A/N: I wished I owned Harry Potter. Alas, I do not. Ms. Rowling, I'd be happy to take it off your hands.

Chapter 26: The Next Level

November, 1994

Harry just sat there, watching the footwork. That was where it always started. It didn't matter how strong it was, how fast it was, how clean the form was. It all started with the footwork, the movement at a very simplistic and basic level. Defense, offensive, counters, it didn't matter if his feet were not in the right place.

"Ok?" Akira asked, stopping the movement seeing Harry's eyebrows kneaded together.

"Not particularly," Harry said. "It seems pretty complex, and it feels like we are skipping over some pretty important points."

"Of course we are," Akira said. "You just fought a dragon. After a talk with my father, we agreed that speeding up your training is fairly important. You need to learn this stuff before you move on to the next level. Just to make sure you are conditioned properly for it."

"You have said next level a lot over the last few days," Harry told him. "But you never really explained what the next level is. Isn't it just improving my skills and learning more forms?"

"Harry, are you purely a martial artist?" Akira asked. Harry just blinked, clearly unsure at how to answer the question. Akira rubbed his temples a little bit. He had never taught the next level to anyone yet. The plan had been for Harry to start this instruction over winter break. But there were two key problems with that.

The first was that it took time to learn what Akira was teaching him. Normally, it would take somewhere in between 4 and 6 months. But a lot of things were coming to a head and it seemed like Harry would be incredibly busy the next few months, and even if he was able to find time in the day to train every day and still get reasonable sleep, it seemed unlikely he would be able to master the skills in the three months he had before the next task.

The second problem was based in Asia. The original idea had been for his father and Nambung Sa Bum to start the training for Harry, and Akira would then scale the training up after an extended discussion with his father about what Harry could and could not do. But his father was covered in paperwork and bureaucratic nonsense due to the emergence of an anti-normal faction in the Asian government.

The Asian magical government did not use the term muggle like Europe did, believing it was a slur and stereotype. Along with that, there government was filled with people without magic, so it was just a division between magical people and normal people. For the most part, wizards were able to co-exist with their normal counterparts, better in Asia than places like North America and Europe. But that didn't mean it was all smooth sailing.

In fact, over the last few years, there had been a vocal but small group that spoke out against equality for normal people, while also stoking fears about friendly relations with other magically powerful countries. The rise of Grindelwald and Voldemort only served as examples of the problems of other countries to combat "dark" forces. His father's superiors had managed to keep those issues away from public debate, but they could no longer do that as that small group was big enough to have seats on every governing body now.

His father was fully committed to normalizing relationships with the normal world and other countries governing magical bodies. However to take such an open stance he needed allies to support him, even if it meant taking a slightly more close-minded stance than he would have preferred. Finding friendly faces in government was extremely challenging, especially with xenophobia and paranoia rising every day in the general population. So his father no longer had time for the delicate instruction Harry needed.

Normally, Nambung would handle the instruction. But he had been giving a classified mission by very important people. Even his father, one of the most powerful people in the Asian Ministry of Magic was totally unaware of the mission until he had reached out to Korea to see if Nambung was available. Despite threats, bribes and coercion, the only thing his Takashi Hayashi had been able to figure out was that the mission was supposed to be completed by January but might last longer. It was not unheard of for Nambung to disappear for a month or two, but for one of the most lethal men in Asia to need 3 months to take care of an issue was concerning to his father, concerning enough to try and put in on the agenda for the main governing body to learn more out what was going on.

All of those factors meant that Harry would not be getting the instruction from the people best suited to teach the most dangerous technique of the Hayashi School, a secret passed down through many generations and known to a selected few outside the school. While his father had granted Akira the permission to teach the skill to Harry, if it was utilized improperly, it could lead to serious injury, so it took a few days of serious internal dialogue for Akira to decide it was necessary for Harry to learn the skill.

"To answer the question for you, of course you are not purely a martial artist," Akira said. "You are also a wizard."

"Sure," Harry said, unsettled by the question.

"Didn't you ever think it was weird that I banned you from using magic when you use martial arts?" Akira asked.

"I mean, it was frustrating at times but it made sense," Harry told him. "Remember at the beginning of the year, when you made the point to Hermione that if you wanted to learn a skill, you should practice it at the exclusion of others. It how all my training has been, magical or otherwise."

"Right," Akira said. "But that doesn't mean the two can't coexist. Imagine a normal martial artist who is at a higher level than you. How can you defeat him?"

"Are you saying I should use magic?"

"The same applies for wizards and witches and martial arts, as I am sure you already figured out." Harry nodded at that. Almost every interaction with a magical person left others in his wake if he was permitted to use the skills he had learned over the summer and improved with Akira since September. He had seen very few wizards, no matter how wise or powerful recognize martial arts, and even fewer who knew how to counter it with magic.

"So I use something they have never seen before to win fights?" Harry asked.

"I feel like it would be hard to use only magic or martial arts when you have access to both," Akira. "Therefore the next level is twofold. The first is being able to use them in concert when you are in a fight, and that is the skill you will be learning at the present." Harry was still confused. "Maybe a demonstration is in order. Focus on defense." Akira drew his wand and Harry followed suit. "Ok, so you are only allowed to use magic." Harry nodded.

It happened so fast that the next thing Harry felt was water spilling out of Akira's wand to wake him up. He faintly remembered Akira's movement and he was backpedaling under the assault. Then Akira had cast two spells, switching hands with his wand and using the free hand to attack Harry with skills from the Hayashi school. Harry couldn't keep up, and after casting a spell to block a stunner, he had left himself exposed and Akira's backhand had caught him flush on the temple. Then he was waking up.

"Woah," Harry said. "That was impressive."

"Granted, it's a tough skill, but it necessary for the second part of the next level. Do you remember what I did when we fought the dragon?"

"Yes. You were covered in a weird substance, but you seemed much stronger than I had ever seen you, even when you spared with Nambung or the other senior students over the summer."

"That technique is called Basutosutorimu." Harry didn't recognize the word. That wasn't unusual as his knowledge of the Japanese language was basic at best. But hearing the word brought to mind a memory from months ago

August 1994

"It is too dangerous!" Hayashi-san had said. Harry was a little surprised. He knew that Hayashi-san and Nambung Sa Bum had arguments about his training. But usually they kept it private and under wraps. It was very unusual for them to fight in front of him. Hayashi-san seemed violently upset, and Nambung looked incredibly dismissive. For two people who respected each other immensely to be fighting in front of him was incredibly awkward. Even Akira, who was sitting in on the meeting as well as another senior student with magic were unsettled.

"I feel like we can guide him through it," Nambung Sa Bum. "Learning anything is dangerous. But this is a key part of the training. What do you plan to do?"

"He can learn when he has the skills to utilize it!" Hayashi-san shouted. "He isn't strong enough yet. He may never be strong enough, and there is no shame in that. Stop treating him like this!"

"Like what?" Nambung Sa Bum spat. "Like someone we should invest in for our future? Because there is more in the world than Asia? That we might have a responsibility beyond our borders? I understand you have primarily domestic concerns. But things are starting to get bigger than us, and we will need allies to combat that."

"He is a child!" Hayashi-san said. "Let him keep that a little longer."

"Harry stopped being a child the moment his parents were killed!" Hayashi-san paled at that statement. "Let me remind you that if you had not treated a man, who was only 21 years younger than you, like a child, he and his wife might have been alive today." Harry knew that Hayashi was in his mid 50s but was still a vibrant and powerful man due to his magic and his training. But at that statement, his karate master looked weaker and older than Harry had ever seen him, as if the life has been sucked out of him.

"I know," Hayashi-san said, tears in his eyes. "Don't think I have beaten myself over that for years. James was special. If he truly devoted himself, he could have attained Basutosutorimu even at his late age."

"So don't make the same mistake," Nambung Sa Bum said, putting a hand on his friend. "I will start preparing his mind. You must prepare for the winter. That will be 6 months."

"Ok," Hayashi-san said. "We will do what me must."

"Harry, with me," Sa Bum said, and Harry followed him out to the middle of the garden. "The first thing you will need to continue your training is key to everyday life, as well as protecting your mind and improving my occlumency."

"I thought my occlumency was already strong."

"It is, but it needs to become even stronger before you are ready to move to the next stage of your training," Nambung Sa Bum explained. "Now, I want you to find the lake in your mind."

"Basutosutorimu directly translated means burst stream," Akira said. "It is a technique that allows you to convert magical power to physical power. It will make you the most dangerous student in this school for a short period of time. However, it will also carry significant risks. If you stay in the form too long, you will risk total exhaustion. Any longer, and you might damage your magical core or ruin your muscles beyond repair. It is necessary you learn it, but just hope you never have occasion to use it. I will not teach you the incantation or the wand movement until it is time. Until then, you have one task."

"What task?" Harry asked.

"You know the calm mind state you used when you fought the dragon? The one you use to strengthen your occlumency?" Harry nodded. "Did you notice something when you fired the spell as a distraction for the dragon?"

"Now that you mention it, when I did that, I wasn't as focused, because I needed to drop out of that state to remember my plan. It was following through a thought process to get a reaction, instead of proactive action from indicators."

"Good," Akira said, pleased Harry had come to the realization on the first try. "Now, your task is simple. I want you to fire 3 spells while remaining in the calm mind state."

"Ok," Harry said, instantly apprehensive. Obviously remaining in this state while he used spells, something that required cognitive thought would be challenging.

"That's not all," Akira said. "I need you to chain the spells. Also, you need to one charm, one hex, and one transfiguration."

"That's impossible," Harry said. Chaining spells was hard enough and required most of his thought. To move seamless from one spell to another required amazing focus and concentration, something entirely different from the calm mind state. Harry had never managed to chain more than two spells, and they were both hexes

"Well, you can do the three in any order." Harry just stared blankly at Akira. "Well, Neville is almost finished with his second lap." Harry turned and saw that Neville was indeed almost done with his second lap of the grounds. He glanced at his watch and a small smile formed on his face. Akira had promised that if Neville could two laps in 30 minutes, he would begin his martial arts training in earnest. Neville reached Harry at 28 minutes and 34 seconds, absolutely drenched in sweat.

"Good job, Mr. Longbottom," Akira said, patting the boy on the back. "Why don't you take a two minute break, and then we will get started." Neville beamed at him and then collapsed to the ground, taking deep heaving breaths. "Harry will be doing some self-directed study for the rest of the week, so I can give you personal attention for a while." Harry helped Neville to his feet and patted him on the back.

"Well, it was good knowing you." Harry said with a half-smile. "I know I barely survived personal attention."

"I just don't get it!" Harry complained. Normally, it took him a few days to master a new spell or a technique Akira taught him. It was Friday now and he had detention in 30 minutes with his now expanded Patronus class. Detention had eaten into his training time, and he was still no closer to the task Akira had set for him on Monday. Forget about chaining a hex and a charm, he couldn't cast one spell while remaining in the calm mind state.

There had been times where he struggled with new things. If it was a spell, Hermione or his Grandma could help him out. If it was a martial arts issue, then Akira would usually work him through it. But this was a combination of the two. His grandma and Hermione didn't even have occlumency, so the calm mind state would not make any sense to them. This didn't even take into account that Akira refused to give him any hints and told Harry he had to work through this on his own.

"Look, I wish I could help you out with this, but this whole calm mind state sounds crazy," Neville told him. They were sitting in the common room, which was currently deserted. Harry had given up on trying to chain together combat spells as there was no real place to do it in the castle, and by his estimation it would be easier to use simpler spells.

"Yeah it took me a while to learn," Harry said, "and I'm still some distance from total mastery. I was able to get to where I am now in less than two months because I spent 4 hours a day on it, and it was driven by necessity. It's crucial to moving forward in the Hayashi style though, and you did say you wanted to learn."

"You didn't bother to talk me out of it?"

"Hey, Akira said that if you get in better shape a lot of aspects of your life will improve. He wasn't lying. Last time I checked, you were doing better in class, you are able to wake up on your own in the morning for training. Oh, not to mention you have a wonderful girlfriend."

"That last thing doesn't have anything to do with training!" Neville protested.

"Nev, while I am sure that eventually Hannah would have fallen for your irresistible charm, it certainly doesn't hurt to have muscle definition. Akira told me that one," Harry said, totally straight faced

"Harry, how many girls have come up to you this week, wanting to talk all about how amazing you did in the first task and how much they have admired you since first year?"

"I know this is going to sound tacky, but I honestly lost count," Harry admitted. "What surprised me was how many students from the other schools asked. Durmstrang did not bring a lot of girls and quite a few of them wanted to talk about it, as did the girls of Beauxbatons. A lot of those students were 6th year or higher. It's insane."

"You did come in first," Neville said, "while showing off skills that most of them have never seen. People thought you were creating illusions of yourself."

"Karkaroff didn't recognize the style, but he knew what I was doing," Harry told him. "Akira set up a sparing session with one of his students later. I have to hide the key techniques of my style while trying to get the student to show off his specialties. Very cloak and dagger. Even the fight is a secret from almost everyone. Akira made me promise to not even tell McGonagall, and I tell her almost everything. So it goes without saying, please keep it a secret."

"Of course. Hey, don't you have Patronus class soon?" Neville said. Harry glanced at his watch and nodded.

"Does the whole school know about that now? It was supposed to stay a secret."

"Who knew Hufflepuff would be the worst gossips?" Neville mentioned "God, I hope Hannah doesn't tell anyone about my parents."

"I'm sure she won't" Harry lied. He knew Hannah had already told Susan and probably Daphne, but Susan and Daphne could keep it a secret and there was nothing to be gained by putting strain on Neville and Hannah's relationship. The breakup with Daphne had certainly made the study sessions awkward and forced, and Harry realized, after a discussion with Lavender that the reason it was hard for Hannah was become she was torn between Neville's unquestioning loyalty to Harry and her friendship with Daphne even though Harry didn't attend the study sessions as often as he had in the past.

"Ok, go teach, Professor," Neville said. Harry waved over his shoulder as he headed out to the charms classroom. He was a little early when he arrived, but the classroom was almost full, even with Professor's Flitwick expanding charm. Harry knew a decent portion of the students. Jason, Cedric, Angelina, Daphne, and Cho, the original five as Harry called them, were all there. Daphne had rejoined the class after informing Harry she was struggling with the charm and could not create her animal anymore.

The Weasley twins and the other three champions rounded out the students Harry knew. There were a few 6th year from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff that he didn't know, and a few 7th years from all 4 houses. It had taken a long discussion with Flitwick to convince Harry to allow Slytherin's into the meeting, though Harry had put his foot down when Flitwick asked him if the 4th years from Slytherin could attend, as some had expressed interest.

"Harry!" Professor Flitwick said from the podium behind his desk. "I think that the students are making great progress. Most of them are able to conjure the mist."

"Yeah, I'm thinking that perhaps we should focus on making sure they can create a shield for the time being. Although some of the students are probably better equipped to work on a corporeal Patronus, I don't think separating them would do any good."

"This is your class," Flitwick said with a laugh. "I'm just here to make sure you serve you detention properly."

"Speaking of that, how close am I to serving it out? I do have a death-defying tournament to prepare for."

"Didn't we already agree on your goal?" Harry nodded reluctantly. He was hoping Flitwick would relent. "Until a student produced a physical Patronus. Isn't that wonderful motivation to work hard?"

"Delightful," Harry said with as much sarcasm as he could muster.

"Why don't you get started Professor Potter?" Flitwick said with a gleam in his eyes.

"I hate you," Harry said under his breath. He turned to the class who were all chatting. Although he could have yelled for silence, Harry had determined that raising an eyebrow at the last few students was more effective and within a few seconds all the students were silent. "Well, let's get started then."

For the next hour, Harry walked around the classroom, urging students on and giving direction where it was needed. The closest to forming a corporeal Patronus were Daphne and to Harry's surprise Fleur. He had talked a little with Fleur after a Patronus class earlier in the week and was surprised to find that her life was not entirely dissimilar to his, Although boys drooling over her allure was a little different than the reaction to his scar, it was hard for both of them to know who their real friends were at times. In a few ways Fleur's childhood and early teenage years had been as challenging as Harry's, so he was quite curious as to what her memory was, even if he would never ask.

Harry spent a few minutes trying to explain the intermediate step of guiding your mist into a form when he heard an excited shout. He turned and saw the form of Daphne's animal start to taking a defined form, and he raced over. There was a look of intense concentration and Harry quickly summoned Prongs to try and urge her on. There was a bright flash, and then the mysterious cat was back, looking around for a few seconds before it flicked out.

"Great job Daphne," Harry said quietly, grabbing an arm to hold the exhausted girl up. "Ok, you all know that it is possible. If you are having problem with a corporeal form, I'd encourage you to start by forming the mist into a shield first. That's a different way to learn it."

"I didn't know that I'd ever be able to get it back," Daphne said tiredly. "It's exhausting when your memory is not as strong."

"Without a doubt," Harry said. "Getting Prongs to take a solid form has been much harder since…"

"Since I broke your heart?" Daphne said.

"Are we at a stage where we can joke about it?" Harry asked.

"No, I think I forced it," Daphne said, and although she had a smile Harry could tell it was strained. "Sorry."

"You don't need to apologize," Harry said. "I'll never blame you for being honest about how you feel. Your feelings changed."

"Harry, I" Harry saw something that looked like sadness in Daphne's eyes, so he quickly turned away. What he said was true, but there was no part of him that wanted to talk about it, especially not with Daphne. The so-called Patronus class continued for another 30 minutes, and Fleur remained the closest, but Harry was too emotionally tired to do much more than take a short nap.

"Harry," Cedric saw, shaking him awake. "All done." Harry looked around to see the few students remaining picking up their backs.

"No progress?" Harry asked. Cedric shook his head. "That sucks. Hopefully you all can take care on your own from now on."

"What are you talking about?" Cedric asked.

"My deal with Flitwick was to help until someone got a corporeal Patronus."

"So that's it?" Cedric asked, clearly frustrated. "Harry, you started teaching us all week ago. That isn't that much help."

"Look, at the end of the day it isn't a spell that requires too much instruction," Harry said, "Even though Daphne is the farthest along, it's not like I can get a dementor here even if I wanted too. I don't know that I can tell anyone anything more, other than try and make happier memories or get more powerful, but that is beyond trite."

"I guess," Cedric said.

"Besides, I have something coming up that I need to practice for."

"Need any help?" Cedric asked.

"No, I should be ok," Harry told him.

"Well, whether or not you will be ok is still a matter of debate," Krum said. "From what I understand, Vasiliy is a dangerous adversary."

"What is he talking about?" Fleur asked.

"I have a spar on Monday with a boy from Durmstrang, which was supposed to be a SECRET" Harry said, glaring at Krum. "Karkaroff's apprentice, I think. Akira doesn't trust your headmaster and wants to see if he can figure out what his martial art style is. Hopefully I can make Vasiliy show some of his special martial arts skills and that Akira can recognize them. If Karkaroff is really here to cause trouble, that knowledge could prove crucial." Harry glanced at Victor and shrugged. "Sorry Victor."

"It's no problem," the Bulgarian replied. "Like I said, I'm not too fond of him. But I've heard some nasty rumors about Vasiliy's family. His uncle was wanted for murder and use of the unforgivables in Russia."

"Then it should be fun," Harry said, cracking his knuckles. "But I'll let Akira know, and he can keep an eye on his wand."

"I know you probably see the odds as a challenge, but getting injured isn't worth a victory," Krum said. "You will still have to compete in the tournament."

"Don't you trust me?" Harry said, patting Krum on the shoulder. "As much as it may surprise you, I am not too bad at fighting."

"Just be careful," Fleur added.

"Thank you for the concern," Harry told them, and swung his back over his back. "I'll see you guys on Tuesday." Apparently Akira was going to expand and clear out a room on the 5th floor to train in. Since there would be no wands during the spar, he would temporarily suspend his chain training.

"It's nice to meet you," Vasiliy said, extending his hand. His hand was rough and callous, which made Harry smile a bit. His hands were the hands of a fighter. "I haff heard vonderful things about your skills."

"As have I," Harry said. The weekend had been very useful specialized training with Akira, leaving him ready to fight in top condition on Monday. Vasiliy tightened his grip, but Harry just ignored it. It wasn't that tight, which Harry figured was due to weak forearms. Vasiliy definitely had big muscles, but they were focused in the normal areas like his chest, legs, and biceps. It would certainly hurt if Vasiliy hit him square.

"Ok, are you two ready to go?" Karkaroff asked. "Let's hurry this up. Vasiliy has class tonight."

"Don't be so hasty," Akira said, and gave Harry a wink. "How about we make sure that he gets through this ok?"

"Vasiliy!" Karkaroff snapped something off in Bulgarian, which Harry ignored. He took two deep breaths, and just like that his mind was calm. Vasiliy turned and gave a half bow, but Harry could already tell from his feet that the bow was a fake and was able to avoid the sucker punch. The Durmstrang student began to circle sizing his opponent up, but Harry kept a look of total disinterest on his face, keeping his mind calm.

The fight commenced at high speed. Vasiliy was clearly interested in landing a big blow early, and Harry wondered if it might be because the big boy lacked stamina. The blows were so heavy that Harry had to dodge and deflect. If he took one of the blows straight up, he might not be able to walk that off.

It was only a minute on defense before Harry saw his opening. In frustration his opponent overextended, and Harry latched onto the arm and used Vasiliy's momentum to spin him over his head, but intentionally pulled the throw short, leaving his side exposed. Vasiliy made a cup with his hand and with a vicious swipe cut Harry's side.

It was all well and good to try and figure out someone's style but Harry was not about to let himself get cut up. He dodged a few more swipes and then Vasiliy switched it up, his arms swinging at seemingly impossible angles. Eventually Harry got fed up of dodging. It was time to take a chance. He dove inside Vasiliy's range, and stamped on his left foot before his opponent could kick. Vasiliy was pinned in place.

The punch Harry threw was not a normal punch. He rotated every joint in his body from his knee up through his elbow all the way to the shoulder. It was technique that Nambung had taught him for increasing power against bigger opponents, and normally Harry would not show that technique in front of other fighters. But Vasiliy had forgotten the true purpose of the spar and his body was directly between Harry and his master.

The Bulgarian flew back and crashed to the ground. As he struggled to rise, Harry raced across the room and grabbed his opponent's head, preparing to bring his knee into the face of his opponent. Before he could react, Karkaroff was there pulling his student away, as was Akira holding Harry in place.

"I will not forget this," the Bulgarian headmaster snapped at Akira as he walked Vasiliy out the door.

"Good job," Akira told Harry. "I recognized it. Those cups hands gave you a few cuts."

"Yeah," Harry said. He held his side, which had the biggest cut. But Vasiliy had caught him once on his upper chest and another time on the cheek. "My shirt is ruined." Harry tossed the shirt off, and Akira brought out his wand.

"Let's get you healed up. Episkey." The cuts closed up as Akira administered the spell on every cut. "Did he land a solid hit on you?"

"My side is a little sore. I wasn't expecting the change in his range when he changed to his dominant style," Harry explained. "Though I don't think he was able to do more than cut me."

"Let's see." Akira waved his wand over the now-healed cut in Harry's side, and stared at the skin. "Yeah, just a graze. Be careful though. If he had gotten deep in with that curved hand, you'd be in the infirmary right now."

"But you know what the style is?" Harry asked. Akira nodded. "Good news or bad?"

"Very very bad," Akira said. "It's a very attacking style that focused on doing damage and has limited self-defense, because if you get a serious hit in your opponent isn't walking away. It's a form of Krav Maga, which was developed in the Middle East. They play for keeps in that region of the world. Interesting to see someone from North Europe using it. Apparently Karkaroff is well traveled."

"So I shouldn't go toe to toe with Karkaroff?" Harry said, intending it as a joke.

"I know you are joking Harry, but don't. If Karkaroff is the guy who is trying to hurt you and he confronts you, I'd suggest running. If he is a master, he would kill you, and I'd prefer to not waste all the work I put into you." Akira ran his hand through Harry's hair, and Harry angrily tried to straighten it, but it was a mess now. "So how are you doing with the calm state?

Harry took his wand out and flipped a chair into the hair, before switching it into a bag and sending it back into the wall with force. It had clicked for him sometime this weekend, and he was happy he could surprise Akira, who had an amused look on his face.

"So what's next?"