Chapter 1: Dumbledore's News

As Harry walked into Dumbledore's office, he could tell by the look on the headmaster's face that he had news for Harry.

"Ah, Harry, I was wondering when you would show up. What took you so long to get here?" the headmaster asked. He probably already knew, but he asked Harry anyways.

"Sorry, Sir. Snape-"

"Professor Snape, Harry." Dumbledore reminded Harry with a stern look. Though Harry could tell that Dumbledore wasn't mad at him, he still felt intimidated by the headmaster.

"Sorry. Professor Snape kept me after class. He gave me detention. He claims that the potion I presented to him had one of Fred and George Weasley's potion exploding stones in it. I just brewed the potion wrong though. It was an accident though, sir," Harry said. After he said this, he realized how unlikely this story sounded.

"When is your detention with Professor Snape?" Dumbledore asked, raising his white eyebrows.

"Tomorrow. Saturday, Sir," said Harry, wondering why Dumbledore was asking.

"Ah. Well, I think I will need to talk to Professor Snape about rescheduling your detention. I am going to the United States of America to fetch a bright young witch to bring back to Hogwarts to study here, and I would like you to come along, Harry," Dumbledore said, with a broad smile on his wrinkled face.

"But Sir, why do you need me to come-" Harry started, but Dumbledore stopped him.

"I will explain everything in time, Harry. In the meantime, we need to talk to professor Snape about rescheduling your detention," Dumbledore said, as he pulled out his wand. With one flick and a flash of black smoke, Severus Snape was standing in Dumbledore's office.

"You requested to see me, Albus?" Snape said coldly. He gave Harry a look of pure loathing.

"Yes I did, Severus, in regard to the detention you've given to our friend, Harry," Dumbledore said kindly, not seeming to notice the bitterness in Snape's low voice.

"Just like Potter to bring this matter to none other than the headmaster. Not willing to take responsibility for his little prank he pulled on me. So like his father…" Snape said with smirk on his face; clearly happy for an opportunity to insult James Potter.

"Now now, Severus, I called Harry in here, and he said his exploding potion was an accident. Now, I need you to reschedule his detention, which I don't think is fair for the boy, being that his exploding potion was an accident. However, if you insist on giving him detention, then at least reschedule his punishment for a different day,"

"And why should I do that, Albus?" Snape asked, clearly annoyed.

"Well, Severus, I will be going to the United States of America tomorrow, and Harry is coming with me. I find it important that he comes with me, Severus," Dumbledore said kindly but firmly, clearly not taking no for an answer.

Snape looked from Dumbledore to Harry. "Alright. I shall change Potter's detention from this Saturday to next,"

Dumbledore beamed at Snape, and said, "Thank you so much, Severus. I will greatly appreciate Harry's company on my journey."

Snape nodded stiffly, and walked swiftly out of Dumbledore's office; his black robes billowing behind him.

Dumbledore turned to Harry and said, "Can you be ready to leave at nine o' clock tomorrow morning?"

"Yes professor. Do I need to bring anything?" Harry asked.

"Not that I am aware of. If I think of anything I will let you know," Dumbledore said with a smile.

"Thank you, Sir," harry said. He turned to leave the office, still wondering why Dumbledore was taking Harry with him.

Dumbledore must've sensed Harry's curiosity, and said, "I will explain what I can tomorrow,"

Harry turned his head to smile at Dumbledore, and walked back to the Gryffindor tower.