Chapter 12 –Scared, stupid students

Harry and Ginny woke up earlier than everyone else again, and were the first in breakfast, again. Harry had taken to waking up earlier than Ginny to work out, not that she'd complain, she was too busy eyeing the results. The two were rather glad that no Hogwarts students ever woke up before eight o clock. It gave them the chance to speak together on their own, when they weren't talking with the Professors.

Harry was particularly glad that Lupin and Snape agreed to let the past be the past and move on, things would be really awkward for him if he had to choose between the two. The other professors also seemed to like him, they probably remembered him from his school days. Harry was a bit concerned about Lupin, Sirius told him how he worried about other people because he's a werewolf. It didn't really matter to Harry, personally he thought that if a person transforms once a month then it's not really his business.

As long as no one gets hurt then he couldn't really find a problem with it, but he knew that other people wouldn't see it that way. As long as people like the Dursley's or the Malfoys were around then discrimination would exist. Harry and Ginny had finished breakfast and were currently engaging in a conversation with the Professors (except for Lupin who had to go) where they told them all about the incident regarding Hermione's parents.

"The nerve of that girl" Sprout huffed

"I know" Ginny agreed "she should be glad her parents are muggles, if they were wizards then they'd probably permanently stick her to her bed and keep her from coming to school"

"Oh I can imagine that" Harry revelled at the very thought before doing a perfect imitation of a stressed Hermione "please mother, I need to read! Just one book!" The teachers couldn't help but chuckle.

"Honestly" McGonagall spoke "do you know that girl had actually signed up for every class possible?"

"I know Granger seems to be lacking in the common sense department" Snape commented "but you'd think even she would realise that a lot of these classes happen at the same time"

"I tried telling her that" McGonagall replied "I even asked her why she felt it was necessary to take muggle studies when she was in fact muggle born and raised she responded by saying it'd be fascinating to learn about them from a wizards point of view" Everyone collectively sighed "she even requested a time turner from the headmaster so she could make all of her classes. Naturally he asked for my opinion and I made my views on that particular subject quite clear. I had to practically force the girl to take less lessons"

"Oh I wish I could have seen that" Ginny sighed "me and Harry are taking ancient runes, Arithmancy and we wanted to take care of magical creatures as well but we decided we the other two were more important."

"We did however wonder if we could attend during our free periods" Harry added "we do find it interesting and we'd rather like to support Hagrid"

"As long as your homework is done and your grades stay acceptable or above I don't see a problem" McGonagall smiled.

The two soon headed off to their lessons, they were doing brilliant according to their professors. During a free period they went to Hagrids first class, he was ecstatic they were there. They shared a book with Neville after they stopped it from trying to eat him. Hagrid had decided to show the class Hippogriffs, he brought one out for the class to meet.

"Say hello to Buckbeak" Hagrid beamed with pride, he then went on to explain how they're very proud and easily offended creatures. "Who wants to say hello?"

Naturally Harry volunteered, Ginny called dibs after Harry. Harry bowed and made his way over to Buckbeak once he returned the bow. Buckbeak allowed him to pet him, in fact he rather enjoyed it.

"He likes you Harry" Hagrid commented

"I guess I just have a good relationship with animals" Harry shrugged, he knew it was really because this wasn't the first time he had met a Hippogriff, he had two back home. Hagrid even let Harry ride him, which Harry enjoyed. Flying around Hogwarts on a Hippogriff was a really enjoyable experience, he knew Ginny would love it. Maybe he could convince Hagrid to let the two of them go for a ride one day.

However no sooner than he landed and got off Malfoy decided to break the 'don't insult the dangerous creature who could kill you' rule and the 'don't strut right up to the dangerous creature who could kill you' rule at the exact same time, so naturally the dangerous creature decided to kill him. Harry didn't really care if Malfoy lived or not but if something went bad then Hagrid could lose his job, and Hagrids always been nice to him.

Harry quickly pushed Malfoy out of the way when Buckbeaks massive claw came down, fortunately Malfoy didn't get hurt but unfortunately Harry got hit in the head. Harry staggered back a little and blood poured from his forehead. The class and Hagrid were in shock, they couldn't believe Harry was still standing. Ginny was concerned for Harry, not for his health, she knew he'd be fine. But she didn't want to know what he wanted to do to Malfoy right now, from the look in his eyes he would probably he expelled if he did it and Malfoys death would be broadcasted in the next Daily prophet article.

Hagrid was worried, he knew the Hippogriffs were powerful and one hit like that could kill the average person. So the fact that Harry was standing seemed to have shocked him into being completely unable to move. Buckbeak stepped back, he was ashamed that he had struck such a nice and kind human, he was also quite honestly a bit nervous about the power emitting from said human. Fortunately it didn't seem to be directed at him.

When Malfoy had fallen to the floor after being pushed he managed to see Potter getting hit, a small smile appeared on his face. At least until he saw that Potter was still standing and looked like he was going to kill him, he could have sworn Potter saw his smile. Potters eyes were blazing, that along with the fact that all the power was pouring from him when blood was dripping down his head and the fact that the Hippogriff itself seemed to back away, caused Malfoy to be very afraid.

Malfoy never managed to get a word out before Harry walked over and grabbed him by the shirt before hoisting him up in the air with one arm. The wonders never seemed to cease as Harry was holding Malfoy overhead with one arm, everyone knew Malfoy was afraid of Harry after the incident at duelling club, so now they knew he was probably crapping his pants. They were close, he was pissing them, the liquid running down his leg and to the floor, they would have laughed of they weren't too busy in awe of Harry.

"You had one job" Harry spoke in a cold, low and deadly voice "don't insult the magical half eagle and half horse creature that was capable of killing you. If such a simple thing like that is too hard for you to grasp then I think it's safe to say you were probably dropped on your head as a child, clearly you're not capable of running the house of Malfoy or joining Voldermorts ranks, don't think they'd mind if I killed you" Malfoys eyes widened he was too afraid to say anything

"I always knew that tongue of yours would get you into trouble one day, if you had only learnt to shut up. If you did then maybe you could have made some friends and actually lived past fifty. Though, maybe I should let and you live and just cut it off"

"Harry" Ginny spoke softly, she knew that much like with the Hippogriff there was a way you were supposed to approach Harry when he was angry, quiet voice, no sudden movements and walk cautiously "I get it Harry, trust me, you're not the only one who wants to kill Malfoy. Even most of Slytherin doesn't like him" There were a few murmurs of agreement before Ginny continued

"Harry. Please, put the idiot down. How do you think the teachers would feel if you did it? What about the twins? How do you think I would feel? Please Harry, I promise if you put the idiot down, I'll get you a new one later"

A smile forced its way on to Harry's lips, he knew Ginny was right, there was no point in saving Hagrid from getting in trouble to only get into worse trouble. He dropped Malfoy on the ground, unintentionally making him sit in the puddle he had left. Harry turned to Buckbeak who had bowed his head and was looking quite ashamed, Harry approached him and slowly began petting Buckbeak. He knew Buckbeak would understand that this means forgiveness, Harry didn't need Hagrid to tell him that Hippogriffs were intelligent.

Buckbeak looked very relieved that he was forgiven, and the fact that he was getting stroked was a nice bonus. He even let the red headed human stroke him, she wasn't as good as the first human but was still very enjoyable.

"By the way Harry, we should probably take you to the hospital wing" Ginny suggested

"What? Why?"

"Harry your bleeding" Ginny pointed to the blood

"Am i?" Harry asked before rubbing the spot where the blood was coming from "oh, so I am"

"Ya didn't notice?!" Hagrid couldn't believe it, even he would be hurt from that

"Not really" Harry shrugged

"Alright bye Beaky, we'll be back later" Ginny said before grabbing Harry's hand they were about to walk away when Malfoy stood up. Harry wanted to leave him with one more threat before seeing the wet patch on his trousers and the puddle he was standing in

"Malfoy did you wet yourself?!" Harry and Ginny were brilliant actors but even they couldn't keep a straight face, neither could the rest of the class as they all started laughing, even Crabbe and Goyle. Hagrid had managed to contain himself to a small smile.

"Alright bye Hagrid" Harry called as the two walked off "don't worry we'll explain everything to Professor McGonagall, see you later"

"S…see you" Hagrid managed to get out before turning back to his close, he had to avoid looking at Malfoy because he knew he would laugh if he did "I think it'd be best if this class finishes a bit early today" After a few nods, the class was dismissed.

Ginny had managed to get Harry to Madam Pomfrey who fixed him up while she went and explained everything to McGonagall, soon Harry was out and the two later visited Hagrid. They had to spend some time convincing him it wasn't his fault and that Harry was fine but after that he came with them to go see Buckbeak who was ecstatic at seeing his three favourite humans all together.

The next day Harry was called to the Headmasters office, he knew it would be related to Buckbeak, he also knew that the business with Malfoy wouldn't be mentioned. Though they could hold that over Harry they probably wouldn't as it would be embarrassing but Harry had an argument prepared just in case. Once he entered the office he found Malfoy senior and junior sitting on one side of the desk and the Headmaster was sitting on the other side with Snape and McGonagall standing either side of him. Harry assumed that they was called here as in his capacity as the head of house and deputy headmistress.

Harry, as professional and respectful as he was didn't think twice about looking to see if Malfoys trousers were wet when he took his seat next to him. Malfoy shrugged and crossed his legs, which caused Harry to snicker and the two adults to wonder what was going on. Snape knew from McGonagall, Harry could see the slightest curve on Snapes and McGonagall's mouth. Snape and her had come prepared by getting all of their laughs out before the meeting started.

"Harry" Dumbledore spoke "do you know why I've called you?" Harry simply shook his head "Mr Lucius Malfoy wished to make a complaint against Hagrid and the Hippogriff 'Buckbeak'. Professor Snape and McGonagall insisted you be here for the discussion."

"Is this really necessary?" Harry asked "I mean I'm the victim and if I'm not complaining then nobody else should. Madam Pomfrey looked me over, I'm perfectly fine"

"That's as maybe Mr Potter" Lucius sneered "but I cannot allow my son to continue in a class where that dangerous creature could kill him"

"Then perhaps your son shouldn't have joined the magical creatures class" Harry smirked "Mr Malfoy, I don't know what you've taught your son but even at the age of five I knew that if you bothered even an animal then you can't complain if it hurts you."

"What did you say?" Lucius demanded

"I'm not repeating all of that" Harry sighed "long story short, you have no grounds to complain when your son purposefully and intently ignored all instructions and warnings from the teacher and agitated the Hippogriff and was not injured. You can't complain about safety because nobody else was hurt or put in danger, the only two people who were remotely in danger was your son because he refused to obey instructions and me because I had to save him"

"Dumbledore if you don 't do something then I will" Lucius turned on the headmaster "I'm sure the school board would agree with me"

"I don't think they would" Harry disagreed

"What would you know about the school board?" Lucius smirked "you're not even a member"

"You're clearly not a good one" Harry smiled "if you were than you would have noticed that there is a spot reserved for the head of the Potter house, there's also one reserved for the head of the Black house so me and my godfather wouldn't need more than two letters each to join." Malfoys face paled slightly but Harry wasn't done

"I understand were recently removed from your duty as chairman, perhaps my godfather could take over. I'd do it but I'm busy with school. Oh and unless I'm mistaken, Augusta Longbottom is on the board. She's my mate's gran; Draco wouldn't know her much as he actively tries to bully her grandson." Lucius shot a disappointed look

"Yeah, Draco's never put thought behind who he chooses as friends and enemies, perhaps that's why he has those two big boys protect him even though their size is useless in a world of magic. But then again maybe it's not their protection he has them around for, are you still dating Goyle Malfoy?"

"He what?!" Lucius screamed

"He's lying father!" Malfoy replied

"My mistake, it was Crabbe, I think he liked that gift you got him by the way" Harry continued with a smile on his face "anyway where was I? Ah yes, Draco has also chosen to make an enemy out of Augusta Longbottoms heir and me, the heir to the most noble and ancient house of Potter. Which, I might add, has debts owed to us by at least a quarter of the board.

If money is required than I have no problem seeing as both me and my Godfather individually have enough money to buy you ten times over and still live comfortably. If you want to charge Hagrid with something then I may just have to consider charging your son with endangering his fellow students, it'd make an interesting article wouldn't it. 'Malfoy heir saved by boy-who-lives before wetting his pants'" Malfoy shifted a little, leaving Lucius to wonder if that last part was actually true "while I'm at it perhaps I could even convince them to rethink letting certain members stay"

Malfoy froze, he realised he was right. No way in hell was he going to lose his position because his son couldn't keep his mouth shut. Harry didn't need mind reading to know what Malfoy senior was thinking.

"Very well" Malfoy senior stood up "I shall take my leave, come Draco" Draco stood up as well, just before they had left they were stopped by a very cocky and smug voice that belonged to a particular boy-who-lived.

"By the way Mr Malfoy, when it comes to the political game it's clear that you're more experienced, however that doesn't mean you're better" Neither Malfoy could come up with a response and left.

"Harry" Dumbledore's eyes had that annoying twinkle "would you really have exhausted all those favours just to help Hagrid"

"No" Harry replied "I would have done it to help Hagrid and Buckbeak. Hagrids nice to me and Ginny, he tells me and Ginny storied about my parents and her family. He invites us over whenever possible and he's willing to listen to us about anything. He maybe big but he's the kindest and most gentle soul I've ever met . He loves his job and he knows he's stuff, both good qualifications for a teacher.

As for Buckbeak, he's just an innocent creature. All he planned to do when he woke up was probably eat something then go back to sleep, he didn't ask to be insulted and only reacted the way he knows how to. I don't think he deserved to be putdown just because one rich and arrogant snob wouldn't follow instructions." The pride of McGonagall and Snapes face didn't go unnoticed by Harry.

"Very well, you may go Harry" Dumbledore spoke softly. Dumbledore was very pleased, admittedly he saw a lot of Tom Riddle in Harry just now and he knew the whole story about what happened. Harry was violent, dangerous and just now he was ruthless, resourceful and made him realise what a truly ambitious Harry could achieve.

But he had to admit he was rather pleased when he heard Harrys reason, doing all he can to protect the innocents of the world from the rich and evil people of the world. He was also very glad that Miss Weasley was able to keep him in line, despite his anger. She would keep him firmly planted in the light.

"Thanks" Harry stood up

"What are you going to do now?" Dumbledore asked

"Probably best if I blow off some steam" Harry shrugged "I might do some flying, workout, talk with Ginny or do my homework. Something productive you know" Harry walked out, he knew exactly what he was going to do. He was going to go in that room the elves showed him and summon up some dummies that look like the Malfoys and then he was going to practise some curses on them, then he may do some snogging with Ginny.

Later Harry sat down with Ginny sat opposite him at lunch, the rumours of the class and what happened at the meeting and people for the most part were divided into two categories. Those who feared Harry and those who were in awe of Harry, there was also the ones who laughed at Malfoy but that was pretty much everyone except a select few Slytherin's. Annoyingly for Ginny the girls became even more interested in Harry, she wasn't worried about him, he was willing to marry and soul bond with her for goodness sakes. That didn't mean she'd hold back if a girl tried anything, speaking of"

"Hello Harry" A sweet voice spoke from behind him, he looked back to see Cho smiling at him

"Hello" Harry responded in a neutral tone and voice

"I heard what happened today" She delicately placed a hand on his forehead, Harry could feel Ginny rolling her eyes

"I'm fine thanks" Harry responded, in reality he was actually quite uncomfortable and it wasn't because he got slapped by a hippogriff, the girls hands were cold. And what kind of lunatic touches another person without permission?

"That's good" She smiled wider, she removed her hand but started batting her eyelashes

"Yeah my wonderful girlfriend over here took me to the hospital wing." Harry emphasised 'girlfriend', hoping she'd get the hint. Ginny thought it was adorable how he was putting this much effort into it, in her position she would have simply told her to get lost, but Harry felt like he should at least try and be nice considering he knew what it was like to be the subject of rumours. Unfortunately this might be one time where the rumours were true.

"That's nice" she brushed it off "good luck at the quidditch match tomorrow, not that you need it. Hey maybe one day you could come and give me some tips"

"Unfortunately I'm pretty busy" Harry internally sighed, Ginny was amused, she knew that if Cho didn't go soon then the good old honest Harry would have to deal with her. "and the rest of my time is spent with Ginny"

"Well I'm always here if you need me, see you tomorrow" Cho left, not before lightly squeezing Harrys arm. Harry turned to see Ginny trying to hide her smile behind her hands

"You know I might just get with her to annoy you" Harry joked

"No you wouldn't" Ginny spoke confidently

"No I wouldn't" Harry mock frowned

"One bit of good news is your too scary for anyone to call you whipped"

"Whipped am i?" Harry spoke in mock fury

"Totally" Ginny smiled, she was going to continue when Harry had flicked some of his ice cream at her face, he fortunately managed to run before she could retaliate. She chased after him but didn't manage to keep up, next thing she knew she found herself in an empty corridor. Then, none other than Micheal Corner walks up to her.

'Of course' she thought sarcastically 'he'd naturally be the only the only person in an empty corridor at the same time as me, whoever is currently writing the story to my life is getting a little lazy'.

"Hi Ginny" He spoke

"Hi Micheal" Ginny sighed

"Where's Harry?" He asked with a hopeful look

"I'm just off to see him now" She lied "so if you'll excuse me I'll be off" For Corner however that wasn't acceptable, he grabbed her by the arms and pushed her against the wall. He was looking at her, a lot, like way too much and the worst part was he wasn't just looking at her face. He was bit too focused on her to notice that Harry and Professor Snape had appeared behind him. They chose to remain quiet and Harry gave Ginny the 'play along look', so naturally she obliged

"What do you want?" She asked in a neutral tone

"I want you" Corner said in a voice that he probably thought was seductive

"Yes I can see that" Ginny replied "but unfortunately for you I am with Harry, and very happy thank you very much"

"Come on" Micheal groaned "you know girls only want to be with him because his famous and rich and powerful, you don't want people thinking you're one of those girls do you? I'm not as rich or strong o famous but I am just as much of a man as him" He leaned closer

"Sorry Corner" Ginny responded "but I knew Harry way before school, we've always been best friends and when I became his girlfriend it wasn't because he was rich or famous or powerful, it was because he was nice and kind and he cared for me. He also took my feelings into account, he wouldn't push me against a wall without making sure I was comfortable with it. The fact that he's all those things and hot is just a bonus"

"I'm better looking than him" Micheal argued

"No you're not" Ginny agreed "he has better hair, his body's better and I could look into his eyes all day."

"You're just saying that because he's the only guy you've ever been with" Corner leaned in closer, Ginny ducked her head down just in case, she also raised her knee quite high. Just in case. Micheal stumbled back and fell to the floor. That's when he realised that Harry and Snape were standing behind him the whole time

"Well sir" Harry spoke to Snape "I'm divided between being proud of my girlfriend and angry at him, how about you deal with the second part. I'd do it but I'd likely kill him"

"Regrettably I cannot allow that" Snape grabbed Corner and yanked him to his feet "Corner that'll be fifty points from Ravenclaw and you shall come with me to discuss your punishment with your head of house. If it was up to me you'd be expelled, however I can assure you that whatever punishment you receive will seem like nothing compared to what Potter would have done to you if I was not here" Snape dragged him away, which was a funny sight as Micheal could barely walk but Snape showed no intent to slow down"

"Harry" Ginny said "what would you have done to him if you got angry?" Harry stepped closer to her

"Let's just say you'd have a lot of blood everywhere" Harry sighed before erecting a few privacy wards "Gin, there's something I feel that you should know. I told you how the Horcrux Voldermort put inside me was destroyed, but it still let me keep his parsletounge ability and when it was destroyed I got everything else. Not his powers, but all of his memories and feelings up until when he tried to kill me. And they've affected me, for example I'm realistic about people and I enjoy a good fight, but I don't know if I got that part from Voldermort. I know that some people like Malfoy need to be scared into behaving and others need to be permanently stopped.

When I've been doing all these years was getting over Voldermorts anger, not my own. Mine for the longest time was stored away, waiting to be dealt with. But whenever 'I' do get angry you help me, that's why I'm rarely angry. In full honesty I've realised something, I've seen Voldermort and his dark side and Dumbledore with his light side. I realised, I'm neither. I'm not light or dark , I'm somewhere in between. Grey if you will, it's who I am; I'll probably hurt someone sooner or later. Maybe even kill some people but I'll do it to people who deserve it. I figured you should know"

"What do you mean?" Ginny, she'd be with him no matter what but she needed to know

"Well say if someone joins the death eaters but hadn't done anything yet" Harry explained " he could probably be dealt with some scaring or maybe a little bit of pain. But say if someone used the killing curse, you need to intend to kill someone; you need to want to do it and enjoy it. Maybe the first time they're salvageable, maybe, but if someone keeps doing it then they shouldn't be kept around to hurt more people.

If the adults went about it like this from the start then I could probably still be living with my parents, I love you but this is the way I'm going to go about it. I don't expect you to want to do it or even like it but I need you to let me do it. Please!" Ginny engulfed him in a bone breaking hug, the two stayed like that for several minutes

"I'll never abandon you Harry" Ginny whispered "I'll love you no matter what"