25. Sidle into Seventh Year

"Were we really that small?" Harry asked as he watched the approaching group of intimidated eleven year olds.

"Shhh! You're supposed to be setting an example," Hermione retorted.

Professor McGonagall stopped the crop of first years just outside the doors of the Great Hall.

"Attention children," she clapped her hands and spoke in her thick Scottish brogue. "We will enter the hall momentarily, but first I wish to introduce you to this year's Head Boy and Head Girl: Mr. Harry Potter and Miss Hermione Granger.

Sudden gasps echoed round the stone foyer as the children gaped in wonder at 'The Boy Who Lived.' Their initial reactions were followed by an assortment of whispers: "Wow!", "Can you see his scar?", "Is that really him?"

Harry squirmed at the unwanted attention but forced a smile and a feeble, "Hello."

Hermione was more verbose, "Welcome to Hogwarts! You're going to love being a student here and you'll learn so many wonderful facts regarding magic and history. I remember my first day," she continued enthusiastically, but McGonagall cleared her throat determinately to interrupt the verbal avalanche.

Hermione smiled sheepishly at the stern witch then finished up quickly, "If you have any questions, bring them to your prefects. Good luck!"

McGonagall redirected her attention back to the youngsters, "You will follow me to the front of the hall and wait for you name to be called to receive your house placement. Be on your best behavior and show the student body what fine little witches and wizards you all are. Understood?"

"Yes Ma'am," came a resounding chorus of small voices.

The tartan clad professor led the group of frightened fledglings into the Hall, with Harry and Hermione bringing up the rear. As soon as he entered, Harry looked up to the head table and caught sight of Severus looking right back at him.

They'd had a long discussion about the importance of being discreet while in public. That was difficult enough, worse was Severus' staunch belief that physical interactions between the two of them would have to wait until Harry graduated. It was agonizing for both men, as each one wanted to get their hands on the other but a pleasant side effect of this denial was their mutual feelings of continued excitement and arousal. It was a delicious, agonizing state to be in.

As the group of first years reached the front of the hall and came to a stop, Harry, who had with his eyes trained on Severus, missed the halt and actually bumped into the back of little Matthew Zunich.

"Oh, sorry," he apologized then sat down quickly at the Gryffindor table and received a teasing elbow in the ribs.

"Good one," chuckled Ron and Harry rolled his eyes at his own blunder.

The noise in the hall silenced when the sorting began.

Harry watched each timid youth climb on top of the stool and disappear under the hat and he thought back to his own sorting and what a very great distance he'd traveled since that night six years ago. All the events that had taken place, everything that had happened to himself, his friends, and to those he loved.

He shook away the heavy thoughts and redirected his attention to the atmosphere in the castle and how it had changed so much in just one day.

Earlier in the day, it had been quiet and peaceful, but now the castle rang with voices and energy from the returning students. That morning he had woken up in his private bed in his private suite, but tonight he would lie down on his old four poster and fall asleep whilst listening to Ron and Seamus snore, Neville mumble and Dean ... well, Dean was pretty quiet.

"I hope they hurry up, I'm starving" grumbled Ron then he pressed his leg against Hermione's, "Hey, did you tell Harry?"

"There wasn't time," she whispered back.

"Tell me what?" whispered Harry and their conversation took on a stealth-like quality.

"Malfoy, on Friday," Ron answered enigmatically.

"What're you on about?"

Hermione clarified, "Friday, when we were in Diagon Alley, we saw Draco and his father head down Knockturn Alley."

"So? I've seen them down there before … at Borgin and Burkes."

"That's where they were headed this time!" Ron added.

"So what's the big deal?"

"Harry," Hermione's voice was low and serious, "it was their attitude that drew our attention." Hermione then looked left and right to make sure no one was listening, "I think that Malfoy was summoned."

"Draco?" Harry whispered aghast.

"Not Draco, you dolt," rectified Ron, "his father."

"Oh," Harry now looked over to the Slytherin table. Draco would typically be boasting and bragging in full bravado to his cronies, but the blond haired boy seemed oddly silent and tense.

Harry turned to Hermione, "What time did this happen?"

"Friday afternoon, around two," she answered.

Harry leaned back on the bench and pondered. He'd seen Severus that night and spent all of Saturday with him. Why would Malfoy be called, but not Sev?

~SH~

The next morning after breakfast, Harry examined his class schedule, which he'd just received from McGonagall. Defense was the first class of the week, both a lecture and a practical session that would fill the entire morning.

"Damn," he drawled quietly and then looked over to the Slytherin table where Severus was up to his lovely long, alabaster neck with students and schedules. Unlike last year, Harry had hoped that potions would be his first class, or double potions or even triple, anything just to be near Sev.

"Come on Harry," called Ron. "We've got to get going or we'll be late for Defense."

The Golden Trio walked into the third floor classroom to find Professor Priestly at the front, facing the students as they entered. His arms were folded across his chest. He'd drawn his wand and was holding it pointed toward the ceiling and on his face he wore a stern expression.

That greeting set the mood; all the students silently took their seats without preamble.

Priestly introduced himself and began to walk slowly up and down each aisle, still holding his wand, and explained exactly what the students could expect from this seventh year Defense class.

"There is a great deal of material to be covered in order to prepare for the upcoming N.E.W.T.'s," he stated, and there would be "no time or tolerance for chatter or horsing around." "This is not to be a social hour," he continued and informed the class that they were only allowed to speak when they answered a direct question from him, or to ask him a direct question. Additionally, he had charmed the room to identify each student as Gryffindor or Hufflepuff, so that if one of them did speak outside these guidelines, five points would automatically be deducted from his or her house.

Ron's cheeks had reddened more with each spoken word. The expression on Hermione's face had gone from exuberant, to a downright glower. The majority of the Gryffindors in the room bristled in their seats while the poor Hufflepuffs were simply terrified.

With all his work over the summer in strategy and intelligence, Harry had listened to Priestly's verbal diatribe with an impartial perspective. Instead of reacting, Harry had realized that the new professor was using the tactic of intimidation to establish his position of authority.

"We will begin with the Hex Reversing Hex," continued Professor Priestly. "I am certain all of you read the note attached to your book list, stating that you were to read the first chapter of your text in order to prepare for this first class."

The students were uncertain whether or not Priestly was asking them a question or making a statement, so no one dared answer and risk losing points.

Priestly took the silence as confirmation, "Fine. Then stand and partner with the student closest to you."

Harry immediately looked encouragingly over to Neville, indicating that he would partner with him. But before he could take a step, Priestly had moved to his side. "I am told Mr. Potter, that you are quite accomplished in defensive magic," his tone nearly dripped with cynicism.

"I suppose that would be a matter of opinion, Sir."

Priestly stared momentarily; disappointed that Harry hadn't taken the bait. "Do you feel confident enough to assist me in demonstrating this Hex?"

"Yes Sir."

The professor narrowed his eyes, as if he were eying a prey. "Very well, Mr. Potter, please follow me to the front of the class."

Everyone had paired up in record time. When they realized that Harry was now standing at the head of the class facing Priestly for a duel, they looked on with trepidation.

"Attention students. Mr. Potter and I will demonstrate the Hex Reversing Hex. He will attempt to cast a Twitchy Ears Hex upon me; I will in turn deflect the hex downward toward the floor using the Hex Reversing Hex. Pay close attention to my movements. Are there any questions"

"No Sir," they answered in unison.

"Very well." He turned to face Harry. "You may precede, Mr. Potter."

Harry started to raise his hand when Priestly suddenly yelled, "Stop!"

The students nearly jumped at the sudden outburst.

"Use your wand Mr. Potter. I will not tolerate show-offs in my class."

"I'm not trying to show-off Sir. I just need to cast that hex wandlessly."

Priestly actually gasped. "Neither will I tolerate backtalk. Now do as you were told."

The students shifted their attention from Priestly to Harry, as if they were watching a tennis match.

"Respectfully Sir, I can't … I won't do it."

"Draw your wand," Priestly spoke deliberately, emphasizing each word, "and cast as you have been instructed or I will assign you detention."

Harry stared in disbelief at the thin lipped professor. "Sir, if I could just explain …"

"Out! Get out of my classroom and report to the infirmary for detention. You are to wash every soiled bedpan there and have the Mediwitch document your work. Do you understand?"

"You can't do that," called out Ron in disbelief, "he's the Head Boy!"

"Ron no," returned Harry. You'll just loose points for Gryffindor." Then he added in a softer voice. "It's all right."

"I'm not going to say this again Mr. Potter. Get out — and don't bother coming back."

What does he mean 'don't bother coming back?' thought Harry. Does he mean just today, or did he just kick me out of the class? "Sir, what do you …?"

"Out!"

Harry was stunned for a moment, but then he turned and quickly fetched his book-bag and then left the classroom without saying another word.

Madame Pomfrey was checking her supplies and looked up in surprise when Harry walked into her office. "Not again, Harry. It's only the first day of classes."

"Pardon?" he asked in confusion.

"Where are you injured?" She walked over and eyed him. "You're very pale."

"I'm not hurt; I'm here to serve my detention." Harry dropped his schoolbag on the floor. "I'm supposed to clean all the bedpans."

"What bedpans?" She asked and pointed toward the doorway that led to the infirmary. "I have no patients."

"Thank God," he sighed in relief.

"What in the world did you do to warrant a detention?"

Harry slumped onto a nearby chair. "You wouldn't believe it if I told you."

Poppy smiled sympathetically, sat down next to him and took hold of his hand, "Try me."

~SH~

"Here you are! We've been looking all over for you!" exclaimed Ron and Hermione when they opened the door to the dorm room and saw Harry and Hedwig sitting on his bed. Hermione walked straight over and sat next to him.

"Are you all right?"

"I'm okay," his tone was subdued. "What happened after I left?"

"That Priestly is a blinking jerk," proclaimed Ron. "I swear Harry, I don't know if I can take it!"

"He takes all the fun out of spell casting," Hermione said in a downcast voice.

"Did he kick out anybody else?"

"Nah, we all did what he told us."

"He was very methodical and we all managed to do the hex — even Neville," she added as an afterthought.

"So mate … did you do the detention?" Ron cringed at the thought.

"There weren't any patients, so no bedpans. Besides, Madame Pomfrey wanted to know what happened … so I told her. Then she took me up to see the Headmaster.

They waited for him to continue, but Harry simply stared at the bed-cover while he stroked the top of Hedwig's head.

"Go on, tell us what happened," encouraged Hermione.

"Do you know," asked Harry, "if in the history of Hogwarts, has there ever been a Head Boy that received detention?"

Hermione furrowed her brow and thought a moment. "I don't think so. At least I've never read of such an incident."

"Great," mumbled Harry. "It's bad enough that I'm the 'Boy Who Lived,' now I'm also the first Head Boy to ever receive detention."

"Come on mate … worse things could happen."

"Oh yeah? … What?"

Ron pursed his lips and thought a moment, "I know," he stated in triumph, "Malfoy could catch the Snitch instead of you."

Harry gave a little chuckle.

"Why wouldn't you cast that spell wanded?" Hermione redirected.

Harry rubbed his thumb along the top of Hedwig's head. She liked it when he did that and hooted softly in appreciation. "If I'd cast that easy hex with my wand … the professor would have wound up in St. Mungos for months."

"What are you saying?" Hermione asked with some unease.

"You know about my magic level now that I've come of age."

"Yeah," answered Ron, "but what does that have to do with …"

"I know." Hermione interrupted as she suddenly realized. "Your spell casting is too strong now to use with a wand, right?"

Harry nodded with embarrassment. "It depends on the spell and what I want to accomplish, but as far as classroom work — yeah, I have to stick with just wandless casting.

"You should be proud of that mate," Ron stated emphatically. "Don't pay any attention to that bum Priestly."

Hermione quirked a frustrating look to Ron, "What happened with the Headmaster?"

"There's going to be a meeting tonight."

"What about?" she pressed.

Harry shrugged, "Dunno. Dumbledore was quiet for a long time after I told him what happened, then he apologized and told me to come back tonight for a meeting."

"Apologized?" Ron burst out, "the Headmaster apologized?"

"Why did this have to happen?" Harry said and let his head tip back and thump against the headboard. "I really hoped that this year would be … well, normal."

"It doesn't work like that for you mate," Ron said as if he were stating a fact. "But it'll be okay. The Headmaster will fix it, you'll see."

"Come on," Hermione tugged lightly on Harry's hand, "let's go eat lunch."

"I'm not hungry."

"You gotta eat mate. We have Charms and Transfiguration this afternoon."

"Well …"

"Come on Harry, let's go."

~SH~

"Thank you for coming this evening," Dumbledore addressed the group that had assembled in his office: Solomon Priestly, Minerva, Filius, Severus and Harry. "I've asked you here in response to the events that transpired today."

They had already received a recap of the entire Defense class fiasco.

"I wish to start by assuming full responsibility for this morning's misunderstanding," stated Albus in a clear voice.

"Misunderstanding?" Severus asked in an ironic tone.

"Yes Severus, a misunderstanding. None of this would have happened if I had taken the time to brief Solomon in regards to Harry's advanced level of casting."

Solomon sat stony faced and made a point not to establish eye contact with anyone present. He was livid at Dumbledore for his oversight and didn't appreciate being called out like this. Even worse, he was embarrassed to be in Harry's presence now that he realized the young man had forsaken his own pride to assure his professor's well-being.

Severus eyed the newcomer. "And are we to assume that he is now fully briefed?"

"Yes Severus, he is," assured Dumbledore.

"So how can we be of help, Albus?" asked Minerva.

"Harry is clearly beyond the skill level of his fellow classmates. My question is: can you continue to teach him in the classroom environment?"

The professors all pondered this question, all but Severus. He sat next to Harry and turned now to face the tense young man. "Do you have an opinion in this matter?" he asked softly.

Just sitting next to Sev had been a relief, and now that he looked into those dark eyes, Harry managed to release the breath he'd unknowingly been holding. "Yes Sir, I do."

"Please tell us."

Harry, who had sat ramrod straight from nerves, now sat straight because of a sense of pride at being treated as an adult. When he finally spoke, he gave extra care to his choice of words, "My additional training has been primarily in offensive and defensive magic." Then he looked to Minerva. "I still struggle with Transfiguration …"

"Not now," she countered.

"But I still have much to learn."

She nodded her head, "That you do."

"And Charms are always so tricky," Harry looked over to Professor Flitwick.

"This is true," interjected the tiny wizard. "But since your majority, I've seen a marked improvement," he added encouragingly.

"Filius, do you think Harry is beyond the level of the other students?" Dumbledore asked pointedly.

"Not at all," answered the professor in his high squeaky voice. "You know as well as I do Albus that success in Charms requires subtlety. I think it is not so much a case of what charms he knows, but his level of finesse when he casts them." Flitwick smiled at Harry, "No offense Mr. Potter, but there is always room for improvement in that regard."

"Then it appears the only area at issue is Offensive and Defensive magic," clarified Dumbledore.

"Yes Sir," agreed Harry.

"Do you have any input in this matter?" Dumbledore asked the silent Defense teacher.

Priestly cleared his throat and shifted his position, "Frankly, I think that Mr. Potter would be bored if he remained in the class."

"Perhaps he could assist you," offered Minerva.

Priestly bristled at the suggestion, but before he could voice his opposition, Severus interjected quite emphatically, "Harry has a tremendous calling awaiting him. His time should be devoted to preparing for this undertaking — not wasted as a teacher's assistant."

Severus' words hung in the air like a beacon, bringing a renewed light upon the dark task that lay ahead for Harry.

"Very well then," offered Albus, "I believe any further consideration regarding this matter can be handled between Harry and me. I will brief each of you tomorrow morning of my decision. Thank you for coming."

They all rose from their chairs and Priestly left the room without speaking to anyone. Filius offered words of encouragement to Harry, and stated clearly that he would be delighted to work with him to further refine his technique. Minerva laid a supportive hand on Harry's shoulder then whispered softly to him. Whatever she said, it made him smile.

After the others had left the room, Severus resumed the conversation, "We could continue on as we did this summer."

"Your schedule is already full Severus," Albus pointed out, "but perhaps if we split the duties..."

Harry and Severus waited for Albus to consider this possibility.

"I will compare your daily schedule with my own and Harry's and attempt to devise a plan."

"Thank you Sir," Harry said through a sigh of relief. It had been too long of a day and he felt totally drained. "I'm so sorry this happened."

Dumbledore placed a hand on each of the young man's shoulders. "You have no reason to apologize. In fact, I commend you for your courage and conviction to do what was right. We all know what the outcome would have been if you had cast that hex wanded."

Harry looked down, "Yes Sir."

Albus gave Harry's shoulders a squeeze and stepped away, "It's been a busy day and I have schedules to compare, so if you wouldn't mind gentlemen, I will bid you Good Night."

They returned the salutation and exited the office. As soon as the door closed, Severus pulled Harry to him.

"Priestly is a fool," Severus nearly spat the words with contempt as he wrapped his arms around the hard young torso. "Sadly, his actions remind me of my previous attitude toward you."

"That was a lifetime ago; don't think about it," Harry whispered as he nestled his head into the crook of Sev's neck. "I missed you." He snuggled even more, inadvertently pushing Severus back against the wall. "Maybe I could get my Invisibility Cloak and come down to your quarters."

Severus ran his fingers through the raven hair. "No Harry," he said softly.

"But I missed you so much, and it's only been one day. How are we going to make it until the end of the semester?"

Their whispered voices echoed up and down the deserted spiral staircase. "I warned you that this would be difficult. Are you certain you want …?"

"Yeah, I'm sure." Harry interrupted and looked intently into those ebony eyes, "and don't ask me that again."

Then Harry reached up to kiss Severus, but the man turned his head slightly to avoid Harry's lips, and instead pressed his cheek against the softer one.

"No Harry, we can't," he whispered.

Harry exhaled his frustration through his wanting lips. He loved being close to Sev, loved the intimacy they shared and even though his groin was about ready to burst, he knew what he was doing wasn't fair. Harry loved Sev and didn't want to mess up whatever chance they might have.

"I know." Then he cast a suggestive look. "But just you wait till I graduate."

"I'll hold you to that, Mr. Potter."

~SH~