I quite enjoyed this chapter and Harry's ept use of the Force (that was an appropriate tack to take with Snape, likely the only language he'd really understand). The dialog with Snape sounds like the kind of thing Harry's always wanted to say but didn't dare; now that he's been unbound and has an understanding of the Force, he can do so. I rather suspect that Dumbledore is going to become even more perturbed as events move along and his "weapon" starts acting and dealing for himself and his friends, not those that Dumbledore has selected for him (methinks Susan Bones is going to get added to the group (initially the "Ministry 6" assuming Harry still trusts them all) that Harry's training in the Force and other magic. Being the Heir of three powerful Houses is going to have some very interesting effects, especially the colorful bahavior of Dumbledore when he finds out that he's out of the decision loop there and Harry's already an emancipated adult with all the right and privilegess thereof (mind you, he'll probably also execute the responsibilities of his position(s) better than most in the Wizengamot, or in pureblood society in general). I do love the approach he's taking to freeing Hermione, just planting the seed and letting her natural tendencies take over and free her; I quite suspect this will further rattle Albus as, one by one, his tools start to "fail" him as they go their own way, not as he wills them.
I'm quite enjoying how this is developing and I'm avidly looking forward to further chapters. BTW, I was quite amused by Hedwig's "title" for Hermione; be interesting to "hear" her titles for others.
Author's response
Heya Cat. I'm glad you enjoyed, and I must say I've never heard 'ept' used in that manner.
I dealt with Snape the way I would, and the way I have always wished Harry would. In canon, the kid was pretty much a brainless pushover. I mean really! What kind of kid, especially an abused kid, would let that grease covered slimeball torment him the way he does, without a little 'payback'? Believe me, Harry took it easy on him. Imagine if he'd used the force to stop Snape's heart?
It's not that he has the force, but that he now has the ability to do what he's wanted for years and not get caught. Actually, I really wasn't satisfied with the way Dumbley hauled him away, but I couldn't think of any other way to end that scene.
Your suspicions are correct, Dumbles is not going to like the direction Harry is headed. He will try to interfere, of course, but Harry will be using the the most offensive power in nature to head him off.
Attorneys.
That's one of the reasons Harry contracted with the goblins, adn also why he had Mme. Bones read through the papers before removing the tracking charms. (The 'trace' is also something Rowling stole from Fanfiction. IF it really was based on magic, then Harry would have been facing two charges of underaged magic. The patronus, and the remote lighting of this wand.)
Susan will be part of the group as will the ministry six, and many others. He's not doing this alone.
Harry's position as head of three houses, will only be used once, but he'll appoint people he trusts, people not named Dumbledore, as proxies...to control his seats.
For the purpose of this story, Harry's proxies will take care of the day to day business, and he'll have solicitors and accountants handling his estates, while he'll be in a remote location training his cadre. When this is over, assuming he wins, he can take over and restructure the wizarding world...if he wants.
Albie ain't only out of the loop, Harry is going to marginalize him entirely. Remember, in the disclaimer, I won't be using either the Horcruxes or the Hallows, both of which I thought were really stupid plot devices.
Hermione. It seemed the most natural way to me. She's as stubborn as he is, but with a fixation on authority figures. Without a good reason to suspect her idol, she'd refuse to believe him for a moment. Worse, she might turn him in, if she thought it would protect him...even from himself. She's like that.
Dumbledore is going to lose control over a sizable portion of his pawns, and as it's going to happen in one big bump. As Quint said In JAWS: "He's gonna have a heart attack when he sees what I brung him!"
There may be more interestin' titles to come.
More is forthcoming, probably next week.
Thanks for writing.
Alorkin