Title: Angelus Fortuna

Author: Crimson Rosary

Summary: After watching the near-death experience of his godfather, Harry finally decides that Dumbledore doesn't really have the power he claims to have. In order to protect himself, his family and his friends, Harry chooses to side with Voldemort. But what does the Dark Lord have to say to that?

Pairing: LVHP

Rating: M

Manipulative!Dumbledore, Ron/Hermione/Ginny/Certain Weasley Bashing! Alive!Sirius, Good!Voldemort, Characters will be a bit OOC.

Disclaimer: I do not own any characters from Harry Potter; all those belong to J.K. Rowling.

'Thoughts'

{Parseltongue}

[Telepathy]

Chapter 14

~ Eve Fujiwara ~

The day of the return to Hogwarts was uneventful. Tom had sent Harry off with nary a tear. Harry on the other hand was quite emotional, as he had gone through a serious episode of morning sickness that day.

"Take a sip of this before you eat," Severus had recommended, handing the Anti-Nausea potion over. "It'll help during your journey."

"Why couldn't I have just taken a portkey or the Floo?"

"You're not quite steady on your feet, mate." Neville said with a shrug. "Wouldn't want to get hurt, would you?"

"And that's my fault?" Harry asked rhetorically, shuffling onto the train. As the ones who were early, no one had seen the interaction between the Head of Slytherin House and the Golden Boy.

"Remember, Harry," Hermione reminded him. "Once you hear the speaker, you should head towards the Prefects compartment at the front of the train. You'll get –"

"Hermione," Harry interrupted dully. "The letter told me what to do."

"Oh," Hermione grew flustered. "Of course. How silly of me. I'm sorry."

"No, it's okay." Harry replied, turning back to his conversation with Neville.

Hermione would have started a conversation with Luna, but the blond had taken out her Quibbler magazine, overturned it and began to read. So she decided to take out her own textbooks and started to read.

Half an hour later, the announcement came and to Hermione's surprise, Luna stood up with Harry to leave.

"We'll see you later." Harry said, and both he and Luna left the compartment.

Hermione looked at Neville but the Gryffindor didn't seem to be shocked, "Did you know Luna was a prefect this year?"

Neville glanced at her and nodded his head, "Of course I did. She's at the top of her year."

Hermione frowned and turned back to her book. Why had nobody told her? It was a cause for celebration! When she had gotten Prefect, she'd quickly written to her parents and they were ecstatic for her!

With a sigh, her brown eyes looked back down at the text, only to realize she'd never retained a single thing on that page.

…..

"How was your patrol?" Hermione asked, once Harry and Luna returned.

Harry shrugged, "It was all right. Nothing new – except Weasley tried to start something once he saw my Prefect badge. Tried to block me from entering the Prefects compartment. At least the other one was smart enough to hold him back. Sirius was right – Dumbledore still has some cards up his sleeve." He scoffed and sat down just as the trolley rolled around.

"Anything off the trolley, dears?"

"Can I get the lot?" Harry asked, ruffling through his pockets for the exact amount, "I also want a dozen extra chocolate frogs."

The matronly woman smiled and handed them over to Harry, giving treats over to Neville once the teen had ordered his share. She gave Hermione her Sugar Quills and Luna her Pixie Puffs before walking away.

"Did you see who the new female Prefect was?" Hermione asked. "What's her name?"

"We did," Harry and Luna exchanged glances before nodding their heads. "Her name's Eve – Eve Fujiwara and she's… interesting."

"Interesting?" Hermione echoed. "How so?"

Harry caught the frog in mid leap and gnawed off the head. "She's homeschooled before deciding to take her last two years at Hogwarts. She's got raven hair with colored streaks and highlights in them. Her eyes are a startling silver – brighter than Malfoy's and she's quite tan." He smiled.

"Not to mention voluptuous," Luna smiled dreamily.

Harry pursed his lips with an air of amusement, "Quite."

"What about her grades?" Hermione stressed. There was no way someone who'd just transferred to Hogwarts could beat her scores. She was the best in the year!

Harry replied with a smirk, "Being tutored under all masters, she's the youngest Charms and Transfiguration Mistress in a long time. Not to mention she's trying to get a dual mastery in Potions and Defense Against the Dark Arts; she saw that it would be better to get experience under Severus, as he is considered to be the youngest Potions Master in forever."

Hermione gawked, "Charms and Transfiguration mastery?!" She squeaked.

Harry shrugged his shoulders, rubbing his stomach happily, "Her mother's a Transfiguration Mistress and her father's a Charms Master."

The brunette's mouth imitated a goldfish before she flushed indignantly and returned to her text.

Harry snickered quietly beside Neville before resuming quiet conversation with said Gryffindor.

The rest of the journey went unbothered.

…..

Thanks to spending the summer with a bunch of Slytherins, Harry had perfected the pureblood neutral mask when the sixth years entered the Great Hall. Up at the Head Table were Remus, Sirius and Tom. His lover was trying not to smirk, but the little twitches at the corner of his mouth gave his amusement away. Dumbledore looked quite constipated, and his genial expression did not mask the furious gleam in his eyes. The elderly man looked incensed and it was clear why, what with Lucius sitting at the end of the table besides Severus.

The Slytherins muttered darkly under their breath; surely the Ministry and the Board of Governors weren't stupid enough to allow the man free reign on the students for another year? Yet, there must be some reason for Lord Malfoy's appearance. Once the first years were sorted, Dumbledore stood up and murmurs raced through the chamber like a forest fire. The man's blackened hand stood out more than his multicolored robes did. And Dumbledore addressed the matter before continuing with his welcome speech.

"We have several new staff members this year at Hogwarts. Professor Minerva McGonagall has asked to step down from her position as Head of Gryffindor House and Deputy Headmistress in order to focus on her teaching." Minerva stood up to acknowledge his admission, giving a brief speech stating that it was "for the best" and would allow her "more time for personal tutoring and any questions from any students pertaining to her class."

An annoyed expression darted across Dumbledore's face at her interruption before his mouth returned to its grandfatherly smile, "Without further ado, please welcome our new Head of Gryffindor, Remus Lupin, our new Deputy Headmaster, Sirius Bla – Lord Black," he amended at the animagus' throat clearing, "our new Potions teacher, Horace Slughorn, who will be teaching our first through fourth years, and our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Lord Vladmoor Salazar Slytherin, otherwise known as Vladmoor Elm Trido."

Each of them stood up to applause and sat back down with a pleased smile on their faces. Only Harry could feel how truly amused Tom was. Weasley groaned loudly from a few seats down; Harry smirked. The redhead must have realized that he wouldn't have been able to try anything with the raven's godfathers sitting in those very cushy positions.

"Blimey, did you know about this Harry?" Neville asked.

Harry shook his head with a fond smile, turning away from his bonded. "Not at all; it was just as much as a surprise to me as it was to you, Neville."

"As you can all tell," Dumbledore continued when the applause died down, "Lord Malfoy is sitting amongst the staff. The Department of Magical Education at the Ministry of Magic, the members of the Wizengamot and the Board of Governors have given thought of having Lord Malfoy supervise the classes – to be sure that they are up to par. Though our subjects are above standard," Dumbledore said with a small verbal jab at the blond man. Lucius took it all in stride, smiling at the Headmaster. "I hope you all will welcome Lord Malfoy with open arms."

Harry snorted, rolling his eyes at the old coot's blatant lie. Make sure classes were up to par? More like make sure a certain someone didn't lay his hands on anything he shouldn't. The Gryffindor turned to look at the Slytherin table, locating the blond sat directly in the middle of the snake's hubbub, but Malfoy didn't seem to be surprised with the news. Yet, Harry noticed a ripple of magic–most likely a glamour – around the Slytherin's neck. It was reminiscent of Tom's magic.

Harry cocked his head to the side, staring up at his lover. Did he do something to Malfoy?

Tom's eyes glowed red for barely a second before he returned to his meal, chatting with Lucius at his side. Harry shrugged his shoulders and did the same. If it had anything to do with him, Tom would tell him.

Dinner turned out to be just as uneventful as the ride to Hogwarts. However, Harry had had a sudden burst of appetite and he was soon eating a little bit of everything that was in his reach. The Gryffindor grimaced at the goblet filled with his prenatal nutritional potions, but downed them, nonetheless.

Neville and Hermione subtly moved everything they knew could set Harry off, switching the dishes off for something else in place. No one noticed a thing.

Tom, sitting at the Head table, was nodding his head in approval before he turned to converse with Lucius. Remus and Sirius were quietly talking to one another, ignoring Severus who was answering questions from Slughorn.

In the end, Dumbledore had a few words for the students and soon sent them off to their dorms. After the last of the students left the Hall, Dumbledore stormed from his seat and followed suit, leaving Tom and his colleagues either gaping or smirking.

…..

Lucius couldn't help but chuckle at the Headmaster – and he uses that term loosely – throwing a tantrum. After all, the old man had used up all his favors, and though the elderly wizard had subtly tried to work his way out of the situation he'd thrown himself into, there was probably no better manipulator than the Dark Lord himself.

Flashback

"The Board of Governors calls the meeting to begin."

"Albus Dumbledore, you have violated your rights as a Headmaster – never mind your position as Chief Wizengamot and Supreme Mugwump –" Neither the verbal jab nor were the glares directed at the man subtle.

Over at the wall behind the Head of the Board of Governors were two mirrors similar to Black's two-way mirror. As a member of the Board of Governors, Lucius had to take part as only the Board of Governors; Black acted as a worried member of the Wizengamot, afraid for his godson's education or lack thereof, which is why there was a mirror linking the meeting to the Wizengamot and to the Ministry's Department of Magical Education staff. Though the Board of Governors decided the choices, that didn't mean that the Wizengamot and the DME didn't want to listen in on the conversation.

What Lucius found amusing was the fact that Dowager Longbottom sat directly beside Black, her eyes never leaving Dumbledore's person as a scowl was firmly etched onto her weathered skin. The blond allowed his silver eyes to survey everyone at the table; even the ones that he knew were in Dumbledore's pocket were glaring at his furiously, no doubt angry that the old coot had "unintentionally" threatened the student population many times over the last couple of years.

"- And for that matter, we have the right to strip you of your position as Headmaster of Hogwarts."

The Daily Prophet and The Quibbler had sent overwhelmingly popular news articles regarding the past five years at Hogwarts. There were suspicions as to why such occurrences had happened only when Harry Potter had arrived. Most of the Board and the British Wizarding population were vying for Dumbledore's blood. He'd pulled everything from his sleeve in order to keep his place as Headmaster.

No one could take over the castle. No one could influence the future generations. No one could hold as much power as he could. It was just impossible.

"Your corruption knows no boundaries," An elderly lady hissed, interrupting the old man when he went to speak out in defense. She was Moaning Myrtle's younger sister, and although she too had made fun of her sibling, she had not wished death upon her. "You could have saved my sister, but instead you had to let your plans play out. Now, because of you, the future generations are troubled by your heinous actions."

"My dear Emma-"

"I am Dowager Warren and you will respect me as such!"

"My apologies," Dumbledore was suitably cowed. Though Emmaline Warren was not as threatening as Dowager Longbottom, she was a force to fear. She had given Dumbledore plenty of trouble once she'd made her way onto the Board, but had overruled over several issues due to Dumbledore buying the Board with Potter's money. Now that his dirty laundry was aired out, everyone was desperate to earn Potter's forgiveness, never mind bending to the boy's will. He'd lost control over everything, but after a "few" favors, knew he could do nothing more but hope for the best.

"Dowager Warren," Tom's voice drifted across the table. "Though we understand that Mr. Dumbledore has to be removed from his seat – Lord Voldemort is still at large, and I've heard from the populace that Mr. Dumbledore is the only one that Lord Voldemort fears."

The name still sent shivers up the sheeps' spine; no one noticed Tom calling himself Lord – no one but Dumbledore and Lucius, that is. In fact, Dumbledore's eyes darted over at the self-proclaimed Lord Slytherin; the old coot had narrowed his blue eyes to the man sitting comfortably across from him.

Oh, he knew who he was. Oh, yes. There was no denying that aura around him. While he had manipulated many under his command, the raw charisma around that man was similar – no – exactly that of Tom Riddle's. He knew deep down that Lord Slytherin could not be anyone other than Tom himself. But he could not prove anything – not with all the records and files and transcripts drawn up on Lord Slytherin's "history". He'd have to bide his time for an opening, but Tom was tricky. Finding a weakness in his armor was like finding a needle in a haystack!

"Perhaps it would be best that we implement changes in staff members? I've heard that Mr. Dumbledore has already hired Horace Slughorn as the new Potions professor, leaving Professor Severus Snape – the youngest to ever achieve status as Potions Master – to become the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor."

"Hiring teachers behind our backs now?" The witch narrowed her eyes. "Perhaps we should take into account what Lord Slytherin has suggested."

"Dowager Warren, the hiring of teachers does not fall under the Board's authority. It lies with the Headmaster or Headmistress himself – in this case, in my hands. However, I am more than willing to listen to your opinions and suggestions at a potential employee."

The elderly woman's lip jumped at a corner, "Oh yes, such as hiring dear old Quirinus who had You-Know-Who at the back of his head, Gilderoy Lockhart, a self proclaimed DADA expert, a werewolf and Ex-Auror Alastor Moody, who turned out to have been sitting at the bottom of a trunk for an entire year. Not to mention the fiasco from the Ministry themselves – endangering a school full of children with blood quills! Disgusting!" She drew a deep breath to calm her temper and continued, "So you see how much confidence we have in your abilities to hire a reasonable specialist."

"Perhaps…" One of Dumbledore's now ex-supporters began, "We should agree to the changes? Minerva has already informed us of her replacement…"

"Replacement?" Dumbledore refocused his attention to the man, missing the look of glee on Lucius's and Tom's face. "Whatever do you mean? Minerva hasn't informed me of such a thing."

"Oh?" Lucius drawled, cocking a perfect eyebrow, "It is possible that you've lost the notification. After all, we've all received it." One by one, the members of the Board pulled out the notice of the Transfiguration Mistress's resignation.

"It says here that Minerva believes the position of Head of Gryffindor should lie with Mr. Remus J. Lupin – the same man that we've ousted three years prior due to his… condition," One of the wizards on Lucius's payroll exclaimed.

The blond nearly smirked; they were all dancing to a little tune only he and his Lord knew.

"I assure you, the man is no danger to anyone. He consistently takes the Wolfsbane potion. I believe that that full moon was the first and only time he'd forgotten it amidst his shock to finding out his best friend, Lord Sirius Black, was innocent – I'm sure Potions Master Severus Snape can assure you of this fact." With a hint of a smile, Lucius turned to Dumbledore as he continued on. "After all, he is the one who supplies the man with it."

Dumbledore flushed; he could not deny the statement because he hadn't seen hide nor hair of Black and Lupin ever since the Order had been kicked out of – out of - well, out of their headquarters. If he tried to deny that statement, then he would be dissected by Dowager Warren and the rest of the Board, undoubtedly for knowingly hiring a 'deranged' werewolf under the pretenses of having him dosed with Wolfsbane.

He was caught in a tight spot – his back up against the wall.

There must have been something in his expression because the Malfoy patriarch spoke again. "Is there anything you need to refute?" Lucius's tone was cool, but Dumbledore could hear how victorious the blond felt at that moment; a chance to one-up him – him! The most powerful wizard to ever live!

"None whatsoever." He answered, gritting his teeth.

"Excellent," Dowager Warren seemed to take the reins of the meeting. "Then it's settled; Mr. Lupin will be the new Head of Gryffindor House. And as for Potions and DADA, I've heard that you – Lord Slytherin – are a great duelist?"

Tom smiled gently, "Not as great as Master Flitwick himself, but I'd like to think I'm a rather good duelist."

"Humble as well," She smiled approvingly, other members of the Board nodding their heads along with her. "That settles it then. You'll be employed as the new DADA professor."

Dumbledore threw out his hands in a pleading gesture. "But what about Horace?!" He asked, a hint of strain in his voice.

Eugene Smith, Zacharius Smith's father snapped, "We cannot lose Severus as he is an exemplary asset to the future generations of Potion Masters and Mistresses. After all, we have a new student, Miss Fujiwara, who wishes to study under him - the youngest to ever become a Potions Master. Now, Potions Master Slughorn can teach the younger years, but Potions Master Severus Snape will continue to teach those in their OWLs and NEWTs years."

"But Horace is the one who allowed Severus's love of potions to flourish!" Dumbledore refuted at a last attempt.

"Honestly, man. Is there no other way to allow children's love of potions to flourish with Potions Master Severus Snape's tutelage?" Delilah Reap scowled. She had been a new member in the Board of Governors and had easily danced to Dumbledore's tune – that is, until those scathing articles revealed his "dark" actions against the Boy-Who-Lived.

"Dowager Warren, Mr. Smith, Members of the Board, I am – sad to say – uncomfortable leaving Mr. Dumbledore as the Headmaster of Hogwarts. Who knows what could happen to the students… With Minerva stepping down as Head of Gryffindor and Deputy Headmistress –" Lucius grinned internally at Dumbledore's bug-eyed look, "Perhaps, we could also request someone to take that position – to make sure he doesn't try anything, of course."

Dumbledore went to protest, but was cut off by a side eye from Myrtle's younger sister, "Remember Dumbledore – this is not saving your career – this is merely a probationary period for you. One whisker out of line and you'll be out of Hogwarts faster than you can say Lemon Drops."

The old man sputtered in his seat, eyes staring disbelieving at the council before him. They were all going against him – him!

Tom smiled internally. He didn't even have to lift a finger and everything was going according to plan. Lucius would give the Board the option of Sirius Black, as they would give in to the man's whims of wanting to be close to his godson after "spending over a decade in Azkaban." Not to mention that the Lord would be "grateful to keep an eye out on his godson" after hearing about the "terrible and traumatic experiences" that the Harry Potter had been through these past five years.

The duo left the meeting satisfied as Dumbledore was now held tightly on a leash.

End Flashback

…..

Harry and Eve led the first years to Gryffindor Tower, answering their questions and laying their worries to rest. Most were in awe of the Harry Potter, and Harry silently thanked Eve when she fended off such fans.

"Fiery courage," Harry recited, rolling his eyes. The portrait opened up and the two prefects led them inside.

"POTTER! How dare you take my Prefect badge!" Weasley scowled, immediately storming up to Harry. The young first years were quickly ushered behind the two prefects – more so behind Eve as Harry stepped forward to meet the redhead.

"I didn't take anything I didn't deserve." Harry replied coolly. "And I'd watch that tone of yours if I were you. You wouldn't want to Gryffindor to be in the negatives before school has even started."

Weasley's hand, on its way to its pocket, paused and then closed into a white fist. "I'd watch yourself if I were you, Potter." He spat.

Harry smiled thinly, "Ten points from you, Weasley, for threatening a Prefect."

His gobsmacked look nearly had Harry laughing in tears. But the raven kept a close eye on the blood boiling up to the redhead's face. Harry saw blue eyes darting towards the pinned badge on his robes, and the raven smirked.

"Ah, ah, ah. Try anything and I'll have you sent to the infirmary before you can even blink an eye."

Weasley scowled and turned to face Eve. "Well? Aren't you going to report him to Professor Lupin for abusing his authority?!"

Eve smiled, her eyes twinkling with mirth. "It isn't anything you wouldn't have done, I'm sure. Five points from Gryffindor, Weasley, for attempting to overthrow a Prefect's decision."

The redhead was soon led away by his younger sister; the two sitting in the corner of the common room far, far away from the two Prefects and the ten first years.

"Oh thanks, Harry! Now we're dead last!" Neville moaned from the fireplace.

"Don't thank me; thank Weasley." Then Harry flashed him a cheeky grin saying, "I'll win those points back in class." Most of the Gryffindors were already glaring at said redhead.

With a friendly nod, Harry and Eve began to address the young students.

"Hello everyone," Eve began, giving each first year a good look in the eyes. "My name is Eve Fujiwara and I am the female Gryffindor Prefect. Harry Potter is the male Gryffindor Prefect. Like you, this is my first time at Hogwarts, so I'll be in your care." She said, bowing to them. A few first years started and returned her bow, if a little awkwardly.

With a smile, Eve continued, "First, welcome to the Gryffindor Common Room. Now, as Gryffindors, we pride ourselves in being brave, loyal, courageous, adventurous, chivalrous and being daring. However, that does not mean that we will go out of our way to let prejudice swarm. I understand that there has been some… rivalry between the Gryffindor and Slytherin house – never mind within the house itself." Some first years had eyed the redhead from the corner of their eyes. Harry nearly smirked when they did so, and Weasley knew it from the twitching of his eyes.

"Nevertheless, we should not let this tension continue because first and foremost, we are all students of Hogwarts. How can we call ourselves chivalrous if we start fights with the Slytherins? How can we be called loyal if we divide ourselves based on different opinions and upbringings?"

She halted the uproar with a single finger, pushing along her speech with, "How can we call ourselves courageous if we fight against the weak? How can we be called brave if we choose to turn our eyes away from injustice? How can we be called adventurous if we are afraid to be different? How can we be called daring if we allow others to make the decisions for us? I'm sure you'll be able to find your path as you continue your education here at Hogwarts and for now, I'll pass the baton over to Harry."

Harry smiled sheepishly, "How can I top that, Eve?" With a laugh he turned to the first years, "I understand that for most of you, there is a sense of wonder with all that is magical. However, this is a school and as per usual, the same rules apply as it does anywhere else. Any fights against housemates or other students will have points deducted. There is a curfew: first and second years at 9PM, third and fourth years at 10PM, fifth and sixth years at 11PM and seventh years should know how to manage their time wisely. As you can tell, the entrance to the Gryffindor Tower is located behind the portrait of the Fat Lady. You must present the password to enter; the password changes every two weeks. So, if you forget your password, you'll either wait for someone to open the portrait for you, or you'll end up waiting until someone returns to the dorms. Girl dormitories are to your right and boys are to your left."

He paused and took a breath. "Hogwarts is your school and Gryffindor is your home for the next seven years. That said – do not expect to have house elves cleaning after yourselves. You should be able to do so on your own. They will only clean your uniforms, and even then, do not rely on them too much. You are sharing a space with four other people, so please maintain your decorum and treat each other as you want others to treat yourselves. If you need help with homework, you are free to use the library, ask your teachers or ask any of the upper years should they be available. If you have any problems, you can come to either Eve or I; anything urgent, we will direct you to your Head of House, Remus Lupin. Any questions?"

"But what if those slimy snakes attack us?!" One first year cried.

"They would not feel the need to do so if no one has antagonized them," Harry answered. "And you shouldn't fight violence with violence. Come to either Eve, me or any professor."

"Easy for you to say," One first year murmured, "You're Harry Potter."

"Just because I am Harry Potter does not mean that rules do not apply to me." Harry said coolly. He didn't care for the flinches he'd caused in the younger years, nor did he care for the look of disapproval in Hermione's eyes. But it was true; he didn't like to admit it, but the old coot had bended one too many rules just for Harry to keep the Headmaster on a podium. Thankfully, Sirius, Severus, Tom and Remus were here now… maybe not so much Severus because he had to maintain his appearance of Gryffindor distaste. "Like I said, this is a school. There are rules you must abide to. Any rule breaking will earn you point deductions, detentions, and in dire circumstances, suspension or expulsion. Are we clear?"

"Yes, sir." The first years murmured, perfectly cowed.

With a bright smile, Harry and Eve sent them off to their rooms. Eve bid them goodnight and left for the girls' dormitories. Harry sighed, feeling Hermione's presence. "So? How was that, Hermione?"

"You shouldn't have scared them like that," She tutted. "They're only eleven."

Harry raised an eyebrow, "And look how much trouble we got into at eleven."

"That was different," Hermione pursed her lips. "And we weren't looking for trouble."

Harry waved her concerns away, "So what did you think about Eve? Intense, yeah?"

Hermione frowned, "It was exactly how I wouldn't have given the welcoming speech to our first years."

"But…?" Harry hedged.

Hermione huffed, "But nothing. I should've stayed as Prefect." Her eyes narrowed, "And did you see her hair?! Who in their right mind would have a multitude of highlights and streaks? Couldn't she just stick to one color or one shade? Honestly."

Harry rolled his eyes and walked away, "Don't be jealous just because she has two masters and is working on two more, Hermione. Everyone's different."

Hermione plopped down onto the settee in front of the fireplace and huffed once more, "I know that."

…..

The next morning had Harry and Eve giving a tour of the classrooms for their Gryffindor first years. They had woken them up an hour before breakfast, and though the first years did not approve of their prefects' actions, Harry and Eve thought it was better safe than sorry. Plus, he was riding the high of not having morning sickness that day.

"Are there any questions for us?" Harry asked, as the two sixth years led their troop back to the castle from Professor Sprout's greenhouses.

"When are we going to get to eat breakfast?" A boy complained, "I'm starving."

Harry and Eve shared a smile. "We're heading back to the castle now," Eve stated. "Breakfast starts at 7:30; classes at 9AM, lunch at 1PM with classes resuming at 2PM and dinner at 5PM to 7PM. Any other questions?"

There were a few who eyed Harry speculatively and with a thin smile, Harry was able to ward off any fan-based questions.

"You lot have thirty minutes to get ready before the morning rush," Harry said, "That means about an hour for breakfast before class starts." He explained for the others.

With that, the first years rushed off towards Gryffindor Tower, leaving Harry and Eve to head into the Great Hall.

"Morning everyone!" Harry beamed. Eve took a seat beside him, across from Neville who had just sat down as well. Luna skipped over to the Gryffindor table and took Harry's remaining free side, just a few seconds before Hermione had gotten to the entrance of the Great Hall. The brunette took the seat beside Neville, murmuring good mornings before filling up a plate of food.

"Why are you so cheerful?" Neville asked.

"Harry only has five classes." Eve explained, rolling her eyes. Neville followed her action, shaking his head as he did so. He really should've known. But the answer wasn't as obvious as Harry had never shown to be a morning person at all this past summer.

Hermione clicked her tongue, "You really should've taken Arithmancy and Ancient Runes back in third year. Now look at you – without Divination or Muggle Studies. How are you going to get a good job after Hogwarts?"

Eve smiled thinly at her, "Obviously you didn't know that Harry had had tutors, Ms. Granger. Kindly keep your mouth shut and your nose out of everyone's business."

Hermione flushed and scowled, "I'm Harry's friend. You're just an acquaintance."

Eve's brief show of teeth in her smile froze her to the core, "Though I may just an acquaintance, I don't belittle those without forethought of my words." She turned her body to fully face the brunette, "Tell me. Is the reason for your snobby know-it-all attitude the same reason why you've lost your Prefect badge?"

"My intelligence has nothing to do with earning my Prefect badge."

"Thankfully it isn't, considering you're not smart enough to watch your mouth." Eve's show of wandless magic in silencing the brunette's tirade had said brunette, gaping in disapproval.

"I'll go straight to Professor Lupin about this!" Her mouthed words were translated.

Eve waved her off, "Please do, and make sure you remember to tell him that you didn't think Harry was smart enough to comprehend the subjects he was learning over the summer."

Hermione didn't garner any assistance, feeling her chest constrict when she saw Harry's slight disapproval. She walked up to the Head Table and was soon returning with her voice, knowing to hold her tongue when Eve wiggled her fingers in a non-threatening manner.

"Classes over the summer?" Harry asked. He didn't think anyone knew about that, but Eve's eyes darted over to Tom's figure and Harry knew. Eve was with them.

"What classes do you have, Eve?" Neville asked.

"I have Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, Care of Magical Creatures, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Potions." She answered after a sip of tea.

Their breakfast was cut off when a flurry of owls flew into the Great Hall, delivering The Daily Prophet to every subscriber. There on the front page was an enlarged picture of Molly Weasley harassing Harry and his group of friends. As The Daily Prophet seemed to have come into some money (thanks to Harry and his stocks), the colored image showed the tomato-faced matriarch in a bad light, more so than usual.

"Are you all right, Harry?" Lavender asked. Parvati nodded beside her, brown eyes worried.

"I am, thank you."

"It's horrid what that woman's accusing you of," Susan exclaimed from the Hufflepuff table beside them. "At least the Aurors took her away for disturbing the peace."

"What else does she do beside that?" Luna quipped, earning snickers around the hall.

An owl, Harry recognized as Pigwidgeon, came flying towards him with a smoking red howler. The raven sighed but relieved the small owl of its burden.

The red howler ripped open at the seams and Molly Weasley's voice came through.

"HARRY JAMES POTTER – HOW DARE YOU HAVE THE PROPHET WRITE THOSE FILTHY LIES! IF - - - - "

The rest of the students were astounded that no noise came out of the Howler as it was the first time ever to occur. The flaps kept moving, but no noise!

Harry knew it was because she had started talking about her debt, but he wondered if she – in her tantrum – had realized it before sending the Howler off.

Neville just chuckled.

"What's so funny, Neville?" Seamus asked.

"She seems to be at a lost for words!" The Longbottom heir laughed, "So it seems there's a first for everything!"

Everyone joined in in laughter. Everyone knew of Molly Weasley's infamous temper. To see it so thoroughly squashed by some unknown force was incredible. As everyone laughed, the two youngest Weasleys on the other hand, fumed and scowled. The female Weasley stormed off to mail a letter to her mother, while the other one shoveled as much food as possible, down his throat.

…..

"Harry, the Headmaster would like to see you." Remus said, passing his godson the note.

The Gryffindor frowned in distaste, "I wish he'd gotten it in his head that I don't want anything to do with him anymore."

Remus shrugged, "He assumes that because you've willingly returned to Hogwarts, that your heart is still just as forgiving as he presumes it to be. Not to mention, he's going to talk about what happened over the summer and about today's Daily Prophet."

"It's a shame I can't ask for Tom's presence, nor could I ask for a chaperone considering I'm already considered a Lord." Harry grimaced. He rubbed at his stomach when it clenched tight, but the soothing motion relaxed his shoulders, "I hope he doesn't expect me to leave right now," He added, seeing the old coot stand from his seat and leave the Great Hall.

The newly appointed Head of Gryffindor House smirked, "He only said he'd like to see you, but not when." With a tilt of his head, the werewolf returned to his seat to finish his meal.

…..

A/N: Another chapter down! I apologize for the slow update, but school is getting rough!