Chapter 29
The rest of the holiday passed, and the kids were soon back on the train and headed for Hogwarts to begin their second term. Harry and the others found a compartment and warded it so that they wouldn't be disturbed, Daphne took a seat next to Harry and took her new friend out of his cage. She introduced him to everyone and said that he was her familiar now. Most of them cooed over little Iroh. While everyone was talking about Iroh or anything else; Harry was deep in thought. He and Miwa discussed the topic of how to defend against a basilisk but only found a little information about it. Miwa promised she look more into the creature when she got back to school.
Speaking of which, the two had been promoted to Seventh Years, meaning that they would be taking their O.W.L's at the end of the year. That could only mean that the teachers were going to pile more work on them, however if everything went according to plan then they will hopefully only have two years left. That is assuming that they did well on their exams.
Daphne noticed that he was looking distant and immediately realized that she never thanked him for giving her little Iroh. Scooting closer she gave him a kiss on the cheek and that brought him back to reality along with his face turning a bit red. Harry looked at her with a confused expression on his face.
"I never got to thank you for giving, me Iroh" she may have said it, but her cheeks were pink. "Thank you" she smiled.
"It was no problem" he said casually, but in the inside, he slapped himself for saying it like that. "I just hope that little Iroh can help" he scratched behind the puppy ear.
Harry regained himself "anyway how are you feeling? I hope the healers were able to help."
"They did" she replied while petting Iroh "I am just glad that Lockhart got what he deserved. I knew he was creep and a fraud, but I never would have imagined that he actually touch a student. Let alone use one of the unforgivable."
"If you ask me" Aaron came in "he got what he deserved" he angrily said. Aaron wanted to nothing more but to get his hands on the bastard for touching his sister. Nicole had nightmares for the first few days, and he knew that she dreamt about what could have happened if Lockhart actually did take her purity.
"Let's just be glad that he's dead and can no longer hurt anyone" Harry commented. The others agreed with him "Tracey, Nicole are you guys alright."
Nicole and Tracey gave him a nod saying that they were fine. Both girls were shaken by what happened but after the sessions with the mind healers they were fine. The former spoke "it was a rough few nights but I'm glad the mind healers were able to help" she said with gratitude.
"So, I take it your in my class now" she asked changing the subject.
Harry replied "yep" he confirmed "I'll be taking the O.W.L exams at the end of the year. The examiners sent out a letter to Professors Yoshi and Dumbledore, informing them that I am to be moved up" he chuckled at the expression Dumbledore could have had once he got the letter from the ICW.
Blaise and Adrian chuckled "I can only imagine how much of a headache that caused him" the dark skinned boy said. "Speaking of which, do we know who is going to be teaching Defense, now that fuckhart is gone?"
"That's the best part" he said while leaning back in his seat with a smile on his face.
Tracey spoke up "well go ahead tell us" she stared at him. Harry just closed his eyes "hmm no." he replied "but I will say this the person is knowledgeable in the subject and Dumbledore was not happy about it" he chuckled.
"You're a real bastard" she commented. "I swear you Potters are shrouded in mysteries" she grumbled.
The others chuckled.
Nicole regained herself "now that you're a fifth year," she started off "you know we are supposed to have a meeting with our heads of houses. Any ideas what you want to do, when you leave Hogwarts", she asked him.
Hadrian just shrugged his shoulders "probably work at the ICW, to get a job as an agent" in truth he hadn't thought about it much. If anything, he was hoping to gain some masteries "what about you?"
"That's pretty ambitious" she commented "if I'm lucky I can obtain a mastery potions and hopefully get a job as a healer for them."
Adrian came in "you two want to go work for the ICW" he exclaimed. "Then you guys are going to need to get exceedingly high grades. The ICW only takes the best of the best and many of the workers don't tolerate slack."
Aaron just snickered "don't say that, not in front of this one" he pointed to his sister "now she is going to be hellbent on getting high grades for her O. . Nicole slapped her brother on the shoulder "prat."
"Anyway" she glared at her brother "what do you want to do now? We still have a ways to go before we reach Hogwarts."
"How about we play some Poker" Tracey suggested. The others looked confused except for Hadrian and Blaise.
"What's poker?" Adrian asked. Hadrian was the one to reply "it's a muggle card game. It's one of the few card games played in casinos, also it's a way for people to get money as well."
Blaise added "the best part is that the cards don't explode."
The others were on board at the prospect of their cards not exploding; like in exploding snaps. Hadrian, Tracey, and Blaise began explaining the rules when playing the game and after 25 minutes of explaining. Tracey reached for her trunk, pulled out a deck of muggle cards and set them all out. Hadrian pulled out his CD player and put in an album by AC/DC, adding the amplifying charm to increase the sound.
For the rest of the journey, they played poker and listened to music ranging from muggle to wizardry music's. The only annoyance was that Granger and Weasley tried to get into their compartment, but thanks to the wards they were repelled. They knew that the two would try to find a way to get them in trouble, but they didn't care and just enjoyed the train ride till they got to the station in hogsmede.
Hagrid of course led them to the entrance of the castle where Professor McGonagall was waiting for them. The stern professor led them into the great hall where everyone sat with their respective houses.
The students were still weary of Harry and sat away from him as far as they could. Harry of course didn't care much as they had the mentalities of sheep and that was being nice in his opinion. Using his advanced hearing he heard many of the students talking about the trial of Gilderoy Lockhart and the fact that their was another attack. A second year named Justin Finch-Fletchley was petrified during the break and people were assuming that Harry had something to do with it.
Pretty stupid in his opinion as he wasn't even in the castle when the attack happened. Add to the fact that he could feel that Dumbledore was glaring at him; Harry could feel it as the old man was probably hoping to meet his gaze. When food vanished, Dumbledore got up to the podium and welcomed the students back and told them that the semester will begin Monday. He introduced Cassiopeia Black as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Harry could hear the subtle edge in his voice as it was obvious that he didn't want to have her in the professor but was overruled by the board.
Once, Dumbledore was giving his speech and introducing Professor Black he sent the students to their dorms. Harry of course ducked out and went to the RoR as he preferred the room over the loud and boisterous common room of lions. When he got to the room, he said the password, entered and saw his partner eating his meal next to the fire. The two talked for over an hour until he heard a knock on his door, looking at the map on the coffee table he saw that it was his aunt. Getting up from his seat he let her in.
Cassie looked around the room, from the way her nephew described it. The room could become anything the person wanted, she thought of a comfortable chair and the next moment she got her wish as a chair appeared behind her and sat in it.
"Are you ready to begin teaching" Hadrian asked her even adding a smirk.
She just let out a breath.
"I just hope that some of the students are competent" she said with a small irritation. She didn't want to teach but after hearing what Arcturus said did, she comply and signed her employment contracts.
Harry chuckled to himself. "Relax Cassie, you will be fine. You were able to teach me, weren't you" he teased.
"Yeah and look how you turned out" she bit back, shaking her head. Her nephew just smiled at her "anyway you should know that you have career counseling tomorrow with Minerva." She raised a hand to before he could speak "I will be present to make sure that nothing happens."
Cassie was aware of what the boy thought of Minerva and she was less than pleased when she heard about the last interaction the two had. Almost to the point going to the school right then and cursing the woman herself, but Arcturus told her about the talk he had with one of her ancestors about the possibility of Minerva being under a potion.
Pulling out of her thoughts she looked back at her nephew. The two talked for a few more minutes until Harry said he was going to go to bed for the night. Cassie wished him a good night and left the room to go head back to her quarters.
(0^0)
The next morning Hadrian got up like he usually did dressed in a black V-neck shirt and some back track pants and headed to go do his morning workout, the room gave him a staircase that led all the way down to the grounds and he was soon met with his friends. Today's agenda consisted of running 4 miles, training in martial magic and Krav Maga, along with using different weapons like swords, Sais, and bo staffs.
Harry was paying more attention to Daphne as she was developing her combat abilities quite considerably. Not only that she had started to develop her own style of combat. Also, her ability to use her elemental abilities were steadily improving. When he called time, they were sweaty and sore from the exertion; Harry stood straight as he was accustomed to the new training regime and had better stamina. They all went back to the RoR of requirement to go grab a shower then head back to their dorms to grab a change clothes.
After dressing in different clothes, they all met in the great hall for breakfast, where they sat at the Ravenclaw table. Next to them were Padma along with her other two fellow ravenclaws they sat enjoying their breakfast and occasionally made small talks. Daphne had decided to bring Iroh with her and had one of the house elves put out some food for him. Byakko had chosen to go run around in the forest and go catch is food. Hadrian understood that while he may be a god, he was still a tiger, a fierce apex predator and needed to move around. As they were finishing their breakfast Harry sensed the presence of two lions that he wanted to avoid.
"What is that dog doing here" came the bossy voice of a familiar lion. Harry just took a swig out of his goblet not really in the mood.
"I'm going to take a wild guess. The bushy haired bookworm and the bottomless pit are behind us" he said.
"Five points to gryffindor" Tracey said with a smirk. "What do you two want this time?" she asked the two gryffindors behind him.
Granger ignored the question and said, "you're not allowed to have a dog in school." Daphne turned to her around "actually I can as he is my familiar. And he is not just a dog. Iroh is a hellhound!"
"Where did you get a hellhound" Weasley exclaimed.
Daphne jabbed a thumb to Harry, "he got him as a Christmas present for me. Now can you two leave we were enjoying ourselves before you two arrived."
"Shut it snake" Ron said his ears were becoming pink. Daphne just rolled her eyes at him.
Hermione resumed "why would you give her a hellhound of all things" she asked the raven haired boy who still hadn't turned around. Not getting an answer she put a hand on his shoulder and tried to turn him around, but he removed it "I am busy."
Hermione ignored what he said and replied "why did you give Greengrass a hellhound" she said a bit louder.
"Because I wanted to. If you have a problem with that then go tell a teacher, it's the only thing you know how to do other than annoy us."
She did not like his response "you should not have given her a hellhound. What possessed you to do that?"
This time he did look at her "what possessed you to swoon over that pedophile Fuckhart" he retorted.
Hermione immediately shut her mouth and was pink in the face. "Language" she said automatically "and I was not swooning over him" she denied.
"Yes, you did Granger" Blaise said "I seem to remember you almost fainting when he smiled at you, add to the fact that you turned into a giggling mess whenever he was around" he then started clapping "well done you worshipped a fraud who tried to assault kids. Guess it's clear on what type of guys you like" he said mockingly as he continued to clap.
"I was not swooning over him and I didn't worship him" she said loud enough that some of the other students were now looking at her. Her entire face was red.
"For merlin sake, what with all the screaming" the silk voice of the potion professor came. "Is it too much to ask for one quiet morning, without someone making a ruckus. Now what is going on here?" the tone in his voice meant that he was not happy.
Daphne spoke up "professor, we were all enjoying a nice breakfast until Granger and Weasley came over and started complaining about my familiar who is hellhound and has permission to be on school grounds and denies the fact of swooning over our previous DADA professor." The others nodded and Severus turned to the two gryffindors.
"It would seem that once again you and Mr. Weasley are causing trouble again Miss. Granger" Snape said in a silk voice. "Evidently, you two didn't learn your lesson the last time. 15 points from gryffindor house for purposefully going after another student familiar and another 20 points for lying about swooning over that animal" he said with disgust in his voice.
"Now get back to your seat, before I give you two detention for causing a ruckus in the great hall."
Ron ears were now as red as his hair "that is completely unfair you greasy haired idiot" he immediately regretted his words when Snape stepped forward and looked him dead in the eyes. His own black eyes were on fire.
"Congratulations Mr. Weasley, you just earned yourself three night of detention with Filch and lost your house another ten points. Let's go to Argus office and schedule your detentions. Granger head back to your own table before you end up joining him" with that he led an angry Ron out of the great hall, while Granger shot daggers at Greengrass and went back to her seat.
After breakfast, the rest of the day passed relatively quickly as it was Sunday the student body was free to go enjoy themselves. Harry and Nicole had to attend the career sessions with their head of houses at four and went to the offices of their head of houses. Harry envied Nicole as she had his dad as her career counselor; he on the other hand got stuck with McGonagall mentally sighing at least his aunt will be present. Waiting in line with the other fifth years, it was relatively silent which was good in his opinion this way no one would be able to annoy him.
When fifth year boy came out of her office, McGonagall motioned for him to come as it was now his turn. Entering the office, he saw that his aunt was in the corner. Harry kept an expressionless face on and sat in the open chair. McGonagall was handed his file from Professor Black and took her seat.
"Mr. Potter as you know this is a meeting to discuss what you want to do once you leave Hogwarts" she said to him. Harry didn't show any emotions and waited silently for her to continue "as you no doubt know you have been entered into the accelerated program and will be taking your O.W.L's in June. There you will be able to see if you qualify the career of your choosing. Do you understand?"
"I do" he gave a nod. McGonagall continued "now do you know the type of career you wish to pursue?"
Hadrian thought for a moment "first I would like to get some masteries in the different subjects. Then I would like to get a job as an agent of the ICW."
Minerva and Cassiopeia were shocked by what he had chosen. Cassie was already aware of his ambitious nature, but never would have expected him to try and obtain masteries if he could. The ICW part well she had a feeling he join them in some way as their have never once been a Potter who never worked for the ICW.
Minerva was shocked because she never expected him to aim so high, getting over the shock she looked back at him "that is rather ambitious of you young man" she commented. "I have reviewed your transcript and you keep going along the path you are going now, then you should be able to get a couple of masteries should that be what you want. Be warned the process to obtain a mastery in any subject is extremely difficult."
"As for being an agent of the ICW the academy curriculum is much more difficult than the standards at the Auror academy. You will have to pass a number of character aptitude test, followed by mental, and physical exams" she followed up.
Then looked at her colleague behind her "what is your assessment on the matter, Professor Black?"
Cassie looked from Hadrian to McGonagall "I believe that anything is possible. Mr. Potter does have the potential to pursue any career he wants. This may seem a bit bias on my part, but I believe he can accomplish what he desires if he continues to work hard for it" her lips almost curved into a small smile.
McGonagall looked from her to the young man in front of her "very well! Then you're going to need to be accepted into the N.E.W.T classes of Transfiguration, Charms, Herbology, Potions, and Defense Against the Dark Arts. If you manage to obtain the necessary marks for those classes then you will only have to receive nothing less than an E on your NEWT's" she said to him.
"Do you have any questions?"
"One" he said. "My uncles said that the ICW academy has a wing that specializes in wards and curse breaking, can you confirm that?"
Minerva raised an eyebrow "they would be correct in that category as they is a division for warders and curse breakers" she confirmed. "Is that all?"
Hadrian gave her a slow nod, then was dismissed by his head of house. Rising from his seat he left the room and went back to the room of requirement to go ponder about the requirements to be an agent and to probably go work out the bugs of his latest spell. So far he had created two out of the three he had hoped to create. The last one was proving to be a challenge, but he would soon conquer it.
(0^0)
The first month passed by quickly, Nicole and Harry were studying hard either revising, doing homework assignments, or practicing different spells. In Harry's case his studies were far more intense, Daphne saw what he was studying and described it as hell on earth. He agreed that it was much, but it was nothing compared to what the N.E.W.T classes were, her expression was comical in his opinion.
Adding to the fact that she had decided to step up her training and studies as well, from what Severus said she would be able to skip a year if she continues to show promise. When he told her that, she was determined to keep going forward. Daphne asked Harry to teach her about ancient runes and arithmancy for her core electives along with care of magical creatures and healing. Harry told her that he was not the best person to ask about healing despite the fact of receiving top marks about the subject and recommended that she self-study for the subject under Madam Pomfrey watch.
Daphne spoke to the resident matron about the matter and the woman agreed saying that she be happy to help teaching her. The woman ran a healer club every Tuesday and Thursday and invited Daphne to attend some of the sessions. Nicole naturally asked when she got wind of the matter as she wanted to be a healer after she attained her mastery in Potions. As it stood right now Nicole was currently in first place in her overall year and Snape said that if she got an outstanding in her NEWT exam then he would take her as an apprentice.
Nicole had showed sufficient talent in the subject and was allowed to take her O.W.L exam early. Needless, to say her father was very pleased about the matter when she got her result for potions.
So far nothing much changed, while most of the students still avoided or labeled him as the one who was behind the attacks and the fact that the Daily Prophet had started a smear campaign against him. According to what he read and what he had heard from his dad the smear was being endorsed by Lord Morrison and Delores Umbridge. Apparently, they were not happy with the way he talked or humiliated them. Jack asked him if he wanted to come back home and see if he could hire some private tutors like he had done with his dueling instructors and his alchemy professor. Harry declined saying that he was fine and that he can deal with the masses at Hogwarts.
At the moment Daphne, Harry, Tracey, and Blaise were currently walking in a deserted corridor on the 2nd floor. That was until, Harry heard something coming from the girls bathroom, stopping in his tracks the others paused as well. "You okay man" Blaise asked.
Harry placed a finger above his lips and motioned for them to follow as they got near the bathroom Harry was able to make out who was speaking. The voices were from Granger and Weasley edging closer to the door, Hadrian poked his head inside to see that the two gryffindors were hovering over a potion. His enhanced sense of smell allowed to smell what potion they were working on. It was one he was familiar with Polyjuice potion. To help identify potions Severus had him recognize the smells of different potions so that he could understand and see if they were brewed correctly.
Harry motioned for them to come closer and whispered, "it would appear that the book worm and the bottomless pit are brewing poly juice potion."
"Why would they do that" Tracey whispered, "and aren't the ingredients for that potion expensive!"
"Better question what do they intend to do with it" Blaise asked.
"Don't know but I think I know how we can get answers" Hadrian said with a smirk. "Do you have a recording crystal on you?"
Blaise caught on to what he was thinking and pulled a crystal out of his pocket and handed it to him. Harry took it and added a disillusionment charm on it and a retrieval charm on it so that it would be able to return to them. Activating it he levitated it in the bathroom and set the timer for an hour. Letting the crystal do its job they left the corridor and headed for the stairs that would lead to the seventh floor.
Before they could reach the stairs they rounded a corner and saw two people motionless. One being the ghost of nearly headless Nick who was standing over Dean Thomas they appeared to be petrified.
Daphne and Tracey gasped but Hadrian and Blaise paled a bit. "We need to get Thomas to the hospital wing" Hadrian said.
"What about Sir Nicholas" Tracey asked. Daphne responded, "he's a ghost I doubt we be able to move let alone levitate him."
Blaise spoke "Daphne right! Thomas is the one that needs to head to the hospital wing" he then took out his wand and performed the levitation charm on the boy. Raising the boy up they headed straight for the medical wing, as they were walking they ran into Smith.
The git was an absolute coward and an unpleasant person to be around; the fact that always spoke before thinking made many of the other heirs had a hard time believing that he was an heir himself. The blond haired boy immediately pointed at them "I knew you had something to do with what's been happening Potter and here are your accomplices" he accused them.
"Are you that stupid Smith" Harry narrowed his eyes at him "if there was a brain in that skull of your then you would think before speaking."
"What did you just say Potter" the idiot was growing angry. "You think your so brilliant just because you went to school in Japan. Well let's see how you do against a real opponent."
Hadrian and the others just looked bored "Smith why don't you go challenge someone who you can actually beat like a monkey. Then again a pathetic heir like yourself might just get beaten by one." Daphne discreetly took out a recording crystal from her pocket and activated it.
Zach was growing more angry "why you" he then pulled out his wand and aimed it at him.
Harry just raised an eyebrow "trust me Smith. If you fire a spell at me then you better be ready for the consequences" he warned.
"Like I care" he snarled "you are the last of the House of Potter, and a member of the despicable House of Black. Who time is almost up and no longer hold the power they once did. The Houses of Potter and Black are weak and should never have been given the rank of Ancient Houses."
Smith didn't even realize that he was being recorded by the crystal and fired his first spell, "diffindo" the cutting curse fired out of his wand and was aimed at Harry neck. The taller boy pushed the other out of the way and dodged.
His spell missed Smith shouted "petrificas totalus, stupefy, incendio" the three spells missed their target, which only served to frustrate him. He kept on firing different spells at Harry all of which he dodged ease.
Smith had no technique whatsoever and Harry was getting irritated, flicking his wand in his hand he deflected Smith stunning spell right back at him but much faster. The boy was just barely able to move out of the way but was caught off guard when Harry fired a disarming charm and put him in a full body bind.
Daphne grabbed the crystal and turned it off. With the distraction over with they proceeded to the hospital wing and put Thomas in one of the beds. Tracey went to Madam Pomfrey's office and told her to come out. The matron saw the look on the young girl face and hopped to her feet. Exiting her office, she saw that the other three were standing over another petrified student.
Poppy immediately ran over "what happened" she demanded.
"We found him like this on the 2nd floor" Blaise answered, "he was under nearly headless Nick."
Poppy examined the boy for a moment "he has also been petrified" her eyes opened wide. "I need to inform Professor McGonagall."
Harry stepped in "Madam Pomfrey before you do, you might want to get Zacharias Smith. He attacked us as we were bringing Thomas here."
"Thank you for informing me" she gave them a nod. "Now you four head back to your common rooms."
Not needing to be told twice the four left the hospital and headed for the Room of Requirement. Entering the room, they sat down on the couches.
"That was random" Tracey sighed. "First we find Granger and Weasley working on Polyjuice potion. Second we find both Thomas and Sir Nicolas petrified. Third Smith" she said in disgust "attacks us for no reason. This is getting out of control."
"No argument, Trace" Daphne stepped in "why would Granger and Weasley make Polyjuice potion? It's dangerous not to mention expensive, where would they get the ingredients?
"The Weasley family are not that well off and Granger is a muggleborn I doubt her parents would agree to buy her the materials. Dumbledore maybe a senile manipulative old man but even he is not stupid to give students access to those types of ingredients."
Harry reclined in his seat "what concerns me the most is the fact that Thomas and Sir Nick were just laying around not moving. Also, the fact that Smith went and attacked me. This was his second offense, meaning there will be more trouble to come" he said disdainfully.
"What do you mean" Blaise asked in confusion.
Daphne eyes shot up at realization. "Harry's right this will be trouble" she commented "the Smith's and the Potters have a magical treaty between their two Houses. And sense the heir to the Smith family attacked Harry that means." She paused.
"Bad news" Blaise and Tracey said in unison paling a bit.
Tracey recovered out of the stupor "Harry can you summon the treaty between your House and the Smith's?"
"I can but I need my grimoire" he got up from his seat and went to his room. The next three minutes he came down with Byakko and his grimoire and the contract between House of Potter and House of Smith. Opening the contract, he saw that the words were not gold but red "that's what I was afraid of."
He plopped down next to Daphne. "The contract between our families has been broken" he said barely audible. The blonde girl placed a hand on his shoulder while the other paled. Byakko rested his head on his lap sending a wave of comfort through their link.
"Smith is a fool! Not only did he attack the last member of the Potter family but a member of the House of Black. Meaning that things would be difficult for his family" Blaise shuddered at the punishment "not to mention that the Smith's are indebted to those families."
"Do you think Smith understands the severity of his actions?" Tracey asked. Blaise turned his head to her "even if he just now realized it. The damage has already been done, breaking a magical contract is not good in our world" he replied.
"Can't you go to the Wizengamot with this?" he asked his oldest friend.
Harry responded "I could but I need proof and considering the way the public thinks of me I might have to bide my time" he said thoughtfully.
Daphne gave him a small smile "I have your proof right here" she reached into her pocket and pulled out the recording crystal.
The others were surprised "you had one on you the whole time" Harry exclaimed.
"Didn't think I would need it" she replied and handed it to him, which he took.
"You sneaky" he responded with a smile of his own. "I like it. Let's make sure that the information is correct" he played the crystal so they could view it on the wall.
They watched how Smith pulled out his wand first and called the Potter and Black Family weak. The fool had the audacity to claim that the Potters and Blacks should never been given the rank of Ancient Houses. Then the git started firing spells at him after 15 minutes of watching the recording Harry deactivated it and returned it to himself. Harry leaned closer to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
Daphne face turned bright red. "Thanks" he smiled at her.
For the next 10 or so minutes they discussed how it was possible that Nicholas and Thomas became petrified. Nicholas was a ghost so he could not be killed as he was already dead. The four came to the conclusion that Thomas must have saw the basilisk through the ghost and became petrified.
The next moment they heard some banging against the door. Hadrian pulled out the marauders map and saw that it was the recording crystal he put on Granger and Weasley, getting up from his seat he opened the door, and the crystal flew right in. Merlin he was glad that he and Emily created them as this way he could record things when necessary.
Grabbing it out of the air he activated it. They all watched and confirmed that the two Gryffindors had indeed made Polyjuice potion. The two idiots admitted that they got the ingredients from Snapes personal stores and drugged Crabbe and Goyle with a mild sleeping draught. Once they were transformed into Malfoy butt boys they went to go find the slytherin common room.
The disguised kids were eventually cornered by Percy who asked why they were out in the hallways this late at night. The disguised Ron was about to answer but Draco intervened and after some words were said between the two. Draco led them to the slytherin common room where he talked about the recent attacks on muggleborns.
Harry shook his head in disgust, his cousin had no tact whatsoever and was an open book, he was further surprised when the two disguised thought that Draco was the heir to the House of Slytherin. The blonde boy was elated about what's been going on and mentioned that his father told him that the heir of slytherin would take care of everything and that he didn't know what was going on. He admitted to the fact that he hoped the next victim would be Granger. Crabbe stood up violently but was hold back by Goyle who covered for him by saying that they ate too much at dinner.
Draco irritably told him to take Crabbe to the hospital wing and the two rushed out of the room and headed back to the bathroom ending the recording.
"Now that was interesting" Tracey said. "Not only did Weasley and Granger steal from Professor Snape, but they also drugged Crabbe and Goyle, and broke into the slytherin common room. Those offenses are so heavy that they warrant suspension or expulsion." She turned to Harry "how quick can you get your dad in hear?"
"I know what you're thinking Tracey but you're missing a few things" he said to the brunette. "What am I missing" she asked in confusion.
"Think about it Tracey, they broke into my dad private stores and from what I know that is no easy task. Dad would never allow anyone into his private stores unless they have his express permission and he always makes sure to lock his stuff with powerful wards and add an alarming ward to warn him" Harry explained.
"And don't forget that each common room has its own set of wards and any nonmembers cannot enter unless someone from that house willingly brings them in. That's why we wear these badges" he pointed to the red lion badge on his robes. "Not only that you slytherins are territorial and Draco brought them in willingly without checking to see if they really were the real Crabbe and Goyle. That's bad news for him."
Daphne pinched in "also the fact that Hadrian gave a magical vow saying that he would never give away the location to our common room. However, if we made a copy of this footage, then he is blameless and doesn't lose his magic. That said Severus is not going to be happy once he finds out."
"Can you make a copy of it" Blaise asked. "It's pretty simple" Daphne she confirmed. She summoned one of her family house elves "Mable can you come here please?"
The next second the elf popped in front of her "what can Mable do for Miss. Daphne?"
"Can you go get me another recording crystal from home?" she asked the little elf.
"Of course, Miss Daphne" the elf happily said. "Mable will be back with the talking crystal" she popped away. A few minutes later the elf returned with the crystal and handed it her.
Daphne gratefully accepted the crystal. "Thank you, Mable you may return home" the elf popped away. Daphne took out her wand "Harry I need to put a blind fold over your eyes and the ear buzzing charm on you."
"Do it" he said. Daphne conjured a blind fold covering his eyes and put him under the ear buzzing charm. Making sure he couldn't see or hear she transferred the data from one crystal to the other. When it was done she removed the blind fold and the charm.
"So how do we proceed from here" came Blaise. "Do we just tell Professor Snape what we have, or do we wait?"
"We have must be patient" Daphne said. "I can pass the information to him but tell him to act like he doesn't know anything."
"Why wait" Tracey asked indignantly "we have the information! Why not give it to him and let him, punish them."
Harry was the one to respond "think like a slytherin Tracey. What we have is information that could greatly harm not only Granger and Weasley but severely hurt Dumbledore as well."
"I'm see your plan Harry" Blaise said, "but how will this affect Dumbles?"
Daphne already picked up were this was going "it affects him because he has taken a special interest in those two and if he goes out of his way to defend their actions. Then people will start asking for his removal as headmaster" she and Harry smiled and laughed in unison. Iroh came out of her shadow and jumped on her lap.
Tracey could only blink in shock "you have to be the most slytherin gryffindor I have ever met" she said to Harry in amazement. "Remind me never to make an enemy of you" she added a laugh.
"You dangerous Harry" Blaise commented with a smile on his face.
"You just now figured that out old friend" he said wiggling his eyebrows. "Give me a minute to get, dad here."
"Dad you their?"
"I'm busy Hadrian" Severus replied.
"When was the last time you check your potions stores?" There was a brief edge in his voice.
Severus became instantly alert "what happened!" he demanded.
"Come to the room of requirement and see for yourself" he then cut off the link.
"He will be here soon" when he finished saying that Severus emerged from the floo looking crossed.
His expression was not a happy one and read 'start talking'.
Harry wasted no time in showing him the recording crystal they had on Granger and Weasley; predictably Severus was livid at what he saw. Those two stole from him and broke into his snakes house. He was further pissed at the fact that Crabbe and Goyle easily let themselves be drugged and the fact that Draco let them into the common room without checking to make sure that they were actually Crabbe and Goyle.
Severus couldn't decide who he was more pissed at the gryffindors or the members from his own house and was about to go ring some necks. But Hadrian and the others stopped him an explained the plan, what they had was essential information that could greatly harm Dumbledore and only had to be patient and wait for the right time to strike. Severus had to admit that it was a good plan but that didn't mean he had to like it. Grudgingly he agreed to go along with the plan and pretend that he didn't know anything, they gave him the copy of the recording crystal and he left.
Harry offered to let them stay for the night as the room could give them their own rooms. They accepted and went to the different rooms; surprising enough Byakko and Iroh got along famously as despite being different species.
What was most surprising was that Byakko became a sort of big brother to little Iroh. Harry took great pleasure in teasing his partner, only to receive a mock glare from him as he followed him up to his room.
(0^0)
The days leading up till it was time for Harry to leave was outright torture in his opinion. Not only did he receive a week of detention for the incident with Smith but had lost 25 points and while Smith was only given a stern talking to by Professor Sprout. It also didn't help that Dumbledore called him into his office and attempted to make him regret his actions. His preach about forgiveness was enough to make Hadrian stomach turn, naturally Harry denied when he said he should forgive Smith for what he did and said that the fool was lucky I was holding back.
Albus even had the gall to accuse him of being the one who had been petrifying students. Harry just laughed at his face and walked out of the room while saying 'if that's the best evidence you have then you are a fool.'
During his charms class Harry made it a point to sit next to Nicole as she was one of the only few people that believed that he was innocent. Filius Flitwick had also believed that he was innocent and decided to help out on a few occasion; the tiny professor was among the few professors at school that believed Hadrian was not at fault. The other Professors were Septima Vector, Burbage Babbling, his aunt Cassiopeia, and his Severus (though he had to be discreet about how he helped him.) As for the members of his house the quidditch team, along with Parvati Patil, and Neville Longbottom didn't turn their backs on him and for that he was grateful.
Professor Flitwick had awarded him 30 points for his excellent use of spells and elaborating on how to improve them. Once class was over they walked the hallways until Harry sensed something other than the regular students behind him, turning his head slightly around he saw a dwarf rushing towards him.
"Oy, you! 'Arry Potter!" shouted a particularly grim-looking dwarf, elbowing people out of the way to get to Harry.
Harry was not in the mood for anything that had to do with valentine day especially not in front of a line of first years, which happened to include Ginevra Weasley, Harry tried to escape. The dwarf, however, cut his way through the crowd by kicking people's shins, and reached him before he'd gone two paces. "I've got a musical message to deliver to 'Arry Potter in person," he said, twanging his harp in a threatening sort of way.
"Not interested" Harry said trying to leave.
However, the dwarf grabbed him on the back of his robes "stay still!" grunted the dwarf, he tightened his grip and tried to pull him back. However, the little thing was unaware of the growing annoyance of the human.
"Let me go" Hadrian said in a dangerously cold voice, that made the dwarf pale and slightly back up.
The dwarf regained himself "right. Here is your valentine singing:
His eyes are as green as a fresh pickled toad,
His hair is as dark as a blackboard.
I wish he was mine, he's really divine,
The hero who conquered the Dark Lord."
Harry wished the floor beneath him would open up and swallow him up. This was completely embarrassing. Looking around he saw others laughing and a completely embarrassed Ginevra Weasley, but the girl was embarrassed for another reason in his opinion.
Leaving the growing crowd, he went straight to his alchemy class with Professor Marchbanks, Harry was severely looking to the day when he would head back to Japan for his placement exams. At least their he would be away from Hogwarts for a little while, something he was desperately looking forward to. With that though in mind he would at least have an hour and fifteen minutes for his lesson in alchemy.
Making it to the classroom where his lesson was supposed to be at, he knocked on the door, "come in". Opening the door, he saw his instructor preparing for his lessons for the day, taking a seat at one of the table.
Harry took out the homework assignment that was due today. Followed by the essentials that were required for class.
Marchbanks in his opinion was knowledgeable in the art of Alchemy and Harry could definitely see that the man knew what he was talking about. Collecting his student essay for grading, he set a pop quiz out for the boy.
Having anticipated that his teacher would pull something like this, Harry made sure to review what he knew about what he had learned. 25 minutes later he raised his hand saying that he was done and waited patiently for the professor to collect the quiz.
The rest of the class consisted of how to manipulate different substances to suit various needs the caster could want. This was one of the few classes that he could relax and be himself in as he could escape the confines of some of his fellow classmates. It's not that he disliked people he was just unaware if they could be trustworthy. That was the main reason why he only kept a group of people around.
When class was over he was dismissed and given his new homework assignment. Relishing in the silence, he began thinking about where the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets was and if Miwa was able to find any information. After classes were over with for the day Harry went outside to go relax in the sun, lifting his shit to let his partner out so they could both enjoy the weather. They went to one of the trees near the Black Lake to go recline; Harry sat on the warm ground crossing his legs and started to meditate.
Byakko went to go and gorge on some fish.
Harry spent the next hour or so alone meditating enjoying the nice sun and the silence that came along with it. That was until he heard a familiar voice.
"Well, well, well! Look who we have here" Harry didn't even turn around as he already knew who was coming from behind him. "Potter all alone" the friends that came with him just laughed.
Hadrian just got up and walked to where Byakko was away from the idiots. His partner had just finished eating and the two decided to head back inside. Smith just kept on taunting him, each time Harry just ignored him, he discreetly pulled out a recording crystal as he had a feeling that he would be needing it.
Neither Smith nor did any of his friends like the fact that of being ignored. The blonde boy rushed up to Potter and tried to punch him in the back of the head, but Harry anticipated the attack. Whirling around he caught Smith hand in a vice grip and pushed the boy to the ground near his friends.
"Smith, I know you're not the sharpest badger so I will use simple words" Harry narrowed his eyes at him "take your little entourage and leave. You're already in enough trouble as it is. Don't you remember the last time you tried to attack me, but last time I was holding back. Spare yourself the humiliation and walk away."
Zach didn't like the way Potter was talking with him and just laughed "did you guys hear what he just said. Potter your all alone and we out number you" he indicated to the other three behind him, the idiots had no idea who they were messing with.
"You had to bring others to fight your battles now" Harry began "rather embarrassing all things considered. You really are a pathetic heir! No honor whatsoever."
Zach and the others just stopped laughing, the idiot now looked furious. "I'm ten times the wizard you are Potter and in a head to head battle I kick your arse."
Hadrian let out a breath and shook his head "I can't decide if your either very foolish or brave. Truthfully, I'm leaning toward the foolish part. You can't beat me Smith, the only thing you are is a spoiled child."
"What did you just say" Zach and the others pulled out their wands and aimed it at him.
Hadrian just continued "you four might want to rethink doing this, especially you Smithy" he taunted the boy. "This is your last chance to leave peacefully."
"That's it fire," he and the others immediately started firing curses at Potter. The boy only dodged out of the way of the incoming spells.
Harry saw through their spells; they had no skills and were nothing but amateurs. Their spells were sloppy at best, flicking his own wand out he deflected the spells. If he could describe this in one word it would be 'boring'. Shooting a ball of bright light into the air they covered their eyes allowing him to send a chain of spells at them.
When the light cleared they were wandless and bound in rope.
"What is going on here" came the voice of McGonagall, turning his head Hadrian saw that she, Cassie, and Professor Vector were coming toward them.
"Professors, these four attacked me for no reason" Harry stated. "I gave them the chance to walk away but they shot spells at me, so I subdued them."
"That's a lie Potter was the one to attack us," one of the boys on the ground said.
Minerva turned to her lion "Mr. Potter for attacking a group of students you have earned a month of detention."
Hadrian was about to protest but Professor Black stepped in "have you lost all of your senses Minerva." The transfiguration teacher looked at her indignantly, while Septima went and unbound the boys while picking up their wands "in case your suffering from old age there is a recording crystal floating near. I for one want to see what really happened not your bias views."
Minerva started sputtering but Cassie ignored her and grabbed the crystal out of the air. Their they saw that it were the hufflepuffs who started the fight. Hadrian gave them a chance to walk away even Smith, but the fools attacked him, nonetheless. "I think we know what really happened she faced the boys."
Her piercing grey eyes shot at the hufflepuff making them pale "you four will have detention for a month and have lost your house 35 points each. As for you Mr. Potter you will not be serving detention but have lost gryffindor house 15 points."
"Professor Black you do not have the final say in this" Minerva said looking agitated. "Mr. Potter will serve a month of detention with me."
"No one Minerva" Cassie cut her off. "Your eyes must be bad because if you were paying attention Mr. Sharp and the others attacked Potter first. Now, you can fight this all you want to, but Mr. Potter will not be punished for defending himself. These idiots will be" she pointed to the boys behind her nephew. "Come along Mr. Potter, you to Takashi" both boy and tiger followed behind the woman, leaving a gaping Minerva.
"Thank you, Professor" Harry said when they were out of earshot.
"Don't, thank me Mr. Potter. I'm just doing my job" she said in a stern voice. "How many times has Smith attacked you?" she asked as they entered her office. Taking her wand out she closed and locked the door.
"This latest attack was his third" he said to her. Cassie nostrils flared "the first time was about a month ago, the second time was when me, Tracey, Daphne and Blaise found Thomas and Nick petrified."
Cassiopeia was livid not only was her nephew being attacked by the press, but Smith and his friends had the audacity to attack him. Cowards! "Do you have proof?" she leaned in.
"Of the second attack yes," he replied. "Daphne got the entire thing on recorded, as for the first time no. However, you can use legilimency and see what happened for yourself."
Cassiopeia stood up and pointed her wand at the boy head counting to three she said "legilimens" inside she saw the first time Smith and some of the others attacked him. Having been raise as a member of the Black family she was highly skilled in detecting fake memories and was glad to see that his were not fake.
"I will let Arcturus deal with Lord Smith" she said menacingly. By attacking a member of the House of Black, the Smith heir broke the contract.
"That's not all" Harry stepped in "Smith not only broke the contract with the House of Black but the House of Potter."
What he said made her even more mad. "I will deal with Mr. Smith" she declared as she would be damned if the boy got off scot free. "For now, you head to the 'special room' and stay there."
Hadrian wanted to say something but the look on her face was serious as she was not in the mood for any of his back talk. Thus, he unlocked the door and walked out of the room with Byakko. When he was gone Cassie activated the crystals that hung in the wall and placed a call to her brother.
Arcturus face appeared moments later "what is it" her brother demanded evidently he was busy.
Cassie narrowed her eyes "Arcturus you might need to have a word with Lord Smith" she said in disgust.
"Why is that?"
Cassie explained that the heir to the Smith family broke the contract between not only the House of Blacks but the House of Potters. Arcturus was furious and told her to continue; she spent the next few minutes explaining what Hadrian told her about Smith attacking him three time and said that they had recordings of the last two incidents.
"Fucking Goat" Arcturus roared and started swearing violently. Ten minutes later he started to think about what he wanted to do to Lord Smith, the weak bastard evidently forgot to tell his brat that about what happens when someone breaks a magical contract. "Where is the boy at now?"
"I told him to go back to the room of requirement" she said, "if anything right now he is venting out his anger on some of the practice dummies."
"Alright listen to me" Arcturus said in a business voice.
(0^0)
The last day of February came slowly. Hadrian and his three friends along with Severus were in the room of requirement doing assignments. Severus walked around offering occasional assistance every now and then. Byakko and Iroh were napping near the fireplace with the latter laying on top of the former. Daphne found it cute and requested a camera; the room provided it and she snapped a picture of the two that made everyone laugh. Hadrian made a mental note to go and tease the god later as he was not going to let him live this down.
Ever since, Cassiopeia came and took over as the Defense professor Severus was free from tutoring the others; although the others still went to him on occasions to learn more. While he didn't mind that much he would have preferred the usual free time he would have gotten. That said he was showing them a lot of things that could probably show up on the exams and making sure that they were ready for the outside world.
As they all continued working the crystals over the fireplace alerted them that someone was calling. Harry activated it and saw that Sirius was the one who was calling.
"Hello everyone" Sirius greeted them before looking down at his godson "Harry I have good news" he said happily.
"Let me guess" Hadrian pretended to think "you and Amelia are getting serious" he was aware of what was going to happen but didn't care.
"Yes, I mean no. I mean" he stammered and saw the bright smile on the boy face "oh you scamp. Just so you know I am Sirius" the others just started laughing, Severus just shook his head in amusement. "Anyway, the reason I am calling his because me and the old man were able to find you a damn good lawyer. She wants to see you!"
"Would it be alright if I brought, these four with me" he pointed to everyone in the room. Sirius replied, "that's fine their guardians are here and have given permission. "We're meeting at Black's castle"
The five went through the floo network one by one and flooed to Blacks castle. Exiting the floo they arrived in the main sitting room, where Sirius led them to the dining the room. Entering they saw Arcturus and Cassiopeia sitting with the other heads of houses along with the other Lords and Lady of their respective houses. The other guess was a young severe looking woman who looked to be in her early 40s. Hadrian could see intelligence radiating off the woman .
After giving their parents a hug Arcturus stood up and motioned for Hadrian to come forward "Hadrian I like you to meet Liselotte Schwarber, barrister and solicitor, she is here to be your legal counsel."
The woman stepped forward and held out her hand "Mr. Potter it is a pleasure to meet you" she said. Hadrian shook her hand "you may not be aware of this, but my family as always been the legal counsel of your family. The last person was your late father James."
Hadrian turned to his uncle "you had her checked" he looked at the man to which he replied "of course. And put her under the mental fidelius for extra security."
"Then let us proceed" Hadrian said, "everyone take your seats." Hadrian took a seat next to his aunt Cassie and everyone followed suit.
Arcturus explained the reason why she was here tonight, what's been going on in and out of school with the media, the wizengamot, and the other students treatment towards him just for being a Parseltongue and accusing him of being the one who has been attacking muggleborns. They spent the next hour and a half negotiating what was going on and in that time the other parents also hired the woman for their families counsel. Schwarber told them that they will discuss the matter after she had conducted her business with her current client.
The woman gave a magical oath saying that she would never intentionally or unintentionally do anything to harm Hadrian, or the members present before her at the moment. She explained that he had the right to add more should he wish only requesting that he inform her should he do so they could discuss the matter.
"Now with the formalities out of the way" she started "we can get down to business. Mr. Potter would you please explain what has been going on at school concerning the attacks?"
Harry explained to her about the fact that the incident first began on October 31st when he and some of the others were walking along the corridors alluding to the fact that he was assaulted by memories from Riddle. He explained how he had been hearing voices "the voice sounded rasp yet out of breath. Me and the others here deduced that it was a basilisk or something with the ability to petrify people. As a Parseltongue I could understand what the creature is saying."
The people who didn't know that he was a Parseltongue were shocked to stillness; Schwarber shook her head and recovered "the ability to speak to snakes is exclusive to the people in Magical India. As the law dictates you are required to register the ability to speak the language with the ICW. Have you registered the ability?"
"Yes, I have the license right here" he pulled out his wallet and took out his license and handed it to her. She quickly read over it to confirm it, then handed it back to him.
"Mr. Potter would you mind if I see the original paperwork" she asked. "The license while authentic, I still require the papers your guardians signed."
Cassie spoke up "we have the paperwork here. Donder" she called; a well-dressed elf appeared next to her.
"What can Donder do for Miss Cassiopeia?" the severe elf asked. "In the Lord's study there are the original papers detailing that Hadrian is a registered Parseltongue, please bring it immediately."
"At once mistress" the elf vanished and returned a few minutes later with the documents. "Here you are mistress" he handed her the paperwork.
"Thank you Donder" she said accepting the paperwork "you may leave now" she dismissed, and the elf vanished. "Here is the paperwork from the ICW." She gave it to the lawyer who accepted it.
Spending a few minutes going over the documents she put it in her folder. "Is there anything else that you wish to discuss with me?"
Harry gave her a nod. "The first thing I want you to do is go over the laws when it comes to magical contracts between different houses."
That immediately got her and the others attention as they could tell that he was not playing around. "Any particular reason?"
Cassie grabbed his hand and gave him a curt nod "the heir to the House of Smith has attacked me three times this semester and has thus broken the contract between his house and the Houses of Potter and Black."
Cyrus, Cameron, Sirius, and Cariana all paled at what he said. Someone breaking a magical contract was a serious offense.
"Do you have proof of this?" she asked.
"The last two attacks I do," he replied with a nod "the first one I have the memory. Would you like to view them?"
"Yes, I have to make sure that they are authentic."
Hadrian motioned for his uncle to summon a house elf to go retrieve the pensieve out of his study. While he was doing that Hadrian summoned another elf from his house and asked her to get the crystals that contained evidence of Smith attacking him out of his trunk. Five minutes later both the pensieve and crystals were in their possessions. The first was the memory, which was viewed with the pensieve, the next two were shown through the recordings of the crystals.
Arcturus was furious that swine not only attacked his nephew but had the gall to question his family status as a Most Ancient House.
Hadrian followed up "as for your first case Mrs. Schwarber, I want you to get rid of all those books about me, you may deal with the authors of them as you see fit. They had no rights, writing those books about me without my permission."
"You don't want her to deal with the House of Smith first" Arcturus raised an eyebrow at him, wondering what his nephew was up to.
"Oh, believe me I intend for her to deal with the Smith's just not yet" he had a dark smile on his face. "However, I want the family to sweat first."
Arcturus knew what he was getting at. He had a few words with Lord Smith and warned him if he did not temper his heir then there will be consequences for him. Accepting the boy answer he turned to the woman I believe that is all for now. I believe the others would like to discuss hiring you as their lawyers."
Same as Hadrian, she filled them in on the rules of hiring her and after negotiations were done the others hired her. Harry asked Arcturus to send her to uncle Jack and aunt Sarah so they could have her as a lawyer as well. He didn't want them unprotected, agreeing to his nephews request and sent the woman to go speak with Jack and his wife, informing her that they will be induced into the group of people present today.
She gave them all a nod and took her leave.
When she was out of the castle Severus spoke "now that you have a lawyer what do you intend to do?" he asked his son.
"I want to see how good she is" Hadrian stated, "it's time people heard my side of the story, I'm sick and tired of being accused of something without evidence or possessing an ability that was not my choosing."
Severus gave him a small smile. He knew what his son was going through was not easy and desperately wished things were different.
Cyrus was the next to speak "you should know that Lord Morrison is working on a way to get you arrested, for being the one whose been attacking muggleborns" he informed.
The young man flared his nostrils "Morrison is a weak fool! If he thinks he can attack me and get away with it then he is mistaken. But for now, I will be patient and let him play his games."
Daphne was staring intently at him "what are you up to, Harry?"
Harry turned his head to her "remember those statements he gave to the Daily prophet about me" she gave a nod. "Well, that's a sign of defamation and as the accused I have a right to defend myself."
"You have to be careful" Cameron came in "Morrison is a dangerous man and has the minister in his pocket."
"No need to worry Lord Davis" Harry said. "I have a way of dealing with the swine, should he become a problem" he started chuckling.
Cameron was torn between being interested and worrying what the boy was up to.
A/N: Things at Hogwarts are starting to heat up at Hogwarts. The students are accusing Harry of being the one behind the attacks; Dumbledore is trying to use this as a way to get Harry to trust him. Little does he know Harry has other plans.
Zacharias Smith is a fool for attacking Harry and doesn't even know that what he's been doing will have severe consequences. Boy are the Smith's going to be in trouble, once the Wizengamot finds out that the heir to the House of Smith broke the contracts with the House of Potters and Blacks.
Lord Morrison better watch out, he is going to learn what happens when you piss off a Dragon.
Next Chapter: Hadrian is to be tried at the Wizengamot courtesy of Lord Morrison and Delores Umbitch. They think they got Harry, but they are wrong. MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!