Chapter 15

While they'd been talking, Daphne had also approached Professor Snape. He, also, appeared annoyed.

Professor McGonagall started to head to the main doors as Hermione joined Harry. He turned to see Daphne hurrying across, as Professor Snape came around the end of the head table to join them.

Once out in the Entrance Hall, Professor McGonagall spun about and asked, "What is so urgent it interrupted the start of the feast, Mister Potter?"

Harry reached into his inside robe pocket and withdrew the four letters as first, Hermione, and then Daphne, joined him. Professor Snape was only a few steps behind.

"I take it this applies to the three of you?" asked the Professor, looking at all three teens.

With a firm nod, Harry replied, "It does, Professor." And he handed all four letters to her.

Daphne offered hers to Professor Snape.

As the Professors read, Harry and the other two watched their expressions. Professor McGonagall first looked surprised, and then flat-out shocked. Professor Snape looked just plain angry.

The first to respond, Professor Snape snarled, "What is the meaning of this, Potter? How did this come to pass?"

Before Harry could say anything, Daphne said right back in a cold voice, "I believe that is none of your concern, Professor. You have been dutifully informed, as I was required to do. It is not your place to question it, and it was rude of you to do so."

"Professor Snape!" exclaimed Professor McGonagall. "You know better than that!"

Snape didn't even bother to apologise. But, at least he didn't throw out any further taunts or insults.

Looking back at Harry, Professor McGonagall asked, "So, you're going to be wanting an apartment with three bedrooms, then?"

"Of course, Professor," Harry replied. "I'm led to believe that is the normal course of events."

"It is," she said, with a firm nod. "I shall arrange it and have it ready for you for immediately after the Headmaster's announcements at the end of the feast. I'll then escort the three of you to it, myself.

"Now, have you agreed as to whether it will be near the Slytherin or Gryffindor dorms?"

Harry looked at the other two for answers. Daphne said, "If it must be one or the other, then it should be Gryffindor. But, is there not an apartment that could be somewhat central to the two?"

With a firm nod, Professor McGonagall replied, "I shall find out. However, if there's not, I shall have one near the Gryffindor common room entrance organised for you. Based on this, all three of you can also ask for a resorting."

Again, Harry looked to the others.

Daphne firmly said, "No; I don't think that will be necessary at this time, Professor. At least, not yet." To which both Harry and Hermione shook their heads.

"Very..." she began, just as the sound of someone walking in through the main doors was heard.

They all spun to the sound. From Harry's and the other two's perspective, they'd already been anticipating this person's arrival. It was Barty Crouch Junior, polyjuiced as Alastor Moody.

"Hello, Alastor," said Professor McGonagall. She then indicated the doors back into the Great Hall and said, "Go on in."

The fake Moody looked at all five of them before giving a grunt and walking in through the doors to the Great Hall.

After watching the man enter the Great Hall, Harry turned back to Professor McGonagall with a look indicating he was wondering what was going on.

"That was your new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Alastor Moody," she said. Giving herself a little shake, she continued, "Now; I'll have the apartment organised for you, as you wished, ready for immediately after the Headmaster's announcements at the end of the feast.

"However, I'm sure the Headmaster is going to want to see you, immediately after the feast, to discuss this matter with you, anyway."

"I'm sure he will, Professor," said Harry. "He does seem to have a... shall we say... beyond the norm interest in me."

"Mister Potter," said the Professor, apparently scandalised. "What are you implying?"

"I'm implying nothing, Professor," said Harry. "I'm stating a clear fact that cannot be dissented."

The Transfiguration Professor looked back at Harry for a few moments, clearly wondering what was going on, before she gave a firm nod and said, "Since I'll be needing to escort you to your apartment afterwards, if the Headmaster does call you to his office after the feast, I shall be joining you."

"As you should as Harry's Head of House at any time he's called to the Headmaster's office, Professor," said Daphne, cutting in.

The Professor looked back with a frown before she said, "Now, I believe it's time for us to rejoin the body in the Great Hall." And she gestured for everyone to precede her back inside.

Returning to their seats, the feast had already begun. Before he started eating, or allowed Hermione to do so, Harry asked the young lass sitting opposite, "Did anyone do anything to our food, cutlery, crockery or cups while we were away?"

She simply looked back and shook her head.

Harry said, "Thank you." Then began to load his plate. As he did so, he looked to Hermione and said, in the same voice they'd been using earlier, "Something else to think about researching... detection spells for potions and poisons."

Hermione nodded back.

Harry looked up at the head table to see Professor McGonagall in earnest conversation with the Headmaster, and grunted in annoyance before sighing.

"What's wrong, Harry?" asked Hermione.

"The Headmaster," he replied. "He just can't keep his beak out of my... ours now... business."

"He's the Headmaster, Harry," she said, a little annoyed; at whom, Harry didn't know. "He needs to know."

With a sigh, Harry said, "I guess you're right... on this matter. But, I'm not going to put up with him, this time, interfering with my life. I've had enough."

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