HARRY POTTER CASTING SHADOWS: THE HIDDEN PATH CHAPTER 14 – A RALLYING CALL AND CONFRON, a harry potter fanfic

CHAPTER 14 – A RALLYING CALL AND CONFRONTATIONS

Fleur Delacour, her heart ablaze with righteous indignation, unveiled an entirely new dimension of her character to Harry. This revelation not only heightened her allure, which he had previously observed, but also uncovered a profound layer of his betrothed's personality, one he had been unaware of until that moment. The affection and respect he held for her surged to even greater depths as a result.

Although Harry had assured her the previous day that he would address Snape's transgressions with Dumbledore, it seemed Fleur retained some reservations about his intentions, perhaps even a hint of his inclination to shoulder burdens alone, as she candidly disclosed to him. As the following morning dawned, Harry entered the Gryffindor common room, only to find Fleur, her impatience palpable, seated on a nearby sofa. By her side sat Hermione, who displayed a slight sense of admiration for Fleur; it was evident that Harry's betrothed remained profoundly outraged by Snape's actions. Upon spotting him, Fleur stood up, greeted him with a concise "Good morning, Harry," and promptly clasped his hand, motioning for Hermione to join them. With unwavering determination, she effectively led them away from the Gryffindor common room, her pace reminiscent of a march, signaling her intent to confront the challenges that lay ahead.

Hermione had astutely pointed out that etiquette and proper protocol dictated that their initial appeal should be directed to their head of house rather than directly to the Headmaster. Although Fleur was undeniably eager for a reckoning with the Headmaster, demanding an explanation for the prolonged ordeal, she reluctantly concurred with Hermione's judgment. Consequently, they were en route to Professor McGonagall's office.

During the journey to their destination, Harry's thoughts drifted towards his newfound comprehension of several of Fleur's characteristics, traits he confessed to sharing himself. Firstly, he discerned that Fleur was an inherently patient witch, one who could endure a considerable amount before her anger truly flared. Nonetheless, when her ire was kindled, it was far from a mild outburst; it often resembled a spectacular pyrotechnic explosion. She embodied a passionate nature, a quality for which Harry could only be grateful, as it promised that life with her would never lack excitement.

Conversely, he also came to recognize Fleur's pronounced intolerance for bullies, gossipmongers, and those who took pleasure in the misfortune of others. She openly attributed this to the treatment she had frequently endured as a young Veela attending school, as well as the lifelong prejudice she had faced. The most reliable way to bypass her otherwise considerable patience was to expose her to someone emulating Snape's behavior—her patience generally evaporated swiftly in such instances.

Another facet that Harry had been aware of for some time but had seen abundantly demonstrated recently was Fleur's fiercely protective nature toward anyone she considered a part of her family. It became increasingly evident that Harry, and somewhat surprisingly, Hermione, now fit into that category. Since their return to school, Harry noticed that his former roommate, Seamus Finnegan, with whom he had shared a room during his first four years at Hogwarts, had grown quiet and distant in Harry's presence, though he remained his usual self with everyone else. A casual remark a few evenings earlier had exposed Seamus's belief in the Ministry's smear campaign against Harry and his suspicions about Harry's involvement in Cedric's death.

In his typical fashion, Harry was content to let Seamus hold his own beliefs, but he hadn't accounted for Fleur's protective streak. The French witch regarded Seamus with a measure of distaste before launching into a pointed and at times rather insulting lecture on how she viewed his foolishness for buying into the Prophet's false claims. Her assessment was far from concise, and it was Seamus's somewhat petulant and hasty departure that ultimately put an end to her tirade.

Given her strong character and sense of justice, it was evident that nothing would deter her pursuit of justice for Harry and Neville. That morning, she made it clear to her companions that if Dumbledore was unwilling to rein in the potions master, she would have no choice but to involve her father. Knowing Jean-Sebastian and his determination, such involvement would likely spell trouble for Snape and inevitably bring Cornelius Fudge into the fray. It was apparent that Snape's continued employment by Dumbledore was for reasons beyond his teaching abilities, and as a result, Fudge would relish the opportunity to forcefully remove one of Dumbledore's associates from the school. While this might offer Fudge another weapon to use against Dumbledore, the three friends all understood that Jean-Sebastian's top priority was the quality of education and the safety of his daughter and her betrothed.

Strangely enough, Harry found her unwavering determination to be contagious. While a part of him still whispered that he could handle the potions master on his own, the burgeoning sense of belonging to a family reassured him that there were more pressing matters to worry about than a petty, grumpy bat with a grudge. Moreover, the idea of Snape facing reprimand, along with the tantalizing prospect of Malfoy no longer having a free pass for his misdeeds, proved too irresistible to ignore. He could practically hear Malfoy's predictable retort: "When my father hears about this…"

Regrettably—or perhaps fortunately, depending on one's perspective—McGonagall conveyed her inability to take any action concerning Snape.

"Unfortunately, Mr. Potter, it seems you'll have to discuss this matter with the Headmaster," she said with a tinge of remorse. "I'm pleased to see that you're receiving sound advice from Miss Delacour and not allowing Severus to evade responsibility for his behavior any longer."

Fleur's eyes narrowed in what Harry recognized as fury, having witnessed it several times in the past day. "Professor, are you telling us that you are aware of the mistreatment Harry has endured from the potions professor?"

"Directly aware? No," came her response. "And I would appreciate it if you didn't insinuate that I would have permitted it had I known. The truth of the matter is that I've always been aware of Professor Snape's animosity toward Harry. Even if I hadn't known about his enmity toward James, I could hardly have missed the disparaging remarks he has made in my presence over the years.

"But being aware of his feelings and suspecting him of inappropriate behavior in his classroom are two entirely different matters. He has always been very cautious in my presence, not surprising, given that he knows my likely reaction," Professor McGonagall clarified.

"But what about his penchant for deducting house points and assigning detentions?" Fleur pressed on.

"He exercises great care when it comes to assigning detentions, as he knows they are subject to some scrutiny. As for house points, let me assure you that appearances can be deceiving. Nevertheless, I can guarantee that I would never permit him to manipulate the point system to a degree that would unfairly affect my house or any other," Professor McGonagall declared firmly.

With that, the three friends had to accept her response, as the deputy Headmistress declined to elaborate further. She encouraged them to promptly approach the Headmaster and address the issue with him. They correctly interpreted her words as a signal for them to leave.

A few moments later, the gargoyle stationed outside the head's office heralded their arrival to Dumbledore, who promptly granted them admission. They took their seats opposite the Headmaster's desk, and Harry couldn't help but notice Dumbledore studying them with a curious expression.

"Welcome, Harry, Miss Granger, Miss Delacour," the man greeted them with his usual composure. "I hadn't anticipated a visit to my office from all of you so early in the term. Nothing untoward has occurred with Madam Umbridge, I hope?"

Harry couldn't help but roll his eyes. "Well, unless you consider the fact that she's utterly incompetent and has no grasp of the subject matter."

"She attempted to provoke Harry into saying something she could use against him," Hermione chimed in. "But Harry remained composed and didn't give her any ammunition."

"Very commendable," Dumbledore acknowledged with a nod. "For the time being, the best course of action is to avoid her until we can figure out a way to remove her."

"I must confess to my confusion, Headmaster," Fleur admitted. "Since it's evident that the woman is woefully unqualified to teach the subject, wouldn't it be relatively straightforward to have her dismissed?"

"I have tried," Dumbledore sighed. "Regrettably, the matter is beyond my control. This law was originally established to ensure the quality of education at Hogwarts if a suitable candidate couldn't be found by the Headmaster. Typically, the appointment would be handled by the Ministry of Education. If the Headmaster disagreed with the choice, he could take the matter to the Minister and seek arbitration. Unfortunately, the law remains unchanged and is now being exploited by Minister Fudge. As he was the one who appointed Madam Umbridge, there's nothing I can do to remove her at this juncture. We need some concrete evidence against her before we can take any decisive action."

The intricate, often nonsensical nature of the magical world was something Harry had become accustomed to over time, so he opted to set aside his concerns regarding the Minister for the time being.

"If our visit is not related to Madam Umbridge, then why have you sought us out this morning?" Dumbledore inquired.

"We're here about your other issue, Professor," Fleur stated with a steady and unwavering voice.

Dumbledore raised an intrigued eyebrow at Fleur's tone. "Have you encountered any problems with a professor, Miss Delacour?"

"No, but Harry has, and it appears to have been ongoing for a while," Fleur replied.

The Headmaster's gaze shifted to Harry. "Mr. Potter?"

With a calm demeanor, Harry recounted the events of the previous day's potions class, presenting the facts with minimal embellishment.

At the conclusion of Harry's narrative, Dumbledore leaned back in his chair and fixed a stern gaze upon him. "You're saying that this isn't the first instance of Professor Snape behaving in such a manner?"

"He has always had it in for Harry, sir," Hermione remarked. "It's as though he has a talent for conveniently showing up at the wrong time to catch Harry in a situation he shouldn't be in, while conveniently missing what Malfoy or others may have done to incite it. In fact, it's happened more than a few times, and it's hardly a coincidence."

"To the best of your knowledge, has the professor ever given you unfair grades?"

Harry furrowed his brow, as he hadn't really considered this aspect of the matter, but Fleur seemed to have it on her mind.

"I'm not entirely sure, sir," he replied slowly. "I've always known that Professor Snape doesn't like me, but I never thought to question the grades he assigned me. How would I know if a potion he graded as 'Acceptable' should have actually been 'Exceeds Expectations'?"

"How indeed," Dumbledore rhetorically replied. He then turned his attention to Hermione. "And you, Miss Granger? It's widely acknowledged that you've demonstrated a significant degree of skill in potions class. Have you observed anything concerning Harry's grades?"

Hermione seemed somewhat uncomfortable with the question but attempted to provide an answer. "I'm not entirely certain either, Headmaster. I believe Harry's potions have been graded fairly, although Professor Snape hasn't been as helpful to Harry as he should have been in terms of guidance."

Dumbledore motioned for her to continue.

"Well," Hermione explained slowly, "for instance, sometimes when Harry makes a mistake, the professor vanishes his potion. He's not exactly gentle about it either, often calling Harry stupid or claiming that he observed Harry executing the steps in the wrong order. Shouldn't he be correcting Harry if he notices a mistake, rather than just awarding a failing grade?"

With a sigh, Dumbledore nodded. "Indeed, Miss Granger, he should. Have you witnessed Professor Snape displaying this behavior towards anyone else?"

"He does seem to have a certain level of disdain for Neville as well, but to some extent, he is tough on all Gryffindors and tends to favor his own house. I understand that there will always be some bias towards one's own house, Headmaster, but Snape goes far beyond what's acceptable. He deducted points from me for being an 'insufferable know-it-all,' and in Harry's first-ever potions lesson, he asked questions that were clearly beyond what a first-year should know. When Harry couldn't answer, he took away points."

"Is there a process for appealing unfair detentions and point deductions, sir?" Fleur inquired.

Dumbledore offered a smile and replied, "Indeed there is, and you've just invoked it."

"In that case, sir, it might be beneficial if it were more clearly communicated," Hermione said somewhat tentatively. "I had no idea it existed."

"I believe you are correct, Miss Granger. I shall discuss the matter with Professor McGonagall."

"As for Professor Snape," Dumbledore continued, "I am certainly aware of his animosity toward you, Mr. Potter. While I know the reason behind his enmity, it is not my place to elaborate on the matter at this time. I assume that Sirius has provided you with at least some explanation?"

Upon Harry's nod, Dumbledore continued, "Very well then. As I was saying, I was aware of his issues with you, but since you never approached me about his behavior, I assumed it had not reached inappropriate levels."

"You mean you didn't know about his treatment of Harry?" Fleur inquired.

Dumbledore offered a smile. "Contrary to common belief, Miss Delacour, I do not possess knowledge of every event that transpires within this school, nor do I strive for such omnipotence. While I endeavor to stay informed about the major issues at Hogwarts, the school's management, along with my other responsibilities, precludes me from becoming an all-knowing presence. At a certain point, I must rely on information provided by others, and I trust my professors to apprise me if anything is awry."

Leaning back in his chair, the Headmaster appeared to be contemplating something. When he spoke, it seemed as if he were thinking aloud rather than addressing them directly. "Perhaps that is my most significant failing—the inclination to place trust in others, even when they do not merit it, or when they excel at concealing their actions from cursory examination. Perhaps taking a more active role might help mitigate this issue."

Dumbledore fell into silence for several more moments before redirecting his attention to the students. "Thank you for bringing this matter to my attention, Harry. You can be certain that I will have a conversation with Professor Snape regarding this."

"Thank you, sir," Harry responded.

"Forgive my interjection, Headmaster," Fleur interjected with a stern expression, "but I'm worried about how Professor Snape might treat me solely due to my association with Harry. Furthermore, with all due respect, the professor's conduct is undermining the quality of education at this institution and impacting the future of many students who will graduate from here. I won't delve into the way he's making a mockery of the house points system. I don't want to overstep, but hasn't he demonstrated himself to be unsuitable for his position?"

Dumbledore regarded Fleur with a calm demeanor, and while she appeared somewhat uneasy under his gaze, she maintained her composure and met his eyes without flinching.

"You deserve praise for your concern, Miss Delacour. However, I don't believe the situation is as dire as you seem to believe."

Turning to Harry and Hermione, Dumbledore inquired, "How would you rate Professor Snape's knowledge and teaching abilities?"

Although somewhat uneasy, Harry spoke up, "He can be unpleasant, even a real git at times, but he's undoubtedly a master potion brewer, sir. When he does take the effort to explain, he does so effectively."

"Miss Granger?"

"I would echo Harry's sentiments, sir."

"Very well," Dumbledore acknowledged. "I share the same view. I have always known Professor Snape to be a brilliant brewer, and I understand that while his teaching style may be gruff, demanding, and exacting, it is effective. The exception to this, as we've already discussed in detail, is the need for him to take a more proactive role in correcting his students before they make mistakes, if he has the opportunity to do so.

"However," he continued, casting a stern look at all of them, "I assure you that the questions I posed regarding Professor Snape's behavior were not idle conversation. The integrity of the educational process is a shared responsibility, involving both the professor and the students. The professor must teach the subject matter, assist the students in achieving their potential, and grade their work fairly and accurately. Conversely, the students must listen to their teachers, give their best effort, and submit work to the best of their ability. In your case, Harry, it's clear that Professor Snape hasn't fulfilled his end of the equation to the standard I expect. While his classroom conduct may not be entirely appropriate, it has not reached an egregious level. However, I want to emphasize that if there had been any suspicion of unfair grading—beyond failing to offer guidance before a student fails—I would have dealt with the professor much more severely. As the Headmaster of this school, I must regard the deliberate act of grading assignments unfairly as a serious violation of the educational process. I believe he needs to be held accountable and instructed in the proper way to treat his students, but based on the information you've provided, I don't think he has crossed that significant threshold. Am I correct?"

Harry, with Hermione's support, reluctantly concurred that Dumbledore had a point. However, Harry couldn't help but add, "I'm not certain he'll ever treat me fairly."

"I understand your sentiment, Harry. But can you claim to be entirely free of bias yourself? We are all influenced by our perceptions and, indeed, our experiences. While I won't divulge more about Professor Snape's history, I can tell you that certain events from his past have left an impact on him. However, it is not a requirement of his position to like all his students; the key is to instruct them effectively and treat them impartially. Given that I believe, for the most part, he has upheld the obligation to teach the subject, though with a need for greater professionalism and personal care, I will focus on ensuring he treats you fairly and insist on necessary changes."

"And if he refuses to comply?" Fleur asked, her tone and demeanor still somewhat confrontational.

"If that were to transpire, Miss Delacour, rest assured that I will take the appropriate actions.

"As for your other concerns, I can inform you that since Professor Snape started teaching at Hogwarts, the institution has not faced a shortage of competent potions graduates. While many may openly admit that they don't like him, very few have complained about his knowledge and teaching abilities. Regarding your apprehensions about the points system, I can assure you that I have it well under control."

Harry gazed at his Headmaster with curiosity, but no further explanation seemed to be forthcoming.

Dumbledore's countenance took on a stern aspect as he continued, "I appreciate your willingness to bring your concerns to my attention. However, I would expect that, in the future, you approach such matters with a bit more discretion and less... confrontational tone."

It was evident that this last remark was primarily aimed at Fleur, but to Harry's observation, Fleur appeared far from apologetic for the way she had addressed the Headmaster. Her following words made her stance unmistakably clear.

"Thank you for listening to us, Headmaster," Fleur began, "I apologize for the manner in which I spoke, but I don't apologize for what I said. We truly appreciate your support in this matter and hope that it can be resolved without involving my father, who, as you know, is now Harry's guardian. I'm sure you're aware that my father wouldn't be as restrained in expressing his sentiments."

Dumbledore nodded in understanding of Fleur's intended message. "I understand, and I thank you for bringing this to my attention. I will address the matter with Professor Snape personally."

With that, the conversation came to an end. While Harry may have preferred to see Snape unceremoniously ousted from Hogwarts, he couldn't fault Dumbledore for his words and perspective on the issue. As long as Snape ceased his antagonistic behavior, he would be content.

Leaving Dumbledore's office, the three friends made their way to the Great Hall for breakfast, maintaining a mostly silent atmosphere. There was much to contemplate.

It turned out that it was the following day, after dinner, when Albus summoned the potions master into his office for the conversation he knew Severus would not take kindly to. In preparation for the impending confrontation, Dumbledore had investigated the previous day's incident in the potions class, not because he doubted the Gryffindors' claims, but to verify the precise course of events from various sources, should Severus inquire. Unfortunately, he was well aware of how the discussion would unfold—Severus would counter with a disparaging remark about Harry's arrogance, immediately dismissing any allegations against him. It was the man's standard approach, after all.

In truth, it was a straightforward matter. Though he was the Headmaster, Dumbledore had always sought to be accessible to the student body, aiming to be approachable. With a few discreet comments to get the right students pondering the subject he wanted to investigate further, and a touch of passive Legilimency, he had gathered all the information he needed. He even managed to involve a couple of Slytherin fifth years in his inquiries, information that he could reserve should Severus prove uncooperative, although Albus did not anticipate any other response. Fortunately, passive Legilimency was not illegal, although it was discouraged. It was not something Dumbledore practiced frequently, despite his considerable skill in it, but it served as a rapid way to uncover the truth when he either could not or did not want to initiate a formal investigation. Thankfully, it only revealed active and surface thoughts; to access memories, one would need to employ active Legilimency with the appropriate incantation, and Dumbledore was unsure if he could handle the contents he would find in an adolescent's mind. Memories of his own youth were more than enough for him.

Leaving Dumbledore's office, the three friends made their way to the Great Hall for breakfast, maintaining a mostly silent atmosphere. There was much to contemplate.

Despite the benefits Severus Snape brought to his position, one could not overlook the fact that Albus Dumbledore had knowingly and willingly unleashed the man on the student population. Contrary to what he had stated earlier to Harry and his friends, Dumbledore was well aware that although those who graduated with a Potions NEWT were exceptionally well-educated in the subject, for Severus was undoubtedly a gifted teacher when he chose to be, there were many students who could not bear the thought of spending an additional two NEWT years after the already grueling five they had to endure. This had certainly impacted their society, as fewer Potions NEWT graduates meant that certain opportunities had been closed off to those students who might have pursued their NEWTs if Severus were not the Hogwarts Potions professor. Those who did undertake self-study for their NEWT studies, naturally did so at a slower pace and likely obtained their NEWTs with a less precise understanding of the subject than they would have had if they were taught by a true master of the profession.

Regarding Severus's insistence that he would only accept students who scored an Outstanding on their Potions OWL, Dumbledore scoffed at the idea. The man possessed a certain arrogant conceit to try to defy international standards, which declared that anyone with a passing grade in an OWL subject was eligible to continue to NEWT level studies. Despite Severus's bluster and protests, the fact of the matter was that Dumbledore had always made the real standards clear and ensured that Severus accepted those who met those standards, whether he liked it or not.

Dumbledore was fully aware that he was taking on a significant burden with his decision to retain Severus in his position. Some might argue that the harm he caused far outweighed the benefits of keeping Severus as an inner circle member of Voldemort's retinue. In all honesty, Dumbledore couldn't help but agree, especially when he had to deal with situations like Harry's.

The thing that always prevented Albus Dumbledore from severing all ties with Severus Snape and sending him on his way was the vital role Severus played. Voldemort was an imminent threat, and to defeat him, Albus knew that every weapon in his arsenal must be employed to its greatest effect. Otherwise, if the unthinkable were to happen and Voldemort should triumph, it could usher in a dark age of unparalleled magnitude, potentially lasting for centuries and extending to all corners of the world. In light of such fears, concerns about the number of Potions NEWT graduates seemed like a relatively insignificant consideration.

As Severus finally sat across the desk from him, Albus considered the man before him. He was a petty, immature bully, but his greatest shortcoming when it came to Harry Potter was his inability to separate the boy from the boy's father.

Severus likely knew why he was summoned already; there had been no other overt incidents in any of his classes to Albus's knowledge. His face was already set in his customary sneer, and Albus knew there would be a certain level of acrimony in the coming discussion. With Harry as the subject, it could not proceed in any other manner.

"I suspect you know why I have called you into my office today, Severus," Albus began without any preamble. With Severus, it was always best to be blunt and straightforward.

"The Potter brat has complained again, no doubt," drawled the potions master with a sniff of disdain.

This was precisely the kind of attitude that called Severus's usefulness into question, and Albus was determined to address it.

"Again?" Albus inquired gently. "Are you suggesting Mr. Potter has lodged complaints before?"

A roll of the eyes met Albus's question. "Undoubtedly. The boy is as arrogant and spoiled as his father was."

Albus shook his head. "And that is where you are mistaken, Severus. Mr. Potter has never previously complained about your behavior, although I believe there are likely many instances in the past where he should have."

"So, I assume you've taken the brat's side, and I am here to be reprimanded."

"Indeed you are, but I would like to remind you that I am not ignorant, Severus. I am well aware of what transpired in your Potions class two days ago, and his account has been confirmed by several students from both houses."

"Who did you talk to in Slytherin?" he demanded, instantly infuriated that one of his own house members would betray him for a mere Gryffindor. It was Severus's second failing—an overpowering loyalty to his own house, coupled with an almost pathological hatred for anything in red and gold.

"You know I have ways to ascertain the truth, Severus. I am well aware that Mr. Malfoy initiated the first hex. Mr. Potter defended himself and then responded in kind. I should also mention that Mr. Potter's response was rather moderate—a simple stinging hex."

Snape pretended to be casually uninformed. "If that is indeed the case, Headmaster, then I was not aware of it. I witnessed Potter casting a hex on one of my house members, and I issued the appropriate punishments."

"Do not underestimate my intelligence, Severus," Albus retorted, his frustration mounting in response to the potions master's ongoing defiance. "I strongly suspect that you were waiting outside the Potions classroom for an incident to occur, as it frequently does between those two—especially given how you tend to turn a blind eye to Mr. Malfoy's actions. Nevertheless, a bit of investigation—similar to what I conducted, I might add—would have revealed the true sequence of events. Once again, your arrogance and your animosity towards that boy have clouded your judgment."

Snape reclined in his chair with a negligent and insolent air. "Rest assured, Headmaster, that Potter is more than capable of finding trouble for himself without any assistance from me. He is just like his father, a conceited, rule-breaking troublemaker."

Albus leaned back in his chair, removed his glasses, and rubbed his nose in frustration. Severus appeared utterly blind to what was evident to anyone who met Harry or knew his parents. It was vexing, and although Albus felt obligated to make the effort, he knew that Severus would stubbornly resist reason.

"It truly boggles my mind, Severus," he began after a moment, "how such a brilliant man can be so blinded to something that is evident to everyone else. You must move beyond this. You cannot continue to direct your festering resentment of James onto his son."

"Perhaps I see things more clearly than others," Severus grumbled.

"Not when you persist in drawing comparisons between Harry and James. The truth is that Harry is nothing like James. He lacks the arrogance—which, even you must acknowledge, James outgrew as he matured—and he does not possess James's carefree attitude."

"In fact," Albus continued, "if you were to scrutinize the matter closely, you would recognize that Harry is more akin to his mother than his father, apart from his striking physical resemblance to James."

Snape retorted with a roll of his eyes, "Oh yes, Potter is just like his mother. Lily excelled in every subject and was the most intelligent witch I have ever encountered. Her son struggles to achieve acceptable grades and lacks any of the talent for potions that his mother possessed."

"I believe Mr. Potter has faced some unique challenges that have affected his academic performance over the years. You will likely be surprised to witness his overall improvement this year, Severus."

"Surprised would be an understatement," Snape responded dismissively. "I would be nothing short of astonished if the boy were to somehow acquire the intelligence to match his arrogance."

Albus's anger, always slow to ignite, was beginning to smolder. This was precisely why he wished he didn't have to retain Snape on the staff and protect him from his own actions. Snape was rigid and unwilling to learn or admit when he might be mistaken. As the conversation progressed, it was becoming increasingly challenging for Albus to maintain his composure, but he restrained himself from delivering a harsh retort, opting instead to address the former Death Eater in a more measured manner.

"That's enough, Severus," he reprimanded sternly. "I won't tolerate any further disparaging comments about Harry, or any student for that matter. Had it been anyone else, you would have lost your position long ago."

Severus raised an inquisitive eyebrow, feigning ignorance. "I'm sorry, Albus. I'm not sure I understand what you're referring to."

"Let's not pretend, Severus. You are not blind or ignorant. Mr. Potter has had to learn to fend for himself due to his neglectful upbringing by his aunt and uncle. Any other student would have reported your behavior to their guardian or parents the first time you treated them the way you treat Mr. Potter on a daily basis. The first complaint would have resulted in a formal reprimand permanently on your record. The second might very well have led to your dismissal."

Albus continued, preempting any response Severus might have had. "Moreover, I want you to understand that the special treatment you've received from Mr. Potter has come to an end. You must be aware that Monsieur Delacour is now Harry's legal guardian. Believe me when I say that Jean-Sebastian is not someone to be trifled with."

"So, you're telling me to coddle the boy like everyone else in this institution does?" Severus sneered.

Albus glared at Severus, locking eyes with him until the potions master averted his gaze. This conversation, more intense than any they had had regarding Harry before, was long overdue. It was time for Severus to realize that his behavior and continuous belittling of the young man would no longer be tolerated.

"I am not sure how you perceive that Mr. Potter is receiving special treatment, but I assure you that he is treated no differently than any other student—exactly as I expect you to treat him.

"As for his guardian, Mr. Potter and Miss Delacour have conveyed to me that they have not informed Jean-Sebastian about the events in your potions class, nor do they intend to do so. However, they have made it abundantly clear that continued unfair treatment will prompt them to involve her father, and I would neither blame them nor hinder their decision if they deem it necessary. I don't need to clarify how detrimental that would be to your ongoing position here. Once I am unable to shield you, your only alternative would be rejoining Voldemort. You are well aware of the consequences of that."

A grimace was Snape's sole reaction. Albus considered it a sign that he had finally broken through to the man, if only by intimidating him into adhering to proper conduct. He didn't for a moment believe that Severus genuinely accepted what Albus had told him about Harry. As long as he behaved properly, Albus was indifferent to altering his beliefs. Like he had told the students the day before, a professor didn't need to like his students; he just needed to treat them fairly. At this point, Albus would take any progress he could get.

"Seems I have no choice, Headmaster," the man finally muttered, his response a blend of sulky and indifferent.

"Indeed, you do not," Albus concurred. "I would hope that you'd agree to act with professionalism and decorum because it's the right thing to do, but for now, I'll settle for your compliance due to your lack of alternatives."

Severus nodded again, the usual sneer replaced by an air of resignation. He seemed to understand that Albus was serious about this matter, and he had no other option but to comply.

"Very well, Severus. I trust that your fairness and impartiality will remain intact, and that the educational process will be preserved. Regarding your teaching style, I insist only on a more proactive approach in assisting your students—no more vanishing potions or berating them after they've made a mistake."

Again, Severus nodded, though a trace of anger lingered in his demeanor.

"Now, concerning the details of the altercation," Albus continued, observing the darkening expression on the potions master's face, "as I mentioned, I have examined the incident with several of the students present. It has become evident that not only did Mr. Malfoy and his companions provoke the confrontation through taunts, but that he initiated the first hex. Therefore, I am hereby reversing Mr. Potter's points deduction and detention, and transferring both of them to Mr. Malfoy. You can relay to young Draco that he will serve his detention with Mr. Filch tomorrow evening."

Severus nodded one final time, accepting this decision with no further resistance, and he didn't utter a word in protest. It seemed that Albus had finally conveyed the gravity of the situation to him.

Severus, though he seemed to want to argue or protest, wisely chose to remain silent.

Albus shook his head slightly and fixed a stern gaze on the potions master. "Severus, I understand that this may not be to your liking, but it's a reality we must face. In particular, I would appreciate your cooperation in working with Mr. Malfoy. Until now, the young man has been allowed to behave without consequences. He needs to understand that certain behaviors come with repercussions, or he may very well turn out to be just like his father.

"Moreover, I expect to see a noticeable improvement in your behavior not only toward Mr. Potter but to all students who are not part of your house. I hope I won't have to do it, but I'm prepared to review every punishment and reward you administer if it becomes necessary."

Severus appeared a bit disconcerted, but Albus couldn't help but conceal a smirk internally. Over the years, Severus believed he could easily get away with adjusting points, while detentions were subject to more scrutiny. As a result, he doled out point deductions with abandon, although typically, the detentions he assigned were warranted.

What Severus was unaware of was that Albus already reviewed every modification of house points made by the man, regardless of the student involved. A detailed record was created of every reward or punishment meted out by every professor, head student, and prefect. Only the Headmaster and Deputy had access to these records. That was why professors were required to document each point modification or detention, along with the reason for it. Albus spent time every evening meticulously going through these records, silently rectifying any unjust or blatant deductions, leaving Severus blissfully ignorant that his ill-gotten points had been restored. This action had been deemed necessary, as Severus alone could turn the House Cup into a farce, ensuring his Slytherins won it year after year by a significant margin. Albus had never disclosed this practice to anyone, not even McGonagall, although he suspected she was aware of it.

"I hope that this discussion has been clear, Severus," Albus continued after a moment of watching the man mull over the issues in his mind. "I would prefer not to have to repeat it, especially if Mr. Potter's guardian were to become involved."

Severus nodded curtly, then pushed himself to his feet. "I will endeavor to adjust my behavior, Headmaster. Now, if you will excuse me, I believe it's time for me to retire."

Without saying another word, Severus spun on his heel and briskly left the room, his cloak billowing behind him. Sighing, Albus reached for his candy dish and popped a lemon drop into his mouth, savoring the sweet and tart flavor. In truth, he had little faith that Severus would change in any substantial way. Perhaps he would momentarily curb his natural unpleasantness, but Albus knew that he was simply incapable of altering his deep-seated beliefs. Severus would modify his behavior for a brief period, but eventually, his animosities and grievances would resurface, and he would revert to his former insufferable self, with all the changes forgotten. Albus had witnessed this pattern before, and he was uncertain how many more times Severus could endure the cycle.

The remainder of the week passed uneventfully. Fleur's potions class with Professor Snape was remarkable in its complete absence of any behavior resembling the man's typical demeanor. In fact, had Fleur not been aware of the reasons behind his altered attitude, she might have been surprised, even suspicious of her friends for misleading her with their tales of Snape's lessons. However, aside from the one occasion when she asked a question, not out of a lack of knowledge but more from her curiosity about his reaction, Snape entirely avoided her and almost ignored her existence. The man exuded an air of sourness despite his tight control over his emotions, which left Fleur relieved. She had no desire for more personal interaction with him than the lessons absolutely required.

Defense Against the Dark Arts class was the next significant event of the week, and despite having heard stories from her friends about Professor Umbridge's inability to comprehend the subject, let alone teach it, the woman's behavior was something Fleur had not anticipated.

It became evident that Harry Potter was at the top of Umbridge's list of targets. While she could be unpleasant at times to certain students due to her well-known biases, Harry appeared to be the sole focus of her open provocation, as far as they could tell. Fleur had entered the classroom with the expectation that she might be on the receiving end of the woman's disdain due to her Veela heritage.

However, apart from a brief narrowing of the eyes and a haughty sniff when Umbridge first laid eyes on her, the woman treated Fleur much like Snape had: complete indifference. After some consideration, Fleur concluded that either Dumbledore had cautioned Umbridge against overtly inappropriate behavior or Umbridge had decided that Fleur was irrelevant to her plans. The disconcerting part of this revelation was that Harry was undoubtedly a key component of Umbridge's schemes, and Fleur was unable to be in the same class with him.

Fleur found herself in the company of her fellow seventh-year Gryffindors as they returned from the afternoon Defense Against the Dark Arts class. It was apparent from the outset that this year's Defense class was an exercise in futility. As Harry and Hermione had warned, Umbridge was providing no substantial instruction, had a tenuous grasp of the textbook content, and had no intention of permitting the use of wands throughout the year. Fleur realized that this situation presented a challenge. While she was undoubtedly competent in defense, she wasn't a prodigy like Harry, and she was concerned about her ability to pass her NEWT without proper spell practice, which seemed unlikely in Umbridge's class.

After leaving Defense class, Fleur joined her fellow seventh-year Gryffindors and found some fifth years lounging in the common room. Hermione, as expected, was engrossed in her studies, with Harry and Neville working diligently on their assignments. Ron, on the other hand, looked decidedly bored. Fleur couldn't help but shake her head; Ron was a loyal friend, but his aversion to homework was well-known. It was quite a feat that Hermione had persuaded him to work on assignments due the following week.

Feeling the frustration of the day's Defense class, Fleur slumped onto a nearby sofa and groaned.

Harry couldn't help but smirk. "Enjoy your time with Professor Umbridge?"

Fleur's tone was filled with sarcasm as she responded, "Oh, immensely. Umbridge is a beacon of intelligence and knowledge, and she clearly has our best interests at heart. I'm absolutely certain I'll be learning..." she paused for effect, "...absolutely nothing that will be of any use for passing my Defense NEWT!"

Her declaration was met with a burst of laughter, as her initial tone of innocent reverence had turned into a cold display of disdain.

Harry responded to Fleur's sarcastic statement with a wide-eyed expression of astonishment. "But Fleur, Professor Umbridge said that we'd get enough theoretical knowledge in her class that we'd have no problem with our tests."

He then proceeded to imitate Umbridge's breathy voice, drawing another round of laughter from those who could hear the exchange.

Fleur chuckled. "Ah, but not everyone can be Harry Potter."

Harry mock-glared at Fleur and Ron in turn. "Alright, enough of that already! I think I owe you for that comment, Ron."

Ron's response was a cheeky grin.

Hermione chimed in, acknowledging Fleur's concerns. "But Fleur's right. How are we supposed to pass our OWLs with Umbridge teaching us nothing and not even allowing us to use our wands? Even Harry, I think, would admit to needing at least a few times to practice the spells we'll be quizzed on."

Harry shrugged. "We'll do what we always do, Hermione. It's no different from our first year with the stuttering idiot or the second year with the fraud. Need I go on?"

The others nodded, understanding Harry's point. They had faced questionable Defense Against the Dark Arts instructors before, and they had always found ways to learn the necessary material through self-study and practical application.

Hermione expressed her concerns, her voice taking on an almost whining tone. "But this is different, Harry. We have OWLs this year, and those test scores will affect our future schooling."

Fleur chimed in teasingly, "Is this how it always is?"

The room filled with smattered chuckles, and students exchanged amused glances.

Harry launched into an explanation. "Well, for starters, there was Professor Quirrel in our first year. He not only stuttered so badly that you couldn't understand him, but he also had Voldemort hitching a ride on the back of his head."

"Yeah, then there was the fraud, Gilderoy The-Only-Spell-I-Can-Cast-Is-An-Obliviate Lockhart," Ron added. "The moron couldn't cast anything properly, and to top it off, he tried to off us and take credit for killing the basilisk for his latest work of fiction."

Neville offered his thoughts. "And how about the disguised Death Eater from last year? Although I will admit that Crouch was actually a decent teacher—at least he knew his stuff."

One of the twins couldn't resist chiming in, "That's nothing."

"Yeah, in our first year, our Defense professor didn't even last until Halloween," the other twin added.

Angelina rolled her eyes. "And her replacement didn't make it past the end of the year himself."

Harry chimed in, "There you have it, Fleur. Defense has always been a problem, as the Headmaster said. Only once in my time at Hogwarts has the professor been competent and on our side."

Fleur questioned, "Then how have you managed up until now?"

Harry replied, "We've had to fend for ourselves. We used the textbooks—when they weren't Lockhart's fiction, anyway—and practiced on our own."

"But that's not going to happen this year," Hermione argued. "Not with Umbridge watching us like a hawk."

"Perhaps there is a way around it?" Fleur suggested. "We learned some things from Auror Moody this summer. Is there a way for us to get some more books and practice on our own?"

Hermione pondered this idea. "We'd have to make sure it doesn't get back to Umbridge."

Ron asked, "Would Dumbledore support us?"

Hermione nodded in agreement. "I think Fleur's suggestion of finding additional resources and practicing on our own is a good idea. We might need to reach out to other sources, perhaps visit the library, and search for books on Defense that can aid us. As for Dumbledore, we'll need to be cautious and not involve him directly. It's not worth risking his position."

The students spent some time discussing their plan to independently study and practice Defense Against the Dark Arts. They would need to be discreet and resourceful to ensure Umbridge didn't catch wind of their efforts. It was clear that they were determined to find a solution, even if it meant overcoming the challenges posed by their new, unhelpful professor.

As they continued to talk and plan, Fleur felt a sense of unity and camaraderie among her friends. They might not have the ideal teacher, but they had each other, and that, in her opinion, was a strength that could overcome almost any obstacle.

Welcome to PEVERELL_LEGACY on P.A.T.R.E.O.N . This is where the magic happens, where stories come to life, and where you get the first glimpse of what's next.

FOR SUPPORT AND EARLY ACCESS TO NEW CHAPTERS JOIN US ON P.A.T.R.E.O.N. PEVERELL_LEGACY

NOTE: I WILL PUBLIC NEXT UPDATE OF STORIES ON P.A.T.R.E.O.N A DAY BEFORE RELEASING ON FANFICTION AND AO3 YOU CAN JOIN P.A.T.R.E.O.N. FOR FREE TO READ A DAY EARLY.