I own nothing.
As promised, the second half of this chapter has been included. For those that asked why Danny is acting this way, reread the end of Chapter XII. As for Harry's out-of-character behavior, he's angry because one; the plans he's been making for the last two years are already falling apart, two; there is an underlining anger he has at the world, especially at those that have wronged his family. This anger is something that will be an ongoing theme in the story. Canon Harry also had an anger that could overtake him, my Harry is no different.
Chapter XIII
September 1st 1991
Harry slowly walked through the halls of Potter Cove. It was a few hours before he and Danny were due to take the portkey to Hogsmeade Station. Dinner had been a quiet ordeal as Danny remained stoic and quiet. It had them all worried. For years, Danny spoke excitedly about joining Harry at Hogwarts. The prospect of seeing the world for the first time was an opportunity that he couldn't wait for, especially since it would reunite him with his brother. The two of them had spent hours daydreaming about the adventures they would share but now it seemed that like Danny was dreading leaving Potter Cove.
Lily chalked it up to nerves and commented that it wasn't easy leaving home, though, it was probably more to her own anxieties about seeing both her children leave the nest. James and Harry, however, had other ideas about what was bothering Danny. It was why Harry was making his way to Danny's room now. He reached the closed door and tried the handle; it was locked. Danny never locked his door. They always had an open-door policy with each other. It was strange having to knock.
There was an audible click and the door slowly opened. Harry pushed the door the rest of the way to see his brother resting his head on his desk. Floating a few inches above the mahogany was one of Danny's magical orbs. He was casually flicking his wand at it to change it different colors.
"Danny," Harry spoke softly to get Danny's attention. "Dad wants to talk to us before we go."
Danny didn't respond. He just grabbed the orb with his free hand and it disappeared into his fist. He got up from his seat and followed Harry out the room with his head cast down in a frown.
They walked side by side for a while before Harry broke the silence. "How's the wand working?"
"It's useless and annoying," he replied shortly as he turned his wand around in his palm.
When Danny had first held his new wand at Ollivander's, the room was blinded in light but it proved to be rather anti-climactic. The first time Danny waved his new wand, nothing happened. The wand really was just a piece a wood and it felt very unnatural for Danny. When they returned home, Remus had said that it would just take practice for him to get use to making it appear that his spells originated from the tip of the wand but Danny continued to struggle. Remus then suggested that he envision the hairs within the wand as still a part of him. That proved to be the difference but Danny still was uncomfortable using it; not to mention that he now had to remember the wand movements for spells he already knew.
Harry was quick to assuage his apprehension.
"You'll only need it when you're in the castle, but don't worry, I got a place where we can practice without it."
"Whatever," Danny replied in the same manner as before, keeping his head down.
Harry was going to say something about Danny's attitude but they had already made it to James's office. James sat behind his desk and somberly considered his two sons as they entered the room.
"Have a seat, boys." Harry and Danny settled into their seats and waited for their father to speak.
James took a long and deep breath. "Things are going to be very different from now on. Harry, you already have an idea what's it like and I want you to keep a close eye on Danny, especially around Dumbledore."
"I will, Dad."
"Danny, I want you to listen to your brother and avoid using magic unless you're alone with Harry."
"I will." Danny was very reserved and still hadn't met his father's eye.
"I know you don't like having to use a fake wand but it's imperative that you appear like everyone else. We need to keep how strong you are a secret for now. There'll be a lot of curious eyes on you: curious eyes with dangerous parents who will quickly report it to their master."
"You want them to underestimate us." Harry meant it more as a statement then a question.
"It's the edge we need until your control is all there. I'm relying on you, Harry, to keep Danny out of trouble."
Harry understood and was ready. His position as the leader of Slytherin will certainly come in handy and he had the map and the twins to help keep an eye on him. Danny, though, still didn't look all that pleased which James noticed.
"I know this isn't how you thought going to Hogwarts was going to be like. I know you wish that you were normal and we were sitting here discussing the best way to prank the teachers. Merlin knows, I wish it. This was never what I wanted for the two of you."
"It doesn't matter what you want." Danny spoke with little emotion as he finally raised his head to meet his father's concerned gaze. "This is how it is and I'm ready. You raised us to be ready."
"We won't let you down, Dad." It was an odd way of saying it but Danny was right. They were well-trained and well-prepared to handle what lie before them.
James held back tears. "You both make me very proud." He took another deep breath to compose himself and smirked. "Now, about the best way to get out of detention with Minnie…"
When Harry and Danny landed in Hogsmeade, they quickly noticed that there was a heavy fog that evening. Harry could barely see five feet in front of him. He looked to Danny and noticed him fixing his hair. Their mother had made quite a fuss about looking presentable as they prepared to leave. It only served to further annoy Danny and for him to cry out that he wasn't a little kid anymore. It certainly put a damper on their farewell. There hadn't been much time to discuss the matter as the portkey was due to depart and here they were. Harry squinted through the mist and could just barely make out the large frame of Hagrid and his lantern. He grabbed his trunk and beckoned Danny to follow him.
"Hiya Harry, ready fer the year?" Hagrid squinted and held up his lantern. "Nasty fog we got here, eh?"
"Hello, Hagrid. Yeah, it's rough." Harry set his trunk down and stepped back to introduce his brother. "I want you to meet my brother, Danny."
Hagrid was visibly trying to contain himself but still had a big goofy smile. "Hello there, Danny, my name is Rubeus Hagrid, keeper of keys an' grounds of Hogwarts." He puffed up his chest.
"Hello," Danny replied curtly.
Hagrid clearly expected more and scrambled for something to say. "Uhh, I hear yeh like magical creatures."
Danny shrugged. "Sure."
"Ah well, yeh should come visit me sometime. I got lots o' things I can show yeh."
Danny shrugged again. "Maybe."
Harry couldn't take the awkwardness anymore and stepped in. "I'm sure Danny would love the chance. He's already met Fawkes."
Hagrid was quick to jump on the topic. "Dumbledore's phoenix! Say, did yeh know phoenixes go through cycles where they burst inter flames an' are reborn in the ash? It's how they live forever."
"Yeah, I did." Danny was bordering on rude and Harry was very disappointed. He may have thought Hagrid a bit simple but he was kind man and deserved better than how Danny was treating him.
"Will you excuse us for a moment?"
"Uh, sure. Don' wonder too far, though, the train should arrive shortly."
Harry grabbed Danny by the scoff of his collar and pulled him further down the platform. He twirled him around and leaned close so they won't be overheard.
"Danny, what's wrong? You're being rude."
"I'm fine. I just don't feel like talking, is all," he said nonchalantly avoiding Harry's eyes.
Harry sensed there was more to it than that. From the corner of his eye he saw the train approach the station, he didn't have much time before they had to separate.
"Talk to me, Danny. What's wrong?"
Danny looked him straight in the eyes and appeared almost angry. "I don't have to talk to you if I don't want to."
Harry was so taken aback that words failed him for a moment. Danny used the hesitation to throw Harry's hand off him and returned to stand by Hagrid. Soon, the platform was filled with students and Harry didn't have a chance to get back to Danny before a swarm of first years crowded around Hagrid. He tried to catch Danny's eye but he refused to look at him. Instead, he was already engaged with a young girl, though she seemed to be doing most of the talking. Harry eyed the girl suspiciously and observed that she had a frightfully large amount of hair.
"Harry, there you are!"
Harry spun around to meet the cool blue eyes of Daphne. He recoiled at the sight of her and the eagerness in her eyes to speak with him. Excitement radiated throughout her entire face and Harry thought she was about to burst into her first ever smile; all because of him. His mind immediately flashed to Diagon Alley and the word 'boyfriend.'
"Daphne, I'm really not in the mood." He avoided looking at her and instead focused on catching his brother's eye. Her perkiness quickly vanished as she closed the distance between them.
"Too bad."
She grabbed his arm and started to drag him towards the carriages. He threw her hand off him and sent her a cautionary glare to not do that again. She just glared back for him to come along then. With one more fruitless glance behind him at Danny, Harry followed her wordlessly to the carriages. He kept his distance, though. He didn't want anything to convey that they were walking as a couple.
She was to first to arrive at one of the self-propelled carriages and stared down some other students who looked to follow her. She quickly entered the carriage and left the door open for him to follow. Harry was about ready to abandon her and find another carriage but Daphne's head reappeared.
"Come on Harry, we need to talk."
The desire to run away increased. He had learned enough from his Uncle Sirius that it was never good when a girl said those four little words.
"About what?"
"Not out here," she hissed. "Now get in and stop acting like you don't know what this is about."
He wished he didn't.
Harry uncomfortably settled into the carriage and went to the farthest side away from Daphne. He avoided looking at her for as long as he could until five minutes pasted when he cautiously glanced her way. She was staring intently right at him and looked a little perturbed about how fair he was seating from her. If at all possible, he scooted further away while making no indication that he was aware of her gaze. Perhaps if he ignored her, she would just go away, fully aware that they were in a confined space.
Finally, the carriages began to move and the only sound was the creaking of the wheels on the dirt road to the castle. After another five minutes, Daphne appeared to have enough and scooted across the bench so that they were directly across from each other. Harry didn't look but he could feel her boring holes into his head. Knowing he couldn't hold it off forever, he turned his head to look at her. There was brief pregnant pause before they both started to speak at once.
"Look, Daphne, I know that we've-"
"When the first years arrive at the common room-"
"What?"
"What?"
They both just stared at one another, waiting for the other to speak. Harry was first.
"What were you saying?"
"I was saying that I think you should address the first years when they arrive. Establish that you're in charge."
"That's it?"
"What else would I want to talk to you about?"
Harry started laughing manically in relief. It was crazy to think him and her anything more than friends, if even that.
Daphne stared at him strangely. "You're acting very peculiar."
Harry kept laughing. "I'm peculiar. You probably spent the whole summer thinking about this, didn't you?"
"So," she shrugged as if it wasn't a big deal.
Harry continued to chuckle but now more at Daphne's expense. She quickly became perturbed.
"Better planning our future together then spending all my time training to become a meat-head."
Harry's smile dropped. "What do you mean 'future together?'"
She looked at him strangely again. "I thought our arrangement was clear, no matter how much I loath my part in it."
"Right, of course." Relief spilled through him. "Speaking of which, you better stay on it this year. I won't have time for anything trivial."
"Oh how I live to serve." Sarcasm dripped her lips.
"Good." Harry smirked, glad to see there was still something he could use to annoy her.
They continued the rest of the way in silence. Harry watched the scenery outside the window just as the carriages cleared the trees and Hogwarts came into view. Even with the dense fog, Hogwarts still shone brightly in the night's sky. He sensed Daphne through his periphery lean over so their heads were almost touching. Harry didn't think anything of it, though, knowing that she was just admiring the view along with him.
When their carriage came to a halt at the foot of Entrance Hall doors, Harry made the first move to leave but Daphne grabbed his arm.
"By the way, what were you trying to say?"
The Great Hall was every bit as magnificent as it always was each year for the Sorting Ceremony. This year was especially unique because the usually chatter of friends catching up on each other's summers was completely absent. There was absolutely no noise as everyone anticipated what was about to occur. Harry would later find out that the Daily Prophet had spent their last couple of issues to highlight the life and times of Daniel Benjamin Potter and the Potter family. Most of it was benign contexture mixed with pure fiction but the truth of the matter still remained: Daniel Potter had arrived.
All eyes were trained on the hall doors, waiting for Professor McGonagall to appear with the host of new students. Harry, though, was more focused on the students around him. He wanted to catch anyone who showed the wrong kind of interest once his brother appeared. Daphne wasn't that much interested in the door either. She was far more concerned with the Hufflepuff table. Her fidgeting and leaning over him to see around the others at their table finally got on his last nerve.
"Will you just sit still?" he hissed at her.
"No, I'm looking for someone." She leaned over the table to see over the sea of students.
"Who?"
She sat back down and looked at him. "A Hufflepuff named Reginald, do you know him?"
"No," he said quickly. Luckily she didn't sense his surprise at the mention of his alter ego.
"Damn," she swear under her breath.
"What do you want with him?" he asked in feign indifference.
"I just want to tell him that if he even so much as breathe near me, then he and his lecherous old grandfather's virility will discover what a little eye of newt can do to his little pecker," she said very casually as if they were having a normal conversation.
Harry subconsciously squeezed his legs together and scooted away from her. This was one secret he was taking to his grave. Before the conversation could progress further, the doors opened and in strode Professor McGonagall in her usually emerald robes and eagle-feathered hat. Behind her were the latest crop of new students. Harry quickly found Danny among them and noticed that he was still with the bushy-haired girl who was still talking incessantly.
"…it's bewitched to look like the night's sky. I read about it in Hogwarts: A History…"
"You can just tell that one is a nightmare," commented Daphne, following Harry's gaze to the young girl.
"Hmm…" Harry was already moving on to the other students who now gathered before the Sorting Hat. His eyes narrowed on one boy with bleach blonde hair. "Malfoy."
"You'll have fun with that one. His daddy will expect him to take your spot."
Harry wasn't concerned about that, it was more about the attention the young Malfoy scion had on his brother. There was a hungry predatory glint in his eyes.
"You'll have to take him down a peg and watch for his two goons…" Daphne was still talking and getting on Harry's nerves.
"Shut up, Daphne."
She didn't but Harry tuned her out. He needed to keep an eye on the sorting.
"Granger, Hermione!"
The bushy haired girl smiled happily at Danny before she hopped on to the stool and placed the hat on her head.
"Gryffindor!"
"Oh thank Merlin," said Daphne under her breathe. Harry didn't know why she was concern, Granger was obviously a muggleborn and would never be sorted into Slytherin. Speaking of which, the fastest sorting of night came when Malfoy's name was called. The hat was barely on his head before it yelled Slytherin and he joined their table beside two gorillas named Crabbe and Goyle.
Soon after, it was the moment the entire hall was waiting for.
"Potter, Daniel."
No one except Harry knew what Danny looked like so there was a wild scramble to see who of the remaining first years answered the call. Harry was surprised to see Danny confidently walk up to the stool and ignore all the excited whispering and star-struck looks coming his way. Normally, Harry would expect Danny to shy away from all the attention but apparently this new Danny wasn't fazed at all. It was concerning as Harry was used to being on the same page with his brother but this new attitude made Harry fell like everyone else; waiting to see what the boy hero would do.
The hall waited impatiently to see where Danny would be sorted. Five minutes passed and the hat was still silent. Danny's expression didn't give anything away. He just stared off into the distance, not looking at anything in particular. After another few minutes, the hall was getting antsy, even Daphne was getting impatient.
"Will your brother hurry up? I'm hungry."
Harry continued to ignore her, getting pretty annoyed by her constant badgering.
Finally, the hat sprung to life and proclaimed, "Gryffindor!"
The Gryffindor table exploded in excitement chanting, "We Got Potter! We Got Potter! We Got Potter!"
Harry smiled, pleased by the results. He watched his brother take a seat by the Granger girl, who grabbed him excitedly. He was curious how Danny and the girl became so close so quickly. His eyes roamed further down the Gryffindor table to find the twins. They sensed his stare and gave him an affirmative nod. Harry was glad that he now had two more sets of watchful eyes to look after his brother. What he didn't like was the small crowd of eager students that now surrounded his brother.
"Regular little golden boy, your brother," commented Daphne as they watched Danny shake hand after hand.
"Daphne, shut up." Harry felt the urge to silence her but his attention was much more focused on odd way that the Granger girl reacted to people surrounding his brother. It was almost like she was just as upset as he was that people were crowding Danny. Things finally settled after Fred and George intervened and sat on both sides of Danny, pushing Granger further down the bench.
"Bet you're happy your two watch dogs can keep an eye on him."
Even though she was right, he was really tired of hearing her voice. The last few names were called, including Fred and George's little brother, Ronald (Gryffindor), with the last being a dark skinned boy named Blaise Zabini (Slytherin).
Dumbledore rose and gave his usual speech before the tables filled with the night's feast. The spread was pretty impressive and Harry had more options than he could choose from. There was ham, turkey, roast beef, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, steamed carrots, everything.
Better yet, Harry finally found something to keep Daphne from talking. She loaded her plate up quick and pleasurable moaned from her first bite. She then preceded to eat like a dignified pig, showing all the proper manners but eating as fast as possible. Harry had most of his attention on his own plate while keeping an eye on the Gryffindor table but he couldn't help an occasional bewildered look to his raven-haired companion. He leaned in to whisper.
"Daphne, you're making a scene."
"It's so good, I haven't eaten all day." She said as she chewed on a forkful of turkey and gravy stuffing.
"Why didn't you get something on the train?"
Daphne paused and slowly finished swallowing her food. She shuffled uncomfortably and looked everywhere except at him. He could tell she wished he hadn't asked. When she finally spoke, it was barely above a whisper. "I didn't have any money. I spent it all on my school supplies."
Harry didn't quite know what to say to that.
"I'm not poor or anything. My father just forgot to give me some money," she quickly added.
Harry still didn't know what to say. His mind drifted back to the night of the Circle's Ball and the things she had said about her home life. To hear that she had to buy her own school supplies told him enough not to press further.
"I'm sorry," he said finally, though there was really nothing for him to be sorry for.
She frowned a bit and looked at him with a hint of sadness. It was fairly obvious that this was not something she normally would share with someone. She ducked her head again and picked up her utensils to continue eating.
"They just serve junk food anyway."
That sounded more like the Daphne Harry knew. He was happy to put the awkward exchange behind them and return to his meal. After a few minutes, Daphne spoke up again.
"I think we should do it together."
Death by chicken wing was hardly the way Harry thought he would leave this world. He coughed, heaved, and nearly gagged as a chunk of chicken tried to enter his lungs.
What on earth did she mean by that?
"What!?" he managed to choke out as he fought to clear his airway. Daphne reached behind him and rubbed his back to help him through it. He recoiled at her touch, despite the help it provided.
"Your speech. That way we can establish how we run things."
Harry wiped his mouth as relief flooded through him. He didn't want to even imagine what else she could have meant. He closed his eyes to collect himself as he could now breathe without obstruction. He tuned out Daphne as she prattled on about how they should address the first years. Unfortunately, this caused him to hear hushed whispers from around the Slytherin table.
"…Saw them take a carriage together…Wouldn't let anyone join them…getting some alone time…"
He kept his eyes shut and pinched the top of his nose. 'Why is this happening to me?' he thought despairingly. He finally opened his eyes and looked her way. She seemed oblivious to his distress and the gossip going on around them. Thankfully, something was about to take Harry's mind off all this.
"They call this a feast, pathetic."
The loud proclamation drew Harry and Daphne's attention down their table. Malfoy had his arms crossed and putting up a stink.
"There's not even any pheasant. Father would always have pheasant on special occasions. This is common food." He pushed his plate away.
"Oh Draco, I know. It's undignified. Don't they know who you are?" said a pug-nosed girl who was practically hanging off Malfoy's every word.
"It can't be helped, Pansy. It's what happens with muggle-lovers like Dumbledore in charge. Father always says he's the worst thing to ever happen to this school."
Harry had heard enough. That was the second time Malfoy mentioned his father and looked like he had no issue throwing his father's influence around. Worse yet, despite the pompous whining, Malfoy had the rapt attention of everyone around him. Daphne had been right, Harry was going to have to keep a close eye on the Malfoy scion with a showdown for power in Slytherin seemingly inevitable.
He gave Daphne a glance to see her equally annoyed and plotting in her head the best way to show the blonde-haired boy who was in charge in their house. Harry would let her scheme, he was more concerned about keeping his brother from getting involved with Malfoy. Looking back over to the Gryffindor table, Harry could see Danny talking quietly with Granger, the twins having returned to their pervious spot. She was listening intently, ignoring any attempts by others to join their conversation.
The feast began winding down and Harry really needed to find a way to speak to Danny before they retired for the evening. He caught the twins' eyes and signaled them to stall Danny by the entrance. Daphne, having filled her stomach, was back to spewing advice on how to address the first years and other house politics. As Dumbledore finished sending the students off to bed, Harry was quickly to his feet, ignoring Daphne's cry to wait for her, and made a beeline to the Entrance Hall. He broke free from the pack of students and waited for the twins to deliver his brother behind a suit of armor in order to provide a bit of privacy. He could no longer see the entire student body but he heard the twins approach over the cadence.
"Hey, it's no problem, little firstie."
"Anything we can do to help out our fellow lions."
The threesome broke through the crowd and Danny stopped dead when he saw Harry peer out from the suit of armor. He stared brazenly at Fred and George but before he could say anything he was interrupted by the twin's brother and the Granger girl.
"Fred, George, wait up!"
"Daniel!"
George, Fred, and Danny turned around.
"Go away, Ron," dismissed Fred.
"Yeah Ronniekins, follow the other firsties. Take the girl with ya," said George as he shooed them away.
"I'm going to write mum," whined Ron indignantly.
"Tell her the toilet seat is in the mail, will ya?"
Granger ignored the brotherly exchange and looked to Danny. "Daniel, we should be following the prefects."
"It's okay, Hermione. I'll see you in the morning," assured Danny.
"But-" Danny held up his hand to stop her.
"It's okay, I just have to speak to my brother for a second."
Harry could already hear the level of comfort the two had with each other which only added to Harry's curiosity.
Granger noticed Harry for the first time. Her eyes went wide and her mouthed opened in a silent 'O.' She blushed furiously and ducked her head as if embarrassed that she was caught staring.
"Right, of course, sorry." She then looked up to address Harry. "Hi, I'm Hermy, I mean Her-moan, I-I-" Her blush intensified as her words died in her mouth.
"Ok, little bird, let's leave these boys to talk," rescued George, finding the whole situation very amusing. He put his arm around her shoulder as he and Fred escorted her down the hall but not without giving Harry a pair of wisecracking smirks. As they were leaving, Harry could hear Granger repeating her name over and over again; correctly this time.
Harry brushed off the odd exchange and turned his attention to Danny.
"Danny, we have to talk."
"What about?" Danny fired back who looked particularly displeased to be there.
"This. This new you. What is going on? I thought we were a team."
"Me too."
"What does that mean?"
Danny didn't answer right away and looked sad and disappointed. Was Harry supposed to know what this was about?
"Danny?" Harry tried to get Danny's attention.
Instead of answering, Danny turned and started walking away. Harry tried to catch him but Danny's trained agility and quickness allowed him to effortlessly disappear into the fray. Clenching his teeth in frustration, Harry ripped out his wand and had to restrain himself from blasting a hole in the wall.
"Harry!" Harry turned to see Daphne storming towards him. "What are you thinking leaving me behind like that? We should arrive together to show a unified front."
"Daphne, shut up." This was a really bad moment for Daphne to be herself right now.
"Have you thought about what you're going to say? It's important to make the right impression with the first years."
"I said shut up." His anger was quickly rising and his patience wearing thin. If she kept this up, he was going to explode.
"And what about Malfoy? You heard his dribble. He's going to make a play. I think-"
"I don't care about stupid house politics, Daphne!"
She seemed to have finally heard him and grew defensive. "We made a deal."
Harry let a bark of laughter. He walked right up to her and dropped his voice very low. "Get this through your head. I did not do that for your benefit. I did it so that I could help my real friends which does not include you."
Daphne recoiled at his tone with an expression of hurt and confusion. "I thought-"
"You thought what?" he quickly interrupted. "That we were actually friends? We were never friends or anything else for that matter."
"But-" Harry could see a hints of tears forming in her eyes but he didn't care. This was a long time coming.
"Friends don't manipulate each other. Friends don't poison each other's friends. They don't explode each other's potions and cause their hands to boil."
"You pranked me first!" she snapped back.
Harry was not about to start arguing with her. His silence only spurred Daphne on.
"None of that matters anyway, we made a deal."
Harry was sick and tired of hearing about their deal and he knew exactly what he was going to do about that.
"Deal's off. Find another whipping boy."
Harry walked off without another word from Daphne and headed towards the Slytherin common room. He arrived just as Sterndale was informing the first years on how to enter the common room.
'Just perfect.' If Daphne wanted a speech, he give these little first years a speech.
"Listen up!" All eyes turned to him and Sterndale stopped speaking.
"My name is Harry Potter. I'm in charge of this house and you will follow my house rules. Sterndale, I trust you will inform them." Sterndale nodded. "If you have a problem with any of them, tough. If there is something you need to discuss, come to me…" Harry glanced behind him to see that Daphne had caught up and had been listening. "…and to me alone. Understood? Good."
Harry didn't wait for a response as he pushed through the group. He noticed Malfoy had a superior sort of smirk but didn't say anything. Harry waited as the serpent on the wall came to life and asked for his name. With one last menacing stare at the group of first years, he turned back to the snake.
"My name is Harry James Potter, Heir Apparent of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter."
The next morning, Harry's mood hadn't improved and it only got worse as his morning went on. First off, Danny didn't show for their morning workout. He had hoped that sharing their training ground would spark something in Danny and they could finally hash out what was wrong. Instead, Harry did a quick lap around the Black Lake and returned to the common room extremely frustrated. As soon as he entered, a small gathering of first years crowded around and started asking questions.
"What's the deal with these rules?"
"Why do we have to listen to you?"
"What if we're provoked? You expect us to lie down and take it?"
Harry felt his frustration grow and his hand inched towards his wand to hex these little bugs. Daphne would have torn them apart and put the matter to rest but she wasn't an option any longer. Speaking of his former 'friend,' Daphne appeared from the girl's dormitory and passed through the common room without a single glance to Harry and the crowd of clamoring first years. Soon after, he watched a satisfied and smug Malfoy rise from the boy's dormitory and approach the group.
"Listen up, you whelps, leave Potter alone. Don't you know how to treat your betters? Get out of here, all of you."
The crowd disappeared instantly leaving Malfoy and Harry alone.
"My father always says it's important to have a firm hand when dealing those beneath you so anytime you need help with them, Potter, just ask."
"That won't be necessary." It was an obvious dig against him and reminded him a lot of his encounter with the eldest Malfoy. He was really going to have to keep a very close eye on the Malfoy scion.
"Of course." Malfoy bowed his head and made his way out of the common room with the same superior smirk.
Harry was no fool. It was obvious that Malfoy masterminded the little scene to try and undermine his authority. Unfortunately, he didn't have time right then to address it. He had to hurry to the Great Hall and intercept his brother before he came down for breakfast. He was tired of playing games. He and Danny were going to clear this matter up today.
Or so he thought.
He made it down to the Great Hall only ten minutes after they opened for breakfast. With a quick look to see that Danny wasn't already inside, Harry stood just outside the hall and waited, ignoring all the curious looks coming his way. An hour passed and still no Danny. He saw Daphne come and go without a single look and Malfoy lead the other first years back to the common room. As he passed, Harry had a strong urge to hex that little smirk right off his smug little face.
Finally, Harry saw the Granger girl and expected Danny to not be far behind. However, she stopped as soon as he saw him. She pushed her hair behind her ears and smoothed out the front of her school uniform. She then slowly walked towards him, her blush intensifying with every step.
"Hi Harry." Harry feared she would burst with the amount blood in her face. "I know I didn't get a chance to proper introduce myself before but my name is Herm-"
"What do you want?" he asked without looking at her. This was the last thing he wanted to deal with, a girl with a crush.
"Daniel isn't coming."
"What!?" Now she had his attention which only intensified her blush.
"He said he doesn't feel like eating and instead wanted to explore the castle a bit."
Harry started to panic. Danny, alone in the castle: this was not good. He started to breathe heavier as his mind reeled on what he needed to do next.
"I wanted to go with him," she added quickly, trying to make him feel better. "But he said he wanted to be alone and I couldn't really blame him for that-"
"What are you talking about?" He interrupted her again.
"Last night was really hard for him. Everyone was crowding him and asking him questions. He could barely breathe. I mean, I understand that he's some sort of celebrity. I read about him in Most Influential Wizards and Witches of the Twentieth Century and I'll admit I was curious about him but he's still a person. It was atrocious how they were treating him. It was really horrible."
Harry had feared this would happen. Eleven years was a long time and the hype surrounding Danny's first year at Hogwarts was exactly why they needed to clear the rift between them. The last thing they needed was for Danny to lose his cool and unleash his power on someone. It was his greatest fear and he needed to be there to keep it from happening. Instead, it was this little girl who was still rambling on.
"…I tried to help but no one would listen to me. I wanted to get a professor but-"
"Granger!"
"Yes, Harry." She smiled sweetly with dreamy eyes, giving Harry her rapt attention. He leaned forward to bring them face to face. Her eyes fluttered close in anticipation.
"Daniel does not need your help and you are to stay away from him."
Her eyes snapped open. "What?" She was clearly confused.
"Stay away from Daniel," he stated slowly to make sure it got through to her.
Her mouth gaped open like a fish. "But, I-"
"You can leave now."
Her eyes welled up with tears and ran away to parts unknown. He knew it was harsh to crush her so badly but Harry didn't have time to feel bad about it right now. It wasn't that he didn't want Danny to have friends but he was uncomfortable with the closeness she had with his little brother, especially with the issues he and Danny were having. He needed to be the one Danny turned to, not a little girl he hadn't known for more than twenty-four hours.
His mind quickly moved to his current problem. Danny was somewhere in the castle and even worse, he didn't have the Marauder's Map to find him. He had given it to the twins for the summer as reparation for having to commandeer it for the rest of the year. In hindsight, it was bad idea but he never expected to need it so soon.
He walked deliberately and swiftly towards the Gryffindor common room to hopefully intercept the twins on their way to breakfast. Luckily, he caught up with them on the main staircases and signaled them to head to the nearest empty classroom. Fred and George could easily sense his desperation and effortlessly detached from their entourage.
Harry walked promptly to a classroom on the third floor and banged the door open with a flourish. He waited impatiently and pounced on the twins when they arrived.
"I need the map now."
"What's going on Harry?" asked Fred, confused by his tone.
"Give me the map," repeated Harry sternly.
"Alright, alright. I got it right here."
Harry snatched the map as soon as it was pulled from George's robes. He pulled his wand, activated the map, and placed it on front desk.
"What's this about mate?" asked Fred again.
Harry didn't bother to look at them. "Want to tell what happened last night." It wasn't a question, they were going to tell him.
Fred and George shuffled uncomfortably.
"It wasn't pretty, I'll admit."
"It was like a niffler in a jewelry store. There was nothing we could do."
"I'm sure." Harry knew they had a pretense for distraction.
"Now mate, that's not fair," said George defensively.
"Don't get me started on fair. You have no idea what could happen if he's pushed too far," Harry fired back. He shuddered at the possibilities.
"We're sorry but we got our own family to look after too you know."
Harry finally found Danny and he didn't like where he was. He looked up to the twins for the first time. "You're right." He started folding up the map. "This is not your problem," he said with finality.
Harry was out the door and ignored the twins cry to wait for them. He didn't slow down but Fred and George quickly caught up to him. Harry was about to brush them off but they spoke up first.
"What can we do, mate?"
Harry didn't break stride. He wasn't going to say it but he really would have regretted it if he had pushed away the twins. With so many things in flux, he still really needed his friends. With the twins beside him, Harry picked up the pace; they had to hurry.
"Where're we headed?"
Harry didn't look at them, his anger taking him over. "Dumbledore's office."
Why Danny's dot on the map was in Dumbledore's office was beyond Harry's comprehension. For starters, it broke his and Dumbledore's agreement to never meet with Danny without his presence.
'Dumbledore better have a damn good reason.'
Their journey didn't take too long and they were soon in front of the gargoyle sentry.
"Let me through now," commanded Harry.
"I don't think it works that way, Harry," said Fred wearily, not wanting to get in the way.
From his periphery, Harry could see a couple of students watching them curiously. Harry didn't have time to lament that his secret arrangement with the twins was probably now over. He just chalked it up to everything else that had gone wrong since the school year started.
'Didn't even last one bloody day.'
"Let me through. Now!" repeated Harry, his voicing dropping to almost a growl. Just as he was about to pull his wand and blast his way through, the gargoyle sprung to life and moved to the side. He was up the stairs before Fred and George could get a word in. When he reached the top, he was surprised to see the office door open and could hear voices.
"…I can feel it changing. What does it mean?" Harry easily recognized Danny's voice. He found it curious as to what Danny was referring.
"Why don't we wait for your brother to join us?" Harry could hear Dumbledore say. Not surprised that Dumbledore knew he was there, Harry stepped in but Danny still hadn't noticed him.
"I don't want to talk about this with Harry." Danny still had a low amount of contempt in his voice when he said Harry's name.
"Talk about what?"
Danny turned around and appeared disappointed to see him.
"Have a seat, Mr. Potter." Harry did so beside Danny. He stared heatedly at Dumbledore, his anger nearly boiling over.
"What's this about, Headmaster? This is not what we agreed."
"We never discussed if it was Daniel that sought me out." Dumbledore raised his hand to show his innocence.
"What?" Harry was stunned. He turned quickly to his brother. "Danny, Dad said-"
"Dad can't help me with this." Danny held up his right arm to show the Devil's Grip. Harry took a closer look and was shocked by what he saw.
A crack.
A small crack had etched its way through the center of the ruby. Harry looked between Dumbledore and Danny with a mixture of surprise and confusion.
"How could this happen?" asked Harry, momentarily forgetting how angry he was with the headmaster.
Dumbledore leaned back in his chair and stroked his beard. "There are a number of possibilities. For one, it might have something to do with how this is not the bracelet's original purpose but my theory is that the demonstration Daniel performed triggered his magic to reject the bracelet's properties."
"What can we do, then?" Harry didn't know much about the bracelets and, at the moment, had to rely on the headmaster.
"We can-" Dumbledore started but Danny interrupted him.
"Nothing. I don't want to wear it anymore."
Dumbledore held up his hand to stop them both from speaking.
"I believe it is too soon for that, Daniel. There are still elements of yourself that you must learn to control first."
Danny didn't look happy but didn't say anything.
"I can contact my parents and they can send the other bracelet we have."
"Very good. Now, Daniel has told me about something very troubling between you two and I would like to mediate, if I may?"
Harry was incensed. Not only had Danny discussed their troubles with Dumbledore but he now wanted to play therapist. Had his falling out with Danny progressed this far? "That's not necess-"
"Mr. Potter," Dumbledore interrupted as he went rigid and looked off into space. "I fear that what we discussed last year is about to occur."
Harry's mind pondered back to what Dumbledore could be referring to and that's when the blood drained from his face. He jumped out of his chair and grabbed Danny by the arm.
"Come on Danny, we've got to get you out of here."
"What's going on?" asked Danny as they were already half way to the door.
"I'll explain later." There was no time, he had to get Danny out of there.
"No!" Danny ripped his arm out of Harry's grasp. "For once, tell me the truth."
It was then that a terrible thought entered Harry's mind. Was this what Danny was so upset about? Did he think that he was being lied to? Either way, this wasn't the time to talk about it. He leaned over so he was at Danny's eye level and spoke softly and urgently.
"We don't time for this right now. I've got to get you out of here but I swear to you, I'll tell you everything."
Danny was still reluctant but yielded and followed behind Harry out of the office.
"I'll hold him off as long as I can," called Dumbledore as they disappeared down the stairs.
When they reached the bottom of the staircase, Harry went right to the twins.
"Fred, George, follow me."
Harry led the small group down the hall and around the corner. Once they were an appropriate amount of distance from Dumbledore's office, Harry stopped and turned to the twins.
"I need you to take Danny back to the Gryffindor common room and do not leave for class until you see me…," Harry pushed the Marauder's map into their hands, "…leave Dumbledore's office. Understand?"
"What's this about?"
"No time to explain, just do it," said Harry assertively. The twins could tell he was serious and nodded that they would do as he asked.
Harry then turned to Danny and leaned down to his eye level.
"Danny, I have to go take care of this but I'll see you real soon and we'll talk, okay?"
"Fine." Danny didn't sound too happy but thankfully didn't try to argue. Harry certainly hoped for more but it'll do. He straightened up and looked back to the twins.
"I'm counting on you two."
"Just go, Harry. We can handle this."
"And we promise to keep the wolves away this time."
"Thank you." Harry gave one more meaningful look to Danny before he turned and ran back to Dumbledore's office.
The gargoyle didn't even wait for him to speak and immediately jumped out of the way. He took the steps two at a time, pausing before he reached the last turn of the spiral staircase. He took the time to collect his thoughts and prepare for what's about to happen.
He ascended the last few steps and found the door to Dumbledore's office once again open. Inside were a number of people who Harry didn't recognize but still knew who they were.
"Ah, Mr. Potter, please come join us."
Heads excitedly turned to the door but slouched at seeing it was not the Potter they were hoping for.
"Allow me to introduce you to Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic."
The portly little man next to Dumbledore took off his green bowler hat as he walked purposefully up to Harry and extended his hand.
"A pleasure to finally meet a member of the great Potter family."
Harry fought the urge to crush the hand he was currently shaking. Nothing would make him feel better after the horrible day he was having then to pull his wand and curse the man before him.
"The pleasure is all yours, I'm sure." Harry couldn't let go of Fudge's hand fast enough. He looked over to Dumbledore and did his best to convey how much he didn't want to deal with this. From Dumbledore's expression, the message was well received. Fudge, though, was oblivious.
"Ha! A political answer if I've ever heard one. We should see about a position among our Junior Ministers, what do you think Dolores?"
Harry turned and had to hold back a grimace at the hideous toad-faced woman dressed in far too much pink.
"Oh yes, we're always looking for up-and-coming young wizards to join our ranks," she spoke with a sickly sweet smile.
"Ms. Skeeter, make a note. I think a short exposé on the reunion of the Ministry and the Potter Family would be a wonderful addition to this week's 'Conversation with the Minister.'"
Skeeter took the prompt and pulled out a pad and a quill that moved on its own. The quill started flying across the page with Skeeter making comments here and there. Harry's frustration grew.
"I beg your pardon but there will be no interview."
That got Skeeter's quill moving even more frantically.
"Oh come now, Mr. Potter. This is a glorious day for our country. The return of our salvation. Oh that's good. Rita, there's your headline. Now why don't we call your brother here and we can get started."
Harry needed to be careful with what he was about to say but the urge to start firing off curses was becoming very enticing.
"Daniel will not be joining us."
Before Fudge could speak, Dumbledore stepped in.
"Minister Fudge, I think it would be best if you, Mr. Potter, and I spoke alone."
Fudge took a long moment to look at Harry and now seemed to realize the temperature of the conversation.
"Very well, Dolores, Ms. Skeeter, may you please wait outside?"
Both women looked displeased at being dismissed but left without a word. The toad woman named Dolores passed Harry with a smile but her eyes construed nothing but animosity. Meanwhile, Skeeter looked at him like a piece of meat and Harry had no doubt that he would see her again.
Once the three men were alone, Harry turned to the headmaster. "Professor, I do not want to be late for my first class. I still must get my timetable." Harry wasn't actually concerned about missing class. He just didn't care to be in the same presence as the man who extorted his family.
Dumbledore walked over to his desk and picked up a slim piece of paper. He returned and handed it to Harry. "I'm sure Professor Sprout will understand but I'll be sure to write you a note."
Harry looked down to see that he, indeed, had Herbology first followed by Transfiguration. "Very well." Resolved that he couldn't cut this encounter short, Harry turned to the minister. "Shall we sit?"
"Please. After you, Mr. Potter," said Fudge with all the political nicety that Harry would expect. He could sense that Fudge wasn't happy with how he was being addressed but he held his tongue.
Harry made a mental note. 'He's not going to speak out as long as he thinks he can still get to Danny through me.'
After they were comfortably seated, Dumbledore was the first to speak. "I feel as though there are some unspoken issues that Mr. Potter has with the Ministry that I believe should be addressed."
Fudge appeared confused. "What possible issues could Mr. Potter have with us? We haven't had any contact with the Potters for over eleven years."
"And just whose fault is that?" Harry interceded.
"I beg your pardon."
"You told the world who my brother was. You're the reason we went into hiding."
"Ha! Is that what this is about?" Fudged asked incredulously. He then sobered quickly and spoke condescendingly. "Mr. Potter, birth records are a part of the public domain. Your brother's identity would have been released regardless."
"So better for your benefit then."
"Would you rather have someone who wants your brother harmed use it?"
"I would rather have grown up like a normal human being."
"My administration did not force your family to go into exile. That was your father's choice."
Harry gave Dumbledore a long look, knowing full well that the headmaster had a hand in his father's decision.
"And yet, you claimed to have orchestrated the entire thing."
"Oh, Mr. Potter, you have spent too long away from the world. The prophecy had finally given us all the hope we needed to persevere. You-Know-Who had just disappeared and the people wanted to thank the family that made it possible. But your father had already taken you away. What was I left to do? The people needed to know that their Ministry was still a pillar of strength and order."
Harry remained silent. It didn't help that Fudge's answers seemed legitimate. He certainly knew how to spin things to keep himself clear from blame.
"And I assure you, Mr. Potter, that our world has never been safer. You-Know-Who hasn't appeared since our administration's decision to reveal your brother's name. In fact, our world hasn't seen a better period of peace since the 1920s."
"Perhaps Voldemort just wants you feel a false sense of security."
Fudge flinched at the name. "Which is why I have increased our Auror forces by 200% as well as more than doubled their budget. Thanks in large part to Lucius Malfoy, if I might add."
"Lord Malfoy is funding the Aurors?"
"Oh yes, and has recommended quite a few competent young witches and wizards to bolster their ranks."
Harry never felt so unnerved and confused at the same time. What was Lord Malfoy doing?
"Now, have we successfully put this matter to bed? I am the Minister and have other matters to attend today. So why don't we call Daniel here and we can proceed?"
Harry rose from his chair. "Daniel is not taking interviews today. It's his first day of classes and I don't want him to fall behind. Perhaps some other time. Headmaster, thank you for the note. Minister, good day."
Fudge smiled sweetly but his eyes told a different story.
"Good day, Mr. Potter. I'm sure we'll see each other very soon."