O.K., I've been doing a lot of thinking over the past couple of weeks and as a resutl, I have a couple of new story ideas that are just too good to pass up. As such, I've started writing them and will post some of them within the next week. This is also to get them out of my head so that I can focus on the stories I wrote first. They will be slow updates as I have about four in progress and with the little amount of time I have, I won't get much done. All of my stories, except for this one, will be updated once I have completed a chapter. This story has its tenth chapter finished and once it's posted this story will be updated like the others. Thankfully, that is still another four weeks away so I may yet write another full chapter before then. Read and review.
Christmas and Magic
The surprise that Slytherin had a Squib on their Quidditch Team was the talk of Hogwarts for weeks. The Gryffindors particularly enjoyed this as they teased the Slytherins mercilessly about how they were so bad, they needed to scrap the bottom of the barrel to get any players at all. The Slytherins of course, just responded that the Squib beat out his younger, magical brother in Quidditch. It also helped that the younger brother was also the Boy-Who-Lived. That shut the Gryffindors up faster than Snape assigning a detention. Harry was the hero of the Slytherin common room for weeks. Not only had they embarrassed Gryffindor heavily, but had also beaten the Boy-Who-Lived in Quidditch. Considering his father was the Great James Potter, Elite Chaser for Gryffindor, the victory could only have been sweeter if they had won the Cup in that match as well.
The excitement continued for longer than necessary. By the time the high was setting down, it was December and the holidays were only weeks away. Nearly everyone couldn't wait for the holidays; Harry was one of the ones who could. Both Tracey and Daphne were going back home to spend the holidays with their families. Harry, unwelcome at home until summer, possibly longer, had to stay at Hogwarts. Both girls felt a little sorry for him, but their excitement was just too much. They were the only ones however. Even after his glorious win for their Quidditch Team, most of the Slytherins still didn't like Harry, though only a few were outright hostile towards him. Thank-fully, no one except some Gryffindors tried to curse him anymore.
After the final Potions class of the year, the three Slytherin friends ran up the stairs in time to Snape end a fight between Malfoy, Ron, and Richard. He took off ten points despite the fact that Hagrid was trying to tell him that the two Gryffindors were provoked. Laughing at the boy's faces, Harry and his friends left the Entrance Hall, though not before he heard his brother mention a name he was looking for, Nicholas Flamel. Harry was confused as to why Richard was looking for the man. After Halloween, Harry had been returning to the library to read the Alchemy book and take notes, the librarian Madam Pince had refused to allow him to check it out. So, on top of his regular magical and non-magical studies, Harry spent as much time as possible reading the book. Because of this, he had taken a large interest in Alchemy.
Harry followed his brother to the library where the Gryffindors looked everywhere they could for Flamel. Harry smirked to himself as they weren't even close to finding him. Curious as to why they were looking for him, Harry opened the book of Alchemy to the chapter about Flamel; as he was the most celebrated Alchemist of all time, he got his very own chapter. There wasn't really much of note except his long life thanks to the Philosopher's Stone he created more than six hundred years ago, along with his partnership with Albus Dumbledore. That attracted Harry's attention.
Dumbledore had warned them at the beginning of the year to stay away from a forbidden corridor that was guarded by the best-of-the-best guard dog. Richard was talking about the dog guarding something that was either valuable or dangerous. The Philosopher's Stone fit the category and it had a connection to Professor Dumbledore. Could Dumbledore really have hidden his old partner Flamel's Philosopher's Stone inside of Hogwarts? If he did, why? Why hide the most one of the most powerful magical objects in the world inside of a school, it didn't make sense. Then Harry realized that was the point, no one would look for it here and Dumbledore could easily keep his eye on it.
When the Hogwarts Express left with those going home over break, Harry felt alone again, just like in the beginning of the year. Tracey had given him a hug good-bye, no weird feeling this time but still a shock, while Daphne had just given a small smile. He then returned to his empty common room, he was the only one from Slytherin staying over break. He spent his time exploring the castle freely, finding a couple of new secret passages in the process. He also spent time in the library, reading the first year books for Charms, Transfiguration, and Defense Against the Dark Arts. He had thought about asking Tracey and Daphne for their notes in those classes, but decided it would look weird for him to have them.
Christmas morning, Harry awoke to four presents at the foot of his bed; actually five, but it was addressed to Artemis and Apollo. It was from Rose and she had gotten them a thick wool blanket that they immediately curled up on when Harry laid it out for them. Wool seemed to be the theme for Rose as she had gotten Harry a green scarf made from wool. Both girls had sent Harry candy, Sugar Quills from Tracey and Every Flavor Beans from Daphne, along with joke cards with each. Tracey told him that she was going to have a lot of sugar during the holidays since he and Daphne stole hers. Daphne just said that it was revenge for the Express. Harry didn't know what she meant until he took a bite and got dirty socks. Surprisingly, Remus had also sent him something, a book called A Detailed History of Magical Europe.
The rest of the day was actually pretty good. Christmas Dinner was marvelous and Harry could have as much as he wanted whenever he wanted. There was also some quality entertainment as well. A couple of Hufflepuffs were friendly enough to allow Harry to join them in some partying and he even got a few wizard crackers. A witch Harry's age named Susan pulled one with him and got a bright red top hat that matched her hair. Everyone then laughed as Professor Dumbledore swapped a rear admirals hat with Snape for his baby's bonnet. There was even a surprise when the giant man Hagrid kissed Professor McGonagall on the cheek and she actually blushed and giggled like a school girl.
Harry went to bed that night quite happy though the next morning the feeling had passed. Christmas had been nice and Harry had actually felt like a normal student at Hogwarts but now, this morning, Harry returned to reality. While everyone else was either content to sleep in or go around talking to and thanking their friends, Harry sadly walked around the halls of Hogwarts. He remembered spending Christmas at Potter Manor in the past, with his mother and Rose in the beginning and then just with Rose. Harry felt a tear fall down his face as he wondered what his life would be like if his mother hadn't died from her mysterious illness. Would she have allowed him to go to Hogwarts, would she have accepted his being a Slytherin, would she have come to watch his first match, would he have been able to spend Christmas with her and Rose this year?
Harry was so involved in his thoughts that when he came to, he realized that he was lost. None of the walls looked familiar and there were no windows or stairs to identify where he was or what floor. Scared, Harry began to quickly move around, trying to find out where he was. His search led him to an old room that looked like it hadn't been used in years. The desks and chairs were covered in dust and piled along the walls. The only thing that looked remotely new was a large mirror that was almost as tall as the ceiling. Curious, Harry moved towards the mirror to examine it. At the top was carved Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi.
Harry then looked in the mirror and gasped, what he saw could not be possible. Standing behind him was his mother with her hand on his shoulder. Next to her was Rose. Both red heads were smiling and clapping and it took Harry a few seconds to figure out why. His mirror self was a little older than he was now and waving the wand he got from Ollivanders. The wand was giving out sparks and performing feats of magic to the entertainment of his mother and sister. Tears came to Harry's eyes as he gazed at the scene before him. Was this even possible, could he one day be able to do magic and bring back his mother? Harry was removed from his thoughts by a voice behind him.
"Good afternoon Harry."
Turning around, Harry saw a smiling Professor Dumbledore standing behind him. The old man walked forward and stood just behind Harry so that his reflection didn't show in the mirror.
"I see that, like many before you, you have discovered the delights of the Mirror of Erised."
"I didn't know it was called that Professor."
"Understandable, very few know of its existence and even fewer care to know the name. I do not wish to cause you distress, but know that whatever you see in the mirror is just what you want the most deep down within your heart, it may not even be possible."
Harry's heart fell. "I see my mother and sister standing around me. I can do magic."
Dumbledore's face softened. "I see, I too suffer from the loss of a family member and I too miss her greatly. However, no matter how much we wish it; there is no branch of magic that can bring back the dead. As for magic, it does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live, remember that. Though, I do believe that one part of your vision is true. Your sister loves you very much Harry, never forget that. As I have said for years, love is the most powerful piece of magic there is. I came to move this mirror to its new home, though if you ever find it again, I wish you to be prepared of what you may see next time. Come, let's get you back to your dorm, it is almost curfew."
Later, Harry sat on his bed deep in thought; Dumbledore's words weighed heavily on him. Today was the first time he saw his mother since her death; James kept very few pictures of her around as it was too painful to be reminded of her. Even now Harry wished he had some photo or picture of her so that he wouldn't forget her. Tears started to fall down Harry's cheeks now, him missed his mother greatly. Harry knew Dumbledore's words were true, there was no magic to bring back the dead and that Rose loved him greatly, even more than their father and brother. No matter what, he wouldn't give up that for the world.
Yet the third part of his little talk affected Harry the most. Jumping off his bed, Harry went over to his trunk and opened it. After digging through it for a minute, he found what he was looking for. There it was, exactly where he had left it, in the box it came in, his wand from Ollivander. Harry had kept it in his trunk since that trip to Diagon Alley, never taking the wand out of it. Now, for the first time in months, the wand left the box and was in Harry's hand. As he touched it, Harry again felt the warmth pass from the wand into his hand.
Ollivander said that the wand had chosen him even though he was a Squib. Harry knew that he was a Squib only because his magic was now running through Richard. The only reason he was allowed to go to Hogwarts was because he was born a wizard. Was that why the wand chose him, because it recognized him as a natural-born wizard. If he had magic, would this have been his wand? Yes, Harry thought. He remembered that Richard had tried this wand and though it worked for him, it rejected him. Harry was the wand's rightful owner and master; it had worked for him in the shop. Then, another thought struck Harry.
Carefully, Harry carried the wand over to his desk and placed it there. Then, with Artemis and Apollo watching, he went over to his pillow. Tracey said that one of the first spells that they had learned was the Levitation Spell. They had practiced on feathers so Harry tore open his pillow and took a feather from it back to the desk. Ollivander had said that Harry's wand's true power was being held back, was that because he was a Squib and couldn't focus his magic on it. And then the wand had actually worked, so maybe he could do something. Harry went back to his trunk and dug around for his notes on magical theory and charms. For an hour Harry read until he felt like he got it.
Gripping the holly wand lightly, Harry pointed and said "Wingardium Leviosa!"
The feather did nothing. Twelve times Harry said the words to make the feather levitate and nothing happened. With each try, Harry's frustration grew until he dropped the wand on his desk thinking it was hopeless. He sat there for a couple of seconds, ready to give up, but then what he saw in the Mirror came back to him. While one part may be out of his reach, Harry was determined to make two parts true, no matter what. He was a natural-born wizard, he must have some magic in him somewhere, he must!
Late into the night and early morning, Harry continued to practice, vowing to never give up. When he felt frustration take hold, he reread his notes to calm down and when he finished, he tried again. He ignored Artemis's complaints that he needed to rest soon and skipped breakfast and lunch. Finally, near exhaustion, she persuaded Harry in going to dinner to eat something. While eating, Harry got an idea and asked Professor Flitwick how a wizard used a wand, out of curiosity of course. He didn't want anyone to find out about his experiments.
Professor Flitwick went into a ten minutes explanation on focus and intent in casting. They were also joined by Professors McGonagall and Dumbledore who were happy to provide some information that Harry was missing as a result of fate. As he went back to his common room, Harry's head was spinning from all the information given as well as some contradiction provided by his notes and the three professors. Harry also realized how tired he was and laid down to rest, only to sleep until the next morning. Harry was determined to get the Levitation Spell working and spent the next four days working on it, rarely leaving his dorm, even to greet Tracey when she came back.
"Some friend you are, not coming to greet me off the train." she teased the next morning. "I thought you were avoiding me because we left you here alone."
"Sorry, I was just busy."
"Doing what?"
"An…experiment. I needed to focus and I can't do that when you're around." The blond girl pouted, though Harry knew that she was just trying to make him feel bad. Looking up, Harry saw his second friend walk by. "Morning Daphne, how was your holidays?"
To Harry's surprise, the girl sent a glare at him, stuck up her nose, and walked away. It was much like how she acted towards him before they became friends. Tracey too was surprised by Daphne's cold response.
"She's been like that ever since I joined her on the Express yesterday. She was fine when we talked about our break and families, but when I mentioned you, she turned cold, didn't even want to talk about you. From what I understand, she even threw away your present, I mean, who does that to good chocolate?"
Harry was hurt; he had given both his friends and sister a pack of Chocolate Frogs. Rose had loved them and wrote that she had finally found Circe, a witch that she had been looking for for three years. Daphne's strange act continued, she would talk normally with Tracey but would avoid or glare at Harry, often leaving the room when he entered. She stopped being Harry's partner in Potions and instead went to join Tracey all the time. She no longer wanted his notes in History of Magic as well and when Tracey asked why she was acting this way, all she got was 'I don't want to talk about it'. Harry finally got fed up with it and asked her himself why she was ignoring him when they were friends.
"We are no longer friends Harry Potter."
That had been her response and shocked him to the core. He had thought that they were goods friends when she had left for Christmas Break but now…. When Harry told Tracey about it, she was just as surprised as Harry, but thought that it would pass soon, there would be no way she couldn't remember some of the good times they had. However, come the Quidditch match against Ravenclaw in February, Daphne still refused to be friends with Harry again. Afterwards, Tracey told him that she did cheer him on and clapped just as loud as Tracey when he caught the Snitch as she did during the Gryffindor game. Both first years were confused by their friend's strange behavior.
Without Daphne, Harry was once again reduced to only Tracey as a friend, though she was starting to spend more time with Daphne. Harry didn't mind, it gave him more time to focus on trying to make his wand work. After almost two months of work, his feather still refused to float even an inch off the desk. Harry was starting to feel that if he didn't get the spell to work by the end of his first year, he never would. He was spending every available amount of time practicing, sometimes skipping meals and sleep just to work longer. Finally, a couple days into March, something happened.
It was late at night and Harry had been working for hours, ignoring Artemis's complaints again. He felt that he was closer than ever to something, he just didn't know how to explain it. After what felt like the one thousandth time that night, Harry lowered his wand and took a deep, calming breath. He had been focusing on the spell with every strain of concentration available and was starting to get a headache. Just once more and then he would end it for tonight. Taking another breath, Harry closed his eyes and thought hard about what he wanted and the incantation. He cleared his mind as best he could and sent as much energy into his wand as he could and spoke the words.
As soon as they left his mouth, Harry's headache erupted, ending his concentration. He felt a sharp pain, like something was trying to cut his forehead into two. The pain became a burning sensation around the location of his scar and then Harry felt it. A strange amount of power filled him and he lost a great deal of his energy. When he opened his eyes, the feather that he had been working with was an inch off the desk. Surprised, Harry's concentration ended, as did the power and pain. The feather dropped and Harry felt more tired than ever, but also happy. At long last, he had finally done some magic! Knowing that he couldn't continue tonight, Harry went to bed, planning to retry in the morning.
Also, this story is now located in the Daphne/Harry search so you can find it there. Hopefully that means I'll also get some more readers as that seems to be quite the popular pairing.
