The welcoming feast for the new year was as sumptuous as ever, but was marred by the imploring words of the Sorting Hat's song and Professor Dumbledore's speech after. The headmaster was only a few words into his introduction to the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor when the woman interrupted him. The woman dressed in a hideous pink confection made it quite clear that the Ministry was interfering with Hogwarts and Harry had to suppress his anger and nausea as the woman spoke. Then his lovely wife's soothing voice invaded his thoughts.
Well, it seems the Ministry may not believe Voldemort is back, but instead has decided to start interfering at Hogwarts.
Unfortunately so. Do you get as bad of a reading off that hag as I do love?
Yes dear. She practically reeks of disdain and prejudice. It will be interesting to see what her idea of DADA is.
As the Potters finished their mental conference, Professor Umbridge finally relented and yielded the floor back to the headmaster as the room just gaped at her. The headmaster seemed a bit flustered and Harry felt that didn't bode well for his standing up to the old toad. Soon announcements were complete and everyone was dismissed to return to their dorms. Since Harry and Hermione had their own apartment, they didn't need to follow along and instead walked toward the front to speak with the headmaster. As they reached him, Umbridge inserted herself in front of the headmaster with a simpering smile for them.
"Now children, I believe you were dismissed to your dorms. Is there a problem?"
Harry barely kept his rage in check, but let just a bit of magic leak and forced it towards the woman, who bristled and glared at him.
"There is no problem that you need to concern yourself with as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. My wife and I simply wish a few words with Headmaster Dumbledore. Also, I would appreciate your respect for the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter. We are emancipated adults with all the rights and responsibilities that entails. We are notchildren and I would expect that a Ministry official of your level would know how to properly address myself and my wife."
Umbridge was a bit stunned and, before she could formulate a reply, Harry stepped to the side to speak to the headmaster.
"Good evening Professor Dumbledore. As we discussed earlier in the summer, Hermione and myself need to meet with you on several matters. I'd like to allow sufficient time, perhaps an hour. Can you please tell me when you might be available?"
Dumbledore was about to reply when Umbridge intruded again.
"Really? You need an hour of the headmaster's time? I find that unlikely. Perhaps you should talk to the head of your house."
Harry turned back to the toad and this time he did not control his magic as he let it roll out of him and Umbridge began to skid across the floor. Harry just glared at her before tightening his control and ceasing the magic flow. He then turned back to stare at Dumbledore and await a reply.
"Yes Lord Potter, I should have time two days from now. I believe Herbology will be your last class that day. Shall we meet around three?"
"That sounds acceptable headmaster. Thank you for the time. Now, my wife and I need to get back and settled in our apartment."
Harry was about to turn when Umbridge approached them again. Hermione knew he was on the edge of fully losing it with the woman and was ready to intervene as Umbridge spoke.
"Apartment? What do you mean? You are members of Gryffindor house."
"You are correct professor, my husband and I are both proud Gryffindors. While we still align closely with our house, our marital status and my husband's title allow us the use of married student quarters. You certainly wouldn't expect us to be engaging in normal marital relations in dorms with other students present, would you?"
Umbridge for once seemed at a loss of words as Hermione smirked, took Harry's arm and turned them around to leave the Great Hall. As she turned, she found Professor McGonagall standing to the side with their class schedules. Their house head stepped forward and handed Hermione the schedules as she traded a small, knowing smile with her favorite students. Hermione gave her a final nod as she pulled Harry away and they made their way to their apartment.
As soon as they were back in their apartment, Hermione let go of Harry's arm and vented her own frustrations over the new DADA professor. As she ranted, a gasp and shuffling were heard from the bedroom. Harry's wand was out immediately until a familiar figure emerged. Dobby was a bit shocked at Hermione's rant, but obviously excited to see them both.
"Master and Missus has returned! Dobby is sorry to intrude. I was just settling your fine trunks. Also, the feline requested release from his confinement, but I insisted that he remain within the apartment until your arrival. Dobby hopes he has done correctly."
Harry chuckled at the house elf and the mental picture of him and Crookshanks having a discussion. Hermione joined his laughter as the tension from the Great Hall diffused.
"You've done quite fine Dobby. Thank you for settling our trunks and caring for Crookshanks. It's good to see you are still at Hogwarts."
"Oh yes Master Harry sir! Dobby does well as a free elf with the magic of the castle. Elsewheres Dobby would struggle greatly. If master has need of anything, just call on Dobby. Of course, the other elves would help as well, but Dobby would be most pleased to be chosen."
The elf popped out before Harry or Hermione could respond. Shaking his head, Harry turned to his wife.
Well love, I guess it's time to unpack.
Yes, and I should probably let Crookshanks out of the apartment. I'm sure he'll want to explore.
Hermione went to collect Crookshanks while Harry also released Hedwig from her cage and opened a window for her. With their familiars released, Harry turned to his trunk and was about to start unpacking when Hermione came up behind him and wrapped her arms around him. As she nuzzled his neck, she sent him a very enticing mental image. Tossing the socks he was holding back into the trunk, Harry turned and took his wife into his arms.
Perhaps we should break the apartment in a bit before we unpack?
Excellent idea my love.
Harry nibbled on her ear and then moved kisses down her neck as Hermione began to moan softly. Their robes went quickly and then the various pieces of their uniforms began to be scattered as they slowly undressed each other while trailing kisses. They gradually maneuvered to the bed, so that by the time they were undressed, Harry was able to push Hermione back onto it with her legs on the edge as he dropped to his knees and began to open her lips to explore her with his tongue. Her moans grew in intensity as she called his name and begged her lover to make her come. Just as her thighs began to tremble, Harry pulled back as she nearly cried in disappointment. Smiling down on her, Harry tenderly slipped his aching cock into her warmth. Already close to the edge, he barely made two strokes when Hermione called his name and climaxed. Even as she squeezed him in her delightful heat, Harry continued his rhythm, increasing his speed and adjusting her legs so that he could push in deeper. Her climax continued almost to a painful point as he never let up on her. Minutes later he increased his strokes to a rapid pounding for a brief minute before groaning and crying out his own climax as he filled her tight entry to overflowing, causing her to come again. As the stars receded from his eyes, he rolled the both of them all the way onto the bed as he slipped out and their mixed fluids poured down her thighs. Hermione was still quivering from the series of intense orgasms as she turned and tried to smile at her lover. Harry leaned over and kissed her as he fondled her breasts. They kissed and fondled for quite a while before they were both ready to go again as Harry pulled her over and Hermione settled on his cock with a squeak that soon turned into a loud moaning. Their second round lasted longer as both were still spent from their first. After long minutes of slow and delicious lovemaking, each felt the peak approaching again as Hermione sat up completely and began to ride him hard, bouncing furiously on his staff as she begged for release. She knew she would be sore in the morning, but as usual did not care. When she finally came, Harry was just moments behind her as her muscles began to milk him for anything he had left. Finally exhausted, each thought only briefly about their unpacked trunks before falling into blissful sleep.
The next morning Harry thankfully rose as the first light of sunrise slanted through the high window of their bedroom. Checking the time, he found it was not quite six. He also couldn't remember what was first on their schedule, so he carefully extracted himself from the bed and headed for the loo before then going to retrieve their schedules. They were due to start with Transfiguration in a couple hours, followed by a study period, lunch and then Defense Against the Dark Arts. Harry dreaded the class, certain that he couldn't expect much from Umbridge. As he pondered, Hermione appeared, naked and gorgeous in the early light of morning. He crossed to her and kissed her sensually before regretfully pulling back.
As much as I hate to say this love, we should probably get ready for class. We have Transfiguration first. We also still need to unpack.
You're right of course my love, although first I think we both need to clean up. Perhaps we should save time and shower together?
Harry grinned and let himself be led to the bathroom, although he knew that joint showering almost never saved time. Once again he was correct as they spent forty minutes under the hot water washing each other before Harry bent Hermione over and took her from behind as her screams echoed off the tile. After they were both sated, they then had to wash again, careful to control themselves so that they could finally exit the shower. They then dressed and unpacked a bit before heading down to breakfast and their first class of the new school year.
McGonagall didn't let them off easy for the first class and they decided to retire to the Gryffindor common room to study before lunch. When they arrived, Ron and Dean were reclining and talking about the summer. The Potters joined their two friends and others that soon joined and found themselves spending the hour renewing friendships and leaving homework for later in the evening. After lunch with all their friends, they next prepared for the moment they were dreading and headed to the Defense Against the Dark Arts class. When they arrived, the room looked decidedly different than it had with their previous instructors. The desks were set in precise rows with a single chalkboard at the front and a desk to the side. The desk was covered in a pink lace throw and featured a number of pictures in elaborate gilt frames. None of the students had much time to contemplate before Umbridge appeared in the doorway between her office and the classroom. She was once again attired all in pink, this time in a lighter shade that made her somehow look like a particularly unappetizing cloud of cotton candy with the face of a toad. Most of the students had their wands out as well as their books, and the professor frowned at them.
"Now class, wands away. Really, what were you thinking? Of course, your instruction in this subject has been dismal at best and criminal at the worst. All you will be needing is the book you have been assigned for this class titled Defensive Magical Theory. So, let's begin on page seven after the introd…yes, Miss Potter, why is your hand raised?"
Harry bristled at her address of Hermione. She at least didn't call her Granger, but she didn't acknowledge they were married either. He decided to settle the matter first.
"Professor Umbridge, I must insist that you correctly address my wife. Since you have not engendered familiarity with us, the House of Potter would appreciate that she be addressed as Lady Potter."
"Really? This is a school, not the Wizengamot young Mr. Potter. Now, as I was saying.."
"Professor Umbridge, I am fully aware of where I am currently sitting. The charters of this school were written to completely acknowledge all titles of the realm and it is within those mandates that I insist you correct your address to both myself and my wife. If you do not care to, I will bring this forward as a matter to the Wizengamot, as well as declaring you an enemy of the House of Potter. Do I make myself clear?"
The Professor was pinker than her outfit as she glared at Harry and then looked to Hermione.
"Fine Lord Potter. Now, Lady Potter, why do you insist on disrupting the class by foolishly waving your hand?"
"I don't believe this is a foolish question professor. You mentioned that wands will not be needed in class. Does that mean we will not be performing any practical magic?"
"What? Of course not! Why would you think that children such as yourself would actually need to use defensive spells?"
Harry had once again had enough with the pompous, toad faced witch. He felt his magic crackling and reined it in just a bit, although not completely, as he responded.
"Why you ask? Oh, I don't know professor, perhaps because Lord Voldemort has returned?"
Although Harry would have thought it impossible, Umbridge actually turned a brighter shade of pink as she exploded.
"Lord Potter! You certainly have not been schooled in the propriety that your title should engender. Now, let me address the entire class with what I have to say now. Lord Voldemort is GONE. He has not and will not return. Anyone who says otherwise is a LIAR."
That final statement was the clincher for Harry as he stood and lightly rubbed his signet, calling forth a bit of house magic.
"Dolores Umbridge, as lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter, I demand that you rescind your last statement. Unless you really wished to call me a liar?"
"What? Sit down young man. Title or not, I will not allow you to disrespect your elders. You are obviously delusional and I will not tolerate false statements about the return of some Dark Lord."
Harry gathered his magic a bit more and suddenly the room was bathed in blue light as static crackled around Harry and he framed his next response. The entire class was completely silent, with a few Hufflepuffs and a couple Gryffindors actually gathered at the back of the room, ready to flee.
"Dolores Umbridge, I have warned you and you have failed to cede the warning. You have now called me a liar and inferred that I am delusional. I, Harry James Potter, of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter do hereby declare you an enemy of my house. As a declared enemy of my house, and with witnesses to the slight upon my house, including my Lady, I hereby challenge you to a duel for house honor. As the challenger, I cede the choice of time and place for the duel to yourself. In accordance with the ancient laws, I demand that you choose the place and time here and now. I will accept an immediate duel if you so wish."
A hiss sounded around the room as everyone blanched at Harry's words. All except Hermione, who stood steadfastly at his side and sent her private thoughts to her husband.
Well stated my love. I guess it's good that I found that book at Grimmauld on Ancient House customs.
Indeed, as usual you are my brains. I thank the gods for our bond that lets me share a bit of your vast knowledge.
Harry broke the mental conversation with a less than tame mental kiss that caused Hermione to shiver slightly. Umbridge just stared at them in shock for minute before she finally found her voice.
"A duel? Ha! You wish to duel me? While I would very much find it welcome to teach you a lesson that you have obviously lacked, I cannot allow myself as a professor to duel an underage student."
"Then you refuse the duel? Certainly you must know that refusing a duel counts as a forfeit to yourself and I have the right to choose whatever spoils I so wish, up to and including half the value of your house."
This time it was Umbridge who blanched as her face suddenly lost all the high color that Harry had brought out in her. She thought over her options quickly and grimaced at the young, impudent lordling.
"Fine, Lord Potter, I accept your duel. Let it be known that I duel Lord Potter, not Harry Potter, student of Hogwarts. I will not be held responsible for the results. Let's get this over with here and now."
Harry nodded and turned to the class.
"Sorry for the unseemly show everyone, but can you all please step to the back of the room. Scion Longbottom, may I ask that you take the role of fair witness?"
"Wow…um…sure Har…um Lord Potter."
Neville stepped to Harry's opposite side as the rest of the class left their desks and gathered in the back. With everyone safely away, Harry waved his wand and the desks all moved to the sides of the room. Next, he inscribed a ring around the room, setting the dueling quarters and pushing Hermione and Neville outside the ring. He took up his position as Umbridge assumed hers. Neville was about to begin the duel when Harry spoke up.
"Alright everyone, it looks like you are going to get a full and unplanned defense lesson today. Watch carefully and I'll submit the memory of this for review later if anyone wishes."
Harry nodded to Neville, who looked a bit scared but nodded back as he raised his wand and began the duel. Umbridge moved surprisingly quickly at first, while Harry put up an immediate heavy protectum maximo shield. He shuffled sideways as Umbridge launched a couple quick stunners at him. Harry decided to cut to the chase and volley with his heaviest spells, taking a brief second to gather his magic and fire a reducto at Umbridge. She dodged it just barely as she cast a shield, but the reducto hit her desk, shattering it and sending shrapnel around the room. Hermione immediately turned and cast a shield over the back of the classroom where everyone was gathered and then cast a shield around herself and Neville. As Umbridge was getting her shield back up, some of the shrapnel hit her, causing her to wince and take a brief pause that Harry utilized to launch a barrage and shatter her shield. Next, Harry decided to try a spell that Sirius had taught him during their last days at Grimmauld. The spell was a spread cutting spell called sectusempra and it hit Umbridge in the side as she cast a reducto at Harry while trying to dodge. Harry's shield wavered, but he poured some magic into it to strengthen it again. Umbridge was now clutching her right side with her left hand while she tried to continue casting. Harry cast an expelliarmus and then an incarcerous, disarming and binding his opponent. With Umbridge down, he stepped forward and placed his wand to her temple as she looked up at him, terrified. He knew it was now within his rights to take her life, but there was no way he would kill a disarmed and bound opponent. He supposed that if he had to, he might kill in defense, but even that was hard for him to imagine.
"Dolores Umbridge, I hereby claim victory in this duel. I am granting you your life, but request that you vacate Hogwarts immediately and never return. House Potter holds a life debt on you and would expect your future behavior to reflect that debt."
Harry stepped back and looked around at the class. Against a far wall he was surprised to find that two more had joined the audience. The Fat Friar and Bloody Baron were just staring at him, apparently as in shock as everyone else. Harry nodded to the two ghosts.
"Hello sirs. Can you please summon the headmaster as well Madam Pomfrey. I do believe Dolores is in need of medical attention."
"Yes my Lord. Right away."
The two ghosts disappeared through the wall and Harry bent down to check on Dolores. She was bleeding, but was not in immediate danger so he turned back to his classmates.
"Well, while we wait, does anyone have any questions about what happened? I do apologize for you all having to witness this."
Harry's calm composure disconcerted many of his fellow students even more and none responded to him. It was Neville who decided to speak up.
"Lord Potter, if I may, while we wait, can you review the spells you used? I didn't recognize a couple of them."
"Yes, of course Scion Longbottom. First, my shield was an advanced form of the protego we all know. The protectum is more complex and requires more focus, but offers more protection. I also cast the maximo version for increased protection. It requires a fair bit of focus to erect a complete shield. You are all familiar with the disarm and stun spells, but what you saw in action was the use of stunners in a barrage. It's a bit of an added verbiage to the spell and also requires complete focus. I don't know if it will be taught in later classes…"
"It's NEWT level, late sixth year I believe my love."
"Thank you dear. As my wife has said, much of this is NEWT level. We've been doing a bit of extra study lately since I seem to be a frequent target. As for the other spells, reducto is a reduction spell meant to reduce objects to small pieces. You saw what it did to the desk. You can imagine what it would do if it hit a person full strength. Again, the strength of the spell is largely due to the magical core strength of the caster, as well as their focus abilities. There are some mind magics such as occlumency that aid in…"
Harry's teaching dialogue was cut short by the arrival of the headmaster and Madam Pomfrey. Harry gestured to the healer and she came across the room to examine Umbridge. Meanwhile, Dumbledore looked over his glasses and regarded Harry seriously.
"Lord Potter, I believe you need to begin explaining yourself quickly."
Neville suddenly stepped to Harry's side and looked at the headmaster.
"Headmaster Dumbledore, I was the fair witness for this duel and would be willing to submit evidence if you desire. I can assure you that Lord Potter acted within his rights when his personage and house were impugned multiple times, even after he warned Umbridge."
"Alright. Well then, Lord and Lady Potter and Scion Longbottom, please follow me to my office. Madam Pomfrey, how is she?"
"She has a few nasty cuts and a bit of wood stuck in her arm, but I should be able to patch her up shortly. She'll need a blood replenishing potion for the blood loss as well."
"Very well Madam Pomfrey, please see to it that Dolores is healed as quickly as possible and then see to it that she exits the grounds. I spared her life, but require her to vacate Hogwarts permanently."
Madam Pomfrey's eyes went wide, as did Dumbledore's.
"Lord Potter, I understand you had a disagreement, but the Ministry insisted on Professor Umbridge's replacement. You cannot dismiss her."
"With all due respect headmaster, yes I can. I would prefer to speak in private, but we can continue now if you wish."
"No, private is probably best. Let's go to my office. I'll summon Minerva as well since the three of you are hers. Class, you are dismissed early. Please use this time to study."
Harry, Hermione and Neville followed Dumbledore out of the classroom and across the castle to his office. McGonagall was already waiting when they arrived. Seeing the three Gryffindors, her lips pinched and she cast a concerned look at Dumbledore.
"Minerva, thank you for leaving your class early. There has been an incident in Defense Against the Dark Arts. Apparently Dolores insulted House Potter and its Lord and then accepted a duel from Lord Potter. He defeated her, but granted her her life. She is now being treated in the hospital wing for her injuries. Scion Longbottom was fair witness, so I have called them here to submit their memories of what occurred."
The head of house Gryffindor blanched as she glanced at her three charges. Dumbledore then waved and summoned his pensieve from a nearby cabinet. Harry and Neville both placed their wands to their temples and produced the memories, which they deposited in the bowl. Dumbledore and McGonagall took a step forward and descended into the memories, which played consecutively for them, showing the events from two angles. Harry, Hermione and Neville stood back and waited the long minutes for the review to be completed. Finally, Dumbledore and McGonagall joined them again. McGonagall turned and regarded them with an appraising eye while Dumbledore turned and spoke to Harry.
"Well Lord Potter, it does seem that you were in your rights to the duel. I'm a bit shocked at Dolores' repeated foolishness after you warned her. You do leave me in a quandary as to what I am to do about a Defense teacher now. Apparently the position is believed to be cursed and it has been impossible for me to find an instructor. That is why the Ministry stepped in and provided one. I daresay that even with you banishing Umbridge they will produce someone else. Anyway, that is my concern now. I am sure that your actions will cause an uproar at the Ministry. May I retain the memories for evidence?"
"Yes headmaster, please. I also need to speak with you in regards to the issue with the Ministry assigning professors. It is tied to what I needed to discuss with you during our appointment tomorrow."
"Hmm, well then I think I will adjust my schedule and make time for us to meet now. It seems that matters can no longer be delayed. Will you require the others to be in attendance?"
"I wish my lady to be here of course. Professor McGonagall may remain if she wishes. Neville, I appreciate all you have done, but I need to discuss some house business now."
"No worries Lord Potter. Also, I may be Scion Longbottom, but I am also your friend. Just let me know if there is anything I can do to help. I believe you about Voldemort and will do whatever is needed to help you get rid of him."
Harry took a deep breath, a bit stunned at the seriousness Neville was displaying. He had grown a lot since they first met and was beginning to truly resemble the Scion of a Noble House. Harry thought for a minute and conferred with Hermione.
What do you think love? Time to start gathering alliances?
I think so. Certainly I trust Neville as much as anyone. His house isn't the most powerful, but he is due to take a seat on the Wizengamot when he comes of age.
With Hermione's assurance, Harry rubbed his signet to call forth his house magic and then stepped forward and clasped Neville's right hand between his two hands.
"Scion Neville Franklin Longbottom, you have been a true and loyal friend. I, Harry James Potter, do hereby offer an alliance between the Ancient and Noble House of Potter and the Noble House of Longbottom. What say you friend?"
Neville's eyes grew wide, but his response was quick.
"I, Scion Neville Franklin Longbottom do hereby accept an alliance with the house of Lord Harry James Potter."
The magic that Harry had called forth flared around them for a brief second as a flash of yellow light sealed the alliance, leaving the two young wizards grinning at each other.
"Well then Neville, as an ally of House Potter, you are welcome to stay for the rest of the meeting if you wish."
"Thank you Harry, but I think I'll decline if I'm not needed. I think I need to send a letter to my gran immediately. Our family hasn't had an alliance in at least a couple centuries."
Harry nodded and Neville left the office. The Potters then turned to look back at Dumbledore and McGonagall. The Gryffindor matriarch shook her head briefly as she regarded the young lions.
"My, the two of you do keep things stirred up. The school year has barely begun."
"I'm afraid I'm about to stir more professor, but it needs to be done."
Dumbledore gestured to a couple chairs and they all sat. Harry decided he should start the discussion.
"Headmaster, I think we should first discuss the issue with the Defense position. I believe you said the Ministry assigned Umbridge because you couldn't find anyone else?"
"That's correct Lord Potter."
"Please, we're done with the formal inquiry now, let's go back to first names. So, since I've dismissed Umbridge, the Ministry can now choose someone else who may be equally stupid and vile?"
"Yes Harry. That's part of the school charter under the board of governors."
"I see. Well then, I think we have a solution. I'll let my brilliant and equally beautiful wife explain."
Harry turned and Hermione smirked at him as she took over.
"Professor, we've read up quite a bit on the history of Hogwarts and the governing of the school. The current charter and board of governors was begun approximately 550 years ago, nearly three hundred years after the founding of the school. During the preceding three hundred years the school was governed by a headmaster and the Founders' lines. Once the lines of the Founders began to diminish, the current structure was put in place. The change was welcome and brought order during a time of chaos and infighting at the school. That being said, the Founders' rules still apply and supersede the charter rules. If descendants of the Founders are available, they would have the right to claim control and vote over Hogwarts. I can now inform you that the two of us bear two of the Founders' rings. Harry bears the ring for Gryffindor and I bear the ring for Ravenclaw, which is handed down through a matriarchal lineage along Harry's family line. The ring for Hufflepuff was destroyed by the goblins when no one was left to claim it. The only person able to claim the ring of Slytherin is Lord Voldemort. Although he has returned, I highly doubt he will be appearing at Gringotts anytime soon to claim the ring. So, there are three total Founders' votes left for the school and Harry and I hold two of those."
"Merlin's breeks!" McGonagall exclaimed, then looked abashed as she grew quiet.
Dumbledore was silent, but looked equally astonished. After a full minute of contemplation, he replied.
"Well then, this does change the light on things. I doubt the Minister even knows about the old laws. If you go through with this, it's going to cause quite a commotion."
"I understand professor, but I don't think it can be avoided. Voldemort is back and the Minister is sticking his head in the sand and taking the Ministry down with him. I can't let him do the same to Hogwarts. So I guess we need to make an official vote on the Defense position and moving forward with the governing of the school. As I understand it, once we move on one we take over all action for the school."
"That's correct Harry. You could replace myself or any of the other professors as well."
"Right now I don't want to cause that much change. I'm fine with leaving you as headmaster. That being said, we have much more to talk about and I must insist that you disclose everything I wish to know. You may think I'm too young, but I've grown up quickly. Voldemort is back and I'm his target. I expect you to aid me completely from this point forward."
Well that's the first step love. Now, what do we need to do to invoke our Founders' privileges?
I think we need to call forth the magic in our rings much like you have with the Potter signet and then state our intentions. I believe the magic imbued in the castle will handle the rest.
Alright, why don't you take the lead then Lady Ravenclaw. I yield to your brilliance.
Hermione held back a sarcastic remark and instead focused her magic as she began to rub the Ravenclaw signet. Harry did the same with Gryffindor's as Hermione began to speak.
"I, Hermione Jean Potter, now claiming to the line of Rowena Ravenclaw, do hereby claim my Founders' rights over this school and strike out all others rights to vote or govern Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
"And I, Harry James Potter, now claiming to the line of Godric Gryffindor, do hereby claim my Founders' rights over this school and strike out all others rights to vote or govern Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
Two loud clangs sounded as a flare of magic encompassed Hermione and Harry. As the magic settled, they both felt a new awareness of their surroundings. Reaching out lightly with his magic, Harry felt the totality of the many layers of wards around the ancient building, as well as the subtle shifts in magic throughout, caused by the numerous inhabitants.
"Well then my Founders, what is your will of the school headmaster now?"
"First, I wish for Remus Lupin to be contacted immediately about returning to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts. I will assist in drafting the offer letter. If anyone objects to his appointment, I don't care. Second, I would like a list of potion masters who can take over from Professor Snape compiled within the next week for myself and Hermione to review. I would like the same done for History professors, as I believe it is long past time for Professor Binns to move on. Finally, from this day forward, Divination is now no longer compulsory and should only be offered to those select few with the interest and skills needed for the discipline. I understand your reasons for keeping Trelawney close, but that does not mean that all students need to be subjected to her less than perfect art form. I know this presents quite a few changes, but Hermione and I have talked this over at length and are in concurrence on the changes that need to be made. I believe that you have had your attentions divided for too long headmaster and have let a few things slip. We are now here to assist and see that the standards of Hogwarts are raised appropriately again."
"Alright Harry, I guess I'll need to get busy with compiling the lists for you. In regards to Severus, I do wish you would rethink that decision. Much like Trelawney, he needs to remain close for reasons other than teaching."
"If that is the case, then you need to start explaining why. Now that we have invoked the Founders' privileges, I think it is time we move on to the next subject. You told me about the prophecy, but I feel there are more details that you are withholding. Why don't we start with Professor Snape, why is he so important?"
Dumbledore sighed and looked at the young man in front of him. Years of planning were crashing down around him and he seemed unable to stop the deluge. Harry had come into his own much quicker than he would have wished, aided by the amazing bond to the brilliant witch at his side. His magic pulsed and he felt he was at a crux, a significant turning point in events. With a final nod, Dumbledore accepted what fate and circumstance had wrought as he began the long process of imparting Lord Potter with the information he desired…