Chapter nine

It was a week later, right after Witch Weekly had been released with Harry's interview, that Harry received a note from the headmaster. He was wanted in his office. Since Harry didn't like or trust Albus Dumbledore, and his mother's diary said not to trust him, he was going to have Hermione with him. If they tried to protest then he would leave. He really didn't care if he was suspended or expelled. He planned to work in the muggle world so if he lost his wand rights then it wouldn't faze him at all. He was going to work on investing some of his money if he had trouble finding a good job that he liked then he would always have money.

'Do you think it's about the article?' Hermione asked.

'Yeah, the part about Sirius. If it's just the headmaster then it might be what I said about Fudge. Did you get a chance to speak with Susan Bones?'

'Yes, her aunt is the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. She said even though her aunt likes her job and it allows her to continue working as an auror she plans to run for minister. She does not like Fudge especially how close he is to Lucius Malfoy who she believes really was a death eater.'

'She's smart, and an auror so she knew what was going on back then. Okay, she sounds like someone I could support, if anyone is really interested in what I have to say.'

'Even though we're young Harry, you are the-boy-who-lived. Many will listen to what you have to say because you did save the world even if you don't remember anything. Having a reputation is something many witches and wizards follow, more than knowing if the person is worth following. So just give your honest opinion, that's all you can do. I haven't found out anything about Cedric's father, so we might just have to speak with Cedric. Mr Diggory seemed nice when we saw him before the quidditch cup, but he did seem a bit…awed by you.'

'Yeah, he did, so let's leave that for a while. Maybe we should wait until after the first task. I'm sure Cedric is nervous.'

'I wonder if he will work on flying,' Ron said as he sat down, 'He is a seeker so he might be able to use it.'

'He could, and what he is going to face can fly,' Harry shrugged.

'So why didn't you tell me you planned to do the interview?'

'In case anyone overheard, I didn't want to be banned from Hogsmeade. I'm just hoping this might help Sirius. But I noticed since it came out that many girls are watching you. They see Ronald Weasley as a brave person.'

Ron ears went red making Harry chuckle, Hermione smiled. She knew Harry had headed off before Ron's temper got the better of him, again.

'You did save me from the troll, Ron, to me and a lot of people that was brave thing to do.'

'With Harry's help.'

'True, but you did still knock out a full grown mountain troll. All I did was jump on it's back and stuck my wand up its nose. It was a good distraction, but it was still you. Like that day we were talking about what attracts people, bravery is attractive to some girls so naturally they are interested. You also helped me with the chamber of secrets and would have been with me if it wasn't for that idiot Lockhart. Just going down there was brave. I know we did it to help your sister but it was still a brave, and stupid thing to do. I won't let anyone tell me that my best mate isn't brave.'

'Thanks Harry,' Ron grinned, 'But I did get asked by a few girls to take them to the ball,' Ron's ears went red again.

'So did you take any up on their offer?' Hermione asked.

'Yeah, at first I thought I could take my pick, but then I remembered how some girls want you because of the-boy-who-lived. I've also seen the way some girls are with Cedric now he's a champion. I didn't want to go with some airhead who just wanted me to use me or something.'

'Yeah, I get that mate. I know Hermione's feelings are real. We have to head up to the old man's office, so tell us who you're going with?'

'Susan Bones, she's shy but she's a big quidditch fan. Why are you going to see Dumbledore?'

'Got a note that he wants to see me. We think it's about the article, so Hermione is coming with me since she helped with that. But I think you picked the right girl, Susan is nice and she does love quidditch. So even if she backs Hufflepuff, you two would have a lot to talk about.'

'Yeah, we will, well, go off to your meeting. We can met up later.'

'We'll find you, using the…' Harry shrugged but Ron got the message, Harry would use the map.

Harry and Hermione approached the gargoyle's, they realised they didn't have the password. Before they could think of what it might be, they moved aside.

'He must have charmed them to allow us entry,' Hermione said.

'Yeah, but I don't get this. I mean if someone really needed to see the headmaster they would have go to speak with McGonagall or one of the other teachers first. It's like us in first year, we wanted to see Dumbledore, but couldn't. We had to explain to McGonagall who blew us off. She didn't even bother to investigate our claims. I might not like Dumbledore but I knew he would have listened, then went to see if anyone had tried to get past Fluffy.'

'Yes, he would have, but apart from a few of the staff, we have both been disappointed by Professor Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape. One more year to our O.W.L.s then it's back to our non-magical education.'

'Yeah, it's best to get away from here. Danger for one, a coward and a bully as a teacher, and another that won't listen. I'm going to work on karate and some type of musical instrument. I like flying but I want to be able to do more and there's nothing else in the magical world that interests me. But even if there is there is nothing offered at Hogwarts. Dean was telling me how much he misses football. He goes to as many matches as he can during holidays. I think he's going to leave after his O.W.L.s as well, not sure though.'

'So you don't want to go on and play professional quidditch?'

'No, I see the way everyone fawns over Krum, no thanks. The karate and stuff will be just for a hobby, I still want to be a doctor. Healers are great and can do a lot, but the muggle world is so more advanced with their medical inventions and technology. I saw enough of that all the times Vernon put me in the hospital. Anyway, we better go see what this is about.'

'If anything happens, then the plans are worked out.'

'I know, I just wish it was with Sirius. If he does end up cleared I might already be an adult. I'll still spend time with him but it won't be the same. If Lupin is with him then I won't see him very often at all. I just can't trust that man since he ran away after my parent's died. You know, I don't even know if there are others out there that were friendly with them. If there are then they didn't bother with me either. No, I just don't like the way this world is. Too many idiots, it's full of bigots and too many people with their heads buried up their arse.'

'Harry,' Hermione squeaked as she slapped him making Harry laugh, 'Alright, it's true, but you didn't have to say it like that.'

'I could have said something worse than you would have reason to hit me. I learnt a lot from Dudley and his little gang of criminals.'

'Do they still get drunk and do drugs?'

'All the time, I thought about sneaking some of his drugs just to try them. I wanted to forget about all the shit that goes on in that house and here. But I didn't want to become an idiot like that fat turd.'

'Your mouth is really letting lose today.'

'I'm just frustrated. Sirius is my godfather and I care about him but he's stuck in hiding and I'm alone.'

'Yes, even if I wish you weren't, but at least you aren't being hurt anymore. I wish there was a way to prosecute the Dursley's.'

'There isn't, whenever anyone tried to say something about my condition or bruises, they fed everyone lies. Most believed them, it was only the librarian at my old school that knew the truth. She also knew fat Vernon was friendly with the local police and the headmaster of the school. Maybe I will pay them a visit when I'm older, give them a right scare. They knew I couldn't use magic outside of Hogwarts but I can when I'm older.'

'You wouldn't hurt them, would you?'

'No, just scare them, a lot. Even if I didn't have magic I would make sure they pay, in some way. Maybe I can get Dudley arrested for all the kids he beats up, or when he vandalises everything. I could make sure the police know where he keeps his drugs. I don't know, I'll work on something. I might just get a big flashy expensive car and let them see. They might have used all that money they got for me on their fat son but they will never come close to having the type of money I have.'

'I know you're stalling, I get why, but we're already late.'

Harry sighed, 'Alright, let's get this over with.'

Harry and Hermione had no idea that their conversation was heard by the people inside the headmaster's office. One was saddened, one surprised, one angry, one wanted to know more about why Harry felt the way he did. And one hoped he could change things so Harry would see the good side of the magical world.