ON TWO LORDS AND A PRINCE
CHAPTER 15: HUMILIATION BY HOUSE STEREOTYPE
After the feast was over and the plates had been cleared away, Dumbledore stood up to make his start of term speech.
"Welcome to another year of Hogwarts," he said, "Many of you will notice the absence of Professor Snape, who has gone missing." There were a few shocked murmurs, especially from the Slytherin table.
"Greasy git's probably run off to join you-know-who," Ron muttered into Harry's ear.
"We do know that he is alive and hope that he will be able to return to his duties by Christmas. In the mean time Professor Evans will be taking potions classes,"
There was polite applause for Sam from the students, who acknowledged with a wave of his hand, loudest of which seemed to be from Malfoy. Orion Dumbledore, who was sitting opposite Harry and had already made an enemy of Sam's son, Owen, didn't clap at all.
"And Professor Figg, who has replaced Professor Moody as Defence against the Dark Arts teacher, will be head of Slytherin house,"
There was very little applause for Arabella Figg, not even from the Slytherins who mostly distrusted her because of her well-known links with the headmaster. Harry didn't bother welcoming her either, in his mind she didn't deserve it because she had lied to him for fifteen years and done nothing as his supposed family abused him.
"Thirdly, I must introduce to you Prince Henry Drakonmire," Harry's jaw dropped at the news that his uncle was a prince as a welcoming cheer echoed throughout the Great Hall. The man in question shot his nephew a playful look, which dared Harry to claim he had already known about his uncle's status, "He is here on a diplomatic mission and will be staying for the rest of the year. He has also agreed to teach extra Advanced Defence against the Dark Arts classes for sixth and seventh years outside of normal teaching hours," A few whispers could be heard, especially among the older Ravenclaws. Harry made a note to ask Slinker whether he could take these classes too "However, participation will require the permission of your parents. Those of you interested in attending should speak to Professor Figg.
"On a lighter note, it is my pleasure to announce that the inter house quidditch cup is back on," There were resounding cheers, especially from the quidditch teams, "Trials for those of second year and above will be held in the second week of term. Anyone interested in playing for their house team should contact Madam Hooch.
"Mr Filch, the caretaker, has informed me that Exploding gobstones have been added to the list of forbidden items. The full list is available in the caretaker's office if anybody wishes to look at it. Mr Filch has also reminded me to tell you that magic in the corridors is strictly forbidden.
"First years and some older students are reminded that the Forbbiden Forest is out of bounds," Professor Dumbledore glanced at the Weasley twins and at Harry.
"Finally, I must remind you that Voldemort has returned," Virtually the whole school flinched at the dark lord's name. Harry noticed some of the Slytherins give an evil smirk; Malfoy surprisingly was not one of them. The Headmasters gaze had been solemn and deadly serious with a tone of voice to match, the ever present twinkle in his eyes had disappeared, "As a consequence students are prohibited from leaving the castle after dark unless accompanied by a teacher and all quidditch practices must be supervised. Furthermore I must impress on that these are dark and dangerous times. Now more than ever we must put aside our differences to unite and work together to defeat our common enemy. Do not listen to the siren calls of the enemy," Dumbledore's gaze lingered on the Slytherins, some of whom shifted uncomfortably under it, "He can offer only death, destruction and power which he does not possess. When the time comes to make choices, chose what is right not what is easy." Suddenly his tone of voice became lighter and more cheerful, as the twinkle returned to his eyes, "Now off to bed. You have classes tomorrow and it wouldn't be good if you were half asleep."
"Hey Potter," A familiar voice drawled across the crowd as Harry reached the doors leading to the entrance hall, "I always knew you were a reject, but thanks for confirming it for us." Harry spun around, behind him stood Malfoy with a sneer on his face, flanked by Crabbe and Goyle.
"What on earth are you on about?" he asked dumbly, hoping that Malfoy would mention his sorting more specifically.
"You said that you nearly sorted into Slytherin, but I suppose you and your reject brain have already forgotten that." Malfoy snapped back, falling right into Harry's trap.
"You know, I've always imagined what it would have been like if I'd been sorted into Slytherin," Harry said thoughtfully, "Imagine it," He gave an exaggerated sigh and began to speak in a dreamy voice, "We could have been friends, allies, brothers even. We would have been death eaters together, grovelling in front of Voldemort kissing his dirty old robes. We would have watched in awe as he tortured his own followers, our friends, and thanked profusely when he needlessly tortured us too, for his own enjoyment. But alas, it was not to be,"
Harry glanced around at the gathered crowd before continuing with the next part of his speech. Most people, including a few of the light side supporting Slytherins were laughing while Malfoy and some of the other Slytherins were fuming, at the back of the crowd he spotted Professor Figg and his uncle Sam, his new potions teacher.
"But instead, I was sorted into Gryffindor," he said his tone of voice switching to a depressed and disgusted drawl, "I had to be strong, independent, powerful, I have to make my own decisions," he continued slowly lingering over each item in his list as if it were the most horrific thing in the world, "I'm treated fairly and with respect and do you what? I don't even get tortured!" He shook his head sadly, "But that's life."
Malfoy's face was a picture of pure anger. He was right on the ragged edge, desperately trying not to draw his wand and hex Harry into oblivion and having to draw on every ounce of his self control to do so. Creating a twitch that was hilariously funny and made Harry burst out into fits of laughter.
Bang! Everyone suddenly stopped laughing as a loud noise echoed throughout the great hall, followed by Sam's voice shouting above the crowd, "You're blocking the doorway, Potter. Twenty points from Gryffindor."
The red headed potions professor pushed as way though the crowd towards Harry, a fake scowl on his face, as the Slytherins, Malfoy especially, visibly relaxed. It was clear that he wasn't truly angry as his eyes were laughing but that it was façade designed to help ease the tension Harry's comments had created.
"Dumbledore wants to see you, tell him I award you twenty points." Sam whispered to Harry once he was in sufficient range so that nobody else could hear him. The gathered crowd, sensing the show was over had already begun to push its way past Harry and out of the great hall. Harry followed them and made his way to the headmaster's office as requested by both Sam and Orion. He caught up with the old man just outside his office
"Ah, Harry," the headmaster said, "I must congratulate you on your performance in the great hall. I'm certain that it merits, say, twenty points to Gryffindor."
"That's what Sam said, professor," Harry replied sweetly as they made their way up to the headmasters office, "He asked you to give me twenty points."
"Then consider it done," Dumbledore replied with a smile as they entered his office. He indicated for Harry to take a seat. Harry complied warily, a distrustful expression on his face.
"I know that I haven't acted in your best interest in the past," Dumbledore said wearily. He looked very old. Harry snorted, at the headmaster's words, regarding them as a gross understatement, "However, one should not dwell one's past mistakes and forget about the present, especially in times such as these. I did not call you here to discuss the past, but rather to discuss the present and the future…"
"You can say what you like Professor," Harry intervened fiercely, fire blazing in his eyes. He neither trusted not liked the headmaster now, "But I want answers. I want to discuss the past, I want to know why you decided to give me the Dursleys and let them abuse me as much as they damn well wanted. And until I get answers I refuse to talk about anything else."
Dumbledore sighed, "I did not want you to grow up in the wizarding world, knowing of your fame. I thought it most probable that you let it get to your head," he said eventually, "Then there was the issue of your safety. If you had stayed in the wizarding world, everyone would have known where you were including loyal death eaters looking at avenge their master. I know your family are well protected but then so were the Longbottoms," the headmaster left the sentence hanging. The horrific thought of his grandparents lying unresponsive in St. Mungo's crossed his mind, driven insane by the Cruciatus curse. He shook his head, clearing it of the nightmare.
"That still doesn't explain why you insisted I stay there after you find out they were abusing me." He argued coldly, silently acknowledging Dumbledore's arguments.
"Indeed," the headmaster replied is tone equally as weary as before, "But then I have no satisfactory explanation for my actions beyond the fact I did not know that your treatment at Privet Drive was so bad. If I had known I would have removed you immediately…" The headmaster never got to finish what he was saying before he was interrupted by a bitter laugh from Harry.
"I am not here to hear you lies, Professor," he said, "You have no excuse whatsoever and you know it, that is all I need to hear."
"Then it is a mistake I apologise for with all my heart," the headmaster said, his solemn eyes meeting Harry's brilliant emerald, "I am not Voldemort, I would deliberately hurt you, but all choices have unforeseen consequences some positive, some negative. In this case they were all negative."
"Apology accepted," Harry acknowledged curtly, before waiting for the headmaster to speak again. He hadn't paid attention to the rest of the headmaster's comments; he wasn't in the mood to listen to the old man's moralising. There was a moment's silence.
"As I said before I did not call you here to discuss the past, but rather the present and the threat of Voldemort," Dumbledore said slightly less seriously than before, "Now I am sure I have no need to inform you of the fact that with the dark lord's return you are in severe danger."
Harry began to protest that he was not a child and did not need protection and certainly wouldn't trust any protection the headmaster gave him, but he was cut off by a wave of the professor's hand.
"I am aware of you lack of faith in any protection I can give you and that you have proven yourself capable several times of defeating Voldemort. In fact I would encourage such an attitude as long as it does not impede our ability to co-operate over other matters," Harry looked at the headmaster in shock, he had not been expecting the headmaster to encourage him to be independent in thought. Dumbledore laughed gently at his pupil's reaction,
"My dear boy, I have been trying to protect you for the past fifteen years and failed miserably, even when you were willing to let me. Whatever makes you think I can protect someone who does not wish to be protected? Besides you can contribute far more to the war effort by using your own judgement rather than blindly following my own. As much as I would like not to be I am not omniscient nor am I omnipotent. I do make mistakes and errors of judgement and it is up to those around me to correct these. Now, you are not here to listen to an old man's ramblings, instead I wish to make you an offer."
Harry's gaze became warier than before when he heard this. Despite the old man's words he did not fully believe that he had totally given up on manipulating Harry, as such it paid to be wary least he be trapped doing the headmasters bidding and with no means to escape.
"I am currently head of an organisation named the Order of the Phoenix, which is dedicated to eradicating evil and those who use magic for malicious and destructive purposes. As a consequence of the minister's denial it is us who is currently us who is co-ordinating the effort against Voldemort. We believe you would have a lot to contribute to the war and as such I have instructed to offer you membership of the Order on their behalf. I do not need a response right away, but the sooner I get the one the better."
Harry thought for a few moments before replying. His natural inclination was to accept without question, but then his previous worry about being manipulated came into his mind causing him to ask a question instead. "This order, I would be able to resign from it any time, if I wanted to?"
"Of course," Dumbledore answered kindly.
Harry didn't hesitate to reply, "Then I'm in," he said with a broad grin, happy that the headmaster would not get in the way of his quest for vengeance against Voldemort.
I said most of what I had to say at the end of the previous chapter so theres nothing to say here, except this is the last chapter posted before OotP is released and that don't expect two chapters at once ever again. I just happened to be on a roll.
Secondly, Snape fans, before you flame me for having your man disappear, he will be back teaching Potions and more importantly being Slytherins' head of house after Halloween. Until then, well you'll see.
Finally, Thank You to all those who reviewed Chapter 12. The reviews were much appreciated. If you want me to e-mail you when I update this fic leave your e-mail address in your review.