Harry Potter and The Academy of Heroes.

Chapter 2

Harry Potter and The Academy of Heroes - Chapter 2

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Harry always believed that Wood was a monster with how much he pushed the Quidditch team. Now it was clear that he had nothing on Snape. If it wasn't for his enhanced healing factor from his quirk, he would most likely be dead from exhaustion. The professor was merciless and did his best to take away any free time Harry had. The extra studies, the training, and practice with his phoenix transformation.

The two quickly also discovered that Harry is also able to transform into a basilisk just as a phoenix.

It was pure luck he discovered it for the first time in an empty classroom and not with Snape.

"The basilisks have a second, protective eyelid, that is translucent and can stop the deadly effects," Snape told him after that discovery. "Today, you will learn how to use it both half- and fully transformed."

After that declaration, he shoved him into an empty classroom and kept sending rats inside until Harry was finally able not to kill it with his gaze.

The dancing lessons were not half as bad as Harry expected. Tracey proved to be fun to spend time with. She was also able to kick his rear three ways to Sunday in hand-to-hand combat, which Snape mercilessly abused.

Of course, the added problems were Weasleys and Hermione. The latter was furious with him that he hid his Animagus training from her and that he didn't even ask for her help with the potion. Especially when he couldn't brew that well. With a heavy heart, he blew their fight out of proportion. He knew he had to. If he wanted to have a chance at normal-ish life, he had to do it. His perspectives were grim if he didn't escape in time. He didn't want to break her heart, but she would be hurt either way in the end. And so he retorted to heavy methods.

"Well, maybe I'm tired of being constantly nagged by an irritating, bushy-haired know-it-all bookworm with authority worship problems."

The slap that resonated after that sentence could've been heard all the way down in Slytherins' dungeon. Which was lucky, because Madam Pomfrey also heard it and had the bed ready when Neville brought the unconscious Harry to the hospital wing.

Snape actually came to visit him. After a set of complicated privacy charms, he began.

"I see you actually went through with this."

"You didn't leave me much choice. And as much as Hermione was my friend... she would not understand why this must be a secret. She would insist on telling the teachers. Or tell them." The last part was on a bit sour side, remembering the incident with the broom a year before.

"Yes. It is unavoidable if one wishes to disappear. I remember..." Snape's face twisted into a painful scowl. "Nevermind. I will leave you to it." He turned on his heel, cape billowing behind him, and left the hospital wing.

"What did the professor want?" Madame Pomfrey returned.

"I... I'm not sure, to be honest." Harry confessed, coming back to the strange pause Snape made.

After that, it was easy to just not mend bridges with Ron. The prat was using the fight with Hermione to justify his resentment of Harry. Which for once could've been a legitimate reason, if he wasn't a prat before that too.

The Yule Ball was a surprise when Hermione came with Viktor Krum. Harry caused a minor drama when he arrived with a Slytherin, but they rebutted every offensive comment with the explanation that she taught him how to dance and he brought her as payment. Snape's involvement not mentioned.

Curiously, a week before the second task Snape bragged during their 'remedial potion classes' about new delivery of gillyweed.

Harry was not that dumb that he didn't catch a suggestion.