4

"Director Bones, Auror Trainee Tonks, Unspeakable Rookwood, and Mister Potter" The new wizard stated. "I am solicitor Korshak. I have been assigned to you from the firm of Adams, Adams, and Adams. Here is my card and copies of the legal agreement proving what I said. Now that is taken care of; what are the reasons I am here today for Mister Potter?"

"There was an exchange of lethal spells on the Hogwarts Express today. Mister Potter was wounded, we have four dead first-year students and one dead person who was supposed to be already dead." Amelia stated while looking at Harry to see if he could be rattled. Harry was just frowning.

"I will also need the paperwork from the muggle courts regarding Harry Potter and who has the muggle legal parental rights," Amelia said.

"Aelia, where is your sister?"

"My sister had to go to work at the muggle ministry that she works for. I do authorize Korshak to give you copies of the court documents you want." Aelia said. Korshak opened his case again at this statement and handed a folder over to Amelia. He expected this to happen. This bothered Amelia. It was almost as though Harry and the company knew about this investigation before the incident even happened. If that were the case, a nightmare would be an understatement for this crime.

"Hmm, that should get you sorted on all the legal backgrounds. Mister Potter, do you have any concerns about answering Director Bones's questions?" Korshak asked.

"No, sir. I am only worried about my recollection. The episode is a bit blurry. One of the trio cast a spell at the other first year in the compartment. It nicked me. The spell started with ob..."

Amelia and the barrister exchange a look. Both broke out quills and parchment to get down Harry's story. "Harry, due to that spell, we cannot use your memory," Korshak said.

"Harry, can you please go over, with what details you can remember; what happened, Korshak and I will be taking notes." Bones said.

"I was in my compartment reading. A redhead came in and took a seat. Not sure how much we spoke. He said there were no other empty compartments. Then someone else came in, asked something, and left." Harry said.

Tonks chimed in. "We interviewed a few firsties. Neville Longbottom had lost his toad familiar. Another firsty; Hermione Granger helped him find it by going from compartment to compartment. Once they went into Harry's, he told them to go find a prefect. They did and the prefect summoned the toad. The prefect was walking back to their special carriage when a bloody Harry came out of his compartment. Harry threw up and passed out. That is when and how the DMLE found out about the incident."

"Very good Tonks. Anything else to add?" Amelia asked. It looked like this might just be an open-and-shut case after all.

"We found a broken notice me not ward on the door to the compartment the incident happened in. The signature matched Ronald Weasley. He was one of the students died during the conflict. His wand also showed cutters cast. The compartments on either side of Harry's were empty."

"Mister Potter's wand was found on the floor of the compartment. We have done the prior incantato on all the wands. Here is the list of wands and the spells they cast. The only spells of note, there were obliviate and a notice me not. Also, both Malfoy's and Weasley's wand show they tapped into the wards of the train." Tonks said almost with a smile.

Amelia sighed. The only question she had now, was this one or two assassination attempts on Harry Bloody Potter. This was only slightly better than Potter had set up Malfoy to be killed. But when did a Weasley and a Malfoy work together? "Please continue Harry."

"A few minutes after the girl left, a blonde kid came in with two others, one on each side. All three had their wands out. So, I drew my wand, next thing I know; different spells are going around. I got a sudden pain in my chest and fell. That is when the redhead got hit with spells, I think. Blood was going everywhere. I was still able to send a spell back." Harry looked green and quickly vomited again. Aelia banished the vomit.

Once Harry recovered. "One of the spells hit a rat that was on the redhead. The rat changed into an older man. He got hit also. I fired my last spell. It was a cutter. There was so much blood. I dropped my wand. Then I fell into the passageway in front of an older student. Then I woke up here. I think I remember, the redhead had his wand out. He was trying a spell on his rat, something about turning it yellow."

Amelia was thinking. So, Ron cast the notice not after the girl had left. He also cast some cutters. That was either to give Draco a reason to have his wand out, or he was going to try to kill Harry himself. Were this one or two attempts on Harry's life? She had to find out which it was with two pureblood families involved. "So, you cast back at them; they cast first?" Amelia was frowning.

"I think so, I would never cast first. The blonde one had his wand in his hand which was at his side when he came into the compartment. I think the redhead also had his wand out. He was trying to cast a spell to turn his rat yellow. Then it all happened so fast. I am just glad that Auntie is teaching me dueling. The spells I cast were two of the spells Auntie is teaching me. Anyway, I think I tried to exit the door then I woke up here. It happened so fast. Do you know why they attacked me?"

Amelia didn't answer him. Harry had asked the obvious question. With Aelia here, the boy would soon know, the boy was a target if he didn't already. "I am not sure. You were the target. That is all I am sure of at this point. I only tell you this because your aunt would tell you anyway. I will verify these documents from the muggle magistrate. If they are authentic, which I think they are; I will then have to speak with your mother, not arrest her."

"Aelia, I would have your nephew looked over by a mind healer to make sure he suffers no mental trauma from this. Since his statement matches what we found, tomorrow you can take him to Hogsmeade so he can get into

Hogwarts."

Amelia was upset but didn't let it show. She had to learn if this was one or two assassination attempts. There was no spell to turn a rat yellow. A Weasley, a follower of Albus Dumbledore was involved. Lucius's son was involved. Internally she groaned. Albus and Lucius would obstruct the investigation. Ron, Draco, and Harry could not be guilty after all. She wanted to scream.

Then what to do with Harry? She hated to admit it, her hope was that Harry was only alive because someone slipped up or the surprise of the rat animagus. If that wasn't the case, the body count will rise.

"Who was the rat animagus?" Aelia asked since Amelia went quiet.

"Peter Pettigrew." Amelia stood up to leave. While all the adults in the room were stunned into silence.

"Well, bugger!" Aelia sighed. "Peter Pettigrew was dead, I thought Sirius Black killed him?"

"Not. I looked for the arrest and trial notes for Sirius Black. Sirius never got a trial. This throws doubt on the whole situation around his arrest. There is no good reason for Peter to hide out. It turns out he spent the last eleven years as a pet with the Weasleys. This is now a total omnishambles." Amelia stated. "Before you ask; Peter was not registered." "What happens next?" Harry asked. Harry still looked pale.

Amelia shook her head. "I don't know. We don't know why the three students tried to kill you, Harry. Draco's father will probably demand your death, saying that you murdered his son and heir. With the obliviation spell used, we cannot use veritaserum or your memories. The evidence clearly shows what you did was self-defense. So, there will be no charges. The Peter and Sirius issues are complete and utter messes. We still have to let Minerva know what happened and have her notify the next of kin."

"Since they attacked me, can I go after them civilly? Harry asked.

"Since there was a memory charm used; no, but they cannot come after you either, Mister Potter," Korshak stated. He liked defending this boy. He was good at acting innocent. He would bet that Harry set the whole incident up.

"Well get better Mister Potter. Mister Korshak, I will send an owl with the full final report to you. Tonks, come on." With that, Amelia left the room giving a nod to Aelia.

"Thank you, ma'am." Chorused the men.

{S}

Amelia Bones had a problem. His name was Albus Dumbledore. She verified what Harry Potter had said. James and Lilly Potters' wills had been sealed. He had used the office of the chief warlock to take the magical guardianship of the boy. He had sent Auror Sirius Black to Azkaban without a trial. He had sent the Aurors that had arrested Sirius on the mission to arrest Rookwood. Somehow Rookwood learned that the Aurors were coming. The resulting bloodbath left her department short six Aurors. That included a questionable death later at Saint Mungo's. The last Auror was hit with the killing curse leaving his house one morning a month after the raid. There were no suspects. Large bleaching of magic erased any magical signature at that crime scene.

She was sure when she dug deeper into the history around Potter; more questions would come up. She did not know what was worse; that the leader of the light was dark; or that he was hell bent on hurting this boy?

Regardless of her feelings; she had enough proof and reasonable suspicion to start an investigation into Dumbledore. Maybe the press could help.

{N}

BOY-WHO-LIVED IN ALMOST DIED

Ever vigilant for important news for our loyal readers, I've come across the most astounding piece of information. The hero of our wizarding world, Harry Potter (11), had a group of new students try to assassinate him on the Hogwarts Express. In a close-quarter spell battle, he survived and likely killed his attackers.

He is known to many as the Boy-Who-Lived after his astonishing defeat of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named ten years ago this Halloween, he was able to defeat three other Hogwarts first years as well as an adult. At this time there is no information why the skirmish happened. The DMLE has officially ruled this a murder attempt on the boy.

We, at the Daily Prophet, would like to congratulate Mister Potter on his surviving being attacked by Draco Malfoy, Vincent Crabbe, and Gregory Goyle. In the chaos of the fight Ronald Weasley and one more person {see below} died while they were traveling to Hogwarts aboard the Hogwarts Express on the 1st of this month.

This reporter will work hard for you to learn all the facts on this most unusual circumstance and report them in your newspaper for your information.

PETER PETTIGREW HERO OR TRAITOR

During the fight between the boy who lived and the three or four other students, a stray cutting curse hit a rat. The rat, "Scabbers" a family pet of the Weasley family was in reality, an unregistered animagus.

The identity of the animagus has been confirmed by the Ministry. It is one, Peter Pettigrew. Peter Pettigrew was the wizard that was supposedly killed by Sirius Black and some muggles in London ten years ago. The question is, why did he fake his death? Why was he living with the Weasleys as a pet? Did they know?

What we do know, is Pettigrew fought Black on a street in Muggle London. There was a battle; Pettigrew yelled out about how Black had betrayed Harry Potter's family then one of them cast a curse that caused an explosion, blowing up a large section of the street. Twelve Muggles died and the only thing recovered from Pettigrew was his finger.

The DMLE investigation report declared Peter dead, just because they found his finger. That is all. No other evidence was included.

Peter was assumed to have also died in that blast. Killed by Black! If that was the truth, why did he hide after Sirius was arrested? Why did he remain hidden for years? Since he was a recipient of the Order of Merlin Third Class, Questions abound. There is no comment from the DMLE at the time of print

SIRIUS BLACK INNOCENT?

Due to the dead body of Peter Pettigrew who was killed on the Hogwarts Express, questions abound about the imprisonment of Sirius Black. This reporter found that Sirius was sent to Azkaban without any trial let alone a conviction by the Wizengamot. Again, there is no response from the Ministry to our questions. Why was Lord Black just sent to Azkaban without a trial, something that even admitted Death Eaters received?

The mystery deepens. This esteemed reporter found out that the documents that were sent Black to Azkaban were signed by Chief Warlock despite the lack of a trial.

{S}

Albus was in a fury. The article in the Prophet was against his greater good. It asked questions that should not be asked. What is said caused him to have a headache. How was he going to explain away; his sending Sirius to Azkaban without a trial? Without proof? They had proof now of Sirius's innocence. Proof that laws were bent. They even had the rat's body at the ministry as proof that Sirius did not kill Peter. This debacle was bad. It would create questions he could not answer. That was only his first irritation.

He still needed to find where Harry lived so he could return him to Privet Drive. Harry needed to arrive beaten down so he would willingly sacrifice himself for the greater good.

Harry took out a death eater and three other dark children made it clear he was not beaten down. Harry knew how to fight. He was confident. How to beat it out of him? Also, how to get the boy to only use the stunner or the disarming spells so he would not upset the light faction. Plus, he must learn to forgive.

The more he thought about what happened; the more it upset him. What to do with the boy? He needed a new spy for the boy. He also needed a Slytherin to step up and bully the boy and the other mudbloods. Where was he going to find useful children that he could trust to do these tasks? Malfoy had been perfect. He was so easy and stupid; he had given the boy gold and a promise to be prefect and head boy if he bullied and tormented Harry and the mudbloods with no questions. It was hard to find Slytherin that stupid. After all that house was for the cunning and ambitious.

Then there was the problem of the attack itself. Would Harry live long enough to die at Voldemort's hand? Why was Harry attacked? Did young Draco overstep the line or was he getting orders from his father? What about Crabbe and Goyle? So, many questions there. No answers and corpses did not provide any either.

Albus sighed. His plans were still not going the way he wanted. Worse, he still did not have control over Longbottom if Harry died early.

{S}

Harry did not get to floo to Hogwarts until almost dinner. A giant made him get in a boat to sail across the lake to get into the castle. Harry realized that this trip was to put spells on his wand and himself. He was glad his other wands were in his luggage. He would remove the spells on himself that night.

Once off the boat, he was met by an older witch in green robes.

"Welcome Mister Potter. My name is Minerva McGonagall, I am the head of Gryffindor House, Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts, and Transfiguration professor." She stated.

Harry bowed. "My name is Harry James Potter. I am here for my first year. Though if you are the head of Gryffindor, why are you dressed in

Slytherin Green?"

"Follow me. Mister Potter." Minerva refused to answer the boy's question. The boy was too sharp and opinionated. This could cause issues. Dumbledore said that the boy must be subservient.

Harry was led to a great hall. In front of a big table for the staff, there was a stool. The sorting was done by a battered old hat that would be placed upon his head and then it would yell out the name of the house he would go to. At least from what he read. McGonagall had him sit on the stool and put the hat on his head.

IN HIS HEAD:

The hat then slipped off his head without saying anything. The whole room looked at it with horror. The hat had never, not sorted a student.

"Your hat said he was tampered with and he had to put me in one house. Hmm. Who here could force an artifact to do that? And before, I Harry Potter do swear on my magic that what I just said about the sorting hat is the truth, so mote it be." Harry stated while looking directly at Dumbledore.

"Lumos," Harry said, watching the wince on Dumbledore's face.

"Now since that is taken care of, and since the hat didn't state. I will choose Ravenclaw." Harry said. He was sure he would get a single room there.

Albus was pissed. His plans were not working out. First, Harry had killed some of the other students; not stunning and forgiving them. For two of those that Harry killed, Albus needed them to be involved in Harry's life. They were to affect other students also.

How to teach the boy, Harry should never use lethal spells. He must learn to be forgiving. Otherwise, the light would not accept him. The light must accept him before his tragic martyred death.

Then the issue of Draco being killed. Draco's father was on the school board; will cause headaches for years. Moreover, Draco would have bullied the mudbloods and Harry.

Now, Harry will not go into the house Albus wanted him to go into. Harry had also exposed his manipulation to the whole school. Dam that brat. Harry was supposed to be docile and stupid!

"Albus, what is the meaning of this?" Minerva demanded. People trusted the sortings. Albus had to think quickly. This could be a disaster. People had to trust the sorting hat. Certain people needed to be in certain houses; for the greater good.

"Minerva, apparently someone jinxes the hat. I would suggest the Weasley twins because of Ronald." Albus stated.

Minerva didn't look placated. "All students that were sorted last night, that want to change houses, have until next Friday to let me know. You will face no penalties for doing so." She said with a sonorous charm.

"Isn't that a bit far for a single prank, Minerva?" Albus was not happy with his deputy. It would cause too many issues to stop her dictate though.

"No, Albus, it is not. We do not know if it was affected last night. Filius, will you please take the hat and ensure future sortings will be fair." The tiny professor nodded to her.

"Mister Potter, what house did the hat say he would have to put you in?"

"Professor McGonagall, the hat said Gryffindor" Both Minerva and Albus winced at that. Minerva wanted the son of two of her favorites in her house. Albus was sure he could get students to spy on the boy when he was in that house. Hell, his female spy was still in that house.

{S}

Hermione was not happy. For some unknown reason, she had wanted to be in the house that Dumbledore was in yesterday. But after one night; she realized that the house of lions was stupid. They did not like bookworms or people that put their education first. She had already been teased for both. The prefect that heard it, did nothing. She would have to change to Ravenclaw.

{S}

He had to upset his grandmother. His roommates already asked him why a squib like him was in their house. He had complained to a prefect who just told him to suck it up. Plus, he heard that the head of the badgers had a special library on plants in their common room.

{N}

BOY-WHO-LIVED IN APOLOGIZES

All of us know the hero of our wizarding world, Harry Potter (11), what is not known is that he has some information and a heartfelt apology for all of magical Britain. If you had written to him or sent him any gifts; he humbly apologizes that he has not sent back a word, a card, or anything. It turns out that the chief warlock had the ministry institute a mail ward so that only Hogwarts letters could reach him. All other mail was destroyed. This has been validated by the Prophet.

However, due to this, Mister Potter has set up a new mail drop at Gringotts. Address your mail now to Harry J. Potter. If this changes, your humble reporter will let you know.

On a related note, Gringotts has severely fined Albus Dumbledore for blocking their mail to Mister Potter.

Now on to his message to you.

FROM MISTER POTTER

Mister Potter requests that you do not send him any form of thanks for his beating of he-who-shall-not-be-named. He pointed out that his survival on that night, could not have been something he did. As he stated: "Realistically, how could a fourteen-month-old stop an experienced wizard with his fecal matter?"

Mister Potter showed another reason; one we here at the Prophet, cannot deny.

Mister Potter pointed out that the Wizengamot did not reward him with an Order of Merlin. The ministry must prove the person deserves the medal. The chief warlock never requested that investigation. Therefore; the ministry never proved he deserved it. We must assume that the chief warlock knew that the infant Harry Potter did nothing to earn the award. So apparently did the Wizengamott.

In other news, Sirius Black is demanding a trial. He is demanding the use of veritaserum.

{S}

Every day now has brought a new problem for Dumbledore. How was he to keep Harry humble with no self-worth if he got fan mail?

How was he to keep Sirius away from Harry if he was freed? An ancient lord demanding a trial with veritaserum was hard to block.

{S}

"Mister and Misses Weasley, I am glad you came in to talk to me." Madam Bones said to the couple.

"Why did you want to talk to us?" Molly asked.

"It is about your youngest son," Amelia replied.

"What about Ronald?" Arthur asked, confused. Why was the head of the DMLE asking about his dead son? Hadn't the Malfoy spawn killed his son?

"We are still having questions about the incident on the train. For example, we trying to figure out who started the battle first. Or the questions about the actions of all of the people that died." Amelia said. She noticed Molly was acting guilty.

"What questions, Draco killed my boy!" Molly said deflecting.

"Your son was not innocent in the battle. Tell me, Molly, who taught him the notice-me-not ward? How to find someone using the express's wards? Or how about the cutting curse? Or why did he lie to Harry Potter about a spell that was supposed to turn scabbers yellow so he had his wand out? Or why he lied to Harry. He said that he couldn't find an empty compartment, the ones on either side of Harry's were empty." Madam Bones said; watching the color drain from the other woman's face.

Molly finally spoke. "Teaching my son spells is not illegal."

"No, it is not. But if I find out that your son started the fight or was lying for some other disingenuous reasons; like for the headmaster; I will bring the wrath of the whole department down on your family." Madam Bones replied. Molly was speechless. Arthur was looking at his wife in horror.

"Now, care to explain why Mister Potter is demanding sixty thousand galleons from your family for your son's part in the battle?" Madam Bones asked.

Molly went sheet white. Amelia realized that meant something. But unfortunately, the woman said nothing at that point. Arthur seemed clueless. This would be something she would have to find the answer for. It was sad though. The young Weasley died for Dumbledore. Another victim of his machinations.

{S}

"Albus, we need to talk!" Molly demanded from the floo.

"What is the problem, Molly?" Albus asked, not wanting to deal with the screeching woman this morning.

"Because of Ronald, Harry is pursuing civil action against my family." Molly retorted.

"Really, why is that a threat? The DMLE said Draco killed your son." Dumbledore said placatingly.

"The Aurors found out about Ronald's actions on the express. A spell he used to isolate Harry and the lies he told him." Molly said just short of a scream. "Madam Bones gave Harry's solicitor the final report. That includes Priori Incantatem of my son's wand."

"How much is he demanding?" Albus asked. He was hoping it was either not a lot or that he could persuade the boy to drop it. He would have to see the final report. He hated Madam Bones. She was too good and thorough with her job.

"Fifty thousand galleons!!!!" Molly screeched. "His solicitor gave us a bill for sixty thousand galleons. Fifty for the brat and ten for the solicitor. We cannot afford it. Plus, the amount!!! Did you tell him about the contract with Ginny?"

"No, he would have no way of knowing. Send me the document. I will sign it and pay for you." Albus said. He could not afford for the Weasleys to default. That would allow other financial documents to be reviewed. The bridal contract would come to light. He had to stop that. Damn, this was going to hurt.

{S}

Madam Bones was more than a little upset. She heard from her spy in Gringotts. Albus Dumbledore paid the sum of sixty-thousand galleons to Harry Potter and his solicitor. This was despite there was no evidence to take this to trial. What was the bastard hiding by paying off Potter?

{M}

Harry Potter

The sixty thousand galleons you demanded from the Reds was paid by DF. He signed a document that allows us to charge his accounts when the weasels cannot pay. Now into the future. What an idiot.

Korshak

{S}

It was the first day of class. The first class of the day was the transfiguration. It was the Ravenclaw and the Puffs. Harry was surprised that he saw a bushy hair girl that was in Gryffindor red and gold last night. Today she was in Ravenclaw Blue. The puffs were also up at least one member, the boy with the toad from the train. So at least two left the Lions. He was pretty sure more of the first years transferred to new houses. This made him wonder how many sortings were rigged. How would the parents respond? Would the board react? It was amusing.

Then his mind came back to the class. A cat was sitting on the teacher's desk. Harry knew this cat was the teacher. He wondered how many students would realize that the teacher was a cat animagus.

When McGonagall shifted back into her human form, she was pleasantly surprised at the started expressions staring back at her, and one not so startled. "Mister Potter, you didn't seem all that surprised by my entrance."

"Oh, I apologize, professor, I considered that this is transfiguration class, and I haven't seen any stray animals or pets at Hogwarts. I assumed that you could shapeshift." Harry said trying not to smirk. He also purposely said shapeshift rather than animagus.

The woman's eyes widened a bit before her mouth turned up in a small smile. "Ten points to Ravenclaw for brilliant reasoning. Now then as Mister Potter here hinted at, we will be studying the art of changing objects into different forms with our magic. It requires imagination, work, and attention to detail. It is one of the core subjects that you have to pass your OWL in."

Harry was internally snickering. He also had a leg up. He had been told that his professor was an animagus. Better still, she did not realize that he was also an animagus.

Flashback

"Do you want to risk this, Harry?" Croaker asked.

"Being an animagus will improve my combat ability. It will also give me another way for me to fight without a wand. So, the risk is worth it." Harry smiled. "Another way to kill that won't leave my signature."

"Okay," Croaker says, then after a bit. "I will get you the potion. You will have to pay for it though. It is not cheap to make and the ingredients are expensive. I am glad you can afford it.

A week later. "Do you still want to do this kiddo? You can change your mind." Croaker said.

Harry nods. "I want this."

"The first thing you will do is drink the potion. You will feel like you've fallen asleep and are dreaming, or so I'm told, then you should see your animal form approach you," instructed Croaker.

"Then what?" questioned Harry.

"I don't know," He responded to see his face show the shock register instantly.

"What do you mean you don't know? You're supposed to be the one helping me with this," stammered Harry.

"I mean, I don't know. I have never wanted to take the risk," replied Croaker.

"Sorry," Harry said tentatively, "it's just, what if I change into something harmful and hurt you?"

"That's why I insisted on being outside the room. You stay in this warded room." Croaker stated. "I can come in quickly if you need me to."

"Right, that makes me feel a little better," said Harry.

"Remember, Harry, relax no matter your form, it's a part of you and you will instinctively know what to do," Croaker said aloud before adding, "and I can have Aelia here in a heartbeat if needed."

Harry took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and downed the potion in one gulp. He didn't feel anything right away and went to open his eyes to ask if something was wrong with the potion. However, when he opened his eyes; he didn't see the grey walls of the ministry warded room. Instead, he saw a formless ground with grey low-lying fog going off in all directions.

Harry stepped forward and looked around at his surroundings. He felt a soft breeze blow past as he saw movement in his peripheral vision. He turned and immediately froze. There was a snake. It was a king cobra but the wrong color. It was solid black. The eyes were a weird yellow. It also had bat wings. Knowing that yellow glowing eyes were just like the eyes of Basilisk, he closed his eyes tightly. He heard the movement had come from the serpent that was slithering right next to him.

"You may open your eyesss, I will not hurt you, for we are one," the serpent said. The language was not English but not Parseltongue either but he could understand it.

"But you have the yellow eyes of death. Like a basilisk." Stated Harry. "How am I or others to look at you without dying instantly?"

"I have asss you sssay, the eyesss of death; but I posssessss retractable lensss that coversss them. When I do; they will glow green just like your emerald eyesss. And just like my glare, I can bite with or without my venom. My venom is second in lethality to that of a basilisk. One bite and an adult human male will be dead in five minutes unless they get phoenix tears. I can fly and use a form of short-range teleportation. I can ignore anti-apparition wards."

"What are you?" Harry asked. He finally realized he should be polite to part of himself.

"I am a night saraph. Most of my kin are better known. They have bird wings."

Harry felt that he could trust this information. He opened his eyes to see the snake. The snake's eyes were now the same green as the killing curse. The color of his own eyes. He reached out to touch it. It struck his chest fast and disappeared inside him. His chest burned but he felt he could become his snake at will. This was worth it. His form was a killer. Then he succumbed to darkness.

Waking in the Department of Mysteries medical ward. Harry's chest still hurt like hell. "Help." Harry rasped.

"Bout time you came back to us boyo. You have been unconscious for three days. One of these days, you won't end up here regularly." Thanks to training; you have been here a lot." The Medi-witch laughed at him. "I am thinking of having a plaque with your name on it on this bed. Since you spend more time here than any other."

Harry had to agree; training with Croaker ended him here a lot.

"Well Harry, did it succeed?" Croaker asked. He was chuckling. He put the boy in that bed more than once. Harry wanted the toughest training he could get.

"Maybe; I thought you can only be a natural form."

"What do you mean?" Croaker frowned.

"My form was not natural."

"Well, when you are healthy; you will have to show it to me. I have never heard of magical forms."

He finally showed Croaker his form. It was the only time he not only scared the old man; he made him jump away and draw his wand. It also earned him his unspeakable name. Croaker named his mongoose.

{S}

Unsurprisingly, a few minutes after the owls delivered the morning copies of the Daily Prophet, Harry was called to the headmaster's office. Harry stopped by the staff table and asked Professor Flitwick to attend with him.

"What do you want Headmaster?"

"Filius, thank you. You can leave now."

"I will stay Albus. Harry said he required my presence. And per the bylaws. I have to remain."

Albus grumbled. He had no way of getting rid of the witness. He wanted to talk to the boy alone.

"Sit down, Mister Potter," the headmaster firmly commanded. It was clear the headmaster was struggling to maintain his composure; he was that angry and everyone in the room knew it. Not pushing it, Harry and Flitwick took the chairs that now occupied the space across from the headmaster's desk.

Once they were sitting, Dumbledore growled out, "Mister Potter, we have to discuss what was printed in the Prophet. How can you tell a reporter this?"

"It is the truth. I am no hero."

"Yes, you are Harry. All of Magical Britain knows you are a hero."

"No, I am not. I don't know why you feel I have to be this hero. How did I stop an experienced wizard with my poo? So, I am not your hero. Not my circus, not my monkeys."

"Magic Britain needs a hero, which are you!" Dumbledore shouted.

"Nope, and if that is all you are talking about, it is not school related. If this continues, talk to my solicitor."

"You cannot have a solicitor, only your magical guardian can approve one."

"You are wrong, Dumbledore; as always. The solicitor firm that was hired by my muggle guardian is special. It just happens they have squibs, muggles, and wizards in their office. She could do that and you cannot stop her. So, yes,

I have a magical solicitor."

Dumbledore took a few seconds to calm down. He knew Harry was correct. The boy knew how little control he had over the boy. This was not good. The boy had to obey him.

"Where do you live now, Harry?" Albus barked; changing the subject. He was afraid that Harry would carry through with his threat. He did not want to deal with a solicitor and Harry.

"Per the muggle Aurors and our solicitors, I cannot tell anyone," Harry smirked.

"You will tell me; I am your magical guardian."

"Prove it." Harry laughed.

"I, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore swear on my magic that I am the magical guardian of Harry James Potter, so mote it be.

Lumos."

"So, you are my magical guardian. Who cares? Since you sent me to live in the muggle world with my magical-hating relatives at that. Guess what, by doing that you caused yourself some problems. When not in Hogwarts until I graduate; I live in a muggle place, living by muggle rules. A muggle judge decided that my abusive relatives were not my legal guardians. So, long story short, no, I will not tell you where I live in the muggle world. You should have thought about the consequences when you sent me to the Dursleys." Harry said almost gloating. He would use the memory of Dumbledore's oath against him.

Albus ground his teeth. "You will tell me, boy!" He was trying not to acknowledge Harry's point.

"No. If you press, I require my solicitor to be here to slap you with legal papers." Harry smirked. "I wonder if we can get the muggle Aurors to arrest you if you try to stalk me, or for putting me in an abusive home, or continue with this harassment over information, as headmaster, my fucked up magical guardian does not need to know. If you wanted this much control over me; you should have kept me in the magical world." "We will be discussing this later. Now you will not talk to the press. You are too young to understand the great care needed when speaking with the media. Your reputation can suffer great harm if care is not exercised. That's why if you feel the need to contact the media, or they contact you, as your magical guardian, you will come to me, first."

"Oh," said Harry, pretending to understand. "I understand, Sir. I will no longer talk to the press." Dumbledore missed the loophole.

"You will return to Privet Drive," Albus said hopefully over his first victory.

"Nope, muggle world, my legal muggle guardian sets where I live. The judge gave my new family full legal rights. Something the

Dursleys never had."

"You will go back there. That is the only place you are safe when not at school." Albus said grasping at straws.

"Outside of Hogwarts, you have no power over me. A magistrate of the crown ordered me to never live with the Dursleys again."

"Your next point, you say I was safe there, headmaster? Did you even check on me? Of course, you didn't, you are the one I know everything Albus Dumbledore."

"They are your family. Of course, boy, you are always safe with family?" Albus said, not willing to admit he didn't check on the boy. He knew the Dursleys had abused the boy. He had to make sure no one at the Wizengamot could prove he knew about the abuse.

"Really. Well, it is true now. I do feel my muggle guardian is my family. I call her mom. I feel safe with my new relatives. Not that it matters. When I am not in school, I am in the muggle world. My muggle guardian gets to say where I live, per a muggle judge, not you. Since you put me in that world. You have to obey their laws."

"Fine, you will tell me where your legal residence is?"

"This again, really headmaster? Well fine, my "official magical residence" is room 101, Gringotts Bank, London," Harry said with a large smile. "A place you cannot place a mail ward around. A place I can get all the mail I receive from the magical world."

"Do you live at the bank?" Albus asked fear in his voice. If the boy lived with the Goblins, he would never get at the boy.

"Please, headmaster. Gringotts do not allow humans to live there. That is only my official residence where I can now receive my mail. It can't be blocked."

"Where are you living?"

"No headmaster. You do not need to know. You placed me with my horrible relatives. Ergo, you do not want me safe. I don't have to say anything more."

"Look at me!" Albus was at the end of his rope, now he would read the brat's mind.

Harry looks Albus in the eyes with a laugh. As expected, he was hit with Legilimency. Croaker made sure he was an expert Occlumen. He felt the probe instantly and just as soon as he felt it; he shredded it. Albus reeled back clutching his head. Harry was amused. He would have to thank Croaker.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. You know Dumbledore, using Legilimency on an underage person without DMLE approval is illegal. A mandatory three years in Azkaban."

Harry was smiling. "We are done. Come on Professor Flitwick. You take dumbledork to Madam Pomfrey. I have class."

Harry noticed that Flitwick was pissed at the headmaster. Later that day, a snowy owl headed to Gringotts. It had a letter with two words. Plan A. Harry was sure this was going to be a great year. It also had a vial of memory.

{S}

The day had another unpleasant surprise for Harry. Hagrid met up with Harry as he left the hall after breakfast.

"Harry, I am so glad to see you here. Last time I saw you, you were the size of a…"

"You saw me as a child?" Harry asked, knowing nothing of this teacher. He guessed this was another fool of Dumbledore's. It seemed that only a few of the teachers did not belong to the cult of Dumbledore.

"Yeah, I took you from the parents' house to your aunt's house on Privet Drive."

Harry's eyes narrowed. "Who told you to do that?"

"It was Dumbledore's orders, of course."

"Gamekeeper, stay away from me. I want nothing to do with a lapdog of that bastard." Hagrid was so shocked he didn't even respond. Harry then walked off. Harry now had another person he planned on killing.

{S}

"Professor McGonagall, did you know my parents?" Harry asked, he wanted to know where the professor fit in this skullduggery. She had tried to get close to the boy.

"I did. I am sorry to say that while both were in my house; I didn't get to know them until they were the head boy and girl. Your dad was a bit of a bully, and a prankster until he got serious with your mother. His final year, we had talked about him getting mastery in transfiguration and eventually replacing me." Minerva said.

"I guess that explains it," Harry said.

"Explains what?" She inquired.

"I saw an unofficial copy of my parents' will. You were a witness."

"Yes, I had forgotten I did that. At that point in time, I was close to your dad." She admitted.

"So why was I left with my aunt?" Harry asked.

"It was Albus's decision. He felt that you would not be safe in the magical world. Plus, it was for the greater good." Minerva stated. "After all, he is your magical guardian. He did know best."

"Would magical guardianship trump a last will and testament?" Harry asked.

"Normally no, but…" She started. "You are the boy who lived, so there are other concerns. Plus I heard Albus sealed the wills for your safety. We needed you to be there for the greater good. I am sure the law would understand."

"So, the greater good trumps the law?" Harry asked with a tone.

"Well, yes, I guess. We do have to follow the leader of the light." She retorted.

"Did you know the people Dumbledore put me with?" Harry asked in a cold tone.

"No, the most I did was watch them the day Albus gave you to them. At that time, I thought they were the worst of muggles. But Albus assured me that you would be safe and happy there once you arrived. That your aunt would let her jealousy of her sister fade. He told me not to go back." Minerva replied. She couldn't understand why the boy was visibly upset. What happened to the boy after his parents' deaths was unfortunate but Albus had assured her it was for the best. Besides, it could not be that bad. Family does not harm the family.

"I see. Well, he lied to you. You should have fought him. Have a good day, professor." Harry said as he left. She was added to his list.

His last words sent a shiver down her back. How could Albus lie to her, the boy must be mistaken? There could be no reason for the boy to hate her or Albus. His aunt and uncle would never harm a young boy. He must be exaggerating. Plus, whatever Albus did was for the greater good after all.

{S}

Dumbledore was dreading this morning. He had recovered from his attempt to force the information from Harry. Filius will no doubt take him to task today for his momentary lapse of judgment. Hopefully saying he did it for the boy's safety would quell the lecture he would be getting from his charm's professor.

There had been no respite from the scolding he got from Poppy. She was very upset that he had gotten hurt. She was livid that his harm came from trying to read the mind of one of the students.

Once that issue was dealt with, he still had to come up with a plan for Harry. He was pissed at the child. After every confrontation, the number of issues Albus had with the brat just increased.

He couldn't read the child's mind. Harry did not obey him. He did not give up where he lived. He had talked with the press. Damn, that boy.

More important, the boy was not beaten down. It was an open question if the boy would be willing to sacrifice himself now. He had to do damage control with the light faction. All because of the incident on the express. Did Harry need to kill them? Why didn't Harry stun them? If he knew the dueling spells; he should know the non-lethal spells. If he had stunned them, he was sure he could force the brat to forgive them. No, the boy would never forgive the dead.

Albus sighed; there were so many plans around Harry that have been derailed. How to get them back on track? The boy was a problem; so much so that it looked like even the great and powerful Albus Percival Wulfric Brian

Dumbledore could not make the boy yield. That was intolerable. The boy had to jump when he snapped his fingers. This is the only way the boy would let himself die at Tom's hands.

{N}

THE BAD MAGICAL GUARDIAN OF HARRY POTTER

Not all has been well in the life of Harry Potter.

We learn that his magical guardian left him with abusive muggle relatives after the death of his parents.

We at the Prophet do not know why. Mister Potter's parents' wills were sealed by the Chief Warlock so we do not know where they wanted him to go.

The story gets worse. After the death of his parents, Mister Potter was given to his wife's sister, Petunia Dursley nee Evans. She and her family were abusive to the boy. That has left scars on the boy who lived. Physical, emotional, and mental is seems.

See the attached parchments from Saint Mungo's on what horrors they inflicted on our {at the time} national hero.

The only reason Mister Potter suffered at their hands. He was magical and they were muggles.

Wounds his magical guardian never stopped or even knew about, given he supposedly never check up on Harry.

I repeat, his magical guardian left him there and never supposedly checked on him. It wasn't until he changed his muggle guardians; did he even really meet with a healer.

Why we say supposedly; per Saint Mungo's, Mister Potter was healed magically outside of the hospital multiple times. The healing was not complete though. It was just enough to keep him alive. So, we have another question; why partial healing? Did his guardian know? Was he the one that only partially healed him or have him healed?

We here at the Prophet do not know what led Mister Potter to finally go to Saint Mungo's, but going there saved his life. With this information, this reporter and I would assume most readers are appalled by the treatment our young hero had endured at his relative's house. Where was his so-called magical guardian?

Then we learned the truth. The Prophet has learned Albus Dumbledore is Harry Potter's magical guardian. I repeat;

ALBUS PERCIVAL WULFRIC BRIAN DUMBLEDORE

IS HARRY POTTER'S MAGICAL GUARDIAN

Why Dumbledore was such a horrid guardian is unknown. He refused to respond to any of our questions.

Correspondent – Clive Sharp