A/N: Okay everyone! I originally wasn't going to have a segment with Bella getting her inheritance, but so many requested it that I added it to this chapter. So enjoy and Happy Easter!

Chapter 7:

A now well known looking rat made his way inside Gringotts without the general public knowing about it. He waited in the corner of a small room until business hours were done before transforming into his human form. This form lasted only a few seconds before his true form began to appear. No one would have recognized this goblin as a wizard just by looks.

The door opened to reveal the leader of the Goblin nation and his six body guards.

"I see that you have returned Smelter."

"That I have Father."

"Your mission?"

"Is completed. I have the name of the traitor amongst us."

"Who is it?"

"You will not believe me when I tell you Father, but…."

Both Harry and Amelia received a message from Bellock to meet him at Gringotts on an 'urgent matter'. Neither had any idea as to why. Bellock greeted them in the main Lobby and escorted them to a private conference room before saying anything further.

"Lord Potter, Madam Bones, I am sure you are wondering why I have asked you here."

"It did cross my mind Bellock." answered Harry.

"Before I can give either of you any details I will need a Vow of Secrecy from both of you."

Amelia raised an eyebrow at the goblin while Harry simply pulled his wand and gave him the vow. There was little that she could do at that point but follow the young man's lead.

"Thank you both. What I have to show you will be very 'entertaining'."

Bellock gestured to a shallow stone basin.

"A pensieve?"

"Yes Lord Potter. This has a very special memory. It has to do with Madam LeStrange's inheritance."

"Lead the way Bellock!" said Harry as he began to laugh.

Inside the pensieve Harry looked around. Who's ever memory this was, they had a front row seat to what had happened. He saw that Voldemort was seated on a golden throne that was almost a duplicate of the one Dumbledore sat on at Hogwarts. He snorted over that thought. He saw that Amelia was busy writing down names. No doubt to issue warrants when she got to work later that morning.

Harry also saw that Draco looked scared and nervous. He didn't know if it was because of Voldemort or because of what he had to do to Bellatrix.

"Isss ssshe coming Wormtail?" hissed Voldemort

'Wormtail! Wasn't he in jail?' thought Harry. He could tell that Amelia was thinking the same thing. He looked around but couldn't find the rat. An unseen voice answered

"Yes, Master."

Obviously this was Wormtail's memory. Confused both Harry and Amelia watched as Voldemort conjured a wooden chair and ordered Draco to sit in it. Bella practically skipped into the room. She stopped in front of Voldemort and bowed low before him.

"You summoned me, Master?"

"Yes, Bella. I have learned that your traitorous cousin has named your nephew Draco Lord Black."

"That is an unexpected surprise, Master. I am sure that Draco will fulfill your requests under that position."

"Yes I am sure that he will but the blood traitor has made the title an empty one. He did however leave the boy with instructions for your inheritance."

"Mine, Master?"

"Yours, dear Bella. Join your nephew and all will be revealed."

Bella walked over and faced Draco.

"Nephew?"

"Aunt Bella."

"Lord Black, give her her inheritance."

"Yes my Lord."

Before Bella could protest she was thrown across Draco's lap and tied down with ropes that had shot out from the floor.

"WHAT IS GOING ON!?!"

Voldemort ignored the irate witch. "Lord Black?"

"Yes my Lord?"

"Was there a specific number?"

"No, just that she deserved one."

"Then I believe that 33 should be enough."

Draco gulped. 33 swats! His hand was going to be on fire! As he raised his hand to deliver the first blow, his father handed him a wooden paddle.

"No need to hurt yourself in the process, Draco."

"Thank you Father." He watched as someone else shot a spell at Bellatrix's robes, causing a section to disappear, revealing her bare arse."

The first swat rang throughout the room. Voldemort gleefully counted "One."

After watching the last swat delivered and a humiliated Bella practically running from the room, both Harry and Amelia found themselves back in the conference room.

"You were right Bellock. That was very entertaining."

"I knew that you would enjoy it, Lord Potter."

"I have one question though."

"Only one Madam Bones?"

"Yes. How could Pettigrew be there when I know for a fact that he is still in one of my cells?'

"This is where the Vow comes into play."

Both Harry and Amelia nodded in understanding.

"We needed to know more about what was going on with Lord Voldemort. When Lord Potter captured the traitor, we saw an opportunity and used it. One of our leader's sons has the ability to fully change his appearance and become that person. All with just from a look. Enough to fool anyone close to that person. He returned last night with this memory and other information."

"What information?"

"The name of a traitor amongst the Goblins."

It was during the second week of August that Harry finally found the text book that he wanted to use for teaching Defense. It was written by an ancestor of his, Baldwin Potter, back in the turn of the century. What had caught his attention to the book was that each spell that was now currently taught in Defense was illustrated. As well as showing the proper pronunciation, and in some cases a picture of how the spell was actually performed. Since he was so late in being contracted as a teacher, Harry paid for the books himself.

Amelia, who had been consulted about the book, thought it a good one and recommended it to the two retired aurors who would be teaching the upper years. Harry paid for those as well.

Once he had the book, Harry set to planning out his lessons for the year. He smiled to himself as he thought of how many students were in for a surprise in the up coming year.

Delores Umbridge sat at her desk, in her private office, fuming at the interference of the Board of Governors of Hogwarts. They had gone ahead and hired a set of teachers for the Defense position. No matter how much she or the Minister argued that they had no right to under mind the Ministry in such a way. The Board refused to back down. So after several ideas had been bounced around it was decided that she would go to Hogwarts as the Ministry's representative. This way she could observe those that were labeled as trouble makers and set about to improve the school the Ministry way. Her biggest target would be Harry Potter. He was the biggest liability for them. If he couldn't be swayed to their way of thinking, then he would be forced to do so. Never had she looked forward to returning Hogwarts as she did now.

Ginny sat in her new 'prison' as she called her new suite of rooms at Malfoy Manor. She was miserable. Her life wasn't supposed to have turned out this way. Yes the Malfoy's had money, prestige, and social standing. But Malfoy wasn't Harry, the one she loved. Now her dreams were in ruins thanks to that blasted contract and the life debt which Harry had cashed in. Tears started falling once again as she began to feel the regret of ever hearing the name Harry Potter.

September 1st arrived with little fanfare. The Weasleys were actually ready to leave on time. Ron had finally been told about Hermione's death and Harry's betrothal to Susan Bones. Molly was still upset over the contract and the resulting loss of her daughter to the evil Malfoys. She hoped for a glimpse of Ginny today on the platform.

Ron was rather quiet at breakfast. While this was somewhat normal, he was not really eating. He was just pushing his food around the plate, which wasn't normal. For once the twins didn't try to prank him or anything. They knew how he was feeling and left him alone. They missed Hermione as well. When it came time to leave for King's Cross, the family was actually early for once.

Harry was busy as well. Lily was being fussy, more so than usual for her. It was as if she knew that her Daddy was not going to be around as much in the coming months. She was so bad that if someone else held her, she would start crying only to stop when Harry held her. It made Harry feel guilty about leaving her.

Finally at ten, Harry had no choice but to leave. Handing a now screaming Lily to Susan, he kissed them both then flooed to the cottage in Hogsmeade. From there he walked to the castle. Professor Flitwick was standing on the front steps waiting for him.

"Lord Potter."

"Professor, please call me Harry."

"Certainly, but only if you call me Fillius."

"I hope that I can remember to do that."

The Charms professor actually laughed. "You aren't the only one who has ever had that problem."

"No doubt."

"Let me show you to your office and classroom. I, at least, don't have to show you around the castle."

"No that won't be necessary." snorted Harry.

Flitwick laughed again. "You most definitely know more about the castle than most of the staff. It is really too bad that you won't be available to patrol the castle. I have no doubt that there isn't a place that the students could hide from you."

Harry had to chuckle himself. "Remind me later to show you something that will impress you."

"Really?"

Harry nodded. "Something that was developed by the Marauders."

That caught Flitwick's attention. "I will hold you to that Harry."

The pair had reached Harry's new classroom and office by that point. "Your classroom and office, Harry. There is a mandatory staff meeting at half past four. You do know where the staffroom is?"

"Yes, Fillius. I had the great opportunity to see a boggart in the form of Snape appear in a dress, complete with hat that had a vulture on it and handbag in that room. I don't think that I will ever forget that location."

"So those rumors were true! How I would have loved to have seen that!"

"Maybe I'll show you in a pensive one day."

"Something else to hold you to. Until the meeting then Harry."

"Until then, Fillius."

Once inside the classroom, the first thing that Harry did was scan the room for spells. He wasn't surprised to find several monitoring, recording, and listening charms on both the classroom and the office. What had him wondering was who, besides the Headmaster, had placed them. One he was sure was Snape, but the other one was a mystery. He disabled all of them and set several of his own wards to stop them from being re-cast. He then set about arranging the classroom into a more functional space.

Three hours and one lunch later Harry had everything put away and the classroom just the way that he wanted it. He had placed the desks into small groups as he planned on assigning group projects as homework. The center of the room was cleared and warded for the practical portion of his lessons. His office was warded against everyone except himself and Dewey, the house elf that served him at Stonehill. A knock on the door showed an older couple who introduced themselves as John and Minnie O'Brien, retired Auror instructors. They were teaching 5th through 7th years.

"I like the way you set your classroom up, Lord Potter."

"Harry please and thank you. As a former student, I felt that this was a better set up than copying notes from the black board."

"One of those who learned better by action than books?"

Harry had the grace to blush. "Something like that."

John actually laughed. "Same here. Of course I didn't learn to read until after Minnie and I got together."

"That's why he follows my lead." quipped Minnie. The scowl on John's face caused Harry to laugh. He pulled a shrunken box from a pocket in his robes.

"Here's the textbooks. Your copies have the red binding."

"In other words, guard those with our lives." joked John.

"Yeah."

"I think that we had better head to the staffroom. Do you remember the way, John?'

"No, woman, I don't! You know I'm no good with that stuff!"

Minnie rolled her eyes and looked at Harry. "I wonder sometimes how he ever got to where he's at if he didn't have me."

"Probably still wandering around trying to find his way."

The couple looked at him and noticed that Harry had said it with sincerity and not in a joking manner. With a lop sided smile he added "How about I show you the way?"

The rest of the staff was already there when the three Defense Professors arrived. Many saw Harry snub Dumbledore by refusing the seat next to him and taking the seat between Flitwick and Sinistra. Just as Dumbledore was starting the meeting, the door opened again. Delores Umbridge walked in with a smirk on her face. Which was quickly replaced with disbelief as soon as she saw Harry sitting at the table.

"How nice of you to join us, Delores."

"Thank you, Headmaster. May I ask why there is a student sitting at the staff table?"

"All in good time, Delores. May I start the meeting? I am sure that what will be said will answer that question."

"Very well, Headmaster, but the answer had better be satisfactory for myself and the Ministry."

"I am sure that it will be. I will start with introductions. The Board of Governors has hired three professors to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts. John and Minnie O'Brien are retired Auror instructors who will be teaching our 5th through 7th years. Harry Potter, who has completed all of his OWLS and NEWTS, has consented to teach 1st through 4th years. They have the full backing of the Board and the Department of Magical Law."

The look on Delores Umbridge's face was pure fury. "We will see about that!" she said as she left in a huff.

Dumbledore merely smiled. "Now onto other business."

The Hogwarts Express pulled out of the station right on time. For once Ron wasn't catching his breath because he had barely made it. All three Weasleys had made the train in plenty of time so that their mother could catch a glimpse of their sister. All of them noted how withdrawn Ginny looked.

But Ginny wasn't the only thing on Ron's mind. With Hermione gone, Ron knew that Harry was going to need him for moral support. That is if he could find said wizard. So far Harry was no where to be found.

Several compartments later and still no sign of Harry, Ron came to the compartment where Ginny was sitting with Neville and a girl named Luna Lovegood. It was the look on Ginny's face that made Ron stop and come inside.

"Gin?"

Ginny looked up to see Ron standing beside her. She launched herself into his arms, crying her eyes out.

"Ron!" she cried. "I can't take much more!"

Ron wrapped his arms around her and guided them to the seat. He simply held her as she cried. Finally she seemed to calm down.

"Feeling better?"

"Yes, thanks."

"Now, has the Ferret hurt you in any way?"

"No Lady Malfoy would hex both Malfoys if they tried anything. She taught me which ones to use if Ferret Face tries anything away from their home."

"Then what is this about?"

"He's still so mean! I don't want to marry him!"

"Gin, you have to, you know that."

"But I wasn't supposed to! I was supposed to marry Harry! Not that tramp! I hate him! I hate them both! I'd rather die than go through with all of this!" She stormed out of the compartment.

Before Ron could move, Neville stopped him. "What's wrong Ron?"

"Everything Neville." Ron answered. He then explained what had happened at the Will reading. Then he asked "You haven't seen Harry have you?"

"No, nor Hermione either."

Ron actually looked sad. There was no easy way of breaking this kind of news.

"Nev, Hermione isn't coming back. Ever."

"Why not?"

"Nev, Hermione was killed over the summer."

Neville paled so fast that Ron thought that he was going to faint.

"Was it Deatheaters?" whispered Neville.

"No, it was a muggle accident involving her parents and their auto. I don't know all of the details but Harry was with Hermione at the end. She wasn't alone when she died."

"Are you sure it wasn't them?"

"Positive. Dad was part of the investigation. He told me that no magic was detected."

"Thanks for telling me Ron. I'll let the other Gryffindor's know."

"Thanks Nev." Ron left the compartment to continue his search for Harry.

Ginny came out of the loo after having her breakdown. She was rather surprised to see Crabbe and Goyle waiting outside.

"Malfoy wants a word."

Ginny sighed. The pompous git couldn't leave her alone for five minutes! "Lead the way."

Crabbe stepped in front of her while Goyle followed her. When they reached the compartment, Crabbe opened the door and motioned her inside.

"It's about time you showed up! Where have you been?"

"Talking with my brothers."

"Well that is no longer acceptable! You will no longer need to associate with the likes of them. You're marrying a Malfoy! Start acting like one!"

Ginny had had enough. Pulling her wand she silently used the hex that Narcissa had taught her. Malfoy had no idea what hit him.

"Listen here you pompous git! You will not dictate who I talk to and who I won't! Least of all my own family!"

She turned and stomped to the door before turning back around. "The day I start acting like you is the day that You-Know-Who wins!" She threw open the door and literally knocked Crabbe and Goyle on their arses.

Harry stood off to the side of the Entrance Hall, watching the student body file in from the carriages. Several of those that knew him waved to him as they passed, going into the Great Hall. Ron spotted him and was on his way over when Snape, of all people, told him to 'get into the Great Hall or lose twenty points'. Ron wisely went into the Great Hall. Ginny also saw him and gave him such a hopeful look that Harry could hardly look at her. When he did give her his attention, she was looking at the floor, probably in tears, trying to force her way through the crowd into the Great Hall. Malfoy merely sneered at him.

Neville, however, ignored Snape's warning, took the point loss and purposely made his way over to Harry.

"Harry."

"Neville."

"I wanted to say that I'm sorry about Hermione. She was a great friend and I will miss her."

"I know you will, Nev. Thanks."

"Are you alright?"

"I am now."

"I take it you had help then?"

"You could say that. If fact I need to explain some things to you. Can you meet me here after the feast?"

"Sure."

"You better get inside, Nev, before Snape decides to deduct more points."

"It was worth it." said Neville as he walked away.

By the time Harry went through the teachers entrance into the Great Hall, the sorting was almost done. He quietly slid into the only open seat, which happened to be between Snape and Umbridge. He didn't know if it was deliberate or not.

The final student, Duane Ward, was sorted into Slytherin, Dumbledore stood and asked for quiet.

"Usually I do the announcements after we have eaten the feast, but I felt that none of you would actually eat anything. That is until I at least satisfy your curiosity about why someone that most of you know is seated up here tonight."

Murmurs were heard throughout the room.

"I have great pleasure in announcing that Lord Harry Potter has completed all of his OWLS and NEWTS, earning some of the highest scores in history. He has consented to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts to those who are 1st year through 4th year. For those of you that are 5th year and above, retired Auror Instructors John and Minnie O'Brien will be teaching you. I am sure that all three of them will answer any questions that you may have. Now let us EAT."

With Dumbledore's last word the food appeared on the tables. Harry was slightly angry over the Headmaster's choice of words, making him explain to his former classmates about what had happened.

Turning his attention towards his place setting, Harry did a subtle check on the dishes. He frowned as he noted that the plate and goblet had been treated with a potion. He had no doubts that Snape was the one who made it and had one of the house elves do his dirty work. All on Dumbledore's orders. Sighing, he cast a shielding charm around the objects and called quietly for Dewey.

Dewey appeared and soon had his Master's meal in front of him. As a precaution, the elf made the food hover slightly over the contaminated dishes. He bowed to his Master and popped out of sight.

"What, Potter? Don't trust the elves at Hogwarts?" sneered Snape.

Harry refused to answer and began eating his meal.

"I asked you a question, Potter!"

Harry continued eating, ignoring both people seated next to him.

"What? To high and mighty to talk to the little people now, Potter?"

It was McGonagall who answered. "Perhaps, Severus, if you would ask in a politer tone, Professor Potter would answer you."

"Or perhaps Lord Potter thinks that he is above the rest of us. I am sure that once I receive Cornelius' response to my inquiry that Lord Potter will be placed back where he belongs. Amongst his fellow classmates and peers. They, perhaps, can teach him some manners and of his place in our world."

"Why would Fudge over throw Lord Potter's results?" asked one of the Professors that Harry didn't know, at least personally.

"My dear Professor Vector. It is obvious to me that Lord Potter bought his OWL and NEWT results with his fame and fortune. I intend to see that those results are removed and that Lord Potter be returned to the statis of a student where we can guide him with our wisdom."

"Harry, if I may ask who gave you your tests?" asked Flitwick wanting to put the witch in her place.

"Since you asked, Fillius, I'll answer it. All of my exams were combined into one long one. I understand that not only were those there that monitor the exams during OWLS and NEWTS, but several Masters in various fields were also present. To make a long story short I was put through the 'Gauntlet' at the Auror Department. It lasted eight hours."

No one said a word as Harry picked up his fork and continued eating. Many had heard of the test and were suitably impressed that he had lasted for so long. To the two Auror Instructors, their esteem in Harry rose considerably.

"I think, Madam, that Fudge would be stupid if he overturned Harry's results. No one has ever lasted that long in the 'Gauntlet'. The previous record is an hour and a half. If we had more like him then You-Know-Who would already be caught and dead." stated John O'Brien.

"No one asked you! I find it rather hard to believe that a mere child could last longer than those that have trained for that test for three years. This merely proves my point. Lord Potter bought his way out of school!"

Harry continued to ignore the toady witch and finished his meal. Just as he was starting to get up, Fudge, Amelia, and a host of others came into the Great Hall. Amelia had her secret smile in place. Thus alerting Harry to the fact that whatever was going to happen, Amelia would come out on top.

"Minister, to what do we owe the pleasure of your company here at Hogwarts?" asked Dumbledore.

"Dumbledore, Delores has sent me a missive about Harry Potter. She says that the boy bought his way out of school! As Minister, I have to investigate such allegations!"

"True, you have that privilege and I will not deter you from your quest."

"Thank you Dumbledore. Now, Potter, I want to know where and with whom you took your OWLS and NEWTS."

"Why are you asking me? You were there at the end when you tried to announce that I was supporting you and that I was joining the Aurors." answered Harry.

Fudge's jaw dropped open. "I was under the impression that you were merely taking the Gauntlet test to see if you qualified for the Auror program. I had no idea that they were your OWLS and NEWTS!"

"Since when does that test involve Potions, Runes, and other curriculum other than Defense, Charms, and Transfiguration, Cornelius?" asked Amelia.

"I have no idea what you are talking about Amelia! You could have mentioned something before I accused the boy of bribery!" Fudge countered. He was trying to get the blame placed on her and not him or Delores.

"Yes, you do. You not only knew but authorized the use of the Gauntlet to be used on Harry. You conveniently 'forgot' when Harry refused to follow your agenda."

"I had no idea that I was signing that! Do you know how many papers I sign a day?"

"Apparently too many, Cornelius."

Fudge fumed as he returned his attention towards the others in front of him.

"I am sorry about the misunderstanding, Harry, my boy. I will be sure to announce your results in tomorrow's Daily Prophet."

"And bring every Deatheater down on the school?" asked Amelia.

Fudge had the grace to blush. "No! But there aren't that many out there to worry about!"

"I would rather you didn't print them." said Harry quietly.

"Why, my boy?"

"First I am not 'your boy'. Second I wish to protect my family."

"Of course, my, ummm Harry. I do understand. I hope that you will be my guest at the upcoming Ministry Autumn Ball." said Fudge, trying to placate Harry

"I doubt that I'll have time to attend, Fudge. Now is there anything else or can I leave now?"

"Umm, no. I do hope that you change your mind."

Harry said nothing as he walked out of the Great Hall.

The moment that Harry left, Dumbledore dismissed the students. Many walked as slow as possible so that they wouldn't miss a thing. But they were soon forced out and the doors were shut behind them.

"Cornelius, what really brought you here?"

"Dumbledore! I told you. Delores wrote me that it looked like Potter had bought his way out of school! How was I to know that he had tested through the Gauntlet?"

"By reading something before you sign it."

Fudge looked like he was going to blow his top. In his fury he rounded on Umbridge.

"I want to know what you were trying to do, Delores?"

"Really, Cornelius. Look at this from my point of view. A fifteen year old student who says that he has passed not only his OWLS but his NEWTS as well? Several of which he has no record of ever taking a class for? His score didn't reflect his record. I find that highly suspicious."

Amelia spoke up. "Harry has been studying on his own. Those muggles that he was forced to live with treated him worse than a house elf. Add to that fact that he wasn't allowed to practice magic outside of school, what would you have done?"

"Then why do his scores before this show him as an average student?"

"Mr. Potter always showed potential. I believe that he was punished by those relatives of his if he did better than their son. If that is true, then when he was released from their care, he no longer had to hide his intelligence." stated Fillius.

"I still plan to keep my eye on him." stated an unsatisfied Delores Umbridge.

While the rest of his fellow colleges discussed him, Harry met Neville in the Entrance Hall. He wasn't alone either. Ron, Ginny, and Malfoy all seemed to be waiting for him as well.

"Harry!" shouted Ron.

"Mr. Weasley, please call me Professor or sir."

Ron's mouth dropped open. "Come on mate. It's me! Your best mate, Ron!"

"Who is a student at the school that I teach."

"Yeah, about that. Why? I mean I know that you're brilliant and all when it comes to Defense but how and why?"

"Mr. Weasley, as I am not your teacher I don't have to tell you how I passed my exams. But I will say that those exams were much harder than most will ever take. I suggest that you buckle down this year. Not many in Gryffindor will let you copy their work."

Ron's mouth dropped open again. This was not the Harry that he knew. It was almost like Hermione in Harry's body. The anger and jealousy of being left behind and abandoned by his friends finally reached their boiling point.

"FINE! BE A GIT! DON"T COME RUNNING TO ME WHEN EVRYONE ELSE TURNS THEIR BACK ON YOU!"

"Like you did?"

That shut Ron up. He stomped away without another word.

"Now Mr. Malfoy and Ms. Weasley, what do you want?"

"My intended wishes to ask you to rescind the conditions of the Life Debt that you enforced, making her accept the Betrothal between us."

"No."

"Harry! Please!"

"No, Ms. Weasley. You reap what you sow. I suggest that you both get to your common rooms before curfew."

Draco smirked. He knew that Potter would refuse the bitch's request. He could do no less.

"Come along, I'll escort you to your tower. After all, we don't want an accident to befall you now, do we?"

Ginny wanted to protest but was forcibly pulled away by her 'master'. She started to cry as she left.

"Wow. I wasn't expecting all that drama." said Neville.

"Welcome to my life Nev."

Neville snorted. "Never easy is it?"

"You have no idea."

"Now what did you want to talk about?"

Harry made his usual request of an oath. Neville gave it and Harry began his story. By the time he was done Neville was stunned.

"Of course I'll be Lily's godfather. I'm honored that you asked."

"You are the only one to fully stand by me all these years, Nev, besides Hermione. I can think of no one that I would want to raise Lily besides you. Will you have a problem with Fleur being her godmother?"

"No. In fact I think that it's brilliant. If anything should happen to the rest of us, Fleur, at least, lives outside of Britain. I think that would be best for her. Otherwise she could grow up like Malfoy or something."

Harry snorted. "As if Sue, Amelia, or myself would allow that."

"But Dumbledore could interfere."

"Not if he wants to keep his magic he won't."

"Remind me never to get on your bad side."