Chapter 15
Lucius stared at the drink in his hand. He was unable to hold it steady due to the after effects of the Cruciatus Curse his lord had held him under. His lord was upset by the lack of progress in regards to getting a hold of the prophecy.
He remembers a time when his lord used to be charming and charismatic. While he was never afraid to punish those that had deserved it, by the end of the war he would curse those who did not. Those that had successfully completed their task.
Lucius felt like his lord was even more insane now than before.
“Do you want him sane?” Potter’s voice drifted through his mind.
Lucius did want his sane Lord back. The man who had the power to change their society that was becoming a mockery in order to appease mudbloods. They were losing their heritage, their traditions, everything that made them a part of the magical world. They were not muggles and therefore should not have to act like it in their own communities. He was a wizard.
He wondered how Potter of all people expected to be able to bring his lord sanity back. The brat was just a nuisance. His lord would be much happier when gets rid of him.
With that in mind, Lucius had an idea. Ignoring his trembling body, he began to plot.
--*--
Harry was once again sitting in Dumbledore’s office, the only difference from last time was that Snape had joined them. The Potions professor was leaning against the wall stiffly seeming to want to be anywhere but here.
“Now my boy,” Dumbledore began. “Why did you not go to your occlumency lesson with Professor Snape? He spent a great time waiting for you to show up. You know you need these lessons and we are only trying to help you.”
Harry resisted to roll his eyes and the blatant guilt trip. “I do not believe I need them.”
“You agreed when I brought them up.” Dumbledore gave him a disappointed look.
“No, you said I needed them and rather than argue with you I let the subject drop, never agreeing.” Harry shrugged.
“Harry, you need those lessons to protect your mind from Voldemort.” Dumbledore said softly.
“No, I don’t and even if I did, I wouldn’t be getting lessons from Snape.” Harry told him.
“You ungrateful brat.” Snape sneered at him.
“Now, Harry. Professor Snape is a master at occlumency.” Dumbledore defended.
“Is he, really?” Harry raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, my dear boy.” Dumbledore smiled.
“I doubt it.”
“You arrogant-” Snape started before he was cut off.
“If he were a master at occlumency he would know that in order to teach occlumency to another there would need to be trust between them and they need at least an amicable relationship. Snape hates me for reasons I do not know and doesn’t trust me. I think he’s a miserable bully who should have never become a teacher. I do not trust him and would never trust him with my mind.” Harry calmly informed them.
Both men seemed stunned with Harry’s knowledge on the subject.
Dumbledore, unfortunately, pulled himself back together. “I know you and Professor Snape have had your differences but you can put that in the past. Let bygones be bygones. It really is for the greater good.” Dumbledore twinkled at him.
“You don’t seem to be listening, Headmaster. My answer is no and if he or you tries to use legilimency on me, I shall push charges.” Harry stated coldly. “Was there anything else you wish to speak about?”
Dumbledore’s jaw clenched. “Yes.” he gritted his teeth. “We need to discuss your O.W.L.s that you received from the Ministry.”
“What about them?” Harry smirked seeing how upset the old goat was.
“Why did you not tell me you took them? I didn’t even know you were interested in such subjects.” He gave Harry another disappointed look.
“It really isn’t any of your business, Headmaster. Three of the subjects I took were removed from Hogwarts for some ridiculous reason.”
“They were removed from Hogwarts due to the advanced magic and dangers posed to the children.” Dumbledore answered with a frown.
“Yes, it does seem that Magical Britain is behind compared to other magical communities.”
“What nonsense are you talking about, Potter?” Snape snarled.
“I’m talking about how behind Hogwarts curriculum is compared to the rest of the world and how long it’s been behind, which lowers the communities-”
“There is nothing wrong with Hogwarts curriculum!” Dumbledore fiercely interrupted Harry.
Harry gave him a pitying look. “Last year, the reason that none of the foreign schools participated in the seventh year classes was because of how behind they were. They had learnt what was being taught to the seventh years in their third year.”
“That is false, Potter.” Snape denied.
“You can easily look it up yourself Professor. Hogwarts is just barely holding on as a recognizable institution worldwide. I would guess within the next five years if things don’t change, it will only count to Magical Britain.” Harry shrugged.
“I’m sure you just misunderstood, Harry. Hogwarts is the best school in the world.” Dumbledore insisted.
Harry scoffed. “If that is all, Headmaster. I have homework to complete.” Not really but they didn’t need to know that.
“You may go.” Dumbledore said sourly.
--*--
Harry was minding his own business in the library when Malfoy caught his eye. The blonde walked past his table, dropped a letter in front of him and kept walking. To anyone else it would seem as if he merely dropped by accident and didn’t notice. Harry however saw it was intentionally dropped.
Harry casually picked it up and placed it in his pocket and went back to his book. He would read it later in private.
After a few moments Granger and the two youngest Weasleys stormed up to them.
“How did you do it?” Granger demanded, incensed.
“How did I do what?” Harry questioned closing his book.
“How did you manage to get those O.W.L.s? I have never seen you study any of those topics.” She demanded.
“He probably used his fame.” Boy Weasley suggested with a glare.
“Harry! You shouldn’t use your fame like that.”
Harry arched a brow. “I have never used my so called fame, Granger. Only you guys seem to use it.”
“Why are you calling me by my last name? I’m your best friend.” She scowled.
“I’m his best friend.” Ron interjected, face turning red.
“You know what I mean.” She rolled her eyes at the other boy.
“I’m not friends with any of you. You have all lied to me and stolen from me.” Harry placed his book in his satchel. “I suggest you listen and leave me alone.”
“I also want to be more than friends.” Ginny proclaimed, fluttering her eyes.
“Absolutely not.” Harry didn’t hide his grimace of disgust. “I do not like you in any way, shape or form.”
Ginny’s eyes welled up with tears, before she took off.”
“Harry!” Hermione shrieked. “That was rude. Go apologize and ask her to go to Valentines with you.”
“No. She, like you, is a fame hungry whore.” Harry gritted his teeth in irritation. Why couldn’t they just leave him alone. He was getting sick and tired of them. He could feel a head coming on that just being in their presence caused.
“Hey! That’s my sister you're talking about!” Ron yelled, clenching his fists.
“And also, you two.”
“YOU TAKE THAT BA-”
“Out! I will not have you disturbing the peace in my library. Both of you are banned for a week.” Madam Pince declared standing by a nearby bookshelf. She seemed like she might have been standing there the entire conversation.
“But Madam Pince, Harry started it.” Granger whined.
“You and Mr. Weasley are banned for two weeks for arguing. I was here the entire time and saw you ambush Mr. Potter.”
“But-”
“Would you like to make it three?” she asked casually.
Hemione grabbed Ron and basically fled.
“Thank you, Madam Pince.” Harry nodded at her.
“I have seen you treat the books extremely well this year Mr. Potter. Do keep it up.” With that she left.
Harry retook his book out to continue reading now that he knew two of the idiot trio could not enter the library.
--*--
After crawling into bed that night and putting up his usual spells, Harry took out the letter. He checked it for any spells or curses. It was clean. He opened up, curious about what it said.
Dear Mr. Potter,
I know it is a rather unorthodox way to get a letter to you. I have heard some stories about how your mail is extensively checked and most is kept from you.
Do forgive me for being rather abrupt but last we had spoken you mentioned a ritual and a thunderstorm. As I am sure you know, my library is one of the best and I have access to lots of information. I would, however, like us to have a chat about what you mentioned and am formally inviting you to my home for Ostara.
I do hope to see you then.
Sincerely,
Lord Malfoy
Harry smiled to himself. This would work perfectly for his plans.