Hey everyone, here is the new chapter, it took a little longer than I was expecting cause life is so busy at the moment but I hope you all like it! I think it turned out pretty well but let me know Thank you to everyone who is following, favouriting and reviewing the story, I appreciate you all!

Chapter 9

Waking up early and going for a fly was soon becoming Harry's new normal morning routine. He loved the feeling of freedom and clarity that it gave him to start his day. As he flew around the pitch, he thought about just how much he was enjoying himself here at Durmstrang. The lessons were interesting and actually useful, the people that he had met were friendly enough and there wasn't even any house rivalries to try to contend with. Here no one knew that he was Harry Potter, here he could just be himself and he revelled in the fact. He logically knew that it was only early days and things could change but he was determined to enjoy himself while things were good and just hope they stayed that way. A laugh escaped his lips as he started doing looped de loops around the pitch the wind whipping his hair around his face. After he had made himself sufficiently dizzy, he wandered back to the castle, a little later than yesterday and found the hall nearly full. He ignored the looks he was getting as he made his way over to his house table, finding a seat between Jasmine and Timur.

"What happened to you Harry? Lose a fight with some devils snare?" Jasmine asked with a snicker.

Harry looked at her confused before Blake elaborated. "Your hair looks like you've been dragged through a pricker bush backwards."

Harry raised his hands to his hair in embarrassment finding it standing out every which way. He was eternally thankful that his famous lightning bolt scar had disappeared when Voldemort had been defeated, wondering how he could've explained that to his new friends. He glanced at the twins as he tried flattening his wayward hair to find them watching him in amusement.

"I guess that's what I get for spending the morning doing loop de loops around the quidditch pitch" Harry said with a small chuckle.

"Well maybe look in a mirror next time before coming to breakfast" Timur said waving his wand and straightening Harry's hair for him.

"Ignore them Harry, I happen to like the windswept look" Blake said with what could nearly be described as a leer on his face.

Harry shot him an amused look before going about dishing up his breakfast, deciding on an omelette this morning. He had only taken his first bite when Hedwig came zooming into the hall and dropped a letter in front of him.

"Oh, thank you Hedwig" Harry said, giving his owl a pat and a piece of bacon before she flew back out of the hall.

He reached for the letter and seeing Viktor's handwriting practically tore it open in his excitement to read it.

Dear Harry,

It was wonderful to hear from you so soon. I must admit that I have found myself at something of a loss without you around to keep me company. I am glad that you are enjoying Durmstrang so far and hopefully making some friends (not that you will have any problems there, who wouldn't want to be your friend). I am only one day back at training and I already feel as though I have been trampled by a hippogriff, it is hard work but luckily, I love it. All the team says to say hi and I was thinking you could invite some friends to come watch a game when the season starts if you like? It's up to you of course, have a think about it. What lessons are you enjoying the most? Mother and father are doing well, though they would probably enjoy a letter from you themselves (hint hint).

Anyway, I better go and get some sleep, have to be up early for training again tomorrow. Please write again soon. I miss you Harry.

Love Viktor.

Harry felt his whole body go warm as he read the letter from Viktor, Viktor missed him. It sounded as if Viktor was missing him as much as he was missing Viktor, the very idea making Harry practically glow and he embarrassingly felt his eyes start to water. He looked up to find everyone nearby staring at him with unreadable expressions on their faces.

"Everything OK Harry?" Roman asked. He had been watching as Harry read his letter and had been captivated by the look of pure joy on the smaller teens face. Harry had been practically glowing with happiness, a smile upon his lips, his eyes sparkling and Roman had found himself unable to look away.

"Oh yes everything is great" Harry said happily. "Just a letter from Viktor telling me how much he is missing me."

Roman looked confused for a moment and shot a look to his brother who was sitting across from him.

"Did you think he wouldn't miss you?" Roman asked trying to properly grasp what he was missing in the situation.

"Well, no one has ever really missed me before. I had hoped that he would, but I wasn't sure" Harry said thoughtfully as he ran his fingers through his hair mussing it up again. "But he actually wrote to tell me how much he is missing me," Harry finished happily going back to reading his letter and missing the looks of shock that passed around the people near him.

Why had no one missed Harry before? Roman wondered to himself and a look at his brother and Timur he knew that they were wondering the same things he was.

Harry continued to read through his letter again, ignoring the conversation around him until he heard the word duelling come up.

"That's right we have duelling today" the green-eyed teen said as he placed his letter carefully in his pocket and joined in the conversation.

Harry knew from Viktor that duelling lessons didn't start until fifth year, so he wasn't worried about being far behind the others.

"First lesson the teacher usually does a duel with each person in class to get a feel for their skill level and areas of strength and weakness, that way he can pair you with people in class that will help you improve" Martin explained. "Just try your best, he won't expect miracles from you."

The other fifth years nodded, thankful for the advice.

Harry made his way back to their common room with the other fifth year boys to collect their school things before making their way halfway across the castle for their first duelling class.

As they walked into the classroom Harry saw it was set out differently to any classroom he had been in before. There was no windows and the floor and walls were covered in padding, Harry assumed to make landing easier if you lost the duel. The teacher at the front of the classroom turned out to be the one who had called him out for his sorting. Harry had thought that he looked the sort you wouldn't cross and seeing as how the man taught duelling he knew he'd made an accurate assumption.

The teacher watched the class as they entered appraising each student as they walked in. There was no tables or chairs in the room, except for at the very back, so the class hovered in a group in the middle. The teacher continued to fix them with a steely gaze, not uttering a word and Harry felt the urge to start fidgeting, but the rest of the class stood still looking unruffled and unphased by the staring, so Harry fought down the urge and stood still.

Eventually the man approached the class.

"Good morning fifth years and welcome to your first duelling lesson, as most of you know I am Professor Byrnes. I'm sure I do not need to tell you how important it is for you to pay attention and follow my instructions in this class." He paused again, his eyes sweeping the room a few times before continuing. "I will be calling you up in alphabetical order so that we may duel. This is merely to assess your knowledge and skill which will then assist me in planning lessons for the year. Are there any questions?"

No one moved or uttered a word so the Professor continued.

"Gemma Almond please come to the front, everyone else please move to the back of the room behind the shield. Do not step out from the shield until I call your name." His gaze swept the room once more before Gemma, a willowy blonde, stepped forward and everyone else retreated behind the safety of the shield. There were seats lined up against the back of the room and Harry took a seat at the front next to Lukas and a girl he hadn't met before.

Harry's eyes were riveted to the front of the room watching as Professor Byrnes showed Gemma how to hold her wand correctly for a duel and the correct stance. He watched amazed as spells started blasting around the room as the pair duelled, it didn't last long before Gemma was on her knees laughing uproariously as she was hit by a tickle jinx.

Harry couldn't hear what was said as Professor Byrnes waved his wand cancelling the spell before stepping forward to help Gemma to her feet, shaking her hand before sending her to the back of the class as he called out the next name.

Harry sat mesmerised as he watched the duels take place, an inner monologue running through his head of what he would do in each situation. He knew his quick reflexes would be his best asset in a duel so he mentally thought of spells he could send quickly while on the move. Harry was impressed with his friend's performances, especially Anders, though he wasn't sure he could count Anders as a friend just yet.

Eventually it was his turn, he stepped forward and knew that the class was paying avid attention. Obviously trying to gauge just how powerful this new student stood amongst them. Lukas gave him a quick squeeze on the shoulder in support, Harry shot him a smile as he stepped out into the classroom.

Professor Byrnes smiled at him and beckoned him forward, and though Harry felt a jingling of nerves he also felt a wave of excitement.

"Welcome Harry," greeted Professor Byrnes in his smooth tenor. "Please move to a duelling stance" the Professor continued and as Harry moved the older man stepped forward and made a few corrections. "Remember not to grip your wand quite so tight Harry, it will make your wand movements stiffer as well as tiring your arm out quicker. Legs a bit further apart and bend your knees slightly this will help you keep your balance if you are struck by a curse. This will give you a much better chance of survival, depending on the curse of course." He finished dryly. Harry nodded in understanding and corrected his stance.

"Now in formal duels we would bow to each other" Professor Byrnes explained as he raised his wand, and Harry was suddenly taken back to the graveyard and the sight of Pettigrew raising his wand and Cedric dying in front of him. A shudder ran through his body and sweat broke out on his forehead.

The Professor stared at him in concern for a moment before continuing. "However, remember in a fight the enemy won't waste time with pleasantries before casting. Also, for the sake of this duel please make sure you only use spells that are non-dangerous."

"Of course," Harry said in understanding as he tried to shake off the memories plaguing him.

"On the count of three Harry, one…two…three!"

Professor Byrnes cast the first spell, but Harry was already moving, casting two expelliarmus' as he dodged out of the way. He dropped to the ground as a spell flew over his head, casting a tripping jinx back that caused the Professor to stumble and gave Harry the time he needed to get back to his feet. The spells were getting harder and faster. Harry was forced to cast a strong protego, a golden arc surrounding him, as two purple lights came flying towards him. He quickly waved the shield away before casting a jelly legs jinx back. The older man dodged it and cast back quickly his wand whipping through the air, a stone gargoyle about the height of Harrys knees appeared and started to make his way closer. Harry was forced to summon an unused chair from the back of the room to smash into the moving statue blasting it to pieces as he threw himself to the side to dodge the next spell. Harry was panting as he stood his magic building up around him and pulsating through the room. But Harry paid it no mind as another spell was soon coming at him again, he cast quickly, and the spells met in the middle creating a small explosion of red light that shook the classroom. He blinked his eyes, slightly blinded from the blast just as he felt a spell hit him in his chest. He felt the tickling sensation start to spread over his body, but he ignored it, squashed it down like he had all the other painful or uncomfortable things that had happened to him in his life. He saw the others honey eyes widen a fraction in surprise. Harry felt his magic pulse around him again shaking the curse off completely but before he could cast again a shield sprung up between them and the Professor was waving his hands in a calming manner.

"I think that is enough Harry, I have been able to gain plenty of knowledge about your skills and abilities from that demonstration, well done."

It was Harry's turn to blink in surprise.

Professor Byrnes stepped towards him as he waved the shield away.

"Take a few deep breaths Harry" he said softly, and Harry was surprised to find himself doing as he was told. He took a deep breath and realised that his heart was still racing, adrenaline coursing through his veins as his magic flowed so thick and free through the classroom it was practically a tangible presence.

"That's it, in and out" he continued in a gentle voice. As he said the words, Professor Byrnes stared at the teen in front of him. Barely 15 but looking as though he belonged in second or third year not fifth. But with so much power the room was practically vibrating under the force of it. Although it was wild and raw, his new student needed to learn to control and how to harness that power and he would soon become a force to be reckoned with. His mind was already running through lesson plans and scenarios to implement for the small teen to help him to reach his potential. The green eyes in front of him were shining with pain and Professor Byrnes wondered what had happened in his young life that he could duel with such ferocity, that he could simply ignore a tickling charm and continue fighting.

Harry took a few more breaths and felt as his heart started to calm, and his magic receded. His hands were clammy as he loosened his grip on his wand trying to get his muscles to relax and realise he wasn't actually fighting for his life at the moment.

He looked up at Professor Byrnes faintly embarrassed, but the duelling professor just smiled at him.

"You did really well Harry, go have a seat now and catch your breath."

Harry just nodded feeling awkward and made his way back to his seat as the next name was called. He felt eyes on him and kept his own focused on the ground. He felt drained now that the adrenaline had left his body and sat quietly in his seat as he let his mind wander. It was only natural he supposed that he wouldn't take a wand being pointed at him very well especially after what happened at the end of the last school year. He had talked extensively with Viktor about it over the summer which had helped him understand and accept his feelings better. He made a mental note to write to Viktor tonight and tell him what had happened. Even just the thought of it made him feel marginally better, it was still a novel experience for him to have someone there for him. Someone he could write to and confide his thoughts and feelings in. As he sat deep in thought he didn't realise that his hand had reached out subconsciously and began rubbing the scar left by the cut Pettigrew had given him.

The students around him sat in shock at what they had just witnessed though they hid it well. Eyes darting surreptitiously to take in the small raven-haired teen before darting away again. The power that had radiated off the Concinne student had been intoxicating and no one could quite believe that the student before them had been the one responsible. But it was not just his power but the way he moved, the way his eyes glowed, burning like green fire as he had duelled that had caught the attention of every student in the class. It spiked many student's curiosity to learn more about the new Durmstrang student. Harry would have sighed in dismay is he knew what many were thinking.

The rest of the day passed in something of a daze for Harry, his new friends noticed his distraction but did not push him for answers. They had some free time before dinner and many students grabbed their brooms and went out flying. They had tried to convince Harry to come out for a fly but he had refused point blank and instead stayed in their dorm room working on some homework. The teen sat crossed legged on his bed, Zima curled up on his lap. Harry was stroking the soft fur and Zima had one eye open watching the other boys in the room carefully.

"Are you sure you don't wish to join us?" Timur asked and though Harry didn't know the other boy well he thought he could hear concern in his voice.

"No, honestly I'm fine thank you. I think I will get started on some of this homework." Harry said with a small smile, though Timur noticed that it did not reach his eyes.

His dormmates left and Harry was relieved that they didn't push the point. It was actually one of the things he liked most about Durmstrang, people respected your boundaries. So very different to Hogwarts. Instead of doing homework however he wrote a letter to Viktor, talking about how much he was enjoying classes but also telling him what had happened in his duelling class today. He felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders just by putting everything into words. He knew that Viktor was one of the few people who could even remotely understand, having been part of the Triwizard tournament himself. After finishing his letter to Viktor, he wrote another to Andon and Anna making sure to go into great detail of all the things he was enjoying about his new school. He shifted the sleeping Zima off his lap and with a sigh of relief, wandered off to post the letter before heading down for dinner, he had his study session in the library with Anders tonight and he didn't want to be late.

HPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHP

Harry wandered into the library after having a quick dinner with his friends. He had only been here once before so was as yet unfamiliar with the layout. He wandered around the stacks of books, getting familiar with the layout of the library until he spotted familiar broad shoulders and blonde hair sitting at a table behind a row of books on herbology.

Harry approached a bit hesitantly and cleared his throat as he sat down opposite Anders.

"Hey" Harry said, and cursed himself for his sudden shyness as he pulled his potion textbook and some parchment out of his bag.

"Hello Harry" Anders replied inclining his head to Harry.

"How has your day been?" Harry asked trying to take a stab at conversation.

"Very well thank you and yours?"

"It's been OK" and a cloud seemed to pass over Harry as he remembered the duelling class today, his eyes darkening slightly and his face losing its open expression.

Anders stared at him for a moment gauging the smaller boy's reaction.

"How are you finding the potions text I gave you?" Anders said in attempt to change the topic, he did not like seeing such a blank expression on the usually bright face. Sure, he had only spoken to Harry once, but since that potions class he had surreptitiously been watching the other teen. He was usually bright and happy, though his eyes told a story that he was familiar with pain and heartache. The older teen had been mesmerised as he watched the younger in duelling class today, he knew that behind the delicate facade that there was undeniable strength. The change of topic seemed to work well, as Harry visibly shook off his negative thoughts and smiled softly.

"It is honestly amazing, I was reading earlier about all the ingredients that go into the wolfsbane potion and how they interact together to make the potion work, it was fascinating."

Anders just nodded at this, familiar with what he was talking about. "Shall we get started then?"

"Sure thing," with that they both read over their assignment. What is the most useful potion when treating different magical creatures and animals? Why is it useful and what should you be careful of when using it?

Harry found the topic interesting and liked how it directly related to one of their other subject areas, adding more depth and relevancy to what they were learning.

Anders directed Harry to some relevant information in their textbook but not finding everything they needed they ventured off amongst the shelves to find some books to help.

"The potions texts are this way Harry" Anders said softly, and Harry startled when he felt a large hand at the small of his back guiding him through the library. He found he didn't mind walking with the other boy so much. He was taller than Harry (who wasn't) but only by half a head, so Harry didn't feel quite so short as they walked through the library together.

They had managed to locate some relevant texts and returned to their table, speaking little, but it was a companionable silence, only broken when one found an interesting fact or relevant piece of information.

They had been working for around an hour when a small group of people arrived at the table near theirs. Harry glanced up and saw a group of 3 boys and 2 girls unloading their books and parchment.

Anders glanced at the group before rolling his eyes and going back to the text he was reading.

Harry had come across an interesting passage in his book and stood from his chair leaning across the table to point out the passage to Anders.

"Look at this Anders, it says you must be careful with the draught of eeze as an overdose can lead to paralysis in the creature or animal you are trying to treat" Harry said, pointing out to the relevant part.

Harry was so engrossed in what he was saying that he didn't notice the way Anders eyes travelled slowly up his throat before glancing back down at the book Harry had placed in front of him. However, Harry did notice the sniggering from the table next to them. He looked over at the nearby table to see that the whole table was staring at them. Harry straightened and flushed as he realised they were being watched.

"Ignore them"

Harry glanced at Anders in surprise then understanding lit his green eyes. "Friends of yours?"

"You could say that" Anders said with a small smile. "They were worried about me meeting with the new student so planned to come down halfway through to make sure I was OK."

"Well, that's kinda sweet" Harry said not sure if he should feel insulted or not. "It's nice that you have friends that care about you so much."

"I suppose your right, they can be bothersome sometimes though" he said casting a slight glare at his friends though Harry could see the small smile that lingered around his lips. A brunette girl just stuck her tongue out at him in response and Harry couldn't help the chuckle that burst from his lips.

"Trust me your lucky to have them" Harry said as he gave the other a group a small wave before concentrating back on the book he was reading.

Anders blue eyes narrowed minutely at that statement and took note of the slightly hunched posture of the boy sitting across from him filing the information away for later.

They worked for a while longer before calling it a night and packing up, Anders wandered off to join his friends and Harry was left alone as he packed away his belongings and left the library. He was therefore surprised when he walked out of the library doors to find Anders and his friends waiting for him. The large blonde approached.

"I thought I would walk you to your common room, don't want you wandering the halls alone at night." Anders said seriously.

Green eyes widened a fraction, "oh that's OK Anders I'm sure I will be perfectly fine on my own and besides, I wouldn't want to be a bother."

Before Anders could reply the girl, who had stuck her tongue out earlier stepped forward. "Oh, Anders doesn't mind do you Anders?" she said with a slight smirk.

Anders let out a sigh as if in great exasperation, "these are my friends Annastacia, Carly, Baker, Leif and Sam" he said pointing to each one in turn.

Harry nodded to each, "I'm Harry, it's a pleasure to meet you all." Harry could tell that they were all wanting to ask questions, no doubt about his famous family member, but thankfully they held themselves back.

"Well shall we?" Anders said and started walking towards the Concinne common room Harry at his side and to Harry's surprise Anders friends joining them. The group was all talking and laughing quietly as they walked along and Harry enjoyed the comfortable sounds, they were obviously all good friends. Harry noticed that Anders was probably the quietest of the group, mostly listening and contributing sometimes, but it seemed that when he did talk everyone paused to listen. He walked beside Harry and Harry could admit, even if it was just in his own mind, that he enjoyed the strong presence beside him.

HPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHP

Sirius sat in the kitchen of 12 Grimmauld Place staring at the cup of tea in front of him. It had been nearly a week since the Order meeting, but he knew that they were no closer to locating Harry. Many Order members had been searching all over Great Britain but to no avail, they hadn't found a sign of Harry anywhere. Meanwhile any letter that was wrote to him returned unopened. What did that mean? Was Harry simply sending them back without bothering to read them, was he in a place that prevented mail from being delivered or was it something darker than that? Had he been captured by death eaters still at large or even worse… killed. Sirius shuddered at the thought, no, no, there was no way that Harry was dead. But where was he then and why had he left? Sirius felt the niggling's of guilt starting to worm their way into his heart.