A/N: Just a short one here, I know that it has been a while since I updated, but I have been really busy with finals. I also want to bring up two particular reviewers and the rest I thank you and will answer comments questions in the next chapter. The first reviewer I would like to bring up is Crazley: Now I do not mind Flames, in fact I encourage readers to voice what could be wrong with the story so I can go back and change it if I feel that it should. But I do ask that if you are going to leave a flame would you please do it with some class. I do not know you personally and don't feel that I should have to deal with rude reviews. Now I would like to let you know that Sky Dawn will be staying in my story as she plays an important part later. I unfortunately do not know what a "Mary Sue" character is so I do not know whether she is turning into one. I added her for the story reason, not because I wanted to be like that character. So in the future please review without being rude. Thanks. Now onto the other one I wanted to bring up. Izzy: I absolutely loved your review. Some of your questions get answered in this chapter. I hope that they are to your likening. I am glad that you are in favor of a sequel and I will more than likely write one after this story is done. I am hoping to add a bit more of Lupin and sort of define his character in my view. I can't wait until your next review, sorry that this chapter took so long.
To everyone else, I am tired and will answer all reviews for this chapter and the next on chapter 19. Thanks and enjoy.
Chapter Eighteen: Classes and Plans
Professor McGonagall arrived in a few minutes and let everybody inside, she gave a quick glance at Harry but didn't say anything.
"Come in come in. Settle down, and welcome to the start of your N.E.W.T. training in transfiguration. I would like to congratulate you all on your O.W.L. scores, as I only allow students who get an E or above. We will primarily be working on Human transfiguration with next year working on Animagus forms." The class all started smiling but McGonagall was not through.
"However I do not want to give you all false hope. Not everyone can become an Animagus but I expect everyone to be able to transfigure someone into animals, and to be able master the art of transfiguring furniture and fruit and other sort things. So to begin we will study of course some theory but before the end of class today I expect you all to transfigure your pin into a goblet."
The class moaned at the mention of theory but didn't say anything as McGonagall had her famous thin line glare on her face. So the class spent the first half reading and Harry finished first because Tidus had already taught him a lot of things for his schooling. McGonagall told everyone to start practicing their transfiguration. Harry wasn't really paying attention as he simply waved his had and the pin changed into a marvelous looking gold goblet, that had numerous gems and rubies on it. Nobody but Hermione noticed what he did. However McGonagall came over and told him in his ear.
"Next time Mr. Potter you might want to pick up your wand to do that."
"Oh sorry Professor I didn't even realize."
"No need to apologize." She then said more loudly so the class could hear. "Ah see here class, Mr. Potter has done it, 10 points to Gryffindor."
She moved on to other students and Hermione was still staring at him.
"Mione I will explain later if you stop staring."
"Sorry Harry but that was amazing."
The bell rang ending class and McGonagall told them that if they completed their transfiguration then they didn't have homework.
"Everyone else practice, I expect everyone to do it by the next class. Mr. Potter could you stay behind?"
Harry told his friends he would meet them in charms later. Everybody filed out save for Harry.
"Yes Professor?"
"Well first I wanted to congratulate you on that fine piece of transfiguration in class today. And may I ask just where you learned to transfigure Mr. Malfoy?"
"Umm, well I cant really say, but it was during my summer training."
"Oh, I see, quite right just in case there is someone listening. So how far are you in the subject?"
"Pretty far, I know how to do just about everything practical and some theory."
"How about your own human transfiguration?"
"Do you mean, am I an Animagus?"
"Well yes."
"Honestly I don't know, because during my training I wasn't allowed to attempt it. Though I know how to do it, I am not sure if I have the ability or not."
"Okay, as you seem very far ahead in the this class, I will ask Professor Dumbledore to see if we can test you early. No reason to have you wait till next year. As you might need that advantage over Voldemort."
"Thank you Professor."
"One more thing, as Quidditch Captain, I expect you to uphold our winning streak. I am quite used to the trophy being in my office. So I have booked the Quidditch Pitch for you next Saturday for tryouts. And do try to stay on the team for the entire season."
"Yes Professor."
Harry then left and headed to charms and quickly explained to Filtwick why he was late. He then sat with his friends and listened to Filtwick talk about cleaning spells. (one of them being able to fix broken glasses.) By the end of the class only Hermione, Harry, and Sky had gotten scorgify and Occlus Repario correct. They had a break for lunch then DADA. The four walked to the classroom and were the first people there, but Professor Lupin invited them in.
"How's it going guys?"
"Good." They replied.
"Well I see you have made friends with the new girl already. I am Remus Lupin, and I have known these three since their third year. I have known Harry since he was a young lad but he didn't know me."
"It is nice to meet you professor." Sky replied.
"The pleasure is all mine. So Harry how's the Viper treating you?"
"Just wonderful, since I drove it here it is parked next to Hagrids hut, until I can get it home. Which won't be until at least the first Hogsmeade visit."
"You have a Viper?" Sky asked with much surprise.
"Yeah, are you familiar with them?"
"Yeah, I am muggleborn and my brother loves cars."
Ron and Hermione merely shrugged at each other while Sky and Harry talked about cars with Lupin. But they were interrupted as the class started to fill in. Everyone settled down and Lupin began their first DADA class.
"Ah good afternoon class."
"Good afternoon Professor Lupin." The class chorused back.
"Right, well I am going to be your new DADA teacher for hopefully quite a few years so that..."
But he was interrupted by some loud whispering in the back.
"Yeah only until the dark lord takes over. He really doesn't like werewolves who don't work for him."
"Mr. Malfoy, may I remind you that you are a student and you are in my class. So if you ever bring up Voldemort in that way there will be dire consequences."
"I am not worried the Dark Lord will protect those loyal to him."
"Mr. Malfoy, 50 points and a detention tonight my office. Moving on."
Malfoy looked as though someone had hit him with the crutactious curse. But didn't say anything more.
"Anyway, today we are going to work on shielding charms, so put your books away and wands out. Now you should all know how to do a simple shield. The spell is of course "Protego" the type of shield we will learn is more powerful and will sort of absorb spells making your shield stronger. I should also let you know that this particular shield will give off certain colors. The more powerful you are the different the color."
"Professor, what is the strongest color?" Hermione asked.
"Well the most powerful color is black, which only one wizard I know has. Which is Professor Dumbledore."
"What color is yours?" Malfoy sneered.
"I have a white shield Malfoy. White is generally an average shield for an average wizard. Blue is the weakest, then green, then white, then gold, and finally black. Blue shields are generally for those who are proficient in magic but weak in physical strength. Green is for those who are physically strong but magically weak. White is for average wizards, and I will assume that most of you will be white. Gold is for wizards who are slightly above the average wizard in both magic and physical strength. Black is for those who are off the charts in magic and physical strength."
"Hmph, how can an old man such as Dumbledore have a black shield?" Pansy asked.
"Easily, he is stronger then he looks. So okay I think that is enough explanation. The spell is shield Protego. So why don't we all practice amongst ourselves and then I will move around and shoot spells at you. We will see who can last the longest. Off you go then, oh and Malfoy no unforgivables."
Everybody started the attempts to cast the shield and after a few tries everybody had gotten it up. Save for Harry. Though no one noticed. The trick was after getting it up you had to keep it up to protect yourself against spells. Professor Lupin told everyone to cast the spell and hold it in place. The colors would show within a few seconds. So everyone started, Ron had a white one, while Hermione had a mix of White and Blue. Sky had a mix of white and green. Dean and Seamus both had white, while Neville had a blue one.
"Ha look everyone, Longbottom has only got himself a blue one." Malfoy laughed at him.
"Mr. Malfoy, cast your shield." Lupin yelled.
So Malfoy did and everyone was watching as his shield turned green. He was speechless as was everyone else.
"Well Mr. Malfoy I believe that Mr. Longbottom has a stronger shield then you."
"How so?" Neville asked.
"You Neville have a blue shield meaning that you lack physical strength, but you magic is quite average. Mr. Malfoy on the other had, your physical strength is above average, but your magic is below average. So all Mr. Longbottom has to do is get physically stronger and his shield will more then likely go from blue to white. While you Malfoy will have to increase your magic which is much harder then physical strength though possible. So I must ask Mr. Malfoy to refrain from making comments in my class about other students. Now Harry I believe that you are next."
But Harry didn't want to show his shield, especially not in front of Malfoy and the other Slytherins. He did know how to do it, but he didn't want to. Tidus had taught him how to do it, but he had never explained the difference in the colors. He was saved though by the bell and Lupin yelled out.
"Okay next class be sure to have read the chapter on shields and I want one foot on it. Dismissed."
The class was excited about the shields but all groaned at the prospect of more homework. DADA was the last class for the day for Harry. Ron and Sky had muggle studies, while Hermione had Arthimacy. Leaving Harry by himself.
"Harry you should get started on your homework." Hermione stated.
"I know Mione, it's not that hard, but afterwards I might go flying."
"On what?" Ron whispered.
"The Firebolt, I am keeping the other a secret. But I may change my mind and go exploring. I don't think you have noticed the weird things this castle does now have you?"
"What are you talking about?"
"I will tell you all later. After dinner, but you had better go to class or you will be late."
Ron and Sky said goodbye and Harry walked Hermione to her class, then kissed her goodbye and headed to the library. It only took him about a half an hour as he really knew a lot about DADA. Tidus actually made him study the theory as well as practical. Harry decided that since he was there he might as well study up on potions, as it was his first class tomorrow. He had finished the sixth and seventh year books during the summer, but knowing Snape he would ask him something that was not in the those two years. After he was done he noticed that was raining outside so he opted for exploring the castle. As after five years of living in the castle he never really explored and did not know that much about it. He was also looking for the room that he found during his short stay in the summer. Harry just started to walk aimlessly around until he found himself on the third corridor that was forbidden his first year. He noticed a familiar statue and as he walked up to it, it stood up straight, saluted, and moved away to reveal a room. Harry walked in and noticed that it was the same room he discovered. Inside the main room was split into what looked to be four main parts. Each colored in the founder's colors. However meeting in the middle was a pedestal that was holding a torch. The torch held no flame but was bright silver and black. Harry didn't have a clue as to what it was or what it did so he left it alone. Harry looked around and noticed a nice sized library of books that he had never seen before. It really peaked his interest, especially since he saw a book written by Merlin himself. He looked down at his watch and saw that it was dinner time so he would have to come back later.
Harry headed down to the Great Hall and was only stopped by Filch who attempted to give him detention before Harry politely pointed out that the third corridor was no longer forbidden. He then arrived at dinner and sat down with his friends. Everyone was talking and having a good time and the torch just sort of slipped from his mind as he joined in.
This was how the rest of the week went. Snape tried to trick Harry in potions by trying to get Harry to explain exactly how Wolfsbane was made. Harry knew that Wolfsbane was not until seventh year but Harry had studied it and was able to throw out everything that he knew. It was quite funny actually because by the time he was done Snape had sat down and Harry was standing. He had explained in such great detail that it had turned into a lesson. When he was done there was only 5 minutes left in class. Professor Snape had been to shocked to assign any homework but he actually didn't take any house points away.
Friday came and with it came the first dueling lesson. Harry went to the Great Hall at 8:00 p.m. as planed and was stunned to see well over a hundred people gathered around the stage. He also saw Dumbledore, Lupin, and Tonks. They greeted Harry and he went over to them.
"Ah, Harry, good to see you here. I heard you had a very interesting potion lesson. Or should I say you gave your class a interesting lesson."
"Well I figured that he would try something like that, so I studied the sixth, seventh and material that Hogwarts does not cover."
"Well done Harry, I hope you do not mind but I invited Tonks and Professor Lupin to assist you for a few lessons should you need help with authority. Also do you have some ideas as to what you will be teaching?"
"Well now that he have a competent DADA teacher I will start back at the basics and move on to some more complicated things like Patronus spells. Also some major dueling ideas. But I am going to start with the basics."
"Good idea, I suggest that you get started as they seem to be getting antsy."
Harry turned around on the stage and stepped forward. He thought that he would try something rather funny. So he started to walk down the dueling stage.
"Can you all hear me? Can you all see me?"
The students who had been at Hogwarts at the time of Lockheart just stared at Harry like he was crazy. Harry then chuckled and said..
"Just kidding, sorry but I felt a little humor might relax this a bit. Okay, if you have been living under a rock or on the moon my name is Harry Potter and Professor Dumbledore has asked along with the ministry of magic to help you defend yourself against Voldemort." A collective shudder rang throughout the crowd. "And his death eaters. The first thing we are going to do is some very basic spells that you should already know. So I would like everyone to pair up and start practicing Expellarimus."
A sneering voice was kind enough to reply to this request.
"And what Potter makes you so special to attempt to teach us. Especially such an easy spell. What do you really think that will do against the Dark Lord?"
"Malfoy, you wouldn't happen to be spying for your father now would you? I would have thought that after our duel you would have learned not to spout off."
"Well Potter you may have beat me but as we all learned today my magical power is a tad lower, so I simply want to see you duel someone better then me."
"Hmph Malfoy, why do I feel that you are up to something? But this is not a class where I will be dueling everyone. I will duel when it is necessary, but now is not the time. I am here to teach you what I can to help you in your fight against Voldemort, should you have to fight."
"Ha, scared Potter?"
"ENOUGH" Tonks yelled. "This is getting rather boring and irritating. Malfoy I am a fully trained auror and I challenge you Harry Potter to a wizards duel. Lupin will be my second. Will this please you Malfoy should he win?"
"Yeah I guess so."
"Good, so Harry do you accept?"
"Do I have much of a choice? I accept and ask Professor Dumbledore as my second."
"Of course Harry." Replied Dumbledore.
"Mr. Malfoy, since you insisted on this duel please come forward and referee. First to lose their wand loses. Everything except for unforgivables are legal."
So Malfoy came forward and sneered at Harry before starting the duel. The duel took longer than the one with Harry and Malfoy but not by much. Tonks started out by casting the shield spell. Hers was white but Harry did not blink an eye. He rolled out of the way of a jelly legs curse and sent an Expellarimus and Accio spell at the same time. The Expellarimus spell was strong enough to break the shield spell and the Accio which no one heard save for Dumbledore took her wand and it flew straight into Harry's hand. Malfoy was stunned, but eventually declared Harry the winner. Malfoy stalked off and Harry and Tonks bowed.
"Okay now everyone we will spend 15 minutes working on Expellarimus spells. Should I hear any other spells you will be kicked out of here faster then a blink of an eye."
"What gives you that right?" Malfoy asked.
"Malfoy, you have had enough warnings, you question my authority again and you will be gone. Okay everyone you know the wand movements and the incantation. So please begin, myself, Tonks and Professor Lupin will be walking around helping you out."
Everyone teamed up and began practicing. Harry walked around correcting people and helping them out. This continued for a few minutes and then Harry had them switch spells. This went on for about an hour. Everyone really did well but on the last spell Malfoy thought it would be funny to try and jinx Harry. However Harry was prepared and Malfoy left to the hospital wing in a matchbox. Harry was kicking him out of the club when he started yelling saying it wasn't fair and that Harry held no such power. But Dumbledore came forward and said that Harry did in fact hold that power and what he said went. So Malfoy had attacked and was turned into a matchbox by Harry.
Afterwards Harry and friends went to sleep, happy that the weekend was tomorrow.
Meanwhile somewhere else very far away, in a shadowed clearing stood about 70 dark figures. All kneeling before one figure.
"Death Eaters, we have been somewhat successful. While Harry Potter was not caught, we have learned some valuable information. It would seem that our young Mr. Potter has been trained and is much better at dueling as he beat two of my most trusted. And we have learned that the new potion works to perfection. Malfoy, Umbridge, approach me."
There was some shuffling and then two hooded figures approached and kneeled before Voldemort.
"Tell me how well did it work?"
Malfoy spoke for the them."My Lord, the potion worked just like it was supposed to. Dumbledore was none the wiser. Our eyes and voice were just like it is when under the truth serum. The only difference is that we could think and lie. Now the Ministry and Dumbledore believe that we are loyal to them."
"You have done well Malfoy. It is unfortunate that you were captured to begin with and for that you must be punished. CRUCIO!!!"
Voldemort laughed as Malfoy and Umbridge squirmed in pain. But Voldemort released them in rather fast time.
"Return to your places. We will use the potion before we attack anything. In case you are captured. My secrets will not be revealed."
He started to laugh into the darkness as Malfoy and Umbridge rejoined the inner circle. While Voldemort discussed his new plan Harry Potter was quietly dreaming about Quidditch, completely oblivious to Voldemort's plans and schemes. Since he perfected Occleumency with Tidus he easily blocked his mind from Voldemort when he went to sleep. Voldemort continued to plan well into the night, but then he to decided that sleep would be good, and all was quiet, in fact it was to quite.
A/N: Thanks again, for reading, please review. I have no idea as to when I will be able to update again, but I think I am going to wait until at least chapter 20 is completed. Chapter 19 is coming along much better then this one did. Until next chapter.
~ Lord of Darkness13