Harry looked at his teammates in their blue Quidditch Robes. The first game against Hufflepuff would be something. Gryffindor had lost against Slytherin in the season opener, even if Harry would have to give it to the Chasers, Beaters, and Keeper of the Lions. They just had a bad seeker. If he would have joined the Lions they would be unbeatable, but he didn't want to waste his time with what-ifs as they mounted their brooms. He had been gifted a Nimbus 2000 by Ophelia. The broom had just laid on his bed the day after she had congratulated him on making the team with her usual letter and lipstick-imprinted lips. It was a very good broom but Harry had an idea to bolster his image again and had contacted the Bolt Broom company. With an idea and hoped he would get feedback soon. The Hufflepuff Seeker named Cedric Diggory had given him a respectful nod before the match started something Harry had replied with in kind. Like an Eagle Harry had soared into the sky and used some of his trained senses to feel for the small air currents.
Brooms these days were very technical things. With all the charms and situational wards to reduce the stress on the rider or broom it was understandable that the broom companies were very secretive with their designs. One small tweak to a ward and you could reach new speeds or better turn rates. Most of the time a rider would feel a tenth of the real air pressure or even less when flying. The G Forces were something different. They also were reduced by charms and wards but it was nothing new that professionals and most members of the Quidditch teams were physically more fit than others. All those times they had to hold onto their rides while making quick turns the upper leg muscles and upper body muscle groups would often receive a workout each time they trained. What not many people knew is that you could pour your magic into the brooms like you did with a wand. Improving their capabilities. Something some of the players did by instinct and the professionals thanks to training and hard work at will. Harry, with the grasp he had on his magic, had no problems either doing exactly that. Pushing the Nimbus Broom to his limits, he could feel it getting warmer on some accelerations. But it was quickly established, that the Hufflepuffs would have no chance. With him kicking the Quaffle out of the Chaser's hands more than once only to speed away a blink later. Dodging the Bludger one of the Beaters had sent at him.
Witnessing a golden glint in his eyes, zipped around. Pushing his broom into a dive to get to the snitch hovering one foot above the grass. Enjoying the adrenaline rush he pulled out of the dive holding up the golden-winged ball. The Match ended with 310-50 for Ravenclaw. The Party ended with Harry being given a short kiss on the cheek by his Captain and him blushingly retreating to his room.
The good thing was that his exploration in the Dungeons had been some kind of fruitful. He found a whole sub-level hidden behind a stone wall. He used a Parseltongue Command to open for it but he was sure that there was some other way to enter the staircase. He stumbled over that entrance though. Even with his senses and Revelation spells, he had only gotten a small glimpse of it. Down there he found some rooms that looked like medieval torture chambers. An office and a living space. Thanks to his cleaning charms he would not die prematurely from dust poisoning. It looked like he found some of Hogwart's dark past. The Books he found explained that some cells were used to punish witches and wizards endangering Hogwarts' safety or were found guilty of killing other students. The cells and the metal collars would bind the magic of the offender and each time he or she would try to use magic the person would fuel the Hogwarts wards instead after getting a painful reminder based on the intent of the magic used. Finding out about that even how to enter the corridor without Parseltongue Harry had to ask himself why they would use Azkaban with those foul creatures if they had things like those cells in Hogwarts. He hoped he would find some blueprints for those wards. They kind of reminded him of his Intent-based ward. It would be a fine project to build a reasonable prison for all those foul magicals out there. He could feel that there was another hidden passage but he had not found a way to open it yet. But he was sure to do it because, for the first time, he found a reference for the founder of the House of Snakes. There was a stone statue of a Runsespoor guarding a part of a wall. He could even speak to it. But it just asked for a password he could not give.
It looked like that his Lesson for Draco had worked for now as he passed him in the Dungeon one day and he just ignored him. Harry trained and had a good part of the castle mapped out. He even got some chapters for his book done. One whole chapter teaches about meditation techniques to connect with his magic. Reducing accidental magic by getting more control over it reduces the risk of breaking the Statute of Secrecy. For the foreseeable future, he was not happy with the content though, and tried to improve on it, while his classmates tried to learn their lessons. Which lead to another thing that he had a sour mood over. He got a message from his Head of House, that the study hall would take even more time than he thought. Because the Professor wanted to use a corridor close to the Library and had to slowly increase their sizes with permanent extension charms and some standard safety features. They would finish it in the summer break and Harry could start next year.
Not what he planned but he would have to take it. Good thing that he would go back to his Aunt for the Yule holidays. With a short trip to France to exchange Greetings with the Queen of course.
Without anyone noticing he and his two familiars did not join the other students on the train, they walked to the ward line in the forest and a silent pop later they were away. Erebos and Hedwig would stay on Potter Island for the Holidays. The Wards regulating the climate were somehow preferable to the cold climate of England or even France.
He put his key in the lock and turned, hearing the click he tipped his wand against the door for it to open. Calling out into the house "I'm home".
Getting an answer for in the kitchen he made his way there after stepping out of his shoes. Looking at his Aunt Andromeda looking at him with a smile.
"You have some letters I put them on the table. I have some snack for you in a Minute Harry"
He thanked her and looked at the Letters on his place at the table. He picked up the first one.
It was from the Bolt Company. Very good. Using a small spell he opened it after pouring some magic into the wax lock.
To Mr. Potter,
We don't know how you found out about our current project we won't mention here but are very intrigued by your idea to expand our portfolio with a school-level broom. With a focus on reliability, and agility and not on speed it would be a good fit for most positions.
The Top Speed our Engineers expect would be around the Nimbus 2000 so that would also be a good fit.
To give our professional scouts a better understanding of the individual skillset of each by providing brooms to all teams can also help us advertise. Your investment in our company certainly will help expand our production line to adjust to the sheer size of your order and will not limit our progress on project R.
The Idea to build up an international school league would certainly also improve sales and competition and we have forwarded your idea to our contact at the ICW.
You can expect your shipment of the prototype around April. If everything checks out we can start mass producing. Welcome on board Mister Potter.
Tiberius Bolt
CEO Bolt Brooms.
Smiling like the cat that got the canary Harry laughed out loud. Shocking Andromeda while the with was on her way to place some biscuits in front of him. "Merlin, Harry what got you in such high spirits?"
"The deal you negotiated with Bolt Brooms? They accepted. I think they want to make a big entrance. I have to prepare my proposition for Madam Hooch, but I think she will accept it easily. I mean the competition would be better with all having the same brooms. Maybe they even can challenge me then."
Andromeda chuckled sitting opposite of him and taking one biscuit.
"With the temperatures rising and you and your trained sixth sense to use those things even without your wings. Unlikely"
Harry grinned about that comment took a biscuit and took the next Letter. The classic Lipstick imprint.
My dear Harry,
you are progressing well and I am very satisfied. That you try to negotiate so that I get another maid for some time is a welcome present. As we agreed on you will spend the time the girl will cover you with your tutors to improve your skills. Regarding our Problem, I could find out that the real name of our Problem is Tom Marvollo Riddle. Here is the thing, my contacts with Gringotts France told me that there is a connection to Gaunt House. It would be something if all would lead to this one crazy madhouse. Yes, I also promise that I will look that the girl will be trained to be proper with, with all that I would let that entail. How you got me to agree to that I don't know. Stay safe and win for me.
Aunty Lia
Well, he had promised Granger that she would be educated, and even that he would gain something from it he hoped that Andromeda could do her part. Maybe Lilltih would get off his case, but that would be a small chance.
The last letter he picked up was something else. The seal in the wax was something a former mundane British citizen would recognize instantly. "err. Aunty. Why do we get Mail from the Queen's Office?"
Andromeda looked up a bit of surprise on her face. "Well, you remember about the one thing I wanted to try to get further in Sirius's case?" At Harry's nod, she proceeded. "As an Earl, you still have the Privilege of the peerage. It is even especially mentioned in the charter between the Potters, the mundane Lord, and the King of the time it was signed. You know that the Royals are still the highest instance in magical Britain. Even if our administration may have forgotten that fact. Open the letter and let us hear what her majesty's response sounds like."
Harry nodded and read aloud.
"Earl Harry James Potter,
we are very concerned to hear that one of our subjects may be held against the laws we have ratified. I consulted with the leader of our special services and have been advised to invite you to Windsor Castle. We invite you to have tea with us at your earliest convenience
Her Majesty
Elizabeth R.
"
Harry laid the letter down and took a calming breath before looking at Andromeda.
"Did we got invited to Windsor?"
Andromeda nodded slowly. "You should reply. I can't go with you, do you think you can manage it on your own while I be at the Grangers?"
Harry took some slow nods. "Well, Good thing I played court in France. I think so"
For the rest of the day, Andromeda and Harry made the needed arrangements for their respective visits.
The next Day Windsor Castle
Harry wore his best robes and a regal-looking cloak with the Potter Insignia on it. Apparating to the coordinates provided he was not surprised to see himself on the opposite of some pointing guns and even one or two wands. He looked around at the grim-looking faces. One of them raised his voice.
"Identify yourself!"
Harry blinked shortly. "Harry James Potter, Earl of Pembrokeshire."
The one with the automatic rifle looked at the Wizzard who had waved his wand. A moment later he nodded.
"Excuse us, my Lord, but you can understand that we take her Majesty's safety very seriously." Harry nodded and after some further checks, he was guided through a secret entrance to a remote room. Inside was a modest tea area looking out of a window he could see some of the parks around Windsor. After that, they had left him with the request to wait while Her Majesty would be informed that he was in the building.
It did not take long before the door opened and after seeing who entered Harry deeply bowed, luckily all the time in France had helped him that it looked graceful.
The Queen looked surprised for a moment before she smiled at him. "Excuse us Lord Potter, but I had some tiresome conversations before. Would it be acceptable if we skip some of the protocol today?"
Harry quickly nodded. "As you wish Your Majesty."
She pointed at the chairs and elegantly took a seat. taking out her wand which looked like a very elegant crafted one, she flicked it at the door and some windows. Closing the blinds and Harry could feel how a privacy ward sprung up. As she saw his baffled look she looked amused. "Surprised Mister Potter?"
Harry nodded for a moment. "To be honest. Yes, your Majesty. I always thought that if the Sovereign would be magical what do we would need the ministry of magic for?"
She nodded. "Well reasoned young wizard. The reason for that is that we just don't want it to be widely known. The special something to defend ourselves with."
After that followed some of the most informative hours of tea Harry could think of. He found out that the Royal Family had some Witches and Wizards in the past. With the Queen the case for this generation. She did not separate into different blood classifications. She told him that she cared for all her subjects if their are magical or not. The Royals were exempt from the Book of Admittance and would receive their education from the leader of the court wizards. The same wizard was the founder of a new special task force called the Kingsman or MI-7 who are mainly the force to ensure the security of the royal family. To the question why she trusted him with all that information she noted, that all they would say in this room was protector by a very good magical contract to hold the information confidential as long as he entered the room willingly. To be tricked by the Queen of Great Britain was something Harry had not known could happen. Looking back he would have to agree, that someone who did what she did for that duration would have to know how to play the game so to speak.
After he told her what they thought about Sirius's case her mood had darkened. Often Harry had read the famous expression that the Queen was not amused. He never knew that the temperature in a room could fall so rapidly. She had ordered one of her men to come to the room. With a short note, she had written down and an 'I want that investigated and dealt with' she pushed him out of the room again. After some chat about his life and education The Queen excused herself and wished him a good Yule before retiring for the day.
Coming back to the Tonks Residence Harry was still trying to sort through what happened in the last hours. Not even had he tea with the Queen, no, she even is a witch. Still working through that he nearly walked into Andromeda who had been back an hour ago. He looked at her questioningly. "They accepted. She will transfer at the start of the second year. The Grangers were excited that they could visit her in France and all that. They even think about moving or getting a second place. Well of that they are I don't think they need much help from you."
Harry nodded. "Well I can't say much because it is a declared secret of the state but I think Siruis's case is handled." Andromeda know that she would not need to ask after interpreting his answer. He just could not answer her questions either way.
Yule at the Tonk's was a quiet affair. Ted and Nymphadora got there on time and the four of them enjoyed a quiet family time. They exchanged Gifts and even took a short trip to Potter Island to get some time with the elves. Harry talked with his Staff and asked about the sales of animal parts. The Acromantula silk was really coming around. The wards had transported many of the elder spiders to the holding spaces. Even so much that the elves had to duplicate some of them. That one of the unicorns was pregnant was also something very good. Overall it looked like the Island was doing fine. It Gave Harry's mind some rest but what Erebos told him that a sensed another Dragon's presence on the Hogwarts grounds was something getting a high enough attention rating for when they would get back to the castle. He had taken too much time exploring the dungeons.
After a short journey to France, thanks to his two-way Portkey getting in a short verbal fight with Lilith because he got her some blood pops as a gift only for her grandmother to punish them both with a forced winter waltz he was back to England and after celebrating the new year it was already back to Hogwarts for the rest of the school year.
Classes were uneventful Snape hold his tongue for the moment, maybe the suspension helped a bit. But if that would be a long-term fix he would have to wait till the second year. He did not teach anything more but he stopped harassing him and if the things Neville told him to be true he even hold his venomous tongue inside his mouth while he had the lions. Erebos had tried to locate the other Dragon but they were just small pulses of energy he could sense. Pulses come in shorter gaps each day, so he told his Bonded that he would have to be on the lookout.
They were outside flying again on a nice February afternoon, and Harry could feel the magic radiating near. "Erebos, do you get that? It's coming from Hagrids Hut. Quick!" He changed the course by tilting his wings to the side, Erebos hot on his Drake Tail.
"The Temperature coming of that Hut is unusual. Harry, you have to go in there. Stay in your Hybrid Form Just to be safe" The Dragon advised him and Harry nodded laying his Wings on his Body and landing in front of the door. Wanting to push it open finding it locked. He didn't waste time using his talon to scratch the Dragon Rune to open a lock into the wood and after the click push it open only to witness a Dragon chick looking out of an opened egg.
"Don't tell me Hagrid that you were this foolish" His low Voice let Hagrid turn to him shocked but you could see, that he was very joyful and didn't even bother that he broke into his hut.
"Isn't he a cutie?" Pointing at the small black Dragon chick that had crawled out of his Eggs and let out some wails and little black smoke clouds.
"Hagrid you can't hatch a Dragon in an effing hut made out of wood. Merlin, do you even have some regard for your safety?" Harry quickly used a controlled flame out of his Mouth to warm the little chick. Switching from berating mode to the Knowledge he had of Dragon Breeding and Rituals He turned to his friend while he always had one eye on the chick who kind of stopped wailing after getting engulfed in the flame. "We have to get it to a female dragon as soon as possible or we endanger his growth. He needs Dragon Milk, not that substitute tipple made out of Brandy or whatever" His serious tone snapped Hagrid out of his joyous mood and into a concerned one.
"But how Harry, there are no Dragons in the near vicinity." The Gamekeeper replied now looking very scared that he messed it up.
"Let me deal with that" Harry took the little one into his arms and rushed out of the Hut calling for Erebos who was there in an instant while Hagrid stumbled out of the Hut behind him.
"It was like we expected to, take him or her to you know where, when the chick is stable it can roam at home okay? Go now we do have not much time." Harry told his Dragon friend while he used another flame to warm the Dragon chick before Erebos resized to his full Size. The nearly full grown forty feet Dragon took the little chick into his mouth, before quickly flapping into the sky. Rising into the clouds with a roar. In the clouds Harry could see a flame erupt, noticing the red and golden plumage before with another flame they were gone.
Turning to Hagrind and changing back into his human Form.
"I have to make arrangements. I will be back in five days I think you can look to the east maybe I am back when the sun is rising." Harry smirked a bit looking at a confused Hagrid before he took hold of his Portkey in his Poket and whispered "Home" Thankfully the strong magic of his family Portkey was enough to push through the wards.
Not unnoticed as Professor Dumbledore apparated at the position in front of a still gaping Hagrid. He had heard the growl and as Fawkes had left out of his Office with some troubled emotions through his bond he was alarmed. As he felt an outgoing Portkey he quickly took his wand and apparated to the location. Only to find his Gamekeeper with a singed beard this concerning look.
"Hagrid? What happened?"
"Harry, He. Dragon" Hagrid tried to get something out but was still in the wrong state of mind to do so. After Dumbledore hit him with a calming charm that would put a normal human to sleep. He got the full picture.
"Oh Hagrid, You have to be more careful. But that Mister Potter left the Grounds without permission is bad. I will have to deal with him when he gets back. If you see him before me please send him to me okay?"
Hagrid gave him a slow nod and the Headmaster used the time to walk back to his office. Thinking about what he should do now, he would have to consult Filius as his head of House. It looked like Harry had his heart in the right place but sometimes was just as Gryffindor as his father.
Same time Potter Island
Harry nearly faceplanted into the dirt but could hold himself as Lordey popped right to his side. "Everything okay my Lord, should you not be at Hogwarts? Not to intrude into my Lord's personal Matter of course"
Harry looked at his Head Elve and smiled. "No Worries Lordey. We have an emergency. Some foolish human tried to help the dragon race repopulate and well, let's say he nearly cribbled the baby. Erebos has taken the Baby to Onyxia, so it should be okay. But the Baby can't stay in her territory for long or the others in the Depths will go into a frenzy. I need you to prepare a second cave right beside the one of Erebos. I will go hunting to stock up our storage on raw meat and such. And prepare the ritual to secure the cave after getting your green light. Let's do what we Potter can do best but nobody knows of." Harry looked like someone on a mission while the teen-sized Houseelve saluted him before popping away.
Five Days later in the Morning Hogwarts Grounds
Hagrid was looking to the East at the rising sun as he could hear the faint pop of an apparition only to see an exhausted-looking Harry coming for him. He could not even greet him before Harry started talking. "She is well, her name is Orinda, a proud Norwegian Ridgeback, yes we can arrange a visit when she is old enough to not look at everything moving as a potential playing partner. Erebos is looking after her for the foreseeable future. Where do you even get that egg?"
Hagrid looked relieved at the news and didn't hold back for a second.
"Oh I won it in a card game in the Hogs Head, after telling my opponent of Fluffy, you know the Dog who tries to hold students back from venturing further into the third-floor corridor"
He slapped his big hand over his mouth.
"Shouldn't have said that. Yeah. Professor Dumbledore wants to see you in his office immediately" Hagrid tried to play over his slip of the tongue.
Harry sighed thinking that now he had to look at that corridor. When something Harry would call Fluffy was in the third-floor corridor to guard whatever anomalies would be there he would have to take a look. Shaking his head shortly after he left for Dumbledore's Office.
What happened there was nothing he had not expected he lost some Points had would have a Detention with Hagrid. Because he broke into his Hut and left the Grounds without permission. Nothing he had not expected, Professor Flitwick even had explained that they had included the intention into the decision but one night of Detention and the fifty points was just the minimal amount of punishment they could use without playing favorites. Harry didn't care much. The Dragon chick was safe, she would grow into a proud Dragon. The Intelligent ones, like it should be and he had helped. What were some stupid House Points and a night in the Forest he and Erebos had traveled into for fun?
A/N: A bit shorter, but I hope you could enjoy it either way. No Norbeta in my Fic. She is a gorgeous Dragon. She earned a more regal-sounding name. The Queen as a witch? Hermione transfers to Beuxbatons. Sorry Hermione Fans, she just not fits at the moment and I don't like those bashings because of reasons things either. So she goes to France. I maybe can finish year one in the next one to three chapters. After that I may take a break from writing chapters back to back to outline the second year in more detail, maybe write some Naruto chapters. I think I won't be able to post the next chapter before Tuesday, because of some family obligations. Let me know what you think as usual.