The Power of Time and Award 5

"Yes, you heard correctly. Professor Snape, the rest of the students, mainly students of Slytherin and Hufflepuff had pushed me to my limits of bravery which encouraged me to save the life of a student and kill the monster responsible for this" he said coolly.

The note of sarcasm in his words when he talked about Snape's and other houses help was missed by everyone because of their shock due to his claim in the Great Hall. But the man in question didn't miss it though. He sneered at Harry for that comment.

"I assure you, that will end this year. In the years to come, I promise you that I'm going to do things on my own without the need for anyone to push. I hope you can take note of this change and act accordingly as I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings or intentions.

Make no mistake, that this I swear, will happen and I urge you to keep this in mind when I return next year, especially you, Professor Snape" said Harry and turned to Snape whose eyes were blazing with fury and Harry immediately diverted his gaze as he felt a sudden change in Snape's magic.

Harry felt his magic change into something like an arrow and after he diverted his eyes, he felt the arrow miss him. He understood what it is and made a point to not look Snape in eye. After having his fun and warning them with a note of sarcasm, he took his leave from the podium by thanking everyone. The Great Hall applauded his speech and Gryffindor celebrated his achievement.

"Now students, it's finally time to announce the House Cup," said Dumbledore. The old Headmaster is the only one who didn't find Harry's speech anything alarming, as it is not directed towards him but took note of the sarcasm and thought that he took after his father in that aspect.

Dumbledore saw the excitement in all students as they started talking about the house cup with their friends. He announced all the points for the year which resulted in Ravenclaw being first and Hufflepuff following and Gryffindor and Slytherin being last.

"As for the additions, I would like to give Gryffindor 200 points for the Bravery of Mr Potter in saving a student and Hogwarts," said Dumbledore with a smile.

"I would like to give 50 points as well," said Professor Flitwick.

"I will give another 75 points," said McGonagall.

"I will give 25 points," said Professor Sprout. She is sad that her Puffs treated Mr Potter with hatred, but couldn't take any action because they did what they believed in.

Everyone looked at Snape expectantly. He had a scowl on his face.

"10 points to Gryffindor," he said begrudgingly. His scowl deepened and he turned away to another side of the table facing Slytherin table.

"That will push Gryffindor to the top and the winner of this year's House Cup is... Gryffindor" said Dumbledore and the banners changed to the colours of Gryffindor and all the students at Gryffindor table cheered. They all were happy that their house won again. They celebrated and every Gryffindor left for the summer holidays in high spirits.

As they made their way to Hogwarts express, Harry didn't talk to anyone and kept to himself in a carriage and continued his reading. He took quite a few books with him to home, mainly related to spells, Occlumency, Legilamency, Mind and memory charms.

A Rituals book, in which Salazar wrote about the rituals he should perform on himself, a book on wandless casting and incantation less casting or mind/thought casting. He read about memory charms throughout his journey undisturbed by anyone.

Harry thought about his plans for the Dursleys and other things he wanted to do. He wanted to visit Diagon Alley to get his wand problem fixed and go to Gringotts to find more about his finances and balance available etc. With his plan made, for the time being, he stepped out of his compartment as the train reached London and silently went with the Dursleys to his 'home' in No.4, Privet Drive, Surrey without a word.