Strange Potter

Regulus was about to dig into his breakfast when he felt his mirror going off in his pocket.

"Morning Puny." Harry's face smiled at him when he pulled it out.

"You're Puny too!" His brother argued back but was smiling.

Hulk gave that nickname to both of them. Well, he gave it to everyone and it became a running joke between them.

"What's Hogwarts like?!" The younger boy asked eagerly.

"It's a pretty cool castle. I met Hagrid. He's is just like Sirius said he was. Big and jolly. Like a giant Santa."

"Like I would exaggerate anything." Sirius came in from his room. "What house?" He immediately demanded.

"Really?" Natasha joined them. "That's your first question."

"It's the most important! If he's a Slytherin I'll...I will be completely destroyed." He said dramatically.

"Oh please." Harry scuffed. "I would look dapper in green and you know it." He looked at Natasha. "Morning mum. How long did it take until Regulus snuck into my room?"

"A half-hour tops. He was talking to your great grandfather most of yesterday." She smirked.

"Well, if grandfather let him then it's fine."

"What bloody house?!" Sirius yelled. Harry laughed and showed his red and gold-colored tie. "I knew it!" The Marauder cheered.

"The hat said I would do well in any of them but I met Malfoy on the train. He's in Slytherin."

"No surprise there," Sirius mumbled.

"Yeah. That pretty much settled me on not going there." Harry turned the mirror to the bed next to his. "Neville's here too."

"Hey, guys!" The boy waved as he tied his shoe.

"Hi, Neville." Natasha greeted him. "Any issues there?"

"Had a run-in with Peeves. He tried to hit us with water balloons but I blocked them. Unfortunately, I didn't cover everyone so some of the others got sorted a little wet." Harry laughed.

"Well it's a good thing I warned you about him isn't it?" Sirius chuckled back. "Any problems with the staff?"

"Haven't had any yet, but I haven't been to any classes either. Snape did glare at me the whole time but we expected that."

"Let me know if he does anything stupid."

"I will. I'm wondering if I should call Wanda first though? I want to see her terrify him."

"Aunt Wanda's not scary." Regulus looked confused.

"You've not seen her angry."

"Harry we better get to breakfast." Neville looked at the time.

"Right got to go. Oh, Sirius what would Dumbledore have here that could lead to a painful death?"

"What?!" Both Natasha and Sirius said together.

"It was in his announcement last night. Figured you might know."

"I have no idea." The man sighed. "I guess I'll have to talk with him."

"Take a video. I want to see it."

"Get to breakfast. I'll see what the blazes he is up to."

Regulus put his mirror away. "A painful death?" He looked at his parents with concern.

"Don't worry about Harry. Worry for that old man if anything happens." Nat patted his cheek and looked at Sirius with a very serious eye.

He nodded back.

After breakfast and getting their schedule the boys made sure that had everything before going to their first class.

Hermione was already there. Front of the class.

They moved up and took the seats next to her. Harry is in the middle with both of them on his sides.

"Did you sleep here?" Harry joked to the girl.

"I'm an early riser." She sat out all her notes and books. And so excited!

"Earlier than the sun." Neville laughed.

Harry smirked too but noticed they were being watched. The black cat on the desk sat still but its eyes follow their every move.

"Excuse me." He stood and went to the desk. "Good morning professor." He whispered with a wink.

The cat looked slightly surprised but didn't move.

"What was that?" Hermione asked as he sat down.

"You'll see."

A few minutes later the rest of the class filled in. Ron ran in last.

"Thank Merlin the professors are not here yet." The redhead relaxed.

Then the cat jumped up and McGonagall stood in front of him.

"Sleep in Mr. Weasley?"

"No professor. Got lost."

"Then perhaps a map will be of assistance in the future. Take your seat." She went back to the front and stood facing Harry. "Mr. Potter care to tell me how you knew?"

"I could say it's because the cat had the same eyes and hair. Plus you seem like the person to always be punctual so you wouldn't be late." He smiled. "But, while true, the real reason is Sirius told me you did the same thing with him."

Her eyes narrowed. "Well. I'll have to work on some new tricks. Five points to Gryffindor for your honesty." 

Harry nodded and opened his notebook.

The stern professor turned to the rest of the class. "Transfiguration is the most complex of all magical arts." She said firmly, before changing her desk into a pig, then changing it back. "As such, if anybody feels a need to 'play about' in my lessons, they can leave now. I can assure you, if I catch you not taking this seriously, I will evict you from this class immediately, never to return."

For the next hour, she lectured on the basic principles of Transfiguration. Harry was already familiar with the techniques but it was interesting learning from the person that taught his teachers.

After she finished her lecture, McGonagall began handing out matchsticks, telling the students to begin transfiguring them into needles.

Harry wasted no time. With a tiny flick of his wand, the match changed into a perfect needle.

Hermione looked over and saw his finished product. He smiled at her then she gave him a look of frustration.

"What?"

"Nothing." She went back to her casting. Hers was only looking slightly pointy.

"Well done Mr. Potter." His head of house saw his needle. "Faster than everyone else. Ten points to Gryffindor."

Hermione only looked more frustrated at that. Harry saw her look and thought of a solution.

"Hermione. If you want I can tell you a secret." He offered. "My father was a bit of a transfiguration prodigy and left some notes. That's why I did it so fast. Would you like to hear some?"

She thought about it and nodded. Neville was listening next to them and taking in the information as well. He had a lot of practice with his parents but that was mainly defensive spells and attacks. An Auror father did that, even if Neville wasn't planning on following in his footsteps.

Harry then explained to both of them several of the techniques and right movements that his father had learned through trial and error. 

Hermione absorbed the information like a sponge. Anything to learn more.

McGonagall heard the end of the explanation and was feeling quite proud of the boy. He had his parents drive for spell work and made it understandable to others. James and Lily would be proud.

It took some practice but Hermione was the next one to finish. A perfect needle sat on the table. 

"Well done Miss. Granger. And Mr. Potter your explanation was quite informative."

"Dad wasn't perfect but he knew Transfiguration."

"Very true." A rare genuine smile on the old professor's face.

"Got it!" Neville exclaimed happily.

Perhaps the boy will become a teacher in the future? He certainly has the talent.

They earned Gryffindor a fair amount of points but Hermione still seemed annoyed about coming in second.

"Did you have tutors?!" The girl asked as they made their way to the next class.

Harry could feel the frustration from her. "Yeah. Sirius and my 'uncle' Remus taught me a lot growing up."

"So you've already performed these spells and techniques."

"Since I was six."

Hermione took off. She had to study more! She had to catch up to him!

"She's mental," Ron said.

"She seems to take classes very seriously," Neville noted.

"Again mental."

"She reminds me a little of Doc and Mum," Harry argued. "Well in that they are just as focused on education." Nat never let his grades slip.

"He sounds like a nightmare and dangerous from what my mum tells me and no muggle would ever understand magic."

Harry turned to the redhead. "Don't insult Dr. Strange around me." He warned. "I owe him everything and don't call my mum a muggle."

Ron went wide-eyed and backed up as Harry walked away. "He's mental too." She's a muggle what's the big deal? 

"No, he respects Dr. Strange. It's because of him that Harry has his family." Neville explained. "He's also very protective of them. Nat has been his mum since he lost his."

"It's just a word."

"No, it isn't." Neville shook his head. Ron's just too absorbed in the magical world. That's not all his fault but I don't think he'll ever understand.

Their next class was one Harry was sure to be one of his favorites.

Flying.

"Hello, class." Madam Hooch strode forward, passing by the students. She stopped when she reached the head of the column. "Welcome to your first flying lesson." She gestured to the brooms. "Well, what are you all waiting for? Place your hand over a broom, and say 'up!'"

Harry didn't even say anything when the broom jumped up into his hand.

Again he received a glare from Hermione.

Neville was next. It took a few times but he got the hang of it. His broom was more cooperative.

Harry watched Hermione practically shouting at her broom. "Do you want a tip?"

"No."

"Fine." Harry put his broom end on the ground and waited.

After several failed attempts she finally snapped. "What's the tip?!"

"Imagine it's a dog. If you wanted it to do something would you growl at it or be firm?"

Hermione looked back at the broom and exhaled. "Up." She said firmly.

The broom was left in her hand. She relaxed as she held it. But a new fear filled her.

She's afraid of flying. Bugger.

After everyone's broom was up in their hands, one nearly blacked Ron's eye, it was time to move to the next part.

"We'll take turns raising a few feet then back down," Hooch instructed she picked the closet's student.

One by one all the children were getting used to their brooms and flying if only a few feet. Harry and Neville both were the fastest to master the simple instructions. Malfoy was another that finished with ease.

When Hooch got to Hermione she felt more panic as she mounted her broom. This...you can do this...it's just a few feet. Breath...

"Hey, Potter. Is your little girlfriend afraid to fly?" Draco mocked still holding the broom between his legs.

"Unless you want to be polishing these brooms all weekend Mr. Malfoy remain silent!" Hooch ordered.

Harry glared at the blonde. But Draco didn't see Harry's pinky finger glow red.

"Aw!!" 

Hooch looked up and saw Draco flying off. His broom not responding to him.

"Stay here!" She ordered and mounted hers.

Harry smiled as she chased the boy. He saw Neville giving him a look.

You did that. 

Harry winked at him.

It took Hooch over ten minutes of chasing the screaming blonde before she finally got his broom under control.

The rest of the class was on the ground laughing, except the Slytherins, as Draco was dragged down.

"That's what happens when you aren't prepared!" The professor scolded him when they landed. 

"The bloody broom was useless! When my father hears of this..."

"Ten points from Slytherin for your language and another for wasting the class time!"

Draco stopped talking and glared at the laughing classmates. When he got to Potter it only intensified when the green-eyed half-blood smiled at him.

Hooch dismissed the class and everyone started back into the school.

"Hey, Hermione." Harry rushed up to the girl as she walked faster than the rest. "If you're uncomfortable with flying I can give you a hand..."

"Of course, you can! You're good at everything." Hermione said with some anger.

"Hermione." Harry moved in front of her. "I grew up around magic. I've had a wand longer than I had baby teeth. Sirius likes to joke that I was born with a broom. Of course, I have an advantage. But you are doing great. You just came into this world and you can outperform 99 percent of the class."

"You don't get it." She huffed and turned away. Nobody does.

"I do get it."

"No, you don't." She stopped and turned back around.

"Really? My mum was the Savior,  My dad was one of the most talented wizards to come out of here, Sirius is one of the most skilled wizards around, my step mum is a hero to the whole world and Dr. Strange has been my mentor since I was one." Harry explained. "I know what it's like to try to live up to something. To be as good as them or better."

Hermione looked at him. Why is he so different? 

"I know you believe you have to work twice as hard and you're right in some ways. This isn't a fair world to First-Gens. It's getting better but you will face crap you shouldn't. I don't want you to face it alone."

"Why?"

"I have an eye for some things. Mum taught me to observe and read people. You love knowledge but aren't the most people-friendly person. But I haven't been wrong in picking friends before and I think you could be a good friend."

 Why me? You're the most popular person in our year. Ron calls me insufferable." Prat thought I wasn't listening. 

"And he's lazy." Harry shrugged it was true Ron tried in class but he didn't put any effort in. Just enough to get by. "Nobody's perfect. Well, Tony would argue that but you get the point."

"Still...why me?"

"Because I walk around here and everyone wants to be close to the Boy-Who-Lived. You don't care about that. Do you?"

"No." She said softly.

"You met me before you knew the story. Neville has been my friend forever. I want the closest friends to see me not this." He motioned to the scar. "So. Friends?" He offered his hand.

"Friends." She shook it. This is different. I like it.

The next class was one Harry was sure to be the most eventful.

He sat next to Hermione as Neville took the seat next to Ron. The redhead had been trying to avoid the girl.

"I hear Snape is a nightmare," Ron whispered to Neville.

"Professor Snape." Hermione overhead him.

Making both of them glared at each yet again.

"If you two are going to kill each other can you wait until we move?" Neville asked.

Before they could reply the door burst open and in walked the professor. His sneer and strut were both prominent. Harry did think his cloak bellowing was a cool trick though.

"There will be no foolish wand-waving or silly incantations in this class. As such, I don't expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art that is potion-making. However, for those selected. Who possesses, the predisposition... I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory, and even put a stopper in death."

Snape glared over the classroom. His eyes bore into Harry as the boy was taking notes.

"Then again, maybe some of you have come to Hogwarts in possession of abilities so formidable that you feel confident enough to not pay attention! Mister Potter. Our new celebrity." He looked down at Harry.

Oh already drawing attention to that status. Okay. Let's see how far you take this.

"Tell me what potion uses the African Sea Salt?"

Hermione's hand shot up eagerly to answer, but Harry spoke.

"Five ounces of African Sea Salt is one of the ingredients in the Draught of Living Death. Professor."

Snape's glare intensified. "Lucky guess. Let's try another. What are the effects of the Alihotsy leafs?"

"Uncontrollable laughter and hysteria. Some have died from a deadly allergic reaction to them." The boy was enjoying this, but he didn't want to show it. 

Snape looked like he was trying to set Harry on fire with his eyes.  "And what are the ingredients for the Polyjuice Potion?"

"Lacewing flies stewed for 21 days, leeches, powdered bicorn horn, Knotgrass, Fluxweed picked on the full moon, shredded Boomslang skin, and some piece of the person used to turn into. Usually a hair." Harry answered calmly. Check Professor. Your move.

The whole class went dead silent. Hermione looked at him then in her book to see if he was right. Even Snape was temporarily stunned but his anger was obvious. 

"Well, why aren't any of you writing this down?!" He glared around the room. Arrogant brat thinks he's smart! 

Harry attempted to get reading into the man's mind but was met with a wall. Occlumency? Well, that's going to be annoying. I could just rip down his defenses but that would give me away. I'll just have to go off his feelings and behavior.

"Instructions are on the board." Snape sat at the desk and loomed over the class.

Instructions are on the board. The lazy way of teaching. 

Harry watched as he did his potion. Snape made it clear he didn't want to be talked to but occasionally a hand would go up. He would give the long insults with the answer somewhere in the tirade.

Technically answering but how much of an arse do you have to be to go after kids? At least my father stayed with his age group.

When they began brewing Harry pulled out a set of gloves.

"Don't want your dainty hands to be ruined, Potter?" 

Harry looked up at the 'man'. "Safety precaution. Professor."

"Yes by all means make sure your hands show no signs of actually doing work."

Harry heard snickers from Malfoy and some of the Slytherins. He shrugged and began cutting up his ingredients.

Snape was annoyed by his lack of response.

The class went slowly with Snape looming over them. 

Harry was about to add to his cauldron when a wayward ingredient froze over it. Harry plucked it and saw Malfoy looking confused. He held it out to him. "Drop something?" 

Malfoy glared but Snape snatched the ingredient. 

"Potter is barely adequate at this without your assistance." He looked at Harry. "I believe I told you no wand waving in my class. Care to explain?" He motioned to the cauldron.

"My cauldron has repealing charms around it. Only someone wearing these (he motioned to the gloves) can add ingredients. Everything else freezes outside."

"Twenty points from Gryffindor for showing off. No one cares about how much Black has spoiled you."

Wow, pot meets kennel. How much has Dumbledore done to protect your sorry arse?"

As he looked at Snape he felt it. Snape was trying to get into his mind. Alright. Let's see what you can do.

Snape peaked but what he found was...Lily...just endless images of Lily and Potter! Happy and clearly in love! She smiled and wrapped herself in Potter's arms. Their wedding...Lily is happier than she ever was around Snape. The ring shone as he put his hand on her swollen stomach.

He sneered and went back to his desk. Brat has some special teaching or is always thinking about his parents. 

Most of the Gryffindors saw what Malfoy tried to do and made sure to keep an eye out for any attempts to sabotage theirs. With all his targets watching him and Potter having a special cauldron Draco sulked the rest of the class.

There were no explosions or big mishaps. Something Snape was grateful for. He had enough of a headache just being around the 'children'.

When the time was up he surveyed the turned-in results. Most of them were barely acceptable but four were made perfectly.

Malfoy, The Granger girl, Longbottom, and of course Potter! No way he inherited his mother's skill for this. 

After cleaning up and everyone started filling out Snape had to get to the bottom of this.

"Potter! Stay after." The 'professor' ordered.

Hermione looked at him nervously and Neville was debating about staying with him. Harry gave him a nod to go.

After everyone else was gone it was just the two of them. Harry showing now fear or intimation which just made Snape even madder.

"Care to explain how you cheated?"

"Cheated? I don't know what you mean."

"Ten points for your lies Potter." Snape glared. "You cheated in my questions and with your potion."

"I didn't cheat. I studied. I had a very good tutor before coming here. Sirius was insistent I learn as much as I could about the subject."

"Of course, Black would spoil you more. I guess he's desperate to replace your arrogant self-absorbed father he's attempting to make you just like him."

"Yes so self-absorbed he sacrificed himself to save his wife Lily POTTER and his son. Such a selfish man." Harry glared back.

"You dare cheek me?" Snape's eyes grew even darker. 

"I don't consider telling the truth a cheek. James Potter was one of the bravest men to ever live."

"He was pathetic. Too much of a coward to ever face anyone without his three other toe tags."

"Really? So all the times you two dueled he had help? No. He didn't, did he?" Harry retorted. "Even when you saw it coming he was simply more skilled than you."

"Don't care for the truth now Potter?"

"I have no doubt the other three were there. But you never fought four wands at a time. James Potter never needed help getting the better of you. Sure Sirius did join in after my dad beat you but never before and I don't agree with that. But the most the others did was make sure you didn't try to kill him when his back was turned. Like a real coward always does."

"You arrogant little shite!!" The man went to backhand the boy.

But Harry expected it and ducked. His wand was out and Snape found it pointed right at his lower extremities.

"You dare pull a wand on me!" He then did the stupidest thing he could. He went for his.

A stinging spell hit his dangling bits square. Dropping the dungeon bat shouting in pain.

"You are predictable. I'll be in the Headmaster's office." Harry kept his wand aimed at him as he backed out of the room and then ran down the hall.

Snape was cursing the brat as he forced himself up. He bolted after the Potter spawn with a noticeable limp.

Harry arrived at the gargoyle but didn't know the password.

"Hi. Can you let the Headmaster know someone is out here?"

He already called Sirius and Neville so now he just had to wait.

The door opened a few seconds later.

"Mr.  Potter." Dumbledore greeted from his large desk. "This is unexpected. Come in."

Harry took in the large room. It was full of very incredible features and trinkets. A lifetime of collection. It was amazing what you could gather with 150 years of life.

"Sorry to interrupt your day but I'm pretty sure what's about to happen will need your attention."

Dumbledore looked at him confused then a new voice burst into the office.

"Headmaster I demanded Potter be expelled!"

"Come in Severus." The older man sighed.

"This arrogant brat attacked me!"

Harry sat there not at all worried about the man's tirade.

"Did you attack him, Mr. Potter?"

"I stopped him from attacking me."

"He drew a wand on me and then hexed me!" 

"I drew after you tried to hit me. And I cast after you went for your wand."

"Mr. Potter you can not hex your Professor! I can't believe how disappointed I am in you." 

Dumbledore there is a list of people I never want to disappoint. You are not one of them.

"If he hadn’t tried to strike me I wouldn't have had to pull my wand and if he didn't go for his I wouldn't have cast anything. How can he be an effective spy if an eleven-year-old can make him lose his head?"

"Mr. Potter we are not discussing that!" Sirius has been telling the boy too much.

"Expel the brat!"

The doors opened again and McGonagall came in next.

"Mr. Potter. Why did Mr. Longbottom tell me you were in trouble?"

"It appears Harry attacked Professor Snape," Dumbledore informed her.

"Is this true?"

"Yes and no. We got into an argument and he lost the verbal one so he tried to strike me. I do admit to hexing him but that was self-defense. I had no idea what spells he might try to cast on me. I know he created a few that could kill me."

"Professor Snape would never harm you, Mr. Potter," Dumbledore reassured. "It was most likely a disarming spell. You can't go around pointing your wand at your professor."

"Believe what you like Headmaster, but I don't trust him. And the fact you do won't change that." 

That didn't sit well with Dumbledore. Harry and Severus were the two most vital parts of his plans. Even if they didn't like or get along Harry needed to trust his judgment on the man.

Before Snape could go on his usual tantrum a glowing circle told them all that they had a guest.

Strange and Sirius stepped out. Both men looked upset.

"Harry are you alright?" Sirius came over.

"Fine. I told you that."

"Well, you were running when you called so I had to be sure."

"What happened?" Stephen asked.

"Snape attempted to hit me so I hexed his lower parts." Harry had to fight a smile at that.

"You are a daft moron aren't you Snape?" Sirius growled. "You dare try to hit my godson!"

"The spoiled brat attacked me!"

"No you tried to hit me first then I attacked you. Try to get your facts straight." 

"You arrogant..." Snape stopped in his tracks as he came face to face with Sirius's wand.

"Adult to adult. I know you prefer weaker targets but the only way you're getting to Harry is through me."

"Us." Strange stood next to Sirius. "I will be more than happy to drop you somewhere you keep falling forever."

"Gentleman please!" Dumbledore tried to get control of the situation. "Professor Snape calm yourself you will not lay a hand on Mr. Potter are we clear?"

Snape looked at him and gave a reluctant nod.

"That being said we can't have students attacking teachers." 

"Yet you can have professors attacking students?" Strange mocked.

"The little brat..."

"When I want your opinion I'll ask for it!" Strange glared at him. "Until then be silent!".

Snape started to shout but his voice was gone.

"I will not apologize If he wants an apology then he needs to apologize for insulting my dead father. Or he can learn to live with someone who won't let him walk over them because he is unable to act like an adult." Harry shrugged.

"Never apologized when you've done nothing wrong, Harry." Strange told him. "If someone was capable of controlling themselves none of this would have happened."

"Mr. Potter can't go around hexing his professors," McGonagall said. If word got out it would cause chaos even if she might believe the man deserved it. 

"How many has he hexed? Did you receive a spell in your class?" Sirius asked his old head of the house.

"Of course not." She admitted. The boy was very skilled and showed no attitude around her. A slight pride/arrogance when he finished a task, not that he didn't earn it, but he was always polite. "He still confessed to casting a spell on his professor."

"If Snape would have hit him who would you be on the side of?" Strange asked. 

McGonagall was raised old-fashioned. She didn't see it as bad as some others might but she would never condone it and if he had succeeded then he most likely would have faced the end of her wand.

"That's kinda why I called Neville to tell you, professor," Harry said. "As my head of the house, I wanted you to know."

"Severus." There was a time when McGonagall would instantly side with her colleagues but this man's behavior over the last decade had her reevaluate that stance. "I can't condone him casting on you but I have to ask. What led up to this? I seriously doubt he just pulled out his wand on you."

"Potter cheated in my class and I called him on it. When he refused to confess it escalated until he drew a wand on me!"

"I didn't cheat. How could I possibly when YOU did the pop quiz?"

"Quiz?" McGonagall asked.

"Several different types of questions all harder than the last. I answered everyone honestly and correctly with respect."

"I can confirm that." The portrait ran into a new frame. "I was impressed by the boy's knowledge and understanding. He showed no signs of cheating."

"And after the class?"

"It was a rather pathetic attempt to degrade the boy by Professor Snape. He sunk to childish insults and when those didn't work he went after Mr. Potter's father. That was when things escalated."

"The boy couldn't handle the truth about his father and attacked!"

"I don't care how my father treated you." Harry interrupted. "I know full well about both of their bully behavior and I still don't care. One is dead the other needs to grow up!"

Snape glared and Harry just tilted his head. He wasn't intimidated by the man at all. It helped he could easily destroy the man with his mind. 

He felt the probe and this time he went back. All he felt was hate. Raw hate. Snape hated everything about him. There was absolutely no good in the man when it came to him. 

"You can try all day. You will never get into my mind."

"What?!" McGonagall raised her voice at him.

"He's been trying to get a glimpse into my head all class. He won't."

"Any other crimes you wish to do in my presence?" Strange moved to Snape.

"The brat is lying. You will find that all children lie."

"So do adults. Especially those who deflect blame."

"You know nothing!"

"Better than being someone who thinks they know everything. I can learn, unlike some dunderhead professors. As far as Harry lying. He's very skilled at a lot of things but he has never mastered the art of lying to me." 

"True. I tried but Doc could always tell when I did. So I just stopped." Harry chuckled to himself. Mum too. Seriously it's scary how she can tell...

Snape was getting tired of being talked down to. He deserved respect!

"Albus. This is getting us nowhere." McGonagall spoke up. "Perhaps we should fully investigate the situation with more clarity." She motioned to his Pensieve.

He gave her a slightly disappointed look, the fewer people who knew of that the better, but it would settle the dispute easier.

"Why should we waste our time catering to this spoiled brat?!"

"I agree. Maybe you should fire the spoiled brat that won't shut it!" Sirius glared at Snape.

The man started for his wand but Dumbledore stopped him.

"Stop! Serveus we will review both your memories and what the portrait has to add. Then I will pass judgment."

"You have a Pensieve?" Harry asked. "Wicked. I read about them. There's only a handful left in the world."

"It's not mine its the schools. Legend has it that the founders of the school found the Pensieve half buried in the ground of the original castle one of the reasons they were so interested in this location." Dumbledore nodded to the boy. "Are you familiar with the spell to extract memories?"

"I read about it too but never had a reason to practice it or the device to do it with."

Harry had his memory extracted first and waited while the adults reviewed it.

When they pulled out of the basin he was standing next to Fawkes and running his fingers over the phoenix feathers. The bird and boy were getting along very well. Fawkes could tell something was off with the boy but he also felt the good in his heart.

"It appears you earned the hex professor." Strange glared at the man.

"Of course, you would take Potter's side. It wasn't enough that you ruined my hard-earned reputation but now you're determined to take my job! All to caterer to an arrogant dunderhead."

"What I saw was a man who lost a verbal attack and proceeded to try to physically hit a child. A weak pathetic act." Strange turned to Albus. "He is already on thin ice with his failure as a professor. Your reputation is not as high as it was thanks to him."

"The brat..."

"Enough!!" Dumbledore thundered. "After reviewing the altercation it's obvious this was handled poorly."

"Headmaster!" Snape started.

"I said enough!" Dumbledore allowed himself to calm. "Serveus you had no right to attempt to strike Mr. Potter." He looked at Harry. "You Mr. Potter can not go around hexing your professors."

"So he should have let him strike him?" Strange interrupted.

Dumbledore chooses to ignore him. "You will serve one detention this Friday with Professor McGonagall and if either of you disagrees with this then I will double Mister Potter's detention and it will be 200 hundred points from Gryffindor." He looked back at Snape. "Those ingredients you asked for will not be purchased and you will be on probation if you disagree. Do you both understand?"

Snape looked angry but nodded. Harry was still calm and nodded back.

"Now that, that is settled please see yourselves out." Dumbledore motioned to the door.

Harry thanked Strange and smiled at Sirius before he left. Snape glared at both of them but departed as well.

"'Trust him with your life?'" Stephen repeated. "He can't even behave around his 'friends' only son."

"Enough!" Dumbledore thundered again.

"Raise your voice to me again and we'll find out just how powerful you are," Strange said so calmly but with such power, even Sirius felt uneasy.

The two wizards had an intense standoff. Some of the portraits began moving from their frames in fear of the possible coming damage.

Dumbledore sighed. "He is immature concerning Harry, I will admit, but he will never allow any harm to befall any child here."

"Unless he's the one doing the harming that is," Sirius growled. "You should be grateful Nat wasn't with us Albus. Snape would have spent the rest of the week in St Mungo's. If he was lucky."

"I will have words with him." He wasn't concerned with the actions of a muggle. What could she do to a skilled wizard-like Severus?

"I'm sure that nothing will change after you do." Strange shook his head in disappointment at him.

Dumbledore was not used to being on the receiving end of that. He didn't like it.

"One more thing Albus. Why is a painful death a possibility in your school?!"

"That does raise concerns." Strange agreed.

Dumbledore sighed again. "It was a fair warning. There is something that the children need to avoid there."

"So you tell all of them not to go? Are you that out of touch? When I don't want Harry or Reg to do something I don't pique their interest like that."

"They needed to be aware."

"I think we're overlooking the real question. What are you keeping in a SCHOOL that could cause a painful death?"

"Yes, Albus. You never informed the board about anything like this." 

And there was a reason. "It is a favor I'm doing for an old friend. Something of the value of his has been a target of some unsavory individuals and I offered to protect it in the safest place."

"I asked you what it was not a long empty explanation."

Dumbledore gave Stephen a look of annoyance. He was getting tired of being constantly questioned.

"I am helping a friend. I have taken precautions to keep any curious children out."

"Albus if one child is hurt because of your 'helping' I won't rest until you are not only fired. But you take my relative's place on the wall here."

"No child will be endangered here. I have the situation well I hand."

"We shall see." Strange replied.

"Albus...if Harry has anything happen to him under your watch. I won't stop what Nat does to you. Or Snape." Sirius exited back out of the portal after the threat.

"Your obsession with control and manipulating the world to fit your goals will be your undoing."

"A bit hypocritical Dr. Strange. You have taken control of far more than me to fit your own goals."

"Yet in all my efforts. I'm the one who has made my own life more difficult to protect a child and pull this world out of the past. I know I'm hated in your world but not by all. There's a lot of people who are thrilled with my involvement."

"And your manipulation of the boy? Making him come here with resentment against myself and my potion professor? It's obvious the boy doesn't trust me or my decisions."

"I merely gave him the information. He made his judgment. I want him to have all the facts available. Unlike some who wish to keep him in the dark. But I guess that's the difference between doing what is right and what is easy." Strange exited and the portal shut behind him.

That was not how I wished my first meeting with Harry would go...

"Harry what happened?!" Neville asked as soon as he got into the dorm.

"Minor altercation with Snape. It's been settled."

"What did you do to Professor Snape?" Hermione drew out the professor's part.

"Hexed him when he tried to hit me." Harry moved to his new favorite seat.

"What?!" 

"When he had me stay after he proceeded to call me a cheat and a moron. Then he insulted my parents. I called him out on his lies and he tried to hit me so I hexed his privates."

"You can't go around hexing..." Hermione was about to start a long lecture.

"Let me stop you there." Harry interrupted. "I didn't pick the fight he did. I didn't draw until he moved to strike me. I only cast when he went for his wand. Everything that happened was his fault. I will not apologize for his actions."

"Harry that is rude!"

"It's  life." Harry dismissed. "Would you sit there and let him spit on your parent's life and insult them? I gave him back cold hard facts and he couldn't take it."

"He's a professor! He deserves respect!"

"No one deserves respect. You get the respect you give out. He has none for me or my parents. So he won't get any from me."

"That's not how school works!"

"Hermione you need to realize I am not a doormat I want just to be walked over because others think they are entitled to. Be it Snape, the Malfoys, Voldemort, or the Headmaster himself."

"He's right Hermione," Neville said. "Both my parents almost died because of Death Eaters. Even if Snape did change sides that doesn't give him a free pass. Dumbledore can be wrong. He has been a lot in the past ten years."

Harry and Neville were done arguing with her so they left her standing there.

Hermione was stuck trying to process all the information. She was being pulled in two. One side said Professors deserved respect and needed to be followed. The other wanted to stand with her first friends. 

If one of my old teachers attacked me...Mum and Dad wouldn't rest until they were fired. But Dumbledore trusts Snape and he's Dumbledore. The greatest Wizard alive.

But what if he's wrong? Can he be? 

Harry knew the tryouts for Quidditch were today and he had to get his broom here, but first, he had to get on the team. 

Harry was changed into appropriate clothes and ran down the common room. He saw Ron beating Neville in a game of chess.

"Where are you off to in a hurry?" Neville moved his bishop.

"Tryouts," Harry answered.

"First years can't play," Ron argued.

"There's no rule saying that." Harry looked at Hermione who was sitting off to the side book in hand. "Hermione, did you read any?" He knew the answer but also knew she had the rules memorized.

The girl was put off by the question. She didn't know if they were talking to her after their argument.

She thought for a second. "No. Only that first years can't own a broom. There's nothing about not being able to try out."

As Harry began going to the field Hermione rushed up behind him.

"Harry, can we talk?" She had to say this. She spent a lot of time thinking and needed to let him know.

'What's up?"

"I...I'm sorry for earlier. Professor Snape doesn't have the right to strike you. He...he was very unprofessional. I shouldn't have defended him after hearing what happened."

Harry nodded. "Okay."

"Okay?"

"Okay. You admitted you were wrong in how you handled it and apologized."

"Are...we still friends?"

"We never stopped. Friends do argue sometimes." He smiled at her.

"Oh...I thought I might have messed it up."

"You made a mistake and realized it." He shrugged. "We all do it. I'm sure I will do the same in the future. I hope you'll be willing to hear me out when I do."

"That...that was a lot easier than I thought it would be." He's very understanding. I bet it's Miss. Romanoff influence or is it, Mrs. Black, now? She's very level-headed.

"You want to come to the pitch and see if I make the team? I could use some fan support." 

"I'm your friend. Not a fan." She glared at him.

"Now that hurts." He smirked.

She smiled back. "Prat."

"I've been called worse." He shrugged.

Neville, having quickly lost to Ron, and Hermione sat next to each other as they watched the tryouts.

Harry was the smallest guy out there. Most first years didn't even try.

"Is he any good?" She asked.

"Just watch." Nevile smiled.

Oliver was going over the rules and what he expected from his players. How he wouldn't settle for anything but the best.

Harry had to give Oliver one thing. The guy took Quidditch very seriously. If he made it on the team no one could say he didn't earn it.

"Alright, all potential seekers mount up!" Oliver ordered.

Harry mounted his borrowed broom. It was no Nimbus but he would make it work. The older year didn't even consider him a threat.

No way am I letting a first-year take this spot.How the hell could Oliver let him try out? 

He smiled at him. He has no idea what he's in for.

Oliver pulled out the Snitch. "Whoever brings me this gets the spot. Catch or die trying!"

The small ball took off! The two flew after it.

Hermione watched as Harry flew like he was a part of the broom. Every move was perfect time and fluid. He wasn't just good. He was almost pro-level!

Harry raced next to the other player with the Snitch bouncing back and forth as it flew ahead.

Neville started to get dizzy just watching them. Hermione kept her eyes focused on Harry because she couldn't even see the small flying ball.

The Snitch took a long straight stretch down the field. Harry and his opponent was right next to each other as they chased behind.

Suddenly the ball jerked up higher. Harry saw the guy next to him pull up his broom but he had another idea.

Hermione went wide-eyed in terror as Harry jumped up. He was standing on his broom! 

"Is he insane?!"

"Sometimes," Neville smirked.

Harry balanced himself and reached up before the other player could react. He grabbed the ball and dropped back down. With a fancy corkscrew turn, he flew back to the rest of the team. He landed Snitch in hand which he tossed to Oliver.

"Well...I guess we have a new seeker." The quitch-obsessed boy grinned.

The team cheered around him and Harry saw his friends running to the field.

"I knew it!" Neville joined in on the cheers.

"You're insane," Hermione shouted.

"It worked," Harry argued with a laugh.

"You're the youngest player in a century!" Hermione gushed. She didn't care for the game but she was happy for her friend.

"Hey, a title I earned." Harry realized but turned to the guy he beat offering his hand. "Good game."

"You won fair and square Potter." He shook. "But we better see that trophy a lot with you." 

"We will," Oliver said. "That was something else."

Friday arrived and Harry was outside his head of house room. She called him in after he knocked.

"Professor." He greeted.

"Mr. Potter." She motioned to the chair. "Sit."

The two sat across from each other. McGonagall had to give the boy some credit. He wasn't intimated by her. Most first years in their first detention were nervous but not Harry. He sat there patiently and waited.

"I want you to understand one thing, Mr. Potter. I do not condone what Professor Snape attempted. However, I can not ignore what you also did."

"Professor I will never let anyone bad talk my parents. I don't care what position they have."

"You can not go around in life attacking anyone for what they say."

"I don't plan to." The boy argued. "But I won't be walked over or will I let my war hero parents be spat on by someone who was a part of the group whose leader murdered them."

McGonagall sighed. "Your loyalty to your parents is admirable, but you do understand that hexing your professor is not the smartest decision."

"Neither is striking the godson of someone who already is doing everything to get you removed."

A fair point.

"You will find that in life many people will be difficult to work with. Sometimes you have to be the bigger man."

"I'm eleven." He shrugged. "If being the bigger man means ignoring that someone, who has no right to judge, constantly insults people I care about then no I won't be the bigger man. I'll give back what is given. My brother's godfather once said 'When the mob and the press and the whole world tell you to move, your job is to plant yourself like a tree by the river of truth, and tell the whole world 'No, You Move.'"

"That is a difficult life to live. One that will see you fighting every day."

"When it's something you believe in. Is it not worth fighting for? I know you lost people you care about in the war. Imagine if it was someone who kept degrading. Could you turn the other cheek?"

The professor knew she wouldn't able to either.  "So will your stance mean you will be constantly at arms with Professor Snape?"

"I won't start anything. But I will not be silent when he does."

She may be looking at a small James but she heard Lily. "You are so much like your mother."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"As you should."

Harry helped grade and organize the essays. The whole time the two had a long, pleasant talk about his parents.

It was less of detention and more of a peaceful conversation.

When his time was served he began to leave.

"Mr. Potter." She stopped him. "I have heard we have a new seeker. A first year. Very impressive. But you are aware you are normally not permitted to own a broom."

"Yes, professor."

Her lips formed a small smile. "I believe I can make an exception in this case. I have no doubt Sirius has one already set for you."

"You know Sirius." He laughed.

"As you said." She motioned to her graying hair. "These are his doing. I do hope to see that trophy on my mantle."

"I'll do my best professor but it's a team effort."

"Your best is all expected from all my lions." She smiled at him.

Finally at the top Cornelius. All those years slaving up the ranks and now YOU are the Minister.

The new minister was already forming plans and degrees to overturn all the previous minister's decisions. 

They were just too much. Bagnold overstepped herself.

Sure the contracts were a decent idea back when the threat of You-Know-Whos followers was still running around but it had been years. 

Lucius is right in thinking that they are restricted too much. But Dolores's idea of using them to ensure loyalty to the minister also had some merit. Although it seemed unsavory.

The man in his green hat froze as he entered his office.

"Minister." Strange turned in the seat. "Pleasure to finally meet you. I believe we have a lot to talk about."

Fudge gulped as the door closed behind him.