Harry Potter: The Rise

by Heatseeker007

Harry explores the Chamber of Secrets at the end of his second-year and finds a portrait of Salazar Slytherin. Secrets are revealed earlier than in canon as Harry attempts to find himself while experiencing complex emotions, new magics, and character defining dilemmas and moments. AU, though many canon events are observed.

9. End of Year 2

Chapter 9 : End of Year 2

I do not own Harry Potter. Recognizable parts belong to JK Rowling.

Author's Notes :

First of all, 500 followers, wow! Thank you taking the time to follow my story, this is my first attempt at writing fanfiction, and I'm genuinely happy to see the largely positive response.

This chapter was ready yesterday, but I re-wrote pretty much all of it. The delivery of the lines seemed forced and poor in general. There was no choice to be made after that, better to take some time and fix it than post material I know to be bad.

There was a scene of Harry and Dumbledore having a more explosive argument, where Harry revealed how unbelievably poorly he was treated at the Dursleys. I decided to cut it out since I felt it was too soon for a Dumbledore realizes his obstinacy thing, plus it would have been too much angst for so early in the story.

I'm still not finalized on Harry and Daphne's interactions in the third year (they won't be a couple till the fourth, or maybe end of third year), so any suggestions you have would be welcome. Suggestions for animagus also still open, and i'll do a poll next chapter.

I'll be aiming for longer chapters from now on.

Next chapter - Summer of Change, pt 1

Enjoy!

19:15| Gryffindor House Common Room| Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry| June 28th 1993

The party was in full swing at Gryffindor House. After 7 long and disappointing years, they had finally won the Quidditch cup. The team had trounced a severely depleted Hufflepuff team 200-0, meaning with a lead of 250 points over second-placed Slytherin, Gryffindor had the most dominant win in the Cup in the last 11 years. Half the house had screamed themselves hoarse when Harry caught the snitch just 11 minutes into the game, and ended their frustrating drought in the competition. McGonagall had let out tears with a mixture of relief and joy, while Wood had sobbed uncontrollably at finally having achieved "what I've dreamt of since I was 6!". Currently, the Gryffindor captain was somewhere in the room making out with his girlfriend and getting hammered. That was another interesting thing; the Weasley twins had disappeared, only to return with butterbeer, Honeydukes treats and firewhiskey – all items which were found in Hogsmeade village. Did they have a secret stash somewhere?

Harry himself had been mobbed by his adoring housemates, who had already started to laud him as England's future seeker and someone who would break England's 20-year drought without an international trophy – he had ended one already, hadn't he? That was another thing he found a little unfair – the focus was almost singularly on him, and somewhat on Wood since he was the captain. There were 5 other teammates who were not getting the recognition they deserved.

Harry made his way over to where the Chasers were. "Hey guys, sorry about me hogging all the attention and if I'm making you feel overshadowed…."

Angelina spoke up "Nonsense, Harry. Don't worry about it, all of us recognize that while it was a team effort, you were the catalyst of the rise of the Gryffindor team. Let me assure you that none of us feel any resentment towards the attention you are getting – you deserve it! Really, 5 matches unbeaten! And you're not even 13!"

Harry blushed at the praise, as Angelina continued "Oh and we've had enough attention, alright! Half of the house wants to ask us out! And I don't mean just boys!" Angelina added the last one with a mixture of amusement and embarrassment. Harry simply turned red as a tomato and immediately changed the topic.

"I just want to say, this wouldn't have been possible without you guys – all those goals, taking bludgers off of me and onto you, the advice… there was no way I was going unbeaten without your help during the games, and no way we were winning without you, all of you" Harry spoke warmly.

Fred and George had joined the conversation by this time.

"Well, well, well my twin"

"Would you look at that"

"Our little Harrykins, all grown up buttering up the girls!"

"So, got a thing for older girls, do ya Harry?"

"Shut up! Jerks!"

"Oh Gred, look at that - Telling us to shut up!"

"Of course he did Forge, he can't be seen talking to us lowly peasants now – he's a celebrity playboy!"

All 6 shared a laugh, and carried on conversing for a while, before the chasers took their leave, presumably to their other friends.

"Alright guys, amazing party, but I gotta go"

"What? Why?" asked one of the twins

"I'm meeting with Professor Dumbledore to discuss my living arrangements for the summer, and since he'll be gone till the end of the term from tonight, we're meeting today."

"Your living arrangements?"

"Yeah, I won't be going back to the muggles anymore"

How Harry almost spat out the word 'muggles' was not lost on either twin. However, they remembered seeing bars on his window last summer and knew his feelings were justified.

"Good for you, mate. Well, I'll write to mum and dad. After what you did for Ginny, the least we can do is host you for the summer." said George

"Thanks guys, but don't."

That seemed to startle the twins a little.

"What's up, Harry? You don't like it at the Burrow?" said Fred, a little hurt.

"No, no. I loved it there last summer, really. It's just that I already have an offer from someone I got in touch with recently ,and I've decided to take them up on it. I'll definitely visit over the summer though!"

Harry could feel that the twins, who had essentially taken him in as another brother over the past two years, were a little disappointed that Harry had chosen a relative stranger over them so quickly, so he decided to clear the air a little.

"Guys, I don't think any less of your family than I did last summer. I recently got in touch with this family – they knew my parents and wanted custody of me back in 1981 as well. They can help me phase into my status and duties as the heir of an ancient family, something I'm dreadfully uninformed on. In fact, this is actually the biggest benefit of going there. And again, I'll definitely visit!" Harry left out the part that going to the Weasleys meant he'd be unable to finish his ritual set – one of the primary reasons he wanted to avoid living there for the summer.

"…Right, yeah we see the logic. If you don't mind us asking, who are they?" asked George, conceding to Harry's reasoning.

"The Tonks family. Andromeda Tonks knew my father well, apparently."

"Hmm, haven't hear much of them…. Wait, if everything is decided, what are you and Dumbledore discussing?"

"Ah, let me rephrase that. I'm informing Dumbledore I'm not going back to the muggles; he wasn't part of the decision-making process."

That stunned the twins. They hadn't expected Harry, or anyone for that matter, to simply dismiss Dumbledore like that.

"I haven't told anyone else yet that I'll be leaving the muggles, so I'd appreciate if you could keep it quiet before I break the news to Ron and Hermione tomorrow."

Before either of the baffled twins could say something, Harry had left.

19:25| Headmaster's Office| Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry| June 28th 1993

Wishing him a good evening, Harry took a seat opposite the ancient wizard.

"First of all, allow me to express my congratulations on a well-deserved victory my boy."

"Thank you, sir."

"Minerva was most delirious, she even treated the staff to a particularly fine wine, a 1960 bottle of Bordeaux, I believe. But let us get to the matter at hand, you wished to discuss your living arrangements for the summer?"

"There is nothing to discuss headmaster, I'm not going back. I'm merely informing you of my decision." Harry replied stiffly.

"Ah, but I must disagree, Harry. It is imperative you return to the Dursleys for the summer, at least for a few weeks – the blood wards must be recharged."

'Here's my cue' thought Harry, and he began "Sir, blood wards or not, I hate it there. I refuse to go back – you cannot force me. Send me there and I'll instantly run away."

"I am aware of the mutual dislike Harry, but I must insist – there is no safer place for you. As soon as the wards are recharged enough, which should be around early August, you may leave."

"I MAY?" Harry started agitatedly. "Excuse me headmaster, but that is rather presumptuous of you to think I'm at your command. I won't go back. In fact, I've made plans already. This is not your decision – if I let the blood wards collapse, then so be it."

"On the contrary Harry, it is very much my decision. I am your magical guardian, and your safety is my responsibility. Believe me when I say I regret the fact that it has to be so, but you and I both know there is no safer place for you than behind the wards." Dumbledore spoke in a regretful, but still authoritative voice.

"If my safety is your responsibility, then so is my happiness! And let me tell you something – you've failed miserably at that!" Harry remarked hotly, and with every intention to hurt Dumbledore – who the hell did he think he was dictating his life like this?

Dumbledore gave a tired sigh. "And not a day goes by that I don't think of the life I condemned you to, Harry, trust me on that. However, your safety takes priority over your happiness, as unfortunate as that is. You will return to your family." Dumbledore ended with a tone that made it clear he did leave any room for argument.

There was a time when that tone would have made Harry accept the verdict and walk out with his tail between his legs. That time was gone now. He wasn't moved by Dumbledore's tired expression either, he had an agenda today, and he was going to accomplish it.

"Those filthy muggles are not my family! I may be related to them, but that doesn't make them my family!"

"Do not use such terms Harry, you are only demeaning yourself. I und-"

Before Dumbledore could say anything more, Harry cut him off.

"How do you even know that there are wards around that place" Harry was very careful not to call it his home – Hogwarts was his home, not Privet Drive.

"I erected them myself, and I assure you I am a sufficiently accomplished warder to know if I have failed to erect one."

"Are you even sure that they work?"

"Do you really think the death eaters have never tried to avenge their leader? As you know, when your mother died, she placed a protection on you. I further strengthened it with a bond of blood charm, tied to the home of her blood – your aunt."

"My mother's sacrifice was out of love. Petunia – she, she doesn't love me," said Harry at once. "She doesn't give a damn –"

"But she took you,' Dumbledore cut across him. 'She may have taken you grudgingly, furiously, unwillingly, bitterly, yet still she took you, and in doing so, she sealed the charm I placed upon you. Your mother's sacrifice made the bond of blood the strongest shield I could give you."

"I still don't – "

"While you can still call home the place where your mother's blood dwells, there you cannot be touched or harmed by Voldemort. He shed her blood, but it lives on in you and her sister. Her blood became your refuge. You need return there only once a year, but as long as you can still call it home, whilst you are there, he cannot hurt you. Your aunt knows this. I explained what I had done in the letter I left, with you, on her doorstep. She knows that allowing you houseroom may well have kept you alive for the past eleven years."

"There. Are. No. Wards. And Petunia does not give a FUCK if I live or not. Hell, she'll celebrate the day she's 'rid of the freak'!" Harry spoke fumingly.

"I don't understand why you are insistent on this, I have no reason to believe the wards to be absent, yet you seem convinced of the same. Do you know something Harry?" Dumbledore asked calmly.

"I – There are no wards, okay! And I'm not going back!"

As Harry spoke, he saw a moment of triumph flash through Dumbledore eyes.

In the same serene voice, Dumbledore continued "I must say I'm very disappointed you chose to do what you did Harry."

"Sir?" Harry asked with a sinking feeling.

Without a word, Dumbledore reached into his drawer and placed a small silver semicircle of sorts, held up by an apparatus, on the table. "Do you know what this is Harry?"

"No, sir."

"This was a device that informed me the status of the wards around Privet Drive."

Harry's eyes widened. So – he knew already. Harry realized that for the past few exchanges, Dumbledore was only egging him on, and he had played directly into his hands.

"The faster it spun, the stronger the wards were. Three days ago, a bizarre event took place – the slowly rotating globe started slowing down even more – and at a much more rapid pace than expected. Then, just before coming to a halt, it exploded. I'm sure you can guess what I think it meant – that the blood wards had collapsed. A most curious occurrence, I had expected the globe to slow down a bit more before the end of term, that is what happened last year as well, why should this year be any different? You are still nowhere near of age after all….. There are three reasons this could have happened. One, your aunt passed and cousin away, which I assure you did not happen, or two, an unknown phenomenon took place, which was entirely possible, since this is a rather obscure field of magic. But ultimately, it was the third – that you somehow forced a collapse of the wards." Dumbledore spoke in a damning tone "The second you walked into my office I detected something off about you – I attributed this to the loss of the protection. As we conversed, I kept feeling this odd discharge you were giving off, it seemed strangely familiar. It took me some time, but now I know – you have engaged in ritual magic, and this discharge is the residue – magic leaves traces."

Harry stared at Dumbledore, without saying a word.

"Do not lie to me Harry, did you do a ritual that gave the blood wards as an offering?"

Salazar had told him to expect this question in the event that Dumbledore detected the trace from the ritual; this one was an extremely potent one, and would leave one well into the summer. Wizards like Dumbledore, who had a profound connection to magic, could quite literally 'sense' the 'anomaly' created by such powerful magicks.

"Yes" he confessed, looking the man straight in the eye.

Dumbledore gave Harry a hard gaze "I hope you realize the consequences of your actions- "

"Oh, I realize them alright!" Harry began "You wanted to imprison for the next 5 summers, and I took my freedom!"

"What you have done is throw away a gift in a fit of childishness." Harry wanted to interrupt but Dumbledore started asserting himself more. "As you would have grown older, the time required for you to spend there would have kept on decreasing. Tell me Harry, would a few weeks there really have been too much?" For the first time ever, Harry sensed irritation, and even a hint of anger in Dumbledore's voice.

But Harry was not to be deterred – he wasn't going to let the argument end in a way that made it look like he did something wrong. He was also fuming from that remark about childishness.

"YES! EVERY SECOND IS TOO MUCH! I CAN'T BEAR TO BE THERE ANYMORE!"

Dumbledore gave Harry a disappointed look. "You have made a massive mistake Harry, and I can only hope time will not make you regret your decision."

"The only thing I have done is make the best decision of my life. You're just upset because I defied you in doing something. There are other ways to keep me safe, the only reason you are insistent on the wards is because you got stuck as my magical guardian and don't want anything to harm your image – even if it means I have to be miserable for my entire life. Have a good summer, sir." With that Harry got up and started to walk out.

"I did not dismiss you Harry, please take a seat."

Harry stopped but did not turn around. "Fine, you're a saint and the greatest wizard of all time. Does that satisfy your ego which I offended by daring to question the Great Albus Dumbledore?"

"Harry, I have nothing but your interests and your safety at heart-"

"The wards are gone now, there's nothing you can do. So, what more do we have to discuss? Want me to compliment you more?"

"I don't understand why you have become so hostile towards me all of a sudden, Harry. I am also curious where you got the knowledge of ritual magic from." Dumbledore said

"If you don't know why I am 'hostile', then you're blind. I got the ritual from my account manager when I went to Gringotts and explained how much I wanted to get away from those muggles." Harry lied; he may have been very angry but he did not want Dumbledore getting even a hint of the fact that there was something in the Chamber.

"Can I go now, venerable headmaster?"

Dumbledore gave a tired sigh "Rituals are a dangerous path, Harry. You could hurt yourself by engaging in them. But now that you have started, I need to know what you are up to and guide you through safely. Was this your first? Did Sharpfang give you others?"

"All you NEED to know is that it is completely safe and planned out, and that I'm not secretly turning into Tom Riddle. The rest is not your business." Harry ended coldly.

"You are being difficult for no reason, Harry. I am only trying to help you." Dumbledore chided lightly.

"I've had enough of your 'help', headmaster. The Dursley family serves as reminder enough of your assistance." Harry replied with the same coldness.

"Harry, once again I apologize for your negat-" Dumbledore began, but Harry interrupted again. "May I go sir?"

"Mr Potter this attitude is unacceptable. You are insistent on antagonizing me." Dumbledore spoke sternly.

"My sincere apologies sir" Harry spoke dryly. "May I go now?"

Dumbledore gave another sigh, looking every minute of his 111 years. 'We will talk again once you return from your summers, Harry, perhaps you will have cooled down over the summer. There is no point in continuing this discussion now, you will only take offence at every word I say. Enjoy your time with the Tonks'. You may go."

Harry walked out without another word.

19:45| Second-floor lavatory| Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry| June 28th 1993

Daphne Greengrass and Tracey Davis sat in companiable silence.

"It's so unfair" Tracey remarked, breaking the silence.

"I know…. but, you know its not really a choice. It's her life we're talking about... Ugh, I'm going to be armchair candy for a death eater's son" Daphne spoke despondently

" It's not been finalized, has it?"

"No. But it's all but done now. Besides, Astoria would do the same for me. I guess the consolation is I'll at least have a life of luxury – oh who am kidding? Its going to be horrible!"

At that moment, another person burst into the abandoned lavatory – Harry Potter. They boy was so lost in his own musing he did not even notice the two girls he had just passed. "Arrogant bearded bastard". He was about to stop in front of the central basin, before being brought out of his reverie by a voice.

"Potter?"

Harry almost leapt out of his skin. "Ah! Oh – Merlin, you scared me" he said, turning towards the source of the voice, hand already gripping his wand. "Greengrass and Davis, right? What're you doing here?"

"Odd question to ask two girls in a GIRLS bathroom" Daphne spoke up, wiping her face and composing herself.

"Especially from a boy." Tracey added.

Inwardly, Harry breathed a sigh of relief he hadn't revealed the location of the chamber to them. Realizing he needed to say something, "I wanted to be alone. Nobody comes here – usually at least."

"You said something like 'bearded bastard' when you came in. What's up Potter, had a spat with Dumbledore?" Tracey asked

"I'm sorry but that's private."

Daphne, someone just a little bit jealous of Harry being in the spotlight so much, and still on an emotional high from the news she had received earlier in the day, spoke out rather uncharacteristically "What's wrong? You felt he didn't give you enough points when he handed you the house cup again?!"

Harry, who was also on edge, replied heatedly "I earned those points! And big talk coming from a Slytherin, considering your head of house all but rigs the cup in your favour!"

"Potter don't you have a party to get back too? You'll miss some of the attention your house wants to give you!" Daphne retorted.

"Aah, your head of house teaching you some of his tricks, is he? Why don't you go over to him and tell him how you landed a jibe at me? That's worth at least 10 points for him!"

"Oh, I'm sorry, are the mean Slytherins making the 'Gryffindor Golden Boy' uncomfortable?" Daphne spoke mockingly. "Why don't YOU tell this to Dumbledore? He'll give you some 50 points for having to put up with us peasants…. That'll cheer you up!"

Harry, not one to take it lying down, rebutted "What's your problem anyway? You looked like you were about to cry when I came in? Did mummy not send the right shade of nail-polish to little miss pureblood princess?"

"You have no idea about my problem!" she practically screamed out.

"Ever stop to think that could be the case with me as well? That you don't know? Or did you do some ritual that offered your common sense for 'maximum prick' energy?" Harry lashed out and stomped away.

"Didn't know boys got periods as well" Tracey joked, eliciting a laugh from the other girl and breaking the tense atmosphere.

"To be fair to him, you did just pounce on him for no reason. HE didn't do anything to you, did he?"

Daphne sighed. "You're right. Perhaps I owe him an apology…." She spoke, regaining the touch of nobility in her voice towards the end.

...

17:18| Minerva McGonagall's Office| Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry| June 29th 1993

"Aah yes, Mr Potter. Have a seat."

Harry sat opposite McGonagall. They would be discussing his predicted final scores and electives, as was being done for all students.

"Finnigan, Longbottom and yes, Potter. Here are your projected scores if there had been exams." McGonagall placed a parchment in front of him, her expression blank.

Predicted Scores for Final Examinations for the Term 1992-93.

Pass Grades – Outstanding, Exceeds Expectations, Acceptable

Fail Grades – Poor, Dreadful, Troll

Harry James Potter has secured

Defence Against the Dark Arts – O

Transfiguration - EE

Charms - O

Potions - A

Herbology - O

Astronomy - EE

History of Magic – D

Harry looked up from his report card and saw McGonagall looking back at him with a smile on her face.

"I must say Mr Potter that I am extremely happy by your expected performance. You have picked up the pace this year, and I hope you will keep it up!" McGonagall remarked kindly. "Though I will say this, please at least try to pass in History of Magic, a 'fail' grade mars your otherwise remarkable result." Harry gave her a sheepish smile; he really didn't even try for that one.

"You have had an extremely tough year young man, though I am happy to say you have ended it on a soaring note, quite literally; wonderful performance to win us the Quidditch Cup. I have no remarks for you except keep up the good work. The other teachers too, with the exception of Professor Snape have also had nothing but encouraging remarks, but I am well aware of Severus'…. dislike towards you, so I will ignore it. He actually hasn't actually written anything beyond petty insults, and not given any constructive criticism." Harry expected nothing better from Snape. "So I believe we can move on to the next order of business."

"Thank you, Professor."

"Onto your choice of electives – you wish to study Ancient Runes and Care for Magical Creatures?"

"Yes, Professor. Ancient Runes, while tough, is pretty useful and, well I like magical creatures in general and think I'm good with practical work, so there's the second. I was contemplating choosing Arithmancy, but then decided against it."

"Ah, any specific reason?" inquired McGonagall.

"I wanted to choose it since an OWL in the subject is required to pursue a career as a Curse-Breaker, which appealed to me. But then I have quidditch to factor in as well since I love the sport, and flying in general to be honest, so I'm not sure I could handle the coursework, since Arithmancy is really complicated." Answered Harry.

"Well Mr Potter I believe you should take it up as well." Advised McGonagall. "While yes, advanced arithmancy can be quite intricate, and achieving an O quite a challenge, you don't need an O for an OWL do you?" pointed out McGonagall. "You merely need a passing grade. While I can't say the same for NEWTS, an A is something quite achievable on the Arithmancy OWLs, since a portion of it is just Muggle 'Mathematics', something you already should have a good base in. Gringotts places the requirements of an Arithmancy OWL to make sure that their applicants have skills in basic transactions and accounting. And even then, they have the option of appearing for an equivalency test before your application, for those who chose not to study Arithmancy. If down the line you choose to become a curse-breaker, applying without Arithmancy would not be a problem for you. However, with just a little more effort, you can have an extra OWL on your resume, which can be valuable, should you choose to apply to various internships and such. You will be more than a little overworked at times, but it could be worth it in the end. If you feel it to be too much, you can drop the course whenever you wish."

Harry sat contemplating for a few seconds, this was something he had discussed with Salazar as well, who had left the final call up to Harry. Eventually he was sold by McGonagall's last statement, he could just drop the course.

"Alright Professor, I'll sign up for Arithmancy as well, thank you for the advice."

"No problem, Mr Potter, it is my duty as not only your professor, but also your head of house to provide you with guidance." McGonagall answered genially again, dropping her stern demeanour in private.

"May I ask you a personal question, Professor?" Harry asked, shifting into a bit more solemn tone.

"Ask away, Mr Potter" McGonagall asked, intrigued.

"I understand you knew my parents personally as well?"

Silence.

Harry saw an expression of sadness and fond remembrance face through the old witch's face.

"Indeed, I did. In fact, your father had promised to do his mastery under me once the war was over. He was one of my most brilliant students…..." McGonagall's pallor once again expressed what someone aged often did – look back to the past. A soft smile came across her face. "And one who almost forced me into an early retirement!"

Harry gave a smile too. "Yes, I've been told he was quite the troublemaker in his school days."

"A trait he has passed onto you." McGonagall gave Harry a mock glare. "He matured a lot in his last school-year and beyond, and became one of the finest people I have had the good fortune of knowing. Mr Potter – Harry" Harry was more than just a little surprised to see the formidable witch break her strict barriers of formality and use his first name "if you ever wish to know more about him or his life, feel free to approach me."

Harry gave her another genuine smile "I'd like that, professor."

"It's settled then, let's have an informal session of sorts sometime next term. Look for my owl."

McGonagall was one of those teachers that may seem stern at the start, but they warm up to you later on, and were very good persons once you got to know them, as Harry would discover.

"As I understand, your relatives have never told you much about either of them. That reminds me, if you wish to know about your mother, then Professor Flitwick is just the man for you. While he may not have been her head of house, he was one of the people she apprenticed under."

Harry was surprised by this bit of news; he did not know that. He had planned on approaching Flitwick anyway next term, in hopes of getting duelling instruction. There were limitations to what Salazar could teach him, and practical instruction like duelling, which would involve heavy sparring and in general needed another person to test spells on was one of them. Learning the art of combat was one of the topmost objectives he had, and that's why he was going to approach the Duelling Master, guess he had another reason now. And more importantly, Flitwick was now more likely to accept. "One of them?"

"Yes, Lady Potter was a quite brilliant witch. Only 21, and she had already apprenticed under Horace Slughorn, a revered potions master, and Filius Flitwick. She finished her potions internship, but did not go for a mastery, instead aiming for charms, which she attained in her hiding period. Before her untimely death, she had also started pursuing a degree in muggle economics…. Truly outstanding…."

Wow, his mother was one smart woman, and Harry couldn't help but feel proud of her – or rather, even more proud.

"My relatives bring me to another point of discussion. I will not be staying with them anymore" McGonagall, who had never approved of him staying there, noticeably perked up at hearing that. "The Tonks family invited me for the summer, and if we are compatible, it could be where I stay for the next summers as well. But for now, that's where I'll be this summer, so here's there address for correspondence." Harry handed over a slip of paper on which he had written the address.

"I'm truly happy for you, Harry. I am aware you despised going back to Surrey. Enjoy your holidays."

"Thank you, Professor, I will."

"Unless you wish to add anything else, I believe that conducts our meeting."

"I have nothing more to add."

"Well then, I would like to inform you that I am now used to seeing both – the House Cup AND Quidditch Cup in my office, so I am fully expecting not to lose them next year." Both gave a chuckle "Good day Mr Potter, and please send in Miss Sanderson after you."

"Good day, Professor." replied Harry, leaving the office in a cheerful mood.

...

13:20| Hogwarts Express| Somewhere in the Scottish Highlands| June 30th 1993

Harry was sat in a compartment with Ron and Hermione, and unlike last year, actually had something to look forward too. Ron was napping as he rested his face against the window, and Hermione was reading (surprise) a novel, 'The Stars Shine Down', which when Harry asked what it was about, Hermione awkwardly stammered out "s-sssuspense" in answer.

He was using the silence to mull over what Salazar had discussed with him to do with the few days he was on his own before going to the Tonks'.

"So, let's go over our plan again. You will, at least once, go to 'Borgin and Burkes', a supposed 'dark' store Riddle interned at the summer before his fifth-year, and I bet it is for the same reason I want you to go there. You would be able to find books of use for yourself there, especially on combat, or 'duelling', if referring to the sport. Either way, it should have some of the more aggressive spells for you to use. You will also do your remaining rituals in your room; under the protection of the silencing charm, you were finally able to master. The apothecaries should provide you with the required equipment, and the required basilisk part you will get from Gringotts. While at Gringotts, you will go to your family vault and withdraw anything of use, books or such. This time will also be devoted to hatching and executing a plan to get your godfather a trial, something you have already delegated the goblins to stew on. You will also purchase the appropriate robes for a man of your status. The Tonks we cannot plan for too much, since they are strangers so far."

"A pretty apt summary" started Harry "I'm gonna miss you, you know? As tiring as it has been, I've enjoyed our lessons and all the talking….."

"Indeed, it was always a pleasure to teach, and so far, you have been both a capable and likeable student. Work hard over the summer, especially on the Runes assignment I gave you, the faster you learn the alphabets, the quicker we can…..

The conversation had ended shortly after, with a round of goodbyes. Harry was now planning to nap. The past couple of weeks had been hellish for him. Between Quidditch practice plus early mornings and occasional late nights or evenings in the Chamber, he was absolutely worn out. Just as he was about to fall asleep, he was interrupted by a knock on the door.

He looked over to see none other than Tracey Davis and Daphne Greengrass standing outside.

'Come in' he gestured, and the door swung open.

Tracey spoke first "Potter, could we have a word with you?"

"Go on" replied Hermione, curious that her friend had any sort of acquaintance with the two Slytherins.

"Privately, please" Spoke up Daphne.

"What's so importan-" Hermione began again, but was cut off by Harry. "It's fine, Hermione." Harry got up and followed the two girls into the passage between two compartments.

"Well?" he asked as they came to a stop. He had followed them out of only curiosity, after his first interaction, he wasn't too fond of them.

"Daphne wants to say something to you."

Harry turned his attention to Daphne, the girl he had the mini-confrontation with. There was a pause, before Daphne started "I would like to apologize for my outburst the other day" Harry raised an eyebrow at that, he did not expect them to apologize. "I had received some rather distressing news and was emotionally fragile."

His interactions with Salazar had opened up his rather narrow (but justified, to be honest) mindset with Slytherins. So, he decided there was no harm in accepting an apology. He now also knew that the Greengrass' were a rich and influential Neutral family, and Daphne's father had been elected to the Wizengamot 2 years ago. Perhaps he could even cultivate a tentative working relationship? Daphne was the elder of two heiresses, and their paths would definitely cross again, since she was known to have inherited the political savviness of her father. "No harm done; I too could have probably reacted better."

Tracey, who was always curious about him, couldn't help but pry "You seemed pretty agitated too, something related to Dumbledore, I think?"

Harry decided there was no harm in telling them, since news of his changed residence would become known to well connected families anyway, one of which was Greengrass, whose Heiress would then make the connection.

"We had a small disagreement over my living arrangements for the summer. He wanted me to return to my muggle relatives, whom I am not on good terms with, and naturally, I did not. In the end, we went my way, but again, had a minor disagreement."

Daphne jumped in here "Yes, I heard there was mutual dislike between you and them, but why does he want you to return anyway?" Harry didn't want to reveal the blood wards, and hence the blood protection, so he gave a well-rehearsed answer "I dunno, something about cherishing family. But I know there's no hope for that with them, but he didn't, which is what led to the argument."

If they were unsatisfied by his answer, they did not show it.

"Now, if you don't mind me asking, why were you so upset that day."

Daphne had a thoughtful expression on her face, before she decided to tell him the reason. "Well, I suppose you'll find out soon enough anyway. There is an ancient curse of malediction placed on our family. Until recently, the last member hit by it was my father's grandmother. We found out a few of years ago that my sister Astoria also has it." She ended sadly.

"Ah, I'm sorry. That's horrible" Harry spoke, genuinely saddened by the fate on the horizon of the poor girl.

"But that was not what upset me that day, I had known this for a long time now. My parents searched day and night for a cure, but to no avail. That was until recently, when they found out on good authority that a book currently in the Black family library had a cure for it.

Oh did Harry not like where he thought this conversation was headed.

"As you are aware, Draco Malfoy is next in line to the Black Lordship, so my father opened up negotiations with Lucius Malfoy. Malfoy made it clear that the only way he would lend the book to us was if Draco was entered into a marriage contract. With me."

Oh.