Chapter 18 - Harry’s Talk

Arya and Hermione headed towards Herbology which they would share with the Slytherins. When they arrived, Hermione could see the downcast expression on Arya's face and was about to ask what was wrong when she heard a familiar voice behind her." Excited for class Arya?" said Draco with a clear tone of amusement being heard in his voice. Arya pouted and responded saying "shut it Draco, you know all too well how I feel about Herbology". Hermione frowned in confusion and ask Draco "whats wrong with her? I have never her look so downcast before a class before, she even seemed more excited about Potions then she does now."

Draco - " Herbology is far and away her worst subject, although she was always more gifted towards the practical side of magic, she never lacked that much in theoretical knowledge. However she has absolutely no interest in Herbology and the way her mind works, if she has no interest in a subject then she can't force herself to study it. Even the idea of becoming a more rounded student which is usually more than enough for her can't save her when it comes to Herbology, you should just be happy Daphne isn't in this class she would always rub it in your face that she was way more capable than you in herbology and teased you about it."

Arya - " I am thankful she is not here right now but that doesn't help my situation right now does it Malfoy? Now shut it class is about to start"

Draco walked away with a massive smirk on his face but before he left he told Hermione "enjoy this Ms. Granger you are about to see a side our resident genius among geniuses rarely shows, that of a bumbling idiot that has no place in a subject". Arya's became red though if it was with anger or embarrassment nobody could tell as she muttered to herself "daft git getting enjoyment out of my despair, it's not my fault this subject bores me to death". And so class took place as the surrounding students watched in shock and awe just how bad she was as she fluffed on the most simple questions and had to have Hermione handle all their classwork as whenever she handledtried to handle the plants she would drop them muttering to herself "slimy plants suck" As they were preparing to learn about handling devils snare where the answer was to use Incendio to burn it a maniacal grin could be seen on her face at the thought of burning all the plants in the world that came near her. The rest of the students could only watch as they question 'Is she really the genius among geniuses, the transfiguration transcendent Arya Rosier, or some plant destroying serial killer. A sad expression could be seen on Professor Sprouts' face as she had been excited to teach Arya after hearing about all her accomplishments and the ravings of the teachers who had her in their classes during lunch. It was not to be, unfortunately.

Class finally ended as Arya sprinted for the door and Hermione and Draco chuckled to themselves after watching Arya trying to escape as fast as possible. The trio made their way towards the great hall as it was time for dinner. However, when they reached the great hall they were met with a grim-faced Harry standing at the entrance. He walked over to them and said "Arya, can I speak to you for a moment?" Arya taken aback as she had never seen Harry look so serious could only nod as she turned to Hermione and Draco and told them she will meet them inside. Harry and Arya walked towards the courtyard and sat down as Harry let out a defeated sigh, Arya frowned and asked "What's bothering you, Harry, we are friends now you can count on me if I can help I will. Harry looked at her with a determined expression and started talking.

Harry - " It is not something I need your help with, its something I need to warn you about. I know after dinner you are going to the headmasters office with Profesor Flitwick and Professor McGonagall. You need to be careful Arya, you're my friend and I don't want anything to happen to you. Dumbledore is not the great man we all read about in the papers".

Harry - "When my parents were killed Sirius was the first person to appear as he had been rushing to check on them after he got an owl from James, my dad saying the wards on Godrics Hollow had been breached and they needed help. It turned out that Peter Pettigrew who was part of their foursome of friends had betrayed them. He was made the secret keeper for the Fidelius charm in hopes that everyone would think it was Sirius as he was my dads best friend. When he arrived my parents were already dead and he was about to chase after Peter to get revenge when he saw me abandoned in my crib, he came back to his senses and prioritized me. When Dumbledore and McGonagall had arrived they tried to take me saying I would be safest with my moms sister and her family as nobody would look for me among the muggles. Sirius instantly refused saying i was his responsibility now as he was my Godfather and he was James' best friend".

Harry - " When Dumbledore heard this he wasn't happy and tried to forcefully take me away but Professor McGonagall stopped him and said there was nowhere safer for me than with Sirius and this way I wouldn't be ignorant of the Wizarding world growing up. Dumbledore tried to argue that there were wards at their house to protect me but Sirius interrupted him and said that my mom's sister hated everything to do with magic and I wouldn't be treated properly there, and any wards there would not compete with the wards at Potter Manor of which he was the only one who knew its location from James'. Finally, Dumbledore relented but Sirius and I have never trusted him since then and he raised me himself along with Amelia Bones his wife, and her niece Susan Bones. We suspect he had some plans for me and since everyone knows how talented you are he may have some for you as well. Thankfully you will be accompanied by Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick who will only have your interests in mind but whatever you do, don't be left alone with him. As your Head of House by right, he has to stay with you if you ask him to."

Arya took a moment to take this in as multiple thoughts ran through her mind ' It seems I do need to be wary of Dumbledore in this world, he may not be evil as he could have easily messed with all their minds and forced Sirius to hand Harry over but he didn't. That means he is not the Dark Lord from all those fan theories and fan fictions I read but he is certainly a scheming manipulative individual. The fact he let Harry be raised by sirius is a good sign though. It seems like I really have to master Occumelancy as fast as possible but at least I will be able to tell if he tries to read my mind and I will make sure Professor Flitwick doesn't leave my side.