Dante considered Harry Potter very carefully, this boy was Nevan's grandchild. But he evidently also took after his grandfather, physically even more so. Nevan had described Aria as a being as beautiful as she was, with great big black wings covered in silky feathers, a lean, sinewy body hid as much strength and power as his own did. Aria had powers over light, but he doubted Potter had those capabilities. For one, the kid smelt like Nevan, which was a major indicator he probably took more of her traits in power type. He'd talk with Nevan later that evening, he had Potter in Life Skills for a double period on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. He found that almost strange, but he supposed he'd gotten Umbridge's extra time slots on top of the ones he already would have had. That, and perhaps Madam Bones pushed just a bit on the school board for him to teach longer to her niece, or Harry Potter, since he was the Boy-Who-Lived. Just more time for him to cover everything he needed to. And more. The kid was being used as a weapon. How did Lilia become unsealed and get away from the Lowell family? Nina had once told him that her father had been very concerned when multiple sealed demons got away, none more so than the baby demons that Jason Lowell reported missing. Multiple had eventually turned up dead, but a few slipped the cracks without ever knowing of their demonic heritage. Most of those few had been killed by devils who knew what they didn't because of the scent and aura, and killed them. Some seemed to have escaped such a fate. He'd put...hmm...Kyrie and Nico on it next time he called them.

The train was wonderful, at least until the brats started to pile on. He wore black pants and a plain black shirt for now, a spell making his hair appear to be blonde instead of white for now. He periodically checked outside the barrier to help muggleborns, and helped the kids get their luggage up onto the train. He heard many purebloods muttering about him as he did so. "Who are you? No one has ever done this before." A blonde man dressed in traditional green and black robes, and an imperious attitude, demanded of him.

Dante turns to him. "Anthony Dante Redgrave, I'm a new professor at Hogwarts. I thought I'd help the kids out a bit, none of these trunks are very light. You'd think they'd put featherlight enchantments on all standard school trunks." Dante made some conversation.

There was still half an hour until the train left. He'd do a last check outside the barrier five minutes before the train was to leave. Though the magically hidden sign that said 'Hogwarts Students Here!' may help with that bit. "You are American? What is your blood status?"

Dante gives him a withering look, and lies to his face. "No clue, raised magical, but I was an orphan. Never bothered to get a test, I couldn't care less. I made a name and business for myself on my own." Dante flippantly states.

The blondes, there is a woman with black streaks in her hair, and a boy Potter's age, all give him disgusted looks. "You couldn't care less about your own blood?"

"Nope. But let's be real clear here. America hasn't bought that blood status BS since the Revolution." Dante chuckles, oooh, they're getting even further riled up!

"Americans..." The woman mutters.

"Yep. Especially when you come from Las Vegas, Lady...?"

"Malfoy. Narcissa Malfoy. I am Lord Lucius Malfoy."

Dante knows that name, Bad Faith. Moved from France to England just before the French Revolution hit. Established themselves in Britain because of the large basis of dark magic in the Ancient Ways that all of the European magical world used to follow. The Ancient Ways were weeded out by parliament in the 1800s, and totally abolished any true basis of teaching them after the first world war. This family could be good or bad news, and somehow, Dante thought the only redeemable blonde of the bunch was the youngest. "Pleasure to meet you, however time is of the essence, and little kids are struggling over there. Maybe we can chat more on a different day. Ta ta."

Oh, he loves mocking these stuck up assholes in their own accents, they get even more bitchy and more often than not, lose their precious composure. Malfoy didn't take this bait, but he would eventually. They always did. He continued to help kids, until five minutes before the train left. After checking outside, seeing no one, and vanishing the sign, he started back towards the train to get on. He dropped the glamour spells on his hair and clothes, revealing white and crimson red. The shock of colour startled every adult in the vicinity, and they could tell he'd dropped spells instead of put them up. The Malfoy adults stared wide eyed at him as he passed. He gave them a smirk, they knew who he was now. He got on the train just as it started to move, giving a mocking wave to the Malfoys before heading into the compartments. He was met by multiple wands pointed at him. "Woah kiddos. The name is Anthony Redgrave, I'm your new professor."

Wands dropped from all houses but one, Slytherin. He gave them an amused smirk, outwardly saying he didn't see them as a threat at all. "Compared to devils, you're nothing. Drop the wands kiddos, or I'll start confiscating them and assigning early detentions for...threatening a teacher. Respect must be taught to naughty children after all."

That shocked them, and their expressions were utterly hilarious. "But...Madam Umbridge is teaching DADA this year..." A Ravenclaw comments.

"Did you just bypass three extra books entirely kid? I'll see you in class." Dante grins, the students shiver.

He moves past them to the Prefect compartment. Their meeting would be starting shortly, nope, it already had? How strange, to meet so soon. Didn't look like the whole crowd of 26 prefects and two head students had fully gathered yet though. He'd step inside once everyone had gathered, the head boy and girl had been informed of his presence, according to Dumbledore anyways. And Granger and Weasley could vouch for him being legit. So he instead decided to wander the train and get a feel for the students. Their auras commonly ranged from moderately powerful to pathetically weak, a few rare ones were above the common ground, heading into powerful, talented, and above. He returned to the prefect's compartment after ten minutes, it seemed they'd all just settled at the table, so he walked in. The students leapt up in surprise, but the Head Boy and Head Girl quickly got them settled down. "Everyone, this is Professor Anthony Dante Redgrave, he's teaching the new mandatory class at Hogwarts. Life Skills. He's also the adult chaperone this year on the train. The professors don't usually ride with us, but since he is American, Headmaster Dumbledore wanted to give him the experience the rest of the teachers have already had."

To the kids, this makes sense, and no one gets their hackles raised by mentions of old moldy Voldy. "Wait, this new mandatory class wouldn't happen to be the one that needs three new books and the new gym uniform, would it?" A Ravenclaw asks.

"The one and only. If you get the time, I recommend reading the review chapters."

"Wait, you assigned the same book for all seven years?"

"Compared to America, you guys are all newbies in these fields. So yeah."

The Head Girl drew back, as if he'd personally offended him. "We are at the foremost of magical education at Hogwarts!"

"In Europe. If you were to put Britain on the official ICW rankings list? Bottom 20." Dante corrects her.

The students stare at him in shock. "Not to worry! I'll have you skilled enough at surviving you'd be able to pass the International Wizarding Standards for Defensive and Offensive Spellwork with flying colours!" He cheerily announces, as if some tv host.

They continue to stare at him. "Ooookay. I'm just gonna wander around now, okay? You get back to your student policing duties." He laughs, walking out to get a feel for the student body in person.

The train conductor must have gotten warned by too many students about him, because the conductor gave the same message the prefects did, with a description of him added. "6'4, white hair, blue eyes, white skin, all red. Can't miss 'em."

Admittedly, it was rather funny, the way he said it. But the students at least only looked at him curiously when he stopped at open ones to introduce himself and get to know them a bit. Hufflepuffs were by far the friendliest of the bunch, Slytherins looked at him like he was a plague. But he intended to see everyone without rudely barging in on them, so he just kept wandering. Tagging each compartment he'd already visited, so he didn't bother groups twice. "Professor Redgrave?"

It was a first year, judging by plain black robes. "Hello there. What brings you to me, little missy?"

She shyly looked down. "What's America like?"

Oh? This was a new question. "Well, first thing's first. America is huge. You could fit approximately 75 United Kingdoms into the great expanse of the United States. And all that land hides a lot of wonders, big and small. Natural ad artificial. The people can range from friendly to downright spine chilling, but overall, the people are great. And it's the people who make America what it is. New York has skyscrapers far taller than Hogwarts, the Grand Canyon is as beautiful as it is dangerous. Las Vegas is about as bright and loud as you can get, though not exactly for children. You have Disneyland and Disney World, Universal Studios, Hollywood, Miami Beach. Honestly, you could spend years travelling America, and still not see everything. Like any country, it has its ups and downs. The important thing to realize, is that everywhere in America will always be different. The accents, the common languages, the foods, the natural wonders, the local historical architecture. And of course, our fair share of ghost stories to rattle up some good scares. You young kids like seeking thrills like that right? America has tons of theme parks." Dante happily starts off.

"You've been to New York?"

"A couple of times. Traffic is as bad as they say in the Big Apple. That city never stops I tell ya."

"What about Europe? Have you travelled lots over here?"

"Yep. France, Italy, I've been to the UK on work trips a few times before this to."

"Are you a teacher by career?" A fourth year passing by asks.

"Nope. You'll learn alongside everyone else what I do at the opening feast when I'm formally introduced to everyone collectively." Dante grins.

The students look put out. "I refuse to listen to some American Mudblood." A Slytherin who was listening from their compartment pops out, he's rather ugly actually.

And his magical power? Close enough to almost being called a squib...inbreeding was a real curse over here it seems. "My my, such words from the young man in Slytherin? You've got no clue who I am, do you?"

"Should I?"

"You will, it'll slap you in the face." Dante chuckles darkly, and he can tell his response puts the Slytherin on edge.

Maybe he's had enough of this. He'd get the real fun at the opening feast. Hmm, time to find somewhere to bunker down and play games on his phone for the next half a day.

Harry set down the Potter family financial ledger, he had a headache worthy of a pain relief potion he sadly didn't have. And to think, he had four others to go through. And this is all without trying to correct and update everything yet. Which he would certainly need to do, since some of these investments hadn't even been reimbursed by businesses he owns in Diagon Alley. They think they cam just get away with not paying him what he is due? Hilarious. But that was for sorting on another day, for now, he wanted to catch a quick nap before the feast. And he had just enough time to get half an hour in. He laid back on the seat, folded up his robe, and made sure the door was warded.

Sadly, sleep was not to be, the compartment door slammed open. He shot up, wand at the ready, believing it to be the attack they were so worried about, only for it to be Malfoy and some other Slytherins. He groaned. "What-Potter? You're hiding here? And what happened to you? You look different."

"Keep it down! I have a headache the size of a freaking quidditch pitch and will not hesitate to cut your tongue out in order to have silence." He hisses.

"Ah..."

"And what caused this monumental headache, Potter?" Zabini asks, in a polite and blissfully low voice.

"The Potter family ledgers."

All of the boys his age with Malfoy wince. Ah, so they know exactly how he feels. "You weren't managing those before?" Nott asks, incredulous.

"I wasn't emancipated before. And my magical guardian did squat to ensure his duty was done as it should. Instead, the fucker stole from me, put me in a home illegally, sealed my parents' will, and had the gall not to teach me anything I needed to know!" He snaps, sitting up fully, and immediately regretting it.

He sank back on the seat with a groan, covering his eyes. "You never answered my second question." Malfoy states.

"My inheritance."

The wizards and witches nodded. "Hey! There's Malfoy, think he found Harry?"

"Shit! Give me your robe, now." Harry orders Zabini, who was in the compartment slightly, therefore not in Ron's sight. Harry turned his tie green and silver, charmed his hair brown and eyes blue, and threw on the Slytherin robe while kicking his trunk under the seat under him so the Robe covered it. Hedwig took that as her cue to head on to Hogwarts through the window. For good measure, Harry transfigures a his quill into pair of plain round glasses.

"Oh, it's not." Hermione states, dissapointed. "Where'd he get off to?" She adds.

"Even Potter can't stand you two now hmm? Guess he realized hanging out with a mudblood and blood traitor won't get him anywhere in life." Malfoy smugly eggs them on.

Hermione huffs, drawing her wand. "Think you're so good then, Malfoy? Harry would never hang out with the likes of you, too inbred." She shoots back maliciously.

Harry is looking at her in shock, he didn't know she could speak this way. That she did. He didn't know these two at all, just the personas they'd put on while the potions made sure his mind was too addled to truly think. The pair moved on after a short shouting match. Harry's head was pounding as he got rid of the magic and the robe was handed back to Zabini. He leaned back, ready to totally give up on sleep. "Get some rest Potter, you look awful." Greengrass states, sitting down across from him.

The other Slytherins do as well. "I might have before, this headache was just..." He motions to the hallway.

The shouting match did him no good. Parkinson, surprisingly, draws the curtains so the compartment is darkened, and their group sit with the new books in silence. He dozes off for a short while, waking as the train stopped. He sat up properly, head still somewhat in pain. He'd find Madam Pomfrey before the feast could truly set in and get way too noisy. He picked up his Trunk and put Hedwig's cage in it. Fixed his clothes and his far more tamable hair, and looked at the Slytherins watching him. "How's your head?" Davis asks.

"Better. What's with the sudden attitude change anyways?"

"Potter...we sort of knew. The potions, the spells. Your massive change only indicates one thing to those who know it well enough. You've broken past what they did to you." Malfoy answers.

Harry gives a sardonic chuckle. "Could everyone see it but me?"

"The very nature of what they did kept you from knowing. Not everyone, just old pureblood families and maybe the Weasley Twins."

Harry remembers all the times they tried to pull him away, but could never get him away for more than a few minutes before the terrible two came calling for their lost pet. "Right, well. I hope we can start over this year?"

"You deserve that chance." Zabini nods.

Harry nods back. "I should leave separate to you. Don't need more trouble from my keepers." Harry sighs.

He leaves first, slipping out unnoticed by most because he'd pulled his hood up to shield him from the rain. It was in this way he managed to slip into a carriage with Neville and Luna instead. Once Dean slipped on, the thestrals began to pull it. "Hey, who're you?"

"I know I've changed with my inheritance, Dean, but am I really that different?"

"Harry!? Damn~, you look great." Dean whistled, Harry tamped down a blush.

"Yes Harry, you look so much healthier, and clearer." Luna nods.

He sighs, Luna always knew things though. "Do you know if this was caused by magic alone? To change so much is incredible." Neville comments.

"Yep, just magic and some good old fashioned healing." Harry lies.

He's grateful that wizards don't really pry into inheritances much, that's for someone and their family to know only. General questions would be asked, but for the most part, it was considered extremely ignorant and disrespectful to question anything further. Most muggleborns didn't know this until second or third year when wizards and witches began to get them. The changes were usually small, like Malfoy. His inheritance came in when he was 13, and his eyes went from grey to a molten mercury, his hair lightened even further into the white-platinum blonde range, and he'd gained a few inches overnight. His magic also received a considerable boost. Harry had been the only one in his grade to not gain his, people had begun to assume they'd missed it because it was just so unnoticeable. Now though, he'd be called a late bloomer, his magic had been building up to it. Hence, the large changes to his body and magic. The carriage ride was passed mostly in silence, and he was grateful that the rain had stopped by the time they got up to the castle. He didn't stick around to talk, he needed to find Madam Pomfrey for his headache first.

He checked inside the Great Hall first, wincing at the growing noise level. Madam Pomfrey wasn't inside, so he headed up to the Hospital Wing before anyone could notice him slip off. She was just about ready to head to the hall it seemed. "Madam Pomfrey?"

"Who are you? I've never seen you before."

"My name currently resides on the fifth bed. My inheritance came in, don't worry, the Goblin healers gave me a clean bill of health for that."

"Mr. Potter? What have you done now?" She asks wearily.

"Made the mistake of trying to make sense of my family ledgers without an accountant and a barrister. I've got a piercing headache." He sighs.

She gives a small laugh. "Many a boy your age has made the same mistake. It's like a right of passage those Lords hand down. Here, this'll nip it for the feast. Then you need a full night of rest, no staying up. You know the silencing charm, correct?"

"I do."

"Excellent. Just charm your curtains with it and you won't hear a thing." She says, handing him a measured cup with a pain reliever inside.

He downs it quickly, and it doesn't take long for the pain to subside. He probably visibly relaxed as he rubbed his temple, because she gently steered him out. "You should wait until you can meet with your accountants and solicitors before attempting to made heads or tails of your family accounts." She recommends.

"I've learned my lesson." He gives her a smile.

He doesn't trust her, not by a longshot. But she is the only mediwitch in the school, he can't afford to make an enemy of her on his own merit if she isn't in league with Dumbledore, and he's really doing something to her as well. It was a toss up at this point, he'd just have to feel her out on his own. They entered the hall together, Madam Pomfrey heading for the staff table, Harry for the Gryffindor table. He sat down beside Ron and Hermione, just to avoid the hassle. "Harry! Where were you? We were so worried!"

"Hiding from Malfoy and the crowds, I got a bad headache soon after you left. I was just with Madam Pomfrey, getting some pain relief." He gives a modified, mostly truthful answer.

"You alright now, mate?" Ron huffs.

Funny, before he would have mistaken that as concern. Hermione looks put out and disgusted to, whereas before he'd only see annoyed concern. Those spells and potions had truly addled his perception and way of thinking hadn't they? He had a feeling he'd have to get to know everyone he'd ever met straight from the beginning all over again. He just had to look at his interactions with the Slytherins to provide proof for his theory. His friends tried to keep him from speaking to anyone else, driving people off with their attitudes, and he slipped further into the thought that they'd ruined many possible friendships for him. To what? Keep him isolated? For their own greed? Probably. But they weren't the true cause. No. That was the old man at the top of the castle. Harry couldn't spot Redgrave though, which was strange. Seeing as the man was 6'4, with a shock of white hair and wearing brilliant red clothing. Maybe he was watching the first years instead of Hagrid this year. Speaking of Hagrid, he hadn't seen him around either, an older woman had been calling for the first years. So where was the gentle half-giant? "Hey, do you two see Hagrid anywhere?"

Hermione and Ron startle, looking around. "Now that you mention it...he wasn't calling the first years either." Hermione realizes.

"So maybe he's sick?"

"He wasn't in the hospital wing when I went to see Madam Pomfrey." Harry shakes his head.

"Well, Hagrid is rather large, he could just be resting in his hut instead." Hermione points out.

"We should go down after classes then, see if he really is sick. I'm sure he'd appreciate a visit from some friends if he is." Harry suggests.

The two scrunch their noses, but put on the happy agreeable faces and make it a scheduled activity for after their first day of classes. The first years are eventually led in, and sorted. Then Dumbledore stood up to make announcements. "Professor Hagrid had some family business to tend to, so he will absent for a short while. Standing in for him is Professor Wilhelmina Grubbly-Plank for Care of Magical Creatures. New to our staff table, is Professor Delores Umbridge, teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts. And, if Anthony would kindly step into the hall now, I can introduce our newest course and professor. Students and staff, please officially welcome Professor Anthony Dante Redgrave to Hogwarts, teaching our new mandatory class, Life Skills. Professor Redgrave?"

Redgrave steps out from the shadows behind Dumbledore, startling everyone, including the old man. "Hey." He chuckles.

He's wearing somehow sharper red clothes. A black piece of his jacket wrapped around him, and his collar bones showing from the zipped down jacket. He's still in red, but the end of this coat seem worn and torn, tapering off in two tails. The coat hugged his form, and the huge sword on his back made everyone wonder how they'd missed such a figure standing behind the staff table. "Hmm. Yes. You've made quite the entrance my boy. Now, Professor Redgrave's course is entirely new, as such everyone is in the same boat when learning from him. He's come to us all the way from the United States of America. As for his profession, he's no house keeper, auror, hit-wizard or any such thing. He isn't really even a teacher. Professor Redgrave is a Devil Hunter better known as Tony Redgrave, or even by his middle name, Dante, the founder and owner of Devil May Cry."

Whispers break out, they couldn't believe this man was the legendary Devil Hunter people called Tony Redgrave. The half-devil looked entirely too pleased at the reactions he'd elicited from the crowd. He took his seat, sliding into it in smooth motions, a smirk plastered on his face, white hair pushed back in a somewhat spiky style unlike his loose messy locks from earlier. "Onto the usual announcements now then? Quidditch tryouts will begin-" "Hem hem."

Oh no. She really did that? "You alright there Delores? That was quite the croak." Redgrave asks.

The woman spins to face him, her face turning a horrid shade of puce. "Croak!?"

"Well, yeah. Can't call that a cough."

Harry had trouble holding in his laughter, some had already given up, and others were desperately trying not to laugh. Some Slytherins were looking on it absolute shock. "How dare you speak to me in such a manner."

"How dare you interrupt our boss during the standard important start of the year announcements?" He shoots back, smirk only becoming a mocking grin as she gets even angrier.

"Professor Umbridge, Professor Redgrave, settle down please. As I was saying, students. Quidditch tryouts begin on September 11th, the season will officially begin in the first weekend of November. The list of banned items has been reviewed and greatly reduced, I recommend stopping by Mr. Filch's office to see the updated list posted just outside of it. The Forbidden Forest, is as its name implies, Forbidden. Do not enter unless with a Professor for any reason. The first Hogsmeade weekend this year is September 18th and 19th, please have your permission slips signed and returned to your head of houses. All students are now being issued identification cards, this card will indicate your year, house, prefect and, or, your quidditch positions, and indicate if you are allowed to go to Hogsmeade. You should keep these cards on you at all times. You will be called for your pictures beginning tomorrow during your classes, we won't take long. You are expected to wear your inform properly. Your head of house will hand out the forms you need to fill out tomorrow. The deadline is September 15th. Professor Redgrave has requested you bring the Magical Compendium, Entia ad Inferos, and Surviving on your own to your first class, alongside your new gym uniforms and a change of clothes for afterwards. Without further or do, the Feast may now begin! Welcome to another wonderful year at Hogwarts!"

The food popped up on the table, but Harry's mind was on the new policies. The identification card was new, he'd made sure he looked presentable tomorrow then. Wearing his best. He might as well check out that list tomorrow as well, since Hagrid was away, they no longer needed to visit his hut. Quidditch, did he really want to continue it? He might as well, it gave him an excuse to get away from his watchers for a few hours. Who was the new captain? Angelina, right. She took over as captain this year from Wood, she'd likely be just as crazy in her practices. He picked up dishes, checking constantly for foreign items in his food. His juice was potioned, so he didn't drink anything from his goblet. He held it in such a way, that when Ron animatedly moved his arms, he spilled Harry's drink all over himself. The other lions around them giggled and chortled over the accident, even as he apologized hurriedly and offered Ron a napkin. He was safe from the potions tonight, at least. The feast was just as lively as always, and after he was finished eating, he longed to retreat to the common room. They were dismissed earlier than usual so the heads of houses, could hand out all of the necessary forms and such.

Harry went ahead, seeing as his watchers now had Prefect duties they had to attend to and all. Harry chuckled at Ron's attempts, but eventually circled back since all the two were doing was scaring the kids. "Hey, first years? Want to head up to the common room now?"

They eagerly latched onto the only one not barking orders at them. "Follow me now, we're heading up quite a few flights of stairs now. Onwards!" He chuckles, they're like little ducklings, so cute. Wait, does that make him the mother? Ignoring that depressing thought, he leads the new Gryffindor students to the Grand Staircase. "Ah, a true wonder of Hogwarts is it not. This is the Grand Staircase. There's a few tricky spots you'll want to learn quickly, and you'll want to learn the staircases' general pattern of movement. It usually stands still for the first night only, so be on the lookout and always watch your step here. Coming up to the second floor now, I'm sure you've noticed all these lovely portraits? They're all over the castle, if you get lost, your best bet is to ask one of them. They can't be outright cruel or lead you astray because of the castle's enchantments, but they can be quite mean with words or refuse to help you. So it'll take some time to find the right portraits. Still, all of them are generally nice to little first years anyways. Here's the second floor. The vanishing step is on this staircase, which as you can see, extends to the fourth floor. It's halfway up, right here. You'll have to remember to jump the step." He helpfully explains, pointing the exact step out to the first years.

"Harry! Can we do our job?"

"Yes, of course Hermione. You were, of course, doing such a wonderful job beforehand." Harry teases her, she smacks his arm, and not playfully either.

It actually stung. The first years don't really seem to trust their fifth year prefects much at all. She takes over, explaining in a cold way about the Fat Lady and the password. She steps in first, followed by Ron. "Hermione isn't trying to be cruel, she just doesn't know how to really handle this job yet. She'll warm up to you. Now come on in, and make sure you remind yourself of the password in the morning. It'll be posted on the board, and a new one every week." He explains more warmly, letting them all enter first.

First years could be a great source of information, no one ever really paid them any true attention. They likely hear everything in the castle first, and would probably help him out if he was nice to them first. It's about time he began to network within the castle, and starting within his own house was his best bet to getting word out he'd changed. And was now open to being approached by everyone else without Ron and Hermione around. Professor McGonagall was holding a sizeable stack of small booklets, he thought there would just be a few forms, not a whole folder of them. He noticed that she was handing them out by year and name to. He went and got his when he was called up. A house elf popped in with booklets with a number one on the front, and these were handed to the first years. "As professor Dumbledore said, these booklets are due in on September 15th. This gives you all ample time to handle them accordingly. First years, please remain. The rest of you are dismissed." McGonagall sounds exhausted, he notes.

Harry heads up the staircase last, giving the first years an encouraging smile before heading upstairs. He enters his dorm, the number 5 on the door, and finds his bed was closest to the door. And, someone had tried to get inside his trunk, if the sparking indicated correctly. He scowled, looking at the other boys. Nope, not them. Looks like he was stopping by the kitchens to question the house elves tomorrow to, alongside his food request. He wondered what the schedule would look like now, seeing as there was an entirely new class. He took the time to prepare his satchel for the day, preparing for all lessons and slipping the booklet into his bag in the files compartment so he could easily access them at any time.

He did as Madam Pomfrey told him to with the curtains, but not his own. He did it to Ron's, he wouldn't hear a damn thing from that racketeer all night. On second thought, he did Dean's and Seamus' curtains as well. Those two weren't as quiet at night as they thought they were, sadly.

This schedule was brutal, and most of their classes were with the Slytherins. How fair was that? And he was glad it was a Friday, even if the day itself promised to be rough, they had the new class last. And then the weekend to settle in. Which was honestly great. Time to sneak away and find places to hide from his watchers during the day. He'd only have to deal with them until the end of October, then he'd ask for a House resorting and hopefully end up anywhere other than Gryffindor. Unless the two went to jail. If that was the case, he'd happily be able to stay in Gryffindor. If not? The Hat always said he'd do well in Slytherin. Transfiguration, Herbology, History, DADA, and Life Skills. What a wonderful day ahead. He left for Transfiguration early, Ron just rushing it and Hermione not noticing since she was lecturing the poor first years on punctuality and keeping up with their studies. He'd have saved the poor kids, if they didn't look like they'd just tuned the annoying prefect out entirely as they chattered amongst themselves lowly.

But since they did, he let them be. Professor McGonagall was already inside setting up the lesson for the day. "Good morning, Professor. Are we starting with vanishing spells?" He notes.

"That is correct, Mr. Potter. Why don't you take your seat and start reviewing the first chapter?" McGonagall nods.

"Will do, Professor." He gives her a smile, then takes a seat near the front.

Best spot in the classroom to take notes and watch her demonstrations. He was sick of letting Ron choose where he sat. And he liked being closer to the window near the courtyard, the natural sunlight felt wonderful. The Ravenclaws arrived before the Gryffindors, settling wherever since the lions and claws had no bad blood with each other. Terry Boot ended up sitting beside him when he asked the boy to, he'd been surprised at the offer. But quickly sat down anyways. "Avoiding your captors are you?"

"Yeah, I had a wakeup call over the summer, you know? I kind of just realized how horribly they treat others and me." Harry nods.

The claws close in around them, Neville the closest lion to him, sitting beside Morag MacDougal. He happily talked about the first chapter and a few after with the Ravenclaws, finding himself actually enjoying the theory discussion going on. Hermione and Ron did eventually come in though, and neither were very happy with the seating arrangement. Ron didn't even try saying anything first, he just physically grabbed him by the arm and tried to drag him up. "OW! Ron!? What in the bloody hell are you trying to do here!? Wrench my arm from its socket!?" He demands angrily, tearing his arm from Ron's grip.

"Don't sit with these bookworms Harry, come on."

"Excuse me? I don't listen to you. I am very capable of making my own decisions, and find the theoretical debate of transfiguration we were having to be quite interesting."

"You don't actually mean that, mate, come on."

Mate? Was that his way of activating an enchantment that used to be on him? "Mr. Weasley! Mr. Potter has made it quite clear that he wishes to sit with the Ravenclaws today. Take your seat so that I may begin our lesson." McGonagall snaps in, but her eyes hold disapproval for Harry, and not Ron, oddly enough. He felt the sinking feeling that McGonagall was quite firmly on Dumbledore's side. The lesson began with the theory they'd just been discussing.

He found understanding the material far easier, and felt that he had a lot of review work to do from the past four years. After the homework was assigned, Harry forewent using the last ten minutes to start planning the essay, and instead went up to McGonagall. "Professor, do you keep our final exams?"

"I do, why?"

"Well, this is OWL year. I figured that seeing my final exams and old assignments you didn't hand back would help me review for the OWL exams."

She gave him a stern look, as if she didn't want to do this. "Very well. Wait here."

She went off into her office, and came back with four folders that had his name on them. He took them happily, and had a plan to get his previous work from every other teacher as well. Even Snape, if he could. Though he doubted the man had actually kept anything he didn't hand back. The bell rang as he'd filed away the sizeable stack of papers and past exams, signaling that they had ten minutes to get to Herbology. He walked with Neville, discussing the best soil to grow roses in to escape Ronald and Hermione. The two were kept out by the Ravenclaws until the groups had to split. Then he couldn't escape them, so he used something he'd read in his father's journal. A prank spell. He turned their robes into neon pink and powder blue atrocities with bright orange snakes slithering about on them. The two didn't realize anything until they tried to grab him, only to be met with rather sizeable laughter. They fled in embarrassment when Hermione couldn't undo the spell. He practically skipped into Herbology. Professor Sprout had her board rolled to the front, no gardening tools out. Seems they'd be starting with review, and speaking of review. He went up to her and asked. She gleefully got the requested folders for him, telling him she was ecstatic he was taking a greater interest in his grades now. Neville followed his lead, and she just ended up handing everyone's back.

The lesson was purely just a review of first year, and they'd be doing practical review in their next class for a few common plants they learned about in first year that often show up in the OWL exams. They were dismissed for History, which he wished dearly he could just put on some music and focus on his work instead of listening to Binns' drone. He put up a muffliato around Binns, making it so you couldn't really hear him unless you focused on him. Someone would find and break the spell eventually, but Binns' assignments never changed year to year, so you could just check the list behind him for the topics of the essays and the dates they're due. He'd just put them down in his planner and do them all ahead of time. He filled out the forms given to them the night before. Then made it halfway through his transfiguration essay before History ended.

At lunch, Hermione and Ron accosted him once more, but Captain Angelina Johnson came to his rescue. "Harry! Glad I caught you. Listen, Gryffindor are moving up their tryouts to Sunday this week, that's the 4th, so these forms can be put in early. I'll need your assistance in running the drills, as our current Seeker, you'll be leading Seeker tryouts. Can you come with me?"

"Yeah, of course."

"Hey! The Keeper position is open this year right?"

Angelina turns to him. "Sorry Ronald, but the teachers decided that if a quidditch player can't keep up a certain grade they can't play on the team. You'll have to provide proof you can keep up, and I recall many failed essays and tests from your loud complaints in the common room. Don't bother showing up."

"But Harry isn't anywhere near a good student!"

"Actually Ron, my only bad overall grade is an A in potions and divination, I've got EE and O in everything else. Even Astronomy, surprisingly." Harry corrects him.

Ron gapes at him. Harry takes advantage of the shock to escape with Angelina. Hermione couldn't even find an excuse to keep him, since Angelina was a captain as obsessed with Quidditch as their dearly departed Oliver Wood, he would forever be honored as their Captain, even if his last season was cruelly stolen from him for no reason at all. They could have just accelerated the last season so the pitch would be clean for that maze. But he was playing for England now, as Katie told him, so good on him. He had his dream in his grasp. "We honestly don't expect anyone could best you for your position, so we really just need you to look for a reserve seeker." Angelina explains once they've sat down.

The current team was seated, and Harry doubted it was going to change. So they really just needed to find a replacement for Oliver. "Anyone you remember from last year?" Alicia asks the twins.

"Mm. There was that little firstie that did rather well last year. He's a second year now right?" Fred starts.

"Mm, I think his last name was Calinthe." George nods.

"Hazel eyes, charmed blue hair?" Harry asks.

"Yeah! Him! Where is he?"

"I think his hair is currently a dark purple." Harry spots the now second year student.

"Well, our dear youngest, why don't you go collect him?" Angelina smirks.

Harry laughs a bit, getting up. The younger students hushed up as he approached, but not Calinthe, he was talking about how this was his year to get the Keeper position. Harry had to hold in further laughter. "Hey, Calinthe, right?"

The second year spins around. "That's me! Daniel Calithe-Harry Potter!?"

"In the flesh kiddo. And current Gryffindor Seeker. The Captain is asking for you."

"What? Seriously?"

"We don't joke about quidditch in this house."

The kid jumps from his seat, practically running to Angelina to see what she wanted. "Oh no. Now we'll never hear the end of it." One of Calinthe's friends sigh.

"You met Oliver Wood last year, right?" Harry asks them.

The second years sigh, so that's a yes. "Calinthe is nowhere near as bad as he was." They relax. "Yet." Looks of despair. "But look at the bright side kids! You know he's happy and passionate about something, and friends are there for the best and the worst." Happier looks.

"You're a lot nicer than our prefects make you out to be."

"Yeah, Hermione and Ronald...we've had a falling out these past two years and it's affected our interactions with other people. I'm sorry if that made it seem like I was mean or unsociable. But hey, if you ever need someone to talk to, or need help you can actually understand in Charms, Transfiguration, or DADA, feel free to come to me." Harry smiles at them.

"Harry! Get over here!"

"Ah, well. Angelina is calling. See you all around." He says, waving as he walked away.

Angelina and Calinthe were in a heated discussion already, she was questioning his grades and his quidditch knowledge. And she was evidently liking what she was hearing. Harry just listened to the chatter as they all got into it, eventually joining in with tales of his first year of matches, and his second year. "The bludger was charmed to chase after you!?"

"Yep, and it was a house elf trying to warn me about some danger coming from outside the school to. He wasn't a bad elf of anything, just misguided and scared."

"And you really almost swallowed the snitch during your first game?"

"Yep. It was as awkward as it was hilarious." Harry chuckles.

He is never going to live that down, is he? Whatever, in hindsight, it's a hilarious story to tell on occasion. These reactions are always priceless. "Hey, how do you tell the Weasley twins apart?"

"Sorry kiddo, you'll have to learn that for yourself." Harry laughs, the twins give Calinthe eager grins.

Oh, this poor child. They won't be letting up anytime soon. "So, what do you have next, Harry?" The twins ask.

"DADA with Umbridge. This will go fantastic, I'm sure." Harry snorts.

"Mm, she's a real piece of work. We couldn't have our wands out during class." Alicia huffs.

"What? But it's DADA." Harry stares at her.

"Yeah, well apparently the ministry deems knowing how to defend yourself a practice to be discouraged." She moodily responds.

"Well that's not good..." No, it really wasn't. But Redgrave had warned him of this, he'd have to keep his head down and really bite his tongue until he could stick it to that toad.

He finished his food and headed off for class. To which he arrived early. "Mr. Potter, why are you here so early?"

"Good afternoon, Professor Umbridge. I wanted to ask you if previous professors kept the assignments and tests I did. Since it is OWL year, I'm going to be reviewing as much as possible."

She raised an eyebrow. "Yes, your folder is quite sizeable. Sit down there, and I will retrieve the files for you. And keep your wand away."

Well. It was in the holster on his wrist, so if he needed it, he'd be entirely safe. She'd directed him to a seat closer to the front, probably to keep an eye on him. He sat down, pulling out his notebook and textbook for DADA, which he doubted would see much use outside of her class. He had cracked open the book when she came back, pulling the book from his hand. "The reading is for class, Mr. Potter. You may sort through this mess of yours." She puts the book down.

From what he'd read, he was not impressed. Maybe the older years had kept their books from Remus' and Crouch's years. No one could deny they'd been the best teachers of the subject, so the books they required couldn't have been bad choices at all. He sorted out Lockhart immediately, discarding the useless essays on the man's narcissistic self as useless. He was glad he'd gotten that free set, since spending any money on them would have been a waste of his resources. He considered Quirrell's year next. Voldemort hadn't actually sabotaged them, since Remus reviewed the same topics as useful. So despite his reluctance to keep anything from Quirrelmort, he set them aside in a sorted pile. Next was Remus' year, which was absolutely brilliant. Fred and George were in his OWL class, he'd ask them about their books and old assignments, see if he couldn't get copies from them after classes were over.

Hmm, he had a busy evening today didn't he? Twins, house elves, homework, forms, weekend preparations for the Quidditch tryouts, and finding ways to avoid Ronald and Hermione. And maybe he'd catch Professor Redgrave, about his grandmother. How was Nevan with him? And why was Nevan with him? What was his family history on his mother's side, and did Redgrave know it? He already had access to the Potter and Black family histories, but what about Lilia Evans/Morrigan? He tuned out for most of Umbridge's class, letting Hermione and Ronald sink themselves into detention while he just read through the assigned chapter, then continued sorting his assignments. He'd have to ask Katie about Crouch Junior's fifth year syllabus. He hopes she kept it. Maybe he'd-oh! He'd send a letter to Remus, asking him about his fifth to seventh year syllabus, and even his younger years to fully prepare. And Sirius was an auror before his wrongful incarceration, so he would know some good DADA tactics. Maybe he'd ask them about history and potions to. And runes and arithmancy, he could sit those exams even without having taken the actual class. So if he studied through the year, he'd see if he could take the exams from Professor Babbling and Professor Vector before he actually sat those exams. He had time to make his way through it all, and it wasn't like he couldn't ask those professors to check over his work. He'd ask some runes students about what they were doing and what they did. Angelina took runes, and Katie was in arithmancy. So there had to be something he could do there.

"Mr. Potter?"

"Yes, Professor Umbridge?"

"Can you explain to the class what you should do if you are attacked by another wizard or witch?"

This was a loaded question, wasn't it? Whatever, he'd answer what he'd do. "I would first find some sort of cover, if there is none, shield myself. After I've assessed my opponent, my next move would be to fight back. If aurors arrive in time, great, they can take over. If not, I won't just stand around and die." He states.

He's saved from whatever she was going to say next by the bell. She doesn't look too pleased as they file out of the room to head back down to the first floor. They are left waiting outside of Redgrave's door for a few minutes before the door is open. "Don't sit down yet, I've arranged a seating plan. And I don't want any complaints." He says sternly.

They enter, waiting around in clumps of lions and snakes separately. "Now, I've noticed that the lions and the snakes have a dangerous animosity that really can't be good for anyone. So I'm deciding groups this year. You will do all group projects and activities with this group, and sit with this group in class. There are 20 of you, which evenly breaks into five groups of four. Now, as you can see, this room has been split up into table groupings for four people. And enough seating for 40 people. I may have all the houses in here at once point or another, and in those instances, you'll still stay with your assigned group. I'll fill you in from left to right in groups of four. Two in front, two in the back. Row 1 and 2. Susan Bones, Hannah Abbott, Padma Patil, Lisa Turpin. Tracy Davis, Daphne Greengrass, Sophie Roper, Neville Longbottom. Harry Potter, Draco Malfoy, Blaise Zabini, Theodore Nott. Skip these four. Next is Pansy Parkinson, Parvati Patil, Millicent Bulstrode, Sally-Anne Perks. Behind Patil and Turpin. Row 3 and 4 from the left. Hermione Granger, Gregory Goyle, Ronald Weasley, Vincent Crabbe. Skip four. Lily Moon, Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnegan, Lavender Brown. Well? Take your seats."

He's done the unthinkable. He's grouped Slytherins and Gryffindors together! Harry took his seat beside Draco, just as surprised as everyone else. He grinned, he was far from Granger and Weasley. That group would no doubt see some trouble, Crabbe and Goyle were dumber than rocks. Inbreeding was not kind to their family. "Now that you're all settled, let's begin. You've been told my name and profession. But you barely know me compared to the long standing teachers, and sadly known Madam Undersecretary. This is your chance to ask me about myself, and for me to get to know you all somewhat. So, any questions? No need for hands, just speak."

"Sir, why would you split us all up like this?" Hermione asks right away.

"Well, Miss Granger, one of my aims is to eliminate this stupid house rivalry. One of the first tactics an enemy can use to weaken their target groups is to segregate them. Split them up so they won't ever think of working together against the enemy. In this case, some old and powerful figures started up this damn house rivalry and implemented fuel for the fire with the house points system, which was only implemented in Armando Dippet's time as headmaster. This Gryffindor vs Slytherin mentality only hurts you all. Take a really good look at your classmates. Are all the lions really reckless idiots? Are all the snakes evil? No. But since you can't see that so clearly right now, I'm going to force you to get along for a common goal. Finding things in common leads to more. See where I am going with this?"

Smart man. "Professor, what are we actually going to learn in this class? Isn't three books a bit much?" Seamus asks.

"No. And you'll see why when my special order comes in this weekend. It took some needling, but I got everyone here a tablet with some extra fees added this year. Before you go and complain about muggle technology and magic and all that, I'll spend some time going over why they will be your best friend going forward."

"Professor, why is your hair white?" Dean Thomas.

"I have a genetic condition called albinism. Basically, I lack pigments that would give my skin, hair, and eyes varying colours. I'll touch on genetics in this course briefly at one point."

"Sir, why do you hunt devils?" Pansy asks.

"My father was a very successful, if little known, devil hunter. I inherited the business from him because I needed to. Believe me, if I could have lived peacefully, I would have. But actively hunting devils eventually causes a target to be placed on your bloodline. The devils will aim to kill you purely because you are related to someone who actively killed devils. Hence, my current occupation. It's not so bad, I've found allies in similar situations as myself. I get to travel and meet tons of new people, so I mill whatever devil is causing trouble, get paid, enjoy the local sights for a day or two, then head home or to the next job."

"Do you know a lot of legends about demons? Which are true and which aren't?" Theo eagerly questions.

"I do. If you're lucky, I'll recite some old sagas for you on down days."

"It's not related you you personally, but what is that?" Daphne asks, pointing at the jukebox.

"It's a jukebox. It plays music. You'll be hearing my tracks a lot, I've got tons of records ranging in genre. And a few new special orders coming in from Postmodern Jukebox."

"Postmodern Jukebox?"

"Oh, they take modern songs, and convert them into older styles. Like jazz or blues, or 50s style. I picked the songs I wanted, and they'll come in eventually." The white haired man smirks.

They get into what the professor wanted to next. "This is a tablet and stylus pen, the stylus is only for the tablet. I've got the projector set up so you can see my screen, see? Each of your tablets will have these two apps on top of the standard ones. Apps are applications, programs that carry games or useful functions such as these. These are to take notes. And for this one, I can send you all the notes, slides, and assignment schedule for the month so you can plan ahead accordingly. I'll just show you our first set of slides here. On Wednesday, I'll be giving you your email set up instructions so you can access these when I send them to you. Pay attention, only the first half of the first period on Wednesday will be spent on getting used to these yourselves before I jump into our first lesson."

The fifth years had taken his first class surprisingly well. It could just be the surprise, but they'd settled down with their first reading assignment. To kick it off, he put in Mermaid Rock. So he played it a lot, the songs were amazing. Of course, watching them startle as the guitar started was amusing as well. He sat at his desk, observing the first half of the fifth years. He had the Claws and the Badgers on Thursdays and Mondays. And while the students didn't know it, their classes on Wednesdays were all together. Which is why Wednesday is when he'd finalize all of their emails and start the introductory assessments with one big test. He'd assigned their current assignment as a review of the more complicated subjects which would be on that test. And he was rather pleased with how his first day had gone. He observed the conversations between his students, and looked for any problematic groups. While, from what he'd heard, he expected Malfoy and Potter to be at each other's throats, their group seemed to be the least problematic at the moment. The one which worried him was actually the group Granger was with. She seemed furious he'd placed her, the best student academically in the class, with the bottom three. This was to her and their benefits, even if she didn't see it. She'd learn to boost up others instead of tearing them down for poor grades, since if they didn't do any work, she'd also fail a part of this class. He wouldn't totally penalize her for it, but she did need to learn. The other three would hopefully learn to put some damn effort into their work. Then there was Weasley, who was consistently spitting insults at the two Slytherins he was grouped with, and treating Granger as if she was his. Not as a friend, but like an owned wife. He considered that strange and wrong, and he'd be stepping in if need be.

The other groups had small squabble in between actually attempting to work together. This, he'd expected. And he knew it would either get worse, or would eventually fade into, at the very least, neutrality towards each other, lacking the antagonism of before. He was betting on option two, since he was not going to let anything escalate into option one too severely. He may have to change a group or two at some point in the year, but he'd use grade points as an excuse then. But for the most part, the kids were fine for now. He decided the last ten minutes of class could be put to better use. He turned off the jukebox, getting their attention. "Gather your things, I'm going to show you the gym and pool areas, and go over their rules really quickly here. Come on, don't dally."

The kids scramble to pack up and follow him out into the hallway. He leads them down to the gym first. "You can access this room whenever you want, even after curfew. Just make sure to keep the noise down and don't get caught. The pool, however, has different rules. I'll need to clear you as a competent swimmer before you can be in there alone. This is a precaution, I don't want any students drowning. Now, we will have at least one physical class bi-weekly, this is mandatory. As for my classroom, don't touch anything on the walls. They are in those protective cases for an extremely specific reason, so until we go over them, don't even touch the glass. They have magic of their own and won't hesitate to use it on unwitting students. Now, there is only a few minutes left of class, so you all can head out now." He dismisses them.

They could read the full list of class rules in the slides, and they would have to fully read them and complete a quiz on them before they were able to access the actual course content he'd set up. He stretched out a bit, stiff from sitting around all day. He couldn't wait until they moved past the boring theory shit into the practical applications. Those were infinitely more useful and fun than just sitting around. He already knew how he'd be testing the kids at the end of the year, he just had to prepare them for it. He'd gotten his inspiration from the Hunger Games, but he obviously wasn't going to make it a lethal competition. They could work solo or in pairs, they'd be monitored by certain devices Nico was going to whip up for them. And, well, he wouldn't spoil the fun of a surprise. He strolled down the hall after putting a demonic seal on his door. Unlike wizard magic, that demonic seal wasn't going to lift unless a certain condition was met. The condition being that he had to want the door to be opened. He's sure Umbridge would have fun with that again later.

Dumbledore calls them all for the first day of classes staff meeting, to see if they needed to make any adjustments early on. He decided he rather take up weekend time than class time to go over the electronics, so he'd borrow the great hall and do a more extensive introduction to the technology. He asked for this time, and Dumbledore decided to grant it to him. Which moved a few detentions around (Umbridge and Snape, poor Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs, earning their ire on the first day). "How has Mr. Potter done?"

"He's taken a greater interest in his grades this year, asking for his former graded assignments." McGonagall sniffs.

"And that's a bad thing? Don't sound so happy there, Minnie."

"Mr. Potter has never been invested in his grades."

"Well, it is his OWL year. Why wouldn't he get his head on straight and realize these tests influence his future?" Dante questions.

What was up with these people? Dumbledore, he sort of expected this from already, but he though Minerva adored her star lion. "I believe it's a wonderful change." Fillius comments.

"It is good to hear he's taking a greater interest in his future." Dumbledore says hesitantly.

Hold up. Oh, he sees it now. They want him dead, a kid? For what though? The soul shard that used to be in his scar? That taint was long gone now, bare remnants clung to him and would vanish entirely in the magic rich environment of Hogwarts. Or was it that they knew of his demonic blood? That was also a plausible reason. Maybe it was for power? He'd have to keep an eye on the old man. He tiredly leaned back in his chair as they droned on. Which reading should he recite today? Why not the one about the cycle of souls? 'The soul, human, demon, or angel, cycles through the three realms consistently. The angels in Paradiso do not deign to grace the humans or the dark realm with their presence-' "Anthony. Are you not listening again?"

"You don't really need me for these talks Dumbles. I mean, do we really need to spend an hour listening to the toad try and tell you all to ban wand usage in your classrooms? I'm outta' here."

"Anthony, Professor Umbridge deserves the courtesy of a listening audience to her opinion."

"And I reserve my right to not listen to her bullshit. Is that not a courtesy I deserve?"

No one can refute him on that one. This woman was just...ugh. Could he get away with murdering her? Probably not.