Disclaimer: I do not own or make any claims on Harry Potter and the characters created by JK Rowling. I do thank her for allowing us to play with the world she created.

AN: Hey everyone, first off, I'm overwhelmed by the response I received for the first chapter and I thank you for it. I wanted to leave a few quick notes about my thought processes for this story as I realize that what I'm thinking may not be obvious to you. My wife tells me all the time that she can't read my mind but she's as warped as I am so what's your excuse? LOL

I admit that betrayal fics are easier to write for me. In my opinion, it takes a lot for Harry to change and step in another direction. I merely use betrayal as the catalyst for these changes. I have also been accused of hating certain characters and that is not the case as I just try to use the characteristics that they have shown in the past although I reserve the right to expand upon them. Ron is a teenage boy and acts before he thinks. For that matter, so is Harry so why shouldn't they butt heads if they are so much alike. Hermione may seem OOC but she always (in my opinion) was insecure about the acceptance of her peers and we all know just how powerful peer pressure can be. Did she make the right decision? No. Will it haunt her? Yes. There are always consequences to our actions. Why does Harry treat her the way he does? He was falling in love with her and her abandonment, above all others, hurt him the most. Now, I apologize for not making myself clearer but the staff is under orders by Dumbledore. Even when they know what they are doing is wrong. I think Minerva will be the first to realize just how badly they have messed up but like Hermione, her actions will cost her. Thanks for reading.

Chapter 2

Harry ignored his detention with the headmaster and over the course of the next week; he was given replacement detentions that he also chose to ignore. In his anger, Albus was taking Harry's lack of respect out on the staff and they in return were becoming shorter tempered than normal. They saw Harry's rebelliousness as the reason behind their misfortune. As his head of house, Minerva received a more potent dose than the rest. In her frustration, Minerva took the only opportunity she had with Harry and tore into him in the beginning of a transfiguration class with his classmates all present for the show. In the past, this would have mortified Harry but now, it just increased his anger. "Mr. Potter, you will knock off this foolishness and sit your detention with the headmaster this evening or further action may be taken in this matter."

Harry calmly replied "Professor, I still stand by that I said earlier and will not sit a detention for something that isn't covered in the student guidelines as a punishable offense."

She pinched her nose. "Fifty points from Gryffindor for your disrespect Mr. Potter and you will start doing as you're instructed."

The rest of the Gryffindors glared at him as he smiled. "Professor, would doing as instructed include being forced to participate in a tournament that I have no desire to be in. Why would I risk my life for some bloody trophy and a thousand galleons?"

Draco muttered "Maybe you could buy some decent clothes for once."

Harry was seeing red but before he could say anything, Ron said "Why do you continue to lie?"

Harry turned his glare on Ron and said "I have never lied to you Ron. Can you say the same? Professor McGonagall, you can take as many points from me as you want and it still won't make me sit in an underserved detention."

Neville spoke up "But what about the house cup Harry?"

Harry smirked "Mr. Longbottom, I prefer Potter or Mr. Potter. Only my friends may call me Harry and I don't see any of them in this room. After the way my 'house' has treated me this year, I couldn't give a damn whether you have any points or ever win either Cup again. In fact, Professor, while we are on the subject of houses, you can take this as my resignation from the Quidditch team. I will no longer support a house that doesn't support me. You people made damn sure that Gryffindor isn't my house anymore and is just where I sleep at night. I have no desire to ever help you in any way from now on."

Minerva cut in. "We will discuss that during your detention Mr. Potter."

Harry snapped back. "You mean you will discuss it, I won't be there."

"THAT will be enough Mr. Potter. I won't have you disrespecting me in my class."

Harry got up and walked to the door. As he did Minerva asked "And just where do you think you're going?"

"I've had enough of your badgering me so I think I'll use my time to actually learn something. If you can't live with that then you can expel me. At this point, nothing would make me happier."

Hermione said "But the tournament, you'd lose your magic."

He glared at her and said "My life was a whole lot better when I didn't know about magic. At this point, the loss of my magic is looking better each and every day."

The whole class was stunned at his comment and only came out of their shock when the door slammed as he left. As soon as he stepped out of the door, he immediately called for Dobby to take him to his hiding place. They had no sooner disappeared when the door jerked open and Minerva charged into the hallway. When she saw there was no trace of Harry, she sighed in disappointment and then reentered the class. She walked to her desk and heavily sat down thinking about all that was happening with the son of two of her favorite students. Her thoughts were trying to understand how things could be so bad that someone as gifted as Harry would consider losing his magic a good thing. She eventually glanced at the students who were looking at her expectantly and said "You can go. I don't think I could teach right now if my life depended on it."

As the class started filing out, Hermione approached Minerva and asked "Professor, is there anything I can do to help?"

She looked up at the sincere look she was getting. "No Miss Granger, I think we've done quite enough already and we're going to pay the high price for our stupidity."

Hermione nodded her head. Harry's comment had stopped her cold and she couldn't stop herself from saying. "What about the price Harry paid?" As soon as she said this, she turned and walked out of the room.

**LC**

A week passed since the confrontation in transfiguration and Harry still hadn't returned to her class. The rumors going around were pretty accurate in their description of the confrontation and it made a lot of people stop to think. With the Gryffindors, the loss of their unbeatable seeker got their attention. His claim to no longer care or support Gryffindor was a slap in the face until they realized that they had basically done the same to him. The fact that they had pushed their most famous housemate into considering leaving his magic and the magical world behind was shocking and if it got out that they were the cause of it, their futures would be over before they even began as happened with all true traitors.

As normal with any events or drama centered on the other houses, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw just sat back and watched. The only house that saw the situation as a positive was the Slytherins. The loss of the boy-who-lived would be a huge boon for the pureblood cause. The loss of Harry as a seeker meant that their house stood a much better chance in the future in the Quidditch cup. They also knew that if Gryffindor imploded, they would no longer be seen as the social pariahs any longer by the other houses. It was even suggested in the common room that Slytherin move to openly support Harry. It was quickly shot down but it did give some the idea that an alliance with the outcast Gryffindor would be very beneficial and may even add to the problems that house was already having.

Albus was mortified that Harry thought things were so bad that he would consider the loss of his magic a good thing but as always, he 'knew' that if he could just talk to the boy, he could make him see reason but he was not about to antagonize Harry any further by making any more attempts. He thought 'Yes, that is a good plan. I'll let him come to me.' It never crossed his mind that Harry was at the point where he would give up his magic before ever seeking Albus' counsel again. In the end, Albus asked the staff to back off to avoid another altercation with Harry so that they were leaving him alone for the moment. Albus may be a manipulative old fool but he wasn't stupid. Stupid would be provoking Harry into doing as he said and then they eyes of the whole Wizarding world would be on Hogwarts and not in a good way.

Harry's talks with Cedric and his 'girlfriend' led to one conclusion, what ever was going on, they needed him a whole lot more than he needed them. His argument with Professor McGonagall had even earned him a decent amount of respect as no one had ever stood up to and then shut down the transfiguration professor since everyone was afraid of her Scottish temper.

During the next week, the twins along Ginny tried to approach him and apologize but all they got in response was Harry holding up his hand and saying "I don't want to hear it" and walking away. The twins were known for their tenaciousness and again approached him the nest day. When they tried to apologize, he responded but not as they were hoping.

He simply asked "Where was your support when all of this started? Where were you when Ron was calling me all those names and turning the whole school against me?"

Fred said "Harry?"

He growled out "I'm going to tell you the same thing I told Granger and that idiot brother of yours. You've lost my respect and trust and like Granger, you just stood there and said nothing. Since I have become as outcast, I have come to realize I don't need any of you and if you continue to harass me, I may just find it necessary to take steps to ensure that you never bother me again."

George smirked "And what may that be little Harrikins?"

Harry sneered at them and said "You are aware that at least one member of your family owes me a life debt."

The twins and Ginny paled at what he said and immediately backed off. That was the last time they directly approached him. For them, it was clear how much they had hurt Harry by their inaction. Ever since he came to Hogwarts and into their lives, they had considered him a little brother and now saw how deeply it affected Harry and also how much it had changed him. The old Harry would never have made such a threat but the new Harry along with the hard look in his eyes made them aware that he was more than capable of it now. Ginny stood there in shock the whole time and cried herself to sleep for days thanks to her stupidity. Her dream of one day marrying Harry had gone up in smoke and she had no one to blame but herself for not standing up for Harry as she knew he deserved.

The thoughts going through most of his former friends' minds were of how badly they had treated Harry and how much they owed him. They followed the orders given to them by their parents and the headmaster and now were going to pay the price for their disloyalty. As Hermione sat and thought about her actions, she realized that if something were to happen now, she couldn't count on Harry to come and rescue her and she cried herself to sleep that night for the friendship she had walked away from.

**LC**

One evening, Albus decided to have a meeting for some of the adults in Harry's life in an attempt in trying to find a way to reach him. Minerva started off by saying "We wouldn't be in this situation in the first place you hadn't been playing your games and after the argument in my class last week, he won't give me the time of day. I managed to catch him out in a corridor the other day and informed him I had tournament news for him. When I told him of the Yule Ball, he just nodded at me and turned to walk away without saying a word. When I asked him who he would ask to be his date, he replied he wouldn't have one. I told him it would be an embarrassment to the school if he showed up without a date and he replied with the school had embarrassed him so why shouldn't he return the favor."

Albus sighed "Inform Miss Granger that she is on standby to be Mr. Potter's date for the ball."

Sirius spoke up "I don't think that's such a good idea. I've seen the look in his eyes before and it doesn't bode well for anyone. It's best just to leave him alone for now."

Albus said "Even James forgave after a while."

Without the normal sneer, Severus said "He wasn't speaking of James. The look in his eyes is all Lily. I've seen that look before and if you keep pushing, you'll have something worse than Voldemort to deal with."

Albus glanced over and saw Sirius and Remus nodding in agreement. Albus looked horrified and turned to Sirius "Do you think you can talk to him?"

Remus snorted as Sirius replied "Um…no. The last letter I sent him returned unopened and when I took it off the owl, it exploded in my face. No, I'm sorry Albus but you ordering me to not write to him have cost me any trust I had with him along with any type of relationship. I doubt he would even accept my friendship."

"Remus?"

He was shaking his head. "The last time I saw him; he pulled out a silver knife and told me it would only take a scratch. He also bluntly told me that Sirius and I had betrayed both him and his parents. After that I backed off immediately."

Albus said "He also won't give me the time of day or even look in my direction at this time. I was hoping he would turn to me and I could talk him through everything."

Severus actually snorted "You mean put a compulsion charm on him to make him behave."

Albus glared at him. "That will be enough of that talk Severus. Arthur, he likes you. Maybe you could talk with him."

Arthur nodded his head. "I would be glad to try but he is not on good terms with the rest of my family at the moment and quite frankly I don't blame him. That's one of the reasons I came to this meeting so that after we are done, I could have a little discussion with them about this whole mess."

Severus said "At least Molly hasn't sent him one of her usual howlers this time."

Arthur turned to look at his wife and asked "Why would he say something like that?"

Molly paled and shot a glance at Albus. She said "Arthur dear, let's just let them work it out for themselves. They are only kids after all."

Arthur replied "I suppose we could give it until Christmas but if nothing is resolved by then, I suppose I will have to remind them that House Weasley owes Harry a debt we can never repay and I won't stand for his mistreatment. Harry's a fine young man but if they keep pushing, I fear what may happen. And I haven't forgotten that howler comment. We will speak on it when we got home."

Albus looked more worried "How do we get him back under control?"

Sirius snorted as Snape replied "I don't think control is an option anymore. You pushed too far and now you'll have to live with the consequences. With the power he showed in the first task, I'd bet that he's broken your bindings even if he doesn't realize it yet."

Sirius asked "What bindings?"

With a glare at Severus he said "I had to place bindings on Harry when he was younger due to the accidental magic he performed during his time with his relatives."

Remus said "Accidental magic only really occurs during times of great distress or when his life is threatened. How many bouts of accidental magic occurred?"

Severus said "I think about twenty but I lose count."

Everyone glared at Albus as they got a picture of Harry's life they didn't want to hear.

Albus snapped "Severus, may I ask why you are aggravating the issue?"

"It's quite simple Headmaster. For the longest time, I only saw Harry as James' son. His actions lately are all Lily and I…I owe it to her. My attitude with him up to this point will probably cause him to never accept my help but I will no longer sit back and watch as he continues to get kicked while he's down." With a look in his eye that was pure Slytherin, he added "You just better hope he never goes to Gringotts or he will bury us all."

Minerva asked "What do you mean by that?"

Severus smirked. "Minerva, even I know the implications of a sword being summoned after lying untouched for a thousand years. Harry is the truest Gryffindor in your house and not only is he Godric's last blood descendent, the sword gives the conclusion that he has been chosen as Godric's magical heir as well."

Severus' comment caused Albus to make a note to himself to visit Gringotts the next day. They never heard the soft 'pop' as an invisible Dobby left the Headmaster's office.

**LC**

After the Yule Ball was announced, he turned to his 'pseudo' girlfriend at their next meeting and said "If I was able to do what I wanted, you'd be my first choice to ask to the ball. I know that would place unwanted attention on you and I don't want that. I would have been honored and proud to escort you."

He was rewarded with a kiss to the cheek along with a hug. During this she whispered "And I would say yes in a heartbeat if I was asked but I know you can't. I'm happy just being your very good friend."

Trying to change the subject, Harry asked "Why do you refer to each other as brother and sister?"

They both looked sad at the question and Harry started to regret asking. He said "If it's too personal, you don't have to tell me."

Megan managed a sad smile. "No, it's okay. It just hurts when I think about it."

Harry said "You guys have been there for me. I'd like to think you could trust me to do the same for you."

Cedric moved over and put his arm around Megan. As she leaned into him, he said "Meg had an older brother named Michael. We were best friends growing up and were always together. For some reason, no matter where we went or what we did, this bratty little girl always invited herself along. Mikey adored his bratty little sister and so did I so it wasn't a problem for us and if she was with us, she couldn't go tell on us. (Megan punched his shoulder and Harry chuckled.) A year before we were to start Hogwarts, Mikey came down with a bad case of Dragon Pox and the normal medicine wouldn't work for him."

Megan quietly said "He was allergic to one of the ingredients."

Cedric sighed "Without the medicine, they couldn't treat it. He eventually became so weak that even his magic couldn't sustain him and his core started draining. I think he knew he was going to die and he asked for me."

Megan hugged him tightly. Cedric shed a lone tear. "When I got there, he made everyone leave so that he could talk to me alone. He grabbed my hand and said I'm not going to be around much longer so I need a favor from you. Of course I told him he was my best friend and I would do anything for him. He then told me that I had to be there for Meg and that I would be her big brother from now on. At ten years old, we didn't know much about magic and oaths but I promised him and there was a flash of light. Ever since then, she's been my little sister."

Harry moved to hug the both of them just as they had done for him. "I'm sorry. If I had known, I would've kept my mouth shut. I…I'm a selfish prat because I think that only bad things happen to me. You've always just talked about my problems and I never considered you may be dealing with your own things."

They both pulled him closer and Megan said "Harry, you're a very giving person and you didn't know. We don't talk about it much because we loved him and miss him. Mikey was a lot like you and in a way, our trio is back. I know he would have liked you."

Cedric chuckled and said "Could you imagine the trouble Mikey and Harry could get into together?"

Megan giggled "Yeah, I'm sure I would have had my hands full."

Later that night when he was alone, tears were once again running down his cheeks for his lot in life and that of his friends. If it wasn't for them, he would have already walked away from Hogwarts and the magical world.

**LC**

The night of the Yule Ball, Harry showed up without a date to which McGonagall immediately assigned Hermione to be his escort. When she tried to wrap her arm in his, he quickly pulled away and stepped away. She tried to protest but was quickly told for her not to touch him. She had to hurry to catch up with him as he walked away from her and into the Great Hall. He never noticed the beautifully decorated hall as the first thing he saw was the person he most wanted to be with on another's arm and it stopped him cold. It took Cedric coming up behind him and quietly guiding him to the table to get him to move. Harry sat there gazing towards the goddess that was Megan Jones. Her long dark brown hair was normally worn straight or pulled back into a pony tail but tonight she had fixed it to where it was flying around her head in loose curls. The way it framed her face brought out her olive complexion and highlighted her small nose and her two gorgeous dark brown eyes that he just loved staring at. She was slightly taller than he was and slim, the dress she wore hugged her tightly and left no hint at the girl that was normally hidden beneath loose robes. He knew he was attracted to her emotionally after their many hours of talking but he wasn't prepared to be struck speechless by her appearance. It was then that he realized that he had the same stirrings of feelings for Megan as he once did for Hermione and just hoped and prayed that one day she would return his feelings.

(In the movie adaptation of my story, LOL, Megan will be played by Penelope Cruz.)

Cedric seated himself next to Harry and was the only one who heard him mumble "beautiful". Cedric smiled and whispered "Yes she is."

Harry glanced up and Cedric could see the pain in his eyes. He whispered "There is no romance there Harry. They have been friends for years. You know she'd rather be here with you."

Harry nodded but it didn't ease the knot in his stomach. Cedric noticed his discomfort and leaned over to whisper "What's the matter?"

Harry sighed "I can't look at her with him without my stomach getting in knots. (He looked up with pleading eyes.) What does that mean?"

Cedric smiled "It means that you really like her and it's something you need to tell her and talk to her about. It also means that if she thinks about you the same way, then you'd better be good to her and treat her right. She's one in a million."

Harry nodded but the thought of her with someone else was just too much for him to handle and he withdrew into himself once again. As he was sitting at the table tuning out Hermione's constant yammering, he realized this would be the perfect opportunity to take care of something Dobby had told him recently. He came out of his thoughts and noticed several people were trying to talk to him. Hermione actually had the nerve to say "Honestly Harry, you could at least be attentive to your date for the night."

Harry growled out "Will you please shut the hell up Granger? You're beginning to remind me of Percy who has a stick up his ass as well. As far as the date comment, you aren't my date as I wouldn't touch you if you were the last woman on the Earth."

As she sat there in shock, Harry leaned over and whispered "Tell Meg that she took my breath away and that I…I can't do this. I've got some things to do. Tell her not to worry."

He took a deep breath and threw Cedric a wink as he rose from the table. With a polite "Excuse me, I'm suddenly not feeling so well." He then walked right out the door of the Great Hall abandoning his assigned date and the ball.

Before anyone realized what just happened and went in pursuit, Harry slipped on his invisibility cloak and exited the front doors of the castle. As he made his way across the grounds, he called for Dobby.

"Yes Harry?"

"I think now would be a good time to head to Gringotts. Do you think you could take me there?"

"Dobby can do Harry but we needs to get out of the wards."

"Will the headmaster know we've left?"

"Whiskers will know someone left. It maybe gives Harry enough time to get past the tellers."

Unknown to either one of them, someone was hiding in the shadows and saw Harry come out the door and slip on his cloak. He heard an elf pop in and then watched as two sets of footprints made their way across the grounds. Once they had moved off, Severus said "Good luck Harry."

As soon as they passed the wards, Dobby grabbed his hand and popped them to the lobby of Gringotts. As Harry approached a teller, he said "Greetings Sir, would it be possible for me to inquire about my family's holdings and see if my parents left a will?"

"I am surprised to see you here tonight of all nights Mr. Potter. I'm sure your requests can be met but I will need to summon your account manager as I'm sure he has already retired for the day. One moment please."

"Sir? I have limited time before someone comes looking for me. Would it possible for me to wait somewhere more private?"

The Goblin looked at him warily and asked "May I ask why someone would be looking for you?"

Harry nervously replied "There are those who would prefer that I don't know anything about my family. I have no doubt that they would stun me and lock me up somewhere in the castle."

The Goblin frowned "Surely you are exaggerating Mr. Potter."

"I may be but the fact remains that I have been kept ignorant my whole life of anything to do with my family. Growing up, I was told my parents were drunks who got themselves killed and me injured in a car crash and I didn't even know their names until Hagrid took me to get my school supplies."

The Goblin looked at him for another minute before saying "I can honor your request Mr. Potter. Our customers' privacy is very important to us so if you'll follow me, I'll lead you to a conference room where you can meet with Master Bearclaw."

"Thank you for your help."

"You are most welcome Mr. Potter."

**LC**

Back in the Great Hall, Hermione sat there in shock as she had been dumped in the middle of the ball. It wasn't long before tears slowly rolled down her cheeks at the significance of just how far she had fallen in Harry's eyes. Never before would he have abandoned her and made her look like a fool or even spoke to her that way. To make matters worse, on orders from the headmaster, she had declined an invitation with Victor Krum to the ball. It was at this moment that she started to realize how much the headmaster had interfered with Harry's life and how it was bleeding over into hers as well.

Hermione was brought out of her thoughts as Professor McGonagall came over and asked "May I ask where Mr. Potter has gone?"

Hermione wiped her eyes which ruined her makeup and said "Harry wasn't feeling well and I assume he went to lie down. On that same note, I too have lost my appetitive and am feeling a little under the weather so if you'll excuse me, I think I will do likewise. Good evening everyone."

Hermione stood and slowly strolled out of the Great Hall and made her way up to her dorm room. She was deep in thought as her feet led her along a familiar path that ended in her dorm room. As she removed her gown and changed into her sleepwear, she cast a quick glance in the mirror which showed her make up smeared face. She made her way into the bathroom where she washed her face. She took a long hard look in the mirror and thought that no amount of makeup could ever cover up the shame that she saw on her face at what she had done to Harry. With tears once again running down her cheeks, she crawled into bed and started sobbing only to be joined by Crookshanks who jumped up and curled up next to his mistress to help sooth her.

Across the table, Viktor Krum was scowling as he watched the scene in front of him. He asked Hermione to the ball because he could see that she was alone and without support. She would have been an easy target to charm and then possible take back to the ship so that he could take advantage of her vulnerability. He was aggravated when she declined and then showed up with the younger champion. His mood started to lift as Harry walked out therefore giving Viktor another opportunity but it was soon dashed with the departure of his intended target.

Cedric had watched as Hermione walked away. He could see that Hermione was at a critical point in her life and hoped that she would choose a better path than the one she had been following. He caught Megan's eye and just shook his head letting her know that they would speak later. With all the drama done for the moment, he turned back to his date and gave her small smile as he rejoined the other champions in conversation during dinner. As he was watching the scene around him, he noticed McGonagall walk over to the headmaster and whisper in his ear. Once she was finished, he watched as he said something in return and then the Head of Gryffindor House walked out of the hall. Cedric smirked as he knew the fireworks were only about to begin.

**LC**

Minerva made her way to Gryffindor tower where she immediately went and checked to see if Harry was in his bed. When she saw he wasn't there, she didn't immediately panic as he was rarely there anymore. She knew this fro the times she had tried to catch him and take him to the headmaster. Not really concerned about it at the moment, she made her way to the girls dorm were she found Hermione lying in her bed crying.

She sat down on the edge and asked "What's the matter child?"

Hermione looked up at her and said between sobs "Don't you see? Don't you see how much we've hurt him? Harry would never have left me like that before no matter how bad he felt. He was a true friend and if I hadn't been so stupid, I think we would have been more than that this year. After saving Sirius last year, something changed between us and I know he felt it too. And what did I do, I threw all that away just to please other people. I walked away from possibly the only boy who could love me just like I am. Where does that leave me? When can I be happy?"

"Calm down child, I'm sure everything will work out soon. You know Mr. Potter; he gets angry and then gets over it. I'll admit that this has lasted longer than normal but he usually comes back in the end."

She sniffed. "I don't think that's going to happen this time. We broke his trust and friendship and after the life he's had with his relatives, we won't get it back anytime soon if at all. You heard him in the tent."

"What do you mean about his life with his relatives?"

"As experienced as you are and you can't see it? My parents are trained to spot abuse and taught me to recognize it. They've barely been around him and they spotted it right away. His relatives beat him, starve him, and treat him like the dirt beneath their feet. Our Boy-Who-Lived has been abused all his life and no one in the magical world seems to care one bit."

"I knew they weren't the best sort but Albus said they were taking good care of Harry."

"You never checked on the son of two of your self proclaimed favorite students?"

"No, Albus said he was taking care of it and that Harry was fine. I…I didn't know it was like that."

Hermione looked at her in astonishment. "How could you, Madam Pomfrey, and the rest of the staff miss all the signs? You saw him when he first came to school. You saw him every time he returned for the summer. Did you ever notice him flinch whenever someone touched him? The first time I hugged him, it scared him to death. I think it was the first hug he ever had. It was obvious to me. My parents only saw him at the platform and recognized it so why couldn't someone who was supposed to look after him here at school ever see it?"

Minerva hung her head down in shame. Hermione finally said "I did what you said and stayed loyal to the house even against the demands of my own heart and look what it has cost me. It won't happen again! I will never accept the advice or suggestions of anyone if it goes against my own conscience. However, I do intend to spend the rest of my life trying to make it up to Harry and become his friend again. Whether he accepts me or not, I will never betray him again even if it costs me my own life. And I promise you that if he leaves this school, my parents will have me out of here faster than you can blink."

"But, what about the rest of your friends?"

"What friends? Ron? If you call being degraded every day a healthy friendship then I need to rethink my definition. I hung around with Ron because no one else wanted me around them. I've lost the only friend that mattered Professor, thanks to you and that weasel. If I could do it, I would change houses even though I'm sure I wouldn't qualify for Hufflepuff at this point."

Minerva gasped in shock but before she could say anything, Hermione said "Professor, I would prefer to be alone. Since you helped get me into this mess, I would appreciate it if you stayed out of my personal life from now on. If I need someone to talk to, I'll seek out Professor Snape. I think he would be an improvement over how I've been guided so far."

Minerva looked as if she had been slapped and got up and silently left the room. After her confrontation with Hermione, not finding Harry was the furthest thing from her mind as she thought about how badly she had failed some of the members of her house. She completely forgot about the Yule Ball and went to her office where she pulled out a bottle of single malt whiskey to calm her nerves. She was so lost in her own thoughts that before she knew it, she heard the sounds of the students returning from the ball and back to the dorm. She sat in her dark office thinking about a young man who meant so much to her despite how she had been forced to act towards him. She was almost to the point where she had decided that no job was worth what she was being told to do when a knock was heard at the door. She knew Albus' knock and cast a spell to hide her presence from him as he was the last person she wanted to talk to as he always managed to convince her to go against her heart and her convictions.

**LC**

As they were dancing, Cedric leaned over as Cho whispered in his ear. "Is Harry going to be okay? I always thought he was sweet but he changed a lot this year when everyone turned on him. (Cedric looked at her in shock.) I know you two are friends. It's not too hard to figure out when you're the only person he even speaks to anymore."

Cedric sighed and whispered back "I hope he will. He's had it rough and I want to help him."

She smiled up at him "Then that's what you should do. I'll try not to be a jealous girlfriend as long as you make some time for me but I'm really worried about him and he needs someone to look after him. Just tell him…tell him I'm sorry. I know better than to listen to rumors and gossip. My parents taught me better than that and I feel I owe him an apology."

He smiled "I will. I'm sure he will appreciate it even if he doesn't act on it right now. Um…would you mind if I danced with Meg for a couple of songs. I promised her I would."

She smiled back. "Go dance with your adopted sister. I'll just go and talk to some friends while you do. Find me when you're done?"

"I wouldn't dream of doing anything else. Thank you for understanding. It'll mean a lot to Meg."

She kissed his cheek and walked off towards some of her friends as he sought out Megan. When he approached Megan and Ernie, he held out his hand to her and said "Ernie, would you mind if I stole Meg for a few minutes?"

"Not at all. I think I will just go get us a couple of butterbeers. She's being pouty for some reason so hopefully you can dance her blues away."

He led her to the dance floor and he pulled her into his arms as they started to dance. Before he could say anything, she asked "What was all that and where did Harry go?"

He laughed "Impatient are we? Let's do things in order. I don't want to make your head swell but Harry said that you took his breath away tonight."

She looked at him with wide eyes with a small tear shining in the corner. He smiled down at her. "He was right; you look more beautiful than ever."

She slapped his arm playfully and said "You're just saying that because you're obligated too."

He smirked "True but Harry couldn't keep his eyes off you and even said he couldn't stand to watch you in someone else's arms."

Her eyes grew wide. "He didn't! Why would he act like that? We haven't even kissed."

"Well not in so many words but I got his meaning. In his heart, I think you are his girlfriend."

"He's never asked. We are getting closer but we've not talked about anything like that. Is that why he left?"

"Partially. I don't think he wanted to watch you on Ernie's arm all night and not be able to dance or talk to you. The last thing he told me was that he had some things to do and for you not to worry."

"What would he have to do tonight? And why would I worry? Oh crap, he went to Gringotts didn't he?"

"I don't know for sure but that'd be my guess. As busy as the castle is tonight, it wouldn't be too hard to slip away unnoticed."

**LC**

In Bearclaw's office at Gringotts, things were not going as well as planned. Harry yelled "What do you mean I should have responded to you four years ago?"

Bearclaw calmly said "You were sent a letter on your eleventh birthday detailing everything about your accounts. We received a letter from your magical guardian stating that you declined to take responsibility for your family at that time and would reconsider the issue when you were seventeen."

"I've never received anything from Gringotts before and just who the hell is my magical guardian? I don't even know what that is."

Bearclaw opened a file and glanced inside. "It says here that Albus Dumbledore is your magical guardian due to the incarceration of your godfather."

Harry was about to explode. "So you're saying I cannot inquire about my parents' wills or my family inheritance because he said so? Is he a Potter? That stuff is rightfully mine and I demand to be given access to it or at the least be given an accounting."

"I'm sorry Mr. Potter but unless we have permission from your magical guardian, we cannot."

Harry got right in the goblin's face and said "This is bullshit! I was respectful and polite to you throughout our whole meeting until you told me that you would keep what's rightfully mine from me. I will promise you this, if you continue to violate my rights in this matter, when I turn seventeen, I will remove every Knut from your institution and take my business somewhere else. I was never informed of my rights and by my definition that places the blame upon you AND Albus Dumbledore. Once I do this, I will inform the entire magical world of your less than honorable dealings with the heir to the Potters."

"I do apologize Mr. Potter, but my hands are tied in this matter. I cannot grant you that which I cannot give. I suggest you take it up with your guardian."

Harry sat back in thought then sarcastically said "Very well then, I trust that I still have access to my trust vault?"

"Yes Mr. Potter."

"Fine then, I want every galleon, sickle, and Knut removed from it at once and placed in a bag so that I can track down the gnomes and open an account there."

"How do you know about them?"

"Let's just say that this term has forced me to learn a lot about the magical world. On that same note, I assume that my vault will be refilled on January first as is the standard set up for trust vaults?"

"Yes Mr. Potter, it is. May I inquire as to your intentions?"

"No you may not. The contents in that vault belong to me and as such I have every right to do with it as I please."

"Yes you do Mr. Potter. I do want to convey that my hands are truly tied in this matter. I wish things were different but I must follow the instructions given to me."

Harry snapped back "As you have said numerous times. Just remember my promise to you. Upon my seventeenth birthday, every account that I am entitled to will be removed from your institution's care as I no longer trust the lot of you to handle my family's affairs." Once he finished saying this, Harry didn't bother with the niceties and just walked out on Bearclaw after grabbing the bottomless bag from t he hand of the Goblin who retrieved it. That bag contained his entire trust vault.

Bearclaw sat at this desk considering everything he had just been told and a bead of sweat ran down his forehead. Once this got out, he and his family would probably be executed under Goblin law for causing such a tremendous loss to Gringotts. He still had no idea how Dumbledore convinced him to go along with his plan for a share of the Potter wealth but after what he had just heard, he knew his time was limited. He just didn't know just how short that time would be.

**LC**

As Harry was entering the lobby of the bank, he dug his hand in the bag and pulled out a handful of galleons. He approached the teller from before and asked if he would exchange the galleons for pounds sterling. As the goblin was taking care of this, Harry called Dobby and handed him the bag. "Take this to the gnomes and have them open an account for me. Also request a meeting for me at their earliest convenience to discuss the future of the Potter holdings."

"Yes Harry."

The teller was listening to what Harry was saying and asked "Mr. Potter, am I correct in assuming that you no longer wish to do business with Gringotts? The Potters were one of the original families that helped us start our institution and the loss of your confidence will have a detrimental effect on our business."

"Yes, you heard correctly. Excluding you, the service I have received from Gringotts today has been less than satisfactory. As soon as I come of age, I will be transferring everything to the gnomes."

"Mr. Potter, would you wait here long enough for me to bring in my supervisor? I don't want you to leave without Gringotts having to chance to rectify the situation."

"Mr.?"

"Griphook, Mr. Potter."

Harry nodded "Mr. Griphook, I appreciate your efforts but I have had enough of your higher ups and their inability to help me. Good evening."

Griphook watched as Harry left through the front doors. As soon as the doors closed, Griphook closed off his station and scampered down the passageways of Gringotts until he came upon two great doors. He pounded on the doors and waited until he heard "Enter".

He quickly made his way forward and knelt in front of the ornate throne where Ragnok sat. "What can I do for you nephew? Aren't you on desk duty tonight?"

"Yes Sire. I heard some troubling news and wanted to bring it quickly to your attention."

Ragnok growled out "Trying to advance your station?"

"No Sire, just doing my duty as a Goblin."

"Then speak and be quick about it. You are ignoring your duties by being here."

Griphook bowed again "Yes Sire, I just spoke with the Heir to the Potters. He claimed that he was extremely unhappy with his visit today and was looking to sever his relationship with Gringotts when he came of age."

Ragnok was on his feet in an instant. "WHAT? Who is responsible for this?"

"Milord, I escorted him to a meeting with Bearclaw when Mr. Potter came in asking about his family's accounts."

"Was anything else said?"

"Yes Sire, not only was he going to move the Potter holdings but any other holdings that he was entitled too."

Ragnok grew furious. "Summon Bearclaw immediately. This cannot be allowed to happen."

Griphook bowed once again. "Milord, I think it may be too late. He emptied his trust vault earlier and had his elf take the contents to the gnomes. I asked him if he would wait long enough for me to get someone of authority but he would have none of it and said he had quite enough of the ineptitude of our people in authority for one day."

Ragnok stood and swung his sword splitting a granite conference table in half in his rage. Griphook stood very still to keep from being next. He turned to Griphook and shouted "I TOLD YOU TO SUMMON BEARCLAW! NOW MOVE BEFORE I TREAT YOU AS I DID MY TABLE."

Griphook bowed and ran out the door.

**LC**

Harry made his way out of Diagon Alley without being seen with the help of his father's cloak. As soon as he was on Charing Cross Road, he flagged down a taxi and asked to be taken to a decent hotel. The ride didn't take long and he was let out in front of the Charing Cross Hotel. He looked up at the place and became worried that he didn't have enough money on him to get a room for a few days but it didn't hurt to ask.

As he stepped up to the desk, he realized he was still in robes but was amazed that nobody seemed to pay attention to that fact. Once greeted by the desk clerk, he said "Hello, my name is Harry Potter and I was wondering if you might have a room available for the night and just how much it might be?"

The clerk gave him a second look and typed something into his computer. His eyebrows rose and he asked "Are you Harold James Potter, son of the late James and Lily Potter?"

"Yes sir, I'm Harry Potter and that was who my parents were."

"Yes, we were sad to hear that they were no longer with us. Mrs. Potter was one of the primary investors in our hotel and as such, there has always been a suite reserved for her even though she never used it. That suite has been held for you as her primary heir."

Harry was thinking about his meeting with Gringotts and how Albus had interfered with his life and was immediately wary of the situation. "So no one knows about this place?"

The clerk said "According to my records, the suite has never been used but has always been maintained in case you needed it. I'm not trying to pry but are you in some kind of trouble?"

"I…what makes you think that?"

"Well sir, you are here on Christmas Eve in formal robes, with no luggage, and you look as if you've had a rather trying day."

"Well, the day has not been pleasant and I was just looking for a place to lie low for a few days and think things over."

The man glanced at Harry and noticed that besides the nice robe he had on, the rest of the clothes didn't suit his station. "Well Mr. Potter, I will gladly have you escorted to your suite and maybe you could take advantage of our valet services and take care of any clothing issues you may have."

Harry thought about how he must look and realized that even though he wore his best under his robes, they still weren't that nice of clothes. The comment Draco had made came to mind. "I may do that but not until after Christmas. I would hate to rob anyone of their time with their families just to take care of me."

The man waved over another man in a hotel uniform and asked "Benjamin, could you show Mr. Potter to the Potter suite? He will be joining us for a few days."

Once Harry was in the suite, he looked around and thought it was really nice and would suit him just fine for a few days. After he removed his robe and sat down, he called for Dobby.

'Pop' "You called Harry?"

"Yeah, um…how did it go with the gnomes?"

"Theys be saying that Harry already has an account with them and they deposited the money into your vault." Dobby held out a large clasp envelope and added "Theys sent these so you get to your money and said theys come whenever Harry wanted."

Harry opened the envelope and allowed everything inside to drop onto the coffee table. They were two letters, one addressed to him that said read first. He also found a credit card, several forms of id, a wallet, and a strange looking key on a chain.

Dobby said "Theys said that the wallet will hold all the other stuff and give you money when yous asks for it. Theys be saying to put the chain around your neck which holds your vault key and that the letters were left for you by your mother."

Harry did everything Dobby said and then nervously reached for the letter. Once he opened it he saw:

My Dearest Harry,

If you are reading this then I didn't survive the war. I'm so sorry that I wasn't there as you grew up but know that I am always with you. You, my precious baby boy, were the light of your father's and my eyes. When you entered our lives, you brought so much joy and happiness. If we died protecting you and you are still alive, then it was worth it as you are the most important thing in our lives and we love you dearly.

Now that all that has been said, we need to get to the harsh realities that surround us. Don't trust anyone without a sworn oath to never betray you. Albus has shown too keen an interest in you and I don't like what that means. While your father trusted him, I DO NOT!

After much arguing, I finally agreed to let Albus cast a Fidelis charm over the cottage to hide you better but know that Peter Pettigrew was our secret keeper instead of Sirius Black. Your father thought it would be the greatest prank to have everyone chasing after your godfather. I honestly don't think he will ever grow up even with the responsibility of having you in our lives.

The second envelope carries a certified copy of our wills. Even though your father says they are the best, I don't trust the Goblins and won't keep all my eggs in one basket. There is already an account under mine and your names with the Gnomes of Switzerland and as such, they have a copy of our wills. If we are gone and Albus got his hooks in you, use the wills to break free. We also left instructions to emancipate you so do what you feel is best for yourself but know that as soon as you do, Albus will know about it.

The account with the Gnomes holds the proceeds from some investments I've made. It was growing rapidly before we went into hiding and should be enough to take care of you until you gain control over the Potter accounts. If you don't already know this, the Potters were a very old and wealthy family. As such, when you are of age to marry, be very careful who you tie yourself to. Most know of the wealth of the Potters and would do anything to lay their hands on it. The Potters also have a lot of political influence and it will be up to Sirius to teach you what you need to know. If he doesn't, you have my permission to neuter the mangy cur.

Another thing you need to know is that your heritage as Potter goes much deeper than most people realize. Even with the convoluted mess that purebloods have made of their ancestry, you are the last living descendent of Godric Gryffindor and the Peverells. If you claim this inheritance, you will be allowed access to magic that has not been seen in centuries. The knowledge they held may be just what you need to give you an edge.

I'm sure that you've heard stories about me and your father but don't believe everything you hear. I loved your father dearly but he could be a right prat most of the time and more often than not, he was an ass to people which didn't endear him to a lot of people. If you were lucky enough to get past that exterior, you couldn't find a more caring and loving man at least I know I couldn't.

Now, as you know, I'm a redhead and as such, I have a temper. Most days I'm a bitch but that just comes from being surrounded by Marauders most of the time. I guess what I'm trying to say is….don't be a doormat and let people walk over you. Be your own man. Be a Potter. Life is what YOU make it, not what other try and make for you.

I Love You,

Mum

Harry sat there for a few minutes before reaching for the other envelope. Once he opened it and started reading, he grew furious at blatant disregard of his parents' wishes. He read the list of names that were to take care of him and grew sad that almost all of them had either been incapacitated or were under Dumbledore's thumb. He sat back thinking about it and started coming up with a way to make them pay for what they had done to him. The only problem he saw was that he would have to wait until he turned fifteen which was the date specified in the will for him to be rid of his controllers. He also realized that he wouldn't have to wait the more than two years to get control over his family's holdings and was thankful that his mother had the foresight to give him other options for the time being. Until then, he would have to continue to do as he had been and just marginalize their influence.

**LC**

Harry spent the remainder of the holidays at the hotel and enjoyed his freedom immensely. He never left the hotel but did opt for some new clothes. He didn't get a lot so that he wouldn't draw more attention to himself but at least he now had some nice things. When it was time for him to go back, he asked Dobby to pop him to the castle where he quickly made his way to the castle and back into the betrayers stronghold.