(A/N: Someone mentioned that Hermione must be really 'chapped' about being beholden to her brother Harry. This is intentional. No, I don't believe that women are inferior. But for this story to work the way I want it to, I had to use elements from the old days where women had literally no rights. Personally, I don't like Hermione or Dumbledore. Maybe one chapter, I'll explain why I don't like Hermione. Also, my other story, "Rewind Time" has hit a bit of a snag, and when I correct all the issues for that one, I will repost the updated version.)

Chapter 5: Deal or No Deal

Harry stepped out of the fireplace in the headmaster's office perplexed. He specifically called for Hogwarts, but somehow ended up in the Headmaster's office. He had assumed that he would end up in Minerva's office, or the Deputy Headmaster's office, but instead, he found himself in Dumbledore's old office. Harry looked around and noticed that a few things were missing. For one, Fawkes was missing. That didn't surprise him much, as Fawkes would normally stay with the former Headmaster. But what was also missing was the sorting hat. Harry didn't know why the hat would be missing, and for some reason, it concerned him.

"Ah, I see my young heir has returned." A voice came from above.

"You mean our heir, Godric." A female voice said.

"Yes, Godric. It's our heir." A third female voice said.

"Yes, yes. Well, welcome young Master Potter. I see that you have figured out that you are indeed our heir. I am Godric Gryffindor, to my left is my lovely wife Rowena Ravenclaw, to my right is the lovely Helga Hufflepuff, and next to her, is of course, Salazar Slytherin." Godric said.

"Nice to meet you, Sirs, Madams." Harry said, bowing. "Forgive the presumption, but what happened here?" Harry asked.

"When you declared that Dumbledore was no longer Headmaster, the office sealed itself. It would be up to the Board of Governors, or yourself, to decide if the Headmaster, or in this case, the new Headmistress, deserves this office. It is one of those rarely used clauses in the Charter of Hogwarts. It is normally assumed that the Headmaster or Headmistress is reserved this office." Helga explained. "While we are not moved, the main items that the headmaster or headmistress uses are moved to their current office."

"Oh, I didn't know that. So, that means the sorting hat is with Professor McGonagall?" Harry asked.

"Yes. Along with the student files, and other necessities. Once you allow the Headmistress to have this office, they will be magically placed here again." Rowena said.

"But you need to set the password and swear her in, young Harry." Godric said.

"Swear her in? Bloody hell, I don't know how to do that… or even what to do. All of this is new to me." Harry complained. "I did things without thinking about it. How do I change the password to the gargoyle?"

"Place your hand on the replica on the shelf, and speak the password." Slytherin sneered, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Harry moved over to the stone replica of the guardian of the Headmaster's office and spoke a password. "You, however, will never need a password for any place within Hogwarts. The castle has recognized you as its rightful heir, and will respond accordingly. You have all access to every place within the castle, and its secrets."

"And of course, Hogwarts herself can speak to you. All you have to do is open your mind and she'll listen." Helga said. "This was one advantage that the Headmaster has, but you can overrule the Headmaster in these cases."

"So that's how the old coot knew what I was doing!" Harry said, and the portraits chuckled.

"Yes, Harry. Besides the fact that the paintings and statues also keep an eye on you. It was the headmaster's orders. Now that you have claimed your rightful place, you will no longer be monitored. However, you may use that information as you see fit. The portraits, guardians, and ghosts will follow your command, as will the house elves. While you have final authority, most day to day operations are handled by the Headmistress. You can give her the authority to appoint a Deputy Headmistress, or you can do so yourself." Rowena said.

"I think I will let her do that. I'm still a student." Harry said. "But does that mean I can hire and fire teachers?"

"Of course, Harry." Godric said. "You can evict someone from the castle at your will, but I would advise not to do so lightly. Take things under careful consideration before you do such things. An advisory panel, so to speak."

"You said this office was used for the headmaster or headmistress. Are there other offices like this one in Hogwarts?" Harry asked.

"But of course, Harry. This office was originally Godric's. My office is located near Ravenclaw Tower. Salazar's is in the Dungeons, but you must speak parseltongue to get in, and Helga's I believe is near the kitchens." Rowena said, as Helga nodded. "You have access to all the founder's offices."

"Madame Hufflepuff, would you mind terribly if I used your office as my own?" Harry asked.

"Please, it's Helga, and of course you may. Our portraits are also in each of our offices, so we all may speak freely there. There are no monitoring devices in any of the offices except for this one, which was controlled by Dumbledore." Helga said.

"How do I find it?"

"You have that wonderful map, do you not?" Helga asked, as Harry nodded. "And you know where the kitchens are? Good. Just before you reach the Hufflepuff common room, you'll see a statue of a badger. No one has used that office since I was Headmistress. You may want to ask the house elves to clean it up a bit. The same goes for Salazar's and Rowena's offices."

"Errr… I don't know any of the House Elves." Harry said.

"Just call for a house elf. You don't need to know their names, as there are over two hundred here. Just request an elf." Godric prodded.

"Ummm, would a house elf please come here?" Harry asked tentatively. A second later, a small house elf appeared next to Harry.

"Master called for Dusty?" the small elf inquired.

"Yes, Dusty. Would you and some other house elves please clean Helga Hufflepuff's office for me please? And also the other founder's offices? I would greatly appreciate it." Harry said. The elf looked up in surprise, but nodded quickly.

"Master honors Dusty by giving her a most noble task! Thank you Master!" Dusty said, and faded out of the room. Harry looked confused for a moment, but let it pass.

"Now Harry, also as heir to we founders, you have access to all four common rooms from your new office. There is a viewing mirror in the office that you may view the common room and dormitories. This is not a tool for perverse pleasures." Slytherin said. "It is only to ensure the students are in their common rooms and not misbehaving. Although it will allow you to view into the dormitories, it is censored."

"What my collegue is trying to say, is that you will not be able to see into the dorms. It will only show dots like your Marauders Map. You will be able to see a live picture of the Common Rooms, but that is all." Rowena said.

"Well, that's good, I suppose. It's not like it's necessary as I have the map. But now I know how the Headmaster knew what was going on with us all these years. However, I do need to speak with Headmistress McGonagall. Can you tell me where she is?" Harry asked.

"She is in her office." Helga said. "I believe she is going over the normal paperwork for beginning of next term. I dare say she could use a break."

"Thank you!" Harry said, leaving the office. He stopped at the gargoyle to make sure that the password he set was taken in, and headed towards his former transfiguration teacher's office. Five minutes later, he was standing outside her door, and he knocked.

"Come in." a voice said from behind the door.

"Good Morning, Professor McGonagall." Harry smiled.

"Good Morning, Mr. Potter. I see you received my letter. I appreciate you coming so quickly. There are matters I need to ask, but it is of somewhat personal nature… you see… I have been instated as the new Headmistress…" She began. Harry smiled as he knew what was going on, and instead of letting her finish, Harry interrupted her.

"Yes, I know, Professor. Congratulations. Before you ask, yes, it was my doing. There are reasons for my actions, and if you'd like to discuss that, I'd be more than happy to. I don't believe you are as manipulative as Dumbledore is, and I feel that I can trust you much more than I can him."

"What happened, Mr. Potter?" Minerva asked.

"Please, school isn't in session. Could you please call me Harry? When you say Mr. Potter, it seems like I'm in trouble or something."

"I haven't ruled that out." Minerva said with a smirk. She looked upon one of her favorite students with a slight smile. "Harry, can you explain what happened?"

"Of course, Professor. You see, I recently learned of a bunch of things that the former headmaster has been keeping from me. His purposely evasive tactics, his outright refusal to tell me things that concern me directly, and the lies he has told me directly lead me to believe that he is not suited to this position. I'm sure you have realized that only the heirs to the founders can override the board of governors. As such, you would know, as I have acquired the sword of Gryffindor, that I am the heir to Gryffindor. However, that's not how I found out. " Harry said. For the next hour, Harry told Minerva everything that he found out at Gringotts, how he took possession of his family vault, the headship of the families, and everything that Dumbledore failed to tell him as required when he turned eleven.

"So you're doing this out of spite?" Minerva asked incredibly. Harry shook his head. "Well then please explain to me why…"

"Professor, my parents will specifically requested that I not be placed with the Durselys. Dumbledore ignored this. I also found out why Voldemort attacked my parents that night. It has to do with a prophecy that I am a part of. The simple fact is, that prophecy is what caused Voldemort to attack my parents, and Neville's parents. I believe he orchestrated the events that led to Sirius being imprisoned, as Dumbledore knew Pettigrew was the secret-keeper, as Dumbledore was the one to cast the fidelus charm." Harry replied. The look on Minerva's face was of shock.

"You mean Albus knew Pettigrew was the one to betray your parents? And he allowed Sirius to take the fall?" Minerva asked.

"Yes. And we had it out at the Burrow, and I fired him. Not only am I the heir to Gryffindor, but also to Ravenclaw, and by magic, Slytherin. Technically, I own Hogwarts. So, I've decided to make a few changes. First being, getting rid of Dumbledore and replacing him with a professor who I know can do the job, and who isn't a manipulative old coot." Harry said.

"Be that as it may, Harry. You have placed me in a predicament. I have to find a transfiguration teacher, and a DADA teacher. You of all people know how difficult it is…"

"Yes, I do unfortunately. However, I will leave that in your capable hands. I will not interfere with whom you hire…or fire, if the case may be." Harry said, leaving a subtle hint. "However, I will not tolerate the blatant favoritism of one specific professor. Also, as I have control over the magic of Hogwarts, I will be placing a special ward on the grounds and castle. As headmistress, you have the right to know of it. As I can speak to the castle, it is not an issue. I will be placing an anti-dark mark on the wards, so that no one who is branded with the dark mark can enter the grounds."

"I have told Albus that he should have done that years ago, but he has overruled me every time. He said that it would not be prudent as Professor Snape is branded, but turned spy for us." Minerva said. "Does that mean I'll need to find a potions professor too?"

"I could allow Snape access specifically tuned to him. However, as I stated, I will not put up with blatant favoritism. The first time he steps out of line, as witnessed by myself and another member of a different house, I will eject him from the castle. And trust me, if the castle ejects someone, it's sure to be painful. Of course, I will have the memories of the students and witnesses before I take such action. So I do believe it would be best to warn him. As Hogwarts heir, points and detentions do not apply to me, and I do not intend to abuse that. As I technically am the boss, I am still a student, and shall follow the rules of the student. The only exception is when I have to take care of 'family business' as pertains to being head of two families, and direct Hogwarts business. The only difference will be that I will have my own office and private suite. It's located near the Hufflepuff common room. It was Helga's old office."

"You have access to the founder's offices?" Minerva looked surprised as Harry nodded.

"Then you would have access to the headmaster's office…"

"Yes. It's yours now, if you wish. All you have to do is say yes, and I will give you the password." Harry said. "I don't believe that you will abuse the privileges like Dumbledore did."

"Thank you, Harry. And while we're in private, you may call me Minerva. I expect we shall see a lot of each other. The students will not like the special circumstances in which you will enjoy, but if you agree to be bound by normal student rules, then I cannot say anything."

"I will not serve detention unless it is justifiable. That is where you will come in. If I have done something that merits a detention, then I shall gladly serve it. But it will be an agreement between all four heads of house. And speaking of which, I hereby remove Severus Snape as Head of Slytherin House. You may replace him with anyone you wish."

"You know, I was actually planning on doing that. I agree with you that Severus tends to favor his own house, and we can no longer have that. Albus allowed it far too often, which I must say would probably cut your detentions down to almost nothing."

"You don't know the half of it. Snape has taken more points off me and other Gryffindors than all the points combined you and the other teachers have taken off all other houses in the past three years. To say that is unfair is an understatement. I can provide you with memories of how Snape treats students not from his house. However, I do not wish to sack him, as I understand there are very few potions masters out there to teach. And we really can't call it teaching what he does, as so much independent study. He writes the ingredients on the chalkboard and sets us to work with no explanation. At least you, Professor Sprout, Professor Flitwick and other teaches actually explain theories, and help students no matter the house." Harry said.

"Do you have a plan for Professor Snape?" Minerva asked.

`"Most definitely, Professor. Now that I know he's been using legillimency on us, he'll find that things are going to be quite different. If he attempts to use it on me, then I'll have no choice but to retaliate. When I took over my head of houses, and the Hogwarts Crest, it gave me a natural ability to block out mind intrusions. The magic of Hogwarts helps me. I now know of every room, every passage, every ward, and every bit of magic in the school. It's overwhelming at times. But it will be a big help, I suppose. With someone trying to kill me every year, it's a good thing to know this castle like the back of my hand."

"Yes, quite. Speaking of which, the errr former headmaster was concerned that you left Privet Drive. May I ask where you are staying?" Minerva asked.

"You may ask, Minerva. But that does not mean I will tell you." Harry said. A slight frown formed on the face of his transfiguration teacher, now headmistress. "I am under a goblin fidelus charm, and the wards will only allow certain people into my new home. When I return home, I will add you to the access list, because I trust you. You've always been fair to us, if not a bit quick. I am the secret keeper, so all you have to know is that Harry Potter lives at Potter Manor in Scotland."

"Thank you, Harry." Minerva said sincerely. "I may not have agreed to Albus leaving you with those muggles, but I do know the capabilities of Potter Manor. You are well cared for there?"

"Yes, Minerva. The house elves take good care of me, and Padfoot is completely safe there. Moony will be joining us shortly, and I guess he'll have a pack to run with in the forest on my land. I also have a greenhouse, and a huge library. And according to Devine, the library is well stocked with different kinds of books on Defense and Transfiguration that were my dad's. I haven't had a chance to go through any of them, but now that I'm a legal adult, I'll be able to practice and learn more."

"What do you mean, legal adult?" Minerva asked, her eyebrows raised.

"As now head of the Potter Family and the Black family, I have been fully emancipated. I don't know exactly how it works, but then again, I know very little about Wizarding Laws and such. You are most welcome to visit and stay whenever you wish though, Minerva. I have plenty of room, and maybe you'd be willing to oversee me when I practice transfiguration. I think Ron, Hermione, and Ginny will be joining me, as I've learned that in my house, the Ministry can't detect magic use."

"It is not a good idea, Harry. You know the rules about underage magic. However, if you have an accredited tutor, then you may get waivers for Miss Granger…"

"Miss Potter, actually, Minerva. That's another thing I learned. Hermione's actually my younger sister, by about four minutes. Only Sirius, my parents, and Dumbledore knew, and hid it from me. We've already done verification through Gringotts. That's another reason I'm so pissed at Dumbledore. Hermione… or as she's known to my parents Rose, also knows, and she will be living with me. I'll be allowing the Weasleys access to my home because we all know what a mother hen Mrs. Weasley is." Harry said as Minerva chuckled. "And as for a tutor, Moony should qualify, don't you think?"

"Yes, I quite say he does. I shall get the forms for you and fill them out. However, you will need some sort of compensation for Remus. As I know you now have access to your family vault, that should be no problem. For your information, a new teacher salary here per year is 25,000 galleons. If you wish to 'hire' Remus, which I'm assuming you do, compensation should be proportionate." Minerva said.

"Thank you for the advice, Minerva. If you wish to move into the Headmaster's office, the password is currently 'tabby cat', in honor of your animagus form. The office is now yours. When I return to Hogwarts, I will be moving into the suites of Hufflepuff's office. After the Wizarding world discovers that I am the heir, I wish to be left alone. You know how my life is at Hogwarts over the years, and I do not wish for anyone to disturb me. My password will be in parseltongue, and no one will be able to enter besides myself."

"I suppose I can't say anything against it as you are the owner. However, decorum must be maintained, Harry. Please do not abuse this privilege."

"Of course not, Minerva. I wish you luck on your new job. I must ask though, who have you chosen to replace you as Deputy? And will you be continuing on as Transfiguration Professor?" Harry asked.

"No, I will not. I have a list of candidates for Transfiguration Professor. I daresay that you will have to approve it either way. As for Deputy Headmaster, I was thinking of Filius Flitwick."

"A good choice. And as for the head of Gryffindor House?" Harry asked.

"Unfortunately, there are no longer any Gryffindors on staff currently save for Rubeus Hagrid. My choice for Transfiguration professor was a slytherin, therefore would not be prudent to install as Gryffindor Head of House. I can only hope that any qualified DADA teacher will be from Gryffindor."

"You have my full permission and backup if you wish to rehire Remus Lupin. In fact, if no other candidate comes forward, I will install him myself. For those days he will need off… would we be able to swing an auror or two to teach during his absences?"

"If no other candidate is qualified, then I would like you to install Remus to the position again. I fear that some parents are not going to like it, however. But to other matters, this year will be quite different from any others. Against my better judgement, the ministry as saw fit to once again reinstate the Tri-Wizard Tournament. This is a closely guarded secret, Harry. As owner and operator of Hogwarts now, you have to be notified."

"What is the Tri-Wizard Tournament?" Harry asked.

"It is a competition between three of the top schools in the European continents. " For the next hour Minerva explained the Tri-Wizard tournament, it's history and downfall. The more he heard of it, the less he liked it.

"The ministry has imposed an age limit, so that no student under 17 shall be able to enter. We will have measures in place so that no student underage shall be entered."

"I hope not. Describing those tasks, I doubt anyone younger could handle it." Harry said, going over the tasks in his head. Most of the knowledge needed isn't taught until sixth year, and teachers are forbidden to help. Unfortunately, that now includes you, Harry. Whomever the Hogwarts Champion is, you cannot assist them."

"You know, I have a bad feeling about this tournament, Minerva. My last three years something has happened to me, and I wouldn't put it past some people to try and enter me in."

"They can try, Harry. Even though you are technically a student, and underage, you are disqualified in other ways also."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked.

"You are also a member of the staff. As owner, the student rules technically do not apply to you. You have judgment over all punishments, point deductions, and detentions." Minerva said. "I do hope you will not overstep your authority, however I cannot prevent that."

"You mean like Snape?" Harry inquired, his eyebrow raised. By the look on Minerva's face, he hit the nail on the head.

"No worries, Minerva. I will not interfere in the normal operation of the school. However, if Snape, or any other teacher abuses that authority, I reserve the right to reverse point deductions and punishments, and also give punishments if I deem it necessary."

"You mean like a prefect?" Minerva asked.

"No. If, for example, Snape deducts points, as he has to Gryffindors, for 'breathing too loudly', I will reverse that. If I feel someone is not being punished for something they have done, then I will administer punishment. If Snape refuses, then he will be fired. I assume you will let the staff know of the change in… power?"

"Severus isn't going to like that." Minerva smirked.

"I really don't care. If you know of a qualified potions master, then please feel free to contact them. Most of the class is independent study as it is. He only puts the ingredients on the blackboard and tells us to get started. No explanations or anything. I don't think I can classify that as teaching."

"What do you suggest? Potion masters are hard to come by these days."

"And that also is Snapes fault. He's been teaching for the last fourteen years. I'm sure the ones who have decent grades were mostly slytherins."

"That would be accurate." Minerva said.

"The first rule I'm changing is that stupid rule of having an O in potions to get into the NEWT class. If he doesn't like it, then he can leave. Any rules that you see fit to change like that, please, feel free. Run them by me if its controversial, and we'll discuss that. I would also like you to keep a close eye on the slytherins. I'm not saying they're all bad. Hell, Pettigrew was a Gryffindor. And I'm sure there are those in other houses. I expect stricter punishments, instead of those mollycoddling."

"What about the rulebreaking you do?" Minerva smirked.

"I've only been out of bounds for important reasons. The stone, etc. I admit, I'm no angel, but I have never started a confrontation here. I also reserve the right to snap wands if I see fit. If Malfoy and his bunch of idiots starts trouble, I will use necessary force. They are the only students my friends and I continuously have problems with. I will be reading the Hogwarts Rulebook to the letter, and if it's an expulsion offense then I expect them to be expelled. I will also include any student in this."

"So you would have no issues expelling a student for misconduct?" Minerva asked.

"Not at all. What we will do is have a panel of four students and the heads of house. You may choose the students, one from each house. Each time an expulsion offense occurs, each student will be given veritiserum to ensure they were not persuaded to vote for or against something. Witnesses will be heard under a truth spell, and the four students, and four heads of house shall decide the students fate. If there is a tie, then you or I will cast the final vote. I highly doubt there will ever be a unanimous decision."

"I must say Harry, that is well thought out. Where did you get an idea like that?" Minerva asked.

"It just came to me, really. I do not know if we should have different students each time, or pick students at random unknown to the parties involved, or what."

"That may be a wise idea, Harry. It would lessen the chance of tampering." Minerva said.

"Alright then. If there is anything else you need, you can floo me. The Floo Call is Potter Manor." Harry said.

"I will do, Harry. Thank you." With that, Harry Potter left Hogwarts to enjoy his summer.