I own neither Harry Potter nor Star Wars. I promise to do nothing with other people's characters they haven't had them do themselves. Of course, for Harry Potter, that means I could have the darkest wizard in history care so much for the children of the wizarding world's education that he always times his attacks for the end of the school year, but all dark wizards are polite like that.
The day after the "Dumbledore Summit," as Hermione called it, was a Saturday. Toma noted how pleased Harry was to attend his first Jedi training session since he'd arrived at Hogwarts. Hermione and Neville had both asked Harry if they could also participate, and Toma had agreed to a limited extent. Jedi doctrine forbade him from teaching them the ways of the Force due to their age, but he felt certain meditation techniques and physical training could benefit anyone. This would also allow him to observe Harry around his peers. Harry's reports often included these two classmates, though Hermione was mentioned to a much greater extent. Toma was well aware that Harry would be entering a phase in his development where his interest in the opposite sex would be ignited. Toma could see that interest already being kindled with the young Hermione Granger, and she certainly seemed interested in Harry. The young witch had a great deal of curiosity and intelligence and was already engaging Harry in conversations and activities daily.
If Harry were not a Jedi, this would not be a problem. For the Jedi, however, attachment was forbidden. Toma was aware that if Harry were to remain in the Wizarding world, he would likely be participating in the social rituals of his home planet. He would have to meditate on this in the days to come, and perhaps enlist the help of Yoda. After all, it was the Jedi Grandmaster whose insight insisted that Harry had to return to Earth. Toma could only hope that the powerful Master Jedi could provide guidance for Harry to follow to help him navigate his conflicting paths.
Hermione and Neville both enjoyed their introduction to Jedi meditation techniques. Hermione was hoping the sessions would provide her with a greater understanding of Harry, as well as an advantage to her studies. Neville was hoping for greater self-confidence, and perhaps a way to boost his magic. They were both very impressed with Harry's abilities with the Force and were somewhat disappointed that they wouldn't be taught how to use it, but both of them were very loyal to Harry and decided to stick with it regardless.
Harry had an extremely unsettling vision during his meditation exercises. A shadowy figure with red eyes was pursuing him. He did not discuss this vision with Master Toma yet, however. He didn't want to worry Hermione and Neville. That evening, however, he brought the vision up as he visited Toma in the quarters the Headmaster had promised.
"Force visions are often very subjective," he explained to his Padawan. "That you perceive this creature with red eyes may be significant, or it may be that your mind is providing red eyes to the figure to portray evil intent or some other interpretation that has meaning for you. Continue to meditate nightly, and inform me if there are any significant changes in the details of the vision, or if they stop entirely."
The next Monday, Harry stayed behind after charms class to discuss his progress with Professor Flitwick. He was still finding it far harder to use magic than the Force. At first, the charms professor was simply recommending more practice, but that wasn't really helping Harry.
"It just feels wrong, somehow," the young Jedi said. "It feels like I'm trying to funnel the Force through a narrow pipe instead of simply letting it flow through me."
"Can you, perhaps, demonstrate the difference you are feeling, Mr Potter?" Professor Flitwick asked.
"Well, using Wingardium Leviosa, for instance, I can barely lift a book," Harry explained. He took out his wand, gave a swish and flick, said the incantation, and raised a textbook from Flitwick's desk. The book rose but Hovered unsteadily in the air. Harry clearly had to concentrate on holding it in the air. Finally, Harry lowered his wand and allowed the book to descend back to the desk. Harry put his wand back in its holster. "However," Harry continued, "if I use the Force..."
Harry extended his hand towards the charms professor's desk, his fingers slightly spread, and felt the familiar flow of the Force as it answered his request. Flitwick's eyes widened as his desk gracefully rose into the air and hung four feet off of the floor.
"... it feels so much more natural to me," Harry finished. Flitwick was stunned. Harry had not used his wand, had said no incantation, and was not even concentrating on maintaining the levitation as the desk hung there. Harry held the levitation for several minutes as the charms professor examined the desk. He asked Harry to return it and watched as the desk gently lowered to rest in its original position.
"I wonder if the problem is how you're lumping magic and this 'Force' of yours into one bucket," the tiny professor suggested.
"What do you mean, sir?" asked Harry.
"Well," explained Flitwick, "while I'm not entirely certain what charm you used to levitate my desk, I am sure of one thing. It was not Wingardium Leviosa. I think we are, perhaps, incorrect in assuming that magic and the Force are one and the same."
"So," Harry mused out loud, "by trying to funnel the Force through my wand, I'm not really using magic?"
"Well, actually you probably are," said Flitwick, "but you're not using it efficiently. When you levitated the textbook using Wingardium Leviosa, I clearly identified it as the correct charm. However, by focusing on the Force instead of magic, I don't believe you're getting the full impact with your spells as you would if you tried to separate the two concepts. Determination is quite important in magic, after all, as is intent and visualization. I might be wrong, but why don't you give it a try? Separate the Force and magic in your mind into two concepts, and then try Wingardium Leviosaagain, clearly defining it as magic in your mind."
For the rest of his free period, Harry stayed with Professor Flitwick as they went through various exercises. Harry found, much to his surprise, that changing his perspective had much the same effect as switching gears would have on a shifter. It wasn't an instantaneous fix, but he could already see that his spellwork was greatly improved by his change in focus. Harry was feeling much better about his progress as a wizard. He very much appreciated the patience and understanding of the charms professor, who ended the session with 20 well-earned points for Gryffindor and a few stories of Harry's mother and her time at Hogwarts. Lily Potter was a great favourite of the Charms professor, and it warmed his heart to share what he could of her to her son.
That evening at dinner, rumours were running through the Great Hall of a loud fight at the end of classes. Neither Headmaster Dumbledore nor Professor Quirrell was present for dinner, and the rumour mill was running at full speed with ideas. The only consistent elements to the rapidly escalating theories were that the fight was between Dumbledore and Quirrell. Harry even dropped his Jedi reserve and had some fun with the rest of Gryffindor coming up with more and more wild stories to explain the fight, and why the professors were absent.
No good thing can exist, of course, without it being balanced by the bad. Draco Malfoy represented this concept with interest. The young Slytherin had not ceased in his attempts to get Harry in trouble or to catch him alone in the hallways. Harry, however, seemed to be almost able to predict the future about traps, and always managed to avoid them. Draco finally came close to success when he managed to trick Neville Longbottom. He convinced Neville that Peeves the Poltergeist had flooded the hallway to the Gryffindor dormitories close to curfew that evening. Neville, believing the story, warned his Gryffindor friends to the alleged water hazard, and suggested they go the long way around. Since Neville believed Draco's warning and there was no actual physical threat, this had the unfortunate effect of bypassing the second sense that informed Harry of impending dangers.
This found Harry, Hermione, and Neville climbing a staircase when it began to move on them. The stairs ended up leading them to a hallway none of them had seen before. Due to the detour, they were now out past curfew. With a sinking feeling, they also realized they were now in the forbidden corridor. Neville panicked at hearing Argus Filch, the caretaker, coming up behind them, and tried to get through a locked door to hide. Hermione, not thinking clearly, was about to unlock the door using the Alohamora spell she had recently learned when Harry stopped her.
"No, Hermione!" he said, putting his hand on her arm and pulling her away from the door. The Force was causing tingles of warning about the danger behind that door. "We didn't ask to come to this corridor. Even if we get in trouble for being here, though, we'll get in far more trouble if we're caught breaking into locked rooms. Besides, there's something behind that door. Something dangerous," he cautioned. Hermione nodded and put away her wand. Neville was hyperventilating as Filch rounded the corner and caught sight of them.
"Ha!" the old caretaker called out, his breath wheezing as he ran forward. "Caught you! You'll all be comin' with me, now," he growled, grabbing Neville by the ear.
The trio of Gryffindors was led (or dragged, in Neville's case,) to Professor McGonagall's office. She was not impressed to see them out after curfew, and even less so when Filch told her, with glee, how he found them in the forbidden corridor.
"What do you have to say for yourselves?" she demanded, her stern voice leaving no doubt on how she felt about the situation. Hermione stared at her feet in shame, sure they were going to be expelled. Neville was still in shock from being dragged by his ear. Harry, on the other hand, responded with true Jedi confidence.
"We did not intend to be in that corridor, Professor," he answered. "We were on our way to Gryffindor Tower from the library when the staircase moved with us on it. It led us to that corridor, and by the time we realized where we were, Mr Filch had already found us." McGonagall was at least somewhat mollified that they didn't seem to be trying to poke around where they had no business, but she wasn't going to give up that easily.
"Why were you going that way anyway, Mr Potter?" she asked, focusing him as the leader of the wayward students. "It certainly isn't the most direct route to the Gryffindor dormitories from the library."
"We were going to go straight there, but Neville warned us about the blocked hallway, so we had to go the long way around," Harry responded.
"Blocked hallway?" McGonagall inquired, now confused. "What do you mean? I was just in that corridor not ten minutes ago, and I assure you the path is quite clear."
Neville closed his eyes. He now knew that Malfoy had lied to him.
"I'm sorry, Professor," he spoke up. "Malfoy told me the hallway had been flooded by Peeves. I believed him!"
"I see," answered McGonagall, now in a far gentler and understanding tone. "I think it's clear what has happened here. There will be no punishment for being out after curfew, this time." Filch looked like she had just cancelled Christmas. "I will speak with Professor Snape about Mr Malfoy," McGonagall said. "Please return to your dormitory."
"Yes, Professor," Harry said. The trio turned to leave.
"Oh, Mr Potter," Professor McGonagall called after him.
"Yes, Professor?" Harry answered.
"Do be more careful in the future," she cautioned. "I was lenient about being out after curfew this time. I will not be as understanding if there are additional incidents."
"I understand, Professor," Harry acknowledged. "We'll be more careful."
"Goodnight, then," she said.
Harry, Hermione and Neville walked quickly back to Gryffindor Tower. In the Common Room, they discussed the near-miss. They were very thankful that they had listened to Harry's advice. Who knew what would have happened if they'd opened that door?
At breakfast the next morning, all of the professors were at their places at the head table except for Professor Quirrell, who was nowhere to be seen. When all the students who were going to show up had done so, the Headmaster stood and addressed the students.
"Good morning," he said. "As you have no doubt noticed, Professor Quirrell is not here for breakfast this morning. I am sorry to tell you that Defence Against the Dark Arts will be cancelled for the next week. Professor Quirrell has left us to pursue other adventures." The student population looked somewhat shocked at this. It was a commonly held belief that the Defence Against the Dark Arts teaching position was cursed, and no Professor had lasted longer than a single school year at the post since before anyone could remember. The professor usually lasted until the end of the school year, though. Apparently, Quirrell wasn't strong enough to even last three months. "Until a replacement professor can be found, I encourage you to use the period you would normally have Defense in as a study period to either catch up on work in your other classes or to read the Defense textbook to prepare for your next instructor. Thank you." With that, the Headmaster sat back down and ate his breakfast with an unusually pensive look on his face.
Harry was doing much better in most of his classes with his new focus on magic being separate from the Force. Potions, however, was continuing to be an issue. Professor Snape had not stopped overtly attacking Harry during classes. If anything, the meeting with the Jedi had escalated matters. Harry was subjected to his potions being vanished for no reason, zero's being given for any excuse, or no excuse at all, and almost constant verbal abuse during every potions session.
The other Gryffindors did not have it much better. Professor Snape gave no feedback other than to call his students names. He explained none of the reasons why ingredients had to be added in a particular order. He answered no questions, except to deduct points for not understanding the concept on their own. Unless you were a Slytherin, of course, and then you got points for just about anything and could do no wrong.
Harry felt that if you disregarded his actual grades in the class, he was actually doing reasonably well by reading the lesson ahead of time. It seemed, however, that only he and Hermione did this. Everyone else in Gryffindor seemed to be averse to studying. Ron, of course, was the quintessential Gryffindor in that regard. His frequent pleas to copy off of Hermione and Harry were quite annoying, and the friendship between the Jedi and the red-headed wizard was becoming strained again. Hermione, who had caught Ron copying her notes when he thought she wasn't looking, would barely speak to Ron anymore.
One week after "The Dumbledore Summit," Severus Snape was summoned to the Headmaster's office after dinner.
"You wished to see me, Headmaster?" the potions professor asked.
"Yes, Severus," Dumbledore answered. "Please, sit down. Would you care for a lemon drop?" he asked Snape.
Snape, like always, shook his head no. He noticed that Dumbledore seemed to sit a bit deeper in his chair than he usually did. He looked over the Headmaster with a practised eye and saw that his customarily twinkling eyes were dull and downcast. The ordinarily, energetic man seemed to be rather lacklustre and worn out.
"Are you feeling well, Headmaster?" Snape asked. "You look quite tired."
"I am tired, Severus," Dumbledore answered. "It has been quite a long week."
"Quite," Snape agreed.
The Headmaster had not yet confided to any of his staff what had actually transpired between himself and Professor Quirrell the previous Monday. If Severus were to believe the rumour mill, anything from Quirinus being possessed by a demon to a full-on Dumbledore vs Quirrell lover's quarrel had led to the stuttering professors departure. Snape was used to having the Headmaster's full confidence, so he took the opportunity to bring the subject up.
"What actually happened between you and Quirrell, Albus?" he asked.
"I am not a young man, Severus," Dumbledore sighed. "Recent events have brought to my attention the fact that I seem to have spread myself a bit too thin. I have three positions which are each considered a full-time job. The Headmaster of Hogwarts, Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, and Chief Warlock to the Wizengamot. I get by through delegating lesser duties to deputies, but it is now obvious to me that this cannot continue. Too much damage has been done. Most of it is damage I could have easily remedied had I merely been paying attention. As of Monday morning, I will be stepping down from all but the Headmaster position."
"I do not understand," said Severus, confused. "What damage has been done?"
"Do you know how many career paths require a N.E.W.T. in potions?" Dumbledore asked, his voice growing sharp. Snape's eyes went a bit wide at this.
"Quite a few," he answered.
"Yes, quite a few," agreed Dumbledore. "For healers and mediwitches, potions is a critical skill. For Aurors and Unspeakables, a potions N.E.W.T. is a requirement, as well. Cursebreakers and Warders often need to brew their own potions to perform their tasks. In fact, most of the professions in the wizarding world that actually provides a service to the public requires a potions N.E.W.T. to obtain an apprenticeship in that field," the Headmaster continued.
Snape knew that this conversation was not going to end with a reward for him for providing an excellent education in these critical skills. It did not happen often, but when the Headmaster began a lecture like this, it was usually because he was working himself up to make it crystal clear exactly how badly you had failed. The potions professor stayed silent.
"How many students are in your N.E.W.T. classes this year?" Dumbledore asked.
"Six for sixth-year, four for seventh," Snape answered, curtly.
"Yes," agreed Dumbledore. "I believe your sixth-year class has four Slytherins and two Ravenclaws, correct?" he asked. Snape nodded. "And your seventh-year class has only Slytherins?" Snape, seeing where this was going, attempted to defend himself.
"It is not my fault if all of the dunderheads go to Gryffindor and Hufflepuff!" the Potions Master exclaimed.
"Severus," Dumbledore admonished, "You are placing far too much value on the stereotypical attributes of the houses, as you always have. After all, was it not you who I once caught telling that young Ravenclaw that 'Wit without measure may be man's greatest treasure, but knowledge without purpose is stupidly worthless?'" Dumbledore asked.
Severus Snape was mortified. He could not believe the Headmaster was bringing childhood taunts up in this discussion!
"That was a very long time ago, Headmaster," he said. "I was only in third-year!"
Dumbledore moved in for the kill.
"And how long ago was it when you said 'A zero again, Potter? You truly are as worthless as your talentless father?'"
Snape's breathing stopped. His eyes narrowed as he realized the trap he had blundered into. He had said that this morning. That was what this was about. The Potter brat had squealed! He had no answer. Dumbledore continued his humiliation.
"In case you were wondering, young Mr Potter has not told me of your treatment of him. He does not know that I know."
Severus Snape closed his eyes.
"You hid in my classroom," he said.
It was not an accusation, just a statement.
"I hid in all of them," Dumbledore answered. "Your behaviour in last week's meeting with Toma Kendet was so disturbing to me that I felt the need to get back in touch with how this school is being administered. Therefore, every class that was held this week, I audited. Every teacher was evaluated," Dumbledore stated.
"A time-turner?" Snape asked.
"Yes," Dumbledore confirmed. "A marvellous device. So useful for getting a lot done at once, but I am ready for quite the nap. Of course," he continued, "this led to poor Quirrell's death."
Snape took in a sharp breath of air in a hiss.
"He's dead?" he inquired.
"Yes," Dumbledore said. "It seems that Professor Quirrell was playing host to Voldemort under that turban of his. On the day I audited his classes, I waited until all of his students had left before leaving myself. On my way out, however, I overheard him speaking to Voldemort, and was quite shocked to hear Voldemort speaking back."
Snape felt somewhat faint. Dumbledore had always said the Dark Lord would return, and this was the first real evidence that it was actually true.
"Unfortunately," Dumbledore continued, "the realization that Voldemort had actually penetrated the castle itself led me to give myself away. I was detected, and Quirrell began throwing curses around the room. It was only a matter of time before he found me or encountered a student, so I was forced to stun him."
"He died from a stunner?" Snape asked in disbelief.
"No," Dumbledore explained.
Snape was feeling a bit more comfortable now that the conversation was steered away from his performance, but he wasn't able to be a double agent by being dumb. He knew they would return to the topic.
"Once Voldemort knew that his cover was blown, he had no further use for poor Quirrell. He abandoned him, leaving as a wraith of vapour. Quirrell had been, most unfortunately, feeding Voldemort off of his own magical core, and the sudden departure proved too much for him. He died."
They sat in silence for a moment, considering the implications of this.
"Then what of the stone?" Snape asked.
"Ah," replied Dumbledore. "Now we are getting ahead of ourselves. I have not yet decided what to do about the stone, but I'm afraid we must return to the topic of how lessons are being taught in your classes."
Snape sighed. They were already back to it.
"On top of that," Dumbledore lamented, "I now have a core subject with no teacher."
"I would be more than happy to take over the Defense classes, Headmaster," Snape volunteered, his eyes filled with hope.
"I do not think," Dumbledore replied, "that rewarding you with your dream post is quite how I should handle a performance problem in your class."
Snape's heart fell.
"I will be taking over the Defense classes for the rest of the year myself," Dumbledore explained. The Headmaster's voice grew stern, and there was no hint of the grandfatherly old man Dumbledore usually affected.
"I must say, Severus, that I am quite disappointed in your behaviour. If it were not for the fact that leaving this school would leave your life in forfeit, violating at least two of the conflicting vows you have taken, you would be on your way out of the castle tonight. This constant harassment of Mr Potter will stop, permanently. That is the first condition of your continued employment. The second is that you will begin following the already established guidelines for point rewarding and removals. All points that you assign or remove will now be approved by me before they are tallied. Furthermore, you will actually begin teaching your classes more than just the ingredient list! You will submit lesson plans to me on a weekly basis, which must be approved by Professor McGonagall or me prior to your classes start. They should be familiar to you, it is how Professor Slughorn taught you potions, after all. I will audit some of your classes, you will not know which, to ensure that you are following these guidelines. Any deviation from these conditions without my prior approval will result in your immediate dismissal. If I find you harassing any of my students again, you will be turned over to the Aurors."
Dumbledore paused for a moment, then he continued in a calmer voice.
"Severus, I must be completely clear on this, especially considering the personal consequences to you if I am forced to terminate your employment. You must let go of the past. Harry is not his father. He has no memory of him. Treating Harry as if he were his father, makes your behaviour no better than how James used to treat you."
Severus's cheeks were red, and he was humiliated. He had not experienced a dressing down like this since his father was still alive. Bringing up his Vows also caused him to feel a great deal of shame. Not only had he Vowed to Voldemort to remain in Hogwarts to spy on Dumbledore, but he had Vowed to Dumbledore to be a spy for the light. Both of these duties necessitated his presence at Hogwarts. His oath to Lily was not binding, at least not magically, but that made it all the more potent. He had promised her tombstone that he would protect her son. Harry had only been at the school for a few short months, and already he was behaving so badly to the boy that he was in danger of losing his job and his life.
"How am I to explain my sudden change of behaviour?" Snape asked his Headmaster. "It will surely be noticed and commented upon."
"I will guide you on the one, narrow path you now have available to you," explained Dumbledore, "that path will satisfy all of your vows, including your non-binding one to Lily. Your previous behaviour is well known, of course, and we will not try to hide it. When you are asked by your old friends about your new zeal for teaching fairly, you will answer truthfully that you were reprimanded and threatened with termination. You may also explain about your oath to Voldemort. They will certainly understand the lengths you will go to obey his orders, of course. You have my permission to call me as many names as you can think of. Staying in the castle and reporting on their activities to me will satisfy your Vow to me, and your new teaching methods and attitude will satisfy your oath to Lily."
He nodded at Dumbledore, fighting to hold tears back as the thoughts of Lily threatened to overcome him.
"If you will excuse me, Headmaster," Snape said, his voice croaking slightly. "I will need to get started on those lesson plans if they are to be ready for Monday morning."
"Of course, Severus," Dumbledore told him. "Please take a lemon drop," he offered, holding the candy dish out to his potions master. "I always find that they make me feel better after a hard day."
For once, Severus took one. It wasn't bad. Oddly enough, he felt himself calm slightly as the sweet and sour flavours coursed through his mouth. Taking a deep breath, he left the Headmaster's office and returned to his dungeon.