Chapter Twelve: Magic of the Mind
…
As the weeks went on, I realized doing certain tasks raised different stats. For instance, doing classwork and studying raised both INT as well as WIS.
The weather became colder, and frost was seen around all the grass and rooftops about all the courtyards.
Training at the Quidditch pitch with the rest of the team raised STR and STA, as well as DEX in the heavily reflex based drills. Practicing everything from dueling to basic charms and a bit of Transfiguration here and there with Wilkes, Snape, and the Greengrass twins in the Room helped INT.
Whenever I played board games in the common room ranging from Exploding Snap to Wizard's Chess with Severus and Fred it raised my CHA and LUK.
Eventually, the morning of what I knew to be our first really important Charms lesson on the Thursday before Halloween, I took a glance at my stats before exiting the common room towards the Great Hall.
[Status:
Name: Robert Pelham
Age: 11
Level: 51 (02% to LV 52)
HP: 1700/1700
MP: 4150/4150
STR: 40
STA: 50
DEX: 48
INT: 168
WIS: 51
CHA: 49
LUK: 35
Skill Points: 0]
The biggest area I could improve in was LUK and CHA, mostly because CHA was a very crucial stat.
Mischievous and bullying in nature for sure but it didn't scream "Death Eater" mostly because every three seconds they were looking my way or Emma's hoping we didn't ask where they got them.
For now, combat wasn't that important yet, the most I'd need skills in fighting for were for duels in a classroom, eventually. For now, what I needed above all else was trying to build my own side, or what could pass for one now.
These first few years at Hogwarts were in a way more important than the later ones, it would be set up how everyone lined up when we graduated and interacted with the two factions outside of the castle in the First Wizarding War. I had to take note of this above all, considering I was trying to build my own, with me being on par with both Voldemort and Dumbledore at some point in terms of someday surpassing them in magical power and followers.
I already saw this "line up" beginning to happen here at the breakfast table.
Mulciber and Rosier were sneaky enough to steal a few sweets from a hapless Ravenclaw boy, and the way they did it was actually pretty clever. They pretended to accidentally bump into him outside the Great Hall and then when they helped him clean them up off the floor they subtly pocketed a couple.
Avery partook in it when they sat down with us, smiling for once when Rosier passed him a few.
Mischievous and bullying in nature for sure but it didn't scream "Death Eater" mostly because every three seconds they were looking my way or Emma's hoping we didn't ask where they got them.
Nelson Wilkes refused to touch any of their candy, and seeing this made me smile.
I actually wanted them to join the group of people I was training with, or rather training in the Room of Requirement, but what bothered me more than anything wasn't that they were raised by Dark Wizards, but that they believed they could do whatever they wanted.
I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Tom Riddle ran into the same problem covering for the fathers of these boys too.
Them bullying smaller kids for snacks was just a prelude for Dark Magic being used on people like Mary McDonald in the books.
In a way, what I was afraid of by training them and making them more aware of their actions by taking them under my wing would be rewarding their behavior and possibly making it more frequent with the knowledge they wouldn't get caught. It could compromise the group more by helping them.
Emma spoke to me while watching her brother and Severus debate quietly on the proper form to cast Wingardium Leviosa. "You do know they stole those right? They probably ate all of theirs the day after they bought them from the trolley witch."
"I'm not a Prefect." I said, even though I saw what happened. "I have no reason to get involved."
"But they're in Slytherin just like us. Don't you want them to join the, you know." she lowered her voice. "Spell practice group?"
Not a bad name for it considering I didn't have one yet. I finished my eggs and sighed. "Look, weren't you the one always tired of them being jealous of our work in class? I'm not their mother Emma."
"Just talk to them. I don't want Slytherin losing points because of their childishness."
Nelson spoke in his small voice on my left. "I agree with Robert. They don't make for bad friends, but getting involved in this considering how often they do it might be a poor decision."
"We know. You're still friends with them after all, right?"
I sipped some orange juice. "We've got Charms in first." I said before finishing the last of my breakfast and leaving.
…
In the corridor leading to Flitwick's classroom, I saw one of the Ravenclaws, Davies, speaking to Rosier, Mulciber, and Avery.
I muttered to Severus. "I'll be there in just a moment."
As I approached them I heard Davies speaking. "You lot stole some of my sweets. My nan sent them to me, you know."
"I have no idea what you're talking about. Maybe you should keep better track of your things." Rosier said as Mulciber tittered.
"That's it, I'm telling Flitwick. I hope-"
"Sorry." I caught Davies mid step before he left. "I overheard what happened."
"Oh yeah? Maybe you can back me up when I tell a teacher."
I sighed, placing my hand in my pocket and drawing some of the thousands of gold coins I had in my inventory. "Messes happen in the halls sometimes. I should know, I was a part of one. This here's five galleons, should be more than enough to cover the sweets that were misplaced."
Davies looked at the money I placed neatly in his hand. "Wow er- Yeah. Definitely, I guess I could've lost them. My fault for bringing 'em to breakfast anyway."
"Of course." I smiled and Davies smiled back.
[You have gained +1 CHA!]
I honestly think charming a Prefect into looking the other way would've been fairer for a Charisma point but I'll take it.
Jonathan and Evan looked surprised but grateful. "Rob, we-"
"There's no need to thank me. The next time you steal something, try not to indulge in it somewhere as public as the breakfast table."
Evan nodded. "Yeah, thank you."
Mulciber and Avery muttered their thanks as well.
"There's something I have to ask of you later. Consider this a favor owed."
"Absolutely." Evan said instantly.
"Excellent. And it's only a few days until Halloween, just try to think more about what you're doing. Please."
They all nodded and Mulciber was very happy.
Jonathan neared me as we entered the Charms classroom. "Was not expecting that!" he hissed gratefully. "You must've hexed him with something."
"There's nothing magical about liking money." I whispered back lightly, slightly lying about the effect the Gamer used on making stats impact things.
"Take your seats please. Take your seats." Flitwick chirped from atop his stack of books as I took my spot by Severus and Nelson. "Well. Looks like you are all here now let's begin."
He looked around the classroom and cleared his throat. "Today's lesson will focus on the most rudimentary skill a witch or wizard may have. Levitation, making objects fly. Today's spell is called Wingardium Leviosa. Say it with me class."
Completely bored, I muttered with the class. "Wingardium Leviosa." we said.
"Great. Now I'd like you to form pairs as quickly as you can, and work on casting the spell. With the wrist movement we practiced, the swish and flick! Your assignment today, is to make your feather fly into the air. Begin!" said Flitwick in his cheery voice.
"Nelson, you can be with me." I whispered towards him. "Emma you can practice with Jonathan, Severus with Evan, and Fred go help Jacob."
"Why can't we just practice with each other like always?" wondered Severus.
"Because you and Frederick spent the whole breakfast arguing about this spell and they need our help."
Understanding, the three crossed the line of desks and took their spots. I could see it was a bit awkward, but the ice was relatively broken since we are all in the same house.
"So I guess I'm the one who needs the most help if you're with me huh?" Nelson said quietly, frowning.
I shook my head. "Don't worry, by the end of class you can get this."
"No need for the chatter boys." Flitwick said. "If you have a partner, please get started."
I drew my wand as did Nelson. "Remember. Swish and flick." I said showing him.
"Wingardium Leviosa." Nelson said as the class now became filled with the sounds of everyone saying the same phrase.
Nelson tried a few more times and for a moment the feather twitched and nearly took off the ground for a second.
"You can't just say the words and wave your wand properly. You have to also want to make it fly." I said as Nelson nodded quietly. "Remember. Intention." I added with a whisper. "Watch."
"Wingardium Leviosa." I mumbled.
The moment my wand went upwards the feather took flight, and I could've lazily just spun my hand around and made it follow but decided to just show Nelson how to keep it going through the air.
"And five points to Slytherin for Mr. Pelham's great work! He's done it, look here class!"
Nelson and the three other Slytherins who didn't start off the semester in my group managed to make their feathers float weakly a little by the end of class meanwhile Severus, Emma, and Fred got it perfectly.
I smiled, enjoying the fair bit of EXP I got for participating in the class at the end.
Rosier, Mulciber, and Avery were all very grateful that I had helped them. It started to look more and more every day that soon they'd join us in the Room of Requirement.
…
Until the Quidditch match the following week, I began to find it interesting how often Frumentar stared at me, as if he was trying to puzzle out just what I was up to whenever he saw me in the halls or in his class, staring directly into my mind through my head funnily enough.
Even during the best meal I had ever had during the incredibly cooked Halloween feast,
While I hadn't necessarily blocked his Legilimency intentionally, Frumentar remained the only teacher I knew for a fact could use mind magic.
I didn't know if I wanted him gone yet. I didn't know what to think at all really.
I didn't really care why Frumentar was so paranoid that I was a walking incarnation of a first year Tom Riddle, but what bothered me was that Dumbledore seemed to understand his logic albeit disagree with it.
Frumentar's past didn't interest me that much anymore considering how he felt about me, but it wasn't too late to figure out what triggered his paranoia. For all I knew, it could be completely justified even though I was eleven since I didn't know his past.
I didn't like his reaction at all about my magical ability, nor was it justified. But it intrigued me that Dumbledore was actually willing to vouch for me.
Either way, asking Frumentar why he was so convinced I was evil wouldn't work for a number of reasons. A part of me was saying "Who cares? He doesn't trust you, forget him!"
However, having an adult ally instead of the small army of people my age would be a great benefit to the "third" faction I wanted to build at some point. For now at most, I could observe Frumentar from a distance, figure out what's going on and decide later.
Trust was a two way street, and he still held the greatest amount of logic I agreed with out of any teacher at this school. Especially Dumbledore.
After spending an entire week running through it in my head, I was about to reach a decision when I realized something entering the breakfast table.
I sighed.
It was the morning of the first Quidditch match. A few people were passing a Quaffle back and forth by the tables, others were either jeering or cheering at players on the Slytherin and Gryffindor Quidditch teams when they walked past the tables.
I sat down and Evan spoke first. "So. How do you feel? Are you nervous?"
"No." I said truthfully.
The whole table was excited and very talkative, I honestly didn't care. I was way too busy thinking about my future at this school and what to do with Dumbledore and Frumentar to care about Quidditch right now.
I was still a bit frustrated. To create an ally in a teacher, I'd have to sneak around the castle at night eavesdropping and have to change someone's opinion on me. Frumentar just wasn't fair about me, there had to be a reason.
And I didn't know if I wanted to change that reason or even find out what it was.
I had to eat up and finish my breakfast, this was an important game to everyone in the Great Hall but me in essence and I couldn't do it on an empty stomach.
I heard someone clear their throat behind me.
Vern Douglas tapped his wrist watch and was looking right at me.
The other first years cheered as I walked off, I had to get into my uniform and get warmed up for a bit before the match began.
…
In the Slytherin Locker rooms, Vern clapped his hands together. "First match of the season. Not going to lie I had my doubts about playing within the rules this year with the lineup we had. But you've turned it around in practice, you all know what to do. And honestly, a clean victory for Slytherin will be something it hasn't had in ages."
I wasn't worried. I knew how seriously everyone was taking the game so I went with highest amount of [Amplification] for my broom's speed.
He smiled, making a fist. "Think we'll get one out there."
"That's all. Let's go get 'em lads. And, lass." he added as Alecto made a face.
In the small waiting area right next to the pitch out of the locker rooms, Vern stood right next to me.
"You seem different this morning."
"Oh um. In what way?"
"I don't know. You just look, off." Vern muttered and shrugged. "I wouldn't worry too much about this match. But I wanted to let you know something before the game."
I nodded.
"People are going to talk because you're so young. You do well, they'll say you're overrated. You do badly, they'll say you're ruining the team."
I looked up at him. "So?"
"So. Forget what they all say. All of it, it's talk. For as long as you play Quidditch for Slytherin, block out all the noise. And just play. Focus on what you like doing, I promise you, you'll play better and actually enjoy yourself more."
I smiled and nodded. Huh, I wasn't expecting advice that good.
I gripped my Arrow with more confidence. I was angry this morning, but this could actually be a fun match.
Vern nodded and spoke to me. "We're going to smash them to bits out there." he clapped a hand onto my shoulder. "I promise ya Pelham. We're going to win, properly."
We began to walk out onto the pitch, and I heard Rodrick Boot's voice magically echo across the field. "It's the first Quidditch game of the season! Slytherin vs Gryffindor!"
The tiny bits of frost still left beneath the pitch crunched beneath my boots as we kept walking.
"Slytherin looks a bit lopsided this year. Got a girl of average skill and a first year as Chasers this year. There's talk of them playing clean this year, I don't buy that honestly. And of course, instead of putting their smallest and youngest player on Seeker, Captain Douglas put his good friend Jeffrey instead-"
I could hear McGonagall threatening something about taking the microphone away from him.
"Yes Professor. Sorry. Anyway, Madam Hooch and the Gryffindor team walk out on the pitch to join them."
We all stood in a line opposite each other. The Quidditch pitch was freshly defrosted, and the sky was clear. The air was ripe with the cheers of likely the entire school, and several wizards and witches from Hogsmeade and nearby Scottish highlands.
"Captains. Shake hands." Hooch ordered.
Boot wasn't kidding, the Gryffindors looked way bigger than Alecto and I, and Vern himself was facing someone who was huge. The Gryffindor captain Carter was a very tall and large boy with curly light brown hair and a booming kind smile, who was nearly a head taller than Vern.
Vern squeamishly gave Carter a smile while his counterpart's smile was more genuine.
The Captains returned to the lines and we got into the air in a large ring around Madam Hooch.
"Any fouls or rule breaking, and I will penalize you immediately!" Hooch said atop her own Silver Arrow, similar to mine.
She released the Bludgers, the Snitch, and…
The second I saw the Quaffle I went straight for it, the first of all six Chasers to grab it.
I flew out of the mess of players making a dash for the ball flying down and then forward like a bullet.
I made a beeline straight for the goal posts flying at full speed, Quaffle in my hands, wind whistling loudly and threw the ball so fast through one of the highest and middle goal post that Gryffindor's Keeper nearly fell off his own broom trying to catch it.
"Pelham with the ball! Nothing but open air between him and the post! Aaand can he make iiiit!?"
Immediately the stadium was in uproar.
"Oh! Ohh!" yelled Rodrick as cheers erupted and Vern smiled towards me atop his broom. "That has to be the fastest goal I've ever seen! What a Fastball at the post! A-anyway, Gryffindor in possession, let's see them on the attack."
For twenty minutes straight it was all us. They were bigger guys than us, but we were so much faster and Vern's plays worked so much better our lead only got bigger. By the time Gryffindor realized they had to do something quickly, we were ahead by ten goals.
On the last play as I scored, Jeffrey nearly lost the game for us and almost let the Gryffindor Seeker catch the Snitch.
I saw Carter talking to Hooch when he regained the Quaffle and then she blew her whistle. "Time!"
As Gryffindor huddled up, Vern called us over and we did the same.
"All right, they're trying to regain their bearings, now we'll have to change up our strategy a bit." Vern ordered.
"What're you talking about? This is working perfectly." interjected Parkinson.
Vern shook his head. "We nearly let them catch the Snitch. Carson, I want you off our plays, shadow Worthington, and the moment he makes a move knock him off his broom if you have to with the ball."
"That'll completely change-" Alecto caught on. "Right."
"We're about to win this, we can't lose at the last second! I don't care if we're gonna get sent to the hospital wing in pieces! We're winning this game the right way. Pelham."
I nodded.
"Rob, if you've been pushing it, I need you to push it twice as hard. This is where it gets dicey."
Hooch blew her whistle twice. "Resume play!"
We broke from the huddle, and already from the look on everyone's faces, the mood of the game had changed.
With Gryffindor in possession, I waited in striking distance of the Chaser with the ball and instantly swiped it from him mid pass.
"Pelham with another line cross- oh!"
Pinned between an attacking Chaser's line and the stands, Carter then tackled me hard, the strength of the blow nearly sent me spinning after he took the Quaffle. With a direct line at the goals, I recovered and flew after him, knowing it was very likely Gryffindor would score.
Quaffle in hand, with Alecto too slow and Vern blocked by another Bludger, Carter flung it right at the left goal post.
The crowd roared as Parkinson smacked the first shot at our goals away with the palm of his hand and Alecto caught it in recovery.
It was tougher, much tougher without better Bludger control for us, and all three of us started getting hit pretty hard, but I pushed through.
Boot kept announcing, we all battled hard in the sky above the pitch, and the crowd seemed to roar louder and louder.
The effort paid off after three minutes of adjusting our pace.
Carter managed to set up a trick play after Parkinson was almost fouled which worked, scoring the only goal for Gryffindor the whole game.
With us in possession, I took charge immediately and changed the tempo on a dime.
"Nice long pass from Pelham, Carrow to Douglas. Douglas, Pelham, Pelham, Carrow, Carrow with clear air at the posts! Dodges a Bludger aand- Slytherin scores! Unbelievable performance from Slytherin!"
With a few choice passes and a small bit of luck, it was 140 to 10 now, even if Gryffindor caught the Snitch we had played and adapted so well it was basically a win besides the points.
With Gryffindor in recovery, I heard the worst thing possible from Boot's mic.
"Worthington with another go at the Snitch! Can he notch the win in time!?"
The roar of the crowd and Boot's announcements were drowned out. All I could hear was the wind as I flew forward. I knew it wouldn't matter if I scored if they caught it anyway, I just went for it.
I didn't know what came over me, but if I was flying at my limit before I sure was now, well past it. I had maybe twenty seconds at most in the likely event Williams' Bludger attack missed.
Ignoring the size difference, I tackled Carter head on, crashing into him and knocking the Quaffle right out of his hands.
It hurt a fair bit but the result was exactly what I wanted.
Vern reacted, fast on the recovery, with a great line up mid field.
I tried to ignore the effect of the tackle, and zipped ahead of Vern, staring right at the goal posts.
With proper positioning, I did my classic spin towards the post after taking the pass from Vern and scored.
I kept panting, watching the Gryffindor Keeper recover the ball and with a sad look on his face, fly towards the ground.
The crowd had exploded in cheers, all of them off their feet. Wait-
"You absolute lunatic!" Vern cackled, hitting me so hard on the shoulder blade I thought it was a Bludger.
"Douglas the ball, it's still in play-"
"Look!" Vern pointed. "He took his sweet time but with the little play I made turns out he got the space he needed when Worthington was knocked off his line."
Jeffrey was flying past the stands with the Snitch in his hands.
It hit me by how much we just won our first match.
Boot was almost roaring at the top of his lungs. "Boris Jeffrey caught the Snitch! Slytherin wins the game, three hundred to ten!"
I heard Hooch blow her whistle loudly. "Slytherin wins!"
When we landed back on the ground, Jeffrey, nearly twice my size and height lifted me clean into the air. "Ickle first year Pelham scored as many points as I did! Chaser of the century!"
We had won by so much that even if Ravenclaw somehow got close to us, Gryffindor would never be close to winning the cup.
…
In the small feast in the common room, I quickly gave the spotlight to Vern and Jeffrey for today's win, claiming that only because of Vern's plays and strategy and Jeffrey's catch by the skin of his teeth did we win.
I just nodded and chewed some snacks the older Slytherins had snuck into the common room for the small celebration we set up, pretending to listen.
"I heard about the look on McGonagall's face after you scored that last goal." Rosier laughed while I faked a smile. "Imagine the look on Potter's or McKinnon's!"
"They did have ten points on us, might've won actually," Severus added quietly.
I thought to myself. What to do about Frumentar and Dumbledore?
They were not a threat though. They had no control over me. The worst Frumentar could do would be to continue being too strict in class, and Dumbledore was as blind as it got when it came to what I was up to.
The castle and its hidden passageways, anything else it had hidden. As of now, they knew more about that, the war, and magic than anyone else. Even McGonagall, probably, did not know Legilimency.
Still, those two men interested me more than what anyone else in this entire common room had to say right now. They were the only ones with any knowledge or awareness apparently about the war.
It was only just being started, I mean the Dark Mark hadn't even been seen anywhere around Britain or Ireland.
Still. With the entire castle too distracted over today's game, it would've been perfect to start searching around for what I could find.
I balled my fists at the thought of Frumentar marching up to Dumbledore's office to start pointing fingers. Get to know me first before calling me Voldemort you paranoid, sick-
"Robert." Severus said. "You alright? Want some cake? Parkinson managed to sneak it away from the kitchens."
I nodded. "I'm fine." I accepted the plate. "Thanks."
Before Severus could say anything else, Emma and Mulciber had something to say to him.
I didn't catch it, I began to think again. But it was glad to know tying both groups together was starting to pay off.
…
Narcissa, Lucius, Andromeda, and the other Prefects were too tired to properly do their rounds after the small party we threw. So the dungeons and the lower part of the castle were cleared about two and a half hours after we all went to bed.
After I saw Andromeda leave towards the girl's dorms and still [Cloaked] I exited the common room.
…
Cloaked with my footsteps muted I took another nightly trip about the school.
The library was locked shut, meaning I could easily enjoy a couple hours in the Restricted Section with the proper precautions.
Hm. Not yet, I planned to spend a decent bit of Christmas break there.
I took a walk past where I knew the Room of Requirement was and headed towards the courtyards on the other end of where I was, maybe Flitwick had some notes on what exams could look like later. Might give me a leg up on what to study later now that Charms was so easy.
As I began to head towards the training grounds I saw something interesting.
The Gamer tag that usually floated above people's heads appeared at the end of the corridor, except there wasn't a person attached to it.
Even with it too far away for me to read properly, I knew who it was.
[James Potter LV 18 - First Year Student]
James was taking his first step in creating the Marauder's Map, about as invisible as I was.
I could easily stun him, take the Cloak of Invisibility right now and leave him there for good measure for a teacher or prefect to find, but why rub salt in the wound that was today for Gryffindor?
I didn't like them nor pity him, but James was just eleven.
Yeah so are you.
But. Enough-
Also even if I hit him from the back with a spell, he could convince Dumbledore someone stole it from him, old man trusted him because he was naive enough to love him like Harry would. Not a fun can of worms even if it could be interesting.
I kept that one in my back pocket for later. Some other night then I suppose.
I stopped in my tracks.
Wait a moment. Where was the Resurrection stone? Was it here in the castle? Dumbledore likely had the Elder Wand. All three-
No. Focus Robert, get some information and leave.
I was about to take one of the last turns towards the training grounds when I saw a familiar door appear.
Frumentar's office.
Frumentar.
Kick him. Kick him, curse him, steal his wand-
I sighed. I could wait for a bit to see if he walked out. If he didn't, I could always keep going towards the training grounds.
After ten minutes or so of sorting through my Quests log and Inventory, Frumentar exited his office. The wait was worth it.
I still had strong mixed feelings about this man, more frustration than anything.
He's going towards Dumbledore's office again, wasn't that why you were sneaking around the castle Pelham?
Well maybe, but the last time I followed him it ended badly. But I did learn the truth.
Cursing myself mentally the whole time, I took my spot directly behind him like I did last month.
"Creme eggs." Frumentar said as the gargoyle revealed the staircase. I followed him up the marble steps as Frumentar grumbled. "Him and his ridiculous Muggle sweets."
I resisted the urge to laugh, it was pretty funny watching him get mad at Dumbledore for his admittedly eccentric passwords.
Frumentar knocked at the door at the top of the staircase.
"Come in." Dumbledore said from the other side.
I took my spot just out of Dumbledore's field of vision like last time.
I looked at the wand on Dumbledore's desk. The wizarding world's biggest cautionary tale of power held by a hundred and thirty year old man. Some food for Fawkes the Phoenix floated behind Dumbledore and into the bird's plate as Frumentar spoke.
"Headmaster. You summoned me?"
"I did. I did not like the way our conversation about Mr. Pelham ended last time. And I know that since then you have been avoiding me."
Frumentar scoffed. "You always have to be right don't you?"
"It's not my opinion you should be worried about. It's Robert's. I, am now the one who has something important to tell you, about the need for guidance in a boy so young. So talented."
"You should speak to Horace about his future. I have no business there."
"He'll find no respect for his Head of House I'm afraid. And if Horace's experience here was switched with yours, we both know you'd be head of Slytherin House."
Frumentar chuckled. "Yes. Always believing with your famous, legendary optimism, I can change the hearts of those destined for the Dark Arts. Like Avery and the others."
"Luthor, I was told that on the very first day of class, you gave a rather concise, yet eloquent speech about Slytherin house and the Founding. What changed between now and then?"
Frumentar was quiet for a moment. "I will concede that I was a bit harsh in how I judged the boy. But you know as well as I do that I didn't know what he was capable of back then. And I know why you called me here."
"Do you?"
"You want me to help you form this group you've mentioned. This, order. At some point, you want me to help convince him to join."
Dumbledore continued in his wise and calm voice. "And you refuse."
"Even if accusing a first year of following the same path as the Dark Lord was a stretch on my part, that doesn't change the facts. The last time someone who performed on a level as advanced as him attended this school, he returned unrecognizable, and with a new name."
Frumentar stopped again before Dumbledore continued.
"I agree that the boy's path could very well help determine how this war pans out when he and his magic grows. We must do everything in our part to ensure we succeed. But with this war growing by the day, we must act quickly."
Frumentar sighed. "And how would we do that?"
"I have three things in mind. First, I will quell your worries about Robert with a plan. Regardless of his performance in classes and in the Quidditch pitch, to an extent you are right. None of us have any notion of what he desires when Hogwarts is finished with him, and he is finished with Hogwarts."
"True." admitted Frumentar.
"Because that will be years from now. We will keep an eye on him, judge if he is worthy to join us when he starts his third year, guide him on the proper path. And in the meantime, reward what is necessary."
"Which is?"
"Should his ability in his classes continue to stay as strong as it is, which, I imagine it will be. He is eligible to take his end of the year exams early. We can accelerate his learning, perhaps even plan an early graduation in a few year's time."
Frumentar's tone changed from stiff to curious. "I don't understand. I thought the idea was not to isolate him from his friends."
"So you do care for him?"
"I care who he's loyal to in all this, that is all." Frumentar said louder, and bitterly. "Forget the fact that again, the last person to take these exams as early as him was Riddle himself."
"Hm. Regardless, I want you to put your feelings aside and judge him and treat him fairly. I'd imagine his teacher of Defense against the Dark Arts above all would want him to succeed."
"Succeed." Frumentar scoffed again. "Succeed, succeed in what? What is it that you want him to succeed in so dearly?"
"That will be in the second step. I already have some good candidates to build the Order. The Prewetts, McKinnons, Alastor Moody, Emmeline Vance as an apprentice of sorts. Many others. For this past year I have mostly been recruiting and organizing, now is the time for action. But the person at the top of this list, has for the longest time, been you."
"Me. I know what this group will be Albus, no one will believe I joined."
"That's why the others will never know. It'll be a secret."
My eyes widened, completely resisting the urge to gasp. I felt my throat tighten, as if a pit the size of Everest was growing from it to my stomach.
Dumbledore wanted, at least at some point, to make Frumentar a double agent against Voldemort. It wasn't clear exactly, but his insistence on keeping it a secret from the other Order members couldn't have been a coincidence.
Could it?
"And what do you wish for me to do with this secret?"
"For now, scouting. I'm sure you're on good terms with Dolohov, as well as others who are now waiting to join Lord Voldemort's ranks or dipping their toes in such respects. You are not meant to sway them nor capture them, merely keep tabs. As well as do the same with the friends you still have in the Ministry."
"You mean. Shacklebolt, Bones..." Frumentar trailed.
"We will gather as much information as we can. I'll let you know as time goes on what the specifics will be."
"You want me to spy for you?"
"Scout for me." Dumbledore corrected calmly.
Frumentar snorted. "And what should I get in return for all this?"
"I won't select anyone else in the future to protect, lead, or watch over Robert or his family, other than you now that I know how much it means to you. I understand Marriane knows you well, and I expect Julius to be equally trusting. That is the third step, recruiting the best people we can into the Order and try to put a stop to Lord Voldemort."
"Fine. But I don't like this scouting idea, not at all really."
Neither one of them said a thing after that for a bit.
"Albus, I agree with you now that giving him a chance first is fair. But I can't help but feel like this might be your third time failing at this?"
"I'm sorry in what respects?"
"Grindelwald, Riddle. And now Pelham. I'm not saying anything is set in stone, but sometimes your choices can be. Grave."
He did not just say that. At first it looked like Dumbledore pretended not to hear this but then he spoke.
"Now on that we can agree, those I trust or help may turn. But like we have just agreed, we do the best we can to see which one of us is right about the boy. Two years from now, we'll make our decision."
"About training the spitting image of Tom Riddle into those who will defeat him. Does that not sound absurd to you?"
"I refuse to repeat myself. If you are refusing the kindness a first year has shown to you, that is little more than cruelty. We have a fair plan we have both agreed to, it's time to act." Dumbledore said. "That'll be all, Luthor."
Frumentar exhaled loudly. "All that nonsense you go on about love being the most powerful form of magic. I swear to you, it's going to get us all killed someday."
"And what form would you say is the most powerful of magic?" inquired Dumbledore.
"Legilimency. Beyond a shadow of a doubt." Frumentar said instantly. "It is magic in its purest form."
"Well. And I swear, this is the truth. I asked a fifteen year old Tom Riddle that one day, and he gave me the exact answer you did."
And I saw for a moment, Dumbledore looking at him as if to say 'Think about that.'
Ooh, and the look on Frumentar's face after this. Priceless.
Frumentar paused. "And what if we're wrong?" challenged Frumentar. "What if after all we go through he turns against us and joins the Dark Lord? Or worse, manages to become worse than him?"
Dumbledore chuckled. "It's strange to see you like this. You're refusing to admit the obvious Luthor. You're not afraid of him, you're afraid for him. Good night."
"Good night Headmaster." Frumentar said, quieter now.
…
The courtyards at night were gorgeous.
The light bits of frost about the grass, the moon and starry sky.
They were cold, but they gave me a fair bit of time and a nice place to think.
Dumbledore seemed convinced that while for now, I have acted neutrally since day one at this school, the decision is ultimately mine as to what I would do later. And he was right, except for one thing.
I had no intention to follow either Dumbledore or Voldemort, and while I had been considering this for some time now, it was clearer than ever now.
If Dumbledore had a plan for me, then I would have one too.
Except I'd form my own side. Choose for myself who to follow and who to fight for.
Myself.
I didn't want men like Voldemort and Dumbledore pulling the strings from the shadows, planning and moving people around like pieces on a chess board.
Three years from now this "decision" will be made about me?
Fine. But I had a card up my sleeve Dumbledore, I had no intention of being used by you. Should this work out, it would be the other way around.
If I truly wanted the best for Severus and everyone else in Slytherin's first year, then neither Dumbledore nor Voldemort were a good option.
Hogwarts was a stepping stone to spreading this plan of mine, whatever it was. It would just take years to formulate and then execute.
I knew what I wanted however, to distance the reliance of myself and the others from the two, and become self-sufficient to determine the outcome of the war. With myself resulting on top of it all.
…
After a very brief and rather neutral Frumentar gave us his usual double Defense lesson, almost all seven other first years followed me out of the classroom towards the dungeons.
We were all in high spirits, Slytherin was over a hundred points ahead in both the Quidditch Championship and the House Cup. Not mention, they knew in large part, I had helped greatly in both aspects.
"Pelham."
I stopped, seeing Frumentar standing outside his classroom with his arms crossed. "My office. Now."
I followed him up the small staircase leading to his office above the Defense classroom, reminded of when I did the same in secret up to Dumbledore's office.
Frumentar was able to levitate his teapot without even looking at it, just a wave of his wand and it was serving himself some tea.
"My congratulations Robert, on your victory on the pitch. This has been a very good year for Slytherin so far, even with your middle of term exams a month away."
"Thank you Professor." I said.
"Some tea?" Frumentar asked as he sipped his.
According to the Gamer's read out from the Scanning charm, it was not in fact poisoned at all.
"Sure."
After the teapot filled it on its own, I drank from my cup.
Frumentar swirled his tea a little bit while speaking. "I wanted to apologize for how I've treated you in the classroom these past few weeks. Holding Ms. Evans up as the new star student."
I shook my head. "Don't worry Professor. I'm sure I did something to offend you." I said innocently.
"Well that's just the thing. You didn't." Frumentar looked genuinely ashamed. "The Headmaster and I had a conversation the other night. We think it's high time to impartially determine the right course of action for a boy of your, talents."
"You mean about my studies? Shouldn't Professor Slughorn handle such things?"
Frumentar sighed. "Horace is a good man. A loyal, charming, but dangerously superficial man. For these matters, Professor Dumbledore and I will be taking personal charge."
Right, Slughorn's not in, or going to be in the Order of The Phoenix. You two won't play me for a fool.
"You two want to put me ahead of everyone else. Don't you?"
"Your classmates in Slytherin seem to look at home in my classroom, some do anyways. As skilled as they are, they aren't what I'd call advanced by any measure."
"Professor, I still don't understand. Why did you suddenly favor Lily in the class over me?"
"Truthfully I panicked after I saw how well you cast Verdimillious Tria and other spells." Frumentar put his teacup down. "What I've been through told me you would never pursue what Professor Dumbledore refers to as a proper goal. It was clear that you have a gift, you have both naturally powerful magic as well as a high degree of skill for magical theory and casting spells."
"Why did that make you panic?" I asked. Clearly this "proper goal" sounded a lot like Grindelwald's "Greater Good."
Frumentar sighed. "Because I didn't know what you wanted at all really. With the others, it's a bit more predictable. Your friends, Rosier, Avery, Mulciber. All their parents support a pureblood vision of the world, they likely will too, and Evans, Potter, Black, I expect they'll support the opposite when they grow older. But you."
Frumentar stayed quiet. "The possibilities of what you could accomplish with your magic are limitless. It's just a matter of defining what they'll be used for. With such a wide range of possibilities, I thought of only the worst. And I'm sorry."
"Do you think that's fair Professor?"
He shook his head. "No. But I realized my fear was more for my sake than yours. I just didn't know how to feel. Regardless, the Headmaster has decided to give you your final exams two weeks after you return from winter break."
"And if I pass them?"
"You will attend the same classes as your colleagues as a first year. But afterward, you will be assigned work according to your actual skill level. In other words, you will be a year above your classmates in all but official name."
I frowned. "Professor, it troubles me that you wouldn't trust me for simply trying my best."
"It troubled me as well to have such thoughts, I promise you. But people of all kinds can be drawn to power, speaking from experience." Frumentar assured coldly. "Above all. I found it strange to be the only one noticing the harm your talents could bring, it was a precaution, my fault alone for having these fears. From now on, I promise to take Professor Dumbledore's side as well as yours, and see it fit that you dedicate yourself wholly to this school."
"So you do consider myself and my friends dangerous?"
"Not at all." Frumentar shook his head. "I just have never seen anything like a first year casting such spells on their first try. That's all."
"But I haven't broken any rules sir." I pointed out, a bit annoyed.
Frumentar blinked. "I never said you did."
I took a quick sip of my tea.
Frumentar was looking at me. "Is there something you wish to tell me?"
"No sir. Nothing." I said honestly.
"Then it seems my suspicions were projection on my part completely." Frumentar said calmly. "Good work in class this week. I hope to see more from you. Before you go though, I have one question for you."
I nodded. "What is it, Professor?"
"I know you're just a first year student. But I am curious to see how this opinion of yours changes over the years. According to you, what would be the most powerful form of magic?"
"There isn't one sir."
Frumentar stopped sipping from his tea cup, putting it down on his saucer quickly. "Excuse me?"
"All magic is equally powerful. No matter what magic you're using, it's made out of the same energy. It just depends on who's casting it. For instance, someone could argue the spell used to make your teapot serve us a hot drink is the same kind of magic used to cast a Stunning Spell despite the difference in supposed power. And with a slight change to your spell, the teapot could grow larger and pour boiling hot water over the person casting said Stunning spell."
Frumentar sipped from his cup again. "You're incredibly intelligent and ambitious for your age. Has anyone ever told you that?"
"Professor McGonagall, in a way. Strict woman, very stiff, actually told me while reprimanding me."
Frumentar actually snorted at this, trying to restrain his laughter.
"Sir. As a first year, why would you be shocked by what I could do?"
"Because I want what's best for this school, and for you. Do you think I'd tell Rosier I thought his path was clear? I trusted you'd take it much more maturely, to see where I was coming from. And understand the place the Headmaster and I find ourselves amidst current events."
Translation, we desperately need your help in this war. Please, we're begging.
"But Professor no, I don't understand. You mentioned what you've been through to reach such a conclusion. What have you been through exactly?"
Frumentar slowly waved a hand towards the door. "Have a good afternoon Pelham."
I left his office and considered this. For all I knew, again, Frumentar could actually be trying to help, misguided as his feelings were.
He's not evil nor a threat. He's just suspicious. And I can't tell if it's for my sake yet or because Dumbledore has plans for Frumentar to move up. In any case with mid terms ahead, I'd need to make a decision about staying here for winter break or going back home.
My goal to create a third option for Severus and the others was still the same, and offer an alternative to Voldemort's ruthlessness and Dumbledore's idealism. Somewhere in between.
…
…
A/N:
So I have read the reviews, SteadyFF and others have asked me to make it clearer what Rob's planning and doing. All I can say is you'll have to wait and see what he really wants and will do. The pace and balancing stuff is what I am trying to juggle right now in order to develop everything properly.
Either way, I have read all reviews, I keep in mind what people say and implement what I can. Promise, what I can.