Chapter 2 Friendship Perils & Training Regime

Harry left the antechamber with Godric behind him, and as soon as they were out, they were met a horde of students wanting to ask *the Godric Gryffindor* the questions he had promised. Godric stepped forward, taking in the limelight like a pro, but made sure Harry stood to his side. Harry realized this was affirmation that he was indeed Godric's Heir. This was where the Heir stood next to their Lord of House.

"First question, boy with the pale blonde hair. Name and question" said Godric, and Harry realized he meant Draco Malfoy

"Heir Draco Malfoy of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Malfoy. Why did you and the other two Founders kick out Salazar Slytherin? He was the greatest Founder" asked Draco respectfully to Godric's station, though he did make a jibe at Godric with the comment about Salazar being the greatest, or at least he thought he did

'Bad faith. great' thought Godric distastefully

"Why has the passage of time polluted the story so" groaned Godric before standing tall and straight before the students. He looked intimidating.

"Salazar Slytherin was my friend. My brother in all but blood, well for awhile. We fought like all brothers do. We were the closest of friends that we made a Blood Bond of Brotherhood. His decision to leave was stemmed from the fact that in our later years, we, as in me, Helga, and Rowena, were trying to be merciful towards the mundanes. We did not agree with the witch-hunts, it brought us great grief, as did the establishment of the churches. Salazar's first wife and firstborn daughter were burned at a stake by the mundanes. He wanted revenge. His thirst for vengeance was so strong that it was borderlining Dark. I wanted to condone it, for his daughter was my goddaughter, but if we had waged war against the mundane, all our hard work would be destroyed. Even then the mundane were vast in numbers and bred like rabbits. And their cruelty knew no bounds. I knew that no doubt our lives would've been wasted in a war that would've seen Hogwarts invaded and the walls painted with the blood of mundane and wizard alike. Salazar left not because we forced him, but because we wouldn't condone his desire for vengeance over the safety of our world. So he left, married again, sired three sons and two more daughters, and as his death drew near, rejoined me and the others to join us in the plane of existence we created within the Goblet of Fire. He had fulfilled his revenge after calming down and managed to do it without causing war. Salazar was and forever will be a great man" explained Godric passionately, and the audience was seemingly transfixed by his story

"So Salazar Slytherin wasn't a Dark Lord?" asked Draco in shock, as if his world had been shattered yet was beginning to reform into something better

"No, and such slander will cease or I'll call out honor duels in his place" said Godric angrily, and Draco nodded

"Next question. The lovely lady with the red hair. Name and question." said Godric, and Harry saw that it was Susan Bones and she blushed prettily

"Heiress Susan Bones of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Bones. Why does history say that the Houses turned against each other. Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Gryffindor against Slytherin. And what about the House rivalries?" asked Susan

'Ah, a Bones. Good lot' thought Godric

"That is two questions, but I'll answer both" said Godric

"Our students chose sides in the conflict of Salazar's desire for vengeance. House Slytherin, proud as they were of their leader, thought that we should risk war and annilihate all mundane for their crimes against wizardkind. Houses Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and my own thought it wasn't worth the risk and loss of life. Jinxes and hexes became deadly curses. As blood as being spilt, and Hogwarts was nearing it's closing for good, this was also partially why Salazar left. To stop unnecessary bloodshed between wizards and witches" said Godric, and everyone nodded

"The House rivalries, well our students felt that their leader was better than the other. It started out as friendly rivalries, but I see that it has deteriated to pettiness. House Ravenclaw is for those who desire knowledge for knowlegde's sake. House Slytherin is for the cunning and ambitious. Those who are meant for politics and shrewd business mostly. Nothing wrong with that. House Hufflepuff is for the loyal and hardworking. Those who desire to prove themselves and show that hardwork triumphs over natural talent. They are not duffers. Helga was no prodigy. She got her status as a mediwitch and as a force to be reckoned with through her blood, sweat, and tears. She worked herself to the bone for decades. Always striving to improve herself, much like her close friend, Rowena did. House Gryffindor is for the courageous, the determined, and the chivalrous. We are indeed reckless, but that recklessness has saved the lives of our loved ones. No true battle is fought without losses. Some call my Lions reckless and stupid. That is not true. We are a pack. We fight as one and tear our enemies asunder. May that be on the battlefield or on the political arena" said Godric, and everyone nodded in awe and pride for their respective Houses

"Next question. Lad with the scowl on his face. Name and question" said Godric, and Harry and everyone looked at Ernie McMillan, who flushed red for being called out on his scowling

"Heir Ernie McMillan of the Ancient and Noble House of McMillan. How do we know that Potter is the Heir Gryffindor? How do we know he even pulled the Sword of Gryffindor from the Sorting Hat? He's just a glory hound. He isn't anything impressive" sneered Ernie

'McMillan. Arrogant bunch' thought Godric in annoyance

"I have watched his life quite thoroughly, and don't need you, Heir McMillan, questioning me, Lord Godric Gryffindor of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Gryffindor. If I say Hadrian Potter is my Heir, he is my Heir. That is final. And never insult a Gryffindor again. Lesser have died for such a thing" said Godric coldly, and Ernie sneered and stormed off

"I will have to have a word with the Lord McMillan about his Heir's behavior" said Godric mostly to himself

"Now I must have a discussion with my House and the Head of Gryffindor House. I shall continue answering questions as the days roll by. Good night" said Godric, and both he and Harry nodded their heads to the crowd before leaving with McGonagall, who had been waiting to talk with Godric, towards Gryffindor Tower. Dumbledore and the rest of the staff and Headmistress and Headmaster had decided to wait before heading to bed.

Gryffindor Tower

Godric stood before the entirety of Gryffindor House, looking at the younger and older students alike. Harry stood by his right side. McGonagall, as Head of House Gryffindor stood with the students, as she was aware that she was being spoken to as well. This was a full Gryffindor House meeting.

"As many of you are aware, I am Godric Gryffindor, Founder of Gryffindor House and Co-Founder of Hogwarts. My Heir is Hadrian James Potter, as you are now aware. I have only a few questions before I make some changes that I have decided may be necessary for the betterment of Gryffindor House" said Godric, and he had everyone's attention

"Now, I am addressing the students from all years. How many of you have been bullied or have bullied other students from other Houses or even your own House? If you're not sure if it was bullying, tell me what exactly happened and I'll decide whether it was bullying or not. Nobody will be punished so don't fear to speak up with the truth" said Godric, and several nervous hands rose into the air. McGonagall was astonished that her own Lions would partake in such behavior.

"Stand to the left if you have bullied. Stand to the right if you've been bullied" said Godric, and all of the First and Second Years walked to the right side, while a dozen or so Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Years walked to the left

"First, who has been bullying my Lions?" asked Godric, and a First Year boy shakily rose his hand

"Slytherins, sir" said the boy, and Godric nodded

"Now that will end once I discuss it with the Slytherin Head of House. If he isn't complient, he will be removed from his position as Head of House and replaced with someone who is complient" said Godric, and the First and Second Years seemed relieved

"Now, who have you lot bullied?" asked Godric

"Mainly Slytherins, sir" said the spokesperson for the group of upper years

"That will cease immediately or you will find that the No-House will have more members. Am I understood?" asked Godric sternly, and the spokesperson nodded shakily

"Slytherins are not 'Dark' per se. They are the product of their home environment. I do not condone bullying. If they bully you, you tell them what an honor duel is and tell them that verbal and physical attacks are grounds for an honor duel. Make sure you can win first though. I expect you lot to train to be proper Gryffindors. No more lazying around. No more bullying. No more excuses. You are proud Gryffindors. We are the Lion's Pride. We are pack. We defend each other for we all are family here. Family rivalries, failed business deals, or other differences are forgetten when you entered Gryffindor House. A Lion is only as strong as his Pride. I expect O's or EE's on your OWL's and NEWT's. Anything less will be reviewed by myself and I will decide what you will have to do make up for it. Am I understood?" asked Godric sternly, and everyone nodded

"Now, answer me truthfully. Has your Head of House been performing her duties accordingly?" asked Godric, and McGonagall looked affronted

"Do not falter under her stern glare. I want the truth, and I know when the body lies" said Godric sternly, and Neville stepped forward

"No, Ancestor, she hasn't. She never stepped in and stopped when I was bullied and called a Squib. She never stopped the treatment of your Heir when he was accused of being and ostracized as the Heir of Slytherin and attacking the Muggleborn students. She did not enforce the House to stand by him when he needed us. She often claims to be fair and strict, but favored Hermione Granger and falsely claimed she was the next Lily Evans. She even bent the rules so Harry could be put on the Quidditch Team in his First Year, despite not asking him whether he wanted to join or not. While I believe she doesn't deserve to lose her position as Head of House of Gryffindr House, she does need to improve. She told us as First Years that our House is our family. I see no family. Nobody stepped in when I was bullied. Nobody stepped in when Harry was ostracized. She has not made abide by the Gryffindor pack mentality, and thus has failed us for years. Also, Severus Snape assigns unfair detentions to members of our 'family', yet she doesn't do anything about it. Yet when we do something to earn points or when the House Cup, we are her 'Lions'" said Neville

"Why Mr. Longbottom, I have never in my adult life been slandered-" said McGonagall angrily, but Godric interrupted her

"SILENCE!" boomed Godric, and McGonagall looked on in fear of his wrath

"You have one chance and one only, Minerva Victoria McGonagall, to prove yourself worthy of your position as Head of House of Gryffindor House. Now tell me why I should not strip you of your title and consider stripping you of your position as Deputy Headmistress" said Godric coldly, and McGonagall made sure to think about it before she spoke. And what she realized broke her heart.

"I admit that I have done all Mr. Longbottom has accused me of. I am deeply ashamed of myself. I do not deserve to be Head of House of Gryffindor House. I have listened to the spiel that comes out of Albus Dumbledore's mouth. I often complained about the treatment of my Lions by Severus Snape, but he always sides with Severus. I should've stood up and fought for my Lions. My pack. My family. I am a disgrace of a Gryffindor" said McGonagall, and she looked close to tears

"Your words speak with truth and honest shame, Minerva Victoria McGonagall. I place you on probation effective immediately. If you fail your pack once more by listening to the words of the Headmaster, I will strip you of your position. Now everyone, off to bed" said Godric, and said good night to Harry before heading to his old chambers

"Harry, mate, I'm sorry" apologized Ron when they reached their dorm

"What for, Ron?" asked Harry in confusion

"I am deeply ashamed to admit that at first I thought you'd enter the Tournament for the glory and was jealous that you got the limelight again. But the moment you requested for me to train alongside you, I realized that I was wrong about my assumptions and that made me realize the implications of you being in the Tournament. I am a terrible friend, but I hope you can forgive me" said Ron with a bowed head

"It's fine, Ron. I'm glad you saw sense" said Harry with a smile, and Ron grinned happily before all the boys went to sleep

The next day found Harry, Ron, Neville, and the Twins unseperatable. The Twins with their gratitude for what Harry had done for them, similar for Neville, and because Harry and Ron were still strong friends. They sat together at the Gryffindor House Table, but the good mood was soon ruined as Harry felt a jerk on his shoulder by a feminine hand.

"Harry" said the voice of Hermione Granger

"What is it, Hermione?" asked Harry tiredly. He was afraid this would happen.

"Can you please talk to Mr. Gryffindor about my removal from Gryffindor House? It was totally uncalled for and extremely unfair" asked Hermione, but Harry shook his head

"No, Hermione, I can't nor would I. I saw a side of you that disgusts me yesterday. You disrespected my ancestor with your arrogance and you dared to sneer at him like you were superior. You acted no better than Malfoy and my fat oaf of a cousin. No leave. This is the end of our friendship and we're no longer on a first name basis" said Harry with excellent emotional control

"You'd throw away three years of friendship over some ancestor who you don't even know!" accused Hermione angrily

"Yes, not get lost, Granger" said Harry, and Hermione sneered at him

"You'll need me sooner or later, and I'll make sure you apologize to me in public" sneered Hermione, but that was when Godric Gryffindor stepped in

"Ms. Granger. 20 points from No-House and detention with Professor Snape for two weeks for causing a disturbance at breakfast and not leaving when dismissed" said Godric sternly

"You can't do that! You're not even a Professor!" screamed Hermione

"Another 80 points for arguing with the Co-Founder of Hogwarts and current Headmaster" said Godric

"Albus Dumbledore is Headmaster, not you!" screamed Hermione

"Another 100 points for screaming at a Headmaster and Co-Founder of Hogwarts. And as I am a Co-Founder of Hogwarts I assumed the position of Headmaster until I return to my friends and wife in the Goblet of Fire's other plane of existence" said Godric, and Hermione stormed off to her table

"Eat up, Hadrian. You're much to scrawny and short. I'll get you a regime of nultrient potions to heal any malnourishment done to your body" said Godric, and walked up to the Staff Table, where he greeted the Professors, and quickly got into a heated discussion with Snape that had the greasy git fuming

They soon a got new schedule, and Ron, the Twins, and Neville found that they were excempt from Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures which were replaced by training sessions with Godric. Harry was excempt from all classes and finals because he was a Champion, so he had all day of training with Godric.

Harry's schedule:

Monday-Wednesday

4-6 AM Morning Jog 6-7 AM Breakfast 7-8 AM Politics & Etiquette 8-10 AM Swordfighting 10-12 AM/PM Physical Workouts 12-1 PM Lunch 1-3 PM Swimming 3-4 PM Transfiguration 4-5 PM Charms 5-7 PM Dinner 7-8 PM Battle Transfiguration

Thursday-Friday

4-6 AM Morning Jog 6-7 AM Breakfast 7-8 AM Politics & Etiquette 8-11 AM History of House Gryffindor 11-12 AM/PM Physical Workouts 12-4 PM Potions 4-5 PM Physical Workouts 5-7 PM Dinner 7-8 PM Heir Duties

Harry groaned. This was a strict workload, stricter than Wood's. He was going to have a loooong year.

Author Notes: After reading my reviews, I came aware of some inconsistencies concerning Godric and his knowledge of Harry Potter's life. I believe I wrote that he was watching, but yet in certain areas I write that he doesn't seem to know about something. That is something I will try to correct. I can't please everyone sadly, but I will try to better my writing, and for anyone wondering why Malfoy gets treated nicely compared to Hermione, it is kinda a mixture of pureblood etiquette and the fact that my goal was to write Hermione off in a way. I have too much dislike for her character and not the patience to continuously bash her character. Sorry if this story isn't what you thought it was. But anyone may use my idea to write their own version. I don't particularly care. But that does not mean I am giving up on this story, so for those who like it, don't grow concerned. Hope y'all enjoy and I can better this story's quality of writing