Inheriting a Draconian Mantle Book 1 by stargatesg1fan1
Summary:
�
Follow a much more intelligent than cannon Harry Potter as he discovers the truth about his heritage and embraces his destiny entwined with the fate of a draconic breed.� Rediscovering and creating new avenues of magic are tasks Harry Potter routinely accomplishes.� Wooing and enchanting young beauties are also perfectly within our hero's capability and he takes to it admirably.� This story is a crossover with the Inheritance Cycle (Eragon) set in the modern age of an alternate universe Harry Potter era.� Having some knowledge of the Inheritance Cycle universe would be helpful but really isn't necessary.� This story also endeavors to give those fans of the Inheritance Cycle that were left wanting after reading the Cycle some resolution to the tale of Eragon and Saphira.� Their destiny was not to vanish into the mists of time but to continually grow and engage our hearts and minds.
Categories: Crossovers > HP/Misc Characters: Cho Chang, Fleur Delacour, Ginny Weasley, Harry James Potter, Hermione Granger, Luna Lovegood, Nymphadora Tonks
Status: WIP (Work in progress)
Genres: Adult, Adult - Femslash, AU, Crossover, Erotica, Fantasy, Multiple Partners, Sci-Fi
Pairings: Harry/Cho, Harry/Fleur, Harry/Ginny/Hermione/Tonks, Harry/Luna
Warnings: Adult Themes, Bad language, Extreme Sexual Situations, Extreme violence, Femslash, Spoilers, Strong Language, Strong Violence, Underage Sex
Challenges: None
Series: Inheriting a Draconian Mantle
Chapters: 6 Completed: Yes Word count: 37,233 Read: 297,417 Published: December 23, 2012 Updated: June 05, 2013
Inheriting a Draconian Mantle – Book 1
By Stargatesg1fan1
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the recognized characters or universes within. If I did…I would have ended the Inheritance Cycle with Arya and Eragon in love and entangled in a heated, naked, and sweaty mess in their bed. Harry Potter would have been smarter and taken every opportunity he had to make love to the gorgeous Miss Granger and when they were old enough he would have made her the next Mrs. Potter.
Summary:
Follow a much more intelligent than cannon Harry Potter as he discovers the truth about his heritage and embraces his destiny entwined with the fate of a draconic breed. Rediscovering and creating new avenues of magic are tasks Harry Potter routinely accomplishes. Wooing and enchanting young beauties are also perfectly within our hero's capability and he takes to it admirably. This story is a crossover with the Inheritance Cycle (Eragon) set in the modern age of an alternate universe Harry Potter era. Having some knowledge of the Inheritance Cycle universe would be helpful but really isn't necessary. This story also endeavors to give those fans of the Inheritance Cycle that were left wanting after reading the Cycle some resolution to the tale of Eragon and Saphira. Their destiny was not to vanish into the mists of time but to continually grow and engage our hearts and minds.
Planned Pairings:
Harry Potter/Hermione Granger/Nymphadora Tonks/Susan Bones/Cho Chang/Ginny Weasley/Luna Lovegood/Fleur Delacour
Warnings: This story may contain implied or even explicit fem-slash but it will mostly be confined to the smut scenes. This story contains much bashing of Albus Dumbledore, Severus Snape, and some Weasleys (Only Ron Weasley and Molly Weasley). This story contains much erotic content but it is mostly confined to smut scenes which are clearly labeled (beginning and end). The erotic version will only be published on hpfanficarchive, ficsite, and adultfanfiction.
IaDM – IaDM – IaDM – IaDM – IaDM – IaDM – IaDM – IaDM – IaDM – IaDM - IaDM
Number 4 Privet Drive, 1991…
Eleven year old Harry James Potter woke up as the morning sun shone through his bedroom window onto his face. The day was new and bright. The young man with perpetually messy dark hair and jade colored eyes smiled to himself. That day was his cousin Dudley Dursley's birthday. It would be a day to make his uncle, Vernon Dursley, highly uncomfortable. With a bit of concentration the Potter male's workout clothes appeared in the air several feet to the left of his bed. At the same time the talented young man disappeared and reappeared inside the clothes, fully dressed.
The teleportation talent Harry possessed had been an ability the young man had discovered after being chased by his cousin and Dudley's posse of bullies at primary school. That incident was one of the last times he was ever afraid of bullies. In an effort to escape the pursuing gang the green eyed male had teleported onto the school roof. Not being an idiot it hadn't taken the Potter heir long to realize he had managed to teleport from the ground up onto the roof. Harry had stayed up on the roof for several hours trying to repeat the seemingly impossible feat. Even when it had started to rain the driven young man had continued to try to relocate himself back onto the ground in the same way he had gotten onto the roof. It had been a screech owl making a ruckus right behind the Potter's ear that had startled him enough to repeat his earlier feat. After realizing it took strong emotions, such as the fright induced by the owl startling him, to trigger his ability it had only taken him minutes to teleport again.
Despite the Dursleys' punishment for missing the remainder of school that day and as they termed it behaving "freakishly" the young man's mood could not be soured. Further practice in the days and weeks following that incident had improved the young man's ability to the point where he could disappear and reappear silently from or to anywhere he could picture in his mind's eye. The curious Harry had further experimented by trying to teleport objects with him. After much trial and error the Potter heir had succeeded. Then the truly interesting ability made its presence known. The dark haired youth had discovered that he did not need to be touching an object to move it from one place to another instantaneously. This new teleporting technique allowed the young man to formulate a plan to get his hated relatives to leave him alone. After careful planning and practice with equally massive objects Harry enacted his plan.
Vernon's screams still caused Harry to smile years later as he teleported to the local park and began his jogging routine. Finding a very large cliff had not been hard. Teleporting the massive bulk of the drill salesman into open air over the edge of the cliff took a bit of effort. Vernon's screams of terror as he thought he was plummeting to his death towards the base of the cliff only to be teleported back up top and dropped again were priceless. After twenty minutes of this terrifying ordeal Vernon was all too quick to agree to his nephew's demands. Harry had not asked for much; to be treated as at least a human being, to be allowed to have Dudley's second bedroom, and in general to be left to his own devices. The teleporter suspected that his uncle had not actually ever told his aunt Petunia and Dudley what had happened to explain the sudden change of heart but the elder Dursley male had kept to the bargain.
Dudley had continued to pursue his thinner cousin for awhile but soon enough gave up after being unable to catch the agile teleporter. The realization of his uniqueness had the Potter heir analyzing his past and incidents that had seemed odd but unconnected until that time. When the dark haired youth's teacher had suddenly sprouted blue hair in the middle of class he had chalked it up to some kind of new color changing hair dye with some kind of spray activator. The green eyed youth had thought it a cool practical joke. After trying to change the color of various objects and meeting with success Harry lost faith in coincidence.
Once when Harry was younger his cousin had smacked his arm with a fireplace poker. The pain had been excruciating but the injured young man had just decided it was only bruised muscle after the pain was completely gone the next day. The jade eyed male had scratched his fingertip with a small cut one night before bed, bandaged the tear, and then went to sleep. The next morning there was no sign of the cut. Further experimentation revealed that the self healing ability could be controlled and sped up with focused concentration. It took months of effort to train this ability up to a useful level.
The next ability that the talented young man had discovered came as a result of remembering when Petunia had once butchered his haircut. Mrs. Dursley had cut her nephew's hair so short that he was mortified of the ridicule he would receive at school the next day. Overnight the slim preteen's hair had grown back to its previous length. Granted the growth was only a little over an inch so the Potter male had chalked the experience up to a bad nightmare involving a haircut the previous evening, an extremely vivid nightmare. Petunia did not mention her nephew's miraculous hair growth so he concluded it had been a nightmare; not knowing the woman was in fact too terrified to bring up her nephew's freakishness.
Investigation after the discovery of his teleporting and other unusual talents led the Potter heir to finding he could alter his hair length at will. Taking the process further Harry learned he could alter other parts of his body. Finishing his several mile jog through the town of Little Whinging the athletic young man came to a stop a short distance into the woods. After being sure no person was observing him the teleporter disappeared, reappearing much deeper into the forest where the obstacle course made of logs he had previously teleported into place rested. In a combination of climbing, jumping, and teleporting Harry began working through his obstacle course.
The last Potter had discovered that he could assume the appearance of many people but only those with the same body type. The talented youth could not alter his body structure. Harry suspected it was possible to change his skeletal structure but he couldn't figure out how. A block had been reached in that particular talent.
After twenty minutes of working through the obstacle course the wiry young man flawlessly transitioned into practicing the martial arts movements he knew so well. Learning the martial arts came after Harry began exploring the countryside surrounding Little Whinging. Finding a suitable dojo had been easy enough. Teleporting in after hours and finding a place to hide, the talented shape-shifter had been able to observe as many lessons as he had wanted to. From then on it was just a matter of continual practice. That had been several years ago and the messy haired youth was now a quite accomplished fighter. Finishing up his workout, Harry disappeared back to Number Four Privet Drive and directly into the shower. The personal bathroom that had been added onto his bedroom had been a long time project for the last Potter.
Acquiring the funds for building materials had been easy enough. Harry Potter was commonly known as the fastest courier in the town of Little Whinging. Customers tipped generously if the well liked young man delivered his parcels expediently. Teleportation just made the job even easier. Learning to redo his bedroom how he liked it was accomplished through books and silently teleporting into several construction sites and observing unnoticed until he had learned a particular task well enough. The shape-shifter had learned to conceal himself well and used that talent to good effect. The ability to shift his skin and the color of his clothes to match that of the wall or alcove behind him allowed the shape-shifter to blend in much like a chameleon.
This developed trait of being highly observant and unnoticeable when he desired it had led the Potter heir into one of his more unusual situations. Harry had teleported into his usual hiding spot to observe a martial arts lesson only to find out the day's session had been cancelled. But the instructor was still present in the dojo along with one of the single mothers of one of the instructor's students. The sensei and the mature woman were sparring in a way the shape-shifter had never before observed and he couldn't help but watch the entire event. The sparring session involved no clothes and the sensei sheathing himself repeatedly into the woman, much to her obvious delight. The Potter heir found himself physically aroused afterwards. It did not take much research and reading to find out about sex.
Harry had observed many other couples engaging in intercourse using his stealth after that day and found himself interested in engaging in the activity. So far the opportunity hadn't come up to learn more about the female body firsthand but the observant youth would definitely look for such an opening and delve in at the first chance he got. After cleaning up and getting dressed the teleporter made his way downstairs where his relatives were just finishing their breakfast. Dudley was opening his many presents while his cousin acquired some food.
Dudley had gotten thirty-seven presents, including a new computer. The computer would likely be broken within the week and tossed out with the rubbish. Harry liked the idea of getting some new parts for his own computer system. The intelligent teleporter had built his own PC using parts he had salvaged from damaged or binned systems and the money he earned while delivering parcels. Everything the Potter heir possessed he had worked hard for. Dudley Dursley was in the complete opposite situation. Everything Dudley owned had been given to him by his parents.
"We'll be taking Dudley and his friends to the zoo today," Vernon announced, trying to keep the nervousness he felt from showing.
"I'll come along then," the shape-shifter declared calmly.
"Very well," Vernon agreed while silently cursing the freakish boy's choice.
Dudley began crying in false distress in order to get his way.
"I don't want him to come…he'll ruin my birthday," the baby whale sized boy declared.
Any response was halted by the ringing of the doorbell and the arrival of Dudley's friend Piers Polkiss. Immediately Dudley's fake tears were wiped away so as to not appear weak in front of Piers. A short while later the Dursleys, Harry, and Piers were getting ready to enter the family auto.
"I'll ride up front. Aunt Petunia, I think Dudley needs you close by after his earlier depression," the green eyed martial artist pointed out with no room left for argument.
Petunia glowered at her nephew but did not raise any fuss due to the fact that Vernon usually gave into the boy's wishes for some reason. The thin woman climbed in the back seat and situated herself between Piers and her son. Harry allowed himself to indulge for once by buying an ice cream at the zoo using some of his hard earned money. The green eyed youth had saved quite a substantial sum of money. There was no particular reason for the savings but the Potter heir was quite cautious and was sure his earnings would come in handy some day.
Dudley had three ice creams which partly ended up on his shirt. Harry had a rather pleasant morning examining all of the fascinating animals. The reptile house especially fascinated the shape-shifter. Dudley zeroed in on the biggest python in the place.
"This snake is boring. Make it move dad," Dudley whined.
Vernon tapped on the glass in an attempt to rouse the sleeping snake. Both Dursley males were leaning against the thick plate glass. Harry reached out and wrapped the glass in his power and attempted to move the glass like he was teleporting it. The glass dematerialized but since it had been part of something else (the frame) the silicon sheet did not go anywhere. But Dudley and Vernon most certainly did go somewhere, right into the python's habitat. Dudley began squealing like a pig and screaming bloody murder as the snake uncoiled itself and slithered out of the cage. The other zoo patrons began screaming as well and running in terror.
"Thanks amigo. I'm going to Brazil," the snake hissed to the surprise of the green eyed shape-shifter.
As pandemonium reigned the dark haired Potter followed the snake.
"Can you understand me?" Harry inquired, trying to speak to the serpent.
"Yes I can. You are a speaker," the snake declared, pausing to talk to the interesting human.
Harry quickly realized the snake wouldn't get far with the zoo keepers looking for him. Even then the dark haired preteen could hear the zoo officials rapidly approaching. Not wishing the snake to get caught the teleporter concentrated on some detailed pictures he had once come across of a Brazilian jungle in a book. The snake vanished and somehow Harry knew the serpent had made it to Brazil.
"How interesting," Harry muttered before disappearing back into the reptile house.
IaDM – IaDM – IaDM – IaDM – IaDM – IaDM – IaDM – IaDM – IaDM – IaDM - IaDM
Life returned to a semblance of normal for Harry Potter after the reptile incident. The Dursleys ignored the strangeness as they usually did. Vernon wouldn't dare confront his nephew about the incident for fear of being thrown off a cliff again. Harry did return to the reptile house at night a few times to try to talk to the snakes but he found them a not very talkative lot. All the teleporter got out of the reptiles was that he was a speaker.
It was partway through July that the next unusual incident occurred for the Potter heir and this was to be a life changing event. Harry had just returned from his morning workout and was coming down the stairs to get some breakfast when the mail arrived. The shape-shifter discovered a letter addressed to him. The envelope read:
Mr. H Potter
The Smallest Bedroom
Number 4 Privet Drive
Little Whinging
Surrey
Harry absentmindedly teleported the rest of the mail to the kitchen counter and sat at the foot of the stairs while opening the envelope, barely noticing the unusual wax seal on the parchment.
The parchment read:
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: ALBUS DUMBLEDORE
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International
Confed. of Wizards)
Dear Mr. Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall,
Deputy Headmistress
The list of equipment and books was even stranger than the letter. The intelligent young man thought logically about the letter. Magic and logic did not necessarily go so well together but the reasonable youth would at least try to apply his usual analytic skills to this situation. A famous person once said something along the lines any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. Perhaps this situation the young teleporter found himself in was something similar. Harry had always suspected that he was not the only one with unusual abilities and now he had proof. The question was how to go about finding out more. Perhaps the abilities were hereditary. Maybe his father had been one of these wizards. Petunia certainly did not seem magical in any way whatsoever so it seemed unlikely Harry's mother was magical. But that did not mean the thin woman did not know more.
The athletic youth stood and strode down the hall into the kitchen.
"Was my father a wizard?" Harry demanded without preamble.
Petunia's favorite teapot crashed to the floor and shattered while she gasped with her hands over her mouth. Vernon grew extremely red in the face. Dudley just looked confused, or constipated. Harry could never tell which.
"There is no such thing as magic," Petunia declared in a harsh whisper.
"This letter and this," the newly identified wizard declared while teleporting closer to his aunt, "beg to differ."
Petunia shrieked again while Dudley could be heard falling out of his chair.
"Yes your father was one of those freak wizards, boy," Vernon spoke up, knowing there could be trouble if the boy got upset. "And your mother was a witch."
"Vernon," Petunia protested. "We agreed when we took him in that there would be none of that freakishness!"
"It's too late for that Petunia. The boy has been able to do that teleporting thing for quite a few years now. Trust me, I know," Vernon informed his wife, unable to suppress a shiver of fear.
"So you suspected I would be able to use magic," the perceptive mage suggested.
"Yes," Vernon agreed with a nod. "We did not get involved in your world but your kind keep themselves hidden from normal folks. Your parents went to that Hogwarts place. I've actually expected you would get that letter for some time now. We'll take you to where you will need to go in order to get your school supplies. I suspect you will be just fine if we leave you there."
"Vernon…I won't go back in that place," Petunia declared.
"You don't need to dear. You just need to show me where to drive," Vernon assured.
Throughout this all Dudley had listened to the conversation with more attention than his little mind had mustered in the previous years of his life combined.
"I want to go to magic school," Dudley spoke up with a whine.
"You can't," Petunia quickly argued in a tone that was harsher than the youth was used to, quickly shutting him up. "You have no magic in you."
"We'll be ready to go in a half an hour," Vernon informed his nephew.
The three Dursleys and one Potter drove to London. Over the course of the journey Harry asked several questions of his relatives. He learned that his parents hadn't in fact died in a car crash as he had once been told but had been murdered by a dark wizard. Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster of Hogwarts, had left the orphaned Potter on the Dursleys' doorstep with nothing but a letter. Petunia had found out her sister had died in a letter. Harry wondered how stupid this Dumbledore could be to leave a baby on a doorstep in November and inform a woman of her sister's death in a damn letter.
When Vernon stopped the car in front of a small pub called the Leaky Cauldron Harry climbed out and stood tall, inspecting the place. The youth felt a tingle of energy surrounding the pub like an aura. The wizard walked up and opened the door before stepping into the dimly lit establishment. Harry ignored the few patrons of the pub and stepped up to the bartender.
"Excuse me sir…could you perhaps assist me in entering into the Alley? I'm muggleborn," Harry requested of the bald bartender.
Harry currently had his scar resting on the bottom of his right foot. The scar was one thing the shape-shifter couldn't seem to get rid of. So instead he hid the mark. Being used to showing muggleborn into the Alley the bartender, Tom, did not even do more than glance at the youth before leading the way into the back of the establishment to a brick alcove. Tapping out a sequence in the bricks with an object Harry recognized as a wand from his crash course on the wizarding world from his aunt and the archway opened into the Alley.
"That building down there is Gringotts' bank where you can exchange some of your money for galleons. Have a nice day kid," Tom informed the youth while pointing towards a tall white structure.
Harry briefly glanced at the shops as he made his way towards the bank. There was a cauldron store, a store that sold potions ingredients, an owl shop, a shop that sold something called Quidditch supplies, and many other shops with strange merchandise. When the wizard reached the steps of the large white bank he caught sight of a short creature with sharp teeth and long pointed fingers standing guard. The creature was a goblin which Petunia had warned of with disgust. The warning above the door for thieves held no concern for Harry Potter. The teleporter had no need to steal in order to survive.
The lobby of the bank contained at least one hundred more goblins going about the business of counting currency (gold, silver, and bronze coins) along with various precious gems. Other goblins were leading people in and out of the many doors that led to and from the hall. Harry headed towards the nearest free teller.
"Good morning," Harry began. "I was wondering if perhaps my parents might have an account here? I just found out I was a wizard today but I know my parents were both magical."
"Name," the goblin prompted with disinterest, likely getting similar requests often.
"Harry Potter," the wizard replied, causing the goblin to look slightly more interested, a fact that did not go unnoticed by Harry.
The goblin pulled out a long golden rod and waved it towards the shape-shifter. After a moment the teller seemed satisfied Harry was who he claimed to be.
"Follow Tearbone to the office of one of our account managers," instructed the teller.
Tearbone walked up and gestured for the wizard to follow. The walk was only a short distance into one of the nearby corridors. The first office on the right stood with the door open. The office was comfortable looking with a set of cushioned high backed chairs sitting in front of the desk behind which sat an older looking goblin.
"I am Razorstone, Mr. Potter," the account manager introduced himself. "You may wait outside Tearbone. I suspect Mr. Potter will be visiting his family vault after our meeting."
"So my parents did have an account here," Harry clarified.
"Did you not receive our statements? Your guardians should have at least gotten the statements," pointed out Razorstone.
"My guardians were my non-magical aunt and uncle," the teleporter explained. "They received no correspondence from the magical world."
"I just needed to confirm that with you then. For some reason your mail has been tampered with. A clause in your parents will stated that if any one of their wishes were not carried out that you were to inherit the full amount of their holdings upon your arrival at Gringotts. Your parents' choice for guardianship was disregarded apparently so you inherit everything as of this moment," the account manager explained. "And also as part of that clause we will never release any of your funds to anyone but you unless we have your permission given in person. If such permission is given we will ensure you are you and that you are not under the influence of another being."
"That is good to know. How much money are we talking about?" Harry probed.
"This ledger details your complete holdings along with the current status of all of your assets. Just place your finger on the first page and slide it down to bring up more information. Sliding your finger up will go back to already viewed information. The later pages of that booklet detail the bank's policies and other information you might need to know while conducting business with Gringotts," explained Razorstone while sliding the small booklet to the wizard. "Only you and I can read the contents of that ledger. That ledger will automatically update whenever a change is made with your holdings. This is a recent improvement we offer our more well off customers. You Mr. Potter possess just over two million galleons, various plots of land, and quite a few heirlooms stored in your family vault. You also have a trust vault with ten thousand galleons which is annually topped up," the goblin announced.
"What is the exchange rate from galleons to pounds?" The wizard inquired, suppressing the shock he felt from showing on his face via his shifting abilities.
"Five pounds per galleon," the goblin supplied. "You have over ten million pounds with Gringotts Mr. Potter. This ring can be used to make purchases in the wizarding world. Every magical establishment accepts this seal," the goblin explained while sliding a ring over the table with a large stylized P flowing out from the front. "Simply press the seal onto a pad at the establishment while thinking of the exact amount you want to grant the owner and the appropriate sum will be transferred from your vault. There are no fees for customers with accounts larger than ten thousand galleons. In the last several years we have formed a partnership with a squib run bank in the muggle world. We can provide you with one of their debit cards and any purchases you make in the muggle world will be withdrawn from your vault. Again no fee is charged for accounts as large as yours."
"I would like that," agreed Harry, making a mental note to find out what a squib was later.
"There are just a few small matters for us to finalize before Tearbone shows you to your family vault," continued Razorstone. "Your debit card will be set up while you are in your vault and can be picked up at the teller you visited earlier on your way out."
The few small matters only took another twenty minutes. Harry had quite a bit of money invested in various businesses and stocks in both the magical and non-magical world. Razorstone also managed these investments for a one percent fee (0.25% Razorstone earned and 0.75% Gringotts earned) collected on any profits made. Razorstone had proved to be a good investor over the years and had managed to earn quite a bit of money for the Potter family, Gringotts, and himself. The shrewd wizard informed his account manager that he would like Razorstone's earnings to be increased to 1% and Gringotts' earnings to be increased to 1%. This decision would prove to be a brilliant move over the next few years and beyond. The Potter account manager position from then on would be the most desired account manager job. Gringotts leaders would select the most able investor because Gringotts profited more when the Potters profited more.
The last thing Razorstone gave the Potter heir was a set of golden keys for the wizard's bank vaults. The misplaced keys, which Harry did not have in his possession, would no longer work to open the enchantments on the vaults. The ride down to his family vault in a mine cart was an interesting experience for Harry. The experience was quickly forgotten when his vault door opened to reveal literal mountains of gold and jewels. The mounds of jewels were listed in the ledger as an unknown value because to release them onto the market at once would devalue the gem system.
Harry found shelves upon shelves of books behind one of the gold mountains. There were works of art of all types. Armor, weaponry, and many chests and trunks were piled in the back corner of the cavernous chamber. Tearbone had assured the wealthy wizard that he could stay as long as was necessary. The shape-shifter approached the heirloom section and found himself drawn to a trunk that seemed to sparkle with an otherworldly light and the color of sapphires. The last Potter felt the pull urging him closer until he laid a hand upon the chest. Immediately Harry heard a lock click open within the trunk before the lid flew open. A mesh netting held what appeared to be a massive blue egg with white veins running around its perimeter. Reaching out the wizard laid his hand on the egg and his world exploded.
The sorcerer's entire body began to change shape with a distinctly unusual sensation, even for the shape-shifter. For the first time Harry felt himself grow a little taller. His senses sharpened and his limbs felt far stronger than before. A searing pain suddenly flared in the youth's right foot where his scar was hidden. There was a scream of agony that barely registered in Harry's consciousness as he felt his mind speeding up. The part of his being that he had always associated with his power more than quadrupled in volume.
Suddenly a vision swept into the Potter's mental eye of a slim and beautiful woman with dark hair and an intelligent gaze that spoke of many years behind her. The beauty looked no more than in her mid twenties in age but her appearance was deceptive. There was something powerful about the female. Suddenly a large creature appeared in the vision next to the woman. The reptile could only be called a dragon from legend. It was then that Harry noticed the pointy ears the woman, no elf, possessed. The pairs' gaze focused in on Harry and he got the distinct feeling they could sense him.
The real world brought Harry back when a weight settled on his chest and a brief burning sensation seared through his right palm. As his vision cleared Harry was able to see a small dragon sitting on his chest in his now horizontal position. The dragon's eyes held an alien intelligence. Her scales, for the wizard could tell the dragon was female somehow, gleamed with the same sapphire color as the chest from which her egg had come. Harry felt no fear of the dragon.
"Well hello," Harry greeted. "Who might you be?" Suddenly a name popped into the wizard's mind for the dragon. "Your name is Saphira, isn't it?"
The dragon seemed to hum in approval before slowly a mental voice played in the wizard's mind, saying, "Yes."
"You can understand me?" The surprised shape-shifter inquired.
"Yes," Saphira's reply came a little more quickly this time.
Harry guessed Saphira could understand his speaking but wasn't as fast on knowing how to respond. The mage slowly sat up, causing the dragon to be displaced from his chest. As he stood up the Potter male noticed the change in his strength and energy levels. A golden trimmed mirror hung on the wall nearby. Gazing into the mirror gave the wizard quite a start. Staring back at Harry was a greened eyed being that possessed a physique similar to the elf he had just gazed at in his vision except with a more human like appearance. Harry's jaw was broader and more rugged. Despite the differences the warlock's appearance could only be described as incredibly handsome. The dragon stuck her head between the sorcerer's legs and peered at herself curiously in the mirror, causing the shape-shifter to smile.
Concentrating on his abilities, Harry reshaped his features until he resembled his old form. The only difference was that he was half a head taller. There was nothing to be done about that. Hopefully the goblins wouldn't notice since they were so much shorter. The wizard then noticed his right palm which possessed an unusual mark made of silver. No matter how hard he tried the skin stayed the same way. The enchanter strode over to the trunk looking for answers. Any trace of Saphira's egg was gone. So was the mesh. Looking into the chest the wizard was surprised to see a ladder leading down into a room with a door on the wall opposite of the ladder. The space within the trunk was clearly larger than the outside would allow.
"Shall we find out what's on the other side of the door?" Harry questioned the dragon.
The dragon nodded her head and leapt higher than Harry would have thought her capable of up onto his shoulder where she perched balanced. The wizard grinned and descended the ladder, barely noticing the dragon's weight with his new strength. Without preamble the mage opened the door and stepped through into an usual room. A large bowl shaped depression was in the wooden floor in the center of the room. Padding lined the bowl. A bed grew out of the wall on one side of the room while a desk grew out of an adjacent wall. The youth's new keen eyesight and sense of smell told him he was in a large tree. There was more to explore but a letter sitting on the desk caught his attention because it was glowing with a faintly golden light. The mage strode over and picked up the letter while Saphira jumped off his shoulder to have a look around.
The contents read:
My heir,
My name is Myrrdin Emrys, or as I am known by wizard-kind, Merlin. I had the ability to see possible futures and I strongly believed you would find Saphira's egg and bond with her. My father was a very unique being. It is because of his uniqueness that I am so famous and powerful. In time you will regain his memories due to the process of bonding you just went through with Saphira. I don't want to give away too much because the journey is half the fun. I don't want to spoil that fun for you. You will experience many changes over the next weeks, months, and years. Do not fear. Saphira will help guide you through every hardship. She is a steadfast companion. You will find many other companions of the human variety I suspect.
I will explain how you are related to me. I had many enemies. My children changed their name to Potter in order to escape the notice of my enemies. In this magical place I have created for you there are many tools to aid you in your quests. This pocket dimension holds many secrets and is somewhat alive. If you have need of something and it is within the power of the intelligence that maintains this realm then it will provide that which you need for you. The collar you will find in the top drawer of the desk you are standing at is for Saphira. It will make her invisible whenever she wishes. I daresay I was a skilled enchanter and I doubt any wizard or witch of your time will be able to detect her. The collar also emits a field which will expand the space within a passage which Saphira desires to go through, allowing her and whoever is upon her to fit through even the smallest space.
The golden book on the shelf in the study of this tree house (on the upper level) is tied to the bookshelves in your family vault along with any bookshelf in this pocket dimension. Any books placed on any of those mentioned shelves are accessible through that golden book. You will find instructions on the use of this system on the first few pages of the golden tome.
My father had a task to complete, a task which falls to you oh Dragon Rider. You will succeed in this task, I have foreseen it. I do not know the exact details of your journey but I do know that you shall bring about a new golden age for the beings of Earth.
Good luck,
Emrys
"No pressure," Harry muttered as he set the letter down and opened the top drawer.
Saphira appeared to have read the letter along with her companion because she poked her long neck towards the collar. The mage slipped the band which matched the color of the dragon's scales over her neck. Immediately the collar resized to fit perfectly. Saphira gained a look of concentration and subsequently winked out of sight.
"That is so wicked," the wizard declared. Saphira leapt up onto her companion's shoulder again and he disappeared as well. "Merlin forgot to mention that feature but I'm certainly not complaining," the magician told his new friend.
Harry decided he could explore further later. After exiting the magical trunk and closing the lid the chest immediately shrunk down to the size of a book of matches.
"I love magic," the sorcerer declared with a grin before pocketing the trunk.
Saphira and her companion glanced over the bookshelves to note which tomes they owned before making their way out of the Potter family vault. Tearbone did not even seem to notice the wealthy wizard's height difference. After anther cart ride and retrieving his new bank card Harry exited Gringotts bank a changed being. Saphira was on her wizard's shoulder while invisibly taking in the sights, smells, and sounds of the Alley.
Chapter 2 by stargatesg1fan1
Inheriting a Draconian Mantle – Book 1
By Stargatesg1fan1
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the recognized characters or universes within. If I did…I would have ended the Inheritance Cycle with Arya and Eragon in love and entangled in a heated, naked, and sweaty mess in their bed. Harry Potter would have been smarter and taken every opportunity he had to make love to the gorgeous Miss Granger and when they were old enough he would have made her the next Mrs. Potter.
Harry decided to get his school uniform first so headed towards the shop labeled Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. The witch running the establishment was a short woman who was friendly enough, especially when she noticed the ring with a large P on it on Harry's finger.
"Are you here for your Hogwarts uniform, Sir?" The proprietor inquired of the wealthy young wizard. "I have everything you need. We have a young lady in your year being fitted as well."
Harry was guided into the back of the shop where a girl his age was being fitted by an assistant. The girl had chestnut brown hair that seemed a bit frizzy but possessed a cute face with curious eyes. An attractive woman in her thirties that could only be the girl's mother stood nearby examining the robes her daughter was being fitted with while the girl's father sat on a bench reading a newspaper with moving pictures.
As Malkin got him onto a stool and began fitting him Harry said, "Hello there. I'm Harry. I'm going to be a first year at Hogwarts."
"Hello," the girl greeted with something of a blush. "I'm Hermione. I'm going into my first year as well. This is my mother Emma Granger and that's my father over there reading the paper, Daniel Granger."
"Hello, it's nice to meet you Harry," Emma greeted with a kind smile as Dan nodded distractedly while scanning the paper intently.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," the wizard responded to the Grangers.
"Do you know much about Hogwarts?" Hermione questioned.
"Not very much at all," Harry admitted. "I just found out I was a wizard earlier today when I got my Hogwarts letter. It took some persuasion for my aunt and uncle to tell me my parents were a witch and wizard."
Madam Malkin gasped as did her assistant who couldn't help but overhear the conversation.
"Is there something unusual about Harry just finding out he is a wizard Madam Malkin?" Emma questioned the proprietor.
"Goodness me yes," Malkin declared, flustered. "We've been told for years in all of the literature that Harry Potter was being properly cared for under the guidance of Albus Dumbledore. If he has not even been informed of his heritage…why it's a crime!"
"What literature Madam Malkin?" Hermione piped up.
"Why the many books about Harry Potter of course," Malkin replied.
"There are books about me?" The bemused young warlock questioned.
"Of course there are," Malkin assured.
"Why would anyone want to write books about me?" The shape-shifter probed with a sinking feeling.
"Because you're the most famous wizard in our world Mr. Potter," Malkin explained, causing the Grangers to look at the green eyed male with curiosity.
"What exactly am I famous for? You will have to forgive me but the only knowledge I have of this magical world was gleaned from my aunt who rather dislikes me," pointed out the Rider.
A gust of air blew the bottoms of some robes on one of the racks, a snort from Saphira. Harry got the distinct feeling his reptilian companion disliked the Dursleys already.
"I do not feel like I should be the one to tell you this Mr. Potter…but you simply can't go around not knowing. Please take a seat," Malkin requested while sending out a spell which changed the sign on the front of the shop to closed. "Margaret you can take an early break. The Grangers might as well hear this as well." When the shop assistant had left the room Malkin looked sorrowfully at her dark haired client. "Some years ago there was a great war in the wizarding world. On one side you had the Ministry of Magic and the various light aligned factions. The other side was led by an evil wizard who called himself…," the woman paused as if afraid to say the name. "He called himself Lord Voldemort. We don't say his name. He is often called You Know Who or He Who Must Not Be Named. This wizard had many followers who called themselves Death Eaters. These evil wizards and witches believed their blood was more pure than that of half bloods and muggleborns. They destroyed many lives. It was a horrible war. The long conflict was only ended when the Dark Lord chose to attack your house Mr. Potter. He killed your parents and tried to kill you. He used a curse simply called the Killing Curse. There is no known method to survive this curse. You are the only known survivor. Voldemort was never found after he attacked you. We were told by Dumbledore that his robes and a scorch mark were the only things left."
There was a moment of silence while the customers digested this news before Harry inquired, "Does this killing curse give off a green light?"
"Why yes it does Mr. Potter," Malkin said worriedly. "How did you know?"
"I've had nightmares in the past involving an evil laugh and a flash of green light," the Potter heir explained. "If I'm the only one to survive that night then how did Dumbledore know exactly what went on?"
"Well we all just assumed he used his powerful mind and his incredible magical senses to deduce the events of that night. But obviously not everything he told the public was right. We were all told you had a lightning bolt shaped scar on your forehead," Malkin pointed out.
Harry was really not liking this Albus Dumbledore.
"Thank you for telling me Madam," said the shape-shifter.
Malkin nodded in response before apparently noticing the uneasy looks the Grangers parents were giving each other.
"Mr. and Mrs. Granger…I allowed you to hear that story as a warning. I'm sure the professor who came to explain to you about your daughter's powers and our world did not tell you any of that. They don't like to scare off the muggleborns. But I should inform you of what happens to the muggleborns who don't earn at least their OWL certification after being informed of the magical world. The Ministry has the entire family relieved of their memories and the child's magic bound. I know it's not right but the lawmakers of the magical world are a very reclusive lot who don't want to risk the exposure of our world. If your daughter had her magic bound she would go through life feeling like a piece of her being was missing," the shopkeeper explained.
"We'll think about that," Emma promised as she noticed the pleading look on her little girl's features.
The two students were quickly sized up and acquired their uniforms.
The Grangers left Malkin's shop at the same time as the Potter heir. Dan and Emma quickly realized Harry did not have anyone to help him pick out his school supplies.
"Harry, would you like to walk around the Alley with us? We just started getting Hermione's school supplies ourselves," Dan Granger offered.
"I'd like that Sir," Harry agreed when he noticed Hermione's cute blush make an appearance once more.
"Let's go to the bookstore next," Hermione suggested excitedly.
The other three saw no problem with this plan so headed for Flourish and Blotts.
"I should warn you Harry. Our daughter can be something of a bibliophile. She can't get enough of books," Emma pointed out teasingly.
"Mum," Hermione whispered, embarrassed.
"It's ok Mrs. Granger. I like to read too," Harry responded.
"You can call us by our first names Harry. Being called Mr. Granger makes me feel so old," Dan suggested.
"That's because you are old daddy," Hermione announced with a mischievous grin on her cute face before grabbing a shopping basket and racing off to find her school books.
It appeared as if Hermione knew very well how to return the teasing her parents doled out.
Hermione's parents were forced to put a limit on the number of books beyond what was on her school list which she could buy. The Grangers were by no means poor but with the exchange rate and the cost of her tuition plus required supplies they were already spending quite a few pounds that day.
"I'll make you a deal Hermione. You can read some of my books if you will be my friend. I have access to what I'm buying here and a lot more from my family vaults," suggested the sorcerer.
"You don't need to make that offer Harry. I'd still be your friend," Hermione assured. "But I accept."
The elder Grangers had been out of earshot at that time but they certainly noticed how much happier Hermione was a few minutes later and assumed Harry had found a way to cheer her up. Harry found quite a few books that caught his fancy and that weren't already in his vault collection so he bought them. The shopping baskets had charms on them to make the contents weigh only as much as a feather and to hold as much as the user desired. It turns out the bookstore sold cloth bags that performed the same function. The Grangers bought one such bag for Hermione and Harry bought one for himself. Saphira rejoined her Rider when he exited the bookstore from her perch on a nearby ledge. It turned out the dragon could selectively control when she made the warlock invisible while perched on his shoulder and when she did not, something he was very grateful for.
The rest of the supplies were obtained rather quickly with the exception of an animal companion and a wand. All of the animals would shy away from Harry when he came near their cages. He surmised that he smelled of dragon. The exception was a beautiful snowy owl which Harry immediately purchased. Hermione's parents purchased her a magical feline called a kneazle as an early birthday present, which was in late September. The Potter heir immediately sent his owl off with a reply for Professor McGonagall accepting his position at Hogwarts.
Quite some time later the group of four walked out of Ollivanders, a wand shop.
"That man was rather creepy," Hermione observed.
"Yes he was dear," Emma agreed.
"I find myself curious about what kind of dragon your wand core is made of Harry," Dan declared.
It had been extremely difficult for Ollivander to match a wand to the Potter heir. All throughout the visit the warlock felt his mental connection to Saphira growing. The wizard felt the blue dragon's weight come to rest on his shoulder as she glided down from a ledge above the wand shop. The wand maker had explained that the core of Harry's wand came from an old friend who ran a dragon preserve. The core material was a crystal powder that came from an ancient and rare breed of dragon that went extinct many centuries ago. The remains of the ancient dragon had been recently uncovered in a cave very well preserved. The small sample that Ollivander had been given as a gift to experiment with had proved to be highly magical. Harry was the first magician to get a reaction with the wand as a good foci.
Harry was trying to keep his mind from expanding out of his body like it seemed to want to do since leaving the wand shop. Saphira's mind seemed to have no trouble with reaching out and exploring her surroundings.
"Daddy, let's go pick up our school trunks and then go out for lunch. Can Harry come with us?" Hermione questioned her father.
"Of course dear," Dan agreed.
Harry's wandering mind suddenly focused on his new wand. Many things about the construct felt odd. But there was a definite feeling of familiarity. The wand gave off a feel similar to Saphira. The shape-shifter suspected that Saphira might be from the same breed of dragon as the wand core material came from. Another part of the wand caught the mage's attention. Harry detected a magic that felt wrong and probing out to Hermione's wand felt the same thing. An adult witch walking by caught his attention. The wizard reached out and found that the wrong magic wasn't around the witch's foci.
Instinctively Harry focused on making the bad feeling magic go away and felt the enchantment dissipate from his wand at the command of his magic and willpower. The wizard repeated the process on Hermione's wand. It would be a little while before the Potter heir realized he had just removed the Trace enchantment the Ministry of Magic used to track magic performed by underage witches and wizards from their wands. The two Hogwarts students found a basic school trunk. For a few extra galleons enchantments could be added to make the load within the trunk weigh next to nothing, enlarge and shrink the trunks at a verbal command, and to make the space on the inside quite a bit larger than the outside. When the Granger parents saw that the intelligent young wizard was getting these features added they decided to spend a little extra to get the same charms for their daughter. The Rider thought it was prudent to have a decoy for the blue trunk Merlin had left for him.
The two youths were following the Granger parents back to their car after leaving the Leaky Cauldron and chatting happily away, getting to know each other. Suddenly Dan and Emma veered sharply to the left and into a dead end alley. The young witch and warlock quickly followed, wondering what the heck was going on. That was when the youths felt the spells hit them. Harry's body became rigid and as stiff as a board before he fell on his back. Hermione's form fell in front of him a moment later.
"Well what do we have here," a deep voice spoke with evil glee.
"It looks like a mudblood family," another man's voice replied.
"Well how about we have a little fun and then we can obliviate them," the first man suggested. "They won't remember a thing."
"This muggle woman is rather attractive," pointed out the second man.
"Make the man and the boy have their way with the little girl. It'll be entertaining," the first man suggested.
Suddenly Harry could move again but a feeling of calm fell over him and an urge to violate Hermione penetrated into his mind. Dan was obviously struggling with the same urge. Hermione was still frozen but her eyes betrayed her horror.
"Saphira, wait," Harry stilled his dragon from acting as he felt the small creature getting ready to attack.
These were obviously fully trained wizards and the Potter heir did not want them hurting his dragon. Harry managed to look over at the two assailants in time to see the one vanish Emma's pants and undergarments. The green eyed Rider idly noticed that Mrs. Granger must shave and that she was a very beautiful woman. But Emma Granger was also a very terrified woman. Harry Potter's magic and rage welled up inside of him and he tapped into the strength his new form granted him. The magic restraining the Potter heir's mind and body shredded under his might before, with the speed his new form granted, he raced towards the two attackers.
Harry went for the fatter of the two wizards' family jewels, nailing the lump in the bits. There was a wet squishing sound along with a crack as the rapist's pelvis and bits shattered and exploded respectively. The well trained martial artist was already flowing into a spin kick while his first target was thrown back against the alley wall. The spin kick connected with the second rapist's chest. The shape-shifter did not realize his new strength. The full grown wizard who was rather thin flew a dozen feet…directly into the busy street. A large truck going the speed limit was enough to ensure the wizard would never rape anyone again.
Turning towards Emma, Harry dispelled the restraining magic just like he had done not long before with the bad feeling magic on his and Hermione's wands. The agile young wizard leapt at Dan and restrained the man from getting any nearer to Hermione while dispelling the controlling magic. Once Dan had his body back under his control the dark haired mage freed Hermione. The young witch was immediately sobbing in her savior's arms. Dan was already at his wife's side, hugging her for dear life. Emma was half naked but did not seem to realize it. Harry could already hear the commotion coming from the street where the one rapist had been killed. Acting on instinct once more the teleporter disappeared with Hermione in his arms. A moment later he was back to take Emma back to his bedroom.
Finally Dan was retrieved from the alley along with Saphira.
"What the hell just happened?" Dan demanded with bewilderment as he scanned his surroundings.
"I'm sorry Sir, but I did not know what else to do. I panicked. This is my bedroom," Harry explained while retrieving a robe for Emma from the nearby clothes hook on the inside of his closet door. "Oh wait…my aunt's pants might fit you," the shape-shifter added before remote teleporting a set of the mentioned garments directly onto the surprised Emma.
"That's what happens when you panic?" Emma questioned with one raised eyebrow as she stuck close to Dan. "And how did you get us here?"
"I've kind of been able to teleport myself and objects I focus on for some years now," admitted Harry somewhat sheepishly.
"That's how you got the pants," Hermione surmised.
Harry nodded; very glad his relatives were out for the day.
"How did you take out those men who attacked us?" Dan wanted to know. "I couldn't move until…," the man trailed off as a dark memory of what those scum had tried to force him to do to his daughter came over him.
"Well I've been training in martial arts for years. Due to some family magics I found in my main Gringotts vault today my usual defense abilities have been amplified," explained the Potter heir while teleporting another two chairs up for Hermione's parents from downstairs.
Hermione sat in Harry's desk chair while he sat on his bed.
"Thank you Harry…I don't know what we would have done without you," Emma whispered, tearing up again.
As Dan pulled his wife into his lap to comfort her Hermione pointed out, "They said they were going to obliviate us and it would take away our memories."
"I wonder how often things like this happen in the wizarding world," Harry questioned aloud as his adrenaline rush dissipated.
"I don't want you going to that school," Dan told Hermione.
"We…we can't judge an entire society based off of the actions of a few of their members," Emma pointed out as she started to calm down.
"The hell we can't," Dan objected.
"Mr. Granger Sir," began Harry, earning a pointed look from Emma. "I mean Dan…wouldn't it be better for Hermione to learn to defend herself against such attacks? You heard as well as I what Madam Malkin said. This Ministry of Magic will obliviate you all anyway. I think I can keep Hermione safe long enough for her to learn to defend herself. We are going to be in a school after all. Plus we have access to quite a few books. Perhaps before the start of term we can find a magical way for you to keep a close eye on Hermione."
"And you Harry," Emma put forth. "Just because you aren't ours doesn't mean what you have done today hasn't endeared you to Dan and I. We'd like to help you too."
"Thank you Emma," the orphan replied, somewhat surprised and touched.
After several long moments Dan replied, "I'll consider it. We should start looking for these magical aids soon. Right now we need to get my car." After another moment of silence Dan questioned, "Harry, do you think you can teleport a car?"
With a grin the sorcerer replied, "I can try."
As it turned out Harry could teleport a car. When he found out where the Grangers lived he realized it was only a few towns over from Little Whinging. The young wizard had been to Crawley once while looking for a martial arts academy when he was younger. The Rider was able to teleport the family and their car back to their town in a matter of minutes whereupon he was invited for dinner. Dinner was takeout that night and was quite delicious. The teleporter learned his hosts were Dentists as well as quite a few other tidbits of information about them. In turn the Grangers also learned a little more about Harry's home life and how he got to be the remarkable young man he was. The Potter heir liked to keep his secrets so did not reveal quite so much about his powers.
Dan Granger was extremely impressed with Harry Potter. The way the young man had handled finding out about his fame was impressive enough. But watching the young wizard take out those fully grown pieces of scum with such power and speed was astounding to the sandy haired man. Hermione and the boy also seemed to be fast friends, both sharing an interest in learning among other things. Emma was also quite taken with the young man and would forever be indebted to him for saving her from a horrible fate. The Granger adults had no illusions about what would have happened to the chestnut haired beauty had their daughter's new friend not saved them.
September 1st (A month later)…
Harry and Hermione were out of the car before her parents could even unbuckle their seatbelts.
"A bit excited are we," Emma teased.
"We are going to a school of magic mum," Hermione pointed out excitedly, eager to learn.
Harry smiled at his best friend. Over the past month the Potter heir had grown quite close to the Granger family and Hermione in particular. The past month had been a time of discovery for the new Rider. Saphira had grown in leaps and bounds. The dragon's shoulder now came up to her Rider's shoulder and he was quite tall for his age. The blue scaled dragon was currently circling overhead while invisible alongside the snowy owl, Hedwig. The two hunters were quite friendly towards each other after the dragon had overcome her initial instinct to eat the owl.
"You've got your mirrors?" Dan questioned as the quartet walked into Kings Cross station, the area bustling with activity.
"Yes dad," Hermione assured.
Harry had discovered the enchantment to allow mirrors to be tied to their possessor and then for those enchanted mirrors to be able to communicate with other mirrors inside the golden book in his trunk's tree house. The golden book seemed to be somewhat intelligent, responding to its possessor's desire for information and bringing up the appropriate texts. The shape-shifter had discovered quite a lot of time to study due to his no longer needing to sleep thanks to his new elf like physiology. Whenever he required rest the Rider simply entered a trance like state, a waking dream.
"I want you to check in every evening. If you get in any trouble you can't handle you are to teleport right home," Dan commanded.
"Yes dad," Hermione agreed.
When the four came to the divide between platforms nine and ten they stopped. Emma gave the two magical youths a warm hug.
"Take care of my daughter Harry," Dan said while shaking the wizard's hand.
"Of course," the sorcerer agreed.
"We'll see you both at Christmas time," Emma assured.
Harry had already been invited to spend the holiday with Hermione and her parents. Hermione led the way through the magical barrier onto platform nine and three-quarters just like Professor McGonagall had instructed her. The two friends were forty-five minutes early so had their choice of carriages on the scarlet steam engine called the Hogwarts' Express. The duo chose an empty carriage near the middle of the train. Their trunks were shrunken in their pockets with all of their belongings. The blue chest containing the pocket dimensional forest was also shrunken in Harry's pocket.
"I'm really glad you were able to remove that Ministry tracking charm we read about. We should be much better prepared now that we can do magic anytime and anyplace," Hermione suggested as she took her seat. "I still want to know how you did that."
"And as I've said before Hermione…a guy has to keep some secrets to keep a girl from getting bored with him," the mage teased.
Time passed quickly for the two friends until the platform outside the train started to fill up with students and their families. Harry's keen hearing couldn't help picking up much of the noise on the platform.
"Gran…I've lost Trevor again," a boy quite near Harry's compartment told his caretaker.
"Oh, Neville," the strict looking woman with a strange vulture hat replied while letting out a sigh of exasperation. "I'm sure you will find your toad somewhere on the train. Now hurry onboard."
Hermione knew her friend was far more perceptive than most people due to whatever family magics he had discovered in his vault on the day she had met him. The young book lover was curious but did not let that curiosity threaten her friendship.
"What is it?" Hermione questioned as she noticed her friend's attention elsewhere.
"I think I know how to make us another friend," the Rider declared with a mischievous grin as Saphira relayed an image from her vantage point resting on top of the train of a toad hopping onto the transport. "This," the wizard continued as he remote teleported the toad into his hand, "was lost by that Neville bloke right there."
"Good idea," Hermione replied, agreeing with the idea of returning the pet and making a friend.
It was only a few moments later before Neville walked by looking for a compartment. Harry opened the door while holding the toad in plain sight.
"I couldn't help overhearing that you lost a toad. Would this by chance be your wayward companion?" The sorcerer inquired.
"Trevor," a relieved young wizard cried as he took the toad from the dark haired Rider. "Thank you!"
"Would you like to sit with us?" Hermione invited.
"I would like that," Neville agreed before entering the compartment and taking a seat across from the two friends. It was obvious Neville already had his belongings shrunken on his person somewhere. "I'm Neville Longbottom," the somewhat shy new arrival greeted.
"I'm Harry Potter and this is my friend Hermione Granger," the Potter heir responded, causing Neville's eyes to widen before they darted up to the celebrity's forehead. "No I don't have a scar. Dumbledore made that up I'm sure."
"Sorry," Neville said with a blush.
"It's alright…I suspect that's the type of reaction I will be getting a lot," Harry pointed out with an easy grin.
"So Neville, tell us about yourself," Hermione suggested.
The three magic users got to know each other over the following minutes until two girls appeared at the door to the compartment.
"Hello Neville," a blonde girl greeted from the doorway as eleven o'clock (the time for the train's departure) rapidly approached.
"Hello Hannah, Susan," Neville replied nervously.
"Do you care if we sit with you?" The red haired witch standing behind Hannah inquired.
"Not at all," Harry assured.
The two girls took seats on the bench next to Neville. Hannah sat rather close to the Longbottom heir to the boy's evident discomfort. It was quite obvious to Harry that Neville liked Hannah and did not know how to react around her. After introductions and the obligatory ogling of the present celebrity were taken care of the five youths continued to get to know each other. The two new girls had been around Neville occasionally growing up. The two girls managed to contain the eagerness they felt towards meeting the boy hero they had been read bedtime stories about when they were younger. Still, Susan could be noticed blushing occasionally as she stole glances at the Rider. Harry was not at all opposed to the idea of Susan being attracted to him because she was quite a cute girl herself. In a few years Miss Bones would be simply stunning, just like Hermione.
The Rider reached out with his mind to his surroundings. The powerful mind of the dark haired shape-shifter picked up the general mood of those on the train; an air of excitement was prevalent.
"This will be an interesting experience," Saphira's mental voice declared in her Rider's mind.
It had been a bit odd at first when Harry realized his dragon could speak telepathically but he had quickly adjusted. Somehow the sorcerer felt it was only right that the blue scaled being could communicate with him, as if he instinctually knew she was capable of such before she spoke.
"Indeed…how is it up there?" The Potter heir questioned.
"It is fine," Saphira replied as she sunned herself on the roof of the car her Rider's compartment was part of.
"Excuse me, could I sit here with you?" A cute girl of Asian heritage inquired from the doorway.
Cho Chang wasn't exactly sure what drew her to the compartment she was standing at the entrance of. Some subtle magic in the air along with a musky sent stimulated the second year student's senses. Cho was the daughter of the Chinese Ambassador to the Ministry of Magic. Her parents had homeschooled her for the first year of what would have normally been her Hogwarts track. Cho had recently been accepted into Hogwarts and sorted into the school's second year class of Ravenclaws in a private meeting. When she laid eyes on the green eyed boy Cho quickly realized he was what had drawn her into the compartment. Something enchanting was at work originating from the young man.
"I think we have room for one more," Harry declared.
Cho took a seat next to Harry so that he was between her and Hermione. Introductions were made while the shape-shifter noticed a family of redheads hurry onto the platform. The youngest girl was cute but did not appear to be of a Hogwarts age yet. The redheads boarding the train quickly hurried into the locomotive just as the whistle blew to signal a last call before departure. The Rider's keen senses quickly perceived a hideous odor.
"It's the youngest redheaded male," Saphira informed her Rider helpfully.
It only took Harry a few moments to confirm with his other senses that it was Ron Weasley that suffered from a severe lack of personal hygiene. The powerful mind of the dragon's companion immediately delved into the unprotected landscape the ginger laughingly called a brain in order to make sure Ron would not come near the compartment the six magicals sat in. Controlling an undefended mind was something that seemed to come naturally to Harry. The intelligent Potter male suspected the ease with which he performed some magical tasks was due to the slowly emerging set of memories he had inherited from his ancestor. The celebrity couldn't help but notice Ron Weasley's current task while directing the ginger elsewhere.
At the speed of thought Harry relived Ron's experience of being told to befriend Harry Potter and then to later report all of the Potter heir's activities to Albus Dumbledore. There were other memories of times watching Ron's mother, Molly, read many bedtime stories about Harry Potter to her daughter Ginny. Molly constantly told Ginny that someday the girl would marry Harry Potter. The celebrity in question found this all quite disturbing but realized he shouldn't judge Ginny by the actions of several of her family members. He would wait until he could scan Ginny's mind for himself. A quick perusal of the minds of the other Weasleys on the train revealed no knowledge of Dumbledore's manipulations. A certain map in the possession of the Weasley twins drew the Rider's attention.
"That map could be a problem if it can detect me," Saphira pointed out.
"Judging from Merlin's words regarding your cloak I doubt it can. But just in case I'll implant measures into the minds of these two pranksters to make them not notice your name on their Marauder's Map should it appear. Perhaps I should look into purchasing the map off of them in the future. With my mental abilities I probably don't need it but it could prove useful if something can block my mind powers," pointed out Harry.
The Rider knew it was possible to block his mind powers because Saphira was capable of such a feat. The Dursleys had proved to have extremely weak mental defenses. Because of his time spent practicing reading and manipulating Petunia's mind Harry had the memories of many years of his mother's life as she grew up. The sorcerer took the time to copy quite a few of the memories he found in the minds of the elder Weasleys; knowledge about wizarding life and memories of learning quite a few spells. The Rider did not take the time to grab every spell the Weasley brothers had learned because there simply wasn't time at the moment nor did he desire a headache. It would take several weeks to absorb and sort the knowledge of the full seven years of Hogwarts curriculum. Harry had plenty of time though.