The Thief of Hogwarts

Transcription

1 The Thief of Hogwarts Story: The Thief of Hogwarts Storylink: Category: Harry Potter Genre: Humor/Adventure Author: bluminous8 Authorlink: Last updated: 06/22/2010 Words: Rating: M Status: In Progress Content: Chapter 1 to 19 of 19 chapters Source: FanFiction.net Summary: Summary: AU Young Harry learns to steal as he is fed up from his deprivation of his wants and needs by his guardians. A Thief is born in Privet Drive.

2 *Chapter 1*: Chapter 1 The Thief of Hogwarts By Bluminous A/N: I had this idea brewing in my mind for a month, and I finally decided to put it to writing......and it's not a crossover. Additional Notes: Harry's not perfect, or a goody two shoes. He has developed a habit of stealing whatever he fancied, and always takes advantage of any given situation. Summary: AU Young Harry learns to steal as he is fed up from his deprivation of his wants and needs by his guardians. A Thief is born in Privet Drive. Chapter 1: Childhood Misdemeanor June 4, 1988, #4 Privet Drive, Surrey "Look at what I got... " Vernon Dursley said proudly as he showed in his hands a gift wrapped in colorful packaging paper to his son. His son's eyes widened and the boy dropped the current toy he was playing and raced across the living room, eager to get his hands on his latest gift. The young chubby boy snatched the package from his father and in seconds tore away the expensive wrapping paper. "You got it! You got it!" Dudley Dursley shouted as he jumped up and down in excitement. He remembered to give his father a quick hug in gratitude and rushed back in front of the TV to open his latest gift. Vernon looked on proudly as his son played with latest toy that was popular on the market... his son would once again become popular amongst the kids he played with around the neighborhood. He noticed a pair of green eyes staring at his son from the dark cupboard and he smiled in satisfaction. It was always satisfying to see the look of longing and envy on his nephew's face... it gave him the pleasure and a sense of superiority over the boy. Harry stared enviously at his cousin's latest toy. It was the action figure that he had seen on the commercial on the telly yesterday. He wanted one badly. So far he had a few toys in his own collection, and they were not the broken toys his aunt usually made Dudley give to him, since he discovered a way to satisfy his own wants. Harry Potter started sneaking into his cousin's room two years ago during the middle of the night to steal the toys he knew Dudley rarely played with but were still in good condition. It was during those years that young Harry discovered the freedom of the night and the excitement it gave him. Rules that were tightly enforced during the day did not necessarily apply to him, as long as he was not caught by his relatives. There were some near misses, when once he was stuffing his mouth with the ham that was left over from the previous night. His Aunt Petunia unexpectedly came down the stairs to get a drink of water and Harry immediately closed the door and of the refrigerator and hid under the table. The closest incident where he was nearly caught was last month, when fed up of not being able to buy candy like the other kids in his school, he dared to sneak into his aunt and uncle's room to steal a few pounds. Harry knew that his Uncle had some coins in his pocket and the large heavy man never really counted them, and a few pounds missing would go unnoticed. The young boy knew that his uncle's pants were washed every three days, and while in use it was hung on the chair beside the bed. While in the process of fishing the large pockets for coins, his uncle's keys fell from the pocket and onto the floor making sufficient noise to wake the large man. Harry panicked as the man woke up and his eyes quickly looked around for a hiding place. He knew that if he was caught right inside their room he would get the most severe beating of his life. As the young boy closed his eyes expecting to get a terrible scolding, he felt a strange sensation and found himself inside his cup board, safe and with a handful of coins in his hands. He never knew how he did it. "Harry! Start cooking dinner!" A woman's voice said from the living room snapped him out his thoughts. Harry carefully made sure that all his 'acquisitions' were carefully hidden since his cupboard was also used as storage for the vacuum cleaner and his aunt sometimes opens the cupboard without warning. He heard his Aunt yell again, this time with a louder and shriller tone of voice and the young boy scampered out of his cupboard to start cooking. Harry passed by the living room and observed for a moment as his cousin tinkered with his latest toy and he grinned in anticipation. He would give his cousin two days. ***************** Two days later "MOOOOMM!!!" Dudley Dursley shouted. "What is it Duddykins?" Petunia asked as she entered her son's... well lived in room. "I can't find Snake Eyes... you know the one Daddy gave me a while ago." Dudley said as he searched deeper on the pile of toys beside his bed. "Oh honey... you must have misplaced it... I'm sure it's here somewhere." Petunia said, warily eying the pile of toys. "But I want it now! Piers and the others, we were supposed to all bring our toys to the park!" Dudley complained, tossing his other toys around the room in search of his latest, and favorite action figure. "Fine... I'll ask Harry to look for it" Petunia sighed as she headed downstairs to look for her nephew.

3 *************** Wisteria Lane, Surrey "So it's a deal?" Harry asked. "It's in good condition and it's a limited edition... though his sword's missing." The older kid thought for a moment and finally agreed and gave a crisp ten pound note to the young boy. "I don't mind... I don't like the sword anyway... I heard it's made of plastic. Last year's was better it was actually metal" "Thanks" Harry said as he folded the note carefully and placed it in his sock. The older kid stared curiously at this strange behavior but said nothing. As Harry was about to leave, the older boy asked another question. "Say... if there's a new toy or comic book that's hard to get... Can I ask you to obtain one for me?" Harry smiled. "Sure... what are you looking for anyway?" **************** "He's over there! Get him!" Dudley shouted as he spotted his cousin sitting on bench at the far side of the school playground. The rest of Dudley's gang followed their leader's orders and headed towards the black haired boy's direction. Dudley's cousin surprisingly has a good supply of chocolate bars and sweets and he always wondered where Harry gets them from. Sweets were not sold on the cafeteria and it was a rare commodity in the school yard. Dudley's gang had finally decided to cash in on the trade and to divest the thin boy of his stock. Harry spotted them while they were still a good distance away and the young boy immediately sprang into action. He started running towards the side of the school that housed the teacher's lounge, the area he considered his safe spot. No sane kid would use his precious recess time under the scrutiny of the hawk eyed teachers. His way was blocked though as Dudley organized a second force led by Piers Polkiss and Harry was forced to make a detour into the back of the school. He ran into the dead end he backed into the wall as he heard the footsteps get nearer. He couldn't get caught now... if he came home bruised he would be punished severely. His heart began to race faster as he his eyes frantically looked around for a possible escape. There was none. As he heard the voices get louder Harry felt a strange but familiar sensation over his body. Suddenly he felt weightless and the next second he was staring at the roof of the school's chimney. "Where'd he go?" Harry heard the voice of his pursuers down below. His heart was still beating at a furious pace but the young boy kept his composure to avoid giving away his position. "He's not here... he must have climbed over the fence or hid in the trash bins." "It's too late now... recess is almost over." Harry peered over the tiled roof and once he saw that he was alone, he let out a sigh of relief. He knew the incident years ago was not a dream or a freak accident. He was able to duplicate it just now! He was snapped out of his daze as the five minute bell rang that signaled that recess was about to end. Bugger. Harry thought as he realized he was at the top of a three story high building with no ladder in sight. He wondered how he would be able to climb down in time for the afternoon class. Harry remembered the strange feeling, the weightlessness, the strange tingling in his limbs and chest and focused on it. He felt his body getting lighter and he stared at his hands as they started fading. A moment later he was standing back on the ground. Harry patted his body making sure everything was still the same and at that moment the young boy realized that he had a new method of travelling... freedom. He started walking towards the assembled students ready to head inside the classroom, considering the possibilities of his new found power. "Harry!" The teacher shouted as she noticed the student walking slowly in a daze. The young boy ran across the yard, a strange gleam in his eyes. His missions as he like to call them would get a whole lot easier. ************** February 8, 1990 Teacher's lounge, Surrey "So how was your class Oliver?" Jimm, the fifth grade teacher asked the fourth grade teacher as he carried his own stack of exam papers to mark. "Chaotic." Oliver said simply. "You know my class they always get into trouble. You better be prepared for them next year." "And what about Harry? Is the little bugger still as fast?" Jimm asked. He remembered the young boy with the messy hair running full sprint past him as he was being chased by his cousin's gang. The kid sure ran fast and was as slippery as an eel when cornered. The question brought a smile to the stressed out grade four teacher's face. He liked the scrawny kid, as he was among brightest in his class. The young boy was fairly quiet and kept to himself and never caused trouble, but he was always the target for his cousin's gang. The teachers tried to bring the matter up with the boy's guardians but they acted as if they didn't care for their ward, to Oliver's frustration. They knew they couldn't do anything about it as there were no visible signs of neglect on young Harry except that he was on the scrawny side. A guardian's lack of interest on a child's situation in school was not enough to bring in the Police or Social Services.

4 "Harry's fine... he seems more happy... though I wish he eats more. At least he looks scrawny, not underfed and malnourished like he used to." Oliver said as he finished marking his stack of papers. "Hey do you want to head to the pub for a pint?" "Sure... just give me a few minutes, I'm nearly finished with this bunch." Jimm said. Thirty minutes later they were driving towards the local pub past the convenience store when they noticed their earlier topic of conversation standing in front of the candy machine. "What's he doing here?" Jimm wondered. "Look at what he's up to." Oliver said as he grinned at his young student. The messy haired boy was tinkering with the lock of the candy vending machine and by the looks of it he was making good progress. "Should we stop him?" Jimm asked. A moment later Harry was successful as he opened the acrylic door and quickly pocketed a few chocolate bars in his pocket. The young boy then closed the acrylic door and looked around warily if he was seen then started walking back towards his home. The heist was over in less than a minute. "I don't want my student growing up shoplifting." "That kid's something." Oliver said after a moment of staring at his student. "I always wonder where he gets his sweets from... i know that his aunt never gives him allowance... this solves the mystery." "What?" Jimm asked. "I finally figured it out... you know what he does with those chocolate bars?" Oliver asked his friend and Jimm shook his head. "I once spied on the kids during their recess when I had nothing to do and observed them from the second floor window." Oliver said and he stared at his buddy in the eye. "He trades them for lunch from the other kids... since his aunt doesn't pack any for him." "Well that answers my question earlier... we're not going to report him. I just wish he won't get caught." Jimm said. "We have our very own Robin Hood" ******************* The man in business suit hurried forward as he kept looking at his gold watch as he carried his bag in one hand while a rolled up newspaper was tucked under the other arm. He was getting late... if he didn't catch a taxi now he would miss his special date with his mistress. He had even reserved a special room in an expensive hotel for some fun. "Taxi! Taxi!" The man shouted but the cab was occupied. "You need a taxi sir?" A young boy asked as he stepped beside the man. "Yes... I'm late for a meeting..." The businessman said as he stared hopefully at the cars passing by. "Well, you should head back a few blocks, the cabbies usually have their lunch at a local diner. You might get lucky there." The boy suggested as he pointed a few blocks ahead where a cluster of taxis were parked. The businessman grinned and he looked at the boy with a relieved smile. "You've been helpful" He put down his bag and fished out a ten pound note for the young helpful lad, and in the process the newspaper fell from its secure spot. He handed out a ten pound note to the boy. "Go on take it... you've been really helpful." "Thank sir!" The boy said cheerfully. "Here's your paper sir, you might forget it..." the young boy placed the newspaper on the a pocket on the man's coat. "Good lad! I better be off then." The man said as he headed towards the diner in a better mood. He was lucky as one of the cabbies had finished lunch and was willing to take him to London. When he reached his destination the business fished his pockets for his wallet to pay the tab when he realized that it was missing. He thought that he might have placed it in his bag when he realized that his bag was not with him. Panicking he began to draw out the what was in his pockets and realized that he only had the rolled up piece of news paper in his person. He remembered the boy who so helpful earlier and his expression turned to irritation when he realized he's been had. "That son of a bitch." **************** #4 Privet Drive, Surrey August 4, 1991 "Yer a Wizard Harry!" The Half Giant's voice boomed across the living room, making the Dursleys flinch with fear. The large intimidating man had bent Vernon's shotgun like rubber and scolded them for saying lies about the true nature of Lily and James' death. "I figured it out from the letter you sent a week ago." Harry said simply. "ERR" Hagrid didn't know what to say next. He was prepared to for the skepticism on the young boy and was ready to answer questions about the wizarding world, but this complete acceptance was baffling. "Ye didn't think de letter was a prank?" Hagrid asked as he tossed the bent shotgun to the coffee table, breaking Petunias' vase. "Yer didn't doubt it for a moment?" "Well no... It always explains the weird stuff that's been happening all my life." Harry said as he grinned. "Now... tell me more about my parents... " Hagrid drew odd looks when they took the underground towards Diagon Alley, but Harry enjoyed the attention on his companion as he was able to pick

5 a few more pockets while passengers stared warily at the large man. He was worried that he didn't have enough money for the tuition or to buy supplies for the magical school. The money he had accumulated over the years only reached to 2,000 pounds, and he knew a boarding school in Scotland would have to cost more than that per year. When he asked Hagrid about the tuition he was surprised with the answer. "Yer don't have to worry about its Arry! Yer parents left you with money I expect." Hagrid said, dismissing his worries about his finances. "And I tell you, yer family's an old ancient house" "I have an inheritance?" Harry asked, surprised. "Of course! And it's placed in Gringgots, that's the Wizard's bank run by goblins." Hagrid said. "Wizard's bank?" Harry's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Tell me more..." "Well... it's run by Goblins... very competent, the lot of them." Hagrid began. "Most people feel safe with their money on Gringgotts, cause you'd be mad to try and steal from a Goblin." "No one was ever successful at robbing the bank?" Harry asked curiously. "No one... and those who tried... well... any robber that tried to steal from Gringgotts never came out again." Hagrid said. "Now... 'ere we are! The Leaky Cauldron!" Harry smiled with excitement as he followed Hagrid into a new world. *************** "Bless my soul! It's Harry Potter!" Dorris Crockford said as she shook the wizarding world's savior's hands eagerly. "Uhh yeah... pleased to meet you too." Harry said, unsure of how to treat this woman. Nobody has ever shook his hand before. "Oh so polite!" The middle aged woman said. A few minutes later Hagrid ushered the young Potter to the entrance of Diagon Alley and Doris Crockford went back to the bar to finish her drink. It would be hours later when she got home when she realized her gold ring was missing from her finger. Hagrid noticed that his young charge was observing the apparition area for arrivals and decided to continue his lecture on the daily lives of Wizards in the Magical World. "That's apparition." Hagrid said as he saw the boy's face smile with delight at the sight of dozens of wizards materializing in thin air one after the other. "Can anybody do it?" Harry asked as he observed one tall wizard with a red ponytail appeared. The man wore leather boots and a jacket, and he wanted one. He also noticed that these wizards and witches did appeared instantly with small sound, unlike his own method where he usually faded for a second or two before appearing in the destination he imagined in his mind. "Well not all can do it... It's fairly hard to learn... and It's dangerous when you make a mistake while apparating." Hagrid said. "Can you do it?" Harry asked curiously. "Well I did pass the exam... but I'm never fond of it. I only disapparate and apparate in emergencies." Hagrid admitted. "Apparating gives me a bad stomach... Yer feel like yer being squeezed through a narrow tube." "Weird." Harry said. He never experienced the sensation Hagrid described. He only experienced a feeling of weightlessness whenever he faded, a term he invented for his unique skill of transportation. "Come on then, there's the bank... see that large white building? That's Gringotts" Hagrid said, pointing to the largest building in Diagon Alley. It towered over the small two or three story shops and bars around it and it's white marble walls gleamed in the morning sun. "Wicked." Harry grinned. ************* A/N: Reviews? Suggestion?

6 *Chapter 2*: Chapter 2 The Thief of Hogwarts By Bluminous Chapter 2: The Wrong man to Rob "What's inside the package?" "Nothing... just errrr something Professor Dumbledore asked me to pick up." Hagrid said evasively. "Well I suppose we better continue yer shopping now... It's getting late and I have to deliver this package to Dumbledore soon." "Is it valuable?" Harry asked curiously. "It's just ehrmmm a paperweight 'Arry. Professor Dumbledore is fond of it wand want it back as quickly as possible." The Half Giant said. "Why don't you go ahead and deliver whatever it is you have? " Harry suggested. He wanted to explore this new world on his own, without someone watching his every move. "Professor Dumbledore asked me to accompany you 'Arry... To make sure yer safe." The Half giant said as he scratched his beard. He didn't know that Harry would take a long time in his vault. "Why... am I in danger?" Harry asked curiously. "Errr No! No! Of course yer not in danger!" Hagrid said hastily, and Harry narrowed his eyes in suspicion. He knew when he was being lied to, from his experience from a few double crossers who refused to honor a previously agreed upon contract. "I just want yer to have a wonderful time 'ere..." Hagrid patted his shoulders, and Harry's knees buckled under the force. "The sun's still up... and with this many people here, I doubt anything bad is going to happen to me." Harry said. "I'm sure Dumbledore would be very anxious to get whatever he sent you to retrieve back in his care." Hagrid's face was torn between the two now conflicting instructions given to him by the Headmaster. He was supposed to deliver the package as soon as possible, while at the same time preventing young Harry from meeting the unsavory characters in Diagon Alley. He stared at Lily and James' offspring looking around with interest. The lad was a good boy, very polite but also inquisitive... he was sure he saw a glint of mischief behind those green eyes, but that was perfectly normal for a boy his age. He doubted if the Malfoys or the other dark families could sway the young Potter to Slytherin in one day, not after the stories he told the boy that ruined the House's reputation. "Errr... alright I guess... But remember if you have a problem, talk to old Tom back der'" Hagrid said hiking his thumb to the direction of the Leaky Cauldron. "I'll be sure to do that." Harry said, happy that his plan worked. Now he could explore Diagon Alley on his own, with no adult to supervise him. He had a bag full of galleons and he was eager to spend it. Harry waved goodbye to the Half Giant and once Hagrid vanished back into the Leaky Cauldron, the young boy stared at Diagon Alley, and his fingers tingled in anticipation. For once he was rich enough to buy whatever he fancied. ************* Harry grinned as he stared at the display beside the door to the apothecary... it was the best thing he had ever seen. He was fascinated at the eye of the newts that filled a jar and was considering buying the whole jar of eyeballs that kept on winking at him. He was sure that Dudley would get a kick out of this. Harry scowled as he was rudely pushed aside by a tall man with girly blonde hair, as he almost crashed into the display. The man did not even give him a second look, but continued twirling his ornate walking stick as he walked up to the counter. He finally found a target. "The deluxe potions kit please... my son Draco is starting Hogwarts this year." The man said as flicked his perfect blonde hair back "Of course... Lord Malfoy." The owner of the store said. As he hurried up and down the shelves collecting ingredients, he tried to appease the impatient looking customer. "And how is young Master Draco? I am sure Severus would be delighted to finally have him as a student." The owner said. "He is with his mother... fitting for his first Hogwarts robes. Of course we have our own seamstress to further make sure that rag Madame Malkin sells is wearable." Lord Malfoy said as he looked with fake interest at the few rare ingredients on display. "Severus is excited of course, he has spent many summers teaching his Godson potions, among other things." The Malfoy Lord stopped talking as a young boy with a basket full of ingredients moved past him and he was forced to stop leaning on the counter because of the tight space. The Owner wanted to tell his dangerous customer that he was the one blocking the counter as he should have just given his order and waited at the designated area. But the Owner did not dare tell him that, he didn't want his business to suddenly experience an unfortunate accident. "Mudblood... they don't have manners at all." Lord Malfoy sneered as the boy walked past out of earshot. "I tried to amend the charter of the School as a governor, but the others governors refused to pass my proposed amendments. Muggle loving fools... " "Well yes... uhmm that will be twenty galleons Lord Malfoy." The Owner said eager to make the man leave as soon as possible since a line had formed behind the Malfoy Lord.

7 And unlike the naïve young boy who was now standing at a free counter having his choices processed by his Wife, the other customers did not dare antagonize the dangerous pureblood by asking him to move aside. "Only twenty Galleons? It should be forty..." Lucius Malfoy said as he tried to pat down his robes looking for his money bag. He was sure it was on his pocket. The Malfoy lord looked up and found the Owner waiting for his payment while the customers lined behind him grumbled a bit. "It seems that I have misplaced my money..." Lucius said softly, so that the people behind would not hear of his predicament. "I'm sure you'll find it Lord Malfoy... I'll just set aside this for you until you return with the twenty galleons." The Owner replied, not bothering to lower the volume of his voice. "Could I not just take it with me? Surely you know that I can pay..." Lucius Malfoy said as his face reddened from embarrassment amidst the stares of the witches and a few wizards behind him. "I'm sorry sir... but that's the policy of this establishment." The Owner said trying to be polite while at the same time fighting the smirk growing on his face. "Very well... I will send my elf to collect it." Lucius Malfoy sneered at the crowd and composed himself for an exit that was expected of a Lord of a noble and ancient house. He twirled his hand and realized that his walking stick was also missing, and to the eyes of some, moving one's hand in a strange fashion near the crotch was considered rude. "Mom... what is he doing?" A young girl asked her face inches from the Lucius Malfoy's hand. "Nothing Ginny dear... absolutely nothing." A red head woman covered her daughter's eyes while a pair of boys beside her snickered. "You should be ashamed Lucius Malfoy! And in front of the children! My daughter no less!" The angry mother said, confronting the perverted Lord of the ancient and once noble house of Malfoy. Lucius wisely chose to shut his mouth and moved towards the exit quickly, his girly hair bouncing behind him. **************** Harry scratched his itchy back with his brand new stick as he looked around the shops for things that would interest him. He had acquired what was specified on his school list and then some and was now just passing the time, determined to spend most of his time in Diagon Alley before going back to Privet Drive. A glint of something shiny caught his eye and saw an exquisite pocket watch on an old man with a cane. Harry grinned and decided for the old approach. "Is something wrong mister?" Harry asked politely as the old man walked back and forth in front of a local wizard market. "Nothing dear boy" The old man said kindly. "I'm just waiting for the Missus to finish her shopping. And you? The Alley's closing in an hour, you should start heading home!" "I will... Thanks mister." Harry said as he subtly pushed out his toe. The cane fell and Harry leaned down and picked it up. "You dropped your cane sir." "Oh? How clumsy of me!" The old man laughed. "Here." Harry said as he stood beside the old man and positioned the old man's arm on the cane again. "Good bye then sir!" The old man waved and watched the strange boy walk away. A few moments later the boy vanished among the crowd heading back to their homes. "I hope you didn't wait long..." An old woman said as she exited the Wizarding grocery. "The charms on the carts kept on malfunctioning... I had to recast temporary ones three times!" "Not at all... a young boy kept me company while I waited for you." The old man said as he fondly kissed his wife's cheek. "Let's head back." ******************** Private room, Leaky Cauldron Harry smiled as he admired the strange watch he had recently 'acquired.' It didn't tell the time, but it sure looked pretty. He had spotted a Wizarding pawn shop and wondered how much he could sell it. He would have to return to Diagon Alley tomorrow and determine the value of the watch. Besides he needed to start heading back home and start cooking for his relatives. "You like my watch do you?" Harry's eyes widened when he heard the old man's voice and he saw the old man seated across from him with a smile he couldn't place. He immediately jumped out of the seat and sprinted towards the door when he found an old woman blocking his path. He was trapped. "I got to give you some points for that acting of yours... I really thought you were just a nice polite boy willing to help an old man." The old man said. "Now my watch please... it's a gift from my mother and it has deep sentimental value." Harry sheepishly gave the watch back. Yes he was a thief... but that didn't mean he did not have any heart. And he knew from experience from pawning stolen jewelries that old things that have great sentimental value tend to have low value. They were usually a ploy by the owner to make the item they have higher than it should have. "Now young man... You do know that stealing is wrong?" The old woman said as she walked closer to the boy while her husband waved his wand, making sure his watch was not damaged. Harry fearing that he was about to be captured and given to the wizard police, had no choice and decided to use his hidden method of travelling. He faded, to the complete surprise of the old couple with him.

8 Harry appeared inside his cupboard, angry that he had forgotten to take his shopping bag with him when he escaped. He heard his relatives cursing as they complained that he was not there cooking dinner for them. He couldn't come out of his cupboard now as he didn't want another scolding and beating. Knowing that he was stuck for the night till his relatives fall asleep, he lied down on his cot to take a nap. He realized that he was tired, all that shopping and pick pocketing took a lot of work, and minutes later, Harry Potter was deep asleep. "That lazy boy... no gratitude at all!" Petunia complained. "Forget him Petunia... he'll learn his lesson when he gets home... I'll make sure of it." Vernon said as he flipped through the food delivery book searching for something he fancied. "Now Dudley, what do you want? Pizza or Chicken?" "BOTH!" Dudley said eagerly. **************** DING DONG! "That was quick." Vernon said as he stood up from the couch. "It's not even ten minutes yet." "Better give him a tip dear." Petunia said. "I don't the delivery person complaining that we don't tip." "Yes Dear." Vernon grumbled as he pulled out his Wallet and headed for the door. "What do I owe you?" Vernon said sifting through his Wallet, showing the delivery boy that he was rich. "Nothing... we have come here to talk to a young boy that lives here." Vernon looked up and saw an old couple smiling at him. "What did my nephew do now? He's not back yet... but when he does I'll give him a proper beating." Vernon said. The old woman's eyes narrowed when she heard this and she looked at her husband. "They don't know he's already here dear." The woman said. "I'm sure he's here... I placed a tracing charm on him while he was busy admiring my watch." The old man said as he looked around the house. "You're freaks aren't you?" Vernon said fearfully. "Get out of my house! We don't want your kind here! I'll call the police! I'll tell the..." Vernon suddenly froze, only his eyeballs were moving around. "Such a rude man." The old woman said as she returned her wand back to her pocket. "Where is he dear?" The old man walked straight to the cupboard and kneeled in front of it. "You don't mean..." The old woman whispered as her eyes grew wide. The old man didn't answer and slowly opened the door, revealing the young thief sleeping in his cot, some of his possessions surrounding him. "Oh my... poor boy." The old woman whispered. She spotted a familiar piece of parchment and gently took it and started reading it. "Take a look at this dear." The old woman said, passing the Hogwarts acceptance letter to her husband. She noticed the look on her husband's face and sighed. "Dear... no cursing of muggles... It's against the law now, remember?" "But they deserve it... and I won't get caught... I promise." The old man whined. "And who will get blamed then hmm? Harry's the only magical person in this house." The old woman replied. "His name's Harry?" The old woman sighed and placed on her husband's hand the acceptance letter. "Read it Nicky." After a few moments, the old man's eyes lit up and a smile crossed his face. "Well well, hello Harry Potter." ***************** "Don't you 'dear' me!" Emma Granger said hotly. "The only reason I never divorced you is because of our Daughter! And now here you are again feeling up you new secretary! Don't think I have forgotten what happened years ago!" Danny Granger cursed the day he was caught. It was all because of that thieving boy... he had a perfect life, a wonderful wife, daughter and a mistress and in one single day it all came crashing down on him. When he realized he was not able to pay the cab, he made the driver turn around and head back home. His idiotic mistress, tired of waiting for him, called his home number and in some sick twist of fate, his wife answered it. Since his mistress didn't know he was married, he was burned from both sides of the line and was forced to hide back to his parent's house for a week. Only then did he crawl back to his wife begging for forgiveness. "We may live in the same house, but you have forfeited all rights in regards to Hermione when you cheated on me. You don't have a say in what school she chooses to attend." Emma said scathingly. "Now go back there and tell her she's allowed to attend Hogwarts." Danny sighed and nodded wearily. He trudged back up to the living room to speak with her excited Daughter who kept on bouncing with excitement since she read her letter.

9 "Mommy said I can go! Can I daddy? This explains so much!" The little girl said, her face beaming with excitement. "The strange accidents and the coincidences... Oh I'm so excited!" Danny forced a smile. "Of course you can honey... that is if you really want to." Hermione gave a squeal of excitement and hugged her father while Danny stared at the scary face of his wife watching them from the kitchen. ***************** Harry rubbed his eyes and stretched his arms and legs. Wait... stretch? He couldn't do that in his cupboard! His eyes snapped open and he looked around a modestly decorated room, though in his eyes it was luxurious. He noticed the shopping bags he left in the Leaky Cauldron where lying beside his bed, along with his new wand that was on the bedside table with his glasses. He wondered how he got here... the last he remembered was feeling tired after his exciting day at Diagon Alley... and getting caught. He walked out of the room, curious about who brought him here when he smelled something nice, no delicious. Harry walked carefully down the stairs, making sure he placed his feet near the walls to avoid making noise in the wood. When he reached the landing, he noticed the old woman from yesterday cooking a full English breakfast and his mouth watered. He couldn't stay here, and he should head back to his aunt's house before they even get even more mad at him for not cooking breakfast. He spotted an apple in the bowl and he carefully reached for it when the old woman suddenly spoke out loud. "Have a seat Harry dear... I'm almost finished with this lot." Harry froze and stared at the woman and found her staring at him with a warm smile. "How... how did you see me?" Harry asked cautiously as his eyes darted for possible exits. There were three, the window on the kitchen, a door and back up the stairs. "Charms dear. I immediately knew the moment you opened your eyes." The old woman said. "Have a seat... Nicky will be here shortly." Harry warily sat down the wooden chair and looked suspiciously at the woman. "How do you know my name? And what do you want from me?" "And what makes you think that Harry?" The old woman asked. "You don't kidnap me and feed me without wanting something in return." Harry said. "Who are you?" "I'm Perenelle Flamel, but call me Penny." The old woman said. "Like in James Bond?" Harry asked curiously. It was his favorite series as he usually dreamed he was the elite spy when on his nightly missions. "James Who?" Penny asked in confusion. "James Bond dear... yous should read Fleming's books one day." The old man from yesterday walked inside the kitchen and gave his wife a kiss in the cheek. "No luck... that goat lover refuses to answer my letters... when I get see that goat fucker again I'll..." "Nicky! We have company!" Penny said. "Oh right... Had a good sleep Harry?" The old man asked. Harry nodded warily as he stared at the old man. "You're not mad at me?" "Well irritated perhaps. But it's all right now... no harm done eh?" The old man said as he sat across his young guest. Harry nodded, relieved. "Who are you? And why did you bring me here?" "Nicholas Flamel, Master Alchemist." The old man said proudly, expecting the boy's face to light up in excitement. Harry just blinked and stared at him. "What does that mean?" Penny laughed and Nicholas asked their young guest. "What do you know of Magic Harry?" "Nothing... I just learned I was a wizard yesterday." Harry admitted. "Then what did you do at the Leaky Cauldron? You can't apparated or disapparate in there... unless you would destroy the wards first... and you didn't." Nicholas said as Penny brought in the plates of bacon and scrambled eggs to the table. "And that is no apparition..." "I discovered that when I was young... and I kept on practicing it." Harry said as he stared hungrily at the food and he unconsciously licked his lips. "I called it fading." "That's a nice name" Nicholas said. Penny saw the young boy's face and smiled. "Go on dear... I'm sure you're hungry by now." Harry nodded and began eating. It was delicious... newly cooked bacon was something he never tasted before. It was juicy in some parts and crunchy on the others. The three ate their breakfast in a relaxed atmosphere, with Harry telling them of his first trip to Diagon alley, minus his other adventures. "Harry we brought you here... because of three reasons." Nicholas began as soon as he noticed that his young guest was finished eating. "First... we found you sleeping in a cot in a cupboard... No child should be treated like that." "I got used to it." Harry said simply. While it was a bit cramped, it was the only home he ever knew and considered his cupboard as something special. Penny and her husband exchanged sorrowful looks when they heard this.

10 "Second... your great grandfather was an old friend of mine..." Nicholas said. "And he would never forgive me if I just left his grandson there in that house." "You knew my grandfather? Could you tell me more about my family?" Harry asked as he leaned forward, his face eager to hear more. "Yes... he was good lad, very impulsive but had the heart of gold." Nicholas said, glad that Harry was eager to hear more of his story. His wife however spotted something was amiss. "Harry, our cutlery is made silver... and has been with my me for a long time... please don't steal some." Penny said sternly. Harry wondered how he was caught and reluctantly pulled the knife he hid in his sleeve and placed it back on the table. Nicholas stared at him for a moment and burst out laughing. "You got me again Harry!" The old man said. "My you really are a good actor... I really fell for that one." "Harry you do know that stealing is bad right?" Penny asked gently. "And you told me that Harry took you to your vault. The Potters were a very wealthy family... you do not have to steal anymore." "I got used to it." The young boy said. "I've been doing it all my life... if something catches my fancy I have to get it." "Then why don't you just buy it?" Penny asked as she reminded herself to put anti theft charms on every room in her house. "Where's the fun in that?" Harry asked, perplexed at being asked such a question. "There's no thrill... and it's boring... so legal." Penny and Nicholas stared at their new guest for a few moments before they burst out laughing. They never heard of such an explanation before. The boy who lived was truly a thief, and he steals because he enjoys the danger and excitement that comes along with it. Nicholas suddenly had an idea and he smiled evilly, and Penny noticed this. "What are you thinking this time..." Penny asked warily. Nicholas did not answer his wife but leaned forward and looked at the young boy intently. "I have a proposition for you." "Go on" Harry said, curious about what the old man would offer. "I'll give you something very valuable in the magical world... you see you can't just continue with what you're doing... stealing in the muggle world and in the wizarding world is different. There are anti theft charms, wards and runes to prevent stealing in some stores... some owners hire magical creatures as security..." Nicholas said. "You see what I'm offering you is knowledge... I'll teach you what you need to know until September the first." "And what's the catch" Harry asked. "You see something was taken away from me without permission. Albus Dumbledore asked if he could examine the philosopher's stone I made... then he never returned it." Nicholas began. Harry listened to the old man's story, fascinated with a stone that could grant immortal life and turn any metal into gold. ******************* A/N: Reviews? Suggestion? When I said Harry and a Hermione, this doesn't mean it would be a paring. I'm thinking more on the lines of Cops and Robbers. Anybody watched the Thomas Crown affair? I got the inspiratiuon from that too.

11 *Chapter 3*: Chapter 3 The Thief of Hogwarts By: Bluminous A/N: I don't own Harry Potter or Dc comics... I don't own Harry Potter, period. Chapter 3: The Express Mess Hogwarts Express, 20 minutes after departure from Platform Nine and three quarters. "FRED! GEORGE! Give me back my badge!" "We didn't steal it!" "Though we wanted to do so for a longtime..." "GIVE ME BACK MY WAND OR I'LL TELL MOTHER! AND THE OTHER BADGES OF MY FELLOW PREFECTS ARE ALSO MISSING!!!" "I told you... we didn't do it!" "...But brilliant move that was!" "I know you have something to do with this... it's not yet over... I'm going to tell Professor McGonagall when we arrive." ********************* A young boy gazed at the sky as the Express made good speed towards its destination. He played with a golden badge he had recently 'borrowed', making it dance around his fingers. He smiled as the wind rushed towards his face and lied back down on the roof of the express, using his rolled up robes as a pillow. A toad sat beside him, enjoying the warm sun on its backobserving the strange human that found him in the hallways. Harry was bored at the compartment he was previously in. After spending a few minutes with a compartment full of students older than him he decided to find a new spot to watch the engine. They were friendly enough, but he felt left out of place since they obviously knew each other well, comparing their summer vacations and about the status of their assigned summer homework. As he walked along the carriage, his sharp eyes spotted movement in the floor and he snatched it just as it leapt past him. He smiled when a toad stared back at him, its lower mouth inflating back and forth as its beady black eyes stared at its captor. He couldn't decide what to do with the toad and he didn't want it squished by the dozens of students rushing back and forth along the length of the hallway. He placed the toad on his right front pocket and the creature sat still, content at the warm place it was in. He was excited to ride on the Hogwarts Express and had been looking forward to it since last week. According to the old man it was full of runic magic that allowed the obsolete muggle train turned wizarding transport express to travel as fast as the bullet trains in Japan or the ICE trains in Europe. Harry also felt fondness for the steam engine, as he spent his childhood watching Thomas and his friends. He was somewhat disappointed when he did not see the Fat controller in the platform as was seen from his favorite show, but he concluded that since there was only one train that ran around the tracks, a controller was not really needed. His good mood from his excitement at riding the express was ruined from the very beginning. Harry wanted to see the engine up front and decided to take a compartment in the very first car right before the engine to observe the 'engineer' that will operate the controls. He was smiling widely as he imagined the Engineer to be of a wizarding variation, but still wearing the traditional white and blue striped hat and pants of an engine operator. A thin red headed boy with freckles on his face suddenly entered his compartment just as he was settling in and demanded that he leave, since the compartments in the first car were reserved for prefects and the head boy and head girl. Harry of course refused, since he woke up very early so just he could ensure that he would have a good seat on the first car. The red headed prefect puffed out his chest, showing the shiny gold letter 'P' pinned on his chest and demanded that he leave. Other prefects arrived on the scene and Harry was forced to relinquish the compartment. After staring for a moment at the engine at the front of the car, He scowled and pushed past the assembled group of prefects, deciding to teach them a lesson for their big headedness. After admiring the gold badge, which he determined was not actually made of gold but made to look like one he threw it out the side of the train. He fished his pocket and opened a bag full of the small gold badges and started playing with the next one. This time it had the design of a Raven delicately carved over its face. ****************** "I tell you, Percy's crazy... he's off his rocker." George Weasley said to his twin. "He's just embarrassed since he is related to the main suspects." Fred answered back. "Who could have stolen most of the prefect's badges?" "I don't know... but it seems the Weasley Twins have some competition" Lee Jordan said. A glint of light caught his eye as he stared out the window. "Hey look at that!" "What?" The twins asked simultaneously as they followed their friend's gaze. Another golden object that suspiciously looked like one of the missing Prefect badges flew down and disappeared into the grassy countryside. "Who is doing that?" Fred asked as he spotted another badge thrown out to the side of the train. "I think it's our competition dear brother." George answered back. "And it looks like the badges are thrown from the roof of the train." "The roof? Who could be possibly crazy enough to go up there aside from us?" Fred asked.

12 "Let's find out then." Lee said and the three third year students headed to the connection between the second and third car where they knew the ladder to the roof was located. "Bloody Hell!" Lee said as he ducked in time as a golden badge flew past where his head would have been. It wouldn't have killed him... instantly but with the added force of the wind it could have left a nasty cut or bruise on his face. The three students warily climbed up and found a young boy lying on top of the roof playing with a prefect badge. He didn't seem to notice that he had company due to the fact that he was looking straight up and the rushing wind made it hard for everyone to hear. Another thing strange was a toad was sitting beside him, looking towards its companion eagerly. The boy flicked the badge again and this time the toad was ready and snatched the metal out of the air and swallowed it. The boy was lying on top of the first car that was right behind the engine and Fred, George and Lee couldn't see the boy's face. He wore none descript clothes and they weren't sure if he had black or brown hair because of the steam that kept on blocking their view. "OY!" Fred shouted, cupping his hands over his mouth to increase the volume. Harry was surprised to hear someone calling him and he stood up and faced three older students on the roof with him. He knew he was spotted and looked around for an escape. He was about to run when he realized that the Toad that accompanied him was still there sitting beside him. "Go on, your free" Harry mumbled and Toad seemed to have understood him and headed towards the edge of the roof and leapt to freedom. As Fred, George and Lee walked cautiously towards the boy, the Hogwarts Express blew its whistle and all four on the roof saw the approaching tunnel that the train was about to enter. "DUCK!" Fred screamed and hit the deck, followed closely by his twin and their friend. Fred stared at the boy they were curious to talk to, but he seemed suicidal as moved closer to the end of the first car. "HE'S CRAZY!" George yelled as seconds before the boy hit the stone arch that was the entrance to the tunnel, he leaped down, narrowly crushing his body. The three third years couldn't see anymore as they were plunged to darkness and they coughed as they inhaled the smoke from the train. A few seconds later Fred. George and Lee could see again. All three were shaken at near the death experience they encountered. They warily checked if there were tunnels ahead and when it was clear they approached the spot that they assumed the boy had jumped down to. Fred climbed the ladder and looked around the section that connected the engine and the first car. "He's not here." Fred said. He tried the door that lead to the prefect's car and frowned and looked back at his twin whose head was hanging down from the roof. "And the door is locked from the inside." ******************* "It's... It's gone now... Trevor." Neville Longbottom sniffed as he wiped his eyes with his hanky. "I'm sure it will turn up Neville, don't worry..." Hermione said gently. The two of them had searched every compartment on the entire train but the toad remind elusive. They had attempted to ask the help of the prefects but the older students appeared disgruntled for the moment and were in a foul mood. "Are you sure?" Neville asked hopefully as he stared outside the window. "Positive" Hermione said. "He'll turn up soon and..." WHACK! Neville's eyes widened as his missing toad slammed into the glass window of his compartment. "TREVOR!" The toad recognized its owner where it had experienced several life and death situations and immediately leapt again and somersaulted into freedom. "Well he did turn up." Hermione said faintly. Unsure of what to say to the crying boy she took out her book on transfiguration and began reading. "TREVOR..." Neville sobbed he gently touched the slime that his pet left on the window. ********************** "Do you think he's dead?" Lee asked as they entered their compartment, their faces serious as they were still shocked at what happened. "I don't know... I hope not." Fred said. "Did you get a good look at him?" Fred asked his twin. "No... But I know he's smaller than us, like a second year or even a firstie." George said thinking hard for possible candidates to their mysterious prankster. "Who the hell is he?" ************************ Antechamber Minerva McGonagall rushed towards the awaiting first years, the sorting hat clutched in her hands. She had been delayed by the complaints from the prefects that their badges were missing. She was not impressed at their irresponsible behavior and had scolded them sternly for not taking the role of prefects seriously. Most blamed the Weasley Twins for this, but she knew it was not their style as they liked to do flashy pranks and loved taking the blame. Nevertheless she would talk to the twins tomorrow to investigate the case of the missing prefect badges. The Deputy Headmistress schooled her features to the stern face everyone was used to seeing. She took great care of her reputation as a strict and fair teacher, and she wanted the new first years to learn that she was not a person to be messed with.