A/n: This is mostly to set in motion things for later chapters.
(McGonagall's perspective)
I arrived at Albus' study; he had summoned me saying we had things to discuss. As I entered, I felt magic sliding over my skin, a privacy spell no doubt. What could we be discussing that needed the extra privacy? The portraits were speaking, but I couldn't hear a word they said.
"Hello Minerva."
Albus sat in his chair, looking rather intimidating, and gestured for me to sit down. I sat and immediately was put on guard. Using the miniscule amount of Occlumency I had, I quickly raised my shields.
"Are you afraid of me Minerva? I thought we were such good friends."
"We are, to the best of my knowledge. What do you wish to discuss that requires such privacy?"
"Harry. I will get right to the point, why did you not inform me Mr. Potter was going to be emancipated?"
This couldn't be all; Albus wouldn't need privacy for this. "I didn't know until it was brought up by the Goblin."
Albus tapped his fingers, "and how is it he was able to retrieve his key and paperwork from Gringotts, when I prevented their employees to gain access to the grounds?"
Now I started to sweat, how did he know that? "Mr. Potter asked me to aid him. As you hadn't forbid him from leaving the grounds, I saw no reason not to help him."
"Mr. Potter is a child, he does not know what he wants. You should know better than to aid him in grabbing at things that children shouldn't have."
I kept my anger in check, "no offence Albus, but judging on what Harry has acted like before this year, he's not as much of a child as you seem to think."
Albus turned his head, "I suppose I shouldn't have trusted the Dursleys with such an important investment."
I stood up knocking my chair back, "investment," I yelled, "Harry is not an investment that you make! He is a human being, not a means to an end!" I didn't care if Albus was the most powerful wizard in the world; this was about protecting Harry. "How dare you claim to care about Harry! I told you what those muggles were like before you left him on those steps! If I knew only what I know now, I would have taken him and run."
Albus raised his hands to clam me, "Minerva, how would you have raised him? You don't have any children yourself, and raising him at Hogwarts would be next to impossible."
My eyes narrowed, "You think I would stay working here if I had him to raise? I have more than enough saved to raise him on my own, so don't dictate what I can and can't do." A distant part of me was worried that this wasn't the best idea, fortunately it was a very small part. "He has always deserved better. Now I'll do everything in my power to make sure he gets it."
I could feel Albus pressing in on my mind, "I'm sorry Minerva, someday you'll understand."
'Hold on Professor.'
Was I hearing things, or was Harry actually in the room. 'Help me please', I called back.
Suddenly I was in another world, it was similar to Albus' office, but was warped and distorted.
"You think I'll allow you to harm her Dumbledore? You make me laugh."
Potter was standing off to the side, his eyes blazing with power. Albus reacted in shock. "How are you here," he said.
"Depends on where here is," Harry said with a smirk, "here in the physical sense is most likely your office, as you would be most secure there. Here in the metaphorical sense, is inside Professor McGonagall's mind." Harry's smirk turned slightly evil, "I decided to protect her in the best fashion I could, I installed a breakwater in her mind. This allows her to stop any invasion with minimal effort. If you try this again, the protections that were set in place will activate. Here's a sample."
Albus started writhing around like he was in a great amount of pain. After a couple of seconds, he disappeared. Harry turned to me and smiled, "I'd appreciate if you don't mention this to the other me," he said smiling, "he wasn't aware that he placed these protections here."
I nodded my agreement and I found myself on the ground in Albus' office. I watched him slowly get up and said, "that's it Albus, I'm not bowing to your will on this anymore. I will go through you if necessary, I ask that you not force me to." With that, I left.
(Dumbledore's perspective)
I was shocked at both Minerva and Harry's sudden increase in defiance. What the phantom Harry had told me was even more shocking. He knew the prophecy, and he would not follow my advice on how he was to reach the end. What happened to you Harry? You were so innocent just a few short months ago, what could have changed?
I was coming to the realization that I could no longer continue as if everything was status quo, in regards to Harry Potter; I would have to write a new strategy in dealing with him.
I only hope that it's not to late.
(McGonagall's perspective)
I was so angry at Albus' presumption; I wandered around the halls for at least an hour before I made my way to my rooms. I don't know why Albus was so willing to force me to follow what he wanted, but I was now even more determined to ensure that Harry was able to protect him self. I believe that perhaps I should see if Ms. Granger would like to join him, for the more advance training he would be doing. I will talk to Flitwick when the break ends.
No matter what, I will ensure Harry has the ability to forge a good future for his own children, one that he should have had.
The next few days were a blur as I gathered materials to allow me to move Harry training forward. Harry came by once or twice to visit which I enjoyed, but for the most part I prepared for the much more difficult things I would begin teaching him.
Once my preparations were completed, I called Harry in.
"Harry, I have been doing some thinking, how would you like to see how far you can go?"
Harry looked surprised at this, "I'd love to Professor."
I shook my head, "Minerva when no one is around Harry. After all, didn't you say something along the lines 'only friends should use a first name'?" Harry smiled and nodded. "This won't be easy," I warned, "and you can't slack off either."
Harry's face brightened, "I had no desire to slack off Pro-Minerva. I understand how much extra effort it most likely is on your part."
I nodded, "and don't you forget it. On a different note, you may invite your friends if you wish. I believe Ms. Granger might enjoy the experience." Harry nodded, then he seemed pensive. "Is something wrong Harry?"
He shrugged slightly, "I'm just curious about this change in pace, that's all."
I kept my expression calm; "you show a excellent ability at Transfiguration and Charms, I decided to see how capable you are."
Harry looked me in the eye, a fire burning beneath the surface, "I'll ask them, you're probably right about Hermione. Thank you for the opportunity." Harry stood and held out his hand, which I shook. Once He left, I got down to business. I hope Flitwick is able to keep up.
A/n: Chaps are going to slow down as I feel I need to give a whole lot more thought to my plot.
gallandro-83: Thank you. He will eventually. To Harry most of it has a surreal quality. Most of what is canon will be moved forward, certain people are going to get a backlash from Harry as a result. I'll probably end sometime after seventh year, as I don't think even my Harry could defeat him sooner.
athenakitty: (again in order) some; more than some; not sure yet; I have not planned on it; here's McGonagall's response; maybe it's a major thing for my plot; Remus gets a shot after Harry; I'm not planning to kill the Dursleys, if you can think a reasonable way to include it, I'm listening(reading, whatever).