Harry Silver

“We managed to get the hatchling to panic and run out of the hut, the half-giant gave chase but the hatchling ran into the tiny wizard goblin before he could catch it. The wizard goblin managed to secure the hatchling and took it and the half-giant to the wizard with the long grey hair. We don’t have access to his nest but the hatchling is gone and, though he looks like he failed a hunt, the half-giant remains in his home.”

“Excellent,” Harry said and patted the grass snake on its head, “That’s brilliant work, thank you.”

“Anything for a speaker,” The snake said and bowed its head.

“Still,” Harry said and pulled a dead mouse out of his pocket, “A reward for your hard work.”

“Thank you speaker!” The snake said excitedly and grabbed the mouse out of Harry's hand before slithering back into the bushes.

Harry smiled and stood back up, stretching his back. That was Norbet taken care of, Merlin forbade what would have happened if Harry had just allowed Hagird to keep the dragon. Luckily it turned out there were plenty of snakes which feasted on fresh dragon hatchlings so all Harry needed to do was rope a few in to cause a panic during one of Flitwicks late night walks and the dragon was taken care of.

Harry looked up at the sun as it started to set beyond the horizon. He was at the edge of the forbidden forest and the last rays of sunshine lit up Hogwarts like it was Olympus itself. Flowers could be seen sprouting across the fields as the first days of spring started to sneak in. For Harry it all meant one thing.

He was running out of time.

With each day the inevitable came crawling closer. Quirrell was becoming more frantic, trying to find a solution to the Philosopher's Stone while Snape was becoming more and more agitated everytime he failed to stop Quirrell. Harrison meanwhile was blissfully ignorant of the whole thing, just the other day Tonks got a Nicholas Flamel card in a chocolate frog and Harrison didn’t even bat an eye. Without being drip fed clues throughout the year he was as clueless as to the whole plot as every other student was.

Harry was still figuring out what to do about the whole thing. On the one hand he could do nothing and hope the teachers stopped Quirrell before he got the stone, but that was a big risk, if they failed the entire future would be thrown into chaos. On the other hand Harry was reasonably confident he could stop Quirrell alone but if he was discovered that would lead to a lot of awkward questions. So he had to stop Quirrell without being found out. The other issue was if he left Harrison out of it or not. Harry was determined that Harrison wouldn’t grow up with the same mental scars he did, and not letting him boil a man's face with his bare hands at the ripe old age of 11 was a part of that. But equally Harry needed Dumbledore to trust Harrison the same way he had trusted Harry, and that all started with Harry proving himself in first year.

So in summary Harry had to take out Quirrell without letting himself be found out while also making it seem like it was Harrison who had taken him out, but also ensuring Harrison was discovered doing so without actually involving him.

Easy.

Harry sighed and ran his hand through his hair as he made his way back up to the castle.

“Someone looks like they're having a rough day.”

Harry frowned at the figure half hidden behind a tree, “Nott, what do you want?”

“Aw Harry,” Nott said as he sauntered up with a smirk, “Can’t I simply hang out with a fellow classmate?”

“Only if you’re not going to give me a long drivel about your great plan to take over the wizarding world.”

Not chuckled, “Hardly. I just wanted to congratulate you. Being part of the Potter family is no small feat. I never considered going after Potter myself, there was too much bad blood between our families.”

“I didn’t go after him,” Harry spat, “He’s my friend Nott, you ought to try it every now and then.”

Nott scowled slightly, “Really? It’s hardly the cream of the crop in our year. Greengrass is the only semi competent one among the bunch, the rest are simply moronic, too encroached on the light side or worst of all orphans-”

Harry had had enough. He turned faster than Nott could fully register. His wand flicked out with a soft Expelliarmus. Nott’s own wand was launched out of his pocket into Harry's waiting hand. Nott staggered back, a look of shock on his face. But before he could react Harry cast an easy Wingardium Leviosa. Nott’s school tie flew into the air, wrapping around his neck like a noose.

“Let me make one thing clear to you Nott,” Harry growled as Nott struggled to loosen the tie, “I’m not like you, I don’t use sly tactics and manipulation to get what I want. My friends are just that, my friends. But make no mistake, just because I choose not to put everyone I dislike down doesn’t mean I can’t. You might be a pureblood but you’ll never be half the wizard I am.”

“Mr Silver!”

Harry closed his eyes and sighed to himself as he allowed his spell to drop. Nott fell to the ground and gave Harry a brief smirk before flipping his face to one of fear and tears.

Harry glared at him before slowly turning to face a furious Professor McGonagall.

“Hello professor.”

“Don’t ‘Hello Professor’ me!” She snapped as she ran over to Nott and helped to his feet, “Are you ok Mr Nott?”

Nott gave a very impressive performance as his voice trembled, “I-I’m ok. S-Sorry Harry I didn’t mean to get in your way.”

“Do not apologise Mr Nott,” McGonagall said before turning to Harry with a glare, “Whatever the reason what I just saw was blatant bullying. 10 points from Slytherin and detention Mr Silver! Now give Mr Nott his wand back while I escort you to Professor Snape’s office!”

Harry could try to argue that he hadn’t bumped into Nott, that he had actually been aggravated to a far higher degree but from his experience he knew it was pointless. Instead he just tossed Nott’s wand back to him and marched after McGonagall.

“Why did you have to go and attack Nott, Harry?” Tracey groaned as the group sat in the corner of the common room as several glares were sent their way, “At least if it was Malfoy people would understand.”

“What even possessed you to attack him?” Daphne asked with a sigh, doing her best to ignore the tense atmosphere, “Nott is the quietest person in school, poor guy would jump if a fly flew at him.”

Harry ground his teeth together, it was only after the rumour had spread of what happened he realised Nott’s advantage at seeming like a cowering child. To everyone but Harry it looked like he had snapped and attacked a random bystander. Of course from a Slytherin perspective it was a brutal muggleborn attacking a poor innocent pureblood.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” Harry managed to growl out for the millionth time, he’d already had a lecture from Hermione, a mocking from the twins and dozens of questions from Harrison and Tonks.

“Ah leave him be,” Blaise said as he stretched out like a cat in front of the fire, “It’ll blow over in like a week. Plus he’s already got detention with the groundskeeper, that’s punishment enough.”

Tracey frowned and looked up from her homework, “That seems kinda barbaric, making a student patrol the grounds as detention.”

“Well you know how it is Tracey,” Harry said as he stood up, “The Wizarding World is a good two centuries behind the muggle world, of course their culture is still barbaric.”

Harry said it loud enough to make sure the entire common room heard, not caring about the scowls he received in response. Blaise just sighed as Daphne rolled her eyes.

“Just go to your detention before you get hexed.” She huffed.

Harry grunted in response and headed out of the common room. It was just his luck, even despite dealing with the Norbet situation from the shadows he still ended up having to serve detention with Hagrid in the forest. He was starting to wonder if the universe really did hate him.

Harry arrived at the main doors to the school where Snape and Hagrid were waiting for him.

“Right on time Mr Silver,” Snape sneered, he most of all hadn’t been impressed with Harry's detention, “Tonight you’ll be patrolling the forest with Hagrid, you will do everything he says and promptly return to the common room once the detention is over. Am I understood?”

“Yes sir,” Harry responded in the most blank tone he could muster, no need to further aggravate Snape.

“Right,” Hagrid said, looking a little awkward, “Come on then ‘Arry, follow me.”

Harry sighed and stepped in behind Hagrid, taking nearly 5 steps for every single stride the half giant did. Once upon time Hagrid had been the closest thing Harry had to family, now the man felt like a stranger.

“Don’t worry ‘Arry, I don’t plan on making you work too hard tonight.” Hagrid said as they approached the forest.

“Oh uh… Thanks.” Harry said as he stumbled through the grass.

“Detention for attacking another student. Hogwash! I’ve seen you enough to know you ain’t a bully.”

Harry found his chest filled with warmth at Hagrids words, “Thanks Hagrid.”

“Don’t mention it.” Hagrid said as they reached the edge of the forest, “Now it’s a little dangerous to head inside with just you, me and Fang so we’re going to split up.”

Harry gazed up at Hagrid with an incredulous look but he supposed that's what he should’ve come to expect.

“I’ll go left, you go right with Fang. Just look out for anything out of the ordinary. If you get in trouble, shoot red sparks into the sky and I’ll come runnin’.”

“Right,” Harry said as Hagrid took off walking down the edge of the forest.

Harry sighed and looked down at Fang, “Looks like it’s just you and me this time.”

Fang tilted his head as he looked at Harry before letting out a bark. Harry chuckled and took off down the other end of the forest. Truthfully he wasn’t really paying attention as he walked, he had pretty much faced the worst the forest had to offer so he wasn’t too worried about what might jump out.

Fang however was another story and after a good 30 minutes of walking the dog barked in fear and sprinted back towards Hagrid's hut when a creature burst out of the forest. Its hooves slammed onto the ground as it let out a huff towards Harry, its silver coat shining in the moonlight.

It was only the second time in his life Harry had ever seen a unicorn and first time he’d seen a living one. Despite having faced down Basilisks, Dementors and an assortment of other terrible creatures Harry felt himself freeze at the sight of the wild and agitated animal.

It too didn’t look pleased to discover Harry at the edge of the forest, it bent its head at him and waved its large horn threateningly. The silvery liquid dripping from its hind leg probably explained its distrust of Harry.

Harry crouched low, raising his arms in a way he hoped didn’t cause the creature to charge.

“Hey, it’s ok, I’m not here to hurt you.” He said in a soft voice.

The unicorn huffed, shaking its head and stamping it’s feet as Harry tried to slowly step forward.

“The creature that did that to you, he’s my enemy too.” Harry said as he took steady steps forward, with each one the unicorn seemed to calm down, “I’m not sure how much help I can be but if you let me look at that wound I know some basic healing methods.”

The unicorn’s breathing remained heavy but it became less frantic, watching Harry carefully as he moved to the animal's rear. Harry gave the creature a soft smile before reaching out for the deep wound on its leg. Even outside of magic Harry knew a few basic ways to stem bleeding and-

The moment Harry's fingers made contact with the silver blood of the unicorn, immense pain ripped through his arm. Harry was no stranger to pain but this felt like the cruciatus curse dialled up to eleven. It tore through his skin, weaved into his muscles and pierced his bones.

The blood seemed to have a mind of its own, suddenly shooting out of the unicorn's wound and constricting around Harry's hand. 

Harry cried out and fell back, causing the unicorn to turn and bolt back into the forest. 

Harry withered as he collapsed on the ground, grabbing his arm as the blood burned against his skin. It crept up his body like poison, causing him to shake uncontrollably. With each passing moment the burning got worse. Harry felt like he’d stuck his arm into white hot flames.

Managing to get to his feet Harry stumbled towards the great lake. His breathing was ragged and he swayed dangerously with each step. Eventually collapsing at the shore he plunged his arm into the icy waters.

He scrubbed away the silver blood which dissipated into the murky depths with an aggression he normally reserved for his worst enemies. Slowly his arm cooled and numbed until the pain ebbed away.

Collapsing back on the grass Harry inspected his arm, it was numb with an icy chill but other than that there was no sign of any damage, it was like it hadn’t even been touched.

“Magical pain leaves no physical scars.”

Harry let out a yelp and scrambled for his wand, only to stop when he looked up at the floating form of Helena Ravenclaw. She looked down at him with a blank face as she floated just above the grass. Harry took a deep breath to calm himself, it was odd but not unheard of for the ghosts to wander outside the castle.

“Right,” Harry said as he got back up to his feet, “Um… How did you…?”

“I was watching you with the unicorn, I saw what happened.” 

“Oh…” Harry said before frowning slightly, “Why were you watching me?”

Helena tilted her head, “When Death's Champion walks the halls of Hogwarts I take an interest.”

Harry spluttered, nearly falling back into the grass once again as his face paled.

There was just a hint of amusement in Helena’s otherwise blank eyes, “I see you were unaware that I would be able to tell.”

“Actually, I didn’t realise I had any kind of title,” Harry confessed with a furrow of his brow.

“I don’t believe it’s official. But you are not the first person to have been blessed by death and you will not be the last. Though it has been centuries since the last.”

“I’m sorry,” Harry said, shaking his head and running through his hair, “I mean, this is all… I thought it was just giving me the go ahead.”

“I’m sure it did,” Helena said as she eyed him up and down, “It also made sure every creature that can sense even a smidge of magical aura knows that you are steeped in the magic of death. It rolls off you in waves. The average witch or wizard won’t notice but Hogwarts has felt the shift. Death has sent its pawn into our castle, for what purpose I do not know.”

Harry narrowed his eyes and growled, “I’m nobody's pawn, not anymore. I made a deal. That’s all.”

“I’m sure you, an eleven year old boy, are in complete control of your relationship with one of the most powerful beings in existence.” Helena said with just a hint of sarcasm.

“If they're so powerful why do they need pawns?” Harry snarked back.

“Beings of such power can’t simply walk into our world and start commanding orders, they require mortals to guide the world on the path they wish.”

“How cryptic,” Harry said with an eye roll, “Still, we have a common enemy, nothing more.”

Helena hummed but said nothing in response. 

Harry sighed, “I guess all the ghosts know too then?”

“Only me,” Helena said, “The other ghosts will be able to tell you’re different from every other witch or wizard but only I am able to identify you as Death's Champion.”

Harry watched Helena carefully, “What's to stop you telling everyone?”

“You are Death's chosen and I am a ghost. Antagonising death is not exactly a good idea for me.”

“Point taken,” Harry said before glancing down at his hand, “So… Do you know what just happened to me?”

“Unicorns are pure creatures, child.” Helena said much like she was giving a lecture, “They represent life and hope in its most basic forms. You, however, represent death, it runs through your veins and seeps out of your skin. The two forces were never meant to combine, anything representing life as pure as a unicorn will be like poison to you.”

Harry felt an uncomfortable twisting in his gut, “Great… I’m cursed… Again.”

“In some ways, but for every creature that is now deadly to you there is another who is powerless against you.” Helena said. 

Harry hummed as the image of a Dementor flashed across his mind, “I see. Can I ask, you’re kinda famous for being quiet so…?”

Helena looked at him and for the first time an amused smile graced her face, “So why have I sought you out for a conversation? Truthfully it’s not that I dislike conversation but after so many years as a ghost I find most topics rather dull. You however, have spiked my interest. I’ll keep your secrets if you allow me a conversation where you can, I’m curious as to why exactly death has chosen you.”

Harry couldn’t help but snort, “Believe me. That’s a long story.”

Harry opted not to tell Hagrid about his encounter with the unicorn or The Grey Lady, instead saying it had been a hedgehog which had spooked Fang. Hagrid simply bellowed about the dog being a coward and walked Harry back to the school grounds.

Once upon a time Harry liked the quiet and mystery of Hogwarts at night, now the dark and silent corridors made him think of ambushes and hidden threats. As he made his way back to the dungeons he heard the echoing of footsteps up ahead. On instinct Harry slunk into the shadows of the wall.

“My lord I’m not sure we’re ready…”

Harry felt his jaw clench as Professor Quirrell stumbled into view, he looked pale and tired, clearly the back of his head was getting impatient.

“No!” His turban hissed, “I have waited long enough!”

“B-But my lord we’re not strong enough and-”

“You mean you’re not strong enough! I am more than ready to return. Once we have the stone I will finally be able to take my vengeance, starting with that Potter child. I have been forced to watch him make a mockery of wizardry all year. I’ll make sure to watch him suffer before killing him.” The turban growled.

“Y-Yes my lord, I’ll get the stone as soon as I can.” Quirrell said and practically ran forward, quickly turning a corner and out of Harry's sight.

Harry glared at the corner that Quirrell had vanished behind before slinking out of the shadows. He marched his way back to his common room, his thoughts swirling around his head. Even after everything, even after making sure to keep Harrison away from Quirrell's plot, Voldemort still wanted to go after him.

Harry practically kicked the door to the common room open as he walked in. The room was abandoned, it was long past midnight and everyone who wasn’t serving detention with Hagrid had gone to bed.

Harry walked over to a nearby table stacked high with notes and books and took a deep calming breath.

“FUCK!” Harry shouted and flipped the table over, papers and books spilling everywhere.

“Harry!”

Harry turned to face Athena and Ares’ painting, both snakes were looking at him with a level of concern.

“What has gotten into you?” Athena hissed.

Harry sighed and collapsed into the armchair under their painting, “Have you ever felt that no matter what you do you’re trapped?”

“We live in a painting Harry,” Ares said, “What do you think?”

Despite himself Harry chuckled, “Good point.”

“What is it that bothers you so?” Athena asked gently.

Harry ran his hand through his hair, he supposed there was no harm in telling them, it wasn’t like there was another parselmouth in school, “There’s someone I need to take care of, he’s threatening my friends and me. I’ve defeated him before but this time it's different.”

“How so?”

“Well I’m stronger now than I was before, I’m almost certain I could take them out in a fight if I tried. But it’s not that simple, I can’t let anyone know I was involved while at the same time I need to make it look like someone else beat him.” Harry said as he rubbed his temples, his time was practically up and he didn’t even have a semblance of plan.

“So there is a threat to the students? Why not tell your housemaster or the headmaster?” Ares suggested.

“Because that would lead to even more complications.”

“Hmmm,” Ares hummed, “I think I see your problem.”

“What?” Harry said, looking up at the snake with a frown.

“You’re underestimating yourself.”

Harry snorted, “Believe me I’m not, I only beat this guy last time because of luck.”

If snakes could laugh it was probably the sound Athena and Ares made.

“Are you not the most talented spellcaster in your year? Do you not have a network of snakes at your command? Not to mention if the rumours about your power among our living kin are true then you are more than a simple wizard.” Athena said giving Harry a look that indicated The Grey Lady might not be the only one who knew his secret.

“It still doesn’t matter how strong I am.” Harry grumbled, “If I charge in there everything will fall apart.”

“Foolish wizard,” Ares snapped, “For everything else you are forgetting your most valuable trait.”

“What’s that?” Harry asked with a confused frown.

“You’re a Slytherin. Act like it.”