AN: Clearly I can't stick to an updating schedule. Apologies, friends. I'm just going to post the rest of this story in chunks when I get spare time, just to get it up. I hope you enjoy the rest going forward :).
The remaining weeks of summer passed by in a blur for Harry, Alex and Sirius. Between meetings, seeing friends, avoiding Dumbledore and making sure Harry had a lock on his magic before going back to Hogwarts, the time passed unbearably quickly, and before Harry knew it, it was the first of September, and he was facing a year back in the sphere of Dumbledore's influence.
Not that he was overly worried about that, he had safeguards in place, and of course, could escape via his trunk if absolutely necessary. It was just harder than he'd thought it would be, giving up the freedom he'd so desperately enjoyed over the summer.
Part of him was looking forward to it; he would never not love Hogwarts, despite the Headmaster, but he couldn't help but wonder how long he would be there. He didn't think there was a real chance of him being there for the whole year.
He'd been correct about not getting an Outstanding on his potions O.W.L, and Snape had agreed to allow him an aptitude test when he took his others. Along with the Ancient Runes and Arithmancy aptitudes tests, if Harry passed them all, he was looking at quite a packed schedule, and that was without any of the additional training he planned to do.
One good thing that had come from Harry's rather cluttered social diary was that Augusta Longbottom had agreed to teach Harry politics and history. When he'd tried to offer her a contract from Alex, she'd slapped him upside the head and told him not to be an idiot.
She thought it was the least she could do, since Harry should have grown up with her and been taught it over the years as Neville had. While Harry disagreed that she owed him anything, he was grateful that she had made the offer.
He really didn't want to have to deal with too many strangers teaching him, even if they were the best in their chosen field. Strangers made him wary these days.
"You'll be fine," Sirius said, joining him in the kitchen, startling him from his thoughts. He ruffled Harry's hair as he passed him for his own seat at the table, and sat down facing him.
"You know it's not my first year, right?" Harry asked, lips tilting up in a smile.
Sirius shrugged. "It's understandable that you'd be nervous going back this year after the summer you've had. Just know that you're not alone, and you can always get back to us if you need to."
Harry nodded and smiled, just as Alex walked into the room with the Prophet in his hands and a wide smile on his face. The front page was the beginning of the interview Harry had sat for with Rita. It was a stroke of genius shared by both Alex and the Editors of the paper to save the interview until the day all eyes were on the Hogwarts Express anyway.
"Oooh," Sirius said, making grabby hands for the paper. Alex snorted at him, but flattened the paper out on the table so they could all read it together.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH LORD HARRY JAMES POTTER-BLACK-GRYFFINDOR
BY RITA SKEETER
When Lord Potter greeted us this morning, he was in a fantastic mood, which he explained as looking forward to going back to school. After offering us an assortment of drinks and tasty treats, we sat down and had a very nice chat about what he's been up to this past summer. He's been a very busy young man, by all accounts.
Rita : Hello Lord Potter, I hope I find you well? Thank you for agreeing to do an interview with us.
Lord Potter : Oh, please, call me Harry. The pleasure is all mine, I'll be glad to have my own words in the paper instead of people just making assumptions about me. It can get rather irritating when people think they know you better than you know yourself, you know?
Rita : I can only imagine. It's been quite the summer for you, correct?
Harry: Definitely. When Alex contacted me on my birthday, I had absolutely no idea how much could change and how quickly it could all happen. It's all I can do to keep my head on straight right now. Everything has changed, though it's been for the better.
Rita: So, we know from previous statements that you got yourself emancipated with the help of Mr Jackson, how are you enjoying the freedom?
Harry : It's good. I like being able to learn more about magic and it's a relief being able to study without fear. But more than that, I've enjoyed being able to grow as a person and learn more about my family and my responsibilities. Most young Lords are brought up learning the politics involved with being the Head of a House, and about the social niceties, but without Alex, I could have offended someone badly enough to declare blood feud and have absolutely no idea I had done anything.
Rita : There have been rumours that the power you have found yourself with has gone to your head. What do you say to those people who believe such a thing?
Harry: I don't think it has. Anyone who has been around me will know that I'm still the same person, I just have more of a say in my life now than I did before. I've never wanted to change who I was, I'm just not clueless about who that is now.
Rita : You were seen in Diagon Alley last week enjoying lunch with the Minister of Magic. Can you tell us the purpose of the meeting?
Harry : Can it not simply be old friends meeting up? Yeah, I didn't think you'd fall for that. After all of the water under the bridge between myself and the Minister, we decided it would be a good idea to clear the air between us. After all, we're going to be working quite closely together, what with the war and my seats on the Wizengamot.
Rita : About the Wizengamot, can you confirm the rumours that you are now the Chief Warlock?
Harry : Where do you get these rumours from? I am not Chief Warlock, although as I have the oldest Lordship the option is there for me to take it, should I choose to. At the moment I am not nearly ready to take control of such an important matter, and have left the seat to Dumbledore for the time being.
Rita : I would have thought that taking that seat would have struck a rather large blow to the Headmaster. I know you aren't on good terms with him at the moment.
Harry : No, I'm not on good terms with him, I will admit that, but I don't want to destroy him like people seem to think. I have personal grievances with the Headmaster, but that is all they are. When I feel ready to take the seat of Chief Warlock, I will do so, but until then I'll leave someone who knows what he's doing there. Headmaster Dumbledore may have made some questionable decisions in regards to me, but that does not mean he is not a very capable wizard in other circumstances.
Rita : That's a very mature attitude to take, Harry, much more mature than people will expect given your age. Earlier you mentioned the war, do you have any words for our readers about that?
Harry: I do, actually, I hope you don't mind if I get on my soapbox for a moment?
Rita: By all means, the floor is yours.
Harry: People are looking at me to be their hero, and I intend to fulfil my destiny by fighting V*******t personally when given the opportunity, but I can't do it alone. Instead of leaving your protection on the shoulders of a teenager who is still in school, I implore anybody reading this; fight back!
Fight the Death Eaters, those cowards who hide themselves behind a mask. They are dangerous, yes, but so is everyone who carries a wand. If you're not comfortable with offensive magic, strengthen your shields, ward your properties, learn the patronus to call for help. Make sure you have an escape route from your home for yourself and your families. Don't let them kill you without a fight. Don't let them win by lying down and accepting your loss.
Rita: That was quite an impassioned speech, Harry. I hope people pay attention to you. If people would like to contact you, may they do so?
Harry: Of course. My post, for safety precautions, will be coming to me via Gringotts, and will also be screened by my house elf before it gets to me, just to make sure that nothing gets to me that shouldn't. Not that I'm suggesting your readers would send such things, but it seems I've made a few enemies in my time, so I have to be careful.
Rita: Indeed you have, but it seems to me you've also gained some rather special friends to counteract that.
Harry: I definitely have. My friends and family are all wonderful people who deserve the world; I don't know where I'd be without them.
Rita : Well, I thank you for your time Lord Potter, it has been a very nice chat, and I look forward to our next interview.
Harry : As do I. Thank you for coming.
There you have it my dear readers. Lord Potter is a very polite, well spoken and mature young man. He put thought into his answers, he held nothing back, and he said exactly what he thought. For those spreading rumours about our hero, I hope this puts paid to them. Mr Potter will be on his way to Hogwarts when many of you read this, and we here at the Daily Prophet wish him a good year.
Sirius looked up at Harry when he'd finished reading. "That's… when did you take lessons on making speeches?"
Harry snorted. "I didn't, and let's be honest, I'm only saying the obvious. People have died because they saw the Dark Mark, or the silver masks, and gave up immediately."
Alex nodded. "He's right. While some of the Death Eaters are lethal, some of them are barely out of diapers and relying on the theatre of the whole thing to make people too scared to fight back."
"Huh. I guess I didn't think about it like that," Sirius said, nodding thoughtfully. "Well, hopefully you'll have made an impression on some people if not all."
"I'm sure he has," Alex said, folding the paper up. He looked at Harry. "Are you ready to go back?"
"As I'll ever be," Harry replied, lips tilting up slightly. "I'm all packed, anyway. My trunk is shrunk and in my robe pocket, since I'm not particularly interested in the elves taking it from the train."
"Okay. Here," Alex said, pulling a necklace from his pocket. It was a long gold chain with a dragon emblem pendant hanging from it.
Harry took it and slipped it over his head, tucking it beneath his t-shirt before he arched his eyebrow in question. "What does it do?"
"It could just be a 'going back to school' gift," Sirius pointed out, but he was smirking.
"It could be," Harry agreed. "But it's not. I can feel the magic on it."
"It was actually Snape's idea," Alex said, shrugging. "But it was a good one. He brought up the fact that we all needed a way to stay in contact, and since owls can take a while, arranging a get-together if something comes up would be a nightmare. Dobby can help, sure, but sometimes, even he wouldn't be fast enough if he's working on something for you and we need to get your attention."
"How does it work?" Harry asked, touching the pendant through his shirt.
"That one you're wearing is the one that connects the rest, the master chain, if you'd like. Just by focusing your magic, if you press your hand over it and think of the person you need, you'll be able to let us know immediately that you need us. They get warm when we're called, and we can call you with them as well."
"Impressive," Harry murmured. "Who has them?"
"Well, the three of us, obviously," Alex said, gesturing to them. He put a box on the table. "And there are more here for you to take to Hogwarts. One for Snape, of course, and then you can give them to whoever you want. I'm going to drop some into the Weasley's today, and Augusta, and Sirius has one to give to Remus. We were also considering speaking with Tonks."
Harry picked up the box and looked inside, seeing a whole bunch of the necklaces laid out along a velvet base.
"They're a great idea," he complimented with a small smile. "Much better than a tattoo that causes pain, at any rate."
"Exactly." Alex checked his watch and sighed. "Come on, we better get you to the platform. The last thing we need is to be there during the last minute rush."
…
Harry and Alex arrived at the train station at half past ten. Alex squeezed his shoulder and made him promise that he'd call them for anything he needed before he left with a small smile.
Harry climbed onto the mostly empty train and claimed a compartment for himself and his friends. He didn't need to wait long for Neville to find him, only for his friend to order him off the train to say goodbye to Augusta.
Thankfully, Madam Longbottom didn't require a long conversation, and Harry was still settled back on the train before the mad rush for seats truly began. He helped Neville stow his trunk, and then settled into the window seat.
While they were alone, Harry gave Neville a necklace and a brief explanation of its function. Neville slipped it over his head and beneath his shirt with ease, and they fell into conversation over what they'd been up to during the latter half of the summer.
Ron, Ginny and Luna joined them next, and Harry offered each of them a chain from the box. Ron barely had time to slip it over his head before he had to leave for the Prefect meeting at the other end of the train.
"So, when do you have to take your aptitude tests," Neville asked, as the train began the long journey to Scotland.
"Tomorrow," Harry said, wrinkling his nose. "Classes don't start until Monday, so while you lot are lazing about in bed in the morning, I'll be up taking tests."
"You won't get any sympathy from me," Neville replied, rolling his eyes and smirking. "You asked for them."
Harry laughed at his friend. It was really great to see Neville have more confidence in himself. The four of them spent the next few hours catching up, laughing as Luna told them of her summer chasing random creatures with her father.
Harry still wasn't sure if they all really existed, but it sounded like Luna had had the best time, and that was what really mattered.
Ron arrived back at the carriage with Hermione in tow, just as the trolley lady had departed. Harry received a grin when he threw a Pumpkin pasty at him, and Ron slumped down beside Neville. Hermione huffed, but squeezed onto the edge of the bench, since Harry's side was already taken up with Ginny and Luna.
"How was the meeting?" Harry asked Ron, ignoring Hermione's presence completely. He didn't particularly want to argue with her, and the others were all her friends too, and he really didn't want her to be segregated from her friends just because he was no longer interested in continuing their friendship.
Ron shrugged. "Same as last year basically. Malfoy was quieter than usual."
Harry nodded, but didn't comment. He was glad Draco had learned to hold his tongue, but he hoped that he didn't face too much hassle in Slytherin after his and his mother's defection. "How was the rest of your summer?"
"It was alright," Ron replied. "I worked a bit in the shop, you know, so I have some money for Hogsmeade and stuff."
"That's cool. I dropped by the shop when I was in Diagon Alley, but the place was absolutely hammered, so I didn't stay to chat. It looks amazing though, and there were so many new products!"
"We went when we went to pick up my new books," Neville enthused, nodding his head. "I picked up some of the miracle grow potions, but my Gran said I couldn't use them so close to the end of the summer in case they made the plants in the greenhouse go wild when I wasn't there."
Harry snorted. "Like she couldn't hold her own. I wouldn't want to be on the wrong end of her wand, never mind a plant."
Neville laughed. "I'll tell her you said that, I'm sure she'll be very pleased with it."
"What about you, Hermione?" Ginny asked, looking Hermione's way. "Did you do anything fun over the summer?"
Hermione shook her head. "Not really. Seems I was left out of all the fun this summer."
Harry sighed.
"Who's fault was that?" Neville asked, leaning forward to look around Ron so he could see her properly. "As I understand it, you berated Harry for getting out of an abusive home and then further berated him for things you have absolutely no understanding of. Did you really expect him to—"
"Neville," Harry said quietly. "It's not worth it. Miss Granger was doing what she thought was right. Even if I don't agree with her, I can respect her choices, just as I hope she'll come to respect mine."
"I respect you!" she retorted, frowning.
Harry shook his head. "You don't, but that's okay. Friends drift apart sometimes, friendships end, it's not the end of the world."
"You're still my friend, Harry!"
"No, Miss Granger, I'm not. I don't trust you anymore, and unfortunately, without trust, there's very little in a friendship."
"You just said I was doing what I thought was right! And will you stop calling me Miss Granger? We've been friends for five years."
"I did, and I believe you were," Harry agreed. "But that doesn't mean that what you did was right. Just that you thought it was. And as a Lord, I can't afford to be familiar with people who haven't invited me to."
"Well then, consider yourself invited to call me Hermione. Merlin, Harry, this isn't you."
"It's Lord Potter," Neville snapped. "He hasn't given you leave to use his name."
She rolled her eyes.
Harry twisted his lips, and then unzipped his backpack. From it, he pulled a slim book that he'd put there just that morning. He'd had a feeling he would need it. He slid it across the table to Hermione.
"That's a book on Wizarding Customs," he said softly. "In relation to Lords and Ladies especially. Read it, you might learn something new."
She picked it up immediately, as he'd known she would. "I'll get it back to you as soon as I've read it."
"Keep it," Harry offered. "It'll serve as a reminder of our friendship, I suppose. Or pass it onto someone else who needs educating about this stuff. You know, they really should do classes on this for the Muggle-borns and Muggle-raised at Hogwarts." He turned to Neville. "Might be something to bring up to Professor McGonagall, do you think?"
That set them off on a new conversation, but Hermione had already buried her head in her new book.
She was silent for the rest of the journey, while the others laughed and joked their way to Hogsmeade.