Harry waited outside of Draco's room the next morning waiting for the boy to come out. With minute to spare before 4:30 he emerged from his room.
"I see you were unable to enter my room, were the wards too difficult for you to enter?" Draco asked smirking.
Harry shook his head before walking away, "Hardly, I broke through them in less than a minute, I just wanted to see if you would be up on your own."
Draco's smirked disappeared quickly off his face. "So where are we going?"
"Down to the lake, we need to be in shape physically before we can focus on spell casting and dueling."
"Wait, we're going to do physical exercise? Like the muggle way?" Draco asked incredulously.
Harry just nodded as they approached the edge of the lake. "Yes, because sometimes it's smarter to run then to fight back and you need to be in peak physical shape in order to get away, trust me I have a lot of experience with it. Come on, we're going to go for a run, to the Whomping Willow and back."
Draco just nodded numbly before he followed Harry as they jogged towards the tree and back.
After several hours of running and swimming the boys were back on the shore of the lake exhausted. Harry was in better shape than Malfoy but he was impressed that Malfoy was able to keep up for as long as he did.
"Come on get up and stretch or you're going to get cramps." Harry told Malfoy as he began stretching.
Malfoy groaned as he got up but followed along with Harrys actions.
"So we're going to do this every day?" Draco asked.
"Not every day, but I would like to do it at least 5 times a week, we have to be sure we're ready for anything that happens. We may have an idea of what will happen but not everything will be the same." Harry responded before drying himself and Malfoy with his wand.
'I don't get it, I know you're good without a wand hell I don't think there's anyone better, why do you keep using yours?" Draco asked.
"Because I still prefer it, I also want to keep it a secret, the more people that know I can do wand less magic the less of a surprise I can make with it when I may need it." Harry responded.
Draco nodded in understanding before noticing the wand holsters on Harry's wrists and leg.
"Remind me to order a holster, seems bloody useful to have."
Harry shook his head, "I have some spares in my trunk, I'll give you one of those."
Draco was about to thank Harry before the words were caught in his throat, the entire idea that they were able to talk without exchanging insults much less working together was astounding to him.
Before they could leave Hedwig came flying down towards them letter in hand. She landed on Harry's shoulder before nipping his ear affectionately.
Draco deadpanned, "Your owl, it made its way through as well?"
Harry shrugged, "Yeah not going to complain, considering I have a very loyal house elf who followed me as well. Anyways looks like Nicholas wrote me back.
Dear Alexios,
Glad to hear that your first day has been going well, making friends I see. Your mother and I are good, working on some new potions requiring blood but Perenelle made me swear not to make any crazy potions that would endanger our lives or home. She finally did manage to map out the required ingredients for a good soup. Anyways, remember your promise and learn lots.
- Regards, Father.
"Well that was a very subdued letter." Draco remarked.
Harry pulled out a small knife and poked his finger before dropping a little onto the parchment.
"It's cause it's hidden, we need to ensure that no one can read it. I solemnly swear I am up to no good."
The letter then began to transform showing the true contents and amazing Malfoy.
Harry,
I hope that you figured out the implied message behind the letter, if not oh well. Firstly I was able to secure the item from the Lestrange vault, the goblins were more than willing to give it up after hearing of the object and what it possessed also giving them a couple of my elixirs didn't hurt either. I also looked into the prisoner situation and it appears that the events are a little different. It appears that the prisoner in question was sent to Azkaban a full 5 months after Voldemort fell. He was sent there for murdering another wizard and appears to still be there at this current moment. If you need anything else please let me know. Nicholas.
The writing then changed to one a bit neater and more formal looking.
Harry, I have looked into the ritual you described and was unable to find much, add to that another person from your world was able to follow through but as a ghost does complicate things. The wards should be something you can enhance but doing so discreetly will be hard. I find it hard to believe that the wards themselves would be weak as they are some of the strongest in the world and should also be sustained by so much ambient magic given off by the students. As for housing the prisoner unfortunately even if you were to secure an oath we will be unable to house him at our home, it would too risky to give up the location of our home. Remember to be safe, the Flamel name will give you certain protection but you will be a target to those looking to get to use.
- Perenell Flamel
"You told them about me?" Draco asked.
"Yeah I need to know what type of ritual Voldemort used and you being here really threw things for a loop. Come on we should shower and get ready for our classes." Harry said as they walked up to the school.
As they were walking Harry sensed a spell coming towards them and pushed Malfoy to the ground before rolling and pulling his wand out which was sparking. He surveyed the area before seeing the area where the spells came from. He saw two girls dueling near the Beauxbaton Carriage and could see that they were in a practice duel. Judging by the fact that he could not hear any noises led Harry to believe that the girls were under a silencing charm. One of the girls seemed to notice Harrys wand out and waved her arms to call a stop to the duel lowering the silencing charms. They walked towards the boys as Malfoy was cursing under his breath and grumbling while Harry had to take himself out of combat mode. Harry then recognized one of the girls as Fleur Delacour but the other one a brunette he did not recognize.
"Are you alright, we are so sorry we did not think anyone would be out this early." The brunette said.
Draco huffed in annoyance, "That doesn't mean you should be firing spells off blindly."
Harry elbowed Draco in the ribs, "They didn't mean to, it's okay don't worry about it. My name is Alexios Flamel and this is Draco Malfoy."
"Flamel? As in Nicholas Flamel?" The brunette asked.
Harry sighed, "Yes here's the proof." As he flashed the heir ship ring to the girls.
"Wonder what would have happened if you hit one of the Flamels." Draco said under his breath but was heard by Fleur.
"We are truly sorry about that, my name is Fleur, and this is Aimee, we are from Beauxbaton." Fleur introduced herself and her friend.
Draco snorted, "I wonder what gave it away, the accent, the clothes or the bloody carriage."
Harry yet again elbowed Draco before turning to apologize to the girls. Fleur who was tired of the blonde's attitude decided to use her allure to show them a lesson. Harry picked up on it instantly and narrowed his eyes at the girl before noticing that Malfoy was under full control of the allure. With a sigh he smacked Malfoy in the back of the head.
"Oi." Malfoy exclaimed grabbing the back of his head. Harry who had smacked him out of pure instinct couldn't stop staring at his hand unaware that both Fleur and Aimee were staring at him shocked that he had been unaffected by the allure.
Harry then felt a rush of emotions has his façade began to break a little and quickly put on his cold face, "It was nice meeting you both, come on Draco time to go." Harry said dragging along the Malfoy heir.
Harry rushed his way into the castle before leaning against the wall inside the door trying to catch his breathe. Memories and emotions surged through Harry from the times he would hit Ron so that he wouldn't continually stare at Fleur in the Burrow.
"Hey you okay?" Draco asked concern laced in his voice as well as confusion.
"Yeah, I just yeah. Memories just need some time don't worry." Harry said slowly gaining his composure again.
Malfoy looked at him concerned thinking again about what his old school rival had been through and couldn't help but wonder if he was in a stable mental state.
"Come on let's head back to the common room." Harry said regaining his composure and heading towards the stairs before turning around walking back towards the dungeons, "Old habits."
-Line Break-
Fleur was shocked, not only had she just met the Flamel Heir, but he also appeared to be immune to her allure.
"That was the heir to Nicholas Flamel? I cannot believe we met the heir to the Flamels, and he is immune to your allure." Aimee said excitedly.
Fleur shrugged, "It was a fluke."
"Fluke or not he is handsome." Aimee said, "Come we must tell the others."
Fleur was confused and angry, she needed to know more about Alexios Flamel, the boy was powerful and immune to her allure it appeared. She needed more information on the boy and information is something that she would get, no matter what it took.
-Line Break-
Harry walked out of his room and waited outside of Draco's room door. As Draco left Harry threw something at him.
"Here use this with great care, it belonged to one of the few people I trusted near the end of the war. He died valiantly, don't make me regret giving it to you."
Draco looked at the holster then to Harry before nodding and putting on the holster.
"Before I forget, the room of Alexios Flamel is at the end of the hall." Harry told Draco whose eyes widened when a door appeared at the end of the hallway.
"A fidelius? You put your room under a bloody fidelius?" Draco asked amazed at the spell. Draco knew that casting one took immense power and was amazed at how much power Harry seemed to possess. "Whose your secret keeper?" Draco asked.
Harry chuckled, "Dobby."
Instantly the small house elf appeared next to Harry smiling before noticing Malfoy and getting ready to cast a spell at the boy.
"No Dobby, he's friendly for now." Harry said calming down the house elf.
Draco looked at the house elf with shock, "Wait you how."
"Close your mouth Malfoy flies are gonna fly in." Harry said laughing before nodding at Dobby who popped away again not before giving Draco a glare. "Come on lets go out to the common room, you don't want to miss this."
As they walked to the common room they could hear a bunch of students talking and gathered looking down the hall of dormitories of the younger year students.
"What's going on?" Draco asked.
"A bunch of the older students are all stunned and have words tattooed on their foreheads. Looks like they were attempting to get into the rooms of the younger years." A dark haired student responded. He then looked at Harry, "Pardon my name is Blaise Zabini."
"Alexios Flamel, nice to meet you." Harry responded.
"Can't believe you're actually here." A girl said aloud.
"Well believe it Ms.?" Harry finished not knowing the girls name.
"Davies, Tracy Davies."
"Nice to meet you as well. Alexios Flamel."
"Oh so they get your name?" A voice said from behind him. Harry turned to see Daphne Greengrass staring at him arms crossed.
He shrugged, "They said hello first and gave me their names."
Daphne sighed, "Daphne Greengrass." Daphne introduced sticking out her hand.
"Alexios Flamel." Harry said shaking her hand.
At that moment Dumbledore and Snape walked into the common room followed by Professor Babbling. Professor Babbling began examining the students while Dumbledore attempted to revive the stunned students but to no avail.
"Headmaster you may want to come here, it appears whoever placed these runes used runes which I have seen in only a few locations notably Gringrotts." Babbling told the Headmaster with a smile on her face.
"What does these runes do and why are we unable to revive the students." Snape asked in annoyance.
"Simple, they aren't stunned at least not in the traditional sense. These wards are amazing, you see they are made to only effect those who enter a room with ill intent. There is a reason that we are able to enter the room without any problem because we have pure intentions. The same cannot be said for these students. The markings on their foreheads will disappear with time over the day but it appears that there is no way to remove them." Babbling said who could barely keep her excitement about the ward schemes she discovered.
Snape resisted the urge to roll his eyes, "Will the students wake up? It appears that breakfast will be coming up and I would like to ensure that my studne-"
Snape was interrupted by one of the stunned 7th years bolting up and getting into a fighting stance before making strange noises similar to a chicken.
"Mr. Clark whatever you are doing I would recommend you stop this foolishness and pull yourself tog-" Snape was once again cut off as the 7th year leaped into the air and kicked Snap square in the nose.
Chaos then erupted as the other students all got up and began to fight each other making the same chicken noises the other student was earlier. The student unaffected couldn't help but watch as Snape was on the ground clutching his nose and Dumbledore attempted to restore order all the while chicken noises and laughter from the students filled the common room. Then in an instant the chaos stopped as the students were dropped from the runes that caused them to act in the manner that they had.
"What's going on?" Lucian Bole asked looking around seeing a furious Snape on the floor clutching a now bleeding nose, Professor Dumbledore who looked confused as to what had just happened and a plethora of younger year students laughing at him.
"Detention for all of you 50 points each from Slytherin." Snape yelled out before storming out of the common room.
Harry couldn't help but smirk slightly at the chaos he inflicted. Something that was not missed by Daphne. He took another look before walking towards the common room exit.
"Hey where are you going?" Daphne asked.
"No point in staying here, gonna grab some breakfast." He said exiting the room followed by Draco.
-Line Break-
"Bloody brilliant that was. Why chicken noises though?" Draco asked.
"It's from an old muggle movie, there was a man who fought and he made those noises whenever he attacked." Harry responded with a shrug.
As they ate he saw Snape with a now healed nose walking towards him, his face in scowl.
"Mr. Flamel the headmaster request your presence in his office once you are finished with your meal. The password is Werther's Originals."
Harry sighed before looking up at the staff table to see that Dumbledore had already left.
Getting up he grabbed his bag before Malfoy looked at him. "Need help getting to the office?'
"I should be fine, I'll meet you in our first class." Harry responded before heading off to the Headmasters office.
Harry braced himself before entering not knowing what to expect from this meeting, he was tense and was ready at any time to draw his wand. He did have to remind himself that this was not the same Dumbledore from his world and perhaps he was better more attentive. As he entered he noticed the office was empty safe for Fawkes who sat on his perch. Harry never knew what happened to the Phoenix after Dumbledore had passed, but had hoped that the bird was able to live freely. He walked up to the bird which watched him with curiosity.
"Hello." Harry said softly.
Fawkes trilled happily in response to Harry who couldn't help but smile and admire the beautiful bird in front of him.
"I see you have met Fawkes, wonderful bird saved my life multiple times."
"He is beautiful Professor, did he have his burning day recently?" Harry asked curiously.
"A very astute observation Mr. Flamel he had it approximately a month ago. Please have a seat." Dumbledore motioned towards the chair in front of his desk and he himself took a seat.
Harry sat down and looked the professor in the eye.
"I have merely called you here to see how you are and how you have been finding the school. I also hoped to ask some question." Dumbledore asked.
"Good it is beautiful the school itself and it appears that my parents have chosen a good time to enroll me as the TriWizard Tournament will help me branch out to more than just the students at Hogwarts. What question did you have in mind." Harry stated.
"How long have you been living with the Flamels?" Dumbledore asked very bluntly.
"If you don't mind me asking, why are you asking about that?" Harry responded.
"There are a multitude of reasons, chief among them being that I have known the Flamels for a very long time, near half a century. I knew Nicholas to take apprentices from time to time, but an heir that was certainly shocking and a first. Being close with them I am sure to have known about any pregnancy which leads me to believe that you were adopted, so naturally when I received the owl I was curious." Dumbledore stated simply.
Harry nodded, "I have been living with the Flamels for a while now." He now knew he was in a game of wits with Dumbledore, he needed to answer the old man's questions vaguely enough to not draw suspicion but needed answers to not put himself into a corner.
Dumbledore observed Harry carefully before responding, "From your accent I can see that you were born in England and your age gives me a good idea of when you were born. I do believe that your family may have been killed during the first rise of the Dark Lord. Leading you to be placed in an orphanage. I do however find it hard that the Flamels were able to track you down, I make it an effort to keep an eye on muggle papers for any odd occurrences which may be signs of accidental magic."
Harrys face darkened as memories of being placed with the Dursleys surfaced, being in an orphanage would have been much better than with the Dursleys.
"I wasn't in an orphanage if that was supposed to be a question, they found me with some extended relatives. They knew I was magical and hated me for it, they were muggles and found any sort of magic was unnatural and punished me for it. Imagine Professor a young boy with no knowledge of his heritage or even to control his powers being punished. I was treated as a nuisance, as something that didn't exist. My experience with them was less than pleasant.
Dumbledore looked at Harry sadly knowing the meaning behind the words, the boy was abused and multiple times at that all because he was a wizard and had no control over his magic at a young age.
"Luckily Nicholas and Perenelle found me and helped me in more ways than one. I was cared for under their eye and trained, they also passed on any knowledge they could and when the time came saw fit to name me their heir and officially adopt me."
Dumbledore looked at the boy in front of him with great curiosity. "If you don't mind me asking, what was your name before the Flamels took you in? I could help look into your family history for you."
Harry shook his head, "I prefer keeping that to myself Professor."
"You have no interest in your lineage?" Dumbledore asked.
"Professor is freak a common last name in the wizarding world?" Harry asked.
Dumbledore looked at Harry confused.
"That was what I was called for nearly half my life professor, these aren't exactly the easiest memories to think about so if you would drop this line of question I would greatly appreciate it."
"I apologize for prying Mr. Flamel, I did not mean to bring up any sore memories and make you feel uncomfortable." Dumbledore said sadly.
Harry was surprised as he could feel what at least seemed like genuine remorse from Dumbledore.
"I am still surprised that I did not know about your existence, we have been friends for years and I figured they would have trusted me with that information." Dumbledore said aloud.
Harry's eyes narrowed, "Professor tell me do the Flamels know all of your secrets?"
Dumbledore looked at harry confused, "Whatever do you mean Mr. Flamel?"
"Secrets Professor we all have them, secrets we will take to our graves ensuring that no one else will know. What I am surprised about though is their willingness to let me attend Hogwarts." Harry said flatly.
"Whatever do you mean?" Dumbledore asked curiously.
"I mean look at the last item they left in your care; it was destroyed in less than a year." Harry said looking at Dumbledore pointedly who couldn't help but flinch at Harry's harsh but true words.
Dumbledore sighed and leaned back into his chair, "It was with great regret that the stone was destroyed, and it was entirely my fault. Had I been more careful the stone would be safe and back in their hands."
Harry yet again was surprised by how sincere Dumbledore sounded and couldn't help but feel maybe this Dumbledore was different compared to the one on his world. "Well I will admit, you are admitting your own faults and acknowledging that you messed up is a start."
Dumbledore then sat up again looking at Harry curiously. "You seem rather unconcerned at the loss of the stone, forgive me for commenting but it strikes me as odd."
He then knew that one of the biggest points of contention between Nicholas and Perenelle was coming to light, whether or not to tell Dumbledore the truth about the stone.
"Well I'm not entirely sure why I should be worked up over it professor, it does take a long time to make but it is not exactly difficult to make one." Harry said.
Dumbledore looked at Harry with confusion and slight concern, "I am aware of how long it takes, but even with the knowledge of making the stone passed to you, it would still be a great loss if both Nicholas and Perenelle pass away."
It was then that Harry knew Dumbledore was fishing, trying to see if Harry knew how to make another stone but hiding it with another question masked over top, genius Harry had to admit and most likely would have gotten the answer out of most people, but Harry was well aware of Dumbledore's tricks and knew how to deal with them.
"I'm not sure what you mean by loss? I was unaware that they were expecting to pass." Harry said nonchalantly.
Dumbledore couldn't help but feel a surge of anger at the dismissal that 2 of his closest friends would have so little care shown from their adoptive child.
"The stone was destroyed therefore they do not have the essential ingredient to make the elixir anymore." Dumbledore said slowly.
Harry couldn't help but snort, "Professor do you really believe that the stone they gave you was their only one? Think about it, a stone that can grant someone eternal life. Nicholas is smart and knew once word got out there would be attempts to take his work and obviously had more made in reserve."
Dumbledore's mouth dropped, "He said he only ever made one."
"Yes, and what's the best way to hide something, to make people believe it doesn't exist."
Dumbledore looked at Harry with surprise, "I don't understand Nicholas not only made more but has kept it a secret from me, we have been friends for more then half a century."
Harry then glared at the headmaster feeling his anger rise, "Yes he is your friend which is why he let you use one of the stones, and what happened to that stone professor? It was destroyed while in your care. As I said before everyone has their secrets, you are lucky to be learning another one of theirs now."
Dumbledore looked at the boy in front of him before sighing and taking off his glasses. "Mr. Flamel, it appears I owe Nicholas, Perenelle and you an apology. For years I have found myself in the pursuit of greater knowledge, but in that quest I have also alienated many people and hurt those closest to me. It was never my intention for the stone to be destroyed in the manner it was, and for that you have my apologies. I will also be contacting them today to extend another apology as well. I know you may look at my faults and judge me, but I assure you that they do come with the best intentions."
Harry looked at the professor inwardly he was shocked, this Dumbledore admitted his mistakes openly and showed more emotion and care towards those around him.
"Professor, I have made more mistakes then any man women and child in history, I know what you mean. I find the best we can do is hope to atone for our mistakes and attempt to move on."
Dumbledore looked at Harry before nodding, "I believe that I have kept you long enough, 4th year Slytherins should be in Transfigurations with Professor McGonagall. If you need anything Mr. Flamel do not hesitate to ask."
Harry nodded before getting up, "Thank you Professor, and thank you for allowing me to join Hogwarts."
As Harry approached the door Dumbledore spoke up.
"Mr. Flamel, can we be sure that nothing like this morning will happen again?"
Harry couldn't help but smirk, "There won't be any issues if those who enter have a pure intention."
Melissa Potter was sitting in the Transfiguration classroom listening to Professor McGonagall review material from the year before when the door to the classroom opened and Alexios Flamel strolled in looking lost in thought.
"Mr. Flamel, that will be 5 points from Slytherin for your tardiness." McGonagall stated waiting for the boy to find a seat.
Melissa could tell that Alexios was already irked by the Professor.
"Mr. Flamel would you like me to transfigure you into a map so that you may find a seat as well?" McGonagall said noticing that he had not moved.
She then noticed that Flamels eyes started to glow faintly, but instead of purple she could see green coming form his eyes.
"Firstly Professor, I was held up by the Headmaster so you can take it up with him as to why I was late, and I feel that the deduction of points is completely unwarranted consider the circumstances of why I arrived alter. Secondly I was told that transfiguration was used as a form of punishment, so I do feel that turning me into a map isn't the way to go." Alexios responded coldly and walked past her to a seat next to Malfoy whose jaw was dropped. As Flamel sat next to Malfoy he smacked Draco under the jaw forcefully closing it for him.
The class was shocked, they had never heard anyone speak to a Professor they way Alexios had. McGonagall herself seemed shocked before she shook herself out of her stupor and resumed talking to the class.
Melissa looked over at Flamel who was just looking at McGonagall looking bored.
As McGonagall was going on about what they would be learning Harry was deep in thought about where he could hide a fugitive from not only the Aurors but Voldemort himself. It needed to be somewhere secure and well hidden, a place Harry could easily access but no one else could. Then like a truck it hit him; he knew where to go. McGonagall then gave the class a task of turning a rock into various objects listed on the board. Harry looked at the board before snapping his wand into his hand and swiftly changing the objects and finishing within a minute.
McGonagall who looked around the room saw students grouping together and some pulling out their books from the previous year in order to complete the task given. As she looked over to Alexios Flamel she was shocked to see the boy had his wand in his hand and changed each object without any hassle before snapping his wand back into place on his wand holster. The fact that he had one finished the assigned task in less then a minute shocked McGonagall but he had also done it wordlessly then second thing was him owning a wand holster, it was rare to see anyone having one of those but for his age, almost unheard of. The next thing she noticed was Draco Malfoy had a wand holster on as well and was transfiguring the objects in front of him as well, albeit slower and he still had to say the incantations. She couldn't help but walk over to them.
"Mr. Flamel, Mr. Malfoy very impressive, since you have already finished the task at hand you are free from any homework take the rest of the class to either work some more on the spell or relax until the end of class. Also Mr. Flamel if you could stay after class is dismissed I would like to speak to you as well."
Alexios nodded before putting away the rock and leaning back into his chair.
"So what did Dumbledore want?" Malfoy asked Harry in a low voice.
"Nothing just wanted to say hello and had some question regarding my origins, stuff we had anticipated." Harry responded.
"Hm, well here's the class schedule, we have History of Magic after this." Draco told Harry handing him his schedule.
Harry looked it over before asking, "Is it still taught by Binns?"
"Yup."
"Okay I'm not going to it, not reason for me to go and take a nap when I have things to do."
"You're going to get points deducted." Draco said looking at him worriedly.
"I'll get a note signed by Nicholas and Perenelle, they'll understand, I'm here to social not learn about goblin rebellions and other nonsense. If it was interesting I would go."
"What are you going to do?"
"I have to look for something, it was here on our old world and I need to see if it's here now."
"I'm coming with you."
"Figured you would, and I am going to assume nothing I say will stop you?" Harry asked.
"Nope."
"Fine wait for me outside after I'm done talking to McGonagall."
Draco nodded in response.
Harry then looked around the class, he could see some students were slowly making their way through the instructions while other were almost done. He then laid eyes on the table with Hermione and saw that she had just finished the last transfiguration and smiled to himself. He remembered the times when he saw her like that and felt a tug in his chest, he looked at the person next to her and froze. Melissa Potter had also just finished her last spell and smiled at Hermione who gave her a high five then she looked up and made eye contact with him and it felt as if the world froze. He could sense something in the air, and felt a pull towards her from his magical core, it was as if both cores recognized each other and were trying to connect again. Suddenly the wand in Melissa's hand began to spark forcing her eyes to leave his breaking the connection. Harry shook his head,
"Are you alright Ms. Potter?" Professor McGonagall asked walking over to her.
She shook her head, "I'm alright Professor not sure what happened there." Melissa responded before looking over to Alexios to see his back was to her now.
The rest of class went by quickly for Harry as now he had a task to do and as class was dismissed he nodded to Malfoy before walking up to McGonagall's desk who motioned to the chair in front of the desk as she took a seat in the one behind the desk.
"Mr. Flamel, I could see that you were not lying about your skills, not only are you advanced but to be able to do the spells nonverbally was most impressive." McGonagall said looking at him with interest.
Harry merely nodded, "Thank you Professor."
"However, your attitude at the start of class left a lot to be desired."
"I understand Professor, but had you made an effort to understand why I was late I would have been more understanding. I do apologise for the way I confronted and challenged you in front of the class, as I know that it should have been handled better on my end as well." Harry responded.
McGonagall looked at Harry before nodding, "You have my apologies as well Mr. Flamel, you are right, I should have inquired about your tardiness instead of blindly removing points. I hope that we can move past this incident as I look forward to having someone of your skill in my class and will give you more advanced work to do."
Harry couldn't help but smile, "I look forward to it Professor, I'll take my leave now as I don't want to be late to another class and for it to spread to other staff members that I'm always late."
"Of course, Mr. Flamel have a good rest of the day." McGonagall said nodding as he left the class, and only after the door was closed she couldn't help but smile, she may have found a new favorite student.
As Melissa, Hermione and Neville left Transfiguration they passed Draco Malfoy who seemed to be waiting for Alexios. Draco and Melissa made eye contact.
"Potter, Granger, Longbottom." Draco greeted with a slight nod.
The others nodded back and walked away.
"That was Malfoy right." Neville asked confused.
"Yeah, why was he being, not like Malfoy." Hermione said confused.
"I don't know but maybe he's changed and won't be a pain the ass this year." Melissa said shrugging.
"Who knows, can we talk about his friend Alexios though, he finished the tasks in less time it took me to take out my textbook." Neville remarked.
"He's rude, the way he talked back to McGonagall was so disrespectful." Hermione admonished.
Melissa just shook her head, "He had a point Hermione, she never to ask and if it's true that he was talking to Dumbledore he has a legitimate excuse."
"Still he didn't have to talk back to her like that." Hermione grumbled.
"Calm down Hermione she's talking to him now, for us we have to go to Charms, lets go!" Neville said leading the way to the charms class.
As Harry exited the classroom he noticed Malfoy waiting for him.
"What did that old biddy want?"
"Come on, let's get to the Chamber I need to explore it before next period."
"Yeah herbology with the Ravens, not exactly a fun class." Draco responded.
As they entered the bathroom where the entrance was located Draco looked around confused.
"I'm confused, you said we were going to the Chamber."
Harry looked around and pulled out his wand casting various revealing charms to see the spell that Dumbledore had placed on the entrance.
"This is the entrance, and it appears that Dumbledore has it warded to stop people from entering the chamber." Harry said his face scrunching in concentration.
"I'm assuming your taking down said wards right now?" Draco asked.
"Yup so I could do with some silence unless you want the wards to blow up in our face." Harry snipped back at Draco.
After several minutes Harry sighed and rubbed his face, "I'll give the old man credit he can set up some damn good ward schemes, nothing like the ones in Gringotts but still good."
Draco looked at Harry in disbelief, it was the first time hearing that he had attempted to break into Gringotts.
Harry then looked at the sink before speaking in Parseltounge to open the Chamber.
Draco's eyes widened as the sink moved making way to a tunnel that led downwards.
"Here's the entrance." Harry presented. "How far down do you think it is?"
Draco looked at Harry then to the entrance. "Not sure how should we test?"
Harry shrugged, "I think I have an idea."
"What did you have in mi-" Draco was cut off as he was pushed by Harry from behind. The girly shrieking put a smile onto Harry's face as he heard the other boy land roughly.
"About 120 feet." Harry said to himself before attempting to slide down himself. When he reached the bottom, he was met with the disgusted face of Draco Malfoy who was just getting up.
"That was fun." Harry said smiling cheekily at Draco.
"Do that again and I will hex you." Draco said in response glaring at Harry.
"Come on, we got stuff to look for." Harry said leading the way into the chamber.
As they walked Harry couldn't help but notice some difference, like there being no giant snake skin and the fact that there was no rubble from a cave in which had to mean that the same events didn't take place her like they did in his world. As they approached the main chamber Harry couldn't help but tense up a little not knowing what to expect. When they entered the chamber, Draco was shocked to see the body of the large Basilisk in front of him.
'That's it, is the same as the one you killed?" Draco asked curiously.
Harry got closer and examined the head noticing where there seemed to be a stab wound. "Yeah looks like it. Stabbed the ruddy thing right through its head same way I did."
Draco couldn't help but shake his head in wonder and what the boy in front of him had been through while they were in school.
"I'm going to look around, stay here and don't wander off, I'm not sure how large the Chamber actually is and I don't need you getting lost in here." Harry told Draco before heading into the mouth of Salazar Slytherin.
Draco nodded before going to inspect the gigantic basilisk in front of him.
Harry entered the chamber looking around, despite housing a gigantic snake for centuries it was in relatively good condition, good enough for someone to stay in and recover from Azkaban.
"Dobby!" Harry called out hoping that the elf was able to come down to the chamber. To his pleasant surprise the elf appeared grinning happily.
"How can I help you my friend." Dobby asked.
"I need you to prepare this area for a guest, if everything goes to plan tonight I break out Regulus Black from Azkaban. Make sure there is a bed as well as any essentials he will need. I plan on getting Kreacher for anything else he may need but for now if you could get basics that would be great."
Dobby nodded before pooping away.
"You're going to Azkaban tonight?" Draco asked incredulously.
Harry nodded, "Yeah I need to move quickly and if the information Dobby heard was true it appears that there may be a breakout attempt there tonight. Not sure which Death Eaters for sure but it appears that the Carrow Twins and Yaxley will be there. I believe it's time to start chopping off the heads of Voldemort's followers."
"Azkaban, your bloody mad hardly anyone can escape but you're planning on breaking in fighting and killing some Death Eaters and leaving with a prisoner? How do you plan on doing that?"
"Simple I have a plan and the tools I need to make sure I can be in and out fairly quickly." Harry responded.
Draco looked at him, "I'm going too."
Harry shook his head vehemently. "No, you aren't. You wouldn't last a second against them in a proper duel much less 3 of them."
"You really think I'm going to leave you alone on this, I told you I'm here to fight with you and help you. You can't do this all alone and you know it. You aren't used to your body yet and you may need someone to watch your back."
"Do you really think I would trust you to watch my back Malfoy?" Harry asked.
Draco looked Harry dead in the eye, "Considering the list of people that you can trust is small at the moment, yes I do believe that you would trust me, much like I would trust you."
Harry started at Malfoy before sighing, 'Why couldn't you be like the Malfoy I knew, not this one that's nice and actually makes sense."
Draco looked down, "Because that Malfoy was killed for nothing.
Harry shook his head, "Fine you're coming with me, but you better not be a useless as you used to be with a wand. Come on we need to head out now, we got to get to herbology."
As they approached the entrance they were faced with the conundrum of attempting to get out of chamber. When Draco wasn't looking harry tried to flame out of the chamber and ended up back in the bathroom surprising himself the fact that he was able to flame in school grounds. He then decided that the screaming from Malfoy was just as enjoyable when he decided to summon the blonde back up the tunnel instead of flaming down and grabbing him.
-Line Break-
Daphne Greengrass looked around the classroom frustrated, she had been meaning to speak to Alexios Flamel after this morning but had been unable to because he had been asked to see the headmaster, she then noticed that he was absent from History of Magic along with Malfoy and yet again grew frustrated at the missing boy. It didn't help that Tracy had already seemed to figure out Daphne's interest in the boy and considering that she had not shown any interest in a boy thus far, the teasing began. As they waited to get into the class, Alexios and Draco arrived, talking quietly amongst themselves. Daphne looked at them curiously before Draco noticed her and nodded his head in her direction catching the attention of Alexios who looked at Daphne curiously before nodding politely at her. As they entered the room Daphne couldn't help but look over at he boy who seemed bored but was doing the assigned work given to them by Professor Sprout, she knew she needed to talk to him and hoped to catch him on the way out of class. As they were finally leaving class she matched pace with both Malfoy and Flamel who looked at her curiously.
"Flamel meet me in the classroom next the great hall in a hour." Daphne said before walking away and joining Tracey and Blaise.
Harry looked at Draco with a confused expression and only received a confused look back. As they ate lunch they couldn't help but talk about what Daphne may want to talk about.
"Remember she's from a Ancient Pureblood house, her family isn't dark though, they've remained neutral for centuries. I don't think this is a political move, but you can never be too sure. She's also the smartest snake here, she'll pick up things that you never intended for her to know." Draco gave Harry a basic run down.
Harry nodded while polishing off his lunch and looking to see where Daphne had previously been sitting to notice she had already gone. He loked over to the entrance and saw her walking out of the hall. Harry looked at Draco and nodded before getting up himself.
"Wait." Draco called out quietly.
Harry looked down at Draco with a raised eyebrow. "Yeah?"
"Don't kill her." Draco said looking slightly concerned.
Harry couldn't help but roll his eyes, "No promises."
Harry entered the classroom and saw Daphne Greengrass leaning against a table at the far side of the room. A brief scan before entering showed that she was alone in the room and was being honest, at least about that part, also it appeared there were no listening charms or anything of that nature installed which quelled any fear he had. He slowly walked forward and had is wand out instantly when Daphne had raised hers. The look of shock on her face quickly morphed to anger.
"I'm not going to curse you Flamel, I just want to ensure we aren't interrupted or heard." Daphne said walking past him and casting various charms on the door.
"You know if you wanted to get me alone to snog me there are better places then right next tto the great hall." Harry responded flatly.
"Please Flamel, you could hardly keep up." Daphne snipped back.
"Oh, would you like to put that to a test?" Harry asked smirking at the now blushing girl.
"Unfortunately for you I have a more serious matter to discuss with you, it involves what happened in the common room this morning." Daphne said placing herself back at the spot she was before.
"I'm confused as to where you are going with this." Harry asked feigning confusion.
"Please Flamel if anyone had been more preceptive the signs were all there, the smirking when seeing the students, the look of pride when Babbling was unable to disarm your wards, and your complete lack of shock when they all started to assault each other. Let's not forget that your room was left completely untouched. I know that Lucian wanted to go after you personally after you very publicly threatened him in the common room." Daphne retorted.
Harry started at the girl before smiling a little, "I can assure you Ms. Greengrass that I was not the only smirking this morning at the failure of our so-called superiors. Secondly a look of pride, you hardly know me, and I can assure you one thing a look of pride is something I rarely show, I don't have much to be proud of in my life. After the first kick I figured things would get crazier so no I was not surprised by the melee and last, maybe he was just unable to find my room?"
Daphne looked at the boy in front of her trying not to show any emotion and repositioned herself to show off some of her more ample aspects, if it meant distracting him and throwing him off his game then she would do whatever it took. "Last night, I know that they were looking for your room but went rambling on about not being able to find it, and now that I think about it I can't seem to remember where your room is either." Daphne remarked growing ever more frustrated at her lack of being able to remember where the boys room was.
Harry looked on in interest, he had only heard about the effects the fidelius charm but to see it in action was sight to behold, he could hardly contain his laughter. Which only seemed to draw Daphne's ire.
"This isn't funny Flamel, aligning yourself with Malfoy was smart, but not even he can protect you."
Harry chuckled, "Do you really believe I sought out Malfoy of all people for protection? Why don't you go ask him yourself and see what he says. I assure you Malfoy has changed, even if its only been one day but it must be clear to you. Some people don't always have the same intentions and motivations that you may assume they have."
Daphne shook her head, "Regardless, the seniors don't like to be challenged the fact that you did it publicly last night means that you have a target painted on your back. "
Harry snorted, "They would hardly be the first or the last."
"Yes, but this time you won't just be able to use the Flamel name, your parents won't be able to save you." Daphne responded hotly, but as soon as the words left her mouth she left herself regretting it. It was as if the temperature in the room had dropped significantly and the look of anger shown on his face scared daphne slightly. It was at this moment Daphne knew whatever plan she had of asking him for help had gone out the window and she needed to improvise fast.
"I am only going to say this once Ms. Greengrass, what is it that you want, because if you plan on wasting more of my time I have other things that I need to attend to."
"I need assistance with warding my sisters' room." Daphne said quietly.
Harry looked at her in disbelief, "That's it? That's all you wanted; you couldn't have asked me normally?"
Daphne looked up in anger, "Would it have made a difference you arrogant sod, I figured you wouldn't want to be known for helping the firsties and tried to ask you discreetly."
Harry started at her in disbelief before conjuring a chair and sitting down. He then conjured one for Daphne a little closer to where he was sitting.
"Sit down Greengrass." Harry said gesturing to the chair.
"I will stand thank you very mu-"
"Damn it Greengrass if you want my bloody help sit the fuck down." Harry nearly yelled.
Daphne froze staring at Alexios shocked, no one ever spoke to her that way before but oddly she found herself sitting.
"Why aren't you able to ward her room for her?" Harry asked her.
"Truthfully, I share a room with Tracey Davis, she knows the wards and not me. We take turns every night staying up and keeping watch and have been doing so since first year. Unfortunately, Tracey isn't capable of doing to two rooms and holding them at once. I am Heiress to House Greengrass and that means many of the pureblood buffoons find me as attractive prey, a prize of sorts. My sister Astoria has none of those connections she's as innocent and kind as anyone could be and does not deserve to be in the Slytherin house."
Harry looked at her confused, "Then why was she sorted into Slytherin?"
"My family ahs always come from Slytherin, she told me that she was originally going to be sorted into Ravenclaw but asked to be sorted into Slytherin which I did not know was even possible." Daphne admitted.
Harry couldn't help but tot think to his first sorting, convincing the hat to sort him into Gryffindor instead of Slytherin.
"The upper years will try to get to her now, especially that she is in 3rd year, and with me being protected it will put a target on her back especially to get back at me." Daphne said.
Harry looked down and could feel the anger rising in him again, he could not believe how the teachers could let stuff like this pass and not do anything to resolve the issue or even try to fix it. He now knew that he would do whatever it took to right the wrongs within Slytherin house. "I'll deal with it." Harry said simply before standing.
Daphne looked at Harry shocked, "I beg your pardon?"
"I'll deal with the situation Greengrass, don't worry about your sister and yourself for that matter, you will both be protected." Harry remarked walking towards the door.
Daphne stood up abruptly. "Wait, what would you ask for in compensation? I will do anything, and I mean anything to keep my sister safe."
Harry merely quirked an eyebrow. "Compensation? I don't need any compensation, just seeing you say that shows me how worried you are. I will handle this Ms. Greengrass rest easy."
Harry then pulled the door open breaking whatever charms held the door closed.
As soon as the door was shut Daphne let out a breath she didn't even know she was holding before pondering something interesting she had noticed. She had thought she initially saw it during Transfigurations when he had first arrived late but thought it was just the trick of the light, but in the classroom now she saw it again. A strange green glow emitting form Flamels eyes, almost as if they were burning in response to his emotions. The next frustrating thing was his complete dismissal of compensation especially those of the physical variety. She was not joking when she said anything and was willing to even sleep with the boy, but his complete disregard of her offer had shocked her and disappointed her. Was she simply not good enough? She looked down at her chest before huffing and deciding to get going to her next class, it seemed the mystery of Alexios Flamel only grew.