she quickly curtseyed.
"Lor…rd…Selwyn." She stuttered. "How can I serve you?"
The man placed a bill on her desk and glared at her. "You know that my sister and I do not see eye to eye on many issues. But my niece is still my blood. How dare your daughter treat her this way. Pay this. I already checked. This is for just the cost of the clothes lost. And then, if you want to keep your friendship with me, be sure to send the girl both an apology and a nice gift. You do understand the custom. We don't hurt our own. I won't allow it."
"Lisa Turpin? But she's a mud…" Edgecombe was interrupted.
"Don't say it! She's my sister's daughter. Do you understand me?"
"Yes, Lord Selwyn. A terrible mistake! Awful! You have my formal apologies for me and my daughter. And I'll make sure that your family gets the appropriate letters and gifts. Oh dear."
The man turned, and walked out the door. He wished he had a way to remove the faded tattoo he bore on his arm, his heart, and his soul. Ever since the fall of the Dark Lord, he had renounced violence, thinking it had been a lark to torture others. Now he had matured, and seen the errors of his ways. Now this? Even if Lisa wasn't family, how was torturing any eleven-year old seen as right?
His world view had changed. And he would use his influence to get this woman away from this job where she had hurt so many. Make sure a muggleborn got it, too.
When Madam Edgecombe was sent to International Cooperation, she wasn't surprised. She disliked foreigners intensely. If she made another mistake, she knew she'd get the sack.
But the only thing she regretted was the mistaken identity, not the actions her daughter took. Though she did have to pay for it, in gold and other consequences.
**OO**
Owl Roost, Wimborne
Hedwig looked at the half-goblin child that had come to get the mail. She could sense that her wizard was near. And the goblin was no threat.
"Don't worry, pretty one. Your letter will get through. There's plenty of mice over there. I saw one all dressed up like a pinto horse the other day. I had no idea that mice came in colors other than boring brown and grey."
Hedwig tilted her head, and the boy kept talking. "You want to know about me? I work here part-time. I'm learning computers. We hope to adapt them to Gringotts one day. My grandsire was not happy when his daughter ran off with a human curse-breaker. But if. If I can bring honor to the clan, then maybe I will be seen as something more than just an unwanted gobling. No, there are no unwanted full goblins. Maybe I can be seen as more than an abomination."
Harry had stopped just a few feet away, and hadn't wanted to embarrass this lad. So he went to return to the building before giving Hedwig a sweet caress. She objected loudly to that!
"Oh, hello. Looking for your mail? It gets delivered to your desk in your room."
Harry reached out to pet his wonderful owl, and gave her his letter for Tonks. "Hello, and hello Hedwig. That's my owl here; she's one beautiful lady. She trusts you. Hedwig, please meet…"
"I'm Kird. Hi Hedwig. My mother is a curse-breaker, so was my father. He's…he's…"
How did you explain that his mother thought she was honorably married, but the man thought she was just a lark? He tried to do a runner. Stupid man. He didn't live to regret his choice. Everyone in the caverns thought he was killed in an accident on a worksite. But his grandsire Bgorm had told Kird the truth before sending him away from Egypt. Sent him to this school to prove to Ragnok that it was useless magic. As useless as the cub.
But Kird was going to prove Bgorm wrong; about computers and about himself.
"I'm Harry. I'm sorry. What year are you?" Harry asked politely, continuing to pay attention to his owl, and even sneak her a treat or two.
Kird was a head smaller than him, but there was such a mix of people here. His light green skin, ears and nose made him look a bit like a goblin. But he also looked a bit like the Charms Professor from Hogwarts.
The half-goblin shared, "That's hard to say. Many of the students here had muggle classes when they were younger. Because of my situation, I knew how to read and write, do a bit of maths, but I hope to be joining the first form classes soon. I'm just happy to be here."
Harry held out his hand. "Glad to meet you Kird. Why don't you join me and my friends at lunch?" So this was the goblin student that BloodRage mentioned.
Then, the lad remembered something and the Potter boy's nose twitched, "Say, you wouldn't know where I could order some conde lumbra and other goblin treats? I was given some at the bank when negotiating a deal with another House. I think the guard meant to prank me, as the first time I went, there were wizard-type treats. But I actually liked it. A lot."
Kird had been collecting up mail, and petting owls, doling out treats as he went. But he stopped to look at Harry, his work finished. He was ready to return to the school.
The boy gave his familiar a last pet, and the two started walking inside.
Seeing he wasn't being pranked, Kird talked to Harry on the way to the mailroom inside the building. "No, I don't know of any places like that here in Britain. But wouldn't that be fun? A cafe that sold all types of food?"
The two boys, both labeled 'freaks' by their family, were well on their way to friendship before the lunch was over.
**OO**
Quirinus had a problem. He'd taken off for a year to study the dark arts to come up with a new course of Defense against it. He hoped by moving the classroom, and changing the name, he might avoid the curse.
He had challenged a vampire, saving a village from his fangs, and had an adventure worthy of a Lockhart book.
He'd also put down uncontrolled werewolves. That one was harder, because he knew that those three were people, but they had attacked him. Silver bullets really worked, and he needed to thank the American wizard who provided both gun and ammunition.
He'd also found the area of darkness that Dumbledore was worried about. Dangerous magic there.
But he'd heard of some African shaman who dealt with this sort of thing, and for a price, they dispatched the spirit.
The only thing was, when Quirrell asked Dumbledore to be repaid for the work, he'd denied ever asking him.
And now, the new Defense professor was seriously short of funds.
Whispers of the Sorcerer's Stone being hidden in the castle was stoking his greed. If he possessed that, or even could borrow it for a time, he could be wealthy beyond dreams of avarice.
And didn't he deserve a bit of reward after all his adventures this last year?
The professor decided to befriend Hagrid. Yes, he would know where it was…
**OO**
Hermione was walking down the busy corridor one minute, then was sprawled on the ground. Her bag was then kicked, knocking ink and papers everywhere.
"Watch where you're going, mudblood." Malfoy spat.
His goons cracked their knuckles as Pansy clutched his arm. "Clumsy much?"
Goyle 'accidently' kicked her in the head, causing her to hit the stone floor, face down. She was in so much pain!
She didn't notice the fourth of their group was hanging back, unwilling to play this sort of game. Especially against a witch.
Hermione said nothing. She was used to bullies, but what she wasn't used to was friends.
Millicent Bulstrode offered her a hand up, and then proceeded to help pick up the bottles of various colored ink, quills, and parchment.
She pulled out a handkerchief and whispered to her, "Don't let any of this crowd get a drop of your blood."
Hermione was dazed, and didn't realize that she was really hurt.
Blaise Zabini stepped forward to help too.
Milli complained, "Draco, you are such a juvenile. I'm writing to your mother that you used that word. I know at the leaving ball we were all told to mind our manners."
Blaise was helping pick up supplies, and smiled at Milli, "He is minding his manners. He's doing just what his father would do. Only after Miss Granger was down, he'd start casting even more spells. Oh, that is if he still could. He's as muggle as Mr Granger, now."
Draco started to point his wand at Blaise, but quickly put it away when he saw who was there.
"What's going on here? Granger? Are you causing problems again?" Professor Rowle asked, a sea of green with a solitary red and gold trimmed robe here. "Twenty points from Gryffindor!"
He had been hired as the new Slytherin Head of House now that Snape had been ousted from the castle.
"Check Malfoy's wand sir. I saw him cast a tripping jinx." Millicent held up her chin.
The rules of the House were unity, and Rowle glared at her, "Detention, Bulstrode, and you will apologize to Heir Malfoy."
Blaise stepped up and whispered something to Millicent,
"I'm sorry that I spoke of House matters in public." She then turned to Hermione, "Miss Granger needs medical attention."
Thorfinn saw the bloodied handkerchief at her face, but his duties to the Dark Lord were in clear conflict with his public position as a teacher. A part of him wanted to snatch that handkerchief away before she thought to banish it.
"Well then, as part of your detention, you can see Miss Granger to the infirmary." He turned to the Gyffie, "I won't take any more points this time, but watch yourself, girl." The Muggle Studies teacher warned dangerously.
Hermione couldn't talk at the moment. She'd chipped a front tooth, something that Blaise picked up before scouring the area with a charm. Malfoy scowled at him, but he just blew him a kiss mockingly.
Blaise went with Millicent and Hermione, leaving Rowle alone with the others. That was when the professor did the spell to see what was cast and quietly gave Draco detention as well.
"Cunning and cleverness, not cowardly bullying. And you used the 'M' word. Tut, tut. That's another detention, Malfoy. I'll be writing to your lady mother. Do it again, and I'll make it a week and invite her here to supervise the detention."
Everyone around them winced. No one wanted their own parents there.
The others took note. No one would be using spells in the hallway or that word. But Miss Granger's time at Hogwarts was now filled with even more verbal sniping. Especially when her teeth were fixed, and she no longer looked like a chipmunk to them.
**OO**
Percy was bang on time for his appointment with Dumbledore. Nothing had been done after seeing McGonagall. Maybe this time would be better.
"My young namesake, come in, come in." The headmaster offered tea and treats which Percy declined. He had firsties to watch over as he did his homework. He didn't want to be here long.
"Headmaster? I would like to point out that conditions in Hogwarts continue to show a distinct lack of respect to those new to magic. The new Muggle Studies teacher does not help. He takes points even more harshly than Snape did, and for less cause. I have a report I would like you to read."
The man put it on his desk without even glancing at it. "My boy! You have such potential in your career. Don't you think tilting at windmills the wrong way to go about this?"
Percy stared at him hard. "People are getting hurt. Miss Granger had a mild concussion as well as a broken tooth. What if Rosier or one of that lot had gotten her blood? I thought you a protector? Sir."
Dumbledore waved him off, "Professor Rowle is new, and has a difficult job to do amongst people like you unwilling to forgive him. He's a fine pureblood who just needs a nice witch to settle down."
"Are you saying he's here to wife hunt? Sir?"
Albus pointed and the door popped open, "I said no such thing! I think you need to examine your priorities if you want my support in the Ministry one day. Good day, Percival!"
Percy kept his gaze for a minute, allowing the old man to read his complete disgust. Percy didn't care. He then looked at the phoenix who had watched the exchange the entire time.
His thoughts asked him, 'Why do you stay?'
The look was, 'I have to.'
**OO**
The statement from the goblins was flung away. Bah! Someone interfering with his profits from his children's books. He looked at the clock in his humble cottage. It was too late to floo anyone, but he had letters to read.
Gilderoy's most recent letter from Betty Crocker had him upset. 'Had he helped Quirrel defeat the vampire he faced?'
Vampire? What vampire?
She had included a clipping from a newspaper in a foreign language. The verbage was unreadable to him, but the picture was clear enough. Qurrell was presented with a 'blessed' turban in thanks for his bravery.
Another reader of his asked him about a pack of werewolves and if he had been in disguise for that one.
On and on. No, no, no.
This had to stop! Others were getting credit for their own achievements. Time to shine a light onto himself.
Well, once more into the breach. When would be a good day to 'interview' this Quirrell person. Oh, look, a letter asking him if he had fought alongside James and Lily Potter.
Halloween. What better way to honor them than to become the next hero of the wizarding world?
Lockhart would offer to share some holiday cheer with this adventurer, then leave him in shape to teach muggle studies. But that would be all he would be able to do evermore.
Clearly, word hadn't gotten out to the pounce that Quirrell was the new Defense professor, and Thorfinn Rowle, Death Eater taught Muggle Studies.
**OO**
"So Potter, are you going to try out for baggit?" Justin asked Harry. The flying game that evolved from lacrosse looked like fun to him!
The Finch-Fletchley boy was down for Eton before getting his Hogwarts letter. His parents had practically thrown McGonagall out of the house when finding out that there were no computers, no upper mathematics classes, nothing to aid tomorrow's leaders. Just a bunch of magic tricks and hocus pocus. Not for Lord and Lady Finch-Fletchley's eldest son!
He'd played lacrosse in primary, and was looking forward to trying out for the magical version. Protective gear was a must with the sport, but it was mixed, boys and girls, and fouls were strictly enforced. This was a school that prided itself on being safe.
They had watched a demonstration game by the junior varsity, and all the firsties wanted to sign up to play in the under-thirteen league.
"Yeah, I wanna give it a go. Flying the other day was wicked, so I definitely want to do that more. I never got to play lacrosse in primary, but they have classes on it here. At least I don't have to worry about glasses falling off or anything." Harry shared. Healer Marius had fixed Harry's eyes with Tonks' permission. The potion was considered 'dark' since it used blood and some other ingredients. But it worked.
"What about you?" Harry asked
"Yes, I feel that it's much better than the quidditch lark. Oh, lacrosse has some very ancient origins, with miles wide pitches and so forth, but the modern rules have a defined pitch, a limited number of players, and a timed game. Can you imagine having to play for days and days as a professional?"
Lisa and Luna both scoffed. The bell rang, getting them up from breakfast and off to class.
Justin asked, "Um, Potter? I don't really get the assignment in programming. My mum wants me to be a computer engineer, but my father wants me to be a financier like himself. They both insist on me learning at least the basics even if I only use commercial software all the rest of my life."
Harry nodded, "We're meeting in the computer lab after the last class. Room three. Feel free to join us, and I'll ask you more about what has you stumped then. But Justin? As a person without parents to answer to? Um, well. I know what your parents want for you. But I think that you should take a bunch of subjects, and find out what you want for you."
"But Father! He might stop paying for it! I only have a small trust of my own…"
Luna laughed, silvery bells. "Harry considers you a friend, Justin. Whether it's a loan or gift, you know he has the resources to help you if ever needed. I promise."
Harry grinned down affectionately at the little blonde. "Did you see that? And my lips didn't move at all, and yet, it's my words. Magician indeed."
They all laughed, but hurried up so as not to be late. Professor Vaughn was a no-nonsense type of teacher, and no one wanted to be yelled at by her with her soft regional US Southern accent letting them know just how big an idiot they'd been.
**OO**
Ron had his chess set out. "Wanna go down to tea and play a game?"
Tonks had liked this boy when he was younger. Always being picked on by the twins, he was rather clever. But now that Ronald was away from his mother, he refused to buckle down to study.
Hermione Granger would look askance at them. And she was right. While Tonks liked to pretend to prefer to study in her rooms in the infirmary, the truth was, she was bored. So she indulged in the occasional game of chess. But what she really wanted to do was go flying for a bit. But not on a school broom.
Their first flying class had one of the firsties get hurt when that broom flew off randomly.
Tonks agreed. Ooh, there was Susie, now insisting on being called Susan, over at the Hufflepuff table. Laughing and working with her friends.
"Hey Ron, why not sit with them?" 'Harry' asked.
"What? Why would we sit with witches?" the Weasley boy demanded, "Most of their food there is gone already! Come on. Good food, a place to play. I think the elves like you. We always have a nice tea."
Sighing, Tonks went to sit at the Gryffindor table. She was frustrated, and just wanted this assignment to end. But Rowle hadn't made a move yet.
Trying not to scowl, she played a decent game, using techniques she'd learned from a chess book from the library. Otherwise, Ron might figure out who she really was.
Unlikely. The boy seemed intent on demolishing creme cakes and taking out opponents. And keeping her away from making any new friends. Which was for the Greater Good, she guessed.
Tonks couldn't wait to return home.
**OO**
Severus looked at it. The shimmering fumes looked right, the potion had the glassy surface he was looking for.
"Destiny?" Severus called for his apprentice. The letter commissioned this potion had been accompanied by gold to pay for six months of regular wolfsbane, plus requested an improvement made for it.
It was the sort of work he had always wanted to do. And now he thought he had it.
"Yes, Severus? Oh, it's lovely! Yes! I do think you did it." Sultry blue eyes penetrated his dark orbs. "You are so brilliant."
"Can you help me decant this into individual doses and have those packaged up for posting, please? A wealthy patron has a best friend who was bitten when he was just four years of age. He's offered to test it for us."
"Very good, sir. You know I will be happy to help you. With anything. Anything at all." She winked.
What Lucius couldn't have at any price was offered to him daily. In the muggle world, such flirtation at work would be considered harassment. Here, it was all too normal.
Sirius Black was the sort to gain this sort of attention, not him. And yet.
Severus looked back at the potion. This was indeed the life he had always wanted even if he didn't know how to put it into words.
**OO**
School was moving apace. Harry loved flying, and he and Luna made a good pairing in baggit. The flying version of lacrosse was played on school brooms that weren't as fast as the older students' racing brooms nor did they fly very high, but they were of the best quality.
Much better than the firewood at Hogwarts according to Lisa.
Now and then, they would get new students in from Hogwarts. They were accepted into the current term, though they were expected to catch up quickly. The older students seemed to take bets as it had usually been Snape that caused the most departures from the castle in previous years.
Harry was getting a lot of mail, and had to dedicate time to write letters to those he wanted to keep up with. Of course, he knew how to type well, and used the computer lab.
The monitor of the lab scowled and pointed to his own wrists seeing Harry come in. But he and Baljeet just nodded and put their suppression cuffs on.
"Your godfather again? Or Tonks?" his friend asked.
"Both. I'm finally hearing stories, nice stories about my parents. Better than them being awful drunks. Even Snape has softened up enough to share copies of pictures of my mum. She was beautiful."
Baljeet was sending another email to his folks. Harry could send an email to Ted Tonks, but he never knew what to say. Instead, he wrote to his godfather and Tonks.
Harry's circle of family was increasing dramatically. Now, he was sharing letters with another family friend, Amelia Bones. She confided that she and Sirius had been close at one time, but then her brother was killed, leaving her with a baby to care for. She felt terrible that she'd been fooled into thinking that Sirius had both a trial and was guilty. It was her that had asked Sirius to not visit yet, wanting him to complete his healing where he was in the Bahamas. That made sense to Harry, and gave them time to get to know one another through letters.
But Amelia claimed that she still liked Padfoot, his nickname, and hoped they would be friends again. She explained to Harry that everyone thought she was older than she was because her hair had gone grey in her twenties after her brother was killed. It appeared that she and Sirius might try dating again. Harry didn't really know how he felt about that. He asked Luna if her father was seeing anyone.
"Of course Harry. If he didn't, he would bump into people." Luna stated, her eyes without one whit of guile.
Harry would have to remember that line. He'd been asked before if he was seeing Luna. A simple yes would do the trick. Besides, once people knew who he was, it might get a bit intense.
**OO**
Harry was called to the office after classes one day. BloodRage was there with a package.
"I am a messenger from my mate. She is worried that you are too thin and weakly. She sent you a warm, home-made meal."
"Hey! That's very nice BloodRage." Harry bowed.
Then he opened it. The first box of strengthened parchment had worms in it. Live worms. Moving, live worms.
Harry was thrilled. "Thanks!"
As if reading his thoughts, BloodRage picked one up and slurped it. "Oh, very mild sauce. Must be for you. Usually hers are spicier."
Mercedes returned to her desk from the headmistress' office right then, and saw the box. "Ooo! Conde lumbra! Where did you get this? I didn't think there was a goblin restaurant closer than Cairo."
"I don't know of one in Britain. This is my mate's wonderful cooking." BloodRage boasted.
"Grab a plate ma'am. I'll share." Harry offered.
"Most kind of you." Mercedes conjured a plate right there and a pair of chopsticks. "Oh! This is the best. BloodRage? Do you think she'd make some? For me I mean? I'd pay."
Harry watched in fascination as she slurped another worm. Harry put a serving on his own plate, and tried one. He was a bit worried it was a prank.
Wait, this was good. This was really good. Better than what he'd had at the bank before.
The three shared the little snack together, and BloodRage turned to leave with thanks for his mate.
"Wait. I know goblins, BloodRage. What's really the purpose of your visit?" Harry wanted to ask if Kird had prompted this treat. He was saving a goodly portion for him.
"Like wizards, we goblins have Seers. I've already met with your headmistress. Such marvelous battle. I have offered my services that day. Death, and destruction come on the day you call All Hallow's Eve. A troll, blood on the floor. A bathroom. I know. Too vague to be useful. And you don't have security trolls. No local ones, either. But, have no fear. I, and a few friends, plan to be here that day."
Harry wrote it down, planning on warning Tonks, just in case.
"Do the wards your people added to the school guard against unwanted trolls?" Mercedes asked, clearly worried. She poked around her plate looking for leftovers. She eye'd the box in Harry's hand, but he put it in his bag.
"That's Kird's share. Sorry." Harry stated, impressing BloodRage, that they were friends. "I don't know what to think of the warning though. Do you know this school doesn't offer what Hogwarts calls Divination? There's a business class that has 'Responsible Investing' though. Thanks for the treat. Please say thanks to, what was her name again?"
"Scamp, you know I will never tell." the goblin growled.
"I call her 'Thistle' when I visit, Harry. She seems to like that name." Mercedes interjected.
"A beautiful flower with spiky thorns? Love it. Right. Please give her my regards." Harry bowed to the goblin again, and went to deliver the snack while it still squirmed.
BloodRage bowed, and waited for the boy to be gone from sight.
A completely new container was put on the secretary's desk. "I'm sorry about the bad news, but I brought you this." BloodRage stated.
"Want some strawberry cheesecake to take home?" Mercedes offered in exchange.
"Want? Yes. But I'm allergic to…"
"What do you know? An antidote for that. Made by Harry when I casually mentioned your ailment. It's almost like he wants to be…"
"Don't say it! Don't!" BloodRage waved his hands.
"Alright. Go in Peace, my friend. Oops." Mercedes didn't look a bit sorry, but the cheesecake and antidote were slipped into the pockets of the exiting goblin.
"Grrrr."
**OO**
After that, once a week, Harry, Kird, and a couple other students got hand-to-hand lessons from BloodRage. Just in case a troll did show up.
Luna refused to come. She was a sensitive soul, and told Harry that while she would shield and stun, she'd never kill. She just couldn't.
Kird had confronted her, a culture clash in the making, "What? Every female goblin would stab any threatening enemy and make them wish they had never bothered them. How can you be so…submissive? It's intolerable!"
"So don't. Tolerate me that is. I'm not a threat to you or anyone. I just want to be friends." Luna stuck out her tongue, and walked away.
Kird shook his head, "That girl is so strange, and is asking for trouble." But he was ignoring Harry's reaction to his words.
Baljeet had to restrain his friend. "No, no. Do not attack him in anger. This is time for defense. Killing anyone on purpose is against the rules. I do not think you would find Azkaban a friendly place."
"Right, too right. And he was just expressing opinions." Harry took a deep breath.
One day, his temper was going to get him into trouble. BloodRage patted him on the shoulders in pride of conquering that temper today.
BloodRage and his mate were talking of being Kird's British sponsors: Something like being godparents if they were wizarding folk.
But they would have a little talk about manners with the gobling, especially when dealing with someone who was wealthy, and had two Houses to worry about. No need to anger him unnecessarily, and the young mage was protective of those he considered friends.
**OO**
Halloween was approaching rapidly. Harry and Tonks had exchanged letters about honoring his parents. The holiday was on a Thursday this year. She planned to take him to visit his parent's graves at some point.
The tenth year anniversary of their deaths? Tonks warned it would be crowded in Godric's Hollow. No, he'd stay at school, and try to concentrate on his studies. This was the first year he even knew about this important anniversary. Or that his parents were heroes and likely had many mourners coming to lay flowers and remember them.
The disguised Tonks had shared the vague goblin prophecy with both Moody and Bones, but they agreed with Harry. Too vague to really guard against. At least they knew the date. Moody would make up an excuse to be at Hogwarts, just in case their Seer had Seen the one who looked like Harry Potter rather than the actual Harry Potter.
Bones was nearly finished with the investigation she had the witch doing there. Tonks made it clear she was more than ready to do a runner and get away from sycophant Ron!
Percy had sent a couple of great letters so far. He had three years of school left. Tonks would be heading to the next session of auror academy, and would be in training for the next three years.
She wasn't looking for romance. Not yet.
But something in her, stronger than prophecy, was telling her this was right. Some things were worth waiting for and working for. She had being a parent to Harry to worry about. Getting out of here would allow her to talk to Percy as herself.
The friendship was off to a great start, and that was all she was looking for. For now.
**OO**
Halloween, Hogwarts
It was nearly time for dinner, and Hermione had not come to their study group, nor was she at her House table.
Millicent, Blaise, Hermione and Terry Boot had started eating together. Millicent and Blaise were on the outs with their House for reasons they refused to talk about. Hermione suspected it had something to do with their Head of House.
For the Halloween feast, they had to sit at their own tables. A perfect time to taunt Bulstrode and Zabini.
"If you're looking for the mudblood, I hear she's still in the loo near Charms." Draco shared too softly for the prefects to hear. "The one everyone avoids, due to the ghost. Nasty things; They should be banished."
"I heard she's been in there since Charms due to what Weasley said to her. And no, before you ask, Draco had nothing to do with it. Pity. I do believe they are having a competition to see who can make her the most miserable, and now the redhead is winning." Pansy shared with a smirk.
It was true that both boys seemed to love to needle their friend.
Millicent got up to go get her. Even if they couldn't sit together, she hadn't known Hermione had been verbally sniped at again.
Blaise silently glared at Draco before offering Millicent his arm. "Maybe Father was right. This school is awful. Bullies everywhere."
Everyone thought that Blaise's mother killed her former husbands. Nonsense! She loved passionately, and fell out of love. She had even remarried his father just before school started. He wondered if it would last, but they had a terrible fight over what school he would attend. His father wanted Wimborne and being away from people like Malfoy. His mother 'wanted the best'. Ha!
Just then, Quirrell came rushing in, "TROLL! Troll in the dungeon. Thought you ought to know."
While Millicent and Blaise ran to the second floor loo to warn Hermione, Tonks too had heard from Ron that she was up there blubbering and should be warned about the troll. He might have even looked a bit guilty.
'Maybe there was hope for him after all.' she thought as she too went running to the loo. She wouldn't even think about the vague warning from the goblins until it was all over.
**OO**
Gilderoy Lockhart was a man on a mission. He'd heard rumors that the former muggle studies teacher was going to write a book or three about his adventures. Defending a village from a vampire? Wandering with werewolves? Defeating Dark Lords? Where would it stop?
And didn't he deserve that fame and glory? Who was the better looking of the two after all?
Halloween was the perfect time to celebrate. A little friendly drink, draw him out as though in an interview. He approached the Great Hall during the meal, hoping to slip in unseen, but the place was empty. No, there was a man lying on the stone floor.
But then, said wizard shot to his feet, and raced out the far side of the hall. It was him! The man he wanted to interview.
'Wait for me!' ran through Lockhart's mind as he raced off after the man. He never saw the terrible grin on his quarry's face when the wizard heard the follower. In fact, he slowed as he reached his goal, making sure the poncy author was right behind him.
"Alohomora!" The door unlocked, then Lockhart was there, catching up to Quirrell.
"Excuse me! May I get a few comments for 'Adventurer's Quarterly Review.' I've heard the most astonishing rumors." Lockhart simpered.
"Of course. Please, after you. We can speak in here." Quirrell bowed.
Lockhart saluted, and went through the now open door before hearing it lock behind him.
"What's your first question?" Quirrell asked congenially through the locked door.
"Yikes! What in the world is that thing?! Let me out of here!" Lockhart shouted, banging on the door.
"Hmm, what's that animal you ask? That is a Cereberus. And you are my ticket to getting around him."
**OO**
Hermione was only a bit bloodied, but Tonks had lost control of her form early in fighting off the troll. No one had ever seen 'Harry Potter' there as Hermione's eyes had been tightly shut, and the other students' eyes had been focused on her at first.
The three young people were sitting outside of the destroyed loo. Tonks had commanded them like a general, and working together, they had knocked the thing out.
Instead of changing back to Harry's form, she took off the overrobes (all her clothing was charmed to grow with her; she'd learned that in sixth year) and colored her robe red. It kept the red and gold trim, but now she looked like an auror.
"What in the world?" McGonagall and Flitwick came upon them, and she peeked inside Myrtle's loo. The troll was down, bleeding, but still breathing.
"Where is Quirrell? And why did he act so strangely about a troll? He is supposedly an expert in them." Flitwick pointed out, moving his two handed weapon to his right hand.
"And so very good at teaching Defense." Hermione added sarcastically. His practical advice for first years came down to cast sparks and run away. From everything.
Professor McGonagall's snort told her she privately agreed with her.
"Miss Tonks? I'm surprised to see you here, but am glad you were. I was informed by a ghost that Miss Granger, here, was being attacked. By the time we got here, the fight was over. So sad." Flitwick stated, his goblin heritage showing. He carried a long double-handed curve-bladed weapon, knowing wands were near useless against trolls.
The auror laughed, "It's a long story. I sent Harry Potter off at the first sign of danger. I'm his legal guardian, and have a device that monitors him. I won't let him stay at Hogwarts after this. We'll get him in a new school soon. Australia doesn't start until early January."
Minerva started to object, but remembered the number of complaints the boy had made in regards to how Professor Rowle had treated him, and he wasn't even in any of his classes.
Percy came running up right then, "Hermione! I'm so glad you're alright. Ron just confessed you were here. Oh! Dora. It's nice to…you fought? The troll was here, and you fought it?" His admiration was clear, and she reached out and squeezed his hand. But they had others there to tend to.
"I'm leaving! Between the bullies, trolls and three-headed dogs, this place is not what you said it was." Hermione shared, directing her ire at McGonagall. With tears in her eyes. "I didn't know until I came here that there are other schools. Some even accept day students. I'm done."
"Me too! Father was right. I'm transferring today." Blaise declared.
Millicent stood and offered hands to both friends simultaneously. She easily helped them both to their feet.
"Me three. And my mum was furious to find out about our new head of house. She never got the notice, apparently. I'm going too." Millicent chimed in.
Tonks stood straighter as Auror Moody showed up. "Potter's safe and sound, and prepping for his new school. What's your situation here?"
**OO**
After waiting for several minutes, Quirrell lost his patience. The dog was still growling, but the pounding had stopped.
He peeked in and saw the issue. Gilderoy had fainted, just outside the reach of the pooch. The chain was clearly near to breaking. Not good; not good at all.
He had all of the rest of the clues. Rowle couldn't help but overshare how he took over Snape's puzzle and just put poison in everything rather than follow Dumbledore's directions.
There was no way Thorfinn was providing freeze potion to whoever was trying to get in there.
The only one Quirrell didn't have was Flitwick's, but he had grumbled about how dangerous the gauntlet for first years could be. That he cared more for the students than following Dumbledore's orders. Whatever that meant.
The dogs were still growling, so Quirrell decided to try some idiotic thing he'd read about that couldn't possibly work.
He woke Lockhart, and compelled him to sing. The weak willed man had a surprisingly lovely voice, and happily sang a bawdy medieval tune about a blacksmith and his many admirers.
While he watched, he couldn't believe it! The dog fell asleep!
"Keep singing, unless you get tired. Then you should just pet Fluffy to keep him asleep." Quirrell commanded.
Lockhart did as Quirrell bid, and started petting the pooch even as he continued to sing.
Quirrell was down the hatch, and soon running, having put a sun spell on his clothes for the Devil's Snare.
Two down, how many to go for sure? He didn't know, but the prize was worth it.
**OO**
Albus Dumbledore was very sad. Harry Potter had fled the castle, and never once had Hogwarts told him he was there to begin with. Was it the castle protecting the boy? The family was rumored to be Gryffindor's heirs. Or was it Voldemort? Albus was sure that Tom had done dark magic of some kind to extend his life. The prophecy was still white, though it had some grey in it after James and Lily had been killed.
That was odd. Like half of the dark lord was killed? Was that possible?
Or was there a different dark lord lurking about that James and Lily had defied three times? Hmm.
Wait, that was the ward that Minerva insisted on for the chess set.
The old man smiled. Good. Quirrell had gone for the stone, and Voldemort would regain his body.
It was a shame that some people might die during this time, but it was the only way to save most. And preserve their culture in the long run.
**OO**
Director Amelia Bones was furious. "What do you mean you had a Cereberus inside the school? I was told that Maleficent Selwyn complained about something being fed inside the castle. In fact, I remember you telling the Wizengamot that it was all blown out of proportion! Dawlish! Take this wizard to a space nearby with Auror Tonks. Find out what he knows."
She watched the old man carefully. Dawlish was one of the few in her group who was not a sycophant of the man. Of course, neither was Tonks.
Amelia was terribly young for her position at thirty-three years old. But the woman was dedicated to doing the best she could. How was she supposed to do that when hamstrung by a powerful wizard; powerful politically and magically.
The same wizard who was at least partially responsible for the mess in regards to Sirius!
Hagrid was so upset. Somehow, there were bloody robes inside the room where Fluffy was being kept, and Professor Quirrell was missing.
"Fluffy wouldn't hurt a flea, unless they were trying to get past him." Hagrid tried to reason with Director Diggory.
"Oh, he's a fine specimen, and won't be put down. No! That would be a waste of a fine guardian. We just need to get him in the proper place. Now, Albus told me that you're the one who thought of putting him in the castle, but I think we all know that might be stretching the truth a bit."
"Dumbledore's a great man! O' course he needed Fluffy! He was guarding the stone!"
Dumbledore was at the moment dodging questions that Auror Dawlish was tossing at him with Auror Tonks help. Neither one seemed to like him, but for very different reasons.
After a few more questions, Bones found out that Nicolas Flamel had his stone here. In a castle. With children.
With her niece as one of those students.
Director Bones stormed into the side room. She wanted to kill Albus right then and there but stopped herself after one backhanded slap. "You! You are under arrest for endangering minors. As many counts as there are students."
Dumbledore sighed and went along peacefully. There was no reason to keep the traps going anymore. His work was done; the rest was up to Voldemort and his minions.
The things he did for the Greater Good.
**OO**
Tonks showed up at Wimborne later that Halloween and checked in with BloodRage.
"You can stand down, good guard. You and your cohort. The troll attack was at Hogwarts."
"Is that blood on your robes? Oh, I missed out!" BloodRage was so disappointed.
She gave him a bit of a grin, "You sound like Flitwick. I'd like to thank you for being here though. Knowing Harry was safe helped."
"You are like a goblin mother. Ready to rip apart anything that might harm your gobling." BloodRage complimented.
Heir Potter came running up just then. The circumstances justified waking him.
"Oh Harry! You're alright. You're alright!" Tonks hugged him hard. Letters were nice, but seeing him was better.
"You alright?" Harry demanded.
"I am. Look, you know I'll have crazy hours and stuff soon, but until then, we can spend some time together now and then. I'm so glad to be out of Hogwarts." Tonks shared.
Tonks shared her Hogwarts adventure that night, and shared that new students would likely be headed their way soon.
Harry nodded, and with BloodRage, they all went to an empty room and lit a candle in remembrance of James and Lily Potter, and shared thanks for Tonks' safety.
**OO**
Quirrell looked at the large red stone. It had been sitting on a plinth; there was a space for something, but clearly the last trap had never been set up. Before leaving, he verified the stone's authenticity.
He had put several bits of melted cauldrons, and some rocks in his pockets before going into the gauntlet, and used one of the secret passages to get out of the castle.
The Sorcerer's Stone was indeed real. The smile on his face was not at all pleasant. The melted cauldrons and plain rocks were now bits of solid gold and fine pure gems.
He made his way into muggle London, headed towards a particular building owned by the Ministry. He'd have to be careful. A few grams here and there, mostly going to dentists, jewelers, a place that did electroplating, and his favorite spot: A large pawnbroker shop that didn't ask questions.
The former professor knew how to turn this gold into more gold and more gold, but he had to be careful, and not get caught.
Then he saw a likely new minion. One he knew was looking for work, was good at fighting, even if he now had to fight like a muggle. One who knew how to keep a secret.
How very 'fortunate' to run across Malfoy at this time, and Quirrell followed him to his flat.
**OO**
**OO**
A/N: Story recommend: Our friend csheila recommends: Tom Richardson has "Harry's Letter from Hermione's Dad" complete.
s/14220808/1/Harry-s-Letter-from-Hermione-s-Dad
A/N: Your story recommendation here -
Please send us your recommendations - little gems are the best!
**OO**
Baggit - flying lacrosse