A/N: HELLO. Sorry it has been so long since an update. I have religiously kept up with my reviews though and want to clarify a few things real quick by responding to the some here where everyone can see.
The GreatBubbaJ mentioned that there was nothing Basilisk related. There is a small footnote about it in the after-the-fact rewards and it will come up in the future! He also mentioned in a 3rdreview (Thank you BubbaJ for your support) not to forget his scaly little friend. I can promise that Kijani will come into play in the future as well. There was also a question about relationships and making sure he has female friends so to expand upon the footnote of the previous chapter I will have Harry dating around for a while. I intend to have him befriend a lot of people this upcoming year. I'll try not to make all the girls fawn over him too much and keep the relationships healthy and reasonable.
There was also some confusion on if Harry is level 3 or level 6. He is level 6, the level 3 notification was simply to state he unlocked the Feat Screen.
And last but not least I have made it to 50 Followers which is awesome! Thanks everyone
From here on out I will be applying scene breaks with ***Break*** as I found out that my line format was not going to FFnet properly. I do apologize for the confusion this may have caused some readers.
***Break***
Chapter 4: Plans and Press Conferences
The second day of the tutorial. So much to accomplish. So many chances to change things. This ever growing to-do list currently had our Harry… well currently he was eating ice cream but he was thinking really hard too damn it. At least that's how he imagined his conversations with Tyran looked to an outsider. He had just finished a shopping trip in the Alley, picking up a few more odds and ends that he intended to Dismantle and a few sets of Potion ingredients.
"So I don't need sleep, other than to mentally take a break from the game since Resting puts me in a sort of Limbo state where I can just relax for a while. I don't need food other than for status effects and general pleasure. Anything else I should know about this Gamer lifestyle?" Harry bit through a half-frozen chunk of strawberry and sighed in pleasure as the coolness battled against the growing heat of the outdoors.
"The Crucio spell should be pretty low on your list of worries as pain is very muted for the Gamer to allow for key gameplay functions to still occur. Instead of mind-numbing agony it will be more like logically knowing that you're currently on fire and kind of being okay with it. Legilimency is also no concern for you as too many aspects of your life will be affected by the Game and therefore Fate has decreed that your mind is simply unreadable. To a casual observer… well as casual as someone attempting to mind-fuck a 13-year-old boy when they're going through key changes and are really only thinking about one thing… sorry. To the casual observer it will simply seem as though you have considerable Occlumency skills. To the determined observer they will simply be ejected, forcefully. Yes this will apply to Voldemort as well because in Fate's own words 'Fuck that guy'" They had been in conversations like this for much of the morning as Harry opted to test a few things. Nothing substantial was learned through testing but the conversations have been enlightening.
The ice cream now firmly resting in Harry's stomach he went to explore Flourish and Blott's again. The skill of being able to flip through a book and learn its contents did not just apply to skill books so he intended to get a lot of knowledge this time through life and blow everyone away this year. After an hour or so as he flipped through a book on Muggle Studies for the heck of it suddenly an amazing idea occurred to him. A plan. A plan so diabolic, so useful, that he wondered if it would even work.
"Tyran. Tyran. Tyran. Tyran. Tyran. TYRAN." His brain was rapid firing as he considered the implications of this plan.
The sigh might as well have been audible as the Construct replied, "Yes Chosen?"
Harry excitedly jumped into his question, "How does Time apply to me? I mean obviously it applies to me but since my game age has been separated from my real age, and I don't need sleep, then if I were to get say… a Time Turner, then could I essentially abuse the shit out of it and not run myself into the floor? And not age myself prematurely?"
"Hmm. Well your physical age is meant to be permanent and not influenced by your gameplay as Fate wanted you to be able to live a happy fruitful life without feeling like you're much older than your friends or feel like a creep if you kissed someone or more. Running simulation now… Yes Chosen you could essentially abuse the shit out of it. There is a function within the game currently that would also apply to Time Turners to prevent your aging being affected" was the incredibly well-received response.
Now it was simply a matter of explaining to McGonagall that he could in fact handle the course load. Maybe an explanation and arranged meet-up would be worth the risk of attracting Dumbledore? Harry shot to his feet and jogged down to the Leaky Cauldron. Hedwig would be happy, since he might as well write to his friends while he was at it.
***Break***
Minerva McGonagall strode down the streets of Diagon Alley toward one of the many restaurants down the side streets of the Alley. She was off to meet with a young Mr. Potter who had very surprisingly sent her a letter this summer about changing his electives. There was a brief window during the summer where children were allowed to change courses since they would have a chance to talk with parents, siblings, and friends about it a little more freely and they usually changed their mind. But to go from 2 courses to all 5? Well he wouldn't be the only one this year.
Soon enough she found herself in front of a nicely decorated slightly upscale restaurant named The Glowing Goblet. It was well known for its cheese and wine selection and a popular spot for simple meetups of colleagues. Mr. Potter apparently had a reservation in one of the side rooms as well.
"Hello Professor" Said a dashing young man standing next to a chair in the side room. The seat meant for her was pulled out and well matched wine to the current tray of cheese on the table was poured and McGonagall settled in and sampled both before replying.
"Hello youn… Mr. Potter?" She did a double take as those eyes were simply unmistakably Lily's eyes. The haircut accentuated his sharper jawline and made his emerald green eyes almost pop with color.
A healthy and endearing chuckle broke the brief silence "Yes Professor it's probably a shock to see the new style. It's been a really good summer even in the short 3 days since term ended"
Seating himself and sipping some flavored butterbeer and popping a bit of cheese in his own mouth he formulated how he would even begin to explain the sudden changes in him. Well, sudden to those not in the know. He was glad that he slid the slider for strength back down and had bought a smaller shirt for this meeting as he didn't want his Professor to think he was taking performance enhancing potions of some other rot.
"So it seems. Your hair may be more like your mother's now, but your bearing has improved. Your father would be proud to see you're coming into the Potter swagger as he was so wan to call it" she said with a chuckle. It was fantastic to see the timid young boy begin to show some confidence. She did not feel sorry for the young girls who would be trying to catch his fancy this upcoming year.
"That definitely sounds like my Dad" Harry said with another chuckle that seemed to broaden the slight grin on his Professor's face "I suppose I should start at the beginning though. I appreciate you coming to meet me about the classes, the news of me changing my choices to all 5 electives probably came as a shock"
At her nod and a bit of companionable silence broken by the sound of more cheese samples being chosen Harry began to explain about the Dursleys "When I got home this summer I had received some correspondence from Gringotts about an outstanding debt of my Father's and to come by the Bank as soon as I could. I managed to convince my Uncle to take me and met with a teller. Through them I was able to learn of my inheritance. My Uncle, kind old soul that he is, saw this as an opportunity to… allow me to be closer to my heritage and we struck a deal. He emancipated me" he started to go on but the choking cough that escaped McGonagall's mouth as she was eating a piece of cheese stopped him.
"Emancipated?! You're only twelve!" the stern tone of the Transfiguration Professor rang through the small room.
Harry was smart enough not to bring up his impending Birthday "Yes, emancipated. I paid him to do so, and it was agreeable to both sides" he held up a hand to stop her reply and surprisingly she refrained from interrupting "It cannot be undone regardless as the paperwork has been filled out, filed, stamped, and I wouldn't go back to those terrible people even if I had to drop out of Hogwarts. I was never happy there, Professor"
She nodded as she remembered a cold November morning just over a decade ago when she warned Albus not to place this young boy there. It was hardly ideal but it seems he got away from them sooner traditional social customs allowed.
"And this led to the new hair and request for more classwork? Is that wise, Mr. Potter?" She regarded him with the same 'don't fuck with me or I'll Transfigure your underpants into ants' look that cowed many students into behaving.
To her immense surprise he met it with a stern look of his own and the simple answer, "Yes."
Harry continued after a moment and stared at the drink in his hands as he spoke "The Dursleys were terrible people Professor. Extremely terrible. While there I was forced to do all the cleaning and cooking, the maintenance of the home, and my first Hogwarts letter was addressed to the Cupboard Under the Stairs. Quite frankly they tried to browbeat me into complacency and I'm simply done with that. I've escaped. That is simply the best word for it. And to answer your question about the additional schooling I read in my Mother's journal that she took all the offered electives as well. I want to make them proud. Both of them. The Dursley's might not have cared for magic but they still cared for my grades and without them bearing down on me I finally feel free to show what I can do Professor. Show everyone. Last year I was regarded as the Heir of Slytherin. What not many people know is that the Sorting Hat offered Slytherin to me. It saw deep inside me the ambitions and dreams born in the darkness of a cupboard. Dreams of dragons and knights, dreams of being whisked away into a new world by my parents. It happened, in a sense. I'm in this magical world full of possibilities because I was lucky enough to have a Wizard and Witch for parents. I owe it to them to be the best damn Wizard I can be and stop holding back for fear of my relative's ire at doing well. And I won't hold back anymore. I won't. Please Professor, let me prove it to you somehow"
Harry let out a breath as he looked up from his butterbeer. That had taken a lot out of him, but he was certainly not expecting the showings of tears in the eyes of his now standing Head of House. She quickly went around the table and swept him up into a hug. He had received many hugs since coming to Hogwarts the first go around. Manly hugs from Neville and Ron, friendly ones from Hermione, Luna, and Ginny. Even motherly ones from Mrs. Weasley. This hug easily matched any hug he had received before and slowly he returned it. After a few moments they separated and the tears in McGonagall's eyes were gone.
Her tone did not betray their presence either, "Well I can hardly say no after all that, Mr. Potter. As far as proving yourself I think that can be arranged. Your letter mentioned you were going to be staying around Hogsmeade for the summer. I thought that meant that the Dursley's were finally opening up and wanted to see a bit of the Magical world, but I guess that's not to be. I'll work on the paperwork to switch your electives and consult with the other professors about having you retake your end of year exams. If you can prove to me that last year's lessons stuck, I will sign the paperwork immediately. Are we in agreement?"
"Yes. Yes, thank you Professor" Harry smiled, and her heart melted even more at the sight of the boy before her. She knew that he would rise to the challenge, and if his track record was any indication, he would surpass her wildest expectations.
They stayed and discussed the various electives a bit further while they enjoyed the cheese and drinks before finally ending the meeting. Harry walked her out and with a jaunty wave from Harry to send McGonagall off he readied himself for phase 2 of his plan.
***Break***
Gringotts looked much the same as it always did. This was where Harry found himself after his promising meeting with McGonagall. If there was one perk with being legally an adult it was that at least the Goblins stopped asking so many questions about his motives. The not so great perk was having to deal with the cost. 5,000 Galleons per Portkey was definitely not a cheap ride though and he was currently buying 20 of them. 100,000 Galleons.
Harry only needed 5 of them but wanted a backup for each as a precautionary step. The other ten were for his plans. He just hoped that it wasn't a waste of money. At the end of the transaction he would have a Portkey capable of sending 10 people to St. Mungo's, the Ministry, Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, and Ottery St. Catchpole. After a discussion with Tyran it was determined that he could benefit from a fast means of travel during his life as a Gamer and the only solution he had without his Apparition License was Portkeys. Now some might ask why the ruby-haired hero didn't just go get the license but unfortunately the license required complete OWLs so even though he was legally an adult Harry doubted he could take those right now. It was hard enough convincing McGonagall to allow him the extra courses. Maybe next summer but even then, these Portkeys could still come in handy.
Once the paperwork had been filled out and the Portkeys manufactured Harry activated the one for the Ministry, he had a prophecy to listen to and a Will to read at Ministry Records if he was to continue with his current plan.
***Break***
At the Atrium of the Ministry Harry hit his first snag of the day. Apparently today was a press conference for the Ministry to inform the citizens of Magical Britain of the happenings of the season and many people were arriving by Floo, Apparition, and the telephone box entrance. VIPs were arriving via Portkeys. So when the telltale whoosh of a Portkey arrival occurred, Aurors and various paparazzi and journalists were there to greet them for comments on upcoming matters. No one expected The Harry Potter. Certainly not The Harry Potter dressed up in Acromantula Silk robes of the latest fashion, hair changed to the medium auburn red of his late mother, standing tall and proud with no escort, and looking more and more like the Lord that his shining ring signified that he was.
Pandemonium reigned as the Press caught wind of his arrival and as soon as he took a few steps the flashes started.
"Mr. Potter! Please! A comment on your thoughts of the recent changes in regulation for Potion Ingredients"
"Harry! Harry! Over here! What do you think of Wizend Nott's proposal for werewolves to be regulated to Ministry enforced lands for monitoring"
"Harry! A word for your fans! Is it true that you are the Heir of Slytherin and a Parselmouth? And is that a Lord's Ring on your finger?"
Everywhere he turned there was another camera, another eager face waiting for a slip of the tongue or a controversial comment. He almost couldn't breathe they were getting so close and it was all he could do to retain his posture and confidence. So he did the only thing he could think of.
"Pause"… Peaceful silence reigned as Harry took a few deep breaths. He knew he could fidget a bit inside the Pause, so he shook his shoulders and hips to loosen up a bit. The Pause feature would reset him back to the same position anyways so the relief was just temporary. Thinking for a moment on how best to regain control of the situation he pulled up his Character Sheet and looked it over briefly. Sinking all 12 of his loose stat points into Magic, he felt the sudden spike in his energy and knew that his Aura would definitely be showing to a few people now as the +15 from his Perks put him at a firm 35. Putting 24 skill points into Intimidation and choosing his boon, 15 in Diplomacy and choosing a boon, and another 12 into Etiquette and choosing a boon before deciding he might as well boost Flirting to 25 too since social situations seemed to be greeting him at every odd turn. Reviewing the sections he read over the boons one more time.
Diplomacy – 25 (+5)
Boon: Heir to an Empire. As the youngest Lord in recent years people are eager for your attention. +5% Relationship Gains.
Intimidation – 25
Boon: Flux. You may now consciously flare your magic to those around you. Doubles effectiveness of Magic Aura Feat. Cost 2 Magicka per second. Stops Magicka Regeneration.
Etiquette – 25
Boon: Now You're Forked. Your skill in formal settings is improved! Delivers notification prompts in formal dining.
Flirting – 25
Boon: Lost in your eyes. Making direct eye contact will improve your chances of success when engaged in Flirting. -5 to DR rating of target.
Taking another deep breath it was decided that it was time to greet the sheep. Ending the Pause, Harry flared his Magic for a moment and Used Intimidation. The people all around him took a subconscious step back and he began walking and talking, answering questions as fast as they were coming "Hello everyone. I'm not here for the press conference, I only recently came into my Inheritance and I am on my way to Ministry Records. Yes, I am a Parselmouth, I believe the skill was a result of my defeat of Voldemort as a baby as that is the only route that makes sense. To the best of my knowledge I am not related to Slytherin though it is as possible as anyone else with a line as long as the Potters. I do not intend to hold my seat in the Wizengamot at the moment as I am in school but may hire a representative who will at least sit the sessions so that I may stay appraised of happenings as a Lord. I am emancipated now and have multiple plans lined up for my future. I am not currently in a relationship. Ah, and here is my lift. Thank you all and have a great day"
Harry made it to the end of the Atrium finally. The Lord Potter had started to flare his magic again about halfway through the Atrium to prevent any further blocking of his path and actually made pretty good time. Keeping his answers short and concise he hoped that nothing was misconstrued or twisted but knew that overall the questions were answered better than anything Rita Skeeter would have thrown at him.
This morning's editions of Teen Witch Weekly had painted Harry in a good light, catching him as he walked out of Gringott's with a pretty good angle. The Daily Prophet wasn't quite as good with the Chamber fiasco having just occurred but the speculation wasn't so much of him being Dark as what was he doing at the Bank unattended. Today one could expect another front page of the impromptu interview that just happened and the task of how to address this made it to the top of the mental to-do list.
Luckily with all the hubbub in the Atrium the rest of the Ministry was relatively quiet and quick progress was made to Ministry Records. There he asked the middle-aged clerk to retrieve a few folders for him. He knew what was in them from a previous trip in his last life but wanted the pretense of his just finding out to fuel the next few steps of his plan. Tucking copies of the documents into his Inventory Harry made his way back to the Atrium, at least he knew what to expect this time and could use it to his advantage. The press conference was in full swing and the Boy-Who-Lived slipped through the crowd surprisingly easy and managed to get a spot in the front of the crowd.
Above him on a conjured stage and in front of a golden podium was Cornelius Fudge, green bowler hat and all, flanked by Aurors and joined by the various Department Heads. Mr. Weasley spotted Harry and waved slightly which Harry returned with a smile and a wave. This unfortunately, or fortunately in Harry's mind, made Fudge's eyes flick towards him and light up. Stopping his explanation of various plans for this year's taxes Fudge shushed the crowd.
"Sorry, sorry everyone. I know you're all very interested in the budget for the season" Fudge stated sarcastically and prompted a few chuckles from the crowd "I simply could not ignore the dashing young man in the front of the crowd today. I saw your entrance Mr. Potter and I know the public is simply dying for a few words from our newest Lord of the Wizengamot"
Cringing slightly and thankful that he didn't blush easily with his Charisma score, Harry knew that to ignore the eager and expectant eyes that were now all turned towards him would only worsen the situation. Making his way up the stairs he stopped and greeted Mr. Fudge who had stepped away from the podium to shake his hand. He also took a few steps back and shook Mr. Weasley's hand as well with a wink that made the worried look in the man's eyes disappear.
Stepping up to the podium, he shocked the crowd by flicking his wand out of the holster he bought earlier this morning and casting Sonorous.
"Good morning everyone. I apologize that my entrance was so hectic. I expected this crowd about as much as this crowd expected me" this got a few more chuckles than Fudge's earlier budget comment and Harry grinned at the crowd "I won't keep you all long, that is our esteemed Minister's privilege" again a few chuckles made it through the crowd "But to answer a few of the questions I was asked on my way to Records I am indeed now Lord Potter. There was a bit of a mix-up at Gringotts and omitting the boring details I am now emancipated. I came to Records today to simply receive the rest of my listings of holdings and am getting my living arrangements settled as we speak. If our Minister will permit me a few more minutes of your time?"
At this Harry turned to the Minister in question who looked gleeful to be able to 'permit' the public to continue speaking to one of the nation's heroes and a nod was given "Perfect. Now I know I have been in the Wizarding World now for a couple years and have come to terms with my fame. For those who do not understand I in no way enjoy being praised for basically surviving the night that my parent's were murdered" Harry let silence ring throughout the Atrium as he sternly stared across the crowd. Let not one of them think for a moment that he was an attention-seeker.
"However I am a proud citizen of Magical Britain. I know that I hold a responsibility to you all, if not as the Boy-Who-Lived then certainly as a Lord in our governing body. It is my intent to live up to that responsibility fully and fill the shoes that my Grandfather Fleamont Potter last held as Lord of my House. Since our Minister has so graciously given up his time with you all to allow me to speak it seems only fair that I answer a few questions"
Gesturing to a now ravenous flock of journalists, he indicated a young reporter from the Prophet "Lord Potter" at that he held up his hand and after a firm request to regard him simply as Harry or Mr. Potter as he was still in school the young and now blushing female reporter began again "Harry. What circumstances led to your emancipation?"
Well, they certainly don't waste time Harry thought before he formed an answer "Up until the end of term I did not quite know what the name of Potter meant. I received notice from Gringotts about a matter regarding my holdings and through there discovered the extent of my family's previous presence in Magical Britain of which I had known very little. After a few inquiries with a representative I discovered that I was eligible for my inheritance. Being that I was only a few years from time to receive it normally I felt that stepping into the shoes and learning what I need to know before I graduate Hogwarts was the most beneficial for the future of my House. Next question"
Gesturing this time at an older gentleman with a Gilded Galleon's badge, who asked "Harry, if I may, what sort of plans do you have for your business holdings? Many of which have suffered during the extended period of no management"
"I know that many of the Potter holdings have suffered in the time that my Father was in school and then was forced into hiding by the War. Potter Manor was destroyed in my Father's 6th Year and he was unable to receive his Lordship at the time due to grief. I will be thoroughly reviewing my holdings with a well credited accounting firm and intend to restructure many of the businesses to better represent the Potter name" Luckily that was a quick and easy one for Harry and he selected an even older fellow representing The Sonorous Sorcerer which he knew was international news.
"Do you currently have any plans with your new freedom, Mr. Potter?" was the short and broad question and Harry regarded the man with a serious eye.
"As there is currently a criminal on the loose looking to kill me, no comment" He knew that Sirius wasn't actually out to kill him, but the public eye didn't need to be apprised of where he was going. This time he went with a safe choice and gestured to a Teen Witch Weekly representative who looked to have rushed here once news of his arrival at the Ministry had reached the gossip magazine.
"Not much is currently known about you, Mr. Potter beyond your name and your fame. Do you have any plans for interviews in future? I know our interested readers would love to find out more about such a dashing young Lord" the young and pretty brunette had pushed her way to the front of the crowd but asked the question without a hint of her struggle
"If any interested parties will send me a letter, I'm sure an interview or two could be arranged. Last question before I take my leave" at this Harry decided to prompt a representative from The Hogwarts Herald whom he recognized vaguely as a Hufflepuff 5th year. Or 6th now, he thought.
"Is it true that you found the Chamber of Secrets?" Silence held the Atrium as the question was asked and knowing that there was no way around it Harry sighed heavily and held back from glancing at Mr. Weasley who had gasped behind him. It would take a bit of truth bending to protect the Weasleys from any fallout.
"Yes, I have found the fabled Chamber of Secrets. It is accessible only to Parselmouths which is where the tripe about only Heirs of Slytherin being able to open it came from. A Dark Artifact from Voldemort's time had made its way into the school and through it the Monster had attacked a few of the students including my best friend Hermione Granger. Unfortunately the lack of a definitive type of creature causing the petrifications did not help the Professors discover the cause. Hermione knew of my talent, and that I recently heard a very large snake once before one of the attacks. This led her to the Library on the night of her attack where she was able to find out evidence that Slytherin's Monster might actually be a Basilisk. Thanks to my ability as a Parselmouth I was able to find the entrance and engaged our Defense teacher Professor Lockhart to defeat the Basilisk whose identity had been discovered by Hermione Granger just before her petrification. Unfortunately the man was a coward. Oh don't gasp at that, let me finish. My best friend Ron Weasley and I led the extremely reluctant man to the entrance where Lockhart revealed his intention to throw us in the Chamber and flee the school. I was able to disarm him, but he stole my friend's wand and intended to Obliviate us which was apparently the only spell he can perform outside of Hair Styling and Teeth Brightening Charms. Thankfully the wand had recently suffered from a break and the instability of it caused the spell to backfire which is why Lockhart now resides in St. Mungo's. Knowing that we didn't have time to get another teacher we decided to go into the Chamber together as any Gryffindor would have done. There was a small cave-in during which time where Ron and I were separated. I was trapped inside the Chamber and had no choice but to continue. There was another student there. The most recent victim of the Dark Artifact, and after the victim spoke Parseltongue and summoned the Monster from the depths of the Chamber the Monster was truly revealed to be a Basilisk. A very old and large one. With the help of Fawkes who had arrived by tracking the location of the feather in my wand, which had come from that same Phoenix, we were able to blind the beast. The Sorting Hat that Fawkes had grabbed held the Sword of Gryffindor inside and I was able to retrieve this weapon and use it to defeat the Basilisk. Again with Fawkes' help I was able to get back through the caved in area and bring the affected student to the Headmaster's Office. That was the end of it"
The crowd was silent as Harry stepped away from the podium, so the yelled accusation was able to reach the stage.
"And how do we know you're not actually the Heir of Slytherin and that story was just to cover your ass?" A voice sounded from the rear of the Atrium.
"I can provide proof, if you'd like" Harry said this to the man, but the interest was picked up by the crowd. Harry indicated to the Aurors that he would be drawing his wand.
With his mind he 'equipped' the Sword of Gryffindor from his Hotbar into his left hand so that it looked like a Switching Spell to the crowd and it materialized in his now raised left hand. In his right, carefully held with a Dragonhide glove that had also appeared, was a large... tooth. A fang from the Basilisk that made the crowd ooo and aww. If that tooth was an indication of the creature's true size then Harry's accomplishment was all the more impressive. Waiting for a moment he willed both items back into his Hotbar and stepped towards Fudge.
"Thank you for your time Minister. I'll let you get back to it." Harry shook the shocked Minister's hand and stopped on his way off the stage to shake Mr. Weasley's hand again as well. The man pulled him into a hug.
"Thank you Harry" was all the Weasley patriarch whispered as they separated. Making his way down the steps the crowd split in front of him like a ship through sea.
Before he was able to reach the Portkey location, the Minister's voice rang out across the Atrium "Thank you for that story, Mr. Potter, it was very enlightening to a worrying situation at Hogwarts. I would like to convene the Wizengamot soon to offer you an Order of Merlin for your service"
Harry took a few more steps to the Portkey area before turning and with the Sonorous still active responded "Any Order of Merlin funds should be extended to the victims of a failed Dark Lord's pathetic Artifact. I would also not accept an Order of Merlin of any Class that Ron Weasley did not receive as well. He convinced me to continue on in that Chamber after having entered it with the full intent of facing whatever beast was in there. He is every bit the Gryffindor that I am" then he activated his Portkey.
***Break***
Harry appeared in Diagon Alley and immediately strode to the Leaky Cauldron. Unfortunately after the impromptu press release and the public retelling of the Chamber story Harry knew that he would be hounded by the press, or worse, if he stayed in the Alley. Making his way over to Tom he tipped the man 15 Galleons and thanked him for the accommodations before making his way upstairs. Slipping the trunks and various items he had acquired during his brief time in the Alley into his Inventory he made his way downstairs and back towards the Portkey location of the Alley. Right at the entrance of the Alley Harry saw them. Four men in black robes and silver masks. Death Eaters.
"Pause. Tyran, how does Combat work in the game?" Harry quickly asked his Guide.
"Combat is essentially the same as your previous life. The only difference is that your previous knowledge has no sway on what spells you can cast. That is determined by your Skill level of the school of magic of the spell. Accuracy is determined by your Dexterity and Magic stat and multiplied by the Skill level of the school of spell and multiplied by your Ambient Luck stat. Dodging is a combination of your Dexterity and Perception and Ambient Luck stats. Physical Defense is Strength and Constitution and Ambient Luck. Mental Defense is Intelligence and Wisdom and Ambient Luck." The Construct helpfully spelled out.
"Ambient Luck stat?" Harry knew that his perk Fated Luck and disadvantage Chosen One had mentioned Luck but had not seen the stat on his list now that he thought about it. He vaguely remembered his luck being 31 when he saw the stats in Options in the Center.
"Yes. Luck is a very powerful stat and as such must be unlocked in some fashion before it can be modified. Currently it is considered Ambient or Passive depending on which game terms you would like to use" Tyran explained.
"Fine. Is my stat at least decent?" Harry asked, knowing he would probably need every last drop of luck in the coming battle.
"Extremely, for your level. But do remember that Fate is a fickle bitch" Tyran chuckled in that same, now ominous, way of multiple chuckles overlapping. Harry grumbled internally for a moment before ending the Pause.
Combat Started!
They started off easily, shooting some basic stunners that Harry was able to dodge as he stepped back into the door of the semi-crowded tavern.
"Everyone, get down!" He yelled as the men quickly followed him inside. Dodging another stunner he jumped behind a table and flipped it before attempting to Banish it at the group.
Spell failed. Charms Skill too low.
Cursing his luck he instead shot the table with a Ventus spell that luckily fell within his skill range. It achieved basically the same result as the missile smashed into the legs of 2 of the men sending them toppling. He hit one with a Petrificus Totalus and threw a nearby bottle into the path of a Finite. Hitting the immobilized man with an Expelliarmus he missed the follow-up Diffindo on the airborne wand but was able to stomp on it after he rolled out of the way of a Curse.
Seeing another set of stunners on their way which he recognized as a simple Petrificus and an Incarcerous, stunners being an inclusive term of any non-lethal immobilization spell, Harry threw a Protego up and flared his magic for the extra spell protection.
Defensive Spells skill increased by 1! It is now 25! 1 Skill Boon available.
Harry jumped behind a booth and willed the game to Pause again, praying there wasn't Fiendfyre or some other bullshit on its way towards him but being unable to check. Quickly pulling up his Character Sheet he read over the available Boons and chose one most applicable to his situation. He also saw that his Transfigurations, Charms, and Potions skill were available for Boons as well and did the same with those. Switching to his Inventory, he skilled over to his Crafting Menu and saw that his ingredients he had purchased earlier highlighted a few Potions he could make. Quickly queuing 2 of them and designating them to auto-fill into his Hotbar he took a deep breath and ended the Pause.
Rolling to his right, he saw the Bombarda smash into the booth and thanked his quick reflexes as he shot a few spells towards the men and dashed up the stairs behind him. Making it to the top he spun around in time to see an Avada Kedavra leave the tip of the lead Death Eater's wand. Grabbing the handle of the door to his left Harry swung the door open and let it intercept the spell. A few shards of the now useless door scratched his face as he turned and dashed further down the hall.
-3 HP. Ouch!
Potion Complete!
Turning on the spot and dropping to a crouch Harry willed the Potion into his hand and chucked it back the way he had come. It smashed into the face of the lead Death Eater as the robed man crested the top of the stairs and the Boiling Tincture caused the man's mask to steam as the Potion took effect. This one was meant to provide heat to a Potion and was intended as an additive in the brewing process of some advanced Potions.
Potion Complete! Potions Skill increased by 1. It is now 27!
Throwing the same potion into the group Harry used an Aquamenti Spell and could have cheered as the Potion made the magical liquid boiling hot. The now boiling stream of water washed over 2 of the men and they fell to the floor screaming as the burning took place. Not waiting any longer Harry dashed further down the hall before turning into one of the rooms that overlooked a side street of the Alley. Hitting the window with an Alohomora he was able to wrench it open and straddle the sill before the door burst open again as the other 2 Death Eaters entered the room. Giving them a jaunty wave Harry rolled out of the window and willed his Nimbus into his hand. Quickly mounting the broom he was able to alight on the street below easily and he put the broom away. Glancing up he saw the Death Eaters looking out of the window at him but didn't give them a chance to react as he dashed back into the Alley's main street and over to the Portkey area.
As soon as he crossed the threshold Harry Portkeyed to the Ministry and cast Sonorous to yell, "DEATH EATERS IN DIAGON ALLEY!" before Portkeying back. Permanent Portkeys were simply the best.
Looking back towards the Leaky Cauldron he saw the 2 uninjured Death Eaters with their wounded allies in tow entering the Alley.
"Hello idiots. Didn't expect the Boy-Who-Lived to be so troublesome did you?" He called out, causing their heads to jerk to his direction. Harry had stepped away from the Portkey area before he did this to not alert them to what he hoped was impending Auror backup.
Thankfully they really were idiots as the 3 with wands still intact began firing spells at him. He flared his magic and threw up a Protego Maxima courtesy of his new Defensive Spells Boon. Watching as 8 spells smashed into it, he had to drop the spell as his Magicka took a severe dip.
Defensive Spells increased by 1. It is now 26!
Rolling out of the way of the next couple of spells Harry kept glancing towards the Portkey area. During one of the glances he missed a spell being cast at him but luckily was able to flare his magic just before impact.
Bonebreaker Curse received. 41 damage, mitigated by Magical Aura. -31 HP. Ouch!
Seeing that his HP was now at 73, Harry willed the Healing Potion be used from his Hotbar and sighed in relief as his HP jumped back up to 98. Looks like Healing Potions recovered 25 health. He idly wondered if his Potions Skill would increase that but was dashed out of his thoughts as he rolled out of the way of another spell and cursed as his leg gave out beneath him. Healing Potions did not fix broken bones. Noted.
Luckily before the Death Eaters could capitalize, a full squad of Aurors Apparrated in and the fight was quickly over as the small group was quickly overwhelmed.
Combat Complete! +350 Exp.
Loot: Wand Remnants, +5 Galleons, +14 Sickles.
Harry Transfigured a piece of a vendor cart's umbrella into a crutch, and limped over to a nearby bench as he watched the Aurors systematically disarm and immobilize the Death Eaters. Gingerly he lifted the leg onto the bench and got comfortable. Soon enough an Auror broke off from the proceedings. He recognized the shock of pink hair and smiled as Auror Trainee Tonks made her way over.
The cute young Auror quickly saw that he was injured and motioned for a Healer to make their way over after assessing nearby shoppers, as a few of them had been clipped in the spell crossfire.
"We are taking statements now, Mr. Potter, I appreciate you hanging around for us to collect yours" Tonks started.
"Oh you know me, just hanging around" Harry quipped as he indicated his broken leg "Wouldn't have done me much good to try and escape anyways"
"You're taking a broken leg reasonably well. Quidditch?" She asked and sat on bench beside him. He nodded and she continued "We're trying to build a picture of what happened. Do you know anything that might have prompted the attack?"
"Well it probably had something to do with me basically revealing my status as a 12-year-old Lord who was currently between residences, in front of a very large crowd, and then saying Gryffindors rule and Slytherins drool while waving around a magical sword. Then insulting Voldemort right before I left" Harry said as he shifted a little to relieve the tension on his leg.
"Blimey. Yeah that would probably do it. Luckily you were able to escape. Do you know who burned 2 of the perpetrators? They were positive for potion residue but it seemed to have been washed off" Tonks asked and a Quotes Quill was placed onto the parchment she took from her robes.
"That was me. I threw a couple Boiling Tinctures on them before hitting them with an Aquamenti. I don't know many offensive spells at the moment so I did what I could. Thankfully I had a couple on hand" the Healer joined them and had Harry's leg set and splinted in short order. He grit his teeth as the bone snapped into place.
-2 HP. Ouch!
Healing methods shouldn't wound me! Harry thought with a vengeance and could practically see Tyran shrugging in his mind.
"Quick thinking. Not many people would have used those potions like that" Tonks regarded him with an approving look to which he just shrugged, locked eyes with her, and winked with a cheeky grin. He laughed as she blushed. Thank you, Flirting Boon. She rolled her eyes "Mind telling me what you know?
"Alright. And I'll stop teasing you Auror…" Harry lead her into her name.
"Auror Trainee Tonks. I was brought over for canvassing" she said with a small smile. The boy was cute, but still a boy. And a cheeky one at that.
"Tonks then. I Portkeyed into the Alley, was planning on grabbing my stuff from my room at the Leaky because, as I said, I managed to tweak the nerves of Voldemort sympathizers at the Ministry press conference. When I came back down to Portkey away the Death Eaters were there. I went back into the Leaky and warned the patrons. Managed to duck and dodge my way upstairs. Blocked an Avada with a door. Threw the tinctures on them as they came up the stairs and blasted them. Slipped into a room overlooking a side street and used my broom to get to the street below and beat them to the Portkey area. Portkeyed to the Ministry to warn the Aurors and came back so that the bastards would keep aiming for me instead of any innocent bystanders and bought time for the Aurors to arrive. Caught a Bonebreaker to the leg shortly after cause my luck finally ran out. Better a Bonebreaker than something worse though, I guess" Harry stated all of this plainly but enjoyed watching Tonks' eyes get steadily bigger as his story was told. She let out a low whistle when he was done.
"Wow. Simply wow. A 12-year-old was able to successfully fend off four Death Eaters. Boy-Who-Lived or not that is impressive work. Try to have a bit more self interest in the future and Portkey to safety sooner but I can understand why you acted the way you did. Thank you, Mr. Potter, I'll report this to my superiors" Tonks stood up and pocketed her Quotes Quill, the much more honest version of the Quick-Quotes Quill that Harry remembered Rita Skeeter favoring.
"Anytime Nymphadora" Harry said to her shocked face as he grinned charmingly at her while he put the crutch under his arm and stood up. It didn't work though, and she smacked his other arm. Her eyes grew huge and she looked worried for a moment before Harry laughed loudly.
-1 HP. Ouch!
Shut up game Harry thought. He smiled at the taller woman to cover up his brief lapse in attention.
HP Notifications can be modified in the Settings Menu. You shut up.
Blinking away his surprise at the response Harry turned to the pink-haired woman "I recognized you just there at the end. I think you were a 7th year during my 1st. I remember many smacking sounds coming from the table behind me during breakfasts" he laughed again "I simply couldn't resist poking some more fun at a beautiful woman"
Flirting skill increased by 1. It is now 26!
Leaving the now thoroughly blushing woman behind Harry limped over to the Portkey area with no trouble and whispered "Hoggy Warty" letting his original Portkey whisk him away. The hook-behind-the-navel spinning caused his leg to scream in protest. He also briefly heard Kijani complain about the constant spinning as he left for Hogsmeade.
-Fin-
A/N: WOW. 8000+ words. Guess you all deserve that after I made you wait a week for the chapter. I realized I was using way too many he, his, hims and such so I tried to branch out a bit with the reiteration of Harry and letting you all know who the hell I was talking about. Kijani made a minor appearance at the end. I promise he will come into play in the future. Hedwig was on her way back from a letter delivery but got confused as shit by his constant Portkeys today and opted to go mouse hunting until her master settled down for the night.
Hope you all liked the chapter! Let me know what you thought of the shift in style because I am very happy with how the chapter turned out.
Thank you all.
Until next time!