CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE –
Rage, Anger and Justice
Last Time on Quantum Leap...
"No." Harry said firmly. "I won't let this happen." He looked up, summoning every inch of magic, before fixing Dumbledore in a glare. "If you hadn't gotten in our way, Dumbledore, I could have stopped this." He pointed at the old man, his hand beginning to glow an oh-so-familiar green. The green of an Avada Kedavra...
Harry suddenly looked down at Hermione, pressing his glowing green hands against her now-rock solid stomach. The magic in his hands began to pulse as it passed from Harry into Hermione.
"What are you doing?" Dumbledore asked, shaken by the rage, by the pain, by the hatred he'd seen in Harry's eyes for that moment. For just a second, he didn't see Harry Potter, the 'Boy-Who-Lived'. He saw another former student, who'd embraced the darkness like a lover and been corrupted utterly.
Is it too late to save the boy from the fate of Voldemort? He asked himself. Have I already failed?
Harry didn't bother dealing with Dumbledore's foolishness at the moment. He was concentrating on the most important thing on the entire planet: Hermione. His Hermione. He was feeding all his raw power, which was considerably more than anyone else at Hogwarts, with the possible (unlikely) exception of Dumbledore, could command, directly into her body, attempting to reject the magic that was holding the Petrification.
Come on... come on! Harry roared mentally.
"Harry, step away." Dumbledore said firmly, gathering his wits. "We shall take her to Madam Pomfrey. I'm sure there is more of the mandrake draught available. If not, Professor Sprout's mandrakes should be ready within the next two months."
Luna couldn't help herself; she sniggered. When the others began to look at her oddly, she shook her head. "He will not live two months without Hermione, Headmaster. Two hours is too long." Her eyes began to glow as she stepped behind Harry, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"I give of myself." She said softly, channelling all the magic she could spare into her hand, so that it could flow into the fallen girl. Harry felt the boost in power, less than a tenth of his own, but he appreciated the gesture.
"Thank.. you..." He gasped, channelling the extra into Hermione. Underneath his hands, he could feel the battle that was taking place in Hermione's body. His magic, attempting to force the ancient and powerful magic of the basilisk out.
Neville glanced at Blaise, who nodded, stepping behind Harry, and placing their hands on his other shoulder and back respectively. "We give of ourselves." They intoned, copying Luna and forcing power into Harry's body, where it flowed into Hermione.
Susan and Padma glanced at each other and nodded, before stepping behind Blaise and Neville, and sending their power into the lads to forward on to Harry. "We give of ourselves."
Dumbledore watched in shock and awe as Harry wielded the power of six witches and wizards. He knew the Muggle axiom of 'power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely', and having five additional cores feeding into his own would undoubtedly make him feel invulnerable.
"Not... enough..." Harry gasped, feeling the power pouring through him. Harry's thoughts regarding all that energy as his to command was radically different from Dumbledore's. He hated it. Every nerve felt like it was on fire, but even that wasn't enough to stop him trying to help Hermione.
"I call on the power of all those combined!" Gathering his strength, he thrust one arm up to the ceiling. "Arx, I need you!"
I am there, young Heir. I give of myself to help your love.
From the ceiling, a bolt of lightning erupted, landing on Harry's outstretched fingers. He screamed as it flowed down his arm, across his shoulders and into his other arm. Hermione's icy skin warmed dramatically as the energy entered her.
I can only give you one more, Heir. The risk to yourself is extreme.
Do it! Harry commanded, forgetting that he was being rude to an extremely powerful magical artefact that could no doubt vaporise him in the blink of an eye.
By your command. Another bolt of lightning erupted from the ceiling, causing Harry's hand to burst into flame. Wincing, Harry kept his hand extended, allowing the energy to pass into Hermione again. As soon as it entered her chest, she gasped, sitting up and coughing.
Harry allow his hand to drop, and slumped backwards. Hermione looked around, seeing Harry cradling his burned hand. "What happened?"
"You were petrified." Luna said matter-of-factly. "Harry cured you."
"Oh..." Hermione scuttled closer to Harry, taking his burned hand and looking at it. "How?"
Harry chuckled mirthlessly. "I infused you with all my power, trying to drive the petrifying magic out. The others helped, but it wasn't enough, even with all six of us."
Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Would you care to explain, Mr. Potter?"
"No." Harry replied, managing to keep the growl out of his voice. "Perhaps, sir," his tone was like ice, "you should take Miss Clearwater to the Hospital Wing."
Dumbledore straightened up to his not-inconsiderable height. "Allow me to clarify, Mr. Potter: you will explain what happened. What is 'Arx'?"
"Hogwarts." Luna said softly. "Harry called upon Hogwarts herself to help, and she did."
Harry glared at Dumbledore. "Now you know, Headmaster. Shouldn't you help Miss Clearwater?"
"There is much for us to discuss, Mr. Potter." Dumbledore said sharply. "This kind of magic-"
"Sir, this isn't the best time." Hermione interrupted. "Harry's injured, and clearly needs to go to the hospital wing." She helped Harry to his feet, using his good hand.
"So do you, My Only." Harry said softly, scooping her up into his arms, bridal style.
"Harry, I can walk." Hermione said, snuggling closer.
"Shh." He whispered soothingly.
"But this is nice, too." Hermione wrapped her arms around Harry's neck, keeping one eye on his burned hand. "Come on."
Neville cast Mobilicorpus on Penelope, following Harry down the corridor.
Dumbledore scowled and fell into step behind them. He had questions for Potter. Oh, yes... he had questions.
Once in the Hospital Wing, Harry carefully lowered Hermione onto a bed, while Neville placed the petrified Penny onto a second bed.
"What now?" Poppy asked, exasperated.
Harry looked up. "Hermione was attacked by the basilisk, Madam Pomfrey. I managed to reverse the Petrification, but I'd like you to check her out, just to make sure."
Poppy blinked at the casual mention of a Basilisk, but went to work. As she ran her wand over Hermione, she carried on chatting. "Are you injured, Harry?"
"Might have picked up a little burn during the procedure." Harry said, keeping his hand behind his back. "It's nothing, ma'am. Hermione's the important one here."
Poppy nodded absently, knowing that Harry was, at best, a piss-poor patient and at worse, an easy contender for Mission: Impossible-style escapes. "I'll have a look at it when I'm done. What about Miss Clearwater?"
"She's still petrified, ma'am." Harry said. "I only had enough for one. And... well..."
"I understand, Harry." Poppy said, completing her scan. And she did. Even if neither Harry nor Hermione admitted it, they were completely in love with each other. Of course, had she asked Harry, he'd have admitted it, free and clear. "Well, Miss Granger... you're in good health. However, I would strongly advise you not to cast any magic for the next few days."
"Oh?" Hermione was suddenly scared. "Why?"
Poppy chuckled. "At this precise moment, your magical core is radically overcharged. You could probably levitate the entire castle into orbit. You'll need time to let the excess magic drain out. You'll also notice a marked drop in your appetite over the next couple of days, and you won't sleep either. I suggest you eat normally, regardless of how hungry you feel, and try and rest."
Dumbledore was listening in at the door. "Now that you know Miss Granger will be fine, Harry, I would like a word. It is important."
Harry nodded as he held out his hand to Poppy, who winced when she saw the first-degree burns. "You may ask."
"What did you do?" Dumbledore asked brusquely.
"As I stated in the corridor, I infused a good portion of my magic into Hermione, to combat the Petrification. Blaise, Neville, Padma, Sue and Luna did the same, except they channelled the power into me, and I passed it into Hermione."
Dumbledore nodded slowly. "I'm concerned that you know how to do such a thing, Harry. Manipulating your magical core like that can be dangerous."
"It can also help save a life, sir." Harry replied. "I know what you're worried about. However, this falls under our Unbreakable Vow, and I'll thank you to leave me alone for a time, sir. If you hadn't gotten in the way..." He let himself trail off, biting down on his bottom lip as Poppy spread a wretched-smelling salve over the burns.
Dumbledore shook his head. "What about what you shouted? 'Arx'? Is that some kind of spell?"
"No." Harry grunted as Poppy began wrapping a bandage round his hand.
"Then what is it? I've never heard it before."
How very sad for you... not being able to communicate with the castle. Harry thought. She's a god send. Thank you, Arx.
You are welcome, young heir. How is your injury?
Hurts like a bitch. Harry replied, before turning to Dumbledore. "I called on Hogwarts herself to help, Headmaster. She consented, and supplied me with additional power."
Dumbledore reeled. "You took power from the castle itself?" His face grew stormy. "Do you know what you've done?"
"Yes."
"You could have allowed the wards to fail!" Dumbledore snapped suddenly. "Harry, what you did was reckless, dangerous and foolish."
"So you say, sir." Harry replied, his voice like ice. "But, you'll find that the wards haven't fallen, nor have I damaged the school in any way, shape or form." He flexed his fingers slightly. "Now, why don't you carry on with what you were doing, Headmaster?"
"Do not speak to me like that, Mr. Potter." Dumbledore said, his voice as cold as Harry's. "You are too young to understand the responsibility I have to my students. Such reckless stunts as what you did could have caused a problem for everyone. Never do it again!" I believe it's time for young Harry to be... re-educated as to his status here. I believe Severus will help me with this. Dumbledore turned on his heel. "You will have one month's detention with Professor Snape for these actions, Harry, doing whatever tasks he feels are a suitable punishment."
"I don't think so." McGonagall said from the doorway, looking into the room. Beside her, Flitwick was red in the face in pure rage. "I received an automatic summons from the school, Albus, telling me to report here."
Dumbledore scowled at her. "Deputy Headmistress, remember your place. Mr. Potter's foolish stunt could have had dangerous repercussions on everyone at the school. He will serve the detention I have assigned him."
McGonagall looked up, closing her eyes for a moment. Harry could almost feel her communicating with the school, like a conversation in another room. "No, he won't." McGonagall said after a moment. "There was no danger to the school, Albus. Now, if you insist on pushing this, I shall have no choice but to escalate this to a higher authority."
Harry cleared his throat. "You know, Headmaster, if you weren't so angry, you'd be noticing that pain in your chest right about now."
Dumbledore knew very well that he was pushing the oath, but he let the pain in his chest fuel his anger. "Do not speak, Mr. Potter. You are in enough trouble. If you push me, even an inch, I will have no choice but to expel you for your utter foolishness."
"Albus, the school was in no danger. The only thing Harry did that was against the rules was performing magic in the corridor." Flitwick turned to Harry. "One point from Ravenclaw for breaking a basic school rule."
Dumbledore was livid. The boy is already performing Dark magic, and they ignore it. Are they all blind? It is good I am here, ready to stop him.
The hospital doors opened, revealing Padma, clutching a cauldron. "Harry, I brought the rest of that mandrake juice." He passed the cauldron across to Poppy. "Did you add me into the lock on the Portkey box.. thing?"
"Yeah." Harry said. "Over Christmas. All seven of us now have full access."
Dumbledore gasped as he felt an angry presence invade his mind. Since he was Headmaster, he was anchored to the school, and he knew that it was angry with him. If he carried on with his present course of action, he knew he'd be facing problems. "I will forego the detentions at this time, Mr. Potter. However, I will be watching you. If you put another foot out of line, I will see you expelled and brought up on charges."
"Sir." Harry replied politely. He held out his arm to Hermione, who looped her own arm through. "Madam Pomfrey, thank you for your usual wretched potions and meticulous care."
"You're welcome, Harry." She said warmly. "You'll need to come back tomorrow to have the salve and bandages changed."
"Yes, ma'am." Harry looked at the teachers. "Professors, if you'll excuse me?" He led the seven students out, leaving Poppy with a cauldron full of tan goop, that she had to pour down Penny Clearwater's throat.
McGonagall grabbed Dumbledore's arm, and began dragging him out of the hospital wing, Flitwick falling in behind them. Once in the waiting room, and clearly out of everyone's vision, McGonagall released Dumbledore. "Would you care to explain just what the bloody hell you're playing at?" She snapped. "Are you trying to annoy that young man?"
Dumbledore frowned, before letting his face fall into a disappointed mask, an expression he'd perfected over many years of staring over the top of his glasses at misbehaving students. "Minerva, you know, in your heart of hearts, that what Harry did was wrong. Pulling magic from the school itself? You know the risks involved with that, and you know the possibility of it changing Harry. This kind of action is used by Dark witches and wizards, and allowing him to carry on doing this is simply pushing him towards the Darkness."
McGonagall shook her head in sorrow. "You're a bloody fool sometimes, Albus. He didn't pull magic from the school. You can'tpull magic from Hogwarts. The wards themselves will not allow someone to drain them. Instead, he was given power by the school. I felt Hogwarts herself donate some of her surplus energy to Harry."
Dumbledore shook his head. "That's not possible. I would have felt it myself."
"Yes, you should have." McGonagall said. "Perhaps because you were busy making up delusions about Harry turning Dark, you didn't bloody notice!" She sighed angrily. "Now, I think you should apologise to that young man, again, for your pigheadedness."
With a sigh, Dumbledore nodded. "You didn't see his face, Minerva, when he found Miss Granger. I've only ever seen that rage before in one person."
"Harry is not Voldemort, Albus." McGonagall said. "He couldn't be. It's simply not in him."
"His eyes, Minerva. There was such rage in them..."
"Because of Miss Granger, Albus. If anyone tried to take Miss Granger from him, worry for them. Not for Harry. Never for Harry. He's as light as anyone I know, Albus. He will fight for the light, not for the Dark." She felt an overwhelming urge to slap the old fool. "Now, tomorrow, or Monday preferably, you will apologise to that young man, and you will mean it. No more accusations."
While Hermione was having a shower, since it felt like her skin was crawling thanks to the excess magic, Luna pulled Harry to one side. "Harry, I know what you're thinking." Luna said.
"Do you?" Harry snarled.
"Yes, I do. You know you can't do this."
"Yes, I can."
"Okay... you shouldn't do this."
Harry stopped, staring intently at Luna, who wasn't fazed in the slightest. "She attacked Hermione, Luna. The little bitch had the nerve to attack my Hermione!"
"I know, Harry. And I know the rage that's pumping through your veins at this very moment. I share your anger. Obviously, not to the same degree, but you know that you can't do this. Not yet."
Harry growled and slammed his fist into the wall. Ancient stone met calcium bone. His fingers were intact; the wall broke. "It's wrong, Luna. What the fuck was I thinking?"
"You were thinking that you wanted to make it all better. You did the right thing, Harry. But if you do this, here, now... you'll be doing the wrong thing. You know that as well as I do."
He sighed, resting his head on the wall. "I hate this, Luna. I could do so much good, right now..."
"And risk a greater evil, Harry." Luna said, resting a hand on his back. "Go to Hermione, Harry. You need her, especially now."
He chuckled dryly. "She's having a shower. While I'd probably enjoy the show-"
"You pervy prat." Luna said fondly. "When she comes down, Harry, give her a cuddle. It calms you down, I know it does."
"Yes, it does." Harry said fondly, before sighing. "Why is Dumbledore so determined to have a conflict with me, Luna?"
"Why do you ask questions to which you already know the answer?" Luna returned, smiling at him. "Dumbledore will be sorted out in time, Harry. You know that as well as I do. Just be patient."
Harry snorted. "It's like the messy hair and green eyes; Patience doesn't really fit into my genetic make-up, Luna."
Over the next few days, Harry saw Dumbledore looking at him mournfully, but he casually blanked the old man. He was still utterly pissed at Dumbledore getting in the way when Hermione was petrified, and the accusations and attempted manipulations afterwards.
On Monday, McGonagall held Harry back after class. "Would you care to join me in my office, Harry?"
Following her into her sanctum, he sat down, and accepted her offer of tea and biscuits. "How's the hand feeling, Harry?"
Harry looked down at the bandaged limb. "It feels okay at the moment, ma'am." He replied politely. "I think it'll be fine in a day or so."
"Good, good." McGonagall said. "After you left the infirmary on Saturday, I spoke to Albus. I told him to apologise to you about his accusations. Has he done so yet?"
Harry shook his head. "Not yet, ma'am." He replied. "But, he's been giving me piteous glances all weekend. I think he's trying to soften me up."
"Indeed I am." Dumbledore said from the doorway. "I'm sorry, Harry. I know that I went too far."
"It won't work, though." Harry replied, not bothering to turn around. "Time and time again, I've been pushed, even though I've warned you. You just won't leave me alone. So, I've decided to leave you alone."
Dumbledore sighed. "I'm sorry, Harry. I should never have accused you of being reckless. Professor McGonagall informed me that there was no danger."
"As I did." Harry said, looking over his shoulder. "Let me guess; you accused me of embracing the Dark, didn't you?"
"I... How do you know?"
"You think that I enjoyed having all that power racing through me." Harry said sagely. "I didn't. It burned, Headmaster. We were never meant to wield that kind of power. I know that. I'd just as soon never do that again."
"I'm sorry, Harry." Dumbledore said mournfully. "I believed that there was a genuine danger, to all of us."
Harry shrugged. "I can't help your beliefs, Headmaster. But, it doesn't matter anymore. From this moment forth, I will have nothing to do with you, unless it directly relates to my schooling. I revoke my invitation to my home and any association with you." Dumbledore's head flashed for a moment as the knowledge of Harry's flat in Diagon Alley was removed. The old man reeled for a moment as he realised he'd lost something.
"Harry..."
"I no longer recognise your right to call me by my first name." Harry said. "From now on, I am Lord Potter, second year Ravenclaw student. Nothing more."
McGonagall sighed, but she couldn't really blame Harry. The meddlesome old man had done this to himself.
"Don't worry, Professor." Harry said supportively to her. "I still like you. You're free to call me Harry."
"Thank you." The old woman said, feeling oddly touched by his casual statement.
Dumbledore wasn't prepared to let go. "Harry, I understand that you're upset with me, but there's no need to be childish about it. If you had my responsibilities, you'd have been concerned at the prospect of someone taking power from the school."
Harry snorted slightly. "Is he serious?" He asked McGonagall. "If I was embracing the Darkness, would I have defeated Quirrell last year? Or more importantly, would I have returned the Philosopher's Stone? No, I'd have kept it for myself." He shook his head "Is there anything else, ma'am?"
McGonagall shook her head. "Not at the moment, Harry."
"Yes, ma'am."
After Harry left, Dumbledore looked mournfully at McGonagall. "I fear I may have lost Mr. Potter."
McGonagall's eyes narrowed. "Really?" She asked sarcastically. "What was your first clue?" She sighed. "Leave him alone from now on, Albus. Don't interfere with him, don't try and 'mould' him into anything. Just leave him be." She saw Dumbledore's mouth open. "And don't start with that Divination rubbish again. He's made his choice."
Dumbledore sighed and nodded. "Very well."
Back in his office, Dumbledore took one of the laced Lemon Drops from his desk, relaxing as the calming potion took effect.
No... this is definitely a set back in my relationship with Harry. But it doesn't matter. When Voldemort returns, Harry will have no choice but to come to me for training. This is merely a slight bump in the road. Harry will need my help.
Since the attack on Hermione and Penny was the fated fourth attack, Harry knew that the Board of Governors, headed by the bastard Lucius Malfoy, would shortly be ordering Dumbledore's removal. While Harry wouldn't have pissed on Dumbledore if he was on fire after his recent actions, he didn't want him out of the way.
There were two reasons for that; the first was that Dumbledore was one of the strongest wizards in the world, and it was beneficial to have him at Hogwarts. The second was proved by the old adage 'keep your friends close and your enemies closer'. While Dumbledore wasn't currently an enemy, he certainly had the potential to become one, very quickly.
The second thing that Harry wanted to change was with regards to the groundskeeper. Harry had snuck down to Hagrid's hut to speak to the man. He knew what was coming here, and he'd be damned if he let Hagrid be sent to Azkaban for a crime he didn't commit, and his rock cakes, while a crime in general and on teeth in particular, didn't warrant time in the dankest hole imaginable.
"Harry... you shouldn't be down here." Hagrid said, bustling the boy inside and near-throwing him into the armchair. He quickly busied himself with making a pot of tea.
"Problems, Hagrid?" Harry asked, pointing to the crossbow behind the door, which could probably be classed as a small siege weapon.
"You can't be too careful." Hagrid replied cagily, pouring a bucket-sized cup of tea for Harry. "Now, what brings you down here?"
"I... I heard a rumour, Hagrid." Harry said, blowing on his tea to cool it slightly, realising the futility of trying to cool about 8 litres of tea by blowing on it. Should've brought my trunks and gone for a swim in it. "About the Chamber of Secrets. According to this rumour, it was opened fifty years ago..." He trailed off, looking up at the nervous face of Hagrid.
"Yeah... it was..."
"...by you." Harry completed.
"What?" Hagrid dropped his cup to the floor. "I never!"
Harry held up his hands. "Hagrid, I know that you didn't open the Chamber of Secrets. However, a student was killed. In order for me to clear your name, I need you to tell me what your 'beast' was."
Hagrid looked down at his hands for a moment, before muttering a single word. "Aragog..."
"Oh..." Harry started to massage his nose in a brilliant display of acting. "Hagrid, please tell me that your cuddly little pet was notAragog, the King of the Acromantula colony?"
"You know about Aragog?"
"Hagrid..." Harry groaned, "thirty foot spiders do not make good pets. Thirty foot carnivorous spiders don't make good pets." He snorted. "They're also not particularly good at hiding, what with them being, what's the correct term? Bloody massive! Why can't you like kittens, or bunny rabbits, or squirrels?"
"They're boring..." Hagrid replied weakly. "But, yeah, I was keeping Aragog in a box. After that girl was killed, the Head Boy came and took me to the Headmaster. I was expelled and my wand snapped, but Professor Dumbledore got me a job as the Groundskeeper."
Harry nodded. "Okay, then. So, you didn't open the Chamber. Which means we need to reveal who the true murderer was."
"And how you gonna do that?" Hagrid asked. "It happened a long time ago, Harry. There's no proof anymore."
"Let me worry about that, Hagrid, all you-" Fang interrupted Harry with a low howl.
Hagrid shot to his feet, and scurried to the window. "There's someone comin'!" He turned back to Harry. "Do you have your..." He trailed off as he saw Harry was no longer sitting there.
There was a knock on the door. Hagrid gave one last, quick look around before opening it.
"Good evening, Hagrid." It was Dumbledore. He entered the cabin, followed by a short, balding grey-haired man, dressed oddly in a pin-striped suit, a cloak and purple shoes.
Harry watched from his place near the far wall, the disillusionment charm allowing him to blend seamlessly into the shadows. Fudge...he thought viciously. You think you're taking him away... You can fuck right off.
Hagrid had become quite pale at seeing two of the most powerful men in the Wizarding world enter his hut. "Professor Dumbledore? What's going on?"
Fudge stepped forward, spinning his revolting lime-green bowler hat in his hands. "Bad business, Hagrid... Very bad business. Had to come."
"What?" Hagrid demanded, making the smaller man flinch.
"All these attacks of Muggleborns, Hagrid. Looks very bad. It's gone far enough. The Ministry has to act."
Hagrid looked imploringly at Dumbledore. "Sir, you know I'd never-"
Dumbledore raised a hand, cutting off Hagrid. "Cornelius, I want it known that Hagrid has my full confidence and support."
"Hagrid's record is against him, Dumbledore. Ministry's got to be seen to be doing something."
Harry fumed silently. Ah, yes... 'got to be seen to be doing something', not actually investigating and doing something. Sometimes, I hate this bloody world...
"If it turns out that it wasn't Hagrid, he'll be sent back here and we'll say no more about it. But I've got to take him."
I love this! Harry mused angrily. 'If it turns out you're innocent, we'll release you, but we won't apologise or admit our mistake'. I swear you're going down, you sanctimonious arsehole!
"'Take me'? Take me where?" Hagrid asked, trembling.
"It'll only be for a short stretch. Not a punishment, Hagrid, more a... preventative measure. If we manage to catch someone else, we'll let you out-"
"Not Azkaban?" Hagrid wailed. He looked up at Dumbledore. "Professor-"
He was cut off by another knock on the door. Harry took the momentary disruption to make his move, stepping in between Hagrid and the Minister, and allowed the disillusionment charm to fade. The door was opened to reveal Lucius Malfoy, who strode into Hagrid's hut like he owned the place. His eyes narrowed when he spotted Harry.
"What are you doing here, boy?"
Fudge and Dumbledore span round to see Harry stood in between them and Hagrid. Ignoring the pompous arse, Harry turned to face Hagrid.
"Rubeus Hagrid, I offer you a placement as a Protectorate of House Potter. Do you accept?"
Hagrid stared at Harry for a moment, unsure of what he was being offered. He saw Harry's eyes pleading with him, and the boy was nodding slightly.
"I... I accept."
"Thank you." As soon as Harry finished speaking, a bolt of magic erupted from his chest, slamming into Hagrid. Hagrid, compelled by the magic, kneeled in front of Harry, still towering over the boy.
Harry turned back. "Headmaster Dumbledore. Governor Malfoy. Minister Fudge. How... nice to see you. Why are you bothering one of my friends?"
"You shouldn't be here, Potter." Fudge replied, semi-politely. "Go on back up to the school."
"I say again; why are you here bothering a Protectorate of House Potter?" Harry didn't move.
Fudge cleared his throat. "I'm here to escort Hagrid to Azkaban."
Harry nodded slowly. "I see. Why?"
"These attacks against the Muggleborn students... we need to do something." Fudge started spinning his bowler hat through his fingers again.
"I agree. You certainly do. So, why are you coming here and harassing Hagrid and not actually doing anything?" Harry remained implacable.
"His record speaks against him."
"Ah, I see... well, before I allow you to remove my protectorate from his duties, I'm going to need to ask you for that little thing called... 'evidence'." Harry crossed his arms over his chest. "Where is your proof that Hagrid is responsible for these attacks?"
"Stand aside, boy." Malfoy sneered. "This has nothing to do with you."
Harry looked up casually. "I must disagree. And don't call me 'boy'."
"I will call you 'boy' since that it what you are!" Malfoy snapped. "Do not question your betters!"
"I won't question my betters." He turned to Hagrid. "I apologise if I've offended you, Hagrid." He turned back to Malfoy. "But I'll question you. Why are you here?"
"Leave now!"
"Malfoy, you have no place in these proceedings. You will leave this house immediately, or I'll have no choice but to... expedite your departure."
Malfoy was about to respond, when Dumbledore's voice cut through the tension. "Mr. Malfoy, Lord Potter is correct. This is now a matter between House Potter and the Ministry of Magic, and the Board of Governors has no jurisdiction here."
The blonde turned to Fudge. "Cornelius?"
Fudge looked apologetic, but nodded shakily. "I'm afraid they're right, Lucius. I'll see you later."
With a glare that promised painful retribution and bloody murder, Malfoy span on his heel and stomped out of the cabin. Harry dismissed the man for the moment, turning back to Fudge. "Now, I'll ask you again, Minister. Where is your evidence that Protectorate Hagrid is responsible for the attacks on the Muggleborn students?"
"Hagrid's record speaks against him." Fudge replied, spinning the hat between his fingers.
"No, it really doesn't." Harry replied coolly. "Hagrid was here fifty years ago, true... but so was Professor Dumbledore. Does that mean that you think he's responsible for the Chamber of Secrets being opened?"
"The Chamber of Secrets is a myth, boy." Fudge replied. "But, Hagrid was responsible for the death of a student fifty years ago. I have to take him in."
Harry shook his head. "No... Hagrid's 'beast' fifty years ago was not the monster. It was an Acromantula, and it currently lives in the Forest. If you don't believe me, we can go and see him, and he'll be able to tell you that it wasn't Hagrid. And don't call me 'boy'!"
"And how do you know this, Mr. Potter?" Dumbledore asked, intrigued by the firm stance Harry was taking, over what was, at best, a minor matter.
Glancing up at his Headmaster, noting the slight amusement, Harry arched his eyebrow angrily. "I investigated, Headmaster. I looked into the records. I looked at the crime scene. There was no evidence that Hagrid was responsible." Of choosing an appropriate pet.
"I must disagree." Fudge said pompously. "It was proven that Hagrid was guilty of letting a monster roam the school, killing a student."
Harry cocked his head at Fudge. "No, it wasn't. It was proven that Hagrid has extremely poor taste in pets," He glanced at Hagrid, who looked down at his hands, "and he was keeping a large spider. But, I know a very simple way of proving that Hagrid is innocent." He turned back. "Hagrid, grab your umbrella."
Obeying Harry without thought, he grabbed the pink umbrella that contained the broken remnants of his wand.
"I want you to swear a magical oath, right here and now, that you did not open the Chamber of Secrets." Harry instructed calmly. "Also, an oath that you do not know what is in the Chamber of Secrets, and that your pet fifty years ago was not responsible for that student's death."
Hagrid took a moment to consider the wording, before raising the umbrella. "I, Rubeus Hagrid, hereby swear on my magic and my life, that I was not the one who opened the Chamber of Secrets in 1944. I also swear that I do not know who opened the Chamber, or what the monster inside was. I swear that the 'beast' I had fifty years ago was Aragog, the now-King of the Acromantula colony in the Forbidden Forest of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and that he was not responsible for the girl's death. So I swear, so mote it be!"
With a flash of magic that rocked everyone, the oath was sealed. Since Hagrid was still standing there, it was plain that his oath was true, otherwise he would have dropped dead the instant he said 'so mote it be'.
With a smile, Harry turned to Fudge. "There is your evidence, Minister."
"I... that doesn't prove anything, Mr. Potter. Hagrid could be lying." Fudge blustered.
"Cornelius," Dumbledore began in that annoying grandfather-tone, "judging by the fact that Hagrid is still alive, he is not lying. Which means that I simply cannot let you take him to Azkaban."
Fudge stomped his foot on the ground, actually stomped his foot. "Well, then, what do you propose we do?"
How the hell did this guy get to be Minister? Harry asked himself. I doubt he could wipe his arse without detailed instructions... and a payoff from Lucy."Here's a plan, Minister," he began, "why don't you investigate? Find out what creatures are capable of petrifying people. Then make a list of these creatures, and start searching for them." That should keep the useless git out of my hair while I sort the rest of this mess out.
"Do you have any suggestions?" Fudge asked, all bluster gone at the thought of having to do some actual work.
"No." Since I already know what it is. "However, I'm sure that Hagrid's knowledge of beasties is more than up to the task." Hagrid nodded slowly. "I mean, he knows more about magical creatures than anyone I've ever met."
Fudge turned to Hagrid, a pleading look on his face. "Mr. Hagrid?"
Oh, it's 'Mr. Hagrid' now? When the time comes, you either buckle down and get the job done, or I'll end your arse. Harry thought. "Why not let him think about it for a bit, and he can owl you, Minister?" He asked in a no-nonsense tone. "And why don't we leave him alone now? It's been a stressful evening for all of us."
Without waiting, Harry shoo'd Fudge out of the door, letting it slam into his face. "Oh, I love doing that to him..." He replied quietly, his voice full of smugness and malicious glee.
"Mr. Potter?" Dumbledore asked.
Bugger... forgot about him. Harry turned to the Headmaster. "Sir?"
Expecting another bollocking, Dumbledore did the unexpected and smiled warmly. "That was a very good thing you just did, Harry. I think fifty points to Ravenclaw for loyalty." His smile faded slightly. "However, I must deduct five points from Ravenclaw for being out of school after curfew."
Harry nodded brusquely. "Sir."
"Excellent." Dumbledore turned back to the door. "Hagrid, if you could see fit to escort Mr. Potter to the Entrance Hall when he returns, I would appreciate it." Without another word, the old man was gone.
"Harry?" Hagrid asked. "What did you do?"
Turning back to his first friend in the Wizarding world, an indeed, first friend ever, Harry smiled. "I made you a protectorate of my family, Hagrid. It means that if anyone attacks you, they're attacking the Potter family."
"Does it mean that you own me?" Hagrid asked uncertainly.
"Nope. Protectorate literally means 'one who is protected'. You're not a slave, or a vassal, or property, Hagrid. It was originally designed to take care of young orphan witches so they wouldn't be abused." Read: sold and raped. "However, it's never been overturned. It just means that you now have the protection of House Potter there, should you ever find yourself in trouble."
Hagrid tapped Harry on the shoulder, knocking the young man to his knees. "You're a good kid, Harry." Hagrid said, his voice thick with emotion. "Thank you."
Harry just grinned. "Do you really think I could do anything less for you, Hagrid? You're my first friend. How could I let them drag you to Azkaban?" With a wink, Harry hauled himself to his feet, and headed for the door. "You gonna walk me back?"
Once back at the school, Harry remembered the other reason that Malfoy was present at Hogwarts that evening; the suspension of Headmaster Dumbledore. With a groan, he headed for the old man's office.
Fortunately, it seemed luck was on Harry's side this evening, as the gargoyle had been left open. Harry casually sauntered up the stairs, not bothering to knock as he slipped into the office.
"... of Suspension. You'll find it's been signed by all twelve governors." Lucius was saying.
Dumbledore was nodded casually. "If the governors want my removal, I shall, of course, step aside."
"No." Harry said, from barely six inches behind Malfoy.
The man started, before reaching for his cane. "Do you have no manners, boy? Get out! This doesn't concern you."
Harry arched an eyebrow. "So, I hear that you wish to suspend the Headmaster, Lucy. Is that correct?"
Malfoy's eyes narrowed. "You will address me with respect, boy, before I break you!"
"Pfft." Harry waved him off. "You couldn't break wind without the say so of your old master, Lucy." He said dismissively. "Now, I'll ask again; did I hear you say that you wished to suspend Dumbledore?"
"It is none of your concern, boy."
Now Harry's eyes narrowed. "Do we have to go through this again, Malfoy? Do not call me 'boy'. You will address me as 'My Lord' or 'Lord Potter'. Are we clear?"
Malfoy wasn't nearly as dumb as his son. "We are clear." He turned back to Dumbledore. "You will leave the school immediately, Dumbledore."
"Funny thing." Harry said. "As I understand the charter, the Board of Governors are here to maintain certain aspects of the school, but the decision to make staff appointments actually lies with the Headmaster. The only way to have him removed from his post is if the teachers feel that he is no longer acting in the best interests of the school."
Harry picked up the signed order. "And another thing, Lucy. You're not nearly as popular as you might think. In fact, I'd be willing to bet good money that if I were to ask the other eleven people on this list if they voluntarily agreed to signing, they would tell us that they only agreed because you threatened to curse their families."
Dumbledore stood up. "Is this true, Lucius?"
"Of course not!" Malfoy snapped. "The child is obviously delusional."
"I'm in perfect health, and in full control of all my faculties, Governor." Harry replied. "However, I am correct. Now, since that piece of paper's only value is if we run out of toilet roll, I think you'd best tuck your tail between your legs and run away, hadn't you? Otherwise, I might just let a few skeletons out of the closet for you, Lucius. You'd be surprised at the depth and accuracy of my knowledge."
"You think to threaten me?" Malfoy asked, incandescent with rage.
"'Threaten'?" Harry asked with a smirk. "Oh, I don't threaten, Malfoy. I simply state my intentions. Now, get the hell out of my school, and take your bog roll with you."
Malfoy snatched the piece of paper before stalking out of the office, his head held high.
"Masterfully played, young Harry." Dumbledore said as he sat down. "However, he will not take such an action lightly."
Harry stared at Dumbledore, making him squirm. "Let the mincing bastard bring it on. And I've told you about using my first name." He turned and started for the door.
"Harry?"
He stopped, clenching his fists in anger and turned back to face the Headmaster, who was smiling warmly.
"Thank you."
With a scowl and a nod, Harry left the office.
Dumbledore pondered the situation after Harry left. Even though he and Harry were again at odds (and this time, he admitted it was his own bloody fault), Harry had stood up and objected to him being removed from the school.
Why? Why would he defend me to Lucius Malfoy? Granted, Harry doesn't like Death Eaters, and despite his claims of Imperius, he isa Death Eater. Could it be that simple?
With a sigh, he stood, ambling over to the fireplace, throwing in some Floo powder. He quickly summoned three of the Heads of Houses, knowing that Severus would have nothing good to offer to the conversation. They arrived in short order, and Dumbledore could see that both McGonagall and Flitwick were still rather pissed with him, and Pomona Sprout wasn't looking too happy, either.
"Please, be seated." Dumbledore said, settling himself behind his desk. After everyone was settled and refreshments had been offered, Dumbledore got straight down to business. "I wish to discuss Harry Potter."
"Oh, what now, Albus?" McGonagall snapped. "Haven't you done enough?"
"I agree." Flitwick said firmly. "You've been seeing just how far you can push the lad, and all you've done is push him further and further away from you. I strongly suspect we may be losing Mr. Potter from Hogwarts at this rate."
Sprout just stared at Dumbledore, anger in her eyes. It was as unnerving as being savaged by a duck.
"Y-Yes..." Dumbledore said, tearing his gaze away from Sprout. "Anyway, I have just had a rather interesting meeting with Lucius Malfoy. He came in with a petition to have me removed as Headmaster. However, Mr. Potter came up to my office and prevented Lucius from carrying out his plan. I... I'm at a loss to understand why he'd defend me."
McGonagall sighed. "Did you start taking brain cell killer? Harry Potter is a good young man, Albus. He's about as light as it comes. You constantly pushing him is doing him no favours."
Nodding slowly, Dumbledore cleared his throat. "The young man baffles me."
"In what way?" Flitwick asked. "The only reason I ask is that he's as clear as glass to me."
"He..." Dumbledore floundered for a moment to get the right wards. "He drew power from the school to heal Miss Granger. And yet, the school was not damaged in any way. He said that he wants to work with me, and then refused when I suggested that he go into Divination. I have valid reasons for pushing him towards that point of view. He... I don't understand him."
Sprout leaned forward in her chair. "Did you give him the reasons that you want him to go into Divination, or just tell him that he should and expect him to go along with it?"
"The reasons I have are not something to be shared lightly." Dumbledore said haughtily. "Put simply, Harry is not old enough to learn of these reasons."
"That's why." Sprout said with a shrug. "I've only really observed him during Herbology and some of his meals, but he's not exactly a normal child. I've never seen him worry about his homework, and every essay that he's given in to me is nearly-flawless. He's very mature, and I think that's your sticking point."
Dumbledore nodded. "You believe that he is not really a child anymore?"
"Yes." All three House Heads said together, before McGonagall spoke up. "Albus, you've been treating him like he's just another young boy, with no idea of what he wants. You seem to be focussing on him far too much."
Dumbledore sighed. "Despite his apparent maturity, he is just a young boy, not to mention a very high-profile young boy. He'll need help and guidance."
Flitwick stood up on his chair, resting his hands on the edge of Dumbledore's desk. "And why does it need to be your help and guidance, Albus?"
"Excuse me?" Dumbledore was shocked at Flitwick's question. "I am one of the foremost light wizards, and I know what he will need."
"How?" Flitwick pressed ahead. "You asked him about his electives, and then told him that you'd decided differently for him. You didn't tell him why you'd selected differently. You just told him you had, and then expected him to follow. What is this obsession with Harry, Headmaster?"
With a sigh, Dumbledore popped a Lemon Drop into his mouth. "As Harry himself told you at his birthday party last year, Voldemort is not dead. He will return. When he does, he will go after Harry Potter. That is unavoidable."
"For one of these reasons that you think Harry isn't old enough to hear?" McGonagall asked snidely. "Since all of us are considerably older than Mr. Potter, would you care to share them with us?"
"No." Dumbledore replied simply. "You can't understand the burdens that this knowledge carries. I will not pass them on to anyone else. When the time is right, I shall inform Mr. Potter. Until then, I'm afraid that I won't be able to pass on this information."
Flitwick glanced at McGonagall, who nodded slightly. "Then you shall continue to push Mr. Potter further and further away from you, sir." McGonagall said as she stood. "I shall not assist you as you continue to push him. I would think very carefully, Albus." Sprout stood up next to her, with Flitwick jumping off his chair. Without another word, all three stalked out of Dumbledore's office, leaving the old man alone with his thoughts.
No... I know what will need to happen. Harry will have to fight Voldemort, and he will have to die. It's unavoidable. For the Greater Good, Harry Potter must die at Voldemort's hand.