[Disclaimer] I don't own Harry Potter or have ownership of any original characters. Harry potter is the property of J K Rowling.

Chapter 10 - Decisions

Dear Harry

How are your? I want you to be careful, I heard about the incident on the Quidditch pitch and I must say that I was very disappointed. Your coma could have been permanent. I am also disappointed in you. Dumbledore told me that you made a full recovery and are progressing quickly through your education. Keep up the good work Harry, but don't forget that your still a kid, and that you should be having fun also.

The real reason I sent this letter is to let you know ahead of time that I will not be able to communicate with you for a long time. My anigmus cover has been blown, the ministry knows what to look for now and is hot on my tail. I don't know how this happened but I have my speculations.

Be careful Harry, you don't know how proud I am of you.

Snuffles

Harry read the letter for the hundredth time, it had to be a joke, Sirus's anigmus cover is what helped him escape Azkaban, and it kept the Auror's from finding him for the last year. His godfather was in danger and there was nothing he could do about it.

Ron and Hermione were both shocked when they read the letter; the Daily Profit then confirmed the letter by having a front-page article about it. The Profit didn't say where the ministry obtained this information but Harry knew that it came from Wormtail. He had left breakfast after receiving the news after informing Ron and Hermione he went up to his dormitory.

Harry had been there most of the morning, refusing to talk to anybody or leave his dorm. It was almost lunchtime when Harry was interrupted from his thoughts. By the sound of his door opening, Ron burst into the room and made his way towards Harry.

"Harry get up" Ron instructed sternly "I can't stand to see you moping about all day so unless you want me to curse your ass you'd better get out off the bed and come to Defense against the Dark Arts lesson."

Harry looked up and saw how red Ron's face was with anger and frustration. Harry just looked down once again, ignoring Ron. Ron sighed with defeat "damn it, I can't curse you."

A smile crept on Harry's face "yeah I knew you wouldn't do it" he whispered.

"Come on Harry, were all worried about Sirus but you can't let that get to you, you can't blame yourself for everything bad that happens and then sit there feeling sorry for yourself. Sirus is in hiding Harry, he hasn't been captured yet, common let's get to class before were late, whaddya say?"

Harry smiled more openly this time and looked his friend in the eyes; he could see how worried Ron was about him. "Your right mate, lets get to class." With that Harry got up, gathered his schoolbooks and accompanied Ron out the door. He had pushed aside his worries for now but he was still overcome by an uneasiness that told him that things might not be okay this time.

The DaDA lesson was the most interesting one yet. Today Dumbledore was covering how spells were once invented, he had to repeat the history several times before the entire class fully understood. That was one thing Harry liked about Dumbledore, he was so patient and kind towards all his students.

"Inventing spells is a very difficult task that has been controlled by the Ministry of Magic for hundreds of years. It is nearly impossible to create spells on your own because the ministry keeps the proper instructions heavily guarded and under lock and key." Dumbledore explained the history of spell making to the class and then set them of on an assignment.

The rest of the lesson was spent writing a report of what spell they would like to invent, Harry had not yet started his report, unable to think of a spell he wished to invent. The counter to the Killing Curse crossed his mind several times but he was searching for something more. The thought was nagging at him, almost teasing him. What he really wanted was a spell that could do more then just stop death, something he still wasn't sure of.

Harry's frustration was mounting; he couldn't focus on his school work because his mind kept on wandering to the thought of his Godfather. There wasn't much Harry could do to help him and he hated it. Sirus is the closing thing Harry has to a family, and the thought of losing him was too much to bear.

"Harry, HARRY" Harry looked up startled at the voice he turned to his side to see that Lavender was looking at him with a frown.

"Have you even heard anything I've been saying to you Harry?" Lavender said, the frown still firmly planted on her face.

"Sorry Lav, my mind just wandered, what where you saying?"

"Well I was asking you If you were ready for the dueling club meeting being held today, but I guess that was a stupid question."

Harry raised his eyebrow "stupid question?"

"Well … you know? … you, being ready for a little duel …" Lavender seemed a bit lost for words as she tried to answer Harry's question while looking at him in the eyes.

"I understand" Harry interrupted sarcastically "the Great Harry Potter, after all he's been through a little duel would be a walk in the park."

"Come on Harry, don't tell me I hurt your feelings" Lavender replied.

"My feelings?" Harry scoffed "girl, you know me, I laugh in the face of danger."

Lavender laughed, "Do you know who your up against?"

"Nah didn't have time to check, you have any idea?"

"Not the slightest" Lavender replied. At that moment the bell rang and the students began to shuffle out of the room and towards their next class. "We'll I have to go to Divination, so I'll meet you back in the common room at the end of class alright Harry?"

"Yeah sounds good, I think I'm gonna brush up on some spells I've been out of the loop for a while" Harry replied, Lavender just smiled and gave him a kiss on the lips before making her way to Divinations. Ron and Hermione were also on their way out, Harry gave them a quick wave and started to pack up his belongings.

Harry felt a hand come to rest on his shoulders and he looked up to find Professor Dumbledore standing before him. "Hello Professor" Harry smiled the greeting to the headmaster.

Dumbledore returned Harry's smile "Harry, I expect that you have learned of the events the befell our friend today?"

"Yeah, Snuffles sent me a letter telling me what happened" Harry replied solemnly "He's going to be okay, right Professor?"

Dumbledore gave Harry another smile "I swear to you Harry, I am doing everything in my power to ensure his safety."

Harry smiled at this "thank you Professor."

"Now onto another matter, I have something that I believe belongs to you Mr. Potter" Dumbledore took out something rapped in brown paper, which looked like it was a book of some kind. Harry took a quick breath and held it, realizing what it could be.

"It was found on the Quidditch Pitch by your side, and remarkably without a scratch on it. After much research I was unable to uncover what the contents of this book might be, but I was unable to translate the language it was written in." Dumbledore handed Harry the book and looked Harry intently in the eyes. "Be careful with this Harry."

"I will Professor, thank you" Harry placed the packaged book inside his bag and made his way back to Gryffindor tower.

He landed on his bed and quickly pulled out the packaged book. He tore apart the hoping to find the book by Salazar Slytherin in it. Inside several layers of paper Harry found the familiar emerald green book with golden writing in Parsletounge.

Eager to learn he flipped through the pages he covered already and landed the last section, It was an entire chapter on one spell, the only description that was given was that the spell was very powerful and that it could have saved Slytherin from himself.

Harry was very intrigued and continued to read on, in hopes of learning more. After much deciphering Harry was able to put bits and peaces of the spells purpose together. According to the book the Good and Evil are two armies, constantly battling for supremacy. The essence of Good love, while the essence of Evil is hate. Harry continued reading onwards, not knowing how this information was relevant. But unfortunately the passage ended there. Harry started flipping through the last few pages of the book only to find that they were completely empty. He closed the book in frustration and that's when Harry noticed the new writing that appeared on the cover in Parsletounge.

"I can envision you, a young man gifted with my heritage and the ability to speak with Serpents. My heir, carrier of my legacy, the last of a failing bloodline. I am sure that the last chapter has left you baffled; all I can leave with you is this. Do not make the same mistake I have made. Live a life you want to live, overcome the adversities that you face, and never scum to the darkness that lies within us all.

The secret to the ultimate spell lies within every witch and wizard, the secret is knowing where to find it. I was not strong enough to face my inner demons, face the truth about who I am. Find the truth and you will find the power.

---Salazar Slytherin"

Harry was left baffled, what could all this mean? How was he supposed to face his inner demons? Millions of questions were swimming through Harry's mind but he couldn't think of any answers.

"I'll worry about this later" Harry said to himself, deciding that he would live his life like Slytherin had advised, instead of looking for a spell that Slytherin himself was unable to find. With that Harry made his way into the common room. He had a pretty good idea of what spells he could use in a duel, and the ones he knew in Parsletounge gave him an edge over the other students. So Harry wasn't worried about how the duels would go.

Harry decided to site down on one of the sofas across from the entrance, near the window and the parapets. Harry always wondered if there was a way to get onto the parapets through Gryffindor tower. After thinking it over for a minute Harry decided to investigate. He leaned his head out the window and looked around. The lake could easily be seen from here, a bright blue circle, almost surrounded completely by the thick dark green Forbidden Forest.

Harry climbed out the window and onto the stone floor of the parapet. Harry smiled when he saw that lawn chairs were already set up underneath big umbrellas. He took a seat on a chair nearest the window and became absorbed in the tranquility provided by nature.

"What were my parents really like?" Harry spoke out loud all of a sudden. This was one of many questions that plagued his mind day and night. Everyone told him his parents were wonderful people, but was that really true. Or was that how people wanted to remember them. Even though Harry didn't know much about them, he knew that they loved him, that they had sacrificed their lives just to save him. What about the Dursleys? Harry thought, why did they hate me so much. How can there be so much bad blood between Aunt Petunia and his mother.

It was clear to Harry that the Dursley's didn't want Harry in their house but why did they let him stay, even after the cake incident and blowing up Aunt Marge they let him back for the summer. Dumbledore probably forced them to take him in Harry concluded, after much deliberation.

Harry checked his watch and saw that the classes had been over for 10 minutes, the other students were probably already back in the tower. He poked his head through the window, and looked for Lavender. "Lavender, out here" Harry called out to her when she entered with Parvati.

Lavender smiled and made her way over to the window. Harry helped her and Parvati onto the landing. "I never thought of coming out here" Parvati squealed happily "it's so beautiful."

"Yeah, great Idea Harry" Lavender smiled.

Harry smiled back and led the two girls over to the lawn chairs, where they say down in a triangle.

"So Harry, are you ready for the Dueling Club meeting tonight?" Parvati asked.

"Ready as I'll ever be, do you know how it's going to work?" Harry asked.

Parvati took a moment to think this over "from what I know, 7 kids from each house participate in a round robin, where the two with the lowest scores are dropped. From there they will announce the house teams for the Dueling Cup, and then randomly select teams of two for the Doubles league."

"Wow, Professor Snape really thought this through" Harry spoke.

Lavender looked up with him with an eyebrow raise "since when have you called Snape Professor?"

"Ah, well me and him have grown accustomed to each other, I guess now that the hostility is gone there's little point not to call him Professor."

"You're too nice" Lavender joked.

"Yeah, I guess I am" Harry was about to say more but he was interrupted by Parvati who was obviously disgruntle about being left out of the conversation. "What do you plan on doing for Christmas Harry?"

"The usual, stay at Hogwarts, what about you guys?"

"I'll be going home" Parvati answered.

"I'm not sure, I know Draco is staying because his parents will be going on vacation, and my parents haven't decided whether they'll go or not" Lavender replied. "What are Ron and Hermione up to?"

"They're both going to spend Christmas with their families this year" Harry tried to hide the disappointment in his voice but failed miserably. This would be his first Christmas without both Ron and Hermione.

"Don't worry about it Harry, I'm sure it won't be that bad" Parvati said, trying to cheer him up.

"Yeah, I guess" Harry smiled.

"So what do you want for Christmas Harry?" Lavender asked obviously trying to change the subject.

"I never thought of it" Harry replied. And it was true, Harry hadn't really thought of any material possession he could want this year.

"Come on Harry, everybody wants something" Lavender continued trying to get Harry to open up.

"We'll, why don't you guys surprise me with what you think I want and I'll tell you if your right or wrong" Harry smiled at his own cleverness.

"Alright aright, we'll do it your way" Parvati joked.

"So how long until the Dueling Club meets?" Harry asked, getting tired of the current conversation topic.

"In about 20 minutes" Parvati replied.

"We'd better get going then" Harry said, leading the two girls back into the common room and then to the great hall.

The great hall was turned into a dueling arena much like the one they had in second year. It was already bustling with kids and Harry had to hold on tightly to Lavender while pushing through the crowd and making his way towards the red and gold sign that said Gryffindor Duelists.

The other six duelists had already arrived as Harry scanned their faces, Hermione (which came as no surprise), Fred Weasley, Angelina Johnson, Neville Longbottom, and a few older students who Harry didn't know.

He greeted everyone, ignoring Neville's cold shoulder when he greeted him. He was obviously still angry about Lavender going out with him.

He chatted with Hermione and Lavender until Professor Snape announced the start of the Club. Today there were going to be some preliminaries where student's mach up with random opponents, the two from each house with the lowest record would be eliminated and the rest would get a chance to compete for the Dueling Cup.

Harry waited patiently for his first duel to be announced, Hermione had beaten Cho Chang from Hufflepuff fairly easily. Malfoy in creamed one of the older students in under a minute. Neville had also done fairly well eliminating a Ravenclaw who had lost both her duels.

"Harry Potter from Gryffindor, versus Neville Longbottom from Gryffindor" Snape bellowed. Harry made his way over to the stage for his duel. Most of the students were now finished both their duels but this was Harry's first, he was wondering who else could be left who hadn't had another duel.

Harry and Neville bowed to each other and pulled out their wands. Harry's strategy was fairly simple; he knew that Neville was a very good duelist, so he was going to force Neville to make a mistake by frustrating him.

Neville was the first to make a move when he shouted "Expelliarmus" a red light shot towards Harry, which was easily sidestepped. Harry chuckled and then sent a few tickle charms at Neville. Neville dodged the first two, but the third one connected with his stomach and Neville was forced into fits of laughter.

It took Neville a few moments to throw off the tickle charm, which gave Harry ample time to construct an advanced shield charm around him. Neville's face was red with anger as he looked at Harry, who was now displaying a wide grin.

Neville yelled a curse Harry hadn't heard of before which sent a ball of fire about 3 meters in diameter right at him. Harry was a bit worried because he didn't know whether or not his shield would hold against an attack like this. Much to Harry's surprise the fireball was easily absorbed into his shield. Harry chuckled and with a wave of his wand sent the very same fireball right at his opponent. Neville was caught off guard by this and tried to dive out of the way, unfortunately for him Harry had sent a disarming spell directly in his path. The spell hit Neville full force in the chest, causing him to fly several feet backwards on his back across the stage, his wand landing neatly in Harry's outstretched hand.

"Winner, Harry Potter of Gryffindor" Professor Snape announced, while the crowd erupted into applause.

Harry smiled, his training had obviously paid of, and he didn't even have to yell out his curses to increase their power anymore, all the spells he spoke against Neville were in an almost casual tone. Surprisingly the spells didn't lose any power.

He made his way over to Neville who was trying to stand up on his own, but was having a difficult time. Harry tried to help Neville up but Neville swatted his hand away. Harry was caught of guard by this but quickly regained his composure. Neville was now giving Harry a dirty look as he hobbled of the stage on his own two legs.

Harry was about leave the stage when Professor Snape spoke again "The final match up will be between Harry Potter and … Draco Malfoy."

Harry smirked this was just what he had been waiting for the last two years, another crack at Malfoy. Malfoy came on stage, walking arrogantly and shooting Harry his trademark grin. The two opponents faced off, refusing to bow to one another.

Harry once again waited for his opponent to make the first move, easily dodging the stunning charm Malfoy sent his way. Time for some payback Harry thought "Serpensortia." A red and gold snake emerged from Harry's wand, after a few instructions from Harry it started to make its way to Malfoy. Draco was about to cast another spell at the snake but Harry was faster "Densaugeo" Harry spoke in almost a whisper. Malfoy watched in horror as the snake in front of him grew twenty feet long and several feet wide. The serpent reared its fangs as Malfoy sent an array of curses at it, finally managing to light it on fire.

Harry smirked; Malfoy was obviously worn out with his battle with the snake. Harry could see the beads of sweat drip down his opponents face, the deep inhale and exhale of his breath as he tried to stand fully upright. Harry wanted to have a lot more fun but he decided against it, he didn't want to embarrass Malfoy too much. "Expelliarmus" Harry cried, pretending like he had put a lot of effort into the spell. Malfoy was caught staring at the red beam of light, to tired to move out of its path. He was sent flying backwards and landed with a thud on the stage floor, while his wand flew straight into Harry's hand.

"Winner, Harry Potter of Gryffindor" Professor Snape announced, once again the crowd sent up cheers for Harry as he walked off the stage and back towards the Gryffindor area.

"That was great Harry" Hermione squealed and enveloped Harry into a hug.

"Thanks Herms"

Hermione let go of Harry "Wow, I never expected it to be that easy for you Harry."

"Yeah, neither did I" Harry replied sheepishly. "I need to talk with Snape Herms, I'll be right back."

Hermione looked puzzled but agreed non-the less "sure Harry, I'll be right here."

"Thanks, will only be a second" Harry ran to the other end of the dueling stage where Snape and some other teachers were sitting.

"Professor, can I talk with you" Harry asked Professor Snape.

"Of course you can Mr. Potter, how can I help you?"

"We'll I don't want to continue to participate in the Dueling Club…"

"WHAT!" Snape interrupted "You did extremely well today"

"…That's the thing, it was too easy. Malfoy is one of the best students in the school and he wasn't able to hit me with a single curse."

"I understand" Snape smiled "Here's what I'll do. You will no longer be in the duel club, but, you will instead have to tutor students in the art of dueling when I send them to you."

"But…" Harry tried to speak against the idea of having to tutor other students but Snape interrupted him once again.

"No buts, those are my terms, do you accept?"

Harry sighed in defeat "Yes" and walked back to Hermione.

"What did you ask him Harry?" Hermione was waiting for him, obviously wanting to know what Harry had to say to Snape.

"I decided against participating in the Duel Club."

"Why?" was all Hermione could say.

"We'll, even though I had a lot of fun beating on Malfoy, I decided that It would be better for me to spend my time on other activities."

"Like what?" Hermione was now eyeing his suspiciously.

"To tell you the truth Herms, I have to get my life in order. I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about my life, and I've decided that its time I move away from the Dursley's." Hermione was opening her mouth to speak but Harry cut her of "I know I need to talk this over with Dumbledore, but I want to have everything planned out before I do."

Hermione sighed "your right Harry, getting your life on the right path is a lot more important then a silly Dueling Club."

"Thanks Herms" Harry gave her a big hug "I'm going to discuss this with Dumbledore right away."

Harry let Hermione go and jogged down the hallways of Hogwarts, the thought of moving out of Privet Drive was almost too good to be true. Harry was eager to find out what Dumbledore would say. He was 16 now, how much longer would he have to spend with his relatives?

Harry knew that Dumbledore would probably not let him leave the Dursley's but it was an issue that had to be brought out into the open.

Harry was now standing in front of the stone Gargoyle that blocked the entrance to the Headmasters office.

"Ummm, let's see, lollypops, chocolate frogs, every flavor beans, tounge toffees, sugar quills." Finally the stone Gargoyle moved out of the way, allowing Harry to climb the spiral staircase towards Dumbledore's office.

The door was open and Dumbledore was sitting behind his desk, facing the door as if he was expecting Harry to arrive. "Welcome Harry, how can I help you?" Dumbledore asked with the oh-so-familiar twinkle in his eye.

Harry had the nagging feeling that Dumbledore already knew what he was going to say but Harry continued anyway.

[Authors Notes] Thats the end of that chapter.