Harry Potter Rise of the Mage

Author Notes: There's not going to be much of Daphne and Harry romance until later chapters.

Chapter 4: Truth

Harry woke up and got ready. True to his word, he was ready at seven o'clock to take a couple of first years to the owlery. He led them to the owlery the best way he knew how. They got there without any trouble.

"Alright, you may choose an owl; they will know where to go." Harry said as Hedwig came down and held out her leg.

"Not this time girl, I'll have something for you tonight." Harry said. Hedwig gave a hoot and flew off turning her back to him. Showing that she was piss off that he was choosing a school owl over her. Harry grabbed a screech owl and gave it a letter.

"Oh, hi." A voice said at the doorway. Harry turns around and sees Cho Chang standing there.

"Hey Cho, how was your summer?" Harry asked trying to be polite.

"It was, eventful."

"I'm helping the Gryffindor first years sending their letters to their parents." Harry said as he let the screech owl go. "Everyone, this is Cho Chang a sixth year Ravenclaw student who also plays Seeker on their house team." The first years gave a heartily hello.

"Is she your girlfriend?" A first year girl asked. Harry choked and tried to clear his chest. Cho face turned crimson at the first year's words.

"No, we just play against each other in quidditch." Harry said with a small laugh.

"You like her." The same first year said pointing her finger at Harry. Cho's face turn even more crimson.

"She's a great girl. Maybe one day you can find someone for you." Harry said causing the poor first year's face to turn crimson.

Cho went over and got a barn owl tied the letter to its leg. When she was halfway done the door burst open and there stood Filch looking like he just ran a marathon.

"I knew, I have received a tip off that you Potter, are going to order dungbombs." Filch said pointing a finger at Harry. Harry merely raised an eyebrow and looks back at Filch.

"Shouldn't you be questioning Fred and George? This seems more like their department. I don't have a history with dungbombs." Harry said. Filch paused seeing the truth in Harry's words.

"It doesn't matter, just hand it is what ever it is you're sending." Filch said in a demanding tone of voice.

"I'm not sending a letter. I'm merely helping the first years send their letters to their parents. That isn't against the school rules is it?" Harry asked with a raise eyebrow.

Filch stood there than he eyed Harry's pockets.

"How do I know you don't have it in your pockets?" He snarled.

"Even if I did, you don't have the authority to search me without the Headmaster's permission. Even if you did, you would have to bring me to my house head and file for a suspension. We do have rights you know." Harry said.

Filch stood there with calculating eyes and Harry wasn't giving him any grounds to blink. Finally Filch turns away in defeat. "If I catch a sniff of dungbombs you will be expelled from this school Potter." Filch said in a threatening tone of voice. He turns around and leaves.

"That was odd." Cho said.

"Very, it's as if someone wanted to read my mail." Harry said in agreement.

"That goes against our privacy act." Cho said in disbelief.

"I'm not sure if you've notice Cho, but Umbridge said it last night. Things are going to change at Hogwarts and I suspect we won't have much rights soon. The best we can do is fight the legal system their way.

"Why would he accuse you of ordering Dungbombs?" Cho asked.

"To be honest I can only think of he did it as an excuse to read my personal mail. Other than that, I don't know. I'll learn more later on."

"I hope so." Cho said just as the barn owl bit her in annoyance. "Alright, I'm almost done." Cho said to the owl finishing tying the letter and sent it out.

"Is everyone done?" Harry asked. The first years nodded as their owls took off and went into the morning sky.

"Alright, let's go to breakfast." Harry said as he walked with Cho and led the first years back into the Great Hall.

Harry was walking next to Cho while the first years tag behind them. Some of them were making sniggling comments but Harry just ignored them. He knew they were making comments about him and Cho being together. He wouldn't mind that, but he wasn't sure if it would be appropriate. She was last year Cedric's girlfriend.

Harry waved goodbye to Cho as she went to the Ravenclaw table as he went to the Gryffindor table to eat.

"What are you smiling about?" Ron asked fifteen minutes later as he sat down for breakfast.

"Cho talked to me." Harry said simply.

"Oh my god, Harry are you two dating now?"

"Doubtful." Harry said as he piled his plate with eggs.

"Have you notice that Ministry woman isn't here." Hermione said.

The trio looks up to see Umbridge was indeed missing.

Ministry of Magic: Courtroom Ten

Everyone in the Wizengamot was talking. They all had one question, why were they summoned once again.

The Minister of Magic wasn't sitting in the high podium. Madam Bones was sitting there; ever since Fudge sacked Dumbledore as Chief Warlock, they've had trouble finding a replacement.

The doors open and a squad of Aurors walked with a man in the middle. It took the Wizengamot a moment, but they soon recognize the man as Sirus Black!

Sirus Black sat down in the chair which immediately binds him. Sirus showed no sign of being binded to the chair.

Madam Bones fired her wand in the air to signal the court was now in session. All chatter cease.

"I will begin by summiting the following. The accused Sirus Black; for the murder of twelve muggles, and the murder of Peter Pettigrew; Order of Merlin First Class."

"I object." Umbridge shouted interrupting Madam Bones. Ignoring the glare Madam Bones sent her, she continues on. "Sirus Black trail cannot be given so shortly. It is tradition that he waits thirty days after capture until he is given a trail." She said.

"Is there a second?" Madam Bones asked.

"I second it." Someone in the Wizegamot shouted standing up.

"All in favor?" Madam Bones said. Only a few raised their hands. It was clear the majority of the Wizengamot were curious. They wish to learn the truth from Sirus Black.

"Motion denied. Will shall continue on with the trail with no further interruptions." Madam Bones said as Umbridge sits back down with a sour look on her face.

"The accuse is being charge with thirteen murders, twelve muggles and Peter Pettigrew. How does the accuse plea?"

"Not guilty." Sirus Black said in a strong voice.

"It is understood to this court that you wish to testify your defense with Veritaserum. Does this body wish to counter such request?" No one raised their hands. They weren't foolish enough to deny the chance to learn the truth.

Auror Shacklebolt walked up to Madam Bones with a vial and hands it to her. Madam Bones eyes it carefully before handing it back.

"I confirm that this is Veritaserum. The accused may now be submitted to Veritaserum." Sirus showed no resistance as he drank the Veritaserum and sat there.

"Are you Sirus Orion Black the Third?"

"Yes."

"Were you born September 29th of 1959?"

"Yes."

"Are you a Death Eater?"

"No."

"Do you support He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named?"

"No."

"Have you ever support the Dark Lord and his forces?"

"No."

"Did you betray the Potters?"

"No."

"Where you the Secret Keeper for the Potters?"

"No."

Exciting whisper broke out as everyone who heard this couldn't believe what they were hearing. It was clear Sirus Black was innocence.

"Who was the Secret Keeper of the Potters?"

"Peter Pettigrew."

"What happen that night?"

"That night, I kept getting the feeling something was terrible wrong. Finally, I decided to check in on Peter in his hideout. However he was gone and there was no sign of a struggle or a hair unmoved. I knew at once something wasn't right and went immediately to James and Lily's place in Godric Hollow's. However I saw the state of the house and saw their bodies, I knew at once Peter betrayed them and I was overcome with grief at what I saw. I immediately begin searching for Peter and found him in a muggle town. He was in a middle of a crowd when I spotted him. He however manages to spot me and cried out that I betrayed Lily and James. Before I could curse the traitor he blew the street with his wand behind his back. It was then I discovered he some how became an animagus as he transformed himself into a rat. He cut off his right index finger and disappeared into the sewer."

Silence enters the chamber as everyone was staring at Sirus. Truth be told, they did not want believe him but it was hard not to.

"For those who wish to clear the accused of all charges." Madam Bones said in a commanding tone of voice.

Everyone raised their hands. It was clear they had no choice to believe Sirus Black.

"For those who wish to accused to be sentence to life in Azkaban." No one raised their hands. Not even Fudge who look tempted to. Umbridge was staring hard at Sirus Black as if he was at fault for the Minister blunder.

"Cleared of all charges. The Ministry owes you a public apologize and will pay you a fine of a hundred thousand galleons." Madam Bones said as she ended the session. Fudge look at her in horror at the thought the Ministry paying Sirus Black and giving him a public apology.

Hogwarts: Monday

Harry woke up feeling happy. Sirus sent him Hedwig who was clutching a piece of the Daily Prophet.

Sirus Black Cleared of All Charges

"On Saturday morning. The Ministry of Magic was given a surprise since its foundation when Sirus Black marches in the front door and surrenders himself to the Aurors. Auror Tonks, who was responsible for bringing him in took him to Courtroom Ten where Sirus Black requested an immediately trail. Director of Magical Law Enforcement Madam Amelia Bones granted this request and a emergency Wizangamot was held. Senior Undersecretary to the Minister Madam Dolores Jane Umbridge, requested the trail be moved for the traditional thirty day hold. This requested was denied as Sirus Black was given the trail he never received. Sirus Black was found innocent of the crimes he was believed to have done….

Harry gave the paper to Hermoine who was interested in reading the trail.

Professor McGonagall came up to them holding their schedules.

"Professor, I was wondering if I can drop some classes." Harry asked as Professor McGonagall cleared Hermione.

"What classes do you wish to drop Potter?"

"History of Magic, Care of Magical Creatures and Divination."

"I see, may I ask why?"

"I rather be spending my time preparing for classes that matter to me and focus on my future career." Harry said in a strong voice.

"I see, well Potter you are going to have more study time this year than last. I hope you do well." Professor McGonagall said as she handed him back his schedule.

Harry looks at his schedule and realized he has two free schedules. Keeping his word he lead the first years to their first class and made sure they had five minutes to spare in the lesson.

Seeing how he had no two free periods, Harry went to the library and look at the books for defensive spells. \He was reading about the backfire charm that used an opponent's own spell against them and was interested in trying it out.

"Of all the places where you had to be, I just had to run into you." A female voice said in annoyance. Harry looks up and sees Daphne Greengrass standing there.

"Hello Daphne, how are you?" Harry said pleasantly.

"It's Greengrass to you. The last time I checked you and I were not on speaking terms." She snaps as she took a seat and took out a potion book. Harry gave a chuckle and went back to his reading.

"Had a good summer?" Harry asked behind his book as Daphne continued to ignore him. Harry gave a smile and cast an illusion of Daphne wearing a beautiful.

"What are you doing?" She hisses as she eyes her new cloths.

"Do you like it? I saw it in Diagon Alley." Harry said in a calm tone.

"How are you doing that? I didn't see you cast it with your wand." Daphne asked.

"My secret. I can do a lot see," Harry said as he cast an illusion of a Dragon in the Magical Library. Students screamed as they tried to get out the door as the Hungarian Horntail gave a roar. Daphne jump back and for a moment forgot she was looking at a illusion.

The dragon disappeared as did her new robes causing Harry to lean back and give a laugh.

"How did you do that?" Daphne asks as she sits back down.

"I told you it's my secret." Harry said as he read his book and began reading the Replica Charm.

"I've never seen an illusion look so real. I can't believe it worked."

"Illusions are more powerful than people realize." Harry said as he continued to read. Daphne went back to her usual self and read her own book.

The bell rang signally the start of lunch. Harry packed his stuff and headed to Gryffindor table with Daphne walking behind him. Harry didn't say anything as he made his way to Gryffindor table and sat down with Ron and Neville. Hermione had yet to show up.

"Hey guys, how was class?"

"Boring, I wish I could drop classes like you." Ron muttered as he piled his food and began to stuff his mouth. Harry raised an eyebrow at Ron's table manners.

"Binns kept going on and on about the Goblin Rebellions." Neville said as he piled his own food and began to eat.

"That's why I drop History of Magic." Harry said as he ate his food, Hermione came up to them and sat down.

"Professor Vector kept me, she wanted to know if I can help tutor some of the younger students." Hermione said in one breath.

"Slow down Hermione. We can't understand you when you talk fast." Harry said.

"Yeah, it's rude." Ron said with his mouth full of food.

"So is talking with your mouth full." Hermione remarked coldly.

"What do we got next?" Harry asked before Hermione and Ron got into another argument.

"Potions, then Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"We better go, or else old Snape face will just find an excuse to take points from Gryffindor." Harry said as they all got up the moment they were done and left for Potions.

They went down to the dungeons and found all the Slytherin's already standing by the wall. Harry lead the Gryffindor's to the other side.

"So Potter, I see that they're allowing you roam these alls. I guess it's only a matter of time before the Ministry has you in Azkaban. I hear they got a cell with your name on it." Draco said as the Slytherin's roared with laughter. Harry merely gave a smile.

"Maybe you should visit; I hear your aunt makes excellent company. She doesn't exactly stand for blood purity if she's insane does it?" Harry said in a calm tone. Draco's face turns white at Harry's remark.

"You don't know what you're talking about Potter."

"So your aunt doesn't like to hunt purebloods and drive them insane? Isn't that why she was sentence to Azkaban in the first place?" Harry said with a raise eyebrow.

The Slytherin's all stop laughing and were looking at Draco as if to tell it wasn't true. Draco said nothing but was shaking with his fist clutch to the point his knuckles were turning white.

"I can't help but wonder how many Pureblood families she has destroyed before she was put away. It's such a shame that she didn't do the same thing to your parents. I hear she doesn't even like family." Harry said.

Draco finally had enough and pulled out his wand. He fired a jinx at Harry who merely sidesteps and allows the jinx to hit the wall harmlessly. Draco was prepared to cast another when a voice made him stop.

"Enough!" Snape said as he made his presence known. He walks down the stairs with his cloak moving behind him making him look like an overgrown bat.

"Explain." Snape said pointing his finger to Daphne.

"Potter provoked Malfoy sir." Daphne said.

"I see fifty points from Gryffindor. Dear me, Gryffindor is not doing so well, are they." Snape said with a smirk. Harry didn't say anything; he knew Snape was only provoking him to get a raise out of him just to find an excuse to punish him. Snape displeased with Potter's lack of response pointed his wand at the classroom door and the door swung open. "Inside." He spats in spite to the Gryffindor's.

They did not need telling twice, they all scramble to get inside and take their seats. Harry was partner with Neville while Ron and Hermione were together.

"Settle down." Snape said the moment he closes the door. There was no need to call for order, Snape's mere presence was enough to have everyone stop talking and pay attention.

"Before we begin today's lesson's, I find it 'appropriate' to remind you all that your Ordanary Wizards Levels examinations are upon you in June. During which, you will prove how much you have learned about the composition and the use of magical potions. Moronic though some of you in this class undoubtedly are; I expect you to scrape better than an 'Acceptable' in your Potion O.W.L.; or you will suffer… (Snape's eyes rest on Neville) my displeasure." Neville gave a large gulp as he had a hard time focusing in on Potions.

"After the end of the year, of course, many of you will cease studying with me," Snape went on. "I only accept the best potion and my brightest into N.E.W.T. Potion class, which of course means, that some of us will certainly be saying good-bye." This time Snape's eyes rested on Harry who gave Snape a dirty look. Harry half wanted to drop potions as he no longer wanted a Snape in his life.

"But we have another year before we have that happy moment of farewell, so whether you are intending to attempt N.E.W.T. or not, I advise all of you to concentrate your efforts upon maintaining the high-pass level I have come to expect from my O.W.L. students." Snape said softly as he his linger on Malfoy. Malfoy buffed up his chest with pride and had a very smug look on his face.

"Today, we will be mixing a potion that often comes up in your Ordinary Wizarding Level examination: The Draught of Peace; a potion to calm anxiety and soothe agitation. Be warned: If you are too heavy-handed with the ingredients, you will put the drinker into a heavy and sometimes irreversible sleep, so you will need to pay close attention to what you are doing." Harry notice that Hermione straighten up and had her expression showed she was given Snape her undivided attention. "The ingredients and method (Snape flicks his wand) are on the blackboard. You will find everything you need, in the store cupboard. You have an hour and a half. Begin." Harry got up and got every ingredient. He soon got to work and read the instructions and got to work.

Just as Harry predicted Snape set them on a difficult potion that would be tough to complete. Something inside Harry's brain was telling him a different approach to make the potion and he did so. Harry was working so well that he was actually having fun in a potion class. Snape was helping the Slytherin's by giving them tips on how to handle the potion. He would scowl and mock the Gryffindor's into failing their potion. Only Hermione was doing seem to see past his attempts.

"A light silver vapor should now, be rising from your potion." Snape said with just ten minutes to go.

Snape passes Hermione potion; gave it a sniff and walked away telling everyone she had done it perfectly.

"Potter what is this?" Snape said in a rude voice. The Slytherin's in the front of the class look up eagerly to watch Snape taunt Harry. They loved it so much it was like a private show to them.

"The Draught of Peace." Harry replied calmly. He knew he made his potion better than Snape's instruction.

Snape took Harry's spoon and took a sip.

"I pray tell me, how you manage to make it so perfectly? Has Miss Granger been whispering instructions in your ear?" Snape asked. Hermione ears turn pink at the idea of breaking the rules.

"You wouldn't be asking me that if my potion was better than hers now would you, Professor?" Harry said in a mocking tone. The Slytherin's slowly lost their smile and were looking at Harry with a calculating look.

"Indeed, how you manage to make… (Snape look like he was going to have a stroke; Harry half wish it true) how you manage to make the best potion in this class astonishes me. When the past four years, you've struggle in this class."

"I've just grown past your childish taunts." Harry replies in a calm tone. Inside, he felt something wanting to leap out and rip off Snape's jugular.

Snape turns around before he turns around and speaks again.

"Twenty points from Gryffindor Potter." He said and a few Slytherin's gave a small laugh. But it ended when Snape stood in front of the classroom and began to speak to everyone.

"For those of you who manage to follow the instructions, fill one flagon with a sample of your potion, label it clearly with your name and bring it up to my desk for testing." Snape said as the ones who finish began to get their sample ready. "Homework: Twelve inches of parchment on the properties of moonstone and its uses in potion making; to be handed in on Thursday." Snape called out as the class gave a moan.

"What do we have next?" Harry asked the moment they were out of the class.

"Defense Against the Dark Arts." Hermione said.

Harry gave a groan as this was one class he has been dreading.

Author Notes: Hope you guys enjoy the chapter, the next chapter will be poste dup soon.

A quick note here. Harry can understand the use of potions better because he's now a druid and he is in possesion of animal spirits. He however has yet to tame those spirits so his mood and attitude will be like mood swings.