Chapter 6
September 1st arrived and found Harry and Hermione ready to leave fairly early in the day. Something that came with being parents to an active toddler. Sirius and Remus were taking Cedric with them into Hogsmeade where they would sneak into Hogwarts and deposit the baby with which ever parent was waiting for him probably Hermione. As all felt that the Headmaster would try another scheme of some sort. It had not been an easy decision to make concerning whether or not Cedric should even be at the school. But both Harry and Hermione felt better having him close and in danger than away from them in danger. Trixie, one of the Potter castle elves, was going along to help care for the baby while his parents were in class. It still didn't make the decision any easier.
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The usual start of term staff meeting was ready to begin once the Headmaster arrived. Many wondered why there was a Ministry official present.
Finally Albus Dumbledore arrived. Missing was his famous twinkle. Those that knew him well enough, knew that the Headmaster was furious about something. Many believed it involved Harry Potter. They weren't far off the mark.
"Thank you for attending today's meeting. There are several things that need to be addressed. First of all Ms. Delores Umbridge will be filling in the post of Defense Against The Dark Arts." Turning to Severus he added "I am sorry, Severus, but the Board and the Ministry have both refused to allow you the position. You will have to remain the Potion's Professor."
Severus nodded bitterly. He knew it had been too good to be true. He was still seething at the fact that the Ministry had interfered with the school.
"Secondly, the ban that I placed on Mr. Potter for Quidditch has been lifted. He will be playing for the Gryffindor team."
"Mr. Potter has already stated to me that due to his course schedule he would not play, even if the ban was lifted."
"Mr. Potter WILL play and that is the end of it. You may inform him that he has no choice in the matter. End of discussion." Minerva looked like she wanted to argue but Albus moved on.
"Thirdly, both Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger have taken their OWLS, some NEWTS, and have passed all sixth year exams. They will now be seventh years. Minerva will speak with those of you that this will affect the most." Many of the Professors murmured at hearing that news.
"Fourth…." Albus continued going down his list of changes and issues that needed addressing.
To close the meeting, Albus saved the announcement for last. "Lastly, I am reinstating the apprentice program for seventh years. I have chosen suitable apprentices for some of you. Please make them feel welcome those if you that have been chosen as one of the recipients." Many wanted to ask if they had been selected. However Albus refused to say wanting Professor and student alike to be surprised.
"I plan on making the announcement after the feast is done, before dismissing the students to their dorms. You will have to wait until then. That is all for this meeting. Let's get ready for a new term." As the others left Albus smiled. This was the only way that he could get control of Potter again due to his restrictions. One way or another Potter would be his.
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Harry and Hermione arrived in plenty of time at Kings' Cross station. They walked through the barrier onto Platform 9 ¾ with very little trouble. The scarlet train was waiting for them to board. Harry led Hermione to an unoccupied compartment and they got settled. Their peace and quiet was soon shattered by the arrival of the two youngest Weasleys. Neither of whom were happy to see the couple snuggling together.
Ron, who was still smarting over the way Hermione had treated him, literally saw red when he saw his 'love' in the arms of another. Specifically his soon to be ex-mate, a married man. Harry had some nerve having an affair with HIS Hermione, not wanting to believe in what she had told him just before she broke his nose.
"Herms! Get up and move away from Potter right now! He's married, in case you've forgotten! Adultery is frowned upon in our world."
Hermione refused to move. She glared at Ron and said, "Ronald Weasley! You have absolutely no right to order me to do anything! I told you that Harry's so called Bonding was declared invalid. He isn't married. Even if he was, it's still my life. If I want to have an affair, I will. You nor anyone else would stop me."
Ginny's face looked so hopeful. Perhaps Harry would notice her now. "Is it true? Is your Bonding to Snape gone?"
Harry saw the hope in the witch's eyes. He needed to nip this in the bud. "Yes. I'm free from Snape, but I have already chosen Hermione. We have a relationship which neither one of us will give up. I'm sorry, Ginny, but I don't love you in that way. You will always be like a sister to me."
"Are you sure? You and I could have something special. I'm sure that we could do better together than you and her."
Harry frowned at the subtle threat to Hermione. "I'm quite sure. I love Hermione and have no doubts as to her love for me."
Ginny's face suddenly showed her anger at the rejection. "YOU BASTARD! I PUSHED EVERY BOY AWAY SO THAT I COULD BE YOURS! YOU OWE ME FOR THAT POTTER! YOU WILL BE MINE!"
"I will NEVER be your Weasley. I never asked you to do anything. I OWE you nothing but you owe me a life debt, which I can recall at anytime."
Ginny paled at the reminder of the fact the she did, indeed, owe him her life. If he wanted to he could order her death and no one could do a thing about it. She turned quickly around and left the compartment. Somehow Harry would be hers.
Ron refused to leave. He sat down across from the couple, who were quietly snuggling together reading. His eyes were throwing daggers at his new enemy. Harry always got everything. He never once considered what Harry had paid for all of that. His jealousy was soon overflowing.
The trolley soon came around and Harry only bought a couple of chocolate frogs, not even offering Ron one. Hermione pulled out a shrunken food basket, restored it to size and handed Harry a piece of fried chicken. She pointedly ignored Ron and his growling stomach. Ron's mouth was watering at the sight of the food that his 'love' and his 'enemy' were eating in front of him, not even bothering to share. He had no money on him and now was so hungry that he was going to kill someone if he didn't get out of there. Maybe Fred and George had something he could eat. He quickly left in a huff. Both Harry and Hermione sighed in relief. Harry waved his wand and cast a locking charm on the door.
"I thought that he would never leave." said Hermione
"Same here."
"I don't trust either of them. It may have been a mistake to return."
"We still have the option to take the rest of our NEWTS next week, if we want to."
"I think we had better."
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Harry found himself once again the center of attention during the opening feast. He didn't know if it was because of what had happened during the tournament, his new looks, or the fact that he was fighting with the youngest Weasleys. Fred and George were itching to hex their two siblings.
The sorting was now done and the feast started. Several Gryffindor's noticed that neither Harry nor Hermione touched anything in front of them. The couple didn't trust the Headmaster or Snape not to do something to the food or drink. They sat the whole time watching others eat. Finally dessert was done and Dumbledore stood to make his final announcements. Harry paid little attention to what the old man had to say, at least until the end.
"Now before I let you all go to your common rooms, I wish to announce the return of the apprentice program for our seventh years. These individuals have shown promise in these areas and have been chosen due to their ability in a particular field. If I call your name please stay behind. Charles McLean, Apprentice to Professor Sprout. Samuel Thompson, apprentice to Professor Sinistra. Ethel Higgins, apprentice to Professor Flitwick. Eliza James, apprentice to Professor McGonagall. Jason Porter, apprentice to Professor Umbridge. Peter Strafford, apprentice to Professor Hagrid. And finally Harry Potter, apprentice to Professor Snape. The rest of you off to bed."
Harry was absolutely livid and everyone around him knew it. Several of his housemates were surprised to hear that Harry was a seventh year. Many others wondered how he had pulled it off and why he would have wanted to. Hermione was seen whispering in his ear, trying in vain to calm him down.
After the rest of the student body left, Harry stood, rigidly with the other chosen students. Glaring daggers at Dumbledore and Snape. Albus remained seated as he spoke.
"You seven students have been chosen due to your aptitude in a certain field. This is a rare opportunity and privilege to be chosen. You will have more responsibilities but also more freedoms. This program will help you later, after graduating, with your chosen careers. There are a few rules however. One, a contract must be signed by yourselves that you have willingly entered this program and that you may receive payment for your services. Two, each apprentice must room with their assigned professor. Three, you may deduct points and assign detentions, but not to your own house. If you do have a problem with your house, talk to your Master. Some of the benefits include being out of bounds after curfew, unlimited access to the Restricted Section of the library. As well as being able to go to Hogsmeade at anytime. However you must still attend your other classes. Now if you will each sign your contract we will get you settled in your new rooms."
All the others that were chosen quickly stepped forward and signed their names. Harry refused to move. Anger, like no other, was pouring out of him faster than he could contain it. One glance at Dumbledore and Snape told him that this was just another plot to get him under their control. He knew that if this plan of theirs succeeded, he would find himself, pregnant, once again. This time he wouldn't be allowed alone to escape. They had worked around their restrictions and that fat cow, Umbridge, was letting them. She had a smirk on her face that betrayed her station. He was on his own with this one.
Dumbledore watched as the other students signed and noted that Harry hadn't moved. There was no mistaking the anger on the boy's face but, Dumbledore knew that the boy wouldn't cause too much of a scene. He didn't want to tarnish his new image did he?
"Don't be shy now, Harry. Step forward and sign the contract."
"No."
"Excuse me?"
"I said no. I refuse to be apart of this."
"A part of what? The program? Minister Fudge seemed to think that it was a good idea. I assure you that you will be well looked after by Professor Snape."
"I doubt that. I refuse to be a part of whatever you have planned for me. Now may I be excused to return to the Tower before I get 'caught' out after curfew?"
"No! Now sign the contract!"
"NO!"
"You, Mr. Potter, have no choice. As a representative of the Ministry Of Magic, I am authorized to sign for you. You will then have to follow what you 'Master' says."
"NO I DON'T! I am responsible for myself. Your Minister saw to that at the hearing. I refuse this honor and have a right to do so."
Dumbledore tried a different tactic. "I don't think you realize the opportunity that this program offers."
"I could care less at this point. I refuse to work with a greasy git and an old fart. You found a loop pole in the restrictions placed on you and think that I have to obey that. YOU. ARE. WRONG." With that said Harry silently disillusioned himself, and then threw on the invisibility cloak for good measure.
Panic went through both Albus and Severus as they watched Harry disappear before their eyes. Trying to contain the boy, both stood guard as the other students left with their assigned professors. They tried to feel for an invisible body slipping past. But Harry had already thought of that and called Dobby, as prearranged, to help him leave the Great Hall.
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Hermione was starting to get worried. Harry had been gone for a very long time. She was beginning to wonder if he had been forced to sign the contract, accepting to apprentice under Snape. Her imagination was starting to take off with all sorts of different scenarios, each worse than the previous one, when the portrait opened and closed on its own. After closing the protrait Harry revealed himself. She launched herself at him.
"What happened?"
"Just what you probably thought. They tried to force me to sign that bloody contract."
"Language, Harry."
"Sorry."
Harry told her the entire conversation, including Umbridge's part. He sat down on the couch. Hermione looked at him.
"When do we leave."