It's My Life
The conversation with Sirius and Remus had been interesting, that was putting it lightly. But Harry explained things with the hat resorting him and the two relaxed knowing Harry was alright and happy in his new house. The first two days of school went smoothly, but Harry really couldn't stand Professor Dolores Umbridge. His bad feeling about her continued to make him uneasy, but still he minded himself and just did his work silently. Something else to hate Umbridge for was the fact she wasn't teaching them defensive anything, and just reading books on things. They weren't allowed to have their wands out, at all. Defense Against The Dark Arts was a class Harry had come to love and this pink pain in his butt was ruining it for him. Harry would rather take double potions than deal with Dolores Umbridge. In fact, he would rather face Voldemort a hundred times over than to continue dealing with, as the hat put it, the pink nightmare. Harry just wanted the year to go by fast, or bring on Christmas, at least; he needed a break from her. Still, she hadn't done anything to him yet, so he just kept quiet and did his work in class. The rest of classes were fine and Harry was actually considering to fix some of his classes early on because he realized he wasn't even in potions and didn't know why when it should be required. Harry still hadn't told Hermione or Ron anything, but he also didn't get to see them much now that he wasn't in Gryffindor anymore. Harry would find time over the weekend, or maybe in Hogsmead on Saturday, but he wasn't sold on revealing his lordships or the manor to them. Harry wanted to, but at the same time; he didn't.
Harry did spend some time each night so far talking to Draco and the others; they weren't so bad and actually making an effort to get to know him and become real friends. Harry didn't mind if they did become friends but often wondered if it was only because he was in Slytherin now. Draco's trying was true because they called a truce with one another and it was part of the agreement to work at a friendship, but the rest? Harry wasn't sold on it just yet. Right now, it was breakfast time as Harry sat with his fellow Slytherins to enjoy the morning meal. Harry had fallen into a routine for his days, which started when the alarm blew at 6 am throughout their dorm. Harry would usually grab his things and hit the bathroom first to get a shower in before the rest because he was quick. Harry would always be able to come out dressed, and throw on his shoes, then take the refilled vial of nutrient potion that would be ready when on his nightstand. After that Harry grabbed his bag and books for the day, and at least always waited for Draco to walk together into the hall. Severus said stay close to Draco, so that's what Harry was doing. The rest of Harry's day went by easy with classes, lunch, more class time, then dinner.
Harry was always back in the common room by 9:30 pm and ready for bed by 10:00 pm. Sometimes he would get in a second shower, and other nights; he didn't care. Harry had minor issues sleeping, but more in the sense of just being able to knock out; he hadn't yet required the sleeping draughts from Severus and was trying to not need them either. Harry was smart enough to cast silencing charms over his bed after the curtains were drawn, for the sake of if he had nightmares; he didn't want to wake the others. Today was Wednesday, September 6th. Right now, Harry was in the common room, sitting near the fire when Draco approached with Blaise and Pansy.
"Come on, Harry. Let's get to breakfast." Draco stated.
"Coming," Harry replied as he stood up and walked to meet Draco halfway. "Where is the rest of the group?" He asked.
"They'll be coming before 7:30," Pansy informed. "We usually always get there before they do." She added.
Harry nodded, walking with Pansy, Blaise, and Draco to the hall and entered with other students from other houses.
"Harry!" Hermione whispered. "Harry, come here for a second." She urged.
"I'll catch up with you," Harry broke off from Draco and the other two before walking over to Hermione, who had Ron with her. "What's up?" He asked.
"First of all, never thought I'd say this…But green and silver look good on you." Hermione smiled.
"Thanks." Harry replied.
"We miss you, mate," Ron sighed.
"I know, but it's alright. We've got weekends and holidays to see one another still," Harry told him.
"Are they being good to you?" Hermione hoped.
"Yeah. Malfoy and his groupies have already recruited me as their new friend. Weird to say that. Draco and I have called a truce for the sake of peace in the dungeons." Harry informed.
"Thank Merlin for that," Ron stated. "Not the truce because I still think he's a right foul git…"
"Ron, stop," Hermione sighed. "Harry has to be on his best behavior with the Slytherin's…He has Professor Snape as his head of house. I hate to admit it, but they are never out of line because Snape runs a tight group,"
"Indeed. I got pulled aside for the rules right away," Harry nodded. "But…I'm loving it. Honestly. It's not awful."
"We won't keep you long…I have something for you." Hermione stated as she pulled out a black notebook and gave it to Harry. "This is a messenger notebook, Harry. Ron and I have each have one and these three are connected. If you write in yours, identifying who you're talking to by their name to start, it will get sent to their notebook and we can at least keep in contact beyond passing in halls, Hogsmead, or using owls." She informed.
"You don't need to use last names either. Just start your message with either Ron or Hermione, and it'll get to ours based on who you're messaging." Ron explained.
"And these are charmed to be seen by only us, Harry. Even if someone finds yours, or ours; they'd see an empty notebook. It hides the messages as we write responses. So say I write you a message, it'll disappear from mine and go to yours. When you respond, the original message I sent will disappear." Hermione stated.
"And you can make old messages reappear by using the revealing spell." Ron added.
"Reminds me of Tom Riddle's diary, only there weren't two diaries." Harry admitted. "But alright. Cool. Thanks, Hermione."
"You're welcome," Hermione smiled. "Now, let's get to breakfast."
Harry broke off from Ron and Hermione and joined his fellow Slytherins, sitting between Blaise and Draco while Pansy was across from them.
"What did they want? Beg you to go back to Gryffindor?" Pansy chuckled.
"No, they know they can't challenge the hat, nor my own words of saying I like it there." Harry stated. "They do miss me, but it's not like we're no longer friends over things." He added.
"That's cool that they remain your friends despite the different housing. Most would have just broke ties to stay separated." Draco said.
"Well, that's the joy of having true friends around you…They'll always be there for you." Harry said. "Ron and Hermione are my best friends; I know they wouldn't abandon me over being resorted. Who I was in Gryffindor hasn't changed now that I'm in Slytherin, so I'm still the same person." He shrugged.
. . .
It was almost the end of Defense Against The Dark Arts class, then Harry just wanted to go to the library to get some work done. Harry really wanted talk to someone about changing up his classes; he really had no need for Arithmancy or Muggle Studies. Harry much rather fill the spaces with potions and ancient runes, honestly. Harry would have like more defense classes, but not with Umbridge teaching it. Harry wished Remus could return, that would be fun and Harry knew he'd pass no problem.
"You will copy the text three times to attain maximum retention," Dolores informed, walking up and down the desks to ensure everyone was working.
"I never complain about class, but what are we actually learning?" Hermione muttered.
"Something you wish to say, dear?" Dolores asked.
"Only that I feel we're not learning anything of use this way. This is Defense Against the Dark Arts, so shouldn't we be learning how to defend ourselves?" Hermione mentioned calmly.
"There's no need for such lessons, deary," Dolores smiled. "You've nothing to worry about. The school and the ministry will always keep everyone safe."
"Didn't do a very good job during the first war," Ron commented.
"What was that?" Dolores questioned.
"I said-," Ron started.
"Shut it, Ron." Harry told him. "Don't argue with her; she clearly knows what's best."
"But Harry!" Ron tried.
"Zip it before you get in trouble." Harry remarked.
"What has happened to you, mate? You're…Different since being with Slytherin…" Ron said softly.
"I'm the same person I've always been, Ron. I haven't changed." Harry told him. "Now just be quiet and copy the useless information that we're sure to never use."
"Useless?!" Dolores straightened up.
"All do your respect, Professor…Harry's right. We're never going to use this, it won't help us fight Voldemort," Hermione claimed.
"He who should not be named is gone, child…We're all safe." Dolores smiled.
"But Cedric Diggory was killed by Volde-," Seamus began.
"Do not speak his name. What happened to Cedric Diggory was tragic, and an accident, but the risks of competing in the Tri-Wizard Tournament are very real and all knew such, accepting them." Dolores informed. "Do not believe the lies of a certain celebrity and old man that have been in the paper. All is well. Now, let's all get back to work."
"A-Are you calling Harry a liar?" Dean asked. "He was there, he saw it happen."
"A figment of his imag-," Dolores started.
"The only liar here is you," Harry remarked calmly.
"Excuse me?" Dolores approached Harry now. "Are you calling me a liar, Mr. Potter?"
"I am." Harry replied honestly.
"Harry…Stop," Draco whispered.
"And why do you believe I'm lying?" Dolores asked.
"I'd rather not get in trouble for what I'd say." Harry refused.
"Go on, my boy. Speak your mind…I won't punish you." Dolores invited.
"Since you asked…" Harry looked right into her eyes, leaving no room for doubt in his own. "You weren't there, Professor Umbridge. You can't call me a liar when you've no proof that I am. Cedric and I were both port-keyed out through the cup. He was killed by Peter Pettigrew, on Voldemort's command. Vividly going off memory, Voldemort said kill the spare. Pettigrew used a very dark spell and potion to return Voldemort to a physical body because he never died all those years ago. He was defeated, not destroyed and now he's back in the flesh. I saw him. I spoke to him. I fought him. You've no right to tell me what is and isn't truth. You and the ministry are trying to cover it up to save yourselves a panic, keeping everyone under prepared." Harry revealed calmly. "You can't speak for what really happened and I'll gladly surrender my memories of a couple months ago to be seen. If not and you want to keep believing your own lies because you're scared…You go right ahead. Fear won't stop Voldemort from killing anyone in his way and it won't stop him on his quest to dominate the world. You be as scared as you want, but it won't save you." He paused. "Voldemort is back and sooner or later, you'll see that for yourself and I can't wait to watch it first-hand so I can tell you I Told You So, then watch you turn around and ask me to fight him for you."
"Merlin, Harry…" Ron stared, shocked but smiling.
"You refusing to teach us won't stop him from coming and it won't stop us from fighting to truly protect ourselves and those we care for. But you don't have the right to tell me I'm the liar. I was there. You were not so take your own advice and don't lie to save face because you're scared. But I am not. Not scared of him…Not scared of you." Harry said firmly.
"You think we need your protection?" Dolores asked.
"I don't think…I know." Harry countered. "After all, Professor…I am the boy who lived. No one else who has stood up to the dark lord has lived to tell about it. Whereas I have survived him first year, second year, and fourth year. If you could protect yourselves, I'm sure the ministry would have stepped in to stop Quirrell in first year when Voldemort possessed him. I'm sure the ministry would have done something about the Chamber of Secrets being reopened and killing the monster that was petrifying students and nearly killed Ron's little sister. And I'm sure the ministry knew Voldemort got someone to turn the cup into a portkey, and they would have stepped in to stop an innocent boy from being murdered and protected it's residents of the wizarding world, right?" Harry asked. "Oh…But we're forgetting something, aren't we?" Dolores narrowed her eyes at him. "You people didn't do anything, did you? No. You ignorantly ignored it because you refuse to accept the truth. Do you know who did do something about it? Me. So it's not a matter of think, Professor…I know you won't do anything to protect us because you've already failed three times and twice…People have paid the price. Ginny almost being killed. Cedric actually being killed…"
"Mr. Potter…" Dolores warned. Harry felt a wave of caution wash over him as he glanced to his hand and saw both of his rings glowing black. Was he in some kind of danger?
"You're right. Cedric's death was a tragic accident…One you could have prevented if you'd accepted reality. His death might have come at Pettigrew's hands…But it's on the ministry's hands. You should have all known something was up when a fourteen-year-old got entered into the tournament cause I sure as hell didn't put my own name in the goblet. Did the ministry stop it? No." Harry told her firmly. "Don't worry…I'll always be around to do the right thing since we can't rely on the ministry to protect us."
"Detention!" Dolores glared.
"Thanks for proving my point you're a liar." Harry folded his arms over one another.
"Excuse me?" Dolores remarked.
"You said I could speak freely and you wouldn't punish me. You lied by giving me detention because you can't handle the truth." Harry said. Dolores stiffened.
"Y-You baited me, letting me give you free speech to purposely make me react." Dolores said.
"I simply did what I was told." Harry told her.
The two stared one another down before students began to move quickly and some screamed. "I will have order! Back to your seats," Dolores ordered.
"De-Dementor!" Pansy pointed. Students rushed out of the room, but Hermione and Ron stayed because Harry hadn't left. It was assumed someone was going to get help.
Dolores turned quickly, gasping and trying to back away as it closed in on her. "I command you to leave," She said as firm as she could. It didn't listen.
"Seems you don't have as much control over them as everyone believes…" Harry said, never leaving his seat. Was this the danger he was in? Harry looked at his rings again, but they weren't reacting to a dementor, so that meant Umbridge was the trouble. Something to report to Severus later on.
"D-Do something!" Dolores told him.
"Oh, you want me to help you?" Harry asked. "I thought it was the ministry's job to protect everyone. So go on…Prove that everything I just said isn't a lie and you keep us safe." He challenged.
"PLEASE?!" Dolores begged.
"Harry, get away from that thing. You know they like you just a little too much!" Hermione warned.
"I'm fine, Hermione…It's not after me this time." Harry told her. "I know how to protect myself, just stay back."
"Potter, please?!" Dolores pleaded as the dementor neared her.
Harry sighed as he stood up and pulled his wand and flicked it forward as a blue light emitted from the tip of his wand and a large Stag in the same light appeared to get between Umbridge and the dementor. The stag kicked the dementor back and chased it through the window and away. Harry flipped his wand downward and returned it to his pocket before looked at Dolores. He crossed his arms over one another. "For the record, I learned the spell in my third year and I very well know it's not taught until seventh. But the best defense against the dark arts teacher this school has ever seen taught me it so I could protect myself. And you dare say that we don't need to know how to defend ourselves because the ministry will. What I just saw was proof of everything I said, and with witnesses, the ministry just failed in its duty. I have zero faith in the ministry so I will never place my safety in their hands. I'll protect myself and those I hold close."
The end of class came as Harry grabbed his things and headed for the door. "Potter, you still have detention with me at 8:00 pm!" Dolores yelled after him.
"Whatever." Harry said as he left.
. . .
Harry knew he shouldn't have mouthed off, but she was ticking him off and he was clearly in some kind of danger when near her; he could imagine what it would be like tonight during detention.
"Harry, wait up!" Draco said.
Harry stopped and waited for Draco to catch up with the other people from his house that he talked to daily now, then also Hermione and Ron.
"What were you thinking going off on her?" Hermione scolded.
"I'm with Granger this time," Draco remarked. "Are you stupid? She's a teacher, you had only just told Weasley to be quiet and then you got yourself into trouble."
"She told me to speak freely, so I did." Harry told him. "I won't be called a liar, Malfoy. She wants me for detention, fine…It's not like I lost us any points." He started back down the hall. "I'm going to the common room to get work done before dinner and detention. See you later," He was soon gone in the mass of students forming into the hallways.
"What's gotten into him?" Ron said. "Not that the display wasn't bloody brilliant, but Harry going off on a teacher?"
"You heard him, Weasley…He won't be called a liar." Pansy scoffed.
"I probably would have gone off too if I was in his position." Blaise agreed.
"Harry has done more for us than the ministry…" Hermione sighed. "Make sure he's alright, Draco. Please? We can't follow you into the dungeons, but we know Harry well and it just seems like there's more going on with him."
"I will check on him later. I think he could use the time to calm down." Draco said. "You have my word, Granger."
"Thank you." Hermione left with Ron.
Draco and the rest of his group went the opposite way to the dungeons. Sure enough on entering, Harry was sitting at a table by himself and in front of the fire while working on assignments. True to Draco's words, they left him alone to work and would check on him before dinner.