Harry Potter and Gaining Momentum

Harry was followed by Hermione and Professor McGonagall up the spiralling staircase to Dumbledore's office.

"Never in my days were kids put under the Imperius! What are people thinking these days?" McGonagall flustered as they reached the top and made their way into the office.

"We're at war Professor. I find it hard to believe that's all they've done. If they had time to do this, they could have just as well kidnapped him to draw me to Voldemort. I for one am grateful," Harry said.

"Be that as it may, there is still no excuse for this type of behaviour," she said drawing her lips to a line. Harry knew McGonagall hated being wrong, so he dropped the topic. She grabbed a handful of floo powder from the mantel and threw in into the fireplace, "The Borrow," she said sternly. "Molly, Arthur!" she shouted dipping her head into the flames.

"Minerva! What's wrong, is it the kids?!" Molly's voice came back through.

"Yes, yes, please come at your earliest convenience, the headmaster has requested your presence immediately."

"Okay, Arthur's here. Step back and we'll come through," she replied. McGonagall stepped back and made way for the two adults from the Burrow. There was a rise of green flames and a great 'swoosh' and Molly came barrelling through.

"Who is it? What's happened?" she asked automatically going into mother mode.

"Molly, it's alright. Ron has been acting under the Imperius for some time now. Mr. Potter realized it today. Albus has gone to Poppy for a potion to take it off while Severus is getting a memory enhancing potion so we can attempt to find the perpetrator. Do calm down, he's right here," she said motioning to the floating body next to Harry.

"Has he done anything, you know," she said barely above a whisper.

"Well there was an incident on the train, Albus planned on contacting you tonight about it. He's also been giving Mr. Potter quite a rough way since they've arrived. But nothing that can be deemed Azkaban material," she said soothingly.

"What happened on the train?" she demanded. Harry could see she was starting to get frantic, so he spoke up.

"He cast the Diffindo spell on Draco," Harry informed her.

"Oh, well, what did Mr. Malfoy do to provoke him to do such a thing," she asked looking at all of them. Only he and Hermione knew.

"He complemented his family, and then called Ron cold hearted. I'm not sure why Ron did it, it only proved Draco right," Hermione said gravely.

"A Malfoy complemented our family?" Arthur finally spoke up. He arrived just after Molly but was listening intently to the story.

"Yes, he was mad because I wouldn't stop reading and talk to him. I told him it was because every time I did, he would turn it around and insinuate that I was the reason he had such a bad summer. So I buried my nose in a book. He blew his top after Hermione and Ginny left to change their robes and that's why Draco said what he did. He's changed you know," Harry said looking intently at Molly. If anyone was going to needed convincing, it would be her. "He spent the entire summer with me because he was in hiding from his father and Voldemort. He refused to follow," he said.

"Are you serious?" Arthur said astonished.

"Yes, we're also dating," Harry said matter-of-factly. The bomb was now dropped.

"WHAT!" McGonagall and Molly yelled at the same time.

"You're not mad are you 'Mione?" Harry said looking at her pleadingly.

"No, I was told this morning, I've had time to get used to it," she said taking a seat in one of Dumbledore's plush chairs.

"How did you find out?" he asked intrigued.

"Luna knew. She also says you have the gift of empathy, why didn't you tell me?" she asked looking Harry in the eyes.

"I didn't know what it was called, it's a side affect of the Legilimency, and furthermore, I hate being the freak this happens to all the time. I wasn't supposed to be able to do Legilimency, but of course, I don't get a say in it. I shouldn't be good at wandless magic, I shouldn't be able to command Hogwarts and tell her what to do, but I can. It's so infuriating at times," he said frustrated.

"Well clearly you are supposed to be able to do these things, or you wouldn't be able to. Most would kill for some of your talents, yet, you look down upon them," Hermione said.

"You weren't the one who has the Daily Prophet in your face all the time and tell the wizarding world these are all qualities of dark wizards. You aren't the one everyone thought was the Heir of Slytherin just because you can speak to snakes. I'm sorry, but I've had enough attention to last me a life time. I'd rather sit it all out but I don't have that option," Harry said taking at heat in the chair next to Hermione's, crossing his arms in a pouting fashion.

"Well it does no good to mope about it, so just fine tune them, you never know when they'll come in handy," Hermione said with an air of finality. Harry didn't argue.

The room was silent. Harry was throwing ideas around in his head. He had a feeling that this was his fault, all of it. Ron was his friend, everyone knew that, and now he was the victim of an Unforgivable, no mind it was one of the less harmful one; it was still a violation of the mind. And it was all because he knew Harry, and was meant to hurt Harry. Though he didn't succeed in the task, he had still gotten them by surprise and cursed Draco.

Harry remembered his fourth year when Moody told them that it's hard to get out of the Imperius, especially if the feelings were already there. Harry knew that Ron regularly got jealous of Harry's fame and money. Now he was the richest wizard in all of England. He figured since the animosity was already there, it would have been harder to fight. Draco probably just served as fuel to the curse; everyone knew that there was a long vendetta between the Weasley's and the Malfoy's.

He began to have a strange feeling; it was making the hair on the back of his neck stand up. Then a sense of panic struck him like a bolder. He bolted up into a standing position and looked around frantically. He scurried to the windows and looked out over the grounds, nothing. The nagging persisted.

"Harry what's wrong, what is it?" Hermione said suddenly stricken with worry.

"Something's off, something's wrong, I can feel it. It's---," he trailed off, and then it hit him. Like a flash in Legilimency, he saw a picture of the third floor corridor, Fluffy's old lair. His eyes opened like saucers and he bolted out of the door and down the steps. At the bottom he nearly ran over Snape who was carrying several flasks of potions. He started to berate Harry but Harry changed and flew down the corridor and up between the staircases. He reached the Third Floor and cautiously made his way to the room where Fluffy used to sleep. He made it to the door and leaned an ear against it.

"Blood-Traitor! You know, if you die all your money goes to Pansy's family right? After all, you are in a marriage contract with her," came an unknown voice to Harry. "Then our Master will have all the funding he needs to strengthen his reign of terror," the voice mocked.

"I'll never marry that pug. I'm in love with someone else," Draco's voice spat in contempt at the other voice. Harry could hear the pain in it though; he'd been beaten or tortured.

"Oh, but you will if you want to live," came Pansy's voice. The scathing tone ripped straight through Harry. He threw open the door and brandished his wand at the two Slytherin's. Draco was on his knees, he looked to be in quite a bit of pain.

"Stupefy!" he bellowed at Pansy, she dropped as soon as the word was out of Harry's mouth; she didn't even have time to scream. The spell seemed to apparate into her giving no time for resistance.

"Crucio!" the form of Nathan Nott roared.

"Evanesco!" Harry countered waving his hand this time to banish the curse then followed with a flick of his wand he bellowed, "Incarcerous!" and again the ropes seemed to just wrap around Nathan without even being shot out of his wand. Nott was thrown back a good five feet as the force of the ropes hit him binding him so tight that there were visible groves where the ropes were biting into his skin.

Harry looked at Draco's pale form before running up to him and engulfing him in a rib crunching hug and dragging Draco to his feet.

"Harry," Draco gasped on impact

"Are you okay?" Harry said stepping back and holding him at arms length to look at him.

"I'm still a little sore, but I'll live," Draco stammered.

"What did they do?" Harry demanded.

"Cruciatus Curse, but he could hardly hold it, thank Merlin," he panted.

"Let's get you to Dumbledore's office. Ron was put under the Imperius Curse, they're sorting him out now," Harry said levitating the two junior Deatheater's and taking Draco around the waist and helping him along.

They made it to the gargoyle without incident and Harry led Draco and the two Slytherin's up into the office. Upon entering Snape automatically stood up.

"What are you doing Potter," he spat. "What is the meaning of this, fifty points from Gryffindor for nearly killing me, another fifty for being an unregistered Animagus, and another fifty for cursing two Slytherin students," he said whipping out his wand at an attempt to wake the two bound students. Much to everyone's surprise, Hermione jumped up and stood between him and his students. "Now is not the time to grow a spine Granger! Move out of my way!" he snarled at her. She looked at him totally unfazed.

"No," she said simply then continued, "Harry knew what was happening before he even left. I have a feeling she told him," Hermione said over enunciating 'she'.

"What are you ranting on about?" he demanded.

"Hogwarts has been communicating with Harry. He knew something was wrong before he even left. I suggest you sit and hear him out before you make a total fool of yourself," she said with an air of finality. Snape looked appalled, but Mrs. Weasley was beaming. Harry had to admit, there was an edge of the Great Weasley Temper in those words.

"Excellent idea Miss Granger," Dumbledore finally stepped in. "Mr. Potter, if you will please explain yourself.

"I'd rather not Albus, not with him here. With the way he's been treating me lately, there's no telling where the information I give will go back to," he said scowling at Snape.

"Mr. Potter, for one you will address the Headmaster properly, and two, it is not for you to decide who knows what, you do not have rule here," Professor McGonagall said sternly. Harry looked at her defiantly.

"I am Albus's apprentice and I have been given order to address him as such. As for your second comment, what is in my head is my business, and unless I decide otherwise, it stays put as long as he's in my sight," he said in a commanding tone with dignity. McGonagall huffed,

"I don't know what's gotten into you lately young man, but when---," she started but didn't get tot finish.

"Minerva, what he said is true. Severus, please leave, you've carried out your task here," Albus said much to the surprise of everyone, including Harry.

"What?! I am on the Hogwarts staff. I demand to be kept informed. You've let this little brat, your little pet, have too much freedom, and now he's taking advantage of it. I refuse to sit in the dark while he's plotting, no," Snape said to Dumbledore who looked as if he'd just been told to sod off. Dumbledore's face grew dangerous as he stood commanding authority.

"I am the head of Hogwarts staff Severus, and when I give an order it is to be followed. It seems you've created too much damage on that bridge between you and young Mr. Potter for even I to mend. I have no other choice now but to heed his wishes. You have authority in your classroom, but in this office, the authority is mine, leave," he said in a dangerous tone. Snape sneered at Harry once more before he shot out the door with his robes billowing behind him as usual.

"He must find a better exiting method, that's getting quite old," Hermione said to no one in particular. Harry could have sworn he heard Draco snort in amusement.

"That's my girl, you'll be a Weasley yet young lady," Mr. Weasley said puffing up his chest with pride. Molly snorted and darted to Harry to check him over. She was turning him in circles, checking for bruising.

"I'm fine Mrs. Weasley, its Draco that was hurt. They used the Cruciatus on him," Harry said briefly before taking Draco's hand to lend him support.

"What has gotten into these kids, never in my life have I seen Unforgivables thrown around like this, never," McGonagall said beginning to get in a huff again.

"Hogwarts can't keep the student unaffected by the war Professor. They're forced to take sides also. There's no such thing as neutrality in a war like this. We've seen it before between Muggle's. If someone says they're neutral, it's them that gets hurt the most. They're attacked from both sides for their lack of choices," Harry said breathing deeply. There were still emotions running wild in his head, the energy was still coursing through his veins at an alarming rate and he was beginning to feel overwhelmed.

"Wise words for such a young man, but true non-the-less," Albus said sitting back down behind his desk. "Now, if someone would release Mr. Weasley from his bonds," he said looking at Harry. Harry waved his hand and gave a light counter and Ron fell limp, though he did not fall from the air.

"Minerva, Miss Granger, if you would," Albus said motioning to the potions on the front of his desk. McGonagall tipped the first into his mouth, and Harry could faintly see the veil of haze that clouded his eyes recede. Hermione followed it up by tipping the memory enhancer into his mouth. He sputtered for a moment, but downed the contents as well.

"We'll give him a few moments to come around and get his memory back best he can. In the meantime, I'd like to hear what happened with you Harry, oh, and one hundred and fifty points to Gryffindor for your wonderful display of leadership and bravery tonight," Albus added like it was an afterthought.

"I was sitting there thinking of how Ron cursed Malfoy and how the contempt Ron already had for me and Malfoy, though in different ways, probably just fuelled the curse, when I had a panic rise in my chest. I wasn't sure why, or even what it was at first, but then I got a flash of the Third Floor corridor, you know, Fluffy's old lair," he said looking at Hermione.

"Fluffy?" Molly said confused.

"Ah, yes, Hagrid's dog," Albus said knowingly.

"That monster had a name?" McGonagall spoke up.

"My words exactly," Hermione said.

"It was a three headed dog that was protecting the Sorcerers stone in our first year, huge," Harry said to clear up any confusion. Arthur just nodded in understanding, while Molly looked absolutely aghast.

"Anyway," he said getting back on the topic, "I got the flash and took off. I knew it had to be an emergency or she wouldn't have shown me. I expect it's about the same time Draco got hit with the Cruciatus Curse. I fled down the stairs as a feeling of urgency hit me and automatically took my Animagus form, while almost knocking Snape out of the way. I flew between the staircases and made it to the top without a problem and then went to the door where Fluffy was kept. I heard voices behind it and they were threatening Draco and saying something about a marriage contract with Pansy, and how if it wasn't upheld, he'd be killed and then his money would automatically go to Pansy's family. Nott proceeded to brag about the terror Voldemort could reign with that sort of funding. Anyway, I burst through the door and apprehended them. Nott threw the Cruciatus at me also, but I banished it like I did Bella's. I stunned Pansy, and tied Nott up," he finished. Draco gave him a weak squeeze of the hand for support, but Harry squeezed back showing he was grateful.

"Draco, your version please," Albus said looking over his glasses. Draco straightened up and began.

"I got an anonymous letter that asked me to meet them there after dinner. I assumed that someone else was going to come forward and voice their opposition to the Dark Lord. There was a lot of tension in the Slytherin house last night when everyone found out that I was no longer supporting the Dark Side after my father's incarceration. I didn't get any resistance last night or this morning, but I knew there were a couple who had already been accepted into the ranks, just not marked yet."

"Everyone but me was afraid to voice their opinions on where they stand, hell, it doesn't help that most of them think that their head of house is a Deatheater. Anyway, I knew a few people would never side with the Dark Lord, and I thought they wanted to meet with me to let me know that they didn't either, you know, a safety net one might say. I'll watch your back, you watch mine sort of thing. When I got there I knew I was in for some torture, but it was too late. As soon as I was through the door Pansy struck me on the back of the neck. I think she was trying to knock me out. A simple stunner would have done the trick, but leave it to her to show herself to be a dunderhead like the rest of them," he said shaking his head shamefully. "We had words about allegiances and Nott hit me with the Cruciatus and then there was the marriage talk. That's when Harry showed up. I've never seen him duel like that before. It was like using his wand made the spells more powerful by almost ten-fold. The stunner couldn't even be seen, neither could the ropes, and they were so tight that Nott was gritting his teeth all the way up here till he finally passed out," he said looking at the boys prone body on the floor.

"That's some magic there my boy," Arthur beamed.

"It's those stupid wards. I can feel their magic coursing through me. I feel like I have an endless amount of dispensable energy and I'm buzzing with it. It's driving me nuts," Harry said frustrated yet again.

"Harry, the wards feed off your magic, they don't give it to you, just simply bring it out. What you feel is yours, it's just not dormant any longer," Dumbledore said as if they solved the problem.

"Well then how do I get rid of it, I can't possibly sleep feeling like this," he stammered.

"I'll take the wards back tonight and Miss Granger and Draco will follow you out onto the grounds and duel you wandlessly. This should help a lot. The downtime will make you very tired, but once you get used to carrying them, your magic will also and it'll grow accustomed to how much is needed to feed the wards," Albus said. Harry just nodded. There was no way, now that he could speak with Hogwarts, he was going to get out of having to carry the wards.

***

Harry woke up feeling less than par. He had a long night the night before and was exhausted, and to top it off, he had double N.E.W.T. potions today. The only thing keeping him from dropping the class out of hate for the Professor was that Draco and Hermione were also in it.

The night before was one that he'd never forget. Draco had been tortured, Ron had been relieved of the Imperius, at which time he pointed at Nott for being the one that put him under it in Diagon Alley before school even started. That explained why it was so strong, Nott was around to renew any suggestions needed. Ron proceeded to apologize to both Harry and Draco profusely though; they both waved it off casually.

Harry had training with Dumbledore and they brewed the Heritage potion, it would be twelve hours before the tattoo appeared. Now, he was getting dressed and ready for the day. He'd been instructed to report to the Headmaster's office before breakfast to have the wards once again placed upon him.

Last night they worked on putting walls up around the empathy that Harry had been experiencing, in hope that from then on he would be able to think without making rash decision. Albus said that he was sure it couldn't have been blocked because it was coming from Hogwarts herself.

The thing that upset Harry the most was that he and Draco had to cancel their night out. Harry had wanted to make it romantic, but at the same time, oh-so-Slytherin. He was going to take Draco to the Chamber of Secrets and have a make out session.

After a shower and a go 'round with his hair, Harry threw on his school robes and made his way to the Headmaster's office. They had spoken last night about moving Draco out of his dorm. Draco wanted to move to Gryffindor, but McGonagall flatly said no. Harry had a feeling it was because they were dating and she knew they'd have to share a dormitory. Dumbledore just twinkled as usual but came to the decision that if the problem in the Slytherin house continued, he'd be moved to a private room usually reserved in case there was a Head Boy in Slytherin.

Making it to the Gargoyle, Harry gave the password and made his way up the stairs. He knocked on the door.

"Come in Harry, I'll be right with you," Albus said as Harry made his way inside. He took a seat in one of the plush chairs and crossed one leg over the other. He wasn't very happy about having the wards back, but he knew that Dumbledore needed him now more than ever because Hogwarts would speak to him.

"Sleep well?" Albus asked returning back to the office from what Harry guessed was his quarters.

"Not in the least, I'm exhausted," Harry said bluntly.

"Ah, well, that will be changing in a few minutes. The wards tend to act like a stimulant, caffeine if you will. They'll have you up and moving in no time," he said pulling a book out of his desk and laying it on the front for Harry. "This is what you'll need for identifying the family crests of your tattoo or tattoos. Let's hope that they're in an appropriate place. You have about three hours before they start to appear. They'll be quite painful when they do. I'll send a note to Severus and tell him to excuse you from class when they appear and you can come here. We'll look at them then leave for the hospital ward so Poppy can watch them to make sure they don't do any lasting damage. Now for the wards," he said raising his wand and reciting again, in low incantations, the words needed to transfer the wards.

Harry felt the weight ease onto his shoulder. He felt his energy level rising and then his magic coming to the surface. Within seconds he was back in the same boat he was in yesterday. He stood up and stretched feeling refreshed and full of energy. Albus smiled at him fondly and told him to get some breakfast before he had to face potions. Harry laughed, now in a much better mood due to the rise in energy, and left the Headmasters office in search of the Great Hall's steamy breakfast. Before he got all the way out the door though, Albus made a small remark.

"Harry, as an apprentice you are no longer considered a student, though you are to oblige to the rules as one. You have the authority of a staff member as will all the others. I hear Miss Granger always does well in potions. I think she'll need a reward for her efforts," he said twinkling. Harry caught the statement between the lines; he could take and give points. Harry smile and made his way to the Great Hall.

"Morn'in," he said cheerfully to Ron and Hermione as he sat on the bench opposite from them.

"Someone's in a good mood this morning," Hermione said barely keeping her eyes open.

"How can you be so cheerful, I feel like I have rocks rolling around in my head," Ron said messaging his temples.

"No comment," he said biting his tongue to stop himself from retorting to Ron's statement. Rocks indeed, Harry thought. "Potions first 'Mione. You ready for it?" he asked. After last night, he was sure that she was going to be just as hated as Harry was by Snape. He heaped eggs and sausage on his plate as Hermione answered.

"Not really, but I refuse to be walked on anymore. If he keeps this up, I'm going to petition a leave of absence for him. I'm sure all the students will be happy to oblige," she said threateningly.

"That's my 'Mione, always looking out for everyone," Harry said laughing. Ron joined in, but stopped instantly as he started to massage his temples again. Harry took pity on him and waved his hand vaguely to ease the pain with a pain reducing spell.

"Thanks," Ron murmured digging into his plate once more.

"Don't mention it," Harry said following his example.

"Honestly you two, you remind me of Neanderthals eating. Harry, when did you start this? You used to be so polite and well mannered at the table," Hermione huffed sternly.

"Well, it's nice to have an appetite for once, and two, Ron's rubbed off on me, we have to dig in or we'll never get enough to eat. Have you not noticed my schedule?" Harry said sarcastically.

Hermione had yet to come up with a solution to the spell invention group, though they already decided what they were going to work on. They wanted to tie a Patronus charm to a mild cheering charm so that students could produce a Patronus more effectively. Harry had suggested it, and all three of the others had backed him up. Hermione, Harry, and Draco could already conjure a Corporal Patronus; Susan was the only one who couldn't, so she would be testing out the spell. The desired effect they were looking for was to have the cheering charm back fire just seconds before the Patronus needed to be cast. This would up the chances of production. The only thing was they had to make sure there were no long lasting effects of the cheering charm after the Patronus was cast; this would not do well on a battle field with a hundred Deatheater's.

"Okay you two," she finally said after she checked her watch again, "I've given you two more minutes than I should have, let's go," Hermione said standing and throwing her bag over her shoulder. Both the boys glared at her, but followed orders.

"I'm declaring right now, that I will not put up with Snape being biased this year. I am not holding my tongue if he gets out of hand," Harry said. Hermione was about to object until Harry cut her off. "Hermione, leave it. Us three rack up enough points in our other classes to make up for his," Harry said ending the conversation. Ron split off for Care of Magical Creatures at the entrance hall. They waved a goodbye to him and continued on.

They walked down the familiar damp stone staircases to the Dungeons and spotted a very small crowd of sixth years standing outside the Potions class room. This was unusual, because usually Snape liked to make a grand entrance with his billowing robes as he burst into class. Harry personally didn't have any problem with class not starting right away. The later Snape was, the less he had to put up with the greasy git.

"Do you want to try again tonight?" a whisper came from behind Harry. Harry didn't even have to turn around to know it was Draco whispering in his ear. Harry just nodded his head as Draco made his way into the Slytherin crowd.

"Potter, five points from Gryffindor for making obscene gestures," Snape said announcing his arrival. He was obviously speaking of Harry's slight nod to Draco. Harry just smirked at him. This was going to be an interesting potions class.

Snape opened the door to the classroom and let the class flow in and into their seats. Harry set up his station just beside Hermione, but far enough away that he couldn't be told he was cheating or getting help.

"Welcome to your advance potions class. Though I'm not sure how some of you got here," he said looking straight at Harry, who just smirked again, "I've been forced to accept anyone who received an 'O' or used their fame to get the credit needed for this course," he said now smirking himself. Harry stayed silent.

"We will be brewing a potion that will take you all week to complete. The Wolfsbane Potion is and will be one of the hardest potions you'll brew this semester. Instructions are in your book on page 86-102," he said turning around and waving his wand toward the chalkboard and walking to his desk. "Well, what are you waiting for, Go!" he bellowed at the class who sprang into action.

Harry had all the ingredients he needed in his potions set. He had made it a point to get all the ingredients he needed for all the potions while he was in Diagon Alley. Draco had done the same.

"Potter, five points for you laziness, now go get your supplies from the store room," he seethed at Harry.

"I've got my ingredients, thanks," he said not even looking up, but making sure that Snape heard him correctly.

"That's impossible Potter. Werewolf hair is not to be sold to minors," Snape said snidely.

"It's amazing what a little money can do," he replied offhandedly, still not giving the Potions Professor the pleasure getting to him.

"I should have known that you'd stoop to such a level," Snape said in a disgusted tone.

"Actually, if you must know, I had nothing to do with it. Apparently someone got a hold of a vault statement and published it in the Daily Prophet. He didn't even question my use, just sold it to me," Harry said dicing up newt skin and giving a light shrug.

"Oh, well, if you're so happy to share, please pray tell, what the Daily Prophet had to report," Snape said smugly. Harry knew he was trying to set him up for embarrassment by telling him how much he had in his vaults, probably thinking that the Malfoy fortune was much more than that. Apparently he doesn't read enough, though Harry.

"It said that with the Potter fortune, and the Black fortune, that I now have approximately one hundred and two million galleons in my vaults. Though it would be more if I hadn't given a fourth of my inheritance to the Weasley family for taking care of me for the last five years," Harry said casually. The class got completely quiet at this statement.

"Harry! You never told me you did that. How much was it?" Hermione asked clearly also shocked because she didn't see the scowl that Snape gave her. But he also didn't say anything, he was clearly interested also.

"Somewhere between ten and fifteen million galleons," he reported then looked at her oddly, "Aren't you supposed to know this? You are my financial manager," Harry said confused.

"Oh, well I didn't realize it was so much. I just assumed you sent me the statement so that I could make sure everything was in order. It looked fine to me, but I didn't even pay attention to how much you were leaving in my care," Hermione said astonished.

"Well, truthfully, Albus is looking after the Potter fortune; you're looking after the Black and Potter Trusts. I hope you'll take a look at it sometime soon, I've been told those goblins are greedy," Harry said furrowing his brow.

"Right away Harry, first chance I get," she said in a business tone.

"Well Potter, if you're done raving about your gold, there is a potion to make, and ten points for gloating," he said sneering at Harry. Harry had enough.

"Hermione," he said out loud, "Please set up a donation for Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry of one million Galleons and attach a note that simply says: For Future Favours. I'm sure the Governors will be much obliged," he said moving his eyes from Hermione to Snape. Snape went slightly pale at the statement, if it was even possible, but he made no comment. Hermione just nodded knowing exactly what he was doing. Snape finally grew a backbone.

"Are you threatening me Potter?" Snape said standing up and glaring.

"Of course not, what reason would I have to do that?" Harry said unfazed by his manner. "If I wanted you out of here, I'm sure a simple petition would suffice. Mind, I'm sure there wouldn't be a problem getting all the signatures we need," Harry said ignoring Snape who was now fuming.

"Fifty points from Gryffindor for you cheek Potter," the potion master said smugly. Harry glanced at what Hermione was doing.

"Fifty points to Granger for dicing orchid stems perfectly," he said as a retort going straight back to his potion.

"Oh, and I'm guessing those points mean anything?" Snape said smugly.

"Of course. I'm an apprentice now, not a student. The rules still apply, but I have the benefits of a staff member," he said looking at Snape with a confused expression as if he should have known this.

"Fine if you are not a student then Mr. Potter: I, Severus Snape, challenge you to a duel, now!" he bellowed looking at Harry intently. He was smirking like he found a loop hole in Harry's plan. Harry couldn't help it, he right out laughed at Snape.

"You can't be serious, you want to duel me?" Harry asked after he got his laughter under control.

"Yes," he replied in a hissing tone, "Now, on the front lawn," he said making a move for the door, then turning around, "Class, please take your potions off their burners and follow me out to the grounds." Then he was gone.

The Slytherin were sending smug looks at Harry, and Harry couldn't help but grin back. This isn't exactly what he'd been hoping for, but if this is what is was going to take to get that greasy haired git off his back, then so be it. He turned to Hermione.

"'Mione, please get the Headmaster, if I'm duelling, I want a proper witness," he said. She didn't even object, apparently she'd had enough also. She just gave him a curt nod and dashed away. Harry strolled out to the grounds so to give Albus enough time to get there. He walked out the doors of the prestigious castle and with his hands clasped behind his back and waited for the crowd to gather around.

"Any terms?" Harry asked.

"As?" Snape lead him on.

"Do you have a preference whether I use a wand or not?" Harry said.

"I thought you were weak either way," Snape said smugly.

"You don't have a fighting chance in Hell with my wand, so I think I'll give you a small advantage and go without it," Harry said sticking it in his back pocket.

"Potter get your wand back out," Snape said savagely, "You'll not do any such thing." Harry shrugged and took his wand back out just as Albus walked into the circle of students.

"What is going on?" he said sternly.

"The Professor has challenged me to a duel. I'd rather not, but if he insists, I refuse to back down," Harry said with dignity. Albus looked at Severus who gave a curt nod that he was going to insist.

"So be it. Harry, may I have a word with you?" he asked. Harry approached him. "I want this over with in under half a minute. Is that clear?" he asked sternly. Harry inclined his head and strolled out back into the ring.

"May I make a suggestion?" Harry said as he took his position once again. Dumbledore waved his hand for him to go ahead. "Any spell, jinx, or hex is allowed---including Unforgivables," he said looking at Snape who just went ridged.

"I'm sorry Harry, but that is unaccept---," he began but Snape cut in.

"Yes, the terms stand," he said bravely. Harry nodded as Albus shook his head grimly.

"Bow," Albus said, they did so, "turn, ten paces, turn, and begin," Albus said walking away to join the crowd. Harry immediately turned took ten spaces and turned and turned back to face the potions master.

"Stupefy!" Snape cried sending a red flash at him. Harry waved his hand and banished it.

"Evanesco!" Harry said waving his left hand again banishing Snape's wand. He now brandished how own wand, "Stupefy!" he bellowed at his own red flash shot out at lightening speed and struck Snape sending him at least thirty feet backwards and onto the grounds with a sickening crunch.

The Gryffindor's all started applauding and cat calling as Harry approached Albus and handed him Snape's wand.

"I'm impressed Harry, ten seconds, I'm sure that's a record," he said. He then turned to the students, "Mr. Malfoy, please fetch Madam Pomfrey for Professor Snape. If she has any questions, please send her to my office. Harry, come with me, it's almost time for your potion to take effect," he said striding off to the doors of the castle with Harry in tow. The rest of the class stayed put, they evidently wanted to see how much damage was done to Snape.