In the last chapter, Harry got his wand and was preparing to return to Hogwarts. The war is now starting, and he is preparing to fight. there will be an occasional time skip in his sixth year, but you will see definite development.

JK Rowling Owns Harry Potter

—Dance of Death ch 40–

Chapter 40: Nursery Rhymes

Hogwarts Express

Harry, Ginny, Neville, Hermione, Ron, and Luna were all in one of the compartments. Harry had more space than the rest who were rather crammed in, but the thorns made that necessary. Kreacher came and brought an expanding table filled with food and drinks. No one would go hungry. The entire group had arrived early to get their own car.

For space reasons, Harry was beside Ginny and Luna was by the window. Across the portable table, Ron was with Neville and Hermione. Harry's familiar was sleeping in an expanded box after being well fed for the trip. Ginny was wearing her dragon hide gloves and was holding Harry's hand. Harry was visibly anxious.

Ginny gave his hand a squeeze. "He'll be alright, Harry." Harry knew she was referring to Draco.

"You don't know that. He should have joined me in a guest suite."

Hermione decided to calm her friend. "Harry, Dumbledore has already adjusted the Wards. No portkeys will actively function. Draco will be safe at Hogwarts and even the Hogwarts Express is safe."

"Why did he want to go back? He could have stepped out of Slytherin altogether…"

Ron scoffed. "Really? Like you'd abandon your friends? Look Harry, Draco is a prat of epic proportions, but he's kind of loyal to his friends."

Harry took that in. He knew Draco wanted to be there for the younger Greengrass sister. He also worried a lot about his friends in the snake pit. The problem was, how many of his friends were willing to take him back? What if… Shite. Draco would play his game. He'd protect his friends and send advice where it was needed.

"Yeah. I guess."

Neville was playing cards with Luna. But he looked up a moment. "You can't protect everyone, Harry. You need to watch your own back."

Harry had come to accept Neville as having a lot of depth. He was so different from the timid boy he was in his first year. And he was completely right. He had to focus on his own tasks.

"Just let me know if you think he's in danger. I promised his mum…" Harry had indeed promised Narcissa he would watch out for Draco. He just didn't know how realistic the promise was given their physical distance. Neville would be in most of the same classes.

Ron shook his head a bit. He knew Harry was a bit too eager to protect everyone… But Draco Malfoy? He still struggled with their weird relationship. They traded barbs and insults just like before, but it was different. Ron hated to admit it, but he had been such a prat that he'd been replaced as best mate. It stung, but it was deserved. At least they were friends again. He sadly realised it'd never be like it was before.

Ron then noticed Harry had an oversized holster on his boot. That had to be his new wand. He knew Harry had used the staff he had grown after he'd gotten all thorny and had it combined it with a Basilisk heart string.

Ron leaned forward. "Harry let's get a look at your new wand. I hear it's wicked."

Harry thought about just saying 'No'. After a brief moment of deliberation, he held out his hand and wandlessly summoned it from his boot holster. He's been practicing minor wandless magic without a matrix and it was much easier with this wand. It seemed to be drawn to him like a magnet.

Harry held it up. It had large and small thorns covering it. A few had pierced his palm, but he barely noticed. Ron reached out to tough it.

Harry pulled it back. "Don't touch, it's a bit poisonous."

Ron was suddenly embarrassed. "How do you handle it, then?"

"Thorns don't bother me…" The cabin occupants all laughed at that. "It's a pretty aggressive wand. My Holly wand is more defensive, bit very flexible. This wand is more… I don't know. Offensive?"

Ron raised his eyebrows and tilted his head. "Looks it."

Ginny stared at it. "It suits you, Harry. I mean, so does your other wand, but this one… yeah."

Hermione levitated the empty plates to the corner of the cart. Kreacher could come get them when they arrived in Hogsmeade. She didn't like that thorn covered wand at all. It reminded her of Harry's less peaceful traits. It was not a wand for peaceful resolution of differences. But maybe it was the perfect wand for the coming war.

As Hermione thought about that, the door slid open.

Katie Bell stepped into the cabin. "Looks like a reunion. Welcome back Harry! So, any chance I can borrow my backup captain? "

Harry stood up and let Ginny out. "Making plots and plans already?"

Katie grinned. "We're gonna take over the world, Harry. One Quidditch match at a time." She was obviously loving being captain. Harry remembered her helping him in his first year. She was a true friend.

Ginny looked back at Harry before she left. "I'll be back, Harry!" She gave his hand a squeeze and left. Harry could tell she was excited to be back on the team. In a position of leadership. And with her new Broom, she'd be hard to beat as a chaser.

Looking over at the rest of his cabin, Harry noted that Hermione had joined the card game and Ron was watching eagerly. No doubt he wanted to get his chess board out. Well, not today.

Harry caught Luna's attention, "Alright Luna, deal me in. I'll try not to scratch up the cards." Ron shrugged and joined in as well. Soon it was all five of them.

After about thirty minutes, Hermione and Ron were summoned away to act as Prefects. That left Harry, Neville, and Luna. Harry's Familiar decided to come out of her 'Box' and slithered over to the window, the girls had no interest in cards.

At regular intervals, an Auror would walk by. No one was taking any chances now that everyone knew Voldemort was back. Poor Horace wasn't allowed to have his little dinner party on the train… but that suited Harry fine. He enjoyed hanging out with Neville and Luna.

"Harry!" a happy voice proclaimed.

Looking up, Harry saw Colin Creevey. Wide eyed and happy.

Harry was actually glad to see the small boy. "Hey Colin. Come on in and have a seat. We have a little food left. Do you play poker?"

"Yeah! Thanks Harry!" He took a few biscuits and Luna dealt him in.

Harry suddenly realised his familiar was beside him. Artemis was looking at his cards. Selene was still looking out the window and Hecate was looking at Colin.

Colin looked extremely uncomfortable. "Harry… they don't bite, do they?"

Harry almost chuckled. "No, not my friends. Try not to look like prey, Colin."

Hecate glanced at Harry. §"He's so cute. Like a little mouse. Too big to swallow, though." §

§ "Don't be a bully. When most of the school turned against me, Colin stayed loyal. Fought bravely, too." §

Hecate didn't say anything. She just continued to stare at Colin.

It was a long ride to Hogwarts.

—DoD—

Hogwarts

Harry's Quarters

Sept 1, 1996

Harry had just unpacked and set up a space for the Girls. A nice heated enclosure shaped like a Mayan Pyramid. The room was nice, but the winter would be cold. He planned to set up a few runic arrays to make the room a toasty 30 degrees Celsius. He'd keep his bed at 23 degrees. It was a lot easier when they were smaller. They had grown a lot over the summer.

There was a knock on the door. Harry reached out mentally and recognised Draco's magical signature. He had gotten good at that. Was that how Dumbledore always knew who was at his door? Harry walked over and opened the door.

Draco slipped in and closed the door behind him. He had a concerned look on his face.

The blond-haired teen looked around. "Settling in well, I see."

"Yeah. How about you? Are you alright? It's not too late for me to request a Guest Suite."

Draco shook his head. They had been over this. "Everything's fine. Crabbe and Goyle are gone. But Pansy and Theo are here. Others too." Crabbe and Goyle were on the Inquisitor Squad and had been arrested. Harry didn't see any point in bringing that up.

"What about your girl? Is she here?"

"Home-schooled. She's having… health issues." Draco stiffened up and it was clear he didn't want to discuss it.

"I'm… sorry. You know we can always request the suite… just let me know."

"I will. But for now, I'm re-integrating." He clearly had more to say. "Listen… Theo's up to something. He's in pretty bad shape too. He shows symptoms of being under the Cruciatus. Always in long sleeves… Harry, I'm quite sure he's been Marked. He just has that... look."

Harry wondered, "What do you mean? What look?"

Draco got an odd look. "Like he's half mad. Barely in control. Dad had it after You-Know-Who came back. So did all his friends. After having a house full of Death Eaters in my home, I can spot it."

Harry ran his hand through his hair. "Good to know." Theo was always so quiet… But then Harry had killed his dad in the Ministry… "Anything else?"

"Yeah. Everyone's scared of you. Professor Snape put the word out to avoid you at all costs. He kind of implied you were… deranged. A Psychopath with power beyond your years."

Harry laughed and snorted. "Yeah. Like anyone would believe that."

Draco didn't laugh. "Harry, they all believe it. Four of the Inquisitors saw you in the Theatre and left. They know you were there… Honestly, this is probably a good thing. You and your friends are off limits and they all think you'll kill them if they try anything."

After a quiet minute, Harry said, "Good. They may not be wrong…"

Draco silently nodded. He already knew Harry was dangerous…

—DoD—

Hogwarts

Headmaster's Office

September 4, 1996

Wednesday

Harry's first two days at Hogwarts were rather uneventful. He ate in the Great Hall but had to sit to the side during the sorting as he was no longer attached to a house. Due to his apprenticeship, he was in an unusual situation where he was not a traditional student. He still went to Potions classes and Professor Babbage gave him Ancient Runes assignments, but that was it. He already had his Ancient Runes NEWT, and Professor Slughorn shared a few advanced points with him, but mostly just praised him.

Today was the day he would actually start the advanced training that required him to return to Hogwarts. He was led up the winding stairs into the Headmaster's office and taken into an alcove with a table and three chairs. After a moment, he sat down and waited. He didn't have to wait long.

Albus Dumbledore and Fritz Oppenheimer soon approached the alcove. Harry stood and shook both of their hands. It was clear the pair had been engaged in an intense discussion. Fritz gave Harry a half smile and a nod. Harry understood the man very well and he knew that Fritz was both irritated with Dumbledore and happy to see him. Dumbledore also gave a nod and they each took a seat.

"Hello, Harry. Fritz and I have been discussing your training plan and I dare say, I feel certain you will be pleased. Today we'll give you an overview, then you will work with Fritz on your Occlumency and Divinatory exercises. Now, do you have any questions for us before we get started?"

Harry shook his head. He was ready to get started.

Dumbledore began the overview. "We are going to begin reviewing memories I've collected regarding Tom Riddle. You are to study and learn all you can from these memories. Afterward, you'll work with Fritz. We'll meet three times a week and by the Yule break, you should be nearly finished reviewing the memories."

Harry tapped the table three times… he was confused. "Professor, shouldn't I be learning Battle magic? You know, from you?"

Dumbledore looked amused. "No, Harry. At least, not yet. Before you can be trained to engage your enemy, you need to become more knowledgeable of him. Who he is and what his motivations are? Only then can you defeat him."

Harry couldn't hide his disappointment. "So, I'm not going to learn how to fight?" Well, to fight better?"

Dumbledore adopted his grandfatherly smile. "I don't believe I said that Harry. You will be getting advanced and intensive training with Filius. Once he says you're ready, we'll begin Battle Magic training. In the meantime, you can use this section of my quarters to work with Mr. Oppenheimer and review your training with Professor Flitwick."

Harry always got irritated whenever Dumbledore pulled the Grandfather trick. "Professor, are you saying I'm not already good enough for you to train?" Harry knew he was one of the best fighters in Britain.

Dumbledore took his glasses off and set them on the table. He took a deep breath and seemed disappointed. Harry was certain this was an act and it irritated him slightly. Always with the Dramatics.

"Harry, you are a gifted and powerful Wizard. But you lack your own style. Before I teach you Battle Magic, you need to find and develop your own way of fighting. Filius can help you there far better than I could. To be frank, you mostly fight like your mother, but I also see flashes of your father. Your parents developed their style to match their strengths. You have simply adopted their styles and overcome any… misalignment… with raw power."

Harry started to give a retort, but stopped and thought about it… It sounded pretty accurate.

Fritz elaborated. "You have a 'combat sense, that is as much magical sensitivity as it is divinatory in nature, but your style of combat doesn't take full advantage of it. You also have an incredibly unique ability to cast with either hand. Do you know how rare that is? Then there's your unusual ability to use wandless magic… Yes, you have far more potential, but you need to develop your own style of combat to take advantage of it."

Harry sat back and huffed. "Wow. I just assumed you were going to tell me this was all about the Horcrux hunt."

Fritz smirked at him. "Well, there is that Harry. That and helping you determine 'His' next moves. By understanding him, you should be able to begin divining what he's up to. Hence the memories followed by time with me."

Harry was catching on. "You want me to spy on Voldemort? Is that… Won't that be dangerous? To connect with him?"

Harry could tell from Fritz's reaction that this was why he was irritated. "Yes. It will be dangerous, and I'll be testing your occlumency before you should even attempt it. Starting today."

Dumbledore seemed unhappy. "I'm sorry to have to ask this, Harry. You should know that Fritz and I did not agree on this. He felt it overly zealous."

Harry asked, "So why are we doing it, then?"

Dumbledore held out his hands and Fritz gritted his teeth while looking away.

Dumbledore lowered his hands and continued. "Unless we can find his last Horcrux, he will remain un-killable. To strike him down now would be temporary. I have no doubt he has already prepared for a second or even a third resurrection ritual." Picking up his glasses, Albus placed them on his face and looked directly at Harry. "Destroying his body won't give us a thirteen-year respite again."

Dumbledore made a casual gesture with is wand. Harry had learned to appreciate the crisp and fluid movements the Headmaster always made. Years of practice and familiarity went into all Dumbledore's movements. His pensieve slowly floated over and rested on the table in front of them. Harry knew what a pensieve was and he had to admit, this was a nice one.

Harry wondered why it was here… "Professor, you mentioned that we'd only be having an overview today."

Fritz smirked and Dumbledore smiled softly. "Ah, Harry. I'm afraid you misunderstand. This is for your memories. We are going to select a few choice events to share with Professor Flitwick. He is very eager to start and this will expedite the training. Once we have them, I'll leave you in Mr. Oppenheimer's most capable hands."

Fritz tapped on the table. "You're all mine kiddo! Intense Occlumency evaluation. I can't have my star pupil getting his brains scrambled." He gave Harry a small collaborative wink. "Then we'll grab dinner."

Harry grinned nervously. He finally realised why he liked Fritz so much… He reminded him of Sirius. He was less reckless and far more in control, but the same sarcastic wit…

Dumbledore then cleared his throat and directed Harry. "Let's start with the battle you fought in the Ministry. Take your wand like so and call forth the images… slowly extract them and place them gently in the bowl…"

—DoD—

Four hours later, Harry returned to his room and collapsed on his bed. He had extracted memories from the battle of the Ministry, his boxing training, and the dirty tricks Lou had drilled into him… He also included a number of his ambushes in the fourth year. He enjoyed watching Dumbledore's look of embarrassment and shame as he was forced to view a student in his care getting ambushed and injured repeatedly. Harry couldn't help it; he was still bitter. Fritz on the other hand was flat out pissed. He had to take thirty minutes to calm himself before they could test Harry's Occlumency.

Harry knew Fritz was one of the Senior Unspeakables, but until they really began working on his Occlumency, he never realised just how skilled the man was. Harry's Occlumency was sufficient to keep him out, but he explained other ways to divert and parry a more powerful attack so as not to be incapacitated while resisting. It was excellent training.

When they had finished, Fritz actually ordered dinner in Albus' office and they discussed lighter topics. Eventually, they found themselves discussing the morals of curse breaking and how long dead civilizations had foreseen their own demise. Fritz was of the opinion that some tombs were fair game and others were part of the Heritage of the people that live in the region and should be left alone. Egyptian tombs fell into that grouping. Harry made a point to discuss that further with Bill. It was a different way of looking at the profession. Curse-breaker versus Tomb-robber.

—DoD—

Laying on the bed and reflecting on the training and interaction with Fritz, Harry looked up at three pairs of green eyes. § "Have you girls eaten?" §

Hecate answered, § "Yes, Harry. Dobby came by with a rabbit." §

Selene asked, § "Can we meet up with Lavender and Parvati?" § It was interesting watching Lavender and Parvati communicate with Selene. As long as it was clothing or fashion, they all seemed to work it out. He only had to interpret Selene a few times.

Hecate added, § "I'd like to speak with Padma." § Harry knew that meant he'd be the go-between.

Looking at Artemis, he asked, § "What about you Artemis? What can I do for you?" §

Artemis answered, § "Will you play a game of chess with me?" §

Harry could only laugh. § "I'll see what I can do about the meetups, Artemis, let's set the board up. You know, Ron's much better at this than I am. Draco too…" §

Selene tilted her head empathetically. § "We love you Harry, not them." §

And he loved them too.

—DoD—

Hogwarts

Monday, September 13, 1996

Harry sat painfully in a seat in Albus' Office. The Pensieve was between the two of them and Filius extracted a memory. This was their standard procedure. Two intense hours of training followed by a review from Filius' memory. The gentle professor was a relentless dueller and he was training Harry almost from scratch.

They entered the Pensieve and Harry stood beside his image. He noted the awkwardness in using both wands. The unusual exchange of wands when pressing an attack. The poor balance while switching…

Filius smiled. "I think you are seeing the problem, Harry. You have two wands, but you're fighting like you only have one. Then when you switch, it's just awkward. You're off balance and delayed. Fighting with two wands is not the same as being a dual-wanded fighter."

Harry watched his image move and cast over and over. He was more effective with just one wand than he was with two. Whenever he switched wands, he lost a half of a beat of time. He was also off-balance.

"The work you did in the muggle gym has helped you move better, but we'll need to train you to shift your weight effortlessly. Your wands need to work together, not take turns working. They should complement each other… You also over commit. You've always tended to do that, but it's worse now that you have two wands. Here, watch this…" Filius began rewinding the action and replaying specific points.

Harry watched as he went to dodge but shifted right into the path of an attack. He just had managed to raise a shield. Unfortunately, he was so far off balance that he wasn't able to retaliate. Filius played the scene over and over while they both watched.

"You see, Harry… you could have just shifted a bit to avoid the attack, but you take a full step. You seem to do this quite frequently. You don't have to actually take a full step to the side… In this particular Volley, you actually moved the wrong way. Why did you do that? Usually you know exactly where the attack is aimed even before I've finished casting."

Harry was perplexed. He definitely remembered this specific event.

"I thought it was… I thought you were attacking my left, but you attacked the right side. I'm almost never wrong…"

Filius had a knowing smile. "Precisely, Harry! In your earlier years, you could sense magic and prepared for an attack. But you never actually reacted before the attack was made. In your fourth year, you began to evolve… Apparently, your divination was emerging and tying into your defence. But divination is not an absolute. I almost did go left, but I changed my mind at the last moment. Had you managed to keep your balance and moved more efficiently, you would have had no difficulty correcting yourself and countering." Filius rewound once more and replayed the attack.

Harry watched his movements again. Yes, Filius was right… had he simply shifted a bit, he could have easily parried the attack and countered. Divination is not one hundred percent reliable… Hadn't Fritz said much the same?

Harry nodded. "I see that now… It's like in boxing. You don't go for broke unless you know you'll connect. Otherwise, you'll overextend and probably take a hit."

Filius clapped and shook his fists happily. "Yes. Harry! That's exactly right! You're getting it!" Harry had always loved working with Filius. The man was like a cheering charm come to life.

Harry beamed at the diminutive teacher. It was odd standing beside his instructor while reviewing their duel in a Pensieve. Odd, but incredibly effective.

"Now, I want you to adopt more of a two thirds stance." Filius demonstrated a more open stance than he normally used. "Yes, it will present a slightly larger target, bit it'll give you more freedom to pivot and use both wands. We need to alternate offensive and defensive casting with each wand. We'll even switch hands from time to time. I knew in the first thirty seconds that you attack with the thorn wand and defend with the holly wand. That kind of predictability will only work against you… And you should feel free to cast more than once with a wand before switching… each wand should be using their own spell chains."

Harry considered this. He had always practiced casting with each hand, but always with just one wand. He'd never practiced casting with two wands at the same time… If he did it right, he'd pick up an extra attack between castings… He'd be fast.

"Professor, how do I split my focus…?"

"First, we'll minimise your movements, that'll calm down the hands. Then we'll practice simple curses with each wand… then we'll practice them at the same time. Until its second nature. Consider how musicians use their hands. A guitarist strums or picks at the strings with one hand while the other works the frets. A drummer uses two sticks in ways that complement the rhythm and the beat. The hands work together."

That made a lot of sense. "How long do you think it'll take?" Harry was nervous about having to step backward in his skill set to move forward beyond his current levels.

Filius shrugged, "With your work ethic, perhaps six or seven months for full proficiency. Maybe sooner. But you need to put in two hours a day at the very minimum."

As they withdrew from the Pensieve, Filius wrote down a few extremely basic spell chains. Basic, but effective.

"These will get you started. Once you think you've mastered it, we'll adjust. But remember, balance matters. I want you performing these spell chains on the balancing board. Economies of motion will be your steppingstone to mastery, Harry." He held up three fingers. "Balance, control, and collaborative wands."

Harry nodded. "Yes, sir."

Harry knew he'd practice in his mindscape with his parent's incarnations… He'd be proficient in three months. Considering Dumbledore's words to him, he knew the Headmaster was expecting him to be ready for battle magic training by the Yule break. He had to be, there wasn't time to waste…

That night, Harry lay in bed and replayed the battle in the ministry. If he been able to keep up with Bellatrix… She was dangerous and insanely fast. But with two wands, working together, he might actually be faster. Add in his illusions and Transfiguration skills… he could beat her hands down. Harry went over his battle with Bellatrix over and over in his mind. She was the best Voldemort had to offer. He'd beat her again… And he'd do it in style. As he drifted off to sleep, he was imagining her crazed eyes… that insane cackle… He hated to admit it, but she terrified him…

—DoD—

That Same Night

Bellatrix Lestrange looked at the silly door in front of her. Her husband and brother in law were setting the perimeter wards into a loop so no one would know the wards had fallen… They had told her to wait, but she was ever so bored. Now, the only thing standing between her and play time was a wooden door.

Looking up at the sky she saw stars twinkling away. They were saying 'Hello Bella!' She pointed her wand to the sky… "Morsmordre!" Instantly the Dark Mark appeared overhead. With the mark came anti apparition and portkey wards. The Floo would shut off as well.

"A captive audience for the Bella show." She held her hands above her head like a ballerina and began to twirl. She quickly got tired of spinning and began to laugh mirthfully.

"Knocky-knocky!" She destroyed the door with a casual wave. This was just too easy. She danced into the home.

"Are there any Abbotts here? Helllloooo? Who wants to come out and play with meeeee?"

The Inhabitants came running out all wearing their pyjamas! Bella was shocked… Why weren't they in formal attire?

In a rage, she shouted, "HOW DARE YOU?! I give you the greatest show of your life and this is the way you dress?"

She deflected three curses and side stepped a fourth. There was all manner of yelling and screaming… She decided to forgive them. They were applauding her in their own special way… Bella began singing.

"One potato,

Two potato,

Three potato

Four..."

She mercilessly killed a middle-aged man with a cutting curse. It almost sliced his torso clean in half. All the way to the spine… Sidestepping another curse, she bowed whilst raising a Protego shield. The women were wailing now… so lyrical… They were redeeming themselves for their shoddy appearance. Their poor fashion sense.

"Five potato,

Six potato"

One of the women was struck with a Blood Boiling curse and fell to the ground screaming… Her eyeballs began to swell… they would burst soon.

The other woman managed to raise a shield before her attack struck and threw a counter curse at her. She was a lively one! It was always so wonderful when the audience interacted with her. It meant they appreciated the show… The other man actually managed to strike Bella's shield with a Bombarda, destroying it. Bella chuckled with delight. Yes! It felt so good to be appreciated! She side stepped another curse from the man and parried an attack from the last woman standing. With a flick of her wand, Bella struck the woman down with a Flaying curse. The screams from the woman being flayed would serve as applause long enough for Bella to play with the man…

"Seven potato…

More…"

The man looked at the woman screaming while her flesh was peeled away. While he stared in horror at what must be his wife or sister, Bella parted him from his head. It was all so easy… They were moving in slow motion. The one woman being flayed was still screaming her applause, but it was weakening. She wouldn't last… Bella was disappointed… she had hoped for more fun. She looked around at the room she was in. There were chairs and an overturned sofa. The room was in complete disarray. Broken furniture… Family pictures and tables with knick-knacks… A good bit of blood spattered about. She didn't remember it being this messy when she first got here… They really should get an elf.

Bella looked around at the fallen Abbots. These were the Half-blood Abbotts. They had to be pruned for the good of the tree. The Pureblood Abbotts were on the Wizengamot and had made her Snake master angry. They would get a second chance since they were pure… but a message had to be sent. A message with a performance! Bella cleared her throat and sang her song again. She wanted to perform it correctly and uninterrupted while she was still happy.

"One potato, Two potato,

Three potato, Four.

Five potato, Six potato,

Seven potato…

Moooooorrrrrreeeee!"

Bella belted out the last word with unbridled enthusiasm… Arms out wide and her voice reaching a high pitch… she stretched it out with all her prodigious musical ability. When she ended the song, she realised the screaming and whimpering had all stopped. She picked up the decapitated head and cradled it in front of her.

"I'm sorry the show didn't last longer. You really were a wonderful audience… despite your attire. But I feel the need to ask… are we really done? I wonder…"

She held out her wand, "Homenum Revelio!"

Instantly, she knew there was another in the house. Maybe it was a child… Someone who might play with her? She moved through the house in massive bursts of speed. In three seconds, she was standing in front of a closed and locked door. A wave of her wand gently unlocked it.

"Ready or not, here I come…" Bella loved playing 'Hide and Go Seek'.

"Phee…

Phi…

Phoe…

Phum…

Seven Potato…

Mooorrrre.

I smell the fear

of a Mud-Blood

Whoooore…"

Hopefully, it was a woman or a girl… Otherwise the rhyme wouldn't make sense…. Bella loved her skills at rhyming. Despite how impressed she was with her latest song; she resisted the urge to take a bow… Her performance wasn't over yet. She had one last fan to please. Somewhere in this room… A modest bed room. She used to play 'Hidey-Seekey' with her sisters… Bella began giggling. This was so much fun. Let's see, where did Cissy always hide? She peeked under the bed…

"Ah-Ha!"

No. Just books and dust bunnies. Bella actually sneezed… and laughed even harder.

"Won't you come out and play? I promise to hurt you… We'll have so much fun. You can watch me laugh and sing… Please?"

Well this wouldn't do! She said 'please' and everything! But… no one was under the bed… The room was empty… Maybe the occupant was super tiny? Bella checked the bottoms of her shoes… No. Whoever was here was a master of disguise… Invisible for all to see… Or not to see… A true genius at Hide and Go Seek.

Bella called out, "Give us a hint? Hmmmm?"

Bella was getting frustrated. She looked under the bed again. No. No one was there. Then she looked at the dresser. Could her new friend be hiding inside the drawers? She already knew her friend was tiny… So small… Bella checked the bottom of her shoes again before walking over to the dresser. She looked at the pretty mirror hanging on the wall. Over the dresser. She smiled at herself… looking at the beautiful lightning bold she had carved into her forehead… Now she matched her dark prince…

Making eye contact with herself, she gasped. She now had the most beautiful Emerald Green eyes…

"Yes-yes-yes-yes!" With joy she realised they were his eyes!

"Did Sweetie miss me?" She asked with a mock pout. "Is him asleep? Is him dreaming about his Belllllllla? Did my sleepy Prince come to a play?"

She leaned forward and kissed the mirror. The kiss was long and strong. As she pulled away, she felt her dark prince peel away from her like a layer of skin… Deliciously painful… He'd been with her all along… Joined as one… But she liked this better. She wanted to see his face.

Bella laughed happily and gazed in wonderment at image of Harry Potter. He came to play with her! Her lips had left a red imprint on the mirror right where Harry's mouth was… She wasn't wearing lipstick… Yet her lips had left red blotches on the reflective surface. Was it blood? She did tend to chew her lips when she played Hidey-Seekey…

She had a beautiful realisation… Did this count as their first kiss? He was so young… This had to be his first kiss! It had to be… He had saved it just for her! What else was he saving for her? With a smile, she knew the answer she hoped for.

Bella's romantic dreams were interrupted by the soft sound of someone crying. It was muffled and barely audible, but she had heard it. The wardrobe! Just like the way Andi used to hide! How could she forget Andi?Bella looked back at Harry and blew him another kiss. Now it was time to put on another show. A private show, just for him…

With a wave of her wand, the front of the wardrobe disintegrated, exposing a terrified woman crouched on the floor.

"Please don't hurt me! Please… please…." She was sobbing and gasping uncontrollably. Her terror seemed to be feeding Bellatrix.

Harry's consciousness had been pulled out of Bellatrix as her lips separated from the mirror. It felt like having duct tape pulled off of a hairy leg. Only he was the duct tape. No less painful though… Hopefully her insanity wouldn't stick.

He had been forced to watch the mad woman murder an innocent family, one by one. He'd seen it all through her crazy eyes. But he was now inside the mirror, looking out. He silently thanked the powers that be for the separation, but he was now helpless to do anything. Reaching out, he could touch the inner surface of the mirror, but couldn't reach the other side. It was like having one-inch thick glass between him and the rest of the world. He stared in horror at the woman in front of him. Cackling away and utterly crazy. She had carved some sort of design over her right eye… Was it supposed to be a lightning bolt?

Harry had actually felt the fear and pain when he was riding alongside Bellatrix. And when Bella was torturing and killing the Abbotts, he could actually taste it. It was intoxicating and nauseating all at the same time. He was relieved to be separated from her… but horrified for the poor woman in the wardrobe.

Harry looked about to see if there was any escape… but no. It was just a simple bedroom. One door and Bella were blocking her. Harry then saw the bedside table. It was a family photo… A man, the woman in the wardrobe, and…. Hannah Abbott. Oh lord, this was Hannah's family! Harry didn't like Hannah, but… he didn't want this.

Bella laughed. "Come out and play, Mud-Blood… are you a Mud-Blood? Or are you… a Muggle?!" She actually sneered the last bit out and with a gesture from her wand, the woman was ripped from the wardrobe and tossed her to the bed. A quick flick of her wand and Bella petrified the woman.

"No wand… You're either a Squib or a Muggle… I don't know which is worse." Bella stared for a moment, then turned back to the mirror. "I'm sorry, sweetie… You deserve so much better. Muggly-Squib… Squishy-squish."

Harry was shaking his head and shouting, "No, Let her go!" But Bellatrix just looked sadly at him.

Rabastan then walked into the room. "Got impatient, eh Bella? Well… You saved me a pretty one. I do like blondes. She's a bit older than I prefer, but… it's been a long week." He walked over to the bed and, with his wand, he began sadistically tormenting the paralysed woman. Her eyes were wide in fright and pain.

Harry became more animated in his fear for Hannah's mum… he was shouting and banging on the glass. Cursing Rabastan over and over. He soon had tears in his eyes… He didn't want to watch, but he didn't want to abandon her either…

Bella looked away from Rabastan and to Harry. When she looked at Harry, she seemed to understand how upset he was. She didn't seem to be able to hear him, but Harry knew she could tell he was screaming.

She looked back at her brother in law. "Stop that!"

But Rabastan didn't listen. He was enjoying himself… Revelling in the terror his victim was feeling. Feeding off of it…

Bella looked back at Harry… He saw her focusing on the tears forming in his eyes. She sudden looked enraged…

She angrily turned and pointed her wand at the bed. "Expulso!"

Harry watched as both Rabastan and Hannah's mum were literally blown to bits. Blood and gore splattered all over the room. The mirror had chunks of flesh and blood all over it. Bella smiled sweetly at him. He could hear every word she said… but she didn't seem able to able to hear him.

She whispered, "That's better." With a wink and collaborative smile, she said, "I never really liked Rabby." She smiled and tilted her head to the side. She appeared to be looking at the splatters on the mirror.

Bella raised her hand and began rubbing the gore coating the mirror into little heart shaped smears. The biggest one she positioned right around Harry's face. It required her to pick up a few chunks to get it right… Harry stared at her in shock and disbelief. The whole time, she was humming. Then she began talking whilst making the last few hearts.

"I didn't want you to see Rabby do that, my sweet Prince. Your innocence shouldn't be soured by… Those kinds of images… Muggles and Squibs and Mud-Bloods… Filthy and disgusting."

She then finished drawing the last gore stained heart and smiled. "Thank you for coming to see me, Harry. But you need your rest now. Keep dreaming about me… I get so very lonely… sometimes. No one understands me." The last bit was but a whisper. Then she began softly singing. Unlike her earlier demented rhymes, this was actually crystal clear…

"Go to sleep my Ick-le Harry,

Go to sleep my Ick-le Harry,

When you wake,

We'll patty, patty cake,

We'll riiiide your shiny little Po-oh-ny"

—

Harry woke up screaming. He screamed loud and long.

—DoD—

Hogwarts

Dumbledore's Quarters

September 14, 1996

2AM Early Morning

The next hour was a blur of activity. Harry sent a Patronus to Dumbledore after he woke up. The Headmaster summoned the Order of the Phoenix and a message was sent. Fritz was called in and Harry's Familiar tried to calm him… Eventually, it was just Harry and Fritz sitting and drinking tea in Dumbledore's office. Harry had related the vision half a dozen times, and eventually found it easier to just place the memory in a Pensieve. Dumbledore and the Order were now out and about, leaving Fritz to help Harry pull himself together.

Fritz handed Harry an herbal tea. "Harry… I can't tell you how relieved I am that you got through that intact. Never, ever, ever, enter the mind of a crazy person. I suspect that you made an impression on each other while you were… you know, destroying my department."

Harry couldn't help but crack a grin. "I was going over the battle in my mind. Considering how best to duel her in the future. But, Fritz, I promise you I didn't do any of the exercises… It was just a bit of Occlumency to file away the day. I just… fell asleep before I was done."

Fritz rubbed his chin. "From now on, practice your Occlumency sitting up… that should prevent the accidental sleep issue."

"But how did I end up in her head? How did she put me in a mirror…? It was like she could see and interact with me. I was helpless… Was this even a Vision, or something else?"

"Well, I didn't see a silver cord in your memory, so it probably wasn't astral projection… I think she just got into your mind somehow." Seeing the despondent look on Harry's face, Fritz knew he had to calm the teen. "Harry, she's insane. Insane people tend to be… sensitive to psychic and unnatural phenomenon. Normal rules just don't apply to them."

Harry sipped his tea. From his face, it was clear he didn't really like it. Herbal tea was always a bit of a let-down. "Have you ever heard of anything like this happening before?"

Fritz shook his head. "Not really. She could actually see you… And she seemed to know you were asleep and having a dream vision. But Insanity is the ultimate wild card… And Divination is the least predictable of the higher Arcane Specialties." Ritz adopted a sarcastic smirk, "Ironic, isn't it? Divination… unpredictable…"

Harry actually managed a weak chuckle. Fritz was pretty cool.

Fritz was glad the teen could laugh after that harrowing ordeal. "So, what we need to work on now is your ability to exit a vision. At no point in your memory did I see you trying to wake up or withdrawal from the vision… That's hardly your fault as we've been so focused on getting you to open up. For what it's worth, I think you put yourself in the mirror. Subconsciously, perhaps? To get away from her. The mirror was acting as a buffer, but you could still take in everything happening." Fritz now realised that Harry was operating way more effectively than Fritz had expected. How had he advanced so far?

Harry thought about it. "Should I try to synch up with her? To gather intelligence. She actually said she hoped I'd come back soon."

"Hell, no!" Fritz resisted the urge to raise his voice. "Riding around in the mind of someone so insane… Absolutely not. And don't let anyone try to convince you otherwise! Well, not unless you want to start singing demented Nursery Rhymes. Hearing yourself cackle about like a lunatic. Getting by with one shower a year… don't get me started on her teeth. Aside from being filthy, they look like they might have been filed… But hey, if that appeals to you, then by all means… knock yourself out."

Harry actually laughed a bit more. "Yeah, she really has put me off on Nursery Rhymes. I have no idea how I'll ever get my own kids to sleep."

Fritz hid just how concerned he really was, but he wanted to make sure Harry didn't go back to Bella. "Promise me you won't try to connect with her…" He absolutely did NOT want Harry trying to reach out to Bellatrix Lestrange. That could be catastrophic.

"That's a promise I can make with ease!" Harry actually shuddered a bit.

"Understand Harry, you have exceptionally good Occlumency, but insanity doesn't follow the normal rules. Just don't go there. Where Bellatrix is concerned, you just can't be too careful. I honestly don't think you could go for another ride or two without acquiring a few peculiarities. We're lucky she put you in the mirror."

Harry thought about it a moment. "Why is she so fascinated with Nursery Rhymes?"

Fritz sat back. "Well, there are two theories on that. She was once a beautiful and poised woman. Graceful and well spoken… Considered one of the most beautiful witches in Britain. Riddle did a number on her. It's been hypothesised that she snapped when Riddle twisted and mangled her pattern. She wants to return to a childlike state. Consider that in your vision, she was imagining playing with her sisters. The singing… The dancing… It definitely had a childlike quality to it." He arched his brows and added, "A very demented and disturbed child, I'll add."

Harry snickered. "So, what's the other theory?"

Fritz shrugged. "She's a Nutter." Fritz punctuated that with a shrug.

They both chuckled at that. Fritz had learned to calm Harry by watching him with Bill Weasley. Harry relaxes when he's with people that don't expect him to be the support beam. When people let him just be himself. He desperately needed to take it easy and avoid thinking about the evening he had seen. Hannah Abbott had already been summoned away. No one needed to know he was involved.

Fritz finished the last of his tea. "Alright. No memory reviews for a week. Stick to whatever relaxes you. Potions, Runes, and… Does duelling relax you?"

Harry nodded.

"Good. Basically, follow your normal routine except your work with Albus. Occlumency each night – sitting up. No Divination and no memory reviews for three weeks. Spend time with your friends… especially that pretty red head."

Harry gave a short nod. "Yes sir." Time with Ginny he could handle.

"Now, I've ordered Dreamless sleep. Take it and don't get up before noon."

"Right. Well, I need to get back to the girls… they're probably worried sick." Harry stood up and quickly drank the two vials. "Goodnight, Fritz."

"Goodnight, Harry."

—DoD—

Hogwarts

Quidditch Pitch

September 14, 1996

3PM

Harry slept in until after almost three in the afternoon. Rising up, he found his girls had been fed and were eager to get out. He also saw Dobby had prepared a picnic basket for him. Well, maybe it was Pipsey. Given that it was sandwiches and crisps, it definitely wasn't Kreacher. Beside the basket was a note from Filius… training was cancelled for the day. A quick tempus charm told him it was three o'clock. Try-outs were in thirty minutes. He promised Ginny he'd be there.

Harry had the girls climb into his backpack and applied an 'Anonymous' charm before grabbing the basket and setting off. He avoided the main halls and managed to sneak out without interruption. Today would be exactly what Fritz had told him to make it… Normal.

Once he got to the pitch, he dropped his illusion and was instantly recognised. A few Slytherin Students had been in the stands watching the try outs and they instantly departed. Harry found it odd that they were all so skittish around him, but he didn't mind. It was actually nice not to have anyone mocking or threatening him. Harry saw Katie and Ginny organising the try outs and Hermione up in the stands.

Harry waved to Ginny and climbed the bleachers to sit beside Hermione. His Familiar was currently arguing amongst herself over whether or not Quidditch was worth their time. Hermione looked up from her book as he approached. No doubt all the hissing and spitting above his backpack was partly to blame.

"Hey, Hermione. Care for a picnic lunch? Dinner… or is it 'Linner'?" He took a seat and set the basket down between them. He extracted a ham sandwich and a thermos of pumpkin juice.

Hermione chuckled. "At half past three, you can call it anything but breakfast." She seemed pulled out a container of fruit and a fork.

Hermione looked over and asked, "Did something happen last night?"

Harry stopped eating for a moment and considered his answer. He wasn't supposed to discuss his vision and he didn't want to be interrogated. But this was Hermione…

Harry gave a small nod. "Yeah. I had a vision of a Death Eater attack. I expect it to be in the news tomorrow. Before you ask, I don't want to talk about it… it was awful."

Hermione stared at him for a second or two, then accepted his need for silence. Harry could tell it was killing her not to start asking question after question… It was only a matter of time. She was chewing her lip and her eyes were darting about.

Dreading the inevitable, Harry said, "I know everyone wants to know what's going on, but the vision put me right in the middle of murder and torture. It was bad enough for me to be given Dreamless Sleep."

Hermione was Hermione. "Can you tell me if…"He hands were alternating between open and closed fists.

"Hannah Abbott's mum. Maybe her whole family." Seeing her look of shock, he added, "Please don't tell anyone."

Hermione looked over at Ron on the pitch. "Can I tell…?"

"No. I'm not supposed to do any more divination exercises for two weeks… I don't need everyone coming and asking me to somehow check up on their family… or getting angry that I didn't save more lives. I don't need another year like our fourth."

Hermione certainly understood that. "It'll be… our secret." Looking closely, she could see how upset he was. Now she felt guilty.

Hermione decided to change the subject. "So, I'm reading the 'Advanced Potions' book… How did you get so good at Potions, Harry? No offence, but you really never seemed that interested."

"I was always good at Potions. I just can't stand Snape. I could have passed my NEWTs with an easy 'E', but I like the way Professor Slughorn teaches. He even gave me an old potions book when he began tutoring me. It's got great notes in the margins…"

Hermione gasped, "Harry, that's cheating!"

Harry laughed, "No it's not! It's no different than when you let Ron look at your notes." He adopted his most annoying smirk. "Unless… you think that's cheating?"

Hermione rolled her eyes. "You win… alright. But do you at least know who wrote the notes?"

"Some guy who calls himself the Half-Blood Prince. Sounds a bit full of himself, but his ideas are great. He even has a few nasty spells in there." He took a sip of pumpkin juice, then added, "I practiced a few in the Room of Requirement, and they're really effective. Thanks for telling me about the room, by the way. Filius and I are using it a lot."

Hermione raised her eyebrows. "Filius? Don't you mean Professor Flitwick?"

Harry nodded. "Around other students, I call him Professor Flitwick… But yeah. We're pretty close. He helped me out a lot after the Goblet of Fire spat out my name. He's the one who taught me to volley spells. He doesn't like to be formal when we're having one on one training."

Hermione seemed pleased for some reason…

"So, Harry… You must be learning a lot."

"I am, but I'm expected to be able to fight effectively with two wands by the holidays. Honestly, it's likely to be a photo-finish."

Hermione looked confused. "Harry, you've always been able to cast with either hand. Why is this so difficult?"

Harry's Familiar was getting more boisterous. He took a moment to shush her.

Turning back to Hermione, "Casting with each hand is not the same as using both wands collaboratively at the same time… I'm having to re-learn a few techniques. It's hard."

They heard a whistle blow, and the chasers began running through the paces. Harry was genuinely amazed at Ginny. She was as good a flyer as he was. Maybe better. The 'Boomslang' model Sirius gave her was really something. The manoeuvrability and control were amazing… Of the group trying out for the open Chaser position, Dean was fairly good. So was Demelza.

Hermione thought for a minute… "You should ask Professor Slughorn whose book it was. The real name, not the made up one."

Harry considered it for a minute. "Nah, he's probably dead. That book is ancient." Pausing, he clarified, "Well, maybe not ancient. But it's probably twenty years old and pretty beat up. No way would the last owner have thrown it away if he were still alive. It's too good."

Soon the seekers were trying out. It was only Demelza and Dennis. They started going through drills. Neither stood out, but they weren't bad. The beaters eventually came out, too. Dunbar was good… Hermione and Harry watched them all go through the try-outs.

As the seekers wrapped up, Hermione asked, "Which seeker would you choose?"

Harry considered the question for a minute, "Well, Dennis was a bit faster at spotting the snitch, but Demelza's the better flier. You could teach flying… but not spotting. It's a close decision… but I'd probably go with Dennis. Also, Demelza is a double threat… she tried out for chaser too."

"Do you wish you were playing?"

Harry had to really think about it… "Yeah. But I never really loved Quidditch. Not like Ginny and Ron do. For me, it was all about the flying. And now I just don't have the time. I mean, between the hours and the games… No. I have to prepare for Voldemort"

"We all have to, Harry." She looked like she wanted to say more.

Harry knew where she was going. "How's Professor Snape at teaching Defence?"

"Surprisingly good. Don't get me wrong, he's still demeaning, condescending, and insulting. But in that class, it doesn't seem so bad." Hermione said something only a Muggle raise student would understand. "It's like having a really tough football coach. You don't mind it so much on the field, but you wouldn't want it while you were… doing something that requires a methodical approach. Like Potions."

Harry gave her a short and relatively disinterested nod.

"Harry, we need you to start up the Defence club again. We're not ready… and you know what we're up against…"

"... I thought you said Snape was pretty good."

Hermione thought for a moment. "I think he's giving the Slytherin students extra training. They always seem… better than the rest of us."

Harry realised she was probably right… Greasy bastard. "I'm kind of pressed for time, Hermione…" He mentally tried to think of someone else but couldn't. There wasn't anyone now that Cedric was gone.

Hermione noticed his resolve begin to waver. "Let's start up after the break and we can use this time getting ready on our own."

"Fine. But you and Ron and Neville help. I'm not doing it alone. That means you do a lot of the work…" Harry saw she was smiling and for some reason that irritated him. "I'm serious Hermione. I'm working fifteen and sixteen hours a day trying to get ready for… whatever happens. You and Ron and Neville need to take up the slack."

"You won't regret this Harry."

"I kind of already do." He felt like he had been out flanked. "There will be ground rules. No Slytherins."

Hermione agreed. "They don't invite us to their study sessions."

Harry continued. "No one under… Fourth year. Even that's stretching things."

Hermione could only think of Dennis Creevey… and he was a third year. The only one... "Can you make an exception for Dennis? He's really good Harry…"

Harry groaned. He had a soft spot for the Creevey's. "Alright… but no one else under fourth year. And Colin will have to help him through the more advanced material."

Hermione nodded. Too many younger students would slow things down. "Anything else?"

"No Cho Chang." Harry said it fast and almost snickered at how it sounded.

Hermione winced. "Harry… you can't kick her out."

Harry paused and looked directly at her. "Why not?" He wasn't snickering now.

Hermione squirmed a bit. "Because it will look bad on you. Let this one go… Ron and I can work with her. You won't need to have any direct contact." She saw Harry adopt his defiant look. "Harry, please believe me, kicking her out would be a mistake. You'll alienate Ravenclaw. And Filius."

Harry realised she was right. Screw Ravenclaw… but he valued his friendship with Filius.

"Alright. But I don't ever want to be alone with her."

Hermione gave a quick nod and smiled.

The seekers were now up. Ron seemed unfocused… He lacked confidence. Somehow, he managed to block five throws, but it was close. One attempt actually bounced off his head. Harry knew it didn't look good for the boy.

Cormac McLaggen then rose up for his turn. "This'll be close. Cormac's pretty coordinated. If he blocks five, he'll probably get the position. Ron really only stopped five due to luck."

Hermione looked nervous. Harry realised she was definitely pulling for Ron. They watched Cormac effortlessly deflect four strong throws. The guy had skills. Four out of four, and Ginny was coming around for the fifth throw. Harry felt a build-up of magic beside him. Glancing over, Harry saw Hermione grip her wand… she was aiming!

Just when Ginny began her approach, Harry heard a muffled "Confundus!"

And Cormac missed the block badly. Harry stared at Hermione until she couldn't ignore him.

She looked over and started to say something, but no words came out.

Harry smirked proudly at her. "Never, ever lecture me on breaking the rules again…" He was giddy as the team wrapped up.

Harry was loving the idea that Hermione now had no moral ground to stand on when she wanted to lecture him. For her part, it was all red cheeked embarrassment. Christmas came early this year!

—DoD—

Harry has been back for two weeks now and his Visions are beginning to give him issues. I admit to enjoying writing Bellatrix and I hope you all enjoyed this Chapter. I'll be splitting my time between Dance of Death and Casting Shadows until this story is complete. I plan to wrap up year six in four to five chapters, then the seventh year fun begins.

This covers Harry's first two weeks back at Hogwarts. In the next chapter, we'll have Harry's training dialled up a few notches.