Disclaimer: All I own in this fanfic, J.K. Rowling owns the rest. No copyright intended!

Summary: Harry's placement in the Triwizard Tournament against his will becomes the final straw. Alot of people (including the majority of Gryffindor House) have accused him of being an attention seeker, oblivious that they're just risking pushing Harry's buttons. After letting all the steam out, Harry decides to play with fire and extract revenge (in the form of pranks). Look out Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, and certainly look out Hogwarts! Harry is done playing the saviour and getting next to nothing in return. Nevertheless, a handful of students have decided to side with Harry (even if they have to do so secretly). What will become of Harry and will he finally get the respect he rightfully deserves? Read on to look for answers!

Author's note 1: This will be an eventual Harry/Tracey main pairing, and an eventual Neville/Astoria secondary pairing story. Eventual miscellaneous pairings include Blaise/Luna, Adrian/Daphne and Terence/Susan. Fed-up Harry! The story will start on the morning of the Saturday after the champion selection for the Triwizard Tournament. Bashing of many students and teachers. Moderate bashing of Ron, Hermione and Ginny. Heavy bashing of McGonagall and Snape! Greater Good Dumbledore! Rated T for now, may go up depending on the circumstances. Friendship and Humor mainly, with some eventual romance later on.

Playing With Fire

Fanfic by Brockster550

Chapter 1: The Plan

Harry Potter was sitting on a tree stump by his favourite spot near the shores of the Black Lake. It was a nice Saturday morning, and Harry was angry that he was put in harm's way, yet again. The raven haired teen wizard had been hopeful that, for once he would be out of the spotlight and have a normal year. When his name emerged from the goblet of fire on Halloween, Harry knew that it was, yet another attempt on his life. On his way to the antechamber behind the staff table in the Great Hall, Harry could hear random students calling him a glory hound, attention seeker, cheater, etc… etc. Professor Dumbledore handed the parchment with Harry's name (in 'his' handwriting) on it to him and instructed Harry to continue on into the antechamber.

In the antechamber, Harry was confronted by his headmaster and asked him if he submitted his name. Harry truthfully confirmed it, but he was told that he still had to compete because of a magical binding contract (despite telling everyone that his name wasn't in his handwriting). The other champions (including Cedric Diggory, the true Hogwarts champion) just called him a liar before leaving. The Hufflepuffs were outraged at Harry for 'trying to overshadow one of their high profile members.' The Ravenclaws accused Harry of cheating the age line when the Weasleys twins failed, even with the use of ageing potions. The Slytherins called Harry the teachers' pet and claimed that the 'Gryffindor Golden Boy' had to have it all. But the behaviour of Gryffindor shocked Harry the most because they accused him of dishonouring the name and house. Harry's supposed best friend, Ron Weasley called him an egotistical prick and a filthy liar when he asked Harry how he got past the line. Harry truthfully said that he didn't, which fell on deaf ears since Ron claimed that Harry was just being an attention seeker. Hermione Granger didn't say that she thought of Harry as a cheater, but she never said anything in his defence. Ron's sister, Ginny also never said she thought of Harry as an attention seeker but she, too never spoke up in Harry's defence. So far, the only Gryffindors who assured Harry that they believed him were the Weasley twins, their best friend Lee Jordan, and Neville Longbottom. Unfortunately for Harry, the Gryffindor quidditch chasers Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnet and Katie Bell angrily told him off for 'looking for more fame and glory.' In other words, the Gryffindor chasers shunned Harry. The morning after the champion selection, a Hufflepuff in Harry's year, Susan Bones also told Harry she believed him. So far, no Slytherins or Ravenclaws said the same, but Harry didn't bother looking for any who were on his side (unaware that six Slytherins and one Ravenclaw were secretly on his side). Harry's godfather, Sirius and honourary uncle, Remus wrote to Harry and assured him that they believed him. Rubeus Hagrid, the gamekeeper also assured Harry that he believed him.

Harry was brought out of his musings when he heard footsteps approach him. Whipping his wand out, Harry turned to the sound of the footsteps and was relieved that it was Neville.

"Sorry, Neville," Harry apologized, putting his wand away. "Just a little jumpy because of the countless number of random students threatening to curse me to Timbuktu!"

"It's all good, Harry," assured Neville. "Just wanted to let you know that you should go to Gringotts as soon as possible. You have some inheritance that Dumbledore should've told you about long ago. Gran told me that he declared himself your magical guardian."

"That's Dumbledore, always meddling with my life," said Harry with contempt in his voice. Then he resumed in a normal voice. "What do you mean by inheritance, Neville?"

"House Potter is one of the seven most ancient and most noble houses," stated Neville, shocking Harry (to the point where it made him jump). "The other six are House Longbottom, House Black, House Greengrass, House Bones, House Zabini and House Delacour!"

"Why are those seven known as most ancient and most noble houses?" asked Harry.

"Well, from what gran told me," Neville started explaining. "It was centuries and centuries ago when those seven houses got together and built the Wizengamot, and the foundation for the International Confederation of Wizards. It was our goal to bring peace throughout the wizarding and the muggle world. Out of the seven, House Potter is the most powerful one, also holding several seats in the Wizengamot."

"And I was kept in the dark about all this?" said Harry irritably. "What are Dumbledore's motives for all that, assuming that he's gonna keep at it?"

"Something he calls the Greater Good," said Neville. "Gran told me that my mum was your godmother and that you should've been placed in my parents' custody if Sirius Black couldn't take you in."

"So you and your gran believe that he's innocent?" asked Harry.

"Yes," said Neville. "We never recalled hearing about his trial, though. He should have received one because he is a member of House Black. It made gran suspicious when she didn't find anything about Sirius getting a trial."

"Sirius never received one in the first place," stated Harry. "Near the end of last year, he revealed that Minister Fudge and Barty Crouch just had him chucked into Azkaban without so much as giving him a trial, despite Sirius being a member of House Black. That was like something called a kangaroo court."

"That's a form of corruption," Neville revealed. "Sirius had his rights violated. Madam Bones is another person who believed Sirius to be innocent, and still does. Dumbledore could've done something about that case of injustice, but he never did anything to resolve it."

"Once I go to Gringotts and get the reading of my parents' will finished, I'll make sure Sirius gets a trial," said Harry. "But I have no known way of getting to Gringotts."

"Do you know a house elf that can help out with that?" asked Neville.

"Yeah," said Harry. "But I have no idea where Dobby could be…"

"Did Harry calls for Dobby?" said the house elf when he appeared with a pop.

"Yes I did, Dobby." said Harry.

"I thought you belonged to the Malfoys." said Neville, recognizing the house elf.

"Dobby used to," Dobby explained. "But Harry Potter tricked bad masters into freeing Dobby froms their servitude a whiles back."

"I see." said Neville with realization.

"Dobby, how did you get here almost immediately after I said your name?" asked Harry.

"From the moments you tricked bad masters into freeing me from theirs' servitude," Dobby revealed. "It created a bond between you and Dobby. So anytime you say Dobby's name, Dobby can hear it and will comes to you instantly."

"Wow, I never knew that," said Harry in a surprised voice. "But, is there a proper way to do the bonding?"

"Of course, Harry Potter," stated Dobby. "Just hold one of my hands and say that you bond with him. Dobby would consider it an honour to be Harry Potter's."

Before Harry could get started, he asked Dobby if Winky (who was Barty Crouch's former house elf) would like to have a new master, Dobby vanished to get her. Almost immediately, Dobby came back with Winky (who was still upset at having been set free).

"Hey Winky," said Harry. "Would you like to bond with me?"

"Really?" asked Winky ecstatically. "Harry Potter wishes to be Winky's new master?"

"Of course!" said Harry enthusiastically, smiling at the female house elf.

Winky was all happy to be getting a new master. Dobby opted to have Winky do the bond first (figuring out that Harry was adamant on the ladies first policy). Once that was done, then Harry did the bond with Dobby. Once that was done, Harry instructed Dobby and Winky to escort himself and Neville respectively to the Leaky Cauldron, then Harry instructed his house elves to go back to Hogwarts and keep an eye on anything suspicious.

"Harry, why'd you have me tag along?" asked Neville.

"Well," said Harry. "Since you've given me alot of information, I want to return the favour. Maybe purchase you a new wand or something. It'll help increase your confidence."

"How did you find that out?!" asked Neville, flabbergasted.

"A hunch," stated Harry. "Mr. Ollivander told me that the wand chooses the wizard, the day I first purchased mine. When you fell off that broomstick during flying lessons first year was when I figured that the wand you've been using was interfering with your confidence, which to me explained why the broom acted the way it did when you were on it."

"Oh, yeah," said Neville sheepishly. "Gran wanted me to live up to my dad's standards, so she gave me his wand, believing it would be in his honour."

"I can write to her and explain about the nature of wands," offered Harry. "I'm sure she'll understand."

"Yeah," said Neville. "Hopefully she won't get mad."

So the two Gryffindors started heading to Gringotts. Once they walked in through the front entrance, a familiar goblin spotted Harry.

"Ah, Lord Potter," said the goblin. "We've been expecting you."

"It's good to see you again, Griphook," Harry greeted, giving Griphook a polite bow. "You were the one who escorted me to my vault."

"You remembered," said Griphook ecstatically. "Not many wizards or witches acknowledge us goblins!"

"I wanted to set a good example," said Harry. "After all, respect is earned, not given. And Neville is among those who has earned my respect."

"The future Lord Longbottom," said Griphook as Neville gave him a polite bow. Then the goblin turned his attention back to Harry. "Ragnok has been sending you letters that mention your inheritance, Lord Potter."

"I never did get any mail from Gringotts," said Harry. "I only found out a while ago because Neville was the one who informed me. Would you please just call me Harry?"

"Of course, as long as you call me Griphook," said the goblin, with Harry nodding his head in understanding to prove it. "We'd better get to Ragnok's office as soon as possible."

"Is it alright if Neville tags along?" asked Harry.

"Of course." said Griphook.

So he escorted Harry and Neville over to Ragnok's office. The eventually reached a door that had a frosted glass window with the words, 'Ragnok, director of Gringotts London,' printed across it. Then Griphook knocked on the door.

"Come in!" called a voice from the other side.

Then Griphook showed Harry and Neville inside, then he came in and closed the door. Ragnok saw that Harry was one of the visitors.

"Lord Potter," Ragnok greeted Harry. "I'm glad you could make it."

"Likewise," Harry greeted back. "Would you just call me Harry, please?"

"Yes, as long as you call me Ragnok," said the director of Gringotts. "Now, I was wondering why it took you so long to answer the notification letters."

"I honestly didn't get any mail from Gringotts," Harry clarified. "Neville was the one who informed me of my inheritance and how House Potter is one of the seven most ancient and most noble houses."

"Hmm," Ragnok replied suspiciously. "Looks like Albus Dumbledore declared himself as your magical guardian. We'd better get your parents' will, Harry."

So Griphook left the office to get Harry's parents' will. A few minutes later, he returned with the parchment containing the will. After Griphook set the parchment (which was wax sealed) in front of Harry, Ragnok handed a silver dagger to him.

"You'll need to slice your palm with this, Harry," Ragnok explained. "That way you can allow seven drops of your blood to hit the wax and dissolve it. Don't worry, the wound will automatically heal once that's done."

Harry nodded his head in understanding and did as instructed. Once the seven drops of Harry's blood hit the wax seal, it dissolved. Then Harry unfolded the parchment that contained his parents' will and it said:

The last will and testament of Lily J. Potter (nee Evans) and James Charlus Potter:

To our son, Harry, if you're reading this will, then you father and I are dead. We're sorry and we love with all our hearts. We leave you the Potter family vault consisting of 400 million galleons, the Potter family ring with heirloom powers, some family heirlooms that will be granted to you once you finished reading the will. You will be granted access to Potter Manor once you turn fifteen (the minimum age of emancipation for the head of a most ancient and most noble house). Being the head of a most ancient and most noble house will also grant you exemption from the restriction of underage magic. We leave you a list of potential guardians if something should happen to us, in the order that follows:

#1. Sirius Orion Black (James' best friend and Harry's godfather)

#2. Frank and Alice Longbottom (friends of the family, with Alice being Harry's godmother)

#3. Amelia Bones (friend of the family)

#4. Minerva McGonagall (James' godmother)

#5. Dennis and Alexis Greengrass (friends of the family)

#6. Ted and Andromeda Tonks (friends of the family)

Under no, and we certainly mean NO circumstances is Harry ever to be placed with Petunia Dursley (nee Evans) and her husband. They're much worse than the average muggle because they hate magic beyond belief. They will just abuse and neglect Harry as much as they will spoil and dote on their son, Dudley. So for Harry's sake, keep him as far away from the Dursleys as possible.

There's also another piece of parchment that lists Harry's magical blocks if any get placed on him. It will require a blood signature to open.

One more thing for Harry and/or his guardians, Sirius Black wasn't the secret keeper, it was Peter Pettigrew.

We love you, Harry

Love,

Mum and dad

Signed,

October 15, 1981

Witnesses signed,

Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore

November 1, 1981

Harry felt a tear shedding as he read the will, realizing how much his parents really loved him. This made Harry hate the Dursleys even more than ever for their abusive treatment. In fact, Harry began hating Dumbledore for keeping him in the dark about all this and at the same time, Harry started respecting Neville more and more for informing him of it all. Harry saw two more folded up pieces of parchment, which surprised him.

"Uh, Ragnok," said Harry. "I see two more pieces of parchment fold up."

"Huh," said Ragnok. "Better check what the second one is."

So he ran a scan over the second parchment and raised an eyebrow when he realized what the second parchment was.

"Harry," Ragnok informed. "This happens to be a marriage contract. The spell revealed it to have been placed in your family vault around the middle of September in 1991. It was originally for Mr. Draco Malfoy to marry Miss Astoria Greengrass, effective as of the Malfoy scion's eighteenth birthday. I was wondering what you must've done for that to have happened."

"I don't know what I did," said Harry, baffled. "But I am surprised and curious as to how it ended up in my family vault."

"Did you accept any duels or something with the Malfoy scion?" asked Ragnok.

"As a matter of fact," said Harry, as something in his brain clicked. "Draco actually challenged me to a midnight duel that time, but all he really did was tell Mr. Filch the caretaker about students being in the trophy room that night. Neville was accompanying me, along with Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger."

"That must mean that young Draco sacrificed the contract to you," Ragnok realized. "Since he didn't have any real intentions to duel with you."

"Well, I'm not sure what to do with it now." said Harry.

Neville was blushing when he found out about the marriage contract ending up in the Potter vault. Harry noticed that and realized that Neville may have a crush on this Astoria Greengrass. He decided to wait until after he got his magical blocks removed before asking Neville, so Harry pocketed the contract in his pocket. Then he picked up the other folded up parchment, with Ragnok handing some kind of inkless quill to him.

"This is a blood quill, Harry," said Ragnok. "The parchment that lists your magical blocks requires a blood signature for it be opened. You'll feel some pain on the back of your hand when you write with the quill."

Harry nodded his head to show that he understood. Then he began signing his signature on the line where the signature had to be. Harry did feel pain on the back of his hand as he did so. Once the signature was taken care of, Harry unfolded the parchment that listed his magical blocks, which said:

Name: Harry James Potter

DOB: 7-31-80

Mother: Lily J. Potter (nee Evans)

Father: James Charlus Potter

Magical core 95% blocked. Natural abilities in Occlumency, wandless magic, healing abilities, defence magic, transfiguration, potions skills and charms.

Harry was shocked to learn of the all the abilities he had. Once he got over the shock, Harry pocketed his parents' will (knowing it was going to be needed in order to ensure that Sirius gets his trial). Then Ragnok got up and asked Harry and Neville to follow him to the magical block removal room. Neville had to wait outside and once Harry was in the room. Harry was instructed to lay down on a table in the middle of the room. Before doing so, Harry took his glasses off and placed them on a nearby stand. Then he got up onto the table, where he was given some sleeping draught. Once he fell into a dreamless sleep, the magical block removal team got to work to remove the blocks. While waiting outside the room, Neville felt some excitement flowing through him. He couldn't believe Draco was foolish enough to back out of that midnight duel, just to get Harry in trouble.

'I don't know what to say to Tori,' thought Neville. 'I've always wanted to talk to her before, but the ferret interfered with that, all thanks or anti-thanks to his father, Malfoy Sr. I remember Tori giving me that very smile, the one that would make my heart beat with excitement. It's not just her bubbly personality I admire, but she always had a cute smile and I just wish to see it again!'

To be continued!

Author's note 2: If any of you have some prank suggestions in mind, don't hesitate to let me know! But any of your suggestions won't be seen until chapter 7 at least, since I always aim to finish the first 6 chapters of any of my stories before I worry about posting the first chapter.