1981

Albus Dumbledore stood among the ashes, his wand still held loosely in his weakening hand. His body was charred, his heart barely beating.

The hill was covered in ashes and soot, ashes of what was once Voldemort's horcruxes. Nothing stood a chance against Fiendfyre.

Even Albus Dumbledore.

With his last breath, Albus smiled, for it was done.

…

1996

If there was anyone who Lily Evans loved more than her husband, it was her son. Who, unfortunately, took a little too much after his father.

It was a battle and a half to get Harry to sit still in one place, that boy was constantly searching for adventures. When he was younger he tired out both of his parents, as well as the rest of the Marauders before the day was even done – and he still had energy for more.

He was sixteen now and Lily was glad she didn't have to run after him no more (even though she still thought he needed constant supervision). Harry was off doing his own thing in the world, leaving her to work as a Potions Mistress while James continued his successful Auror career.

When Harry turned eleven, he didn't go to Hogwarts. It broke his parents' hearts and more than a few glass ornaments during their arguments. Lily knew deep in her heart that Harry hated school. He was too free of a spirit to sit in classrooms all day. That didn't mean she wanted her son to have no education.

It surprised her when Harry fought that argument back with an apprenticeship. Lily didn't know that wizards took apprentices that young and James, when questioned, admitted it was mostly done outside of Britain. That was true, the apprenticeship was with a group of wizards stationed in Egypt.

They were curse breakers and treasure hunters. Usually students after Hogwarts or other schools came and started working with them, but the best treasure hunters started young. Rowan Maddox knew that and decided to find an apprentice before he got too old. He was a British wizard, but he hasn't been a resident of the country since his Hogwarts years.

Harry wanted to be that apprentice and fought tooth and nail for it. After months of arguments and Harry's accidental magic blowing up their kitchen on multiple occasions, both Lily and James agreed – under some conditions.

Thus, Harry went to Cairo at the age of eleven with a wand, and an owl to write to his parents on weekly basis. He visited often, bringing gold and items he found on expeditions (his cut of the treasure, as was the custom) as well as stories that sometimes sounded more made up than real. Harry travelled through Egypt with Maddox, and all around the world with the group of treasure hunters. He saw more than most do in their entire lifetime and thrived off it.

When he came back at the age of thirteen with a burn that covered half of his arm, Lily almost refused to let him go again.

Next time it happened, James just threw a healing salve at him.

Harry was a treasure hunter for six years. A few weeks ago, Lily and James were visited by Rowan Maddox for the first time since Lily almost pulled him out of the apprenticeship three years before.

"I have nothing left to teach him," Rowan admitted. "If anything, he surpassed me. I got him to learn everything he'd be taught in school and passed all my knowledge of curse breaking and treasure hunting."

Lily and James shared a look. "Well, what does that mean for Harry?" James asked carefully.

"I want Harry to go for a Mastery in Curse Breaking. He could pass it any day of the week, but the rules for it have changed since he started his apprenticeship. A few years ago, he could pass it without his OWLs and NEWTs, because he was apprenticing under a Master. Now he needs to formally get his exams, before he can take the tests for Curse Breaking."

Lily and James understood. They also knew that Harry would not be happy with the development.

They were right.

"What? I have to go to school?" The sixteen-year-old complained when his Master and his parents broke the news to him.

"Not for another year," Lily tried to reason with him. She let out a sigh, wishing for the conversation to be over. She was worried her kitchen would once again get blown up, like it did years go. "The Ministry agreed for you to take the OWLs without having to take the classes, but they want you to spend a year at school before your NEWTs. I'm sorry sweetheart, we tried our best."

Harry grumbled, glaring at his parents. "We were meant to be going to Peru that year! Peru! Mum, there's plans to search Norte Chico!"

Rowan rolled his eyes. "I promise you kid, it's going to take more than a year to get clearance from their government for an expedition there. You'll get to come after you get your NEWTs."

"What if I don't though? What if you do get clearance? I don't want to miss out."

"Harry, you need your NEWTs. You can't take your Mastery without them. That's the rules, Prongslet." James said. "Peru will wait for you, it's been there for a few thousand years, I'm sure it can wait a few more."

Harry looked between the three adults. He threw his best pleading look at his mum, who just looked away. He wasn't going to win this battle, it seemed.

"Promise me you'll wait for me with the Peru expedition?" Harry looked at Rowan.

The older man smiled, his weathered face wrinkling heavily around his eyes. "I promise, kid. I know how much it means to you."

…

1997

Harry Potter wasn't happy with the current development, but happier than when he got the news of it for the first time a year ago.

He was going to Hogwarts for a year to do his NEWTs. He didn't understand why the Ministry wouldn't just let him do his NEWTs there, like they did with his OWLs (he passed with flying colours).

Going to Hogwarts wouldn't have been so bad if it weren't for the fact that he absolutely abhorred being in a classroom. Also, he would be missing out on a whole year of treasure hunting. If Rowan found something huge in that year he was away, Harry was going to strangle the man.

"It's only for one year," James said as he hugged him at the platform. "You can then go to Peru and do your Mastery with Rowan."

"Yeah," Harry mumbled. "I still don't want to go."

"You have to though, unless you want to be considered an apprentice for the rest of your life." James smiled. Harry shrugged at him.

"Harry, look at me. You're my son and I love you." Lily took his hand into hers. "But if you don't stop complaining I might just have to hex you. Don't make me do it."

That statement made Harry laugh weakly. "She's right prongslet. Stop acting like a first year and just enjoy it. Consider this year like a break and prank some people." James punched his son in the arm playfully.

"James don't encourage him." Lily scolded. "Remember to study and please, at least try to behave in class. I know you don't like school, but be nice to your teachers, please Harry."

Harry nodded. "I'll try." He said.

The Hogwarts Express whistled loudly, announcing five minutes until the train departs.

"Right, time for you to go then. Write to us, okay?" Lily said as they pulled the seventeen-year-old into last hugs.

"Don't worry mum, I will."

"I snuck the cloak and the map into your truck when your mum wasn't looking," James whispered into Harry's ear during his hug. "Now, you better behave young man." He said a bit louder.

"Yes sir." Harry grinned. He was going to miss his parents. During his apprenticeship, he saw them once a month at least, that was a part of their deal with Rowan. At Hogwarts, he wouldn't see them until Christmas and that was months away.

James helped Harry put his trunk and owl (a beautiful snowy owl called Hedwig) onto the train and into a nearby free compartment. The train left soon enough though, and Harry found himself waving at his parents from the window until he could no longer see them.

Sighing, he fell onto the plush seat of the compartment, sharing a look with Hedwig. She hooted at him, unhappy to be in a cage. She was usually left to roam free when she wasn't flying back and forth between countries with correspondence. Hedwig was the most durable owl he knew and he was proud to call her his familiar.

"I know Hedwig, I'll let you out once we get to Hogwarts. You've never been there before so I didn't want you to fly and get lost." Harry said to her. She hooted at him again, ruffling her feathers. It was clear that she was offended at that statement – she could find anyone or anyplace with ease, even if she has never been there before.

The truth was, Harry kept her around because he didn't want to travel completely alone. Hedwig seemed to know that, as she flapped her wings and nibbled on the lock to her cage with her beak.

"Stay with me though, alright?" Harry asked her as he opened the cage. She flew onto his arm, letting him stroke her feathers with familiar ease. He knew exactly where to scratch her to make her forgive him the previous statement.

"I hope I'm forgiven." Harry smiled at her, scratching her just above her eyes. She blinked her huge eyes slowly, as if she was agreeing with him.

"You should really keep any pets in their cages until we arrive at Hogwarts."

Harry looked up, he didn't close the compartment door and didn't notice when someone arrived at it. It was a girl about his age, already dressed in a uniform trimmed with red. She had a badge pinned to her robe, which said 'Head Girl' in neat print. Her most prominent feature was the bushy brown hair that she kept long, probably to weigh it down and in an attempt to contain the frizz.

"Hedwig prefers to be out of her cage." Harry said to her. She frowned at him.

"She can attack someone else's pet." She said. "You're too old to be a first year, but I don't know you."

"I have faith that Hedwig will be well behaved and won't eat anyone else's pet, right girl?" He smiled at the owl, who hooted back. "I'm going to be in seventh year actually."

The girl pursed her lips, but decided not to argue about the owl matter any longer. "Just keep an eye on her. I'm a seventh year as well, how come I have never seen you? I'm Hermione Granger by the way, Head Girl."

"I was under an apprenticeship before this, but I need to take my NEWTs before I finish my Mastery." Harry explained. "I'm Harry Potter, pleased to meet you."

Hermione's eyes widened momentarily. "You're the Boy-Who-Lived!" She exclaimed rather loudly, before shutting her mouth and blushing at her sudden heightened volume.

"I'd prefer if you just called me Harry," He grinned at her.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said it like that." Hermione apologised. "It's just I've read a lot about you, I never thought I'd meet you since you didn't come to Hogwarts when you were meant to."

Harry shrugged. "I never really liked school, I'm only here because the Ministry won't let me take my NEWTs without this year. An apprenticeship suited me more."

"I wasn't aware the Wizarding World had apprenticeship programmes." Hermione admitted. "Do you mind if I sit down for a while? I'd like to know more about it, if you don't mind."

"All the seats are free, help yourself."

The witch sat down quickly, straightening out her skirt once seated. She looked at him, eyes shining with interest.

"So how did you get an apprenticeship? Like I said, I wasn't aware they existed." Hermione continued talking, her voice gaining speed with every word. "I know there's some in the muggle world, but you need at least secondary school to get them and from what you said I presume you started at eleven – "

"Whoa, slow down there Hermione." Harry interrupted her. She blushed again from embarrassment and mumbled an apology. "It's fine, but I feel like you won't learn much if can't get my word in to answer your questions."

The girl nodded, smiling. She felt at ease talking to him.

"Well, apprenticeships are rare in Britain. In Europe and on other continents they're much more common. I knew from when my mum sent me to Little Wizards School for a year to meet some children my age that I didn't want to go to school and I researched other options. A lot of people start their apprenticeships after they're seventeen, but some professions prefer to teach someone from when they're young. It saves on making them unlearn some things from school."

"That sounds fascinating, what did you apprentice in, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Officially it's Curse Breaking." Harry said. "But really it's Treasure Hunting. Curse Breaking is the biggest part of it and the official Mastery I'd get though."

Hermione nodded, processing the information. She frowned as she thought. "If you're doing an apprenticeship though, shouldn't you be able to just do your Mastery straight away?"

Harry nodded, pulling a face. "Yeah that's how it worked up until like – four years ago I want to say? The Ministry decided that you have to have OWLs and NEWTs passed before you can do Mastery exams. Which sucks, because now I have to do a year of school that I wouldn't have to do before."

"I understand where the Ministry is coming from though." Hermione admitted.

"Yeah, but it's ruining my plans. I was meant to be in Peru right now with an expedition to Norte Chico, not playing school just because the Ministry wants me to." Harry whined. It was surprising how easy he found it to speak to Hermione. All the Treasure Hunters he knew were older than him. He rarely spoke to anyone his age, really only when someone's child came to visit and even then they ranged in age from ten year olds to twenty-somethings. To be able to speak to the girl this easily was surprising, but not unwelcome.

"Peru is a beautiful place, it's a shame you're missing out on it."

"They're holding the expedition up until I finish my NEWTs, but it bugs me that I could be preparing for it right now."

"I'm sure you'll enjoy Hogwarts. The castle looks beautiful, as you'll soon find out." Hermione said. "It's absolutely fascinating as well, have you read Hogwarts: A History?"

"I haven't yet, no. Mum gave it to me as a goodbye gift though so I'll look at it soon. You really like that word though, don't you?"

Hermione looked at him confused. "What word?"

"Fascinating." He grinned cheekily.

"Harry Potter, don't you make fun of me." She frowned.

"I'm not, I swear." He laughed. "You just sound like everything is fascinating to you, Hermione. Isn't that just fascinating?"

She punched him in the arm.

…

Well what did you know, Hogwarts did look beautiful and fascinating.

Hermione left soon enough, panicking that she was neglecting her Head Girl duties and apologising profusely for leaving him on his own. Harry didn't mind and said they'll have more time to talk once they get to Hogwarts. He pulled out his copy of Hogwarts: A History and let Hedwig rest on his shoulder while he flipped through the pages until the train was a few minutes away from Hogsmeade, when he changed into the still plain black uniform.

Harry put Hedwig back into her cage, knowing that she'll be transported to the owlery soon enough and said goodbye to her. He then got off the train and took a few minutes to stare at the view while on the platform.

The view of Hogwarts was breath taking. It was ancient, but strong and almost illuminated with magic. Harry's treasure hunter instincts were telling him that the castle had many secrets and he'd be damned if he didn't at least try to uncover them.

"Harry!"

He turned around towards the voice calling out his name. It was Hermione, pushing through the crowd towards him. She was accompanied by another boy, who had a neutral look on his face.

"Hey Hermione, fancy seeing you here."

"Did you get told what to do when you're on the platform? Are you taking the boats with the first years or the carriages?" Hermione started asking, looking a little worried.

"Granger calm yourself, he's not a scared and lost first year." The boy next to her drawled. There was a hint of amusement in his voice.

Hermione glared at him. "I'm just trying to help."

"Don't worry Hermione, I'm supposed to take the carriages and someone's meeting me in the Entrance Hall. Something tells me that the boats are a little small for me."

"Merlin knows they fit Hagrid, so I don't think they're too small for anyone." The still nameless boy muttered.

"Regardless, I'm glad you know what you're doing." Hermione said, ignoring her companion's comment. "Do you want to ride a carriage with us then? We don't have any duties until after the feast now."

"I'd like to." Harry said. It was nice to know he wouldn't be lonely at Hogwarts and that the friend he made was a decent person. His dad used to say to him that Hogwarts always had a fair few prats and he was glad that he hasn't met one yet.

"I'm Harry Potter, by the way." He said to the boy next to Hermione and extended his hand, who was wearing a 'Head Boy' badge pinned to his chest.

The boy took it, nodding with a small smile. "Draco Malfoy, pleased to meet you."

"Likewise," Harry replied. His father's words were ringing in his years, of how Slytherins were slimy (Draco's robes were trimmed with green) and how Malfoys were prats second only to Snivellus. Draco seemed nice enough so far though, and Harry decided to go with Lily's advice of judging someone by their actions rather than their house and name.

"Right, can we go now? I don't want to be late." Hermione shifted, pulling on both boys' robes to get them to move.

"Granger, we're not going to be late. Knowing you, we'll be way too early and will have to wait for a long time for the feast to start." Draco said to her, but moved regardless. "Also, I wouldn't mind missing the sorting, it's a little boring after seeing it for five years."

"Don't be rude, you can't miss the sorting." Hermione huffed. "Plus, Harry has to be sorted as well."

"I'm apparently going first." Harry complained and pulled a face. "How do we get sorted anyway? My parents refused to tell me, it's irritating."

"Well – " Draco started to say, but Hermione cut him off.

"Malfoy don't tell him! It's meant to be a surprise."

Harry rolled his eyes, as did Draco. "I'm not eleven, Hermione. The magic of Hogwarts won't be spoiled by knowing how I'm getting sorted." Harry said to her.

"See? It's perfectly all right to tell him." Hermione didn't seem to agree, but stayed silent. "You get sorted with a hat."

"A hat?"

"Yes, a hat." Draco smirked.

"You're pulling my leg." Harry said flatly.

"I assure you, that I am not." The blonde wizard continued to smirk.

"How the fuck is a hat going to sort me?"

"Language, Harry!"

"Sorry Hermione. No, but seriously, how in the world is that going to happen?"

"Magic, Potter." Draco said. "Pure and simple magic."

…

When they arrived, the Head Boy and Girl said goodbye to Harry and wished him luck. They left for the Great Hall to sit at their respective house tables. Harry was left alone in the Entrance Hall, still refusing to believe what Draco said to him. The boy must be pulling his leg, a hat just sounded so stupid.

He wasn't left alone long, as an extremely short elderly wizard approached him. He introduced himself as Professor Flitwick and ushered him into a small chamber next to the Great Hall.

"I knew both of your parents, Mr Potter. Very talented individuals; yes, yes. I'm looking forward to having you in my class, I'll be your Charms professor." Professor Flitwick said to him. Harry assured him that he was looking forward to his class as well, even if that was only partially true. Learning new magic? Great. Having to sit in silence for an hour as someone talked at him and got them to read a text book? Not so much.

Professor Flitwick lead him to where the first years were waiting to be lead into the Great Hall. Suddenly, Harry felt like a giant – literally everyone (even the teacher!) was significantly shorter than him. The first years looked nervous and some even looked frightened and for some reason his presence made it even worse.

The Charms professor quickly explained to everyone each of the houses and the order of how they'll get sorted ("You'll get called first, Mr Potter and then everyone else in alphabetical order. Just come up to the front, you'll understand what to do once we get there."). Some of the first years squealed when Flitwick mentioned his name and spoke in excited hushed whispers.

Quite frankly, Harry felt stupid when he walked into the Hall. He led the first years right between the two middle tables, just a few steps between Flitwick. They were walking towards a stool with a hat on it.

He found Draco in the crowd and the blonde was sniggering. Harry blushed, knowing exactly what he was laughing at. He glared at the Head Boy, who just found it all the more amusing.

"When I call your name, come up to the front and put on the Sorting Hat. It will sort you into your house for the next seven years." Flitwick said. "However, first, I believe the Sorting Hat will sing its song."

Harry had to stop himself from blatantly gaping when the old hat on the stool opened its – mouth? – and sang about unity and the four Founders of Hogwarts. When the initial shock wore off, his brain started to appreciate the Sorting Hat for what it was – an amazing ancient artefact.

The fact that it was made by the Founders (the song said so) and its magic was still working perfectly as far as everyone was concerned was unique and a show of unimaginable magical power from the caster.

A part of Harry really, really wanted it.

He was shook from his musings when his name was called up and people started to whisper. Harry tried to ignore the stares and moved forward. When he sat down, he caught Hermione giving him thumbs up.

"Ah Mr Potter, you're a few years late aren't you?" Harry froze. It spoke? This hat was far more amazing than he thought. "Why thank you, I haven't heard such compliments in years. Now, let's get to business, where shall I put you, hmm?"

Really, Harry had no preference. Draco was in Slytherin and he seemed like a decent bloke, so clearly the house wasn't so bad. Plus, Lily would smite him if he started to judge people by their house rather than their personalities. Both his parents were in Gryffindor and so was Hermione, so he was sure he'd enjoy himself there. He hasn't met anyone currently at Hogwarts that was a Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff yet, but the few alumni of those houses came across were nice. Rowan was a Ravenclaw, which Harry always found amusing as Rowan's mother named him after the founder of the house in hope of it influencing Rowan to have some sense in him as he grew up.

"No preference? That's rare coming from those who are not muggleborn...but your mother is a smart witch who didn't like the house rivalry, did she? I see, you have some very good values, Mr Potter. You're very hard working, aren't you? However, I don't see you gaining your full potential in Helga's house. Perhaps Slytherin or Ravenclaw? You're certainly intelligent enough for Ravenclaw and your ambition and resourcefulness are not to be questioned...Although, your dreams of Treasure Hunting require a certain bravery and sheer daring, perhaps you'll find yourself most at home among the lions..."

Harry fidgeted in his seat, he just wanted to have this sorting be over and done with. He felt like he was sat on the stool for what seemed like forever and did not like the way everyone was starting at him and whispering still.

"You certainly won't let your house affect your friendships, Mr Potter. I wish you luck in your new house, it better be GRYFFINDOR!"

The Great Hall erupted in cheers. Harry took off the hat hastily, not noticing when his robes magically became trimmed red and walked towards the Gryffindor table, which was cheering the loudest out of the entire Hall. Harry sat down next to Hermione, who hugged him out of excitement and congratulated him.

Harry turned around to look at Draco sat at the Slytherin table, who was clapping politely and wouldn't let his thoughts show on his face. Harry smiled at him and nodded in greeting, which the young Malfoy returned. Harry then turned back to the front of the Hall, to watch the first years get sorted.

The rest of the sorting was tedious and boring and when the last first year was sorted into Ravenclaw, Harry couldn't be happier. He was getting hungry and a hungry Harry wasn't the best company.

From the front table, a witch stood up as Flitwick took the hat and stool away. She was elderly and looked stern, but fair and dressed in heavy dark green robes. She was sat in the middle of the table, in the Headmaster's seat.

"I would like to welcome our new students to Hogwarts and welcome back all those returning." She spoke loudly and clearly, but with a hint of a Scottish accent. "For those who don't know me, I am Professor McGonagall, your Headmistress.

"Before we begin the feast, I have a few announcements. Firstly, I would like to remind you that the Forbidden Forest remains forbidden to all students. Mr Filch would like me to remind you that there have been a few items from Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes added to the list of forbidden items. If you would like to see the full list, Mr Filch would be glad to inform you and you can see him in his office.

"Now onto further announcements, I would like to welcome Professor Quirrell to his seventh year as our Defence Against the Dark Arts professor. He still holds the record for holding this position for the longest time in over half a century. May he stay with us for longer. Professor Malcolm McGonagall will be the new Head of Gryffindor after Professor Kettleburn's retirement last year. We wish Professor Kettleburn a happy retirement and for him to keep the remainder of his limbs. He will be replaced by Professor Grubbly-Plank as our new Care of Magical Creatures professor.

"Now without further ado, I hope you all will enjoy the next year at Hogwarts and learn many new things. Let us proceed with the feast."

The food appeared on the tables before the elderly Headmistress sat down. Harry couldn't be happier and immediately started to load his plate with the steaming hot dishes. Besides him, Hermione did much the same, although a little slower.

"I'm glad you got into Gryffindor, Harry. I wouldn't hear the end of it from Malfoy if you got into Slytherin." Hermione said to him.

Harry shrugged. "What would it matter? A house is a house. I'd still be friends with you if I was in any of the other three."

Hermione smiled brightly at him. "I know, but Malfoy likes to brag. A lot. Plus, having the Boy-Who-Lived in Slytherin would cause an uproar."

"Well now you can brag to him," Harry winked playfully. "But I don't know how it would matter if I was in Slytherin. It's not a bad house."

"Are you sure you're the son of James Potter?"

Harry turned around and saw a redheaded, lanky boy talking to him. "What do you mean?" Harry asked him, narrowing his eyes suspiciously.

"Well it's just James Potter is known for being a Gryffindor fanatic. And Gryffindor and Slytherin have this rivalry, obviously." The boy shrugged. "My parents know your dad from Hogwarts, I think my dad was a few years older though."

"Yeah dad is big on Gryffindor, but if mum heard I was taking part in this rivalry on any matter besides some friendly Quidditch competition, she'd skin me alive. Her best friend is a Slytherin." Harry explained.

The boy rolled his eyes. "Women." He muttered. "I'm Ron Weasley, by the way."

"Harry Potter. Nice to meet you."

Soon enough Harry was introduced to the rest of his year, both boys and the girls. He was also introduced to Ron's sister Ginny who looked petrified when he said hello to her. Harry got along with them easily, most of them having a boisterous personality.

Neville didn't, he was rather quiet, but seemed rather confident. Hermione whispered to Harry that Neville used to be really shy and unsure of himself, but over the years he got more confident with the help of his housemates. Hearing that made Harry happy, it was good that they all looked out for each other.

"Hey Hermione, how come you and Draco call each other by your surnames?" Harry asked when the feast was nearing its end. The question was bugging him since he first met the two.

"Habit I guess," Hermione admitted. "We used to hate each other up until fourth year. Now I think it works a little like a nickname I think."

"Hermione's still the only one who can stand Malfoy for longer than five minutes though." Ron chipped in, mouth full of food as he spoke. The result was that Harry really had to think hard to decipher what Ron was saying.

Hermione looked at the ginger boy with distaste. "Don't eat while speaking, Ronald." She scolded him. "And I'm sure you'd like each other if you just tried to talk to him."

"Yeah I'm sure I'd like him if he wasn't such a git."

The two argued over it for a while, before Harry sighed and decided to break it off before Hermione cursed Ron.

"Hermione, what happened in fourth year that made you and Malfoy stop hating each other?" He asked.

Hermione fell silent and gave him a wicked grin, and suddenly Harry didn't want to know.

…

A/N: Well what do you know, 'Independence' is barely started and here I am with a new fic. My essay is being neglected, but I blame that on slow internet and thus the inability to research properly. No worries though, I am fully intending on working on both of my fics simultaneously and update without too much of a break in between each chapter.

I have a soft spot for AUs, so naturally this has to be one. The differences between this and canon will be revealed as we go on, but I believe you got a taste of it in this chapter.

I hope you enjoyed this, please favourite and review (especially review, I'd love to hear your opinion)!

Edited 03/06/2017 – fixed some spelling and grammar mistakes.