Chapter Text
Someone Finally Noticed - A Harry Potter Tale
**OO**
A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.
AU story, short and will be too fast for some. No apologies, as roller coasters can be fun. A little two shot.
No goblins were hurt in the making of this tale; BloodRage - I’ll hire you next time. Enjoy the jerky treats.
**OO**
Welcome to the fireside.
**OO**
Chapter 1
Harry woke up after the best night of sleep he’d ever had, except for the bad dream that had disturbed his slumber just now. It was early in the morning of Monday, September 2nd, 1991. He’d had a terrible nightmare that he awoke in Little Whinging, stuffed back into the cupboard under the stairs. His dreamself was having trouble sleeping for all of the things shoved into that space along with an, albeit slowly, growing boy.
Opening his eyes, and seeing the bed with the bed curtains proved he had not dreamed the last month: He was finally, truly, really here. Escaped from the muggles .
However, his dreamself had noticed that there were things around him. Reaching for glasses that hadn’t worked decently for him for many years, he examined his sleeping area.
To his astonishment, there was some kind of garment that seemed to be made of a silvery substance, as well as a small gold key on a leather lanyard. That hadn’t been on there when Hagrid presented it at the bank. Nor had he seen it since the goblins gave it back to the large man either. There was a huge stack of miniature books and one large tome with a strange leather binding. That book was set with gems, and a coat of arms in the middle.
It had to be at least ten inches thick, and two feet tall. But it wouldn’t open.
Harry needed to use the loo anyway, and thought to ask for Ron’s help in the early morning light. On his way back, he saw that the first person his age to be friendly to him was still deeply asleep and snoring. Loudly. However, Longbottom’s curtains were open, and he was getting dressed for the day.
Harry whispered a quiet ‘hello’ to the boy, and Neville’s eyes grew wide.
“Harry? May I call you that? Why do you have your grimoire and personal library here? You only have a standard trunk! They are not secure, at all. Anyone can get into those.” Neville informed worriedly. “See? Look at mine.”
His storage locker was larger, and clearly older, but somehow vastly more magical. Harry wasn’t sure how he knew that. Probably the same reason that magicals could sense when others were muggle or not.
“I wonder if my dad had one of these?” Harry murmured.
“You’ve got your vault key there. If you want, I could send my house-elf to go look for your father’s trunk in your vault. Or worse case, buy one for yourself. I know you can afford it.” Neville offered.
“House-elf? Vault? I only had wizard coins in there. There wasn’t any furniture or anything else.”
Neville pointed, clearly asking to join Harry at the foot of his bed. The boy was waved in, and he drew the curtains shut. All sound from the outside stopped.
“I think Weasley’s silencing charms need to be renewed,” Neville stated with a small giggle, “Yours seem to be working just fine. Clive?” Neville called.
A small being popped in, landing unsteadily on the soft surface. “Master? Clive so happy to be seeing you so soon. House missing you.”
Both Harry and Neville had instinctively held up their hands to steady the elf.
“Clive, this is Harry Potter. Harry, this is a member of my house. His kind get magic from us, though not much from me. I’m practically a squib. But I’m sure, if the Potter elves survived, they will find you here. They were likely banned from joining you at your muggle home.”
Neville had found out during the train ride that Harry, unlike what he’d been told, had been raised in the muggle world. His gran was going to be furious that Dumbledore had lied to her, and everyone else, about where Potter had been.
“I have members of my family around that know me? Gee, I don’t remember much from when I was a baby. I think we had a big black dog. And there was a pet rat, kinda like Ron’s. I’m sorry, I don’t remember an elf.”
“My gran says that Lily Potter didn’t much like high society things, and might not have had an elf when you were hiding at the Dumbledore cottage in Godric’s Hollow.”
“Dumbledore? Like the Headmaster? He’s the one that Petunia complained about all the time! She cursed that he was the one that forced her to take me in. My relatives don’t like me much.”
Neville knew where he’d lived as a baby? Harry didn’t even know anything about his parents! Or himself, apparently. Other than that Dumbledore clearly didn’t care about him.
“But how will I find the Potter house-elves? I will ask you about my family hiding later. The more I learn about me, the more I know I don’t know anything!”
“Gringotts will have a list of properties and belongings. Sorry, Harry. I know that Clive is a person, but because of our society weird rules, he’s considered property. I’m sorry about that Clive.”
“Not your fault, Master Neville. And you kindly, kindly wizard. Clive being blessed.”
“Clive, do you know any of my family elves?” Harry asked.
“No Master Harry, but elves like being busy. When Clive out shoppings, he be asking for you.”
Harry nodded, a problem to be solved another day. Maybe Professor McGonagall, who was going to help him get away from the Dursleys, would know how to find any Potter house-elves. Hmm. Was she the one to send him all of the goodies on his bed this morning, the boy wondered.
Harry looked at Clive in gratitude.
Neville asked, “He needs a trunk like mine here. Someone has dropped off several important family items. Can we ask you to get him that from his vault, or if he doesn’t have one, to buy one?”
“Mistress Alice has fine trunk in attic similar to Master Neville’s, and is being Master Harry’s godmother. Clive knows she started baby book for hims there…”
Clive turned away to blow his nose and wiped tears. For some reason, this made Harry wipe tears as well.
“Neville? Are we…related?” Harry asked in wonder.
Heir Longbottom nodded, unable to talk further.
“Clive, that sounds really nice, but I just met Neville, I don’t want to make him mad, using his family things…”
“No Harry, that’s fine. It’s a good suggestion, Clive. Please do that. In the meantime, I’ll show Harry how to open his grimoire.” Neville then turned to Harry. “She was planning on giving you that trunk when you turned eleven. The letter offering it to you was returned, saying you already had one.”
Neville didn’t say how rude the note was. Clearly, it was not written by this boy! Neville had originally planned to keep his distance from him on the train thinking that Harry wanted nothing to do with his godmother’s son.
But Harry had invited he and Hermione into the compartment –over Ron’s evident desire to keep Harry all to himself– and even shared snacks. Clearly not someone who wanted nothing to do with him.
Someone had been interfering with their relationship! That made Neville a bit peeved. He’d tell Harry about that later. Right now, he wanted to give Harry a run down on some of the books on the bed. But they were shrunken.
Harry solved this problem with a tap of his wand much to Neville’s amazement.
“What? They did this at the bookstore, and showed me how to unshrink them.” Harry shared.
“These are great books, Harry! They’re more than just supplemental guides to our classes. These are amazing. Wow! I don’t have all of these books.” His eyes lingered longingly on the Herbology book that he’d heard about and had asked for in the past.
Harry immediately offered to share, which Neville accepted with an eager nod and a grateful smile.
“Now, about your family grimoire; it's a repository for Potter magic. Most people would never risk taking theirs to school, but I know that Potter Keep in Wales was destroyed by Death Eaters, killing your grandparents. I think that was just a few months before Lily and James…oh, I’m really sorry about that. I meant you couldn’t keep it at your old manor. It appears that some of the books were saved at least.
“To open it, use something sharp to cut your thumb, and smear a bit of blood on the Potter coat of arms...”
Harry didn’t mean to be rude, but interjected, “Wait. I have a coat of arms? Only Dukes and Earls and stuff have those! Don’t they?”
“As far as I know, that is true, but you are the Earl of something, something, and you became Lord Potter on your eleventh birthday. Being the last living Potter and all. You probably gained some other titles as well. But where was I? Oh, claiming your family grimoire. Sure, it’s blood magic, but it’s about the only kind that families do anymore that isn’t illegal.” Neville shared. “Although, the aurors would never arrest us for using it to lock up a family trunk.”
‘And Dumbledore would like to ban even that use, but why was this book here? Very odd.’ Neville thought to himself.
Harry pulled out his quill sharpener and cut his thumb. The book glowed as he rubbed the blood on the coat of arms, but it still wouldn’t open.
“That’s weird. Try to say your name aloud.” Neville suggested exasperatedly.
So, Harry tried. Just his first name, then his full name, with middle name provided by Neville.
“Wow. You seem to know me better than I do!” Harry smiled, but Clive was back, and waiting patiently for the boys.
“Master Harry’s trunk be here. Perhaps someone tried to open Grimoire with Master’s blood who wasn’t a Potter. Book locked until proven Potter open it.”
Harry didn’t understand what the elf meant, and Neville was obviously pondering what Harry could do as well, so they turned to the trunk.
Neville shared, “The MacMurray clan, like many light families, has been reduced due to the fighting. My great-grandfather and grandmother are alive, but my grandfather was killed fighting death eaters. Sorry, just wanted to let you know that this is a family heirloom, and yes Harry, you are family. If you wish, after we are done with school, you can pass it along. I have an auror cousin we might meet, but my gran doesn’t let me visit often. He just got married. By the time any of his children were ready for school, we’d be done and out.”
Neville pointed to his mother’s trunk, “This is the McMurray coat of arms. I don’t know why they don’t have a seat on the Wizengamot, but…”
“Wizengamot? I don’t think I got all of the books I should have. And the History of Magic text doesn’t talk about that.” Harry interjected.
“Let me think of the best way to explain. It’s part of our government and laws, but they also hold trials…”
Neville was cut off as Harry picked up the only object inside the trunk. It was a baby book! It had a picture of him on the cover when he was a newborn.
“Aww, I haven’t seen this one before.” Neville couldn’t help but wave at the young Harry, peeping eyes open, squirming, and then going back to sleep.
The boys moved to sit side-by-side. Harry sat in awe to see his mother’s face for the first time since he was fifteen months old.
It was only the stirring of their roommates that startled the boys from their enjoyment of the family pictures that included both of them and their parents. Harry wasn’t sure why, but he didn’t want to share this with anyone but Neville for now.
Harry quickly put everything on the bed away in the new trunk, and locked it up with Neville showing him how.
Ooo, blood magic. He looked at Neville who nodded. Yep, probably close to illegal, but not for them.
**OO**
Minerva didn’t have much time before she had to be back for breakfast, even with borrowing one of the school’s time turners. She didn’t want to become over a hundred before her seventy-fifth birthday after all.
“Professor McGonagall! How can I help you?” the clerk at Wizarding Child Services asked.
“I have the paperwork here. I didn’t want to write down the address, in case anyone had duplicating charms on your desk. But I want to claim this child’s guardianship. He came to school bruised, malnourished, and dressed in rags. James Potter was my godson!” She had rights; rights that Dumbledore had convinced her to abrogate a decade ago.
“He’s been with muggles? Ma’am, I know this sounds prejudiced, but because of your relationship, you could have claimed him even if they were perfect parents as long as the child agreed he’d rather live with you.”
Minerva squirmed at the memory. Dumbledore reminding her of her own duties, and her age. Pointing out that Petunia was younger, and had a young child that age of her own. Much better to let her raise him. Albus convinced her Harry would be better off there. She couldn’t have asked the wee bairn his opinion! And she had never been as prejudiced against muggles as some witches were.
A memory of her asking the boy the night before if he would rather live with her at Hogwarts or return at the holiday to his family had shown the truth. ‘Ma’am? They aren’t family, not really. Just people I’m unfortunately related to and forced to live with. I never want to go back there; it was never my home. I was shoved into the boot cupboard, like the hoover. Just like that really. Only taken out to work, never cared for. Then shut back in.’
The clerk was crying. “Why didn’t we catch this sooner?” She tried and failed to find the file on the boy. There was none.
“He’s the most famous orphan of our time! I’m so sorry, Professor! I am. I’ll ask the aurors to investigate, and send a report onto Scotland Yard. Or maybe just let them investigate.”
“I think sending anyone magical out to Potter’s former home would likely result in death for the Dursleys; the dark side would do so, wanting to hurt Potter. The light side for them hurting Potter.”
The clerk nodded, wiping tears. McGonagall was congratulated quietly on her new family, and given a handbook if she wanted to adopt the child at some point.
“I’ll send the form to the goblins. I don’t know how much the stipend will be, but I’m sure that the Potters wouldn’t be stingy.”
“Just let Potter keep it, but definitely take it away from the muggles. Part of my salary is hosting any of my children at the school. The castle won’t suffer for feeding Harry over the summers.”
The administrator looked at the clock. Good. She found an empty lift, and left the building less than an hour before she entered it, to return to Hogwarts in time for breakfast.
When next she returned to her quarters, she found that the castle appeared to have approved her actions. There was a new bedroom added to her suite, with its own ensuite, that was decorated in Gryffindor colors. There was even a stuffie lion on the bed, and a quidditch style game on the table. There was an older wizarding chess set on the shelf above. All awaiting the new occupant.
**OO**
Ron appeared to be miffed that Neville and Harry were talking at breakfast, but he didn’t complain. Not having to talk gave him more time to eat.
“There was something I noticed from my baby book,” Harry forgot he was talking, and took a bite. He swallowed and wiped his mouth with a napkin before continuing. There was no way he was imitating Ron’s table manners. Petunia might have been harsh with Harry, but no one could impugn his deportment at table.
“I wonder if you noticed something interesting there.” Harry's green eyes sparkled.
Neville shook his head, and Harry whispered in his ear. “Your mum didn’t call me Harry!”
Neville looked stunned, then beamed, whispering back, “You’re right! Wanna try after classes?”
Harry nodded.
Ron was done being ignored. “What are you two whispering about over there? Aren’t best mates supposed to be in the know?”
Harry gave the redhead a look. As far as he was concerned, he was closer to Neville after this morning than he’d become with Ron over the whole train ride. And the Weasley boy seemed very possessive of him. Harry didn’t understand that, especially when the world seemed to know him, and wanted to be friendly to him.
A thought crossed his mind. Ron had to know at least some of the things that Neville had shared. Why hadn’t he said anything?
For some reason, Harry wanted to keep his grimoire private, so distracted the boy with the schedules they had been handed. “Look here, Weasley.” Hoping that Ron would take the hint that Harry didn’t return his ‘best mate’ feelings.
Harry proceeded to ask, “We don’t have very many classes. Why? What about English? I don’t see any science classes either. Well, potions. But what if we want to go to uni?”
Ron talked with food in his gob, gaining odd looks from all around, “Whatcha want to do that for?”
One of Ron’s brothers spoke up, “We know what universities are, but not many purebloods go. Hey, Angelina, what are you doing to keep up with your muggly studies.”
The beautiful chaser tossed a roll at Fred. Or was it George? She replied, “I’m taking correspondence courses for a few classes. I can show you how to sign up. I think the administrator is a squib, because I’ve never had a problem with the lessons.”
There was that word again. Harry didn’t want to embarrass Neville and ask him directly about it. It was clearly something that wasn’t good. He’d ask Angelina later, when Neville wasn’t around.
“It’s enough to get by. Hogwarts will give you credit for some classes, but not many cross over well. And if you want to do something that requires a NEWT for potions, start planning now. Either getting a tutor, a teaching portrait, or something. That Death Eater doesn’t teach. Just sneers, scowls and scorns at us.” Angelina concluded
“Ooo. Alliteration work in English today? Nice.” Alicia complimented. “But sadly, she isn’t wrong.”
Harry looked up at the staff table to see the dark professor staring at him again. Scowling at him. And again, his scar hurt.
“What did I do? Kick his puppy?” Harry asked.
Ron laughed. “You killed his master, the Dark Lord.”
Harry looked at Neville, “Snape’s mad because I supposedly killed Voldemort?”
All conversation stopped around him. Seamus looked at him in awe but Dean was confused.
“What’s the big deal?” the West Ham fan asked.
“There’s a taboo on the name. Death Eaters used to show up to torture and kill people who said it.” Granger said, happy to finally be able to contribute to the conversation. “Only one person was brave enough to say it all the time during the blood war. Professor Dumbledore.”
Unimpressed, Harry turned back to Angelina, “So, um. This is going to sound like a dumb question. If everyone knows he’s a Death Eater and served Vold…Moldyshorts…”
Harry had to stop while the chaser cleaned up the juice she had snorted through her nose. Then he continued, “If he was so bad, how come he’s here, teaching?”
Percy answered that, “He doesn’t. Oh, he’s in front of the class. But potions is just a monitored subject. Everyone has to learn on their own.”
Neville shrunk down, as the dark man now scowled at him.
Harry whispered in his ear, “Do you think Clive would be willing to go to the bank to see how much money I have? I want to see if I can hire someone to teach us.”
“You’re not getting your Gringotts statements? But that can’t be! Since you were eight…wait. You haven’t gotten a single bit of post yet.” Neville took a last bite of toast.
Fred winked at Harry, “When you do, you can give George and I all of the inappropriate photographs you’ll be getting from all of your fans. Just the witches, of course.”
Harry slapped his forehead, “No!”
Ron laughed at that, “We’d best get to class. Don’t want McGonagall mad at us.”
Harry laughed. Professor McGonagall did look a bit sour this morning, but her ire seemed to be directed towards Quirrell and Snape, not the Gryffindor table.
Harry, taking the opportunity to grab a snack for later, made himself a bacon sandwich, and snagged several pieces of fruit.
Percy, watching over the first years, noted how small the Potter lad appeared. And he knew from prior experience, that those without access to regular food would take extra from the table to save for later. Sometimes forgetting about it, to much sorrow when the mess was later discovered.
He would monitor the situation, but also make a report to the matron. He suggested that both Potter and Longbottom be scanned.
**OO**
Harry had paid for his overindulgence the night before during the feast by losing most of it mere moments after getting ready for bed. His stomach wasn’t ready for that much food after his long enforced ‘fast’.
He should not have tried to eat so much, so quickly. Especially so much heavy and greasy food.
This morning, he was much smarter. He’d taken a serving of porridge, with some sliced fruit, and a single piece of toast. While the sausages looked and smelled tempting, he decided to wait, the small bacon sandwich was for later. Once he kept this down.
He was so grateful to have food available to him, and was told that snacks were served on the sideboard for elevenses, tea, and after dinner nibbles.
He would never go hungry here, but had to work up to eating a full plate of food if he didn’t want to get sick again.
**OO**
Harry didn’t mean to be first in turning his match into a needle. But he had studied the spell, and had practiced the wand movements over and over. And he was well acquainted with that tool. The results were still stunning.
To the right of him, Neville was struggling. He hadn’t read the text before, but seemed to be doing the wand movement correctly.
On his left, Ron didn’t appear to understand that in order to cast, one had to perform the movements correctly. He appeared to be directing an invisible band, with great flourish.
Harry had to duck more than once to protect his, admittedly sad, eyesight.
Hermione in front of them gasped as she now produced a shiny match. Well, it did have a hole in it. But Harry wondered how often the obviously well-off girl had ever seen a needle?
Harry had plenty of experience. He would never admit it, especially around other boys, but he found mending and sewing on buttons soothing.
While Neville struggled without stopping, Ron stepped down as band leader angrily, throwing the ‘baton’ on his desk in disgust.
“This is stupid! Charlie’s old wand doesn’t work for me!” Ron shouted. Waving away the smoke from the now charred piece of wood, laying on his desk. The match was no more.
Professor McGonagall came over to check on them, giving points to Hermione. She asked Ronald if he would like to try some of the legacy wands she had collected over the years. She knew his family didn’t have the gold for a good matching one.
She didn’t take points for his temper tantrum, but assigned him to read the next chapter to calm him, which he took as a punishment. She then went on to Harry and was pleasantly surprised at his perfect needle.
“Well done, Potter! Five points. Now, why don’t you practice. Try for different colors and sizes.” She placed a few more matches on his desk.
Turning to the boy who was still trying, Harry went to help Neville. He had no idea that the professor was trying not to embarrass the boy by attempting to help someone who really shouldn’t be in a wanded class.
Augusta had made it clear to her that while the boy had indeed received a letter, the only thing he was good for was digging in the dirt.
Minerva didn’t have the same prejudice against squibs, but wasn’t going to try and make a child do something he couldn’t either.
**OO**
Harry got to lunch before Neville and was able to ask about squibs.
Ron, unfortunately, overhead as he came in behind him. “Oh, that’s really bad. When someone in a magical family doesn’t have a high enough Merlin…something. I forget. They can’t come to Hogwarts, and are banished to the muggle world. Terribly embarrassing for the family.”
Malfoy sauntered over and intoned.“You would know Weasley. Your mum’s cousin is a squib. But Prewitts aren’t smart enough to do what needs to be done. Not like some families who know you sometimes have to trim back the family tree to save it.”
Harry was appalled. He had really wanted to get along with Malfoy, too, as he seemed very knowledgeable about the wizarding world.
Granger was at the table, but for once was just listening. She too wanted to learn everything she could.
Harry had to ask, “Malfoy, I can’t believe I’m asking this. Are you saying that some families kill their squib children? That can’t be legal.”
Ron shook his head, “Dad is trying to make a law about protecting muggles. It’s considered bad form, and it is still illegal to use the unforgivables on them. But killing someone like that for cause? It’s a bit of a grey area.”
“Not grey. Smart. No one wants them.” Draco perked up. “And here’s the poster child of those who need pruning. Who did your grandmother bribe to get you sent here, Squib?”
Before Harry could say anything in his defense, Snape walked by, collecting Malfoy to return him to his table.
“Ten points from Gryffindor for insulting a classmate, Potter.”
Harry looked up and saw only Dumbledore at the head table. McGonagall was not there. He kept his mouth shut as Percy advised all the firsties do, when dealing with unfair points loss.
Later that afternoon, Percy gave him eleven points. Ten for not talking back to an adult. The Prefect refused to call Snape a professor. “And one point for demonstrating perfect manners to his little brother.”
Mrs Weasley had been sent two letters so far for her youngest son’s behavior. One from Percy; the other from Professor McGonagall.
The latter wanted the mother to come to Hogwarts over the weekend, and supervise her son’s eating. Arthur was welcome to come as well but not Ginevra.
**OO**
It was hard waiting until after dinner, but Harry agreed with Neville that it would be the quietest time in the room.
Harry had learned from his baby book that while his mother wanted to name him Harry, that was really his nickname . His real name on his birth certificate, an official copy was in his baby book after all, was Hadrian James Potter.
Nervously trying again, Neville and he sat on Harry’s bed, curtains closed. He’d even tapped the rune for privacy that Neville had pointed out.
This time, the book glowed, and opened a crack.
“And now, it is time for me to leave. You can share an individual spell with an ally if they swear not to teach it to anyone else, and only use it silently. As such, I will never be reading this book or learning all of your spells.”
Neville tapped his wand on the privacy charms of the bed, it took three times to get it to disengage, before opening the curtain.
Harry looked at Neville’s sad, old wand. His gran had given him no allowance, and he had no access to gold of his own.
“Clive?” Harry called. It was just the two of them still in their dorm room. When last seen, Ron was still eating in the Great Hall. Merlin knew he wouldn’t be studying .
“Yes, Master Harry?” Clive answered, popping in.
“Can you please pop Neville to Olivander’s.” Harry gave him twenty five galleons. Then added another twenty five. “Get him a better matching wand, and polish and everything. Oh, and Trevor ran away to the greenhouses. Get him his own pet.” Harry commanded.
Neville tried to object, so Harry pointed to the trunk he was borrowing from the family, “This would cost thousands. At least let me buy my godbrother a matching wand.”
The boy wanted to object on principle, but couldn’t. “We’ll bring you back some ice cream.”
Clive led Neville to his bed, and shut the curtains. “Then we’s can be popping back without anyone complainingings.”
Hoping that was the start of paying Neville back for all of his help, Harry sat down to read a very magical book indeed. But only until a beaming Neville returned, wand in wand holster, and handing Harry his own, a cat carrier and a cone of strawberry delight.
“Clive letting Master Spurnik know about issue with no getting anything from anybodys. He’s happy with me popping for you as long as I promise to be keepings yous secrets, Master Harry
Clive brought him a stack of sealed bank statements, and a confidential letter from Gringotts that he would read later.
With Neville back, it was time for homework. But first, they savored the ice cream and played with the lovely Lateefah.
Clive was sent back for a few more kitty toys and some catnip.
**OO**
Harry watched as Granger used her magical homework planner. He’d not seen that at the stationares, and thought it looked brilliant.
Ron, however, had something cutting to say, “No need for that. Revising notes, rewriting them? What nonsense!”
Harry hung his head. He really wanted to do well in school. Unbeknownst to him, Ron was having a Dudley moment, and Harry nearly bowed to the peer pressure.
Neville saw what was going on, and didn’t approve.
Hermione had helped him on the train with Trevor. Ronald shouldn’t speak down to her. Neville spoke up. “Mind your manners, Weasley. Harry asked a question, and she answered. Unlike some who are just here for the food, Harry has a long line of ancestors who schooled here. Family portraits are here on the walls. Do you want him to fail? Can you imagine the reaction from his family? Or yours if you don’t do as well as you could?”
Harry rather thought the Dursleys wanted him to fail. They had tried to beat him out of doing well in primary. He had done his best there anyways. Surely, they had tried to beat the magic out of him completely.
It was rather a miracle he made it here alive, well and with his magic intact.
No one seemed to notice that Neville now had a six-week-old white kitten he was stroking. Harry was told she was an Egyptian Abyssinian.
Hermione nearly giggled, as he looked much like a James Bond villain stroking his white cat, only both of them de-aged. His menace level in dealing with Ron was pegged at Spectre level.
Harry missed what she had seen as he was involved with his own thoughts. ‘Why should he let Ron browbeat him now?’
Harry asked, “Miss Granger? If you would let me know what store you got that at, I would be most appreciative.”
“Why yes, Mr Potter,” she replied playfully, “I have a catalog, in case I need more ink or something. I’ll share it with you in just a moment.” The Granger girl smiled, trying to hide her overbite. As soon as she finished her thought, she went up to her room, and returned with the first magical catalog that Harry had ever seen.
Harry looked at Neville, and he nodded, “Anyone else want one?”
Harry was willing to use his vault key to purchase for people if they paid him back, and a group order was made.
“So much easier than paying for a draft.” “And cheaper too.” This is great.” “Thanks, Harry.” Everyone said, with the store's house-elf making the delivery mere minutes after making the order.
Harry was told that his House would be like his family. Luckily for him, so far, it wasn’t.
It was much, much better.
Maybe more like what a family should be like?
**OO**
While Harry was working on the group's magical shopping, Percy was speaking to the matron. “He has scars, Madam Pomfrey. And I don’t mean his famous one. And did anyone take him for a checkup, ever?”
The woman sighed. She had a note from Dumbledore excluding the Potter boy from any health check unless he was hurt. Some kind of nonsense about respecting his privacy.
What to do?
“I’ll take care of it, Mr Weasley. Off you go, and say nothing to anyone about this. Please?”
Percy nodded. He didn’t like Dumbledore very much. His mother had hosted the supposed ‘Great Man’ several times before the start of the new school year. Emphasized to him, first year Prefect, more than once the importance of allowing ‘the dear boy’ the freedom to explore his new environs without reprimand.
As if Percy would do anything but his best! Fifth years were given the first year group to watch over until they were in their third year. By the time the seventh years were gone into the adult world, the upcoming fourth years were without direct supervision. Until the world turned, and it was their turn as fifth years to watch over the little firsties.
And it was supposed to be all fifth years helping, with the head of house in charge. Hah. McGonagall was too busy with other things, so it was her prefects who monitored everyone.
Percy studied history, the real history available in the library at Diagon. Which reminded him he needed to tell the muggleborn students about that resource. The fee was reasonable, and they had multiple copies of the most important books.
He knew from experience that power corrupted. And Dumbledore had a bit too much, especially when it came to the care of the Potter heir.
The responsible lad wondered what the matron would do, but she had a secret of her own. And mentally agreed with Percy, that while Dumbledore could be a powerful protector, he was not doing his best to protect Potter.
**OO**
“Cousin Marius! What are you doing here?” Daphne asked, laughing briefly before putting her pureblood mask back on. It was her turn, and she was surprised to see him.
All the Slytherin girls waiting for their health check were stealing glances at the handsome blonde healer.
But he was far too professional to flirt with students, especially young students.
“I am helping with the mandatory health check. They had been suspended, supposedly for budget reasons. Well, your father found funding for them. Bless him.” He waved his wand in a familiar pattern. Daphne had a checkup just before school started. “You are the definition of health, but I will remind you to eat your greens at lunch and dinner, but not just them. You need good nutrition for classes. I need to get back to work now, but it is lovely seeing you. Adjusting well?”
Daphne nodded, “I miss Astoria terribly, but lessons here are much easier than at home.”
Marius popped his head out of the curtain to call his next patient in, “That is not necessarily a good thing, cousin. Please write to me. Ta ta for now.”
She gave him a brief hug before exiting the curtain. “Thank you for coming. Please be the one to check Potter. He is far too skinny and was wearing rags on the train. We treat our house-elves better than his guardians.”
Marius wouldn’t confirm or deny anything, but knew his report was going to stir up trouble for Dumbledore. He’s the one who claimed magical guardianship of the abused child.
Dear Cousin Daphne wasn’t the only one to have noticed the lad’s condition. Nor the only one who asked for help for the boy hero.
Severus himself had secretly written, and promised to pay with his own gold if needed. Then the matron contacted Marius.
What was Dumbledore playing at? The Ministry paid for these checks, not the school. Not that Lord Greengrass wouldn’t pay for a health check for the school if needed.
It was nice to know that the ‘pureblood princess’ had noticed Harry’s condition. Not that she was disappointed in his initial appearance. No! She was angry at the people who were supposedly ‘caring’ for him.
**OO**
Dumbledore was raging, “How could you betray me like this, Poppy? I don’t have his guardians' permission. For either boy!”
Poppy snapped her hand at the diagnostics, “Potter’s guardians have no say in the matter. As you know they won’t be his guardians after the Ministry processes the healers’ reports. And why would we bow to abusive people - muggles or magical?
“As for Longbottom, he’s slightly overweight, but nothing excessive. Once the binds on his magic were released” not that noticed or cared about the look of horror on the old wizard’s face at that pronouncement. She continued,“that problem will solve itself shortly. He might need a new wand, though. At least he's had his dragon pox and other vaccinations. Potter’s in for a rough weekend which is when his are scheduled. Or are you going to override Administrator Braithewaite on this? If so, be prepared for Potter to be removed from the school until you do give permission.”
“There is no reasoning with you on this! Harry’s privacy is at stake!” the headmaster coaxed.
“What privacy? That ridiculous boy-who-lived title and worse story books? How does everyone know what he looks like? Who leaked his pictures to the press over the years? I know of two people who knew where he was, and I know Minerva hasn’t been anywhere near him on your orders until a few days ago.
“She asked you many times over the years about the boy. You lied to her, to me, to all of us. And betrayed the boy you claim to care for.
“I think you should transfigure armor for the next few weeks and wear it.” Poppy pointed to one of the armored guardians in the hallway. “Minerva has sharp claws, and won’t be afraid to use them. Now, please remove yourself from my infirmary. Unless you need a calming draught?”
Albus huffed, but felt powerless. As much as some of his so-called friends teased him about being a dark lord in disguise, he never killed. Never. He tried to get his allies to do the same, well not killing in combat. And he certainly never ordered anyone taken out per se. Though, Sirius had done him some favors now and then. Which is why the poor boy couldn’t be allowed to face a trial. Too many secrets would have been spilt.
Neville’s magic being bound was for the greater good! He was the spare, and had to be kept out of the limelight. Now, it was too late, and everyone would now know the boy wasn’t just above a squib in terms of magical power.
As much as he wanted to imperius the mediwitch to do his will, Albus couldn’t. He wasn’t dark!
Besides, he didn’t want the backlash of her breaking any oaths. The punishment would go to the controller of said healer, as Death Eaters found out the hard way, trying to kidnap muggleborn healers from Saint Mungos.
And he had no cause to dismiss her, and might get someone worse forced on him. How dare that Death Eater, turned Healer, Greengrass, come to his school? Defy him like this?
Others would logically point out to him that if he hadn’t modified the wards to allow Severus in, this wouldn’t have happened.
Albus sucked on lemon candies, and tried to think of a way out of this mess.
He hadn’t noticed the Potter items missing from his office. Not yet. Minerva had ordered all such returned to the boy the first morning he was here.
He really should have followed Poppy’s advice about the armor. But when the attack came, it wasn’t from Minerva, but an old friend.
**OO**
While Albus was at the Ministry, trying to reverse what had been done to Potter’s guardianship, and being blocked at every turn, Minerva was busy in the third floor corridor.
Afternoon tea was being served to all the students in the Great Hall. Roll had been taken, and all students were inside. Even the prefects guarding the doors were inside the hall.
The castle had created new bathrooms for young witches and wizards, as if approving what the Deputy was doing.
Hagrid could be heard shouting, and there was loud growling, but the noise disappeared abruptly after Percy cast spells at the doors.
“I think we lost our chance at solving the cause of the ‘most painful death’, brother mine” George whispered.
“Too right. Any chance of us getting up there to collect spare bits left behind by the Cerberus?” Fred asked. “He didn’t sound happy leaving his kennel.”
“Doubt it. Anything good will be snatched up by Snape.” George opined. And he wasn’t wrong.
The ceiling above them showed a phoenix flying overhead for a moment, before flashing away.
“I wonder what that was about? And if it had anything to do with what the three-headed dog was guarding.” George queried.
They would never hear about it, but indeed, Fawkes was helping Minerva, and returning the borrowed stone to its owners. The eternal bird had been the Flamels’ companion when they were teaching here, just as he was now Professor McGonagall’s companion.
The castle had been tricked to hold a dangerous item that would tempt the dark lord to try and get into the inner sanctum. The only problem with that was the hundreds of students living there. Didn’t anyone care about their safety?
Well, no matter now. Everything was being put to rights.
Minerva just wished she had stood up to the headmaster sooner.
**OO**
The dinner announcement was no surprise to him, really. The stone was no longer in the castle. The third floor corridor was now open. If students wanted to try to challenge a giant chess set, they could.
Apparently, McGonagall had found the controls had been messed with and she returned them to their non-lethal nature. Spoilsport.
So too was the troll gone. So sad. It would have been fun to let him out to play with the muggleborns.
Riddle repeated to himself again; the stone was no longer here. Where was it? Too late now. He didn’t have to take her word for it; he could feel it. What was he going to do? He should have dismantled the curse before coming into the castle! He didn’t think that Quirrell would be so impacted.
The possession seemed to be affecting Quirrell even faster. Voldemort had two choices. Start to drink unicorn blood, which would likely curse him forever, or abandon Quirrell, and find another way to return.
His horcrux! The diadem was here! Maybe wearing that would solve his problems. He had to try.
He didn’t realize that the curious Potter boy had an invisibility cloak. Or that the child and his friends had been playing with it. Nor that he was being followed after dinner. Not just by the Potter lad himself, no. He had Granger and Longbottom with him.
The trio of friends were trying to figure out what he was up to. He had been acting so oddly.
**OO**
“I need to find the diadem, I need to find the diadem, I need to find the diadem.”
The three young people watched from an alcove as the turbaned professor sing-songed in front of a blank wall across the way from a very odd tapestry. And then a heavy door just appeared in the wall of the castle.
Seeing large new loos being formed recently had a mere door appearing, seeming so old hat.
The children could see inside. What a huge pile of junk! But the man seemed sure of where he was going in that mess. Unsure of whether or not to follow, knowing they had no way of keeping quiet, they retreated and remained outside as the door. They moved until they were at the far end of the corridor and had several avenues of escape.
Harry-hunting had taught the boy to be wary of his circumstances. Alastor Moody would have been proud. Being caught in a cul-de-sac didn’t feel wise.
“Did you see all of those books? Why would someone hide books away?” Hermione asked, once it was safe to whisper.
“Did you see all of the broken stuff? If we could get permission to fix and sell it, we could make enough money to buy food and clothes and…” Harry kept forgetting about his gold. It still didn’t feel like ‘real’ money to him yet.
Neville too was in awe, “I wonder if that is the Room of Requirement?”
“Oh, like in ‘Hogwarts, a History’? I think you’re right, Neville! We should…”
The banging of the door slamming open and painful screaming made all of them stop and crouched down.
A figure appeared before them, weaving, and seeming to be dissolving before their very eyes. His hands seemed to be trying to remove a crown from his head. His shrieks let everyone know that he was in great pain.
But then, suddenly, so was Harry.
**OO**
A/N: Story recommend: Pack by mjimeyg; Jurassic Park and Harry Potter crossover. Complete, and fun.
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13391615/1/Pack