… I’m so sorry it took so long for this to be updated. Real life can be a real pain in the butt sometimes. Uni life had me stressed, rounds had me even more stressed, and now I’m looking for a house, which means I’ll need to wait for the internet. But a HUGE thankyou to everyone who reviewed. You can all consider yourselves inspiration. Your reviews asking me to continue really got me thinking. Thanks.

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Chapter Seven-

Dean’s eyes were filled with fear as he started his tale. “You know how You-Know-Who’s attacks have become more frequent over the holidays?” He asked, before swallowing nervously as Harry rolled his eyes and gestured to his scar. “Of course you do.” Dean muttered.

It had become common knowledge in their dormitory that Harry shared a connection with Voldemort as Harry had woke them frequently with his screams at night, during more than one of Voldemort’s raids. While Harry had mastered Occulmency enough to stop the visions, he was still incapable of stopping the phantom pains that wracked his body when Voldemort was feeling particularly intense emotions, or when one of the Death Eaters were using an unforgivable.

At first, this had confused both Harry and Dumbledore, as Harry only had a connection to Voldemort. But after some thought and bouncing theories off of the various portraits and the thinking hat, they finally came to a believable theory. The reason why Harry could feel the unforgivables cast by Death Eaters’ was because of their link to Voldemort.

He shook his head briefly to clear it and motioned for Dean to continue.

Dean took a deep breath. “Over the holidays, while most of my family was out, Death Eaters attacked my home. My mum…” Dean broke off, his eyes filling with tears and beginning to glint with something akin to madness. “My mum was… was lying on the floor, and her b…b…body… and the b…b…blood and and and… she’s…. she’s… my mum… she was d…d…dead…” Here Dean broke down and began to sob.

Neville and Harry shared a look. After all, they both knew what it was like to lose a parent in one sense of the word or another. But just as they were starting to feel pity for the sobbing Gryffindor, their eyes fell on the still trembling form of Severus, his fear evident in his eyes. Their anger, which had been diminished slightly due to the pity they felt towards Dean, immediately grew back into the deadly cold rage they had felt upon sighting the three boys assaulting the terrified Severus.

“And what does that have to do with Severus?” Harry demanded, his voice cold.

Dean looked up and snarled, glaring malevolently at Severus, who whimpered and buried his head into Harry’s chest.

“That slimy bastard was standing over her body with his wand in his hand.” Dean spat, his eyes dancing with barely contained madness.

Harry’s eyes narrowed and made a sharp motion with his wand. The sound of something zipping up filled the Hall as Dean’s mouth was transfigured into a zip.

Neville turned his gaze towards Michael. “And what’s your story?” Neville’s voice, which was usually warm, was ice cold.

Michael gaped, before swallowing convulsively and lowering his head. “The same thing happened to my father, however, he was crippled… There’s nothing anyone can do, not even at St. Mungos… And I saw someone standing over his body, be-before the Aurors arrived. A few days after… after the Prophet had published the story, I… I got a letter from Dean, saying… saying what happened to… to his mother and and and he said that it had to be Snape!” By the end of Micheal’s story, he had grown more confident and lifted his head to glare at Severus, but flinched back at the combined glares from Harry and Neville.

As one, they turned their harsh gaze onto the last member of the trio, Justin, who cowered and looked ready to faint.

“I take it that your story is similar?” Harry’s voice lashed out like a whip, echoing through the Great Hall.

Justin nodded fearfully, before glancing at Dean quickly. “My… my older sister was r.r.… and she… she said that the person who… who did it had… had b. hair…”

“And so you automatically thought it was Severus? A lot of the death eaters have black hair.” Harry cut in furiously.

Justin swallowed hard, before continuing. “No, I… I didn’t think it was S…Snape at first be-because my sis-sister said that he didn’t… that he didn’t have a Potions Masters’ hands… she’s… she’s an apprentice to a Potions Master… but… but… but Dean said that it had to be Snape… that my sister was… was wrong… but how could she be wrong about something like that?” Justin asked, looking lost, but recoiled in fear when Dean’s heated, mad gaze fell upon him. “Dean said that we would be able to make Snape pay for hurting our families… And when the Headmaster announced that Snape had been changed and that he was staying with you, Dean… Dean thought that it was the perfect opportunity to get our revenge. But then you weren’t staying in the Gryffindor dorms with everyone else, so Dean didn’t know how to get to Snape, until he saw you leave him with Granger and Weasley. Weasley kept complaining about how they got ‘saddled’ with Snape and Dean thought that then would be the only time he’d be able to get Snape.” Justin took a deep breath and looked squarely into Harry’s eyes. “That’s it. I shouldn’t have let Dean convince me, but I did. And I know that despite what I’ve said, we’re still going to duel, so I’ll try to give you a decent duel, worthy of the Hufflepuff I used to be.”

Harry nodded, his eyes showing a faint glimmer of respect. Suddenly the glimmer disappeared from Harry’s eyes, making Justin think he had imagined it.

Harry, carrying Severus, strode over to the teacher’s table and stood in front of Dumbledore.

“Headmaster, could you please look after Severus for me while I finish this?”

Dumbledore nodded and stood, his arms reaching over the table to hold Severus as Harry passed him over.

“Now Severus, I’ll be right back but I’ll need you to be good for the Headmaster, please?” Harry said softly, his eyes gentle as he looked at the little boy in the Headmaster’s arms.

Severus nodded, his eyes full of love and trust.

Harry smiled, but his smile became hard and his eyes became cold as he spun on his heel and glared at the three boys. Striding to the middle of the hall, Harry turned to face where the crest of Hogwarts was displayed.

“I invoke the laws of old, as set by Merlin. I seek justice as a father seeks it for his child, as a guardian seeks it for his charge. I seek to protect the innocent from harm as they cannot protect themselves.” As Harry spoke, both he and the crest began to glow, a brilliant emerald green colour, pulsing in time to what appeared to be the beating of Harry’s heart.

--

Ron’s jaw dropped and he swore softly.

Hermione turned to scold him for his use of language but stopped short, seeing the disdain and slight disgust in his eyes, directed at Harry.

“What is it?” She asked softly.

“Harry just invoked the Old Ways.” Seamus answered before Ron could register the question, also seeing the look in his eyes.

“Which means?” Hermione demanded.

Seamus’s eyes widened. “You don’t know?”

Hermione pursed her lips. “Would I be asking if I did?”

“But you would have received an invitation in third year, inviting you to join a series of seminars and workshops dealing with the old ways, etiquette, our laws and your rights. All muggleborns and those raised away from the Wizarding world do.” Seamus explained. “In fact, the only person who didn’t receive one was Harry and that was due to interference. It was rumoured that Lucius Malfoy was the one preventing his invitation from getting to him.”

Hermione sniffed. “It sounded like a whole heap of pureblood supremacy rubbish to me.”

Seamus rolled his eyes. “It’s not. Had you accepted the invitation, you would have known that what Skeeter pulled in our forth year was grounds for a legal suit. I wondered why one of the brightest witches of our year had let something like that slide, but I figured you were being overly nice.”

Hermione looked shocked. “Why didn’t Ron tell me?”

“Because it’s a well known fact that Molly Weasley detests the Old Ways.” Seamus whispered, glancing at Ron, but he was too caught up in glaring at his best friend to hear. “It’s also well known that Arthur Weasley was raised with the Old Ways and is a believer in them, but he refuses to go against his wife. That’s why he hasn’t advanced through the Ministry.”

“But I thought Mr. Weasley liked muggles!” Hermione protested, a note of horror in her voice.

“What’s that got to do with anything?” Seamus asked curiously.

“How could he believe in anything so, so…” Hermione spluttered indignantly, unable to finish the sentence.

Seamus blinked, and then began to laugh softly. “You still think the Old Ways are pureblood supremacy and are prejudiced against muggles and muggleborns?” At Hermione’s incensed nod, Seamus continued to laugh, still softly. “You really have no idea.” He held up a hand to forestall the oncoming barrage of anger. “No, you seriously don’t. Even third year muggleborns know more than you do, not to mention first year halfbloods and purebloods. Muggles knew about magic during the time of Merlin. Our communities weren’t separate. Muggles could even make potions that didn’t require too much magical input or influence, like headache potions and calming draughts. All that was needed from the muggles was a drop of their blood as a substitute.”

Hermione’s eyes were wide and she was listening eagerly.

“As for muggleborns, well some of the most prominent lines emerged from muggleborns, like the McGonagall line and the Sprout line. Other lines like the Flitwick line date back a little further and were brought about by mixing the bloodlines with other magical races. The Flitwick line has a very strong tendency towards their Goblin ancestors. The Lovegood line also has “mixed blood” in it.” Seamus sneered at the term. “A couple of Lovegoods married Veelas and produced a mixing of their bloodlines, which explains why Luna appears so dazed all the time. She’s trying to keep the Veela attraction she alludes to a minimum.” Seamus explained, watching Hermione’s eyes fly towards Luna in shock.

“Why aren’t we taught this in History of Magic?” She demanded.

“Because Binns, despite what is said about him dying during school, died during one of the Goblin Rebellions, which is why he is obsessed with them.”

“Why do you know so much about all this Seamus? I mean, you are a halfblood.”

“Yes, which makes me half magical, Hermione. It doesn’t mean that I came from a completely muggle background like you. I grew up around both muggle and magical things and I am the heir to the Ennis Clan, which dates back to before Hogwarts was founded.”

“So do you have any magical creatures in your ancestry?” Hermione asked eagerly, her scholar-like nature instantly grasping at any new information she could learn.

Seamus sighed. “If you had attended the workshops you would know that what you just did would be considered a grave insult in most circles.” Seamus watched as Hermione blushed. “Since I know you don’t know any better, I won’t take offence, but I suggest that you ask McGonagall if you can get special lessons throughout the year to catch you up.”

Hermione only nodded, still slightly mortified.

“And to answer your question, no, I have no ancestors from other magical races.” He watched as Hermione’s eyes drifted over to the Headmaster. “And no, the Dumbledore line hasn’t crossed bloodlines either. They’ve just produced a very powerful individual for their Lord.” Seamus turned curious eyes towards the glowing figure of Harry. “His line, however, confuses me.”

Hermione followed his gaze. “What do you mean? His mother was muggleborn and his father was a pureblood.”

Seamus shook his head. “No. There’s something about him, something different. One of my magical gifts that I received on my inheritance was a form of mage sense. He tries to hide it, but he is far more powerful than he allows himself to appear. His magic has a different,” Seamus paused, trying to find the correct word. “flavour, of sorts, compared to others, like Ron. It’s non-human, but it’s different even compared to that.” Seamus frowned. “However, there is no record of there being any other magical race in the Potter line.”

“Well it can’t be his mum as she was muggleborn.” Hermione stated snidely.

Seamus sighed. “Once, before all this pureblood crap started, it was an honour to be chosen to be the mate of someone from a different magical race. The Potters’ never once claimed to have merged their line with a non-human line.”

“Maybe they were modest.” Hermione suggested.

“It was considered a deadly insult to the spouse’s race if you didn’t.” Seamus gave Hermione a gentle look, he knew she wouldn’t take this well. “There were also rumours that Lilia Potter was a sorceress, and those rumours were later confirmed when she successfully cast the Divus Contego, the Goddess’ Shield over St Mungo’s during the first war, before the Potter’s went into hiding.”

“Which means what?” Hermione snapped. She had a funny feeling that she wouldn’t like where this was heading.

“Which means she wasn’t a muggleborn. No muggleborn can become a sorcerer.”

“I never thought I’d hear you spout that pureblood rubbish, Seamus.” Hermione snarled.

“Listen Granger,” Seamus growled, his eyes lighting. “I wouldn’t spout that crap ever, or have you forgotten that my father is a muggle?!” He demanded. Seeing that she was opening her mouth to interrupt, Seamus continued. “Now if you had attended the workshop, instead of remaining ignorant, you would know that muggleborns don’t have enough magical background to power the rituals. All of the spells require a foundation of magic to draw upon, something a muggleborn doesn’t have. Any muggleborn attempting to use a sorcerer’s ritual or spell would be killed as the ritual would draw out all their magic, then take their life to complete it. Even the most powerful muggleborn, like Eleanor Branstone, would be, at the very least, turned into a squib.” Seamus explained, his tone becoming less harsh towards the end.

“But…” Hermione started, but was stopped by Seamus raising his hand.

“There are no buts, Hermione. This is one of the few things that you won’t be able to do, no matter how much you study or how good your grades are. Your children might be able to, if you marry an old enough line. Your grandchildren certainly will. But you will never be able to.” Seamus said gently, but with a note of finality in his voice.

Hermione huffed and turned away as a movement from the middle of the hall caught her eye.

Neville had moved to stand at Harry’s right and repeated the words that Harry had spoken. As he did, Neville began to glow with a crimson light that pulsed in time with Harry’s glow.

“Seamus, why are Harry and Neville glowing?” Hermione asked, her curiosity overcoming her desire to ignore Seamus.

Seamus rolled his eyes discreetly. He could tell that Hermione was annoyed with him, but the fact that there was something that she didn’t know about interested her more. “Its their aura, Hermione.” Seamus said, his eyes glowing with respect. “This shows how powerful those two are, Hermione. Only those with tremendous power can display it as casually as they are right now. Most people reveal their aura in times of great stress or in an emotional outburst, like giving birth, or if you’re fighting for your life. At these times, your aura would flash inconsistently, indicating that your magic is attempting to help you in any way possible. For Harry and Neville’s aura to be pulsing in time to their heartbeat, without fluctuating is awe-inspiring. Look at the Slytherins,” Seamus gestured with his head in the direction of the Slytherins. “Even though they hate Harry Potter, mostly because he is a Gryffindor, they still respect and recognise his power.” Seamus snickered softly. “And I don’t think they will ever look at Neville the same way again. No longer is he the timid first year that they picked on. Now he is a powerful wizard and will be one of the most powerful wizards to graduate from Hogwarts.” ‘And it looks like he’s Harry’s right hand man. I wonder if he’s already pledged himself to Harry. If he hasn’t, it won’t be too long before he does.’ Seamus thought to himself, unwilling to reveal these thoughts to Hermione.

“Who calls for a Judge?” A voice echoed through the hall. “Name thyself, Seeker of Justice.”

“I, Hadrian James Potter, son of James and Lilia Potter, Lord of the Most Noble and Ancient House of Potter, call for a Judge.” Harry exclaimed, his stance proud.

‘Now this is an interesting turn of events,’ Thought Seamus. ‘He’s taken his true name and title.’

“Who shall second his call?” The voice demanded.

“I, Neville Tobias Longbottom, son of Frank and Alice Longbottom, Lord of the Most Noble and Ancient House of Longbottom, second his call.” Neville stated calmly, his stance just as proud as Harry’s.

“I find thee both worthy of a Judge. Name thine accusations and the Judging shall commence.”

“We accuse the three miscreants behind us of attempting to harm a child, one of the most innocent of innocents. We seek to punish them for their foul deeds by duelling them.” Harry stated.

“I have heard the side of the Seekers. Now I wish to hear what the Accused have to say.” Came the voice.

Dean and Micheal looked at each other, before turning their gaze to Justin, who shook his head and stood.

“Forgive me Judge, if I don’t do this correctly, our classes didn’t quite tell us what we should do if called before you.” Justin said lightly.

“Speak the truth, Accused, and I will listen.” The Judge stated.

Justin looked around to where he could address the disembodied Judge, and found the voice to be coming from the glow that pulsated around the Hogwarts crest. “I won’t try to excuse what I’ve done. I know it was wrong. I will accept whatever punishment you give me. I only wish to say that I’m sorry.”

“I have heard you, Accused. The other two Accused, speak.” The Judge said.

Dean stood. “Judge, I wasn’t seeking to harm an innocent. That filth,” Dean spun to glare at Severus, not realising that as he did, he also glared at the Headmaster. “That filth has destroyed families. I sought to protect innocents by destroying evil.” Dean spat.

“I second Dean’s comments.” Micheal added arrogantly.

“I will need to gain another’s insight into the situation.” The Judge mussed. “And I think I know where to seek the information that I need.” A beam of emerald green light, swirled with crimson red, shot out of the crest towards Severus.

Severus began to glow emerald, the swirls of crimson dancing over the green.

Harry had taken an involuntary step forward when he saw the beam of magic shoot towards Severus.

‘Be still, Seeker.’ A voice spoke in his mind. ‘My only aim is to see the events for myself. I will not harm this child.’ The Judge reassured Harry.

Harry looked at Severus and saw that he was smiling happily, showing his glowing arms to the Headmaster as he chatted softly to the magic.

Suddenly, the magical glow that surrounded Severus rocketed off and hit the crest with such a force that the magic flecked and fell to the ground like glitter.

“HOW DARE YOU!” The Judge shouted, causing many of the first years to cower near one of the older students. “HOW DARE YOU ATTEMPT TO LIE TO ME!”

Dean smirked at Harry. He was confident that the Judge was speaking to him.

“Accused! I warned thee not to lie to me. I went looking for evidence of this foul being you spoke of, but only found evidence of an innocent child who was near traumatised from what you did to him.”

“What?! But, but…”

“Do not speak, Accused.” The Judge’s voice was cold. “You have been found guilty of attempting to harm an innocent. However, I disagree with the Seekers’ idea of punishment.” Dean and Micheal sighed in relief, but their relief was short-lived. “While it is a fitting punishment, I feel that the Accused deserve a harsher sentence. I, as Judge, impose the sentence of having your magic bound for 3 weeks.” Dean, Micheal and even Justin looked horrified when the Judge sentenced them. “You will be unable to use your magic for these three weeks, and you will be encouraged to repent. If you have not repented for your sins, then a portion of your magic will remain bound until you do. This portion, however, will be available to you should you find yourself in a life threatening situation. Once the situation is resolved, your magic will be bound once more.”

Magic swirled around the three young men until all anyone could see was a whirlwind of emerald and crimson, with flecks of white, the magic of the Old Ways. Then, as abruptly as it started, the magic simply faded from view, revealing the three students, their forms hunched.

“Accused who wears the colours of the badger, since you regretted your decision before the sentencing and didn’t lie to me, your magic will be bound for two weeks, however, a small portion of your magic will be bound until I feel you have repaid your debt to the Old Ways. From now on, you are not to harm any creature.”

Justin nodded gratefully. “I will do as you ask, Judge.” He whispered.

“Seekers, do you find this punishment appropriate?” The Judge asked of Harry and Neville.

“Yes, Judge, we feel that this is a most appropriate punishment.” Neville answered.

“Then by your word, there is to be no attempts to further their punishment.”

“By our word.” Harry and Neville intoned.

“So Witnessed, So Judged.” The Judge said, before the last residue of the magic disappeared.

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Divus – Goddess

Contego - Shield

Eleanor Branstone – A Hufflepuff I borrowed.