Disclaimer: I don't own these characters. Most of them belong to J.K. Rowling. I do own any characters that never appeared in the Harry Potter series.
Words in italic are thoughts
Chapter 12
"Now I'll not be teaching you any spells." Harry stared at Dumbledore. "I will instead, teach you several methods to duel."
"One of those ways is of course to throw whatever spells you know at opponent." He continued. "However, you find that most spells can be easily deflected or eluded. Therefore, it's logical that you use spells that are either unblock-able or use other things to attack." There was a pause, in which Harry took in what was said by his headmaster.
"What spells are unblock-able?" Harry enquired.
"Most curses are unblock-able, like the unforgivable curses." Dumbledore replied with a smile. "In addition, transfiguration spells are also unblock-able. That's why Alastor uses mostly curses in duels, while Minerva uses an array of transfiguration spells to aid her."
"You may want to learn the respective methods from them." He continued. "But I'm more interested to teach you what I normally would use in a duel; the uses of elements. One who is skilled it is normally called an Element Master."
"Element Master?"
"Yes, Harry." Dumbledore peered at him. "As the name complies, it uses the elements of the world around you to aid you. Examples of elements are fire, water, wood, earth, poison and so on. Normally a Element Master would master at least three of elements he feels closest to him. I myself can use those I named, although the earth element results in great destruction and the poison element is more to the dark side…"
"So how do I master them?" Harry interrupted, who had understood what was said and was eager to learn how to use it.
"Slow down Harry…" Dumbledore chuckled. "I see that your little accident had not dampened your spirit. The spells required are simple, yet complicated in usage. Let me demonstrate it to you."
Dumbledore then took out his wand and conjured out a basin of water. With a flick of his wand he sent the water out streaming towards Harry and surrounded him. Harry watched with wide eyes as the water suddenly tied him up and disappeared, leaving wood in its place. He struggled awhile against the wooden 'rope' before it disappears.
"I remember that!" Harry exclaimed. "You used it against Voldemort before!"
"Yes of course. Now as you can see Harry, the elements used all just conjured out using a simple conjuring spell." Dumbledore stated, his eyes twinkling. "However, it's more difficult to control your conjured elements. You may want to spend the rest of your summer practicing it. Think about what elements you want to use, conjure them out and try controlling them. Practice makes perfect."
Harry nodded, mind already wondering off to what elements he should use…
"Now before your mind wonders off." - Harry grinned sheepishly. "Let me tell you about the two branches of magic that will make your dueling skills more… useful. They are namely word-less magic and wand-less magic."
"As the names complies." Dumbledore continued, conjuring out a ball of fire in his hands. "It means using magic without words and without a wand. Conjuring spells are examples of word-less magic. Potentially, all spells can be used without using words, however it's very difficult as you really need to be magically strong and have a strong force of mind. It's the same for wand-less magic"
"How did you do that?" Harry enquired.
"Just focus Harry." Dumbledore replied. "Focus on your spell as though you are holding a wand. Although it will be extremely difficult as you start on it, it will get easier as you slowly master it. It's all in the mind."
"Err… Ok" Harry replied, seriously doubting he'll be able to do it.
"Come, let us chat for awhile while the peace around here lasts, I'm also expecting Remus to pop in soon." Dumbledore started, walking around his room, peering at his stuff. "You seem to have neglected your letters and presents Harry, I remembered this unopened present was from Dung… Are you so angry at him that you refuse to open his present?"
"Oh I'm sorry." Harry apologized, reached out for the present and ripped off the wrappings, revealing a think black book with big red letters on its front.
"The Book of Curses…" Harry muttered out unconsciously. He stared at the book for some time before remembering Remus's letter about the book being illegal or such and immediately hide the book behind him.
"I have gone half-blind and I didn't see anything." Dumbledore started again, his eyes twinkling merrily. "But I should advise caution while practising curses. Remember while Voldemort gains power from everything that is dark, you can also gain power from everything that is good."
"Yes, I'll bear that in mind." Harry grinned again.
"And I would advise you to read the letters Harry." Dumbledore started, holding the 2 envelops with the Hogwarts crest on it. "I believe one is your letter of notification for your term and the other, the letter that I passed you yesterday. I advise you to also read the Head Boy letter, although I remember telling you that you don't need to. Otherwise you wouldn't know what to tell the prefects on September 1st."
Harry took out the 1st letter, and started to read:
Dear Mr Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to take the N.E.W.T at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of subjects you are accepted to and necessary books.
Please note that at least 1 dress robes are needed this term.
Term begins on 1 September.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Harry found the parchment enclosed and read:
Subjects:
N.E.W.T Charms
N.E.W.T Transfiguration
N.E.W.T Herbology
N.E.W.T Defense Against the Dark Arts
N.E.W.T Potions
N.E.W.T Care of Magical Creatures
N.E.W.T Muggle Studies
Apparation
Set Books:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 6) by Miranda Goshawk
Advanced Charms by Adalbert Waffling
Advanced Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
Highly Profound Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
Defensive Magic and Mindsets by Quentin Trimble
The Way Muggles Live by Joker Rowling
~
"6 new books…" Harry thought. He then took out the Head Boy letter, which contained his Head Boy badge and a schedule of things he and Cho – Harry's stomach did a back flip – are supposed to plan. He was however prevented to carry on thinking about Cho when Remus timely appeared in the room with a pop.
"Hi Harry." Remus greeted, holding a large flat parcel in his arms. "Afternoon, Albus."
"Hi." Harry greeted.
"Remus, I assume the trip was fine?"
"Of course, I had never had such a fun time since two months ago." Remus started, smiling broadly.
"Yes we know that." Someone is speaking from the parcel. "Now can you get me out of this thing? I can't see!"
Harry stared at the parcel. "That voice… It can't be…"
"Yes I know. Stop complaining." Remus sighed and tore off the wrapping, revealing a big portrait with a very familiar face in it.
"Sirius?"
~
Yeah another chapter finished. Hop you guys like it. Sorry bout the late update but i was drowning in projects at school… _
I'm thinking of doing another fic soon. I have some ideas in my head… What do you think I should do out of the following? Try to review and vote ok? I really need to decide what to do. I'll still be concentrating on this fic though… so the 2nd fic will only come out after my exams, which are around 1 month away.
Anyway, what should I be writing about in my 2nd fic? Vote for it!
1. A dark Harry fic based on his 6th year (Harry/Cho of course)
2. A fic about Harry/Cho after Voldemort is gone
3. A Harry/Ginny fic with OC/Cho pairing based on Harry's 6th year (Focus on Cho and some Harry as friends)
4. A James/Lily fic during their lifes. (Sadly no Cho… She's not born yet ^_^ )
Personally I'm will be doing the J/L fic if the respose for the voting suxs… Tell me what do you want?
Anyway, here come the usual replies.
LogicalRaven : Normally I would only reply to reviews for the previous chapter only, but I felt I own you something. I had wanted that particular scene to be more like a "Harry loves Cho deep inside and after being deprived of happiness and training for so long his heart jumps at the 1st happy situation without regards to what his mind feels" But it seems I failed badly… _
mjk306, Adrienne22, I Love Cho : Sorry about the late update, was busy. Hope you liked this chapter.
ty : Harry/Cho scenes are spread all over the fic, don't worry. Once they go to school you can expect more.
john : I hope I didn't go overboard with it… don't mind if I ask what's uite cliché?
PeZ-yUaN : Glad to hear of it boss, so is it getting cooler or warmer?
mik0217 : glad you liked it, almost didn't notice you are a different person from mjk306.The nicks look the same at first sight.
dweem-angel : sorry about the late update~ I was reading your fic but then ff.net overloaded again. Anyway hope you liked it
PhoenixPadfoot89 : Padfoot appears!!! Anyway the water spell was just a normal spell. Remember in book 5 Cho's friend used it also ^_^
toxiclove1 : here your chapter! don't hex me, I don't know any spells~
shdurrani : Yes his powers are growing, thanks to the reading ^_^ hope you liked this chapter.
chris-warren876 : Nice ratings you gave me, thanks~
slate07 : hmm… actually if I had it my way this would only be the 4th chapter, but due to time constraints… anyway I estimate it to be around 50 chapters. Ron and Herm are coming up, don't worry. So are Ginny… Patils…
moon-starx : No problem~ I will keep on writing unless the day comes I have less then 5 reviews for 2 chapters in a row.