A/N I do not own Anything. It is all owned by J.K. Rowlings, or Warner Bros, or whoever else might have some claim to it. I am simply playing in the sandbox as it is.

This is not a true Dumbeldore, Weasley, Whoever Bash. There might be a little but not much.

This will have a multi pairing but that is not going to really come to play until the 4th year or beyond.

Finally, I WILL NOT WRITE SMUT. There will be innuendo,suggestive theme, and cursing. There will also be specific naming of body parts if it is needed for things such as injuries or such. Lets face it. Teenagers cuss and use words not appropriate for polite society, and as such, there will be some language here. I am rating this as M to be on the safe side, as I do not want to be caught with my pants down.

Chapter 1

General POV

Harry Potter was just starting to wake up from yet another restful night's sleep. Beside him was his best, and only friend, Hermione Granger. Now, one might wonder why a young boy and girl were not only allowed to share the same room, but why they were allowed to sleep in the same bed. After all, while young now, children grow up, and certain actions are to be discouraged until later in life when one can understand what the consequences of those actions could be. Many would say that it is important to instill this sense of propriety, of decorum, of separation between boys and girls due to the differences between the two genders. These people were not raising Harry Potter and Hermione Granger.

********* Flashback**************

You see, it was on October 31st, 1981 when Harry Potter was orphaned by a mass murderer, a psychotic individual who, for unknown reasons, found out where James and Lily Potter lived, and murdered them. At least, that was the story told by Petunia Dursley to the orphanage when she dropped Harry off. Her reasoning for doing so was simple, and by all standards was understandable. Petunia had her own child that was Harry's age and need all of her attention as he was a rambunctious boy. Her husband was not high enough in the company to provide enough for them and a second child, what with the cost of visits to the doctors, nappies, and more.

Hermione Granger, on the other hand, was the sole survivor of a massive car accident that took the lives of nearly thirty people in December of 1981. Her mother and father, who had been in the car with her, along with the rest of her family in the forms of an aunt on her fathers side, two cousins slightly older than her, and an uncle by marriage in the car behind her, perished that day. Hermioen had been brought, some might say, by fate, to the same orphanage as Harry. They were given the same room at the time as they both were very young.

Due to the fact there where only 4 staff members, the new comer, a young lady by the name of Ms. Erica Louis offered to move out of her rental flat, and move into the room with the two children. Quoting how much effort the two would take, and being in her early twenties, the rest of the staff agreed. She became attached, and as she was the only one around them for the most part, was the only one who saw their uniqueness. Summoning toys or books, changing the color of their clothes, or healing a small scrape Harry had gotten while trying to walk one day, she saw it all. Instead of asking others though, she simply accepted that they were special.

You see, Erica Louis had grown up seeing odd things through life, things that would be hard to explain. So she had long ago accepted that some things just couldn't be explained, but she was also cautious. She knew people were wary of what they viewed as different. You only had to look at history. She assumed that the government or some company or organization, or maybe some religious group would take these two away and do something rather untoward to them. She also assumed that there were others like them in the world. Her view was one of simplicity. These children needed each other, and needed an adult who would accept them and protect them. She decided to be that adult.

Unknown to her, a very unique ward, a protection, based on the love and sacrifice of a mother had latched onto her. It didn't make Harry or Hermione her children, nor did it make the two children siblings. Infact, for some unknown reason, the two children said that they weren't siblings, as it just sounded wrong. When asked by Ms. Louis, they would simply respond that it didn't sound right, they were something more. Again, Erica Louis just accepted it as she figured there may be something about their particular group of people that let them know certain things. It would be thanks to this very special ward that

Then the incident happened. Harry and Hermione were both four years old, though Hermione's birthday was coming soon. They had been getting ready to start school in a month or so, and due to Hermione's birthdate, she would be in the same age group as Harry was. Honestly, Ms. Louis had been quite happy about that. It was night time though right now, and she had heard something from the entrance, down the hall from their room. As they were still young and the two were so attached, along with the very real lack of space, it was agreed they could continue to share the room for a few more years. None of that would matter soon.

Erica had gone to the door, a feeling of dread welling up in the pit of her stomach, just knowing something was wrong. The oldest of the workers, and the one who was considered the matron of the orphanage, had opened the door. There was a flash of green light and she fell to the ground backwards. Erica saw she wasn't moving, and though she couldn't be sure from the distance they were at, she swore the matron was dead. She had quietly shut the door, and placed her ear on the door. She couldn't hear much, but what she did scared her. Potter…brat….pay…..dead….Dark Lord…..

She quickly woke the two children while making them keep quiet, opened a window and snuck them out. Instead of taking her car, which she knew would make noise and attract attention, she led them quickly down the streets and back alleys. She had a suspicion, though she never would ask, that the two knew that silence was very important right now. It was something she had noticed in the short time she had been raising them. If she stressed how important something was, they didn't question. Of course, she had no way to know that the ward that had planted itself onto her had adjusted to protect both children as she saw them as hers in some form or fashion. This ward could also nudge the children to certain actions, and though not outright control, children all around the world are very receptive to the emotions of the adults in their lives.

As she had looked back, she saw the orphanage that had been her life for the past few years burning in flames that seemed almost alive. It raged and burned to the sky, though she didn't see the flame taking any shape beyond that of a normal fire, it didn't spread to any other building like she would have thought it would. She would cry later at the loss of life, the children she couldn't save, but she had made a choice to protect Harry and Hermione first, and she knew, somehow, that if she had made any other choice, neither her or the two children she had with her would be alive right now. It would be several months later before anyone figured out that the remains that they had found from the fire did not account for one adult and two children. It would be noted a car in the driveway that was there, and as such, would spark a manhunt to find Ms. Erica Louis, Harry Potter, and Hermione Granger.

************Time Skip**************

Neither Harry nor Hermione would really remember what happened over the next few weeks, or where they had gone. They would remember boats, cars, and trains, and endless amounts of Ms. Louis held them and told them they had to stay hidden. Hermione had asked one time why, not wanting to argue, but curious, as children are want to do. "Because, there are some bad people after us." She didn't think she needed to let them know about how they had specifically said Harry's name. "I don't know who they are, where they came from, or if they belong to a group or not. So I am getting us to somewhere safe. Somewhere we can be sure they won't find us." Hermione nodded. It was Harry though that spoke next. "Is it because we are different?" For being so young, she had always been surprised at not just how intelligent they were, but how mature they could be for their age. "It may be Harry. We really don't know enough. What we do know though is that they had special abilities. But I will protect you two. Ok?"

After traveling for a few weeks, they stumbled upon a rather old Victorian style looking house in the middle of a rather dark looking forest. Something had pushed them to come here, though not sure what, they had followed the feeling. It had not led them astray yet. The house looked rather decrepit, though it did seem to be standing the test of time. Erica Louis, with her brown hair and eyes, light skin tone and stature of five foot four inches, looked at the house. Deciding to take the children in for a quick look around to see what they could find. She knew they were still on the run, though she didn't know what from still. All she knew was these two children were depending on her and she would protect them.

The inside was rather well furnished and clean, as opposed to the outside of the house, though a manor or mansion was a better description. Erica had thought there may be a difference in the terms, though she wasn't sure what it would be. Finding a well decorated and furnished room of what she could only assume was a living room of sorts, she had the children sit down and wait for her. She spent a couple hours after looking through the closest rooms and found a bedroom that was close enough on the first floor. It had a fully functioning bathroom, with a large tub, though she had no idea how the water was running as they were rather removed from any city.

Deciding that this was probably the best they were going to find, and that they should be safe enough, they settled down. Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. The pantry, she had noticed, seemed to restock itself and nothing ever seemed to go bad. After everything so far, Erica just accepted it. It would be some time before she found out about house elves after all. There were other considerations as time went on, the biggest in Erica's opinion, was education of the children. After all, she had learned that it was important to start good habits when children are young, as their minds are more flexible then. She also was of the opinion that she needed to help them figure out their abilities too.

Early knowledge was easily given and taught, and having, again somehow, found a stack of paper and pens and pencils, she had taught them reading and writing. The library that was found on the second floor was a godsend and they spent a good bit of time there. Though she swore she saw the pictures moving and watching them. Again though, with everything that had happened, she simply accepted it as part of life. Learning to control their powers though had been quite a challenge. Trial and experiments were the basis, and she also noticed they would tire from that more easily than the exercise she had them doing. She taught them math and what little science she knew, though it wasn't much, if she was honest. Mainly she focused on the differences between different rocks, plants, and animals, though she fully understood that she was no real teacher.

It was in 1989, though they only kept a very loose connection with dates except for birthdays and major holidays, that they talked about a painting. Harry and Hermione, being 9 and 10 years old respectively at this point where, well, not typical children. Their entire world consisted of each other, who they maintained weren't siblings, though they still didn't know why they decided that, and Ms Louis. So it was a surprise when Hermione asked Harry if he had any idea what it was that they actually did. What their abilities were, and what they might be able to do in the future. "Well my dear, to answer your question, the answer is magic of course, and as far as what you can do, well, magic can do many wonderful and horrible things."

They both looked up at the picture of a man in his obvious late 60's, dressed in what they could only call very old classic clothes. He wore a black suit coat and slacks, with very nice dress shoes, fitted with a white shirt and a glint of golden cufflinks. His hair was black with graying on the edges and he had a monocle on his left eye. He watched them and they watched him. Slowly he stood up and walked forward, as if he would step out of the portrait. However he stopped right at what they assumed was the edge. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am, or rather was in life, Lord Vanen Stuckholme. Before you ask, yes, I am rather dead. However, I commissioned a magical portrait that then I updated the memories of myself into this portrait until just before my life ended. As such, I am a facsimile of Lord Vanen,or another way to put it, if you do not understand, is I am a magical copy that knows everything he knew in life."

He had finished his speech with a soft smile. It was at this point that Erica came running into the room with a sword that was obviously more decoration than anything else, judging by the gems on the handle, and a bit bigger than would be natural for someone of her stature, requiring both hands to hold, looking for whoever might be a threat to the kids. Seeing the painting moving, she stepped in front of them and brandished the sword at it."Who are you, what are you doing, and if you threaten these kids ….." "Peace, good lady. I apologize for scaring or worrying you, though as I am a picture, I truly can not cause any harm."

"Are you though? A picture that is, and with everything else going on, I find it hard to believe that you couldn't do something, or have something, I don't know, enchanted or what have you on your frame!" The man nodded, still smiling a soft smile. "I understand, so perhaps, if you lay the weapon down, I can explain?"

*************End Flashback***************

Harry looked over at Hermione. Today was the day he would be turning 11, and if Vanen was to be believed, they should be getting their letters today. Apparently, all letters for muggle born and raised came out on the same day and would allow time for someone to set up a time to have a professor or someone else to come visit. Vanen had suggested an odd course of action, requesting the head of the DMLE to come investigate. Though he was last alive around 300 years ago, and his information was more than out of date, he did know that, unlike the ministers of various magical governments, DMLE heads not only normally came up through the ranks, thereby letting them be more competent, but they also had several oaths they had to take to keep them honest and as unbiased as possible.

This didn't guarantee it, but if they worded the letter a certain way, and asked for a meeting under a certain old treaty, then magic itself would punish anyone who broke the terms. It was a way to ensure they would be protected against several things, particularly against any malicious intents or actions. Though this wasn't all that had been discussed for today. It was, in all honesty, a very busy day, between his birthday party, though they would be the only living ones there, with several portraits in attendance, but also he would be performing a basic ritual to claim his heirship to his house. Or at least, that was the intent.

None of the portraits were sure he was the heir to the House of Potter, nor what it's current standing was. Though they had heard of the family through history and they were very well known and thought of for the most part. The biggest thing that was known about them though was that they were defenders of the people. Neither light nor dark, they always seemed to do what was necessary as opposed to following some ephemeral idea. There had been rumors of certain families that followed a nebulous idea known only as 'The Greater Good', the most notable that they had heard of in Vanen's time was the Dumbledore family. He did point out that at times, it was a necessary view, as with all things. Sometimes one must look at the big picture as opposed to the little picture or the individual. However, from what he, and the others had remembered, the Potters had never done so.

Hermione would also go through the ritual, but in a different way. Namely, a plea to magic to see if she was heiress to anything, or at least connected to a magical family. She had agreed but had also stated that she wasn't too worried about it as she had Harry and Ms. Louis. They refused to call her by her first name, but they did occasionally call her Mum. That was what she was to them, and it really depended on the setting. A formal dinner or classes required a more formal address, whereas sitting in the library or living room was more along the lines of family time.

As for why they still slept together, it was one of Vanen's many ancestors who gave the most likely theory. The lady put it in simple terms. "Your magic is very useful to each other. It happens, and I myself saw it happen many times in what is now referred to as the dark ages. Orphaned magicals who find each other, well, their magic clings to each other. It is NOT, however, a dependency. You could as easily walk away from each other as sit in the same room. And I dare say a time will come when you need that privacy. It is not some ridiculous idea of a joining of the souls. No. Put it simply, you are very close friends, and as you grow older, you may indeed become more. However, that will be your choice. Your magic simply recognizes that, at least at this point in your lives, you feel safest, and most comfortable, with each other. It does however recognize that a match between you two, at least on a magical level, would be beneficial. Think of it as your magic simply stating that this person is a good friend, and could be more. Until you decide otherwise, it will keep saying that."

As such, and given that they weren't teenagers yet, they did tend to cuddle together in one bed. Though Hermione had been pulled aside for a discussion on the changes she would go through and how, as she grew older, she would need her own space. Harry had been given his own version of the talk by Vanen, though Erica had been there for that one to correct some of the older views due to the difference in social mores.

They had also been introduced to the current house elves that maintained the house. There had been three, Jipsy, Noll, and Torl. There had been a brief argument, namely where the three among the living thought of slavery. However, The elves had taught them about the elf bond and how without it they would die, as they could not control their own magic. As such, it would go out of control, slowly eating away at them till they fell into what they called the dark place. It wasn't death, they became a being of darkness and evil that would cause only havoc, death and destruction. The bond made sure it didn't happen.

Their education though had slightly shifted to encompass basic etiquette, manors, decorum, general rules of society, all of which had been updated thanks to books bought by the elves for the children's education. Basic quillmanship along with the basics of Occlumency. Or as Vanen had put it, how to keep your mind safe. This did have the side effect of, after learning the very basics of it, learning a bit faster. And as time went on, they saw a marketable improvement in mental retention. It wasn't superhuman, as that level of Occlumency took years to learn and form, but it was enough to let them learn at a good speed, remember most of what they were taught, and most importantly, be able to detect when someone wanted to enter their mind.

The meditation and Occlumency had also helped them connect with their magic just a bit better. Vanen had pointed out that although wands were definitely used, they were, for the most part, a tool. The tool made it easier, and in some cases, produced a better result. "Let me put it to you like this children. You could drink water with your hands, if you cupped them. But to no longer be thirsty, this would take a while. Whereas using a cup would allow you to finish drinking quite a bit quicker, and with less mess. A wand is very similar, in this instance, the cup. It will filter your magic and focus it so that you use less, and more proficiently. Especially as you are young. However, it is very important that you practice using your magic without a wand, or any focus for that matter. Something that, according to the books that the elves have brought us, is not taught today. This will allow you to be more intune with your magic, to understand how it flows, how it affects you, and if it is being affected by outside forces. Remember, your magic is a part of you. The first wielders of magic did not have a wand, or any tool for that matter. They simply wielded it."

The biggest issue though with Harry's magic was that he had discovered a taint in it. Or rather, as he put it, a darkness that was off to the side of it. It wasn't so much doing anything, as it seemed it wasn't strong enough to do anything but sit there. Which is what the first ritual he would perform today would do. He and Hermione would be going through a basic purification ritual that would have a few benefits. Firstly, it would heal them of any old injuries, correct any problems that were there, in Harry's case, his eyesight, or in Hermione's case, her overbite. It would also remove any outside influences, and in this case, It was hoped that it would remove whatever was hovering around near Harry's magical core.

After that, there would be the Heir/Heiress ritual to see if either of them were connected to any magical family, then would be a rest, and answering the Hogwarts letters if they came. Though there was also a serious consideration of simply hiring private tutors and not responding to the letters. They had wondered where the money would come from, though Vanen had pointed out that this house was a Manor that was also, according to his family and their history, acted as a sanctuary for those in need. The wards around the forest would direct people away from the forest and to water or food, usually in the location of a stream or berries and such if they wandered in. However, in the case of someone who desperately needed safety and sanctuary, it would act as such. Furthermore, he talked about how he had been the last of his line, but had set up an account with the Goblins of Gringotts to maintain the account, investing it and such for when it would be needed as a sanctuary again. Tutors and supplies would not be a problem.

Amelia Bones had just received an owl, which was not uncommon. What was uncommon, even unheard of, was that it was a request under the old laws of Parley. Not a true parley, but a magical equivalent. The fact is was from someone she had no clue of was even more baffling. Ms. Erica Louis, and she asked for the head of the DMLE of Magical Britain based on the old oaths. She understood what was being asked, and knew who she would take as her assistant. They wouldn't be able to say anything to those at the table, but they would be able to advise her as to what they might think. I would bring Shacklebolt, good auror that one with a decent head, but he's been getting closer to Dumbledore. I need to know he's on my side of things. Just something about the man sets me off.

Going through the list in her head just to make sure there wasn't anyone else, Tonks is still in the academy, though I've had my eye on her since I learned about her abilities. Moody would only cause problems, Scrimgeour would try to take over the meeting, no, I really dont have anyone else. Hitting a rune on her desk, she spoke to her secretary, "Mary, could you send a message to Croaker in the DoM? I would like to speak with him and mark it as urgent. Also…. Remind him I have a door please?" "Yes Madam Bones. Right away." It would be an interesting meeting to say the least.

Minerva Mcgonagall sat in her office going over who she would have to talk to an escort. It was a tedious job to organize it all, but she did enjoy the looks of awe on the children's faces. Seeing one particular owl return, she read it and nearly dropped out of her chair. Rushing to the floo, she called out, "Albus, we have a situation!"

A few minutes later, Albus looked up. " I am honestly at a loss Minerva. I understand what they are asking, and they have invited you. Though it seems they have a reason to not invite me as the headmaster. Perhaps…. Yes, well I believe that this Ms. Louis could be a Nom De Guerre for Petunia, though I was unaware of the Dursleys moving. Then again, with Mrs. Figg refusing to move the Privet Drive at the time, and my sensors on the young man never seemed to work, well…" "You did check up on him, didn't you Albus. You said, you had measures in place, and now you are saying nothing is working, nor did it ever work, and your supposed watcher never moved there?! Please tell me you did nae leave young lad to tha mercies of tha likes of those people!" Her Scottish brogue came out a bit at her anger.

Albus winced. He knew he should have taken a more active role in young Harry's life, but he had been so busy, and what little information he got said the Dursleys were a very happy family. Granted, nothing ever reported, the few times he had sent someone, even mentioned seeing Harry, but surely…. "Minerva, I will leave this in your capable hands, take who you will. I will be checking up on the Dursleys. I have a rather bad feeling."

The purification ritual had gone off without a problem. There had been a slight issue when a dark smoke seemed to escape from Harry's head, but that had been it. The Heirship ritual had given him his Heir ring appearing on his finger, though Hermione had not received an Heiress ring. All was good in the world, for now at least. The meeting was set to happen in two days time. A custom wandmaker was also scheduled to come tomorrow. Oh, premade wands worked, and a custom, though expensive, really only assisted a small bit. It was similar, as had been explained to them, like sitting in a regular comfortable chair, and a bespoke chair. They both were comfortable, but the bespoke one would invariably always be just slightly better. As they cuddled up and fell asleep, both children had smiles on their faces. Life would come soon enough, and there was always something more to do, but for now, it was all good.

Chapter End

Closing Notes

Hope you liked. Read and Review. Let me knwo what you think but please dont be crude, crass, or anything else. If you didn't like, and your review would be something along the lines of "This sucks." or even, "This is why it sucks" I would appreciate not having to hear/read it. I get that this will not be everyones cup of tea, or whatever. I get that someone somewhere is somehow going to take offence to this in some form or fashion. If you are one of these, please, save yourself and myself time in just going to read something else. If however, you are one of those who enjoys doing such things, I reserve the right to remove a comment if it is offensive in nature. With that being said, if you have constructive criticism, such as how you think it might be better, such as word usage, maybe I misspelled something, things dont make sense, or im contradicting myself. Let me know. I may have done it on purpose, I may not have.

Finally, This chapter is pretty much world building. I may have one more chapter to build onto this, but I'm not quite sure. I am pretty sure I have built what I needed to, and can add as is needed.

Hope you enjoyed, and see you at the next chapter of, THE MANOR IN THE WOODS.