DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter, he belongs to J.K Rowling and if you are reading this and think any different then St. Mungo's should be your next port of call.
CERTAIN PARTS OF THIS CHAPTER ARE QUOTES FROM THE PHILOSPHERS STONE. THESE ARE PROPERTY OF J.K ROWLING AND DID NOT COME FROM ME.
For all those interested, which in all fairness probably won't be many, I have a new story I have published called "Hate Lives but Love Conquerors". It's a Harry-In-Azkaban fic and will be quite short, around 20,000 words. I'm sorry if it seems a shameless plug of the story but some of you may be interested, as Sirius is the main character along with Harry. It's on my Bio if you wish to take a look but don't feel pressured.
Chapter 17: A Day in the Life
2nd September 1991
Harry woke the next morning feeling like a bucket of cold water had just been threw over him. He wildly looked around seeing nothing of the sort when he remembered, the privacy charms. His proximity charm had been set off meaning someone was trying to open the hangings on his bed but unable to. Cautiously Harry began to open the hangings but stopped to hear voices talking about the new addition to the dorm.
"There wasn't a bed there when I went to bed"
"Who is it?"
"Could it be Potter?"
"Well give him some space whoever it is."
"If is that evil Slytherin, I'll show him a thing or two!"
At this statement Harry had had enough and pulled the curtains back to make his presence known to the room. The reactions of the four voices that he heard couldn't have been more different. A sandy haired boy of average height and average build had jumped back five steps and drew his wand even though Harry had a good suspicion that he didn't know how to use it. A very tall black boy had taken a step backwards and was making no move to do anything though he looked very nervous. A red headed boy that had taken a couple of steps forward from the centre of the room stood there a snarl on his face, wand pointed at Harry's heart. Harry quickly erected a wandless shield with the flick of his finger that hold against anything a normal first year could cast. The last boy was the most intriguing to Harry. There stood not five paces in front of where he was standing a short well-built boy that exuded confidence. He was looking at Harry with an unreadable expression that Harry could tell was similar to the one that he would wear when trying to conceal his emotions.
"Neville Longbottom" The boy closest to Harry introduced himself loudly and said in an undertone "we need to talk later". Harry just nodded and shook his outstretched hand as the introductions continued.
"Dean Thomas" The black boy said in an even voice that trembled ever so slightly. Harry smiled warmly and the boy seemed to relax.
"Seamus Finnigan" The sandy haired boy spoke trembling all over eyes darting around the room like he was looking for somewhere to hide.
"Hi" Harry thought it would be best if he spoke in a calm happy tone to the boy who looked on the edge of a panic attack. It had the desired effect as Seamus stopped looking like he was going to jump from the dorm windows.
The red headed boy Harry vaguely remembered from last night but he couldn't quite recall his name. He obviously wasn't forthcoming with it so Harry made the unnecessary task of introducing himself. He thought it was the least he could do to the first three students that he had talked to that hadn't tried to curse him.
"Harry Potter and I hope to be sharing this dorm with you after my sorting." Harry told the boys in a joyful tone, as he was relishing the opportunity of company. As even though Sirius and Remus were everything he needed, Harry still yearned for friends' that were closer to his age.
"I know who you are you evil git. The dungeons are that way you slimy Slytherin. I'm sure there are some Black worshippers down there!" The red headed boy shouted at Harry wand trembling in his hand.
Harry was seeing red, with a thought his wand was in his hand and he was just about to threaten the red headed git with certain pain when a hand grabbed his.
"He's not worth it Harry." Neville confidently said "Ron in case you can't read, this is Harry Potter, how in the world can you say he should be in Slytherin. I wouldn't threaten him anymore Ron because you will have me to deal with." Neville lectured the boy who Harry now remembered was called Ron Weasley.
"Fine you can have your little pyjama party. I'm going for breakfast. Oh and Potter" Harry lifted his eyes to Ron's for the apology that he thought would come. "Hairicus Removus" Ron bellowed.
Harry was about to raise a shield when he realised that nothing had happened. The laughing of Neville bought him out of his daydream.
"Honestly Ron, you can be so funny." Neville chuckled holding his sides. With one last glare at the boys in the room, a red faced Ron exited with a slam of the door.
After that little wake up call, Harry quickly got dressed and made his way to the Great Hall talking to Neville about insignificant things like classes and Quidditch. Dean and Seamus followed behind immersed in there own little conversation.
The quartet made its way to the Great Hall with no problems as they decided to follow some older students. As they entered the Hall it was like cotton wool had been stuffed in Harry's ears, everything went silent. A pin's drop could be heard. Then if on cue, the whispers started.
"Look there he is, Harry Potter"
"What's he still doing here?"
"Dumbledore must have finally cracked."
"My sister said that Black gave him some of his power!"
"What's he still doing at Hogwarts, surely he's not staying, he'll just spy on us."
"Has he been sorted yet? His robes have no badge."
"Look he's just walked past the Slytherin table, where's he going."
These were just some of the whispers and rumours that Harry heard about himself. At one point he was ready to turn and walk out but a strong hand on his shoulder from Neville had stopped that notion.
As Harry took a seat next to Neville at the far end of the Gryffindor Table, Dean and Seamus thankfully sat opposite from them. A few people at Gryffindor table had gave Harry curious glances and a minority including Ron and the seventh year boys had glared at him but the majority just looked indifferent.
Harry settled in his chair and proceeded to block out the rumours content on speaking to Neville and eating his breakfast. After the initial flurry of interest in Harry most of the students had settled to breakfast but a few furtive glances were still being placed in his direction as if wondering when Harry was going to start cursing everybody.
When the hundreds of owls swooped into the hall Harry was awed just like the rest of the first years. Looking at the owls reminded him of Hedwig and he wished that his owl would arrive. Not that he wanted to send mail but just for the comfort that the bird brought him.
He watched Professor McGonagall make her way down the table handing out everybody's schedule for the year. As she handed Neville his own schedule she turned to Harry and looked at him with an indescribable expression that at first he thought as pity but quickly shook that notion off.
"Mr. Potter, Professor Dumbledore requests your presence in his office straight after breakfast to discuss your learning schedule. He says to tell you that the password is Sugar Quills" McGonagall informed Harry in an even lecturing tone of voice, the only change in her emotion came when she informed Harry of the password.
"Yes, thank you Professor" Harry replied sincerely.
"Good" McGonagall said and with that carried on the handing out of schedules.
A groan next to Harry caught his attention. "What is it Neville?" Harry asked politely wondering what could be so bad on the schedule to bring that reaction.
"Potions first. It's the one subject I never got the hang of and I hate it. To make it worse I hear that Professor Snape is a real horrible teacher and he always favours the Slytherin's." Neville informed Harry whose attention increased at the mention of Snape.
"Snivellus?" Harry said out loud to no one in particular.
"No Harry, Professor Snape." Neville told Harry thinking that he heard the professors name wrong.
"Is Snape's first name Severus?" Harry inquired quickly.
"I think so, I'm not sure. Why? Who is Snivellus?" Neville replied asking questions of his own.
"At school my Father, Godfather and Moony had one main enemy, Severus Snape. He was a Slytherin, they were in Gryffindor and for years they were at war. Some of the pranks they played on him were outrageous. They called him Snivellus. They described him to me many times, I wonder." Harry trailed off his explaining to gaze at the staff table but found many teachers missing as it was quite late.
Reluctantly Harry rose to his feet and with a quick goodbye to Neville who refrained from asking anymore questions for now, Dean and Seamus who all nodded in return. Harry made his way out of the Great Hall head held high outwardly showing no sign that the rumours were getting to him but on the inside he was furious. How dare they judge him on things that weren't true?
Harry stormed up to the Gargoyle bellowing "Sugar Quills" not caring who heard the password even though there was no one in sight. He marched up the moving staircase anger subsiding slightly as nerves began to grow at what house he was to be placed in. What would happen if he was in Slytherin like everyone said he would be? He would be forever thought evil. Not that he planned to be at the school very long anyway. He wanted to help his Godfather and Remus and make sure they came to no harm.
Before Harry knew it he was at the top of the stairs next to the oak door that allowed entry to the Headmasters office. He was about to knock when…
"Come in Harry" The wise voice of the Headmaster rang out to Harry who was shocked. Could Dumbledore see through doors?
Harry entered the office and the anger that had settled down rose again looking at the man who he held partly to blame for the exile of his Godfather and Remus. Surely someone of obvious maturity and of wise being could see that it wasn't Sirius who betrayed his parents and that him and Remus were truly innocent.
"Take a seat Harry, I won't keep you long. Just wanted to get you sorted then have a little chat." Dumbledore told Harry a slight twinkle in his eye as he surveyed the small boy who exuded a much bigger presence.
Without acknowledgement Harry took a seat only to be passed the Sorting Hat only seconds later. Not wanting to waste time and bring on any more conversation, Harry firmly planted the hat on its head like he saw so many children do the night before. When the brim had covered his eyes and Harry was staring at the black brim a voice piped up.
"Ah, what do we have here, young Mr. Potter, yes, I missed you at the feast yesterday, a bit of trouble I heard. Well now you are here lets have a look at you." The voice of the Hogwarts Sorting Hat rang out in his head. A voice that Harry could tell contained knowledge and wisdom.
Harry then felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured straight on his brain and for a moment all his senses went numb as he could almost feel the Sorting Hats presence in his mind. Harry was sparked from his reverie by the voice of the hat.
"Yes, difficult but easy at the same time. Power, Knowledge, a thirst to learn, courage though with a reckless factor, its all here. All the houses would suit you to an extent but there really is only one choice." The Hat informed Harry in a smug knowing voice that came from someone who was never wrong.
"Not Slytherin" Harry thought desperately, "I'll not be put there!"
"I agree Mr. Potter though maybe if things were different it could have been. You certainly have certain traits from the house and a certain aura that I can't quite grasp. But no, the choice is made. Good luck Mr. Potter and I hope you took my words to heart. Remember if you need me just call." The voice told Harry.
A split second later "GRYFFINDOR" rang out through Dumbledore's office and Harry took off his hat to see the twinkling smile of the Headmaster. Harry temporarily forgot his dislike of the man due to his happiness at being sorted into the house of his family that included Sirius and Remus. It was like a weight had been lifted from his very soul that he wasn't even aware he had. As the Gryffindor badge magically appeared on his robes Dumbledore spoke up.
"Quite pleased are we Harry?" Dumbledore asked rhetorically seeing the emotions on the normally closed off face of Harry Potter.
"What am I going to do about classes? Can I be advanced in certain subjects?" Harry voiced his concerns to Dumbledore who weighed up his answer before providing it.
"It's not unheard of to skip years but very uncommon. It needs the majority of the faculty plus the subject teachers' approval to advance in years. What subjects do you want to advance in and at what level?" Dumbledore asked though he had a fairly good idea at the answer and that would be that Harry Potter was to be at Hogwarts for one year only.
"If its possible I would like to do Second Year NEWT level Defence Against the Dark Arts, Charms and Transfiguration. I would also like to study OWL level Potions and Herbology." Harry told Dumbledore the course study he had gone over in his head beforehand. Harry added the last OWL in Herbology as though he had not studied it; he had learnt about most stuff the course covered in his other subjects.
"That's quite a list of subjects you hope to advance in. Don't despair if you can't get into them. I think that the best course of action is that you report to the Great Hall at Eight PM tonight so that we can test your skills. I will inform you if that changes. For today I think that its best if you take the first year classes with your fellow housemates. I believe you have Potions right now. I will write you a note to explain the lateness." Dumbledore said to Harry who knew a dismissal when he heard one and with a half-hearted thank you, Harry took the offered note and left Dumbledores office towards the dungeons. This was where Dumbledores note showed him where to go.
As Harry approached the door to his classroom he wondered if Professor Snape was the same Severus "Snivellus" Snape that he had heard so much about from Sirius and Remus. If it was the same person, Harry was praying that he wasn't going to hold a grudge because of who Harry is and his background. One thing Harry had told himself though was that he wasn't going to be pushed around by nobody. Taking a deep breath Harry knocked on the door and when the signal came to enter the room he entered calmly and took a look at his surroundings.
The class was obviously even with his little knowledge a Gryffindor/Slytherin class. The whole class turned to look at the new arrival. Professor Snape looked at Harry with an expression of shock for a moment before he regained a sneer on his face. Unfortunately for Harry this was the same Snape that Sirius knew, he was sure of it. The greasy black hair, a hooked nose, and sallow skin all matched the description that Harry had received. Unless Snape had an identical twin Harry was inn a class taught by someone who hated his father, Sirius and Remus. Harry was broken out of his musing by the voice of Severus Snape who was looking at Harry with extreme hatred.
"So our new little hero has decided to join us." Snape softly spoke. The noticing the Gryffindor badge he continued "Gryffindor Potter, I expected nothing less now sit down, we were just having a little quiz." Snape informed Harry with a gleam in his eye that suggested Harry wouldn't like it.
Harry sat at the back of the room on an empty table and quickly got his things out, not intimidated by Snape who was at the moment stalking his way round the classroom. Harry was about to ask Neville who was seated in front what the class were doing when Snape spoke up again.
"Potter!" said Snape suddenly. "What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"
Harry quickly glanced around and saw that apart from the bushy haired girl no one else had a clue what Snape was on about. Luckily Harry did though he very much doubted it was first year work.
"Would it be Draught of the Living Death sir?" Harry asked rhetorically, relatively confident of the answer.
Snape looked even angrier, a notion that Harry had thought to have been impossible seeing how he had looked at Harry to start with. Snape wasn't finished yet though.
"Lucky guess. Potter, where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?" Snape asked in what must have been an attempt at an intimidating tone seeing how half the class shook. Harry didn't buy into it one bit. Looking Snape straight in the eye Harry answered.
"A bezoar is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat" Harry answered hoping that Snape got the message and actually left Harry alone and taught the class something other than how to try to intimidate someone. Snape was never one to give up easily.
"What is the difference, Potter, between monkshood and wolfsbane?" Snape silkily asked.
Harry could see that the bushy haired Gryffindor girl was nearly falling out of her seat in her want to answer a question and Harry was severely tempted to tell Snape to ask her but he refrained as he would probably be assigned detention and that he didn't want.
"Nothing sir. They're both the same plant." Harry told Snape thanking his lucky stars that Potions was the first subject he was taught in and that Remus in particular was quite interested in the subject.
"One Point to Gryffindor for the answers and Ten Points from for showing off Potter" Snape snapped out of his shock from Harry's answers and resumed his loathing glare.
"What? You can't do that," Harry said in a tone of fury. Snape looked like Christmas had came early.
"Fifty points from Gryffindor for you attitude Potter" Snape told Harry in a tone that told Harry if he were to reply Snape would be so happy as it would bring him great joy to give Harry detention.
Harry bit his lip and refrained from making a comment but it didn't stop him glaring daggers at Snape. Snape met the glare with one of his own
Things didn't go too bad for Harry after that. Snape assigned everyone into pairs apart from Harry who was the "odd number" and set them about making a simple Potion to cure boils. This was one of the first Potions that Harry learnt so he had great ease in doing it despite working on his own.
One thing Harry found out was that Snape was having a secret affair with Draco Malfoy, that or he just loved praising the boy to death. It was look at how Malfoy cut this and see how Malfoy did this. It made Harry sick to watch a teacher so biased, as it was so blatant that Snape was praising all the Slytherins while criticising all the Gryffindors.
Harry finished his Potion in time and it looked exactly how it should. Corking it quickly Harry put some of the Potion into the vial that Snape had distributed and putting his name on it Harry took it to the front of the room. Before he got to the front of the room however Snape met Harry and told him to give him the vial. Harry handed over the vial but Snape suddenly moved his hands away so the vial dropped to the stone floor with a crash. Harry was furious as a whole lessons work was wasted and Snapes next words made him seething.
"Potter you clumsy fool, ten points from Gryffindor and zero marks. Now clean this up." Snape ordered looking like he was taking sadistic pleasure in punishing Harry and in reality he probably was.
With a flick of his wand and a mumbled incantation all the mess was cleaned up. Harry bit his lip and with a great effort not to give Snape a piece of his mind, Harry turned round muttering about "greasy gits". Snape heard a with a look of intense hatred Snape thought he try and put some nails in the coffin of Harry who was just by his seat.
"Tut, tut Potter. Clearly being a hero, no a martyr to the wizarding world should have brought you respect but then again look at who raised you. You would have been better with wild animals. No wait, actually one of them is one and Black isn't much better." Snape said in a smug tone that wouldn't last very long.
Harry was past breaking point and the magic flowed from him in waves. All the glass nearby shattered and Harry himself rose into the air. Harry turned his gaze to Snape who almost flinched at the look of hate Harry gave him.
"If you don't shut up Snivellus then I will make you. That's a promise." Harry told Snape just as the end of class was signalled but nobody was moving, as everybody wanted to catch Snapes reply.
"Fifty Points from Gryffindor and a week in detention Potter. If I ever hear you call me that again I will personally see to it that you are expelled." Snape said in atone that surpassed hate.
Harry didn't care though, he had already grabbed his bag and headed out of the door, intent of getting as far away from Snape as he possibly could. In fact the last thing Harry heard was Neville saying to Snape "Sir, is Snivellus your brother?" in an innocent tone.
The rest of the day's classes weren't too bad for Harry. By the time he reached Transfiguration for second period he had sufficiently calmed down. Neville sat next to him and said how he got fifty points from Snape and a week of detentions also for his comment but he thought it was well worth it.
Transfiguration was good. Professor McGonagall was strict like Snape but she had no bias whatsoever. She showed the first years an example at the start how you can change a desk into a pig and everyone but Harry was awed. She also said how they would learn that in fifth year. Harry had learnt this last year. He remembered to tell Sirius that McGonagall did show them that as Sirius bet Remus five galleons that she would still be doing the same old trick as Sirius said she had shown that to them all those years ago. Harry performed the work with no problem and earned Gryffindor ten points.
The last lesson of the day was Charms and Harry enjoyed this greatly. Professor Flitwick was a tiny wizard who had to stand on a chair to see over his podium and he squeaked with happiness when reading Harry's name out. He showed them the first few basic spells. Harry performed them all successfully first time and spent half the lesson discussing charms with the Professor who looked overjoyed at finally talking to Harry.
After classes Harry decided that he would go down to dinner with Neville but then just wait down there saving him going up to the dorms and all the way back down again considering he didn't know Hogwarts very well yet.
Dinner was laboriously long for Harry as the rumours about him and Snape were flying and he got more than glance of respect from the Gryffindor table. Ron still hadn't taken too him spreading nasty rumours about him. Harry sighed as if this continued he'd have to confront him and he knew that it wouldn't be a contest. But he really didn't want to do that. He had enough enemies as it was and he really didn't want anymore.
After dinner had finished Harry said goodbye to Neville who had offered to stay with him but Harry had waved off his offer say that it wasn't necessary. The Hall took an eternity to empty in Harry's mind so pulling out a shrunken book on Ancient and Obscure Charms out of his bag, he enlarged it with a wave of his wand and started reading where he had left off.
It took about an hour for the hall too completely empty after dinner. Harry was so emerged in his book that he failed to realise he was the only student in the hall and he was shocked when McGonagall called his name when only ten feet away when getting no recognition.
"Sorry Professor, I lost track of time." Harry explained as he rose and followed McGonagall as she had indicated they go to the staff table where a small group of teachers waited for his arrival.
Professor Dumbledore greeted Harry warmly but looked slightly disheartened when Harry failed to return the greeting and only nodded his head in greeting. Harry was then introduced to the Professors who were gathered except Snape who merely cast his most deadly glare in the direction of Harry who returned one of his own without trepidation.
Harry had already met Professors Snape, Flitwick and McGonagall but hadn't met the Herbology and Defence Professors yet. Harry liked the Herbology witch, a dumpy women by the name of Professor Sprout. She seemed to exude caring and love and later he found out she was head of Hufflepuff and that didn't surprise Harry much. The person Harry was most eager to meet however turned out to be the biggest disappointment. The Defence Professor turned out to the horror of Harry to be non other than, Gilderoy Lockhart. Harry had heard of him before through the Wizarding Wireless. The Wireless seemed to love him and was forever telling stories that were utterly ridiculous for one man to do. If all the things he said he has done were correct than he should be one of the most powerful wizards alive but all they kept going on about was how he was the four-time winner of Witch Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award. Harry thought that he was a big hoax, a view that was supported by Sirius, Remus and if the look Snape give Lockhart when he was greeting Harry, he too was a "big" fan of Lockhart's.
The tests started quickly with Charms being the first course Harry was tested in. Professor Flitwick told Harry that he would pick five Charms that would be in each year's textbook. Starting from first year to sixth he asked Harry the theory behind the spell and also for a practical demonstration of it. Harry did the entire first five years right but messed up one of the charms on the sixth year curriculum as a Cooking Charm was something that Harry had only briefly glanced at. Professor Flitwick was however delighted and told Harry that he was accepted into his 7th year Advanced Charms class. He also told Harry that he could be his best charms student since his Mother, which pleased Harry greatly as Sirius and Remus had told him that none of the Marauders could match Lily for her charms ability.
Professor McGonagall quizzed him on Transfiguration next while Professor Flitwick took a seat and started conversing with Professor Sprout. McGonagall did something very similar to Professor Flitwick but only asked for three theories and practical demonstration per year as less material was covered per year. Harry breezed through all the material, as after Defence, Transfiguration had been his favourite ever since Sirius had told him it was the field that his Father excelled in. Professor McGonagall looked shocked when Harry did the entire practical with ease but quickly regained her composure. Before sitting down she told Harry that he was welcome in her 7th Year Advanced Transfiguration.
Professor Sprout went next but the Herbology questions were not as easy as Harry expected. He barely answered all the first year questions correct and only got around half of the second year questions correct. When Professor Sprout was about to start the third year questions he politely told her that there was no point in advancing as he didn't know as much as he though he did. He apologised for wasting her time but got a warm smile from the Professor as she shrugged off his apology and told him "good luck" as she sat down to converse with Professor Flitwick.
Professor Lockhart got up next but was beaten too it by Professor Snape who was muttering about being here all night. He was brisk and to the point. His hatred for Harry was obvious but with all the Head of Houses present plus the Headmaster he couldn't do much apart from ask Harry the questions. Snape asked Harry no questions from the first four years, rather he asked him every question possible about fifth year and some that Harry was sure were more advanced as the questions continued. Harry knew his stuff and answered the great majority correct. Snape kept up the barrage of questions hoping to catch Harry out but after what seemed like the fiftieth question Dumbledore intervened and Snape grudgingly told Harry that he was accepted but if his grade slipped below Exceeds Expectations that he was back with the first years.
Professor Lockhart was a joke. He bumbled his way through his theory questions, asking Harry questions word for word from the textbook then having to check up in the back to see if his answers were correct. All the time he was doing this, Lockhart was giving a running commentary of how he used what spell to defeat what creature and how popular he was and how many titles he had gotten through his exploits. It made Harry sick to the soul to have to listen to this man. Snape had got up and half way to the door when Lockhart spoke next and what he said made Snape return to his seat with an expression of interest in his eyes.
"Instead of testing Harry practically, how about I show him how a real man duels. If you're lucky Harry then a may even show you some of the more rare curses that I learnt when travelling the world." Lockhart said in a confident manner looking to Professor Dumbledore for acceptance, who merely told Lockhart that it was up to him how he tested Harry.
"So Harry are you up for duelling with a master. You can back out if you want several others have in the past. Its okay, I would understand." Lockhart told Harry in what was meant to have been in a caring tone but came out very condescending.
"Sure Professor, but please don't hurt me too much." Harry said in a voice laced with sarcasm though Lockhart missed it and just beamed with his pearly white grin.
With a wave of his wand Dumbledore conjured a duelling platform and Harry marvelled at how easy the Headmaster made it look, something of that size and magnitude must have taken much concentration and power to conjure. As instructed Harry stood at one end and faced Lockhart who had positioned himself facing Harry. With a though Harry had his wand out and prepared to duel his Professor.
Dumbledore counted down and when he said go Harry was the first person to take the offensive. Quickly whipping his wand he bellowed
"Stupefy"
"Protego" Harry heard Lockhart's voice but was already rolling to avoid what he thought was the deflected curse, rising up he had the next curse on his lips when he stopped.
Lockhart was lying on the floor unconscious. His shield had obviously shattered and he had taken the full brunt of the spell. Harry walked over to his fallen opponent and with a muttered "Enervate" Gilderoy Lockhart woke up.
He was disorientated for a minute but quickly regained his insufferable composure. "Good spell their Harry though if I'd have really wanted to block it I could. I thought that I would show you how not to cast a shield spell. Now how about that duel again and this time I'm afraid to say you won't win quite as easy." Lockhart said, his confidence back in full swing. Harry was saved an answer by another voice cutting in.
"Sit down Lockhart. Now Potter how about I show you how to duel properly." Snape said to Harry in a tone full of malice as he marched his way to one end of the platform. Harry spared a glance to Professor Dumbledore who just nodded his head. Harry got in position and as before Dumbledore counted down.
"3,2,1…GO" Dumbledore announced.
It was Snape however who struck first this time showing speed that Harry had not thought the man possessed.
"Reverbero" Snape bellowed sending a powerful striking curse at Harry who dropped to the floor to avoid it. Diving to the left to avoid another striking curse Harry rose and retaliated with a curse of his own.
"Blasot"
"Protego"
Harry's curse was blocked by Snape's shield that flickered before sending the curse harmlessly ricocheting to the ceiling.
Snape went straight on the attack-sending curse after curse at Harry who was blocking or dodging everything thrown at him but he was becoming slower as the duel went on and after nearly being struck with a stunner Harry decided on a new tactic. Pulling two sickles from his robes he chucked them towards Snape who looked shocked at this weird display. He was about to cast his next curse but Harry beat him too it.
"Transfigo Chienus" Harry shouted concentrating hard while waving his wand in a complicated motion.
Harry got the desired result though. Two dogs appeared and immeadiatly-starting going for Snape who to his amazement didn't even bat an eyelid before simply flicking his wand and the dogs vanished.
"Extundo" Harry shouted trying to take advantage of Snapes distraction but Snape side stepped the curse and resumed his attack on Harry.
The teachers watched with amazement as Snape duelled against Harry. They watched astounded as managed to block or dodge Snapes attacks that got more complicated with every curse that failed to disable Harry.
Harry tried his best using his wand but he didn't want to reveal the full extent of his powers and his sword yet he knew that he couldn't let Snape win. Luckily Harry didn't have to find an answer to the dilemma Snape forced his hand.
"Blasot" Snape tried another blasting curse that so nearly broke Harry's shield last time but Harry reacted differently this time.
"Conjurus Scutum"
A bronze oblong shield appeared in Harry's other hand and the spell struck it firmly but the shield held firm and only one dent appeared in it.
"Congelo"
Harry watched as Snape was surprised by Harry's use of the strong freezing spell and Snape dropped to the floor obviously worried that his shield wouldn't hold the spell. Harry was quick to press the advantage but Snape again regained his wits quickly and attacked Harry with new vigour.
"Rediucus Maximi" Snape shouted
Harry was baffled by this curse, as he had never heard about it. He couldn't move in time so he shouted "Protego" and held his shield up, hoping beyond hope that one of the two shields would stop the curse from striking.
Harry was out of luck as the curse went straight through his magical shield and struck his physical one shattering it to thousands of tiny pieces and sending Harry flying ten foot back onto the edge of the duel mat.
Harry got up quick but not quick enough. He dived after his dropped wand but Snape who had closed the gap between them considerably smelling victory got there first shouting "Accio Wand".
The look on Snapes face was that of pure glee but that soon changed to horror as Harry waved his hand and the wand stopped in mid-air and then made its way back to Harry's hand.
Seeing his major chance to beat Snape, Harry called his other wand to his hands and catching his wand bellowed.
"Exarmo"
The distance between the two was too close. A huge jet of purple light had left Harry's wands and was streaking its way towards its target. Snape had managed to raise a weak shield but the curse was too strong and Snape took a large brunt of the curse, sending his wand into Harry's empty left hand as he had banished his father's wand back once he had used it.
Snape was knocked out and Harry would have preferred it too stay that way. As he walked off the stage he saw the shock on the teachers' faces but he was too tired to care. It had been a long day plus he had used a great deal of normal magic, plus Wandless magic that always made him tired and he felt like he could have slept for a week.
Dumbledore awoke Snape with a wave of his hands. The Potions Master immeadiatly stood up and started going on about the injustice of the fight, how Harry shouldn't have been allowed to use Wandless Magic. One point Snape had brought up was the fact that Harry was carrying two wands, which was illegal. Harry didn't actually know this but found himself too tired to care. So while Snape was ranting on about how they should all just bow down to Harry Potter, Harry slipped out the Great Hall.
Making his way up the staircases to bed, Harry saw from his watch that it wad past Midknight and he was thankful when he arrived at Gryffindor Tower without incident and was pleased further when he found the common room was empty.
Entering the dorm, Harry plopped down onto his bed, barely getting out of his school robes. He fell asleep too tired to bother with any privacy charms. All Harry wanted to do was sleep for a week.
AN
Quick question for you all you. What is your favourite ship and why? I'm interested as some ships that I won't name really don't do it for me and I'm curious to why others like it. That is all.
I had to change this chapter from what was planned. Instead of one long 11,000 chapter I have to split it down in to two so I could post it quicker, sorry about that RL just keeps getting in the way not to mention the new idea for the story bugging me.
There is Good news and Bad news. Good news is that we are roughly half way through this story. Bad news is my GCSE's are approaching so for the next three weeks that are my last at school I will be working hard. Don't fret I will try to post once or twice at least.
I also understand that some of you may be thinking that if my time is so limited why start another story. The answer is simple, I couldn't concentrate with it in my head, and I had to write it.
All those people who though Harry was going to get no friends don't fret as this chapter should show you. I can guarantee that Harry will have friends.
Gwendolyn_Smith: You sound like my English teacher! Seriously though I know my grammar isn't perfect and that badly written stories are hard to read but I try my best and think that it's not worth getting a beta. If anyone thinks different then let me know and I will get one. Thanks for the compliments!
Tanydwr: How are you doing with your revision. Do you find it as mind numbingly boring as I do? If I was responsible I should order you to stop reading and writing fanfiction and go do some studying but where is the fun in that?
SantaClaws(): This should please you then. The huge project isn't so, the ending will be brutal, heartbreaking… That's all there is to say on the matter.
Next Chapter the Action factor kicks back in and we see how Sirius and Remus are doing in their hunt.
Thanks to my reviewers, I am truly overwhelmed by all your support of the story. I thought I might only get a handful of reviews. Thank You
Cheers
Halstead