Classes were interesting. Harry and Neville resumed their workouts in the unused classroom, and the study group started meeting in the library. The study group members got odd looks from their house mates since the group was made up of two Gryffindors, two Hufflepuffs, one Ravenclaw, and three Slytherins. Two weeks into school they added another Hufflepuff, another Slytherin and two Ravenclaws, as the were joined by Blaise Zabini, Ernie MacMillan, Padma Patil and Kevin Entwhistle. The newer students were surprised when Aaron stopped by and tutored for potions. Harry kept his study sessions with Will and Dan to just himself, Neville and Aaron. When Harry shared the results of Cassandra's research with Aaron the older boy half drove Harry crazy with questions about what were genes, and what did it mean that collagens didn't form correctly, what was physiotherapy and what were biophosphonates? Harry finally handed him the mirror and said, "Ask your cousin, and be careful not to lose my mirror."
Harry had little trouble with either the theory or the practical portions of his classes. The exception was predictably Defense Against the Dark Arts. Lockhart lived up to (or perhaps it was better to say lived down to) Harry's expectations. Harry was thrilled that he hadn't spent a knut on the pervert's worthless books. Harry cringed when he heard how Neville's second class went. Harry's next classes with the man involved him hauling Harry to the front of the room to act out a scene from one of his books. That stroke of brilliance had the Slytherins in stitches, because Harry didn't hesitate; he handed Lockhart his ass every time. It only took a couple demonstrations for him to start calling on other students. Then came quidditch tryouts.
Harry was one of seventeen people who came out for the tryout. Flint had decided to make the team be the best. He required everyone interested try out. Harry, Draco Malfoy and Terrance Higgs all tried out for the seeker position. It didn't take very long because Harry spotted the snitch and captured it before Higgs even saw it, and Harry was practically on top of it before Draco noticed it. Marcus saw some promise in Draco, however, and suggested he try for a chaser position. In the end the team wound up being Flint as captain and chaser, Montague chaser, Warrington chaser, Bole Beater, Derrick Beater, Pucey Keeper, Potter Seeker, with Draco Malfoy reserve chaser and reserve seeker. Malfoy wasn't happy, but given his standing in Slytherin didn't complain too much lest he become a target. Practices were set for three days a week for two hours.
Harry's free time was divided between researching snow phoenixes, elemental magic, prophecy and continuing his occulmency training and trying to educate himself on topics he found of interest. He also used his map to keep an eye on Lockhart. Or more specifically Lockhart's behavior with the student body.
Harry's meeting with Snape was one of the last ones held. Harry didn't care because he knew what he wanted to do and really didn't like his Head of House. He showed up at the appointed time anyway.
"Mr. Potter."
"Sir."
"I wasn't precisely fair to you last year, I thought I saw things about you that were not there and I treated you accordingly. Despite that you acquitted yourself very well, and I hope this year we can get off to a better start. Have a seat."
As Professor Snape looked at him, he saw thoughts race behind Harry's eyes; last year he had tried to legilimence the boy, but had been unable to do so. He didn't even try. The boy didn't sit in the chair but instead remained standing.
"Permission to speak freely, sir?"
Snape inclined his head.
"You are my Head of House, however, let's not kid ourselves that you give a rat's ass about me. I am Lord Potter. My father, James Potter, whom I resemble greatly, was an ass and your rival in school according to my mum. You, for whatever reason, haven't grown up enough to differentiate between us. I respect your abilities as a Potion Master. I respect the Head of House and professorial positions which you hold. But I do not like you or even respect you. Holding a grudge against an eleven year old child for something his deceased father did a decade or more ago is childish and reprehensible. I do not trust you and I doubt you to be enough of an adult to understand such things as trust need to be earned. My mother regretted the dissolution of your friendship and how it came about, but frankly I'm of the opinion given the type of adult you've proven yourself to be, she was better off without your friendship. I expect if she could see the way you have treated me, she would concur.
"Thanks to Mr. Flint, I know how these things are supposed to go. My health and family life are fine. Pomfrey got the results from my recent checkup the second day of school. I know the rules of the house and the school. I am aiming to be in the top five in my year again this year and I have the skills and contacts to do so. With your permission if I meet my goals I will ask Mr. Flint to continue our arrangement of him shopping in Hogsmeade for my rewards as we did last year. Is there anything else, Professor?"
Professor Snape found himself at a loss for words. The scathing diatribe he'd just received, delivered in such an adult manner, while looking into those green eyes, made it seem he was back in fifth year getting reamed by Lily. He shook his head, gathered the papers he had in front of him and beat a hasty retreat to his quarters where he did something he'd not done since the night Lily died. He got totally smashed.
....
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