Chapter 5
Harry entered history and took the spot next to Neville, who seemed to have just sat down. Ron and Hermione gave him a look for not sitting with them. Harry ignored it in favor of pulling out a history book on the International Warlock Convention. While it wasn’t the book assigned to the class, it was one he hadn’t read before, and he knew Professor Binns wouldn’t notice.
After he headed to potions with Neville, ignoring Ron and Hermione as they followed. Hermione tried to question him on the book he was reading however he just ignored her. Just before entering he asked Neville if he would partner with him. Neville looked shocked but agreed after reminding Harry he wasn’t good at potions. Ron and Hermione were equally shocked but were interrupted before they could continue questioning Harry.
“I’m surprised they let you come back, Potter.” Malfoy drawled. “Didn’t you spend the summer in the loony bin?”
“I bet you’re glad your master’s back, you slimy Death Eater!” Ron fumed.
Harry just sighed. It was times like this that really showed that he was surrounded by idiotic children.
Before anyone else could say anything, the potion door swung open.
“Sit down and be quiet.” Snape growled at the class. “Now as it is your 5th year, I will remind you that come June you will be sitting your OWLs, during which you will prove how much you have learned about the composition and use of magical potions. Many of you will cease studying with me.” He looked pointedly at Harry and Neville.
Harry heard Malfoy and his group snicker.
“I only take those who receive an O on their examination.” He paused. “Today you will be creating the Draught of Peace, individually. Instructions are on the board, you may begin.”
Having made this potion lots in his previous lives, Harry brewed it perfectly, even with Snape looming around.
Besides the lack of classes offered, Snape was a big indicator on how far Hogwarts had fallen. Any teacher that bullied and belittled children wouldn’t have even lasted a year in any of his lives. There was no excuse to bully a child so bad that you become their boggart.
Snape glared at his potion as if it purposely offended him. Snape eyed him quizzically before turning to the rest of the Gryffindors, having to insult them since he couldn’t insult Harry’s. After they were told the bottle their potions and place them on the shelf.
At lunch he sat with Neville again and was joined by Hermione, Ron, and Ginny.
“What were you reading in History of Magic?” Hermione demanded as she sat down.
“A history book.” He answered.
“Which one?” She asked exasperated. “I didn’t recognize the cover.”
“One not about goblin wars.”
“Where are your glasses?” Ginny questioned, interrupting Hermione before she could start ranting.
“They’re gone.” was all Harry said.
“Contact lenses?” Hermione guessed smugly. “Honestly though Harry, contacts need a lot of upkeep. You’d be better off sticking to your glasses.”
“What?” Ron asked, mouth full of food, looking at Hermione to explain.
“They're like glasses but are on your eyeball.” She informed him.
He stared at Harry. “Wouldn’t that hurt?”
“No.” Hermione responded before pausing. “Well sometimes if they’re put in wrong.”
Ignoring them, Harry finished his lunch.
“I’m going to head to Divination. You coming, Nev?” Harry inquired. Neville agreed and they left the Great Hall. He ignored the traitorous trio as they called after him.
Divination went as expected. Harry ignored Ron; Trelawney made a prediction stating that Harry was going to die. They then began going over dream interpretation and are now required to use dream journals. As they packed up their things to leave the entire class heard…
“A betrayal shall usher forth a new era,
A Lord times four with the past of five,
Standing in the light hidden by shadows,
When the clouds roar with fury,
What was once lost, now sane,
The false light shall be seen by all,
A new era, ushered by betrayal.”
‘ Bloody hell.’ Harry thought, while the rest of the class broke out in chatter.
Ignoring everyone’s chatter, Harry and Neville headed straight for the Defense against the Dark Arts classroom. They made it there on time and were able to take a seat in the back.
“Harry, we just saw Trelawny say a prophecy.” Neville spoke in awe. “She was in a trance and everything.”
Just then the rest of the Divination class entered loudly. They were all going over the prophecy, most had pieces of parchment that had the prophecy written on it. Ron made a beeline to the front where Hermione was, as always. Neither noticed Harry in the back for which Harry was grateful.
“Hem, hem.” Was heard, silencing the room. “Good afternoon class.” The pink professor, Professor Umbridge, walked to the front of the room. “This is a very important year for you children. Ordinary Wizarding Level examinations are to be taken at the end of the year. Study hard and you will be rewarded.” She gave them a sickly-sweet smile. “The ministry is aware that your previous instruction on this subject has been inadequate. You will now be taught a ministry approved curriculum. Now please read chapter one.”
Hermione’s hand shot up.
“Yes, Miss?” Umbridge asked.
“Granger, Professor. There’s nothing here about using defensive spells?” Hermione questioned.
“Using? Why would you as a child need to learn how to use defensive spells?” Umbridge countered.
“What? No magic?” Ron asked dubiously.
“Students must raise their hand when in my classroom.” She announced loudly.
Ron awkwardly raises his hand.
“Yes, Mister?”
“Weasley. How are we expected to defend ourselves without magic?” Ron inquired.
“No one is going to attack children, so there’s no reason for you to use those spells.” Umbridge stated, looking around the room at everyone. Her face reflected a bit of confusion before she hid it.
“With You-Know-Who being back and being a muggle-born, I disagree.” Hermione countered with a scowl.
Umbridge froze. “That is a lie, Miss Granger. Even wizards can’t come back from the dead. I know with your upbring you might not understand.”
“He’s back!” Ron shouted red faced.
“Mister Weasley, Miss Granger, detention with me tonight after dinner.” She did her sickly sweet smile. “Read chapter one.”
--*--
After class Neville went to check on his plant in the greenhouse before dinner. Harry decided to go to the library. In the corridor alone, Hermione and Ron caught up with him. Hermione grabbed his arm and pulled him into an empty classroom. He didn’t resist, knowing it would be best to let them just say their peace.
“What was that?” Ron demanded, his face flushed with anger.
“Why didn’t you say anything Harry?” Hermione scowled at him.
Harry arched a brow. “I do not care if anyone believes me, especially a ministry toad. It doesn’t affect me.”
“Harry!” Hermione said sharply. “How can you say you don’t care?”
“Cause, I don’t.” He shrugged.
“Harry, people need to know so they can prepare.” Ron insisted.
Harry shrugged again. “They were told. What they do now is entirely up to them.”
Hermione gasped, outraged. “Harry!”
“You can’t force someone to do something they don’t want to do. I’m sure you can see how great it turned out for you.” He hinted at their detentions.
Ron glared at him. “What happened to you?”
“I grew up.” He simply answered and it was true.
“Where were you this summer?” Hermione challenged.
“This again.” He rolled his eyes. “I got better things to do then repeat a conversation for the third time.”
“Harry, You-Know-Who returned. Headmaster Dumbledore had people watching over you for protection and then you ran away.” She informed him primly.
“So, Dumbledore had me spied on, is what you're saying?” he reiterated.
“It was for your protection.” Hermione frowned.
“Then when his spies noticed I was gone, Dumbledore was informed to which he told you guys because?” Harry queried, ignoring Hermione’s comment.
“It wasn’t like that mate.” Ron tried to defend, briefly looking away from Harry.
“Dumbledore told you because he figures that I will tell you the where, why, and who. Then you two will report to him.” Harry finished.
Ron and Hermione shared a look.
“Harry it's not like that.” Hermione tried.
“Now if you’ll excuse me, I have things to do before dinner and I’m sure you want to go report to the Headmaster.” With that Harry walked out and continued to head towards the library.
--*--
Hermione and Ron did exactly what Harry said they would do. They stormed up to the headmaster’s office.
“Ice mice.” Hermione snapped at the gargoyle.
Entering the office, they saw Headmaster Dumbledore sitting behind his desk. “Miss Granger, Mister Weasley, please take a seat.”
Sitting down Hermione immediately began a tirade about Harry and Professor Umbridge.
“Slow down, my dear. What happened?” Dumbledore calmly asked.
“Professor Umbridge is refusing to teach us magic. When Ron and I told her we needed to know because You-Know-Who is back she gave us detention.” Hermione began.
“As the ministry appointed her there’s nothing I can do about the detention.” Dumbledore grimaced, eyes still twinkling though. “How many detentions did Harry receive?”
“None.” Ron spat. “He didn’t say a word.”
Dumbledore's frown deepened and he lost his twinkle. “Why wouldn’t he say anything?”
“We managed to finally corner him alone after class. When we confronted him about it, he said he doesn’t care what anyone believes.” Hermione informed him.
“That is most concerning.” Dumbledore was perplexed, something must have happened over the summer. “Did he tell you where he went during the summer?”
“When I asked on the train, he asked how I would know if he left. I didn’t want to say anything as he wasn’t alone.” Hermione began. “At breakfast I asked why he ran away, and his response was ‘who says I ran away?’ Again, he wasn’t alone.” She frowned. “Just before we came here, I told him you had placed protectors for him and then he accused them of being spies and saying how we were basically spies for you too.”
Ron snorted. “Not that he’s wrong in a way.”
“It seems I need to have a chat with Mister Potter.” Dumbledore stated. “Is there anything different you’ve noticed?”
“He’s been hanging with Neville.” Ron grumbled. “He is also wearing glasses on his eyeballs directly.”
“He’s wearing contacts sir and he needs a haircut.” Hermione complained. “He was also reading a book in History of Magic but refused to tell me what one, simply said it was a history book.”
Dumbledore furrowed his eyebrow at that. He couldn’t have that, no, his pawn must remain ignorant.
“He also made a potion better than Hermione. Snape didn’t even insult it.” Ron’s nostrils flared in anger and jealousy.
“Professor Snape.” Hermione automatically said, ignoring the dig.
“I see.” Dumbledore stroked his beard. “Is there anything else?”
“Sir, do you believe in divination?” Ron suddenly asked.
“Ronald! She’s nothing but a fraud!” Hermione shrieked.
“She made a prophecy today, Hermione.” Ron defended. “She was in a trance and didn’t even remember what she said. Lavender had to tell her.”
Dumbledore paled at Ron’s words. “Do you happen to remember what Professor Trelawney said?” He questioned before they could start bickering.
“Yeah. Lavender recognized what was happening and wrote it down. She then handed out copies.” He answered, pulling a piece of parchment out and handing it over.
“A betrayal shall usher forth a new era, … A Lord times four with the past of five,… Standing in the light hidden by shadows,… When the clouds roar with fury,… What was once lost, now sane,… The false light shall be seen by all,… A new era, ushered by betrayal.”
Dumbledore pursed his lips as his gaze became unfocused as he contemplated what this newest prophecy meant. Hermione and Ron were dismissed with instructions to watch Harry and try to subtly find out what happened.
--*--
Harry sat in Dumbledore's office, watching the old man examine him.
“Lemon drop?” Dumbledore offers with his grandfatherly smile after a few moments.
“No thank you, Headmaster.” He respectfully declines.
“Harry, my boy.” Dumbledore began with twinkling eyes. “It seems you had an interesting summer.”
Harry shrugged, pulling up memories of his summer when he was at Petunia’s and placing them outside his shields. He read over the summer that Dumbledore was a known Legilimens, and he didn’t doubt Dumbledore wouldn’t use it on him.
“I am aware that on your birthday that you left your aunt’s.” Dumbledore told him. “You know, that was very dangerous of you to do so.”
“Hermione informed me that those people, who stuck out like a sore thumb, were your spies.” Harry rolled his eyes. “Pink hair in Private Drive fed the gossip for weeks.”
Dumbledore let out a sigh as his eyes crinkled in disappointment. “Now my boy, they were only there for your protection.”
Harry just stared at him.
“Harry, where did you go when you left your aunt’s?” Dumbledore stared at him hard.
“Headmaster, I do believe that what I do outside of this school is none of your concern.” Harry stated firmly.
“Harry, it is not safe to leave your aunts, especially with Voldemort's return. The blood wards -” Dumbledore began.
“What do you know about blood wards, Headmaster?” Harry interrupted.
Dumbledore looked shocked for a moment before recovering. “I-”
“Cause from what I understand is that they protect me because of my blood I share with my aunt.” Harry cut him off again.
“That is corrected.” He furrowed his eyebrows; he was annoyed at being interrupted.
“So Voldy used my blood for the ritual.” Harry reminded him. “My blood, Lily’s blood flows through his veins. The blood wards would protect him too.”
Dumbledore’s mouth opened then closed again.
“Now Headmaster, if you do not have anything to discuss about my schooling, I shall take my leave.” With that said Harry left the still stunned headmaster.
--*--
On his way back to his common room, Harry went into an abandoned classroom and pulled out a sheet of parchment, he then used a self-writing quill, so its not traced back to him, and he creates:
Attention D.A.D.A. Students
It has come to my attention that this year's Defense books are designed to teach you nothing and for you to fail your exams. Therefore, it is under recommendation that you read over last year's defense book (Chosen by an Auror) for your current year.
Year 1 –The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection
Year 2 – The Basics Defence Against the Dark Arts
Year 3 – The Essential Defence Against the Dark Arts
Year 4 – The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection II
Year 5 – Defence Against the Dark Arts, Advance Curses and Counter-Curses
Year 6 – Confronting the Faceless
Year 7 – Advanced Defence Against the Dark Arts
All titles are available at Flourish and Blotts with possible copies in the library.
Good luck and remember while the teachers change the exams do not. Feel free to ask an older year what you need to know. Offer others copies of last years notes.
Finishing writing his Defense study tip he duplicates it 3 times, then called for a Hogwarts house elf.
*Pop*
An elf appears and looks at him “Student calls for Tipsy. What can Tipsy do?”
“Hi. I was hoping you could place a piece of parchment on the notice board for each house. It’s a studying tip to help with defense.” He told Tipsy while handing her the 4 sheets of parchment. “And if you could place the Gryffindor one, next to the quidditch tryouts sheet, I would appreciate it.”
Tipsy checked over the parchments suspiciously before beaming at Harry. “Tipsy can do. Tipsy not use to one house helping other houses.”
After she popped away, Harry headed to the Gryffindor common room ready for the day to end.
--*--
Dolores Umbridge was not liking how things were going. She had finished her first day of teaching and was appalled at the lack of respect in this school. These horrible children didn’t understand how great she and the Ministry were.
She was also running into problems. She didn’t even recognize Harry Potter, when he was in her class. Dolores never even considered that a possibility. She was surprised he wasn’t defending his claim about You-Know-Who, but his so-called friends were. Friends he didn’t even sit by. She was going to give it a week before informing the Minister.
Her other problem was the destruction of her precious blood quills. She had no idea how they were destroyed and now was just going to have to use regular quills until she can get more blood quills.
The little beasts of this school needed to be taught a lesson after all.