Chapter 83: "Unwelcome Company"

As the evening wound down, Harry and his new friends found themselves spread out on benches within an empty classroom, basking in the glow of a day full of adventure and laughter. They exchanged stories of their favorite parts of the day, each tale bringing a wave of nostalgia for moments just hours old.

The peaceful reflection was abruptly shattered by the entrance of four individuals, uninvited and unwelcome. Leading the quartet were Cassius Warrington and Sebastian McDowell, fellow first-years from Slytherin, followed closely by two second-year students also donning the green and silver of their house.

Arabella, recognizing the intruders, didn't hesitate to question their presence. "What do you want, Warrington, McDowell?" she demanded, her voice steady yet filled with an undercurrent of tension.

Warrington wasted no time, his words dripping with contempt. "Rumor has it you've been cozying up to the enemy. Since when do Slytherins fraternize with the likes of Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors?" he sneered, his eyes scanning the group with evident disgust.

Reginald's patience snapped at the insult towards Arabella and his sister. "Arabella can be friends with anyone she chooses. You're in no position to tell her otherwise," he retorted, his protective instincts fully ignited.

Cedric, ever the peacemaker but with a firm resolve, added his voice to the chorus of dissent. "Hogwarts doesn't prohibit anyone from mingling with students from other houses. I think it's time for you to leave."

Unmoved, Warrington doubled down, embodying the Slytherin elitism he was taught. "Slytherin has its own rules. Thornwood, Whitlock, you're to come with us to the common room. This will be brought before the prefects," he declared, expecting compliance.

Reginald, however, was unyielding. "They're not going anywhere with you. It's time for you to leave," he said, a definitive edge to his voice that left no room for argument.

Tension crackled in the air as wands were drawn on both sides. Despite their bravado, it was clear that Harry's companions, apart from him, were not confident in their magical capabilities, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the confrontation.

At that moment, Harry felt a strong sense of responsibility toward his new friends. The adventures they had shared that day had quickly forged a bond of friendship among them, creating memories that Harry valued deeply. He was determined to protect this newfound fellowship.

Warrington's scorn was palpable as he mocked their readiness. "Planning to poke us with those wands? Show us a real spell if you can," he jeered, his confidence buoyed by the presence of the senior Slytherins, Bole and Derrick. Their wands were drawn, signaling their readiness to support Warrington and adding to the already tense atmosphere.

Harry, recognizing the critical juncture they had reached, stepped forward to shield his friends. It was crucial to defuse the escalating situation without resorting to violence.

Given Harry's unique situation as an emancipated minor, he was acutely aware of the implications of his actions. His emancipation granted him freedoms but also placed him squarely within the jurisdiction of the adult wizarding world's laws. This meant that any conflict, especially one initiated by him, could have serious legal consequences.

Engaging in a physical altercation with minors like Warrington and his accomplices risked escalating the situation beyond a mere schoolyard squabble, potentially leading to a legal battle. Harry had the political support to navigate such a scenario successfully, but he preferred to avoid the complications and unwanted attention it would entail.

With a calm but assertive tone, Harry challenged the notion of their helplessness. "Who says we don't know any spells?" he posed, ready to demonstrate his magical capabilities without revealing the full extent of his skills.

With a precise flick of his wand, Harry targeted a nearby table, invoking, "Wingardium Leviosa."

The table lifted effortlessly, hovering ominously above the heads of the unwelcome Slytherins.

Derrick attempted to downplay the situation with a smirk, addressing Harry with a tone of condescension. "Potter, a Levitation Charm? That's basic stuff. I expected more from the brother of the Boy-Who-Lived."

But Harry remained unfazed, his reply was measured and strategic. "Sometimes, it's the simplest spells that are the most effective. I'm not here to duel. I just want you to leave without causing a scene. Imagine the noise if I dropped this table. Would you really want the professors rushing in?"

Bole, with a hint of mockery, questioned, "So what? What consequences do we face?"

Harry's response was pointed, "A couple of second-years intimidating a group of first-years on their very first day? You think that won't have repercussions?"

Derrick, confident in their impunity, countered, "There won't be any consequences. As long as we stay within the bounds, the professors won't touch us."

Harry internally noted the brazen confidence of these bullies but had no intention of seeking the professors' intervention, given his reservations about their impartiality.

Shifting the conversation, Harry introduced a different angle. "Who said anything about complaining to the professors? Are you aware of who my aunt is?"

This question sowed confusion among them, with Derrick asking, "Who?"

The color drained from Warrington's face as he realized the potential consequences. He knew Harry's aunt was Amelia Black (nee Bones), the formidable new head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement (DMLE), a fact not widely known. "Potter, Hogwarts matters are under the professors' jurisdiction. The DMLE has no power here," he retorted, banking on Professor Snape's leniency towards Slytherins.

Harry subtly hinted at his connections. "That may be, but Sirius Black, my godfather, doesn't see eye to eye with Snape or the Headmaster. He's advised me to reach out directly to him for any trouble."

Understanding the predicament and fearing the repercussions, especially given the influential backgrounds of some of the first-years, Warrington conceded, albeit reluctantly. "Alright, Potter, you win this time. But this isn't over; you can't guard them all the time."

Harry's retort was swift and firm. "Maybe so, but remember, you can't always rely on your seniors to bail you out. Cross me again, and you'll regret it. My skills with a wand are not to be underestimated."

Warrington and his group left the room in a huff, clearly defeated. Just as they were leaving, Harry, wanting to leave a lasting impression, discreetly cast a wandless tripping spell on McDowell, causing him to stumble into Warrington, both tumbling to the ground in a clumsy heap.

The whole room burst into laughter, thinking McDowell's fall was just a case of nerves. Warrington, now red-faced and furious, quickly gathered himself and led his group out of the room, without anyone suspecting the real cause of their tumble.

The laughter that followed lightened the mood, and the tension dissipated as quickly as it had appeared.

"Thanks, Harry. That was close," Arabella expressed her gratitude, echoed by Reggy's concerns for his sister's safety upon their return to the Slytherin dorms.

Elvinia reassured them, "They won't dare retaliate, Reggy. At most, we'll face some stern words, but nothing more. Thank you, Harry."

"Don't worry about it," Harry reassured them. "I wish I could have done more, but I've got to be careful about how I handle things at Hogwarts."

Elvinia nodded, understandingly. "We get it, Harry. And we're grateful you were here for us."

As the others talked, Harry pondered his next moves. Despite his emancipated status, Harry had ways to retaliate against Warrington without drawing too much attention or breaking the rules. 

The emancipation didn't leave him powerless. So long as his involvement in any magical mischief remained undetected, he could still take covert action against those who wronged his friends. This strategic approach will allow him to protect his friends while maintaining his innocence in the eyes of Hogwarts' administration and the wizarding law.

Harry's choice to use a simple Levitation Charm earlier was strategic, intended to de-escalate the situation without revealing his true capabilities. This way, if he ever needed to use more advanced spells covertly, his opponents wouldn't suspect him, maintaining his innocence and keeping his friends safe.

The incident out of the way, everyone in Harry's group felt better and started to say their farewells. 

Cedric summed up the day perfectly: "Today was unforgettable." Everyone agreed with him, nodding and smiling at the memories they'd created.

Aside from the brief conflict towards the end, it had been one of the most enjoyable days they had ever experienced. With cheerful goodbyes and waves, they all separated, each running back to their own dorms, already looking forward to their next adventure together.