Authors Note - Thank you for the reviews, it's great to get feedback (Good and bad). I have been accused of just writing cannon and within the last couple of chapters I can see why but unfortunately some things need to stay the same. Changes are coming (starting with this chapter), it was always my plan to have things unravel for Harry once he got to school. It has been pointed out (Via PM) that things will not go as Harry want them to (i.e - The same as last time but with out Voldemort coming back) as he has already changed things too much. Well I just wanted to say that I know that, you know that but Harry (In typical Harry style) doesn't...yet. It'll be a number chapters before Harry realises this. Anyway I will shut up before I give too much away. Hope you enjoy.

Disclaimer - I do not own Harry Potter, he is the creation of the brilliant JK Rowling

Chapter 16 – The Agreement

The first week of the term hadn't gone has Harry had expected them to do. He believed it would be easy to blend in and not draw to much attention to himself. However this proved not to be the case. Everywhere Harry went he heard whispers following him. He knew they would but he didn't remember the whispers being so bad last time around. This began almost as soon as he stepped out of the portrait hole on his first morning at Hogwarts. As he walked a down the seventh floor corridor he passed a group of third year students huddled together near a suit of armour. They stared as he passed.

"I heard they chained him up in the basement"

"Don't be stupid Patrick!"

"I read they beat him for being magic"

"Do you think they abused him, you know sexually?"

Harry overheard their conversation. They didn't seem to realise just how rude and insensitive they were being.

"Ignore them Harry" said Ron quietly.

"I knew this would happen" muttered Harry. He had expected gossiping and pointing but this was a lot more blatant than he had expected. He hoped his status as the boy-who-lived would be more appealing to the gossips but then it had been big news that Harry Potter had been abused at the hands of Muggles. He would much prefer being questioned about Voldemort or hell being taunted by the Slytherins that he should have died was better than everyone thinking he'd been sodomised by Vernon. Harry glared at the group of students before hurrying off. Ron half jogged beside him to keep up. Before Harry knew it his anger had carried him all the way to the Great Hall. As soon as Harry stepped over the threshold of the hall he realised that he been so pre occupied he'd forgotten to get 'lost', something in which Ron was very quick to point out.

"How... did.. you... do... that?" he panted rubbing a stitch in his side, as Harry didn't slow his pace all the way to the hall.

"Do what?" asked Harry confused.

"Remember the way from the common room?" clarified Ron looking confused.

"Oh, I ... erm just remembered" shrugged Harry hoping that Ron would just accept it.

"Good memory" smiled Ron "We appear to be the first of our year here. Bet their all lost"

"Probably" smiled Harry grateful Hermione wasn't there as he knew she wouldn't have been as easy to convince.

He didn't have long to get over his annoyance of the ignorant boys and his annoyance at himself for being careless before he was faced with another unpleasant encounter. He'd just sat down at the Gryffindor table with Ron when Professor McGonagall walked down the aisle between the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff tables towards them looking stern.

"I see you found your way" she said handing them their timetable. "Mr Potter I need a word with you. I have been advised you jinxed a student on the train yesterday"

"Oh you heard about that?" replied Harry in surprise. He hadn't expected Malfoy to run to a teacher.

"Yes Mr Potter I heard. That is the purpose of prefects on the train. I don't know what provocation Mr Malfoy give you and frankly I do not care. I am here to warn you we do not tolerate that sort of behaviour at Hogwarts."

"I am sorry Professor" replied Harry looking ashamed.

"As you did not represent a house of Hogwarts at the time of the incident I will not dock points from you but if I hear any further reports of you jinxing students you I will confiscate your wand until such time I feel you can be trusted to have it. I will also be writing to your guardians" She said looking annoyed and disappointed. Harry felt bad, he hated disappointing his head of house.

"Thank you Professor, it won't happen again" replied Harry.

"Very well Potter. I do have one question?" Asked McGonagall, she seemed less annoyed then she had been a minute before.

"Yes Professor?" asked Harry

"Where did you learn that spell?" she asked.

"Oh, erm...Sirius" said Harry reluctantly as he didn't want to get Sirius into trouble. After all Sirius hadn't taught him the spell. In fact it had been Hermione.

"I should have known, well try not to follow in his footsteps. He was bit of a troublemaker, much like your father." She said with a smile

"So I have heard, he seems rather proud of that fact. But I will try" smiled Harry.

"Mr Potter I would like to point out that you are not permitted to do magic outside of School until you are 17 years old. You'd do well to remember that, over wise you'll find yourself in trouble with the Ministry of Magic too" she said returning to her stern stature.

"I will Professor" said Harry

"Good. Have a good day boys" said McGonagall as she walked on to hand out the rest of the timetables. Ron appeared dumbfounded.

"What is wrong with you?" asked Harry

"Charlie told me that McGonagall was very strict. Fair but strict. He said if you did something wrong, you better duck and hide as she could shout better than my Mum." Explained Ron.

"Oh right. Maybe she decided to be lenient because term hadn't started" shrugged Harry. He was taken aback too by McGonagall's apparent change of attitude. He inwardly prayed it wasn't out of pity. He couldn't stand people pitying him.

"Well whatever it is at least you didn't lose points. Do you think she would really confiscate your wand?" asked Ron

"I hope not." Replied Harry knowing full well that McGonagall wouldn't think twice to confiscate a wand if felt it necessary.

Professor McGonagall did write to Sirius and Remus that morning. By nightfall they had written to Harry. The letter had made Harry laugh. It was clear that Sirius had found the whole thing humorous while Remus disapproved.

Dear Harry,

We received a letter today from Professor McGonagall about you. She states that you jinxed a young man by the name of Draco Malfoy. Well as your Godfather, your legal guardian I have one thing to say to you... GOOD JOB! Your Dad would have been proud, never back down from a slimy Slytherin!

It's not funny, that boy could have been hurt. Harry, this is Remus. Don't draw attention to yourself, especially your magical talent. It'll just cause problems and get you in more trouble.

Moony write your own letter!

Sirius don't encourage him.

Moony he's a grown up, I can't tell him what to do.

Harry please ignore him and consider what I said. Remember you shouldn't know much magic yet. I hope you're settling in well. Keep in touch. Love Remus.

Well Harry consider yourself told off if McGonagall should ask, I did consider sending you a howler for laughs but Remus talked me out of it. Enjoy yourself, remember if you need any help or need to talk things out use your mirror.

Congratulations for making Gryffindor, We are so proud.

Speak to you soon

Love, Sirius.

As funny as Harry had found the letter he knew Remus was right, his magic would draw attention to himself. This was something Harry had found out pretty quickly during his first Transfiguration lesson.

After getting 'lost' twice on their way to Transfiguration, Harry and Ron got to the class just in time. They took seats at the back of the room. Hermione and Neville sat at the desk in front of them. Hermione smiled at Harry and Ron as she sat down. Harry smiled back, Ron didn't seem to notice. Harry found himself wondering for a couple of minutes had she tried to befriend him from the beginning last time. Had he ignored her as Ron was doing now? He didn't know but he felt the burn of shame inside of him as he remembered how sad she was before we had become his friend. He just might have to befriend her early. He was brought back to the present by the sound of McGonagall's stern voice;

"Transfiguration is some of the most complex and dangerous magic you will learn at Hogwarts," she said. "Anyone messing around in my class will leave and not come back. You have been warned."

"See told you she was strict" whispered Ron. Harry rolled his eyes and chuckled under his breath.

McGonagall turned her desk into a pig and back again. There was a mummer of awe from the students. Their excited faded quickly when it was revealed just how long it would take before they learn how to change the furniture into animals.

"Today you will make notes and then you will have a chance to put that learning into practice" explained McGonagall, she pointed her wand at the board. Words appeared on the board. "Copy them down"

There was a sudden rummage for quills and parchment as everyone started copying down the notes. After what seemed like an eternity Harry had finished his notes and looked up to find he wasn't the only one. After another minute or so, McGonagall walked around the room handing out matches.

"I want you all now to try and put into practice what you have learned."

Ron looked at the match with determination in his eyes. Harry ignored his match choosing instead to watch Ron. He rolled up his sleeves and cleared his throat. He twirled his wand a lot more than he needed to and uttered the spell "Opus Factum". Nothing happened. Ron looked deflated. A moment later Hermione gasped as her match turned slightly pointy and a silverish colour. Ron turned his attention away from her looking annoyed.

"You try Harry" he said.

"OK" replied Harry slightly nervously. He knew he needed to fail. He looked at his match, waved his wand and said "Opus Factum" half heartedly. Harry felt a warmth through his fingers as the spell left his wand and in an instance the match changed completely into a perfect needle.

"How did you do that?!" exclaimed Ron loudly, causing half the class to turn to face him. Professor McGonagall who had been talking to Hermione turned and looked at Harry's needle.

"Well done Mr Potter. 10 points to Gryffindor" said McGonagall smiling. She handed him another match. "Do that again Mr Potter"

Harry looked at the match and desperately tried to push back the magic, he waved his wand and uttered "Opus Factum" for the second time. A second later there was another needle on the table in front of him. McGonagall looked astonished. She clearly thought he'd been lucky with his first attempt.

"Well done Potter" she said again before going back to the front of the class. The class slowly turned away from him. Hermione's maintained her gaze longer than most. She looked very much put out. He smiled at her; she didn't return it before turning back to the front of the class. A few minutes later a bell rang signalling the end of the lesson. The class packed away and headed out of the classroom.

"Mr Potter one moment please." She called over the head of the students "Wait outside Mr Weasley" she added as Ron made to linger too.

"Yes professor?" asked Harry when the classroom was empty.

"I am very impressed Harry. Very few students get that on their first try." Said McGonagall.

"Thank you Professor, I guess reading all those books paid off" replied Harry sheepishly.

"I don't normally do this" said McGonagall pulling a drinking straw "Try to transfigure it into a knitting needle"

"Erm.. OK" gulped Harry, he hadn't expected this. He looked at the straw, He really tried with all his might to suppress his magic. He waved he wand and for the third time he said "Opus Factum". He felt his shoulders slumped when the straw changed into the knitting needle.

"Oh well done Harry. You are showing signs of being very gifted" smiled McGonagall.

"Oh no I am not, I just hit lucky" mumbled Harry.

"Don't be so modest. Your parents were very talented too. They were head boy and girl in their time" said McGonagall

"Yeah I know" smiled Harry.

"Well off you go Harry. Oh and take another 10 points for Gryffindor" said McGonagall.

Harry walked out of the room feeling very annoyed with himself. Ron was hovering in the corridor waiting for him.

"What did she want?" asked Ron as they walked down to the great hall for lunch.

"She wanted to know if I had been practicing magic at home over the summer" lied Harry.

"Did you?" asked Ron

"No, Sirius wouldn't let me use my wand because he said that it was against the law" said Harry sadly.

"Yeah Mum was the same. Adults never let us have fun" replied Ron. "How come you could change the match?"

"I don't know. I could just do it. McGonagall says my Mum and Dad were gifted so I must have inherited some of their talent" shrugged Harry.

"Lucky you. I'll never be any good at Transfiguration. It seems so hard" replied Ron.

"You will be, I just got lucky is all. I bet there are spells you pick up really easily that I can't" replied Harry.

"Yeah maybe." Replied Ron.

It wasn't just Transfiguration, Harry had similar problems in Charms too. He had tried to stunt his magical abilities by not trying very hard but this had not proved to be enough to prevent him from doing the magic quiet easily. He tried simply not concentrating but had managed to set fire to Lavender Brown's hat, who was unfortunately sat in front of him. Professor Flitwick wasn't happy and docked Harry five points for his inattentiveness. He simply couldn't be bad at magic. This had prompted his first 'mirror' call to Sirius. It was during an early morning walk around the lake. It was still very early but he wasn't technically breaking curfew. He had sat down under a tree and cast Muffliato around him although he had checked to make sure no one was around, which of course there wasn't due to the early hour. He took out the mirror, held it to his face.

"Sirius Black" said Harry loudly. A couple of minutes past before Sirius's face appeared in the glass.

"Harry?" said Sirius sleepily. He yawned widely.

"Did I wake you?" asked Harry

"Yeah, it's OK though. Are you OK?" asked Sirius looking concerned.

"I am fine I just wanted to talk" replied Harry

"Thank Merlin. I thought there was something wrong." Said Sirius smiling, he did look more relieved.

"No, no nothing is wrong. Well not really wrong anyways. Why were you so worried?" asked Harry.

"It's 7am on a Saturday" laughed Sirius

"Oh right, I thought you'd be up for work" replied Harry

"No it's my day off"

"Oh sorry I woke you up then."

"It's OK. So what did you want to talk about. In trouble again?"

"No, nothing like that. Although I am drawing to much attention to myself which is why I wanted to talk to you."

"What do you mean?"

"I am too good at magic"

"Don't you sound big headed" Laughed Sirius

"You know what I mean" Replied Harry

"Actually no I don't"

"I don't have any trouble with any of the spells we are taught. I do the spell first time."

"Well yeah, you already know this stuff"

"Exactly, but if I was really eleven I won't would I?"

"No of course you wouldn't"

"Well don't you see?"

"No I don't"

"Well surely it will seem suspicious that I can"

"Not really, your Mum was natural"

"Did she get it right first time every time?"

"Well no she didn't"

"See, they'll think it's weird"

At that moment there was a knock at Sirius's bedroom door. Sirius looked away from Harry.

"One second Harry" He said. "Come in Moony"

"Morning Sirius, I heard you talking. Is that Harry?" came Remus's voice through the mirror.

"Yeah, come and say hello" replied Sirius. Remus's face appeared in the mirror.

"Morning Harry" said Remus brightly.

"Morning Remus" smiled Harry

"Harry was just explaining that he has a problem with stunting his magic" explained Sirius

"Hmm, you're worried you'll draw attention to yourself?" asked Remus sympathetically.

"Yeah, I think I am already. Hermione keeps giving me funny looks in class. Professor McGonagall told me after class the other day that I was very gifted. I need to stop this now." Explained Harry.

"It's very difficult to suppress magical talent. It becomes second nature, I think you may have to accept that it is not going to be easy to blend in the background. You may have to hide in plain sight instead." Said Remus.

"I don't want to do that, that's not how it was last time." Replied Harry

"That's what happens when you time travel. You can't unlearn what you already know" explained Remus.

"It would seem that you have a powerful magical core Harry." Said Sirius.

"That's all well and good but what can I do about it?" asked Harry

"Avoid doing magic?" smiled Sirius

"Genius, no wait there's a problem with that. I am at a Magic School with teachers who expect me to do magic" said Harry sarcastically.

"I guess you're just going to have to get used to be the star pupil" sighed Remus "Sorry cub"

"I was afraid of that. Maybe I should start mispronouncing the incantations" said Harry

"That's not recommended, you could inadvertently use a different spell" replied Remus.

"I thought of that, which is why I hadn't tried it yet." Sighed Harry

"So Harry has Dumbledore bothered you much since you got back" asked Sirius changing the subject.

"Actually no, except at mealtimes I haven't seen him. I am expecting to be summoned any day now." Replied Harry.

"Have you thought how much you are going to tell him?" asked Remus sounding concerned.

"As little as possible. He has a habit of taking over things and that is the last thing I want" replied Harry.

"You can trust Dumbledore you know" said Sirius

"I do but I doubt he'll sit back and let things play out. I am surprised he even allowed the stone into the school." Replied Harry.

"Dumbledore isn't one to say no when a friend asks for a favour." Replied Remus

"I guess so. I best be getting back to the dorm. Ron will be getting up soon. We are visiting Hagrid later" Said Harry

"OK Harry stay in touch" replied Remus "Bye"

"Talk to you soon kiddo" said Sirius

"Bye guys" said Harry slipping the mirror in his pocket. He dropped the charms he'd cast around himself and walked back towards the castle deciding that Remus was right he'd just have to deal with people thinking he was very talented.

As he walked back to the Gryffindor common room his thoughts were running over the events of the last week, it had been quiet eventful. Not only had he made a name for himself as very talented, he'd had also drawn attention to himself in Potions. However this time it was entirely his fault. He'd not allowed himself to be bullied by Snape which in hindsight wasn't the smartest thing he could have done. It had happened during his first Potions lesson. The lesson started as Harry knew it would with Snape taking the register. He paused for a moment when he got to Harry name; he looked up and sneered at Harry but said nothing. Harry was surprised by this. He would have bet money that Snape would have made some snide comment. Once he was finished with taking the register Snape ploughed into his well rehearsed speech about the art of Potion making. Harry had never really like Potions and really couldn't see what it was that excited Snape so much. As far as Harry was concerned Potion making was tedious. After a couple of minutes he found his attention wander. This would prove to be a mistake.

"Potter!" snapped Snape bringing Harry back to the present.

"Yes Professor?" asked Harry blushing slightly, he could hear Seamus and Dean snickering behind him.

"I am boring you or is learning Potions beneath the famous Harry Potter?" He spat Harry's name with as much contempt as he could.

"No sir, it's not beneath me" replied Harry trying to force back a smile. He couldn't take Snape's snide comments seriously as Harry knew he didn't hate him, he just hated the choices he made. Snape eye's flashed of anger.

"Then perhaps you feel you know it all already?" asked Snape

"I wouldn't say all of it" smiled Harry

"10 points from Gryffindor for your cheek Potter" replied Snape "Tell me Potter, What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"

"The draft of living death" replied Harry without a moment consideration. As soon as he answered though he wished he hadn't said anything. He didn't want to draw attention to himself as a know-it-all. Hermione who was sitting near to Harry dropped her hand looking disappointed. Snape also looked slightly disappointed.

"Correct, OK Potter what is the difference between Monkshood and Wolfsbane?" asked Snape

"Nothing, they are the same plant" replied Harry deciding the damage was done.

"Which is also named?" prompted Snape, looking utterly surprised.

"Aconite" replied Harry. Snape's surprise appeared to increase, he definitely hadn't expected Harry to know the answers. He stood for a moment before turning to the rest of the class.

"Correct, why aren't the rest of you writing this down?" he snapped to the class. His eye's flicked back to Harry. "You too Potter"

"But I already know this information, sir" replied Harry

"Potter, your arrogance astounds me. Five more points from Gryffindor and if you don't want to make it a round fifty I would stop talking and take notes" replied Snape sounding dangerous.

Harry bit back his retort, and started making notes. He heard Ron laughing quietly next to him. After the note taking was done they were paired up to brew a potion to sure boils. Harry was working with Ron. Snape stalked around the room watching them work. Harry who was being careful to follow the instructions in his book (he'd never been any good at potions so there was no risk of outshining his class mates) stopped Ron a couple of times from adding the ingredients in the wrong order. Snape had stopped at Malfoy's cauldron when Harry noticed Neville was hastily throwing ingredients into his cauldron.

"Neville stop!" called out Harry as he went to add his porcupine quills "It needs to be taken off the flame"

Those in hearing shot of Harry turned to look at him, this included Snape. He looked at Harry with a look on his face that Harry couldn't read.

"I believe I told you to work with Weasley" said Snape silkily

"Yes sir you did but..." started Harry

"But nothing Potter. Longbottom and Finnegan's potion is none of your concern" replied Snape "5 more points from Gryffindor for your interfering"

"But it would have exploded!" replied Harry angrily.

"Detention Potter and I will be speaking to Professor McGonagall about your attitude" replied Snape looking very happy.

Harry was annoyed at himself for letting Snape get to him. Harry didn't need Ron to kick him to know it was best to shut up. Twenty points lost in his first day was the last thing he wanted. He also wasn't too happy about McGonagall being informed given that she'd already had to speak to him about his conduct.

Has he had expected he'd been summoned to Professor McGonagall's office right after lunch. He dragged his feet along the Transfigurations corridor, he hated being yelled at by McGonagall. He took a deep breath as he knocked at the door.

"Come in" came McGonagall's stern voice through the door. Harry opened the door and walked to room. He closed the door behind him and walked over to the professor's desk.

"You wanted to see me Professor?" said Harry

"Yes Mr Potter I did. Professor Snape has been to see me regarding your behaviour in his lesson this morning" replied McGonagall getting straight to the point.

"Oh" muttered Harry.

"I must say I am disappointed in you Potter. I have never had to speak to a student twice on their first day. I have always found you to be respectful and polite; however Professor Snape advises me that you were highly disrespectful to him this morning. I expect all of my students to show the proper respect for the all members of staff in this school. Do you understand?" Said McGonagall looking angry.

"Yes Professor. May I say something?" asked Harry

"You may" replied McGonagall after considering him for a moment.

"Firstly I would like to apologise I never intended to be rude. I am willing to apologise to Professor Snape also for that. I was rude during the early part of his lesson. However I have to object to Professor Snape docking points from Gryffindor because I helped Neville. I shouldn't have let it get to me." Explained Harry hoping he looked ashamed.

"I appreciate your honesty Potter however Professor Snape has the right to dock points if he feels that is necessary. I expect you to apologise to him this evening during your detention." Replied McGonagall.

"Yes Professor." Replied Harry

"Get to your next lesson Potter and please do try and stay out of trouble" said McGonagall.

"Yes Professor" said Harry as he hurried out of the room.

The rest of the day passed quickly and without further incident. Before Harry knew it, it was 7pm. Harry walked quickly down the Potions corridor, he was running slightly late. He knocked on the door of the Potions classroom and entered when he heard Snape's voice telling him to enter.

"Sorry I am late Professor" gasped Harry catching his breath.

"I do not tolerate tardiness Potter. 5 points from Gryffindor." Replied Snape smiling cruelly "Sit down"

Harry swallowed his retort and sat down as he was told.

"I see Professor McGonagall has taught you some manners." Said Snape who was still smirking.

"Yes sir, may I say something?" asked Harry as politely as he could.

"Very well Potter, make it quick" said Snape.

"I would just like to apologise. I am sorry I was disrespectful to you. It will not happen again." Replied Harry.

"I doubt your sincerity Potter. However I shall accept your apology on this one occasion. I will not be so forgiving next time." Replied Snape looking at Harry with mild surprise.

"Thank you sir" replied Harry after a moment's hesitation, he hadn't expected Snape to accept his apology.

"Now Potter, since you have apparently studied your potions text over the summer..." Snape paused for a moment. He was staring at Harry, not his usual sneer but a searching sort of stare. Harry seemed to be confusing him "...I want you to write an essay on the proper method of brewing the boil curing potion. I want you to include the all the ways you can ruin the potion"

"Yes sir. How long would you like it to be" replied Harry.

"No length restrictions, but I expect it to be in depth" replied Snape.

"Yes sir" said Harry pulling out parchment and quill out of his bag. He loaded his quill and started writing.

An hour later Harry had finished and quickly read it back. The task hadn't been difficult. Harry had brewed that potion a dozen times. It was about the only potion he could make without much effort, although he'd always double check the instructions. Once he'd finished proof reading the essay he looked up at Snape, who was already looking at Harry. He wondered for a moment how long the man had been watching him.

"Finished already Potter?" asked Snape with a slight sneer.

"Yes sir" replied Harry uncertainly. He'd been happy with his efforts a moment before but under the gaze of Snape he wondered if he'd written enough. The essay was approximately twenty inches long. Snape walked over to Harry and took the essay. He read the sheet of parchment quickly. Harry watched the man's face closely. Harry was sure he saw a hint of surprise flash across Snape's face but he couldn't be sure as Snape recovered very quickly.

"Not bad Potter. You missed a few important points. Also stirring an anti-clockwise wouldn't ruin the potion." Said Snape.

"With respect Professor, adding a anti-clockwise stir after adding the porcupine needles as explained in my report; would slow the infusion and thus the resulting potion would not cure boils but temporally remove the sting of the boils." Explained Harry trying to sound respectful. He was sure Snape was testing him.

"Correct. OK Potter your free to go" said Snape looking at Harry with a look he couldn't read. One thing Harry was sure of was that Snape wasn't looking at him with hatred. Was it possible instead of seeing Harry as only James Potter's son he was actually looking at him as Lily Evan's son instead? Harry put his quill and ink away and stood to leave. He saw Snape write something on his essay.

"Good Evening Professor" said Harry as he made to leave.

"Potter" said Snape calling Harry back.

"Sir?" asked Harry confused.

"Your essay" replied Snape handing the sheaf of parchment back to Harry.

"Thank you sir" said Harry taking the essay and left the room. He had the feeling that Snape had watch him leave. Snape's attitude un-nerved him slightly. Why was Snape being so civil to him? When he got to the entrance hall he looked at the note Snape has made on his essay. At the top of the sheet written in Snape's spiky writing was the note "Well argued. E". Harry was astounded, this was defiantly not the Snape he remembered. What was so different this time?

Before he knew it Harry had arrived at the portrait hole. He give the password. He had just entered the common room when Ron came down the staircase leading to the dorm rooms.

"There you are" said Ron

"Hi Ron, I went for a walk. I've been up for a while." Replied Harry.

"Your weird Harry" laughed Ron "Nobody gets up early on a Saturday, unless they are crazy"

"I woke up and just couldn't get back to sleep" shrugged Harry "So I thought I'd write to Sirius. It's been a crazy week"

"Yeah it has. Did you tell him you got detention?" asked Ron looking grim. Harry knew this was because his Mum would be very annoyed if he'd had detention.

"Yeah I did" shrugged Harry

"Won't Sirius be mad?" asked Ron

"I don't think so, he doesn't like Snape. They went to school together. He might have been annoyed if it had been McGonagall" explained Harry.

"I wish my Mum was like Sirius." Said Ron wistfully.

"Your Mum is cool. She just worries about you all" replied Harry

"Yeah she is. Shall we go to breakfast?" asked Ron

"Yeah I am starving" replied Harry.

They left the common room and walked down to the Great Hall. They were planning on exploring the castle before going to visit Hagrid that afternoon. Harry was looking forward to the visit to Hagrid, he'd not had a chance to speak to him since he got back. They arrived at the Gryffindor table and sat down. Harry looked down you table, it seemed fairly empty.

"Where is everyone?" asked Harry.

"I don't know. Fred and George are at Quidditch. Percy is on duty. Other than that I don't know." Shrugged Ron.

"Quidditch already?" asked Harry slightly surprised. He knew Oliver Wood was full on but he couldn't remember ever starting training this early in the year.

"Yeah, Wood called a practice last night. Do you want to sneak down to the pitch and watch?" asked Ron talking with his month full of eggs. Harry grimaced slightly, this was one of Ron's habits that grated on Harry. How hard is it to swallow before speaking? Harry let it go and smiled.

"Yeah! That'll be fun" replied Harry.

Harry was just finishing off his bacon and eggs when the post owls arrived. Harry looked up distinctively. He had spotted Hedwig among the crowd. She had a package tied to her feet. She dropped the package in front of Harry. Harry stroked her and give her his bacon rinds. She nipped his finger gently and flew off. Harry was just about to open the package when a second owl dropped a tightly rolled scroll on top of the box. Harry picked up the scroll. He recognised Dumbledore's writing straight away. He opened the letter. It read;

Harry,

I hope your first week has been pleasant.

I request your presence in my office this evening. Please report at 7 pm.

I am your most sincerely

Professor Dumbledore

PS,

I like Peppermint Imps.

Harry had wondered how long it would take Dumbledore to summon him. He had to give it to the old man he had shown more restraint that Harry had expected him too.

"Why does Dumbledore want to see you?" asked Ron who had read over Harry's shoulder "And why is he telling you he likes Peppermint Imps?"

"I don't know" said Harry hoping he looked sufficiently confused. "He's a bit barmy isn't he?"

"Yeah he is" said Ron smiling at the insanity of his hero.

Harry opened parcel, it was from Sirius and Remus. There was a letter on top. He opened the letter;

Harry,

Hope your first week went well.

Don't worry if anyone is reading over your shoulder. This is bewitched so it will appear to anyone but you to be simply a letter from your very boring Godfather. Work is good, bah, bah, bah. Remus and I were discussing your memory problems. Obviously you won't to use your mirror every time you have a moment of clarity. So we got a dairy for you. It is charmed with a security charm. It will only open for you, also in case you're daft enough to leave it open the pages will appear blank to other people. Try not to lose it though; it took my ages to sort out all the charms. You can write down any thoughts or memories as they come to you. Writing them down might help you jog you memory a bit.

Feel free to mirror call anytime you need to talk about anything. I heard you had a detention with Snape earlier in the week. I hope he wasn't too horrible. If he was let me know and I'll sort him out.

Enjoy your weekend

Love, Sirius

"His job sounds dull" said Ron, he'd apparently read over Harry's shoulder

"Er... yeah" replied Harry as he opened the box. In the box there was a pile of sweets. Sirius had clearly gotten carried away. Under the mountain of brightly coloured wrappers was a leather bond dairy, it was quite thick with lots of gold edged pages. He pulled it out of the box.

"What's that?" asked Ron.

"A homework diary. Remus's idea, I guess. He was very serious about his studying at school." Lied Harry quickly.

"Sounds like Percy" said Ron. Harry said nothing. He knew Remus wasn't anything like Percy but didn't want to contradict his friend.

They finished their breakfast and left the hall. Harry quickly ran up to the dorm with his parcel. When he got back to the entrance hall Ron was standing on the stone steps looking towards the Quidditch Pitch.

"Shall we go?" asked Harry coming up behind Ron making him jump.

"Harry you scared me" laughed Ron.

They walked down the sweeping lawns towards the pitch. As they got closer they could hear Wood barking orders at the team.

"I wonder if they have replaced Charlie yet?" asked Ron.

"I don't think they have had tryout yet, have they?" replied Harry.

"I don't think so" replied Ron.

As they came to the edge of the pitch, they could see they were running drills. They made their way to the bottom row of seats. They sat down and watched the players above them. It was only a couple of minutes before they were spotted by Wood.

"Who are they?" asked Wood loudly to nobody in particular.

"That's our little brother, Ron and Harry Potter" replied Fred.

"Why are they here?" asked Wood.

"Gee Oliver if I had to guess I'd say they are definitely here to steal our secrets..." replied George sarcastically.

"Are they Gryffindor?" asked Wood stupidly.

"Yeah Oliver they are. Calm down." Replied Alicia Spinet.

"They could have been Slytherin spy's" replied Wood, landing his broom. The team followed suit. They walked to the edge of the pitch.

"Sure they could have" replied Fred rolling his eyes.

"Oi Harry. Are you here to spy?" asked George.

"No, just wanted to watch." replied Harry "I just wish I could play"

"See Oliver he just misses playing." Said Fred "You should see McGonagall about letting him try out. He's good"

"First years can't play Quidditch." Replied Oliver.

"Here Harry" said Fred holding out his broom.

"What?" asked Harry confused.

"Show Oliver how good you are" smiled Fred.

Harry beamed at the team and grabbed the broom. He mounted and kicked off from the ground. Fred broom wasn't the fastest or the sleekest of brooms but he was very happy to be back in the air. He shot of on a lap of the pitch. He shot up fifty feet. He levelled off for a moment then he dropped into a near vertical dive, he was flat to the broom to build the speed. At the very last moment before he would of hit the ground he pulled the broom level. His foot barely skimmed the grass. He looked over towards the team, the girls had looks of great relief on their faces. Wood was stood staring at Harry open mouthed. George mounted his broom and took off. Harry matched him in height. They where next to the goal posts. George pulled out a golf ball out of his pocket. Harry wasn't use where he'd gotten it from.

"Here Harry, catch." Said George. He threw the ball with all his might. It flew up into a high arc. Harry shot off after it. He caught it after a short dive. Harry heard Ron cheering. He flew back to where the team were standing.

"Not bad Potter, I thought you were brought up by muggles?" asked Wood.

"Yeah I was, but last year I moved in with my Godfather. I played Quidditch last summer" explained Harry.

"You're very good, pity the rules are absolute about first years. However there is a space waiting for you next year." Smiled Wood.

"Really? Brilliant" beamed Harry.

The team went back to their practice. Wood allowed Harry and Ron to stay and watch. About an hour later practice broke and the team left the pitch. Harry and Ron went to Hagrid's. When Harry knocked they heard a frantic scrabbling from inside and several booming barks. Then Hagrid's voice rang out, saying, "Back, Fang - back."

Hagrid's big, hairy face appeared in the crack as he pulled the door open.

"Hang on," he said. "Back, Fang."

He let them in, struggling to keep a hold on the collar of the black boarhound. Harry looked around the room, it was exactly as he remembered it.

"Make yerselves at home," said Hagrid, letting go of Fang, who bounded straight at Ron and started licking his ears.

"This is Ron," Harry told Hagrid, who was making tea.

"Another Weasley, eh?" said Hagrid, glancing at Ron's freckles. "I spend half me life chasin' yer twin brothers away from the forest."

The rock cakes were shapeless lumps with raisins that almost broke their teeth, exactly as Harry remembered them. He didn't want to hurt Hagrid's feelings so he pretended to enjoy them. Harry and Ron told Hagrid all about their first week.

"How's yer brother Charlie?" Hagrid asked Ron. While Ron told Hagrid all about Charlie's work with dragons, Harry picked up a piece of paper that was lying on the table under the tea cosy. It was a cutting from the Daily Prophet:

GRINGOTTS BREAK-IN LATEST

Investigations continue into the break-in at Gringotts on 31 July, widely believed to be the work of Dark wizards or witches unknown. Gringotts goblins today insisted that nothing had been taken. The vault that was searched had in fact been emptied the same day.

"But we're not telling you what was in there, so keep your noses out if you know what's good for you," said a Gringotts spokes goblin this afternoon.

"Hagrid!" said Harry, "that Gringotts break-in happened on my birthday! It might've been happening while we were there!"

"Er.. yeh maybe, another rock cake Ron?" asked Hagrid changing the subject.

As Harry and Ron walked back to the castle for dinner, Harry told Ron about his visit to Gringotts.

"What was in the vault?" asked Ron

"I don't know, Hagrid wouldn't say" replied Harry

After dinner Harry left the common room at half past six to make it to Dumbledore's office on time. He walked through the castle. There were still a number of students milling around. He approached the stone gargoyle.

"Peppermint Imps" said Harry.

The gargoyle sprang to life and stepped aside. Harry stepped onto the revolving staircase. When he got to the top he knocked on the office door.

"Enter" called Dumbledore's voice through the door. Harry opened the door and walked in.

"Ah Harry, good evening. Have a seat" smiled Dumbledore warmly.

Harry did as he was told, whilst doing so he enforced his Occlumency shields.

"You've had a busy week, a detention on your first day. That is an achievement" smiled Dumbledore.

"Yeah well, it's not too hard to get a detention off Professor Snape." Smiled Harry

"You've impressed him, he says you have inherited your mothers knack for potions" said Dumbledore.

"Nope, I am appalling at potions. That is one talent my mother kept to herself." Replied Harry. "That is high praise from Professor Snape, best I got last time around was that I was a dunderhead."

Dumbledore chuckled as he gazed at Harry.

"In fact all your Professors have been impressed by you." Commented Dumbledore

"I have been attempting to hold back but it doesn't matter what I try I can't dampen the spell." Explained Harry.

"Yes I expected as much. You have a magical core of someone much older. The magic you are studying is very basic. As the magic gets more advanced you may find it easier to suppress. Your magic is strong, I suspect you were a talented student first time round too" explained Dumbledore.

"Oh I see. I was hoping you'd know of a way to stop drawing attention to myself." Sighed Harry.

"Sorry my boy no there isn't. Don't worry I don't think being a good student will cause too many problems for you" smiled Dumbledore.

"Good" replied Harry feeling a little deflated, he was sure Dumbledore would have some words of wisdom that would help him.

"May I ask you a question?" asked Dumbledore surveying Harry with a curious smile.

"Of course" smiled Harry, it made a change for Harry to have all the answers and for Dumbledore to have to ask for them.

"Who taught you occlumency? You are very proficient, only Severus has been able to block me completely before." Said Dumbledore. Harry was slightly taken aback, Dumbledore was being very forthright. He never expected him to admit to trying to break into Harry's mind.

"Well as a matter of fact Professor Snape was my first Occlumency teacher" replied Harry.

"Intriguing, I rather get the impression that you are not Severus's favourite person. I thought perhaps it was myself" replied Dumbledore

"No you were avoiding my that year, as I had a link to Voldemort. You didn't want to give him reason to take advantage of that connection. You decided I needed to learn occlumency to protect myself." Explained Harry. "It didn't go well. Professor Snape and myself rather hated each other"

"I see. You don't seem to hate Severus now" replied Dumbledore.

"Well it hard to hate someone after you learn their mostly guarded secrets." Shrugged Harry "He spent his time protecting me, not that I knew it at the time. He contributed to my parents deaths but he repaid that debt. He died protecting me and every occupant of this castle. He is one of the bravest people I know."

"Indeed he is a brave man. How did you find this out, surely he never told you?" probed Dumbledore.

"He didn't tell me strictly speaking, he give me the memories moments before he died. You asked him too." Explained Harry

"Why did I do that?" pushed Dumbledore.

"You didn't have a chance to tell me that I had to let Voldemort kill me without fighting back." Replied Harry matter-of-factly. Dumbledore looked grim.

"I see" replied Dumbledore sadly "I deeply regret what fate has in store for you."

"It's not your fault Sir." Shrugged Harry.

"I should have been secret keeper" sighed Dumbledore.

"And if you speak to Sirius he insists that he should have been secret keeper. If you speak to Severus, he would state that he is solely responsible for their deaths. I am sure Remus has a twang of guilt too. You know who I blame? I blame Voldemort. He killed my parents, not you, not Sirius, not Remus and not Severus" said Harry fairly firmly. "I blame none of you"

"You are very gracious, Harry" replied Dumbledore still looking sad.

"I realised a long time I go it doesn't do to dwell on the past. I have to look forward." Shrugged Harry, realising as he said it that the fact he was sitting here was contradictory to that belief.

"Very wise indeed" nodded Dumbledore. "You said that Severus was your first teacher. Who helped you after that?"

"I really didn't do well with Professor Snape. I realised to my cost that I needed to learn..." explained Harry, he paused for a moment as he thought about how his inabilities had caused Sirius's death.

"Voldemort has always found ways to shatter the lives of his enemies." Said Dumbledore sympathetically

"Don't I know it. He led me to believe that Sirius was in trouble. I stupidly ran off to save him and well it was a trap. Sirius had to save me and in the process he was killed" mumbled Harry. He wasn't sure why he had told Dumbledore. Tears prickled at his eyes.

"Sirius is alive now Harry, take solace in that." replied Dumbledore looking sad.

"Yeah" replied Harry. He took a deep breath and wiped his eyes before pressing on with his story. "It would be two years before I would master occlumency. I struggled with it, Andromeda Tonks offered to help. She is pretty good, not as good as Professor Snape but I was able to master it eventually." Explained Harry.

"Yes Andromeda is good, I taught her." Smiled Dumbledore. "How did she come to help you?"

"I am not sure I should divulge too much. All I will say is I saw a lot of her while visiting my Godson" replied Harry vaguely.

"Am I to assume that you were Godfather to Nymphadora Tonks's child?" asked

Dumbledore smiling.

"Take from that what you will" shrugged Harry. He was thinking about little Teddy, he was an amazing boy. So very smart, which he undoubtedly got from his father. He of course had inherited his mothers morphing abilities. He favourite look was to have shocking purple hair, which never failed to remind Harry of Tonks. Harry was so caught up in his thoughts that he didn't hear Dumbledore speak to him.

"Harry?" said Dumbledore speaking up. Harry jerked back to the reality.

"Sir?" answered Harry.

"Are you OK? I seemed to lose you there for a moment" smiled Dumbledore.

"Sorry sir, just the ghosts of my past." Replied Harry.

"I quite understand my boy" Replied Dumbledore.

There was a moment of silence while Harry composed himself.

"Professor if I could be direct, I don't think you asked me here to discuss my occlumency abilities" said Harry changing the subject.

"Indeed. I believe you promised to advise me of the upcoming events of the year."

"Yes sir I did. Please understand I can't tell you everything, largely because I don't remember all the details myself"

"I understand Harry. Try your best"

"OK you already know that the break in at Gringotts was for the stone. I also advised you that the thief would attempt to steal it here."

"Yes, you said that I would probably figure you who that person is without your help"

"That's right. I have a feeling you already have an idea"

"I have suspicions, his behaviour has been a bit unusual"

"The turban must have raised some eyebrows"

"You could say that. There was some sniggering in the staff room. Is Professor Quirrell the thief?"

"Yes he is"

"Why does he want it?"

"He wants it to resurrect Voldemort"

"Does he know where Voldemort is currently?"

"Yeah he does"

"You do too, don't you?"

"Yes I do" said Harry hesitantly, he hadn't decided if he should tell Dumbledore or not.

"Are you going to tell me?" asked Dumbledore.

"Yes, he is sharing his body" replied Harry deciding that he trusted Dumbledore. He just hoped that the headmaster wouldn't do anything rash.

"Professor Quirrell is sharing his body with Voldemort?" asked Dumbledore looking mildly surprised.

"Yes he is, that is why he wears the turban." Explained Harry.

"Yes I understand that now." Replied Dumbledore looking grim "Does he hurt anyone?"

"No, I fought him but I wasn't hurt that badly. I was in the hospital wing for a few days but no lasting harm." Replied Harry.

"You still want things to play out don't you?" replied Dumbledore.

"Yes I do" said Harry firmly.

"And you're sure that nobody will get hurt" asked Dumbledore

"Yes I am sure. Professor I swear I would have told you if someone was hurt. Please let this play out. If things happen differently or if they look like they are getting out of hand then feel free to intervene." Argued Harry.

Dumbledore studied Harry for a few minutes. He could see the sincerity in Harry's eyes. He removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes. After replacing his glasses he met Harry's gaze.

"I have my concerns Harry. You are still struggling with you memory I believe." Asked Dumbledore

"Yes but I am working on it" replied Harry defensively.

"I know you are. Sirius has been keeping me apprised of your process. However the fact remains that you cannot be certain that you have remembered everything." Explained Dumbledore.

"Your worried I have forgotten something that will result in somebody getting hurt?" asked Harry.

"Yes I am"

"Life is full of what ifs. Can we risk disrupting the timeline more than is needed based on a 'what if'?" asked Harry.

"An interesting argument Harry. However my main priority is the welfare of the students and staff of this castle. I can't ignore potential threats. You have just advised me that Voldemort is at this moment living within this school. I can't ignore that." Argued Dumbledore.

"I understand your concern but I know nobody will get hurt." Countered Harry

"So your memory has returned in full with regards to this school year?" asked Dumbledore raising an eyebrow.

"You know it hasn't" sighed Harry

"Then I am sorry Harry you can't be sure" replied Dumbledore grimly.

"Professor please, trust me. I am sure I would have remembered if someone had died or was badly hurt. I know I would have. The one thing I remember clearly is the deaths. Cedric, Sirius, Severus, Moody, Dobby, Hermione, Ron, you... I remember them all. Surely I would remember if there were more" said Harry with as much conviction as he could muster "Please Professor trust me"

There was a silence. Harry hadn't meant to list names but his emotions were getting the better of him. He had to get the headmaster to understand. Harry was sure he right and that other than him and Quirrell nobody was seriously hurt. Dumbledore was studying Harry intently.

"They all died while you were at school?" asked Dumbledore.

"No not all. Nobody died until my fourth year." Replied Harry.

"Cedric? Is he a student?" asked Dumbledore.

"Yes, he's in Hufflepuff" replied Harry seeing no point in lying.

"Cedric Diggory?" asked Dumbledore. Harry nodded sadly.

"I can't allow that to happen.." started Dumbledore.

"I am not going to let it" interrupted Harry. "Please Professor, that is not relevant for the moment. Nobody will get hurt this year."

Dumbledore was silent for a moment watching Harry.

"OK, I will let things play out" sighed Dumbledore, this was against his better judgement but he felt in his heart he could trust Harry. Harry went to reply but Dumbledore raised his hand to silence him. "I'll let it play out for now but rest assured I will step in if things get out of hand and no arguments from you will stop me"

"I understand Professor, I won't stop you" Replied Harry.

"I also must insist that should you remember anything or if something happens that changes our current understanding of the situation, you will come and see me immediately" added Dumbledore.

"Yes sir, I give you my word" replied Harry.

"I trust you Harry but I must say, if you break either of those conditions I will intervene without delay" explained Dumbledore.

"Agreed" nodded Harry.

"Very well Harry, we have an accord" replied Dumbledore.

"Thank you Professor" replied Harry

"Well if that is all you may go" dismissed Dumbledore tasking Harry by surprise.

"That's all for now" smiled Harry before getting up and leaving the office. He paused at the door "Goodnight Professor"

"Goodnight Harry" smiled Dumbledore.

Authors Note - Well that was Chapter 16. I hope you enjoyed it. I would like to say that I debated for a while on what to do with regards to Harry's magical ability. I decided that magical talent would be hard to suppress simply because it would be instinct, if he is forced to do the incantation he'll manage the spell. Also before I get flamed for the way I have portrayed Snape, I figured he would be nicer to Harry this time around as Harry is for the most part respectful and polite towards him. Also I figured Snape would probably think that Harry was brought up being worshiped and pampered by his relatives. But the after the trial he would have realise they had a similar abusive up bringing which would make him sympathetic to Harry (Perhaps I have read too many Snape/Harry mentor fics - I have read dozens of them recently. lol).