Chapter 16: New Year, New (and Old) Stories

I do not own Harry Potter

Author's Notes:

Back to Hogwarts!

So I've actually done a bit of research, and there's actually a lot of stringent regulation on conserving Intellectual Property amongst nobility. Don't worry though, Harry's friends will also be Animagi, although that will have to wait until the summer before the fifth year. In my defense, I'm only trying to keep it as close to real life as I can.

There ended being a lot of... fluff? Introspection? in this chapter

| King's Cross Station| London| September 1, 1993|

"So I guess this is it" said a reminiscent Harry

"Indeed... for now" replied Andi, pulling the departing student into a warm embrace

"Thank you for the best summer of my life...I... don't know what to say... just... thank you for everything. I'm really going to miss you... all of you"

The words weren't exactly a poet's finest prose, but the way in which they were expressed said more than any words ever could. The solemnity and touch of sadness in his voice, the grateful and reminiscent expression, even the struggle to find words fitting for the occasion ironically ended up contributing towards the depth of the emotions. It was one of those moments only those present could truly appreciate. Kind of like watching a replay or a highlight reel of an extraordinary moment in a sports game. Any one present in person in the stadium will tell you how the experience dwarves in comparison to being there in person - you just have to be there to truly appreciate it.

"And tell Dora I really am fine she couldn't come, it was important stuff" he added after hugging Ted as well

For a lot of people, particularly wizards, there wasn't anything too special about the moment - hugging your guardians goodbye and hopping onboard to the Hogwarts express; hundreds did it every year and thousands had done it over the years. But we aren't talking about most people here.

The person in question here is reserved and inexpressive Harry Potter. Hugging someone was routine was most people in the world, but for him even that kind of intimacy was a big milestone, and symbolic of the bond that had been created in the short weeks they had been together. Then there was the 'leaving' so to say itself. The young Gryffindor couldn't help but draw a parallel to the first time he was at King's Cross; coldly abandoned by his aunt and uncle who were under the impression his ticket was a fake. Someone that had experienced that kind of hostility appreciated the genuine affection from someone else in the same role even more than 'most people'.

The sound of the whistle alerted them of the train's imminent departure. Saying their goodbyes, Harry made his way over to the platform, his mind lost reliving the memories of an unquestionably crazy summer, as he registered a vague 'remember to write' in the background. As he pushed he pushed his trolley onto the carriage, he turned towards his hosts again, giving them a warm smile and a wave, then proceeding to board the train itself.

And in that moment, 'special' Harry Potter learned the beauty of some of the things 'most people' did. And he found he enjoyed it very much.

He looked ahead to see Ron and Hermione looking for empty compartments, who had boarded a shortly before him.

"Guys, wait for me!" he called out, speeding up to catch up to them.

|School Halls| Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry| Somewhere in the Scottish Highlands|

"Thank Merlin we just happened to be in the compartment as the bloody DADA teacher. I mean what are the odds right guys?"

"You sure you're alright Harry?" asked a concerned Hermione, eliciting an irritated "I'm fine" in response.

"If you feel well enough to answer, what were you trying to cast against the Dementor?" Hermione, ever the curious student, asked.

"Its called a patronus charm... It's kind of this anti-dementor thing full of happiness. My attempt was pathetic, but yeah, it sends dementors packing like that professor did. Andi thought it'd be a good idea for me to learn it. She said since I had seen the most traumatic things amongst the schoolkids they'd be naturally more attracted to me. Guess she was right... shame I didn't learn it in time"

"Don't kick yourself. If it makes you feel any better I read that very few wizards can fully cast it. Its something we don't learn till our NEWTs, and you're just starting your third year! Of course you didn't get it!"

"Right little ray of sunshine aren't you"

"Let me finish Ron. I'm saying of course you didn't get it... But if there's one student in our year who could pull it off where we are now, it's you Harry."

"Woah... thanks Hermione"

"And don't worry mate. They're miles from where we usually are! We'll be safe!"

"Yeah, I hope so" not wanting to discuss the topic further, Harry decided to change the topic "The season opener's Puddlemere v Chudley! Be ready to cry!"

"I could be badly hurt... but never mind that, let's talk about Quidditch!" said Hermione, whose comment fell on deaf ears as Harry and Ron delved into an animate conversation about the wizarding world's favorite sport.

"Boys" she remarked with a sigh

Early next morning, inside the Chamber of Secrets

"... and I just fainted... That's all"

Salazar Slytherin, one of the founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry stroked his goatee, lost in thought as his student recounted his summer to him. He began to speak almost immediately after his ironically-in-Gryffindor apprentice stopped.

"Not for the first time, you've given me quite a bit of information. Though, in a first, I am perplexed where to begin. Alright - your training. Well done, you've accomplished the targets I set for you, and in fact went beyond them - as admirable as it may seem, I however do not approve of them. Don't interrupt me - you can ask your questions at the end" he said anticipating the interruption "Now yes, why don't I approve? Because you're not rested enough for the new semester!" A tinge of anger bled into the ancient wizard's calm demeanor "Do you realize how taxing this year is going to be? You start 3 new subjects, plus special instruction with me, you're also on the Quidditch team... the academic burden will be drastically scaled up form what you're used to. The last thing you needed was to not be fully recovered"

Salazar controlled his tempo towards the end. There was a time and place for everything, and this wasn't the time for some 'hair-dryer treatment'. The matter at hand called for extra diligence and patience. Was it a departure from his usual method of teaching? Yes. But did the circumstances warrant making an exception? Also yes. Harry wasn't the finished product yet. In fact, he was still quite artless, and prone to emotional turbulence and overly pessimistic attitudes, which some less wise instructors would consider grounds of unworthiness, but Salazar knew better. Given the setting - not just the student but also the period, an exception was very much justified. One of the two present would have to adjust their go-to attitudes, and Slytherin knew it would have to be him. Besides, the extra hard work would only make this 'finished product' even better, and what greater joy was there to a teacher than to see his student become the best he could?

And then again, there weren't any other students to accuse him of favoritism, were there?

"Breaks are very much necessary. But no matter, just be wise to not make the same mistake again" he said in a much softer tone.

"I get it... I'm sorry"

"Don't kill off your sense of self-initiative, only learn to judge where you should do it"

"Hey can I ask you something?"

"Of course"

"Did that runestone by chance give you a philosophical voice modulation? because god you preach worse than a pastor!"

"Cheeky brat" Salazar replied with a guffaw. This was one instance of the exceptional treatment - only those that knew him for a long time ever felt comfortable enough to pass comments like that, and it never happened with students, for he always kept this air of discipline and rigidity in his classes. In fact, his 'classes' with the green eyed boy weren't as much classes as they were lessons. There was a big difference between the two. The air of informality was the biggest difference, and also the biggest difference maker in terms of how much Harry was going to grow.

"As for the dementors... I have an interesting solution, and possibly quicker than the patronus. Let's just say it has something to do with your affinity with fire - I'm positive its present, there is too much evidence against the contrary. But now I would like to come to possibly the most important part - the broken ring that you took from the Gaunt Shack?"

"Huh? Seriously?"

"Very. You said you recall throwing the pouch into your trunk?"

"Yeah, should still be there" Harry replied more confidently than he felt

"Bring it next time you're down here"

"And?"

"Nothing more on this now, let me examine it first. Now before you leave, yes I want you to leave early - you should be ready in advance for your first day - I'll quickly go over what we're going to do in the coming weeks. Now, taking into account what you've told me of the books you purchased from Knockturn Alley, for DADA ..."

Transfiguration Classroom

"You promise I can pass Arithmancy? Mum will lynch me if I fail a subject" groaned Ron

"Don't worry Ron, you'll pass" reassured Harry

"Well I think you made the right choice" chimed in Hermione, seemingly out of nowhere

"When did she get here?!"

"What do you mean? I've been with you since we left Arithmancy, honestly Ron... Anyway Divination was rubbish today and the teacher doesn't seem right in the head"

"When did you go to Divination? It's at the same time as Arithmancy?" asked Harry, sensing himself to be on to something

"what - I... I asked Lavender on the way of course!" Hermione stuttered in response

"But you weren't you with us the whole time? I don't recall seeing Lavender"

"Well I was separated for a little bit Harry" Hermione was saved from having to respond further as McGonagall appeared into the classroom, with her customary animagus transformation on the first day.

There was a noted lack of pomp and applause this time round though, and McGonagall noticed it as well. "What has got into you all today?" said Professor McGonagall, turning back into herself with a faint pop, and staring around at them all. "Not that it matters, but that's the first time my transformation's not got applause from a class."

Everybody's heads turned toward Harry again, but nobody spoke.

Contrary to the norm, Hermione made it a point NOT to raise her hand, unwilling to draw any more suspicion from her friend. It was Lavender that spoke up "Please, Professor, we've just had our first Divination class, and we were reading the tea leaves, and —"

"Ah, of course," said Professor McGonagall, suddenly frowning. "There is no need to say any more, Miss Brown. Tell me, which of you will be dying this year?"

Everyone stared at her.

"H-harry, miss" answered Neville

"What?!" the boy who was supposedly about to die yelled out, louder than he intended to.

"I see," said Professor McGonagall, fixing Harry with her beady eyes. "Then you should know, Potter, that Sybill Trelawney has predicted the death of one student a year since she arrived at this school. None of them has died yet. Seeing death omens is her favorite way of greeting a new class. If it were not for the fact that I never speak ill of my colleagues —"

Professor McGonagall broke off, and they saw that her nostrils had gone white. She went on, more calmly, "Divination is one of the most imprecise branches of magic. I shall not conceal from you that I have very little patience with it. True Seers are very rare, and Professor Trelawney…" She stopped again, and then said, in a very matter-of-fact tone, "You look in excellent health to me, Potter, so you will excuse me if I don't let you off homework today. I assure you that if you die, you need not hand it in."

Harry, the thirteen year old child that he was was understandably shook when he heard someone prophesized him to die, but Hermione's and now the Professor's words rung in his mind, giving him enough reassurance to dismiss them with the same ease he learnt to dismiss the rubbish in the press over the summer.

The transfiguration professor's little joke at the end seemed to the trick, and the students looked noticeably upbeat.

McGonagall proceeded with her lecture, speaking about animate transfiguration and animals, and finally, animagus. Harry raised his hand.

"Yes Potter?"

"Professor, I had a question about the Animagus transformation?"

"Indeed? And what might that be?" McGonagall said neutrally, however her expression was a vast misrepresentation of her thoughts.

"Well its an awfully complicated procedure, but I just wanted to know say if someone wanted to become an Animagus, and asked you, since you're also an Animagus... what would you advise them?"

"If someone in this classroom does indeed have ambitions of becoming an Animagus then I would "ADVICE" them to KINDLY drop their ambitions. To become an Animagus is an absurdly difficult procedure, far beyond a school student, let alone a third year. Anyone found to be attempting to become an Animagus will be hearing from me, and I assure you it will not be pleasant in the least. You are not to find ways to become Animagi students, is that clear?"

A muted "Yes Professor" was heard.

"Very well then, let's continue with our lecture. So animate transfiguration is vastly different..."

All of a sudden, Harry Potter started to become increasingly aware of the mandrake leaf in his mouth.

'Well she said not to FIND ways right? Nothing against using what you already have...' he said inwardly

FLASHBACK

Tonks House, July 31

Harry was currently opening birthday presents after what was a very fun (and his first) birthday party.

They decided to keep it a small affair, with just the family and him, since none of his closest friends could be there and them not wanting his first real birthday party to turn into a political gala.

All in all, it was a wholesome affair.

Finally, his eyes came to a small package, over which was a Gringotts seal. He recognized Sharpfang's signature.

It was a small book, though that seemed to be a liberty. It was really just a bunch of papers filed together.

However, they turned out to be an invaluable treasure.

"The Marauders' Guide to Becoming an Animagus"

By Prongs and Padfoot

Harry read the title three times just to make sure he read it correctly. A book on becoming an animagus?! Who are Prongs and Padfoot? Why did Sharpfang have it?

All of his questions were answered when he found two letters within the package. One was written by Grimjaw, and fresh. The other seemed to be several years old. Harry opened Grimjaw's letter first.

Mr Potter,

I merely wish to remind you of your duties as to preserving intellectual property of House Potter. My apologies for the inconvenience, enjoy your birthday.

Yours sincerely,

Grimjaw

So he wasn't allowed to share this with anyone. Well that just sucks. Having been obligated to read up on IP protection, Harry knew unless circumstances justified the sharing, he was not allowed to disclose any IP belonging to his family to outsiders. Effectively, this meant he couldn't share this with ANYONE, considering he was the last of House Potter, unless there was - either a research possibility (which was highly unlikely) something like a constant and real threat to their lives which justified letting them in on this secret (also unlikely, hopefully).

(see A/N)

Dear Harry,

It is October of 1981 when I'm writing this letter. Me and your mother are about to go into hiding under the Fidelius charm. Its called the ultimate protection when used correctly, that of course being who you choose to be your secret keeper. Don't know about the Fidelius? Well read up then lazy! Anyway, I'll be a depressing little shit for just a little bit more (ha, can't call me out on my language if you don't find out Lily). If you are reading this letter, then unfortunately your mother and I are no more. I cannot put into words the gut-wrenching feeling I get just thinking of the outcome, let alone recognizing the very real possibility of it, given we are at war. However, if I'm forced to go into hiding, I'm going to make something of that time. As much as I sincerely hope I look back onto this time mocking myself for the unfounded paranoia, I'm aware that is a far cry from the truth. So, I'm writing this letter (and the little manuscript you'll find alongside) in the event that we are compromised, because I still want to be able to share some of the things with you I look forward to. This is arguably the coolest (yes, your father is awesome).

I'll answer the obvious questions - yes, I am an Animagus. And yes, it is very cool to be one. I still remember my first ever full transformation, unforgettable that is... though I think that's also down to the cramps I got after it. I started attempting to become an animagi when I was 13, just like you will, I hope.

Now why don't I start with why I became an Animagus in the first place? You'll of course know Remus Lupin, one of my best friends. Well he's also a werewolf, and has been since before he started Hogwarts, as you'll also know. So Dumbledore (he's really been around forever, hasn't he?) did him a favor by allowing him to attend Hogwarts, as long as Remus isolated himself during the full moon. The Whomping Willow was planted, and a tunnel was constructed underneath. Remus took the tunnel, which opened into the Shrieking Shack, where he...well shrieked into the night (hence the name). So yeah, all those stories about ghosts are bullshit.

Anyway, in the absence of others, Remus took to hurting himself, inflicting vicious scars all over his body. Sometime in our third year we figured where he was going (Remus wasn't the brightest tool in the shed anyways) and being the noble beings me and Sirius were, we took it upon ourselves to help him. A werewolf is a danger only to people you see.

It took us nearly two years, and countless injuries to ourselves, but we did manage it - our own formula to becoming Animagi. Towards the end of our fifth year, me, Sirius and Peter became animagi. You know our forms don't you?

Well in the event the worst has befallen (here I am being cheerful as always), I'll tell you - I was a stag, named Prongs, because of my horns. Sirius was this large black dog, though I'm convinced its a Grim, named Padfoot for his padded feet (duh). Peter was a Rat, we called Wormtail (for surprise surprise, his worm-like tail). And finally Remus, he was a werewolf, and we called him Moony, named in humor by yours truly. Together we called ourselves the Marauders. Boy do I have a story for you, but that's for another time. For now, just try sneaking into Filch's office and grabbing hold of this unsuspecting parchment. Tap it with you wand, and say 'I solemnly swear that I am up to no good'. You'll find a pleasant surprise. Let's see if you can think of ways to turn it off. Up for a challenge?

But back to the topic, the marauders, all with their animal forms would sneak out under my invisibility cloak (I hope you've kept it safe) just before the full moon, where Peter, the smallest, would press this knot just in front of the Willow which deactivates it, and all of us would sneak out to Hogsmeade. Sirius and I were large enough to keep the werewolf in check, who gradually became calmer and calmer because of our presence. I still remember those nights "marauding" (pun very much intended) around town, never experienced anything like it. I'm getting chills just thinking of them now... you just had to be there to experience them. But I guess that's also the magic of being children.

You only grow up once, enjoy it. I hope you will put my knowledge to good use. Maybe share it with your own friends, and have your own adventures around Hogsmeade.

Before I leave, Harry, let me tell you something. There is no one more important to me in this world than you. The amount of times I catch myself daydreaming about us sharing moments like this, me telling you stories or just trying to teach you to become the best person you can be... Fatherhood has turned my world upside down, and I wouldn't want it any other way. No amount of gold ever a second of time, Harry. Treasure it with those whom you love.

Don't ever feel alone, even if we are gone, we will always be with you and watch over you.

Now go and don't rest till you manage to make some mischief!

I love you,

Your father

Present Day

Thinking of the letter brought a smile to his face every time. How many times had he read it?

"Harry?"

"Huh? Oh what?"

Harry was snapped out of his reverie by Hermione.

"Honestly Harry, you're not really thinking about that rubbish from Divination are you? You've been lost for minutes?!" Hermione spoke in hushed tones. "McGonagall just asked us to open to the chapter on 'Felifors', it's page 19... focus!"

"Yeah my bad, thanks"

"Potter, what on earth is that on your head? Looks like your hair fell into gravy and didn't fully wash out!" Draco Malfoy, self proclaimed arch nemesis of Harry Potter, jibed, much to the laughter of his fellow Slytherins.

"Malfoy" the 'arch-nemesis' began tiredly "you made the same joke on the train... it's not that funny"

"Maybe not, but your hair are!" Draco rebutted, with loud laughs from Crabbe and Goyle

"You're just jealous about how nice he looks, when all you've got is that stupid puff you make with your hair gel!" Hermione spoke up in defense of her friend

"And have you seen your mother these days Malfoy? Her hairstyle looks like she was trying to cover her grays but ran out of color formula!"

There was splattering of giggles, but it quickly died down as Snape arrived on to the scene.

"May I know why students are outside of my classroom laughing as if it were a fish market?" he spoke in his signature drawl

"It's Potter sir" Malfoy started "He's making jokes on people's parents and their appearances. I stood up to him and he started showing off about his money" he finished quickly

"You liar!" Ron shouted

"Quiet, Weasley. Five points from Gryffindor for misconduct. And Mr. Potter, can't resist showing off on our fame and wealth can we? Though I suppose its in the genes... 5 points from Gryffindor. And detentions every night at 8 till you make a passable report on the Hogwarts Manual Of Conduct, all 400 pages." Snape mentioned the last part with the tiniest smirk. "That ought to teach you some humility. Now into the class!"

Harry realized any sort of talkback would only result in losing more points. He bit back a remark and quietly walked into the classroom. Andromeda had told him if Snape's behavior continued then they could bypass Dumbledore and raise an issue with the Board of Governors. There were lots of people looking to curry favor with him, and some just happened to have contacts on the board. Moreover, with Lucius Malfoy sacked, there was even less protection for Snape. Though she did ask him to speak with Dumbledore first, which Harry decided he would be doing.

The rest of the lecture, incidentally a double, was as one might have guessed - suffocating. Under constant distraction and jibes from the Slytherins, as well Snape's own taunts, Harry ended up making a mistake, leading to a rather large overflow, which the Potions Master was quick to notice. The imminent shot came as Harry was cleaning the floor.

"As we see again, fame is not everything ladies and gentlemen. 5 points for being a nuisance Potter, perhaps if you had focused on your work rather than Mr. Malfoy and his friends you would not have failed so spectacularly. Be glad this is not an evaluative assignment... Potion Making seems to be another trait you have gained form your father"

Nearly an hour of so much frustration, finally blew up with that taunt to Harry's father, whom he was feeling about very strongly that day. Harry threw his cleaning towel and snapped. "My father was a great man and a war hero! A Death Eater has no right to criticize him!"

Following a large number of gasps, there was pin drop silence. Snape looked murderous, as did Harry.

"Potter - 50 points from Gryffindor and detention for the next month! and GET OUT! NOW!"

Harry did not even bother with collecting his items. He picked up and his satchel and stormed out.

'The nerve of that man! That's it, I'm giving Dumbledore an ultimatum!' he seethed internally.

Harry went to the nearest washroom and started splashing water on to his face. As hard as he fought, he couldn't help but cry. Today of all days, Snape just HAD to got after his dad. The letter mentioned how James often caught himself daydreaming about interacting with his son... well so did Harry. To constantly have to be told how arrogant and selfish you father was in front of dozens of people, and not be able to defend him was torture. And what sort of person relished taunting and bullying an 11 (now 13) year old child anyway? Also, the fact that it was Snape that made him cry made him even angrier. Snape was trying to hurt him, and this was clear proof that it was working. As much as he was trying to block it out, the snide comments and not so subtle jabs found a way to hit Harry anyway.

Before Harry had stormed out, he had noticed, just for the fraction of a second, hurt in Snape's eyes. Good. He was glad he'd hurt him. He didn't deserve any better. Sure it was probably a pin prick in response to a sledgehammer, but Harry did land a shot. And if someone says it was inappropriate for Harry to bring up Snape's past, then why is it appropriate for Snape to bring up Harry's? It was a perfectly logical argument. Besides, HE wasn't the one who started it was he? Dumbledore would be hearing from him - either he silences his dog, or Harry would have to do it himself, even if he had to play a little dirty. And in any case, he was doing the children a service by getting rid of Snape.

After taking a couple of minutes to get a hold of himself, Harry decided to head to DADA early, which was to be held at the staff room today.

He had completely forgotten the teacher was someone he had a LOT to talk about to. In fact, since coming back, this was the first time he had thought about having to interact with this man - a supposed best friend of his father that never bothered to write. It was only after walking into the staffroom, where the Professor sat in wait, that he realized this.

There was still a while before the other students showed up. This meant some sort of talk between the two was unavoidable now.

And of course he had just had to be in the most turbulent of moods for this.