The Chronicles of Merlin: The Return

Prologue

"Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Potter," the nurse said as she handed them their daughter. "It's a girl."

"Not just any girl, her name is Glory" Lily said happily. "She is going to be the savior of the wizarding world."

"There was a prophecy about it," James explained. "Trelaway predicted that our second child would be the one to defeat he-who-must-not-be-named both in body and in soul."

Four years later…

"Harry, how many times have I told you," shouted an angry Lily Potter. "You are not to touch your sister's things." She said to the five year old Harry.

"It isn't even hers," Harry protested. "You gave it to me for Christmas last year."

"Why am I even arguing with you?" Lily said angrily, as she ripped the teddy bear out of Harry's hands and gave it to Glory, then stormed off.

"See," Glory said with a smirk. "I always get what I want because I am a hero, I saved the entire world." Glory said as she pointed to her scar. You're just plain old Harry."

"I never said that they wouldn't give it you," Harry said with a sigh. "It was just important to me."

"Well then," Glory said with a sneer. "This should make it more fun," she said as she cruelly twisted off the teddy bear's head and walked off laughing.

Two years later…

"What the hell did you think you were doing?" James asked as he roughly pulled Harry into the house.

"I'm sorry sir, I tried to get there in time," answered a frightened Harry.

"Your sister could have been seriously hurt. How can we expect Glory to save the world if her own brother can't help her when she needs it," James roared.

"The Boggrat hit me more than Glory, most of the blood on Glory is mine," Harry said as he tried to defend himself. If he did this right his parents might even let him go to the doctor for his injuries.

"You think you can talk your way out of this?" James asked in a quiet calm that betrayed his anger.

"It was an accident, I tried to help," Harry said desperately.

James reached out quicker than Harry could react, and gave Harry a hard slap to the face which sent the young boy sprawling.

"Get down to the cellar, and I don't want to even hear about you coming out for a week." James said as he turned his back on his son.

Four years later…

"That's the mail," Glory said excited. "I wonder if I got any fan mail, mom."

"I wouldn't be surprised," James said as he sat down for breakfast smiling.

"Don't keep your sister waiting." Lily said with a scowl. "Go get the mail."

"Yes mother," Harry said as he finished making breakfast. The Potters may not have believed in keeping house elves, but that they had no such rule about Harry doing the job of a house elf.

Harry returned quickly with the mail. He knew what would happen to him if he took too long. He first handed a stack of letters to glory, the others were mostly bills, which he handed to his father, but something caught his eye. On the last letter there was a seal he had never seen before, and the letter was addressed to him.

"What's that?" Glory asked as she pointed to the letter in Harry's hands.

"I am not sure," Harry said. "I think it's a mistake. Why would anyone want to write to me?"

"Let me see that," James said as he yanked the letter out of Harry's hands. "I don't believe it," he said in shock. "All this time I was sure you would turn out to be a squib."

"What is the letter about?" Harry asked, now curious because the letter was actually addressed to him.

"It's a letter to go to Hogwarts, School for witch craft and wizardry," Lily said offhandedly. "I suppose we should be getting your school supplies," she said in a bored voice.

September first, the sorting…

"Ron Weasley," McGonagall shouted.

As the red head walked up and placed the hat on his head, it waited a second before shouting, "Gryffindor."

"Hermione Granger."

"Ravenclaw," the hat shouted.

"Neville Longbottom."

"Gryffindor"

"Draco Malfoy."

"Slytherin," the hat shouted before it even touched Malfoy's head.

"Harry Potter."

Harry slowly walked up and put the hat on his head.

"Well, another Potter is it? I haven't sorted one in years, this should be interesting," the hat sat as it began to look through Harry's mind.

"I don't think you'll find anything of interest in my head," Harry said with a sigh.

"On the contrary boy, you are very interesting. I have never met someone so hard to sort before."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked confused. "There isn't anything special about me."

"In order for me to sort you I have to see what your want in life, but with you I can't sense anything," the hat said now clearly confused.

"You can't sense anything, because I don't want anything."

"Come now, that can't be true. You are only eleven years old. There must be something you want."

"I can't allow myself to want anything," Harry explained. "If I do then my family will take it from me and destroy it. I don't want to be responsible for something like that again," Harry said as he remembered his pet mouse.

"I see," the hat said as he saw Harry's parents force him to watch as his sister's cat killed the mouse, then laughed as Harry cried.

"That was the day I decided that I would not allow myself to want anything," Harry said as the memory flashed by in his mind.

"There must be something," the hat said as it dove deeper into Harry's mind.

The hat finally reached a memory that held some promise. Harry was using his magic to heal the cuts and bruises on his body.

"That was some very advanced magic," the hat said.

"It was learned out of necessity. I would not be alive today if it was not for that."

"I think I finally have enough to make my decision," the hat said finally. "I'm sorry I had to make you relive all those painful memories." The hat said sincerely.

"Don't be," Harry said offhandedly. "When I go back I'm sure they'll make me go through more of it. I am a mistake, and they never get tired of reminding me of that fact."

"Huffelpuff," the hat shouted.

The rest of the hall sat in complete silence. Harry's sorting had taken almost half an hour. It was the longest sorting in Hogwarts history, beating the old record by at least twenty minutes.

September 2nd…

Harry was sitting with his house mates for breakfast when the owl post came, and for the second time in his life Harry received a letter. It was from his parents.

Harry Potter

Huffelpuff Table

The Great Hall

I can not believe that you were put in Huffelpuff!
You have disgraced your family and their fine
Gryffindor heritage. We would have even preferred
Ravenclaw over this. You will not be coming home
for the Christmas holiday, that is your punishment.

Mr. & Mrs. Potter

Harry sighed as he folded up the letter and put it in his pocket before his house mates saw it. He knew that he would be paying for it in the summer.

Harry quickly finished what was left of his breakfast and followed his year mates to his first class, potions.

The Potions Class Room…

Professor Snape, the potions master of Hogwarts gave a speech about what was to be expected of the students in potions class, but stopped and frowned when he saw Harry writing on his parchment.

"Just what do you think you are doing Potter?" Snape asked with a sneer.

"I was taking-" Harry started to answer.

"No let me guess," Snape interrupted. "A member of the famous Potter shouldn't have to work for anything. They should have it handed to them on a silver platter."

"I did not mean to-" Harry started to say before he was interrupted again.

"Let's see how smart you are Potter. Where would you look if I asked you to find a bezor?"

"You would find it in the stomach of a goat sir."

"What is the drought of the living dead?"

"It is a very powerful sleeping potion."

"What is the difference between Monkshood and Wolf's bane?" Snape asked with a sneer. 'No first year could possibly know the answer' he thought confidently.

"It is the same plant professor," Harry said without missing a beat.

"Ten points from Huffelpuff." Snape said hoping that Harry would challenge him. All he needed was one outburst to take another twenty points.

"I am sorry to have disappointed you professor," Harry said as he lowered his head. "I will try to do better in the future."

"What?" Snape asked clearly shocked and disappointed. Out of all the reactions he could get from a Potter he had not expected this. "Don't you even want to know why I took the points?"

"I am only a first year student professor, and you are a potions master. I have no right to question your decisions." Harry said sincerely.

"Well then," Snape said as he saw at the looks of disgust on the faces of the other students. "Open your books to page 24 and read up to page 50," Snape mumbled, as he realized how much like a petty child that Harry had made him look.

When Potions ended Harry began to pack up his books, but was stopped by Snape. "Potter stay after class."

Harry obediently waited for the rest of the class to leave and for the potions master to address him.

"Well you're definitely smarter than that insufferable father of yours. You were able to make me look like a petty child today," Snape said with the always present sneer on his face. "For making a professor look foolish, a further twenty points will be taken from your house."

"Yes professor," Harry said calmly. "I am sorry to have embarrassed you."

"Stop doing that Potter," Snape almost shouted. "Why are you always apologizing?"

"I have learned at a very young age to respect my betters Professor. May I rejoin my class mates? I don't want to be late for my next class."

"Go," Snape said dismissing Harry.

September 6th, flying lessons…

"Alright, everyone stand beside your brooms and say up" Madam Hooch instructed.

Harry's broom was the first to reach his hand, followed later by the rest of his class mates.

"Everyone hover in the air for a few seconds then land."

As Madam Hooch was instructing the class Neville's broom started lifting him higher, then shot off carrying Neville towards the castle.

"Stop Neville," Madam Hooch shouted to no avail. They were all forced to watch as Neville came crashing to the ground after landing hard.

Harry and Madam Hooch rushed over to see if he was okay.

"My wrist," Neville whimpered as Harry lifted it up to get a better look.

"It's broken Neville," Harry said as he looked it over. "Just give me a second and I can fix it for you."

"That is quite alright Potter, why don't we leave it the experts," Madam Hooch said.

"It will only take a second," Harry said as he gently rested his hand on the broken bone, and a soft warm light surrounded it. When the light disappeared Neville's wrist was completely healed.

"That was amazing Potter," Hooch said astounded. "That is the most advanced wand less magic I have ever seen, 30 points to Huffelpuff. Even Poppy couldn't have done it that fast, WITH her wand. Where did you learn how to do that?"

"I had a lot of practice growing up," Harry answered.

"Alright, come with me Neville. We should find out if there's anything else wrong with you," Hooch said as she walked with Neville towards the castle.

"Until I get back no one else will get on a broom," Hooch ordered.

When Hooch walked into the castle the Slytherins burst into laughter.

"Did you see that prat?" Draco laughed. "Look what he dropped," he said picking up Neville's Rememberball. "I think I'll stick it up a tree for him to find," Draco said as took off on his broom.

Harry let out a sigh as he followed Draco up on his own broom.

"The Rememberball belongs to Neville. I am sure that your parents will buy you one if you ask them," Harry said calmly.

"Don't tell me what to do, don't you know who my father is?" Malfoy asked with a sneer.

"I know who your father is Malfoy. Do you really think that he would be pleased if you stole a Rememberball? It would make it look like as if you did not have the money to buy one yourself. It would embarrass your father."

Malfoy looked at the Rememberball for a second before he handed it to Harry. "My father has enough money to buy thousands of these."

As the two began to descend they saw a bunch of rocks being thrown at them. When they looked to see where it was coming from, the two noticed a group of Gryffindor boys trying to hit Malfoy.

A rather large round found its mark, and hit Malfoy in the side of the head. He was not expecting the hit and tumbled off his broom and began to free fall.

Harry quickly spun into action and dove after him. Just a few meters before the two would have crashed into the ground Harry was able to grab Draco and pull up, before slowly lowering them to the ground.

When they landed they were met by and angry Professor Snape.

"Just what the hell where you doing up there Potter?" Snape asked with a sneer. "I knew you were just like your father. You couldn't even last a week without breaking the rules. I'll have you expelled for this."

"Wait Professor," Draco interrupted. "Harry didn't do anything wrong, it was my fault. Harry saved my life."

"What?" Snape asked. "He must have started it just so that he could play the hero."

"No Professor, I took Neville's Rememberball and was about to through it up a tree. Harry talked me out of it, and when we were coming down the Gryffindor started throwing rocks at us. If Harry didn't act as quickly as he did I wouldn't be standing here."

"Very well," Snape relented. "Ten points to Slytherin for keeping a cool head in the face of danger," Snape said as he walked off.

"I'm sorry Harry," Draco said. "What Snape did wasn't fair. You should have gotten at least 40 points for pulling off a dive like that."

"No one said that life would be fair, sometimes you have to take what you can get," Harry said as he stared at the back of the retreating potions master.

"Well now you have a wizarding debt from a Malfoy, and his friendship," Malfoy said as he extended his hand.

Harry looked at him for a second before reaching out and shaking the other boys' hand.

December 24, Christmas Vacation…

Most of the students were going home for Christmas. Harry was the only one in his house that was staying. Ron Weasley was the only ones from Gryffindor, Draco Malfoy was the only one from Slytherin, and Hermione Granger was the only one from Ravenclaw.

When he walked into the great hall for breakfast, he smiled at what he saw. The other three students were sitting quietly in the cavernous hall.

He walked over to Draco, "how about we get some company for breakfast?" Harry said as he motioned to the two students.

"Are you nuts Harry?" Draco asked. "It's a mudblood and a mudblood lover."

"Remember your promise Draco. You have to keep an open mind. Get to know them before you decide you hate them."

"Alright fine," Draco grumbled as the two first made their way to Ron Weasley.

"Would you like some company for breakfast?" Harry asked.

Ron looked at the two for a second, "hang out with a Malfoy? Are you crazy? Everyone knows that they look down on anyone that isn't like them."

"Isn't that what you're doing now?" Harry asked before Draco could storm off.

"No it's different because…" Ron trailed off.

"It's exactly the same, get to know us before you decide you don't like us," Harry offered.

"Fine," Ron said as he motioned for them to sit down.

"Wait," Harry said. "There's still one more person we're missing," he said as he pointed to Hermione.

The three walked over to the Ravenclaw table and sat down next to Hermione.

"May we join you?" Harry asked as Hermione lowered her book.

"Sure," Hermione said.

The four students spent the next few hours talking about classes, and pretty much everything else that they could think of.

"My father is going to kill me when he finds out that I am friends with people from all four houses," Draco said gravely.

"Don't worry about it," Harry said offhandedly. "Brag about it, tell him you were able to make an alliance with all four houses, something that has never been done in Hogwarts history. Make him believe that it makes you powerful."

"Well I guess you would know about making history," Ron said laughing. "Youngest seeker in a century."

Harry blushed lightly at the compliment. He had grown up in a place where he was ridiculed for every mistake he made, and ignored for every one of his accomplishments.

"We should meet up here on Christmas morning," Hermione said excitedly. "We can all open our presents together."

The other two boys nodded in agreement before Harry could interrupt. Christmas was not a happy time for him, and presents even fake ones were few and far between.

December 25, Christmas morning…

Harry woke to find that he did indeed have a present. It was a small box, but he did not expect anything as good as his friends would get. He picked it up with a sigh and walked to the great hall.

He had to only wait a few moments before he saw his friends walking down. Their arms were filled with presents of different colors shapes and sizes.

"Where are your presents Harry?" Hermione asked as she sat down next to him.

"Its right here," Harry said as he placed the box on the table.

"There must be some kind of shrinking spell on it," Ron thought as looked at it carefully.

"I don't think so Ron," Harry said. "Why don't you guys start opening your presents? We can all open our last one together."

Harry watched for the next half hour as his new friends opened their presents, happy in the knowledge that they were having a good time.

When it finally came time to open their last presents Harry picked up his regretfully. He would have preferred not receiving anything at all.

He slowly undid the twine holding the package and looked inside. He reached in and pulled out a lump of coal, before dropping it on the table.

The other looked up from their presents to see Harry drop the lump of coal.

"Is that all they gave you?" Ron asked incredulously. "They could have at least got you a new broom, so you wouldn't have to use the school one any more."

"They are feeling generous this year," Harry said truthfully. "I might as well put it to good use," he said as walked over to the fire place and tossed it in before leaving the great hall.

The others quickly followed him out, their presents now forgotten.

"Where are you going Harry?" Draco asked as they caught up with him.

"To the owlery, I have to write a thank you note," Harry said without stopping.

"Are you serious? That was practically a slap in the face," Hermione said incredulously.

"It's better than a real one."

When they reached the owlery Harry quickly scribbled down a note about how grateful he was for the gift and how he put it to good use heating the school.

"Why would you thank them for that?" Ron asked. "If my family did something like that to me they would be getting a howler instead of a thank you note."

"It's complicated," Harry said with a sigh.

"Then explain it to us," Draco said sitting down. "We have all the time in the world."

"Alright," Harry said with a sigh, sitting down as well. "Do you remember the last time you got something that was just yours? That you didn't have to give back later?" Harry said as they all nodded. "I don't have anything like that. My family will give me something just long enough for me to become attached to it, and then take it away."

"How can you stand it Harry?" Hermione asked as a tear slipped down her cheek.

"It was actually pretty simple. I figured it out when my parents made me watch as my sister's cat killed my pet mouse. I trained myself to never want anything. As long as I don't want anything my family won't be able to hurt me."

"That's awful Harry, what could you have done to deserve it?" Draco asked.

"I am Glory Potter's brother," Harry said with a sigh. "I could never measure up to what she is going to be. To them I am a mistake that should have died instead of their friend Sirius."

June 17th, the house quiditch cup. Huffelpuff vs. Slytherin…

The match had been going on for the past half hour. Slytherin was in the lead, 50 to 80.

It had been a tough match from the very beginning. Neither team had given an inch. Harry and the Slytherin Seeker were searching the pitch carefully.

The Slytherin seeker caught sight of the snitch, and went into a dive. Harry having seen it as well went into a dive, hoping the school broom would hold out long enough for him to catch the snitch. The two were neck and neck as they approached the ground, moving at speeds well above 40 kilometers an hour. The Slytherin seeker finally pulled up, afraid of crashing into the ground. Harry kept going though, and with an extra human effort was able grab the snitch and pull up.

The only problem was he was too close to the ground, and the back end of his broom slammed into the ground, snapping it in half and sending Harry flying.

June 18ththe Hogwarts infirmary…

Harry woke up to a pounding headache.

"I think he's waking up," he heard someone say.

Harry opened his eyes, and looked up to see the concerned faces of his friends. "What happened?"

"You took a nose dive into the ground," Draco said with a smirk.

"Did I catch the snitch?" Harry asked.

"It was amazing, the best catch I have ever seen," Ron said smiling. "With a dive like that Gryffindor is going to have a lot of trouble next year."

Harry slowly began to sit up as he looked at his injuries. He had a few bandages around his arms and his head, and it felt like a couple of his ribs were broken.

"You shouldn't be standing up Harry," Hermione scolded as she tried to make him lay down again.

"It's alright Hermione," Harry said with a smile. "I've been through much worse before. This is only going to take a couple minutes to fix."

Harry concentrated on his magic, as the now familiar white glow surrounded him, and he felt his magic healing him. After a few moments Harry stood up and began to take off his bandages.

"What do you think you are doing Mr. Potter?" Madam Pomphery asked as she walked up to the standing Harry. "With your list of injuries you shouldn't even be able to stand up."

"It's ok Madam Pomphery," Harry said as he stepped forward. "I used my magic to heal myself, I'm fine now."

Pomphery looked Harry over for a few minutes before speaking. "How is it you are able to do this, and without a wand?"

"I learned out of necessity when I was too young to own a wand."

June 20th, Station 9 ¾ …

Harry waited at the platform for a good three hours before he saw his family. James walked up to him quickly.

"Let's go," he said gruffly, not even stopping to help Harry with his trunk.

Harry followed him quietly, knowing that he could not show any emotions to his father.

When they reached the Potter Mansion Harry got out and took his trunk to his room and closed the door. It was going to be a long summer.

To be continued…