The Boy Who Never Was - A Harry Potter Fanfic

The early morning light streamed through the frosted windows of the Granger residence, casting dancing patterns on the hardwood floors. Today was the last day of Christmas break—a day filled with final preparations before we all departed for Platform 9 ¾. The house buzzed with excited chatter and the gentle clatter of hurried packing. In my own room, I was deep in concentration as I filled my expandable trunk with a veritable treasure trove of treats and tools.

I had spent the night before returning home from Diagon Alley, scouring Tesco for non-magical snacks: rows of chocolate bars, packs of chewing gum, crispy bags of chips, brightly colored lollypops, and generous servings of candied popcorn. Not to mention an assortment of jelly beans and boxes of gummy bears. These treats, though decidedly Muggle in origin, were irresistible in their simplicity.

Alongside the snacks, I had managed to score a few extra items from Tesco's hardware section—mundane, non-electric tools that work perfectly in any environment. I picked up around 10 or so iron crowbar's, a couple of sturdy hammers, a large assortment of nails and screws, a set of brand-new wrenches, plenty of metal hinges, and even an assortment of saws and screwdrivers. If that wasn't enough, on one of my "discreet" walks through the neighborhood, I also "acquired" some construction materials from one of the neighborhood construction sites.

I acquired a couple of sturdy wooden beams, a couple of 2x4 planks, a whole pallet of compressed sheet wood and Drywall, all the paint and random assortment of brushes that just happened to be lying around, a large pallet of bricks, some side paneling's, a cement truck that had been abandoned right in my path, oooh is this metal Junkyard?

.... huh, dejavu?

Like I said, I got issues.

Guess what? I learned a new trick while in the shower. 

I was taking a shower and you know how it feels during the winter right?

You let the water run for a bit until it warms up.

Well, I am not one to waste so I stored the falling water until I saw steam come out.

Later that day while doing the dishes, I decided to use the stored shower water but if shot out of my inventory like a low pressure shower head. 

This gave me an idea. 

What can I say?

The idea had merit and potential.

With everything meticulously arranged, my trunk was now bursting with snack's books, and a variety of other magical things (I couldn't fit everything so the rest were in my storage), I stepped into the hallway where the Granger household was already abuzz with activity.

Not long after I zipped up my trunk one last time, a Hermione's voice rang out from downstairs. "Sky! Dinner's ready!"

I bounded down the stairs and joined the family at the table, where the inviting aroma of Chinese takeout filled the air. Tonight, the Grangers had ordered our favorite takeout Chinese—especially my beloved Moo shoo pork. Platters of crispy spring rolls, savory dumplings, fragrant noodles, and generous servings of pork lined the table, making my stomach rumble in anticipation.

Between bites of tender pork and crunchy spring rolls, the conversation grew lively. Mrs. Granger, ever the tease, remarked, "Sky, are you sure you've packed enough to keep you going until you reach the Platform?"

I leaned back with a roguish grin. "Mum, my trunk is a veritable fortress of provisions. When we reach the station, I'll have enough snacks to sweet-talk half the Hogwarts student body."

Dan, Remembering the modest haul from Tesco, commented with a wry nod, "With how much you bought at Tesco, I'm not surprised."

What he didn't know was that what he saw was only a fifth of my full inventory—the rest having come courtesy of a generous five-finger discount.

After dinner, with the plates cleared and a warm glow settling over the room, the Grangers gathered in the living room for the Grangers Families traditional post-holiday board game session. Tonight's entertainment was Monopoly—a game that had evolved into a no-holds-barred contest of wit, strategy, and sometimes, downright treachery.

I spread out the colorful property deeds across the table and shuffled the cards with deliberate nonchalance. Without uttering a word about my secret method.

I began to purchase properties both from where I landed as well as buying certain properties from others. Typically at twice the rate it was purchased for. 

Emma's eyes looked worried for me. "Sky, why are you paying so much for a property you don't even have a set for? Your even offering me more than what I paid for it."

I offered a rakish smile. "What can I say, I want what I want." I said nonchalantly.

Dan who didn't seem to suspect a thing would just offer to sell whatever he wasn't currently make a set for.

The only suspicious one was Hermione.

By the time we reached mid-game, I had finally succeeded in collecting 1 of every set like I had planned.

Hermione who looked thoughtful was the first to present the first trade offer.

"Sky, seeing as you don't seem close to winning, why don't we form a truce? I will offer you Mediterranean Avenue to complete your Purple set for your St. James Place?"

I looked contemplative as a smirk formed.

"I agree if you add in Pacific Avenue." I counter-offered

Hermione looked annoyed. 

"That isn't a fair trade sky, I am offering you property for property. Your asking for 2 properties." 

I just looked at her with a pained expression.

"Hermione, you are asking for a complete set of properties worth way more than mine. The least you could do is add in Pacific avenue. Your not even working on that set."

Hermione seemed to think on it for a bit before she finally agreed.

At this, I began to commence with a stroke of deals.

Emma had agreed to trade her Pennsylvania Avenue for my Garden Marvin and 300 Dollars, and Dan offered me Park place for my States Avenue and Kentucky Avenue. Lastly, I traded Hermione The final railroad she needed and 500 dollars for Vermont and Connecticut.

It wasn't until 5 minutes in, the horror they had enabled.

Dan's usual spark was replaced by a heavy resignation. "I just can't seem to catch up..." he murmured, his voice tinged with dejection as his investments withered on the board.

Hermione's competitive spirit flared into full-blown anger. "Sky, this is outrageous! It's like you're purposely keeping us from winning!" she shouted, slamming her hand on the table.

I leaned back and smirked. "Well, that's exactly the point. When I had one property from every color, I become the gatekeeper. Every trade that was made had to eventually involve me. You may had initially thought you had the upper hand but in reality, I had the real monopoly."

Bitter murmurs filled the air as Emma's also started heating up. "Sky, this isn't fair! We're being forced into deals we never asked for."

"Hey, I never forced anything. I made the offer yes but I never forced you to shake the poor sinners hand."

Hermione's anger peaked. "You're turning Monopoly into a total farce! Every trade feels like a trap. You're running this game like a ruthless debt collector!"

I couldn't help but chuckle, my tone light and laced with humor. "Oh, Hermione, you really do have a way with words. But let me assure you, I'm simply playing a little advanced negotiation. If anything, I never forced you to trade with me. I even offered you monetary compensation did I not?"

After several rounds of heated bartering and frustrated sighs, the final hotels were built. One by one, desperate offers were made to avoid debt which I accepted on rare occasions.

A brief silence fell over the table as the reality set in. Emma's eyes filled with resignation, Dan's expression was a mask of depressed defeat, and Hermione's previous burning anger had been turned into smoldering embers of defeat.

I gathered the remaining Monopoly money and with a theatrical flourish and a wicked cackle that echoed around the room, I declared, "I, Sky Kingston, stand victorious! With every trade made on my terms, I now hold the entire corner. I am both the Slumlord as well as the Kingpin!"

Hermione glared at me, seething. "Sky, you're worse than any debt collector I've ever known." she murmured under her breath.

I laughed, the sound rich and triumphant. 

The room was thick with exasperation and bitter laughter. Every trade, every heated negotiation had left its mark—a mix of betrayed trust, shattered alliances, and a final, resounding victory for me.