Disclaimer: I am a starving college student - I own nothing.
Molly Morrison: Nope, I don't doubt that it's not. I took out the last note that I had in place. That asterisk was supposed to refer to the word 'psychopolitical,' as in 'Severus had promised to ensure Potter's psychopolitical stability,' but I forgot to delete it when I deleted the note.
Christelle: Well, slippery snake that Lucius is, he managed to get out of the charges. I think it was in book 5 that Arthur Weasley said that they could never get any charges to stick when it came to Malfoy. That happened before my story begins, so I didn't go into detail about it. I thought I had Severus mention something about it in his head when he went to Malfoy Manor. I'll double check, if I didn't do so, I'll correct that at the next opportunity. Thanks for catching that.
John Steppenwolf: And here I thought I was being clever. The word 'inarticulated' is not in the Merriam Webster dictionary (under 'inarticulate' or elsewhere). I suppose you referenced the OED? I (sadly) don't own a copy of that wonderful dictionary. I also meant to coin the word psychopolitical at the end of the chapter, but that note got erased, and the asterisk ended up somewhere else. Oops.
As for my story being 'interesting if not funny': (were you saying that my story was funny or that it wasn't? I interpreted it as the latter.) I keep forgetting this story isn't meant to be a comedy: I suppose I'm a bit hopeless when it comes to humor, aren't I? If you could let me know what specifically you dislike about it, that would be more helpful though. Too corny? Too lowbrow?
I like your penname though, Steppenwolf is among my favorite books (I'm an avid Hesse fan).
xikum: Snape's being a bit of an idiot, isn't he? My excuse for that is that he has a blind spot when it comes to Potter. Snape has already begun to make some subconscious realizations. For instance: Harry's reminding him more of Lily and less of James. He just doesn't realize fully why Harry reminds him less of James yet.
Lady Mandara Snake, Simple Confusion: I know, I should have named her last chapter. I'm still deciding (as of writing this) what Harry's going to call her, thought it should be in this chapter.
HermioneGreen: Mask? What mask? I know, I know, Snape will have to come to some realization soon. It's just so much fun to write him as a Snarky Bastard. Snape has already begun to make some realizations though. For instance: Harry's reminding him more of Lily and less of James. He just doesn't realize fully why Harry reminds him less of James yet.
Cookies to everyone else who reviewed. I'm too lazy to write out all your names though: I never understood that practice really. Is that some misguided effort on the part of authors to get more reviews, or do people actually care whether their names are written out? Well, regardless of my lack of desire to pander to such nonsense, the reviews are much appreciated. (I hope this didn't come across as offensive in any way, it wasn't meant to. Though I doubt anyone actually bothers to read these notes, so I suppose it's a moot point).
Chapter 14: Malfoys and Memories
Harry sighed as Remus lifted his chin and forced him to make eye contact. Harry looked back at his former professor defiantly and defensively.
"It was just the once!" Harry repeated.
Lupin looked at him reproachfully. Apparently the werewolf believed that once was quite more than enough.
"I'll be speaking to Albus about this," said Lupin.
"You go ahead and do that," said Harry testily.
Lupin gave Harry a look that he couldn't quite decipher. Harry shrugged it off and was thankful that Tonks picked that moment to make her presence known.
Harry was not quite as pleased with the manner in which Tonks decided to do so.
"Expelliarmus," cried Tonks, expertly catching both Lupin's and Harry's wands.
"You guys ready to call it quits for the night?" asked Tonks, noticing how quiet Remus and Harry had become.
"Yes, I think we are," said Lupin, putting a hand on Harry's shoulder. Harry stiffened. "I'll just walk Harry back to his room," said Lupin.
Tonks seemed to take the hint that Lupin wanted to speak to Harry alone, as she took her leave of the two then.
"I've gotta give Albus a report," said Tonks, "I'll see you at headquarters, Remus. Night, Harry."
Lupin steered Harry toward the dungeons.
"Harry," Remus began once they had reached the stairs to the dungeons.
"Don't, Remus," Harry interrupted Lupin forcefully. "It's not a big deal, and I'd rather not discuss it."
"Not a big deal?" asked Remus. "Child abuse is not a big deal? I'm inclined to disagree with you."
"It wasn't abuse," said Harry, "it was just that one time, and frankly, I'd rather not have people harping on one more aspect of my life to set me apart, some other reason to pity me." Harry was shouting by the end of his diatribe.
"Of course not, Harry." Lupin sighed. Lupin then gave Harry a shrewd look. "I'll promise not to discuss this with anyone if you swear to me that that was the worst of it," Lupin bargained with his late friend's son.
"That was the worst of it," Harry declared, relieved to have gotten this concession out of his friend.
Lupin still seemed unsure, but Harry knew he would keep his word. "Really, Remus, they got a lot better after I started at Hogwarts," Harry attempted to pacify his friend.
This did not work as he had imagined.
"Better? That's what you consider better?" Lupin was angry now.
Shit, thought Harry. I just had to muck things up again, didn't I?
Naturally, said Harry's infuriating second inner voice.
* * * * *
Harry had no sooner made it inside his room and settle down then his fire place turned green and Remus's head appeared in the fire.
"Harry," said Remus, "the headmaster would like to see you in his office."
"Alright," said Harry, "I'll be right there."
Remus couldn't have betrayed his trust already, could he have? Harry wondered as he made his way to Dumbledore's office.
"Ah, Harry, excellent," said a Twinkly-Eyed Headmaster as Harry entered the Headmaster's office.
No, thought Harry, Dumbledore's eyes wouldn't be twinkling if Remus had just told him about the memory of Vernon, Harry decided, releasing a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.
"What can I do for you, Headmaster?" asked Harry politely, noting that not only were Tonks and Lupin in the office, but Snape as well. Harry's curiosity was now piqued.
"Have a seat, Harry," said Dumbledore, smiling. "Tea?"
"No, thanks," said Harry as he sat in a squashy armchair.
"Well, to business then," said a still-smiling Dumbledore. Harry knew that this couldn't be good.
"We will be having an additional occupant in this castle for the remainder of the holidays, Harry," said Dumbledore. "I expect you and our other guest to behave civilly toward one another, Harry. It is most important that you do so."
Harry groaned inwardly. He knew he wasn't going to like this. Who could it be, wondered Harry, that Dumbledore would expect me to not get along with this person. Harry paled. No, it can't be.
"Lucius Malfoy has requested of Severus that he take young Mr. Malfoy on as an apprentice for the remainder of the summer holidays," Dumbledore elaborated.
Now Harry understood. Snape's position as a spy demanded that he humor Lucius and fulfill his request. How had Lucius gotten out of Azkaban, anyway? Harry wondered.
Snape seemed to sense Harry's unspoken question, as he soon answered it.
"Surely you of all people, Potter," Snape's voice dripped with sarcasm, "are aware by now that gilded* interests and wealthy individuals aren't subject to the same laws as ordinary witches and wizards?"
"No, not with Fudge in office, I suppose," Harry responded.
Harry thought Lupin was looking at him oddly, but he shrugged it off.
"Well, hopefully he won't be for much longer," Lupin growled.
"Who would take his place?" asked Harry, curious.
"Depends on how he goes," said Lupin. "If he's ousted by an angry mob, then the most charismatic person involved will likely take power. If he goes by more… conventional means, then we hope to set up an Order member as a possible candidate."
"We're hoping to install Arthur or Shacklebolt as Minister," Tonks expanded on Lupin's explanation.
"If we can get back to the topic at hand," Snape sneered.
"Of course, Severus," said Dumbledore happily, ignoring Snape's tone.
"Harry," said Dumbledore, his voice no longer containing any humor. "It is imperative that you do not bait young Mr. Malfoy in any way while he is here. It would not be safe to do so." Dumbledore let these words sink in before continuing.
"I want you to promise not only to avoid provoking Mr. Malfoy, but also to be on your guard, Harry. Not only for your sake, but for Professor Snape's sake and the rest of the order," Dumbledore finished.
Conniving Old Coot, thought Harry. Harry realized that Dumbledore new very well that while Harry was quick to put his own life in harm's way, he would do his utmost to prevent doing the same when it came to others' lives.
"I promise, sir," said Harry.
"Very good. Thank you, Harry," said Dumbledore. "Is there anything else I can do for you, Harry," Dumbledore diplomatically dismissed Harry.
"No, sir," said Harry. "Goodnight, Headmaster. Goodnight Remus, Tonks, Professor Snape."
Wonderful, thought Harry as he left Dumbledore's office ten minutes later, now I have to be civil to Malfoy of all people for the rest of the summer.
* * * * *
Once Harry reached his room again, he was promptly attacked by a Hyper House Elf.
"Dobby!" Harry cried. "Gerroff me." Harry's laughter as he said this took the sting out of the words.
"Happy birthday, Harry Potter Sir," said the Excited Elf.
"Thanks, Dobby," said Harry.
"Dobby is getting you a present, Sir," said Dobby, pulling out a poorly-wrapped package from under one of his many elf-hats that Hermione had knitted. "Dobby is spending all day in Hogsmeade trying to decide what to Dobby is to be getting for Harry Potter's birthday, Sir."
"Thanks," said Harry, accepting the gift and unwrapping it.
Typical, thought Harry. Socks.
As Harry once again settled in for the night, he took out the gift that Lupin had given him earlier. Magical Defence, by Augustus Armorius.**
Harry figured at least this book sounded better than the first one Snape had given him: Dark Arts for Dark Times, by Arsus Superbus.***
*I here use 'gilded' as the Wizarding equivalent of 'monied.'
**I think this name is original, but it's possible that I've read it or some variation of it somewhere. If anyone else has used it: no infringement intended: let me know and I'll give you credit.
***Superbus is Latin for arrogant. You can guess my meaning with 'Arsus.' (And no, the book was not written by Lucius Malfoy under a highly appropriate penname).