DISCLAIMER: I do not own Mahou Sensei Negima or Harry Potter. Mahou Sensei Negima is the property of Ken Akamatsu, and Harry Potter is the property of J.K. Rowling.
Italics text = character thinking to themselves.
Underline+Italics = character communicating with telepathy
Bold text = shouting
Bold+Italcs = Casting Spell/Ability
Chapter Seven
Control, Power, Remorse and Political Take-Over
"'arry?" Fleur blinked as he entered the side room of the Great Hall. "What are you doing 'ere?"
"Apparently someone placed my name in the Goblet. And just now I was chosen as the Hogwarts Champion." Harry answered in a tight voice, his irritation obvious through his clenched jaw and twitching facial muscles.
"You don't look too happy with this." Fleur pointed out curiously though with a bit of caution at his behaviour.
"That's probably because 'unhappy' does not even begin to describe how pissed off I am at this situation. And bad things tend to happen to people that get me in such situations. Very bad things." Harry said in a calmer and colder voice as he glared at the door moments before it opened to allow entrance to the Dumbledore, Maxime, Karkaroff, Bagman, Crouch Sr., McGonagall, Snape and 'Moody'.
"Excellent! Now that we have selected the three champions, let's…" Bagman began enthusiastically.
"Now wait just a moment!" Karkaroff spoke up coldly. "Potter is not seventeen. He should not be allowed to compete! Is this one of your schemes, Dumbledore?"
"It's no one's fault but Potter's, Karkaroff," said Snape softly. His black eyes were alight with malice. "Don't go blaming Dumbledore for Potter's determination to break rules. He has been crossing lines ever since he arrived here…"
"First of all…" Harry spoke up not even deeming Snape worthy of a glance and everyone else in the room tried to repress a shiver at the coldness of his tone "If I wanted I could have legally entered the Tournament since I am emancipated." Harry told Karkaroff as the Potter ring became visible on his finger as he showed his hand to the Durmstrang Headmaster. "Secondly…" he calmly drew his wand ignoring the various reactions "I Harry James Potter, hereby swear on my life and magic that I did not place my name in the Goblet of Fire nor did I ask someone else to do so, regardless how easy it would have been." Harry spoke clearly and his body flashed green for a moment. "Lumos." he said as the tip of his wand lit up before adding "Nox." to extinguish it. "Is that enough proof that I have nothing to do with my entrance into the Tournament?" he asked, looking at Maxime and Karkaroff.
"Oui." Maxime said while Karkaroff nodded gruffly.
"Good." Harry nodded. "Due to the magical contract the Goblet represents, I will have no choice but too take part in the Tournament. Does anyone have any objections to this?"
"I refuse to accept an arrogant brat like you as a champion." Snape sneered.
"Let me rephrase that." Harry nodded slowly as he reached to his shades and removed them revealing his blazing emerald orbs glowing with power and anger. "Does anyone have any objections, other then Death Eater scum who will die excruciatingly painful deaths, with unspeakable things done to their bodies and souls mutilated beyond recognition?" he asked as power went off him in waves.
Nobody made a sound. They were all staring either shock, anger, fear or awe at the teenager who insulted Snape like that, but most were focused on the power he was giving off which even the less magically sensitive among – Bagman – them were feeling. Maxime being half giant was more sensitive them most, as was Fleur with being Veela, but while the Beauxbattons Headmistress was actively fighting her inborn instincts to flee from the teenager whose aura screamed predator, Fleur had to grab the edge of a nearby painting in order to stay upright as her legs turned to mush from the shivers of pleasure she was experiencing from Harry's powerful aura, which had it been focused into something akin to her Allure would have knocked her out for a few hours with sheer orgasmic power. Let it be known that Veela are particularly attracted to powerful males.
"I see there are no objections." Harry smiled in satisfaction at the atmosphere he had created.
"Potter, what did you mean when you said that placing your name in the Goblet would have been easy?" 'Moody' asked.
"Have you ever heard of the levitation charm?" Harry deadpanned.
"Anyone could have placed their names into the Goblet of Fire… even a First Year." McGonagall said, white as a sheet.
"Exactly. We can add that to our Headmaster's long list of screwups." Harry rolled his eyes. "By the way, you can consider yourself on probation, Dumbledore."
"I beg your pardon, Harry?" Dumbledore blinked in shock.
"Did I stutter? You are hereby on probation." Harry repeated slowly, as if speaking to a particularly slow child.
"On what authority…" McGonagall erupted.
"I am the Lord of the Ancient and Noble House of Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Slytherin, the later by conquest." Harry said clearly as he revealed the appropriate rings as he spoke. "I would have preferred to not have to do this, but it is clear that the Board of Governors has given you too much freedom and has overlooked too many of your mistakes, so as owner of Hogwarts I hereby dismiss the Board. You are on probation until you are deemed capable of doing your job properly."
"How dare you question the Headmaster! You're just a worthless brat that…" Snape began angrily.
He instantly froze as a blade of pure poisonous green fire rested under his neck, originating from Harry's wand.
"You, Snivellus Snape, are hereby fired from your positions as Potions professor and Head of Slytherin House." Harry hissed. "You have disgraced these halls with your presence far longer then you should have been allowed. Leave with the knowledge that you have been the most being to ever attempt and miserably fail to teach Potions in this honoured institution."
"Harry, there is no need for that." Dumbledore said firmly. "Severus has my full confidence, I trust him with my life."
"Good for you. I promise to drop by to piss on your grave." Harry said sarcastically, causing Krum to snort and Fleur to giggle slightly despite the situation. "Snape, your personal possessions have already been packed and will join you on your way out. Hogwarts, remove him!"
With a loud POP, Snape disappeared.
"What did you do to him, Harry?" Bagman asked anxiously.
"I just sent him outside the gates." Harry said dismissively, conveniently forgetting to mention that he had Snape fall from ten meters above the ground and his trunk on top of him. "Now then, who is in charge of the Tournament Security?"
"Aye." 'Moody spoke up, slightly nervously.
"Well, consider yourself fired from that position." Harry glared. "If you can't keep an eye on the Goblet, you can't expect us to believe that you're capable of doing your job properly doing the Tasks. You may, however, remain as DADA professor since that is something you ARE good at."
"Agreed, lad." 'Moody' nodded gruffly.
"I'll find a new Chief of Security as a few assistants for him or her in a week tops. Is that acceptable?" Harry asked Maxime and Karkaroff who nodded, Karkaroff with particular glee. "Now then, Mr. Bagman seemed to have something to announce when he came in." his eyes settled on Bagman.
"Indeed!" the man smiled nervously "The instructions for the First Task. Barty, if you will?"
Mr. Crouch seemed to come out of a deep reverie.
"Yes," he said, "instructions. Yes … the first task … The first task is designed to test your daring," he told Harry, Fleur, and Viktor, "so we are not going to be telling you what it is. Courage in the face of the unknown is an important quality in a wizard… very important. The first task will take place on November the twenty-fourth, in front of the other students and the panel of judges. The champions are not permitted to ask for or accept help of any kind from their teachers to complete the tasks in the tournament. The champions will face the first challenge armed only with their wands. They will receive information about the second task when the first is over. Owing to the demanding and time-consuming nature of the tournament, the champions are exempted from end-of-year tests." Mr. Crouch turned to look at Dumbledore. "I think that's all, is it, Albus?"
"I think so." said Dumbledore, who was looking at Mr. Crouch with mild concern. "Are you sure you wouldn't like to stay at Hogwarts tonight, Barty?"
"No, Dumbledore, I must get back to the Ministry." Crouch Sr. said. "It is a very busy, very difficult time at the moment... I've left young Weatherby in charge… Very enthusiastic… a little overenthusiastic, if truth be told…"
"Well, if that's all, I will take my leave." Harry said calmly as he strode to the door with a nod to Krum and a wave to Fleur. "By the way…" he added as he glanced over his shoulder from the open door "If I find out who placed my name into the Goblet, I'll be sure to let you know before I make them regret the day they were born." he promised grimly before closing the door after him.
Harry's trek up to the Gryffindor tower was silent on the outside. On the inside, however, he was telepathically ranting through the pactio card held to his forehead.
"…and then I left. So tell me, what did you do? This has your name all over it." he finally paused to take a mental breather.
"Yes, this is indeed my doing. I'm rather impressed of the way you worded your oath. After all, you didn't place your name into the Goblet yourself, not did you ask me or anyone to do so. The fact that you asked me to deal with Crouch Jr.'s assignment did not imply me interfering with the Goblet, after all." Evangeline complimented.
"Thank you… not please stop trying to divert my attention with compliments." Harry insisted.
"Wellll…" Eva drawled "Do you remember me borrowing the Resurrection Stone?"
"Yes. Go on." Harry said.
"Well, I used it to summon several spirits. Whom had contributed to the creation of the Goblet of Fire." Eva revealed. "That was how I found out that a name can be only entered once. Any second, third or later paper with the same name will be instantly incinerated. So I had Dobby place your name under Hogwarts as soon as Crouch was far enough. When he placed your name as well, he did not notice it get incinerates because of the flames are too magically powerful for his eyes to see past."
"I see… but why have me participate in the first place… I mean, that's Riddle's goal." Harry inquired.
"Exactly. This way, he would think that his plan worked better then anticipated, since there would be less scandal then it would have with you as the forth champion. He will at least partially let his guard drop." Evangeline chuckled darkly. "All we need now is confirmation that Voldemort has left Riddle Manor and I will go and… replace one of the ingredients."
"Oh? I take it you've already reverse engineered and modified the revival potion?" Harry inquired surprised.
"I cheated a bit and used the Resurrection Stone to see a few powerful dark wizards and dark lords. Pooling their knowledge, it took only a few days of research." Eva confessed.
"I see… well, this is what I have planned for the following week…" Harry began with an evil grin.
By the time he reached the Fat Lady's portrait Evangeline's evil laughter was echoing in his mind.
"Very well, I will make the arrangements. See you soon." Eva said before ending the connection.
As soon a he stepped through the portrait entrance he was nearly deafened by the loud cheers and screams of his housemates. Adopting a strained smile with a twitching eye he made his way towards the stairs leading to the boy's dorms when his arm was grabbed by someone. Barely restraining his urge to blast away the fool who touched him when he was in this state of irritation; he slowly turned towards the offender with a blank face.
"You just had to show off again, huh, Potter?" Ron Weasley spat. "You can't anyone else have all the money and glory, can you? Why didn't you make the Goblet…Gah!" further words were lost as he gagged when Harry's hand gripped his neck and squeezed slightly.
"First of all…" Harry began calmly in the deathly silence that had suddenly settled I the usually noisy Gryffindor Common Room "You should know that I did not enter myself in this Tournament. I actually swore an oath that I didn't, not that I asked someone else enter me, just minutes ago." this caused quite a stir among the Gryffindors as magical oaths were not something to be taken lightly. "Secondly, the Goblet of Fire would rather chose a newborn child as a champion instead of you. Do you know why? Because you are the most petty, greedy, childish, lazy, weak, stupid, disgusting, worthless and all around pathetic living being that Gryffindor House has had to shame to have as a member. Ever. As far as I know even those inbred fools, Crabbe and Goyle, have better grades then you. Even if your name was the only one entered, I'm nearly certain that the Goblet would rather set itself completely on fire then chose you for anything. Do you understand that, Roy?" Harry spat as dropped the freckled red head to the ground to gasp for breath.
"My name is Ron." the youngest male Weasley gasped.
"Whatever you say, Robbie. Now, as even you can probably see, I'm in a very bed mood. So get out of my sight!" Harry finished in a demonic voice as his emerald eyes flashed angrily, causing Ron to flee up the stairs to their dorm room. Sighing, Harry glanced around at his fellow Gryffindors and noticed their worried and fearful looks. Mentally nodding to himself, he got up on a table at looked at them firmly. "I have a few announcements to make regarding what was discussed with the Headmasters." Harry began loud enough to get everyone's attention. "This will probably hit the newspapers in a few days, but since it affects you all directly I decided to tell you all right now. First of all, you should know that I am the Heir of Gryffindor and Ravenclaw by blood and Heir of Slytherin by conquest over Voldemort when I solved the Chambers of Secrets incidents." This caused loud exclamations of shock, disbelief and rage to erupt before Harry unleashed some killing intent on them as he showed the three rings. "As you might notice, I also took the lordships of those houses as the rings accepted me. My first act was to dismiss the School Governors who were organized merely out of a lack or a lord for at least two of the Founders' Houses. And with that authority…" Harry said slowly making many lean closer to hear "I sacked Snivellus Grease-for-brains Snape!" he declared causing the entire tower to erupt into loud applause and cheers that were heard from the dungeons even.
"Harry, you're our hero!" Lee, Fred and George screamed in awe.
"The second thing I did…" Harry continued once they had reasonably quieted down "was to dismiss Moody from his additional job as Head of Security for the Tournament. He may have experience, but he's still an old man that someone easily fooled when they placed my name in the Goblet of Fire. He's still be teaching DADA, I'm sure nobody wants another hack like Quirrell or Lockhart to take his place." this received quite a few words of agreement from those third year and up.
"And finally, I placed Dumbledore on probation." Harry dropped the bomb. He glanced around, expecting someone to yell at him, but everyone seemed to be too shocked. "Let me explain why. First of all, Dumbledore is not only an extremely old man, but also an extremely busy one. He's not only the Headmaster of Hogwarts, but also the Grand Sorcerer and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot and the Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards. Those are three very demanding jobs, few people can manage even one of them properly. Sure, many of you will say that 'He's Dumbledore'. So what? That doesn't make him a god. He's still an old man who had only 24 hours in a day. He might have managed decades ago, but he's still 113 years old!" Harry exclaimed and was pleased to see that quite a few were nodding, most of them either halfbloods or muggleborns. "The second reason is far more important then his advanced age and many responsibilities." Harry said firmly in an increasingly colder voice. "Over the years, he's been slipping. And I don't mean small mistakes. I mean huge, catastrophic-inducing mistakes. Three years ago, when Quirrell began teaching DADA, Dumbledore made such a mistake." the Common Room was silent as a grave now. "He received word that Voldemort was planning to have one of his servants steal the Philosopher's Stone. And he tried indeed. Remember that break-in at Gringotts? The one where nothing was stolen? Well it was the Stone they were after. But I was removed. Because Dumbledore made on of the most idiotic decisions possible…" he remained silent for a few seconds to build up suspense "He brought it to Hogwarts."
This caused pandemonium to erupt. Harry remained silent for a full ten minutes before they quieted down again.
"Before any of you get your hopes up, the stone has been destroyed since then." He began and chuckled as a few sagged in disappointment. "The reason Dumbledore brought the Stone to Hogwarts even though Nicholas Flamel, its creator, wanted it destroyed, was not to protect it Dumbledore would probably claim along with some bullshit speech about the Greater Good." Harry made quote marks with his fingers with a grim smile. "No, the real reason is quite obvious: Dumbledore tried to lure Voldemort to Hogwarts. AND!" he said loudly before they can get loud again "Before you even consider the possibility of a trap for Voldemort, you should know that the so called protections were so pathetic that three first years, Hermione, Robin…" many snorted "and myself got passed them all in less then an hour. Also, right when Voldemort's servant was making his move Dumbledore was conveniently out of the castle, having left to the Ministry at around lunch time due to some bogus letter. Well, I'm sure everyone here knows that it would have took him all of ten minutes to Apparate from the Ministry to the gates of Hogwarts and get back to the castle." Harry left that statement standing. "Another BIG mistake as with the Chamber of Secrets. First of all, you should know that the Heir of Slytherin who opened the Chamber both fifty two years ago and two years ago was Voldemort, only that two years ago he was not here in person but opened it through the use of a Diary enchanted with some of the darkest magic in existence… anyway, back to Dumbledore. You may already know this, but Dumbledore was the Transfiguration professor when the Chamber opened fifty two years ago. Many of you know that Hagrid was falsely accused and expelled for it. What you DON'T know is that Dumbledore knew that Hagrid was innocent and that Voldemort was responsible. After all, Dumbledore was the one who brought Voldemort his Hogwarts letter ant told him about magic. And before you asked, Lord Voldemort's birth name is Tom Marvolo Riddle. His Title is merely an anagram." Harry wrote the name in letters of fire before rearranging them into 'I am Lord Voldemort'. "His mother was a near squib of that wretched Gaunt family, Merope Gaunt, and his father was the muggle she seduced with some Amortentia, Tom Riddle Sr. Voldemort grew up alone in muggle orphanage due to Tom Riddle Sr. leaving Merope as soon as the love potion wore out and her dieing hours after he was born." Harry explained to the audience who was listening in horrified fascination. "Anyway, Tommy-boy…" this earning him stares of shock and awe at his gall "told Dumbledore that he was a parselmouth when the old man visited him. So Dumbledore obviously allowed Hagrid to be expelled for nothing. Anyway, back to more recent times. I don't care who says it: I will not believe that Dumbledore could not realize that the monster in the Chamber of Secrets was a basilisk and that the entrance was in Myrtle's bathroom. If three second years students could do that in months, how could he not in fifty years? He had all the clues. And as arrogant as I could possibly become, I'm not THAT smart. Hermione is close though." Harry muttered the last part more to himself thought the entire silent Common Room heard him. "As for Robin… well, he was there." Harry rolled his eyes earning a few weak chuckles. "Right. So Dumbledore did nothing and allowed no outside interference while a sixty foot snake thicker then I'm tall was slithering around the school petrifying students, ghosts and cats." Harry once again paused so that the point would sink in properly. "Last year, with the Dementors…"
"Don't you mean Sirius Black?" one of the sixth years cut.
"No. All Sirius Black did was try to and succeed to sneak into Hogwarts undetected several times. Nobody got hurt in the process, right?" he glanced around, ignoring the look Hermione was giving him and mentally cheering at Ron's absence. "The Dementors on the other hand…" he frowned. "I might look like a trying to be dramatic, but they tried to kiss me on the first day on the train to Hogwarts, again during the Gryffindor-Ravenclaw Quidditch match, and once more at the end of the year when they tried to have a reunion with me as the midnight snack."
"Then how are you still here?" a snobbish looking fifth year, Cormac McLaggen, demanded before quickly backing away in fright as Harry drew his wand in a blink of an eye.
"Expecto Patronum!" Harry chanted as he focused on one of the events of the summer and the glowing silver mist that erupted from his wand condensed into what looked like a giant leopard, what a few older students recognized as a Nundu. "This is known as the Patronus Charm. It's one of the few spells capable of driving away Dementors and other extremely dark creatures such as Lethifolds. I had to learn it last year due to my frequent dates with Dementors." Harry said sarcastically.
"H-How can you… most adults can't make them solid!" A seventh year gasped in shock.
"You will find that people make greater efforts to learn certain spells when theirs souls are at stake." Harry shook his head and dispelled the silver Nundu. "Anyway, the reason I'm mentioning this when talking about Dumbledore's mistakes is because Hogwarts has a shit-load of wards protecting it. One of them is a Dementor Repelling ward made by Rowena Ravenclaw herself." Harry paused scowling deeply. "Dumbledore turned it off and placed the entire school in danger of waking up one morning without our souls. He endangered the schools for his own reasons, just like he did by bringing the Philosopher's Stone here, just like he did by not doing a proper investigation or allowing experts from outside the school to help. And this year he agreed to host the Triwizard Tournament here, a competition known not only for the high death rate of the school champions, but also for the Tasks getting out of hand and killing the audience." here he paused again so that it could sink in. "And he screwed up again, allowing my name to get into the Goblet of Fire. If he couldn't protect one small inanimate object, how can we trust him to protect the entire student body from who knows what monsters they'll bring for the tournament?"
Nobody had an answer to this. Even the most die-hard Dumbledore worshippers could not claim this greatness after they were told in great detail how the old man had placed them all in mortal danger year after year.
"So I think it's pretty obvious why I felt the need to put him on probation." Harry declared as he glanced around. "I'm not at unreasonable to kick him out just like I did Snape – they greasy bastard had it coming for over a decade. If Dumbledore does not shape up, we'll have a new Headmaster or Headmistress next year." Harry declared solemnly.
"Is that all?" Lee asked thoughtfully through the silence.
"Well, now that you mention it, I intend to replace Binns with someone who won't drone about Goblin Rebellions. Hm… maybe a goblin?" Harry suggested with a smirk, earning a few chuckles. "Also, I'm taking Divination off the Electives list and putting it on the Extra-Curricular one. Everyone knows that you either have 'The Sight' or you don't. And there are two people out of a million, tops, who do have the talent. So screw the Grim and all that crap Trelawney spews. I'm placing her on probation as well, and that's only because I know she made two actual prophecies in her lifetime. Still, she sucks at teaching." Harry shrugged, pointedly ignoring Parvati and Lavender's heated glares. "And I'm also going to look into what the Muggle Studies professor to is teaching, since from what I've seen people come out even more clueless of the Muggle World from her classes." this earned a few chuckles again, but nobody was really in the mood for humor at the moment. "Regarding the Tournament Security, I'm going to hire more then one person. I ask you, for your own well being, not to cross them. At least one of them will be a Marauder… yes Fred, George, you will get to worship the ground they walk upon soon." Harry rolled his eyes at their ecstatic reactions. "Thank you for your time, now pass the Firewhiskey." Harry finished his speech as he climbed off the table and walked over to Hermione's seat and joined her.
"…" she just stared at him with an unreadable expression though he could clearly see inner turmoil in her eyes.
"Relax tonight. Anything you feel the need to say can wait until tomorrow morning." Harry said as he accepted a glass full of Firewhiskey with a grateful nod and took a long sip of it.
"…You shouldn't be drinking that. You're underage." Hermione finally spoke up.
"I'm legally and adult and the Phoenix Tears Fawkes left in my blood make me pretty much immune to alcohol." Harry deadpanned.
"Fine." Hermione did not bother arguing with him. After hearing him give that speech, she was quite sure he would not be inclined to listen to her feeble rant about rules… and she did not feel like giving it. Instead, she reached over the table and, to Harry's disbelief, took his glass and took a small sip of Firewhiskey herself before returning it with a grimace. "I think I'll stick to butterbeer."
"Suit yourself." Harry shrugged as he took another sip.
The next morning the entire school was buzzing with discussions and debates. By ten o'clock all the Hogwarts population and the foreign guests knew not only of Snape's sacking and Dumbledore's probation, but of Harry's speech in the Gryffindor Tower as well. One thing was for sure though: neither Dumbledore nor McGonagall were at breakfast that morning, currently being stuck in their respective offices getting buried under mail with complaints from hundreds of parents or people in the Ministry.
Harry was also absent from the Great Hall, taking a stroll around the Black Lake with Hermione trailing after him.
"It seems that Dumbledore is already neck-deep in complaints." Harry spoke with satisfaction as another flock of owls carrying Howlers flew towards the Headmaster's office.
"What happened to you, Harry?" Hermione asked as she looked at him warily. "This… all this isn't like you at all!"
"All this?" Harry arched and amused eyebrow. "I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean. Why don't you… elaborate?"
"First with disappearing off the map for the whole summer! Then you show up flaunting your wealth when in the past years you were so reserved about it! The way you act and treat people! Pushing Ron away like that! Going against Dumbledore! Suddenly being the best in all classes!" Hermione elaborated in a loud rant.
"You know, Hermione, jealousy is such an ugly thing…" Harry remarked as he stared at her pointedly.
"What do you mean?" the bushy haired girl asked.
"Jealousy… is that what pushed you and Ron to spy on me for Dumbledore since first year?" Harry asked as he looked at the reflection of the sky upon the lake.
"What?" Hermione took as step back.
"Or was it greed, hm? I know he was paying Ron fifty galleons per month – from my own vault, no less. Tell me, what did you get for giving him reports on me on a regular basis? I doubt it's money, unlike Ron you've always seemed content with your wealth. What did he give you? Books? Access to the Restricted Section of the Library? Did he promise you a Prefect an Head Girl badge? Well? Answer!" Harry hissed the last word in anger as his unveiled eyes flashed.
"I…" Hermione took a few steps back "He said…"
"Distancing yourself and mumbling under your breath will now help explaining yourself to me." Harry informed her icily, freezing her in her tracks.
"…Dumbledore said that someone needed to look after you." Hermione said.
"Right… like if I ever do anything unusual, like trying to think for myself rather then following him blindly, or listening to whatever you said." Harry rolled his eyes, disgust clear in his voice.
"It's not like that!" Hermione insisted.
"Really? So he didn't summon you nearly weekly in our second year? He didn't have you keep a closes eye on my every movement? And he didn't bribe you with the Time Turner to do the same in third year?" Harry asked mockingly. "I'm not Ron, you know. I do have a brain, a quite developed one at that. Only a complete imbecile would believe that someone would allow a barely fourteen year old girl to time travel. And while that applies to most of the Wizarding World, I would rather you not compare me to them."
"He said it was for your protection! From Sirius!" Hermione said desperately.
"So he had you spy in MY every move to protect me from someone outside Hogwarts?" Harry snorted. "To think that I was so naïve in the last few years, considering you my friend and smart, when you've never been either of those. Have fun telling Dumbledore about my crime of badmouthing his oh so holy name." he said as he began walking briskly towards the castle without even a glance back at her.
"Harry, wait!" Hermione called after him. "Harry!" she yelled as she ran after him. "I'm sorry! It was stupid of me to do all that! I stopped after Halloween last year!"
"Which is why so ran to McGonagall instead of him when you went behind my back again with the Firebolt. Old habits die hard, huh?" Harry asked coldly, not dignifying her with a glance.
"I know I was wrong! But I've changed!" Hermione pled.
"And I should believe that?" Harry snorted. "After over two years of continuous betrayal of my trust, and then random acts, I should believe you? What kind of idiot you take me for? I know that most wizards trade their common sense for magic, but I'm no Ronald Wesley."
"B-But…" Hermione stuttered.
"What?" Harry suddenly stopped and turned to face her, his eyes glowing with anger and disappointment. "You thought that a simple 'I'm sorry' will make us best chums again? You betrayed me, Hermione. I entrusted you with some of my most personal secrets and you stabbed me in the back. If you had been a bit dumber and had caused the death of someone I care for, I would probably call you Wormtail the II. But I suppose there's still time for that, right?" with that last stinging remark he turned to leave.
"Wait!" Hermione pled as she grabbed his shoulder, but Harry suppressed his already ingrained instinct to turn and twist the offending limb and merely continued walking, not in the least slowed down, causing Hermione to hurry after him to avoid toppling over. "Please Harry!" still no response and she began to tear up. "I'm begging you! Please, I wont betray you again! Just give me one last chance!" still no response. "Harry, I'm begging you! I swear that I won't betray you again! That I will keep your secrets safe!" by now she was crying openly, her tears obscuring her sight, causing her to trip and ended up grabbing Harry's leg as she tried to regain balance. "I'll do whatever you want, Harry, I swear on my magic! I'll do anything, just give me one last chance!" she cried out and this time Harry stopped cold, thought it was likely more due to both their bodies flashing with a white light, before Hermione flashed blue and screamed in pain.
Quickly turning around, Harry looked on in shock as she ran her hand up and down under her skirt, right on her crotch.
"What the hell are you doing? And what was that light?" Harry demanded.
"It burned me!" Hermione moaned pain.
"Where?" Harry asked instantly.
"Right above my puss-" she stopped short, realizing what she was saying and blushing furiously.
"Okay…" Harry muttered warily "What about that light?"
"I don't know!" Hermione said in annoyance before remembering what she was doing beforehand "Harry, please, I swear that I won't betray you again! Please give one last chance!" she begged him on her hands and knees, causing him to sigh in annoyance.
"Tsk, fine! This is your only chance, Hermione, don't screw it up or I'll make sure you never get to ask for another." He told her firmly.
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked warily.
"Ever heard of memory charms?" Harry smirked before turning and continuing to walk towards the castle, with Hermione hurrying after him… still massaging the sore spot around her crotch. "Will you stop that? If someone sees you, they'll think you're a deviant or something!" Harry hissed.
"It's itchy!" Hermione said defensively.
"Can you at least abstain until we can reach a girl's bathroom so you can take a look at what's wrong?" Harry grunted in annoyance.
"Fine…" Hermione muttered as she made herself look more presentable.
They quickly reached the closest bathroom for female students and Hermione hurried inside, idly noting that nobody else was inside, while Harry sighed as he leaned onto the wall next to the door… for all of ten seconds before a shrill scream was heard from inside. He instantly kicked the door open only to see… Hermione standing in front of a large, clearly recently enlarged, mirror with her skirt at her feet and her panties around her knees revealing a bright tattoo on her shaved crotch, just above her pussy lips. It was only when she turned towards him in surprise that he clearly saw it… and instantly recognized it.
"My family crest?" Harry blurted out in shock as he stared at the golden Griffin with a ribbon with the name POTTER in capital letters around it.
"Family crest?" Hermione repeated in shock before blushing bright red "Get out!"
Harry reluctantly turned around, a slight reddening of his cheeks being the only evidence of his embarrassment while his mind worked at full speed.
"Why the hell would she have my family crest on her crotch?" He asked himself
It took Hermione nearly half hour to leave the bathroom, but she eventually did so with a look of aggravation and embarrassment on her face.
"It won't come off! It's like a tattoo or something!" she hissed.
"You tattoo's my family crest there?" Harry asked her. "And her I thought you were a shy type when concerning…"
"I didn't tattoo it there, or anywhere else for that matter!" Hermione immediately said. "It wasn't even there this morning when I got dressed!"
"It's likely related with those flashes of light since it burned you right afterwards." Harry mussed.
"Must be." Hermione frowned. "I don't know anything about magical tattoos, though. Do you?"
"Not really. The only one I know is the Dark Mark…" Harry began.
"You-know-who's mark?" Hermione stopped dead.
"No, I don't know who." Harry glared at her in annoyance. "Anyway, I know that the Dark Mark is a magical tattoo, but I also know that Voldemort is the one who applied it to the Death Eaters. He had to touch the spot, their forearms, with the tip of his wand though. And my wand never got near your…" Harry stopped and blushed, as did Hermione, at the other interpretation of his words.
"Well, let's check the library. There shouldn't be many people there right now." Hermione said quickly, her face quite red.
By the time they found any books on magical tattoos though, a brown official looking owl with the Gringotts emblem tied around one of its legs swooped down and dropped a letter on Harry's head before leaving through the same window it came in.
"A letter from Gringotts?" Hermione asked curiously. "Why would they write to you for?"
"Well, it might be about the numerous vaults I have there." Harry rolled her eyes as she blushed in embarrassment. "Let's see here…" Harry mutters as his eyes quickly passed over the polite introduction before they began to widen with every word her read and his jaw to slacken.
"What is it?" Hermione asked curiously.
Harry blinked a few times before nodding to himself and quickly pointing his wand at Hermione.
"Silencio." he called out and when Hermione opened her mouth again no sounds came out. "Silencing charm. Now read this." Harry placed the letter into her hands. It only took a few seconds for Hermione's mouth to open into a silent scream of outrage and embarrassment as he her face alternated between bright red and ashen pale. "Yeah, that's why I cast the silencing charm." Harry admitted to her shocked gaze. "You place these books back while I find the proper one." he told her and left the table.
Ten minutes later they were in an abandoned classroom with a certain book and silenced doors and windows.
"A SLAVE BOND!" were the first words to come out of Hermione's mouth once the charm on her was lifted. "How in the world did that happen?"
"I don't know." Harry admitted, thinking of the letter informing him that Hermione Jean Granger had become a slave to the House of Potter.
"Let me see that book!" the bushy haired girl demanded and was immediately flipping through the pages. "Here it is!" she exclaimed.
"The Slavery Bond. One of the oldest kind of bonds, nowadays rarely formed. The bond is usually formed through a Slavery Contract, with a person selling themselves to another or a Lord selling a member of his house. Other circumstances where the bond can be formed include owing approximately twenty life debts to a person, or offering oneself as repayment for a life debt. Legal background. While the slavery bond had fallen out of practice at the dawn of the 20th century due to human rights, there are records of it still taking place occasionally. It is not against the law to own a slave, though the number one is allowed to have depends on his or her status and wealth, as they must be capable of sustaining their slave. It is illegal to force someone into a slavery contract hence the lowering of its numbers, mostly from the Pureblood Lords. Slavery Bonds are not recorded by the Ministry of Magic. Once formed, the bond can not be undone. It can however be transferred to someone of higher status if desired by the Master. The slave retains all its rights in society, his or her status often never being revealed to anyone but the Master, however they have the obligation to obey any and all their Master's orders or wishes. Any harm that comes to the slave from the Master cannot be taken to court as the slave's status is that of a possession of the Master." Harry read out loud before slowly turning towards the stunned Hermione. "Well… this is new."
"New?" she gaped at him. "That's all you have to say?"
"Well, what can I say?" Harry shot back. "You know, this is entirely your fault, you know."
"MY fault?" Hermione demanded.
"Don't your remember? What you said before that light flashed?" Harry asked her.
"Before…" Hermione whispered as she closed her eyes in thought before her eyes snapped wide "I swore on my magic! I swore that I would do…" her eyes widened further.
"Anything and everything, yes." Harry nodded. "As a side note, can you still do magic?"
"Lumos!" Hermione instantly raised her wand and the tip shined brightly "Nox." she whispered in relief.
"Well, there's that at least." Harry muttered. "Damn it, one thing after another." he swore.
"What am I going to do?" Hermione whispered in fright.
"For now, nothing." Harry said flatly. "Don't even think about telling someone about this. The last thing we need is for this to appear in the Daily Prophet."
"My parents…" Hermione began.
"Are muggles. They wouldn't understand would probably think that I'm trying to take advantage of you. That and the fact that Dumbledore will intercept any letter you'll send them." Harry said annoyed.
Hermione remained silent for a few minutes before closing the book and looking at Harry awkwardly.
"What?" Harry asked warily.
"I just realized something." she began. "I'm not going to be able to marry anyone other then you." she looked away.
"Well, sorry to disappoint you, Hermione, but I'm not going to go down on my knees and ask for your hand." Harry said bitingly.
"I know. You wouldn't like someone like me." she said, still facing away.
"I think the issue is not trusting you." Harry shot back. "You do realize that you betrayed my trust to a very high degree and that you're on your last chance."
"Yes. I don't deserve you." she said. "You're everything a girl would want. I… I'm just a plain bushy haired know-it-all." she sniffed.
"Hey, it's not like that!" Harry exclaimed. "Sure, your hair is bushy, and you do have the habit of telling more then necessary when answering a question, and you are bossy…" he paused she sniffed again "Well, you're not plain, I'll give you that much."
"Not plain? I'm probably the most plain girl in Hogwarts!" Hermione shot back as he finally turned towards him, tears flowing down her face.
"Maybe from your point of view." Harry rolled his eyes.
"Come on, name one part of me that is not plain!" Hermione demanded.
"Well, most recently, your…" Harry began with a grin.
"Besides that!" she cut him off, blushing in embarrassment.
Harry stared at her for a few seconds before getting off his chair.
"Stand up." he told her as he transfigured a desk into a very large mirror.
"Why?" she asked curiously as she did so.
"Flans Exarmatio." Harry called out as he pointed his index finger at her an releasing a powerful wind, causing her to shield her eyes.
"What was that fo…" Hermione stopped as she noticed that most of her clothes were missing, she only having her shoes, socks, panties and bra left on. "KYAAA! Harry, what are you doing?" she screamed in shock.
"Proving a point. Now stop covering yourself, I saw more then this earlier." he reminded her and they both blushed. "Anyway, take a look at yourself in the mirror."
"Why?" Hermione asked suspiciously.
"Just do it." Harry rolled his eyes and she did so.
"I'm seeing myself." Hermione said, her voice demanding explanations.
"Sigh, I have to explain everything, don't I?" Harry shook his head in annoyance. "Okay, you asked for it so I'll appreciate it if you don't start hitting me." Harry said as he walked besides her. "Let's play with fire." he thought.
"Okay…" Hermione looked at him questionably.
"Let's start from the bottom." he suggested. "Now, if you care to look you will notice that you have beautiful, long legs with no cellulites and quite toned." he began tracing his index finger from his ankles up her leg, making her shiver as it was ticklish "You have an, pardon my language, very nice, firm, ass." his finger traced her backside and then cupped one of her cheeks giving it a squeeze which earned a yelp from her as she blushed an obscene red and stared at him in shock "You're hips are not too wide, true, but your narrow waist still gives you a nice figure." This time he was trailing both his hands along her waist. "Your abs are not too defined but you are in no way fat. You have a flat abdomen." He said as his finger trailed upwards. "Your breast are… what? A high C-cup? 32C, or something close to that." he commented as he cupped her breasts and squeezed slightly. "Quite firm, too." He added, ignoring Hermione slight trembling. "Your arm are once again nicely toned, no hint of cellulites." His hands trailed her arm towards her shoulders. "You face is quite cute, especially when you puff your cheeks like that" Harry commented as he touched her face. "and you cure little nose and luscious lips compliments that perfectly." his finger trailed her lips an she shivered even harder "And your beautiful hazel orbs match you hair color perfectly." He ran his hand thorough her bushy hair. "You know, if it annoys you that much you could tie it in two pony tails. And, I know that you have an issue with your front teeth, so if you want to either me or Madam Pomfrey can shrink them slightly." Harry looked her straight in the eyes. "So trust me when I say this, Hermione Granger, you are a very lovely girl. I personally blame the robes from hiding most of you, especially this part." He pinched her ass slightly causing her to once again yelp, though this time it was continued with a gasped scream before she staggered and fell to her knees. "H-Hermione?" Harry stared at her in shock as she breathed heavily. His eyes quickly settled on her completely soaked panties. "Oh my." He stared before smirking at her glazed eyes. "Someone is a naughty girl." He whispered in her ear, causing her to shiver again and moan slightly. "My naughty girl."
It took Hermione nearly an hour to fully regain her bearing as well as be capable of looking Harry in the eye. As soon as they split up, Hermione going back to the Gryffindor Girl's Dorms to change her underwear, Harry contacted Evangeline through telepathy.
"Slave Bond!" she exclaimed in shock. "Damn, you do nothing normal, do you?"
"Story of my life." Harry deadpanned. "Tell me, does it affect her mentally? I teased her a bit showing her that she is attractive by literally paining out some of her 'assets' in front of a mirror and she climaxed!"
"Well, there is a certain sensibility towards the sexual side of things, especially for women." Evangeline admitted as she recalled that bit of information from Voldemort's memories. "The bond won't change her, per say, just make her more acceptant of your quirks and receptive to your desires."
"I was kinda excited after seeing her without panties on." Harry admitted sheepishly.
"See? That's part of the reason she reacted like that. The other part is likely because she was turned on by what you were doing." Eva chuckled.
"God, this is going to be awkward." Harry sighed. "How the hell will I explain this to Luna, Daphne, Tracey and Susan?"
"Mmm… let me sleep on it and I'll get back to you." Evangeline chuckled in amusement.
"I'm screwed." Harry grimaced.
"Yes, you are. Now, forget about this bond for now. About tomorrow…"
The next day, the Wizengamot was about to begin it's session when the doors of the courtroom used for the meetings slammed open for a young man to stride in.
"Sorry I'm late. That imbecile working as a guard help me up." Harry said in a slightly annoyed voice.
"Harry my b-" Fudge began.
"I believe it would be more proper for you to refer to me as Lord Potter or Lord Potter-Black-Peverell- Gryffindor- Ravenclaw-Slytherin-La Fey, whichever you prefer, Minister." Harry cut him off with a sharp look.
"Lord Potter." Dumbledore spoke up looking at him without a trace of twinkle in his eyes and his face quite pale "Could you verify you claims to be…" he stopped dead as Harry showed his hands, seven separate rings adorning his fingers "…I see. Very well. You are hereby recognized as Lord Potter – Black – Peverell – Gryffindor – Ravenclaw – Slytherin – La Fey by the Wizengamot. Please take your seat."
"Thank you, Chief Warlock." Harry smiled coldly as he took the Potter seat which instantly changed in appearance to display all seven family crests.
"Now then, our first issue is…" Dumbledore began to rumble about various bills and law proposals. Thanks to Harry's numerous votes things went much smoother as usually the side he chose to vote for was the one that passed. They were nearly half hour ahead of schedule and Dumbledore was about to bring the meeting to a close. "…so if nobody has anything to add-"
"On the contrary, Chief Warlock, there are quite a few things that I need to add. And they can not and will not wait." Harry's voice boomed within the courtroom.
"…Very well, Lord Potter." Dumbledore said.
"Minister Fudge." Harry turned towards the man who suddenly felt a brick fall into his stomach. "I have recently been going aver certain files, namely file transcripts from the past fifteen years. And I have found something quite… pelicular."
"What do you mean, Ha… Lord Potter?" Fudge quickly corrected himself.
"I'm speaking about the Trial of Sirius Black. The trial that never took place, and for which no evidence whatsoever has been recorded." Harry's voice felt sharp enough to cut through steel by now. "Tell me, Minister, since you were the first to arrive at the scene when Sirius Black was arrested, you surely have some insight on why exactly someone was tossed into Azkaban without a trial or justification."
"He killed thirteen muggles and a wizard!" an old man exclaimed from a lower row.
"Says who?" Harry arched an eyebrow as he glared at the old man dangerously. "Who has given proof that Sirius Black did that, hm?" by now the old man was trembling from the pressure being pressed on him. "Well, Minister?"
"There were plenty of witnesses…" Fudge stammered.
"Such as?" Harry demanded.
"Well, the muggles said…" Fudge began.
"Muggles 'said'?" Harry roared and the courtroom was artic as Harry unleashed his ice magic into the surroundings with his anger. "We have Veritaserum, Truth Oaths, Pensives and half a dozen other methods of verifying what had happened and you rely on what some random muggles on the street thought they saw?" Harry demanded.
"But there were…" Fudge began.
"There were muggles who had no idea what they saw or could have easily been confounded, and you rely on them to find out the truth when you could have easily fed Sirius Black some Veritaserum or extracted the memory of the event from him?" Harry hissed angrily, radiating killing intent. "This. This is the kind of incompetence that allowed the Dark Lord to so easily bring our world to the brink of destruction. What kid of justice system is this? What you need is not rumors, guesses and suppositions! You need cold, hard FACTS! So let me give you some." He hissed dangerously as he reached into his robes and took out two vials containing a silvery substance. "I have here two memories. I hereby swear on my life and magic that they are genuine and that they had not been modified in any shape or form. So mote it be!" a flash of light followed and then Harry cast a Lumos Charm prove that he spoke the truth. "Chief Warlock, have and official projection Pensive, verified by the DMLE, brought in so that we may view these memories." Harry ordered and his eyes flared at Dumbledore's expression that looked ready to deny him. "Now. Unless you have something to hide, of course." That did it, and Dumbledore immediately withered under the inquisitive gazes of the entire Wizengamot.
"Very well." Dumbledore agreed and seconds later the first memory was being poured in.
"This memory has been extracted from Sirius Black and it shows exactly what happened that day, nearly thirteen years ago." Harry announced earning a buzz of interest.
They all watched Sirius pursued Pettigrew, how Pettigrew shouted out loud "James! Lily! Sirius, how could you?" while slicing off his finger before casting the overpowered Bombarda behind his back and turning into his rat animagus from, fleeing into the sewers.
This caused quite a stir among the members of the Wizengamot, many of them calling out for various things, from justice to Fudge's head.
"That is not all!" Harry called out loudly, silencing the courtroom. "The second memory is my own, and dates back only a few months, the 6th of June to be more precise. This memory is my own."
The memory showed everything from when Remus an Sirius forced Pettigrew out of his Animagus form to just before they declared that they were going to kill the rat. The Wizengamot did not need to know that part.
"So you see, the truth behind the matter is more then clear. All crimes Sirius Black was accused of and sent to Azkaban for were committed by Peter Pettigrew!" Harry said loudly, receiving cries of agreement. "I am also convinced that Sirius Black would me more then agreeable to join us at a later time for interrogation under Veritaserum or other method if anyone questions the veracity of these memories."
"That won't be necessary, Lord Potter." Madam Bones spoke up. "These memories along with your oath are more then enough proof."
"Yes, yes. With this, the matter is closed." Fudge said hurriedly.
"Closed, Minister?" Harry asked in a deathly cold and sharp voice. "I do not think so. The contents of the second memory were relayed to you minutes after their occurred, but you completely disregarded them and ordered for Sirius Black to receive the Dementor's Kiss!"
"I did not know…" Fudge began to stammer.
"Furthermore!" Harry cur him off "How could you possibly consider the matter closed when Sirius Black, the rightful heir to the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black has spent nearly twelve years in the hellhole named Azkaban, having the life and happiness sucked out of him, in worst then miserable conditions that led to him losing his claim to the Black Lordship due to sterility, and has spent the past year being on the run from Dementors who had permission to suck his soul out?" Harry asked, his voice becoming more and more emotionless. "You actually dare think that I will allow that extreme injustice go? The Ancient and Noble House of Black demands COMPENSTION from the Ministry of Magic for illegally robbing us of our proper heir and submitting him to the Hell known as Azkaban for so long!" Harry roared as he unleashed a massive amount of killing intent while slamming his fist into the desk before him causing it to cave in with a resounding BOOM.
"Lord Black, the Ministry of Magic recognizes the mistakes made and requests the presence of Sirius Black for negotiation regarding an appropriate compensation." Madam Bones spoke up.
"The House of Black accepts." Harry nodded firmly. "I also suggest you look into all the other trials of that time period. Who know what other mistakes had been made? What if more people were sent to Azkaban due to hearsay? What of Death Eaters avoided Azkaban by claiming innocence or that they were manipulated? Hm?" Harry turned and fixed a certain blond man with a dangerous glare. "What say you, Lord Malfoy? Care to back your claims if Imperius Curse with a few drops of Veritaserum?" this caused whispers to explode among he Wizengamot. "What about you, Lord Crabbe? Lord Goyle? Lord Nott? Lord Avery? What say you?" he hissed the last sentence coldly as he glared at them before turning towards Dumbledore who flinched slightly at the burning emerald gaze focused on him. "Due to his many mistakes and illegal actions, both before and during his mandate, the Ancient and Noble House of Black calls for a vote of no confidence for Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge!"
"Now wait just a minute here!" Fudge began as he began to turn purple.
"Seconded by the Houses of Potter, Peverell, Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw and La Fey." Harry ignored him. "I should also mention that Cornelius Fudge himself forced one Rubeus Hagrid to spend several months in Azkaban over two years ago, despite Mr. Hagrid having committed no crime, with no evidence that pointed at his guilt. It was, as the Fudge said himself: he had to be seen doing something." Harry quoted the Minister who was by this point ashen pale and mute as he stared at Harry in horror.
"The Vote of No Confidence will take place now." Dumbledore called out as he finally found his voice. "All in favor of the removal of Minister Cornelius Fudge?"
There were many in favor, far too many, and all Fudge could do was do a very good impression of a goldfish as over three quarters of the Wizengamot voted his sacking.
"All opposed?" Dumbledore called out and only a few, such a the toad-like woman in pink besides him and a bushy haired witch next to a wizard with a stuffy mustache voted against, along with Fudge himself who was looking around desperately. "Very well, Cornelius Fudge is hereby removed from office as Minister for Magic." Dumbledore declared loudly. "I ask for nominations for interim Minister for Magic."
"House Longbottom nominates Amelia Bones." Neville said loudly as he stood up.
"Seconded by all seven houses I'm head of." Harry called back.
"House Avery nominates Lucius Malfoy." Avery declared only for a resounding snort to echo from Harry.
Nobody seconded that nomination.
"House Diggory nominates Rufus Scrimgeour." Amos Diggory announced.
A few other name followed, but in the end it was decided between Amelia Bones and Rufus Scrimgeour, with Amelia winning by an extra twenty votes. She was less then happy with Neville and Harry.
By evening, the Daily Prophet had the articles detailing the recent changes in the Government, the truth about Sirius Black, and the changes in the Hogwarts staff. They also, surprisingly accurately considering their record, pinpointed the driving force behind them all: Lord Harry James Potter-Black-Peverell- Gryffindor- Ravenclaw-Slytherin-La Fey.
A.N.: Yep, finally done with chapter seven. I hope you enjoyed reading this, as it will be a while before I will update. I've neglected my other two active stories long enough, I believe.
I hope everyone is satisfied with the way I handled Hermione's situation.
Please Review, as they inspire me greatly.
