Disclaimer: Master Slytherin admits that J.K. Rowling (a pure-blooded Slytherin, may I add) owns everything that you recognise. Everything that is not recognisable is owned by Master Slytherin. No money is being made because the line of Slytherin needs not these petty coins, for we have supreme power. Now bow!

" " Normal Speech

' ' Thoughts

P" "P Parseltongue.

This is the last of the 2 for 1 deals. Hope you enjoy :)

Previously on Freelance Hero(FH):

Harry, holding firmly onto Jewel, affectuseod to Castus's room. Harry's jaw literally dropped right to the floor. He wasn't the only living human in the room. There was someone else who was speaking to Castus.

Chapter 9: A Short End to a Long Summer and the Start of Term

"Blaise! What the fuck are you doing here?" asked Harry in extreme alarm. "How? When?"

Blaise whipped around after the initial shock. Her beautiful sea blue eyes widened and she started murmuring an undistinguishable answer. Castus came to her rescue, though.

"She is having a conversation with me obviously. She stumbled across the trunk. The line of Zabini has always had the gift of Parseltongue, didn't you know. Their line is older and more respected than that of Slytherin! Once a time, every pureblood could speak to snakes. Then, in came the filthy mudbloods and now only a select few have this ability. Don't worry, I won't be teaching or telling her anything…useful."

"Why didn't you tell me this before? I'm afraid I'm going to have to get a lock for this trunk now. Sorry Zabini, but I don't allow friends into this trunk let alone strangers. I'm going to have to put a memory charm on you."

Blaise's eyes went wide open and she adopted a defensive stance. Once again, Castus came to her rescue.

"Stop! It is a refreshing change to speak to someone who knows our ways. You will not lock her out!"

"Do you want to bet!" spat Harry, "I don't let my pureblood best friend in here. She could be a spy! No, I'm sorry sir but Constant Vigilance! I have to go against you this time. I know she is distraught and that she is emotionally fragile, but we cannot let a teenage girl ruin my plans for the war."

Castus wasn't looking happy but could understand Harry's viewpoint.

"I'm afraid Miss. Zabini that Harry is right. Hopefully, sometime in the near future, I will see you again."

Blaise Zabini backed away. She didn't want to leave the room. Harry simply strode over to Blaise and grabbed hold of her arm. She jumped at his touch as he affectuseod them into Blaise's Room.

"How did you do that? I-I'm going to see Castus again. I don't care what you do!" hissed Blaise indignantly.

"It's funny, I've never spoken to you in five years of schooling," said Harry softly. "I wonder why?"

"You were obviously too busy basking in your fame and saving the school to notice us lesser mortals," spat Blaise.

"Why do you seem to dislike me? You don't know me and I saved your life."

"According to the people in Slytherin, you are an arrogant little bastard. Now please leave me be."

"Do you seriously believe Draco Malfoy and his goons? Is Malfoy the epitome of what a human being should be? You know what, fuck it. I don't have time for this shit. Once you get back to the real world, give me a call."

Harry was about to storm out when Blaise shouted "Wait!" Halfway through the door, Harry contemplated whether or not he should stay. He really would have loved to just leave without a backwards glance but felt compelled and curious as to why she was calling after him.

"I-I'm sorry for my outburst, I just really wanted to see Sir Slytherin. You're right; I don't follow Malfoy around blindly. I am my own person and am just recovering from the mourning of my parent's deaths. I suppose you know what it feels like. W-we have things in common. Both parsel speakers, both come from ancient and noble pureblood families, both oppose the Dark Lord even though we should be high up in his rankings and now both parentless. I'm sorry for being a bitch and thank you again for saving my life."

Harry nodded, she was right. Something suddenly hit him though: 'both oppose the Dark Lord even though we should be high up in his rankings'. Why should he serve Voldemort? What did she know?

"What do you mean I should be high up in his rankings? I'm the opposite of what he wants in a servant."

"Isn't it obvious? You're excellent at magic, a parseltongue and a carbon copy of what he was at your age, except for not being in Slytherin."

Time was catching up with Harry and as much as he would love to converse with the enigma which was Blaise Zabini, he had other priorities which required his attention.

"I was supposed to be in Slytherin…" whispered Harry softly.

"What was that?"

"I was supposed to be in Slytherin. I told the sorting hat not to put me there because my friend wrong told me what being in Slytherin entails. I have things to do I'm afraid Zabini. See you later."

Harry finally swept from the room leaving an unbelieving Blaise Zabini in his wake. His business took him to his room. It was sleep. He had just enough energy left to reach the bed. He then collapsed on it and let the wings of consciousness fly away.

"So Lucius, you had him in your grasp and just let him go? Or do you want me to believe you were incapacitated with a simple stunner? Which one? I can see you are formulating a lie! Crucio!"

The spell was kept on Malfoy for a good five minutes. Voldemort did not relent and brought Malfoy to the brink of hallucination before he released it.

"Perhaps you are not the right-hand man I thought you were. Perhaps a demotion will wake you up. Yesss first the Department of Mysteries, then the blunders against Potter throughout the summer and now this. Perhaps this is one time too many. But who will replace you? Never Wormtail or Lestrange. The rat is even more of a blundering fool than you and Lestrange, while is a capable fighter, will never be sane enough to advise me. Curse Potter for killing Avery and Rookwood! They would have been perfect. I do not trust Severus enough; otherwise he would have been the best from the start. Of course! Malfoy, bring in Nott from the ministry and tell him it's urgent."

"P-please Master. I will make no more errors; do not take me from your side! I am loyal. Damn that Potter brat!" With that Malfoy disapparated and returned minutes later with Nott.

"Master, how can I serve?" drawled Nott.

"I dare say you know about Malfoy's problems. He is no longer competent enough to claim to be the best of the best. You will fill this spot but I warn you, one blunder and you will be killed! Malfoy is good with words and therefore got himself out of much; you, on the other hand, cannot. Here is a warning for failing me. Crucio!"

Halfway across the country, an adolescent wizard woke up, scar burning like fire, but with a maniacal smile on his face nonetheless.

Harry's stomach lurched; he hadn't had a meal in so long. Even though he couldn't be bothered to face the Order, he had to go downstairs. He cursed magic for not being able to conjure up tangible, organic products from scratch.

When he descended the steps, Harry found a subdued Order, eating what looked like a delicious meal. The mood was strange and the seating arrangement was even more so. On one side were Ron, Remus, Mad-Eye, Fred, George and Mundungus Fletcher. Ginny and Bill were in the middle and the rest of Order members who were at Headquarters were at the other end of the table, rounding off with Hermione. Blaise Zabini was sitting as far way from the Order as possible. Harry's eyes narrowed and made a mental note to confront them about why she wasn't included.

"Hey, sorry about being away, I had business to attend to. It was unavoidable but now I'm back."

Hermione acted as if she didn't hear him, though Harry could see signs of relief in her eyes. The Order members he didn't know followed Hermione's example. Remus, Ron, the twins, Bill and Mundungus got up and welcomed him warmly.

When Harry turned around, he had a wand pointing right between the eyes. He knew exactly who it belonged to.

"What did you pull out of the Sorting Hat?" asked Moody gruffly.

"The sword of Gryffindor. Good to see you too, Moody!"

"Harry Potter!" screeched Mrs. Weasley, "You are going to be the death of us. Dumbledore said that you were last seen going to Nott's office. How could you be so foolish? You more than others should know that he is part of You-Know-Who's inner circle. Thank goodness you're okay!" The poor mother looked as if she was going to be stricken by a heart attack.

"I think," said Kingsley Shacklebolt, in his usual calming voice, "we should call Albus and hold a meeting so Harry can explain his actions."

"Explain what? Why I was away? I'll tell you right here, right now! Nott told me that Voldemort wanted me to be in his inner circle. I refused and have been on the run from them since. I have only just arrived."

"He wouldn't recruit a Sixteen year old in his inner circle," snorted Tonks. "Tell us what really happened."

Harry glared at her, debating whether or not to even dignify that with an answer.

"Well," he hissed, "Who wouldn't want me in his inner circle, Nymphadora?"

"He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named." She rolled her eyes.

"Who must not be named? As I've said before, you're pathetic. Now, I've told you what happened, I'm leaving. I've had enough of this fucking shit-hole. Thanks for the meal Mrs. Weasley. You know where, Moony. I'll see you all on September 1st. Don't worry, Ron, it's only like next week. Speak to Remus sometime. Bye."

Just as Dumbledore appeared, Harry affectuseod to his room upstairs. He heard an uproar coming from downstairs and smiled. Even with his trunk, he needed somewhere to stay. He decided that sometime in the near future, he would try and get a cheap flat to live in. For the moment, he would just stay in Grimmauld Place but remain in the trunk. As for food, he'd either go to a restaurant or sneak into the kitchen at night.

Harry headed for the dueling chamber; he hadn't had any practical encounters for a long time and needed to push himself as far as possible before the school year started. He decided to follow a strict program of study in the night and training in the day. This way, he would make use of his resources and wouldn't get too tired.

At the end of his training session, he was using conjuring and nothing else, he decided to use the mirror to contact Remus and Ron. The only problem, he didn't know where it was, though he knew it was somewhere in the trunk.

'Accio Mirror,' thought Harry. There was a slight pause. Harry thought the spell hadn't worked when the mirror flew straight at him. He caught it with deftness only a seeker could possess.

"Remus," he breathed, "Remus Lupin."

"Hey professor, your mirror's talking. I didn't know they made some which talked without you looking in them. How annoying must it get?"

"Ron, please call me Remus for the hundredth time, and I believe it is Harry."

Harry smiled at the exchange, even though he couldn't see them without Remus activating the mirror. The werewolf activated the mirror and Harry started speaking to them.

"Hey Remus, Ron. Now, we can't have this conversation over the mirror, so tell me which room you're in. Make sure the coast is clear."

"We're in the tapestry room. No-one is with us. I was just about to explain to Ron about everything."

Harry affectuseod there and back with his guests. They landed in the open-air room. Both of his visitors were in awe of their surroundings.

"H-Harry wha…whe…how?" asked Remus.

"I thought that the other place was too dull and formal. Please sit down on the grass. I'll be right back with a book."

Ron groaned and Remus laughed. It sounded rusty, as if it hadn't been used in months. Harry brought his book on Occlumency for Ron.

"Ron, I want you to read all of this. When you do, come to me and I will teach you the practical. I'm afraid that without it, I can't tell you everything."

Ron wore an expression of confusion which caused Harry to elaborate.

"Professor Dumbledore has a very bad habit which he shares with Snape. They both enjoy accessing people's minds. You cannot lie to them and, if you are not trained in Occlumency, they can find out whatever you're thinking. Most pureblood families teach Occlumency from a very young age to hide family secrets, but the Weasleys don't believe in the family secrets rubbish. It is common for 'light' wizarding families such as the Weasleys, the Longbottoms and the Prewetts to not teach their children this. I'm afraid Ron, that you must learn it. I will take you back to the tapestry room. The quicker you read it, the quicker I'll let you into the secret stuff. As you can see, it's not very long."

Ron looked disgruntled but understood and complied. Harry knew for a fact that Ron would finish the book in record time (for him anyway). The pair affectuseod to the tapestry room but only Harry returned.

"Remus, let's cut out all the small talk. I'm going to create my own alliance against Voldemort. It'll be kind of like the Order but everyone is going to have a say. I'm not going to be like Dumbledore or Voldemort; it's going to be completely democratic. Whoever joins will have to go under Veritaserum and there will be random Veritaserum tests on members to stop a spy from entering. What do you think?"

Harry expected Remus to strongly try and dissuade him and to be shocked. He never expected a pensive response. Remus seemed to be thinking hard; whether he was thinking of a reason to stop the idea or whether he was seriously considering it, Harry didn't know.

"I can't say I wasn't expecting this," started Remus slowly, weighing up every word. "But I don't think you have thought it through properly. This won't be like the DA. Harry, you and all else you lead will face dire consequences if caught. Look at how undercover the Order is, and it is led by Dumbledore, not a teenager. However, I admit you are not a teenager anymore, you've seen too much…"

"Remus, I have thought everything through. I have researched all our laws concerning this and have had more than a month to contemplate. This isn't just a rash decision; if it was, I wouldn't be talking to you about it; I would have started it already. It's not going to be full of gossiping teenagers, I know for a fact I have some adults on my side. Surely I'm not the only one to notice the bizarre seating arrangements."

"I don't know Harry…"

"Please Remus. Do you think my parents or S-Sirius would have wanted me to lay low and follow orders blindly? If not for me, do it for them. I need you Remus. Please."

Harry knew that had done the trick. He knew that his 'Order' had officially started. He already had two members; Nott and Remus.

"Okay, Harry. But you must consult me before rushing into battle, or anything for that matter. I know you can get a bit…headstrong sometimes. Those are my terms."

"I accept. I have occlumency now Remus, I can tell when something is a trap. I can also tell when some people are lying to me. Now I have a confession. If you tell anyone, you could be condemning a man to death and our whole organization will become blind. I have a spy. This spy is much more efficient than Snape. He is also much higher ranked and spies for me from the top of the ministry and the top of Voldemort's inner circle. I think you're clever enough to guess who it is in two tries…"

"Malfoy?" breathed Remus. "Harry, you are not to trust him; he is cunning and devious. He is not loyal to anyone, not even Voldemort! I would know Harry; he was a few years above us in school!"

"No not Malfoy, someone even higher up."

"Harry, you should know Malfoy is top of all Death Eaters. Power and Money made him an automatic choice for Voldemort."

"No, he has been ousted by Voldemort. His right hand man is the Minister of Magic and our spy; Sebastian Nott."

Remus looked puzzled so Harry related his whole tale with him in detail.

"So you see, I had him under Veritaserum and, as a typical Slytherin, he gets something in return. That is why I trust him up to a point. I will put him under Veritaserum regularly, though; I still don't trust him totally."

Just as Harry finished his spiel, the Augery appeared in a burst of black flames. Remus got up with his wand out trembling from head to toe.

"Harry, get back. This is a Phoenix of Death, get away from it. I'll kill it."

Remus raised his wand but an unknown force blew him across the room. Harry watched fascinated as Remus couldn't move, it was as though he was in a full body bind. Then, realization dawned; the Augery must have a defense mechanism to stop it from being harmed. Harry strode over to the bird and stroked its neck to calm it down. Slowly, Remus was able to move again.

"Harry, stay away. It's one of the most dangerous and dark creatures to roam this Earth. I haven't seen one since a horrible Care of Magical Creatures lesson in my seventh year. They are very dangerous!"

"Don't worry Remus. This is my messenger from Nott. Every Minister has owned an Augery if you must know. They are a misunderstood creature. I thought you might understand that!"

The Augery did indeed have a letter which Harry read aloud.

I've got to number 1. The blonde was ousted and I am his successor. No meetings for you for a cycle of the moon. Meet on 3rd Weekend for a discussion. Meet where we last met.

Harry sneered. Even though the Augery couldn't be intercepted, Nott wasn't taking any chances. It brought home to Harry what a susceptible position his spy was in.

"I'd like to meet Nott for myself Harry; we werewolves have a good nose for these things."

"Alright, you can join us but only appear once I've introduced you. The meeting is in his Office. Here let me take you back."

The duo found a red haired boy studying as hard as he could. Harry was surprised to see that he was a quarter the way through the book and had about a page of notes. Even though the book was short, Ron was a very slow reader. Despite Harry seeing the loyalty in Ron's eyes, this more than anything showed him that Ron would be loyal.

"Well done, Ron. Remember, call me with the mirror once you've finished. I'll see both of you soon."

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The next few days involved Harry training very hard against multiple targets. He was also researching useful spells against multiple targets. To his dismay, he couldn't grasp the concept of multiple spells and knew he wouldn't be able to cast any parselmagic without passing out. This frustrated him and caused the young man to train even harder.

Conversations with Castus were mainly about Ancient spells the portrait knew. Harry had trouble performing some of them. Castus had said he was still too 'loving' to perform them, though Harry suspected it was because he wasn't being taught as well as he could. When he confronted Castus about this, the portrait replied:

"Well I'm a respected Lord, not a fucking babysitter. If you don't like it, then leave." And Harry hadn't been able to speak to him since. The 'Lord' feigned sleep whenever he entered.

'Well that's very mature and Lord-like,' Harry had thought.

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Two days before the end of the summer, Harry got a mirror-call from Ron who told him he had finished the book. Harry told him to practice emptying his mind every night and he would start teaching him on the first day of school.

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The final day of the summer was a great landmark for Harry for two reasons:

One, he had been able to perform two stunners at the same time and Two; he had managed to use the parseltongue equivalent of 'Wingardium Leviosa.'

He had almost been knocked unconscious by magical drainage on both counts, but it was a stepping stone for him and he felt it was worth it in the long term. He almost gave up on parselmagic the previous day but the thought 'Only Voldemort can block those spells' spurred him on.

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Harry had everything packed, ready and miniaturized on the stormy morning of September the 1st. Harry found that he didn't really want to go back to Hogwarts; last year's memories were still fresh in his mind, but he felt an obligation to protect the students from harm.

It was in this mind frame that Harry Potter found himself on Platform 9 ¾, with the Hogwarts Express ready and gleaming in front of him.

He was on the receiving end of many scared and awed looks. It really pissed him off. He continually protected the wizarding world but in return he received frightened looks.

Harry boarded the Express with a sigh and found the best compartment thanks to his earliness. He knew he wouldn't be meeting anyone yet because they were always late. Instead, Harry meditated, using a technique he had found in one of the books he had bought in Diagon Alley.

"Why's he floating?"

"I don't know."

"Do you think we should wake him up?"

"I don't know."

"He needs to change into his robes doesn't he?"

"I don't now."

"Do you think he'll be pissed off if we wake him?"

"I don't bloody know."

"Well, I'm gonna wake him up. You're all cowards."

Harry felt someone come close to him and as quick as a flash, he had his wand out and that person was thrown across the room with considerable force.

Harry snapped open his eyes and already had a shield around him. Almost immediately, he relaxed and dropped the shield. It was Ron, Ginny, Neville, Luna and some other members of the DA. The person who he had damaged was Zacharias Smith. Harry privately felt he deserved it but apologised to the headstrong adolescent nonetheless.

"Sorry about that. Hey guys, how are you all doing?"

It was the signal for conversation. This bored Harry, though and so he signaled to Ron and the pair slipped off, seemingly unnoticed.

They had to travel to end of the train to find an empty carriage. Harry cast silencing spells on the carriage.

"Right, Ron. The opposite of Occlumency is legilimency. I'm going to try and access sad memories from your mind. What I want you to do is, as the book said, clear your mind and try and build a mental wall. Okay, legilimency."

At first, there was nothing and Harry was surprised but delved deeper. There was a weak wall veiling memories. Harry tore down the wall and saw Dumbledore telling Ron he is no longer a prefect because he had neglected his duties, Ron thinking Harry was dead on many occasions, Ron not being friends with Harry in fifth year and Ron thinking Ginny was dead amongst other memories.

"Alright, you did well for your first try but your wall was very weak and you couldn't hold the blankness. The wall will take a long time so for now, we will focus on keeping your mind blank."

Ron was determined and so Harry tried to access his mind. This time, Ron held him out for ten seconds before Harry could access his memories.

"Now, the way I just entered is what Snape or Voldemort would use. I'm now going to use Dumbledore's subtle method. In some ways, this is much more effective because you won't realize I'm there unless you've mastered occlumency or if you're concentrating hard. I'm not going to use an incantation. Get ready!"

Harry lightly probed until he reached Ron's memories. He did it with ridiculous ease which worried Harry.

"When are you going to start?" asked Ron with his eyes firmly shut.

"I've already accessed all of your memories Ron. Are you sure you didn't feel a thing?"

"Wha- no! How did you do that?"

Harry sighed; it was going to be harder than he thought.

"I need to find another way. I'm going to do some research tonight and get back to you tomorrow. I'm afraid teaching Occlumency will take around a year."

"How come you learnt it?" asked Ron.

"I already had training with Snape." This was a lie, but Harry couldn't exactly say; I've had the equivalent of six months practice because my twin has been going into the past. That's also why I know all those spells.

Ron was about to say something when an unwanted visitor came in. Draco Malfoy, flanked by Crabbe and Goyle, entered with a sneer firmly in place.

"So Potter, you think just because you've killed that you're a hard man? You better watch your back this year. So, who else have you got killed that's closed to you. You haven't got much left have you? I suppose you're probably planning on getting the Weasels killed."

Ron was ready to pounce but Harry simply looked bored. After all those Death Eaters, Malfoy was just an annoying brat.

"How does your father feel about not being the top dog anymore? How does he feel knowing it was me?"

Draco looked genuinely confused which gave Harry much more satisfaction than beating the ferret to a pulp.

"You mean you don't know? Haven't you noticed he's not as much of an arrogant bastard as he used to be? He's not Voldemort's right hand man anymore."

Everyone in the room except Harry shuddered at the mention of Voldemort's name. Malfoy was livid and drew his wand but Harry was quicker. In a wave, Harry had Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyles' wands in his hand.

"Now why don't you be good little Death Eaters and FUCK OFF!"

Harry waved his wand again and the door opened. He banished the wands and charmed them to only stop at the first carriage, the furthest one away from Harry's.

"Harry that was wicked! Where'd you learn all that stuff?"

"What stuff, it was only a simple summoning and banishing charm!"

"Yeah, but you didn't even say the incantation! How'd you do that?"

Harry cursed himself for revealing he could do wordless magic.

"Oh, right, yeah, dunno. You want a game of chess?"

"Yeah, I'm sure I can still beat you."

They played in relative peace for the rest of the train journey. By the time the train had pulled into Hogsmeade Station, Harry had lost ten times consecutively.

"Don't worry Harry, you'll win one day," sniggered Ron.

As they approached Harry, he nudged Ron and asked, "Can you see them now?"

"The thestrals? No, where?"

Harry's heart became filled with hope. If Ron couldn't see the Thestrals, did this mean Sirius wasn't dead?

'No, I mustn't fill myself with false hope,' he thought, 'not like last year…'

He couldn't stop his heart from racing, though. At the back of his mind, he seriously believed Sirius was alive.

"No, he's dead," Harry chastised aloud.

"What was that?" queried Ron, confused.

"Oh, nothing."

They were joined by Ginny, Luna and Neville.

"Hey, where were you?" pouted Ginny.

Harry let Ron handle this one and he preoccupied himself with enjoying the simple pleasure of the beauty of Hogwarts. After all these years, he still loved the view.

Walking into the warm, dry castle was a relief for the otherwise drenched student body. The great hall was, of course, looking perfect. The enchanted ceiling mirrored the miserable conditions but the mood inside was anything but.

Harry took his seat in between Ron and Neville with Dean and Seamus opposite him. His housemates were surprised when Hermione took her seat at the opposite end of the table. Dumbledore gave him a look which clearly said it was his fault but Harry chose to ignore it.

The doors of the great hall opened to reveal a very short, cold and wet group of people; the first years. They were all shivering like mad. Harry wasn't sure whether this was due to nerves or bitter cold.

Hagrid led them to the Sorting Hat which waited a few seconds before its brim opened into a mouth.

Insert Sorting Hat Song of your choice here. I'm not a poet and my gosh don't I know it

McGonagall called their names one by one. As usual, Ron couldn't wait for the Sorting to end and when Wade, Michael was placed in Slytherin, he sighed in relief.

"There is quite a large speech which I must deliver this year," started Dumbledore.

"Oh, crap," exclaimed Ron louder than he had hoped. Dumbledore had to wait a good few minutes for the laughter to subside and continued.

"But this is not the time. Let there be food."

Just as the food appeared, the door burst open.

Harry, who was always ready, stood up and drew his wand in one fluid moment.

'Distupefy!' he thought and two blood red spells charged at the intruder. The stranger brought up a powerful shield and Harry found four spells coming right at him and he'd already wasted his energy on the multiple stunners.

He did the instinctive thing to do and rolled out of the way. One of the spells collided with the Hufflepuff table behind him and rebounded harmlessly away. The second one hit Colin Creevey in the chest and the young adolescent fell stunned. The third stunned a timid first year. The fourth one, though, came right at Harry, who was unable to dodge.

Luckily for him, his disguised manticore hide was able to take the brunt of the spell, but Harry still recoiled. This stranger was extremely powerful. Harry raised his wand and was about to try and perform a more powerful curse when his wand left his hand.

"Enough!" yelled Dumbledore in an authoritarian voice. "For the attack, 5 points from Gryffindor, Mr. Potter. I'd like to welcome the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Frigus McClaggan."

McClaggan removed his traveling cloak and Harry caught his first glimpse of the man. He looked rather like an old lion. There were streaks of grey in his mane of tawny hair and his bushy eyebrows; he had keen yellowish eyes behind a pair of wire-rimmed spectacles and a certain rangy, loping grace even though he walked with a slight limp.

There was no applause whatsoever, just silence. A silence which seemed to grow in volume, yet no-one made a sound.

McClaggan appeared completely unperturbed and limped up to the teacher's table, stroked his tawny hair and sat down, staring unblinkingly at Harry. Harry blushed a little when he realised he was still standing up with his wand arm raised. Hastily, he took a seat beside Ron whose mouth was wide open.

He was about to ask him to close it when become conscious that this was the general disposition of most of the occupants of the hall. Some eyes held awe but most conveyed fear. Harry groaned and saw Snape's face was a mask.

'He wouldn't show emotion if the whole school blew up,' thought Harry.

"Let the feast begin," stated Dumbledore. With a wave of his hands, the tables were groaning with plates upon plates of delicious food cooked up by the house-elves. Ron, of course, already had two drumsticks by the time Harry had started.

"Rgow d hgael dgid yoo do dat?" asked the red head with his mouth completely full. The females present looked away in disgust.

"What?" queried Harry. Ron gave a gargantuan gulp and repeated the phrase.

"How the hell did you do that?"

The hall was still almost silent, waiting in anticipation for Harry's reply.

"Don't worry. I can't be bothered to explain."

This signaled the start of conversations elsewhere. The Great Hall was alive with voices. Most people seemed to be trying to steal a glance at Harry. Some were being discreet that they were talking about Harry, some were being ridiculously obvious.

The only people who weren't thinking he was the next Voldemort were those from the DA. Harry was sick of it and was praying that the feast ended soon. His prayers were answered as Dumbledore stood up.

"Now, for start of term notices. The forbidden forest has been named appropriately named; it is forbidden. I would like first years and some older students to take note of this."

Dumbledore glanced at Harry, a small twinkle in his eyes, before he carried on.

"Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you that Puking Pasties, Fainting Fancies and most other Weasley's Wizard Wheezes products have been added to the 589 long list which one can peruse at one's own pleasure outside Mr. Filches office." The twinkle grew at an alarming rate before it completely disappeared as Dumbledore continued. It was replaced by an almost frightening and uncharacteristic steely glare.

"Now, the most serious of all: Voldemort is now active, I'm afraid and we will not take any chances." The student body seemed to hold its breath simultaneously.

"The new curfew is seven thirty, I'm afraid. Anyone caught outside at this time will receive a very severe punishment unless they have a very valid excuse; it is for your own safety. Quidditch practice will be supervised by Madam Hooch and Aurors will be sent for quidditch matches.

"Also in light of His active return, everyone in this school will attend Defense Against the Dark Arts classes, whether you have received the required grades or not." Next to him, Parvati and Lavender pouted.

"Prefects, if you'd like to lead the first years to their dormitories. I wish you all a good night."

Hermione and Seamus led the timid first years out of the doors. They all took the route furthest away from Harry which made him frown and sigh.

"This whole fucking school is full of dumb-arses," commented Harry to Ron. Unsurprisingly, this didn't go down well.

He was just about to leave the Great Hall when Professor McGonagall called him.

"Harry Potter, could you stay behind so we can discuss your timetable, please."

'Timetable my arse,' thought Harry, but still felt compelled to stay behind.

He was on the receiving end of even more inquisitive glances as he made his way up to the teachers table. Most of the educators had departed leaving Dumbledore and McGonagall.

"Should we go to my office? It is more comfortable there," started Dumbledore.

"No, here's fine. What do you want?" Harry knew he was being blunt but he couldn't care less.

"Professor McGonagall has informed me that you have only taken four electives. I'm afraid I cannot allow this to happen; even the most mundane take five. You are a bright pupil who should be taking six or seven. I'd like to ask you to choose two more subjects."

"No, I'm fine with the subjects I've taken. I feel the others are a waste of time. Care of Magical Creatures and Herbology are a waste of time, Astronomy is boringly useless and you'll have to drag me into another History of Magic lesson. You're lucky I didn't drop potions as well. No, sorry. It's my future and I can do what I want which is four subjects. It gives me time for self-study. End of discussion. Anything else?"

McGonagall was about to chastise him but Dumbledore stopped her.

"Yes, I'd like you to explain your actions in the Great Hall earlier. You had no reason to attack anyone. What if it had been a late-coming student? Two stunners to a first year are very dangerous." Harry didn't even wince, he knew Dumbledore was trying to make him feel guilty but he wasn't going to take the bait.

"And what if it was a Death Eater? We'd be mourning dead students and staff. If Voldemort were dead, I wouldn't have done anything but that is not the case. I felt the need to protect the students. If you don't mind Professors, I'm very tired. Goodnight."

"What's happened to you, Harry? Why have you become so bitter? I know I've made mistakes but our ability to forgive makes us different from Death Eaters."

"How dare you imply I'm going fucking dark? Fuck you! I'm about as 'light' as you are. It is not the magic which is light or dark, but the intentions of the user."

"30 points from Gryffindor for disrespecting staff. You're at Hogwarts now; you need to be more respectful."

Harry put on his most sarcastic, somber voice, "I will keep that in mind next time Professor McGonagall."

Harry swore he saw a flash of humor pass Dumbledore's eyes. 'Was this man ever serious,' he thought and made his leave.

Harry affectuseod to his dormitory in Gryffindor Tower; he was too tired to walk

and couldn't be bothered to guess the password. He collapsed on his wonderfully made four poster bed fully clothed.

Next day, he found he only had one subject; double Defense Against the Dark Arts in the afternoon. Ron kept giving him jealous glares but Harry knew it was all in good jest. Harry spent the morning getting ready for something he had planned ever since the start of the Summer Holidays. At lunch, Harry had to get serious.

"Ron, I want you and some others to get everyone from the DA together. There is a meeting tonight at seven outside the room of requirement. Spread the word."

"Wha-" started Ron.

"Don't worry, just do it."

They walked together to the DADA room. The student body was avoiding Harry as much as possible. When they reached the classroom, they found it was almost packed. Luckily, there were two spaces at the front. There was a sense of anticipation in the classroom. McClaggan was late and the class began to grow restless. Harry was particularly looking forward to the lesson and desperately wanted to ask how he got a shield which multiplied the number of spells used. BANG! The door flew open and a hooded person advanced on the class.

Harry took out his wand and banished all the students into the far corner in one sweeping movement. He then put up the weakest parsel-shield he knew.

"Essgorathh." It was very draining on Harry, but only unforgivables and extremely powerful dark curses with parsel roots could get through.

It seemed to have worked as the hooded person fired spell after spell after spell. Harry's concentration was slipping badly and for a brief second, a snake appeared on his shield. If this stranger was clever enough, he would now know which spell Harry was using.

"Imperio," hissed the stranger. There was no way Harry could fight the curse and hold up the shield so he let it drop and dodged the curse.

Harry rolled to the side and thought, 'affligo' while waving his wand at a nearby table. The table smashed into a million pieces and Harry transfigured some of the pieces into mirrors. And some others into a swarm of bees. This kept the stranger preoccupied while Harry rested and checked up on his classmates, this was definitely a bad move.

"Stupefy," came a voice behind him. Harry turned around to find two stunners heading way from a grinning Professor McClaggan. He tried to bring up a shield but the stunners ripped it apart and the duel was over.

After being revived, Harry saw that the classroom was back to normal.

"As I was saying, 20 points to Gryffindor for keeping cool, battling and keeping your classmates safe. 10 points from Gryffindor for getting hit by a simple stunner and another 10 for looking away in a duel; it is a fatal error."

There was unrest amongst the Gryffindors, who clearly felt Harry shouldn't have had any points taken away. Ron was fuming and muttering negative expletives under his breath. Harry saw Malfoy sneering at him from the other side of the classroom.

"Now, I haven't seen a sixth year class so behind on their studies. I'd say some third years could out duel most of you. From what I can see, you've only been taught how to use curses for one year, correct?"

There was a general murmur of affirmation.

"What about Lupin? He taught us loads of stuff!" said Seamus indignantly.

McClaggan slowly turned around to face Seamus and stared at him for what seemed like an age. Seamus gulped and turned a brilliant shade of red.

"Ten points from Gryffindor for speaking out of turn. What use does being able to banish a boggart have in this war? Don't speak out of turn again laddie. Now, I want you to pair up and practice every single curse you know on your partner, starting with Expelliarmus. I wouldn't be surprised if this only takes one lesson. Start!"

Harry was about to pair up with Ron when McClaggan tapped him on the shoulder and pulled him away. Ron shrugged and went with Neville.

"Where'd you learn all those spells?" asked McClaggan.

"Oh here and there," answered Harry evasively.

"So you want to play that game, eh Potter? Well these are my rules in this classroom: you are not allowed to perform illegal magic. Are you aware that you have broken this rule? That's right. Parselmagic was banned in 1001 after the Dark Lord Slytherin reaped havoc on the world with it. There is no defense against it; it is very dangerous. I advise you not to use it. Also, until you have mastered it, it could be fatal to use. Some parsel-speakers have lost all their magic or even died from using this form of magic. Understand? Good, now go back to your friend and remember what I've said: Dark Magic is powerful, beautiful and above all else addictive."

Harry returned to Ron in a pensive manner. He had indeed learnt something. Castus hardly ever listed dangers of Dark spells, perhaps because he was unaware of them.

Ron was currently on the patronus spell with Neville. They were light years ahead of everyone else. In fact, the only people past the basics were the DA and the Death Eater Wannabes with a couple of naturals.

"STOP! Judging by the level of skill on show, some are more proficient than others. I will now be making notes on you individually and will place you in ability groups. I have always found this improves skill and prevents demotivation. I want you now to pair up with someone of roughly the same ability as yourself and have a duel with them. The rules are as follows: No illegal spells," McClaggan stared straight at Harry when he said this, "and the loser is the first person to be rendered unconscious or to have lost the ability to use magic i.e. lose their wands or to leave the platform."

"We can't all duel in this tiny classroom," said Malfoy, as if McClaggan was a fool.

"Ten points from Slytherin for disrespect and not putting your hand up," said McClaggan. He then waved his wand and the classroom expanded magically.

"Wow, he really knows his stuff," said Ron in awe.

"Yeah," agreed Harry, "He does."

McClaggan wasn't finished, though. With a sharp jab followed a large circular movement of his wand, the room contained fifteen platforms with strong, invisible shields around them. Harry could tell that they could block out most spells on the Hogwarts DADA syllabus.

Harry admired the handiwork on the platforms. Each had an intricate pattern on them and anti-hurt spells on them. They also had torches illuminating each platform.

With one look on Malfoy's confident sneering face, Harry knew exactly who he wanted to face. As Harry headed towards Malfoy, the people he was standing near seemed to sigh in relief, in particular Ron.

"Oi Malfoy, Let's duel," challenged Harry.

Malfoy seemed to be fighting an inward battle. If he refused, his reputation would be ruined but if he faced Harry, then it would result in the same consequence. Harry could see the clogs working away in the young blonde's hair.

"Maybe next time, Potty. I'm currently considering more able choices," he sneered.

"Right, like Crabbe and Goyle; real brain and magical power there. Alright," said Harry sarcastically, "I knew Slytherins had no bravery and now you've proved me right." That statement put Malfoy in a very difficult position indeed.

"Fine, let's do this," said Malfoy.

Harry chose a platform close to the door and got ready to start the duel. He knew exactly what tactic to use. It was definitely not going to be a quick victory.

"Ready!" shouted McClaggan, "Go!"

'Accio coat,' thought Harry and Malfoy's school coat came flying towards him.

Malfoy was looking around wildly, unable to work out why his coat had left his torso.

Harry proceeded to transfigure the coat into a brick wall. 'Pondero,' thought Harry and with a wave of his wand, the wall had a charm which reflected curses.

'Vide Armchair.' Harry drew a comfortable armchair and took his place in it with contempt at watching Malfoy suffer.

Some of the other duels were already assessed and over so there was quite an audience building up. Harry wasn't just enjoying the scene, he was thinking of the best place to with the duel from there.

"Reducto!" screamed Malfoy and the wall blew up as Harry's concentration lapsed. Malfoy's face resembled that of a slug. It seemed the young blonde had used every spell possible to bring down the wall. Harry couldn't help but break out in laughter at the green and brown faced young man.

"Serpensortia, Stupefy, Reducto!" screamed Malfoy. Harry dodged the Stunner and Bludgeoning Hex and simply told the snake to attack Malfoy instead.

"Artus effrego!" screamed Malfoy in desperation. Harry wasn't expecting such a dark curse so the limb breaking hex stopped him from being able to use his left arm. Malfoy looked gleeful and Harry's eyes turned dark.

"So," hissed Harry, "you wanna play that game bitch?"

Harry cast a very complicated charm and Malfoy's feeble shield was unable to block the violet light. At first, there was no difference. Slowly but surely, though, Malfoy's face started to get redder and redder.

By this point, the rest of the class had finished their duel and were watching Harry and Draco. Draco fell to his knees; his usually unblemished visage was as red as a beetroot.

Draco's hands were covering his groin and many were wondering what was going on. Harry had used a charm to make Draco's boxers get tighter and tighter.

Harry released the charm and thought, 'Wingardium Leviosa.' Draco kept on rising. Harry made him spin and spin and spin, just like the Death Eaters had done to the poor family at the Quidditch World Cup.

"Isn't so funny when you're on the receiving end is it?" yelled Harry and made Draco plunge vertically at a great speed, making many of the girls shriek. Harry stopped him just short of making him hit the floor.

At that point, Draco was shaking from head to toe in fear and pain.

Harry was about to start another humiliation but McClaggan stopped the duel.

"Mr. Malfoy, you have lost already. Your use of a dark and illegal curse already gave Mr. Potter the victory. 50 points from Slytherin and a months worth of detention for that. You are extremely lucky I haven't called the authorities; you would have ended up in Azkaban. Potter, detention for swearing and almost killing Malfoy. Class dismissed."

Ron ran over to where Harry was. Now that the adrenaline had gone, all he felt was pain in his left arm. The rest of the class were looking as though Harry was Voldemort's son. Even some of the Gryffindors were carrying fear.

"Bloody hell, Harry. You were amazing! Did you see how red Malfoy went? What did you do to him?"

"I made his boxers shrink," said Harry while wincing at the pain which was rapidly building.

This broke the tension and had the people around him roll on the floor laughing. Malfoy limped past him and hissed, "You'll pay for that one, Potter."

Harry found himself not caring much.

"Wicked! Did you see that dark spell he used though? That slimy git probably learnt it from You-Know-Who! He deserved what he got, no matter what other people think."

"I need to go to the hospital wing," said Harry, "I'll see you later at the DA meeting."

"I'll go with you!"

"No, go and get food." Reluctantly, Ron left.

Harry made his way to the hospital wing and found a very annoyed Madam Pomfrey.

"I knew it was only a matter of time until you came here, Potter. What have you done this time? Fought a dragon, fallen off a broom, killed a snake? Good grief! What has happened to your arm?"

"I had a duel in Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"Did you duel a Death Eater or something? This was done by artus effrego curse! That is very illegal! Well you'll have to stay here for a while."

"I need to leave by six," stated Harry flatly, in a tone which left no room for argument. Secretly, he was impressed that she knew what caused the injury at a glance and finally realised what a great healer she was.

"You should stay the night! Here take this potion; it'll kill the pain of the treatment. I'm afraid it tastes like cow dung."

Harry held his nose and took it down in one gulp. It did taste horrible, but he braved it out.

Madam Pomfrey cast different spell which were every colour of the rainbow and after fifteen minutes, she had finished. She allowed him to leave and Harry left the room before she changed her mind.

"Come straight back if you feel any after-effects," she shouted after him.

On his way to his new DA 'centre', he bumped into Professor McClaggan.

"We need to sort out the detention, Potter," said the old man before dragging him into his office.

It was the sixth time out of six that he had entered a Defense Against the Dark Arts office and this one had to be the most …normal.

There was a mahogany desk with a stack of papers on it and a picture of a large, smiling family. Harry could just about make out a young McClaggan with his arm around a brunette.

There were no other posters or portraits or pictures in the room. In fact, the only objects in the room were two chairs, a table and a suitcase. There was, of course the sleeping quarters, but that was all.

"You need to learn to keep your cool, Potter. I have learnt this the hard way. With your power, you could have killed Malfoy in an instant. Right, tomorrow from 8pm in my office. I will take off ten points from Gryffindor for every minute that you are late. I have one more thing to say: Watch your back. Goodnight."

Before Harry could ask him to elaborate, he was ushered out of the room. This professor had definitely given Harry something to think about.

'It's gonna be a long year,' thought Harry.

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Harry found the remnants of the former DA packed in the corridor outside the Room of Requirement. As he approached, silence reigned supreme. Whether it was silence through fear or respect was a less certain matter.

"Follow me," said Harry.

Harry led the confused adolescents to Moaning Myrtle's bathroom.

"We can't go in there, that's a girl's bathroom," piped up Zacharias Smith.

Harry ignored him but saw that Ron and Ginny understood where they were going judging by their pale skin and slowly widening eyes.

"Harry, it's horrible down there, not to mention bloody dirty. There's no way we can go." This time it was Ron which put forward and objection, Ginny was agreeing with him.

"I can't do it. I can't go down there," she muttered.

The rest of the members were confused.

"Go down where?" asked Cho Chang.

"You will see," said Harry ambiguously.

Harry reached the tap with the snake and hissed, P"Open"P

The taps opened out slowly and a magnificent light bore down upon the entrance of the chamber of secrets. A large platform, which Harry had created before lunch, appeared.

"Step on to the platform if you trust me," said Harry.

Ron, Ginny, Neville and Luna immediately stepped onto the platform closely followed by Seamus, Dean, Parvati and Lavender. Slowly, the rest of the DA followed, Zacharias and a strangely quiet Hermione hopped on last.

The platform slowly descended into the unknown. At the bottom, the DA was confronted with a torch lit passage. Harry opened all the checkpoints via parseltongue. Finally, they entered the main atrium.

Ron and Ginny, who were already impressed that the Chamber was clean, were swept off their feet.

The atrium was the size of the Great Hall. The murky green had changed to a neutral beige. The disgusting statue of Slytherin was destroyed and the carcass of the basilisk was cleared. The room was well lit and had ten openings which led to tunnels. The room wasn't yet furnished with furniture etc, but it was clear, to Ron and Ginny anyway, that the room was definitely amazing.

"This is where Fudge used to keep his demons!" cried out Luna. Harry chuckled and was relieved that the Department of Mysteries hadn't changed her.

"Welcome," said Harry in a booming, clear voice, "to the Chamber of Secrets."

Whispers broke out and many became tense, as if they would turn to stone.

"Why have you brought us here, then? No-one who enters the chamber is seen again alive!" yelled Zacharias, many agreed with him.

"I have come out alive. So have Ron and Ginny. The basilisk is dead. This place is no more dangerous than the Great Hall. Now I want us to start a new group to defend Hogwarts because not only is Voldemort back, but he is active.

"I'm going to take the DA a step further. I want us to have a new name, new system of operations and I also want this to become our Head Quarters. All I've done here is cleaned up the mess and painted the walls. Now, first thing on our agenda, who wants to back out now? I understand one hundred percent if you do." None did, not even Zacharias or Hermione.

"Good. We've got a new and improved parchment to sign which makes you sworn to secrecy. None of you will be able to talk about what we discuss here outside of this chamber unless you are speaking to me. If you try and tell a non-member about the group, then you will have a memory charm automatically performed on you and the words sneak written across your forehead. Who wants to back out now?" Still no-one.

"Okay, good. Now come one by one and sign the paper."

As the members signed the paper, Harry performed legilimency on the members he doubted. Zacharias was clean and so to was Marietta. Harry got the feeling she would do whatever she could to regain his trust and forgiveness. Hermione seemed to be there in a thirst for knowledge. She thought that if she joined, she could be up to Harry's level in magic.

Once everyone had signed the paper, Harry folded it and put a secrecy charm on it.

"Right, we've got to decide on a name," he said.

"Why do we have to change it," demanded Justin.

"Because we're not against the Ministry anymore, we're not Dumbledore's little pets, we're not a little defense group, we are now an opposition towards Voldemort. You may think: 'What can students do?' Well, the answer is: a lot. Now what should our name be?"

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