Last chapter really got away from me. I had an entirely different segment for the latter half but changed my mind last minute.
I know that a few people are anti-Hermione. She's in it a fair bit in the last few chapters to signify how she's the only one that Harry is really close to. But I get the point that it's close to a Harry/Hermione ship but it isn't going to be. Harry/Hermione is at a push for me. It's better than Harry/Ginny. I've never liked the Harry/Ginny ship, it far too Oedipal for me. Personally, I think Harry/Luna would be better than any of the other possible ships but that's my personal preference
I've never liked Rons character. I know so many people like him who feels the world owes them just for them being in it. I mean aside from sacrificing himself on the chess board what else did he do? I'm convinced he only came back with the Deluminator to check Harry and Hermione weren't getting it on without him there. In my opinion Hermione settled for Ron
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Grimmauld Place
Harry had barely slept wondering just what had happened the night before. Deciding on a course of action was difficult but he knew he'd need his lawyer very soon. Making a decision he got dressed and brought the family pensieve down with him and put it on the dining table along with his memory in a bottle at the side earning a surprised look from Remus and Tonks who were having breakfast. Floo calling Ted he asked if he and Andromeda could call round around as soon as they could. Receiving an affirmative he sat back at the table and waited for them to arrive letting them know to expect arrivals. Calling Dobby to him he asked him to deliver a note to Hermione's parents Zoe and Nathan. Minutes later Dobby popped them both in. Welcoming them he bade them sit down as they awaited the Tonks'. Both of them arrived in the next few minutes and joined them all around the table so Harry opened up the conversation looking at Ted
"Something major happened last night that will likely see me expelled from Hogwarts or at the very least suspended. I need your thoughts as my family retainer. I'm inviting you all here to see it, be warned though it's not for the squeamish. The back story is that I had made fun of Hermione in the morning over something silly and bought her a pendant to make up for it" seeing both female Tonks' and Zoe's grin he added quickly "No, it's certainly not like that! Hermione is like my sister. Only three other people know this so I'm trusting you with this but I have zero attraction to the opposite sex. Zero" uncertain of the looks he was getting he carried on "so yeah, I bought her a pendant and put several protection charms on it. This is where the memory starts so if you could all stand up and enter the memory"
Harry often mused how strange it was when viewing other people inside a pensieve. The fact their bodies stayed behind leaning over the pensieve had never quite sat well with him. They were so easy to attack in that state. Maybe he was being paranoid. Touching the memory, he joined them and watched as it all played out. He had considered watching it before them but felt other first-time perspectives would help him even more. Seeing himself from a different angle he watched as he gradually got angrier and angrier. He was already furious when Ron began to walk away but he saw the moment Remus had talked about when he snapped as Hermione went flying. Hearing Nathan angrily exclaim made him realise that he wasn't the only one that had pure rage on their face. He felt somewhat justified in attacking Ron in retaliation.
Watching the remaining part of the memory had everyone look at Harry in awe. He was holding his own against Albus Dumbledore and Filius Flitwick! Neither of them was a slouch when it came to magic, having Minerva join in just made them more speechless. He beat them, all three of them. It was only Hermione stunning him unexpectedly that drew them all back to the reality of the situation. As the vision blacked out and reappeared in the hospital wing, they saw just how much damage had been done to not just Albus but Ron too. Seeing Harry effortlessly get rid of the restraints and then heal Dumbledore before walking out and repairing the entrance hall had them all in silence. The vision then went black and they all found themselves in their own bodies. Calling Dobby for refreshments gave them all a few minutes to gather their thoughts.
Finally getting his voice to work Ted said "several things before we start on the memory. That was amazing magic being thrown around Harry. Albus, Filius and Minerva are all considered masters of their crafts and you beat them all. I have no fear how you'll do against the remaining Blood Feud members. So well done on that. However, that compounds most of what we just saw. Because of your position in this world, it's not Harry vs Ron. It's Lord Harry Potter-Black vs Minor Ron Weasley. And while I can understand your reaction to your friend being hit what you did was excessive. It's suspension from Hogwarts at a minimum. Depending on Lord Weasley it could also be a few months in Azkaban or a hefty fine, likely around the two-thousand galleon mark"
"I'll pay the fine" Harry said interrupting "If Azkaban is threatened, I'll happily level the place. I have no intention of wasting away in a cell surrounded by Dementors. And it was not excessive from my point of view"
"Well, it may not come to that" Ted carried on "I suspect family magic was involved?"
"Remus thinks so" Harry replied "last night he told me something similar happened to my father when he had Magical Maturity force on him. Mine was enforced too it seems when I saw Ron attack my sister"
"But she isn't your sister Harry" holding his hand up to stop the retort Ted continued "unless she was blood adopted into the Potter or Black line, she is still a Granger and therefore legally not your sister. I'm just telling you what the courts will say if it comes to a hearing"
Nodding Harry asked "what about the duel? Surely that will see me expelled?"
"No, it won't" Ted said surprising them all "while you attacked Ron and is grounds for suspension the fact remains that Albus attacked you first. He used the first spell against you which prompted the duel. The rest of the professors also joined in without questioning why Albus would do such a thing making them liable for prosecution too. Your status as Lord Potter-Black, while hindering you with Mr Weasley helps you with the professors. They all attacked a Lord. All of them will be forced to pay a hefty fine. It's actually an imprisonable offence to do so without justification. This memory proves that Albus attacked you first. Your reaction was defensive. You will however have to pay a flat five-thousand galleons for use of the dark cutting curse. I don't know why you used that spell and I don't particularly care to know either. That is the one guarantee from this event"
Nodding Harry sat in silence for a few minutes before Zoe asked "so that weasel boy will get away with hitting my Hermione? And get money off Harry for doing so?"
"Sadly yes" Ted replied "if it had been left to the professors, he would likely have received a punishment because it happened in Hogwarts. But because Harry brutalised him that would be deemed punishment enough and excessive punishment at that"
"Believe me Zoe" Harry stated looking at her "I will happily pay the fine if it means that prick never goes near Hermione again. I'll consider it money well spent for making sure he stays away. I always knew he was jealous of me for having money and fame. Never mind it came at the cost of my entire family except Remus. Hermione also knew he fancied her but was going to move on from him if he didn't ask her before Hallowe'en. I'm just glad they never dated to the point of getting married because she would now be a widow. And I know Ted that I'm not supposed to make such threats but I'm too angry at what could have been to care"
"Very well" Ted said "I'll draw up all the necessary contracts including the sanctioning of the fines. Do you want to sue the school professors?"
"No" Harry replied "but get the documents prepared just in case they try to pull anything. I'm glad I won't be expelled but I'll happily take a suspension in its place. And I'm sorry that nothing will happen to Ron" Harry said turning to the Grangers "but at least we know he'll never go near her again. I'm grateful for that at least. Actually, Ted can you draw up a restraining order against him on behalf of Hermione?"
"I can get one in motion; it will need proof of why though before it can be sanctioned so this will go public" Ted replied "the evidence is pretty clear but your name alone may get it forced through at this point though"
"Thank you" Harry said. "Well, that's all I invited you over for. I wanted to tell you all what happened from my point of view before you hear anyone else's. I'm sorry for disturbing your nice peaceful Sunday and I'll let you all get back to your day"
At that moment a flash scared them all as Fawkes settled on the back of Harrys chair. Taking the proffered note Harry read
Harry,
You are required to present yourself to Hogwarts Headmasters office at 3pm today where your future at Hogwarts will be discussed. I hope I don't have to impress upon you how serious this is Harry.
Albus Dumbledore
Order of Merlin First Class
Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Chief Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards
"Oh wow" Harry said laughing "Dumbledore went full titles on me. I have a meeting with him at 3pm it seems. Pomphrey and the healers must have done a good job of healing him if he's having a meeting so soon. Can you get those documents done before then Ted?"
"I should be able to do so" Ted replied "would you like me to come with you as your lawyer?"
"No, but thank you" Harry said "the documentation alone should signify that you've been notified of what happened"
Giving a nod Ted stood up and left with his wife in the floo. After getting a thank-you hug from Zoe and a handshake from Nathan Dobby took them back home leaving just Remus and Tonks at the table with Harry.
"I'm very proud of you Harry" Remus suddenly said shocking Harry and Nym "after watching that memory it took me back to a time when your dad did something similar in Hogwarts. Oh, he didn't duel the professors, no. But he did attack a few students who tried to attack Lily while she was defending a few first years. And while Lily didn't say anything to him at the time, she confided in me a few nights later that she was grateful for him stepping in. I think it was that situation that made her opinion of him change. He was suspended for doing so but showed no remorse for what he did. He was a big advocate for protecting others that couldn't protect themselves. The Potters have always stood up for issues like that. Your family motto is 'Adiuva Inopem'. It literally translates to 'Aid the helpless'. So, while your response was excessive, and it was Harry, it was also what your father and his father would have done in the same situation" standing up he clapped Harry on the shoulder and left the room
"What's your thoughts on it, sis?" Harry asked Nym
"You've been holding back on our training sessions, haven't you?" she asked "It's been driving Alastor mad at times because he's known you had more potential than you showed. The magic you were throwing around was amazing. I don't really care about why you did it. You were protecting someone you loved. As far as I'm concerned, any and all force is necessary. I'll never chastise you for defending family anyway you can. I will say however you need to get a handle on that rage because you were pretty much blinkered when fighting. You had no idea who you were attacking and that in a battle is very dangerous. Your allies are at just as much risk as your enemies in that situation. Now, you need to go get prepared for the interrogation later on, remember Harry, you have the law on your side for the Hogwarts situation. The Weasleys are to be dealt with in House. Don't let them dictate to you!" standing up she gave him a hug and went to leave
"Hang on Nym" Harry said as he retrieved the memory and placed into an unbreakable bottle "give that to Alastor would you and ask him to fully critique it. Maybe he'll understand why I've been holding back on him"
Nodding Nym left leaving Harry to sit in the chair and think on the upcoming meeting. He was feeling much better with a plan of action and legal representation in place. Even if it was just official documentation, he had something concrete to go on. Getting up he showered and changed into his best robes. No harm in looking the part he thought. After eating a light lunch and meditating for an hour he picked up the documents Dobby had delivered from the table, placed them inside his robe and apparated to the main gates of Hogwarts
Hogwarts
As Harry passed them in full Lord regalia may people wondered just what was going on. They'd seen him defeat their professors last night with relative ease. Some students shrank away while others started muttering. Ignoring them all he walked straight backed up to the headmasters' office. Giving the password he rose on the spiral staircase and knocked on the door. Hearing a "Come in Mr Potter" he entered and wasn't surprised to see a full office. On one side were the Weasleys, Arthur, Molly and Ron, who was covered in bandages and bruises, on the other side was all the heads of Houses looking grim and smack bang in the middle was a solitary chair. Albus sat behind the desk with one sleeve flopping loosely on his right side. Evidently, they hadn't been able to reattach his arm
"If you think I'm going to sit in that chair and be surrounded on all sides you're more senile than I thought Albus" Harry said
"You are in no position to dictate anything here Mr Potter" Minerva jumped in "Sit down and be silent"
"Or what?" Harry asked petulantly "the entire student body saw me hand you, Albus and Flitwick your arses last night so how do you plan to enforce this?"
"Enough" Albus said seriously "if you feel that strongly then you may stay standing up. Now I have had several meetings this morning Harry about what happened last night and I would like to hear your side"
"Who cares about his side Albus" Molly said standing up, rage evident over her face "I demand he be expelled for this! He attacked my baby! It was entirely unprovoked"
"We need to hear his side Molly, and it was not unprovoked" Albus stated firmly "Ron was clearly seen striking Miss Granger on the face. That was unprovoked! Harry's retaliation was seen to be because of that"
"I don't see why I should have to say anything if you already know what happened" Harry said "it seems a bit redundant to ask me my side if you already know it"
"You see Dumbledore" Molly exclaimed "he has absolutely no remorse about putting Ron in the hospital wing. House Weasley demands satisfaction"
"Well, it's a good job that its only Lord Weasley that can do that then isn't it?" Harry asked smirking at her
"And what is stopping me from doing that Harry?" Arthur asked
"The life-debt owed to me by yourself and Ginevra is what's stopping you" Harry replied
This prompted more shouting amongst the adults while Harry leaned casually against the wall. After a few minutes of this Harry got bored and went over to Fawkes perch and began talking to him. The other seeing this grew gradually and angrily silent
"That, is very disrespectful Harry" Albus said "we are here to discuss your Hogwarts future and you ignore us?"
"Well given that you've just spent the last few minutes arguing amongst yourselves" Harry replied "I got bored from all the noise. Fawkes has always been an interesting creature to talk to and as I have very little interest in what you are all arguing about it seemed like the thing to do"
"Very well Harry" Albus stated "I had hoped this could be solved amicably but given your lack of respect here is what is going to happen. You will be expelled from Hogwarts and forced to pay a fine to the Weasleys, you will release them from their life debts and you will pay the hospital costs for Ronald. Sadly, as you're now emancipated, I cannot snap your wands so you will retain those"
Sitting back, he heard the Weasleys say they were satisfied and the staff looked solemn
"Actually, the most I'll have to do here today is pay a fine" Harry said drawing surprised looks from the faculty and outrage on the Weasleys "and you have no say in life debts Albus"
"I think you'll find it's much more serious than that Harry" Albus stated
"Again, I think you'll find you're wrong Albus" Harry said pulling out various documents "this one is for the Weasleys, it is me paying the fine that will come should this reach the courts. I will level Azkaban before I'm imprisoned there for any length of stay. This one" he said waving one "is for Ron, it's a restraining order for him against Miss Hermione Granger signed by both her parents. Should he voluntarily go near her for anything he will be suspended and fined by the Wizengamot. It will likely only be pushed through after Tuesday but make no mistake, it WILL be pushed through" standing up he handed one to Minerva, Filius and the final one for Albus "these three are against you all. They're for attacking me without provocation"
"You cannot do this" Molly shouted "after all we've done for you!"
"What on earth do you mean Potter?" Minerva asked incredulously "everyone saw you and Albus duelling in the hall"
"Ah yes, but you and Filius arrived late to the scene, didn't you?" Harry asked smirking "My lawyer and I went over the memory before and saw Albus cast the first spell in my direction. He provoked me into a response where the evidence clearly shows I was defending myself from an as then unknown assailant. He cowardly attacked me from behind, my response was then justified in the eyes of my Lawyer. You two then joined in without gathering any facts whatsoever and attacked me. You attacked me, Lord Potter-Black. Not Harry Potter, Lord Potter-Black. So, you will have your day in front of the Wizengamot where you can explain why you attacked a Dual-Head of House without justification. I will have to pay a fine for the cutting curse I used but apart from that suspension and a fine is all I will likely get. So, your move Mr Dumbledore"
Outrage exploded from all parties. Harry standing there with a smug smile on his face did nothing to help the situation
"It seems that we have no choice then so far" Albus said looking disappointedly at Harry "I will go over the pensieve memory myself and my own lawyer will be in touch. As for now you are suspended for two weeks from Hogwarts and will pay the fines that will be levied to you"
"Excellent" Harry said rubbing his hands together with glee "I shall leave you all to bicker amongst yourselves again. I shall see you Tuesday at the Wizengamot Mr Dumbledore, you too Lord Weasley. Goodbye all, have a pleasant few weeks without me. I shall go visit Hermione to inform her of what's happening and then I will go home. Oh, before I leave" Harry said withdrawing his wand making them all tense up he drew a silver strand from his temple and placed into a conjured bottle "here's the full memory of what happened. I swear on my magic that it's not tampered with" with that Harry conjured a patronus and sent it to Hermione "can you meet me at the entrance hall in ten minutes please, it seems I've been suspended" bidding them all a good day he left to go meet Hermione. Seeing her and giving her a hug, he led her down the paths to the gates and informed her of what was going on. "If you urgently need me grasp the pendant and immediately call for Dobby." Apparating back home Harry went to his room and meditated. What a bloody long week it had been
After Harry had left Albus immediately picked up the memory and floated his pensieve onto his desk, inviting them all to join him they all watched what happened. While the Weasleys were outraged at Rons treatment they were also unhappy at him lying to them about it being unprovoked. Any relationship with Harry was now over it seemed. Seeing him throw magic like that around enforced the decision to Ron to stay away from Harry. He was lucky he was still alive. The professors and Albus were in awe at Harry. Even Albus didn't know Harry could fight like that. He was amazing. He was also correct that Albus cast the first spell. He was in the wrong here. His only justification was that Harry could have killed Ron if he didn't intervene but that wouldn't hold up in court. Albus never got to see how it ended as he had been defeated, and while he wasn't going all out, he knew that his time was virtually over as the most powerful wizard in the UK. Tom had likely passed him, seeing this made him believe Harry had too. Exiting the pensieve after it happened, he sat back
"It seems Mr Potter was right, I did indeed cast the first spell, and you two attacked him too" Albus stated "and I know you did it for the same reasons I did, to stop him possibly killing Mr Weasley but it was still wrong of me to do so" turning to Ron he carried on "Mr Weasley, upon viewing the evidence I have no choice but to suspend you also for two weeks" holding up his hands at Mollys outraged exclamation "You attacked Miss Granger. That was clear to see. So, I suggest you take these two weeks to reflect. Try and figure out why you have the issues you have. Hopefully you can get your head sorted. These outbursts will not be tolerated at Hogwarts. Good day to you all. Professors stay behind please" the Weasleys got up and were muttering all the way down. Finally, when he couldn't hear them anymore, he turned to his faculty and asked for their thoughts
"Why did Harry react like that Albus?" Minerva asked "I've never seen that before"
"Magical Maturity" Filius said interrupting "It's never fun for anyone to go through. Females go through something different than males. The male body develops alongside our magic so we can regulate our magic intake/output depending on our Merlin Index level. Our magic is more outward than inwards, the opposite for females. With females the magic centres around the brain and womb area to provide added protection and is a gradual process. Its why women are much more level headed in situations and are more hormonal in general. There are exceptions of course but in general maturity differentials are very clear to see. Magic for females is designed to protect the body at all costs. It may sound sexist but it is what it is.
When a male Head of House goes through Magical Maturity however it's vastly different from a normal member of the house. Their Index level gets 'maxed out' for the lack of a better phrase instantly. It can often lead to difficulty in casting spells normally. Take the 'Aguamenti' spell for instance. What used to be a small, controlled jet of water becomes a hose. You could drown a person easily if you're not careful. Harry clearly jumped from whatever he was to his max Index level. For it to overpower you Albus it must be low 700's easily"
"Poppy and I suspected it would be just over 700, judging from his spells potency yesterday though it is likely close to 740" Albus said "some of the spells he used without effort requires immense power. I've only ever seen them used before in battle by very gifted wizards"
"He was frighteningly strong" Pomona said quietly "I've only ever seen one wizard as strong as you Albus and he turned out to be the Dark Lord"
After a few minutes silence Minerva asked "what are we going to do about these lawsuits Albus? I can afford to pay off the fine from my savings over the years but I don't want to lose my job at the same time"
"I shall try and have a meeting with Harry soon" Albus said "hopefully he will accept our apologies and drop them. Maybe paying the fine will be enough for the courts if we can stress just how out of control Harry became. He cannot argue against that point. Our force was excessive, that much is clear but what option did we have against some in a blind rage?"
"I hope you're right Albus" Filius said "as for myself I am going to write him a letter of apology along with my reasons and hope he accepts it. I shall see you all at dinner" he finished standing up and leaving with Pomona following him not long after
After watching them leave Minerva said "I have concerns about what you asked me the other day Albus. It's clear Harry has very little love for anyone other than family. Why would he protect Hogwarts from Voldemort?"
"I understand your concerns Minerva but you must trust me on this" Albus said looking at her "Harry knows what Hogwarts means to the people. It was his first home, the place where he found out his identity, where he found out about his parents but more importantly where he found his true family. I trust Harry, and as strange as it may seem after last night, I trust him even more. You may not have noticed it but Harry unconsciously shielded most of the younger students during the duel. Harry may not have seen it but I did. He will be a fantastic protector for the Wizarding World one day. He may not be as moral as I would have hoped for but he is crucial to the survival of the Wizarding World"
"I hope you're correct Albus" Minerva said standing up and leaving
"So do I Minerva" Albus said quietly "so do I"
Looking at his wand he wondered why it was still in his possession. It had been talking to him all day angry that it was rejected by its master. Harry had won it from him and yet it stayed. Did something happen after he passed out from blood loss? Why hadn't it disappeared to Harrys side? He knew Harry's stance on the wand, maybe that was why it hadn't gone to him. Harry didn't want it and if using it for over fifty years had taught him anything it was that the wand needed to be wanted. Yet another puzzle Albus mused as he stood up to leave looking down feeling very lopsided. Hopefully in the next few days he could get a prosthetic arm sorted out. He was grateful to still be able to do wandless magic left-handed. Zipping up a fly was dangerous at the best of times