DISCLAIMER: I don't own Harry Potter or any of it's Characters, and if you would be so kind as to review I would be very happy. Thank You
A.N. Im sorry i haven't had time to update posts for this story, but i will be making it my mission to stay up to date with this story once again...to all of you who are still following...Thank You! to reward you, her is a rather lengthy Chapter. Happy Reading!
Chapter 32- Is this Hogwarts?
After his work out, Harry had showered and changed and was now ready to start the day. Leaving his trunk, Harry looked around and noticed that Dean and Neville's trunk tags were black so he figured they must be waiting for him in the common room. Leaving the boys dorm, Harry made his way down the stairs and into the common room. Sitting in front of the fire talking were Neville and Dean with Seamus.
Harry made his way down the stairs and over towards his friends while his Goblin Guards positioned themselves around the common room.
"Morning Harry, you look well rested." said Neville
"Thanks, I am. I can't say the same for you Dean." smiled Harry
"Excuse me, not all of us are used to waking up so bloody early." snarled Dean
"You ready for this Harry?" asked Neville as he rose, grabbing his book back as he did.
"I suppose, it feels sort of weird, returning to school life, classes and such. It seems like forever ago." said Harry as he followed Neville and Dean with Seamus behind him.
"I know what you mean, after the summer we had, School should be a breeze." smiled Neville as they made their way out of the Gryffindor Common room with Goblin Security detail leading the way.
As the small group made their way into the Great Hall, the enormous noise of hundreds of students chatting and eating assaulted their ears as they made their way towards the Gryffindor table. The Hall quieted down significantly as the students began to notice Harry with several huge Goblin Guards flanking him as he took his seat.
Harry and his friends took no notice of their Goblin friends as they sat and continued chatting like they weren't even there. Harry did spot Hermione and Ron sitting together with Ginny sitting across from them a little ways down the table. Neville spotted where Harry's eyes were looking and leaned in closer to Harry.
"It looks like Ron has recovered from his little accident last night, although he looks like death warmed over, I'm a little shocked that he was released so fast."
"I know, if it was me, I would be made to stay at least three days." replied Harry with a grin.
Luna suddenly sat down next to Neville carrying a rather large gold plate filled with delicious foods as she greeted her friends.
"Morning Luna. Hey thanks for those trunk tags last night, that was brilliant thinking." greeted Dean
"Yeah Luna, Thanks." agreed Harry
"Don't mention it, it seemed a logical solution as oppose to wondering if you were in your trunk or not. Especially for you Harry, it could take a whole hour searching your trunk for you." answered Luna with a smile
"You know Luna, you didn't need to bring your plate over, you could have just used one of ours." said Dean as he began to reach for some food to pile onto his plate when the entire plate just vanished. Then so did Harry's and Neville's as well.
"Yeah, well about that. I got a message from Winky this morning that she would be preparing all of our meals while we are here at School. These golden plates are Potter Family heirlooms, they are charmed especially to avoid contamination, if you know what I mean, as are the Goblets." stated Luna like it was an everyday occurrence as she began to eat.
Harry stared at her with a slightly open mouth in shock until suddenly a large golden plate materialized in front of him, loaded to the max with food. Neville and Dean as well looked down at their plates with wicked smiles.
"Bloody Brilliant!" said Dean as he and Neville sported wicked grins bringing Harry back to reality.
"To Winky!" stated Harry raising his golden goblet as Neville, Dean, and Luna followed suit and together they toasted their House Elf Friend with smiles on their faces.
"What did I miss? What did Winky do this time? I tell you that is one special Elf." stated Katie as she took her seat across from Harry next to Dean as her own golden plate materialized in front of her.
As Dean was informing Katie about Winky's new eating system, Professor McGonagall approached The group with class schedules in hand.
"I took the liberty of collecting yours as well from Professor Flitwick Miss Lovegood. Congratulations on passing your O.W.L.'s early, quite remarkable, your Mother would be so proud." smiled McGonagall as she left the group to continue handing out schedules.
"What? You took your O.W.L.'s early?" stated a confused Neville as were the rest of them.
"Why didn't you tell anyone Luna?" asked Dean
"Yeah Luna, we could have helped you study and tell you what to expect from our tests." said Harry
"Well, I wanted it to be a surprise, and you all did help me, with all the training this past summer, not to mention the D.A. last year. I was more prepared then even I thought, at least that's what the examiners told me." said a blushing Luna as she stared down at her schedule.
"Does that mean that you are considered a sixth year now?" asked Neville excitedly.
Luna simply nodded as she was beginning to blush.
"Bloody Brilliant!" shouted Neville as he put his arms around her and hugged her close to him as everyone else cheered loudly.
"Another toast is in order. To Luna!" said Dean as he raised his goblet as Neville released his hold around the ever reddening Luna and followed suit as did Katie, Harry, and Seamus.
"To LUNA!" the gang chorused loudly as they began to laugh and drink.
"Yes, Yes, well done Miss Lovegood. I haven't been so proud of one of my Ravenclaws in a long time. Remarkable! I expect great things from you young one." smiled Professor Flitwick as he patted Luna on the back and beamed at her as he continued down the aisle handing his own schedules out.
As Harry's group was congratulating Luna, smiling, chatting, and having a great time, further along the Gryffindor Table quite the opposite was occurring. Ginny was so red that her face was rapidly beginning to match her hair as Ron just stared with jealously and rage evident all across his face. Hermione on the other hand, looked heartbroken as she watched Harry interact happily with his group of friends that should have included her if she wasn't so stupid.
"Relax Ronnikins, don't let that nutter get you all worked up, he isn't worth it!" stated Lavender as she put her hand across Ron's back and began rubbing small circles to help sooth him.
"I know Lav, it's just so infuriating watching him like he's some sort of King with his court, acting all high and mighty like he owns the place!" seethed Ron as he was trying to calm down but finding it hard to do so.
"I can't believe that Luna took her O.W.L.'s early and passed! I should have done that! Now she gets to be in all the sixth year classes with him." stated Ginny as jealously was starting to become evident in her expression as well.
"The O.W.L.'s were tough Ginny, I'm not sure you would have been able to pass them without seriously studying for them." said Hermione hesitantly.
"Who's side are you on Hermione? Besides, I could of passed them too if I had Harry Potter helping me study like she did." replied Ginny angrily.
"I'm just saying, they were hard. She wasn't put into Ravenclaw for no reason." answered Hermione all be it less confidently.
"I was in the D.A. last year too Hermione, or have you forgotten."
"I haven't forgotten Ginny, and you were good at Defense Against The Dark Arts, but that's just one class, what about the rest? Do you think you are ready for the O.W.L. in Transfiguration? Or what about Potions? Not to mention Charms?" asked Hermione
Ginny seemed to deflate a little bit as Hermione's words began to sink in as Ron Interrupted the argument before either girl could continue.
"Enough talking about it already, I've had it with that Git. I've lost my appetite, lets go to class early so we can get seats far away from his majesty." sneered Ron as he stormed up from his seat with Lavender and Pavarti following him. Hermione sat hesitantly until Ron stopped and looked back.
"Are you coming or what Hermione?" said Ron a little angrily as Hermione gathered her things and reluctantly followed suit.
Soon after Ron, Lavender, Pavarti, and Hermione left the Great Hall, tons of owls swooped in delivering the morning post. A big brown delivery owl landed in front of Harry with the morning Prophet. Harry paid the owl and took the paper as he watched the owl take off before rolling open the paper.
"This should be interesting, what's it say Harry, read it aloud." stated Neville
Death Eaters Attack King's Cross
By: James Daily
In an outrageous attempt, Death Eaters and Rouge Goblin Warriors attacked Kings Cross Station in hopes of such destruction and mayhem never before attempted since the founders themselves created the famed wizarding school, Hogwarts. Such a gruesome attempt to slaughter such innocents as children and parents never the likes seen before, even by He-Who-Must-Not-BE-Named.
One has to question why such an attempt was made in the first place. One can only assume that the main target of such a gruesome attack was none other then the famed Boy-Who-Lived, the savior himself, Lord Harry Potter-Black. But not to fret my loyal readers, for the ever growing and ever powerful Lord Harry Potter-Black isn't often caught unawares. With a brilliant display of defiance and power, those lucky individuals that were still on the platform of nine and three quarters witnessed first hand the magnitude of our Saviors power as the Hogwarts Express steamed out of the tunnel with THE Harry Potter-Black standing on the roof showering spells towards the tunnel entrance as the brick and concrete rained down and collapsed the tunnel.
As described by an Auror on the scene that requested to not be named; "It was the most impressive thing I have ever seen. We had confirmation that no less the fifty Death Eaters were approaching from the train's rear. Our Commander ordered the train to leave early and as the train was leaving the tunnel, we were seriously outnumbered and I feared the worst. But then we spotted someone standing on the roof blasting some serious spells into the tunnel. At first it was hard to see who it was and I still don't know how he got up there or how he fired off so many spells but it looked like a hundred spells were fired off simultaneously, then the tunnel collapsed and not one Death Eater made it out. As the smoke cleared and the train was picking up speed, I saw his face, an image I will never forget. Lord Harry Potter saved our lives!"
Remarkable, considering several things just coincidently occurred. One, All the students were on the train ten minutes before departure time, something I am told hasn't happened in decades. Two, the majority of civilians that usually hang around until after the train is no longer visible on the horizon just weren't there, deciding to leave for home early. And finally three, as confirmed earlier, the Commanding Auror ordered the Hogwarts Express to leave early, something in all the years of commission has never happened, but the train started moving before those commands could be carried out. Coincidence….I think not. After arriving safely in Hogsmeade, I interviewed one Mister Higgins, Hogwarts Express Conductor, and here's what he had to say.
" It started out like any other year, nothing special, we still had at least twelve minutes left until departure when this striking young lad barges into the engine room and demands that I begin firing up the engines and get ready for take off, his words."
and what was your response to that Mister Higgins?
"I told him he must be nuts and that he has to leave the engine room immediately for students are not allowed."
Do students often attempt to enter the engine room and ask you all sort of questions?
"Actually, they don't. it has been quite some time since any student has seen the inside of the engine compartment."
How long have you been the conductor of the Hogwarts Express?
"This is my thirty fourth year."
So that alone had to astonish you, not to mention what this young lad was claiming.
"After I realized that he wasn't pulling my leg, I glanced out the side window when I noticed several people running fast towards the back of the train, then I see two Auror's running towards my car and I realized the kid was right."
So then what did you do?
"Well, since it appeared all the students were already onboard, I figured what could be the harm. So I fired all cylinders and threw the train in high gear."
When did you know that was the right decision to make?
"As the train began moving forward, I glanced back out the window and noticed those same two Auror's were smiling and giving me thumbs up as they changed direction and ran towards the back of the train."
When the train made it out into open air, you knew you were in the clear and the danger was over, right?
"Well I wasn't really sure what the danger was to be honest with you but yeah, it looked to be over with it as the train picked up speed. Then suddenly the train rocked as I heard several explosions just outside the front of the train. The trains defenses immediately kicked on and I knew we weren't out of it yet."
Can you tell us about some of the trains defenses?
"Actually, I Cant but I will say one thing, this is where it gets weird."
How So?
"One of the trains defenses is a lockdown, all student compartments are un-open able, and as I was praying to Merlin himself that the Aurors would deal with whoever was attacking the train, that same lad comes bursting in my car again, this time with four other students!"
That must have been rather shocking.
"You can say that again, mind you I was pretty occupied trying to keep us alive but one of the students said something that threw me off, I couldn't believe."
What was that Mister Higgins?
"He said he had to get back out on the roof of the train again and help the Goblins that were fighting whoever was attacking the train. He said they were taking to many casualties and he had to help them. I thought him completely nutters."
Do you know who that student was?
"Well, like I said I was pretty occupied, so I never asked his name."
Did that student leave your compartment and return to the roof, like he wanted to?
"He didn't get the chance as several more explosions erupted and that raised the security level of the train to a rather high level and apparently whoever was attacking realized they could do no more harm and retreated."
Tragedy averted huh?
"Yeah, I finally had some time to access the situation and take a look around at the faces of the five youths, I was further shocked by their demeanor."
Shocked? How so
"Well, in the thirty four years I have been conducting, nothing like this has ever happened, I figured they would be pretty shocked and scared, they were nothing of the sort. In fact they were extremely polite and asked me what my name was and thanked me for an excellent job driving the train and keeping them protected. I couldn't believe it, I was shocked, that's when I got a good look at their faces and realized who the gentleman was that seemed to be taking charge."
And who was that?
"The Boy-Who-Lived…..Lord Harry Potter-Black!"
The Ministry after clearing the debris and identifying those Death Eaters killed in the attack, released this statement.
It has been confirmed that not everyone of those attackers were marked Death Eaters, of the sixty three individuals identified, fourty six were confirmed Death Eaters, the rest seemed to be average citizens, some wizards and some muggles apparently under the Imperius Curse. It is unfortunate that Lord Potter-Black had to so recklessly kill those individuals before finding out just who they were and we were not able to retrieve any information from any of them as they were far to mangled to ascertain any information as to their motives. The Ministry does not hold Lord Potter-Black responsible for any of the damage done to Kings Cross or to those unlucky individuals that lost their lives during this gruesome attack on children. As speculated by some that the Ministry is holding the Goblin Nation to blame for the Kings Cross Tragedy, nothing could be farther from the truth. As it has been confirmed in the Daigon Alley attack, the Goblin Nation has fractured into two separate factions, those who support the Dark Lord and those that do not, and this was evident in this recent tragedy as many were witness to Goblins fighting along side Auror's helping protect the children from Death Eaters as well as rouge Goblins. We at the Ministry would like to thank those Goblin individuals for their assistance and bravery in helping us protect the lives of our young and our future.
Upon arriving at Hogsmeade Station, Lord Harry Potter-Black also gave a statement as to the days tragedy.
"Many brave Goblins lost their lives today fighting a cause us humans were to stubborn to acknowledge. I for one would like to thank the Goblin Nation for their assistance and I am deeply saddened by your brothers who were lost to us today. I hate to think of what could have become of all those students had those Goblins not have come to our aide. I strongly suggest everyone to reconsider what they believe in and take a stand, now is not the time to sit in the bleachers. I acknowledge anyone who stands up for what they believe in even though the majority is against you, trust me I know how difficult that can be."
"VOLDEMORT HAS RETURNED! He is gathering his Death Eaters and a war is steadily approaching us. Whether you choose to believe me or not, I could care less, it's your lives you'll be forfeiting.
"As for Voldemort's Pureblood supremacy cause, I will leave you with this thought. To judge someone by their so called purity of blood is absolutely ridiculous. We should be judged on our character as Humans and our skills we possess. It makes no matter what heritage you have, I have met some tenth generation purebloods who couldn't tell the difference between a book and a dumbbell. And I have also met some Muggleborn Wizards who could rival Merlin himself. This whole pureblood cause is just Voldemort's excuse for causing a war and unleashing mayhem upon our world and we are just stupid enough to fall for it. If you want proof of this, just look into his heritage. Are you aware that Voldemort, leader of the pureblood cause is a half blood himself. His real name is Tom Marvolo Riddle, whose Father was a Muggle, not a Muggle born Wizard but a Muggle."
So there you have it folks, as our Savior put it, we the general public must consider what we believe in and choose a side. We can no longer sit back and hope for someone such as Lord Harry Potter-Black or the Ministry to step in and clean up the mess, we owe it to ourselves and for the future of our race to step up and help knock these vigilantes down for the betterment of our nation. We need to be preemptive and not reactive. This Reporter would like to personally thank Lord Potter-Black for his bravery and courage in his defiance to evil, in whatever form it may take and to all of his associates that fight along side him, as ex-Auror, Alastor Moody used to say, CONSTANT VILEGENCE!
For list of names of confirmed Death Eaters killed in Kings Cross Tragedy, see page 5
For more on Daigon Alley Attack, see page 7
For more on Ministry approved defenses to be better prepared, see page 11
For press release by Gringotts Goblin Chief, see page 13
"Wow! I think that is the first time I have read something from the Ministry that shows you in a positive light Harry, I mean, it almost sounds like their on your side." smiled Neville as Harry just stared blankly at the paper as if he was trying to decipher some special code hidden between the lines.
"I think after hearing your statement at Hogsmeade Station Harry, they had no other choice then to agree with you. If they chose to blame you or the Goblin Nation after what you said, that would make them look really stupid." declared Dean
"Yeah, Neville's suggestion really did wonders for Whiplock and the true Goblin Nation. Practically cutting off most of the Goblin hatred before it could really even start." smiled Katie as the Goblin Guards protecting Gryffindor Table pounded their chests and slightly bowed their heads towards Neville in respect.
Neville slightly blushed at the praise but quickly added that he merely suggested it, for Harry was the one to put it in motion.
As most of Harry's group was rejoicing the article, Harry had yet to say anything, it was Luna that realized this first.
"Harry? Are you okay?" asked a concerned Luna turning everyone's attention towards Harry.
" Seventeen…" Harry said quietly
"What was that mate?" asked Dean
"Seventeen…..seventeen people I killed that were not actual death eaters…" said a remorseful Harry as he finally lowered the paper.
Harry's group fell silent as they took that information in. suddenly they began to notice that most of the other students finally finished reading the article as well and now Harry was the focus of many stares from not only the students, but from the Teachers Table as well.
"Maybe we should head to class a little early, what do you say gang?" asked Neville while slowly glancing around.
"Yeah, lets go." said Harry rising from the table as did the others protected by Goblin Guards. As the small group was heading for the doors, Harry spotted a white blur out of the corner of his vision. Stopping abruptly, Harry turned to see Hedwig swooping down towards him. For the first time since reading that article, a smile appeared across Harry's face as Hedwig gracefully pulled up and landed on Harry's outstretched arm.
"Hey Girl, long time no see. Do you have something for me?" asked Harry as he petted her down her side the way she loves.
Hedwig purred slightly at Harry's touch as she extended her leg and Harry untied her message and placed it in his pocket. Then the group continued out the Hall with Harry whispering to Hedwig along the way.
"What do we have first today again?" asked Dean as he glanced down at his schedule
" Double Potions with the Slytherin's…..at least we don't have to deal with the slimy Git" smiled Neville
That brought Harry back into the conversation as Hedwig flew from his arm and onto his shoulder.
" That leaves me out mate, even though I am way better at potions now, I didn't score high enough in my O.W.L. to take N.E.W.T. Potions. So I have some time before Double Charms after Lunch, I think I will head to my Trunk as I have a lot of other stuff to get done."
"Me either mate, I think I will head to my Trunk as well and maybe stop by and see the Twins for a little, fill them in so to speak." said Dean as he said bye and left the group.
Harry continued walking the small group towards the dungeons, stopping at the Transfiguration class room to drop off Luna who shared that class with Hufflepuff. Harry waved to Susan and Hannah who were already in the classroom as Neville hugged Luna before entering the classroom as one of the Goblin Guards broke from Harry's group and followed Luna inside the classroom with Harry smiling along. He felt so much better knowing that all of his friends had someone reliable watching their backs twenty four seven.
As they made it down to Potions, Seamus opened the door after saying farewell to Harry. Neville spotted Hermione sitting in the class already with Pavarti, Lavender, and a disgruntled Ron. Harry noticed the perplexed expression on Neville's face as the door closed behind Seamus.
"What's up Mate?"
"Ron was in there? I know he didn't do better then you in Potions. How did he get in there?" asked Neville as Harry thought about it.
"I don't know mate, but be careful, I don't trust him yet. Did you see the glares we were getting at breakfast?" asked Harry
"Yeah, don't worry about us, it's nothing a few Goblin axes can't take care of." smirked Neville as two Goblin Guards gave toothy grins and followed Neville into the classroom as Harry smiled and continued down the corridor with the three remaining Goblin Guards.
"Mister Potter…uhh…Lord Potter-Black sir if you don't mind me asking, where are you off to?"
Stopping in his tracks, Harry turned and spotted the new Potions Professor addressing him.
"I don't mind sir, I was just heading to my common room to get some last minute reading in before my first class after lunch." answered Harry
"Might I ask why you are not joining your fellow Gryffindor's in potions?" asked Slughorn
"I only scored an E in my Potions O.W.L. so I didn't qualify for N.E.W.T. level potions." answered Harry as if it were obvious.
"Nonsense my Boy, That was Professor Snape's prerequisite, an O. is not required to join my N.E.W.T. class. As I told your friend Mister Weasley. I would be honored if you would join us this year. I would love to see if Lily Potter's son has half the talent that she did." beamed Professor Slughorn
At the mention of his Mother, Harry smiled and decided that he wouldn't mind trying potions with a competent Teacher for once.
"Actually Professor, that would be Brilliant! Although I am a little unprepared, I need to rush back to my common room and pick up my book and supplies. I would also like to add that Mister Weasley is no longer a friend of mine, for the record. " answered Harry
"I see, I wish I would have known that before requested him to add my class….oh well, as for your other problem, you can use one of the classroom text books for today's lesson and everything else you will need for today is already provided." smiled the Professor as he opened the door, and held it open for Harry who smiled and strolled into the classroom with his Bodyguards.
Neville smiled brilliantly as he spotted Harry making his way over towards the seat next to him as Ron glared and Hermione smiled.
"Excellent Mate, I was hoping he would talk you into it." smiled Neville
"Well, you know how I love potions now, and I figured, it would be interesting to see how this class is supposed to be taught….you know, with a real Teacher for once." said Harry as they both laughed at that.
Suddenly the Slytherin's all strolled in together and Harry and Neville received all sorts of glares and snarls but no one dared approach them or directly insult them. Harry noted that all of them, especially Malfoy, glanced behind Harry at the four Goblin Guards that were ready to pounce before continuing down the aisle and to their seats.
"We haven't even officially started class yet and it's already the best Potions class I have ever taken." smiled Neville as Harry nodded while snickering as well.
"Good Morning Class, let us officially begin. Today will be mostly an assessment class for me to see where you all stand. As oppose to Professor Snape, I like to set up individual curriculum for not everyone is always at the same level. My goal is to move every one of you further along the path to competent potion makers. With that in mind we will be attempting a rather difficult potion today. It is a tricky little concoction called Felix Felicis. Can anyone tell me anything about this potion?" asked the Professor
As several hands rose, the Professor called on Neville.
"Mister Longbottom."
"It's also know as Liquid Luck. All the drinker's endeavors will tend to succeed. Once consumed, the potion gives the drinker an exhilarating sense of confidence and a tremendous sense of opportunity. If brewed correctly, the color will become that of molten gold and while exposed to air, will have large drops leap like goldfish above the surface without spilling.
" Excellent Mister Longbottom, Ten points to Gryffindor. Now I am not expecting all of you to get this right on the first attempt but remember, this is only an assessment. Now the instructions are on the board and I will be monitoring your progress with suggestions and explanations throughout the day. The lucky individual that produces the best attempt will be the winner of said potion, to be used appropriately of course." smiled Slughorn as he held up a small vial of a golden substance for the excited students to see.
"Good LUCK, ladies and gentleman…Begin" laughed the Professor at his own pun.
As Students began to either take out their supplies or head for the stores to retrieve their ingredients, Harry made his way towards Slughorn. Realizing what Harry was going to ask, the Professor pointed towards the back corner of the room. Harry rerouted and made his way to the specified corner. Opening the small cabinet, there several shelves, all labeled by year. Finding his, he found three books. One was missing the cover entirely and smelled of something rather foul. The second wasn't much better in the smelling department, but at least it had a cover, and the third seemed to be missing random pages and had a hole in it. It was a small hole, no bigger then the size of a muggle pen, but it went straight through the entire book, cover to cover.
"Crap, pretty slim picking here. I guess the best of the worst is the only option." said Harry to himself as he started to reach for the second book when suddenly a book caught his attention way at the top on a shelf that wasn't labeled at all. Looking around to see if anyone was paying him any attention, Harry reached up and plucked the book down from the shelf to inspect it better.
It was the same book as the others and it looked severely used. The first thing he noticed was it didn't stink, skimming through to see if it was missing pages, he realized that someone had wrote memos and side notes all throughout the book. On some pages the writing even covered up actual text from the book but Harry thought for today's lesson this book was the best available option. Harry closed the cabinet and made it back to his and Neville's table just as Neville was returning from the stores.
"What you got there mate?" asked Neville as he spread out his ingredients.
" A really used text book, I didn't plan on taking potions, so I left mine in my Library." answered Harry as he opened the text to the appropriate page and began to take note of the ingredient list,
"Well, if you are having troubles with that book, feel free to share mine, I'll leave it here in the middle if you need it." said Neville as he moved his text to right between them.
"Thanks Nev." replied Harry never looking up from his used textbook.
Deciding to take his book with him as he gathered his ingredients, he walked down the aisles grabbing what he needed when he reached his first dilemma. One of the ingredients was crossed out and written just above it was a substitution ingredient. He read a little more and found that two other ingredients were crossed out as well. Harry knew enough with all the failed experiments he performed this summer, that just because a potion could be made one way, didn't mean that was the only way, or that it couldn't be improved.
Deciding he would take a chance and follow this unknown books instructions to see what would happen, He began grabbing the original ingredients as well as the substitution ingredients.
"What are you doing Harry, you won't need those for this potion, it's not on the ingredient list." said Hermione as she snuck up on him as he finished gathering his last needed ingredient.
" I can read Granger, I don't need you telling me what ingredients I need." answered Harry exhaustedly
" Trust me Harry, you won't need all those ingredients, its wasteful, these ingredients are not cheep and we will need some of that for further lessons." stated Hermione in her normal know it all tone.
" I think we established awhile back that I do NOT in fact trust you anymore. As for the cost of these ingredients, that's where my tuition costs go, as this is a class where learning is the key fundamental, I don't think the Professor will mind a little experimentation." smirked Harry with an even tone as he turned the cold shoulder towards Hermione and left the stores to return to his seat.
Hermione didn't know what to do, she was so confused and bewildered by being put in her place so effectively, she did the only thing she could think of, she left the store room and headed straight for the Professor.
Harry was spreading out his ingredients when he glanced up and noticed Hermione talking adamantly with the Professor near the front of the class. This should be fun he thought. Looking over at Neville, he noted that he was already on his third ingredient.
"You go Nev. Can you explain to me where my bumbling friend who usually takes this class with me has gone off to?" teased Harry
"Har Har….Harry. What can I say, I feel like a huge weight has lifted off my chest without that slimy Git not lurking over my shoulder every class." smiled Neville happily.
"Yes, there is that. We have been in class nearly twenty minutes and not only have we not lost any house points, we actually earned some. It kind of feels like this is just a dream huh?" asked Harry with a smile.
"Yeah Mate….if you can make it the entire class without losing house points, it will be the first time in all of my six years of potions." laughed Neville
"How sad is it that your not joking." said Harry as he laughed along.
Harry finally started his potion as Neville made it the one quarter point where you stir for five minutes straight, giving him a little break time.
Harry chopped and squeezed his ingredients and set them in small piles in order in witch he should add them. Deciding to get the first six ingredients cut and ready, taking him to the one quarter point before he started adding them.
"Is that Ginger and Hellebore?" I don't remember that on the ingredient list?" asked Neville as he began to reread his textbook.
"Its not on the textbook ingredient list." stated Harry calmly as he started adding his first two ingredients and began to stir.
" I should have known you would have a better version for this stuff as well." smiled Neville as he checked on his potion that was starting to turn pink as it should.
"Actually I have brewed this to some success, and have some in my stores, but this is not my recipe." continued Harry as he added number three and four.
"Oh, then whose is it?" asked Neville nonchalantly
"Whoever this textbook used to belong to. I have to admit at first glance I thought he must be an incompetent student, but after further reading, he makes solid hypothesis' and it looks relatively safe until stage sixteen, there I think I will ask you to step back with me." smiled Harry as Neville just nodded his head.
"Sure Mate, just be careful. I know you know enough now to be appropriate as to what to try and what not to." smiled Neville as his five minutes were officially over and his potion was completely pink.
"That I do my friend, that I do." laughed Harry as he added number five and six, the latter being the Hellebore, and set the ladle to stir for five minutes just as the Professor made it over to his table with Hermione slightly behind him.
"Lord Potter-Black…do you mind if I call you Lord Potter?" asked the Professor
" Sure Professor. Is there a problem sir?" asked Harry as he mentioned to Hermione who was behind the Teacher.
"No, No, Not at all, I was just explaining to Miss Granger here that every potion began by experimenting, as I can see that you have a mind for that much like your Mother. Was that Hellebore I saw you add as your sixth ingredient?" asked a beaming Slughorn
"It was, it appears to strengthen the unicorn hairs and with some Ginger added, makes the knotgrass take hold much faster, creating a longer window of use." smiled Harry as Neville smirked at Hermione's drowning fish look.
"Brilliant Lord Potter! Simply brilliant. I would have never thought to add both Ginder and Hellebore….I am most curious in how your potion comes out, by the looks of your remaining ingredients, if you need a protection barrier, let me know." beamed the Professor again as he shouted out before strolling away. " Twenty points to Gryffindor for ingenuity."
"Way to go mate." stated Neville while pounding Harry on the back as Harry turned to Hermione.
"I told you Hermione, you just can't take a hint huh? Just mind your own business and leave me alone. Why don't you go back and bother Ron, I'm sure he could use your help." stated Harry as for the first time he and Neville looked to Ron's direction and they noticed his potion was slightly smoking.
"That actually is a good idea Hermione cuzz I'm pretty sure it's not supposed to be smoking like that?" said a slightly chuckling Neville
"Oh Bother….." answered Hermione as she was conflicted between trying to come up with something to say to Harry and her need to run over and correct Ronald. Finally choosing the latter, she made her way back to Ron quickly as was the Professor.
"I think she means well Harry, really I do…..she just lacks certain information, if you know what I mean." winked Neville
"I will think on it some more, she just really frustrates me lately. Her blatant refusal that she could ever be wrong gets kind of annoying." replied Harry as his ladle finally finished it's five minutes of stirring, leaving Harry's potion a brilliant shade of bright pink.
"Wow Harry, mine was defiantly not as bright as that." said a wide eyed Neville.
"Well, it seems that this previous lad did know a thing or two, huh?" laughed Harry as he started on his next step.
As the class continued, Harry caught up rather quickly, then he passed everyone else, even Neville. Finishing his potion with fifteen minutes to spare, Harry bottled some up for his own personal stores, then cleaned and returned everything at his station. As Neville finished up with barely a minute to spare, he was the only one besides a Slytherin by the name of Daphne Greengrass, who reached the completed stage of the potion.
"Please turn off your fires everyone who has not finished yet. Like I mentioned earlier, this is a tricky potion. Well done Mister Malfoy for reaching the purple stage efficiently, I think if we had another hour or so, yours might have came out beautifully." smiled Slughorn before continuing.
" It looks like we have three completed Potions, out of a class of fifteen students, those are great odds! Mister Longbottom, Miss Greengrass, and of course Lord Potter who finished his potion in a record setting fashion. I don't think I have ever seen such a golden color before and with no less the fifty flying droplets, simply remarkable. Mister Longbottom, Ten points for a potion well done. Miss Greengrass, twenty points for the second best potion today. And lastly and most impressively, Lord Potter, fifty points and the winner of the Felix Felicis, although I think you might want your version better." laughed the Professor as Harry rose from his seat to take his prize.
"Thank You Professor, but I think I will leave mine for you Sir, after all, I couldn't have done it without your encouragement and willingness to let me experiment." smiled Harry as he returned back to his seat.
"Ohhh Hooo…and modest to like his Mother, I expect big things from you this year Lord Potter…..class dismissed." laughed Slughorn as the students began stowing their belongings and heading for the exit. Harry spotted Hermione arguing with Ron near the exit. Ron was once again red faced and Hermione's hair was an absolute mess Harry noted as he made his way out with Neville and Seamus behind him.
As Harry neared the exit and in doing so, Ron, two of Harry's Goblin Guards jumped in front of Harry standing between him and Ron.
"I'm sorry…..Does his royal highness want to leave the classroom? Is poor little Ron in your way? Well just step all over him like you always do!" shouted Ron Suddenly before turning and storming off out of the classroom.
Harry and company just shook their heads at Ron and his absurd tactics. Following his two Goblin escorts out the class, they were walking down the hall when suddenly Hermione found her voice.
"How did you know Harry that using those specified ingredients would substitute so effectively? I mean you were never this good at brewing before? It just doesn't make sense?" pondered Hermione
"That was old Harry, Hermione. a lot has changed…..I have changed…you didn't do half bad today, if you didn't have to waste so much time correcting he who must not touch other's things, you might have joined Neville here in completing." smiled Harry
"Yes…well…..congratulations Neville for completing that potion. You two sure have changed this year….what has happened? I can hardly believe it." said Hermione a little in shock as the small group finally made it to the Great Hall.
"Get used to it Miss Granger. Good Day." concluded Harry who just spotted Luna sitting down at the far end of the Ravenclaw table, by herself, and made his way over.
"Hey Luna, how was class?" asked Harry as he took a seta next to Luna as the other sat down as well.
"It was pretty good. I received a lot of animosity at first from the other sixth year Ravenclaws, but once I assured them that I wouldn't be moving into their dormitory, they eased up a little. I even won Ravenclaw thirty points." smiled Luna
"That's Brilliant Luna! Don't worry, they will come around." replied Neville as he gave Luna a side hug.
"How was potions?" asked Luna
"Brilliant! Neville and Harry here, earned Gryffindor a hundred points between them." beamed Seamus as Katie joined the small group at the Ravenclaw table.
"That has to be a first for Gryffindor huh?" smiled Luna as Harry and Neville looked to each other before they busted up laughing.
"Yeah, you can say that again." answered Harry after he and Neville stopped laughing.
As their Golden plates materialized in front of them, Harry's had a small note levitating over his plate. Picking it up, Harry read through it quickly before addressing the concerned looks of his friends.
"It's from Winky, she says that she has received correspondence from Jennifer and Krista and they request a get together tonight for dinner in H1. What do you think?"
"That works for me Mate." answered Neville as the others shook their heads that they agreed.
"Lets meet in in the Gryffindor common room at seven thirty, when most of the students will be heading to the Great Hall." said Harry
"That works, I will bring Luna." replied Neville just as Dean motioned with his head behind Harry. Turning around, the group spotted the Headmaster making his way over towards the group.
"Lord Potter-Black, if I might have a word….in private?" asked the Headmaster
"No thanks Sir, whatever you have to say, you can say it in front of my true friends." glared Harry
"As you wish. I wanted to talk to you about today's Daily Prophet."
" What about it Sir?" asked Harry
"In regards to your statement, I know Professor McGonagall has warned you about the dangers of associating with the Goblins, I must implore you to cut your ties with the Goblin Nation, the results in not doing so could be disastrous."
"She has warned me, but I found her concerns to be unjustified, therefore I think I will not cut ties with the Goblins at this juncture. Was that all you wanted to talk about Sir?" asked Harry coldly
"No…..You Must understand Harry….The Goblins…..well…." said the Headmaster as he nervously glanced at the Goblin Guards that were ever inching closer.
"I've said my peace on the matter Headmaster, I will not be persuaded. Is there anything else?"
"As a matter of fact, there is. You must have seen the error in jumping to conclusions so irrationally, there were many innocent lives lost because of your arrogance. I am sure you are feeling horrible and are racking yourself with guilt, I can help you with that." stated the Headmaster sorrowfully.
"That's not necessary Headmaster. It is a pity those innocents were so easily manipulated by Riddle, but I am most thankful for my arrogance, for it has saved the lives of myself, and my friends." beamed Harry to the shock of the Headmaster.
"I am sorry you feel that way Harry." said Albus
"I am not Headmaster…and like I've told you no less then twenty times….it's Lord Potter-Black…...now if that is all….Good Day." answered Harry coldly before turning his back on the Headmaster, showing him he had nothing further to say.
The Headmaster stared at the back of Harry's head as if he could make it explode with just a look before storming off down the aisle.
"Well that went better then I originally thought." said a relieved Neville
Glancing down at his watch, Harry noted the time, it was seven fifteen. Soon they would be meeting up for a group get-together in H1. Charms class after lunch was normal with nothing important happening, except for the joy on Luna's face as she was surrounded by her friends that actually cared about her for the first time in her five years of schooling.
As most of the students were already out of the common room and no doubt on their way to the Great Hall, Harry waited for the last of his group to show up. After a blushing Neville and Luna arrived, they were all in attendance as Harry lead the way towards the sixth years dormitory. Watching unnoticed from the other side of the common room, was Ron and Lavender as Harry and his posse made their way up the stairs.
Once in the dormitory, Harry led them down into H1 and into the Dinning Hall of Harry's trunk mansion. Sitting their at the table chatting merrily, were the Twins with Remus, Krista and Jennifer, Lee, Angelina, Alicia, and Ernie. After Hello's and Hugs, Harry suggested they eat first before discussing business, a notion that was unanimously agreed upon as the group dug in to Winky's lovely cooking.
Just as Desert was being finished by most, the Floo burst into wicked green flames, gaining everyone's attention was the fire spit out a roughed up and bloody Lionel Perkins who manage to grasp out;
"There's been an attack…..Vampires….tons.." before dropping unconscious on the floor.