Chapter 16

The next few days passed relatively quick in Daphne's case, she got permission to go home during the weekend something that made her happy. She returned Hadrian's jacket the next day and thanked him for letting her borrow it. He continued training her and began showing her how to make her core stronger. Now the day was here she went to Professor Snape's office after breakfast where he would be waiting for her.

Opening the door to his office he saw him waiting by his desk. "Do you have everything you need?" he asked

"Yes sir" she confirmed looking at her levitated trunk.

He motioned for her to follow him to the floo network, getting his pot of floo powder out he held it out for her. She took a handful and stepped into the fireplace "Greengrass Manor" dropping the powder she was transported back home.

Stepping out of the fireplace she was immediately met by her mother. Roxanne hugged her daughter warmly; she missed her eldest daughter.

"Mom where's dad at?" Daphne asked

"Your father had to go to work today" she responded. "He said he would be back by dinner!" she said giving her a small smile.

At that moment Severus walked through the floo. "Roxanne it's good to see you again!" he greeted her.

She returned the gesture "it's good to see you Severus would you like some tea?"

"That will be nice!" he responded.

Roxanne looked back at her daughter "Astoria is in her room, why don't you go talk to her I need to speak with Severus alone."

Not needing to be told twice she left to go up the stair to see her sister. Roxanne summoned one of the elves. "Cally" the little elf popped next to her.

"What can Cally do for lady Roxanne?" the elf squeaked

"Please bring some tea for me and Severus" she said. The elf popped away letting the two adults sit on one of the couches.

Once they sat down two cups of tea appeared on the table. Taking a sip out of her cup Roxanne looked at her old friend "Severus I can't thank you enough for trying to help Astoria. Both me and Cyrus are scared to even think what would happen to her, she's just a child" her voice was sad, and she looked at her lap.

"Worry not Roxanne, I can only imagine what you might be going through" his thoughts drifted to his own son as he would do anything for the boy. "The potion will be ready tomorrow, while it's only a temporary solution it should keep the curse inactive."

"Again. Thank you, Severus I only wish that there could be a permanent solution to this mess" she solemnly said.

Severus started to think of another way he could help the girl. Then an idea popped in his head. "Roxanne there might be a way of curing your daughter" he suggested.

Her eyes lit up "really how?"

Drinking some of his own tea he looked at her "keep in mind that I don't know if it will work, even then I don't know if he would even agree to it."

She narrowed her eyes at him "if there is even a chance of curing my daughter, then I am willing to take the chance!"

Giving her a sigh "then we will have to wait until Cyrus gets home. And we will have to discuss it in private" he said in a firm voice.

Roxanne looked at him for a minute then gave a nod consenting to his terms.

(0^0)

Daphne made it to the second floor where her sister room was located, walking to the end of the hall she found her sister room. Knocking on the door "Astoria it me" was all she said as the door opened up and was slammed by a small body.

"You came" the little girl said!

Daphne looked down at her sister with a small smile "always" was her only response.

They went into and Daphne closed the door. She watched as Astoria sat on her bed, choosing to take a seat next to her, she placed an arm around her shoulder.

"Mom and dad told me about your condition" she's started. "I am so sorry this had to happen" she said.

"I'm scared" was all the young girl said.

Daphne wrapped her in a comfortable hug, wondering what she could say. Taking a chance, she pulled away for a bit "I don't know how but you will be cleansed of that curse. One way or another we will make you well again."

The determination in her voice was all she said as the two sat they're in complete silence.

(0^0)

Back at Hogwarts Hadrian Potter left his Alchemy class a little bit relieved as he now had only one class left for the day. Today's lesson with Master Marchbanks was a little tough as the teacher was teaching him how to covert water into other types of liquids. The session today was not bad, but it was unexpected. His thoughts followed him as he went to gryffindor common room to get a change of clothes. Entering the common room, he saw that most of the students in his year were inside sitting by the fire.

Harry let out a snort in amusement, some people just couldn't handle the cold. Having trained in various weathers he was able to adapt to them to the point where they wouldn't face him as much as everyone else. Going up to the first-year dorms he quickly changed into a black long sleeve V-neck shirt and a pair of black track pants. Followed by his dragon-hide boots all in all he was ready for today's dueling lesson.

Leaving the common room, he made his way to the quidditch pitch, before entering the stadium he used his elemental sight to see if he had to expect anything. From what he could tell there were wards in place, his Aunt Cassiopeia made sure that he was well versed in how to create and disable wards.

It did not hurt that he also seemed to have an aptitude for having to deal with them. These were not as complex as to some of the wards he usually had to deal with, the moment he would step inside the arena he would get hit with traps. A compulsion weaved into a misdirection wards. Using what he knew about wards they all had triggers, extending his left arm he sought out the trigger. After a moment he felt the trigger, flicking his wand out he mentally said Bombarda Maxima.

The white beam shot out of the wand and soared to the trigger destroying it. Revealing the dueling dummies, he had to face, running in he fired some blasting curses at the three of the ones in front destroying them. Looking over his shoulder he saw five other dummies coming at him, knowing that they were on level three he knew to be on guard. Conjuring some smoke screen, he transfigured it into several daggers and sent them toward the dummies only two of them were impacted.

Seeing that their wands lit up he moved out of the way and fired a reducto curse that hit the middle one, followed by a cutting curse at the one to the right. With those two gone he now had top face the last one. From what he was seeing this one was on a different level than the others as this one was came charging at him firing different spells at him. Using his martial arts skills, he avoided them; seeing his chance he ran to the dummy dodging the color of spells that were coming his way. Getting close enough a combination of spells in tri form. The first one missed but the second made contact with it left leg and was finished by the last curse that took it head off.

Scanning the field there were no more dummies around, letting out a breath he became on guard when he heard some clapping.

Harry immediately turned around with his wand ready to fire a curse. There he saw master's Sakai and Robinson walking near him, the latter clapping.

"Well done Mr. Potter" Sakai said as she neared him "your skills are growing." Harry dropped his wand and gave her a nod.

Master Robinson took the chance to speak "it would seem like you been practicing as your spells seemed more powerful than last times" he commented "last class I said we were going to do something different! Are you ready?"

"I am" Harry said.

"Good" Sakai replied, "today were going to work on battle transfigurations, I hope you studied what I assigned you." Harry gave a curt nod understanding what the agenda was, "let's begin." Her and Robinson backed up the latter moved out of the way to stand out of the way.

The professor flicked her own wand out and conjured two wolves and sent them towards Harry. When they got near enough, he transfigured them into javelin and banished them to her. She conjured a wall made of marble to impact them, when they impacted there was a crack. With a flick of her wand, she transfigured it into shards and sent them back his way.

Harry intercepted as they were coming in, he turned them into butterflies that scattered. He immediately conjured a fire whip and tried to wrap her in it, but she moved out of the way and transfigured it into a large snake. The snake looked at Harry and charged toward him, slashing his wand in the air he turned the creature into a pile of sand.

He then moved his wand in a circular motion a few times, pointing it up forming a sizable tornado that moved towards her. Followed up by conjuring a group of bats made of fire and sent them to her. Sakai saw the tornado coming and with a slash of her wand she transfigured it into black smoke. She was about to retaliate but was caught off guard by the fiery bats coming her way. Taking a few steps back she conjured a large torrent of water, waving her wand in a pattern she turned it into a giant bird, and had it attack them.

The impact of water and fire turned to smoke, when it cleared it showed them both holding their wand to one another. Sakai lowered her wand "very good I must say that you almost caught me off guard with those spells. Perhaps training you was a good decision" she praised him. Lowering his wand, he looked at her.

"Round one is done" she continued "time for round two be warned this time you better be on your toes."

She received a determined look from him. "Bring it on" was all he said.

True to what she said she upped her game by performing more advanced battle transfigurations. Harry was more than ready as he was able to hold her off. They continued for two hours, both trying to gain an advantage over one another. The onslaught ended when he transfigured the ice wines, she sent to him into grains of sand.

The duel over, he was panting and sweating from the magic he was using. He saw that she went over to where Robinson was and erected a privacy ward around them.

(0^0)

The two masters began talking about the boy progress. Sakai spoke with pride in her voice "the boy shows a natural aptitude for battle transfiguration. His skills are growing, those techniques I used against him would have made others want to call off the duel."

"I told you that boy was skilled, you should have seen the duel he had with Umbridge" he said with venom in his voice as he was aware of the woman reputation.

She gave him a nod "I watched the duel" she confirmed. "Though I would have like to see more. That duel was worth nothing as the toad did not have any technique at all."

"Be that as it may the boy demonstrated a good use of martial magic" she had to grudgingly admit. "I know I said the training would increase based on his progress, but I have a feeling that he might become one of the best students I ever had."

Caleb gave a small chuckle "did I just hear you compliment the boy" he asked with amusement.

Having known him for years she huffed at him "what I said was that I have a feeling, doesn't mean he will. The boy will have to continue to refine his skills if he wants to reach our level" she said and disabled the wards.

Glancing over her shoulder she saw the boy sitting on a chair, walking to him with Caleb in tow. When he saw them coming her got up from his seat.

"Mr. Potter" she addressed "you get full marks for the day" saying that made him breathe a sigh of relief. "Don't get so comfortable remember what I said about your training depending on your progress" she said in a no-nonsense tone.

Harry gave a nod. "Seeing as how you were able to handle todays lesson. I am going to take you to the next level!" She said with a bit of pride in her voice "your guardians will be notified of this and I hope you are ready for what I have in stored for you."

"When do we start?" he asked looking at her with a grin.

"We will start again Thursday. Now your dismissed" he gave her a bow and headed back to the castle.

(0^0)

When he entered the castle, he made his way up to his special room. When he made it to the seventh floor, he felt that he was being followed. He was hearing two sets of footsteps; expanding his senses he found two people walking behind him. Guessing that they were probably using the notice me not charm he decided to play along.

Rounding the corner, he flicked his wand out and casted a disillusionment charm on himself. When the two individuals came from around the corner, they could not find him.

The charms melted off them revealing Granger and Weasley. "Where did he go?" the latter asked.

"I don't know Ron" Granger replied, "he couldn't have just vanished like that."

Harry was leaning against the wall as the two continued to talk, those two idiots were really starting to get on his nerves. He may have to be in the same house as them, but it did not man that he had to like them.

"Where is that git" Ron asked irritably. "It's bad enough he gets special treatment not only did he get on the quidditch team he takes classes that aren't taught here."

As Harry listened to them whine and complain his annoyance at them only grew. They thought he got special treatment hell he worked to get where he was. When he was sure they were out of ear shot he discreetly went to his special room, muttering the password.

Taking a few breaths, he reinforced his mind shields. Shedding his clothes, he walked into a shower that materialized in the room. After a few minutes of cleaning himself off he grabbed a change of clothes.

Reclining on the couch he pulled out his journal that contained his notes about the Patronus and what he found. Mentally asking for a guitar, piccolo flute and a a piano. His wish was granted as the room put the instruments in front of him. Sensing his partner entering the room he gave him a nod. The tiger went to go sit next to him on the couch.

Taking his wand out he said "expecto patronum". The dragon shot out of his wand, grabbing the piccolo he started playing a tune. As he was playing the instrument the dragon started changing into a different animal, this time it turned into a lion. Playing another tune, it changed again into a raven.

Satisfied with what he discovered he tried it with the other two instruments. The guitar made the patronus fly around leaving its residue of musical happiness. The piano made the patronus change colors and made it morph into an eagle then an elephant.

When he stopped playing, he watched the elephant vanish. Grabbing a bottle of ink and a quill he wrote down what he discovered today. Today's experiment was a success as he was able to find a way to make the patronus change into different animals, colors, and how to behave differently. Casting a quick tempus charm, he saw that he had 15 minutes till his meeting with Professor Flitwick.

Deciding to have a few brief minutes to himself he transformed into his animagus form, it had been a while since he transformed, and he missed it. Being in his tiger form made him feel liberated, Byakko got from his seat and trotted toward him. "I can tell you missed being in your animagus form."

Hadrian transformed back into human form "It has been some time since I've transformed" he said while gathering his things for his meeting. After putting them in his bag he scratched the god on his head. Going to the mantle over the fireplace he pulled out the marauders map, tapping his wand on it "I solemnly swear I am up to no good."

The names of everyone in the castle were displayed, looking to see if Professor Flitwick was in his office, he found him and his dad in there. Taking a look, he saw that the two idiot gryffindors were still on the seventh floor, tapping his wand against the parchment "mischief managed" deactivating it.

"Guess I won't be going out the main door" he said while looking at his companion. The god let out a chuckle and watched him request the room to give him a shorter path to the short professor office.

"Good luck, Hadrian" the god wished him his best. Hadrian gave him a cheeky grin then left.

Getting to Flitwick office did not take long as he was soon on the floor of the office. When he made it to the hallway, he watched the staircase vanish. Paying it no mind he went to the professor office, arriving at the door he knocked on it.

"Come in" the half goblins voice was heard. Opening the door, he walked in and saw the occupants.

(0^0)

Slipping his expressionless mask on he entered the room to see that Flitwick was sitting at his desk with Professor Snape standing in the corner. The office was circular, there was a fireplace, different bookshelves that contained a variety of book, along with trophies from the many dueling circuits the man won over the years, and his master's, sorcerer, and dueling degrees.

"Welcome Mr. Potter" the teacher greeted.

"Hello professor Flitwick he returned the gesture. Then looked in the corner to the other professor "Professor Snape" he greeted then turned his head back to the jovial professor. "Thank you for seeing me sir."

"Think nothing of it, please have a seat" he said pointing to the chair in front of the desk which Harry took. "Now as I'm sure your aware of the patronus charm is something that is extraordinarily difficult to master. Most adults can barely even do it!" he pointed out.

"I am aware and that's what I wanted to discuss with you" Hadrian said politely. Filius gave him a nod eager to see what the boy was able to come up with.

Before he could speak Severus spoke up "Filius if there is nothing left to discuss then I will return to my office" he said in a silk voice then made to leave.

But the tiny professor stood up "wait Severus." The potions professor stopped and looked back at him. "Mr. Potter and I were about to discuss the patronus charm, would you be interested in staying?"

Severus pretended to be surprised by the request, reluctantly he gave a shrug and closed the door and put up some silencing spell. "I figured you wouldn't want anybody listening in!" he said moving back to his spot in the corner.

"Mr. Potter" he started "I don't know if you are aware, but Professor Snape has a masters in Defense against the Dark Arts."

"I know" he confirmed. "I read his paper about how to deal with some minor to considerable dark magics" he said with pride.

Severus gave him a curt nod. He already knew his son read his thesis for his defense degree. Filius continued "you said you've been doing some research about the patronus. Have you found what you been looking for?"

"Yes" he said with pride in his voice "and I believe you will be interested in what I was able to uncover."

Filius gave a smile "then proceed." Getting the green light to proceed Harry flicked his wand out of its holster and stood up. With a wave he said "expecto patronum" the dragon patronus shot out of his wand, luckily the room was big enough as it didn't take up much room. Flitwick was in awe at what the boy just did never in all of his life has he ever seen someone so young conjure a corporeal patronus. Rounding his desk, he approached the dragon, reaching with his right arm he was shocked to feel that it was a solid.

"Mr. Potter you managed to cast a solid patronus!" he exclaimed. "But how most people can barely do a shield" he asked while bouncing on his heels. "I'll explain professor but before that I made some discoveries. For instance, can you hear any music emanating from him" he asked.

Filius leaned in and started to hear a beautiful melody, turning to him he gave a nod. "Good can you conjure me piccolo please" Filius looked at with bewilderment before conjuring the instrument and handed it to him. Harry took it and started playing a few tunes.

Both of the professor was watching as the patronus began morphing into different animals. Severus became intrigued at how playing an instrument was able to change the patronus into different animals. "What else have you been able to find out about the Patronus?" he asked.

Harry stopped playing the piccolo allowing the creature to disappear. "You see I made a startling discovery the corporeal patronus most people are able to cast is the incomplete version of what the true patronus should look like."

"Explain he said in a silk tone while leaning with interest. Filius seemed interest in knowing as well so he continued. "From what I gathered the spell and memory create the shield; the memory and feeling create the mist corporeal form. To cast a true patronus the caster has to allow the memory and positive emotions fill them completely."

When he finished explaining he saw that the half-goblin was hanging on to every word.

"What about the music?"

Harry turned to him "the music you heard and the music I played are key essentials as that is how Mr. Aikawa created them in my opinion. When I was researching him, I discovered that he was a musician. From what I learned he believed that the melody of music was able to help individuals feel positive emotions" he explained.

"Is their anything else you learned?" Severus asked while raising an eyebrow

Harry explained how he patronus did more than keep dementors away, he explained how they could be used to send messages, how he experimented with a guitar and a piano, along with how the patronus could dance around leaving a trail of happiness in its way, etc.

Filius was positively giddy as he couldn't stop bouncing "I have one final question Mr. Potter" he said. "Why do you think that most people are unable to cast the patronus?"

"The reason is because people often think to much about being more powerful in terms of magic" he started. "While the spell does require power, people seemed to forget that it requires a powerful memory and feeling. It's not all about how much magic they could supply in it."

"Five Stars! Five Stars Mr. Potter" the charms professor praised and performed a backflip momentarily shocking the other occupants. "Your mother would be incredibly proud of you if she were here. You not only performed an advanced piece of magic you also discovered what others have failed to realize. Take 95 well-earned points to gryffindor! I wish I could give you more, but I can't." he continued bouncing barely able to contain his excitement.

Severus gave him a smile. 'You should be proud. I know I am!' he sent through their link.

Harry shot him a smile 'thanks dad' he said before cutting off the link.

"Mr. Potter, you have truly exceeded my expectations. Congratulations!" Flitwick said with a smile as he went back to his desk.

"Thank you, sir" he gave a nod. "If you don't mind, I like to leave and go relax for a while!"

Realization donned on the older man as he had to guess that the boy must be tired "go ahead and get some rest dear boy" he dismissed him.

The boy grabbed his bag and left the room. Leaving the two professors alone.

(0^0)

Harry soon found himself walking along the fourth-floor hallways deep in thought. His mind was on other things like the patronus charm, the upcoming dueling tournament, and the placement exams when he would go back to Japan.

Those thoughts followed him as he walked the corridors. While idly wondering what else he could improve. He could go train a little bit as he had the free time to do whatever he wanted, thanking merlin for the down time. He was brought out of his thoughts when he heard someone call his name.

"Hadrian wait up man" the voice was familiar.

Looking over his shoulder he saw Blaise and Tracy coming his way. Turning around to face them he saw that they were in high spirit.

"Where have you been, you missed lunch" Blaise asked

"I had a meeting with Professor Flitwick, to discuss the project. I've been working on" he said.

Tracy rose an eyebrow "about your project. You never said what you were working on" she said as a matter of fact. Harry was aware that she was interested in what he was working on.

He was about to respond when he was cut off "where have you been" the irritating voice of one of his fellow gryffindors came.

Taking a breath, he spoke "the bookworm and the red head are coming from behind?" he asked already knowing the answer.

"5 points" Blaise said pointing to them. "Do you two have nothing better to do than to trail us" he asked them

Weasley ears went pink "mind your own business snake. We weren't talking to you."

"Technically only one of you spoke. "Now what do you two wants, we were in the middle of a conversation." Tracy said while looking at the two.

Weasley ears became redder, he was about to retort but Granger beat him to it "we've been looking for Harry if you must know."

Hermione turned her head toward him "where have you been? We've been looking for you for over an hour."

"Where I was is my business Granger" he replied. "And it doesn't concern you!"

Hermione irritation spiked "well I'm making it my business. You weren't in the great hall for lunch" she said.

"Well excuse me if I had better things to do than listen to you badger me and Weasley eat like an animal" he said to her looking back at his friends who started snickering.

"You're a real prat you know that Potter" Weasley said. "You're a gryffindor you shouldn't be hanging around with dark wizards" he pointed to them.

"I do as I please Weasley" he replied to him. "Let's go somewhere else, it is getting stale in here" he looked at Blaise and Tracy who nodded in agreement. The three started walking away.

"Wait" Granger called out "you haven't told us where you were." Harry didn't respond as he just kept walking. She was not having it she stomped toward them and grabbed his left arm "tell us now or I will go tell Professor Dumbledore."

Harry acted on instinct and used his right hand to grab her wrist in a vice grip. He narrowed his eyes at her that seemed to make her rethink what she just did as the look he was giving her made her shiver. When she looked at his eyes, she saw fire in them, making her pale. "I will make this simple for you Granger." He said tightening his hold over her wrist making her yelp in pain.

"I was in a meeting with Professor Flitwick discussing my project. Something that does not concern you, now mind your own damn business and go bother someone else" he said in a cold voice tightening his grip making her crumple to the ground. Then he released her.

Turning around he walked away with his friends in tow, Tracy was gobsmacked at how he handled the bookworm. She knew right then and there not to get on his bad side.

"That was amazing!" she exclaimed. "The way you dealt with the both of them was amazing you didn't take any of their shite."

Harry turned to her "those two aren't worth much. It would have been a waste to spend more time with them." He said as they continued walking. "No doubt Granger will tell one of the teachers either McGonagall or Dumbledore. Hopefully, the latter I don't want to deal with that goat fucking asshole any more than I have to."

"Hey, don't worry" Blaise said putting an arm around him "if they do try anything, we have proof" he said with a grin. He pulled out a rock with a rune on it and handed it to his friend.

Harry took the rock from him and saw the rune. That surprised him as it was a recording one. Turning toward him "you recorded the conversation" he said with his own grin.

That brought a smirk to his and Tracy face. The latter more so as they had a way to prove that they were innocent in this case.

"Wow you actually thought ahead" she commented "that's a first."

Blaise shot her a glare "I have my moments" he said while puffing his chest out. "Besides whom was the one that won our last chess match? Oh me."

Tracy gave him a glare of her own "enjoy your victory for now! I'll be the one winning the next game" she said with determination.

Harry intervened "how many games have you two played?" he asked looking from one to the other.

"Eight games" they said in unison.

"I won four" came from Tracy

"And I won four" Blaise said

(0^0)

They continued with the rest of the day, eventually finding themselves in the middle of dinner. Sitting at the Ravenclaw table the three of them were discussing their classes along with some of the other classes they wanted to take in the future. Tracy kept on asking about what Harry had been working on till he eventually caved. He motioned for the both of them to come closer as he was sitting in the middle, then he whispered what he had been working on.

To say that the two were shocked was an understatement. They were completely surprised at the fact that he had experimented with the patronus charm. Tracy commented that it was a very difficult charm that most adults could not perform. Harry told her that there was another way of performing it rather than just using the common method.

She was about to continue when she saw Professor McGonagall, Weasley and Granger making a bee line toward them, tapping him on the shoulder she motioned for him to look who was coming. Turning his head, he saw that the stern professor was indeed coming his way. "Mr. Potter Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley have filed some complaints against you. Come with me" she said in a no-nonsense tone.

Harry looked her in her in the eye "did they tell you the full story of what happened. Because I was not alone in the matter" he said indicating to Tracy and Blaise.

Blaise stood "it's true professor because I'm sure neither of them told you the full truth." Tracy stood up as well with a serious look on her face. No way she was not going to be present at the meeting.

McGonagall looked at the three of them and could tell that they were going to stick together. Relenting she gave them a look "very well follow me."

As she was about to walk away Tracy stood in her way "professor if we are going to talk then we might as well have our own head of house with us."

"Miss. Davis that is unnecessary." McGonagall looked a bit confused.

"I beg to differ professor" she objected. "You are not only a teacher, but you are also the head of gryffindor house and their seems to be more gryffindors than slytherins. No offense Harry." Harry mouthed 'none taken'.

The stern teacher gave her a critical look "are you saying you don't trust me to be fair when analyzing the situation."

Blaise stepped in "seeing as how it was your lions that started the debacle. What guarantee do we have that you will be more lenient on them" he pointed out.

She was about to rebuke him, but Harry interrupted "after all it says in the school charter that if an incident occurs then the head of house of the student must be present."

Minerva wanted to put an end to this nonsense, but she knew that he was speaking the truth. The charter did say that, glancing at the head table she saw Severus heading toward them.

"What is going on here" Severus demanded. That drew the attention from the other students as they were muttering about what was going on.

"It would appear that Granger and Weasley made a complaint" Blaise spoke up. "Apparently they have a problem with me, Tracy and Harry hanging out."

Minerva confirmed this with a nod even explained how the charter said for the head of house to be present during the inquiry.

"Before we leave may I insist that Professor Flitwick to accompany us. As he will serve as a neutral party" Harry said.

Professor agreed in their own way. Severus motioned for his Filius to come down, when the tiny professor arrived, he was filled in on why he was needed and agreed to be the neutral.

With that out of the way Minerva led them out of the great hall. As they were all walking Minerva had a feeling, she was going to need a headache potion when the meeting was done. Arriving at the office she took a seat behind her desk Severus and his slytherins stood to one corner and Granger and Weasley stood at the other. Leaving Harry and Professor Flitwick in the middle.

"Now Mr. Potter" Minerva started "we are he to discuss Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger complaints about you."

"It sounds like you have already made your decision Professor" he said.

"He is right Minerva we need to hear both sides of the arguments" Filius said. Snape grunted in agreement. "Granger you may start." He motioned.

"Well professor" Hermione started "I like tom complain about the fact that Harry has a tiger and claims it to be his true familiar and has a tattoo. Tattoos are against the rules and the letter we received only stated that owls, cats, and toads were allowed."

"Mr. Potter do you have a tattoo?" he asked looking at him.

"More of a mark professor" Harry clarified "it came when Takashi and I formed the pact, so he could be my true familiar." He rolled his left sleeve up and showed the tiger stripes on them.

He was about to speak but Granger butted in "theirs no such thing as a true familiar. I looked everywhere in the library and I could only find familiars. So, you brought a dangerous animal into the school."

To everyone surprise Severus spoke up "Granger if you did the proper research then you would know that people in the magical world have a deeper connection to animals then muggles" he sneered at her. "the headmaster is already aware of the fact that Potter has a tiger as his familiar and has the license for to prove his claim."

"But…" she tried to speak but was cut off by her head of house. "Professor Snape is right Miss Granger me and the headmaster have already seen the form."

Severus continued "not only that there are laws protecting people and their familiars; attempting to separate them is a punishable offense that will earn you a trip to Azkaban." That made her freeze in fear as she remembered reading about Sirius Black being sent there.

"What's the verdicts?" Came Harry

McGonagall looked at her "Miss Granger you will leave Mr. Potter familiar alone. It has permission to be in this school." Granger looked at the ground and gave a nod. "Your next complaint!"

This time Weasley spoke "professor earlier today we were looking for Potter today we almost caught up to him on the seventh floor, but he vanished some how. We spent the next hour or so looking for him only to find he was hanging with those filthy snakes."

"That will be ten points from gryffindor for disrespecting members of my house Weasley" Snape cut him off not looking happy.

"Continue Mr. Weasley" Flitwick said

"When we confronted them Zabini started acting like a git and asked why we were looking for them." Professor Snape deducted another ten points. "We asked him where he wouldn't say and was about to walk off, but Hermione stopped him. He grabbed her arm in a hard grip and told her that he was in a meeting with Professor Flitwick and told her to mind her own business" he concluded.

"Is this true Mr. Potter" she asked turning her gaze on him.

"Most of it's true but Weasley left out some details. He spoke. "Starting with the fact that he and Granger were following me under a notice me not charm."

"That's a lie" Weasley said.

"Really then have Professor Flitwick perform a diagnosis charm on your wands."

"No way" he hotly retorted his ears going red.

"What's the matter scared he might find something!" He taunted.

Before he could speak Professor, Snape cut in "for the love of Merlin give me your wands" he was growing more irritated. "The longer I have to wait to cast the charm the more points you will lose your house. At the moment you just gryffindor another ten points. Want to keep going?"

The two students didn't look like they were able to reach for their wands and it costed them another twenty points. That was until McGonagall put her foot down "wands the both of you. Now!" She demanded holding out her hand. Reluctantly they have them to her where she casted the diagnosis charm sure enough she found that the charm was performed twice in Grangers wand. Placing them on her desk she gave them both a look of angel and disappointment before turning back to Potter, motioning him to continue.

"I'll let Professor Flitwick and Blaise tell the rest!" He said, bringing her attention to her colleague. "I can confirm that Mr. Potter was in my office with Professor Snape, Minerva. He was showing us his project which I might add was an amazing discovery." He squeaked out. Severus gave a reluctant nod.

Minerva looked torn as she wanted to know about the young man project but was aware of what he thought of her. She sighed then looked at Mr. Zabini "Mr. Zabini would you give your version as to what happened."

Blaise stepped forward and started explaining what happened on how Granger and Weasley interrupted their conversation, demanding Harry to tell them where he was to them walking away and Granger stopping them by putting an arm on Hadrian and demanding again where he was. "Harry reacted on instinct spun around and grabbed her wrist tightly and told her about his meeting with Professor Flitwick and told her to go talk to go bother someone else. Oh, and have her wrist a squeeze for good measure."

"Do you have proof" came Severus.

"I have a recording sir" he pulled out the rune stone from his pocket and handed it to him. Severus took the stone and added a low powered sonorous charm. They listened to the conversation the students had.

When it finished Professor Flitwick "well after hearing both arguments and listening to the recording. I believe that both Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley are at fault for the most part" he said while at the two. "You both instigated the argument in the first place and tried to play the victim, therefore you two will be punished. Starting tomorrow the both of you will spend the next three days in detention with Filch."

He then turned to Harry "Mr. Potter while I understand that they provoked you. Please keep in mind that there are other ways to handle things like this. 15 points from Gryffindor house!" the other two professor agreed though it would seem Professor Snape wanted to add to their punishment but held his tongue. With that they were all dismissed. The teachers stayed while the students left Harry opted to stay with Tracy and Blaise rather than be with his fellow gryffindors. Granger had to drag Weasley away when he saw that Potter wasn't coming with them.

The three talked for a few minutes discussing what happened. Blaise and Tracy were grinning at the fact that the freckled idiot and bookworm got punished. They talked for a while longer then went their separate ways; Harry went to the ROR. Not long later Severus came into the room his face was unreadable.

Severus looked at the boy "I am not happy" was all he said then Harry got up to his feet, before he could speak Severus held a hand up "it's not you I'm angry at you handled that situation rather well all things considered. Rather I am not happy with Weasley and Granger! You should probably know that Dumbledore will find out sooner than later" he explained.

Hadrian let out a groan. The headmaster was really starting to get on his nerves. Severus was aware of what his son was thinking of Albus as it was not good. "Do I really haver to spend more time in his presence? The old fool already tried to use legilimency on me."

Severus anger spiked the old fool dared to try to read his son mind. Yes, he also did look into the minds of students it was only surface thought. Trying to see if any of them got into things they shouldn't have. "Your animosity is understandable, and I sympathize with you, but he is a supreme legilimens and pressing charges would be futile" he said in a calm tone that was laced with irritation.

Hadrian sucked in a breath and allowed Severus to continue. "Tomorrow at a quarter past four Jack will be coming to pick you up. Lord Greengrass wishes for your help when dealing with a matter!"

"Why does Lord Greengrass want to meet with me" Harry asked with a raised eyebrow

Severus curled his lips "a situation has come up that involves his youngest daughter Astoria."

Harry was about to reply but had a feeling his dad would say nothing else. He gave a reluctant nod. "Go get some rest and be ready by the time Jack arrives" Severus said before leaving.

The next day Harry was dressed in a white button up shirt, wearing black trousers and a set of robes with the Potter family crest in front. He was currently in the company of his uncle and Byakko (who was in his tattoo form) they were approaching the apparition point "are you ready?" he asked as they made it outside the wards.

Harry gave a nod. Jack held out an arm and asked Harry to hang on. The moment he grabbed on Jack apparated them both to the front of Greengrass manor. Harry quickly undid his shirt and let Byakko out, when the tiger jumped out, he redid his shirt and flattened his robes.

They proceeded to the entrance, arriving at the entrance Jack was about to knock but it was opened by Lady Roxanne Greengrass. The woman was of exceptional beauty and he could see where Daphne got her looks from.

"Lord Stevenson! Mr. Potter please come in!" She moved out of the way to let them in.

"Lady Greengrass, I thank you for letting me come today" Hadrian said in a formal tone while kissing her knuckles.

Roxanne was momentarily shocked at the boy mannerism but quickly composed herself "Well met Mr. Potter! I take it that this is your true familiar Daphne already wrote to us about him" Harry gave a nod. The she proceeded "everyone is in the ballroom please come with me."

She led them through the main room, and it was exquisitely decorated above the mantle a portrait of Lord Greengrass and his family hung on the wall. They went to the staircase and Roxanne led them to the fourth floor, taking a right they saw the entrance to the ballroom.

Opening the doors, she led them in where they saw Lord Greengrass with Severus along with Daphne and a smaller version of her that he assumed was her sister. The little girl had black hair and brown eyes she looked pale. Daphne was surprised to see that he was here "Harry what are you doing here?" she asked.

"I asked for him to come, Daphne" he said as he approached the boy in question. "Can you do it? Can you cure my daughter? He asked in a firm voice, but Harry could tell the man was desperate.

Harry looked up at the man as he was taller than him "Lord Greengrass I don't even know what's going on." He said honestly. "All I know is that your daughter has an illness in her."

Cyrus rounded back to Severus "I thought you said he could fix her." He hardened his eyes at his old friend.

Severus met his gaze "give him it a minute." He said before turning to his son "Hadrian if you please" he indicated to the girl who was sitting on one of the chairs.

Hadrian went over to the girl with Byakko walking beside him. When he approached them, Daphne held her hand protectively around her sister. He raised a single hand "Daphne I give you my word that I will not harm your sister. I just want to know what's going on."

Daphne didn't know what to think sure her friend was magically impressive, but he wasn't a healer. While she was thinking Byakko approached the younger girl "greeting little one. You have nothing to fear me and my partner just want to know what is going on" Byakko said in a calm voice that surprise of everyone in the room except for Harry, Jack and Severus.

Daphne was the first to speak "wait you can talk, and you been able to understand me the entire time" she was bewildered at the fact that the tiger could talk.

Byakko ignored her and looked at the girl sitting down. He then went back to Hadrian "the girl has a dangerous curse in her" he said to him. Hadrian looked surprised taking a look at Astoria he used his elemental sight and saw that her magic was indeed laced with something dangerous.

Turning back to Byakko the two engaged in mental discussion. They were discussing the best way to help her. After a few minutes of debate, they came to an agreement. Looking back at the adults he took a breath "I'm going to need a few things for the ritual" he said.

The Greengrass matriarch spoke up "what kind of ritual?" she asked with hesitation.

"If I am to make your daughter whole again. Then I'm going to need some ingredients for the process" he answered.

"Fine but know this Potter if you do anything to my daughter then you will answer to me" Cyrus said in a tone that said he meant it.

Hadrian gave a nod. "I'm going to need 3 vials of unicorn tears, blood replenishing potion, 4 boom berries, some fluxweed, 2 winter willow leaves, and for your elves to draw this on the ground" he said flicking his wand and conjuring a piece of parchment and pen. He started drawing a complex looking runic cluster with the symbols around it. When done he handed it to the Greengrass Patriarch.

Cyrus looked over the cluster and was skeptical about what the boy had in mind. Roxanne placed a hand on her husband shoulder getting his attention, she gave him a nod. With a deep sigh he called all of his house elves and had some of them go get the ingredients while the others created the cluster on the ground.

The entire process had taken twenty minutes for them to get everything ready. Harry placed the ingredients in their designated spots and turned to Astoria. "For this to work I'm going to need you to lay on your back and to not move. Understand!"

Astoria looked nervous but complied and got from her seat to lay in the cluster with her eyes closed.

Harry took a deep breath and said "may the mother of magic give me strength for this" he then raised his right hand and held two closed fingers together above his upper lip. And started chanting in Japanese.

"いち" (One)

"に" (Two)

"さん" (Three)

"し、よん" (Four)

"ご" (Five)

"ろく" (Six)

"しち、なな" (Seven)

"はち" (Eight)

"く、きゅう" (Nine)

"じゅう" (Ten)

As he began chanting a white, pink glow started to envelop Astoria.

"浄化されなさい" (Be purified)

"清められる" (Be cleansed)

"そして今すぐ出てきます" (And now come forth at once)

His voice was getting deeper as he continued chanting when he finished the last verse. The glow started to vanish as it was leaving a black and red aura started to leave Astoria body. The aura was eventually left the girl and gave a loud shriek as it became nothing then vanished.

Harry stopped chanting and collapsed to his knees breathing heavily. "She's been purified of the curse." The adults immediately went to their children. The Greengrasses went to Astoria and watched her open her eyes. Severus and Jack had to help Hadrian up as he was struggling to get to his own feet.

"Hadrian are you okay?" Severus asked concern was etched on his face

"I'm alright dad I just need something to drink" Hadrian replied while Byakko rubbed against him affectionately.

Daphne was surprised at what he said "did you just call him dad" she asked bewildered at what she just witnessed.

Severus looked in the girl's direction and saw that the entire Greengrasses were looking at them "yes Hadrian is my son but adopted. I will fill you in later." He said in a firm voice.

A/N: Sorry this chapter so long I've been busy dealing with things. Anyway, Harry demonstrated what he learned about the patronus charm how different types of instruments can affect them. I hope you enjoyed the part where I got Weasley and Granger in trouble. I'm a man who values fairness and equality no way I wasn't going to leave Tracy and Blaise alone with the head of gryffindor without their own head of house.

As for Minerva please note that I don't hate her. I just think she needs to get her priorities straight. She is not only a teacher, but she is a head of house, and the deputy headmistress. In my opinion she is spread to thin. I intend to have her removed from one of them by the end of second year if possible.

Astoria has been cured of her blood curse like I said and the Greengrasses have discovered that Byakko could talk. And have learned that Severus is Harry adoptive father.