Harry Potter walked towards the great hall at a steady pace, ignoring all the stares that followed in his wake and the giggling students who tried to capture his attention. Today, he took the stupid decision of going alone to the library, and of course, he was regretting it already.

From the moment the ridiculous Ball was announced, his admirers redoubled their efforts in trying to woo him. Honestly, the situation would almost be hilarious if he was not affected by it. Many people tried to approach him, but considering he was always surrounded by his friends, few had the guts to even try to talk to him. Unfortunately, this did not mean that he was left unharmed. Many students began wearing revealing clothing in efforts to gain his attention, earning stern chats with the professors for their efforts.

If that was not enough, dozens of letters were sent to him every single day and they all met the same fate: feeding his fireplace and keeping the common room warm all day. However, the brainless students kept pursuing him through even more letters and crass gifts, not having the decency of giving him respite. Harry swore by his sister that, if this situation continued, many people were going to discover why you did not mess with Harry Potter. As his thoughts took a more violent turn, a curious sight stopped him in his tracks.

Emilia Selwyn was standing in front of a Gryffindor boy. One of her arms was pushing the boy behind her while the other held her wand, ready to take action. In front of her were two older Gryffindors and a Hufflepuff, sneering at the girl.

"You weren't so bad once, despite being a slimy snake, but look at you now! Protecting a disgusting mudblood!" the Hufflepuff sneered at the Slytherin prefect.

"I opened my eyes. Too bad you didn't do the same, Corbin," Emilia said in a deceptively calm tone.

"You've turned into a disgusting blood traitor!" one of the Gryffindors hissed.

"And what will you do? Will you curse me? Will you kill me?" the girl demanded, glaring at her harassers. "You know the teachers will find out and you will be in trouble."

"Not if we erase your memories."

"Oh my, Sarah! I didn't know you became a Healer. Are you good enough to leave no evidence behind when your magic is so weak that you're almost a Squib?" Emilia taunted the Gryffindor girl, who turned a violent shade of red.

"You will pay for that, you disgusting blood traitor!"

"Do whatever you want to me after the child leaves," the Slytherin prefect said, not even flinching at the wands directed her way.

"See? You've been corrupted, but I can guide you on the right path," the Hufflepuff student said as he neared the girl, only to be pushed back.

"Not even in your wildest dreams, Corbin."

"Hmm, then I think that the time to teach you a lesson has arrived, though it's a shame to mar that pretty face of yours."

The male raised his hand to hit Emilia, but the expected slap did not come. Harry had watched from the sidelines out of curiosity about how the Slytherin would react, but he would not allow anyone to harm those who were under his protection. The group seemed surprised by the sudden interruption, but Harry paid them no mind.

"For your own good, I advise you to leave," he said to the three bullies.

"And what will you do, boy?" Corbin asked in a taunting tone. "Call the teachers? Just because you cheated to become a champion doesn't mean you're able to challenge us."

"You leave and call a teacher," Harry told the cowering Gryffindor student who seemed to be paralyzed in fear. "Don't worry, nothing will happen to you," he promised, smiling at the young student, who hesitated for what felt like an eternity. At last, he nodded and ran out of the hall.

One of the bullies tried to curse the boy, but the spell was stopped by a shield. Harry eyed the vermin in front of him with disgust and could understand at last why the castle was so agitated before. So that's why I felt so uneasy, he thought, wondering if that was how Luna felt every time she had a presentiment.

"Your fight is with me," he told the three students.

"And what can a disgusting mudblood do? We're Gryffindors - the teachers will never choose a slimy snake over us," the girl spat.

"What a shame, I didn't want this situation to turn violent, but you leave me no option," Harry told the girl in a faux regretful tone.

Two of the harassers watched in horror as their friend fell to the ground and began thrashing about as if she was possessed. The Gryffindor girl did not utter a single sound, but it was unnecessary. The pain was etched in her expression.

"What are you doing?! Stop it right now!" Corbin demanded and pointed his wand at the youngest Slytherin. However, the male's hands trembled slightly as fear took hold of him, making his heart beat faster and his hands sweat.

"What do you mean?" Harry asked, sporting a pleased smirk. "It's your friend who's torturing the girl and you were the one that silenced her."

Harry siged as the Gryffindor student dropped his wand in horror when he noticed he indeed was the one torturing his friend. The older student began heaving and Harry looked away in disgust, wrinkling his nose when the sound of liquid falling into the ground reached his ears. The girl on the floor stopped moving, but her ragged breaths reverberated in the corridor. Perfect, two were neutralized and only one threat was left. Harry noticed the Hufflepuff's expression morphing and an almost crazed glint reaching his eyes. That was the look of a cornered beast that was about to do something stupid... Harry knew that expression too well.

"What did you do?!" Corbin yelled as he took a few steps back, wand still pointed at the Slytherin duo.

Without thinking twice, the boy sent a curse that was intercepted by a shield. The three bullies were petrified and a furious Pomona Sprout stomped towards the students, with the young Gryffindor boy hot on her heels.

"What is the meaning of this?" the professor demanded after casting a patronus.

"I'm not sure of that myself, ma'am," Harry told the angry woman, giving her the most innocent expression he could manage. "I was walking to the great hall when I heard them insulting Emilia and decided to intervene."

The slightest of the smirks was directed at the students as the professor took their wands. "I cast a confundus charm on them and that boy crucioed his friend while the other silenced her... I wonder what would have happened to us if I hadn't acted so quickly."

"Give me your wands," the professor ordered after taking the wands of the three bullies.

Without hesitation, the two Slytherins handed over their wands. That was the moment at which the other Heads of the Houses plus Professor Kowalski and Madam Pomfrey decided to appear, approaching the group in hurried steps. Paying the newcomers no mind, Sprout cast a Priori Incantatem on Harry's wand. A 'confundus' and a 'protego' appeared in thin air, only to vanish when the woman lifted the charm. The process was repeated on Emilia's wand with similar results. The silence seemed to drown the hallway as the minutes stretched on.

"What's going on?" Minerva demanded to know while Madam Pomfrey examined the three downed students.

"Those three were harassing Mister Creevey when Prefect Selwyn intervened," the Head of the Hufflepuff House began explaining after taking a deep breath. "They began insulting and threatening her. Seeing this, Mister Potter intervened... Mister Potter, Miss Selwyn, if you could fill in the gaps."

"Of course, Ma'am. I was patrolling when I heard a few Gryffindors speak about... They were talking about blood-purity and how a Muggle-born was finally going to be punished," the girl said as her jaw tightened. "I immediately questioned them and searched through the castle until I found Richard about to curse Mister Creevey, so I cast a shield around him and tried to reason with them. Corbin was going to attack me when Harry intervened," she finished and her cheeks gained a pink tint.

"I was going to the Great Hall for dinner when I noticed those three cornering Emilia," Harry continued, not even reacting to the glare that Snape was giving him. "I cast a confundus charm while I stopped... Corbin, was it? …from slapping Emilia. I was really surprised when he silenced his friend and the other cast a crucio on her," the boy finished narrating, making the adults gasp.

"That is a grave accusation, Potter," Snape almost growled as his sneer got more pronounced.

"Isabelle, I think you should be the one to analyze their wands," Minerva muttered as the emotion drained from her visage. "Neither Pomona nor I should intervene because we are not impartial in this situation."

"Very well," the woman agreed in a glacial tone, taking the three offered wands. "Proigoumeno Xorki," she enounced, and a list of spells appeared above each wand.

Professor McGonagall closed her eyes and Professor Sprout contained a pained gasp that was threatening to surface. Flitwick's expression hardened and Kowalski followed suit.

"This is no longer under our jurisdiction. I will contact the Aurors," the youngest teacher muttered. "We should also speak with the Headmaster."

"Albus has not been feeling well, but please ask one of the elves to inform him after speaking with the Aurors," Minerva said in a toneless voice.

"Miss Glashow shows the signs of someone who was under that curse... I will take her to the infirmary for treatment. After resting for a few hours, she will be more than capable of answering questions," Pomfrey announced as she levitated the student and left the hall.

"I think you've had enough for the day," Filius told the two Slytherins and the youngest Gryffindor. "Go to the hall and enjoy your dinner. We will take care of this." The man promised, though his forced smile and stiff shoulders betrayed his emotions.

"Yes, sir," Harry told the man, uninterested on the outcome of the situation. "Let's go."

The unconventional trio walked in silence until they reached the doors of the great hall, where a cacophony of voices could be heard from the outside. While Harry was lost in his thoughts, his companions were too busy blushing, though not for different reasons. Absentmindedly, Harry opened the heavy doors and the attention of the students was once again centred on him.

"Thank you for protecting me!" the Gryffindor boy exclaimed as his ears turned even redder, proceeding to run away without waiting for an answer.

"He's quite excitable," Harry commented as they walked towards their table. "Good job, Emilia. I'm proud of you."

"Thank you so much, sir," she answered in a hurried breath.

Harry nodded at the prefect and sat in his usual place at last. He shook his head slightly when he noticed the inquisitive stares of his friends. The dinner was spent in companionable silence and the Court left for their headquarters, ignoring all the eyes that followed their every movement.

"So what happened? The teachers bolted out of the great hall when a patronus relayed its message," Daphne informed him while sitting on her favourite coach.

"Nothing much," Harry muttered as he glared at the pile of presents in the middle of their sitting room. "Three morons were trying to bully Emilia and a Gryffindor kid so I intervened."

"Should we expect any surprises?" Fred asked with a tired sigh.

"One of them will be expelled if he's not sent to prison for a few months," Harry answered, sitting down beside Adrian and laying his head on the backrest. "Never mind that, there are much more important matters to take care of. I realized that our tactic of having the Slytherin teach our ideologies is perfect for the long-term, but we need a plan that has an immediate effect. If the book about the Founders isn't enough, then we'll have to take an active role."

"I believe the first step is identifying the students who believe in that dogma," Neville began explaining, "but we have a big problem. The bigotry is so deeply entwined within society that most magical people believe they aren't prejudiced. That is why adults discriminate against people infected with curses, different species, and Muggles."

"It's not a lost cause, but it will take a long time for us to achieve that goal," Luna concluded with a sigh.

"But even if we manage to diminish the prejudice another problem will arise... We're humans - destroying is in our nature," Harry muttered, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. "I'll be in my room."

The Court watched as their King left without uttering a single sound. Luna shook her head when Fleur tried to stop Harry, putting an end to any kind of protest that the others may have.

"Elizabeth is the only one able to calm him whenever he's in one of his moods," Blaise explained to no one in particular after long moments of tense silence.

"He'll be okay, right?" asked an anxious Justin.

"He will be," Terrence agreed, "however, don't ask him about how he's doing or remind him of what happened today. He sometimes has these moments and he just goes to his room until the next day. Tomorrow he'll be fine."

"And here I thought Harry was the emotionally stable one," Viktor tried to joke, but ended up grimacing at his own words.

"He is," George agreed, "the thing is that he's... ehm, Harry is not..." the boy stumbled on his words and looked at his brother in search for help.

"Harry's different from us," Fred said and raised his hand when he noticed the number of people who were about to protest. "He normally doesn't feel much, so he's able to react in a logical way. However, there are certain topics he is... intense and a tad too sensitive about, not to say fanatical."

"Equity. That's the real reason why he's doing everything in his power to change the magical world," Neville muttered in an almost inaudible tone.

"Perhaps it's the way he was raised or all the things he went through that made Harry that way. He mellowed over the years, but he's still... ruthless and quite fervent regarding his ideologies," Theo explained as a sad smile spread upon his lips. "He trusts us with his life, but not with his heart."

Theo described with simple words one of the most complicated human beings the members of the Courtever met. The boy who entrusted delicate details to his friends, but never told them about his life. The boy who held all of their secrets and offered none of his own. The one who knew their hearts inside and out, yet never revealed his... Perhaps one of the most ruthless people in the world, and yet the kindest they had ever met. Unmerciful yet caring, passive yet violent, persuasive and charismatic yet aloof and cold... Such was the dichotomy of Harry Potter.

The boy who emulated Icarus in the zenith of his flight. Thriving, going higher and higher, until the adrenaline clouding his sight made him forget how far was he going, until it was too late... And just by looking at the way Harry was acting lately, it would not take long for the wax to melt off his wings.

The next day, a tense atmosphere dominated the great hall. Students were whispering amongst each other, casting furtive glances towards the staff table, where quite well-known yet feared people were conversing with the teachers. On his throne-like chair, the Hogwarts headmaster was resting. His wispy white hair looked dull, the bags under the old man's eyes betrayed his lack of sleep and, if one paid attention, the crevices of his face looked even more pronounced on his almost skeletal face. It was quite shocking to see the formerly jovial Albus Dumbledore being victim of time and stress, reducing the once proud man to an almost deplorable state.

On the other hand, Professor McGonagall looked as severe as ever while she conversed with an old woman. The old woman, in question, would appear to be McGonagall's same age if it was not for her snowy white hair and pronounced wrinkles, which betrayed her age. Besides the formidable females, a scarred man was talking to Professor Flitwick while his magical eye examined his surroundings.

Mad-Eye Moody, the infamous Auror and current head of the DMLE was in the school, and if the dour expression of the adults was anything to go by, some terrible occurrence took place. Professor McGonagall stood up to give the announcement and a heavy silence descended upon the room. Not a single student dared to breathe hard in spite of their lungs burning because they knew it was not a good moment to be the centre of attention.

"Good morning, students," Minerva greeted. Her grave expression and the furious glint in her eyes did nothing to appease the children's anxiety. "It is a shame to begin the day with this news, but it's even worse for every single one of the teachers, because we did nothing to prevent this from happening."

The woman stopped talking and closed her eyes. The room was so silent that a graveyard would resemble a party in comparison.

"Before we begin, let me introduce you to Auror Alastor Moody and Madam Griselda Marchbanks. Both of them have important news to deliver," Flitwick said, his face lacking the amicable smile that almost everyone was used to seeing the man wearing.

"Today, three students were expelled from Hogwarts," McGonagall announced and ignored the surprised gasps that echoed in the room. "Corbin Doves, Sarah Glashow, and Richard Partridge, as of today, are no longer students of this institution." The woman's word's resounded throughout the hall and many felt a chill down their spines. "The reason for their expulsion is simple. They were bullying a student until a prefect intervened. However, this is not what surprised us from this event. The reasons behind the attack did... As we all know, pureblood superiority is an ideology that most families follow despite not being amongst the Sacred twenty-eight. For all of those who don't know, the sacred twenty-eight referrers to the families that are truly pureblood, or at least that is what Cantankerous Nott believed.

"However, this title means nothing in the real world. Most of the so-called purebloods resorted to inbreeding in order to maintain their status, which only resulted in extinguished families and many... less than desirable traits being passed down to the future generations. The ridiculous ideology of purebloods being superior ran rampant for so long we grew immune to all the problems it causes. This means we failed all of you by pretending everything was fine and, for that, I apologize. We allowed this ideology to corrupt the students and harm innocents for far too long. This ends today," the woman stated, signalling to Professor Flitwick.

"Indeed, this ends today," the man agreed. "From now on, the words mudblood, blood traitor, or any insult related to blood superiority will earn you an immediate suspension. Bullying, of any kind, will earn you an expulsion. These are measures we should have taken long ago, but believed them to be far too harsh. However, the event that took place yesterday proved us wrong. From now on, Hogwarts has a zero-tolerance policy against bullying and the punishments will also become more severe. Despite all the negative aspects, our eyes were open and we hope to change this school for the better. Madam Marchbanks, if you would be so kind as to explain all the changes that are going to take place."

"Of course," the old woman agreed while she examined the students. "For all of those who don't know, I am the Head of the Education Regulation Department, which means that I, along with select others, am in charge of Hogwarts' curriculum and many other details. Months ago, we received a generous donation from Mirror Summons in order to improve this institution. Once again, a donation has been made. However, the owner of the business included several conditions we will obey. Much to my shame, all the suggested ideas are changes that should have taken place long ago, but we were reluctant to do so because of our fear of progression.

"First of all, after the Yule break, two counsellors will be assigned to each House. They will be available 24/7 to all students. If you need to talk or have doubts about any subject, not necessarily school related, go to them. They aren't allowed to reveal information unless you give them permission, so don't worry, your secrets will be safe with them. In the past, the prefects were supposed to fill this role, but we know that this position has been perverted and, on many occasions, used to prove individual superiority rather than provide help. Therefore, the criteria for all the prefects, including the Head Girl and Boy, will change. These requirements include: A minimum average grade of Exceeds Expectations in the end of year exams with a maximum of one Acceptable in any core subject, passing an evaluation in defensive magic and basic healing, and clean disciplinary records." As Madam Marchbanks listed the new criteria, most of the prefects groaned at the extra work that was thrown at them.

"This means all the current prefects will be tested," Flitwick announced and the mutinous students decided to stay silent when they caught a glimpse of his expression. "But these are not the only requirements. Being a prefect is an honour granted only to the best students. They are given more privileges and responsibilities, which means they are held in higher regard. Students from all houses will be interviewed in order to give us feedback about how the prefects are carrying out their roles. If we catch a whiff of corruption within them, it will be investigated and the guilty students could be expelled, depending on their offences. This said; if anyone wishes to give up his or her badge, don't be afraid. It is a quality to recognize your limits."

"This leads us to our next point," McGonagall said and the angry glint of her eyes dulled, leaving a tired woman behind. "The Heads of the Houses are also held in higher regard, but few of us have been taking our responsibilities to heart. It causes me great pain to know that my inaction harmed you and I apologize once again for failing you... All students will be interviewed in order to find out how you feel about your current Head and whether you wish for another professor to take their place. Aside from all of that, the curriculum will be subject to a few changes, but Madam Marchbanks will be explaining this."

"There will be changes indeed," the old woman agreed. "As we all know, Muggle Studies is an elective subject once you reach your third year. However, few know how important Muggle cultures are and how much can they affect us. Therefore, this subject will become compulsory for the first and second years, along with a few others that will be added. Muggle-born and half-blood students tend to have less knowledge about the magical world and our traditions; hence, we found a way of helping them. Similar to Muggle Studies, Magical Studies will teach the young mages the basics of our society. If you don't wish to take either of these courses, then you will have to take a test after the Yule holidays and your final score will decide whether this subject is compulsory for you or not.

"Through our research, we found different ways of remodelling Hogwarts' curriculum, following the examples of other countries. Mathematics will be taught from the first year until the third. This subject will give you the basis for different magic branches such as Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, and Alchemy. Also, different professionals will be visiting the school in order to give the students an idea of what their careers consist of. We are hoping to enlighten you about all the possibilities you have in our world and, if possible, motivate you to find your path in life. This is the beginning of a new era for Hogwarts, and I am eager to see the fruits of our labour reflected in you!"

As inspiring as the old woman's words were meant to be, few students applauded the initiative of having even more classes. The half-hearted applause suffered an early death when the head of the DMLE stood up. Many students took a sharp breath when the man's magical eye focused on them, even if it was for a fraction of a second.

"This school is partially under the jurisdiction of the Ministry," Auror Moody began explaining, "however, no official has the authority to intervene in Hogwarts' affairs unless there is an internal problem that directly affects the students and, thus, the future generation. For many years, this school was in the eye of the storm because of the multiple scandals. Minister Bones decided that it is time to intervene.

"From tomorrow onwards, Aurors, along with some other professionals, will be inspecting this school. They will examine every millimetre of this castle, searching for any possible dangers and finding ways to improve it, so don't worry when you see a group of Aurors patrolling the grounds. Also, while speaking with the teachers, I found a great problem that will be treated as the crime it is instead of the... 'natural mischievousness' that many believe it is," the man pronounced those words as if he consumed something particularly nasty. "Love potions. I am sure you all heard about them. Almost as brutally effective as an Imperius and just as lethal."

This comparison caused many gasps within the students, and more than one paled at the brutal fact that was thrown at them. The scarred man paid special attention to those with the most obvious reactions, memorizing their faces in case he needed the information for the future.

"You heard me alright," the head of the DMLE barked, "those potions are dangerous so, from now on, their use is banned in the school. They will be classified as a type of magical rape, and the crime will be treated accordingly, age notwithstanding. So I advise you to think twice before doing something stupid and losing far more than what you will ever win."

At the scarred man's words, many students would put ghosts to shame with how pale they were. The professors could only watch, grim expressions in place, as one of their greatest fears was confirmed. Still, no one would utter a word. They would sit back and close their eyes if one of the children was stupid enough to try their luck because, in their efforts to protect the students, they forgot discipline was essential for their development. Now, they could only watch and hope for the best.

"On a much merrier note," Madam Marchbanks said after clearing her throat, breaking the tense silence of the great hall, "I have a few announcements regarding the Yule Ball. As it is a night for the youngsters, different bands will be playing that night. The most notable are: DRAK, System of an Up, and the Bulletproof Scout Boys."

The woman's announcement served to break the tension. Excited students whispered amongst each other and more than one high-pitched squeal could be heard from delighted fans.

After waiting for the commotion to pass, Madam Marchbanks continued. "I know you're excited, but I must ask you for some restraint. The way you carry yourselves is the way the artists will remember you and, thus, remember our country. Be on your best behaviour."

Despite the merry announcement, the penetrating gaze of Alastor Moody did nothing to ease their nerves. There was no doubt change would take over Hogwarts and would destroy the system like a devastating hurricane taking over a small village. Few of the previous ideologies would survive; of that, there was no doubt.

Yes. Everyone could feel the change coming, but only a few were able to understand how deeply the future was affected.