I do not own any of this!
Chapter 25
The snow of January and February came and went, and for weeks of March Hogwarts was entombed in black clouds and driving rain. It was during this period that Snape introduced another element to Harry's training. It basically involved him going out alone, into the forest for certain amounts of time, and seeing if he take care of himself in what Snape termed 'adverse conditions'.
Snape kept an eye on him magically during all of these sessions, watching him complete whatever task he had been set. To Harry, it was just another way to get him as cold, wet, and hungry as possible. Nevertheless, he enjoyed the challenge.
By this time Harry had also finally mastered apparition, much to the jealousy of Hermione. Snape had spent almost an hour grilling him on proper usage after Harry had succeeded in startling his friend s in Hogsmeade. Despite the fact that the prank had cost Harry a hard afternoon of sweat and bruises, he felt it was worth it. The look on his friends face had been priceless.
His lessons on animagi with McGonagall had also been going well, and he was now able to turn his animagus form after just a few seconds on concentration. Given another few weeks, the change would be instantaneous. Much to Harry's annoyance, he had been forbidden from telling anyone, even Ron and Hermione, of this development, and of what animal he took the form of. Snape had looked so serious when giving out that order that Harry decide it wasn't worth breaking it, though he often wished her could.
A few weeks before Easter, their hard labour over the potion to stop the effects of cruciatus finally paid off. As Harry was going over yet more lists of ingredients one afternoon, Snape had come over. Harry jumped to attention, waiting for instructions.
'You can stop.'
Harry's face was confused for a moment, then his eyes widened in understanding.
'We did it?'
Snape nodded his head in confirmation, raising an eyebrow in response to the delighted look on Harry's face.
'Now all we have to do is wait for the Order to send up a volunteer for the final test. Unfortunately, it could be weeks, even months before they find anyone. Until then, we must wait.'
Harry face dropped slightly, disappointed that they wouldn't have the final verdict for months. He sat back down in his seat with a sigh as his master turned away to resume his work. After about ten minutes of silence, Harry spoke, standing up as he did so.
'I can test it.'
Snape rounded on him immediately, examining his face for any sign of a amusement. He did not speak, so Harry repeated what he had said.
'Why not, then we'll know now, instead of having to wait for weeks.'
Snape shook his head slightly, damned Gryffindor pride. And yet, it made sense. Snape gave him a piercing look.
'Are you sure you want to do this? You know the risks.'
There was no way for Harry to tell what Snape was thinking, so he pressed on. Maybe it was a risk for himself, yet it could mean many others didn't have to face that same danger in the future. Like before, he felt that in a way this was just another part of his apprenticeship. He didn't move, locking Snape's grey eyes with his own, unwavering, quietly determined. Snape nodded.
'Very well then.'
An hour later Snape finally released his hold on the spell, gasping as his concentration broke. Evident relief washed over his features. Harry sat down gratefully after an hour standing up, feeling no ill effects other than a mild tingling in his finger and toes.
After Snape had gulped down the contents of a water jug, he told his master as much. Snape merely grunted, and set about writing up his report. Harry went to his room, and began to flick through his old copy of 'Quidditch Through the Ages'.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Okay, I know this was a very short chapter, but it just assort of passage of time. Last night I was up planning the next few chapters, which are much more exciting than this one, and I'm eager to get on and actually write them. Just to give you from teasers, there will be a final major showdown with Gray, and some very interesting news from Snape.
Thankfully, I can now actually see how I' going to get the fic to where it can be completed. Also, I'm interested in any suggestions o for Harry's animagus form. Though I do have my own idea's of my own, I am open to suggestions, as long as they are backed up with reasons.
On a serious note, my work for the holidays is seriously piling up, so I'm making no promises about more updated, except to say that you should get the next chapter sometime over the weekend.
One final thing, I'd appreciate it if you could all go and have a look at my one-chapter fic, A Drifting Rose, and review to tell me what you think of it.
Thanks for any reviews. - Pose
Chapter 25
The snow of January and February came and went, and for weeks of March Hogwarts was entombed in black clouds and driving rain. It was during this period that Snape introduced another element to Harry's training. It basically involved him going out alone, into the forest for certain amounts of time, and seeing if he take care of himself in what Snape termed 'adverse conditions'.
Snape kept an eye on him magically during all of these sessions, watching him complete whatever task he had been set. To Harry, it was just another way to get him as cold, wet, and hungry as possible. Nevertheless, he enjoyed the challenge.
By this time Harry had also finally mastered apparition, much to the jealousy of Hermione. Snape had spent almost an hour grilling him on proper usage after Harry had succeeded in startling his friend s in Hogsmeade. Despite the fact that the prank had cost Harry a hard afternoon of sweat and bruises, he felt it was worth it. The look on his friends face had been priceless.
His lessons on animagi with McGonagall had also been going well, and he was now able to turn his animagus form after just a few seconds on concentration. Given another few weeks, the change would be instantaneous. Much to Harry's annoyance, he had been forbidden from telling anyone, even Ron and Hermione, of this development, and of what animal he took the form of. Snape had looked so serious when giving out that order that Harry decide it wasn't worth breaking it, though he often wished her could.
A few weeks before Easter, their hard labour over the potion to stop the effects of cruciatus finally paid off. As Harry was going over yet more lists of ingredients one afternoon, Snape had come over. Harry jumped to attention, waiting for instructions.
'You can stop.'
Harry's face was confused for a moment, then his eyes widened in understanding.
'We did it?'
Snape nodded his head in confirmation, raising an eyebrow in response to the delighted look on Harry's face.
'Now all we have to do is wait for the Order to send up a volunteer for the final test. Unfortunately, it could be weeks, even months before they find anyone. Until then, we must wait.'
Harry face dropped slightly, disappointed that they wouldn't have the final verdict for months. He sat back down in his seat with a sigh as his master turned away to resume his work. After about ten minutes of silence, Harry spoke, standing up as he did so.
'I can test it.'
Snape rounded on him immediately, examining his face for any sign of a amusement. He did not speak, so Harry repeated what he had said.
'Why not, then we'll know now, instead of having to wait for weeks.'
Snape shook his head slightly, damned Gryffindor pride. And yet, it made sense. Snape gave him a piercing look.
'Are you sure you want to do this? You know the risks.'
There was no way for Harry to tell what Snape was thinking, so he pressed on. Maybe it was a risk for himself, yet it could mean many others didn't have to face that same danger in the future. Like before, he felt that in a way this was just another part of his apprenticeship. He didn't move, locking Snape's grey eyes with his own, unwavering, quietly determined. Snape nodded.
'Very well then.'
An hour later Snape finally released his hold on the spell, gasping as his concentration broke. Evident relief washed over his features. Harry sat down gratefully after an hour standing up, feeling no ill effects other than a mild tingling in his finger and toes.
After Snape had gulped down the contents of a water jug, he told his master as much. Snape merely grunted, and set about writing up his report. Harry went to his room, and began to flick through his old copy of 'Quidditch Through the Ages'.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Okay, I know this was a very short chapter, but it just assort of passage of time. Last night I was up planning the next few chapters, which are much more exciting than this one, and I'm eager to get on and actually write them. Just to give you from teasers, there will be a final major showdown with Gray, and some very interesting news from Snape.
Thankfully, I can now actually see how I' going to get the fic to where it can be completed. Also, I'm interested in any suggestions o for Harry's animagus form. Though I do have my own idea's of my own, I am open to suggestions, as long as they are backed up with reasons.
On a serious note, my work for the holidays is seriously piling up, so I'm making no promises about more updated, except to say that you should get the next chapter sometime over the weekend.
One final thing, I'd appreciate it if you could all go and have a look at my one-chapter fic, A Drifting Rose, and review to tell me what you think of it.
Thanks for any reviews. - Pose
