Chapter 10

Salis gave him another smile before raising his wand. "Salazar Revealus!"

There was a burst of wind and a cloud surrounded Salis. It slowly disappeared and the man who stood before them was now Salazar Slytherin. He was dressed in a cloak of brilliant green and silver, a snake symbol on his chest. His brown eyes were now emerald green with flecks of grey, his once brown hair, now jet black. His face was now more chiseled with high cheek bones and a strong chin. He was taller, more intimidating looking, and he looked no more than twenty-eight. But, his smile was still as warm as ever as he looked at Harry.

"Wow," Harry muttered in awe gaping at the man before him.

"Quite a change is it not. It has been many years, long before you, since I have revealed my true self. It takes a bit out of a person to change their appearance and the same to change back. Salazar Disparus!" Once again, a cloud of smoke, and 'Salazar' was gone with Salis in his place. "Strange isn't it?"

Harry grinned at the man he called his father. "You really are sly and sneaky aren't you? The Slytherin name is not false for that."

Salis laughed. "No, I'd say not. I must ask the two of you to never repeat anything we've said here. Never unless you have my written approval. Agreed?"

"Agreed," the two chorused.

"Now, back to the prophecy. We will not be able to learn of your powers until you are fourteen. I never knew why, but that is the way of it. On your fourteenth birthday, we will try it. Until then, we will strengthen your mind for it is very tiresome. I will train you, and Hermione if she wishes, in other magic, ones that any wizard can do, but do not learn until later in life.

"Yes," Hermione said excitedly. Harry laughed and nodded himself.

"Good. I know this is a lot to process in one day but I wanted it all out in the open. So, you two run off and go outside. Enjoy the fresh air. We will begin training tomorrow. Now, Get!"

Harry and Hermione laughed before running out of the room and through the house to the yard. For awhile, they walked in silence, the day running through both their minds. Finally, they stopped, lying on the thick grass and stared up at the clouds.

"Harry, what do you think of this?"

"I think this is a lot to take in. He's my father, Mione, even if just by action. I trust him with my magic. He'd never purposely hurt me, or you, or anyone I cared about. He could've just told me about Black and have been done with it, but no. He told me everything knowing there was a chance I'd be angry or even hate him for it."

"I know, and I believe him too. He loves you, Harry. You can see it." She moved closer to rest her head against his shoulder. It seemed so natural for them. "I have to tell Sal I'm going to France with my parents next month."

"Yeah. I'll miss you while you're gone. I'll write you every day."

"I'll miss you, too, Harry." She closed her eyes.

"Mione, how do the Gryffs treat you?"

She lied. "They've gotten over it."

He knew she was lying but let it go. He'd just have to keep an eye on her at school. They lay there for a bit longer before she had to go. She had kissed his cheek again when she said goodbye.

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Salis trained Harry, and Hermione when she was there, to his limits the rest of his summer. He had Harry running and lifting weights in the morning before practicing dueling and defensive magic. Then came history and charms. Transfiguration came before dinner and Legillimens and Occulumency before bed. Harry was becoming increasingly good, but Sal wanted him to keep practicing until he could enter another's mind without their knowledge.

Finally, it was September 1st, and Harry had not seen Hermione since the middle of August and he rather missed her company. Harry said goodbye to Sal and boarded the train like usual, searching for Hermione in every compartment. He came to the last one that had only one occupant, an older man in shabby clothing. Harry tried to be as quiet as possible as he settled in. Moments later, the door slid open to reveal the only person he wanted to see.

"Mione!" He said softly, standing to hug her.

"Hi, Harry! Oh, it's so good to see you!"

Harry beamed at her as he sat and she could not help but notice the change in him. He had told her Sal had him running and weight lifting. But the change in his appearance was unexpected. She could not look away. It has only been over the summer had she realized her feelings for him were changing. She smiled warmly at him before forcing herself to stop staring and sit beside him.

"Hey, Sorin, Granger," came a voice. They both looked up to find Jeffery and Draco smiling. "Can we join you?"

"No you cannot, you slimy Slytherins," Harry said with a laugh and his two friends sat with a laugh.