Chapter 24

It had been a week since Harry had had the fall out with the D.A. He spent most of his free time practicing Quidditch, or having private training sessions with Dumbledore. Harry was feeling pretty good when he went down to breakfast. That feeling quickly evaporated when he looked at the Prophet.

Voldemort Sighting

Last night the Ministry got a report that

You-Know-Who had been spotted. The report

came from a wizard living in Devonshire.

Harry stopped reading. Devonshire was close to Hogsmead, only about four hours away by train, and Harry was prepared to bet that Voldemort wouldn't be using the train. Voldemort was preparing an attack and Harry knew that He was what Voldemort was after. His friends knew by now that unless they wanted their heads ripped off it was better not to talk to Harry when something like this happens.

Harry silently made his way to the dungeons. Knowing that this new news wasn't likely to make Snape any more bearable. Needless to say he wasn't disappointed.

Harry had been having an easy time in potions all year. Well an easy time making the potions not being in the class. So far Harry had managed to block out anything that Snape said. With the new news about Voldemort, Harry was having a harder time concentrating.

"What are you doing Potter?" Snape asked.

"The potion that you told us to make. What does it look like I'm doing?" Harry answered knowing that wasn't what Snape meant.

"Why is your potion navy blue when it is supposed to be red?" Snape said as though Harry hadn't opened his mouth.

"Since you're the teacher why don't you tell me." Harry growled starting to lose his temper.

"Ten points from Gryffindor." Snape said.

"Why, because I'm making the potion like you asked or because I answered the questions that you asked?" Harry said sarcastically.

"You lost the points for your cheek. You are getting to be more and more like your father everyday, and let me assure you that is not a good thing." Snape answered.

Harry lost it. The only thing he had control of was his magic, which was good because he was ready to explode. He was sick of always being compared to his father.

"I understand that you and my father didn't get along, but in case you haven't noticed I'M NOT HIM!" Harry yelled. "From the moment I walked into this school you hated me! I'm sorry that my father and Sirius were such asses during school but you weren't much better yourself! You called my mother a mud-blood for Merlin's sake! I'm used to having people hate me for no apparent reason except the fact that I exist, but this is ridicules! My parents and Sirius are dead so I would really appreciate if you would stop trying to act like they were beneath you! If you want to know the truth I know that my parents, and Sirius especially, were better people then you could ever hope to be! Just because the Headmaster trust you doesn't mean that I have to!" Harry finished as he ran out of the classroom. The room just stared in silence for a moment before Snape barked at them to get back to work.

Harry ran out on the grounds and looked around. He thought for a moment about sitting under the beech tree by the lake, but then saw a rock which would provide more seclusion. Since Harry didn't have any more classes until after lunch he didn't plan on moving. An hour later a familiar voice drawled-

"I bet you're thinking pretty highly of yourself after running out of a lesson."

"Go away Malfoy." Harry said not surprised in the least that Malfoy was there. He had sensed him ten minutes ago and had started to wonder what was taking so long.

"No I don't think I will." Malfoy responded as Crabbe and Goyle flexed their muscles. "I have a little unfinished business with you."

"I've got an idea! How about you go and find someone who cares?" Harry said as he got up. Malfoy reached for his wand and once again Harry had his out and against Malfoys' throat first. "This seems vaguely familiar." Harry said with a tone of mock thought in his voice. "I remember now. This is what happened on the train ride. If you remember that day even half a well as I do then you will remember me saying that you don't even have to give a good reason to curse you into next year." Harry growled as Malfoy paled. Harry lowered his wand. "You're lucky that Dumbledore has forbid me to do harm to anyone in this school." Harry spat. "On the other hand I'm sure that your master has told you to harm me in any way. You see Voldemort is scared of taking me on when I'm at full strength." Harry said as he turned to leave.

"Stupefy!" Malfoy said as Harry quickly put up a shield.

"That was really stupid Malfoy. I warned you." Harry snarled as he started sending off hexes. When he was finished Crabbe and Goyle were only sporting very painful boils, Malfoy on the other hand looked as though he had just been beaten up by fifty professional wrestlers. "You two better get him to the Hospital Wing and if you tell Madame Pomfrey I did this to you three, it will be even worse next time. By the way, incase you've never read any of the muggle fairy tales let me make this clear, good always wins. Since you three are so thick I'll break it down even farther, I will win. Good always triumphs over evil." Harry said as he headed back to the castle.

"The Dark Lord is coming for you Potter. You won't win." Malfoy groaned.

"I'll be ready for him, don't worry." Harry said as he walked swiftly back to the castle.