Chapter 8

Memories

Harry couldn't escape the whispered questions and spreading rumors throughout the morning, especially by the Weasley twins who caught up with him after the new breakfast tale was spread. They insisted on hearing the true story and seeing his wand one more time. It didn't bother him much, as it would only be another legend for the boy who lived, which he had come to accept as a part of life after the first few weeks of spurious whispers, hand shaking, and awkward staring at his scar. He hoped it would die down a little in the coming years though, since he wasn't much of a people person, and cared nothing for fame. Although his early life had trained him to stoically endure abnormal situations and how to deal with rude or mean people.

Not wanting more attention if possible, Harry went into hiding within the giant school library; as the Ravenclaws knew to look for him around the common room or their library. He saw Hermione already at one of the main study tables, determinedly trying to explain something to a small group of Hufflepuffs. But one intense glance his way from Ernie, deterred any thoughts Harry had of joining them and being bombarded with more questions. Instead he meandered through the fringe aisles, researching a few more spells and exotic creatures that came to mind, then lost himself in an unusual book on alchemy by Argo Pyrite.

When the lunch bells rang he quickly put his books away and headed for the great hall, only to slip and fall as he exited the library. He could hear the laugh of idiot minions followed by the commanding shush of a familiar and annoying Slytherin. Harry picked himself up and looked around but only heard distant footsteps running away. An ice spell was in front of the doors and quickly melting to leave no evidence behind. He wanted to follow them and repay the favor but knew better than to play on the same level. Even though his wrist and back hurt he didn't let it spoil his lunch or the anticipation for his first occlumency lesson.

The meal was agonizingly slow, even with the wonderful sampling of dishes he tried. He decided to sit facing Slytherin and Hufflepuff, with his back to Gryffindor from then on, since it was obvious they hated Slytherin the most and wouldn't let any sneak up behind him. Sitting nearer to Hermione and hearing her talk was purely coincidence.

Anthony arrived later at lunch, wearing a sullen expression and almost stumbling to a seat, as far away as possible. That was fine by Harry, as insincere apologies or ignoring the obvious wasn't something he liked. It looked like Anthony was already suffering from what happened, as well as being ostracized by those around him, and reaping any number of special punishments or detentions, if the rumors circling around were to be believed. For now, Harry was content with keeping an eye on him, but only time would tell how things might play out.

The questions for Harry were kept to a minimum with Penny sitting only a few seats away again, but he had to wait for all of the students to leave as he pretended to be waiting to ask the teachers something. Several students and teachers gave him curious looks as he waited for Dumbledore. Seemingly oblivious to it all, the headmaster kept sipping a spoonful of cold soup, one after the other. When the last teacher left and the door closed behind them, Dumbledore looked up, straight into Harry's eyes.

Feeling embarrassed and nervous over standing there waiting the entire time, Harry stammered out a sentence, "Sorry sir, I didn't know where, or when, to meet after lunch today, so I just figured to wait here."

Dumbledore smiled, "No bother at all, as I am quite fond of this soup. But we should keep these lessons a secret, because technically, first years are not allowed to learn occlumency. Since you seem to be a natural occlumens, an exception would be made, but that would require paperwork, meetings, and official hearings which would only inconvenience everyone involved, not to mention delaying any lessons." He stood and his dishes disappeared right before he could grab one last slice of bread. He shrugged in acceptance and walked towards the antechamber they both left from last time, "Come, let us begin our journey."

Harry noticed that he didn't mention it might be difficult to explain how anyone found out as well. Which led him to conclude it wasn't exactly legal for Snape to be sneaking around in students' minds. Yet it was tolerated, instead of punished, giving him second thoughts about the whole situation. Athough he still followed after the long blue robes Dumbledore wore that day, through the sitting room, past the portrait, and up the clever stairs. Once again marveling at the noisy trinkets and shelves full of books cluttered around the office. All the portraits seemed to be sleeping except for a few who peaked out at him from under the brim of a hat or behind a book.

Dumbledore led him to a small alcove off to the side containing two relaxing leather chairs in front of a fireplace, "I find it much easier to converse here without my desk in the way. Besides it is getting slightly cool in here, would you mind starting a fire Harry?" He started rummaging around in a cabinet off to the side and pulled out a box of toffee and a plate of biscuits then set them down on the table set between the chairs. "I find it nice to have a snack when important things are discussed."

Harry reached into his pocket for his wand, hoping he could start the fire after only practicing the spell once.

"Ah, I didn't mean that way my boy."

It took a second to understand what Dumbledore wanted; to see his ability in wandless magic. "I never actually tried that before, but I'll give it a go."

Feeling dubious in his abilities, Harry turned towards the dry logs in the fireplace and stared. Letting his vision lose focus, he thought about ways fires could be started, and choose one, concentrating on forcing a large amount of air into one small dot on a log. As he was already familiar with using force to accomplish things. A few tries later, resulted in not a single change, so he tried a different tactic, similar to the incendio spell he read about. He imagined the surface of the log getting hotter and hotter, thinking of the warmth from a fire he had felt in the past and wanting that intense heat. He saw the flame in his mind, felt the heat on his skin, and heard the flame crackle at the combustion. He willed a small stream of magic to shoot towards the point he was looking at. Then a patch of the log ignited into popping yellow flame, but soon died away again into wisps of grey smoke.

Clapping slowly Dumbledore exclaimed, "Astounding, that took me nearly half a year to accomplish, even with a skilled teacher. Tell me Harry, what were you trying differently the first few attempts?"

That kind of shocked Harry, that he could be read so well without even talking, "I was trying to compress the air around a log into a single point hot enough to light the bark. That didn't seem to work so I tried what I read in our book about incendio if you were having trouble casting it."

"That is interesting indeed, it might be possible that both would have worked for you. That is if you had tried compressing more air into a smaller space, since lighting wood by itself takes a lot of heat. I'm also surprised you have never tried lighting something on fire before now, was there simply always a flame handy in your home?" Dumbledore lit the fire fully with the wave of his hand, then picked up a biscuit and started nibbling on it.

Harry shook his head, he had already decided to trust Dumbledore to an extent, since if he was to train him in occlumency he might be able to view the memories anyway, and this way Harry got to frame how the story was told. "I guess I should start from the beginning and explain it all." He sat back in the chair, staring deep into the roaring fire.

"Everything seemed to start on my seventh birthday, it was then that I pleaded and begged with my relatives to be allowed to watch a specific movie that was on TV. I was looking forward to seeing it for weeks, but it was on late at night, so of course they didn't let me. They seemed to be getting callous and resentful as I grew older. Which I later came to understand, sitting in my cupboard under the stairs, seeing my life in a new clarity. I wasn't wanted, I was someone they put up with and it was only going to get worse, especially after Dudley began hitting me at school. I cried until my eyes hurt that night, wishing harder than I ever had before, on just being able to get out of my locked cupboard."

The biscuit fell out of Dumbledore's mouth and onto his lengthy beard, as his eyes widened at Harry. But Harry continued on without noticing.

"After about a half an hour I wiped away my tears and with all the hope in the world, tested the door. It swung open to a dark and quiet hallway, and I nearly cried again in ecstatic relief. But then I became afraid, wondering if this was just a test to see what I would do. They had done that before, left a few biscuits out where I could reach them and then waited until I grabbed one to punish me."

Harry looked down at the ones on the table and back up to Dumbledore. There was moisture in his stark blue eyes when he raised the dish towards Harry.

Giving a weak smile he took one and ate it, "I know now what they did to me was wrong, and how I was mistreated. I think I've made my peace with that because they don't, can't, do it anymore. But back then, I was extremely frightened that they would jump out from around a corner and scream at me for leaving my cupboard. I hoped that someone had left my door open because it was my birthday, and it was a small kindness they could give me. I still don't know if it was magic or one of them that let me out, but it doesn't really matter. I looked up at the clock and it was five minutes until the movie aired. Quietly creeping to the TV I turned it on and hurriedly lowered the volume so it wasn't heard. I hoped and wished that no one would wake up, all the while I sat right in front of the TV to hear the quiet words being spoken. I even turned it off once in a while when I thought I heard a noise now and then. I remember, the entire time my heart was racing and I was so excited to finally be watching this movie. It was really entertaining as well, imagining myself in the story with them. I don't know if you've ever even heard of it, let alone watched it, but the name of it was Star Wars."

Nodding and smiling at the memory Dumbledore answered, "It was quite popular for muggleborn wizards as well back when it first came out, and we had our own dark lord to fight then. Some called it wizards in space."

"Heh, well that was my teacher in magic, but I thought I was a Jedi using the force. No wands were used and it all depended on how hard you could concentrate and how strong your will was. That's why I never thought to create fire, because I didn't think it was possible. - The next day I was punished for sleeping in too long but they didn't know I was up the night before. After making breakfast I just sat and stared out the window at the rain. Once in a while a single drop of water would splash on the window, and I would try to move it with my mind. It took an entire week, stuck inside while it rained, trying to get a single drop to move sideways. And then it finally did.

"I knew then that I could control the force. From that day on I would try to clear my mind and focus moving objects every chance I got. It took another month with a lot of headaches until I could open the latch to my cupboard any time I wanted. I managed to watch the other movies and read the very few books I could find, wanting to emulate Jedi as much as I could. But I was young and I got into a lot of trouble after that, them calling me a freak while small things tended to break when I was punished. Half a year later I was getting really good at moving small objects but still had trouble moving larger ones, when it hit me. If I really was using the force, I could do more than move objects, I could influence people's thoughts."

Harry was still staring at the fire while Dumbledore studied him, wondering if he could use legilimency or memory charms without a wand.

Looking up Harry answered the unasked question, "I don't know what kind of spell it really is, or if it's even a normal spell. I imagined it as the force influencing someone's thoughts, making them do things if their mind was weak. After learning that I had magic and that others could sense it... I haven't tried to use it since. So you don't have to worry about me messing with people's brains anymore."

Dumbledore looked thoughtful, but didn't respond to this so Harry continued on.

"I practiced a lot on Dudley at first, since I assumed he had the most impressionable mind. It was nothing at first, just the thought of Petunia calling his name. It took me four days before he yelled at his mom for nagging him. That's when things became fun. I would ask for something simple, to stay up a few minutes more, and try to convince them to allow it. Every day it progressed to something a little bigger if it worked. From biscuits to books, then new clothes, glasses, my own room, a TV, and even a computer. They resisted lot at first but I just had to keep putting the thought in their head. Sometimes it was much easier than others and I began to see why from their moods and feelings at the time. I got better, learning what thoughts worked best and when to try. It got to the point that I didn't even know what to ask them for after a while. So I tried to make them compliment me, once as day, just as practice. Petunia still does it every day now out of habit, I don't even think she realizes it anymore. But I could never change their real attitude towards me, at least not that way."

Taking a piece of toffee this time, Dumbledore remarked on the topic, "The ability to alter surface thoughts in others is a remarkable power. Do you think you used it wisely?"

Harry considered his words, "I know it probably wasn't right of me to influence what they did so much, but most of the time they truly deserved it. I tried to not use it on my friends or school mates but there were bullies I made an exception for. I still thought of things on the light side and the dark side back then, so I tried to be good and not use my powers to harm. It's difficult, seeing the opportunity to change things, to get revenge, to force things to go my way."

"We must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy." Dumbledore intoned gravely.

Tilting his head, Harry's brow knitted together. "Kind of... at that point I felt like I had mastered the simpler part of those techniques, so I wanted to learn more. I realized then, my mind and others were more important to understand, so I started reading, about science, philosophy, and psychology. Soon I was reading every day of the week while not practicing or going to school. Trying to understand the implications of my powers and how I should use them.

"After rewatching the movies over and over, I knew there was more I could do. I would sit and meditate on my surroundings, trying to sense things around me. The next few days I tried to track everywhere Dudley went in the house, and check on him to make sure. He got very annoyed with me following him around but after a few months I could avoid him easily, always knowing where he was. In a year I was able to tell where everyone was in the house at any time. And the times when I went to London in could feel others more strongly than anyone else, even a delivery man I knew back home felt that way as well. I didn't know what it meant at the time, but I'd guess now they were all wizards."

Choking lightly on some crumbs, Dumbledore conjured a few cups of water for them, and waved Harry on with his story.

"Once I felt I had mastered those skills, I was afraid to try the last power I knew about, because it was supposed to be evil. Giving much thought on it while still practicing and reading everything, science fiction, fantasy, and more philosophy books, I came to a conclusion. That the power itself couldn't be bad, but only the way it was used.

"Being almost nine by then, I tried to learn how to make lightning. I practiced in the garage against the cement floor so as to not light anything on fire. It turned out to be harder than the rest and it took a whole year of practice to do much, yet it all became easier with time. I thought of using it tonight to start the fire, but wanted to see if I could do more. It turns out real magic is somewhat easier if it's explained in a book. Or maybe after so much practice over the years it's easier for me to learn." Holding out his hand, Harry let electricity crackle out of his fingertips and into the air, "It never looked exactly like in Star Wars so I always thought I was doing something wrong. Of course I realized it was all fake, but I thought somehow they had managed to describe something real. I suppose like real magic, I thought there were hidden powers that people really had, being put in a story by those who couldn't use it. But if I could do it, so could others."

It was hard for Dumbledore to speak after all those revelations, some were very disturbing and others fantastical. He would have to check in on Harry's home life over the summer and make sure there were stronger wards and precautions in case of any further abuse. Most of all though he marveled at how a fiction had helped Harry to master his own abilities, to do things even he had never tried. Producing lighting from your hand, and only influencing a single thought in another mind were not ordinary spells. They didn't seem to be extremely useful but to invent and practice all of it in imitation of a story, and without a wand was beyond explanation. Harry had trusted him with his secrets and his past. The least he felt he could do is return that honesty, even if it cost him dearly.

"Harry, I must tell you something that might be hard to hear but I feel you should hear it from me personally. As your parents friend and confidant, it was I who placed you with your aunt and uncle. I assure you though, if I knew of how they would treat you I would never have done so. The reasons why I did not take care of you myself or place you with a wizarding family are numerous but I shall explain the most important."

Slowly turning his head toward Dumbledore, Harry had a wild look in his eyes.

"As Hagrid explained, when Voldemort disappeared that Halloween night, every follower of his was out for revenge or information the next day. They captured and tortured many innocents along with those who fought against them, trying to learn what happened. Once they heard the story of his death by your hands, all they seemed to think of was revenge. It took years to track down and capture as many as we could. Even now there a few who have evaded capture. For you to be protected and hidden from these criminals, there was only one definite way to keep you out of danger. That was an ancient spell of blood protection, that could only work if you were taken in by your relatives. It protected and hid you at home and wherever you went, as long as you came back once a year.

"Of course I did not leave you alone, as I set up wards and other spells to alert me if you were hurt or ran away. I also checked in on you regularly in disguise of a cheerful delivery man who gave you sweets whenever you opened the door, to which you seem to have caught on. With the cooperation of the ministry of magic we placed Mrs Figg, who is a squib as your neighbor and made sure she was the only convenient babysitter available. She was supposed to check in on you more thoroughly and make sure you were always protected and taken care of, but obviously she was not as thorough as needed. As to how they treated you, all I can say is that she, like I, did not fully consider the emotional abuse they might put you through. While they were known to be unpleasant people, I did not imagine they would actually hurt a relative, especially a small boy. For that you have my deepest apologies. - To preserve the protection spell, you must return to their home for at least a week every year, but if you wish to be elsewhere for the rest of the time, I am sure we can arrange some alternative."

This was almost too much for Harry, like his life was a lie, built around a world that didn't really exist. Ever since he learned he could do things that others couldn't, he wished to meet someone similar, and to escape his relatives. To talk about and play with the extraordinary powers that he always had to keep a secret, while being called a freak. And finally Hogwarts had answered that call. But all the while the nice portly delivery man with twinkling eyes and his cat lady neighbor who babysat him already knew, and were watching over his torture the entire time. He balled his fists in agony at such an idea. Yet he had learned this lesson in the past, it didn't matter what could have been, only to learn from it and find what is possible in the future.

"I really wish you would have told me that when I was five or six... It's confusing, I hated them for so long, but if I left now it almost feels like I would be wasting all the effort I put in to change how they treat me. After many years of changing things I have kind of made it my home, even if they don't love me. But a lot of kids have to deal with that and much worse, and I can stop them from ever abusing me again so I don't have to worry much. It's like a sunk cost, I don't want to lose what I put in, yet I know it's already gone. But the idea of someone else..."

It was not the cry of joy or anger Dumbledore was expecting but he had to warn him off the consequences if he was hesitant, "I should also tell you that when a wizard reaches the age of eleven and gains a wand, the ministry begins tracking your magic and does not allow you to perform any in the muggle world or elsewhere until you are of age, at seventeen. Even wandless magic is tracked and can be punished if deemed severe enough, although usually it is deemed unintentional and allowed to pass. But a strict punishment for repeated occurrence is the breaking of your wand. So you must consider your choice carefully."

That nearly decided it, the risk and false investment wasn't worth anything unless the alternatives were even worse.

Harry took another biscuit and thought more while he ate it, then replied, "I don't have to leave but I would prefer to, especially if I can't use magic. Though it all depends on where I would go instead, who else could take care of me and not be in danger?" He sat quietly waiting for the choices that could influence the rest of his life.

"...It would appear even I get ahead of myself sometimes, as I did not have a plan in case you accepted, only knowing it was right to offer. There are many families that would be more than willing to accept you into theirs, but each are riddled with complications. There is one friend of your parents who might be perfect, yet circumstances could make it difficult for him to accept. The Weasley family I am sure you've heard of, is a very caring and protective bunch. Although their home situation might also be difficult to deal with and protect. I would offer to let you stay at school with me, but that would cause all kinds of controversy with the board and the ministry. I am afraid I shall have to delay this conversation after I have looked into the best options and can give you more than hope. Do not worry though because we have much time to figure this out before the end of the school year." Harry nodded in acceptance.

Dumbledore cleared the empty plate and box from the table and waved his wand to aim their chairs towards each other. "Now, I believe I was supposed to teach something rather than simply talk. In occlumency it is usually taught to empty your emotions from your mind and clear it of any stray thoughts. I believe you could try what you used to practice when performing wandless magic, instead of that grey room for now."

Sitting back and relaxing Harry cleared his mind and looked into those intense blue eyes. Dumbledore accessed his mind once more, finding nothing but darkness. He could barely sense anything, but knew he was in Harry's mind if only for the distinct feeling of not being in his own. Looking around, there was nothing to distinguish top from bottom, left to right or even himself. He could feel his own presence but not the form or physical manifestation he usually presented.

Calling out with a disembodied voice he spoke, "Harry, come speak with me now."

Nothing changed, but as he turned around he saw a brilliant flame in the distance. Incorporeal and alone he called out again, "ha..." but his voice was sucked towards the flame, the same as other stray thoughts that seemed to form here and there around him. Reaching out with his mind towards one he tried to catch and examine it. The thought slipped away through his metaphorical fingers before he could tell what it was. Trying harder this time Dumbledore put real effort into it and held on long enough to be dragged towards the distant flame, while he saw the thought was of his blue robes. Letting it slip away he reached for another and by force of will tried to hold it still. Managing to see it was a memory of Dudley yelling, he tried to let go again to grab another but this time it held onto him, pushing him off balance and then dragging him towards the flame with it.

Finally feeling the heat, he turned his mind to stone and dragged it to a halt. A different memory rammed into him making him see Vernon swinging a newspaper. Then another and another slammed into him pushing him slowly closer towards the now intense red flame. It actually felt hot where no memory of a flame ever could. He inched towards it with every new memory of past torments that collided with him. Finally understanding the anger, resentment, and danger he faced, Dumbledore released the connection with Harry and felt at home in his own mind again. Clearing his throat he shook Harry gently when he didn't respond.

"That was interesting once again, although next time we should try a little more interactive practice. Would you mind explaining what that flame was for?"

Being shook, Harry woke slowly from his trance, "Oh... that's the flame in the void. Something I read about in a book last year and try sometimes to get rid of persistent thoughts. It helps me keep meditating with distractions." He thought over his memories of the meditation, "Ah, was that actually you in my mind? I kind of wasn't thinking and out of habit assumed you to be another stray thought trying to distract me... sorry, I'll do better next time."

Dumbledore brushed away his concern, "That is what we are here for, to practice and learn. Though I think that is enough for now, best to keep it short at first. In the mean time, try practicing by focusing on and controlling one or two thoughts at a time and let the others float away."

"I'll try that."

"Before you go, I do have one other topic to discuss, if you don't mind." Harry shook his head, "Then I was wondering about the incident this morning involving your wand, as I have heard tell it is made out of Lignum Vitae and contains an unusual core which has surprising capabilities. When I first held it I noticed how remarkable it felt but was distracted by other things before I could inquire further. I wonder if I might study it for a moment to confirm a suspicion of mine?"

Removing it from his sleeve once again Harry handed it over but felt a little reluctance to do so. Dumbledore accepted it and mumbled a few new sounding spells with his own wand. The Nundu wand began to glow slightly in his hand, he smiled at Harry, putting his own wand away. Standing up he gave it a slow wave, "Ouch!"

It had sprouted thorns all along the handle which he dropped to the table with a dull clatter. "That, was not meant to happen. I am afraid it might take some time to remove those thorns before you can use it again."

Not thinking, Harry reached out to stop it from rolling off the table, but when he was about to touch a thorn they all bloomed into the signature blue flowers again. Picking it up to examine them, he gripped the handle filled with flowers, and they fluttered to the ground.

"Have you ever seen anything like this before Professor? The same thing happened when I grabbed it in Mr. Ollivander's shop. When I waved it a tree grew out of his counter, the way others have reacted to that story I assume that might be unusual."

Dumbledore shook his head in wonder, "No, I have seen nothing quite like that. It goes to show, even wise old wizards don't know everything. I could not confirm what I wanted, but I can tell you that this is a very powerful wand and if it is what I suspect, will only get more powerful with continued use."

"How's that work?" Harry asked.

"As a wizard grows, they gain a stronger connection to some wands, being able to perform certain magics better or almost forming an understanding and acceptance of what is desired from the user. Some very few legendary wands even grow in power with their user. My suspicions are of little concern though as it is most unlikely in any case."

This didn't satisfy Harry for being much of an explanation, but he guessed was probably all that was known about such rare wands.

"I suppose that shall be all for today, next Saturday simply come back ten minutes after lunch is over and I shall wait for you in the antechamber of the Great Hall." Dumbledore waved his empty hand and the main doors opened up to the rotating stairwell.

"Okay, I'll remember that," Getting up and stretching his legs Harry asked another question, "One more thing, in your opinion what is the best spell to learn in order to defend yourself?"

A small smile crossed Dumbledore's face, "Ah, but to answer that, one must understand what you are defending from."

Dumbledore raised his eyebrows at Harry enquiringly, "I trust you know it is not permitted to cast spells towards classmates, although if you join a dueling club or similar sport, I would suggest expelliarmus or stupefy when you are old enough to perform them. They can be interchanged regularly since both produce a red light and stop the opponent casting. However, if you go exploring, incendio will scare most regular creatures, or a bright lumos may blind them temporarily, that is if they have eyes. But for your specific case Harry, you should know that there are very few creatures or people who can sense nonverbal wandless spells cast upon them. Please do not abuse that fact though, as it would take a mountain of paperwork and time to punish you for harming someone in that way." He ended with wry grin.

Smiling back Harry was proud to get so much useful information by just being himself. "I understand completely sir. And thank you." He walked out the main entrance and wandered through the halls of the castle, reflecting on their conversation.

oOoOo

Upon reaching the boy's toilet on the sixth floor Harry was suddenly accosted by a excitable Peeves. "Oh, Harry warry come to take a potty wotty? This is a good bathroom for it. No prank in sight and no one around to bother you."

Harry looked at the strange being in disbelief. Was it really that dense or did it think the students were even worse? He tried to sidestep him slightly, "That's okay Peeves, I heard there was a better one on another floor, and was planning on going there already."

The frustration was obvious, with Peeves' whole body seeming to vibrate, but he quickly moved to block Harry, with another idea. "If you tells me which one it is, I could check on it for you to make sure its safe? Nothing is not known if I knows it not!"

Sliding a little further away from the poltergeist Harry considered this last statement for a second, but thought better off it, "It's on the second floor, so I'll be going now, have to hurry and all." He tried to look casual walking down the hall hoping something else caught Peeves' attention. But of course, luck was not with him.

"But Harry warry, what about your secret meeting with Granger wanger? Are you still going to smooch in the library or did you change places for that too?" His malevolent smirk grew wider, relishing the torment he caused.

Stopping mid stride, Harry really didn't want to turn around but if even Peeves knew about their first planned meeting, it didn't bode well for future ones. Slowly looking back he came up with an idea and asked, "That's good you heard about it Peeves, I was just thinking of coming to tell you. Maybe you can thank the person that informed you, who was it by the way?"

"No no no, I never reveals my secrets to ickle firsties, even if I have thousands of them. Can't be telling secrets to just anybody." He crossed his small arms and stuck out his tongue at Harry.

"Oh? I bet I know just as many secrets, maybe even some that you don't know." Teased Harry.

A surprised and disgruntled look overcame Peeves, as his grim eyes narrowed, "Prove it! No ickle firsty has more secrets than me!"

Harry thought quickly and was even ready to bluff if it might loosen the poltergeist's tongue about something interesting, if he wasn't bluffing as well. "I could tell you about the secret history of Dumbledore, the number of people who can read minds in the castle, or maybe why the third floor corridor is off limits? But how am I to know you're being honest as well, can you prove you know any secrets?"

Looking appraisingly at Harry, Peeves suddenly returned to his wickedly mischievous manner and floated closer, "I know gobs, oodles more than you. Bet you don't know about the clandestine cabinet that conveys commodities?" Harry nodded in confirmation that he did, "Or that the mischief makers have a mysteriously marked map? Maybe you don't know what forces fluffy to fall fast asleep? That someone sleeping in the surrounding space is suspended from slinging spells?"

With every secret mentioned Harry pretended to know exactly what was being talked about, or teased out more information if he could manage. Then confirmed the few he actually knew to keep Peeves going, "Of course, Hagrid is having a hard time of it, I've heard." He even played along with the alliterations.

Peeves kept going and soon was getting more insistent, "You haven't heard who is hurling the harrowing humiliations at the horror heducator? Or what about the secrecy surrounding the stone secured away in the subjacent suite in this safehold? Don't think you deduced the devious disappearing door, designed to detect deepest desires!?" Peeves was looking angry now and seemed to be stretching his ability, and need to alliterate further.

"Yes, yes, Dumbledore has told me all about it. It seems we have amassed the same amount of secrets, so I'll take my leave now. If you find any other good ones be sure to drop by and we can compare notes again. Have fun roaming the castle now." Harry left him floating in the hallway, still scratching his chin and mumbling to himself. Feeling it was best to escape while he had the chance instead of finding out how their secret got out. But dealing with Peeves seemed to go a lot better for Harry than he imagined it might. Maybe I'll get the hang of living in Hogwarts after all.

And then a bowl of moldy fruit hit him in the back of the head.

oOoOo

Nothing too exciting happened after Harry cleaned up from his meeting with Peeves. He read a little, watched some quidditch practice from a distance, and played wizard's chess with Kevin in the common room to pass the time until dinner and his research with Hermione. But after the second game of being thoroughly trounced, Kevin began discussing football teams in depth and how terrible it was with no TV to watch them. Harry tried changing the subject to books, video games, or something he could relate to, but it soon became apparent that even though they were both muggleborn Ravenclaws, they had very little in common. Even in magic, Kevin liked potions, flying, and defense class the most. All things that Harry cared little for, yet they still got on well enough.

Dinner came and passed, without Padma poking fun at his turning a student into stone. It occurred to him that maybe she was afraid, or possibly nice enough not to rub salt into his problems. But from the stern look Sue gave her, it seemed she might be avoiding another elbow to the ribs instead.

Finishing his meal, Harry left the Great Hall early and headed to the Ravenclaw library. Wanting to modify his list of spells and any desired spell effects he was supposed to bring. They had planned to each make lists of what they wanted to learn about most, and then discuss which they would research together. Including known and unknown spells, and any magical items that sounded useful or interesting. If there was time, Harry also wanted to talk about magical creatures that might be worth studying.

When Hermione eventually arrived she found him in one of the two plush chairs from last time, looking out the scenic west window, towards the dimming sun and cloudless sky. She sat down and they immediately exchanged lists, having no need for words. Harry was surprised by the amount and variety Hermione had written, she even made a key for the symbols she used, Δ was for spells they would learn in class, √ identified ones she was learning, and § signified those that were probably too advanced for them. Some he had never seen before in any book he owned, so it was with interest that he scrutinized her extensive list. The more useful ones that his list lacked, were making objects weigh less, creating an invisible barrier, showing secret passages, and enhancing the senses. She also put an explanation point by a permanent shrinking charm, which seemed odd to Harry.

He found the back of her list contained quite a few magical items with descriptions that sounded more than useful. The mokeskin pouch was mentioned again, along with communication mirrors, a sneakoscope, concentration capsules, universal translator, enchanted quills, a magical book able to read any book in a library, probity probe, flying carpet, and a map of Hogwarts. These she rated in difficulty of obtaining, with the universal translator and library book at the highest. Harry didn't know if those really existed but all he had thought of differently was darkness powder, an invisibility cloak, emergency portkey, and a magical expanding trunk he had seen mentioned in books. At the end of the page was a short list of potions they might like to explore, the antidote to common poisons, pepper-up potion, invigoration draught, wit-sharpening potion, and the blood replenishing potion which was marked 'just in case'. He hadn't even thought about potions because most seemed relatively pointless, and the prices excessive. But the cost was probably the same for most items on their lists. Maybe all that gold in my vault isn't going to last as long as I thought...

With a wry grin on his face, Harry handed her list back, "It seems we've already been thinking about the best parts of magic since learning it was real. Imagining what we would learn about and get first, like we're setting out on our own RPG."

Hermione giggled quietly, "Except we don't start out with piles of gold or passing caves to plunder."

"Well..."

Her eyes grew wide, "That rumor is true too?! You've already got your super wand and mysterious backstory, now you're hogging all the starting gold as well?" Putting on an exaggerated look of indignation, she turned away, "if you're going to take all the ancient artifacts as well, then our adventure ends right here."

Harry just started laughing, "Hey, my backstory is a pain, and I've barely done anything with my wand yet, for all we know it might be weak and boring!" The extremely skeptical glance she threw his way only made him laugh more, "Okay, okay, tell you what, next enchanted artifact is yours. And I'll even invest in any supplies we need."

"Deal," she shook his outstretched hand and smiled, "now, how should we organize our lists? By usefulness, difficulty, or when they're taught in classes?"

"How about a mix between the most practical, and the easiest to learn or cheapest to buy?"

Hermione nodded in acceptance and began making notes while glancing up at Harry, "I'm sorry, but I have to ask. Why do you have an apple stem in your hair?"

Cringing slightly, Harry ran his hands through his hair and plucked it out, "I suppose it's because I only learned to defend against fresh fruit, and I don't think a tiger or gun would have worked anyway." Her total confusion wasn't what he hoped for.

"What?" She looked at him as if he'd gone mad.

"Sorry, only a joke. I ran into Peeves."

"Ahh... did he hit you in the head a little too hard?"

Her look of concern only made him laugh again, "Maybe."

After much discussion and deliberation, they sorted the spells and spell effects they wanted to learn, then guessed at the prices for the items that they wanted most. Although they had no clue about the rarer objects or if some could even be purchased, it was more fun than serious in the first place. Hermione wanted to ask the teachers or prefects about everything while Harry thought it was best to be discrete and check the libraries. They compromised on asking about the innocent sounding spells or items and looking up anything else that might arouse suspicions. It was also agreed upon to split up the top ten spells to practice individually, then teach them to each other, hopefully speeding up the process.

"Which ones do you want?" Hermione prompted.

"You can pick first, don't want to be accused of getting the easier ones later on."

"Oh, so that's how you want to play, is it? Why don't we see who can learn the fastest then?" She gave him a rueful smile.

"If you insist. But on one condition, we both have to choose a defensive spell as well." That seemed to rouse her own suspicions but she agreed anyway, and they began picking one by one.

In the end it was determined that Harry would try to learn stupefy, epoximise, accio, aresto momentum, and episkey. For Hermione it would be expelliarmus, alohamora, immobulus, scourgify, and glacius, since they already knew a few more important ones like reparo and finite. Incendio, diffindo, and other spells they liked would be taught in charms or other classes so they would wait on those. Both were in agreement that communication mirrors and moke skin pouches would be their first goal for special items, but sneakoscopes and concentration capsules were the easiest and cheapest to obtain, other than enchanted quills which weren't too important. It was easy for Harry to see how excited Hermione got about learning outside of class, and at the prospect of researching interesting items and spells. So it wasn't much trouble convincing her to meet every night when they didn't have homework or other plans.

When everything seemed settled there was still time before curfew so Harry brought up magical creatures. "I'm guessing you've already read Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, so I was wondering what you thought might be the best creature to tame? Since most common pets are boring or, fragile, I thought we could research several for the future. I heard Dumbledore has a phoenix which might be perfect, except they're too rare, what's your opinion?"

Hermione considered for a moment, "Tebo and Demiguise can turn invisible but neither sound like optimal pets. Crup are very loyal and will eat anything, and Kneazle are highly intelligent but they aren't near the level of a phoenix. Graphorn have immensely tough skins and are very strong but highly dangerous, even giants can't tame them. Griffins, Hippogriff, Kelpie, and winged horses are all very similar and would make excellent mounts, but are somewhat rare as well as difficult to tame. Sphinx are supposedly even worse and not very friendly. Nifflers hunt treasure but just make messes most of the time. A Jarvey might be cute but you would have to put it under a permanent silencing spell for the language. Streelers are prized for their shells and the poisonous slime they produce, but aren't much of a pet either. Most other creatures I read about would be too useless, rare, or deadly for a pet. In all I would say the second best to a Phoenix might be a Griffin, if you could tame one, but personally I would rather a Kneazle for simplicity and companionship."

That was very close to Harry's own thoughts as well, although he couldn't shake an idea he had, "You're right, but I saw potential in one other you listed, the Kelpie. Imagine, a shape shifting water demon as a pet that can grow as large as the Loch Ness monster and is almost impossible to hurt. If it can change size along with its shape it would be even better than a griffin."

This puzzled Hermione, "But Harry, when the bridle placement charm is put on, it loses it's ability to shape shift. All they are after they're tamed is a strong and fast water horse."

"I know, I know, I read that to. But I was just thinking maybe there is some other way to tame one, some modification of that spell we could find, or using a real bridle that can conform to any shape. It just sounds like the perfect pet, to be any pet you want... It's wishful thinking I know, but it seems there's always hope with magic around." He stared out the window lost in thought.

Feeling sympathy for dashing his hopes Hermione tried to take his mind off it, "It won't do to dwell on that now, especially when we have such interesting new spells to learn, and items to gather. Besides that placement charm is probably a sixth year spell that we couldn't even cast yet, maybe we can find a way to make it possible by then." The clock chimed and played its tune again to signal curfew. "I better be going, last time I was delayed and almost didn't make it back on time. Let's research and practice tomorrow okay?"

Harry nodded and smiled, noticing the blue flower he gave her still glowed. "See you tomorrow."