(a/n):Thx for the reviews guys/girls. And cheers to sweet heavens who either needs a doctor or a psychologist ;] I was dragged kicking and screaming into Billy Ray Cyrus fandom.
Cho...most everyone portrays her as high-maintainence. Even 'good-Cho' She's pretty no doubt about it. More she knows it. Quite an ego blow to throw herself at a boy and be crudely rejected.
I like Dain's arguments about a well-intentioned, but self-doubting therefore impotent Dumbledore. That does explain his failure with Tom Riddle. Draco gets the same kind of no consequences treatment. I don't however see him as a Muggleborn movement's leader. A Light Side's leader, perhaps, but only by his definitions. He seems to actually favor Purebloods. Draco for example. And, at the very least, his lack of active leadership benefits the Pureblood supremacist movement.
11 – It Was Going So Well
"Miss Chang, here, tells me you drew a detention." Flitwick announced harshly "Rumor indicates where you probably were, but that is irrelevant. You were not where you were supposed to be."
Harry glared at the Chinese girl and said "Not the first time she's given phony detentions. Or did you forget Ginny Weasley?"
"That, Mr. Potter, is neither here nor there." Flitwick scolded him "Miss Chang informed me of your inappropriate behavior towards her. You will serve this detention. And an additional one for skiving off."
Harry snorted disgustedly at him "You sound like Judge Dumbledore when he handed out my verdict. Are you even interested in hearing my side?"
"He's been whining like that ever since he got back, Professor." Cho said, she curled her lip at Harry.
He turned on her and fired back "You wouldn't last a day in Azkaban. Whining… hmpf… Ginny told me about you pretending to be Cedric's widow! What lie did she tell you?"
"You will not refer to Miss Chang that way!" ordered Flitwick.
Harry shrugged "Why not? That's what she'll call me. Probably already has. Right? RIGHT!"
"Enough!" Flitwick demanded. Decidedly against Harry, he ordered "Alright, what is your side?"
Harry only got as far as reporting that Cho kissed him before she fulfilled his prediction. "See what I mean, Professor?" he sneered before continuing. His story probably wasn't perfectly accurate, but it barely matched the version Cho told. And when he heard it, he paled, demanding nervously "You'been'tellin'tha'all'over?"
"It's the truth!" Cho insisted.
With Susan suddenly in the back of his mind, and his temper fraying Harry stomped up to her and screamed "LIAR!" in her face. Panicked, she went for her wand. He snatched it away and broke it in two.
"POTTER!" The Charms Professor screeched "STAND DOWN!" after the boy obeyed, he said "There seems a difference of opinion in what actually happened. Consequently, there will be no detention for that. However, as you did not even report, you will serve detention for that. Further, one for assaulting Miss Chang and you will pay to replace her wand."
Harry said "No."
"I beg your pardon!" Flitwick exclaimed.
Harry growled, not caring "Not good enough. First, I'm right. So no detention at all! If you're so sure, then let's get a pensieve! Second, no one… NO ONE … pulls a wand on me!" With that, and before The Charms Professor could regain his senses after being shouted down by a student, Harry stormed out. From everything Ginny told him, Cho had a big mouth. Her story must be out.
"You're a miserable rotten bastard." Hannah Abbott confronted him in the Great Hall. She was backed up by two other Hufflepuffs with the rest glaring at him.
Susan, Harry could see, was obviously upset. "Oh come on Abbott!" he complained quite loudly "You already know Chang's a liar!"
"That is enough!" McGonagall cut through the disturbance. "I think, until further notice, Mr. Potter you should remain in Gryffindor Tower.
At this, he studied the situation. No way he could get to his girlfriend through her entire House. He didn't answer, he just turned his back and stalked away.
"He's not worth it, Sue. All you did for him." Hannah told her. "Snogged you all night, then forced himself on Chang." The major flaw in her whole logic was that her timeline was backwards.
x x x x x
A corner of the Gryffindor Common Room no one dared approach. It was a frequented window. It provided the best view right down to the courtyard. Sitting on the window ledge was an utterly sour-faced Harry Potter. Ron had vainly tried to engage him in conversation then left after two hours. Tear streaks could be seen by those brave enough to get close enough. He was still like that the next morning.
"I brought you some breakfast, Harry." Said Hermione quietly. She set the tray down beside him and stepped back "There's heating charms on the food and a chilling charm on the orange juice."
He gave her an empty look and replied "If you're trying to make up for Azkaban you've got a couple hundred more meals to serve."
"I'm not a servant." She argued "I'm your friend. I'm trying to-"
He retorted with a single word "Were."
"Huh?"
"You stopped being my friend July 3 last year." He replied, coldly "And all you've done since I got back is try to lecture me."
She started "But, I…you. You're right. I'm sorry. I was very happy when you were found innocent."
"Ginny and Ron never doubted me." He said and dug into the meal. He finished it quickly and got up "Guess I need to change for class."
She was amazed that he could move so smoothly after sitting in the same position on what was nothing but bare stone for half a day. She wanted to ask how, but repressed it "Harry, I know you're hurt and upset right now. But I want you to know I'm on your side. If there's anything I can do to help, please, just ask."
"I'll think about it." He answered as he left to change.
x x x x x
Professor Alastair Moody was one of Harry's favorites from the previous year. And, as far as he could see, hadn't changed a bit. "Out of your chair, I see, Potter." The Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor said gruffly "Good. Good. Let's see a little mock duel to see if you're back up to form."
"Not in the mood, sir." Harry muttered from his desk. He was drawing an intricate but meaningless pattern on his parchment, when suddenly his seat was yanked into the aisle and pushed near the back of the room.
Moody snarled at him "Moods are for loveplay! You fight when you must! Reducto!"
"YAHH!" grunted Harry as he threw himself out of the chair. It splintered as the spell struck it. His wand was out and he fired back "Petrificus Totalis!"
The spell was deflected by the Professor's shield and he tossed back another "Reducto! Something new, class, it is impossible to win if your opponent knows your next move. Legilimens!"
"Bombarda!" yelled Harry, he hadn't felt anything from the second spell.
The professor did and didn't like it. It didn't work at all and when the powerful offensive spell hit, it shattered his shield and pulverized his wand. "Hahahahaha!" he cackled, unexpectedly "Well done, my boy, well done. You seemed finally to get the mood. I want you all to write a report on the spell I tried. It's a new one you haven't seen before. No running to Granger! Find it yourselves! Plus an analysis of the fight. What did I do wrong? Or right? What did Potter do wrong? Or right? Now, let's discuss -"
x x x x x
"What part of beat it don't you get, Potter?" Justin Finch-Fletchley demanded, his massive body almost completely blocking Susan from view, even while seated.
Professor McGonagall entered, ending the conversation, Harry issued a hiss at him just on principle "The most complicated Transfiguration we will learn this year is literally pulling something out of the air. To keep Mr. Weasley's attention, I thought we might do chess pieces. By year's end you should all be able to produce multiple pieces and simultaneously animate them. You must only do two in your OWL, but by NEWT time that number rises to ten. And top marks only go to those who can make the figures do different, intricate movements."
"I did it!" exclaimed Ron less than halfway through classtime and before anyone else. He was immensely pleased with himself. Close second was Susan. Harry, after losing some time celebrating with Ron was next. Shortly after there was a rapid string of successes. And as class ended, the groans of students that hadn't succeeded.
"This is not easy." McGonagall said "Those of you still trying, I expect a foot of parchment on the procedure. Same for the rest of you, for reinforcement. Well done, Mr. Weasley. Ten points to Gryffindor. Miss Bones, ten for Hufflepuff and Mr. Potter five for Gryffindor. Class dismissed. Misters Goyle and Crabbe, please remain."
Outside, Ron mocked the Slytherins "Your pets got rocks in their heads too, Malfoy!"
"And more gold than you'll ever see, Weasel!" the blond boy countered.
Hermione grabbed his arm and said "He's not worth it Ron!"
"And how smart is Daddy with money, Malfoy? Asked Harry "In a few years he'll make you look poor! Hahaha!" Then he frowned at finding himself on the same side as Hermione. As Draco left, Harry also caught a fugitive glimpse of Susan turning a corner. He stomped his foot in annoyance.
And so, classes continued. Some guy named Slughorn filled in for the absent Professor Snape. A major theme in Harry's life was running into a Hufflepuff wall at every turn.
x x x x x
Tuesday night was extremely difficult for Ginny Weasley. Ron was off with Hermione and Harry chased everyone out of his little corner again. She didn't begrudge her brother his snogging time. But it was her that had to listen to, and comfort Harry during his outburst, when it was the last place on the planet she wanted to be. At breakfast the next morning she interrupted her brothers, saying "Sorry Lee… Fred, George, I need a favor… or rather I want you to help me help Harry."
"We're all ears…."
"… what's the…"
"…plan?"
Ginny told them "I need a way into Hufflepuff. I know silencing spells, but I need something to immobilize someone while keeping them awake. And I need a way to fog my part in the event without blocking the person's memory of what I said."
"Poor Bonesie, so Freddie will it be the ickle sister discount?"
"… or the help Harry discount?"
Ginny was promised a variety of tools to accomplish her plan that would be delivered at dinner. Ironically, the best tool for getting into a secure place would come from the one she wanted to help anyway. "Harry, I need to do a favor for … a friend … and I need to ask you, if I can … borrow your Invisibility Cloak?"
"O-kay" he answered, with a slight hesitation "You know…it's my Dad's…err right?"
She nodded "I promise I'll guard it with my life."
"I'm not THAT attached to it." Harry quipped "Give up a leg, or arm? Yeah."
Ginny laughed and pecked his cheek "Thanks, Harry. You'll have it back tomorrow morning." Loyalty sucked, she decided, but as she found her own place at the Table she received a glare from Susan and suddenly came up with another fun addition to her script. She smiled back at the other redhead.
x x x x x
Ginny ate dinner rather quickly that night, and excused herself saying she had to study for a Potions quiz. It was the truth, but she was more than ready for it. What she really did was slip into the corridor and throw it on herself. For the next two hours, Ginny stalked Susan like a predator. Reading next year's Defense Book was useful. She was settled into her plan so she didn't mind waiting …well, not too much. The hard part was waiting in the Hufflepuff dorm for it to quiet down enough for her to act. Everyone was falling asleep. All she could do was stand beside the bed and wait. She knew she herself NEARLY did at one point. And that was when she decided she had to strike now or never.
Susan was pleasantly snoring and had actually been dreaming that things were right between her and Harry again. In fact when she was awake she didn't know how things had gotten so bad so suddenly. One of her bed's curtains fluttered slightly and the bed itself shook a bit. It was enough to disturb her, but not enough to bring her to full consciousness. She rolled over and faded out again.
"Silencio!" whispered Ginny. Then a "Petrificus Totalis!" on her Target and three layers of privacy charms on the curtains. She then pinned Susan's arms under her knees and sat on the Hufflepuff's chest.
Susan's eyes, despite their paralysis still managed to convey fear and shock. She was wide awake.
"There's two spells that would free your mouth." Said Ginny menacingly "But I need my wand for light. Anywaaaayy…" CRACK! She backhanded the older girl across the face.
Susan screamed "THAT HURT! HELPPPPP!"
"Privacy spells." Ginny said informationally "Remember what I said I was going to do if you hurt him? Well you and your friends have done that. Idiot! If I was just a little less loyal to Harry I wouldn't even be here. DAMN!"
Susan was too mad to do anything other than defend herself "What about Chang!" she demanded angrily.
"Good question." Ginny acknowledged "Why haven't you asked him about it for the last four days? You know what? I don't bloody care! Have you thought about what you owe Harry?"
Susan's eyes conveyed incredulousness and she grunted "Huh?"
"Think about it." Ginny snapped "You're a bright girl." Then she grabbed Susan's chin roughly and forced something in her mouth, then made her swallow. "Nothing poisonous I promise. Just covering my tracks a bit. You'll remember this whole thing. Every word, just not who."
Susan gagged and coughed trying to expel whatever it was.
Ginny reacted by bouncing on her chest "Listen and listen good!" she ordered "It's Hogsmeade Saturday. If you and Harry are going by Lunchtime tomorrow, I'll accept a date with Dean Thomas. If not, I guarantee I'll be discovering cupboards with Harry before bed. Clear?"
"You wouldn't!" exclaimed Susan.
Ginny countered "Try me."
"I need to think." Susan said, evasively.
Ginny shook her head "You've had four days. Time's up. Oh, and I thought you might say that. Caffeinidad! There, you now have six more hours to think. Harry's more important than one night sleep."
"Thought you needed your wand for light." Susan grumbled.
Ginny grinned nastily "Oohhhhh… the slap you mean? Heheh! I lied. I'll leave you now. The Petrificus will wear off in about a half hour. Hope you don't need to pee." And she was gone.
x x x x x
"Over here, Sue." Hannah Abbott directed as they entered The Great Hall for breakfast.
Susan Bones moved in the opposite direction "Yes, but Harry is over there. I've been listening to you long - get out of my way, Justin."
"We're only trying to do what's best for you." He said, making no indication of moving.
x x x x x
Ron Weasley, through a mouthful of eggs, and a light kick under the Table told Harry "Look over there. Think your girlfriend is having trouble with her friends."
"Ehh" he grunted, hardly looking up. Reading from the Herbology text, to Neville he joked "Think Crabbe and Goyle know what Naringenin is?"
Gryffindor's resident plant expert chuckled "Weight loss? Those two? Nahhhh!"
x x x x x
"Come on, Sue." Hannah insisted "Look, everyone jumped to say he was guilty. Then you proved Cedric was already dead. But that really doesn't prove anything. How do we know Potter didn't kill Cedric before they came back?" It was her big play. Something she had thought of and kept to herself. She'd never really believed his innocence.
And Justin added "Don't forget how Potter ruined Mr. Diggory."
Susan looked at her friend and nodded "Thanks Han, that cleared up any questions I had. Justin, you're my friend. So don't take this wrong. You're Muggleborn and don't understand Wizengamot politics. Now, get out of my way!"
"You're choosing Potter over your House." Justin accused, glaring at her.
Susan countered "And what were you doing with Daphne Greengrass last Hogsmeade weekend?" That moment's hesitation was all she needed to sidestep him. Justin was big, not agile. She did not really have time to be proud of her performance as she walked out of one tense situation and into another.
"So, why don't you have twenty other 'Puffs with you?" Harry demanded.
Susan flashed back to the confrontation she'd witnessed between him and Hagrid. He was harsh and also not looking at her. "They got carried away and overprotective." She said.
"And they're your friends, not mine." He pointed out "That's pretty clear."
She did not argue the point. "Can we talk, in private?" she asked, uncomfortably.
"No" replied Harry, looking at her for the first time "Everyone's seen you walking away from me."
Susan sat beside him and said "Ok. I'm sorry I haven't talked to you the last four days. I was jealous when I heard about Cho."
"You really think I'd kiss her after what you and Ginny told me?" asked Harry, genuinely confused.
She shrugged and answered "Wasn't thinking. Sorry." Looking embarrassed.
"Right! The lot of you! Eat!" he ordered a little loudly. He found himself unable to stay angry with her.
Dumbledore interrupted the conversation "I assume, Harry, that you would want to attend Professor Snape's trial?"
"The victim usually does?" asked Harry "Doesn't he, Judge?"
Younger Gryffindors in the immediate area were surprised by the tone in Harry's voice. The Headmaster was practically godlike in their minds. And not one of them missed the hostility between them.
"You'll be missing some of Transfiguration and, unfortunately, lunch." Explained Dumbledore "Not to worry, Professor McGonagall has already been notified. This portkey is set for 11:40."
Harry took the rubber ball from him and said "Fine, Judge, I'll be there. Don't mind missing lunch. Missed lots of meals in Azkaban. Can't wait to see Snivellus get his."
"Harry!" exclaimed Hermione, as he Headmaster left "That was rude."
It swept away the hint of progress they'd made the previous morning "Remember yesterday, Granger?" he said "Well, I thought about it. And forget it."
x x x x x
Instead of the massive show trial that had been put on for Harry. The hearing for Snape was a small affair, taking place in Courtroom 4, one of the smallest in the entire Ministry. There were no ornate fixtures. The spectator gallery consisted of six rows of plain wood benches. Even at that, the room was largely deserted.
"Very well, be seated" ordered Albus Dumbledore as he took the center seat "The case of The Ministry vs Severus Snape will now commence. The charge, assault on a minor child. Namely Harry Potter. Age at the time approximately one year. Date of alleged offense May 24, 1981. Counsel for the Defense present?"
A woman next to the accused stood and acknowledged "Yes, Chief Warlock."
"Piff!" snorted Harry "And where was mine?"
Dumbledore looked pained "What happened to you was unfortunate, Harry. But not relevant in the current proceeding. Please restrict yourself to comments specifically related to the matter at hand."
"Arrogant brat." Declared Snape.
Harry retorted "Snivellus." He allowed himself to be calmed by Madam Bones.
"What evidence is there of the crime?" asked Dumbledore.
Madam Bones stood, replying "Chief Warlock, a pensieve memory from the victim himself."
"Objection!" the defender protested "A memory from an infant is entirely too thin a basis on which to sustain a conviction."
Dumbledore shook his head "I am sorry, but that is overruled. Ample precedence exists and never has the age of a memory been a factor in a case."
"Fairness, go figure." Harry whispered in an aside to Madam Bones.
Amelia was caught off guard as well. She had thought that would exactly be the case-breaker.
"There is another point." The defender continued "Chief Warlock, almost fifteen years have passed since the alleged incident. It is unjust to force my client to defend himself against these charges. Witnesses cannot be contacted, or are even unknown, or dead."
At this Dumbledore agreed "Yes, this does exceed the Statute of Limitations. Case dismissed."
"Wait!" shouted Harry, before the gavel could hit "I want to say something! When Madam Bones agreed to be my Regent she did on the condition she wouldn't if my interests conflicted with Susan's."
Dumbledore frowned and asked "What relevance does that have, Harry?"
"You're always backed him. No matter what he does." Harry pointed out "Like I just said, it's a conflict of interest for you to judge him."
The Chief Warlock shook his head sadly "I had hoped you would be able to grow past this foolish grudge, Harry. I-"
"I didn't start it." Harry argued "He did! And it's him that won't stop!"
Dumbledore's eyes hardened "I cannot tolerate interruptions in this court. As I was saying, I find no conflict. Your objection is overruled, Harry. Severus, you are free to go, with the apologies of The Ministry. As Headmaster of Hogwarts, I invite you to resume your position, Professor Snape."
"I bear you no malice, Chief Warlock." Said Snape, with a formal bow "Merely those who wrongfully accused me."
Amelia stepped in front of a surging Harry and gave a steely smile "Surely, Professor" she said "That does not mean you intend some kind of retribution against myself or my charges. Such an act… would be most… unwise."
"I remind you, Amelia, this courtroom is not a venue for threats." Dumbledore warned.
This time, Harry did cut in "Just about what you said to Lucius after the Chamber. Remember… Judge?"
"I look forward to seeing you in class again, Potter." Snape growled and sneered. And he swept out of the room.
Dumbledore scolded "I expect, Harry, that you will show proper respect to Professor Snape in class."
"Like when he insults my Dad and calls my Mum a Mudblood?" asked Harry. He stood there, arms crossed and stubbornly eyeing the Headmaster.
Dumbledore ignored the question, handed him a shoestring and said "This will get you back to Hogwarts, Harry. You might even get lunch if you wrap up quickly. Now, if you will excuse me." The door swung open and he waved a hand in a clear dismissal.
"Well that was bloody useless!" Harry growled as they walked down the corridor. He kicked the wall.
Madam Bones, his companion, disregarded the outburst. "By and by, he will get what's coming to him." She offered "Might I ask exactly what circumstances led to the Headmaster threatening … I presume you meant Lucius Malfoy?"
"Some allies aren't they? Those Malfoys?" Harry grumbled, directing some annoyance at her. Then he offered a three minute summary of his Second Year, concluding "… I remembered seeing him drop the Diary in Ginny Weasley's caldron back in the bookstore. It was the Diary that somehow had Voldemort's sixteen year old self in it. It's also how I freed Dobby."
Madam Bones was past gob-smacked, well into shocked, and heading to awe "You and two Second Year friends brewed a NEWT Potion in a girl's lavatory? Ronald beat an adult wizard? You killed a full-grown basilisk without any magic?"
"Well, lost my wand to the Tom image by accident. And it was a lavatory no one went to." He replied, a bit defensively.
She touched his shoulder and "No, no, I'm praising you. And by the way, I think I would have noted a tremendous upsurge in basilisk based potions."
"Still down there, far as I know." He answered unthinkingly.
Her jaw dropped "Right. For now, tell no one. Don't imagine you would tell the Headmaster. I was thinking of your friends. That means, not the Weasleys, not even my niece. How big is it again?"
"Fifty, sixty, seventy feet" he replied "Something like that. Oh and there's shed skin all over down there."
Her brain just quit as the numbers spun off the scale "A few days won't matter much after almost four years but as fresh as we can get. You've just made a great deal of work for your Regent."
"Sorry?" he muttered
Madam Bones laughed "In this case, no apology needed. Now, on a sensitive personal matter, word gets around. What is the trouble between you and Susan?"
"Mostly fixed, I think." He replied "Cho Chang wanted all kinds of information about what happened with Cedric. She tried kissing me even. Then I remembered it was her that bullied Ginny and pushed her away. Then, it became how I attacked her. All the 'Puffs-"
She held up a hand to stop the story as he was becoming emotional "I get the picture… take a breath… thaaats it. As I see it, too many people got in where they were not needed. So, I will not add to what seems to be resolved. I will say this, fighting with someone you - care about - is bad… it hurts… But, not fighting with them is worse. Say what is troubling you. Listen to her. Now, I think, it is best I shut up."
"Somehow, I pictured this talk going a lot worse." Harry said with a sigh of relief. "Thanks, Madam Bones."
She half-bowed to him in acknowledgement and said "You are welcome. Now, out of here, back to school. And don't let this hearing get you down."
x x x x x
All in all, the hearing finished quite rapidly. The only bright spot from Harry's perspective being lunch had just started.
"HARRY POTTER!" Fred and George cheered "THE-BOY-WHO-BANISHED-SNIVELLUS!" They even threw in a fireworks display that showed their words in lights.
He wanted to go with it so much, but knew better. He yelled "ALRIGHT! ALRIGHT! ENOUGH! Hate to break it to everyone, but the great, wise, Dumbledore decided Snape didn't do anything wrong! He'll be back."
The spontaneous jeers and boos from all over received competition as Draco whipped up most of his Table into cheers and celebratory chants.
"QUIET! ALL OF YOU!" McGonagall yelled over the noise "Whatever your personal feelings, a decision has been made! You may expect Professor Snape back in class on Monday!" She fired a green spell at the fireworks and they exploded in a flash of white light.
So Harry was in a pretty bright mood as he strolled over to where Susan was seated "Hey." He greeted, smiling.
"You want something, Potter?" Steve Summers, a Seventh year, demanded.
Harry glared at him, they were about the same size, he was even a bit taller than the Hufflepuff "Not really your business." He said, coldly.
"You saying our friend isn't our business?" asked Justin. He glared down at the Gryffindor from his substantial advantage.
Susan stood and argued "No! But I am! If Harry's not welcome here then so be it!"
"He still could've killed Ced." Hannah reminded her.
Harry looked first appalled, then angry "That's not true!"
"Even if he didn't, that's no reason to ruin Mr. Diggory." Summers added.
Susan glared at her Housemate, knowing that Harry was trying to do something a bit charitable, but unable to talk about it. She stood and asked "Think I'd be welcome at Gryffindor, Harry?"
"I guarantee it, Sue." He answered "If not, we'll sit at Slytherin where we're both loved."