I am confused as to why Quirrell/Voldemort would leave behind the false clue of the animagi potion. Revealing an escape mechanism that may prove usefull later doesn't make sense.
So now Amelia Bones changed the rules of visitation at Azkaban to prevent forming a new animagus. However, the prison is still vulnerable to an unregistered Animagus from escaping (unless they have detection methods?). Escape like this would still lead to a Sirius style manhunt unless a realistic corpse was left behind.
Interestingly, Sirius whom in this fiction is probably already escaped (how he did it un-noticed is beyond me) may have free run of Hogwarts. Per cannon, Pettigrew in animus form was not warded from Hogwarts proper. I wonder if Sirius's presence within the castle was the glitch Fred and George noted on the Marauder's Map in chapter 25. They noted two glitches, one intermittent and one permanent. Pettigrew's whereabouts if still indeterminant as well since he didn't hid in plain sight as Scabber in this fiction (perhaps his death wasn't faked this time).
It just occured to me that HRMOR strikes me as a bit similar in mode to Ender's Game in the way that Prof. Quirrell set Harry up right at the start to being "different and better" to isolate him and force him to excel. He caves a little with offering advice, support, and hints,; whereas Graff would have told Ender he would have to figure it out how to win or he'd find another special kid.
I'm somewhat surprised that Dumbledor didn't intervene, say with a side quest, to bind some friends and allies to Harry. Guess he likes what Quirrell brings to the table.
I really enjoy the deep game being played out in this story.
Hmmm, I did forget about that.
Still, magic items would be useful for any other hero quests that might come her way. Harry has certainly made full use of all the tools at his disposal outside of the battlegrounds.
I just thought of a potential tactical trick for any of the three acting Generals.
Also, too bad neither of the Weasley twins could have been recruited. (I'm not sure if the existence of the map is known to anyone besides the twins) The Marauder's Map would have been an ideal tool for any Army to outflank, deny ambush, and execute precisely timed manuevers.
Two Questions/Guesses
1) Prof. Quirrell pointed out that Harry was especially vulnerable to the "Finite Incantatem" spell (to removed his transfigured armor). How does the canon mechanics of this spell work from a tactical standpoint? Is it area of effect or targeted on a per spell basis? Can a weak 1st year dispel a casting done by Headmaster Dumbledor or does caster strength play a role in its effectivity? Depending on the answers, Harry's vulnerability could be mitigated by pure strength or recursive spell depth or minor covering spells to absorb the dispelling castings. 'Just saying. :)
2) In terms of world building, I wonder if Harry is considering that he's got good evidence of living in a "matrix style" simulation with the reality glitches that is the existence of magic. It seems to me like just so many reality "cheat codes", hence Harry's inability to derive underlying principles in the operation and physics of magic. Indeed, the whole hero/quest/prophecy shtick would also count heavily towards a simulation argument.
Prediction/Speculation:
The first half of the first year is over in HP MOR. Prof. Quirrell's degraded health and the Curse of the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor are looming larger.
I speculate that Voldemort/Quirrel'smotivation in breaking Bellatrix out of Azkaban is insurance for a new body/host in the near future. I imagine that a willing host is not only easier to possess but might enable him with more of his powers.
ch68:
Hermione is very much correct. If she wants to play the hero, she needs to level up.
Hermione Skills- photographic memory, high intelligence, fast learner, high level of spell casting ability. No Patronus capability (although her minions might) Minions - several capable Sunshine luitenents, Ms. McGonigal (not very forthcoming with aid) Magic items - magic bag of holding
Harry Skills - high intelligence. Natural Occlumens. Patronus 2.0 capability. Partial Transfiguration capability. Rational thinking and scientific methods. Highly intuitive with lateral thinking. Knowledge of various Muggle technologies. Parseltongue language Minions/Allies - Chaos Lieutenant Longbottom, Lesath Lestrange, Bella Lestrange, Prof. Quirrell, Prof. Dumbeldor (not very forthcoming with aid), Prof. McGonagal (somewhat forthcoming with aid), Fawkes (?), Santa (?) Magic / Items - Deathly Hallow Cloak, Time Turner, Wealth (limited access), Chest of holding, Bag of holding, various Muggle tech artifacts (batteries, arc welder, ...)
Draco
Skills – high intelligence. Patronus. Learning rational thinking and scientific methods. Trained manipulator.
Minions / Allies – Lucius Malfoy, Prof. Snape, Prof. Quirrell, Dragon Lieutenant Crab and Goyle (martial artist and skilled flyer), Slytherin network,
Magic / Items – Wealth
Hermione should focus on improving her skill set. Researching into higher level spells and using her current spells in novel ways. Maybe she should read Harry's note to try and gain Patronus 2.0 capability.
She should acquire more allies and minions. Acquire a familiar (the bigger and badder the better...like a Fawkes or Naga equivalent). Get more effort out of her Luitenants and use thier resources. Maybe go the canon route and develop the House Elfs as allies. She should lobby for advanced classes and befriend higher year students as well.
She should actively seek to aquire or enchant some magic items to enhance her combat capabilities. Lieutenant Wesley should really be brought to task with acquiring some Zonko product from his brothers for the war effort.
Time Turners and the Marauder's Map didn't mix in canon works. Double entry glitch seems likely.
I can't recall, did canon works show Harry in the Marauder's Map despite being under his invisibility cloak? I would assume from dialog in HPMOR that it wouldn't be able to detect him as it's ability to hide is such that he can elude even death's detection.