This Harry is so Ravenclaw and Slytherin, slightly Hufflepuff, and less than 1% Gryffindor. It's insane. I love it XD

oh dear
oh me oh my
you-you-oh no
oh no
oh deary me
so funny
I DID wake someoen up
with my laughing
oh dear
not that-your story. im gonna sit up night and day readin this one. oh dear me. oh dear. dear dea dear me
oh no
I only got six chapters done in an hour
o no
I am gonna take such a long time reading this
BUT THANK YOU FOR YOUR STORY

oh shit! i was saying the owl story is ironic, but did it happen?!

how ironic the hypothetical story with the metaphorical owl is...

I'm really glad that I have waited a few years before revisiting this fic. I'm laughing so much. :)

Oh my gosh I laughed so much. "It was probably too early to call her Minnie." Priceless! I think my favorie part of this chapter is the after math. I love it!

I feel like it's only okay that Harry's motivation was established 6 chapters into this book because AIt's on and BHe's ten. But he really does seem like the type of kid to immediately come up with this plan of dissecting and understanding the forces of magic as soon as he comes into contact with it, instead of being able to divert his attention away from it to allow McGonagall to teach him about the Wizarding World

McGonagall deserves a metal

This was fantastic! I love Harry and Minerva.

"I was very impressed with you today," Harry said to her. "I should have remembered to compliment you out loud, I was awarding you points in my head and everything."

"Thank you, Mr. Potter," said Professor McGonagall. "If you had already been sorted into a House I would have deducted so many points that your grandchildren would still be losing the House Cup."

"Thank you, Professor." It was probably too early to call her Minnie.
That was one of the best things I've ever read.

Dumbledore scares me.

Some parts are just so hilarious! I CAN'T!
Especially the aftermath tidbit!

Harry has to deal with so many crazy adults.

And the pity of it is, he's correct.

I believe this makes the first time that I've ever favorited a story before reading the whole thing.

When Harry gets into that mode where he's explaining done scientific thing, it really makes my head hurt

Ha. Irony.

Wowowowowow wait.. Is this Harry the Harry from the original timeline? But reborn in this timeline? That would be amazing!

My emotions are all afire. I identified so much with Harry's feelings about how adults treat children. Even though I am married and have been for some time, it amazes me how my parents and grandparents still, at times, treat me as if I were still but a child.

An excellent chapter.

I alternated between laughing and becoming dead serious in this chapter. That was quite a bit of character development, but none of it felt rushed or forced. Just listening to Harry for this one chapter already put me solidly on his side. World optimization? Count me in.

Guest from chapter 2 here.
I love this, I'm looking forward to read the interactions between Harry and the other students his age.

On my first re-reading, here. Interesting story, so far. Harrys reaction to Diadon Ally is awesome (of course, nothing bcan top the previous chapter with the Draco-Harry interaction at Madam Malfoys), and this here has a lot of foreshadowing. The thing about the first-aid-kit, the fury at being treated as akid, the cold, calculating side of Harry...
"But sometimes, only sometimes, you say or do something that seems very much like...someone who spent his first eleven years locked in a cellar."

Or like someone who spent his first eleven years in a Muggle Orphanage, with a Headmistress who wanted him looked at and possibly institutionlized, and shirked or bullied by other kids who treated and saw himasa freak. Of course somebody like that would and could never, ever relyon any adult... except that kid would have been far more world-wise and intelligent to let his wish to be treated like an adult,not a kid run away with him.
And of course, Harry James Potter Evans Verres, not knowing about the connection, would find a completely different, seemingly *rational* explanation for his own behaviour.

So, on Harrys side, I get the reasons for his behaviour; but what I have trouble with is Minerva McGonannagal in this. She can not give extra specialtreatment to one difficult kid who demnads to be treated like an adult despite being eleven years old; she has a school to treat and some 280-350 (or perhaps four hundred) kids to look over (given that eych year of Hogwarts gets about 40 new kids). Of course, only a fourth of these kids would be in her house,but she cannot allow any of those kids to treat her as an qual or differently or without -or even on conditional - respect. Especially not to her face. So, the thing that is completely unrealistic here and in later chapters is the part of Harry getting away with his behaviour. I am afraid,even as a necessary part of the story (it would not work as smothely if Harry would be treated as a normal eleven-year-old student by the teachers), that is kind of weakeniung the story, and makes it drifting into Harry Sue territory; which is a shame, because otherwise the story is awesome in parts.

I love the idea of the story, but my god he is 11. I read past what you asked readers to to get a better idea of the story before they decide to stay or leave and... It just seems like you've put your grown-up self into a 5th or 6th grade age kid. Like you used all your knowledge of the world and the series and put it into an 11 year old's head and had him rant out your frustrations for the series at McGonagall who canonically does /not/ put up with that anyone's shit... All before he even left buying supplies for school. I have a sibling who is Harry's age in your story and goddamn it's hard to finish chapter books at that age without being bored most of the time. He talks like his adoptive father, the professor of biochemistry, would and then his parents are surprised at him. I don't mind Brilliant!Harry or Confident!Harry, but jeez this is a bit far for a kid who just finished what would've been grade 5.

That aftermath HAHAHAHAHAHA XD

This is wonderful!

My inner code monkey is screaming at harry right now for not appreciating the scripting on that mokeskin pouch, but I can understand that no one can be well learned in EVERY science... that being said, I shall (tentatively) complament the real-life coding logic you've displayed so far... but if harry upgrades the bag later with any word synanamous with the word "effortless" I think I'll throw a fit

shit it got better
I don't know if you read reviews anymore or even care now that the story's done but that was so good I just had to say something.
This is as interesting as some of the things I've read- and I don't mean in terms of fanfiction but in the realm of real books and published works. (Sorry if the compliment sounds lame but I'm trying to be accurate not boast)
I just want to give due respect/praise to a great story (now that sounds underwhelming)

Pobre Minerva realmente fue un muy largo día para ella. Interesante forma de pensar.

it reminds me of Artemis fowl somehow

THIS IS AMAZING! Being an intelligent child myself, I have often found myself thinking some of the exact same things that Harry has thought/said during this (though at an older age than him)! The story is rather funny as well.

this is a good fanfiction, very well written, one of the best I've seen. The major problem I have with it is, Harry's a bit of an a-hole, and that is the main thing that is stopping me from enjoying this story, though with this premise you couldn't write him any other way, he is smarter than almost every one, this is good and I would definitely recommend it to any harry potter fans, but I just can't stomach all 122 chapters, good job with this story

I repeat: I am LOVING Rational!Harry.

I love it!

OH DEAR GOD the foreshadowing... How the hell did you write with such levity and humor while plotting such tragedy? Shit... Re-reading this chapter was kind of horrifying...

THIS IS THE MOST INCREDIBLE SERIES I HAVE EVER READ. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS. YOU ARE MY HERO AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN HAPPIER TO DISCOVER A BOOK, LET ALONE A FAN FICTION.

The caps might have been too much but this seems like an Enders game, HP combo, my two ALL TIME favorite works. You have made my day, nay my month. Thank you for your work and your time!

I am not sure why you have McGonagall thinking that Harry is eying world domination based only on him hypothesizing how the mokeskin bag works. In the books Hermione mentions magical theory when she tries to help Harry with the accio spell in the 3rd book, so it's not like McGonagall has never heard it. (I would concede that the scientific method may be harder to use, because it is difficult to measure a person's "will" or determination which I think alters the result)

And like Harry, I am not sure why McGonagall would jump to the conclusion that Harry was abused or in some way hurt by his step parents. I will acknowledge that Harry seems very emotional when talking of his fear of getting mugged and no one will listen, and his fear that he will neglect a pet to starvation doesn't seem to be a normal fear of a 10 year old unless something weird happened.

The point where Harry blackmails the professor. Is it really happening cause I swear a couple of sentences must have gotten ditched. Harry reasons he has to find something she wants or threaten to do something she fears. So he says that. "it sounds like I have something that you want. ... and in return I will keep your secrets ... What secret? The thing is Mc Gonnagall seems to know?

Harry seems a bit up his own backside,and doesn't suit his character but looking forward to reading the rest, good so far.

DaveC

1. Just HAD to have at least one overt AI reference, didn't 'cha? Still, the comparison with magic IS pretty cool. And ever-increasingly accurate, too.
2. Harry's sore loser explanation: my thoughts in a nutshell :)
3. "One of my classmates gets bitten by a horrible monster." It's all in the details, isn't it?
4. Oh, the references. Can't recall noticing the Hulk reference the first time around. Or seeing his first dark moments for what they were. It was fun to read through all that again.
5. Saying nothing about the scene before it, I still love what the shopkeeper said to McGonagall. I also don't remember the sweat the first time around.
6. So it doesn't explicitly say that it was McGonagall who told Harry to find Hermione, just that it was whispered to him, and that McGonagall wasn't there when he turned around.
7. Albus said "gravely". That should have stood out to me the first time. Or maybe not, since I'm more rational now, but still...

This was pretty great.

I love Harry!

See, this is what happens when a child is never taken seriously.

I love Harry's reasoning and how he clearly explained his anger ... he's so brilliant. I'm falling in love with him. Really like the salesman bit, too, about him asking if that's a Slytherin third year.
And I like that Harry defends Petunia and Michael, and that signal he sent to himself. Damn brilliant child.

oh.

This is THE BEST crack fic that probably has a serious plot I've ever seen. Putting a brilliant, logical mind (albeit with a bit to much pure information crammed in to be normal) as the protagonist plot armor without the emphasis on unrealistic technology, this makes awesomely stupid plot turns acceptable as long as it doesn't contradict with the world building. Definite potential apparent from just the first few chapters.

Dumbledore is brilliant, hilarious, serene, illogical, and a very mysterious old wizard.

I'd just like you to know that I'm 6 chapters into this 100 chapter story and already you have developed your world's version of Harry to the point where I feel that I can safely say that I love his character more than I ever did the canon version. While I loved Rowling's original series, this is one of if not the best works of fanfiction I have EVER read on any sight. I can only hope that the rest of this story will entertain me as much as these 6 chapters have, if not more so.

For me, chapter 6 is where the story really kicks off. Prior to this, we have Harry as a vehicle for delivering one lecture per chapter, with humor to make the lesson more palatable. But starting here, we have an actual story. Harry has real emotions (some good, some bad), and a real challenge in front of him. We start to see some of his flaws. We even get some foreshadowing of just how dark this story becomes.

We also have the line that, for me, really captures the essence of the whole story:

"So now I've got to find some way to kill an immortal Dark Wizard," Harry said, and sighed in frustration. "I really wish you had told me that before I started shopping."

Hehehe, foresight much? He really is a lot like Riddle.

I just started reading this and I absolutely love it. This is HILARIOUS.

Wait... Is this implying that Voldemort was abused as a child? Well, that's not a great leap of logic even from canon, but still, that bit gave me a bit of a shock on my second read-through.

Hermione? seems very odd, they are so very different, cant see this Harry being able to stand her no being rational and blindly believing adults without any data.
Honestly kinda seems like his opposite.

When some languages describe number，they will use 'add' even 'multiplication'.Such as ‘17’ at only have '1'to'16'words,so the '17' translate to English mean is ‘161’，‘18’and‘19’ have word'20',but when they says'97',they need says'four times 20 add 16 add 1'.But I think the bag can understand the French'17'and '97',I think the bag content of the call is all languages number words. It understands the 'four times 20 add 16 add 1' is'97' in French,not obtained by calculation ‘97’.So I think the bag not understand word,it only
'Exhaustive of all the objects of the word'

Bag of okane... what a weaboo.

Also, I wanted to say that I love the fact that you chose McGonagall to go Diagon Alley with Harry for the first time. Obviously, Hagrid was great for the Harry that Rowling wrote, but for your scientific and highly educated and manipulative Harry, McGonagall is the FAR better choice. Hagrid would be like putty in his hands, and that would be dangerous. It is interesting that you're developing their relationship so much when you keep hinting that Harry will be in Ravenclaw. It would also be interesting to see their relationship continue to develop if Harry WASN'T in Gryffindor. Neville was close to Sprout, but that's really the only instance of a student being close to the Head of Another House that I can think of.
And I guess Harry is going to meet Hermione? They'll either get on really well, or really terribly, haha. I wonder who told Harry to look for Hermione?
And the little "Aftermath" section at the end was also brilliant and humorous :)

This was a great chapter

Best report ever

Hello. I don't want to attack you. I will start by saying your work is well thought through, engaging, amusing. Sometimes the Professor McGonagall is too friendly, it's a bit out of character, but that is your artistic license. JK Rowling put several schools across the world, so your 6 billion people calculation is off canon.
Also, people do forget trauma and repress it. I do not know any science behind it, only my experience. It haunts the subconscious for years. It took me a decade to understand that I was abused. You may want to put a trigger warning on this chapter, out of respect for readers for whom such trauma is more than fiction.
You write well. I am looking forward to seeing how this unfolds and how far you took it.

damn he is so autistic

Please don't tell me you're a Ron/Weasley basher. It's not their fault they're a semi-typical Magic family. Until I get further I'll Just cross my fingers and hope for the best.

LOL
Awesome.

I ... I think I love you. Also BACK to the Future is playing on my TV room right now! Not my selection, but 1/2 my family is watching it. What's the science there? The co-incidental behavior of quarks? Tell me - o know you know!

Awwwww

Wonderful story you have going here. Simply enchanting plotline, and I so adore the humor. Just one problem; I do belive you misspelled "Dexter". You seem insistent it is spelled "Harry" instead!

And remeber the one rule: "It's science! I don't have to explain anything."

He stunned McGonagall into speechlessness. That must be a first.

at that shiny part i just cant help but imagine him merrily skipping forwards...

beautiful report, really. So informative

Harry is some weird anomaly. He's totally smart enough to be a Ravenclaw but he's sneaky like a Slytherin. Although, I never really approved of the Sorting amd the way it is based on characteristics of the Houses. I mean, Draco is a Slytherin, no doubt about that. But he also showed immense bravery, letting Death Eaters into the castle and all that. Just not during the actual war :(. So you can't just Sort a person based on a very narrow range of personality traits. Oh well.
Oh, Dumbledore. Good old Dumbledore.

There is a film(of fiction) about a girl who has only a father, and he has Down syndrome, and still she trusts him, because he is her father and an adult and she is a child.
Children do trust in adults, just like het!men are attracted to women, because biology tells them to do so.
Great story,
THX.

You are absolutely brilliant. Thank you for writing.

Why!? why?! Why?! is harry potter trying to take over the world.?! you are so evil!

Harry's like a perfect mixture of Sherlock and Tom Riddle.

And the aftermath. It's perfect.

Oh dear lord xD. I feel like your version of Harry is going to get along REALLY well with Fred and George haha.
Im not a very logical person, I do art for emotional reasons lol, but I am REALLY enjoying this :)

Definitely Slytherin

I think Harry would be great at world optimisation.

HahahHH!

hahahaha again the autrhors note made me laugh XD

如果我是哈利 我这时大概会，怎样尖锐怎样说。我是说我还像他那么小的时候。即使会让麦格教授产生恶感，即使让她提高警惕而导致我最终买不到医疗包，我也可能口出恶言。当然这是在不考虑麦格教授作为变形课老师我会害怕她的情况。
庆幸我在开始为被管束，被小看而愤怒时，我已经马上就要成为一个大人了。所以说，不早慧还是有好处的。
不过，一个好的父母，应该能尊重他们聪明的孩子的意见。
再或者，如果我是哈利，我绝对不会去送锅。反正我是个孩子，如果理智不能说服他们，就只能用胡闹说服了。但这样的结果更可能是他们更加不把我当做大人…

I really haven't even read all of chapter 2, but I was in the middle of reading Harry's dialogue and I just felt that I had to review and get my opinion out, lest I forget. Harry and some of the points he makes, rather eloquently I might add. Your writing prose is just wonderful to read , but I digress. Some of the points he makes and his personality, his attitude about the world and his parents are just things that I've thought and felt over the course of my life. I'm definitely not as smart as him, but I've definitely had the same attitude about books and children and adults. And basically wanting and needing intelligent conversation, and don't get me wrong I know nothing about science or math and I don't study it endlessly like Harry but as far as his thoughts, opinions and cynical ideas, I fell as if your reading my mind and putting it on a screen. I'm definitely making and account just so I can follow and favorite your story! Sorry for making this review so long but I really really really love this story so so so so much!

Canon McGonagall wouldn't have been so open-minded. This chapter would have been more believable if it had been Flitwick.

OMG! What a chapter! Harry is wonderful and so smart, but I bet he totally squeeze the energy from his parents! With good intentions, of course. :D

Poor Minerva! Bet she didn't think she could learn more at her age...but she's smart so she'll appreciate Harry, I'm sure. Life is more interesting with Harry around.

I am very much enjoying this particular version of Harry. The writing is intelligent. The Potter verse is so FULL of obtuse characters and Swiss-cheese logic that this is a breath of fresh air! After reading this chapter of conversation between Harry and McGonagall, I literally can not imagine what the first serious meeting with Dumbledore will be like, but I am so eager to find out! Thanks so much for this great story.

Don't solicit for your sistet (that's not nice), unless you get a good percentage of her price.

Is there interference at play? Is Hermione going to be a Ravenclaw like she should? I like this a lot.

This is quickly moving into my favourite ever fanfic and believe me, that's saying something. I loved the hints back to the cupboard but also the rational and logic explanation from the real world. I love how you've done Minerva here as well; she's long been one of my favourite characters and you've expressed a more humorous side beautifully whilst keeping the stern Head of Gryffindor intact. My fiancé thinks I'm going insane because I keep laughing out loud. I'll get him to read it next...

I don't get it. Period.

Pretty accurate report:speechless. Also, I wanted to let you know that this story is great, and as much as I would like to, I won't leave a review after every chapter. This story is hilarious and deserves it for sure, but it wouldn't do to have 122 reviews from the same person, would it now?

Very good point here, and one that SO MANY PEOPLE fail to get: that there is an important difference between "technology" and "science". Science is figuring out what works, what doesn't work, and, if possible, WHY (or at least leaving it for future generations to work on once they've acquired sufficient data). Technology, at least in the sense most people use it in this context, is a specific way of applying all your shiny new knowledge to make the physical world sit up, beg, and roll over for you.
Although, correct me if I'm wrong. I have half a linguistics degree, years of reading, years of thinking too long about stuff, and a nice background in sci-fi/fantasy fiction; note the lack of "academic terminology study" in there.

And oh, now I so much want to write a story of someone figuring out the laws of magic. If anybody could recommend me something like that, preferably non-dark and with a focus on curiosity and the joy of discover, I'd love it.

XD minne is so cunfuzzled

This is my third time through the book, and I'm trying specifically this time to get all the references I missed.

The one I'm trying to figure out right now is the bafflesnaffle counter. Unlike the other references, there is no such thing anywhere outside HPMOR. The only clue is the name and the description about shoving it up the nose. So baffle is to confuse and snaffle is part of a bridle to control a horse. But it was the part about shoving it up the nose that brought me to my conclusion about what it is.

It is the tracking egg from the original Total Recall with Arnold Schwarzenegger. The one he had to remove from his nose with that weird device. It fits with the description too as it functions as a bridle for someone who is confused and running away.

this super inteligent harry is very funny. poor mcgonagall. xD I wonder if harry will idolize dumbledore here too, and wat other changes you might have done. and who wispered hermione's name? I'm having so much fun. thanks for sharing!

Harry wouldn't necessarily need to have been through an obvious traumatic event to exhibit signs of trauma; even people with relatively "normal" childhoods can show symptoms. His isolation alone would be enough to do it, though some of what you've said hints at a more magical explanation. That's my guess, anyway.

I love the way this chapter showcases different parts of Harry's personality, as well as depicts McGonagall in an interesting light.

You're amazing. I'm not sure how else to put it. Harry is so right about so many things, although is a complete evil mastermind just waiting to be taken seriously by the world. I've no idea what house he'll be sorted into. 3 Thank you for writing

Professor McGonagall thinks he'll be in Ravenclaw, the shopkeeper thought he was Slytherin, but I still think he'll be in his canon house. Harry is obviously different in this version, but there are still elements that make me think he'll be in Gryffindor. I still love the back and forth between Harry and Minerva. Conflict is there, but also some understanding.

Merlin! I Love this Harry SO much. I can't wait to see him and Hermione meeting!

I feel like he sounds like Sherlock. Which is pretty awesome!

This is how far I came today, between activities with 3 kids, going out to eat, and taking a nap on the couch. Found the book in a "tribute" article to fan fiction in general, and this story in particular, on the tech-site of the Norwegian state television channel ( ) yesterday. 6 chapters in, I am loving the story, and looking forward to the next 100 or so chapters.

She does bring up a good point... His demeanor is too bitter and spiteful to have come from a nice, proper family.

But what he says also makes sense. As proven in history, too-smart kids tend to have problems with their families, even if their families are the loving and caring types. They tend to overthink things, or think of things that normal people would rather avoid thinking of. They lie outside of the common societal norms and stuff... I'm not sure how to describe it. Let's just say they often encounter problems where normal kids don't.

i'm smiling uncontrollably

there is one thing that bothered me. There are ten or so muggle's children every year. Not all of them are as smart as Harry, but surly they are also not stupid. Over the years, someone must have tried Harry's coin-metal-exchange scam.

Why in the world Professor McGonagall would tell Harry to look for Hermoine?
Harry Potter isn't THE Harry Potter at all.
He's far too away from him...

Wow, I kinda feel bad for Harry...

LOL that was the strangest report ever. It also occurred to me that Minnie actually had no business telling him how much of his own gold he could use, I mean she could advise him but her taking offense was seriously weird, though I know most adult would have done similarly.

So. I couldn't help myself and had to review despite knowing that this has been out for some time. I never could bring myself to read it - the premise made Harry sound like a Mary Sue and the Plot line uninteresting. However, that is obviously not the case. This is both well written and highly entertaining. I find myself caring about the characters as you present them and not because I know who they are. In addition, you manage to employ what would commonly be labeled as 'crack fic' ideas in a way that, while amusing, is completely serious. Whatever you decided to do with your life I'm sure you'll do it well, if your ability to write can be used as a measure for success. Thank you for your time and efforts in the wonderful work.

This is one of the funniest fanfics I've ever read! Great job!

Chapter 6 was a funny chapter, kept a smile on my face.

So good it hurts.

I think I just found the best writer ever. This story is beyond...any description I could think of. All I have to say, is you are going places. I hope to someday read one of your books off a shelf or as part of an Rnglish curriculum.

The aftermath though XD

I wonder what would have happened if Harry used the Hebrew word "kesef". It means both "silver" and "money"

This is just to awesome for words! And I hope he still ends up befriending Ron in addition to Hermione, though if he actually had sorta befriended Draco when in the robe shop things might get complicated.

the last part is absolutely amusing.

I LOVE THIS STORY ALREADY!
I only wish I'd found it sooner...

what a beautiful piecd you wrote

I hope that one day I find a truly important problem. Also, I too dislike incuriousity a great deal. This chapter is amazing, as for once a child has reasoned with an adult. I'd call that a milestone in the history of humanity itself.

Okay okay no this story has me on an emotional roller coaster already. And Harry is not using "careful reasoning" he's just a manipulative little shit. The Dark Lord is strong in this one, and I don't think I like him very much currently.

I love this fic so much.

I love this harry better so far than any other harrys.

Charming

Can't wait to see Harry and Snape interactions.

Wonderful. Just. Wow, for a lack of better words. I am learning a new point of view on topics previously acquired, and that is lovely. Tell me please, dear authour, did you have to conduct a vast amount of research to write this epic, or did you have prior knowledge of these interesting topics? It would be a joy to know. Until next time.

- Manny (You can find me on tumblr at asexualtomriddle.)

Every cha

I generally don't review stories because I don't have an account, but so far this story is one of the best I've ever read, and absolutely 100% entertaining! Not to mention that I could stop giggling! :)

Hi... Again...
Anyways... Looks like a day for revelations... Both good and bad.
Harry now has enough hammer space to store a football field, with room for spectators, so that's good. That Voldemort isn't dead is slightly less so, but atleast we now know how he will be introduced to Hermione.
Speaking of future Hogwarts friends... I'm actually hoping that Harry won't hang around with Ron, because his stupid might just rub off on Harry. Guess i'll find out soon, right?
Keep up the good work :)

hakon2feb.

Surprisingly I found my first grammatical error in this story whenever a name like Bayes ends in s a apostrophe is all that is needed so it would be Bayes' theory but this is a pretty common mistake most people make but besides that fantastic story so far!

"I had a pet rock. It died." Where do you come up with these things?

OMG You awesome awesome writer. I will never not be able to read Harry Potter again without laughing and remembering this awesome piece of fiction. You might even be the next J.K. Rowling! :D

this.
this story, which I have been recommend by other obsessive hp fanatics, has now re-inflated the obsession I have. My knowledge and research has flared once again inside my 13-year old head, and now I can't hold a conversation without mentioning either this story, or the Harry Potter series.
crap.

Since it occurs to me that Harry, himself, experiences a latent suppressed memory right in 'The Keeper of the Keys' in Book One, there's absolutely no reason at all to bring up dissociative fugue states, much less my own experiences with a particularly deeply-shoved traumatic memory.

Right, because in chapter one, Harry plainly states, 'Everything I have believed is false'.

I just have to remember that and watch how it all plays out in-story. One thing this plot is keeping me is on-edge with anticipation. Again, and I'm sure you'll tire of hearing - reading this, BRAVO!

Yep, this fanfiction definitely found it's groove last chapter. You were correct. I shall now enjoy reading the rest of the fiction with the same amount of chuckles and "AH HA!".

This is brilliant! This fanfiction is one of a kind, and is very impressive. The concepts and reasoning contained within are both intelligent and engaging. In addition, humour also has good standing in this story, and the interactions of characters are very captivating. The writing is very well done.

This story is incredible! Thank you, thank you.

Oh god, this thing is killing me!

Harry is a master manipulator, lol. That was so Slytherin of him, but so so so so Slytherin. I am with the hat on that.

Your writing is brilliant! Harry is a very well rounded character. Your story is serious when it needs to be, but can be hilariously funny as well.

Rethinking the whole 'you'll be in Ravenclaw' thing, aren't you, Professor? I love this Harry! And, speaking of which, original Harry found out about the prophecy in what - the fifth book? If he had been anything like this Harry, there wouldn't have even needed to be seven books. Really awesome so far! Can't wait to see his meet up with Hermione - and when he sees Draco again!

That was a crazy chapter.i actually think the whole chapter was an omake...great going-although my friends think am going crazy with all the supressed giggles :D

Fascinating premise and plot. Masterful execution. My finger had been itching since Chapter One, but I got distracted by Harry and I only just managed to hit the Favorite and Follow checkboxes. I'm so looking forward to the hundred plus next chapters; especially Harry's interactions with a few of the brightest minds and most explosive personalities at Hogwarts...
Early kudos from the land of Beauxbatons

Yeah... The Aftermath is brilliant!
Well Done!

I've finished the first ten chapters of Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality, and so far am a big fan. HPMOR is unique amongst the fics that I have come across in that I have friends who have not read any fanfiction at all aside from HPMOR, and yet absolutely love it.

I particularly like the format of integrating storyline with aspects of rationality such as 'the planning fallacy'. The balance between storytelling and the use pedagogical devices is great. I also like the division of chapters to represent different areas of rationality.

One thing that interested me about the story so far is the extent to which Harry seems to have his own personality beyond that of the canon character, and beyond that of what is required to make a more rational Harry. Particularly his anger and trust issues are very interesting: Are they written as a reflection of many hyper-rational individuals (the younger Einstein type comes to mind) or something else entirely? Was it necessary for the plot, or an addition?

Overall, the fic so far is readable and educational and absolutely fab. I look forward to reading more!

I really find it difficult to believe that Harry is intelligent.

I also find it really obnoxious that people would think Hermione is intelligent when she's nothing but a plodder.

Your interpretation of repressed memory is a bit unscientific. It is true that recovered memories believed to have been repressed are controversial and in some doubt. The idea that people, especially children, do not form memories of traumatic events as a psychological defense mechanism is pretty well established both psychologically and neurologically.

This is one of the most utterly fantastic tales it has ever been my exceedingly delicious delight to experience ... and I'm only six chapters in! I feel like I've discovered El Dorado! This is a Harry upon whose train I will feel very comfortable, and whose character I cannot WAIT to engage.

Either your research skills are a Thing of Legend, or you are a true Renaissance Man of Science. In either case, I salute you.

A complex child. A just a little bit manipulative, but with his own internal justification.

Je has no idea how dangerously close he came to many of those things happening.

As I can't seem to quit laughing... I'll assume that means I enjoy this and will not stop reading now that I'm beyond chapter 5... btw, if I'm not laughing I'm busy picking my jaw up off the ground from reading Harry's interaction with McGonagall! Too funny and shocking and hilarious. That poor woman. xD

Just so you are aware ... I'm angry with you. You write this really interesting, funny, intriguing fic and then you MAKE me start reading it just in time for it to be getting late ie: bedtime. It's not right. I don't want to have to stop reading to go to sleeeeeeeeep. -whine- Maybe I can get a few more chapters in before I can't see straight anymore... ;)

-his

"Your own bookshop"

I wonder if this is a reference to C R Milne, aka Christopher Robin, who in later life owned a bookshop? A friend of mine (now sadly deceased) was at university with Milne, who he told me was "ragged unmercifully".

Me too. ;)

This Harry, and you by extension, are way smarter than me. There were portions I had to read out loud, more than once, before I was sure I was grasping the meaning. I am not saying this to complain, not at all! I am only commenting on the mastery of your writing. This is a story in which I have to pay close attention. I cannot watch TV or have any other distractions if I am to follow along without losing the plot.
There was one thing I thought was missing, Harry seems so smart, why didn't he try to negotiate prices with any of the merchants?

"Harry gasped for breath, "but what is going on?"
"Magic," said Professor McGonagall.

"That's just a word! Even after you tell me that, I can't make any new predictions! It's exactly like saying 'phlogiston' or 'elan vital' or 'emergence' or 'complexity'!""

Yes, yes, yes. Screw élan vital. I took a Philosophy of Nature course that focused on Plotinus and Bergson, and it was just a bunch of irrationalist, mystical crap.

"Possibility one: Magic was so incredibly opaque, convoluted, and impenetrable, that even though wizards and witches had tried their best to understand, they'd made little or no progress and eventually given up; and Harry would do no better.

Or...

Harry cracked his knuckles in determination, but they only made a quiet sort of clicking sound, rather than echoing ominously off the walls of Diagon Alley.

Possibility two: He'd be taking over the world."

Possibility three: The mystics are right, the scientific method doesn't work, and the universe is irrational.

Mind you, I don't believe this for a second. But an eleven-year-old rationalist who is suddenly presented with the existence of real, no kidding magic should—must, really—consider the possibility. Honestly, this question should be the subtext of the entire story. Otherwise, you're just assuming the consequent. You've got a 1000-plus page book detailing the virtues of rationality, without ever even questioning its value.

""I, I, I," Harry swallowed. "It's just that I always try to imagine the worst thing that could happen,""

That's another thing you do that makes for poor writing—try to replicate sounds people make. Not that trying to do so is wrong, but often—as in this case—an attempt at a literal representation of the sounds in question turns out odd, awkward and confusing. The usual way is to use ellipses instead of commas. Not that you should be following convention per se, but often the convention exists for a reason.

What you really need is some writing classes, and an editor. Then you could write *non*-fanfic and get published, so I could buy it and you would get paid to write more. More more more.

"Harry took the time to breathe deeply and calm himself down. There was no point in getting angry. There was no point in getting angry. Allparents were like that, no adult would lower themselves far enough to place themselves on level ground with a child and listen, his genetic parents would have been no different. Sanity was a tiny spark in the night, an infinitesimally rare exception to the rule of madness, so there was no point in getting angry."

You are so awesome. It is so deeply true that most people (almost everyone? I lack data) judge ideas by their perceived intentions rather than by their likely consequences, like the minimum wage.

"Harry's face twisted in bitterness. "Exactly what you're thinking, Professor McGonagall. Exactlywhat you're thinking. I conclude you're another crazy adult I can't talk to, and I start planning how to get my hands on a healer's kit anyway.""

I wonder if this isn't an individualism issue. Indeed, I wonder if the primary subtext of this book isn't individualism vs. collectivism—not on an economic level, but a psychological one. Taking responsibility for *one's own* actions, rather than participating in the diffused responsibility of the group. From a collectivist perspective, McGonagall is right—it would probably be an inefficient use of funds for every student to carry their own emergency supplies, and the institution has sufficient facilities to cope with most difficulties. *Most.* Yes, that means that some people will unnecessarily suffer, but that's okay, they've just slipped through the cracks, that's just collateral damage, there's no existential threat to the group or the institution, there's no need to change things, because individuals don't matter. Not even to themselves, because they'd far rather fit in than protect themselves from possible hazards at the risk of disturbing the system.

"With only a slight explosion when Harry had made a beeline for the keyword "Arithmancy" and discovered that the seventh-year textbooks invoked nothing more mathematically advanced than trigonometry."

That's not a sentence. I'm not going to try to call out every error or awkwardness; besides, it's already getting a lot better, though it never, in all the 100-plus chapters I've read so far, gets consistently good enough. I've made my point, that this book needs serious editing for style. Still, there are some quite well-written bits, even early on, and I don't usually point those out either, because it just flows and I don't notice.

""It is very curious indeed that you should be destined for this wand when its brother why, its brother gave you that scar.""

Its brother why? Are we in an Abbott and Costello skit?

I suppose I'll forgive you for assuming I've read the canon this time, because it works. But still, you shouldn't. Really, all these awkwardnesses in writing style make it really hard to remember that the writing is supposed to be good enough for me to be paying attention to every clue and inconsistency. How do I know that an apparent inconsistency that I've spotted isn't just a stylistic error?

"Once again, Harry reminded himself that scientifically illiterate was not at all the same thing as stupid."

"Once again" is both superfluous and confusing. I realize that you wish to imply that this previously happened offscreen, but it doesn't work, and it would be more interesting if this was the first time (or that we had seen the first time) anyway.

"But most adults wouldn't have been capable of thinking even that much; wouldn't consider future consequences at all, if someone lower in status had refused to obey them..."

*So* true.

""Where did you get that -"

"From my family vault, like I said."

"How?"

"Magic."

"That's hardly an answer!" snapped Professor McGonagall, and then stopped, blinking."

Gods, do I love this entire scene.

"His trunk had the status of a major magical item, something that most Muggles wouldn't notice; that was part of what you could get in the wizarding world, if you were willing to pay the price of a secondhand car."

I find it interesting how different the HPMOR Wizarding world economics are from D&D economics. I'm not sure how much that chest would cost in D&D, but I think it would be vastly more. Oh, what the hell, I got curious. A Bag of Holding Type IV from D&D v.3.5 broadly matches Harry's chest: weighs 60lb, holds 1500lb. It costs 10,000 gold pieces. We'll set that as a minimum for what the chest would cost. D&D gold coins weigh .32 oz (oddly, they are the same size and weigh the same regardless of if they're gold, silver or copper—some odd physics going on there, but it's for player simplicity). By modern gold value, then, a Bag of Holding Type IV would cost more than three million dollars. That sounds high to me, but not insanely so, consisting the value of the thing and how much cash wizards and successful adventurers might have access to. As for buying power, if you go by the spot price of wheat today, a D&D copper piece is worth about 10 in 2015 dollars. This is tricky, of course, as essentially all goods are cheaper relative to labor hours than they were in the medieval times D&D is simulating, but if you ignore that, that Bag is worth somewhere around $100,000 in today's dollars. This, I think, is right on to where D&D's designers wanted it, and frankly I would expect such an incredible luxury item to cost that much. Harry got off cheap.

Here's an excellent example of how sloppy scripting can lead to difficulties in plot analysis:

"As his hand touched the back door's handle, he heard a last whisper from behind him.

"Hermione Granger."

"What?" Harry said, his hand still on the door.

"Look for a first-year girl named Hermione Granger on the train to Hogwarts."

"Who is she?"

There was no answer, and when Harry turned around, Professor McGonagall was gone."

Now, is this *supposed* to be ambiguous? It was a whisper, after all; perhaps Harry couldn't be sure whether it was indeed Professor McGonagall who said it. Why would she whisper, anyway? But given the awkwardness of much of the previous phrasing, I can't know if this was deliberate ambiguity or stylistic sloppiness.

""I see," Albus said gravely. "Thank you for your report, Minerva. You may go.""

LOL Well done.

Back to the Future! Great Scott this story is awesome!

Ooookay. Mind. Blown.

Where do I even begin?

As someone on the autism spectrum with various anxiety and OCD issues, this chapter really spoke to me, in like the strongest possible terms. We really get to see that Harry, far from being a Gary Stu, is just a prodigy, and not nearly as well adapt and adaptable as we might have initially thought. I loved that he was stuck in an intellectual cupboard, so to speak, and that he is consumed with a pessimism which, while it might aid him in the upcoming fight, is also a terrible weight and burden. A true sort of mental illness that I definitely empathize with.

Also, extra points for showing us how cool we all know Minerva to be.

Have you ever played an RPG called Mage: The Ascension? It posits that magick is just a paradigm of beliefs that only work if you get enough people to belief in your version of reality. Thus, Science is really just a form of magick that most people in the world have been programmed to intrinsically believe in, and this paradigm is enforced by a kind of New World Order. Other "deviant magick paradigms" function as well, but they have their own rules and restrictions, and I really adore Harry trying to figure out the rules, the framework, the Paradigm of Hogwarts Magick.

I'm sure this question has been discussed before but...was the foreshadowing to the troll attack intentional in this chapter? When Harry mentions a scenario of him needing the healing kit? Because if not, that is an incredible coincidence.

So much foreshadowing in this chapter that's only obvious in hindsight...

Ok what the last part is then the last part great chapter

More scientific quotes and jargin and to me it seemed when you did focus on the story the mood was all over the place from happy to sad to angry I would guess that your trying to add an element of realism but remember you are telling a story so just adding in random facts doesn't really make it that entertaining and I get it that it's supposed to be part of harry's personality but you should at least endeavor for him to be likeable so far you have made him pretty annoying with him blatantly saying things that he knows will cause him trouble I see that he is supposed to be smart but immature but for a smart person he does some stupid things that a smart yet immature person wouldn't do like telling Mcgonagall about his feelings on adults.

You don't just write great comedy, you write beauty and emotion too. Kudos!

And this is the chapter where you lost me.

You establish that Harry doesn't appreciate being judged inferior based on his age. Fair enough. However, that means that his later approval of the Ministry's prohibition on the use of underage magic doesn't fit with the characterization established earlier in the same chapter. It should rightly chafe him the same way.

There's no indication he's pretending to find it reasonable to impress McGonagall, and the narrative expects us to treat Harry seeing how reasonable the prohibition is as a sign of his maturity and rationality, when he's already established that he considers age based discrimination irrational and unreasonable.

Adding to that, this chapter makes it quite clear that Harry will suffer no consequence for the monumentally stupid act of STEALING FROM GRINGOTS. Yes, it's his money, but for him to simply assume that gets him out of any potential repercussions when he knows nothing about the magical world's legal structure was a massive mistake. Dealing with the consequences (or needing to be bailed out of those consequences by McGonagall due to him being underage and thus suffering that indignity as a replacement consequence for whatever the goblins would have done) is a chance for him to learn a lesson and grow as a character.

It's rather disappointing. I was hoping to follow a rational character who was learning about the magical world, and applying the methods of science to explain the world around him. Unfortunately, it looks as though all we have is an irrational character who can't learn about the world, because the world is continuously going to coddle him from any potential consequences of his poor decisions.

I literally died at the last part. XD XD XD XD XD

And the other shoe drops! A new side to Harry's character with shards of dark woven in. I don't know if it was your intent, but the incident with signs of abuse where none existed clicked in my brain as horcrux effects and/or echoes from Riddle's childhood rather than the post obliviate remnants suggested by Prof M. Extremely captivated by your story. Bravo! Katja

Two of the problems Harry has with issues with adults in feeling so strongly that he is being done such a terrible disservice in terms of people getting upset with a child speaking to them in a certain way and not giving him as much respect as he thinks he deserves, are that most people would be (rightfully) upset with anyone, of any age, speaking to them the way Harry sometimes does and that he is arrogant enough to believe that he deserves a higher degree of respect than he has earned, regardless of age.

That was not the reaction of a non-abused child.

He IS the magnificent bastard.
I'm looking forward to Hogwarts. It'll be interesting to see him fail at something that Hermione will probably do more easily (since he seems to be being built up as a genius and yet I can see this story is 102 chapters long, so he isn't good enough to fix everything).
Should be fun.

I think I like Harry now. :) I'm excited ti see him and Hermione meet up on the train. ...and hopefully Draco as well.
I feel like there might not be any room for Ron though. :(

Wow. Not only is this kid brilliant, analytical, and shrewd (if insufficiently inclined to abuse his position, rather than rebel against it); he's also genre-savvy.

THAT WENT WELL

Wow even my head is trying to catch up with harry but wow out smarted the teach

Okay.

Okay.

*takes a deep breath*

This is really weird.

I'm not sure if that's a compliment.

But I'm clicking the Next button anyways.

"At this point the Deputy Headmistress interjected something about how if he was she would figure out how to kill a hat, which odd remark Harry let pass without comment, though the salesgirl seemed to be having a sudden coughing fit."

Is "Odd Remark Harry" a thing now or simply a typo?

Poor, poor McGonagal... She needs a hug. :)

I very much agreed with the frustration Harry had about those higher on the societal totem pole tending to disregard reason and logic in favor of anger when confronted with the possibility of being incorrect. However, I noticed he was very passionate, which I suppose could either be a marker of adolescent hormone imbalances, inexperience, or just characteristic straightforwardness. That said, I'd rather have him be passionate than overly cold and manipulative. Intelligent and manipulative verges too close to Tom for my tastes. Also, I meant to say this before, but I think you had McGonagall point it out pretty accurately; that is, that Harry's social and emotional intelligence doesn't seem to be at quite the same level as his logical and scientific intelligence. I hope that changes as he matures and gains friends.

Hm... there IS a reason for keeping information from kids; even the extremely genius ones. Why ruin one's childhood and let them be bored for their entire adult life? Grow up too quickly and life becomes boring. You learn everything in the world, you have nothing new to learn.

This chapter gave me chills because I remember when I was 11 or 12 - around Harry's age, actually - I was terrified that if I said something about my parents as a joke and my teachers/classmates took it seriously they'd investigate and would just some is up and wouldn't listen to us when we said nothing happened. Not sure what all sparked the fear, but I had nightmares and I made sure to be really careful about not saying anything that might incriminate my parents. So that brought back flashbacks and memories.
Er... not really sure why I wanted to share that. I guess I just never told anyone and wanted to.

The DeathEater Eaters! I haven't laughed like this in a long time, especially not after reading a fanfic.

Love this! Oh, and I recently contracted a internet-made disease. It's called -itis. You gave it to me. Can't say I'm sorry about it, but I'm going to regret this in the morning. Luv this!

I think your Harry is my favourite person ever. I'm in love and awe.

Has this harry lived a previous life of canon harry or what?

This fanfic is amazing so far.

I have to say though, the aftermath was the best thing about it.

A little confused about the Granger thing at the end though.

Interesting.

I'm having some trouble with the commands for that bag of holding. Why would 'okane' bring up a bag of gold? 'Kin' is gold in Japanese. 'Okane' is just money in general.

Sorry. I really tried, but if JKR had written HP ANYTHING like this, no one would have ever finished Sorceror's Stone, let alone have paved the way for seven best-selling books.

I'm intelligent and I have a sense of humor (a very off-the-wall one but a good one nonetheless), but I still opt for the sense of wonder every time. And if this is missing ANYTHING, it's missing that.

Aftermath Genius.

Very good,

I would remind you to break text up into paragraphs. You had one particularly long block of text in this chapter or a previous one, which I had difficulty reading.

The line breaks or paragraph indentations are an aid to the eye and brain in moving back to the beginning, in order to read the next line.

Sometimes you need to break the text into multiple paragraphs even when the "idea" is retained. It's just easier to read when broken apart.

Did i just die...? Harry is more than a match for Hermione... or are you going to make her turn him upside down and paddle him with a broomstick?

Harry is talking too much, and he starts to sound like a whiny, annoying little prick. Your portrayal of McGonagall is pretty good, though.

Jeez, at age 10 I did not worry yet whether I would amount to anything, prodigy or not.
"Dementor Exposure Treatment", hehehe.

Despite the fact that I have read most of this before, re-reading this has caused me to remark that I would be afraid, very afraid, of a child like that. I looked up the Bayes's Theorem on Wikipedia and could make out only the rough idea what it said. Mostly I could not follow it at all and to suppose there are actually children who would grasp the entirety of it is very daunting.
The possibility that he may be socially adept as well is cheering, if not remarkable.

I don't know, but I didn't find Harry likeable here. He seemed annoying and manipulative. Eh, you read it right. Manipulative. Well, it might be too early to decide anything as I only have read 'till chap 6, but still... he's annoying. Sorry, Harry.

I gotta review again...oh the LOL i had while reading this chapter...i something have an image of Brain popping into my head whenever Harry speaks...hmm..that was rather ominous at the end wasn't it? i can't wait to see Harry interact with Hermione...it will Pinky and the Brain...of sort *snickering*

Is it wrong that I keep expecting your Harry to say, "I have a hypothesis." like Buddy from The Dinosaur Train?

Harry was so strange that she could not form words to describe him. Beautiful ;)

So. I just finished this chapter, and I'll leave a review before I forget.
You are amazing.
Just the other day I was talking with some Potterheads about how wizards have no curiosity and how I'd love to read about a Science/Magic kind of fanfic. I have seen this fic so many times, but never actually read it because it was way too long for an unfinished work. But then today I thought, "I need to read a good HP fanfiction right now" and I started reading this. I am in no way disappointed.
I just love that your genius!Harry isn't perfect, how he doesn't speak before he talks, how he is just so enthusiastic about discovering a whole new world that he doesn't even realize how people are just people, and just because he is a wizard doesn't mean he magically turned into the smoothest person ever. How he grew up with parents that were just as good as Lily and James would have been. How he in his first day DISCOVERED THAT VOLDEMORT IS NOT DEAD AND HE IS PART OF A GODDAMN PROPHECY TO KILL HIM. And it is just fucking amazing that you actually made that believable! I can see your Harry being THAT creative and just knowing things he really wasn't supposed to know. Without even trying.
I have read only 6 chapters, and I know, without any doubt, that you truly deserve all the reviews, favorites and follows you have.

PS: This is an amazing practice for my english. I'm not used to reading so many "complicated" words, so you're doing me a favor.
PS2: Seeing your (perfect) grammar and spelling, I already apologize for these kind of mistakes in my review. As I said, I'm still learning english and sometimes I say things that don't make sense in english (but are just fine in portuguese).

I'll just... keep reading. :)

Generally speaking. convenience stores that sell lots of things of all shapes and sizes have much longer hours of operation than specialty stores that only sell a few special items. As such, I find it out of place that a book store (arguably THE book store that all Hogwarts children get their books from) closes much earlier than a specialty store that only sells magic trunks... just a thought. love the book in its current entirety, just re reading it because it is more than worth it.

o,o

while I really like genius!harry, its good that you are considering some of the psychological consequences of his upbringing and life: harry knows algernon's plight all too well

Yay harry for picking up on the obvious foreshadowing and go mcgonagall for being a reasonable authority figure.

i cant wait to see when harry encounters hermione!

not in the world. ten in the uk/ireland.

Mentally insane, Harry is. So is Draco, for that matter. (Not much of a stretch, is it?)

Umm... HARRY WOULD NEVER BE LIKE THAT. SERIOUSLY.

I said I wasn't gonna swell your head but this is so brilliant that I am struggling to express it in words.

This is the first fanfiction i have read where i have had to open my preverbial dictionary. That being said it was definitely worth it, this is perhaps the most well writen fanfiction piece i have ever read and i am both thankful and a little frightened by its length. I will definitely try to finish it but with over 100 chapters...

Well, while you no doubt do not care in the slightest about myself or about my prior review, I should follow up on it regardless, as I had implied I would, despite clear and obvious unpleasantness.

Having taken a few moments to compose myself, I find that it is not possible to continue on to chapter seven as had been the stated intent following said previous review. Simply put, it is not possible. Your story, such as it is, instilled actual and physical pain from the sheer frustration that had resulted from my previous attempt to read.

This story, insofar as it was reasonable to peruse, is an unforgivable abomination, an actual assault on my person, and thereby almost certainly the worst written work in the last few months that I have had the sheer misfortune to lay eyes on. I do, in fact, apologize for my very harsh and critical review, but it seemed important to impress that the parting attempt to mollify the previous one was entirely mislead, and correcting that error is something that cannot be overlooked.

I will not say that it is entirely your own fault - I doubt a reaction like that could be considered a sign of good health - but the very last thing to be desired is that all criticism save glowing praise is delivered in the softest and gentlest fashion possible.

Man, I actually got just a little bit mad here. This was a long chapter, but not so much for the word count as for the rambling, overly-sentimental, insincere dialog. I mean, seriously, not even the most smug and pretentious of stupid fucks would ever talk like Harry did.

I get that, probably, you wanted to show off that he was pretty smart and reasonable or something, but he came out as some ridiculously obnoxious fuckwit.

I'm sure his personal failings don't necessarily reflect on you as a person, and I hope that the next few chapters prove more palatable, because I have heard less than terrible things about this story.

This is pure genius. I love your characterization and development (so far) and it's absolutely amazing how you can make it so funny yet (in my opinion) so dark. (Sorry if it's a stupid question, but) is his obsession with rationality meant to indicate the delusions caused by his abuse? As in perhaps something like PTSD?

Teach me how to write like you. Please.

Look out everyone. Harry Potter is planning world domination. Or, as he likes to call it, 'world optimisation'. This is brilliant! And poor mcgonagall. She seriously isn't paid enough to deal with this.

Once again: The actual Holy Grail - not the movie - is the only thing I can compare this to.

I am hoping this story picks up and Harry has some MAJOR character development. It's rare to find such a long story with such a following, but I find this story tiring to read, not exciting, interesting, or even remotely facinating. This Harry is exhausting and unrelatable, a completely emotional and social idiot because he can't get his own head out of his ass and learn some self control, and the plot is assine. But I'm going to continue for one more chapter since the number 7 is important in the HPverse. You could say that I'm a very smart person, I've accomplished a lot at a young age and I have an impressive IQ. I resent that this is a characterization of a 'smart person'. I understand being isolated as a child for your logical intelligence. But there are so many different ways to be intelligent, and logically is only one of them, and it's very limiting. Actually, I've talked myself out of continuing this story. Continuing to search for other long and technically well written Harry potter stories that I don't hate would be a better use of my time.

"Suppressed memory is a load of pseudoscience! "
It is not an agreeable fact,i'm afraid.

I'm gonna pass out from this laughter! Damn you! I can't breathe! That last scene... Oh god...

You're so funny.

frankly i find this story quite brilliant, i am just going to trust you on the science stuff because honestly i would be wasting a lot of time tracking down all the info and i'd rather be enjoying the story. i may only be on chapter six but i noticed you haven't updated since december of last year. so that would be about four months, a story that has taken three years but has over a hundred chapters. so i hope you update consistently. i suppose my only real problem, or rather i don't understand why the names? Petunia tacked her husband's name onto hers. some take their husbands last name and make their maiden name their middle name, some just keep their name as it is. some have four names i suppose, i believe the hyphenated last name usually happens when two families are being joined and the woman's father or family is quite important. but rarely out of nowhere some women choose to hyphenate their last name, odd but fine. now why in the did the man change his name? and in reversed order? and then Harry did it to his name? maybe he wasn't really given a choice but honestly he has a name and a family legacy and frankly it's just too cumbersome having such a long name. so i was just wondering if you had a reason for doing that.

Tom Lehrer reference!
Harry is hilarious! He reminds me of Sherlock actually- not QUITE that sociopathic, but he's certainly got a touch of *something*!

Pretty good!

I was relieved to read that Harry's folks only ever sang THOSE words to him. LOL

OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG THIS HAS GOT TO BE ONE OF THE BEST FANFICS IVE EVER READ AND I HAVENT EVEN FINISHED YET.
in fact, I've barely started.
Wow.
I'm honestly utterly amazed you could write all of Harry's monologues.
And btw, that bit about the science fiction book Harry got the idea about making a "signal" from... Please tell me that was Artemis Fowl! Cuz if it is, I would feel like a genius. If it isn't oh well... And if I never get a reply to this review in the first place that's fine too, because I'll still be safe in my belief that I got the supposed reference.
I absolutely LOVED that bit in Madam Malkins too. Lol
And I mean that LOL btw, I was actually laughing my ass off. Not many things do that to me anymore
Anyways, I have a feeling I'll be completely broken by the end, but I'm going to finish this fanfic in record time anyways. Who cares if my grades suffer for it... Lol

This started out well and I liked the premise, but the way Harry acts is really annoying. He comes off as way to untrusting for a kid with such a good ordinary life before magic. He comes off as not really childish at all, and what I mean by that is he does not appear to act like how a child would (not because he is smart, but because he comes off as always being hyper vigilant when kids can sometimes be oblivious to things around them that don't directly involve them) He is also extremely rude and manipulative for a kid who you would think had parents at least teach him to try to respect authority figures (while still teaching him to stand up for himself against someone in charge that is wrong). All in all it appears that with this reincarnation of Harry you have channeled the personality of his father James, and all his complete douchebaggery and just added the intelligence of his mother.

I think our dear Harry is a Sarcasticus Accidentallus Seer. When he jokes or says something sarcastically, it may or may not mean something... (PS: I totally made that name up, but feel free to use it :D)

I so should have seen Hermione's death coming from here. Getting bit by a monster and the mokeskin pouch still didn't help. Prepared. Shavit.

If anything, this chapter raised the bar for subsequent chapters. A wide range of emotions and a genuine cognizance of the human psyche made for a positively enrapturing read.

This is quite possibly the first fic that I've been impressed with since shortly after I began reading such things.

...manipulative Bumble-bee?

Vamp

The "Ooh, shiny!" moment was a little OC for your Harry Potter, but it's hilarious enough that it should be left in.

The whole dynamic between Harry and McGonagall was brilliant, and the "Aftermath" scene was priceless. I wonder how high Dumbledores eyebrow went up when he saw McGonagall. Rendered. Speechless.

Enough said.

Good chapter for the most part. One complaint: Memories of abuse can and often are forgotten through dissociation. While false memories can be created in regression therapy, real memories of abuse can surface naturally over time.

I realize that the views expressed by by characters are not necessarily that of the author, but it was physically painful to read a blanket statement like that.

I love this version of harry, and it has only been six chapters!

Brilliantly written, especially the aftermath!

...
-squints- Not sure if being clever or being clever.

I see Albus said ravely. "Thank you fo ryou're report, Minerva. You may go." Thanks for cheering me up with this story even though I don't know much about the Harry Potter world.

I do wonder though if it would be possible for Harry to transfer money from his bank vault to his pouch without going to the bank if he says the right amount of Galleons and where they are coming from?

Does each person who has a vault has a password to the vault? Can the Ministry of Magic spy on people's vaults to see how much money is being withdrawn and do they need a warrant or is there no safe guards in place to prevent abuse?

Well I only just started this and... I kinda have to breaks every so often as I can't seem to not break out laughing every few paragraphs. This is going to be an interesting ride.

It's really early in the a.m. and I can't sleep, so I'm reading... Harry 'considering' calling McG 'Minnie' made me almost laugh loud enough to wake the whole house! (bite marks on hand)

It's a sign of my age, isn't it - that on this night, New Years Eve, I'm looking forward to stuffing myself with Chinese (including a round of leftovers) and reading til I fall asleep, rather than partying, dancing, or twerking? (Ooh! Hot mustard!)

I wonder when Harry circumvents the need for a wand.
He did. did he.
Or was that another reality/continuy?
Damn, timedogturd.

OMIGOSH! Harry just predicted the main plot of the whole series! Wow.

I am rereading this story (as I often do; how many times have I read this tale? Four times? Five times?) and I suddenly noticed this line:

"One of my classmates gets bitten by a horrible monster, and as I scrabble frantically in my mokeskin pouch for something that could help her, she looks at me sadly and with her last breath says, 'Why weren't you prepared?' And then she dies, and I know as her eyes close that she won't ever forgive me..."

I am thinking now of Hermione Granger and her unfortunate demise about eighty chapters from now, and I am overcome with a terrible sadness. How long have you been planning to kill one of the most well-written, and very dear to my heart characters? You made us love her and then you killed her - and it was all foreshadowed with that line. With all of the fiction I've read... I should have seen it. I should have guessed. I really should have, but I let my irrational emotions get in the way, and now she's dead.

I should have been prepared.

Oh Tom Lehrer. He also wrote "the Elements" - mutilated by David Radcliff on a talk show - and "New Math" amongst others.

This is a very well-done story, and I am not surprised that this work of art takes long to procure and produce for those such as I (readers). I am not sure if I said it before, but this is amazing. It truly is.

Now, back to reading (and to seeing what else you foreshadowed... Draco better not be next. I'd have an aneurysm. I would. If you thought I loved Hermione, then you haven't seen what I feel for Draco).

Also, have you ever read the novel "Cloud Atlas"? It's very good.

Happy reading, and happy holidays (if you celebrate any. I don't know. I don't, but you might).

D
Tree

I don't think I've identified with a character more in my entire life.

This chapter was so smart that my mind was boggling. I can't help but to draw parallels between what he was talking about and things that happened in my past. Particularly about my father and his ways (Lying, cheating, stealing, manipulating, emotionally/mentally/physically abusing; you know, the usual for someone that is overly infatuated with having control over every aspect of everything he sees.) I have sympathy for what your HP went through because of the above hinted experiences.

I very much so enjoyed this chapter.

This is the last I can read tonight (I may read some on my phone ha) and oh my god it is awesome. I love Harry and even McGonagall is more round than in the original, which I cannot believe as she was fab in the books. I guess because the actual books were written for younger... Anyway. I also LOVED the bit at the end with Dumbledore: it made me laugh so much!

Omg, please stop with all that italic!

I am favoriting this story, just because I have to come back here every time I need a laugh! Also, the plot is good, and I like how not everything is fun and games, and that you talk about the consequences. Still, I love the humor!

Oh, gosh! That was brilliant :D

Ahahhaha, this whole chapter was FABULOUS! But what had me cracking up was really the last except. You know, I think Harry would make a perfect match for Dumbledore. They can prattle about insane things which wouldn't have made sense to anyone else in the world together, and I love how Harry figured out that plothole with the moleskin pouch. To think that no one else noticed that before? This story really paints wizards in a dim light!

excellent story

While your writing is good and you manage to paint a vivid picture of the story, I'll stop reading after this chapter. You've made Harry into a person I can't bring myself like, at all. The conversation with McGonnagall prior to buying the healing kit made me blink and read it twice. Apparently, your Harry outright DEMANDS respect and to be treated like an equal because of "I'z be smarts!". When that respect is denied for whatever reason, he dismisses that person as "just another one of the fools I'm surrounded and forced to put up with". In other words, he demands respect, but gives no real reason to gain it. Actually, most people would lose complete respect for a person that outright says "Respect me blindly or I'll judge you as fools and treat you accordingly!"
And then came the part where Harry openly blackmails Minerva. I couldn't believe the sheer audacity of that act, complete with "I need to know!" and the generous acceptance of Minerva's partial give-in at the end.

If I were in Minerva's shoes, I probably would've knocked Harry silly for those two stunts. Not because he's a child and has to obey me but because of the sheer audacity he has, saying and doing things like that.

OMG he used the word SHINY! This is now my favorite Harry Potter story xD

love it

You must be pretty smart :) writing a clever character is hard (not a writer, me, but I've read plenty of failures).
That scene with the trunk and the gold is just perfect.

From what I've read in the other reviews, you're owed a great deal of props for bringing people who don't normally read HP fanfiction into the fold.

I had to give up on this after McGonagall knew Hebrew. I appreciate your warning of the AU nature of this fic, hence lending itself to producing OOC characters, but that was one step too far for me.

Whenever a fic opens with Harry Potter Goes On a Shopping Spree (And Becomes a Materialistic Berk In the Process), my moral compass feels a twinge.

The crucial failing of this fic in my mind is the inability of Harry (as a rationalist) to refute the existence of a soul (when Minerva describes the MoA of the Killing Curse). An idea borne of ignorance and fueled by thanatophobia is most easily discarded by the logical mind.

Thanks and best of luck in the future.

Sovfsr brilliant. I love it. Intrlligent funny .really nice.

"I had a pet rock once. It died."

"You don't think you could take care of a pet?"

There's no response on the possibility of that happening?

I'm getting mood whiplash from reading this fic. I'm honestly amazed at how you manage it. I was actually going to classify this as a crack fic with the whole Draco and Harry meeting, which in my opinion was honestly incredibly funny and crackish.

hagrid would have been totally outclassed and Harry would have taken over the wizarding world by noon.

well... for the last three chapters I have been giggling to myself; I bow my head in thanks O mighty lord of written laughter.

I love how this Harry contrasts to book Harry! It's hilarious to hear him think steps through, because cannon Harry was pretty impulsive.

lol!
thank you thank you thank you thank you!

hehe poor minnie, i doubt even the pranks the marunders did left her speechless!

Several years too late but, he could have also pointed out that the killings of his genetic parents in a savage attack by the most power powerful tyrant of recent magical history, and Harry's survival through circumstantial fortunes may have been a strong motivator for his intense need of contingencies for the most absurd of dangers.

Love it! eSPECIALLY THE JOKES!

The whole Harry being super smart and wanting to think rationally but then becoming irrational because of the whole mugging story. Not to mention him threatening a teacher sort of ruined the story for me, at least right now.

Well i love this story so far! And just to imagine the thoughts of the bystanders who most definitely had mcgonagll at school, must be hilarious to see her getting beaten down verbally by a kid!
Hope the rest is just as good

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHA! OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG! SOOOOO GOOOOOOOD!

Seriously, though. I love this kid. And, by extension, I totally love you as you have successfully made this Harry Potter astronomically more interesting than Rowling's version of Harry Potter.

*Ignores Rowling's evil look of doom*

Poor Minerva, she doesn't quite know what to think about Harry. :-)

The aftermath was hilarious! I can't wait to see Harry call Professor McGonagall "Minnie!"

haven't reviewed uptil now, but ohmigosh you're awesome! this story's awesome.. i haven't read much Potter fanfic (huh, never realized that 'til now) , but oh god if there's more like this! Umm.. I LOOOOOOOOOOOOVE the aftermath. I love Rational!Harry, I applaud the fact that you made McGonagall fair enough, she acted close to what my characterization of her would. Also, the thinking that you've put into this, Bravo, man. And I just. I've never fangirled over any fanfic like this ever, and this is still the 6th chapter. ANd I'm hooked. Sorry, this turned more into a ramble about me, but w.o.w. THIS is AWESOME! The theories you put in, the logical stream of thought, the careful dialogue, :D (can't help but wonder what would have happened had Hagrid shown up.. would they have taken his size as proof? ) Anyway, this has no meaning now, I realize, but at this point I really really hope you sort him into Slytherin.. He'd be a good slytherin, which'd be very interesting. Sorry for both the crap I wrote, and the fact that I just came to this story..

Ok so I know in slow on the band wagon and only just found the story and although I am absloutley and utterly confused not quite sure where it's going I find my self oddly drawn to the story and can't stop a very intresting Harry potter to say the least any way I have ages to go

"I ought to claim that it's because I experimentally discovered the true secrets of how the pouch works and that it can actually retrieve objects from anywhere, not just its own inside, if you phrase the request correctly."

Tom Marvolo Riddle's soul, please. The Elder Wand, please. Merlin's memoir, please. etc. etc.

Re-reading the story following the **SPOILER** death in later chapters of someone i'm not gonna name just in case I spoil it for a reader**END SPOILER**

Hypothesis:
As his hand touched the back door's handle, he heard a last whisper from behind him.

"Hermione Granger."

"What?" Harry said, his hand still on the door.

"Look for a first-year girl named Hermione Granger on the train to Hogwarts."

The whisper was from a future!Harry going back to the past, not McGonagall as I originally thought when I read it the first time

"One of my classmates gets bitten by a horrible monster"
The gun revealed in the first act will be fired before the play ends.
What happened to Harry that had to be erased/modified? Or what didn't happen?

To any redditors reading: I don't care enough to make an account, but one of you ought to remind everyone in the HPMOR subreddit that Harry Potter has access to, and has not yet used, his Feather-Falling Potion, his Gillyweed, or his bottle of Food and Water Pills.

Awesome...

I always wondered what it would look like if Artemis Fowl was introduced into the Potter-verse. Now I know I would have punched him in the face. Twice. One for being annoying and again for whatever it is he was clever enough to get away with.

Have I mentioned how much I love this? That last bit killed me.

He reminds me of Ender. His anger is cold.

I just want to wring his scrawny neck! Still, you are definitely keeping me laughing.

Re-reading your story because connecting past foreshadowing hints to current events is so fun!

Chpt 1: "And Lily would tell me no, and make up the most ridiculous excuses, like the world would end if she were nice to her sister, or a centaur told her not to - the most ridiculous things, and I hated her for it.
Chpt 6: "One of my classmates gets bitten by a horrible monster, and as I scrabble frantically in my mokeskin pouch for something that could help her, she looks at me sadly and with her last breath says, 'Why weren't you prepared?' And then she dies, and I know as her eyes close that she won't ever forgive me -"

IT HURTS SO GOOD. Going to dig through the other 80 chapters.

"It was probably too early to call her Minnie." omfg SO FUNNY! this story is amazing XD

Wow, what a chapter! Very long, but I didn't mind in the slightest. So interesting... I had a million things to comment on, but they kept getting replaced as I read more!

I've been following this story since it first came out, and it has been my favourite ever since. I haven't reviewed so far, but I had to point this out:

Why didn't harry use the Stabilisation potion in his healer's kit? Hermione might have survived

Looking forward to the next update.

And I must admit, your last plot twist has left me quite saddened. I blame Cerebus.

You weave interesting events involving familiar characters interacting in ways not in the original books, but generally consistent with them. I was made aware of your series by a published author; I see why he recommended them. I told two of my grandkids about them; we'll see if they follow up.

Ch 6: Gods, this was pure wish fulfillment for anyone subject to childhood injustice (everyone?). I haven't felt my blood burn like this in years.

Woah. This Harry Potter certainly is more interesting than the original. So many pieces made me laugh out loud - again. Brilliant as said before, brilliant indeed. Wondering how the rest of the eighty chapters will be! Here I go!

It may not matter at this point, but I do think arithmancy is supposed to be more like computer programming (or Mentat computing) than actual math. Its purpose is to predict future outcomes, not to guess how numbers behave.

This is actually really interesting! And I really want to know who told Harry to look for Hermione.. :)

Suppressed memories are pseudoscience?
To think I had you in such high esteem until I got to that part. You might as well take all of psychology and bin... omg, are you a scientologist?

I like this! MORE please!

Have you realised (you probably have and I'm just being stupid) that all your chapter titles sound like episode names from The Big Bang Theory? Yeah I'm a little slow on the uptake (rather like a certain someone from this fic). But either way, I liked this chapter, the planning fallacy is so true, I am quite a pessimist for this reason...
Fave Quote: "Thank you, Mr. Potter," said Professor McGonagall. "If you had already been sorted into a House I would have deducted so many points that your grandchildren would still be losing the House Cup.""

I am literally rolling on the floor laughing, and I am on chapter 6 for gods sales. Good show old/young chap!

ok so harry has a burning "cold" anger problem, and he's really ummm unique. Props. but I still like JK's better.

This is brilliantly written! Harry here reminds me of a young Sherlock Holmes. Thank you for writing :)

I love how you portray Harry as a kid who likes shiny shop windows, in addition to a kid who has severe Steward Griffin-esque tendencies. Taking over the world-oh mannnn here we go! I love how Harry is figuring absolutely everything out on this very first jaunt into the Wizarding world. Poor, poor McGonagall...
I don't blame that salesman for thinking he was Slytherin..I would have thought the same thing, too. Can't wait to see how he Sorts...it's got to be S!
The last bit, with the "report"? I almost peed myself laughing. Oh dear...we're in for a wild ride...
And yes, stands to reason "Minnie" would tell him to look up HG. Since "Minnie" most likely had to go to the Grangers to do for H what she did for Harry, she most likely had ample opportunity to see H's smarts, and now she knows Harry will have at least one academic match!

Loved this chapter, enjoyed Harry's unique view of the world and reaction to things.

Heh you were right it really did pick up after chp5.

Hahahahahahahahahaha! This is great!

*snorts at the end of the chapter*

Maybe there are some similarities between Harry in MOR and in the books. I'm referring to the whole abused/ locked in a cellar thing here. Also, I had been thinking for a while that Harry would also make a good Slytherin before the salesman mentioned anything about it. But I don't think that observation would really attach this Harry to book Harry because book Harry never really displayed any outright signs of Slytherin-ness. (I could be wrong about this.) I wonder if the Sorting Hat wanted to Sort Harry into Slytherin because, as one of Voldemort's Horcruxes, there was something Slytherin about him, but underneath that, he was just a Gryffindor. I don't know, that was probably explained in the books, but I haven't read them in a while, so I can't remember.

I don't even know what I'm talking about anymore! Well, I've really been enjoying reading!

"It was probably too early to call her Minnie.

This woman might well be the sanest adult Harry had ever met, despite her lack of scientific background. Harry was even considering offering her the number-two position in whatever group he formed to fight the Dark Lord, though he wasn't silly enough to say that out loud. Now what would be a good name for that...? The Death Eater Eaters?"

I can't stop laughing. Love it.

I get that the beginning of the chapter is supposed to introduce the experimental method and that wizards haven't figured it out, but Harry's confusion with the Mokeskin Pouch is really weird. There's nothing unusual about it responding to different languages, it can easily be assumed that it was enchanted by a team of wizard linguists, and Harry has a multilanguage version. There's no reason for it to understand "element 79", that's a Muggle term wizards wouldn't know. As for counting/adding, it seems very similar to how a computer program would work, someone could write a program that responds to "display all directories containing exactly 10 files", but it wouldn't undrstand "display all directories containing exactly 5 5 files" unless that feature was explicitly coded in. Which makes Harry's remark about speech recognition beyond Muggle science really stupid. The pouch doesn't have a Turing -test-passing AI, it only does exactly what computers could do back then. I know that the story takes place before Scribblenauts, but they had Zork back then, and it could understand more complex commands.

Okay, first I'd like to say that I absolutely, positively, love this story with all of my heart. With that said, Harry's "other languages" test at the start of this chapter wasn't conclusive enough. As soon as Harry tried the first word and it didn't work, he assumed it was likely to be the second one. This could be construed as him knowing the definition of the word, so really it's just a repetition of the test he did before that with Japanese. He really should have tried it again with more words he didn't know.

Just noticed this on my Nth readthrough:

"I ought to claim that it's because I experimentally discovered the true secrets of how the pouch works and that it can actually retrieve objects from anywhere, not just its own inside, if you phrase the request correctly."

FORESHADOWING
ominous DUN DUN DUNN

-Dave, waiting patiently

I love McGonagall!

Not really sure what to think of the story at this point. I have two major problems that are making it really hard for me to enjoy the story even though I think the writing is excellent. First, as I stated in a previous review, Harry seems to be a Hermione on steroids for the brain. Having one brainiac no-it-all in the group rounds it out when you have the strong/brave Harry and the tactical/loyal Ron as the other sides of the group. Having two Hermione's just seems to be a hard mesh.

The other thing is a bit more problematic (the first I just tell myself I'll wait and see how you work it out); your Harry is a real jerk. There is just no other way for me to put it. I realize he is a child prodigy, and I realize that as kept him socially isolated and therefore maybe not as attuned to others feelings as he should be; however, it's more than that. He really does seem to just be a manipulative prick purely for the purpose of being a manipulative prick. It's almost as if you merged Malfoy and Granger in a way. I am going to read a bit more to see how it works out, because I really do like the writing, but sadly thinking you overdid the prickishness of Harry.

Oh my Rowling.
Harry is just unbelievable xD And I think that Minerva is awesome for enduring the whole day :D
I fear that poor Severus is going to be VERY surprised. I already feel really sorry for him.
As for the whole Hogwarts. XD
On one side, it's great that Harry isn't just a normal boring 10-years-old, but a genius child with the ability to reason with the adults, but on the other...
How to say that? The Wizarding World is not safe anymore.
And poor Voldy. He's in for a big surprise too :D

hervissa :)
P.S. I'm still laughing. HARD. xD

I can't even put my admiration to adequate words. All this epicness, and Harry Potter has yet to set foot on the Hogwarts Express. I particularly liked his deductions of Voldemort's survival and the prophecy. He's starting to remind me of L from Death Note.

I love this story. It keeps getting better and better. Harry meeting Hermione is going to be epic.

Wow, this was an amzing chapter. I'm glad that harry and "Minnie" get on so well

I remember the original trunk shop scene. I feel as though it hit a bit harder than this revision. Without comparing them side-by-side, original text, I can't say which is actually better.

I'll be perfectly honest, and I normally don't write reviews so frequently in the same story, but if this fic just goes on the entire time as Harry and McGonagall talking back and forth in ways that make me constantly think of rage faces then I will be completely content.

Before reading this chapter, I fell prey to the Planning Fallacy on a daily basis. I would stay up until midnight or later attempting to finish my 7th year work. Last night, however, I attempted to override this instinct to vastly overestimate my productivity, and came out successful. I assumed that answer four literary response questions would consume over thirty minutes, and ended with seven done after the experiment ended. I shall repeat this experiment tonight, as I am drowning in school work, but thank you for teaching me this piece of psychology. It vastly improved my ability to meet deadlines.

I'm crap on maths and math logic but I totaly adore Harry's mind...

Best. Story. Ever.

My sides are aching from the past six chapters, and I've had to take my glasses of twice to clean them from where they have become tear-speckled from laughter.
I love this AU Harry. There are no words for how much I love this character of yours.

Good chapter. I wonder what is Dumbledore thinking.

"Possibility two: He'd be taking over the world."

Wow. That escalated quickly.

As someone who is of average intelligence I find it a bit difficult to put myself in Harry's shoes. To me, his attitude does seem very insolent. But I'm sure I'll get used to it as the story progresses.

I have to agree with the 'adult don't take children seriously' statement. I often found myself trying to reason with my mother- even at a young age I tried to make well thoughtout points and always stayed even-tempered, but to no avail. She always insisted on her superiority :/

...I'm with Minerva. Honestly, he was seeming slightly Stu-ish - right before he had to go clean up on account of he was utterly terrified and a very good actor.

That "undershooting reality" thing? It's also known as paranoia, and a downside of thinking faster than most people. Unfortunately, they really are out to get him.

AHAHAWHAHAHAHAHWHAHAHAHAHAHA ROFL

Hmm...I doubt Harry would need a trunk that expensive..maybe something a bit smaller which meant less expensive..He's being pretty wasteful if you ask me..
Anyway, that was an awesome read! I'm learning so much from this fic!
I felt a twinge of pity for McGonagall having to put up with Harry..hehe

Good lord that was incredible. This is probably one of the most fantastic examples for why I love the idea of fan fiction. These are the sorts of things I've always imagined I would say in the position of characters I read about. Though ill admit, probably not quite so intelligent. Then again, it's easy to sound intelligent when you have as much time as you need to think about what to say.

I'm greatly enjoying this so far. Time to read on!

Harry claims he's not stupid, but he apparently doesn't understand that there are very good reasons why an adult war veteran might not want to give (what are implied to be) military secrets to a snotty kid with self-confessed anger management problems and demonstrated impulse control issues. This leads me to suspect that Harry and I read different types of SF: when I started reading SF, I went for the military stuff, which means I'm pretty sure I understood the concept of operational security by the time I was 11, even if I couldn't have been trusted to actually live by it. Of course, living with parents who don't know how to interact respectfully with a child (thankfully not a problem I had) is probably a contributing factor, since highly intelligent kids tend to react to being treated like idiots by assuming the adult who has so drastically misjudged them must be an idiot. And Harry's resultant trust issues regarding adults probably contribute to his assumption that everything is his business, since he can't bring himself to believe that he's not the most competent person to deal with it.

In short, while I don't much like Harry at the moment, I find him believable as a person - and it's not as though incurable nosiness isn't a trait of his in the books. And McGonnagal's constant frustration with him - and by extension with her obstreperous charges in general - had me giggling the whole time. I'm enjoying this very much so far.

"I had a pet rock once. It died." I have NEVER EVER in my entire life facepalmed as hard as I did there.

"Thank you for your report, Minerva. You may go." I really don't know how to take this without laughing, be it seriously, or as sarcasm.

This chapter, as a whole, REALLY made me question Harry's sanity. But I guess even a crazy, evil Harry can be a fun one, as long as he's the right kind of crazy.

Harry has his own definition of sanity, doesn't he? Loved the Tom Lehrer reference, and the aftermath.

?

You are the frickin GODDESS of Harry Potter fanfiction! And I am using the word frickin because you are SO FRICKIN AWSOME! And I mean that in all the meanings of the word! You should frickin canonized as the SAINT for fanfiction, you are SO AWESOME! And this is only after SIX chapters!SIX! Lve ya!

That was very amusing and informing, Harry will be very interesting to watch. And the quips and such he gives to adults are interesting as well, really must wonder how it is possible for him to be like this at such an age, but it is possible depending on how you look at it

Ooh shiny indeed! This is hands down the funniest and best-written story (so far, anyway) I've read on here...and I'm neither scientist nor mathematician but just a humble Lit. major! I look forward to much delight.

Your Harry Potter is the most awesome version EVER! 8D
I guess you must have a genius level IQ, because otherwise you wouldn't have been able to create Harry's mind who surely has a genius level IQ...and incredible depth of personality.

Did you name Harry after Gaius Verres, the ancient Roman magistrate notorious for his misgovernment of Sicily, or was there another Verres that you had in mind? If so... For the first time in a long time I'm glad I'm not in the wizarding world.

I have read many books and much literature in the 20 years I have existed, and this chapter was the most captivating chapter I have ever read. I saw in the pretext notes that this story started picking up at chapter 5, and I thought I was on chapter 3 during most of this chapter. After finishing, I realized that I was at double the length I originally thought, and wow. I'm so impressed by everything about this piece. I can only really describe this reading as hyperorgasmic. Every part of my mind and body are enjoying this experience. Thank you. The day this story ends for me will be an extremely emotionally charged day.

Oh Dumbledore... he just... he has style :D

another great chapter. I'm liking this very much.

"The Death Eater Eaters?" Nice!

Ummm...I have no clue why, but when he said, "I had a pet rock once. It died." I could NOT stop laughing. I was litterally lauging so hard I started crying o.O

I think it must be build-up from all hte other funny stuff that's happened in this :)

I love this Harry you've created. He's the most likeable character i've ever read.

This story is really amazing so far, the interactions between McGonagall and Harry are well written and in character, great start for a great story.

The chapter was brilliant but the aftermath in all it's simplicity was the best.

This is an absolutely amazing read, I was hooked by the first chapter if you ever do publish future books please make an announcement!

This is a fantastic story. In some ways I relate to this 'universe's' Harry. I too have been often frustrated by other's refusal to behave in a rational fashion.

This is so enjoyable! Its just so damn exciting to read

Quote: "Sometimes you just don't seem eleven years old or even all that human."

This seems like she is hinting at the fact that Harry might have a part of Voldemort in him.

Great Chapter!

I've only found this story now, and yes, you've won me over. Going to read this until the end. Brilliant plotline, indeed. :) Kudos!

Is the last scene an omake or just Dumbledore being awesome.

Perfect ending to this chapter :) And while I must admit I don't particularly like Harry, I think what you've done is fascinating.

That's one h*ll of a sense of humor you've got there.

And I do believe you are the only person I've ever met who's heard of Tom Lehrer. Although I have to admit "Poisoning Pidgeons" and "When you are old and gray" are by far my favorite of his songs.

really having fun with symbolism aren't we?
and smart!harry is just like joking and he says the prophecy and whaaaaaat!
voldy is still with quirrel and harry is already planning how to kill voldemort!
and the way harry talks you'd think he was soooo much older than 11 yrs old!

No, humanity to the Gallifreyans are like gerbils to us. Harry would simply be a smarter gerbil. Remember the Doctor Donna, she was physically incapable of sustaining the information and brain capacity of a Time Lord. A smart, "genius", human child is not much different than an adult human of normal intelligence. A drooling, idiot, man-child to the smartest, wisest, and most learned human being on Earth pales in comparison to that of a Gallifreyan with the latter. So, no... this Harry character is not like a Time Lord. He's a gerbil.

Holy Crap.
Ummm... I feel immensely illiterate and deprived of knowledge.
But this is brilliant! Really! And I swear, I love this. Harry is... Wonderful. I swear.
I'd throw out a guess that he's a timelord (because thats how i envision them thinking and constructing an argument) but that's my geeky, wishful side popping out.
Fantastic! I'll be re-reading this for knowledge alone. I support his arguements whole-heartedly.
:3

Poor Professor McGonagall, after that day with 'Harry' such a treatment... :XD
Don't know what Harrys problems are, but they seems to be quite profound.

I adore your Harry!

Oh my God this chapter was amazing. I loved the ending how Minerva was speechless about Harry!

I love your description on the necessity of secrecy when dealing with authority figures.

This is simply, too, BRILLIANT! You ought to be an author (provided, of course, that you aren't already one, possibly world renowned, or under an anonymous name).

Harry has such a beautiful mind. Unfortunately, it comes at a cost in something else in him. What would it be, I wonder?

Reading Harry's dialogue about the frustration inherent in being more intelligent than one's peers and elders felt weirdly cathartic for me. Sometimes good intentions are not enough.

I have a hard time buying that a disciplinarian like McGonagall would allow a child to challenge her authority like that, even given the various pressures he was applying to her. More like she would have told him to settle down and get a cheaper trunk, even at the loss of his trust. She seems a bit more easygoing in this story, though.

Lightning and thunder completely failed to flash and boom in the cloudless skies.

"I had a pet rock once. It died."

Had a great time reading it. Moving on to Chapter 7 :D

This chapter was very intense for me. Your Harry very much reminded me of the young Tom Riddle. I am nervous to see what happens. I am curious to know more about Harry. hm...He does seem a little to sane...if you catch my drift. I wonder if he'll be placed in Ravenclaw. I hope not.

Thank you. I laughed out loud long and hard many times. Most enjoyable.

I'd probably be tearing my hair out after such a day with Harry. And I love the last little bit xD

This is without a doubt the funniest thing I have ever read, including 'Oh No, Not Again!'. It's Big Bang Theory meets Harry Potter in the best imaginable way. It's like reading about an 11 year old Sheldon with a sense of humor and magical abilities. ITS BRILLIANT!

I am enjoying this fic :) Though somehow smart Harry seems more sad than whiny stupid Harry even if his life seems better...

Your humor is awesome. I love this story! And, even if he's a child genius, Harry remains spectacularly in character.

Your characterization seems off.. not enough heart, which is what makes Harry who he is. I understand that this is a fanfiction, and a very well written one at that, but I can't see the characters reacting to the blatant condescension your Harry uses in such a rational way; no one would be completely accepting of the idea of anyone (child or adult) talking down to them. At best they would avoid interaction with the character, and at worst would become extremely angry at the child. At times I feel your expectations of the characters' behavior is completely unrealistic. It seems you are writing Voldemort's character rather than Harry's; he is charming, yet cold-blooded and manipulative. Again, I realize that artistic licence should be taken into account, but I feel you would have been better off writing it as an OC character, because this one bears so very little resemblance to canon Harry that I find it ludicrous to even consider them related by anything other than name. The irritation I feel at this discrepancy may keep me from finishing this fic.

I think Harry suffers from paranoia, courtesy of science. Well, when you are the Boy Who Lived and you're entitled to defeating an evil immortal villain, then you have a reason to be paranoid.

I love how realistic your take on the Harry Potter world is, it makes the dark parts that much heavier, but it's still very humorous. I like how Harry has such disregard for authority, and the youth rights parts are great. It's like he's Tom Riddle, always trying to dominate every situation he's in, and yet he's still morally good.

He's making me think of Artemis Fowl.

McGonagall has proved herself to be yet again my favourite Headmaster. :D

Harry and Hermonie are going to be able to talk circles around anyone and everyone who gets in their path. Ron's head will be spinning.
I liked how Harry was awarding Professor McGonagall points in his head and how he seemed to be able to really talk to her.
Great job.

As much as I enjoy the writing itself - great grammar, good flow - Harry is so un-relatable as a character that I can't bring myself to read much more. But kudos to you in the consistency and depth that is evident in your chosen characterization of Harry.

I love this. I love this a lot. I was reluctant to start it due to the length, but I see now that I will thoroughly enjoy every moment spent on this wondrous bit of fiction. Harry is already developed beautifully, and I am greatly looking forward to his picking apart of the impracticalities of the wizarding lifestyle :)

I like this new chapter 6 much better. It is cleaner and clearer.

Jenny

This is amazing!

How did Harry figure out Voldemort was immortal? I'm sure he couldn't have reached that conclusion simply based on the fact that he somehow survived the Death Spell ._.

Harry annoys me. I get that he's smart and whatnot, but honestly, I think you could have toned it down to the same level as Hermione, or even less. He seems inhuman. That could just be my opinion but it bothers me to the point that I probably won't end up going past this chapter. xP

Whose winning Professor McGonagall or Harry? P

Lol at the aftermath. Harry's a... Smartarse; can't wait till he meets Hermione now /that/ will be something.

I, for one, enjoy the revised chapter six.

"Eleven Galleons originally from my family vault." Indeed. It just goes so well, fits with the experiment from the top of the chapter. But it's a fake, and he admits it.

hmmm has this chapter changed? I seem to remember Harry calling the professor Minerva as part of his confrontation in the trunk store

Lol...
Really funny. I like the way you have combined science with magic.
At school science is my favourite subject so, yeah. This is a cool fic.
I was just wondering who that guy is in the pic for the fic. (hey that rhymes...)
;D Lol

Harry Potter sounds JUST like the your Hermione Granger of first year when he first finds out Voldemort is still alive. What do you think?

Cannot decide whether or not to disapprove of Harry's, um, *enthusiastic* imagination here. It could be Riddle-related weirdness, it could be an accurate portrayal of a bright young boy with a too-weak mental censor, or it could be insufficiently segued emotional transitions in the writing itself. Eh, I don't even know any more.

I appreciate McGonagall interrupting Harry's single-paragraph infodump (you might want to put a few strategic line breaks in there, by the way.) However, it's rather unrealistic that she'd let him ramble *that* long before saying, "no, that's not the topic I meant." Except maybe she was willing to wait out the off-topic yammering, and only intervened because he was getting to an uncomfortable topic, in a *beautiful* piece of dramatic irony.

"If you were one in a million, there were twelve of you in New York and a thousand more in China. It was inevitable that the Muggle population would produce some eleven-year-olds who could do calculus - Harry knew he wasn't the only one." - that's an unnecessarily obfuscated way of asserting that Harry _is_ hightly gifted. This is the fact I've spent most time on pointing out to people who tried to read HPMOR and then gave up complaining that Harry is too smart for his age, which for them makes the story too unrealistic to be enjoyable.

The first-aid kit Harry wants to buy is described with a bit too much detail to be plausible in the context of the wizarding world. Seriously, wizards don't know the first thing about science but know about blood oxygenation and shock prevention? Or does Harry infer the functionality of the syringe of liquid fire from some general "layman's terms description"?

"Don't worry, I understand that she's only awful to me because she loves me." - that's a pretty weird off-hand remark to make about your teacher, especially since it is not followed up by any raised eyebrows or anything else to put it in context, unless you count "Professor McGonagall was spluttering something unimportant", which is a rather condescending of Harry to be thinking.

It should be a bit more clear that the "thing" that Harry is blackmailing McG with is essentially his silence. ("it sounds like I have something you want.") I had to reread the paragraph thoroughly to find the detail that "You must not tell anyone, do you understand? Absolutely no one!", which is such a normal thing to say in these circumstances that I had mentally filed it under "auxiliary chatter" and promptly forgotten.

Typo, missing an "it": "I can't work with them. Is the more important thing"

Oh, the bathroom scene was edited. Previously it said something about "he retched a few times but thankfully nothing came up". That's gone in place of him being sweaty all over. I guess I am fine with this change although I found the retching to be fairly in-character as well.

Oh, the "too early to call her Minny" is gone. I appreciate this change, that part always felt weird.

Just red you rewrite of this chapter. Some of the rough edges were smoothed of, but some of the comedic atmosphere the earlier chapters had has gone with them. On the whole, the chapter feels a little to serious and more in line with the later ones, and that's not good. This fic already has more than enough drama in it, please don't go back and make the early chapters all dark and gloomy.

If you want the story to be more serious, you should do it the way you did the stanford prison experiment arc. They were the most dramatic thing in this fic so far, but still tremendously funny thanks to Harry's inner dialogues.

In the authors notes, you mentioned Harry not losing anything until chapter 10 as a major flaw of this fic. I'll have to disagree on that one. The chapters until Proffesor Q-Mort's first appearance give Harry a few moments were he can really enjoy easy gotten victories, explaining his overconfidence when he enters the big plotting game and gets himself a bloody nose.

The new conversation between Harry and McGonagall is a good example, as you said yourself the old version made it look like Harry won against McGonagall, but to me that was kinda the whole POINT. It's the first time Harry uses his trademark chessmaster abilities and realizes that he has POWER in his new enviroment, that he's part of the great game now, that he can CHANGE things.

To me, that little trick has always marked the beginning of Harry's schemes to change the world to his liking, the first time he really handles a highly stressful situation by himself. He appropriately nearly retches afterwards.

Now, in the new version all of this is missing and Harry retching doesn't seem appropriate anymore, because there really wasn't that much happening.

Yes, Harry wins a lot until chapter 10, but that's exactly what makes the sorting hat's little speech and Quirrelmorts introduction so awesome. Quirrel's first chapter is so good because he is the first person to completly and utterly OWN Harry at the plotting game, giving him instant badass credentials.

Now with Harry having lost AllREADY when he enters the first DADA lesson Quirrel's introduction looses some impact.

Wow, McGonagall is undergoing some major Spikeification here... Harry being OOC I can understand, if one ascribes more to the nurture side than nature, but I can't see McGonagall allowing such disrespect from *any* student, not even The Chosen One. Still, as fanfic goes, this one is very good so far.

The Proffesor's report cracked me up...what a surprising chapter.

Great way to satirize the plot holes and suspension of disbelief required in Harry Potter. Has a bit of a Harry Potter meets Ender's Game feel to it. One of the best things I've found on the internet in a while.

I never liked Rowling!Harry.

I LOVE your Harry. He is amazing, and so like me at that age.

OK. This has to be one of the best fan-fic stories I have ever read. So far it seems better then most actual novels. Good job. :-)

My god. You dropped Artemis Fowl's mind inside Harry Potters body. You sir, are an evil genius.

i have read 5 chapters of this and am already crying laughing.. genuinely i think the funniest fic ive read! :D

Good lord this gives me a major headache...Love it though..

Fan fic Harry Potter is both disturbed and disturbing - a proper hero / anti-hero. Hopefully, he will not begin to act like another British charactger, Wm Shakespeare's Richard III.

Maaaaaaaaaan!

I love the way you have portrayed Harry in this!

And I'm so glad Im reading this on my phone because-I used to think I had a wide vocabulary and that 99 point grade average in math and language arts was good but I had to look up some of the words in there!

I particularly LOVED the part where Harry said he had a pet rock that died.

AFtermath is awesome. I could only imagine how much her world is crumbling around her.

i did not understand a single thing, but i still like it. :}

LOL, I can greatly sympathize with Harry's opinion regarding adults and especially parents. Even I feel like the parent of my parents and they on the other hand are my children.

Real comedy really are those that are true mixed with some exaggeration. This kinds of comedy really crack me up.

I knew it. I knew McGonagall would compare him to Hermione. He IS an innocent version of Artemis Fowl.

"Where did you get that -"

One can only imagine the look on McGonagall's face. Hehehe.

The abuse speculation... Why, oh why, couldn't this have happened in canon? Then Harry could be saved all the

Poor profess she may never have to do that anymore

I considered the 10 students per year and was wondering about that a little. Are you using Rowling's population of 3000? If there are only 10 per then isn't it really, really unlikely for 2 students in the same year who could have potentially learned advanced science by the age of eleven? Let alone only fifty or so years after the last one?

When Harry decided to take over the world, I realized that it is very likely that Voldemort did the exact same thing. I never realized that before, because on my first time through I didn't know Voldemort was ... capable.

Also, "In no imaginable world would Harry have just went "Hm" and walked out of the shop without even trying to come up with a hypothesis for what was going on." I laughed.

This chapter was so longer but so worth the read. I literally left work reading this. I even stopped in my car and sat there for half an hour reading this before making it home. LOL! Still reading!

Is it wrong for me to think of Professor McGonagall as a Woobie that REALLY needs a hug after all the crap that Harry put her through?

Anyway, I would say that this is better than canon if it wasn't for the fact that I hadn't really gotten to reading the actual books (Because I was a non-genius kid who thought that big physical books are too daunting/boring)

I've watched some of the movies though, so at least I guess I could say that in comparison to the sorcerer's stone movie this is most epic.

O Merlin! Ain't we havin' some fun, now! Thank Heaven you're a Lehrer fan. And Thank Heaven Harry doesn't know all the words to that song. Loved the "Ooh! Shiny!" That's so me! I have interrupted myself with "Ooh! Squirrel!" :D

Well, perhaps the Mokeskin Pouch burps because it displaces some gas that's already in there to fill the bag out or something? Or perhaps that guess was nonsense, I don't know too much about the digestive system. TO WIKIPEDIA!

ok, small problem :

Who was whispering to Harry at the end of the Chapter? Not clear, if it was McGonagall or an unknown.

McGonagall her trying to be nice and direct Harry to someone who he may get along with.

Unknown dramatic spooky helper.

as you have it its unclear as to what you intended.

As his hand touched the back door's handle, he heard a last whisper from behind him.

"Hermione Granger."

"What?" Harry said, his hand still on the door.

"Look for a first-year girl named Hermione Granger on the train to Hogwarts."

Mmmm.

One of the things I really enjoyed about this chapter is that it emphasised that even though Harry is intelligent beyond his years, he is still just an eleven year old boy, and he reacted in several situations how I imagine an eleven year old boy should. I think.

I'm really enjoying the repoire he's building with Professor McGonagall, even if it's somewhat reluctant on her part. The part were he gave her 'points' in his head amused me to no end, for some reason.

Woo, natural language comprehension! This is NEAT. (Linguistics geek here, if that wasn't obvious.)

"Aaaaaaarrrgh this doesn't make any sense!" Welcome to the world of those unfortunate souls who spend their time overanalyzing a certain epic fanfic.

Knuckle-cracking, the first sign of an evil genius. And he really ought to orchestrate thunder and lightning at some point, just for the hell of it.

Huh, Harry's weird reaction is weird. I'm not sure whether to write that off to his overactive rational mind or to Deep And Mysterious Goings-On. Possibly both for good measure.

"Sometimes you just don't seem eleven years old or even all that /human./" Am now convinced you write lines like this purely to torment your readers. There's no way the latter, at least, can be true, right?

"In no imaginable world." *snort*

Harry's chewing on his lip escaped me last time. That's his anti-Obliviation signal, right? Good one.

I really, REALLY want a trunk like that. Primarily for books, of course, being almost as much of a Ravenclaw as Harry in that regard.

That voice at the end is going to be significant, isn't it? *groan* This whole thing is much more masochistically entertaining to analyze than I though. And entertaining in a normal sense, too, at least.

oh that's quite a report...

ROFL...THIS. IS. WONDERFUL.

For all that this story explores the importance and difference in a life lived rationally, I keep rereading the bits about McGonagall's theory of abuse. The noncanonical anger issues that Harry has may be based in the isolation he experienced from his intelligence, yes. But I remain fond of the theory that it's also exasperated by bleedover from Riddle's fragment.

Hi, I'm new reader.

While the previous chapter is hilarious, my reaction to this chapter is :

How the hell do you get those idea!

I LOVE YOU.

Harry really doesn't act like an 10-year-old and did he kind of owned McGonagall? Also, he go to know that much. That Sirius is supposed to be the traitor, that Voldimort is still alive and that there is a prophecy? O_O That has got to be a lot to take in.

The above name is in fact my real pen name I'm just too lazy to log in. I love you story so far! (and Im only on chapter 6!) Ch. 5 is my definate favorite. I love Harry's plans to take over the world! Most of the science stuff goes over my head, science never was my best subject. Mabye I will learn something for once. The Draco and Harry conversation was hilarious! No spelling or grammer mistakes that I could see (which is the first I have seen) I'm not sure if this story is done yet sooo, if it's not "Keep up the good work!" and if it is finished "Amazing story, hope you write another story soon!"

That part when Harry worries he will not be able to live up to his reputation is interesting, and when I was reading the story for the first time, I briefly considered the idea that Mr V. will indeed not show up, leaving Harry to search for another sense of purpose in his life. Of course, it is immediately confirmed that this is not the case, and our hero is fantasy-savvy enough to actually guess it ;) And when Harry makes his involuntary faux pas, I could not help feeling sorry for him.

is the signal making his lip bleed?

First of all, many thanks to Less Wrong (in at least 2 senses of that name). You've provided more laughs per paragraph than I have encountered in many a year (and that includes a few score of them). You've also provided considerable food for thought.

Those of you who are amused by Harry's luggage may want to investigate The Luggage ( wiki/Rincewind#The_Luggage).

The Death Eaters Eaters - pure genius! I've been laughing so hard that I think my rommies are worried, but that topped everything. It's been a while since I read an AU fic (hell, a HP fic) so good. I love Harry, he is incredibly amusing, and his interactions with McGonagall (with Draco!) are epic. I SO look forward to his meeting with Snape. God. And Dumbledore won't know what hit him! Congratulations!

I'm already laughing so hard that my brother came in to check on me. Looking forward to the next few hundred thousand words!

May the muses grace you,

Adrienne

And thus we have a conclusion. What can I say..? Harry shows he has a heart of iron and the brain of a supercomputer. Albeit a rationalistic one.

Not much to say. Too much to applaud.

Thank You... I have nothing more to say other then; somewhere in the world, reading this story has changed a child's life, out of everything else this isolated child has read, this has been the only thing she has truly connected with in her 13 years of existence. I promise you that I shall read the sequences before I die.

I absolutely love the aftermath :D

I can't help but see Minerva as younger in this chapter, there's something almost animesque about her behavior She seems much less shrewd and more snarky without it being a rewrite of her character. If they where the same age it would almost seem like flirting, Harry is very articulate for his age, not just intelligent.

Harry obviously hasn't gotten to the point that it is so frustrating that everyone is so stupid and just doesn't listen to reason that you find the only way to keep from murder, suicide or scenarios along that route is to just give up and not care anymore about anything and that is what happened to me I realized the only way I could get away from that anger is to stop giving a shit and now I cannot care enough to go back to being a smart ass that can actually put effort into anything

Reading this chapter has left me as speechless as Minerva in the Aftermath. Truly, well done. I will now continue reading. Perhaps when I'm done (I have not looked to see how many chapters there are in total - suspense!), I will try to compose some more elaborate thoughts about the story. Until then.

Parents:There to care, there to watch, there to gaurd, their in the way. You know I have to ask my parents why they respect me as a creature but not as a human. They make sure I'm generally happy and healthy. But lord knows they don't care if I think or speak. If I don't say what they want or I voice my true opinion, I'm condemed to a life of solitary thinking, and my parents wonder why I talk to myself. I am quite the conversationalist.

I too had a pet rock that died. Mostly because my brother dropped it and it cracked in half.

So sad...

"Suppressed memory is a load of pseudoscience!"

I get the feeling that he had a rather stronger word in mind than "pseudoscience"...

Just freaking awesome. I love it all. I can't pick a scene which I loved the most.

This...is...EPIC! I love it! Love it! LOVE it!

Excellent writing, brilliant idea, very accurate (as far as the science is concerned, I'm only thirteen, so don't take my word for that.) I am loving this story. McGonagall was hilarious, although I still think that the best scene was with Draco Malfoy in Madame Malkins. I really like Harry's character, too. Hmm...an intelligent Harry, now THERE'S a first! At the rate he's going, the series will be over before the boy turns twelve!

Harry seems to be becoming the evil overlord type or the I'm better than so worship me.

Harry's planning on taking over the world!

I never thought I could say that sentence and mean it!

And Harry DOES seem kind of Slytherin like...

Hi, I found your story whilst surfing the recently updated stories over 100,000 words and I have to say, I am thoroughly enjoying it thus far.

Not sure if anyone else has noticed thus far, or if this was intentional, but I admire the way you have essentially taken Artemis Fowl and put him in Harry Potter's body. Can't wait to see how the story plays out.

Dear Less Wrong,

Very manipulative behavior on Harry's part, and I see Hermione Granger is already mentioned, I wonder if they will both be sorted into Ravenclaw, or each be in Slytherin and Gryffindor, respectfully.

Sincerely,

Pearl Bramble of Willowbottom

Oh my photon,

I have been enjoying the read so far. It is very well written and I am probably showing my interest too early now.

I hope it gets better and I thank you for letting this masterpiece exist. There are many people who would try rationalize the whole magic scenario and you have done it so well.

Regards,

An enlightened reader.

I'm starting to see why this has such appeal to "geeks"...or, those who, like Harry, are not quite rightly fitted to the world. His use of logic and scientific method appeals to the scientist in us and his bucking of authority in a righteous way is every geeks dream. Those of us who are enjoying this are no doubt identifying with Harry...most of us have been in similar situations, though probably not as successfully. We "know" what he's going through...

Harry and Hermione.

I literally cannot wait.

On a side note (and please feel free to not answer because I recognize that its rather personal, I'm just curious), are you Jewish? Because it just hit me as strange that you would use hebrew words for Harry's experiments at the beginning of the chapter. Not that there's anything wrong with Hebrew, I've just never met anyone aside from myself who would immediately use that language, and thats because I'm jewish and natively fluent... so I'm just a bit curious.

Anyway.

I love Harry's question about a spell to make lightning flash whenever he makes an ominous proclamation. McGonagall's weary assessment that she should do something is brilliant.

In general, I love their interactions in this chapter. They rule. I was grinning like a loon the whole time I was reading it.

Oh, and those last few lines between Dumbledore and McGonagall are a perfect summation to the entire day. Literally, there are no words to describe Harry Potter. He is like his own magical species. ;D

Anywhat, brilliant job, as always, I'm off to read the next chapter!

~InK

I love you. Will you marry me?

Oh dear god. You made a Tom Lehrer reference.

You really did.

I think I will stick around with you and remember your author name for just that reason.

Harry's debate with McGonagall was spectacular (and I say his debate and not their debate because Harry was awesome).

Also, I love the little part at the end with Albus and Minerva. There really are no words, at that point. Bahahaha.

Short review is complete.

Alright, I'll go back to reading now.

Well, that was a push-and-pull chapter. Now we see a little bit under Harry's façade, but he keeps up the high-powered needling on Prof. McGonagall, and it still delivers the laughs. This is getting better and better...

I think, once I get by a few chapters, I'll be playing the Tropes Drinking Game. Surprised I haven't seen "Inconceivable!" yet...

Just great.

It give me a bit of van Vogt's "ultimate rationality to turn around the world" which I so admire of him :)

Good work!

Sheer brilliance.

- "What are you smiling about?" inquired McGonagall, warily and wearily.

"I'm wondering if there's a spell to make lightning flash in the background whenever I make an ominous resolution," explained Harry. He was carefully memorizing the exact words of his ominous resolution so that future history books would get it right.

"I have a distant feeling that I ought to be doing something about this," sighed McGonagall.

"Ignore it, it'll go away. Ooh, shiny!" Harry put his thoughts of world conquest temporarily on hold and skipped over to a shop with an open display, and Professor McGonagall followed.

I understand this is not a humour fic (I personally hate them) but just reading chapter one and I'm non stop grinning with joyous exitement.

Congratulations and keep doing EXACTLY what you are doing this peice of fiction has two thumbs up from me.

"Ignore it, it'll go away. Ooh, shiny! Yep you positively have give Harry ADHD or ADD

I feel like my IQ just quadrupled. Is it wrong to be jealous of a fanfictional character?

I certainly hope this isn't an 'Author Avatar' story, or I'm unlikely to ever forgive myself for being so stupid.

There is a very fine line between being paranoid and being effectively prepared. I've skirted the line enough times to know that adults rarely get where the child is coming from.

On a side note its remarkable how much youve been able to make me empathize with a fictional 11 year old.

Also..he reminds me a little of calvin from calvin and hobbes? the part where the bag eats the kit...is it just me?

Every time Harry says "Bag of Gold" I'm picturing him saying it in the same way as Flanders saying "Nothing at all!", such that "Bag of gold! Bag of gold! Bag of gold!" sounds like watch?vxsVsHu2EEfo

This is the greatest thing I've ever read, and there's still 14 chapters to go.

*standing ovation*

THE LAST PARAGRAPH! 333

This seems like a good spot to put my first review:

Firstly, this is incredibly good. It was recommended to me with the point that 'it is better than the original', and I'm finding that in some ways it definitely is, some ways, almost as good.

Secondly, the first two chapters seem a little too focused on the rationality of Harry, and how incredibly intelligent he is. I like the section where Harry gets Draco to say he wants to be in Gryffindor, however I don't fully understand what causes Draco to say that.

I'm not sure if this was done intentionally, but by having Harry explain stuff to Minerva, it also explains it to the reader, which is good. I like the insight Minerva shows in thinking that Harry was abused, and that although he wasn't physically abused, by not being treated as an equal by his Professor-Father, the effect is in a way similar. One thing with this chapter: I'm guessing that the thing with Hermione at the end is later explained, and is not simply a very poorly done way of having Harry meet Hermione. However, how that is written gives that feel. One thing I find a little odd though is that you seem to assume that the reader has read the original Harry Potter books, because it seems like it would be very hard to follow without having read them.

On the whole though, it is written incredibly well.

Sounds as if H and H are going to get on like a house on fire; or maybe just cause one.

Great story so far. I love your sense of humour and your version of Harry.

"sore loser"... snort.

"Lightning and thunder completely failed to flash and boom in the cloudless skies.." hahaha

The middle became a serious chapter, one which I loved none-the-less.

The last 1/3rd reminded me of Calvin and Hobbes, with HP being as serious and mad as Calvin.

"Aw crap" Lol, how heavy in emotion.

"much left to learn about the art of proper pessimism" brilliant

"mapping out possible tactics" ... hahahaha, wish I could do that in RL.

"Thank you for your report, Minerva. You may go." had me rolling on the floor.

If I had to pick one story to read for all eternity, forgetting at the end, reading from the beginning, this would be up there on my list.

Oh poor Minni!

hello, I have just started reading this, only about 6 chapters in. and I would just like to say I haven't laughed so hard in a long freaking time. I swear it's like you turned Harry into Rodney McKay from Stargate Atlantis and I applaud you for it. I made this account just to tell you how much I am enjoying reading this. I will in all likelihood never use this account for anything else because I do not frequent nearly enough to warrant having an account.

But I just wanted you to know I will probably be up until six in the morning reading this.

Hmmm chapter 6 - Harry shows himself up to be a smart-ass and someone with black rage and a chip on his shoulder. And he was also very rude with Professor McGonagall. I didn't really warm to him in this chapter.

Yeah... I know what it feels like to be surrounded by adults who have lesser capability to predict outcomes and less acurate strategy planning. When you are a child and your life is in hands such person, it is a recipe for tragedy.

This Harry reminds me strongly of Artemis Fowl, and possess a strength that the orginal one is lacking (maybe due to the treatment he endured all his life. Rowling skips over psychological results of being unwanted, badly treated child). He certainly has Slytherin traits, but still better suits for Ravenclaw in my eyes.

I think that in canon hats decision during sorting was somehow very slightly affected by emotions Harry held towards earlier meetings with his future schoolmates (apart from his own character) as these were indicators of his attitude toward traits specified by each House and first test of share of his character in these traits. Malfoy (first schoolmate, Slytherin, unlikeable) and Ron (second one, but the first one that was likable, Gryffindor) and Hermione (slightly annoying for original Harry without strong drive for learning). And in OotP it is explained that Hermione was nearly sorted to Ravenclaw. If the two will meet on the train, impact each other and strengthen their traits (Harry is young scientist) they likely will be sorted in Ravenclaw. Also, Slytherin would be illogical because of muderer of Harrys parents.

As a social work student who just finished a year working with eleven-year-olds, I have to say, McGonagall's characterization of abused children in this chapter is off. An abused child might well be chatty and charming - it's a typical sign of attachment disorders (which wouldn't be surprising in Harry, who switched families at 15 months). Some kids whose parents took care of them badly are always shopping for new parents.

Him wanting a first aid kit to heal other children after disasters would make me suspect that he's used to caring for other people (younger siblings or incapable parents). Since he has no siblings and his parents seem high-functioning, I would think he's just a weird kid.

Also, she should not have bought Harry's argument that some "recovered" memories have been shown to be false, therefore he couldn't possibly be repressing memories. There's actually pretty good evidence 10-15% of people repress traumatic memories.

This Harry fills me with a complete sense of...distaste. I wish his intelligence would not make him so repulsive, as I have known those other math prodigies he spoke of, and prodigies DO have the capability of being modest.

Like the fic, of course, but ...

"Then the witch turned and sent Harry with a full-powered, icy glare"

?

"sent" needs two objects to complete it. Err - that isn't phrased right either. Consider:

I sent a letter to Edward.

I sent Edward to Miami.

I sent Edward with a letter. (to where?)

Perhaps "Then the witch turned and sent Harry a full-powered, icy glare?"

Or "Then McGonagall turned and withered Harry with a full-powered, icy glare."

"turned and favored ..."

Hmm. Okay, I'm not much of an author, but that sentence should not stand.

I have no nitpicks about the dialogue at the beginning of this chapter. It is lovely and IC.

The muggleborn math feels a bit out of sync with canonverse. That might be deliberate, for your genetic magic system. But really I somehow got the impression in the books that there were more. Eh, whatever.

""And just why," said Professor McGonagall with rather heavy skepticism, "do you expect to need a healer's kit, young man?" (After the unfortunate incident at the Potions store, McGonagall was trying to avoid saying "Mr. Potter" while anyone else was nearby.)"

Um, the incident at the potions store didn't seem to involve her saying "Mr. Potter"... and just a little bit earlier she says ""But it is magic, Mr. Potter."", which unless you're saying didn't count because there were people nearby, doesn't make sense.

There's a bit of mood whiplash with the shopgirl scene. On the other hand, it is the sort of thing that should induce mood whiplash, so that's fine.

I join the WMG crowd over at tvtropes in suspecting that the line "Sometimes you just don't seem eleven years old or even all that human" is intended as foreshadowing, although the conversation is interesting at face value, too.

""No," McGonagall said, "you're right." Her voice held a note of apology, and yet still a note of self-pride alongside that, as though Harry ought to notice how very, very honored he was to have Professor McGonagall apologizing to him."

I dislike this line. Primarily because little lines like these, in which Harry is displays very very negative opinions about the world around hm, should at least be marked with a "Harry thought", rather than stated from the POV as if they were factual. Since they're very much a matter of interpretation.

In general, this section has Harry acting like a particularly arrogant little snot. I mean, he is, but this is a section where it shows particularly blatantly.

""The salesman, unctuous once more, pointed toward a door set into the wall with a gold-handled knob. As Harry started to walk away, he heard from behind the salesman ask in his oily voice, "May I inquire as to who that was, Madam McGonagall? I take it he is Slytherin - third-year, perhaps? - and from a prominent family, but I did not recognize -"""

Ew ew ew I really don't feel like you needed to include this it feels gross and weird for him to be saying that. You could have transitioned more effectiely straight into the sweat and retching. (which is a good touch since it effectively counterbalances snotty Harry)

"A potential collaborator is someone who thinks that getting the job done is more important than making sure I know my place."

I couldn't here you over the lack of introspection here, Harry.

this positively one of the best HP fics in its category. iwould say the best of all but its not in the same category as one of the others i really like

I really like JK Rowling's Harry Potter. However, I would happily MARRY yours.

So borring and predictable! This fic sucks

Awesome chapter! It really shows how Harry is different, plus quite amusing at times as well. Although I think that you overuse italics a bit too much (and they consequently lose some of their significance since they are all over). But great chapter overall :3 I also liked the experiments and emotional moments.

Oh dear. What have I done. Started reading this while working, that's what. Guess how long this work -should- have taken me? And now, how long it -has- taken me? Quite the discrepancy.

Basically, what I'm trying to say is that this is brilliant. And hilarious. Hilariously brilliant. (I'm sure that's been said before, but worth saying again.)

My favourite line at the moment is:

“Thank you, Mr. Potter,” McGonagall said. “If you had already been

Sorted into a House I would have deducted so many points that their grandchildren would still be losing the House Cup.”

The best part is that I've been debating whether to read the 7th book before the movie comes out next week (debating mostly because I don't really have the time to be doing any silly reading nonsense...), and now I'm fairly certain that I will not be reading it. I will be reading this. What has the world come to?

Bloody brilliance. That's what.

Minerva? Ohhoho! That boy crossed the line! No respect! I feel like she could have turned him into a toad, just to teach him a lesson.

This is a really interesting commentary on power though. And risk assessment. I wonder if your numbers are accurate or if you just made up those reports for the story...

Poor Minny!

Can't wait till Harry meets Hermione!

Yeah, I don't think that old McGonagall would have a simple time re-telling the story of her day without the use of a Pensieve.

Oh, my good sir, you have a talent for the hilarious that borders on the supernatural. After reading chapter five I could not stop giggling for ten minutes! Do keep on, I'm looking foreward to reading the rest and with wait enthusiastically for updates. Kinda like a puppy waiting for someone to drop their steak.

I have to admit the comment about Hermione at the end made me worry a bit. Is she going to be like a super genius too? I dont know if I could handle Hermione a super smart (more that she already is) :L

I like the points you have already highlighted about the wizarding worlds... failures? or whatever there called.

Although I don't fully understand the currency problem that Harry was talking about in the previous chapter I think it will be interesting to see how his plans for world optimization come into play :)

That an amazing quote by the way :L

good work!

I realize this isn't an actual review, but I just had to say that I have NEVER laughed so much at a story in my 40 years! Congratulations on a great story.

story. is. auesome. nuff said

What the hell was this piece of trash? You utterly destroyed J.K. Rowling's world with your stupid, lengthy science and technology shenanigans. Get off your high horse and stop thinking you're so intelligent for knowing all this crap. In your selfish desire to mix the two fields of science and magic, you have drastically altered the wonderful world of Hogwarts and characters that inhabit it. This is not the Harry Potter we all know and love - thank goodness for that. This fan-fiction would not do well with the majority of people, seeing as to how complicated and confusing you have made matters. HP is a story to escape the pressures of life and the real world, albeit not entirely. But here you go bringing in the very things we wish to leave behind when reading a chapter of Harry Potter! How absolutely foolish of you. Nice attempt, destroyer.

Wow, your Harry is an interesting character. His various compulsions, and, dare I say, neuroses, are a little frightening. I love the interesting balance of humour and intellect, and I'm curious to see where this all goes. I have to admit I find him a little frightening, and at the end of the day, I prefer canon!Harry, but this is a remarkable piece of fanfiction.

Back. This chapter was still awesome :). Though I found Harry a bit too impudent..and self-conceited.

No matter what, Professor MacGonagall is still deserving of respect, and has proved herself various times. She holds a very important position in the wizarding world. Harry might be intelligent, but he's a bit too confident in his own skills- that's exactly what's gonna make him fail to notice crucial things at crucial times. ( Following your own reasoning.) (And it's not like he's done anything that can compare. Hence, he should at least show her respect.)

He might be smart, but he lacks experience. Broadening your horizons is just as important as having a good head, this is closely related to the concept of "creativity" Harry himself spoke about, for the more he sees the more options he should be able to think of, the more ideas he should be able to come up with. At his age, no matter how much he's read, he lacks in that department. He's just not had enough time. Isn't that one of the reasons people encourage young geniuses, nowadays, "not to rush it". To go to school. To take their time.

That was a bit offtopic x). Don't take it personally, it's just my personal opinion, and I often tell myself I'm dumb. / I'm still enjoying the story as much as I did in the 5th chapter. The "Aftermath" was amazing :). Pure fun.

There's something to be said about your writing style... it's been very addictive.

Forever Signed in Blood,

Slayer End

Again. I'm sorry, but I just HAD to review again. Beautiful work I might add. You have both sent shivers down my spine and laughter through my mouth.

The Wizarding World will truly be in an uproar when Harry finishes his first week at Hogwartz. My guess is that it won't be two hours before he sneaks away and finds himself in the Forbidden Section reading about Dark Magic.

So impressive!

Bahahaha! You had me all but howling in laughter! Very good, sir or ma'am, I congratulate you! I very much like this, or what I have read so far of it, both in the concept and the exposition. I like how humour has been worked in as well, both subtle and ironic, and how your style is distinct, though I would like to know a bit more about how things look (the ones we haven't seen before, but I'm picky like that). I also have been enjoying how Harry, intelligent and a walking encyclopaedia, is also still an eleven-year-old, knowledgeable but childlike - without realizing it himself. Good going! I'll go back to reading more. :) ...Do we get to learn how or why McGonagall knows Hebrew?

(I misplaced my password to submit a signed review.)

wow best chapter yet. very informing!

I'm...annoyed.

I mean, props. Good job - recognition for the ability to write well and all that. But...is Harry a Gary Stu?

That's allowable.

Did you make him into a bit of a psychopath?

Again, allowable. I'm not sure why you'd want to have your main character consciously perceive others as objects or to be able to do so in in such cold-and-calculating rage-filled moments, but.

Perhaps what REALLY got me was this idea that eleven-year-olds are only treated as eleven-year-olds because they are younger. ...and that you support this by making Harry capable of creating and following rational plans, even during moments of emotional stress. I dunno if you'll maintain this idea - "adults are evil if they don't afford children all the same rights" - for the rest of your work, but its ruffled me up a bit (obviously).

Anyway, great voice, good balance, and overall enjoyable and enticing. Just...a few things that rub me the wrong way so far, and its likely that most people don't notice them. Thank you!

Your story has made my stomach hurt from laughing so much and my partner to look at me like I am crazy as I suddenly burst into hysterical laughter. I normally never review but I loved your story so much that I am reviewing before I even finish it. I especially loved the line about the appalling state of education and how children shouldnt be drafted into it

It's so very satisfying to watch a character pointing out how batshit insane the wizarding world is. I feel like Harry is a representative for everyone that was frustrated with the lack of magical continuity in cannon. Although rather more fluent in pointing out what exactly doesn't make sense. And a fic that has a trope savvy character without the need to break the fourth wall? Heck yes. Three cheers for lines like "I'm wondering if there's a spell to make lightning flash in the background whenever I make an ominous resolution".

And three cheers for a fic that actually makes you think. It's hard to procrastinate on assignments when your procrastination tool is pointing out that you are falling prey to the planning fallacy. (I'm sure I have time to finish a few more chapters, this assignment won't take long :P)

I must say that this story is starting to grow on me, it started slow and quite boring, but you did mention to wait until chapter 10 before giving up.

Now that I have read chapter 6 I look forward to the rest of the story.

-Mark ( Plymouth, UK )

Harry got a little preachy in this chapter for my taste. Also, why is he trying to throw up? It's just a little strange.

I correct my assessment: as at this chapter, he is completely Slytherin. Oh, he's clever all right - too clever by half - but he's very selfish and egotistical about it. He's worse than the young Tom Riddle.

The story is still quite funny, but Rowling may hunt you down and have her Auror friends Obliviate you for it. Just saying. :)

Faerthurin

The italics. My God, the italics.

I find that I have, with all due thanks to you and this marvellous story, practically fallen in love with a part of formatting.

That is on your head. Feel guilty, if you think it appropriate.

~Mademise Morte

This is a pretty interesting and funny story. Good work!

Harry does NOT LIKE people thinking he was abused.

The whole dodge-and-twist slightly odd out-of-body-or-character moments are almost certainly the Horcrux at work, but I don't feel particularly proud at having made this conclusion. It is an obvious one.

Best...Harry...Potter ...Story ...Ever!

I actually mean that, I'm at chapter six right now and am thoroughly enjoying your Harry (a Harry who THINKS!). In a fandom where too many stories are carbon copies of each other this tale stands out. I'd write more but I really want to get back to reading chapter seven!

*looks at Harrys moleskin Bag of Holding, then looks at my ThinkGeek Bag of Holding* um...trade?

I haven't come across a new (well, okay, to me...) Pre-Hogwarts AU in awhile. Great start. Looking forward to reading more of it tomorrow. :)

I would have to agree with McGonagall. Something about Harry is just off. He's ridiculously smart - I know child genius exist, but those are book smart. Harry is somehow too mature for anyone his age or in his circumstances. You - or rather Harry - explain this by saying it was because he was isolated, but a normal child would become lonely from that and crave attention of any kind, not just respect the way Harry does. He is ultra genre savvy, which is slightly understandable from him being such an avid reader, but still. No child should be able to comprehend that much - hardly any humans of any age or circumstance can understand that much. This is somewhat remedied by his outbursts of anger, but he still learns at an incredible speed even from those instances. Even the scene where Harry apologizes profusely for speaking without thinking does not really match up with the rest of his personality thus far. It feels too humble and abrupt for him; I think this is at least in part because of the way you wrote it. If you had presented it differently, I think it would have worked better and not felt so out of place. As a whole, I think you could use more description of the characters - their expressions, emotions, etc., especially Harry. Since it is in his POV you sort of skim over that because people can't really see themselves for how they are acting, but since this in in third person POV than it really needs more to tell us (the readers) about how the main character is feeling, or perhaps more aptly, how he is reacting. On a not-quite-but-still-sort-of-related note, I think you might have revealed too much about Harry since this is only the sixth chapter. Characters are more compelling if you learn about them gradually, as situations arise that brings things into the light, so to speak.

Although, I must say, the pure hilarity of the whole thing sort of makes up for all of that, at least as I read. But I find it hard to appreciate or take as a serious work of fiction; this still has that strong feeling of being fanfiction. Which I understand that it is, but I think that the best fanfiction does not feel like fanfiction, mainly because a portion of that feeling is the sense that the work/writer is amateur. I hope to see improvement in these matters as the story goes on though, as it sort of detracts from Harry's character. For example, when Harry is leading up to revealing that he has extra money he stole from his vault it feels like a Narm, especially when he goes to bathroom and starts throwing up. Actually, that applies to most of Harry's speeches/monologues/dialogue. It's really funny to read, but for Harry it is probably a lot more serious.

Oh, and one more thing: "Quietus"? Really?

On a positive note: Harry makes me laugh. Rather, his interactions with other people and their reactions are hilarious, which is what I like best about this so far. That hand the basic premise of Harry being a scientific genius before going to Hogwarts.

Lots of excellent insight into Harry's character here, who he is, what he's like, how he reacts and explores things, his thought process. Not even that, that sounds boring, just... him. Insight into this Harry creature you've created. Necessary and entertaining at once - always tricky to do, well executed here. Onward!

I enjoy the way the story is written, but I am going to reserve judgment on the plot for now. I understand the point is that your Harry is a lot more intelligent and wise, but somehow I just find the stories where Harry is way beyond his years at age 11 hard to get in to. However, the main difference I see here is that you have him realize it, rather than just writing the character poorly (and have him act like the 25 year old author, for example).

Judging by the number of reviews and the heavy science/sci-fi which I enjoy myself I am going to keep reading and see how it goes. I could almost feel for McGonagall in this chapter. I found Harry's tirades extremely tiring and probably, in her position, just slapped him upside the head.

Harry wants respect, but seems unable to give it. Granted, Harry is not a perfect character and nor should he be. He seems to be quite full of himself. We'll see how you develop this. :)

I like this story better so far than its Twilight equivalent, which wound up sickening and repulsing me, and proved the vast distance between intellect and wisdom. To this point, you have done a far superior job of crafting an enjoyable narrative. I do note, with pleasure at the possibilities and the apprehension that you may not use them, that Harry J. Potter bears strong similarities to another extraordinarily powerful young man named Anakin Skywalker.

"That's all."

Your Harry Potter seems to be quite exactly who I was when I was ten. I think hat if I hadn't left off for my own Hogwarts shortly after that I would've become everything he says he was afraid of becoming. I haven't read much of this for now I admit but it's made a deep impression on me already. If it continues half as well as its begun, I'll be passing this story on to people I think would be comforted by it for as long as you keep it up online. I would have been the same age as Harry if I had begun to read this as you were posting it here.

It's not much of a critique for now, but I see you've had enough of them that perhaps it won't matter too much. Nevertheless, I hope that if you see this you understand to some degree how grateful I am that you wrote it.

Thank you.

Oh, I can already tell I'm favorite-ing this one.

So far, this is absolutely amazing! The only thing is that Harry is reminding me more of Artemis Fowl than of himself.

hmmm... Harry is getting progressively more manipulative; he's getting rather unlikable... and yet he's also somehow reminiscent of the Weasley twins. He gets very mischievous considering how rational, prudent, and pessimistic he considers himself to be. But I suppose if you were a really brilliant 10 year-old you would tend to mess with people. I liked the comparisons you made between Harry's behavior and that of a boy living under the stairs. Incidentally, adopted kids often respond, emotionally, in a way similar to abused children, even when they have spent most of their lives in loving homes- something to think about when considering why Harry reacts as he does (and I'm not just citing studies saying that: I have an adopted brother, and my mother runs a support group for good parents struggling with their kid's emotional difficulties stemming from adoption). I thought it might also be appropriate to reference Plato's metaphor of the cave when Harry talks about opening his eyes to the world around him after receiving his wand.

Your story is delightfully hilarious! Also, I enjoy the random bits of science :). Great work, I'm looking forward to reading more!

This has to be one of the funniest, and yet one of the most sensible stories I've ever read. The way Harry so logically wrapped everyone around his thumb... just brilliant.

Although, I can't really imagine a child having that sort of ability. Could just be me, though.

-Karl

Hermione Granger, huh? I'm fairly certain that I like this new Harry and would love it even further if he got together with Hermione instead of Ginny. At the same time, I was happy (and still am sometimes) when Harry got together with Ginny. Weird, no? Anyhow, this chapter is as good as ever.

Keep up the fantastical work!

"Death Eater Eaters"

OH, My Garsh! I almost died laughing reading the last chapter.. And I wanted to review it to tell you so. only I already had (reviewed it). So i skipped ahead to this chapter to review the previous and I can already see that i am headed into a rather silly review routine.

cheers!

Not much to say, pretty good chapter.

not sure why minerva just absorbs harry's speech there

I am very happy I chose to reread this story. The first few chapters are hilarious!

Loved, simply loved the meeting with Draco.

Just wanted to make some comments as I read the chapter, so there may be something I mention that was answered later in the same chapter. I'll try to go back over this to keep the number small.

One thing I noticed was that in the education portion at the top, there was no mention that and educational institution was "new" and that the original form of education was to form apprenticeships and guilds (in the form of family magics). If I remember you do address it somewhat later. You also haven't mentioned that magic may be more like an art form, in that you are trying to interact with magic in a performance fashion. Not to say that magic is sentient, but that the forms may be irrelevant of meaning yet convey much more than the actual words or motions suggest. Precision may be irrelevant in the true art of magic, but critical in trying to match an artist who creates. An overall performance may be more effective with less precision at points, than a collection of good precise pieces pieced together. Depends on how Gestalt is comparative to piecemeal precision... Okay I get a feeling of deja vu. Not sure why. Hope my comments are interesting to you.

So we see some of Harry's first signs of amazing in this chapter. It's hard to remember how sloppy and inelegant he was in this chapter and when he first faces off with Snape.

Possibility two: He'd be taking over the world. I quite like that possibilty much better, at least it would never be boring.

This has been the strangest day of my life for... many a year. Since the day I learned that a child had defeated You-Know-Who. I wonder now, in retrospect, if that was the last sane day of the world." Oh god. I LOVE speech;ess McGonagall.

Love the end paragraph.

This story makes me GRIN

Tashie (as a break from habit, I am going to do this backwards.) ox

"I, Harry James Potter-Evans-Verres, do now claim this territory in the name of Science."

Sir, Mr. Author, as far as I'm concerned you just won at life.

BTW, I'm on chapter 6 and I can already say this is better than the original.

I don't normally read fanfiction anymore, let alone harry potter fanfiction, but i got linked to this off tv tropes.

And my god am I glad I did. I wasn't particularly happy with the whole "eleven year old genius/only sane man" concept, partly cause harry seemed like an insufferable fool. But then I realised: This isn't standard harry potter. You've taken an Ender Wiggin esque character and placed him into the harry potter universe...and it works.

Bravo.

"Possibility two: He'd be taking over the world."

This is me crying with laughter. Everything about this story is *perfect* 3

Poor, poor McGonagall. I'm sure that she was wishing she had sent Snape or Pompfrey or Sprout.

"I think I should perhaps be alarmed that you have trouble answering the question whether you're trying to take over the world."

Yes, he'd be taking over the world. Perhaps not right away. That sort of thing did sometimes take longer than two months. Muggle science hadn't gone to the moon in the first week after Galileo.

I, Harry James Potter-Evans-Verres, do now claim this territory in the name of Science.

And what exactly happened in Potions store?

"Stop," McGonagall said. Harry stopped. He had just been about to point out that at least they knew the Dark Lord wouldn't attack, since he was dead.

An interesting coincidence. McGonagall prevented Harry from saying that the Dark Lord was dead.

McGonagall to Harry Potter

Sometimes you just don't seem eleven years old or even all that human.

So, are you going to reveal later that Harry isn't a usual human? Animagus wouldn't be enough, McGonagall is an Animagus and she is a human.

"It is very curious indeed that you should be destined for this wand when its brother why, its brother gave you that scar."

Is there anything special about wands-brothers? What does brotherhood mean for wands? The wands are inanimate objects, aren't they?

"I'm joking, Professor McGonagall," "Of course you are, Mr. Potter." Aw crap.

If the Dark Lord was dead, McGonagall wouldn't be that calm, she would be asking Harry Potter: Why are you making up all these dreadful things?

"Well then, Professor McGonagall, it sounds like I have something you want. You can, if you like, tell me the truth, the whole truth, and in return I will keep your secrets. Or you can try to keep me ignorant so you can use me as a pawn, in which case I will owe you nothing." "How dare you!" "How dare you!" "You would blackmail me?"

"I am offering you a favor. I am giving you a chance to keep your precious secret. If you refuse I will have every natural motive to make inquiries elsewhere, not to spite you, but because I have to know! Get past your pointless anger at a child who you think ought to obey you, and you'll realize that any sane adult would do the same! Look at it from my perspective! How would you feel if it was YOU?"

What kind of secrets Harry Potter means here? I don't understand it... He threatens to go and tell other people that the Dark Lord isn't dead? Or what?

"I hadn't planned to ask. This has been an exhausting day, Mr. Potter. Can we get your trunk, and send you home? I will trust you not to speak upon this matter until I have had time to think. Keep in mind that there are only two other people in the whole world who know about this matter, and they are Headmaster Albus Dumbledore and Professor Severus Snape."

And the other people knowing about this matter are Voldemort himself and probably some of his Death Eaters.

"So now I've got to find some way to kill an immortal Dark Wizard," Harry said, and sighed in frustration. "I really wish you had told me that before I started shopping."

And what would that change?

"kill an immortal": an oxymoron? It depends upon definitions of immortal, kill and death.

"I was very impressed with you today, I should have remembered to compliment you out loud, I was awarding you points in my head and everything."

"Thank you, Mr. Potter, If you had already been Sorted into a House I would have deducted so many points that their grandchildren would still be losing the House Cup." "Thank you, Minerva."

Professor McGonagall as a "potential collaborator" may point

out two shortcomings in the logic and that leaping to conclusion has left one false assumption.

First, that the same principles should not consider Harry as an participant, that the insertion of purchases for healing pack and other items is not part of the fault and that any lack of planning be solely McGonagall, is inconsistent with the claim of collaboration. One must admit responsibility for one's own actions and their effects in the larger scheme. One has to wonder indeed that Harry has not worked with McGonagall but instead spent effort at circumventing controls and now trying to make some point so his own behaviour is that "getting the job done" was less important than taking control and putting her down.

Second, reasoning from the single event to be the same as the general situation and draw a broad conclusion is both too few examples and too narrow a focus to draw such conclusion from. Consider the many goals and considerations along with or above this goal led to this momentary irritation, and that more factors than mentioned should play a larger role in such a conclusion. Consider whether collaboration depends more on trust or predictability, as well as whether there is a *want* to collaborate with unknown goals or someone who expects perfection and trust of others but not himself.

Lastly, this leap to conclusions instead of asking further has left an untested assumption that Harry knew all the conditions. Included in this is that McGonagall could not or would not have other alternative means to get the job done. Whether McGonagall would have made good the difference, or haggled the man down, or have sold Harry's signatures he now will never know. And considering the recent war, the meaning of "no matter what" would allow assaulting the clerk or indeed leaving Harry's own lifeless body on the floor.

"I had a pet rock once. It died."

Okay, that was the point where you had me. I have to read the rest now. Thanks a lot.

I just started reading it, and it seems like a very interesting, original and hilarious fic so far. To be honest, I don't like HP fanfiction that mixes the "real" and "magical" worlds together much. For example, I've read certain fics where Harry uses real-world weapons (sniper rifles, etc.) to kill Voldemort. I find that it sort of ruins the fun as I very much prefer epic fantasy stories and magic.

However, this fic seems different from anything I've read up till now. Rather than bringing in real-world technology, Harry instead uses scientific knowledge and methods to analyze the magical world. That's definitely an interesting perspective and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of it :)

Well, as you can clearly see, I only read up to chapter 6 by now, but I'm entirely fascinated. While it might not be sane for a eleven-year-old to act as Harry does, I enjoy it. Greatly. The jokes are spot on and the theories presented for various problems about science vs magic are stimulating.

So: Thanks for writing this. Thanks for presenting a logical viewpoint of magical Britain on this site. Thank you for a great story so far, and thank you that you still update it.

Well. It might not be completely sane to continue reading right now (3 am here), I will.

...and I might write another review when my emotions overwhelm me :) ... I usually don't write one before reading the whole plot, so I hope you enjoy my enthuasism...

I Hokuten Mage as of 07/01/2011 for the first time ever spread mi computer screen with soda while reading the next segment:

I Harry James Potter-Evans-Verres, do now claim this territory in the name of Science.

Lightning and thunder completely failed to flash and boom in the cloudless skies.

"What are you smiling about?" inquired McGonagall, warily and wearily.

"I'm wondering if there's a spell to make lightning flash in the background whenever I make an ominous resolution," explained Harry. He was carefully memorizing the exact words of his ominous resolution so that future history books would get it right.

"I have a distant feeling that I ought to be doing something about this," sighed McGonagall.

"Ignore it, it'll go away. Ooh, shiny!" Harry put his thoughts of world conquest temporarily on hold and skipped over to a shop with an open display, and Professor McGonagall followed.

So it's called the Planning fallacy, huh?I've actually done that I try to be optimistic once in a while and break the routine just to avoid self-fulfilling 's like balancing on a rope, should I be pessimistic and taunt reality or hope for the best? Quite frustrating, I never knew when I need one or the other. Hmmm...maybe I should call mine Rope Balancing ideology just for the heck of it. XD

I believe I quite like this Minerva McGonagall much more than I liked the original one! _ I can't wait to see how my views of the other characters change as I get further into this story.

Harry's observations of rationalism are great.

my lord. the Aftermath made this chapter. I love this version of Harry, absolutely adore it. doesn't hurt that my sister keeps giving me odd looks whenever i laugh out loud. rather hysterically at times, too.

You *almost* oversold Harry's rant to McGonagall. Typically, my issues with this sort of story is the tendency to create superpowered!Harry, who is boring and predictable; and he usually starts off by dismissing all authority figures, even clever ones. In the previous chapter, you saved him by making Draco just as clever, and willing to play along; in this chapter, you saved him by having him be literally sick at his own audacity. But you got a lot closer than in previous chapters to making me roll my eyes at Harry and dismiss him purely as a bastion of incoherent rantiness and self-righteousness.

Harry'd already heard there was a war and that his parents died in said war, but he made light of death in front of people who had recently experienced it, even if he was regretful directly after. In other words, he was careless because he thought he was being funny. This makes it seem as though McGonagall is right not to trust Harry entirely, to assume that he is a child with a child's understanding of the world, no matter how clever.

McGonagall's decision not to trust Harry with the full story later in this chapter doesn't seem to stem from an excessive distrust of either Harry or children, even if she uses this as a ready excuse at first: no one knows the full story save she, Snape, and Dumbledore, as she point out later; it is 'secret'. Harry the rationalist should also know that in no way does she 'owe' him the truth as she sees it. (Why should she?) It should be his responsibility to discover the truth, not McGonagall's responsibility to hand it to him.

Forgive my own rantiness, here: this is a pet peeve of mine in this sort of story, I guess. The back-in-time!Harry, dark!Harry, bright!Harry... they all behave similarly when confronted with adult authority. They want every adult's plans laid bare to them, when those other characters probably don't tell *anyone* the full extent of their plans, and their plans aren't 'owed' to Harry. In every case, Harry assumes he is being kept out of the loop for malicious reasons, and usually whinges about how he's mature and resourceful and thoughtful enough to handle anything.

Which is hard to buy, because that tune is played on repeat by angsting teens everywhere.

-K

I'm impressed with this: I really hope that how magic works (and how that bag works in general) will be answered eventually.

I also find Harry's vocabulary strange: surreal? this isn't a word that is going to come up in most science, math etc. books, more a word you use in english class. This isn't just about intellegence - he is smart fine, but using that word, makes him seem older in experience too.

Yeah. I couldn't be friends with someone like that. It's like he's performing a vivisection. His verbal abuse is like a physical pain to me.

I'm interested in seeing how you treat his personal growth and future interactions. He has some complexity to him.

I discovered this work from a link on the Bob the Angry Flower website. I have seen the movies, but I haven't ready the Harry Potter books.

I'm up to chapter 7 of this remarkable work and I'm was reminded of a line from Futurama where Al Gore (as himself) introduces himself saying, "My fellow Earthicans, as I discuss in my book Earth In The Balance and the much more popular Harry Potter And The Balance Of Earth, we need to defend our planet against pollution. As well as dark wizards." The joke being that coaching ideas in popular culture can get a point across much more effectively then doing it in a straight forward manner.

In this world rationality is something that sorely needs to spread much further then it has. Our school system hasn't done a good job of that, leaving it trapped in science class. This story is the kind of thing that could allow rationality to spread. It could change the world.

i haven't finished this chapter, but i had this revelation that i absolutely needed to share based on the last bit of the first part. ie:

Possibility two: He'd be taking over the world.

...

But Harry still couldn't stop the huge smile that was stretching his cheeks so wide they were starting to hurt.

...

"Ignore it, it'll go away. Ooh, shiny!"

it took me a minute to stop laughing once i said it out loud, but this is like jayne cobb meets artemis fowl. i love it. look forward to reviewing more in the future :D

~cd

A meeting of intellectuals- Harry will meet his contemporary.

Another serious hint about something that hasn't been revealed by Ch 63. Though subtle here, when combined with Ch 58 it is quite strong. Well done.

The girl's and McGonagall's reactions were too strong I think. Over 10 years since the war ended and they are still that affected by thinking about death?

I have GREATLY enjoyed your story so far. I especially liked the scene where Harry was weighing in his head which reasons he could give that would lead to failures. I hope that there will be more scenes like that in the future~! :)

Solid approach to th problem, Harry.

(This story is awesome.)

"I had a pet rock once. It died." Shouldn't that be pet RAT?

I hadn't thought of it before, but most of my favorite Harry moments involve him utterly flabbergasting an adult with some reasoned argument or cutting remark. Unfortunately, it was never a major part of his personality, just one that was fun to watch when it showed up. It's interesting to see him recast with that sort of wit as a primary trait. He even does it without being mean, whereas the original Harry's wit was used to cut people down as much as to actually get what he wanted.

I required a conscious suspension of disbelief for just how rational, brilliant, well-read, and quick-thinking this incarnation of Harry was at only eleven. However, the more I read the more other, more humanizing traits are coming through. I won't say the character is getting more believable, but I'm certainly getting more willing to suspend my disbelief, which is actually a higher compliment of the writing.

Bravo.

"I'm sure of nothing, Mr. Potter. If I consider your whole person, then in all my life I've never met anyone else like you. Sometimes you just don't seem eleven years old or even all that human."

I'm afraid I have to agree with McGonagall here. Your story is well-written, and it's clear that you understand and love the principles of rationality that Harry espouses.

But...

He's not human. Or likeable. Or even someone you can root for. He's a little computer, processing data around him based on scientific principles, and seemingly lacking a consciousness of his own. If you asked your Harry *what it was like* to be human, or to experience love or beauty, he would not be able to answer. I'm not saying that there are definitive answers to these questions - only that Harry's robotic little mind would not be able to understand them in the same way that the rest of us do. He would cite a study. He's just not recognizably human.

Perhaps this is addressed later in the story; I'll read a little further just in case. But despite the comic elements present here, it's clear that you're valorizing Harry's worldview at the expense of the 'real,' though flawed, humans around him. That's problematic, because there is something deeply, disturbingly wrong with the kid - and I dont want to read a story about a robot.

That said, this is a very original story and the remarkable intelligence behind it is obvious. I tip my hat to the attempt to do something new in the fandom.

Chapter 6 is a brilliant and emotionally charged piece of writing. I had just a few problems.

Unfortunately, the paragraph starting "Harry stared at her in puzzlement. That was a self-evident axiom" is long enough that it might cause the reader to skip over it in self-defense. This is a pity since

a) it deflates the emotional tension and

b) it is one of the important rationality tracts and

c) it introduces the planning fallacy, which crops up again later.

You also have the spelling error 'anticpated' five-sixths of the way down the chapter.

"Possibility one: Magic was so incredibly opaque, convoluted, and impenetrable, that even though wizards and witches had tried their best to understand, they'd made little or no progress and eventually given up; and Harry would do no better.

Possibility two: He'd be taking over the world."

An interesting piece of foreshadowing here, with Harry setting up this false dichotomy. He conveniently ignores both the possibility that it's all controlled by a computer in Atlantis which needs certain keys, and the possibility that magic REALLY IS that arbitrary and you need to stir a potion six times clockwise and three times counterclockwise on monday to get it to do what you want.

I was still a teenager when I read the potter books, pretty much when they first came out, and I remember being extremely disappointed that we never get told ANYTHING about arithmancy. I couldn't understand why anybody would choose 'divination' or 'care of magical creatures' over something that sounded so interesting. Harry's little bookshop outburst here reminded me of that.

I'll also note that every time I read this fic, I notice Harry's black rages happening a bit earlier. And I realise they've been in there from the start. And there's all sorts of hints which suggest you have the general skeleton of this all planned out very far in advance.

Also, reading again for the purposes of reviewing, I realise just how much drama is in this chapter. It could have easily been split into two or three shorter ones, or each drama-cluster could have been fleshed out into a chapter of its own. Not that it's a bad thing, having condensed awesomeness.

Superb chapter on the whole.

This chapter was way more serious than the previous five. I had grown accustomed to having humor and some drama in the chapters. It was also much longer than previous chapters. Once I started it was very intense. I liked it. We even got a heads up for he Hogwarts Express and a meeting with Hermoine.

-Melverne

I am at chapter 6 right now. And sort of angry at you that you didn't write an original novel instead.

But then again, if you had, I don't know if I would have read it. The amount of good literature out there that I haven't read would fill out ships I guess.

Will write another reply when am done (Most likely) but this story is really pulling me in on almost its own merits. Its too good to be just a derivative.

Daniel Radcliffe recently demonstrated that he's qualified to play this Harry as well.

watch?vrSAaiYKF0cs

"I see," said Dumbledore. "Thank you for your report."

...FUCKING. BRILLIANT.

heaven help hogwarts here comes harry

Harry's Fundamental Attribution Error

I am really enjoying this fanfic, in some ways more than the original, but something kept bothering me about it. I finally figured out what it is. In chapter 6, Harry is guilty of the Fundamental Attribution Error himself, when he asks whether McGonagall is a potential collaborator or obstacle.

"If an adult thinks that being superior to me, above me, getting obedience from me, is the most important thing to them, than they will be an obstacle." That seems true enough, certainly. But only if getting obedience is the entire motive.

Harry saw McGonagall try to control his spending and thought, "What an authoritarian person." He didn't consider that her story made internal sense to her. McGonagall knows that she is legally responsible for Harry, and when he reaches majority, he had better be more or less sane, educated, physically sound, and still wealthy, or it will BE HER FAULT. Having responsibility without authority is a terrible situation, and trying to defend herself from that is completely reasonable.

Since she only met Harry the day before, it was also reasonable to assume that sudden wealth and fame might throw Harry off-balance, like it would almost anyone else, and offer well-meant guidance while he found his new equilibrium. The fact that the two of them didn't agree, or that her assumptions weren't correct, didn't necessarily mean she was an obstacle. It meant they had more to learn about each other. It would have been better if she had recognized her assumption and tested it, sure, but I think it was forgivable that she didn't. Testing assumptions regularly is a good idea. Testing them every single time is inefficient.

I do not consider this a serious flaw in the re-imagined Harry. He hasn't been presented as perfect, and he would be boring if he were. I do think it would be cool if he figured this out later, whether or not he tells anyone else.

ya know i think i really hate harry potter now

well this harry anyway

I didn't much care for Rich Cook's version of this story.

I think HJPEV is the first character I've read that has the same preparedness tendencies I do. Reading this chapter was amazingly validating. I kept thinking, "Yes! Exactly!"

*insert greeting*

*insert introduction*

Okay I'm not really far into this story -yet- but this IS the best read of 2010 for me so far! Why?

Got a friend; social work student, discordian and an all over happy little shitfuck with a finish cheat for life. He lived with me for five days last month. THE most brainstorming five days since I was 16 and was sent to a youth cenctre...with bars in front of the windows...

It's like the first time reading an english story for me.(not my first language)

Every few paragraphs you have to look up something either in the dictionary or the internet. Great!

Since this is your only Story: Faved Author!

*insert farwell*

Alex

Oh. I really hope this isn't going to end up as a Dumbledore bashing...I realize though that there may very well be some discord between him and this Harry...

I'm nervous now. ;)

"I had a pet rock once. It died."

I know the feeling. I only have a cat because we own her jointly and she meows when she wants to be fed.

Fabulous stuff, anyway. Loving all the geeky references - AD&D, Tom Lehrer! Also like very much your take on Harry's character, particularly the lightning flashes when he makes an ominous resolution, and being mistaken for a Slytherin...

On second thought, yeah, why not simply ask Rowling for permission and publish for money. Not that she'd be likely to give one, I guess...

Good things

"With respect, Mr. Potter, I'm quite sure I don't. Unless - this is just a guess, mind - you're trying to take over the world?"

"No! I mean yes - well, no!"

"Technology isn't the same thing as science at all". Quite.

Sore loser.

"Important problem". Even more quite.

"Lightning" - quite hilarious.

Amazing conversation with McGonagall on medical kits.

Planning fallacy. Really, I don't think there's any better vehicle of teaching people about cognitive biases than this.

"MG told him to think before he spoke... wouldn't remember this tomorrow". Say what? In the light of his lecture to Weasley brothers later on?

Pet rock. Hilarious again.

Abused - there is some possible hint here , but I know I won't get any, so whatever :). Is it the dark side?

Sirius Black. The Dark Lord. Boy, I forgot how good this chapter was.

The dark side on.

Minerva is going a bit too much.

Top of the heap, nice. 1 point even more nice.

Number two position - hilarious again.

BTW, at this rate I won't get to chapter 49 for quite some time, but it is quite clear that Quirrell can't be Voldemort, given he turned into a snake, that would be way too strong indicator of evilness. I'd now bet Dumbledore.

"Tenorman Chili," Squeamish?

Oh, worse than that, it's "Tenorman's family chili." And that's terrible, and awesome.

But more aobut Chapter 6, there's this:

"The best way to get out [of Azkaban] would be to not go there in the first place."

I was not aware dude wanted us to let him know we're seeing the hints, or what we thought were hints, or I would have mentioned this and others previously. Of course, now there have been more chapters with more information with which to elaborate the original guess.

Speculation:

Sirius Black is not in Azkaban because he did not go there.

Instead, he put a lasting charm on Pettigrew that made Pettigrew look like Black. Pettigrew can't dispell it either because he'll die or because that will implicate his involvement in the whole mess.

Further, he realized he was totally screwed, and that's why he was laughing his aft off when the Auror's showed up. That's also why the whole thing is hush-hush.

Black then turned into a dog and has been living with a Light-side wizarding family ever since, in hiding.

Black and Pettigrew developed these charms during their relationship as either a "see the way I live and we'll be even closer" or some kind of crazy-wacky-gumby-kinky thing that only young people come up with.

I don't normally review things, but in this case the author specifically said he appreciated them a lot.

I just wanted to say that all the rationality stuff aside, this story comes as close to reflecting my emotional experience of childhood as anything else I have ever read. In many places it really nails it, and this chapter is one of the most true-to-life. Not just the aspects of what it is like to be gifted and isolated, although those are dead on, but just the general experience of adults behaving in wholly mystifying ways and never explaining themselves.

The fact that this is being done through the medium of Harry Potter fan fiction is just awesome.

When I look back and examine my emotional memories of being a child, I turn up feelings of seething anger, and hatred towards many adults, that I just don't feel nowadays towards anybody, but which are an awful lot like what the Harry in this story experiences. Even the specific incidents Harry describes feel familiar.

For the record, though, _I_ never bit any math teachers. In retrospect, though, maybe I should have.

Great chapter

Wow so there's something wrong with Harry, i wonder what it is. Great chapter Less Wrong! I love the way you put harry ambitious in a comical way and the way he try to figure magic using logic,

Wow, this section is chock full of plot bunnies! I wonder how many of them are foreshadowing.

These first six chapters were… somewhat disturbing. "Your" Harry can be creepy sometimes !

I don't know what will ensue, but it may be interesting. I'm eager to see how will you deal with "muggle science" overlapping with "magic science".

And thank you for giving me a good reason to read in english !

"Like that's the only reason anyone would ever buy a first-aid kit? Don't take this the wrong way, Professor McGonagall, but what sort of crazy children are you used to dealing with?"

"Gryffindors," spat Professor McGonagall, the word carrying a freight of bitterness and despair that fell like an eternal curse on all youthful heroism and high spirits.

Throughout this fic I've loved your take on all the Houses, but especially Gryffindor. You show such a great range of good and bad people and qualities, and this exchange really drove that home for me. Great writing.

Excellent chapter. I love the line "I, Harry James Potter-Evans-Verres, do now claim this territory in the name of Science."

Re-reading this chapter. I'm always deeply appreciative of people who have skills I don't possess. I love the amazing characterization and the amazing way you show the characters thinking. Showing the process of thought without killing the story seems to me a very difficult task, which not all authors can do well.

Thanks again for writing!

hmm i like

I wasn't quite sure about this to begin with - in particular the switch of Petunia's husband - but I'm very glad I carried on. The whole Diagon Alley sequence was superb. It made me giggle and giggle. Excellent story thus far, especially for this line:

"World domination is such an ugly phrase. I prefer to call it world optimization."

I wonder if should bow to you as some sort of god. Cause that was epic. And the aftermath at the end was just icing on the cake.

*sniggers* Is Harry trying to take over the world? Eh ... that sounds like a question more directed to the Horcrux piece in him than anything, especially when he couldn't answer yes or no to her question. And then he really thinks about it. Oh dear. Imagine what kind of questions people would have to endure if Harry did take over the world.

Yes, Mcgonagall. Be afraid of what Harry is thinking.

""I'm wondering if there's a spell to make lightning flash in the background whenever I make an ominous resolution," explained Harry. He was carefully memorizing the exact words of his ominous resolution so that future history books would get it right.

"I have a distant feeling that I ought to be doing something about this," sighed McGonagall." - Yes, he is far worse than the Dark Lord in this aspect.

*sniggers* McGonagall might consider burning the Sorting Hat. .;)

O.o ... the way he blackmailed McGonagall, I have to say, it sounds a LOT like Tom. It does make one wonder if things were different for Harry, could he have actually turned into a second Tom Riddle? Hm ... Food for thought.

Very, very Slytherin indeed. Especially that scene in the trunk store ...

"The Death Eater Eaters" - *giggles* And I do think it is far too early to call her Minny. Far too early. She'd flip and place him in detention for the rest of his years at Hogwarts.

Ohhh, now I wonder who that voice belongs to.

~Serp

It was almost too much, but I loved Minerva loosing her speech.

(In reference to the Aftermath) Ah, the good ole 'Goldfish Assessment'. Heh heh.

"Possibility two: He'd be taking over the world." -ahahahah))))

I tried I did. This a really funny story, but the rest of it makes my head hurt. Way too science-y for me. Sorry I couldn't hold off the migraine to finish it

this story is wonderful, hilarious, and awesome!

I can't help myself from responding dude... That you're a riot. Thanks for being awesome and making me laugh a lot

Wow. This is awesome. Scientific Genius Harry is definitely one the most amusing ideas i have ever stumbled across. I guess he needs to work on his people skills though, but the thing with Draco in Madam Malkins was pure genius. Wow.

Ugh, I actually sympathize with Harry's mom about the frying pan thing. I tend to think that way too... but I have OCD, so a lot of times the result to avoid ISN'T that scenario happening, but rather that my mind gets stuck on the idea of that unlikely scenario happening, and not being able to let go.

I'm sorry for my rambling sentences. XD

Have you ever read the Artemis Fowl series? Harry reminds me a lot of the villainous child genius protagonist... mostly because of his personality, but also because of the circumstances surrounding him (namely, getting introduced to magic and coming up with the logics governing this new world, then exploiting it).

I like what you've done with Harry's family. He has a good life at home, much better than the canon Harry Potter's, but he *was* abused in a way, wasn't he? Or if not abused, than at the least raised so that he had some problems dealing with social and emotional problems... It's interesting how you've made his strength (his logic and knowledge) also his weakness, so far.

(Edit: the above was written before I read the conversation between McGonagall and Harry regarding abuse. So now I have no idea about his childhood. XD)

Ooh, I love Harry's inner dialogue regarding getting his way with other people (namely, McGonagall). So deliciously manipulative. 3

The scene with Harry trying to throw up, though, really drives home the point that he's not naturally manipulative, he's doing it deliberately, and he's really just scared. He may want to be treated as an adult but I think he still subconsciously wishes for that childish naivety he never was allowed by adults nor his own mind...

I gotta say, there's this whole Wesley Crusher thing about Harry that makes you want to punch his face in, but at the same time, when you start to visualize him as a much older person in a young person's body, it's easier to understand. The way you portray him is incredibly interesting and even though I know I'm a lot stupider than Harry (and probably you) the story is still enjoyable.

I'm not the smartest guy out there, nor am I a idiotic git. I can see some things that no one else would think, and yet I was so oblivious that I never realized I got stolen a neckless by a guy I was talking face to face with. You're story is full of logic and theories that are hard to wrap my head around and understand, so it's a real challange for me. But that's another demension of my character.

I love challanges...

ooh so why did she tell harry to look out for hermione on the train hmm

I am absolutely loving this! Harry's charactor is very real and very funny. I have been a maths lecturer and had exceptionally bright groups so this seems very real to me!

Wow, I'm actually reveiwing two chapters in a row. that's a first.

Just wanted to say I've been waiting for that argument coming from harry for a long time. kudos for being the one to write it.

Overall, I do love the story so far. Very well-written, very clever, I'll certainly read to the end.

But it will not stop bothering me how VERY out of character Harry is. As much as you (the author) love rationalism and science, you must know that it is incredibly, incredibly unlikely that the same genetic person raised in a different environment would turn out to be a super-genius and mathematical prodigy rather than simply having slightly above-average intelligence. Environment does play a key role in all this, but genetics do as well, and Harry would still be the son of James and Lily Potter no matter how he was raised after they died. The family is smart and brave, but there is no evidence that they could produce someone like this, or that Harry had this potential. Not to mention the other personality characteristics - if Harry were capable of being this cold and calculating, we would have seen at least a BIT of that after he was raised in an abusive environment. At this point in the story, it seems as though he'll be incapable of forming true friendships - and somehow the same person wound up that way after a perfectly fine upbringing, but not after being raised by the Dursleys? And don't give me that "super-genius isolation" business. People with an IQ of 180 do tend to have social problems stemming from thinking too differently from other people, but it doesn't always manifest like this. Again, he'd have to have the genetic predisposition toward this type of personality, and we've had no evidence for that.

All things considered, this would work better as an Artemis Fowl/HP crossover. He's certainly acting far more like Artemis than Harry.

I have been thoroughly enjoying this fiction. I always wondered how Miles Vorkosigan would do in the place of Harry Potter, and thank you very much for letting me know. I hope to enjoy the rest of the story just as much.

I'm sorry I don't have more to say.

Grammar error:

In no imaginable world would Harry have just went "Hm"

It should be "have gone" instead of "have went"; the intervening "just" does not change that. But the use of the verb "go" to mean "say" isn't very good either.

In no imaginable world would Harry have just said "Hm"

Yes, I'm a Language Martinet.

I am enjoying the story thus far. It came highly recommended by Eric Raymond:

?p2100

I'd say deservedly so.

Finally dear scott.

Ok I have to say this. While it was funny and extremely entertaining. YOu should have ended the visit to diagon 2 CHAPTERS AGO!

This is beautiful. I would recommend this to anyone who likes the scientific method, including those who have never heard the name "Harry Potter" before in their lives.

And I would guess, based on the "Aftermath" of this chapter, that Dumbledore has been paying attention (to Harry's life).

I'm incredibly amazed and impressed at just how literal and logical you make Harry, a complete juxtaposition from the original character. I love how you had Harry interact with Draco as well, it was a very witty bit of repartee. All in all, I'm delighted that I stumbled upon this story and can't wait to see what else you've conjured up -pun intended.

I wonder though, will Harry's temperament issues play a larger role later on? They seem like an important piece of his personality. I wonder too, how he'll get along with Snape.

Loved Harry's little Slytherin speech. Well-played.

Such awesome crazy craziness.

Cold hard logic at it's best.

Now I understand the warning on the first page about how the main character's thoughts might not be correct at it sounds despite how it was presented with logic based on evidence. And for that this makes a very realistic and good fic.

I'm loving this.

Genius!

One of your parents must be a scientist and the other being a comedian! :P

Continuing to love Harry. He is like so many little kids I have known. Not necessarily inthe genius category, but the attitude, the inner dialogue, it's all just lovely. I like him as a brat, setting people up as he did with Draco, and it's obvious why McGonagall is such a wreck. I empathize with her so much! And yet this chapter allowed for so much heart.

*giggles then does maniacal laughter* Cool. And I wonder how much is fridge brillance *cough* You-Know-Who in his head *cough* And how much is actually the character Harry would become if his life mirrored one you presented to us.

I like your story, it's got an interesting way of conveying descriptions that fanfiction ain't known for. The humor is also actually humorous.

But I cannot get past your excessive emphasis through italics. You use it so much it's lost meaning. It's annoying seeing so many words "stressed". I've heard this opinion shared by other authors and readers before, for their own reasons I'm not privy to, but I'll venture my own take: every once in a while I see a word indicated with additional 'umph' and I go, "Okay, that guy was especially worked up right now." But when I see every 4th word italicized or bolded or _DONE_ "LIKE" *THIS* I imagine one of those fucking assholes I meet in real life that think of themselves as some dramatic force, enthusing about everything with a ridiculous tone that grates on my nerves like a cheese-grater dragging on my supple flesh.

You don't need to do that! We can imagine the conversations just fine. Don't try cramming how you feel the conversation will flow or how their voices will enunciate down our throats.

Now any more criticism may start sounding harsher than I intend, so I'm just going to stop here.

Love the story, hope you keep improving.

This is fantastic. LOVE IT. And the shout out to the Discworld was great! Harry has his own Luggage - can we anticipate a few people being eaten?

Poor Minerva. Really!

I'm actually up to chapter 26, but I'm re-reading the story now. I have to say that this chapter is one of the very best chapters in the entire story. Harry's interactions with Professor McGonagall in the sum of the story so far have led to some of amazing insights into both characters. After the chilling interaction Harry has with Quirrel in chapter 26, I'd like to humbly request some more McGonagall time to offset the horror of that chapter. McGonagall is the only character in the story that it seems that Harry could trust, respect, and learn from but is not, you know, murderous and evil. She's managed to leaven bits of his cold side with her wisdom, humanity, and empathy towards others, which this Harry lacks all too often. We have spent a large portion of the story with Harry dominant over other characters, especially with his experiments with Draco and his challenge to the Weasley twins. It's time for Harry to learn something new, or have his perspective shifted, and as a reader I desperately want him to learn something of that nature from McGonagall's pool of knowledge. I also think it's a good time in the story to again address that something is *wrong* with Harry, and he does have a dark side along with a disturbing lack of foresight of some of the truly terrible consequences of his more grandiose actions.

Absolutely brilliant. This is better than Harry Potter itself.

Dear Less Wrong:

Okay, after 4,000 reviews and I don’t know how many favoritings, I’m sure you’re not about to rewrite this story based on what I say here. But I’ll say it anyway, because it ought to be on record somewhere.

As has been noted by many (including, if memory serves, myself), what makes this story good is the striking originality of its portrait of Harry as a sort of magical Jason Fox. So long as you stick with this idea (and occasionally add fascinating little twists on it, such as this chapter’s suggestion that the canon Harry is buried somewhere inside our little savant after all), the story is delightful, refreshing, and potentially even profound. Unfortunately, I can’t help noticing that you don’t always stick with it.

Let me explain. As anyone knows who has studied Harry Potter ff in some detail, there are certain traditions in the AU world – certain schools, one might almost call them. There are the Dumbledore Bashers, who delight in making Harry into a vengeful little creep so he can give the adults in his life what for; there’s the New Marauders Movement, for whom Harry and his friends are at their best as a troupe of merry pranksters, like James and his friends before them; and, of course, there are all the various schools built around non-canon romantic pairings (Dramione, Snarry, etc.). Now, it is the particular glory of *this* story to belong to none of these schools, since its most valuable characteristic is its utter uniqueness – yet the scene at Madam Malkin’s in chapter 5 could have fit quite comfortably into a New Marauders story, and the last few paragraphs of this chapter are a Dumbledore Basher’s dream come true. This is as depressing as anything I’ve seen on this site in a long time; it suggests that you yourself haven’t grasped what you have here, and are letting yourself be influenced by the tropes of the genre instead of reinventing it the way you ought to be doing.

Now, maybe I’m overreacting. I’ve only read six chapters, and you’ve written twenty-five so far; for all I know, you’ve long since seen this danger and steered away from it. But I wanted to get that off my chest, all the same.

Sincerely,

Qoheleth

P.S.: Oh, before I forget: Harry *is* going to end up in Slytherin, right? (Because, if he doesn’t, either I’m a poor judge of character or the Sorting Hat is.)

hi

just finished reading up untill the end of chapter 6

half way through the first chapter i was very weary of this story and didnt think i would continue with reading it

i am very thankful i did i have just got into the story and loved chapters 5 and 6 and youve got me hooked untill the end now

however i noticed when referring to Azkaban in 6 that you mentioned the line "The best way to get out would be to not go there in the first place."

this to me seems like your setting it up for harry to evade capture/being taken there in future or whatever

even if this line was unintentional please can you clear up this plot whole in future for him avoiding azkaban or not

if you put this line in intentionally with the plan on having harry avoid azkaban i doff my cap to you for brilliant writing in plot points early - i have never noticed something like this in fanfiction before (at least i dont think i have)

it is always a wonderful feeling when reading a book and having a majkor plot pointing come to fruition and realising you picked up on the giveaway earlier in the story

hopefully my review is as understandable as your brilliant story (i tend to write by cramming all of my ideas onto a page with no planning and running order - meaning very unreadable)

Thanks

Gareth

While I'm pedanting... Harry was asked to take some thing back to "a neighbor two blocks down". Ignoring Milton Keynes (and most people try to) there's nowhere uses block layout to any significant extent, and no Briton would describe a distance in terms of blocks even in Milton Keynes. "Two streets away" or an actual distance like "half a mile away" would be more likely.

And of course, all Harrys neighbours would have a U in them!

I figure the fic will proceed to explain Harry's opinion on suppressed memory and why it's impossible, but in case it doesn't, I ought to mention something.

Suppressed memories are very real. I once managed to suppress my memories of a particular sequence of events to a point where, when I did remember them again years later, I had lost the sense of exactly when each event had happened, and in what order, and a good chunk of time between them. I was frankly a little shocked that such a thing was actually possible.

In the interest of continuing research, can you point me to studies that claim what Harry believes?

That said, your fic is...well, it makes me incredibly happy just to know it exists, and much more to read it! I can feel my brain fizz in that lovely way that happens so rarely, and I think you just brought me back to HP fic-dom, so thank you and I apologise for the brief derailing.

Wow, what great characterization! You don't have a marry sue stomping around mouthing at people, you have a brilliant character (I don't mean intelligence, though that applies too)! Truly wonderful.

Ooohh Shiny!...

Lightning flashing with ominous thunder in the background!

LOVE IT!

Should we be scared?

Aw, crap.

Indeed.

What an amazing chapter. And I like how you've added some very human elements to your sort of super-intelligent!Harry. He has paranoid fears, feelings of estrangement and isolation, and he desperately wants to be taken seriously.

And those rants of his that are so hilarious are realistic too. I have a 22 year old near genius son who can understand amazing amounts of scientific things, but has a really hard time interfacing with normal people. And he rants JUST LIKE THAT!

Hmmmmmm ... I'm not sure how I feel about Harry. I enjoyed his wit when he was just playing around, but this adult resentment reminds me of book 5 all too clearly - although thank goodness that he's rational here, at least. He makes excellent points, all of them, but ... I guess, reading this makes me realise that I have more of a humanist bent than a rationalist one, because I feel that Harry's so intent on making his very logical, rational points that he doesn't really see the person he's talking to. It's not surprising for him to feel oppressed by adults who refuse to acknowledge his intellect, but it seems that there is also a sense of superiority that comes with his ability to rationalise better than others. He seems to talk down to McGonagall and tries to beat in his points with a cudgel - no wonder he hasn't ever had any luck before. A great many respect points to McGonagall for conceding so gracefully.

I dont agree with your pick of the wand, you make it seem like he simply gets that wand because of what he is, and not who he is. His personality should play a role when a wand picks him, now he simply gets that wand because he's the BWL not HJPEV

This story is AWESOME.

Thanks for writing. Will continue reading. (Still trying out the aloof and cool mode of communicating).

-Mr. Cosmos