A/N: Harry Potter and his world belongs to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and anyone that has received licensing rights. I am grateful she gives us the privilege of playing in her world.
A/N: Question: plans for year 4 are still a little fluid. I have three story lines I am trying to choose between and would like to know readers thoughts on wheter the Tri-wizard tournament should occur year 4 or 5, and should Harry be involved? There is a poll going on my profile.
Also, in responce to reviews, I added more to this chapter. I have actually added more to the next few chapters, making them longer. In some cases, it has almost doubled the original length. I hope you all enjoy the extra content. :-)
Lastly, thank you again for enjoying this story so much.
-oOo-
Chapter 6
-oOo-
February 16,1994
Hogwarts, Scotland
"Good afternoon, Harry. I want you to meet Healer Ross," Healer Tonks introduced the short, older woman that had entered the Hospital wing a few moments ago. Daphne had left to go to afternoon classes.
Harry looked at her a little wearily. Her grey hair was done in an immaculate bun. There wasn't a single stray wisp of hair. Unlike Healer Devon and Tonks, she wore an older cut, off-white robe with a traditional symbol of a healer on her right breast, a red cross.
The woman's light grey eyes looked at him with a gaze similar to when he felt like Dumbledore was looking far into him, but unlike Dumbledore, he didn't feel like she was trying to push herself on him.
"Good morning, Healer Ross," Harry greeted the woman.
She gave him a look as though she wasn't sure what she was looking at. "You don't strike me as someone who is normally so formal. You can call me Anne if you like. How would you like me to call you, Mr. Potter?"
A small smirk played on his face. Harry always liked those that were more straight forward. "Harry, ma'am."
"Anne. Please just call me Anne, Harry. Has Andromeda told you why I am here?"
"Healer Tonks and Amelia think I might need someone to talk with," he told her apprehensively.
The woman nodded. "I hear you like to move. How about we take a walk on the grounds and we get to know each other? I promise today this is just a get to know you meet. Later I can explain what I do and how I may help you."
Harry looked to Healer Tonks.
"You are allowed to leave the infirmary. If everything goes well, you can go to your classes tomorrow morning," she replied.
Harry nodded and soon was walking with the woman, the aurors shadowing them at a respectable distance. The woman took her wand out and twirled it. "A privacy charm that will follow us and prevent anyone else from overhearing us," she supplied.
Harry nodded, not saying anything.
"So, I have been told you enjoy playing Quidditch. What position do you play," she asked him as they made their way across the grounds.
"Seeker," he told her.
She waited a moment to see if he would say anything before asking, "Are you any good?"
"I think so. I've caught the snitch every game I have played," he said, trying not to sound too smug about it. He did feel some pride for that, but he didn't want to rub it in others faces.
Her brow rose. "How many matches have you played?"
"Eight so far. McGonagall made me Seeker my first year," he confessed.
"That is pretty impressive. You grew up in a Muggle house? Did you have any instruction on how to fly before coming here?" she queried.
Harry just shook his head, unwilling to say anything.
"So, you have caught every snitch. I take it you really enjoy playing Quidditch then?" she asked.
"Yeah."
"What do you enjoy about it so much?"
Harry blinked. No one had ever asked him that before. After a moment, he started to say, "I like the feel of the wind in my face. When I kick off the ground, it feels like I am a bird. I can go anywhere. I just know how to use my broom, it's like I've always known how to fly. Looking for the snitch isn't as fun as the chase, but I feel important. The team is looking at me to get the snitch. Most times that means we win the match."
She nodded. "What is your favorite subject?"
"It would be between Charms and Defence Against the Dark Arts. Though I think I would really like Care of Magical Creatures if..." he trailed off. He didn't want to say anything against Hagrid.
"Unless what?"
He frowned and didn't say anything else.
She didn't let up, her voice soft, "What do you like about magical creatures?"
He wasn't sure how much he should say. "I can talk to some of them," he admitted, not knowing if she knew about his parselmouth or not.
She acted as though this wasn't anything big. "I have been told you are a parselmouth."
"Many say it's something a Dark Wizard would have," he admitted.
"Do you think that is the truth?"
He shrugged. "I am not dark and I will never be," he said adamantly.
She nodded again. "Are you disappointed in Care of Magical Creatures because others don't like you talking with the snakes that are shown?"
"I don't know. Hagrid hasn't shown us any snakes. Maybe because I am a parselmouth and the way everyone treated me last year. Some still say I am the Heir of Slytherin and bad because of it," he replied.
"That is not why you are disappointed though, is it?"
He sighed. "Hagrid is very knowledgeable, but I don't feel he knows how to teach, and half of the creatures he has shown us have been very dangerous for third years. I loved the hyppogryphs, but they are a bit ornery and quick to anger. One almost attacked Draco Malfoy." Harry snorted. "I wish it had."
He was saying more than he would ever, but didn't really realize how much he was saying.
"What classes don't you like?"
"Potions," he said unequivocally.
She looked at him for a moment as they walked over the grounds and into the quidditch pitch. "Why?"
He couldn't keep the disgust out of his voice. "Snape."
"You mean Professor Snape?"
"Yeah."
It went like that for a while more. She brought up everything at school. Tried to bring up the Dursley's again and he fobbed it off. By the time they got back, he was tired, both emotionally and physically.
He took a nap for a bit before Healer Devon woke him for dinner.
-oOo-
February 17, 1994
Hogwarts, Scotland
By the time Healer Tonks finally let him go from the hospital wing just before first period, Harry was happy to be out of the hospital wing. He had been given the all clear and allowed to return to classes. It was a good and bad thing he found out.
He sat at a table next to Hermione and Neville on the far side of her. Ron was at the next bench. Many were giving him double or triple looks. Hermione setup her papers as though there was nothing unusual about all the attention Harry was getting. Which, in truth, was not uncommon.
Ron, upon seeing him, stopped and stared for a moment before moving to the empty desk next to him. "Blimey, Hermione wasn't joking about you growing," Ron stated.
"It was a shock," he responded.
Ron chuckled. "I bet."
Harry took out his own ink bottle, quill and parchment.
"You ready for a nap," Ron asked, not bothering to take out his own stuff.
"I have slept enough lately. Aren't you going to take notes?"
"Nah. Dean, Seamus and I have worked out a deal. It's Dean's turn today. You ready to go flying tomorrow?"
"I still have some work to catch up on and I can't fly for two weeks," he told Ron.
Ron gaped. "Can't fly! What about practices? Wood is already upset that McGonagall came down on him because Fred, George and him were getting bad grades and only limited him to two practices a week until they start getting better in class. Are you sure you can't fly?"
Harry thought about Daphne and Hermione's threats about him taking it easy. The more they spent time together, the more Harry was weary when they agreed on something. "Positive," he replied.
"I can use your Firebolt then? Fred and George had talked about a pickup game Saturday since they couldn't practice," Ron informed him.
Ron was acting as though nothing had changed. "Are you going to apologize to Hermione?"
The confused expression said it all. "For what?" Ron asked honestly confused.
Harry gaped at Ron for a second. Hermione frowned next to him. Binns floated into the room, effectively ending this conversation. Five minutes into class, Ron was nodding off on his hand. Harry, who usually had a hard time paying attention, forced himself to stay awake and take notes.
When the class ended, Ron snorted and Seamus knocked his arm. Ron slammed his head into the desk and Harry had a silent chortle as the redhead rubbed his forehead. In potions, Harry sat next to Neville, with Hermione and Ron before them. He gave her an apologetic look before sitting down.
When Snape came into the room, his cape billowing like normal, Harry noticed the man didn't have his usual swagger to him though. "Open your books to page eighty-four. Today you will be making a wolfsbane tincture. It will need to stew over the next week before you complete the potion next Wednesday and I will grade it on the full moon," he ordered in his greasy voice.
When the man's eyes fell on him, it was the same type of reaction he had seen earlier. Disbelief at his change. For once, Snape didn't say anything or taunt him or Neville. When they were done, it was the first class ever that he could remember that no Gryffindor lost points and no Slytherin gained points. It was so odd, it was all anyone could talk about as they left the dungeons and headed towards the third floor DADA rooms.
As they were walking up, Harry wanted to fall back to walk with Daphne, Tracey and Bulstrode, but he wasn't sure that was alright or not. His instincts proved accurate when Draco bumped him.
"Watch it, Malfoy," he threatened.
Malfoy turned on him. "Or what, Potter?"
He didn't hesitate to step up to Malfoy in the corridor just by the DADA room. Many stopped to watch what was going on. It didn't take a genius for everyone to realize Harry was suddenly an inch or two taller than Malfoy and just slightly shorter than his goons. Before he was a good two or three inches shorter than the blonde prat.
"I'll level you in DADA today," Harry answered. Thursdays were practical and dueling days with Professor Lupin. Harry would make sure he was opposite Malfoy.
Malfoy, looking as though he didn't like to be looked down on, snarled. "You just leave Greengrass alone and I will make sure Crabbe and Goyle leave your mudblood alone."
Harry didn't think about it. His fist was balled and connected with Malfoy's jaw before anyone reacted. Harry, not used to the strength in his new body, sent the blond prat hard into the wall. Everyone looked shocked for a moment, least of all Harry, before he was suddenly hit by a meaty fist.
His wand was out of his pocket as he stumbled. "Petrificus Totales," he spat out through the blood in his mouth. He didn't wait to see if it hit as he ducked to avoid the motion to his right. A few spells flew around the hall. Someone screamed and he flicked his wand up to see Draco trying to cast a spell. "Expelliarmus!"
Draco's wand flew out of his hand, shooting high into the air. Goyle stepped towards him.
"Glacius!" Harry shouted.
Goyle's arm was suddenly encased in ice and it over balanced his swing. Goyle crashed to the floor. He cried out as the ice shattered. Harry caught Draco's wand out of instincts as it fell.
A booming voice rang out. "Stop this now!"
Looking up, a very upset Professor Lupin was standing in the middle of the hall. "What is the meaning of this?"
Looking around he saw Neville standing over Hermione, who was on the floor. Ron had a bit of blood on his lip and his wand was pointing at Nott. It was the rage in Daphne's eyes that brought his temper down.
"What is going on," Professor Lupin demanded.
"Potter threw a punch at Malfoy," Parkinson accused.
Turning to Professor Lupin, he just glared at the man. Harry wasn't going to back down and he wasn't going to be the snitch at the moment.
"Draco said something to Harry before he punched him," Parvati spoke up.
"Potter threw the first punch," Nott supported his house mates.
"Draco threatened Granger," Ron shouted.
"Enough. Potter. Detention tonight in my office. You will also join Weasley, Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, Nott and Longbottom Saturday morning at Professor Hagrid's hut. Did anyone else throw a punch or spell?"
Harry stood tall and took it. Ron and Neville did the same while Draco snarled, "I'm not serving detention with that oaf."
"I will recommend you see Deputy Headmistress McGonagall then for a different punishment," Professor Lupin offered in a hard teacher's tone.
That shut Malfoy up. "Now, you three help Ms. Granger to the hospital wing and get yourselves checked out. Mr. Goyle, go get that sorted. Mr. Malfoy, you can go as well."
Neville helped Hermione up, who was grabbing her face and trying to hide teeth that were long enough to be down to her chin. When he met Daphne's eyes as he walked past, she didn't look pleased with him.
"Bugger," he cursed under his breath as he let out a large puff.
-oOo-
That night, he wasn't looking forward to his eight o'clock detention with Professor Lupin. He had successfully avoided the man outside of class. Harry would have to start up the Patronus classes again, but that wouldn't happen until the start of March. Another of the activities Healer Tonks had restricted him from for two weeks.
Harry told everyone he was doing much better, but he had to admit, the first day back with six classes had worn him out. Another side effect of the forced growth on him. He just hoped it passed soon.
Harry knocked on the door and opened it when bidden.
Professor Lupin was standing at his window, looking out onto the dark grounds. "Take a seat, Harry," he was instructed.
"I prefer Potter, Professor," Harry responded as he took the indicated seat on the other side of the man's desk. Professor Lupin hadn't earned the right to call him Harry.
There was a long exhalation. "I understand, Mr. Potter."
Harry didn't respond. He just sat, looking at the man's back. It was a few moments before Lupin spoke in a soft tone. "Did Draco Malfoy insult one of your friends?"
"Yes," Harry responded after a moment.
"Ms. Granger?"
"And Heiress Greengrass." Harry wouldn't feel repentant for sticking up for his friends.
The man made a snorting laugh. "Your father was very protective of his friends. Your mother had friends in all the houses and saw the good in people, even if they didn't in themselves. I see both my old friends in you, Mr. Potter."
"They are my friends," Harry responded.
Lupin shook his head and turned to him. "You do understand what you did was wrong?"
"I shouldn't have punched Malfoy, but he was asking for it," he responded petulantly.
Lupin shook his head again. "A bit of Sirius in you too."
Harry didn't waiver in his glare at the man. "Am I to do lines or clean something, sir?"
The man moved to his chair. "Not tonight, Harry. I think we need to talk. You are still joining the others Saturday morning."
"Yes, sir. It's Potter."
The man sighed again. "Of course, Mr. Potter."
He had been compared to his parents before, but not quite like this. "Sir, if you knew my parents so well, why didn't you come to at least see me? Why didn't you tell me!"
"Guilt," Professor Lupin told him.
Harry took in an angry breath. "Guilt? That is it? Guilt! You just left me with my relatives because of guilt? I hope that I have made better friends than that."
The man winced as though he had been hit. "You are angry. I don't blame you. I can not undo what has been done."
"Angry!" Harry yelled and the grindylow disappeared behind a curtain of bubbles into some weeds. "You tell me you just left your best friends' son because of guilt!"
"I am not proud of it. Dumbledore said you were in a safe place and I thought it best for you for me not to be around," the man told him.
Harry's nostrils flared. "Oh, yeah, it was safe," he snarked. He got up. "Professor, if this is all you want to talk about then I will report to detention Saturday."
"Harry, please sit," Professor Lupin just about begged. "I am not asking for forgiveness. I have no excuses good enough to explain myself. I would like to tell you about your parents and answer any questions you may have about them."
Harry looked at the man. He knew his face was twisted in his anger. "I really should be going, Professor. You said it is better for me for you not to be around."
The man looked like Harry had hit him. Harry moved to the door and opened it. Lupin spoke behind him, "Harry, it is my understanding that no one has really told you much about your parents or even your family. I am here when you are ready to talk or I know your owl will be able to find me."
"I am allowed to start the Partonus training again on March second. Call me Potter. Please don't try to talk to me outside of class before then, Professor" Harry said with no emotion. Inside he was roiling. He wanted to know more about his parents. He needed to. Forgiving the man enough to listen to him was not happening tonight.
The door to Professor Lupin's office slammed behind him.
-oOo-
February 19, 1994
London, England
Albus was looking at the black walls of the cell. He could hear the crash of the ocean against the fortress, and even feel the vibrations the waves caused in the black citadel in the middle of the North Sea. The cold was as much from the dementors roving the upper floors as it was the inhospitable environment that Azkaban prison had been built on.
The grind of a bolt and the heavy clang of an iron door opening echoed in the corridor outside his cell.
For seven days now he had spent time in this hell hole, his anger growing. Especially that none of his allies had come to his aide.
"This is the cell," a familiar voice said. He knew the man as an old student and now warden of this place.
"Thank you, Roger," another man he recognized answered. Albus heart and spirits lifted to hear the voice of one of his oldest friends and allies.
The door opened and he got to his feet. "Elphias, let's get out of here and then I need you to get me my wand," Albus told the old man that greeted him. It took a second to realize that eight Aurors were behind the man.
The man didn't say much, just looked at Albus. The grey-blue eyes of the man looked upset and sad. "Is it true Albus?"
Albus looked at the man, his emotionless mask up. He wanted to probe Elphias mind, but he knew the man was a very accomplished occlumence. If he tried it on any of them, he had a feeling he would be found out. "Is what true, Elphias?"
The disappointment in the man was palatable. "I have been asked to represent you for your trial. It has been set for June twenty-fifth so that the DMLE can complete its investigation. Is it true, Albus?"
Albus let a frown come across his face. "What trial? Is what true?" he queried in a cold, dangerous voice. Four of the aurors had their wands in their hands.
Elphias frowned before reaching into his robes and handing a folder to him. Albus took it, his eyes steely and his face hard.
"What is this?"
"The initial charges that allowed Amelia to arrest you without the Minister's permission after she called a secret court. Is all this true, Albus?" Elphias pressed.
Albus brushed him off as he opened the manila folder. He scanned the cover page of the warrant and his heart sank. "What does this mean to charge me with the denial of inheritance to Sirius Black! I did nothing of the sort," he said angrily.
There was a silence as Elphias let him read on. As he did, some of his protest died on his lips. "How was the Potter's will found?" he asked quietly.
"Augusta Longbottom put in a claim for Neville to take over the House of Potter, through his mother, as Scion to the goblins. They were required to open the vaults to search for a will since Harry Potter is still alive and the direct descendent of the previous Regent Potter. Is it true that you knew about Sirius Black, who their Secret Keeper was and that you denied the rightful Scion his inheritance?" Elphias asked, his eyes still boring into Albus.
Of all the possible routes, Albus had never thought Augusta would be so ruthless and try to take it away from Harry.
"I denied the boy nothing. He got his trust vault and is set to be Regent upon his seventeenth birthday," Albus replied before turning the page. The first page had been heritage blockage and denial of Sirius Black. On this one, his heart started to beat faster. It was the same for the Prewitts. The will of the previous Lord Prewitt had been found as well. He had no clue how that had happened. He knew Head of Record, Minchum, had buried that will when the Lord Prewitt died and it had remained sealed when his boys died a month later. There was no one that could claim that title.
Last were charges for Harry Potter. Again, Denial of Heritage.
"So that is not your witness mark on the wills of Lord Prewitt and Regent Potter? It does not say in either will to present Scion rings to the next heirs on their eleventh birthdays? I also don't see anything making you the Guardian of either boy or their regent," Elphias said in a voice as though he was just realizing what his best friend was.
Albus swallowed as he leafed through more pages. A copy of the Potter's and Prewitts' will were there. His heart sank as he looked at the Prewitt's will. According to this, the first of Molly's children were to be reinstated into the family and then named Scion. Much of the Prewitt's wealth and what ever had not been left to the man's sister, was now in the hands of the Ministry. Being a witness, he was responsible to see the appropriate Regent or Executors follow the will.
"Amelia has said sealed files named you Harry Potter's guardian against the will. The former head of Wizarding Child Services does not have any memory of signing that and there is indications she is suffering from excessive memory modification. Tell me that is not you and that all this is not true. If it is not, I will defend you like I always have. If it is, I don't know if you will be able to find any Solicitor that will represent you. I have been told there may be other charges, but these three alone, especially the charges of Line Theft against the Prewitts, will see you in this place the rest of your natural life, if not the veil. So tell me if this is all true or not?"
Albus looked up at his oldest friend. He could see the look of betrayal and disbelief in the man's eyes. Albus needed as many on his side as he could over the next few months, especially if he could not find a way to escape. Fawkes would not come to his call and he had no clue how Sirius had escaped.
"I do not know about the Prewitts. I thought Sirius guilty like everyone else. In light of that and with Death Eaters still out there after the fall of Voldemort, I needed to ensure Harry Potter was protected. I will admit fault to not looking at the will in many years and will ensure Harry gets his scion rights as soon as I get out of here," Albus told him.
The man's dissatisfaction made him even more uneasy. He had never seen Elphias look at him that way in the hundred or more years they knew each other.
"Harry Potter has been given his ring and put into custody of those named in his parents will. Amelia said the only reason you are not charged with line theft at the moment is because he is still underage. I expect more charges, especially since you violated the WCS degree for temporary guardianship by not giving it up when you didn't file yearly reports or checkups. You are in a lot of trouble, Albus, and I am not sure I can do anything about it," Elphias said quietly.
-oOo-
Hogwarts' Grounds, Scotland
Daphne had been very upset with him for getting into the fight. After her dressing down at the start of their study session yesterday, he felt a little guilty for letting his temper flare so fast. She was right, Malfoy was just trying to bait him and Harry had taken it. Hook, line and sinker.
Of course he made it worse when he snapped at her for grabbing his book. She was trying to show him something. It was innocent, but he was so angry at Professor Lupin and himself for disappointing her that his anger just spilled out at everyone around him.
The look on her face was something he didn't like, and when Hermione admonished him he had had enough. Storming out of the library found him sulking a little later in the cold stands of the Quidditch pitch. It didn't calm him and he didn't talk to anyone at dinner. The only time he talked was to get into a row with Ron over Scabbers. He had accused Hermione's familiar of going after the rat because he hadn't seen Scabbers for over two weeks. Harry almost ripped the curtains off his bed when he closed them.
Now this morning he was walking down to Hagrid's for detention. Knowing their big friend, it was probably going to be something in the dark forest and, knowing his luck, he would find the shade of Voldemort this time. In his bad mood it just seemed fitting that would happen.
"You haven't said anything since Thursday. What's bothering you?" Ron asked. He was still treating Harry as though none of the fights they had had lately mattered.
Harry didn't say a thing.
"Just leave him be for now," Neville stuck up for him.
"I've only seen him be this quiet when he's really upset," Ron shot back.
"He'll talk when he's ready," Neville stood up to Ron.
"He's my best mate. I think I know..."
"Just shut it, Ron!" Harry exploded at his friend. Maybe still a friend? "If you are that good of a friend you will apologize to Hermione!"
Ron looked taken back with how upset Harry was.
"I'll apologize once she gets rid of that monster!"
"Bloody hell, Ron! Did you ever think that Scabbers may have finally just died of old age? Or was caught in one of Filch's traps or something else got it?" He wasn't about to say anything about Daphne. Harry was really thinking she may have killed Scabbers. "I am sorry you can't find him, but you said Percy had him before you and that the rat was old."
Ron pushed him. "Take it back!"
Harry stumbled and turned on Ron. Neville threw himself between them. "W..w...we are already d..d..do..doing a d...d...detention for fighting. You want m..more?
Blinking, he looked at the slightly pudgy boy. Neville hadn't stuttered in his presence for weeks.
"You're not worth it," Harry muttered as he started for Hagrid's hut again.
"You never acted this way before you started to hang out with those Slytherins," Ron yelled after him. "Why the hell are you doing anything with them anyways?"
"I am helping them with classes they struggle in and they are doing the same for me," Harry told Ron over his shoulder.
"They're bloody lying snakes. You can't trust them!"
Harry turned. Ron was right behind him and Harry stuck his finger into his 'friends' chest. Ron stumbled back and almost fell. "I trust them more than you right now."
Ron looked so shocked he just stood there with his mouth open. Harry started towards Hagrid's hut again.
"She's a bloody snake! They should all be thrown out of the school."
"Daphne and Tracey are my friends," Harry yelled back.
"If you d...ddd..don't say anything he will leave you alone."
Harry was impressed with Neville.
"They are only your friends because they want to trap you. I bet they are working with Malfoy to get you expelled or maybe they have another basilisk. Mum wanted me to warn you about those that just want to you use you for your wealth and title. I am sure that is all the snakes..."
Neville jumped at Harry as he turned. Harry grabbed his wand and tried to point it around Neville. "Not worth it, Harry," Neville told him.
After a few seconds Harry pushed back off of Neville. Neville stared him down before he turned to Ron. "Who is trying to use who? You took my Firebolt out while I was in the hospital. Did I give you permission?"
Neville turned to Ron, his expression hardening.
"It's our Firebolt," Ron stated.
Harry pointed his wand towards the ground and pinched his nose. It was nice to not have to use glasses anymore, otherwise they probably would have fallen off. "How do you figure that?" he asked, his anger ready to burst and a few sparks jumped from his wand.
"It wasn't addressed to you and I found it between our beds that morning," Ron told him.
Harry let out a long breath. "There was a tag that had my name. Don't you remember Hermione finding it when she was trying to figure where it came from?" Ron looked ready to explode again. Harry cut him off. "Ron, I will give you one last chance. Hermione wasn't wrong about the broom. Crookshanks hasn't gone after Scabbers since Christmas. If you can apologize to Hermione, I will help you look for Scabbers. We can even ask if Hagrid has anything to help."
Ron's mottled face didn't give Harry hope he would apologize. "Yeah, maybe."
"You will also stop calling Daphne or Tracey bad names and accusing them of trying to get me. If I ever hear you insulting or threatening her, we are through. Oh, and the Firebolt and the Nimbus 2000 are mine. You use either again without permission and I will go straight to McGonagall."
Neville fell in step with him as Ron just gawked at him. "I didn't know he borrowed your Firebolt."
"Both my brooms were used. There is a nick in the Nimbus and the foothold on the Firebolt was put away with dirt on it," he told Neville. Harry meticulously maintained his brooms. There was little doubt in his mind Ron had taken them. Typically, he wouldn't have said boo about the Nimbus, but the Firebolt was his. It was probably his nicest possession, next to his cloak. Not that he had many.
They walked for a few, Hagrid's hut coming into view with Ron trailing far behind them. "Are you alright? You've been very angry and Daphne didn't look happy with you when you just stormed out."
Harry let out a long breath. "I don't know what I am." They were almost to the hut when he asked, "Do you think she will accept an apology?"
"You may have to grovel," Neville said seriously.
Harry cringed. "Bugger."
Neville cracked a smile. "Better you than me."
After lunch, they met Daphne and Tracey in the library. "Good afternoon, Heiress Greengrass and Ms. Davis," he greeted them. After spending the morning digging up trenches and moving huge rocks, he felt too tired to be angry and all he wanted was to make peace with his study partner.
Daphne only nodded her head and went back to what she was working on. Harry was in a lot of trouble. Sitting down, Tracey caught his attention. "Harry, did you finish the essay on Vampires?" she asked.
"Yeah," he responded, taking it out.
Tracey moved over a seat. "Could you move over here and go over mine with me?"
"Tracey," Daphne muttered under her breath. Harry would have to sit between them. He gave a look to Daphne, unsure it was safe or not.
A small voice in his head cursed him for being a cowardly Lion. He picked up his stuff and moved between the girls and across from Hermione. He started to go over everything with Tracey with Neville looking on and joining the conversation.
When they were done going over the essay, Harry went to gather his stuff. Daphne put a hand over his for a few seconds. "You don't have to move," she told him quietly.
He nodded and put his stuff back down. She took her hand away. "I never meant to yell at you," he responded.
"I will talk, or go for a walk. You just have to ask," she answered.
He nodded his head. "Would you go for a walk with me when we are done, Heiress Greengrass?"
A small smirk ghosted her face. "It would be my pleasure, Scion Potter."
Someone cleared their throat and they all looked up to see Hannah Abbot, Ernie MacMillan and Susan. Susan was standing at the front of the group. "Can I help you today, Susan?" he asked.
"We need some help in Defense and Herbology. You and Neville are the best in our year," Susan told him. "Would you help us?" She sounded very contrite.
Harry looked around the table. Hermione cocked her head saying he should. Daphne nodded her head after a moment.
"Pull up some seats," Harry offered.
Susan and them were very polite. Harry got less work done on his Astronomy charts than he wanted too, but he was getting the sense Susan, and the other two Hufflepuffs, were sorry.
When done, he said goodbye to his friends and the others. Daphne had a quick whispered conversation with Tracey before she walked up to him, staying a few feet away. "Would you escort me?"
He nodded. "It would be my pleasure," he responded, trying his best to act the way he should. She smiled at him and they went the opposite way of the others.
"You need to talk?" Daphne asked after a few.
Harry rubbed the back of his neck. "I am sorry. I never should have snapped at you."
"No, you shouldn't. You were wrong for punching Draco."
"I know. I've just been a little angry and he threatened to go after Hermione if I don't stay away from you," he offered as a lame excuse.
She scrunched her brow and gave him a hard look. "Do you think I go around cursing or punching everyone that either threatens me or makes other derogatory comments?"
Harry snorted. "I think they would be too scared too."
Her intense gaze didn't change. "I am a Slytherin. My blood is as pure as it comes and my family has a history of being dark."
Ron couldn't be right about her!
"I can assure you my family does not practice those arts anymore," she said to his face. "The Greengrasses have a history, though. My Grandfather believed in Grindewald, but after seeing what the man was doing, turned sides. Since then, we have staked our position on the Neutral Alliance. To remain there and not endanger our family, my sister and I have been taught to thread a narrow line. There is a danger in me associating with you. I have found our study sessions to be very advantageous for the both of us, but if you continue to act the righteous Gryffindor at the first slight to me, then I will have to stop this study group."
They had stopped in a deserted part of the school.
"Daphne, I never meant to cause you issues," Harry said apologetically.
"I know, Harry," she said sympathetically before her face hardened, "but you need to understand that there are traditions and norms amongst those that I must keep appeased right now. You now have a Scion ring on your finger. If you do the wrong thing, or make it more than some moronic hallway fight, then you can never call me Daphne again and I can not study with you anymore." Her eyes had softened in her hard expression. "I would not like to do that."
His heart felt like it was falling out of his chest. Harry really enjoyed being around Daphne. "I would not like that either, Heiress Greengrass."
They just looked at each other for a moment as they stood in the hallway. "I would prefer you calling me Daphne when it is just us. I must press, though, that this is not a social agreement where we can be seen being too close in public. If you need to talk, I will happily talk with you, but there are those in Slytherin that are commenting on the amount of time I am spending with you." She sighed. "I have to protect Astoria, Tracey, her sister and others in our Alliance. If we need to meet outside our study sessions, it must be arranged to not be seen by certain others."
Harry frowned at her sombre tone. "Is it Malfoy?"
"It is not just Malfoy. There are certain expectations for my Blood status in Slytherin. There are only certain ways it is acceptable to deal with those seen as blood traitors or muggleborn," she said with a scowl on her face, clearly not pleased with whatever restrictions were on her.
Harry's face was a little angry. "You never struck me as someone that cares about that."
"I don't, but things are not always that easy that I can just say or do what I want." She sighed. "If I had been declared a Ravenclaw, it would be simpler. I am going to talk with my parents over Easter. If I can convince them to start talking and enter into an informal Alliance with Madam Bones, then it would be possible for us to be seen without repercussions."
Harry frowned. "I thought Amelia was seen as someone the berk Purebloods hated."
Daphne was still serious. "Disagree with, yes, but the Bones are not seen as blood traitors. The Bones are a Light family, but have always respected the Blood traditions. Or, at least that is what has been projected. With Madam Bones being your Guardian, the Potters will fall under her clout. An informal Alliance between the Bones, Potters and the Greengrasses would also allow others that would like to join this group to do so."
"Who? Why can't you just take them?" Harry was curious who else might like to study with them.
"Like I said, the Greengrasses used to be dark. We have worked hard to make ourselves as neutral as they come. This allows me to go between the Purebloods and people like you. Others that I am allied with are not so lucky," she informed him.
"This is mental. Why is this so important and are you sure you want to be with people like me?" He didn't care for the way she said it, but he didn't feel like she was trying to be mean.
Daphne smirked this time. "I had my doubts if I wanted to be seen with someone like you. You have proven me wrong so far. I hope you continue to prove me wrong. I do like studying with you, Harry."
He snorted. "I thought you a stuck up prat, but I like you when it is just us and you let your mask down and don't act the prat."
She scoffed and looked at him open mouth. "Scion Potter!"
He laughed at her. "Heiress Greengrass," he snarked.
Daphne laughed. It was an honest laugh he really liked. It ended too quickly though. "You really are a pain, you know that?" Daphne huffed.
"Hermione says the same thing at times." Harry sighed. "So, for now, can I even greet you in the hallways?"
She sighed herself. "I think it best we only acknowledge each when required in class and our study group. I really can't risk Astoria, Tracey or Trisha."
"Can I do anything to protect you or help," he asked, not really having a clue what that might be.
"You can talk to Madam Bones about an informal Alliance. Even in Slytherin, your Guardian is respected as someone who is fair and even in her dealings with everyone. The only ones that don't like the Bones are those that have had to go up against them as an Auror or now Madam Bones being Head of the DMLE. Many are still upset how the war with You-Know-Who ended, especially with how many Purebloods are still in Azkaban," Daphne told him.
He rubbed the back of his neck. "I'll talk with Amelia."
Daphne nodded. "Thank you," she said in a soft voice.
He gave her a lopsided smile. "It's what a scion should do for a cute young lady, right?"
She smirked, a little color coming to her cheeks. "Cute, huh?"
Harry's eyes widened. He hadn't realized what he had said and he was sure his face took on some colour with how hot it felt. "Yeah, you know," he said lamely.
He liked the look in her eyes. "I, ah... I should be heading back, unless you have something else to discuss," Daphne told him.
"Not today," he replied. "Should I, ah, walk you back?"
Daphne gave him an intense look. "That would be the proper thing to do, but I must decline today, Scion Potter," she said, sounding reluctant.
Harry nodded, knowing they couldn't be that sociable, but really not liking it. He bowed to her. "Until Monday then, Heiress Greengrass."
After a moment, Daphne nodded. "I will see you at nine o'clock, Scion Potter."
Harry watched her as she walked away. He didn't like this at all. Hermione was his best friend, but he knew he was starting to regard Daphne as highly as the bushy hair witch. "Why does this have to be so complicated," he whispered before sitting on a ledge of the window they had been talking by.
-oOo-
February 23, 1994
London, England
The effects of the Dementors, even if they were not on his level, were starting to have an effect. He had woken in the middle of the night in a cold sweat, images of Arianna screaming at them and the black mist around her invading his dreams. In the still early morning, he sat on the cot, his hand on his raised knees and his head slumped over.
It had been eleven days. Elphias said he would try to get him out, but the man had looked so disappointed in him that Albus was starting to lose faith.
His head rose as the door in the hallway slammed open. Hopefully it was Elphias. When the door to his cell opened, Albus gathered his strength and presented his normally grandfatherly face. The redheaded woman with white streaks in it that stepped in had her monocle on and a hard look on her face. Albus straightened his protesting back. "Finally decided to confront me yourself?" Albus asked.
"Before now it would have been inappropriate. Your Solicitor is just outside the cell if you would like him in here for this conversation," she informed him.
She met his eyes as he tried to discern what she was on about. "You know that the charges you are looking for will not hold up? We were in a war at the time and I had to make certain decisions," he stated. She didn't say anything as he went on. "I am not sure what your game is here, Amelia, but this is a poor way to get the Minister's seat if that is what you are after."
She still didn't say anything.
"And for Sirius Black, you must understand that I was told he was their Secret Keeper. James and Lily trusted him and I was unaware of Peter..."
"Is that your defense and understanding of this situation?" she cut him off.
His eyes narrowed and his kind face dropped. "I know you and I have never really seen eye-to-eye and you have been very ambitious to gain the Head of the DMLE in only twelve years and passing over others that had more favour with Cornelius and the Wizengamot. It is obvious you seek higher office and it seems you think I am in your way."
The woman just shook her head as though very disheartened. "Do you waive your Solicitor before I go on?"
Albus purse his lips. "I think this is best to be between us."
She nodded and the door to the cell shut. "I think this better between us too until I get you to the court. These new charges were presented to Doge earlier today. I am sure he will want to talk with you about them before he leaves."
She handed him the folder she had been holding. Albus took them and opened the envelope. As he read them, his eyes opened wide and when he got to the point of the Dark Artifact removed from Harry, his head shot up. "Tell me you didn't kill Harry!"
Her hard expression grew steely. "Unlike you, I have actually made sure Harry is cared for. Did you know that thing in his head was parasitic? Did you know it was slowly killing him or that it was part of a soul?"
Albus paled. "What do you mean?" he played innocent. He had not known some of that. From his and Poppy's testing, the part of Tom in Harry was just there.
"I mean, the part of whatever was in his head was slowly sapping Harry's magic, growing stronger as Harry grew. Part of his small stature was do to the abysmal treatment his own aunt and uncle were doing to him, but it was also due to the magic that was being leached off him. The healers and two specialists from St. Mungo's that had to see him think he would have been lucky to live another year or two before he was either too weak to go on or the thing in his head had enough magic to take him over. Did you ever get him checked out? By specialists?" she demanded with a growl.
"Impossible. The protection from his mother was keeping the soul shard at bay and protecting him. I ensured it was," he replied.
"You mean the illegal blood wards we found at the Dursleys? Do you know the only thing they were accomplishing was to keep Harry's mind separated from the thing in him? If you meant to separate the magic, that is not what you achieved, you old bastard," she almost spat in her anger.
He didn't see or sense any lie in her. His brow scrunched. "Tell me you didn't break the wards or remove him from his aunt and uncle? There are other things happening you do not know about. It is imperative for Harry to remain at his relatives."
Her eyes narrowed. "If you look, there is a list of the wards that were found at Four Privet Drive. There is still a team of Curse Breakers working to remove some of them. You did some impressive magic there, but Harry will never return to his relatives."
There was a fear and anger in him. "What did you do, Amelia! Do you know what will happen if those wards are taken down?!"
"You mean expose Harry to the outside world when we take down the blood wards you so ineptly established? No, Albus, I will not treat the boy as you have," she stated.
"You don't understand. There are larger things at play here," Albus reiterated.
The woman took her monocle off and leaned forward. "Are you withholding information of my ward, Albus Percival Wolfric Brian Dumbledore? Have you withheld important information about a ward of the WCS that you were given temporary custody of? Custody that was to end within six months of you being awarded it? If you are, I need to have my Barristers look at new charges and my investigators widen their probe," she threatened.
Albus kept his mouth shut. There were secrets, prophesies and intelligence that Amelia should not know. He wasn't sure he couldn't trust those around her. He knew some Death Eaters still worked in the Ministry and if any of them knew that Tom was still alive, they may try to bring him back to power before he was ready. Now that he knew how Tom had survived, Albus needed time to find all of them.
After he didn't say anything she got up. "I will be back in two weeks. If you are willing to talk, maybe I can get you better accommodations in a DMLE holding area elsewhere. I want to know what we removed from his head. I have some suspicions, but something tells me you know and you will tell me. I will protect Harry in the same way I would Susan. He is family, after all."
Albus watched her leave. As he did, he was already trying to plot ways for himself to leave. As disturbing it was that none of his allies had been able to get him out of this hell hole yet, he had to have faith that he would be able to get out of here soon. Definitely sooner than two weeks.
What worried him most was what Amelia had said about Harry. The wards he used could not fail. The love of his family would have contained the bit of Tom stuck in his head. It was the love of his mother that had saved him and the love of his relatives that would sustain it.
Elphias came into the room and Albus just sat there pensively for a few.
The wards were an old magic. It didn't matter they were illegal only because blood magics were supposed to be illegal. It was fool proof. He had used the love that exists between family...
A small nagging thought started to permeate his mind.
Could it be possible?
Could he have miscalculated how much Petunia hated wizarding kind? He had felt faith in leaving Harry there. Yes, it was obvious the boy had not had it easy, but he had just thought it was the discipline used in his relatives' house.
Could Harry not have been loved by Petunia and her family?
"Albus," Elphias said to get his attention.
Albus looked down at the pages in his hand. "Elphias, are any of these allegations true?"
"Which ones?" his old friend asked.
"The ones of abuse and malnutrition?" Albus had just assumed his stature and the findings that Poppy had his first year were due to the semi-horcrux in Harry's scar.
"You really didn't know or suspect? I have read the full reports and the Muggle police reports. Did you know the boy spent most of his first ten years at his relatives in a cupboard?" Elphias put to him.
A hard pit in Albus' gut took hold. He read through the medical findings that had been released. As he read it, his eyes took on a worried quality. What he couldn't comprehend was that the soul-shard had been removed without killing Harry. None of his research had said that was possible. It was also concerning about the fact the shard was killing Harry. Could he have misinterpreted the prophesy? What if it had meant the soul shard had been the part 'Neither can live while the other survives'.
"I need to get out of here and I need to see Harry Potter," he told Elphias.
"That will not be possible, Albus. Amelia has Aurors monitoring Harry at Hogwarts and an order has been put in place you are not to go anywhere within a hundred yards of the boy. If you are caught, you will go straight to the upper cells here. If you violate it twice, you will be considered for the kiss. Until you are either tried or cleared, I would recommend you leave Mr. Potter alone," Elphias told him.
"Elphias, there are other things going on. I can't spend anymore time here. At the least, I need to get back to Hogwarts."
Elphias shook his head. "The Governors have put you on temporary leave until after your trial and barred you from the school until then. You have also been barred from your family seat and removed as Chief Warlock. I would not recommend you do anything else right now. Amelia has everyone riled up that would support you with the allegations against you with Black and the Prewitts. The ones against Harry Potter are sealed at the moment with him being underaged, but I feel that will also raise many hackles once that is revealed."
A large frown dominated Albus face.