Disclaimer: All rights to the Harry Potter universe belong to Jk, not me. :(

Warnings: slash FWxHPxGW, OCCness, only loosely adheres to canon, some facts changed/ Fred and George are in their second year when Harry first goes to Hogwarts. Creature fic! And other stuff that might happen in M-rated fanfiction.

Young Harry Potter, age eight, was sitting on the swings in a park a few blocks from his home at number 4 Privet Drive. He sighed softly and ran a small callused hand through his messy black hair before raising his bright green eyes to look at the overcast sky above.

He had just escaped his cousin Dudley and his gang, who thought that Harry-hunting was a perfect way to spend a summer afternoon. Hopefully the threat of rain would keep them from looking too hard for him.

The boy used his short legs to gently push himself back and forth, careful not to jar himself too much. He had accidentally burnt the eggs this morning and Uncle Vernon had punished him with the belt, so he really didn't need the bruises and scrapes Dudley would give to him he if was caught. The welts on his back were sore enough.

At least he hadn't been sent to the cupboard and was given the freedom to go outside, though he would get no meals today. He hated his cupboard; it was dark and lonely and reminded him how much of a freak he was. How much his family hated him. The only good thing about it was that his uncle couldn't fit in there to punish him.

Harry felt a few drops of wetness fall on his face and arms. He was glad it was summer and was still warm even if it was raining.

It was a rare thing for Harry to be given the run of the neighborhood and not have a day not filled with chores. He was normally stuck inside cleaning or mending. The only time he was let outside was for school or to do yard work and repairs. However, today his Aunt Petunia was hosting a Bridge game and didn't want him and his freakishness around to ruin it. But that suited Harry just fine. It felt nice to get away from her constant glares and reprimands.

He jumped a bit at the first crack of thunder, wincing at the twinge of pain in his back. He knew he should probably go inside but he doubted his aunt would let him in the house. His only other option was to go to Mrs. Figgs, but her house smelled of cats and he really didn't like it there, even though she was nice to him, in her own odd way.

When the rain started coming down harder, Harry made his way over to the covered part of the jungle gym and crawled inside. He leaned gingerly against the cool metal side, which felt very good on his sore back. He watched the lightning through one of the holes and amused himself by imagining a family that loved him. He pretended his parents didn't die in a car crash and that they loved him and that he wasn't a freak. He was able to get good grades in school and had lots of friends and was given a large hot meal for supper every night. He had his own room and clothes that fit and toys that were all his own and not the broken bits and pieces from Dudley that he had taken and hidden in his cupboard.

Harry drew his knees to his chest and waited for the storm to let up. It wasn't long before his eyes grew heavy and he drifted off to sleep.

When Harry woke up is was almost sundown. He hurriedly climbed out of the jungle gym, ignoring the tightness of his back and the emptiness of his stomach. If he didn't get home soon his relatives would lock him out of the house for the night and as much as he hated his cupboard, it was better than sleeping under a bush.

He was almost out of the park when he saw an odd-looking man. He was looking about and humming a quirky tune interspersed with quiet mumbles.

"Now, this is the place. Yes it is. Where could my new little friend be?" the man's voice came out in a low, melodic tone.

Harry drew closer and stopped to examine him. The man was curious.

He was tall, taller than his uncle, and had tanned skin. His hair was shiny, chin-length, and curly black and upon his head sat a crooked top hat. His face was narrow and he a long straight nose. He was dressed like a gentleman from those shows his aunt Petunia watched, with trim black pants, shiny shoes and a midnight-blue button vest. The long over coat he was wearing was black with silver upturned cuffs.

He was so preoccupied in the man's unusual appearance that he didn't notice when he turned his deep violet eyes towards him, tilting his head sideways as he examined the youth who was examining him.

He studied the boy for a minute, taking in his malnourished appearance and threadbare clothes, and intelligent, haunted emerald eyes. He did not miss the faint bruises dotting the child's pale skin, or the thinness of his arms and face. His hooded eyes widened when he saw a jagged scar on the boy's forehead. What was the boy-who-lived doing with muggles? Abusive ones at that?

"Hello young man." And he sent a smile in the boy's direction, ignoring his wide-eyed jump. He then drew what looked like a silver pocket watch from his pocket, opened it and pointed it in Harry's direction.

He smirked. Oh, this was perfect.

"Well. It seems I have found what I was looking for. Introductions are in order, I suppose. My name is Nikodemus Aeolus Velius, you may call me Master Nik. And if I am not mistaken, you are Harry Potter. Am I correct?"

Harry looked at him with wide eyes. "H-how do you know my name, sir?"

Nikodemus blinked at him. "Your scar, little one. Any wizard would know who you are by that alone."

Now Harry was just confused. "Wizard sir? They're not real, and why would they know me from my scar?"

So that old fool Dumbledore has kept him ignorant. How utterly cunning of him, assuming it was him that placed Harry here. Nikodemus placed a long, slender finger on his chin. My device didn't detect any other wizards, so it should be easy to take him with me…How lucky. I come here expecting a muggleborn and I get the Savior of the Wizarding world. Even this young, his magical core is astounding; he will work perfectly for my experiment. Now if only I can get him to agree…it will make it so much easier.

"How about I explain it over dinner Harry? Do you know of a good place to eat nearby?"

Harry began to shift uncomfortably. "Umm…"

"I'm not planning to hurt you Harry. In fact, you could say I'm going to help you." And Nikodemus cast a small wandless compulsion charm. It wouldn't do to have the boy not even listen to him.

Though Harry still looked wary, he nodded, and led Nikodemus a few blocks to a small restaurant called Elizabeth's. The hostess led them to a window seat and took their drink orders, coffee for Nikodemus and, after a reassuring nod from Nik, milk for Harry. After a few minutes a waiter came and Nikodemas ordered the grilled salmon while Harry chose the steak.

When they were alone, Harry again began to shift uncomfortably.

"I'm sorry sir. I don't know why I agreed to come but I need to get home…"

"Now Harry," Nik said, ignoring Harry discomfort. "Who are you living with?"

Harry nibbled on his bottom lip while he swung his legs nervously under the table. "My aunt and uncle, Master Nik."

"Do you know anything about your parents? What do your relatives say about them?"

"My aunt said they died in a car crash." And then Harry said more quietly, "And that they were freaks, like me."

Nikodemas narrowed his eyes at this. "Did they say why they were freaks, or why you are one?"

"They don't speak much about my parent's, but me…sometimes weird things happen." And Harry's eyes fell to look at the table.

"What kind of weird things Harry? It's alright, you can tell me."

Harry hesitated for a moment before saying quietly.

"Things breaking on their own…My aunt shaved my hair once and the next morning it was all grown back…and one time, when I was being chased by my cousin and his friends I ended up on the roof of the school…"

"What would you say if I told you that was magic Harry?"

Harry went rigid. "Magic isn't real. My uncle aid so."

A single elegant eyebrow rose. "Then what would you call what you did?"

Harry swallowed and whispered, "Freakishness."

"Look at me little one. The ones that are the freaks are your relatives. No good person would treat a child as they treat you."

Harry frowned and made to speak but Nikodemus interrupted him.

"I can tell they beat you child. Abuse you. I see the bruises. I can see how malnourished you are."

Nikodemus then stared right into Harry's eyes. "Your eyes are more telling though, little one. They are filled with loneliness and pain."

Harry blinked away the tears that were forming. He was eight and eight year olds don't cry.

"I repeat Harry, they are the freaks, not you. Now, I am going to tell you a story, a true story. And I don't want you to interrupt." Nik waited for Harry's nod of agreement before continuing.

"Now, to start with Magic is very real." At Harry's incredulous look NIkodemus cast a wandless spell that would prevent the other patrons from seeing anything out of the ordinary. He then drew out his wand and cast Wingardium Leviosa on Harry's glass of milk. Nik chuckled a bit at the boy's slack-jawed expression as it rose up into the air.

"Is that proof enough?" Nikodemus asked.

Harry nodded mutely.

"Good. Now people who can use magic are called witches or wizards, depending on gender. A person who can't use magic is called a muggle."

"So my relatives are muggles?"

"Yes. There are three types of wizards, pureblood, halfblood, and muggleborn. A pureblood is exactly that, a person who parents and ancestors are pureblooded witches and wizards. A muggleborn is a wizard whose parents are muggles and a halfblood is someone who has one muggleborn parent and one pureblooded parent. You Harry, are a halfblood. Your father was a pureblood wizard and your mother was a muggleborn witch."

"In wizarding society there are some who believe muggleborns are inferior because of their non-magical blood for reasons which I will explain later."

As soon as Nikodemus finished talking, the waiter brought out their food. Nik let a few moments pass in silence while they started their meals before he started up again.

"About fifty years ago, a powerful wizard named Voldemort began gathering followers under the banner of the dark. Now, when I say dark, I mean witches, wizards and creatures that use magic classified as dark, or evil by the Ministry of Magic, our governing force in Britain. Allowable magic is called Light or neutral. In reality, most magic or creatures labeled as dark are not evil. Highly destructive, and powerful yes, but not evil. It is intent which makes something evil or not. However, most purebloods practice this magic so it was easy for Voldemort to have them rally under him, as dark magic was his forte and most of the purebloods share his views. He was one of the ones who believed muggleborns and muggles were inferior, rather hypocritical of him, and enforced his ideals with violence and acts of terror. The wizarding populace became so terrified of him that they wouldn't even speak his name. They still don't, merely referring to him as You-Know-Who."

"He continued his war till about seven years ago, when he was defeated. Not much information is known about how it came to pass, the only sure thing is that he entered the Potter's home to destroy them and you were the only one to make it out alive. Voldemort himself gave you that lightning bolt scar on your forehead and now to the wizarding world you are known as the boy-who-lived. A hero.

Harry stared at him incredulously for a moment before he squeaked out. "Me! A hero? I'm just a nobody. How can I be famous for something I don't remember? I was just a baby! What could I have done to destroy Voldemort?"

"Nobody knows Harry. And whether or not it was you who destroyed Voldemort you are not a nobody. You have a very powerful magical core for one so young. I imagine you are also quite intelligent given who your parents are. No Harry, you are not a nobody, you have a vast amount of potential. "

Harry wasn't sure he believed what the man was saying about his potential, but he blushed under the praise anyway.

"It is in fact, your potential that brought me here. You see, I've been looking for a young witch or wizard with a powerful core to help me with one of my experiments. I'd like to offer you a proposition."

"What's a proposition? And what the magical core thing you keep talking about?"

"A proposition is like a deal. I offer you something in return for something." At Harry's suddenly wary look Nik chuckled. "Oh, it's nothing bad Harry. I'll explain in a moment. As for a magical core, it is a person's supply of magic that rests in the center of their being, understand?"

Harry was still a bit confused but he nodded anyway.

"Now, in return for your help with my experiment I will adopt you as my son and take you away from those relatives of yours. Provide you with a proper upbringing and schooling. A real home, unlike the place you are in now. I would never abuse you."

They were both silent for a few moments before Harry asked.

"Why? Why would you want me?" Harry said harshly.

"We've already been over that. I hope with time we can repair the damage those filthy muggles did to your psyche." Not to mention that having the boy-who-lived disappear from under that old coots nose will shock the wizarding world. What fun. He eyed the boy as he took a sip of his coffee. It looked like he had gone into shock. Nikodemus frowned. What was Dumbledore doing leaving this boy in the care of those muggles in the first place. Surely he is not ignorant of what is going on. Harry is much too important to just leave completely unattended.

Harry found his mind reeling. He was being offered a home. A chance to escape the Dursley's, a chance to find a place he belonged. And even though he wasn't sure he trusted the strange man across the table from him, he found his heart filled with the longing to take his offer.

"So what is the experiment? What would I have to do?"

Nikodemus let out a grin. "Well, my primary research deals with the nature of magic and science. I'm planning to combine the two in this experiment. To understand you need to know that there are two main sources of magic; the magic from your own personal core that is created by you and natural or 'wild' magic that exists in the world around us. Your personal magic allows you to manipulate the natural forces around you; wild magic is the force around you. Are you following?"

Harry shook his head no. Nikodemus let out a wry chuckle.

"For example, a wizard can cast a spell to summon fire and use it as a shield or weapon, but a magical creature, like a phoenix, actually has a core that is directly connected to the wild magic of their element, in this case fire. This gives the phoenix infinite power to draw on and they also gain the characteristics of that element."

"Oooh, I get it. I think. So phoenixes are real?"

"Yes, they are very real, as are griffons, dragons etc. Now, May I continue?" Harry nodded sheepishly

"My dream is to combine the two separate sources of magic. To put it simply, I want to create an elemental wizard. An elemental wizard is a term used to describe a wizard who can use wild magic the way a magical creature can. In the past, there have been many legends about elemental wizards. None of these have been verified however. There are some wizards who can command greater control over an element than average but they are still not true elementals. My goal with this experiment is to turn you into the first elemental wizard. Not only would this be a breakthrough magically and scientifically, it would give you added protection and power. It is highly likely that Voldemort is not dead and if he really is, you will still have enemy's in his followers. Do you have any questions?

Harry chewed on his bottom lip for a second before asking. "How would you do the experiment and why do you want to do it?"

"Ah, the how is a little complicated. Simply put, I'll be fusing a portion of a magical creature's core to your own and splicing some of their dna with yours. I already have the creature, the only thing I need is a wizard who is both young enough for their bodies to be able to adjust to the changes, and magically powerful enough to fuel the changes and survive. I guess I should warn you that this experiment could be deadly… As for why. Why not? I want to see how the magic will interact. I want to create something. And it sounds amusing. Is that enough reasons?"

Harry nodded, his mind still stuck on the deadly part. He didn't want to die, but he really didn't want to remain with the Dursley's. He wanted a family. Plus, it sounded like an adventure. But was the risk worth it to him?

"What kind of changes would I go through?" Harry said after he came out of his thoughts.

Nikodemas smiled in approval. "Very good question little one. I can't say for sure, but it is likely you will gain some of the physical traits of the creature. You might even be able to shift forms."

That sounded pretty cool. He imagined having wings like a phoenix or being able to turn into a dragon. That would be brilliant.

But again, was it risk the chance of him dying? His mind went back to what Master Nik had said about Voldemort and his followers.

He would be in danger either way and at least this way he would get out of the Dursley's and gain some cool powers.

"Master Nik?" Harry said after a few more minutes of internal debate. "I think I want to help you with your experiment."

"Wonderful." Nikodemus said as a large, somewhat feral grin grew on his face. "I think a celebratory dessert is in order. What would you like? I particularly fond of apple strudel myself…"

So, what do you think? Post a review and let me know. I got this idea in my head and just fell in love with it. This story is going to be so fun! :D Don't worry about this interfering with my other story. The chapters for this one will are about half the length so it won't get in the way.