Yo. I've got the next chapter up. I want to thank everyone for all their reviews! 200! Yay!
There are a few things I would like to point out. The weapons Harry purchased do have some dark powers. I was planning on showing their true purposes next chapter and the fact that I already had that planned out blinded me. It made me forget that you, the readers, didn't know. I apologize for that.
I would like to thank St. Alicon for pointing that out for me. Oh, and about the PS2. I'm only two or three years early on that. Sorry if I offended you but I honestly didn't think such a small thing like that would matter.
Hmm. That's about it. Please enjoy the chapter.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Harry sat with his back pressed against the glass, his knees drawn up as he carefully worked on his next sketch. The journey had been far from great. Although Luna's odd comment every now and then amused Harry to no end, he was very bored and seemed to twitch every so often. It wasn't that he was on some drug or was twitching with paranoia, no; it was the need to move.
Harry felt the greatest urge to just run at full speed with no boundaries. As the last two weeks went by in a blur, Harry learned a new love other than flying. Running gave him the same feeling as flying on a broomstick. It gave him the sense of freedom. While Harry could move about the air in dangerous spins or dives, Harry could shoot through the forest, dodging trees and jumping over rocks and roots.
It was the sense of adventure. Harry was soon longing for that feeling now more than ever. He was a man of action. Not to mention some of his dragon instincts often got the better of him. Food had already been taken over. Occasionally, when Harry talked out loud to himself, he though he could hear a distinct hiss or growl to his voice.
It also could have been puberty.
Harry could only shake his head to clear his thoughts and hopefully think of an idea. He glanced down at his half finished drawing. It was a child kneeling on the ground, his hand outstretched. Floating just above the child's hand was a small orb. Harry was planning to color the picture and make the small orb a baby blue color. The title was called Childhood Dreams.
Harry couldn't help but smile softly as he drew the pleased expression on the child's face. Every child should have a dream, Harry told himself.
"So," Neville began, hoping to make conversation.
"How was your summer?" Ginny asked, understanding the boys shyness and gave him a warm smile.
Neville returned it. "It was ok," he told them. "I worked a little on my greenhouse."
"You have a greenhouse?" Harry asked, curious. He knew Neville liked Herbology but had no idea the boy had his own greenhouse. Harry tilted his head in thought. Neville was a pureblood, right? Maybe…
"Yea, I do," Neville said, happy that Harry had taken an interest in what he was saying. "It's not as big or luxurious as the ones at school, but it has some pretty rare plants." He dug through his bag and brought out a small plant, beaming with pride.
"Mimbulus mimbletonia," he stated proudly.
Harry could only stare at the plant, not knowing what to say. The plant looked like a deranged cactus with boils on it. Harry really had to fight the urge to poke one of those boils.
"Apparently, these plants are really rare," Neville told them. I'm going to see if I can breed them."
That time Harry couldn't stop a snort. When Neville looked at him strangely, Harry said, "Sorry Nev, but I never really understood how you could breed plants. I mean, no offense, but what if you tried to get that mimble thing together with a… Oh, I don't know a sunflower. I think the mimble would probably destroy said sunflower and erupt with some type of puss or something."
Everybody stared at Harry incredulously. Harry just blinked at them and he could notice Luna's raised eyebrow that seemed really out of place on her dreamy face.
Neville soon returned the plant and talking once again resumed.
"What's with the new hair style?" Neville asked, staring at Harry's green hair.
Harry shrugged. "Wanted a new changed and the lady at the barber shop went a little overboard."
"Good thing she didn't add silver streaks then, huh?"
Harry grinned at Neville. "Good thing indeed." Harry also noted the others seem to take in his new clothes as well. Luna just gave Harry a small glance before reading her upside down magazine. Harry didn't know much about clothes, but he was quite happy with his new ones.
Today he was wearing a red shirt with a black long sleeved undershirt. He had his black baggy pants on and a leather bracelet on his right wrist. Glamour's had been put on the manacles to make it appear as if they weren't even there. His black combat boots stood out nicely but were able to hide his large dagger.
Harry had been surprised but not shocked as he realized there was more to the daggers and shuriken than he originally thought. Of course he should have known better. They were from Borgin and Burkes after all.
The dagger, when able to cut someone, would infect the cut and if not treated right away, a limb or some body part could be completely destroyed. Harry bet it was illegal not only because of the damage it caused, but because of the horrible pain as well.
The shuriken had been only been charmed to move faster than they had been thrown and instead of just cutting, it shredded the skin. Harry knew this because he had tested his weapons on rabbits and other small creatures in the forest. He knew he had to be used to the idea of hurting another creature but Harry was pretty sure he wouldn't be moving onto anything bigger than a deer for a while.
Small talk remained but the compartment was otherwise quiet. It wasn't until Ron and Hermione came did things start to heat up. Malfoy and his goon squad showed up for their yearly beating.
"Get out," Harry said impatiently before Malfoy could even open his house. Seriously, he was not in the mood for Malfoy right now.
"Better watch your tone there, Potter," Malfoy mocked. "Just might have to take away house points or give detentions."
"Oh, you've got me there, Malfoy," Harry said, rolling his eyes. "Really, you've got me shaking in fear."
"So how does it feel to be second best to, Weasely?" Malfoy taunted.
"Get out!" Hermione and Ron roared.
Harry just yawned at the pathetic insult, infuriating Malfoy even more.
"Really, Potter, you have the manners of a beggar."
Harry shrugged. "Just wanted to make sure you were comfortable, Malfoy." There was a satisfying tinge of pink on Malfoy's cheeks.
"I heard the Dark Lord got a new pet," Malfoy whispered savagely. Harry narrowed his eyes. Malfoy saw the reaction and smirked. "I heard he even went through the trouble of beating and collaring the beast. Won't be long before it's been tamed— ack!"
Harry had Malfoy in a choke hold. He bared his teeth in anger and threw Malfoy out of the compartment. "Get out of here."
"You'll regret that, Potter," Malfoy threatened before leaving. His two goons followed, unsure of what else to do.
"Harry…" Ron started but Harry cut him off by putting some galleons on his lap.
"By me something, would you? I'm going for a walk." Harry left the compartment, leaving a very bewildered group.
Harry made his way to the very end of the train, nodding at those who waved but scowled at the ones who whispered behind his back as he passed. They obviously believed the Daily Prophet. Well, they would know the truth someday.
Harry finally made his way to the caboose and stood outside, leaning on the railings. He breathed in deeply, catching all the different scents and allowing the wind to blow his hair wildly.
"You should have ripped the ferrets face off," Tagger told him as he appeared in front f Harry.
"Neh, and then get sent of to prison for killing him? As eager as that sounds, I really do need to do a few other things first."
Tagger laughed.
The two stayed quiet for a while. Harry had climbed onto the railing and was in a crouching/sitting position. Harry stayed out there for thirty minutes. Those thirty minutes soon turned into an hour.
As they passed over a large bridge with a river underneath, Harry swore he could make out a blue and green creature that had to be at least twenty feet long. As the train sped away, Harry didn't get a really good look and wondered if he had just imagined it.
"Harry?" said a quiet voice. Hermione closed the door behind her and saw where Harry was. She gave a loud shriek, almost causing Harry to fall off from shock. "Get off! Are you trying to kill yourself? What if you fell off?" Hermione continued to scold him, bringing a smile to Harry's lips.
"Sorry, 'Mione. I didn't mean to worry you."
Hermione scowled slightly but smiled at his grin. "You had everyone else worried too. Ron thought Malfoy had jumped you or something."
Harry chuckled. "The day Malfoy successfully jumps me is the day Voldemort marries a muggle."
"And if that does happen?" Hermione asked teasingly.
"Then I'll kiss Fudge."
"Eww." Hermione laughed with Harry. "I see you don't think it will ever happen."
Harry shook his head. "Nope."
The two stayed quiet for a bit, watching the scenery until Hermione noticed Harry rubbing his left wrist. She frowned. Was he even aware he was doing it?
"Harry," Hermione said quietly.
"Yea?" Harry looked at her, surprised to see her face sad. What had happened to change her emotion that fast?
"Does it hurt?"
Harry blinked. "What?"
Hermione took his wrist, suppressing the hurt look on her face as she saw him flinch at her touch. She covered his hand with both of hers. "Is he hurting you, Harry?"
Harry didn't say anything for a minute, his eyes wide. He smiled at her, his eyes filled with a warmth that Hermione wished she could see in his eyes everyday. "I'm fine, Hermione."
Hermione put her hands on her hips, her face firm. "You better be telling me the truth, Harry Potter, or you will regret it."
Harry just laughed before stretching a bit. "Really, I'm fine." He made to move back inside the train but paused and walked back to Hermione. He gave her a tight hug. "Thank you for caring about me."
He walked inside, pausing to look back out. "Aren't you coming?" he asked.
Hermione smiled. "Yea, I'm coming, little brother."
"Yea I… EH!? Little brother!?" Harry turned around.
Hermione laughed at his response and, with a sly face, said, "Of course, Harry. I am older and still taller than you."
"…" Harry walked up quickly to her and put them back to back, checking their height with his hand. His eye twitched as he realized he was still shorter than Hermione by at least two centimeters.
Hermione playfully stuck out her tongue and ran back inside, ignoring Harry's indignant look. She laughed, glad Harry was happy. If only he could be like that all the time.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Harry made his way up to the carriages with his friends. He talked quietly to Neville and Ron as they walked closer and closer to the carriage. Harry stopped dead and stared at the strange beasts that stood in front of each carriage.
"Ron," he whispered quickly, unsure if the creatures were dangerous or not. They didn't appear to be doing anything but wait patiently. Actually, why were the carriages being pulled this year?
"Yea?" Ron turned back. "What is it?"
I motion to the horse's that looked like an escapee of a concentration camp. "What do you reckon those are?"
He turned, looking for what Harry saw. "What creatures?"
Harry feels like slapping his friend upside the head. What did he think he was referring to?
"Those horse things pulling the carriage."
This time Ron looks at Harry weirdly. "Uh, mate; I really don't know what you're talking about."
Harry gapped. Pulling Ron up to the horses, Harry put his head right in front of it. "That," he almost hiss.
Ron moves away from Harry nervously. "Look, Harry, I think we better get in the carriage now." He takes off.
Harry can only stare helplessly as his friend leaves.
"Don't worry," say's a voice from behind Harry. He turns and sees Luna. "I've been able to see them since I first came here."
"What are they?" Harry asks.
Luna just smiles dreamily. "Who knows?" She skips away, holding Ron's owl.
Harry feels awkward but continues to stare at the skeletal horse. It stares right back. They looked strangely familiar too. Hesitantly, Harry pets it on the head, smiling slightly as it rubs his arm for more.
They aren't so bad.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Everyone chatted loudly, the sorting hat and Dumbledore's speech already done. There were a lot of shocked voices when they learned there was to be a Halloween dance. Students could dress up in bought or homemade costumes. The girls were looking at the guys with a predatory glint in their eyes.
The food was as good as always but there was a slightly tense atmosphere. The Sorting hat had left a warning and, despite the bold yet almost desperate song, no one really seemed to heed its words.
All but Harry Hermione, that is.
"Oh, come off it, guys!" Ron said with a mouthful of potatoes. "Do you really think that old hat was serious?"
Nearly Headless Nick floated over to them at that moment. "You should heed its warnings serious," he told them. "The Sorting hat has been known to give warnings in the past."
"Did anything ever happen? Harry asked. He cut his steak carefully, staring at the red liquid still covering the delicious meat.
"Oh, yes," Nick said importantly. "But that is not for me to say. The ghosts here are not allowed to give private information about the Sorting hat."
"Why is that?" Hermione asked.
Nick just stared at her. "Because of honor."
The old ghost floated off, leaving the trio deep in thought.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Harry hid a groan. He figured a lot of people wouldn't believe him, but he honestly did not expect one of his own roommates to turn on him.
Harry just stared at Seamus impassively. "Fine," Harry said coldly, hopping into his bed. "But just remember, you're the one who's supposedly sleeping the same room with a crazy man."
Harry shut the curtains, anger causing him to shake. He muttered a quick spell and his trunk, which had been shrunken, returned to its normal height and stood on Harry's bed. Making sure all the charms he placed on the bed were secure, he entered the trunk, closing it afterwards.
He had placed several silencing charms on the bed and charmed the curtains to not be opened by anyone but him. Very useful.
"Stupid, backstabbing little bugger," Tagger growled angrily. He turned to Harry hopefully. "Prank him? Pleeease?"
Harry sighed but smirked at Tagger. "If I do, I'll be sure it's huge. Deal?"
Tagger nodded. "But no later than three weeks."
"Fine, fine, if it'll get you to shut up."
"Hey!"
Harry took off his shirt, now only in his pajama bottoms, and transformed. He breathed in happily, stretching his muscles and feeling his scales move. He loved that feeling and never got over it. Tail swishing back and forth, Harry entered the library.
"It's a shame we couldn't get any books from your family vault," Tagger said, floating with his arms behind his back.
Harry nodded in agreement, his eyes wandering for a new book. His eyes landed on the weapons book he got from Borgin & Burkes.
"When the next vacation comes, I'll be sure to have a better look around the family vault and Knockturn Alley." Harry tilted his head. "And try to figure out what that other Alley is."
"It still sounds kind of stalker-ish that he knew you would be back."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Who cares? The book he left is very useful."
Tagger was silent after that.
Harry opened the book eagerly, noticing several pictures of weapons and some disfigured bodies. It was quite gruesome but gave Harry the general idea of what he should expect of a weapon.
The art of weaponry is most often looked down upon by wizarding society. While true when it comes to spells, a wand is much more useful. You, however, have chosen to ignore those laws. To begin, all you need is a few items. When you have completed the instructions necessary rituals, your weapon shall be made. To learn more about your weapon, simply put it on this book until instructions appear.
Ah, so it was more of a guide book on how to use the weapon. Harry looked at the book strangely, wondering why it was considered dark. His answer was solved after looking through it more carefully. Besides, the gruesome pictures, the rituals involved needed blood.
Harry frowned. He knew first hand that not all blood rituals were good, but to condemn them all was ridiculous. Some, however, had been given permission to but only with Ministry personal. He would need to look into blood magic later.
Looking back at the book, he made a list of what he needed.
One personal object.
Exactly two centimeters of blood.
Runes to be carved into the area he would perform the ritual.
And it had to be on the day of a full moon exactly at midnight.
Harry tapped his chin in thought. Those were some interesting things. He supposed he could just do the ritual in the Forbidden Forest. Getting the blood was simple enough but the important item is what he really needed.
What about his invisibility cloak? No, he couldn't carry the cloak around all the time. Even if he could change the object into a weapon and back, it wouldn't be worth it if it was stolen or lost. He also couldn't use his Firebolt. What else did he have?
He didn't have anything.
Harry looked down, one claw rubbing circles into the carpet.
"What about your wand?" Tagger suggested.
"What?" Harry looked up. "My wand?" He took out his wand, holding it gently. He smiled. Of course! This wand had chosen him, creating a bond. It was the closest thing Harry had ever kept to himself.
Harry grinned. "Good idea. And since this ritual can make it change back and forth, I could shoot spells and then use the weapon if needed."
"Yes, but I don't think you should do this until you have a new wand. What if you lost your first wand? You would have nothing."
Harry scowled. "I would have my knives and claws." Harry held up his hands to clarify.
"Neh." Tagger just disappeared, telling Harry he had gone back into his mind.
Grumbling, even though he knew Tagger had a point, Harry made his way over to the items Ollivander gave him. He made a small table where he could look over all the tools from a sitting position.
Opening the book, Harry could only blink as a magazine fell out. Lifting it up curiously, Harry could only grin as he read the catalogue. It would basically tell him exactly what type of wood, cores, anything he needed for him personally.
Harry opened the first page. Wood.
Please place one drop of blood in the square at the top. This will tell you what wood would benefit from you the most.
Harry did as was told and watched words start to appear.
There was of course Holly, but Yew also appeared. Harry frowned at that one but looked at the other types. Lignum Vitae (Green Ironwood), Snakewood and Manchineel wood also appeared.
He wrote the names on a piece of parchment. That was exactly five types of wood. That didn't necessarily mean he could use all, but it would help him find what he needed the most.
The next page was the same, only this time for the core. Smudging some blood in the box at the top, Harry checked to see what he would need.
Phoenix feather/blood.
Dragon scale.
Snake venom/blood.
Griffon claw.
Chimera scale.
Harry could only blink. That was another five. He was a bit confused about the blood and venom though. How could he do that?
Harry opened the book, 'The Making of Wands,' and found out that the liquid or blood would be hardened and frozen when he applied to spells and actually worked with the wands. That seemed interesting.
After writing the names of the items, he ripped off the back of the catalogue so he could write what he needed. He could send it off with Hedwig. He also needed to write a reply to Ash's letter. She had asked if he could tell her about the classes he was in. She was very curious about it.
After writing what he needed, he folded the piece of paper in half and put it back on the small table. The length would have to be done by himself. Really, it was all a matter of guess work.
He also made sure to not add Phoenix blood since he had that. He already knew where to find snake scales and venom. He sighed. He would need to pay a visit to the Chamber of Secrets soon. He would wait at least four weeks after the start of school.
Things died down around that time.
"Well," Harry said aloud, "better get started on spells."
A new book in hand, Harry entered the training area. He transformed back into a human since he could not perform any spells as a dragon. While an inconvenience, Harry supposed he would just have to be a better weaponist in dragon form.
Grinning dangerously at the Dummy, Harry raised his wand and shouted, "Torrido Aguamenti," which shot scalding hot water. On a Death Eater, it would cause severe burns and more than likely force him to drop his wand.
A very nice spell.
The meter rose more than half way, pleasing Harry since he had only practiced the spell once. Looking at another spell, he made the moving Dummy come to life. He would need this one to dodge attacks. Also, he just wanted to see if he could perform the next spell.
Concentrating hard, Harry raised his wand, shouting, "Fossareres!" Small spikes rose from the ground. The Dummy jumped out of the way, unharmed.
Harry focused more power, eager for the spell to be more powerful. The spikes he created had been too small, doing nothing more than break a foot.
Shouting once more and jabbing his wrist, larger spikes appeared Harry saw that this time the spikes rose to hip level. The Dummy had of course gotten out of the way, as it was charmed to do, but Harry was sure any other wizard would not have gotten away from that without also transfiguring the ground.
Harry fell to one knee, drained. He had used more power than he should have. That was a problem he had and still had not fixed. Panting, Harry cancelled the Dummies and slowly rose.
Harry suddenly gasped, clutching his scar and closing his eyes as his head exploded in pain. He managed to smirk weakly, crawling to the potions he had. Of course they just had to be on the other side of the gym.
Another burst of pain shot through his head, making him curl up in a ball. He would not whimper or cry out. The satisfaction of knowing Voldemort was angry at him made him happy since he knew he had to be doing something Voldemort didn't like.
Trying to raise his weak Occlumency shields, Harry felt pain in his neck. For some reason, he knew Voldemort was grabbing him by the back of his neck.
"Let me go," Harry hissed to the room. He struggled to stand up right, desperately trying to ignore the pain from both his scar and his neck.
Concentrating with all his might, he felt his magic spark, electricity coming alive around his body and mind. Harry managed a weak smirk, seeing two electric butterflies flutter around him protectively. He knew there were more in his mind and he also knew Tagger was there as well, fighting off the intruder.
When the pain passed and Harry could stand up right, he couldn't help but laugh. It just hurt so much, both emotionally and mentally. Maybe he was crazy, after all, he was laughing at the fact Voldemort could cause him pain like this. Of course, Voldemort hadn't done something like this in a while. His Occlumency shields, while still weak, were helping.
Harry raised a hand to his head, rubbing it almost innocently. "God I hate him."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Are you sure you're alright?" Hermione asked for the fourth time.
Harry sighed, looking at her as he picked at his egg. "For the millionth time, Hermione, I'm fine. Can you pass the coffee?"
Hermione sighed but did what was asked. "I still can't believe you got the house elves to make this."
Harry just smiled. "To help me wake up in the morning," he told her. He took several large gulps and checked his class schedule. He grimaced, seeing what his first classes would be. History of Magic, double potions, Divination, and double Defense Against the Dark Arts.
"I hope Fred and George finish those Skiving Snackboxes," Ron groaned.
"Don't let Hermione hear that," Harry warned quietly. "She'll be all over you and I don't think the twins will lay off if they hear a Prefect trying to get out of class."
Ron just groaned again.
Harry patted his friend. "Well," he said cheerfully, earning a glare from Ron, "let's get to class!"
Hermione beamed at him when she looked up. "That's the spirit, Harry. Make sure you take proper notes this year, especially with our O.W.L's this year."
Harry mock saluted and dragged Ron away from the table and towards Binns' class.
Class was as boring as ever. Professor Binns, their only ghost teacher, had a wheezy voice that seemed to drone on and on. Harry had seriously tried to take adequate notes, especially since he wanted to have good grades this year instead of just sliding by, but could only last thirty minutes and spent the last hour doodling on a bit of parchment.
He decided to draw Binns talking to a bunch of zombies and not even noticing, too wrapped up in his boring lecture. All the zombies were stabbing themselves, trying to kill themselves to get out of the lecture only to realize they were already dead.
Harry chuckled quietly as he finished, shading another part of the picture, completing it just before the bell rang. He picked up his bag, walking toward the dungeons with his friends. He decided to keep his face neutral as he entered what was known as 'Snape Territory.'
Snape, Harry decided, had acted entirely too childish. He was an adult, and although he had problems with James Potter in the past, he had to get it through his greasy head that the man was dead. He was also a teacher. Harry still wondered why the greasy man had taken the job if he didn't even teach.
Deciding not to think too hard on the subject, Harry laid P down on the table carefully, respecting the book and its knowledge. P was just another thing Harry could not tell anyone. It was rather risky to be using it out in the open, but Harry trusted P's word, despite that was still a book, which no one would find out.
Besides, Harry told himself, how is it cheating if he did all the work? All he got were different directions. Unless someone outright did the work for him, then Harry would have called that cheating.
Snape took that moment to enter the classroom, muttering insults to the Gryffindor's as he passed. He turned to the class, eyeing each student carefully. His lip curled when his eyes landed on Harry but he just stared back, daring Snape to the childish one in this battle.
Snape didn't take the bait.
"Before we begin today's lesson," Snape said silkily, sweeping over to his desk and looking back at the class, "I think it appropriate to remind you of the O.W.L exam. I expect you all to scrape by with an acceptable or you will suffer my… displeasure."
His eyes lingered on Neville who gulped.
"Of course, after this year, many of you will cease studying with me if you should not get a high enough grade. I take only the best in my N.E.W.T Potions class, in assurance that I will no longer have to deal with the idiots who waste my time."
Harry narrowed his eyes. The whole point of being a teacher is to teach. What the hell was Dumbledore thinking when he hired Snape? Harry glanced at Neville, determined to help the boy out as much as possible. Harry smiled inwardly, excited about what he wanted to show Neville later.
"Today we will be mixing the potion known as the Draught of Peace," Snape began again, taking Harry out of his musings. "The instructions are on page 125 of your book. Ingredients," Snape gestured at the cupboard as the door opened on its own, "are in here if you do not have all the ingredients already." He glared at them all. "Start."
Harry decided to open up P first, deciding it would be better to get his ingredients only after the book had told him if he needed any extra.
Yes, the Draught of Peace is a bit difficult but you have studied potions for a few years now. You should do fine if you follow my directions and do this calmly. The Draught of Peace can be a bit frustrating at times, given that you have to heat the fire to a precise degree and stir in the right direction every few minutes.
Now, I want you to get all the ingredients that are written down. The only other thing I want you to get is a bit more hellebore syrup. If able to, find a solid hellebore and let it sit in the potion for a while. But we'll get to that later. Off you go!
Harry grabbed all the necessary ingredients, receiving a few odd stares. Usually the Gryffindor's all rushed to the cupboard and started as quickly as possible so they didn't run into any sabotaging Slytherin's on the way back.
Harry grabbed some powdered moonstone and checked to see if there was any solid hellebore. Trying to remember what a hellebore was, Harry almost hit himself. It was a flower! He searched until he found the pale purple flower but still grabbed some syrup as well.
Just in case.
Unfortunately, the reasons Gryffindor's went first were true. Just as Harry was getting a good grip on his jar of hellebore syrup, he was shoved roughly into the side of the cupboard and dropped the jar, spilling the contents.
"Potter!" Snape barked.
Harry scowled angrily. He glared back at the person who pushed him, angry that he had not noticed the person sneak up behind him like that. There were too many scents in the air to know if someone was too close on purpose or with ill intention.
Malfoy smirked at him, causing Harry to grind his teeth. No, he would not snap, proving that he could hold his temper.
"Potter," Snape snarled. "Clean up that mess and use only the ingredients in your hand."
Harry just cast a quick cleaning charm and sat back down, really glad he had the solid hellebore with him.
An interesting start.
Harry wondered if P knew what happened just now and decided to ask later.
Add the Pomegranate juice first and let it simmer for three minutes exactly. I want you to add the powered moonstone as soon as the time is up. Stir clockwise three times and wait 1 minute and 23 seconds. Then stir counterclockwise five times.
Harry did it as best as he could, pleased to note that he got the moonstone in only three seconds after the time limit. Usually he would have done it too late and messed up, but because he was paying attention, he knew he was doing a good job.
The rest of class seemed to fly by. Harry was not unaware of Snape watching him most of the time. He tried to ignore him but when he started to make it a habit of being right in front of Harry's potion, his hands started to shake from anger. He was also nervous that Snape would find out about P.
Luckily, P seemed to understand the situation and no longer left any notes. The book had already told Harry all the instructions anyway but Harry couldn't remember the next part. He knew he had to add two drops of hellebore syrup but didn't have any. He still had the flower but could not remember the amount of time he needed.
P had told him the instructions only moments ago.
The fire must be lowered some more until a small steam rises from the potion. Add the nettles and stir four times while raising the temperature. On the final stir add a half turn clockwise. For the hellebore flower, let it soak…
Harry nearly groaned. He couldn't remember how much time it was supposed to soak. How many minutes was it? Was it seconds? Uhg… Wait! It wasn't an exact number! Harry smiled and let the flower fall into his potion, not noticing the narrowed look from Snape.
Not even a minute passed by and a silver vapor started to rise from his cauldron. Grinning successfully, Harry quickly took the soaked flower out and tossed it into the waste.
"All of you should have a silver vapor rising out of your potion," Snape said, almost making Harry jump. "It seems that somehow Mr. Potter here has done that."
The entire class went quiet; the Slytherin's sniggering as they realized Snape was about to taunt Harry. Harry looked up defiantly.
"Tell me, Potter," Snape said quietly, "just how exactly did you get the correct shimmer without the hellebore syrup? I know for a fact that you dropped it because of your carelessness."
Harry glared. "I used the actual flower," he said tensely.
Snape folded his hands, staring at Harry that reminded him of the way Voldemort stared at him: Like an animal on display.
"Really? And how did you know the proper amount of time or even if a hellebore flower would be even more significant than the syrup."
Harry thought quickly, trying to come up with an excuse. "Professor Sprout told me," Harry let out. "Yea, I remember her saying that some syrup ingredients can be used in place of a flower or the other way around in Potions. She said because Potions used plant ingredients, it would be useful to know that."
The entire class was staring at Harry. Neville and Hermione were frowning, trying to remember if Sprout really said that.
Snape, who stood directly in front of Harry, snatched his book away and started flipping through the pages, determined to find a note or anything else that could be used for cheating. He probably searched each page five times before throwing it back in Harry's hands with a snarl.
"All of you bottle up a sample and put on my desk. If you don't do this in the next five minutes you fail." There was some scrambling, but Harry did his carefully, hearing Snape whisper, "I don't know how you cheated, Potter, but I will find out."
Harry smirked coldly, something that was never seen on his face. Snape and the three Slytherin's that saw him blinked at they saw the look. Harry whispered, "If you have time to make false accusations, Professor, then I'm sure you have enough time to grade this potion fairly, even it's the only fair grade you've ever given me. Who's the childish one, now?"
Harry placed his sample on the desk and left the classroom as quickly as possible, meeting up with Ron and Hermione for lunch.
"That was rather harsh of Professor Snape," Hermione said as he sat down. "Accusing you of cheating in front of the whole class like that."
Harry just shrugged and grabbed a sandwich.
Hermione took a sip of water before turning back to Harry. "When did Professor Sprout tell you that, anyway?"
"Er, a while ago," Harry said lamely. He didn't think Hermione would bring it up and was a little surprised when she did. "I don't remember, just last year, I think."
"Besides," Ron said, "even if Harry was cheating, he would have told me, right?"
Harry rolled his eyes.
"Ron," Hermione scolded.
"What?" Ron defended.
Hermione just pursed her lips but sat up straighter in thought. "I would have thought he'd be better this year," she said quietly. "I mean, with the Order and all that."
"Poisonous toadstools don't change their spots," Ron said darkly.
The two then started to get into a fight of if Snape was trustworthy or not. Harry felt his eyebrow twitch in annoyance. Tagger, who had been congratulating him on pissing Snape off the first day, looked rather annoyed as well.
"Let's just ditch them," Tagger said, folding his arms and looking at the two. "C'mon, let's go hear how we'll die this time."
Harry got up and left the two, smirking at Tagger as he entered the hallway. "You do realize we still have an hour of lunch left, don't you?"
Tagger suddenly looked sheepish, evidently forgetting. "Er, yea, well, you need to study more!" Tagger disappeared quickly, making Harry laugh. He received some odd glances from the younger years before he suddenly thought of something.
He had been thinking about this for a while. Unfortunately, he hadn't thought about it during the Diagon Alley trip. Oh well. He would definitely need a teachers permission slip to get the book he wanted. But who to go to? Harry pondered for a moment before shrugging and just walked for the rest of the hour until it was time to get to Divination.
"Good day," Professor Trelawney said in her usual misty, dreamy voice. "I welcome you all back to Divination, already knowing that you would have returned safe and sound."
Harry managed to hide a snort as Ron looked at him with a small grin.
"If you will look at the books on your table," Professor Trelawney said, making a sweeping motion with her arm, "you will see a copy of The Dream Oracle. Dream interpretation is a most important part of divining the future. This skill will be tested during your O.W.L.s."
Her voice turned disapproving. "However, if you have the all Seeing Eye, certificates and grades don't matter much. Now, I want you all to turn to the introduction page and then separate into pairs and try to interpret each others dream."
Harry sat in his chair glumly, having no idea what to say. Dreams… the word almost seemed to tease him. He didn't dream anymore because he didn't sleep. The thought made him want to break something… or someone.
"You go first," Ron said. "I never remember my dreams."
Harry decided to take on an irritated look. "I already know what my dreams mean," he growled out softly. "Surely you must remember one?"
Ron looked taken aback before he seemed to think Harry dreamt about the graveyard or the events of the summer.
"Well, I did have a dream about playing Quidditch," Ron said slowly. "Any idea what that means?"
Harry snorted. "Maybe it just meant you would be playing Quidditch."
Ron screwed up his face, looking as if thinking was becoming a strain. "Maybe it could mean try outs. Remember, Gryffindor need some new players this year."
Harry brightened up and grinned at his friend. "So do you plan on trying out?"
"Well," Ron trailed off, turning a bit red. "I don't know. I mean, it would be fun and all."
"You should," Harry urged. "I'll help practice with you."
Ron gave him a relieved grin. "Thanks, mate."
The rest of class turned out to be dull work and Harry was not happy to learn they would need to keep a dream diary. Oh well, he would just have to do what he did every year for Divination: Make stuff up.
Ron groaned as he climbed down the ladder. "We have so much homework already! I mean, we already have the foot-and-a-half-long essay for Binns on Giant wars, and Snape wants a foot long essay on the use of moonstones."
Harry agreed it was quite a bit for the first day but also reminded Ron it was their O.W.L year. Ron just grumbled at Harry for taking it all in stride.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Harry punched the training Dummy as hard as he could, receiving grim satisfaction as it fell to the ground. This year they had the worst DADA teacher. Umbridge, or Umbitch as the students referred to her, was a nightmare.
"Acting like she's so sweet and nice," Harry growled, shifting into his dragon form and making claw marks on the wall. "Putting everyone down like that," Harry said louder. "Calling me a bloody liar in front of the whole class. Well, we'll see who the liar is!"
Harry got so angry that he ran straight at the wall and head bashed right into it. He panted harshly as he let his head rest against the undamaged wall. He was unhurt, his horns having stopped the impact. "Damn toad, I'll make sure she regrets that."
"She'll regret everything when she finds out the truth," Tagger said as floated in circles, his teeth bared as well. "If I was solid I would have clawed her eyes out, left a giant hole through her chest and…"
Harry tuned Tagger out as he paced. "Need to calm down. Need to calm down." He said this a few times and tried to get into a meditative position. "Need to calm down," he said one last time.
Although Harry had been close to yelling his head off at her, he refrained. The strain was terrible and the whole class could see him twitching from the force. He couldn't get a detention and give the fat toad the satisfaction. He would be patient, no matter how hard, and he would show her and the entire Ministry what fools they had been. Harry smiled faintly as his mind started to calm, Occlumency lessons now taking over.
The only good news was that Angela had been nominated for Quidditch Captain.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
The next day was almost as worse as the first. Hagrid had still not returned and the Slytherin's, Malfoy in particular, went to great lengths to get Harry angry. Strangely, Harry found that ignoring Malfoy was much easier than ignoring Umbridge. Harry had decided early on that she was not fit enough to be called Professor since she taught absolutely nothing.
"I swear, if Malfoy keeps going on about Hagrid like that," Harry trailed off angrily.
"You'll do nothing," Hermione replied. "Don't go blowing off some steam and the stupid things Malfoy says and then get in trouble."
Harry clenched his jaw but nodded at Hermione, silently agreeing with her. "Well, we have Herbology next," he told them.
Harry was actually not looking forward to this class. Professor Sprout, who was known to be kind and caring, had been rather cold and indifferent to Harry in the past, last year especially. She, along with most of the population, seemed to think he had taken Cedric's glory on purpose.
Harry wasn't sure if he could handle Sprout accusing him of killing Cedric. The memory still hurt, even though he was slowly getting over it. He was strong, though. He would get through this.
The greenhouse doors opened and a few fourth years came out. Harry, to his amusement, saw Luna heading his way.
"Hello," she said as she made her way to him. "Just so you know," she said in an almost stage like whisper, "I believe that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is back, and that you fought him as well."
Harry blinked, more at her attire than her words. She wore earrings that looked suspiciously like orange radishes that, apparently, Parvati and Lavender noticed and were giggling behind them.
"You can laugh!" Luna said, thinking they were laughing at what she said instead of what she was wearing. "But people used to believe there were no such things as the Blibbering Humdinger or the Crumpled-Horn Snorlack!"
"Well, they were right, weren't they?" Hermione asked impatiently. She didn't seem to like Luna's beliefs and ideals.
Harry honestly didn't care. After spending so much time in the magical world he would be surprised by anything totally unrealistic being discovered.
Luna gave Hermione a look of pity that almost made Ron start laughing before she bounced away, earrings swinging madly. Hermione muttered something under her breath and entered the greenhouse with the others.
It came to no surprise as Professor Sprout gave a long lecture about their O.W.Ls, which bored everyone to death since they had listened to the same thing already. "Now," Sprout started, "I am excited to tell you that for the first few months you shall partner up with one other person and each grow a pant. I want to you and your partner to get to know each other and write an essay about what you have learned from both the person and their plant. You may, however, not pair up with someone you've had in the past."
Harry and Ron felt their hearts sink as they looked at each other glumly.
"This project will be worth more than half your grade. Failure is not an option." Ron's jaw dropped. "Now, off you go."
Harry looked around, wondering who he could pair up with. He noticed Neville's depressed look as people passed him. Harry also remembered he had forgotten to show Neville something last nigh because of how angry he got.
Harry walked up to Neville. "Hey," he said kindly, "wanna be partners?"
Neville looked shocked, because Harry Potter asked him or because anyone wanted to be partners with him Harry did not know.
Neville seemed to get over his shock and smiled. "Sure! Do you have any idea what kind of flower or plant you want to grow?"
Harry shook his head and sat next to Neville. "No, Professor Sprout said this was supposed to be a personal plant that reflected upon you, so I'm not sure at the moment."
Neville just nodded and handed a magazine to Harry as Sprout passed the rest out to the other students.
"These are the type of plants that I already have the seeds for," Sprout began, her eyes landing briefly on Harry before turning to the rest of the class. "If you know of any other plant you wish to grow and I do not have the seeds, you are welcome to order them if you like. However, you must tell me what you wish to grow in the next week."
Harry looked through the magazine with Neville and wrote down a few promising ones but otherwise saw nothing interesting. Neville seemed to go through the same thing and brought out his own personal magazine.
"We can look through this one," he said shyly. " I mean, if you haven't found one or something."
Harry, determined to get Neville out of his submissive attitude, grinned widely at the other boy. "Sure, Nev, anything interesting you have in mind."
Neville, brightened up by Harry's kind words, nodded and started to open the magazine to a specific page. The two ended up looking through the entire packet and both found what they wanted to grow.
Neville chose to grow Fanged Geranium, a rather high level plant for fifth years but would most likely show up on their O.W.Ls. "It's always seemed like an interesting plant and I can't use my Mimbulus mimbletonia since I've already started growing I," Neville explained.
Harry wasn't sure what he wanted to grow at first but saw a black rose. He knew it meant death or farewell, but the magical property was a bit interesting. It could be used for many things or did many things, one being able to bloom fully and, if done correctly in a ritual, would judge a person and give them either life or death.
Harry rather liked that view since he himself would have to choose between killing and not killing. A magical black rose was much harder to grow than a muggle one, which was actual a regular red one painted black, and would take time and careful care.
Neville complimented Harry on his choice and both packed up, ready to leave. "Hey, Neville," Harry called before Neville could leave.
"Yea?" the other boy asked.
"There's something important I need to show you tonight. Do you think you could meet me in the dorm room a little early after dinner?"
Neville nodded, wondering what Harry wanted to show him. Harry just smiled mysteriously when asked and told him he had to wait.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Dinner was an interesting affair. Harry was eating some steak and kiwi at a slow pace. He could see Neville almost bouncing with curiosity and couldn't help but grin, eating a bit slower. When Neville seemed like he would burst, Harry relented and stood up, beckoning for Neville to follow.
Up in their dorms, Harry brought out his photo album. He didn't open it yet but instead said nervously, "This summer, I ended up finding a few things of my mothers."
Neville nodded for him to continue, not entirely sure where Harry was going with this.
Harry cleared his throat awkwardly and said, "Well, among some of the items was a photo album." He took this time to open it to the last quarter of it. Each photo had a small sentence or description of what was going on or who was in it. Harry pointed to one that said, 'Me and Alice!'
Neville stared at the photo incredulously. "Is… is that our mum's?"
Harry nodded shyly. "I guess our parents were really good friends since the last quarter of this book is filled with them and several other friends. Did…" Harry swallowed and looked at Neville. "Did you know they were friends?"
Neville shook his head slowly. "Not really. Gran just told me that your mum was my Godmother and it was the same with you and my mum."
Harry felt his hand clench. "Was she really?" The question was more to himself than Neville.
Neville looked up from examining the photo. "Yea, didn't you know?"
Harry shook his head. "No," he said with a frown, "no one told me."
They were silent for a few moments.
"I… heard about your parents, Neville," Harry said softly. "I'm sorry."
Harry saw Neville's shoulders tense. "It's ok," he said as quietly as Harry. "I mean, I can visit them an all, but you can't with yours."
Harry turned his head away. He didn't know what to say to that. Neville sniffed and Harry realized he had a few tears running down his cheek. With a start, Harry realized he did as well.
Attempting to look a bit more organized, Harry said, "Nev, would you like to look at the pictures with me?"
Neville gave Harry the largest smile Harry had ever seen.
"Thank you, Harry."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The rest of the week seemed to pass by in a blur and it wasn't until next Wednesday did Harry go up to Professor McGonagall to ask the question he had being dying to ask for over a week. He had just postponed it until the first week havoc was gone.
"Um, Professor?" Harry asked as soon as the class had emptied and the two were alone.
McGonagall looked up from her papers. "Yes, Mr. Potter?"
Harry took a deep breath but made sure his voice was calm but still firm. "I was wondering if you would allow me access to the Restricted Section part of the library."
Professor McGonagall narrowed her eyes and put her quill down. "I would need a reason and the name of any book or books you wish to take out."
"I do not have any names in mind," Harry admitted. "I want to look up rituals or, more specifically, blood rituals."
"Blood rituals are an intense and darker part of magic, Mr. Potter. The practices of these rituals are strictly forbidden without Ministry permission. Even permission to read about them is not something just anybody is allowed to do."
Harry thought about what he would say carefully. "Professor, I have no wish to actively go against the Ministry in any way. I just wish to learn about the theory and different types." Harry fidgeted. "Voldemort used my blood," he said softly, "and I need to make sure there isn't a closer bond or anything he can use against me."
Professor McGonagall stared at Harry intensely. After a moment she said, "Very well, Mr. Potter." She wrote her signature and a quick note on a piece of parchment and handed it to Harry. "I hope you find something that will be useful."
Harry smiled at her gratefully. "Thanks, Professor."
He left the classroom and headed for the library, knowing that it would be empty because it was lunch time. Madame Pince stared at him distrustfully but Harry didn't take it against her. She gave everyone the same look.
"Blood Rituals?" she asked, leading Harry to the Restricted Section.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Hmm, not a very well known or asked for subject. Give me a few moments to see what I can find. If you see any as well just inform me."
Harry nodded and tried to memorize any interesting titles and where they were located. Harry did not find any ritual books but Madame Pince came back with three books. One was pure black with gold letters that said 'The Dark Guide to Blood Magic.'
The second was a dark green with gold linings and brown letterings that said 'Theory of Blood Magic and Rituals.' Harry actually made a note to check if there was a difference between blood magic and blood rituals.
The third was a deep red that Harry was sure was once real blood painted into it. There was no title on it but as Harry made his way out of the Restricted Section, Harry could tell why these were not publicly allowed to the students. They just reeked of dark magic.
Harry put them in his bag carefully, and promised the librarian he would take care of them. As Harry exited the library and, instead of making his way to the Great Hall for lunch, he entered his trunk and decided to lunch in there.
Ah Harry flicked through the dark green book; he took a sip of butterbeer, thinking carefully. This would take some time to read. He also had a limited amount of time. Students were usually allowed to keep a book for a little more than a month but Restricted books were only allowed to be kept for two and a half weeks.
That certainly was not enough time to look through each book. However, Harry had a simple solution for this. He would just use a copying charm. The downside to this was that he needed to copy three books. For that kind of thing he would need a special quill.
Harry remembered a shop in Hogsmeade that sold magical quills. He would just buy one during the next trip. One was coming up two day's before he had to return the books. He would make to read and make notes before hand as well.
Tapping his chin, Harry thought he should pay Kilian a visit tonight. He hadn't seen her in a while. He had much to tell. Closing his book carefully, Harry got ready for the rest of the day and couldn't help but smirk as he thought about future plans.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Well, here's my next chapter. Bit shorter than some others but I wanted to get the first week out of the way. Won't tell much of what will happen in the future since I want it to be a surprise! But, I did use a few parts from the first in the fifth book to make this chapter.
Please review! Reviews are like my drug! They keep me going.