As part of my birthday celebrations, as a special treat I'm having a multiple update session today. I'm going to publish chapters for five stories including one new story and the last ever chapter of another story. Exciting time, because I finally get to mark a multi-chapter story (ie not a one-shot) down as completed. Five stories, including this one: By the way I've had readers asking more about Tales of Symphonia, if you want to give that franchise a try, you may be interested in my new Harry Potter crossover. Give it a try.
This is Professor Potter
Harry and his four wards followed Professor McGonagall to the staff block where he would be shown his new quarters.
"This is the largest staff quarters available." She said "It is also the only one with five bedrooms, so none of you will need to share rooms" she said the last part to the 6 & 8-year-olds."
"I don't mind sharing with Rose if that's a problem." Said Lily
"I don't mind sharing with Al either." Said Hugo
Al and Rose said nothing but from the looks on their faces they were not adverse to the idea of sharing with there cousins.
Harry looked at them "You may say that now, but bear in mind we're going to be here for a year. You will want your own rooms and your own space, trust me on that. Thank you Professor." He said the last part to his old Head of House.
The four wards followed up with there own "Thank you Professor".
McGonagall smiled at them "You're quite welcome. Dinner is at 7 in the Great Hall, Lunch is at 12 and Breakfast is at 9. You may join us at your discretion though, should you wish to eat in your quarters simply summon a house-elf, there are also kitchen facilities available to you."
"Thank you Professor." Said Harry, he turned to the wards "Each of you pick a bedroom, not the one with the double though, that's mine. Then make yourselves at home. I need to speak further with the Headmaster. Rose, Albus you're in charge."
Harry and McGonagall made there way back to the Headmasters office, it was time to talk, without out children in the room.
When they got back, in addition to Professors Dumbledore and Flitwick there was also Professor Sprout and Professor Slughorn.
"My word!" said Slughorn "You really are the child of James Potter, but Lily? Lily Evans is your mother?"
Harry narrowed his eyes at the head of Slytherin "Yes Lily Evans Potter was my mother. If you need proof then merely look me in the eye."
Sprout and Slughorn did so. The Potions master stood back aghast. "Those eyes… those are the eyes of Lily Evans. This is truly amazing! But James Potter?"
"Is there a problem with my father Professor?" asked Harry
Slughorn seemed a little awkward "It's not that… it's just… I'm a bit surprised… James and Lily?"
Harry suddenly understood, his parents were just entering Sixth Year but they didn't start dating until Seventh "He grew up." Said Harry smiling.
"James Potter grow up?" said McGonagall mockingly startled "I must admit Professor Potter that I find that hard to believe."
Harry smiled sadly "I'm just telling you what people have told me in the future, including you."
"James Potter growing up. Surely that is a sign of the end of days." Said McGonagall shaking her head.
Harry smirked "If it helps your belief in universal balance, know that Sirius Black never changed. Even as he died, he was still a child." As he said that last bit Harry was no longer smiling. His eyes watered.
McGonagall suddenly realised, "How did Sirius die… can we prevent it?"
Harry pulled a very dark look "I just did. Bellatrix Lestrange as she was… will be… Will have been… would have been… whatever, killed him. I was lured into a trap, Sirius was part of the rescue party. Augustus Rockwood was invaluable to Voldemort in planning the attack. As you may or may not have noticed, I killed him too." Said Harry
Sprout and Slughorn looked at Harry in shock.
"Rockwood?" said Sprout faintly "He was one of mine. A Hufflepuff. I never would have thought… he was so friendly… intelligent… a good judge of character. All distinct qualities of my House."
Harry looked sadly at the Herbology Professor "I'm afraid that those qualities are also good for a spy. Rockwood worked as an unspeakable in the Department of Mysteries, that's where the trap was set and where Sirius died, he created a large spy network inside and outside of the ministry. After the First War a Death Eater, Igor Karkaroff, made a deal with the ministry to give out the names of Death Eaters in exchange for his freedom. Snape and Rockwood were the only ones who weren't dead or in prison that he gave out."
"Snape?" said the various Professors in shock.
"Yes, of course Dumbledore vouched for Snape, he was a spy for the Order after all but that is a story for another time, Rockwood was the only name Karkaroff gave out. But through interrogation several other names came out. Unfortunately for Karkaroff when the Second War started He became a prime target for the Death Eaters. He evaded the Death Eaters, the Ministry and the Order for over a year before the Death Eaters tracked him to a hideout deep in a Forest in Argyll. DMLE officers found his body there a few days later. I suppose that Karkaroff won't be able to sell anyone out this time round, but you never know."
The Four of them looked at Harry incredulously "Igor Karkaroff?" said Slughorn "He was one of mine… he came a bit later than normal mind… He was an exchange student, came here three years ago Graduated in June. What made him…"
"Karkaroff only seeks to make himself look good. He though joining Voldemort would do that, he is obsessed with his own self-image. When I was attending Hogwarts, he was the high master of the Durmstrang Institute. I never wanted him dead but he was never a likable man. Even his own students distinctly lacked respect for him."
Dumbledore sighed. "It appears that you have more and more to tell us."
"I actually think it might be better to show you." Said Harry, he conjured up a phial and then placed his wand to his temple and extracted the memories. "This is a memory from when I was 11 until when I was 27 when I became Head Auror. It contains my Hogwarts years, the Second War, the Aftermath, everything my friends and I did to build a new world and the post-war bliss, including the birth of my children." He handed the phial to Dumbledore.
"Thank you Harry." Said the Headmaster "Is there anything else I can do for you?"
"Well actually." Said Harry "My wards and I came here with nothing but the clothes we wore. Is there anywhere I can get clothes? I'd normally take them to Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade but considering there is a war on and I just killed Bellatrix… I also only have a little money on me so can't buy them a whole new wardrobe right now."
Dumbledore smiled sympathetically. "I understand your concerns Mr Potter, I would council you to go to a Muggle shop for clothes in the morning." He reached into his desk and pulled out an envelope of Muggle money. "This should be sufficient for you. Let me know if you need more."
"Thank you Professor. I'll pay you back when I can." Said Harry
"Professor Potter that is not necessary, you have already…" But Dumbledore was cut off.
"I WILL pay you back, Professor. I will not take handouts. I will take a salary for a job, I will take prizes in a competition I entered and I will take a loan should I need it. This is a loan and I will pay you back." Said Harry with a finality that Dumbledore had witnessed in few wizards before, and only one witch. He cast a side glance at McGonagall. Harry was definitely her student.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Harry arrived back at his quarters while the Headmaster and the Heads-of-House viewed an extensive pensieve memory of Harry's life. When he got there he found the children hanging around not knowing what to do.
"You guys ok?" asked Harry
They all looked up at Harry and nodded, albeit a little reservedly.
Harry sighed and sat on the large couch and patted the surface indicating all of them to sit beside him. Which they did
Harry put one arm around his niece, another around his daughter. He also reached out and took Albus and Hugo's hands and began massaging them with his thumbs. If the reality of the situation wasn't dawning on Harry at that moment, then he might have congratulated himself on comforting four children at once.
"I know this isn't going to be easy." Said Harry. "But we've got to make the best of this situation."
None of them seemed overly relieved.
"Look hopefully Aunt Luna will be able to get Ron, Hermione and Ginny in contact with us soon. It won't be so bad…"
"Won't Mummy, Daddy and Aunty Ginny be worried about us?" asked Hugo.
"Uh…" began Harry when suddenly a mobile ring tone sounded from Al's pocket.
"Um… Daddy…" said Albus.
"Uncle Harry?" said Rose.
Harry took a deep breath, "Ready to face the music kids?"
There followed a round of nods from the kids. Harry took the mobile and with great fear and reluctance pressed the green phone.
"Hello?" said Harry.
"Hello there Harry." Came Luna's dreamy voice, "I've managed to let your family know…"
"Harry…" a voice cut off Luna "Is that you Harry?"
"Ginny?" said Harry.
"Harry Potter what the hell have you done now?" demanded Ginny.
"Harry can you hear us…" came Ron's voice.
"Harry where is everyone… Where are my Children?" came Hermione's frantic voice
"There here" Said Harry "all of them, hang on I'll put on the speakerphone… There we go… Can you hear us?"
"Yes Harry, now where are Rose and Hugo?" demanded Hermione.
"We're here Mummy." Said Rose.
"We're both here." Said Hugo.
"Oh Sweeties, are you alright…" asked Hermione.
"Yes we're fine." Said Rose.
"Mummy, are you there?" asked Lily.
"I'm here Lils" said Ginny "Al?"
"Here Mummy." Said Albus.
"Harry what has happened, Luna mentioned a death eat… I'm mean, an incident I'd rather my children not witness." Said Hermione
"Yes afterwards we all got invited to Hogwarts…" said Harry "We're here now. None of us were hurt and I got everyone inside the Three Broomsticks as soon as things kicked off. We're at Hogwarts now."
"Hogwarts?" asked Ron "Aren't your parents there in this time?"
"Uh… Yeah… but not right now it's the summer holidays. Though Dumbledore has offered me the Defence position, I took it."
"You are?" said Ginny "Is that a good idea?"
"Why not?" asked Harry
"Well the positions cursed." Said Ginny worryingly.
"Harry should be fine." Said Luna. "He is not planning to be around longer than a year so the position should not adversely affect him too much."
"Too much?" said a hysterical Ginny "Too much, all he needs is one spell to go wrong… Oh Merlin why me… why my children…"
"Ginny calm down." Said Hermione
"Harry will be fine." Said Luna
"Thanks for your confidence Luna but why?" said Harry
"I have faith." She said "You're a great wizard and you will have the chance to show your parents that much."
"Luna's right Harry." Said Ginny "Oh heck I'm gonna miss you… I'm gonna miss you all."
"Don't worry Mummy." Said Lily. "We're fine. Daddy is here."
The mothers and Ron spent a little more time talking to the children. Then Harry told them all that he need to discuss more adult things with them and took the phone into his room. The quarters were basic but a few purchases here and there and he could make the place liveable.
"Alright guys no child can hear us." Said Harry
"Right Harry!" said Hermione in a much more businesswoman type fashion "My children are going to be separated from me for a year, they are going to need their Uncle more than ever. I need to tell me you are up the challenge."
"Ok I am up to the challenge."
"Harry!" said Hermione exasperatedly
"Relax Hermione." Said Ron. "I know you'll miss them, I'll miss them too. But they're at Hogwarts, remember Voldemort never attacked Hogwarts in the First War.
"Ron you can't be so relaxed about this, Harry has already altered history. By accepting this job."
"That's not all." Admitted Harry "Has Luna told you about Bellatrix?"
"Bellatrix? As in Bellatrix Lestrange?" said Hermione "What has she got to do with anything, Luna mentioned a Death Eater attack but…"
"From this point of view she will never become Bellatrix Lestrange. When I met her earlier today she was a Black. I impaled her with her own knife."
"Oh my… Harry…" said Hermione "That'll knock things right out of sync."
"I also killed Rockwood. So not only is he out of the picture but Karkaroff is now without his get out of jail free card."
"Unless he gets another one." Said Ginny "Things have been completely knocked out of alignment just because you decided to stand up for yourself. Please tell me that none of the children saw this?"
"Don't worry they were with the civilians in the Three Broomsticks. We came to Hogwarts directly by floo, so they never even saw the bodies. I know this is hard for you Ginny but I believe that Voldemort's supporters will be unable to get them here. But…"
"But… Harry?" said Hermione "What is that but…"
"Snape is here, so is Pettigrew, Avery, Mulciber, Rowle, Sirius's younger brother and that's just those who became Death Eaters. They're all attending various different years here. I will do everything I can to protect the children, and none of these students have been marked yet."
"You're not making me feel any better Harry." Said Hermione
"Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on the troublemakers and I won't let them out of the quarters unescorted." Said Harry
"Oh they're going to love that." Said Ron
"They'll still be allowed out. I'm sure Hagrid would love to spend some time with them." Said Harry, "Though if you could make as many people available to talk to them, I would be grateful."
"Who though?" asked Ron
"The wider family." Said Harry "Both Weasley and non-Weasley. Longbottoms, Scamanders and anyone else you can think of. It will also make you more reassured, knowing that they're keeping contact with their friends."
"I guess." Said Ron
Harry spent the remainder of the day with his children and niece and nephew talking over the phone. Conversation was mindless but it significantly reassured both the parents and the children of each other's wellbeing. When they were done, Harry took the phone back to his room and said goodbye to Ginny.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
It took a while, especially for Rose and Hugo, but the five of them managed to settle into Hogwarts. Asides from the day out to buy everyone clothes, Harry refused to let the children leave the castle premises. There was a war going on outside, and the fact that he had to duel Bellatrix Lestrange/Black was proof enough of that. Another pair of Aurors came round to confirm what had happened in Hogsmeade and the Daily Prophet, not having access to a picture or a name for Harry, and knowing only that he had four children on him and had killed Bellatrix was simply named him the Fatherly Black Slayer.
At least initially. At some point, someone must have learnt something rather insignificant because the Prophet then began reporting that the person in question was going to be the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. So inevitably students coming to Hogwarts were of course going to be interested.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Lily Evans was slightly moody. It had been several months since she had left school and while she had been able to forget for a while, it still hurt. At the end of the school year, as the last O.W.L Exam had finished, she'd tried to intervene when Potter and his gang of idiots were picking on Severus. After he said that horrible word that had been the last straw, Severus would never be her friend again, not while he continued to have his Death Eater aspirations. Now as she was walking down Platform 9¾ she made her way towards the Prefect Carriage, determined not to think about Severus or Potter.
"Hey I heard the news Padfoot." Came a familiar voice. Lily turned and saw Remus Lupin talking to the two people she desperately did not want to see: Potter and Black.
"Yeah, that Bitch will never harm another person. I might just have to kiss this new professor of ours."
"I'll make sure to have my camera out." Said James. "Where's Peter?"
"The trains leaving in five minutes?" Said Remus as if he was talking to an idiot.
"I know that, that's why I'm wondering." Said James.
"Prongs, Wormtail has never shown up earlier than two minutes before the train leaves." Said Remus.
"Oh yeah." Said James. "Anyway let's find a compartment."
"I need to go for prefect rounds, see ya." Said Remus. He walked off.
Lily waited until the three of them had dispersed and then made her own way to the Prefect's Carriage.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Severus Snape was desperately trying not to think about Lily Evans. He wanted to be as far away from her as possible. When talking with Lucius Malfoy during a get together over the summer, Snape had been… encouraged to start preparing to join the Death Eaters.
Severus had been taken under Lucius' wing at the age of eleven when he joined Slytherin House. But it was during Malfoy's last year and Snape's third that young Severus had made himself… of value to the new Head of the Malfoy family. Snape had an interest in the Dark Arts from a young age. By the time he was thirteen he had gained a proficiency that would rival most fully trained wizards. Malfoy had needed something heavily protected and had approached some trusted friends about procuring Magical Defences that did not necessarily have to be legal. Snape wasn't one of those he approached but Slytherins tended to have loose tongues in the Common Room. Desperate to prove himself, Snape devised a method for a magical trap and approached Malfoy. Whilst initially irritated, Lucius recognised a brilliant method when he saw one. Since then Lucius had been corresponding regularly with Snape, and even introduced him to his Fiancé, Narcissa. Although she was a year older than Snape, Malfoy had requested that he watch out for her, especially in light of her recent bereavement.
That bereavement was unwelcome to Snape personally. Some would say that he was deluded about the Dark Lord, but Snape didn't care what anyone said. Bellatrix Black was a unique brand of insane and had combat skills that could probably only be outdone by Dumbledore and the Dark Lord himself. At least that was what everyone thought. That an unknown and unheard of person could just meet her randomly and kill her, as well as one other Death Eater and injure another made a lot of people stop and think.
Snape was not afraid of a challenge but, despite her level of insanity, Snape respected Bellatrix for the role she played in the Dark Arts. To someone of Snape's obsession, Bellatrix was still a cold blood killer but she was also an artist of the finest quality. Her death had shaken Snape up a bit, so much so that he almost went to visit Evans' over the summer. He got halfway to her house before turning back and running home.
Snape did not truly understand his feelings for Lily Evans. On the one hand he'd had special feelings for her for so long, but on the other hand she had refused to forgive him. She had denounced everything else he believed in: his interest in the Dark Arts, his aspiration to become a Death Eater and every single one of his other friends. Snape was not so arrogant as to admit his other friends were perfect but he felt that they were at least better than Potter and his gang of idiots. At least none of them were Werewolves.
Did Snape want Lily's forgiveness, of course he did. Did he want to give up everything he was and everything he aspired to just to please her? It was cowardly in some ways but Snape decided his best option was not to approach her and avoid her as much as possible. At least, until he could figure this out.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
"Are you ready for this Harry?" said McGonagall.
"Nope." Said Harry. "But I might as well suck it up."
McGonagall smiled. "I do hope I get to know you one day, as an eleven-year-old."
"Not as an eleven-year-old." Said Harry thinking of his nightly excursions and the loss of 150 points "Or at twelve for that matter."
"Well quite. I may have shamed you at eleven, but I really doubt that I personally felt that disappointed in you." Said Minerva "The car maybe…"
"Yeah, I'm not too proud of the car." Said Harry. "In all honesty we don't think much at that age."
"We don't think sensibly." Corrected McGonagall. "I'm sure that at even I at the age of twelve would have thought it… cool."
Harry looked at his former Head of House in shock.
"You are of course forbidden on pain of death from mentioning that to anyone, except maybe my future self." Said McGonagall.
"Noted." Said Harry. "I need to collect my charges, the train's coming."
Harry left the staffroom. Indeed from the distance the Hogwarts Express, or rather its vapour trail, was becoming visible in the light of the setting sun.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Harry was given a seat at the far end of the staff table. To his left sat Professor Flitwick and to his right was a small table for Al, Lily, Rose and Hugo. They had been eating like this during the holidays ever since Harry agreed to take the job of Defence Professor. During the last month or so, food had just appeared on the tables when the staff had arrived. But now that the feast was about to start, all food was held up until the end of the Sorting.
Knowing that two six-year-olds and two eight-year-olds would get bored easily, Harry had managed to find them a game of Snakes and Ladders to keep them temporarily amused, while they waited for everyone to arrive.
Flitwick was a remarkably talkative and engaging person, he was trying particularly hard to keep Harry in a deep conversation about 19th century choral music in order to distract from the fact that several familiar and not so familiar faces would be entering the Great Hall in moments to come.
It was actually working quite well. Dumbledore insisted on basic magical music education during Harry's time at Hogwarts and to the now middle-aged man's shock he found that he had a lot to contribute to the conversation.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
"Bloody hell Prongs, is that the new Defence Teacher? He looks like you?" said Sirius.
"He does kind of." Admitted James. "But he's way older and who are all of them?" he indicated the children.
The papers had mentioned that the Defence teacher who killed Bellatrix had children with him, but no one expected him to have all four of them sitting in the Great Hall.
"Believe it or not James, Teachers can have children." Said Remus.
"Yeah, but out of all the teachers we have. How many of them are or have been married?" said Sirius.
"Um…" stuttered Remus "That is a bit of an anomaly."
ORACLE2PHOENIX
"Hey aren't you lot too young to come to Hogwarts?" shouted a fourteen-year-old Gryffindor.
The four children looked up at him.
"I don't think so." Said Al. "We're here now so that kinda answers your question."
Rose sniggered, while Lily and Al turned back to the snakes and ladders.
"Wilson sit down." Said a kind but authoritative female voice.
"Aw but I was only…"
"I know what you're only doing and they're only children. Now sit down, or I'll talk to Professor McGonagall about you the Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans and the Girl's Toilets near the Hufflepuff Common Room."
Wilson's face turned pink as he went to sit down. Lily Evans wondered for two seconds whether to engage the children in conversation whilst their Dad was there before:
"Hey Lily she looks like you?" said Hugo.
Lily Evans turned to look at the girl in question.
"I think she looks more like Granny." Said Al. "Our Granny not yours that is."
Lily Evan's was stunned even more as she glanced at the brother and sister. They looked just like… her and James Potter? "No I mustn't think that, but her name is Lily?"
"Al." said Harry "Don't speak about someone when they're right in front of you it's rude."
"Sorry Daddy. Sorry Lily." He said to his Dad and Grandmother.
"How did you…"
"Sorry, but you look remarkably like my daughter Miss?" Said Harry, playing ignorant.
"Evans… Lily Evans."
"Wow you have the same name as…" Rose suddenly stopped herself. Out of the four of them, she was the smart one. Al also suddenly realised who they were addressing. None of the children or Harry knew how to proceed.
"Miss Evans, there will be plenty of time to get to know our new wards in days and weeks to come." Said Professor Flitwick, "I suggest you keep an eye on your Gryffindor charges right now."
Lily turned to see Potter and his friend whispering and giggling conspiratorially. "Good idea Professor. It's nice to meet you Professor, and all of you." She hurriedly said to Harry and his wards.
"Daddy?" said Al "What's going to happen when she learns that we're Potter?"
"I'm not sure." Said Harry "Maybe she'll brush it off as a coincidence."
"I do look forward to when she hears Lily Potter." Said Flitwick.
"Nice to know someone does." Mumbled Harry.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Eventually Professor McGonagall brought the new first years in and walked up to the Sorting Hat. Once they had all been assembled, Dumbledore stood up and gave a speech.
"Before we begin, it is with great sadness that I must announce the names of those students who were taken from us during the Summer Holidays." He said solemnly.
It was at this point Harry once again remembered that there was a war on. Hagrid had told him once that Hogwarts was considered the only place safe from Voldemort during the First War, but the students still went home for the holidays.
"Anna Clifford, Ravenclaw, who would now be entering her Second Year." Said Dumbledore. "William Clifford, Ravenclaw, who would now be entering his Fifth Year. Derek Walder, Hufflepuff, who would now be entering his Third Year. Alex Reed, Gryffindor, who would now be entering his Third Year. Jacqueline King, Gryffindor, who would now be entering her Seventh Year."
Five students, all five died as a result of Death Eater activity. Anna and William Clifford pair of Muggleborn siblings who were killed along with their parents when Death Eaters burnt there house to the ground. Derek Walder was caught in the crossfire when a group of Death Eaters attacked Diagon Alley and Alex Reed and Jacqueline King were killed when Death Eaters attacked a Quidditch Match in the Montrose Magpies stadium.
"Let us hold a minutes silence for our fallen friends."
Everyone, even the four children were silent for a whole minute. However Harry couldn't help but notice some older students, most of them Slytherins, looking very pleased at the news. He made a note of them; not all, but most, of them were 17 and would likely be seeking to join Voldemort after the year ended.
"Now on with the Sorting." Said Dumbledore.
"When I call your name, please step forward and I will place the hat on your head." Said McGonagall.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
"Before we all eat, it is my distinct pleasure to introduce our new Defence Against the Dark Arts Teacher for this year. Professor Harry Potter." Said Dumbledore.
While everyone else politely clapped their hands, James Potter and his friends were looking at each other in confusion.
"James are you sure you don't have any relation called Harry Potter?" said Sirius. "Because I'm looking at a perfect candidate right now."
"I don't think I do." Said James. "I'll write my Dad and ask him, he might know."
"Furthermore." Said Dumbledore. "Classes will not commence until tomorrow afternoon. However there shall be House meetings with your Heads of House tomorrow after breakfast. First through Third Years shall attend between 9 and 10:30 and Fourth through Seventh Years shall attend between 11 and 12:30. These meetings are compulsory and shall address new reformed school policy regarding so-called Blood Discrimination. From this year forth Hogwarts is implementing a zero tolerance policy on blood and ancestry based discrimination. Those who infringe upon this rule shall be subject to severe punishments."
People began looking at each other in complete surprise. Some people, most of them of Slytherin backgrounds were looking mutinously at each other.
"It has been pointed out" Dumbledore continued "that our schools unintended tolerance of this discrimination has allowed former students to pledge there support to the Death Eaters and other supporters of Voldemort."
There was widespread flinching at Dumbledore's use of that name, though Harry noticed that older years seemed less bothered than there younger peers. It seemed the Headmaster's casual use of the name had instilled a certain toughness in his students.
"Your timetables will also be handed out during these meetings. Now enough of this, it is time to fill our bellies."
"FOOD!" shouted Hugo excitedly, throwing the Snakes and Ladders board off the table, along with the dice and pieces. This action caused many to burst out laughing.
"Hugo." Said Harry irritably. "Go and pick those up."
"Yes Uncle Harry." Said Hugo dejectedly.
After dinner, prefects escorted First Years to their House Dormitories and the rest of the students made their way to their Common Rooms.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
"What do you make of these sessions tomorrow?" said Remus.
"They sound good to me." Said James. "Stop people like Snivellus from being gits."
"This is Snivellus we're talking about." Said Sirius. "He'll find ways to keep being a git."
"Yeah but will he be able to." Said James. "I know we're not normally ones to follow rules but I think we should view this as a good thing."
"Not break the rules?" said Peter in shock. "Are you sure?"
"What do you mean Peter?" said Remus. "We've never been in favour of Voldy lovers, and stop flinching Peter it's just a name."
Wormtail shivered at the casual use of Voldemort's name.
"I agree with Prongs and Moony, Wormtail." Said Sirius. "Let's face it, after what Mulciber did to Mary, none of us are going to take their side and let's also not forget Snivellus breaking Prongs' Girlfriend's heart."
James went pink. "Yeah. I wonder how Lily is actually, I haven't seen her since the end of term last year and she was all cut up."
"She'll be fine, Lily's tough." Said Remus.
"So when is the next full moon?" said Peter changing the subject.
"The 12th" said Remus.
"Damn, we've got a long wait." Said Sirius.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
"Damn this place is really going downhill." Grumbled Mulciber.
"You said it." Said Avery. "I bet this new Professor is the one giving Dumbledore ideas. I hope the Dark Lord will take the school soon."
Severus was walking with his Slytherin friends. He wasn't sure what his feelings were for these new measures. Asides from anything else, he didn't know what they were yet. It was no secret that Dumbledore, McGonagall and the rest of the staff were all Blood Traitors. Even the Slytherin Head of House didn't discriminate on the basis of blood. Slughorn only cared about magical talent, Snape had many happy memories of spending time with Lily in the Slug Club.
"I don't think I can wait long enough for that to happen. I might have to try something." Said Narcissa. Though a year older than Snape and his friends, Lucius had asked them to keep an eye on her especially as she was going to school with the man who 'murdered' her sister.
"Narcissa." Snape said delicately "There is not a lot you can do, you could try asking your parents to arrange for you to go to another school or get educated at home…"
"I already asked, they said that no child of theirs shall be educated outside of Hogwarts." Said Narcissa "Even with that man running the school and that other man teaching Defence my parents still think it is worth my time to learn here."
"Dumbledore may be a Blood Traitor but he is a great educator." Said Snape, drawing glares from everyone. "Only a fool would think otherwise. The Dark Lord himself has described him as a worthy foe."
No one said anything, they knew Snape was right but they hated that fact regardless.
"Narcissa. I understand your pain, but there is nothing you can do. Your sister had duelling skills that were outdone only by the Dark Lord himself. That is the reason she was his favourite Death Eater. Going after him will not bode well for you."
Narcissa looked away from Snape and then stormed off ahead.
"Now you've done it Sev." Said Avery. "She's going to be in a huff for ages, why do we have to watch her?"
"Because Lucius asked us to." Said Snape. "And Lucius is a man you want to have on your side."
Meanwhile Narcissa was processing what Snape said. True she couldn't hope to beat this Professor Potter in a duel, but there were other ways of getting one's vengeance and she saw a way to get vengeance on him. Four ways to be exact.