A/N: I wished I owned Harry Potter. Alas, I do not. Ms. Rowling, I'd be happy to take it off your hands.
A/N: So OC's have a real role in this story, as you hopefully have figured out. Also, I don't consider this a cliffhanger. I just don't think that Akira explaining the situation to Nambung is all that important, so I'm avoiding it. As a heads up, to fill up some spaces I will occasionally create OC characters that have relevance but are not truly important This will happen in this chapter for the first but not last time, and his name is Jason Chambers . Now back to Harry's POV.
Chapter 14: Hello Prongs
October, 1994
"Harry!" Cedric called, racing after him in the hallway. Harry turned to the Hufflepuff seeker, surprised Cedric was talking to him. It wasn't that Cedric was unfriendly, it was just that the older boy reaching out randomly was unexpected.
"Hello Cedric," Harry said, a little unsure as to what Cedric would want. "Did you have a good weekend?" In the end, Harry had been too chicken to ask anyone and had gone to Hogsmeade with Neville and Dean, although Neville had mysteriously disappeared on Sunday but had denied the accusations of a date quite firmly. Harry and Dean were both believed his denials, but were stumped as to his disappearance. Harry had brought it up to Akira, and Akira had just laughed and told Harry not to worry about it.
Akira was now Harry's primary confidant for all things friend's related. Hermione was still his best friend, and probably the most important person in Harry's life, even if Harry knew it was extremely unlikely he would ever try and make their relationship anything more than a wonderful friendship that would withstand every test. But Harry didn't want to let Hermione realize she was the reason that Ron and Harry weren't talking. Hermione had tried to play peacekeeper, but after a particularly nasty exchange with Seamus while Ron sat in silent approval, Hermione had cut off the redhead as well. It was clear she was hurting, so Harry went to Akira with his issues regarding friends, rather than endangering any of Hermione's other friendships.
"I did, thank you," Cedric said. Harry considered nodding and walking away, but then remembered that Akira had admitted that Cedric was his favorite older student, and that Harry would be well served by having older and more mature friends who didn't play for the Gryffindor quidditch team. "I have a question. Actually, it's more of a favor."
"I won't promise anything," Harry told Cedric, "but as long as it's not about another rumor, I will try and help."
"Sorry about that," Cedric admitted. "Susan and I will stay quiet, I promise." Cedric scrunched his brows together as he seemed to realize something, and Harry gave the older student a second to collect his thoughts. "This isn't a rumor, but you might be a little mad I know this."
"Know what?" Harry asked, genuinely curious. "I promise, I'm not full of secrets.
"But you can cast a fully corporeal Patronus." Cedric said. Harry kept his face blank, even if his mind was whirring. Hermione never would have told, and neither would have Dumbledore. How was it possible someone Harry didn't even consider a friend knew? "In the interest of full disclosure, two others know as well. Your quidditch captain and another 6th year Hufflepuff Jason Chambers."
"Is that so?"
"Yes, Professor Flitwick told us. We all showed interest in the charm, and he cannot create a corporeal Patronus. Dumbledore is obviously too busy to teach us, and to my surprise Akira cannot create a corporeal Patronus either. Mad Eye might be able to help us, but he…"
"He's creepy," Harry agreed as Cedric trailed off. "I wouldn't really want private instruction from him either. Something about him just rubs me the wrong way."
"So the three of us were hoping you could train us?"
"You know that a corporeal Patronus is incredibly hard to produce." Harry saw Cedric's eyes harden. "Might I suggest Professor McGonagall?"
"Harry." Cedric stared right at Harry, the intensity in the Hufflepuff's eyes making him a little uncomfortable. "Can you help us, or not?" Harry groaned silently. There was no real harm in teaching Cedric and two others, was there? Angelina had always been a steadfast friend, and if Jason was Cedric's friend, he couldn't be all that bad. It wasn't like the Patronus could be used for anything other than driving dementors away, which was essentially a public service and good for everyone involved.
"I am pretty busy most of the time, but I might be able to help." Harry sighed in resignation. This would be a good thing to do for a whole variety of reasons, and any excuses he came up with in his head sounded stilted and petty. The only thing Harry was concerned was his use of time, but apparently Cedric had gone through Akira…
"Cedric, did you just call Professor Hayashi by his first name?"
"He prefers that," Cedric told Harry.
"No, he doesn't," Harry said, taking a careful look at the older boy. "He definitely does not."
"He corrected me when I talked with him on Friday," Cedric told Harry.
"Well, I guess if he said it," Harry said, taking a deep breath. It had only during the end of August that Akira had allowed him the informality of letting Harry use his first name, and that was only because they had become brothers. Akira didn't let his name drop lightly, and while Harry doubted that Akira and Cedric were as close as Harry was with the new professor, Akira could use this as a way to send Harry a hidden message. "Ok," Harry said.
"Ok like you will help?" Cedric asked.
"Yes." Harry glared at Cedric, which dampened the enthusiasm in his eyes. "I assume you are going to put your name into the cup Saturday."
"Maybe."
"Cedric." Harry' glare turned steely.
"Ok, my friends will probably force me," Cedric admitted.
"Then let's meet Thursday night, on the fourth floor. We will find a classroom and I will try and give you enough to work on it by the end of the weekend."
"Sounds good," Cedric told Harry. "What about you, Harry? Going to try and trick the line?"
"I hid the fact I fought a basilisk and dementors," Harry told him. "You think I want attention?"
"I think you might win," Cedric told Harry as he walked away.
"Prat," Harry said under his breath, even if he was grinning a little bit from the compliment from the older wizard. He would have to talk to Akira, but it seemed like he would not be able to do physical training this weekend. Then he remembered another promise and he paled slightly. It would be bad enough to teach some 6th years, but if he didn't invite Daphne, she would probably murder him. No doubt she would be mortified to be seen with Harry by anyone outside of Harry's close social circle, but her desire to work on her Patronus might overcome that.
Thursday came quickly that week and Harry's question was answered as Daphne appeared over the platform, glaring at him as Harry stood chatting amicably with Angelica. Their relationship had been repaired by the fact there was no quidditch this year, and Harry loved the irony that created that paradox.
"Daphne?" Angelica asked, surprised by the appearance of the Slytherin girl.
"I'm not much happier than you about this," Daphne snapped. "So just keep it to yourself Johnson."
"Wow, even a Slytherin," Cedric commented as he and his friend Jason appeared on the platform. "Didn't know you had so many admirers, Harry."
"What do you mean, even a Slytherin?" Harry asked, and then the silent ramifications kicked in. "Who else?" Harry asked, his shoulders slumping. This was quickly getting out of control.
"Hi Harry," Cho Chang said as she trailed behind Cedric on their way up to the platform. "Thanks for agreeing to teach us."
"Happy to," Harry said through grated teeth. While he might have had a bit of a crush on her last year, that was quickly overpowered by his frustration at yet another secret seeming to spiral out of control. "Angelica, please find us an empty classroom. Cedric, a word?" Angelica trooped down the hallway with purpose, the other potential pupils following her as Cedric came over to Harry, a smile on his face. "What exactly is yet another student doing here? I remember you saying something to the effect of I promise I won't spread rumors."
"It's not a rumor if it is true. Then it is just a fact," Cedric remarked, which did nothing to stifle Harry's glare.
"That's just semantics," Harry snapped.
"Sorry, I don't know that word," Cedric said, but the easy smile on his face told Harry that Cedric was lying. Worse, Cedric knew Harry knew he was lying, and that made the debate even more enjoyable to the Hufflepuff. Harry quickly revised his opinion on Cedric. He might be loyal, but he was certainly bright and devious too. No wonder Cedric had attracted Akira's attention, even if he was a little insufferable in their limited interactions.
"Whatever," Harry said, turning on his heel.
"Harry, I thought you liked Cho," Cedric said, jogging after Harry and grabbing his arm. "I invited her for you, so you could show off."
"What made you think that?"
"I'm a Hufflepuff. We tend to blend it a decent amount, and get pretty good at noticing things… like the way you always glance at her when she is looking elsewhere at dinner."
"Well, in the future please don't notice." Cedric nodded sadly. "Cedric, I'm not really mad. I mean, Cho is…" Harry fumbled for the words.
"I know how you feel," Cedric told Harry as they stopped outside the door Angelica had entered one-minute prior.
"You have an unattainable crush?" Harry didn't believe that for a second.
"She is in love with someone else. She doesn't know it yet, and neither does the guy she is in love with. I hope I can swoop in before they realize their feelings," Cedric told him. "I'll stop you from asking right now. It wouldn't be right for me to spread gossip." Harry stared at Cedric his mouth a little open as Cedric walked into the room, the easy grin back on his face.
"So, corporeal Patronus?" Angelica asked as Harry followed Cedric into the room. "Would it be too much to ask for some proof."
"That's reasonable," Jason added.
"It would be cool to see," Cho admitted.
"It is only fair," Cedric added. Harry shook his head, but more in frustration than disagreement. "Come on, Professor Potter."
"Fine." Harry snapped his wand out and focused on the memory he would use.
July, 1996
"Come on," Nambung Sa Bum said lazily as he swayed under another kick and tapped an off-balance Harry in the chest. "You are throwing too much power into the kick. Stay on balance."
"But then I never make it through your block," Harry complained, and was rewarded with a gentle smack to the head.
"Stop complaining," Sa Bum told him, and Harry growled and dove for his teacher's legs, trying to catch him off guard. Harry crashed to the floor, his arms and body catching only air. He felt pressure on his back for a moment, and then Sa Bum stepped off him as Harry slowly rolled over to look at the sneer on his master's face.
"This is impossible," Harry told him as he took the offered hand and rose to his feet.
"Not impossible, boy," Sa Bum said, and Harry nodded. Ever since the first night they had begun training, the night after they first met, Sa Bum had called him boy. He had talked to Akira about it, and Akira said that Sa Bum only bothered to learn your name if he felt you were worthy. It had taken Akira 3 years to get name recognition. Granted Akira was 9 at the time, but Harry wanted nothing more to be called by his name. "Want to quit on me?"
"Not tonight," Harry said, and shifted to the looser counter stance, his legs closer together than the boxer stance and his arms loose at his side. "I have one trick left."
"Then come," Sa Bum said, but Harry stayed still. "Fine. I'll come to you." The distance was closed in an instant and Sa Bum snapped his fist out, landing a hit on Harry's midriff. But for the past two months, even at the end of July, Sa Bum had used the same pattern when he attacked, a jab at the midriff followed by a high kick from his right leg. Even at the insane speed his teacher delivered the blows, Harry had seen in thousands of times and for the first time ducked under the kick.
Harry had gone through the pattern more times than he could count. He swiveled to face Sa Bum's chest and threw a left punch, followed by a block to catch Sa Bum's counter. He repeated on the right side, and then the left, and again with the right. On the fourth pattern, Sa Bum caught the punch and Harry allowed the momentum from the caught blow to yank him forward and seemed to fall.
But Harry did not fall, but allowed the falling momentum to allow him to take one more step forward. For the first time in two months, thanks to extra training during lunch and dinner with Akria, Harry was finally inside Sa Bum's kicking range. There was no hesitation as Harry regained his balance and threw all his momentum and power into the punch. But Harry stumbled as he hit only air, and he felt the smack to the back of his neck, and then the world went black.
Harry felt the rush of cold water and jumped to his feet. He saw Sa Bum standing across from him, his wand in his hand and an odd look on Korean man's face.
"I missed again," Harry said, feeling despondent.
"Yes, you did," Sa Bum said. Harry slumped to the floor. "That was good technique, boy. I did not expect Hayashi-san to teach you anything beyond the basics this summer."
"His son taught it to me during our meal breaks," Harry admitted. "But I still can't land a real blow."
"No, you can't," Sa Bum told him. "But I had to turn around that blow to dodge it. The next I call you boy, please correct me."
"Hm?"
"It seemed that you have the necessary skills to learn real techniques, Harry. It is time to begin your instruction in earnest." Harry nodded, and then realized that for the first time since he had arrived this summer and met the enigmatic taekwondo master, he had been referred to by name. A huge smile spilled over Harry's face and he felt happier than he had felt all summer. "Normally I would frown upon displays of emotion. But for tonight only, I will allow it."
Harry had gotten used to Nambung Sa Bum's mannerisms over the summer. A scowl meant he was disappointed and wanted Harry to try hard. A small frown meant that while Harry had improved, there was still work to do. When his teacher's expression was neutral it meant that young wizard was exceeding his expectations. So when Nambung Sa Bum favored him with a small smile and patted Harry on the back in congratulations, Harry exploded with pride.
"Thank you, Sa Bum."
"Of course," Nambung said. "Take the night off. I will talk to Hayashi-san about a new training schedule in the morning."
"Sa Bum!" Nambung turned to look at Harry. "Thank you."
"Good job, Harry," the master replied. "See you in the morning."
October, 1996
"Harry allowed the joy he had felt at the only time the stern master had given him real praise over the summer to sweep through his body as he gripped his wand tightly. He raised the wand as the feeling reached its peak and he stepped forward. "Expecto Patronum!"
A stag burst forth from Harry's wand, trotting around the room looking for the monsters that would call Harry to bring forth the majestic creature from Harry's heart. It looked around and then seemed to turn its head quizzically towards Harry, and walked back towards him and lowered his hand. The stag glowed with an unearthly brilliance, and it seemed almost solid. Harry reached out his hand, and for the briefest of moments Harry felt like he was touching the stag.
Then the apparition started to fade and Harry knew that the sensation had been in his imagination. He turned sadly to the stunned group of students, and it took a moment for him to compose himself. Harry was surprised to feel a tear trickling down his cheek, one he allowed to flow freely and unashamedly.
"Wow," was all Jason could manage. That was more than any of the other students could manage, as all three of them were dumbstruck. "That was a real stag."
"I don't know that I'll be able to do that again," Harry admitted as he sunk to a nearby chair. "That was exhausting."
"Yeah, it looked like it," Angelica said.
"Well, the Patronus isn't just about your magical power. If it was, everyone could cast it. If anything, it isn't about magic. It is about you, and what you can imagine." All four students stared intently at Harry. "To learn the Patronus, you need to do three things. The first is to find the happiest memory you can. Take your time, and choose carefully. Something closest to unbridled joy and enthusiasm can work well too."
Harry sat silently, taking deep breaths as all four older students closed their eyes and searched through their memories. It took Jason, Angelica, and Cho a few minutes, but as they opened their eyes Cedric still stared blankly ahead. Cho went to shake him, but Harry shook his head. After a minute more Cedric's eyes focused, and Harry smiled as the boy nodded at him.
Daphne stood off to the side as the older students focused. Harry had almost forgotten his friend was here as he cast the charm. Harry felt her eyes boring into him with curiosity. Harry realized that in their lessons, he had never showed her Prongs.
"It's beautiful," Daphne said quietly. "That's Prongs?"
"Yes," Harry said, just as quiet. "Let's keep that between us." Daphne nodded, a small smile flickering over her face, one that made Harry a little nervous. Daphne only smiled when a nefarious plan came to mind. In order to distract himself Harry turned back to the, for lack of a better word, class.
"Ok, I doubt any of you will be able to do anything corporal this time. It took me a lot of time. If you do, then I don't know what you need me for." Harry looked expectantly at the other students, who looked at him blankly. "You need to cast the charm. Just extend your wand. No fancy movements, just point and cast." Jason had the decency to looked ashamed, and the rest looked at their shoes. "Let's see what you get." All 5 raised their wands and shouted the charm.
It was no surprise to Harry that most of them got nothing. It had taken him months to be able to conjure the white mist, and a few more months to get that mist into a form. It was only at the lake that he had been able to create Prongs, and if he was being honest with himself, he was surprised that he could still summon Prongs with no imminent danger. That seemed to be when Harry performed his best, with his death on the line, which was both motivating and terrifying.
What was more surprising was the results of the two students who had some success. Cedric's wand had summoned something like a gentle cloud, nothing that he could even begin to make into a form but it was proof that he had a memory that he could start to work with. Next to him Daphne's face took on a look of intense concentration as the cloud of mist started to build around her. Harry was almost shocked into silence by the mist radiating from his friend, but a gasp of surprise from Cho startled him into action.
"Daphne, keep calm," Harry told her. "The mist is there, but you can't force it into a form. You need to guide it into the form you feel comfortable with." Daphne took a deep breath and the mist started to swirl in front of her. "There is something there, right? Just encourage it." The mist continued to swirl, and an indistinct blur started to appear and shine. Then Daphne seemed to the wilt in exhaustion, and Harry rushed over to her in concern.
"Pretty good right, Harry," Daphne said, giving him a small smile and then she collapsed into his arms, unconscious.
"Yikes," Cedric said as he hurried over to her. "Is she ok?"
"She will be ok," Harry said, picking Daphne up in his arms. He was surprised she was so light, but if anything, Harry figured it was just his increased strength. "Angelina, would you mind running to the common room and grabbing some food, preferably something sweet? I'll meet you right outside. Cedric and Jason, if you could make sure no one is around." The three older students burst from the room with purpose.
"Harry, that was amazing." Cho had a look of admiration in her eyes, and Harry was tempted to puff out his chest. Then Daphne stirred a little in his arms and Harry looked down fondly at his new friend, forgetting Cho's entirely. "What memory did you use?"
"That's not a very nice question Cho," Harry replied. "You are asking me what my happiest memory is."
"You can trust me Harry," Cho said, moving closer and looking Harry right in the eye. Harry felt his resolve wavering, and even though he had no intention of ever telling anyone at Hogwarts about Sa Bum, words started to appear right behind his lips.
"Coast is clear Harry," Jason said, bursting into the room. Harry jolted back in surprise, and then nodded and hurried Daphne out the room. Jason was right behind him, but Cho had disappeared. As they reached the common room, Harry put Daphne down and let Angelica get some of the food down her throat. Daphne's eyes flicked open, and she saw the older students crowded around her.
"Harry?" Daphne asked weakly, and Harry leaned through the circle. "I felt it coming out. I'm sorry I couldn't hold it."
"Don't be sorry," Harry told her. "That was around a million times better than my first time. It must have been an amazing memory."
"Actually, it wasn't a memory," Daphne admitted, starting to get up. She stumbled a bit, and Harry caught her and lowered her back to the ground. "It was more like something I wish would happen." Harry handed her the chocolate and she ate a little.
"What was it?" Jason asked
"I should tell you all one thing," Harry said, his voice a little colder than usual, which got everyone's attention. "I don't mind working with this with all of you, but you should never ask about their Patronus trigger. If you want to share it, that's fine, but the next person who asks about it can find themselves a new teacher."
"I didn't think about it like that," Jason said, clearly distraught. "I'm so sorry Daphne."
"I know you didn't mean anything by it," Harry told Jason, "but just be careful about it in the future. Eventually you get to a stage where you just use the feeling and don't use a memory for a trigger, as that can take too long, but for now we will use memories. I use one because it is the easiest way to channel the emotion. Hopefully I'll be able to move past that in the future, but for now it seems to be working fine."
"I barely got any fog and I am exhausted," Cedric admitted.
"Seems like we have come to a natural stopping point," Harry said. "Not to mention I have a runes essay due tomorrow that I am clueless about."
"I can help," Daphne said, still looking a little sleepy.
"You need more chocolate and sleep," Harry told her sternly. "Can you make it back to the common room on your own?"
"I think you will have to carry me," Daphne said, and the other students laughed. Harry looked at her with an eyebrow raised, but Daphne met his stare evenly. "Come on, Harry. Where is my gallant prince when I need him?"
"I hate you," Harry muttered to himself. "You will never live this down if anyone ever sees me carrying you, right?"
"Then you better be quick," Daphne replied. Harry nodded and swung Daphne into his arms easily. "Ok, you know I was joking."
"Too bad," Harry said as he started walking down the hall. Daphne punched him in the arm, but only when he got down the next set of stairs did he set Daphne down. "Gallant prince?"
"Well, it felt appropriate," Daphne replied. "Maybe we can go somewhere private and you can carry me around some other time."
"You are impossible," Harry said, and Daphne favored him with a smile, a real one with no reservations. "Good work today." Harry shook his head. "I sound like a professor."
"Well, you are a pretty good professor. Are you sure you don't want my help with the runes essay?"
"Hermione did say you are better than her, so in all honesty I would really appreciate it." Daphne nodded. "But I was serious when I said you needed to go get some sleep." Daphne opened her mouth but Harry put a finger over it. "I know that you will argue with me until I give in, and I promise I will never shush you again, but please Daphne, go rest." He took his finger away and Daphne looked a little angry. "Daphne. You collapsed 5 minutes ago. I don't need to spend the rest of my night worrying about you."
"Huh." The look on Daphne's face was new to Harry, and to his surprise she put her arms around him and gently hugged him. Harry tensed a little bit. He had never been hugged by anyone not named Hermione, and his first instinct was to push her away. As he brought his arms up to her shoulders she shrugged his push away and buried deeper into his chest.
"Daphne!" Harry cried out, but the Slytherin didn't move an inch. "What if someone sees?"
"Are you embarrassed?" Daphne murmured into his chest
"Absolutely!" Harry said, trying and failing to keep the wild panic out of his voice.
"Serves you right," Daphne said, although she didn't remove her arms.
"Uh, Harry?" Harry heard a voice behind him, and turned and saw Dean standing on the platform above him, a flabbergasted look on his face. "Hermione was wondering if you needed help with the Runes essay…Hello Daphne."
"Hello Dean," Daphne said, moving her head back slightly so she could see who was talking.
"Should I leave you two alone?"
"No!" Harry as Daphne said "Absolutely."
"Argh!" Harry said, finally disentangling from her hug. Dean was doubled over in laughter as Daphne turned and walked away.
"See you tomorrow, Harry," Daphne told him. They usually had their lessons about what it meant to be a lord on Friday, but Dean didn't know that and laughed even harder as she disappeared down the stairs. Harry walked up to Dean and glared him in the eye.
"Not. A. Word." Dean nodded and it took him all of three steps to laugh again.
"So, you and a Slytherin, huh?" Harry elbowed Dean in the side which send his friend into another gale of laughter.