CHAPTER 36: TESTING

     Harry left to start his training with Godric.  He was more determined than ever to help rid the world of his evil nemesis.  There was a long road ahead of him and he wasn't about to let his friends down. 

     "Harry," Godric said.  "I wanted to tell you something before we get to our destination."

     "What's that Grandfather?"

     "Well, instead of training in a specific place you're going to receive your training in a specific time."

     "That's understandable."

     "You act like you were expecting it."

     "Well to tell you the truth yes.  I mean how else could I receive proper training if I was in my time?  My guess is that you are bringing me back to yours."

     "You're right of course.  What's going to happen is that you're going to get training from all four of us, but we won't let Salazar know who you are.  I think it's best that he teach you without knowing.  Therefore you get all the benefit of his knowledge without the prejudice."

     "A little sneaky are we?"

     Godric had to smile.  "I guess you can call it a trait I picked up from Salazar."

     "So I'll be learning all I can from you four.  Do you know how long it will take?"

     "Right now it is the first week of August in your time, but I have brought you to the beginning of our summer.  In essence you are now in advanced summer school."

     "Okay, but will there be any time to explore?"

     "Yes I believe so.  There are many things here to explore, and when you get back to your own time you will find that the animals that are in the forest might know you a little bit better."

     "Well that sounds good to me.  I can't wait to begin."

     "There is something else that you might want to know."

     "What's that?"

     "Well time here passes differently.  You see for every week in your time you will gain the knowledge of one year.  So you won't age, but you will get more knowledgeable and gain physical appearance and stamina.  That will help you with the power behind your spells."

     "That doesn't matter to me.  What matters is that i can protect the world from Voldemort.  Everything else is secondary."

     "Since you are so eager to start let's begin."

     Harry was reintroduced to Rowena and Helga and introduced to Salazar.  Godric explained that his parents were purebloods who died in a fire in a freak accident.  They also told him about being from a different time when the world was in great peril and that it was necessary for him to be trained to fight the evil.  It was Salazar who took Harry first to test his fighting ability. 

     "Ok Harry we're going to test those reflexes of yours," Salazar started.  "I want you to try to avoid what I'm going to throw at you.  Okay?"

     "Whatever you say, but I warn you I'm fast." Harry replied.

     "We'll see."

     Salazar threw everything at Harry.  Spells were flying everywhere and Harry dogged them expertly.  In the middle of the barrage Harry managed to throw some spells back, but never actually gave them full power so Salazar would never suspect.  Slytherin took it upon himself to throw medium level spells at Harry.  Once he realized he was giving Harry time to throw back some spells he increased the level.  Finally he had enough of the easy spells.

     "Serpensortia!" yelled Slytherin.

     Harry stopped wanting to surprise the founder.  The cobra slithered up to Harry in an attack position.  "Sai hass ashi," he spoke.  "Sai hass si heth!"   The snake looked from Harry to Salazar and back to Harry.  It continued to move forward.  "Sai eresri hesh asris!"  Harry said in a more firm tone.  The snake backed off and turned to an attack position against Salazar. 

     "Impera Ivanaska!" a voice from behind said.  The snake was instantly obliterated as Godric walked up to the two.  "Salazar what was the meaning of that?" he asked.

     "I wanted to see how he would react to a non magical attack."  He turned to Harry.  "Where did you learn that?"

     "Learn what sir?"

     "Learn to talk to snakes Mr. Potter.  I thought that I was the only one who could do that."

     "Oh that.  When I was younger I learned that I could talk to them when one wandered into my aunt's house.  It was slithering around and my aunt screamed when I walked into the room.  She was pointing at the snake trying to hit it with a broom.  I thought she was talking to someone because I heard two different voices.  Then I heard her scream.  That's why I walked into the room.  I looked down and asked it to leave.  It slithered away out the door."

     "I see.  Very well Mr. Potter.  I can see that you do need some training in different aspects.  We shall start with the muggle weapons and then we can get to ours."  Turning to Godric he said, "Might I suggest we ask Master Chan to stay for the duration of Mr. Potter's stay.  I'm sure that he can whip him into shape."

     "I agree.  Would you tend to it while I give Harry my test?"

     "Of course Godric," he said.  "Well done Harry.  I look forward to our other duels."

     They watched Salazar walk towards the castle.  "Sorry Grandfather," Harry said.

     "Sorry for what Harry?"

     "I lied to him.  I know that you really don't like to do it, but I didn't think that it was the right time to tell him the truth."

     "That's alright Harry.  In time we'll be able to tell him."