Chapter 3 – Questions and Evasions
As the students entered the Great Hall, Professor McGonagall stepped in front of Harry to stop him before he reached the doorway. Her dark fhair was pulled back into its normal tight bun barely showing the silver streaks it contained and was covered by the traditional triangular hat. Her eyes ran over his form appraisingly, as if assuring herself he was there and healthy. "Welcome back, Mr. Potter." Harry tried not to flinch at her austere tone. "The Headmaster would like us to meet him in his office immediately after the Welcoming Feast. Wait for me at the gargoyles and I will accompany you."
Harry placed his hand on his chest and inclined his head slightly. "Of course, Professor. Thank you for letting me know." The stern witch arched an eyebrow but stepped aside and allowed him to continue into the Hall.
Hundreds of floating candles lit the room, although the ceiling of the Great Hall added additional light from the stars shining brightly across its surface. Harry quickly moved to the Gryffindor table.
"Everything OK there, Harry?" asked Ron as Harry rejoined them.
"Yes, Professor Dumbledore wishes to see me after the Feast." Harry tried not to show any emotion over the summons, even though he knew he would be subjected to a fierce interrogation.
Seamus Finnigan's Irish lilt rang out. "Harry m'lad, glad you made it. We missed you on the train. Have you been reading the latest stories about you?"
Harry groaned audibly and then shook his head resolutely. "Good to see you too, Seamus. I didn't see any papers over the summer. What's happened now? Have I been reported to be a vampire? Sprouted fairy wings? Danced down Diagon Alley in a pink tutu?"
Dean Thomas laughed next to Seamus, although he answered Harry's question a bit nervously. "Well, there was some talk about a fight at the Ministry, Voldemort was seen, a prophecy was mentioned and the Daily Prophet started calling you the "Chosen One". He looked carefully for Harry's reaction, ready to duck if the notoriously quick-tempered boy reacted badly.
To the surprise of those around them, Harry's laugh rang out warm and velvety. "So I'm on the pedestal again for the start of the year? OK Dean, you start up the pool on when I'll be a deranged liar again. Put me down for a sickle by the end of October."
His good-natured acceptance raised a few eyebrows; Harry was well-known among his House for avoiding the limelight and its corresponding publicity. Several of his house mates seemed to be giving him an appraising glance, he noticed. He met their assessing eyes with a cool assured gaze, surprised to see how many blushed and turned aside.
From a few seats down, Ginny Weasley leaned forward and commented "You're looking good this year, Harry. It's a good thing I got over my crush last year or I might have quite a bit of competition for your attention."
Before Harry could ask what she meant, Professor Dumbledore stood and the Great Hall quieted. "Welcome back one and all! The very best of evenings to you!" Dumbledore raised his arms and spread them wide in a welcoming gesture, as he smiled broadly at the students. Several gasps were heard from the tables closest to the teacher's dais as one of the elderly wizard's hands was seen to be blackened as if terribly burned. Dumbledore merely smiled and allowed the sleeve of his robe to cover the injury. "Nothing to worry about" he said offhandedly and then proceeded with his welcoming speech.
Once the sorting was finished and the Feast was completed, Harry separated from his friends. "Good night if I don't see you later this evening" he said with a half smile.
"Good luck, Harry" offered Neville, followed by Ron draping an arm over his shoulders for a quick squeeze. "I'll stay up until you're back, mate." The others agreed and Harry smiled gratefully at his friends.
He joined Professor McGonagall at the gargoyle guarding the stairs to the Headmaster's office. She nodded solemnly at him and gave the password. The gargoyles slid aside and they climbed the stairs. Harry knocked and opened the door, holding it for his House Head. She arched another eyebrow at the courtesy, but proceeded into the room without comment. Professor Dumbledore was seated behind his desk and gave Harry a grandfatherly smile above the silvery waist-long beard.
"Harry my boy, you are looking very well. The summer obviously agreed with you. Please have a seat."
Harry heard Ortinoth whisper in his mind "Begin as you mean to go ghergo'ir, but begin with courtesy and respect."
Harry placed his hand on his chest and gave a slight bow as he said "Thank you, sir." He waited for Professor McGonagall to be seated and then took the other chair before the desk.
Harry took the opportunity to inspect the Headmaster's injured hand more closely. The fingers were black and the flesh appeared withered and dead. On the uninjured hand Harry noticed a ring he didn't remember seeing the Headmaster wear before. It was large, made rather clumsily of gold and was set with a large black stone bearing a visible crack down the center.
Professor Dumbledore's voice recalled his attention from his inspection. "Now Harry, I'm sure you know why you're here." The Headmaster looked expectantly at the dark-haired young man.
Harry considered responding with an ingenuous look, but gave a mental sigh and dismissed the idea. "I can't say that I know sir, but I assume you are curious about my summer." He paused and waited for confirmation.
Professor Dumbledore looked over his small glasses at the younger man. "Yes, Harry. I was extremely worried about you after you disappeared. We were unable to find you and didn't know if Voldemort or his Death Eaters had abducted you."
"There should have been no need for alarm, Headmaster. I sent Hedwig with a letter to Ron and Hermione to let them know I was leaving, and specifically to let them know I was safe."
Professor McGonagall spoke up with disapproval. "Why didn't you tell the Headmaster or me, Mr. Potter?"
Harry turned innocent eyes on his House Head. "You and Professor Dumbledore don't correspond with me during the summer, Professor. Considering no one wanted was interested in helping me cope with the loss of my godfather, I had no reason to believe there would be interest in any of my other activities."
He felt a twinge of guilt at the older woman's remorseful eyes, but ruthlessly reminded himself that she had offered no support in his time of need. Perhaps his blunt words would ensure another child would receive the needed help in the future.
"I sent Hedwig to the ones that could be expected to contact me and would worry if I failed to respond. I also sent Hermione enough galleons to cover my school materials and asked her to pick mine up when she got her own so that I would be fully prepared for the start of the new term."
Dumbledore picked up the conversation again. "Harry, others were concerned. No one meant to abandon you. But picking up and leaving wasn't the best reaction. Where were you?"
"I'm sorry if you were worried, Headmaster. I wasn't in any danger. Unfortunately, I swore a Wizard's Oath not to reveal my location or companions. As you can see from my appearance, it was a very beneficial experience. Years of neglect were erased and corrected. Believe me when I say that I was safer and happier than I've ever been since my parents were killed."
Professor McGonagall's eyes widened as he spoke. "A Wizard's Oath? Why would you swear a Wizard's Oath, Mr. Potter?"
Harry turned apologetic eyes to his House Head. "I'm very sorry Professor, but I can't say. The Oath, you know." Her lips were thin with disapproval.
Dumbledore knew that with enough questions, he might find a way around the wording of the Oath. "How did you meet your summer companions?
"I'm sorry Headmaster, but I can't say."
"When did you meet your companions?"
"I'm sorry Headmaster, I can't say."
The Headmaster tried a different approach. "Harry, how was your physical condition altered?"
"I'm sorry Headmaster, but I can't say."
The elderly wizard sighed and leaned back, steepling his fingers. "Why was your appearance changed?"
Harry looked surprised at the question and felt his lowaar snort with amusement. However, this one he could answer as it didn't do anything to reveal the Clan. "My companions were shocked at the years of neglect and malnutrition I experienced while under the Dursleys care. They were rather adamant about correcting the damage done to my health." He carefully maintained a impassive expression when the Headmaster had the sense to look embarrassed.
His House Head ventured her own question. "Were your companions supporters of the Light or the Dark?"
Harry refrained from rolling his eyes and managed to say politely. "My companions have no love of Voldemort or the Dark Arts."
The Headmaster looked at Harry with what appeared to be disappointment. "Harry, you do realize that the blood wards require you to spend at least six weeks in the Dursley house, do you not?"
"Actually, you've never explained the specific details of the wards to me at all Headmaster. I never have understood why I had to stay where I was routinely starved and abused when I could have stayed at Hogwarts, which has always been described being the safest place in the world, barring Gringotts." He covered his mouth for an unexpected yawn. "I'm sorry, sir. It's very late and I'm very tired. Is there anything else or may I retire for the night?" He allowed himself a hopeful look.
"Go ahead then, Harry. We will speak more soon."
"Yes sir. Good night, Headmaster, Professor." He stood and laid his hand once more on his chest and inclined his head respectfully before he left the room.
The mental voice was melodious in its approval. "Well done, ghergo'ir. You bring pride to the Clan."
"Thank you, naflosola. The Clan gives me strength." He felt pride underscored with good humor at his ritual response.
Hermione, Ron and Neville were waiting for him in the Gryffindor common room. Ron was the first to speak when he stepped through the painting's opening. "All right there Harry?"
"Yes, fine thanks. The Headmaster and Professor McGonagall wanted to know where I was this summer, but my Wizard's Oath wouldn't let me answer many questions. I just let them know that I had let you two know I was leaving, and that I was safer and happier than I've been since my parents were killed."
Neville looked at the dark-haired young man inquiringly. "They couldn't have been too pleased with you."
Harry grinned unrepentantly. "You could say that." He looked quickly at Hermione and added "but I was polite and respectful during the entire conversation."
Hermione shook her head and gave him a wry smile. "As long as you're OK. I unpacked the books for the classes you requested from my trunk and asked Seamus to place them on your bed. Speaking of which, I suppose we should all go to bed. Classes begin tomorrow and we won't know where we start until we get our schedules at breakfast. Let's hope we all get into the ones we want and have the necessary books and supplies!"
The boys groaned piteously, but headed to the stairs obediently.
Harry smiled at the ceiling of the Great Hall, which was showing an azure sky with puffy white clouds drifting serenely across the expanse. His smile faded as he saw a number of girls looking at him with decidedly odd expressions. Had the Daily Prophet published something else about him already?
Ginny Weasley greeted him with a warm smile as he walked past her to his own seat with the 7th years. "Good morning, Harry."
He paused to return the smile. "Morning Ginny. Ready to jump into classes?"
"Am I ever! Good luck getting all the N.E.W.T. level classes that you want."
"Thanks Gin." He patted her shoulder in farewell and moved on towards his seat. He was surprised to hear one of Ginny's class mates squeal "Introduce me next time, Ginny. Even if you consider him a brother, give the rest of us a chance!" He shook his head at the perplexing behaviors and sat down next to Ron.
Breakfast appeared on the tables and Harry helped himself to toast and eggs, but at the mental nudge he added fruit to his plate. His lowaar were quite insistent on him eating balanced meals.
As he chatted with Ron about his beloved Chudley Cannons, he heard Hermione whisper "He's doing it again."
He turned and saw her looking across the room. He looked up at the Slytherin table in time to see Malfoy turn and begin speaking to Blaise Zabini. "Who's doing what?"
"Malfoy was watching us again."
He looked more closely at the Slytherin table and then at the students sitting near it. "Actually, I think more people are staring at Malfoy. What's up with that?"
"Besides being good looking with those silver-grey eyes and shining blonde hair, elegant attire and family fortune?"
Harry chuckled. "True, although there's also the conceit, arrogance and bigotry. Not that we're judgmental, right?" Hermione blushed, but grinned back. "Right!"
After they had eaten, Professor McGonagall arrived at the Gryffindor table to confirm the students had earned the necessary O.W.L. grades to continue with their chosen N.E.W.T. level classes.
Hermione was immediately approved to continue with Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions and Transfigurations. She smiled happily and waved at the others as she hurried off to Arithmancy.
The older witch shuffled through her papers for Harry's information as she approached him. "Now let me see, Mr. Potter. Oh yes, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology and Transfiguration were your strengths." She peered at him over her glasses. "I was especially pleased with your Transfiguration marks. Well done. I am curious as to why you didn't apply for Advanced Potions? You need that N.E.W.T if you are to achieve your goal of becoming an Auror."
Harry allowed his chagrin at his marks to show. "Yes ma'am, but I only received an Exceeds Expectations not an Outstanding, and that was a requirement."
The professor gave a small satisfied smile. "It was at a requirement at end of the year, but over the summer it was determined that an Exceeds Expectations would permit entry into the class. However, all potion work must be up to standards. More than one failed potion may result in a dismissal from the class."
Harry wondered what persuasion the Headmaster and Deputy Headmaster had used to twist Professor Snape's arm. If he accepted the challenge, he knew the Potions Master would go out of his way to make Harry's existence in class miserable. However, his summer had included a review of many topics under Charok's tutelage and he thought he might be up for the challenge. He had even requested Hermione to pick up the N.E.W.T. level potion book to study on his own, so he was prepared.
"Thank you, Professor. I would like to make the attempt." Her eyes brightened with approval, but she merely nodded her head and tapped her wand against the blank schedule which immediately filled in with the details of his course selections.
Harry accepted the completed schedule and inclined his head politely. "Thank you again, Professor. I look forward to the coming year." He gathered his book bag and departed with poise, not noticing the appraising look she gave him before she continued to the next student.
The day was done, first assignments finished and the Gryffindors were relaxing in the Common room before going to bed. Harry stretched out on the chair and smiled at his friends. He was pleased with his first day of classes and felt certain that this year was going to be the best ever.
Neville glanced casually around and then leaned forward to say quietly "Was there more you wanted to share about your summer, Harry? You said on the train there were 'more important items to convey' and I have to admit being curious." Hermione leaned forward with interest and Ron perked up as well.
Harry chuckled and motioned them closer, then cast "Muffliato" around them.
"This is still under the Oath, you realize? Not to reveal anything about my summer." He waited until all three nodded their understanding before he continued.
"I told you that Aironth brought me to his realm. He and the clan lived in the caldera of a colossal inactive volcano in the southern hemisphere. There were living spaces built into the cliff faces where both the Juanth Darastrix and their close-kin live. The close-kin that elected to move with them have prospered and numbered in the thousands.
"I lived with Aironth. He kept to his human form most of the time, but his space had an enormous ledge for him to use for landing and sunning while in his dragon form." He paused remembering the awe he had felt seeing Aironth's true form the first time. His mind had found it difficult to comprehend the sheer size of a mature Elder Dragon. "They need to sun regularly. Once a Juanth Darastrix reaches maturity, over the course of several decades it changes from eating normally to absorbing sunlight, heat and even cold and converting it to fuel. "
"My time with them was…amazing. They were so open, so welcoming. They truly treated me as if I was a long-lost child. They value their young with something approaching reverence. As I was introduced to each Clan member, they shared their expertise with me…Oh wait, I should explain something more fully."
"The Clan is loosely divided among three ways of life. There are the Guardians. They protect the Clan, the close-kin and the land. They are the healers and farmers, as well as the fighters. Then there are the Artists. These are not just the poets and musicians, but anyone who creates something. They include every type of craft imaginable. Finally there are the Academics, and those are the scholars, researchers and historians."
He smiled slyly at Hermione. "You wouldn't believe what the Academics have. The main Library is the size of Hogwarts." He chuckled warmly at the wide-eyed lust immediately seen in her eyes. "In addition, they have a collective genetic memory; what one Juanth Darastrix learns is shared with all members of the Clan." He leaned closer to his studious friend and murmured "Imagine having thousands of years of knowledge available with a single thought." Her wistful expression was his reward.
He leaned back and continued "Any way, as I was introduced to each Clan member, they explained their specialty and offered to train me in anything that interested me. It was just…amazing." He paused in memory of the warm and affectionate Clan members, a smile playing across his face until a cough reminded him of his waiting friends.
"Sorry about that. After I had been there a while, Aironth talked to me about two ways of healing the years of abuse caused by the Dursleys."
He sat in Aironth's comfortable study. While carved out of stone, the walls were covered with woven tapestries depicting the history of the Juanth Darastrix. He never tired of looking at the tapestries and hearing the explanation of the stories they told. The craftsmanship was superb, even to his untrained eye.
"Harry, there are two ways of restoring you to full health. One will involve several weeks with the Guardians as both potions and spells rebuild the years of neglect. It might be a bit dull for an active young man, but the results will be well worth it."
"And the other, sir?"
"The other is more…intrusive and life-altering." The blonde leaned forward and met Harry's green eyes with his intense golden ones. "You are close-kin already. You are the descendent of my adopted son and as such, you have full rights among the Juanth Darastrix. But we have shared memories in our dreams and I feel as if I have been with you for your entire life. Your parents are gone as is your godfather." The tall man cleared his throat. "If you are willing, I would like to adopt you as my son. The adoption is through both blood and magic, and would heal your form quickly."
"I…Aironth…" He paused when Aironth held up a hand.
"There is more sia'deevdru. You must understand all of it." He waited for Harry's nod before continuing. "When a Juanth Darastrix dies, the final burst of magic marking his or her passing imprints the dying dragon's consciousness on to the other members of his or her line. Their consciousness remains in the background of their descendant's mind to act as advisors and counselors and gives the outdweller access to their ancestor's memories and knowledge. If we were to go through the blood adoption, you would be imprinted with the lowaar that share my mind."
Harry stopped and looked at his friends shocked expressions and smiled gently to reassure them. "He invited me into his mind to meet his lowaar ancestors. There was Ortinoth Flamewing, a Guardian; Treith Ice Breather, an Artist and spellcrafter; Azreth called The Cunning, an Academic; Ydraith Trueheart, the only female and a healer; and Charok Acidtongue, who followed all three Ways." At Hermione's expression he added "It would be like being a Potions Master, Transfiguration Master and Charms Master. He is remarkably accomplished."
"Several days later, in a ritual witnessed and shared by the entire Juanth Darastrix community, Aironth and I shared our blood and blended our magic. He is my opsola, my Father and Sire. I am his iejir'deevdru, his blood son." He chuckled in memory. "The power of the exchange knocked me out for several days, but during that time his blood healed my body. When I woke up, I was 20 centimeters taller, a good six stone heavier and didn't need my glasses."
Neville and Ron looked at him with dazed and awed expressions. Ron opened and closed his mouth several times, but no sound came out. Neville finally whispered "Adopted by the Juanth Darastrix…Harry every pureblood family on every continent in the wizarding world would fight for the honor of just associating with you. You would be offered every daughter…Merlin, every son as a potential spouse if they knew." His words died away as he stared at Harry with near reverence and Ron nodded his agreement.
Hermione leaned forward. "Harry, do you…did the adoption mean you have dragons living in your mind?"
Harry smiled at her. "They are sovesi 'lowaar; the 'guiding indwellers' for lack of a better translation, and yes, they are always with me. With their memories, I was able to absorb all of the Juanth Darastrix culture after the adoption; the language, the customs, and the history." He chuckled, a warm and velvety sound. "It certainly helped to learn the 18 different forms of bowing."
He gave Hermione a wide smile and said "They reviewed all my lessons since I started at Hogwarts and have been making me go through revision of every single class until they were certain I had mastered every spell and every lesson. In addition, Charok had me re-brewing every potion we made since first year and he's a phenomenal teacher. " He chuckled at the melodious mental snort from his lowaar.
"For the rest of the summer, I split my time between revision with my lowaar, learning elemental magic with Aironth and several other Clan members, and physical training to get me used to my new body."
Hermione shook her head trying to take it all in. "Elemental magic, Harry?"
"Control of earth, wind, fire and air. I may never be as proficient as a natural born Clan member, but it will certainly be a surprise to a certain psychopathic madman who wants to kill me." He grinned wickedly as realization raced across Hermione's face and listened to the mental growls of the lowaar about the fate of one who would dare to harm a Clan youngling.
Harry smiled in anticipation as he entered the Double Potions class after breakfast the following morning, discussing potential potions they might make with the Gryffindors who had been accepted to the N.E.W.T. level class. He tried to mask the nervousness he felt regarding Professor Snape's reaction to his being in the class, but at the same time was looking forward to the Professor's response to his work this term.
Ron glared reflexively at the Slytherins on the left side of the room as he settled at a desk on the right. "You seem too happy to be in Potions today, Harry."
The dark-haired Gryffindor chuckled warmly at his red-haired friend. "Considering I had the opportunity to review the last several years of Potion assignments over the summer, I'm actually looking forward to this term." His chuckle continued as his friend rolled his eyes at him. With the smile still on his face, he looked around the room.
He nodded once at the Slytherins, the warmth not leaving his face. He was actually looking forward to one of them attempting to sabotage his cauldron this year.
Hermione followed Harry's glance at the Slytherins, wondering why he had a satisfied smile on his lips. She looked thoughtfully at Malfoy before saying quietly "Malfoy is looking different this year, isn't he? He's not my type, but he seems unusually fit, doesn't he?"
Ron grimaced. "Please Hermione, don't use 'fit' and Malfoy in the same sentence."
"Well he is Ron, and he's been watching the Gryffindor table more than normal at the meals. And he hasn't said anything rude yet."
Harry shrugged. "Maybe he's growing up. Stranger things could happen." He grinned at the strangeness of his own life over the summer.
The door slammed behind them and a cold voice demanded "Silence!" The dark-haired Potions Master swept to the front of the room and looked over the students with a slight sneer. "Before we begin, I remind you that this is a N.E.W.T. level class. Anyone not capable of proving they can learn and apply their knowledge of composition and use of potions has no reason to be in this class." He paused and sent baleful glares at Harry and Ron. "Anyone who fails more than one assignment will be summarily dismissed." He turned his glance towards the Slytherins. "The rest of you will continue to study with me, as only the best will survive. And I do expect appropriate marks or you will suffer my…displeasure."
Even the Slytherins swallowed at that phrase. Satisfied with the response of his students, he continued.
"We will begin the year with a potion you should have learned last year. The ingredients for the Draught of Peace are on the board, but you should already know the recipe. You will work alone and there will be no conversation. Proceed."
Harry collected his ingredients and then quietly cast a ward over his cauldron that would only let him add ingredients. Why he had never thought of this before, he didn't know. Charok had been the one to suggest ways to protect his potions. He ground the moonstone into a fine powder and began creating the syrup of hellbore, conscious of the black dragon's critical review of the procedure.
A sensation across his mind let him know something had brushed against the cauldron and he looked up to see Millicent Bulstrode nearby. He glanced down and saw several hairs on the floor. Hair would have ruined the potion and he was pleased with the ward, sending mental appreciation to Charok.
He glanced over at the other Slytherins and was surprised to see Malfoy looking at him intently, although he quickly looked away when he met Harry's eyes. "Wonder if he was waiting to see the smoke from the ruined potion" Harry thought, then shrugged and returned to his potion.
Once all of the ingredients had been added, Harry let it simmer for seven minutes. He paused momentarily and searched the collective memory on the potion and then stirred clockwise 12 times before a single counter-clockwise stir. He repeated this five times and smiled at the proper pale green color. He filled, sealed and labeled a vial, then cast an unbreakable charm on it. He carried it towards Snape's desk and abruptly staggered when he tripped over one of the Slytherin's book bags that hadn't been in the aisle a moment before. The vial crashed down to the floor.
"Mr. Potter, five points from Gryffindor for class disruption. I assume your vial is ruined? That will count as a failure for the assignment."
"My apologies for the disruption, Professor." He stood and walked forward two desks and picked up the charmed vial. "My potion is fine, sir." He placed it on the Potion Master's desk and inclined his head respectfully.
Harry noticed Malfoy looking at him again with an odd expression on his face. It wasn't his typical sneer and Harry couldn't help but wonder whether he was up to something or whether there was another reason for the absence of his normal insolence. He looked away when Harry met his eyes and began bottling his own potion.
Once Snape had called time, the class cleaned their tools and cauldrons. Ron was beside Harry, chatting to Seamus on his other side, jostling one another good-naturedly. Suddenly Ron stumbled and spilled bubotuber pus on Harry's measuring scale. The mixture immediately began to hiss as it dissolved the balancing mechanism.
"Ouch, sorry Harry!" The redhead pulled out his wand and cast "Reparo" but nothing happened. Harry pulled out his own wand and cast the spell with the same lack of success.
Hermione noticed the problem and drew her own wand attempting "Tergeo". The corrosive mixture disappeared, but the balancing mechanism was still ruined.
Ron looked at Harry with guilty eyes. "I'm really sorry Harry. We can share my scales for the rest of the term."
"Thanks, Ron. I'll pick up another set when I can." He evaluated the scales. "Maybe I can just replace the balancing piece."
He had been so focused on the scales that he didn't notice Professor Snape's approach until a black clad arm reached over his shoulder and picked up the scales. The Potions Master held them up to his eyes and examined them carefully. "You will need a new set, Mr. Potter. The bubotuber pus splashed on the scales. It could contaminate future potions." He set down the scales and walked away, tossing over his shoulder "Ten points from Gryffindor for carelessness and another ten for destroying a student's property, Mr. Weasley."
Ron's closed his eyes briefly at the point loss and his shoulders slumped at ruining his friend's equipment. "I'm really sorry, mate."
Harry shrugged. "No worries. I'll see if Professor McGonagall will let me slip down to Hogsmeade before an official weekend and get another set." He gripped his friend's shoulders and squeezed lightly. "Cheer up and I'll teach you the cauldron ward and the vial charms." Ron perked up immediately.
As they walked to their next class, Seamus exclaimed "Brilliant work on the potion, Harry! I never thought about an unbreakable charm on my vials. I'll begin doing that myself. And you'll teach me the ward for the cauldron as well?"
Harry chuckled. "Anything to help ensure we all survive another year of Potions."
Harry drafted a note to Professor McGonagall and slipped it under her office door before he went to the Great Hall. He explained the accident in Potions, Snape's confirmation that the scales were ruined and then requested permission to visit Hogsmeade after school one afternoon or this coming Saturday to select another set before the next Potions class. If it weren't a N.E.W.T. level class, they could probably share a single set, but the students moved at different speeds in the portion preparation and it would be extremely difficult to share without constantly cleaning the scales.
He slipped into the Great Hall just as dinner was being served and sat down in the seat Ron had saved for him next to Neville. He filled his plate and turned to his dorm mate.
"Neville, I forgot to ask you, but how are your Grandmother and Uncle Algy? Were you able to help your Uncle with his plants this summer?"
Neville brightened and began to describe the Mimbulus Mimbletonia, a rare plant his Great Uncle had given him over the summer. "It's very rare. He thinks it originally came from Assyria, but the origins may be lost. It tends to pulsate and squirm in its pot. It has the most interesting defense mechanism, too."
Harry grinned at his enthusiastic friend. "Let me guess. It hurls fireballs or screeches like a mandrake."
"Heh, nothing that bad. But if you poke at it, it squirts out stinksap. It's the most disgusting smell, almost like overripe manure – really rancid manure. I assume it kept animals from eating the plant."
Ron frowned at his plate. "Eww, not while I'm eating, Neville. Although…maybe we can use it to prank some Slytherins!"
"Well, I don't want to terrorize the poor plant just to prank Slytherins, but if I happen to collect any, I'll save it. When the plant matures, it begins to croon when touched, so I guess it eventually likes people."
The boys chatted about Neville's other summer herbology experiments through the meal, pausing only when a sour-faced Professor Snape strode past their table. He paused to snap "Join the Headmaster in his office after dinner, Potter" before stalking away.
Neville tried to suppress a shudder. "I'm so glad I don't have N.E.W.T. level Potions this year. That man can still reduce me to a quivering idiot with his presence."
"He works at it, mate" empathized Ron. "Probably got a N.E.W.T. at Intimidation." Neville and the other nearby students laughed, obviously cheering Neville.
Harry walked with casual self-assurance to the Headmaster's office after leaving the Great Hall and gave the password. He climbed the stairs, but before he could tap politely on the door, he heard the Headmaster's voice calling for him to come in. Professor Dumbledore was standing caressing Fawkes while the Potions Master was standing near the fireplace. The later bore an angry and resentful look, raising a sense of impending danger in Harry.
"Harry, thank you for joining us. Have a seat. Would you like a sweet?" Harry sat, declining the offer and gave the older wizard his attention. "Harry, it's time for you to begin your Occlumency lessons with Professor Snape again. He has generously agreed to work with you twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday evenings starting at 8:00 PM. It is important that nothing interfere your training this year."
Harry smiled politely and inclined his head to the taciturn Potions Master. "Thank you, Professor. It is gracious of you to agree after I violated your privacy with the pensieve. My behavior was disrespectful and I sincerely apologize." He paused at the surprise quickly masked on the Professor's face. "However, I no longer require instructions in Occlumency. My shields are strong enough to withstand Voldemort now."
The Headmaster responded firmly. "Harry, I appreciate that you found the lessons…difficult…with Professor Snape, but they are critical for your defense. You must continue the instruction."
Harry hid a sigh at having his comments ignored or disregarded yet again. He looked at Professor Snape curious as to whether he believed him. He had no more than met the man's eyes when the Potions Master snapped "Legilimens!"
Harry kept his face expressionless as he felt Snape assault his mental shields. He was pleased to notice there wasn't as much as a flicker in the barriers around his mind. The lowaar growled at the discourtesy of the attempted incursion, but Harry could also sense their satisfaction as the Potion Master realized the futility of his effort. After several minutes, he felt the Potions Master withdraw.
Harry looked at Snape and said mildly "There was no need for incivility, Professor. I would have given permission for the attempt." Snape raised an eyebrow at Harry's mild rebuke. The young Gryffindor turned to the Headmaster. "Would you like to try, sir?"
Dumbledore met his eyes, but said nothing. Even so, Harry felt the intrusion and the attack on his shields. The Headmaster gradually increased the power behind his assault, but Harry knew that the older wizard found no weakness to exploit and no way into the younger man's mind. Eventually, he felt the Headmaster withdraw.
The older wizard stroked his beard thoughtfully before saying "Very good, Harry. You must have practiced quite a bit."
"Yes sir, I have. I'm confident that Voldemort won't be able to trick me again and I should be able to block any visions he attempts to send me."
"Very well. The Occlumency lessons are canceled."
"Thank you, sir. And thank you for being willing to give up your free time to help me after our previous difficulties, Professor." Harry nodded once respectfully to the Potions Master. "Was there anything else, Headmaster?" He made sure his voice was even and courteous.
"No, thank you Harry. Good night."
"Good night, Headmaster, Professor." He inclined his head both of them and left the room, not allowing the satisfied smile to appear until he was well away from the Headmaster's office.
In order of appearance:
ghergo'ir = young one
lowaar = indwellers
naflopsola = grandfather
Juanth Darastrix = Elder Dragons
sia'deevdru = my son
opsola = father
iejir'deevdru = blood son
sovesi 'lowaar= guiding indwellers