Chapter 15
At Greengrass manor a one Cyrus Greengrass was sitting on one of the couches in the sitting room looking over the many files he had on his coffee table. The lord was waiting patiently for his wife and youngest daughter to return. His wife Roxanne Greengrass took their daughter Astoria to get a checkup at St. Mungo. He couldn't help but be worried as hell s family had to deal with a blood curse. That curse costed him his uncle and he was desperately hoping his daughters never catch it.
Daphne tested negative as it showed that she didn't have it, that was a relief to him. Now he just had to worry about Astoria. Merlin he was praying that it would skip his girls, he had already buried his aunt and wasn't prepared to bury any of his kids.
When the front door opened, he hopped to his feet to see his wife and daughter. Upon seeing them he saw Astoria the girl had her dad hair and her mother's eyes, but they were red and laced with tears. She didn't even say anything as she sprinted past him and went up the stairs to her room. Turning to Roxanne she looked as pale as a ghost and he immediately knew what was wrong. Astoria had the curse!
Cyrus immediately hugged her as it was the only thing he could do at the moment. When she pulled away, he looked at her "the healers confirmed that she had the virus but it's inactive." She said while looking at him "we have to tell Daphne" she concluded.
"I know" he bowed his head in shame as he knew how much Daphne and Astoria loved each other. Though they may annoy one another they shared a strong sister bond. Just as he was about to go write the letter an idea formed in his head 'Severus.'
If there was anyone in the world, he would trust with this matter it would be him. The two were not only best friends but Severus had a mastery in potions and Defense maybe he can offer some help. Resigning himself he went up the stairs to Astoria room to try and comfort her.
(0^0)
During lunch, the four were currently sitting at the hufflepuff table with Susan Bones and Hannah Abbot silently eating. The former was the niece of the current head of the Department of Law Enforcement, during the war her parents and uncle were all killed leaving only her, Amelia, and her grandfather. The Potters and Bones had a magical treaty between them so that wasn't bad as even though they are from different houses they were still allies.
As they were finishing their lunch an owl came and looked to have been carrying two letters each attached to its legs. One for both Harry and Blaise both boys took the letters and sent the owl to go get some food. Seeing that it came from Japan they instantly thought Miwa. Harry opened the letter and saw that it was written in Japanese.
Miwa thanked him for the gifts he sent her and asked him. She wrote that she would be entering both the dueling competitions with both him and Blaise, telling them to be ready. Also, implied that she was waiting for him to return to japan as she hasn't had anyone to compete against. He knew she missed having him around as life must have sucked according to Emily. Finishing the letter, he put it in his robes and gave Blaise a look. The boy instantly knew what he was thinking and gave a nod.
Finishing their lunches, they all went to their classes. Harry and the two hufflepuff girls had herbology with professor Sprout and went to greenhouse 2. Entering the greenhouse, they took seats at the end of the table and waited patiently for the others to arrive.
Professor Sprout soon came in along with the rest of the class and immediately started her lecture about Devils snare. Harry was more focused on his assignment gillyweed, when eaten it allows the person to breathe underwater for an hour. Granger as of course kept on putting up her hand to answer questions which was nothing new. What shocked everyone was that Neville Longbottom also answered questions and seemed to have a green thumb when it came to the subject.
If Harry had to bet money, then Longbottom would be able to gain a mastery in the subject when he gets older. Putting that aside Harry continued on his own project until the bell rang, and Sprout gave them their homework's, warning them to make an effort when dealing with magical plants as some could either prove helpful or dangerous.
The rest of the day passed by quickly, the other professors assigned the students homework which most of them groaned at the amount they had to do. Harry soon found himself in his dad's quarters sitting at the table doing his homework. Having already completed his alchemy essay he moved to his herbology essay about the uses of gillyweed and what other things its can be useful for.
Severus soon entered the chamber with his usual facial expression, their he noticed Hadrian sitting at the table doing his homework. Hadrian turned his head when he saw him "hello dad" he greeted him. When they were alone or with Blaise, he could call him dad, other times he would have to call him professor.
"Hello son" Severus greeted him back. "How were your classes today? He asked sitting on the opposite side of him. "They were okay, I guess" he replied nonchalantly.
"How's your project going for your degree" he asked while looking at his father. "The potion is proving to be a challenge even for me. I estimate that it will be done by the end of February."
"Can I get an idea as to what you are working on or at least a preview?" he asked as he was interested with what his dad was working on. Severus smirked at the question as he knew about his son's thirst for knowledge, something that he prided on. Learning all he could "not yet." He declined "you will have to be patient and wait."
Harry let out a groan, looks like he will have to wait. After putting the finishing touches on his homework, he put it aside. Severus looked at the clock on his wall and saw that it was dinner time, he wanted to avoid eating in the great hall for a number of reasons. "Do you want to eat dinner here tonight or go to the great hall?" he asked
"If it's all the same I would prefer to eat in here for the night" Harry replied as he wanted to eat and talk with his dad. Severus got up and motioned for him to follow into the kitchen. "We will be having beef bourguignon tonight, while I prepare the meat, you cut the carrots and onions" he instructed.
And so, once dinner was made, they sat at the table and ate. Harry kept on looking up at Severus with a few questions in mind. Taking a breath, he looked at him "um dad" he said getting the older man attention "I was wondering during the summer can we do something after your conference in the summer?"
Severus was a little surprised at the question it had been some time since the two had any father/son time. While he knew that it had been sometimes, he would like some more memories with his son. Perhaps it would be nice to spend time with the boy as he too had been concerned about the limited time they had ever so often.
"When the conference is over, we will see about doing something. Just the two of us" he answered. That brought a smile to Hadrian face as he was able to see his dad not as a professor but as a father. "Is another question you have?" he asked looking at him.
"I was hoping to get your opinion on the patronus charm." That caught Severus attention as he was staring intently at him. The patronus charm was an advanced spell that most people often struggled with.
"Why would you want to know about the patronus?" he asked looking at him.
Harry answered "I heard some of the seventh years talking about it, from what I understand the topic is covered in DADA. It is also a topic discussed in japan and I wanted to understand it more."
Severus twitched his lips and began thinking. The patronus was indeed a useful spell against dementors and lethifold. Perhaps it would be a good project for Hadrian as he will be able to see how the spell worked.
"The patronus charm is a type of magic that is among the most defensive spell when used against dementors and lethifolds; it's a magical construct of the casters positive emotions" he said. "It requires a tremendous amount of power to conjure and a powerful memory" he finished.
Harry was intrigued with this knowledge as he had a feeling the spell would come in handy "can you do one" he asked the older man. Severus smirked then took out his wand and casted the spell "expecto patronumm" the next moment a jaguar emerged from his wand. Harry could feel the positive emotion radiating from patronus as it was one of pure happiness.
Severus saw the happiness on his son's face then vanished the patronus "everyone's patronus will be different as they vary from person to person. The spell also has another function!" he said while looking at Hadrian.
"I could feel your inner happiness in the jaguar! he said still in amazement.
Severus let out a grunt "if you want to know more about the spell, then I suggest you go research the topic. The spell has two different forms the incorporeal is the first: manifesting a shield. The second is a corporeal form that manifest a creature" Severus concluded.
The patronus charm piqued Harry's interest as he was now determined to study the spell hopefully, he be able to cast it. Severus and Harry talked for a couple more minutes before Harry went back to the ROR via floo network.
(0^0)
It had now been three and a half weeks since harry started devoting his time to the patronus; progress with the charm was slowly coming along. He did some research about the spell and found that it was created by a Japanese wizard named Hiroto Aikawa. The man originally designed the spell as a counter measure against dementors as they were creatures that fed on the happiness of their victims. It was a no wonder why Azkaban was one of the most feared prisons of the magical world with those things as its guards it made sense. The man was also stated that his patronus was a solid as he could literally touch it.
From what Harry knew the spell was difficult as only 5% of the wizarding world could cast it. After numerous failures Harry came to the conclusion that maybe it wasn't so much about magic power as it was about the level of emotions put into the spell. He soon found that he was outside dressed for the cold weather, even though he could control fire he didn't want to let anybody know about his ability yet.
Stopping near the lake he took out his wand and started working on the patronus. Taking a breath, he pulled one of the most cherished memories he had, waving his wand he said "expecto patronum". While his initial progress was merely a shield, this time it almost formed took a form. The memory he used was his first birthday with his new family. He remembered how happy he was with them as he relished in the memory of being with people who actually cared about hm.
Harry could feel it, he was almost but there was something missing. 'Try another memory, but this time remember the feelings you were experiencing' came a mental voice he knew all too well. Turning around he saw Byakko coming from behind 'you understand the wand movement, the theory behind the spell, and your so close to giving your magic a form' the god mentally said.
Thinking for a minute he remembered his first fireworks festival with his new dad, aunt, uncle and sister. The three adults didn't wear any yukatas or kimonos, but the kids did. Emily was wearing a white-purple sunflower patterned yukata; Harry's was a dark blue patterned with wingless dragons. It was also the day he bought them both a musical pocket watch. While they were sitting on one of the benches his aunt wanted to grab a picture of the two. Emily climbed onto her brother's lap and pulled his arms over her body. They smiled and the picture was taken.
That was a good memory as he deeply loved the girl. While they may not be blood, he still cared for her. Focusing on that memory and the feelings he felt during that time he closed his eyes and said "expecto patronum." At that moment a blinding white light appeared from his wand and formed a massive Hebridean Black dragon.
Despite feeling magically drained he stepped forward to his patronus and ran his hand along its snout. He expected it to go through it but apparently the thing was a solid. When he got closer, he heard music playing it was calming as he felt at peace. Stepping backwards the music stopped, thinking that he was just hearing something from his mind he stepped forward and heard the music again.
This was turning out to be interesting as he was wondering if all patronuses and maybe if he could change his patronus to a different animal. Putting those thought aside he watched as his patronus vanished and he flopped on the ground. Byakko came over and licked him on his face with his rough tongue "well done Hadrian" the god congratulated him.
Harry took another deep breath and got to his feet. With his project done he turned to go head back to the castle. As he was walking, he felt some magic go up, using his elemental sight he looked to find the source. After scanning for a minute, he saw some wards near one of the trees, taking out his wand he moved toward the wards. The wards were for privacy, and Harry could tell that the magical signature was similar. Dispelling the wards, he found Daphne sitting next to a tree with red eyes. She looked upset about something.
Now that he thought about it, she has been acting unusual for the last few days. She was angrier and more irritated, if he had to take a guess it would be from the letter she got. Even, though her usual cold expressionless mask was on he could tell she was in pain. When she looked up, she saw Harry and Byakko looking at her, quickly composing herself she gave him a hard stare.
"How did you get past my privacy ward?" She was irritated and wanted to be alone
Harry kept his face neutral and just looked at her, giving a shrug "you ok sapphire!" he asked while looking at her.
"I'm fine" she bit back.
He didn't believe her, taking a look at her he noticed that she didn't have anything warm on. Taking off his jacket he handed it to her "you'll be cold if you stay out here dressed in that" he said while looking at her.
Daphne was about to retort but noticed he was right as she was cold, reluctantly taking his jacket she put it on. To her surprise he wasn't affected much by the cold and couldn't get over how warm his coat was as it had a special warmth to it. "Thank you" she mumbled.
Harry gave her a nod. Then took a seat next to her, "so why are you out here alone" asking her. Byakko took a seat next to him.
"I just wanted to be alone is all" she said. "Why are you out here?"
"Just working on a project!" he replied.
Byakko went over to her and gave her a lick on the face "he likes you. Kind of odd as he hardly likes anyone" he stated as he scratched the him.
Daphne didn't know what to feel at the moment, she just reached her hand out and started rubbing the tiger head. "I can tell that your upset" he said to her.
She gave him a speculative look "how" it wasn't a question.
Harry took out his wand and erected his own privacy wards around them, even adding an alarm and detection wards so they wouldn't be bothered. "I've seen the cold mask you wear!" he replied. "The mask you been projecting the last few days was of anger and sadness. If I were to make a guess, I say you have occlumency training." He said in an undeniable tone.
Daphne's eyes went wide at what he said, he made it sound as if he was reading her like a book. "What now you going to pretend to sound sincere and hopefully try to cheer me up and gain my favor." She immediately regretted what she said as it was without any thought. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean..." she was cut off when he held up a hand.
"Calm down sapphire" he said as he put his hand on her shoulder. "I know you didn't mean it" he gave her a reassuring smile.
He spoke up just as she was about to say something "what you choose to tell me is your business. I was only asking about you because I was concerned why you would be out here in this weather" his eyes met hers.
Harry got up to his feet "I'll see you around, it won't do you any good to stay out here for too long." As he prepared to leave, he felt her grab his arm.
Turning to look back down to her she said, "please stay." She didn't know what she was doing but her instincts told her she could trust him. He sat back next her.
"I'm sorry for the way I've been acting lately" she said looking at him. He was about to speak but he cut her off "no let me finish" he gave a nod. "I'm worried about… Astoria!" that came out of her. Harry could tell that there was less volume in her voice as it was sad when she said her sister name.
She continued "my dad sent me a letter saying that she has a curse on her."
He understood what she was saying as it could not be easy worrying about siblings. He sympathized with her as he had Emily. "Have the healers been able to find a cure?"
She shook her head. "She's already seen three healers and they are unable to find a cure" she said it with sadness in her voice.
"Then why not ask your parents if you could come home on the weekend. That way you can at least spend some time with her" he suggested.
She looked to be thinking about what he said but wasn't sure if her parents would agree to it "I don't know if my parents would agree to it. I don't know if I can bare to see her!"
It was obvious that she was scared. "Still can't hurt to try! It might even make her feel better."
He pulled out his locket and opened it, they're was a picture of him and Emily in their yukatas. Taking out his key he turned on the music.
The music to daphne was a soft melody, turning her head she saw a picture of him and what appeared to be his sister. "Is that your sister" she asked.
Giving her a nod. He replied "that's my adorable sister. It was taken during the fireworks festival years ago."
"I like the robes you two were wearing" she commented.
"Their called yukatas" he explained. "They're comfortable to where during some of the festivals!"
Daphne briefly imagined her and Astoria wearing them. She and her family have taken trips to Italy, France, and Egypt in the past. Perhaps afterword's she and her family can go to japan and see the festivities over there.
"Are you ready to head back inside" he asked pulling her out of her thoughts. She gave a nod indicating she was ready.
They got up from the ground, Harry lifted his shirt and allowed Byakko to go into his tattoo form. He disabled the wards and the two headed for the castle. As they were heading towards the entrance Daphne said "thank you! For stating with me."
Harry turned to her "don't mention it. I can imagine what you must have been thinking about being an older sibling an all" he said with a small smile.
Daphne was about to speak but was halted by the arrival of Professor McGonagall "where have you two been" she asked with narrow eyes.
"We were just outside talking Professor!" she replied.
McGonagall's lips thinned "in this weather!" She said while looking the boy next to her. It had been difficult for her to be near him as she kept thinking about what happened at the Wizengamot.
Harry slipped his expressionless mask on "professor it's not against the rules to be outside. Besides since when did going outside become a crime" he asked narrowing his eyes at her.
"It is not a crime to go outside Mr. Potter" she said with her stern expression. "Just that you could have gotten sick from the cold. Why were they both of you outside anyway?"
"I was practicing a spell" he said nonchalantly. "When I was done, I saw Daphne sitting by the tree and we talked."
"Care to elaborate what spell you were practice?" she asked as she became worried the thought of students practicing magic unsupervised was dangerous.
"No" was his only reply.
She looked at him, his response was not what she expected "why ever not" she asked narrowing her eyes at him.
"Because I don't trust you to go run and tell the headmaster, especially not after what you and he did" she was stunned at what he said. He followed it up by speaking again "besides practicing spells is not illegal. Now if there is nothing else me Daphne would like to get some hot chocolate."
Minerva did not know what to say, no one had ever dared to speak to her like that, not even James and his friends. "Mr. Potter the headmaster would like to speak to you for a few minutes" she said still at a loss of words.
"Why? What does he want" he asked her.
"I am unaware as to why" she admitted. "He just said he wanted to talk with you!"
"Typical" he clicked his tongue "doesn't he have anything better to do than annoy me" he said.
Minerva was torn part of her wanted to reprimand him for his attitude the other felt like he was justified to not like Albus. "Mr. Potter, I understand your animosity toward the headmaster and I'm truly sorry about leaving you with the Dursley's that night. Let's just see what the headmaster wants."
Harry just sneered at the woman; she didn't know what sorry was "fine" he drawled. "However, if he mentions anything about those filthy muggles or my conduct as the Wizengamot then I'll leave the office" he said in a firm voice.
Her nostrils flared at what he said. "Young man your anger at him is understandable but you would do better to mind your tongue."
He rolled his eyes at her, the turned to Daphne "I have to go see what the headmaster wants. Old goat doesn't know when not to bother someone."
Daphne snickered at what he called Dumbledore. Minerva did not look amused "that will be ten points from gryffindor house Mr. Potter."
"Whatever" he said walking past her.
The two didn't say a single word as they went to the entrance to the headmaster office "chocolate frogs" Minerva gave the password and the steps started spiraling up.
When they made it up the stairs to the door. The headmaster voice was heard "enter" they entered the office and saw that Dumbledore was sitting at his desk wearing his usual twinkle in his eye.
"Thank you for bringing him Minerva" he said to her. "Har" Dumbledore stopped after seeing the boy narrow his eyes "Mr. Potter please have seat" indicating to the chair opposite of his desk.
"I'll stand" was all he said.
"Very well" he said while popping one of the Sherbert lemons in his mouth. "Mr. Potter, I would first like to offer my most sincerest apologies about what happened years ago" his grandfather face was on. "I had no idea you were treated so badly, when Arabella told me I brushed it off thinking it was a bit exaggerated."
Dumbledore expected the boy to say something, but he just stood there with an expressionless face. Mentally taking a breath he continued "however what was discussed at the Wizengamot was less than ideal especially with the fate of the Dursley's" he said
Having entertained the man long enough he spoke "is that all you wanted to say" he asked in bored tone.
"I beg your pardon" he was bewildered at the boy.
"You had my head of house here" indicating to Minerva "drag me here to discuss what happened at the Wizengamot and the punishments that were given to this filthy muggles."
Dumbledore was stumped at what the boy had just said did he harbor a hatred toward muggles and muggleborns. He was about to speak again but was cut off "headmaster how about you cut the theatrics and say it is what you want. I have better things to do then waste my time talking to you."
The tone the boy used made him remember his talks with young Tom when he was in school. "My boy did you really have to punish the Dursley's so harshly?"
"Let's get a few things straight here old man" he said while looking at him. Ignoring the fact that McGonagall deducted twenty points from him. "I am not your boy as you are nothing more than an old man who meddled in a matter that didn't concern him. Next, I say that they got what was coming to them; be grateful I only had one killed."
Dumbledore did not like where this conversation was going "Mr. Potter while you were within your rights to issue punishment to them, you could have just sent them both to prison."
"That would be letting them off easy. After what they put me through, I was not about to show them any mercy" he said with a shrug. "Besides it not really my problem if they die as I don't care."
"Mr. Potter your parents would not have wanted you to treat your family that way" he said while leaning in.
"My parents are dead, no thanks to you and that rat bastard. And those assholes were never my family, we were never blood. My mother was the adopted sister of that horse faced bitch" he said with venom.
"Mr. Potter that will be another twenty points from Gryffindor, for your language" McGonagall intervened.
He just turned to her "you really think I care about house points; they have little worth to me."
Harry felt a brief brush against his occlumency shields "Mr. Potter I know that it couldn't have been easy for you growing up with them, but please understand that they could have been other punishments given to them."
Harry rolled his eyes at the man "whatever", was all he said as he turned to leave.
The young boy just walked out of the room.
Albus looked at Minerva "Minerva if you please." She left the room, leaving Albus to massage his temples. This did not go as planned, he thought.
One of the portraits started laughing drawing his attention to the source. Looking for the source he saw that Phineas Nigellus Black was enjoying the show.
When the man calmed down, he looked down at the current headmaster "well that was entertainment" he said while clapping.
"Phineas please not now" he said looking tired.
"Not now" he stopped clapping. "Not now!" he said louder. "Albus you wronged that boy with what you did and allowed to happen" his amused look was gone and replaced with one of anger.
"Phineas, I didn't know the boy would be treated badly" he said. "I only did it for the greater good."
"Are you out of your goddamn mind" he spat out. "No one fucking care about your greater good Dumbledore. This is only one of your many mistakes added to the list!"
Dumbledore was trying to keep his anger under control as there was only one portrait that in the office that he never liked. "I know what I am doing" he said with a hint of finality in his voice.
"You mean to fuck up royally again" Phineas sneered at him. "I hope you are ready to reap what you have sown" he said resuming his seat.
Dumbledore growled under his breath and pulled out a bottle of Firewhiskey.
(0^0)
"Mr. Potter" Minerva said rounding a corner catching him as he was about to enter the great hall.
"You can not just leave in the middle of a meeting with the headmaster" she said chastise him.
Evidently the look on his face indicated that he didn't care "I fail to see what talking about what happened at the Wizengamot part of my education."
"Be that as it may you not only insulted professor Dumbledore you left before he could dismiss you." She responded
He raised an eyebrow "your crossed at me for calling him out on his mess. There are many other things that I would call him" he continued. "And I told you what would happen if he mentioned my conduct or those worthless muggles."
"Your ire at the headmaster is understandable but it is not your place to say when he is wrong" she said.
"Since when is pointing out his faults against the law?" his irritation was growing. "Who has the right to point out what he does is wrong?"
Those questions made the professor think, while she understood where the boy was coming from. Those muggles were among the worst. She was about to speak again but he held up a hand.
"The headmaster can drop dead for all I care!" that shocked her as she was having a hard time processing the information. "Is their anything else that you wanted to say, because I have better things to do than listen to you make excuses for him."
He then left leaving a flabbergasted Minerva at the entrance. Spotting his friends at the slytherin table he went to go sit next to Blaise. He immediately took a bite out of the sandwich while ignoring the other slytherins as they seemed torn.
"What did the headmaster want to talk to you about?" Daphne asked.
Taking a sip of his hot chocolate he looked straight at her. "The generate bastard wanted to talk about my conduct and the punishment I gave those muggles."
When he finished, they asked him to elaborate. He told them how the old man tries to sound sincere about his choice to leave them their and his attempt to make him regret his action. He even mentioned how the goat tried to use Legilimency on him.
"That's illegal" Daphne said in a low voice. Blaise and Tracey nodded in agreement.
"I don't think he actually cares! Based on what happened at the Wizengamot it proves that he is willing to bend rules" he said taking another bite of his sandwich.
"Still though" Tracey piped up "you can press charges against him. Invading someone's mind is against the law."
Swallowing his sandwich, he looked at her "think Tracy, if I brought Dumbledore in front of the Wizengamot without any proof then that will make me look like the bad guy."
She was about to ask what he meant but Blaise cut her off, "he's right Tracey! Dumbledore still carries a lot of influence in the wizengamot. Even though he was removed from his positions it would be Harry's word against his."
"He has proven to talk his way out of situations Trace" Daphne chimed in.
That left Tracey angry as she started muttering about how some people were able to get away with certain things.
Harry looked at the head table and saw that Professor Flitwick was there. Harry had to wonder if the professor knew anything about the patronus. Deciding to try for it he got up and went to the head table.
"Professor Flitwick" he said as he approached the half goblin "I was wondering if I can talk to you about something?"
The little professor looked at him with glee in his eyes, the boy was proving to be his favorite student. Both his theory and practical work were outstanding as it appeared that the boy inherited his mother's talent in charms.
"Certainly Mr. Potter what would you like to discuss?"
Harry leaned and whispered the project he been working on, that made the tiny professor bounce in his chair. "Mr. Potter that is an advanced charm!" he stated. "Please come to my office this Saturday after your classes are done say around 4."
Harry gave a nod and headed back to his seat.
"What was that about?" Blaise asked him
"I have a meeting with him Saturday to discuss my project" he simply said.
"What kind of project?" Daphne was curious
"Just something that I've been working on" he said evasively.
She was about to ask what he was working on when the bell rang. "I'll see you guys later I got Arithmancy" then he left.
Both the girls were curious as to what he was working on, Blaise just shook his had a snickered. Whatever, Harry was working on it was obviously something that was important. Having known him for a long time, he could tell when he was occupied with something important.
(0^0)
The rest of the day went by smoothly as there was no other problems except counting the work he had to do. Severus soon found him in his special room chatting with Byakko about special rituals that were meant to cleanse a person body from dark curses.
When they noticed Severus had entered the room, he did not look happy. Harry had a feeling he knew why as the look on his father face said I want an explanation. He told him about what happened in the headmaster's office along with his brief talk with Professor McGonagall.
Severus was not happy the old fool dared to use legilimency against his son. That aside for the moment he was torn as he didn't know if he wanted to laugh at the way Hadrian talked to Dumbledore and McGonagall or scold him. Deciding the former he gave a brief chuckle "you handled them well! Though I do not approve of the language you used, it could have gone worse" he admitted. 'It's about time someone speaks up' he muttered.
"I have something I want to show you" he said to him.
Severus inclined his head to let him begin. Harry flicked his wand out and said "expecto patronum" the patronus shot out of his wand taking the form of the Hebridean Dragon.
Severus was shocked his son just performed a corporeal patronus, carefully reaching out his hand he was surprised when the dragon turned out to be a solid. "Very impressive, Hadrian. Most adults are unable to even cast the spell as it requires a lot of power to conjure."
"Actually dad, I think that maybe the problem" he rebutted.
"Elaborate" Severus said.
"While the spell may require power, it also needs a powerful memory." He started "the casters have allowed the memory and the feeling to envelop them."
"Do you know why it is the wizarding world has such a problem casting the spell" Severus was testing him.
"Most people believe that everything requires power, that said they often forget that some spells require emotions for power. The people choose not to think outside the box" he stated.
Severus let out a light chuckle, then took out his own wand. Remembering the most powerful memory he had with the boy. It was when they had their first vacation together, he remembered watching his son play in the water with his sister. After that came nightfall Hadrian had fallen asleep in the living room resting on his father's lap.
"Expecto patronum" then his jaguar manifested reaching out he felt that it was a solid. Putting his wand away he placed a hand on his son hair and ruffled it. "You have done well my son."
Harry grew a smile on his face. "There is something else you should know!" he commented. "When I was able to make my patronus into a solid I heard music. The melody from it was powerful."
"Did it now" Severus said in a silk voice. Taking a step to his own patronus he took a knee and watched the creature come near him. When it was close enough, he started hearing music as well. That startled him as it was something unheard of, composing himself he looked at him.
"How is this possible" he enquired.
"The creator was Hiroto Aikawa! He was the original creator of the patronus. He designed it as a way to counter the effects of the dementors. Apparently, he was also a musician giving from the way the patronus was playing a melody it's my theory that he utilized music as a counter effect" Harry explained.
Severus lips twitched at the explanation.
This was something that could revolutionize the entire the way people would do the spell. A number of people will be able to cast the spell hopefully better. "Are you done testing the spell?"
Harry shook his head. "I want to experiment with this spell a little" determination was in his voice. He was thinking of other ways the spell could be used.
"You know how I feel about you experimenting spells alone" Severus said with concern in his voice.
Harry just looked at him "I won't be alone. Byakko will be watching over me" he raised his shirt to let the god out.
Byakko agreed to watch over him while he experimented with the spell. The determination in his son's eyes said that he would do it anyway. With great reluctance he gave a nod.
"Fine! But be careful" the steel in his voice showed that he meant it.
Harry expected that and snickered a little, "I also have a meeting with Professor Flitwick this Saturday at 4." He told him.
"And you want me to be their also" Severus raised an eyebrow. Hadrian gave him a nod.
"Alright, I'll make up an excuse to talk to Filius" he began thinking of what to talk his colleague about. He would need to make up an excuse.
Harry smiled "thanks dad!" he said. Severus just let out a grunt. Then used the floo network to go to his own office.
Pretty soon he vanished in the green flames, leaving Harry and Byakko to work on the charm.
(0^0)
Severus stepped through the fireplace and went to his desk. Sitting down he started grading the student's essays. After grading a few of them he was disgusted with the dribble he read. Some of the students did not know how to properly research the potions he assigned; they weren't even that difficult in his opinion. If anything, they were amateurish at best.
Finishing with the fourth years, he proceeded to the sixth years. The sixth years were mostly the same with only a few being exceptions. How some of them made it into his NEWT class was a miracle! He had often asked Dumbledore to let him teach more of the advanced potions, but the old fool denied him. Evidently the curriculum was fine the way it was. He blamed Dumbledore and the members of the WEA for their lack sided approach.
He couldn't help but mutter how someone unqualified was allowed near a cauldron. There was a significant higher chance of someone getting killed or worse. If they don't handle them with care. Completing the last of the essays he set them aside to work on his research project. Taking out his files he started going over his notes. Spending a couple of hours looking over the ingredients he would have to add or subtract, he moved to the potion itself.
Just as he was about to prepare his station a knock was heard on his door "enter".
(0^0)
Daphne couldn't help but think back to the conversation she had with Harry earlier today. The boy was a mystery to her as she couldn't figure him out, yes, she considered him one of her closest friends, but she just could figure him out. When he found her on the grounds, he didn't judge her, she might have snapped at him for getting in her business, but it didn't seem to affect him.
He willingly gave her his jacket so she could be warm. While she appreciated it, she half expected him to ask her something in return but no. When she thought back to the jacket, she realized that she still had it. She forgot to give it back to him during lunch thus decided to give it to him tomorrow when she saw him again. When they were talking the great hall, he mentioned a project that he was working on. Daphne couldn't help but be curious as to what kind of project he was working on. Shaking her head, she took his advice about writing to go home to be with Astoria for a while.
Sitting at one of the round tables with Tracey and Blaise she pulled out some parchment and wrote a letter to her parents asking if she could go home. While they were doing their homework assignments. When she finished the letter, she reread it to make sure it sounded appropriate. Once that was done, she excused herself to go talk to her head of house.
Getting to Professor Snape's office didn't take long, on her way her thoughts were on her family mostly Astoria. Taking a breath and lacing her cold mask on she knocked on the door. "Enter" the voice of her head was heard. Opening the door, she saw that Professor Snape was at his station, stepping into the room and closing the door she made her way to him.
"Mrs. Greengrass what brings you to my office at this hour?" he drawled.
Daphne was already aware of him as her father told her that he and Severus were old friends "I'm sorry to disturb you sir, but I wanted to ask you for your permission!"
"Permission for what" though he had an idea of what she was about to ask.
"I like to leave school during the weekend to go see my sister. She is unwell" she said choosing her words wisely.
He pursed his lips "I am aware of your sister condition. Your father already informed me of the matter." That shocked her as she didn't know that her father told him. "I take it you have a letter you would like to send to your parents" he enquired. She gave him a nod and showed him the letter, viewing the letter he deemed it acceptable.
"Very well!" he went to his desk pulled out some parchment and scribbled a pass. "Here take this and go to the owlery to send the letter."
She thanked him and took the slip from him, pocketing it in her robes she exited the room. Daphne went straight to the owlery and summoned one of the owls. Attaching the letter to its leg, she told it to go to Greengrass manor, with that the owl took flight off into the horizon.
Mentally praying that her parents would give her permission to come home. The young blond girl went back to the common room careful to avoid Filch or his cat as she was sure that he would try to report her.
Arriving back at the common room she found her friends at the table playing chess. Tracy moved her piece and called "checkmate"; she poked her tongue at Blaise enjoying her victory.
Turning her head, she saw Daphne coming near them "where were you?" she asked
"I had to send a letter to my parents asking if I can come home during the weekend" she said pulling up a seat.
"Why would you want to go home" Blaise asked setting up the pieces again for round two.
"A family matter rose up" she said evasively.
The two chess players left it at that and started a new game. After an hour of playing Blaise won the match much to Tracey's irritation.
"On a different note what were you doing with Harry's jacket" he asked while putting the pieces up.
"He lent it to me, when we were outside." She replied, "I forgot to give it back to him."
"You know I can't figure him out," Tracey cut in "the guy is a total mystery he prefers to hang with us rather than Weasley or Granger. Not that I mind hanging out with the guy, but I can't help but wonder."
Blaise let out a light chuckle "that's the thing about Harry he doesn't adhere to stereotypes and always does what he wants. I've spent along time around him and I can't even figure him out."
Daphne looked at him "how long have you known him?" she asked
"Since we were eight! When my mom took me out of the country for the holiday me and him met. "We've been close ever since" he replied and left to go back to his dorm.
Daphne was in deep thought; Blaise knew him and yet he never said anything or go into detail.
Noticing her friend was in deep thought Tracey decided to have a little fun "are you thinking about him?" she asked mischievously
"What no!" she said defiantly with her cheeks a little pink.
Tracey smile grew "really then why are your cheeks pink?"
"You asked me that question out of the blue, besides why would I be thinking about him" her voice was firm, but Tracey pressed on.
"Then why were you wearing his jacket today" she asked with a glint in her eye
"Because it was cold, and I forgot to put one on before I went out" she was getting irritated.
"And why were you two outside together" she was enjoying the irritating look on Daphne face.
"I went out their to be alone at first, I placed some privacy wards around myself, but he found me somehow." Having known Tracey for a long time she knew the girl would never relent "he saw that I didn't bring a jacket, so he gave me his. Then we talked for a few minutes."
"Talked about what?" she was egging on
Daphne just groaned. "Not your business" was all she said before she went up to the dorms. Tracey was laughing because obviously some things were said., gathering her things she went up the stair and prepared for bed.
A/N: I know it was Remus that taught Harry the patronus charm, but he sounded reluctant to teach him at all. How did you all like the part about the charm containing music in them? Dementors are creatures of darkness and have negative impacts on witches and wizards' mentalities and emotions. The patronus was designed as a way to implement positive emotions but I feel it could be used for other purposes. Harry will delve deeper into the patronus and find out its secrets.
As for the meeting with Dumbledore you all saw how he uses his grandfather persona. I've read a few fanfics and I agree that his persona often rubs people the wrong way as it makes them unbalanced. He might admit that he has made mistakes, but he hardly ever does anything to correct them. The Dursley's were a prime example of his many faults he may have placed Harry they're for his protection from Dark wizards, but he never curved the treatment Harry received from the Dursley's. As some of you know he chastised them in book 6 but it felt like it was more to clear his conscious.
It leads me to question did he really care for Harry or more about his goal? Here's another example he told Harry the prophecy only after the battle at the ministry by then Sirius was killed. Talk about bad timing, Harry should have known about the prophecy before!
Next chapter: Astoria will be purified of the blood curse. Harry will show what he knows about the patronus charm to Flitwick. Daphne will learn that Severus is Harry's adoptive father.