Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Harry knew better, he did, but he was so curious. Harry had learned to pick locks ages ago, so after he was sure the Dursleys had went to sleep, he snuck out of his cupboard.

The Livingroom was void of any letters. The Kitchen would likely have some. Harry tip toed into the kitchen and looked around. That morning his aunt had thrown out the eggs after finding a letter in one.

“Please work,” Harry whispered as he broke open an egg.

A letter seemed to grow out of the egg as the shell separated. Harry gleaned at it. He picked it up and held it close to his face.

Dear Mr. Potter,
We’re proud to inform you that you have been accepted to Hogwarts school for witchcraft and wizardry. Please collect the supplies listed and send a letter by the owl by next week with your answer. Keep in mind it can only be written and sent by the person the letter was sent to.
We look forward to your response,
Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts

Harry read and reread the letter several times. He was a wizard? He thought hard about it until it clicked. All those times he’d escaped Dudley, The disappearing glass, the hair regrowth. He was a wizard!

He cracked another egg just to see if it was the same. This time the letter was crimson. He looked at the fancy letter in awe. He carefully pulled the seal away from the envelope and pulled out the folded parchment.

Harry Potter,
We’ve been informed of your acceptance into Hogwarts and wanted to allow you more than one option. Durmstrang institution invites you, Harry potter, to learn and train amongst some of the most skilled wizards of Europe.
Our institution prides itself on training our students to be able to defend themselves and teaching them all magic. Hogwarts restricts its students from darker magic in fear. We, on the other hand, don’t cower in the face of our students’ natural talents.
If you accept, write us a letter back and tell one of the owls to deliver it to Durmstrang. The supplies you’ll need if you accept are found on the back of the page. You can get the items in Diagon Alley. A map will also be included for your convenience.
We hope to hear from you soon,
Durmstrang’s headmaster,
Igor Karkaroff

Harry was in even more awe after reading it. The school would help him stay safe? Would they help him get away from the Dursleys? Hogwarts said nothing of the sort.

He flipped the letter and read some of the supplies off.

One owl or bird that can deliver mail
A pet such as a cat, rat, toad, or other small animal is optional
Quills and ink
A broom Notebooks for each class
Durmstrang uniforms for warmer and colder weather
Optional reading such as Introduction to the Wizarding World, Beginners Magic, and All About Durmstrang Institution are good for muggleborn or raised
Class books: first year potions, herbology, transfiguration, charms, dark arts, combat, and flying. The books may need to be purchased from different shops due to a ban of dark arts from certain shops. If you can’t get ahold of them then please use your bird to send us a message.

At the bottom of the page was a not instructing him to find Gringotts bank where apparently had a fortune waiting for him.

He shoved the letters in his pocket and tested another egg. All the rest were just plain eggs. He made his way to his Cupboard after covering the cracked eggs with the other trash.

Harry grabbed a piece of parchment and started writing a letter. He addressed it to Durmstrang. It seemed like a more caring school just from the extra help it provided. He also really wanted to know how to defend himself from the beating the Dursleys gave him.

Durmstrang Institution,
This is a hard choice for me since I know nothing about the wizarding world. I still can’t believe any of this is real, but if it is, I accept. I need to know how to protect myself more than anything. Thank you for the extra instructions, I will need them.
I don’t know if I will be able to get my supplies given my gaurdians' aversion to magic, but I’ll try.
Sorry for the trouble and thank you for the invitation,
Harry Potter

He wrote another that simply said, “I politely decline your invitation as I have already accepted another”

Harry slid out and opened the front door as quietly as he could. He walked to the first bird he saw, the only non-owl in fact, and handed it the letter. The Black bird squawked and grabbed it.

“Take it to Durmstrang please,” He whispered.

He handed the other to an owl nearby and told it to head to the other school. It was so simple that harry was anxious he did it wrong somehow.

Harry spent the rest of the night worrying that his aunt and uncle would somehow know what he did. He didn’t get a wink of sleep because of his worries.

Chapter Text

Harry Was surprised when the Dursleys didn’t question the letters stopping. His aunt even acted proud, like she had made it stop herself.

Harry didn’t even get punished as much as usual. He could definitely get used to this.

It had lasted all of four days before things finally stopped going well for him. It started with a knock on the door. Of course, they sent Dudley to answer it because ‘nobody would want to see harry’s face’.

“Some kid is here for harry,” Dudley screamed towards the living room and kitchen.

Harry tensed, eyes going wide. He walked towards the door and was cut off by Vernon coming out of the living room first. Harry hid behind the corner and listened in.

“Who are you?”

“Hello sir,” an accented voice said. “I’m Victor Krum. I was sent by the headmaster to help Harry gather his supplies.”

“He’s not going to Hogwarts! We already said no to that man a hundred times!”

“Excuse me sir, but I’m from Durmstrang, not Hogwarts. We received a letter accepting the invite already.”

Harry tensed even more. He was going to be beaten. He might even be murdered for this stunt. His heart was pounding.

“Harry!”

“Yes,” harry asked as he came out from his hiding place.

“Did you send a letter to a Dursting or whatever?”

His voice was scarily calm. Harry swallowed and nodded. Vernon’s face turned red with anger.

“Harry, I’m here to take you to Diagon Alley. We’ll be going now if you’d like.”

Harry looked over to the boy, Victor. He was only a few years older than him. His hair was dark, almost black like his own.

He looked between Vernon and the boy with adrenaline starting to take over him. It gave him the confidence he needed to stand up to his uncle.

“I will be going then.”

He waited for the impact of a hand or something that had been grabbed but it didn’t come. Vernon was scared, Harry realized. He was staring at the boy who held a stick, still pointed at the ground.

“Then you aren’t coming back,” Vernon spoke finally. “I’m not letting a magic user in my house.”

“That’s fine. We have housing at the school. We will send paperwork to remove Harry from your guardianship as soon as we return to Durmstrang.”

Harry was in shock. Surely this wasn’t real. He had suffered 10 years and now a boy that was barely older than him was here to save him. He felt faint.

After Vernon had nodded, Harry ran to his cupboard to collect his things. He took a pillowcase and stuffed all his things in it. The thing was barely even half full and he was sure Victor noticed.

He rushed out of the house, Victor following him to the end of the driveway.

“It’s nice to officially meet you. I’m Victor Krum, a fourth year at Durmstrang.”

The boy put his hand out for Harry. Harry looked at it with uncertainty. He was hesitant to get too close to him.

“You already know me I suppose. It’s nice to meet you too.”

Harry took the boy’s extended hand and instantly felt sick. His body felt like it was being stretched and warped in a sickening way. Suddenly, almost like he’d been dreaming, they were somewhere else.

“Sorry, the first time is always terrible.”

Harry turned and puked his guts out. He was never doing that again. He would need to figure out a way to get back at him for that one.

“Feeling better now?”

Harry stood up and nodded at him. Victor smiled and took his hand before Harry could protest. Nothing happened this time. Harry let out a sigh of relief and let Victor lead him down the street.

“We’ll head to Gringotts first then Olivander’s. A wand is a Wizard’s most important tool.”

Harry nodded, not actually knowing what the boy was talking about. They walked to the end of the street where a white building stood. He was led in and told to copy Victor.

Harry was shocked again. Little creatures were scattered around the building. They weren’t only unusually short, but green, and rather ugly.

Victor stopped at a desk and bowed a little to the one behind it. Harry copied him. The boy talked to the thing while harry just stared.
“Do you have his key?”

“Yes. Now if you will.”

The thing grumbled and hollered to the other nearby. Then they were being ushered down a hallway and into a cart akin to a mine cart.

“Best hold on. It’s fast,” Victor warned.

Harry grabbed the edge of the cart and was indeed almost actually blown away. The cart stopped with a jolt and the thing got out.

“We’re here.”

“Put enough galleons in here to fill the bag,” victor ordered the thing and handed it the key.

It glared but followed the orders without a word. He was handed a heavy bag after the thing came out. Harry held it in his lap while trying to hold his stuff and the cart. Victor offered to carry it instead when they got back to the lobby. Harry enthusiastically agreed.

Harry was smiling again by time they left. Victor had finally told him that the things were goblins. He also told him a little about the species as they walked down the street again.

Chapter Text

The two walked into a small shop that reminded Harry of a library. Books had been his best friend since he could read.

“Ah, I was wondering when I’d see you. I’m Olivander.”

Harry looked to the hallway behind the desk where an older man was approaching the desk. He was looking at harry with a smile.

“You look just like your father. Oh, but those eyes, most certainly your mother’s.”

“Thanks?”

Them man pulled a box off the shelf and set it on the desk. He took a stick- wand from the box and studied it for a moment.

“Oak, 11 inches, unicorn hair core. Come dear, try this wand for me.”

Harry stepped forward and took a wand from the man’s hand. He could feel the hum of something, but it was all wrong.

“Give it a wave”

He waved it and at least a dozen boxes fell off the shelf. Harry froze. Would he be in trouble? He looked to the man.

“It’s alright. That just means It’s not your wand.”

Harry set it on the table and the man put it up. He pulled another box and opened it up. Harry took it and gave it a wave. The same thing happened. In fact, it happened with the next five or so that he tried.

“I wonder…” Olivander trailed off.

Harry watched as he went back to the hell and grabbed a different box. He pulled out another box. He brought it towards him with uncertainty.

“Holly, 11 inches, phoenix feather core.”

Harry took it and this time it was different. He could feel the magic in a way that felt right. He waved it and gold sparks flew out in a beautiful way. Harry smiled at it.

“That’s the one. Curious that is.”

“What is?”

“That feather is one of two that phoenix dropped. It’s brother- twin… was the wand I sold he-who-shall-not-be-named when he was just a boy.”

“Who?”

“He means Voldemort,” Victor answered. “He killed your parents and tried to kill you.”

Harry froze. He had thought his parents died in a car accident. His aunt had told him they were drunks. How could she?

“We’ll take the wand as well as an arm sheath.”

“That will be 8 galleons.”

Victor pulled the bag out and dug out 8 of the golden coins. He placed the on the counter and grabbed a sheath from the side of the counter. It was black with maroon accents.

“Put this on your arm and put your wand in it.”

Harry fiddled with the contraption until it was on properly, placing the wand inside. It would make it easier to draw his wand if he needed.

“We should go. We still need to get the rest of your things.”

Harry nodded and followed Victor to the book shop nearby. The two boys balance the books between them until Victor finally remembered the shrinking charm he learned in first year.

Harry couldn’t stop his amazement from showing when victor did magic. While his first impression had been sickly, it only got better from there.

The day was good. Harry actually felt happy. It was such a weird feeling.

“Pick your bird and a pet if you want.”

Harry looked around at all the owls. Not much variety. He walked further into the store and finally spotted a beautiful black bird.

“That one.”

“A crow? Alright.”

Victor shrugged and picked up the cage for harry. The bird squawked and flapped its wings at the sudden shift. Harry watched with adornment.

“Go look at the pets and meet me at the counter when you’re done,” Victore ordered him.

Harry nodded and walked around to the back. Harry looked around and saw a cute little kitten. It was entrancing to him. But he was broken out of his trance by a voice.

“Of course. It’s always the kittens that go first.”

Harry looked up and saw a snake at the source of the voice. Harry walked a little closer, startling the snake.

“Hello,” Harry hesitantly greeted.

“You speak parseltongue?”

“I don’t know what that is. I’m Harry by the way.”

“Esper.”

Harry smiled at the snake and grabbed its cage. It was heavy with the weight of the big snake. He brought it to the middle of the room where victor stood waiting.

“Ah, you found… oh a snake. A big snake at that. The instructions said small harry.”

Harry frowned at Victor, putting the snake next to his bird despite victor’s dismay.

“I’m glad he’s getting a home. This snake has been in my care for a few years now,” The shop keeper spoke when the cages were both settled.

Harry happily exchanged his galleons for the animals. He already had a name picked out for his bird too. Anthus and Esper.

Chapter Text

Durmstrang was nowhere close to how harry had envisioned it. Though, his expectations were quite low after spending the rest of the week and weekend in the Leaky Cauldron. His room had only just met the acceptable mark for guests. Of course, it was better than Harry’s cupboard.

Harry nearly puked again when Victor did his warping thing again. He went from his room all the way across Europe; not a great decision for someone new to it, but Victor seemed to forget all about it.

Harry could instantly hear the hum of a crowd. They were Infront of a beautiful building where the students had taken to gathering. Victor dropped Harry’s hand and started walking towards the building. Harry followed without hesitation.

“Where are we going,” Harry asked.

“The great hall. It’s where the students go for sorting. Much like Hogwarts, we have houses. There are four houses; Atticus, Concinne, Liberalis, and Terpsichora.”

“What do they represent, or how do we get placed I mean.”

They walked through the big open doors and into huge corridor. Victor walked him up the stairs as he started explaining it.

“Atticus is cunning, brave, skilled in Dark Arts, and sometimes have a little too much bravery and not enough since. The headmaster was in Atticus actually. Concinne is all about inner beauty and charm as well as the purity of their bloodlines and finances. That’s where most of the purebloods that aren’t in Atticus go. Liberalis is more interested in scholarly pursuits of esoteric subjects than dueling and is all about knowledge. Many of them go on to become Healers, scholars, librarians, and intelligence agency operatives. Artists, poets, musicians, and the insane tend to be in Terpsichora. It’s full of pranksters and people who are untrustworthy.”

Harry was still processing his words when they arrived at the great hall. Victor was quickly rushing him up to the front where other kids his age were. Harry took his spot behind a girl with long black hair.

Harry was almost glad about the uniforms because he didn’t draw attention at all. Or at least when his fringe was over his scar. It was also nice because victor had indeed been right about how cold it was.

It was barely a few minutes later when the ceremony started. Harry was happy to be at the end of the line. He was still thinking about what house he’d want to be in. The only downside was that he couldn’t see the process from the back of the lie and wouldn’t know what to expect for a while.

“Concinne!” Someone at the front shouted.

“Neomie Blythe,” The woman on the steps greeted the black-haired girl.

Harry watched her intently as she stepped up and placed a hand on a clear orb. The orb turned green after a few second of swirling between green and purple.

“Atticus,” The Woman shouted.

The girl- Neomie smiled and turned to approach her table. Harry took a deep breath to settle his stomach and moved forward.

“Hadrian Potter.”

Harry was too focused on the orb to question the name. Maybe it was a weird nickname. Harry placed his hand on the orb and could suddenly hear a voice.

“Ah, I never would have imagined seeing you here,” The voice said. “Now, where to put you? Smart of course, but also determined, and you have an interesting bloodline. Hm, I think I know…”

Harry was pulled from the trance when the woman shouted again, “Atticus!”

Harry turned and looked to the tables, spotting the girl at the end of one. He also saw Victor at it. Harry smiled as he walked over to them.

“Harry,” Victor grabbed his attention. “Come sit with me.”

Harry walked over to him and sat in the space Victor had made for him. Victor patted his back which harry awkwardly flinched away from. He wasn’t sure he’d ever get used to being touched by people.

“Looks like I’ll be looking after you longer than I expected.”

Harry gave a hoarse laugh and turned to look at the front of the room. A man in a white fur coat was stepping up to the front.

“Welcome everyone,” The man announced, holding his wand to his throat for a better effect. “I’m Igor Karkaroff, your headmaster, for those who I have yet to meet. Congratulations to the first years we’ve accepted this year.”

The man paused as the crowd broke out into applause. Even some of the first years clapped along. Harry was too focused on scanning the table behind Igor. There were at least seven people at the table. Teachers harry supplied.

“Welcome back to those who have returned. Now, everyone, have a good feast!”

Harry gaped as food apparated onto the tables. He watched victor to make sure it was alright before getting some for himself. Everything was different from his usual scraps of food, but it was all delicious.

Chapter Text

Harry didn’t settle in as well as he had hoped to. For some reason, one far beyond his comprehension, he was homesick.

Victor helped. He was kind to harry despite their age difference, but he wasn’t always there. He was constantly training for quidditch games or talking to someone.

In an attempt to help Harry make friends, Victor managed to both embarrass him and make him a friend at the same time. Harry was sure Naomie was pranking him or something, but she seemed so genuine, when she wasn’t making fun of him anyway.

At least he had someone his age to sit with when victor was gone. It was also nice that they took the same classes because they could help each other with their homework.

Harry’s first day of classes went about as well as you could expect from a muggle raised wizard. He blew his charms project up within the first ten minutes of class, nearly spilled his potion, and combat made him want to crawl into a hole and die.

The class started well, with the students getting a demonstration of the expeliarmus charm. It escalated quickly from there. They were paired up with random people and told to perform the charm. Harry, of course, muttered it wrong and ended up blasting himself half across the room. He wasn’t the only one, but it still made him butt hurt.

Then, they did physical combat, which he sorely sucked at. He lost every round he was in. It didn’t help that he was underweight and still bearing the marks of the Dursleys’ abuse.

Neomie and he became friends in his second week. She didn’t fail to mention the events of their first week to him though. Harry wondered how she wasn’t in Terpsichora.

“Harry,” he heard her shout.

They were studying together for their first test when harry had started daydreaming. This earned him the shouting along with a sharp jab to the ribs. He grunted as his already sore ribs were attacked.

“Hello? I’ve been calling you’re name for the last five minutes!”

“You’re just exaggerating.”

Naomie huffed and crossed her arms. Harry knew she was going to sulk until he apologized.

“Fine, sorry.”

“Thank you,” She smirked.

Harry sighed and looked back to his charms textbook. He was still stuck on memorizing which movements went with which spells. He had absolutely no confidence that he’d pass this test.

Naomie, on the other hand, was acing the study questions. Harry was suppressing his jealousy for the millionth time in his life. He wished he had enough brainy traits to almost be put in Liberalis.

“What’s number 12,” Harry asked, staring at the practice test the teacher had handed out.

“Reducio.”

Harry groaned. He had guessed it was Lumos. Now he was turning the charm movements on their sides apparently.

“I think you need a break,” Naomie told him.

Harry nodded and stood from the desk. He picked up his books and walked to his dorm. After putting away his books he decided to take a walk. Maybe the fresh air would help.

-

“Mr. Potter,” He heard a male voice say from behind him.

Harry turned and saw his dark arts teacher standing behind him. Harry smiled at him. Professor Einar had been his favorite teacher. Or maybe he just liked him because it was the only class he acceled in.

“Sir?”

“Sorry if I scared you. I wanted to talk to you about class.”

Harry furrowed his brows at him. What now? Would he give him a lecture or something?

“Go on then,” Harry instructed.

“I’ve noticed your talent in my class, and I was wondering if you would be interested in private lessons. It would be higher level stuff of course, but I would make sure to help you as much as you need.”

Extra work? Harry hesitated. He did love his class. He bit his lip as he thought about the extra work on top of his test.

“Would i be able to choose when the lessons happen, because I have a test coming up and I can’t handle extra work right now.”

“Of course. Just tell me when you want to have a lesson, and I’ll arrange it.”

“Thank you, sir,” Harry grinned.

He spent the rest of his day smiling and when Naomie asked about it he told her he just had a great walk. For some reason, his gut told him not to tell her.

When harry passed his test he was ecstatic. He took Professor Einar up on his offer just a day after. Things were finally settling for him. Maybe this school wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Chapter Text

“Yes! Good,” Professor Einar praised.

Harry smiled as he felt the magic flow. He’d been practicing the motions and the incantation in his head, which clearly paid off.

The spell he had been teaching him was protego diabolical, a black flame shield. Harry was amazed at how quickly he had caught on. If it were potions, or one of his other practicals, he wouldn’t have got it for days.

Harry carefully lowered the shield, making sure it didn’t spread. He’d learn to do it faster after a bit of practice.

“You’re a natural,” Einar spoke.

“Thank you, sir.”

The lessons had greatly improved his work in class. His professor had even considered moving him up a year for the classes. Of course, Harry declined, wanting to know at least one person in his class.

“Harry,” He started. “About what you said when I offered to move you up; I have a proposition.”

Harry sighed and nodded for him to continue. Harry was annoyed that it was being brought up again, but deep down he did want to advance even more.

“There’s a second year I want you to meet. He did advance and is very happy in third year dark arts. Depending on how well you do in second year I might even be able to move you to his class.”

“I’m not making any promises.”

“I believe you would get on great, but I won’t rush it.”

-

Harry had gained weight, but it wasn’t the kind of weight that he associated with the Dursleys. Instead, he had gained more muscle than fat. Harry determined that it must have been due to the change of diet and his new combat lessons.

Harry felt stronger, more confident, and was quite happy with the change of physique. He even started looking more his age.

Victor was pleased with him. He had become somewhat of an older brother to harry, always looking after him. Victor even offered to help him train for the combat classes, but, with the extra dark arts lessons, Harry’s schedule was already crammed.

-

As the end of the first semester approached, Harry felt a sense of comfort in being at Durmstrang. He had finally come to terms with being moved up a year in his dark arts class and had even made some friends in the class. It was as if he finally belonged somewhere.

Harry recalled his first day at the school. He remembered how unwelcoming the big halls had been. But now, he felt at home in them. So much was changing, but it didn’t feel threatening anymore. He knew how to protect himself now. He even had friends to look after him too.

Harry thought of his friends as a support system. Naomie, though spunky, had a way with words. She always tried to talk I'm out of his lows. And Victor was the protector. There wasn’t a need for an explanation there, it was just in his blood.

Finaly, there was Jasper. Jasper was the second year that he had been introduced to. He had convinced Harry that moving up a class wouldn’t be the end of the world. They had gotten closer after that, relating in a few ways.

Classes had gotten better. Harry wasn’t blowing things up or melting cauldrons anymore. He was even getting good at his combat lessons. It did help that he was learning the charms they used in class ahead of time.

-

“Harry, hurry before we’re late.”

Naomie was rushing him, desperate to get first dibs at lunch. Harry had tried to tell her off for rushing him once and it didn’t end well. She had talked his ear off all lunch about how he should have some respect.

“I’m walking as fast as I can. It’s not my fault that my legs aren’t growing as much as yours.”

Naomie huffed and dragged him along with her. They sat next to Jasper when they got to the great hall. Naomie was quick to start filling her plate with her favorites.

“Hey, Harry,” Jasper greeted.

Harry smiled at him and started to fill his own plate. His appetite had grown exponentially. It was something he liked though. He got to enjoy the food more than he used to.

Harry was almost anxious that things were going too well. Every time something good happened at the Dursleys’ house, things always went downhill for him fast. He supposed he should start crossing his fingers and wishing nothing to change.

Chapter Text

Harry learned and grew, and by time summer came, he felt ready to face what was waiting for him. This was important given that Victor technically wasn’t allowed to take him out of the Dursleys’ care. You guessed it, He was going back for a month out of the year.

Harry was sulking as he packed none the less. He really didn’t want to deal with his relatives. At least the combat training had taught him enough to defend himself if worst came to worst.

“I’ll miss you,” Naomie told him as they sepperated from a hug.

Harry gave her a weak smile and said, “I’ll miss you too, Naomie.”

Harry watched as she walked a few steps away and apperted to her home. She was only allowed to because she lived in a wizard town. Harry would have to be more careful. Victor had already gotten in trouble for the risky apparition at his house. Instead, Harry was to take a train home.

-

After a long train ride, Harry exited the train to be met with an angry looking Vernon Dursley. Harry felt almost sick with anxiety.

“I told you not to come back, boy.”

Harry gulped and started walking to the exit of the building. He knew Vernon would follow as he had no other choice.

When harry got to the car, someone unlocked it, letting him slip into the back where Dudley was staring him down. Harry was already predicting a tense ride, but now he thought it might be painful too.

Harry settled into his seat, setting his bags by his feet and bucking in. He heard the slam of vernon’s door before the click of another seatbelt. Seconds later the car was pulling out.

-

Harry was cornered almost as soon as he entered the house. Vernon was in front of him, screaming about how he shouldn’t have allowed a pest like him in his house in the first place. It was so similar to the things harry used to hear everyday.

“If you dare use magic in this house, I will make you feel real pain!”

Harry had his head held low. He wasn’t entirely sure what this new punishment would entale, but he didn’t want to find out.

“Yes, sir,” he whispered.

“Speak up!”

“Yes, sir.”

Harry nearly flinched when Vernon’s hand came up. In his head, something told him that if he reacted, it would be worse.

“Don’t you yell at me, boy!”

A sharp sound emitted as his hand connected with Harry’s cheek. Harry’s body reacted before he could think it through. His fist was suddenly connecting with vernon’s jaw as his other hand pulled his hand away from him.

Harry froze just as his leg was about to come off the ground. Harry’s mind filled with unsavory words as he watched vernon’s face turn red. He was full on panicking now.

“What the Hell,” Harry heard from behind Vernon.

“Language, Duddykins,” Petunia responded.

This gave vernon enough time to pull himself together. Harry was then being tugged by his hair. Vernons grip only let off when harry was harshly thrown into his cupboard.

“There will be no food until you are done thinking about your actions!”

-

Harry awoke three days later, stomach aching with hunger. He had tried banging on the door the previous day, but nothing seemed to work. He had only been allowed out for the bathroom, as to not stink up the house. It was petunia’s request, of course.

Harry knocked on the door, trying to get someone’s attention. The bolt on the outside clinked as someone pulled it open. Harry squinted as the light hit his eyes.

“What,” Petunia’s voice rang out.

“I’ve thought about it, and I’m sorry. It won’t happen again. Can I please have something to eat now?”

Harry heard a sigh leave his aunt. He knew asking her would be better. She wasn’t nearly as good at denying him necessities. That was more fit for Vernon or Dudley, who rarely had a morsel of empathy.

“I- I suppose you can have something.”

She closed the door back and harry heard her move to the kitchen. When she returned, she was holding a small portion of what harry assumed would be their lunch.

“Thank you,” Harry said as he carefully took the plate.

Harry was gulping it down as soon as the door closed again. He didn’t even notice that he hadn’t heard the click of the lock setting back into place. Harry was just glad to have something to eat, even if it wasn’t nearly as good as the food he was used to.

Harry set his plate down after he’d finished eating and plopped back onto his mattress. He stared at the trinkets he’d hung on his ceiling out of boredom. It was nostalgic in a way that made Harry want to cry.

“I miss you guys,” he said as he thought of how his friends would have reacted if they saw him. “I promise I’ll make it through this.”

Chapter Text

By time Harry was to return to Durmstrang, he was skinny and bruised once more. He could see a lecture from Victor about defending himself in his future. Harry had thought it would be easy to defend himself, but when it actually came to it, he either messed up or froze.

Harry had missed his friends of course, but he especially missed his pets. He’d left Anthus and Esper in the care of Victor, as he knew what would have happened to them at the Dursleys’. He felt quite alone without the squawks from Anthus and the comforting hiss of Esper’s voice.

Harry was dropped off at Diagon alley a week earlier where he got his new books. His bag was now heavy on his shoulder. He hoped the course work would be worth the pain of carrying them around all year.

Harry arrived at the train station an hour early in the Dursleys' attempt to get rid of him sooner. He didn’t really care much about it, seeing as he was finally free from them.

He walked through the station to pass the time. On his way through he literally ran into some ginger boy. The taller boy had knocked harry smack on his butt with the impact.

“Sorry, I didn’t see you. Here,” the boy apologized and offered a hand.

Harry took it and was yanked up a little harder than had been intended. Another boy, identical to the one in front of Harry showed up just a second later.

“Georgie, who’s our new friend here?”

Harry didn’t see a threat when he examined the boys, so he took a breath and said, “Hadrian. You can call me Harry.”

It had become a habit to introduce himself to everyone by his magic name but harry wanted to make a good impression with the two. He briefly considered his full name, deciding instead that it would be too formal.

“Fred,” The one who arrived later said. “And this is George”

“Nice to meet you harry,” they said in unison.

Harry felt a little awkward. He wasn’t used to this sort of thing.

“Are you going to Hogwarts?” George asked.

“No, I’m a durmstrang student. It’s my second year.”

Fred and George looked at each other with confused looks.

“But you don’t have an accent.”

Harry just shrugged, not wanting to get into it. He had enough reminded of it during the summer.

“We’ll be seeing you then, Durmstrang Harry. We have to catch the train.”

“Oh, bye then,” Harry waved as the two walked off.

After the two had left for their train Harry waited around again. He decided he should wait in the magic part instead, though. He took a seat and watched as the janitor cleaned up the mess the Hogwarts kids and parents had left.

Harry saw a flash of Black hair before an accented voice called his name. Harry saw Naomie approaching him with a big smile. She spoke something in a language harry failed to understand as she sat next to him.

“What was that,” Harry asked her.

Her eyes widened and she was suddenly reaching for her wand. She said a spell that harry hadn’t learned yet and suddenly harry could feel her magic surround them.

“Sorry, I forgot we’re not in the school's translator anymore. I speak Icelandic and a few languages but not English. I said I can’t believe my parents are making me take the train.”

“I didn’t know the school had a translator.”

“Oh yes, the school caters to most of Europe, so it has to accommodate for all the language barriers.”

Harry knew it made sense, but he wondered why they hadn’t been taught a translator charm themselves if their friends spoke other languages.

“Anyway, how was your summer?”

“It was fine,” Harry lied.

“Great! Mine was awesome. I got to go to Paris. I met some of the Beauxbatons. It was so cool.”

Harry smiled. He was glad she was happy and had a good time. It was alright if the same thing that made her happy made him miserable.

The station had filled up with a few more students during their short conversation. Harry could suddenly hear the new train arriving. He wondered why he hadn’t heard it sooner, but it must have related to the secrecy around muggles.

“Ah, well we should be getting on then. The train has its own translator, so I’ll take ours down now.”

Harry nodded and shivered and the lack of magic around him. He stood up and grabbed his bags, brushing away his feelings of emptiness without the magic around him.

Harry could only repeat a saying in his head while he boarded the train. ‘Please be a good year’

Chapter Text

It only took a week for harry to hear from the twins again. It occurred in the form of a mail prank. Harry was promptly glitter bombed when he opened their letter. It said something like, “Something to help you attract the ladies,” or something of the sort. It was hard to read with all the glitter on it.

Harry was embarrassed to say the least. He got mocked by Naomie about it for the rest of the week. It didn’t help that he was still pulling glitter out of his hair for two weeks. He just couldn’t seem to rid himself of the darned stuff.

Harry retaliated by sending the two letters, each that would trigger a stink bomb upon touching the card inside. The card said, “Have fun getting the ladies now. Bet they’ll love your new cologne.”

The letters after that hadn’t been pranked, much to Harry’s surprise and relief. In the letters, Harry had learned that the two had been the first in their family to be sorted into Slytherin. In return, Harry told them about the Durmstrang house he’d been placed in.

The steady flow of mail hadn’t gone unnoticed by his friends. Victor, who was still on him about not getting distracted before quidditch tryouts, was the most adamant about stopping the shenanigans.

Harry was pretty excited about said tryouts. He had waited a year to be able to join victor on his practice days. The thing that got him down, though, was that he was most skilled in seeker, the role which victor already filled.

“It only means that I’ll be able to train you myself, Harry. You’ll surely be able to take the spot when I join the professionals.”

Victor had been reassuring him since the tryout ended. Harry had been crap at most of the tasks he had tried. It was ironic honestly. His only skill being out of his reach. Sounded like a metaphor for his childhood.

“Ya, whatever,” Harry blew him off.

The results had been released soon after. Harry hadn’t gotten the positions that were available. He did, however, get a position. He was to be the backup seeker, seeing as victor would soon be leaving the school team for the professional team. It was something and Harry was glad he was good enough for it.

Harry was extremely grateful to be back at Durmstrang. He didn’t even mind when Naomie started yapping about her herbology project. She’d been hyper fixating on herbology since last year, but it was only now becoming a staple in Harry’s mornings.

“Yes, we get it, you love plants,” Jasper said over breakfast.

“Clearly you don’t. If you did, you wouldn’t be saying that.”

Harry rolled his eyes. They’d been having stupid arguments all year. Harry wondered what it was about, honestly having gone over his head most of the time. It was like things were slowly changing in the group that year.

“Can you two just get along please,” Harry asked them.

He could see Victor approaching them then. He was usually a little late to breakfast. Sometimes he didn’t even come, that or he ignored them for his older friends.

Victor took a seat next to Harry, patting his head playfully. Harry swatted his hand away with a smile. It had sort of become a thing for them. It was nice.

-

Later that day Harry had his first quidditch practice. Things were going great until they decided to put Victor and him against each other. Victor really was unmatched when it came to quidditch.

At the end of practice, Victor approached him with the offer of one-on-one training. Harry accepted despite already being sore.

The practice was 10 times more intense than the regular one. Harry was put through agility courses, speed training, and several other things to help with catching the snitch.

By time it was over, Harry was sure his limbs were going to fall off. Victor had pushed him so hard that his legs trembled as he walked back to the common room.

It was fine of course. He’d shown improvement. Plus, it wasn’t nearly the kind of sore he’d gotten used to after living with the Dursleys.

Chapter Text

It was kind of ironic to Harry, coming to the school that he had refused just a few years prior. It wasn’t quite as grand as he had expected.

Harry silently watched as the door closed behind the Beauxbatons. He cringed at what little of their performance that he saw. He was glad he wasn’t going to be doing anything so exaggerated.

The doors opened a few minutes later, letting the first of their group through. They wielded staffs, slamming them down and twirling them about. It was a lot harder than it looked.

The staffs were abandoned after their little show of skill. The students gasped as a few of them turned to acrobatics. During their moment of distraction, Karkaroff marched forward, flanked by Victor and harry. Whispers started up as their attention was pulled to them.

Harry stood tall, not bothering to pay any mind to the students. He was trained for this. He couldn’t let them down by getting distracted.

Fire magic marked the end of their performance. Harry took his place in line with his upperclassmen.

“Albus,” Karkaroff greeted.

“Igor.”

Harry was led to the side of the hall opposite of the one chosen by the Beauxbatons. They were now standing before the Slytherin table. Harry kept his attention to the front as his headmaster took his seat at the staff table.

“Sit with me,” Victor motioned, already sitting down.

Harry nodded and sat next to him. Harry looked at their tablemates, seeing a girl with a black bob, a boy with pale hair, and another boy with dark skin.

“You’re Krum,” The pale haired boy said. “I’m Draco, Draco Malfoy.”

The boy put his hand out and victor shook it on instinct. Harry looked over to see the girl watching him. He nodded at her.

“You, you’re him. Harry potter, right?”

“Oh, uh, yeah,” Harry murmured as he scratched his neck.

The boys both looked over then. Great, he was famous here. Harry wanted to curl into a ball and hide. He instead straightened his posture and shook each of their hands.

Harry was listening to all their questions when someone ran up behind him. He turned fast, expecting a threat, but it wasn’t one.

“Harry,” Two boys yelled.

Harry sighed, relaxing as he saw the Weasley twins. Harry stood and was quickly pulled into a hug. He had to tug himself out of their grasp to breath.

“You’ve grown so much,” Fred said.

“But you’re still short,” George added with a laugh.

“Thanks,” Harry muttered.

Harry talked to them for a moment before the boys were dragged back to their own table by a friend. Harry sat back down, already planning a retaliation for a prank he knew would be coming.

_

“The champion for Durmstrang is… Victor Krum!”

Harry relaxed a little. He was glad this could be a fun outing instead of the competition Karkaroff had wanted for him.

“The champion for Beauxbatons is… Fleur Delacour!”

Harry looked over to see a cheery blonde girl. He had seen a lot of his classmates fawning over her, but he didn’t really get it himself.

“Finally, the Hogwarts champion is… Cedric Diggory! Excellent! We now have our three champions. But in the end, only one will go down in history. Only one will hold the Triwizard cup!”

Everyone's attention was suddenly back on the cup as it spit out one more name. Harry had a bad feeling as Dumbledore caught the paper.

“Harry Potter… Harry potter?”

Harry stood and walked forward. He was still processing as he was ushered to the room at the side of the great hall. He didn’t recall entering his name, nor anyone offering it. How?

The door led to a stairway. The gate at the end opened for harry and he stepped into another room, one filled with trophies. Chattering followed him as the staff rushed after him.

“I protest,” the Beauxbaton headmaster ordered.

Dumbledore was speeding toward him which kicked Harry’s survival instinct into place. Harry brought his hands up, shielding himself. He grabbed Dumbledore's arms as his hands met Harry’s shoulders. It was so fast that everyone paused. He had tackled the old man to the ground.

“S-sorry… I don’t like being touched," Harry explained as he backed away from the scene.

Everyone was staring. Had he overreacted again? He looked to his headmaster who was only nodded, proud. Harry dropped his shoulder and tried to look confident.

“I’m sorry for my actions, but I didn’t enter my name. Ask Victor. I was in the ship all day and night.”

“Yes, He was in fact at the ship,” Victor spoke from behind him.

“Regardless, you must compete. The cup acts as a contract.”

Harry wanted to cry. Four years of peace was too much to ask for apparently.

Chapter Text

Harry spent the next week sulking. Victor had tried his best to cheer him up but harry only really felt better after defense training. He felt stronger, ready for any challenge that could present itself.
In that week, Harry had been approached by many students and faculty. His favorite might have been Professor McGonagall. She was so kind to him. She offered her free period to him if he needed to talk to someone. He also quite liked that she didn’t treat him like a kid, as many teachers had.
If he were to choose a favorite staff member, it would be different, however. He had come to enjoy the theatrics of one gloomy professor in particular. Severus Snape was truly weird, in a good way, he hoped. He had yet to have a true interaction with him.
The students, however, had been sort of invasive. His own Durmstrang professor had even caught a girl trying to spy on him while he bathed. They had even managed to fill his room with far too many flowers and gifts. It was far from anything that he would appreciate.
There was one student, though, that he was starting to like. The initial gift of a textbook had confused him, but it ended up being extremely helpful in his dark arts class. All the letter had said was, “I’ve heard you excel in this area- Anonymous”
Harry was going to find this “Anonymous” even if it meant slacking on his plans for the trials. Of course, they weren’t really plans since he had no idea what he was actually facing, but at least he was trying.
-
“Harry, are you even listening?”
Harry looked up to see a very aggravated Victor Krum. He had been covered by slime, likely by one of the Weasley twins’ pranks. He had spent over ten minutes plotting revenge against a person he didn’t even know the identity of.
“You said you want help because you know the twins have taught me all their secrets. But you should know, they haven’t given me any of my ideas.”
Victor sighed and stood up from his spot on the couch. They were in the lounge area of the ship. Harry had been spending most of his free time there to escape the fangirls, and some fanboys, that had been all over him.
“Find out who it is, and I’ll help, alright?”
Victor grinned at him and nodded his head. His quick exit must have meant he was going to investigate. Harry should have told him to shower too. What a big goof.
He turned back to his book, the textbook he’d been gifted, and read some of the notes in the margins. The handwriting was a beautiful cursive lettering written with green pen. Harry wanted to assume that could be a clue that the person was a Slytherin, but he couldn’t be sure. Maybe they just liked green.
“Why didn’t you remind me that I’m all goo covered,” Victor huffed as he barged back into the room.
Harry rolled his eyes at him. Victor hurried toward the other side of the room where he entered the dorm hall. The ship was actually quite big inside. They managed to fit many dorms, bathrooms, a kitchen, lounge, offices, and even classrooms in it. Magic really was incredible.
Harry turned the page and saw a new penmanship. The black ink swirled in a similar manner, but it held a different energy. Harry could feel the serious nature behind it, where the green had been informative but light and meaningful. He read through it and found that it explained the subject in a detail like they had personal experience with it.
“I have yet to perform this myself, but I’ve seen it’s horrors firsthand.”
On the next page, green came back. He smiled and let a small chuckle escape his lips as he read the note under the last of the black.
“Apologies, my father stole the book. His excuse: I thought you might want a well skilled source in there. But anyway, this hex-”
Harry accioed a page marker and pressed one between each of the pages. This might become his favorite part.