Author's Note: Firstly, thanks for all the love and support. I really appreciate you all taking time and coming to read my story.

Coming to some of the reviews-

Greengrassrebel - I have corrected the colors for Ravenclaw in the previous chapter. Thanks for pointing it out. I hope i can make the tournament interesting enough. I got the idea from the UEFA champions league where teams usually paly both home and away, with the finals in a pre-decided location.

jslee102 - Hermione will not be dumbed down. However, she stills follows authority figures and considers them all-knowing. I hope i can do her role justice. Her dynamic with Harry will be interesting, not immediately but pretty soon.

Hermione and Ron are not particularly friends. I will explore that dynamic in future chapters.

Again, i dont own any of this. I came to this site to read Harmony shipping stories and then graduated to Harry-Daphne ships. If it's proven that i ever earned a single buck out of this, i will give up my obsession with Harry Potter forever.

So here goes, another chapter

Chapter 14

It had been a week since the term had started, and for one Harry Potter, it had been deeply overwhelming. Like some classes were taught by competent people, but the rest were downright pathetic. The ones he had liked till date were Transfiguration, Charms, Arithmancy and Runes. Even if the subject matter was something he had dealt with in his second or third year at his previous school, at least the teachers knew what they needed to teach. He personally wasn't a huge fan of Herbology, but the professor was competent enough. History of Magic, Care of magical creatures and Potions just didn't make the mark in his opinion. Defense against the Dark arts was a whole different story though.

He was currently on the way to meet the headmaster, to discuss something which had happened in the Potions class. He would surely be asked about his experience till now. Harry was unsure how to put it across to the headmaster, without sounding too arrogant or not being over offensive. He still had four years to complete at the school and for the time being, he needed to fraternize with everyone to keep his sanity in check.

Charms had been the first class he had attended. Taught by his head of house, half-goblin and former dueling champion, Filius Flitwick. He was a jovial enough person, and had the acumen to put across information which even a duffer could understand. They had started with the summoning charm (which Harry was well versed with). He had checked with his dorm mates about the course material from the prior years and found it heavily watered down. The spells that had been taught had been pretty mediocre and only had application in simple day-to-day tasks. Back in Ilvermony, the subjects became comparatively harder with every passing year. The only spell on the current year's course challenging enough was the Glacius spell, which could be used both offensively and defensively. Otherwise, the remaining spells to be taught were normal fare. Harry had been surprised that the professor had agreed to teach this curriculum to his fourth years.

Transfiguration was taught by the Deputy Headmistress and the head of Gryffindor, Minerva McGonagall. She was a strict, no-nonsense kind of person who had a strong hold of the subject and the class. Harry had a good theoretical understanding thanks to Sirius and his previous school. This year, they were dealing with same species transfiguration (Harry was able to handle cross species transfiguration). He had no issues with handling the workload either. At the end of the week's classes, he had quickly established himself as the top student, a fact some were in awe of and some were jealous about. His issue was that the curriculum seemed stretched. Things that could have been taught way earlier were being taught late. Harry was seeing a trend of the school playing it safe with what they were teaching. It was like they were stopping the students to learn advanced techniques by curbing the knowledge they were providing.

Arithmancy and Runes had many things in common. Firstly, they were optional. This didn't make sense to Harry. How can two subjects which helped the most in deciphering magic at its core be optional. Arithmancy basically broke down any form of magic into a mathematical form and helped understand what the spell could do. Based on this study, any magic could be made stronger, more effective, long lasting, or even neutralized. Runes was the basic study of how different magical texts could be deciphered and their application to make certain magics better. Both the subjects had wide spread application in research, analysis and innovation. These subjects helped improve the critical thinking of a person and was used to improve the application of magic in advanced areas like the MACUSA's Department of Magical Research and the MOM's Department of Mysteries. Secondly, Hogwarts only taught the basics for these courses. There was no scope for advanced studies, no internships or fellowships, nothing that would encourage students to apply their knowledge to go above and beyond what was being taught. According to Harry, this had serious implications to a society. Hogwarts was doing a very good job at keeping technology and development at bay. This translated to Magical Britain, with only a handful of people choosing these as future prospects. Research only happened in controlled environments like Gringotts or the Ministry of Magic. Harry wasn't able to yet point a finger at why this culture was followed. The professors again (Professor Vector for Arithmancy and Professor Babbling for Runes) knew what they had to teach and were competent enough to guide the students through the course material.

Herbology was one area where Harry found Hogwarts was on par with other Ilvermony. They had various greenhouses which housed a plethora of indigenous flora. They looked to be in able hands, being handled by Pomona Sprout. The only issue was that not many people found Herbology interesting, even with its wide spread application in Potions, Alchemy and Rituals. Harry found the British wizarding population to be lazy and working hard in mud, grime and slosh was not something they preferred to do. He only knew a handful of people apart from the professor who took the subject seriously. When he had been young, both he and Dora had tried to growing a garden in their backyard. That had been a massive failure and Harry had quickly realized that neither of the Potter kids had a green thumb. They had both needed supervision and guidance from others on their Herbology projects. Harry was happy with doing the bare minimum to scrape this subject through. He believed in hard work. However, he also believed that he should rather do things he tended to be good at than doing things he knew he would mess up. Hence, he didn't have any special comments about this subject.

Then came the problem areas. He had immediately deduced why Sirius and Bella both were pants at History. When the past three generations of a society were taught by a monotonous ghost who rambled on about Goblin revolutions, how could he expect anything better. Harry doubted that the ghost professor Cuthbert Binns even realized which class he was teaching at any given time. There were so many historical moments of importance, but for Hogwarts only goblin revolutions mattered. Harry was amazed that this had been allowed to continue for such a long time. No wonder Hogwarts standards were so low these days. A society only grows stronger if it learns from its history. But if the historical knowledge itself is left wanting, how would the society grow? Harry had reached out to Sirius to get him a private tutor from outside the island to help him continue learning. History was one of Harry's favorite subjects and he wouldn't let some stupid law stop him from learning. Harry had stopped attending history classes after his first double period and had decided to do self-study until a tutor could be arranged.

Care of Magical creatures had been fascinating. Harry had been good with animals for as long as he could remember. His pet dogs back home were testament to that. He had three dogs, a Huskie called George, two Alaskan malamutes named Brian and Daisy. He absolutely adored them and they reciprocated the same. Harry had seen them grow from puppies to big dogs and had invested himself heavily into their lives. His trips with Sirius were incomplete without them being around. He remembered when Harry had to go through a particularly painful phase when he was seven and the dogs hadn't left his side until he got better. Another reason for Harry to hate moving to Hogwarts. Back to COMC though. Harry was good with animals. His previous school boasted of a huge enclosure of magical beasts with many native beasts like the Thunderbird, Wampus, Hidebehinds, Sasquatches and the like. Harry had been excited to see all the different magical creatures at display at Hogwarts. But the professor was a different story altogether. From what Harry knew, Rubeus Hagrid was one of Dumbledore's aides and didn't have the required qualification to teach students. He was highly incoherent when he spoke and had little to no knowledge to handle a class. He lacked the basic common sense to determine which creatures would be appropriate for different years. He looked to be involved in illegal breeding, which was looked down upon by even the MOM. This looked like Dumbledore's favoritism at display. He had heard that a student had been injured by a hippogriff last year. Who shows a hippogriff to a third-year student? That was just plain dumb. He would need a private tutor for it as well.

Harry had heard that Divination and Muggle Studies was also taught at Hogwarts, two subjects he hadn't opted for. One because he thought it needless and another because he was well versed in the muggle world having co-existed with the muggles for most of his life.

That left two subjects, two core subjects to be precise. Harry was in a quandary on which to choose as the worst taught subject in the school. It was a close fight, but he would have to say DADA was the worst. The constant change of teachers had held back the students. No proper curriculum, incompetent teachers and Dumbledore's need to hold back on certain areas had left the students defenseless. The current year was being taught by one Alastor Moody, a decorated auror with one eye and one leg. He seemed to have the gist of the subject, but without the basics the students had a mountain to climb. The auror didn't make it any easier. As a dueling champion, Harry was well versed and could hold his own. He felt bad for the others. At least he could do without a tutor for this one.

Potions was taught by the most bigoted, moronic, petty person Harry had ever seen. Just showed how much Dumbledore was partial towards the people he favored. He didn't mind shoving the education of an entire generation down the drains just so he could employ his pet Death Eater. Severus Snape was an accomplished Potions Master. Harry actually respected him for his work. But he was no teacher. The way he looked down on the students was disgusting. Potions was an art, and required lot of concentration and finesse. But with a person like Snape in the vicinity breathing down on you and demoralizing you the entire way spoilt the entire experience. At least he spared a quarter of the students. It proved the fact that Snape could be good, but was being difficult on purpose. Harry already had first-hand experience of Snape's behavior in his first Potions class.

Flashback- Harry's first potions class-

Harry had taken up a position in the middle of the class. He had his cauldron and tools ready to brew the required potion. Snape walked into the classroom and started-

"I see everyone has come back to give me another year of headaches. And of course, we have a special guest this year. Let' see if he is competent enough. Potter, which potion uses fluxweed, Bicorn horn and boomslang skin.?"

"Polyjuice Potion, Sir." Harry promptly answered.

"Lucky guess. Which potion has a characteristic mother of pearl sheen and is banned by the Ministry of Magic?"

"I believe you are referring to Amortentia, Sir."

"Are you asking or telling?"

"I am not sure. I know that Amortentia has that characteristic sheen. But I am not sure if it's banned by the Ministry of Magic."

"What else could I expect from you? Arrogant enough to not know the rules of the land."

"With all due respect Sir, I have been in the country for six weeks. I doubt you would be able to answer questions about a foreign land in such a short time."

"Stop your whining Potter. Fifty points from Ravenclaw for your backtalk. The instructions for today's potion are on the board. You have ninety minutes."

Harry was having difficulty trying to stay calm. He had his own personal vendetta against Snape. He hadn't thought Snape would be so vocal with his hatred for him. He needed a contingency plan, something to push Snape back until Harry was ready.

As he started brewing, Snape started doing his rounds around everyone's desks. He lingered for a longer time around Harry. Long enough for Harry to say-

"Bellatrix sends her regards. She looks forward to meeting you again."

Snape looked like he had seen a ghost, his face paler than normal. Harry pushed in with his advantage-

"Stay away from me if you know what is good for you. I know things about you that even Dumbledore doesn't. He won't be able to save you a second time if I start talking."

Snape's face turned from shock to rage. He raised his wand to find Harry's wand at his throat glowing red.

"I will say this one last time. Stay away from me. I am not the muggle-born James Potter whom you and your friends used to bully at school, nor am I Lily Potter who trusted you completely when she was young. If you come for me, I will give it back you thousand-fold. Stop your whining and do the job that you are actually paid for, rather than trying to intimidate fourteen-year-old students. Never expected the world's youngest potions master to be such a bully."

Snape lowered his wand and left the classroom. He only returned towards the end and graded Harry's potion an 'F'. Harry had collected another sample for himself and stored it in his potions kit. Needless to say, Potions was another subject he would need a private tutor for.

Harry was neither scared not intimidated by Snape's behavior. He just didn't need the unnecessary drama in his life. He wanted to study and learn magic and when he had other means to achieve the result, he didn't need to hang around somebody as toxic as Severus Snape.

Later that day, Harry's head of house had asked Harry to meet the headmaster at the earliest and that he would accompany him there. Harry enquired what it was about, but the Charms professor hadn't known. They did make some light conversation on the way though

"So how are you finding life at Hogwarts?"

"It isn't the same as Ilvermony, I can tell that. In fact, I would say this is a downgrade to what I am used to."

"Give it some time. Hogwarts isn't the premier institute for magical education for nothing."

"According to whom?"

"According to everybody."

"Maybe this is a discussion for another time. I respect you for your knowledge and I don't want to break your bubble without the necessary proof."

"Just like your mother. Frank and to the point. We will have that conversation over Tea tomorrow. It's been a long time since I had a healthy debate with a student."

"I am curious about one thing though, Professor. What is your stand on bullying?"

"I detest it. Why do you ask?"

"So, Let's say, I provide you proof of bullying in the school. What will you do?"

"If you can provide me with proof, I will make sure the perpetrators will get the necessary punishments."

"I will hold you to do that. What if you aren't able to or if somebody interfered with the punishment?"

"We will cross that bridge when we get to it. I might look small, but I wasn't the International Dueling champion for nothing. So, if you can provide me the proof, I will make sure necessary action is taken."

"I will bring it along with me tomorrow then."

"I will be waiting for you. It will be fun having you around, Mr. Potter. So did you make any friends in your first week?"

"I had one friend here before I even started, and then I made a few new ones. Unfortunately, most of the people who want to be friends with me are nothing but fame-mongers and gold diggers."

"Ahh. The bad side of being famous. To be fair, the fan worship is deserved. You ushered an era of peace when you were a baby."

"Please Professor. Who wants to be famous for something they don't even remember? "

"So says you. But you brought hope at a time when magical Britain was at the brink of a collapse. All these people are indebted to you."

"I am grateful for all their love. Honestly, it becomes a bit too much after a time. I am not used to this, Professor. I prefer being as normal as possible."

"Good to know that there is a level headed person behind the messy hair. So, whom did you know before you came to Hogwarts. As far as I know, nobody even knew your name before the law was passed."

"I had asked the person to not reveal my identity. And I cannot reveal the person's identity as well without their permission."

"Fair enough. One more thing, Mr. Potter. If you have any issue, you can always walk up to my office. All my Claws know this. So, it's not some special privilege that I am bestowing upon you."

"Thank you, Professor."

They had arrived at their destination- a corridor guarded by a large Phoenix statue. There was no door. Harry looked at Flitwick in doubt.

The Charms professor smiled and spoke to the Phoenix-

"Cockroach Clusters"

The phoenix suddenly moved in a circular motion, revealing a set of stairs around it.

Flitwick climbed onto it. Harry followed him. The stairs moved like an escalator carrying them both upward. Harry didn't know if he was ready to meet the headmaster. But he didn't have a choice, not for now at least. This meeting would set the tone for the future. He remembered Daphne's words, when he had met her the previous Saturday.

One week ago

Harry had just completed his morning run around the Black Lake and was waiting for his first acquaintance from England (Sirius didn't count as he had spent most of his time outside England from the time Harry could speak) to arrive. He had received an owl the previous night mentioning the time and place. He had actually been looking forward to some level headed talk, rather than all the fanfare he had come across over the past three days and this was a blessing.

As soon as they had reached the Ravenclaw dorms on the opening night, his housemates had all pounced on him like savage hyenas, each trying to get a piece of him. He had been bombarded with questions starting with his magical defeat of Voldemort, his personal hobbies and likes, his past education and finally with his romantic life. Harry had been upfront with most of the questions, denying to answer when it got too personal. His dorm mates had been quite similar. Harry called this sheep mentality, but didn't say it out loud. He had explained to his dorm mates that he was a normal student like everybody else, and he didn't like the extra attention. It hadn't changed their behavior but it helped to placate the mood that night. A talk later with Dora had helped his mood. She had incessantly laughed at Harry's expense, but had given him sound advice- to not lose control at any point of time. She had reasoned that all these people didn't mean him harm (at least not right now) and that he could change any situation into an advantage by keeping a calm mind. He had agreed to do so.

The next day had been hell. The entire school fraternity had decided to corner him with stupid questions, statements and requests, which grew wilder by the moment

"Are you really The Harry Potter?"

"Is it true that you have defeated a dragon in one-to-one combat?"

"Where were you all these years?"

"Your green eyes are so mesmerizing"

"Would you go with a date with me to Hogsmeade?"

"Is it true that you defeated Voldemort with wandless magic?"

"Are you free the next Hogsmeade weekend?"

"Is it true that you stay in a castle with a lot of elves?"

"Could you sign this parchment for me please?"

"Why didn't you come to Hogwarts all these years?"

"Are you sure you don't want to go out with me to Hogsmeade?"

And so on. Harry had never in his life been a center of attraction. This was too over-bearing for his likes. He had taken to avoid huge crowds and found refuge in the library. He didn't know Hogwarts that well, and was finding it extremely difficult to escape people. He had tried exploring the castle, but after being constantly accosted by people, he had dropped the idea and returned to his dorms. He had gotten lost twice already and had to listen to people fan-mongering about him to get assistance to return to the dorms.

Harry had always been a health-conscious person. His adoptive father (Dad in his head) was kind of a fitness freak, participating in marathons and going on cross country treks. He had inculcated the same in both his kids. Harry's day usually began with a long run followed by some fitness exercises. It helped him in his previous school, where he was part of the Quidditch team as a Chaser, and played for the junior team of the local Quidditch team, The Wampus Wizards, a contract he had to cancel as he wouldn't be able to play for them for the next few years. They hadn't been happy with it, as Harry was one of their best young talents. Harry had assured them that he would train continuously and would return one day for another try out. Harry literally had to uproot his life, and half-heartedly at that.

He was lost in his thoughts, when somebody broke him out of his stupor.

"I didn't expect you to find the Black Lake so mesmerizing." The voice was female and had a certain melody to it.

Harry turned to find a girl of his age, blonde haired with eyes shining like aquamarines, and looked like a cheerleader from the American colleges. She had an aura of confidence and authority, or perhaps that's what Harry thought, as it could be easily misunderstood as arrogancy and attitude. But Harry knew her. They had been conversing with each other through owl-post the entire last year. Harry often wondered how nature played games with people. He and his birth-mother were Blacks with green eyes. Daphne and her mother were Greengrasses with blue eyes. He smiled inwardly thinking about it.

"Not as mesmerizing as I expected. Nothing in comparison to you though. You are a treat to sore eyes."

"Flirting already, eh Potter?"

"Who wouldn't want to flirt with you, a goddess in human form? But no, I just speak the truth. It's nice to have a proper conversation with someone after three days of unwanted attention. Was I always this famous, or is this some newfound phenomenon?"

"You were even more famous a few years ago. A few years after we were born, a story book series was published claiming that you were the second coming of Merlin. It had you performing various feats. It's a different story that they got your name wrong, but nobody knew your actual name at that point. All these students have grown up reading the adventure of James Potter Jr. It wasn't until that the law was passed that Dumbledore stated in an interview that your name was Harry. I knew before that of course."

"OH yeah. I remember those books. Ridiculous piece of fiction. How could a five-year-old tame a hippogriff? Sirius had been out of England at that time. It was when those books hit the New York markets that he sued the publishers for libel. They had to take the books after that. I didn't know Dumbledore gave a press conference. I guess he got my name from Lupin. Apart from your family, he was the first only British person who knew my name. Sirius is very serious about that."

"When the books were taken off, it caused quite a riot in Diagon Alley. But there was nothing they could do. There are still many books in circulation though."

"I can't do much about those. "

"So, I saw people mobbing you yesterday in the Great Hall. Pity you are not in Slytherin. They would have stayed far away, thinking you were a dark wizard. Plus, I would have protected you."

"And bear with Malfoy all day long? Thanks, but I will pass. One encounter with him is enough for a lifetime."

"He was fuming in the common room, ranting about you stealing his birth-right and not having the decency to respect your betters and so on."

"You know very well I don't care about this pureblood bullshit and nobody can make me think otherwise. Even aunt Bella gave up in frustration."

"Still can't believe that you have stayed with the Bellatrix Lestrange. When are you telling me about her?"

"Bellatrix Black. And I will tell you all about her when the time is right. I have many secrets that people have entrusted me with. I can't betray them until I know I can trust someone completely."

"So, in other words, you won't tell me until I force a betrothal contract for us?"

"What the crap-"

Daphne was giggling. Harry face was fuming red.

"Didn't know you were so easy to wind up. "

"There are some things that I hate-"

"Yes, Yes I know. Manipulation, Bullying and taking away one's free will. If you haven't realized, I was pulling your leg. Though, I believe my father wouldn't be against signing a betrothal contract for both of us."

"Which wouldn't be entertained. If anything does happen between us, it must be mutual and between us. Not a business agreement for our parents to decide. "

"So, even if I know the answer already, I have to ask. How are you finding Hogwarts?"

"Please don't get me started. I was better off at Ilvermony, period. You must be a damn genius to reach the semi-finals of the dueling tournament with such a shoddy level of education."

"Father had predicted it. I have private tutors for most of my subjects. And he personally trains both me and Astoria in dueling. I usually practice my spells in a deserted classroom in the dungeons. "

"How could Dumbledore let the standards fall to such levels? He's considered one of the strongest wizards alive. I have grown up knowing that my parents were amazing wizards. I can't believe they studied here."

"Your mother was a Black. She had other means of obtaining knowledge. And your dad had Sirius with him. Also, the staff has changed since the time your parents studied here. Don't take Dumbledore at face value. He might be all mighty and powerful, but he is more of a peacemaker rather than an administrator. Neither is he a good leader."

"No wonder Magical Britain is going backwards."

"Be wary of him. We both know it was he who got you here. Father believed the law was passed keeping you in mind, as there is no one else who meets the criteria. He has to have an agenda for doing that."

"I know. Luckily, I haven't come across him till now."

"Last year, he had summoned me to his office for no particular reason. He asked some questions about my studies. I remember having a searing headache afterwards. When I told father about it during the holidays, he grew angry and went out. He returned later and started training me and Astoria in Occlumency. I later realized that the headmaster had used Legilimency to read my thoughts."

"Did this incident occur around Halloween last year?"

"Yes, why?"

"So that's how he knew where I was. Last year at Halloween, I was summoned by Headmistress Carmichael at Halloween. She stated that Dumbledore had called her asking for a meeting with me. She had declined the request. She was one of the only few who knew who I really was, and Sirius had made it clear that any requests for Harry or Dora without the written approval of Dad, Mum or Sirius shouldn't be entertained. Things are now falling into place."

"I am so sorry Harry. I didn't know about this. "

"Not your fault, Daph. We know whose fault it was. We just need to be careful in the future."

"As I said, be careful around him. He isn't a saint because he claims to represent the light."

"I will remember that. Thanks Daphne. So are you free the next Hogsmeade weekend?"

"Are you asking me out on a date. Potter?"

"If you want to think that, sure. I intended to introduce my new friends to you. You know, we could hang out and get to know each other."

"And who are these friends?"

"One third year, Luna Lovegood. A first year called Dennis and a fourth year, Michael Corner."

"Interesting choices. I will get Tracey along with."

"Awesome. There might be another addition. Though I haven't been able to talk with him yet."

"Who?"

"Neville Longbottom."

"Are you sure about him?"

"Why?"

"His parents were tortured by Lestranges. He wouldn't take your association with Bella very well."

"Thats the reason I want to talk to him. There are some records I need to set straight. This is one of them."

"All the best for that. You know I will always support you, right?"

"Thanks, Daph. Here, this is for you." Harry took a very small package from his pocket and handed it to Daphne."

"A ring already? We aren't even dating yet"

"You wish. It's as if all my discussions with you fell on deaf years. Don't open it now. Its shrunken, if you haven't guessed. Open it in your dorm. It's something Marauders Inc. manufactures. You will know what to do when you see it"

"Aww. Thank you so much Harry. "

"It's almost time for breakfast. Do you want me to walk with you to the Great Hall."

"No. Nobody knows I am here. I will go back to the common room and return with Tracey. See you later."

And she was gone. Harry hadn't seen a more graceful girl like her. That was what had caught his attention back in the tournament. Her fights had been like a dance, neatly choreographed, which had left Harry mesmerized. He pulled himself out of his thoughts and started towards the Great Hall.

Harry had just reached the door of the headmaster's office. He reached to push the door open, when it opened out of its own free will, to reveal the weirdest room Harry had ever seen.

A wide range of instruments, a whole bunch of books in shelves, portraits adorning every inch of the walls and a Phoenix on a golden perch. Harry was amazed at the sight in front of him. A Victorian desk in the center was in front of a throne, where sat the headmaster himself, with a smile on his face. To his left was the Potions master looking extremely angry.

"Come in, Harry. Thank you Filius for bringing Harry here. You can leave"

- End of Chapter -

AN: and that brings us to a close. This was a kind of a filler chapter in my opinion. The next two-three chapters will reveal Harry's personality and explore some flashbacks involving Sirius, Dora and Bella. Thank you for stopping by. Please review if you like the story or if you find something problematic. Until Next time.