The basic idea:
One day, after Dudley and his friends chase down Harry and beat him up, Harry has an epiphany.
Dudley is too fat and slow to catch Harry, but with his friends helping out, they can heard him into an alley so he can't escape them.
From that single point, Harry realizes that 100 people can do things no individual can accomplish. From that day on, Harry starts to pay attention to the connections between people. Watching Vernon when he hosts clients, paying attention to the interactions between people, watching politics on the news, Harry starts to learn how the game is played.
Once Harry gets his Hogwarts letter and is taken to Diagon Alley, he realizes that he has both fame and wealth. All he has to do is learn how the game is played in the magical world. He spends a few galleons reading up on how the Magical World is run, and spends his time until Hogwarts reading them.
Harry's initial attempts are hamhanded at best, but as The-Boy-Who-Lived, he's got a lot of leeway, especially at this point. Harry quickly begins to hone his skill at playing them game, and continues to quietly build his organization at Hogwarts. As his ability increases, he starts to recruit people who were previously uninterested in what he was doing, and expanding his base.
I think this has potential to be a Dark!Hufflepuff!Harry, which I don't think I've seen before. Harry tries to make friends with his minions, and remains cordial to those he doesn't get to know personally. He doesn't intend to become a Dark Lord, and given how the structure of the Organization will be set up, he'll be hard pressed to accomplish that even if he wants to.
Couple of snippets:
"Well Mr. Malfoy." Harry responded, "I can't say that your proposal is without worth."
Harry paused, allowing Draco a moment to smirk at the shocked Weasley, confident in winning The-Boy-Who-Lived over to his side.
"Just have your people talk to my people, and we'll se if we can't work something out." Harry concluded.
"My...people?" Draco asked, his smirk replaced with an uncertain expression. "Why would I need people?"
Harry stared at him, "You don't have people!? I see... well Mr. Malfoy, it has been a pleasure talking to you, I will have my secretary get in touch with you at some point in the future. Good day."
Draco wasn't quite sure what had just happened, but it was clear that he had been found wanting.
"Wow Harry, that was bloody brilliant! You put that ponce in his place!" Ron exclaimed.
"Indeed. Here's the necessary equipment for you new job. Congratulations Mr. Weasley."
"Job?" Ron asked.
"Yes. As I am currently unable to evaluate your scholastic capabilities, you have been assigned to Enforcement Division."
"Alright then..." Ron replied, not quite sure what was happening. His doubts were soon put to rest as he opened the small package Harry had given him.
"Whoa." Ron stared in awe, before donning the pair of brass knuckles.
"Magic is fine for most situations, but an old fashioned beatdown is always a good option to have. There something much more intimidating about physical harm than spell damage."
Ron didn't respond, too enthralled with his gift to hear him.
"Oh, I almost forgot your signing bonus." Harry spoke, passing a contract over to the bedazzled redhead. Upon seeing the collection of Galleons in the proffered pouch, Ron couldn't sign fast enough.
"A pleasure to do business with you."
"Thanks Harry!"
"Not a problem Knuckles." Harry responded to the now contractually dubbed Ronald "Knuckles" Weasley, "Oh, and call me 'Boss.'"
"You got it Boss!"
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Harry sighed. Umbridge had been a problem since day one, and had only grown worse. The formation of an Inquisitorial Squad was right on the edge, and after a week of action, had crossed over it far too many times. While they hadn't targeted him or the Organization directly, several of their members had been harassed, and several operations had been hindered as well. I was time to send a message, and let them know that such acrions would not be tolerated.
ôSusan.ö
ôYes Harry?ö
ôIt's time. Call them in.ö
ôYes sir,ö Susan replied, sorting through the pertinent information. Within minutes, verything was ready
--- --- ---
Ron felt his watch heat up, and grinned. Finally, the Boss was dropping the hammer on Umbitch and her little minion. He watched as a short message played cross the face of the watch, and his grinned darkened. An example had to be made, and it couldn't happen to a nicer guy. Touching his wand to the watch, Ron focused his mind and uttered a short phrase.
ôIt's showtime.ö
Immediately, the charms in the watch activated. Despite knowing what was happening, Ron couldn't help but be awed by the skills of the R&D division. His robes was transfigured, transforming from the standard garb for wizards into something decidedly more muggle. The folds of cotton replaced by a silk and wool combination. His shirt morphed into one of much higher quality, and Ron grimaced as a tie formed around his neck. His hair was coated in gel, slicked back, and tied into a ponytail.
Loosening the choking device most people called a tie, Ron reached into his coat pocket, and pulled out a pair of sunglasses. While there was no need to wear them in the castle, they added a lot to the vibe, and as the Boss always said, image was everything. The loose tie detracted from his professional image, but he felt it let people know that he didn't always do things by the book.
Ron schooled his face into a neutral expression, and waited, and minutes, three similarly attired students joined him.
ôWhat's the mission chief?ö
ôThe Boss has determined that Umbridge has finally gone to far, and we've been called in to take care of it.ö
ôUnderstood. Who's the target?ö
Ron let his grin return, ôAmong the members of the Inquisitorial Squad, there is one who takes exceptional joy from flaunting his power. Once we're done with him, Draco Malfoy won't be so flippant in his actions.ö
--- --- --- --- ---
Draco Malfoy was on top of the world. No longer just a prefect, he could do almost anything to people who went against him, and there was nothing they could do about it. This is what it meant to be a Malfoy, and once he took his place at the Dark Lord's side, his power would only grow.
Draco's thoughts were interrupted by two heavy thuds. As he spun around to see what had caused them, his nose exploded as an armored fist collided with it.
--- --- --- --- ---
ôMr. Malfoy.ö Draco shook his head in an effort to clear it. Looking around, he saw that he was in an abandoned
ôWeasley.ö Draco sneered, recognizing his attackers ôDean. Seamus. Lavender. I suggest you let me go now. If you do, I might only recommend detention for the rest of the year instead of expulsion.ö
He smirked, expecting them to let him go. Maybe he would actually do what he said. Not out of any sense of fairness or honor, but because it would be so much harder to get revenge if they weren't at Hogwarts.
However, instead of untying him and crawling off like he expected, they did something different. Namely, Ron stepped forward, and slugged him in the gut.
ôWhat do you think you're-ö Draco began, only to be cut off by Ron's left hook. Each time Draco tried to say something, Ron responded with more violence.
ôFifty point from Gryffindor!ö He finally managedm expecting that to make them stop. Instead, it only made Ron attack that much harder. It was several minutes before Draco had a chance to speak again.
ôOne hundred points from Gryffindor!ö
His captors didn't respond verbally, but Ron stepped back, allowing Seamus to step forward, and put his lead pipe to good use. Draco screamed as it came crashing down on his shoulder, and he heard a sickening crack.
ôA thousand points from Gryffindor!ö He shrieked, trying to block out the pain of his shattered shoulder.
ôYou just don;'t get it, do you Mr. Malfoy.ö
Draco looked up at Ron, ôGet what?ö
ôYour power over us comes from taking points and giving detentions. You can do that to us because of the rules that the Headmaster and teachers set up for Hogwarts.ö
ôSo?ö Draco asked, only to scream
ôMr. Malfoy, we don't play by the rules.ö
After what seemed like hours, Draco
ôFix him up Doc. It wouldn't do for him to experience the tender mercies of Madam Pomphrey.ö
Draco tried to sneer, but ended up screaming as he was healed. Rather than using the standard spells of Healers, Lavender used the older, more primitive spells. The spells created before they determined how to block out the pain.
ôRemember this Mr. Malfoy.ö Ron intoned to the sobbing wreck as he untied him. He waited until he was sure that Malfoy was listening.
ôDon't mess with the Turks.ö
--- --- --- --- ---
ôMr. Weasley! Mr. Thomas, Mr. Finnigan! Miss Brown!ö Umbridge screeched, storming into the Charms classroom, acompanied by a still shaking Draco. ôMy office, NOW!!ö
ôWhat did we do?!ö Ron protested.ee
ôYou and your friends just attacked Mr. Malfoy, one of the esteemed members of the Inquisitorial Squad!!! You'll be lucky if you just get expelled!!!ö
ôWhat!?! That's impossible! We didn't do anything!ö
ôMr. Malfoy told me himself that it was you!ö
ôExcuse me Madam Umbridge,ö Flitwick interrupted.
ôWHAT!?!ö she sneered at the dimunitive professor.
ôIf Mr. Malfoy was just attacked, then they couldn't have done it.ö
ôWhat do you mean by that?!ö
ôMr. Weasley and his companions have been in my classroom for the past hour and a half. Thre is no way they could have doen what you're accusing them of.ö
ôHow Dare You! Are you questioning the testimony of one of my Squad members?!ö
ôYou said that he was assaulted. He appears to be in perfect health to me.ö
Draco moved to protest, but the icy silence that filled the room caused him to freeze. Umbridge slowly turned to look at him, seeming to finally notice that Draco was indeed the picture of health.
ôWell Mr. Malfoy, what do you have to say for yourself?ö Umbridge asked sweetly, causing him to stutter in protest. His accusations and explanations quickly petered out, as he realized that there was really no way to break their alibi.
ôProfessor McGonagall mentioned that it seemed Mr. Malfoy and some of his friends enjoyed harassing her Gryffindors. I think that he decided to take it a little to far this time.ö Flitwick said, looking down in disappointment at Draco.
Umbridge grabbed the young pureblood by the arm, and dragged him out of the classroom, intent on screaming at him until she was sure he had learned his lesson. After they departed, class continued as normal, though several students glanced at the accused in interest.
--- --- --- --- ---
That evening, the accused foursome headed towards the library. Madam Pince gave them a cursory once over, before putting them out of her mind. They quickly headed towards the bookshelves, losing themselves in the maze of tomes. A short time later, they arrived at their destination, a long ago forgotten study room.
Entering, they were greeted by Ron, Dean, Seamus, and Lavender, congratulating them on their stellar performance. They grinned in embarrassment as the polyjuice wore off, before asking what exactly it was that the foursome had done to Draco, which they recounted with great gusto.
--- --- --- --- ---
At the same time, Draco told his companions in the Inquisitorial Squad what had happened to him, and the message he was supposed to deliver. Several of them shivered at the graphic detail he went into, and resolved to ease up on their punishments, hoping to avoid the ire of the already infamous Turks.
In the corner, Daphne Greengrass smirked behind her book. It seemed that Harry's message was heard, loud and clear.
----- ----- ------ ------ ------
Snippet Notes:
1st Snippet:
Harry, at this point, has no people, but Malfoy has almost no political savvy at this point, since he is eleven, and it fairly easy to bluff him.
2nd Snippet:
Using the Turks as the codename came from a Bleach Motivator, with Ichigo and his friends dressed up in suits. That poster was originally inspired by FF7, where the Turks deal with the darker side of business for the Shinra corporation..
Ron is a lot smarter and more controlled compared to canon, and the reason for that is Harry. A smart minion is more useful than a stupid minion, and once Harry sees Ron's grades, he's going to cut his pay, and add an incentive bonus for good grades. While Ron might not like school, seeing a direct link between good grades and money is enough to motivate him. Him being calmer is due to a couple of times where his flippant mouth screwed Harry over, and the subsequent verbal ass reaming and pay cut for screwing up.
I might have gotten some inspiration from Fosfor's Art of the Deal, but I'm hoping that this will be a unique story, rather than a cheap copy of the mighty Fosfor's work. Harry's actions are highly restricted compared to Naruto's, since he has to attend school and go home for the summer. Furthermore, there are no real poor/bankrupt countries to take advantage of here, and there are no ongoing hostilities between Wizarding countries. Plus, Harry doesn't have someone to mentor him, and has to learn based on what's he's observed, and trial and error.
So, what do you guys think? Any questions about this?
One day, after Dudley and his friends chase down Harry and beat him up, Harry has an epiphany.
Dudley is too fat and slow to catch Harry, but with his friends helping out, they can heard him into an alley so he can't escape them.
From that single point, Harry realizes that 100 people can do things no individual can accomplish. From that day on, Harry starts to pay attention to the connections between people. Watching Vernon when he hosts clients, paying attention to the interactions between people, watching politics on the news, Harry starts to learn how the game is played.
Once Harry gets his Hogwarts letter and is taken to Diagon Alley, he realizes that he has both fame and wealth. All he has to do is learn how the game is played in the magical world. He spends a few galleons reading up on how the Magical World is run, and spends his time until Hogwarts reading them.
Harry's initial attempts are hamhanded at best, but as The-Boy-Who-Lived, he's got a lot of leeway, especially at this point. Harry quickly begins to hone his skill at playing them game, and continues to quietly build his organization at Hogwarts. As his ability increases, he starts to recruit people who were previously uninterested in what he was doing, and expanding his base.
I think this has potential to be a Dark!Hufflepuff!Harry, which I don't think I've seen before. Harry tries to make friends with his minions, and remains cordial to those he doesn't get to know personally. He doesn't intend to become a Dark Lord, and given how the structure of the Organization will be set up, he'll be hard pressed to accomplish that even if he wants to.
Couple of snippets:
"Well Mr. Malfoy." Harry responded, "I can't say that your proposal is without worth."
Harry paused, allowing Draco a moment to smirk at the shocked Weasley, confident in winning The-Boy-Who-Lived over to his side.
"Just have your people talk to my people, and we'll se if we can't work something out." Harry concluded.
"My...people?" Draco asked, his smirk replaced with an uncertain expression. "Why would I need people?"
Harry stared at him, "You don't have people!? I see... well Mr. Malfoy, it has been a pleasure talking to you, I will have my secretary get in touch with you at some point in the future. Good day."
Draco wasn't quite sure what had just happened, but it was clear that he had been found wanting.
"Wow Harry, that was bloody brilliant! You put that ponce in his place!" Ron exclaimed.
"Indeed. Here's the necessary equipment for you new job. Congratulations Mr. Weasley."
"Job?" Ron asked.
"Yes. As I am currently unable to evaluate your scholastic capabilities, you have been assigned to Enforcement Division."
"Alright then..." Ron replied, not quite sure what was happening. His doubts were soon put to rest as he opened the small package Harry had given him.
"Whoa." Ron stared in awe, before donning the pair of brass knuckles.
"Magic is fine for most situations, but an old fashioned beatdown is always a good option to have. There something much more intimidating about physical harm than spell damage."
Ron didn't respond, too enthralled with his gift to hear him.
"Oh, I almost forgot your signing bonus." Harry spoke, passing a contract over to the bedazzled redhead. Upon seeing the collection of Galleons in the proffered pouch, Ron couldn't sign fast enough.
"A pleasure to do business with you."
"Thanks Harry!"
"Not a problem Knuckles." Harry responded to the now contractually dubbed Ronald "Knuckles" Weasley, "Oh, and call me 'Boss.'"
"You got it Boss!"
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Harry sighed. Umbridge had been a problem since day one, and had only grown worse. The formation of an Inquisitorial Squad was right on the edge, and after a week of action, had crossed over it far too many times. While they hadn't targeted him or the Organization directly, several of their members had been harassed, and several operations had been hindered as well. I was time to send a message, and let them know that such acrions would not be tolerated.
ôSusan.ö
ôYes Harry?ö
ôIt's time. Call them in.ö
ôYes sir,ö Susan replied, sorting through the pertinent information. Within minutes, verything was ready
--- --- ---
Ron felt his watch heat up, and grinned. Finally, the Boss was dropping the hammer on Umbitch and her little minion. He watched as a short message played cross the face of the watch, and his grinned darkened. An example had to be made, and it couldn't happen to a nicer guy. Touching his wand to the watch, Ron focused his mind and uttered a short phrase.
ôIt's showtime.ö
Immediately, the charms in the watch activated. Despite knowing what was happening, Ron couldn't help but be awed by the skills of the R&D division. His robes was transfigured, transforming from the standard garb for wizards into something decidedly more muggle. The folds of cotton replaced by a silk and wool combination. His shirt morphed into one of much higher quality, and Ron grimaced as a tie formed around his neck. His hair was coated in gel, slicked back, and tied into a ponytail.
Loosening the choking device most people called a tie, Ron reached into his coat pocket, and pulled out a pair of sunglasses. While there was no need to wear them in the castle, they added a lot to the vibe, and as the Boss always said, image was everything. The loose tie detracted from his professional image, but he felt it let people know that he didn't always do things by the book.
Ron schooled his face into a neutral expression, and waited, and minutes, three similarly attired students joined him.
ôWhat's the mission chief?ö
ôThe Boss has determined that Umbridge has finally gone to far, and we've been called in to take care of it.ö
ôUnderstood. Who's the target?ö
Ron let his grin return, ôAmong the members of the Inquisitorial Squad, there is one who takes exceptional joy from flaunting his power. Once we're done with him, Draco Malfoy won't be so flippant in his actions.ö
--- --- --- --- ---
Draco Malfoy was on top of the world. No longer just a prefect, he could do almost anything to people who went against him, and there was nothing they could do about it. This is what it meant to be a Malfoy, and once he took his place at the Dark Lord's side, his power would only grow.
Draco's thoughts were interrupted by two heavy thuds. As he spun around to see what had caused them, his nose exploded as an armored fist collided with it.
--- --- --- --- ---
ôMr. Malfoy.ö Draco shook his head in an effort to clear it. Looking around, he saw that he was in an abandoned
ôWeasley.ö Draco sneered, recognizing his attackers ôDean. Seamus. Lavender. I suggest you let me go now. If you do, I might only recommend detention for the rest of the year instead of expulsion.ö
He smirked, expecting them to let him go. Maybe he would actually do what he said. Not out of any sense of fairness or honor, but because it would be so much harder to get revenge if they weren't at Hogwarts.
However, instead of untying him and crawling off like he expected, they did something different. Namely, Ron stepped forward, and slugged him in the gut.
ôWhat do you think you're-ö Draco began, only to be cut off by Ron's left hook. Each time Draco tried to say something, Ron responded with more violence.
ôFifty point from Gryffindor!ö He finally managedm expecting that to make them stop. Instead, it only made Ron attack that much harder. It was several minutes before Draco had a chance to speak again.
ôOne hundred points from Gryffindor!ö
His captors didn't respond verbally, but Ron stepped back, allowing Seamus to step forward, and put his lead pipe to good use. Draco screamed as it came crashing down on his shoulder, and he heard a sickening crack.
ôA thousand points from Gryffindor!ö He shrieked, trying to block out the pain of his shattered shoulder.
ôYou just don;'t get it, do you Mr. Malfoy.ö
Draco looked up at Ron, ôGet what?ö
ôYour power over us comes from taking points and giving detentions. You can do that to us because of the rules that the Headmaster and teachers set up for Hogwarts.ö
ôSo?ö Draco asked, only to scream
ôMr. Malfoy, we don't play by the rules.ö
After what seemed like hours, Draco
ôFix him up Doc. It wouldn't do for him to experience the tender mercies of Madam Pomphrey.ö
Draco tried to sneer, but ended up screaming as he was healed. Rather than using the standard spells of Healers, Lavender used the older, more primitive spells. The spells created before they determined how to block out the pain.
ôRemember this Mr. Malfoy.ö Ron intoned to the sobbing wreck as he untied him. He waited until he was sure that Malfoy was listening.
ôDon't mess with the Turks.ö
--- --- --- --- ---
ôMr. Weasley! Mr. Thomas, Mr. Finnigan! Miss Brown!ö Umbridge screeched, storming into the Charms classroom, acompanied by a still shaking Draco. ôMy office, NOW!!ö
ôWhat did we do?!ö Ron protested.ee
ôYou and your friends just attacked Mr. Malfoy, one of the esteemed members of the Inquisitorial Squad!!! You'll be lucky if you just get expelled!!!ö
ôWhat!?! That's impossible! We didn't do anything!ö
ôMr. Malfoy told me himself that it was you!ö
ôExcuse me Madam Umbridge,ö Flitwick interrupted.
ôWHAT!?!ö she sneered at the dimunitive professor.
ôIf Mr. Malfoy was just attacked, then they couldn't have done it.ö
ôWhat do you mean by that?!ö
ôMr. Weasley and his companions have been in my classroom for the past hour and a half. Thre is no way they could have doen what you're accusing them of.ö
ôHow Dare You! Are you questioning the testimony of one of my Squad members?!ö
ôYou said that he was assaulted. He appears to be in perfect health to me.ö
Draco moved to protest, but the icy silence that filled the room caused him to freeze. Umbridge slowly turned to look at him, seeming to finally notice that Draco was indeed the picture of health.
ôWell Mr. Malfoy, what do you have to say for yourself?ö Umbridge asked sweetly, causing him to stutter in protest. His accusations and explanations quickly petered out, as he realized that there was really no way to break their alibi.
ôProfessor McGonagall mentioned that it seemed Mr. Malfoy and some of his friends enjoyed harassing her Gryffindors. I think that he decided to take it a little to far this time.ö Flitwick said, looking down in disappointment at Draco.
Umbridge grabbed the young pureblood by the arm, and dragged him out of the classroom, intent on screaming at him until she was sure he had learned his lesson. After they departed, class continued as normal, though several students glanced at the accused in interest.
--- --- --- --- ---
That evening, the accused foursome headed towards the library. Madam Pince gave them a cursory once over, before putting them out of her mind. They quickly headed towards the bookshelves, losing themselves in the maze of tomes. A short time later, they arrived at their destination, a long ago forgotten study room.
Entering, they were greeted by Ron, Dean, Seamus, and Lavender, congratulating them on their stellar performance. They grinned in embarrassment as the polyjuice wore off, before asking what exactly it was that the foursome had done to Draco, which they recounted with great gusto.
--- --- --- --- ---
At the same time, Draco told his companions in the Inquisitorial Squad what had happened to him, and the message he was supposed to deliver. Several of them shivered at the graphic detail he went into, and resolved to ease up on their punishments, hoping to avoid the ire of the already infamous Turks.
In the corner, Daphne Greengrass smirked behind her book. It seemed that Harry's message was heard, loud and clear.
----- ----- ------ ------ ------
Snippet Notes:
1st Snippet:
Harry, at this point, has no people, but Malfoy has almost no political savvy at this point, since he is eleven, and it fairly easy to bluff him.
2nd Snippet:
Using the Turks as the codename came from a Bleach Motivator, with Ichigo and his friends dressed up in suits. That poster was originally inspired by FF7, where the Turks deal with the darker side of business for the Shinra corporation..
Ron is a lot smarter and more controlled compared to canon, and the reason for that is Harry. A smart minion is more useful than a stupid minion, and once Harry sees Ron's grades, he's going to cut his pay, and add an incentive bonus for good grades. While Ron might not like school, seeing a direct link between good grades and money is enough to motivate him. Him being calmer is due to a couple of times where his flippant mouth screwed Harry over, and the subsequent verbal ass reaming and pay cut for screwing up.
I might have gotten some inspiration from Fosfor's Art of the Deal, but I'm hoping that this will be a unique story, rather than a cheap copy of the mighty Fosfor's work. Harry's actions are highly restricted compared to Naruto's, since he has to attend school and go home for the summer. Furthermore, there are no real poor/bankrupt countries to take advantage of here, and there are no ongoing hostilities between Wizarding countries. Plus, Harry doesn't have someone to mentor him, and has to learn based on what's he's observed, and trial and error.
So, what do you guys think? Any questions about this?
