[a/n-1]Guess the polarbear20000 explanation also covers why readership has plummeted so deep. I'd love to have all my other fans back. And to know what others are posting, I've got nothing to comment on. Glad to see Ginnylove9990 back from ffnet exile, too. Sorry it's not just me.

[a/n0]Yes, about halfway through writing, I realized the HHr conspiracy ran the risk of a future Voldie. That's for a '20 years later' thing. I don't get Gumbo Slice reference, all a search produced was soup pictures. My image for Dean's dad came from the apartment manager in Coming to America.

[a/n]A Guest request; though with a twist I'm going for points offered while doing the opposite of the conditional.

Harry Does Different DIVc

No Occlumency

"What is it with you, Ron?" Harry was pinching his nose "At least the bloody Snape headaches have ended. Does nothing about the Weasley-chess ones. I know, even I can see it, mate in four."

To that, the redhead blinked in some surprise "Five actually, unless you see something I'm missing."

That was when the main door opened. Many young witches and wizards, particularly the junior years, made an effort to straighten up at the arrival of their Head of House. Older ones, feeling no reason to hide anything, didn't necessarily look up. The troublemaking twins knew better than to act anything other than natural. Professor McGonagall briefly glanced around , not bothering with a comment about the scene, she announced "Mr. Potter, my office, please."

"Oooh Harry! You did it now!" one of the Weasley twins said in a mock-menace tone.

Their Head glared almost straight down at the speaker "Not this time. Mr. Weasley. And just as a token, one point to Mr. Potter." She gave a follow me gesture and the door opened as she moved that way.

Getting a point put Harry at ease, after his Head took her seat at the desk he sat across from her and casually asked "What can I do for you, Professor?"

"This is somewhat late, I realize, but I wish to commend you, Mr. Potter." She was smiling "As it did not happen during the term, I cannot award points. But then, in a school setting, your behavior toward the Headmaster would have lost points. As may be, my friend Amelia sent a glowing report of your handling of your own defense. Shows me you can pay attention, at least when motivated."

Allowing the criticism to roll off, he smiled "Thanks Professor, being recognized as a legal adult has been mostly a positive. But, I admit, some problems have come with it. And, sorry, Amelia? I didn't meet anyone at the hearing."

"As I said, old friend, Amelia Bones." McGonagall went on to explain "Though, among your peers, is Susan Bones."

The boy gave a blank look "Sorry, who?"

"I beg your pardon?" the professor was gob-smacked "While staff does not keep up with the intermingling of students. I should have thought all of you would be quite aware of each other. Particularly same years. Given the sharing of classes. Miss Bones, in particular, has been in all of your Potions classes."

Harry shrugged at that "Wouldn't know. Never look up in there. Five points for breathing too loud, Potter! Your fault for Longbottom's mistakes! Do Malfoy's work for him or detention! Snape's been on me since day one."

"Well, a convenient, if inappropriate segue to a problem I've been tasked with bringing to your attention." McGonagall sighed, changing gears "Professor Dumbledore has asked me to remind you of your remedial Potions sessions with Professor Snape. Apparently, you have been neglecting them, to the detriment of your education."

Rolling his eyes, Harry sighed "So that's what this is about. The whole tutor thing is a lie. Snape doesn't teach, even in class. Just yells at us. Professor, you seem to know everything about everyone. Do you know my year-end Potions grades? Exceeds; First, Second and Fourth. Outstanding; Third. Sound remedial to you?"

"I would appreciate a proper tone of respect for a professor." She was not asking a favor.

He did not acknowledge it, querying "Have you heard of Occlumency? That's what I been supposedly learning while having to make myself look stupid."

"I know the art. Enough to teach to another? No." her answer was rather evasive "THAT is highly specialized. The topic is introduced to Defense NEWT candidates. In anticipation of Auror recruitment. As a matter of fact, it is not even mandatory within the Corps."

The answer wasn't much to Harry's liking "I see. So how come I don't even know WHY it's expected of a ickle Fifth? AND is Snape qualified to teach it? Something I hadn't thought of. Til now anyway."

"Professor Snape is a Hogwarts teacher." She said it as a reflex.

He shrugged "Strict or fun, we know the good ones from the bad. But, never mind, the Headmaster told me I need to learn something years above my grade. Well, I was in a contest meant for Seventh Years. Fine. WHY? As for teaching, all I learned is how to goto Madam Pomfrey for headache potions. And lie about how smart I am. Actually already knew that from the Dursleys. Well, no more of that. And no more Snape firing Legilimens at me."

"Mr. Potter, I would ask that you exercise self-restraint in this." Inwardly she was seething, but had to act in what she saw was the best interest of the school as a whole.

Harry got to his feet, he was done "Professor, you can have all the time you want to do whatever you want. Snape and Dumbledore? Both their time is up. I'm telling all, at breakfast. Loud. Tomorrow." He did not wait for, or request, to be dismissed.