Chapter 25
It was now the last week of summer vacation and Harry was dreading having to suffer another year with that idiot of a headmaster. The only silver linings were that he would not be suffering alone. He received his book list for the upcoming year, writing to the magical bookstore in Japan he was able to get everything he needed except for some robes for Hogwarts. It wasn't that he hated Hogwarts at all, it was just that idiot who was running the school, other than that he had very little to complain about except for the bullying at school.
At the moment Harry was in the training room locked in a battle between Arcturus, Sirius, and Cassiopeia. They were testing to see how far he had come, and Harry was tired from dueling the three especially the two elder Blacks. Sirius was getting back into shape as his time in Azkaban made him soft. The four had been going at it for four hours and didn't show any signs of stopping.
While Sirius was using medium to advance spells against his godson, his grandfather and great aunt were using family magic. As much as Sirius disliked it Harry agreed to it as he had to be prepared for the upcoming trials that he might be facing the coming year. Arcturus gave a nod in approval as he liked the boy attitude. There was no way in hell that he would ever give title of Lord Black to Malfoy spawn, the mere thought of that made him sick.
As the three resumed the duel, they were finally able to get Hadrian to crumple to the ground after their last attack. Arcturus narrowed his eyes at him "don't tell me that your already done! If this was the limit of your abilities, then I will have no choice but to give the Malfoy spawn the position of lord. I was beginning to think that maybe you actually had some talent, but you crumpled to the ground." Cassie knew what her brother was doing and while she didn't like it, understood that he was only trying to make the boy better.
Harry looked at the old man with anger on his face "I am not even close to done" he declared. You want a fight; I'll give you a fucking war you old fucking bastard" he then shot the most powerful spell he knew from the Black family grimoire at his uncle followed by the different combat spells from his family.
Arcturus smirked at his declaration and blocked the incoming spells. The boy was clearly his nephew and determined to be the best he can be just as he would expect from him. Thinking back, he saw a glimpse of the boy grandfather, that man was many things a great and deadly warrior, not to mention ruthless toward his enemies. He remembered the spells that were used in the war with Grindelwald and they like his were dangerous and very deadly as many of them would have torn any man apart. Snapping back into reality he boy in front of him looked like a warrior the way he was dueling them and was living up to his family legacy.
The look on that his face was the same look that he knew all too well a warriors look, sending another spell at him, he was momentarily surprised when the boy batted it away and rushed toward him firing spell after spell at them.
Sirius tried to get him with an immobulus spell, but the boy batted it away and fired a green ball of fire that hit him. He followed that up by punching him in the face breaking his nose and a few teeth. Harry followed up with breaking his arm and kicking him in the kneecap breaking it, bringing him to the ground.
Seeing that one was done he set his sight on his aunt and uncle, immediately he started firing whatever spells he could at them. That was until they both hit him with a stunning spell and bound him in rope. The two looked from between Sirius and Hadrian and both started chuckling, Cassiopeia being the closest one to Hadrian released of the spells that bind him.
Hadrian looked at her with an approving smile "you're getting better Hadrian" she said.
He then heard some laughter and clapping "I would have to agree" came his uncle voice. Turning around he saw the old man helping his grandson up.
"We can all it a day" he said with a gruff, "your skills are growing rapidly and that's good, but be sure not to overdo it. Your still young and you need to enjoy life."
"Yes, uncle" Harry responded with a bow.
"Good" he said approvingly "now take this man child to the medical wing for some treatment. When your done grab a shower and join us in the main room, we have some Andromeda, and her daughter will be here shortly."
Harry and Sirius left the room to go get some medical attention to go treat their injuries. The medical bay was not far as it was upstairs, arriving they found a few of the elves in the wing restocking potions. "Hello, everyone would it be possible for us to be healed? We just got done training and we have some injuries that we would like to get healed."
The elves immediately set off preparing the tubes to treat their injuries. Harry and Sirius stripped till they were in their underwear's, when the elves said that the tubes were ready, they stepped in but not before putting the bubble head charm around them to give them some oxygen. When the two stepped in the elves closed the tubes and added the potion and the runes so that they could be healed.
After waiting 15 minutes the potion changed color signaling that their injuries were healed, the elves drained the potion out and let the two out while also dropping the bubble head charm. "Thank you, everyone" Harry said as he and his godfather went to the showers in the rooms, they stayed in. Cleaning themselves up they finished showering, got dressed, and went to the main room.
There they saw Andromeda and Nymphadora on the couch the former was talking to the family, while Nymphadora was talking with Emily. Sirius entered the conversation with the adults leaving harry to talk with the others.
"How's auror training going, so far?" he asked her.
The older girl groaned "it's a killer but at the moment I'm apprenticing under old Mad Eye" she said with a twinge of both respect and exhaustion. "Lucky for me, today's my day off."
"Hard to believe that you were once that little girl I met running in her underwear around the backyard" Sirius jabbed at her with a smile on his face. "My owe my how you have grown Nymphadora" he chuckled.
The younger girl hair started going from brown to red in an instant "don't call me Nymphadora" she growled at him.
Andromeda looked to her daughter "I don't know why you hate being called that. It's a beautiful name" she gently chastise her, while slapping Sirius in the back of his head.
Nymphadora looked at her mother with apprehension "that's easy for you to say! You don't have to be stuck with the name!"
Emily was the next to talk "why do you hate your name so much" she asked as to why the older girl would be so offended at the mention of her given name.
Turning her glare on the younger girl she replied "it's not so hard to work out the different names that comes with it" she said how others use to create names about her and describe her as a nymph.
"I don't" she didn't get to finish as her brother cut "I understand why you hate it." Everyone instantly turned in his direction.
"However, if you hate it so much then why not shorten it to Dora" he recommended "it's better than your given name in my opinion."
She began thinking about what he said "it's not worse name I've heard" she said grudgingly.
She was about to speak again when four house elves appeared holding down another that was wearing a potato sack and had a number of bruises.
"What is the meaning of this" Harry asked.
The female elf of the group went to answer "young sir we found this elf trying to sneak into the castle to intercept, your letter" Pipey reported.
The young elf that was pinned to the ground squeaked "Hadrian Potter must not return to Hogwarts this year! Dark things are going to happen! He must be kept safe at all cost!"
Harry narrowed his eyes at the tiny elf "guys let him up" he then went to go sit on his knees and look at the little creature. Upon closer inspection he saw more bruises on his body "would you explain why it is too dangerous for me to return to Hogwarts?" he asked in a nice yes firm tone.
The elf started sobbing. Hadrian Potter treats Dobby with respect. He far greater than what poor Dobby has ever imagined, but Hadrian Potter must not go back to school sir. Dark deeds will be coming. There is a plot! A plot that will bring great danger to Hadrian Potter sir should he go back."
Byakko got up and went to go stand before him, the elf immediately took a knee and bowed it's head. "Young elf the person that is plotting? What do you mean by dark deeds?"
"Dobby cannot answer the white monarch. Dobby master doesn't even know that he is here. Poor Dobby will have to iron his hands, but Dobby does not care as long as Hadrian Potter sir is safe" with that he snapped his fingers and disappeared.
"That was one strange elf" Emily commented. Looking at her brother who got to his feet, he seemed to be deep in thought "what is it Harry?"
"I know who that elf belongs to. The Malfoy family! Draco often complained about him" Harry replied. Turning to look at his four elves "what do you guys know about that elf?"
Winston was the elf who replied "that elf is named Dobby, young Hadrian he is mistreated by his masters. They torture him very, very badly for no reasons whatsoever. If anything, Winston thinks it's damaged him mentally."
Harry crossed his arms "this is concerning that elf had to know what he was getting into when he came, even so he risked it anyway" he then looked at the elves still present. "If what he says is true then I'm going to need to be on guard" he rationalized.
"But that's not all that concerns you" Emily pointed out. Harry looked at her then replied, "no did you see the shape he was in?" She gave a slow sad nod.
"I can only imagine what Lucius and his family did to him," he began to think. "Whatever he has planned that elf does not deserve to be treated like that!" his voice was firm and laced with disdain.
"Young Hadrian truly cares for the magical world and all of its inhabitants" Winston said with a smile on his face, the others cried happily, before popping away to go deliver the message to the others.
Neither Arcturus nor Cassiopeia were happy with what they had witnessed. The former said, "that moron should never had been allowed to marry into this family."
"That is later" Cassiopeia said, "right now we need to be concerned as to what is making that French goat desperate."
Sirius spoke up as he had an idea on what was going on "it might have something to do with Arthur Weasley Muggle Protection Act" everyone looked at him "from what I've heard it been endorsed by Dumbledore and there have been a few raids on a few manors."
Dora came in to pick up "I remember Alastor taking me and a few others on a few raids!" Oh, she remembered the raids she went on to some suspecting death eaters, as much as she didn't like it. Her job demanded it! Also, the mention of the Weasley's made her angry as she remembered that she dated one back in school.
Emily came in "is the guy related to the idiots, Harry has to go to school with?" she asked hoping that it wasn't true.
"He is their father" Arcturus said in disgust "a pathetic and spineless head of house. The fool is obsessed with muggles and let's his wife run the house with an iron fist" he spat. As much as he wanted to say more the girl's mother would scream at him till, he was deaf.
Andromeda let out a breath "this can be dealt with later" she looked at the two kids "for now. Why don't you two go to Diagon Alley and go have some fun, while you still can."
Dora stood up "I'll go with them, todays my day off I want to go enjoy it." Sirius agreed to go as well as he wanted to go out. Byakko, Arcturus, and Cassie said that they will stay. With that the four went to the fireplace to use the floo to go to Diagon Alley.
One by one they were all transported to one of the shops, exiting the shop they arrived in they went out and saw that the streets were packed. They made their way to Madam Malkin's so Harry could get some new robes. His training had increased to improve his magic and stamina; however, all of his old clothes were tight on him. Luckily, they didn't have to wait long as the whole thing only took about twenty minutes at most. Paying for the robes they walked out and ran into Blaise and his mother. Blaise was nearly the same height as Harry albeit two inches shorter.
After pleasantries were over, they headed to Flourish and Botts. Harry didn't need any books, but Blaise did, so they just tagged along. "After we're done shopping clothes let's head to the Mixer and relax a bit" Blaise suggested.
Emily instantly agreed and Harry shrugged saying that he will go. Looking at his sister he wanted to let her have some fun as it was her last day until she had to go back to Japan. When they got to the bookstore, they ran into the Greengrasses and Davises.
While the adults stopped to talk the kids waited outside the packed store "did you hear Lockhart is apparently signing off his new book" Tracey said.
Harry narrowed his eyes as he read some of the fools books and could instantly tell that they were fake. Apparently, Dora sharded the same view as she to narrow her eyes.
"Pompous prick" Emily said describing Lockhart. Astoria looked at her with confusion "what do you mean, he did all those things."
Daphne smirked a bit "it's highly unlikely that he actually did all those things, Tori. I bet anything that he is not even that great!"
"Not to mention" Tonks chimed in "those stories sound more like fictional tales. Only an idiot would take those books to heart."
That received some laughs. "You will get no argument from me!" Harry said, "let's just get what we need to get and go."
They all agreed and walked into the store. It was packed full of people as they tried to enter, getting in their stood a table with a collection of books and on the opposite side stood the supposed blonde author who was idiotically named a great wizard. The fool was in gold robes and his teeth were so white that Harry and the others guessed were charmed that way.
"Merlin's beard!" Lockhart said when he noticed Harry in the audience "it's Harry Potter!" He exclaimed causing the entire shop to go quiet and making the look from Lockhart to him.
One of the photographers reached for him "quick come here" he tried to grab Harry, but he was quicker and grabbed his wrist in a vice grip making him crumple to the ground.
"Do not touch me" he said in a cold voice," Harry said in a dangerously cold voice, that sent shivers down the photographers spine. He then released and watch the man back away.
"Oh, camera shy" Gilderoy said regaining his composure after hearing the boy voice. "Fear not Harry, it's perfectly understandable," he then faced the audience. Ladies and gentleman "when young Harry first came into Flourish and Botts he expected to pay full price for his book. What he did not know was that he be leaving with my entire collective worked 'Magical Me' signed and free" he handed a stack of books to him as the crowd cheered and a camera flashed. "Well, you and the others will be getting the real magical me, this coming year" he boasted.
"Yes, it is true" he continued "I have accepted the position as the Defense Against the Dark Arts this year" he said as the photographer took another picture.
Harry walked a few distance away before handing them to Daphne "I already have my everything I need." She thanked him and the others went to go get their books. Emily and Astoria behind muttering about how much Lockhart was a glory hound.
When they were done, they all made to leave until they heard a familiar obnoxious voice "what are you doing here" Harry instantly knew who the voice belonged to. Turning around a little he saw Ronald Weasley coming near them with the rest of his family. Apparently, most of them came to witness the blonde meat bag. They saw Percy, the twins, their mother with the loud voice, and a little girl that appeared to be their sister.
Emily was the one to respond, "we're in a bookstore why else would we be in here," she asked having heard about how the boy acted and behaved from her brother.
Ron looked at the little girl "who are you midget" he instantly regretted saying that when he received a kick to the shin.
"That was your first warning" said in a cold voice. Blaise cringed a bit as he remembered the few times, he called her short and would get kicked.
"Bloody hell" Ron said rubbing his leg. "How can someone so short kick that hard?"
Emily was about to kick him again, but Harry put a hand on her shoulder to stop her. 'He is not worth it!' She backed off to stand next to him while glaring at the idiot.
"Language Ronald," Molly said scoldingly while looking between her son and the girl standing next to Harry. She instantly wanted to chastise the girl for kicking her son but knew that if she wanted to get the boy to marry her daughter then she was going to have to be nice.
Smiling at him she spoke "oh Harry dear, who is this young lady standing next to you?"
Harry instantly wanted to pull away and could tell that Emily felt the exact same. The latter was the one to speak "I am Emily Stevenson, Harry one and only sister!" she proudly said. The youngest redhead looked from her Harry to his sister.
Molly continued "well, dearie I'm sure that you and my daughter will become good friends" she gestured to Ginevra who was smiling. "Are you looking forward to going to Hogwarts?"
"I'm too young to attend and even then, I go to Mahoutokoro" Emily replied in a neutral voice, even though it was clear that she wanted to leave. A wave of disappointment washed over Molly face.
"Is there a problem here" Sirius asked as he and Dora came into view.
Molly turned around and "Sirius, Nymphadora I haven't seen either of you in years."
The latter cringed and made her hair change from bubblegum to red "don't call me Nymphadora" she glared at the woman.
Molly ignored her reply "how have you been dear?"
Dora glared at her "I am no dear to you" she replied, "and I've been better since that son of yours and me broke up."
Molly was about to go into a tirade, but her husband stepped in "not now Molly."
"Mr. Potter" the balding redheaded male came up and Harry assumed he was her husband. "I am Arthur Weasley, you know my wife" he gestured to Molly "and our children" he then gestured to the kids.
"Evidently" was his only reply. Then he turned to his friends "can we go now, the longer we stay in here the less time we have to go relax." He and the others turned around and were about to leave.
That was until Ron decided to open his mouth "where are you going, we were not done talking to you!" They stopped before they could get to the door, Daphne looked over her shoulder "that's not your concern!" she said in a cold voice. "if we want you to know then we will tell you" she waved him off.
Ron ears became red "no one was talking to you snake" he yelled.
"Typical Weasley always making a nuisance of yourself" another voice drawled.
Looking up at the stairs they saw Draco holding a book to his side "hello Draco how are you doing?" Harry asked in a neutral voice, extending his hand.
"I am well, wish I had more time off from school" he said shaking his cousins hand. "I'm surprised to see you here! I would have thought that you didn't need the books here for your classes."
Harry nodded "I already ordered my books for school, I just wanted to get out of the house and spend time with this one" he gestured to his sister.
Draco gave a nod to the girl "heiress Stevenson" he then greeted the others especially Sirius and Nymphadora, but it was more forced.
Facing the woman "I never got to ask this but what are you doing now that you graduated from Hogwarts?"
Dora looked at him for a moment, then replied "I'm training to become an Auror" she didn't like the boy whatsoever as she saw much of his father in him.
"Draco" the voice of his father stopped him from saying anything else. The Malfoy Patriarch arrived in the store "did you get what you needed?"
Draco responded, "yes sir." Lucius looked at the others more notably Hadrian "Mr. Potter so nice to see you again" he extended his hand.
Harry shook it "Lord Malfoy, it'd a pleasure to see you again."
"Likewise," Malfoy replied, "I trust you are ready for school to begin?"
"I am" Harry confirmed! "Though I do have to ask why Dumbledore and the board would hire Lockhart? He seems like he would just have us study him and not actual defense" he pointed out.
Malfoy sucked in a breath "he was the only applicant for the job" his voice was laced with disdain "believe me when I say that I was against it, but the other members of the board decided to give him the job as there were no other applicants."
Harry relaxed his shoulders "let's just hope that this will not hinder our education" he suggested.
Lucius nodded in agreement "we can only hope."
"Well, if you excuse us, we have some where to be" he gestured to the others who looked like they wanted to leave as well.
"Oh yes my mistake" he let them pass. When they left the store they immediately went to the magic mixer.
They spent most of the day their either listening to music, singing songs, or just enjoying each other's company.
(0^0)
September 1st soon came, and Emily had to return to Japan. Cassie agreed to accompany and watch over her for a few months. Before Harry left, he made sure to disguise himself as the elf who broke into his house, at the moment he had short dark brown hair, crimson eyes, and a tan. When he and the others walked through the barrier, he changed his appearance back to normal, except for his hair as it was tamed thanks to his special shampoo. Thanks to that his hair was down, him and the others found a compartment and was about to close the door, until Puecy and the Vaisey siblings asked to join. Letting them in Harry warded the door and put a strong silencing charm on it.
"How were your summers" he asked them, while taking out his grimoire and turning to a section about advanced potions.
Nicole was the first to respond "it was relatively peaceful. We didn't have to see our uncle as he was out of the country" she said looking pretty happy. Her brother agreed wholeheartedly "we also saw you competing in the International dueling championship. You got some real skills!" he commented.
"I practice" he said casually. "Oh, and you three will be happy to know that Lord Black has agreed to an audience with your Head of Houses."
Adrian happily replied "thank Merlin" he said. "Hopefully, the outcome will be good!" wishing that it would be.
"You guys ready for the new year" Tracey asked.
The two men looked happy, but Nicole groaned "it's my O.W.L year kill me now." She knew this year would mean a lot of studying as she needed to pursue her dream career. "On a happier note, I've been made a prefect and the newest member of the council" she smiled at that.
"Impressive" Harry commented the others congratulated her as well.
"Speaking of which I need to go," she stated "the prefects are having a meeting. Would you mind" she asked looking at Harry.
He undid the wards and allowed her to leave, when she left, he applied the wards again and they resumed their conversation.
"So, Harry," Adrian began "what year are you going to be in?" It was known that Harry was taking the curriculum overseas and he was curious as to where he would be placed.
Turning a page in his book he replied, "I'll be with the fourth years!"
They all looked shocked except for Daphne who already knew he was being moved up, "seriously" came Blaise "you're going to be a fourth year" he exclaimed.
"Yep" he confirmed looking up from his book to him "there's something else to." Everyone looked at him expectantly "I've been placed in the accelerated program. Meaning that if I will also be taking the Japanese O.W.L's at the end of the year!"
Blaise asked, "why didn't you say anything?"
"I just got the notice yesterday" he answered. "The board of governors moved me and Miwa up, because our grades were higher at the end of the year! Hence we got put into the accelerated program."
Adrian and Aaron just chuckled "you really are full of surprises Potter" the former said. "Well look at it this way you get to go to Hogsmede with us."
"I guess" he replied casually shrugging his shoulders.
It wasn't long after that Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger came near and tried to get into the compartment but thanks to Harry's wards they were shot down. Granger tried to use magic on the door, but it repelled every time, Weasley tried to use force but kept on getting electrocuted with small amounts of lightning. Eventually, they gave up and left.
Not long after Nicole came back into the room. Harry made sure to add her into the wards so that she would not be harmed.
"What happened to Granger and Weasley" she asked. The others were still laughing at the two gryffindors misfortune.
Daphne was the first to recover "those two tried to enter but thanks to Harry putting wards up they were repelled."
Nicole looked at him giving an approving smirk "didn't want to suffer their questions. Nice work!"
Harry finished his reading, closed the book and looked at her "those two will never learn. Between Weasley idiocy and Granger teacher's pet attitude, it's a wonder that I am still sane."
That was met with a round of chuckles as the others agreed with him. They enjoyed the rest of the ride to Hogwarts and Harry even pulled out a crystal that had a recording of the Weird Sister's playing different songs. All in all, the rest of the ride was enjoyable.
When they got to the station in Hogsmede they were in their robes, exited the train and made their way to the carriages. Puecy and the siblings were the first to get in a carriage with some of the other students.
When they got closer Harry extend his hand much to their surprise as they just thought the carriages were charmed to pull them into the castle.
"Harry what are you doing" Daphne asked wondering what he was doing. To her it looked like he was petting something.
Removing his hand, he turned to her "I was petting a thestal" he replied.
"What's a thestal" his three friends asked in unison. He just muttered how bad the education in Britain is before looking back at them "I'll explain on the way" he stepped into the carriage followed by the others.
When the door closed and the carriages started moving, he started explaining what thestal looked like a breed of winged horses with a skeletal appearance, with reptilian faces, and wings that would striking resemble a bats. They could only be seen by those that have seen death. The others needed no more clarification on the last part as he had seen the death of his parents when he was only 15 months.
The journey to the castle was not long. They left the carriages; Daphne however lingered a bit and pet the winged horse. While she couldn't see it, she felt something the skeletal body of the creature, then left to go join the others in the great hall. As today was the day of their return everyone had to sit with their respective houses.
Harry sat with the members of his house and the students started asking him questions about the dueling tournament. He had a feeling it was inevitable and just replied to them. Harry was not a social person but him spending time with Daphne and the others he started to grow out of his shell, plus this way he could build some allies if needed. Granger and Weasley wanted to sit on his sides but it was in vain as he sat with the quidditch teams chasers.
When the great hall opened Minerva lead the new first years in where they stood at the front waiting to be sorted. Everyone watched as the first years were sorted into different houses, when it was finally done the youngest Weasley was sorted into gryffindors and Harry noticed that she had a really happy look on her face. Harry made a mental note to weary of her as he didn't know whether she would try to make him fall in love with her. The last thing he wanted to deal with was another fangirl, that was already tedious but having to put up with another one of Dumbledore flunkies would be a pain.
Once, food was served everyone dung in to enjoy the feast. Eating their fills, the plates vanished along with the rest of the food and Dumbledore gave his speech for the new and returning students. He talked about Severus gaining his sorcerers degree and introduced Gilderoy Lockhart as the new DADA professor.
When everyone was released Hadrian pretended to follow along until no one was looking and he made his way to the room of requirement. Saying the password, the door opened allowing him entry. Like last year the room resembled his bedroom back home; it was as if the room sensed his mood and materialized what he thought. Harry just went up to his room and let Byakko out of his tattoo form the god called one of the house elves and requested some food. While he ate Harry changed into some pajamas.
'Dad are you there?' he reached out with their link.
'I'm here' Severus mentally responded, 'what could have happened, it the first day back?'
'Earlier this week a house elf named Dobby tried to break into my house and delivered some questionable news' Harry stated.
Severus was instantly on alert "what did he say" he said in a silk yet authoritative voice.
Harry explained Dobby's warning as to what Lucius was plotting and that there was to be danger in the castle this year. Severus cut off the link and the next moment appeared in the room where he went up to the room where Hadrian was.
"Listen to me" he began "I want you to keep your head down this year. Whatever, Lucius is planning cannot be good and I don't want you in the crossfire" he said in a warning tone.
"For the time just focus on your studies" he continued. "I will try to look and see if anybody else knows anything about what Lucius plan is!"
Harry gave him a nod. "Would it be possible for you to teach me and the others Defense" he asked. "That pompous meat bag is an idiot. The books he assigned were all about him nothing on learning to defend ourselves."
Severus knew what his son meant as he to did not like having that idiot in the castle to teach partly because he got the DADA position he wanted and he to read the books that were assigned. "Give me until the end of the first week of school! If he proves incompetent, then I will teach you and the others."
Harry figured that it was better than nothing and agreed to tell his friends tomorrow. Wishing each other good night Severus departed back to his own quarters via floo network.
(0^0)
The next morning Hadrian got up like he normally did, transfigured his pajamas into workout clothes and left the room. Making it to the grounds he was about to get started but spotted Daphne coming. She was currently wearing a blue t-shirt and some black track pants.
"You're coming to train as well" he said. He never would have expected her to get up this early to train.
She replied "you said you train me" she stated. "Besides, I have gotten better since the last time we trained together." The expression on her face was one of pure determination that she wanted to get stronger and that she wanted to stay.
Harry nodded and took her through the training he usually did with Blaise. After running for an hour, he saw that she was right as she got a lot faster, giving her a smile. He started running her through his usual drills. Today was for muggle combat and he would be teacher ninjitsu. Before returning to school, he had inducted her into the training regimen and had come a long way. Her muggle combat skills had increased as she was precise, powerful, and deadly. However, she still needed a lot of work.
They spent the entire time training; Harry was taking her through the advanced level of training and teaching her a mixture of offensive and defensive techniques. By the time they were done her muscles were tight and her entire body felt stiff. Harry took her back inside where they went their separate ways to go grab a shower and change into their robes. Twenty minutes later they were met by Blaise andTracey, the latter was not a morning person and let out a yawn. They decided to sit with Padma Patil, Lisa Turpin, and Sue Li at the ravenclaw table.
Hadrian was currently talking with Padma "I saw that you entered the International Chess tournament in France" he began. "That must have taken a lot out of you" he commented.
Padma smiled a bit "you have no idea. I slept for two days straight! But it would have been nice to win though." Her last opponent was indeed skilled and knowledgeable, and they had been going at it for over two hours. The results ended with her losing but only barely; second place was not bad.
"You did your best that's the most important thing" he assured her. He was about to say more when he sensed the annoying presence of the new Defense teacher approaching.
Gilderoy drew closer to him "Oh Mr. Potter I'm glad to see you this morning." Harry just mentally groaned as he didn't feel like dealing with the waste of space.
"What is it?" Harry asked in a cold tone not looking away from his breakfast. Really it was too early for this.
Gilderoy was momentarily shocked at his cold tone but quickly composed himself and fixed "it's nothing major I just wish to have a discussion with you."
Harry turned around and raised a single eyebrow "am I in trouble?"
Lockhart just chuckled "certainly not dear boy. I just wanted to talk to you about being a celebrity." He had a glint in his eyes that made Harry not trust him.
"A status that costed me everything" he replied with a glare. Harry hated the fame he got as it was a reminder of what happened that night.
The blonde peacock ignored his reply "as you are a so young and almost as famous as me, I can understand the pressure that comes with being a famous individual. Seeing as you never had someone tutor you about being a celebrity, I can offer to take the position" he boasted puffing his chest up.
"I'm going to have to decline" Harry replied. "I have no desire to bolster my reputation."
"W-what but why not" Gilderoy was surprised with his response. Harry got up from his seat and went to go had to Professor McGonagall who was handing out the timetables.
Harry made sure that his expressionless mask was in place when he got to her "may I have my timetable professor" he asked in a neutral voice.
Minerva was momentarily stunned by the way he spoke; it didn't harbor any anger. Quickly getting over her surprise she handed him his timetable and turned around to leave.
"Mr. Potter a moment of your time please" she expected him to keep walking but he stopped in his tracks and turned around. "I watched the dueling tournament for magic and sword division, and you were very impressive. Your use of battle transfiguration and battle charms was very impressive, even your conjuration was brilliant."
Harry gave her a nod then went back to his seat. He spotted his dad handing his friends their timetables, then headed his way. The two casted a quick glance at each other before returning to what they were doing. Making it back to the table he sat back down, grabbed his goblet and took a quick swig. Daphne looked over her schedule and let out a groan.
"What's wrong sapphire," Harry asked while looking at her.
Daphne liked the name he gave her as it was the only nickname she liked. "I got herbology first" she replied.
Harry was momentarily confused "what's the matter with that?"
"I have it with the gryffindors" she bit back. Harry thinned his lips as he understood why she dreaded going to class.
He placed a comfortable arm on her shoulder and offered a smile "just try to tough it out! Just remember to be true to yourself and don't hide it from anyone." His words rang through her ears and gave a nod in agreement.
"What about you?" she asked. "What class do you have first?"
He replied, "I have potions first then charms!"
Daphne giggled as they all got up and exited the great hall to go to their first class of the day.
(0^0)
Daphne and the others headed to the greenhouses. They went into the greenhouse only to find an annoyed Professor Sprout talking with Lockhart. "Hello, everyone! I was just telling professor Sprout the proper way to doctor the Whomping Willow. But I don't want you" he didn't get to finish as Pomona cut him off.
"Everyone to greenhouse 3 folks" she was annoyed with the Defense teacher. The entire class went to the third greenhouse, Gilderoy slipped on something and hit his nose on the floor. Pomona tried not to look amused, but it had mostly failed.
Leaving the first greenhouse she went to the third and greeted everyone. She made her way to the end of the worktable, where her plant was located. "Alright, we are going to be studying Mandrake" she began. "For today we will be repotting them, can anyone tell me what a mandrake is and the properties that come with it?"
At that moment Hermione raised her hand, no one was surprised there. Professor Sprout looked at her "yes Miss. Granger. Can you tell us?"
"Mandrake, or Mandragora, is a powerful restorative," Hermione said, it word for word out of the book like she usually did. "It is used to return people who have been transfigured or cursed to their original state." The usual smugness on her face was seen but the slytherin who just rolled their eyes.
"Excellent. 10 points to Gryffindor" she said. "Does anyone else have an answer" she looked around and saw someone else raise their hand "yes Miss. Greengrass! Anything to add?"
"The mandrake form a powerful and much needed ingredient for producing antidotes, as their leaves are used in potions" she replied. Pomona inclined her head for her to continue. "When they are taken out, they emit a powerful cry enough that is fatal to anyone who hears it."
"Correct, 15 points to Slytherins" she happily said. The other slytherins held smiles on their faces. Granger on the other hand glared at the blonde girl.
"Now, the mandrakes we have here are, still pretty young" she pointed to the row of pots before the students and they shakingly walked forward to go get better looks. Somewhere around 40 probably more were in front of them. "Everyone grab some earmuffs."
There was a scramble as everyone tried to seize a pair that wasn't pink and fluffy. "When I tell you to put them on, make sure your ears are completely covered," said Professor Sprout. "When it is safe to remove them, I will give you the thumbs up. Right earmuffs on."
"Um, professor can't we just put them under silencing charm or have our ears under the ear buzzing charm" Daphne asked.
The professor just looked at "that would be an idea, but those charms are advanced" she stated "and you all need to be aware of how the mandrakes sound. Now seeing as they are children their cries will only knock you out for hours."
She finished giving her instructions and made sure that everyone were wearing earmuffs, seeing everyone was ready she had them yank the little buggers out and repot them. The whole class followed the instructions they were given with some having a few problems (Ronald Weasley, Gregory Goyle, Draco Malfoy, Seamus Finnegan, and Vincent Crabbe). Those few ended up either passing out on the floor or made the mistake of putting one of their fingers into the creatures mouths.
The students were happy that class was over especially the ones that were having a hard time. They immediately left the greenhouse and went to transfigurations.
Arriving ten minutes into before class started, they took their seats. Daphne and Tracey were seated in the first row followed Blaise and Lilith Moon and so forth. The gryffindors sat on their side of the room, with Granger partnered with Weasley. Granger sent daggers at Greengrass as she did not like being outdone by her. This year it would be her who gets first place. With that as her goal she looked around her fellow gryffindors and one of them was missing Harry Potter.
He was not in herbology either. Blowing off class was not a good thing, in her mind she thought that he was blowing off class to do something else. Her thoughts were interrupted when the professor came out of her office and the bell rang indicating that class has begun.
McGonagall welcomed them all back. She first had them review everything they learned last year by having them transfigure their beetles into buttons. Everyone began working on theirs beetles, some made progress others not so much. Minerva surveyed the entire class giving out suggestions of how they could improve, while complimenting the ones who managed the transfiguration.
Daphne was the first to get the transfiguration. Deciding to be creative she did the reversal spell and tried it again turning the button into a variety of different colors with different designs on it.
When the stern professor made her way to her, she was stunned by what she had seen, "Miss. Greengrass what are you doing?" The entire class looked in her direction.
"I was only experimenting with something professor" she replied. "The transfiguration was simple, and I wanted to see if it was possible to change the beetle into different kinds of buttons."
McGonagall held a ghost of a smile "would you mind showing me" she took out her wand and turned the brown button back into a beetle. "Please turn the beetle into a silver button with the letter H in green."
Daphne did as she was told saying the spell and performing the wand movement the beetle instantly turned into a silver button with a capital H written in green.
Minerva was amazed as the girl had clearly been practicing "well done Miss. Greengrass on an excellent transfiguration. 10 points to Slytherin!" she walked off surveying the others. Granger shot her glares as it was not possible for Greengrass to do that.
When McGonagall made it to her, she complimented her on her transfiguration but didn't give her any points. Weasley ended up smushing his beetle and that caused McGonagall's expression to change displease. She handed him a new beetle and told him to concentrate more on what he was doing, first to start with the wand movement then imagining the beetle becoming a button.
The rest of the class Minerva surveyed around and when more than half got the spell, she went over what they were all going to learn this year.
During the last five minutes of class, she went back to her desk to go look over her syllabus planner. That was when Hermione spoke "um professor can I ask you something?"
Looking up from her work to one of her lions she replied, "yes Miss. Granger is there something you needed?"
"Professor I couldn't help but notice that Harry Potter was not in class today" she said as the other lions even took notice that Potter was not in the class with them. "He is in the same year as us, isn't he?"
Minerva thinned her lips "Mr. Potter will no longer be with the first years as he has been moved into the accelerated program and has tested out of the year."
That was met with murmur as the students aside from his friends didn't know that he had been accepted into the program. Hermione was instantly jealous and in shock. "Professor, if I may what year was, he placed in? And how did he get accepted into the accelerated program? That is only for people who have demonstrated considerable mastery over their courses."
Daphne and her two friends all rolled their eyes. Granger seriously had a problem with being outdone by others and needed a reality check. She was not the center of the world like she thought she was.
"Mr. Potter took his final exams and received high marks in all of his subjects" the professor replied. "Since he scored higher than what the Japanese had intended, he was elevated to a year that would properly challenge him. Hence, he was put with the fourth years" everyone was instantly shocked as they have never heard of this before. Minerva continued on "in Mahoutokoro he is a seventh year at the moment. If he passes the exams in December, he will be put with the eight years and take his O.W.L'S at the end of the academic year."
Granger was completely blown away. Harry potter would soon be taking his O.W.L'S sooner than with anyone else, "but professor I don't understand how did he get accepted into the program? Sure, he has impressive skills in magic" she said grudgingly. "However, that hardly proves that he is ready to be moved up." Ron instantly agreed with her as he felt that Potter bought his way into the program with his fame.
McGonagall sucked in a breath before replying "the way it works is that they come to you and offer the position. You don't apply they judge you" she answered. "As for his mastery thus far, he has proven to accel in all of his subjects."
Granger was about to ask more but the bell rang, and everyone was on their feet headed toward lunch. Ron had to physically drag her out of the room before she went into her long inquisition.
(0^0)
Soon everyone was in the great hall for lunch. The three slytherins were sitting at the ravenclaw table waiting for Harry to come. Five minutes later they saw him approaching with Adrian Puecy discussing something they couldn't hear. When they got in the hall, they went their separate ways, Adrian went to go sit with the other slytherins, while Harry went to go sit with his friends.
They enjoyed a silent lunch until a flash of light came directly at Harry, who instantly pulled out his wand, while rubbing his eyes. The others were instantly on their feet's with wands drawn ready to fire. When his vision cleared, he saw an excitable mousy haired 1st year gryffindor holding a camera jumping on his feet.
"Hi Harry!" the boy said exciting oblivious to the older boy annoyance. "I'm Colin Creevey, I'm in gryffindor to its nice to meet you" he said excitedly.
"Why were…" he didn't get to finish as the boy flashed his camera again taking another picture.
"I heard that you became the youngest seeker in a century and is it true that you attended school in Japan" the excitable first year asked quickly.
He was about to take another picture, but Harry snatched the camera out of the boys hands and shot daggers at him. "Etiquette requires that you ask permission before you take a picture of someone, Mr. Creevey. Also, you do well to consider that you could have blinded me with all those flashes" he then handed the camera back to the boy.
Colin was briefly embarrassed but soon recovered "can I have your autograph for my pictures?"
"Who's giving signed autographs" the annoying voice of Lockhart came behind him.
"Oh, hello professor" he greeted "I was just asking Harry if he would sign the pictures, I took of him" he explained.
Gilderoy had a big smile on his face "well how about a double picture of me and Mr. Potter here" he suggested. The first year boy was giddy at this. Two celebrity together in a picture.
They didn't even see Harry leave, when they turned around, he was long gone.
"I think I lost my appetite" Daphne said getting up and went to go find Harry wherever he could be.
When she caught up, he was about to round the corner, getting close enough she heard him mutter "self-imported arse hat. Needs to learn some manners."
Daphne reached out with her hand to tap him on the shoulder, making him stop "you alright" she asked.
"I'll live" he said in an annoyed voice.
Daphne didn't believe him in the slightest but decided to change to a different topic "other than that 1st year twat and that blonde idiot how did you get past them without being noticed" she asked.
Harry realized she changed the topic to help and decided to go with it "it one of the many ninjitsu disciplines I learned: Intonjutsu."
Daphne was replied "intonjutsu" she said somewhat confused. "I never heard of that before" she said.
"It's an old ninja technique used to disappear and reappear" he explained. "The technique is comprised of 5 different aspects."
"Any chance you can teach me more about it?"
Harry adopted a questioning look "probably, but for now you need to get to class." She silently grumbled. That brought a small smile on his face "what class do you have next?"
"Defense" was her only reply and it was clear that she did not want to attend the class with Lockhart.
"I got arithmancy" he said with a smirk.
Daphne sent him a mock glare "shut up and walk me to class will you." Harry gave a mock bow "this way milady" he chuckled. That earned a playful slap to the shoulder.
"That hurt" he pretended to be in pain while rubbing his shoulder. She just held her nose up with haughtiness "then don't be a prat" they both laughed and went to the class. When they made it to the door Harry turned around and went to his own class.
Daphne walked in the class and took a seat next to the window soon followed by Tracey and Blaise. Pretty soon everyone started piling in taking their seats and getting their books and quills ready.
As Gilderoy walked in many of the girls started swooning over him, the ones that were not fawning over him looked with either disgust or rolled their eyes. Lockhart walked up to Neville's desk and pulled up his copy of Travels with Trolls so that everyone could see while winking.
"Me," he said, pointing at it and winking as well. "Gilderoy Lockhart, Order of Merlin, Third Class, Honorary Member of the Dark Force Defense League, and five-time winner of Witch Weekly's Most-Charming-Smile Award but I don't talk about that. I didn't get rid of the Bandon Banshee by smiling at her!" He waited for them to laugh; a few people smiled weakly.
"I see you've all bought a complete set of my books well done. I thought we'd start today with a little quiz. Nothing to worry about just to check how well you've read them, how much you've taken in" When he had handed out the test papers he returned to the front of the class and said, "you have thirty minutes start now!"
Everyone began doing the quiz and Daphne could already tell that she wanted to opt out of it as it was all about him. 1. What is Gilderoy favorite color? 2. What is Gilderoy Lockhart secret ambition? 3. What in your opinion is Gilderoy greatest achievement to date? She continued writing answers until she got to question 54. When is Gilderoy Lockhart's birthday and what would be the ideal gift?
Eventually he called time and collected everyone's quiz and after grading them, he looked back up at them "tut- tut." He then began talking about how none of them got his favorite color right.
Blaise leaned forward "is this guy for real who says 'tut-tut'? Also, he really is so full of himself." The girls snickered at what he said as they agreed with him
"-it would appear that Miss. Granger was the only one to guess my secret ambition. To rid the world the world of evil and market my own range of hair-care potions good girl! Brilliantly done full marks and 10 points to gryffindors." He finished and flashed her a smile that almost made her faint.
He went back to his desk reached behind it and pulled out a large, covered cage placing it on his desk. "Now be warned! It is my job to arm you against the foulest creatures known to wizardkind! You may find yourselves facing your worst fears in this room. Know only that no harm can befall you whilst I am here. All I ask is that you remain calm."
Ron, Seamus, and Dean were laughing in their seats that was until Gilderoy removed the quilt and spoke "I give you freshly caught Cornish pixies."
He then released them into the class and asked them to watch the proper way to handle them. The pixies instantly started running around causing mayhem throughout the classroom. Those pixies were causing all sorts of problems between pulling on peoples hairs, crumpling sheets of paper and throwing them around. Gilderoy ran up the stairs and brandished his wand "peskipiksi pesternomi" the spell had no effect.
One of the pixies snatched his wand out of his hands and he ran into the room before saying "could you all round them up" then closed the door. A few of them picked Neville up and placed him on the hook where the chandelier was to be.
Daphne had enough and pointed her wand to the ceiling and said "immobulus" the blue spell shot out of her wand and all the pixies stopped moving. Everyone watched as she, Tracey, and Blaise put all of the blighters back in the cage.
Making sure that it was locked they began to leave "that is one major idiot" Tracey said, "He couldn't even figure out how to deal with Cornish pixies, some great professor he is."
Granger glared at them as Parvati levitated Neville off the hook. "Don't insult him, he was only giving us some hands on lesson!"
Daphne looked at the bushy haired girl with a look of surprise "you really are an idiot Granger" she commented. "He is worthless as a teacher, but you couldn't see that as you were swooning like a fangirl."
They left the classroom ignoring the fact that Granger claimed that she was not a swooning fangirl.
A/N: The last bit of summer passed by, Gilderoy Lockhart was introduced trying to promote himself. I really don't like that useless bastard. Dobby, Ginny, and Arthur were finally introduced into the fanfic, don't worry I will not put Harry and Ginny together. It would also surprise many of you that I even had Lucius Malfoy disagree with giving him the position. As for Nicole and Aaron uncle I'll have him dealt with. Just hadn't decided how yet. If any of you have any ideas, please share!
As for Harry being placed with the fourth years he has proven to be advanced beyond his years and will be completing his OWL's at the end of the year. Daphne had been practicing with Harry to strengthen her magic and is learning to think outside the box. Don't worry the speech Harry gave last year sent a spark out as their will not be as much prejudice about the different houses. Do forgive me as I intend to have Lockhart broken, don't ask me how.
I do intend to make use of some ninjutsu skills and techniques.
Next Chapter: Draco gets on the quidditch team thanks to his fathers "donation". Severus will agree to teach the kids proper Defense as Lockhart is next to useless in the subject.