Chapter 10 The Letters and School Trouble

A short narration

Years passed and Harry and Neville loved their school, along with their best friend Jordan. They had a great time and learned all about wand magic. They taught their new friends the way the Owens witches did magic, those friends in turn taught their parents. Hopefully, all of America would have a new way of doing magic. It would soon be part of Magical schools, but that was years from now. Then maybe the Americans would teach anyone they knew outside the country and it would grow worldwide. It was something to shoot for.

Luis was still tutoring them in etiquette and they could pull off Lordships with the best of anyone their age. All three boys hated being stuffed shirts, but knew it was important. All the lessons on 'gifts' to politicians made them feel dirty. It was bad enough that the American Government was demanding that the aunts teach them. However, they did get to keep their way of life in return.

Luis was pointing out that this was the way politics worked, no matter where you lived, and they had better get used to it, because the Magical British were worse. Money talked there and favors were rare, though if you had blackmail that was better. It would do them well to use all of their resources if they were to survive in that cutthroat world. The newly appointed Minister Fudge was the worse that had sat in that office in a long, long time. He was in so many pockets; it was surprising the man could think for himself. Many of them were ex-Death Eaters, though surprisingly one was Dumbledore. Even Sirius seemed to influence that man.

The boys understood and patiently, mostly, learned the ins and outs of the Wizengamot.

Kippy was now working for All Things Wicca as a merchandise runner. She would gather supplies from magical warehouses and bring them to the store. She also stocked the shelves at night when the store was empty. She still worked at the house, but it was more like simply cleaning where she lived than maid services. So now she got paid $75 a week for part-time work.

There were now other free elves asking for work in the Alley. It was a new trend to hire free house elves. Not to mention much cheaper than hiring humans. And it made the free elves feel better that they were working, even if it wasn't for a family. They could be hired through a new employment agency that had been set up via Gringotts, at the suggestion of Gilly, which catered to free house elves only.

These agencies were popping up all over the country and branching out in non-European countries, such as Asian ones and a few in the Greek Isles, Greece, which, while part of Europe weren't part of the ICW. They tried to get one running in Magical Britain, but were laughed out of the country. They did have some success in France though.

Gilly got a small commission for every elf hired out. House elves in America, and a few other countries, no longer feared being freed, well not as much anyway. There were even apartment buildings set up for the working elves.

The Owens household started getting The Daily Prophet, years ago. Mostly because of the boys' schooling; however, Evie also told them that they needed it to be kept up to date as to what was happening in England. That and they were useful for having debates in Social Studies. Neville's grandmother and Harry's godfather were often in the social pages, so they knew what they were up to.

Sirius was seen with different women all the time. He was still hunting the horcruxes and was down to two. Since he couldn't let Dumbledore know what he was doing he got no help from that venue. He gave an interview to the paper, stating that he had things he had to do, and that he would stop looking for his godson as he now had it on good authority that the boy was alright. What they didn't know was that he had already located the boy. He was just biding his time for when he could finish his hunt and go to him.

He did publically denounce the Headmaster for not making sure he got his trial earlier. He stated that it was the old man's fault to leave him in Azkaban for the time he spent there. Lately though, the two were seen in restaurants talking, and the public held their breath to see if they reconciled their differences. The Blacks were a powerful family, and Dumbledore would do well not to alienate them, and visa-versa. No one knew what the discussions were about, but they figured it had to do with whatever Sirius was looking for, or if he knew where Harry Potter was. It was the latter, but Sirius wasn't going to give the old goat anything. They didn't part on good terms.

February 18, 1990

The boys were gathered in the play room with snacks and homework. Cookie crumbs and milk were spattered on the floor. Many newspapers were strewed around the room and books were scattered everywhere. Papers and pencils, parchment and quills, were all over the floor just waiting for someone to step on them, so they could do what discarded pencils do and make that person slip.

They had lap trays set up so that they didn't have to go to the study room and use the desks there. They figured desks were for school or adults and they were just kids. Besides, all the cool toys were up here. The only time they used the study room is if they needed the computer. They had just finished their social studies, which is why they were reading the papers.

"Looks like your godfather is quite the ladies' man, Harry," Neville commented on the newest article, in The Daily Prophet, on Sirius escorting the fifth woman that month to a formal dinner with Minister Fudge. It seems like Sirius knew the political game well and was in good with the Ministry. That and he held the fact that he was incarcerated without a trial over their heads. It was his vote in the Wizengamot that shot down the horrid werewolf bill. He was quoted as saying that that bill was inhumane and he would never support anything like it. He tried to get the Potter seat, but Dumbledore was assigned as Proxy by the Wizengamot, and since he signed over guardianship, he didn't hold any sway.

Harry approved of the man's vote and wished he could somehow let him be his proxy too, but since he was still in hiding there was nothing he could do. He was hated the fact that Dumbledore held his chair. The things Dumbledore voted on, Harry didn't approve of. That old man used his vote to bring about some very questionable laws. They were all Light oriented, but they didn't help society as a whole. It was with the Potter vote that got the Death Eater out of a trial by truth serum. Dumbledore was quoted to say that he felt they all deserved a second chance. Harry did not agree.

"I'm not sure whether to be embarrassed or proud of him," Harry admitted, rubbing the back of his head. He was still unsure how to take his godfather. He knew from Evie that the man was coming here, but they didn't know if he had any ill intent. That and all the stories about him showed he was irresponsible, yet took his Wizengamot duties seriously. No, Harry was confused by the man.

"Why do you think he's acting that way?" Jordan asked with a wrinkle of his nose, still at the age were girls were icky. He had no idea why the man was with so many women. His mum hadn't explained to him why grown-ups did what they did. He knew from school talk that they kissed and stuff, but he didn't see the reason.

"Aunt Gilly said he is 'sewing his wild oats', whatever that means," the messy-headed boy said with a shrug. He was just getting to the point where girls might not be so unpleasant after all. But then again his Aunt Gilly made sure the boys knew the birds and the bees the very first time they asked —when they were six. And that was an embarrassing and confusing conversation. Now that he was older, he understood it better, still the whole sex thing, ewww.

"Do you really think he'll come here?" Jordan asked, looking at the dark-haired man's photo. He looked like a gentleman with his neatly combed shoulder length black curly hair, bright grey eyes and dark green dress robes.

He was a long way away from the demented man he looked years prior. Jordan's family had still been in Britain when the man was released. And though he had been quite young, he still remembered the haunted look in Mr. Black's eyes when he was finally given a trial. He would probably remember that for years to come. Sometimes the British boy had nightmares about being sent to Azkaban for something he didn't do. The thought of Dementors, in addition to what they were learning about Magical British politics, were enough to fuel those dreams.

Harry shrugged. "Your mom and Death both said he would. I've read some about him in my parents' journals and he is quite a troublemaker. I only hope he gets on well with the Aunts. They might hurt him if he tries to take me away, but your mom doesn't seem worried."

Now with all the stories in the Prophet, Harry had a feeling that Sirius and Gilly would get along very well. They seemed to be like-minded people. Both were very attractive, and both seemed to be free spirited. He wasn't quite sure how he felt about that. Gilly was like a mom to him, for all they called her Aunt. Thinking about her settling down wasn't something he ever thought he would contemplate. Not that she brought men home, but she loved to tell tales of her partying days.

"We'll worry about that later, right now, we'd better get this room clean before Kippy comes home from work and kills us," Neville said, looking around at the disaster the play room was in. So the boys' started waving their hands and paper and parchment stacked, books went in bags, pencils and quills when in their boxes, cookie crumbs and milk stains vanished and the rest of the room straightened itself out.

"I love magic," the boys said together, just like they did every time they used it to clean up their mess.

Jordan soon went home and the two brothers stayed in the play room and practiced their magic. This was the only room in the house, besides their bedrooms, that they could change. With all the spells they had on the room, they had a great time creating and changing the place. Gone was the rainbow and clouds, now there was sunlight and griffins, not real ones, just floating caricatures. The rainbow was too girly. There was still a small mist to keep the room cool, by falling down from the ceiling and stopping half way down.

While the boys rearranged the attic, the aunts decided that it was time for them to write to their British relatives. They felt they could now get the boys to understand what they could and couldn't tell them.

"Boys, can you come here please?" Jet called up the stairs that evening before dinner.

"Coming, Aunt Jet," came the chorused reply. A herd of buffalo stampeded down the stairs; well that's what it sounded like anyway. Who knew two young boys could make so much noise?

The boys joined the aunts in the kitchen at the little breakfast table. It was easier to get the boys to eat in the kitchen now that Luis was giving them lessons in the dining room. There were stacks of parchment and some quills, as well as some lined paper and pencils, sitting off to the side. This was weird, because they never casually used parchment at home, only for their magical homework. It was too expensive.

"What's up?" Harry asked, grabbing some of the fresh baked chocolate chip cookies that sat on the table. The aunts did so love their chocolate, there was always some kind of treat on the table, for all Kippy protested. And since the aunts raised him and Neville, they loved it too.

"We wanted to talk to you about something," Gilly said, pouring herself some juice. "You know we write to your British relatives, right?" she questioned, looking at the boys, while she took a sip.

The boys' nodded, eyes alit with curiosity. The aunts never really talked about writing their relatives, since they couldn't get a reply from them. They would just tell the boys' to pose for a picture or two do that they could send to them, for holidays, birthdays and such. They always made sure this was with the blue wall as a background, or a solid colored canvas if they were outside. The kids had a great time doing it, knowing that their families would be happy to get the report.

"Well, we think it's time you start writing them," she stated, curious as to how they were going to react.

"Really? That's great. I've always wanted to talk to someone outside of the US," Harry enthused, his eyes brightened at the notion. There had been a pen pal program at school, which really didn't get off the ground. He had written to a girl in China, but never received any letter in return. It was a bit disheartening.

"Yeah," Neville added, just as happy, "I want my grandmother to know that I know all about her and you guys are not keeping her a secret or something." He was still in touch with his Indian pen pal, though they were growing apart and not closer.

"Okay, now some of the rules," Jet said, and then held up her hands to stop the complaints. "I know you don't like rules, we don't like them either. But, if we are to keep you safe there have to be guidelines. They are actually very simple. One, you can't tell them where you are. We have Kippy pop all around the world to mail our reports, so that the postmark is never the same. That one is the simple one," she explained.

"Two," Frances continued, "you can't tell them about your school, well you can tell them you're doing well, however, you can't tell them the name or what you are studying. It would be easy to find you if you gave them the curriculum. Say you told them you were really into football and you were the star quarterback, or how the game was played and what the score was. Anyone looking for you would only have to find the countries that allowed that type of football in the school, look at the scores and find you. Or if say you tell them you're studying non-magical studies, I know there are only a few countries that do that, so it would narrow it down a lot," she concluded, hoping the boys understood.

"We trust your relatives, what we don't trust is that the mail might be intercepted, and we want to make sure that if it is then those jerks that are looking for you can't find you," Gilly finished the explanation.

The two boys nodded in understanding. "So," Neville said, "we just say something like, 'Hey, I'm doing really well in my studies. My aunts are proud of me, and you would be too.' Or something like that?"

"Well, you might not want to mention us in that context, it might hurt their feelings that they are not here for you. Maybe just say you're doing well and that you hope to stay at the top of your class. And that when you finally meet them you hope they are proud. Make it about them, or at least for the most part. Remember, they lost their families and need to know that you guys consider them part of yours, even though you've never met," Gilly answered, her nose scrunched up in the cute little way she had when she was puzzling something out.

"Three, and this one is going to be the hard one," Frances said, tapping her finger on the table. "You can't say 'the aunts' or 'she', or if you tell them about your friends you can't say 'he'. I know that one is hard, because we have issues with it. But, Evie said that it was necessary. If the letters do get diverted then it can be deduced that you are around a family with witches. And with the work we're doing for the government we are a little more public than we like. So just keep it to 'they' and 'them'. So if you are going to talk about us say, 'our guardians are happy we are doing well, they give us cookies when we get done with our homework.' Or 'one of my guardians took us shopping yesterday, they bought me a book.' that way they never know how many people are around you," she explained. She didn't like that they had to take such great measures, but Evie said it must be that way.

"Okay, I think I got it," Harry said excitedly, ever since he had heard about his godfather he had wanted to write him. He wanted to let the man know that he was a part of his life and, even if he was still unsettled about him, he was his dad's best friend, so the young man was willing to give him a chance.

Neville felt the same about writing his grandmother. Though, he knew more about her than Harry did about Sirius, because Kippy would tell stories about his family. Sometimes he felt sorry that his brother didn't have anyone to tell about his family.

Harry did have journals, but most of them started when his parents went into hiding and were about the measures and spells they were using to keep them safe. There were few entries about his mom, dad and his dad's friends and what they did in school —reminiscing. They didn't go into major detail, just passing comments.

"One more thing," Gilly said, ignoring the groans, "no slang, so words like 'dude' or 'radical' are out. Just use their name and say wonderful like a normal human. So you can't say to Sirius, 'Dude, you will never believe the radical day I had' just call him by his name. You need more practice on that anyway," she teased, ruffling their hair to show she was kidding. "You don't have to be formal, just casual with proper words."

"So, why don't you two write some drafts and we'll look them over and see if they are okay," Jet suggested, handing paper and pencils to the two boys. "Use these for your drafts and you can write your final letter in parchment and ink. Luis will be here in a moment, so he can help."

And so they did. Even with all of Luis' and the aunts coaching, it still took five different drafts, but Harry's final letter was thus:

Dear Sirius,

It was a very good day when I learned you were no longer in jail. I'm sorry to hear that you spent two years in that place, but I'm happy that you are free. I hope that you are now in good health. I've heard of the creatures that guard Azkaban and I have to say they scare me. I'm glad you took the time to heal. I need you in good health, so that I have family somewhere. And I do consider you my only living family in England. So, take care of yourself. Though judging by what I've read, you're doing a great job.

If you continue to get yourself in the paper, then I'll know what and how you're doing. It will make it easier to have something to write about next time. For example, I'm not sure it is a good idea to make an enemy of a powerful man like Dumbledore, though I do understand why you are angry with him. It might just be best to ignore him. I also noticed that you are quite a ladies' man. Are you trying to make up for the time you were away? Please be careful.

I wanted you to know that I'm alive and well taken care of. I can tell you only a little about myself, but not much in case someone else sees this letter. I'm in a good school, and I'm doing well at my studies. I like sports, and one day hope to win for my team. My guardians are treating me well, and I can want for nothing.

I wish there was some way we could communicate. It would be nice to know someone from my home country, who can tell me about my family. There were some journals in the trunks that came with me and those helped me get a good picture of what you and my father were like after you graduated. From what little there was about your school life, I have to say some of the stuff you pulled was rather mean. I hope that you've grown up since then, because I would hate to think badly of the only family I have left.

Take care and please, try to behave.

Harry

Neville had an easier time of it, because he had all the stories from Kippy and the diaries.

Dear Grandmother Longbottom

I hope this letter finds you well. I have read the stories in the paper and see that you are staying in the upper class social circles, this makes me happy. To know that you didn't seclude yourself away from the world after we both lost our loved ones, gives me hope that we will have a good relationship when we are finally reunited.

The things you have done for the Wizengamot, I have to say I approve of all of them. You have kept up the tradition of the family and I whole heartedly agree. I hope that you are not making too many enemies and that you will keep yourself save if you are. If you continue to be seen about town and get your name in the paper, I will know what you're doing.

As you've seen from the reports sent to you I've grow up well. I am doing well in school and hope to one day graduate at the top of my class. It is early yet, so we will have to see.

My guardians are taking very good care of me and they make sure I want for nothing. It was a very good thing you did sending the person you did to help them. I am very thankful to you for that. That person has told me stories about the Longbottom family and it helps me to feel closer to you. It is my sincerest hope that one day we can sit and exchange these stories together.

Your grandson

Neville

"These are pretty good, guys," Gilly said after reading them over. "Don't worry it gets easier, it took us forever to get it right. For the longest time the only thing we sent was photos. Then after your grandmother started showing up in the paper, we put the ages on the back and what the date was. Then we would put something like 'got a haircut today' or 'made his ball change color'. Simple stuff that helped them feel like they were not being left out. But, like you, we couldn't get to personal. Which is a shame, Sirius looks like he could be great fun to know." A coquettish look came to her face, confirming what Harry was thinking earlier, she would have fun with Sirius.

"Okay, lovelies, put them in the envelopes and set them on the table over by the door. Kippy will take them tomorrow. Speaking of Kippy, who wants to surprise her by making dinner?" Frances said, handing an envelope to each boy.

"I do," came two replies. They so liked surprising Kippy, she still got very happy when they did. And they liked the fact that she was so independent now, even if it meant they had to do their own laundry.

"What say we make some good ole' American, hotdogs and mac and cheese. Kippy loves that meal and if I remember correctly she had a big shipment today. So she may be tired," Jet said leading everyone to the appliances.

And with that the Owens family asked Luis if he would like to stay, but he declined, so they set about making one of their own feel better with their favorite dinner.

They didn't get letters back from their relatives, but they were seen in the newspapers more often so they knew they received them. Sirius was really picking up on the political scene and was voicing his opinion more often, which made Harry think a lot better of him. He made sure to tell him that in his missives.

February 25, 1991 Grimmauld Place, England

Sirius had just got the mail and was ecstatic that there was a letter from his godson. This would be the first letter he received and he almost didn't wait to open it, but he wanted to share with his friend. So, he ran back to the house in dog form to get there quicker.

After Sirius was let out, he found Remus and invited his destitute friend to live with him. It had taken awhile for them to get over the hurt and betrayal of each thinking the other had been working for the other side. After many drunken nights of apologizes, they finally got back their friendship. It took two weeks for Sirius to convince the werewolf to move in, but they were both now content on the arrangement.

During one of those drunken night, Sirius told the werewolf about his visit from Death and what he had been tasked with. Remus decided they needed help and had gone to Knockturn Alley and acquired two house elves, making sure to get ones that they had been freed and wanted a home. They attempted to use the elves to get the diary from Malfoy Manor, but were unable to get it. They even tried to use one of Lucius' elves, some poor creature named Dobby, who worshipped Harry Potter, but that failed as well. Sirius pondered on what to do, but couldn't come up with a solution. He figured if Death was right he'd be returning to Britain in the future and could get the diary then, he really wanted to see his godson.

They used the map to get into Hogwarts over the summer and it took a week before they smarted up and asked the house elves there. They were led to a room that was full of junk, and with the help of their elves, they obtained the headpiece and loads of other treasure. They removed the diadem and took it to the goblins to have them destroy it —for a price. It was sad to see such an item had to be destroyed, but there was no other way, short of Death coming and kissing it, or maybe a Dementor, and there was no way Sirius was going near one of those.

Sirius was entertained at how the normally vicious goblins bent over backwards to help him in his task. He knew it was because they were afraid of Death, that didn't make the dark-haired man less amused. After he had told his account manager what Death had told him about one being in the bank, the little buggers tore the Death Eaters vaults apart to find it. It was then they started treating Sirius like he was a goblin instead of a wizard, not that it was much of an improvement.

It was with Remus' help he found the locket in his own house. And according to Death that left only one more to find, besides the diary. It was a ring that was located somewhere near Little Hangleton. That was all Jim told him, in the one short visit he had from the deity. The two dogmen would have to search the whole area just to get it. Sirius was hoping to get that out of the way so he and Remus could go to Harry.

The diary would have to wait until later. There was just no way of getting into the Malfoy Manor and snitching it. They were both lament about how the house elf, Dobby, couldn't get in the secret room were the vile thing was hidden. The poor elf was so distraught that he couldn't help the godfather of the 'Great Harry Potter' that they never saw him again. Sirius just hoped that the little guy hadn't given the game away to his master.

Pulling himself from his thoughts as he got closer to his childhood home, he burst into the now clean house, thanks to the house elves. When he had first been freed he thought of selling the decrepit old place. He hated the memories it brought to him, but after some harsh months of mind-healing it was decided that he was the type who needed to face his fear and not run from it. So he kept the house and killed that blasted house elf, Kreacher, without a moment's hesitation. He blew up the wall that had his mother's portrait on in, and was glad it wasn't a lode bearing wall. He informed all the other portraits he would do the same to them if they gave him any bother. They, of course, left him in peace. He made sure that Dumbledore's spy, Nigellus Black, was never around when they talked about the horcruxes. He would have removed the portrait, but then the old man would think they were up to something Dark.

He found Remus sitting at the long kitchen table, sipping a cup of tea, waiting patiently. Sirius grabbed a cup of his own and sat next to his best friend. They opened and read the letter together. Sirius smiled and said, "This is very mature letter for a ten year old. He must be getting lesson on how to be a prominent member of society." He grinned at that, and then frowned, hoping his godson wasn't too stuck-up. He mulled over what Harry said about the things they did in school, and his frown increased.

"You are right, he must have had coaching," the older of the two men suggested, bringing Sirius out of his musings.

"I'm just glad he is doing alright. It sounds like his guardians are raising him well," Sirius said scratching his head, not quite sure how he felt about that. It had been his dream, after his best friend died, to raise Harry and teach him all he needed to know. It was one of the few thoughts that kept him sane in Azkaban. Now, judging from this letter, well, he wasn't needed. Wanted, yes, needed, no.

"I know you know where he is. How did you find him?" Remus asked, giving his full attention to the man next to him. "I've asked before, but you never answer. Now that you have told me all your other secrets, I think it is time you come clean with this one." He placed the letter on the table and picked up his tea.

"Oh, yeah, well, we were going to tell you after we were sure you weren't the spy. But James and I did the godfather ritual. That means…." He trailed off when Remus interrupted him.

"I know what that means. But, why didn't you use this to get yourself out of Azkaban?" Remus asked. It had taken two years for the Ministry to figure it out enough to question the man about Harry's whereabouts. If he had told them about the bond he could have been released a lot sooner.

The godparent bond created a very slight magical connection to the baby and the godparent. It was just enough to let the adult know that the child was in trouble and the general location as to where the child was. It wasn't enough to be considered an invasion of privacy, but enough to provide the protection a godparent it supposed to give their godchild. Sirius could have used this to get a trial, because the bond meant that he couldn't do anything to hurt Harry.

"Well, I didn't want Dumbledore to know I could find Harry at any time. It was tricky getting passed the truth serum, but they didn't ask the right questions, and since I only know vaguely where he is, well it was not hard, just tricky. He would have never stopped having me followed. It took months for that barmy old man to leave me alone as it was. If it hadn't been for you, we would've never found the horcruxes we did. Now that there is only two more left we can disappear when we've destroyed the ring and go to the boys. The diary is out of our reach, so we'll come back to it," Sirius explained, still upset over Malfoy's retention of that horcrux. "Anyway, I talked to Augusta and she is all for someone going to make sure that they are learning all they need to. I mean, I know the women said they are, but really what do they know about British politics?"

"Well, judging from what Death told you, I wouldn't underestimate them if I was you," Remus said, narrowing his eyes just a bit to get his point across.

"You're probably right; I should just keep up what I'm doing so he can see me in the papers. I like the fact that we can at least do that. Maybe I should send him a mirror, but I wanted to surprise him when we finally finish our task. So, no, I think I'll leave off on that until later," Sirius said, plans forming in his head.

The two discussed how to get the last soul anchor so they could get this mission over with and start the new one. It would take some planning to disappear, but with the, oh so helpful, goblins they had faith that in the next year they could pull both off.

March 15, 1990, SMI

Harry, Neville and Jordan had been in school for two and a half years now and they were enjoying the classes. The two Owens boys would soon be turning eleven. Jordan had already had his birthday in January. They were now taking more advanced Arithmancy and math, and were progressing far in their languages. They loved that this was an accelerated school. Their education was much higher than the schools such as Hogwarts, and since they knew they would be going back sometime in the next few years, they were hopeful that they would be prepared for what was to come.

When the boys got to school today, they noticed that their current teacher, Mr. Howard, wasn't there. There was a female teacher at the desk and she didn't look like anyone they wanted to know or even interact with.

She was an older woman that had grey hair, which was pulled into a severe bun on the back of her head; it was so tight that it made the wrinkles on her face pull back like she had had plastic surgery or something. She had half-moon glasses that were connected with a string that was looped around her neck. She was dressed like an old-fashioned schoolmarm in a plain black dress that you could see a white shirt peeking out of the neck. Everyone took their seats and waited to see what was going on.

The boys groaned, this wasn't the first substitute they had and they didn't like the last one either. That man had been a dick and tried to separate the boys, who now got to sit together. He failed, because seats were assigned and Clair made sure that the man knew he was merely a sub and couldn't change the seating arrangements.

Ms. Mumford was watching the lady with hawk eyes. She hated when people unknown were around her charges. It had taken a lot of finagling to get her to transfer with each year, but the government was persuasive like that. There were rumors among the staff that she was an agent, but they didn't know who she was protecting.

"My name is Mrs. Fry," the woman stated in a Scottish accent as she wrote her name on the blackboard. "I will be your substitute for the next two weeks. Mr. Howard had a family emergency and was called away. I will not tolerate any horse play or rule breaking in my class. Speaking of which, Mr. Owens, you will remove your hat immediately," she demanded, looking hard at Harry so he knew exactly who she was talking about.

A few of the bullies in class snickered, only to stop when her piercing glare turned to them.

"I apologize, Mrs. Fry, but I cannot do that. Did they not tell you that I have permission to wear this hat?" Harry replied in his most polite tone. Not really seeing what the problem was, he had been wearing hats to school for years. None of the other teachers had issue with it, not even the last dickhead. Internally he was wondering if all subs suffered from short man's syndrome. Then brushed that thought off, they had quite a few that were pretty cool.

"No one is above the rules, Mr. Owens. Remove it or be sent home," she barked, slamming her weak hand on the desks, which didn't make much noise, but caused some of the kids to flinch back. She was not giving a good impression.

"No," Harry said firmly, all the politeness gone from his voice and his green eyes sharpening with defiance. The aunts had always told the boys to stick up for themselves, even with an adult. You could hear all Harry's friends and family protesting the treatment he was receiving from this woman. He stared at her as if daring her to make a move.

"Mrs. Fry," Agent Mumford said, turning the subs attention to her, "you were told that Harry can wear his hat in class and the reason why. Why are you demanding he remove it now?" she questioned firmly. Her hands ready to defend her charge. Not the least bit intimidated by this old hag.

"It is the stupidest reason I've ever heard. A curse scar indeed. This little brat is only trying to get attention. I will not have it," Mrs. Fry snapped, never in all her years of teaching elementary school had she had a student, let alone an assistant, stand up to her. Her physical appearance usually warned them that she wouldn't tolerate it. "Why are you even in this class, Ms. Mumford? None of the other classes in this grade have teacher's aides," she questioned her eyes narrowing. She had no idea why this witch was in the non-magical side of the school and felt it undermined her authority.

Mrs. Fry was a squib and really didn't like magical children. She had been banished from her home in Scotland when she was eleven for not getting her letter for Hogwarts, confirming her families fear that she was non-magical. She normally didn't teach magical children, but had there not been a shortage of squib substitutes at the agency today, and she was only a sub available on such short notice. Normally she would not have stepped foot in this class, however, she had been mollified by her supervisor that they behaved as any non-magical students. Now, she could see by the insubordination in this boy that they did think less of her for being a squib. Oh, how wrong she was, they didn't like her because she was a pushy old woman and they'd known her for less than five minutes.

"What I'm doing here is none of your concern. I have followed this class since day one, and the principal knows who I am and why I am here. It is really none of your business, I have the correct credentials, and permission to be here, just like Mr. Owens has permission to wear his hat at all times. I think we should take this to the principal and get it straightened out," Ms. Mumford answered as she stood and went directly to the old woman, who obviously had a problem with the school. She grabbed the protesting woman's arm and marched her to the door.

"You can't do this! I was hired to teach this class and was told I can do it my way. How dare you, you stupid witch, unhand me before I have you arrested," Mrs. Fry started yelling as she was dragged away.

"Class, get out your Latin books and start reading chapter twenty-two. I will be leaving this door open and telling Mr. Frank, next door, to keep an ear out for you, so no playing or fighting. If I come back and find that door closed there will be a price to pay," the agent commanded loudly to be heard over the screeching woman. You could feel her Veela heritage in waves around the room, and no one wanted to see a pissed off Veela. This was unusual for her, most of the time she was quiet and only helped the class if they needed it. She had never taken command before. Harry, Neville and Jordan knew she could, she had been a fair, but strict tutor to them.

The class shuffled to comply as the two educators went out the door. Books were removed from the desks and most of the class sat quietly and started to read, until one of the well-known bullies stood up and went to Harry's desk. He knocked the book on to the floor, leaned over and got in the dark haired boy's space. "You think you're so smart, always getting your way. I've always wanted to know what was under that hat of yours. I think I'm going to find out," he said, grabbing the bill of the fedora and tried to yank it off.

Harry placed his hand on top of the hat, stood, and at the same time pushed the bully back with his free hand. "You're an idiot, Gary, if you think I'm going to let you do that. Have the few times we've 'talked' not taught you anything, stupid?" he replied, glaring at the other boy. He was keeping his cussing to a minimum at school in case a teacher walked in.

These two had been butting heads from day one, when this moron tried to pick on him because he was short. He had put the notion that short people couldn't defend themselves quickly out of Gary's head, but that didn't stop the other boy from continuing to try. This is why Harry felt the other boy either stupid, crazy, or both.

One of Gary's friends had closed the door, thinking that the other teacher couldn't hear what was going on and then went to back his friend. Neville and Jordan got up and went to stand by Harry. The other kids got up from their desks and either created a circle around the group or went off to the side as to not be caught up in a fight, if one broke out.

"You think you're above the rules, just because you can teach new magic. You're not, you're just a short dummy that likes attention," Gary said, pushing Harry back into Neville, who steadied his brother and glared at the bully.

"You would do well to keep your hands to yourself, Pissant," Harry said in his most pompous voice. Luis said when confronted by 'lesser people' to make sure you come off as polite as you can, so no one thinks you're instigating the fight and doing you best to quell it. Though calling the boy a name he probably didn't know wasn't helping Harry's case. "Besides, we" he swung his hand indicating himself, Neville and Jordan, "are the smartest in this class, so who is the dummy?" he questioned with a tilt of his head.

Some of the other kids looked affronted by that, but others knew he spoke the truth. The trio was top of the class, and had been since the first year.

Harry would never teach Gary and his minions the new form of magic. The other boys didn't know that if they had asked and not demanded then they would have taught them no problem. However, all three friends had a problem with idiots, who thought the world was theirs to command. They blamed it on the other boys' parents. If the aunts and Evie could teach them to be strong, but not greedy, then anyone could teach their children the same.

"Listen to the way you talk, what the hell does that even mean? You talk like you're some uppity-up and are better than the rest of us. You're not you know," Gary said, and it looked like his friends agreed, though, the many of the class didn't. They knew Harry and his family and they were always treated well by them. The Owens boys' aunts were way cool.

Gary and his friends started moving towards the three boys, who were doing nothing except standing their ground with arms crossed and glares firmly in place. Harry, Neville and Jordan weren't going to do anything that would get them in trouble, so they just let them advance and hoped that Mr. Frank showed up soon, just because the door was closed didn't mean the raised voices didn't carry down the hall. And as luck would have it, Mr. Frank chose that moment to enter the room.

"What is going on here? You children were told to read, not interact," the tall light-haired teacher demanded as he entered the room and took in the situation at a glance.

"Harry here thinks he is better than anyone, and won't show us what's under his hat," Gary said like that was supposed to help his position.

"Mr. Livens, take your seat, the rest of you as well. You don't need to know more than you already do about Mr. Owens' scar," Mr. Frank said, coming to the six students facing off. He stood in the middle of the group and glared down the instigators. He knew these boys were trouble from recess duty. They were always starting fights. Right now, Gary Livens was on probation, one more fight and he would be expelled. This didn't count since no punches were seen.

The rest of the class quickly complied, Mr. Frank was not one to be disobeyed and while he was not a mean teacher, he had no problem putting you in detention, and no one wanted to stay after school, nor did they want a note to go home to their parents.

With one last glare, Gary and his friends reluctantly took their seats. Harry and the guys went to take theirs, but Mr. Frank stopped them. "I will be telling Ms. Mumford what I saw, I will also be sending a note to all the guardians and parents on what I saw when I came in. I just wanted you to know that I commend you for not fighting back. Since there no fight incurred, there will not be any detention," he explained, not wanting these boys to think they were in trouble.

Ms. Mumford came back without Mrs. Fry, and the two teachers talked. She sent a grateful look to Harry and the other two boys. She called the three bullies to the front, handed them a note and sent them to the principal's office. Since she was just an aide she couldn't really discipline them. The rest of the day was spent reading and discussing what they read. There would be a new sub tomorrow, hopefully a better qualified one.

Harry and Neville went home with the notes, not really worried. It took a lot to get the aunts angry.

"Oh, my darling little boy, I am so sorry you have to face such hardships. Death did warn us after all. Well no matter, some freshly baked chocolate chip cookies will raise your spirits right up," Frances said, giving Harry a big hug, which he tried to struggle out of, he was ten now and didn't need cuddles.

"And you, my big man, standing up for your brother. I think you deserve cookies as well," Jet said in the typical manner the elder aunts used to defuse any tense situation. Chocolate cured everything, after all.

"To bad you guys didn't get a few hits in," Gilly said, since the whole Jimmy thing she had turned… well, not quite vicious, but harder. No one was going to lay a hand on her or her charges if she could help it.

"Aunt Gilly, we were in school, we can get suspended for fighting. If we were in town believe me there would have been punches thrown," Harry corrected her.

"Well, I suppose that's for the best," Gilly said, ruffling his hair and glad that he didn't have to wear the hat at home, yet saddened that he had to wear it at all, but they just couldn't take the chance even here across the pond. "I am proud of you for standing up to that old biddy of a teacher," she said, giving Harry her own hug.

"Yeah, I have no idea what that b… woman's problem was. I didn't even do anything to her. All I did was sit down. I'm just glad she didn't come back," he said, satisfied that things didn't progress further than they had. But now that they were home, there were cookies to be had and that would make everything alright.