Battle is the best teacher

I don't own Harry Potter, or Elder Scrolls

Xxx

"If you advance in attempt to take him, I will retaliate. If you persist, you will die. This is your first and only warning."

The four look amongst themselves. All nodding at the silent plan, they pull out wooden sticks and take aim at him.

Drawing his sword, Listener prepares for an interesting battle.

'I'll take that as a no then…..'

Xxx

Harry didn't like to left alone. He was some place new, and was left in the dark. Both in the figuratively and literally sense. He was left in the dark room, with only the fire place for light, and he forgot to ask where he was. He wasn't particularly worried about the new man 'Listener'. He was nice, and didn't yell at him. He was taken away from a hurtful place, so that was good.

'The chairs are nice too.' Harry mused. 'I wonder why the fire acted like it did….' Harry continued to try to figure out how the fire just became a roaring fire, than became fiery coals again in a blink of and eye.

'It's not like the gas fire at the 'old' house… I don't smell gas….. There isn't anything but wood in there….'

"HHmmmmmmmm….. I'm stumped…"

Harry heard voices outside, steadily becoming louder. He couldn't make out the words, but it didn't sound friendly….

Curiosity began to creep through Harry's body. He was always wanted to know why someone was angry, because he was usually the one who got hurt because of it. So he would rather know if he deserved the hurt or not.

"Maybe just a peek…."

Harry jumps off the chair and wonders through the dark hallways, trying to find the exit.

Xxx

"Confringo"

"Defodio"

"Diffindo"

"Episkey"

"Expelliarmus"

"Expulso"

"Incarcerous"

Spells and hexes flew through the air, all powerful, an deadly… As long as they hit the target. The four wizards where having no such luck. The listener despite the danger and ill will between them was having a lot of fun.

'This is funny. They don't know how to lead at all! I just need to side step and the attack is useless! My goodness they suck at this…. The veteran (Moody), werewolf (Lupin) , and old man (Dumbledore) are learning as they go at least. Red (Weasley) isn't doing well at all, he must not be a fighter.'

Listener threw another knife in mid flip, right into Moody's wand arm.

"Damn it all! Albus I'm out for a second! Impervius!"

The listener threw another knife at the man, expecting said blade to pierce the unprotected man's back.

'3-2-1'

"Clink!" The listener notes a field of energy now more noticeable, because of his knife stopping when it connected.

'Spell work that stops everything, allowing him time to heal…..'

"Episkey!" Moony yells

'Healing spell, not much to it, but effective….. Alas not as effective as my healing spells, but hey, they can only use magic through a focus it seems, so it IS to be expected that they aren't as experienced in spells….'

The listener noticed the elder moving again.

'Trying to circle me it? Not a bad tactic really. IF, of course, I stayed in one spot.' The listener dashes to the right, avoiding the possible forming formation.

"Incendio!" The elder again tries to force the listener into the trap, trying to lead him into the circle.

'Hahaha- no. not going to happen. I think it's time I stopped pulling my punches and hit back. They have taught me a lot already about their magic…. I should share some of my knowledge as well…'

The listener grins.

Flames erupt in his left hand. Throwing out the flame thrower like spell, the two flames met and clashed. Adding more and more power and focus into the magic, making it hotter. Doing this made the orange flame become bluish clear. Aiming dead centre of the elders flame, his fire consumed the others and traveled up the fiery path strait to the old wizard.

In light of the danger, the elder did something new. He cut off his spell, and disappeared in a pop!

'What? Where is he?...'

The listener looks left and right, dodging an blocking the other spells thrown at him by the other three.

'Keep moving keep moving….. Wait….' Noticing the other three had spread out evenly, he assumed the worst.

'NUG HUMPPER HES BEHIND ME!'

The listener turned and rolled just as a spell grazed passed him.

'Cutting hex' listener reminds himself.

'Not good. Full circle, spell weaving, mages; all of their powers aimed at me from all sides….I think I should have gone offensive sooner. '

"Confringo" 'Elder'

"Defodio" 'Wolf'

"Diffindo" 'Scarface'

"Expulso" 'Red.'

All of the spells collided with the listener's wards, magic and color flying everywhere. The four noticed he was still standing and redoubled their efforts.

Spell after spell rang out. The listener could do nothing but defend, hoping they would tier out before him….

It was not to be. His ward fell, and before he could move he heard one last spell.

"Locomotor Mortis"

The listener's legs are glued together. Falling from the sudden lack of movement, the listener hits the ground hard.

'Shit, what the hell?'

"Petrificus Totalus"

Listener's body completely stiffens.

'Great… now they are going to-'

The listeners thoughts are cut off by the fours conversation.

"About time! He was harder to catch than most death eaters!"

"Indeed Alastor, please would you and MR. Weasley keep him in place, and make sure he does not try to move again? Mr. Lupin, would you turn him over, and take his hood off? I will attempt some Legilimens on our opponent."

"Of course Dumbledore"

Listener felt the hands of the werewolf 'Lupin…' turn him over and Pull the hood off of his head. Listener opened his eyes to hear the collective gasps of his opponents.

"What on earth? Are you sure this is safe Albus?" 'Alastor? Yes that's his name…..'

"We must have the knowledge of this man. Who knows where he found this power? He could be very dangerous than we believe I know, but we must gather what information we can now."

The elder turned to him, and their eyes met. The listener felt a tug at his mental defences, and realized the old man was trying to do…

'Try to invade my mind and take what's mine? No.'

Listener was about to push the elder out. But then a idea hit him!

'Let's turn the tables on this mess….'

Empowering the elder with both his eyes, and his magic, he pulled both into his mindscape.

Xxx

Dumbledore was to say the leased impressed. This man had been able to make four powerful wizards including himself look like children. Even with the Elder Wand, it took them 30 minutes to subdue him. The most frightening though of course, was that he barely went on the offensive. He either was over confident…. Or he was testing himself.

'The fact that he is still calm is a bad sign. Normally others would have wide eyes, panic despite their bodies not being able to move. Instead he is looking at use with those demonic eyes, with a calculating look….. With even… amusement in them.….. It's like he has been in this sort of situation before.' Dumbledore not liking how calm the new prisoner is, decided he needed information.

"We must have the knowledge of this man. Who knows where he found this power? He could be very dangerous than we believe I know, but we must gather what information we can now." Nodding to himself, Dumbledore looks into the eyes and attempts to enter the strangers mind. Unable to break through at all, he decides to withdrawal and order to find harry.

Instead, he finds he can't…..

'What –'

Before he could even finish the thought he is pulled deeper into the man's mind.

Only to find darkness…..

Xxx

Dumbledore awakens to a old ruin. With runes, and carvings all around. He stands, and walks over to the door. Walking through the doorway, he finds himself in a grand room. With high walls, the roof is missing however; there are stair wells at the back of the room, leading elsewhere. In the center of the room is a long stone table with multiple stone chairs. On the far side of the table at its end, is a wall with magnificent carvings. And on top of that wall sits his new found enemy.

Dumbledore reaches for his wand, to bind the man once more, but stops when he cannot find it.

Dumbledore hears the quiet voice once more.

"What are you looking for elder? Perhaps this?"

Dumbledore looks once again to the dark man… Only to see his precious wand twirling around his fingers.

"Yes. That. Would you mind handing it back?"

The dark man hum's and haws over the idea.

"Yes" Dumbledore smiles "I would mind if I gave it back to you. I will be keeping it for now." The smile turned to a frown in a instant.

"Very well, where are we?"

"Well elder, we are where you wanted to be….."

Dumbledore's eyes widen. "We are inside of your mind? How are you here? How is it this solid? This type of solidity of one's mind should be impossible!"

He sees the man grin.

"It doesn't matter; I have mastery over things you can only dream of. This is my mind, my realm, and I have complete control here. I have done something many people desire. What many work towards and hope for. I have managed to master my mind, and forged a will stronger that steel."

Dumbledore notes the 'sky' darkening.

'This does not bow well with me… '

"But we are not here to discuss my mind….. But rather yours. From what I have been able to see, you know of a charm that allows something to remain completely hidden, only to those who know it's there can see it….. I have put a lot of effort into creating this new home for Harry and I. I do not want to abandon it so soon. Will you be willing to part with this knowledge?"

His eyes widen.

"No! You will not have it that easily! I wi-!"

The man chuckles darkly.

"hehehe….sigh… like I said… my realm, my rules, you have no say. I just needed you to think about it. I now have the spell."

"Impossible!" Dumbledore roars.

"HAHAHA…. Yea that is impossible…"

The next thing Albus knows, he's on the table with the man looking into his eyes, images passing bye.

'My memories!'

"Yes Albus "The man states. "I am swimming through your mind as we stand in mine. One of my best traps I have developed. Thanks for being a test subject for me. I do not like this sort of torture, so do forgive me, but this is the most efficient way."

Albus feel his knowledge of spells being observed, and passed on like an old book. Other memories as well.

"Don't worry, ill leave most of your personal memories alone." The man gave him a somber look.

The next thing Albus knew, he was surrounded by darkness.

Xxx

Harry is shocked. He found his way out of the fort. He watched as the people fought the listener, and as he was caught.

When the old man stepped forward, they looked at each other, for a second nothing happened.

Then the man fell over. The one who took off the listener's hood rushed to the man's side, and the one with the scared face pointed his wand at listener and muttered something. Listener was thrown away by an invisible force. Remembering the beatings from his uncle, harry winced when listener hit the stone wall.

Harry dropped down the side of the wall. Landing right next to Listener.

"You awake? Are you ok?" Harry asks, frantically trying to wake up listener and see if he's ok.

Tears stung Harry's eyes as the one person that began to care for him, was beaten to near death. As Harry began to cry, he was totally unaware of the man that walked up behind him until he was grabbed.

"No! Leave us alone!" Kicking and scream, Harry is taken away. Harry heard one of the men mutter something, and his body locked up on him.

"Was that really necessary Moody? He's only a child." The one holding him spoke.

A gruff voice answered.

"And have him give you a black eye and run off? Not a chance! Constant vigilance Weasley!"

Harry eyes wide and frantic, searching for the voices. Unable to see them, he looks back to Listener. Tears stung his eyes again, hoping, internally begging him to get up and stop these men before they took him away. Regret plagued the young boy as he figured out he was the reason they came here. Why they hurt Listener….

"Albus is up, let go!"

Harry, the panic returned tenfold.

'No! Leave me here! Listener is a good guy! Why are you doing this!'

None of his silent questions were answered, still bound, and suppressed.

Harry took one last look, and offered a silent prayer to listener.

'If you listen to everything please listen to me…. Help me please!'

Harry felt a pull at his navel. Harry watches with tear filled eyes, the world turns and begins to twist. He watched Listeners body, as the world grew dark.

Only to see Listeners silvery yellow eyes flare to life….

Xxx

Albus was ever thankful he took along the others. If not for their team work, they would have surly fell.

They had managed to get back to the burrow. Deciding it would be best to keep things quiet for a time. Molly had seen the sorry state they had arrived in, Himself being held up by Remus, Moody limping more than usual, and Arthur holding onto a flailing boy, aiming to do harm to anyone he can catch, the last one had worn off when they came out of apparition, nobody had the heart to put the child in another body binding charm.

"What happened to the lot of you!"

Molly angrily questioned.

"We me some resistance on our part molly." Arthur responded.

Moody exploded at the comment.

"SOME? SOME? Not some! Only one! One man held us back! And I get the feeling he didn't take us seriously! If he had tried to kill us from the start, we would not be here!"

Molly looked on in disbelief.

"Albus, surly he's joking…. Right?" Molly a little afraid of the answer she may receive. 'After all, 4 really powerful wizards should be enough for one man….. Right?'

Dumbledore sighs.

"We will talk inside." Suddenly he felt 10 years older.

They talked for a time and ate. All the while molly was trying to get harry to eat, to open up. Hell she was trying to get him to mutter at least an hour sitting there.

Xxx

"Harry, you don't need to worry, your safe now, no one will hurt you."

All she got was a glare.

He turned to Albus.

Why did you take me away from my home?

All who were on the raid looked at each other. All of them sharing the same though.

'He saw that place as a home? Dark and dreadful stone building a loving place?

"You do not belong there; the man was not to take care of you. He is not your guardian."

"Gardun? They are the one to take care of me?"

"Guardian. Yes they are, he is not your guardian."

"Then who is my guardian?"

Albus was a little curious to where harry was leading this.

"Well…. I am."

Everyone was surprised, harry was at first quiet, and reserved, became enraged.

"Then why did you leave me with my Aunt! I was hit every day because I was a freak!"

Dumbledore flinched at Harrys voice and how much anger resided within it.

"Im sorry Harry, I did not think they would treat you so horribly, I thought your parents would have preferred it if you stayed with family. I was wrong to do so…"

"Fine. Why did you take me away from Listener?"

'That was the man's name? Odd one if nothing else'

"Because he was not you-"

Harry cut him off.

"No! The real reason."

Harry looked at the listener dead into the eye, demanding an answer.

"Because he is dangerous… He is a very dark and deadly person. I don't believe he would be suitable to raise you."

Dumbledore was to continue, but was cut off by a presence.

"He should not have been able to find us! Molly call the rest of the order members down. We will need all the fire power we can muster!" Alastor jumping into action.

Harry just sat there and watched. With an emotion Albus could only describe as hope/fear/ regret mix in all at once.

Leaving the boy inside, Albus joined the others inside.

"Moody! Can you find him with your eye?" Weasley searching for the enemy.

Alastor snorts.

"The damn things useless. It's telling me he's in front of us, but also, beside us, and under us at the same time. I can confirm it's the same man we defeated….. As good as that does…."

The front line stands ready for any spell, or movement.

Suddenly they feel a rush of power. A wall of pure energy is thrown towards them.

There are those who managed to throw up a shield in time, but it did just as much help as those without.

Everyone was thrown on their asses. Disoriented, and overwhelmed, they make their way to their feet. There only 100 feet away was the man who was just labeled 'Listener' by Harry. Standing in the flattened grass. Grining, and fully healed from their fight only an hour ago…. Maybe two.

All of them heard the quiet and calm voice. It chilled them to the bone.

"Well then… Ready for round two everyone?"

Drawing a blade, 'Listener' disappears into the shadows.

Every one of the order members present draws their wand, ready for the worst…

Xxx

Well that was fun.

I hope you all enjoy.

Please review and tell me what you think, and feel free to ask questions.