Harry boarded the train just in time. He could see his friends and family waiving to him as the train picked up speed. He made his way down the train to look for his friends. He passed various compartments and stopped abruptly at one that had an open door. Inside was Susan Bones, who was currently leaning forward looking for something inside her trunk. Harry stared at her ass lost in thought.
'Nice'.
Hannah Abbott noticed Harry Potter staring intently at her friend Susan and inwardly laughed. Her shy friend had a crush on the boy-who-lived for what felt like forever, but Harry never noticed she existed before.
"Can we help you?"she asked causing Susan to stand and turn around to face the newcomer.
Harry was still silent as he ran the image of her ass in his mind.
'My god, that ass. I knew she had tits, but damn'.
"Hi Harry" said Susan cheerfully.
"I'm sorry, what did you say?" asked Harry startled from his thoughts.
Susan furrowed her brow and repeated "I said hi".
"Oh hi" he replied absentmindedly returning to the memory of Susan leaning forward.
"What's wrong with Harry?" whispered Susan to Hannah.
Hannah laughed and said "Harry was staring at your butt. Seems he enjoyed the view".
"What?" she asked staring incredulously at Harry as her cheeks reddened.
"What?" he said shrugging. "You have a great butt. Was I suppose to look away?".
"Yes" said Susan embarrassed.
"I never noticed it before. I mostly stared at your obvious assets".
Hannah laughed and Susan remained quiet, too stunned to say anything.
"At least you're honest" said Hannah. "Most guys lie about not staring at her chest".
"I think you'll find I'm not most guys" said Harry causing Hannah to smile. He then smirked and faced Susan "You have to let me take you out sometime".
Susan remained silent as she was filled with emotions.
"She will" said Hannah with a smirk as she ignored the look Susan gave her.
"Cool" said Harry getting ready to leave . "Listen, I have to go, but you girls have a nice day. Oh and Susan, take care of "that" for me" he said with a grin.
Susan's eyes widened and absentmindedly covered her butt, as Hannah laughed loudly.
"Bye Harry" said Hannah as the boy waved them off and left.
Hannah and Susan were shocked by his behavior. All these years with Harry and he never spoke to any of them.
"That was interesting" said Hannah. "He's definitely not the same Harry. And his eyes, did you see?".
Susan nodded and finally sat down not knowing how she felt about what happened with Harry. "He did face Voldemort".
"That really happened?" asked Hannah.
"Yes" said Susan. "Auntie told me she saw his memory. He's really back and Harry did fight him".
Susan and Amelia Bones had a long conversation about Voldemort and his Death Eaters, Harry Potter, and the looming war.
"Wow" said Hannah. "And he seems like he's into you. Maybe you can finally snag him away".
Susan snorted "With Ginny Weasley and Granger around, I doubt any girl will get close to him".
"I don't think that will be the case this year" said Hannah.
Susan looked unconvinced.
"You never know" added Hannah.
"His eyes were beautiful" responded Susan as they both giggled and began to discuss Harry Potter.
Harry finally arrived at a compartment, finding Hermione and Ron sitting next to each other staring at a petite blonde girl. He observed her strange appearance and came to the realization that the girl could only be Luna. He quickly opened the door, excited to meet the beautiful oddball.
"What took you?" asked Ron looking at Harry as he entered.
"Had a chat with a few people".
Ron nodded.
"Hello" said Harry to Luna. He extended his hand "I'm Harry Potter. Nice to meet you".
She looked away from her paper and stared deeply at Harry for a few seconds and shook his hand then said "Nice to meet you Harry. I'm Luna. Luna Lovegood".
Harry sat next to her and asked "What's that you're reading?" seeing the cover showing the graveyard scene from Harry's memory and Voldemort's return.
"It's the best newspaper in the world, The Quibbler" she said holding it out to Harry. "This happens to be a special edition".
Harry grabbed the publication and thumbed through the first few articles. Sure enough it contained all that had happened at his hearing without missing a beat. It showed various pictures from his memories.
"Wow" he said. "This is good stuff".
"Thanks" said Luna. "My father is the editor" she added with pride.
"I'll have to thank him for helping me spread the truth, but he should be careful. Anyone who reports anything about Voldemort goes missing under mysterious circumstances".
"I know" she said. "It's all in there" she added pointing to The Quibbler.
"Right" he said. "I just don't want anything to happen to your father because of me".
"Don't worry" she said. "For some reason people don't take The Quibbler seriously".
Hermone snorted and Ron wasn't able to stop himself from laughing.
"I don't know why" finished Luna staring at Hermione and Ron
"Don't mind them" said Harry returning her paper. "Some people are very closed minded".
Luna smiled at Harry and took back her copy of The Quibbler. "They are, aren't they?".
Harry laughed seeing Hermione's scowl.
Luna began to read once more when Hermione led Ron away for the prefect's meeting.
Harry remembered he still had his trunk in his pocket. He took out his trunk and enlarged it. He fished out his 5th year Potions textbook, to continue where he left off. He wasn't going to give Snape any chances this year. He'd been cooking as a kid in his old world as well. He didn't know why he had trouble in potions before, but now it all clicked for him. He knew Snape would of course try to sabotage him. If that happened, he didn't know how he'd respond. He always gritted his teeth whenever he read the parts in the books when Snape was acting like a man-child. Visions of stabbing him in the eye with his potions knife entered his mind.
Harry and Luna shared the compartment in comfortable silence.
Ron and Hermione returned to the compartment discussing their meeting.
Expecting what the problem was Harry asked "What's wrong guys?'.
"Malfoy" said Ron darkly. "He's a prefect".
"Well that was obvious" he replied.
"What do you mean?" asked Hermione.
"Come on guys, think. With Snape as his head of house, who'd you expect? It's not like Dumbledore would deny his pet Death Eater anything".
Ron and Hermione looked at each other and agreed.
Ron stared blankly ahead sulking.
"Come on Ron" said Harry. "What does it matter? You're a prefect too".
Ron perked up a bit.
Seeing his chance, Harry continued, hoping to rid him of his inferiority complex "Ron, you know Hermione and I never cared about your family's financial situation, but you always did and...".
Ron looked at Harry with anger in his eyes and was about to say something when Harry held his hand up to stop him. Hermione listened intently to what Harry said.
"You did Ron. Don't deny it. It always bugged you that you guys weren't as wealthy as you liked. Well, now you guys have money. You have a loving family and Quidditch skills Malfoy wished he had. He has nothing over you anymore. Don't you think it's time to move on from your petty jealousy.
Ron sat straighter and looked at both Hermione and Harry.
Hermione nodded to Ron indicating she agreed.
Ron took a deep breath and sighed.
At that moment, their compartment door was opened and Draco walked in with his goons.
"Well good morning little dragon" said Harry.
"Potter" growled Draco. He smiled and asked "How's it feel that Weasley made prefect over you?".
"Not bad at all" shrugged Harry seeing Draco's smile fade. "Why do you ask?".
Disapointed he didn't get the reaction he wanted, Draco turned his attention to Ron
"Weasley, I noticed you have new robes. What happened? Your mother sell herself over the summer?".
Ron clenched his fist.
"Then again, I don't think anyone would pay to sleep with that fat cow".
Harry laughed grabbing everyone's attention.
"Really Drakey? Isn't it a bit childish to do this every time?".
"Shut up Potter".
"See, that's what I mean right there. "Shut up Potter" he mocked, imitating Draco. "It's like trading insults with a 5 year old".
Everyone in the compartment laughed angering Draco.
"Shut up you filthy mud-blood" he yelled facing Hemione.
"Shut up you filthy mud-blood" mocked Harry once more.
Draco became red with anger and reached for his wand.
"Easy there Draco" said Harry drawing his wand rather quickly and pointing it at Draco before anyone noticed what had happened. "I wonder what McGonagall would do once she learns you were fighting on the train".
"Nothing professor Snape wouldn't do to you".
"True" began Harry "But unlike you, I don't give a damn about detention with that idiot. How bout you? Fancy spending your first week back in detention with McGonagall?".
Draco scowled and left after making a threat "Watch your step Potter. With Him back, your days are numbered".
"i didn't know you cared Draco. I'm touched" added Harry before the door was closed.
"Huh" said Ron. "That could've been worse".
"Impressive" said Luna returning her wand behind her ear once more.
Harry smiled at her. He hadn't notice her draw it.
"That's how you should deal with him from now on Ron" said Hermione.
Harry added "He likes to harrass people hoping to insite a physical reaction knowing Snape is nearby watching. They team up constantly".
Ron nodded and took another breath. 'Harry's right' he thought.
They spent the rest of the journey in good spirits. Harry did his best to include Luna in their conversations. Hermione and Ron had looked at him questioning his actions at first, but accepted getting used to the new Harry. Hermione eventually began to like the girl, after she looked beyond her odd personality.
They arrived at Hogsmeade Station . Ron had noticed Professor Grubbly-Plank was calling out to the first years and asked "What happened to Hagrid?".
"I don't know" said Hermione.
Luna was standing behind them and smiled when she saw Harry run up to one of the Thestrals and began to caress its head. Harry had ridden horses before, so he assumed it would behave somewhat similar.
"Harry, what are you doing?" asked Hermione.
"Saying hello" answered Luna.
"Okay" said Hermione drawing out the word, choosing to ignore her statement and climbed into a carriage. "Harry are you coming?".
Harry shook his head "I'll ride with the first years again. I'll see you all later" he said and ran after the first years. Luna laughed at Harry's antics. "Sounds like fun" she added and chased after him.
"Why?" yelled Ron after Harry wondering why he wanted to join the first years.
"I guess it's just us" said Hermione.
Ron just nodded and climbed aboard.
Harry managed to catch up before the boats took off. He climbed onto a boat followed by Luna. The professor looked at them and shrugged leading the boats away. Harry saw the view of Hogwarts from the lake once more. The beauty of it all was striking. "It's beautiful" said Luna. Harry bumped into her playfully and said "It sure is". They both returned to look at the grand castle before them. 'Definitely worth taking the deal' he thought. It was something he would think whenever something good happened to him. Mostly when Tonks joined him in his room.
He and Luna disembarked the boats and walked with the crowd of first years who stared at them in awe. Well, most stares were directed at Harry. They moved past McGonagall who simply glared at them both for being late. The other years were already at their tables waiting for the sorting. Harry and Luna walked into the Great Hall under heavy scrutiny. Harry was taking in the beauty of the castle ignoring the looks he was getting.
They all noticed Harry's new look. He was a bit taller, with some definite muscle on his body. It was the absence of his glasses that drew the most attention from the female population. They loved his eyes, but felt it was a shame he hid them behind his glasses. Luna followed Harry up to her table and waved him off. Harry wasn't having any of that. He approached her and hugged felt the hug was vaguely familiar, but let it go.
"Take care of yourself. Don't let people treat you like shit".
Luna smiled and squeezed him back.
They separated and headed to their respective tables. Harry saw his friends sitting with Neville waving him over. As he sat there, Harry received plenty of stares from his fellow Gryffindors. He didn't look away. 'They must still think I'm a shy little bitch'. He stared them all in the eye, one by one, waiting for each of them to look away. Harry chuckled drawing attention to himself. "It's nothing" he said to his friends. The sorting began after a warning from the hat. With the first years sorted, Dumbledore began his speech. He was interrupted by Dolores who gave her not so subtle speech. The food appeared and they all began to eat. It took Harry a few sips of pumpkin juice to decide he'll stick to water for the rest of the year. Of course that's without counting the occasional butterbeer or the many beers he planned to drink.
Harry yawned throughout the feast. It seemed that waking up early for sex was coming back to bite him in the ass, and not in the way Tonks liked. Ron and Hermione kept glancing at him, as they also yawned after he did. Ron had had enough.
"Why are you so tired?".
"Had to say goodbye to Dora properly now didn't I" winked Harry.
Ron's eyes widened as he took in the information.
Hermione just huffed and looked to the side.
Neville looked at them all with a calculating look on his face. He wasn't stupid so he caught the insinuation and judging by Hermione's reaction he assumed he was right.
Harry only smiled at his friends. Ever since everyone found out about him and Tonks, Ron had been bugging him for details. Ron was jealous Harry had reached that particular mile stone before him. Harry refused to share anything with Ron, but would give him dating advice concerning a certain bushy haired friend. Ron would just deny having interest in her and change the topic.
Hermione simply pretended it hadn't happened after the first time she confronted him. Harry had patiently waited for her to finish her speech on the dangers of premarital sex. He sensed a little jealousy from her, which was weird to him, seeing as she secretly dotted on Ron. Now she would make a face and not join in the conversation.
Ginny was the one who amused him the most. She told him Tonks was using him.
"Use me for what exactly?Sex?" he had asked her.
She didn't have a reply for him.
"We're both using the other" said Harry to Ginny, who wasn't expecting that. "We want to have some fun while we still can".
"So you're not in a relationship with her?" she asked hopefully.
"Not at all" he answered. Noticing the smile that appeared on her face, Harry cut her off right there. "I'm too young for a serious relationship. I plan on dating plenty of other girls out there. Perhaps even date a few puffs or claws" finished Harry with a thoughtful look on his face.
Ginny's smile had disappeared and she immediately left him alone.
The feast finally ended and Harry followed Neville upstairs. His friends had left with the first years and told him they'd meet in the common room. Harry and Neville had a nice chat concerning their summers.
"Who's Dora?" asked Neville hoping he didn't cross a line with Harry.
"A friend, like you" answered Harry patting the boy on his back.
They continued to make their way up slowly, as Harry stopped at various things that caught his attention. They passed through the portrait of The Fat Lady and were subjected to stares belonging to their housemates. Harry sighed 'I don't want to deal with this all year'.
"Can I have your attention please?" said Harry causing people to glance at one another in wonder.
"I wager you all know what the paper has been saying about me and Dumbledore all year. I'll only say this once. It's all a lie".
Harry noticed a few reactions among his housemates.
"I imagine after all these years you'd all know that I don't care for my fame, and wouldn't lie to attain more".
"I believe you Harry" said Neville beside him.
Harry smiled at the boy "Thank you Nev, you're a true friend. I didn't forget how you stood at my side last year when mostly everyone in this house abandoned me".
Neville's face lit up and nodded.
Guilty looks appeared on many faces.
"Voldemort is back".
Gasps erupted in the room.
"That is the truth. Believe me or don't, I don't care anymore. I did my part in warning you all. Fudge refuses to believe me even though I provided evidence. Voldemort is pulling his strings through his death eaters in the ministry".
Silence followed his proclamation.
"Food for thought" he began. "If I wasn't telling the truth, would the ministry work this hard to discredit me?".
A few of the older years realized that there was some truth to what he was saying.
"If you need more proof that the ministry is compromised, wait until you've had your first defense lesson. The ministry will do anything to keep us all ignorant".
Harry saw many were puzzled about what he meant and smirked.
He approached Hermione and hugged her as he whispered "Goodnight". He then patted Ron on his back and said "I'm going to crash mate". Ron looked at him not understanding, but nodded. Harry began to climb the stairs to his room and saw Seamus and Dean descending, and talking presumably about him, if their abrupt silence was an indication. Harry just walked past them and entered his room. He yawned and headed to his bed, drew his curtains and embraced sleep.
Harry awoke early feeling refreshed. He had been using potions to recover his fatigue for so long that recovering naturally was such a noticeable change. He immediately headed to the Room of Requirement. There he walked back and forth thinking very hard on what he needed. When the door appeared he opened it, overcome with excitement. He entered to see a bench press and a few other machines that targeted certain muscles. He found what could only be a treadmill, which shocked him. He didn't think the room would be able to provide one. Then he realized it ran on some form of magic, thus negating the need for electricity. There were runes etched where the display pad would be. Lucky for him treadmills only handled speed and elevation, thus when he added magic to different runes he quickly understood which rune did what. Next to the treadmill was a jump-rope with a punching bag next to it for him to practice his boxing skills. Looking at the punching bag he recalled watching boxing matches with his mom, who was an avid fan. She grew up in the 90's when Mexico's Julio Cesar Chavez was the man. He looked to the other corner and saw dummies for target and dueling practice. He smiled and began to work.
Much later, Harry was back in his room taking a shower and readying for breakfast. He thought of asking the room for a shower next time so he didn't have to waste time going back to his room. He could take his clothes with him and have Dobby or Winky take his dirty clothes away.
'Shit. The horcrux' remembered Harry. He had no choice but to wait till after dinner.
He went to breakfast alone and met with his friends and Neville. After the morning greetings Harry looked around the hall. He noticed the stares from his housemates had lessened considerably. He looked across the tables and caught a few girls gossiping and pointing at him. He smiled and winked at a few of those he was interested in.
Harry caught parts of a conversation Hermione was having with Ron about the twins doing something with the first years and Ron needing to stand up to them. He saw Luna sitting alone and immediately went to her table drawing more looks.
"Good morning Luna".
"Harry" she said as her face lit up. "Good morning".
"Would you like to sit with us today?".
"Really?".
"Of course. I wouldn't have bothered asking if I didn't mean it".
"Okay" she said excitedly. Looking at him carefully she added "You have considerably less wrackspurts this year".
"Really?" replied Harry knowing that at one point she would bring up the invisible creatures. Harry thought that if Thestrals had requirements for people to see them, why not wrackspurts. Luna had simply met whatever those requirements were. And if she was indeed crazy, who was he to judge.
"Yes. I've been watching you since my first year".
"Oh" said Harry with a smirk. "Enjoying the view" he joked as he placed a hand under his chin and turned his head to the side.
They both laughed.
Harry saw a few Ravenclaws staring at them both.
"Hey Padma. Had a nice summer?" he asked.
"Yes" she replied after a pause. "You?" she asked automatically, then wishing she hadn't because of The Prophet.
"I had the best summer of my life" he answered thinking back.
Padma was shocked by his response. She had assumed he'd be sulking after her question.
"Can I ask you a favor?" asked Harry.
"What is it?" asked Padma.
Harry tilted his head toward Luna "Please keep an eye on Luna here. There are places where I'm unable to do so"
Padma sighed. She knew what he was asking. She was ashamed she hadn't put a stop to the bullying. "Don't worry Harry, I will".
"Thanks" said Harry with a smile on his face. He stood up and hugged Padma and whispered "I appreciate it. Luna is a dear friend".
Padma silently nodded. She had never been that close to Harry before, much less any boy.
"Bye" waved Harry.
Harry dragged Luna by the hand, to go sit at the Gryffindor table.
"You remember Luna don't you guys" said Harry as he sat down.
Ron was unable to reply due to the food he was currently inhaling.
Hermione stared at her crush is disgust and turned to Luna and said "Yes I do. Good morning Luna".
"Morning" she replied still standing behind Harry.
Harry turned around to look at Luna and patted the seat next to him. She sat down and began to serve herself food.
"Nevile" began Harry "This is my friend Luna Lovegood".
"Hi" said Neville staring at Luna shyly.
Harry smirked at Neville.
"Hi" replied Luna, happy at being called a friend.
After they finished eating, Luna latched onto Harry's arm and rested her head on his shoulder. Harry felt that vague sensation of familiarity once more as the petite girl grabbed him,but again he couldn't place the feeling. Ginny and Angelina Johnson happened to approach them at that moment.
"Harry" said Angelina.
Harry and Luna both turned to the voice.
Luna smiled at her friend Ginny, who narrowed her eyes at her. Luna was taken aback by Ginnys's reaction and let go of Harry.
"Wow" said Harry staring at Angelina. "You look good".
"Thanks" she replied with a smirk. "You don't look too bad yourself".
Harry shrugged "I try. What's up?" he asked resting an arm around Luna's shoulders.
"I wanted to let you know about me being the new team captain".
"Congratulations".
"Thank you. It will be difficult without Wood. I hope we can take the cup this year".
"You guys will definitely win" said Luna.
"Hear that?" said Harry bringing Luna closer and squeezing her. "Luna here believes in us".
Ginny scowled at both Luna and Harry and left without a word. Hermione, who had seen the whole thing followed after her.
Angelina noticed her companion leave and shrugged "Anyways, I wanted to let you know that I'm holding try outs on the 6th and your friend Ginny approached me hoping to join. She suggested I speak with you over something you said to her over the summer.".
"What" shouted Ron interrupting. "Can I join too?"
Angelina laughed "You Weasleys and Quidditch. And sure you can join, if you have the skills".
"He does" assured Harry.
Ron looked at Harry in appreciation. He was stunned by the confidence his friend had in him.
"What was the thing?" asked Angelina.
"Oh" began Harry "I told her we should create a reserve team to cover for us if one of us can't make it".
"That's a good idea" said Angelina thinking it over. "Well, I'll see you all at try outs then" she added and left.
"What are you trying out for?" asked Luna looking at Ron.
"Keeper".
"You'll be great" said Harry.
McGonagall approached Ron and Harry to give them their schedules and Flitwick did the same for Luna. They didn't award any points for interhouse unity.
"Guess we should go" said Harry.
They all nodded and stood to begin their first day.
"Meet us here for lunch" stated Harry, to Luna pointing at the Griffindor table.
"I will" she said hugging Harry tightly and running away skipping.
'She's so tiny' thought Harry. He was reminded of his little sister.
'That's what that was' he thouht as he was bombarded with childhood memories of him and his little sister, who was odd in her own way.
"Come on" shouted Ron leaving Harry behind.
Harry sighed and whispered to an emptying hall "I wonder what you're doing right now. Are you happy? I hope you are".
'Both of you' he thought as his mom's face flashed in his mind and he left the hall.
Harry's day had been the most boring he'd ever had so far. History of magic was a bust. Binns made paying attention in class a huge chore. In Potions he was reminded how much of a dick Snape really was. They had to make the Draught of Peace. A potion considered to be dangerous. Harry had simply followed the directions and ended up with the expected silver vapor. This, was of course not what Snape expected and chose to attack Harry once more.
"What's this?" asked Snape drawing the class' attention along with Draco who looked like Christmas had come early.
Harry tilted his head to the side, smiling at the same time and said "The Draught of Peace, sir. You know, as a potions master one would expect you to be able to identify these common potions at a glance".
Nothing. That's what was heard after Harry had said his piece.
"What did you say Potter?".
"Nothing sir" said Harry with a smile.
He transferred the potion into a vial and began to clean up.
"You obviously cheated" said Snape.
"What?" asked Harry.
"This potion, it isn't yours. There's no way a dunderhead like you would be able to make it.
Harry raised an eyebrow "What can I say professor, your efforts to teach me potions have finally bared fruit".
Snape just vanished Harry's potion and said "20 points from Gryfffindor, for cheating".
A smile appeared on Draco's face.
"What?" yelled Ron angry at Snape.
Harry silence Ron with a look and stared at Snape. He smirked and spoke in Parseltongue, freaking everyone out, as they had forgotten about Harry's particular ability.
§§§"You're a petty man Severus. I will enjoy watching you die"§§§
Everyone shivered including the Slytherins, whom one would expect them to appreciate hearing Salazar's gift. After he was done, Harry simply walked out of the room whistling a tune.
Snape just glared at the door after Harry left, wondering about what was said. "Hurry up and finish up. Weasley be sure to tell Potter that I expect 12 inches on the properties of moonstone and its uses in potion making from all of you".
Ron, Neville, and Hermione finished up quickly in the midst of people whispering about Harry. They went to the Great Hall, where they assumed Harry went. They entered the room and spotted Harry with Luna laughing at a joke of some kind.
"Harry" they all greeted.
"Hi guys" said Harry looking away from Luna for a second.
"Are you okay?" asked Hermione.
"Why?" asked Harry.
"Because of Snape" said Neville angrily.
"Oh that, yeah I'm fine. Just Snape being Snape".
"Professor Snape" chimed in Hermione.
"No Hermione. Not professor Snape. That implies he actually teaches something" said Harry loudly.
Ron concurred wholeheartedly and began to insult Snape as best as he could while Neville, Luna, and Harry laughed. Hermione remained silent.
"What's with you two?" she asked Harry and Luna.
"What do you mean?" asked Harry.
"Why are you being so friendly with each other when you've barely met?".
"I don't know" said Harry. "She's just so cute. Come here" he said hugging Luna tightly.
Luna began to laugh as Harry switched to tickling her.
Ron and Neville laughed at the pair between bites.
Hermione just narrowed her eyes. She recalled her earlier conversation with Ginny as they discussed Harry and his new inclination to date around. She had reaffirmed her advice to Ginny to date around herself, to make Harry realize how he felt about her.
Luna noticed a few people staring at Harry. They were the older students who already had their Defense class and realized Harry was right.
"Why are they starting at you?" she asked Harry.
"Me? They're not staring at me".
"What?" she asked.
"They're staring at how pretty you are" said Harry with a wink.
"You're such a kidder" responded Luna.
"Harry reminded them he's a parselmouth" said Hermione, believing that to be the case. "Why did you?" she asked wondering why he did so after never speaking parseltongue in front of others since second year.
"No reason" said Harry.
"What did you say?" asked Neville.
"Do you really want to hear what I said?" asked Harry as he noticed a few other Gryffindor yearmates listening in.
"Yes" said Ron and Neville intrigued.
"I said §§§"You're a petty man Severus. I will enjoy watching you die"§§§".
They were all silent as Luna and Harry laughed.
The three boys made their way to the Divination classroom. There Harry met Trelawney. She made them interpret their dreams and had assigned them dream journals. Harry and Ron had looked at each other and just made it up like usual. Harry toyed with the idea of pretending to be a seer and using his knowledge of the future to mess with people. He wanted to tell the professor that Dolores will fire her. After deciding against it he prepared for his meeting with Dolores.
As soon as they all entered the Defense Against the Dark Arts room, Harry sat at a table with a bored expression. He took out his defense book and began to read it shocking everyone including Dolores who stared at Harry with hate in her eyes.
"Good afternoon class".
A few mumbles of good afternoon were heard.
"That won't do at all" she said. "When I say good afternoon class you should all say good afternoon professor Umbridge".
"Good afternoon class".
"Good afternoon professor Umbridge".
"Good. Now wands away and open your books to page 1 and begin to read".
Everyone reluctantly put away their wands and began to read. After a few minutes everyone noticed Hermione had her hand up, while Dolores ignored her. Soon enough Dolores acknowledged Hermione and asked her what was wrong.
"I don't understand the aims of the class" said Hermione.
"What do you mean, dear?" said Dolores in an irritating voice.
"There's nothing about practical magic on your board".
"Of course not".
"We're not using magic" yelled Ron.
"Students will raise their hand to ask questions in my class" yelled Dolores. "There's no need for practical magic in my class. You will all study magical theory well enough to pass your OWLS.
"You mean we won't practice the spells required for our OWLS beforehand?" asked Parvati.
"Hand" began Dolores, but answered anyways. "It is believed that if students study the theory, they will be able to perform the spells adequately".
"What good is theory when we have to defend against what's out there" said Neville.
Dolores looked in Harry's direction. He was still reading the book. At least that's what it looked like. He was tuning everyone out with his Occlumency.
"There is nothing out there. You have all been lied to" she glanced at Harry again as students followed her gaze and continued "that a certain Dark Lord is back. We at the ministry assure you, it's a lie".
The class stared at their professor in disbelief.
"Now once more, read your books if you want any chance to pass your OWLS. Your previous professors left you ill prepared, but what else can you expect with half breeds running around".
"Professor Lupin was the best teacher we ever had" said Dean Thomas angrily.
Dolores laughed and said "Enough. Return to your books".
As the class ended Harry stood up to get ready.
"Mr. Potter" said Dolores. "A word if you will".
Harry told his friends that he'll catch up to them at dinner.
"Yes professor Umbridge?".
Dolores narrowed her eyes at Harry. "I forbid you to spread any lies during the year, do you hear me?".
"Lies?. Professor, I would never".
"Be sure that you obey Mr. Potter. I have the full force of the ministry behind me. It wouldn't do any good to go against one's betters now would it?".
"Wouldn't dream of it professor Umbridge" smiled Harry.
Dolores shooed him away. Harry collected his things and walked by the door. Before he left he turned to face Dolores.
"I advise you to beware of who you threatened Miss Senior Undersecretary. Wizards much more cleverer and powerful than you have done so in the past and I'm still here".
Harry left, leaving a fuming Dolores behind.
'I'll get you soon enough you disgusting half-breed.'
Harry went down to dinner. When he entered the great hall silence descended into the room. Harry walked unfazed to the Ravenclaw table where he dragged Luna to sit with him at the Gryffindor table. He winked at Susan when he passed by her.
"Hey guys" said Harry.
"What did Umbridge want?" asked Ron.
"Nothing much, she just threatened me".
"What?" said Hermione. "You should tell Dumbledore".
"And he'll do what?" asked Harry.
"He'll help you out" she said.
Harry laughed. "It's not a big deal. I can handle the toad".
Ron and Hermione shared a look that said there goes Harry again dismissing the headmaster.
Harry changed the topic and began to talk to Luna. He included Neville as much as possible seeing that he was crushing on her. They ate dinner and once more said their goodbyes. Harry separated himself from the crowd. He headed to the Room of Requirement and walked back and forth calling the room of Hidden Things. As it appeared he called out "Kreacher".
"Yes master" said the elf.
"I need you to bring me the small trunk I have in old master's room".
Kreacher bowed and popped away. He came back a few seconds later with the trunk and Harry took it.
"Thanks Kreacher. I'll call you again in a few minutes".
The elf popped away and Harry entered the room. Using his memory of the books he searched for the diadem until he found it. It had taken him a good while. He knew Harry placed it on top of a bust where he hid his potions journal that belonged to Snape. That was in 6th year however.
He placed the diadem on the floor and was immediately assaulted. Before he focused on blocking the horcrux, he caught images of Sirius and Tonks dead, and then his mother and sister ran through his mind. He dipped the basilisk fang in venom again and pierced the diadem rather angrily. With the horcrux destroyed he called Kreacher and had him take the trunk away. He looked at the vanishing cabinet and decided to wait on destroying it for the moment. He made his way back to the Gryffindor common room and stepped inside. He was once more a victim to the stares and whispers of his housemates.
'Not again'.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"You were right" said Seamus
Harry raised an eyebrow.
Dean followed up with "We heard what you said about the ministry the other day. Sorry we didn't believe you at first, but after that class it's kind of hard not to".
Harry shrugged "Water under the bridge. I'm used to everyone talking shit about me by now. I warned you all. I did my part".
Everyone stared at Harry again as he walked past Dean and Seamus to sit with his friends.
"Where were you?" asked Neville.
Harry looked at Neville and with a friendly tone and said "Neville, there's a few changes that Ron and Hermione are still getting used to. One of them is prying too much into what I do".
"Sorry" said Neville quickly.
Harry shook his head "I didn't mean it like that Nev. You can ask me things. I'm just warning you that there will be times when I won't answer your questions and no matter how many times you ask, it won't make a difference. The only thing that you will achieve is piss me off".
"I can understand wanting privacy" said Neville after thinking over what he was told.
"Thanks Nev. I do like my privacy".
Harry clasped Neville's hands and fist bumped him.
Hermone and Ron shrugged and began to talk.
Fred and George approached Harry and Fred whispered in his ear. "Fancy a drink?".
"Hell yeah" whispered Harry back. "Where?".
"In our room. The girls will be up there with us" said Fred pointing to their Quidditch teammates and some of their friends.
Harry looked at the gang of girls and saw Katie Bell smiling at him.
"Nice" he said winking at her.
They all walked up to Fred and George's room. Ron, sensing that they were up to something yawned and told Hermione he was going to sleep. Neville quickly followed Ron who stopped to invite Seamus and Dean along for the ride. Hermione furrowed her brow, but returned to her work. OWLS year was going to be tough, even for the brightest witch of her age.
That night was the funnest night Neville had ever had. He got drunk for the first time in his life. Harry had gotten one of the 7th year girls to give him his first kiss. Ron was pissed Harry didn't hook him up. Harry hadn't done it on purpose. He simply forgot about Ron as he was distracted. Harry had to call Kreacher to bring them more beer and liquor as the girls drank more than Fred and George estimated. Harry didn't drink much, as he spent the night kissing Katie and rubbing her toned legs. He squeezed her butt every chance he got. She would grope whatever part of him she could in return. He could tell she wasn't looking for anything serious. She quickly whispered that she wanted to be alone with him. Harry realized that his room was empty, seeing that all his roommates were present.
"Let's go".
He walked Katie downstairs to his room. He led her inside and began to kiss her as the door closed.
"You're a great kisser" she said.
"Thanks" said Harry and he kissed her once more. They broke apart to breathe and Katie pushed Harry to his bed and began to undress. Harry smiled and thought 'Definitely worth taking the deal'.
AN: THERE IT IS. HOPEFULLY I KEPT THE SPIRIT OF THE STORY SO FAR. I HAVE PLANS FOR DOLORES AND HOPE TO EXECUTE THEM SOON.