Disclaimer: Don't own Harry Potter

AN: This is a story that just wouldn't leave my head alone. The plot bunnies are well and alive haha. Have NOT abandoned The Galactic Warriors about a quarter of the way done with the next chapter should be out soon. Thanks for reading!

Chapter One

Kenneth Potter was born on January 17th, 1958 to Fleamont and Eumephia Potter. His brother, James Potter came nearly two years later on March 27th,1960. Because their parents were in their sixties by the James was born, both boys were pampered.

Kenneth, however, had taken an interest in the workings of his father's former potion business. Because of this, Fleamont Potter began to groom him to take over the business, buying out the company he had sold his potion to. Kenneth would take over the company when he came of age. This responsibility, along with his interest in Ministry politics, prevented the arrogance that had taken hold of James Potter.

He arrived at Hogwarts in the fall of 1969. He was quickly sorted into Gryffindor, along with his best friend Frank Longbottom. His other close friends, Kingsley Shacklebolt and Alastor Moody, were sorted into Ravenclaw. The four of them stayed close despite this.

He and Frank managed to keep completely out of the intense rivalry between Slytherin and Gryffindor by staying neutral for their first two years of school. Both boys were extremely talented duelists for their age, not to mention heirs to their respective family names. And so, Lucius Malfoy and other influential Slytherins made sure that they well alone.

The unspoken truce that Kenneth had formed with Slytherin House was tested when James Potter arrived at Hogwarts in 1971. His antics, along with those of Sirius Black, Severus Snape, and others prompted Kenneth, now a prefect, to call a meeting with the Slytherin Head Boy Lucius Malfoy to presumably discuss the growing tensions between their houses in the fall of 1973.

"I don't know what you think this meeting will accomplish, Potter. Matters between our houses have escalated well beyond our control to change them," Lucius told Kenneth, sneering slightly.

"I know. Fate has made it so we have very little control over our lives at the moment. I am finding it difficult to stay neutral in the coming struggle with Voldemort," Kenneth said.

Lucius looked at Kenneth in surprise. "Judging by the fact that you used the Dark Lord's name, I can assume you stand with that old fool Dumbledore?", Lucius asked with a disappointed look that he tried to hide behind his sneer.

"It's not like I'm being given much choice in the matter. I don't trust Dumbledore in the slightest, and neither does my father. But your "Dark Lord" is a psychopath, Lucius! He will destroy us all in his quest for power. He doesn't care about blood purity! All he wants is power, and he'll kill anyone who stands in his way. And unfortunately, Dumbledork is the only one that is actively working against him.

I know your father hasn't given you a choice, and there is no chance in hell you'll be able to able to marry Narcissa without taking the Dark Mark. And if I were in your shoes, I wouldn't want to give up that ass either. But for Merlin's sake, please be careful! There's a good man in you that I would like to see survive this war," Kenneth told the man who had secretly been his friend for the last three years.

Silence reigned for a few moments. Then Lucius stood, gave a curt nod to his now former friend, and walked back to the Slytherin dorm. Kenneth is wrong. The Dark Lord is a savior for the pure blood cause. He would see that in time!" Lucius thought to himself.

That summer, Kenneth realized that his brother was up to something. The first sign was that his brother spent a lot of time in the Potter library. His little brother never spent time in there unless it was to help him pull a prank. And if that was the case, he decided that it was a good idea to investigate. He did not want to clean up any more of his brother's messes than necessary.

"Do my eyes deceive me? My little brother and Sirius Black are actually studying this summer! I'm so proud!", Kenneth said, wiping away a fake tear mockingly as he opened the library doors with a bang.

James jumped, as his brother's entry had startled him. "Haha, very funny Kenny. And people think that we're the jokesters," James said scowling. Sirius nodded fervently next to his best friend. He had been startled by the exuberant entry as well.

"You are, I'm just better at it then you. How do you think that stupid dog of Hagrid's got onto the second floor where Mrs. Norris the Second was conveniently lurking?", Kenneth asked with a smirk.

Both boys looked at him in mock outrage. "That was you?! We got a week's detention for that! Do you know how awful cleaning trophies the Muggle way is?!" James asked his older brother.

"No, I wouldn't. I've never been caught. They would never suspect a model student and prefect like me would do anything like that," Kenneth said with a superior smirk.

James and Sirius stared at him in awe. "So you're saying, that this whole responsibility thing is just an act?", James asked him. Despite his annoyance at what was probably several detentions he had served for things Kenneth had done, he couldn't help but be rather impressed.

"Welcome to pure blood politics, little bro. It's amazing what you'll learn from Dad when you show interest. He wouldn't be wasting time trying to groom me to be Lord Potter so I can run the business and handle our family seat on the Wizengamot," Kenneth said with smirk.

James and Sirius merely groaned at this. They hated politics. Not for the first time, James was grateful that he wasn't the heir. Sirius was again reminded that he was the heir, and that his parents would not stop trying to mold him into a perfect Black whether he was interested or not.

"You know Sirius, you should show more interest. After all, when you are Head of your house, you get to decide what your family does. Imagine a world where the Blacks weren't a bunch of crazy blood suprematists. After all, the Black family is obligated to follow the lead of the Lord of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Black. I mean, someone needs to put a leash on Bellatrix, for one," Kenneth said.

Sirius snorted. "You have a point, but my family would never allow me to remain heir while I am consorting with so many "undesirables"," Sirius said hollowly. His mother and father had made that much very clear to him.

Kenneth sighed. "I know. But your grandfather Arcturus doesn't give a damn, and last I checked, he was Lord Black, not Orion. And while your parents do have the power to disown you and kick you out of the house, only Arcturus can disinherit you. And when I last spoke with him, he had no intention of doing that," Kenneth told him.

Sirius seemed to cheer slightly at this notion. After all, the Blacks were old money, and only a few houses had that kind of money. The Blacks, the Bones family, the Greengrass family, the Potter's, and the Longbottom's were chief among them.

"Now, getting back to my original question, should I be worried that you guys are planning on becoming illegal Animagi?", Kenneth asked the two boys. The reaction was priceless. James pales dropped the heavy tome on Sirius's foot. Kenneth had to admit, Sirius knew a large amount of swear words for a thirteen year old.

"How did you know?", James demanded. This was bad. Trying to because an Animagus was hard enough, it would be impossible to do it with Kenneth on their case.

"You wouldn't be reading that tome if you weren't planning on doing something like that. Plus, it's totally something you two would come up with upon learning that your best friend is a werewolf," Kenneth said with a slight smile.

Both boys paled. This could be very bad. "You know?", James whispered. Kenneth's face softened slightly.

"I believe I found out about the time you did. Me, Frankie, Moody, and Shack put the pieces together. Don't worry, I've sworn them to secrecy. Remus is a good guy. Which is why I'll help you," Kenneth said.

Both boys jaws dropped. "You mean, you're okay with all this?" James asked after a moment of stunned silence. He couldn't believe it. Not in a million years did he think that this was a possibility.

"Yeah, why not? I mean, I have no intention on going with you guys on the full moon, but I have always wanted to be an Animagus. And with my help, you'll be able to do this quicker and safer. Also, I wanted to help you work out that map idea I heard you guys talking about on the train. I think I know how to get it to work," Kenneth said.

Both boys grinned at this. This was gonna be a great summer.

During the fall of his sixth year, Kenneth had successfully managed to become an Animagus. He had help from Professor McGonagall, and made sure to register with the Ministry. Secretly, he helped his brother and his friends do the same.

That spring, James, Sirius, and Peter Pettigrew became illegal Animagi. James became a stag. Sirius became a black boar hound that looked similar to a Grim. And Pettigrew became a rat.

Kenneth silently vowed to keep an eye on Pettigrew when he saw this. The animal you turned into was supposed a reflection of your personality, which didn't bode well for his brother if this was true. Pettigrew would need to be monitored either way.

Kenneth sat at the kitchen table the summer before his seventh year reading the mail. One of the worst kinds of mail, in his opinion. Betrothal offers. While Kenneth generally enjoyed his position as Heir Potter, this was something that turned his stomach. While he had dated at Hogwarts, none of the girls there had kept his attention for very long.

Frank was betrothed to Alice Bones, youngest daughter of Lord Bones and a year behind them. Her older sister, Amelia, was a Hufflepuff in their year and was the only date he enjoyed that didn't end in sex. Their oldest brother, Edgar was in Hufflepuff and had graduated before James got to Hogwarts. Charlie Bones had graduated a couple of years ago from Hufflepuff, too.

Kingsley was betrothed to a witch that went to school in Egypt. And they were very much in love, as Frank and Alice were. Even Alastor was considering a betrothal to his current girlfriend, Dorcas Meadowes. Why was this so difficult??

His musings were interrupted when he noticed three letters from Hogwarts. "James, Sirius, our letters from Hogwarts are here!!" Kenneth called out. Sirius had been taken in by their parents earlier in the summer. Sirius had apparently said or done something that really pissed his father off.

Still, using the Cruciatus Curse on your 15 year old son was something that was unforgivable. It was a pity that Orion Black was so rich. If Kenneth had it his way, Orion would never see the outside of Azkaban again. Oh well. The untraceable and slow-acting poison that he had slipped in Orion's drink at the Ministry party last night would have to do. No one hurt his adopted little brother like that and got away with it. Nobody.

Both boys trampled down the stairs and opened their letters. A badge fell out of James's letter. "Nicely done, little brother. Quidditch captain, not bad!", Kenneth said. James grinned, and both boys ran to tell their parents.

Kenneth grinned, and opened his letter. And sure enough, the Head Boy badge slid out. "Fuck yeah!!", Kenneth whooped in excitement. The excitement was dulled, however, when a Stinging Hex from his mother hit him in the ass and knocked him out of his chair.

He could hear his brothers laughing from the kitchen entry way. "Language, Kenneth!! Honestly, what could possibly warrant such language?", his mother asked angrily while brandishing her wand at him. Euphemia Potter did not get angry often, but when she did, a smart person would vacate the area. Sirius and James had already began inching back towards the sitting room.

Kenneth held up his Head Boy badge out in front of him in response, hoping that it would protect him from the wrath of his mother. It worked, but it didn't protect him from her doting on him for the next few hours.

When Kenneth finally escaped his mother's praises, he made a beeline to the library. Where, to his surprise, his brother's were sitting with Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew. And, to Kenneth's mild concern, they were looking very proud of themselves.

"What are you four doing in here?", Kenneth asked suspiciously. With good reason, the last time he had caught them in here grinning like that, they had just mastered their Animagi transformations.

"We are sitting upon the field of victory, having just completed our greatest accomplishment!", James told his brother proudly. Remus rolled his eyes and Sirius and Peter snickered at their friends' pretentiousness.

Kenneth feigned shock momentarily. "Lily Evans agreed to go out with you. I never thought you'd be able to pull that off. I thought she was smarter than that! Poor Evans has finally been driven insane by your presence!", Kenneth said, feigning his sorrows over the loss of such a bright mind.

James scowled at his brother, while his friends had fallen into hysterics. Peter and Remus were doubled over their chairs, and Sirius was rolling on the ground, tears streaming down his face. It was not very often that someone got one over on James Potter, and the Marauders were enjoying it.

"You're an asshole. And you guys are not helping," James said with a scowl. While he appreciated his brother's wit, he was seriously regretting asking Lily Evans out in public. His brother had been teasing him relentlessly ever since she turned him down, much to her and her friend's amusement.

"It's alright little brother. Some people get to be turned down, and others get to do the turning down," Kenneth said holding up a stack of letters and setting them down on the table.

"Are those betrothal letters?", Sirius asked, having finally regained control of his laughter. God, he wished Kenneth was in their year. The pranks they could pull off...

"Yeah, I finally narrowed it down to two families. I just sent my respectful replies to the others. I'll be getting to know the three girls this year at Hogwarts," Kenneth said wistfully.

"And who are the undoubtedly lovely ladies that have caught my big brother's attention?", James asked teasingly.

"Normally, there would be no way in hell I would tell you guys something like this. But considering one of the girls is one of your year mates in Gryffindor, you're going to find out anyway, so I might as well tell you. Maggie McKinnon, who's a sixth year Gryffindor, and her younger sister, Marlene," Kenneth said with a small smile.

James whistled. His brother sure knew how to pick them. The McKinnon sisters were considered to be two of the most attractive women in Hogwarts. Of course, they had nothing on Evans, but impressive nonetheless.

"Now, tell me about this so-called greatest achievement you guys have been talking about," Kenneth said with a smirk.

The Marauders smiled triumphantly. "Allow is to introduce the Marauders Map!", the four boys said in unison. James then pointed his wand at the parchment on the table. "I solemnly swear I am up to no good."

As Kenneth left the library, he had to admit to himself that he was impressed with his little brother. Sure, he had helped, which was why he was now known as Alpha on the map. And he had made sure to make himself a copy using an advanced Gemino Charm, something the boys hadn't learned yet. But they had done a lot of the legwork.

Honestly, If his brother didn't already have such a big head already, he suggests that he pursue a career in experimental Charms and Transfiguration in the Department of Mysteries. He was hoping that the Marauders would grow up a little. That stunt with Snape in the tunnel had crossed a line.

The Marauders had barely survived that boneheaded idea that Sirius had concocted. Remus has been furious, and for good reason. If Snape had been killed, Remus would have been executed. And Sirius would have been expelled, and that was if the Wizengamot was feeling lenient.

Fortunately, the bonds of friendship between them had survived. A few months, some coaxing from James and himself, and the genuine remorse that Sirius showed managed to convince Remus to forgive him.

The situation with Severus Snape bore watching. The greasy Slytherin was brilliant. Kenneth had a cordial relationship with him, having bonded over their mutual brilliance in Potions at Professor Slughorn's Slug Club parties. He had even offered him a job at his potion labs if he did well on his OWLS and NEWTS. Severus had seemed thrilled with the idea, especially once he realized James wouldn't be around.

But the rivalry between Severus and James was becoming a problem. He had told James and Sirius to leave the boy alone, but they didn't listen. And he had no idea why. Sure, Snape could be an asshole. He was neck deep in the Dark Arts, and his friends and roommates were certainly going to be Death Eaters. He would have difficulty keeping Severus from the clutches of Lord Voldemort without the Marauders' interference.

But the way that Severus and James seemed to seek each other out was unusual, especially for his brother. It seemed personal, which didn't make sense. Other than him, the teachers and his fellow Slytherins, the only other other person that he spent time with was... Lily Evans.

Kenneth could of smacked himself. That's why they had escalated things late last year. Severus was her friend, and she was probably the only person he knew that could make Snape smile. Mystery solved. Now, how to fix it...

Dear Mum, Dad and Petunia

Can't wait to see you all over the Christmas hols in three weeks! Things are better than ever here. A couple of weeks ago, the best thing happened. That James Potter that keeps asking me out has been forced to leave me alone!! His older brother, Kenneth,(who is very nice and is Head Boy!) told him in front of everyone at breakfast that his annoying and pathetic attempts to ask me out were disturbing his preparations for the seventh year exams. And that if he didn't leave me alone until testing was over, he would write their mum about how he was harassing a sweet girl and wouldn't stop. He hasn't bothered me since. School is going great. Miss you!

Lots of love

Lily

As Easter approached, Kenneth was making his decision on the future Lady Potter. As fate would have it, the Head Girl was the other betrothal offer he was considering. Celeste Greengrass, the only daughter of Lord Greengrass. Lord Greengrass was the head of the neutral faction in the Wizengamot, and the head of an old and powerful family. So the union made a lot of sense politically.

And having spent quite a bit of time with Celeste, he found that she was someone that he wouldn't mind spending the rest of his life with. And so, he sent his owl Hermès with a letter accepting the betrothal to Celeste, along with a polite response of refusal to Lord McKinnon. Having done that, he set off to propose. Arranged or not, Kenneth Potter would make sure that their marriage wasn't lacking in romance.

As the sun set on the lake before dinner that night, Kenneth Potter proposed to Celeste Greengrass with a beautiful diamond ring that had been in their family for generations. She also learned a family legend that the same ring had been worn by the wife of Godric Gryffindor, their ancestor.

The ring that gave his descendants the right to claim the title of Lord Gryffindor had refused to bond with the magic of the Potter heirs for centuries. Only Ignotus Peverell had been worthy enough to claim the ring. Until now.

For centuries it had sat in Godric Gryffindor's vault waiting to be claimed. Only the Heir of Gryffindor could lift it, and only Lord Gryffindor could wear it. Until the ring, much to his shock and that of the Goblin King, Ragnok, claimed him as Lord.

A glowing aura surrounded him, and the Sword of Gryffindor and a suit of armor adorned him as the glow disappeared. "Well met, Lord Gryffindor," King Ragnok said recovering quickly. The two then proceeded to talk business for a while after this.

His father was so proud, he immediately made him Lord Potter and retired on the spot. And in a week, he would take his seat in the Wizengamot as Lord Potter-Gryffindor. With his marriage, he would have the support of the neutral faction. And the light would be inclined to follow him as Lord Gryffindor. He now had a lot of power. It was time to start planning.

The Wizengamot was as boring as usual for Chief Mugwump Albus Dumbledore as they neared the end of the session. But that was about to change. "Before we adjourn, is there any new business that needs to be addressed?", he asked them.

Lord Potter stood. "I have decided that it is time for my son to take over as Lord Potter. He is of age and capable," Fleamont Potter said as he handed the Potter ring to his son. The Wizengamot applauded this. None of them were surprised, they had suspected that was the reason for the presence of Kenneth Potter.

But then Kenneth stood and the surprises started coming. "Thank you father. My first business as Lord Potter is to announce that I have taken up the seat of Gryffindor, as the ring has deemed me worthy to be Lord Potter," he said as he showed the ring for the Wizengamot to see.

Pandemonium reigned. No one could believe it. There hadn't been a worthy heir for any of the founders in centuries. "It's a forgery. A fake. The boy lies!" Lord Rosier.

To the audience's shock, Kenneth merely smiled. "Very well then, Lord Rosier, I call an honor duel! Or are you willing to retract that statement," Kenneth said, smiling menacingly. He knew Lord Rosier was a Death Eater, as he went to school with his son, Evan. Celeste had told him that he often bragged about it in the Slytherin dorms.

Lord Rosier smiled cruelly. This boy was a fool to think he could challenge him. "I accept the honor duel!", he said. Immediately, room was made in the chambers. The honor duel had been practiced several times in their history, though it had fallen out since.

Albus Dumbledore was in shock. He could not stop this duel, even as Chief Mugwump. The honor duel was a law that was so old that it predated his position. And it was labeled as a family matter, which automatically prevented Ministry interference.

And it was a duel to the death.

He needed Kenneth Potter. The alliance with the Greengrasses would align the neutrals to the light in the war against Voldemort. Why did the boy have to be so foolish?! There was no way that was actually the ring of Lord Gryffindor. Albus believed that none of the founders rings would ever choose a Lord again. After all, Tom Riddle hadn't been chosen.

He quickly made sure that both parties knew that Unforgivables were still unforgivable, as his job required him to do since it's exsistence. And the duel began with Lord Rosier sending a Dark Cutting Curse at Kenneth Potter. Only for a glowing shield to appear around his target with a wave of the hand of Kenneth Potter. The curse fizzled harmlessly against it.

As the glow dissipated, the crowd gasped at what they saw. Gone was Kenneth Potter. A large bearded man, wearing armor that had a large lion crest on the breastplate. A scabbard that held the Sword of Gryffindor hung by his side. He looked like Godric Gryffindor reborn.

As Rosier stood shocked at what had just happened, Kenneth Potter drew his sword and pointed it at him. "Reducto," Kenneth said. And all Lord Rosier could do was stand in shock as the spell left the Sword of Gryffindor and blew his brains all over the room.

One could have heard a quill drop as the Wizengamot stared in shock at what had just unfolded. "Anyone else want to challenge my claim as Lord Gryffindor?", Kenneth asked as his armor disappeared in a flash of light.

There was silence at this. Not even Lord Lestrange, one of Voldemort's first followers, was crazy enough to challenge him to a duel after that. Albus quickly recovered and ended the session of the Wizengamot. He had never seen a more enthusiastic exit from the Wizengamot in his life.

He knew that he had been wrong. And he now realized that there was a new player in this war. While Kenneth Potter was a vocal opponent of Lord Voldemort as he was a "raging lunatic", Dumbledore was painfully aware that Kenneth did not share his younger brother's awe for him.

He knew Fleamont blamed his inaction against Grindelwald for the death of his father, Henry. And that he suspected the reason for it. And he had passed his suspicions onto Kenneth, while James had been left uninformed. He suspected it had to do with James' complete disinterest in House and Ministry politics. In fact, Dumbledore doubted Fleamont would have told him about his heritage if James was the Heir.

And now Kenneth had complete control of the neutral faction, and the respect and awe of the Light. A dangerous man had died today, and Albus was painfully aware that houses like Bones, Longbottom, and Shacklebolt would rally behind Potter because of it. Especially since he was close with the heirs of those houses.

Now that he thought of it, some of the most promising wizards had allied themselves with Kenneth Potter. Alastor Moody, and his fiancé Dorcas Meadowes. Frank and Alice Longbottom. Kenneth had been best man in their wedding three months ago. Kingsley Shacklebolt. James Potter and his group of talented friends.

Even a Slytherin like Severus Snape would be tempted to join him, thanks to the standing job offer with Potter Enterprises. Both he and Lily Evans was friends with Kenneth despite his younger brother's feelings towards them, hate and love respectively.

If Kenneth Potter elected to stay neutral, Voldemort would win. Dumbledore knew that for a fact. But if Kenneth would be willing to work with him, he believed that they would win. He needed to meet with Kenneth, and soon.

AN: For those of you wondering if Kenneth is just going to walk all over Voldemort, it's not gonna happen. Dumbledore has a very good reason to worry about Kenneth staying neutral. Especially since Dumbledore is kinda against killing Death Eaters.