Disclaimer - I own nothing you recognise. So you know, don't try and sue me pls.
AN: WELL! HI! It's been a minute since I looked back at my old fics, but I always had something of a soft spot for Comeuppance; perhaps because it was the first MC I ever wrote and finished, or maybe because even now, I still have some love for the hilarity of the old tropes: Overpowered Harry, Independent Harry, Dumbledore Bashing... this story has them all. And of course, what's life without a bit of Snarry? (If you don't like it, then seriously, there are thousands of other stories that you'll be better off reading than this one, so you know, make use of the back button and be nice.)
So... A revisit... a rewrite... what fun. Hopefully, while following the same plot, the writing will be at least somewhat improved from the original story, which is still and will remain posted on my profile for posterity's sake.
I hope you enjoy the revisited version. It's almost completely edited by this point (I'm currently working on chapter 25) so you also won't have to deal with long waits between chapters. I'll be posting every 3 days or so, most likely.)
Without further chatter: Here we goooo!
Chapter 1: Daily Prophet Says What?
August 5th
HARRY POTTER MISSING
By Rita Skeeter
In a shock statement last night, Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts, announced the Boy Who Lived—just turned 16 year old wizard— has disappeared from his Muggle guardians home. He was last seen three days ago. According to Dumbledore, there are no signs of a struggle in or around the house, nor do Mr Potter's aunt and uncle have any idea where he is.
When asked how he knew the Chosen One was missing, our esteemed Supreme Mugwump declined to comment, only saying that he had search teams out looking for Mr Potter around the clock and if anyone should see the teen, they are to contact him immediately.
This begs the question as to why the British Public should not follow normal procedure on missing children and contact the Aurors or the WCS (Wizarding Children's Services). When asked, Dumbledore again declined to answer, ignoring the question completely.
I found myself wondering why we, the concerned citizens, are not being given all the information on this terrible situation, and so I took it on myself to find out more.
A student from Hogwarts, who has asked to remain anonymous, claims the last week of school was rife with rumours of Potter smashing up the Headmaster's office in a fit of rage, not hours after he returned from the Department of Mysteries.
When asked for the truth behind this incident, several members of staff at the school declined to comment.
I will continue to keep abreast of the situation and surely keep you all informed. The Chosen One being missing is a cause for concern for myself and I'm sure, all of magical Britain.
Everyone here at the Daily Prophet hopes to see our Saviour found alive and well.
…
August 7th
HARRY POTTER EMANCIPATED
By Rita Skeeter
Only two days ago did we hear from the Headmaster of Hogwarts that Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived, was missing. Since then, a search has spread across England, until just an hour ago, when we here at the Daily Prophet received an official statement from Alex Jackson, well known solicitor, on behalf of the illusive teen hero.
My Client, Lord Harry James Potter-Black, has not gone missing as was previously claimed by Albus Dumbledore. He has decided to take up his Family Duties, which became his responsibility the moment he turned 16. Had Headmaster Dumbledore simply sent an owl to Mr Potter, he would have known that the young man had simply been busy and was previously unaware that he had to inform the Headmaster of his movements. He deeply apologises for any concern caused by his supposed disappearance and wishes to offer assurance of his continued good health. For the rest of the summer, he plans to study a lot to learn what it means to be the head of two families, and to spend some time with his friends.
Given the nature of this statement, it gives cause for concern to the motives of the Headmaster to create such a stir on unfounded information. Now however, the citizens of Magical Great Britain can rest soundly in their beds, safe in the knowledge that The Chosen One is alive, well, and gaining more influence by the day.
…
August 10th
HARRY POTTER - GOING DARK?
By Rita Skeeter
Harry Potter was spotted in Diagon Alley today, apparently having an amicable conversation with none other than Draco Malfoy. The two boys, who are due to enter their sixth year at Hogwarts in September, have been known rivals since their first year in school. Given that Mr Potter was party to Draco's father, Lucius Malfoy, being put in Azkaban earlier this year, you'd have thought that the rivalry would have gotten worse.
I am of course talking about the attack on the Department of Mysteries on June 18th; incidentally, the same night during which the Ministry confirmed the return of He Who Must Not Be Named. Mr Malfoy was amongst the group captured there, and is currently awaiting trial in Azkaban.
The battle of the Department of Mysteries, as I'm sure you loyal readers remember, resulted in the death of Mr Potter's godfather, Sirius Black. Six students, Lord Potter, Ronald Weasley, Ginevra Weasley, Hermione Granger, Luna Lovegood and the Scion to the Noble House Of Longbottom, appeared at the Ministry of Magic—which in itself makes one wonder just how secure Hogwarts School really is—and fought against ten suspected Death Eaters until help arrived in the form of Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and others. Not much is known about what actually happened as the participants have repeatedly refused to comment. What we do know for sure is He Who Must Not Be Named entered the Ministry and duelled with Albus Dumbledore.
Draco Malfoy, according to statements from his peers, is the embodiment of his father. His views on Muggle-borns, Half-bloods and Muggles, are thought to be less than desirable. He has been heard to call people 'Mudblood', the most derogatory insult for a Muggle-Born, and 'struts around the castle like he owns the place.' Many students have much to say on the young Malfoy heir, and not a lot of it is good. So, we must ask ourselves, what on earth is Lord Potter doing associating with such people?
Has he decided to simply join the dark side? After all, the Leader of the Light is currently being called into question regarding his dealings with the young Lord. Has he simply had enough and decided he no longer wants a part of Dumbledore's manipulations? Rumours are rife in the street, but until we receive an answer, we must keep on watching carefully.
Both boys have declined to comment at this time, but Mr Alex Jackson, Lord Potter's solicitor, has hinted to Lord Potter agreeing to an interview before the summer is over. Hopefully Mr Jackson was correct and I'll be able to ask Lord Potter all of these pressing questions in person.
