Chapter 22
Sunday came by relatively quickly, every member of the slytherin house were told that the council was going to have a session today after dinner and told them to dress for the occasion. Ulrich informed Harry that the council had agreed to having an audience with him but made it clear that they were not to be seen when coming down to the slytherin common room. While normally it has never been done before they were curious to know what Potter wanted to talk to them about. Harry was imagining how this meeting would happen as he didn't know what to expect, he may have promised not to harm any of them, but he couldn't be sure that they would extend the same courtesy.
Earlier this morning Ulrich and Hadrian had a talk. The former explained that the meeting was to take place at 8:45 tonight it would be best that Harry be their early as the council did not tolerate any tardiness. He even told him that it would be best for him to appear in his family robes instead of gryffindor robes. Harry naturally had no problem with that as he was taught diplomacy skills by the Arcturus and Cassiopeia. Harry was expected to conduct himself accordingly as this was a delicate meeting and should anything go wrong then it could spell trouble for him.
Ulrich also mentioned that during the meeting no one was allowed to engage in any duels but silently told Harry to watch himself as it was going to be a tough crowd. Harry said he understood and told the prefect that he would wait outside the portrait hole to the kitchen, with a nod the two parted ways until it would be time for Ulrich to get him.
When dinner time came Harry was in a white button up shirt, a pair black pants, his dragonhide boots and his family robes with his family crest. On his left hand was his family ring. Byakko asked him if he wanted him to accompany him to the dungeon but Harry declined saying that he wanted to do this alone. The god wanted to protest but saw the determination in his young one eyes and agreed. So, he just went to go run in the forbidden forest to go catch his dinner.
Harry ate a light dinner that was prepared by the house elves, looking at his watch he saw that it was 8:30. Thanking the house elves for the meal he left the kitchen and waited for Moon to come. It didn't take long as the sixth year came up behind him "it's time."
Harry took out his wand and disillusioned himself. "Let's go."
Ulrich was briefly surprised at the fact that Potter could cast the disillusionment charm, snapping out of it. He led Harry to the dungeons. The two walked in silence until they made it to the entrance of the common room, normally members from other houses had to get permission to go into common rooms that weren't their own. Either the head of house was to allow entrance, or a prefect had to be the one to allow entrance. There was a reason why the students wore their badges as each house had their own wards to recognize members of their own houses and the badges acted like entrance keys.
Ulrich gave the password and led the disillusion Harry into the common room. Harry saw that every slytherin was present and that there was a large table made marble where the four council members were seated behind. As the portrait closed, Ulrich mouthed stay where he was then going to his seat next to the others.
The four council members looked around and saw that everyone was seated in chairs. Then the seventh year Darren Washington stood up "The monthly meeting of the noble House of Slytherin is now in session. All rise" he said in a business voice. Everyone including the other council members stood up. "Be seated" everyone sat down in their seats. "Ulrich Moon the floor is yours he looked at his friend."
Moon stood up "thank you, councilor Washington" he said giving the boy a respectful bow, before looking at the slytherin body. "As many of you we are the most ostracized house in the entire school. Most of the students believe that we are nothing more than backstabbing dark witches and wizards." The slytherins students all gave a nod as they were aware as to what most of the other students thought about them. "They are dead wrong, as there were some bad students that came from this our house, there were students from the other houses that went bad as well. Yet, they never acknowledge it."
He let that sink into his fellow snakes as many were cursing the treatment they been receiving just because they are in the house of snakes. "Quiet" he command, instantly everyone went silent "during this session today we have a guest from the outside who has requested an audience with us. "The other council members and I have agreed to hear him out. I will quickly remind you that duels are strictly forbidden when the assemblies are in progress." Looking around he saw that most were whispering about who the mystery person was that requested an audience with them, letting them talk for a few minutes he spoke once more "silence" he said putting his hand up.
Everyone stopped talking and looked back to him. Ulrich turned to the portrait hole and gave a nod; Hadrian removed the charm revealing that he was in the room. The entire house was shocked to see him standing there as even his friends were surprised to see him in the snake pit.
One of the slytherins got up to his feet and stared angrily at him "what are you doing here Potter? This is not your common room. Leave before you get hurt" came Marcus Flint.
Flint was one of the bad eggs in the house as he had a knack for doing a lot of underhanded things, especially on the quidditch team.
Moon glared at the boy "sit down Flint, he is here as a guest."
The troll boy turned to him "what is the meaning of this? Potter is a gryffindor and Dumbledore golden boy, he has no rights being in here" he demanded forgetting who he was talking to.
Ulrich was now glaring daggers at him "I'm going to pretend you didn't just demand something from a council member" he said in a cold voice that rattled him.
Flint went pale instantly "no sir. Sorry sir" he said then sat back down.
Moon stared at him menacingly then cleared his throat "as I said before someone from outside our house has requested an audience with us. That was of course Mr. Potter! He has promised that he only wished to talk and wants no trouble, as such nobody here will try to curse him. Am I clear" he looked everyone.
They all said, "yes sir!"
"Good" he looked at them before looking at Harry. "Mr. Potter please come forth and have a seat" he motioned to the chair on the opposite side of the council members.
Harry made his way through the students until he made it to the front, flicking his wand out ignoring the murmur protest from the slytherins and casted a diagnostic charm on the chair he was supposed to sit in. Seeing that there were no traps or curses on it he put his wand back in his holster and faced the council.
They all raised an eyebrow indicating that they wanted an explanation "I had to make sure that no traps were on the chair."
The female council member spoke "you thought we would try and curse you" she narrowed her eyes at him.
Harry was wearing his usual expressionless mask, so her gaze did nothing "all do respect I am in uncharted territory at the moment" he started. If I just took a seat how would I have known if it were a trap or not."
The council was surprised at his response "self-preservation never thought I would see a gryffindor be cautious. Aren't you lions supposed to be brave?" she asked.
Harry narrowed his eyes at her "there is a difference between bravery and stupidity" he stated, "just because I was sorted into gryffindor doesn't mean that I am stupid." Her voice was frosty, but it was nothing compared to Arcturus or Cassiopeia's.
She gave a nod accepting his answer and leaned back in her chair. Moon gave him a nod and Harry took a seat in the chair meant for him. Ulrich followed suit and the person to his right spoke in a business tone.
"Heir Potter you have requested an audience with the slytherin council as you have something you wish to discuss with us." The seventh year started "normally we don't allow any outsiders in here, especially someone a member of gryffindor. But Ulrich has vouched that we give you a chance to speak."
"However, understand if you attempt to try and attack anyone, then the consequences will be severe. Understand?"
Harry looked at him directly in the eyes "I understand Lord Washington" he said in a formal voice.
The seventh year narrowed his eyes at him "so you know that I am the Head of the Washington family."
Harry sat there and replied "I make it a point to know who I am speaking to. As the heir to the Potter family, I am expected to conduct myself like a proper heir of the Most Ancient and Noble House of the Potter. Anything less would be an insult!"
"Good" Darren said in an approving voice. "You passed the first test! Now onto the matter of why you're here tonight."
"All business no nonsense, good! That means I can finally have an intelligent conversation with someone" Harry commented.
That piqued the boy interest "what the lion's den not intelligent enough for you?"
"All honestly I rather avoid some of the members of my house, if all possible" Hadrian replied.
"You speak of Weasley and Granger!" He said as a matter of fact.
Harry let out an annoyed breath "out of all the members in my house those two annoy me the most. Granger with her overbearing teacher's pet attitude and Weasley lack of common sense. Is a headache and has made living in the common room unbearable."
That brought a round of chuckles from the other students especially the first years as they had to attend classes with them. The council even looked momentarily amused but quickly composed themselves.
Washington continued "I must say their Potter you really are a mystery. Most of us were thinking that you would have accepted those two as your friend and be Dumbledore little champion for the light."
"Why would you assume that? In case none of you been paying attention, I don't get along with that goat fucking asshole. Especially, not after what he did to me and my family" he declared.
"Yes, we know about you being placed with those muggle relatives of yours. Truthfully, some of us were kind of hoping you would have sentenced them both to death."
"Believe me when I say this there was a large part of me that just wanted to end them right there. However, that would have been too easy, as they needed to suffer."
The slytherins were surprised at him as they knew what happened at the trial. "Very well said!" Washington praised.
"Now as to the reason I'm here" Harry began "there has been a growing problem that should have been put to rest years ago!" Everyone attention was now on him.
"What type of problem" the female member asked.
"Dumbledore being a bias git and dismissing the complaints of the students who are not in gryffindor" Harry replied.
Another member of the council spoke up "it's no lie that Dumbledore has favored the lions over the other houses" he commented "and that he has dismissed our complaints about how some of them are allowed so much free reign to do whatever they want."
Bianca Parker followed up "that said why are you not happy about it. You know doubt know that our own head of house favors us over the other houses" she enquired.
Harry looked at her "it's no lie that Professor Snape is cold, cynical, and bias towards you" he admitted "but at least he actually protects you all and is capable of keeping the members of his house in order."
The ones in the background muttered in agreement as Snape has on more than a few occasions stood up for them when the other houses attacked them. That said he did punish them if they acted out by being stupid. "Not only that" Harry continued "I've observed how the other professors act more notably Dumbledore and how he has allowed the gryffindor house to become a sideshow of weaklings. That think they can do whatever they want, however the wand cuts both ways as I know that some members of slytherin have gone out of their way to attack and harass them without provocation."
The council was surprised at what he said and while they didn't want to admit it, he was right as for the slytherin body they were torn. Some of them agreed that it was true that some of them have attacked members from other houses. The others were seething as they believed that Potter was trying to make it sound like it was their fault.
The four council seemed to have engaged in a silent conversation as they were wondering what he was trying to accomplish. Washington was the one to speak first "what are you getting at Potter?"
Harry replied, "from what I understand slytherins can't complain about the treatments they get from the other houses and have to present a united front correct?"
The four gave a nod "that said there are sometimes where enough is enough. As it is right now the treatment you all get should have been addressed years ago but the headmaster and some of his supporters just look the other way" he paused for a moment to let them think. "But let me ask you four this: if you all don't speak up then who will look after you? Just because you can't complain doesn't mean that you can't voice your opinions."
"He's right" came a voice Harry turned around and saw that everyone was looking at the person who was standing up. He knew who she was Nicole Vaisey. "It's time that the outside world finally sees what is really happening in Hogwarts" many of the others voiced their agreements.
The fourth year girl looked from him to the council "permission to ask their Potter some questions?"
All four members looked at each other for a moment then looked to her. Sebastian replied, "permission granted!"
Vaisey moved from her chair and went to go stand in before Potter. "Heir Potter you have voiced your annoyance at the way Dumbledore has been running the school. I can't help but wonder what it is you are trying to gain from this."
"Was a question in that" Harry said.
Nicole just stared at him; Harry had his occlumency shields in full force since walking into the common room. "My question is what is it that you hope to gain from us helping you?"
"All I ask is for civility for myself and my sister when she comes here" he answered. Vaisey was surprised ash expected him to ask for something greater. But he just wanted civility for him and his sister.
"Even if we did agree to your terms, what makes you think we won't betray you?" she asked wanting to know his response.
Harry narrowed his eyes "if you wanted to attack me then you would have done so by now. The time I've been at this school you all had multiple opportunities to attack me you didn't. Even when I walked in one of you could have pulled out a wand and tries to curse me, again you didn't. Despite what the other houses think you all are not evil backstabbing dark witches and wizards."
Nicole let out a giggle before composing herself "you make some valid points!" she replied. She turned to the council "I have no further questions" she then returned to her seat.
Newman of the council spoke up "alright Potter! You've addressed the problems at Hogwarts and have asked for civility for you and your sister. But what do you have to offer us?"
A small smile grew on Harry's face "what I can offer is opportunities" he answered, "opportunities to finally speak and to have your concerns addressed and a bonus would be that you can lesson Dumbledore influence around the castle."
The council seemed intrigued by this and looked as if they were considering his words. Washington decided to speak "if we do help you, how do we know that you won't betray us in anyway" he pointed out.
The entire slytherin common room looked with interest as they wanted to know his answer. "You don't" he replied, "but I figured that you would be interest in saving your own arses or at least like the chance to not look over your shoulders every few minutes."
Harry continued "also, how do I not know that you won't order the other members of your house to attack me the moment my back is turned or won't go back on the terms?"
The five engaged in a silent stare off as if they were trying to judge one another. Everyone was deadly silent as they didn't know what was going to happen. Even Harry's friends were looking with anticipation.
The stare down lasted for a few more minutes neither of them broke the connection. That was until the three male members burst out laughing while and the female sat back in her chair with a look of approval on her face.
It took a few minutes for them to calm down and they composed themselves. Ulrich was the one to speak "Potter you got a pair of balls you know that!" he commented.
Harry lip turned up a bit "I've been told" was his only reply. Sebastian was the next to speak "the entire house must vote on it. As you are not a member of the house, we will put you under some privacy wards and take a vote. Follow me!"
He got up from his seat and led Harry to a corner near the staircase leading to the boys dorm. Taking his wand out he erected the wards around the younger students. Then went back to his seat, motioning to Bianca to continue she took charge.
"Before we cast our votes, I like to know a few things" she started off, then looked to the three slytherins that have spent time with Potter. Blaise Zabini, Tracey Davis, Daphne Greengrass please stand up." The three complied and stood up "you three have spent the most time with Potter what is your interpretation of him?"
The former was the first to speak "in the time me and Hadrian have known each other he has never once acted like an arrogant spoiled snob who thinks he's entitled to anything. If anything, he just wants to live his life with his family and watch them thrive. No question that he can be antisocial and cold, but you have to be made of stone to hate the guy."
Daphne soon followed "Hadrian is not like any of the other gryffindors as he is not outgoing or loud, rather he is a hard worker and wishes to become the best he can be. He has also helped me in some of the materials outside of class, proving that he is a helpful person. Other than that, having him around is really nice as he has never once bullied or done anything to harass any of us."
Tracey was the next to speak "I would like to comment on what these two have said. He has been helpful when it comes to teaching us about how some spell work require different focus points. Not only that he has been a good friend all year long and not once ever acted as if he's better than anyone."
She accepted their answers and gestured for them to sit back down. "Without further ado all those who are against providing Potter with assistance show of hands." Only six students held up their hands as they didn't trust that potter would deliver on his promise. "All those for helping him raise your hands" the rest of the slytherin house raised a hand event the members of the council raised their hands in agreement.
Seeing that the majority was for helping Potter, she motioned for Williams to undo the wards, when the wards came down Harry was led to the opposite side of the council. Washington stood up to look at him "we have voted on the matter of helping you, Mr. Potter."
Harry just stared at him waiting for the verdict, not that he couldn't hear what was happening thanks to his enhanced hearing but decided to play along. The boy continued "by a majority vote we have agreed to help you, and should you succeed then we will grant your requests to civility."
Harry let out a sigh of relief, even though it was fake. "now how do you want to deal with Dumbledore?"
"Before, I tell you what I have in mind. I like to give you all some insurance saying that I will not betray you."
The older boy raised an eyebrow "what kind of insurance?" Harry took out his wand and spoke "I Hadrian James Potter hereby swear on my life and magic that I will never give away the location or the password to the Slytherin common room for as long as I am a student at Hogwarts, so mote it be." When he finished, he was engulfed in a white light signifying that the vow had taken effect.
Everyone was shocked at what he did never before have they ever seen someone swear a magical vow like that.
Moon was the first to recover "you didn't have to do that!" he stated. Harry looked at him "I had to show that I meant no harm to anyone and that I would never betray your trust. Also, I figured that it would be the only insurance that would be accepted."
Harry didn't know it, but he had just won some brownie points with the slytherins as he swore to protect them from any none members. "Now to my plan here is what I need" he spent the next half hour explaining his plan, next week during dinner he would address the how the houses are all equal and should not be generalized just because there were a few bad witches or wizards. He told them that for their plan to succeed he would need a list of complaints against the way Dumbledore been running the school and that they would take the matter to the international press.
When he was done the house stared in wide-eyed as they had to admit that his plan was indeed cunning. "You would have made a fine slytherin Potter" Bianca commented. Harry let out a grunt in amusement "now that we have an accord, I would like to return to my dorm to sleep" the council agreed, and he left the room.
A week later it soon came time for dinner and the slytherins were radiating a lot of excitement. Finally, they would at long last get to speak. At the moment Harry was sitting at the ravenclaw table next to his friends to his right sat Darren Washington and Ulrich Moon. He had managed to get Padma and Susan to speak to their houses and join in as they too were not happy with the way Dumbledore been running the school. Needless to say, they had four large boxes filled with complaints. Harry looked around and saw that all of the students were seated, he nudged bringing him his attention "initiate phase 1" he muttered. Washington got up from his seat, took out his wand levitated the boxes and walked to the head table; Harry and Daphne took out some recording crystals and activated them.
When the professor were surprised to see that the 7th year was approaching them while levitating the boxes. Dumbledore spoke "Mr. Washington if I may ask what is in those boxes?" Darren narrowed his eyes "these are a list of complaints taken from Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin." He said loud enough to bring the entire great hall attention to him, the teachers were shocked as some of the students were willing to complain about their time at Hogwarts. "You will find that they all voice their objections to how you have been running this school.
Dumbledore put on his grandfather persona "come now Mr. Washington, I'm sure that this is all a miss understanding."
Darren scoffed at him. "I think not headmaster, in the time that most of us have been at this school you have acted like an idiot and have been unfair to not only the slytherins but to anyone who is not a member of gryffindor."
That brought some gasps from the gryffindor house as they could not believe what they just heard. Even the professors were stunned save for Severus who was internally enjoying the show, but he was the head of slytherin house and stood up "Mr. Washington stand down" he may have said it, but his black eyes were twinkling with glee and his lips curved up.
Ulrich stood up and walked up to them "apologies Professor Snape but no" most of the students were shocked that a member of the house of slytherin just said 'no'. Severus just raised an eyebrow "we the members of slytherin house are united in this as we are tired of the headmaster ignoring our complaints about the treatment we've been getting."
The teachers were shocked except for Severus who was appeared to have a smile grow on his face. They looked to see that the entire slytherin house, along with Hadrian, and a majority of the members from the other houses were on their feet. Dumbledore stood up at full height "everyone please "I'm sure that whatever has been going on is a mere mistake. Please go back to your meals!"
"Oh, you like that wouldn't you" came a voice that he knew all too well, the raven haired green eyed boy came to the front of the head table. "What you have here" he pointed to the levitated boxes "are list of complaints that should have been dealt with years ago. Something that you have ignored on several occasion."
"Har" Dumbledore attempted to say the boy by his first name but stopped himself after receiving a cold glare "Mr. Potter I assure you that this is completely unnecessary, let's discuss this in my office" he tried. This was going to be a major headache. The boy just said "we will discuss this now, as it says in the Hogwarts by laws if a house has been found to have been treated unfairly, then it is the headmaster or headmistress job to correct it. If he or she does not, then they are in breach of their contracts and will be suspended from duties or removed from their positions as the head of the school. You would not be trying to ignore the complaints of the students you swore to protect would you professor." Harry summoned the book of Hogwarts by laws to his hand and handed it to Professor McGonagall.
The transfiguration teacher tore through the book and after flipping through half of the book she found the section he was talking about. Quickly reading it over she went pale "Dumbledore he is right" she handed the book to him so he could view it himself and their it was as clear as day written in black ink.
Harry was enjoying the angry look on Dumbledore face "now if any of you professors don't mind, I would like to address the student body." A few of the teachers were surprised as they were curious about what the young man in front of them was going to say.
Harry stood before the entire student body and began "everyone listen up. There has been a growing bigotry problem when it comes to the four houses. Many of you here seem to have forgotten that this is a school not a place to go bully or harass people just because they are sorted into different houses. The moment you all were sorted into the houses you all seem to think that gives you just cause to act like a bunch of spineless cowards, who think they can do or say whatever you want."
Everyone started muttering amongst themselves, until the youngest Weasley stood up "what are you getting at Potter" he shouted while shoving a sizeable amount of food into his mouth.
"Ah Weasley a perfect example as to what I am talking about" he started. "In the time you been here Weasley you have done nothing but sat on your lazy butt either harassing me to go support Dumbledore or verbally assault the slytherins. By calling them dark witches and wizards or say that they are death eaters."
"That because they are" Weasley commented "it's bad enough that we have to attend school with them. In case, you don't know many of them have attacked gryffindors and the other houses multiple times." Some of the students who were not in slytherin agreed with him, many of whom were staunch supporters of Dumbledore.
Hadrian let out a breath "apparently you have forgot most of the time it's gryffindor that often goes after them."
"That's a lie no gryffindor would ever go after them without being provoked" Weasley was going as red as his hair. Harry just looked at him like he was stupid "let's start with this shall we: Starting with a sixth year in our house Leon Walker and his friends were caught beating up two girls who were in slytherin and hufflepuff, according to them they were tired and wanted to have some fun."
Everyone looked at Walker and his friends with angry looks that made them shrink in their chairs. Harry continued "and let's not forget that a few years ago there was a skirmish on the second floor corridor involving gryffindors and slytherins. The gryffindors went after them, destroyed their homework assignments and used some very lethal spells on them." Many of the older years nodded in agreement as they remembered that incident.
"Are you going to really say that gryffindors are saints and their actions are justified?" The entire gryffindor house were looking down in shame, all except for Weasley who was seeing red. "They probably had it coming" he blurted out. The house of lions were now glaring daggers at him whilst his brothers forced him back down. However, that did little as the boy yelled "besides those snakes should be grateful that Dumbledore let them come to school not that they deserve it. Besides, Dumbledore has even said that all dark wizards were slytherins."
Harry was not happy, and neither were thew slytherins "how about I give you a lesson about the traits from each houses Weasley. And this is for everyone who agrees with him" his voice was firm and indicated that he was not playing. "We will start with the house of slytherins or as you so eloquently say all the time is a breeding ground for dark wizards and Witches. Slytherin is a house that values: cunning, ambition, resourcefulness, and self-preservation those are the good qualities. The bad qualities are that they don't wager the pros and cons of their actions most of the time and they can be so consumed with pursuing their goals without seeing the consequences of their actions. That said it doesn't make them evil most just want to be left alone" all of the slytherins nodded in unison. "Next it will be Hufflepuff house: loyalty, hardworking, fairness, and patience those are their good qualities, the bad is that they can be naïve and easily succumb to peer pressure" the head of the house of badgers could not agree more with what the boy just said as it was true. Next is Ravenclaw the who value intelligence, creativity, wit, curiosity, knowledge again the good; the bad is that they are antisocial, refuse to see things from different perspectives, and believe that they possess all of the brain powers" Flitwick while looked sad had to agree it was a flaw that his eagles had that he noticed on many occasion. "Finally, we have the gryffindors the house of bravery, daring, nerve, and chivalry good side; bad side they wear their hearts on their sleeves and jump to conclusions and not think beforehand, they are brash and impulsive, not only that from what I've seen they are nothing more than a bunch of arrogant jerks who think they can do whatever they want. And if I may add myself a house of not lions but sheep!"
Harry took a breath and watched the members of his house bow their heads in shame, even Minerva had to agree which cut like a knife. Regaining his breath, he continued "do any of you understand the point of what I just said. Each and every house has its good and bad qualities. No house is perfect so stop acting like your better than others you are here to study magic. I'm not saying you have to befriend them, just be neutral with one another or if you don't like them then walk away; is that so hard to do!" Everyone was could be seen talking about what he said.
Weasley broke free of his brothers grasp, stood up and said, "but it doesn't change the fact that the dark faction is evil and many of them come from them." Harry watched as some of the others agree with him and he pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance.
"You really are not that bright are you Weasley" Harry commented. "Evidently your parents never taught you to look beyond different factions or the houses, just like they neglected to teach you table manners." That made the slytherins laugh at how he just burned Weasley, a sizeable number of eagles and badgers were either laughing or nodding; and the gryffindors had to grudgingly agree with him. "Just because people are from slytherin and the dark faction does not mean that they are evil! If you can't see that then I feel sorry for you."
"What do you mean the dark faction isn't evil, there far too extreme in their ideals" a hufflepuff boy in his year said. Harry knew who he was Zacharias Smith heir to the Ancient and Noble House of the Smith family.
"Come on Smith sure you should know the difference" he pointed out. Harry explained that if a person is a member of the light it doesn't mean that they are good the same with being a dark member didn't mean that they were evil. He pointed out that Madam Pomfrey was in slytherin house when she was in Hogwarts, which shocked everyone as their resident healer was a snake back in the day. Harry mentioned how Auror Alastor Moody was in slytherin and became one of the best aurors in the departments, even mentioned on how his grandmother Dorea Narcissa Potter née Black was a member of the Black family and had masteries in Transfiguration, Defense, Potions, and Charms. Everyone stared with wide eyes. Harry followed up with naming members from the other houses like Madam Amelia Bones the current head of the DMLE, Griselda Marchbank the head of the W.E.A and Chief Witch.
"Any other complaints" Harry asked
Finnegan was the one to respond "what about He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and his followers? They came from slytherin!"
Harry looked at the Irish boy "not all of his followers were in slytherin, others came from Hufflepuff" everyone stared at the house of badgers. "A great number of them were in Ravenclaw and in Gryffindor as well. Those death eaters believed in loyalty, ambition, intellect, and bravery. They used that to their advantages and were capable of waging a war that even got the ICW attention. As it takes a lot to get their attentions."
He let that sink in as everyone was in shock at what he said a majority looked down in shame, while others were in denial. "Do you all know the morale of what I am explaining: It's to show you all that no one house is at fault for producing dark witches or wizards, it a matter of how far they go and how they deal with situations. Meaning that you all need to get it into your thick heads that not everything is as Black and White as you make it appear to be."
Harry turned around to face Dumbledore who was mad "you should have nipped this problem in the butt a long time ago. But no, you just sat in your chair eating sweets and let the school become a show of arrogant bastards who think they can do whatever they want. I wonder if you are actually even capable of running a school if you are unable to even control the bullying. You're just a sad old man" his eyes were laced with disdain as he looked at Albus. After that he started walking down the now silent great hall as everyone didn't even have the stomach to say anything; he quickly casted a look at Moon and Washington telling them to proceed with phase two.
Just as he was about to leave the hall, he felt a spell being shot at him from behind, dodging to the left he whirled around and saw that Weasley had his wand out with a look of intense rage on his face." Potter you are a traitor, you would rather side with a bunch of dark wizards than support the leader of the light your parents should be ashamed of you."
Harry was unnerved by what he said but internally he was thinking of the many ways he could hurt the whelp. Ron continued "I challenge you to a wizard duel you spoiled brat" he said it loud enough so everyone could hear. No one could believe what just happened even the teachers who were immediately on their feet's were surprised.
Harry kept his expressionless face on "do you really want to fight me Weasley. With your level of magic, you be better off fighting a 7 year old." he commented. That apparently did it as Ron started running and firing whatever curse he knew at Potter; he would teach the bow who lived to respect him.
All the while the red head was running toward him with curses Harry effortlessly dodged them. Seeing that his spells were making contact Weasley forgot he was a wizard and tried to punch him with his right hook. Harry blocked it with his left arm and delivered a few painful punches to the boy stomach breaking a rib then flipped him over on his stomach while twisting his arm around. In one motion he kicked Weasley elbow and broke it. The red head screamed out in pain as Harry let his arm go and casually walked out of the hall like nothing happened, leaving the rest of the students surprised at what just happened.
The school matron helped Ron up and immediately took him to the hospital wing, Granger and his brothers in tow. House by house they all left the great hall, with the slytherin knowing that part one was done, and they were going to initiate part two. Once, all the students left the teachers were still trying to make sense of what just happened (save for Severus who was looking extremely pleased).
"What just happened" Dumbledore exclaimed.
Everyone's attention was now on him "I can't believe what that boy just did" he said in a very angry voice. How dare that boy question his judgment when it came to running the school. His school!
Filius was the one to speak "frankly Albus I agree with him" the tiny professor declared. "It took a lot of courage to do what he did and what he said was the absolute truth."
Minerva regained herself and looked at her colleague "Filius I know things at Hogwarts are far from perfect, and that some areas need improvement, but I hardly think it was necessary for him to speak out like that." She may have said it but deep down she was conflicted as part of her couldn't help but agree with the boy.
"You sure about that Minerva" the staff turned to Severus. "It's an agony to admit to this but the boy is correct. For far too long there have been confrontations based on the bigotry when comes to the houses" he said it as if he ate a sour lemon. Even though he was happy in the inside. "I may favor my house ahead of the others but at least protect and keep them in line."
Septima was the next to speak "I didn't know that things got this far out of hand. Mr. Potter was absolutely correct with what he said things need to change around this school or we can kiss our jobs goodbye."
Severus silently agreed with her along with some of the other members and walked out of the room.
Albus raced to his office as fast as he could and immediately pulled out a bottle of Firewhiskey from his drawer and poured the contents in a glass. That insolent brat had the nerve to question him, not only that he pointed out that Tom had members from all four houses. The insufferable brat even pointed out that any house could have spawned dark witches and wizards, he even had the nerve to point out the faults of gryffindors and call them sheep and a bunch of arrogant jerks. If that weren't bad enough, he had to deal with the box of complaints that had come from the students. Thirty years ago, he had to deal with a similar problem but that was when he had the power and the influence to keep things quiet, he may have still held some power and influence, but it was heavily diminished thanks to Sirius trial. He would have to make sure that this did not get to the Daily Prophet as it would mean a lot of trouble for him and his reputation.
An hour later Dumbledore was passed out drunk. He didn't even register that the portrait of Phineas Black was laughing his arse off as he had a feeling, he knew what pushed Dumbledore to drink this much and cause him a lot of trouble.
The next few days were uneventful as the entire student body were second guessing some of their beliefs and looking at their houses from different perspectives. Save for a few who refused to acknowledge what happened a few days ago. The slytherin house was in high spirit as they had sent letters to the international press along with the crystals followed by the list of complaints, they had against the way Dumbledore been running the school. The members from the other two houses sent in their letters and complaints and the next morning. All hell broke lose as the screen in the great hall activated and the press talked about what's been going on in Hogwarts. The reporter showed the crystals that contained the events of what happened and even read a fair number of letters they received from the students. Finally, the reporter voiced the concern about if Albus Dumbledore should step down from his position as headmaster.
For days Dumbledore didn't even leave his office as he was trying to do damage control. He had been receiving letters and howlers from angry parents who were threatening to take their children out of Hogwarts and just tutor them at home. Needless to say, Albus was not happy as the whole thing was driving him up a wall. The sorting hat and many of the past headmasters and headmistresses were either laughing or yelling at him for his blatant disregard of the students.
If Dumbledore thought, he had it bad it was nothing compared to Ron Weasley who received a howler from his mother. Damn that woman had a set of lungs on her. Molly yelled at her son about how he had embarrassed not only his house but also poor Dumbledore's. She said that when he got home that he would be grounded for a month. That had embarrassed the boy so much that he ran out of the lunchroom and locked himself in the gryffindor common room nursing his wounded pride. All the while blaming Potter for this.
(0^0)
April soon became June with hardly any problems. The gryffindors won the quidditch cup, which made Minerva happy as her house hadn't won the cup in years. Harry went and retrieved the philosophers stone from where it was all the while have a recording crystal follow. To him the protections were child's play as they were mediocre at best. He came to the conclusion that Dumbledore wanted him, Granger, and Weasley to retrieve it together. Of course, Harry had other plans as he refused to be a weapon for that old bastard.
The first protection was fluffy, all he did was play some music with his flute and the creature was asleep. Under its paw was a trap door, Harry scoffed at this as he thought that there must have been another way down. Using his elemental sight, he looked around the room and found a door that was charmed to look like the wall. Choosing to do things the easy way he proceeded down the stairs where he avoided facing any of the other traps. When he made it to the bottom of the stairs, he started walking the dark halls only to hear movement from above; looking up he saw Devil's Snare the plant would have been easy to overcome as the only thing that would have been required was bright light. Proceeding forward he found a room with a bunch of flying keys and a broomstick; Harry just shook his head as this challenge. All of the keys had flapping wings except one which was broken, that key was obviously the one to unlock the door. Were he the idiot gryffindor boy Dumbledore wanted he would have just grabbed the broom, but Harry was smarter than that. Flicking his wand out he cast the freezing charm to make the keys stop flying, then accioed the key with the broken wing to him.
Opening the door, he walked ahead and proceeded to the next challenge which was a giant chess board. Harry didn't even have to think as he already knew who this was meant for, the idiot red head in his year. No matter how much didn't want to admit it the whelp was apparently good at chess, but he seen better. Walking around the giant board game to avoid activating it, he soon came into a room with two mountain trolls who were already dead. Closing his eyes for a moment he said "an end to the torment as you leave return to the stars. May the mother of magic help both you find purpose again."
He past them to the next challenge. The room was empty save for seven different potion vials. Harry took a step forward and the door was immediately engulfed with black flames. Looking around the room he found a note next to the bottles, it said:
Danger lies before you, while safety lies behind,
Two of us will help you, whichever you would find,
One among us seven will let you move ahead,
Another will transport the drinker back instead,
Two among our number hold only nettle wine,
Three of us are killers, waiting bidden in line.
Choose, unless you wish to stay here forevermore,
To help you in your choice, we give you these clues four:
First, however slyly the poison tries to hide
You will always find some on nettle wine's left side;
Second, different are those who stand at either end,
But if you would move onward, neither is your friend;
Third, as you see clearly, all are different size,
Neither dwarf nor giant holds death in their insides;
Fourth, the second left and the second on the right
Are twins once you taste them, though different at first sight
This was a logic puzzle designed by his dad. Since he was a fire elemental, he could have just manipulated the flames away or he could take one of the potions. Deciding the latter, he looked at each potion bottle scanning them with his eyes. The thing was potions did have magic in them, but it was hard to detect. Looking at the little bottle in the middle he knew that this would be the one; grabbing it and downing the contents he moved through the flame covered door with ease.
Moving ahead he soon found himself entering the last room, that had nothing but the Mirror of Erised as much as Harry wanted to avoid the mirror, he knew he would just be there for a limited time. Stepping forward he walked to the mirror where he saw himself. The mirror showed a picture of him reaching into his pocket and pulling the stone out. Harry copied what his portrait self-did and reached into his pocket only to pull out the philosophers stone.
Harry did not seek it for himself as it was not his to keep, resigning himself he decided to send it back to its proper owners, pocketing it. He looked around for a way out of the chamber. Thanking his elemental eyes ability, he found a way out. Like the door upstairs it was charmed to be like the brick wall; disabling the charm he opened the door and went up the stairs.
Climbing the stairs, he soon found himself on the fourth floor. Using his wand, he summoned the crystal to him and deactivated it, those traps were too easy as they were simple enough for a 1st year to get past. Well one who was competent. Quickly casting a disillusionment, he went back to his special room where his father and Byakko were waiting.
There he showed the two the recording and Severus was livid as Dumbledore tampered with not only his challenge but the others as well. The old bastard purposefully made sure to make the challenges easy as possible. If an eleven year old was able to get past those enchantment, then what would there had been to stop Voldemort from getting it.
After that night Harry called Sarah and asked if she could send an owl to him. His aunt sent it but only after demanding to know his reason. Harry explained everything to her, and she was not pleased with what she heard, Severus jumped in a few times and told her that he sent Harry to go retrieve the stone.
Relenting she sent a beautiful snow white owl, who she named Hedwig. Harry put the stone in a small brief case and attached a letter to the owl foot. Hedwig was told that the Flamel's may be hard to find as their location was unplottable, with that he sent her off to go find and deliver what was rightfully theirs.
(0^0)
It was now the last day of school and everyone was outside the great hall looking at the wall to see their ranking. Harry of course didn't care as he received his grades yesterday and his rank. He only went because his friends dragged him along as they were eager to see how they did. Looking at the ranking for the first years it said:
Greengrass
2. Padma Patil and Hermione Granger
3. Lisa Turpin
4. Sue Li
5. Tracey Davis
6. Blaise Zabini
7. Susan Bones
8. Michael Corner
9. Hannah Abbot
10. Draco Malfoy
After they saw their ranks they were satisfied with where they ended up. Save for Granger who was angry at the fact that she did not come in first place. In her primary school she had always stood in first place and was positive that she would be first place as well. She was meant to be in first place not blonde slytherin girl.
Turning around she saw the four friends going into the great hall, she angrily marched toward them "how did you get first Greengrass?" Daphne turned around keeping her cold mask on "are you talking to me, Granger" the last thing she wanted to deal with the bushy haired girl.
Granger just went on ignoring the blonde's comment "how did you get first place; I've spent more time in the library than anyone else."
Daphne just replied "good do you want a cookie" she mocked and turned away.
"You must have had someone help you! That's cheating it's the only way that you could have gotten first place" Granger exclaimed.
Daphne turned around and gave the annoying girl a frosty glare. "First of all, Granger I did not cheat, I earned the grades fairly. Second just because you spent the most time in the library doesn't mean that you will get the highest grades. Third you have to be the most arrogant person I have ever met in my life. You think that just because you can memorize and regurgitate everything out of a book makes you intelligent. That just means you're an idiot with a good memory."
"I am not an idiot" Hermione shouted. "I am the smartest witch in our year, not you."
"Whatever helps you sleep at night Granger" Daphne was getting irritated "now how about you go bother someone else! We were enjoying a conversation before you walked up."
"Tell me how you" Granger was about to finish but was cut off.
"What is going on here" Professor Snape appeared behind her that made Hermione back up.
"Professor, Granger was accusing me of cheating because she didn't get first place" Daphne innocently said.
"Really" Snape said in a cold voice as he turned to the gryffindor girl.
Granger defended "it's the truth professor I've spent more time in the library than Greengrass so I should have gotten first place not her. If anything, I bet Potter was helping her as she cannot be that smart."
Severus black eyes became cold as he narrowed them at her, which made her freeze, "you have to be the most arrogant person I have ever met" he said in a silk voice. "Just because Miss Greengrass doesn't live in the library like you Granger doesn't mean she cheated. I have seen many students come and go from this school and they have gotten high marks while spending no more than the required time in the library."
Severus continued. "Also, if there was a brain in that skull of your then you would know that the rules do not forbid students from having study groups."
"But Professor" Granger attempted to say. But Severus talked over her "are you questioning my authority miss. Granger" he stepped closer to her with a scowl on his face that made her pale.
"N-No sir" she said weakly.
Severus did not believe her "that will be 10 points for lying to me and another 15 for calling a student a cheat just because of your arrogance. Now go take a seat!" he moved past the girl ignoring the fact that she had tears in her eyes. Hermione went to the end of the table silently crying her eyes out.
When everyone arrived, they sat at their respective house tables eating breakfast. Harry sat with the quidditch team as he found them tolerable and not annoying pricks. When breakfast was over the plates vanished and they all saw the headmaster stand in front of the podium.
Albus was glad that the year was over as he was sure that it was the worst year he ever had to endure. Not only were people questioning him inside the government but now they were questioning if he was capable of remaining in charge of school. He was even forced to expel those three boys for what they did to Miss. Moon and Miss. Mills. The formers parents were angry at what happened to their daughter, evidently her brother told them and that caused a big scandal. Poor Albus just wanted to crawl back into his office and lock himself in. Masking his pain, he went to go address the students.
"Another year gone!" Dumbledore said cheerfully. "What a year it has been! Hopefully, your heads are all a little fuller than they were... you have the whole summer ahead to get them nice and empty before next year starts...
"Now, as I understand it, the house cup here needs awarding, and the points stand thus:
Gryffindor: 312 points
Hufflepuff: 352 points
Ravenclaw: 426 points
Slytherin: 472 points. A storm of cheering and stamping broke out from the Slytherin table.
"Yes, Yes, well done, Slytherin," said Dumbledore. "However, recent events must be taken into account."
Harry mentally grumbled as he didn't like the way things were going.
"First to Miss Hermione Granger... for the use of cool logic in the face of fire, I award Gryffindor house 75 points."
Granger face immediately changed from sadness to delight. Some of her fellow gryffindors were complimenting her.
"Second… to Mr. Ronald Weasley for the best-played game of chess Hogwarts has seen in many years, I award Gryffindor house 70 points."
The red head puffed up his chest and Harry was sure that he was sporting a lot of arrogance. Dumbledore was being bias, who give points for chess. As the gryffindors were praising him, Harry was the only who didn't as he didn't like what Dumbledore was doing.
"And finally, to Mr. Harry Potter for masterful level of magic and outstanding courage. I award 85 points."
When he finished Harry mentally screamed "DIRTY GOAT FUCKING SELF ABSORBED BASTARD" the look on his face indicated that he was not happy, Dumbledore cheated just to make sure the gryffindors win. Looking at the slytherin table he noticed that they were just as mad as he was. When Moon, the Vaisey siblings, Puecy, and his friends caught him looking at him he mouthed "the fucking goat just rigged the points." They all gave a nod in understanding as they could tell that he was not happy with the outcome either.
"Gryffindors when the house cup with 542 points" he said clapping his hands together changing the Hogwarts colors from green and silver to red and gold. The entire house was on its feet as they were celebrating their victory. Harry was the only one sitting as this was not right and he had no stomach for accepting this shit.
Looking up at the head table he saw his dad shaking hands with Minerva, even though he had a smile on his face. Harry could tell that it was forced as he knew his dad was equally as pissed.
When the celebrating was over everyone exited the great hall and made their way to the train, so they could go home.
A/N: To summarize Harry had a meeting with the slytherins and they agreed to help him take Dumbledore further down. Harry not only gave a speech about the four houses showing that they had both good and bad qualities but that they are not evil as many witches and wizards have come from them. The slytherins took their complaints to the international press and it caused a great scandal for the headmaster.
Harry made it through the protective enchantments with ease. In all honesty the stone was poorly protected as I suspect that Dumbledore purposefully tampered with it. Think about it putting that stone in a school full of children was mistake number 1, the second was making the defenses so easy that eleven year old could solve. Not only that the defense and history classes are pretty much jokes. But don't any of you worry I will correct that in the future.
Last the points he gave Harry and his friends at the end of the year that was underhanded. Dumbledore could have done that at any time, why would he give them at the last minute? Adding insult to injury he gave them so much. Has anyone ever heard of that because I haven't. Look if you want to be mad fine but I'm going to tell it how it is Albus Dumbledore is a disgrace and that's being nice. Just so you all know I am just getting started with breaking Dumbledore. He thinks he know pain trust me with what I have planned it's going to bring that old bastard to his knees
Anyhow please comment on what you all think!
Next Chapter: Severus is being interviewed for his sorcerer's degree and afterwards him and Harry go and have a little father and son time. Daphne will discover that she is an elemental, ice type.
Personal note: I'm going to have fun putting Harry and Daphne together. I hope you all don't just expect me to put them together, because you're going to be disappointed. Before they get together there are going to be an obstacle or two. As for Miwa I'm going to have her mess with Daphne a bit! Nothing crazy like is said before Miwa and Harry are sibling nothing more, only Daphne will not know it.