Harry Potter and the Change of Fate
By Uncle Potter
Chapter four
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. If I did, the final battle would have included a battle. I'm not making money from this.
Harry looked at Hermione shocked. "Are you serious?" he asked
Hermione nodded. She wanted very much to use Sirius's favorite joke, but thought better of it. "Yes, Harry. She's a pure-blood, quite pretty, and I know she's been in love with you since her first year."
Harry's shock renewed. "You said that she was over that crush." he said
"Well, apparently, I too, can be wrong." she said with a grin. "But honestly, Harry, she was already enamored with you as the boy who lived. And what do you do to stop the hero worship? You slay a basilisk and save her from a corporeal memory of a young Voldemort. That's bound to stay with a girl."
Harry had to concede to her logic. "I understand that." he said, "But, I don't think it's a good idea to lead her on. I don't think of her like that."
Hermione smiled. Any other boy his age would jump quickly at having two girls. "I know, Harry, but I can't think of another way to keep the Black fortune away from Malfoy."
"I'll think of something." Harry said, "There's only one girl for me. I don't want anyone else."
"I really don't know what else we can do about it, Harry." she said sadly, "I really want us to be together, but the only way I can think of , is to share you." unshed tears were present in her eyes.
Harry pulled her into a comforting hug. "I'll look through the Black family grimoir." he said, "I'll find something." he said.
After a few moments Hermione pulled away from him to look into his eyes. She kissed him lightly.
"I trust you, Harry." she said.
"That's good, Mione." he said smiling, "I have two years to figure this out."
She smiled. "Even someone as thick as you can figure this out in that deadline." she deadpanned.
"I dunno." Harry retorted, "It took me three to figure out how to tell you I love you. And even then, you had to say it first."
Three days later, Harry was in the sitting room, when Hermione suddenly leapt from the sofa and sprinted to the window. Harry and Ginny looked at each other in confusion, shrugged, and stood to follow Hermione into the kitchen.
Before they could leave the room, Hermione returned with four Hogwarts envelopes. She was visibly shaking with nerves and anticipation.
"O.W.L results are here." she said happily as she handed Harry and Ginny their envelopes in turn.
Ron entered the room hesitantly after hearing Hermione's announcement. "I hope mum doesn't actually kill Me." he said morosely.
"Ron, you studied just as hard as me and Harry. I'm sure you did just fine." Hermione said placating.
Ron blushed and said "Yeah. Alright." Hermione was obviously unaware that, more often than not, Ron had fallen asleep.
Hermione started to open her letter, but suddenly froze. She stayed that way for a few moments before saying, "OH, I can't look. I just know I failed everything!"
Ginny laughed heartily. Harry smiled at her and said "Mione, If you failed, then the rest of us have no chance, whatsoever."
Hermione looked nervously at the letter and fidgeted. Finally Harry held out his hand. "I'll do it." he said finally. She handed the letter and started chewing her bottom lip anxiously.
Harry opened the letter and read aloud:
Ordinary Wizarding level examination results for Hermione J. Granger
T= Troll
D= Dreadful
P= Poor
A= Acceptable
E= Exceeds expectations
O= Outstanding
*= Highest score in the year
**= Highest score recorded
Astronomy O
Ancient Runes O*
Care of Magical Creatures O
Charms O*
Defense Against the Dark Arts E
Divination N/A
Herbology O
History of Magic O**
Muggle Studies O**
Potions O*
Transfiguration O*
Congratulations you received 9 O.W.L.s. You are now eligible for the following N.E.W.T level courses.
Astronomy
Ancient Runes
Care of Magical Creatures
Charms
Defense against the Dark Arts
Herbology
History of Magic
Muggle Studies
Potions
Transfiguration
Also, the following electives will be available for you.
Advanced Flying, Rune Warding, Introduction to Law Enforcement, First aid Healing, and Defense Association.
Congratulations, once again,
Griselda Marchbanks.
Once Harry finished reading, Hermione Squealed in excitement. "Oh, My god, Harry. I tested best recorded in two subjects. Best In year in four more. I can't believe it!" She was still shaking. Suddenly, her smile faltered a bit.
"What's up, Mione?" Harry asked confused.
"You saw my score for D.A.D.A." she said a little disheartened.
Harry closed his eyes. Only Hermione could be upset by these results. "Mione, an E in defense is perfectly acceptable. Hell, ya probably did better than Ron and me."
She glared at him for a moment before seeing that he wasn't patronizing her. "Oh, come off it, Harry." she said while rolling her eyes. "There's a reason we asked you to teach us in the DA." she said. This statement reminded her. "Oh, Harry, the DA is a recognized elective course now. Merlin, Harry, You're a teacher, now."
Harry lifted an eyebrow. "I was the teacher last year, Mione." he said.
"Yes, Harry, but now, you'll be a recognized teacher." Her grin widened. "We'll get to call you 'Professor Potter'"
Harry hung his head. "Just what I need. More attention."
"Cheer up, Mate" said Ron glumly "at least you'll still be breathing."
Ron opened his letter:
Ordinary Wizarding level examination results for Ronald B. Weasley
T= Troll
D= Dreadful
P= Poor
A= Acceptable
E= Exceeds expectations
O= Outstanding
*= Highest score in the year
**= Highest score recorded
Astronomy N/A (Interrupted)
Ancient Runes N/A
Care of Magical Creatures O
Charms E
Defense Against the Dark Arts O
Divination P
Herbology A
History of Magic D
Muggle Studies N/A
Potions A
Transfiguration O
Congratulations. You received 6 O.W.L.s. You are now eligible for the following N.E.W.T level courses"
Care of Magical creatures
Charms
Defense Against the Dark Arts
Herbology
Transfiguration
Also, the following electives will be available for you.
Advanced Flying, Rune Warding, Introduction to Law Enforcement, First aid Healing, Defense Association.
Congratulations, once again,
Griselda Marchbanks.
Ron held a shocked expression on his face. He held his prefect badge that fell from his envelope. He had passed everything but divination (which he was dropping, anyway) and History. He even got three Os. He whooped and Ran to get his mother.
"I guess Ron did well." Harry said with an amused smile. While he opened his own letter.
Ordinary Wizarding level examination results for Harry J. Potter
T= Troll
D= Dreadful
P= Poor
A= Acceptable
E= Exceeds expectations
O= Outstanding
*= Highest score in the year
**= Highest score recorded
Astronomy N/A (interrupted)
Ancient Runes N/A
Care of Magical Creatures O
Charms O
Defense Against the Dark Arts O**
Divination A
Herbology E
History of Magic A
Muggle Studies N/A
Potions O
Transfiguration O
Congratulations you received 8 O.W.L.s. You are now eligible for the following N.E.W.T level courses.
Astronomy
Care of Magical Creatures
Charms
Defense against the Dark Arts
Herbology
History of Magic
Potions
Transfiguration
Also, the following electives will be available for you.
Advanced Flying, Rune Warding, Introduction to Law Enforcement, First aid Healing.
In addition, you have been asked to teach in the Defense Association elective course.
Congratulations, once again,
Griselda Marchbanks.
Harry sighed and frowned.
Hermione caught this and huffed, while she took the parchment. "You can't be Serious, Harry. I know you did well on everything. I saw-" she stopped talking and squealed in joy as she hugged Harry and bounced.
Harry smiled broadly and accepted the hug. "I take it, you approve of my marks?" he said sarcastically.
She let go of him and was beaming.
"Well?" said Ginny as she held out her hand waiting. Hermione handed over the parchment and Ginny scanned it. She also hugged Harry excitedly. "I'm studying with you two this year. These marks are almost as good as Mione's"
Harry was about to respond, but that as when Mrs. Weasley burst into the room anxiously waiting to see how her surrogate children had done on their tests. Harry and Hermione both past the results to the Weasley matriarch. She read each one thoroughly and pulled both into a hug that could only be rivaled by Hermione.
"Oh, this is incredible. You all did so well." she said through her tears of pride. "I believe a special dinner is in order. And I insist that I do the cooking."
Harry flinched. "Maybe Winky or Dobby could assist. I'm sure that they'd be terribly upset if they were left out of a celebration." he said carefully.
Molly nodded and began her planning of the veritable feast she had in mind. Harry had never seen her so happy. Just then, he remembered that he had a parent, too. He ran to the study, Where Sirius and Remus were sitting and chatting. They looked up to see a smiling Harry, Ron, and Hermione walk through the door.
"What's up, Pup?" he asked cheerfully.
In response the trio held up their parchment.
Smiling, he took them. "Damn near perfect scores across the board. Highest recorded in a couple of cases. I expected as much, Hermione." he said with a great smile. Her smile never wavered for a moment.
"This one surprises me. Three Os. Very impressive Ron." said Remus.
Harry smiled in anticipation. Sirius looked at his paper, nodded, and then frowned. "Harry, I don't know what to say."
Harry's heart sank. The disappointment showed in his eyes.
Sirius didn't see it as he was still looking at Harry's test results. "You are breaking Marauder tradition with these marks, Prong spawn. How could you get an O in a class taught by Snivelus?"
Harry's smile returned full force.
"I mean, honestly! Have we taught you nothing? Snivelus Snape is to be mocked at all cost." he said with a smile that showed more pride than Mrs. Weasley's
"Well, considering how Snape feels about the Potters, this could be great mocking material." Remus said sagely.
"Oh, the look on his face when he sees me in that classroom." Harry said mischievously.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Boys!" she said to no one.
It was two days later that found Sirius sitting in his study with a tumbler of fire whiskey. He was trying to figure out how to tell Harry about the pureblood ordinance in the Black family grimoir. Hence the fire whiskey. He so hated the thought of making Harry's life more difficult than it had to be, but there weren't any loopholes that he could find to change the ordinance.
After an hour or so of brooding, he decided that he had to just come out and tell him. Quick like a bandage. He was about to go up to Harry's bedroom for this purpose when the young wizard in question strode into the study.
"Harry," he said , "I was about to come see you."
"What about?" Harry asked. He had an idea what Sirius wanted to say to him. And Harry already worked through the problem.
"Well, there is no easy way to tell you, Harry" he started tentatively. "You see, well, I have this problem. It seems that I can't have children. The healers believe that this has something to do with my vacation in Azkaban."
"Harry nodded. "I believe that I've read something about that being a problem with prolonged exposure to dementores." he said
"Right." Sirius said nervously. "That leaves me with the appointment of my heir. The house of Black cannot have a head that cannot produce an heir. So I've decided to appoint you."
Harry looked at his godfather thoughtfully. "As of when?" he asked.
"I need to have your magical signature in the grimoir as the head of house by next month." he answered.
"What will become of you, Sirius?" Harry asked.
"Nothing bad, Harry." he said consolingly. "I'll just be stepping down. I'll still be your godfather. I won't lose my family or anything like that. I just won't be Lord black anymore. You'll be Lord Potter-Black."
Harry thought for a moment. Can you make decisions and proxy for me in the Wizengamot?'
"If that is your request." Sirius said
"Good. I don't think I'm ready for that just yet." Harry said, "I'll need to find a proxy for the Potter seat, as well."
We can talk about that whenever you are ready, Harry." Sirius said. He fidgeted with his hands for a moment, "There's something else I need to discuss with you, Harry. I don't think You're going to like it."
Harry sighed, and nodded for his godfather to continue.
"There is an ordinance in the family grimoir." he started. "It states that the head of the house of Black must marry a pureblood by his eighteenth birthday. Believe me, Harry, I have looked at this from every angle an there is no loophole. No way around it. I'm sorry, pup. But you'll have to marry a pureblood or the title and all of the money goes to Draco."
"Is that it?" Harry said quietly.
"Yeah, pup." Sirius said equally quiet. "If you want to talk about this, I'll always be here to listen."
Harry nodded. Then stood and looked his godfather in the eye. "Sirius Orion Black." he said formally
This caught the marauder by surprise and he blinked at the sudden change in atmosphere. he looked at the young wizard in front of him and realized that Harry was grown up. He shook his head and met Harry's eyes with his own.
Harry continued, "I, Lord Harry James Potter, head of the house of Potter and Duke of magical Britain, hereby call for payment of a life debt for the actions of myself aided by Hermione Jean Granger and the hippogriff by the name of Buckbeak. Do you deny this claim?"
Immediately Sirius could see where Harry was going with this and grinned mischievously. "I do not deny this claim, Lord Potter."
Harry held back his smile, "Do you recognize that a life debt to Lord Black is a debt to the House of black?"
"I do, Lord Potter. What Boon do you require." Sirius asked formally."
Harry dropped the Black family grimoir onto the Table in front of Sirius. "I require the removal of ordinance 96b from your family creed. Will you comply?"
Sirius put his right hand (the hand with family ring) onto the book. The large tome glowed brightly for less than a second. "So it is said, so shall it be." Sirius incanted.
Harry let his smile show. "Let it be known. The debt between our houses is paid. Let us go forward from this with no further qualm. So mote it be."
"So mote it be." Sirius repeated. His smile brighten the room. "Harry, that was bloody brilliant."
Harry's smile was as large as his godfather's and now included a blush at the praise. "Thanks Sirius. I overlooked the life debt rule three time before it really dawned on me."
"I was the first non- Slytherin in my family in four generations." Sirius said excitedly, "even my father would be proud of the Slytherin thinking you put into that plan."
"Well, the hat did try to put me in Slytherin." Harry said.
"And now you know why." countered Sirius. "So is there a brilliant, Muggleborn Lady Potter-Black in our future?"
"I hope so, Sirius." Harry said happily, "The relationship is still pretty new. We're not quite ready to talk about marriage just yet, but when we are, I want her to be the one. I just hop she finds me worthy."
"Of course you're worthy, You prat." Hermione said from the door. "You really came up with a way around the pureblood rule?"
Harry looked embarrassed, "Yeah, I kinda called in the life debt from third year."
"Harry, that's genius!" she said excitedly as she hugged him tightly. "I can't believe I didn't think about that."
"I wouldn't have if there wasn't a special rule about it in the grimoir." Harry said in modesty.
She looked up and into his eyes for a few moments. "Just remember, when we're ready, the answer is yes."
Harry smiled. It was the happiest thought he had ever had. The thought of Lady Hermione Potter-Black.
The next day, Harry, the Hermione, Ginny, Ron, Sirius, and the Weasley parents left for Diagon Alley. Harry and Sirius stopped in at Gringotts to retrieve the special bags and cards for Harry's accounts. While at Gringotts the duo learned that Harry's combined liquid assets added up to 325,447,023 Galleons, 7 sickles, and 32 Knuts.
Everything was going smoothly. No one even really noticed him, at first. They were all mulling around from shop to shop as quickly as possible. The mass fear was palpable and Harry's heart dropped at the sight of it. All of these people too scared to enjoy a normal day of shopping so that their children can return to the safety of Hogwarts.
When Harry, Ron, and the girls entered Flourish and Blotts, Harry stood for a moment because the place was extremely full. He was there for only a moment when a blur of auburn hair obscured his vision and he was nearly knocked to the floor by a young woman who screamed loudly "HARRY!"
Harry hugged the yet unidentified young woman. After a moment, she pulled away with a relieved smile and tears in her eyes. It was Susan Bones.
"Morgana, Harry, they told us that you took a killing curse!" she said as the crowded store turned and immediately surrounded the young wizard and his friends.
Harry smiled shyly and said "I got better."
Murmurs went around the book store. People were talking about the boy-who-lived, and Harry rolled his eyes.
"Why must you all call me that?" he said loudly but not angrily. "I prefer to be called Harry. Is that alright?"
The crowd slowly nodded their approval. That was when Harry heard the voice he desperately hoped to avoid.
"Mr. Potter. Rita Skeeter, the Daily Prophet. Would you mind answering a few questions?"
Harry's eyes closed in irritation. But he made a decision. "Miss Skeeter, if you promise to print exactly what I say, I'll see you in your office later today. Would that be alright?"
Skeeter's face screwed up in thought for just a moment before she agreed with a large smile. "That will be wonderful, Mr. Potter. Thank you."
Hermione couldn't resist. "That's Lord Potter." she said.
Harry's glare was hard as stone to Hermione who smiled sweetly.
Skeeter's eyes popped open. "Lord?"
Harry dropped his glare and put on a face of defeat. "Yeah. I just reached my majority, and that makes me magical Duke of Briton. All other questions can wait until we have shopped for our school supplies."
Three hours of shopping, hand shaking, and well wishers, Harry, Hermione, Ginny, Ron, Luna, and Neville (the latter two tagged along after the apocathary) entered the office of the daily prophet. They obscured Harry as much as they could and asked for the desk of Rita Sweeter. They were directed to the appropriate area and sat down, waiting for the reporter.
After a few moments Harry smirked. "Rita, is that you walking down the wall, waiting for us to talk?"
The beetle flew off of the wall and reverted back from her animagus form smiling guiltily. "Sorry, you're Grace. I really couldn't resist."
Harry smiled amusedly. "Please, call me Harry." he said amicably, "As long as you print the truth, we can leave our past where it belongs."
She smiled. "Alright, Harry. Please call me Rita. I would like to be a friend to someone as brave as yourself." she looked at the group surrounding Harry. "Would you mind introducing me to your friends, Harry?"
Harry nodded and looked to his right. "This is Hermione Granger. The smartest witch of our generation." Hermione beamed at his praise "Next to her is Ron Weasley, my best mate, and probably the best chess player in Hogwarts. Behind him is Luna Lovegood, a little quirky, but a fierce friend, behind me is Lord Neville Longbottom. He is probably the bravest Gryffindor I know. And finally, to my left, is Genevra Weasley. One of Gryffindor's best chasers, and liveliest young women."
Rita's quill was writing as fast as Harry was talking. "I hope you don't mind my using a dictaquill, Harry. It will only write what we actually say."
Harry nodded. "Shall we begin?"
"Let's." she said with a smile.
The last few days of summer went by without much occurrence. Harry continued his physical training, but his studies ended until he returned to Hogwarts. On the week before their return, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny decided to join Harry on his workout regiment. This turned out to be a bad idea for Ron. Unlike the girls (who Harry had warned beforehand) Ron didn't work up to Harry's pace. He jumped in feet first.
To his credit, he made it through. He didn't match Harry's weight, nor his speed, but he finished the set. Harry was impressed. Hermione and Ginny were both sore afterward, but they were nothing on Ron. Ron could hardly move without severe pain. So imagine their surprise when three masseuses walked into the training room. Harry received hugs a deep kisses for his thoughtfulness. Ron looked as though he was considering the same treatment.
Boy who lives, lives again! By Rita Skeeter.
Yesterday afternoon, in Flourish and Blotts Quite a stir was caused when a student entered to purchase his school books for the year. This student was none other than Harry Potter aka the boy-who-lived. This reporter was on the scene, quite by accident, to purchase a copy of the Wizard's almanac. After a brief conversation, the Chosen One had agrees to a exclusive interview along with the rest of the 'Ministry Six'.
Apparently, it is no longer appropriate to refer to Harry Potter as Mr. Potter, as he is the Magical Duke of Briton, as well as the head of the Most Ancient and Noble house of Black.
When his Grace was asked about the rumors of his being struck down by the killing curse from You-know-who, himself, he had confirmed that, Yes, he had been hit by the horrible curse. He said "I was out for nearly a minute before I woke up. I guess his magic isn't what it used to be." this raises the question 'Is he-who-must-not-be-named getting weaker?
Is it possible that the times that he had confronted His Grace drained him of his power? One can only hope. This reporter certainly hopes that Lord Potter's assumption hold's true.
"You know, you're leaving me alone with a over worried mother Weasley." Sirius said worriedly. "Can I come to school with you?"
Harry laughed. "I'm sure you'll be fine, Sirius. Think of it as doing Mrs. Weasley a favor. She needs someone besides Mr. Weasley to fuss over. She'll be like the mother you should've had."
Molly had heard the whole conversation. She was scowling at Sirius but beamed at Harry for his compliment. "If I had been his mother, he would not have been running around the school like a miscreant." she said through her smile.
"I wouldn't have ran away from home, either." said Sirius, "I would've been terrified."
"With good reason." She said amusedly, "You would have fit perfectly over my knee."
Harry decided not to mention that her twin boys mirrored the marauder's legendary behavior.
King's Cross station was filling up fast. Harry, Ginny, Hermione, and Ron had already stowed their things in what has become known as the trio's compartment. The last compartment in the last carriage. The teens were saying their goodbyes to Sirius, Remus and the Weasleys before boarding.
More than a few people that Harry didn't know had walked up to him for a moment to ask him of his health, or to thank him for forcing the ministry to acknowledge the truth. Harry had been as cordial as he could, considering how uncomfortable he felt. The other people, he tried to ignore.
Once seated on the train, the group of six settled down for a long ride. Harry looked around to his friends and girlfriend. Neville and Luna were snuggling in a corner. Her on his lap. Hermione was leaning against his right side with a huge book opened. Ginny was on his other side, looking through a quiddich magazine that someone had left from the previous year.
After Ron and Hermione's patrol, the six friends were chatting and snacking on sweets from the trolley when they heard the door open. They turned and saw the pale, bat-like face of one Draco Malfoy. they all bit back a groan, except Harry. Harry smiled Politely.
"Why if it isn't Mr. Malfoy." he said cordially. "What can we do for you?"
Malfoy was having none of it. "I don't know how you survived, Potter. But it doesn't matter. The Dark Lord will-"
"If Riddle was really as powerful as you give him credit for," Harry interrupted. "Than I would be dead right now." Harry smiled. "Don't you think, Mr. Malfoy?"
Malfoy's eyes narrowed dangerously. "I wouldn't be so cocky, Potter. You can't protect them all the time. Perhaps I'll get a taste of you little mudbl-"
Harry stood to his full height, showing his recently acquired muscle. "If you value your life, you will not finish that statement, Malfoy."
Things happened very quickly after that. Feeling threatened, Malfoy drew his wand. Harry reached forward and grasped his wrist. He then, pulled Malfoy partially into the compartment. Harry closed the compartment door onto Malfoy's forearm, causing him to drop his wand. Harry wandlessly summoned the wand, opened the door, and stuck the tip of the wand down Malfoy's uniform trousers. He then, looked Malfoy in the eye and said the one word that would frighten any male.
"Reducto."
Malfoy screamed and clutched his crotch. The boy fell to the floor in apparent pain as Harry watched him amused. Malfoys book-ends, Crabbe and Goyle watched for a moment, before deciding to try and defend their friend. Each boy tried to punch Harry at the same time. Harry ducked, and hit them both with a open palm thrust in their chests accompanied by moderately powered wandless bludgeoning hexes. Both boys flew into the wall opposite Harry.
Meanwhile, Malfoy discovered that his bits were all there and unharmed. Harry smirked and then laughed at the darkened spot on his trousers and the puddle on the floor under him. Malfoy and Harry both looked around. Harry laughed even harder when they saw that everyone in the carriage (and a few from other carriages) saw everything happen.
Harry tossed Malfoy's wand into the frightened boy's lap. "The spell only works if you push some of your magic through it." he lectured, "Otherwise, the incantation is just a funny sounding word. And your wand is just a stick."
Malfoy rose from his place on the floor and Glared at Harry. "Wait till my fath-"
Harry laughed again. "I could give a shit about you father. He has been convicted of several crimes. Unless your Dork Lord busted him out, he isn't a threat." he said "Besides, even if Voldy did, what could old Lucy do to me? He has no money, he probably has no wand, and he has no spine. Your beloved Father is for all sakes and purposes, impotent."
Malfoy turned and stomped away. "Oh, and Malfoy!" Harry said angrily.
Malfoy turned and looked Harry in the eye. "If you ever try to hurt any of my friends and or Girlfriend, there will be a duel. And I will fight to the death."
Malfoys eyes widened in horror and the front of his trousers darkened again as he met Harry's blazing green eyes. Malfoy ran from the carriage and Harry heard the applause before he remembered that he was being watched. "Thanks." he said weakly before going back into his compartment.
The rest of the train ride passed uneventfully, and soon enough the six friends were in the great hall of Hogwarts. They were chatting idly while waiting for the first years to be sorted so that they could enjoy the feast. Though Harry was a bit worried for his best mate. Ron looked a bit nervous about some thing. So nervous, in fact, that he didn't look at all hungry.
After a few moments, the doors opened and Professor McGonagall entered, followed by about two dozen eleven year olds. She led the group up the central aisle, to a point right in front of the head table. Once they were all in place, she placed a three legged stool in its appointed spot, and an ancient wizarding hat upon it.
After a few seconds, the hat opened at its brim and began it's song:
A thousand and six years ago
When I was newly sewn,
Four friends decided to create a school
To pass on what they had known.
Wisdom and wit, said Ravenclaw
Shall aid in our endeavor.
Hufflepuff said honor and toil
And abandon our friends never.
Ambition is key, said Slytherin
And the cunning to get things done.
Gryffindor said courage and might
To make our enemies run.
They sent a message that I shall repeat
Before we have our fun
We are four houses but just one school
We are four but also one.
Unite, my friends, in our hour of need
And for the future light the way
And stand together, all as one
To make tomorrow a better day.
So sit right down and put me on
I'll tell you where you're at.
Believe in me, I'm never wrong,
For I'm the sorting hat!
After the sorting and the feast, Dumbledore stood to give the yearly announcements.
"Now that we have all been fed and watered," he smiled at his small joke, "A few announcements. The forbidden forest is as it's name implies forbidden. Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you all that a full list of restricted items can be found in his office." the old man smiled at everyone. "I would like to welcome our new defense against the dark arts professor, Professor Shacklebolt."
Kingsley stood and waved, while the students politely applauded.
Dumbledore continued, "And last but not least, I would like to welcome to the staff, for his role in the Defense Association, Professor Potter."
Harry blushed as he stood to the almost overpowering cheers by all the houses save Slytherin. He looked to the headmaster, silently asking for a meeting in his office. Dumbledore nodded his agreement.
Once the feast and announcements were over, Harry gave his girlfriend a kiss and watched as Hermione and Ron led the first years off to Gryffindor Tower. Once they were gone he walked off to his meeting with the headmaster.
He was about to knock on the door when he heard Dumbledore say "Enter.". Harry walked into the circular room. Dumbledore motioned toward a chair opposite him and Harry sat. The two wizards sat in silence as Harry went over what he wanted to say.
However, it was Dumbledore, who broke the silence. "Harry, I'm glad you are willing to see me." he said in a friendly manner. "There are a few formalities that must be observed."
"Of coarse, Sir." Harry answered. He was still trying to figure out how to broach the subject of his reason for the meeting.
The aged wizard opened his desk and pulled out a parchment. "Here, Harry, is a contract for your employment at Hogwarts." he said as he laid the parchment in front of Harry. "It states that you will have the first month free from morning classes to prepare for your Defense Against the Dark Arts N.E.W.T. once that is done we will discuss a class schedule. Is this to your liking?"
Harry read over the contract very carefully. According to the contract, he would be paid by way of room and board. Meaning that his tuition will be returned to his vault, and he will have his own private chambers. It also stated that when he was not in a class, he would have the rights and responsibilities of a Hogwarts Professor. Including awarding and revoking of house points and giving detentions.
It was also mandatory for Harry to attend any and all staff meetings, and report everything in relation to his job to the headmaster. He was to allow any student to join if they wished and their DADA scores allowed them to. All in all, Harry thought it was a fair proposal. He nodded and signed the parchment.
"Excellent, now Professor Potter," he said with a happy smile, "is there anything I can do for you before I have an elf show you to your quarters?"
Harry looked into the old man's eyes and said "Yes. But this end of our discussion is not directed to the headmaster of Hogwarts."
Dumbledore raised an eyebrow. "I See. What can I do for you?" he asked carefully.
"I, Harry Potter-Black wish to discuss with the Chief Warlock about Matters of the house of Black." Harry said solemnly.
Dumbledore sat back in his chair. "What matters would these be?" he asked.
"I have business with a member of my house, and I would like that this person not be sent back to Azkaban. I have reason to believe that Belatrix LeStrange did not act of her own volition in her crimes." Harry reported.
All twinkle left the Chief Warlock's eyes when he heard this. "Lord Potter-Black, this is very serious. Have you any proof of this?"
"I do, Sir." Harry said as he withdrew a rolled parchment and handed it to Dumbledore. "This document proves that Orion Black, the former Lord Black, performed a ritual. This ritual, combined with the marriage contract that he made with Remone LeStrange, caused her to lose her own free will. Bending her will to that of her husband, Rudolphus."
"I see, Lord Potter-Black." Dumbledore said as he read the document. "And what do you propose should be done about her?"
Harry smiled. "I would like to make arrangements with Gringotts to meet with her. There I will give her punishments for crimes against the house of Black. The punishments I have in mind should get rid of the problem, Chief."
Dumbledore thought about this for a few moments. "I believe I can arrange for your requests to be met. I shall speak with the members of the Wizengamot within the week." he said at last. "I shall recommend that they remand punishment to her head of house."
Harry nodded his appreciation. "Thank you Chief Warlock." he said. Then he smiled. "Just one more thing, Professor."
Dumbledore smiled. "Harry, in this school, we are colleagues. I would prefer if you called me Albus."
"Of coarse, Albus." Harry ceded, "I was wondering if it would be allowed for my girlfriend to spend time in my room with me. I can give you an oath that there will be nothing done in my quarters that would challenge our virtue."
Albus smiled. "I'm sure that could be arranged, Harry. With no oath required"
Thank you to everyone who reviewed. I hope that this story is to your liking. I must admit that I was inspired by a few other fics for this one. I hope I'm not stepping on any toes by writing this. If I am, I sincerely apologize.
I also noticed how a lot of reviewers hated the thought of Harry/ Hermione/ Ginny situation. I should let everyone know that it was never a real issue. I needed to get the pureblood law out of the way. It would only make sense that the Black family would have a law like that on the books. Personally, I like Ginny. I just don't think she and Harry could have a real future together. So I will find someone else for her. And NO it will not be Draco Malfoy. In this story, he's a little prick just as he is in cannon.