Chapter Seven - The Ultimatum

Disclaimer: The Harry Potter universe belongs to the proverbial Duchess of Magic, JK Rowling, Scholastic, Bloomsbury, Warner Bros and some other high falutin' companies. No matter how much I whine about not owning anything related to the HP universe, other than a few fanfic plots, I do not profess to own - and would never dream of making any money off - JKR's wonderful world... Damn it!

A/N: I've said I was going to do this in my profile sooner of later, but it seems some people just can't be bothered to read them. Nevertheless, I'll act now.

At best guess I would have to say that approximately fifty percent of 'Guest" reviews I receive - and are, therefore, similarly received by my fellow authors - is abusive. Most minor abuse I let through, because I firmly believe a person has a right to their opinion. However, there are many I don't. That's because they're disgusting. Take this one, for example:

:The amount of cheese and horrible caricatures in this hot turd is obnoxious.

That's it. That's the sum total of someone's supposed review. And it's not unusual. Not by a long shot. It's also nowhere near the worst I've received. So, I strongly feel it's high time the web masters/mistresses turned guest reviews back to having to be approved to be published, rather than unapproved to be not; which is where it is currently set.

If any of you readers out there - who have not yourself published on FFN - wonder why people begin to write a story and then, quite suddenly, abandon not just it, but all writing on the website, it's because of disgusting little individuals like "Guest" above.

Juxtapositioned is the reviews of "registered" users. Of those less than five percent, one in twenty, is even remotely destructive. One in two for "guest" reviews versus one in twenty for "registered" reviews. Is it any wonder authors want to see guest reviews turned off?

Oh, and if you're thinking of looking to see where that particular so-called review is published, don't bother. I, of course, 'unapproved' it.

Sinyk

Chapter Seven - The Ultimatum

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

The rest of the weekend passed without any event of note. On the evening of the Greengrass visit, the two girls, once again, joined Harry in bed. And, again, he made no comment or move, other than to allow them to slide in on either side of him. They did the same thing the next night.

Once they were all settled on the Sunday night, he asked them, "Though I certainly don't mind, you know there are two bedrooms with their own ensuites that aren't being used now?"

"Don't be silly, Harry," chuckled Hermione. "We still use our own bedrooms and bathrooms. Where would we get cleaned and dressed if we didn't have them?"

Harry had to bite his tongue not to answer that one. However, Daphne had clearly come to the same answer on her own. "Not yet, Harry; alright?"

"You know I don't mind," he responded. "Whatever you're comfortable with is fine by me. If you want, we can discuss each step... each stage... before we take that step. What do you think?"

After having already turned out the lights, Harry was unable to see the expressions on the faces of the other two. So, he just waited to hear what they'd say.

Hermione answered first. "That makes a great deal of sense."

"Mmm," murmured Daphne. "Yes. I... think I'd like that."

Within a few minutes, with all three thinking about that plan, they drifted off to sleep.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

Monday morning began when the three bondmates walked in to the Great Hall for breakfast, it was to see the Headmaster once more sitting at the table; though looking quite unwell.

The three looked at the elderly man strangely before heading to the Gryffindor table to break their fasts.

When they arrived, but before sitting, it was to see the two youngest Weasleys also sitting there. That stopped the three of them cold.

Furious, Harry stormed up to the head table.

From a distance of about two feet from the leading edge of the dais he shouted at the aged Headmaster while pointing back at the Gryffindor table. "What the Hell are those two doing here? Why aren't they in either a Ministry holding cell... or, better yet... Azkaban?"

"Potter!" Snape loudly snarled. "You arrogant little snot. How dare..."

Which was as far as he got before Harry pulled his wand from his pocket and, with a loud bellow of "Stupefy!" launched a knockout curse right at the tall black-dressed man.

Snape had to dive sideways out of his chair as the back of it nearly shattered from the impact of the curse.

"Harry!" exclaimed the Headmaster, quite shocked.

"Sorry, Professor!" Harry smartly replied. "I was under the Imperius curse! Either that, or it seems to be a compulsion of some sort that makes me attempt to defend myself from verbal assault each time some person abuses me."

"Now, Harry," stuttered Dumbledore. "I don't think that's possible."

Meanwhile, Professor Snape repaired and retook his seat, clearly looking to hex Harry right back, but - after a sneer from Fake-Moody where the man was still filling his role as the real Moody and appeared ready to defend the three teens - withheld himself.

"Ah!" Harry happily exclaimed to Dumbledore. "So, you agree that all those claims of being under the Imperius curse by the alleged Death Eaters in 1981 weren't possible. Well, seeing as you know that... and as you're the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot... I'm sure we can soon look forward to all those perjurers facing justice and being sent to Azkaban for their crimes.

"How soon will we be seeing them on trial, Chief Warlock Dumbledore?"

With a look crossed between one of sorrow and anger, Dumbledore replied, "I think we'll take this to my office, right now, Mister Potter," and moved to stand.

"And miss breakfast... the most important meal of the day... Sir?" Harry shot right back.

Hesitating a few moments with a steely look at Harry, Dumbledore replied, "After breakfast, then," and settled back down again.

"In the meantime, Sir," Harry smoothly asked, "Perhaps you can tell me why Ronald and Ginevra Weasley are currently sitting at the Gryffindor table? After all, they tried to poison me with love potions only a few days ago. And it appeared they were planning on doing the same to my bondmates."

"We'll discuss that in my office after breakfast, Mister Potter," the Headmaster firmly stated with a hard look back.

"In that case, Sir," Harry firmly said, "We three will enjoy our breakfast at the Slytherin table. I don't want to heighten the risk of any of us being poisoned again."

Without awaiting a response, he turned to Professor McGonagall and clearly said, "Professor. As we have been summoned to the Headmaster's office after breakfast... a man who, when we last visited his office, illegally attacked both me and Miss Greengrass... as mine and Miss Granger's Head of House, I ask for your attendance, as well. I have no need to ask for Professor Snape's attendance on behalf of Miss Greengrass as I have no doubt he'll be there; whether his attendance is requested, or not."

Without awaiting a response from Professor McGonagall either, Harry turned and led the two girls over to the Slytherin table.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

During breakfast, Harry broached the subject of the three of them being re-sorted.

"I think we should, just to get away from the Weasley potion princesses," Harry quietly said to the other two. "Plus, I can see how uncomfortable it is for Daphne to sit there or here."

"Then what House would we go into?" asked Hermione.

"Harry's right; and Ravenclaw," replied Daphne, equally quietly. "The three of us are clearly going to be considered smart enough to be in that House. We'll just need to convince the Hat."

"The Hat wanted to put me in Ravenclaw during my initial sort," Hermione admitted. "But, I begged it to put me into Gryffindor; because that's the House Headmaster Dumbledore was in when he was a student here."

"You already know I was supposed to go into Slytherin," Harry added.

"And it considered sorting me into Ravenclaw, as well," said Daphne. "So, we're agreed? Ravenclaw?"

Harry and Hermione both nodded their heads.

Harry quietly said, "Now for the next problem. I think it's time I lost my temper with the Headmaster in his presence."

"What do you mean, Harry?" asked Hermione, a little worriedly.

"I believe... know... the Headmaster is going to try to blow me off," he replied. "I intend to lose my temper with him to get what we want."

"And that is?" asked a wary Daphne.

"We all know there is no way in Hell Dumbledore wants to see me leave Hogwarts," replied Harry. "If I was to leave, he'd lose control of me. And, he's never going to allow that to happen. So, I'm going to give him a very strong ultimatum. If he doesn't meet it, I threaten him with withdrawing and going back to the muggle world. That's something he'll never allow to happen. So, we can force some changes out of him."

"Clever," said Daphne. "In that case, let's go through what we want to see happen to make things better both around here and for us."

And the three made plans.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

Once they'd finished breakfast, where Harry could tell Daphne was still unhappy about sitting at a table anywhere near Theo Nott, he led both girls back to the head table. Dumbledore had already left but Professor McGonagall was clearly waiting for them.

"Ready, Mister Potter?" she asked.

"Yes, Ma'am," Harry replied.

The walk to the gargoyle at the base of the stairs leading up to the Headmaster's office was done in silence. Professor McGonagall led the way with Harry almost directly behind by a couple of paces. As per usual Daphne was on his left and Hermione on his right.

After the Professor gave the password, the only words spoken, the four ascended the stairs. Usually, the Professor would chat with Harry on his way to see the Headmaster. However, this time she did not. Harry could see his soon-to-be ex-Head of House was quite tense.

Walking in to the office, Harry could see around the Professor and see the Headmaster seated behind his desk; and, of course, Professor Snape sitting on his stool in the corner, glaring back with a sneer firmly affixed to his face.

"Thank you for bringing Mister Potter, Minerva," said the Headmaster. "You may go."

With a short bow, the Professor turned around and began to leave before Harry, looking straight at her, asked, "Where are you going, Professor?"

When the Professor turned back to Harry he said, "It is I who asked for your attendance here as my Head of House, and as is my right to have you in attendance when I'm being interviewed by the Headmaster. Why are you leaving?"

"Now Harry..." stuttered the Headmaster.

Harry ignored him and continued to stare at Professor McGonagall. "Professor?" he prompted her.

Surprisingly, Professor Snape kept his mouth shut.

With a frown the Professor turned fully back and replied, "My apologies, Mister Potter. You are, of course, correct." Then, looking at the Headmaster, she said, "I'll be staying, Albus."

That was it for the Potions Master. "Potter! You're as arrogant as your father!"

Showing great restraint, Harry merely cocked an eyebrow at the black dressed Professor as the Headmaster held up his hand and said, "Severus, that is enough."

Turning once more to his Head of House, Harry said, "Professor. For the past three plus years I have been subjected to ongoing systematic abuse from Professor Snape. In almost all that time I have bided my time waiting for the senior staff of this school to curb his behaviour. I have bided in vain.

"So, I put to you, that if you do not curb Albus's dog, forthwith, I will kill the fucker!" he said with the last five words given with a pronounced snarl while staring at the shocked woman. "Have I made myself perfectly clear, Professor?"

"Harry!" exclaimed the Headmaster as Hermione did the same, but continued with, "Language!" Professor McGonagall's eyes near bugged out as her jaw dropped open. As such, she didn't respond.

Harry, quite furious, turned back to the Headmaster and coldly but vehemently said, "Everyone has a breaking point, Headmaster. I have reached mine. If you're worried about whether or not I'll go dark, this is how it'll happen. I have had a fucking gutful. I will tolerate no more."

He then turned to the man himself and said, "This will be your first and last direct warning. Abuse me ever again; I will do my absolute damnedest to kill you. And I won't necessarily come at you from the front or with wand in hand. You have now exceeded my patience."

After coldly staring at the man for a few moments longer, Harry turned back to the gob smacked Headmaster and said, "Now; we are here to discuss why the two youngest Weasley children are back in the school after their criminal attack upon my and my bondmates' persons. I'd like to know why."

The Headmaster, clearly and utterly stunned by Harry's remarks, sat staring back at Harry for a long few moments with a look of complete shock on his face. No one said a word. Everyone else was too shocked to utter a sound.

Eventually, the Headmaster blinked away his surprise and said, "Err... y-you've given me a lot to think about, Harry. I-I'll be up late considering your words."

"Don't blow me off, Headmaster!" Harry interrupted with a snarled yell. "I came here to get answers as to why the two youngest Weasley children are back where they can, once more, attempt to poison myself and my bondmates. I will not put myself or my bondmates at risk another minute more. I'll need a damned good reason, right now, why I shouldn't take my own action to rid myself and my bondmates of that threat."

That was it for the Headmaster. Losing his own temper and beginning to radiate power the Headmaster shot to his feet, glared right back and snarled, "You do not get to dictate to me, young man. I am the Headmaster here. And, what I say goes.

"You will calm down, right this second, or you will find your wand snapped, your magic bound and being expelled."

As anticipated by the three and not backing down one jot, Harry snatched his wand out of his pocket and threw it into Dumbledore's chest, where it bounced off before landing on the desk. "Then, there's my wand... snap it! After what's happened to me this past three plus years... the amount of times my life has been at risk under you as Headmaster... I'm going to be a lot fucking safer back in the muggle world."

While the boy and the man stood facing off one another, Professor McGonagall gasped in horror at what Harry said. Even Professor Snape went a little white and lost his sneer. Hermione dropped her face in her hands, quietly sobbing, while Daphne appeared flat-out stunned.

When it dawned on the Headmaster what it was Harry said, he too went a little white and near collapsed back into his chair before properly retaking his seat. He simply did not know what to say.

A little quieter, Harry snarled, "I've had it, Headmaster. I am not kidding when I tell you I've had enough. I have finally reached the end of my tether with the fucking lot of you; and, unless things immediately become a lot safer for me around here, I'm gone!

"You can snap my wand, you can bind my magic, you can expel me from the school; the bond between Hermione, Daphne and I has not been finalised; so, doing all that will not unnecessarily harm them."

After a short hesitation he said, "I'll even make it easier for you. Tell me, right now, what the Hell is going on with the two youngest Weasleys being back here, or I head to the DMLE and demand my immediate expulsion from the magical world. I'll be gone from this world before the sun sets."

The Headmaster knew right then things had escalated to the point where all was lost unless he immediately acted. He sighed and sat forward with his elbows on the desk, his hands clasped and resting his forehead on them. As he looked down, he could see Harry's wand sitting on the desk between his elbows, waiting to be snapped.

Harry waited for a few long moments. When the Headmaster still didn't say anything he huffed and said, "Right." He spun around to look at Hermione and Daphne. "Sorry, ladies," he said to them both. "But, it looks like this is where we part ways."

He then stepped forward to give Hermione, still sobbing, a hug. He needed to say goodbye. "Take care of yourself, Hermione. If Malfoy calls you a Mudblood again, give him a good swift kick in the goolies for me, yeah?" and pulled back.

While holding her in the crook of his left arm, he used the ball of his right thumb to brush away the tears on her cheeks as she looked back and nodded.

"Hey," he said. "You know I can't stay. Sooner or later one of these death-defying risks to me in this school will no longer be defied; and, I'll be dead. Its better I go now, before the bond finalises and risks your health along with mine."

"I know," she sobbed. "You need to take care of yourself, Harry. I'm going to miss you." Then she kissed him on the cheek before backing away.

"Me too," he replied, before turning to Daphne.

Daphne immediately came forward and enveloped him in a hug of her own; which he returned. "Goodbye, Harry," she said. "I'm sorry things didn't work out for you... for us."

Pulling back, she then broke down in tears.

"Hey," he softly said. "Please don't cry on my behalf. You know I need to do this."

"Mister Potter," the Headmaster called.

Harry ignored him, for the moment, as he tried to calm Daphne down.

"Mister Potter," the Headmaster called a little more loudly.

Giving it another couple of moments while he held Daphne, Harry then turned to Dumbledore - who had quite the unusual expression on his face - and replied, "I'm not ignoring you, Headmaster. I'm saying goodbye to these two lovely ladies."

"Mister Potter," the Headmaster said once more. "I cannot expel the two Weasley children because they have not yet been found guilty of a crime."

Harry snorted back and said, "No, maybe not. However, you most certainly can suspend them until the results of that trial are determined.

"However, we've gone beyond that, now. The two Weasleys are only the latest of my issues with you, the rest of the staff and this school. Now that we've reached that point it's easy for me to recognise the truth. If things stay the way they are, here; I'm going to die before I can graduate.

"So no thank you, Headmaster," Harry sighed. "I've had enough. And I can't see you, with your 'you must learn to forgive' bullshit, doing what needs to be done to make the rest of my time in this place non-life threatening... even if securing the safety of your students is your primary responsibility as Headmaster."

"What do you want me to do, Mister Potter?" the Headmaster quietly asked.

"Headmaster, you can't be..." exclaimed Professor Snape.

"Silence! Severus," the Headmaster half-bellowed in a snap right back at the man. "Things have clearly reached the point where Mister Potter feels quite comfortable... and that it's his best option... to give up his magic rather than stay here another moment, as the way things are. And I find that horrifying.

"Clearly, I have been incredibly remiss in my responsibilities as Headmaster; and I intend to rectify that, immediately." He then turned back to Harry and, in a softer voice, again asked, "What do I and the staff need to do to change your mind, Mister Potter."

Harry stared back at the old man with Daphne still in his arms, and thought about it for a few moments.

Finally, with a huff, he replied, "Fine." With a nod of his head towards Professor Snape, he said, "Professor Snape needs to immediately and forevermore cease his attacks on myself, other students and the memory of my father. I will not tolerate a single instance of abuse from the man, ever again. The fact that he abuses a student... any student... should see him immediately placed on probation; and, any further instances, summarily dismissed. He may be one of magical Britain's premiere Potions Masters, but he sucks as a teacher. Instead, he's a bully.

"He takes points for things like 'blinking too loudly' or 'asking a question'. That is, of course, if you're not a Slytherin. If you're a Slytherin, you get points for things like 'looking attentive' or 'wearing green'. It makes a complete mockery of the points system. And the points system is a fundamental core of your discipline system. Many students now ignore the system because Professor Snape has tainted it to the point its nought but a joke. As such, many... if not most... students now can no longer be bothered with earning points or losing them."

The man in question seethed in his place, but kept his opinions to himself.

"Next," Harry continued. "The ongoing abuse of students by other students, for whatever reason, must end immediately. Use of the term 'mudblood', or similar sneers, must see swift punishment of the offender. And, the punishment must be sufficient enough to have those who offend think twice before doing it again. Make terms like 'mudblood' and 'half-breed' taboo words anywhere on Hogwarts grounds, on the Express and on both train stations. It's flat-out bullying and needs to be dealt with.

"This year, you've told us we're to have delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. Do you really want them to experience Hogwarts with none of that fixed? What sort of image does that promote?

"I've looked it up; Beauxbatons have a number of students who are Veela. Do you want to see someone like Draco Malfoy sneer at one such Beauxbatons student and call her a half-breed? Even a blind man can see he will do it! That's yet another example of bullying; and will be one aimed by a Hogwarts student at a visiting student. What sort of international incident will that create? Hmm?

"And, speaking of bullying, any form of it... whether it's by word or deed... needs the perpetrators to feel like the wrath of the Gods have descended upon them when they're caught bullying another. For instance, I guarantee none of the staff are aware that young Luna Lovegood is being horrendously bullied by just about every member of her own House; plus quite a few other individuals. So much for that 'Your House is your family' nonsense Professor McGonagall here spouts off to the unsorted First Years each year; yeah?

"And the reason the staff are unaware of this, is because the students have no faith in the staff meting out reasonable punishment; let alone actually listening to a student when they come to them with a complaint. The staff has taught the students well. Don't bring your complaints to us. That whole 'Heir of Slytherin' thing is a prime example of bullying going on right under the noses of the staff, and nothing being done to stop it. You could have... should have... and failed to do so.

"You also speak of forgiveness, Headmaster. Well, before you can have forgiveness there must first be recognition by the perpetrator they did something wrong; and be sorry for doing it. That's remorse. Next is repentance. They must, more or less, vow not to do it again. Thirdly, they must face atonement. In part, that's punishment. Then, once they feel genuine remorse, have accepted they've done wrong, repented and made a promise to fix their ways... and been properly punished for it... then, and only then, can forgiveness be considered. Not before. Even the Holy Bible recognises that. You seem to just want to skip the important steps and get right to the forgiveness part. That. Does. Not. Work.

"The three of us also want to be re-sorted. It's creating problems for us being a mix of Gryffindors and Slytherin. Hermione and I no longer feel safe at the Gryffindor table with two of the Weasleys already attempting to poison us with love and compulsion potions. We don't want to give them any further, or easy, opportunity by sitting table with them ever again. And it makes everyone uncomfortable if Hermione and I take seat at the Slytherin table. Having us re-sorted into one House... either Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff... will make the three of us less uncomfortable and reduces the risk of harm to the three of us.

"You also have this whole Tri-Wizard Tournament thing, this year. I'm telling you, right now, I have absolutely no intention of participating in it other than as a spectator. However, as usually happens, I'll somehow be dragged into it, risking my own life yet again. Well, I won't have it. I will not participate, Headmaster. I don't give a flying rat's arse about the thing. I Will Not Compete. And, if someone attempts to force me to do so, there will be ever-loving Hell to pay. I will make it an unbreakable vow if push comes to shove. So, you need to make damned sure I'm kept the Hell out of it.

"Finally, I'm beginning to suspect you're holding off on getting my godfather a trial in an attempt to force me to return to Privet Drive each summer. I want a proper home, Headmaster. And Privet Drive is not my home; it's my prison." Harry heard the little trinket on one of the cabinets give a little chirp before it died, and saw the Headmaster give a tiny wince in response. "You are the Chief Warlock. It is within your purview and mandate to get it done. So, please, get it done. Right now, I am in the process of organising a solicitor for him through Matthias Greengrass."

"Contrary to the ludicrous views of Professor Snape, I am being systematically abused at Privet Drive; physically, psychologically and emotionally. And, with the bond forming between Daphne, Hermione and I, we need to stay together over the breaks lest we risk harm to the forming bond. I will not subject them to the Dursleys for even a moment.

"Those are my bare minimum conditions for me to stay. They are not negotiable. I have to protect myself and my ladies, here. If you cannot meet those conditions in full as they have been explained to you, you need to tell me now."

Dumbledore almost impassively sat there for a few moments longer before glancing at both Professors. He then looked back and Harry and asked, "Could you please give us a little time to discuss this? You've spoken about matters of which... I swear to you... I'm completely unaware. I promise the three of you I will have a decision by lunch time, today."

Harry stared back at the Headmaster for a few more moments before turning to the two girls. "Ladies?" he asked. "Should I?"

"Giving up your magic is a huge step to take, Harry," said Hermione. "I know you can easily live life in the muggle world, but it means returning to live with those horrid relatives of yours."

"Though they end up giving me only rags to wear, feed me only table scraps, and make me do all the chores and handyman jobs around the house and yard, while the rest of them sit on their bums and just abuse me, that's still preferable to staying here with the way things are," Harry softly replied.

He didn't see the look of shock and subsequent sudden glare at the Headmaster by Professor McGonagall, who'd been listening in.

"Besides, though I occasionally cop a beating... especially from my whale of a cousin... at least they're not trying to kill me," he reasoned.

"I'd much prefer you to stay, Harry," Daphne sniffled. "But I also understand your need to get away from here. I say give the Headmaster until lunch time today, as he requested. If even one of your conditions is not met, I support your need to leave our world."

"Thank you, Daphne," he replied.

"I do, too, Harry," Hermione softly added.

"Thank you," he replied with a small smile.

He then turned back to the Headmaster and said, "We've agreed to give you until lunch time today to decide whether or not you'll meet my conditions, Headmaster. If, however, I have not heard from you by then, or you disagree with even a tiny part of those conditions, I'm gone."

"Thank you, Harry," Dumbledore firmly said. "I shall be meeting with the senior teaching staff between now and then. You've provided information even I want answered."

Harry gave a short nod before turning to escort the two ladies from the Headmaster's office, and off towards their classes, before Dumbledore called him back.

When Harry turned to look back, the Headmaster was holding his wand out and said, "Please take your wand with you, Mister Potter. For now, at least, you'll need it for class."

Harry thought about it for a moment before walking back to the desk and accepting the wand. "Thank you, Headmaster." Then turned back and rejoined the girls in leaving the office.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

As they walked, in the usual formation once they'd descended the stairs to the corridor, Daphne asked, "Would you have really gone ahead with it, Harry? Left the magical world?"

He replied, "Dumbledore would never have allowed it to happen. The prophecy makes sure of that. I just needed him to believe I was resolute in my desire to leave. That way, I've forced his hand to get things fixed around here."

Hermione cut in and said, "Dumbledore will bend over backwards, wear a pink tutu and sing 'I'm a Little Teapot' in the middle of Diagon Alley during the height of Christmas shopping, if he felt he had to do that to keep Harry here," She then looked at Harry and asked, "What would you have done if he'd let you walk out that door?"

"Gone directly to Gringotts, pulled out all of my trust fund and named you my Heir... so the likes of Malfoy wouldn't be able to get his hands on the Potter fortune," he replied. "Then, gone to the offices of the Daily Prophet and given Rita Skeeter a tell-all exclusive interview of my life, together with why I was choosing to leave the magical world. Then gone to the DMLE where, I've no doubt, Dumbledore would have been waiting for me to stop me. If not, I'd have requested it.

"I also have little doubt Madam Bones would have bent over backwards to stop me, as well. She'd want to know why I was choosing that path, and that would have put her on the warpath against Dumbledore.

"No, I doubt very much I'll ever get an actual opportunity to walk away from the magical world. No one will ever accept the Boy-Who-Lived would want to not live in the magical world. There'd be rioting in the streets. Well, except for the period between Voldemort's resurrection and the battle at the Ministry; or, whatever is going to happen here."

"And what's going to happen... what are you going to do... when your name comes out of the Goblet?" asked Daphne.

"Create one Hell of an almighty stink," he replied with a shrug. "I don't know if there actually is a loophole in the so-called magical contract that can be used to get me out it or not. But, that's beside the point. What I've set up, back there, is how I'm going to deal with the student body before things like those 'Potter Stinks' badges come out.

"I'm okay with competing, now. I know what I'm going to face; and, I'll be prepared. I just don't want to have to tolerate the scorn and derision from the other students as I did the first time through. I've made it so the staff will have to come down on them, hard. I'll remind Dumbledore how, by not competing, I'll be 'squibbed'. And how that'll be a free pass for me to escape into the muggle world. There's nothing he could do to stop it, if that's the case. He'll make damned sure I choose to compete by forcing the student body to leave me alone."

"In other words, you've got him over a barrel," smirked Hermione.

"Eww!" Harry shuddered in response. "You know he's gay, right? That's a vision I didn't want. He might actually like the idea of being over a barrel."

Both girls laughed in response.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

At 11:00am, the senior staff of the school attended a mandatory staff meeting in the Headmaster's office. They were told to cancel any classes they may have had for that period and the next two hours, and attend. Lunch would be provided.

As they all congregated in the office, Dumbledore conjured a conference table with surrounding chairs. "Please, be seated," he requested.

Once the senior staff - The Headmaster, Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, Snape and Sprout, and Madam Pomfrey - were all seated, the Headmaster said, "Professors McGonagall, Snape and I recently had a most worrying and troubling meeting with Mister Potter and his two bondmates. The meeting was originally supposed to only cover Mister Potter and his bondmates' concerns about the return of the two youngest Weasley children to this school."

"I'm not surprised," huffed Professor Sprout.

After a moment to glare at the Professor, who didn't look abashed at all, Dumbledore continued, "In the meeting, Mister Potter raised a number of other concerns - as well as his concern about the two Weasley children. He raised issues of which I'm only partly aware or not aware of at all. We are going to discuss those points, right now."

"I cannot believe you're going to kow-tow to that little..." Professor Snape began to snarl.

With a firm slap of his palm against the surface of the table, Dumbledore interrupted him and barked back, "Severus! Enough!"

The Potions Master visibly flinched back but did hold his tongue.

Looking back at the rest of the staff, the Headmaster began to raise the points Harry had raised with him. "It appears, and I have no reason to doubt him after what I heard, Mister Potter believes things have gotten so bad for him at Hogwarts, he is willing... I dare say even eager... to see his wand snapped, his magic bound and his eviction from the magical community as more desirable than remaining a student here."

Of those staff who weren't at the earlier meeting, Professor Sprout gasped in horror, as did Madam Pomfrey, while Professor Flitwick looked completely stunned.

"That's horrible!" stuttered Madam Pomfrey. "Why would he want such a thing?"

"That's what we're going to discuss," the Headmaster firmly replied.

During the subsequent meeting, he also let them know just how angry he was with them for him not being aware of many of the points raised.

Finally acting as the executive unit they were supposed to be, the staff, with the Headmaster leading the discussion, made decisions.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

Once again sitting table at the Slytherin table, the three had just finished lunch when Professor McGonagall approached and said, "A decision has been reached. I'll escort you to the Headmaster's office once you've completed your lunch."

A quick glance at both girls to make sure they'd finished, and Harry looked back up at the Professor and said, "Thank you, Professor. We're done. If you've not, though, we can hold off."

"No, I've completed my meal, thank you," she replied with a smile. "If you're ready, we can go."

The three teens then rose and followed the Professor back to the Headmaster's office.

Inside were Dumbledore, the four Heads of Houses and Madam Pomfrey. They were sitting in a circle around a small table that Harry suspected was very recently a much larger one for their meeting. There were three chairs left vacant together, with another next to the Headmaster. To that last was where Professor McGonagall headed.

As Harry escorted the two girls to the other three chairs, before sitting in the middle one, as surreptitiously as possible he tried to gauge the mood of the senior teaching staff. They all looked quite happy, except for Dumbledore. He looked like he'd sucked on too many of those Lemon Drops he favoured, with a somewhat pinched countenance.

As Harry sat down, the Headmaster said, "Thank you for coming again, Harry. And, thank you for giving us the time to go over your... conditions."

Harry gave a slight head nod in response.

"As I mentioned earlier you raised a couple of points of which I was unaware were going on in this school," the Headmaster continued. "Firstly, we were all completely unaware of the bullying of Miss Lovegood that was going on. That will be dealt with this afternoon and during the evening meal. Professor Flitwick, as Head of House, will be immediately addressing that problem.

"As for the general and... oft times... public bullying that's occurring, the entire staff has been instructed to come down on the perpetrators of it with the full weight of the Headmaster's office. You are correct in positing that displays of one or more students bullying another or others is not something we want our soon-to-be arriving guests from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang to witness.

"No, it's something that should never occur. So, the staff has been told to be extra vigilant in both looking for it, and dealing with it. And that includes use of slurs such as 'mudblood' or 'half-breed'.

"You also indicated great disappointment in how the House point system is being... tainted. That, too, is being addressed. New guidelines for both awarding and deducting points are being drawn up. And the teaching staff will be required to adhere to it. Further, if you have a complaint about what you believe to be unfair points deducted or awarded, you can raise the issue with your Head of House or, if they're the one you believe is being unfair, you... indeed, any student... can raise it with me. What you are probably unaware of, is that there is a ledger kept within this office that records the awarding and deducting of points, and why, and it will now be constantly reviewed.

"Now we get to the more serious issues you raised. Though, I do recognise bullying as a serious issue. First, Professor Snape is now on probation. I have spoken with our Head Boy and Girl, and other senior class students, and have confirmed everything you told me. I was completely unaware of just how... bad... it had become. For that, I am deeply sorry; and, hope you can find it in your heart to eventually forgive me for being lax in that regard in the past.

"Professor Snape has now been instructed he is to use the points awarding and deducting guidelines when awarding and deducting points. He is to also refrain from using or intimating any denigrating language when communicating with students. He will be monitored for compliance. If he breaches these instructions in future, he will be summarily dismissed. He will also provide proper instruction for the making of each and every potion. He will no longer be allowed to just say, 'Instructions are on the board. You have one hour.' or similar. I, or Professor McGonagall, will conduct random reviews to ensure these conditions are met."

With a surprisingly genuine sigh, he said, "As for the two Weasley children. I had already spoken with Arthur and Molly, Mister and Missus Weasley, about the two children before that... unpleasantness... this morning. At that time, I gave them both my assurances the children could return to school and classes until the trial. As such, I cannot go back on that promise."

Harry was about to interrupt when the Headmaster, recognising Harry's ire, held up his hand and continued, "However, I also understand your view on how it makes you both uncomfortable and feel there is further risk to being attacked via potion with them in the school, though I do not agree.

"To address that, all Weasley children, including Percy, were subjected to a snap inspection of their belongings, late this morning; and their incoming mail will be monitored. Other than prank items in the possession of the twins, there were no other suspicious packages. What the younger Weasleys had in their possession from before, were already seized by aurors from within the DMLE when they were first taken away. I can assure you that they will be closely watched and monitored to ensure they do not attempt such a heinous act again.

"Further, it has been decided you will be allowed to be re-sorted and change Houses. It is clearly uncomfortable for the three of you to remain in the Houses you are currently within. If you want to be re-sorted, it will occur immediately before the evening meal, this evening. The student body will only be told it is an option made available to you due to the bond, so that you can all be in the same House."

Harry simply nodded in response.

"As to the matter of your godfather, Sirius Black; I, once again, apologise I have been somewhat lax in that area. It is good that you're organising a solicitor for him; and I commend you for that. Once you have the solicitor organised, and he or she is ready for trial, I will use my office as Chief Warlock to push for the trial. I can only hope that he is exonerated. The Ministry, including the Wizengamot, is rife with corruption. As such, nothing is a given."

"The final matter you raised was the Tri-Wizard Tournament, and how you feared you'd be entered into the event against your wishes or desire. With what you have gone through over the past three years you've been here, it's quite understandable you fear the worst. So, I'm going to tell you how the choosing of the champions will take place. I trust the three of you not to share this information with anyone else."

Harry and the two girls nodded.

With a responding nod, Dumbledore then went on to describe the Goblet of Fire, and how it would be used. He also gave the information that the minimum age of a contestant was seventeen.

Harry was then ready with his questions.

"What is to stop someone of-age deciding to submit my name against my wishes?" he asked.

His first question and Dumbledore clearly didn't expect it. He was surprised by it. "I must say, that did not occur to me. I shall take steps to ensure that cannot happen."

"And, if it still does? If my name comes out of this... Goblet... after all?" Harry asked. "It sounds like an incredibly dangerous artefact, Sir. It could be used by one wizard to see the magic stripped from another."

"There are safeguards to the second part of your question. But, in the highly unlikely event of the first, you would have to compete."

And, before Harry could interrupt again, Dumbledore said, "I see your concern, Harry. And, I will take steps to combat against it. But, it's now too late to stop this from happening. Contracts have been signed and arrangements have been made."

"You can still skip using the cup... Goblet... and just have a standard magically binding contract," Harry muttered back.

"Sorry, no," said Dumbledore. "Tradition holds that the Goblet be used."

"It's not much of a tradition if the Tri-Wizard Tournament hasn't be held for centuries," Harry shot back, to which the Headmaster only acknowledged with a slight nod. With a sigh, he said, "Please tell me this is not going to occur on Halloween. You know what that day means to me."

"Errr... sorry," the Headmaster sheepishly replied. "The draw will take place at the conclusion of the Halloween feast."

With an admirable acting performance, Harry looked at the Headmaster with much disappointment. "First year," he said, beginning to tick them off his fingers. "Troll. Troll in the dungeon. Thought you'd want to know. I, dragging a very reluctant Ron Weasley along, manage to rescue Hermione here from said troll with only moments to spare.

"Second year. It's Nearly Headless Nick's 500th Deathday party, Missus Norris gets petrified, and it's the start of almost exactly six months and one week of being held to ridicule, fear, contempt and similar by the entire student body, while the entire teaching staff appeared to sit back and did absolutely nothing about it.

"Third year. Sirius Black, the so-called escaped mass murderer and right hand man of Voldemort, is in the castle. He attacks the portrait of Imogene - the Fat Lady; and we all have to sleep in sleeping bags in the Great Hall. Of course, I was in no danger, but we didn't know that at the time, did we?

"And now, fourth year. It's that exact, same, day you're holding the draw for the champions for the Tri-Wizard Tournament," Harry sighed in exasperation. "You know there's no way in Hell my name's not going to come out of that Goblet now, don't you?"

Dumbledore stared back with a look that was a cross between consternation and constipation before he finally cleared his throat and shook himself out of it. "Yes. Well," he muttered. "I do see your point, young Harry."

Muttering sulphurously for a few moments, Harry then sat up straighter and said, "It's now clear to me that my name will be coming out of that Goblet on Halloween. It seems I'm Lady Fate's personal punching bag and that date is the date she's set aside to personally torment me.

"I can already see what's going to happen. The event is designed for witches and wizards over the age of seventeen. Therefore, the events are designed for those witches and wizards who have that level of education. It'll even challenge their knowledge and skills. I'm fourteen with only three years of magical education. In other words, I'm toast.

"On top of that, as I'm only fourteen and the event is only open to those who are seventeen and above, when my name comes out of the Goblet, everyone's going to say I somehow cheated my way in. So, yet again, I'm going to be slandered and ridiculed. The question I have is, is the staff going to actively work at preventing it, this time around? If not, I'm out of here.

"Of course, if I do get held up for slander and ridicule again by the sheep of the wizarding world, I will have absolutely no problem with flipping the lot of you the finger, and refusing to compete. In other words, I can use it as the perfect opportunity to have my magic stripped, rather than bound. That way, no one can stop me from going back to the muggle world to live, and I can wipe my hands of the lot of you. With a muggle population in Britain approaching sixty million, it won't be hard for me to disappear into the crowds."

Harry could see his words were having a profound effect on the staff. Professor McGonagall was trying to sit stoically as she stared off into the distance, but her eyes were leaking tears. Professor Snape sat scowling with his head down and appeared quite tense. However, he remained quiet - thankfully. Professor Flitwick was still in shock and looked ready to vomit. Professor Sprout was quietly sobbing while shaking her head in apparent dismay and an attempted refusal to believe what she was hearing, as was Madam Pomfrey.

Staring straight at the Headmaster, Harry asked, "So, Headmaster, what is the plan for when my name comes out of the Goblet? Because, I really don't think anything you do is going to stop it from happening."

After clearing his throat again, Dumbledore firmly said, "I assure you, Harry, I'll be doing my best to ensure that does not happen. However, if you're correct, I don't know what I can do once it happens."

Harry shook his head in annoyance and said, "Then, I'll start." He drew his wand and held it up in his hand. "I, Harry James Potter, swear on my magic and my very life I will not submit my name to the Goblet of Fire. Nor will I ask, or in any other way actively encourage another, to submit my name to the Goblet of Fire. I do not want to compete in the Tri-Wizard Tournament. I do not want to be involved in the Tri-Wizard Tournament other than as a spectator. As I say, so I swear."

There was a quick and almost blinding flash of light as the oath was accepted. And he immediately cast a stream of sparklers.

Harry turned to the senior staff and said, "I trust that is enough for everyone here to know and understand me being in the Tri-Wizard Tournament is not something I will work towards achieving?"

Most of the staff looked horrified at what Harry had just done. It was Dumbledore who replied, "Harry, a magical oath is not something that should ever be taken lightly..."

Interrupting, Harry replied, "And what part of this entire conversation could be considered 'light', Headmaster? I understand what will happen if I decide to take the option of having my magic either stripped or bound, and my then being ostracised to the mundane world. Compared to that, a magical oath is merely a doddle."

"Nevertheless," the Headmaster sighed, "It is still a serious act to undertake. But, what is done is done. I believe I speak for all the staff when I say we do not doubt you have no wish to participate as a champion in the Tri-Wizard Tournament. However, what would you have us do if... or, as you believe, when... your name comes out of the Goblet?"

Harry frowned and appeared deep in thought. A few moments later, he looked back at the Headmaster and replied, "As soon as my name comes out, I'm going to make a very public magical oath similar to the one I just made, here, stating it wasn't me. I also demand you make damned sure none of the sheep you call students has a go at me about it. It would be collective bullying at its worse.

"Because, I'm telling you now, if the student body even thinks about denigrating, slandering, defaming, vilifying, ostracising, scorning or similar me or either of my bondmates, I will retaliate with physical force. I will not stand for it. Not for even one jot of a moment. I will not tolerate another second year."

"I believe, once we begin to enforce the rules regarding bullying at tonight's meal, that will not happen," said Dumbledore.

"Well, Sir," Harry retorted, "A famous theoretical physicist, Albert Einstein, once said 'Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity; and I'm not too sure about the first'(1). No matter how much you... impress... upon the student population that such actions will be harshly treated, there will still be those who will choose the stupid option and ignore you. I, however, will not ignore them."

With a sigh, the Headmaster sat back and said, "Alright, Harry; I think we've covered all the points you've raised. Are you satisfied with what you've heard here?"

Instead of answering immediately, Harry turned to the two girls and non-verbally asked for their views. Hermione, who was still clearly upset, nodded back; as did Daphne when he turned to her.

Turning back to the Headmaster he replied, "So long as there is an immediate major shift towards what we've spoken about, and then that major shift continues, I currently withdraw my wish to be evicted from the magical world."

The Headmaster visibly sighed in relief.

"However, I reserve the right to make such a determination in future," Harry continued. "I will wait to see what happens... especially surrounding the tournament... and will be constantly internally reviewing my decision. There must be radical changes to have occurred before I will remove my desire off the table completely.

"Further, if I do end up deciding to leave the magical world, I expect my wishes to be honoured. It is my choice. And I really don't give a flying toss if the magical world gets all up in arms about how the Boy-Who-Lived would make such a decision. My decision will be my own; not theirs. And I really could care less about the so-called Boy-Who-Lived because he is not me. You can blame the idiots who have, without my authorisation, used my name to sell products for that.

"I'm also supposed to be this great bloody hero who got rid of Voldemort for the magical people. However, not one of them even wrote to me to say thank you. The first letter I ever received from anyone... let alone the magical world... was my Hogwarts acceptance letter. And I had no way to reply to that, anyway."

Harry watched as the Headmaster almost imperceptibly winced.

"If I'm supposed to be their hero, then why was I ignored by them?" Harry asked. "No. They clearly couldn't care less about me. All mouth and no action. Therefore, I can't see them really being upset if I decide to leave."

"Mister Potter," said Professor McGonagall, getting Harry's attention. "Plenty of people wrote to you. No one ever heard back."

Glaring back, Harry replied, "I assure you, Professor; I never received..."

"Harry," the Headmaster interrupted.

Turning to look at the Headmaster with a frown, Harry asked, "Headmaster?"

Clearly uncomfortable and even squirming slightly in his seat, the Headmaster said, "The reason you didn't receive any mail is because I was concerned that some of it would contain harmful potions, charms, portkeys or the like. They represented a great risk to you and your safety. Furthermore, I knew your aunt and uncle would not appreciate being... bothered... by the magical community. As your magical guardian, I made the decision to intercept your mail and have it stored elsewhere until..."

Harry listened first, with dawning comprehension, then mutating to anger. Eventually, he'd heard enough and surged to his feet in rage.

"Jesus bloody Christ, Dumbledore!" he roared as Dumbledore was immediately cut off and the staff visibly flinched back. "Do you have any bloody idea as to the consequences of your actions? It's no wonder the student body out there denigrate me one moment and worship me the next.

"Holy bloody Hell! There'll be kids out there... not to mention their parents and guardians... who wrote to me and never heard a bloody peep out of me back! God damn it; some may have even sent me gifts and they now think I'm a right prick for not even acknowledging them! Including over the past three years. It's no bloody surprise, now, why I'm getting treated the way I do! They fucking hate me!"

Harry grabbed hold of his spiking emotions, not even noticing that documents and trinkets had been sent flying during his rage at the Headmaster by his almost uncontrolled magic. Once he'd managed to get his emotions back into check, he collapsed back into his seat.

"You imbecilic prick!" he moaned. "What have you done?"

No one even dared to reply. Only Hermione first, then Daphne, moved closer to him and hugged him.

"Oh my God!" he sobbed into his hands.

The first to recover of the staff, Professor McGonagall glared at the Headmaster and quietly but firmly demanded, "Albus? Where is Mister Potter's mail?"

Calming himself down, the Headmaster quietly replied, "It's being stored in an unused storeroom here, in the castle. I have not taken the time to go and have a look at it, so I have no idea how much is there. I'm also concerned that some of it may still have those illicit charms, potions, portkeys or the like I mentioned attached to them.

"Therefore, I ask that you not go looking for it, at this time, Mister Potter."

"Fuck you, old man!" Harry snarled back. "I don't know what the laws are in the magical world surrounding intercepting the mail of another; but, in the muggle world, it's an automatic stay in one of Her Majesty's gaols!

"I now take full responsibility and possession of my mail. Any and all mail redirection charms or whatever you have in place concerning me, you will immediately strip away, never to return them... or organise for another to place such upon me and mine. I'll have our two house elves go through it all and separate out anything that's dodgy, and set them aside for the DMLE to deal with. As for the rest, I'm going to need time to go through it all and send out letters of apology to each and every person who sent me something, and explain what happened.

"While your motives for intercepting my mail were just, the method by which you went about it is abhorrent. Once you began to intercept my mail, it fell to you to treat it with respect according to how you believed I'd want it dealt with. And, I assure you, I consider ignoring it a loathsome and despicable act. It's no wonder there are those like Professor Snape who consider me arrogant.

"At the conclusion of this meeting, you will immediately take me to where you've stored my mail. At that time I will use our two house elves to begin the process of sorting it and separating out the letters and packages that are suspect. Then, I'm going to begin the process of going through each and every item and responding to it. I don't care if it's been up to almost thirteen years since the sender sent the letter or package. They deserve a reply; and, they're going to get one; no matter how long it takes me to do so."

When he finally finished his rant and collapsed back in on himself in his seat, Harry let the girls cuddle back into him from either side.

Dumbledore appeared to be getting his own emotions back into check. Once he was calmer, he said, "Harry, I'm truly, truly sorry this has happened. It was my intent to do just as you suggested; but, I managed to put it off until it was too late, and the amount became too large.

"It was then my intent to use the house elves to sort out the... as you put it... suspect packages and letters and see the lot handed over to you when you first arrived here in the beginning of your First Year. But, again, it had slipped my mind."

After a short hesitation he said, "Very well, Harry. At the conclusion of this meeting I will take you to where your mail is stored. I only ask you ensure it is all checked, and bring anything suspect to me, before you handle any of it."

Harry didn't even bother to reply. He took a deep breath of air and said to no one in particular, "I need to get out of here. I need to get some fresh air."

He then stood and said, "I'll come back later. I'm finding the conditions in here, quite stifling, at the moment."

Not even bothering to see if the Headmaster or the rest of the staff acknowledged him; the two girls stood either side and walked out with him. They were headed directly for the main doors of the castle to walk down to sit near the edge of the lake.

Once they were gone, Professor McGonagall staring at the Headmaster, fuming. Once she could, she growled, "How could you, Albus? What other harm have you done to that poor boy?"

"What I've done is..." the Headmaster tried.

Professor McGonagall just barked straight over the top of him. "Don't even think of saying 'It's for the Greater Good', Albus. If it's for your so-called Greater Good to cause harm to that boy, I want no part of it.

"A lot of what is driving that boy out of our world is directly attributed to what you have caused to happen to him. You have meddled in his life long enough. It is high time you made sure his godfather gets his trial and Harry gets to develop a family with him. Because, it's only family that will keep that boy from leaving our world.

"And, if he does end up taking that option, it will become very clear very quickly exactly why he left. I doubt very much you will manage to hold on to any of your positions of power once the dust finally settles."

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

(1) Yes, I know the quote is not accurate. And that Einstein only gave the first half of the quote erroneously attributed to him. But Harry believes the quote to be correct.