Harry Potter and Gaining Momentum

"Com'on Harry get up!" Draco yelled at Harry ripping the covers off him. The chilly summer morning was too much for him as he groaned and curled in a ball.

"I'm skipping today, I wanna sleep," he whined.

"Nope, we're going to Diagon Alley today with Lupin for school supplies and you have to come. Now, up and at it!" Draco yelled again, this time successfully rousing Harry.

"Fine, but I don't have to be happy about it. What time is it anyway?" he asked scooting to the edge of the bed and letting his feet dangle off.

"It's nine o'clock. If we hurry we can get in a little Animal Transfiguration before we have to leave," Draco said.

The day was August twenty-ninth and they would be escorted by Remus to Diagon Alley for school supplies and leaving for school in a few days.

The last month with Draco had been the best summer Harry had ever had. Harry and Draco both had become exceptionally strong wizards over the summer. Harry could almost do any spell without a wand now, and Draco's wand and duelling skills were unstoppable. Draco's Occlumency lessons were over and he no longer had nightmares, nor could Harry break into his mind or so he assumed. Animagus lessons were getting easier and easier, actually so easy that Harry was certain in a few more days; they would no longer need to practice any more. It had been a good summer all in all.

The boys went down for breakfast and met the rest of the Dursley's. Vernon was still the same, but both Dudley and Petunia seemed to be warming up to the presence of the two boys. Petunia even asked them to do dishes because they could just use magic to do them, though she never actually said this. She would just ask them and leave, knowing that they'd be done in less than five minutes.

"Morning boys," she greeted stiffly as they entered the kitchen.

"Morning Aunt Petunia," Harry greeted robotically.

"Good morning Petunia, you're looking stunning today," Draco said as he sat at the table. She smirked at his charm and laid a plate of food in front of them both. Both wasted no time getting the food down.

"Would you boy's mind doing dishes? Vernon, Dudley and I are going to be out today. Is there anything you'll need while we're out?" she asked not turning around to meet them, but instead just asking in a casual manner.

"Actually we're not going to be in today either. Remus is coming by to get us, and then we're going to Diagon Alley to get our school supplies," Draco answered for them, "Is there anything you need?" Draco asked in return.

"I'm sure there's not. What time will you be in?" she asked still not turning around. Vernon gave a snort, but they all ignored it and carried on with the conversation.

"We should be back sometime after dinner. We won't be out late Aunt Petunia," Harry said walking by and stopping to give her a peck on the cheek before hustling outside for practice. Draco followed suite, even kissing Petunia on the cheek and grinning at her blush.

In the back yard, Harry and Draco both assumed their positions for their transformations. Closing their eyes, their bodies began to change. In less than five seconds there was a white panther, and a red phoenix with black outlining its feathers and bringing out its emerald eyes. The phoenix automatically took flight and spread its massive wings. It was perhaps the largest phoenix Draco or Harry had ever seen, but the most beautiful by a long shot. The same went for the white panther. The panther would stalk the back yard playfully chasing and pouncing on butterflies and other bugs. It was perhaps the oddest animal either had ever seen, being as usually panthers are black, instead of white with silver eyes.

They both also decided that they were going to tell Professor McGonagall about their transformations. It seemed only fair that she should know since she could give them permission to roam about the grounds in their animal forms so to bond with the other animals.

The both changed back and complimented one another on their progress once again as they made their way back into the house and into the lounge to wait for Lupin.

"Do you think anyone found my vault summery yet?" Harry asked after his Aunt and Uncle had left.

"I'm sure they have, Remus probably just didn't say anything because he didn't want to draw attention to it," Draco said dismissively.

"I hope I don't get ambushed by anyone," Harry said fearfully.

"I could always change into my animal form and bite someone if that was the case," Draco chuckled. Harry laughed then leaned over and kissed him.

As usual, the knock at the door came in sync with the chimes of the grandfather clock in the hall. Harry and Draco both rose and answered the door.

"Afternoon boys, ready?" Lupin asked. He was escorted by Tonks again and this time her hair was black and long while her eyes were violet.

"Hello cuties, come on, we want to beat the crowed," she crowed joyfully as they set off to Arabella's house.

Harry still felt really guilty about taking her voice away the day before his birthday. It turns out she had to owl Grimmauld Place for someone to come give her her voice back. She at first tried to floo them, only to get frustrated because she couldn't talk into the floo. After being fixed and told why Harry had reacted like he did, she held no grudge. As it turns out, she dislikes Snape just as much as everyone else but Dumbledore does. He apologized to her, but she waved it off saying that teenage tantrums were nothing new to her. Harry wondered if she had children because he never remembered her having any, but he dismissed it after she tried to feed them breakfast and it tasted like rubber. No, definitely no children, and if there were, may god have pity on their taste buds, he thought dryly.

They made it to the Leaky Cauldron without incident and were immediately greeted cheerfully by Tom the owner.

"Alright there Harry?" he bellowed over the crowd. Harry just raised his hand and nodded for conformation. It seemed as if Tom wanted everyone to know that they were on a first name basis. Harry found this funny and couldn't help but grin at the older man.

"So, where to first?" Lupin asked as they entered the alley way that held the threshold. Harry waved his hand and the gateway began to split and part.

"I'll never get used to you doing wandless magic Harry. It just seems so advanced," Lupin said beaming at him. Harry just shook his head at him humorously.

"Madam Malkin's, I need new robes, I think I've shot up an inch or two this summer. My robes come up to the tops of my socks now."

As they walked in Harry realized this is the Diagon Alley he remembered. The streets were busy with witches and wizards. Harry saw numerous fellow Gryffindores, all were giving him either confused or murderous looks. Harry went about his business letting the looks slip off him like oil. He had already prepared a speech for his housemates when they returned to school. He for one was tired of the stupid house rivalries. They all seemed to trivial next to the prophecy.

They finally reached the robe shop only to find a horde of Slytherin's there. At first none of them took notice, but when Draco said something to Harry about a set of dress robes, they all seemed to swivel in place to stare at the two. Pansy was the first to say something.

"Draco, what are you doing?" she asked looking shrewdly at Harry as if he was a bug that needed to be exterminated.

"I'm shopping for robes Pansy, what does it look like?" he said sarcastically knowing what was coming.

"And you're shopping with scarhead here?" she sounded nervous, but pissed.

"I am," he confirmed.

"Why?"

"I've spent the summer with him. My father and Voldemort..."

"Don't say the Dark Lords name!"

"Pansy, it's a name, and he's not a Dark Lord. He's just a wizard, a very egotistical, self-centred, power hungry wizard," he said to the shocked faces around him. "I won't follow someone like that. I'm a Malfoy and I refused to bow and grovel before anyone. He can take his dark mark and shove it up his ass for all I care. I serve no one," he said defiantly as if waiting for someone to tell him he's wrong.

"You know what they'll do you to you Draco," she said a little higher than a whisper. Her voice was nervous and scared.

"Yes, I know what they'll try to do. That's why I've allied myself to the light side. I can do more good this way. I may be a Slytherin, I may be a Malfoy, hell, I may even dabble in the Dark Arts every now and then, but I am no slave. If you all knew what was good for you, you'd stand behind Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore for support. They can and will protect you from your parents and Voldemort (people flinched), and they never even ask why you want to change sides, they're just glad you did. Now, if you'll excuse us, we've got to finish up here," he said giving a half bow to let the others know he was done with his soap box.

After being measured and fitted for their new robes, Draco led them to the Magical Creatures shop to get some treats for Hedwig. He'd used her several times this summer, as had Harry, so it was only natural that she should be rewarded.

"Draco, since your owls belonged to your father, what happens to them now that your father is gone?" Harry asked as he put the treats on the counter for the clerk ring up.

"They don't belong to my father; they belong to the manor, so everyone can use them. I bring Cassiopeia with me for letters. She's the beautiful eagle owl I have, my favorite," he said as if reminiscing. Harry chuckled at him before leading the way to Flourish and Blotts.

As much as Harry would have hated to admit to it, he loved being surrounded by all the books. It was like a feast for the mind and imagination. He didn't say anything though; he just got a bag and began buying books. He would glace down at his Hogwarts letter every once in a while to look at the next book he had to find:

COURSE BOOKS

Per your NEWT requirements you should have a copy of each of the following:

NEWT: Advanced Book of Spells (Grade 6) by Miranda Goshawk

NEWT: A History of Magic by Margaret Morleaf

NEWT: Magical Theory of Healing by Adalbert Waffling (New Chosen Elective)

NEWT: Advanced Transfiguration by Emetic Switch

NEWT: Advanced Magical Drafts and Potions by Severus Snape

NEWT: The Dark Arts: Reaching for the Light by Alvin Beamer

NEWT: Ruling Your Runes by Peter Ruin (New Chosen Elective)

NEWT: Arithmancy: The Future in Numbers by Clair Bofain (New Chosen Elective)

NOT OPTIONAL: You have been chosen along with other members of your class to an elite group of young witches and wizards who are to learn the Art of Spell Invention. This class will cover the history of spell making and instruction on spell invention. Class directed by Headmaster Albus Dumbledore

"Oh, great," Harry said to Draco who was standing next to him, "Snape wrote a book and we have to use it in his class. Is there no end to this? I can't believe he's pulling a Lockhart on us. Greasy git," he added as he threw the book into his bag. Draco only laughed at him. After Harry got all his books, he set out on a book search of his own. He mostly wanted books on the dark arts. He chose about fifteen books that looked like he would have an in depth look at the Dark Arts and took them up to the counter. After all his school books were checked the wizard behind the counter looked through the others and then turned and looked at Harry.

"I'm sorry sir, but I can't allow someone from Hogwarts to purchase these tomes. I don't think Albus will be very happy with me if I allow you to take these kinds of books into his school," the man said someone snooty-like.

"I want the books and I will have them. I don't care what you think of Dumbledore. He knows I wouldn't use them for harm against anyone so I suggest you put them in the bag and give me my total," Harry said annoyed.

"I will not. You are a Hogw--," he trailed off as Harry ran a hand through his hair out of frustration and the clerk saw Harry's scar. "Oh, um, of course Mr. Potter. I'll have these ready in a jiffy," he said as he began ringing them up nervously but flustered. He handed Harry three great big bags of books and Harry waved his hand and shrunk them.

"How did--Oh my, you just did wandless magic effortlessly!" he practically yelled out, several people turned to see what the commotion was all about. Draco was in stitches beside him as Harry looked at Draco annoyed. Harry gave a discrete snap of his fingers and the clerk's eyes went over in a haze.

"I'll be sure to give your regards to Headmaster Dumbledore as you've asked. Good day," Harry said walking away from the obliviated man.

"Harry that was brilliant love. I didn't even realize what you were doing until I looked at his expressionless face. You are definitely not using a wand this year, it will only hold you back," Draco said as if it were the end of the discussion.

"Draco I told why I have to use a wand. How about this, I hold my wand like I'm going to use it, but I'll use my hand instead?" he asked hopeful that Draco would drop it.

"No, it's better if you can find other ways to execute spells besides using the normal wand movements with your hands. I personally like the snapping thing, but it could be obvious that that you've cast a spell like that. I think you need to experiment a little," Draco said enthusiastically. Harry smiled at this new Draco, but said nothing as they made their way back to the Leaky Cauldron with Lupin in tow. Lupin had been in the vicinity all day, but let Harry and Draco pretty much do what they want.

They all sat down in the Leaky Cauldron and had a big dinner before Lupin escorted them back to Arabella's house by floo. He walked them back and hugged them both goodnight before reporting back to Grimmauld Place.

***

"Harry," Draco whispered trying to rouse him from his sleep. It didn't take much, because Harry immediately woke up clear headed.

"What?" he asked clearly confused as to why Draco would wake him up in the middle of the night knowing how light he slept due to the Occlumency.

"Someone just apparated in," he whispered.

"The order's probably having a shift change," Harry said rolling back over.

"Harry, its three o'clock in the morning, why would they have a shift change now?" he asked.

"It's probably Dung Fletcher, he leaves his post all the time, it's no big deal," Harry said.

"I think we should check it out," Draco said standing up and retrieving his wand from Harry's bedside table.

"Fine, I'm not going to get back to sleep if you're not here," Harry said grudgingly as he walked over to peer out the window.

"Draco!" Harry exclaimed in a harsh whisper, "Lupin is down there duelling with someone. Give me my wand I'm going to help before anyone else arrives," Harry said urgently. Draco didn't need to be told twice, he threw Harry his wand and they both headed for the bed room door. Harry waved his hand a couple of time to put strong locking charms on his Aunt and cousin's door. "Okay let's go. I want you to go as your panther. Hide where you can until I have the Death Eater unarmed, and then take her out. I'm not getting anywhere near the vile creature, but I want to be able to back Remus up," he ordered. Draco nodded in understanding and they both crept downstairs and out the back door into the back yard. They, with a wave of Harry's hand, walked silently thanks to a silencing spell, and walked along the side of the house.

"Okay, now transform and hide in those trees over there until you see her with no defences. As soon as you have her tackled I'll send Remus to bind her so that he can take her in. Be quiet and walk in the shadows of the street lights," he said as he made his way to the corner of the house and squatted down. Draco followed Harry's orders and crept silently in front of the house in the shadows where he couldn't be seen.

After Harry saw that he was in position, he rushed out and began sending harsh spells at the Death Eater. Remus was stunned for a moment wondering where the helpful fire was coming from and the Death Eater took advantage of it by stunning him and hiding behind a lamp post while Harry let himself be known.

Wand at the ready, Harry walked into the light of the street with a look of fury on his face. He began to round on the Death Eater never taking an eye off it. Then much to his surprise, a woman yelled the first spell,

"Crucio!" she yelled at him only to have the spell vanish midway to him with a simple vanishing spell. She yelped in surprise and tried again, "Crucio!" she bellowed into the still night.

"Protego!" he yelled back and followed it with a "Serpensortia!" as a thick back snake erupted from his wand. The woman cackled at his antics.

"Does baby Potter really think that he can hurt me with a snake?" she said still laughing but never taking her eyes off him. It was then, in that instant that he realized he was facing Bellatrix Lestrange. He waved his hand and mumbled "Engorgio," as the snake began to grow rapidly to a huge size. "Bind her," he hissed while waving his hand again and placing a shielding charm on the snake.

"Potter, what do you think you're doing?!" she demanded. She apparently thought that he was biting off more than he can chew, as the Muggle's say.

"Yessss Massster," the snake said as he started to slither toward her.

Harry took her panic as an advantage and cast several anti-apparating jinxes on the street. Then with a solid but furious bellow, he yelled, "Avis!" and a phoenix shot out of his wand and began to sing its magnificent song. For some reason, unknown to him, the birds always knew what to do and began to fly about him and the snake ready to defend them if it needed to.

"Evanesco!" she yelled pointing her wand at the snake, but the Phoenix swooped down and ate the spell. She tried several more times but to no avail. While she was busy trying to get away from the snake, or wound it, Harry revived Lupin.

"Harry, what are you doing? Get back inside, now!" Remus yelled at him worriedly.

"Remus, it's almost over. I woke you up so that as soon as she bound you can take her for questioning at Grimmauld Place. There may be more arriving soon, so I'll end this now. When I do, I'm setting up anti-apparition jinxes all over the street. You'll only be able to enter by Portkey, which Dumbledore can take care of, or by floo at Miss Figgs," he said turning back to the duel and addressing the snake.

"Drive her to me pleasssse," he asked politely.

"Yesss Masssster," the serpent answered without even looking at Harry. The snake changed direction quickly and began to push her the opposite way so that she was backing into Harry. She shot a few more spells at the monstrous serpent, letting the phoenix catch them every time. Finally when Bellatrix was only about twenty feet away Harry began to take action. He gave his wand to Remus so he would have both hands free it he needed it and walked toward her. Harry could tell Remus was dieing to yell out to him for leaving his wand behind, but didn't want to draw her attention away from the snake. Harry spoke to the snake again,

"Sssstop! Thank you," he said as the snake stopped in its place but resumed hissing at Bellatrix. Harry waved his hand and Lestrange's wand was banished. She turned around surprised and her face to a look of fury as she advance on him. She pulled out another wand and brandished it toward him only to have him wave his hand once more and watch the wand disappear again.

"I can do this all day Bella, or all night shall I say," he said chuckling. He waved his hand once more making her go into a stiff body bind, and then bound her with ropes with another wave. He walked back to Remus, who was shocked, and retrieved his wand. He pointed it at the snake and bellowed, "Evanesco!" as the snake dissipated with a puff of black smoke. He then waved the wand at the phoenix and it too vanished.

"Draco, come out, it's safe," he said as a white panther stalked out into the street and up to Harry. He gave it a gruff scratching behind the ear before the beautiful animal transfigured into Draco.

"You did that on purpose didn't you?" Draco demanded looking at Harry with spite.

"Whatever do you mean?" Harry tried to ask innocently.

"You made me hide over there knowing good and well that you were going to do this alone without any help. You could have been hurt!" Draco yelled.

"From what I saw, I don't think that would have happened," Remus said blankly.

"Remus, I don't want you telling anyone what happened here tonight. I don't want it out that I am fluent in wandless magic. I need every surprise necessary when it comes to taking on Voldemort," Harry explained. Remus nodded understanding.

"Any other talents I should know about?" Remus asked grinning. Harry heaved a heavy sigh and transfigured into a phoenix with an outline of black on each feather, and emerald green eyes. Remus breathed an awe sound before Harry transformed back.

"I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone about that either. I'm only telling Professor McGonagall," he explained. "And none of what happened to night or what you saw is to be reported to Dumbledore," Harry said sternly.

"Now, Harry, you have to understand--," Remus began but was silenced with a snap of Harry's fingers.

"I said no Remus. I'm tired of him using me as his weapon. If he knew I could do these things, he'd only try to push me further, and right now I'm happy at my own pace. I don't want any extra training sessions like last year. Do you understand?" Harry asked now taking on a pleading voice. Remus shut his eyes and sighed before he nodded and Harry waved his hand once again to give Remus his voice back.

"Well, you boys get back to bed. I'm taking Bellatrix to Grimmauld Place now," he said as he walked over to her.

All the sudden there was several cracks from down the road a little and Remus spun around and squinted.

"Harry, its Fudge and a few Aurors, hurry and transform, both of you. I think they saw your use of underage magic off the residence," he hissed at him. Draco quickly did as he was told. He sank into the shadows while Harry stood defiant.

"I'll not be intimidated by him any longer Remus," Harry spat as Fudge got closer.

"Harry, I'm begging here. You know what he'll do if he catches you, you can't afford another encounter with him," Remus pleaded. It was too late.

"Ah, Mr. Potter, I was hopping I'd be seeing you," Fudge's voice dripped with malice. Harry shielded his eyes from the light of the street lamps and he caught side of bright red hair. Oh, Percy came to watch did he, well, let's give him a show.

"Good evening Cornelius," Harry said as if he normally greeted Fudge like this.

"You will address the Minister with respect Potter," Percy spat as they reached him.

"Oh, is that so Percival. Well, I happen to live by my own morals and I only give respect when it's earned," Harry said sternly.

"How dare you! When you are in the presence of the Minister...," he began by Harry cut him off harshly.

"I will show him respect as I see fit. Now stand down Percival!" he bellowed in a defiant voice. His eyes were raging with danger as Percy visibly cowered before him.

"Now see here boy--," Fudge too began as Harry too cut him off.

"You will address me accordingly Cornelius or do not address me at all. I happen to take offence to being called 'boy'. I do have a name USE IT!" he ended with a bellow much like the one he used with Percy.

"I'm not intimidated by you boy," he stressed the last word, "I will address you as I see fit, and as of right now, I will give no respect to a boy that hides behind lies," Fudge hissed.

"Lies? What lies?" Harry asked sternly.

"That's all you tell Potter. That's seems to be how you get by in life. You tell one lie, then you follow it up with another to support the previous one, it's a vicious cycle you know," he said seething. Harry had had enough small talk he caught Fudge's eyes and plunged in and began to send him all the 'lies' as evidence.

Harry fighting to get through the tasks of the Sorcerers stone--Harry battling the Basilisk then killing the memory of Tom Riddle---Harry's third task---Voldemort's resurrection---The night at the Ministry---Dobby coming to his house and using magic that he was blamed for---Dementor's in the alley way---Bellatrix Lestrange duelling with him. He let go.

"Dare to call them lies now Cornelius?" he asked as the Minister slumped down looking like he could barely stand, that his knees may give out at any moment.

"What did you do to the Minister?!" Percy bellowed.

"I simply proved to him that I never lied to him. He could use a pensive now, and the memories would come out from my point of view. He could be fed a truth potion, and he would not be able to lie. I am a Master of Occlumency and Legilimency and I simply relayed my 'lies' to him, no harm done," Harry said nonchalantly.

"No harm done! He can barely stand!" Percy yelled.

"Well, now he knows how I felt. He's lucky I didn't relay the feelings and pain that came with those events, as I can do also. Now on to more important matters," he said briskly, "As I'm sure you know, I have recently acquired quite an amount of money. I'm sure you are familiar, due to being in contact with Lucius Malfoy, what a bribe is. I am not one to try to bribe, so I'll say this. I plan on make generous contributions to the Ministry in the fight against Voldemort, but I will not donate a single sickle if there is an ignorant, pompous, stubborn, incompetent Minister as its head. You will pull yourself together Cornelius, or you will be paying for this war out of your own pocket," Harry applied for them.

"If we seize you, your money will become the Ministries anyway, you have no heir!" Percy said as if he found a hole in Harry's plan. Harry chuckled at his antics.

"I don't have to have an heir Percy, just a beneficiary, which I do. You are actually looking at him, and should you try to apprehend him also, you'll find yourselves looking at a very rich Order of the Phoenix, because the money will go straight to Dumbledore," he said vaguely waving towards Remus who was still presiding over Bellatrix. "Furthermore, apparently you haven't talked to your family lately. I'm assuming Arthur will be making his own donations to his department by himself; after all, he is pretty well off now. I gave them 25% of my inheritance from the Black Family Trust. I suspect they're living in the ten million ranges," Harry said smugly. Percy's mouth dropped open. "And just think, they were so below you before, how does it feel now? To know that you've worked all this time trying to make a name for yourself by being the pompous asshole you are, and all your parents had to do was treat me like a member of their family, give me love, respect, and worry for my health. I'm sure, none of which you'll understand," Harry said dryly. "Now, please leave the property before I have you arrested for trespassing. Oh and good evening Cornelius," Harry said as he strolled away from two dumbstruck ministry officials and three very smug looking Auror's.

"Potter!" Fudge yelled with new found energy. "You will stop immediately or I shall have you apprehended where you stand!"

"I thought I made it quite clear that our conversation was over," Harry said turning around to stare at Fudge, but Fudge wouldn't meet his eye.

"Shacklebolt, take Mr. Potter into custody," Fudge said motioning to Harry.

"Minister, surely you're kidding. He has proof right here that he was within his rights to perform underage magic," Shacklebolt said.

"Are you undermining my authority?" he asked sneering at the Auror.

"No need, I'll come willingly. Remus, please inform Dumbledore that I am being held against my will and that I was within my rights to do underage magic. Also inform my Gringotts Law-wizard that all my assets are to be frozen until further notice. Oh, and tell the goblins that there is quite a hefty thank you shall they not allow any Ministry member to have access to my vaults. Please be quick, I have only three day's until I have to be at Kings Cross to catch the train back to Hogwarts," Harry said as he walked toward the Auror's.

"I'm afraid that we'll have to be taking Mr. Lupin with us for questioning," Fudge said smugly.

"In that case," Harry said turning around to face the darkness, "I'm sure you heard all of what was said here. Please notify Dumbledore of what has occurred and please have him arrange everything as I was going to have Remus do," Harry said smiling gently to the darkness where Draco was still hidden.

"Who are you talking to?!" Fudge yelled spooked.

"That is none of your concern. Shall we go?" Harry said walking out of the range of the anti-apparition jinxes and being followed by the Auror's. Percy looked confused for a moment before he took Remus by the elbow and began to lead him away also. Fudge was the last one to begin following. He stayed behind for a moment gazing into the darkness that Harry had spoken into.