PLEASE REVIEW
I apologies to everyone for how long this took, it's the end of the first term and over the past week or so I've had five tests and three huge projects due.
Chapter 7
Students came rushing into the great hall in a massive chattering flood of humanity. Harry watched the crowd from his seat, noting that his apprentices were all there, they were in fact the first ones to enter the hall, meeting his eyes briefly before going to their seats.
"Harry!" He turned and looked to see Hermione and Ron hurrying towards him.
"Hello," he said calmly, watching with amusement as Ron nearly tripped over a second year, seeing as the second year was about two feet smaller than him this was understandable. "Ron do you ever stop growing? Just as soon as I stop feeling like a midget you spring up even more, are you taking growth potions or something?" Ron reddened a little and Hermione laughed.
"No." They both sat down opposite Harry, a few seconds later Neville and Ginny joined them. "So how was your summer?" Ron asked Harry, eyeing Ginny and Neville, who were in turn watching Harry for any sign of fatigue from the events of the previous day. "Never mind, I read in the prophet about you being the Keeper of the Ways. Neat that. Did you spend all summer working in them?"
"No, I had other things to do." Harry said, glancing at Neville and Ginny.
"How was your summer though? Without the Dursley's?" Hermione inquired.
"Tiring, I only had two days of actual relaxation. I've been busy constantly, ah well it was enjoyable." He said with a grin, and then tensed as searing pain flared in his scar. The pain grew worse, Harry gritted his teeth, there was a sudden flash of horrible pain, making Harry hiss and touch the scar, it was hot.
"Harry!" Hermione said quickly, Harry lowered his hand as the pain vanished.
"Nothing, just Voldemort throwing a tizzy fit, he's been doing that lately." Harry added, holding back a smirk of satisfaction. The death eater's and Voldemort's inability to find the painting's location, even with the few clues provided, was pissing the dark lord off.
"Do you know who the new Defense teacher is? Since Figg." Ron didn't continue, Ginny and Neville turned to Harry expectantly, they'd been asking him this for days.
"I might."
"Harry, come on." Ginny pleaded.
"Hmm?" He asked, amused.
"You know who it is." Neville accused.
Harry didn't reply, he just gave a smug grin.
"Tell us!" Ron demanded.
"Why?"
"We're going to find out very soon anyway, right after the Sorting." Hermione pointed out, Harry shrugged.
"It's fun, a very interesting Defense teacher this year. Infact it is going to be a VERY interesting year all round. Different, a.unique year." He said, trying hard not to laugh at them. "Ah McGonagal's here with the first years." He added quickly, turning to the doors as they swung open.
Professor McGonagal entered, leading a long line of very nervous looking first years. Harry had heard that because of Voldemorts return more ten year olds' parents were requesting them to be sent to Hogwarts or one of the other largest top schools instead of some of the not-as-good smaller ones. Especially Hogwarts. Renowned for its size, the excellent quality of education, remarkably talented professors, opportunities for students (especially in sixth and seventh year, when students often got chances to analyze Ministry work or take short trips to places around the world to learn) and for its power. The school was very well defended, and the professors were powerful, and the headmaster was legendary. And now Harry saw just how well respected Hogwarts was, there were easily sixty to seventy first years, where there was usually about thirty to forty. He had noticed that the house tables had been expanded of course, and he'd helped a bit with the new dormitory design. Because of the expected number of students the dormitories had to be enlarged specially. Now they were shaped like an 8 with the x in the middle missing and with two bathrooms attached instead of one.
The first years were sorted; the ceremony took much longer than usually. Gryffindor got thirteen new students, seven boys and six girls. Ravenclaw had eleven, Hufflepuff ten, and Slytherin got seven. The Gryffindors were of course ecstatic. Finally Dumbledore stood to speak, looking regal in dark purple and gold robes with green and red beadwork.
"Now before we eat I have a few announcements. Firstly, the Forbidden Forest is out of bounds to ALL students." Here he paused to look at each of the Elemental Warriors and a few others. "Secondly because of the dark forces at work in our world please report anything/anyone unusual, no matter how small, to a staff member or prefect at once. Also over the summer our defense professor Arabella Figg was killed in a death eater attacked on Diagon alley, I ask a brief moment of silence for this powerful witch who fought bravely against the dark arts for many long years." There was a silence as everyone bowed their heads; Harry blinked back a few silvery tears, knowing better than to shed them at the table. People, even witches and wizards, didn't naturally shed silver tears. Finally Dumbledore sighed and looked back up. "Now next, our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is retired auror Professor Moody!" Moody stood up, getting many gasps at his scarred appearance, but most of the older students clapped hard and long, the Gryffindors leading the school.
"Dueling class is now required for first and second year students, from then on it is elective, though it is very strongly suggested by the staff and the Ministry, and your parents, that everyone take it for obvious reasons." Here a few people glanced at Harry who held himself neutral, expressionless. "Occasionally throughout the year Hogwarts will be hosting important meetings of aurors form different countries and Ministries and a few other guests, you will be notified before they come. That's all for now, tuck in!" With a wave of his hands the food appeared along the tables and everyone began eating.
"Moody! I'm surprised he returned." Ron said in astonishment.
"Not really that surprising, he wants to help, and being at Hogwarts puts him in a good position to use his experience to help a great deal." Harry responded.
"That was nothing unusual really.or is there still something to come?" Hermione asked him suspiciously.
"You'll just have to wait until before desert." Harry replied with a smug grin. "How was your summer Hermione?"
"Nice, far more restful than yours, we went to Italy for two weeks." She replied and launched into a description of Italy's history and magical culture. Harry gave an expression of listening, while ignoring her completely. He concentrated upon the first years, searching methodically for Elemental ability. It was a slow, tiring process without his staff, but not impossible.
Finally, just as the plates and table were cleared, and before desert came, the headmaster stood again to speak. Everyone looking at him curiously.
"This year here at Hogwarts we are having an extraordinary event. One that has never happened before, the opportunity of a lifetime. A select group of students has been invited to journey to the land of the elves and stay there with them for about three weeks." Dumbledore stopped, he cold not be heard over the wave of noise all around the hall.
"The elves!" Hermione squealed in disbelief, Ron's eyes were round as saucers. Dumbledore flicked his wand, a loud crack echoed through the hall.
"Yes very exciting, please let me finish!" Everyone quieted.
"This event will happen twice. The first group of students will leave Hogwarts on November 2nd and arrive back on the 24th, the second group will then be chosen and they will leave on the 27th to return on December 21st. In the first group there will be twelve students. These students will be chosen on: their grades, they must be doing very well and their teachers must be sure that they can make up most of the work. They will also be chosen on behavior and maturity, they must be able to act like responsible adults on this trip, and not insult their hosts in way. They must be ready to conform to the elfish customs; no showing off or risky stuff of any sort will be allowed. They must be able to work in groups, they will be living with other students, mostly form different houses, and elves for weeks. Finally and perhaps most importantly they will be chosen on their performance in Defense Against the Dark Arts and Dueling." He paused again while people quieted.
"There is a very good chance that they may, more likely will, get attacked by dark creatures or death eaters, and will quite likely be involved in traveling with elfish patrols throughout the elf kingdom. They will therefore need to be doing good enough in both to not embarrass our school in front of the elves, which are renowned for their great fighting prowess. And since they will be representing Hogwarts School, and all wizards and witches, it is important that they be skilled enough to not appear too pathetic to the elves." He watched everyone for a moment before continuing.
"And there is one last thing, as this journey will be overland with no magical transportation it will be difficult physically. Only students physically fit enough to make the journey will be considered. The Dueling teacher, Mr. Harry Potter, will be the judge of that." Dumbledore paused briefly as everyone turned to look at Harry who sat silently, dressed as usual in black shirt and pants and boots.
"For this trip we needed a chaperone who spoke Elfish fluently, could handle whatever may come up, and knew the elves and their lands well enough to keep the students as safe as possible, and had strong ties to the elves, because of this Mr. Potter will be leading the two groups on their trips." There was instant uproar, shouts of "elfish?" and "not possible!" could be heard, Harry looked around in mild amusement then met the headmasters' eyes. Trying hard to ignore his utterly shocked friends.
"But that's not possible!" heroine said, 'no one can speak elfish but those whom the elves teach it too."
"And the last condition: all those who are to be even considered for this must be in fifth year or above." Dumbledore announced, roars of rage and disgust rang out everywhere. "Silence please!" It took a few moments but finally the hall quieted down, people still muttering furiously.
"The professors will choose these students over the next few weeks. The names of those selected for the first trip will be announced three days before Halloween. Now, time for desert!" The desert appeared and people began to eat while talking very loudly, the usual volume was way above normal and it was hard to hear anyone.
"Harry! You speak elfish?" Hermione gasped, stunned.
"Yes I do." He confirmed, digging into a hot fudge sundae.
"That's supposed to be nearly impossible, how did you do it?" Hermione asked him, Harry remained silent. "Harry?"
"Sorry Hermione, I can't tell you. No it wasn't illegal, they gave me permission, it was one of the Royal Family who taught me, and that' all I'm saying." He replied.
"Wow Harry, who are you going to pick?" Ron asked.
"I don't know yet. I'm basing my choices on all the things the headmaster talked about, nothing else." He put just a little emphasis on the last. But he could see Ron and Hermione look at each other and nod; they were going to try hard to get in.
By the next morning Harry's popularity was at a new all time high. Everyone wanted to be around him all the time. He retreated to the gym when not in his classes or doing homework, and spent more time than usual flying.
His first class of Dueling was with First Years on Tuesday. Harry watched the nervous students come into the gym, dressed in the gym clothes he'd put on the school supplies list. He finished sharpening a axe and called for quiet.
"Attention everyone," immediate silence. "Welcome to dueling class, in this class you will learn how to use a sword, a bow and arrows, a knife, unarmed combat, and of course dueling with magic." He signaled to all of them to be seated.
"The year will be broken up into three sections, the first will unarmed combat and getting you all into good shape. The second will also be mostly unarmed combat and getting you into shape, it will also have a little sword fighting - fencing. The third will be a mixture of unarmed combat and fencing. Now first, before we can do anything else, you lot have to get warmed up, follow me, three laps around the gym and then stretching!" he took off at a slow jog, the first years running after him.
Since Harry wouldn't be at Hogwarts much at all until Christmas Sirius would be taking over his classes, in disguise. Of al the apprentices Sirius was the best at unarmed combat, a true natural and quick learner, he was also quite good at sword fighting and archery. Harry had taken Sirius back in time for an extra three months to give him the special training necessary for him to teach these. With these three he would be capable of teaching all of Harry's classes.
** First Dueling class with the sixth years, and Harry had a few plans in mind for them. They came in on time and seemed eager to start. Harry gave them an extensive work out, partially to warm up and get ready for a tough training session, since he could already see that some people hadn't practiced at all over the summer.
"While we stretch feel free to ask any questions you have regarding the trip to the Kingdom of the Elves." He told them, and, as he had thought would happen, he was immediately assailed by questions.
"Who?" "How did you learn elfish?" "What are the elves like?' "How much work do we have to make up?" "What's their food like?"
"Please, one at a time, raise your hands." Harry said, quite amused and surprised. He called on Seamus first.
"How did you learn elfish?"
"I'm afraid I can't give you all the details, it wasn't illegally done or anything, that's not possible. It was a LONG time ago," he paused for them to understand that, "I had a good friend among the elves who taught me."
"What are the elves like?" Parvarti asked next.
"They're superb fighters. They can move without making a sound or leaving a single footprint, the ground hides their passage; they are very.at one.with nature. They can teach trees to speak and can ride like the wind. They are also very powerful creatures, all elves posses strong magic, though some can use it much more than others, Elven sorcerers are rare and spend six centuries in training. Elves can live almost forever; the longest lifetime was six thousand two hundred years or so. They can only die in battle, or of a broken heart." Elves could also die of a certain poison, but that was highly guarded knowledge that he would not give away to anyone.
"They have had bad experiences with humans, humans trying to enslave them, take their forests and cut them down, seeking the elves powers in horrible ways, seeking to use the elves for their own purposes, trying to get them involved in wars which have no influence on the elves. They have been betrayed and hurt by humans far to often, and so they distrust and dislike us. It will be up to the students to earn their trust. But once you have the trust of one elf, you are a friend to all; they are intensely loyal, kind, and caring creatures. They only respect those who fully deserve respect and gain that respect on their own, not through others. Bloodlines and family mean nothing to them really. There is much we can learn from them, for they are expert teachers. The students going will be expected to learn everything the elves offer to teach them. Elves tend to be quiet, but never think them dull, they don't miss a beat. Their hearing, eyesight, and sense of smell, is much better than a humans by far, and they have a keen sense for impending danger. They are also very trustworthy creatures who could easily wipe out most fo the human population." There were a few other questions, but simple ones, that either he could, or couldn't, answer.
Harry then had them all climb the rock wall for a workout, noting that the students tried to block each other to the first up, the Slytherins and Gryffindors glared at each other and tried to trip each other when running laps, after a half hour Harry was getting sick of it.
"Okay, we're going to do a review of dueling for a week or so. Today you'll be fighting in teams. Team 1) Susan Bones, Blaise Zabini vs. Team 2) hmm.Draco Malfoy and ah.Dean Thomas." Dean shot Harry a look of anger, which Harry ignored. The four put on the padded armor and picked out a sword each. The edges of the blades were dulled and the tip covered, they were just strong enough not to bend too easily and a good solid whack from one, even with the padded armor, would hurt a bit.
"No purposely going for the face, you'll continue until both the opponents are dead. Hermione granger and Terry Boot will keep track of injuries. Hermione you're team 1, Terry your team 2. Go!" The four closed, Dean and Draco moved until they were back to back with an opponent facing each then began to fence. Quickly it separated into two separate duels. Until Draco and Dean, making eye contact, switched places, catching the other two off balance. Blaise got stabbed in the right arm.
"Blaise you're right arm has a gaps on it across your wrist and you have little control over the right hand." Harry called; Blaise switched the word to the other hand. The injuries were fake but each injury disabled the person. If Blaise used the right hand she'd be out of the match, leaving her partner to fight off two people.
Dean and Draco won the match, though Dean got his leg cut off in a "heroic" move where he basically let Blaise get him so Draco could get her. The Gryffindors cheered him for it, though Harry frowned. Having seen that Dean had not actually meant that to happen but had instead lost his balance and footing and blundered about in such a way that it looked almost purposeful to an untrained eye. Draco had been remarkably quick and alert to be able to take full advantage of his partner's breaking Blaise's guard and concentration.
"Well done both of you. Dean that move was not purposeful was it?" Dean froze and everyone fell quiet, Dean made the mistake of catching Harry's eyes. Unable to look away from the fierce green eyes he couldn't lie.
"No, it was an accident. I didn't mean that to happen." The Gryffindors stared at him, Harry smiled warmly.
"Good, two points to Gryffindor for admitting that it was indeed a mistake. That took more courage than purposefully doing that move in a real battle would have. Watch your footing in the future, your feet are what enable you to fight, look after them." Dean smiled, pleased, Harry hoped they all got the hint.
"And five points to Slytherin for your alertness and quick action Draco, you two make a good team. Perhaps I ought to pair Gryffindors with Slytherins more often?" He smirked and then chuckled at the horrified looks on their faces. Noting the furious anger on Ron's for Harry awarding points to Slytherin, Ron's pettiness like that was most annoying, wasn't he ever going to grow up a bit?
"In a full battle petty grudges mean nothing, capable fighting partners mean everything." He paused, fixing them with a strong emerald stare to make sure they all got the point. "Think on that, we are at war, a good fighting partner you can work with could mean the difference between life and death for both of you and many others." He paused again before continuing. "Next is: team 1) Neville Longbottom and Hermione Granger vs. team 2) Vincent Crabbe and Padma Patil. Ron Weasley will keep track of team 1, and Clara Vale will keep track team 2's injuries. Ready? Go!"
I'm so sorry this took so long. It's the end of the first term and I'm completely bogged down in tests and essays. Sorry, it's a rather slow chapter, but it DOES have a purpose. Please review!
I apologies to everyone for how long this took, it's the end of the first term and over the past week or so I've had five tests and three huge projects due.
Chapter 7
Students came rushing into the great hall in a massive chattering flood of humanity. Harry watched the crowd from his seat, noting that his apprentices were all there, they were in fact the first ones to enter the hall, meeting his eyes briefly before going to their seats.
"Harry!" He turned and looked to see Hermione and Ron hurrying towards him.
"Hello," he said calmly, watching with amusement as Ron nearly tripped over a second year, seeing as the second year was about two feet smaller than him this was understandable. "Ron do you ever stop growing? Just as soon as I stop feeling like a midget you spring up even more, are you taking growth potions or something?" Ron reddened a little and Hermione laughed.
"No." They both sat down opposite Harry, a few seconds later Neville and Ginny joined them. "So how was your summer?" Ron asked Harry, eyeing Ginny and Neville, who were in turn watching Harry for any sign of fatigue from the events of the previous day. "Never mind, I read in the prophet about you being the Keeper of the Ways. Neat that. Did you spend all summer working in them?"
"No, I had other things to do." Harry said, glancing at Neville and Ginny.
"How was your summer though? Without the Dursley's?" Hermione inquired.
"Tiring, I only had two days of actual relaxation. I've been busy constantly, ah well it was enjoyable." He said with a grin, and then tensed as searing pain flared in his scar. The pain grew worse, Harry gritted his teeth, there was a sudden flash of horrible pain, making Harry hiss and touch the scar, it was hot.
"Harry!" Hermione said quickly, Harry lowered his hand as the pain vanished.
"Nothing, just Voldemort throwing a tizzy fit, he's been doing that lately." Harry added, holding back a smirk of satisfaction. The death eater's and Voldemort's inability to find the painting's location, even with the few clues provided, was pissing the dark lord off.
"Do you know who the new Defense teacher is? Since Figg." Ron didn't continue, Ginny and Neville turned to Harry expectantly, they'd been asking him this for days.
"I might."
"Harry, come on." Ginny pleaded.
"Hmm?" He asked, amused.
"You know who it is." Neville accused.
Harry didn't reply, he just gave a smug grin.
"Tell us!" Ron demanded.
"Why?"
"We're going to find out very soon anyway, right after the Sorting." Hermione pointed out, Harry shrugged.
"It's fun, a very interesting Defense teacher this year. Infact it is going to be a VERY interesting year all round. Different, a.unique year." He said, trying hard not to laugh at them. "Ah McGonagal's here with the first years." He added quickly, turning to the doors as they swung open.
Professor McGonagal entered, leading a long line of very nervous looking first years. Harry had heard that because of Voldemorts return more ten year olds' parents were requesting them to be sent to Hogwarts or one of the other largest top schools instead of some of the not-as-good smaller ones. Especially Hogwarts. Renowned for its size, the excellent quality of education, remarkably talented professors, opportunities for students (especially in sixth and seventh year, when students often got chances to analyze Ministry work or take short trips to places around the world to learn) and for its power. The school was very well defended, and the professors were powerful, and the headmaster was legendary. And now Harry saw just how well respected Hogwarts was, there were easily sixty to seventy first years, where there was usually about thirty to forty. He had noticed that the house tables had been expanded of course, and he'd helped a bit with the new dormitory design. Because of the expected number of students the dormitories had to be enlarged specially. Now they were shaped like an 8 with the x in the middle missing and with two bathrooms attached instead of one.
The first years were sorted; the ceremony took much longer than usually. Gryffindor got thirteen new students, seven boys and six girls. Ravenclaw had eleven, Hufflepuff ten, and Slytherin got seven. The Gryffindors were of course ecstatic. Finally Dumbledore stood to speak, looking regal in dark purple and gold robes with green and red beadwork.
"Now before we eat I have a few announcements. Firstly, the Forbidden Forest is out of bounds to ALL students." Here he paused to look at each of the Elemental Warriors and a few others. "Secondly because of the dark forces at work in our world please report anything/anyone unusual, no matter how small, to a staff member or prefect at once. Also over the summer our defense professor Arabella Figg was killed in a death eater attacked on Diagon alley, I ask a brief moment of silence for this powerful witch who fought bravely against the dark arts for many long years." There was a silence as everyone bowed their heads; Harry blinked back a few silvery tears, knowing better than to shed them at the table. People, even witches and wizards, didn't naturally shed silver tears. Finally Dumbledore sighed and looked back up. "Now next, our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is retired auror Professor Moody!" Moody stood up, getting many gasps at his scarred appearance, but most of the older students clapped hard and long, the Gryffindors leading the school.
"Dueling class is now required for first and second year students, from then on it is elective, though it is very strongly suggested by the staff and the Ministry, and your parents, that everyone take it for obvious reasons." Here a few people glanced at Harry who held himself neutral, expressionless. "Occasionally throughout the year Hogwarts will be hosting important meetings of aurors form different countries and Ministries and a few other guests, you will be notified before they come. That's all for now, tuck in!" With a wave of his hands the food appeared along the tables and everyone began eating.
"Moody! I'm surprised he returned." Ron said in astonishment.
"Not really that surprising, he wants to help, and being at Hogwarts puts him in a good position to use his experience to help a great deal." Harry responded.
"That was nothing unusual really.or is there still something to come?" Hermione asked him suspiciously.
"You'll just have to wait until before desert." Harry replied with a smug grin. "How was your summer Hermione?"
"Nice, far more restful than yours, we went to Italy for two weeks." She replied and launched into a description of Italy's history and magical culture. Harry gave an expression of listening, while ignoring her completely. He concentrated upon the first years, searching methodically for Elemental ability. It was a slow, tiring process without his staff, but not impossible.
Finally, just as the plates and table were cleared, and before desert came, the headmaster stood again to speak. Everyone looking at him curiously.
"This year here at Hogwarts we are having an extraordinary event. One that has never happened before, the opportunity of a lifetime. A select group of students has been invited to journey to the land of the elves and stay there with them for about three weeks." Dumbledore stopped, he cold not be heard over the wave of noise all around the hall.
"The elves!" Hermione squealed in disbelief, Ron's eyes were round as saucers. Dumbledore flicked his wand, a loud crack echoed through the hall.
"Yes very exciting, please let me finish!" Everyone quieted.
"This event will happen twice. The first group of students will leave Hogwarts on November 2nd and arrive back on the 24th, the second group will then be chosen and they will leave on the 27th to return on December 21st. In the first group there will be twelve students. These students will be chosen on: their grades, they must be doing very well and their teachers must be sure that they can make up most of the work. They will also be chosen on behavior and maturity, they must be able to act like responsible adults on this trip, and not insult their hosts in way. They must be ready to conform to the elfish customs; no showing off or risky stuff of any sort will be allowed. They must be able to work in groups, they will be living with other students, mostly form different houses, and elves for weeks. Finally and perhaps most importantly they will be chosen on their performance in Defense Against the Dark Arts and Dueling." He paused again while people quieted.
"There is a very good chance that they may, more likely will, get attacked by dark creatures or death eaters, and will quite likely be involved in traveling with elfish patrols throughout the elf kingdom. They will therefore need to be doing good enough in both to not embarrass our school in front of the elves, which are renowned for their great fighting prowess. And since they will be representing Hogwarts School, and all wizards and witches, it is important that they be skilled enough to not appear too pathetic to the elves." He watched everyone for a moment before continuing.
"And there is one last thing, as this journey will be overland with no magical transportation it will be difficult physically. Only students physically fit enough to make the journey will be considered. The Dueling teacher, Mr. Harry Potter, will be the judge of that." Dumbledore paused briefly as everyone turned to look at Harry who sat silently, dressed as usual in black shirt and pants and boots.
"For this trip we needed a chaperone who spoke Elfish fluently, could handle whatever may come up, and knew the elves and their lands well enough to keep the students as safe as possible, and had strong ties to the elves, because of this Mr. Potter will be leading the two groups on their trips." There was instant uproar, shouts of "elfish?" and "not possible!" could be heard, Harry looked around in mild amusement then met the headmasters' eyes. Trying hard to ignore his utterly shocked friends.
"But that's not possible!" heroine said, 'no one can speak elfish but those whom the elves teach it too."
"And the last condition: all those who are to be even considered for this must be in fifth year or above." Dumbledore announced, roars of rage and disgust rang out everywhere. "Silence please!" It took a few moments but finally the hall quieted down, people still muttering furiously.
"The professors will choose these students over the next few weeks. The names of those selected for the first trip will be announced three days before Halloween. Now, time for desert!" The desert appeared and people began to eat while talking very loudly, the usual volume was way above normal and it was hard to hear anyone.
"Harry! You speak elfish?" Hermione gasped, stunned.
"Yes I do." He confirmed, digging into a hot fudge sundae.
"That's supposed to be nearly impossible, how did you do it?" Hermione asked him, Harry remained silent. "Harry?"
"Sorry Hermione, I can't tell you. No it wasn't illegal, they gave me permission, it was one of the Royal Family who taught me, and that' all I'm saying." He replied.
"Wow Harry, who are you going to pick?" Ron asked.
"I don't know yet. I'm basing my choices on all the things the headmaster talked about, nothing else." He put just a little emphasis on the last. But he could see Ron and Hermione look at each other and nod; they were going to try hard to get in.
By the next morning Harry's popularity was at a new all time high. Everyone wanted to be around him all the time. He retreated to the gym when not in his classes or doing homework, and spent more time than usual flying.
His first class of Dueling was with First Years on Tuesday. Harry watched the nervous students come into the gym, dressed in the gym clothes he'd put on the school supplies list. He finished sharpening a axe and called for quiet.
"Attention everyone," immediate silence. "Welcome to dueling class, in this class you will learn how to use a sword, a bow and arrows, a knife, unarmed combat, and of course dueling with magic." He signaled to all of them to be seated.
"The year will be broken up into three sections, the first will unarmed combat and getting you all into good shape. The second will also be mostly unarmed combat and getting you into shape, it will also have a little sword fighting - fencing. The third will be a mixture of unarmed combat and fencing. Now first, before we can do anything else, you lot have to get warmed up, follow me, three laps around the gym and then stretching!" he took off at a slow jog, the first years running after him.
Since Harry wouldn't be at Hogwarts much at all until Christmas Sirius would be taking over his classes, in disguise. Of al the apprentices Sirius was the best at unarmed combat, a true natural and quick learner, he was also quite good at sword fighting and archery. Harry had taken Sirius back in time for an extra three months to give him the special training necessary for him to teach these. With these three he would be capable of teaching all of Harry's classes.
** First Dueling class with the sixth years, and Harry had a few plans in mind for them. They came in on time and seemed eager to start. Harry gave them an extensive work out, partially to warm up and get ready for a tough training session, since he could already see that some people hadn't practiced at all over the summer.
"While we stretch feel free to ask any questions you have regarding the trip to the Kingdom of the Elves." He told them, and, as he had thought would happen, he was immediately assailed by questions.
"Who?" "How did you learn elfish?" "What are the elves like?' "How much work do we have to make up?" "What's their food like?"
"Please, one at a time, raise your hands." Harry said, quite amused and surprised. He called on Seamus first.
"How did you learn elfish?"
"I'm afraid I can't give you all the details, it wasn't illegally done or anything, that's not possible. It was a LONG time ago," he paused for them to understand that, "I had a good friend among the elves who taught me."
"What are the elves like?" Parvarti asked next.
"They're superb fighters. They can move without making a sound or leaving a single footprint, the ground hides their passage; they are very.at one.with nature. They can teach trees to speak and can ride like the wind. They are also very powerful creatures, all elves posses strong magic, though some can use it much more than others, Elven sorcerers are rare and spend six centuries in training. Elves can live almost forever; the longest lifetime was six thousand two hundred years or so. They can only die in battle, or of a broken heart." Elves could also die of a certain poison, but that was highly guarded knowledge that he would not give away to anyone.
"They have had bad experiences with humans, humans trying to enslave them, take their forests and cut them down, seeking the elves powers in horrible ways, seeking to use the elves for their own purposes, trying to get them involved in wars which have no influence on the elves. They have been betrayed and hurt by humans far to often, and so they distrust and dislike us. It will be up to the students to earn their trust. But once you have the trust of one elf, you are a friend to all; they are intensely loyal, kind, and caring creatures. They only respect those who fully deserve respect and gain that respect on their own, not through others. Bloodlines and family mean nothing to them really. There is much we can learn from them, for they are expert teachers. The students going will be expected to learn everything the elves offer to teach them. Elves tend to be quiet, but never think them dull, they don't miss a beat. Their hearing, eyesight, and sense of smell, is much better than a humans by far, and they have a keen sense for impending danger. They are also very trustworthy creatures who could easily wipe out most fo the human population." There were a few other questions, but simple ones, that either he could, or couldn't, answer.
Harry then had them all climb the rock wall for a workout, noting that the students tried to block each other to the first up, the Slytherins and Gryffindors glared at each other and tried to trip each other when running laps, after a half hour Harry was getting sick of it.
"Okay, we're going to do a review of dueling for a week or so. Today you'll be fighting in teams. Team 1) Susan Bones, Blaise Zabini vs. Team 2) hmm.Draco Malfoy and ah.Dean Thomas." Dean shot Harry a look of anger, which Harry ignored. The four put on the padded armor and picked out a sword each. The edges of the blades were dulled and the tip covered, they were just strong enough not to bend too easily and a good solid whack from one, even with the padded armor, would hurt a bit.
"No purposely going for the face, you'll continue until both the opponents are dead. Hermione granger and Terry Boot will keep track of injuries. Hermione you're team 1, Terry your team 2. Go!" The four closed, Dean and Draco moved until they were back to back with an opponent facing each then began to fence. Quickly it separated into two separate duels. Until Draco and Dean, making eye contact, switched places, catching the other two off balance. Blaise got stabbed in the right arm.
"Blaise you're right arm has a gaps on it across your wrist and you have little control over the right hand." Harry called; Blaise switched the word to the other hand. The injuries were fake but each injury disabled the person. If Blaise used the right hand she'd be out of the match, leaving her partner to fight off two people.
Dean and Draco won the match, though Dean got his leg cut off in a "heroic" move where he basically let Blaise get him so Draco could get her. The Gryffindors cheered him for it, though Harry frowned. Having seen that Dean had not actually meant that to happen but had instead lost his balance and footing and blundered about in such a way that it looked almost purposeful to an untrained eye. Draco had been remarkably quick and alert to be able to take full advantage of his partner's breaking Blaise's guard and concentration.
"Well done both of you. Dean that move was not purposeful was it?" Dean froze and everyone fell quiet, Dean made the mistake of catching Harry's eyes. Unable to look away from the fierce green eyes he couldn't lie.
"No, it was an accident. I didn't mean that to happen." The Gryffindors stared at him, Harry smiled warmly.
"Good, two points to Gryffindor for admitting that it was indeed a mistake. That took more courage than purposefully doing that move in a real battle would have. Watch your footing in the future, your feet are what enable you to fight, look after them." Dean smiled, pleased, Harry hoped they all got the hint.
"And five points to Slytherin for your alertness and quick action Draco, you two make a good team. Perhaps I ought to pair Gryffindors with Slytherins more often?" He smirked and then chuckled at the horrified looks on their faces. Noting the furious anger on Ron's for Harry awarding points to Slytherin, Ron's pettiness like that was most annoying, wasn't he ever going to grow up a bit?
"In a full battle petty grudges mean nothing, capable fighting partners mean everything." He paused, fixing them with a strong emerald stare to make sure they all got the point. "Think on that, we are at war, a good fighting partner you can work with could mean the difference between life and death for both of you and many others." He paused again before continuing. "Next is: team 1) Neville Longbottom and Hermione Granger vs. team 2) Vincent Crabbe and Padma Patil. Ron Weasley will keep track of team 1, and Clara Vale will keep track team 2's injuries. Ready? Go!"
I'm so sorry this took so long. It's the end of the first term and I'm completely bogged down in tests and essays. Sorry, it's a rather slow chapter, but it DOES have a purpose. Please review!