************CHAPTER TWELVE***********
DAY TWO
The next morning, Harry woke up to hear a soft snoring noise coming from the other side of the room. Had he been in a better mood, Harry might taken this opportunity to have a little fun, but as it was, there was only two days until the battle, and he needed more practice.
"Wake up you little prat!" he yelled while throwing a pillow at the sleeping figure. "You'll miss breakfast."
The blonde boy groggily opened one eye and calmly told the unwelcome person standing by his bed "Go to hell."
"I might, at least then I could get away from your annoying snoring."
As Harry made his way to the shower, he could see the blonde boy reluctantly getting up. He turned towards the bathroom and felt a pillow hit his back.
"Malfoy's don't snore and don't forget it!"
Making sure to get the last word, Harry quickly replied, "So you making cricket noises because is the sign of you being a cricket in your animagus form? Interesting... I always thought you'd be a white bouncing ferret!" And with that he slammed the bathroom door shut with a smirk on his face.
Later that morning found both of the boys in the classroom again. At around ten, Harry had made incredible progress with the practice sword and Draco felt it was time to use a real sword.
"Okay Harry, we're going to have to practice with the Gryffindor Sword now. Why don't you take a couple of minutes to get used to the feel of it."
Harry took out the sword and studied it meticulously. He then waved it around for several minutes, going through the basic motions of fencing.
"It feels so right when I practice with it. It looks damn good with the outfit, too."
"You like the Gryffindor Sword because it looks good?" Draco got a mischievous look in his eye and then added in a very serious voice. "Harry, have you told Hermione that you're gay?"
A loud thump from behind the boys made them quickly spin around, wands drawn. If they had not been so surprised, they would have laughed at the sight. Hermione was staring in shock at Harry, with two books in her arms. Three more were strewn out on the ground, obviously from being dropped after she heard the statement. Ron was standing next to her, in complete shock. It was him who came to his senses first.
"Harry, mate! How could you do this to her?"
From behind, Draco started drowning in laughter. It didn't take Harry long before he was laughing just as hard. It took several minutes for Harry to calm down, all the while be stared at by two people who clearly thought the heirs had lost their minds.
"Calm down guys! He was joking! I can't believe you thought he was serious."
The two slowly grinned and chuckled nervously, obviously feeling stupid for their gullibility.
"A joke, right. Good one Draco," Ron said uncertainly.
After a few moments of awkward silence, Harry finally spoke up.
"So what are you guys doing here?"
"Oh!" Hermione replied excitedly. "We've gone through the entire library-"
"Already?"
"Already," Ron replied woozily. "Every last bloody bit of it. The next time you need help researching, ask Hermione when I'm not around. Somewhere she learned a speed-reading spell and a skimming spell. Too many books mate, too many books..."
"Oh be quiet Ron. Like I was trying to say, these are the only books we could find. These three are about Ravenclaw and Gryffindor, and these two are about Merlin."
Hermione looked between the books and the boys and finally asked the question that had been bugging her.
"You two are the heirs, aren't you?"
"So the know-it-all does know it all. How fitting."
Harry turned his head towards Draco and gave him a piercing glare.
"Don't look at me like that!"
Harry turned back to his girlfriend and softly answered her question.
"Yes, Hermione, we are the heirs. Did you find anything of interest?"
She walked over to the few desks in the room and put each open book on one.
"I thought you might be the heirs. I only brought the books that had information on your powers. I didn't think the other ones would be useful. This book," she said as she pointed to the first desk, "says that the heirs have innate animagus capabilities that come when the come to power. Am I correct when I assume that's what happened in Hogsmeade? You came to power?"
Both boys nodded.
"Alright then, you should be able to automatically transfer. All you do is say 'transformus animagus.' After the first time you transform with the spell, you should be able to just close your eyes think of transforming. To change back, think of being human"
"I guess I'll go first," started Draco. "Just incase we happen to be natural enemies or something."
"Us? Enemies? Where ever would you get that idea?"
"Shut up, Potter. Just for that, I'm going first."
"Whatever."
Just then, the blonde boy walked to the middle of the room, closed his eyes, and clearly enunciated the spell. A bright light expanded out from him filled the room. In seconds, the light was blinding and the three spectators had to turn away and close their eyes in fear of permanent eye damage.
After about two minutes, the light had finally dissipated and viewers opened their eyes only to find that Draco was no longer there. In his stead was a majestic midnight black Imperial Dragon, filling the room with its gigantic size. Draco-Dragon was trying to spread its wings in response to his change, but due to the small nature of the classoom, or the rather large nature of, well, him, he couldn't. After a few minutes of getting used to his new form, Draco-Dragon's eyes closed and with a loud *pop*, a boy was standing in it's place.
"That was bloody awesome, Draco!"
"That's not right," Hermione started. "Harry, why don't you try?"
"I guess. Hopefully I'll be a little smaller than Draco was."
Harry closed his eyes, and with his hand outstretched he loudly stated "TRANSFORMUS ANIMAGUS!"
Just like before, a blinding engulfed the room. When it finally dissolved, a exquisite phoenix was left, majestically flying around the room.
A gasp came from all three remaining occupants.
"It finally makes sense." Hermione mumbled to herself, after getting over the initial shock. "Phoenixes are immune to the unforgivables. That explains why he survived. He must have had the Phoenix somewhere within him this entire time."
The rest were too stunned to talk.
When Harry finally became human again he was grinning like a Cheshire cat.
"Well, that was fun! I wonder if the other people who can transform into Phoenixes feel this revitalized afterwards."
It was Draco who tactfully answered him.
"Umm... Harry? You're the only one."
The grin quickly came off and was replaced by a look of annoyance.
"What do you mean I'm the only one?"
It was Hermione that answered.
"Harry, never, ever, in the history of the wizarding world has there been a Phoenix animagus. You're it. In fact, you and Draco just took the prize for being the first magical animagus known to man."
"Come on, guys. Quit fooling around. There has to be someone!"
"No Harry," Hermione countered. "No one."
"But why Draco and I?"
"Cleary, Potter, we are the best of the best. All powerful and such."
"Right Malfoy, just shut up for once."
"I'm guessing," Hermione finally answered, "that the powers that had been stored up for you two made it possible to change into strong creatures. This is fascinating. Researchers have studies for centuries and never found anything on this topic, and here you guys are living proof that it is possible."
Draco threw his hands up in annoyance. "Great. Look at me I'm a lab rat!"
Ron could keep the retort from coming. "No, Malfoy, your wrong. In your case it's 'Look at me I'm a bouncing lab ferret!' "
"Shut up, weasel."
"Don't get started with me moron."
"Guys! Kindly shut the hell up!"
With a glare they ceased the battle of the words. During all this escapade, however, Harry could sense something wrong from Hermione.
"Hermione, is there something wrong that your not telling us?"
"Well Harry, it's just you transformation is a little unnerving. Mythology states that only one Phoenix can exist at a time. With Fawkes- Oh my. If you are a phoenix- we have to go check on Fawkes!"
The quartet shot through the hallways to the headmaster's office at lightning fast speed. Once they got to the gargoyle Harry quickly reveled the password and the group made the way up the stairs. As they shot through the doors, they were relieved to find the magical bird preening on his post.
"Can I help you?"
The four students spun around to find themselves in front of an amused Dumbledore.
"Well you see, um-"
"We wanted to check on Fawkes."
The headmaster could not have looked more amused if he purposefully had tried to.
"And why might I ask are you so worried about the phoenix?"
The four looked at each other and with a nod, Harry stepped up and closed his eyes. Immediately, in Harry's stead, a phoenix appeared. It flew over to Fawke's perch and a beautiful harmony of phoenix song could be heard. The Headmaster was, to say the least, stunned.
Harry-phoenix flew back over to the group and changed back.
"That is why professor. We were afraid something might have happened to him, since supposedly, there could only be one phoenix. By the way, Fawkes says 'hi' "
"I must say, Harry. That is quite a feat. What else have you been able to find out?"
"Well, Draco and I can-"
But before he could answer the old wizard, a trembling Potions Master entered the room.
"Sir," he started in a shaky, hoarse voice, "I think Voldemort has found a way to punish me without my presence."
Dumbledore quickly made his way to Snape and set him down on the couch in the corner of the room.
"What happened, child?"
"He is summoning all Death Eaters using the mark. And he's waiting until after they apparate to the designated spot to take the curse off. Therefore, if I don't go, he won't take off the curse. I'll die if I go, and with this pain, I die if I stay."
The four students who were watching intently in the back of the room looked at each other in shock
"Harry," Hermione said quietly. "I think you might be able to help."
"How?"
"I read in one of the books that Merlin's heir would be pure light. If I understand correctly, you are only capable of pure light magic. I bet that Voldemort is capable of only dark. One part of the book said you could wield all involuntary dark magic out a person."
"Does that mean I can remove his dark mark?"
"I think so."
"How?"
"Take Merlin's staff and place it on the mark. Then concentrate on his magic. Dark magic should be deep black, so focus on the black and drive it out."
Harry couldn't have been more confused if he wanted to, but seeing that he was probably the only hope for the man, he nodded like he understood. He kissed his girlfriend on the cheek, and then confidentially made his way over to the pair of professors.
"Headmaster, Hermione said I might be able to help. Do you think I could try?"
The headmaster smiled at him, but the Potion Master didn't look too sure.
"Do you know what you are doing, Potter?"
"Not really, but do you have a choice?"
The sickly man looked unsure, but laid back on the couch and closed his eyes.
"Whenever you are ready, then."
Harry closed his eyes and placed the staff on the mark. Doing just as Hermione said, he concentrated on the Potion Master's magic. Finally he found the magic he was looking for. It was almost exactly like reading an aura. Harry only guessed that, since he was closer to the man than he was that day in Potions, he could see the magic clearer. He could definitely see the dark magic. It was surrounding his arm and his head, and, connecting the two areas was a dark trail. However, the rest of Snape's magic was still an off white color. Looking over his body Harry could see faint patches of gray, where he assumed that the spy had been exposed to dark magic before. Harry focused on the black and with all his might, tried to drive it out using his mind. After several long minutes, all the black was gone, and Harry released the staff. He looked up at Snape, who looked quite revitalized and happy, and smiled before slumping to the ground unconscious.
*~^~*
When Harry woke up, he felt quite good. 'I must have just drained my magic,' he thought. He sat up from the couch and looked around the office, expecting to see the same group present as before, but to his surprise the only one present was Snape.
"Hello, sir, what time is it?" he tried with a false cheerful tone.
"Potter! You're awake!"
"What are you doing here sir?"
"I volunteered to watch over you until you awoke."
"Th- Thank you, sir, but, well, why?"
"I wanted to be there when you woke up, to thank you."
Harry saw the man unconsciously rub his left arm, were the mark would have been, then finally understood.
"So I assume it worked?
The professor rolled up his sleeve and grinned. Harry blinked. He didn't imagine it to work that well. The entire mark was gone. The skin was unmarred.
"Albus also wanted me to tell you that you can talk to the students after dinner, since you were... preoccupied during lunch."
"What time is it?"
"It's three o' clock. Draco said that when you woke up, he would be in the classroom working on wandless magic. Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley are also there."
"Thank you, sir."
"Thank you, Harry."
Harry smiled at the professor for the use of his given name, then made his way to classroom.
"Harry! You're okay!" Hermione exclaimed when he walked through the door. She ran as fast as she could and gave him a long, but gentle kiss.
"Go find a room!" yelled Draco from the other side of the room.
"Of course I'm okay. I've got to get ready to kick some butt, remember? So, now that we've got all that out of the way, why don't you tell me what else you found in those books."
The four teenagers went back over to the books that had been sitting there since that morning.
"This book," Hermione started, pointing to a book, "This book says that the heirs will have unbelievable power, but I guess you've already figured that one out. Together, you have the power to take out any other true heirs using your swords. You both should have an innate ability in fencing and wizard dueling. That's all I found about Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. These books about Merlin say basically the same thing. There was a prophecy that said Merlin's heir would be combined with another. I'm guessing that means Merlin and Gryffindor's heir. Anyways, you've seen the main effects of Merlin's magic. It's pure light. The book says only one of 'true light' can use the staff. There's not really anything else. It's all pretty vague."
"Well, I guess that helps a little. So Draco, I guess we need to train a little with our swords. Are you feeling up to it?"
"Feel up to beating your arse? Of course I do!"
Ron and Hermione watch for several hours while the two practiced fighting. The speed, grace and skill they fought with amazed the viewers. At six, they went down for dinner. After they were done, Dumbledore stood up to make an announcement.
"Due to circumstances, I'm afraid that owls will not be allowed in or out of the school for the next few days. I'm sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, but it is necessary. Wards have already been placed insuring that this will be followed. I need all sixth and seventh years to stay after. The rest of you are dismissed."
With that said, the lower years made their way out of the hall.
The headmaster made his way over to Harry. "They're all yours, Mr. Potter."
Harry reluctantly made his way to the front of the room, trying to think of how to phrase the headmaster's request to the students. He really didn't want them to get involved, but he had to ask them, per orders. After careful consideration, he decided how to approach the situation.
"Can I have everyone's attention please?"
The room went quiet and all eyes were on Harry.
"The day after tomorrow there will be an attack on Hogwarts."
Most the students in the room gasped and one girl at the Hufflepuff table went into tears.
'This is working out better than I expected!' he thought.
"Voldemort and his death eaters out number us greatly, and Dumbledore needs more volunteers. Those who don't volunteer will be safe inside the castle and nothing bad will happen to them. There are wards that will protect you from any harm. For those who do volunteer, it will be bloody. There's a good chance that you might die, or suffer horrible, unthinkable pain. Voldemort and his groupies love to use the Cruciatus Curse, and the Killing Curse even more. There will also be dementors there, making the matters worse. Now, most of you are unprepared for this type of battle, and don't have any chance of making it out, but Dumbledore still wanted me to ask for your help. So, if you would like to help, I ask you to step forward. No one will think less of you if you don't volunteer." 'There's no chance anyone will want to volunteer now.'
Much to his horror, however, he was wrong. Expectantly Draco was the first to step forward. He had to fight, though. He didn't really get a choice. But then, Ron stepped forward, then Hermione. And then the rest of Gryffindor. Then Ravenclaw, followed by Hufflepuff. No, this was not working well at all. And then, much to everyone's astonishment, four Slytherins stepped forward. 'Shit.'
With a shaky voice, he responded to the group that had assembled in front of him.
"We'll meet at the old dueling room tomorrow at nine. Thank you for your time."
Harry made his way off the stage, not really happy with the outcome of his plan. Draco came up to him and clapped him on the back.
"Nice way to use reverse psychology, Potter."
Harry glowered at him, then sulkingly strode away. Needless to say he got very little sleep that night.
To be continued on Day Three....
************************
a/n Yes, I know the animagus was so stupidly obvious... who cares...
I know I haven't written in so long, but four tests can do that to a girl... However, I got a 91 on my Calculus 3 test, so it all worked out for the best :)
A huge thanks goes out to everyone (Thelvyn, Sandra Jo, xxkkangxx, Anonymous, Skysong, Loria Starshadow, cyberfrogX, maxx77, kellee, Iniysa, coolone007, HrryPttrFreak87, AzNKiD, BlackDragon, sew2100, shdurrani) who reviewed the last chapter! You guys are the greatest!
A special note to BlackDragon: Thanks to for your idea on how to ask for volunteers! I loved it!
If ya'll want a really food story to read, I suggest you read Harry Potter and the Heir of Gryffindor by Venus () It's one of my favoritest stories :) I hope you guys enjoy it, too!
DISCLAIMER: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. (No.. the disclaimer lies... I own everything... EVERYTHING I tell you... MWAHAHAHAHAHA ;) )
DAY TWO
The next morning, Harry woke up to hear a soft snoring noise coming from the other side of the room. Had he been in a better mood, Harry might taken this opportunity to have a little fun, but as it was, there was only two days until the battle, and he needed more practice.
"Wake up you little prat!" he yelled while throwing a pillow at the sleeping figure. "You'll miss breakfast."
The blonde boy groggily opened one eye and calmly told the unwelcome person standing by his bed "Go to hell."
"I might, at least then I could get away from your annoying snoring."
As Harry made his way to the shower, he could see the blonde boy reluctantly getting up. He turned towards the bathroom and felt a pillow hit his back.
"Malfoy's don't snore and don't forget it!"
Making sure to get the last word, Harry quickly replied, "So you making cricket noises because is the sign of you being a cricket in your animagus form? Interesting... I always thought you'd be a white bouncing ferret!" And with that he slammed the bathroom door shut with a smirk on his face.
Later that morning found both of the boys in the classroom again. At around ten, Harry had made incredible progress with the practice sword and Draco felt it was time to use a real sword.
"Okay Harry, we're going to have to practice with the Gryffindor Sword now. Why don't you take a couple of minutes to get used to the feel of it."
Harry took out the sword and studied it meticulously. He then waved it around for several minutes, going through the basic motions of fencing.
"It feels so right when I practice with it. It looks damn good with the outfit, too."
"You like the Gryffindor Sword because it looks good?" Draco got a mischievous look in his eye and then added in a very serious voice. "Harry, have you told Hermione that you're gay?"
A loud thump from behind the boys made them quickly spin around, wands drawn. If they had not been so surprised, they would have laughed at the sight. Hermione was staring in shock at Harry, with two books in her arms. Three more were strewn out on the ground, obviously from being dropped after she heard the statement. Ron was standing next to her, in complete shock. It was him who came to his senses first.
"Harry, mate! How could you do this to her?"
From behind, Draco started drowning in laughter. It didn't take Harry long before he was laughing just as hard. It took several minutes for Harry to calm down, all the while be stared at by two people who clearly thought the heirs had lost their minds.
"Calm down guys! He was joking! I can't believe you thought he was serious."
The two slowly grinned and chuckled nervously, obviously feeling stupid for their gullibility.
"A joke, right. Good one Draco," Ron said uncertainly.
After a few moments of awkward silence, Harry finally spoke up.
"So what are you guys doing here?"
"Oh!" Hermione replied excitedly. "We've gone through the entire library-"
"Already?"
"Already," Ron replied woozily. "Every last bloody bit of it. The next time you need help researching, ask Hermione when I'm not around. Somewhere she learned a speed-reading spell and a skimming spell. Too many books mate, too many books..."
"Oh be quiet Ron. Like I was trying to say, these are the only books we could find. These three are about Ravenclaw and Gryffindor, and these two are about Merlin."
Hermione looked between the books and the boys and finally asked the question that had been bugging her.
"You two are the heirs, aren't you?"
"So the know-it-all does know it all. How fitting."
Harry turned his head towards Draco and gave him a piercing glare.
"Don't look at me like that!"
Harry turned back to his girlfriend and softly answered her question.
"Yes, Hermione, we are the heirs. Did you find anything of interest?"
She walked over to the few desks in the room and put each open book on one.
"I thought you might be the heirs. I only brought the books that had information on your powers. I didn't think the other ones would be useful. This book," she said as she pointed to the first desk, "says that the heirs have innate animagus capabilities that come when the come to power. Am I correct when I assume that's what happened in Hogsmeade? You came to power?"
Both boys nodded.
"Alright then, you should be able to automatically transfer. All you do is say 'transformus animagus.' After the first time you transform with the spell, you should be able to just close your eyes think of transforming. To change back, think of being human"
"I guess I'll go first," started Draco. "Just incase we happen to be natural enemies or something."
"Us? Enemies? Where ever would you get that idea?"
"Shut up, Potter. Just for that, I'm going first."
"Whatever."
Just then, the blonde boy walked to the middle of the room, closed his eyes, and clearly enunciated the spell. A bright light expanded out from him filled the room. In seconds, the light was blinding and the three spectators had to turn away and close their eyes in fear of permanent eye damage.
After about two minutes, the light had finally dissipated and viewers opened their eyes only to find that Draco was no longer there. In his stead was a majestic midnight black Imperial Dragon, filling the room with its gigantic size. Draco-Dragon was trying to spread its wings in response to his change, but due to the small nature of the classoom, or the rather large nature of, well, him, he couldn't. After a few minutes of getting used to his new form, Draco-Dragon's eyes closed and with a loud *pop*, a boy was standing in it's place.
"That was bloody awesome, Draco!"
"That's not right," Hermione started. "Harry, why don't you try?"
"I guess. Hopefully I'll be a little smaller than Draco was."
Harry closed his eyes, and with his hand outstretched he loudly stated "TRANSFORMUS ANIMAGUS!"
Just like before, a blinding engulfed the room. When it finally dissolved, a exquisite phoenix was left, majestically flying around the room.
A gasp came from all three remaining occupants.
"It finally makes sense." Hermione mumbled to herself, after getting over the initial shock. "Phoenixes are immune to the unforgivables. That explains why he survived. He must have had the Phoenix somewhere within him this entire time."
The rest were too stunned to talk.
When Harry finally became human again he was grinning like a Cheshire cat.
"Well, that was fun! I wonder if the other people who can transform into Phoenixes feel this revitalized afterwards."
It was Draco who tactfully answered him.
"Umm... Harry? You're the only one."
The grin quickly came off and was replaced by a look of annoyance.
"What do you mean I'm the only one?"
It was Hermione that answered.
"Harry, never, ever, in the history of the wizarding world has there been a Phoenix animagus. You're it. In fact, you and Draco just took the prize for being the first magical animagus known to man."
"Come on, guys. Quit fooling around. There has to be someone!"
"No Harry," Hermione countered. "No one."
"But why Draco and I?"
"Cleary, Potter, we are the best of the best. All powerful and such."
"Right Malfoy, just shut up for once."
"I'm guessing," Hermione finally answered, "that the powers that had been stored up for you two made it possible to change into strong creatures. This is fascinating. Researchers have studies for centuries and never found anything on this topic, and here you guys are living proof that it is possible."
Draco threw his hands up in annoyance. "Great. Look at me I'm a lab rat!"
Ron could keep the retort from coming. "No, Malfoy, your wrong. In your case it's 'Look at me I'm a bouncing lab ferret!' "
"Shut up, weasel."
"Don't get started with me moron."
"Guys! Kindly shut the hell up!"
With a glare they ceased the battle of the words. During all this escapade, however, Harry could sense something wrong from Hermione.
"Hermione, is there something wrong that your not telling us?"
"Well Harry, it's just you transformation is a little unnerving. Mythology states that only one Phoenix can exist at a time. With Fawkes- Oh my. If you are a phoenix- we have to go check on Fawkes!"
The quartet shot through the hallways to the headmaster's office at lightning fast speed. Once they got to the gargoyle Harry quickly reveled the password and the group made the way up the stairs. As they shot through the doors, they were relieved to find the magical bird preening on his post.
"Can I help you?"
The four students spun around to find themselves in front of an amused Dumbledore.
"Well you see, um-"
"We wanted to check on Fawkes."
The headmaster could not have looked more amused if he purposefully had tried to.
"And why might I ask are you so worried about the phoenix?"
The four looked at each other and with a nod, Harry stepped up and closed his eyes. Immediately, in Harry's stead, a phoenix appeared. It flew over to Fawke's perch and a beautiful harmony of phoenix song could be heard. The Headmaster was, to say the least, stunned.
Harry-phoenix flew back over to the group and changed back.
"That is why professor. We were afraid something might have happened to him, since supposedly, there could only be one phoenix. By the way, Fawkes says 'hi' "
"I must say, Harry. That is quite a feat. What else have you been able to find out?"
"Well, Draco and I can-"
But before he could answer the old wizard, a trembling Potions Master entered the room.
"Sir," he started in a shaky, hoarse voice, "I think Voldemort has found a way to punish me without my presence."
Dumbledore quickly made his way to Snape and set him down on the couch in the corner of the room.
"What happened, child?"
"He is summoning all Death Eaters using the mark. And he's waiting until after they apparate to the designated spot to take the curse off. Therefore, if I don't go, he won't take off the curse. I'll die if I go, and with this pain, I die if I stay."
The four students who were watching intently in the back of the room looked at each other in shock
"Harry," Hermione said quietly. "I think you might be able to help."
"How?"
"I read in one of the books that Merlin's heir would be pure light. If I understand correctly, you are only capable of pure light magic. I bet that Voldemort is capable of only dark. One part of the book said you could wield all involuntary dark magic out a person."
"Does that mean I can remove his dark mark?"
"I think so."
"How?"
"Take Merlin's staff and place it on the mark. Then concentrate on his magic. Dark magic should be deep black, so focus on the black and drive it out."
Harry couldn't have been more confused if he wanted to, but seeing that he was probably the only hope for the man, he nodded like he understood. He kissed his girlfriend on the cheek, and then confidentially made his way over to the pair of professors.
"Headmaster, Hermione said I might be able to help. Do you think I could try?"
The headmaster smiled at him, but the Potion Master didn't look too sure.
"Do you know what you are doing, Potter?"
"Not really, but do you have a choice?"
The sickly man looked unsure, but laid back on the couch and closed his eyes.
"Whenever you are ready, then."
Harry closed his eyes and placed the staff on the mark. Doing just as Hermione said, he concentrated on the Potion Master's magic. Finally he found the magic he was looking for. It was almost exactly like reading an aura. Harry only guessed that, since he was closer to the man than he was that day in Potions, he could see the magic clearer. He could definitely see the dark magic. It was surrounding his arm and his head, and, connecting the two areas was a dark trail. However, the rest of Snape's magic was still an off white color. Looking over his body Harry could see faint patches of gray, where he assumed that the spy had been exposed to dark magic before. Harry focused on the black and with all his might, tried to drive it out using his mind. After several long minutes, all the black was gone, and Harry released the staff. He looked up at Snape, who looked quite revitalized and happy, and smiled before slumping to the ground unconscious.
*~^~*
When Harry woke up, he felt quite good. 'I must have just drained my magic,' he thought. He sat up from the couch and looked around the office, expecting to see the same group present as before, but to his surprise the only one present was Snape.
"Hello, sir, what time is it?" he tried with a false cheerful tone.
"Potter! You're awake!"
"What are you doing here sir?"
"I volunteered to watch over you until you awoke."
"Th- Thank you, sir, but, well, why?"
"I wanted to be there when you woke up, to thank you."
Harry saw the man unconsciously rub his left arm, were the mark would have been, then finally understood.
"So I assume it worked?
The professor rolled up his sleeve and grinned. Harry blinked. He didn't imagine it to work that well. The entire mark was gone. The skin was unmarred.
"Albus also wanted me to tell you that you can talk to the students after dinner, since you were... preoccupied during lunch."
"What time is it?"
"It's three o' clock. Draco said that when you woke up, he would be in the classroom working on wandless magic. Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley are also there."
"Thank you, sir."
"Thank you, Harry."
Harry smiled at the professor for the use of his given name, then made his way to classroom.
"Harry! You're okay!" Hermione exclaimed when he walked through the door. She ran as fast as she could and gave him a long, but gentle kiss.
"Go find a room!" yelled Draco from the other side of the room.
"Of course I'm okay. I've got to get ready to kick some butt, remember? So, now that we've got all that out of the way, why don't you tell me what else you found in those books."
The four teenagers went back over to the books that had been sitting there since that morning.
"This book," Hermione started, pointing to a book, "This book says that the heirs will have unbelievable power, but I guess you've already figured that one out. Together, you have the power to take out any other true heirs using your swords. You both should have an innate ability in fencing and wizard dueling. That's all I found about Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. These books about Merlin say basically the same thing. There was a prophecy that said Merlin's heir would be combined with another. I'm guessing that means Merlin and Gryffindor's heir. Anyways, you've seen the main effects of Merlin's magic. It's pure light. The book says only one of 'true light' can use the staff. There's not really anything else. It's all pretty vague."
"Well, I guess that helps a little. So Draco, I guess we need to train a little with our swords. Are you feeling up to it?"
"Feel up to beating your arse? Of course I do!"
Ron and Hermione watch for several hours while the two practiced fighting. The speed, grace and skill they fought with amazed the viewers. At six, they went down for dinner. After they were done, Dumbledore stood up to make an announcement.
"Due to circumstances, I'm afraid that owls will not be allowed in or out of the school for the next few days. I'm sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, but it is necessary. Wards have already been placed insuring that this will be followed. I need all sixth and seventh years to stay after. The rest of you are dismissed."
With that said, the lower years made their way out of the hall.
The headmaster made his way over to Harry. "They're all yours, Mr. Potter."
Harry reluctantly made his way to the front of the room, trying to think of how to phrase the headmaster's request to the students. He really didn't want them to get involved, but he had to ask them, per orders. After careful consideration, he decided how to approach the situation.
"Can I have everyone's attention please?"
The room went quiet and all eyes were on Harry.
"The day after tomorrow there will be an attack on Hogwarts."
Most the students in the room gasped and one girl at the Hufflepuff table went into tears.
'This is working out better than I expected!' he thought.
"Voldemort and his death eaters out number us greatly, and Dumbledore needs more volunteers. Those who don't volunteer will be safe inside the castle and nothing bad will happen to them. There are wards that will protect you from any harm. For those who do volunteer, it will be bloody. There's a good chance that you might die, or suffer horrible, unthinkable pain. Voldemort and his groupies love to use the Cruciatus Curse, and the Killing Curse even more. There will also be dementors there, making the matters worse. Now, most of you are unprepared for this type of battle, and don't have any chance of making it out, but Dumbledore still wanted me to ask for your help. So, if you would like to help, I ask you to step forward. No one will think less of you if you don't volunteer." 'There's no chance anyone will want to volunteer now.'
Much to his horror, however, he was wrong. Expectantly Draco was the first to step forward. He had to fight, though. He didn't really get a choice. But then, Ron stepped forward, then Hermione. And then the rest of Gryffindor. Then Ravenclaw, followed by Hufflepuff. No, this was not working well at all. And then, much to everyone's astonishment, four Slytherins stepped forward. 'Shit.'
With a shaky voice, he responded to the group that had assembled in front of him.
"We'll meet at the old dueling room tomorrow at nine. Thank you for your time."
Harry made his way off the stage, not really happy with the outcome of his plan. Draco came up to him and clapped him on the back.
"Nice way to use reverse psychology, Potter."
Harry glowered at him, then sulkingly strode away. Needless to say he got very little sleep that night.
To be continued on Day Three....
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a/n Yes, I know the animagus was so stupidly obvious... who cares...
I know I haven't written in so long, but four tests can do that to a girl... However, I got a 91 on my Calculus 3 test, so it all worked out for the best :)
A huge thanks goes out to everyone (Thelvyn, Sandra Jo, xxkkangxx, Anonymous, Skysong, Loria Starshadow, cyberfrogX, maxx77, kellee, Iniysa, coolone007, HrryPttrFreak87, AzNKiD, BlackDragon, sew2100, shdurrani) who reviewed the last chapter! You guys are the greatest!
A special note to BlackDragon: Thanks to for your idea on how to ask for volunteers! I loved it!
If ya'll want a really food story to read, I suggest you read Harry Potter and the Heir of Gryffindor by Venus () It's one of my favoritest stories :) I hope you guys enjoy it, too!
DISCLAIMER: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. (No.. the disclaimer lies... I own everything... EVERYTHING I tell you... MWAHAHAHAHAHA ;) )