Breaking Point

Chapter 10

Now, I would like to put this out there for those of you who are annoyed about Neville and how in most FanFics he becomes Harrys second in command. First, I never said he would, just because Harrys training Neville doesn't automatically make him his second in command. In fact, I stated in the last chapter that Neville wouldn't even be Harrys strongest fighter. Yes, he'll be a commander, but he won't be the second in command.

Second, about Neville suddenly being able to use magic. That is by no means an indicator of 'sudden' magical talent that was hidden by a wand that wasn't his and a lack of confidence. In fact, you answered your question and complaint by yourselves. Let me put this in perspective, by explaining wand lore in simple terms. As Ollivander said, "the wand chooses the wizard." The wizard doesn't get to choose the wand, it's the other way round. Second, Draco even admitted that when using his mothers wand it was temperamental and more difficult. What's gets the job done quicker, a co-worker who drags his feet? Or a co-worker who is eager to get the job done? It's the latter and that's exactly what Neville's new wand is doing, it's eager to help and therefore magic comes easier. It's not a bout of hidden magical talent, it's basic wand lore.

Second, confidence does play a key part in magic. It's basic human psychology that someone with very little confidence will be unwilling to try new things and will is one of the key parts of using magic. Again, let me go back to the coworker example. What's better, someone who's eager to work but has no confidence in their ability? Or someone who is not only eager but confident in their ability? They both get the job done, but again, it's the latter.

Neville has no great magical talent as some of you believe, it's basic human psychology and wand lore that has given him the same ability to learn magic as the average wizard/witch. The thing that's making him better, is his Hufflepuff ethic of hard work.

Thank you for those of you who read this and I hope it clears up any confusion as to the whole Neville suddenly becoming powerful. He's not, Harry is to Neville what Dumbledore is to Harry. But whereas Dumbledore is a steep mountain to Harry that he's scaling gradually, Harry is a mountain that Neville's trying to climb using a treadmill. He's never closing the gap, ever.

"Normal Speech."

'Normal Thought.'

"Spells/Translations."

Books/Letters.

-X- Line Break -X-

The days soon turned into weeks as Harry settled down back into life at Hogwarts. It was a relatively simple task, students kept to their little cliques and besides a few curious first years, most left him alone. Also, unlike his previous years, Harry no longer had Ron nagging him to do this and that, and that left him plenty of free time. Well, not as much comsidering his duties as a Prefect, but still enough to get some extra training in.

When he wasn't helping Neville and Hermione with some training – Neville more so as he was focused on defeating Bellatrix – and doing classes of course.

However, when he wasn't planning what to do for them both, he spent his time in the library. In the space of the first week he had already scoured the library for all information upon defensive and offensive magic. Most of it was harmless, limited to only short term side effects like the Laughing Jinx for example. Spells who's effects could be reversed with the counter-curse.

When this happened, Harry looked to Dumbledore for assistance and in return, received unrestricted access to the Restricted Section of the library. Now there, was the magic Harry sought.

In it there was a treasure trove of complex battle magic and he found himself swarmed by books and scrolls. It took him little over an hour to actually decide where to actually start and since then, had realised that it would take him more than the two years he had in Hogwarts to read through the books as well as practice the magic.

So instead, he limited his free time to just reading the books and writing down ideas, spells, the mechanics behind said spells, their effects and also their counter-curses (if there was one) in summarised notes. Then, when teaching Neville, he would practise these spells alongside him.

This was done on a training dummy of course.

He wasn't cruel.

But, it was safe to say that his training was coming along nicely. Not to mention, Neville himself was progressing nicely as well. He didn't have any great deal of magical talent, no more than the average person and this was the same way with his magical power, but he drive. A drive to keep working as hard as possible. Already they had progressed beyond the point of learning basic duelling stances and learning to dodge instead of shield, to actual duelling.

Unlike himself, who was learning to create a mix between his fathers and Charlus's dueling style. Neville had gone for a more aggressive style. It was not the power draining style of Dumbledore, but a style that instead relied on stopping his opponent from ever launching an offensive. A style that relied on keeping his opponents focus on shielding against an onslaught of spells until they ran out of magic.

A dangerous style if mastered properly.

But then again, Harry had learned that all styles of magical duelling were dangerous when mastered. Each one exploited a wizards/witches common weakness, magic. Sure it could be their greatest strength, but if they ran out of magic they were defenceless, if they didn't have enough magic to combat their opponent their chances of winning were severely diminished.

Wizards and witches relied on magic for everything. Take it away or limit it, and they were weak.

So, while most of Harry's training with Neville was limited to duelling, the two also trained their bodies at least twice a week. And the results showed, whereas before, Neville had been unable to last more than a few seconds with a continuous rate of dodging Harry's spells, now he could last up to two minutes. Not to mention, Harry was no longer holding back the speed of his spells to a quarter of their true speed and instead having to increase their speed to half goes to show how fast Neville was becoming.

Then again, Harry had learned that Neville would not be the fastest person out their.

The Longbottom heir was easily a good three to four inches bigger than Harry, not to mention since working out, his muscle mass had increased dramatically. No, Neville's build was suited more to strength and while that was effective in giving his spells more power behind them, it meant that he would have to be very careful when fighting a person like Harry.

A speed fighter.

For you see, the build of a persons body reflected their magic. A person in better shape would have a more responsive magical feedback. However, a person with a build focused more on speed would have magic that could fire spells and shape the world far quicker as well. Then you had people like Neville, a person built for strength.

Their spells would never be as fast as a speed fighter, nor could they alter the world as quickly either.

However, they could make their spells naturally more powerful and also create more magically exhaustive feats than speed fighters could.

This was a reason why, Harry was trying to find the perfect balance between the two. Able to do what a speed fighter couldn't do just as good as what a strength fighter could. This combined with his hybrid duelling style would allow him to bridge that ever expanding gap between him and Tom.

"More magic?" Looking up from his notepad, Harry saw Neville walking towards him. "Mind telling me what you've learnt this time? Or is it going to be a surprise again?"

Harry just smirked as the two walked out of the library and down the corridor. "The usual."

"The usual what?" Neville pressed. "The usual magic or it's going to be a surprise like usual?"

"The usual." Harry repeated and his smirk widened at the groan from Neville.

"Fine, be that way." The two walked in silence for a few moments, eventually coming up to the Great Hall. "We training after Transfiguration?"

Harry nodded his head. "Yea, it's the only free we've got today so it'll only be a quick session. A bit of duelling practise mostly." Neville hummed, quietly as they entered the Great Hall and took a seat at the Gryffindor table.

There was already a number of people here for lunch, with more funnelling in through the doors. Unlike breakfast and tea, lunch had no set rules demanding your attendance. Some students preferred to spend their time in the Common Room, others in the library and most liked to wander the halls, only ever stopping to get a quick nite to eat before leaving.

At one point in time, Harry might have considered skipping out on lunch to get extra training time. His magic would sustain him long enough to actually get a good work out during that time until tea.

But magic was not a proper form of sustenance, it simply put your body in a state of stasis. Quenching your thirst and your hunger, but the body would get slower without proper sustenance. It was for that reason Harry made sure to attend every meal and also have House Elves deliver snacks to him whenever he was free.

"Niamh's looking this way again." Neville blurted out, making Harry look up at him, then to the young woman in question. "Or should I say at you?"Harry ignored his last comment and instead took note how Niamh looked away from his general direction very quickly, he might have missed it last year, but after all the training he had done it might as well have been in slow motion. "Seems someone's got a crush."

"Shut up." Harry replied to Neville's teasing instantly making said persons smile widen.

"Or should I make that two people?"

"You're an idiot mate." Harry shook his head. "You do realise I'm already in a relationship with a very beautiful and very smart woman already?" Neville shrugged, his smirk still in place.

"Yep, but according to some of the rumours going around, it hasn't stopped you from experimenting." Neville replied. "I can recount at least ten different girls saying how you snogged them in a broom closet."

Harry smirked and pointed a fork at Neville. "A man never kisses and tells." Neville laughed, both knowing that the rumours were a lie and nothing more. "Speaking of girls, how's Hannah?" This made Harry's smirk widen as he saw Neville freeze. While the Longbottom heir may have become far more confident in the recent weeks, when it came to the mention of his 'secret' crush on a certain Hufflepuff, the old Neville made a reappearance.

"S-she's fine." Neville stuttered out, his eyes subconsciously flickering to the Hufflepuff table.

"Hmm, I'm sure she is." Harry continued and Neville flush increased tenfold. "Never, bite off more than you can chew, my friend." Harry told his friend, taking his last sandwich and stood up. "Come on, Nev. Time is ticking." With a sigh of relief and defeat, Neville rose to his feet and followed Harry out of the Great Hall. All the while, he mentally prepared himself for an hour of pain.

-X- Line Break -X-

Fluer leaned back and let out a loud yawn as she stretched her arms above her head. Three hours she had spent reading through her notes on the various defensive wards and protective enchantments on each of the Order of the Phoenix's strongholds and she was thoroughly exhausted.

"Tired?" Looking up, Fleur saw Remus entering through the main corridor leading into the main sitting room/meeting room in Grimmauld Place, the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix.

Fleur took in the fact that his ragged overcoat was damp and for the first time realised, that she had not stepped out into the outside world for over a week. "Just a bit." She replied and Remus shook his head.

"Have you even been outside at all, you're looking pale." Fleur rose her brow in questioning. "Paler." He amended and Fleur shook her head in the negative.

"No." She answered and lifted up the various notes scattered across the main table. "'Zere was a lot to go 'zrough and to be 'onest, I knew 'zat if I stopped for anything ozer 'zan food or sleep, I would never be able to get 'zrough it all." She then looked back at some of the more notes, taking note of the many amendments she had made. "Some of 'zese haven't even been checked, repaired or improved in years. It's 'onestly surprising 'ow bad 'ze ward schemes 'ad gotten, especially seen as 'zough 'zese are our safe houses."

Remus moved forward and checked over the notes and couldn't help but be impressed. Charms had never been his preferred subject, but he certainly hadn't been bad in it either. His preferred subject was Ancient Runes and Potions, yet even then he wasn't focused on the warding aspect of Ancient Runes. No, he was more focused on the ritualistic aspect (something he had pursued in an effort to try and find a way to cure his Lycanthropy).

Still, most of the improvements she had made were pretty basic, aiming mostly to repair and strengthen the already existing wards around most of the safe houses. However, there were a few complex equations focused around weaving and combining numerous wards together to create a single more powerful one. A very intricate and delicate piece of magic, that was equally as dangerous.

"This is some amazingly complex work, some of these I wouldn't have even thought of doing." He pointed to one particular ward. "Like this one, you write out an equation that combines numerous basic defensive wards like a shock, plus paralysis and Portkey array centred on a set location."

It was an amazingly written formulae that designed to use a basic shocking ward, but upping the power behind it to add a paralysis effect, while simultaneously transporting the invader to a secure location, a cell no doubt.

"'Zank you, while I do prefer charms, I especially like 'ze warding application and Ancient Runes always fascinated me." Fluer explained with a proud smile. "What about you, what 'as Dumbledore 'ad you doing?" She asked, generally curious as to what Remus had been doing. Mostly so that she could let Harry know, she knew he had been getting restless and frustrated at his lack of knowledge on what was going. Especially seen as though the media were heavily censoring the news as to not panic the public, though it was a bit late for that.

"Keeping tabs on Fenrir and trying to convince those few werewolf packs in Europe not allied to the beast in question to aid us or at least stay neutral." By the look on his face, Fleur inferred that his attempts were not as successful as he would have liked or hoped.

Fleur and Remus said nothing, both contemplating as to how they could possibly win a war, where everything was going against them. Every time they felt like they got ahead of Voldemort, he turned the tables and revealed he was two steps, if not ten steps ahead of them the whole time. It was becoming a deadly and demoralising game of cat and mouse.

"Oh, before I forget. Here." Remus reached into his overcoat and pulled out a letter with her name written on it in a handwriting she was familiar with, a handwriting that brought a smile to her face. "Saw Hedwig outside and got the letter off her, thought it might help to take your mind off things and it seems I was right."

"'Zank you, Remus." The man in question gave her a smile before heading upstairs. Once he was gone, Fleur turned back to the letter and opened it without delay.

-X- Line Break -X-

Spells shot across the small plain with great speed, each ranging from a multitude of colours and created a light show that was both beautiful and deadly. Each time a spell missed or was deflected to one side, it would either leave a deep trench, crater or gouge in the ground showing just how powerful and deadly each spell had been.

To most viewers, this quick and skilful display of magical combat would appear to be a death match between bitter enemies. Yet it was quite the opposite.

On one end of the spectrum, Filius Flitwick, Half-Goblin and Half-Human used his masterful skills in duelling to deflect and shield every spell sent his way while at the same time returning fire with equal ferocity that one would expect from the diminutive warrior race. His face was twisted into a mix of concentration and savage smile that would send battle hardened warriors running to the hills as his Goblin blood sang in the middle of combat.

Then on the other end, was Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived. He was a never ending whirlwind of motion, constantly darting about and dodging spells with grace and ease that would leave dancers breathless. His eyes constantly tracking his surroundings and every spell sent his way, while at the same time studying his opponents every move. His wand also spat out spells at an absurd speed and packed such power behind them that every time the diminutive professor blocked with a shield charm, he was knocked back ever so slightly.

"Time." A third voice called out and like a switch, that battle ended and the two warriors came to a stop as if they had not been fighting with great ferocity mere moments ago. In fact, if it wasn't for the sweat dripping from their bodies and their heavy breathing, one would be hard pressed to believe they had even being fighting at all.

Especially with the fact that their surroundings had already been repaired leaving pristine fields of green for as far as the eye could see.

"Well done, my boy." Dumbledore walked forwards, his eyes twinkling as he congratulated Harry. "I do believe that you managed to set a new record, fifteen minutes, congratulations."

That time alone, on paper would seem insignificant and almost minuscule. Yet in combat, those fifteen minutes would have felt like hours.

"Still not good enough." Harry replied, crossing his arms over his chest with a frown on his face.

His words made Filius chuckle lightly. "Harry, I do believe that you're underestimating just how much of an accomplishment that is. When we first fought, you could barely last two minutes against me. And yet in the space of a month, you have gone from that, to fifteen. That is a monumental growth and goes to show that while you still have much to improve upon, with the rate you're growing at, it should take no time at all for you to surpass me."

"What Filius says is correct, my boy." Dumbledore placed on hand on Harrys shoulder. "Filius is one of the most skilled duelists in all of Europe and went undefeated in his tenure as a duellist on the professional circuit. This was against individuals who spent years honing their skills, to be able to match him for this long is a great achievement and goes to show how powerful you are. Not even I, was as strong as you are now at your age."

Harry said nothing, but by the way his shoulders loosened slightly, their words had got through to him. Both said nothing about this, his complaints were understandable.

A war was going on and a prophecy stated that only he could defeat Voldemort and while said man was out rampaging across Britain, he was stuck here in a school. It was frustrating for a young boy like Harry who hated to see innocent people get hurt when he could do something about it.

Yet at the same time, Harry understood that thousands more innocents would die if Harry died fighting Voldemort before he was ready.

"I do believe that we should call it a night." Dumbledore said and while Harry looked like he was about to protest, the young man stopped himself before he could. The elder wizard felt some measure of pride as Harry was starting to realise that rest was just as important as training. In the beginning the young man had been eager to continue, even when he could barely stand.

"Alright." Nodding his head, Harry summoned his Invisibility Cloak and swung it round his shoulders. Where Harry once stood, was nothing but what appeared to be air.

"He's not ready." Filius said once the entrance to the Room of Requirement was closed. "Mentally I mean, he's too brash and hotheaded."

Dumbledore nodded his head in agreement. "I know. His magical and physical growth are excellent, but he won't be able to beat Tom like that." Filius said nothing extra and instead left the Room of Requirement leaving Dumbledore alone with his thoughts.

'Perhaps I will need to provide a different course of learning.' Voldemort was a smart man and it would be all but impossible to beat him in a straight up magical fight. No, Harry would need to be equally as cunning if he was to defeat Voldemort and save the Magical World.

-X- Line Break -X-

As Harry wandered down the corridors of Hogwarts he contemplated what Dumbledore and Filius had said to him. He knew that he had grown leaps and bound since training under them both, but even then it still didn't feel like enough. He knew that Filius was a master duelist and certainly not someone to underestimate, yet how could he beat Tom if he couldn't even defeat the Charms Professor?

He couldn't and that's what frustrated Harry more than anything.

He didn't care about some stupid prophecy, but what he did care about was all the innocent people who got killed due to Toms tyrannical and mad crusade. His parents died fighting for this cause and he himself knew what it was like to be treated as less than dirt. Those innocents out there, they had done nothing to deserve the hate they got, the pain they received.

Harry clenched his fists tightly. 'I need more power.' He thought. What he had wasn't enough, he needed more if he was to defeat Tom and yet, he didn't know how he could get more. Rituals were out of the question for now, he had learned that they improved only upom what was already there, the stronger he was, the more effective the ritual. So he'd wait for now, until he was strong enough, or desperate enough.

A scream permeated the corridor attracting Harrys attention as he looked around for the origination of the sound.

"Gag her!" A male voice ordered from in a nearby closet room and Harry froze in place. Then his eyes narrowed when he heard some desperate muffled screaming coming from inside the small room.

With a growl, Harry allowed his Invisibility Cloak to slip off him and with his right hand pushed magic into the door. The wood creaked and groaned before it caved in in places. It was like a big invisible hand had gripped the door and then ripped it off its hinges as it was flung into the wall on the other side of the corridor.

The inhabitants of the closet looked up in shock, three males and one bound tearful and hopeful young girl with blonde hair and torn clothes looked up to see a visibly trembling Harry who's eyes glowed ominously.

"Potter!" One of the individuals exclaimed, Slytherins all of them.

"Well, well." Harry calmly replied, though the rage simmering beneath the surface of his calm façade was more than clear by the fact his eyes still glowed and his magic physically pressed down on the three males "Theodore Nott, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle, just when I think you three couldn't possibly sink any lower, you go and prove me wrong. Congratulations." Harry taunted.

Then, before the three could do anything Harry lifted his left hand and the three Slytherin boys found themselves suspended in midair. Each of them flapping helplessly as they were herded into the corridor and pinned against the wall by an invisible force.

Harry then turned to look at the young girl who's tearful and desperate/hopeful visage had been replaced by a cold mask. 'Occulmency?' Harry realised that quite quickly and found himself impressed at her control. "Miss Greengrass, are you okay?" He asked, vaguely recognising Slytherins famed Ice Queen.

At the same time, Harry used his wand to cut the bindings on her wrists and the gag in her mouth before holstering it once more.

Now free, rubbed her wrists from where the ropes had irritated her skin and gave nod in Harrys direction. "Yes, thank you." Harry simply gave her a smile and turned his attention back to the three boys pinned to the wall, his awareness of his surroundings allowing him to easily take note of Daphne taking a position behind him.

'Occlumency may be good to control emotions, yet it's not good in dealing with trauma.' Harry thought, more than aware that while Occlumency allowed one to keep a tight leash on their emotions, it did so by keeping them locked down. For someone like Daphne, a near rape victim her emotions would be turbulent and no doubt, would prove harmful to her and those around her if she didn't deal with the trauma of the incident soon.

"Now, as for you three stooges." He gave a nasty smirk in their direction. "I'm already incredibly frustrated by events I shall not disclose, but let's just say that you are going to be my stress relief. It is after all, part of your punishment for trying to rape Miss Greengrass here."

"What are you on about, Potter!" Theo snarled. "You're sprouting lies and expect me to allow you to slander me with consequence."

"Why of course." Harry chirped happily. "The evidence is already damning enough. After all, what else could three young boys be doing with a beauty such Miss Greengrass, in a closet after curfew, her clothes barely hanging on by a thread." Harry paused there and with turned back to Daphne. With his unholstered wand, he conjured a cloak that she instantly took and wrapped around herself. No words of thanks were exchanged and Harry once again turned to face the three boys. "As I was saying, her clothes were barely hanging on by a thread and I distinctly heard you, Nott to tell the two boneheads to gag her."

"You're delusional!" Nott snarled once more, his face twisting into an ugly visage of anger.

"Really, well I do hope you're willing to argue your case to Professor Dumbledore when I call him here." Harry continued, undeterred and this time, Nott seemed unsure and even, a little fearful. "Ah, there we are." The emerald eyed wizard said with a smile. "The realisation that you are ohhhh so very fucked."

"It's the blood traitors fault, protecting that half-blood whore, Davis." Theodore raged and Harry positioned himself further in front of Daphne, who flinched ever so slightly. "If she had just let us put Davis in her proper place, we wouldn't have had to do this."

This time, Harry's friendly and calm façade crumbled away to one of cold indifference. "Is that so." He muttered, his voice low and quiet, yet was heard clearly due to its deathly undertone. "Not only, do you admit to attempting to rape, Miss Greengrass here." Another flinch from the girl behind him and Harry when looking back on this event, would realise he should have used a different word, but right now he was too angry. "You also admit to trying to rape, Miss Davis as well."

Neither of the three boys said anything, far too terrified by the look on Harrys face. It was unnerving to watch his emerald eyes stare straight at them, right through them even. It was even more unnerving when he once again gave a cheerful smile in their direction.

Then the magic holding them in place was gone and they dropped to the ground. Daphne, in response, subconsciously gripped the back of Harrys shirt.

Yet as the boys got to their feet, Harry had dislodged Daphne from him and was walking slowly towards them. "You made a mistake in letting us go, Potter!" Nott threatened, he and his compatriots pulled out their wands.

"No, I think you'll find that it is you, who made the mistake tonight." With a simple swipe of his hand, the three Slytherins found their wands knocked out of their hand by an invisible force. "There are a lot of things in this world I can't abide by." Harry lifted his right hand and allowed a ball of flames to form. "Murder is one of them." The flames grew in size to the point it was bigger than a basketball. "Torture is another." Then the flames condensed to no larger than a ping pong ball, yet the colour changed drastically from a yellow-orange to brilliant red. "Rape however, now that really pisses me off."

The three Slytherins stumbled back down the corridors and due to wearing their robes, tripped over the bottom of it in their desperate attempt to escape and fell to the floor.

"So I'm going to ask you to deliver a message to your friends in Slytherin and your Death Eater parents." The three desperately tried to crawl away but found themselves stuck in position, their entire bodies moved desperate to get away, yet they never once moved from the position they were originally at. "Can you do that for me?"

Theodore, being the smarter of the three realised quite quickly that as long as Harry didn't want the to go anywhere, they wouldn't and quickly turned around. "Yes, Merlin yes! What do you want us to say, I'll do anything!" He begged, the fear having set in as he looked up at Harry. For the first time, he realised exactly why Draco was so terrified of him and why the Dark Lord was desperate to kill him.

Harry Potter was a monster, just like the Dark Lord.

"Oh, I don't want you to say anything." Harry informed him with a smile and light chuckle. "No, you see it's not a message that requires verbal communication." He then raised the hand with the flame hovering above it and pointed it directly at the three boys. "I think, the message I want to send will be quite clearly understood on its own."

Then the flames were released upon the three boys and their screams filled the corridor.

Almost as quickly as the flames engulfed the boys, they were also put out. The three laying there on a charred floor, their hair and clothes burnt off and their skin red raw and flaking in places. It was only for a few seconds, and yet those few seconds in those flames had already caused patches of third degree burns to appear on their skin.

Frowning, Harry turned to Daphne who looked at him in confusion. "You killed them." She said.

"No, their not dead." Harry told her. "They simply passed out and will no doubt not be feeling well for a long while."

"You should have killed them." She said simply with a frown on her beautiful face.

"True." Harry shrugged his shoulders.

"I would be grateful if you didn't, my boy." Dumbledore said while walking towards them with a frown on his face. Professor Flitwick, Madame Pomfrey, Professor McGonagall and Tonks all walking behind him.

"Don't tell me you believe they can be redeemed?" Harry asked incredulously and Dumbledore shook his head while coming to a stop beside the three boys.

"That is a discussion for another time, but safe to say." He then turned to look at Harry. "It was your decision to make these boys a message for their parents and Tom." Professor Flitwick bound the three boys, while Madama Pomfrey did a quick diagnostics, yet never cast a single healing spell or even pain dampening spell. "And therefore, you shall deal with consequences that follow."

"The consequences?" Harry asked.

Dumbledore nodded his head at Professor McGonagall who directed Daphne to follow her along with Madame Pomfrey, Professor Flitwick and the three unconscious Slytherins. Though she was hanging back as to give Daphne some distance from the would be rapists.

"I am old, my boy." Dumbledore said while looking Harry dead in the eye. "While my magic is still strong, my body is not." He raised his blackened and cursed arm, then rolled up his sleeve to show that the curse had spread further up past his elbow. "I will die soon and I fear, long before Tom is defeated and I need someone to take my place, someone who can not only reach my level of power, but surpass me. That is you."

Harry said nothing, simple standing their quietly as he listened to what Dumbledore had to say. Tonks herself, did the same as she took in both men's posture. Each were stood tall and yet, while Harry exuded confidence and charisma, Dumbledore exuded calmness and authority.

"As a leader, you need to know that every action and decision has consequences. What you did tonight, will have consequences. That I am sure of." Dumbledore said firmly. "Whether they are good or bad remains to be seen, but you need to learn this lesson now, before it is too late." With that final warning, Dumbledore turned to Tonks. "Please escort mister Potter back to his dormitory."

Harry opened his mouth to speak and Tonks quickly intervened before he could. "Right, come on, Harry." She moved forwards and grabbed one of his arms and started to drag him down the corridor in the opposite direction of Dumbledore.

"Hey, Tonks I get it. I can walk by myself." He protested and finally the two slowed down and walked at a more sedated pace and in silence.

That of course didn't last very long.

"Do you think I went too far?" Harry asked, he already knew Dumbledore's answer to that question. The disappointment on his face was clear to see, yet Harry wanted to know what Tonks thought. She was his closest friend beside Neville and Hermione, though he was slowly growing distant with the latter due to his desire to train as much as possible.

"Do I think you went too far in burning the bastards who tried to rape a girl? Fuck no!" She exclaimed and Harry allowed a smile to cross his features at her answer. "You should have castrated them and then killed them, if you asked me. But hey, what do I know?"

Harry chuckled lightly and shook his head. "It would have been poetic in a way." Tonks allowed an evil smirk to cross her face and Harry was forcibly reminded that this was a young woman who loved to torment him. It was even worse when Fleur joined her as those two were downright monstrous when both were teaming up on him.

"Mmm, I can just imagine their screams." She continued and Harry shook his head in amusement.

"I think you're getting a bit too into it there." He said and Tonks laughed. As this was happening, Harry allowed a smirk of his own to cross his features. "Just like you got a bit into playing the part of a young transfer student who had a crush on me, Niamh."

There was silence and Tonks looked at him in shock before her face morphed into a pout. "You cheated didn't you? Using that Marauders Map, Sirius and Remus made with your dad and the rat. I mean, I told Dumbledore that it wouldn't work and we should have stuck with the original plan but he wouldn't listen."

As this was going, Harry felt his eye twitch before he eventually released a groan of defeat.

This attracted Tonks attention who looked at him in confusion. "What?"

"I completely forgot that I could have used the Marauders Map." Harry admitted quietly and Tonks looked at him with wide eyes. She blinked a few times before bursting out into laughter at his grumbling a of annoyance. "Yea, yea, laugh it up."

And Tonks did so, continuing to laugh until her sides hurt and she struggled to breathe.

"Ow!" Tonks yelped when Harry after finally having enough at her laughing at her expense, shot a stinging hex at her backside. "That hurt." She mumbled while rubbing her sore backside.

"Yea, well, you deserved it." He grumbled like a child and Tonks looked like she was about to burst out into laughter once more.

Realising this, Harry raised his wand and allowed a few sparks to come off it making Tonks raise her hands in mock surrender. "Okay, came down, Jesus." Despite her words, the large grin on her face did not dissipate. "Just because your totally awesome reveal of my true identity was completely ruined doesn't mean you have to be so cranky about it." A few more grumbles from the young man beside her made Tonks' smile widen even further. "Still how did you figure it out?"

"Well, first of all I guess I should say that I've been keeping tabs on everyone in Hogwarts through scent." He admitted and Tonks nodded her head, Harry had done the same to everyone in the Order as part of a security check under Dumbledore's orders, it was for that reason she had been forced to alter her own scent, just to avoid being caught. "Well, then you should know that whenever I tried to get a lock on your scent, it would constantly change and that really got my attention."

Tonks did in fact, not know that and made a mental note to revise the spell she had learnt specifically for this assignment.

"So then I started to look closer." Harry continued. "First I started to think to myself, what kind of parents send their child to Hogwarts that's home to the two people Tom is dead set on killing the most in this world, especially when he is out there reaping havoc all across Britain. Not that most parents aren't still doing that, but it seems suspicious that a child would transfer this late into her year to that very school. Especially seen as though, the only first years we got this year were from Muggleborns, not a single Pureblood or Half-Blood."

"Yea, I did say it would look a little suspicious." Tonks admitted.

"I mean, I wouldn't have really cared. Sure I thought it was weird, but I didn't put much thought into it until I realised that I couldn't get a lock on your scent. That really made me take notice of you." Harry admitted.

"Okay, but this doesn't explain how you managed to figure out it was me. Hell, when did you figure out it was me?"

"Just now actually."

"Bullshit." Harry laughed at Tonks words of disbelief.

"It's true." He said. "I only just managed to fit the pieces together just now."

"Don't leave me in suspense, you ass." She pressed.

Harry deliberately took a few moments to think about what to say, just to annoy her. "Ow! Okay, all right." He rubbed his sore arm where Tonks punched him. "So violent. Anyway, where was I. Oh yes, well I only just managed to figure it out now when I saw you walking with Dumbledore and the other Professors."

"I knew or thought I knew that you would be following behind me under an Invisibility cloak so I expected you to be there earlier. I don't expect you to be walking with Dumbledore. So at first I thought, maybe you went to get them for help, or maybe you wanted to make it seem like you weren't following me. Either way, I would have expected you to stay hidden as to not draw attention to yourself unless Dumbledore specifically told you too."

"This still doesn't explain how you figured it out."

Harry throw his hands up in surrender. "I guessed alright!" He admitted. "Is that what you want me to say. Because I could make some bullshit about how I figured it out when really, looking back on it every circumstance in which could reveal you as being Niamh could easily be explained away as being coincidence."

"But coincidence can only be the reason so many times." Tonks finished and Harry nodded his head.

"I just had this gut feeling that you were her, so I took a leap of faith and so far it's never led me wrong before." Harry explained. "The first time I really started to think that it was you was when Dumbledore said that the best way to fool your enemies, is to first fool allies. By looking for someone hidden under an invisibility cloak, so would those spying on me and miss the mysterious transfer student who was my actual protector."

The two said nothing for a few moments. "I will admit that's one scary gut instinct you've got there." Tonks spoke up breaking the silence making Harry chuckle.

A/N: Another chapter done and Daphne is introduced into the main storyline after nearly being raped by Theodore, Crabbe and Goyle. Hope you enjoyed the story and please let me know what you thought in a review along with any questions you might have. Did say I would get this out monday, but it's only anout half an hour late so close enough.

Also another poll will be up, the options will be between Thor: A God of Thunder - it was the second most highly requested story and like I said, it was popular on this poll, I would make it a full time story. So, whoever wins this poll will be updated on friday and whoever doesn't will be updated monday, or should be. Depends on how long it takes me to get the chapters done. Anyway, after both stories have been updated, al four stories will be on the next poll and we'll start the process all over again.

Speaking of questions, here are the answer to those who put them in a review:

biob1: Yea, I see what you mean about Harry getting flexed on, buts it not about power. In terms of raw magical power and physical abilities, Harry is up there as one of the strongest. But like I said, it's not about power. Dumbledore has years of experience, great control over his magic, survived two wars and knows far more magic than Harry. The Dumbledore and Harry fight was to show that while he is strong, he has much to improve, though I can understand it comes across as flexing a little.

Yea, I did make Neville's backstory a bit more tragic and I'm not ashamed of that. And yes, Harry is a dangerous contender in the war, just not because of his power, it's because of his charisma. This will be played upon and become more clear towards the end of the sixth year, but due to Harry becoming more confident he starts to inspire people more and that's what makes him dangerous. Just take a look at Grindewalk in Crimes of Grindelwald when he makes a speech to the wizards and witches. He may or may not be as powerful as Voldemort – I'm not even going to start that debate – but he is charismatic and knows what to say to influence people, that's what Harry has and that's what makes him dangerous, plus there's the hole 'power he knows not' which will not be just the power of love. It will be something else entirely.

And no, no need to apologise I accept the advice. I'll certainly try to do what you want, it's just at times I tend to go off on a tangent when I write. I edit as much as I can, changing bits here and there to make it flow better, but I always try to make it as engaging as possible. I just don't want to cut out loads of key scenes just to keep that engagement factor. Just know that those scenes appearing in the chapter are important and are there because of that reason.

Guest: I like Neville's character, he's one of my favourite characters in Harry Potter and that's because I found him relatable and that scene with him facing Voldemort was inspiring. It was actually the moment that made Neville one of my most favourite characters and I want to play on that more. He may be a Hufflepuff in spirit, but he has the courage and bravery of a Gryffindor as well, which people forget.

Seanangan: Yes it would seem silly and hopefully this chapter explained why Harry didn't know who she was. But if that still doesn't satisfy your curiosity, Harry also has a lot on his plate. Training and school work have distracted him to the point he didn't out much effort into figuring out who she was.

Zoom99: True, but from my experience, teaching someone else helps me to gain a better understanding of what I'm trying to teach them. That's the same principle with Harry, he knows what he's teaching Neville already, but by teaching it too Neville he is gaining a different understanding as well, so he's still learning from teaching Neville. If that makes sense.

ElementalMaster16: Yes, that's true. But don't forget, Harry has to learn and get ready to face Voldemort quickly. While Dumbledore understands how young Harry is, he needs Harry to get not only stronger, but more tactical sound as well. And fast. So yes, he is comparing Harry to himself, and that's because he knows how much Harry needs to grow.

thunderofdeath97: That is very true, and that's going to be the key difference between Harry and Dumbledore when it comes to leadership. Dumbledore appeared only when he was needed, Harry will appear all the time.

Sonia25: Yes, if you want to know why he is teaching Neville, I urge you to go read my response to Zoom99. And while it is true, don't forget Harrys main training takes place after curve due to only requiring a little amount of sleep. And that training is extremely difficult and hard, so it pushes Harry greatly. At the same time, Harry being a Prefect allows him to gain experience as a person of authority, while doing school work acts as a disguise. To Draco, Harry will have next to no time besides the occasional hour to train between school work and when he reports that to Voldemort, that's what Voldemort will know. When in actual fact, Harry is training past curfew, it was Dumbledore's plan to mislead Voldemort.