Harry Potter & the Tainting of the Light
Chapter 4
A/N: I own nothing.
(September 2, Thursday)
Harry entered the RoR at 5 o'clock on the dot not wanting to five Moody anymore aggravation then he probably already had. He was currently wearing what he dubbed the 'battle gear,' it consisted of his robes, jewelry, watch, daggers, and his 3 wands.
He saw his two other trainers and they immediately started off in a duel. After Harry lost, and he did under spectacular measures after Moody used a multiple cloning spell. Harry didn't know what the spell that Moody used was, so he thought it was a multiple illusion technique.
Harry used an arc of water to hopefully hit the real person, but Harry realized too late that they weren't illusions as it hit all of the clones. By that time they completely surrounded Harry and proceeded to beat the shit out of him. It seemed that the clones acted almost exactly like the real Moody, but just couldn't use magic. They even had the magical eye spinning like crazy.
Harry unleashed the force magic around his body and threw the clones off of him. Unfortunately, the real Moody and Moony were ready for this, having seen his tactic against Snape, before, and hit him both with stunners. Moody's Harry dodged, Moony's he didn't.
Harry was woken up as Remus started applying healing spells, while Moody showed the technique to doing that spell. Harry learned that it was basically a really advanced conjuring spell and animating spell combined into one incredibly difficult to master spell. It seemed that even Voldemort didn't know this spell, or maybe it was because Harry hadn't learned the spell from reading, because Harry had a hard time learning it.
While Moody created 10 imitations of himself, Harry spent a whole hour getting the concept down and even then only made two clones of himself. Moody and Moony soon left telling Harry not to get too cocky from Snape's duel, and that there would always be more to learn than what he already knew. They also told Harry to meet them at the RoR tomorrow at the same time.
Harry sat down in the Great Hall after going to Gryffindor's Tower and taking a shower. Harry looked up at the staff's table feeling someone's glare upon his forehead. Harry didn't even have to look to know who it was but did it for kicks. Needless to say, he wasn't surprised to find Severus Snape, the Greasy-Haired-Wanna-Be-Vampire-Potion Teacher of Hogwarts, glaring at Harry.
Harry merely smirked back at him and ignored him for the rest of breakfast. He grabbed a large amount of food, put it on his plate, and then he proceeded to eat his breakfast at a leisurely pace. It was halfway through his meal when he saw Ginny and Hermione enter the Great Hall, obviously in anger. They sat down around Harry who gave them questioning glances.
"Something wrong?" Harry asked Hermione.
"Just that is an immature prat Ron!" Ginny answered for her.
Harry raised his eyebrows at her Hermione, but she wouldn't elaborate. She was just huffing and puffing, stewing in her own anger. Harry then looked towards Ginny in hopes of her explaining further.
"Well Harry, last night while you immediately went to bed, which I may add you shouldn't have seeing as you didn't even eat dinner, Ron stayed back and tried to round up the Gryffindors against you. Tried to say how you used really advanced magic, and how you were turning dark. However unlucky for him, all the Gryffindors that were at the M.D. class already explained what happened at the class to the Gryffindors and also told how Ron acted at the end of the lesson.
So he made a damn fool out of himself, and now the Gryffindors are giving him the cold shoulder. Even though he realized the Gryffindor's attitude about him is pretty low now, it didn't mean that he gave up his "campaign" against slandering you. He even tried to stop us in the morning to get us to side with him. That is why you will find him with a black eye and a broken nose if he comes down to breakfast." Ginny finished explaining.
Harry nodded in understanding, and almost as if fate planned it, Ron Weasley entered the Great Hall at that moment. He tried to find a seat but it seemed that everywhere he went, the Gryffindors closed off any empty space for him to sit. At the end he had to sit at the furthest end of the Gryffinor table and was sulking alone.
"Ginny, don't you think this is a little too much. I mean he has a right to be angry, I know the feeling. I know that I've also been a prat last year, but that didn't mean that you and Hermione ignored me." Harry said feeling somewhat of sympathy for Ron, he may be an arse but he was Harry's friend for several years, and that had to merit for something.
"You can't mean that! Look Harry, you had a reason to be angry, albeit it was somewhat childish, but everyone was flaming you last year, and you've seen death months before that!" Harry tried to interrupt but Ginny's glare cut him off.
"Now listen here, even if Hermione and I didn't exactly like you being angry, we realized what you went through. It was expected, god knows you went through enough! But Ron's anger is out of jealousy and the fact that the person he's lusting over is paying more attention to you than him. So don't you dare say that your situation and Ron's are the same, understood?" Ginny finished with a glare to which Harry could only gulp and nod at.
Harry then finished his breakfast and was about to spend his 2 hours of free time reading but was stopped by Professor McGonagall. She seemed extremely agitated about something as she told him that Professor Dumbledore would like to see him in his office. She said that the password was "Canary Cream" and left to prepare for her class.
Harry looked confused for a moment but then starting heading for the Headmaster's Chamber. As he reached the gargoyle, he spoke the password and went up the imitation escalator. Harry knocked on the Headmaster's door and heard him telling Harry he may enter.
Harry walked in and sat in the seat that Dumbledore offered him. It seemed that Dumbledore was a bit troubled as if wondering how the best way to explain whatever was on his mind was.
"Harry I have heard of your rather magnificent duel against Professor Snape, and I truly hoped that you would have... held back from your full potential in the duel-," Dumbledore was interrupted.
"I did Headmaster, if I didn't /b" Harry spat the word as if it was a disease, "back he would find himself either in St. Muggo's or pushing up daisies. I could have done much more to Snape-," Harry was interrupted.
"Professor Snape, Harry." Dumbledore corrected.
"I'll say his respected title when he starts acting mature enough to hold it." Harry said spitefully. "Like I said, /b" Harry emphasized the work, "got less then what he deserved, and it wasn't like he didn't bring it upon himself. He always underestimated me, and I made sure that he would regret it. I know for a fact that Snape is a fantastic dueler and that it would be pretty unlikely for him to find a handful of professional duelers nowadays that could challenge him." Harry said reluctantly uttering phrase for his Potion Teacher. "However that doesn't mean he made an incredibly stupid mistake at underestimating me, which was the main reason I won," Harry added, "so easily."
"Harry... even if you got Professor Snape to never underestimate you ever again, you also made it so that Voldemort will get wind of this. He will see how much you are improving magically and he will question it. As he will question it, he will launch a full blown investigation, and that is the last thing we will need." Dumbledore explained.
Harry was irritated at being lectured like a child and countered, "But even if it makes Voldemort not underestimate me, my duel will convince more people of the power I possess. Even if I hate to admit it, I do understand that you and I are the figureheads for the 'light' and with showing my power it might make others have more confidence at our chance in this war. What I did may very well have dissuaded more people from deflecting to the 'dark' out of fear." Harry said.
Dumbledore smiled yet his expression showed tiredness. "You're gaining much wisdom Harry, but I still believed that it would have lied more in your favor, if you had the element of surprise."
Harry rolled his eyes, "Headmaster, if you truly didn't want me to show any of my progress to the school, you wouldn't have even set the M.D. or at least forbade me from joining. Let's face it Headmaster, you knew that this would happen sooner of later so stop chasting me for your own actions."
Dumbledore just smiled, although its warmth lessoned. "Well I must admit that your performance has gotten a lot of people to respect your power, and to see you as more then just a student. They are finally seeing you as a force that will change the world." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "As I have been explaining to the school's staff the moment you entered these halls, however it seemed that the staff was less then pleased at the beginning of your progress in class." Dumbledore smiled widely and his eyes twinkled a little.
Harry looked serious while asking, "So what does that mean, will they stop treating me as a child?"
Dumbledore laughed, "Harry, I don't think the staff will ever see you as anything other then /b child. While you may have not realized it, many of the staff has grown overly fond of you and they see you as one over- rebellious child under their care. I believe that Madam Pomprey has even got a bed for you right next to her office, and even though she won't admit it, she would love for you to visit her more, if it weren't under such strenuous circumstances."
Harry almost smirked but then frowned. "But why am I really here, I mean I know you are under a lot of stress and spending time just talking to a student and teasing them about their affinity for trouble isn't the best way to spend it. Besides if this is some stupid way to get my trust or something your wasting both of our times. Times that can be used more efficiently Headmaster"
Dumbledore frowned, "As I said earlier, after your performance, many of the staff has seen your progress and finally understands the level of power which you possess. And even if they don't know the prophecy, they can tell that you will be an important factor in the war that is currently raging.
So it seems that many of the professors want to take you... under their wings if you would say. It may not seem likely Harry, but the professors in these walls are one of the most powerful witches and wizards of their time.
Take professor Flitwick for example, he was a dueling champion that held his title for 17 years, until age finally got to him and he had to retire. Professor McGonagall was the leading researcher for new types of Transfiguration for the Ministry for 24 years until she decided to teach.
Professor Sprout was also the leading Herbologist in America, who didn't like the stress of the job and wanted to teach kids. Professor Snape, even if it is hard for you to believe, is one of the most accomplished Potions Master of his time. He has achieved getting his title in record time, beating his predecessors by a whole year, and has won recognition amongst the potion masters of the wizarding world.
Then there are the new assistant professors. Needless to say Professor Krum is powerful and very knowledgeable in the art of Transfiguration. He may not be up to speed with Professor McGonagall but that is the reason why he is her assistant and not known to the public but also her apprentice.
Professor Delacour, because of her rather unusual genetic makeup, is an incredibly powerful witch and has a very strong amplitude in Charms. It is a shame that she decided a Healers profession, while that is a highly respected job; I wished that she would take an apprenticeship under Professor Flitwick.
Now as I was saying before I wandered off, Professor Flitwick and Professor McGonagall under the persuasion of Professor Krum thought it best to... help you... in terms of magic. They believe that having a private study with them would be most beneficial for you." Dumbledore said.
Harry was confused, "Headmaster, while I truly appreciate the length at which they want to help me, why would I need to know anything from them when I have... umm that gift." Harry said vaguely not wanting to inform the portraits of his rather unusual gift.
"Yes that gift is handy, and I will not doubt his knowledge of magic. However it is safe to say that his specialty lies far off of Charms and Transfiguration. While he has extensive knowledge of both subjects, I can confidently say that Professor Flitwick and McGonagall have a much more profound understanding of their individual subject then even he can hope to achieve." Dumbledore said.
"But Professor McGonagall has an apprentice already, how will I study under without disturbing their normal routine, I don't want to tamper with Krum's training." Harry said worried.
"Harry, while Professor Krum is Professor McGonagall's apprentice, Professor Krum also agrees with me that it would be the best interest of everyone if your lessons came first." Dumbledore said. "And don't think that by reading books that you will be able to succeed in something much better then actually learning under someone that probably already read the books that you are reading and in addition having a multitude of experience under the subject. While books may be a great tool for knowledge, a first hand experience is better way of obtaining knowledge."
Harry sighed. "My schedule is already pretty filled, so I guess the only time I have for this will be on the weekend."
Dumbledore nodded.
Harry looked thoughtful then remembered his promise to stop replacing responsibilities for freedom. Harry also held some reservation about receiving help from Dumbledore, he hated how reliant he was to Dumbledore already and caving into Dumbledore's proposal would make him even more reliant on the old man's influence.
Harry inwardly sighed, even though Harry was incredibly mad at Dumbledore's ignorance last year, Harry couldn't just ignore the man. Harry hated to admit but Dumbledore was smart, wise, and had a lot of influence in the world.
He needed him, at least for now, when he was nothing but a student, a student who had no true influence in the wizarding but his fame. He hardly knew anyone truthfully other then those Dumbledore himself had him meet.
Harry didn't hate the man; he hated how blind he was at some moments but not the man. There were very few people Harry did hate, Voldemort for one, Wormtail for two, Bellatrix for three, and just about every death eater that he knew. Then there were the Dursleys but they were a whole another level of hate. He didn't them much as he did for those that literally destroyed his life, but it was still enough for him to not even blink an eye if their life came to an end in front of him.
So no, Harry didn't hate Dumbledore, if he ever found out that Dumbledore purposely wanted his parents to die to force the prophecy into effect or something, then he would hate him. But from the looks of things he did all he could to try and protect his parents and for now he was only mad at him.
Yet even though Harry might be mad at Dumbledore, he would just have to swallow his pride and accept things for what they are. At the moment, he was but an amateur and a pawn in the game of chess that was life, while Dumbledore controlled half the field.
At least for now, now until Harry got stronger and could bring in more influence. But he didn't have time to venture around the wizarding world at the moment, trying to secure allies. Now he had time for one mission, the mission to avenge his parents and his godfather.
And no matter how much Harry was mad at Dumbledore; it would always pale in comparison to how much he hated the hypocritical dark lord, Voldemort.
"Okay Professor, could you tell the Professors that I accept their help?"
Dumbledore looked happy and yet also sad at the same time at Harry's decision, happy that he was taking things seriously and sad that he had to so early on his life.
Dumbledore wasn't finished however, "There is another thing Harry, while you have had some physical fighting experience with Professor Lupin, he admits that he isn't very proficient at it. Therefore I pulled some strings to get you a trainer for physical fighting. With your permission you will meet will your instructor every Saturday at 7:00pm to 10:00pm. Do you agree?"
Harry sighed while agreeing.
"Oh and Harry you will meet with your Charms teacher at about 1:00pm to 4:00pm on Saturday and Professor Mcgonagall from about 4:00pm to 7:00pm. That is unless they think that you may leave earlier then intended. Now that I held you back already..." Dumbledore looked at his pocket watch, "...I believe that you have an hour to till Charms start. Do enjoy the year as best as possible. While life should not be a game, it shouldn't be just considered a job. Emotions and experience now will forever shape your future."
Harry seemed to have remembered something that he was curious about for a while.
"Professor Dumbledore? Remember how you said he well gave me information about his life?"
"Yes, I said that."
"You said that he didn't give me his soul however, so should anything he gave me affect my emotions? I mean to act differently?" Harry asked hesitantly.
Dumbledore looked serious, "What do you mean?"
Harry sighed, "Well, as of lately, I've been getting disturbing emotions. Emotions that want to see blood, to see death. I've been feeling that and revenge more and more everyday. I thought that you said he didn't transfer his soul to me, so I've been wondering if I'm just turning evil."
The headmaster sighed. "Harry, he didn't transfer his soul to you, no. However no soul is evil when born; you must understand that every child born to this world is pure and very precious. It is the harsh world that makes a child lose its innocence; it is the experiences that make a person what they are, not how they are born.
As you have his knowledge, you know what he went through, unconsciously at the moment. You must understand that emotions are also memories, every laugh, every smiles, every hate, is etched onto the brain like a branding iron. With the emotions are memories that are also associated with them. I am guessing that you felt these things at the Dursleys and Professor Snape?"
Harry nodded.
The Headmaster looked pained. "Well, I can't say that I expected this, but I can't say that I also truly ruled it out. Harry, the time when Tom Riddle was first sent to the orphanage to the time when he left their cares forever, he was abused, not just physically but also mentally. I believe that because of his past's similarity with yours at the Dursleys, his emotions, when he was also experiencing the same thing, are reaching out to you." Harry looked pained.
"Harry, I can not express to you how much I am sorry for leaving you in their care. I have only recently been told of your life with them, I thought that because you are their family-"
"They are not family! Family lies more then blood!" Harry shouted. He then took large deep, breathes and calmed himself. "You must have suspected something. Even the Weasleys and Professor McGonagall noticed it. I agree no physical marks were left because I wasn't beaten after I got my letters, but even Ron could tell that there something was wrong with me."
Dumbledore seemed to age tenfold, "Harry I-," Dumbledore seemed to stop.
"There is no need to apologize. I don't truly care if you are blind, stupid, or just cruel, but what is done is done. I just hope that you will rectify your mistake, and you damn well better make sure I don't go to the muggles again. Now if you are done." Harry said curtly and left the room without even waiting for Dumbledore to dismiss him.
Harry went back to his room and started reading books on animation spell. He wanted to learn more about it after Moody's cloning spell was introduced to him.
After Harry read the book, he couldn't get understand why he was only able to get 2 clones rather then Moody's 10, however Harry did find an interesting twist in animation spells that could give magical properties to the clones.
It took a 3 step process in the cloning instead of the usual 2 step. That also meant that the spell would be much more complex and that Harry more then likely wouldn't be able to use it in duel. Even the 2 step cloning spell took a rather long time for Harry, and the 3 step process would probably double the time taken to make the spell work.
Harry would not only have to conjure the clones, which was complicating within itself, and then animate it, which was a study only briefly covered even in 7th Year NEWT's. Then he also had to give the clones a bit of usable magic within them.
They weren't very smart but Harry could make them do simple stunners and reductor spells, and depending on how much magic the user gave to the clones, the clones would last a long time in a magical duel, stamina-wise.
Harry still saw the usefulness in the spell if he ever knew he was going to get ambushed and needed support to make the duel evened out. However magic couldn't be made out of thin air, so in placing magic within the clones, Harry had to sacrifice some usable magic within himself. In the end his magical supply would replenish but not quickly enough as Harry would be drastically weaker in a duel in magical terms.
Harry tried out the spells in his room, seeing as no one was in their. Harry created 2 clones like before, but he ordered them to shoot stunners at him. They both did so and Harry blocked the spells to see how much power was behind them.
Harry could easily block the magic, seeing as they had as much power behind them as a 3rd year. If Harry could make more clones then they would be able to distract the other person better at least if not being effective power wise. So that was the next thing Harry worked at after he dispelled the lifeless clones.
Sometime later Harry looked at his watch and saw that he had 10 minutes before Charms started. In that time Harry still didn't get how to create more clones, and Harry resigned his efforts in hopes that Moody would explain it to him later.
Harry put his book away and headed for Charms. Harry was surprised to find that the class was already half full when he entered, but as he looked again and found that they were all guys, Harry wasn't surprised. They also piled up the front half of the classroom and Harry had to snort had how hormonal the guys were.
Harry sat in the farthest corner of the classroom away from the front. 4 minutes later the class was full and Professor Flitwick and Professor Delacour started the class. They introduced themselves to the class, with the male half, except a few boys, lustfully looking at Fleur, and the other half, all of the girls, looking at disgust at the boys.
Flitwick seemed used to this reaction as he un-expectantly sent a charm at the class. Harry didn't mean to but out of instinct he drew his wand out in a hurry and created a magical shield. The spell hit everyone but Harry, which Flitwick noticed but didn't seem to mind.
The male half of the classroom seemed dazed and they shook their head. When they looked around the classroom they didn't seem to be staring at the veela in lust, as much as usual anyways. Harry and most of the class looked confused at what happened.
"That class, is a mind strengthening spell, it helps fortify the will of the mind albeit only for about a 30 minutes usually, but my spell lasts for an hour. So I will have to repeat this spell once more in this class. Now that I have your full attention let us begin class shall we?"
Flitwick began lecturing the class in his high pitched voice and Harry listened intentively to the man that would soon be his private instructor. Harry never noticed it before, but Flitwick was intimidating. Now Harry would laugh if Flitwick asked to wrestle with him, but if Harry were to duel with him, Harry would think twice before accepting.
The class ended with notes being taken down, and Harry once again was called back. Now Harry didn't really mind considering that he didn't have class next. Harry went up to the front and waited till Flitwick finished organizing the papers on the desk. Harry smiled and gave a wave at Fleur then looked expectantly at the tiny professor. He seemed confused about something and blurted out.
"Professor Flitwick I have been wondering about this most of the class and I can't help but ask you, I thought emotional spells couldn't be blocked, but how did you help you cast a spell on the class to make them pay attention?" Harry asked.
Flitwick's face brightened at having a questionable student asking about Charms.
"Mr. Potter, it lies in the physics of the magic. You do understand that Ms. Delacour's charm is only emotional magic?" Harry nodded. "Emotional magic in reality is just a form of mind altering magic
If you think about it, emotional magic makes a person behave unlike how they normally would be acting by overpowering the mind with a foreign magic, so it can rightfully be classified as Mind Magic. It is vastly similar to the Imperio Curse, however much more subtle.
While the Imperio Curse is the active commanding of the mind, emotional magics "wills" the mind to alter the chemicals of the brain for certain emotions making them out of control. It is amazing how different and yet still similar magic is." Flitwick had a faraway look in his eyes. He then realized what he was doing and went back to lecturing with a pink tint on his cheeks.
"So as you understand how emotional magic is just a type of mind magic, you can understand why emotional magic cannot be blocked, seeing as it is mainly a part of mind magic?" Harry nodded.
"Well I'm sure you can understand this part then Mr. Potter, the mind cannot be blocked from magic by magic however the mind can fight off the foreign magic through pure will. What I did was direct the will of the students and fortified their determination with a twist of a "confidence" emotional spell to throw off Ms. Delacour's magic." Flitwick finished explaining with a bright smile.
Harry was thoughtful, "Brilliant... so you used your own magic to not counter the actual magic of Fleur's but to give a 'push' in the right direction for the mind to fight it off itself."
Flitwick smiled and nodded eagerly.
Harry smiled brightly, "Wouldn't that mean that you can use the spell you just used to help people fight off the Imperio?"
Flitwick visibly sulked. "If it was only that simple Mr. Potter... It has already been tried, many times in fact. It does help the person somewhat I agree. However the problem lies with the power behind that spell and the will of the person.
While Ms. Delacour's emotional magic is incredibly effective, there lies a subtle difference between the Veela's charm and the Imperio Curse. The veela's charm triggers the emotional side of the brain and overflows the person's hormones while also reducing the interaction between the logical side of the brain and the emotional side.
Not by much but it is enough for the males who already have a limited connection between the two sides. I am guessing because the females have a stronger interaction between their left and right cerebrum that they aren't affect to the point of notice.
But for the boys, the charm cloud's their normal sense of logic and because of that their mind doesn't will itself to fight the spell. So my spell merely strengthens their logical part of their brain and not counteract with the spell which merely affects the emotional part of the brain and gets them to have their will back to normal, where they would fight the spell off on their own.
As you elaborated I only 'push' the person in the right direction of the battlefield, not fight for them. However, the Imperio is the total enslavement of the mind where the will of the caster subdues the will of the victim. The victim still has their will in full-"
Harry interrupted, "But I remember when I was under the imperio that I wasn't fully in control at first, I was feeling abnormally happy and free. That was why I first had a hard time fighting off the spell, because I was reluctant to free myself from the happy and free feeling. After I overlooked that it was easy to fight the spell."
Flitwick looked intrigued, "Really Mr. Potter? That isn't how the spell is normally, who put the spell on you?"
"Crouch Jr., in my 4th year he put everyone in my class under the spell." Harry clarified.
"Yes, yes... I know of him, taught him myself. He was brilliant in Charms, one of my best students actually. He was really ambitious and had to prove himself always though, I believe that was because of his father. Hmm... From what I heard from Headmaster Dumbledore, he was under the Imperio for many years had he not?" Flitwick asked.
"Yes, over a decade, I believe. He was under it almost constantly." Harry said.
Flitwick looked very tired. "As I said Mr. Crouch was a brilliant student in Charms, my theory is that he had been under the curse for so long, that he was able to find out every nick and cranny of the spell.
My guess is that having been the brilliant mind that he was, he even made an improvement to the Imperio Curse. It seems that not only did the spell from him have an iron fist over the other mind's will, but he also enforced it with an emotional clouding much like Ms. Delacours Veela Charm. Improving spells aren't unheard of, but I hardly thought anyone would improve that particular spell. Yes, I do believe that I must talk with Headmaster Dumbledore on this." Flitwick mumbled.
"Now Harry, I understand that you have accepted my proposal?" Flitwick piped up trying to deter the conversation.
Harry pulled out his wand and sent a silencing spell over the whole room to prevent any eavesdroppers. He should have done that earlier but Harry didn't expect to talk to Flitwick anything more then how the spell he used worked.
"Yes I did, but why would you even propose such an idea? I mean I'm sure you have a lot of paperwork to do and spending 3 hours correcting them could drastically help the workload."
Flitwick smiled at Harry's consideration. "That doesn't matter as much anymore Mr. Potter, not ever since I received an Assistant Professor. Professor Delacour helps with the workload cutting what I have to do in half, allowing me more free time. But Mr. Potter, are you sure about this?"
"Now more then ever since I heard your incredible knowledge of Charms. I wouldn't have ever grasped what you did today on my own." Harry said.
"Yes but the magic I will go into will be far more advanced then the ones you will ever hope to learn in school. I also will not take slacking off lightly, but I also understand that your schedule will be incredibly tight this year, and while I don't want to seem to be giving you favoritism, I will cut your workload down." Flitwick said sympathetically.
"No! That will arise suspicion, it's going to be bad enough that I will disappear for several hours every weekend but if you start showing me biased amounts of favoritism then people would only be able to somehow connect it to you also. That leaves me a question, how will I disappear every weekend with arising suspicion, how will I be able to disappear without having people trail me and try to find out what I'm up to?"
Flitwick smiled. "Well Mr. Potter with you affinity for trouble, it wouldn't be so suspicious if you... got into a bit of a fight with Professor Snape. He will in the end send you to detention every weekend ranging from 1 to 10."
"Wouldn't that rise suspicion I mean, I highly doubt people wouldn't bat their eyebrows for having a yearlong detention even if Snapes the one assigning it." Harry said dryly.
"Oh Mr. Potter, that could easily be solved with... the level of trouble you arise with Professor Snape. Now we have made a plan that will have to be carried out without suspicion. After all as you said, a yearlong detention would seem somewhat strange if you merely blow up a potion accidentally.
In potions Snape will insult... your family pride. I'm sorry to say but he will, but then you will seemingly snap and send a stunner at Snape who will deflect it and call for punishment. At first he will call for expulsion but then after Snape calls for Professor McGonagall and Headmaster Dumbledore, they will seemingly negotiate for you to have detention every weekend for such a dire breaking of the rule so close to expulsion policy.
Snape will demand that you have to report from morning to night, however Professor McGonagall and Headmaster Dumbledore will once again interfere. They will make you have to report to me on the weekends, under the reason that I told them that I needed help grading papers what with the extra students that came to Hogwarts, but only in the afternoons.
And you will report to Professor Hagrid in the evening for your detention in the Forbidden Forest. But then as the three fire-calls for me to explain about the detentions I will explain that I would only need you for one day and at most for a few hours. So Professor McGonagall shall interrupt and say that she will take over from 4pm to 7pm on Saturday, explaining that you are her student and that she will help in your punishment.
She will also explain to Headmaster Dumbledore the importance of your school work time, and that leaving no time just because of detention will severely hurt your studies. So she will suggest that you have Sunday off, at least one day to have to yourself.
So in the end it would seem convincing that even though your due punishment is expulsion that the Headmaster and your head of house shall pull some influence and luckily cushion your punishment. That is how I will have you from 1pm to 4pm, Professor McGonagall from 4pm to 7pm, and whatever extra curricular activity with Professor Hagrid from 7pm to 10pm." Flitwick finished explaining the elaborate plan.
Harry blinked in astonishment of how complex the plan was. "And you... all thought of this in an hour of my acceptance?" Harry was flabbergasted.
"Oh no Mr. Potter, we knew you would accept without a doubt, especially after you denied quidditch in preference for studies. I do hope that Ravenclaw now stands a chance at winning the cup now that Hogwart's most experienced seeker is out of the picture." Flitwick grinned to show that he didn't really mean it.
"So I have to do this tomorrow?" Harry asked.
"Yes, the moment you have class with Professor Snape, he will put the plan under way."
Harry thanked Flitwick and pulled out his wand to undo the silencing spell. He exited the room with a wave to the two professors. Harry went back up to his room hoping to read more about the cloning charm to hopefully make more then two clones.
After 30 minutes of countless re-evaluation of the subject, Harry threw the books away in disgust. Harry didn't understand why he couldn't get the damn spell to be more efficient, and tried to settle for practicing his more 'darker' spells. Those helped Harry relieve his stress rather well and that was what Harry needed now.
Harry dragged his trunk onto his bed and pulled the curtains around him. He sent every prevention charm, to keep the curtains from opening, he knew to the curtains and opened his first compartment. He took out a piece of parchment and then closed it. He opened it again, this time for the second compartment, and stepped into it.
Harry started reading many of the Dark Arts spells and then after practicing the wand movements, sent it at the wall. It wasn't really effective; Harry just needed to be able to shoot the spell, while relying on the fact that Voldemort probably already knew it so he should also.
He soon worked off his frustration and anger, and put the books away. Harry found it an amusing way to motivate himself to learn new spells, seeing as he never got bored learning the vicious spells when angry.
Harry then put the Dark Arts book away and grabbed the book on Parseltongue.
The book supposedly gave the history of Parseltongue. It wasn't as interesting as Harry thought it was going to be. It merely went into depth what Dumbledore already told him. However even the book couldn't go into details of how the tongue of snakes first came into being. The book was disgustingly plain and uselessly informative.
He put the book away and read the book about Auror and Deatheater spells that he also got at Borgin and Burkes. The Aurors were trained heavily in the past, having many veterans from Grindewald's reign, but it seemed that after the first rise of Voldemort, Fudge, being the idiot that he was, disbanded and fired most of the veteran Aurors.
Aurors that were efficient and vicious against the Death Eaters. Aurors that held much praise amongst the Ministry. Aurors that Fudge obviously saw as a threat against his position.
Only a few were left, most that proved themselves readily to Fudge, and they were usually the incompetent ones that couldn't tell a death eater from a lethafold. So the Auror's skills has gone into the dumps, but Harry vague recalled Kingsley saying something about Madam Bones bringing in the veterans once again to train the Aurors.
Harry wondered what was going on with Fudge anyways; it was that idiot that practically weakened Britain enough for such vulnerability. Madam Bones must be having a very stressful time re-organizing everything; luckily she has Dumbledore's, and many of the other Heads of the Ministry's, full support.
The Death Eaters were actually smarter then Harry gave them credit for. They were arrogant yes, but during the first rise they were incredibly efficient. Only the rookies were taken on the hit and run raids, but the veterans were incredibly skillful in a duel and very powerful in terms of magic.
But Harry was surprised at how the information vastly contrasted with how the Death Eaters at the Ministry. They were supposedly all from Voldemort's inner circle also.
Maybe the best of Voldemort's forces held out till the last, and the only ones left are either the ones that were thrown into Azkaban or they were only so high in Voldemort's rank because of their family's influence rather then their power, and as such they were able worm their way out.
That would explain Bellatrix, in the book she was a fearsome dueler, where many rookie Aurors supposedly shitted in their pants when they saw her. Harry guessed that 14 years in Azkaban must have severely weakened her mind and body. However, if she were to recuperate to full health from her time in Azkaban, she would definitely be a force to be reckoned with.
That also explained Lucius' horrible dueling skills and yet his high rank in Voldemort's forces. His family had connections in the Ministry, although now they were useless, and a rather substantial fortune that would be able to supply Voldemort's campaign with funds.
Both sides really lacked formations and attacking strategy however. Harry guessed that no strategy was really set because of the limbo that was magic, whilst muggles securely calculated everything with logic, what the best way to attack and defend was.
However Auror and Death Eaters seemed to understand power as only number superiority. Both sides were really dimwitted in that perspective.
Most of the fights led them to have a one on one fight with each other, rarely using their minds to try and overpower and outsmart their opponents. It was actually funny how sad they were in comparison to muggles interms of strategy. And the arrogant purebloods had the nerve to call muggles stupid.
Suffice to say Harry didn't like his muggle upbringing, but there was no way he would doubt the muggle's capability to use their minds to fully take advantage of any situation. They didn't have to rely on magic so their resourcefulness was unmatched by those of magical decent.
Just look at how many ways they found to kill people and look at how many weapons they have to do it. Harry didn't have to go to a muggle school to know about the nuclear warhead that killed 100's of thousands in one blast. The immediate and later deaths caused by radiation dropout.
No in some aspects wizards may be superior to muggles, but when it came to killing and warfare, wizards would take centuries to even match the muggles of this time. At least at the rate they were going.
Harry looked at his watch saw that he had a few minutes until H.A. started, so Harry put his book away.
Harry then went for the door and pulled out the blank parchment that he grabbed earlier. He whispered an oh so handy password that unlocked the Marauder's Map. Harry was satisfied to see that no one was in the Harry's dorm room; Harry snorted thinking that they probably ran to the H.A. meeting in hopes of getting a good seat for the 'lesson.'
Harry exited the compartment and placed his map in the first compartment after vanishing the map. Harry then walked slowly and without rush to the H.A. meeting. Harry walked into the Great Hall and was bemused and annoyed at how stacked the Great Hall. About 1/4th of the female population showed up with almost all of the male population from the looks of things.
Harry was disgusted at their lack of control over their hormones, but ignored it. Harry walked off to the side of the room and waited for the class to begin.
"Good afternoon class I am Madam Pomprey, Professor Firense," Madam Pomprey paused presumably to introduce the centaur, "and Professor Delacour," again she paused, but Harry couldn't tell what she was doing for either because of the sea of heads that blocked his vision.
Harry was dreading the decision to come to the meeting more and more. From the looks of things Harry would hear what he had to do but that was about it.
"Also I kindly introduce you to Professor Flitwick-," Madam Pomprey was cut off.
"Mens Mentis Fulcio Volo!"
Harry heard the spell that Flitwick used in Charms that morning and could see a sea of color descending on the crowd that was in front of Harry. Soon it even reached him, and Harry let it, knowing what it was.
Madam Pomprey's voice rose once again, "Thank you professor, although I wish you would tell me when you would do that. Now Professor Flitwick has kindly offered to help with this lesson after seeing the list of applicants. Now Professor Firense is only here today because it is the first day of class, however for the most part the professor will not be here, only the days that he wants to teach the centaur's proficiency at healing, but that is for later.
Now this class WILL have homework. I have just discussed it with Headmaster Dumbledore and he saw that it was a good idea. This class will also have tests. This will have a grade, although it won't hurt your overall year score, your grades WILL be sent home. Now if anyone quits this class AFTER today then they will receive a grade based on their grade upon exiting, PLUS a zero on the rest of the assignments of the year.
I will also have physical and written tests. On the physical tests you will have a partner to try the healing magic's that I will teach you. Successful tries will be awarded points, while non successful will be deducted. I will also inflict injuries onto you to see if you can fix it. So if you are here to goof around and think this will be an easy way to goggle at the opposite sex, get OUT! I promise you that if I ever find you goofing off and nor paying attention you will find yourself in detention, be forbidden to go to Hogsmeade for the rest of the year, AND not allowed to got to the ball."
The majority of the males and more then 3/4th of the females left the hall after the announcement. It seemed that the male population were able to think back to normal, and the words homework, test, and grade got them wising up. The females, Harry guessed, were also discouraged with the extra work added with the fact that they might have a chance to be forbidden to go to Hogsmeade and the ball.
Harry sighed in a silent thanks to whatever god was listening. Though, from Harry's, experience, if anyone was up there they sure sucked at their job. Harry walked up to the mostly empty room. Harry looked around and saw 10 males with about 50 to 70 girls.
Madam Pomprey seemed really relieved at the number of people and Fleur and Flitwick seemed amused at what just happened. Firense looked indifferent to it all. Firense caught Harry's eyes and gave a brief nod which Harry returned.
Flitwick waved his wand and immediate desk with chairs appeared. Pomprey told them to sit and started lecturing them on what they would learn this year. Flitwick waved his wand again and about 70 to 80 books flew the students. Each student got a book and Harry was no exception.
Madam Pomprey told them that the books were their study material for the rest of the year and that they better get reading on the book's material. He looked down at the book that rested on his desk and saw that it was a healer's book. He wasn't so surprised at what book it was, merely at the fact that the school provided it.
"This year we will learn many things that could very well save your life. Sometime later the individual year you all will be separated accordingly by your grades to learn spells more suitable for your age. However that will be in at least a month and for now we will cover spells that will easily be suited for 3rd years and above. This is to help you gradually get a hang of the spells, I wouldn't want to all of a sudden rush you into fixing a severed limb, and having you blow the rest of the arm off for your inexperience." Some student's chuckled but Harry didn't at seeing her serious expression.
"Now opened your books to page 5 where the books shall give you the first spell you will learn today. It will cure minor bruising. Now pay important detail in your swishes or else you may very well make the situation worse. Now this spell isn't shot out like the magic like you are used to, but the spell maintains itself around the edge of the wand. From there you need to apply the wand gently over the area of the burn or bruising. Also don't forget the incantation needs to have a heavy stress on the first syllable of "Exuro Condico."
Madam Pomprey demonstrated the spell for the class and her wand glowed blue on the tip. Madam Pomprey explained for the group to split into pairs and wait for further instructions. The group quickly did; eager to get started. Harry looked around to see if he could find a pair.
He immediately looked for Hermione, figuring that she would be there, but she was already paired with Ginny. It seemed that she believed that he would bail the class like the others did and didn't even bother looking for him.
Harry saw Neville but he was already paired with Luna. Most of the class were already paired up and Harry found only one other person to pair up with. She wasn't familiar so Harry guessed that she was one of the exchange students.
He walked up to her and asked if he could be her partner.
The girl looked around nervously and then looked resigned, "Well I guess I don't have much choice."
Harry smirked, "Glad to know you're so eager to pair up with me, don't worry I'm pretty sure I won't make you grow three heads trying to help you." Harry tried to reassure.
The girl still didn't look too relieved.
"Look don't worry, I promise that if I ever make you crap out of your pants or make you get thousands of pimples, I personally will take the blame and you can hex me to oblivion." Harry tried to reassure her once again.
"It's not that..." The girl said.
"Then what?" Harry asked.
The girl shook her head, "You wouldn't understand don't worry."
Harry shrugged and then waited for Madam Pomprey to tell them what to do.
"Now class you will come up in pairs, and don't rush, to Professor Delacours, Professor Flitwick, or I. You may NOT do the spell unless within our immediate supervision, anyone caught doing so will get kicked out of the classroom so hard and fast that you'd wish you'd stick around to learn the spell to cure the bruise that would most definitely appear on your butt. Now you may come up here."
The groups of two hesitantly walked up to the teachers. Harry saw that even with 3 teachers, this would take a long time to get done, so Harry started talking to the new girl again.
"I'm Harry by the way, what's your name?"
"Uh- It's Dora, Dora Novo McBlack." The girls said brightly.
Harry looked at her strangely, "Well it's nice to meet you Dora, so why did you come to Hogwarts?"
"Umm... my parents thought that Hogwarts was the best place to go now that You-Know-Who's back. I went to a private school for magic, you probably wouldn't have even heard of it. But now my mum and dad made me transfer." Dora said.
"That must suck." Harry said eying her weirdly.
Dora agreed with him wholeheartedly. Harry focuses at the line's length and found that they still weren't even halfway there from the start.
"So what do your parents do?" Harry asked.
"Well my mum used to work for the Ministry, but now she's a happy house wife." Dora added grinning. "And my good old dad is muggle, he's a lawyer. Know what they are?" Dora asked.
Harry nodded and looked up to see how long they had until it was their turn.
"Well anyways, my dad and mum been married for a while before they had me, heard dad was as shocked as a guy who won a lottery when my mum told him that she was a witch. It's still a good joke around the house when she thought that he got a concussion from hitting his head on the floor so hard passing out." Dora laughed.
Harry smiled at her and noticed that it was finally there turn. Fleur was open so Harry and Dora went to her. Fleur smiled to Harry and nodded to Dora.
"Well you hopefully had read the section that Madam Pomprey instructed as you should have. Don't forget to flick the wand from top to bottom and then add a 45 degree counter clockwise turn to the wand like this," Fleur gave an example, "before saying the incantation. You should hopefully get a blue light, the darker the better and if you do we'll see how effectively your spells work."
Dora said the incantation and her wand tip glowed a dark blue. Fleur smiled at Dora and then pointed her wand at Harry. She told him to give her his hand and Harry did so questionably. Fleur muttered some words and Harry's arm had a disgusting looking bruise. It was purple and blue with shades of dark red at the edges.
Fleur told Dora to try and fix him up and Dora pressed her wand into Harry's arm. Harry hissed at the movement and Fleur told Dora that she didn't have to press the wand into him, just to make sure that the glowing part of her wand was in the immediate vicinity of the bruise. After a few seconds the coloring went down to a dark red. Fleur nodded and Harry drew back his arm.
She told him to do the spell and Harry's wand lit a shade of blue somewhat lighter then Dora's. Fleur did the same thing to Doras and Harry made sure to not stab her arm like she did his with her wand. The arm had a coloring that was still faintly bluish. Fleur nodded once again and fixed Dora's arm to normal herself.
"Good job Harry, Dora." Fleur congratulated them.
Harry smiled at Fleur and walked away. Dora seemed to hesitate but then followed him also. They both stood off to the side and waited for the rest to finish.
"So, how are you so good with healing spells?" Harry asked.
Dora seemed hesitant but replied, "Oh, practice makes perfect." Dora added with a smile.
Harry smiled somewhat forcibly to the girl. The rest of the class went without a hitch with the teachers explaining the theory behind healing magics, and the many types of healing magic.
Harry was interested to learn of the variety of healing magic. They ranged from spells, herbs, potions, and blessings. He also learned that certain healing magics were more effective for certain wounds. Like spells and herbs for more of the damage that happened outside the body. Yet potions were more potent for damages within the body, such as organs, bones, and brain damage.
Blessings were more for lasting brain trauma, although most blessings were out of date and were cast aside with potions and spells that were more proficient and easy to learn then blessings.
Pomprey told the class that the majority of the time the class would learn spells, with Professor Snape stepping in occasionally to teach the potions. Firense was to cover the herb portion of the healing magic.
The lesson was soon over and Harry walked out of the room slowly. He kept a steady distance from Dora but made sure to never leave his eyes off her. Harry didn't trust her; he couldn't trust her, not when he felt the burning of his ring when she told her his name and reason for coming to Hogwarts.
Harry didn't know if she was some sort of Death Eater spy or not, but he would just have to keep an eye out on her. The last thing he would need is to blow her cover in front of the school to find out that she was in hiding from Voldemort or something.
Saetan: I severely doubt that I will make Ron a deatheater. I mean I only related Ron to a death eater earlier to make it so Harry reminds Ron of how he is acting, and how stupid he is being.
TuxedoMac: I'm sorry if my story reminds you of another. However I have been reading a lot of Harry Potter stories, so I may have unintentionally stolen an idea from some story that I have read before. Or maybe it is because of the fact that there are so many stories out there that even if I didn't read it I may write one similar to it. I seriously don't mean to. Also the part about Harry's anger, I seriously don't know how to write his anger well, the most I can explain it is stress and isolation. Those two combined with crappy muggles that hate your gut and reminds you of it constantly would not make Harry a happy person. But I'm trying my best to portray how I believe a normal kid will react, even if he is mad at first I'm trying to make him mellow out later, but not suddenly, as if he has a split personality disorder. But I ain't a pro at how a person will deal with trauma and lose so I'm sorry if I'm over exaggerating his anger.
Beth: Thanks, lol, but I see your point. Yeah maybe if he was to somehow prove her loyalty to keep his secret first, but I guess I didn't write that in and too late now. I could go back and change that, but not at the moment. I wanted Harry to trust Tonks only because she and Sirius knew each other before. At least that's what I thought, I believe that Sirius said something about Tonk's family being to only one that he liked, but then again I might have just gotten that from another fanfiction rather then the actual book. That's the problem with reading so much fanfiction. Lol, oh well, sorry but I'm not exactly pro at writing. Hehe. Sorry about that.
Topsta: Sorry if I made you mad about Harry's views on Dumbledore. I mean he is mad at Dumbledore, but it isn't as if he will go rampaging around the school trying to kick Dumbledore out of the school for his stupidity. I admit he has stupid moments, but so do everyone else in the book. I am not going to have Harry be on an "I'm going to kill you Dumbledore!" type of reaction everytime they meet, but its going to be tense for both of them.
Oklina: Thanks for the correction, I'll make sure to write Zabini and Bulgaria from now on. Could you explain to me how my elemental magic isn't so impressive though? I mean is it the theory behind it, or just the spells that I tried to come up with. Lol, I know the spells suck though.
Sinayah: Thanks for the constructive criticism, lol I wish I could write better. Seriously I do, that would really help my English grade.
Fred: I will take your ideas into consideration, because they are good ideas. However the trunk/ring transfiguration I most probably am not going to write. Harry's current trunk has a built in charm that would transfigure itself into either a trunk or ring, and while it may not seem so, his trunk is incredibly complex magic. Not only does it have a space distortion spell on it, for the increase in size and number of compartments. It has a built in lasting charm for transfiguring, damage and keying to Harry's magical aura. Harry would probably know how to easily transfigure the trunk into a ring and vice versa, but he doesn't know how to set up a lasting charm to automatically change his trunk by touch and a word. Also the inconvenience of him having to pull out his wand and transfiguring the ring into a trunk and vice versa every class isn't so bright. I might also make the chamber of secret a prison place, but not now. Currently the only people that can open the place are Harry and Voldemort. While Voldemort walking into Hogwarts, going all the way to the abandoned bathroom, and taking his prisoners out all of which without being seem doesn't seem very likely, Harry would also be the only other person to be able to open the chamber. And while Dumbledore may be helping Harry train, it would be very unlikely that Dumbledore will ask Harry to open the chamber every single time they round up prisoners. The other problem is the fact that if somehow Voldemort get inside the chambers he would automatically have every prisoner as soldiers again and right inside Hogwarts. What a convenience for Voldemort to not only be in Hogwarts ready to attack, but to also have troops with him. But the probability of Voldemort seriously walking in Hogwarts without a full scale war before he even reaches the stairway is very slim. So, probably not now, but if my story comes to the point where Dumbledore is that desperate, sure that's a great idea, however not in the condition my story is in now. Thanks for the help though.
Chapter 4
A/N: I own nothing.
(September 2, Thursday)
Harry entered the RoR at 5 o'clock on the dot not wanting to five Moody anymore aggravation then he probably already had. He was currently wearing what he dubbed the 'battle gear,' it consisted of his robes, jewelry, watch, daggers, and his 3 wands.
He saw his two other trainers and they immediately started off in a duel. After Harry lost, and he did under spectacular measures after Moody used a multiple cloning spell. Harry didn't know what the spell that Moody used was, so he thought it was a multiple illusion technique.
Harry used an arc of water to hopefully hit the real person, but Harry realized too late that they weren't illusions as it hit all of the clones. By that time they completely surrounded Harry and proceeded to beat the shit out of him. It seemed that the clones acted almost exactly like the real Moody, but just couldn't use magic. They even had the magical eye spinning like crazy.
Harry unleashed the force magic around his body and threw the clones off of him. Unfortunately, the real Moody and Moony were ready for this, having seen his tactic against Snape, before, and hit him both with stunners. Moody's Harry dodged, Moony's he didn't.
Harry was woken up as Remus started applying healing spells, while Moody showed the technique to doing that spell. Harry learned that it was basically a really advanced conjuring spell and animating spell combined into one incredibly difficult to master spell. It seemed that even Voldemort didn't know this spell, or maybe it was because Harry hadn't learned the spell from reading, because Harry had a hard time learning it.
While Moody created 10 imitations of himself, Harry spent a whole hour getting the concept down and even then only made two clones of himself. Moody and Moony soon left telling Harry not to get too cocky from Snape's duel, and that there would always be more to learn than what he already knew. They also told Harry to meet them at the RoR tomorrow at the same time.
Harry sat down in the Great Hall after going to Gryffindor's Tower and taking a shower. Harry looked up at the staff's table feeling someone's glare upon his forehead. Harry didn't even have to look to know who it was but did it for kicks. Needless to say, he wasn't surprised to find Severus Snape, the Greasy-Haired-Wanna-Be-Vampire-Potion Teacher of Hogwarts, glaring at Harry.
Harry merely smirked back at him and ignored him for the rest of breakfast. He grabbed a large amount of food, put it on his plate, and then he proceeded to eat his breakfast at a leisurely pace. It was halfway through his meal when he saw Ginny and Hermione enter the Great Hall, obviously in anger. They sat down around Harry who gave them questioning glances.
"Something wrong?" Harry asked Hermione.
"Just that is an immature prat Ron!" Ginny answered for her.
Harry raised his eyebrows at her Hermione, but she wouldn't elaborate. She was just huffing and puffing, stewing in her own anger. Harry then looked towards Ginny in hopes of her explaining further.
"Well Harry, last night while you immediately went to bed, which I may add you shouldn't have seeing as you didn't even eat dinner, Ron stayed back and tried to round up the Gryffindors against you. Tried to say how you used really advanced magic, and how you were turning dark. However unlucky for him, all the Gryffindors that were at the M.D. class already explained what happened at the class to the Gryffindors and also told how Ron acted at the end of the lesson.
So he made a damn fool out of himself, and now the Gryffindors are giving him the cold shoulder. Even though he realized the Gryffindor's attitude about him is pretty low now, it didn't mean that he gave up his "campaign" against slandering you. He even tried to stop us in the morning to get us to side with him. That is why you will find him with a black eye and a broken nose if he comes down to breakfast." Ginny finished explaining.
Harry nodded in understanding, and almost as if fate planned it, Ron Weasley entered the Great Hall at that moment. He tried to find a seat but it seemed that everywhere he went, the Gryffindors closed off any empty space for him to sit. At the end he had to sit at the furthest end of the Gryffinor table and was sulking alone.
"Ginny, don't you think this is a little too much. I mean he has a right to be angry, I know the feeling. I know that I've also been a prat last year, but that didn't mean that you and Hermione ignored me." Harry said feeling somewhat of sympathy for Ron, he may be an arse but he was Harry's friend for several years, and that had to merit for something.
"You can't mean that! Look Harry, you had a reason to be angry, albeit it was somewhat childish, but everyone was flaming you last year, and you've seen death months before that!" Harry tried to interrupt but Ginny's glare cut him off.
"Now listen here, even if Hermione and I didn't exactly like you being angry, we realized what you went through. It was expected, god knows you went through enough! But Ron's anger is out of jealousy and the fact that the person he's lusting over is paying more attention to you than him. So don't you dare say that your situation and Ron's are the same, understood?" Ginny finished with a glare to which Harry could only gulp and nod at.
Harry then finished his breakfast and was about to spend his 2 hours of free time reading but was stopped by Professor McGonagall. She seemed extremely agitated about something as she told him that Professor Dumbledore would like to see him in his office. She said that the password was "Canary Cream" and left to prepare for her class.
Harry looked confused for a moment but then starting heading for the Headmaster's Chamber. As he reached the gargoyle, he spoke the password and went up the imitation escalator. Harry knocked on the Headmaster's door and heard him telling Harry he may enter.
Harry walked in and sat in the seat that Dumbledore offered him. It seemed that Dumbledore was a bit troubled as if wondering how the best way to explain whatever was on his mind was.
"Harry I have heard of your rather magnificent duel against Professor Snape, and I truly hoped that you would have... held back from your full potential in the duel-," Dumbledore was interrupted.
"I did Headmaster, if I didn't /b" Harry spat the word as if it was a disease, "back he would find himself either in St. Muggo's or pushing up daisies. I could have done much more to Snape-," Harry was interrupted.
"Professor Snape, Harry." Dumbledore corrected.
"I'll say his respected title when he starts acting mature enough to hold it." Harry said spitefully. "Like I said, /b" Harry emphasized the work, "got less then what he deserved, and it wasn't like he didn't bring it upon himself. He always underestimated me, and I made sure that he would regret it. I know for a fact that Snape is a fantastic dueler and that it would be pretty unlikely for him to find a handful of professional duelers nowadays that could challenge him." Harry said reluctantly uttering phrase for his Potion Teacher. "However that doesn't mean he made an incredibly stupid mistake at underestimating me, which was the main reason I won," Harry added, "so easily."
"Harry... even if you got Professor Snape to never underestimate you ever again, you also made it so that Voldemort will get wind of this. He will see how much you are improving magically and he will question it. As he will question it, he will launch a full blown investigation, and that is the last thing we will need." Dumbledore explained.
Harry was irritated at being lectured like a child and countered, "But even if it makes Voldemort not underestimate me, my duel will convince more people of the power I possess. Even if I hate to admit it, I do understand that you and I are the figureheads for the 'light' and with showing my power it might make others have more confidence at our chance in this war. What I did may very well have dissuaded more people from deflecting to the 'dark' out of fear." Harry said.
Dumbledore smiled yet his expression showed tiredness. "You're gaining much wisdom Harry, but I still believed that it would have lied more in your favor, if you had the element of surprise."
Harry rolled his eyes, "Headmaster, if you truly didn't want me to show any of my progress to the school, you wouldn't have even set the M.D. or at least forbade me from joining. Let's face it Headmaster, you knew that this would happen sooner of later so stop chasting me for your own actions."
Dumbledore just smiled, although its warmth lessoned. "Well I must admit that your performance has gotten a lot of people to respect your power, and to see you as more then just a student. They are finally seeing you as a force that will change the world." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "As I have been explaining to the school's staff the moment you entered these halls, however it seemed that the staff was less then pleased at the beginning of your progress in class." Dumbledore smiled widely and his eyes twinkled a little.
Harry looked serious while asking, "So what does that mean, will they stop treating me as a child?"
Dumbledore laughed, "Harry, I don't think the staff will ever see you as anything other then /b child. While you may have not realized it, many of the staff has grown overly fond of you and they see you as one over- rebellious child under their care. I believe that Madam Pomprey has even got a bed for you right next to her office, and even though she won't admit it, she would love for you to visit her more, if it weren't under such strenuous circumstances."
Harry almost smirked but then frowned. "But why am I really here, I mean I know you are under a lot of stress and spending time just talking to a student and teasing them about their affinity for trouble isn't the best way to spend it. Besides if this is some stupid way to get my trust or something your wasting both of our times. Times that can be used more efficiently Headmaster"
Dumbledore frowned, "As I said earlier, after your performance, many of the staff has seen your progress and finally understands the level of power which you possess. And even if they don't know the prophecy, they can tell that you will be an important factor in the war that is currently raging.
So it seems that many of the professors want to take you... under their wings if you would say. It may not seem likely Harry, but the professors in these walls are one of the most powerful witches and wizards of their time.
Take professor Flitwick for example, he was a dueling champion that held his title for 17 years, until age finally got to him and he had to retire. Professor McGonagall was the leading researcher for new types of Transfiguration for the Ministry for 24 years until she decided to teach.
Professor Sprout was also the leading Herbologist in America, who didn't like the stress of the job and wanted to teach kids. Professor Snape, even if it is hard for you to believe, is one of the most accomplished Potions Master of his time. He has achieved getting his title in record time, beating his predecessors by a whole year, and has won recognition amongst the potion masters of the wizarding world.
Then there are the new assistant professors. Needless to say Professor Krum is powerful and very knowledgeable in the art of Transfiguration. He may not be up to speed with Professor McGonagall but that is the reason why he is her assistant and not known to the public but also her apprentice.
Professor Delacour, because of her rather unusual genetic makeup, is an incredibly powerful witch and has a very strong amplitude in Charms. It is a shame that she decided a Healers profession, while that is a highly respected job; I wished that she would take an apprenticeship under Professor Flitwick.
Now as I was saying before I wandered off, Professor Flitwick and Professor McGonagall under the persuasion of Professor Krum thought it best to... help you... in terms of magic. They believe that having a private study with them would be most beneficial for you." Dumbledore said.
Harry was confused, "Headmaster, while I truly appreciate the length at which they want to help me, why would I need to know anything from them when I have... umm that gift." Harry said vaguely not wanting to inform the portraits of his rather unusual gift.
"Yes that gift is handy, and I will not doubt his knowledge of magic. However it is safe to say that his specialty lies far off of Charms and Transfiguration. While he has extensive knowledge of both subjects, I can confidently say that Professor Flitwick and McGonagall have a much more profound understanding of their individual subject then even he can hope to achieve." Dumbledore said.
"But Professor McGonagall has an apprentice already, how will I study under without disturbing their normal routine, I don't want to tamper with Krum's training." Harry said worried.
"Harry, while Professor Krum is Professor McGonagall's apprentice, Professor Krum also agrees with me that it would be the best interest of everyone if your lessons came first." Dumbledore said. "And don't think that by reading books that you will be able to succeed in something much better then actually learning under someone that probably already read the books that you are reading and in addition having a multitude of experience under the subject. While books may be a great tool for knowledge, a first hand experience is better way of obtaining knowledge."
Harry sighed. "My schedule is already pretty filled, so I guess the only time I have for this will be on the weekend."
Dumbledore nodded.
Harry looked thoughtful then remembered his promise to stop replacing responsibilities for freedom. Harry also held some reservation about receiving help from Dumbledore, he hated how reliant he was to Dumbledore already and caving into Dumbledore's proposal would make him even more reliant on the old man's influence.
Harry inwardly sighed, even though Harry was incredibly mad at Dumbledore's ignorance last year, Harry couldn't just ignore the man. Harry hated to admit but Dumbledore was smart, wise, and had a lot of influence in the world.
He needed him, at least for now, when he was nothing but a student, a student who had no true influence in the wizarding but his fame. He hardly knew anyone truthfully other then those Dumbledore himself had him meet.
Harry didn't hate the man; he hated how blind he was at some moments but not the man. There were very few people Harry did hate, Voldemort for one, Wormtail for two, Bellatrix for three, and just about every death eater that he knew. Then there were the Dursleys but they were a whole another level of hate. He didn't them much as he did for those that literally destroyed his life, but it was still enough for him to not even blink an eye if their life came to an end in front of him.
So no, Harry didn't hate Dumbledore, if he ever found out that Dumbledore purposely wanted his parents to die to force the prophecy into effect or something, then he would hate him. But from the looks of things he did all he could to try and protect his parents and for now he was only mad at him.
Yet even though Harry might be mad at Dumbledore, he would just have to swallow his pride and accept things for what they are. At the moment, he was but an amateur and a pawn in the game of chess that was life, while Dumbledore controlled half the field.
At least for now, now until Harry got stronger and could bring in more influence. But he didn't have time to venture around the wizarding world at the moment, trying to secure allies. Now he had time for one mission, the mission to avenge his parents and his godfather.
And no matter how much Harry was mad at Dumbledore; it would always pale in comparison to how much he hated the hypocritical dark lord, Voldemort.
"Okay Professor, could you tell the Professors that I accept their help?"
Dumbledore looked happy and yet also sad at the same time at Harry's decision, happy that he was taking things seriously and sad that he had to so early on his life.
Dumbledore wasn't finished however, "There is another thing Harry, while you have had some physical fighting experience with Professor Lupin, he admits that he isn't very proficient at it. Therefore I pulled some strings to get you a trainer for physical fighting. With your permission you will meet will your instructor every Saturday at 7:00pm to 10:00pm. Do you agree?"
Harry sighed while agreeing.
"Oh and Harry you will meet with your Charms teacher at about 1:00pm to 4:00pm on Saturday and Professor Mcgonagall from about 4:00pm to 7:00pm. That is unless they think that you may leave earlier then intended. Now that I held you back already..." Dumbledore looked at his pocket watch, "...I believe that you have an hour to till Charms start. Do enjoy the year as best as possible. While life should not be a game, it shouldn't be just considered a job. Emotions and experience now will forever shape your future."
Harry seemed to have remembered something that he was curious about for a while.
"Professor Dumbledore? Remember how you said he well gave me information about his life?"
"Yes, I said that."
"You said that he didn't give me his soul however, so should anything he gave me affect my emotions? I mean to act differently?" Harry asked hesitantly.
Dumbledore looked serious, "What do you mean?"
Harry sighed, "Well, as of lately, I've been getting disturbing emotions. Emotions that want to see blood, to see death. I've been feeling that and revenge more and more everyday. I thought that you said he didn't transfer his soul to me, so I've been wondering if I'm just turning evil."
The headmaster sighed. "Harry, he didn't transfer his soul to you, no. However no soul is evil when born; you must understand that every child born to this world is pure and very precious. It is the harsh world that makes a child lose its innocence; it is the experiences that make a person what they are, not how they are born.
As you have his knowledge, you know what he went through, unconsciously at the moment. You must understand that emotions are also memories, every laugh, every smiles, every hate, is etched onto the brain like a branding iron. With the emotions are memories that are also associated with them. I am guessing that you felt these things at the Dursleys and Professor Snape?"
Harry nodded.
The Headmaster looked pained. "Well, I can't say that I expected this, but I can't say that I also truly ruled it out. Harry, the time when Tom Riddle was first sent to the orphanage to the time when he left their cares forever, he was abused, not just physically but also mentally. I believe that because of his past's similarity with yours at the Dursleys, his emotions, when he was also experiencing the same thing, are reaching out to you." Harry looked pained.
"Harry, I can not express to you how much I am sorry for leaving you in their care. I have only recently been told of your life with them, I thought that because you are their family-"
"They are not family! Family lies more then blood!" Harry shouted. He then took large deep, breathes and calmed himself. "You must have suspected something. Even the Weasleys and Professor McGonagall noticed it. I agree no physical marks were left because I wasn't beaten after I got my letters, but even Ron could tell that there something was wrong with me."
Dumbledore seemed to age tenfold, "Harry I-," Dumbledore seemed to stop.
"There is no need to apologize. I don't truly care if you are blind, stupid, or just cruel, but what is done is done. I just hope that you will rectify your mistake, and you damn well better make sure I don't go to the muggles again. Now if you are done." Harry said curtly and left the room without even waiting for Dumbledore to dismiss him.
Harry went back to his room and started reading books on animation spell. He wanted to learn more about it after Moody's cloning spell was introduced to him.
After Harry read the book, he couldn't get understand why he was only able to get 2 clones rather then Moody's 10, however Harry did find an interesting twist in animation spells that could give magical properties to the clones.
It took a 3 step process in the cloning instead of the usual 2 step. That also meant that the spell would be much more complex and that Harry more then likely wouldn't be able to use it in duel. Even the 2 step cloning spell took a rather long time for Harry, and the 3 step process would probably double the time taken to make the spell work.
Harry would not only have to conjure the clones, which was complicating within itself, and then animate it, which was a study only briefly covered even in 7th Year NEWT's. Then he also had to give the clones a bit of usable magic within them.
They weren't very smart but Harry could make them do simple stunners and reductor spells, and depending on how much magic the user gave to the clones, the clones would last a long time in a magical duel, stamina-wise.
Harry still saw the usefulness in the spell if he ever knew he was going to get ambushed and needed support to make the duel evened out. However magic couldn't be made out of thin air, so in placing magic within the clones, Harry had to sacrifice some usable magic within himself. In the end his magical supply would replenish but not quickly enough as Harry would be drastically weaker in a duel in magical terms.
Harry tried out the spells in his room, seeing as no one was in their. Harry created 2 clones like before, but he ordered them to shoot stunners at him. They both did so and Harry blocked the spells to see how much power was behind them.
Harry could easily block the magic, seeing as they had as much power behind them as a 3rd year. If Harry could make more clones then they would be able to distract the other person better at least if not being effective power wise. So that was the next thing Harry worked at after he dispelled the lifeless clones.
Sometime later Harry looked at his watch and saw that he had 10 minutes before Charms started. In that time Harry still didn't get how to create more clones, and Harry resigned his efforts in hopes that Moody would explain it to him later.
Harry put his book away and headed for Charms. Harry was surprised to find that the class was already half full when he entered, but as he looked again and found that they were all guys, Harry wasn't surprised. They also piled up the front half of the classroom and Harry had to snort had how hormonal the guys were.
Harry sat in the farthest corner of the classroom away from the front. 4 minutes later the class was full and Professor Flitwick and Professor Delacour started the class. They introduced themselves to the class, with the male half, except a few boys, lustfully looking at Fleur, and the other half, all of the girls, looking at disgust at the boys.
Flitwick seemed used to this reaction as he un-expectantly sent a charm at the class. Harry didn't mean to but out of instinct he drew his wand out in a hurry and created a magical shield. The spell hit everyone but Harry, which Flitwick noticed but didn't seem to mind.
The male half of the classroom seemed dazed and they shook their head. When they looked around the classroom they didn't seem to be staring at the veela in lust, as much as usual anyways. Harry and most of the class looked confused at what happened.
"That class, is a mind strengthening spell, it helps fortify the will of the mind albeit only for about a 30 minutes usually, but my spell lasts for an hour. So I will have to repeat this spell once more in this class. Now that I have your full attention let us begin class shall we?"
Flitwick began lecturing the class in his high pitched voice and Harry listened intentively to the man that would soon be his private instructor. Harry never noticed it before, but Flitwick was intimidating. Now Harry would laugh if Flitwick asked to wrestle with him, but if Harry were to duel with him, Harry would think twice before accepting.
The class ended with notes being taken down, and Harry once again was called back. Now Harry didn't really mind considering that he didn't have class next. Harry went up to the front and waited till Flitwick finished organizing the papers on the desk. Harry smiled and gave a wave at Fleur then looked expectantly at the tiny professor. He seemed confused about something and blurted out.
"Professor Flitwick I have been wondering about this most of the class and I can't help but ask you, I thought emotional spells couldn't be blocked, but how did you help you cast a spell on the class to make them pay attention?" Harry asked.
Flitwick's face brightened at having a questionable student asking about Charms.
"Mr. Potter, it lies in the physics of the magic. You do understand that Ms. Delacour's charm is only emotional magic?" Harry nodded. "Emotional magic in reality is just a form of mind altering magic
If you think about it, emotional magic makes a person behave unlike how they normally would be acting by overpowering the mind with a foreign magic, so it can rightfully be classified as Mind Magic. It is vastly similar to the Imperio Curse, however much more subtle.
While the Imperio Curse is the active commanding of the mind, emotional magics "wills" the mind to alter the chemicals of the brain for certain emotions making them out of control. It is amazing how different and yet still similar magic is." Flitwick had a faraway look in his eyes. He then realized what he was doing and went back to lecturing with a pink tint on his cheeks.
"So as you understand how emotional magic is just a type of mind magic, you can understand why emotional magic cannot be blocked, seeing as it is mainly a part of mind magic?" Harry nodded.
"Well I'm sure you can understand this part then Mr. Potter, the mind cannot be blocked from magic by magic however the mind can fight off the foreign magic through pure will. What I did was direct the will of the students and fortified their determination with a twist of a "confidence" emotional spell to throw off Ms. Delacour's magic." Flitwick finished explaining with a bright smile.
Harry was thoughtful, "Brilliant... so you used your own magic to not counter the actual magic of Fleur's but to give a 'push' in the right direction for the mind to fight it off itself."
Flitwick smiled and nodded eagerly.
Harry smiled brightly, "Wouldn't that mean that you can use the spell you just used to help people fight off the Imperio?"
Flitwick visibly sulked. "If it was only that simple Mr. Potter... It has already been tried, many times in fact. It does help the person somewhat I agree. However the problem lies with the power behind that spell and the will of the person.
While Ms. Delacour's emotional magic is incredibly effective, there lies a subtle difference between the Veela's charm and the Imperio Curse. The veela's charm triggers the emotional side of the brain and overflows the person's hormones while also reducing the interaction between the logical side of the brain and the emotional side.
Not by much but it is enough for the males who already have a limited connection between the two sides. I am guessing because the females have a stronger interaction between their left and right cerebrum that they aren't affect to the point of notice.
But for the boys, the charm cloud's their normal sense of logic and because of that their mind doesn't will itself to fight the spell. So my spell merely strengthens their logical part of their brain and not counteract with the spell which merely affects the emotional part of the brain and gets them to have their will back to normal, where they would fight the spell off on their own.
As you elaborated I only 'push' the person in the right direction of the battlefield, not fight for them. However, the Imperio is the total enslavement of the mind where the will of the caster subdues the will of the victim. The victim still has their will in full-"
Harry interrupted, "But I remember when I was under the imperio that I wasn't fully in control at first, I was feeling abnormally happy and free. That was why I first had a hard time fighting off the spell, because I was reluctant to free myself from the happy and free feeling. After I overlooked that it was easy to fight the spell."
Flitwick looked intrigued, "Really Mr. Potter? That isn't how the spell is normally, who put the spell on you?"
"Crouch Jr., in my 4th year he put everyone in my class under the spell." Harry clarified.
"Yes, yes... I know of him, taught him myself. He was brilliant in Charms, one of my best students actually. He was really ambitious and had to prove himself always though, I believe that was because of his father. Hmm... From what I heard from Headmaster Dumbledore, he was under the Imperio for many years had he not?" Flitwick asked.
"Yes, over a decade, I believe. He was under it almost constantly." Harry said.
Flitwick looked very tired. "As I said Mr. Crouch was a brilliant student in Charms, my theory is that he had been under the curse for so long, that he was able to find out every nick and cranny of the spell.
My guess is that having been the brilliant mind that he was, he even made an improvement to the Imperio Curse. It seems that not only did the spell from him have an iron fist over the other mind's will, but he also enforced it with an emotional clouding much like Ms. Delacours Veela Charm. Improving spells aren't unheard of, but I hardly thought anyone would improve that particular spell. Yes, I do believe that I must talk with Headmaster Dumbledore on this." Flitwick mumbled.
"Now Harry, I understand that you have accepted my proposal?" Flitwick piped up trying to deter the conversation.
Harry pulled out his wand and sent a silencing spell over the whole room to prevent any eavesdroppers. He should have done that earlier but Harry didn't expect to talk to Flitwick anything more then how the spell he used worked.
"Yes I did, but why would you even propose such an idea? I mean I'm sure you have a lot of paperwork to do and spending 3 hours correcting them could drastically help the workload."
Flitwick smiled at Harry's consideration. "That doesn't matter as much anymore Mr. Potter, not ever since I received an Assistant Professor. Professor Delacour helps with the workload cutting what I have to do in half, allowing me more free time. But Mr. Potter, are you sure about this?"
"Now more then ever since I heard your incredible knowledge of Charms. I wouldn't have ever grasped what you did today on my own." Harry said.
"Yes but the magic I will go into will be far more advanced then the ones you will ever hope to learn in school. I also will not take slacking off lightly, but I also understand that your schedule will be incredibly tight this year, and while I don't want to seem to be giving you favoritism, I will cut your workload down." Flitwick said sympathetically.
"No! That will arise suspicion, it's going to be bad enough that I will disappear for several hours every weekend but if you start showing me biased amounts of favoritism then people would only be able to somehow connect it to you also. That leaves me a question, how will I disappear every weekend with arising suspicion, how will I be able to disappear without having people trail me and try to find out what I'm up to?"
Flitwick smiled. "Well Mr. Potter with you affinity for trouble, it wouldn't be so suspicious if you... got into a bit of a fight with Professor Snape. He will in the end send you to detention every weekend ranging from 1 to 10."
"Wouldn't that rise suspicion I mean, I highly doubt people wouldn't bat their eyebrows for having a yearlong detention even if Snapes the one assigning it." Harry said dryly.
"Oh Mr. Potter, that could easily be solved with... the level of trouble you arise with Professor Snape. Now we have made a plan that will have to be carried out without suspicion. After all as you said, a yearlong detention would seem somewhat strange if you merely blow up a potion accidentally.
In potions Snape will insult... your family pride. I'm sorry to say but he will, but then you will seemingly snap and send a stunner at Snape who will deflect it and call for punishment. At first he will call for expulsion but then after Snape calls for Professor McGonagall and Headmaster Dumbledore, they will seemingly negotiate for you to have detention every weekend for such a dire breaking of the rule so close to expulsion policy.
Snape will demand that you have to report from morning to night, however Professor McGonagall and Headmaster Dumbledore will once again interfere. They will make you have to report to me on the weekends, under the reason that I told them that I needed help grading papers what with the extra students that came to Hogwarts, but only in the afternoons.
And you will report to Professor Hagrid in the evening for your detention in the Forbidden Forest. But then as the three fire-calls for me to explain about the detentions I will explain that I would only need you for one day and at most for a few hours. So Professor McGonagall shall interrupt and say that she will take over from 4pm to 7pm on Saturday, explaining that you are her student and that she will help in your punishment.
She will also explain to Headmaster Dumbledore the importance of your school work time, and that leaving no time just because of detention will severely hurt your studies. So she will suggest that you have Sunday off, at least one day to have to yourself.
So in the end it would seem convincing that even though your due punishment is expulsion that the Headmaster and your head of house shall pull some influence and luckily cushion your punishment. That is how I will have you from 1pm to 4pm, Professor McGonagall from 4pm to 7pm, and whatever extra curricular activity with Professor Hagrid from 7pm to 10pm." Flitwick finished explaining the elaborate plan.
Harry blinked in astonishment of how complex the plan was. "And you... all thought of this in an hour of my acceptance?" Harry was flabbergasted.
"Oh no Mr. Potter, we knew you would accept without a doubt, especially after you denied quidditch in preference for studies. I do hope that Ravenclaw now stands a chance at winning the cup now that Hogwart's most experienced seeker is out of the picture." Flitwick grinned to show that he didn't really mean it.
"So I have to do this tomorrow?" Harry asked.
"Yes, the moment you have class with Professor Snape, he will put the plan under way."
Harry thanked Flitwick and pulled out his wand to undo the silencing spell. He exited the room with a wave to the two professors. Harry went back up to his room hoping to read more about the cloning charm to hopefully make more then two clones.
After 30 minutes of countless re-evaluation of the subject, Harry threw the books away in disgust. Harry didn't understand why he couldn't get the damn spell to be more efficient, and tried to settle for practicing his more 'darker' spells. Those helped Harry relieve his stress rather well and that was what Harry needed now.
Harry dragged his trunk onto his bed and pulled the curtains around him. He sent every prevention charm, to keep the curtains from opening, he knew to the curtains and opened his first compartment. He took out a piece of parchment and then closed it. He opened it again, this time for the second compartment, and stepped into it.
Harry started reading many of the Dark Arts spells and then after practicing the wand movements, sent it at the wall. It wasn't really effective; Harry just needed to be able to shoot the spell, while relying on the fact that Voldemort probably already knew it so he should also.
He soon worked off his frustration and anger, and put the books away. Harry found it an amusing way to motivate himself to learn new spells, seeing as he never got bored learning the vicious spells when angry.
Harry then put the Dark Arts book away and grabbed the book on Parseltongue.
The book supposedly gave the history of Parseltongue. It wasn't as interesting as Harry thought it was going to be. It merely went into depth what Dumbledore already told him. However even the book couldn't go into details of how the tongue of snakes first came into being. The book was disgustingly plain and uselessly informative.
He put the book away and read the book about Auror and Deatheater spells that he also got at Borgin and Burkes. The Aurors were trained heavily in the past, having many veterans from Grindewald's reign, but it seemed that after the first rise of Voldemort, Fudge, being the idiot that he was, disbanded and fired most of the veteran Aurors.
Aurors that were efficient and vicious against the Death Eaters. Aurors that held much praise amongst the Ministry. Aurors that Fudge obviously saw as a threat against his position.
Only a few were left, most that proved themselves readily to Fudge, and they were usually the incompetent ones that couldn't tell a death eater from a lethafold. So the Auror's skills has gone into the dumps, but Harry vague recalled Kingsley saying something about Madam Bones bringing in the veterans once again to train the Aurors.
Harry wondered what was going on with Fudge anyways; it was that idiot that practically weakened Britain enough for such vulnerability. Madam Bones must be having a very stressful time re-organizing everything; luckily she has Dumbledore's, and many of the other Heads of the Ministry's, full support.
The Death Eaters were actually smarter then Harry gave them credit for. They were arrogant yes, but during the first rise they were incredibly efficient. Only the rookies were taken on the hit and run raids, but the veterans were incredibly skillful in a duel and very powerful in terms of magic.
But Harry was surprised at how the information vastly contrasted with how the Death Eaters at the Ministry. They were supposedly all from Voldemort's inner circle also.
Maybe the best of Voldemort's forces held out till the last, and the only ones left are either the ones that were thrown into Azkaban or they were only so high in Voldemort's rank because of their family's influence rather then their power, and as such they were able worm their way out.
That would explain Bellatrix, in the book she was a fearsome dueler, where many rookie Aurors supposedly shitted in their pants when they saw her. Harry guessed that 14 years in Azkaban must have severely weakened her mind and body. However, if she were to recuperate to full health from her time in Azkaban, she would definitely be a force to be reckoned with.
That also explained Lucius' horrible dueling skills and yet his high rank in Voldemort's forces. His family had connections in the Ministry, although now they were useless, and a rather substantial fortune that would be able to supply Voldemort's campaign with funds.
Both sides really lacked formations and attacking strategy however. Harry guessed that no strategy was really set because of the limbo that was magic, whilst muggles securely calculated everything with logic, what the best way to attack and defend was.
However Auror and Death Eaters seemed to understand power as only number superiority. Both sides were really dimwitted in that perspective.
Most of the fights led them to have a one on one fight with each other, rarely using their minds to try and overpower and outsmart their opponents. It was actually funny how sad they were in comparison to muggles interms of strategy. And the arrogant purebloods had the nerve to call muggles stupid.
Suffice to say Harry didn't like his muggle upbringing, but there was no way he would doubt the muggle's capability to use their minds to fully take advantage of any situation. They didn't have to rely on magic so their resourcefulness was unmatched by those of magical decent.
Just look at how many ways they found to kill people and look at how many weapons they have to do it. Harry didn't have to go to a muggle school to know about the nuclear warhead that killed 100's of thousands in one blast. The immediate and later deaths caused by radiation dropout.
No in some aspects wizards may be superior to muggles, but when it came to killing and warfare, wizards would take centuries to even match the muggles of this time. At least at the rate they were going.
Harry looked at his watch saw that he had a few minutes until H.A. started, so Harry put his book away.
Harry then went for the door and pulled out the blank parchment that he grabbed earlier. He whispered an oh so handy password that unlocked the Marauder's Map. Harry was satisfied to see that no one was in the Harry's dorm room; Harry snorted thinking that they probably ran to the H.A. meeting in hopes of getting a good seat for the 'lesson.'
Harry exited the compartment and placed his map in the first compartment after vanishing the map. Harry then walked slowly and without rush to the H.A. meeting. Harry walked into the Great Hall and was bemused and annoyed at how stacked the Great Hall. About 1/4th of the female population showed up with almost all of the male population from the looks of things.
Harry was disgusted at their lack of control over their hormones, but ignored it. Harry walked off to the side of the room and waited for the class to begin.
"Good afternoon class I am Madam Pomprey, Professor Firense," Madam Pomprey paused presumably to introduce the centaur, "and Professor Delacour," again she paused, but Harry couldn't tell what she was doing for either because of the sea of heads that blocked his vision.
Harry was dreading the decision to come to the meeting more and more. From the looks of things Harry would hear what he had to do but that was about it.
"Also I kindly introduce you to Professor Flitwick-," Madam Pomprey was cut off.
"Mens Mentis Fulcio Volo!"
Harry heard the spell that Flitwick used in Charms that morning and could see a sea of color descending on the crowd that was in front of Harry. Soon it even reached him, and Harry let it, knowing what it was.
Madam Pomprey's voice rose once again, "Thank you professor, although I wish you would tell me when you would do that. Now Professor Flitwick has kindly offered to help with this lesson after seeing the list of applicants. Now Professor Firense is only here today because it is the first day of class, however for the most part the professor will not be here, only the days that he wants to teach the centaur's proficiency at healing, but that is for later.
Now this class WILL have homework. I have just discussed it with Headmaster Dumbledore and he saw that it was a good idea. This class will also have tests. This will have a grade, although it won't hurt your overall year score, your grades WILL be sent home. Now if anyone quits this class AFTER today then they will receive a grade based on their grade upon exiting, PLUS a zero on the rest of the assignments of the year.
I will also have physical and written tests. On the physical tests you will have a partner to try the healing magic's that I will teach you. Successful tries will be awarded points, while non successful will be deducted. I will also inflict injuries onto you to see if you can fix it. So if you are here to goof around and think this will be an easy way to goggle at the opposite sex, get OUT! I promise you that if I ever find you goofing off and nor paying attention you will find yourself in detention, be forbidden to go to Hogsmeade for the rest of the year, AND not allowed to got to the ball."
The majority of the males and more then 3/4th of the females left the hall after the announcement. It seemed that the male population were able to think back to normal, and the words homework, test, and grade got them wising up. The females, Harry guessed, were also discouraged with the extra work added with the fact that they might have a chance to be forbidden to go to Hogsmeade and the ball.
Harry sighed in a silent thanks to whatever god was listening. Though, from Harry's, experience, if anyone was up there they sure sucked at their job. Harry walked up to the mostly empty room. Harry looked around and saw 10 males with about 50 to 70 girls.
Madam Pomprey seemed really relieved at the number of people and Fleur and Flitwick seemed amused at what just happened. Firense looked indifferent to it all. Firense caught Harry's eyes and gave a brief nod which Harry returned.
Flitwick waved his wand and immediate desk with chairs appeared. Pomprey told them to sit and started lecturing them on what they would learn this year. Flitwick waved his wand again and about 70 to 80 books flew the students. Each student got a book and Harry was no exception.
Madam Pomprey told them that the books were their study material for the rest of the year and that they better get reading on the book's material. He looked down at the book that rested on his desk and saw that it was a healer's book. He wasn't so surprised at what book it was, merely at the fact that the school provided it.
"This year we will learn many things that could very well save your life. Sometime later the individual year you all will be separated accordingly by your grades to learn spells more suitable for your age. However that will be in at least a month and for now we will cover spells that will easily be suited for 3rd years and above. This is to help you gradually get a hang of the spells, I wouldn't want to all of a sudden rush you into fixing a severed limb, and having you blow the rest of the arm off for your inexperience." Some student's chuckled but Harry didn't at seeing her serious expression.
"Now opened your books to page 5 where the books shall give you the first spell you will learn today. It will cure minor bruising. Now pay important detail in your swishes or else you may very well make the situation worse. Now this spell isn't shot out like the magic like you are used to, but the spell maintains itself around the edge of the wand. From there you need to apply the wand gently over the area of the burn or bruising. Also don't forget the incantation needs to have a heavy stress on the first syllable of "Exuro Condico."
Madam Pomprey demonstrated the spell for the class and her wand glowed blue on the tip. Madam Pomprey explained for the group to split into pairs and wait for further instructions. The group quickly did; eager to get started. Harry looked around to see if he could find a pair.
He immediately looked for Hermione, figuring that she would be there, but she was already paired with Ginny. It seemed that she believed that he would bail the class like the others did and didn't even bother looking for him.
Harry saw Neville but he was already paired with Luna. Most of the class were already paired up and Harry found only one other person to pair up with. She wasn't familiar so Harry guessed that she was one of the exchange students.
He walked up to her and asked if he could be her partner.
The girl looked around nervously and then looked resigned, "Well I guess I don't have much choice."
Harry smirked, "Glad to know you're so eager to pair up with me, don't worry I'm pretty sure I won't make you grow three heads trying to help you." Harry tried to reassure.
The girl still didn't look too relieved.
"Look don't worry, I promise that if I ever make you crap out of your pants or make you get thousands of pimples, I personally will take the blame and you can hex me to oblivion." Harry tried to reassure her once again.
"It's not that..." The girl said.
"Then what?" Harry asked.
The girl shook her head, "You wouldn't understand don't worry."
Harry shrugged and then waited for Madam Pomprey to tell them what to do.
"Now class you will come up in pairs, and don't rush, to Professor Delacours, Professor Flitwick, or I. You may NOT do the spell unless within our immediate supervision, anyone caught doing so will get kicked out of the classroom so hard and fast that you'd wish you'd stick around to learn the spell to cure the bruise that would most definitely appear on your butt. Now you may come up here."
The groups of two hesitantly walked up to the teachers. Harry saw that even with 3 teachers, this would take a long time to get done, so Harry started talking to the new girl again.
"I'm Harry by the way, what's your name?"
"Uh- It's Dora, Dora Novo McBlack." The girls said brightly.
Harry looked at her strangely, "Well it's nice to meet you Dora, so why did you come to Hogwarts?"
"Umm... my parents thought that Hogwarts was the best place to go now that You-Know-Who's back. I went to a private school for magic, you probably wouldn't have even heard of it. But now my mum and dad made me transfer." Dora said.
"That must suck." Harry said eying her weirdly.
Dora agreed with him wholeheartedly. Harry focuses at the line's length and found that they still weren't even halfway there from the start.
"So what do your parents do?" Harry asked.
"Well my mum used to work for the Ministry, but now she's a happy house wife." Dora added grinning. "And my good old dad is muggle, he's a lawyer. Know what they are?" Dora asked.
Harry nodded and looked up to see how long they had until it was their turn.
"Well anyways, my dad and mum been married for a while before they had me, heard dad was as shocked as a guy who won a lottery when my mum told him that she was a witch. It's still a good joke around the house when she thought that he got a concussion from hitting his head on the floor so hard passing out." Dora laughed.
Harry smiled at her and noticed that it was finally there turn. Fleur was open so Harry and Dora went to her. Fleur smiled to Harry and nodded to Dora.
"Well you hopefully had read the section that Madam Pomprey instructed as you should have. Don't forget to flick the wand from top to bottom and then add a 45 degree counter clockwise turn to the wand like this," Fleur gave an example, "before saying the incantation. You should hopefully get a blue light, the darker the better and if you do we'll see how effectively your spells work."
Dora said the incantation and her wand tip glowed a dark blue. Fleur smiled at Dora and then pointed her wand at Harry. She told him to give her his hand and Harry did so questionably. Fleur muttered some words and Harry's arm had a disgusting looking bruise. It was purple and blue with shades of dark red at the edges.
Fleur told Dora to try and fix him up and Dora pressed her wand into Harry's arm. Harry hissed at the movement and Fleur told Dora that she didn't have to press the wand into him, just to make sure that the glowing part of her wand was in the immediate vicinity of the bruise. After a few seconds the coloring went down to a dark red. Fleur nodded and Harry drew back his arm.
She told him to do the spell and Harry's wand lit a shade of blue somewhat lighter then Dora's. Fleur did the same thing to Doras and Harry made sure to not stab her arm like she did his with her wand. The arm had a coloring that was still faintly bluish. Fleur nodded once again and fixed Dora's arm to normal herself.
"Good job Harry, Dora." Fleur congratulated them.
Harry smiled at Fleur and walked away. Dora seemed to hesitate but then followed him also. They both stood off to the side and waited for the rest to finish.
"So, how are you so good with healing spells?" Harry asked.
Dora seemed hesitant but replied, "Oh, practice makes perfect." Dora added with a smile.
Harry smiled somewhat forcibly to the girl. The rest of the class went without a hitch with the teachers explaining the theory behind healing magics, and the many types of healing magic.
Harry was interested to learn of the variety of healing magic. They ranged from spells, herbs, potions, and blessings. He also learned that certain healing magics were more effective for certain wounds. Like spells and herbs for more of the damage that happened outside the body. Yet potions were more potent for damages within the body, such as organs, bones, and brain damage.
Blessings were more for lasting brain trauma, although most blessings were out of date and were cast aside with potions and spells that were more proficient and easy to learn then blessings.
Pomprey told the class that the majority of the time the class would learn spells, with Professor Snape stepping in occasionally to teach the potions. Firense was to cover the herb portion of the healing magic.
The lesson was soon over and Harry walked out of the room slowly. He kept a steady distance from Dora but made sure to never leave his eyes off her. Harry didn't trust her; he couldn't trust her, not when he felt the burning of his ring when she told her his name and reason for coming to Hogwarts.
Harry didn't know if she was some sort of Death Eater spy or not, but he would just have to keep an eye out on her. The last thing he would need is to blow her cover in front of the school to find out that she was in hiding from Voldemort or something.
Saetan: I severely doubt that I will make Ron a deatheater. I mean I only related Ron to a death eater earlier to make it so Harry reminds Ron of how he is acting, and how stupid he is being.
TuxedoMac: I'm sorry if my story reminds you of another. However I have been reading a lot of Harry Potter stories, so I may have unintentionally stolen an idea from some story that I have read before. Or maybe it is because of the fact that there are so many stories out there that even if I didn't read it I may write one similar to it. I seriously don't mean to. Also the part about Harry's anger, I seriously don't know how to write his anger well, the most I can explain it is stress and isolation. Those two combined with crappy muggles that hate your gut and reminds you of it constantly would not make Harry a happy person. But I'm trying my best to portray how I believe a normal kid will react, even if he is mad at first I'm trying to make him mellow out later, but not suddenly, as if he has a split personality disorder. But I ain't a pro at how a person will deal with trauma and lose so I'm sorry if I'm over exaggerating his anger.
Beth: Thanks, lol, but I see your point. Yeah maybe if he was to somehow prove her loyalty to keep his secret first, but I guess I didn't write that in and too late now. I could go back and change that, but not at the moment. I wanted Harry to trust Tonks only because she and Sirius knew each other before. At least that's what I thought, I believe that Sirius said something about Tonk's family being to only one that he liked, but then again I might have just gotten that from another fanfiction rather then the actual book. That's the problem with reading so much fanfiction. Lol, oh well, sorry but I'm not exactly pro at writing. Hehe. Sorry about that.
Topsta: Sorry if I made you mad about Harry's views on Dumbledore. I mean he is mad at Dumbledore, but it isn't as if he will go rampaging around the school trying to kick Dumbledore out of the school for his stupidity. I admit he has stupid moments, but so do everyone else in the book. I am not going to have Harry be on an "I'm going to kill you Dumbledore!" type of reaction everytime they meet, but its going to be tense for both of them.
Oklina: Thanks for the correction, I'll make sure to write Zabini and Bulgaria from now on. Could you explain to me how my elemental magic isn't so impressive though? I mean is it the theory behind it, or just the spells that I tried to come up with. Lol, I know the spells suck though.
Sinayah: Thanks for the constructive criticism, lol I wish I could write better. Seriously I do, that would really help my English grade.
Fred: I will take your ideas into consideration, because they are good ideas. However the trunk/ring transfiguration I most probably am not going to write. Harry's current trunk has a built in charm that would transfigure itself into either a trunk or ring, and while it may not seem so, his trunk is incredibly complex magic. Not only does it have a space distortion spell on it, for the increase in size and number of compartments. It has a built in lasting charm for transfiguring, damage and keying to Harry's magical aura. Harry would probably know how to easily transfigure the trunk into a ring and vice versa, but he doesn't know how to set up a lasting charm to automatically change his trunk by touch and a word. Also the inconvenience of him having to pull out his wand and transfiguring the ring into a trunk and vice versa every class isn't so bright. I might also make the chamber of secret a prison place, but not now. Currently the only people that can open the place are Harry and Voldemort. While Voldemort walking into Hogwarts, going all the way to the abandoned bathroom, and taking his prisoners out all of which without being seem doesn't seem very likely, Harry would also be the only other person to be able to open the chamber. And while Dumbledore may be helping Harry train, it would be very unlikely that Dumbledore will ask Harry to open the chamber every single time they round up prisoners. The other problem is the fact that if somehow Voldemort get inside the chambers he would automatically have every prisoner as soldiers again and right inside Hogwarts. What a convenience for Voldemort to not only be in Hogwarts ready to attack, but to also have troops with him. But the probability of Voldemort seriously walking in Hogwarts without a full scale war before he even reaches the stairway is very slim. So, probably not now, but if my story comes to the point where Dumbledore is that desperate, sure that's a great idea, however not in the condition my story is in now. Thanks for the help though.