(A/N): Quick thing, this is the first chapter in my history of writing that was 10k+ words. Another quick thing, Thanks for all the stories you guys suggested to me, I've read just about all of them and they have satiated me for the week. Now to some of the reviews. This is a general answer to a few of the constant repeats in the reviews, please read these notes and you won't have to keep asking this question. No this is not going to be a Harem, I'm pretty sure I've answered this before. This is a Harmony story. The True Lokre, thanks for the review, if you don't like the story then stop reading it. Everything that Harry is doing is explained in this chapter, and no he is not going to be superman. Jarno, thanks for the review, I'm just going to say this... Pics or it didn't happen. You can say how many belts you have till you're blue in the face. That doesn't mean I'm going to believe you. I'm also not calling you a liar, it's just that I've asked a bunch of other people and they say that it is quite possible. One friend was in the military, he was trained on how to fight. He's seen smaller people take out larger people. I will believe him first. I have personally seen my sister take out guys twice her size, it's pretty funny. But in all seriousness I have received more 'yes this is possible' than 'nope can't be done'. So I'll stick with my fight, but I did offer somewhat of an explanation. Anyways, onto the story. I'm glad that so many people like this story. I hope I don't disappoint anyone. There are around 2 more chapters until I get to the chapter that Leonineus didn't post. I'll have to take a good look through that one though, it does some things that even I don't think would happen exactly that way. Some of you will be surprised, but that's enough foreshadowing.
Dumbledore barely noticed Harry and his group walk away from him. He was shocked at his words. 'How could he know? Who would have told him? I have to find out how much he knows. I need him to stay with the light. His current actions have him drifting to the line between light and dark.' Albus turned around and walked towards his office. He would need to come up with a new plan to keep Harry on the side of the light, and he knew just how he could do it.
Harry, Hermione, Neville, and Professor McGonagall were on there way to Harry's new quarters. The group was silent for the most part until Professor McGonagall turned towards Harry.
"Mr. Potter…"
"Harry, please call me Harry," Harry turned towards Professor McGonagall and smiled.
She just couldn't say no to that smile of his, so much like his father's smile. "Very well, Harry. What did you mean by what you said to Albus?"
"Simple, I'm not going to be controlled by anyone anymore. Not unless I want to do it myself." He shrugged as he turned a corner to the main tower. "Which floor is it?"
"It's on the sixth floor," McGonagall said as they started up the flights of stairs.
"Harry, how did you know you could get your own quarters?" Hermione turned her head slightly towards Harry.
"To be honest, I didn't actually believe that I could. I just wanted to see if I could push Professor Dumbledore to accept, and apparently it worked."
"So you did this on a whim?" Neville turned towards Harry as well. Harry made a small mental note that Neville seemed a lot more confident than the boy did from the train.
"Basically," Harry ran his fingers through his hair, making his already messy hair wilder. Hermione felt her gaze linger on his hair for a few seconds longer than she intended. She quickly looked back towards his face.
"Mr. Potter … Harry, who told you to tell Albus that you couldn't be controlled?"
"You might not believe me if I told you." Harry looked away from McGonagall's gaze.
"You look so much like your father after I caught him during a prank." Harry smiled to himself. "But you have your mother's eyes."
"That's what I'm told."
"I do miss your parents Harry. They were good people."
The group continued in silence until they reached the sixth floor. They then turned towards a small corridor, which housed a large painting at the end of it. The portrait was of a tall man with brown scraggily hair and a big bushy beard to match. He looked rugged yet kind, almost like Hagrid.
"Godric Arthur Pendragon Gryffindor." Harry said as they approached the painting.
"Good evening lad, and who might you be? How did you know of my middle names?"
"I'm Harry Potter, your distant heir. I know of your middle names because that's what you went by in the muggle world."
"Well, I should probably have greeted you differently."
"No, your greeting was fine and is preferred." He then turned to Professor McGonagall, "Professor, is Godric Gryffindor going to be guarding my quarters?"
"Yes, all you have to do is place your hand on the painting and say your new password and it shall be put in place." She then turned towards Neville and Hermione, but still talked to Harry. "I assume you wish for them to know of the password as well?"
"Oh yes, I want them to know the password so that they can come and go as they please." Harry then thought for a moment before he turned to Godric Gryffindor's painting. "Godric, perhaps you could liaison with the Gryffindors' common room portrait in case either Neville or Hermione don't make it back to their common room in time for the curfew. That way, if anyone wants to know where they are, their portrait will know."
"I suppose I could do that," Godric then turned to Professor McGonagall, "Professor?"
"I think that would be a good idea." She then turned to Harry with a knowing look in her eyes, "Though I do hope, because of your age, that you won't be having Miss Granger in your quarters after curfew."
Harry blushed profusely at these words. "No, you misunderstand. I would sleep elsewhere while she would sleep in my bed."
"Or you could just ask for another room." Godric butted into the conversation with a smile on his face. Harry looked confused so Godric continued. "While in my quarters, you need but simply ask for extra accommodations and I shall supply them."
"T-That would probably be a good idea." Harry turned towards Hermione who was blushing just as badly as he was. Neville was trying to hide his laughter from his friends.
"Well Mr. Potter," Harry looked up at the Professor with a raised eyebrow, "Sorry, Harry. Now that we've got your devious intentions out of the way, perhaps you should form the password to your common room."
Harry nodded as he turned towards the portrait of Godric Gryffindor. He was deep in thought, trying to come up with a good password. He then smiled as he placed his hand on the painting, "Amicus." Harry looked at his two friends then at Professor McGonagall.
"What does that mean?" Hermione asked.
"Friend," McGonagall smiled down at Harry.
Godric nodded as the edges of his painting glowed for a brief second. Then his portrait swung open revealing a large entrance to an even larger common room. The common room was about the size of four classrooms put together with a fifteen-foot high ceiling. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling adorned with ever-burning candles. There were armchairs and loveseats placed in a semicircle around a large fireplace. The floor was made of redwood and had lush carpets over it. On one side was taken up by wall-to-ceiling bookshelves, filled with books. At the end of the common room was a staircase as well as a few doors, most likely leading to living quarters.
Everyone looked around common room with awed looks in their faces, save for McGonagall. She only smiled as she watched the children admire the room. Harry and Neville sat down on the two present armchairs. As soon as they did this, a roaring fire erupted in the fireplace showering them with warmth. Hermione rushed over to the bookshelves and started running her hand over the titles of the books.
"Harry, do you mind if I?" Hermione looked back towards Harry whom turned his head towards her.
"Go for it Hermione, you can come here all you want and read all the books you want. If you run out, I'll just ask Godric to make more." Harry smiled as he saw Hermione grab a book and plop down on the loveseat.
"Well, actually Harry m'boy, I didn't make the books." Godric said sheepishly from one of his paintings inside the common room.
"Oh, then who did?" Harry looked at him curiously.
"You did, sort of."
"What do you mean 'sort of'?" Harry raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"This room was made out of your heart's desires."
"That sort of makes sense, but I've already got a lot of books, why did I want more?"
"You wanted your friends to be happy here as well."
"Go on," Harry motioned with his hand for Godric to continue.
"Harry, you wanted a place to be alone, so you made this room. Neville wanted a place to relax, hence the fireplace and comfy chairs. Hermione wanted a place to learn and read, hence the books. All of this was from your desire to make your friends happy, a very good thing, if I do say so myself."
Harry slowly nodded his head in realization. "So all of this is basically what my friends and I wanted?"
"It's a good thing he wasn't sorted into my house," A voice came from just out of eyesight.
"Who said that?" Harry looked around.
"I did dear," A tall woman walked into frame from the side of Godric's painting. "My name is Rowena Ravenclaw. I'm the creator of Ravenclaw House."
Rowena was very beautiful. She had long black hair that shimmered in the light. She had blue eyes and an aura of kindness and serenity. She was wearing blue robes that had many pieces of parchment sticking out of random pockets. She also had a quill jutting from her breast pocket.
"Good evening Mrs. Ravenclaw," Harry stood up and bowed slightly to Rowena.
"My, such good manners on this one," Rowena smiled as she placed a hand on Godric's shoulder. "Too bad you couldn't be as nice as he is." She looked sternly at Godric who seemed to cower under her gaze. Harry simply laughed at this.
"Ooh Godric is getting another lecture," Said an unknown male voice.
"This I have to see," Said an unknown female voice.
Harry saw two more figures enter Godric's painting. One was a tall thin man. The other was a short healthy woman. The man had long black hair down to his shoulders. He had what looked like a sneer but you could tell that by his kind green eyes it was a half smile. He was dressed in a green robe and was holding a cane with a metal snakehead at the top. Harry assumed this was Salazar Slytherin.
The woman, whom Harry assumed was Helga Hufflepuff, was a head shorter than her companion was. She had short blond hair and brown eyes. She was also wearing canary yellow robes and had on a pair of planting gloves. Harry could just make out bits of dirt covering the robes.
"I would assume that the newcomers are Salazar Slytherin and Helga Hufflepuff?"
"Maybe he would have done fine in your house my dear," Godric was trying to get back on Rowena's good side.
"Godric," Rowena started to rub the bridge of her nose. "We're wearing color coded robes. If he couldn't tell who we were, I would be very worried how he even managed to get here at all."
Everyone laughed as Godric slumped even further down. Harry watched on as Godric, Rowena, Helga, and Salazar continued to talk and bicker as if they were children. He shook his head as he got up and walked to Professor McGonagall.
McGonagall turned her head from the painting when she saw Harry approach her from the corner of her eye. "Yes Harry, did you need something?"
"Two things actually," Harry smiled at McGonagall.
"What would those two things be?" McGonagall returned the smile.
"When do classes start, I would like to get a rough map of the castle down in my head so that I don't get lost."
"Well, since today is Sunday, it would normally be tomorrow. Although, we do give students at least two days to acquaint themselves with the layout, or reacquaint themselves, so that would make the first day of classes this Wednesday."
"Good, good," Harry nodded his head. He was then silent for a moment.
"And the other question?" The occupants of the room were now looking at the two of them. The founders had forgotten their squabble.
"Earlier, you said that I looked like my father, but had my mother's eyes."
"Yes," McGonagall sighed as she placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. "They were two of the best students I've ever had the privilege to teach. They were good people, and I'm still saddened by their…" She paused for a second, not wanted to say the last word.
"Their deaths," Harry finished in a monotone.
"Unfortunate, but yes, I know it might seem harsh of me to ask, but where is this going?"
When Harry looked back up at Professor McGonagall, he had a wide smile across his face. "How would you like to see them again?"
"I have a picture of them, and you, on my desk. I look at it everyday."
"No not that. What I mean is the real thing. How would you like to see Lily and James Potter?"
"How would that be possible?" Hermione asked this as she placed her book down and walked over to her friend.
"Easy, I have a Pensieve. They gave me corporeal memories of themselves so that I would be able to see them again."
"But, how is that possible? I've never heard of anyone doing anything like that before."
"Really, I wonder why no one's tried it."
"Harry, Pensieves are very rare. You're the only person, that I know, that has one." McGonagall was confused but couldn't hide her curiosity. "You said that I could see your parents again?"
"Yeah, I did. Did you want to see them now?" Harry made another mental note, this time to find out exactly how rare Pensieves were.
"I think … I'll have to think about it Mr. Potter."
"Please, I said you could call me Harry."
"Well, Harry, despite my curiosity and your generosity, it is rather late. We should all be getting some rest."
"Alright Professor McGonagall," Harry smiled after letting out a yawn.
"I think after that offer, we can drop the formalities. You can call me by my first name, Minerva."
"How about Aunt Minnie, can I call you that?" Harry smiled as he made the joke. The smile vanished as he saw a tear escape her eye. "What's wrong?"
"You haven't called me that in ten years."
"Well, I guess I need to catch up then, Aunt Minnie."
Professor McGonagall smiled as she turned towards the portrait hole. "I'll escort Miss Granger and Mr. Longbottom to their common room."
"Hold on, I have to give them their trunks."
"Why aren't their trunks in their rooms?"
"Something happened on the platform that caused a certain amount of suspicion towards the moral standing of some wizards or witches." Professor McGonagall raised an eyebrow. "I'll tell you about it tomorrow with Hermione, only if she wants to though." Harry looked towards Hermione who smiled and nodded her head. "It's settled then, tomorrow around the evening maybe," Professor McGonagall nodded her head. "Alright, I'll see you tomorrow then Aunt Minnie.
Harry then pulled out Neville's trunk and Hermione's trunk. He added a small charm to them, which would cast Finite Incantatem upon being tapped twice on the top. After saying their goodbyes, the founders included, Harry walked through the door to his room. It was rather spacious but not too extravagant. He saw Hedwig sleeping on a small roost near a large window. He smiled as he looked around the room. It had a king sized four-poster bed, a large dresser with a mirror above it, and a door that led to a personal shower and lavatory. Harry resized his trunk and sat it at the end of his bed. He then took off his clothes and armor and tossed it down into his clothing compartment. After putting on a fresh pair of boxers, Harry climbed into bed and quickly fell asleep.
Harry once more had the dream of flying through the clouds. He looked down and saw a miniature countryside rolling below him. Up above him was Hedwig, singing her beautiful song. Harry turned around to look at Hermione. He saw her flying close behind him. The blonde haired girl was still blurry to him. He looked on his other side and saw Daphne and Susan flying close by. He smiled as he looked back towards the setting sun in front. Tomorrow he would see if Susan or Daphne approached him.
Harry was awake before the sun was the following morning. He quickly dressed in a pair of shorts and a thin white shirt. After putting on some running shoes, Harry walked out of his common room and down the stairs to the front doors of the castle. He breathed in the fresh morning air and gently slapped the sleep out of his face. He then set off at a brisk pace towards the Black Lake. A slight mist was forming above the lake, which caused the grounds to haze over in a fog.
Harry jogged twice around the Black Lake, and then he started to jog the length of the Forbidden Forest. As soon as he reached the edge of the forest, Harry's ears were assaulted with the various sounds of the forest's denizens. Harry tried to tune out the sounds as he jogged his course. He turned back towards the castle when he finished running the length. When he reached the doors, he heard a familiar cry above his head. He looked up to see his familiar gliding down towards him.
"Hey there Hedwig, did you have a good night?"
"I did, thank you for asking." Hedwig gently landed on Harry's outstretched arm. "Finished one of your runs? I can tell," Hedwig shifted slightly on Harry's arm.
"Yeah, I am a bit sweaty."
"Perhaps you should take a shower then because you also smell."
"I love you too." Harry scoffed as Hedwig flew away.
Harry shook his head as he headed back inside the castle. There were long rays of sunlight coming into the halls through the stained glass windows. The trip up to his dorm seemed to be shorter on the way up than it was on the way down. He thought how that could be possible, but quickly set it aside. He would try and figure out Hogwarts logic later. After giving Godric the password, Harry headed into his room. He quickly disrobed and threw his dirty clothes into his charmed wardrobe. The wardrobe would clean his clothes while it was in there.
Harry stepped into the shower, letting the cool water flow over him. He quickly washed his hair and his body before turning the water off. After a quick toweling off, Harry walked back into his room.
"Harry, a lovely little songbird is in the common room waiting for you."
"Thanks Godric, tell her I'll be a minute." Harry pulled out a set of clothes and started to get dressed.
"I don't see why he wants me to go in there." Harry heard Hermione's voice through the door. He thanked the heavens above that he at least had enough time to put on some boxers and a pair of pants before Hermione entered the room. "Harry, are you ready…" She quickly shut her mouth as she saw Harry in the middle of getting dressed. They both froze when they saw each other. Harry was in the middle of buttoning up his pants, while Hermione still had her hand on the doorknob.
Harry opened his mouth to speak only to have Godric cut him off.
"Oh Harry, didn't see that you weren't dressed." Godric gave him a sly wink.
"Godric Gryffindor I swear by all that is holy, I will use you for kindling if you do that again!" Hermione shouted this as she turned to leave the room.
Harry quickly finished getting dressed then walked into his common room. He found Hermione sitting on the couch with a book in hand. He cleared his throat to get her attention. She looked up at him with a slight red tinge in her cheeks.
"Yeah, sorry about that, I told Godric to tell you to wait while I dressed. I don't think he's a good listener." Harry drew his hand through his hair in embarrassment.
"Well as long as he doesn't do it again, then I can forgive him."
"Shall we go to breakfast then?" Harry asked as he held out his arm for Hermione.
"I'd love to. Neville should be waiting there for us already." Hermione took his arm and they went down to breakfast.
Morning dawned for Albus completely differently. He was frustrated with the way that Harry was acting. He shouldn't be like this at all, Albus thought to himself. He wondered what he would have to do in order to make this boy his weapon. He would have to pull out all the stops. He suddenly had an idea. Harry liked Minerva. Perhaps Albus could use her to get to the boy. Albus snapped his fingers, went to his fireplace, and called for Minerva.
"Yes Albus, what did you need from me so early in the morning?" Minerva was less than pleased at receiving her summons before the sun even rose.
"I need you to talk to Harry for me."
"I don't see why you can't do that yourself, although, he obviously wishes to be left alone for the most part."
"You don't know what he did Minerva."
"Enlighten me then," Minerva took a seat in front of Albus' desk.
"I've heard stories from some other students. I've also confirmed the authenticity of said stories."
"I hope it didn't involve Legilimency."
"Of course not," It did involve Veritaserum but he would never tell.
"Then share with me your stories of Harry's misdeeds." Minerva expertly hid her sarcasm towards her boss.
"It seems that Harry attacked five fourth year students before he boarded the train to Hogwarts."
"Was this attack unprovoked or was it in self-defense?"
"The boys say that they never attacked Harry, that he threw the first punch."
McGonagall raised an eyebrow at this. She had a lot of experience with half-truths when punishing students. "I sense that you are hiding something from me Albus."
"It's not pertinent to Harry's case."
"So some other student was being bothered by these boys and Harry came to rescue said student, is that it?" Albus looked taken aback for a second but that was all McGonagall needed. "I will not punish self-defense, even if that defense is for another student."
"Minerva, there's more," Albus said after a sigh of defeat.
"Oh do tell," Minerva trusted her boss, but he seemed to be at fault for most of his accusations towards Harry.
"He verbally assaulted two students on the train ride here. He then threatened one of them with a weapon."
"I shall have to speak to him about that then." Minerva then got up to leave. "If that is all then I shall take my leave."
"Minerva, something must be done about the boy's character. He seems to lash out at anyone whom doesn't agree with him."
"Albus, for Merlin's sake, the boy is eleven years old. He's acting out because he's immature. I would be surprised if he didn't do things like that."
"Not everyone requests their own dorm room Minerva."
"Not everyone owns half of Hogwarts."
"Do you think that he would use that power to override our authority?"
"No I don't think that he'll do that." Minerva then walked back to Albus and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Trust me on this Albus. Harry Potter is a good boy. You just need to look past the immaturity and find the lost soul underneath. He needs guidance, not a commanding voice. He might just need a few more friends before he calms down, maybe even when he's older."
"I pray that you're right Minerva. I don't want to have lost Harry before I've even had him."
"What do you mean by that Albus?"
"There are some things that I can not say Minerva. Know that I do this for the greater good."
"I hope that "greater good" also includes the feelings of a boy who had lost his parents at the tender age of one."
"What would I do without your guidance Minerva?"
"You'd probably run yourself into an early grave." Minerva then left Albus' office.
"I hope you are right Minerva. If the boy is immature and just acting out against authority for the fun in it, then I won't have to resort to my contingency plans." Albus then popped a lemon drop into his mouth and returned to his paperwork.
Harry and Hermione were halfway to the Great Hall when they were stopped by Professor McGonagall.
"Hello Aunt Minnie. Was there something I could do for you? Perhaps you've thought about my earlier proposition?" Harry gave Minerva a lopsided smile.
"I wish I came to you on better terms Harry. Unfortunately, Albus has shed light on a few of your actions yesterday, three actions in particular, if you get my meaning."
Harry, smile faded into a slight scowl. "Minerva I had good reason to do what I did yesterday. Maybe I was out of line on a couple of occasions. However, I would repeat the first action, which I believe I know which one you are talking about, over and over again until the end of time." Harry then slid his arm around Hermione.
"Would you care to explain yourself? Albus left out most if not all of the details of said actions."
"Not here, maybe your office?"
"As you wish, it's at the back of my class. If you'd follow me I'll show you."
"Actually could we do this after breakfast? I haven't eaten anything and I was exercising this morning. I've worked up a massive appetite."
"Perhaps that would be wise. I too haven't had my morning meal yet. I'll see you in half an hour then?"
"I'd like to bring Hermione with me please."
"Is this about what you wanted to talk about last night?"
"I'm afraid so," Harry looked towards Hermione with a saddened look on his face.
"Very well, I shall see you later Harry."
Harry nodded his head as he led Hermione into the Great Hall. They quickly found Neville saving a seat for them. Once they sat down, they began to eat their breakfast in silence. Neville wondered why no one was talking but decided against asking. He felt that they would tell him if he needed to know.
"Hey Nev," Harry got Neville's attention after he finished a piece of jam toast.
"Yeah Harry?"
"Hermione and I were going to Aunt Minnie's office after breakfast."
"What happened?"
"Nothing, I think. She just wanted to talk about what I did at the platform and on the train."
"Did you want me to come with you two?"
"Only if Hermione wants you to come, it involved her more than it did me."
"I would like it if you could come with us Neville." Hermione smiled towards Neville.
Neville nodded his head, "Sure thing Hermione, anything for a friend."
"Now that that's out of the way, back to the grub," Harry then piled a mountain of eggs onto his plate and dove right in.
"How can you eat so much?"
"I was running around Hogwarts for a couple hours this morning." Harry said in between mouthfuls of eggs. "It really works up an apatite you know."
Hermione and Neville finished their breakfast long before Harry did. Once all three were fed, they stood up and headed out of the Great Hall. They slowly made there way through the corridors looking for Professor McGonagall's class. None of them knew where it was, and they had forgotten to ask McGonagall as well. They got lucky when they spotted Nearly Headless Nick floating in a corridor ahead of them.
"Excuse me Sir Nicholas," Harry shouted, getting Nick's attention.
"Yes what can I do for you?"
"I was wondering if you could point me in the direction of Professor McGonagall's classroom. We don't know where it is and I think we're lost."
"You're closer than you think." Nick turned around and pointed at the end of the corridor they were in. "Simply walk to the end of the corridor and turn right, it's the first door on the right after that."
"We were that close?"
"So it would seem." Nick laughed as he waved goodbye to the trio.
Harry shrugged his shoulders, "Oh well, let's go."
Once they were in front of the classroom, they knocked on the door. They heard a faint noise from the other side of the door telling them to enter. Once inside they saw Minerva sitting on the other side of a long wooden desk with a small sheet of paper in front of her.
"Ah, Harry," She then looked at the clock to her left, "Thirty minutes exactly, excellent timing."
"Thank you Aunt Minnie."
"Please sit down. I see you decided to add Mr. Longbottom to the inquiry."
"Yes, he was there for the second and third … incidents." Harry said the last word with a hint of distaste.
"Something tells me that we will be here for awhile."
"The time table only matters based on how much Hermione wants to tell," Harry looked towards Hermione
"I think it's best if we tell her everything since we first met, Harry."
"Are you sure?" Harry looked at his first friend with concern.
"Yes, I'm sure." Hermione smiled at Harry. She then turned to Professor McGonagall and started the tale. "I had just said goodbye to my parents when I noticed Harry at the other end of the station. I wanted to talk to him but I decided to put away my trunk first."
"You never said that to me." Harry raised an eyebrow.
"Well, you were staring at me and I wanted to know why."
"Oh, yeah that," Harry had thought that Hermione meant she had the same dream he did. "I just saw you with your parents and… well." Harry looked away.
"I'm sorry I brought it up Harry."
"No, it's fine. Continue with your side of the story."
"Well… I had tried to push my trunk onto the train but it was far too heavy for me to lift. These five older students walked up to me and started speaking down to me. They were wondering where my parents were, so I told them they had to get back to their practice. My parents are both dentists." Hermione then looked away from Professor McGonagall.
"Miss Granger, what happened next?" Minerva was using a voice she rarely used when talking to a student about an 'incident' that they were involved.
"They called me a mudblood, and then they pushed me to the ground and started to kick me. They wrecked my things, and kicked me to near unconsciousness."
Professor McGonagall was livid. She was going to give Albus a stern talking to, and soon. This attack certainly wasn't unprovoked, as he had said. She started to make mental notes to ask Dumbledore.
"Why is it you don't seem to be injured?"
"That was my doing." Harry decided to jump in, in order to fill in the blanks that Hermione left. "I walked up to those boys and told them to stop. They all laughed at me so I attacked. I honestly didn't think I would win," Harry shrugged. "I guess I just got really lucky. Either that or it was a bout of accidental magic. I was pretty angry at the time."
"That would definitely explain how you could take on five boys at once at your age."
"I won't lie to you Minerva. I'm not that great of a fighter. The truth is, I've only been working to improve myself for a little less than a year." Harry then shook his head. "Anyways, back to the story. After I sent the boys running, I cast a small hex on them."
"A hex, which hex?"
"Something I made, it makes a permanent mark on their forehead. My spell wrote 'BIGOT' on their foreheads, it should have been noticeable at the feast."
"I will have to see about that, though very few spells are permanent."
"Oh, I didn't read that part. I just thought, if I put enough magic in it, it would stick. I guess not," Harry looked downtrodden.
"At least they will have to talk to Madam Pomfrey to get it removed. We'll be able to find out who they are."
"That's good," Harry smiled, though it faded quickly as he turned back to Hermione. She looked pale at recalling those painful memories.
"I quickly looked Hermione over, in order to see how badly she was hurt. It was bad. I would like it if she could get checked by Madam Pomfrey today." Minerva nodded in acceptance. "I did some rudimentary triage and fixed her up as best as I could."
"Rudimentary triage?" Minerva was a little curious.
"I healed the bones and the cuts as best as I could." Harry shrugged.
"How do you know those spells?"
"Truthfully, I don't know them too well. The only reason I can cast them is because I have very large magical reserves."
"I assume those rings have a part to play in that?" Minerva pointed to the rings on Harry's left hand.
"Another story, for another time," Harry paused for Minerva to accept his rain check. When she did, he continued with the tale. "After that, we talked for awhile. That was when Neville showed up."
"I would have been at Harry's side fighting off those boys, but I'm a coward. I couldn't even tell my Gram what was happening."
"The boys may have used a notice-me-not charm."
"Then how did I see them?" Neville asked and Harry was curious too.
"If you know what to look for, you can see through the charm." The trio looked confused. "You and Harry must have sensed trouble and, thusly, you were able to see through the charm. Not all magic is infallible or omnipotent."
"I have a few questions as well but I'll save it for the end of the story."
"Very well, continue Harry."
"Well, some time after meeting Neville, Hermione decided to take a nap on the train ride. She was too excited to sleep the night before then. A boy named Ron Weasley entered the compartment. His actions annoyed me from the start." Harry turned to Hermione, who looked confused, "You were asleep when it happened." He then turned back to Minerva. "He walked right over to Hermione, bent down real close to her, and then just stared at her for a few seconds."
"He did that?" Hermione was embarrassed and disgusted at the same time.
"Yeah, he only did it for a few seconds before he sat next to Neville. We had asked him to keep it down so that Hermione could sleep. However, as soon as I mentioned my name, the idiot started screaming questions at me."
"That's when I woke up Professor," Hermione took over from here. "I was still slightly groggy from the nap, so I was a little confused at what was happening. He then ordered me to get some things from the Trolley Witch. I refused of course. He then started in on Harry. Harry was only trying to defend me when…" Hermione hesitated. She looked towards Harry for support.
"He insulted my parents," Harry clenched his fists over the arms of the chair. "He said that they were glad they were dead, so that they wouldn't have to deal with me any longer. I regret how far I escalated the fight, but I do not regret the fight. I grabbed his collar and slammed him against the compartment door. The glass shattered but Hermione stopped me from suffocating the boy. I then asked him to leave, but he wouldn't. I then drew out Excalibur a few inches and he got the point."
"Excalibur?"
"It's a sword I inherited from Godric Gryffindor. It's in my room right now. I don't think I should carry it around with me everywhere I go."
"A wise decision Harry."
"After the weasel, I mean after Weasley left, Malfoy barged into the compartment. At this point, I was through with being bothered. He insulted Neville and Hermione the minute he entered the room. I thought up a way to get him to leave without having to lift a finger. I insinuated about my understanding regarding Mr. Malfoy's sexual preference."
"Elaborate for me please."
"He called him gay, Professor McGonagall." Neville blurted out.
"Harry, while I do commend you for standing up for your friends, you shouldn't go around insinuating other people's sexual preference. It is very rude to say the least."
"I know it was wrong, but I didn't think anything by it. I have a friend in Diagon Alley. He works at Phil's Finished Furnishings, with the owner. He's quite hilarious when he's had a bit of gin. It doesn't bother me one bit that he bats for the other team."
"I would still like to point out that it is wrong to insult someone that way, if you must, call him a ferret or something."
"Professor, surely you aren't allowing me to insult another student."
"I most certainly am not," She sounded serious but the smile that was threatening the edges of her mouth betrayed her emotions.
"That's really all that happened yesterday." Harry shrugged his shoulders before running his hand through his hair.
"Well, Albus has a few things to answer to later on in the day. For now, I say a small slap on the wrist. Now, since school has officially started, even though it is a weekend. I am awarding Gryffindor fifteen points for bravery, and standing up for your fellow student."
"Thanks Aunt Minnie." Harry smiled as he stood. He then remembered the real thing he wanted to ask Minerva. "Why do people do that though?"
"Do what Harry?" Harry looked towards Hermione with a forlorn face. Minerva sighed before she answered. "It isn't something that I'm proud to say about our community. The civil war between purebloods and non-purebloods was a very frightening one. It left a scar on all of us. It wasn't just the adults, which suffered, but the children as well. The old ways were passed on to every child of a pureblood family."
"Isn't there someway to change all that?" Harry looked towards Minerva with hurt in his eyes.
"A lot would have to change for that to happen, Harry."
"What about the school?"
"I suppose that we could add a few rules to alleviate the hatred towards the two groups."
"Baby steps Aunt Minnie, baby steps." Harry smiled.
"I should have done something like this sooner. I feel that I've been blinded by the light that is Albus Dumbledore."
"A single voice is lost in a crowd of people."
"It's a shame we don't have a class on philosophy, you would be a good candidate for the position."
"I only say what I've read in books." Minerva smiled as she watched the three gather in front of her desk.
"If that is all, then I'll let you return to whatever activities you had planned for the day."
"Thank you Aunt Minnie. I'll try to keep myself in check."
"If that doesn't work we'll do it for him," Neville offered.
"Definitely," Hermione smiled.
"What would I do without you two?"
"Turn the school into a Dictatorship with you in charge?"
Harry turned to Hermione and placed his hand over his heart, "That hurt Hermione, right here." He patted his chest. "Oh, and one more thing Aunt Minnie, do think about my proposal from last night."
"I will Harry, and you shall have your answer by the end of the week."
"I'll hold you to that." Harry then left Minerva's office with the company of his two friends.
When she was left alone she let out a long overdue sigh. "Perhaps I've been blindly following Albus for too long. I wonder what you two would say to me if you knew what I had done." Minerva had pulled a small photo from the corner of her desk closer to her. The picture contained a loving couple holding a small baby boy.
"James, Lily, what went wrong that fateful night?" Minerva slid the portrait back to the corner of her desk before she returned to her forgotten paperwork.
It was nearing noon before the trio exited the castle and walked onto the grounds. They found dozens of students enjoying their brief recess before their first school day. Harry then turned around to his friends and spread his arms to the view behind him.
"So, what shall we do for today?"
Neville was quick to offer a possibility, "How about a quick lie around before lunch? After that, we can start exploring the castle."
"I second that motion," Harry nodded. He then turned to Hermione, "How about Hermione? We need a unanimous decision. Otherwise it's a hung vote."
"Majority usually wins Harry," She had her hands on her hips.
"Not in my group of friends. We try our best to find something that we all want to do."
"That could come to bite you in the rump one day."
"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."
Hermione sighed and shook her head muttering something about boys before walking to a rather deserted patch of grass. She sat down and leaned back onto her hands. Harry smiled and plopped down on his back next to her. Neville sat opposite the two and started to pull out small strands of grass. The evening was passing by in silence as the three sat to brood over their own thoughts. Harry had a grin on his face as he closed his eyes.
"It is a nice day though." Hermione said as she tilted her head back and looked up to the sky.
"A perfect day, for a perfect lie around."
"Don't forget that we have to map out the castle later."
Harry shifted onto his side and propped his head up in his hand with a bent arm. "That gives me an idea." Harry waited for both pairs of eyes to fall onto him before continuing. "What if we actually make a map?"
"Harry, you should know that the castle changes all the time. It's impossible to map out. It's in…" Harry cut off Hermione in mid tangent.
"Hogwarts, A History," Harry laughed. "I know how the castle operates," He paused for a brief second before adding, "Sort of."
"Then how do you suppose we make a map of the castle?"
"Magic my dear Watson," Harry faked holding a pipe to his mouth.
"That has to be really advanced magic in order to charm a map that changes based on the castle's morphing."
"Possibly," Harry shrugged. "Who says it has to be done this instant. Let's make it a project. See how long it takes before the map is done. My dad and his friends made one." Harry then ripped out a tuft of grass, "Although he did fail to mention where he left it."
Hermione looked away from Harry for a second. "Hey Harry, do you think we could meet your parents?"
"Of course you can. When Aunt Minnie decides to visit them, and I know she will, we will all go together. How does that sound?"
"It sounds wonderful," Hermione smiled as she looked back towards the sky. Her face scrunched up in concentration as she started to follow something flying in the sky above. "Harry, isn't that Hedwig flying around up there?" Hermione pointed straight above her.
Harry sat up and looked towards the sky. "Yeah, you're right, that is Hedwig. I wonder what she wants."
"It's nice to see you too Harry." Harry could picture a fake scowl forming on Hedwig's face. That is, if she had a face.
"You know I didn't mean it like that," Harry lifted up an arm for Hedwig to land. Once again, Hedwig's presence caused many people to stare at the group.
"Where were you this morning?"
"I was at breakfast, and then I went to Aunt Minnie's office."
"Well you missed the mail."
"Oh, who sent me a letter?"
"Tom and Annette sent you a letter." Hedwig stuck out her leg for Harry to get his letter.
"Thanks love," Harry was about to pet his familiar but she had already taken off to the skies. "Love you too," Harry smiled as Hedwig turned her head.
"I'm off to hunt my breakfast. I'll see you later."
Harry shook his head as he opened his letter. "Yeah, it's from Aunt Annette and Uncle Tom alright. They want to know how the sorting went, and if I've made friends my age yet."
"Why would they want to know if you've made friends your age?" Neville glanced up from his project in the grass.
"Diagon Alley is only full of adults. So it's kind of hard to make friends of people my age."
"That's too bad, but at least you now have us." Hermione nodded her head in agreement.
"I'll write a reply and send it off later today." Harry stood up and brushed the grass off his pants. "Shall we investigate this castle then?" Harry looked between his friends when something in Neville's hand caught his interest. "What are you making there Nev?"
"Oh this," Neville held up a circular object made of grass. "I was just fiddling with the grass. I guess it turned into this."
"That's pretty good if you made it out of grass."
"It's not that hard if you do it right."
"You'll have to show me how to do that later." Harry helped his two friends off the ground. "As for now, we are going to explore the hell out of this place."
"Harry, language," Hermione's stern voice made Harry flinch.
"Sorry Hermione," Harry smiled towards Hermione and ran his hand through his hair.
Hermione walked towards the castle and muttered something about boys being boys. The trio walked through the castle for the better part of an hour before they admitted that they were once again lost. They turned a few corners and walked up and down stairs, yet they still couldn't get their bearing.
"What is up with this castle?" Harry said as he leaned back against the wall.
"It'll take some time to get used to it I guess." Hermione folded her arms across her chest.
"Let's just go into some of these rooms and ask someone where we are."
"Sounds like a good idea."
The first door that they entered just happened to be the Hospital Wing. They looked around and saw numerous paintings of nurses or doctors helping patients. There were about two dozen beds lined up against the walls. No sooner had they entered then a short witch exited an office to their left. She wore a red robe with a white overlay. On the white overlay was an imprint of two snakes curling around a needle with wings.
"I don't usually see students this early in the school year," said the witch.
"Oh we were just lost. Is this the Hospital Wing?"
"Yes it is," The witch looked the three over, "None of you seem to be injured. You also don't look ill."
"Actually I have a favor to ask you," Harry paused for a second.
"Madam Pomfrey, that's my name."
"Thanks Madam Pomfrey, my name is Harry Potter. This is Neville Longbottom and Hermione Granger." Neville and Hermione said their hellos as they waved.
"Hello," Madam Pomfrey nodded towards each of the three before turning back towards Harry.
"Can you check out Hermione? I want her to get a full scan."
"Can I ask you why you want this?"
"I was attacked by five older boys before I got on the train."
Madam Pomfrey immediately rushed over to Hermione. She cast a few muttered spells over her. She was concentrating on the runes that appeared in the blue strand that was coming out of her wand.
"If I'm going to give you a full scan I'll need to bring you to one of these beds. Both of you stay here while I work." Harry and Neville nodded as Madam Pomfrey escorted Hermione to the nearest bed.
After conjuring privacy screens, Madam Pomfrey got to work.
"Can you take off your shirt for me please?"
Hermione nodded as she slowly took off her shirt. Madam Pomfrey then cast a few more diagnostic spells over Hermione as she lay on the bed. She scowled as she read the runes coming from her wand. By the end of the list of runes, Madam Pomfrey was furious. She was careful not to direct her anger to her patient as she turned back to her.
"Thank you dear, you can put your shirt back on now." Hermione nodded as she quickly dressed.
After Hermione was decent once more, Madam Pomfrey removed the privacy screening. As soon as she did, Harry and Neville walked over to them.
"What's the news Madam Pomfrey?"
"I would like to know exactly why her bones were broken and then hastily mended."
"The boys that attacked her beat her quite severely. I did my best to scare them off to their parents. Once that was done, I took her to an empty cabin and did a rough scan myself. Since I didn't know the spell, I had to use my hand. I found some of the broken bones and healed them as best as I could. I don't know if I found them all.
"Well, there are still a couple of bones that haven't healed all of the way, but just barely. Other than that, I commend you for your spell work." Madam Pomfrey disappeared into her office only to return seconds later with a small vial of blue liquid.
"What's that?"
"This will help mend the bones back to perfection." She handed the vial to Hermione. Hermione downed the vial in one gulp. Her face scrunched up in disgust but felt the ache disappear.
"Thanks Madam Pomfrey."
"It's no trouble dear. Does anybody else know of this incident?"
"Aunt Minnie does," Harry chipped in.
"Who's Aunt Minnie?"
"Oh, sorry, Aunt Minnie is Professor McGonagall."
Madam Pomfrey smiled, "At least she can do something about it now."
"Thanks again Madam Pomfrey." Harry smiled, "Can I ask you something else?" Madam Pomfrey nodded once before Harry continued. "Where's the Great Hall? We got lost while exploring, and now we can't find our way back."
"Turn left when you leave the room and then turn right at every second suit of armor."
"Thanks," The group waved goodbye before heading back to the Great Hall for lunch.
Lunch passed by without incident. Once finished the trio got up and walked to the door. Unbeknownst to them, they were followed by two groups of people. One group consisted of a Susan Bones and Daphne Greengrass. The second group consisted of Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle. When Harry's trio turned the corner out of the Great Hall, they were immediately stopped by Malfoy and his posse. Susan and Daphne decided to hang back and watch the confrontation.
"Oi Potter, I'm only going to give you one more chance to join me."
"Look, Malfoy, this is getting really old. Can you please just leave me alone for at least one day?" Harry turned around and started to walk away but stopped in his tracks at Malfoy's next words.
"Fine, take your squib and your mudblood whore with you."
Harry spun about on his heels and walked straight up to Malfoy. He delivered a quick punch to Malfoy's stomach. Malfoy doubled over in pain. Crabbe and Goyle quickly retrieved their boss and walked away.
"I need to let off some steam," Harry turned back to his friends. "How about we head back to my common room?"
"Yeah, I think we've had enough excitement for the day." Hermione stuck close to Harry as the trio walked back up to Harry's common room.
Once inside Harry plopped down on his couch. Hermione sat down at the other end of the couch with a book in hand. Neville decided to read as well. Harry was calmly counting backwards from one hundred down to zero. He sat up in mid-count suddenly remembering the letter that his aunt and uncle sent him. He decided to write a reply real quick while they were there.
Dear Aunt Annette and Uncle Tom
Thanks for the letter you sent me it really means a lot. I was a little nervous when the sorting started but I realize now that I was just being silly. I was placed into Gryffindor with my two new friends. Their names are Hermione Granger and Neville Longbottom. Everyone in Neville's family thought he was a squib until he bounced down the yard after being dropped from a second story window. He seems a little nervous. I think it's just a lack of confidence. I'm going to try and help him in that department. As for Hermione Granger, she's absolutely brilliant. She's really smart and likes books just as much as I do, maybe even more. She's really nice too. Hedwig even allowed her to pet her. I don't think she's taken to new people that quickly before. I might just be over thinking things. Thanks again for sending me the letter I'll write again soon, maybe next week if I'm not swamped in homework. I love you both.
Love, Harry
"Hey Hedwig, can you come here for a second?" Suddenly a white flame burst over the table where he was writing the letter. Out of the flame appeared Hedwig, she was gently preening herself when she was called.
"Did you need me to send a letter?"
"You know me too well love. It's for Tom and Annette. Make sure they give you an extra piece of bacon for this one."
"You spoil me Harry."
"I only do it because you a so precious to me." Harry could have sworn he saw Hedwig blush.
"Harry, there are two lovely young ladies standing outside. I think they wish to speak to you." Godric called out from one of his paintings.
"Let them in," Harry sat up and began to gently stroke Hedwig's back. He looked up and immediately recognized the two girls that entered. "Hello ladies. Was there something I could do for your?"
Daphne immediately took the free seat nearest to Harry. Harry was a little bemused by her action but did nothing about it. Susan was the first of the two to speak.
"Is that really a phoenix?" Susan's barely hid the awe in her voice.
Harry smiled as he nodded his head, "Yeah, though she can be quite the handful sometimes." Harry skillfully drew his hand back from Hedwig just in time to miss the peck that he was about to receive, "Though I mean that in the nicest of ways possible."
Hedwig glared at Harry but, after a few seconds, she held out her leg for him to tie the letter. After Harry finished the knot, Hedwig took off through an open window. As soon as Hedwig left, Harry noticed that Susan and Daphne's demeanor changed. Susan looked nervous, while Daphne looked warily between the two other girls in the room. It was almost as if Daphne was sizing up the competition.
"I assume that both of you didn't come here because you wanted to see my owl." Harry sat back down on the couch.
Harry noticed the look that both girls were giving each other. It wasn't a hostile look, but a look of confusion. He also noticed this look come from Hermione. He smiled as he realized what was going to be asked.
"Let me guess, you wanted to ask me about the dream that you've been having for the past few nights, the one about flying up in the clouds with me and three other girls."
As soon as he said this, the three girls abandoned their staring contest as their heads shot towards Harry.
"How … how did you know?" Susan was the first to break the silence.
"Because I've been having them for almost a year now, as soon as I saw the three of you, your faces became clear in the dream, although, there is still the mystery of the fourth girl."
"What does the dream mean?" Daphne nearly yelled this to Harry.
"Relax, relax," Harry was desperate to keep the situation calm. He didn't think this conversation could become hostile. "I don't know what it means either. Maybe we're somehow bonded to each other." That earned a few weird stares from the girls. "I don't mean bonded like that, maybe it's a special bond of friendship or something. I haven't been able to read too much into it. A dream like that is something for Divination, and I don't believe too much in that cock-and-bull."
"Should we ask one of the professors about it?" Hermione voiced a good opinion but Harry shook his head.
"I don't want too many people to know about this just yet. We could try talking to Professor McGonagall, but I don't want to bother her too much with these things. Maybe some books in the library could help. I might even have the books here in my common room. As for now, we do nothing, maybe just hang out, and get to know each other."
"That sounds like a good idea Harry," Hermione might not know what was happening but she felt as if she could trust Harry.
"How about we start with trying to figure this bloody castle out, it's too damn confusing."
Everyone stood up save for Daphne. She was looking towards the floor. She was fidgeting slightly and seemed to be muttering under her breath. Harry was a little worried about this. He knew the look well. She wanted to ask a question but was afraid of the consequences that could arise. Harry walked over to Daphne until he was right in front of her. He then squatted down in front of her so that he could see her face. Daphne was taken aback by the sudden appearance of Harry and jumped slightly.
"W-What are you doing?" Daphne asked. Her face was slightly red.
"Something seems to be troubling the young maiden."
Daphne was at a loss for words. She expected Harry to question her, although she was nervous to respond. What Harry actually did was quite the opposite of what she expected. He had called her a maiden. Did that mean that he liked her? She would have to find out soon.
"It's … it's about Draco."
"And how is our flamboyant prince involved in what's troubling you?"
"You know the rumors that are flying around about him, right?"
"Which ones?"
"The one about him being gay."
"Oh, yeah that one," Harry rubbed his head for a few seconds. "I kind of started that one."
"Well, the other people in the dorm have started to throw that in his face every time he walks by."
"Oh," Harry started to feel ashamed at his attempt to insult Draco. "I didn't think it would cause so much trouble."
"Well, they say if he wants to prove his … affinity towards women that he has to bed one as soon as possible."
This caught Harry by surprise. "He's only eleven years old. It probably doesn't even work down there yet."
"He seemed really confident in it. So he decided to go after the prettiest girl in Slytherin."
"How did you want me to get him off your back?"
"Well, I know that I look better than most of the girls there but I wouldn't call myself the prettiest."
Harry gently placed his thumb and forefinger under Daphne's chin and raised it to eye level. "Don't sell yourself short. It only makes it easier for others to do the same." Harry said this in as soothing a voice as he could muster. "That goes for everyone here." He turned towards his other friends and smiled. He then noticed the slightly hurt look in Hermione's eyes. He didn't know what he did to make her upset but he would ask her the first chance he could. He then turned back to Daphne and repeated his earlier question.
"I heard about you being a Duke, is that true?"
"Unfortunately yes," Harry said with a heavy sigh. "While I don't particularly like the title because of the attention I get, it does help me avoid certain scenarios."
"Is there a possibility that you could make me your vassal? That way Draco couldn't do anything to me. I can do a lot of things. I can cook and clean." Daphne looked like she was about to start hyperventilating.
"Relax Daphne. I'll make you a protected member of my house's name. However, I won't make you a vassal, that's not how I operate."
"Thank you Lord Potter." Daphne jumped out of her seat and hugged Harry.
"It's Harry, please call me Harry. All of my friends call me Harry. Only my enemies call me Lord." Harry then paused for a second, "Or my business associates that I haven't met yet."
"Regardless, thank you for this Harry."
"Okay," Harry looked nervously around the group. "How do I do this? Do I do it like a knighting or something?"
"You use your sword Harry." Godric offered. "You state that Daphne is now a protected member of your house and that she shall come to no harm while you still breathe. Also make sure to avoid any possible loopholes."
Harry nodded as he went into his room to fetch his sword. He came back seconds later and unsheathed it in front of Daphne. "I, Lord Harry James Potter, do hereby grant you, Daphne Greengrass, the offer of being a protected member of House Potter. Do you accept this offering?"
"Yes, Lord Harry James Potter, I, Daphne Greengrass, accept your offering of protection under the name of House Potter."
Harry nodded as he gently tapped the flat end of his sword once on each of Daphne's shoulders. When he was finished, he returned the blade to the weapon rack in his room. Upon returning, he clapped his hands together. As he parted his hands, a separate door appeared to Daphne's left.
"These quarters will be available to you should you need to escape the Slytherins."
"I can't thank you enough Harry."
"Eh, don't think too much about it. I was just helping a friend in need." Daphne nodded her head towards him as he offered a smile. "Now, how about we explore the hell out of this castle?"
Harry gestured towards the door. He received a unanimous vote for yes as the group exited the common room. Before they left, Harry gave the two new girls the password to his common room should they ever want to visit and hang out. Once that was out of the way, they spent the rest of that day and all of the next day surveying the land known as Hogwarts.
(A/N) Good god this took a lot out of me. I hope it was up to snuff. If you still don't like it after all that then all I can say is stop reading this because it's obviously not for you. Other than that, if you are still anxious for the next chapter, cool. Now, I don't know if every chapter from now on will be 10k+ words. This chapter just seemed to write itself. Read x Review. And I'm still accepting ideas for more stories to read. I can't get enough of the Harmony stories out there. Thanks all and tune in next week for the next exciting episode of Harry Potter HSS. This is Kunaiswarm, signing off. Ciao.
