"Because that is about the only thing that a bully like Peeves understands, Professor." replied Harry "He learned a long time ago that no matter what he does, all he will get is a stern talking to by one of the teachers, and maybe a few threats of exorcism by Filch, and then he can go back to causing havoc."
"It was a very irresponsible thing to do," said McGonagall "What if it had hit another student?"
"I had faith in my aim," retorted Harry "And had I hit another student I would have promptly apologised."
She regarded him with a steely gaze for a few moments longer before abruptly changing the topic of discussion "Where were you this summer, Potter?"
Harry blinked once before replying "I didn't think that my whereabouts during the holidays was any concern of the staff of this school, Professor."
The two stared at each other for a few moments longer before McGonagall spoke again "I have to go and greet the new first years now, but rest assured Potter, these matters are not settled. You will report to the Headmaster's office as soon as the feast is over."
"Actually that will not be possible, Professor McGonagall," replied Harry "Once the feast is over I have to have separate meetings with both Professor Snape and Professor Flitwick, and I will be cutting it close to curfew as it is. Perhaps we can reschedule?"
McGonagall's nostrils were flaring with anger now, and Harry knew that he was pushing her very close to the edge "I cannot fathom a reason why you would need to talk to either of them this early in the school year, but if you must talk with them, I will ask Professor Snape and Professor Flitwick to come to the Headmaster's office so that you can meet with them there as well."
"That might cause conflict-" began Harry, but McGonagall cut him off.
"This matter is not open for further discussion, Mr Potter. You will go to the Headmaster's office after the feast, and Professors Snape and Flitwick will be there to meet with you."
And with that she turned in a swish of tartan robes and stalked off to greet the new first year students.
Harry shook his head and turned towards the Great Hall. He hadn't thought that his respect for Minerva McGonagall could fall any lower, but she had just proven him wrong.
He thought back to some of the banking documents he had received from Gringotts and one of the many issues found there…
Flashback
"Is it all making sense, Harry?" asked Sarah, a large cup of coffee in her hands as she joined Harry and the others sitting at the table.
"I guess so," replied Harry, leafing through several pieces of parchment. Income from the family investments is added every month, and a third of the annual school fee is taken out every term, once after the summer holidays, once after the Christmas break and once after Easter. Once a year, near the end of summer there is an amount taken out of the trust fund by me to pay for my school things. That much is simple."
"And the rest?" asked Madam Bones.
"Well, it appears that every month thirty five galleons are taken out of the trust fund, converted to Muggle money and put into my Uncle Vernon's account with Barclay's bank. That works out at around £174 per month that the Dursleys are getting out of me."
"That's not too bad for room and board," said Sarah "too bad they kept most of it for themselves and spent as little on you as possible."
"They always made out that I'm such a burden," said Harry sadly "Look, they even get paid for the months that I am at Hogwarts. And Gringotts charges my account a five galleon conversion fee every time they do this."
"Goblins like to earn themselves a nice bit of gold for every transaction." explained Madam Bones "Any other issues?"
"Several," replied Harry "Look at this one?" he turned the piece of parchment around and showed them. It was dated the 1st February, 1994, and was a withdrawal for 475 galleons.
"What on earth…?" muttered Madam Bones.
"Are you sure that this wasn't some kind of annual withdrawal?" asked Sarah.
Harry shook his head and replied "No other year has any amount of money withdrawn on the February 1st."
"That's a lot to go out in one go," said Madam Bones "And you would have been inside the castle when it happened." she looked at him "You didn't order anything through Owl Post did you?"
"No," replied Harry "And even if I had I'd have never spent that much in one go."
"Hang on," said Hannah from her position next to Susan at the kitchen counter "In third year you have to buy a new broom didn't you? After your Nimbus got smashed up by the Whomping Willow."
"Yeah, that's right," said Susan "You got a Firebolt, and it arrived just before your match against Ravenclaw, which would have been in early February."
"But I didn't buy the Firebolt," said Harry "It was a present."
"Could it have been bought with your money?" asked Sarah.
"It was a Christmas present," said Harry "so the dates don't match up."
"So why was it all over the school well into January that you were still training on school brooms?" asked Susan.
Harry shook his head and replied "I didn't have the broom. Hermione got it confiscated. She thought that Sirius Black might have sent it to me, and she told McGonagall, who agreed and took it for Professor Flitwick and Madam Hooch to look over. You know, to check for hexes and things."
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