A Snake in Lions Clothing
Chapter 4: Eye of the Tiger
Back at the manor David decided to train Harry before he gets to school. After all Quirrell is not going to suddenly become a good teacher before Harry gets to school. He decided to come up with a schedule for him, to try and prepare Harry for Hogwarts. With only thirty one days until Harry goes to school, he better hurry up. David decided to train Harry in a few subjects heavily rather than all of them lightly. Potions was a definite, and of course DADA, charms and transfiguration were going to be included too. After an hour or so, David worked out a schedule.
8:00am Potions.
10:00am Defence against the dark arts.
12:00pm Hour long break.
1:00pm Charms.
3:00pm Transfiguration.
5:00pm Hour long revision of subject, alternating every day.
Whilst it was a busy schedule it was sure to get Harry ready for Hogwarts, and make him work harder than he would normally do at school so he'll settle in faster.
"Harry! Come here!" David thought that Harry was in his room reading his school books, or practising spells.
Harry ran downstairs to see what was the matter. He didn't think anything was wrong though, there was not any fear or anger in his voice.
"Yeah? What is it?"
"Harry I was wondering whether or not you would agree to doing a little bit of summer studying and practice. Under my supervision you will be safe probably."
"What kind of practice would you like me to do?"
"Some potions, defence against the dark arts, charms and transfiguration. Maybe some more but it would be sporadically."
"Yeah, that sounds pretty good."
Potions started the next morning. For the first day all David taught Harry was theory.
"Why can't we do some actual brewing?"
"Harry, when you get to school, your teacher will not teach you any theory. Just brewing. He will then scold you for getting anything wrong. Not only is this bad for student morale it is dangerous. Do you remember what happens when you stir wasp wings anti-clockwise?"
"Yes, it makes the potions poisonous to drink."
"And can you remember a use for wasp wings?"
"The contraception potion?"
"Correct, now can you see why not learning theory is dangerous."
"Yes, I do now."
Fortunately Harry found DADA as easy as David did. The first lesson involved Harry learning the disarming spell, protego, and the stunning spell.
"Why are you making me learn spells that are not taught in first year David?"
"Because, you will never know when you will need these spells. They are always useful. If you learn to cast them silently it would be perfect. I can only do protego wandlessly, but I think you might be able to overtake me, ay Harry?"
"Hopefully, but you are very strong."
"I am, but remember though. I have had years more practice and a war to fight in. You are eleven and only got your wand two days ago."
"Obviously."
Charms was another fairly easy subject for Harry, at least after the advanced magic he learned the lesson before.
"Harry, why is the levitation spell important?"
"Because enemies with weapons rarely have defences against their own weapons."
"Very good."
Transfiguration was fairly difficult for Harry, compared to the other subjects. David found this pleasing. Harry finally found a subject to humble himself with.
"Ugh, why is this subject so hard? Why do I even need to turn a matchstick into a needle anyway?"
"Harry remember. Nearly all the students in your year will have had no practice, even the ones who have will probably not be as advanced as you will be. If every subject came easy to you, you would not go to Hogwarts, would you?"
"I guess not, it's just that you're really good at it, you can change your face and clothes all the time."
"Harry, my wand when I was eleven was not the most powerful wand made, bar one. And of course PRACTICE!"
After another potions theory lesson the day ended.
Over the summer Harry gradually mastered the entire first two years syllabus, and some other useful preparations, such as strangely Polyjuice and the theory behind the patronus charm. He had not yet been able to get a shield, never mind a fully corporeal like David's. They both suspected their patroni would both be stags, because they are the same person. But also both agreed it may differ due to different upbringing.
Harry's way of thinking was now different too. It was more logical and he thought more about how his decisions would affect his future. David said it was very wise. Harry said it was very dumb not to.
On the 31st of August Harry had his final bonus potions lesson.
"OK Harry do you remember what I said this morning?" At his nod he continued. "Great, now a few remedial questions. Tell me what will I get if I add Powdered Root of Asphodel to an infusion of Wormwood?"
"Uhh, the Draught of the Living Death?"
"Correct, but have more faith in your answer. Next question, where would you look if I tell you to find me a Bezoar?"
"In the stomach of a goat. It is a cure to a few poisons."
"Good, it's better to be confident. Final question. What is the difference between Monkshood and Wolfsbane?"
"Nothing they are both the same plant."
"Perfect. You know what Harry, I think you are ready for your first day."
"But I've done hardly any brewing!"
"Do you know how to make them perfectly?"
"Yes."
"Even the special secrets?"
"Yes, even the short cuts."
"Then you don't need to practice. If you can do them for real, which I know you can, and you know all the theory, which I know you do. You will be ready for potions. But be warned, the teacher is a dick."
"Ha-ha, OK."
"How are we getting to the platform again?" Harry asked for the umpteenth time.
"As I said, by the muggle entrance."
"But how will we know which platform to go onto?"
"We will."
The duo set apparated into the empty alley outside the station. The entrance was two large archways with a clock tower separating them. The building was very old. Not as old as the manor, but it still stood out in London. They got inside and David pulled out a fake ticket he created at home. He presented it to the attendant and they got on their way.
The pillar between platform nine and ten stood out. Not because of the pillar itself. But because of the few people close to it all wearing what looked like expensive dressing gowns and smoking jackets.
Harry and David both blended in due to their muggle upbringing and their clothing style. Smart yet understated, and fitting in to wizard customs too.
David told Harry to wait for a bit outside the entrance for a while to see who goes past. David was waiting for the Weasleys, Harry deduced he was waiting for someone too. Due to his peering over peoples heads every now and again.
The Weasleys coming towards them was a sight to behold. A flock of redheads in a sea of, well not redheads, really made them stand out.
"Harry, you see this family here. Yeah them. Be wary of them. They are kind and caring, but I believe they are looking to befriend the little afraid 'Boy-who-lived' on behalf of Dumbledore."
"Why would Dumbledore do that?"
"Well I've been looking into the Potter accounts, and periodically every month 1000 galleons have been taken out by him and then transferred over to the Weasley vault. I believe it was to pay for Ron to become your friend."
"So don't let him."
"It's up to you."
The Weasleys began making a scene.
"Now where is the entrance to Platform nine and three quarters. Argh! Too many muggles around here."
Harry wondered about the legitimacy of that statement.
"David, wouldn't her older children have gone to Hogwarts already, and even herself when she was younger."
"You are perfectly correct Harry."
The youngest boy of the bunch spoke up. "Mum, I don't see him, he would not of been able to go in on his own."
David exhaled loudly. Harry understood why now. That Weasley boy was his friend in the future, but he now realises he was not.
"Subtle as a brick aren't they, well let's get going."
The both of them walked into the portal in between platforms nine and ten. A large black and scarlet train greeted them.
"Now before we say goodbye Harry, I have a few tasks for you. Befriend Hermione Granger and Neville Longbottom, be wary of your DADA teacher, learn to play an instrument, write to me with Hedwig and most importantly remember what I told you last night about potions."
"Yes of course, I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too bud. See you at Christmas."
"Bye!"
"Bye Harry!"
AN: Finally finished with the boring bits. Next up Hogwarts.
