It's My Life
The New Year's celebration had been fantastic and shortly after the new year began, the kids were all left to sleep in the ball room with sleeping bags and pillows. Harry allowed the other adults to stay in guest rooms and then some hours later they all enjoyed breakfast together before Harry instructed his house elves to take the kids home. The next five days went by smoothly and Harry ended up spending the night at Grimmauld Place from the 5th to today, the 6th of January. Tomorrow, they were boarding the train to return them to Hogwarts for the second half of the year.
The next vacation they got was two weeks during Easter holiday. Severus hadn't minded Harry staying at Grimmauld because he got summoned with Narcissa and Lucius to Voldemort for a meeting. Severus acted quickly to ask if Draco and Harry could stay Grimmauld together with Sirius and Remus, who naturally agreed. So Draco and Harry packed an overnight bag and headed to Grimmauld around 9:00 pm on the 5th. Severus and the Malfoy parents said they would be by to pick up the boys in the morning, which was now. It was about 11:15 am at the moment.
Harry woke around 6:30 am and went right to get his shower in, then dressed for breakfast. When the meal was over, Harry wandered the house freely while the others were packing to go home, since Hermione and Ron had come to keep Harry and Draco company. Harry also learned that the minister of magic was trying to keep the Voldemort returning thing hushed up, calling Harry and even Albus, liars and that Cedric's death in fourth year had been a tragic accident, but he's suspected this was the case since New Year's Eve when he saw that paper Severus showed him.
Harry was sticking to his guns, the moment he could call the I told you so, he was throwing it in their faces. Harry already knew Severus was coming to pick him up soon. Harry made it to the main level and passed an open door, which was odd because the door was usually always closed from the times he'd been here. Harry wandered into the empty room, seeing what appeared to be a family tree on the walls.
Harry felt like someone was behind him, so he turned to see Kreacher; the Black family house elf. "Nasty brat standing there as bold as brass. Harry Potter, the boy who stopped the dark lord. Friend of mud bloods and blood traitors alike. Oh, if my poor mistress-,"
In the hallway, Sirius had been walking with Remus to get the door for Severus, who had come for Harry when Sirius heard Kreacher yapping away down the hall to Harry. "I'll go save him from Kreacher," Sirius chuckled and turned the opposite way as Remus got the door.
"Welcome," Remus smiled to Severus, Lucius, and Narcissa. "Come right in," He invited as Draco rushed ahead to greet his godfather and parents. "There's Draco and Harry's just down here, Sirius is saving him from the house elf." Remus laughed some.
"He needs saving from a house elf?" Severus inquired.
"Kreacher is very unpleasant, but sworn to serve the Black family." Remus informed. "Come along, I'll take you to Harry. He is ready, he knew you were coming, Severus."
"I would hope so. Is Harry ready? We've decided to go into Diagon Alley for the afternoon." Severus replied.
"Sounds wonderful." Remus nodded as he came to the doorway that Sirius was standing in.
"Kreacher! That's enough of your bile. Away with you." Sirius ordered his elf, who was giving Harry a hard time.
"Of course, Master. Kreacher lives to serve the noble house of Black…" The elf left the room, mumbling about.
"Sorry about that," Sirius smiled, walking into the room now. "He never was very pleasant. Not even when I was a boy." He added gently. "Not to me anyway."
"You grew up here?" Harry asked.
"This is my mother and father's place." Sirius nodded. "I offered it to Dumbledore as a headquarters for the Order. About the only useful thing I've been able to do." He said lightly. He came into the room. "This is the Black Family tree. My deranged cousin," He looked at a picture of Bellatrix on the wall. "I hated the lot of them. My parents with their pureblood mania." He scoffed. Sirius motioned to a burnt off spot over Sirius's name "My mother did that after I ran away. Charming woman." He mentioned. "I was sixteen."
"Where did you go?" Harry questioned.
"Your dad's," Sirius smiled. "I was always welcome at the Potter's, hence why I know the manor so well." He added with a chuckle. "I see him so much in you, Harry. You are so very much alike," Severus had to roll his eyes at that comment.
"I've told you the same, Harry," Remus joined in now. "Back in third year, don't you remember? The very first time I saw you, I recognized you. Not by your scar, but by your eyes. They're your mother, Lily's." He repeated. "She was a very gifted witch, and an uncommonly kind woman; having a way to see the beauty in others when some couldn't see it in themselves."
He continued, now putting his hand on Harry's shoulder with a smile. "Your father, James, on the other hand…He had a certain talent for trouble. Something rumored that he passed onto you." Harry gave a small smile. "You're more like them than you think and in time, I feel, you'll come to see just how much." He promised.
Harry seemed to look down a moment. "I'm not so sure." Harry told him.
"Talk to me, pup. What's on your mind?" Sirius offered.
"When I was…" Harry stopped. "When I saw Mr. Weasley attacked. I wasn't just watching…" Severus now paid more attention. "I was the snake." Harry revealed. "And afterwards in Dumbledore's office, there was a moment where I wanted to…" He paused again as Sirius watched him. "This connection between Voldemort and I, what if the reason for it is that I am becoming more like him? I just feel so angry all the time and-,"
Harry looked down. Severus wanted to know why Harry didn't reveal these things to him. It was worth mentioning, but also maybe proved that Harry didn't entirely trust him with everything or didn't know who to turn to about it. "What if after everything that I've been through…Something has gone wrong inside me. What if I'm becoming bad?"
Sirius stared at his fifteen year old godson then looked to the door where Remus was with the others. Remus gave him a look to tell Harry that it would be okay. Sirius looked back to Harry, concern and worry in his eyes before approaching close and putting his hands on Harry's shoulders.
"I want you to listen to me very carefully, Harry…" Sirius started. "You are not a bad person. You are a very good person, who bad things have happened to. You understand?" Sirius hoped. Harry nodded, but not convinced. "Besides, the world is not split between good people and death eaters. We've all got light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That's who we really are."
Harry sniffled a bit, using the back of his hand to wipe his eyes. "Time to go, Harry," Severus finally walked past Remus and towards his charge.
Harry nodded. Sirius walked Harry over to the door now. "When all this is over," He stopped and looked at Harry with a smile. "We'll be a proper family You'll see." In that instant, Harry wrapped his arms around Sirius's form as the man returned the embrace fully, stroking his hair and placing a light kiss on the top of Harry's head. "In the meantime, never forget that you have a lot of people in your life who care for you. As your godfather, I will always be here for you."
"As will I, Harry," Remus nodded.
"I know…I'm grateful. I don't know what I'd do without you two." Harry said.
"We feel the same about you, Harry." Sirius informed. "Now, go on…I believe you're having an outing with Severus and the Malfoy's."
"Have a good time. We'll see you for Easter!" Remus added.
Sirius and Remus turned Harry towards the door and let him leave with Severus and the Malfoy family. Sirius looked at the room one more time before exiting with Remus, and then closing it behind them.
. . .
Two days later and the second part of the term at Hogwarts had begun. Everyone was back to attending classes, and seeing friends during class breaks or meals. Harry had spent the 6th with Severus, Lucius, Draco, and Narcissa; they all went out to lunch and did some shopping. Harry checked in on how things were going with the investigation at Gringotts, pleased to hear that things were in the evidence gathering/looking over stage. The last bit would be the decision making. Harry also found out that his mother's will was still not unsealed. Harry wanted to know what Dumbledore sealed away so desperately, it had to be big if it was taking this long to unseal.
On the 7th, Harry boarded the train with his friends and they all sat together to talk and have a good time; they found the open compartment with large tables and seats for six people and overtook them to be able to sit together and keep chatting for the long ride to Hogwarts. As always, they arrived at night and enjoyed the feast, then students went off to their common rooms to relax before bed.
Harry was currently in his Defense Against the Dark Arts class, minding his own and copying what Umbridge had instructed them to. The nightmare was watching him closely, but Harry kept his mouth shut and just kept working. When class ended, Harry packed up his things and prepared to leave with his friends.
"Stay back, Mr. Potter…I'd like a word." Dolores informed.
Harry's friends looked at him with worry. "It's fine. Go…" Harry promised. The group exited the classroom as Harry approached Dolores's desk at the front of the classroom. "Yes, Professor Umbridge?"
"Two things have come to my attention that need addressing." Dolores began. "One being that you're failing my class and there is a meeting tonight with the headmaster about the matter. You will report to Headmaster Dumbledore's office after supper to discuss why this is." Harry internally commented that he wouldn't be failing if she'd stop being a bitch. "The second is I've become aware of your glamour." Okay, that might be bad. "I'm not sure why you feel the need to wear one…But I insist it be removed now."
"All do your respect, Professor…You have no authority to make me remove a glamour I chose to wear. It's not hurting anybody." Harry remarked.
"How dare you talk to me like that! I am your Professor!" Umbridge angrily uttered.
"That's why I said with all due respect," Harry sighed. "A professor teaches, I wouldn't be failing if you taught properly. So who's fault is it that I'm failing in the end? Also, frankly it's none of your business,"
She bristled with anger, going red-faced. "We'll see about that Mr. Potter! Finit-"
"If you do that I'll just let this slip," Harry said as he held up his other hand showing Umbridge the damage from the Blood Quill. Umbridge stops mid-spell as her eyes narrow at Harry's hand.
"The press loves me, as you should know. The Ministry has been doing their utter best to vilify me. Imagine what would happen if I were to give a personal interview, hmm?" Harry couldn't help but smirk. "Ministry abuses Hogwarts students... Torture sanctioned by the Ministry. Just imagine the headlines. The public outrage…I'm sure Miss. Skeeter would love an exclusive,"
"You wouldn't dare!" Umbridge shouted.
"Wouldn't I?" Harry raises a brow. "The way I see it you have the most to lose. What makes you think Fudge will keep you around once the news breaks? You'll be thrown under a double decker bus with ease,"
Umbridge sputtered as she couldn't refute that. Harry just turned but stopped at the door of the classroom and shot back "You should really think of your future, Professor. You and I have nothing to discuss. Now, if you don't mind…I have class to get to." He smirked and shut the door leaving Umbridge to stew on the threat.
. . .
Later that evening Harry, reluctantly, met with Dolores in the Headmaster's office. The woman still looked none too pleased and Harry guessed she must have been flustered about before and what was said. Harry hadn't told Severus yet, but the man had been called away to Voldemort right before dinner time. And Harry wouldn't risk summoning him or it could blow his cover with the dark lord. In Harry's mind, however, maybe he should give Rita Skeeter an exclusive interview. As Harry entered the office, the stare the Headmaster was giving him was unnerving as well.
"Right on time, Harry." Albus smiled from his desk and Dolores was standing to the side. Minerva was also there, but Harry wasn't sure why; she wasn't his head of house anymore. "I trust you know why you're here?"
"Because one of my teachers has decided she can fail the correct work and claim I'm failing?" Harry remarked, arms folded over one another.
"What?" Minerva said quickly. "What?" She looked at Albus and Dolores. "Is this true, Potter?"
"It is, Professor McGonagall." Harry replied.
"Now, now…Let's all calm down. Minerva, my dear…I'm not sure why you're here. Harry is no longer one of your lions." Albus mentioned.
"True that may be, Albus. I know Severus was called away on important business and asked me to stand in for him, that is also one of my duties as Deputy Headmistress." Minerva informed. "Now, how about we focus on what Mr. Potter just revealed; that Professor Umbridge is purposely failing him…" Her voice was cross.
"I would never purposely fail a student!" Dolores seemed outraged at the accusation. "He never does what he's told, never completes his assignments, always showing up late…I can't even properly punish him because Severus has forbidden such." She remarked calmly.
"What's all this now?" Albus inquired gently.
"Harry's grades are stellar this year and the one he normally has trouble with is Potions. I find it very hard to believe your claim, Dolores." Minerva said. "Potter has done incredible in Defense Against the Dark Arts every year he's attended. I'm more inclined to believe one of my students over you, deary…" She added calmly. "It's my understanding that Harry wants to be an Auror and that particular class is required to be eligible for the program beyond Hogwarts."
"Mr. Potter, an Auror? I think not. He'll never get accepted with his track record of lying for his own image…"
"Says the pink nightmare who literally lied to save face on the fact she was outsmarted by her own student…" Harry muttered as Dolores glared at him.
"Watch yourself, Mr. Potter…I can give you detention." Dolores threatened.
"Do it, I dare you…You've been warned by Professor Snape and myself of the consequences to that idea…" Harry reached for his left sleeve to pull it up and Dolores stiffened. "That's what I thought. Don't fight or push me, you'll lose. Just like Voldemort…" He grinned knowing she hated when Harry said the dark lord's name.
"Harry Potter, you won't speak that way to a teacher. Now, I'm not sure what all this is about, but Severus doesn't have the authority to override me, and I say that if you deem it necessary, Dolores, you can give Harry detention." Albus spoke.
"Thank you, Albus…Regardless of all that…With these marks in my class? He'll never get accepted into that program. Please don't entertain such a hopeless dream, Minerva." Dolores commented. "As you'll see from my notes, he's not passed any assignment, quiz, or test in my class." Dolores said.
"Maybe that's because you're not teaching us what we need to know to pass!" Harry glared.
"Potter, calm yourself. I will handle it…" Minerva reassured with a hand on his shoulder. Harry huffed and stayed put.
"Professor Umbridge is very dedicated to teaching the students, and no one else is failing but you, my boy." Albus offered.
"Don't call me my boy. You are not my father, or even my godfather…" Harry said in a cold tone. "Don't make the mistake of believing something you are not to me. I am only your student, and in two more years, I won't even be that anymore. Thank Merlin…" Harry retorted.
"Albus, I regret to inform that Dolores is not dedicated to teaching the prescribed lessons for any of her classes. I've gotten multiple complaints from students in my house, even those of Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. They've also gone to Filius and Pamona. It's a defense class, and while there is some level of book work, there is the physical practice as well and from what I've heard; Dolores refuses to even allow their wands out to practice. As such, they're not learning what they need for their exams this year, which is prudent to their lives as wizards and witches in training." Minerva stated.
"I've viewed Dolores's lesson plans for the students; and approved them. Everything is there to teach them what they need to know." Albus defended. "The problem here is Mr. Potter's failures in her class. I'm afraid I agree with Professor Umbridge; Harry will never achieve his dream of becoming an Auror with these grades. I ask you not to fill his head with such hope, Minerva."
"I should have made my meaning plainer. Potter has achieved the highest marks in Defense Against the Dark Arts with a competent teacher." Minerva drawled as Harry fought laughing out and Minerva gave him a small smile and wink.
"How dare you!" Dolores got flustered.
"This is getting annoying…How about I end this unwanted and unnecessary encounter here and now. She's lying." Harry stated. "I do all my assignments in class and for homework. I never show up late to her class, my friends will vouch for all three. I also have proof she's failing my work on purpose," He pulled a folder out of his bag and held it up.
"This is every assignment we've been given since the start of fifth year. Every piece I do in class and outside of has been getting copied just for the occasion." Harry tossed it on Albus's desk. "You used to be a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, didn't you, Headmaster? Back when Tom Riddle was a student here if I remember correctly? You tell me if my work is worth failing." Harry had given a second copy to Minerva. "What do you think, Professor?"
Oh, Harry came prepared alright. He wouldn't let this bitch pull one over on him and he needed to thank Severus for giving him the idea to make copies of all his work, just for the occasion. Now, let's see who had the last laugh. They wouldn't be able to argue with hard proof.