Strange Potter

"Are you bloody kidding me?!"

That was the sound Natasha woke to. 

It was early morning and Sirius wasn't in bed. She grabbed a robe and followed the sounds of cursing.

"Mum?" 

She saw Regulus standing at his doorway, in his sleep pants, rubbing his eyes. 

"What's dad so angry about?"

"I have no idea. Go on back to bed and I'll take care of your father."

Regulus yawned and did as he was told. Sleep was too tempting.

In the living room, she found Sirius holding his mirror and anger almost radiating off him.

"What are you screaming about?" 

He turned from the mirror and realized how loud he had been.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you."

"You woke up the whole house." She glared. "Now what is the problem?"

Sirius sighed. "Harry..." he turned the mirror and held it out to show the boy on the other end.

"Sorry, mum. I forgot how loud he can be when he's irate."

"It's fine. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine."

"Except you fought a mountain troll!" Sirius growled.

"A what?!"

"A mountain troll. About twelve feet tall. Strong and really stupid. Very small head." Harry described it.

"I know what they are!" She snapped. Natasha had spent a lot of time learning about the magical world and its dangerous parts. "Why were you fighting a troll?!"

"It...it kind of got into the castle and tried to bash my dorm mates to dust?"

"How did a giant troll get into a castle?!"

"No idea. We were all in the Great hall when it happened. Dumbledore dismissed everyone to their dorms while he took the professors down to the dungeon to deal with it. Except it wasn't there. It was at the bottom of the Gryffindor stairs and attacked. I led it away then smashed its head with its club."

Natasha was both relieved and furious. "Are you sure you're alright?"

"I'm fine. It never even touched me." Thank you Chaos Magic...

"Good."

"Why didn't you call last night?!" Sirius yelled.

"Sirius!" Natasha stopped him. "Regulus doesn't need to have nightmares about trolls."

The Marauder took a breath. "Still you should have called us immediately." He finished more calmly.

"You guys would have worried all night. I didn't want that. I'm sorry."

"Next time you call immediately." Natasha left no room for arguments. "Understand?"

"I will. Promise."

"We're coming by later. I think Dumbledore needs to have a very stern 'talking' too." She looked at Sirius.

"Completely agree."

"Bring Doc. There's something else you should know."

"We're not going to like this are we?" Sirius sighed.

"No. You're not."

Hermione woke after finally getting some sleep. The rush from the troll and the impromptu party made sleep a bit difficult to get.

Alright so Harry is technically a superhero and Voldemort is still alive. School shouldn't be this complicated. But it is a magical school...

She shook off the thought and got out of bed. After a quick shower, handling other things, and dressed, she was ready for the day.

When she came down to the common room she found Harry and Neville waiting.

"Morning." Neville greeted her.

"Are you still the Troll Slayer this morning?" She joked.

"Wow did you just do a 'joke'?" Harry was surprised.

"That's it I'm calling it," Neville said dramatically. "Trolls, Cerberus, and now she's joking?! It's the end of times!!"

"Shut it, Prat!" She hissed but felt a smile on her lips.

"There's the Hermione we know." Neville laughed.

"Come on." Harry chuckled. "Let's get to breakfast."

Hermione walked beside them. Her friends. They were both brilliant and like brothers. Their sense of humor left something to be desired but they weren't as bad as the twins.

And Harry...Harry was something else. 

I like this. I do belong here.

Entering the Great hall had a noticeable effect. The entire student body turned to Harry. 

"I guess word got out."

"That would be us!" The twins had sat right next to the door waiting for them.

"How could we not tell everyone about your triumphant defeat of the troll?!"

"You two are pains," Harry mumbled but in good humor.

"You're the one giving trolls headaches."

"And you two are worse than the troll." Hermione groaned and then moved down their seats.

"Ginny's going to love this. It's even better than the stories mum made up." George laughed.

"Ginny?" Harry raised his eyebrow at them. "Stories?"

"Our little sister. She's a big fan. Mum made up a whole bunch of stories about you and told her them almost every night." Fred explained.

"Your mum made up stories about me?! And told your sister? Is she mental?" Harry asked.

"Sometimes." George shrugged.

"You should see her when she's angry." Fred shivered.

Harry couldn't believe that someone could do that. Sure telling a little girl about her prince charming was one thing but it was another matter when a character is a real person! He went to join his friends still trying to process what the twins just said.

As he walked he didn't want to listen to all the thoughts so he pushed harder to block them all out. He could do it but usually kept his mind open. He didn't like to pry but it did give him a heads up on possible threats. It was when someone was very emotional that it became difficult.

Feeling their emotions caused the thoughts to slip through. That was one of the reasons he heard Hermione and Ron so much when they were around each other. Hate was a very powerful thing.

After loading up their plates they dove into the delicious food.

Mum is a good cook but these Hogwarts elves are something else. These eggs are incredibly tasty. Oh and the bacon...speaking of bacon...

Almost on cue Hedwig flew down and landed on his shoulder.

"Morning girl." He handed her a piece of bacon.

The white owl grabbed it and made it disappear fast.

"So Harry," Dean spoke. "Going to tame a basilisk today?"

"Maybe. The day is young." He laughed.

"Maybe stay away from basilisk," Neville suggested. "At least for a week? The troll is still in my head."

"You're both crazy." Hermione ate while rolling her eyes but smiling at their antics.

While they ate Harry noticed a few looks from the other houses. The most unexpected was from the Slytherin table.

Malfoy was his usual spoiled pompous self, but he received a few nods from some of the other kids.

That's a surprise but not a bad thing either.

His thoughts were interrupted by his head of house coming down to them.

"Mr. Potter, Miss. Granger, and Mr. Longbottom. You three are needed in the Headmaster's office." 

"Are we in trouble?" Hermione looked very pale at the idea.

"There needs to be a discussion about yesterday's event. Come." 

The three followed after they finished and Hedwig flew off to hunt. Harry wasn't worried. He already knew what was waiting for them.

They made it to the gargoyle guarding the chamber.

"Rosy Apples."

The door began to open.

"Does the Headmaster usually use candies as a password?" Harry had to ask, but he also wondered why the man needed a password? Shouldn't he be more open to the school? Not hidden away from the students.

"Albus does have a weakness for sweets." Was her response.

Inside was another surprise.

"Mum! Dad!" Hermione saw her parents waiting and ran to them.

"Hermione." Both Jean and Richard hugged her tight.

Neville's parents were there too and Harry saw his whole family there.

And in the middle was a very serious-looking Dr. Strange. He had personally brought everyone along after Sirius called him. These parents needed to be aware of what nearly happened.

Sirius was debating taking it to the paper just to give Dumbledore a headache too.

"Harry!" Regulus came over to him. "You beat up a troll?!

"Technically his club did the work, well that and gravity."

"Wicked!"

Dumbledore didn't show it but he was very uncomfortable having muggles in the castle. It just wasn't done. When Strange and all they showed up he couldn't stop them from entering. He was still perplexed about how Harry kept communicating with them so fast.

"Harry." Natasha pulled him close. 

"Hi. Mum." He hugged back. Sure they just talked and saw each other every weekend but he couldn't show that. Dumbledore didn't need to know how easily he left the castle. 

"How bad are the stories around the school?" Sirius asked.

"So far my favorite is how I secretly tamed the troll and plan on using it to conquer the Forbidden Forest."

Sirius chuckled and patted his shoulder.

Alice was looking over Neville. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine mum. The troll never even touched me."

"Going running after a troll?" Frank shook his head. "Of all the things I hoped you would take after me it had to be the impulsive nature."

"Well, your fashion tips leave a lot to be desired dad." Neville smiled.

Frank laughed and hugged him.

"Well, now that everyone has been reassured can we get to the Nundu in the room?" Sirius asked.  How did a troll get into this school?"

"That is something I am very curious about myself." Stephen looked at Albus.

Dumbledore felt a lot of eyes on him. Normally he reveled in being the center of attention but this was not one of those times.

"You have my assurance that how it entered is being fully investigated. The department of magical creatures has already removed the troll and I have persuaded a few of them to take a closer look at possible entrances that it may have slipped in."

"Giant trolls were not a part of this." Richard looked at McGonagall. "You promised us our daughter would be SAFE here."

"Mr. Granger this is a very unique event. In all my years here a troll has never been inside the walls."

"My daughter could have been killed! Do you think I care about it never happening before? It happened to her." The angry father said. "Tell me one reason we shouldn't pull her from this school and find another one?"

"Dad no!!" Hermione panicked. "Please don't pull me!"

"Mr. Granger," Sirius spoke. "Believe me I had the same thought. I do agree with Professor McGonagall, even during the war I never had a situation like that."

"I understand that, but the fact is my daughter was in danger. This never would have happened in a non-magical school."

"Your daughter needs magical training," Sirius argued. "It is a requirement under law, but if you want to find another school then, as a parent, I understand completely."

Harry's eyes narrowed at Sirius. He didn't want Hermione to go...

"Please, dad! Please don't take me away from my friends!!" Hermione begged.

That stopped the man. Friends. Hermione never had those in other schools. The fact she found some here...

Richard looked over the two boys. One who saved his entire house and risked himself to protect his friends. The one she rushed off to help...

"Okay..." He sighed.

"Really?!" He nodded reluctantly, which earned him a huge hug from his little girl. "Thank you!!"

"Dr. Granger," Stephen spoke. "I'll personally go over all the possible ways the troll got in and if I find the weakness I will ensure that no troll will ever find its way into the school again."

"Thank you, Dr. Strange," Jean said. "Hermione we have to get back to our practice but you better stay safe. Understand?"

"I will mum. Promise."

"I would say the same to you but I think that would be a waste of breath." Sirius looked at Harry.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Harry grinned.

"Alright get to class you little wise-ass..."

"Sirius." Natasha intruded.

Sirius smirked at the two and Harry went to Dr. Strange first before leaving.

"Thanks for bringing everyone Doc." He offered his hand.

"It's my pleasure, Harry." He shook. "It got me out of a rather boring conversation with Wong." He winked.

Harry chuckled and went with his friends out the door.

After the Grangers left and the kids went to their classes the rest of the adults, and one Regulus, all looked at Dumbledore.

"Before we go, Albus," Sirius spoke. "Care to explain the Cerberus in the school?!"

Dumbledore held in a sigh. "How did you hear of that?"

"Harry overhead it from some of the other students," Natasha said. "No, he wouldn't tell us their names. He didn't want them to get in trouble."

"First the dragons shit with Snape..." 

"Sirius." Natasha interrupted and motioned to Regulus.

"Right. Sorry, Reg." He looked at Strange. "Could you send him home please?"

"But I want to stay!" 

"No can do kiddo. Grown-up talk." Natasha said.

"Ahh! I hate those." 

Stephen smirked at the boy and opened a portal to their house.

"Don't burn the place down while we're here," Sirius said with a wink.

"It's fireproof, remember?" 

"What does he mean by that?" Natasha cut in.

"Oh, right you weren't home then..." Regulus gulped as the portal closed.

"We'll talk about that later." She said firmly. "But before that." She looked at Dumbledore. "I was hoping Professor Snape would be a part of this discussion."

"Severus has class and he wouldn't add anything to the conversation." The truth was he didn't want Snape and Sirius in the same room too often.

"A shame. I was looking forward to meeting him." 

The look she gave him made Albus quite glad he didn't bring Severus here. Sure she was a muggle but something about her made him a little uneasy.

"As amusing as that would be." Alice grinned at her. "We need to talk about a certain large dog in the school."

"The Cerberus is Hagrid's," Dumbledore said truthfully. "You know he has a weakness for exotic animals."

"Why is it in the corridor you so amply said led to a painful death?" Strange asked. "Is having a student eaten by a three-headed dog a new curriculum here?"

"Dr. Strange. The Cerberus was merely a deterrent. A way to scare off wayward individuals."

"And any unlucky students that happened to cross its path?"

"As I said. They were warned."

"I'm sure that would be a great comfort to the families after they get back the chewed remains of their child!"

"Albus if that dog is still in this school by the end of the day then I will take these actions to the board. One way or another the Cerberus WILL be removed." Sirius spoke up.

"And that's after I go the Prophet with a detailed description of the troll and Cerberus," Frank warned.

Dumbledore was about to argue, but the fact it would only delay the issue and not solve it stopped him. Fluffy was only the first step of the traps.

One he could replace.

"As you wish." He said. "I will contact Hagrid right after this meeting and have him move Fluffy tonight after all the children are safe in their beds."

"Fluffy? Really?" Natasha raised her eyebrow. 

"Hagrid is a bit of a grown child when it comes to animals." Albus chuckled. "But you will find no one better than him at the subject."

"Thank you, Albus," Frank said. "Trolls are bad enough. I don't want to investigate a death of a child because Hagrid has terrible choices of pets."

"That issue might be resolved but I still want to know. What are you protecting in that corridor?"

Why can't they just trust me? Why am I having to constantly explain myself?

"Mrs. Black..."

"Just Natasha." She corrected.

"Natasha. There are many artifacts that teachers have gathered in their travels. I have moved some of the more dangerous to that corridor. Such as the Mirror of Erised."

"Why would you have that here?" Stephen asked.

"The Mirror of what?" Sirius asked.

"The Mirror of Erised. It's enchanted to show a heart's greatest desire. Many wasted their lives before it, losing track of reality as they were deluded by what they saw and unable or unwilling to accept it as mere fantasy." Strange explained. "Not something to have around a bunch of children. A large amount who lost loved ones in the war."

"That is why it is away from prying eyes. I'm well aware of the dangers it possesses and is placing it away from the students."

"Albus. You have to see this from our point of view." Alice said. "Trolls, Cerberus, dangerous artifacts, what else? This is a very irresponsible way to run a school."

Albus gripped the bridge of his nose. "This is a very unusual year I will admit, but you have my assurance that the safety of the children has always been my top priority."

"So you keep saying," Strange said condescendingly. "I admit I never ran a school before but the last thing I would do would be to bring in anything that could be dangerous to them.' He stood right over Dumbledore's desk and looked down at him. "You need to decide. Be a Headmaster and put the school first or retire and play your games with other lives."

"I do not play games." Dumbledore fixed him with a stern look. "All I have ever done is for the betterment of the world, but my place has always been here. I'm an educator first and foremost."

"If you keep making these moronic decisions then it won't be much longer." 

That it was said by Natasha surprised Dumbledore more than he would like to admit.

"Madam I don't think you fully comprehend the complexity of running a magical school. Do I make mistakes? Of course. But I am doing my best and doing the best for the students."

"Magical school. Non-magical school. It doesn't make a difference to me. If you endanger the life of MY son I will remove you from here with my bare hands."

Dumbledore didn't look impressed by the threat. He also didn't see the letter opener he had on his desk fly past his head and stick into his chair. Right by his face.

All the portraits gasped at the display. But only the most eagle-eyed saw Natasha move.

"I must be getting rusty." She stood up. "I missed. But then again your letter opener is a little heavy on the back side."

Dumbledore for the first time was truly stunned by a muggle. He understood they were advanced in some areas but this...who was this woman?!

"That was hardly necessary." Dumbledore looked between her and the knife.

"I think she was very restrained," Stephen spoke. "I've seen her do far worse with a fork."

"It was a spork." She corrected.

Strange took a seat in front of Dumbledore as he let the adrenaline come down. It wasn't very healthy to let someone in their hundreds get too excited.

"What are you protecting Dumbledore? And why was it so important to put up a guard dog?" He asked.

"A personal favor for a dear friend. The less known about it the better off everyone is."

"You really can't give a straight answer can you?"

"The Cerberus will be removed from the school as I promised." Dumbledore waved off. "If there is nothing else please allow me to return to my duties."

"This isn't over Albus. As far as I can tell you've landed on very thin ice." Sirius warned. 

"I will take more measurements to ensure no child goes near the corridor even after Fluffy is removed. None of which will be dangerous to any of them."

"Okay, I'm done listening to this man." Natasha moved closer. "If everyone would just give me five minutes we can have all the answers."

"Unfortunately I can't allow that," Frank said. "I'm still an Auror."

"Always the friendly cop aren't you?"

"When I have to be." He nodded but looked at Dumbledore. "Albus if I have to come back here for a matter like this. No one will like the outcome."

"This was an isolated incident. I'm sure the rest of the year will be quite regular."

"And with that you just jinxed it." Sirius shook his head.

A reluctant Natasha followed Sirius and the Longbottoms out as Strange looked over Dumbledore.

"It requires protection and guards. So it must be valuable. An old friend entrusted you...who has something so valuable it is endangered of being stolen...I can only think of a few people and items on that list. One above the others."

"Dr. Strange." Dumbledore sighed. "Must we continue this?"

"No, I think I'll get another person’s opinion. Perhaps Mr. Flamel will be more willing to share?"

Dumbledore's eyes went wide at that. 

"Thanks for verifying it." 

Strange shut the portal and left a very discouraged Albus Dumbledore in his office.

On the other side of the portal, Stephen held out the paper in his hand...

Thank you for bringing everyone Doc. Harry offered his hand.

My pleasure Harry. He shook and felt the paper being transferred.

Natasha threw the opener and he looked at the slip as Dumbledore was distracted.

Nicolas Flamel - The Stone.

"Very clever Harry." He smiled as he knew he had another stop to make. 

I'm not sure who the boy takes after more. Sirius or Natasha...

Something was off about Professor Quirrell. 

Harry felt the man's emotions, even if he tried to hide them, he was all over the place. Like he had raw hatred buried inside him, but also blind obedience.

What was the strangest thing was his Occlumency. It was even stronger than Snapes or Dumbledores. 

His stuttering and fear weren't genuine either. All his movements and feelings told him that  Quirrell was hiding something.

His class was a joke and Harry was sure he could teach it better. But that was another thing. Everything he did was to seem like he was nobody.

A great way to avoid attention. Make everyone see a fool. No one paid mind to a stuttering idiot.

And the fact he was the one who saw the troll first. Why was he in the dungeon to begin with? His classroom is nowhere near there.

All the professors were in the Great hall, but him.

A troll, a Cerberus, a strange professor, and a stone. 

It all has to connect somehow. Is he the one looking to steal the stone? But for what? Even if he succeeded Dumbledore and Flamel would be hot on his heels...or is he doing it for someone?

I have to figure this out. Should I have told Sirius...no I told Hagrid I wouldn't tell.  But Doc knows so he'll get to the bottom of it.

"Hello, class." Professor Madeleine Beaumont greeted them all as she entered. "Welcome to Magical History."

All the first years sat up as she entered. They had all heard good things about this professor. Even Malfoy looked more interested. Probably because she was so attractive he was already developing a crush.

"Let us start with the most obvious. Who can tell me who constructed Hogwarts?"

Hermione's hand shot up.

"Yes, Miss. Granger."

"Hogwarts was founded and built by the four founders and one unknown architect. His name, unfortunately, was lost to time, but Rowena Ravenclaw and he was the main designers of the castle itself."

"Ten points to Gryffindor for your answer, but can you tell me what was here before this castle?"

"Nothing? There's nothing mentioned in the books."

"Unfortunately those books only follow the magical history. It conveniently overlooked the non-magical."

"Why would we need to know what farmer Mugg..non-magical. Lived here?" Malfoy asked.

"Good question." She looked around the room. "Anyone have an answer?"

Harry raised his.

"Mr. Potter."

"Because there was a castle here before Hogwarts."

"Correct. 10 points. Do you know the history of that?"

"Unfortunately the previous owner's names are, like the architect, lost but I read how the very foundation of this school was constructed on the foundation of that castle."

"Wait," Hermione said. "So did the Founders buy the castle and the land from the previous owner and build Hogwarts on it?"

"Long answer yes. The short answer is no. They claimed it and built the school. It wasn't until a century later they reimburse the descendants of the original owner."

"They stole it?!"

"They claimed it. History is filled with those of power taking what they want and doing what they will, unfortunately."

"But...but...Godric Gryffindor would never do that!" Ron argued. "That's a Slytherin move!"

"Mr. Weasley contrary to popular belief Godric didn't have rainbows shooting out his backside and Salazar wasn't some purely evil monster that was hated by all." She corrected him. "The Founders were incredibly impressive people but they were people. People who make mistakes and yes do some unethical things."

"Did the Founders steal this land?" Dean asked. 

"Technically, but to their credit, it was vacated when they came across it. The only thing standing was the small castle that served as the starting point for this very school. It was later they discovered that the owner of the land still had a living heir. But by then the construction of Hogwarts was nearly complete."

"So did they just obliterate the muggle?" Malfoy asked. 

"10 points from Slytherin. I will accept non-magical or any variation of that, except the term muggle. But to answer your question no. They installed the enchantments to repeal and conceal and the heir was never the wiser that a school had been built on his property."

"That's...how did they not notice?" Hermione asked. "Sure he couldn't see the castle but surely he would have noticed the students coming and going?"

"As luck would have it he also inherited some land from his grandfather on his mother's side, so the story goes, and moved there. It was a few decades later when the man was older, that Rowena approached the man and bought the property outright of course it was when the property had been at an unusually low cost."

"So they took the land, then built on it, then paid the owner less than it was worth," Seamus said. "A little underhanded if you ask me."

"Smart too," Malfoy smirked. It was certainly a move Slytherin would do.

"Then all records of the property were hidden to the non-magical and it became an old ruin to all outside the wizarding world."

"That's surprising about the Founders," Dean said.

"That is the point of the class. History is never black and white. There's what's written, what's spoken, and what is the truth somewhere in the middle. The trick is wading through it to find the facts. Because no matter how ugly or beautiful the truth is. It is important to know it."

"So what's the truth about the Founders?" Ron asked. "I never understood how three of them could work with Slytherin."

"Then you don't understand the Founders." She pulled her wand and the four paintings of them came down the wall. "Let's begin with the history of these brilliant but complicated people. Godric Gryffindor was born in 993..."

"That was brilliant." Hermione took her seat for lunch. "I didn't know that Godric and Salazar were so close." She still felt conflicted about Hogwart's grounds being stolen.

"They were like brothers once." Harry nodded. "It's a shame what happened, but I read they made up before they passed."

"Really?! Where did you read that?"

"One of Doc's books. He has a whole library you wouldn't believe. I bet if I lived to be 200 I'll never read everything in it."

"Do you think he'll let me see it?!"

"Probably not." Harry saw the anger in her eyes. "He's very particular about who he let's in, but I could probably get him to loan a book or two out."

"Do it!" She ordered but the glare on his face told her that wasn't going to happen with that tone. "Please. Can you please ask him?"

"Now I will." He smiled back.

"Potter." 

Harry looked up from his lunch and saw Blaise Zabini standing in front of him.

"Zabini. Something I can do for you?"

"You already have," Blaise said. He was well aware of all the eyes on him. "On behalf of Slytherin, I thank you."

Everyone went dead silent.

Snape was the most shocked of all the people. Well besides Ron and Draco.

"You didn't have to remind the Headmaster of the Slytherin dorm last night but you did. Even though the troll had moved you didn't know that and Slytherin could have been in for the same shock that the Gryffindor was if not for you. So thank you."

Harry then did the next most unexpected thing. He stood up and offered his hand.

"It's no problem. I don't want to see anyone crushed by a troll's club no matter what house they're in."

Blaise met his hand and they shook. 

A truly stunning site to everyone in the hall. Blaise received some confusion and anger as he rejoined his house.

But there was one who couldn't sit by and do nothing at what he just saw.

"You think you're so special don't you Potter?" 

"Again Malfoy?" Harry smiled as the blonde approached. "Alright what are you going to blame me this time even though it is most likely your fault?"

"You're nothing Potter. Without Black behind you. You would be less than nothing."

"Draco, Draco, Draco." Harry shook his head. "You need to accept the simple fact that the Black fortune will NEVER be yours. You can thank your father for that. Sirius gave him a chance to answer under serum if he was a Death Eater but he choose not to. You're cast out because of him. 

"You and me. Midnight at the trophy room." Draco announced.

To everyone's surprise, Harry started laughing.

"What's so funny Potter?!" Draco sneered.

"No," Harry said simply. "I'm not dueling you."

"Afraid Potter? A coward just like Black."

Harry didn't take the bait. "Sirius fought against Voldemort. Your dad served him on his knees." 

"Don't talk about my father!!"

"I just did. What are you going to do run to him and cry?"

Draco pulled his wand but he stopped when he found Harry's already out at his side and aimed between his legs.

"Try it. Please." Harry challenged.

"One day Potter you will end up just like your parents."

"War heroes, who stopped the most powerful dark lord the world has ever seen? That's better than a one-armed toe tag that is nothing without his money."

"You will learn to respect your betters Potter!"

"Again that's why I don't respect the Malfoy names, Bad Faith!" Harry smirked at him. "You take away your money and what do you have? NOTHING! Take away all my money and my last name still has honor. Your father sold it on his knees to Voldemort."

"Stop insulting my father and fight me!"

"No, I refused to duel you tonight because, like your father, you're probably too much of a real coward to show. You're hoping I go and you tell someone to get me in trouble. So I won't be taking the bait. If you want to fight then I'm happy to. Right here. Right now." Harry said loudly.

Draco went even paler. How did Potter figure that out?!

Because I can read your tiny mind Malfoy...

"There will be no dueling," McGonagall spoke as she came down to the loud argument.

"Saved by a professor Draco." Harry laughed at him.

"Mr. Malfoy I believe it's time to return to your table." The professor left no room for arguing.

Draco gave Harry another glare who only winked at him, then left in a huff.

"Mr. Potter. I would refrain from issuing duels in the future."

"Professor I was just answering the challenge he wanted. I merely changed the place and time."

"Wel,l then I will have to have words with him. I applaud your restrain." She complimented before going to the Slytherin table to have a word with Malfoy.

"You should have dueled him," Ron spoke.

"Did you not hear me? He never wanted a duel. He was just trying to set me up. I would have happily fought him here and now. You could tell how he reacted he didn't plan to fight anyone."

"It sounds like Malfoy." Neville agreed.

"That was very smart." Hermione agreed. "Malfoy probably wouldn't have shown."

"I would have been shocked if he did."

"Would you have dueled him here?" Seamus asked.

"Sure. As long as someone was watching for dirty tricks. Like a professor refereeing the match."

As the lunch ended and everyone went to their next classes Blaise found himself stopped by his head of the house.

"Mr. Zabini." The man narrowed his eyes at the boy. "What are you planning?"

"I think you know exactly what I'm doing sir."

"A very dangerous game." He knew it well.

"And the most beneficial one. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Which one Potter will be is yet to be determined."

"And the more you interact with him the more your own will strike against you."

"A true Slytherin will understand what I just did. The others...well I'll handle any issues there."

"Be very cautious." Snape glared slightly. "Straddling the fence may have you fall to one side or the other. Unless both sides pull at once. Then you go straight down."

"Understood sir."

It was that night when Neville brought up the big issue away from everyone else.

"Did you guys see the bite on Snape's leg?" He asked.

"Yes." Harry looked up from his book. "Well, I saw the blood."

"I saw it too. Like a big dog took a liking to it." Hermione said.

"Well, there was a big dog on the third floor that night."

"You think Professor Snape tried to get past the Cerberus? Why?"

"To take whatever it's guarding?"

"But what is it?" She asked. "What could be so valuable that one would risk getting maimed by a three-headed dog?"

"I already know what the Cerberus was guarding," Harry spoke.

"What? How?"

"I...peaked in someone's mind and found out about it..."

"You can read minds too?!" 

"Yes...It's one of the effects of the magic I use." Harry looked down. "I try not to that much unless there's something that doesn't make sense. I don't really like invading people's privacy but when their emotions get strong they slip through and I hear them."

"Have you read my mind?!"

"Yes...not deep diving!" He quickly said as he got up. "It just gets too strong sometimes. Like when you're frustrated or angry and your thoughts bleed threw. I'm getting better at blocking people out. Wanda says I have more work to do in that area."

"I...I don't know how I feel about that." She said. "You put that barrier in my head to protect me but now you're saying you can do it anyway. Isn't that the same thing as Professor Snape or Headmaster Dumbledore?"

"I...I guess it's not that different." Harry admitted. "You're right I do act like them don't I?"

"Well, maybe not the same." She thought. "But it is a little unsettling."

Neville was used to Harry doing it and didn't get quite upset about it anymore. With his training, Harry could only hear what he wanted him to hear.

"I don't mean to be that way. It's just something my mind does. Like you don't mean to breathe, it just happens."

"But you can control it right?"

"Yes. It's not easy but yes I can."

"Why don't you just shut it down completely. Keep all thought but your own out?"

"Because it can help me too." He reasoned. "Malfoy was just trying to lure me to the trophy room to tell on me being out after hours or how I can tell the twins apart."

"I'll admit that is useful." She said. "But it's unethical too. I mean it's a real invasion of privacy and I don't like the idea of you doing it to me."

"I promise you, I won't intentionally read your mind without your approval. Some things may slip out but I will never purposely read them again. Plus the barrier in your head makes it more difficult. I would have to remove it to get in easier."

She thought about it. "Alright...I guess you didn't have to tell me that so I believe you. Then added as an afterthought."Your magic is a little unnerving."

"That's one of the reasons keeping it hidden is a good idea. You saw how the others reacted when they heard about Wanda. How do you think they're going react when they find out about me?"

"You be treated like the next coming of Merlin."

"Or the next dark lord." 

"Probably both." Neville agreed.

"No sane person could believe you would be dark."

"To quote my step-mum, 'If you want sane. Don't look to a wizard.'"

Hermione laughed at that. "I like your step-mum."

"Who doesn't?" He laughed back.

"A few countries and people in prison." Neville shrugged back.

"What...what are you going to do when they find out? The rest of the Wizard world? They will one day."

"I know. Doc and Wanda both said that one day I'll have to show the world what I can do. Then...then nothing will be the same."

Hermione sat next to him. "Well...you'll have me next to you." She said. "Us. Neville and me. Friends stick together. Right?"

"Together." He smiled back.

"Always." Neville sat on his other side. "Team Scarl..."

"If you say it I will make you believe you have a huge crush on Crabbe for the rest of the year."

"Not nice Harry. Not nice." Neville laughed.

The three shared a laugh but Hermione still had one more question.

"So what was the Cerberus guarding."

"Nicholas Flamel philosopher's stone."

"What?! Why?"

"No idea. Hopefully, Doc can get to the bottom of it."

"Of course, he will. The only question is who will he infuriate as he goes?" Neville asked.

"A few for sure." Harry chuckled.

Draco had enough of Potter. He was going to teach him a lesson one way or another.

They were walking the halls to class the next morning when he stuck.

Harry felt the anger in the air and then heard a curse being cast.

Harry pulled Hermione out of the way of the curse then had his wand out and aimed at Malfoy.

"Twenty points from Gryffindor for threatening a fellow student." The hated voice of Snape came around the corner.

"And for Draco casting a curse at us?" Harry asked.

"I saw no curse now put your wand away before you are in detention for the rest of the year."

Harry held his wand firm. He couldn't trust this man at all. 

"Once Draco puts his away." Motioning to Draco's wand still in his hand.

Snape grabbed Harry's wand out of his hand but let out an agonizing scream as his hand became black. Sparks shot off the wand and he dropped it to the ground.

The scream alerted a fellow passing professor.

"Severus!" McGonagall saw him holding his burnt hand.

Harry picked up his wand and examined it. "That hasn't happened before..."

Snape was cursing his name as the students looked back and forth between him and the professor.

"What happened here?" She demanded.

"Malfoy tried to curse us in the back. Harry pulled me out of the way and pulled his wand to stop any more attacks." Hermione spoke. "Then Professor Snape came in and grabbed Harry's wand."

"Then he got electrocuted." Neville finished.

"I could have warned him not to do that," Harry spoke.

"Your wand did this?!"

"I'll have you expelled for this!" Snape snapped. After he finally was able to form a sentence. The shock had startled him a lot.

"I didn't do anything. The wand did."

"I believe this is a conversation that needs to happen with the Headmaster," McGonagall said. "Serveus please see to Poppy about your hand."

Severus was practically foaming at the mouth but knew he had to see to his hand. Being a potion master without it was not going to be possible.

As he stalked off McGonagall looked over the small crowd. 

"Did anyone else see Mr. Malfoy attack?"

Most of the Gryffindors began saying they had while some Slytherins protested.

"Silence!" She ordered. "Your wand Mr. Malfoy."

Draco's victory was short-lived now. He thought with Snape here he was in the clear. Reluctantly he handed his wand over.

She tested it and found the spell used. After confirming with a nearby portrait she knew who was to blame.

"Well, it seems Miss. Granger's story is the truth. Two weeks detention and a hundred points from Slytherin."

All the Slytherins glared at that. What was funny was some of the glares were directed at Malfoy.

"Mr. Potter please come with me."

Harry followed her to the Headmaster's room and sat in front of the desk.

"Harry. Minerva." Dumbledore greeted them as they sat. "What's the matter?"

"There was an incident with Mr. Potter's wand and Severus."

Dumbledore rubbed his temple. "Just to clarify did you curse or hex him Harry?"

"No. My wand can protect itself. That's what happened when he snatched it out of my hand."

"Protect itself? Please explain your wand, Mr. Potter." McGonagall said.

'It was a gift. The man who made it said it was given special...judgemental properties."

"Judgemental?"

"You know a wand chooses the wizard. Well, mine can tell the truth about a person. The less honorable the worse the shock. Although I've never seen it do it like that before. He must really be a horrible person."

Dumbledore sighed. "Harry you need to move past your anger with Professor Snape. He has my complete trust."

"The wand of a better judge of character, sir. Only Thor's hammer is a better one." Harry argued. "And as far as my anger goes. I'll move past it when HE moves past his."

"We are getting off-topic," McGonagall spoke. "We're here about your wand."

"Of course. Give it a few seconds." Harry looked at his watch.

About ten seconds later Dr. Strange portaled in. 

"Already Harry?" He looked at him. "At this rate, I should just move into the castle."

"That would be awesome," Harry smirked back.

"Dr. Strange, what does Harry's wand have to do with you?" Dumbledore asked.

"Considering I helped with its construction. Everything." He answered. "What happened?"

"It seems that Harry's wand reacted violently when Professor Snape handled it."

Strange looked at Harry for the full story.

"Another student tried to curse me in the back. He missed and I pulled my wand. That was when the potions master came in. He ordered me to put it away and I said after Malfoy, who still had his out and aimed at me, did. Said professor grabbed my wand and his hand got extra crispy."

"Well, then the safety precautions I installed were a success." Stephen nodded.

"You didn't say it would be that bad," Harry argued, but in good humor.

"It depends on the person." Strange picked up the wand and did not react to it. "No one with ill intent can touch it. Others will receive a small shock because it doesn't like being handled by unknown people. A bit like static electricity. If it had such a violent reaction to Snape then he doesn't have good intentions towards you Harry."

"You obviously made a mistake with your spellwork," Dumbledore argued. "Severus would never harm Harry or any other students."

"I knew this wand would be in the hands of a child." Strange narrowed his eyes at Dumbledore. "So I was very meticulous in its construction. No, if mistakes were made it wasn't by me."

The two wizards had a fierce staring contest at that moment. Neither willing to give on the topic.

"If the wand has the potential to be that dangerous then it's for the best if he finds another one," Dumbledore said. It did give him a chance to see if Harry would have the brother wand as he hoped. It could give the boy an advantage in the future.

"It's his wand. Just don't go ripping it out of his hand and everything will be fine. Besides the saying is that the wand chooses the wizard. This one may have been made for him but it did choose him."

"And if a student touches it?"

"Again it depends on the person."

"What about the damage to Severus' hand?" McGonagall asked.

"He'll be fine. His hand might be a little twitchy for an hour or two but it will fade." He handed the wand back to Harry. "Any other questions?"

"I believe you clarified everything, Dr. Strange," McGonagall said. "Mr. Potter you are free to go."

Harry nodded and left as Strange portaled back to the Sanctum.

That man is becoming even more infuriating to deal with. I know the truth about Severus. No matter how he acts he is fully committed to honoring Lily. No Dr. Strange you are the one mistaken.

Ministry.

Fudge was sitting going over the new budget when Director Bones came in.

"Amelia." He looked up from his papers. "Something the matter?"

"Yes. I just received a notice saying you were cutting funding to my department. Why?"

"There's no need for it. The Aurors force has been overfunded for years. Many of those gallons can go to more benefitting departments."

"I hate to break it to you but you can't remove my funding."

"I am the Minster. I most definitely can."

"No, you can't." She laid down the degree she brought with her."Bagnold set the Aurors budget at a minimum before she left. It was attached to the Non-Magical Protection Act. Only revoking the law itself would open up the department to a change in funding."

She appreciated this clause. The last thing she needed was to cut Aurors or other defensive measures.

Fudge read over the degree. "This is ridiculous. How could she do that?!"

"The funding was the first target after the war. Several of Voldemorts..." She rolled her eyes at his shudder. "Followers were planning to undercut it in hopes that IF he returned the Ministry would be in a weakened state. She decided to ensure that wasn't a possibility."

"You-Know-Who is dead. There is no need for this large of a budget anymore."

"Minister, have you ever heard of 'Si vis Pacem, Para Bellum?"

"If you want peace prepare for war?" He raised his eyebrow. "There's no one to war with!"

"We've gone through two dark lords that nearly destroyed the Statute and killed countless. I, for one, am quite pleased with her doing this. Now if you wish to bring this to the Wizengamot feel free, but know I will strongly oppose the effort to undo the law."

"I am your boss!"

"Yes you are, but my first duty is to the wizarding world and its people and I feel that the best way to go is to continue to have a strong Auror department for any possible threats. Be it a devoted follower that escaped prison or a new dark lord."

"I...I will look over this again. This isn't over Amelia."

"Of course Cornelius. If there is nothing else to discuss I will take my leave."

A very unhappy Minister was left in his office while Amelia let out a sigh of relief as she returned to hers.

His first year hasn't even started and he's already trying to make my job more difficult.

Luckily the odds of him getting the law repealed were very unlikely. Especially with Black and the Longbottoms.

And Strange. Dr. Strange. That man makes me uncomfortable but he has been a huge help in his efforts. Perhaps he will be able to keep Cornelius from making a fool of himself?

The following charm lesson was an interesting one for Harry. 

He received a lot of questions from those who heard about the wand incident. He saw some jealousy at the idea his wand was made from a piece of Thor's hair. 

Professor Flitwick was very eager to hear about his use of the levitating charm on the troll in more detail as well.

"Well, sir my mum was a bit of a charms specialist. If you want I can bring you a copy of the notes she left?"

"Mr. Potter. I would be glad to have them. Come by my class after supper. Don't worry about a curfew, I write you a note."

"Then I will see you after supper, sir," Harry replied.  

Of course, that evening was when a certain professor was doing the patrol and lept at the opportunity in front of him. 

Harry was on his way back from a very nice conversation with the Charm professor when the two met again.

"Breaking the rules already Potter." 

Harry saw Snape and felt the hate emulating off of him. Still sore about the wand? 

"No. I have a slip." Harry held out the paper.

"A forgery no doubt. Your arrogance truly is worse than your father's."

"Check will Professor Flitwick. He's the one who wrote it."

Snape snatched the slip and lit it on fire. "Detention for being put after curfew."

"No." 

Snape growled. "50 points from Gryffindor and three months detention for daring to disobey me!"

"No." Harry shrugged. "I did nothing wrong and you are a petty ungrateful bully."

Shape went even redder then went to grab the boy's ear to drag him to hopefully get expelled but Harry ducked under his hand and had his wand back out.

"Haven't we been here before Professor? It didn't end well for you did it?"

"You little..."

"What is going on here?!" Professor Beaumont came around the corner to see a student aiming a wand at her fellow professor.

"Professor Snape burnt my slip and is trying to punish me for telling the truth!"

"I'm going to enjoy watching you get expelled!"

"Enough!" She shouted. "Let's take this to Albus." 

"Can you get Professor Flitwick and McGonagall too please?" Harry asked her.

Harry once again found himself sitting in the Headmaster's office with several professors around him.

"What seems to be the issue now?" Dumbledore asked. 

"I caught Potter out after curfew and he dared to refuse detention."

"Mr. Potter?"

"I was coming back from meeting with Professor Flitwick, that he requested, and Professor Snape met me. He burned my slip and then got upset when I refused to cower to him."

"He did what now?" Dumbledore looked at Snape with a small amount of anger. Is he that petty?

"It was a forgery."

"It was not, considering I wrote it I would know." The small charm professor glared up at him.

"He didn't even look at it." Harry chimed in. "Just burnt it and gave me detention. After lying that it was a forgery."

McGonagall glared at the man. A few seconds of work and this whole situation could have been avoided.

"Care to explain why you didn't take a minute to see if it was genuine?"

Snape finally realized his rush to punish the Potter spawn may have been premature. 

"There will be no detention Mr. Potter and all points are to be returned," Dumbledore said. "Professor Snape was in the wrong and will give you an apology." He left no room for debate.

Snape looked like he was told to kiss James Potter's ass at that order.

"I...I apologize Mr. Potter. You're a previous rule breaking clouded judgment in THIS matter."

"It's fine professor. I understand your unprofessional biased against me gets in your way."

"Mr. Potter!" Dumbledore warned.

"I meant what I said." Harry shrugged.

"Five points for your cheek," McGonagall said. "But twenty-five to Gryffindor for bringing this to me." She looked at Snape. "You. I have watched for years as you continued to fail as both a professor and an adult. This was a simple matter that you could have easily proved me wrong. A look at the slip and this whole matter would have been resolved. I have had enough."

"Minerva..." Dumbledore started.

"Effective immediately all you are on probation. This means your detentions are suspended and you will not be allowed to issue any more until the next term. IF you prove you are capable of growing up!"

"You can't do that!!"

"As a deputy, I do have the authority. You will not assign any detentions for the rest of the year and all points will be reviewed by me!"

Harry smiled at the irate professor. 

"Albus!" Snape turned to the Headmaster.

"Minerva is fully in her right to do so Severus. I told you that your behavior was going to cause more problems if you didn't let go of your grudge against Mr. Potter's father. The probation stands."

Snape glared all around the room then turned to the exit and left.

"That man is..." Madeleine began to go on a very vocal rant about unprofessionalism.

"Thank you, Professor." Dumbledore interrupted. "Everyone please let the night rest and hopefully calmer heads can discuss this later."

Dumbledore saw this as a perfect opportunity to talk with the boy and jumped at the chance. 

"Mr. Potter could you stay behind," Dumbledore said.

Harry sat back in his seat as the others left. 

"Harry I wish to apologize." The old man began. "Two of the three times you have been in my office and it is the cause of a petty issue."

"That is true." Harry agreed.

"I know Severus can be childish in certain areas but he is fully on the side against Voldemort. Can you trust my judgment on that?"

"No." Harry didn't need to think. "Both Doc and Sirius don't trust him. Given how he behaves around me their judgment is right. So I agree with them that he can't be trusted."

Dumbledore didn't look happy about that answer but unfortunately, there was little he could do about it. He had to start building a relationship with the boy before he could begin to get him to trust his judgment.

"I understand your point." He admitted. "I hope Severus will be able to finally let go of his personal grievances in the future. Perhaps his actions tonight might make him reconsider his actions."

"Nothing personal but I seriously doubt that."

"Do you not believe people can change Mr. Potter? Everyone deserves a chance at atonement."

"No people have to earn a chance. They have to change to show that it's not wasted. To give it out like candy is an insult to those who actually feel regret." Harry argued. "Besides he is already on his second chance and he completely blew it. I gave him the benefit of the doubt, for my mother, and HE wasted it."

Dumbledore decided it would be better not to press this topic. The boy dug in deep and wouldn't budge. It would take time to get him to realize that Snape was on their side, but the mention of his mother did give an opening...

"Your mother." He smiled. "I take it you are familiar with her friendship with Severus. Their falling apart was one of his biggest regrets. I'm sure she felt the same way."

"Maybe but he made his choice. That mark on his arm says he never really knew who my mother was. Or that he didn't care. You don't join with a group bent on enslaving or killing all they look down on and still call yourself a friend to a person who fought back against it."

"Many people make big mistakes growing up. It's very likely you will as well."

"Most definitely but I will never make the choice of joining a terrorist group."

"One man's terrorist is another's a freedom fighter. Unfortunately, Voldemort was very influential at making the distinction difficult to see."

Harry rolled his eyes "Is there anything else you wished to discuss Headmaster?"

"Yes, now that you ask I wish to applaud your mind." He twinkled. "You have certainly taken after your parents when it comes to your schooling."

"I've always been good in school." Harry shrugged. "It helps that Sirius and Remus have been training me since I could walk."

"Yes, training...I hope it wasn't too much. A young man should have an enjoyable childhood as well."

"My last vacation was in the tropics. I go snowboarding every winter. And I spend so much time flying that my mum has to constantly come to get me for supper. You can have a good childhood and be well prepared. Only a person picking the easy path chooses one over the other."

Dumbledore couldn't help but feel that was a dig at him. No doubt the boy is aware of my attempt to place him at his aunts...

"A valid point." He smiled. "Well it is getting late and I feel we both are in need of a restful night. This has been a very illuminating conversation, Harry."

"Mr. Potter if you don't mind. Sir."

"Of course. Goodnight Mr. Potter."

Harry rose and left the room without looking back.

Albus...what are you going to do? The boy is very well guarded and his mind is impenetrable. Severus can't even get past his defenses...Probably wise that I didn't try to. Still, I have to work to gain the boy's trust. And I need to try to steer him towards the mystery with the corridor. He needs to be tested.

In the back of his mind, Albus kept coming to the scar on the boy's head. It was not as bad as he remembered...