Upon entering the school, Professor McGonagall waited for them. "Heir Potter, the headmaster would like to see you immediately."
Harry was walking, arm-in-arm with Hermione and stopped. He then turned and gave a half bow, "Greetings Headmistress. How was your holiday? Mine was fine. Thank you for asking. So, Headmaster Dumbledore is requesting a meeting. Is Professor Sprout going to be there?"
McGonagall flushed at being politely castigated for poor comportment. There was some snickering in the background, and she flushed more. Pulling herself up, she glared at Harry and coldly asked, "Why would she need to be there, the Headmaster only wishes to see you."
"No thank you. Please send my regrets, I am unavailable at this time." Harry curtly answered, and turned away to leave.
McGonagall raised her voice and started castigating Harry, "Mr. Potter! This isn't a joke, if the headmaster wishes to see a student the student sees him!"
Harry turned back and coldly looked at McGonagall. He then loudly stated to be sure everyone could hear, "According to the school handbook, the headmaster is not allowed to see a student without said student's Head of House present. As you have been teaching here for more than 50 years, I don't see how you are ignorant of that rule. Therefore, I can only assume you have a nefarious purpose in so obviously depriving me of my rights. This will be brought up to The Black and I suspect the school board. The next time Headmaster Dumbledore wishes to see me, send Professor Sprout and if see tells me she will be present for the whole meeting, I will accompany her. Good evening...Madam."
Harry stormed off, with his friends following and glancing worriedly at McGonagall. Other students had heard him verbally call her honor into question, and the rumor mill was obviously spinning up. McGonagall was furious, but knew she couldn't force this.
Shortly McGonagall stormed into the headmaster's office. Snape and Mr. Weasley were also present.
Dumbledore, seeing her come in alone, asked, "Minerva, where is Mr. Potter?"
Minerva stormed overed to his desk drawer. She yanked it open and pulled out a bottle of single-malt. She poured herself a glass and drank it down before slamming the glass on Dumbledore's desk. Minerva then yelled, "He challenged my honor when I told him Sprout would not be here. He pointed out, quite correctly mind you, that there was no way I did not know a meeting with the headmaster requires the Head of House. Therefore, he concluded that I was untrustworthy for attempting it! He is refusing to come tonight, and has stated will only meet with you if Sprout gathers him and vows to remain for the whole meeting! He also stated a complaint will be filed with The Black and the school board! Damn your games, Albus!"
Mr. Weasley wringing his hands, "What am I to do Albus? The goblins have locked down my account and are demanding all moneys returned with interest and penalties! I don't have the money! You told me it was a gift! I didn't know you stole it!"
Mr. Weasley walked over and poured himself a glass of whiskey. After drinking it down with a shaking hand, he continued "To keep my house, I am going to have to go to the 'mot and claim the money was gifted from you!"
Dumbledore looking over his glasses at both drinking up his whiskey, replied consolingly "Nobody is losing their home, I'm sure we can convince Harry this was all a mistake."
McGonagall in no mood for more of Dumbledore's word games, poured herself a second drink. She then said disbelievingly, "What mistake, that you were caught? That boy hates you and after what I read in the paper, he should!"
Dumbledore, eyes twinkling merrily, replied "You know better than to believe Rita, Minerva."
Minerva then emptied her glass and slammed it back down, "I also should know better than to believe you! How about you make good on Mr. Weasley's debt. After all it was you who took the money!"
Dumbledore winced at her slamming the glass on his desk for a second time. He then replied with fake happiness, "That is a wonderful idea, Minerva. I will contact Gringotts and arrange for the debt to be paid."
Mr. Weasley looking much calmer, shook Albus's hand, "Thank you Albus. I knew this was all a mistake, I will let Molly know you are making good on the debt." And he left, not seeing Albus wince when Molly was named.
Once McGonagall also left, Snape came forward, "Can you afford to pay that debt?"
Dumbledore glanced at Snape and said, "I will cover it, but it will use up my discretionary funds for a time. I can't believe how fast Harry is moving: Malfoy, Gringotts, Longbottom, and now the next Earl Black?"
Snape shrugged, "He obviously has some skilled people advising him. Between Augusta Longbottom and Narcissa Malfoy he has all the caldrons bubbling. I really thought Draco would be the next Black, but he says Harry is stronger, and much more dangerous. He's actually proud the boy earned that ring!"
Snape paused before he continued, "What's our next move?"
Dumbledore staring off into space, said, "I need to get Harry to see that mirror, it is essential to the Riddle trap. Unfortunately, Harry had the goblins collect the cloak and they are cleansing it. I just received the bill!'
Snape shrugged again like it wasn't a problem, "So let him see it during the day, I don't see him wandering at night."
Dumbledore frowned and said with irritation, "Yes, him being in Hufflepuff is holding us back. I need him to meet the Weasley twins and hear about the Marauders and their pranking. I need him acting like his father so he can be easily controlled. He currently acts like his mother in full vengeful mode!"
Dumbledore didn't see that Snape's eyes flashed with anger at that comment. By the time he glanced at him, Snape's face was back to its usual sneer.
Snape the casually said, "Well, Lily always knew how to hold a grudge." And Snape left.
The next day, after sending letters to Narcissa, Arcturus, and Augusta about the altercation, Harry also met with his Head of House.
After greeting her politely, Harry said, "Professor Sprout, I regret to inform you that Asst Headmistress McGonagall violated the bylaws of this school and tried to force me to meet with the headmaster without you present. I informed her that all future attempts at meeting the Headmaster must be relayed to me via you, and that I will only participate if you give me your word that you will be present the entire time I am in that room, or with him elsewhere."
Thinking about it for a bit, Sprout replied "I understand your concerns, and agree to your stipulations. I question the veracity of your allegations, however."
Harry with a half-bow replied, "As you should, madam Sprout. However, I have the witnesses: Heir Longbottom, Heir Bones, Miss Abbott, and Protectee Granger. There were about 6 others as this occurrence was in the grand entrance."
Pomona winced, she then replied, "I understand Heir Potter. On another note, I offer my congratulations on submitting that ring, I understand it is no easy task. Do you wish to stay Heir Potter, or change to Heir Black?"
Harry held up the ring and looked at it. He then smiled and responded to Pomona, "For now, I have no preference. I will use what people call me to determine their interests. Do they want the attention of Harry, or Earl Black? Also, you are the first, outside my immediate circle, who acknowledged the trial of this ring. All people see are the privileges it represents, not the price one must pay."
Pomona smiled and put her hand on Harrys shoulder in an obvious gesture of affection and respect, "I can't tell you how proud I am to have two of the Great Three in Hufflepuff. I truly believe you and Neville will be a significant force for good."
Harry smiled at her and nodded in thanks, He then said, "It's good you mentioned Neville. I was able to get Dowager Countess Longbottom to get him his own wand. He is much more successful now. Near magus level."
Pomona looked at him sharply. She had heard rumors of a problem with Neville's magic, but Albus assured her it wasn't his wand. Now to find out that was a lie as well. She asked, "However, did you do that?"
Harry shook his head and looked her in the eye, "I paid a price for it, believe me, but for family? What I can do, gets done."
Toward the end of January was the second game, this time against Gryffindor. This game was one for the record books. Harry was sitting there as the box was kicked open and he took off like a shot. Before even a single goal was achieved, he had the Snitch. The fans were pissed the game was so short, but at the same time were ecstatic they could say they were there when the boy-who-lived broke the school record for shortest game. 3 minutes!
The Gryffindor team just took it in stride, though were definitely looking for a new seeker, not that anyone thought the Swallow could be beat. That was the other thing, thanks to Lee Jordan, Harry was now the 'Barn Swallow' or 'Swallow' for short.
Unfortunately, the other Gryffindors, especially the first-years led by Ron Weasley, were angry and looking for any blood they could get. Hermione was answering a few questions in class, now that her bottom was no longer on the line, and Ron decided she needed to be shut up again.
As Charms let out, Weasley drifted close to Hermione, he started talking loud enough to be sure Hermione could hear him, "I can't believe bucktooth is allowed to talk in class again. It's a nightmare! I don't know how the duffers put up with it!" As a couple of the Gryffindors laughed, Neville stepped in front of Weasley.
Neville with an angry expression on his face stepped right into Ron's personal space, "Weasley, do you see the sigil on Protectee Granger's arm, or are you blind as well as ignorant, stupid, and a coward?"
Ron pushed him back and said with a sneer, "Watch it squib, or you could get hurt."
Neville just backhanded him to the floor.
As Ron got up rubbing his face, he yelled "Challenge!"
Neville smiled and said "Accepted! Your conditions?"
Ron yelled out, "Wands! Yours?"
Neville replied, "Next Sunday after dinner in the great hall!"
Ron yelled back, "Fine! I will see you there."
Flitwick heard the challenge, acknowledged and witnessed it. With a challenge involved, he figured there was no reason to pursue the situation and returned to his classroom.
When McGonagall heard about the challenge, she tried to stop it, but Flitwick, by witnessing it, made it official and she could do little.
Harry and Tonks spent the next 8 days working Neville hard. Since first-years didn't know shield spells, they had him dodging bludgers, and working on accuracy drills with Expelliarmus. He kind of hated them by the following weekend, but they knew he was very likely to win now.
On challenge day, Augusta showed up to witness it.
Harry was with Neville, "Relax brother, you've got this. We worked you hard in case this happened. She will see the new Lord Longbottom take down his enemies! Everyone will know you are not a squib!" Neville responded with a fire in his eyes and walked over to Weasley.
Neville called out loudly, "Weasley! Are you prepared to duel today? Should we get your mommy so you can hide in her skirts? I'm waiting!" Naturally, many laughed at his joke.
Ron replied angrily, "I'm ready squib. I will show everyone you should not be here!"
Both boys approached the platform set up for the duel. Flitwick jumped up and called both boys over. "This will be a limited duel, no unforgivables, no fatal or crimpling spells allowed, only OWL spells allowed! Is the challenger ready?" Ron nodded.
Flitwick then called out, "Is the defender ready?" Neville nodded. Flitwick commanded, "Bow!" Neville bowed and Ron just sneered.
Flitwick looked at Ron closely and then shook his head. He called out, "The challenger forfeits his Honor!"
Gryffindors gasped as losing your honor for such a small thing was unbelievably stupid. The rest of the school booed, yelled "typical blood-traitor", or "fool" but quickly quieted when McGonagall glared at them.
Flitwick then called out, "I will count 1,2.3. You may cast after 3. The duel will stop when I say halt. If you continue, I will stop you by whatever means is necessary. Don't test me." Neville nodded to him. Ron nodded when Flitwick glared at him.
"One"
"Two"
Ron cast a leg locking jinx
Neville shifted to the side and glanced at Flitwick "Three"
Neville dodged 2 more spells then yelled "Expelliarmus!" A bright blue bolt burned down the platform and hit Ron in the chest. He was blasted off the platform and his wand snaped into Neville's hand. Neville just held out Ron's wand and dropped it on the floor. Flitwick then called "halt" and dropped the wards. Neville, turned and walked off the platform as he would not greet a competitor who dishonored himself twice.
Harry then called out to the room, "I wonder how squibs can cast a disarm spell, and throw someone 20 feet. Maybe I'm slow. Could a couple of you Gryffindors explain to me how a squib can toss one of you 20 feet?"
A couple of the Gryffindors glared at him, but no one said anything.
Harry made a show of looking around for an answer, then he turned to Neville and said with obvious disappointment, "Come on Heir Longbottom, we'll have to look elsewhere. They don't know how a squib can toss a Gryffindor 20 feet either." There was some snickering through the hall.
Neville than coolly looked back at Harry, and loudly replied, "Yes Heir Black, let us depart. That rancid odor of dishonor is turning my stomach. It's a shame it has become so strong among the Gryffindors. You would think, they would fumigate." Many roared in laughter at the Griff's expense. Neville never looked back as he walked out with Harry.
Out in the hall Augusta was waiting for them.
On seeing Gran, Harry loudly asked, "Gran! You are highly educated, maybe you can tell me how a squib will throw a Gryffindor 20 feet!"
Gran glared at Harry, she then stated with obvious irritation, "You've made your point. Drop it!"
Harry bowed, "Yes, Dowager Countess Longbottom."
She turned to Neville. "I'm so proud of you! You were magnificent! Your father could not have done better." Neville rushed forward and gave her a big hug.
"Thanks gran." He said quietly. Harry just grinned at her.
Glancing over at Harry, "scamp" Harry just grinned more.
In mid March, Harry was practicing his flying outside when he saw a curious site. Hagrid's hut looked to have smoke pouring from the windows as well as a huge amount from the chimney. Way too much for a normal fire. With a thatch roof, that could be very bad.
He swooped down, landed 50 feet away, and dropped his broom. No way was he bringing his wooden broom any closer to that impending disaster! After walking up to the door he banged on it, and heard some barking.
Someone behind the door commanded, "Down Fang! Down I say." The door opened 6 inches, and smoke literally poured out.
Harry saw Hagrid through the smoke, he said with some concern, "Greetings Hagrid, do you have a problem? It looks like the place will go up any second."
Hagrid worriedly replied, "No no, everything's fine. Just making some rock cakes and things got away from me."
{"Hungry mother! Food!"}
Harry looked at Hagrid and noticed he didn't respond to the request for food, "Umm, who was that?"
Hagrid looked even more worried, and asked "Who was what?"
Harry getting irritated asked curtly, "Who just said they were hungry and wanted food? Kind of like a toddler? Do you have a child in there with all that smoke?"
Hagrid commanded, "Get in here!" And Hagrid grabbed Harry, and dragged him into the hut before slamming the door.
It was smokey, but not as bad as he feared. It seems there was a fire which was recently put out. There was also a large lizard…excuse me a baby drake in the corner!
Harry pointed to the drake and asked worriedly, "Why is there a baby drake in here?"
{"Hungry mother!"}
Harry then asked, "And how can it speak?"
Hagrid looked at the Drake, then at Harry, "What do you mean speak?"
Harry replied, "It just said Hungry mother"
Hagrid said curtly, "No it didn't."
Harry yelled, "YES IT DID!"
Hagrid looked at the Drake again then back at Harry. He said, "Well, talk to him and see if he responds. His name is Norbert."
Harry greeted the Drake, "Hello Norbert."
{"Want food, hungry!"}
Harry replied, "See? He said he was hungry and wanted food!"
Hagrid stated, "No, he didn't"
Harry getting irritated again, exclaimed, "We are not doing that again!"
Hagrid paused and asked, "Wait, you can really understand him? Wait here."
Hagrid went outside and came back 15 minutes later with a black and brown snake.
Hagrid commanded, "Talk to this snake and tell me what she says"
Harry shrugged and said "Hi snake"
{"Another stupid human"}
{"Hey, I'm not stupid."}
{"A speaker. Why am I here?"}
{"I don't know. The big guy carrying you brought you in."}
{"Well tell him to put me back. Its too early to be awake."}
Harry then turned to Hagrid and said, "He says its too early to be awake and you must put him back."
Hagrid replied surprised and excited, "Golly Harry, you're a parselmouth!"
Harry asked, "What's a parselmouth?"
Hagrid replied all excited, "Someone who talks to snakes…and DRAGONS! That great!"
Harry then worried about the shack, said to Hagrid, "Hagrid, you need to get rid of the Drake before he burns the hut down."
Harry continued, "Do you know anybody who can help you get him to a safe place?"
Hagrid replied sadly, "Charley Weasley is a dragon wrangler. He could take him."
Harry gently replied, "You write him and I will talk to madam Sprout."
As Hagrid was about to object, Harry argued, "You know she's fair, she will help us get Norbert somewhere he can grow up safe." Hagrid, sighed and nodded.
Harry found Sprout in her greenhouses working on a venomous tentacula. She warned Harry to stay back, and asked why he was here.
Harry abruptly stated "Hagrid has a baby drake."
Sprout stops what she is doing and looked at Harry, "Excuse me?"
Harry further explained, "Hagrid has a baby drake named Norbert, who is growing rapidly and will likely burn down his hut any day. I told him to write a letter to Charley Weasley, supposedly a Dragon handler, to come and collect the drake as this is NOT SAFE!"
Sprout just looks at Harry. After a minute she asks, "And you came to me because?"
Harrys said assertively, "I trust you to be fair. I figured you would have a plan, because honestly, I got nothing."
Sprout said ominously, "Well getting me saved you a sore bottom."
Harry just looked at her like she was an idiot, he then yelled, "I DON'T CARE!"
Sprout winced when she realized she was wrong, and apologized, "Peace, you are right. That was uncalled for. I will handle this. Could you get Professor Kettleburn for me? And thank you."
Harry gave her a half bow, "You are welcome, Professor!" and left.
Harry told Professor Kettleburn that Professor Sprout really needed his help immediately." And then washed his hands of the whole thing.