Chapter 10 :- Teacher Trouble
There was an enormous celebration in Diagon Alley. People who had scampered for there lives when they saw the Dark Lord were all thronging back. They had all been witness to the first battle of Voldemort's second reign of terror. They had seen Voldemort challenging Harry Potter. They had seen Voldemort attack the entire Order of the Phoenix which included the great Albus Dumbledore. To their utter horror he seemed to be winning, until he was literally brought down to his knees by an unknown force wielded by the Boy-Who-Lived raised hand. They then saw lightning crack down upon the Death Eaters, killing one of them. Finally when Voldemort and his minions apparated out of Diagon Alley they all came out celebrating like they had done on Halloween fifteen years ago.
Dumbledore escorted Harry and Ginny through the crowd. They entered the leaky Cauldron from where they flooed straight to a place, Harry recognized as the Shrieking Shack.
"Harry, first of I must thank you. You have single handedly saved the entire Order of Phoenix. I am indebted to you. But I still am not sure what you did, and I think neither are you. So I have brought us to a man who can give probably give us some answers."
"How do you know Enemar is involved in this?" Harry asked.
"He was not just in touch with you during the battle. He was also communicating with me. I do not know what it was that attacked the Order but I myself have never felt that much pain in my entire life. I thought of getting the entire Order to apparate out of there. But Mr. Enemar advised me that if we stayed under the curse for a little longer you have a chance of attacking Tom. As you know he was correct. I do not know what you attacked him with but I understand it is something you learnt from Mr. Enemar in your previous lesson."
"Not Exactly." Said Enemar, as he entered the room.
"Welcome Professor Dumbledore, Mr. Potter, Miss Weasley. No sir, what I had taught Harry was to focus his emotions at someone who is intruding in his mind. I never taught Harry to attack anyone physically. What Harry demonstrated today was what we had discussed right here some time ago. I think Mr. Potter is starting to show his hidden abilities."
"Mr. Itra. I understand you have a better understanding of what transpired in the battle today. Can you explain to us," Said Dumbledore.
"Well as you know I was not there physically. But I did have three telepathic connections established there. First with Harry, second with you sir, and third with a Death Eater."
"Who is this Death Eater you keep talking about?" asked Dumbledore.
"I will not name him now. You have to trust me on this. He is of great use to me and to our side."
"Well, coming back to what happened. Today Lord Voldemort used his newly acquired power on the Order. It is a manifestation of pure evil and raw power. But don't be alarmed, it is not the Power we had talked about. Had it been so all of you would be six feet under by now."
Ginny gasped.
"I asked you not to apparate out because most of the Order members were so weakened by the attack they would have had died in the process. But I also noticed that Voldemort was concentrating solely on attacking you, he had neglected Harry. I took a risk. I guided Harry to use powers, which I assumed he might have since all ancient magi have it in some amount. It is something like a psychic blast. A powerful enough blast is about a hundred times more painful than your Cruciatus curse. I obviously did not expect Harry to hurt Voldemort that badly. Neither did I expect him to subconsciously summon his elemental abilities to strike down Death Eaters with lightning. All I had hoped was to weaken his attack on you so that you can properly fight back."
"But Mr. Enemar, how can Harry do so much by just holding out his hand?"
"Dear Miss Weasley, his hand gesture was just a physical manifestation of his psychic abilities. Once he becomes able to perform this type of magic out of his free will he will not even require holding out his hand."
"You mention Elemental powers. Where can I learn thess things?"
"Well I can teach you some of it. My dear friend Reet is more able at handling the elements. Rest you will learn. Trust me Harry you will know it in your heart when the time is right."
"One more thing due to circumstances I can not take up your lesson tonight, we will continue next during your first week at Hogwarts. Now if you will excuse me I have some work to attend to."
"All right. Thank you, Mr. Itra, for your help today. I guess we do owe you a lot as well. I will take these two kids home now."
"You owe me nothing sir. I have already told you this battle is as much yours as is mine, and one more thing. If possible I would like to speak to you in private. We need to discuss about our something."
Dumbledore merely nodded and led Harry and Ginny to the Floo powder. As soon as they had flooed to Grimmauld place he turned towards Enemar.
"Any news from him?"
"None too good. I have lost contact. Tom's attack forced me to concentrate more on this side."
"You think he will be alright?"
"If I did not I would have had gone after him by now. He will be back safely. But the chances of the mission's success is meek."
"How did he convince you to go? I thought this was your plan."
"Not entirely. He basically devised this. You have no idea how difficult it is to convince him to do something against his mind."
"Is there anything else you wanted to tell me?"
"Yes. I think I know the source of Voldemort's new power."
"What is it?"
"It's not a 'what' actually. It is a 'who'. It is our dear departed mentor."
"You mean Aradha? But he is dead is he not. I saw his body in Indus."
"He is most definitely dead. But he has not left us, as we would have liked him to. Death if nothing else has made him more powerful. That he is not alive is a mere technicality to him. In other words he is a very, very powerful ghost."
"That explains Riddle's strange voice."
"Yes. But the problem is now he and Tom know that Harry is the key to the Green Flame Torch."
"But we still don't know what the torch is. I think we should wait and see till Harry learns his powers."
"Yes. Also we must look into a method of exorcising Aradha. I must tell you professor Aradha was extremely powerful when alive. Death has only bolstered those powers. Now he has allied with his own murderer. We are seeing the alliance of the two greatest evils of this century."
"I agree. This does not look good. However, we must retain our courage and fight. End will be on the side of the light."
"I hope you are right Professor."
"Goodbye Mr. Itra. Let me know of any news on the mission."
Almost as soon as Dumbledore apparated out of the shack in a blinding flash of white light two people appeared inside the house. One of them was unconscious.
"He totally bought it. Didn't he?"
"Yes he did. But look at him. He looks worse than dead."
"Well he should be considering where he has been till now. But tell me, did you tell him about Aradha?"
"Yes. He also thinks we should wait for Harry to grow into his powers."
"Well I don't. I have been through the scrolls, remember? He will learn it the hard way."
"And you will teach him the basics right."
"That, I will. But he is way more powerful than me. It won't be long till his abilities exceed mine. Then he has to guide himself."
"But what if this power corrupts him?"
"That we have to risk. One way or the other, he will acquire what is his. We might as well try to keep him in our side. Ok now. Enough chat. Remember I have not slept for a week and you need to change your appearance. Also please make us both a strong drink. We will need to do some very heavy explaining when this guy wakes up."
As the man called Enemar left the room, back at Hogwarts in his office Dumbledore found a note appear on his desk.
"He just came back sir. I am sorry, the mission failed."
Dumbledore had never felt this disappointed for a long time. His only solace was that he had not told Harry. ==================================================
Fire cackled in the damp cave. The Dark Lord was not happy. He was humiliated today in front of the entire wizarding world by Harry Potter and that Weasley girl. Not even his new powers were able to finally dispose of the last of the Potters.
"Curses" yelled Voldemort. "What is it that makes these Potter's so powerful? How many times will that stupid boy escape me?"
"Patience my Lord. Please have patience. Our time will come. Remember what I told you. We can use Potters powers. He is not the only obstacle in our path."
The Death Eaters present felt an eerie chill go up their spine. This entity ever present with their master scared them even more than the Dark Lord himself. This Ghost was pure unadulterated power.
"I know Aradha. That is the only reason I am waiting here. But tell me something how did you manage to subdue the entire order but succumb to that boy?"
"Well, my Lord, I had no idea the boy was the key. I was concentrating my entire strength on attacking the order."
"We will defeat Potter. Do not forget our other allies. We will strike when they least expect. But first let us prepare for tonight's attack."
"Yes master. It will be a show that will shock the world."
............................................................................................
Another week had passed since the attack at Diagon Alley. At the Headquarters the mood was upbeat. Harry, already a celebrity had achieved superstardom. He was receiving fanmail by the thousands every day.
"It is going to be intolerable at school." Announced Harry.
"Why?" asked Ginny.
"Everyone already gapes at me like I am a showpiece but now after last week, can you imagine?"
"There, there dear." said Mrs. Weasley.
"You know you must get used to this. You are a great wizard. And you will do great things. See Dumbledore. He does not mind the publicity." said Hermione.
"I am nothing compared to Dumbledore. Anyway speaking of Dumbledore who has he appointed the new defense teacher?"
Remus' face turned sour.
"Well Harry there is a bad news. This year you will again have a defense teacher who will probably not like you."
"You see Harry" said Tonks, "When no one accepted the defense job the ministry appointed a man who was surprisingly keen on getting the job. Unfortunately he will not be rather fond of you."
"Why? Who is it? And what did I do to him?"
.............................................................................................
"I will ask this just one more time. ARE YOU CRAZY."
"Yes and no. But it will work; we are here to make sure it will work. Don't you see how important it is for you to go to Hogwarts? We must have Mr. Potter under constant watch."
"How did you convince Fudge to do this?"
"He had no choice he wanted someone to keep a watch at Hogwarts. And he got persuaded the other way as well."
"What about Dumbledore?"
"What about Dumbledore? He has never seen you. He has only heard of you. There is no way he can prove anything against your character."
"But does not a man coming back from the dead sound a bit corny?"
"Yes it does, but that is the only way you can gain access. So are you in or are you out."
"What choice do I have? Oh well lets do it."
"Very well but really we have to get used to calling you Professor."
"Not as much as I have to get used to hearing it."
"Relax, this will work, put some faith in us. After all we did bring you back from the jaws of death, did we not, Professor Quirrell."
..........................................................................................
"QUIRRELL!" screamed Ron. "As in the mad Professor who had Voldemort in the back of his head and tried to kill Harry in his first year."
"No. It's not him. He is dead, remember?" said Lupin.
"It is his brother. Umor Quirrel. Although, he was supposed to be dead as well. He had an accident in the Alps seventeen years ago. He says he had lost his memory and was forced to live as a muggle till recently he regained his memory. He used to work as an unspeakable in the department of mysteries and was a good friend of Fudge."
"How can Dumbledore allow someone to teach at Hogwarts whose brother is dead because he tried to kill me?"
"I am afraid I could not arrange anything else Harry."
Everyone jumped as they saw Dumbledore leaning against the back wall.
"But the ministry still holds some reigns over Hogwarts. I was skeptic about this as well. But I met Umor today and I am glad to say that he is extremely qualified and he should do a good job. Although he is upset at his brother's loss he does not seem to hold a grudge against you Harry."
"But sir remember the other teachers." said Ginny.
"I do remember Miss Weasley. And I say we remember what we have learnt from the past and try not letting it affect the present. Don't you think it will be good to have a capable defense teacher for a change?"
They could not find an argument to what Dumbledore said, but all of them had a gut feeling that something strange was about to transpire. ............................................................................................
"So how did the meeting go?"
"It went well. Your shields kept my true identity a secret. But I tell you it is tough to put something past the old man. By the way, how did you gather so much information on Umor?"
"Well we already told you when we want something done we make ways. So you are confident that you can survive Dumbledore's vigil?"
"I have done it before haven't I. Well I had some very powerful help then but I am sure you two will suffice."
"I am sure we will as well. But just remember one thing. Your job is to watch Harry Potter. Not to avenge yourself no matter what happens."
END OF CHAPTER 10
Author's Notes
Well folks that ends one quarter of my fic. Things really get interesting from here. Next chapter we return to Hogwarts. I wanted to bring Draco into the story but am having difficulty in choosing which personality to go by. Also coming up Harry finally fesses up his feelings for Ginny. Voldemort launches his first attack. And loads more.
There was an enormous celebration in Diagon Alley. People who had scampered for there lives when they saw the Dark Lord were all thronging back. They had all been witness to the first battle of Voldemort's second reign of terror. They had seen Voldemort challenging Harry Potter. They had seen Voldemort attack the entire Order of the Phoenix which included the great Albus Dumbledore. To their utter horror he seemed to be winning, until he was literally brought down to his knees by an unknown force wielded by the Boy-Who-Lived raised hand. They then saw lightning crack down upon the Death Eaters, killing one of them. Finally when Voldemort and his minions apparated out of Diagon Alley they all came out celebrating like they had done on Halloween fifteen years ago.
Dumbledore escorted Harry and Ginny through the crowd. They entered the leaky Cauldron from where they flooed straight to a place, Harry recognized as the Shrieking Shack.
"Harry, first of I must thank you. You have single handedly saved the entire Order of Phoenix. I am indebted to you. But I still am not sure what you did, and I think neither are you. So I have brought us to a man who can give probably give us some answers."
"How do you know Enemar is involved in this?" Harry asked.
"He was not just in touch with you during the battle. He was also communicating with me. I do not know what it was that attacked the Order but I myself have never felt that much pain in my entire life. I thought of getting the entire Order to apparate out of there. But Mr. Enemar advised me that if we stayed under the curse for a little longer you have a chance of attacking Tom. As you know he was correct. I do not know what you attacked him with but I understand it is something you learnt from Mr. Enemar in your previous lesson."
"Not Exactly." Said Enemar, as he entered the room.
"Welcome Professor Dumbledore, Mr. Potter, Miss Weasley. No sir, what I had taught Harry was to focus his emotions at someone who is intruding in his mind. I never taught Harry to attack anyone physically. What Harry demonstrated today was what we had discussed right here some time ago. I think Mr. Potter is starting to show his hidden abilities."
"Mr. Itra. I understand you have a better understanding of what transpired in the battle today. Can you explain to us," Said Dumbledore.
"Well as you know I was not there physically. But I did have three telepathic connections established there. First with Harry, second with you sir, and third with a Death Eater."
"Who is this Death Eater you keep talking about?" asked Dumbledore.
"I will not name him now. You have to trust me on this. He is of great use to me and to our side."
"Well, coming back to what happened. Today Lord Voldemort used his newly acquired power on the Order. It is a manifestation of pure evil and raw power. But don't be alarmed, it is not the Power we had talked about. Had it been so all of you would be six feet under by now."
Ginny gasped.
"I asked you not to apparate out because most of the Order members were so weakened by the attack they would have had died in the process. But I also noticed that Voldemort was concentrating solely on attacking you, he had neglected Harry. I took a risk. I guided Harry to use powers, which I assumed he might have since all ancient magi have it in some amount. It is something like a psychic blast. A powerful enough blast is about a hundred times more painful than your Cruciatus curse. I obviously did not expect Harry to hurt Voldemort that badly. Neither did I expect him to subconsciously summon his elemental abilities to strike down Death Eaters with lightning. All I had hoped was to weaken his attack on you so that you can properly fight back."
"But Mr. Enemar, how can Harry do so much by just holding out his hand?"
"Dear Miss Weasley, his hand gesture was just a physical manifestation of his psychic abilities. Once he becomes able to perform this type of magic out of his free will he will not even require holding out his hand."
"You mention Elemental powers. Where can I learn thess things?"
"Well I can teach you some of it. My dear friend Reet is more able at handling the elements. Rest you will learn. Trust me Harry you will know it in your heart when the time is right."
"One more thing due to circumstances I can not take up your lesson tonight, we will continue next during your first week at Hogwarts. Now if you will excuse me I have some work to attend to."
"All right. Thank you, Mr. Itra, for your help today. I guess we do owe you a lot as well. I will take these two kids home now."
"You owe me nothing sir. I have already told you this battle is as much yours as is mine, and one more thing. If possible I would like to speak to you in private. We need to discuss about our something."
Dumbledore merely nodded and led Harry and Ginny to the Floo powder. As soon as they had flooed to Grimmauld place he turned towards Enemar.
"Any news from him?"
"None too good. I have lost contact. Tom's attack forced me to concentrate more on this side."
"You think he will be alright?"
"If I did not I would have had gone after him by now. He will be back safely. But the chances of the mission's success is meek."
"How did he convince you to go? I thought this was your plan."
"Not entirely. He basically devised this. You have no idea how difficult it is to convince him to do something against his mind."
"Is there anything else you wanted to tell me?"
"Yes. I think I know the source of Voldemort's new power."
"What is it?"
"It's not a 'what' actually. It is a 'who'. It is our dear departed mentor."
"You mean Aradha? But he is dead is he not. I saw his body in Indus."
"He is most definitely dead. But he has not left us, as we would have liked him to. Death if nothing else has made him more powerful. That he is not alive is a mere technicality to him. In other words he is a very, very powerful ghost."
"That explains Riddle's strange voice."
"Yes. But the problem is now he and Tom know that Harry is the key to the Green Flame Torch."
"But we still don't know what the torch is. I think we should wait and see till Harry learns his powers."
"Yes. Also we must look into a method of exorcising Aradha. I must tell you professor Aradha was extremely powerful when alive. Death has only bolstered those powers. Now he has allied with his own murderer. We are seeing the alliance of the two greatest evils of this century."
"I agree. This does not look good. However, we must retain our courage and fight. End will be on the side of the light."
"I hope you are right Professor."
"Goodbye Mr. Itra. Let me know of any news on the mission."
Almost as soon as Dumbledore apparated out of the shack in a blinding flash of white light two people appeared inside the house. One of them was unconscious.
"He totally bought it. Didn't he?"
"Yes he did. But look at him. He looks worse than dead."
"Well he should be considering where he has been till now. But tell me, did you tell him about Aradha?"
"Yes. He also thinks we should wait for Harry to grow into his powers."
"Well I don't. I have been through the scrolls, remember? He will learn it the hard way."
"And you will teach him the basics right."
"That, I will. But he is way more powerful than me. It won't be long till his abilities exceed mine. Then he has to guide himself."
"But what if this power corrupts him?"
"That we have to risk. One way or the other, he will acquire what is his. We might as well try to keep him in our side. Ok now. Enough chat. Remember I have not slept for a week and you need to change your appearance. Also please make us both a strong drink. We will need to do some very heavy explaining when this guy wakes up."
As the man called Enemar left the room, back at Hogwarts in his office Dumbledore found a note appear on his desk.
"He just came back sir. I am sorry, the mission failed."
Dumbledore had never felt this disappointed for a long time. His only solace was that he had not told Harry. ==================================================
Fire cackled in the damp cave. The Dark Lord was not happy. He was humiliated today in front of the entire wizarding world by Harry Potter and that Weasley girl. Not even his new powers were able to finally dispose of the last of the Potters.
"Curses" yelled Voldemort. "What is it that makes these Potter's so powerful? How many times will that stupid boy escape me?"
"Patience my Lord. Please have patience. Our time will come. Remember what I told you. We can use Potters powers. He is not the only obstacle in our path."
The Death Eaters present felt an eerie chill go up their spine. This entity ever present with their master scared them even more than the Dark Lord himself. This Ghost was pure unadulterated power.
"I know Aradha. That is the only reason I am waiting here. But tell me something how did you manage to subdue the entire order but succumb to that boy?"
"Well, my Lord, I had no idea the boy was the key. I was concentrating my entire strength on attacking the order."
"We will defeat Potter. Do not forget our other allies. We will strike when they least expect. But first let us prepare for tonight's attack."
"Yes master. It will be a show that will shock the world."
............................................................................................
Another week had passed since the attack at Diagon Alley. At the Headquarters the mood was upbeat. Harry, already a celebrity had achieved superstardom. He was receiving fanmail by the thousands every day.
"It is going to be intolerable at school." Announced Harry.
"Why?" asked Ginny.
"Everyone already gapes at me like I am a showpiece but now after last week, can you imagine?"
"There, there dear." said Mrs. Weasley.
"You know you must get used to this. You are a great wizard. And you will do great things. See Dumbledore. He does not mind the publicity." said Hermione.
"I am nothing compared to Dumbledore. Anyway speaking of Dumbledore who has he appointed the new defense teacher?"
Remus' face turned sour.
"Well Harry there is a bad news. This year you will again have a defense teacher who will probably not like you."
"You see Harry" said Tonks, "When no one accepted the defense job the ministry appointed a man who was surprisingly keen on getting the job. Unfortunately he will not be rather fond of you."
"Why? Who is it? And what did I do to him?"
.............................................................................................
"I will ask this just one more time. ARE YOU CRAZY."
"Yes and no. But it will work; we are here to make sure it will work. Don't you see how important it is for you to go to Hogwarts? We must have Mr. Potter under constant watch."
"How did you convince Fudge to do this?"
"He had no choice he wanted someone to keep a watch at Hogwarts. And he got persuaded the other way as well."
"What about Dumbledore?"
"What about Dumbledore? He has never seen you. He has only heard of you. There is no way he can prove anything against your character."
"But does not a man coming back from the dead sound a bit corny?"
"Yes it does, but that is the only way you can gain access. So are you in or are you out."
"What choice do I have? Oh well lets do it."
"Very well but really we have to get used to calling you Professor."
"Not as much as I have to get used to hearing it."
"Relax, this will work, put some faith in us. After all we did bring you back from the jaws of death, did we not, Professor Quirrell."
..........................................................................................
"QUIRRELL!" screamed Ron. "As in the mad Professor who had Voldemort in the back of his head and tried to kill Harry in his first year."
"No. It's not him. He is dead, remember?" said Lupin.
"It is his brother. Umor Quirrel. Although, he was supposed to be dead as well. He had an accident in the Alps seventeen years ago. He says he had lost his memory and was forced to live as a muggle till recently he regained his memory. He used to work as an unspeakable in the department of mysteries and was a good friend of Fudge."
"How can Dumbledore allow someone to teach at Hogwarts whose brother is dead because he tried to kill me?"
"I am afraid I could not arrange anything else Harry."
Everyone jumped as they saw Dumbledore leaning against the back wall.
"But the ministry still holds some reigns over Hogwarts. I was skeptic about this as well. But I met Umor today and I am glad to say that he is extremely qualified and he should do a good job. Although he is upset at his brother's loss he does not seem to hold a grudge against you Harry."
"But sir remember the other teachers." said Ginny.
"I do remember Miss Weasley. And I say we remember what we have learnt from the past and try not letting it affect the present. Don't you think it will be good to have a capable defense teacher for a change?"
They could not find an argument to what Dumbledore said, but all of them had a gut feeling that something strange was about to transpire. ............................................................................................
"So how did the meeting go?"
"It went well. Your shields kept my true identity a secret. But I tell you it is tough to put something past the old man. By the way, how did you gather so much information on Umor?"
"Well we already told you when we want something done we make ways. So you are confident that you can survive Dumbledore's vigil?"
"I have done it before haven't I. Well I had some very powerful help then but I am sure you two will suffice."
"I am sure we will as well. But just remember one thing. Your job is to watch Harry Potter. Not to avenge yourself no matter what happens."
END OF CHAPTER 10
Author's Notes
Well folks that ends one quarter of my fic. Things really get interesting from here. Next chapter we return to Hogwarts. I wanted to bring Draco into the story but am having difficulty in choosing which personality to go by. Also coming up Harry finally fesses up his feelings for Ginny. Voldemort launches his first attack. And loads more.