Magical Origins

Year 5: Reflection

Harry sits in his chair, drinking the pumpkin juice that has long lost its flavor. His mind going over the memory he bared witness and left him with many unanswered questions.

Many people told him for years what a wonderful person his father was. Still, he witnessed his father's actions and antics, and he found himself agreeing with his mother, he was worthy of wearing the Black Robes.

No matter how much Harry tried to rack his brains to find any reason for his father's actions, it was clear that his father bullied Snape to no end. Harry could finally understand Snape's resentment toward his father. It was the same resentment Harry held against his own cousin and his paternal relatives.

"Are you alright?" asked Lily as she sets his invisible cloak and marauder's map down. "you've been like this for the past two days."

Harry remained in the Room of Requirements since he left Snape's office, refusing to come out. Lily reported Snape was in a foul mood and was taking it out on anyone who came across his path.

"Can you create a floo network?" asked Harry.

"Not really, no," said Lily. "My fire doesn't work like a floo network. Why where do you want to go?"

"Grimmauld Place," said Harry at once. "I need answers."

"Why not use your mirror?" asked Lily. "You can call them anytime."

Harry shakes his head.

"I need to speak to Sirius and Lupin, in person," said Harry.

Lily looked at him and knew his requests was serious if he needed to speak to Sirius and Lupin.

"Alright, I'll create a firepit that will send to Grimmauld Place," said Lily.

The room shifts as Harry and Lily turn to see a fireplace emerge within the room.

"This room is amazing," breathed Lily.

Harry said nothing knowing he would admire the room too if his mind wasn't troubled over what he had witnessed. Harry stands up and walks straight into the fireplace.

Harry steps forward and sees he had arrived in Grimmauld Place. Artemis was seated at the kitchen table, going over some documents.

"Harry!" said Artemis in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"Where are Sirius and Lupin? I need to speak to them?"

Artemis took one look at Harry and could see something was troubling him.

"I'll go get them," said Artemis at once as she gets up and disappears upstairs.

Harry sits down, trying to figure out what he was going to say to Sirius and Lupin.

When Harry got his Prefect badge, Lupin told him that his father and Sirius weren't qualified because they spent too much time in detention. He got the badge because Dumbledore had hoped he would show some levels of control over James and Sirius.

Even his mother had to go to extreme methods to get James to stop bullying others.

Harry looks up at the sound of some footsteps coming down the stairs. Sirius, Lupin, Samuel, Olivia, Isabella were walking down with Artemis.

"Harry? Are you alright?" asked Sirius at once. "Is Snape giving you trouble?"

"No, it's," began Harry before he paused. How was he going to start? "It's something else. Something I need to know."

Harry told them of his final Occlumency lessons, and what had transpired. He explained every he saw that happen in their fifth year Defense Against the Dark Arts O.W.L.s.

The adults said nothing as Harry explains his story. Harry could see Sirius and Lupin were shocked Harry witness that event.

"Don't go judging your father to harshly, Harry," said Lupin softly. "He was only fifteen."

"I'm fifteen!" shouted Harry.

"Harry, try to understand," said Sirius. "the moment they laid eyes on each other, James and Snape hated one another. Snape would follow us around in our Hogwarts years, trying to find some way to get us expelled, and we retaliated. Back then, I didn't give to much of a thought of what we did to Snape, but now – now I regret what we did. I know your father did too."

"The two were completely different," said Isabelle. "even back then, I remember the difference between Severus and James. James was popular, a rising Quidditch star, and despite the troubles he caused, he was smart and handsome. Everything Severus wanted. James had a reputation in Hogwarts of being a ladies man, much like yourself. Snape was very much a loner who spent most of his time by himself, and had a deep obsession over the Dark Arts."

"Yeah," said Harry. "but you two attacked him simply because you were bored. And you didn't stop them."

"One of my many great regrets," said Lupin sadly. "I did not live up to Dumbledore's expectations of controlling James and Sirius. Even your mother had a hard time control, James and Sirius. She would try to shield Snape many times to get them to stop bullying him. That day was the worse I've ever seen her come close to carrying out her threat of neutering James and Sirius."

"Nearly wet myself," muttered Sirius.

"How did she end up marrying my dad?" asked Harry at once. "She hated him. Said he was worthy of wearing the Black."

"She didn't hate him," said Sirius. "It's true she hated his bullying and antics. After that incident, we went to enjoy our summer break, your father did some deep reflections."

"Many of our families, your vassals that served under your father all, gave your father countless advice," said Samuel. "I was a young lord back then, but I remember how much devotion James had to prove your mother wrong. That he was a good man worthy."

"James went his entire sixth year without causing trouble," said Lupin. "He would still pull a harmless prank once in a while, but he stopped his bully antics and kept his nose clean that year. Everyone was impressed. Many thought he drank a personality potion or had the Confundus Charm placed on him."

"It was around the Easter Holidays in their seventh year, that your mother finally gave your father a chance," said Sirius. "James done remarkably well in his sixth year. Staying out of detention and even helping younger students with their homework, that's why he was made Head Boy."

"I know you want to see your parents as the perfects parents," said Isabelle. "Every child wants to see their parents that way. Truth be told, I'm not sure if they even would have gotten married. The war against the Dark Lord was raging, and a lot of young people were rushing to marriage very quick. James and Lily were no exception. Make no mistake. They cared for one another, that is true, but I remember times when the two had trouble talking to one another."

"So my father left Snape alone after that?" asked Harry.

"Well," said Sirius sheepishly.

Harry glares at him.

"Not exactly," said Lupin.

"Snape was a special case," said Sirius. "Snape wouldn't hesitate to curse your father the first chance he got. James did stop, but whenever the two met when they were alone, James bested him in their duels. Snape really wanted James to pay for the constant humiliations he's been forced to endure."

"They would still get into once in a while, but James never showed the same level of cruelty towards Snape after that incident," said Lupin.

"My dad really had the hots for my mom," said Harry in surprise.

"He couldn't help it," said Sirius. "Sure, James slept with countless girls at Hogwarts, but he always tried to go out with Lily. He tended to make himself look like a fool whenever he was around her. I assure you, James did end up regretting his treatment towards Snape in the end."

"Speaking of Snape," said Lupin with a frown. "How did he react once he caught you inside the pensive?"

"Like he was going to murder me where I stand," said Harry. "I don't think I can go back and speak to my Head of House again. He thinks I'm too much my father's son."

"Harry, you've got to master Occlumency!" shouted Sirius. "I'll talk to Snape at once."

Harry shook his head.

"It's actually better this way," said Harry. "I could never master Occlumency under Snape. There's too much animosity between us. He takes his anger and frustration out on me in place of the things my father has done to him. Can't Olivia help me master Occlumency? I think I would have a better time learning under her."

"We should still talk to Snape regarding this matter," said Isabelle.

"Not all of us," said Samuel. "If all of us go, even you Sirius, it would only prove Snape right in his mind. I'll speak to Dumbledore first, tell him it was a bad idea to have Snape give private lessons to Harry. There's too much bad blood. Veronica Gorloisen should have given you lessons instead."

"She's no longer at Hogwarts," said Harry. "She was sacked almost immediately after Dumbledore was removed. Umbridge really hates her as she tried to have the Aurors arrest her on false charges. I thought that oaf Hagrid would get sacked after Dumbledore's departure."

"We need to move up our timetable," said Isabelle. "force an election immediately so we can get Umbridge removed from Hogwarts."

"Would a vote of no confidence against Fudge succeed?" asked Samuel. "Sure we got his criminal trial coming up, and that could work. But we need something solid to remove Fudge from office."

"Speaking of which," said Harry. "Umbridge said the Minister had insurances in place to keep him in office."

"Interesting," said Isabelle. "Generally, the charges of High Treason against Fudge would result in serious time in Azkaban. Either Fudge is far smarter than I gave him credit for, or – "

"Umbridge has some backdoor deal going on to save her own skin," said Samuel.

"If Fudge is going to be fully prosecuted, then Umbridge could turn on him and testify against him," said Artemis. "Wouldn't that grant her some levels of immunity, with her information on Fudge?"

The other takes a moment to think this through.

"We need to force the Dark Lord into the open," said Isabelle. "We can't wait any longer."

"You have a plan?" said Samuel.

"The Dark Lord is watching the Halls of Prophecy the same as we are," said Isabelle. "If he sees Harry goes in there, then he'll be bound to act. We can set an ambush on the Death Eaters that will force him into the open."

"Isabelle," said Moody with a hint of warning in his voice.

Harry turns to see Moody hiding by the doorway, observing their conversation.

"Forget Dumbledore for a moment," said Isabelle loudly. "We are Vassals of Lord Potter. Therefore we serve our Lord first and foremost before Dumbledore. If we keep following Dumbledore's plan, then it could be years before the Dark Lord moves into the open, and by then – it will be too late."

"Is that what the Dark Lord wants in the Department of Mysteries?" said Harry.

"Afraid so," said Samuel. "Dumbledore wanted to keep this hidden from you, believing it would have been wiser if you didn't know anything that would put you in danger."

"Should you really be telling him this?" said Moody.

"We need to do something before it becomes too late," said Sirius.

"I agree," said Lupin. "there is growing unrest within the wizarding community. The Impeachment can take months before Fudge is kicked out of office. Voldemort could help put one of his own supporters in office in place of Fudge. If Voldemort is seen within the Ministry of Magic by countless of their workers, then Fudge is out, and we can put in Amelia Bones as Minister of Magic."

Moody said nothing as he looks at them.

"Setting a trap for the Dark Lord would force the Minister's hand to act," said Olivia.

"I'll head to Hogwarts and talk to Snape," said Samuel. "He needs to understand that you're not James, and needs to stop bullying you for what your father did to him."

"You better head back to school," said Olivia. "on weekends, I'll help you with your Occlumency. I wonder why Dumbledore allowed Snape to teach you in the first place."

"Dumbledore places too much trust in Snape," said Sirius bitterly.

"Go back to Hogwarts," said Artemis. "we'll let you know once our plan is ready to lure the Dark Lord into the open is ready."

Harry nods his head and gets up and walks into the fireplace returning to the Room of Requirements.

"You're back," said Lily. "You're also looking better. What are you going to do about your Career Advice?"

"What?" said Harry bewildered.

"Career Advice?" said Lily frowning. "Didn't you receive your notifications?"

Harry turns to several school documents that were for him as he looks at the parchments carefully.

He had a meeting with Professor McGonagall in ten minutes.

Harry grabs his bag and quickly heads to Professor McGonagall's office.

Harry had to use his extensive knowledge of Hogwart's passages to reach Professor McGonagall's office.

"I'm sorry, Professor McGonagall," said Harry as he comes into the office. "I wasn't aware of the change."

"That's quite alright, Potter," said Professor McGonagall.

A noise in the corner caused Harry to turn and see Umbridge sitting with her clipboard. Harry glares at her, wondering why she was even here in the first place.

"Professor Snape asked me to fill in for him for personal reasons," said Professor McGonagall. "The purpose of this meeting is to help you determine your career path. Have you've given thought to what you would like to do after Hogwarts?"

Harry sighs in his seat as he runs his hand through his hair.

"Not really, no," admitted Harry.

"Well, you have outstanding grades," said Professor McGonagall. "O's in Defense Against the Dark Arts, Charms, Transfiguration, Herbology, Arithmancy. You even got an E in Astronomy and Care of Magical Creatures."

"That oaf is hardly qualified to be a teacher," mutters Harry.

Professor McGonagall said nothing regarding Harry's comment on Hagrid's qualification on teaching.

"Is there anything you would like to do after Hogwarts? You could try to Professional Quidditch. I know many teams that are interested in recruiting you." said Professor McGonagall.

"That would be nice," said Harry. "but I don't know about pursuing a Quidditch career, Professor."

"What is troubling you?" said Professor McGonagall.

"Well, it's that," began Harry. "I have a death mark on my head. Some people want me dead, so I don't know if I'll survive what's coming."

Professor McGonagall looks at Harry carefully, knowing full well what he meant. She knew he was referring to Voldemort, who was obsessed with killing him.

"Hem, hem," said Umbridge.

Professor McGonagall closes her eyes a moment before she turns to face Umbridge.

"Yes?" said Professor McGonagall between her teeth.

"I'm sure I left you a note regarding Mr. Potter's academics records," said Umbridge.

Professor McGonagall said nothing more as she looks through Harry's academic profile. She picks up a pink slip and reads it with her eyebrows narrowing dangerously.

Professor McGonagall said nothing more as she throws the pink slip in the bin beside her office.

"As I was saying," said Professor McGonagall as if there had been no interruption. "There are many Quidditch Teams out there who are interested in recruiting you, Mr. Potter. Leagues who wish to recruit you. You can even enter the National level and play for the World Cup with your skill level."

"Did you not understand my note, Minerva," said Umbridge in frustration.

"Perfectly," gritted Professor McGonagall through her teeth.

"Then I don't understand why you are giving Mr. Potter false hope," said Umbridge. "The fact that he's a cheater on his exams doesn't mean he'll be able to graduate."

"Mr. Potter has performed outstandingly in all his tests," shouted Professor McGonagall. "He's never been in trouble and has been nothing but a model student! Even if the British Ministry of Magic denies him the right to play Quidditch, other regions will gladly accept Mr. Potter to play for them!"

"Never!" shouted Umbridge standing to her feet. "The Ministry will never allow Harry Potter to succeed in Quidditch! A nasty little boy who tells nothing but lies will be punished, mark my words!"

"Then, you are a deluded woman who rather wastes the Ministry's resources to ruin the future of a promising young wizard!" shouted Professor McGonagall.

"It's not your place to determine what the Ministry can and cannot do Minerva!" shouted Umbridge.

"Then there shouldn't be a Ministry!" shouted Professor McGonagall. "Potter, that concludes your Career Advice!"

Harry got up and bolted at the door as Professor McGonagall, and Umbridge kept shouting at one another.

Harry shakes at Umbridge foolishness. She admitted the Ministry was going to waste resources to ruin Harry's life. This wasn't going to bold well for Fudge when it was brought before the Council of Lords. It would raise the question as to why Fudge is wasting so much time and resources on a Hogwarts student.

The O.W.L.'s were fast approaching, and so was the trap to lure Voldemort into the open.