[a/n]Sequel SoHDD #8

Harry Does Different CDXXXII

Minerva & the Thestrals

"Fortunate we are at the end of the class day, Mr. Potter." The Transfiguration teacher address him after the classroom emptied "Plenty of time before supper is served."

He nodded, just a little intimidated "Yes ma'am"

"I would first like to ask if there is a near-death experience you had, or a death you witnessed, that you have a conscious memory of? You need not tell me details if you do not wish." Her tone was not that of an impersonal teacher.

Harry was good at reading people, hard experience made that necessary. He decided on a less than subtle approach "Don't know how close my aunt and uncle came to killing me, so maybe. As for anyone else? No."

"Can you explain that comment?" she looked most displeased.

Harry decided it was worth a shot "Broken arm at 4. Burned the bacon when I was 5, took the frying pan across the face. Sometimes I thought my scar came from that. Anything someone here can help with that?"

"I told Albus they were the worst sort of Muggles imaginable, that night." Her face was a study in recrimination.

That response set the boy's warning system, and temper, into overdrive. He was merciless "Meaning the night my drunk father crashed into a tree, according to Petunia, anyway. So, what is your …or, the Headmaster's… authority to decide who I live with? Or, again from Petunia, get stuck with?"

"Of all the - -!" she exclaimed, in high dudgeon and Scottish burr all but indecipherable. Then stopping herself "In truth, I never gave it any consideration at the time. If anything, perhaps your parents gave the Headmaster permission. The corridors, as you may have noticed, empty very quickly when food is next on the schedule. Let us head to the hall. If not quite rapidly."

Slightly defensive from the outburst, he hesitated and replied "Err …well- - -"

"Come along Potter." Her tone softened greatly "It will take far more than walking to dinner to cover the good aspects of your parents. And I may tell a story or two that end in detention. No, my anger is directed at myself. We will begin with a trip to Madam Pomfrey, that is after you eat a full dinner. I might suggest you emulate your friend, Mr. Weasley. Though now that I think, our mediwitch might not want you overfull. Use your best judgment. Come."

Harry found a seat was waiting for him next to Ron when they arrived at the Great Hall. He grinned and started to serve himself. Around a mouthful of steak, the redhead quipped "All that time with old McGonagall? Sorry mate."

"That's not very respectful." Complained the bushy-haired girl from a few seats away.

Harry had yet to memorize her name, but replied to his friend "Wasn't so bad. Offered to tell me a bit about my parents."

"We've been reading about you forever, Potter." An older Ravenclaw jeered, much to his housemates' amusement.

The Gryffindor wasn't impressed "Don't know what you been reading, but 'snot my life."

"You're talkin'bout the most respected authors, Potter!" this from a Hufflepuff "That includes my Gran!"

Spinning around, he sneered "Was she there? In that fake castle with me? Bet I got a lotta lies to deny. Someone get me a list!" with that, he got back to eating.