It had been a couple of days since they had went to Nocturne Alley for there wands, and in this time Harry had concentrated solely on perfecting his spellwork with his new wand. He needed to know how to control the amount of magic he put into it, it was a difficult task trying to control his magic but he knew it needed to be done after the disaster he had caused his first day back. He had just wanted to grab a book off of the shelf in the library so he summoned it with his wand not thinking about how powerful he was and also the power his new wand could handle. Suffice it to say he was surprised as the book rocketed toward him like a bullet making him dive out of the way sending the book sailing out the window and finally landing in the middle of the lake in the backyard. Knowing he needed help on this he asked Astlan since he seemed knowledgable of most magic and who better to ask then a memory form of one of the greatest wizards who ever lived.
Astlans advice had been simple but created another problem, Astlan had told him that he would need to view his magical core so he could see how much magic he put into a spell normally and then adjust that to the requirements he needed. When told Harry had informed him that he hadn't been able to reach his magical core since he seemed to keep running into a barrier around it. Astlan was puzzled with this and asked Harry to call Remus over to do a diagnostic check on his magical abilities. Harry found Remus as usual in the library but this time he noticed the book that Remus was reading. It was one of the few dark arts books that he had picked up in Sirius Vault. "Hey Remus whats going on?" Harry asked mildly watching the werewolf jump in shock. Harry knew he must of been truly absorbed in the book since usually Remus knew if somebody had entered the same room as him because of his heightened senses. "Bloody hell Harry don't sneak up on me like that." Remus said his hand over his heart trying to calm himself down.
"I'm sorry didn't know you were so involved in a book, so how is it so far?" Harry asked intrigued he hadn't gone through any of the books yet since he was working on his wandwork and decided he better learn control before even attempting anything powerful like the dark arts. "Well I must admit that I thought it would be much worse, most of these spells while gruesome and dangerous in the wrong hands, don't seem too harmful to your psyche."
"Well thats good but I have a question for you while I guess Astlan does he wanted to see if you could run a diagnostic spell on my magical abilities."
Remus looked at him oddly for a moment and said he could but for what reason. Harry explained about how he had tried to look at his magical core but it kept on hitting a barrier before he could reach it. "Well I am guessing that somebody had placed a magical wall if you will around your magical core for what reason I am not sure since it hasn't been limiting your magic from what I can see and the only problem is viewing it."
"Probably Dumbledore again since he was the one who had initially put the blocks on my magic." Harry replied angrily wondering how much that old man had really meddled in his life. "I would have to agree on you on that one, well I don't think I will need to use a diagnostic charm since we seem to know the problem but sadly I don't have the knowledge to remove something like that."
"Well do you know anybody that could?" Harry asked hoping there was somebody besides Dumbledore that could remove it. "Well I would say one of the tutors that Sirius had mentioned should be capable of removing that."
Harry had completely forgotten about the tutors since he had been so excited about his wand but now he knew he needed to contact them as soon as possible since his learning on how to control his magic and thus how to learn more powerful spells depended on it. "Damn I completly forgot Remus do you think we could look through them and pick some I really need to get this block off if I want to learn the dark arts."
"Sure I can get the list of them right now, but on a side note I believe that you and Tonk's should take the animagus revealing potion today since I want to make sure you learn that as soon as possible." Harry readily agreed to it excited about what his form would be. "Alright I need to go get Tonk's I wonder where she is?" Harry knew Tonk's could be anywhere in the huge castle so instead of spending hours searching he came up with a better idea. "Fawkes could you come here?" Harry asked within his mind and within a couple of seconds a flash of fire indictated that Harry's companion had arrived.
"Yes Harry how can I help you?" Fawkes asked while perched on his shoulder. "Well we need to take the animagus potion and I have no idea where Tonk's has went to, would it be possible for you to find her and bring her here?" Harry asked while stroking Fawkes along his head letting his hand glide down until he met Fawkes tail feathers. "I can certainly do that, I believe I saw her from my roost by the lake." With that Fawkes disapeared into a ball of fire and took off presumably towards the lake.
"Well Fawkes is getting Tonk's so will you be able to get the list and the potion?" Remus agreed and left the library to his room where he had placed the briefcase after they had returned from there shopping. While both his phoenix and Remus gone Harry sat where Remus had been and pulled up the book that he had been reading. It was the one titled "Combat spells for the up and coming Dark wizard", knowing he had a little while before Remus returned and he didn't have a clue when Fawkes would be back with Tonks he began to page through the book stopping at different curses throughout. Some of the curses after seeing the effects made him feel slightly ill, while others seemed perfect for his task like the rupturing curse which shot out a beam of violet light which when impacted ruptured any organ it was aimed at usually causing death, instantly if targeted at the heart or brain. Another one the incineration curse would set the target on fire and wouldn't be exinguished until the fire had consumed them whole. Both curses seemed to intrigue him so he studied the incantations and the wand movements but knew he wouldn't be able to use any of them until he got control of his magic.
As Harry was just finishing memorizing the wand movements for the incineration curse a female voice broke the silence in the room, "Bloody bird doesn't even give me a bit of warning. No he just grabs whatever he likes and poofs them to destinations unknown." Tonk's voice echoed in the libary causing Harry to turn around and immediately started laughing as Tonk's was trying to verbally insult Fawkes who only trilled once in obvious displeasure before hitting her head with one of his wings before he disapeared into the orange flames. "Next time you go get the loud mouth." Was his companions reply causing Harry to snort loudly with mirth. "And I can bet that phoenix ride was your doing Mr. Potter." Tonk's said while giving him a fixed look that was eerily similiar to his former transfiguration teacher.
"Well you see, uhh I didn't know where you were and I didn't want to spend hours trying to find you here so I just asked Fawkes to help thats all," He said hoping that would at least help his case, he knew Tonks could be quite dangerous if provoked. Tonks merely glared at him while mumbling under her breath that she would get him back for that. She had been simply gazing at the lake totally at peace until a flash of fire, a firm grip of a birds talons and then another flash and there she was in the library. She really wasn't angry just annoyed that her peacefulness was broken by a bird even if it was a great way to get around it still annoyed her.
"Well since you sent your phoenix to come and get me I can only assume you have something important to say?" Tonks asked now in a much calmer tone seeming to be over the little escapade with Fawkes at least for the moment. "Yeah I needed you because we have to take the animagus potion, Remus is bringing it down right now." Harry said relieved that Tonks wasn't upset.
This seemed to be all that Tonks needed before launching herself at Harry hugging him tightly wondering what form she would take. She assumed that she would have an easier time with the transformation being a metamorph and all she was used to using her magic to change her shape at will and figured this would be following the same lines. It was during this time Remus had returned and saw the two lovebirds hugging, "Hmm I wonder what for this time," he mused to himself before letting out a slight cough to announce his arrival. The two broke apart and looked at him eagerly obviously impatient to see there forms.
"Well what would you like to do first select your tutors or take the potion," Remus asked. "Forget the tutors Moony and give us those damn vials," Tonks said her impatience showing greatly in front of the usual calm and patient werewolf. "Fine have it your way, now this potion if you have an animagus form will change you into that form for about a minute allowing you a small taste of what it feels like to become that specific animal. That way it is easier to transform the following times as you can concentrate on the feelings and senses of your specific animal."
Remus then opened up the briefcase and pulled out two light bluish potions. "Since we really don't know what forms you will be I suggest we do this outside." Harry and Tonks agreed and soon they found themselves out in the backyard overlooking the lake. "Well ladies first," Harry said while handing one of the potions to Tonk's and taking the other for himself. Tonk's gave a nervous smile before downing the entire potion in a gulp. "Ewww they could of made it at least taste better." She complained before a light green glow emanated from her body. Harry and Remus watched as Tonk's body began to glow brighter as the potion took effect and almost in an instant Nymphadora Tonks was gone and in its place was a silver colored fox. The fox seemed to be puzzled at first obviously getting used to its new form and senses. It tried taking a step towards Harry but fell face first as she definitely wasn't used to using four legs to walk with. Harry noticed that unlike usual foxes found around here whose coats were usually a deep red Tonks was a stunning silver which seemed to shine brightly in the sunlight. Also her markings which were typically black in color were a light blue. Her eyes were where Harry knew it was his girlfriend, she had violet eyes which is unheard of in foxes but Harry attributed it to her metamorph capabilities combining with her animagus. Soon the potions effect ended and Tonks was back to her original form bouncing up and down like a cheerleader on speed. She was positively giddy in excitement she didn't even really know what animal she was except she had silver fur and was obviously four legged.
"So what was I," Tonks said still unable to get the excitement out of her voice. Harry laughed at her antics while explaining that she was a silver colored fox with light blue marking and violet eyes. This proclamation only made Tonk's even more happy as she gushed on about how she loved foxes being so cute and seemingly playful. Harry couldn't agree more definitely a match for his girlfriend.
"Well Harry I believe its your turn." Remus said and without a seconds notice Harry drained the potion. Tonks had been right the potion did taste disgusting but Harry's mind was soon taken off that as he felt his body change. Within a moment he was gazing up at Tonk's and Remus who both looked happy at the outcome. Harry noticed he could see them a lot clearer, hell he could even see individual hairs on each of there heads. He swung his head around and noticed everything was a lot sharper it was as if looking at everything with a pair of binoculars. Harry's first surprise came when he tried to move his arm and noticed a wing had taken its place. The wing appeared massive it was easily over 3 feet in length and a deep bronzish brown in color. Harry concluded he must be a bird of some kind although he didn't know the type as only being able to see his wings and also his talons which seemed extroadinarily powerful as he dug deep within the earth with barely any effort on his part. Thinking of him being a bird gave him a feeling of bliss knowing that once he mastered his form he would be able to fly anytime he wanted. Too soon at least in Harry's opinion he was back to his old self with Tonk's hugging him once again saying that he was gorgeous.
"Well I knew I was a bird do you know what kind?" Harry asked.
"Well from what I could tell I would say you were a rather impressive looking golden eagle." Remus said proud of him. Harry had heard of the Golden Eagle it was one of the larger birds on the planet with bronze and brown plumage and a dark golden head, he had to admit he was very impressed with his form. "Harry thats not all well your markings well they kind of single you out." Tonks explained that he looked like the typical golden eagle except for two things. First his eyes were the same color as before a brilliant emerald green, but the next totally caught him off guard. It seemed that stupid scar would haunt him forever as they had told him it was white in color standing out from the dark golden color of his head. "Well I guess I can't complain at least I will be able to fly now." He said wondering on when they could begin training. He wanted to feel what it was like flying for a bird, he loved flying with a broom but he could only imagine how much better it would be not depending on a stick to remain up in the air.
"Congratulations to both of you." Remus said patting Harry on the back and smiling warmly at Tonks. "Well since that is taken care of and we shouldn't try another transformation in a couple of days since your body has to recover a bit from the first transformation we should select the tutors for Harry." Harry and Tonks agreed and they went back to the library where Remus had left the list. Harry was shocked when he saw the list, he knew Sirius was being well serious about him training but even Harry was surprised at the effort his Godfather put into setting this up. There must of been over 20 different tutors ranging from a transfiguration expert to a sword trainer which Harry knew he would have to contact. He wanted to be able to use Astlan effectively if he ever had to. He even saw an occlumency/legilemency teacher. Sirius knew the lessons with Snape had been a disaster so Harry thought this was his way of making sure Harry's body as well as mind was protected. After discussing for a long length of time which would be the best course in regards to teachers with Remus and Tonks Harry had narrowed it down to six. A professional duelist who had won over 10 first place medals in various dueling championships across the globe. A charms expert, a transfiguration genius who was reportedly the only one besides Dumbledore that could animate and transfigure practically anything and make it an offensive weapon. He also selected the occlumency teacher, he hadn't had any visions for a couple of months but Harry didn't want to take the chance of Voldemort getting into his head anymore then he already was. A dark arts teacher which Sirius assured was in no way connected to Voldemort and the last one of course was the sword instructor.
The plan was to switch tutors every 6 months with the exception of the dark arts master as well as the sword instructor since Harry believed these two above all else would be vital in his fight. After the first six Harry selected the next 4 which would be contacted and told they would be needed around March if everything went well. These tutors included an ancient/blood magic expert since Harry wanted to know exactly what had been protecting him from Voldemort and if it was true with Harry's blood within Voldemort the effect was cancelled. He also selected a politics tutor since he needed to have a more firm grasp about how the ministry worked. To finish the list off he selected a medical tutor since he knew he was in for a tough time and needed to know how to heal a wound immediately since there would be no Madam Pomfrey to save his ass this time, and finally a potions master which hopefully would allow him to gain a bit more knowledge on the subject as Snapes method of teaching was just instructions on the blackboard.
Harry hoped that these tutors would be able to at least get him a little closer to Voldemorts level even though he knew it would still be extremely difficult even with tutors slamming his mind with advanced magic. Voldemort had over 50 years on him and undoubtedly had more knowledge of the dark arts and most magic than anyone on this planet. Remus agreed with his thoughts when he had told him but promised that he would be there every step of the way. Tonks as well promised to stand beside Harry, she had even given up her auror position so she could spend more time with Harry training. It had been difficult decision but Tonks knew that if she were to learn everything that Harry would be she would need to stay there constantly and she didn't want Harry to go through with this alone so she wouldn't have time for her auror responsiblities. Remus said he would contact the tutors immediately and hopefully would be there by next week allowing Harry a bit of a reprieve before being set to an obviously grueling task.
The next week passed by smoothly with Harry and Tonks spending much of the time together becoming even closer. They would spend hours flying around on the quidditch pitch where Harry was definitely in his element flying circles around Tonks as he felt the rush of being in the air. One setback however was the reports of the numerous death eater attacks. The aurors seemed hard pressed to mount a capable defense against them and Harry could understand why. From Tonks description even with the added training aurors were still severely handicapped when dealing with them. They always seemed to only want to stun the death eaters which accomplished nothing since a simple ennervate would bring the death eater back into the game. It was just another reason Harry needed to train hard and overcome Voldemort also on his list was taking out Fudge since it appeared he was only helping the death eaters by limiting auror numbers and limiting there budget as well. Harry figured he was getting paid to make sure the community was weak since he remembered seeing Lucius Malfoy being quite close to the minister and even with Lucius in Azkaban there were plenty of other death eaters with money to bribe Fudge with. And concerning Azkaban Harry thought it was only a matter of time before Voldemort broke in there and regained his former death eaters, he knew Lucius was one of his inner circle and with Voldemort fully powered and only dementors guarding the prison it would be like taking candy from a baby. He didn't know it yet but that was exactly what Voldemort was planning to do.
With the week over and the tutors scheduled to make there appearance by portkey, which Harry had provided them with, he was thinking how much closer to his animagus transformation he had gotten well at least farther along then Tonks. It seemed that her metamorph capabilities didn't help her quite as much as she thought as she was only able to transfigure one of her arms making it become a leg. Harry had progressed farther being able to now change both his arms into wings and was starting to work on transforming his feet into talons. Remus said that your arms and legs were the easiest to transform as you can see the transformation take place the hardest was your head and body. It went a lot better with Remus helping them both since he had experience in the process while helping Sirius, James, and the rat. He said they should have it mastered within a couple of months which was impressive seeing as they had taken over 2 years for them. Harry's thoughts were disrupted as a bright flash occurred and standing before him were his tutors all looking around either apprehensively because of not knowing where exactly they were. Harry had been vague in his letters just saying it was his ancestral home. The others were looking around the library in astonishment wondering what kind of books the many shelves contained. Harry got up from his chair and went over to greet them.
The first one he met was his dark arts teacher, Michael Harwood. He looked to be around 50 years old, his dark brown hair beginning to have a tinge of grey in it. He had piercing blue eyes that immediately showed vast amounts of intelligence as well as a cunning mind. To the left of him was his charms tutor, Melanie Heathrow a world renowned charms mistress who had been an apprentice to Professor Flitwick himself. She had long black hair, with warm brown eyes and a friendly smile as he shook hands with her. After that he came to his sword instructor, Dean Menning, a legendary swordsman in his own right. Harry noticed that he never seemed to let his hand stray far from his sword which was strapped to his right side, even after shaking hands with Harry it immediately returned to the hilt of the sword ready to use in an instant if needed. He surprised Harry as he thought Dean would be bigger then he was but he was only about an inch or two taller and seemingly very wiry which in sword play could prove to be an advantage as he could dodge others attacks quite easily and slip in under there guard to finish them off.
After his sword instructor he came to his dueling instructor and transfiguration tutor who seemed to be talking animatedly with eachother, showing signs of obviously knowing eachother previously. His dueling instructor was Calvin Hobbs, he looked to be the youngest of the tutors around mid twenties Harry guessed. His face had a long scar across it going from the top left side of his face diagonally to his lower right side ending near his chin, he informed Harry it had happened in a duel and by the time he had gotten to a healer it was all they could do to repair the damage but the scar would remain. He didn't seem to mind said it was a reminder to him to always keep his guard up as it happened when he had been gloating about his win when an obviously undefeated opponent got the better of him. Next in line was his transfiguration teacher, Carl Eggerts who was the oldest of them all with a long grayish black hair and a short goatee, and finally to finish it off he met his Occlumency and Legilimency teacher Holly Unders, she had a no nonsense face which reminded him of Mcgonagall, she greeted him warmly if not a bit reserved obviously waiting for his lessons to be better aquainted with him. After greeting all of them he asked if they would want to be shown to there rooms to settle in, they agreed and so Harry set off to the second floor where there bedrooms were located. Each of them were pleased with there rooms and said they would settle in for now, Harry told them they were free to wander anywhere they please on the grounds and that he would have his house elf come and get them for dinner since there lessons wouldn't start until tommorow.
With this completed Harry went outside where he saw Tonks and Remus dueling against eachother making sure there instincts remained sharp. Tonks seemed to be losing to the aged werewolf as she had the problem with being impatient firing off multiple powerful spells at the beginning so she would wear herself out, where Remus had only dodged or put up shields for himself waiting for her to tire. As he sensed her spells slowing he immediately went on the offensive layering two spells together a glacius spell that transformed the ground around her to a thin sheet of ice followed by a bludgeoning hex. So as Tonks was trying not to slip on the ice she failed to notice the blue beam connect to her midsection sending her flying across the yard. Remus didn't give her a moment to collect herself as he casted a stupefy knocking her out.
"Great job Remus." Harry said walking up to them as Remus awoke Tonks who looked upset that she lost.
"I didn't do much, just waited for an oppurtunity." Tonks still was sour that she lost she had thought it would be a piece of cake taking down the older man. She was quicker and seemed to have more magical power. When she vocalized her thoughts Remus wore an amused grin. "Tonks that was your problem you had lost even before the duel was started, you underestimated your opponent one who has seen you fight before and knows your strategy. I knew you were impatient and fire most of your high powered spells at the beginning so I simply saved my strength by dodging or putting up a shield to deflect them and waiting for you to tire. After I saw you tiring I simply switched my tactics confusing you while giving me the advantage by having near full magical reserves while yours were depleted."
"He's right Tonks but thats what this practice dueling was for, so you can learn from your mistakes but I am proud of you Remus has a lot of experience plus his added abilities with him being a werewolf." Harry said helping Tonks to her feet and giving her a light kiss on the lips. "well I came out here to tell you that our tutors have arrived and are being settled in as we speak."
Remus and Tonks both looked excited at hearing this obviously wanting to learn as much as they could. Harry told them they were just going to wander around for awhile until it was dinner time. To kill the time Harry challenged Remus to a duel since Tonks would need a day to recover her magical energy and Remus was still near full being as he only casted minor shield spells and simple curses, and charms.
Both men stood about 10 yards away from eachother and bowed slightly and took there dueling positions. Harry had his right foot forward and his left behind it bent at an angle to maintain balance. Remus on the other hand crouched nearer to the ground with his wand pointed to the ground which would stop any disarming spells as they would hit his upper arm and not be able to touch his wand. Tonks signalled the begining of the match and neither man moved for a moment obviously gauging the others skill and coming up with a plan to come on top. Harry was the first to move sending a reductor curse near the werewolfs feet which exploded the earth making a huge hole making the werewolf jump to the left, while in the air he shot an incendio curse at Harry who dove to the ground allowing the fire to pass above his head harmlessly, they both got up and once again went into there dueling stances, waiting for the other to show a weakness so they could exploit it.
They circled eachother slowly closing the space between them until they were only a couple of yards apart. At this both of them sprang into action Harry sending out a stupefy, followed by a cry of Petrificus Totalis. Remus dodged the stunning spell and threw up a protego to absorb the binding curse. Remus then shot a series of long ropes at Harry which he managed to avoid except one which wrapped around his leg tripping him as he had tried to dodge. He threw up a shield as he felt himself falling and was glad he did as he saw a barrage of spells leaving Remus's wand hoping to take advantage. His shield managed to absorb or deflect every curse except a cutting curse which caught him in his left arm slicing it open letting blood flow out freely. Grabbing his left arm and grimacing in pain he knew he was in trouble, Remus had a lot more knowledge of spells as well not being injured at all. Harry thought for a minute as the werewolf was approaching cautiously his wand stretched out ready to strike. With an ingenious idea Harry lept to his feet and thought of a happy memory which involved him with Tonks as they been flying and called out Expecto Patronum summoning his patronus who shot towards Remus.
Remus who had been waiting for Harry to act never suspected this trick and threw his arms up instinctively as the stag ran towards him colliding with him and passing through without harm. This was all Harry needed to send a stunner and just to make sure another body bind. Both spells hit the werewolf in the chest as he hadn't recovered from the surprise of Harry's spell. He fell flat on his face knocked out and completely paralyzed. Tonks ran up to Harry cheering as she ran up to him and gave him a long well deserved kiss for defeating Remus. "That was brilliant Harry he never saw your patronus coming he was in complete shock." Tonks said while shoving her wand towards his arm and healing the cut he had there. "Thank you Nymph." Harry said giving her a hug before walking over to Remus and reviving him.
Remus awoke and grinned at Harry, "Very clever Harry I never would of expected that and I threw up my arms giving you a clear shot. I am impressed."
"And so are we," A voice came from behind them where they saw all of the tutors standing there wearing amused faces having come out as Harry had shot his patronus at Remus. "Yes very unorthodox move there Potter, I see you have some talent thinking on your feet it should be a fun dueling against you." Calvin said approvingly. "but we are going to need to work on your spell list as I saw several missed oppurtunities on both your sides which if you had known the proper spell would of ended the match quickly, but that is the reason I am here of course to make sure you don't miss those."
"Thank you Calvin I know I am going to need all of your help if I want to come out on top and I know its going to take a lot of work." Harry said holding onto Tonks as they walked towards the house again his tutors following at his side. "I would say so Mr. Potter if you are indeed going to go up against the dark lord known as Voldemort you are going to need to up your arsenal greatly. I am going to need to make sure you have a firm grasp on the dark arts at both using them and recognizing them so you can deal with them, since some you will need to use a specific shield to stop them while others such as the unforgivables will need to either have something intercept them or you getting your ass out of the way." Michael informed him. Harry knew he was right as he had felt the sting of the cruciatus enough times to know he didn't want to feel that one again. With this they all went into the house where Tracy had outdone herself and made a marvelous dinner for them all. After eating and getting to know eachother a bit better Harry bid them a goodnight and said he would see them in the morning at 7 to start his training. After he and Tonks made there way to there room they both shed off there clothes while kissing hungrily knowing that tommorow they probably wouldn't have the energy after there day to make love so they made up for the lost time and fell asleep in eachothers arms. "I feel like I might have a shot after all." Was Harry's final thought before sleep overtook him.\
A/N-And so ends the chapter I hope you enjoyed the fight scene at the end. Harry didn't use anything stronger since he still needs to learn control of his magic and he didn't want to hurt Remus at all. Next chapter will be training with the tutors, more on the animagus transformations and finally Voldemort will make an appearance.
Thank you for those of you who had reviewed I am glad you are liking it so far.
Again review if you like to either way I will be finishing this story as I see so many that start off great but are never completed. I personally hate that so I will make sure this one gets finished. Until next time then.