DADA passed quickly with Moody once more being slightly erratic, scaring people and talking of the Death Eaters that got away he had had them grouped and ensuring shields were effective. Harry was still unsure about Moody, the ex-auror was always looking at him with a strange look on his face and once or twice when students had called his name the man hadn't so much as blinked. However, he had a whole heap of knowledge especially about the Dark Arts that he eagerly expounded onto the class and despite the unorthodox teaching method they were only learning slightly less than when they had Remus. Moody appreciated the hands-on approach and had the students researching the theory for homework, sometimes he couldn't get the knowledge across in an understandable way and had changed the way he spoke or used different examples. five of them had kept to the back and worked well together; Harry was able to quickly pinpoint weaknesses as well as sheer power on his side and Daphne was the fastest spell shooter while no one could rival Theo's spell knowledge. Tracey was incredibly creative with the spells that she used to get passed people's guard and Neville was allowing his true ability shine through as his spells very nearly broke through all the shields presented to him. He had been impressed with their group and praised them while also giving them the warning to never rely on others too much.

"Its always the unlikeliest person that can do the most damage." He had said as the class started to wind down and people paid more attention. "The people who slip past without you realising, the people that manage to escape justice simply because no one even considers them. You can never be too sure of people. CONSTANT VIGILANCE."

The group left and decided to return to the ROR for their free before Snape's class. Their research into the third task was more practical than theory now with most of their sessions being duels or obstacle courses in order to prepare Harry for anything that could happen. Daphne had him working on Runes with her in case it was included and Neville was ensuring his Herbology knowledge was advanced including all kinds of dangerous plants that may be present. Theo and Tracey were helping to plan out sessions as well as keeping him on track with Charms, Transfiguration and Potions. Today however they were hoping to finally get a corporeal patronus from the two who hadn't discovered it yet. They had been working on thinking of the memories and had managed to produce the glowing mist well, Neville even swore he saw something shift in Tracey's. Theo had understandably struggled the most with creating a patronus as he didn't have the same background of happy memories, Harry had helped him a lot in picturing scenarios that would give the same feeling but so far everything he thought of was overshadowed by a darker, negative feeling.

"Right are you ready to be shocked and amazed!" Tracey proclaimed loudly, brandishing her wand like a sword. Harry, Neville and Daphne settled on the large beanbags by the fire place for the show that was sure to occur. "On this day, I Tracey Davis will produce a fully fledged corporeal patronus! Will it be the beautiful but mysterious raven? Will it be the fierce but friendly lion? Will it be the dangerous but peaceful bad-"

"Woman shut up and do it already!" Daphne yelled in-between laughter.

Tracey huffed but went still, her eyes slightly closed and a grin spread over her face as she focused on the memory of playing a prank on her father with her younger sister and Daphne. The joy that had infused her as the three of them had been chased outside and they'd rolled on the grass while her mother had watched on had rarely been felt as her father was a stern businessman with little time for his family and it was a rare moment of pure joy that she'd felt.

"Expecto Patronum!" The mist flowed from her wand and shifted slightly as though something was struggling to break free from a container. Tracey focussed intently on the joy and circled her wand again trying to channel the feelings from her very soul into the spell, just as she started to sweat the animal broke through, sniffing around the room before returning to Tracey's side and rolling onto its side to present its stomach. Tracey giggled and she reached down to give the glowing dog a scratch before he faded.

"I think it's a Basset Hound." Harry said flicking through Personalities and Patroni that Remus had sent over. "Its definitely got more of a likeness than any other." Daphne leaned over and nodded in agreement.

"It sure sounds like you, Trace. Listen – ' stubborn, smart, friendly and determined the Basset Hound is incredibly loyal to those who they see as friends and unafraid to fight an enemy. Generally easy-going and happy to make others laugh those that have this Patronus will be persistent when feeling in the right and enjoy the company of those they care for."

Tracey conjured the hound again and watched as it moved through the room, brushing against her friends looking for attention before returning to her side and looking adoringly up at her. She stroked the head before stopping the spell and watching the light dissipate with a grin.

"Well come on Theo your turn now!"

Theo raised his wand with the same determined look on his face as he had when he had confronted Harry.

"Expecto Patronum!"

The silver flowed from his wand but nothing formed. Tracey flopped down onto the floor and stared up at him grinning encouragingly.

"Come on, Theo. You can do it! Happy feelings, all of us being at each-others side. Or watching the punch that Daphne gave Draco or Harry standing up to Snape all those times!"

Theo took a breath and concentrated, Daphne could see the sweat starting to form on his brow and frowned. Theo had the same problem as her, he thought about things too much, Daphne stood up and made her way to the Slytherin who was avidly watching the glow before repeating the phrase.

"Theo, I think you and I have the same problem. You focus on the memory, you try and think about the happiest memory you have and then you end up thinking all the negativity that happens with it. You focus on the warmth the memory gives you."

Theo nodded but Daphne could see the lost look in his eye - the not knowing but fearing having to ask – she'd seen it enter Harry's eyes enough times especially when it came to their private time together and whenever he did something he was unsure about. She stepped closer and put a hand on his forearm and gave him a small smile.

"What are you thinking?"

"The happy memories, they get overshadowed. Daphne, I don't know if I…if I actually can."

At this point Harry made his way over, his green eyes alight with understanding.

"Theo the memory isn't as important, hell it doesn't even have to be real! What matters is the feelings that are within you. It took me months to get anything more than mist. Remus says its because I had much more negativity in my life or something like that. What's the thing that would make you happiest? What's the thing that stops you from feeling so alone at night? And what's the single thing that could protect you from anything bad because it's the one piece of happiness you can cling to?"

Theo stared at the Gryffindor, the dark eyes a swirl of emotion but with a steady voice he lifted his wand. The mist once more flowed around him, the shining silver circling him and moving through the room. It was definitely the brightest it had been and they could all just make out the hazy image of something moving within the glow but no animal came bursting forth.

Tracey bounded up and threw her arm around her housemates shoulders.

"Never mind Theo, we'll try again with something even better. Maybe we can prank Dumbledore into singing a love song to Snape or ask Danika Addams to give you a kiss or throw Malfoy to the giant squid!"

They all burst out laughing and the atmosphere was lightened as Theo grinned around in contentment at his friends.

"Thanks guys, come on lets get lunch we have to have our energy for Snape's class."

They had lunch in the kitchens again, with a cheerful Dobby serving and sitting with them before he scurried off to complete more work. And as they made their way down to the dungeons Neville rubbed his hands together and said with a grin "Payback time."

They waited outside the class as usual discussing Sirius's last letter which spoke of his wish to live forever in the French Riviera and would Harry like to buy a house there. Eventually the door slammed open and the stern voice called them in. Silently the class settled, with the five sitting dead centre with Harry, Daphne and Neville in the front and Tracey and Theo behind.

"Potter, I must say that I was not missing your bumbling arrogant ways in my classroom. I had thought that your lower-level intelligence had realised that your brash manner was not up to the delicate art of potion making. If you insist on placing yourself right in my line of work, I trust you can withhold from your usual conceitedness and control yourself?"

"I shall endeavour to do my best, sir." Harry responded, keeping his face blank and his tone respectful, Daphne had already pointed out the slight shimmer in the corner that showed someone hiding under a disillusionment spell and he was determined to be on his best behaviour.

"Your assumed superiority is pathetic, Potter just like your fathers. 5 points from you for cheek. Today you will be preparing the Shrinking solution, can anyone with a level of competence explain what it does? Yes, Miss Bulstrode?"

"Can shrink the taker down to its baby form."

"Precisely, 10 points. We will be testing Longbottom's on his toad at the end so do try not to blow anything up before then."

The Slytherins giggled, Snape's face twisting into a sneer as he glared down at Neville who stared back at him defiantly, not a trace of fear on his face.

"Well what are you waiting for!" His bark sent people scurrying over the cupboards to get the ingredients. The five worked together in their separate groups; Daphne and Theo went to collect the ingredients while Harry readied the fires, Tracey and Neville skimmed over the method quickly. They quickly got to it, discussing possible theories of what could work better but immediately settling into their jobs. Their private study time had given them a whole range of ideas into possible theories in each of their subjects, for Potions, Neville and Theo worked for long hours into discussing the possible plant uses which could strengthen or lesson the potency etc. This also lead on to the talk of rebirthing Potions and what could sabotage the potion. They'd already received confirmation from Remus about the potion, Sirius had immediately called for Kreacher to find the book in the library as he assumed something so dark his family would certainly have it. It proved to be right and the two adults had spent the next few days going over the process of it and how Voldemort would complete it.

Snape walked around docking points from Gryffindor for things like not saying please, or breathing to much or loudly turning the pages of the books and praising the Slytherins for placing the ingredients properly into the cauldron or reading line 4 of the instructions perfectly. It wasn't too long before the long, thin, dark shadow of the professor fell across their desks and a sneering voice filled their ears.

"Disgraceful at best, Greengrass. I would be surprised but your partners brains do contain limited knowledge on simple matters, I suppose I shouldn't expect anything different especially not from a boy who can barely speak without stuttering. Potter I have not seen you near the cauldron or preparing the ingredients do please get it through you thick skull that you're not going to be treated as a prince here, 20 points from Gryffindor and take over from Longbottom's abysmal attempts."

Harry, who had been quietly adding the ingredients and ensuring the stirs were precise quickly restrained his urge to snap back and shuffled around Neville who sent him a small grin before blanking his face. Just as he placed himself by the table, he felt a stinging sensation in his back, apart from a small start he showed no sign of feeling it and glancing over his shoulder he saw Malfoy's wand aimed straight at him.

Third stage of the plan then, the first had been to show how unfair Snape was, and his ability to insult when nothing had happened. The second stage was displaying the lack of teaching that the man had and the negative attitude he had. The third stage was to show the bias of the professor and uselessness of asking for help. The fourth was the most delicate stage and was to show the mans temper and utter lack of regard for common decency of respect, they knew how quickly Snape could get fired up and also knew that he'd aim directly at Harry. They just had to do it in a way that made them seem innocent.

He felt a second sting between his shoulder blades and this time let out an "ouch."

"Potter, do stop interrupting the class with your pointless remarks, 10 points from you."

"Sir, I just saw a red light hit Harry. I think someone shot a spell at him" Tracey said. They knew that to really show the bias they had to involve the snakes.

"I didn't see anything, please don't assume to give him an excuse to do even less work Miss Davis."

They all heard Malfoy sniggering at the back with the rest of his little gang. Snape's top lip curled at he swung around and started to insult Seamus and Deans potion.

The third time Harry felt the sting strike his arm he deliberately dropped the silver blade he was using to chop up the caterpillars.

"Sir, someone is sending stinging hexes at me, that's the third time I've felt that pain."

"Oh do be quiet Potter, 20 points for disrupting my lesson. No one cares about you enough to shoot speels at you do stop being such a half-wit."

"But sir, I saw the light too."

"Mr Nott, the fumes are quite strong in this classroom and with Longbottom talent in Potions those sparks could have easily come from the pathetic concoction."

"Professor Snape, our potion is practically finished and we've turned down the heat so there haven't been any sparks."

"Insolent boy! Do not interrupt me, 10 points from Gryffindor! And this is your 'practically finished' potion? It might as well be poured down the drain to clean it, a miserable attempt and failure."

"With all due respect Professor, we followed the instructions explicitly and –"

"Do not raise your voice at me, Potter! 25 points from you and three nights of detention with me! How dare you talk to me in such a manner! You're just as rude and spoiled as your father, he never knew when to stop either and could never show respect!"

"Sir, please don't talk about my father like that."

Snape's face took on a dull, mottled red and his black eyes shot death glares towards the green eyed teen.

Neville grinned inwardly. Gotcha.

"DON'T YOU DARE TELL ME WHAT TO DO! I AM YOUR PROFESSOR AND YOU SHALL GIVE ME YOUR RESPECT! 50 POINTS FROM GRYFFINDOR AND DETENTION WITH ME FOR A MONTH! HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO ME IN SUCH A WAY YOU WORTHLESS BRAT!"

"Professor Snape that is enough!"

At once the whole class went still; the Slytherins were no longer laughing, the Gryffindors no longer scowling and Snape realised as he stared down into the blank face of Harry Potter who had the same twinkle as his mother, that things were about to go very bad for him.

The dark-haired man turned slowly to face the corner and struggled to breathe normally as Grisilda Marchbanks and Caspian Selwyn faced him; the former was looking murderous while the latter was merely disappointed. The man felt a shiver of unease, Dumbledore had always managed to stop the complaints received from his class but at the cold rage emitting from Lady Marchbanks he wondered what excuses he could use this time.

"Children, please pack up and leave. You may take this time to return to your common room or library." Lady Marchbanks voice was clear and cold like a glacier and everyone immediately cancelled their Potions and started to pack everything as quickly as possible. The five left the room with everyone else and immediately headed to the first abandoned classroom they knew of, ignoring the shouts of Malfoy and anyone else who wanted to question them.

Bursting through the door, Daphne quickly completed some privacy ward before immediately jumped into Harry's arms as he spun her around the two of them unable to contain their laughter. Tracey linked arms with Neville and Theo and lead them into a weird three-way dance with them spinning out of each other.

"I can't believe it actually worked! He lost it way quicker than I thought he would!" Yelled Neville, his face beaming and brown eyes glinting happing.

"Clearly Harry's presence drove him over the edge. Plus Tracey standing up for him!" Theo said in a tired voice as Tracey carried on spinning him.

Daphne unwrapped her legs round her boyfriend's waist as they finally came to stop and he settled against one of the desks with her leaning against him.

"I don't think it could have gone better" She said, turning to face the others while keeping her back against his chest.

Finally Tracey stopped dancing and flopped down onto one of the desks and grinned up at the ceiling.

"I think I have my new patronus memory."

They spent the rest of the afternoon in the classroom happily hidden away from the rest of the school before sitting all together at the Gryffindor table for dinner. Dumbledore and Snape's chair were empty and the hall was loud with discussions of what had happened and what was going to happen. The five sat comfortably, talking about the Charms homework and it wasn't long until Seamus walked over and settled next to Neville to look directly at Harry opposite.

"How'd ya do it, mate?" Quiet spread down the row as people tried and failed to make it seem like they weren't interested.

"Excuse me?" Said Harry frostily. Seamus was one of the ones who had never quite apologised to him but instead had looked at the floor and mumbled something before making himself scarce. Since then he'd stayed away from Harry and almost acted as though he didn't exist.

A dull red rose from the Irish boys next but he looked at Harry determinedly and asked. "How'd you get rid of Snape?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about."

"Come off it, you had to know something was going to happen. When has a teacher ever had an observation?"

"Amazingly enough there are some people who care about the standard of education shown in this school, Professor Snape for all his qualifications was not an exemplary example of this." Neville's voice was authoritative and clear and carried well throughout the hall and Harry could see several of his year mates looking at the usual timid boy in surprise.

"So it was your fault? What lies have you been spreading, Potter?" Called Malfoy from over at the Slytherin table.

"Contrary to popular belief I am not nor have I ever been a liar. From what I understand Professor Snape had several lessons today that happened to be observed by two members of the board of governors; he acted out in a manner that caused them to step in. That's all I know."

Mutters burst around them but just as the shouts of questions started being lobbed their way Professor McGonagall stood up and made her presence finally known.

"Ladies and Gentleman, Mr Longbottom and Mr Potter are quite correct. The board of Governors are within their right to examine any lesson of any teacher without warning whenever they chose to, this ensures that the lessons are being taught appropriately and with all the necessary information. A teacher should be able to correctly convey all the proper knowledge in a pure unbiased way and to ensure that each student understands. Usually a professor is now placed on a probationary period where we shall see if the behaviour changes unfortunately due to the severity of Professor Snapes actions I am unsure as to what will occur. Now if we could carry on with dinner I'm sure the governors will let us know in due course."

As she sat back down she kept her gaze on the mixed group of students at the end of her table, they had all changed and developed into fine young people and the Scottish woman felt a smidge of pride for her lions before she squashed it. She had no right to feel proud of any of them, she hadn't contributed in any way to their growth and she had a feeling that if their parents (Lily in particular) knew how she had behaved around them then they would find her actions unforgivable. Straightening her spine, she decided then and there to talk to the two of them and soon.

The rest of the dinner passed quietly until Marchbanks and Selwyn strode through the door and stood on the stage where the teachers ate.

"Students, if I may have your attention please." She needn't have bothered everyone had been silent since they'd made their appearance. "Due to the seriousness of this nature, the board of governors and I had half mind to immediately fire Professor Snape for his actions against many of you for no reason whatsoever. However, he has been here many years and some of us believe that he can redeem himself, therefore we have decided to conduct interviews with a random selection of students from all four houses to give us a clearer understanding of his usual day. We will be conducting them tomorrow and will retrieve the students we want during the lessons, any questions?"

At the lack of response, the two bid everyone a good evening and swept out of the hall. Talk started up immediately and Harry let a smile slip free at the worried faces of some the Slytherins.

"Well there's your answer?" Harry said as he turned to face Seamus who looked slightly sulkily back to him.

"And I have more questions." He answered.

"Which you have no right to ask me."

"I have every right." The Irishman said angrily though this time conversation had started up so no one paid them much attention.

"You have no right!" Harry hissed back before slamming his occlumency shields in place and forcing himself to relax. Memories of the names he had been called coming back to him briefly before he locked them away. "You and your friends treated me awfully, not only that but none of you have even properly apologised. Don't you dare imagine that I owe you anything."

The two glared at each other for a moment before Seamus' gaze lowered and he slid back to where Dean and Ron sat.

A hand slipped into his and squeezed lightly and he looked into his girlfriends eyes and felt his stomach lurch as the warmth in her eyes as well as the smirk on her lips that he quickly covered with his own before starting on the treacle tart, keeping their hands together as Tracey started to talk about her plans for the summer.