Hemavoid

by YoTuesday

After a visit to Romania causes the Weasleys and Hermione to be gone the summer after POA, Harry is left alone. Harry being alone during the summer doesn't mean he is inactive. He is busy becoming an animagus. HONKS

4. A Champion, Born but Not Raised Part 1

Disclaimer: Harry Potter is obviously not mine. I wish it was. But it is J. K. Rowlings.

Chapter 4 Part 1 - A Champion, Born but Not Raised: Part 1

To say that Harry was surprised didn't cover it. Professor Dumbledore, the Headmaster of Hogwarts, had just told him that his animagus form was a magical parasite. You couldn't choose your animagus form. Remus had once said 'the entire animagus transformation is predicated on the principle of 'what if you were an animal.'' That meant that the animal that best described him was a parasite.

Harry had long since stopped believing just about anything the Dursleys had said. Even then he couldn't help but remember all of the tirades his Uncle Vernon went on about how he just exploited their kindness and should be grateful for everything that they gave him. His Uncle never gave him anything out of kindness. Everything he had gotten had been taken from them. Leeched from them. Now he was sitting across from the most respected wizard in the world, and that wizard had just told him he could be likened to a parasite.

Harry couldn't help but ask himself 'did that mean that what the Dursleys had told him had been true?' Even if it wasn't Professor McGonagall had told him that he could have personality changes making him more like his form. Making him more like a parasite.

"Harry!" Professor Dumbledore half shouted. Harry finally managed to look at the concerned face of the aging Headmaster. "Here" Professor Dumbledore said as he held out a vial, "drink this down. It's a Calming Draught. I daresay you could use it."

Harry managed to reach out with shaking hands to grasp the small vial. He quickly swallowed it before returning to his thoughts. Calm indeed. He had taken the Calming Draught. He must be calm. That meant he was thinking clearly. So he was a parasite. The Dursleys were right. Harry felt himself becoming hysterical just like he had the first time he realized his animagus form was female. It was so funny he couldn't help but laugh.

While laughing, Harry only barely registered the first two spells that the Headmaster sent at him. The blinding light of the third and the concussion as it hit his chest brought him back to himself.

Harry's first thought after being hit by that spell was 'I'm a magical parasite! Isn't that awesome.' As he rocked back forward into his seat he began giggling uncontrollably. As Professor Dumbledore crossed to the front of his desk he couldn't help but say to him "Professor! My form's Magic! Isn't that amazing!"

Even in his glee Harry was surprised when Professor Dumbledore pushed his head back and all but forced him to drink another potion. Eyes swimming he heard a quiet "finite."

After several long moments where Harry was slowly regaining his composure Professor Dumbledore asked "Are you alright now, Harry?"

After blinking a few times Harry responded. "I think so Professor. What just happened?"

"Something unexpected." Professor Dumbledore answered. "Though perhaps I should have anticipated it." After giving Harry another quick look the Headmaster returned to his seat behind his desk.

While fidgeting Harry couldn't help but ask again "what was unexpected?"

Professor Dumbledore hummed quietly before replying. "Before that I wish to know what your thoughts were on your animagus form. When I told you what it was you seemed more distressed than I believe you should have been."

Harry bowed his head. He didn't want to talk about this. Unfortunately he didn't have a lot of choice here. "I was thinking of the Dursleys sir." Harry began. "I know I shouldn't believe everything they say. But they made it clear that they didn't want to give me anything. They were forced too. Like I stole it. I spent this entire summer trying to find the animal that I could have been. What I would have been had I not been a wizard. When you said I was a parasite, I just..."

"Enough Harry." Professor Dumbledore said. "I believe I understand." Professor Dumbledore sighed as he leaned back into his chair. "However, I disagree." A raised hand prevented Harry from commenting. "Even if it were true that you were an unreasonable drain on your family, and I don't believe it is, it would not be your fault. You were but a babe when you arrived at Privet Drive. If it were to be anyone's fault it would be mine for sending you there. At the time it seemed to be the best decision but I have begun regretting it more and more these last few years. Do you understand?"

"I think so." Harry replied. He wanted almost desperately to try to convince the Headmaster to never send him back to the Dursleys but even he knew now was not the time. Especially with Sirius still on the run.

"I also believe your animagus form was not chosen from your influence alone." Professor Dumbledore continued after a moment. "Other than Dementors I believe you have seen one other form of magical parasite. Do you recall what it was?"

Harry spent nearly a full minute thinking back over his three years at Hogwarts. But parasites weren't something covered in the early years at Hogwarts. "I'm sorry sir, I can't remember any others."

"Perhaps I shall rephrase the question then. Do you recall who the magical parasite was?" Professor Dumbledore asked.

It took only a moment for Harry's eyes to shoot open after the question was spoken. But before he could interrupt Professor Dumbledore continued. "I see you do remember. What you may not have realized is how close the two of you are connected."

Professor Dumbledore was comparing him to Voldemort! Harry couldn't believe it. Was Dumbledore saying he was like Voldemort?

"Mr. Potter, your scar." Professor Dumbledore said lowly. "I have come to realize that it connects the two of you far more strongly than I ever believed before your first year. It is that connection that I believed caused your animagus form to be what it is."

"Connects us?" Harry spoke startled. "What kind of connection?" Even though the idea that he was connected to Voldemort was detestable, not being responsible for having a parasite as an animagus form felt satisfying.

"I'm afraid I can't answer that yet Harry." Professor Dumbledore replied. "I'm not entirely sure myself how the connection was formed. But back to the matter at hand. You asked earlier what happened after you drank that Calming Draught, did you not?"

Harry blinked in surprise before answering "yes sir, I did." It was a unexpectedly abrupt change of topic.

"I expect some anxiety in students when they are sent to my office." Professor Dumbledore began. "Therefore I have several doses of Calming Draught in my office at all times. While I wasn't surprised you would benefit from one after learning the nature of your animagus form I was surprised at the results. You weren't calmed at all. If anything I expect that the mistaken belief that you were calm allowed you to become more agitated."

"So the Calming Draught didn't work?" Harry asked, curious about his reaction.

"That is what I expected at first as well." Professor Dumbledore confirmed. "However, once I had attempted to perform a pair of Cheering Charms that were also ineffective I realized that it may be a reaction to your animagus form."

"My animagus form?" Harry asked surprised. "What kind of affect would that have?"

"We will need to find out soon." Professor Dumbledore stated. "I will need you to come to the Hospital Wing tomorrow afternoon in order to perform a few tests to see to what extent this will affect you. I don't anticipate anything terribly detrimental but we will need to know how you were affected."

"Another trip to the Hospital Wing? Already?" Harry almost groaned. Madam Pomfrey had already made clear her views about his frequent visits.

"I believe it would be best yes." Professor Dumbledore replied with quirked lips hiding a smile. "After the first two failed Cheering Charms I sent one I believed would be strong enough to have an effect. After which I gave you another Calming Draught before removing the overpowered Cheering Charm. Even though it is not apparent I suspect that you are both more tired and more out of sorts than even you realize due to this. I think it may be best to finish our conversation about the nature of your animagus form after dinner tonight."

"I still have to wait!" Harry exclaimed. "But you know what my form is! You have to tell me!"

"Even now I am still collecting information and it will be a few more days before a full explanation can be made." Professor Dumbledore countered quietly. "I know enough to give you a rudimentary explanation tonight but we will talk more later in the week."

With a few more ineffective protests Harry was firmly ushered out of Professor Dumbledore's office and sent on his way. If Harry had managed to stay he would have seen a contemplative Headmaster going over the meeting he had just had within his pensieve. The discovery he had made in that meeting had forced him to reconsider how to address one of his most confounding students once again.

As Harry walked down the spiral staircase from the Headmaster's office he knew he should be more agitated. Having two doses of Calming Draught in him must be keeping him focused. Actually it was more composed than focused. It didn't really matter.

He had told Ron and Hermione when they crossed paths during lunch that he would meet up with them later. Even so, he couldn't get excited about meeting them. Since they had only been heading to lunch when he was coming to meet Professor Dumbledore they wouldn't be finished yet. It would probably be better to try and continue his review of his previous years while the Calming Draught was keeping him from being overly bored. Hermione would probably still be trying to coerce Ron into doing his homework anyway.

The walk to Gryffindor tower passed quickly for Harry. When he arrived he confirmed that neither Ron nor Hermione had returned yet. He gathered his review materials and set out for the library. He would be studying Herbology this time. He had decided that with as quickly as he had been able to review most of the first year of Transfiguration during his review sessions with Professor McGonagall that he would try to have the review of all his first year classes finished by the end of October.

Harry estimated that unless reviewing second and third year took significantly longer than first year he would be finished by winter vacation. After that he would be able to slow down and enjoy the last half of the year. He hoped he would be accustom enough to studying that he would still stay ahead of schedule. It helped Hermione a lot, it would do the same for him.

Harry hadn't been in the library long when he realized that coming to study again had been a mistake. When he left the Headmaster's office he had felt fine. Now he felt like he hadn't slept in days. He couldn't concentrate enough to make any progress studying. Professor Dumbledore had told him he was more tired than he realized but he hadn't thought it would be this bad.

Thankfully his exhaustion would probably pass within an hour or two. Harry's review of his first year Potions work had taught him that most side effects only lasted as long as the affects of the potion that caused them. The effects of the Calming Draught diminished to nothing within an hour. If Professor Dumbledore had believed any side effects would last much longer than that he wouldn't have released him.

Knowing he couldn't keep working Harry gathered up his materials and left for Gryffindor Tower. A short lie-down would do him a lot of good. As tired as he was he never even realized Malfoy had stepped into his path before he was hit by a Locomotor Mortis curse.

As Harry's legs snapped together Malfoy approached with a sneer. "You should pay more attention when walking alone Scar-Head." Malfoy Gloated at the fallen boy. "The Professors won't always be around to protect you." Malfoy stood over him smirking, tapping his wand into the palm of his off hand. "Now what should I do with you? I hope you aren't hungry. You don't seem to be getting along too well with the Mudblood and the Weasel. I doubt anyone will look for you until you show up missing on Monday."

Harry may have been exhausted from the meeting with Professor Dumbledore, but he hadn't been working so much during the past week for nothing. While he hadn't yet spent a lot of time on Defense Against the Dark Arts he did remember one very early lesson. 'Don't assume an opponent is down when you haven't put them down.' It was suppose to be applied to dark creatures. Malfoy was close enough. Malfoy had hit him with a curse, but the curse he used just kept him from standing. Malfoy had then made a great big target of himself without even keeping his wand aimed.

"Petrificus Totalus." Harry said quietly after surreptitiously drawing his wand. A murmured counter-curse freed his legs. He stood and looked down at Malfoy. As he opened his mouth to say something he paused. Just like on the train he had nothing to say to Malfoy. What would he say? Threaten to tell the teachers? Snape wouldn't allow Malfoy to be punished. Threaten him? Why? Malfoy had just cursed him before he even realized Malfoy was there. It would be an empty threat.

Instead of speaking Harry just closed his mouth and shook his head. He stepped over Malfoy's struggling form to continue his trek toward Gryffindor Tower. He still needed a lie-down. But he did realize two things because of his encounter with Malfoy. The first was that Malfoy was still angry at him. Angry enough to attack him in the middle of the corridors. The second was that Professor Moody was right. He needed to learn Constant Vigilance. Thankfully, so did Malfoy.

The rest of the trip to Gryffindor Tower was uneventful but long. Harry knew that the exhaustion caused by the Calming Draughts was still mounting. He hoped that when he arrived at the tower he could just go up and sleep. As he spoke the password to the Fat Lady and peered in the common room he found that it was not to be.

Ron and Hermione had returned from eating while he had went to the library and faced Malfoy. Harry really didn't want to brush them off. He had done so several times already since the term started. But he wouldn't be able to spend time with them right now. The side effects of the Calming Draughts had caught up to him already. The adrenaline from his short bout with Malfoy had faded. It had left him even more tired.

"Hey guys." Harry managed to drawl tiredly. "How was lunch?"

"It would have been better if Hermione had let me eat in peace." Ron answered instantly. "She wouldn't stop trying to get me to do my Divination homework. I was eating!"

"I didn't expect you to start working while you were still eating!" Hermione countered. "I was only trying to make sure you didn't spend the rest of the weekend procrastinating. It may only be the first weekend of the school year but you can't get behind!"

"It's Divination!" Ron cried. "Even you can't say that the homework we get there is worth doing!"

"Just because I was smart enough to choose a better class doesn't mean you can just ignore yours!" Hermione nearly yelled.

"Chose Nothing!" Ron contradicted. "You couldn't hack it in Divination so you quit!"

Harry sighed as Hermione shrilly echoed 'Couldn't hack it!'. How could he have not realized that they were already bickering when he had walked in? It also seemed to have developed into one of their worse quarrels. He only vaguely managed to put together his absence as part of the cause. Without him being in a similar position to Ron, Hermione had been pushing harder than normal. Ron had begun being less careful of what he said as he grew more defensive.

"Enough!" Harry finally called. Just because their argument had escalated while he was absent didn't mean it was his fault. "Hermione, I know you're trying to help but you can't force Ron to do his work." Even as Hermione frowned and Ron smiled Harry turned to Ron. "Ron, Hermione is trying to help. I know we have usually done Divination together but I am trying to take my magical education a little more seriously this year. That includes Divination. I spent the morning actually working through the homework instead of just making it up. Because of that I can't do that homework with you. I will likely get a worse grade but that's okay right now."

After those few comments Harry fell quiet. He was just too tired to deal with this. As he looked at his two friends he noticed that Hermione was staring at him squinty eyed.

"Harry?" Hermione began. "Do you feel okay? You look really tired."

"I am really tired Hermione." Harry answered. "It was a long day even before Malfoy jumped me on my way here."

"What!" Ron burst out. "What did that slimy snake do?"

"Don't worry about it." Harry said as he raised his arms in a placating gesture. "I got the better of him. I'm just tired and want to take a lie down before dinner rolls around."

Hermione had taken a step closer with a firm gaze. She had even covered Ron's mouth with her hand to keep him from saying anything more. "If you need some rest get on up to your dorm. But remember, we will talk about this later."

Harry just turned and walked to the stairs to the boys' dorms. He didn't want to argue with them. He didn't mind talking about what happened with Malfoy. But from the way Hermione talked she was assuming she had the right to know. Was this something he had the right to keep to himself? He didn't think so. Regardless he didn't want to hide it. There was no reason to.

It was only a minute's work until he was laying in his four poster bed. He fell asleep immediately. His last thought was to wonder what he would be talking to Professor Dumbledore about later that day.

Harry had expected to be groggy when he woke up. He wasn't. One minute he had been asleep and the next he was awake. It was probably due to the end of the effects of the potion overdose. Even though growing up at the Dursleys' home had forced him to be able to get up immediately when called, he was still used to taking a few moments to finish waking up.

The abrupt return to awareness had left Harry feeling wired. He quickly dressed and with a muttered 'Tempus' found that dinner was just about to begin. He quickly descended to the Common Room to hopefully meet up with Ron and Hermione. As it turned out, neither was in the Common Room. In fact, none of his year mates were in the Common Room. They had likely all already headed down to dinner.

Harry thought about the side effects of the Calming Draughts he had taken while he walked down to dinner. He had slept longer than he had expected. Far longer than the side effects of the potions should have lasted. Why would they last longer though?

The purpose of Calming Draughts was to force a person to be calm. They hadn't originally worked on him. Even after he had taken both he had still been fairly emotional in the Headmaster's office. After that instead of just lying down he had forced himself to try and study for a time. He wondered if by resisting the magic in the potions he had delayed but lengthened their effect. He would have to ask Professor Dumbledore about it at their meeting tonight.

The trip to the Great Hall was unremarkable. As Harry entered he reminded himself not only to look for his friends, but to also see if Malfoy was present. If Malfoy hadn't gotten out of the Petrificus Totalus he would need to inform the professors. Thankfully he spied a glaring Malfoy staring at him as soon as he turned to look at the Slytherin table.

Harry found it almost as easy to find Ron and Hermione as it had been to find Malfoy. They had saved him a place. At least, Hermione had. Ron seemed to be surprised to see him. "Hey guys." Harry called out as he took the offered seat. "How did your Saturday go? I haven't been around for much of it."

"It went alright." Hermione responded. "I finally got Ron to start on his Divination after you went up to your dorm. More importantly, how are you? I was going to get Madam Pomfrey to look you over if you hadn't gotten down to dinner."

"I feel a lot better." Harry responded. "Really, all I needed was some sleep."

"I'll say." Ron said. "I tried to get you up right before we came down for dinner and you didn't even move. I didn't think you were going to get up before tomorrow."

"What, really?" Harry responded surprised. "I don't remember that at all." With that though came a memory of earlier in the day when he told himself he would need to work on Constant Vigilance. If Malfoy knew shere the Gryffindor Common Room entrance was, he could have come up and done anything to him. With the anger Malfoy had shown these last several days he didn't want to guess what that would have been. He needed to work on that now more than ever.

"Regardless," Hermione began in that moment of silence. "I want to hear what happened between you and Malfoy earlier. What did he do to make you so tired?"

"Nothing really." Harry began. "I was-"

"Nothing!" Ron interrupted. "Sorry Mate, but you looked like you played a game of Quidditch on foot! That slimy snake must have done something."

"No, Ron." Harry countered. "Malfoy had nothing to do with me being tired. That was from an overdose of Calming Draughts."

"You mean Snape was working with Malfoy?" Ron declared surprised.

"NO Ron." Harry answered. "The overdose was purely a mistake. Malfoy only tried to curse me like he did in front of the Great Hall last Monday. I just got the better of him this time."

"And just what does that mean?" Hermione interjected. "What did you do to him?"

Harry sighed. Even if he didn't mind sharing his altercation with Malfoy, that didn't mean that both his friends jumping to conclusions didn't annoy him. "Did you mean to ask 'what did you do to him after he cursed you?' I hope so, because otherwise you don't deserve an answer."

"Harry!" Hermione called looking indignant. "I'm just worried about what happened."

"That's not what it sounded like." Harry sighed. "Hermione, I just told you he attacked me and you're concerned I disobeyed the rules or was mean to him. If the situation were reversed I would be angry with Malfoy for attacking you, not the other way around."

"You know that's not what I mean." Hermione countered. "You've already said you were fine. I was just worried what the professors might do if you did something wrong."

"Perhaps," Harry began. "But in that light you're only concerned that the rules were broken when I 'won.' In the train I shut Malfoy out of our compartment so that it would be against the rules for him to force his way in. This time, he forced his way in so I responded. I won't apologize for that."

"So you're using the rules again?" Hermione groused. "I thought you weren't going to do that."

"No Hermione." Harry replied quietly. "Malfoy broke the rules. I responded in a way the rules allowed of me. And I will continue to do so."

"But Harry," Hermione began.

"No Hermione." Harry interrupted. "We have had this discussion. I have made my decision. Unless you have something new to add that's the end of it. And since you weren't even there I know you don't."

After several moments of silent staring between the two friends, Ron asked a question he had been dying to ask the entire time. "So Harry, what did you do to the ferret?"

Harry shook his head in amusement. Even Hermione had quirked a small smile before turning away from the two boys. As Harry finally proceeded to tell his two best friends what had happened in the Hallway with Malfoy he thought about his relationship with the two. He was surprised to find that as much as his presence kept Ron and Hermione from getting in too many quarrels, or from saying things that were too harsh, so too did Ron's presence keep him and Hermione from arguing as much. He had known intellectually that Hermione hadn't had many friends before Hogwarts, but now he was finally starting to understand why. Though he wouldn't admit it to the others, that concerned him greatly.

Harry thought that the rest of the meal had passed relatively peacefully. After the tense beginning he had feared a return of the friction that had plagued them much of the previous week. After they had finished eating, he had told them that he had to go back up to see the Headmaster because of his reaction to the overdose of Calming Draughts. Thankfully, neither Ron nor Hermione had a second thought about his explanation. Which he was especially glad for because it was in some ways true.

On his walk to the Headmaster's office Harry couldn't help but think that he hadn't studied as much over the weekend as he had wanted to. He had spent almost all his free time studying but between the potions mishap and his meetings with Professor Dumbledore he hadn't had much free time to begin with. It was only because this was the first weekend after school started that he wasn't behind already. Hopefully he wouldn't have to deal with as many unexpected issues in the future.

The increasingly familiar walk up to the Headmaster's office went quickly for Harry. Having left the Great Hall several minutes before he had, Professor Dumbledore would likely already be waiting for him. When he arrived at the stone gargoyle he clearly spoke "Almond Joy" and rode up on the spiral staircase. A murmured "Come in Harry" greeted him as he arrived at the door.

Harry was surprised at how calmly he entered the office. The surprise of his animagus form and the more judicial meetings that had set the tone of his previous visits there should have made him far more apprehensive. Instead he was more excited than anything else. While he was currently less than pleased with the form he had taken he had accepted it. Given that he had only just recently learned of his form that was surprising in itself. Now all that was left was to learn about the form he had taken.

"Hello Harry." Greeted Professor Dumbledore. "Are you feeling better after having some time to rest this afternoon?"

"Very much so Professor." Harry responded. "I ended up sleeping more than I expected but I feel much better now."

"Did you now?" Professor Dumbledore queried. "I had expected a short hour or two lie down would be enough. Was the reason that young Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger arrived before you because you hadn't yet awoken?"

"Yes Professor." Harry answered. "I was going to ask you why I slept that long." 'Though not until after we had talked about my animagus form.' Harry added mentally to himself. After seeing the twinkle in the Headmaster's eyes and noticing his inviting pause he had to stop himself from asking to talk about the potion reaction later. He had a feeling that the Headmaster was waiting for him to make that request just so he could deny it.

As time passed and the Headmaster did nothing more than pour out some tea, Harry realized that getting into a competition of patience with a man more than a century his senior was doomed to failure. "Professor," Harry began. "Why do you think the side effects of the potions lasted so long?" It wasn't the question he wanted to ask. But it would have to be answered before they got to his animagus form.

"Ah yes, I suppose that we should talk about that before we begin the more interesting portion of our conversation." Professor Dumbledore stated, eyes twinkling more brightly as he spoke. "I didn't expect you to have had the chance to review enough in Charms yet to form an educated theory."

Harry sighed. Either his animagus form was just that much more interesting a topic or the Headmaster was still playing with him. Even though it seemed worse he hoped that it was the prior.

"I suppose it would have to do with how the Calming Draught is powered." Professor Dumbledore mused. "As you know from your experience with the Patronus Charm, some magical effects are driven by the strength of a magical's emotion. Though counter intuitive the Calming Draught falls into this category."

That revelation surprised Harry. Though thinking back, it could be made to explain some of the unexpected results of the potions.

"Normally the lack of emotion caused by the Calming Draught itself would lead to a relatively short duration." Professor Dumbledore lectured. "But in this case the overpowered Cheering Charm combined with the levels of stress and anxiety you were experiencing gave the Calming Draughts enough power to sustain themselves for a substantial time."

"That actually makes quite a bit of sense." Harry thought to himself.

"I would hope it does." Professor Dumbledore replied amused. "I would be right disappointed in myself if I hadn't been at least close to correct."

Harry couldn't hold back the flush of embarrassment that lit his face when he realized he had spoken aloud. "Sorry Sir." Harry murmured. "I didn't mean to offend you. I was just talking to myelf."

"You need not worry, Harry." The Headmaster spoke with a sudden seriousness. "I believe it would be good for you to learn to speak your mind more often. At least is some areas of discussion."

"What do you mean Professor?" Harry asked. "If you'd ask Sn- Professor Snape he would tell you quite differently."

"Severus would likely answer such. But I would not." Professor Dumbledore responded. "I would say that you haven't had much practice in speaking your mind. Before Hogwarts I mean. But that is a discussion of another time. For now we need to talk of your animagus form."

The sudden change in their conversation had drastically altered the atmosphere in the Headmaster's office. Harry allowed himself to consider for a moment that Professor Dumbledore had intentionally made a reference to the Dursleys to force the discussion about his animagus form to begin with a tone of severity.

"I told you earlier that your animagus form was a magical parasite." The Headmaster began. "I also told you that I haven't finished gathering all available information about it. But I will tell you what I can."

"How much information is out there anyway?" Harry asked. "I had thought that once you knew what it was that you would just need to find the right book in the library or something."

"Alas Harry, I don't know of a single book that talks about your animagus form at all." Professor Dumbledore replied. "In truth, your animagus form has been the subject of very few studies. Currently it hasn't even been given a name."

"What? Why?" Harry asked, feeling almost offended. "If it has been studied at all it must have been given a name."

"You will find that there are many differences between the Magical World and the Non-Magical World you grew up in Harry." Professor Dumbledore answered. "The Non-Magical World documents every newly discovered creature regardless of whether they are even encountered in daily life. The Wizarding World has taken the stance that any magical creature that cannot encounter or affect a witch or wizard isn't worth naming. It is only the unique abilities that this parasite has that made it worth studying at all."

"Unique abilities?" Harry questioned. "What kind of unique abilities?"

"Abilities that have already manifested in you, Mr. Potter." Professor Dumbledore replied. "It is these manifested abilities that we must measure and define tomorrow."

"But what are they?" Harry insistently questioned.

"How should I put it," Professor Dumbledore began. "As I have already told you, your animagus form is a magical parasite. While magical, your animagus form can act as a parasite towards either magical or non-magical beings. In non-magical beings it feeds off of blood like any number of other parasites. It is only in magical beings that this doesn't hold true."

Harry sighed. From all his recent talks with the Headmaster Harry had learned that he found amusement in refusing to reveal information. It was fine though. He had stressed out about his animagus form enough already. A little more time before he learned about it wouldn't kill him. At least that's what he tried to tell himself.

"I don't know how much you know about the muggle sciences." Professor Dumbledore continued. "But these naturally occurring parasites are most commonly no larger than a single cell. In fact, it is at this size that they appear to begin their life."

"But that makes no sense." Harry countered. "My animagus form is the size of a cat. If a small one. It also looks like a cat, not some type of giant blob."

"So you are at least familiar with the concept of cells then." Professor Dumbledore mused. "That's good. As to your other comment, I've already told you that you don't have a cat as your animagus form. Truthfully, you need to learn to not think of your animagus form as a cat. Your animagus form from has no set appearance."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked. "It has to look like something!"

"Does it now?" Professor Dumbledore asked. "In that case let me ask you this; What does a Boggart look like?"

"No one knows." Harry sighed in frustration. "Anytime they are observed they are in a form they create to play on the fear of what's observing them."

"Correct." Professor Dumbledore stated. "While not necessarily the same, this creature appears to either perfectly emulate another creature or make a perfect simulacrum of a member of another species. As there has never been one of these creatures large enough to attempt to imitate a magical creature it is unknown if they could."

"But my form is large enough." Harry said with dismay. "It seemed like you were saying it shouldn't be that large. How large should my animagus form be able to get?"

"I don't yet know." The Headmaster said sadly. "This is part of the information I hope to be able to collect before long. However, that would only apply if your form was the actual parasite instead of an animagus form."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked.

"If you remember, in one of our prior talks I posed the question, 'How big would a flobberworm have to be to have magical power equal to that of a wizard?'" Professor Dumbledore lectured. "That question would apply equally well here. One thing that is known about your animagus form is that its size is determined by its magical strength. While a natural form of this parasite has such a small magic capacity that it would be small, your animagus form has the same magic capacity as you do."

"So you are saying that my animagus form is essentially a cat-sized vampire?" Harry baulked.

"If it were only that simple." The Headmaster said tiredly. "I believe that just earlier I mentioned that this parasite has some unique abilities."

All of a sudden Harry was glad they hadn't talked about his animagus form's abilities. He had a feeling he didn't want to know what they were anymore.

"In a non-magical host this parasite will grow no larger." Professor Dumbledore delayed. "They are also a rather short lived parasite, lasting only about a month. However, at the same time this parasite can only be killed with magic. If it sustains any injury from a non-magical source it will just reform itself back into a healed state. This is likely due to its apparent shape-shifting abilities."

'That wasn't so bad.' Harry couldn't help but think.

"The aspects I am most concerned about only appear when this parasite infects magical beings." Professor Dumbledore finally said. "While in a magical host, this parasite will not feed on blood at all. Instead it consumes the magic of the host."

"What!" Harry exclaimed. "That's horrible! Does that mean that my animagus form could turn wizards into squibs?"

"Theoretically yes." The Headmaster replied quietly. "But not realistically. Remember that a wizard's magic regenerates. So the drain isn't permanent. In any case if any magical being, including a wizard, were completely drained of their magic they would almost certainly die. "

Harry was now horrified. He hadn't even known something like that existed. It was like learning of the existence of dementors all over again. "How come I have never heard anything about this? If there was something so dangerous in the magical world how come we weren't told about it?"

"Simply put, they aren't dangerous." The Headmaster answered calmly.

"What do you mean not dangerous." Harry demanded. "You just said that they eat the magic of their host and then the host dies. How is that not dangerous?"

"The answer is simple." The Headmaster said reasonably. "This form of parasite is incredibly weak in magical terms. It is by far the weakest form of magical creature I have ever learned about. Since it can only absorb at most twice the amount of magic held within its own core, it cannot consume all the magic contained in any other magical creature. Even in large groups the drain is too small to be noticed."

'That was a relief,' Harry thought. For a moment his animagus form had seemed like a monster.

"Your animagus form is different." The Headmaster said quietly. It was easy to notice the tensing and nervousness of his pupil. "You are a powerful wizard for your age. If you were in your animagus form and accidentally absorbed magic from any of the other students, or even most adult wizards, it would likely be fatal."

"But I won't do that!" Harry pleaded. He had feared expulsion before. Even in first year when he made the Quidditch team. But never had he feared expulsion more than now. Because now instead of doing something dangerous, he was something dangerous. For the first time he held fear of himself. "You know I wouldn't do that!"

"You may not have a choice, Mr. Potter." The Headmaster answered sternly. "I've already told you that this creature cannot be killed by non-magical means. I've just told you it absorbs magic. Though difficult to discern at such low levels it is certain that this creature absorbs all magic cast on it until it has reached the maximum amount of magic it can contain. Only then does it become as vulnerable as any other creature to magic. This is one of the reasons that such a minor parasite was studied at all. It can absorb any form of magic. Including the killing curse."

'What?' Harry thought. Even though the Headmaster had told him it was Voldemort's influence that had caused him to have the animagus form he did, he couldn't help but wonder in spite of the grave nature of their discussion. If he had had the potential to use this form on Halloween all those years ago, would it have been able to protect him?

"All it would take is a touch." The Headmaster continued. "If anyone were to touch your animagus form you would involuntarily rip the magic from them. Do you understand Harry?"

"But that's not true!" Harry cried suddenly relieved. "When I first showed Professor Lupin the problem with my transformation on the first he picked me up! Nothing happened!"

Professor Dumbledore's eyes immediately lit up with possibilities. "I hadn't heard about that." He said quietly. "Tell me, did you see him coming? Did you expect him to pick you up?"

"I saw him coming." Harry said nervously. "I didn't exactly expect him to pick me up until he did though."

"Excellent." Professor Dumbledore stated. "This is wonderful news. This means that you can consciously control the decision to drain magic from another creature. Though I doubt the same is true for purely magical spells. I know that you trust Remus, and that you probably unconsciously allowed him to handle you when you saw him coming."

"Wait." Harry interrupted. "You mean I could have killed Moony when he picked me up?"

"But you didn't." Professor Dumbledore answered. "And knowing this we can make sure you never do. But how to go about it?" Though it calmed Harry to hear the Headmaster say that, Professor Dumbledore had grown slightly subdued as he paused to think.

"What's the matter Professor?" Harry asked. "Isn't that good news?"

"Yes it is Harry." Professor Dumbledore answered. "But in my many years I have found that even great opportunities can come with profound costs."

"What do you mean Professor?" Harry asked, unsure of the cause of the sudden change in atmosphere.

"We will know more after your examination tomorrow Harry." Professor Dumbledore answered to Harry's groan. "I must ask again that you remain out of your animagus form Mr. Potter. At least so long as you don't have supervision."

Even Harry knew that was a reasonable request. He just nodded his head in acknowledgement.

"Very good." Professor Dumbledore said. "We only have one more aspect of your animagus form to talk about before we adjourn until tomorrow. Unfortunately, the last ability of your animagus form will likely have the greatest affect on you long term."

Harry sighed. It had to be a pattern. Whenever he thought the worst was over something else always reared its head.

"You see Harry, the magic absorbed by this parasite doesn't just disappear." The Headmaster somberly stated. "Instead, the absorbed power is used to increase the magic capacity of the parasite itself. Thankfully they only assimilate about 1 percent of what they absorb. It also takes them about 12 hours to perform this assimilation when they have absorbed all the magic they can. Do you understand what this means?"

"I'm not sure." Harry said uncertainly. "If they kept getting more powerful they would eventually be able to absorb enough magic to be a danger. But you've already said that they only live about a month. That's not long enough for them to be dangerous is it?"

"Somewhat correct, Mr. Potter." Professor Dumbledore replied. "But you missed two things. The first is that this parasite will live only a month in a non-magical host. By absorbing magic this parasite can increase its lifespan." Professor Dumbledore held up a hand to forestall any comment by Harry. "I haven't yet gathered the details but even in the best case scenario the parasite has a short lifespan. The second was that I wasn't asking about the parasite, but about you."

"I don't understand." Harry said softly. "What does it mean to me?"

"In some ways it's up to you." Professor Dumbledore answered quietly.

"What does that mean?" Harry asked bewildered.

"You are only just now beginning to understand the difference magical power makes in the life of a wizard." Professor Dumbledore explained. "Many wizards see this difference and strive to gain other power to raise themselves above it. This has led to the pursuit of political and monetary power. Others go further and attempt to give themselves more magical power."

"You're talking about Voldemort, aren't you." Harry murmured in a shocked stupor.

"He is one of the more archetypal examples you would know of." The Headmaster answered. "The difference in this case is that you don't have to fall into the seductive trap that is dark magic to gain power. Nearly every witch or wizard who has made a quest of increasing their power has sacrificed their humanity to do so. With your animagus form you will be able to gain magic without this sacrifice."

"But I don't want more magic!" Harry exclaimed. "I have enough already. Professor McGonagall told me I'm the strongest magically in my year. I'd rather be normal, not a freak."

"You are not a freak, Mr. Potter." Professor Dumbledore spoke sternly. "No more than I was at least." At Harry's bewildered look he continued. "I was also magically the strongest in my class when I went to Hogwarts. Not only that but I had a similar level of dedication to my studies as young Ms. Granger. I was consistently surpassing all of my year mates. Since mine own affinity is Transfiguration, one of the core subjects taught at Hogwarts, this gap in ability was only emphasized. So I understand what it is like to wish for less power Harry. Just know that once you leave Hogwarts that feeling will fade."

"Sometimes I just wish I was like everyone else Sir." Harry said with minor despondency.

"But if you were like everyone else your life would be like everyone else's." Professor Dumbledore smiled before he continued. "I know from experience that wizards like us would find normal quite boring."

"But Professor," Harry began to ask.

"We have spoken enough for tonight Mr. Potter." Professor Dumbledore interrupted. "I am glad you won't seek more power. To do so is like chasing your fondest desires in the Mirror of Erised. In the end you will waste away. We will find out more about your situation tomorrow in the Hospital Wing. I will expect you there at 2:00."

Once again Harry found himself reading his Headmaster's expression rather than just speaking out. It was obvious that no more discussion would happen tonight. But what they had spoken of had already given him a lot to think about. So he told Professor Dumbledore, "I will see you tomorrow Sir." Then he stood and moved to leave.

"Have a good evening Harry." Was Professor Dumbledore's farewell.

With the sleep he had gotten earlier Harry wasn't tire at all. So he decided to grab his things and try to catch up to where he had planned to be in his review after this weekend. Forcing himself to focus on studying would also help him work through the discussion he just had with Professor Dumbledore. Hopefully it would also take his mind off of the tests that were to take place tomorrow.

The previous night after Harry had left the Headmaster's office he had gone to the tower and collected his books. During the trip he didn't see either Ron or Hermione. They hadn't planned to meet so he had decided to just spend the night studying and thinking. He had known that Hermione and eventually Ron would realize he was studying again so he didn't go to the library to study where they would find him. Instead he went to an unused portion of the castle and found an unused classroom. There was nothing significant about it other than it was free to use. Therefore there would be no reason to look for him there.

Harry had stayed there studying until right before curfew. When he arrived back at the Gryffindor Common Room he had met up with Ron and Hermione. As it turned out Hermione had finally managed to get Ron to do his Divination homework. When he arrived he found Ron just about to beat Hermione in chess. It always delighted Ron to win against Hermione in chess. Afterward he had gotten sucked into playing a game against Ron. Ron had wanted to play again and Hermione was already frustrated enough at losing that she had gotten him to take her place.

As late as it was the night had passed quickly. Even so, with Harry still managing to lose to Ron in frighteningly short times they had gotten three games in. Hermione had just sat by them reading when not talking to them. After the third game it had been late enough that they had all turned in.

Even though he hadn't had trouble getting to sleep, Harry had still woken up early. The time he had spent sleeping the previous evening had ensured that. It was early enough that he could have gone down to the library to study before breakfast. But he was already beginning to get nervous about what the tests that afternoon would entail. So he decided that he would spend the time before breakfast flying. As early as it was on a Sunday he didn't encounter anyone. So the time he had spent flying above the Quidditch Pitch had been by himself. As boring as some others would have thought that was he had felt immersed in freedom the entire time. It had left him far more relaxed than he would have been otherwise.

After putting his broom away Harry had headed straight to the Great Hall for breakfast. Once again he was one of the first students present. That led him to finish eating quickly and heading back up to his dorm for his books. He had spent the first part of the morning flying. The rest of the morning would be spent studying.

When Harry arrived at his dorm room, he found the rest of his dorm mates still asleep. Even with breakfast still being served for over an hour yet he had expect some of them to be up. It didn't matter though. It made it easier to get to studying. Once he had finished the review sessions with Professor McGonagall he would have more time to spend with them.

It didn't take Harry long to grab his things and head up to the seventh floor to the same classroom he had used the day before. If he hadn't gone flying he might have had trouble focusing on studying with the tests to determine how he was affected by becoming an animagus approaching. Thankfully he was relaxed enough that once he started it was easy to focus.

When Harry finally decided to stop studying lunch was almost over. Since he was having the tests done at 2:00 he hadn't wanted any time to worry about them after he had finished eating. It didn't take long to drop his things off in the tower and head to the Great Hall. When he got there he ended up sitting by Neville.

"Harry, there you are." Neville stated surprised.

"Yes. Here I am." Harry replied. "Did you need something Neville?"

"No. Not really." Neville replied embarrassed. "It's just that Ron and Hermione were looking for you. They said that you had been going to lunch early so I was surprised to see you."

"I see." Harry said. "That's unfortunate. I have somewhere to be soon. I don't know when I'll be done. If you see them could you tell them if I don't see them tonight I'll see them tomorrow during Herbology?" He had planned to tell them something about the tests so they knew where he was. But he hadn't managed to come up with a good explanation that wasn't a complete lie. Even if he had an explanation he hadn't seen them yet today.

"Do you really think it will take that long?" Neville asked surprised. "What is it that you have to do?"

"I don't know how long it will take." Harry answered. "If I told you it involved a lot of tests would you go and do it for me?" One had to have hope. Even if they knew it was pointless.

"Ah, no thank you." Neville said. "I'll just make sure to let them know you're busy."

"Thanks Neville." Harry said. "I need to head out now anyways. So I'll have to talk to you later."

"Alright. See you." Neville said as he gave a short wave to the departing Harry. "Good luck on those tests."

"Thanks Neville." Harry called back. He felt sort of bad to have mislead Neville. But he was supposed to keep being an animagus secret anyways.

When Harry arrived at the Hospital Wing he was surprised at how anxious he was. Even though Professor Dumbledore had said he didn't think that there would be anything too serious that had changed, he had also said that some of the changes would make a big difference in his life. He only had nebulous theories of what the changes could be or mean. But he didn't know enough to figure anything out yet.

Harry couldn't help but cringe when he entered and hear Madam Pomfrey's greeting.

"Harry! You did decide to visit me again! I'm so happy to see you!" Madam Pomfrey had called out with a delighted tone and a smiling face.

Harry shivered. What was it about Healers that could scare you so much when they smiled like that?

"Hello Mr. Potter." Professor McGonagall's voice came from further in the Hospital Wing. "If you could come this way we could get started." With that she turned and moved toward a separated room near the back of the Hospital Wing.

"Have you been thinking about the changes caused by your animagus form Mr. Potter?" Professor McGonagall asked as they walked across the Hospital Wing. "We have all seen some of the effects these changes have caused. But have you been able to determine what the changes themselves may entail yet?"

"Not all of us have seen these changes." Madam Pomfrey interjected before Harry could answer. "It also wouldn't do to worry the boy right before his tests start. Just relax Harry. The tests aren't anything you have need to feel troubled over."

'So you do know that the boy is right here,' was Harry's first admittedly selfish thought. Madam Pomfrey had only been expressing concern for him. There wasn't anything to be angry about. He was just anxious about what the tests would reveal.

Harry shook his head momentarily to clear his thoughts. "I hope not." He said. "It seems like I've caused myself enough problems already by becoming an animagus."

"You must also think of what you have gained Harry." Madam Pomfrey countered. "Not only an animagus form but also a newfound appreciation for education that I hear you've been putting to good use."

"That there were benefits does not change the fact that there were also inherent dangers." Professor McGonagall interrupted. They had finally arrived at the private exam room in the back and Professor McGonagall stepped through before continuing. "When you wield new magic you must think about not only what that magic may do to you but also what that magic may cause you to do to others."

Harry stepped through the door with that sternly spoken thought running through his mind. "Gah!" He yelled suddenly when he was grabbed from behind. His focus on that thought had probably caused him to jump higher and the shocked yelp he gave off to be louder. He spun around to find Professor Dumbledore standing beside the entrance to the room.

"Sorry Sir." Harry said breathing quickly. "I didn't see you there."

"It is I who should be sorry, Mr. Potter." Professor Dumbledore replied quietly. "I made certain that you would not see me when you came in. Just as I asked Minerva to chastise you in a manner she would not have otherwise."

"Sir?" Harry asked as he surveyed the others in the room. Madam Pomfrey had an obviously disapproving gaze while Professor McGonagall had a stern if slightly apologetic countenance. Professor Dumbledore appeared to simply be serious. "What do you mean Sir?"

"The testing of the changes brought by your animagus form began the moment you entered this room Mr. Potter." Professor Dumbledore answered. "There are passive spells to ascertain information about you already cast here. I asked Minerva to start you thinking about what abilities you may have gained when you entered this room and were surprised by me to see if your magic had any reaction. Since there have been no incidences during your time with your classmates it was unlikely anything would occur, but the detections spells on this room will allow us to determine if that is true in every case."

"I see." Said Harry slowly. They were trying to see if he could take magic from others? It was a scary thought. One he hadn't thought he would need to worry about in his human form.

"Sit Mr. Potter." Professor Dumbledore said. "As expected you don't appear to siphon magic from others while in human form." Professor Dumbledore said as Harry sat on the only available cot in the exam room. "It also appears that you don't siphon magic from conjured material such as the cot you just sat on."

Harry couldn't help from jumping up from the cot that could have disappeared out from under him after hearing that. He gave a half-hearted glare at a twinkly eyed Headmaster but remained silent so he could continue.

Instead of the Headmaster continuing Professor McGonagall once again spoke up. "As we have already talked about, using the newest approved animagus form transformation prevents any strong characteristics of you animagus form from seeping into your human form. As you used an older method there are likely to be some significant changes to you even in your human form. Originally we feared a changed in gender due to the fact your form was female. Since then we have learned your animagus form has no gender and so no changes would have been possible regardless."

Harry sighed in some relief at this. Looking back and thinking about having barely 'dodged a bullet' hadn't been pleasant.

"Instead your animagus form can assume different physical forms." Professor McGonagall continued. "Your emulation of my form suggests that you will eventually be able to control your appearance in your animagus form even though you can't right now."

That was something Harry hadn't considered yet. His animagus form could be anything he wanted to make it. Even with the size limitation it would be amazing once he learned to control his form.

"From what we have seen so far we believe that the greatest characteristics you have gained are from the magical nature of your animagus form." Professor McGonagall continued in her lecture. "But that doesn't rule out mental changes. In fact, over the last week several potential changes have already made themselves known."

"Wait, what?" Harry interrupted. "Mental changes? You mean I might become as dumb as a parasite?" Once again he had potentially screwed up big time.

"No, Mr. Potter." Professor McGonagall was quick to correct him. "The potential disaster of a witch or wizard losing intelligence to the level of a cat for example was quickly protected against even in the earliest incarnations of the animagus transformation. Instead the potential personality changes would occur because of a change in basics instincts which are the foundation of many aspects of our personalities."

"I don't think I've changed like that." Harry said. He was relieved that there hadn't been mental changes. That could have been frightening.

"I'm not so sure you haven't." Professor McGonagall said to Harry's suddenly wide and shocked eyes. "You have shown a marked increase in patience and studiousness. You have also so a level of commitment and conscientiousness that have been absent in previous years. I have no doubt that part of this changes stems from your increase in age and maturity. Part can also be accounted for with your new habitual meditation. But that doesn't eliminate the possibility that the perseverance and consistency of your animagus form hasn't affected your own tendencies."

Even as Harry feared changes in his personality he found that the ones he may have undergone weren't unwanted.

"Now that that's out of the way I believe we were about to start some tests." Professor Dumbledore spoke up suddenly.

"And here I thought the testing had already started." Harry mumbled to himself.

"Before we begin I must ask if you have performed any magic this morning before coming." Professor Dumbledore began.

"No Sir." Harry answered with a sigh. "The only things I've done this morning are flying and do some review of previous years' work."

"You are not practicing the spellwork you are reviewing?" Professor Dumbledore asked. "Even though it is probably fairly easy compared to what you are capable of now, you shouldn't neglect your practical magic in your review."

"I know sir." Harry replied. "It's not that I'm not practicing my spellwork so much as there is a lot more theory than spellwork to review. Even with Charms, Defense, and even Transfiguration I only needed about an hour to go through all the spellwork for the review I've done in the last week."

"I see." The Headmaster mused. "So you have already begun learning to use those spells instead of just casting them."

"Sir?" Harry asked as he looked between the three adults, puzzled.

"Nothing you need to worry about for a few more years yet Harry." Madam Pomfrey said. "The purpose of this meeting is to make sure you are well. Nothing else."

"Quite right Poppy." Professor Dumbledore said jovially. "First Harry. We have decided that we wish for you to deplete your magical core. Since we want to do this quickly but without any danger of you going into magical exhaustion we will do this using the Patronus Charm."

"The Patronus Charm?" Harry asked. "Why would we be using the Patronus Charm?"

"There are several reasons." Professor Dumbledore answered. "First, the Patronus Charm is one of the most magically intensive spells you know. Since it requires a significant amount of magic it will be able to tire you out more quickly. At the same time the Patronus Charm is far from the most magically costly spells you will learn. While powerful the true difficulty with the Patronus Charm is in gaining the skill to shape the magic while maintaining the emotional state required for casting. Maintaining this emotional state makes the Patronus Charm even more difficult to cast when in the presence of Dementors or any other form of mental stress."

"So you want me to just cast the most powerful Patronus I can?" Harry asked.

"Not exactly." Professor Dumbledore answered. He gave a wary looked at an extremely unimpressed Madam Pomfrey. "We would like to do this at a very measured pace. When casting I would like you to refrain from trying to make your Patronus more powerful. Instead just cast the spell. At the same time don't limp into the spell and put as little power into it as you can. Just cast naturally. Does that make sense."

"Yes Sir." Harry answered. He had spent the last three years casting spells at Hogwarts. By this time he knew he didn't have to push everything he had into a spell. He just had to give the spell the ability to take what it needed. He drew his wand and prepared to cast.

"Harry." Professor Dumbledore stopped him. "Before you begin there are a couple of other things I want you to do. I know you still call up memories in order to maintain the correct mindset. For this I want you to use the same memory every time. That will help your charm remain as steady as possible. It will also let your ability to cast the Patronus Charm be cut off at the correct time."

"What do you mean cut off and correct time Sir?" Harry asked.

"As I said before, there are several reasons why we have chosen the Patronus Charm." Professor Dumbledore said. "While the mental stress caused by Dementors makes the charm more difficult to cast, so does encroaching exhaustion. By limiting you to the same memory to gain the proper emotional state, you cannot use additional memories as a conduit to channel more magical power than you readily give. It is once more a safety precaution to prevent magical exhaustion."

"Is the risk of magical exhaustion that high?" Harry asked. "How risky is magical exhaustion?"

"The risk of magical exhaustion is why I am here Harry." Madam Pomfrey answered. "Normally magical exhaustion is only dangerous to those already in a frail state. However, I will not allow any of my charges to be put in danger. I'm here to make sure that you won't go into magical exhaustion."

"Th- Thank you Madam Pomfrey." Harry stuttered slightly in embarrassment. "Should I, go ahead and start now?"

"First take a few moments to relax and choose your memory." Professor Dumbledore said calmly. "Then you may go ahead and begin."

Harry took a few moments to relax and choose a good memory. It was an easy choice. The thought of never having to go back to the Dursleys. To live with Sirius. That was the best choice of a memory he had. Specifically he chose the time he first learned of the possibility. Before Pettegrew had escaped. When he was ready, he calmly cast the charm the first time. Prongs immediately leapt from his wand. After several seconds of watching his Patronus a soft sound from Professor Dumbledore caused him to cancel the charm. Soon he had gained a rhythm of casting the charm and letting it go.

Both Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall couldn't help but watch one of their most exceptional students cast Patronus after Patronus. Never before had they seen such a young student capable of casting the charm even once. It made the numerous repetitions all the more impressive.

The Headmaster watched with pride. Unlike the other two he kept a count of the number of Patroni his favorite student had cast. The detection spells on the room would already be recording it but it was something he still wanted to know. Because every spell cost a different amount of magic for each witch or wizard. The cost changed again because of their skill, their wand, and their mindset. It was impossible to truly gain a measure of the magical power of anyone in this manner. But it would allow him to gain a general estimate to his students current level of power.

Eventually Harry began finding it more and more difficult to cast each successive Patronus. It became harder and harder to focus on the memory he had chosen. Eventually instead of Prongs leaping from his wand a jet of white mist flew. As he took a breath to prepare to cast a corporeal Patronus once more a hand fell on his shoulder.

"That's enough Harry." Professor Dumbledore said. "I believe it is time to continue with the tests."

"What's first Sir?" Harry asked tiredly.

"We already know how you react to a constant effect potion like the Calming Draught." Professor Dumbledore said quietly. "Now we will find out how you react to a instant effect potion. Specifically Pepperup Potion. Poppy, if you please."

"Here, Harry." Madam Pomfrey said quietly. "If you could drink this." She said as she gave him a vial.

Harry started a little. He hadn't noticed Madam Pomfrey approach him with the potion. Either way he was grateful. He quickly downed the potion, expected a rush of energy. Nothing happened. "Sir?" He asked plaintively, looking at Professor Dumbledore.

"I think it's quite obvious you have siphoned the magic from the potion." Professor Dumbledore said quietly. "But you haven't recovered any magic energy. It seems that the magic you absorb is unavailable for your use."

"We expected that Headmaster." Professor McGonagall said tightly. "As Mr. Potter is already exhausted let's move on to the next portion of the tests so we can let him rest."

"Of course, Minerva." Professor Dumbledore replied. "You are right. Hold still Mr. Potter."

With that Harry tiredly watched as Professor Dumbledore confidently stepped up. The Professor began to repeatedly send small dim spells at Harry at a rate he would have gawked at had he been more alert. Eventually the Headmaster stopped when Harry felt a tingle run over himself. He wasn't even able to see the minor transfiguration the Headmaster had perform on him before it was canceled.

"Here you are Harry." Madam Pomfrey said as she held up another vial of Pepperup Potion to Harry. "Go on and drink this down."

"But last time." Harry managed to say. "When I drank the Calming Draughts. Two of them caused side effects."

"Mr. Potter." The Headmaster began with a slightly nervous glance at the Mediwitch. "The Pepperup is an instant effect potion. Since the effect didn't occur for the first potion it has already disappeared. A second will cause no side effects."

When he heard that Harry quickly drank the potion. With steam coming out of his ears Harry found himself once more alert.

"Glad you're back with us Harry." Madam Pomfrey said in clipped tones. "But the Pepperup is only to make you more comfortable. After having wielded as much magic as you have I will ask that you take a short nap while your professors go over what our spells have detected. We will wake you shortly for the final few tests."

Even Harry knew that was an order. Though the looks the mediwitch had been giving the Headmaster told him he was not the target of her ire. He barely twitched when Madam Pomfrey used a spell to switch his clothes with a hospital gown after he had scrambled under the covers of the lone cot. He watched the three adults walk out in silence. He noticed that even Professor McGonagall had a abbreviated glare directed at the chagrined Headmaster. Even with the Pepperup he found he couldn't hold himself awake very long after they closed the door. He fell asleep quickly while wondering what his professors had learned.

Harry jolted awake to a tingling sensation. The first thing he saw when he opened his eyes was Professor Dumbledore giving a single wave of his wand.

"Hello Harry." Professor Dumbledore said. "Back with us now?"

"Yes Sir." Harry answered. As he sat up again he noticed Professor Dumbledore wave his wand again and suddenly he was back in his uniform. "Sir, what were you doing just now? When I was asleep?" The question was asked with hesitance and some concern.

"There's no need to worry." Professor Dumbledore replied kindly. "I was once again seeing how much magic you could absorb. It has been about an hour since we left you to your lie down. We wanted to see how much magic you could absorb now after that amount of time had passed. The results were as we expected. Like you animagus form, the magic you have absorbed disappears over 12 hours."

"Um, Professor?" Harry questioned. "Why didn't you wake me up for that?"

"Ah." Professor Dumbledore hummed. "I see what you're asking. The other thing we were testing is how aware you are of when you siphon magic. It appears you have almost no recognition of it occurring."

"That's odd." Harry said to himself.

"It may be that you will learn to feel it happening." Professor Dumbledore told Harry. "Or at least to recognize when it is happening."

"But that is something that we will discover in time." Professor McGonagall said. "For now it is time for us to discuss what we have learned."

Harry hadn't realized he wasn't alone in the room with the Headmaster until Professor McGonagall had spoken. Looking over he realized that not only was Professor McGonagall there, but also Madam Pomfrey.

"Right you are Minerva." Professor Dumbledore said. "Shall we go over what we have learned Harry?"

"Yes Sir." Harry said. He was both nervous and excited about hearing about his changes. "If you don't mind that is."

"Of course we don't mind Harry." Professor Dumbledore said with a sad smile. "That's what we are here for after all. As we have seen before you have inherited some of the ability your animagus form has to absorb magic. Compared to your animagus form itself this ability is still very limited."

"Limited?" Harry asked. "How is it limited?"

"Oh?" Professor Dumbledore mused. "Haven't you made any conclusions of your own from the observable results of the testing?"

'Oops.' Harry thought to himself. He had spent so much of his time this week learning more about magic and here he was asking to be spoon fed answers. There were some obvious answers he could come up with from what he knew.

"As well he shouldn't!" Madam Pomfrey interrupted Harry's thoughts. "After having him drain his magic like that he did exactly what he should have done. Slept. I've already told you I didn't want anyone here having any form of exhaustion. So don't try to undermine my efforts!"

"Of course Poppy." Professor Dumbledore admitted. "I wouldn't dare do something so crass. And after all, we are the professors here."

"Shall we get back to business then?" Professor McGonagall asked. "Mr. Potter. The biggest difference between your animagus form's ability to absorb magic and your human form's ability to absorb magic is simply the amount that can be absorbed. While your animagus form can absorb approximately twice your own core's capacity of magic, your human form can absorb not more than a tenth of your core's capacity."

"So the only difference is the amount?" Harry asked.

"It is not so simple as that." Professor McGonagall replied. "It appears as if only active magic, or magic that would have a direct effect on you, can be absorbed in your human form. In your animagus form you can also siphon magic from other magical creatures. Potentially this could also allow you to siphon magic from conjured, some transfigured, and potentially even enchanted items."

"Enchanted items?" Harry asked.

"It seems that you need to spend some more time reviewing Charms Mr. Potter." Professor McGonagall answered. "It is covered in most detail in fifth year so you have some time to learn it. But it would be good for you to learn the differences between the classifications of items yourself. With your newfound ability to siphon magic it will be important for you to make the distinction yourself. In simple terms, temporary magical items, like conjured or charmed items can have their magic easily stolen, though it may take a conscious decision. In contrast, permanently magical items like some transfigured items and some enchanted items have far less radiant magic. If you cannot reach the magic in these items you cannot siphon it."

'That was in simple terms?' Harry couldn't help but wonder to himself. It seemed he would have to set some time out of his schedule to make sure he understood the types of magical items.

"I believe that's enough to think about for the moment." Professor Dumbledore said. "You have plenty of review topics already. I'm sure you will learn what you need to when you begin studying about magical items. For now, we have a couple more tests that we would like to perform while you are in your animagus form. If you could please transform Harry."

With a nod Harry stood up and in a shifting blur a small tabby cat was suddenly sitting on the floor. A moment later Harry was surprised when a larger tabby trotted up to his side. Professor McGonagall had also transformed. He cocked his head at Professor Dumbledore in a silent question of why?

"We'd like to see whether you can consciously shift your form's shape Harry." Professor Dumbledore said. "It should be possible, but we wanted to see how difficult it would be for you to develop conscious control. By having Minerva in her animagus for as a model you should be able to concentrate on a specific detail you wish to change to differentiate the two of you. By aiding your ability to concentrate we should be able make controlling the change easier."

Harry cocked his head in thought. That made a little bit of sense. At least he thought it might. He turned towards Professor McGonagall and gave her a short inspection to find a detail to change. Once he figured out how he was supposed to do that.

"Harry." Professor Dumbledore interrupted his inspection. He continued after gesturing towards the cot, "if you could make the attempt on the cot where we could better see you?"

With little ability to respond Harry just hopped up onto the cot. A few seconds later he was followed by his Transfiguration professor. Once again he approached the larger tabby and sat down facing her. This time Professor McGonagall mirrored his pose. The first thought he had on what he should change was his gender. It was the thing that bothered him most about his animagus form. However, he knew that that was too large a change to attempt right now.

Instead Harry decided to try to change the coloration around his eyes. Professor McGonagall's form had square-shaped markings around her eyes. They represented her glasses. While he also wore glasses, he had always worn them with round frames. It was a small change. But his glasses were something he identified himself with.

Harry briefly noticed Professor Dumbledore walking over to stand by Madam Pomfrey while he tried to figure out how to change his animagus form. He wasn't sure how to go about causing a change. When they first began learning magic it was always with incantations and wand movements. That was what they used to shape the spells. But changing his animagus form was nothing like that.

With nothing else to try Harry just struggled to imagine that the markings on his face matched the shape of his glasses. Maybe if he truly believed that that was the way his face was marked it would become so. He wasn't sure if he was doing anything correct. Or even if any change was occurring at all. Everything else just faded away as he concentrated on changing the markings on his face.

With Harry's focus being so intense it was no surprise that he couldn't help but let out a yowl when he was suddenly grabbed from behind. What happened next came so fast that he almost missed it. The first surprise came when the cot underneath him vanished. If it hadn't been for the hands holding him he would have tumbled to the floor. Professor McGonagall wasn't so lucky. Even if he hadn't been a cat himself he would have understood the shock on her face. It seemed that cats don't always land on their feet, at least not when they're animagi.

When Harry went back over the memory later he couldn't help but laugh at Professor McGonagall reaction. At the time he had been more concerned with being dropped himself. The hands that had picked him up lurched and nearly sent him tumbling when he the person holding him suddenly tripped over their own feet.

Harry twisted around to find himself in Professor Dumbledore's hands. Turning again he found that the Dumbledore beside a shocked Madam Pomfrey was fading away. When he realized that the Headmaster had once again tricked him into participating in a test he began struggling to be put down.

"Harry!" Professor Dumbledore called over the protests of Madam Pomfrey and a newly human Professor McGonagall. "I'm going to put you down but I need you to stay in your animagus form until I say otherwise. Do you understand?"

After a nod uncharacteristic of a cat Harry was gently put on the ground. Right before an angry Mediwitch stormed past him and 'aggressively guided' Professor Dumbledore to a newly conjured chair.

"Mr. Potter." Professor McGonagall called, drawing Harry's attention away from Madam Pomfrey casting spells at Professor Dumbledore. "If you'll wait a moment while we deal with Albus we will get back to your results fairly soon." After saying this she gazed at the empty floor where the cot had been for several seconds. Then she turned and with a wave of her wand one of the beds from the main room of the Hospital Wing squeezed itself into the private room.

Not wanting to attract the attention of his obviously irritated Head of House, Harry jumped up onto the bed and curled up onto the pillow. As he turned to watch Professor McGonagall join in on lecturing the Headmaster he saw her raise her wand one more time. Immediately the sound of the discussion disappeared. While he couldn't hear the words anymore it was obvious that the Headmaster was trying to placate the two women.

As Harry watched the argument continue he realized that there was no way he was going to be let out of the Hospital Wing that night. It was more than a little aggravating that he wouldn't be able to meet with Ron and Hermione again. He just hoped they didn't start thinking he was avoiding them.

The silent discussion between the three adults hadn't lasted very long. With the silencing charm dropped Professor Dumbledore once again led the way over to Harry.

"Mr. Potter," Professor Dumbledore began. "I believe that that was the last test we wished to perform this evening. As you can't ask I will give you a brief description of the result. If you have any questions we can go over them at a later date."

Harry quickly rose from where he had lain and turned his attention towards his professors. He couldn't ask any questions because he was still in his animagus form. He wanted an answer to why he had to remain that way too.

"We have already asked you not to be in your animagus form around school." Professor Dumbledore began. "That is because if you were ever picked up by surprise like I did a few minutes ago you could have grievously injured another student. When you were picked up by Remus you made a conscious choice not to siphon magic from him. When I surprised you here I removed your ability to make a conscious choice. Instead you reacted as your form's instinct dictated and bled all the magic it could from me."

That sent a shiver of dread up Harry's spine. He had already talked with the Headmaster about what would happen to a magical creature if all its magic was taken away. With him being the most powerful student in his class he could have killed any one of them just by being taken by surprise in his animagus form. Malfoy had taken him by surprise the day before. Who else could have done so?

"We will discuss learning better control tomorrow, Mr. Potter." Professor McGonagall said. "Until tomorrow morning we will also need you to remain in your animagus form. We have already told you that the magic you can absorb while not in your animagus form is limited. The magic you have absorb through these tests is far greater than that limit and will need to be processed before you can safely return to your human form. We believe that was the problem that occurred when we first ran tests on your form the night you returned to Hogwarts."

"I believe that everyone has had enough excitement for tonight." Madam Pomfrey suddenly interjected. "I will have to demand that we leave Mr. Potter to his rest for this evening." Professor McGonagall nodded resolutely at the demand and excused herself. "Mr. Potter," Madam Pomfrey continued. "You may be interested to hear that the Headmaster has also decided to spend the evening in the Hospital Wing. I do believe he has earned it with his actions tonight."

The combination of the Headmaster slightly quesy smile and Madam Pomfrey's tone let Harry know that the Mediwitch hadn't appreciated these actions.

After he was left alone for the night Harry quickly realized he had almost an entire evening with absolutely nothing he could do. Though frustrated he eventually decided that since there was nothing better to do he may as well see if he could lose himself in meditation for the evening.

Harry had become accustom to being alone and confined at a young age. He had long since developed the ability to let time pass without it wearing on him. To an extent. The practice in meditation had further helped that. Even with all of this he had felt like the previous evening would never end. Being trapped like that while in Hogwarts on a weekend was torture.

Eventually Harry had managed to fall asleep. What felt like an instant after that he was being called to wake up.

"Harry." Professor Dumbledore's voice called again. "I see you are finally awake. Good. You have spent more than enough time in your animagus form. You should transform back soon."

Harry shifted out of his animagus form while stifling a yawn. A muttered Tempus left him surprised. "Sir," Harry began. "You do realize they don't even start serving breakfast for another two hours right?"

"Indeed." Professor Dumbledore answered. "But Poppy will be rising soon and I suspect you would rather spend the day in classes than in the Hospital Wing."

Harry couldn't help jumping off of the bed when he heard that. "Definitely Professor." Harry said. "This will also give me time so head to the dorms too. Do you always rise this early Professor?"

"In truth?" Professor Dumbledore asked. "No. But after the surprise tests I gave you yesterday I decided I could get up to help you to freedom. I doubt I'll be so lucky."

Harry winced in sympathy. "You have my condolences Sir." Harry said. "If you don't need anything else I'll be off."

"I do have a question." Professor Dumbledore admitted with a slanted smile. "You asked about breakfast right off. Are you really that hungry?"

Harry blinked. The slight worry he had felt when the Professor had said he had a question faded. "Not really." Harry finally answered. "It's just that it's pretty early."

"Interesting." Professor Dumbledore mused. "Though unsurprising."

Harry hung he head. "What's interesting Sir?" He asked resigned.

"You needed worry Harry." Professor Dumbledore answered. "I'm surprised you haven't realized. What did you neglect to do last night?"

"What did I neglect to do?" Harry pondered. There were a lot of things he didn't do last night. But what would that have to do with breakfast? "Wait a moment! We never ate last night!"

"Exactly!" Professor Dumbledore stated. "It seems that even though your human body needs physical food, if you siphon magic in your animagus form it sustains you. But I think we have talked enough of this. If you don't want to be stuck here for the day you had best be off."

"Yes Sir." Harry said. "Until you're free once more."

Harry left the Hospital Wing to the Headmaster's quiet laugh. A long day was ahead. It had started plenty early too.

AN: First, Sorry for the long wait. I have seen a lot of stories go bad because they either stopped progressing at all or they went into a runaway spiral of different distinct events that destroyed any sense of reality the story had. I was trying to find a balance between the two and hit a writer's block made of marble. Let's hope the result of my difficulties was acceptable. I'm still a little upset with parts of this chapter. I think they are important parts but they seem a little over packed.

Second, I hate it when authors split chapters. But I haven't gotten much writing done over the holidays so I decided I had to post at least part of the chapter.

I like the quote; "Hopefully he wouldn't have to deal with as many unexpected issues in the future." - Yeah Right.

I have no intention of turning this story into a Super!Harry story. But if I ever decide to do a sequel, it might head in that direction. The biggest problems with many super stories is either they make silly weaknesses, attempt to find reasons to not use their characters abilities when there are none, and make the bad guy even more super. It leads to unrealistic stories.

The other big problem is trying to make a character super in a too complicated method. This leads to a dry story that gets too technical and hamstrings the super character even when it makes no sense to do so. I somewhat fear my story going down this path even though I don't plan on making Harry super. It's one reason why I have tried to limit the length of time I have spent in what I consider 'technical' conversations. Where abilities and creatures are explained.

If anyone thinks I'm leaning toward making one of those mistakes send me a review with an explanation. If it doesn't require a huge rewrite or disrupt future plans I'll try to take it into account.

I think I'm going to try to make my chapter start/end points closer together. It would help me update more regularly, not to mention not having to split chapters. It would also keep some of these difficult to write parts more spread out. Which should make them easier to deal with.