I own nothing. If the spell is not from the books, it's Latin.
Chapter VII
December, 1989
"Harry! Harry!"
Harry groaned but kept his eyes closed.
"Harry! Time to wake up! It's Christmas!" yelled Danny from down the hall at Potter Cove.
Harry rolled over and pulled the covers over his head. Usually, Harry wouldn't choose to sleep in on Christmas morning but this one was different. He'd been having trouble sleeping ever since that night in the common room. The morning after his fight, Harry awoke in his own bed and all his wounds were bandaged and mostly healed. The last thing he remembered was warning everyone to stay away from him. His wounds were extensive and he probably didn't stand a chance to last the night without medical attention. When he passed out, Harry fully expected not to wake up again. It confused Harry to no end on who would help him, especially after he had just threatened them. Harry didn't have a chance to investigate either because two days later everyone boarded the train and went home for the holiday.
When Sirius arrived to portkey Harry home, he was very upset by Harry's appearance and left him waiting in the Great Hall while he talked to Dumbledore. Harry had already spent hours in Dumbledore's office explaining what had happened in the forest. Harry though, didn't tell him about Adrian or the fight in the Slytherin common room: that was something that Harry would deal with himself. Harry also assured Dumbledore that the events in the forest wouldn't affect Danny's enrollment, much to Dumbledore's relief. Dumbledore then went on to explain that all student and staff activity in the forest would be suspended until he could help the centaurs and acromantulas reach a truce. Harry doubted such a thing was possible given his personal experience but agreed with Dumbledore's decision. The meeting ended with them still on friendly terms and an appointment to see Madam Pomfrey to look over Harry's injuries.
When Sirius took Harry home, Lily immediately engulfed Harry in her arms and carefully looked over his bandages. Harry tried to explain that he was alright but Lily insisted to check for herself. James was also concerned and planned to have a sit down with his son about the importance of safety. Meanwhile, Danny was just ecstatic to have his big brother home.
Now it was Christmas, a holiday with a unique tradition at Potter Cove. Normally throughout the year, Gretel and Bobby would handle all the cooking but on Christmas the entire family would contribute. Gretel and Bobby were at first highly opposed to the idea, after all, there wasn't such a thing as a day off for a house-elf. It took them awhile but eventually they grew used to the idea that one day out of the year they didn't have to work.
"Harry, come on!" Danny stuck his head inside the room. "It's time for presents!"
Harry groaned and slowly sat up and put his glasses on. He took a quick look at Danny and couldn't help but smile at his excitement. Danny always had the unique skill of breaking Harry out of any mood he was in. It was something Harry needed a lot more then he would like but, ever since they were told the prophecy, things had changed for Harry. He was forced to grow up a lot faster the day his father was paralyzed. Yet, it was a welcomed reprieve of the hard mask he had to wear while he was at Hogwarts to be home and among his family. He fully planned to enjoy every minute of just being a kid and a big brother.
Danny rushed up to Harry and grabbed his arm. "Come on slow poke."
Harry let Danny drag him out of his bed before he grabbed Danny in his traditional headlock and gave him a playful noogie as they made their way to the kitchen. Together with the rest of their family, they enjoyed preparing breakfast and opening presents. Afterwards, Harry and Danny ran outside to play in the snow. James and Lily watched from the patio as their sons engaged in a one-on-one snowball fight.
"What do you think really happened, James?" asked Lily. She wrapped her arms around James's shoulders and rested her head on his.
"Harry has never lied to us," said James as he rubbed her arms. "I don't think he'd start now."
"I know but I feel like there's something he's not telling us about that night." Lily couldn't help but worry; it was just something a mother couldn't control.
"I'll have a talk with him but for now let him enjoy himself," said James.
He knew he had to have another talk with his eldest son but the truth was that when it came to Danny, there wasn't anything Harry wouldn't do and that included lying to his parents. The two of them shared a bond that was a direct result of the life they lived. They were forced to grow up in exile and then were told that one of them had to stop the world's most dangerous wizard. James couldn't blame Harry for adopting Danny's destiny as his own: a part of him was even glad for it. Truth be told, James didn't think Danny could fulfill the prophecy by himself and though it wasn't foretold, Harry was just as important to Voldemort's death as Danny. He just hoped that Harry didn't forget that he had the rest of his family to help too.
Meanwhile, Harry and Danny had finished their snowball fight and were laid out next to each other in the snow. The cold didn't bother either of them with their mother's powerful heating charm on their clothes. The two watched the clouds and picked out shapes. It was time like this that made Danny glad to have his brother home. Like his parents, Danny figured that there was more to Harry's detention then he was letting on, but Danny wasn't going to pry. Ever since Harry's tenth birthday, Danny noticed a change in his brother; he focused more during lessons, he'd spend more time in the library, and he would smile less. At first, Danny thought that Harry was mad at him for what happened to their father but Harry never treated him differently; in fact, they were closer than ever. Sirius had explained to him that sometimes people need to have some alone time and that Harry had bigger responsibilities now that he was the Heir Apparent. Danny accepted it but no one knew Harry better than him and he knew that there was something more going on. He had faith that once Harry had it all figured out that he would tell him and they'd do whatever it was together.
"It's a rabbit," said Danny as he pointed out a specific cloud.
"No, it's a dragon," corrected Harry.
"Rabbit."
"Dragon."
To prove his point, Danny raised his hand and a mound of snow rose from the ground. He then used his finger to shave away the snow until it looked like a rabbit and hovered it over Harry so he could compare the two.
"See…it's a rabbit." Based on Danny's rendition, it was clear that the cloud was a rabbit. Harry, though, never liked to be wrong…
"Nope, it's a dragon."
He then covered his face as Danny dropped the snow rabbit on his face. Danny raised another mound of snow and made another rabbit. He hovered it over Harry again.
"Admit that it's a rabbit."
Harry smiled and raised his wand and levitated his own mound of snow. Harry had to really concentrate to maintain his levitation charm and cast a transfiguring spell to make his snow dragon. It didn't end up as precise as Danny's rabbit but Harry felt good about the outcome considering that they were still learning how to transfigure objects at Hogwarts.
"Is that supposed to be a dragon?" Danny smiled as he pointed at Harry's snow dragon.
Harry threw his brother a warning gaze but Danny disregarded it.
"It looks like crap."
Harry flicked his wand and his snow dragon flew right into Danny's face. Danny let it hit him and burst out laughing as he brushed the snow off his face. In return, Danny waved his finger and sent his snow rabbit right into Harry's face. He laughed even harder as he watched Harry take off his glasses and wipe his face. Harry started laughing too and got to his feet with his wand drawn. He levitated more snow and until he had an arsenal of snowballs floating behind him. Danny quickly got his feet, too, and raised his own cache of snowballs.
"You have one chance to apologize and admit that it's a dragon," said Harry in the fakest macho voice he could muster.
"Never," replied Danny in mock defiance.
Harry playfully glared back as he concentrated and sent his snowballs at Danny but they melted before they could reach him. Danny laughed menacingly and set his snowballs back at Harry. Harry blocked them with a shield and levitated another cache of snowballs.
Inside, James and Lily were laughing over the stand-off happening in their backyard. Both of them were pleased to see their sons laughing and playing like they used too. They didn't mind that they were using magic since the wards would mask Harry's wand's underage tracer. In fact, they were impressed with Harry's command and the level of control Danny had gained. According to Remus, things had been progressing very slowly but it didn't look like it from what they were seeing. Speaking of Remus, he and Sirius strolled into the room after wondering what was causing all the laughter. They walked up to James and Lily and looked over them to see outside.
"No, no, no!" said Remus as soon as he saw what was happening. He immediately made his way to the door.
Danny kept laughing as he lifted his arms to reload on snowballs but his laughter faded when he saw Harry's wide-eye expression. Danny turned around and saw that he had raised about ten times more snow than he'd intended. He tried to will the snow back to the ground but instead the snow violently started combining and contorting into one massive snowball. The huge mass dwarfed over them to cast a menacing shadow.
"Danny! Harry! Get out of there!" yelled Remus as he ran to them.
Danny refused to give up, though, and continued to try and will the snow to the ground but to no effect.
"Harry! Danny! Run!" yelled Sirius. He and Remus tried to stop the snowball themselves but their magic had no effect.
Danny still refused to quit and Harry refused to leave his brother behind.
"It's okay, Danny. You can do it." Harry kept his voice low and calm. He kept whispering words of encouragement even as the menacing snowball continued to violently contort and shake. He knew that the only way out of this was for Danny to regain control.
Danny closed his eyes and concentrated only on his brother's voice. Harry always believed in him and was always strong when Danny needed him to be. After his destiny was revealed to him, it was Harry that saved him from collapsing within himself. The two of them were a team and nothing could stop them when they were together. With a newfound determination, Danny opened his eyes and looked down at his now glowing hands. He raised them wide and gripped the air. The snowball suddenly stopped shaking and calmly floated in the air.
"That's it, Danny! You got it!" encouraged Harry as he fist pumped the air.
Danny struggled for a moment but slowly started to bring his hands together. His face contorted in concentration and groaned slightly from his exertion. For a moment nothing happened but slowly but surely the giant snowball shrunk down to a normal sized ball. Danny hunched forward and released a loud sigh of relief. He quickly straightened up and picked the snowball out of the air and raised his arms in triumphant.
"Yes!" Danny turned and jumped into his brother's arms and jumped with him in happiness.
Remus was shocked by what he just saw. In all their sessions together, Danny never had been able to regain control after losing it. The only difference between this incident and all the ones before was Harry. But that seemed very improbable to Remus's scientific mind but perhaps there was more to be said about the bonds of brotherhood.
Remus and the rest of the adults came up to the pair and joined in with their own congratulations. Danny was nothing but smiles and as he was released from his mother's arms he raised the snowball and hit Harry right in the chest.
"I win."
Harry just smiled and let his brother have his second victory of the day.
January 1990
Two weeks later, Harry was back at Hogwarts and now was more determined then ever to see his plan through and make Hogwarts a place where he and Danny could learn what they needed before Voldemort's return.
The first thing he needed to do was get back on his training schedule and that meant trips back into the forest. He knew that Dumbledore had locked down the forest until a peace agreement was reached between the centaurs and acromantulas but it was still the only location that provided the level of privacy Harry needed to train in. It was important for people to see him getting stronger without knowing how he was doing it.
His only leak was Adrian but most of the house refused to speak to him or to believe anything that he said. Still though, it would only take one person to listen and Harry would be in even more trouble. He had to plan a new route to the forest and discover a different clearing to set up his training field. Fortunately, his family's agreement with Dumbledore on transporting back and forth from the castle allowed Harry to arrive a day before the rest of the students. During the cover of night, Harry snuck back into the forest and worked his way to another clearing that Hagrid had spoke of that usually remained clear of predators. The catch was that it was deeper in the forest and closer to centaur territory. Harry hoped that his recent encounter had gained him some clearance to move freely near their borders. He had to have all his preparations completed before the rest of the student body returned from their holiday.
The next day, the castle was once again filled with the sounds of young witches and wizards. Many of them shared their holiday stories and the gifts they received. In Slytherin, Harry recognized a change in how he was treated. Everyone seemed to give Harry a wide berth and avoided any kind of interaction, even King and his goons left him alone. Harry enjoyed the newfound fear his peers had for him because he knew that time would turn that fear into respect. He only had to maintain that perception and then spread it to the other houses. From there, he would create a reputation as someone not to be trifled with which would effectively place him between Danny and the part of the student body that would wish him harm. It was a plan that wouldn't make him many friends but, after Adrian, it didn't bother him that much. Besides, Danny was going to be the public figure, not him. That's why it was important for only the right people to be around Danny: people that would treat him like a normal human being and not as the Chosen One.
During the first week back, Harry had to maintain his indifference and avoid going into the forest. For one, he didn't want Dumbledore to suspect that he had disregarded his warning but also he needed Adrian to believe that Harry had abandoned that training ground. He noticed how tired Adrian looked during the beginning of the week and figured that he had gotten up early to try and catch Harry going into the forest. He probably hoped to get Harry into more trouble and perhaps improve his standings within Slytherin. By Friday though, Adrian had abandoned his quest and looked extremely more rested.
It was now the first weekend of the new semester and Harry was confident that he could move freely to and from the forest and remain undetected. He easily moved through the deserted castle and didn't encounter a soul. As he made his way across the grounds, he couldn't stop a smug smile for effectively outsmarting everyone. Unfortunately…
"Good morning, Mr. Potter," greeted Dumbledore with a pleasant smile as he waited by the forest's edge.
Harry didn't break stride and stood before the Headmaster.
"When did you know?" Harry was curious, he was sure that he had picked the best route to move unseen across the grounds.
"Oh I've known from the beginning and I judged from our conversation before the holiday that you would disregard my most recent ruling," replied Dumbledore as if it was obvious.
Harry didn't say anything and accepted that he couldn't completely outsmart the Headmaster.
"Shall we move this discussion to my office?" Dumbledore motioned for Harry to lead the way. Harry held his head up and firmly walked back to the castle. He didn't want to appear defeated but in his mind he was thinking of worse and worse punishments for his second offense.
They entered Dumbledore's office and settled into their seats. Harry kept a neutral expression and held Dumbledore's gaze. Dumbledore just smiled his little smile. "So, Mr. Potter, do you have anything to say for yourself."
"How did you know I was entering the forest all this time?" Harry didn't have an excuse for breaking the rules again and didn't see the point in trying to argue his way out of his punishment.
"It is the duty of every Headmaster to know and protect their students whenever they decide to explore the more dangerous features of this school," said Dumbledore.
"Hagrid told you," offered Harry as it was the only logical explanation.
"Hagrid told me," confirmed Dumbledore.
Harry let out a slight sigh of frustration. "So what happens now?"
Dumbledore leaned back in his chair and brought his hands together. "I believe that you and I have gotten on the wrong foot. I know that I have wronged your family by how I tried to force your father's hand. It was deceitful and wrong of me and I'm truly sorry for that grievance. I would like the chance to regain that trust your family once had in me. We all must be able to trust each other once Voldemort returns."
Harry took a moment to consider Dumbledore's words. He could tell by his voice that the old headmaster felt a great amount of shame and regret for his actions. For a moment, Harry tried to imagine how different his life could have been and whether or not he would have grown up with Dumbledore as one of his tutors. There was no question that there was much Harry and his brother could learn for him and it would be stupid to disregard that opportunity.
"I believe I can speak for my father when I accept your apology. If we are to win this war, then we must trust each other."
Dumbledore genuinely smiled. "Thank you, Harry."
Harry thought for a second that the meeting was now concluded but…
"Now, as to the matter of you entering the Forbidden Forest."
…he was wrong.
"This is the second time you've been seen entering the Forbidden Forest, even after you experienced the dangers first hand. I'm extremely disappointed that someone of your intelligence would think that you could remain concealed from the eyes of the castle." Dumbledore spoke slowly and deliberately which confused Harry. He wished the Headmaster would just get to the point. He didn't like to be strung along this way and assumed that after they had just established a proper relationship that Dumbledore would spare him from a lecture.
"I understand your wish to have privacy during your morning workouts but perhaps there is an alternative solution that will still keep you invisible from your peers," said Dumbledore with a soft twinkle in his eye.
Harry's eyes widen slightly at he finally understood Dumbledore's hints. "Are you saying I should use…?"
"I hope you understand, Harry," interrupted Dumbledore. "That as the headmaster I can not directly instruct my students to break the rules." Dumbledore peered over his glasses with a twinkle in his eye and mischievous smile.
"Right, of course," replied Harry.
"Do we have an understanding?" asked Dumbledore now that he was sure that Harry understood what he was alluding to.
"We do, sir."
"Then I see no reason to discuss this further." Dumbledore rose from his chair and held out his hand. Harry rose with him and firmly shook Dumbledore's hand and left the office. He quickly made his way back to the dungeons: he had a very important mirror-call to make and a favor to ask from his father.
"No," said James definitively.
"But, Dad, I really need it, please," pleaded Harry.
James paused for a moment and considered his son's situation. He was asking him to borrow his prized invisibility cloak, a family heirloom going all the back to the Peverells. It was an invaluable item especially during a covert war. James couldn't count how many times it saved him when he was fighting Voldemort and his Death Eaters. At a time like this, the cloak was better suited for Sirius's missions around Europe as he tracked Death Eater cells. And yet, Sirius insisted that he'd rather use his animagus form than risk losing the cloak, something Sirius had a habit of doing. Perhaps, then, he should allow his son the use of his special cloak.
"What do you need it for, again?"
"I need it so I can train without anyone seeing me."
James narrowed his eyes at his son's familiar manner of speaking without saying anything. "Train where?"
"In the forest." Harry tried to make it seem like not a big deal but he knew that it wouldn't work.
James held back his initial thought to scold his son to think critically over what he should say next. "Son, I don't want you to think that I don't trust you to be safe but is the forest, especially after you just barely got out last time, the best place to workout?"
"That won't happen again, I swear. It'll be different this time."
"How?"
Harry didn't want to tell him that it was Adrian that had caused the previous misadventure in the forest. He was afraid that his father would take him out of Hogwarts if he knew. He didn't want to ruin Danny's chance to finally see the outside world and to learn all the wonderful things it had to offer.
"Harry, you're my son and I love you, so please talk to me. You can tell me." James could sense his son's trepidation and wished they were speaking in person instead of through the mirrors.
"I-I made a friend, I trusted him, but he betrayed me and left me in the forest so he could get away," confessed Harry as he refused to meet his father in the eye.
"Why didn't you tell us?" James couldn't imagine what it would feel like to have a friend betray him.
"You would've taken me out of Hogwarts. I didn't want to ruin this for Danny," said Harry while he kept his head down.
There was a moment's pause before Harry heard his father say something he did not expect. "We can't take you out of school, Harry. Not anymore."
Harry quickly met his father's eye. 'What did he mean?' he thought. He'd never heard his father speak like this, like he had no control.
"When your mother and I allowed you to go to Hogwarts we knew that we'd never be able to hide from the world again," continued James. "Things will begin to change now that we've returned, Harry, and people will look at our family for hope, for leadership. We couldn't disappear again even if we wanted to."
"Why, Dad?" Harry didn't understand. "Why is it just us?"
James took a deep breath, he knew one day it would have to explain all this to Harry. "The wizarding world is full of fickle people, son. They fear those with power and expect those with it to protect them, people like you, like Dumbledore, like Danny."
Harry didn't say anything; it was a lot to think about but it only made him resent the world more. 'Why do we have to do everything?'
James could tell that Harry wasn't too happy about the reality of their world. It was something that disgusted James, as well, but there was little they could do about it now. Perhaps after this war was over real change could happen. With that thought and the look on his son's face, James made a decision.
"Tomorrow I'll have Remus stop by with the cloak."
That broke Harry out of his thoughts. His mind now raced with all the opportunities the cloak would provide him.
"I want you to be careful with it and keep it hidden," instructed James.
"I will," promised Harry quickly.
Just as Harry was about to end the call, James locked eyes with him and said, "Don't be afraid to make new friends, Harry. You'll always need somebody to trust."
Harry put the mirror away and grabbed his school bag to head to the library to study. His mind was still focused on his father's parting words. He knew that he needed people that he could trust to help him. With that in his mind, he opened his door and was surprised to see Adrian with his hand raised about to knock. His face immediately hardened and dropped his bag in annoyance.
Adrian did his best to diffuse the tension with a friendly smile but Harry wasn't having any of it.
"What do you want, Grey?"
Adrian's smiled dropped to a frown. "I wanted to apologize. I got up every morning to find you so I could say that I'm really sorry for what I did, Harry." A moment passed and when Harry hadn't said anything, Adrian pressed on. "I was scared and I made a mistake. I know what you must think of me but I want to change."
Harry still refused to speak.
"Will you forgive me?"
Harry had a difficult decision to make. He had always been told that forgiveness was a sign of an honorable man. He thought back to his father's words and the need to have friends he can trust. But that was just it…
"Stupefy!"
…he didn't trust him.
Adrian was blasted backwards and collided hard with the wall. He crumbled to the ground and lied unconscious.
Harry picked his bag back up and quickly made his way out of the dungeons and headed to the hospital wing. He would at least get Grey some help but that would be the last time he'd do anything for him. As he walked, he felt only a slight pang of guilt for what he did but there were better people for him to trust and better people to be friends with.
February 1990
It was a typical Monday morning for most the students in the Great Hall. The students and staff enjoyed a quiet and calm breakfast before they began their daily activities and by the end of breakfast, it seemed like it would be a regular Monday. Towards the end of breakfast many of the students began to make their way back to their dormitories to retrieve their school bags. Seemingly leading the way were the Weasley twins who, despite their status as first years, had a small following from the different houses (except Slytherin, of course). They had grown very popular among their peers for their light-hearted nature and entertaining pranks on the uptight Slytherins.
There was still one Slytherin though, that the twins never pranked and that was Harry Potter. At first, it seemed like it was just a lucky coincidence that Harry was never present while his house was being pranked. However, as time passed, people started to suspect that the twins had some sort of deal with Harry and why wouldn't they? The Weasleys were a notoriously light family and stalwart supporters of Dumbledore so, of course, they would ally themselves with the Potters. The only problem was that Harry wasn't what people had expected.
Everyone had high hopes that Harry would be the shining harbinger for Daniel Potter's upcoming appearance in two years. However, Harry was quickly shattering those hopes with his cold demeanor and inapproachability. The unfortunate few that had tried to approach Harry as a friend were treated very dismissively. This only caused a return of the rumors that Harry was a bad egg and resentful to his brother's fame.
There had also been rumors flying through the castle that Harry had singularly defeated three of the meanest Slytherins and then mercilessly attacked another one. No one were particularly upset that Harry beat up some of his fellow Slytherins, especially given the reputation of King and his gang, but the rumored manner that Harry had disposed of them unsettled people. Like most rumors, though, they were never confirmed but they rarely needed to be for students to steer clear of Harry Potter.
All of this made Harry a very unpopular person and many of the twin's supporters wanted to see him taken down a few notches. The twins never told anyone about their plans but there was a growing consensus that Harry was their next target.
It was on this Monday morning that the people would get what they wanted. Waiting just outside the Great Hall, stood Harry Potter and he did not look pleased. His robes had shrunk to several sizes too small and his hair was done up in an afro and was colored neon pink. Normally, people would laugh and point at the twin's victims but no one did a thing. The menacing look on Harry's face and the pointed wand paralyzed many.
The twins just smiled, though, and treated Harry like any other victim.
"Looking good, Potter."
"I love what you've done with your hair."
"And that outfit is just to die for."
The twins looked at each other before they busted out laughing. At most, they got a few nervous chuckles from the crowd that was now forming around Entrance Hall.
"Undo this now!" ordered Harry.
"Mmmh, sorry, but magic isn't allowed in the hallways."
"You wouldn't want us to break the rules, would you?"
"That would get us in trouble."
Harry wasn't amused and instead of verbally retaliating, he raised his wand. "Levicorpus."
The twins cried out in surprise as they suddenly had their legs lifted from underneath them and were left dangling upside down. Most of the crowd were startled and backed off to avoid becoming apart of the confrontation. Some, though, mainly Slytherins, had satisfied grins on their faces as they watched the troublesome twins receive some comeuppances for the pranks against their house. They still, however, backed away as they knew firsthand what Harry was capable of.
"Very funny, Potter."
"Yes, yes, you got us. Good show."
Harry didn't look satisfied and flicked his wand and caused the twins to climb higher and higher until they reached the ceiling. Harry then put his wand away and pushed his way through the crowd and made his way back to the dungeons. Many students angrily called after him and some even went for their wands. Harry quickly spun around and disarmed them and threw their wands to the ground.
It took almost an half an hour before Professor Flitwick was able to lower the twins to the ground. The twins were nearly unconscious and were transported to the hospital wing for bed rest until their blood circulated back to the rest of their body. When they were asked who had done this, they explained the prank they had pulled on Harry and how Harry had retaliated. Pomfrey and McGonagall were extremely displeased; especially that it was Harry that had committed the crime. Despite Harry's reputation among the students, the professors were all very impressed by Harry's skills and his dedication to learning.
That, though, didn't excuse his actions and the risk he put the twins in. So for the rest of the school year, Harry was forced every night to clean the washroom on the first floor, better known as Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. The task was completely pointless as every time that Harry would finish cleaning it, Myrtle would destroy it again. Then again, it was exactly why Harry was assigned it.
"So I think if we include an ounce of exploding fluid with half an ounce of cooling fluid to our mixture. It will make our fireworks last longer and still have all the pop."
"But then we won't have control on their shape. I'd rather be known for what our fireworks look like then for how long they last."
"No, we shouldn't settle until we have both."
"Agreed," said the twins at the same time.
The twins were tucked away in the back of the library with a stack of potion books. They didn't even notice that they weren't alone.
"You know, when I first chose the library to meet I worried that you two didn't know where it was but clearly…" Harry motioned to the table.
The twins looked up simultaneously and regarded Harry without the less bit of shock. They were used to Harry just showing up without any notice.
"We may have a reputation to maintain but we're not stupid."
"Besides, where do you think we learn all the interesting potions and spells we use?"
"My apologies." Harry moved some books for a chair and sat down. "I just assumed that chaos came naturally to you two."
"Speaking of apologies, we think you owe us one for the three-hour headaches we both had after being hanged upside down for half an hour."
"We have very sensitive heads, you see. I'm still feeling the affects, George," said 'Fred' as he rubbed his head and received a sympathetic pat on the back from 'George.'
"Nice try, George," said Harry as the twins scoffed, they had yet to figure out how Harry could always tell them apart. "And I'm sorry but I had to make it look believable. Now, what's our progress?"
The begrudgingly accepted that they weren't going to get a better apology and settled back in their seats.
"Well, everyone hates you, for starters," said the real George.
"Even our brothers want us to get back at you, even Percy."
Harry's eyebrows rose at that revelation. The twin's next older brother, Percy, was a stalwart supporter of rules and authority so, naturally, he hated the twins.
"Then we were more successful then I thought." Harry reached into his robe and pulled a small journal and made a note. The idea behind the scene was not only to end the rumors that Harry and the twins were in league but also to progress Harry's reputation as a person who shouldn't be messed with.
"Oh yes, very successful," said Fred as he tried to peek over the books and see what Harry was writing.
Harry noticed and pulled it back. "This is my journal, not one of theirs."
"Can't blame us, can you," said Fred as he settled back in his seat a little disappointed.
"We've already read the first one about ten times." George motioned to a pair of identical journals with the M insignia. "And made copies."
"So, you see, we're eager to see the next one," finished Fred.
"You'll get the next one as soon as we make progress on our other venture. How goes it?" said Harry in a professionally manner.
The twins scoffed simultaneously. "We think we found the rat but we're not sure if it's just naturally part of the mural."
"Did you try activating it?" questioned Harry.
"We couldn't."
"You haven't told us what they are."
Harry could tell this was a point of contention for the twins but Harry liked it that way. It acted as a reminder that the twins still needed him in order to go down as Hogwart's greatest pranksters. Harry had immense respect for the twins and their ingenuity. They were excellent problem solvers and easily held a room with their quick wit and lightheartedness. The two often reminded Harry of his father and Uncle Sirius.
"Well what are we waiting for?" Harry rose from his chair and motioned for the twins to lead the way.
"But the mural is near Greenhouse Three."
"There's no way we wouldn't be seen together."
As the twins spoke, they were putting their books away and gathered their belongings. They didn't notice Harry disappear under his invisibility cloak. The twins looked around confusingly.
"Harry?"
"Lead the way, please."
The twins looked around wildly trying to find where Harry had spoken from but ended just looking at each and shrugging. They made their way quickly to Greenhouse Three and stood before a small farmhouse mural on its far side. They looked around expecting Harry to appear but couldn't see him.
"You don't think we lost him, do you?" whispered George in Fred's ear.
"How should I know, no one was following us," whispered back Fred.
The twins waited for five minutes before finally.
"Sorry, had to wait for Hagrid to leave his hut."
"Merlin's balls!" cried George as Harry suddenly appeared behind him.
"How'd you do that?" asked Fred.
"Never mind that, is this it?" replied Harry as he crouched down next to the mural. It was simple scene with many different animals, both magical and non-magical. Not the least bit conspicuous was a small rat. Harry stared suspiciously but was willing to try.
"Wormtail."
Nothing happened.
Harry stood up and looked very disappointed. "Well, we'll have to keep looking. I think if we focus on…" Harry stopped as he noticed the whiskers on the rat start to twitch. He and the twins watched as the rat peeked around for a moment before it dashed off back to the castle.
Harry then looked back at the twins and smiled. "Two to go."
May 1990
It was now late May and exams were just a week away. It was an extremely tense time for many students, especially those taking their OWLs and NEWTs. Harry, though, had the added inconvenience of spending two hours cleaning a bathroom that would never stay cleaned. Of all the wonders of Hogwarts, he never suspected the first place that he would be overly familiar with would be a haunted girl's lavatory. The only thing he found interesting, despite the depressed ghost in stall three, was the unique pipe design that were oddly shaped like a serpent.
He was now heading back to the dorms. He rubbed his hands and tried to remove the grimy feeling of Mrs. Skower's All-Purpose Magical Mess Remover. The common room was packed with students hunched over their books. No one regarded Harry at all: all but one.
"Potter, I need a word." Radbert Rosier had his arms crossed and looked very impatient. He pointed to the exit and started walking. Harry followed behind without any contest. The sooner this was over, the sooner he could get back to studying for his History of Magic exam.
"I've noticed what you've been doing," started Rosier as they walked slowly down the hall. "I find it interesting that you'd think that it would work."
Harry remained silent. He wasn't going to reveal anything until Rosier said it himself.
"You're not the first, you know. Many people before you have had the belief that fear and hatred are the best means for respect."
Harry still didn't say anything. He was sure that Rosier had a point and would get to it eventually. It did unnerve him a bit that Rosier had seen through his plan.
Rosier stopped and squared up Harry. "Fear and hatred only makes you a bully. Look at King and his gang." He looked pointedly as if to say he knew about the incident in the common room. "They believe that they will assume my position once I'm gone but they never will."
Harry raised his eyebrows. "What do you mean?"
"People don't follow fear, Potter, they follow those that fight fear," said Rosier with a sense of finality.
There was a moment's pause as the words sank into Harry. He finally understood why Rosier took him aside for this conversation. Rosier thought that Harry was vying to become the new leader of Slytherin: which was ridiculous. Harry no sooner wanted to lead Slytherin then attend a Slug Club party. Rosier's speech did though, have a point about using fear and a negative aspect of his plan. Harry wanted his plan to give him respect but he didn't want to be compared to King and his lot. He didn't want to be a bully; he just wanted people to leave him alone so he could do what needed to be done to protect his brother. He wasn't though, going to let Rosier know that.
"Thank you, Rosier. I'll keep that in mind," said Harry as sincerely as possible.
Rosier gave a curt nod. "You've got the potential, Potter. You can go far in this house." He then pointed to the door at the end of the hall. "Professor Slughorn wants to speak with you."
Harry looked on to Slughorn's office. He was curious as to what his Head of House would want.
"He likes to speak to all the first years on how they are adjusting after their first school year," clarified Rosier as he firmly gripped Harry's shoulder. "Good luck, Potter." Rosier released Harry and made his way back to the common room.
Harry approached Slughorn's office door and knocked politely.
"Yes! Yes! Come in." Harry heard from within.
Harry opened the door and peered in. "You wanted to see me professor."
"Yes, hello Mr. Potter, please come in. I'm just finishing up here with one of your classmates," said Slughorn jovially as he motioned to the person sitting across from him.
Daphne Greengrass turned in her seat and narrowed her eyes at Harry. She turned back to Slughorn. "Thank you for the advice, Professor. I'll show you my results after the full moon on Friday."
"Very good, Ms. Greengrass. Good luck with the rest of your exams." Slughorn rose from his chair which Daphne mirrored. She shook his hand and turned to leave.
Daphne stood to about Harry's neck line and had a slender build. Her raven hair went just beyond her shoulders and went perfectly with her deep blue eyes. She was sure to be one of the most popular girls in a couple of years: if only she wasn't so cold and unemotional.
"Potter," she said as she passed him.
"Greengrass." Their eyes met for a brief moment where both of them displayed their loathing for the other.
Once she was gone, Slughorn motioned for Harry to take a seat.
"So, Mr. Potter, every year I like to sit down with my Snakes and see how they're adjusting. Now I've noticed that you've made quite a name for yourself. You're first in your classes, except Potions of course." Slughorn didn't noticed the scowl on Harry's face. "But I've noticed that you haven't made too many friends."
"I've been busy." Harry tried not to display his annoyance and he wasn't sure where Slughorn was going with this.
"Yes, I know. You've never made it to a single one of my parties; in fact, if I didn't know better I'd say you were ignoring me." Slughorn looked very disappointed and was obviously fishing for an answer.
"It's not that, Professor. I've just keep myself on a very strict schedule so I never fall behind in my studies," Harry lied easily.
"And that's very important but it's also important to have outlets, things outside your studies to help you develop into a rounded individual. I was telling the same thing to Ms. Greengrass, she too had scheduling conflicts when I invited her to my parties."
Harry was astounded that Slughorn was that naïve.
"So, what is it you enjoy outside your studies?" Harry went to speak but Slughorn didn't stop. "You know what I see, a Quidditch player. I remember your father, James, and how he tore apart my Snakes on the pitch. You have the perfect physique for a Chaser and we're going to be down one after this year." Slughorn motioned behind him to the large trophy on a mantle. "That trophy has been in this office for five years running and I just love looking at it, don't you?" Slughorn put on his best salesman smile. "So, what do you say, will you tryout next year?"
Harry took a moment to consider. He always enjoyed tossing a Quaffle with his father in the backyard and really loved to fly.
But.
It would be a distraction. A distraction he couldn't afford to have.
"I'm sorry Professor but I don't really like Quidditch."