Invenio Veritas
By Penpunk
Thanks for the great comment Death. It's reviews like that that want to make me keep going. I hope you like the newest chapter.
Jess the Great: I'm not sure. I don't know if there is any room for a ship in here. I could consider it. Thanks for the review.
Chapter 3: Harry's Doom
"Harry!"
"Wha. . ." said a very sleepy Harry.
"Harry, breakfast is going to start. Come on, let's go!" Ron was already dressed and shaking Harry out of his slumber. Having only fallen asleep an hour or two earlier, Harry did not feel like waking up. He was still aching from his nightmare, somehow feeling some mild effects of the Cructius Curse.
"I'm coming, Ron," mumbled Harry as he sat up. He reached over to his bedside table to get his glasses but drew his hand back when he realized he had thrown them across the dorm the previous night. Ron also saw Harry reach for them. He walked to the other side of the dorm and reached under Seamus' bed. He pulled out a broken pair of glasses and handed them back to Harry.
"You did a number on them," said Ron, walking over to his own bed and sat down to face Harry.
"Yeah, well, I don't think I need them anymore. I can see just fine," said Harry, setting his now broken glasses down on his side table.
"I never heard of that before," said Ron, looking at Harry quizzically.
"Never heard of what?"
"I never heard of someone almost as blind as a bat suddenly being able to see perfectly," said Ron. "When did your vision start changing?"
"Um. . .hmm. . . . It was after my birthday, I think," said Harry, tapping a finger on his jaw line in thought. "Yeah, it was. Maybe it has to do with my birthday. Maybe some people's vision improves as they grow up."
"Does maturing effect how fast your hair grows?" said Ron as he examined Harry closely.
"Why?" asked Harry, growing uncomfortable under Ron's close stare.
"Your hair was above you chin last night," said Ron, his eyes swirling with confusion. "Now it's below your chin!"
"What?" exclaimed Harry, reaching up and grabbing a lock of black hair. Ron was right. Harry's hair was at least three inches longer. "I'm going to talk to Dumbledore tonight. He's got to know what's going on." Harry stood up to get ready.
"I'll meet you in the common room," said Ron, also standing up.
"All right, I'll be right down," said Harry as he opened his trunk. He would definitely talk to Dumbledore today. Harry desperately needed a good nights sleep.
As he sat down at the house table, Professor Lupin approached Harry. Lupin hadn't changed much since the last time Harry had seen him two years ago. His sparkling blue eyes and lively, kind smile met Harry's surprised gaze.
"Hello, Harry," said Lupin, casting a smile at Hermione and Ron who were sitting next to Harry.
"Hello Professor," said Harry, his facing breaking into a smile.
"I was hoping we could have some tea later on. Is today good for you?" asked Lupin.
"Um, sure, that would be great," said Harry.
"Okay, how about you let me know in class," said Lupin smiling. "I believe I have Gryffindor fifth years after lunch."
"Alright, that's fine," said Harry.
Lupin nodded at Ron and Hermione before making his way to the head table.
"Hey, new schedules," said Hermione as the timetables were passed out.
"Bloody hell!" yelled Ron, looking at his classes. "Double potions with the Slytherins first thing on a Monday morning!"
"Ron, calm down," said Hermione who noticed Ron was getting some rather odd looks from the other house tables.
"Well, at least we have Lupin in the afternoon," said Harry, examining his timetable. "Oh, no. . . we have Slytherins in Potions, Care of Magical Creatures and Transfiguration!"
"Are they trying to cause problems?" said Ron, motioning toward the oblivious teachers.
"You know," began Hermione. "Its almost seems as if they're encouraging all this house rivalry."
"I only wish that McGonagall would favor her own house like Snape does," said Ron, still scowling at his schedule.
Breakfast passed by quickly to the dismay of the Gryffindors. Not wanting to be late for Potions, Ron, Harry, and Hermione left before most of the other students. The dank dungeon loomed ahead of them when Harry suddenly felt a strange sensation in his stomach. Realizing what the feeling was, Harry inwardly stared at himself in disbelief. The feeling in his stomach was anticipation. He was actually looking forward to his Potions lesson. Harry had never really hated Potions except for the obvious reasons. He would actually be getting good grades in the class if Snape hadn't loathed every cell of his being. In muggle school, Harry was very good at science. 'Potions is just a wizard version of chemistry,' Harry thought to himself. He smiled and was noticed by Ron.
"Harry, you do know we have Potions next, right?" Ron asked, looking at Harry.
"Yeah, I believe that is why we're walking to the dungeons," said Harry, looking back at Ron a little confused.
"Well, you were smiling. . ." said Ron, giving Harry a slight uneasy smile. "Just making sure you knew. Most people don't smile as they walk through the gates of Hell."
I suppose you're right," said Harry, still smiling as they walked into the Potion's classroom. "I'm just putting my best face forward as I meet my doom."
At that moment, Harry's "doom" walked thought the door. Trademark robes billowing in his wake, Severus Snape walked to the front of the room. As the rest of the class filed in, Harry looked around to notice the looks of nervousness on their faces. Except the Slytherins. As usual, they all had looks of smugness on their faces. They knew that whatever they did, right or wrong, their biased head of house would reward them for it. Even at this fact, Harry could not seem to squelch the consuming anticipation he had for the start of class. 'I really need to see Madam Pomfrey,' thought Harry.
"If you all would kindly TAKE YOUR SEATS!" Snape shouted in his most cold and sharp tone. "Now, I trust that you all know my standards and expectations by now. How some of you have managed to get through the last fours years, I will never know." (At this, Snape fixed his menacing glare in Neville's general direction) "Nonetheless, I still have to teach you miserable wretches. Today, we will start a potion known as the 'Artic Flame.' Its effects are similar to that of a flame freezing charm but lasts longer than the spell. The drinker becomes immune to the heat and, instead of burning to death, experiences a tickling sensation." Harry looked down suddenly to hide his laughter. To see Snape's mouth form around the word 'tickle' was a funny sight.
"Now," said Snape, after writing the ingredients on the board, "if done correctly, the potion should be completely clear in color. Any other color will indicate poison, and, unless any of you are intent from burning from the inside out, I suggest you do it correctly. You will have to test your potion at the end of the class. Now get to work!"
Severus smirked to himself. Nothing like making his students sweat on the first day. 'Maybe I should have mentioned that the potion will not work at all, not unless any of the dimwits actually studied their books over the summer. 'Nah, let them think I'm going to poison them!' Snape walked over to his desk to watch the struggling fifth years in amusement.
Harry read though the ingredients for the potion a forth time. Something wasn't adding up. Over the summer, out of complete boredom, Harry had read through his new advanced potions book completely, though, truth be told he found it incredibly interesting, especially the chapter on healing potions. In reading, he learned a lot on how certain ingredients reacted with each other. In their newest assignment, Harry noticed that the monkshood was to be added directly after the armadillo bile. Harry knew that these two ingredients were commonly used in poisons because of the way they reacted to each other. Getting out his book, he found the solution to his problem. After looking through his potions ingredients, he found what he was looking for: dittany. Dittany, among other things, could be used to neutralize the reaction between monkshood and armadillo bile. Dittany is also used in many healing potions so it was obviously safe to drink.
Harry then looked up at Snape. He was sitting at his desk, looking around at his students. 'Why didn't he include dittany on the ingredients list?' thought Harry. 'Surely he knew that all our potions would be poison without. . . .' Suddenly the answer dawned on Harry. Snape did it on purpose. 'He's testing us.'
Harry added all his ingredients, making sure to add the dittany after the armadillo bile. He then let it sit to simmer. Harry looked around to the other students and noticed the distressed looks on their faces. Harry then realized that each of their cauldrons contained a sickly yellow potion. A poisoned potion. Even Hermione's was wrong. Harry turned to his own potion and smiled. It was clear. He'd gotten it right.
"Harry! How'd you get yours right?" asked Hermione as she looked from her cauldron to Harry's. "From the looks of it, you're the only one who did it."
To Harry's surprise, she was right. Everyone's cauldron contained a colored and poisoned potion but his. He was about to explain to Hermione but stopped when Snape rose and walked to the front of the class.
"Now that you're all finished, I can see that no one was able to brew a simple 'Artic Flame' potion. You all would have known what you did wrong if you had even bothered to look in your books, but obviously, schoolwork doesn't seem to rank in your busy lives. Now, you all failed miserably because. . . ." but Snape didn't finish. He was now occupied with glaring at Harry. "Potter, may I ask what is more important than my explanation of a potion you were not talented enough to do properly?"
Harry looked up suddenly from his potions book. Snape was glaring at him with his menacing black eyes.
"Professor, my potion is clear. I did do it properly," said Harry, sending his own glare at Snape.
"Of course you didn't do it properly," Snape spat back. "You didn't know to. . ." but he was cut off.
"To add dittany between the bile and monkshood. Yes I knew that. If I may, Professor, when did it become more important to poison your students over teaching them the correct procedures?" Snape was fuming, and Harry realized he had gone to far but didn't care. He did his potion right and now he could rub it in Snape's sallow face.
"20 points from Gryffindor, Mr. Potter, and you can plan on meeting me here for detention at 8:00 P.M." Snape walked over to Harry's desk and leaned in close to his face. "Never tell me how to do my job. Keep your arrogance to yourself." His whispered tone just as menacing as his shouted one. Before returning to the front of the classroom, Snape briefly glanced at Harry's cauldron. 'When did Potter ever excel at Potions?'
He returned to his original position and began explaining the potion and its ingredients. The students were hastily taking notes, except for one. Harry just glared at the back of Snape's greasy head as he scribbled notes on the chalkboard.
"That's rotten luck, Harry," said Ron as they exited the Potions classroom. "You show Snape up and he gives you detention.
"Yeah, well, what else would you expect from that greasy git anyway?" said Harry, sliding his potions book back in his bag.
"Harry, he's just angry that someone got the potion right," said Hermione. "Honestly, giving us instructions that are wrong. How did you know what to do, Harry?"
"I read my potions book over the holiday," said Harry as they entered the entrance hall. "I was really interesting. What's weird, though, is that I was actually looking forward to Potions today. As much as I hate Snape. . . . I wonder what my grade would be if he didn't hate me so much?"
"Harry, I've read all your essays and they all are excellent. As long as you know you're doing your best, don't worry that that git gives you," said Hermione, giving Harry a reassuring smile.
Double Herbology with the Hufflepuffs went fairly well. When making their way back up to the castle, Ron, Harry, and Hermione noticed Hagrid's hut was dark and there was no smoke drifting from the chimney. 'In fact,' thought Harry, 'I haven't seen Hagrid at all.' The three continued walking up to the castle.
After lunch, the Gryffindors had Defense Against the Dark Arts. As he made his way to class, Harry suddenly remembered the conversation he had with Professor Lupin. 'Argh. . . I forgot I said I would talk to him today,' thought Harry, kicking himself mentally. As they filed into the classroom, Harry, Ron and Hermione took three seats in the front of the classroom.
Professor Lupin walked into his classroom and was met by faces full of anticipation. Lupin was by far the best DADA teacher Hogwarts had ever had. Even though he was a werewolf, most student's trusted him.
"Hello class," said Lupin, smiling at his students. "I trust you have all had an exciting first day back? Right then, this term will be spent learning how to defend yourself against dark magic. So far, you've learned about dark creatures and curses. Now you need to equip yourselves against them. We will first learn how to survive an attack wandless. Now, a wand isn't necessarily needed to defend yourself if you know what to do, but always having a wand is a good idea. Most wizards and witches need a wand to perform spells." At this, Hermione raised her hand.
"Yes Ms. Granger?" said Lupin, noticing Hermione's hand.
"Professor, what do you mean by most need a want?" she asked.
"Well, some witches and wizards have the ability to perform spells and charms without the aid of a wand. It's a rare gift but anyone who possess it has the advantage in an attack situation," Lupin got out a book as he finished answering Hermione's question. "The most effective way to survive an attack wandless is not to lose your wand in the first place. Your greatest chance of survival is with a wand. If you are disarmed in an attack, the first thing you want to do is find cover: a tree, a rock, a garden wall, anything that puts space between you and your attacker. Finding cover will also give you time to create a body shield. This charm can be performed without the aid of a wand. It can protect you from most minor curses and if done really well, can protect you from some stronger curses for a limited time. It's something that takes a lot of concentration and time. This is why putting something between you and your attacker is important. Taking cover will give you time to construct a body shield. Today, you will practice creating a body shield. I suggest you practice in your free time as well. On Thursday, I will be throwing hexes at you, testing your shield. Turn to page 76 in your books and begin."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione all got started with practicing the shield. The shield, if done correctly, would give the user a tingling sensation over their body. Harry didn't take long in actually creating a shield. He was just having trouble holding onto it. After a bit more practice and a lot more concentration, he was able to hold his shield as long as he wanted. A few minutes before the class ended, Harry went to talk to Lupin.
"So Harry, what time should I expect you this evening?" said Lupin as he noticed Harry walking up to his desk.
"Um, I don't think I'll be able to make it tonight, Professor," said Harry. "I'm sorry."
"Oh, well, that's okay. Do you have a lot of homework or something?" asked Lupin.
"No, actually I don't have any yet. I did get detention, though," said Harry as he broke eye contact with Lupin.
"Detention? Harry, it's only the first day back!" said Lupin with a slight smile. "Who did you get it from?"
"Snape," said Harry flatly.
"Ah. . .I see," said Lupin, smiling wider. "Well, how about we talk tomorrow before dinner?"
"Yes, that'll be fine," said Harry, "unless I somehow get myself expelled. Professor Snape would love that."
When History of Magic, his last class, was over, Harry made his way to Gryffindor tower. Dropping his stuff off in the dorm, Harry decided he would try to talk to Dumbledore before dinner. As he left the tower and made his way down to Dumbledore's office, Harry began thinking of what he'd say to the headmaster. He didn't want to sound weak in what he had to tell him but his thoughts were interrupted when he walked into something solid and bristly. Looking up from the floor, Harry realized he had walked right into the headmaster himself.
"Sorry Professor, I wasn't watching were I was going," said Harry.
"It's quite alright, Harry," said Dumbledore, his blue eyes twinkling. "Is there something I can do for you?"
"Um. . .yes. Can I talk to you for a few minutes?" asked Harry.
"Certainly, we'll talk in my office."
Harry followed Dumbledore to his office. Sitting down in front of the headmaster's desk, Harry waited as Dumbledore took a seat behind it.
"What do you need to talk to me about, Harry?" asked Dumbledore.
Harry told the headmaster about his nightmares and the effects they had on him. He also told him about his sudden change in eyesight and stature.
Dumbledore pondered this for a moment and then spoke.
"What about your scar. Does it still hurt?"
"Yes. It sometimes bleeds, too."
Dumbledore thought silently again.
"Well, I have no doubt this has to do with Voldemort. It seems that you have some kind of connection with him. Through your dreams as well as your scar. The connection isn't strong enough to allow you to remember the dreams but, unfortunately, in time, you will remember them." Dumbledore leaned back in his chair.
"Is there anything I can do about it?" asked Harry, his eyes filled with worry.
"I will look into that for you. Don't worry Harry, I will do all I can," Dumbledore sat forward in his chair and gave Harry a warm smile. "About you appearance and eye sight. I really don't have an answer for that. I'll talk to Poppy about it, but I must say, Harry, without your glasses, you look a lot like your mother. Now, I believe dinner is about to start. If you have any other problems, Harry, feel free to come and talk to me. Just make sure you pay attention to where you're going. My password is 'Swedish Fish.' Just knock first," Dumbledore winked at Harry before walking him to the door.
"Thank you Professor," said Harry as he left.
"No problem Harry," said Dumbledore.
Closing his office door, Dumbledore summoned a house elf.
"Will you please ask Severus to come to my office, please?"
There is Chapter 3. I hope you like. Please read and review. Thanks to everyone who already did. I will try to update as much as I can but ff.net is having problems with aol users and this is the first time I have gotten on in about a week. I hope everyone has a happy new year!
penpunk
By Penpunk
Thanks for the great comment Death. It's reviews like that that want to make me keep going. I hope you like the newest chapter.
Jess the Great: I'm not sure. I don't know if there is any room for a ship in here. I could consider it. Thanks for the review.
Chapter 3: Harry's Doom
"Harry!"
"Wha. . ." said a very sleepy Harry.
"Harry, breakfast is going to start. Come on, let's go!" Ron was already dressed and shaking Harry out of his slumber. Having only fallen asleep an hour or two earlier, Harry did not feel like waking up. He was still aching from his nightmare, somehow feeling some mild effects of the Cructius Curse.
"I'm coming, Ron," mumbled Harry as he sat up. He reached over to his bedside table to get his glasses but drew his hand back when he realized he had thrown them across the dorm the previous night. Ron also saw Harry reach for them. He walked to the other side of the dorm and reached under Seamus' bed. He pulled out a broken pair of glasses and handed them back to Harry.
"You did a number on them," said Ron, walking over to his own bed and sat down to face Harry.
"Yeah, well, I don't think I need them anymore. I can see just fine," said Harry, setting his now broken glasses down on his side table.
"I never heard of that before," said Ron, looking at Harry quizzically.
"Never heard of what?"
"I never heard of someone almost as blind as a bat suddenly being able to see perfectly," said Ron. "When did your vision start changing?"
"Um. . .hmm. . . . It was after my birthday, I think," said Harry, tapping a finger on his jaw line in thought. "Yeah, it was. Maybe it has to do with my birthday. Maybe some people's vision improves as they grow up."
"Does maturing effect how fast your hair grows?" said Ron as he examined Harry closely.
"Why?" asked Harry, growing uncomfortable under Ron's close stare.
"Your hair was above you chin last night," said Ron, his eyes swirling with confusion. "Now it's below your chin!"
"What?" exclaimed Harry, reaching up and grabbing a lock of black hair. Ron was right. Harry's hair was at least three inches longer. "I'm going to talk to Dumbledore tonight. He's got to know what's going on." Harry stood up to get ready.
"I'll meet you in the common room," said Ron, also standing up.
"All right, I'll be right down," said Harry as he opened his trunk. He would definitely talk to Dumbledore today. Harry desperately needed a good nights sleep.
As he sat down at the house table, Professor Lupin approached Harry. Lupin hadn't changed much since the last time Harry had seen him two years ago. His sparkling blue eyes and lively, kind smile met Harry's surprised gaze.
"Hello, Harry," said Lupin, casting a smile at Hermione and Ron who were sitting next to Harry.
"Hello Professor," said Harry, his facing breaking into a smile.
"I was hoping we could have some tea later on. Is today good for you?" asked Lupin.
"Um, sure, that would be great," said Harry.
"Okay, how about you let me know in class," said Lupin smiling. "I believe I have Gryffindor fifth years after lunch."
"Alright, that's fine," said Harry.
Lupin nodded at Ron and Hermione before making his way to the head table.
"Hey, new schedules," said Hermione as the timetables were passed out.
"Bloody hell!" yelled Ron, looking at his classes. "Double potions with the Slytherins first thing on a Monday morning!"
"Ron, calm down," said Hermione who noticed Ron was getting some rather odd looks from the other house tables.
"Well, at least we have Lupin in the afternoon," said Harry, examining his timetable. "Oh, no. . . we have Slytherins in Potions, Care of Magical Creatures and Transfiguration!"
"Are they trying to cause problems?" said Ron, motioning toward the oblivious teachers.
"You know," began Hermione. "Its almost seems as if they're encouraging all this house rivalry."
"I only wish that McGonagall would favor her own house like Snape does," said Ron, still scowling at his schedule.
Breakfast passed by quickly to the dismay of the Gryffindors. Not wanting to be late for Potions, Ron, Harry, and Hermione left before most of the other students. The dank dungeon loomed ahead of them when Harry suddenly felt a strange sensation in his stomach. Realizing what the feeling was, Harry inwardly stared at himself in disbelief. The feeling in his stomach was anticipation. He was actually looking forward to his Potions lesson. Harry had never really hated Potions except for the obvious reasons. He would actually be getting good grades in the class if Snape hadn't loathed every cell of his being. In muggle school, Harry was very good at science. 'Potions is just a wizard version of chemistry,' Harry thought to himself. He smiled and was noticed by Ron.
"Harry, you do know we have Potions next, right?" Ron asked, looking at Harry.
"Yeah, I believe that is why we're walking to the dungeons," said Harry, looking back at Ron a little confused.
"Well, you were smiling. . ." said Ron, giving Harry a slight uneasy smile. "Just making sure you knew. Most people don't smile as they walk through the gates of Hell."
I suppose you're right," said Harry, still smiling as they walked into the Potion's classroom. "I'm just putting my best face forward as I meet my doom."
At that moment, Harry's "doom" walked thought the door. Trademark robes billowing in his wake, Severus Snape walked to the front of the room. As the rest of the class filed in, Harry looked around to notice the looks of nervousness on their faces. Except the Slytherins. As usual, they all had looks of smugness on their faces. They knew that whatever they did, right or wrong, their biased head of house would reward them for it. Even at this fact, Harry could not seem to squelch the consuming anticipation he had for the start of class. 'I really need to see Madam Pomfrey,' thought Harry.
"If you all would kindly TAKE YOUR SEATS!" Snape shouted in his most cold and sharp tone. "Now, I trust that you all know my standards and expectations by now. How some of you have managed to get through the last fours years, I will never know." (At this, Snape fixed his menacing glare in Neville's general direction) "Nonetheless, I still have to teach you miserable wretches. Today, we will start a potion known as the 'Artic Flame.' Its effects are similar to that of a flame freezing charm but lasts longer than the spell. The drinker becomes immune to the heat and, instead of burning to death, experiences a tickling sensation." Harry looked down suddenly to hide his laughter. To see Snape's mouth form around the word 'tickle' was a funny sight.
"Now," said Snape, after writing the ingredients on the board, "if done correctly, the potion should be completely clear in color. Any other color will indicate poison, and, unless any of you are intent from burning from the inside out, I suggest you do it correctly. You will have to test your potion at the end of the class. Now get to work!"
Severus smirked to himself. Nothing like making his students sweat on the first day. 'Maybe I should have mentioned that the potion will not work at all, not unless any of the dimwits actually studied their books over the summer. 'Nah, let them think I'm going to poison them!' Snape walked over to his desk to watch the struggling fifth years in amusement.
Harry read though the ingredients for the potion a forth time. Something wasn't adding up. Over the summer, out of complete boredom, Harry had read through his new advanced potions book completely, though, truth be told he found it incredibly interesting, especially the chapter on healing potions. In reading, he learned a lot on how certain ingredients reacted with each other. In their newest assignment, Harry noticed that the monkshood was to be added directly after the armadillo bile. Harry knew that these two ingredients were commonly used in poisons because of the way they reacted to each other. Getting out his book, he found the solution to his problem. After looking through his potions ingredients, he found what he was looking for: dittany. Dittany, among other things, could be used to neutralize the reaction between monkshood and armadillo bile. Dittany is also used in many healing potions so it was obviously safe to drink.
Harry then looked up at Snape. He was sitting at his desk, looking around at his students. 'Why didn't he include dittany on the ingredients list?' thought Harry. 'Surely he knew that all our potions would be poison without. . . .' Suddenly the answer dawned on Harry. Snape did it on purpose. 'He's testing us.'
Harry added all his ingredients, making sure to add the dittany after the armadillo bile. He then let it sit to simmer. Harry looked around to the other students and noticed the distressed looks on their faces. Harry then realized that each of their cauldrons contained a sickly yellow potion. A poisoned potion. Even Hermione's was wrong. Harry turned to his own potion and smiled. It was clear. He'd gotten it right.
"Harry! How'd you get yours right?" asked Hermione as she looked from her cauldron to Harry's. "From the looks of it, you're the only one who did it."
To Harry's surprise, she was right. Everyone's cauldron contained a colored and poisoned potion but his. He was about to explain to Hermione but stopped when Snape rose and walked to the front of the class.
"Now that you're all finished, I can see that no one was able to brew a simple 'Artic Flame' potion. You all would have known what you did wrong if you had even bothered to look in your books, but obviously, schoolwork doesn't seem to rank in your busy lives. Now, you all failed miserably because. . . ." but Snape didn't finish. He was now occupied with glaring at Harry. "Potter, may I ask what is more important than my explanation of a potion you were not talented enough to do properly?"
Harry looked up suddenly from his potions book. Snape was glaring at him with his menacing black eyes.
"Professor, my potion is clear. I did do it properly," said Harry, sending his own glare at Snape.
"Of course you didn't do it properly," Snape spat back. "You didn't know to. . ." but he was cut off.
"To add dittany between the bile and monkshood. Yes I knew that. If I may, Professor, when did it become more important to poison your students over teaching them the correct procedures?" Snape was fuming, and Harry realized he had gone to far but didn't care. He did his potion right and now he could rub it in Snape's sallow face.
"20 points from Gryffindor, Mr. Potter, and you can plan on meeting me here for detention at 8:00 P.M." Snape walked over to Harry's desk and leaned in close to his face. "Never tell me how to do my job. Keep your arrogance to yourself." His whispered tone just as menacing as his shouted one. Before returning to the front of the classroom, Snape briefly glanced at Harry's cauldron. 'When did Potter ever excel at Potions?'
He returned to his original position and began explaining the potion and its ingredients. The students were hastily taking notes, except for one. Harry just glared at the back of Snape's greasy head as he scribbled notes on the chalkboard.
"That's rotten luck, Harry," said Ron as they exited the Potions classroom. "You show Snape up and he gives you detention.
"Yeah, well, what else would you expect from that greasy git anyway?" said Harry, sliding his potions book back in his bag.
"Harry, he's just angry that someone got the potion right," said Hermione. "Honestly, giving us instructions that are wrong. How did you know what to do, Harry?"
"I read my potions book over the holiday," said Harry as they entered the entrance hall. "I was really interesting. What's weird, though, is that I was actually looking forward to Potions today. As much as I hate Snape. . . . I wonder what my grade would be if he didn't hate me so much?"
"Harry, I've read all your essays and they all are excellent. As long as you know you're doing your best, don't worry that that git gives you," said Hermione, giving Harry a reassuring smile.
Double Herbology with the Hufflepuffs went fairly well. When making their way back up to the castle, Ron, Harry, and Hermione noticed Hagrid's hut was dark and there was no smoke drifting from the chimney. 'In fact,' thought Harry, 'I haven't seen Hagrid at all.' The three continued walking up to the castle.
After lunch, the Gryffindors had Defense Against the Dark Arts. As he made his way to class, Harry suddenly remembered the conversation he had with Professor Lupin. 'Argh. . . I forgot I said I would talk to him today,' thought Harry, kicking himself mentally. As they filed into the classroom, Harry, Ron and Hermione took three seats in the front of the classroom.
Professor Lupin walked into his classroom and was met by faces full of anticipation. Lupin was by far the best DADA teacher Hogwarts had ever had. Even though he was a werewolf, most student's trusted him.
"Hello class," said Lupin, smiling at his students. "I trust you have all had an exciting first day back? Right then, this term will be spent learning how to defend yourself against dark magic. So far, you've learned about dark creatures and curses. Now you need to equip yourselves against them. We will first learn how to survive an attack wandless. Now, a wand isn't necessarily needed to defend yourself if you know what to do, but always having a wand is a good idea. Most wizards and witches need a wand to perform spells." At this, Hermione raised her hand.
"Yes Ms. Granger?" said Lupin, noticing Hermione's hand.
"Professor, what do you mean by most need a want?" she asked.
"Well, some witches and wizards have the ability to perform spells and charms without the aid of a wand. It's a rare gift but anyone who possess it has the advantage in an attack situation," Lupin got out a book as he finished answering Hermione's question. "The most effective way to survive an attack wandless is not to lose your wand in the first place. Your greatest chance of survival is with a wand. If you are disarmed in an attack, the first thing you want to do is find cover: a tree, a rock, a garden wall, anything that puts space between you and your attacker. Finding cover will also give you time to create a body shield. This charm can be performed without the aid of a wand. It can protect you from most minor curses and if done really well, can protect you from some stronger curses for a limited time. It's something that takes a lot of concentration and time. This is why putting something between you and your attacker is important. Taking cover will give you time to construct a body shield. Today, you will practice creating a body shield. I suggest you practice in your free time as well. On Thursday, I will be throwing hexes at you, testing your shield. Turn to page 76 in your books and begin."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione all got started with practicing the shield. The shield, if done correctly, would give the user a tingling sensation over their body. Harry didn't take long in actually creating a shield. He was just having trouble holding onto it. After a bit more practice and a lot more concentration, he was able to hold his shield as long as he wanted. A few minutes before the class ended, Harry went to talk to Lupin.
"So Harry, what time should I expect you this evening?" said Lupin as he noticed Harry walking up to his desk.
"Um, I don't think I'll be able to make it tonight, Professor," said Harry. "I'm sorry."
"Oh, well, that's okay. Do you have a lot of homework or something?" asked Lupin.
"No, actually I don't have any yet. I did get detention, though," said Harry as he broke eye contact with Lupin.
"Detention? Harry, it's only the first day back!" said Lupin with a slight smile. "Who did you get it from?"
"Snape," said Harry flatly.
"Ah. . .I see," said Lupin, smiling wider. "Well, how about we talk tomorrow before dinner?"
"Yes, that'll be fine," said Harry, "unless I somehow get myself expelled. Professor Snape would love that."
When History of Magic, his last class, was over, Harry made his way to Gryffindor tower. Dropping his stuff off in the dorm, Harry decided he would try to talk to Dumbledore before dinner. As he left the tower and made his way down to Dumbledore's office, Harry began thinking of what he'd say to the headmaster. He didn't want to sound weak in what he had to tell him but his thoughts were interrupted when he walked into something solid and bristly. Looking up from the floor, Harry realized he had walked right into the headmaster himself.
"Sorry Professor, I wasn't watching were I was going," said Harry.
"It's quite alright, Harry," said Dumbledore, his blue eyes twinkling. "Is there something I can do for you?"
"Um. . .yes. Can I talk to you for a few minutes?" asked Harry.
"Certainly, we'll talk in my office."
Harry followed Dumbledore to his office. Sitting down in front of the headmaster's desk, Harry waited as Dumbledore took a seat behind it.
"What do you need to talk to me about, Harry?" asked Dumbledore.
Harry told the headmaster about his nightmares and the effects they had on him. He also told him about his sudden change in eyesight and stature.
Dumbledore pondered this for a moment and then spoke.
"What about your scar. Does it still hurt?"
"Yes. It sometimes bleeds, too."
Dumbledore thought silently again.
"Well, I have no doubt this has to do with Voldemort. It seems that you have some kind of connection with him. Through your dreams as well as your scar. The connection isn't strong enough to allow you to remember the dreams but, unfortunately, in time, you will remember them." Dumbledore leaned back in his chair.
"Is there anything I can do about it?" asked Harry, his eyes filled with worry.
"I will look into that for you. Don't worry Harry, I will do all I can," Dumbledore sat forward in his chair and gave Harry a warm smile. "About you appearance and eye sight. I really don't have an answer for that. I'll talk to Poppy about it, but I must say, Harry, without your glasses, you look a lot like your mother. Now, I believe dinner is about to start. If you have any other problems, Harry, feel free to come and talk to me. Just make sure you pay attention to where you're going. My password is 'Swedish Fish.' Just knock first," Dumbledore winked at Harry before walking him to the door.
"Thank you Professor," said Harry as he left.
"No problem Harry," said Dumbledore.
Closing his office door, Dumbledore summoned a house elf.
"Will you please ask Severus to come to my office, please?"
There is Chapter 3. I hope you like. Please read and review. Thanks to everyone who already did. I will try to update as much as I can but ff.net is having problems with aol users and this is the first time I have gotten on in about a week. I hope everyone has a happy new year!
penpunk