Chapter 16
Consequences
Harry awoke early the next morning made ready for the first day of classes. After finishing his normal morning routine, Harry went to get dressed. He found all as clothes laid out for him on his bed. As he was getting dressed, Harry noticed that his robes no longer had the Gryffindor insignia on them. In their place was the same Hogwarts crest that adorned Dumbledores robes.
Harry looked at Godric and said "Gramps did you do this?"
Godric nodded looking please with himself and said" yes I had dobby take care of small details that needed to be addressed with your attire."
Taking one last glance himself in the mirror Harry said "bye Gramps I'll see you later."
Godric just nodded at Harry and replied "try not to worry too much Harry your friends, if they truly are your friends, will understand."
Harry slowly made his way to the great hall dreading having to face Ron and Ginny. As he entered the hall and made his way to his seat at the Gryffindor table, Harry noticed how quiet it was.
Harry sat down next and Hermione and asked, "I take it Ron and Ginny heard about Percy?"
Ron and Ginny both looked up at Harry with tears running down their cheeks. Ron was the first to speak "please Harry, please don't let them sentenced Percy to death. He may have been a git to the family but he is my brother and I love him."
Ginny looked up and hopefully unable to speak through her tears. Looking at both of them Harry said "don't worry, Percy is not going to die. I've left his punishment in the hands of your father. I realized last night that the current policy was too harsh. Death Eaters will still be punished but now the punishment will fit the crime."
Harry looked at them again dreading what he had to say next, "however the new punishment for caught death eaters is no longer going to be Azkaban prison."
The others looked at him in surprise wondering what he meant. Hermione asked "what do you mean Harry?"
Harry explained, "We are going to build a new prison. One that is not dependent on Dementors or aurors as guards."
Harry then went on to detail plans for the new prison and described to the trio it being more of an exile and anything else. Harry said " short of killing them this is the best option for all concerned." Harry continued, "How is your mother taking it Ron."
Ron looked at Harry and explained "both her and dad are still in shock over the whole thing. Then Ron said looking disgusted the worst part in this we can even keep this in the family, it's all over the front page of the Daily Prophet."
Harry looked at them questioningly until Ginny handed him a copy of the morning edition of the Daily Prophet. Sure enough, on the front page there was a picture of Percy and chains and manacles being led away with the caption underneath reading, "Ministers Son, Percivil Weasley, Ministry employee, (Shown above in chains) captured after the attack at Kings Cross being led away by Aurors to a ministry holding cell.
Harry just looked at the other two and said, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry had to come to this if there was something I could do to change and I would."
Ginny suddenly spoke up and said "Harry this is not your fault. Although we didn't know why Percy decided to break off completely with the family, we had an idea. At first, we thought it was because of his position within the ministry that he was trying to protect along with Fudges. Later on, we guessed the something else was happening. We didn't know exactly what but the fact that there were so much controversy surrounding the return of Voldemort and your affiliation with our family as well as Dumbledores known support for the muggle born children at the school...." and Ginny drifted off and said "well you get the idea."
Harry had been sitting quietly the entire time listening to both Ginny and Ron suddenly he looked at them both and said softly "so you're not angry with me?"
Ginny just suddenly smiled and threw her arms around Harry while sobbing into his chest and said, "No Harry, were not angry with you, but with the disgrace Percy brought on us all."
Harry was temporarily taken aback of all the reactions he expected this morning this was not one of them. Harry glanced up to the head table to see Dumbledore nodding at him and raising his goblet to him in silent salute. Ron looked at Harry and Ginny embracing and suddenly grinned.
Harry looked at Ron and said, "What are you smiling about?"
Ron just smiled and replied "Oh nothing" while eyeing the two.
Finally, the four of them gave in to their hunger and began to eat their breakfast with ravenous appetites. In the middle of their meal, Professor McGonagall came around handing out timetables. Ron, Hermione, and Ginny looked at theirs eagerly while Harry looked at his questioningly.
Ron looking at Harry asked"Hey mate what do you have first?"
Harry just groaned and replied "Potions with Slytherins"
Ron looking over Harrys shoulder at his schedule just grinned and said " Tough luck there mate. It's double Potions too. I'm glad I don't have to take it anymore."
Just then, Hermione spoke up and said "Don't worry Harry I have it with you, we can help each other."
Harry looked at her relieved he didn't have to suffer it alone. Ron suddenly brightened and said,"Look on the bright side Harry. At least he can't take house points from you anymore" Ron stated, his mouth half full of food.
Hermione looked at Ron and said "Honestly Ron you really need to learn some manners "she chided him.
Hermione looking at Harry said, "What other classes are you taking"
Harry wordlessly handed her his schedule for her inspection.
Class schedule for Harry Potter M/W/F 8:00am to 11:00 am Potions Professor Severus Snape
12:00 to 1:00pm lunch
1:15 to 2:30 Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor Albus Dumbledore
2:45 to 4:30 Advanced Arithmancy Professor Vector
7:00 to 9:30pm Apprentice Studies Professor Albus Dumbledore Tue/Thurs
8:00 to 10:00 Care of Magical Creatures Professor Rubeus Hagrid
10:00 to 12:00 pm Advanced transfiguration Professor Minerva McGonagall
12:00 to 1:00pm Lunch
1:15 to 4:30 Advanced Magical technique Professor Albus Dumbledore
7:00 to 9:30pm Advanced Magical Combat Student teacher Harry Potter
Hermione looked at Harry and squealed "Harry we have Arithmancy together!"
Harry nodded "I know, Dumbledore thought I could handle it, even though I've never taken the basic class before. He thought it would be useful in the development of my powers to study spell construction and modification."
Ron looked horrified at Harrys schedule "Blimey mate, maybe being Dumbledores apprentice isn't all its crack up to be."
Harry just laughed and said" Well I may have a full class load, but homework isn't really a problem for me now with my memory the way it is."
Ron brightened at this and said "Well the mate maybe you could help me with mine. N.E.W.T. prep is going to be horrible!"
Hermione looked at her boyfriend scandalized "Ron! You did well enough on your O.W.L's without too much help. Besides she continued softly if you need help I'll always be glad to help you."
Ron thought for a second before answering "Hmmmm help from the most powerful Wizard in existence or help from the smartest most beautiful Witch alive. So hard to choose, but I'm sorry to say I'll go with Mione" he grinned.
Hermione slapped his arm playfully and said, "You had to think about it?"
Harry just laughed at his friends banter, turned to Ginny, and said "Ummm Ginny?"
She turned to Harry and replied "Yes Harry?"
Harry continued nervously "Ummm I was wondering if you would like to study together at night?"
Ginny paused a second to consider his offer. Inside she was screaming silently YES! YES! YES! Ginny continued coyly "I think that would be rather fun Harry, and I could definitely use the help."
Harry suddenly got a goofy grin on his face and said "Then how about tonight in the Gryffindor common room at 10:00?"
Ginny smiling broadly at him winked and said, "It's a date!"
Ron and Hermione observed the exchange between the two and grinned at them. Suddenly looked at her watch and said, "Oh no, come on Harry we have to hurry or we'll be late for potions!"
Harry and Hermione ran for the dungeons as Ron and Ginny left for their first classes. On the way to the dungeons, Harry and Hermione ran into Malfoy and his thugs Crabbe and Goyle. Stepping from the shadows, Malfoy taunted, "Well, well, well what do we have here? The Mud-blood and the puppet king."
Hermione's face went livid and Harry just put his hand on her shoulder to hold her back and stepped up to confront Draco Malfoy. "Well what do you want Malfoy? I'm surprised you're even in school. I'm surprised your master's leash is that long. How does it feel to be a slave?"
Draco sneered and said to Hermione "So how's your idiotic lunk headed boyfriend Mud-blood? At least there is one Weasley that's not a complete blood traitor!" he said referring to Percy.
Hermione's eyes narrowed with rage on Ron's behalf and made a move to draw her wand but Harry was quicker. Silently casting a shield around himself and Hermione Harry waved his hand and sent Malfoy and his thugs flying against the wall only to have the stuck some 20 feet against the wall unable to move.
Smiling broadly Harry said to them "I would be careful Malfoy, you wouldn't want to make the same mistakes as your father."
Malfoy simply sneered and said "and you as well Potter, your parents were defiant and look what happened to them."
Harry calmly replied "Yes my parents were defiant, and they fought knowing that to survive was not enough, they would not be slaves in Voldemort's world so gave their lives to ensure a better one would come to pass. Just remember Malfoy, in Voldemort's universe there can be only one ruler and a multitude of slaves..." Harry let this remark hang in the air and he and Hermione continued on their way.
Harry and Hermione entered the Potions classroom, took a table in the rear, and waited for the rest of the class to come in. Harry and Hermione were the only Gryffindors as well as Susan Bones from Hufflepuff and Terry Boot from Ravenclaw. Of the Slytherins came Draco Malfoy, Blaise Zambini, Pansy Parkinson, and Millicent Bulstrode. As they were getting settled into the dark dank classroom, the doors flew open and Snape practically flew into the room, his robes billowing out behind him.
Snape went to the front of the room and pointed his wand at the blackboard in front of him. As he did so, diagrams and notes formed for all to read. Snape came to a stop in front of the class and said, "I don't know how any of you managed to make it into N.E.W.T. Potions, but it seems I have no choice but to accept you into this class. Snape was looking pointedly at Harry at this point.
"As such I will expect MUCH more from you than in all previous years." Harry looked at the pages of his text as Snape spoke. Snape coming to a stop in front of Harry said "Too boring for you to listen to me Potter? 20 points from..." Snape had forgotten Harry no longer was in a house he could torment. Harry looked up at this and smiled slightly. Snape not to be averted from trying to embarrass Harry said "ten demerits and a report will be submitted to your MASTER he sneered."
Malfoy and the rest of the Slytherins smirked at this and Snape continued. "For the rest of the term you will pair off in the following groups: granger/Zambini, Bones/Parkinson, Potter/Malfoy and Boot/Bulstrode."
Snape sneered and said, "Today we will be brewing the Draught of Enlightenment can anyone tell me what it does?"
Both Hermione and Harry raised their hands. Snape pointedly ignoring them said again "Anyone?"
Finally Snape called on Hermione and said "Ms. Granger"
Hermione answered "The draught of Enlightenment is a potion designed to allow the drinker to have an out-of-body experience or astrally project themselves to other planes of existence not normally experienced by the bodies existing senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch,"
Snape nodded in satisfaction and continued "If this potion is brewed incorrectly the drinker will not be able to return to his or her body and their spirit will become lost on the astral plane and the body eventually will die." Snape let this statement sink in and continued "Traditionally, the potion was used in ancient Egypt by priests seeking higher knowledge or enlightenment, hence its name. The ingredients are listed on the board and in page 227 of your text. BEGIN!" he shouted making them all jump.
Malfoy scowled at Harry and said, "Look Potter I don't want to work with you and you don't want to work with me. Lets do this and get on with our lives."
Harry just looked at Malfoy and said smoothly "Very well Malfoy, but be warned I KNOW how to make this potion, and if you try to sabotage it in any way there WILL be consequences."
Draco looked Harry in the eye and said, "Very well then Potter, why don't you prepare the ingredients and I will brew the potion."
Harry nodded in agreement, strode purposefully to the ingredient storage cupboard, and gathered what they needed. To the surprise of both Harry and Draco worked surprisingly well together. Harry deftly cutting, crushing and mincing the ingredients while Draco was quite masterful in his brewing capabilities. Harry and Draco were the first finished and bottled up their potions for grading and handed them in and began the clean up of their workspace.
As they were about to leave Snape called out "Potter remain behind"
Hermione gave a sad smile to her friend and the Slytherins laughed thinking Harry was going to be berated some more by their favorite professor. Harry stayed at his desk and waited for the rest of the class to leave.
After everyone had left, Snape raised his wand and used a locking charm on the door and a silencing charm on the room. Snape waved Harry forward and spoke "Look Potter I know things have been bad between us, but in here you have to realize I'm a known Death Eater and a member of Voldemort's inner circle to these children. I still do not LIKE you but I am beginning to respect you. As much as you know you, still have much to learn and I will NOT be easy on you. I'm not the best Potion Master for nothing after all."
Harry nodded his understanding and Snape continued, "We both have jobs to do Potter and right now you need to help me. You were right Malfoy was sent to spy on me and kill me if he thinks necessary. I will do what I can but perhaps you were right a few weeks ago, perhaps my spying days are over" he mused.
Harry nodded and said "Professor if worse comes to worse I myself can spy on Voldemort if necessary. I wont be seen and I can't be caught or trapped."
Snape looked dubiously at Harry and said "How?"
Harry just grinned and began to turn transparent and said, his voice slightly out of synch with his lips, "I have phased myself slightly out of the flow of normal time by about .5 milliseconds. Technically, I don't exist in time anymore, as you know it. This along with the ability to turn invisible will assure no spell can touch me and no one can see me."
Harry returned to normal time and phased back in and continued, "Of course the bad thing in this mode is that I cant use magic or anything else to affect the normal timeline. I can only observe."
Snape looked thoughtful at this and said "Very well Potter now go to lunch."
Harry just smiled and said "Of course Professor see you on Wednesday."
Harry made his way to the Great hall for lunch and took a seat beside his friends. Hermione asked "Everything go alright with Snape Harry?"
Harry nodded to them and said "I will explain more tonight" they all nodded knowingly and finished their lunch.
After lunch Ron, Harry and Hermione made their way to DADA for their first class with Dumbledore. Everyone was excited at the prospect of having the Headmaster teaching him or her a class. All the students filed in and took their seats and Albus began.
"Ahhh, Good Afternoon sixth years. He said eyes twinkling madly. I have been reviewing your past few years worth of lessons and am slightly disappointed to say the least."
Dumbledore look around the room as if to take in everyone in his gaze "For this class we will begin with advanced shielding spells and will practice them on one another."
Dumbledore took the class through several shield spells and they practiced with one another until they had them down perfectly. Dumbledore was an excellent teacher and knew the material perfectly. The class was the best of the day so far. As they rose to leave at the end of class Dumbledore called out
"Perhaps you thought I forgot to assign homework. Most of the class groaned because that was what they were hoping. Dumbledore continued I want 24 inches of parchment on the uses of the shields in combat that we learned today."
Dumbledore winked and waved at the trio as they left the room. Ron was the first to speak. "Dumbledore is Bloody Brilliant!" he crowed.
Harry, Hermione nodded in agreement, and Hermione said, "See you later, do TRY and stay out of trouble till we get back."
Ron just grinned and said, "I'll try" as he rolled his eyes at her.
Harry and Hermione made their way to Professor Vector's class and sat down eager for class to start. Harry actually found he enjoyed the class, although there was far too much mathematics involved for his taste he found it to be very easy. As they made their way through the complex equations Hermione nodded in approval at Harrys work and said, "Well done Harry you have a natural gift for this."
Harry nodded and replied "Yeah it was a good class, I wish I had taken it years ago instead of Divination."
Hermione just laughed and said "come on then lets meet Ron and Ginny and finish our homework before dinner."
Harry nodded in agreement eagerly looking forward to spending time with Ginny. All of them met up in the Gryffindor common room and sat down in pairs to work.
Harry looked at Ginny captivated by her eyes at the moment and stuttered " So how was your day Gin?"
Ginny sensing his nervousness reached out took his hand and said" actually except for Snape it wasn't too bad. I do have loads of work though."
Harry nodded knowingly remembering his workload from last year. Looking her straight in the eye Harry mumbled "Ummm Gin would you be interested in a walk on the grounds for a bit?"
Ginny sat in shock for a moment. She had been waiting for 4 years for Harry to take notice of her and now that he had, she found it a bit disconcerting.
Slowly and shyly Ginny answered Harry "I think that's a lovely idea."
The two then left the common room and went around the grounds and the lake talking and truly getting to know one another better.
A/N As always thanks for your reviews and thanks to my wonderful beta Missy.
Consequences
Harry awoke early the next morning made ready for the first day of classes. After finishing his normal morning routine, Harry went to get dressed. He found all as clothes laid out for him on his bed. As he was getting dressed, Harry noticed that his robes no longer had the Gryffindor insignia on them. In their place was the same Hogwarts crest that adorned Dumbledores robes.
Harry looked at Godric and said "Gramps did you do this?"
Godric nodded looking please with himself and said" yes I had dobby take care of small details that needed to be addressed with your attire."
Taking one last glance himself in the mirror Harry said "bye Gramps I'll see you later."
Godric just nodded at Harry and replied "try not to worry too much Harry your friends, if they truly are your friends, will understand."
Harry slowly made his way to the great hall dreading having to face Ron and Ginny. As he entered the hall and made his way to his seat at the Gryffindor table, Harry noticed how quiet it was.
Harry sat down next and Hermione and asked, "I take it Ron and Ginny heard about Percy?"
Ron and Ginny both looked up at Harry with tears running down their cheeks. Ron was the first to speak "please Harry, please don't let them sentenced Percy to death. He may have been a git to the family but he is my brother and I love him."
Ginny looked up and hopefully unable to speak through her tears. Looking at both of them Harry said "don't worry, Percy is not going to die. I've left his punishment in the hands of your father. I realized last night that the current policy was too harsh. Death Eaters will still be punished but now the punishment will fit the crime."
Harry looked at them again dreading what he had to say next, "however the new punishment for caught death eaters is no longer going to be Azkaban prison."
The others looked at him in surprise wondering what he meant. Hermione asked "what do you mean Harry?"
Harry explained, "We are going to build a new prison. One that is not dependent on Dementors or aurors as guards."
Harry then went on to detail plans for the new prison and described to the trio it being more of an exile and anything else. Harry said " short of killing them this is the best option for all concerned." Harry continued, "How is your mother taking it Ron."
Ron looked at Harry and explained "both her and dad are still in shock over the whole thing. Then Ron said looking disgusted the worst part in this we can even keep this in the family, it's all over the front page of the Daily Prophet."
Harry looked at them questioningly until Ginny handed him a copy of the morning edition of the Daily Prophet. Sure enough, on the front page there was a picture of Percy and chains and manacles being led away with the caption underneath reading, "Ministers Son, Percivil Weasley, Ministry employee, (Shown above in chains) captured after the attack at Kings Cross being led away by Aurors to a ministry holding cell.
Harry just looked at the other two and said, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry had to come to this if there was something I could do to change and I would."
Ginny suddenly spoke up and said "Harry this is not your fault. Although we didn't know why Percy decided to break off completely with the family, we had an idea. At first, we thought it was because of his position within the ministry that he was trying to protect along with Fudges. Later on, we guessed the something else was happening. We didn't know exactly what but the fact that there were so much controversy surrounding the return of Voldemort and your affiliation with our family as well as Dumbledores known support for the muggle born children at the school...." and Ginny drifted off and said "well you get the idea."
Harry had been sitting quietly the entire time listening to both Ginny and Ron suddenly he looked at them both and said softly "so you're not angry with me?"
Ginny just suddenly smiled and threw her arms around Harry while sobbing into his chest and said, "No Harry, were not angry with you, but with the disgrace Percy brought on us all."
Harry was temporarily taken aback of all the reactions he expected this morning this was not one of them. Harry glanced up to the head table to see Dumbledore nodding at him and raising his goblet to him in silent salute. Ron looked at Harry and Ginny embracing and suddenly grinned.
Harry looked at Ron and said, "What are you smiling about?"
Ron just smiled and replied "Oh nothing" while eyeing the two.
Finally, the four of them gave in to their hunger and began to eat their breakfast with ravenous appetites. In the middle of their meal, Professor McGonagall came around handing out timetables. Ron, Hermione, and Ginny looked at theirs eagerly while Harry looked at his questioningly.
Ron looking at Harry asked"Hey mate what do you have first?"
Harry just groaned and replied "Potions with Slytherins"
Ron looking over Harrys shoulder at his schedule just grinned and said " Tough luck there mate. It's double Potions too. I'm glad I don't have to take it anymore."
Just then, Hermione spoke up and said "Don't worry Harry I have it with you, we can help each other."
Harry looked at her relieved he didn't have to suffer it alone. Ron suddenly brightened and said,"Look on the bright side Harry. At least he can't take house points from you anymore" Ron stated, his mouth half full of food.
Hermione looked at Ron and said "Honestly Ron you really need to learn some manners "she chided him.
Hermione looking at Harry said, "What other classes are you taking"
Harry wordlessly handed her his schedule for her inspection.
Class schedule for Harry Potter M/W/F 8:00am to 11:00 am Potions Professor Severus Snape
12:00 to 1:00pm lunch
1:15 to 2:30 Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor Albus Dumbledore
2:45 to 4:30 Advanced Arithmancy Professor Vector
7:00 to 9:30pm Apprentice Studies Professor Albus Dumbledore Tue/Thurs
8:00 to 10:00 Care of Magical Creatures Professor Rubeus Hagrid
10:00 to 12:00 pm Advanced transfiguration Professor Minerva McGonagall
12:00 to 1:00pm Lunch
1:15 to 4:30 Advanced Magical technique Professor Albus Dumbledore
7:00 to 9:30pm Advanced Magical Combat Student teacher Harry Potter
Hermione looked at Harry and squealed "Harry we have Arithmancy together!"
Harry nodded "I know, Dumbledore thought I could handle it, even though I've never taken the basic class before. He thought it would be useful in the development of my powers to study spell construction and modification."
Ron looked horrified at Harrys schedule "Blimey mate, maybe being Dumbledores apprentice isn't all its crack up to be."
Harry just laughed and said" Well I may have a full class load, but homework isn't really a problem for me now with my memory the way it is."
Ron brightened at this and said "Well the mate maybe you could help me with mine. N.E.W.T. prep is going to be horrible!"
Hermione looked at her boyfriend scandalized "Ron! You did well enough on your O.W.L's without too much help. Besides she continued softly if you need help I'll always be glad to help you."
Ron thought for a second before answering "Hmmmm help from the most powerful Wizard in existence or help from the smartest most beautiful Witch alive. So hard to choose, but I'm sorry to say I'll go with Mione" he grinned.
Hermione slapped his arm playfully and said, "You had to think about it?"
Harry just laughed at his friends banter, turned to Ginny, and said "Ummm Ginny?"
She turned to Harry and replied "Yes Harry?"
Harry continued nervously "Ummm I was wondering if you would like to study together at night?"
Ginny paused a second to consider his offer. Inside she was screaming silently YES! YES! YES! Ginny continued coyly "I think that would be rather fun Harry, and I could definitely use the help."
Harry suddenly got a goofy grin on his face and said "Then how about tonight in the Gryffindor common room at 10:00?"
Ginny smiling broadly at him winked and said, "It's a date!"
Ron and Hermione observed the exchange between the two and grinned at them. Suddenly looked at her watch and said, "Oh no, come on Harry we have to hurry or we'll be late for potions!"
Harry and Hermione ran for the dungeons as Ron and Ginny left for their first classes. On the way to the dungeons, Harry and Hermione ran into Malfoy and his thugs Crabbe and Goyle. Stepping from the shadows, Malfoy taunted, "Well, well, well what do we have here? The Mud-blood and the puppet king."
Hermione's face went livid and Harry just put his hand on her shoulder to hold her back and stepped up to confront Draco Malfoy. "Well what do you want Malfoy? I'm surprised you're even in school. I'm surprised your master's leash is that long. How does it feel to be a slave?"
Draco sneered and said to Hermione "So how's your idiotic lunk headed boyfriend Mud-blood? At least there is one Weasley that's not a complete blood traitor!" he said referring to Percy.
Hermione's eyes narrowed with rage on Ron's behalf and made a move to draw her wand but Harry was quicker. Silently casting a shield around himself and Hermione Harry waved his hand and sent Malfoy and his thugs flying against the wall only to have the stuck some 20 feet against the wall unable to move.
Smiling broadly Harry said to them "I would be careful Malfoy, you wouldn't want to make the same mistakes as your father."
Malfoy simply sneered and said "and you as well Potter, your parents were defiant and look what happened to them."
Harry calmly replied "Yes my parents were defiant, and they fought knowing that to survive was not enough, they would not be slaves in Voldemort's world so gave their lives to ensure a better one would come to pass. Just remember Malfoy, in Voldemort's universe there can be only one ruler and a multitude of slaves..." Harry let this remark hang in the air and he and Hermione continued on their way.
Harry and Hermione entered the Potions classroom, took a table in the rear, and waited for the rest of the class to come in. Harry and Hermione were the only Gryffindors as well as Susan Bones from Hufflepuff and Terry Boot from Ravenclaw. Of the Slytherins came Draco Malfoy, Blaise Zambini, Pansy Parkinson, and Millicent Bulstrode. As they were getting settled into the dark dank classroom, the doors flew open and Snape practically flew into the room, his robes billowing out behind him.
Snape went to the front of the room and pointed his wand at the blackboard in front of him. As he did so, diagrams and notes formed for all to read. Snape came to a stop in front of the class and said, "I don't know how any of you managed to make it into N.E.W.T. Potions, but it seems I have no choice but to accept you into this class. Snape was looking pointedly at Harry at this point.
"As such I will expect MUCH more from you than in all previous years." Harry looked at the pages of his text as Snape spoke. Snape coming to a stop in front of Harry said "Too boring for you to listen to me Potter? 20 points from..." Snape had forgotten Harry no longer was in a house he could torment. Harry looked up at this and smiled slightly. Snape not to be averted from trying to embarrass Harry said "ten demerits and a report will be submitted to your MASTER he sneered."
Malfoy and the rest of the Slytherins smirked at this and Snape continued. "For the rest of the term you will pair off in the following groups: granger/Zambini, Bones/Parkinson, Potter/Malfoy and Boot/Bulstrode."
Snape sneered and said, "Today we will be brewing the Draught of Enlightenment can anyone tell me what it does?"
Both Hermione and Harry raised their hands. Snape pointedly ignoring them said again "Anyone?"
Finally Snape called on Hermione and said "Ms. Granger"
Hermione answered "The draught of Enlightenment is a potion designed to allow the drinker to have an out-of-body experience or astrally project themselves to other planes of existence not normally experienced by the bodies existing senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch,"
Snape nodded in satisfaction and continued "If this potion is brewed incorrectly the drinker will not be able to return to his or her body and their spirit will become lost on the astral plane and the body eventually will die." Snape let this statement sink in and continued "Traditionally, the potion was used in ancient Egypt by priests seeking higher knowledge or enlightenment, hence its name. The ingredients are listed on the board and in page 227 of your text. BEGIN!" he shouted making them all jump.
Malfoy scowled at Harry and said, "Look Potter I don't want to work with you and you don't want to work with me. Lets do this and get on with our lives."
Harry just looked at Malfoy and said smoothly "Very well Malfoy, but be warned I KNOW how to make this potion, and if you try to sabotage it in any way there WILL be consequences."
Draco looked Harry in the eye and said, "Very well then Potter, why don't you prepare the ingredients and I will brew the potion."
Harry nodded in agreement, strode purposefully to the ingredient storage cupboard, and gathered what they needed. To the surprise of both Harry and Draco worked surprisingly well together. Harry deftly cutting, crushing and mincing the ingredients while Draco was quite masterful in his brewing capabilities. Harry and Draco were the first finished and bottled up their potions for grading and handed them in and began the clean up of their workspace.
As they were about to leave Snape called out "Potter remain behind"
Hermione gave a sad smile to her friend and the Slytherins laughed thinking Harry was going to be berated some more by their favorite professor. Harry stayed at his desk and waited for the rest of the class to leave.
After everyone had left, Snape raised his wand and used a locking charm on the door and a silencing charm on the room. Snape waved Harry forward and spoke "Look Potter I know things have been bad between us, but in here you have to realize I'm a known Death Eater and a member of Voldemort's inner circle to these children. I still do not LIKE you but I am beginning to respect you. As much as you know you, still have much to learn and I will NOT be easy on you. I'm not the best Potion Master for nothing after all."
Harry nodded his understanding and Snape continued, "We both have jobs to do Potter and right now you need to help me. You were right Malfoy was sent to spy on me and kill me if he thinks necessary. I will do what I can but perhaps you were right a few weeks ago, perhaps my spying days are over" he mused.
Harry nodded and said "Professor if worse comes to worse I myself can spy on Voldemort if necessary. I wont be seen and I can't be caught or trapped."
Snape looked dubiously at Harry and said "How?"
Harry just grinned and began to turn transparent and said, his voice slightly out of synch with his lips, "I have phased myself slightly out of the flow of normal time by about .5 milliseconds. Technically, I don't exist in time anymore, as you know it. This along with the ability to turn invisible will assure no spell can touch me and no one can see me."
Harry returned to normal time and phased back in and continued, "Of course the bad thing in this mode is that I cant use magic or anything else to affect the normal timeline. I can only observe."
Snape looked thoughtful at this and said "Very well Potter now go to lunch."
Harry just smiled and said "Of course Professor see you on Wednesday."
Harry made his way to the Great hall for lunch and took a seat beside his friends. Hermione asked "Everything go alright with Snape Harry?"
Harry nodded to them and said "I will explain more tonight" they all nodded knowingly and finished their lunch.
After lunch Ron, Harry and Hermione made their way to DADA for their first class with Dumbledore. Everyone was excited at the prospect of having the Headmaster teaching him or her a class. All the students filed in and took their seats and Albus began.
"Ahhh, Good Afternoon sixth years. He said eyes twinkling madly. I have been reviewing your past few years worth of lessons and am slightly disappointed to say the least."
Dumbledore look around the room as if to take in everyone in his gaze "For this class we will begin with advanced shielding spells and will practice them on one another."
Dumbledore took the class through several shield spells and they practiced with one another until they had them down perfectly. Dumbledore was an excellent teacher and knew the material perfectly. The class was the best of the day so far. As they rose to leave at the end of class Dumbledore called out
"Perhaps you thought I forgot to assign homework. Most of the class groaned because that was what they were hoping. Dumbledore continued I want 24 inches of parchment on the uses of the shields in combat that we learned today."
Dumbledore winked and waved at the trio as they left the room. Ron was the first to speak. "Dumbledore is Bloody Brilliant!" he crowed.
Harry, Hermione nodded in agreement, and Hermione said, "See you later, do TRY and stay out of trouble till we get back."
Ron just grinned and said, "I'll try" as he rolled his eyes at her.
Harry and Hermione made their way to Professor Vector's class and sat down eager for class to start. Harry actually found he enjoyed the class, although there was far too much mathematics involved for his taste he found it to be very easy. As they made their way through the complex equations Hermione nodded in approval at Harrys work and said, "Well done Harry you have a natural gift for this."
Harry nodded and replied "Yeah it was a good class, I wish I had taken it years ago instead of Divination."
Hermione just laughed and said "come on then lets meet Ron and Ginny and finish our homework before dinner."
Harry nodded in agreement eagerly looking forward to spending time with Ginny. All of them met up in the Gryffindor common room and sat down in pairs to work.
Harry looked at Ginny captivated by her eyes at the moment and stuttered " So how was your day Gin?"
Ginny sensing his nervousness reached out took his hand and said" actually except for Snape it wasn't too bad. I do have loads of work though."
Harry nodded knowingly remembering his workload from last year. Looking her straight in the eye Harry mumbled "Ummm Gin would you be interested in a walk on the grounds for a bit?"
Ginny sat in shock for a moment. She had been waiting for 4 years for Harry to take notice of her and now that he had, she found it a bit disconcerting.
Slowly and shyly Ginny answered Harry "I think that's a lovely idea."
The two then left the common room and went around the grounds and the lake talking and truly getting to know one another better.
A/N As always thanks for your reviews and thanks to my wonderful beta Missy.
