Caging a Predator
Going back to privet drive that summer was not a welcome reprieve, Petunia knew he wasn’t allowed to do any magic, she learned however that it didn’t mean he was defenseless. He told her he could still do wandless magic, what he actually meant was that he was using his flames, something he noticed did not register. At first he was worried about exposure, but then he figured since they were in the know about a certain aspects of his abilities, he was still maintaining omertà. First thing he did was go to Gringotts to ask Sharpclaw how to gather evidence about the nonsense happening at Hogwarts. Which the goblin was happy to oblige, especially when Harry informed him that he can present him with memories regarding the individual behind the attempt robbery the past summer.
He remembered the dark men insistence about understanding the laws of the mafia and how to work around them, there was no reason it didn’t mean the same in the wizarding world. He knew there was nothing he could do with this now, he had no real help, nor understanding of what it is he wants to do. There was no reason not to collect everything until he is finally able to make a move
Next he wanted to know if there were attempts on his vaults, which surprise, surprise, there were over a dozen. Wonderfully the clauses he placed prevented anyone that wasn’t himself to get anything. And lastly there was still the question of what to do with the stone, he figured that with Dumbledore still too involved he didn’t want to make a move to soon. So he bought another pouch, placed the stone in it, and once again emptied most of the gold in the accessible vaults. He did take the chance to exchange quite the sum to pounds so he could actually afford things in the muggle world.
The summer started nice, especially with the tent that was fully stocked with food and potions to keep him alive. Not to mention he used the muggle money to take self defense classes. It was a win win, he can survive in the world, and as far as the Dursley’s concerned they had a summer tenant that they didn’t need to communicate with or feed. What was great was that he found these accelerated learning tools for languages that didn’t register as active magic when using, so he bought every language he could get his hands on. Figured better use the chance to learn everything he can, he was looking forward to learning random dead languages so he could mess with people, though the selection for European and Asian languages felt too useful to not prioritize. The week of tests was boring though, it was nice to discover the accelerated homeschooling program he was registered to was manageable. If he kept this up he could get his A-Levels by 14, right on time for his OWLs year to be pressure free.
Whan he saw Hermione at the testing center he was annoyed, between knowing she was also taking the exams and letting her know about the language crystals he sent her 3 letters. Not once had she wrote back, so he did the sane thing and asked what is her problem (he might came off very aggressive with his anger…). She looked at him confused and said she got none, considering the girl can’t lie to save her life he knew something else was at play. Harry was a little less hurt now that he knew he wasn’t being ignored and was able to think straight only to realize he didn’t hear back from anyone. After talking a little they decided she would try and send him a letter, and the next day he would see her at the testing center to figure out if it was only one way. They quickly learned it was not. Thankfully he used the chance to give her letters to send to Ron and Neville let them know that something was weird with his mail and for some reason nothing was going through.
Finding out it was happening because of a deranged house elf really angered him. That evening Harry was greatfull he put all of his things in his special beg, he didn’t want to deal with Vernon in a snit about freaky kids having their freaky garbage in his house when he was trying to impress. His darling relatives were hosting, and gave him clear instructions to not make a single sound, and keep his ‘freakishness’ away. Honestly, Harry was fighting the desire to leave, but with someone tempering with his mail, he didn’t know what was going on, it’s like when he ran away from the Dursley all over again. Off course that’s when everything had to go to hell, an abused house elf trying to save him by stealing his mail, and getting him to stay in durzkaban, claiming Hogwarts was dangerous. (which was a given.) What the menace didn’t seem to comprehend was that Harry doesn’t want to go back but has no say in the matter. To make things worse the little shit made a mess and got Harry beaten bloody as a result, the dumber part was when Vernon came at him, he was too worried about unintentionally hurting Hedwig that he couldn’t even use his flames. He loves and appreciates her, but damn it did she have to be in the way.
The next few days the recovery was a bitch, though not nearly as bad with all the potions he had. He did have quite a lot to accomplish once he was healed enough. First he wrote his friends to let them know about the crazy house elf that was out to get him. Once he was done with that he sent a letter to the office of underage magic and asked what needed to be done to prove he was not the one to preform the magic. (Which luckily involved a short visit providing them with the memory of the event, and he received an official letter that his record is now clear.) next he went to Horizon ally and got a charm bracelet with sevral protections; a charm to detect poisons, one for low level shield, and most important a charm to deter muggles from hitting him (he made sure to not cover his bruisers when he told the men at the store there are muggle bullies who like to chase him, the guy gave him a long look before giving him the strongest one he has). That charm probably saved his life, between Vernon being enraged with him, and Dudley wanting his punching bag back he was greatfull to have the reprieve. Next he got Hedwig a harness with the strongest protections so it couldn’t happen again.(damn the thing was expansive, but it was worth the trouble if it worked). And last but not least he got every book he could get his hands on regarding house eleves. It was enlightening to see the difference between the material in the Potter Heir readings, and everywhere else. He was starting to wonder if the house elf was so massed up because of the difference between the treatment the Potters were known for to the family he was bound to. (The clear instructions on what is not acceptable in the Potter heir journals, compare to the xenophobic garbage he read in the books from the book store was eye opening.)
Now that he knew the cause for his summer problems he took his belonging, and parked his tent at the grove he normally used for a haven. He was happy to be out of Privet Drive and was fairly sure that staying with the Weasley’s was not good for his mental health, so he told Ron and the twins he would meet them at Diagon Ally, unfortunatly they insisted he stay whats left of the summer with them. After aggrassive negotiation he managed to talk them down to visits, saying he was taking classes at a dojo that were already payed for and couldn’t get a refund. He knew he was playing dirty, but he didn’t have the social batteries for a house full of people, he barley had enough for a tent of just himself and Hedwig.
His nightly excursions were amusing to say the least, he met quite a lot of people in the streets of London, and ended up mixing with a lot of the people in Croyden, there were plenty of African immigrants there that were living their lives ignoring the idiocy of the locals finding their own way to achieve what they want. That was the first time he felt like he might have met people that made sense to him. There was a texi driver from Gahana by the name of Omar that Harry got along very well,. The men often worried for Harry but accepted him quickly when he realized just how much of a menace he is. (Omar also recognized that some kids are safer on the streets than at home.)
Omar introduced him to people in his area, and helped him nevigate around the culture, it was liberating having complete strangers be ok with him being a raging midget that’s kinda cute… at least that what all the huge guys Omar introduced him to kept telling him (he is not short, he is 11!). He did have an agreement with 3 of the guys, they would teach him everything they could about fighting, and getting in and out of places, and he being the nerd he is will help them pass their exams. He knows very few in that neighborhood were actually thugs, it was why he needed Omar to help him find someone willing to teach him these skills.
By the time he had to leave they were mostly up to the level they needed for their age group, and he learned how to use weapons he never knew existed, so win win. The guys were actually fairly capable, the issue was mostly due to language barrier, so he bought a language crystal for Akan (the main language in Ghana) and after a few days was able to help them learn easier. His training on the other hand wasn’t as hard since he had the fundamentals, as well as the daily practice in the dojo.
Going school shopping with the the Weasley was nice and yet so annoying. They are lovely people, and it was clear Mrs. Weasley cares, but the only helpful adult in his life was the dark men when he was 6, and having her try and force her parenting on him made him really uncomfortable. Whats more, her opinion on what is appropriate and what is not for children his age was very suffocating. Fortunately, Ron for all that Hermione likes to tell him he has the emotional range of a tea spoon noticed and quickly got him away.
Ron and he had a few incidents during the school year where Harry flat out told him not to take his families care for granted. Ron felt like an arsehole after he received his weekly care package from his mom and complained about it being cheap. He will never forget Harry’s broken look telling him that it was worth everything. His friend did not talk to him for a few days after that, and then continued as if nothing happened. Another time was during Yule when mom sent the raven haired boy a sweater and fudge, for him that was normal but Harry truly charished it. So seeing his friend so off balanced as mom tried to treat him the same as her children was just sad. He knows Harry’s relatives don’t like him, his friend doesn’t know but Ron got a glimpse of him without a shirt once. It didn’t help that he could see Harry had a limp he was trying to hide, and after what he told them with the crazy house elf, Ron was worried. So he can guess why Harry really didn’t know how to handle mom, even the twins noticed some of it. Ron did his duty as a best friend and kept Harry away, unfortunatly that ponce Lockhart had to sneak through his defences.
At this point Harry was sure he didn’t want to go back to Hogwarts, he looked for what ever rule there was last summer, unfortunatly to obtain wand right he needed his OWL’s. That is possible somewhere other than Hogwarts, for instance he could be homeschooled or go to a different school but that required the Dursley’s signature. Something that he knew better than to bother with. Now he was stuck going to a school with a deranged house elf, an idiot for a defense teacher, and a manipulative old twat trying to play him.
He was proud of himself for the prank he hired the twins to pull. He got plenty of brochures from the middle school library about stranger danger, strangers offering you candy, appropriate touch, and best off all what is an epohbile and when to call for help before it was to late. He paid them 10 gallons, and told them to regularly make sure that copies of these would show up around the school. After they saw what was written they were less amused, and far more concerned. At least now he knows the twins will not let up on that AT ALL. Between Dumbledore and Lockhart he wondered who will get more shade.
He felt like he should have been more surprised when the barrier didn’t work, but really at this point it just made sense. At first Ron panicked and said they should take the flying car. As fun as it sounds that was a recipe for disaster, which Harry happily stated only to follow it with telling Ron he is too smart to do something that stupid. So he set him in a coffee shop near by, got them both tea and biscuits and told Ron since he was the one to grow up in the magical world he needs to come up with something that wouldn’t get them arrested. By the time Harry came back with the drinks Ron figured out they could just write a letter to the school telling them the situation and their plan, wait an hour and if no one came go to the Leaky Caldron, floo to Hogsmid and walk to school from there.
So they did, (after leaving a note on the car to Ron’s parents,) they sent Hedwig to McGonagall who called the aurors about the barrier while she came and picked them up. The good thing was that he had a chance to ask the Gryffindor house elf for help. As soon as they were at the dorm he called Blubber and told him about the house elf that was stealing from him and was trying sabotage him over the summer. Ron magnified the situation by telling him about the barrier, not that Harry was complaining. Now he had a bunch of terrifying little beings that kept the little phsyco at bay.
To the surprise of no one the school year was full with incompetent faculty, sheeple students assuming he was the heir of Slytherin, and a house elf trying to save him by maiming him. At that point the Basilisk going around petrifying students wasn’t so bad. He didnt understand how it took Hermione that long to figure it out, but considering she suggested they brew polyjuice in the restroom and her and Ron stay over break to talk with Malfoy her logic was very roundabout. Instead he suggested they go home and not get their parents enraged at them and he use the cloak to sneak to Slytherin dorm. They did just that, and learned it wasn’t the first time the chamber opened and a student died. After doing a little research in the library he found it was Myrtle Warren back in 1943, and Hagrid took the fall. Of course that led to the wonderful conversation with Moaning Myrtle about how she died which was a big enough hint the chamber was there.
As far as Harry was concerned this was not his problem. He figured out the situation so now he knows where to stay away from, Hermione was of different opinion. When Ron pointed out that they are 12 year olds with no experience in these matters and someone with training should fix this, even she couldn’t argue. He did ask Ron and Hermione to go to McGonagall without him. Of course Ron understood why; Harry has enough suspicion thrown his way, if they wanted the information to be listened to he needed to stay away. It was sad to watch Hermione’s disbelief at the complete lack of action, Ron was a little more realistic. Having Hermione petrified was rage inducing, finding out Ginny was taken really pushed them both over the edge.
Normally he would stop Ron from the first idea that comes to mind and force him to think of a real option; unfortunately, he was too numb to think straight. So off course Ron’s first hare brained idea was to get Lockhart to help, then get attacked by him as he confessed to be a fraud who stolen other people achievements with a penchant for memory charm. Unfortunately for him Ron was a first degree menace with rage issues as bad as Harry’s so it backfired.Though that little outburst led to Ron and the idiot being unconscious and Harry alone trapped next to the chamber.
By the time he was coming back to himself he was down at the chamber fighting a Basilisk wandering why the fuck was he in this mess. The damn hat and the Phoenix did help, but damn it he still had to stab a giant deadly snake while blind. By the time the bird cried on his wound his mind was screaming and this black horrid gew was coming out of his forehead. What was worse is that something with the book screamed wrong, it reminded him of the same wrongness from last year with Quirll. So he used his flames on the book until it was gone. Surprisingly he was left with a journal of a student Tom Riddle. (Considering what ever that memory was had taken the chance to monologue and let the tidbit of who he really was, Harry knew this might be useful)
At this point he decided to shove the journal in his pocket and get Ginny to Ron. The Phenix did agree to get them out, though why the flaming chicken took him to the headmasters office and not the hospital wing he didn’t understand. Unsurprisingly the incompetent faculty did nothing but praise children for doing their job. The Weasley’s at least were responsible adults and took their children home to recover. He did manage to get one over Malfoy Sr. and release Dobby, so that was something. Later he called the little crazy menace and hired him to be his personal elf. It helped that they had a clear contract where they were allowed to terminate it at any time, and the damn menace was not allowed to maim him, even if it was for ‘his own good’. Harry knew he was crazy for taking the chance, but little guy was powerful, and tried to save his life. He figured that directing his madness was probably better for his long term health. (he was grateful for the through instructions in the Potter Heir materials regarding elves.)
He did use the lol in the madness that is Hogwarts to get a few things done. Dobby was able to get Flopharts vault keys, which considering all of his wealth was based on stealing someone else’s life’s work he saw no issue. Next he went back to the chamber to get the sword out of the Snakes head (with a broom this time) and summon Dobby, wonderfully enough the little elf had a way to store and preserve the snake and the shed skin (it was good the elf explained how valuable it is when Harry asked him how to get rid of it). While Dobby was busy doing what ever it is he normally does Harry took the chance to explore, something he was greatfull for. It seemed Slytherin had a set of rooms with a library and Harry was delighted to make good use of it. Even better, when Dobby realized Harry was planning to regularly use the chamber he made it hospitable and safe.
By the time school was out Harry went through quite a few books, and learned many important things including that parselatongue was mostly used for wards and healing. Thanks to the elf’s efforts Harry now had a nice secure space to study about things the boy who lived shouldn’t know. Better, he was safe to train his flames. That turned out to be more complicated, something with his soul fire changed, normally it was purple and would for the most part shield and heal him. These new flame were orange and far more diverse. He remembered from the book that this was a problem, when he re-read the chapter he was horrified and doubled his training. While Purple flames were rare, their users were deemed dangerous and were approached with caution. Orange on the other hand were coveted, and sometimes even targeted by another orange flame user if perceived as a threat. He worked really hard to mask his orange fire with the purple. He figured if ever discovered that was the lesser evil.
It was nice to find a few books in Slytherin library about soul fire, turns out it was a powerful branch of soul magic. Unfortunately, he couldn’t get any of the books out, but when he asked Dobby what he could do the little guy told him about copy books. Apparently there is an option of buying blank books and copy what ever it is you want as is. It’s not exactly legal, but it’s how most Pureblood preserve their libraries. The more wonderful part was that the elf informed him he didn’t need to do the copying, Dobby’s magic worked well enough to do it on his own. This allowed Harry time to go purchase all the copy books he wants (because that was not something Dobby was able to do) along with a library trunk and set Dobby loose on Hogwarts. Honestly, that idea alone made him want to cackle uncontrollably.
This summer vacation started out a little disturbing, Vernon was about to threaten him when Dobby showed up and glued him to the wall (the little shit intentionally made sure his magic register last summer). That was when Harry reminded the Dursley that he is only there because whenever he tried to leave he was brought back against his will. So they will ignore him, and he will ignore them.
Going to Gringotts was hilarious. Lockhart had a lot in stolen money and Harry was able to empty 2 out of 3 vaults (he figured he shouldn’t completely empty him out). After finishing with what he felt comfortable doing physically he went to Sharpclaw and opened a grievance against Lockhart for assault and demand of compensation by goblin law. Something that was possible due to past treaties and Gobling Banking regulations, it saddened him how few wixen were actually aware of this. Next he opened a vault in Ron’s name and figured his friend will know about it when he has a time to pass it to him.
Once he was done with the Goblins he was free to roam knockturn ally though he made sure to wear makeup and a nondescript cloak. Having Dobby there in case someone tried something didnt hurt. The store the elf took him to was very deep in to the ally, and frankly had a fascinating collection of books, but he figured he would look it over a different time with a different disguise. Initially the shop owner was amused until she realized he was serious and it would be a hefty income in the coming year. Considering she only had 2000 copy books at the moment this was going to be a long term dealing. He called Dobby to instruct him to once a month provide the exchange of gallons for books (she didn’t need to know he was there all along). And they happily went their own way. After all he was going to have the little guy copy every book he could get his hands on at Hogwarts.
Going to Horizon ally and purchase library trunks was also a nice trip, he figured since he wont get her a vault like he did Ron (she was too straight edge) he can get her a luxuries library trunk and claim it was a birthday gift. Ron would approve, and would probably make it sound normal. By the time he was done with all of his initial errands he was ready to take his non magical exams and get the damn thing over with. He did remember to ask Ron to meet him at the ally after.
Meeting Ron at Diagon was easy, getting him to come and meet with his account manager was hilarious. Sharpclaw placed parchment for a vault holding 140,000 gallons to pass to Ron. The vault had the standard limitation any heir vault has, meaning the amount he can withdraw is limited until he is of age. Moreover, the vault has investment options. When Ron asked where did the money come from, Harry kindly informed him that Lockhart provided compensation from the assault. Considering the moron was sitting in St. Mangus with an empty mind he knew better than to ask further questions.
Initially Ron wanted to see how much he can transfer his parents, thankfully Harry already took care of that; Sharpclaw provided him with a grievance completion form against Mr. Lockhart with instruction where to place the compensation. Because Harry already provided them with memory of the assault it was a mere formality, due to this 34,000 gallons will be deposited in the Weasley family vault. Harry quietly told him that a larger amount will cause questions none of them want to answer, so he moved on. Sharpclaw advised him to speak to his brother, Heir Weasley will know how to manage such an account better than most. An advice Ron proudly took to heart.
When they left Ron pulled him over confused, at that point the raven menace asked him to stop being weird, and help him convince Hermione that a luxury library trunk is a perfectly acceptable birthday gift. Ron just laughed and understood. ‘that would be easier to get her to keep quiet than a vault I suppose.’ He took the chance to bring Ron to Horizon Ally where Harry got them all an earring to shield their mind from compulsions and legilimency. Between Lockhart and that damn book Harry was having nightmares. While still at school he contacted the store he got the charm bracelet from and asked what the strongest protections against this he or someone else will sell him. He made sure to commission an earring for himself, Hermione, Neville and all the Weasleys. When Harry explained that to Ron his friend understood, he had the same bags under his eyes. This past year was terrifying.
He did get a letter from Mr Weasley asking to pay him back, in which harry somewhat(?) politely declined and wrote them this was a selfish gift. He got them the earrings so he could sleep at night, please just take the damn gift and use it!
A week later Fred and George sent him an amusing letter describing just how uncomfortably grateful their mom and dad are. Appernatly they weren’t sure how to take the teenage boy cursing them out while being so sweet and considerate. It was made worse when Ron told them that Harry was having nightmares about them being mind controlled so he is also heavily sleep deprived. The two took great joy at regaling him with exploits of how uncomfortable their family was, but also ‘didn’t want to make it worse for the poor boy.’ Even Percy felt bad for him. That was compounded by a closure grievance notice from Gringotts along with a deposit as recompense for Lockhart attempted assault.
This lead to a family meeting where everyone realized why Ron’s wand broke, how the boy nearly got obliviated and no one did anything about it but Harry. (Which the raven thought was an exaggeration) So now the Weasley parents are panicking, and completely lost track about the issue with the earrings. On a lovely random note they won a 1000 gallons a few days prior from the Daily Prophet competition and completely forgot about it. After a lot of back and forth their parents figured they can use this to ship the family to see Bill, while use the money from Lockhart for necessary upgrades to the house and family (after Ron threatened to disown himself if they dare do anything less with the greivenss money).
Once again the twins enjoyed describing Percy feeling off balanced, and not knowing how to react to another of his younger siblings surviving mind alternating magics. Harry wasn’t sure if they were using Percy as an excuse to voicing their own distress and figured he was not the healthiest person to ask. Whats more he was certain from the letter that Fred and George either figured out some what he really did, or Ron told them. Knowing those three, both options were valid. Though he did ask the twins to make sure their parents have a professional check Ginny and make sure she was really ok.
The rest of the summer went on with an improved note then the last year, when Petunia told him Marge was coming, he packed his things got his tent and relocated to his grove outside of little Whinning. After that the remaining summer was pleasant, he spent it either training at the Dojo, hanging out in his tent surrounded by trees, or wandering around London in the purple leather jacket and pants he bought and while having his face covered in makeup. It was liberating, everyone thought he was a punk kid and for the most part left him be. (He knew the charm that repealed muggles really helped in that.) he did have to go back to the Dursley’s to have Petunia sign a note to school, thankfully that was a short visit.
Meeting the Weasley’s at the leaky before school started was exhausting, they were too much for him to handle. Especially when Mrs. Weasley started with her smothering, Percy went on about one thing or another. Ginny made things worse with the awed staring that was making him uncomfortable. And Ron and Harmione and their damn pets fighting like two idiots instead of her getting a handle on the damn cat and him simply buying a proper cage for his rat. When he told them that they realized he was past his limit and went to follow his advice, away from him.
Then there was the thing about Sirius Black, the escaped convict that for some reason Ron’s parents were argueing if he should even know about. He did know from his father’s trunk the men used to be a close friend but that was school so things might have changed. Before leaving for the train Mr. Weasley did tell him discreetly that the men wanted him dead and that he shouldn’t go chasing after him. At that point he really wondered just how stupid people thought he was. When a madman is coming after you, you don’t go running towards him. His head was hurting from the idiocy of it all, seriously he can’t wait to be done with the wizards and go on his marry way. He already figured he can drive the continent on a motorcycle and just go about his life.
Unsurprisingly 3rd year proved that wizards in control of children safety are pointless idiots that truly should have their heads checked. Who in their right mind sends dementors to guard children Harry will never understand. That was the point when he hit the library to figure out how to repel them and started practicing the stupidly impossible difficult charm. There was no way he was going to ask the latest defense teacher. The 1st tried to murder him, the 2nd tried to obliviate him, and this one keeps giving him odd looks. It doesn’t help that the arsehole doesn’t know that Harry is very much aware of who he is, it has been 2 months in to the school year and the prick still didn’t say a word.
Harry has his parents school trunks, with pictures, notes, and many other things. He is very much aware off Snape, that arsehole was mom’s childhood best friend, and now he is using her son as an emotional punching bag. Dad had 3 best friends nicknamed Moony, Padfoot, wormtail. After that night one died, one went to prison, and one disappeared. Harry wasn’t sure how to feel about any of them, but as far as he is concerned they can all go drown in the black lake. Though finding out Black was his godfather just compiles the insane frustration he was feeling. At that point he asked Dobby if he can look in to getting him a copy of the trial transcript, he did not trust the information drip around him that lead him to chasing his own tail.
Hearing from Dobby there was nothing to find just exhausted him. The little menace looked deeper when he couldn’t find the transcripts and discovered there was never a trial. The man was arrested by obliviators and sent straight to Azkaban. At that point he knew he needed to send a letter to DMLE as a devastated orphan that just wants to understand why someone would do that, and put them on the correct track record. He knew the letter was a little heavy handed, but he learned the wixen are too stupid for him to rely on subtlety. Off course he also sent a letter to Bonecrusher the Black account manager about his find and the need for a solicitor.
He did meet a lovely girl from Ravenclaw, the two of them hung out with the thestral herd often, it was really peaceful. Honestly, between her and Neville he might not blow up the school. Lord knows Hermione and Ron are not helping with their incensed fighting. He did have to sit Ginny down and clarify to her that her behavior is making him deeply uncomfortable and she needs to stop. She disappeared for a week after that but then started talking to him like his human.
Christmas alone with Dobby and Luna was nice, Ron and Hermione wanted to stay but Harry informed them with how much they were fighting he would much rather they go home and cool down. At first they were offended until he asked them when was the last time either of them talked to him without one trying to turn him against the other? Their silence was answer enough. Luna and he explored Hogwarts a lot which was nice, she showed him the room of requirements which was heaven. Dobby later told him it was also called the room of lost things, and was where the elf got a lot of random supplies. That was when Harry decided he wanted to see it with his own eyes.
He quickly realized that this was a room full of both junk and treasures. He walked around regularly to see if he can find anything interesting, which he did, often! There were books that were impossible to find, random goblin artifacts he collected. He even found a pensive (which when he asked about purchasing one the former summer, he discovered they are almost impossible to get and extremely expansive.) The one thing that annoyed him was the tiara that was making his senses scream. It felt slimy like Riddle’s diary so his orange flames surged out and cleansed the pretty crown while the black gew screamed at him. He did end up putting it in his beg, figured he’d look in to it later.
By the time everyone came back from winter holidays Harry was done with the idiots surrounding him. Between Snape being a arse, McGonagall not bothering to communicate, Dumbledore being his useless self, and Lupin creepily watching him he hated everyone. It didn’t help that he lost his broom while trying not to get murdered by the dementors, and someone sent him a firebolt as a gift only for McGonagall to suddenly give a damn about student safety. This is the same head of house that put a first year on the quidditch team without a single care that he doesn’t know what it is nor if he wants to provide more opportunities for an early demise. (He grudgingly agreed that it was the most glorious of sports and he will destroy anyone that stood in the way of him being the Gryffindor seeker)
Had she ever bothered to do her job he might have actually trusted her judgment, but seriously at this point he is more worried about a faculty member cursing it than a random gift giver. Thankfully he is well aware of what it takes to sabotage a broom, especially of that caliber. (He researched a replacement broom for his broken Nimbus, which was now a convenient back up) Hopefully the incompetent idiots running this school wont push him to rage and actually destroy the broom.
Happily enough he managed to teach himself the patronus charm, so he was able to practice it until he held it longer than 20 seconds. The damn thing was tiring, but considering the alternative it was well worth it. Things started to settle until Ron’s damn rat was gone, at which point his friend has gone for emotional extortion, and Hermione looked to be on the verge of a break down. Seriously Luna and Neville were the only good ones at this damn school, perhaps the twins too, just a tiny bit.
The menace ginger twins were kind enough to give him a map to help go around the school, which brought a little tears in his eyes. When he saw the names he realized his dad and his friends made it, after playing around with it and constantly getting insulted he further understood how much of little shits they were and was delighted.
The normal end of the year confrontation that empathized the stupidity of grown wixen was pushed to February. While walking back from Hagrid’s hut a black dog dragged Ron to a passage under the whomping willow, Hermione and Harry obviously followed, so of course everything deteriorated from there. Black was trying to get to the animagus who was hiding as a pet rat (and liked to take naps in the beds of underage boys for the past 12 years which just ew). Lupin showed up only to forget its the full moon and the idiot is a wearwolf. Snape followed him mostly to pick a fight like a sniveling moron instead of doing his job like a semi decent adult. The entire time Ron was snuggling a grown men pretending to be a rat in his lap which was wrong on so many levels.
Harry was tired, the idiots exhausted him. He stunned Snape and Black, thankfully Hermione was still using her brain and took down Lupin with so much anger he slightly worried for the idiot. Ron was still holding the rat firm so Harry was able to stun the rat too, at which point he called Dobby and had he bring a cage. When Ron started to argue Harry asked in the driest tone; “so you are comfortable with the possibility that might be a men in his 30’s?” His friend turned green and put the damn thing in the cage.
The problem was what to do with the unconscious idiots. Dobby was able to safely get the wearwolf to the forbidden forest, and they sent a note with the elf to the head of the DMLE. (according to Ron she was a reliable adult, so he was willing to give her one chance.) And another to Black account manager informing him on the situation. ( her chance didn’t come with a carte blanche ) The women showed up with several aurors less then 10 minutes later, which was nice. After explaining the situation and pointing out that they were more scared by Snape’s aggressive behavior then they were by the mad escaped convict (this sadly was not a lie!). By the time they were done one of the aurors checked the rat only to find that yes, it is in fact Peter Petigrew. Every single person was disturbed by Harry pointing out that a grown men hid in young boys bedrooms for the past 12 years while having accesses to their wands.
By midnight that night Black and Petigrew were taken to the ministery, and they were all moved to the hospital wing. All the boys from theirs, Percy’s dorm and the twins were summoned and checked to make sure that nothing untoward happened. Ron insisted his parents summoned because he was not dealing with his mother’s wrath if she found out later. It was very nice watching Mrs. Weasley tare in to the old menace as to what sort of school he is running. Her wards not looking for an old friend they welcomed in is logical, but this was supposedly the safest place in Britain. (He had a feeling the Weasley wards would soon be getting an aggressive upgrade) Having Snape wake up trying to throw accusations about idiotic children attacking him was also hilarious. By that point the aurors that arrived all saw the memories from the night. (yes, Lupin was screwed, it didn’t help that the idiot ignored it being a full moon and Bones was well aware of his status.) They were all in agreement that Snape was indeed the greater concern of the 4 demented adults, it was lovely watching them question his choise of aggressive use of force, emphasizing his endangering the 3 minors.
It was disturbing to watch Dumbeldore and the minister (whom no one invited) try to take control over the situation. Thankfully Bones proved to be competent in her job and got the idiots out of her way. Better, she got the moron of a minister to remove the damn dementors with him. The old fool then tried to show his disappointment at not once informing a teacher, to which Hermione looked him dead in they eye and asked loudly; ‘you mean like we have often for the passed two and a half years and kept getting ignored?’ That led to a whole slew of questions to which each and every student in the room was more than happy to answer.
The idiot made the mistake of voicing his unwanted opinion when the boys from 3rd, 5th, and 7th year Gryffindor were still in the hospital wing and each had a long list of reported issues that lead nowhere. The chaos only increased when Mr. & Mrs. Weasley realized their daughter’s ordeal with the dark object, their son getting attacked by a teacher, as well as a troll, and Hermione ending up petrified for a month could have been prevented or at the least curbed if someone would have listened when the children went to the adults who’s job it was to protect them.
By the next day there was an article about Petigrew, and an announcement that Black is innocent. Turns out the solicitor the goblins hired was waiting at the DMLE for the aurors to bring the 2 idiots. Harry’s note was very helpful; making sure to remind him there was never a trial, Petigrew the rat animagus was alive and in custody, and both idiots were unstable. It didn’t take much to clear the man, and place a civil suit to the ministry for an illegal incarceration, obstruction of justice, and many more clauses. But that was for later.
That mornning Harry’s issues were from the faculty table; Snape was there fuming, Lupin was looking all sad, and Dumbledore and McGonagall in a snit for having their competence called in to question by Gryffindor students. Honestly Harry no longer cared, the supposed adults were useless. All they were doing was reinforce just how unreliable they were. Neville did make him laugh by pointing out that last night was the first time he, Seamus, and Dean were invited to their non sense, they thanked him in length for at least bringing aurors, and asked that he not make their inclusion a habit.
By the end of the day Lupin was outed as a werwolf, Harry was willing to bet money was Snape’s doing. Couldn’t the jackass wait 3 months for finals? They finally had a competent teacher. Sure he was unreliable in regard to student safety, but that was a standard for this faculty. Now they were back to defense being self study, seriously what is wrong with this school. His opinion of Hogwarts lowered when he found out Hermione had a time turner so she could take more classes, it was a moronic reason to say the least. As soon as he realized she was an idiot with no self care he started to force her to spend the evenings with him and Luna at chamber. He made sure she had proper meals and allowed herself enough time to sleep. At first she was confused at what he was doing until she realized he was doing his self study for non magical exams, arithmetncy, History, and divination (yes, he was going to classes for history and divination, no he does not count them as reliable teachers which she strongly agrees with).
At first Ron took offense at being left out until Harry asked if he wanted to join their intense study sessions? the ginger noped out so quickly Harry was concerned he might fall. In Ron’s defense his friend talked him in to taking ancient runes as a third elective and he was worried the mad raven would convince him to do self study for the other classes like himself.
The good thing with babysitting Hermione in the chamber where they study and return to the dorm at a reasonable time, was that it forced him to also study more calmly which he desperately needed. He finally had chance to introduce her to the language crystal aids he purchased 2 summers ago, which she looked at with such intensity he was scared for his life. He promised to lend her the ones he was done with for the summer, he knew how expansive they are. It was amusing seeing her look longingly at the Slytherin library knowing she was unable to read most of it because of language barriers. But she was planning on getting over it, and he was worried for his sanity. (He was also inspired for hers and Luna’s next birthday gifts, and had Dobby copy what they would be able to read once they learned the languages.)
The remaining months passed somewhat less angrily. The school was full with idiotic sheep, though quite a few didn’t understand what was the issue with a wearwolf being a teacher, he was still better than Lockhart. (The OWL, and NEWT students were particularly angry) Lupin did try to talk to him before he left and asked if he could write him, Harry somewhat(?) politely stated he had until now to say something and he pretended like Harry was nothing to him. So; “no thank you.” He wanted to be offended by the arseholes audacity but honestly he is still not as rage inducing as Snape so whatever.
A letter from the unstable idiot reached him asking if he was open to talk, which frankly it was appreciated. Harry warned him that he should probably get his head on straight before they do so, because Harry has a long list of reasons to ream him a new one for the depth of stupidity he exhibited. Moreover, he better comprehend his age and get over what ever non sense was going through his mind, and sit down with the Bonecrusher to fix the mass in his vaults. It is not Harry’s job!
Before Hogwarts started Harry discovered he was not only the Potter Heir, but also the Black heir both he and Sharpclaw assumed it was because of his grandmother Dorea Potter née Black. It was only this year that the Black account manager was able to tell him it was the combination of that along with his Godfather doing a godparent blood oath, and the Former lord Arcturus Black approving him to be next in line after Sirius. (It was useful to have another heir vault to drain though.)
The letter he received back had tears on it and the arsehole told him how proud his grandparents would have been, and how pleased James and Lily would be if they were there. How each line made him feel like he was getting yelled by uncle Charles all over again, with Aunt Dorea finding new and creative ways to call him and his dad idiots. Harry knew then that there might be a chance for Black and him to have a pleasant relationship so he agreed to exchange letters with the man child until the mind healer cleared him. (If he kept that letter behind the strongest protections it was no one’s business but his own)
Harry felt it was sad that this year felt like a light year, what with a mass murderer on the loose, ileagel animagus, dementors, and the incompetence that is Hogwarts faculty. He even had time for to complete most of his independent study both in magical and non magical, not to mention his investigation in to Sirius Black actually lead to something productive. Most of all he and Dobby managed to dig plenty of information about Albus Dumbeldore, Tom Riddle and their associates. Considering one was a dark lord that went after his family, and attempted to subjugate British Wixen, and the other pretended to be a light lord that from a subjective point of view did subjugate British wixen. He felt like those were the 2 major players he needed to know most about.
Initialy Ron and Hermione didn’t agree with him about Dumbles, until Neville explained to them that Harry had a point. The man is in charge of the education of British wixen since WWII, supreme mugwump, and chief warlock of the wizangmot. He is not the minister for the simple reason that he does not need to be minister, he has direct influence on minds and legislation. As for the Riddler,(the idiotic anagram of his name alone justifies it!) they know since first year that he is not dead, and it is better to be prepared when the menace pops back. Someone as unhinge as him wont just give up.
When it was time for finale exams he managed to make enough aragnments so during summer break he would have easier means to deal with Durzkaban. Though he did need to do his Gringotts run to continue accumulating evidence about Hogwarts incompetency, Dumbeldore off book behavior (sending him back to the Dursley for Blood protections with no regard to the monsters inside the wards is concerning), and a few other idiots. He hasn’t figured out what to do with it all, but he wanted it to be explosive. It was nice to find out Sirius increased his vault cap knowing Harry was emptying it. So far Harry accumulated quite the sum from all off his escapades, it was getting so big he ended up getting a special trunk to place it in, turns out the Gringotts pouch did have a limit. Getting the trunk to turn in to a charm on his bracelet cost a lot of money, but since Harry was getting several the store owner worked on a flat fee for that option. It helped that he didn’t need to pay for the warding, the stuff he learned in the chamber made his trunks untouchable.
Another wonderful purchase he managed during the year is a new tent with a few upgrades. This one had a specious 5 bedrooms apartment, a potions lab, a training area, a huge library, a dueling room, a lovely garden, a work shop, and a floo room. (Between himself, Dobby, and his friends he wasn’t sure he had enough space). Wonderfully the books in Slytherin chamber taught him how to upgrade the wards on the tent so now coming anywhere near it was suicidel at best, not to mention it hides his magical signature so he could preform magic as long as it is without a wand (damn priori incantatem). He also limited who was physically able to enter the tent, along with a few other things so no one was able to use his floo without explicit permission (Ron, Neville, Luna and Ginny were planning to take great advantage of that). Was it paranoid, sure. Did he care, not really.
As for his old tent, the thing was still in top shape, it was a comfortable 2 bedroom apt with a potions lab, and a workshop so after upgrading the protections and safety charms on it he gave it to the twins to work on their pranks. At first they didn’t want to and insisted they should at least pay him back somehow, they quickly agreed to the wisdom of his decision when he went to explicit detail about a curse he found that will shrivel their nuts in a cycle, so they always feel it but never loose the ability to procreate. They were horrified every time they talked to him after that. Especially when Ginny asked if it was real and Harry enthusiastically went in to detail on the theory behind it, and then happily taught her and Luna how to cast it. They were not at all reassured when he told them he knew the counter curse, but never bothered to teach it to the girls.
The raven was very proud of his menace of an elf, the little demon went above and beyond in his project of duplicating all of Hogwarts books. He somehow managed to get the main library, Ravenclaw house Library, Slytherin chambers library, the restricted section, and the headmasters office. The little guy even took the initiative to get more copy books and have a copy of everything that went to the trunk, and another that went to the tent. (He did ask about the expanse but Harry was too busy trying to keep his temper in control to really pay attention. Which considering how much money it involved he really should be more careful.) Harry did get him a thank you gift; a record player, and a collection of 80’s rock vinyls (it was an amusing discovery just how much Dobby loved listening to muggle rock music.)
Despite all the calm year they were having he was nervous, this summer he was sitting his A-levels, and if he did well there was a good chance he could start a corespondence program for an engineering degree Hermione managed to find him. Suddenly the furture his 6 year old self fantasized about was becoming a real option. Now he just needed to survive long enough to have it…
Harry knew staying in the magical world was not feasible, it was clear from day one that he was never a real person. At least the Dursley’s were consistent in their loathing, British wixen couldn’t seem to make up their mind, one day he was their savior, the next he was the next dark lord. Nobody cared to realize that he was a 13 year old war orphan just trying to get through the day.
The more time he spends in the magical world the more greatful he is for the dark men that found him. Sure, he left him in an abusive environment but knowing what he does now he understands that the options at the time were even more limited then either of them were aware. Harry is fairly certain that back then the dark men did not know about the magical world, and the ‘boy who lived’ garbage. What he did know to warn him was that the flame mafia and many of the dangers associated with it. For 3 months he tried to give an abused 6 years old the tools to save him self and not just survive but live. More importantly, he encouraged Harry to forge his own path, and keep his eyes open every step of the way.
Considering what he witnessed in adults of the wixen community he knows that the dark man’s approach was far from perfect but he treasured it. It is unclear what Dumbeldore’s motives are, but Harry is not blind to his manipulations. Leaving him with the Dursley made him maliable. His intrudoctury to the magical world via letters, and then the grounds keeper coming to his rescue was meant to push him in a certain direction. Don’t get him started on the limited information he was provided, had Harry not taken the initiative to look into his vaults he would never had known about any of his assets. The whole situation with the philosopher stone; the protections were passed by 3 first years for Merlin sake. Then there was the whole points reward at the leaving feast to reward that sort of behavior. That was just a fraction of the chaos that accrued in their first year alone, it doesn’t take a genius to see that he is being steered on a path. Harry is self aware enough to know that had the dark men not showed up when he has, opened his eyes to how dangerous the world is, most of all insisted that Harry create his own path, he would have fallen for the crumbs that Dumbles left him.
It is probably why Harry wants out so badly. He knows that if he stays around any longer he would blow, and Azkaban is not a residence Harry ever planned to inhabit. He knew he needed to get his temper under control it was getting so bad he nearly punched a few other students in the throat. The good thing was that Luna’s bullies happily volunteered to help him manage his temper. Maclaggen and his posse were also a lovely bunch that enjoyed assisting with the tempering of his ire. Surprisingly Malfoy backed away after the second time Harry chased him around laughing maniacally. But he still knew it was a problem, and that he needed to find better ways to manage his anger.
Harry figured if anyone understands being caged, and not being able to handle your anger it’s the unhinged escaped convict that is currently seeing a mind healer. So, he took a risk and expressed it in a letter to Black who on a more somber note let him know its a common problem to those with Black blood, so he should probably start practicing low levels of occulamncy. It was mostly meditation and various exercises to organize his mind. After reviewing the library Dobby pilfered and his own odd assortments of books he was amused to find that the best book to learn was from his dad’s old school trunk so he added occulamcy training to his routine. (And made a copy to Ron, Ginny and Hermione, turns out George, Fred, Luna and Neville already have their own. Second year still gave him nightmares)