Harry Potter and the Philosopher's stone a redo

Note

This story has elements similar to the works that are Moments in Love by Gandalfs_Beard and also The Totally Realistic Series of Magical Events series from WaskeHD both of which are well worth the read. The way that Harry is characterized in this story will be particularly from JK Rowling's characterization of Harry before he met Ron. This may deviate from the characterization that you will find after he met Ron but, I myself believe that it is highly unlikely that Harry's ideals and his values would change after meeting something on the train. I myself personally believe that Harry's portrayal during the books was akin to what may have been originally intended for Ron but was watered down to suit Harry's narrative.

As such, we will see a Harry who takes a much greater interest in reading, as it was referred to in the books that Harry stayed in the libraries during his days with the library to escape the Dudley and his gang, he will also be keen on learning everything there is to know about magic and the world around it. He will also be keen to do his homework a lot more punctually, a characteristic implied by JK Rowling and not dissimilar from Hermione but totally different from that of Ron. We will also see a Harry who is very consistent in the way he acts regarding being very anti-bully, anti-racist, anti-slavery and a person who strives for equality and not to mention being smarter than he behaves in the books sometimes particularly due to Ron influencing him.

In particular, there will be no inaccurate Out-of-Character (OOC) moments where Harry goes from treating someone like Dobby an equal and feels strongly about the enslavement of house-elves, to the point where he frees Dobby from said enslavement before he is greatly influenced by Ron to believing that Hermione is crazy for working for the freedom of the House-elves just two books later. And there will be no moments in which Harry isn't smart enough to have an inkling of suspicion when he gets sent an extremely expensive broom when an alleged mass-murderer is out for his hide. There will also be no moments where Harry tries out a spell written in the margins of an admittedly useful book on a person without testing it beforehand on an object beforehand i.e. could've tested it in the Room of Requirement.

To summarize Harry will have far more in common with Hermione whether this is their goals for their time in Hogwarts, their intellect and academic drive, and also their moral values. This isn't one where Harry is a clone of Hermione, where he has an almost obsessive need to study and read, in other words, a bookworm or nerd if you will. But rather Harry will still hold on to his intuitive/gut feeling style of intellect rather than one based on recall of books, his memory will also be normal and not eidetic/photographic, he will also have some moments of impulsiveness and anger issues which are hallmarks of Harry's persona but, overall this will affect little due in a way to him being more rational in his decisions and having Hermione to act as a voice of reason.

The same will also apply to Hermione, who will be a lot more consistent as a character. She will display the trust that she has that Rowling had shown until the abomination that is the 6th book where she tends to trust Harry's friendship and instincts. There will not be moments where she does things like turning in an admittedly suspicious broomstick to McGonagall behind Harry's back without having discussed it with him or doing irrational things like outright refusing to believe that Harry's deduction that a Death Eater's son who has entirely too much respect for him wouldn't follow in his footsteps in becoming a Death Eater.

And most importantly there will be nothing stupid like Hermione falling for an idiot with a foot in his mouth who has no respect to her as a person only until he needs her to do his homework nor will she go to a party with a sexual predator in the making jock just to make the aforementioned idiot jealous.

The characterization of Ron may be taken as bashing but, quite frankly this will be based on Rowling's initial characterization of Ron during the books. As such, Harry's relationship with Ron will be decidedly less strong, in other words, he will tend to gravitate towards like-minded individuals like Hermione.

Severus Snape's portrayal will differ from Canon due to what I believe again to be inconsistencies within Rowling's writing. Snape is more likely to be sympathetic to Harry when he sees how academically driven, he is which ultimately reminds him of Lily. And add in the discovery of Harry's past abuse, something he can relate to thanks to his father, will be overall more helping and caring of Harry. The way he teaches will also be different due to the fact that Dumbledore not permitting a borderline abusive teacher, albeit verbally, teaching under his watchful eye.

This will also contain strong mentions of abuse, both physical and mental but, thankfully not sexual, of Harry from the hands of the Dursleys. The canon books originally had these mentions but were removed at the urging of her publishers who had her alter her earlier drafts. This is included in due to it being Canon and also for sake of the plot as this plays a large part in the way that Harry is as a person and thus is overall important to the premise.

There will also be mentions of characters who have been adjusted due to tidbits that Rowling herself has revealed or things to do with more consistent characterization as they were originally intended to in the beginning. These changes will affect Dumbledore and Fudge quite greatly and also Snape in particular. Some characters will also be gay or bisexual largely due to Rowling's claims that the Harry Potter series supports LGBTQ.

This fanfiction may contain what some may perceive as overpowered Harry but, it has always been implied that Harry was inherently powerful as a child and I believe that his abuse played a great role to limiting his power which would be counteracted if he received the right help during his first year. Also due to his academic drive, it is more likely that Harry will succeed in class more often due to him being academically proficient. I also find it rather strange that Harry has not taken up training that will help prepare him for the future. So, Harry will be powerful but, that's already implied in canon and he will also overall more academically proficient too but, there will be no overpowered superpowers i.e. Elemental magic etc. as that is something not part of the canon series.

Hermione will also be decidedly more powerful in this fanfiction than in canon though this is in large part thanks to having Harry challenging her academically and also due to her insisting that she trained alongside Harry. This character trait is something that has always been part of Harry in which she will try to accompany him and support him in any way that is possible and this is a very logical decision for her to make and besides she would practically jump at any opportunity that presents itself to her that is academically related or will have a positive impact on her studies as long as being present at Harry's side too.

This work of mine will not be monetized in any way shape or form and I only write this to write a perceived wrong I have felt in the pairing of Harry and Ginny and Ron and Hermione. This is merely a passion project of which I have intended to tackle for quite a while but, I now feel my writing arsenal is better equipped to do this justice now. I hope that this can do the original works justice and that it compares to other works of Harry/Hermione fanfiction. Hopefully, this can provide everyone with a good source of entertainment this quarantine and I hope that you have a safe quarantine along with your loved ones.

And one last thing, mental health isn't a joke. I have a friend who's suffering from it and I'd like to say that you're never alone and that people love you. It's alright to get help and feel that way. If you do suffer from mental health problems talk to family and loved ones or contact a therapist or counsellor and get the help you need.

Chapter I – 4th Privet Drive

Vernon and Petunia Dursley, of 4th Privet Drive, had a real sense of pride in being able to call themselves as supposed normal people. They also were of the type to never be associated with anything rather unnatural or that didn't conform with their rather conservative views after all such frivolous activities were things that interested 'freaks'.

Vernon Dursley was a successful salesman at a modestly performing branch of Grunnings, a company that specialized in heavy-duty drills. He was a rather modestly tall man, though this was often overlooked due to him being morbidly obese, and on his face was a rather large brown handlebar moustache that contrasted rather horribly against his red complexion. Petunia Dursley, his wife, was rather the opposite of him in terms of looks. She was a rather small skinny woman with blonde, straight greasy locks. She had the face of a horse that was caked in copious amounts of makeup. And between the two was a baby boy, who resembled a football (soccer ball) than a baby, and in the eyes of the Dursleys, he was the crown jewel in the family.

Whilst the Dursleys had unbridled greed for wealth, fame and power they were rather content with the lives they led. Such things would eventually come to those that deserved them. They, however, had one thing that in their opinions interfered with their versions of a perfect life. This blemish in their lives came from a single Lily Potter née Evans, Petunia's sister, and her family. In the eyes of the Dursleys, the Potters were the very definition of what was wrong with society, they were for lack of better word a freak. It was decided early on between Petunia and Vernon that they wouldn't associate with the Potters, after all, they couldn't have their precious baby boy be tainted with such freakishness. Their hatred of the Potters largely came from Petunia herself and Vernon was all too happy to adopt the same views as her. Vernon had brought along a superiority complex that had rivalled that of Petunias too. Petunia had from the very beginning hated Lily, after all, she was her parents' favourite and on top of that Lily was the embodiment of everything Petunia would never be. She was gorgeous and very intelligent and worst of all she had the gift that was the ability to perform magic.

Vernon meanwhile had hated James Charlus Potter the moment he had set eyes on him. For reasons that were not that different from that of Petunia, James was exactly what he wanted from life. He was good looking, was rather rich and had a beautiful wife to boot, not that Petunia would ever find out that last bit. The thing that caught his ire the most, however, was the fact that a freak, because that's what he was, was able to get all those things. Meanwhile he, Vernon Dursley, a normal person was unable to accumulate those things. Never had he felt such a gross injustice.

When Petunia had suggested that they minimize their interactions with the Potters he had practically leapt at the idea. And this was where they found themselves now on a cold and dreary Monday morning preparing for work.

Nothing had seemed out of the ordinary just, like any other Tuesday morning he had to go work on. As Vernon readied himself for the long day ahead, Petunia got along with waking up Dudley and fixing breakfast and a cup of coffee for her husband. It was moments like this where Petunia truly enjoyed her life ever since her sister had finally disappeared for her life, but little did she know how her thoughts were literally.

They were, however, so engrossed in their daily ritual that they failed to notice a grey tabby cat had taken watch of the family's routine.

It was almost quarter past eight, that Vernon decided it was time to leave for work. He let Petunia give him a peck on the cheek, although she made sure she did it in full view of the window where her neighbours were able to see. Vernon meanwhile ruffled Dudley's hair affectionately as he walked past with his briefcase and chuckled as Dudley attempted to hit him with his spoon. Mrs Dursley soon brought Dudley with her to the window, though he looked rather inclined to stay at the dining table and watched as Vernon backed his way out of the driveway.

It was when he had reached the mouth of his driveway, he noticed something rather peculiar. Perched upon the stone wall dividing his house from the neighbours was a grey tabby cat that was regarding him with a look of curiosity and was that disdain he imagined? He quickly shook his head to rid himself of those thoughts. After all when did, normal cats don't look at people like that let alone think of people like that, perhaps he had one too many cups of coffee today? His mind slowly drifted to the day ahead, already imagining the bonus he would get if he completed a rather large sale to a construction firm.

It was when he had reached the edge of Surrey and was starting to reach Greater London that his mind was pulled away from his daydreams of a bonus. The fact that he was caught in a traffic jam was nothing noteworthy, what did, however, catch his attention was a group of young people dressed in cloaks that wouldn't have looked out of place in feudal England. Vernon never did understand how anybody could think that was acceptable attire. Drumming impatiently on the steering wheel he could see that they were all congregated together and were all whispering rather excitedly. Vernon then realized that some of them weren't that young at all. Shaking his head at the gentleman clad in an emerald green cloak, the nerve of that man, Vernon just sighed wondering what had become of his beloved country and its people. It wasn't much longer before the traffic finally started to move. Vernon soon arrived and parked in the Grunnings parking lot; his mind once more on his potential bonus.

Vernon was in a rather good mood; his mind had already forgotten of his encounter with those freaks in the morning. He had made significant progress in securing that big deal and was ever so close to that bonus of his. He was so enraptured in his work that he failed to notice the multiple owls that were flying around outside in full view of the window he was facing. However, the people on the streets of London weren't nearly as oblivious to them as most of them had never seen an owl at night, when they were supposedly active, let alone when it was bright as day. Vernon soon felt that he had made enough work and decided that he had earned a treat from the bakery across the road.

It was on the way to the bakery that his mind was once more put back to those freaks from this morning. He had a queasy feeling as he walked past them trying to look insignificant. With a bag full of pastries and other delicacies he made his way back to work however, it wasn't uneventful as he heard a snippet of the conversation they were having.

"The Potters, yes that's right, from what I've heard of it was their son Harry."

Vernon's face fell into one of shock and he felt a feeling of dread wash over him. He looked back at the group wanting to say something but thought better of it, after all, it wouldn't do good for a perfectly respectable man like himself to associate with freaks like them.

He walked in what he deemed a respectable pace without trying to give the impression he was fleeing from them. As he got to his desk he immediately began to dig into the pastries, for when he was stressed eating rather helped him, and got on the phone to ring back home. It was only when he heard the beeping sounds of the phone that he realized how irrational he was acting. Potter wasn't that too uncommon of a nickname, after all, he pondered whilst twirling his obnoxiously big moustache, and perhaps he had also misheard. It also wouldn't do to disturb Petunia, who already had her hands full with taking care of Dudley, for nothing. But for some reason, he couldn't shake the terrible feeling in his gut and felt a sense of foreboding and dread flood his entire being.

That after that episode he found it hard to concentrate on the most mundane tasks let alone be able to work. The clock in his workplace seemed to have slowed down and five o'clock seemed to take forever to come by. He had left in such a hurry that he walked straight into a passer-by just outside of the company's gates.

"Sorry," Vernon grunted out, as the tiny old man stumbled and almost fell over his cloak. Vernon soon realized what he was thinking and realized that the man was indeed wearing an outrageous violet cloak. What was most peculiar and worrying for Vernon, however, was the man wasn't mad at having been almost bowled over by this behemoth of a man. On the contrary, he had an ear-splitting grin adorned on his face.

"Don't fret dear sir, there was no harm done. But we both must rejoice for You-Know-Who has finally gone. Even a muggle like yourself should be celebrating, this is, after all, a momentous day!" And with that, the old man hugged Vernon and walked off down the street.

Vernon stood there befuddled along with having that feeling of dread magnify greatly. He didn't realize that he was shaking until he saw his reflection in a shop's window. It, however, wasn't due to the cold. He hurried to his car and set off towards home, barely keeping within the speed limit.

As he pulled into the driveway of his house the first thing, he saw did nothing to help his already torrid mood. There in his garden was the same grey tabby cat he saw in the morning bathing in the sun. He was far from rational thought and now considered this cat as a bad omen, after all, it was the first possible freakish thing he saw that day. He attempted to drive the cat away, but the cat only gave him an irritated look and proceeded to ignore him. There was something positively human about the cat he couldn't deny, so he resolved to not mention this to Petunia lest her think he'd lost the plot.

Petunia's day had been just as busy as Vernon but thankfully for her, she only had to deal with Dudley's numerous temper tantrums. She had not seen anything peculiar during the day Vernon noted. It was over dinner that Petunia finally noticed Vernon was acting rather strangely and before it was put to bed that the Dursleys settled into the living room that Petunia finally broached the subject that was clearly having an impact on her husband. "Vernon, what's wrong dear? I've seen you stressed since the moment you came in." Petunia finally breaks the awkward silence that'd enveloped her.

"Well… Petunia have you seen anything peculiar today? Perhaps anything on the news?" Petunia nodded her head in affirmation having no idea where her husband was going with this. "Well I have to Petunia but, have you by chance received anything from your sister, lately have you?" Vernon winced at the incredulous look Petunia sent him.

"Vernon!" Petunia gasped in disbelief. "You aren't saying that this is linked, are you?" Vernon nodded his head albeit reluctantly.

"On the way to work, I encountered quite a few people dressed in the most garish of outfits. I also had bumped into one of them where the name of Potter and them having a son by the name of Harry." Vernon paused as Petunia rapidly paled in colour. "Something about them defeating a Dark Lord. Bit of a coincidence isn't it dear?" It was rather fortunate, for Petunia at least, that she was already seated as she looked about ready to faint.

"Vernon…" Petunia began not knowing what to say. "Perhaps we should retire to bed and continue this conversation tomorrow. It has been a rather long day." Vernon readily agreed to hope that when he woke up the following morning this nightmare would evaporate away. All thoughts of the Potters and the days' peculiar activities faded away as he and Petunia were claimed by sleep.

But, oh how very wrong he would be.

As Vernon and Petunia were blissfully asleep lost in a land of dreams where they had usurped the Potter's like the more successful family, the cat stood to watch again having not moved from its assumed position since the morning. This time, however, its attention wasn't on the Dursleys but was rather looking around as if waiting for someone or something to arrive at any moment.

As if on cue a loud pop dragged the cat's attention from the surroundings.

In the middle of the road was a tall, thin and rather old man, based on the silver hair and beard he sported, which was rather long, nearly reaching to his waist. He was attired in the most garish long, purple robes that had a yellow starry pattern adorned upon it, which swept the floor whenever he walked, and he was dressed in what appeared to be black high heeled boots made from scales of a peculiar creature. His face held lines of wisdom and on his nose, which appeared to have had its fair share of accidents, were half-moon spectacles that hid blue orbs that sparkled with mischief. For those that knew him, which was quite a lot, the man was no other than the famous Albus Dumbledore.

Albus was rather oblivious to the fact that the street he had just seemingly appeared from out of nowhere was a street in which everything about him, whether it be his outfit or his name, was most unwelcome. He reached into robe's pocket in search of something before his attention was grabbed by a pair of amber cats' eyes. Smirking at the sight of the familiar feline, he shook his head and momentarily allowed himself a moment of amusement.

He soon found what he had been looking for inside of the robe's inner pockets. He fished out what seemed to be a silver cigarette lighter. He flicked it open, held it high up in the air, and proceeded to click. The nearest streetlight went out and the light it was emitting went into the device. He did that until the whole street was engulfed in profound darkness. The only thing guiding him now were amber orbs that were now peering at him with unabashed interest. He made his way towards the cat and stopped just in front of it whilst pocketing the Deluminator into one of his numerous robe pockets.

"Pleasure to meet you here, Professor McGonagall."

He got out a small smirk as he saw the tabby give him a rather vicious glare. The tabby gave what could only be described as a cat's impression of a sigh and moved to the lawn and transformed. Once where a cat once sat now stood a human. She was decked in a red female robe in a tartan design. Perched upon her face was a pair of square glasses and she had the same eyes as the cat. Her black hair had been drawn into a tight bun and on her face was a particularly severe expression. Safe to say she wasn't that happy.

"Albus how did you recognize me." She finally got out.

"Well my dear Minerva, aside from me being your colleague having seen you in this form multiple times I also perhaps happen to remember that wonderful smile you have whenever you see me," Albus added rather cheekily though he sobered quickly when the glare Minerva had come back with vengeance.

"Please tell me you haven't been here all day my dear, I must have passed quite a few parties on the way here and today is a day worth celebrating, after all, it's not every day that a Dark Lord is banished." Minerva continued to glare at him.

"Albus, first of all, perhaps the celebrations have gotten out of hand. I saw multiple reports of magical activity that the muggles have reported. It was all over the news." In which she tilted her head to the living room which housed the TV. "And second of all, have you not forgotten about the price in which our victory has come with? There are countless families that have been torn apart. Isn't it selfish of us to celebrate when a lot of people are suffering?"

Albus froze and immediately felt a wave of sympathy wash over him. Minerva had lost her husband to a venomous tentacula bite. An investigation from the Aurors revealed that a Death Eater had planted it hoping to get Minerva who was a major part of the Order.

"I wholeheartedly understand Minerva, but you must understand them." Dumbledore started trying to calm Minerva's raging emotions down. "They've had very little to celebrate about in the last decade or so. And to them, they'd rather celebrate anything positive that may come and after a while, they become desensitized to the tragedies that have plagued the last decade. And perhaps they're not celebrating the demise of Voldemort but, rather their loved ones are finally safe?"

Minerva's eyes softened at that. She hadn't considered that angle before. She knew deep in her heart if Elphinstone* was still alive; she'd be celebrating his demise with him.

"I know that Albus that, however, is still no reason for us to lose our heads and go violate the very laws that are meant to keep our own people safe. Or have you forgotten the fate that had befallen our cousins from across the pond." Minerva said referring to the American witch trials.

In the 1600's over 200 witches were murdered for the 'crime' of having magic. As in the eyes of the Bible 's, thus the Church's, witches and magic were the product of Satan's work. This had led to mass hysteria within the Wizarding World. The ICW had convened and established the Statute of Secrecy which had largely kept the peace between the two races. This balance was now in jeopardy thanks to the mindless antics of a select few.

"A very good point indeed, Minerva, touché." Albus finally said. "Would you care for a lemon drop dear, I find it rather refreshing and a great stress reliever."

Minerva looked at him as if he'd grown a second head. She took a moment to compose herself before diplomatically replying. "Perhaps later Albus. But, getting back to the matter at hand. With You-Know-Who gone –"

"My dear Minerva, perhaps with his demise it would be better if you were to call him by his name Voldemort or better yet Tom." Minerva shivered at the mention of his name, but Dumbledore just ploughed on. "I believe in the proverb that 'fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself'."

"Well, Albus most people aren't like you." Minerva proclaimed in an exasperated yet condescending tone. "A lot of us have had loved ones who have fallen to his wand, yet you've gone and survived quite a few encounters yourself. And besides that, you are probably the only one that he has actually been genuinely frightened of."

Albus shook his head at that exclamation. A major problem he had was the attitudes of reverence that the people held towards him. Whilst it was endearing at first it had grown quickly tiring and had caused him great difficulty in interacting with others. This was perhaps why he was so close to Minerva. She held his achievements in the least regard but still couldn't help the occasional bursts like that.

"Minerva you are entirely too good for my ego," Dumbledore said, procuring yet another glare. "However, Tom has powers of which I will never possess."

"Well, that's because you've never chosen to pursue them, Albus. Sometimes you're entirely too honourable for your own good." She said batting off his attempt at being humble.

"Why Minerva you really are flattering me today. However, I don't choose to pursue these arts because they are dark. I lost my beloved Ariana due to my fixation of these dark arts. I won't carelessly pursue anything like that."

"You're right of course, Albus." Minerva sighed out. "Anyway, what has become of You-Know-Who. Is he truly gone like what they're reporting on the news?"

This was the crux of Minerva's standoffish attitude. It had been a whole day of suspense and tension waiting to find out the answer to something that had been bothering her all day. She fixated a look to Albus that demanded he speak up and soon. Dumbledore popped yet another lemon drop into his mouth before sighing.

"Lord Voldemort has been banished, Minerva. Like the reports said James and Lily were found dead and Harry was left with a curse scar when the killing curse rebounded off his forehead back onto Voldemort." McGonagall gasped as reality sank in. She knew that they were dead but, hearing Albus explicitly saying it was a whole new level of pain for her.

"What they haven't told you, however, was that James died while trying to fight him off in an attempt to allow Lily to escape. There, however, were anti-apparition and anti-portkey wards up which caused Lily and Harry to take sanctuary within the nursery. There Lily attempted to spare Harry by offering to give up her life and let him spare Harry. He took Lily's life but tried to kill Harry but, as I told you the curse failed." Albus said.

"But, however, did the boy survive then Albus," Minerva said, enraptured by the tale Albus was spinning yet, her heart went out to Harry once more.

"I believe that Lily had partaken in a ritual which involved family magic and blood rituals to protect Harry. This, however, would require the willing sacrifice of a mother. This would have greatly reduced the power of the curse but, would still be fatal, but I have reason to believe that a sudden burst of accidental magic caused the curse to rebound to Voldemort."

"But, Albus wouldn't the power requirements still be off the chart to redirect a killing curse albeit one that was significantly weakened," Minerva questioned with a frown.

"Well, Minerva you and I have both witnessed the power that young Harry possesses and it's safe to say that after seeing the death of his mother, a truly traumatic event for anyone more so a toddler, the circumstances are there for Harry to have deflected the curse back at him."

"And what has become of the bind on his core Albus? I recall James putting one there before they went into hiding." Minerva said, her eyebrows furrowing.

"I believe that the power that Harry possessed was so great, from his emotions, that it caused the core to unravel. I doubt he would have survived if the core was still on." Minerva paled at that but, her attention was taken when Albus continued to talk.

"When Hagrid brought him back to Hogwarts Madam Pomfrey reapplied the same bind on him, after she checked him mind you." He added hastily at the blistering look upon her face.

"And when will this binding be removed?"

"I will personally be making visits to him on each of his birthdays to remove a bit of the core as per usual. It will be fully removed by the time he receives his letter so don't worry my dear." Dumbledore reassured Minerva.

Pausing for a moment he once again reached into his pocket and retrieved an old pocket watch. It was a fine example of, if Minerva were to guess, German craftsmanship and it truly was a work of art . It was made out of a rather expensive oak and had hands that were made out of gold. Sighing and shaking his head he finally pocketed it.

"But I do believe that Hagrid is running late. He wouldn't have happened to tell you that I'd told him to meet me with Harry, here did he?" Albus continued.

"Yes, and yes to both questions. And perhaps you will enlighten me on why you've insisted on meeting here Albus? Surely Hogwarts is a lot safer." Minerva said brushing aside the accusatory tone in Albus' voice.

"Well, Minerva I've asked Hagrid to come here because this is where he will be residing for the next 10 years my dear. They are after all the last remaining family that he has."

"You don't mean them now do you." Minerva rasped out whilst wildly gesticulating at 4th Privet. "Albus as you've already surmised, I've spent the whole day observing them. These people are nothing like us. And if Severus is to be believed they hate our kind." Minerva said her face scrunching up at his name.

Albus sighed to himself. Severus Snape had been a major point of contention within the Order and had lately been the source of a lot of heated discussions between the two of them.

Severus hadn't exactly been receptive to the concept of 'light magic' when he was in school, something he and Minerva could testify too, but he'd been captivated by the powerful draw that was 'dark magic'. The only thing that kept from fully embracing the light was his friendship with Lily Potter, a muggleborn. When that relationship had deteriorated beyond the point of repair Albus knew he was lost to the dark.

Or so he thought.

The most Albus had divulged was that Severus had met him on a random Monday morning and what had transpired was a secret to everyone but the two. Whatever it was had convinced Albus wholeheartedly which had led to his immediate induction to the Order much to the chagrin of everyone else.

Minerva had been particularly miffed when he'd revealed that he couldn't divulge what'd happened due to him swearing not to break Severus's confidence. Albus was prone to keeping secrets close to his chest and as such that had led to her belief in him to slowly crumble away.

Thankfully for the two however, they weren't going to cross that proverbial bridge today. There were more important matters at hand after all.

"Minerva, this is where he's safest." She didn't look convinced at all. "If it helps, I've prepared a letter explaining everything to them along with instructions for them to follow."

His eyes widened when he saw a look of utmost indignation and fury settle on her face. Needless to say, that he'd said the wrong thing. Quickly reaching into his pocket he retrieved his wand in time for the imminent explosion from her.

"A letter?!" Minerva roared out not quite believing her ears. "Albus have you not heard a single thing I've said. They hate the magical world; you believe that they'd follow instructions from someone they view as inferior?" Albus shrunk but Minerva wasn't done with her verbal thrashing.

"The boy is famous in our world; this is something that a magical person would have difficulty explaining. What chances do you think that a muggle stands in explaining it to him? You're condemning him to a loveless childhood Albus." Minerva thundered out.

She was now breathing in gasps from her rant and Albus saw an opportunity to get a point in.

"I understand where you're coming from dear, but Harry is her last link to Lily for her. Surely her hatred wouldn't transcend to the point of hating her dead sister's son. And I imagine that if he were to be put inside a magical household the fame would get to his head." Albus answered desperately hoping he'd placated her in some sense.

"I can agree with you trying to keep him humble but, still is it worth it to leave him in an environment where he'll be surely taken advantage of?"

Albus was saved from the endeavour of answering her question when the roar of an engine along with a flash of light suddenly appeared.

There was a motorcycle flying down to the streets from the skies. The motorcycle gradually slowed down before stopping in front of the driveway that they stood at.

A large burly figure dismounted and out stepped the large figure that was Rubeus Hagrid. He walked around and gently picked up a bundle of cloth from out of the sidecar next to him before making his way towards the duo.

He was dressed in an absurdly large brown overcoat and brown linen shirt which went down to his knees. He wore shoes that looked like they were made of an animal's scales. He had bushy black hair and a beard that hid most of his face. His eyes were black in colour but held a certain warm genuine quality to them.

"Hagrid," Dumbledore exclaimed, sounding rather relieved. "I was wondering where you've been. And may I ask where've you found this motorcycle?"

"Well, I borrowed it, sir. Sirius Black let me borrow it sir." He said in a hushed whisper.

"And did you encounter any problems along the way Hagrid?"

"When I arrived half the house had collapsed and there were muggles surrounding the area. Sirius had Harry in his arms I believe performing healing spells on the boy. He's been checked by Madam Pomfrey already and she said there's nothing to do with the scar." He paused before continuing on.

"Sirius was rather hesitant when I said I had to take him. Said that it was his duty as Harry's godfather to take care of him but, he eventually relented when I told him that you ordered me too. He then mentioned something about hunting down a rat before taking off. But Harry behaved himself." He said smiling affectionately at the bundle in his arms.

As if on cue Albus and Minerva peered down to the bundle of blankets in Hagrid's arms. Inside, the cocoon was a baby boy fast asleep. He had a head full of jet-black hair and on the right-hand side of his forehead was a cut in the shape of a lightning bolt. "He fell asleep as we were over Bristol on the way here sir." Hagrid offered in way of explanation whilst handing the boy over into Dumbledore's arms.

"Is that where he was struck?" Minerva whispered out. Dumbledore merely nodded his head in affirmation. The silence soon stretched out as they stared at the boy watching as he moved in his sleep.

"I believe that is all Hagrid. My thanks for taking such good care of him, now I think we should retire for the night. It has been a long day after all."

"Is this where he'll be staying sir?" Albus nodded to him.

Hagrid took a deep shuddering breath before looking at Harry and walking to him. He gently pushed the hair off Harry's forehead before whispering something to him. He made his way back to the motorbike and the engine roared back to life once more.

"I shall be returning Hogwarts sir. If there's anything you need you know how to contact me." Hagrid said. Albus nodded at him. The last thing he saw was Hagrid accelerating down the street before lifting off and disappearing into the darkness of the night.

Minerva then turned her head towards him and looked pointedly at him. "Albus you do know that if Sirius is indeed Harry's godfather that he's innocent right?" Albus nodded at her. "Well then I shall be leaving but, please remember what you promised."

Albus gaped at her before he muted his look at the pointed look, she sent him.

"And remember if I ever find out that you've screwed this up, there won't be a place to hide from my fury." Albus gulped and nodded.

"Of course, my dear. I wouldn't dream of doing such a thing and please do know that I haven't taken this decision lightly." Minerva nodded momentarily satisfied. She brandished her wand and spun on the spot before she too disappeared in a loud pop.

Albus once more looked at the toddler in his arms one last time before he brought the boy to the doorstep and placed the basket in front. Taking out a letter from out of his pocket he placed it in the basket before taking a step back. He looked at the boy one last time and lightly whispered into the air "Goodluck Harry Potter." He turned around and was once again in the middle of the road. Reaching into his pocket once more this time he brought out the Deluminator and the light that had once been captured returned to its original streetlamps. Pocketing it and extending his hand where a wand had suddenly appeared. Looking around once more he spun and disappeared in a much quieter pop too.

AN: This is where the story in terms of the plot will start to diverge from that of canon. The actual plot of this chapter will largely remain the same but the events leading up to it and how the climax of the story is handled will be different. But please leave a review (a constructive one would be nice) and possibly a Kudos/Follow and I hope you enjoyed my first ever chapter.

And please do check out WaskeHD's work over at Archive of Our Own (AO3). The links to his works are here: /works/23104360?view_full_work=true and /series/1662466

And many thanks to KRUNKXSMASH for beta-reading my work. You're the real MVP man.