JK Rowling Owns Harry Potter

FASA Owns Earthdawn

Harry's fourth year will alternate between having 'summary' sections and detailed sections focusing more on where divergence from canon occurs. I do not want to re-tell what most readers already know, but I will spotlight where significant divergence occurs. I also want to cut back on the angst and advance the story. I find stories with 300K+ words can be hard to get through, summaries keep the word count under control. Year five will be a full split and this is where I would rather focus the detail.

Dumbledore has finally told Bill about the Horcrux and the fact that there are likely more. Bill knows Dumbledore is still keeping secrets, but he now has something to work with. Given all of Dumbledores secrets and how he is so possessive of Harry, Bill is eager to get Harry away from him.

Bill has been working with Sirius and Ted Tonks on ways to free Harry from Dumbledore's control. Bill has noticed many odd inconsistencies in how Dumbledore acquired guardianship and some of the unusual decisions made. He is also concerned about the growing strength of the animosity curse centered in Harry's scar. Use of a Corporeal Patronus dampens the effects, but only when in its presence. Also, the animosity is somehow being projected throughout the castle.

Finally, Harry was struck with a potentially lethal curse and Amelia Bones has learned that the Bones heiress was a part of the attack. She broke the alliance with deceit and is extremely nervous about the ramifications of her actions.

Currently, Harry is preparing for the Yule ball and trying to decipher the riddle in the egg.

-DoD-

Hogwarts

December Summary

The latest weeks had been excellent. Harry had managed to avoid most conflict. Over time, most hostile students just grew bored with trying to ambush him. Planning ambushes was time consuming and only very rarely bore any fruit. With his increasing skill in volleying hexes and curses, many ambushes turned into quite a role reversal. Especially when Professor Moody would verify that the only curses came from their own wands. Harry started treating these ambushes as training exercises. It kept him from losing his temper and doing something Bill would call 'detrimental to their plans'. He only had to get through the dance, then everyone would leave the castle for the holidays and he could relax.

Hermione had made a point to stay close to him, despite her rejection. Harry had slowly decided this was all for the best. Whatever they had together seemed to work best as good friends. After about a week, Harry started studying with her again in Arithmancy. Hannah was in the same class, but she avoided him like the plague. Harry made sure to never have his back to her. He didn't trust her as far as he could throw her.

Harry and Dobby had become very close over the weeks. They laughed and cut up constantly. Dobby insisted on cleaning and taking care of Harry, but the two were definitely not a normal Wizard/House Elf combo. For Christmas, Harry bought very nice fabrics and materials for Dobby to make clothes for himself. Something of a loophole. He also got Pipsey the same, along with enough chocolate for them both to gorge on through the holidays.

The runes in Harry's old dorm had been causing havoc with his old dorm-mates. Uncontrollable stomach issues plagued them. Not a single boy was able to sleep for more than three hours before having to run to the rest room. Except Neville, of course. His bed was warded. Seeing Ron and Dean in Ancient Runes had showed the gradual effect. They were both half asleep and looked god awful. Good. No doubt Seamus was the same. The runes would fade out over the next few weeks, unless someone cancelled them out. Harry considered sneaking in and re applying them in the spring, but there was no real point. They just weren't worth his time.

The goblins had opened up their doors again, but they were treating every family they had determined to be 'Potter Haters' especially badly. Families whose children had signed the Declaration of eiectio against Harry were singled out. Horrible service. Meanwhile, Harry's own status at Gringotts had risen tremendously with his performance in the first task. He had the fastest score and was tied for first place. Winning meant a lot to goblins, they don't like backing losers. Harry wondered how Fudge would react if he won the tournament. Normally the school that wins the tournament keeps the cup. But that would mean an ancient Wizarding Artifact would be stored and displayed at Gringotts.

Susan had tried to talk to Harry a few times, but he rebuffed her. Amelia Bones invited him to have a friendly discussion as well, he always found reasons to decline. Now that he knew what her family had done, he wanted nothing to do with either of them. After Amelia Bone's report had come out, Fudge had to make concessions to the Goblins to keep the doors open. However, once the full impact of the Tier One Alliance was understood, it was clear the Bones family had given up far more than they had bargained for. The many sacrifices the Potters had made centuries ago, when the alliance was formed, were now unravelling and Amelia was having difficulty keeping up with the losses.

The lawyers who read the original alliance said there would be steep penalties, but they weren't sure what they were. Basically, the Potters had been pressured into a horrible agreement when they were in a weakened position and the Bones family had profited tremendously. However, the Potters were renowned enchanters, and they built in clauses to protect future generations. They were afraid the Bones family would just try to end the alliance after they had gotten everything they wanted. While the Potters could pull out of the agreement easily enough, the Bones family could not. One lawyer had called it a 'masterpiece' of contract design. By the end of the year, the Bones Manor wards would be failing and substitutes would be required.

Gringotts was the only legal option for wards in Great Britain. The illegal options were substandard and would hurt the standing of the Bones family, given Amelia's position in the DMLE. The goblins were charging Amelia extremely inflated prices for even basic wards. Bill said that the Goblins were basically punishing the Bones family. Gringotts now viewed the Bones Family as oath-breakers and Goblins despise oath-breakers. Bill did caution Harry about sharing this. He said it would ruin the Bones family and Harry may need them one day. If the lawyers were correct, the Bones' were still required to protect and aid him and any children he may have. Whether they want to or not. The penalty for trying to escape their commitment would be severe.

Harry was still having regular dueling sessions with Professor Flitwick. He learned a great deal about stances, balance and reading your adversary. He learned to spot physical 'tells' and 'fake outs'. While they primarily focused on defensive maneuvers, Professor Flitwick did work in the occasional advice around spell chains and strategies in using them. The amazing books Harry had been reading filled in the rest. He had no intention of being cursed and helpless again. The more Harry read, the more he understood what he was reading. The pieces were coming together. The fact that Hogwarts was basically a battlefield for him, full of skirmishes and ambushes, made the reading that much easier to relate to. That was the problem with reading about combat, its all theory until you have to start putting it into practice.

Professor Flitwick had him doing daily exercises to improve his performance. Basically endurance, balance and core training. Quidditch had helped a bit with the core conditioning and balance, but endurance had to be built. He couldn't take up running for fear of getting ambushed, so he took to using stairs in the chamber of secrets. Running up stairs over and over left him gasping. For the core he did various exercises – primarily planks and sit-ups + leg lifts. This would help his ability to twist and pivot, allowing for more effective dodges with return fire. Harry's balance training came when Flitwick had him stand on a device duelers used. It was round and about three feet in diameter. It hovered approximately ten inches off the floor, but it required even and stable balance to keep from 'tipping' side to side. With practice, Harry learned to cast and move about while standing on the device. It would shift and wobble, but he learned to recover quickly. Both feet had to stay down, so it was not to be used in real duels, but it greatly assisted him in learning how to control his movements.

Bill has continued working with Dumbledore on ways to affect the Horcrux. He firmly believes the Patronus is the most effective means of containing it, but how to keep one near him constantly is a concern. He suggested sending Harry over the summer to live with a family capable of casting and maintaining the charm. Dumbledore was adamant that Harry stay with the Dursley's. Bill thought his reasoning was more around keeping control. Bill had expected the resistance, hypothesizing that Dumbledore wanted full control of Harry even if it was not in Harry's best interest. He just nodded and moved on.

By next summer, if events proceed according to plan, Dumbledore would be hard pressed to have any contact with Harry. Going back to his Patronus theory, he proposed researching a possible rune schematic to replicate much of the patronus charm. Something Harry could sleep under and keep on his person. This instantly intrigued Dumbledore. Maybe… maybe they could dial back the Horcrux and halt its growth.

-DoD—

Hogwarts

Gryffindor Tower

Saturday, December 14, 1994

The quidditch team had just finished up their drills and returned to the common room. Angelina was promoted to team captain and she was quite happy with the way the team was lining up. With one, unfortunate, exception. Ginny was phenomenal on a broom, but she just struggling to find the snitch. Most people just can't be seekers for that very reason. The snitch is near invisible.

Katie knew they needed Harry. He had a near mythical ability to see the snitch. He just seemed to hone in on it. It was always odd the way his eyes never moved, just his head and neck. Harry always seemed to be a hunter when he was playing. Silent and deadly. The snitch was his prey and it never escaped. Ginny was a brilliant chaser, but she was no Harry Potter. Seeing the young boy fly around that dragon had been the highlight of the year for Katie. Harry had broom skills right up there with Victor Krum.

So, here they are, trying to figure out how the team would operate next year. Angelina was desperate to win the cup in her seventh and final year. Alicia too. Katie actually enjoyed watching them struggle. They did this to themselves, and they knew it. Angelina had almost kicked Katie off the team when she had sided with Harry on the Declaration, but they knew better. Ginny could replace her as a chaser, but then they'd have no seeker. And Ginny had also sided with Harry. Punish Katie and Ginny leaves too. Punish Ginny, and you lose the twins. That's more than half the team. One of the twins was more sympathetic than the other, but she couldn't keep them straight. It was easier to just refer to them as Forge and Gred.

Angelina sat down and seemed to be deep in thought. "Ginny, we need to get you to a point where you can find the snitch faster. Do you think you need glasses, maybe?"

Ginny looked dejected, "No, Angelina. I have good vision. I'm just not as good a seeker as Harry."

Angelina didn't say anything. Neither did Alicia. Harry's name was taboo now. "Well, Katie – what about you? Ever played seeker?"

Katie just shook her head, "Nope, and I don't intend to. Face it AJ, without Harry, we've lost our edge. The cup could be anyone's next year. We just got used to having Harry get the snitch first." Thinking a moment, "But look on the bright side, the other seekers are so used to Harry beating them to it, they just follow his lead and try to steal it from him. They aren't any better off than we are… these games are going to go a very long time. That means the Chasers may be more important than ever before."

Katie enjoyed watching them suffer. After what they did to Harry, they deserved it. She just wished she had done more. When harry was attacked in the common room, she ran and got help instead of staying and fighting. That still bothered her. She voted against the Declaration of eiectio, but she was part of the vast minority. Hermione, Neville, Ginny, and Colin had also voted against the declaration. Now, she was just going about her day, while her friend was alone somewhere in the castle. A broom cupboard, according to the rumors. She had tried to find him once, but it was no use. She went to every cupboard she knew of, but he was not there. She did find quite a few students in compromising positions… But no Harry.

She was barely on speaking terms with the rest of the team. Well, Ginny was fine. This year was a far cry from the days where the three female chasers were inseparable. She'd actually gotten into a fist fight with Alicia, but that just got her detention. The twins had pranked her, and she pulled her wand and started firing curses. More detentions. One of them was green for a week, there was no problem telling them apart that week. Being easily identified seemed to make them miserable, especially when they couldn't replicate the shade and one was now hunter green while the other was more emerald green.

The Yule ball was approaching and she had a date with a Beauxbaton student. It'll be fun. She'd get to act like a 'lady' and not a 'tom-boy'. Amazingly, the shopkeepers were overly helpful in picking out a dress. Something about 'A witch we can be proud of'.

Katie knew where her loyalties were. Charlus Potter had served with her Grandfather in the Grindlewald war. He had footed the Bill for their family restaurant nearly fifty years ago. How on earth could she abandon Harry, knowing how much her family owed the Potters? And with the sacrifices his family had made in the war… Not everyone had such good memories. The Weasley twins and Ron seem to have especially short memories.

Apparently, the Declaration was hanging on the wall of Gringotts and if your family was on the wrong side… well, don't respect service with a smile. Most people outside of Hogwarts who heard about the declaration were disgusted. All those who signed to have Harry removed from Gryffindor had a weekly howler or two from some outraged Witch or Wizard. But the Goblins took it to new heights.

-DoD—

Gringotts

December 15th, 1994

Harry had another Gringotts meeting, only to find Sirius and Professor Lupin in a conference room. They had brought early Christmas gifts. Sirius and Remus gave Harry a pen knife that would untie any knot and open any locked door… as long as they weren't overly warded. A real Marauder tool! They said he needed to break a few rules now and again and that would help.

Sirius had put together a small book with curses straight from the Black library. It had been enchanted to only show its work when Harry breathed on the page, like window. Yes, Harry had to continuously breathe on the book, but if anyone else got a hold of it, they would get a book full of bad poetry. Professor Lupin had moderated the choices and they compromised on a few with an age lock down. Basically, Harry would unlock slightly more lethal spells each year. While this was not anywhere close to the spell listing in the Black library, it was the curses Sirius favored. And he favored fast and direct. Harry loved it!

Sirius had researched Harry's position in the Black family and apparently, the 'Black Knight' was a title bestowed by Black Family Magic upon the most lethal member of the Black family. A Knight as young as Harry would be expected to begin training, which in a way, Harry had. Harry was now responsible for protecting and safeguarding the Black family. Or would be when he was of age. If he failed to protect, he was tasked with avenging them. This really was not a job for a fourteen year old, but magic had chosen him…

Finally, Lupin had given Harry a framed picture of his parents on their wedding day. Harry was nearly brought to tears with that one. Being shut off from his 'Dreamtime' had made him miss his mother especially. Seeing his parents together made Harry wish for a real family. The Dursleys were coming around, but he wanted a family now. Patience, he told himself. Sirius and Bill were working on it.

The plans to undermine Dumbledore's control of Harry were moving along slowly but steadily. Remus Lupin originally was not overly enthused about undermining Dumbledore, he felt like he owed the man. However, once Bill and Sirius displayed the scope of Dumbledores failures, he was on board. There was really no denying how poorly Dumbledore had acted with regards to Harry's best interests.

First, Remus was told how Dumbledore had acted with the Tonks' family, basically blackmailing them into having no contact with Harry. Then, the failure to get Sirius a trial and sending him to Azkaban for ten years. Inexcusable. Especially considering his willingness to forgive marked Deatheaters claiming 'Imperious'. Finally, they produced the most damning evidence. Dumbledore had caught Severus Snape eavesdropping and hearing the prophesy, but he let the man go. Dumbledore knew where a known Deatheater would go with the information, and he let it happen. Then, he hired that same Deatheater to work with children. Severus Snape had pointed Voldemort at the Potters and had never been held accountable.

Lupin was a smart man and he knew about self-fulfilling prophesies, but he put his friends above the 'greater good'. The last reveal made him want to rip Dumbledore apart. The man's actions had destroyed his pack. Add in the way he let that same Snape treated Harry… it was too much.

Sirius had explained that Ted Tonks was making excellent progress in his research, but he has yet to request any key documents. The timing had to be perfect. Harry was not to have any direct contact with Ted or Andromeda Tonks. They were at a critical point and it was just too risky. From what Ted had learned, Dumbledore became the magical guardian without really understanding what that meant. When you are a magical guardian of a muggleborn, who is living with their muggle family, it is easy. You just help and guide. Dumbledore does this with all the muggleborn students and he likely thought that was the extent of what would be required with Harry, who was 'muggle-raised'. But there is a difference.

Muggle-raised or not, the magical guardian of a child from a wizarding family, like the Potters, has far more responsibilities. It is a massive job and Dumbledore does not yet know how badly he is failing. The man was supposed to be filing quarterly reports with the Wizarding Orphans Council (WOC), but he likely has never filed a single time. If he had, there would be red flags all over the report. Living in a cupboard for ten years… Basilisk Venom exposure... Dementor attacks... And so many other horrific events.

Being that Harry has always been the Heir to the Noble House of Potter, Dumbledore should have been bringing in tutors to prepare Harry for his future position. He has not. Harry has never even seen a single Gringotts statement. Adding in his new status as the Heir to the Ancient and Most Noble house of Black, and there is no excuse. Harry was warned to just keep his head down and don't tip his hand. Continue attending at least three classes. Dumbledore was amazingly clever and if he catches wind, the game is over before it starts.

Harry was cautioned that wheels were in motion, but they take time to turn fully. He can't get impatient. He was likely looking at a minimum of six months preparation before the execution. Get through the tournament, then expect to see changes. Bill didn't add that the Horcrux had to come out before he was placed with any other family. It had too much strength now. But that is a discussion for another day.

-DoD-

Hogwarts

December 25, 1994

The Yule Ball

Harry Had spent the last hour getting ready for the Ball. He had seen Cho a few times, but she had asked that he not say anything. For safety reasons. Fleur had taught him the basics of dancing and Hermione had practiced with him as well. Harry was nervous, but excited. Cho was so pretty and she was a good seeker as well. If they ran out of things to talk about, there was always quidditch.

Professor McGonagall had sent word that they were to meet just outside the Great hall, where the Champions and their dates would enter together and lead the other schools through their first dance. Bill was Fleur's date and he came by to collect Harry. He had his Patronus on his shoulder, but Dumbledore would take over 'patronus duty' once they got to the great hall. Fleur was waiting for him there. Just like Cho would be waiting for Harry.

"Looking good, Harry! You even managed to get your hair under control…" Bill was obviously enjoying this.

"Sleekeazy. Fleur got it for me. You don't look bad, yourself." Harry had a corsage in his hand for Cho. He was really nervous, but it would all be good. Harry hoped his hand didn't shake during the dance. He'd be surrounded by friends. Hermione was with Krum. Bill was with Fleur. Ginny would be there with Neville…

Bill wondered if he needed to have 'the talk' with Harry… No, he was too old and had probably heard enough. Maybe he'd see if Harry had questions, but not tonight. Tonight would be good.

As they walked up, they saw the other Champions, Hermione, and Cho. Harry noticed something odd, where was Cedric's date?

Professor McGonagall approached the group. "Champions, collect your dates and prepare to enter the Ball."

Cho went directly to Cedric. What the hell…

McGonagall looked over at harry, "Mr. Potter, where is your date?"

Harry just gaped, staring at Cho. "Cho… what are you doing?"

Cho just smiled at him and said, "I am going to the Yule Ball with my date, Harry." Cedric was looking confused. So were the other champions. It was now obvious what had happened. Even McGonagall seemed to pick up on what was going on.

Cho's friends were hovering around and one called out, "Looks like Potter doesn't have a date!" People started laughing. Harry just stood there. How had he let this happen? All those books on tactics and combat, but he left himself wide open socially. Emotionally. The laughter seemed to increase. Others were gathering around. His vision blurred a bit. Suddenly, everyone started to become quiet. Cho looked scared and Cedric stepped in front of her. Everything slowed down. His wand was in his hand.

"Harry! Snap out of it!" Bill had stepped in front of him. In front of his victims. His targets…

Harry slowly calmed down. He noticed it was now bitter cold. Colder than it was outside. Everyone was looking at him. Shivering. No one was laughing. They all looked… afraid. Good! He noticed that McGonagall had her wand out. As did Cedric. Cho looked absolutely terrified. The corsage in his hand was frozen solid. Holding it up and focusing, it burst into flames.

Harry looked at professor McGonagall. "If it's all the same to you, professor, I think I'll be skipping the ball." He didn't even recognize his own voice. It was so full of venom. Harry turned and walked away. Bill whispered something to Fleur and followed him.

-DoD—

Hogwarts

Ladies Room

Cho Chang had to excuse herself after the frightful event. Victor and Fleur refused to enter the Great Hall without Harry. They were all looking at her. Like she was some kind of monster. Was she? As she stopped to think about what had happened, she realized how cruel she had been. She had set up Harry Potter for public humiliation. Harry had never done anything to her before. She had actually liked him a bit… until this year.

The way he had looked at her. His eyes actually glowed green. But the worst of it… they each had a red center to them. Glowing red dots, surrounded by killing-curse green. He wanted to kill her. There was no mistaking his intention. He was going to attack her! If Bill Weasley hadn't stepped in… My god. He had red eyes! Just like you-know-who. And she had brought it on. What on earth made her think humiliating him would be a good thing? Cho had never been cruel like that before, this was beyond anything she ever thought herself capable of. In all these weeks, how had she never considered the ramifications of this prank? What it would say about her?

Someone just entered the bathroom. "I need privacy! Come back later." Cho called out.

A quiet voice just said, "I'm afraid, not."

Cho looked up to see Katie Bell. She looked gorgeous in her dress. Hair and makeup were flawless. She looked serious. Katie always came across as a Tom-Boy, but this image was anything but masculine. Until you get to her hands. Was she wearing quidditch gloves? The really tight kind… reinforced to protect the hands. Why was she wearing those tight leather gloves?

-DoD-

Hogwarts

Astronomy Tower

Bill and Harry were just sitting and looking at the stars.

Harry took a deep cleansing breath. "I almost lost it Bill. Like never before. I can't believe what just happened. The curse never affected me before… but I think it might have this time.

Bill nodded, "I think you're right, Harry. All the nasty attacks you've suffered seem to have taken their toll. We need to work on rebuilding your defenses. I have some ideas, but I need your help."

Harry looked at his friend and mentor. "Whatever you need, Bill."

Bill put on his curse-breaker hat. "We know of two things that hurt the curse. Basilisk venom and casting the Patronus charm. Basilisk Venom is out. I'd prefer not to kill you." That got a grin. "Patronus Charm it is. You've told me it recedes when there is a Patronus cast near it, but it comes back afterward. But when you cast the patronus last year, it actually damaged it. Right?"

Harry nodded, "Right. But it blocks my ability to cast it…"

"Well, I thought about that, Harry. If my Patronus can make the curse recede, maybe you can cast a Patronus when mine is near… So, while my Patronus is here, I want you to try to cast the Patronus charm. Let's see what happens."

It made sense. Harry pulled out his wand and attempted the charm. On the third try, he managed to summon a weak silvery mist. His scar burned like it was on fire. He held it as long as he could, but it faded after about five minutes.

"Good, Harry! Excellent. Take a minute and try again. Really focus on positive memories and feelings." Bill noted the way Harry flinched when he succeeded in casting the charm. He hoped that translated to damage to the Horcrux.

They kept it up for a good hour, then Hermione found them.

"Harry?" She looked so pretty in her blue dress. Her hair was so smooth!

"Hermione? Why aren't you at the ball? You look so pretty…" Harry didn't want his friend to miss out on the Ball.

Hermione blushed under his complement. "I wanted to check on you… Harry, your scar is bleeding." She pulled out a handkerchief and began dabbing it on Harry's forehead.

"I'm fine, Hermione. Cho's prank really got to me. I know people are mad, but that was really over the top. Still, I should have seen it coming. You know, 'Don't tell anyone', 'We'll surprise everybody', 'It'll be a night to remember'… How long did she laugh after I left?" Harry hated that he wanted to know this. But he did.

Hermione actually smiled at that. Not a normal smile, but one that she got when she was embarrassed about thinking something was funny. Like Ron's creative names for Goblins when he but couldn't remember their names on tests. Harry's favorites were 'KutYrBlzOff' and 'KillYoMama'. Despite all the crap Ron pulled, Harry did miss the fun they used to have together. Maybe it was just the Patronus' talking.

She said with that half smile, "Cho's not laughing, Harry. She's in the infirmary drinking skele-gro. She's having teeth re-grown."

Harry just looked at her, "What…?"

Hermione then described the scene where Katie had beaten the seeker horrifically. Harry had seen Katie's aggression on the Quidditch Pitch, but not outside of the sport. Hermione then mentioned that Katie had a run in with Alicia last month after the Declaration and both girls were pretty busted up. But nothing like Cho. "Honestly, Harry. I think she may have just kept wailing on her even after she went down. There was no opening dance."

Harry thought about this for a minute. "Did Katie hurt her hands?" This made Bill laugh out loud.

Bill couldn't help but crack a joke, "Our Harry. Always concerned about the safety of others."

Hermione just chuckled. "No, Harry. When you left, she transfigured her lace gloves into quidditch gloves. The tight kind with the slightly reinforced knuckles. Really, those gloves should be banned."

"Oi! I have a pair. They keep you from breaking your hands and fingers."

"And help you break other people's bones and knock out teeth." Hermione added with a wry grin. Harry just shrugged.

Harry told Hermione that Bill was helping him with his charms. Sort of an 'impromptu' training class. Naturally, this peaked her curiosity. Harry then went back to practicing the Patronus. Harry's mist grew slightly stronger and his scar continued bleeding. Hermione joined in, but had inconsistent luck. A few silver sparks and an occasional mist. She'd been working on it since third year, but needed more 'power' to get it to form.

Soon Fleur and Victor came to the tower as well. They both wanted to know how Harry was and apologized for not coming sooner. Their headmaster and headmistress had insisted they stay through the introductions. Then they took off. Soon, they were all practicing. Of the group, only Bill could cast a corporeal Patronus. Victor and Fleur could manage a dense mist. Hermione noted that Harry had done it once under stress… Bill noted that being surrounded by so many people casting the patronus charm was really helping Harry. No one mentioned Cho Chang or her cruel trick. No one said anything about Harry's eyes glowing red either.

—DoD—

Hogwarts

Headmasters Office

Well, the Yule Ball had been a horrific failure. Harry was intentionally humiliated by a fellow student. Fleur and Victor had no dates as William and Hermione had left to check on Harry. Cedric's date was in the infirmary after Katie Bell beat her savagely in the ladies room. Katie was always so nice and gentle! Minerva had been terrified by Harry who had apparently developed glowing eyes. Only the fact that Mme. Maxime and Karkaroff stepped in had kept Fleur and Victor at the event. They apparently left at the first opportunity, citing a need to check on their fellow champion. This was an event Albus Dumbledore hoped to forget one day.

Harry Potter's protection was slowly eroding. Based on what he had heard, Harry was very likely going to attack Ms. Chang. Had William not been there… the results may have been dire. Ms. Chang had pulled a terrible prank on Harry, but she couldn't be held fully accountable for her actions. Albus knew how insidious the Horcrux was. Ms. Chang was not a malicious person, this was so out of character. Albus tried not to think about that. So what was he to do now? How could he just let Harry roam about unsupervised? He'd meet with William and get his appraisal. Then he'd take steps to ensure the safety of the other students.

Fortunately, there was an unobtrusive painting in the Astronomy Tower. Albus had been given a report on Harry interacting with his friends and it had been positive. The feedback also made it clear that Harry is aware of the presence in his scar, but not that it is a Horcrux. The most concerning element for Albus was the way Harry had been unaffected by Ms. Chang's injuries, but perhaps that was to be expected. She had been especially cruel and the boy was obviously tired of being everyone's favorite target.

Albus had tried to sneak a painting into the Chamber of secrets, but the enchantments on the room make any paintings go inert. Apparently, the chamber takes its name very seriously and guards its secrets. Once Fawkes figured out what he was doing, the phoenix stopped taking him there. Albus was having small concerns about William. Was he too close to the boy? Did he have plans to increase his influence? Given the Horcrux's current strength, William's influence may be the best temporary option, but not permanently.

-DoD—

Hogwarts

The Chamber of Secrets

Midnight

Bill sat in a large wingback chair in Harry's room. The red eyes had been bad. Even through his Patronus, Bill could feel the malice rolling off Harry. The boy had tired himself out casting the Patronus so many times. But it seemed to do the trick. At least temporarily. Bill had his Patronus over Harry while he slept. He would keep it up as long as he could. He took a break and had Fleur cast her mist directly on Harry while he practiced. Victor did the same with Hermione and she managed to form a reliable mist. Bill reflected on the fact that he may have found a better way to teach the Patronus charm. Cast it while another is present.

Tomorrow he would talk to Dumbledore and calm him down. Bill had no doubt the old man was beside himself. There was no substitute for the Patronus, but he could at least make a runic sequence that enhanced happy feelings. The down side would be that it could become addictive. Of course, so could the Patronus charm. Well, it beats letting Harry turn into Lord Voldemort Jr.

-DoD—

Chamber of Secrets

Harry's Dreamscape

Harry was in the dream vault with his mother again. She looked less vivid. Faded even. The room's walls were cracked and stained. The outer door seemed to be holding, but it was dented and looked damaged.

Harry's mum was holding him. "Harry, listen to what I am telling you. There is something in the castle that is affecting you! You must get out. I am growing weaker by the day. The Patronus' you cast helped. I actually was able to repair some of the damage, but as long as you are in the castle, the evil presence will continue to grow stronger. Get out of the castle, practice your Patronus Charm as often as possible."

Harry repeated it back to her. She just held him. The longer she held him, the more vivid she became. The stronger the walls seemed. Even the door seemed to have fewer dents.

"Mum, what happened? I was doing so well. Then… I can't remember." Harry knew there was a small period of time that was no longer something he could recall.

"You were attacked, Harry. Keep practicing your occlumency and it will come back to you. Whoever it was somehow repaired the 'evil presence' and weakened me at the same time." She held him at arm's length and peered into his eyes. "Be very careful, Harry. There is an enemy near you."

"But who? Honestly, the whole school seems to be against me…"

"Don't let yourself hate them, Harry. That makes the evil presence stronger. The other students are victims too." Seeing Harry get angry, she added. "They will regret their actions when the presence is removed."

Harry didn't soften on bit. "So I should just forgive and forget? Act like everything is fine?" No way was he doing that!

"Lily's incarnation smirked in a not so kind way. "If you have met any of my friends or teachers, you know I am the last person to discuss forgiveness. I have always been able to hold a grudge for life. But it can get pretty lonely when you hate everyone. Just don't let your anger define who you are. And if you do decide to forgive, do it on your terms, not theirs."

Harry talked with his Mum about the Ball. About Cho Chang's trick. He also talked about Katie and Bill. About Fleur and Victor. He even talked about Hermione, and how confused about her he was. They both agreed Hermione was better as a good friend and not to let embarrassment get in the way of that. Lily's incarnation made a point to say she was proud of Harry for having the courage to tell Hermione. At least now he knows where he stands. She said she had a friend once who never talked to her about his true feelings. He also let his friends treat her badly. Then, when she paired up with James, that boy turned dark. He was a true coward.

Apparently, James never had the courage to talk openly or honestly about his own feelings until his seventh year. If he had been more honest and open, they would have had more time together. But, people mature at different speeds and at least they had a few good years. With that, she kissed Harry on the forehead and sent him away, before the evil presence returned. After all, Bill could only keep the patronus active for so long…

-DoD-

Hogwarts

Headmasters Office

7AM

Harry awoke early and shared as much as he could remember with Bill. There were really only two main points he could recall:

1. He had to get out of the castle.

2. He also had to work on casting the Patronus.

Bill said it would not be easy. He asked Harry how much he was comfortable sharing with Dumbledore. Bill thought he could talk a little about the protection, but keep Albus out of the Boy's head. It would be tricky, but there were very few options.

Harry's knowledge was already well beyond what any fourth year should know. Harry had grudgingly admitted that his mother had left behind a bit of her knowledge inside the protections. Bill shared that Dumbledore was worried that Voldemort had left his knowledge. In the end, Bill convinced Harry to let him run with what he could get away with, as long as it got him out of the castle. Bill knew he would eventually have to share with Harry the knowledge of the Horcrux, but not now. Soon. But only after they had it under control.

"William, I'm glad you went after Harry. Having him cast the Patronus charm repeatedly was brilliant. How can we be sure Harry's defenses have recovered?" Albus was still very nervous about letting Harry roam about. Rumors were circulating about his red eyes. About Cho's prank and the fact that she was now in the infirmary. Katie Bell's contribution to that was ignored. On the bright side, at least no one seemed interested in attacking him. Severus shared that even he was nervous around the boy now and had advised all the Slytherins to keep their distance. Albus wondered, 'Why hadn't Severus done this sooner?' Albus knew he'd have to break Severus of his hatred of James Potter one day. All efforts to date have failed.

Bill answered Dumbledores question as best he could describe, "I could feel it. The Horcrux seemed to lose its steam with every casting. It even caused the scar to bleed a few times. I held a Patronus over him while he slept for as long as I could manage. When Harry awoke, we talked. He told me he had been attacked in the castle and the Horcrux had been 'energized' somehow. Apparently, the castle itself is now fueling the Horcrux." Dumbledore looked skeptical.

"How can Harry know this? If he was attacked, why hasn't he reported it?"

Bill looked at Dumbledore in disbelief. "Are you bloody kidding me? He is attacked every day. You either do nothing about it or so little it's insulting. How can you honestly wonder why he thinks reporting an attack is a waste of time?" Dumbledore tried to speak, but Bill was becoming enraged. "Your stupid fucking assistant headmaster actually punishes Harry when he is attacked. You are running the worst damn school…" He was yelling by the last word.

Albus Dumbledore simply cast a Patronus charm and waited.

Bill slowly calmed under its presence and leaned back. "Good, lord. I can feel it everywhere."

Dumbledore then ever so calmly said, "William, how do I punish good children who are only acting out because they have been influenced by the Horcrux? In much as your sister was. Most of the school would be in detention or expelled if I did that. Instead, I asked Fillius to help Harry shore up his defensive capabilities. In the long term, that will have far more benefit for the young man. To call attention to the problems affecting Harry would potentially draw the attention of the DoM." Dumbledore took a deep breath while his Patronus was cleansing the room of negative feelings. "Now that calmer heads can prevail, let me ask once more, how does Harry know his defenses have recovered?"

Bill had calmed under the effects of the Patronus. Still, Dumbledore using Ginny in the argument was bad form. But he had made his point. Don't get distracted, strike while the window is open. "He has insight when he sleeps. His mother's protection communicates with him. Last night was the first night he had contact since Halloween." Seeing Dumbledores curious look, Bill added, "Really, how do you think he knows so much? The boy knew more about runes in his first year than most curse-breakers. He may not have been able to carve worth a damn, but he knew them. Who do you think taught him French? For crying out loud, Albus, he understands Akkadian and Demotic writing. Do you even teach these subjects?" Bill saw Dumbledores eyes move from surprise to concern. He needed to head that off fast. "But, you know what makes me certain this is Lily's protection, and not Voldemort's influence? Harry always adds a little 'flip' to the end of his runic sequences. I've seen Lilly's work. She is the only other witch or wizard I've ever met who did that. That and the spears he throws. I don't remember Voldemort doing anything with elemental spears."

Albus Dumbledore had gone pale. All these years he'd thought Harry was either a prodigy, or the Horcrux was taking over. His mother had passed on her knowledge somehow. He would have to review Harry's work against his mothers. Filius could probably help find the work. This raises so many questions.

After considering what he had heard, Albus asked, "What else?"

Bill knew he had to be careful, Dumbledore was 'fishing' for information. "Well, something or someone in the castle is weakening the protection and strengthening the Horcrux. Albus, I think it might be the curse on the DADA position. If I'm right, and I think I am, whoever attacked him a few months back somehow linked the DADA curse to Harry."

Albus looked a bit shocked. "When does he think this occurred?"

"October 30th. The night before the cup spit out his name."

Dumbledore nodded. "That fits. That fits perfectly with when the Horcrux seemed to come back into power." This means there is an interloper on the grounds. It could be anyone. Karkaroff was a prime suspect. Too much time had passed for Albus to question the paintings. It had been too long. And the only person Harry seemed to trust was Bill.

Bill was ready to begin pressing for what he and Harry wanted. His primary objective in this conversation, "Harry needs to get out of the castle. If the Horcrux is being powered by the curse on the DADA position, he can't stay here. He definitely can't sleep here. I'm not strong enough to keep a patronus active for eight hours straight."

"No. No, he must be removed from the castle, but still on the grounds. Perhaps he can stay at Hagrid's hut until we can build him a small dormitory of his own. Have you had any luck with runic sequences to boost his protection?"

Bill shook his head. "No. It's too addictive. Harry would reach a point where he needed the runes to function normally. I can add a few mild ones to his bed for when he sleeps, but that's it." Bill thought for a moment. "I could move in with him, but I'd need help. Someone who can cast the Patronus charm and have a corporeal patronus form. We could take his recovery in steps." Come on Dumbledore, bite! Bill and the two ex-marauders had planned this out.

Albus thought about it. "Yes. Yes, that would be wise." But who? It had to be someone he trusted. Someone loyal to HIM above all others. Even above Harry. "I had a DADA teacher here last year. Perhaps I could convince him to assist Hagrid with the grounds. Remus Lupin had a strong corporeal Patronus…"

Albus Dumbledore now grew very grim. "I must inform you, though... He is a werewolf." He looked at Bill in a condescending way. Like Bill was an overly emotional child and he hoped he hoped Bill would make the right choice.

Bill paused and pretended to consider this news. He already knew Remus and his infection. "I suppose it could work. As long as he goes elsewhere on the full moon."

Albus looked positively giddy! "There. I'll inform Harry's teachers that he has contracted a sickness and must be quarantined. Perhaps we can use that to convince everyone the red eyes were a part of the infection." Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling again.

Bill got up and left. He was exhausted after staying up all night and keeping a corporeal Patronus around Harry. Keeping his occlumency shields up with no sleep was wearing on him.

Albus was not yet ready to allow Harry more time to study in Egypt with William. The more Albus considered it, the more certain he was that William knew more than he let on. News of the Horcrux caused genuine shock and dismay. Much of the rest seemed more like he was comparing notes. Getting Harry out of the Chamber would let Albus watch him closer. Albus knew Remus was a very intelligent man and his time with James and Sirius had made him quite cunning and observant. Without a doubt, Remus could help determine what William's full plans were.

-DoD—

Up Next: the Second Task

One Question I have, would you readers rather have smaller 3-4K chapters that are posted more frequently, or larger chapters that are posted every couple of weeks?

Notes

More on Sirius and Bill's plans for January when Sirius was planning to make his move. He is timing it with a big ICW meeting. Catch Albus when he is pulled in multiple directions. He may even try to create a bit of Drama at Hogwarts, just to throw the man off balance a bit. I always thought he was far too forgiving of Dumbledore in Canon. Now he is getting a little bit even. Marauder style. Well, if the Marauders had vicious lawyers…

Bill's hypothesis on the DADA curse is his best guess. All curse-breakers know about the DADA curse at Hogwarts. They also suspect it is a 'Voldemort' curse. If you don't know about the Diadem, it's a pretty good guess. But the truth is, the Diadem is powering the curse and is synchronized with Harry's Horcrux.

I like Katie Bell, so I put a spotlight on her. No romance, though. She's just one of those people that bear Harry absolutely no animosity for the Horcrux to affect. It instead makes her feel depressed about letting her friend down and being a coward…

This chapter had a lot of summaries, but I don't really like using thousands of words for rather banal or simple activities. Just seems a little pointless. Who wants to read about Harry feeling embarrassed around Hermione or learning to dance? I have a good bit of ground to cover, so I'm summarizing through most of the less pivotal points.

Albus is no dummy. He suspects Bill has independent plans, but has no idea what they are. He does not think Bill is trying to do anything to undermine him, just trying to get closer to Harry. Closer than Albus wants him to be. Albus thinks he is holding all the cards, though. Sirius knows how smart Albus is, which is why he is timing the 'shit storm' to occur at the best possible moment for Ted Tonks to make his moves. Now that Albus knows there is a traitor in the castle, he will be more vigilant than ever.