Disclaimer: No I don't own the characters of Harry Potter. They are owned by Ms. Rowling.

This popped into my head and I had to write it. I think I've been reading too many bashing stories.

Harry has had enough of attitude of most students because his name came out of the GOF. So he decides to show them what the life of Harry Potter is really like. The story begins the evening that Hermione is hexed by Malfoy causing her teeth to grow exponentially.

A/N: I made a minor change at the end of the chapter. I felt it made it sound better after I began chapter two.

Marauder's Challenge

Hermione was reading in her favorite chair in the Gryffindor Common Room when Harry came storming down the stairs and out the portrait hole. She scrambled to put her book down and follow him. She almost tumbled out of the portrait hole in her haste. It was too late; she couldn't see which way he went.

Hermione tried to think of the most likely place that Harry would go. She closed her eyes trying to picture his face as he stormed by her. She cringed; she had never seen him that angry before. This stupid tournament and people believing he really wanted more fame, namely Ron, already had him on edge. Today's incident with Malfoy before potions didn't help matters any. She wondered what Ron had said this time? No matter, she needed to find Harry. He usually goes to the Astronomy Tower when he's angry so she headed that way.

Hermione found him standing where you could look out onto Hogwarts grounds. He was leaning on his hand, head bent.

Harry surprised her. "It wouldn't be a good idea to come any closer right now Hermione. I'm having trouble controlling my magic and I don't want to accidently hurt you."

She realized that she could feel his magic swirling in the air. It felt different then her own. "How did you know I was here Harry?"

Harry snorted. "I saw you sitting in the common room as I stormed out. You would get worried about what sent me out of the common room and follow me. I usually come here when I'm angry. I was expecting you, so I listened for your footsteps. I could also feel your presence through my magic. We know each other too well."

"I guess you're right, we do. What happened? It might help to tell me." Hermione asked from her position in the doorway, respecting Harry's space.

"Ron. He either ignores me, or spouts off about how I just want more fame and fortune for myself. He's lucky he's still in one piece." Harry gripped the wall until his knuckles turned white. "I was getting some parchment; I wanted to finish my potions essay tonight. Neville was reading, Seamus and Dean were getting some books from their trunks when Ron walks in from the bathroom. He says, and I quote: I bet Potter's parents are ashamed of their glory seeking son who won't share with his best mate? Unquote. Seamus and Dean dropped their books, staring at Ron. Neville, bless him, hit Ron with his book. I didn't stay or I might have killed the prat."

Hermione placed a hand over her mouth as she stared at Harry incredulously. How could Ron say that to Harry? What was wrong with him? She finally found her voice. "I...I just don't know how anyone other than Malfoy would say something like that to you. Especially Ron, he's supposed to be your best friend. Wait until I get my hands on that red headed imbecile! I'll hex him into next week. That's how long it will take Madame Pomfrey to fix him! I'll talk to the twins, they can prank him for all they're worth. Ginny will probably hex him than write Mrs. Weasley. I bet that Hogsmead would hear that howler."

Harry's chuckles interrupted Hermione's tirade. "Thanks Mione. I knew I could count on you."

She huffed. "Well, of course you can, I'm your friend unlike a certain redhead. What are you going to do Harry?"

Harry turned around to lean on the wall. Hermione joined him knowing he had calmed down, but became worried at the gleam in his eyes. "I realized something this week. You, Neville, Ginny and the twins are the only people in this school who believe that I didn't put my name in the Goblet. All the other students think that I am either some kind of hero for getting my name in the Goblet, or a glory seeking cheater looking for more fame. What Ron and the rest of them don't see is what I lost to gain that fame! I lost my parents and a chance to live with a loving family. The Dursleys aren't my family; they are my blood, nothing more. I would give up all my money, fame and the glory just to have my parents back!" A tear slid down his cheek, which he wiped off angrily.

Hermione took his left hand in both of hers. "I know you would Harry. The question is, what can we do to make Ron, well, all of them see that money and fame aren't everything?"

Smiling Harry pulled a mirror out of his pocket and held it in front of them. "I got this from Snuffles today. It's a communication mirror. He has the other one, and we can talk to both Mooney and Snuffles with it. I don't know how it works. We can ask Mooney when we see him in person."

Harry laughed at Hermione's pout. "Not funny Harry Potter."

"Yes it is Mione. I have an idea I want to run by the Marauders to see if it can be done. Can you put up a privacy charm?"

She smiled pulling out her wand and placing the charm. "So what are you waiting for, let's talk to Mooney and Padfoot."

Smiling, Harry held up the mirror. "Sirius Black."

Their faces wavered before Sirius' face appeared in their place. "Hey, pup, Hermione. I see you got the package."

Harry and Hermione smiled at the older man. "This is great Sirius! Just to warn you, Hermione's going to want to know how they work." He chuckled as he tried dodging her hand. "I wish this was a social call Sirius, but we need your help."

Sirius' face grew solemn. "Is it something to do with the tournament?"

"Sort of. Most students think that I placed my name in the Goblet for different reasons; most think that I am a glory seeking cheater. Today, Malfoy was wearing a badge that basically insulted me. Ron joined several people laughing at the 'Potter Stinks' message. I got angry, and Malfoy and I exchanged hexes. Malfoy's hex hit Hermione, causing her front teeth to grow. Snape took points from me and said that he didn't see any difference in Hermione."

Hermione placed her hand on Harry's arm hoping to help calm him down. "I'm okay now Harry. Madame Pomfrey was able to fix me right up."

"Not the point Hermione, but I'll let it go for the moment."

"Harry, you should tell them what really set you off tonight.

Harry scrubbed his face sighing. "Ron has been the worst of the bunch. I've been able to ignore him so far, but tonight he suggested mum and dad would be ashamed of their attention seeking son who wouldn't share with his best mate." Remembered rage flashed in Harry's eyes and his magic swirled around him again.

Hermione put an arm around his shoulder, offering support as he tried to reign in his magic and temper again.

Remus' face replaced Sirius' in the mirror. "Padfoot's going to need a minute. He needs to calm down. We know that you didn't put your name in the Goblet. You don't go looking for trouble, it always finds you. Take it from someone who knew your parents Harry, they would believe you and be proud of the man you are becoming." The three heard a crash in the background. Remus turned and yelled. "Padfoot, you better fix that chair! It's my favorite!"

A couple of minutes later Sirius joined Remus in the mirror. "Sorry Mooney. Better your chair than going to Hogwarts to hex Snivellus or Ronnie." Remus rolled his eyes. "Let's talk about how to prank the students and show them the real Harry Potter. Do you have any ideas Harry?"

Harry smiled. "I do, I just need your help on how to set it up." He proceeded to tell the three what he wanted to do.

Sirius whistled. "You don't think small do you Pup? I like it. Now, let's try and figure out how you're going to do it."

Harry and Hermione looked up when they saw movement over the mirror. "Hang on Padfoot, we have company. Looks like all four Hogwart's ghosts." He turned the mirror so that Sirius and Remus could see.

Sir Nicholas spoke for the four ghosts. "Good evening, Mister Potter and company. We are here on behalf of Hogwarts. Hogwarts has been watching you the last four years and has decided that it is time that she helped Godric's heir."

Hermione interrupted. "How can Hogwarts help? It's a castle."

The Fat Friar smiled genially. "You are thinking like a muggle my dear. The castle was created by four very powerful wizards and witches. They infused the castle with their magic so that it will protect the students. Over the years the castle has been filled with many wizards and witches practicing magic. It has seeped into the very walls of the castle creating a personality of sorts. For some reason the personality that has grown is feminine. Does that make sense Miss Granger?"

"Oh, yes. I'm sorry for interrupting." Hermione said embarrassed.

Sir Nicholas smiled. "Not to worry. As I was saying, she would like to help you Mister Potter. She is most troubled by your forced entry into the Tri-Wizard Tournament as well as the reaction of most of the students. She likes your idea Mister Potter and can help you."

Harry looked at the ghosts. "I appreciate the help. But first, did you say I'm an heir to Godric Gryffindor?"

"I did. The Gryffindor family married into the Potter family many generations ago making people think that his line died out. It did not. The Potters chose to keep the knowledge to themselves. When this is all over, I can lead you to Godric's personal office. It hasn't been opened since your grandfather attended school. I think your father forgot to ask about it. Now let's discuss how Hogwarts can help you and when you want to carry out your plan that is most worthy of the son of Prongs."

Two nights later the Great Hall was full of students eating their dinner including Remus who was sitting with Harry, Neville, the twins, Ginny and Hermione. Harry could see an older woman wearing a monocle sitting next to Professor McGonagall. She must me Madame Bones he thought. Remus had suggested inviting her to tonight's show. Harry knew that Rita Skeeter was hiding here somewhere. He had asked her to come after getting an oath that she would tell the truth about tonight's events.

Ron was sitting further down the table and glaring at Harry.

Harry looked at Fred or was it George and asked. "Do you think that Ron's trying to make me burst into flames?"

The twins nodded. One started their twin-speak. "Most definitely. Though he's…"

"angry that we are sitting with you…"

"instead of sitting with him."

"And that we believe you…"

"didn't put your name in the Goblet."

They finished together. "He thinks we're traitors."

Harry shook his head sadly. "I don't…"

Harry was interrupted when the hall doors and windows slammed shut. Several students screamed, others jumped to their feet wands drawn.

"SILENCE!" The Headmaster's amplified voice echoed throughout the hall. "Please, I ask all of you to calm down. I don't know what is going on, but the staff will find out."

The four house ghosts drifted into the hall before Dumbledore could continue. Sir Nicholas spoke. "There is no need for you to investigate Headmaster. Hogwarts has closed the hall so no one may leave or enter until she allows it."

Snape interrupted angrily. "What is this nonsense? Hogwarts is a castle, made of stone. You make it sound like it has intelligence."

Snape suddenly found himself dangling upside down.

"I don't think Hogwarts liked you calling her it, or was it unintelligent." Said an anonymous voice causing the hall to break out in snickers.

"Quite right, young man. I suggest that an apology is in order Professor Snape otherwise you will be left like that according to Hogwarts." The Fat Friar informed Snape.

"I will NOT apologize to a building..." Snape started but quickly found himself being shaken by whatever was holding him up. "Alright, alright. I'm sorry Hogwarts." Snape was unceremoniously dropped in his chair upside down. He slid to the floor groaning.

Nicholas started speaking again. "I do hope no one else interrupts. As you can see, Hogwarts is a bit upset at the moment." Dead silence. "Good. Getting back to the reason Hogwarts has closed the hall. She wants everyone here to see the truth, not what people think is the truth about one of her students. Mister Potter, would you please come forward?"

Ron saw red and jumped up forgetting about the warning. "Potter is an attention seeking liar, what other…" Ron found himself plucked from Gryffindor table, and flung to the nearest wall where he was stuck spread eagle and silenced.

At the same time Draco had jumped up. He too had forgotten the warning. "Trying to get more fame scar…." Draco also found himself stuck to the nearest wall, silenced.

Nicholas sighed. "Is there anyone else who would like to join Misters Weasley and Malfoy? Don't even try Headmaster. Hogwarts has already silenced you."

Everyone could see Dumbledore's mouth moving, but no sound was coming out.

Professor McGonagall grabbed his arm and forced him into his seat. "Sit down and pay attention Albus. It is obvious you are not going to be allowed to say your piece." She turned back to Nicholas. "I'm sorry Sir Nicholas. Please continue."

Nicholas bowed to Professor McGonagall, holding his head on his body. "Thank you Professor McGonagall. As I was saying, it is time for all of you to see the truth about Harry Potter, not what has been written about him in those fictional stories." Several gasps were heard throughout the hall, but no one spoke. "You are going to find out who Harry Potter really is tonight the hard way. Hogwarts is going to act like a pensieve, and show you Mister Potter's memories. For those of you who do not know what a pensieve is, it is a magical device that allows others to view a person's memories. This method will be a little different. In a normal pensieve, you only see the memories; with Hogwarts method you will be experiencing them as if you were Mister Potter."

Albus had paled as Sir Nicholas spoke. What were they going to see? He was aware how Harry was treated at the Dursleys. It was necessary that Harry be willing to follow Albus. He needed Harry to face Voldemort and die so that he, Albus Dumbledore, could finish the job and again be seen as the people's savior instead of some snot-nosed brat. If Amelia Bones saw the abuse that the Dursleys had subjected Harry to, there would be no way to send him back there. He needed to stop this, but he was now stuck to his seat as well as silenced.

Harry was now standing on the Hogwarts Seal located in front of the Head Table. He pulled out his wand holding it straight up. "I, Harrison James Potter, swear on my life and magic that I did not put my name in the Goblet of Fire, nor did I ask someone else to do it for me. So I say it, so mote it be." Harry's wand flared as he was surrounded by a white aura of magic. "I, Harrison James Potter, swear on my life and magic that the memories you are about to see are true and have not been altered in any way, to the best of my knowledge. So I say it, so mote it be." Again Harry was surrounded by a nimbus if magic. "Expecto Patronum!" Prongs burst out of his wand and pranced around the hall to many ooos and aaas.

Nicholas bowed slightly to Harry. "Thank you Mister Potter. To those of you who are not familiar with magical oaths, let me explain. When a witch or wizard gives a magical oath, they risk losing their magic and in this case their life if they break that oath. Mister Potter swore on both his life and magic that he was telling the truth. Since he is still alive and can cast magic, he was telling the truth. I suggest you brace yourselves for this will not be a pleasant experience. Are you ready Mister Potter?" Harry nodded. "Very well, Hogwarts, please begin."

Harry was surrounded by a glowing white nimbus of magic. The magic spread throughout the hall, touching and surrounding all of the occupants. Everyone began to experience parts of Harry's life first hand. Harry, Hermione, the two marauders, and the ghosts talked about the memories that should be shared. First would be the night that Voldemort attacked the Potters. Harry wanted the students, Ron, to see firsthand what he lost that night. Harry reluctantly agreed to allow everyone to see some of his life with the Dursleys. He chose some of the worst memories he had, because he wanted Ron, Snape and Dumbledore to know what his life was really like at the Dursleys. Harry's adventures at Hogwarts would be shared as well, including the confrontation with Peter Pettegrew at the Shrieking Shack. That was part of the reason that Madame Bones was here, the other part was so that Harry could press charges against the Dursleys. Rita was here to make sure that the truth about Harry Potter was printed and not swept under the carpet.

An hour later Hogwarts withdrew her magic except to conjure a chair for an exhausted Harry. The rest of the population slumped in their seats, some fell onto the floor. Crying could be heard from all of the tables.

An elf popped in next to Harry, handing him a pepper up potion, which he gratefully took thanking the elf. Once the potion dispelled his exhaustion, Harry looked around the hall. He could see that the majority of female student and staff were crying, some of the males had red puffy eyes. He was shocked to see that at least half of the students at the Slytherin table were upset.

Before he could analyze this new information his attention was drawn to the Head Table by yelling.

Professor McGonagall was standing over a semi-prone Albus Dumbledore yelling for all she was worth. Harry idly wondered if she could be heard in Hogsmead. "I told you they were the worst sort of Muggles! But would the Great Albus Dumbledore listen to me! Oh no, he knows best! Harry will be safe with his family you said! That is not what I call safe! He will NOT be going back there, I don't care what you say!" She wasn't finished yet. McGonagall turned to the prone Snape. "As for you Severus Snape, I have allowed Albus to talk me out of disciplining you for years. No more! Severus Snape, you are hereby fired! I have never seen such disgusting and unprofessional behavior in my life! You have complained for years that James Potter was a bully. He may have been a bully; at least he picked on someone who could fight back. You on the other hand are something far worse that a regular bully. You pick on children who cannot fight back! You enjoy humiliating them. You disgust me."

Madame Bones stood up before speaking. "Now I understand why I was asked to be here. If I understand you correctly Minerva, Albus Dumbledore is responsible for leaving Mister Potter with the Dursleys?" Professor McGonagall nodded. "Very well, Albus, I will be charging you with willful child neglect, endangerment and anything else I can come up with regarding the treatment Mister Potter received at the hands of the Dursley family. I will also be launching an investigation into the events that have transpired here in Hogwarts. That includes the actions and behavior of Severus Snape towards Hogwarts students." She turned to Harry. "I will also get a trial for Mister Black set up as quickly as I am able so that he can be your guardian Mister Potter. Something you were both denied by the Ministry and Albus Dumbledore."

Harry bowed to Madame Bones. "Thank you Madame Bones. I was told that you would be able to help in this matter." He looked at Snape who was still on the ground and sneered. "Still think I'm a pampered prince Snape? Did you enjoy the Dursleys' hospitality? How did it feel to be me in my first potions class with you? Did you enjoy being humiliated? Did you enjoy having your excitement about learning potions crushed by a bully?" He turned away from Snape in disgust.

Harry walked over to a visibly shaking Ron. "Hey mate. Tell me, how did it feel to be Harry Potter? Did you enjoy the fame? How about the money? Was it everything you dreamed it would be? How did it feel to watch your mother die for you? How did it feel to grow up with the Dursleys? How did it feel when my name came out of the Goblet? How did it feel to have your best friend call you a liar and a cheat?" Harry held up a hand to keep Ron from replying. "I really don't want to know. Don't bother tom come crawling to me with an apology, it's too late. I have no need for a friend who thinks that I would lie and cheat just for money and fame." Harry turned his back on Ron to address the rest of the students. "If I were you, I would demand my money back from the publishers who created the myth of the Boy-Who-Lived because he never existed." With that, Harry headed for the hall doors surrounded by those that had been sitting with him. He paused before the doors as he was surrounded by magic again.

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

Harry shook his head turning towards the Head Table pulling out his wand. He stunned Professor Moody. "Madame Bones, Hogwarts just spoke to me. That is not Professor Moody; he is Barty Crouch Jr. polyjuiced as Moody."

Madame Bones paled while Professor McGonagall gasped. "But Barty Crouch Jr. died in Azkaban."

Harry shrugged his shoulders. "All I know is what Hogwarts told me. All you have to do is wait an hour and you will know for sure."

"Maybe you should check his flask. He always has it with him. If he is polyjuiced, he wouldn't want to be without the potion." Added Hermione.

"In any case, we'll leave the matter in your hands Madame Bones." Harry and friends turned to leave the hall. The doors opened as soon as they reached them. Everyone else in the hall was still too shocked to move.

TBC