His stare:
Harry Potter stared in shock that Ripper, aunt Marge's dog, keeled over, dead and all he did was look at it. He could tell there was something different about his eyes he just didn't know why. After he survived the chamber of secret's, he had gone to see the matron, Madam Pomfrey. She examined his eyes and even though shocked that Harry's eyesight seemed to have healed and he had perfect vision, she explained why she believed his eyes healed. It was thanks to the phoenix tears that had been used on him after he was bitten by the basilisk. She had no other explanation. But she said he seemed fine and could not find anything wrong. She did tell Harry that if he had any trouble with his eyes to come straight back to see her. Since it was the holidays, Harry could send her an owl and she probably would visit him to examine his eyes, to see if he had something wrong. She also might wait until he returned to Hogwarts.
Harry naturally went through everything that happened in the chamber with Madam Pomfrey so she could give him a proper examination and explanation, yet she never mentioned that Harry's eyes could kill someone, because at the time he didn't know they could. Now though, Harry believed his eyes healed because they had become basilisk eyes and turned deadly. If that was true, he was going to need to make sure he didn't kill innocent people just by looking at them and he would have to work this out fast.
Harry snuck into the house while the family were in the living room. He headed upstairs to think. He needed to figure out how his eyes killed the dog, like a basilisk stare and wondered if his eyes would petrify if someone looked at him through something like a mirror or water.
'I'm going to need to work this out so I don't accidentally kill my friends. I also can't allow anyone to find out, or they might throw me in jail,' Harry decided to wait until the Dursley's were asleep before he would sneak out. He would look for mice or rats, maybe cockroaches, see if he can work out how to control his eyes, but also if he could petrify or only kill. Apart from protecting his friends, he had to make sure no one got suspicious or he could end up in Azkaban.
Harry acted innocent when Petunia slammed open his door and accused him of killing ripper. Harry explained that the moment he saw the dog go outside he came in to do some of his summer assignments, especially since he knew Marge would not come into his room. He allowed his aunt to see the books over his bed so she would believe him. He didn't really care if she believed him or not, normally the Dursley's didn't believe him, so whether they did or not, it didn't concern Harry at all. He just knew he had somehow taken care of a very nasty dog.
With Marge wailing about her beloved dog, the Dursley's didn't go to bed until late. Once Harry heard the different snores, he used the bit of wire he had transfigured at Hogwarts to pick the lock on his door. Once Fred and George showed him how to pick the lock, Harry knew he wouldn't have to go hungry again.
Using his invisibility cloak, Harry got out of the room and out of the house. He made sure the door didn't lock behind him before he hurried away.
He searched the bushes while using his cloak and he found a frog. He blinked a few times until he felt that strange tingling feeling that he had before ripper died. The frog instantly died.
'Well, I can kill so I will know when I have to be careful. If I feel that tingling in my eyes I make sure not to look at someone. I'll also have to work out how to make sure my eyes don't tingle or someone might get suspicious if I suddenly closed his eyes or looked away. Now though, how do I figure out if my eyes petrify?' Harry thought about this problem, then he got an idea. He went back into the house, found a small mirror in the bathroom then hurried back outside. He saw many bugs, so he moved quietly towards them then placed the mirror against a rock before moving so the crickets would see his reflection in the mirror. Again, it was instantaneous. The cricket's didn't fall over dead, they just went still and quiet. Harry picked one up, very carefully and began to examine it. He was sure it was petrified and not dead but had no way to test it. He had no idea the spell that Dumbledore had used when Mrs Norris had first been found.
When Harry woke the following morning he wondered how to use this new…gift. Even though Harry never thought he would kill anyone, or petrify anyone, his feelings changed. The Dursley's always mistreated him, he would even go as far as call it abuse. But there were others like Snape, Malfoy and other Slytherin's. He also remembered Quirrell.
'I could use this in case there is another person who wants to kill me, or tries to hurt innocent students like Lucius Malfoy did by slipping the diary to Ginny, which released the basilisk. He never got any punishment, yet the ones that had been petrified could have died, the same with me, Ginny and Ron.'
Harry began to think about the basilisk and wondered if anyone else ever survived a bite from the huge snake and ended up like Harry. He didn't think that was possible, he only survived because of Fawkes. He still wanted to check so he would need to read up on the subject and see if he could find anything. Harry figured he could send Hedwig to Flourish and Blotts, then he realised he wouldn't need to if he went to Diagon alley after taking care of the Dursley's. He would need to make it seem like he didn't have anything to do with it. He could use his cloak. First he would be seen leaving the Dursley's and walking away from the number four. He would then sneak back using the cloak, use his eyes, then sneak back out under the cloak and been seen in the park. He would need to make sure he was seen so he would not be suspected. Harry decided to plan it for the following day. Usually on Sunday's, most of the neighbours spent time in their front gardens. Some did gardening, others did things like wash cars or wash windows. Being summer, it was the perfect weather for doing those types of jobs. If he did end up somewhere that made it impossible to go to Diagon alley, then he would just wait until he got to Hogwarts then send Hedwig.
When Harry got back to the house he went straight to his room. He would need to hide his stuff, but it was lucky he found out that there were other trunks that had inbuilt shrinking charms. Harry had sent Hedwig with a letter and money, his faithful owl arrived back that afternoon, with the shrunken trunk.
Harry decided that he would pack his stuff up now even if he wasn't planning on using his eyes until the morning. He also decided to send Hedwig to Hermione with a letter, that way his owl would be gone when the police arrived. He planned to ask Hermione to keep Hedwig there so his uncle didn't lock her up again. After what happened a year ago, Harry knew Hermione would believe that. He would try to call her a few days later, just so she would know he was okay. He told Hedwig what he planned, his faithful owl gave him a hoot which told Harry she understood.
Harry made sure there was nothing from the wizarding world in his room. His wand would be kept in his trunk, like his broom. Even though Harry would like to keep his wand on him, it was too risky. He would need to be quick when he put his invisibility cloak in the trunk. He would do that right before he rang the police.
Harry made sure his invisibility cloak was tucked inside his jacket pocket. Even though it was warm, he knew he needed to keep his cloak hidden. He left the house and made his way passed some of the neighbours of Privet drive. He made sure to make eye contact with some just to make sure they did see him. At least four different people from four different families saw him walk by. He walked around for about an hour, making sure he was seen. When he was ready, he snuck behind a large bush and pulled the cloak over himself.
Harry would like to run, but he forced himself to walk and as quietly as he could. He got back to the house and snuck inside. The four Dursley's were in the kitchen. Harry blinked a few times until he felt the same feeling he had when he killed ripper and the frog.
As soon as Harry knew his eyes were ready, he pulled the cloak off which surprised all four Dursley's, which had them look at him. One by one they all fell onto the ground, dead. Harry didn't wait around, he pulled the cloak back on and left the house. Again he had to walk slow so his feet wasn't seen, nor heard. He got to the park, made sure no one was around and pulled the cloak off, stuffing it inside his pocket of his jacket. He saw a few people walk past, made sure he made a sound or move so they would notice him, which they did.
Harry sat there for an hour before he began to walk around, he went up one street, making sure he was seen, then down another. He went to the local shop where he bought a coke before he made sure to walk back to Privet drive the way he had gone, so the neighbours saw him again. But now, it had been more than three hours since he first left the house, or so the neighbours believed. This was the part Harry had to pull off. He had to act like he was scared and upset that something was wrong with his family.
He went into the house and made sure the door was left open. Even though he hated killing, he knew these four people were child abusers and he knew they could easily hurt another child. He had seen Dudley hurt other kids and he had heard Vernon praise his son for what he had done. If Vernon could get away with it, he would hurt other kids as well. It came to him one day when he thought about when Dudley was an adult and got married. If he had a child, what if that child turned out to be magical? There was a chance Dudley could hurt, if not kill his own child if it turned out to be a witch or wizard. Harry would do anything to protect an innocent child, even if it meant killing someone like Dudley to do it.
Harry un-shrunk his trunk, put his cloak inside, closed it, shrunk it and pulled the chain around his neck. He added the chain while he had been at Hogwarts. Harry knew Vernon sometimes made him turn out his pockets to make sure he didn't have any of his freaky stuff. Having it on a chain and hidden under his shirt worked perfectly. He had pulled his old trunk apart and threw it all in the bin while he was doing the gardening.
Once he was sure he was ready, he rubbed his eyes, hard, then screamed "help" really loud before rushing to the phone and called the police. He was still talking to the woman when some of the neighbours came to the door. They heard what Harry was saying into the phone.
It only took around five minutes before police sirens were heard. Harry only hung up the phone when two police officers rushed into the house.
'Where are they son?'
'K…k…kit…kit…' Harry shakily pointed.
Once of the police officers stayed with him while the other went to see the Dursley's.
'Can you tell us what happened son?'
'Um…' Harry took a couple of deep breaths, 'I went for a walk this morning. I…um my uncle's sister doesn't really like me so I figured I should make myself scarce for a while. When I came back…I…I…oh god, I found them sir, they were all lying there, not moving, all stiff and strange looking. Um sir, this is strange though. The day before, aunt Marge's, that's uncle Vernon's sister, her dog died. It was fine, barking and running around when I went inside. My aunt Petunia told me about twenty minutes later that it was dead. I was wondering if maybe it was poisoned or something. I know some people use poison for rats and spiders, so I wasn't sure.'
'They will have an autopsy son. You said you went for a walk, how long were you gone?'
'Um, around three hours, but I'm not sure of the exact time, I just knew it was a few hours.'
'Alright, we can verify that with the neighbours.'
'I heap of them saw me leave this morning.'
'Alright, now you said aunt and uncle, where are your parent's?'
'They were murdered when I was a baby. I don't know anything about it as aunt Petunia wouldn't talk about it, or her sister, um, my mother. All she said was some evil man murdered them and she got landed with me,' Harry shrugged.
'What were your parent's names?'
'James and Lily Potter. My mother's last name was Evan's before she married my father. That's all I really know sir.'
'Do you have any other relatives?'
Harry shook his head sadly, 'No, not as far as I know. My father's parents died before I was born and he didn't have any siblings. Um, I go to a private boarding school in Scotland, paid for by my parent's when I was born. It's their old school. I have good friends there and normally I stay with my friends for part of the holiday.'
'For now you'll be coming with us. Someone from child services will speak with you before they decide where you will go.'
'Okay,' Harry said then glanced behind him towards the kitchen, 'What happened to them?'
'We will find out son. How about you come outside with me, I need to speak with some of the neighbours.'
'Okay,' Harry made sure he looked shaky as he walked outside. The police officer made him sit on the brick fence while he went to speak with the neighbours. He did hear many of them say they saw the boy walking away earlier in the day and didn't see him return until just before he heard the boy scream. Harry also heard one say that they saw Petunia and Dudley about ten minutes after their nephew left the house.
Harry had to force himself not to smile and just kept looking upset and scared. He mainly kept his head down as if he was upset, but he was also listening. He would squint through his hair as he watched the policeman question the neighbours, even the mad cat lady from the next street was being questioned as she happened to turn up to find out what happened. Without knowing it, all the neighbours had given him a cast iron alibi.
Harry had been taken first to the hospital where a nurse took blood before a doctor did some test on him. When Harry asked why, the same police officer that he spoke with earlier said they wanted to make sure he wasn't poisoned, if that's what happened to his family. He made sure to mention that they didn't like him sitting with them when they ate, so his aunt would give him some bread and told him to leave or go to his room. He decided to leave the house for a while, he could also get something properly to eat. Harry wanted to make sure the Dursley's were known as people who would starve their nephew, or at least not feed him properly.
After more questions, at the police station, he was taken to a house where he was told he would remain for a while. By the time Harry curled up in bed, he was smiling. He had done it and he was not suspected at all. The Dursley's were dead, he would never have to put up with them ever again and he made sure they could not hurt another child again. He wondered if anyone from the wizarding world would find out. He knew they probably would, just not when, or if they would do anything until it was close to when he returned to Hogwarts. They might not find out until September when he didn't turn up at Hogwarts.
Harry didn't know it, but the mad cat lady was a squib who had contacted Albus Dumbledore about what happened. Right as Harry drifted off to sleep, Albus was speaking with his deputy to work on how to get Harry away from the muggles and where he would go. He knew the Weasley's would take him, but they had a full house and Albus didn't believe it was right to force Molly and Arthur to put up with another mouth to feed. Albus was also worried about Harry's safety.
'I will become his guardian Albus. I offered before but now he is older and can pretty much look after himself. He would be safer here and it would also stop people like Lucius Malfoy from trying to gain custody of the boy.'
'Yes, I did consider speaking with Andromeda Tonks, as she is distantly related to Harry. I decided against her as it could have Harry asking questions I would rather not answer.'
'Has there been any sightings of Black?'
'No, I believe since he has not been here nor seen near Privet drive then he has left the country. I am just pleased that he didn't go to Surrey since Harry spends time in the park.'
Albus and Minerva worked on when to get Harry and how to make sure the muggles would believe he had been picked up by a distant aunt. Albus created the papers needed so police would believe Minerva was Harry's great aunt.
The following morning Harry was eating breakfast with four other kids, the age ranged from three years old little boy, a boy about six, a girl who looked to be about nine or ten and the last was a girl who looked just older than him. There were two woman who looked after the kids, one was in her office, the other making sure the kids ate.
Harry wasn't surprised when he saw his transfiguration teacher turn up, but he was surprised to see her in muggle clothes. He was also surprised that someone found out so soon. He knew they would find him, he just didn't believe it was be within a day. He realised someone from the wizarding world must have been watching, or there was some type of monitoring charm that told them.
Harry acted like he hadn't seen her while she was talking to the other woman. He mainly ate while he spoke to the other kids.
'Harry, can you come with me please?'
'Yeah, sure Miss Barton,' Harry gave her a smile then got up and followed her into the office.
'It seems your great aunt heard what happened Harry, she's come to take you home with her.'
'Even though we haven't met Harry, I was very close to your father.'
Harry gave his teacher a smile, 'I don't know anything about my parent's, aunt Petunia refuse to tell me about them. So you're my father's aunt?'
'Yes and I live in Scotland. How about we get going?'
'I'm ready,' Harry said then turned to the two woman, 'Thanks for looking after me.'
'You're welcome son and we're sorry you lost your family.'
Harry nodded, hurried to get his bag then followed his teacher outside and down the street.
'So where am I going to live Professor?'
'I have guardianship of you Harry. Albus is the chief warlock, he was able to approve it before any dark families found out your relatives died. Since you are old enough to look after yourself, then you will be able to stay at the castle. I am working on some plans for you to spend some time with the Weasley's, if you wish to.'
'Um, okay, could I see Neville as well? We began to get really close.'
'I will speak with his grandmother. Now take my arm.'
Harry felt like he was being squeezed through a tube, it only last a few seconds but he had to gulp lots of air before he felt normal again. They were standing outside the gates of Hogwarts.
'So that's apparition, I'm not sure I like that very much.'
'When you can apparate yourself, it is not as uncomfortable. Now where is your trunk and owl?'
Harry showed his teacher his shrunken down trunk, 'I had to hide it from my uncle or he would not have allowed me to do my summer homework. I sent Hedwig with a letter for Hermione, but I asked her to keep Hedwig since my uncle likes to keep her locked up. I didn't want Hedwig stuck in a small cage for weeks on end.'
'You can use one of the school owls to send a letter to Miss Granger. Now let's get in. You will be staying in Gryffindor tower and can use any part of the castle and grounds that students are allowed to use.'
'So I can practice on the quidditch pitch?'
'Yes, if you are careful. Now I'll let you settle in, then a house elf will come to tell you when it's time for lunch.'
'Alright, thanks Professor,' Harry went to ask about the password for the fat lady, but she opened instantly. There would be no password during the holidays.
Harry got settled on his dorm bed, then he finally relaxed and he smiled. He had to be careful what he said or how he looked. There were portraits all over the castle, even in the house rooms. There were none in the dorm rooms, but Harry had been surprised by what magic could do, so he wasn't going to take the chance that he said something that could lead to Dumbledore or McGonagall finding out he was responsible for the Dursley's dying.
Harry normally liked to talk things over when he was trying to work things out, now though, he would have to think things and work on plans without saying a word. Snape would be one he would deal with, but again, he would need to be careful and make sure he had an alibi. He wouldn't be able to kill Snape until after September, so for now he would just relax and have a holiday where he wasn't locked up, starved or made to work.
Harry decided he might check out Gryffindor tower and other parts of the castle. He never really got time to look around, it was also very crowded so it was hard to see everything.
Harry decided to write to Hermione first. He wanted Hedwig back with him. He resized his trunk, took out what he needed then began to write. He walked slowly up to the owlery, looking around as he did. He was so used to having Hedwig he wasn't sure if one of the other owls would come to him. Just as he was trying to figure out how to call one, a large eagle owl flew down and landed on his shoulder. He gave the owl his letter and explained where it had to go. He waited until it flew off before he began to explore Hogwarts.
It was the following morning that Hedwig returned with a letter from Hermione. He had been expecting Hedwig, he just didn't expect Errol, the Weasley's owl. He figured Hermione must have told them what happened and how he was now at Hogwarts.
He couldn't help smiling as he read Hermione's letter. She writes like she sounded, worried and asking hundreds of questions. He would write back, but not until later.
He turned to the other letter and got a surprise, it was not from Ron, or Ron's parent's, it was from the twins.
'Dear Harrikins
We overheard our parent's talking about some big death eater that escaped from Azkaban and he is supposed to be after you, for killing you-know-who. His name is Sirius Black. We spoke and decided you need this more than us. Besides, we know it off by heart.
'The piece of parchment is not blank, it's really a map of Hogwarts, that shows secret tunnels and shows everyone that is in the castle or on the grounds.
'You need to say the passwords and tap it with your wand.
'I solemnly swear that I am up to no good, tap it with your wand and it will reveal itself. To clear it, so no teachers see, say mischief managed, again tapping it with your wand. We may ask to borrow it, but that will only happen if something is going on. If that man turns up, you'll see his name on the map, hopefully that will happen before he finds you.
Use it well young Harry
Gred and forge.'
Harry instantly said the password and watched in amazement as a map materialised before his eyes. He could see Dumbledore pacing in his office, with McGonagall and Snape.
'Snape, if I can be seen somewhere like the quidditch pitch around the same time he dies then I should be safe.' Harry quickly thought about different plans, but one way or another he was going to get rid of Severus Snape, for good.
Harry used his cloak, but he was waiting and watching. He didn't care if he had to stay hiding for hours, he wanted Snape gone. Harry never felt lucky, until the last few days. His luck was still with him. He waited until Snape turned to go to his office. It was one corridor that didn't have any portraits. Harry checked to make sure there were no ghosts around, then made sure his eyes were ready. When he saw the greasy man walking towards him, he quickly pulled off his clock and stared at Snape. Harry wanted to laugh as the man dropped dead, but he didn't. He quickly pulled the cloak on and made his very fast way out of the castle and towards the quidditch pitch. He pulled his trunk out, resized it, then took his broom out before shrinking his trunk again. He took to the skies, fast and straight up. From the time Snape died to when he mounted his broom would be no more than two minutes.
'Blimey I missed flying,' Harry shouted as he shot off over the forbidden forest. Hagrid waved, Harry waved back before turning sharply and flying back the way he came. He circled the pitch a few times and made sure he went past the headmaster's windows and he did that a few times. He wanted to make sure he was ready for when quidditch season started again but right now it would help with his alibi. Even though he was enjoying himself he kept wondering if there was a chance he could use his stare on others. He had heard about Voldemort and his supporters and he heard how they killed. He wondered if he could find out who they were and if they were in Azkaban. If they weren't, he might just be able to use his stare on the bad people who got off. He knew that might take a few years. If his eyes stayed the same, then he would use it, he would just need to find out who their people were. He also didn't know if his eyes would remain as they were or if they would return to normal. He would just have to check his eyes occasionally to find out one way or another.
After an hour of fast flying and a lot of dives, he planned to fly to the steps of the castle, but saw Hagrid near his hut so he flew down to the big man.
'Hagrid,' Harry grinned as he jumped off his broom.
'Harry, Dumbledore told me why you're here. What happened?'
'Don't know, but the police think it might have been poison. They actually took me to the hospital to have me examined and take some blood. It's not like they can contact me here, so I doubt I will find out what happened to them.'
'Well, you're safe now. But it's almost dinner time, how about we head into the castle.'
'Great, I'm starving,' Harry grinned then put his broom over his shoulder and walked beside Hagrid. He practically had to run to keep up with him, until Hagrid noticed and slowed down. They were just about to enter the castle when McGonagall stepped out with a woman Harry didn't know.
'There's a problem, I'm sorry to say you can't go into the castle just yet Potter. The aurors are searching it.'
'Oh, okay, um, well, I can stay with Hagrid until you tell me it's all clear.'
'What happened, Professor?' Hagrid asked.
Minerva and the woman both glanced at Harry before facing Hagrid, 'We found Professor Snape, dead, near his rooms.'
'Do you think it's him?'
'There has been no sighting, so we are unsure. But since we do know they despised each other, it's a possibility. I would like to ask you Hagrid if you would keep an eye out for anything suspicious, but also keep an eye on young Mr Potter for a while,' Amelia said.
'Of course Madam Bones, Harry can join me in my cabin for dinner.'
'I will send a house elf with food very soon. I will also send word when you can go to Gryffindor tower, Potter.'
'Okay Professor, but so you know, I'll stay with Hagrid until you tell me otherwise. I've had enough danger to last me a life time. I don't want anymore.'
'Come on Harry, let's go, you can see Fang.'
Minerva and Amelia watched as Harry and Hagrid walked off, 'There's not a mark on him which means the killing curse. It has to be Black, even if I still find it hard to believe.'
'We all were shocked Amelia.'
'When he escaped, I checked his file to see what he said at his trial. Wasn't I surprised to find out he wasn't given a trial, nor was he questioned. It seems Bartemius and Minister Bagnold decided since his family was dark then he was guilty. It's why I want to find him first, so I can question him. Legally, we have to release him since he was kept prisoner longer than thirty days. But I do not trust Minister Fudge as he has been listening to Lucius Malfoy. He would have Black kissed before anyone could say a word. If Black is here and it was him that killed Snape then we have to make sure he cannot get to the boy. If it wasn't Black, then there is someone else here that killed Snape.'
'He had a lot of enemies, even most of the students hated him. Albus was too lenient with Severus, which caused more problems.'
'Yes, Susan explained about Professor Snape, which is why I began to teach Susan potions. Many other parent's also teach their children. I have been told that they plan to make sure it's known that they were not taught by Snape, which could go against Albus. Until Snape has been examined, we won't know for sure how he died, it may have been natural, like a heart attack or he could have been poisoned. But I have another matter to deal with right now, to continue searching while the ministry healers examine Snape. I best get back inside and see what I can find.'
Harry and Hagrid were mainly quiet as they ate dinner. Harry acted like he was worried, wondering if there was something dangerous around. But hearing what Hagrid said to that woman, he knew he wasn't suspected. He got away with killing the Dursley's, now he got away with killing Snape. He wished he could do Draco Malfoy as well, along with his father, but if he did then someone might get suspicious. He would see if he could work on an accident for Draco, or get him alone to use his stare but it would need to seem like Harry wasn't anywhere near him. He could work it to make sure Malfoy ended up near the top of the grand staircase. He could surprise him by whipping off his cloak. The stare would kill him then all he had to do was nudge him so he would fall down the stairs. People would probably believe the fall killed him. One way or another, he wanted the Malfoy's gone before he hurt someone.
At nine o'clock that night, Minerva escorted Harry back into the castle, but instead of going to Gryffindor tower, they went to her office.
'Is something wrong Professor?'
'Until we can find out what killed Professor Snape, I have organised for you to stay with Mr Longbottom. They have opened their floo, have you used the floo before, Potter?'
'Yeah, with the Weasley's on September the first. I ended up lost and in Knockturn alley, Hagrid found me. The powder made me cough.'
'This time I will be saying the name, all you have to do is stand still and keep your arms tight at your side.'
'Could you tell Hedwig to find me tomorrow?'
'Very well. Now have you got your trunk on you?'
Harry pulled on the chain. He then stepped into the large fireplace. When his teacher threw the powder down, he felt himself spinning. When he came to a stop, he fell onto his stomach.
'Are you okay Harry?' Neville asked anxiously as he helped Harry to his feet.
'Fine, I'm not used to magical travel,' Harry brushed himself off then smiled at Neville, 'How are you Neville?'
'I'm good. I would like you to meet my grandmother, Lady Longbottom.'
Harry nervously faced the stern old woman but he did hold out his hand, 'It's nice to meet you ma'am.'
'And you Mr Potter. We can talk tomorrow. It's late, Neville, show Mr Potter to the guest room please.'
'Thank you for letting me stay. Everyone at Hogwarts is expecting something else to happen so it's best they don't have to worry about me.'
'You're welcome, now off to bed, the both of you.'
Neville and Harry hurried up the stairs and to one of the rooms, 'It has its own bathroom.'
'Can you stay for a bit, talk?'
'Okay,' Neville said shyly but following Harry into the room, 'All we were told was someone died, mysteriously.'
'It was Snape. I don't know what happened, just that he died. I was flying then decided to spend time with Hagrid. When we were heading to the castle for dinner, McGonagall and Madam Bones told us what happened, they just didn't know how he died or who did it. It's strange, my relatives all dropped dead. I was down at the park at the time. I found them when I got back to the house, so I rang the police. I was taken to a muggle hospital in case they were poisoned and I might have been poisoned, so they wanted the check me over in case I was. The policeman that I spoke to me about the Dursley's, took me to a children's home. Then McGonagall gets me from the house only early the following morning. She got guardianship of me, then I'm at Hogwarts and Snape dies. I hadn't flown since I left Hogwarts so I decided since I was back there, I would go out flying. After an hour or so, I went to visit Hagrid, it happened during that time. McGonagall and Madam Bones said the castle was being searched and I wasn't allowed in. They asked Hagrid to keep an eye on me, a house elf brought us dinner. After last year, I was happy to go back to Hagrid's hut.'
'You don't look upset your family died.'
'They weren't my family, I was just unlucky enough to be related to her. They hated me and weren't afraid to show it. To them, I was a freak and a waste of space. I hated them and wanted to be away from them, but I didn't want them dead. Since I'm now back in the wizarding world, I doubt I will find out what happened to them.'
'Is that why those clothes look too big for you?'
'They were Dudley's old clothes and he's like five times bigger than me. They could afford to buy me clothes but refuse to buy me anything new. I can afford to buy clothes, but never got a chance to go shopping. Last year when Ron, Fred and George rescued me, I stayed with their family. When we went to Diagon alley, we were rushed.'
'I could ask gran if we can go shopping for clothes.'
'Ask, if she doesn't want to I plan to ask McGonagall in a few days. I was just going to settle in first. I mean we're normally students there, but I'm going to be living there, full time. McGonagall already told me I can visit friends, she said the Weasley's, but I asked if I could spend time with you.'
'Why me and not Ron?'
'Ron's okay, but he's not really the best person to hang around. I mean he always wants me to skive off work and if I don't, he keeps talking until I can't concentrate. I don't have any family to rely on for advice or help, he does, but he doesn't seem to care. Also, I hate the way he calls people names or bullies them. I've seen the way he does with you and he does the same with Hermione. I hate bullies Neville, due to my bullying fat cousin. So I'll talk to him but I don't want to spend time with him. I worked out if I do more of my work in the library, Ron will leave me alone as he hates working and hates the library. But it's also his mother, I didn't want to spend time with her.'
'I've heard her howlers, but I've never met her.'
'She yells just like her howlers. But she was trying to turn me into one of her kids. I appreciate that she let me stay, but it was like she was trying to take my mother's place. I have a mother, it doesn't matter if she's dead, I still don't want anyone trying to replace her.'
'I get you there. To be honest with you Harry, no one really likes Ron, or Hermione. I speak with kids from other houses, they say some terrible things about them because they've heard some of the things Ron and Hermione have said about them and others. They all ask how you can hang around them. They did say they would like to get to know you, for real and not the-boy-who-lived, but they didn't want to put up with Ron or Hermione.'
'Hermione's problem is she believes she's always right just because she read it in a book. She also trusts authority figures, even someone like Snape. Because of Snape, I actually didn't trust any of the staff. I figured if they allowed him to act like that then they weren't trustworthy. Even though McGonagall is my legal guardian at the moment, I'm not really keen on it. But I only have to put up with for a few years then I can get away from everyone at Hogwarts. I'm not talking about you or other friends I might make, I just mean the adults. I don't get why people trust Dumbledore, especially when he allows Snape to bully kids. Look at what happened to you in our first class. He didn't care that you were hurt, it just gave him another excuse to yell at us and take points.'
'Then he blames you for my accident when you weren't even at the same table as I was. But he didn't even explain things. Gran told me that's why she didn't take me through potions lessons because I would be taught by a potions master who would explain what we need to know.'
'He doesn't teach at all, he puts the instructions on the board and that's it, apart from scowling and sneering at all the Gryffindor's as we're trying to work. He uses intimidation to make sure we all stuffed up our potions. It wouldn't matter if we did know how to make them and make them perfectly, he would still say we got it wrong and mark us down. I saw him give Hermione an A when her potion was perfect, then gave Goyle an E when his was sludge. But it's the reason why I don't trust the staff. I mean I don't really trust anyone because of how I was treated by the muggles. So many saw the way I was dressed, how I was treated by my cousin, yet they just turned away and ignored the mistreatment. I get to Hogwarts and it's the same all over again.'
What the two boys didn't know was the portrait hanging in the room heard everything and planned to relay what he heard to the lady of the house. Augusta knew there was no use talking to Albus Dumbledore, but since the death eater Albus hired is dead, hopefully the students would soon have a competent teacher for potions.
When Harry woke, it took him a few minutes to remember where he was and why. He hurried into the bathroom to shower. When he stepped back into the bedroom, he saw a house elf.
'Hello.'
'Mister Harry sir, mistress asked me to escort you to the dining room for breakfast.'
'That would be fabulous, thank you,' Harry smiled at the little elf then followed her through the large house. He just stepped into the dining room when Neville came in.
'Good morning boys.'
'Good morning ma'am.'
'Morning gran.'
'Sit and have some breakfast and after we are going to Diagon alley. I need a few things.'
'Um, would it be okay if I go to my vault then get some clothes, ma'am. See, these were all my very large cousin's clothes, but I never had a chance to actually buy clothes for myself.'
Augusta smiled. After hearing what the portraits told her, she had been hoping young Harry would mention clothes.
'Of course, we have all day, even though I do not believe it will take long.'
'Thank you ma'am.'
Harry remained quiet as he ate, but he did give Neville a smile who was also quiet. After breakfast, Augusta re-sized Harry's overlarge clothes and cast a cleaning charm on them. So even if they fit now, Harry wanted to buy his own clothes.
With Neville and his grandmother's help, Harry was able to get four of everything, but also plenty of underwear and socks. He also bought himself some shoes, a new winter cloak and gloves to match. He thanked Madam Longbottom again for taking the time to allow him to buy some decent clothes. He had asked Mrs Weasley about taking time to buy some clothes, she just said what he had on was fine and shouldn't waste his money. Now he actually had someone who saw that he did need clothes. She cared enough to know that Harry wanted new clothes, which was his right since he had the money. Just because the Weasley's were poor, didn't mean he had to live like them and that's what Mrs Weasley was trying to do.
For the rest of the day, Harry spent with Neville mainly down in the greenhouse, but he did help Neville with his assignments.
'Hermione often said she would help, then uses all these big words that I don't understand. Even though I don't normally lie, I would tell her I got it and thanks, then go up to the dorm room so I can try to figure out what I am supposed to do. You explained things so I can understand.'
'Again Hermione's problem. She forgets that not everyone is intelligent as her. Or maybe she does and wants to make herself look good. We could be smart, but not in the same way she is so maybe she uses that so we'll feel stupid or to make herself look smarter.'
'Even though I don't like talking about people behind their backs, I think she deliberately does it. I might be wrong, but I'm sure she's been told by her parent's or others that most kids wouldn't know what she was talking about by using all these huge words,' Neville said.
'I think you're right. I sometimes got what she said, other times I didn't. I noticed those times she would huff and scowl, but a couple of times I saw her smile when she thought I was busy. With my hair hanging over my eyes, she never noticed I would sometimes look around. I got in the habit because of the way people stare at me. Before coming to Hogwarts I did it so I wouldn't fall victim to Dudley or Vernon. Anyway, we've finished our work, we can finally put it away.'
'Would you…um, teach me to fly?'
'Sure, if you want. Do you have another broom here? I don't mind you using mine, it's just in case you panic I can stay beside you.'
'There's a few old brooms here. I think it would be best if I used one of those, in case I break it.'
Harry laughed, 'I doubt you would break a broom. Those school brooms should have been chucked out years ago or used for firewood. But look, you got hurt and if your robes didn't catch you could have died, yet they still haven't replaced those brooms. Anyway, I'll get my broom and I'll take you up. We'll stay low and slow, then it will be up to you. If at any time you want to stop, just tell me.'
'Thanks Harry,' Neville smiled.
While they boys were flying, Amelia was able to get a message to Sirius Black. She wanted to meet him alone, so he would be safe but also for her own safety. She knew he wasn't guilty of the crimes he had been in Azkaban for. She knew he would not have killed Snape. It was time to find out exactly what happened that night. She might still be investigating Snape's murder but Sirius was not involved.
Amelia made sure she was not followed. She ended up apparating four times before she got to the cave Sirius had mentioned. As she stepped into the dark cave she cast some charms, no one was there, or at least no human was there. She did get an animal signature. She could not tell what animal it was, but figured it was a rat or maybe a rabbit. She decided to set a few charms around her in case the animal was dangerous. She conjured a chair then sat down.
It was half an hour later that Amelia tensed as she heard a noise, 'Is that you Black?'
'It's me, I stayed in hiding to make sure this wasn't a trap.' Sirius stepped out.
'How did you get passed me into the cave?'
'I was here before you.'
'The animal I detected, that was you?'
'Yes, I'm an animagus, so was James and the real bastard that betrayed them. He set me up, he cut off his finger then changed into his animagus form and escaped. He surprised me, I didn't expect him to have another wand, but after disarming him, he used the hidden one to hit the muggle gas line under the street. Why do you believe I'm innocent when no one else did?'
'I went over your file and the files on what happened that night. I've already reprimanded the aurors who did the investigation, or lack of investigation. Your wand was not checked, just snapped. You were not questioned at all, just taken straight to Azkaban, on Bartemius Crouch's orders.'
'All he saw was my name, he didn't care that I was James' best friend or Harry's godfather. I was just a Black.'
'I want to use veritaserum then I can show the head auror, who will back me in clearing your name.'
'Wouldn't I need a trial?'
'Not if I can get proof, like I'm about to do. It's also the fact that you weren't officially charged with a crime.'
Sirius sighed as he sat on the rock near the woman, 'Will Fudge go along with that?'
'He will have no choice. I allow him to have auror guards and they have saved his arse a few times since he's been in office. I can recall them any time. He also knows I have a lot of support in the ministry. I could easily bring him up on charges for not giving you a trial. He might not have been minister when you were tossed in Azkaban, but the moment he became minister, it all became his responsibility.'
Sirius grinned. He finally felt his nightmare of the last twelve years was about to end but he also knew this woman would be able to get Peter. The traitor will finally pay for what he did.
It was a few days later that Ron found out that Harry was staying with Neville. He also found out that the Dursley's died and Harry was now living at Hogwarts. He just had to leave the castle as there was some type of danger. Ron went off when he heard Harry didn't come to the Burrow.
'Ron, you have to understand that Harry does have other friends,' Fred said.
'And ones that doesn't always want to skive off their work,' George said.
'I noticed Harry wants to study, but you annoy him until he gives in,' Fred said.
'So he's decided to get closer to Neville since you never bothered listening to him,' George said.
'It's time you wake up and realise you can't tell people what to do,' Fred said.
'And who they can be friends with,' George said.
The twins left the room, but they knew Ron would end up saying something to Harry the moment they were back at Hogwarts. They planned to keep an eye on their younger brother so he doesn't do something stupid, which could get him expelled.
Harry couldn't help smiling as he watched Neville flying around the large garden. At first he was very slow and stayed close to the ground. Now he was as high as the roof of the large house and he was also faster, he was also laughing. He would never go as fast as Harry liked, but Neville was finally enjoying the feeling of being on a broom.
Augusta had watched Neville over the last few days. She could see him finally coming out of his shell and also getting some confidence and it was thanks to Harry. Hearing what the portraits told her about Harry and his life with the muggles, it made her realised she had been hard on her grandson, which could have pushed him away or he could have ended up hating her. She would make it up to Neville, somehow.
Amelia found it easy to threaten Fudge, so he finally signed off on Sirius' Black's freedom. The one thing that Sirius asked her to help him with, was gaining custody of his godson, Harry. Amelia knew James and Lily wanted Sirius to raise Harry, so she agreed. After making sure Sirius was legally Harry Potter's guardian, which didn't take long, she informed Augusta and worked out a time for her and Sirius to come pick up Harry. She also explained to Augusta that no one could make Harry leave, only his godfather who had legal rights over Harry.
Right as the Daily Prophet was delivered with the front page story about Sirius Black being innocent and cleared of all charges, Sirius was with Amelia at Longbottom manor. They planned it so no one could interfere with Sirius picking up his godson. He worked it with Augusta so Neville would be able to floo. He just needed to get to his home that his uncle left him so he can clean it and make sure it was still standing.
Now Sirius was legally free and had his godson, Amelia knew it was time to get the death eater that betrayed the Potters to Voldemort.
Harry had been shocked that Sirius was innocent, but also his godfather. It wasn't until Amelia handed him an old copy of Witch Weekly which had a picture of James and Lily on their wedding day. Inside were more pictures, Sirius was in those. Harry got to see Sirius as his father's best man.
Harry and Sirius arrived at a large two-story country home. To Harry, it was perfect, it just needed a clean and a few things replaced, like carpet.
'When Amelia explained you were raised with Lily's sister, I knew you would not have been told about me. Someone ignored your parent's wills. It was written that you were never to go to Petunia, also, I was named first, then others, a list of ten. It was war time, your parent's wanted to make sure you would be looked after. Both also wanted you to be raised in the wizarding world.'
'When I found out who my parent's are, I kept thinking something must be wrong. I don't know any witch or wizard who would willing allow their kid to be raised by muggles. But no one ever mentioned you, or them really.'
'I have lots of stories to tell you about your parent's. For now though, we should really get to know each other again.'
'I'd like that Sirius.'
At the same time as Sirius and Harry were talking, Albus and Minerva had gone to the ministry only to find out that now Sirius had custody of Harry. Albus tried to get it overturned, until Amelia Bones threatened to have him arrested for kidnapping Harry in the first place. She showed him the Potter's wills which had Albus's signature as a witness. He knew exactly who Harry was supposed to go to. Albus realised he could not change it and if he tried, Amelia would arrest him.
Amelia, along with the head auror, Rufus Scrimgeour and twenty other aurors all arrived at the Burrow. Amelia had already blocked the floo, now her aurors were making sure no one could apparate in or out of the Burrow. Once everything was ready, they stormed the house. Every Weasley was placed under the binding charm so they would not try to interfere with their search. The moment they got hold of the rat and their charm proved he was a human and not an animal, Amelia made sure one of the aurors reversed the charm in front of the Weasley's so they were see just who they had been harbouring for all these years.
'So, this Peter was your friend and my parent's friend?'
Sirius really didn't want to upset his godson, but he believed Harry had the right to know the truth.
'Yes, I don't know when he changed sides, but he ended up a death eater. Amelia and I believe he found a family that had kids your age, or close to your age in the hope he could keep an eye on you but also listen out for any sign of Voldemort.'
'I saw Voldemort, he was possessing the defence professor in my first year. He was trying to steal the philosophers stone that Dumbledore hid at Hogwarts.'
Sirius ended up staring at his godson with his mouth hanging open, 'Are you telling me Voldemort was inside Hogwarts?'
'Yeah, for the whole year. It's strange Sirius, at the welcoming feast Dumbledore tells everyone not to go near the third floor corridor or we'll die a painful death. Well, Ron wanted to investigate, I wasn't sure if we should but I did want to stop Voldemort from getting the stone. When we were sent into the forbidden forest late one night for detention, we were searching for something that was killing unicorns, I saw something. Firenze, one of the centaurs told me it was Voldemort. Hermione figured out the philosophers stone was inside the castle and Voldemort was trying to get it. We went to McGonagall, she refuse to believe us. Dumbledore had gone to the ministry and we realised no one knew Voldemort was there and he was going after the stone. Me, Ron and Hermione figured we'd try to stop him since no one else would. This is where it gets strange. There were different traps set that you had to get through. Between me, Ron and Hermione we were able to work it all out. I ended up alone with the last enchantment, which was done by Dumbledore and he had told me how the mirror worked at Christmas time. Quirrell was there with Voldemort, I somehow got the stone before I killed Quirrell and Voldemort flew away, or his spirit flew away. I woke up two days later in the hospital. How come the traps set to stop Voldemort was easy that me, an eleven year old along with his two friends could easily get through them?'
'I don't know, but I plan to make sure Amelia finds out. First, the old man should not be using a school to hide something that most dark wizards would kill to get hold of. There were hundreds of innocent children inside Hogwarts. Then, Albus leaves the castle, that's just giving Voldemort a chance to get hold of it. I will be making sure McGonagall is also asked why she sent first years into the forbidden forest at night where something was killing unicorns. No student is allowed in there, even during the day. You lot were deliberately placed in danger and by the teachers. I'll contact Amelia later, she will probably want to ask you about it. Who else was with you when you went into the forest and when you went after the stone?'
'Well, Ron and Hermione were with me when we went after the stone. Neville, Malfoy, Hermione and I were the ones that went into the forest with Hagrid.'
'Lucius Malfoy's kid?'
'Yeah, oh and I'm sure old man Malfoy was the one that caused the chamber of secret's to be opened, I just haven't got proof.'
'You can explain that to Amelia as well. She hates the fact that he got off when she knows he is really a death eater.'
Sirius was having trouble trying to figure out just what was going on and why his godson seemed to be involved with these dangerous things that happened at Hogwarts. But he was determined to find out and make sure his godson was safe from any more danger that might be around. He was going to add extra wards to the property so Harry could use magic and train. If Voldemort was still around, he would eventually go after Harry, it was time to make sure Harry could protect himself. If nothing was done about Hogwarts, then Harry would not be returning, Sirius knew he could easily teach his godson. It would also help him as he hadn't used magic in twelve years.
Harry finally knew he would get answers to his questions, but also, he knew Sirius would work on a way to stop the kids at Hogwarts from ending up in danger. He knew he could use his stare, if he had too and he would. For now, he was glad to hear that his godfather is going to do what the other adults at Hogwarts should have done.
The Weasley family was in shock. To clear their name they all submitted to questioning using veritaserum. Each Weasley was separated while they were being questioned. Since their pet rat turned out to be a death eater, who just happened to betray the Potters, Amelia wanted to know if any of the Weasley's might be involved with Voldemort, or if they were planning anything to do with Harry Potter. All the Weasley's were cleared, they had no idea the rat was an animagus.
Harry had been out flying with Neville, while Sirius rested. Even though he was given potions to help him get well, he still tired easily. By the time Harry and Neville went in for lunch, Sirius was awake but he was sitting with Madam Bones and Neville's grandmother.
'Come sit down boys,' Sirius said giving them a smile, 'I told madam Bones what you told me about the Philosopher's stone and the detention. She wants you to tell the full story, along with your suspicion about Lucius Malfoy.'
'Let's start with the stone and begin at the welcoming feast.'
Harry explained what Dumbledore said the first night at Hogwarts, then explained why they decided to go save the stone. Next Amelia wanted to know about the detention that they were given. Between Harry and Neville they explained what they had to do and the time they had to go into the forbidden forest. Augusta was furious, Sirius was as well. Amelia knew when she was finished, it was going to cause a stir. She planned to arrest Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall. They had placed students in danger by hiding the stone at a school, but they deliberately put first year students in danger by sending them into the forbidden forest at night when there was something dangerous in there killing unicorns. The forbidden forest was forbidden for a reason. It was full of dangerous creatures that could have easily killed those children.
Lastly, Harry explained about the diary and how he believed Lucius Malfoy had slipped it into Ginny Weasley's cauldron the day they were in Diagon alley. Amelia instantly wanted to see the memory of that day. She may just see Malfoy planting a dark item on a student and that item caused the monster in the chamber of secrets to be released. The basilisk could have killed everyone inside Hogwarts.
It was a few days later that Harry got a letter from Ron. He read it, then handed it to his godfather.
'He sounds like a right one. Don't worry, I'll deal with this as your guardian and head of house Black and proxy for the house Potter.'
'I'm going to write back and tell him to piss off, we're done.'
'Do that and I'll write to his father, he is the head of his house. Now I wanted to ask you about Hogwarts. If for some reason Albus and Minerva do not lose their jobs, do you want to return or would you prefer to be home schooled?'
'I'd rather learn from you. I've already learned more from you than I have in the last two years. What about Neville?'
'Augusta is considering home schooling him as well. We can combine your lessons. Have some here and some there. She's of the same opinion, Neville would not be safe at Hogwarts if Albus and Minerva remained. But once word gets out that you, the-boy-who-lives won't return with them there, I doubt they will keep their jobs for long.'
'Normally I wouldn't use my fame, but they are putting the students in danger, so they need to go. They also allow rampart bullying and the bully's get off while their victims end up in trouble or hurt. If I have to use the-boy-who-lived to see them gone, then I will.'
'Good, then I'll work out lessons with Augusta and we'll get these letters written.'
Ron was furious when he got Harry's letter, before he could say anything his father sat him down and explained that if he tried anything, then Sirius would make sure Ron ended up expelled. Sirius had a lot of influence right now. First the minister was sucking up to Sirius, he was friendly with Madam Bones and Sirius was very wealthy. Add that to the fact he is Harry Potter's godfather, it could cause trouble for the entire Weasley family.
Harry also wrote to Hermione. He told her that unless she changed her ways, they were no longer friends. She had no right to tell him what to do. He also wrote that just because she read something in a book didn't make it true. The books all about Harry and what happened the night his parent's died were all fabricated. No one but Harry, his parent's and Voldemort were there that night, so unless someone interviewed Harry, who was only fifteen months old, then people made up those stories. Harry even wrote that he was not sure he really did survive the killing curse. When he wrote that, something occurred to him so he planned to speak with his godfather.
'Sirius, there's something you might be able to figure out, because I'm stumped.'
'What about pup?'
'Okay, I know this is hard for you, talking about my parent's. I don't remember them, but they were your friends.'
'It's fine Harry. You have the right to know things about them, so I don't mind passing on that information.'
'Okay. See, the night they died, from what I've been able to find out, it was only mum, dad, me and Voldemort at the house. The story that I survived the killing curse was known before the morning. How does anyone know what happened that night? Also, why did people say I had this scar, wouldn't that put me in more danger since all you have to do is see me and see the scar? It identifies me, which basically paints a target on me for the death eaters. Also, you said you went there but it was Hagrid that was sent to get me. Voldemort just killed my parent's, how did anyone know they were killed and why was a man sent who can't use magic? Hagrid would not have been able to protect me, a baby, if there were death eaters outside the fidelius charm.'
'Damn pup, all good questions and ones that should have been asked before. When I turned up, it was only about twenty minutes later, or so I worked out from the time. The clock was busted twenty minutes before I turned up. No one saw what happened. Peter might have been there, but he wouldn't tell anyone or they would know he was really a death eater. As to your second question, you're right, the scar identifies you, yet the killing curse doesn't leave a mark. Also about Hagrid, again you're right. Hagrid would not have been able to survive two killing curses fired at once and knowing Voldemort, he would have a few death eaters there keeping watch. With how someone knew your parents died, I would say Dumbledore worked some type of charm either on your parents or the house. Okay, I'm going to speak with Amelia, she was head auror back then and dealing with a lot of the searches and arrests. None of it makes sense. From what Amelia and Augusta found out, Albus hid you with Petunia to make sure you were safe, yet somehow people would only have to see you to know you were James' son and the scar tells it's own story since everyone was told you survived the killing curse.'
'There were strange people that smiled at me, some bowed. It freaked Petunia out. She kept asking who they were. I had no idea, not until I found out about this world. If they saw me, than any of the death eaters could have seen me.'
'You're right and you were in more danger than anyone knew. Okay, apart from talking to them, I believe you didn't survive that curse, unless your parent's did something I don't know about that could protect from that curse. Try not to think about it now, I'll let you know what they find out, but it could take a while.'
'It's fine, it doesn't matter how long it takes, I was just curious.'
Sirius watched his godson walk away, but he realised that these questions Harry asked should have been asked by people in the ministry, or even just the public. Something was going on and Sirius was determined to get to the bottom of it.
The governors all met, they read through the report given by Amelia Bones about what had gone on in the last two years at Hogwarts. The vote was 9 to 3, Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall was about to lose their jobs.
Amelia was able to arrest and have a trial for Lucius Malfoy for planting a dark artefact on a child which opened the chamber of secrets. Even Cornelius Fudge realised just how evil his friend was so he stayed away. Malfoy was sentenced to life in Azkaban, but the Malfoy family had to pay the victims for their suffering. Ginny Weasley got the most, she got twenty five thousand galleons which would be put away until she was seventeen. There were stipulations that she could use a certain amount of money every month. The other victims received ten thousand galleons each. Even Harry received twenty thousand since he helped by killing the basilisk. He was also awarded the basilisk. Sirius had worked it out with the goblins to render the snake down and sell it for parts. Harry would get eighty five percent, while the goblins would get the rest.
It was a week later that the news was released to the public. Hogwarts had a new headmistress, Augusta Longbottom. The governors were trying to find a new defence teacher, a new potions teacher and also a new transfiguration teacher. After they fill those positions they will be replacing Cuthbert Binns with a living person to teach history of magic.
Harry came down stairs and headed straight for the kitchen. He found Sirius sitting there reading a letter. He sat down and waited for Sirius' new house elf, Libby to make his breakfast. It was still strange for Harry who used to have to cook breakfast for the Dursley's, now he was having breakfast cooked for him.
'I received a letter from Augusta.'
'Is something else going on?'
'No, but she offered me the job of transfiguration teacher. James and I go O's in our newts, but we also got extra points for some of the things we did during our newt exam. How would you feel if I was one of your teachers?'
'I wouldn't mind Sirius. You make lessons fun, but you also explained how dangerous wand based subjects were. To be honest, since I am returning, I'd feel better if you were there.'
'Even though it will be safer and bully's will be punished, I get why Harry. The things you went through should never have happened, so if having me there will make you feel better, than I will. I've been trying to figure out what to do with my life. I know I don't have to work, but I would go crazy with nothing to do all the time. Before Azkaban, I was always with your dad working for the order. When we weren't working, I spent most of my time at your place and with you. I might not stay teaching, but I can for the next few years, see if it's something I'm suited for.'
'Well, like I said, you make learning fun, so even if you have to be more serious in the classroom, I think it will suit you. I also believe you will be more approachable than someone like McGonagall. She was our head of house and apart from Hermione and Percy, no one in Gryffindor felt comfortable going to her with a problem. She came across so cold and hard. There were a couple of kids who were really homesick when they first started at Hogwarts, it ended up being the prefects or just some older ones that helped them out. No one went to Percy to say they were homesick, so the boys who were upset went to some of the older Gryffindor's. I found out that Sprout and Flitwick used to spend time in their common rooms so if any student wanted to talk, they could. They got to know their students so the kids felt comfortable with them. It really helped the first years to settle in. I think kids will feel that way about you.'
Sirius smiled at Harry. What his godson was saying made him feel good about himself, but Harry was also telling him he felt comfortable talking with his godfather. They were getting closer and Harry had begun to talk more. Sirius was even talking to Harry about his time in Azkaban which was helping him put that time in his life to rest. Hopefully if Harry could feel comfortable with him after being mistreated by the Dursley's, then the other kids would also feel comfortable approaching him. Hearing what Harry said helped Sirius make up his mind. He was going to take the position and hoped he could do some good at Hogwarts.
For the rest of the holidays, Harry spent a lot of time with Sirius but also with Neville. When Augusta was at Hogwarts working on the changes, Neville would stay with Harry and Sirius. They would still learn some things, but they also just enjoyed their time. One thing Neville loved was when Harry and Sirius took him into the muggle world to see a movie at the cinema. He finally realised that the muggle world was more advanced than he knew. He had to ask if some of the things in the movies were real. Some where, like the moon landing. Other things weren't, like light sabres and the force.
Harry did receive a letter from Hermione and the one thing she went on about was how those books were factual. It took Sirius to write to explain she was wrong and those books were already being pulled from shops are they were proven to be based on rumours, or small bits of facts than changed until those books were mainly full of lies. Sirius also wrote at the bottom that she was going to fail in the wizarding world unless she changed her ways. But he also wrote that Harry will not be having anything to do with her, as Harry's guardian, he forbid it and he would be at Hogwarts as a teacher to make sure.
When Harry told Sirius about those books, Sirius instantly spoke with a lawyer, those authors were all sued. Apart from printing lies, they also did not have the authority to print anything on his godson or James and Lily Potter. Sirius had always been Harry's legal guardian even when he was in Azkaban. They lost and had to pay Harry a lot of money which went into his trust vault. But all the books were confiscated and destroyed. Letters were sent out to every wizarding family so they would know the books were full of lies and weren't worth the parchment they were written on.
Since Sirius and Augusta had to be at Hogwarts two weeks before term started, Neville and Harry had to as well but they were asked if they wanted to take the Hogwarts express. Neither boy did as they thought it was a waist of time, but also with no adult supervision, there were always a lot of fights and bullying. Both boys just didn't want to put up with it. Augusta instantly decided to put two people on the train, but they were trainee aurors that Madam Bones loaned out to help keep the students safe. She would do that every time the Hogwarts express left Hogwarts or headed to Hogwarts. Amelia and Augusta wanted the students safe which meant adult supervision.
One of the changes at Hogwarts that Harry liked was the students could now sit at one of the many smaller round tables. He would still be a Gryffindor, but he could finally get to know students from other houses. Also, there were now communal common rooms that were monitored by portraits, ghosts and house elves. They were also charmed so no magic would work in those rooms. For any student wishing to practice spells after classes, there were now dedicated practice rooms. The students could only practice spells that they had been shown in class. Another group of house elves would be in those rooms at all times to monitor the students in there. With so many house elves at Hogwarts, there was enough to help keep watch and also protect students using elf magic, if it was needed. It also gave the head boy and girl, along with the prefects time to themselves.
There was also new rules, especially with bullying or discrimination. No student will get off with a simple detention anymore. Once the portraits relayed what had happened, then the student could end up suspended or expelled, depending on the severity of what they did. If a student attacked another, whether with magic or fighting muggle style, it's an automatic suspension. If they used spells that could seriously injure or worse, they would be expelled and questioned by aurors. If any student had stolen or gone through another students belongings without permission, they would end up in a month's detention. If it continued, they would be suspended. Harry thought it was about time the staff got tougher on students. If Draco Malfoy didn't change his ways, Harry just might have to use his stare. He would wait and see if these new rules would make the blond behave. He only wanted to use that on people who would hurt innocent kids. So even though Draco was young, Harry wouldn't put anything passed the blond pounce. With his father now in Azkaban, Draco might see that just because someone had money didn't meant they were above the law. Augusta had sent all the students, new and old, pamphlets about the changes at Hogwarts. No one would be able to play ignorant.
Harry and Neville entered the great hall right after the teachers. Sirius was the teacher who would be waiting for the first years so he was waiting near the doors for Hagrid to arrive.
The two boys were hoping others joined them before people like Ron and Hermione. Harry really didn't want to put up with Ron or Hermione. He had no idea if they would try to talk to him, he just hoped they didn't.
They were lucky, Susan, Hannah, then the Weasley twins and Lee sat at their table, along with Luna Lovegood who Harry had spoken to a couple of times.
'We heard that you might know who made that piece of parchment we sent you,' George said.
'Yeah, you might know who one of the names is,' Fred said.
'Why do you want to know?' Harry grinned.
'After we found that,' George said.
'We began to research,' Fred said.
'They wanted to find out just who the Marauders were,' Lee said.
'That name wasn't used, but there were a lot of students who had a lot of detentions,' George said.
'So, we don't know if the ones we found are them or not,' Fred said.
'But there was a name of a boy who got detention a lot, James Potter,' Lee said.
Harry grinned, 'Fine, Prongs was my father, so yes, he was one of the Marauders.'
'That would mean…' George started.
'…that your godfather would also be one,' Fred finished.
Harry chuckled, 'Yes, the worst one, of the name of Padfoot.'
'He's our new transfiguration teacher,' Lee said.
'He is and head of Gryffindor.'
'We figured out who Wormtail was,' George said.
'Yeah, the rat that was hiding at home,' Fred said.
'So, who was the last one, Moony?' Lee asked.
'His name is Remus Lupin, but Sirius hasn't seen or heard from him since before my parent's died.'
'First years,' Susan said gesturing towards Sirius and the large group of new students.
'We have to pick his brains,' George said.
'Find out how they did some of their pranks,' Fred said.
'Keep it down, but yes, he will tell you,' Harry whispered, 'I told him about your plans for the joke shop, he likes the idea.'
The group fell silent as Sirius began to read out names. By magic, two extra seats ended up appearing at every table. Since there were two seats between Lee and Hannah, two first year Hufflepuff's sat there. Once the sorting had finished, the group introduced themselves and which house they belonged to.
Neville had been watching Ron and Hermione, both seemed angry and at Harry as they couldn't stop glaring at him. Neville also noticed that Ginny Weasley seemed angry as well, but she was not glaring at Harry, she was glaring at Susan. Every time Harry spoke to Susan, Ginny's face changed, she was furious.
'One of your fan girls doesn't like the fact you're talking to Susan,' Neville whispered.
'I hate fan girls, or fan boys, I try not to give them any attention.'
'You have fans?' Hannah asked sounding amused.
'Yes,' Harry growled, 'They don't know me, they like the-boy-who-lived, which isn't me, not really. I just want to be known as Harry.'
'Well, we all know you as Harry,' George said.
'Not to mention the son and godson of a Marauder,' Fred said.
And Hogwarts best seeker,' George said.
'I don't think even Susan and Hannah can dispute that,' Lee said.
'Even though I wish we could, no, Harry is too good. Cedric is our seeker and he does eventually want to play professionally, so he might give you a run for your money this year Harry,' Susan said.
'I like good competition, not like Slytherin, who only cheat. It's Oliver's last year, he's going to be impossible.'
'He already told us on the train that he plans to have us training four times a week,' George said.
'We explained its our owl year and we will only do two,' George said.
'Or he'll have to find new beaters,' Fred said.
'I will refuse to do more than two. We have our new electives this year so we've got more work,' Harry said, 'If Oliver goes on about it, he can find a new seeker. I don't want to play professionally so it's not like it's that important to me. I just love playing and…well, I love winning too.'
The group laughed, even Susan and Hannah who knew just how good Harry was as seeker.
Angelina was the new Gryffindor prefect, along with a boy Harry had never spoken to, Andrew. They lead the first years through the castle and to Gryffindor tower. The twins and Lee stayed behind Harry as they knew their little brother might just try to cause trouble.
Just as everyone stepped into Gryffindor's common room, Ron went to yell something and had his wand pointed at Harry's back. Once Sirius deflected the spell Ron used on Harry, Ron's wand went sailing, into Sirius' hand.
'You're suspended Mr Weasley and depending on what the aurors find out when they question you, you might find yourself expelled,' Sirius glared, 'Cursing anyone is wrong but cursing someone in the back makes you a coward. If it was a dark curse, you will be forever known as a dark wizard. Can the two fifth year prefects take Mr Weasley up to the headmistress office please? Explain I will be there shortly.' Sirius waited until the prefects and Ron left before he relaxed, 'I was here to welcome the new Gryffindor's and to explain I will spend time in here every night in case any of you might need to talk, or maybe you would like some advice. As my godson told me, sometimes first years get a bit homesick and just want someone to listen to them. Also,' Sirius held up a set of mirrors, 'Harry, would you show everyone how these work. If any of you would like to purchase these, we can arrange for one of them to be given to the person you nominate, even if they are a muggle.'
Harry took the mirror then hurried up the stairs, 'Sirius Black.'
Sirius showed everyone the mirror, 'Harry, it's good to see my godson.'
'You saw me two seconds ago.'
Sirius laughed, 'Come back down and join us. As you can see, they are communication mirrors. James Potter and I invented them while we were students here at Hogwarts. It was Harry's idea to market them for public use. The headmistress has already received some for her and the staff, the same with Madam Bones for her aurors to use. The other heads of house are showing the other students. But you get one warning. If you are using them during lessons or tests, they will be confiscated and the people using them will be suspended. These are to use mainly after classes. Let's say Neville is in the library and Harry needs a book. He can call Neville and ask him if he wouldn't mind checking out the book for him. For those of you from the muggle world, who are used to things like telephones, then you can call a parent or sibling, but again they are not to be used during lessons, or detentions.'
Harry coughed, 'Is there something you would like to add Harry?' Sirius asked with a smirk.
Harry rolled his eyes, 'You and my father invented them to use when you both ended up in detentions, separate detentions. Now you're telling the students they can't use them when you did.'
Many of the Gryffindor's laughed, only Hermione huffed, 'That's true. We used to invent many things, so we used to have to talk over our ideas. The headmistress only agreed to allow them to be used if she put restrictions on them. So, remember the rules and you will always have a way to communicate with others who might not be in your house or even in the castle.'
Sirius took a seat by the fire with Harry sitting near him. It only took a couple of minutes before a group of first years sat on the rug in front and began to ask questions. Harry couldn't help smiling. This is what he would have liked when he first stared, Neville was the same. These first years can get their questions answered, but they will also know there is someone here to listen to them if they feel homesick.
They didn't just speak with Sirius, they also asked Harry and Neville things about their classes.
Sirius remained for a couple of hours just to let all the students know he would be available. After all the first years had spoken to him, Fred, George and Lee surrounded him. Harry couldn't help laughing as he left his godfather with the next generation of pranksters.
Harry went up to his bed. He figured he would read until he got tired. But he also wanted to get away from the looks Hermione was given him.
Just as Harry opened his book, he heard a girly scream, which made him laugh.
'It sounds like one of the girls tried to get up to the boys dorm,' Neville said as he stepped out of the bathrooms.
'I would say Hermione, but it could be any girl. That should have been changed years ago, just as the stairs to the girls dorm were spelled to stop us boys.'
'It's like what the twins said, they had girls in their dorm room since they couldn't get up to the girls dorms.'
'Harry Potter.'
Harry picked up his mirror, 'I thought you were still down in the common room.'
'No, the headmistress called me. I thought you should be the first to hear that Ron was expelled.'
Harry sighed, 'What did he try to use on me?'
'A cutting hex. When the aurors got the memory from him, he was aiming at your head, which would have killed you. They took him away, in shackles and Augusta notified Molly and Arthur.'
'Did he say why he wanted to kill me?'
'He said he lost his privileges that Dumbledore planned to give him. First was getting him onto the quidditch team, then prefect, head boy and captain of Gryffindor.'
'If for any reason he was on the team which forced us to lose someone, I would have quit and I know the twins and the girls would have as well. But I thought to be prefect you had to have a good scores in classes and hardly any detention.'
'You do but Albus would override that, as headmaster. Anyway, it's late, I'll see you at breakfast.'
'Alright, thanks for letting me know,' Harry put his mirror down to see that not only had Neville heard what Sirius said but so did Dean and Seamus. As Harry stopped to change into his panama's, the bed that used to be Ron's disappeared and the other four beds moved until they had more room on each side.
Harry was lying in bed wondering if he should use his stare on Ron. Sirius had told him about the tunnels, so he knew he could sneak out but to get to the Burrow would mean a very long flight on a broom. He decided to wait and see if he could work on some type of plan that could get him near Ron without anyone knowing. He was only considering it since Ron was basically trying to kill him. If he did sneak out and fly, he would have to do it on a Friday or Saturday night so he could sleep in the following day.
By the time Harry and Neville went down to the common room the following morning, Sirius was there, again talking to the first years.
'Even though the prefects will do this duty over the first week, I decided to show the first years how to get to the great hall.'
'It's a good idea…professor. I mean I don't remember much when Percy explained, mainly because I was so tired after the feast,' Harry said.
'I was the same, I got lost the following morning,' Neville said.
'That's exactly why I'm showing the first years. So, since they are all here, let's go,' Sirius gave Harry a look but he gestured his head towards two girls who were standing together, Hermione and Ginny.
Harry nodded then walked beside Sirius as he began to lead the first years through the castle. He took one of the shorter ways which got them to the great hall quicker than they normally would.
Harry and Neville saw Susan and Hannah sitting with a few others, so they hurried to their table. There was no more room for anyone else, so Hermione and Ginny had to sit at another table.
'Malfoy, Parkinson, Goyle and Crabbe aren't here,' Harry said.
'Either they're running late, or they were suspended, or even expelled,' Neville said.
'I heard they were expelled,' Susan said, 'It seems they did not like some of the other Slytherin's acting friendly with kids from other houses.'
'I saw Daphne Greengrass and Tracy Davis talking to a couple of Ravenclaw's last night,' Neville said.
'This is what Hogwarts needed. I mean apart from Neville, I never really had anything in common with many of the other kids. Dean and Seamus love to talk football. No use talking to Lavender or Parvati as they only talk about clothes, makeup or boys. At least now we can talk to others who might end up friends.'
'What about Hermione and Ron?' Hannah asked.
'Ron was expelled. But before that I already decided I wasn't staying friends with him. He was lazy, wouldn't work and whenever I did, he would keep disturbing me. Then he would try to copy my work. Hermione won't stop being a bossy know-it-all. She was always trying to tell me what to do, so we're done.'
'What about Gryffindor's biggest boy-who-lived fan girl?' Susan smirked.
Harry huffed, 'Fan girls annoy me, she was the worst. I want nothing to do with her.'
'I don't blame you. But why was Ron expelled?' Hannah asked.
'He went to curse Harry in the back, the back of his head, with a cutting curse. Professor Black was there, saw it, disarmed him as he deflected the curse away. He was questioned by aurors before he left, in shackles. The twins and Lee were walking behind Harry as we went up to the tower so Ron had to wait until we got inside. He didn't know that Professor Black was in there waiting for us,' Neville said.
'If that hit your head, neck or chest, it could have killed you,' Susan said.
'That's what he planned. He said I ruined everything. It seems Dumbledore promised him things like getting on the quidditch team then end up prefect and head boy, along with quidditch captain. With the old man gone, no teacher would give Ron the prefect position and quidditch depends on the tryouts. Wood wouldn't chose him if he wasn't good enough. It makes me wonder if maybe Hermione was offered something.'
'Why would you think that?' Hannah asked.
'She made it impossible to concentrate on my work. She would force me to do it by nagging all the time, then she would make these annoying noises which made it impossible to concentrate.'
'She was terrible. I began to do my work in our dorm room, but Seamus and Dean often talk in there. If it was after curfew then I was stuck and couldn't do my work due to the noise.' Neville said.
'It's why there are changes. Curfew is later and there are now rooms we can go do our homework in but portraits and house elves will make sure no one causes trouble. They will instantly notify the staff,' Harry said.
'So, if we want Neville's help with herbology, we could talk, but quietly while we do our homework?' Hannah asked giving Neville a smile which made the boy blush. Susan and Harry turned away as they chuckled. They didn't notice Ginny Weasley, who seemed to be getting angrier and angrier, but so was Hermione Granger.
Right after breakfast, the headmistress announced that five students were expelled, two were arrested. Augusta didn't name the students, but most already knew or had guessed. The heads of house called all their students together to received their schedules and instantly everyone noticed that students would either take charms 1 or charms 2, the same with all subjects, they were at different times. They also taught different things. As Harry was going over his schedule, he heard Hermione mutter that all her classes were separate to Harry's. Ginny answered her by saying she would have to find another time to talk to Harry. He realised that Hermione had been hoping to corner Harry during one of their classes. Now Harry didn't have to worry about her during his classes, which also meant, he could concentrate on his classes.
Harry and Neville were sitting in charms waiting for the rest of the students to file in. Just as Flitwick was about to start, there was a bright flash and a grunt. Everyone turned to see Hermione Granger on the floor outside the classroom door and some type of charm shivering in the doorway.
'Miss Granger, as you are not in this class, you cannot enter. All classes now have these charms to prevent those not in these classes from entering. This your only warning, leave now and go to the class that is on your schedule,' Filius said.
All the students noticed that Professor Flitwick wasn't speaking in his normal happy tone. He wasn't angry, but he was telling everyone that what he said, he meant.
Hermione glared in at Harry who just smirked at her before she hurried away. He would find out later on that she ended up in detention for being late for transfiguration. She didn't just go straight to her next class, she went to speak with the headmistress to ask if she could be changed to charms 1 instead of charms 2. She was told that there would be no changes then sent to her next class. Sirius instantly gave her detention but also took points.
The point system had been changed. It was now individual points. So even though students from Gryffindor were already earning points, Hermione was the first to lose points for being late and her detention. She protested which earned her another detention.
Harry and Neville enjoyed all their classes that day. They also enjoyed their lunch which they shared again with Susan, Hannah, the Weasley twins, Lee and the girls from the quidditch team.
'Oliver spoke to us,' Fred said.
'It seems Ginny had been promised a position on the team by Dumbledore,' George said.
'Oliver said she would try out like everyone else but no one would beat the flying foxes,' Lee said.
'She got angry,' Fred said.
'And hex him,' George said.
'She is now facing two weeks suspension and will miss tryouts.' Lee explained.
'So, it wasn't just Ron Dumbledore made deals with,' Harry sighed.
'Do you know if Hermione was offered anything?' Neville asked.
'We overheard Hermione go off about not being able to access the headmaster's private library, like she was promised,' Lee said.
'I had a feeling, so I'm not that surprised. I wonder when Hermione became his spy,' Harry said.
'It would have been last year,' Lee said.
'Why didn't you ask...' Fred began.
'...about Ron?' George finished.
'Because I think our meeting was a set up.'
'How do you mean?' Lee asked.
'Well, I'm at kings cross station, lost, wondering where platform nine and three quarters was and had no idea where to look. Hagrid forgot to tell me about the wall. Well, I'm beginning to panic when I hear a woman say "packed with muggles" Hagrid called the Dursley's, muggles. As I turned to see who spoke, I saw trunks and an owl in a cage. I wasn't sure if they were magical but figured they were. I decided to follow them to find out. Then I heard the woman say "what is the platform number" and she was answered by a girl who said "platform nine and three quarters" McGonagall explained to us about how we have to make sure the muggles don't find out about us.'
'That was mum,' Fred said.
'and Ginny,' George said.
'They know what the number is as there is only one platform to take the Hogwarts express,' Lee said.
'It was the first year…' Fred began.
'…that we didn't floo direction onto the platform,' George finished.
'Yeah,' Harry shrugged, 'I got suspicious the following year. Also, I've never known the train to be full, but when Ron came into the compartment I was sitting in, that first time, he said everywhere was full. I didn't know that at the time.'
'So, Dumbledore probably worked it for Ron to befriend you,' Lee said.
'He used mum,' Fred said.
'and Ginny to make that happen,' George said.
'We'll mention it to dad,' Fred said.
'He'll find out if Dumbledore spoke to mum about it,' George said.
'I don't want to cause any trouble for your family. Leave it, Ron's expelled, hopefully that's the end of it.
'Are you sure?' Fred and George asked together.
'Yes, Ron's not here anymore and Ginny is in a different year to me.'
'Not to mention that I'm usually with Harry after classes,' Neville said.
'We've already planned to study together in the library,' Hannah said.
'And one of the changes is that the tables are all charmed so we won't be disturbed by others in there,' Susan said.
'Just watch your back…' George began.
'…from our sister. She's got a temper like Ron and mum,' Fred finished.
'I will and Sirius is usually around as well. He also made a copy of the map. He mainly wanted to make sure a bunch of Slytherin's didn't gang up on a younger student from another house. He's not going to use it to spy on us, just to make sure no students end up in danger,' Harry said.
Right after dinner, Harry and Neville met Susan and Hannah in the library. They decided to work on their charms homework. Luna joined them as well. The moment they sat down, they noticed that they couldn't see anyone, or even the rest of the library. They saw a pamphlet on the table which told them that Madam Pince could see the students at the tables but the students couldn't see or hear anyone outside the charm that was placed around the table. It allowed the students to do their work without being disturbed by any other student in the library. They all smiled knowing that they could finally concentrate without the noise from other students.
As Harry got out his parchment, ink, quill and his charms book, he began to think about using his stare. He always said to himself he would only use it on someone dangerous, which Ron turned out to be. He never thought Ron would actually hurt him or anyone but he did. It told Harry that you really didn't know what someone was like or what they could do. He also knew he would have to keep an eye on Ginny and Hermione, if they did one thing that was dangerous towards him or any other student, he would use it. Neville had already told him that Ginny keeps glaring at Susan. Right now, Harry wasn't thinking about girls in a girlfriend type of way, just in a friend way. He always wanted to make more friends, now he got the chance. But if it came to it and Ginny tried anything on Susan or any of his other friends, he would use his stare.
Even though Harry was doing his work, he kept thinking about everything he found out. Ron was promised things, so he was basically bribed by Dumbledore to be Harry's friend. Hermione was also bribed. The twins said Ginny was also offered something, a position on the quidditch team. Even though Ron was gone and he planned to deal with the redhead, he realised it all came down to Dumbledore. He might have to use his stare on Dumbledore then he couldn't bribe anyone. Harry would have to worry about why someone might want to be his friend.
Neville did help the group at the table with their herbology and Harry also helped with defence against the dark arts. Susan was the best at transfiguration, she was just in front of Harry and he only got good because Sirius had been helping him through the holidays. Hannah was good at charms and Luna was brilliant at potions. So far, the group had almost all subjects covered. They would wait and see how they went in their new subjects. Harry would begin ancient runes the following day and again, he would be in a separate class to others, like Hermione who was also taking ancient runes. Harry had a feeling that Sirius had spoken to the headmistress to make sure Harry never shared any class with Hermione.
When the group realised it was getting close to curfew, they packed up their things and moved outside the charm. They found Hermione arguing with Madam Pince and Ginny glaring over at them. Hannah and Susan giggled at the look Ginny was given them and right when Ginny pulled her wand and aimed it at the two girls, her wand went flying out of her hand and landed in Sirius' hand who was glaring at the girl.
'Granger, detention with Filch on the weekend and fifty points lost. Get to Gryffindor tower now or you will end up suspended.'
'I didn't use my wand,' Hermione argued.
'No, but you were arguing with a member of staff about the new set up in the library. She explained how it worked and you still wanted access to a table where students were working. Now go or find yourself suspended,' Sirius glared at her. Hermione glared at Harry who smirked, 'I'll take miss Weasley to the headmistress, you lot better head to your house rooms.'
'Thanks Professor Black,' Susan said with a smile then deliberately moved closer to Harry as they walked past Sirius and Ginny.
Harry and Neville walked Hannah and Susan to the Hufflepuff rooms first then walked Luna to Ravenclaw tower before they headed to Gryffindor tower. They were surprised to see two house elves inside the common room. When Hermione tried to move closer to Harry, a shield appeared, cast by the house elves.
'Missy asked Mister Potter if he wants to talk to the ugly faced girl?'
Harry forced himself not to laugh, 'No, I don't want to have anything to do with her, thank you, um…'
'Missy, Mister Potter.'
'Thank you Missy. But can you tell me, why are you both here?'
'The headmistress assigned two house elves to each house rooms to make sure no fights started and so students could do their work without being annoyed.'
'That's great, thanks,' Harry gave them both a smile before he turned away from Hermione and headed up to the boy's dorm room, 'She doesn't want to give up.'
'I would say she will be suspended within a week,' Neville said.
'I think she will by tomorrow. The way she's going right now and how she kept arguing with Pince, she won't be able to keep her mouth shut. She even went to argue with Sirius.'
By the time the boys left the dorm room the following morning, they found out that Ginny had been expelled. She had been questioned by aurors and they found out that she planned to make sure Susan was badly hurt where she would end up away from Hogwarts. Hermione ended up suspended for two months and could end up having to repeat her third year, but that would depend on when she returned and if she could catch up on her work.
When Sirius explained to Harry that Hermione blamed him for ruining her education, Harry knew it all began because of Dumbledore. He had really begun to believe he should use his stare on the old man or he would be always wondering if he got friendly with someone, if Dumbledore had bribed them in some way. The trouble Harry had, he had no idea where Dumbledore was or if he could find out. He knew he could ask Sirius some innocent questions but his godfather might not know where the man spent his time or even where he lived. He would just be watchful and cautious if someone tried to be his friend. He also knew he had to be careful when he was out of Hogwarts. Ron and Ginny could easily slip away from the Burrow and get to Hogsmeade using the floo or night bus. He had an idea, he wanted to know if Sirius might be able to tweak the map to pick up everyone in Hogsmeade, then he would see their names, if they decided to turn up. It would also allow him to see if Dumbledore turned up in Hogsmeade. He would wait until he got his godfather alone and explain that he was worried that the two Weasley's might turn up on Hogsmeade weekends. It's going to be the first time Harry could visit the town and he was looking forward to it. He didn't want to worry the whole time he was there. Ron already went to curse him in the back, he could easily do it again if Harry was walking around Hogsmeade. Hopefully Sirius would be able to work on the map.
First thing in the morning Harry used his mirror to speak with his godfather about the map and if he could add Hogsmeade. The moment Harry explained how worried he was, Sirius instantly said he would work on it. He told Harry to bring him the map before breakfast. Harry and Neville went to Sirius' private rooms before they went to breakfast.
It took a week but Sirius was able to finish changing the map which was only two days before the first Hogsmeade visit. The map now included all of Hogsmeade, the forbidden forest and even a few miles around Hogsmeade.
'If Ron, Hermione or Ginny were anywhere near Hogwarts or the town, the map will show them. But I added more. You can make it highlight certain names. If Ron turns up, his name will show up in bright red. Ginny will show up pink and Molly will show up green. Hermione will show up in yellow and Albus will show up purple. If you want more added, I can show you how.'
Harry grinned, 'That's great Sirius but right now I don't need any others done. Now I know I can enjoy my time and not have to keep a look out for them,' Harry turned serious, 'Do you think any of them will turn up?'
'I believe they will, I'm just not sure if it will be Albus or one of the Weasley's. Hermione lives in the muggle world so she won't be able to just apparate or floo to Hogsmeade but she could use the night bus. From what I've heard about Molly Weasley, she will probably turn up so she could yell at you. None of this is your fault, it's all hers along with her two kids and Dumbledore.'
'It is, but Dumbledore started it,' Harry said.
'True but for all we know, Molly may have wanted her daughter to catch the-boy-who-lived. I would say that's why she told you Ron was also starting Hogwarts. There's also the chance that Dumbledore could have worked it out with her or it could have been her idea from the start. From what I've been told, Arthur is a good bloke but he is earning minimal wage. Having little money with so many children would make it hard on them. It doesn't mean they should have been involved in this just to make sure their family ended up with better lives. They were basically going to use you, your fame and money. It might not have anything to do with money but your fame. They were all wrong. We'll be cautious and I will be in Hogsmeade along with Augusta and many of the other teachers. But I want you to try and enjoy yourself. You have your map and I'll have my map so I'll keep an eye out for them.'
'Okay, that makes me feel better,' Harry put his map in his pocket then joined his friends in the great hall for breakfast. He had one problem. He wanted to deal with Dumbledore if he was there, Sirius would see their names on the map. Harry thought about what he could do then he realised Sirius would believe Dumbledore to be the bigger threat to Harry, even if he knew Ron and Ginny could cause problems. Sirius knew Harry could handle Ron and Ginny if he knew they were around. The night in the common room, Ron took them all by surprise. He would see where Sirius was and hopefully get a chance to use his stare which won't make anyone suspicious.
It was only half an hour after the students got to Hogsmeade that Sirius ended up in a big argument with Albus. Harry had seen it, so while his godfather was occupied he snuck away and was able to take care of Ron who had slipped away from the Burrow and went to Hogsmeade. He had been hiding just round the corner of the Hogs Head Pub but Harry had seen his red hair.
Harry pretended to use the bathroom, checked the map, then used his cloak to get to Ron. When Sirius went to make sure Harry was okay after his argument with Dumbledore, Harry was able to quickly look at the old man before he joined his friends in the Three Broomsticks. Harry only had to deal with Ginny if she turned up and tried something. Her name did not appear on the map so he knew she wasn't in Hogsmeade. Harry knew Ginny was smarter than Ron so he had a feeling she would wait for a few visits before she snuck into Hogsmeade. It would be Susan she would go after since Ginny wanted Susan away from Harry. He wasn't sure if Hermione would turn up and try anything and that was only because she lived in the muggle world. If she did use the night bus to get to Hogsmeade, he would take care of her as well. He was only using his stare because they had become a danger to him and his friends.
Harry, Neville, Susan and Hannah were in Honeydukes when they heard a loud noise from outside. When they peered out the window, they saw two aurors standing beside a stunned Ginny Weasley and Hermione Granger. Harry noticed that Sirius was standing near them.
'Now that tells us they planned to do something,' Neville said.
'Sirius already had a big argument with Dumbledore, now Weasley and Granger must have done something. I didn't know aurors were going to be here.'
'I spoke with my aunt about what Weasley was going to do to me. She decided for all of our safety to put aurors here. Those are auror Proudfoot and auror Hammer. There good friends with my aunt so she know she can trust them,' Susan said.
'What's going on over there?' Hannah said pointing to the right.
They watched as two older students ran towards the aurors. They kept gesturing behind them. One auror stayed with Ginny and Hermione while the other auror and Sirius followed the two students.
'Maybe Mrs Weasley turned up and was causing problems,' Harry said.
Just then they heard the headmistress's amplified voice telling all students to return to Hogwarts.
Harry, Neville, Hannah and Susan quickly picked some chocolate, paid and hurried from the shop. Harry did have a quick look at the map and saw Sirius and Tim Proudfoot standing near Albus Dumbledore, Molly Weasley and Ron Weasley. Dumbledore and Ron's name were not highlighted which told Harry they were dead, even if he knew they were. When he checked Molly Weasley's name, it did not highlight either, which meant she was dead. She hadn't been there when they first arrived, she must have apparated there after he had dealt with Ron. That's when it clicked, she had been disillusioned or under an invisibility cloak while she stayed with Ron but hiding. When he used his stare on Ron, Molly must have looked into his eyes, which caused her to die as well.
'What do you think is going on apart from Weasley and Granger being there?' Susan asked.
'No idea but Sirius and I believed Ron might have turned up. I was worried about Ginny as she planned to go after you. Ron would yell something which would give me time to stun him or one of the teachers to stun him. We expected Dumbledore but wasn't sure what he would do.'
Once all the students were back at Hogwarts, the headmistress told them that three people had died, the aurors were investigating. Two other people were arrested and would be questioned with the truth potion.
'Weasley and Granger must be the two who were arrested, but who died?' Neville asked.
'No idea. I'm sure Sirius will tell me in private later.'
'Can you let us know?' Hannah asked.
'Sure I will, this involves you as well. If Ginny didn't get expelled she could have hurt anyone I became friends with.'
'You know, maybe there is some death eater type that did all this. First Snape at Hogwarts, now three more people,' Neville said.
'It could be some dark witch or wizard. There is no use speculating until Harry speaks with his godfather,' Susan said.
Harry's mirror vibrated, when he answered, Sirius asked him to come to his room so he could explain what was going on.
'I'll let you lot know,' Harry left his friends and hurried to his godfather's private chambers, 'What's going on with Weasley and Granger?' He asked the moment he entered the room.
'The aurors placed wards around Hogsmeade. It picked up dark potions. Ginny Weasley and Hermione Granger were found with dark and illegal potions. Even before their trial, they will do twenty years just for having them. Once they are questioned with veritaserum, then it will be decided on how much longer they will get. I believe the two of them had the potion to throw at Susan and Hannah or Susan and Luna. There is a slim chance it was for you and Susan. They both know now that Ginny has no hope with you and Hermione has basically ruined her magical education.'
'So this potion would be thrown and we'd be cursed in some way?'
'It would slowly and painfully dissolve your flesh.'
'Blimey. Hermione is good at potions, so is Mrs Weasley.'
'Once they are questioned, we'll know who made it. They will also do twenty years even if it wasn't Hermione or Ginny who made it. They had it on them. Now as to what else happened. Two students found Albus, Ron and Molly, all dead. There wasn't a mark on so it was the killing curse that killed them. Aurors will be here soon and every student and the staff that had been in Hogsmeade will have their wand checked. Even though no one believes it was a students, or a staff member but they want to be thorough. At the moment, they believe they might have been poisoned but that will need a more thorough examination. Even though we didn't want them dead, you can relax now.'
'No, I didn't want them dead, just out of my life. Who would have killed them though?'
'For all we Know Molly and her kids are the cause for all the problems. Albus has butted into people's lives for years. He is bound to have enemies.'
'Maybe one of his enemies killed him but had no choice but to kill Ron and his mother, since they saw him kill the old man.'
'It's probably what happened but the aurors will find out as much as they can. You can tell your friends about the aurors, but don't let anyone else know. If it was someone here, they could destroy their wand. Without that wand, the aurors won't have any proof.'
'They'll keep it to themselves. We were together the whole time so I know it wasn't them.'
Harry returned to find his friends, who were all sitting in an out of the way spot in one of the corridors. He explained what happened and what is about to happen.
'I think you're right Harry. Someone decided to deal with Dumbledore but Ron and Molly were witnesses,' Neville said.
'Hopefully the aurors will find out,' Susan said.
'What about Weasley and Granger?' Hannah asked.
'They had very illegal dark potions on them. Now Sirius isn't sure who they were going after, except it would be two of us. He was sure Susan would be one but wasn't sure who the other was. He believes it was me because she knows now she has no hope of getting me. Susan she believes is a threat just because we're friends. But as Sirius said, it could have been any of of us. It could have been Neville since we're now friends.'
'I know there are a lot of dark potions. Do you know what it would do?' Susan asked.
'Slowly and painfully dissolves your flesh.'
'Hermione's good at potions,' Neville said, 'she could have made it.'
'Ginny was also good at potions,' Luna said.
'Her mother is good at potions, Ron told me that during our first year.'
'So it could have been any one of them that made it,' Hannah said.
'Yeah. Even though I never wanted anyone dead, Sirius did have a point. They were out of my life now so they won't be around to cause trouble or hurt anyone. I have to look at this as a positive, even if I wished no one died.'
The group realised Harry was right. They might not have wanted anyone dead but they didn't have to worry that someone might try to curse them, or kill them.
Early the following morning the headmistress locked down the castle right after the aurors arrived. Augusta spoke with Amelia about what is about to happen. The aurors went to secure the castle. When the aurors were in place, Augusta's amplified her voice and told everyone to come to the great hall. The moment all the students and staff were in the great hall, Amelia stood in front of the staff table.
'Due to the deaths of three people in Hogsmeade, the aurors will be checking wands of every student and member of staff. The aurors have already checked the wands of every other person who was in Hogsmeade yesterday. No one can leave this room until their wands have been checked. When the aurors speak to you, you are to hand your wand over. You are to hold it by the tip and hand it to the auror without delay,' Amelia said.
Amelia along with five aurors kept watch. The aurors examined the staff's wands first before they began on the students. Seventh years first.
There wasn't a sound apart from the aurors who asked for the person's wand or when they had the wands reveal the last fifty spells. The moment the fiftieth spell showed up, they handed the wand back to the owner before marking them off the list.
There had been a few surprises, five of the seventh and sixth year Slytherin's had performed dark spells. One seventh year Ravenclaw had also performed a dark spell. None of those spells were the killing curse nor were they spells that could kill without damage to the person. Two of the seventh year Slytherin's also performed the obliviation spell. Those six students were arrested and taken away. Every other person was cleared.
'It must have been someone who snuck in then quickly left,' Susan said.
'With the way we all had to rush back, anyone could have apparated away and we wouldn't have heard it,' Neville said.
'Alright, thank you for your cooperation. You can go and enjoy your day,' Amelia said.
Every student seemed to rush out of the great hall, not that anyone blamed them.
Harry, Susan, Luna, Hannah and Neville went and sat on the grass.
'At least we know no one here used the killing curse,' Harry said.
'Yeah, but six students used dark spells and one of those weren't someone I would suspect of using dark spells,' Neville said.
'As I said to Sirius the other day, you just don't really know what some will do, not until they act,' Harry said. 'I liked the way the aurors gave the little first years a smile, especially when they hadn't done more than about a few spells. Some seemed very embarrassed.'
'Yeah, but we were all there only a couple of years ago,' Hannah said, 'We know how long it took us to perform our first lot of spells. We're only three weeks into the year.'
'So the most they would normally do is about four or five spells. Three on average, one from transfiguration, one from charms and one from defence against the dark arts. They could have practiced so the wand would show more,' Harry said.
Even though everyone wanted to forget about what happened in Hogsmeade and how they had their wands checked by aurors, no one could stop talking about it.
Over the following week, Harry found himself relaxing more. He might have been the one to kill Dumbledore and the two Weasley's but he wasn't sorry at all. They proved to be dangerous, not just to him but to his friends. Even though classes were more difficult, he could concentrate without worrying about Dumbledore, Snape, nor Ron, Hermione and Ginny.
Sirius spoke privately to Harry about the outcome of Hermione and Ginny's trial. Apart from being found guilty for having dark potions on them, once they were questioned using veritaserum. It was revealed that Dumbledore made the potion. They also found out that Ginny was going to use the potion on Susan while Hermione used it on Harry. They both got life in Azkaban. Those potions would have killed Harry and Susan and they would have suffered for days before they died. Ginny and Hermione admitted they wanted Harry and Susan dead.
Sirius made sure to tell Harry that he spoke with Arthur and the twins. None of them blamed Harry, once they heard everything, they blamed Dumbledore for using and manipulating his wife and children. The twins said that no matter what, they still thought of Harry as a younger brother. Harry planned to write to Mr Weasley so he knew he held nothing against him or his family. He would also express his sorrow that the man lost his wife, one of his sons and his daughter. Ginny might be alive but she will never leave Azkaban and Arthur will never see her again.
'Do they have any idea who killed them?'
'No, only that their deaths were fast, so they have marked it down as the killing curse. Whoever did it was quick then left. They also believe that whoever did it was meaning to kill Albus but Molly and Ron had seen the person.'
'So he or she had to get rid of the witnesses. Do you think any of us are still in danger?'
'No, Amelia believes whoever this was only wanted Albus, no one else. But Amelia is going to keep aurors at Hogsmeade from now on, on the Hogsmeade weekends. She's also keeping aurors on the Hogwarts express. We all know that sometimes kids fight and accidents happen. It's best to have trained people on the train. The aurors will have knowledge on healing as well, in case something happened.'
'That's good and it is needed. Alright, thanks for filling me in on everything. I'll go explain to the others.'
'It's safe now Harry but you have the map. Just check it occasionally, which I plan to do a few times a day.'
'I will,' Harry hugged his godfather before heading out to find his friends. They were all waiting for him in one of the common rooms so he filled them in. They were all surprised when Harry hugged Susan, 'I'm sorry.'
'It's not your fault Harry. We, all of us, it's our choice who we become friends with. Ginny was obsessed with the-boy-who-lived and no one was going to get in her way. It wouldn't matter who it was. It didn't even matter what you wanted. They didn't care about your feelings, only that she wanted you and would do anything to get you. We're your friends and always will be.'
Harry gave Susan a small smile as he nodded but he did let Susan go and sat back.
'She's right, it could have been one of the girls on the Gryffindor quidditch team. I'm sure she's heard the twins go on about sometimes seeing each other in the quidditch showers. If she thought you were interested in one of them, she could have went after them. She wanted you away from all the girls, it didn't matter who it was,' Neville said.
'The quidditch team see each other,' Hannah stared wide eyed.
Harry blushed, 'By accident, sometimes. Although, I'm sure the twins have shared showers with the girls. I've never seen them but I have heard things and I won't be repeating it,' Harry blushed again making his friends laugh. That seemed to break the ice. Now instead of talking about murder, they were all saying something to make one of the others blush. Luna was the only one that never blushed. No matter what was said and they said a lot, Luna just gave her normal serene smile.
Even though officially the case was still open, Amelia and the aurors didn't believe they would find the person who killed Ron Weasley, Molly Weasley and Albus Dumbledore. It was the same with Severus Snape. They still have no idea who killed him. Many of them believed that Albus and Severus were killed by some student that had been hurt badly while at Hogwarts and those two men covered it up. They aurors knew of Molly and Ron Weasley's tempers, so even if they died because they just happened to witness Albus' murder, it was now proven that those two Weasley's along with Ginny was basically dark pretending to be light.
After what happened, everyone began to realise that you didn't really know someone. People all thought the Weasley's were light and a good if not poor family. It turned out that three of them were dark, the others were. It was the same with the Black family. Most of them were dark, yet just a few, like Sirius, were light.
Amelia and Augusta, along with Sirius and Harry made sure to tell everyone that Arthur, Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred and George Weasley were all innocent and had no idea what Molly, Ron and Ginny were really like. Amelia did release a statement about that but she added that it was all due to Albus Dumbledore. He had used those three Weasley's for his own purpose. She might not have found out why Albus did everything he did but she wanted everyone to know the truth about Albus Dumbledore. He wasn't light, he was as dark as Voldemort and Grindelwald had been.
Even though it was safer at Hogwarts now, Sirius became a bit more protective of Harry. After hearing everything his godson had gone through and what happened recently, he wanted to make sure Harry was never in danger again. He knew, just like everyone else did that danger could crop up at any time. Another dark wizard could rise. For now, Sirius would just keep an eye on his godson but also all the other students. Since he decided to remain teaching, he would be able to see if any student began to cause trouble or change in some that needed investigating.
Towards the end of the school year, Harry began to think about this gift he now had. He might have gotten by accident and he had used it to kill, but only kill those who would hurt innocent people, especially children. He knew he would never tell anyone but he would use it again, if he had too. He had finally got a good life and a family. He would never allow anyone to take that from him. The first few weeks at Hogwarts had been tense, but the last few months at Hogwarts had been the best. There were no fights or any danger of any sort. He was going to make sure Hogwarts remained safe for the students. His gift would always remain a secret and hoped he never had to use it again but if innocent children ended up in danger again, his eyes would take care of the person who could be trying to take over. Harry was determined that the students of Hogwarts would always have a safe place to learn.
Sirius might not have been very serious when he was younger, now that had changed. He would always be a marauder and liked to have fun but he would always make sure students could learn without having to worry about what was going to happen.
With Harry Potter and Sirius Black at Hogwarts, no one would be able to put students in danger. They will make sure of that.
The end:
