Nemesis

Chapter 1

"Potter! Ten points from Gryffindor for not paying attention!" snapped Snape, glaring at Harry. Cold green eyes stared back at him. The Professor resisted the urge to shrink back from that penetrating gaze that seemed to look into his very soul.

"I was paying attention, sir," Harry said calmly.

"Five points for-"

"No," Harry interrupted Snape, making the class stare at him in shock, "you shall not take any more unfair points, sir." He picked up his bag and walked to the door. Just before stepping out, he spoke quietly, without turning back, "You can test the potion I have made, sir, I believe it is perfectly all right." With that parting shot, Harry Potter walked out of the Advanced Potions class, leaving astounded Gryffindors, Slytherins and Professor Snape.

He slowly walked along the corridor to the Transfiguration classroom. He still had twenty minutes before the class began. Having nothing to do, he sat down on the floor and pulled out his Transfiguration book to read. Hermione had been very pleasantly shocked at this new development in him. He had become really serious about his work in school. Ron had been disappointed, of course, but he had ultimately forgiven his best friend, for he was as enthusiastic about Quidditch as before, and never stopped Ron from discussing the game.

The seventeen-year-old sighed, the incident in Potions invading his thoughts. He put away the book and caught his head in his hands. He had lost control again. He wondered if he should resign from the Head Boy post; the behaviour he had demonstrated in Potions a few minutes ago was hardly suitable. He hated Snape, and his taunts grated on his nerves. He probably would not have minded if he actually had not been paying attention. But he had concentrated on every word Snape had said, and he had made a perfect potion. What else could the greasy git want? He knew that Snape hated him because of his father, but he ought have at least noticed the effort that Harry was putting into his least favourite subject.

But that was not a reason good enough to blow his top. Harry had managed to control his loud and angry outbursts, but his temper was still there; it had only become cold. He had trained himself to keep his voice in control. But it all seemed futile now. On his very first day back, he had lost his temper. He was sure he would land up with a detention. Great way to start the year, he thought to himself.

His summer with the Dursleys had been normal enough. They had completely ignored him all through, which suited him perfectly. They had fed him properly, for once, as they were still scared of the Order members, who had started visiting him since the summer after his Fifth year. He had not been allowed to go to the Burrow. The only time he had been taken anywhere was when Remus had taken him to Diagon Alley to get his books and school stuff. He had met Ron and Hermione there. His two friends had also driven over several times to visit him in Hermione's car.

A slightly hoarse voice broke his musings.

"Harry?"

He looked up into the face of Remus Lupin. Remus sat down next to him and peered at the boy he had come to love as his own son.

"Shouldn't you be in class right now?" he asked.

Harry related the incident to him. Remus smiled benignly.

"You really need to work on that temper, you know," he said, then chuckled, adding, "Sirius and James would have been absolutely thrilled at this!"

This made Harry smile. It was then that he realised that Remus shouldn't be there at all.

"Remus, what are you doing here?"

"Had some news for Dumbledore."

"Has he done something again? But I haven't had any dreams..."

"Aren't you closing your mind these days?" Remus asked sharply.

Harry looked down guiltily. "Well, umm..." he began.

"Harry, listen to me," Remus' voice was urgent and he had half turned to put both hands on Harry's shoulders, "you must close your mind every night. It is not for nothing that you have been taught Occlumency. You have to protect yourself from Lord Voldemort."

Harry nodded.

"It was only for yesterday," he said in a small voice.

Remus looked considerably relieved.

"Anyway, I wasn't bringing any news about him. Dumbledore has me working on another thing right now, and before you ask: no, I cannot tell you the details."

"Is it very dangerous?"

The evident concern in the boy's voice startled the werewolf. Ever since Sirius' death two years ago, he and Harry had become close, though never as much as Harry and Sirius were. Harry still partly thought of him as his Professor. He knew that the boy liked him, but he never sought to replace Sirius, and he knew that Harry wouldn't accept him if he tried. So he had been more of a wise, old friend than a parent figure.

"Not very," he replied, "nothing you need to worry about. The consumption level of Snape's Wolfsbane is not going to fall anytime soon."

Harry looked relieved and gave him a dazzling smile. Remus looked him over carefully. He still resembled his father a lot, but he was no longer a replica of James Potter. That Lily had been his mother was now evident, even before one noticed his eyes. The pallor of his skin was becoming a concern for Remus. He knew that Harry spent a lot of his time in the sun, but his skin was still as pale as someone shut up in a tomb for a long time. Growth was no longer a problematic factor; Harry had grown quite a lot just after his fifth year, and he wouldn't grow more than an inch or two from his present height.

"Go to your next class, Harry, I think it's almost time. And keep your cool," he added, winking.

Harry nodded and both of them stood up.

"Take care, Remus," Harry whispered and ran off to his class. His classmates were already seated, but Professor McGonagall had not come in. She arrived soon after he sat down next to Ron.

"You have detention with Snape tonight after dinner in the dungeons," Ron whispered in his ear.

Harry groaned.

"That was quite an act, though, mate," said Ron, with an admiring look, "Hermione's cross, though."

Harry nodded and concentrated on his class. Professor McGonagall was teaching them Human Transfiguration. She turned Neville into a goat and then turned him back. The class applauded.

The task was difficult. By the end of the period, only Harry and Hermione had managed to change their partners' arms. The Professor seemed impressed with this.

"That's quite good, Ms. Granger and Mr. Potter. I believe that you will be able to transfigure your partners completely by the end of this week. Five points to each of you," she said, and gave them a rare smile.

Hermione smiled at Harry, then remembered the Potions incident and recovered herself. As they walked out of the class, she asked him sharply, "Why did you do it?"

"I don't know, Hermione. I just... lost control."

"That's no excuse."

"I'm not making any."

"You're the Head Boy. At least think of the impression it would create on the other students. They all idolise you as it is. This will make them think that it is cool to go around bad mouthing Snape."

Harry nodded guiltily.

"I'm sorry."

"Harry, that's no way to talk to a teacher, even if he very unfair."

"I know."

"You have a detention with him."

"Ron told me."

"Try to keep your cool, ok?"

Harry nodded. Hermione smiled at him. He sighed, relieved. She had forgiven him. They made their way to the grounds; they had Care of Magical Creatures next. They didn't need to take up this class, but Harry and Hermione had done it to please Hagrid. Ron had left.

"You ought to give him a public apology, you know," said Hermione as they waved at Hagrid.

"What!"

"I mean it."

Harry nearly shouted at her. She was saved by Hagrid's appearance.

"Got a Manticore today. Come," the half-Giant said enthusiastically.

The students paled. They followed Hagrid, looking apprehensive.

The Manticore looked over them, amused. It set its eyes on Harry.

"Harry Potter?" it said loudly. The astounded students stared at Harry. Harry stepped forward, scared, but not showing it.

"Come here, Harry Potter," said the Manticore. Harry moved right in front of him - the students watching him fearfully, and Hagrid smiling encouragingly at him.

"Um...hello," Harry said.

"I'm Bets."

"Nice to meet you, Bets."

"I've heard a lot about you. You're supposed to be a very powerful wizard."

"That's a whole load of rubbish. I'm a normal wizard."

The Manticore chuckled. "I doubt that."

"Did you want to talk to me for a specific reason?"

"Oh yes. I have a message for you."

"From?"

"My master."

"Who's your master?"

"Lucius Malfoy."

"What does he want now?"

"He has a request for you."

Harry snorted.

"He fears for his son."

"Draco Malfoy? But why?"

"The master's son does not wish to join the Dark Lord. Master fears his safety. He wishes the young master's safety."

"How can I help?"

"You must speak to your Headmaster and protect the young master."

"Why should I believe you?"

"Because you are supposed to be a great wizard."

"How do I know that you're not lying?"

The Manticore seemed offended.

"You seem to be too ignorant to be a hero. Don't you know that Manticores do not lie?"

Harry shook his head and beckoned Hermione. She came over immediately, concern evident in her eyes.

"Are you all right, Harry?"

"Oh yeah. Do Manticores lie, Hermione?"

"No. They mostly speak the truth. Why?"

Harry explained what the Manticore had told him. Hermione shook her head.

"It has to be true if a Manticore is saying it," she said and turned to the Manticore, "hello Bets. I am Hermione Granger. Can you tell us why Draco Malfoy does not want to join Voldemort?"

"That I do not know, Hermione Granger. Master did not tell me."

"We'll talk to Dumbledore."

"Thank you, Harry Potter."

Hagrid came over. The rest of the class, emboldened by Harry and Hermione's conduct, advanced carefully. Bets seemed harmless enough, and Hagrid let the Manticore talk to the student about its characteristics. By the time the period was over, the class was bursting with excitement.

"That was good," said Harry, watching the beaming students walk by. He gave Hagrid a thumbs-up sign. Hermione nodded and shouted, "That was an excellent class, Hagrid!"

Hagrid flushed with pleasure. Harry and Hermione went off to Dumbledore to give him the message. He heard them carefully and sighed.

"I'll see what I can do."

"What should we do, sir?" Harry asked.

"Nothing at the moment, Harry. I'll have a chat with Mr. Malfoy and let you know. You may leave."

As they walked out of Dumbledore's office, Hermione said, "Shouldn't we try to be civil to Draco Malfoy from now on?"

Harry stared at her in shock.

"I mean, if he's on our side, after all..." Hermione added hastily.

"That doesn't prevent him from being a git, Hermione."

"But Harry..."

"We'll see. Let's find Ron."

The rest of the day passed uneventfully. Ron had the same reaction as Harry when Hermione suggested that they be civil to Malfoy. They sat and discussed the topic till Harry finally stood up and said, "Come on, guys. I'm starving."

"Hey, that's my line!" Ron protested. His stomach rumbled.

"Stop it, you two," said Hermione and stood up. Just as they were leaving the Gryffindor Common Room for dinner, she caught Harry's arm.

"What?"

"Harry, why don't you apologise to Snape in the Great Hall?"

Harry glared at her. Ron choked.

"You have to do it, Harry. You are the Head Boy."

"You don't need to remind me that. If you think that I'm so bad at the job that you cannot work with me as the Head Girl, I'll resign."

Hermione's eyes watered immediately at his biting tone.

"I didn't mean..."

"I know perfectly what you mean," said Harry coldly and stormed off to the Great Hall. He sat down at the far end and glared at his food, having lost his appetite. Cursing Hermione, he got up and walked to the Staff table, feeling the eyes of everyone on him. He didn't notice Hermione looking at him proudly. He strode to Snape. The Hall had grown totally silent.

"I'm very sorry for my improper behaviour in your class today, sir," he said to Snape, his voice soft, yet audible in the entire Hall. Snape looked shocked; the rest of the teachers looked proud. The students looked shocked as well. Snape recovered soon. He glared at Harry and said smoothly, "You are forgiven, Potter. But I expect better conduct from the Head Boy in the future."

Harry nodded, "Thank you, sir. I'll arrive for the detention right after dinner."

The silence was eerie as he walked out of the Hall. Hermione hurried after him, a plate of food in her hands. She had seen that he had not eaten. She herself couldn't eat. She threw Ron a see-you-later look and strode out.

She found him sulking in a corner.

"Harry?" she called out softly.

"What is it now?" he shot back.

"I brought you dinner."

"I'm not hungry."

"I know you are. Starving yourself won't mitigate your anger against me, Harry."

He stepped out from the shadows.

"You are an excellent Head Boy, Harry. Probably one of the best Hogwarts has ever seen," she said quietly, "I didn't mean anything to the contrary. I'm sorry if it appeared that I was. I just wanted you to apologise to Snape."

"Aren't you happy now? I did what you wanted me to."

Hermione couldn't hold back her tears anymore.

"I didn't know you would be so angry at me for that, or I would have never suggested it."

"You know how I hate Snape."

"But he's a teacher, Harry."

"So?"

Hermione stepped forward, thrust the plate into his hands and ran off, sniffling. Harry stared at the plate of food for a moment. It hit him that she probably hadn't eaten anything either. She had come to make peace, and he had sent her away, crying. He rushed after her. He caught her just before she entered the portrait.

"I'm sorry, Hermione. I shouldn't have shouted at you..."

She turned a tear stained face to him. Harry felt guilty immediately. He offered her the plate.

"Let's have dinner together," he suggested. They entered the common room and ate in silence. When they finished, Hermione said quietly, "It's time for your detention."

"Oh, hell!"

Harry ran all the way to Snape's office. He arrived about two seconds before Snape. He heaved a sigh of relief.

"Learning to be on time, aren't we, Potter?" sneered Snape.

"Yes sir," Harry gasped.

They entered the office. Snape pointed to a huge pile of dirty jars in a corner.

"You will clean all those jars, Potter. No magic."

Harry nodded and set to work immediately. Years of practice at the Dursleys came in use. It took him an hour to clean the jars. After the job was done, he moved to where Snape was seated, correcting Potions assignments.

"I'm done, sir," he said.

Snape looked up, surprise apparent on his face.

"I hope you have cleaned the jars properly, Potter. You will be very sorry if I find any dirt on them..."

"You can come and check if you want," said Harry, without thinking.

"Very well," said Snape dangerously and went over to the corner. He carefully examined all the jars. He said nothing as he put the last one down, which meant that he couldn't find anything wrong with them.

"You may go."

Harry turned to leave, but a question came to his mind.

"Sir, may I ask something?"

Snape turned around so fast that the air around him hissed. There was a strange look on his face.

"Is Malfoy trustworthy?" Harry asked quietly.

"I don't see how that concerns you, Potter."

"This Manticore told me..."

"A Manticore told you?"

Harry nodded and related the incident to Snape. Snape's lips pursed as he nodded.

"Don't trust anyone just yet, Potter. Trust is a dangerous thing."

"Why?" said Harry angrily, "Dumbledore trusts you! So do I, even though I don't like you. You never had a problem with that, did you? And Manticores never lie."

Snape had gone white with rage. He glared at Harry and Harry realised that he had gone too far.

"I know Draco far more than you ever will, Potter. And Manticores say only what they believe to be true. Lucius may have told lies to the Manticore. The beast wouldn't know," said Snape coldly, "I know it's a waste telling you all this, you are just like your father; you will go and do something reckless anyway. Now get out."

Harry bowed his head, ashamed to have lost his temper yet again.

"I'm sorry, sir. Good night."

He walked to the door and opened it. With one foot outside, he said softly without turning back, "I hope you will realise soon, sir, that I am not my father." He ran as fast as he could and didn't stop till he reached the Fat Lady. Ron and Hermione were waiting for him.

"How'd it go?" Ron asked.

"Ok..." Harry flopped on a stuffed chair between his friends.

"What did he make you do?"

"Jars..." Harry leant back in his seat.

"Without magic?"

"Yeah..." Harry closed his eyes.

Ron arched an eyebrow at Hermione. She shrugged. They both pulled their chairs close to him.

"Harry, what's wrong?" asked Hermione softly, "he didn't hurt you, did he?"

Harry opened his eyes slowly to find Ron and Hermione looking at him anxiously. He shook his head and related what had happened, except the part about his father. They both drew in sharp breaths.

"He thinks Malfoy can't be trusted?" Ron asked incredulously.

"He's right about the Manticore, though," said Hermione pensively.

"If Snape thinks that Malfoy is not ok, I don't think we could trust him," said Ron.

"We could still try to be civil to him..." said Hermione.

"Hermione!" Ron exclaimed.

"Please, Ron."

"I'll behave if he does, ok? Don't ask me for more!"

Hermione nodded. She turned to Harry.

"Harry?"

"Same..." His eyelids felt heavy.

"Are you sure you're all right, Harry?"

"Yeah..." His head was swimming.

"You'd better start writing that essay for Charms, Harry. It's due tomorrow. Ron and I have already finished it."

"Yeah..." The lights were dimming.

Hermione pushed the parchment and quill towards him. Harry took the quill, bent over to write and slumped over, darkness claiming him.